The chance of you getting audited by the IRS is getting smaller. Eric Gill reports.

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

==================

The Legislative Black Caucus calls on Governor Bobby Jindal to stay in Louisiana and deal with the state’s budget crisis. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 2 (29) “reporting”

===================

The chances of you getting audited by the IRS is getting smaller. The IRS audit rate dropped to its lowest level in at least ten years last year and is expected to drop further this year. Since 2010, the number of IRS audits have fallen by over 20-percent. John Theriot, with the Louisiana CPA Society, says one reason for the drastic drop in the number of audits is money…

CUT 3 (10)  “qualified people”

He says drops in IRS funding is a leading cause in the decline in the number of audits. The IRS audited more than 162,000 fewer individual tax returns in 2014 than in 2013. Theriot says another reason for fewer audits could be that more individuals are having their taxes professionally done…

CUT 4 (11)  “better returns”

Theriot adds that tax preparation software has helped individuals file more accurate returns. He says this will probably have a bigger effect on the IRS and their ability to collect taxes from people they do audit than on the taxpayers themselves…

CUT 5 (10)  “then it’s going to re-freeze”

============================

The snow has arrived in north Louisiana and State Police urge residents to stay home and don’t travel unless it’s absolutely necessary. Trooper Matt Harris says if you do have to drive somewhere in areas where snow has fallen…take it easy

CUT 6 (09)  “destination”

Harris says there’s been dozens of weather related accidents on the highways, because of the snow

CUT 7 (10)  “of control”

Harris says if you drive on a snowy road, don’t panic and slam on the brakes at a slick spot. He says the snow may look pretty, but it doesn’t mix well with cold pavement and drivers who are NOT used to the snow…

CUT 8 (08)  “in a crash”

============================

The Department of Motor Vehicles is urging citizens to be sure their local driver education program is properly certified through the state — and now there’s a way you can check online. State Police Sgt Nick Manale says the OMV regulates driver education programs throughout Louisiana to make sure education is up to par and that they have a license to operate…:

CUT 9 (12)  “that’s required”

Manale says the new web resource is offered through expresslane.org and it provides information on state licensed driver education providers so new drivers can verify theirs has met all applicable standards and certifications…:

cut 10 (09)  “criteria too”

Manale says only applicants who have attended a properly licensed education provider will be eligible to receive a learner’s permit or new license….:

cut 11 (08)  “that permit”

============================

The Legislative Black Caucus calls on Governor Bobby Jindal to stay in Louisiana and deal with the state’s budget crisis. Monday, Jindal spoke against President Obama at a press conference outside the White House. Monroe Representative Katrina Jackson says the governor needs to set aside his presidential aspirations and concentrate on problems facing Louisiana…

cut 12 (10)  “budget crisis”

It is reported that Jindal spent 45-percent of his time outside of Louisiana in 2014. Jackson says Jindal is overly concerned with party politics and issues that are irrelevant in regards to the state’s budget shortfall…

cut 13 (07)  “education close”

Jackson says they are reviewing tax credits in an effort to bring money back into the state. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says Louisiana is in the governor’s rearview mirror and is not optimistic that Jindal will have much bearing in his last months in office…

cut 14 (10)  “last session”

============================

Snow has blanketed several parishes in north Louisiana and as far south as Jonesboro. Forecasters predicted as much as four inches. Travis Washington, with the National Weather Service in Shreveport, says cold air  was already in place and it mixed with the right amount of precipitation to create the snow

cut 15 (10) “what happened”

Washington says they expect the snow to leave the state at 4 PM. He says at noon today, Shreveport reported two inches of snow and more was on the way…

cut 16 (09) “around there”

Today is the deadline for the three physician team to be assembled that will perform the court ordered psychiatric examination of Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

North Louisiana could get multiple inches of snow today. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (26) “reporting”

______________________________________

Viking Cruises announces they’ll begin offering trips along the Mississippi River from the Port of New Orleans. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

Today is the deadline for the three physician team to be assembled that will perform the court ordered psychiatric examination of Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson in the legal fight involving his former heirs. Legal analyst Tim Meche says doctors will first sit down with Benson and ask him questions to test his memory…

cut 4  (10)  “ruled that out”

Meche says there will be no neurological testing on Benson. The physician team has until March 13 to report their findings. He says these examinations are meant to determine whether Benson is capable of making reasonable decisions concerning his care of his person and his property…

Cut 5  (12)  “he trusts”

He says the tests will consist of a series of questions and a free-flowing interview. The physician team will consist of one doctor chosen by Benson, one by his former heirs, and one agreed upon by those two doctors. Meche says when doctors know other doctors are looking over their shoulder, it’s rare for one to diverge from the group…

Cut 6 (12)  “differing opinions”

______________________________________

The parishes along the Louisiana-Arkansas border are under a winter storm warning today as a significant snowfall is expected. Marty Mayeaux, with the National Weather Service, says they are expecting more than a light dusting…

CUT 7 (09)  “we can expect”

Traveling along I-20 has not been easy the last couple of days, and Mayeaux says the situation will only get worse with more sleet and snow

Cut 8  (08)  “still there” 

Several parishes along I-20 and to the south of the interstate are under a winter weather advisory. Natchitoches,  Lincoln, Ouachita, Grant, Franklin and La Salle are included in this advisory.  Mayeaux says these areas could also see snow…

Cut 9 (04)  “north Louisiana”

______________________________________

The Board of Regents approved a plan which would create a uniform policy for Louisiana’s colleges in how they deal with sexual assault claims. Higher education commissioner Joe Wallo says higher ed institutions have to develop a protocol to follow when someone comes forward with a sexual assault allegation…:

Cut 10 (08) “fair treatment”

Wallo says all of their campuses are engaging in some type of education and prevention programs with their students when it comes to sexual assault, but they wanted to work to create a common expectation. He says they are all about letting the students know leaders are there to help and to listen…:

cut 11 (08) “be recourse”

Wallo says colleges must work with local law enforcement on response efforts and also ban retaliation against someone who files a sexual misconduct complaint. He says the policy is a process that first starts with the evaluating the complaint…:

cut 12 (07)  “by campus”

______________________________________

Viking Cruises announces they’ll begin offering trips along the Mississippi River from the Port of New Orleans. The plan is to have the operation going by 2017 when two boats launch per year taking passengers on a journey upriver from The Big Easy to stops in Louisiana, Memphis, Tennessee, Minnesota and more. Port of New Orleans President Gary LaGrange:

Cut 13 (11)  “our restaurants”

The move means hundreds of jobs and a boost to the state’s tourism industry according to Governor Bobby Jindal. The specialty-built riverboats will have a full complement of luxury amenities and host up to 300 passengers. LaGrange says there will be amazing itineraries planned…:

Cut 14 (07) “that they can reach”

Viking’s new service will result in the creation of 417 new direct jobs for Louisiana-based operations and vessel crews with an average salary of $40,000. LaGrange says Viking’s cruises are renowned for their locally oriented educational and entertainment programs. He says the folklore will bring a lot to heart as the Mississippi River has a powerful history…:

Cut 15  (12)  “and maybe Asia”

______________________________________

LSU basketball took care of business last night by easily beating Auburn 84-61. It was the Tigers 20th win of the year and Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says it was important for them to avoid another bad loss to Auburn as they look to lock-up an at-large berth into the NCAA Tournament

Cut 16  (12)  “resume killers”

LSU got another big game last night from Jarell Martin, who scored 25 points. Worsham says has been attacking the rim more lately

Cut 17 (11)  “closer to the rim”

LSU’s next game is Saturday at home against Ole Miss. The Tigers beat the Rebels on their home floor earlier this season and Worsham says it will not be easy to sweep the season series

Cut 18 (20) “tournament’

Gas prices have been on the rise for one month now. Jeff Palermo on the reasons why you are paying more at the pump…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

==================

State Alcohol and Tobacco Control agents have arrested a Campti man for allegedly running an illegal bar out of his home. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 2 (31) “reporting”

===================

Winter storm advisories remain in effect for North Louisiana today, as the National Weather Service says there’s the potential for 4 inches of snow to fall in Northwest Louisiana after midnight. NWS-Shreveport meteorologist Mario Valverde says lower temperatures look to continue and interact with the moisture in the sky…:

CUT 3 (10)  “and snow”

Valverde says a winter storm warning is in effect for Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, Union and Webster and they could be looking at a close to 4 inch accumulation of snow…:

CUT 4 (10)  “inch or two”

Several parishes south of I-20 and into the Monroe area and Northeast Louisiana are under a winter weather advisory or winter storm watch. Valverde says, unfortunately, it doesn’t look like temperatures will get too far away from freezing to melt the north Louisiana ice away…:

CUT 5 (10)  “then it’s going to re-freeze”

============================

The statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline reaches $2.15 cents, after jumping two cents from the previous day.  American Automobile Association fuel analyst Don Redman says gas prices have been on the rise for a month and it’s not a surprise

CUT 6 (08)  “spring time”

The statewide average a month ago was a $1.88. Redman says gas prices are expected to keep rising, but a return to three-dollars a gallon for gasoline is not expected

CUT 7 (08)  “coming months”

Refineries switching from a winter grade gasoline to summer gas is one reason for the rise at the pump. He says union strikes at two Louisiana refineries are also factoring into the price, but it shouldn’t lead to large price increase…

CUT 8 (07)  “this spring”

============================

State Alcohol and Tobacco Control agents have arrested a Campti man for allegedly running an illegal bar out of his home. 42-year-old Robert Williams was arrested and booked into the Nachitoches Parish Detention Center. ATC Commissioner Troy Hebert says the program Williams was running from his home was quite simple…

CUT 9 (09)  “that’s illegal”

Hebert says they were tipped after seeing Williams’ establishment advertised on social media. He says undercover agents were able to pay to enter Williams’ residence and buy beer and mixed drinks…

cut 10 (09)  “wind of it”

Williams faces charges of operating without a high-alcohol permit and operating without a low-alcohol permit. Hebert says these types of situations happen more than you would think. He says this type of illegal bar is called a “good house”…

cut 11 (07)  “can go”

============================

The four candidates for governor were in Shreveport for a forum today and Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne was the only candidate to come out in support of Common Core. When asked about the education standards, Dardenne said, “Now is not the time for Louisiana to retreat.” UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says this may be a good move for Dardenne right now…

cut 12 (07)  “abandoned it”

Cross says this clearly separates  Dardenne from the other candidates. He says that while there is a lot of negativity around Common Core, education leaders and chambers of commerce statewide support the education standards. Cross says Dardenne is keeping his ears and mind open when it comes to this issue…

cut 13 (08)  “right now”

Cross predicts that Common Core will be one of the bigger issues during this gubernatorial election. Cross says Dardenne’s stance on Common Core is not something he took lightly…

cut 14 (09)  “might occur”

State Representative and gubernatorial candidate John Bel Edwards calls himself the anti-Jindal candidate as he tries to woo voters. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

______________________________________

A combination of sleet, freezing rain and snow have closed several roads in Louisiana. Scott Carwile has more from the governor’s homeland security and emergency preparedness….

Cut 2 (25) “reporting”

______________________________________

State Superintendent of Education John White is concerned the Jindal administration will cut funds used to pay for standardized testing. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

State Representative and gubernatorial candidate John Bel Edwards calls himself the anti-Jindal candidate as he tries to woo voters who are looking for a change in state government leadership. Edwards made the statement during an appearance on the Jim Engster Show. The Amite Democrat says the state doesn’t need a third Jindal term, which is what his opponents in the race are offering…

cut 4  (12)  “we’ve been doing”

Edwards says Senator David Vitter would be “Jindal on steroids”, Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne “Jindal light”, and Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle “Jindal incarnate”. Edwards trails his three Republican opponents in fundraising for this election. He says it’s critically important to have the money necessary to deliver your message and he’s working on that…

Cut 5  (10)  “competitive campaign”

Edwards is the lone Democrat in this year’s governor’s race. There is a big question on whether or not Democratic New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu will throw his hat into the ring. Edwards says Landrieu can run, but if he does, he violates a pledge he made to New Orleans before he was re-elected…

Cut 6 (07)  “to do that”

______________________________________

State Education Superintendent John White is concerned the governor will not provide funding for standardized tests tied to Common Core. The Jindal administration will present a proposed budget for next fiscal year on Friday. White says it’s a state law to give out a standardized test…

CUT 7 (08)  “in the budget”

A Jindal administration spokesperson says there are no plans to cut student testing, but all state agencies will face strategic reductions to contracts. White says if the state doesn’t provide dollars for student testing, it could lead to big problems

Cut 8  (10)  “our state” 

Jindal opposes the use of any test that’s tied to Common Core. White says he’s heard rumors the governor will take away money that would go towards paying for standardized testing…

Cut 9 (12)  “federal funding”

______________________________________

It’s a winter wonderland along the I-20  as a result of a winter storm that slamed the northern parishes. Kevin Davis, director of the governor’s office of homeland security and emergency preparedness, says numerous roads are closed despite the department of transportation’s best efforts

Cut 10 (10) “cleared”

Some roads over central Louisiana may have also closed overnight because of icy conditions. Davis says the National Weather Service reports temperatures should start rising after lunch time

cut 11 (07) “roadways open”

Davis says if wintry precipitation has fallen in your area, stay home, if there’s no need to travel

cut 12 (06)  “better off”

______________________________________

The wintry precipitation that’s impacted a large portion of the state is expected to end this morning, but chilly temperatures will remain. State Climatologist Barry Keim says any freezing rain advisories that are still posted, will likely expire at 12:00 or earlier

Cut 13 (09)  “the forecast”

Keim says while the wintry precipitation comes to an end, we won’t see temperatures back above 60-degrees until the weekend

Cut 14 (11) “dries out”

Keim says this is the first winter storm Louisiana has experienced this season and hopefully the last….

Cut 15  (09)  “can happen”

_______________________

Central Louisiana leaders are celebrating the news that an aluminum alloy manufacture plans to build a mill that would employ nearly 15-hundred workers. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

==================

Winter weather conditions in north Louisiana is causing ice accumulation on roadways and hazardous driving conditions for motorists. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 2 (29) “reporting”

===================

The city of Pineville is ecstatic over the news that American Specialty Alloys has announced they plan to build a two-point-four billion dollar aluminum mill where the International Paper mill once operated. Pineville mayor Clarence Fields says the project is expected to create nearly 15-hundred new jobs

CUT 3 (06)  “surrounding communities”

Fields says the average salary for those direct jobs is 70-thousand dollars and operations at the facility are expected to begin late next year. He says American Specialty Alloys estimates it will take two-thousand construction jobs to build the mill…

CUT 4 (07)  “we’re excited”

A-S-A officials say they considered building the plant in several southern states, when they announced plans last November to build a “mill of the future.” Fields says a 34-million dollar performance-based grant from the state and central Louisiana hospitality helped convince them to build the plant in Pineville…

CUT 5 (10)  “visit areas”

============================

Winter weather conditions in north Louisiana have caused the closure of several roadways and exit ramps. These conditions can cause ice accumulation on roadways and hazardous driving conditions for motorists. Trooper Michael Reichardt says driving conditions are far from optimal and not getting any better…

CUT 6 (10)  “of your house”

Reichardt says it would be best if motorists could avoid driving in these conditions. He says the state DOTD is working to keep I-20 open by pre-salting the roadway. Reichardt says, if you do need to need to drive, you should use extreme caution and make really smart decisions behind the wheel…

CUT 7 (11)  “for your safety”

If you do need to drive in these conditions, Reichardt says you should definitely slow down and give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination safely. He says, from the information he’s gathered, these conditions could continue to impact the area for a couple of more days…

CUT 8 (08)  “prolonged event”

============================

Due to the recent rash of measles outbreaks, the Centers for Disease Control is recommending adults between the ages of 57 and 43 get a measles shot, even if they were already vaccinated. Dr. Frank Lopez, with LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Diseases, has the specifics on the CDC recommendation…

CUT 9 (10)  “vaccinated appropriately”

He says anyone born between 1957 and 1971 should be evaluated by their primary care provider to make sure you were vaccinated appropriately. Lopez says there was some kind of vaccination gap between those years…

cut 10 (11)  “become available”

He says the gap resulted in people either not being vaccinated against the measles or receiving a vaccination that isn’t as effective as the current vaccine. Lopez says you should discuss this with your doctor since medical information from 40 to 50 years ago is limited…

cut 11 (07)  “primary care provider”

============================

Governor Bobby Jindal has declared a state of emergency as a result of winter weather that’s impacting Louisiana.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says Shreveport-Bossier is under a winter storm warning, a winter weather advisory is in effect for the Monroe area and Lake Charles and Alexandria are under a freezing rain advisory until noon tomorrow…

cut 12 (10)  “warm up sufficiently”

The state department of transportation has closed a portion of I-49 in Caddo Parish, so is I-220 in Bossier and Caddo Parish and several on and off ramps of I-20 in Ouachita Parish have been shut down. Keim says freezing rain could be a problem for most of the state today

cut 13 (05)  “very, very careful”

Keim says over a tenth of an inch of ice is forecasted for the northern half of the state, including Alexandria. He says Lake Charles could also see icy conditions…

cut 14 (07)  “big question”

LSU students believe the governor and state lawmakers should do more to protect higher education from deep budget cuts. Scott Carwile has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

Many parents will be happy to hear that the Google online video library YouTube now offers a more age appropriate medium for children. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (29) “reporting”

______________________________________

The iconic Louisiana Cajun food company Savoie’s (sa-vwa) is celebrating 60 years in business. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

A group of LSU students believe the legislature should approve a constitutional amendment that protects higher education from budget cuts. Higher ed and health care are not protected and they will likely take the brunt of next fiscal year’s budget cuts. Mass communications student David Scotton leads an effort to get such an amendment proposed

cut 4  (5)  “that solution”

Scotton has helped gather over one-thousand signatures of LSU students who support the idea for a constitutional amendment to protect higher education…

Cut 5  (05)  “not happy”

Scotton is a junior at LSU and he’s seen how previous budget cuts have harmed the university….

Cut 6 (07)  “not respected”

______________________________________

Many parents will be happy to hear that the Google online video library YouTube is now offering a more age appropriate medium for children. YouTube Kids is a free app and it launches today for Android devices. LSU professor Jenson Moore who specializes in digital media says this is a major evolution in social video…:

CUT 7 (08)  “on track with this one”

Moore says there is a stream on the side of any video you may be viewing and those are typically never safe for young eyes because anything can show up. She says one of the new features of YouTube Kids is the safe search which limits certain words and will weed out inappropriate words or uncensored content…:

Cut 8  (11)  “has designated” 

Moore says comments can also be removed which many times contain profanity or inappropriate content even if the video is considered kid safe. She also says YouTube Kids will only contain a small amount of advertising but there will be no “click throughs” or purchase options…:

Cut 9 (09)  “YouTube channel”

______________________________________

The iconic Louisiana Cajun food company Savoie’s (sa-vwa) is celebrating 60 years in business. The company headquarters remain at the original grocery site on LA 742 just east of Opelousas. Robert vanLeeuwen (Van-Lay-Vun) is a vice president at Savoie and he says sixty years is a real milestone as there are not many “niche” food products companies who reach that age in Louisana

Cut 10 (10) “of ownership”

vanLeeuwen says it all started with Eula Savoie, affectionately known as Ms. Eula, who got into the hog farming business shortly before the price of hogs dropped steeply in 1955. It was then, he said, that Ms. Eula decided to have the hogs slaughtered for sausage…:

cut 11 (10) “each hog”

vanLeeuwen says Savoie’s prides itself on offering Cajun food products that are as traditional as they are delicious…:

cut 12 (10)  “dressing mix”

______________________________________

A winter storm warning is in effect for parishes along the I-20 corridor today. Marty Mayeaux, with the National Weather Service in Shreveport, says freezing rain and sleet is expected…

Cut 13 (10)  “I-2o corridor”

There are also several parishes in northeast Louisiana that are under a freezing rain advisory until 10:00 this morning. Mayeaux says how much ice we see across north Louisiana depends on the temperature

Cut 14 (07) “more ice”

Several schools are closed today, including Louisiana Tech and Grambling State. Mayeaux advises against traveling today, if you don’t have to, because we see could some significant icing

Cut 15  (08)  “early on”

____________________________

Meteorologists are keeping an eye on the potential for winter precipitation in north Louisiana Sunday night and into Monday. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

==================

Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle is the first 2015 gubernatorial candidate to begin advertising on television. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

===================

Meteorologists are keeping an eye on the potential for winter precipitation in north Louisiana Sunday night and into Monday. Mario Valverde with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says cold is expected along with rain…:

CUT 3 (09)  “hazardous”

Valverde says it’s going to be cold and it’s going to be wet and nothing good comes from everything freezing up. He says this precipitation is likely to continue into Monday with many areas struggling to get much above freezing during the day down into central Louisiana…:

CUT 4 (07)  “gonna be”

So what about the white stuff? Valvdere says there is a better chance for snow on Monday night as the cold air builds deeper…:

CUT 5 (10)  “the air gets”

============================

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon encourages taxpayers to file for an insurance rebate available to any person who pays for a homeowners, renters or business property insurance policy. Donelon says eligible taxpayers should check the box on their returns for the Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Assessment rebate

CUT 6 (12)  “tax return”

Donelon says unfortunately millions of dollars in rebates connected to this assessment are unclaimed every year. He says you can also still claim the assessment, if you failed to do so from 2011 to 2014…

CUT 7 (10)  “refund for”

Donelon says if you have questions, go to the insurance department’s website or call 1-800-259-5300. He says over 300-million dollars from 2006 through 2010 expired and never claimed…

CUT 8 (10)  “to access”

============================

Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle is the first 2015 gubernatorial candidate to begin advertising on television. LaPolitics.com was the first to deliver the report about the ads and publisher Jeremy Alford says (today) Friday is the first day Angelle’s spots starting airing as part of the $200,000 buy…:

CUT 9 (09)  “damaged”

Alford says there are three commercials in rotation feature Angelle’s “Workhorse Not a Showhorse” line and in one of the ads he speaks in Cajun French…:

cut 10 (09)  “the spicket has been opened”

Alford says now we can expect to see gubernatorial ads non-stop between now and the fall — not only from candidates but also from super PACS. He says the Angelle campaign wanted to keep the buy extremely quiet because they wanted to be the first on the air…:

cut 11 (11)  “was celebrating”

============================

The legislature’s joint budget committee approved a 103-million dollar cut to this fiscal year’s budget. But there were several complaints on how the cuts were handed down. Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith expressed her frustration that the governor’s office only received a ten-thousand dollar cut in funding

cut 12 (06)  “by example”

Smith says a leader should lead by example during tough budget times and could do so by working without pay

cut 13 (11)  “six months”

Crowley Representative Jack Montoucet, who is also an alligator meat processor, expressed concerns with the cuts to the department of ag, which he says will result in fewer food inspectors…

cut 14 (10)  “my concern”

Commissioner of Administration Kristy Nichols pushed lawmakers to approve the governor’s plan, because if any proposed cuts are re-stored, it it will lead to deeper cuts next fiscal year….

cut 15 (10) “higher education”

A global consortium, which includes LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research, has made a historic discovery linking obesity to genetics. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

______________________________________

A Kenner woman has filed a civil lawsuit against Saints linebacker Junior Gallette, claiming he was physically and emotionally abusive to her during their 2-year relationship. Eric Gill reports…

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

Former Governor Edwin Edwards is making news again this week as he plans to seek his real estate license. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

A global consortium, which includes LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center, has made a historic discovery linking obesity to genetics. The study discovered 97 new genetic factors that contribute to obesity and 49 genetic markers that determine where fat is stored in the body. Pennington Researcher, Dr. Mark Sarzynski, says these results give them a better idea of where to target their next studies…

cut 4  (10)  “our body weight”

The worldwide study involved over half-a-million participants and more than 400 researchers. Sarzynski says the results of the study gives researchers a better idea of what to target to find better obesity treatments…

Cut 5  (09)  “treating obesity”

He says it will probably be at least five years before this is moved forward in a very specific manner. Sarzynski says the next step is seeing how these markers are specifically related to obesity…

Cut 6 (10)  “something like that”

______________________________________

A Kenner woman has filed a civil lawsuit against Saints linebacker Junior Gallette, claiming he was physically and emotionally abusive to her during their 2-year relationship. Legal analyst Doug Sunseri says this is not good for Gallette or the Saints. Sunseri says now Gallette will be asked about his personal behavior with this woman under oath…

CUT 7 (09)  “real big problem”

He says the results of the investigation could also determine if Gallette violated the NFL’s new Domestic Abuse Policy. After an incident involving this woman last month, Gallette and a friend, Terrance Banks, were booked on charges of simple battery involving domestic abuse, which is a misdemeanor. Sunseri says this civil lawsuit will allow for a thorough examination of the facts…

Cut 8  (09)  “domestic abuse” 

The lawsuit also claims that other members of the team groped her while she was drugged. Sunseri says this lawsuit is another distraction that the Saints do not need right now. He says the team will have to decide whether or not they want to keep Gallette on the roster…

Cut 9 (08)  “Gallette’s career”

______________________________________

Former Governor Edwin Edwards is making news again this week as he plans to seek his real estate license. The Cajun Prince says with an 18-month old child and young wife, he would like to make sure there is a nice nest egg left behind for them and plenty of money for son Eli to go to college…:

Cut 10 (11) “to be that way”

Edwards says everything is in place for him to get his license but he has to take and pass the test which he plans to do within the next few weeks. He says this is something he’s thought about doing since he got out of prison…:

cut 11 (11) “back burner”

Edwards says with a real estate license he’ll be able to work with some of his friends who are engineers and architects on developing property in south Louisiana…:

cut 12 (04)  “for our joint benefit”

______________________________________

The former pastor of President Barack Obama, Reverend  Jeremiah Wright, spoke to students at Southern University on Thursday telling the audience that you shouldn’t seek help from the government but instead from the Lord. Wright says for too many years, blacks have looked to government for help and that’s the wrong place

Cut 13 (12)  “wrong place”

Wright was Barack Obama’s minister until 2008 when controversial comments surfaced from a sermon he gave in 2003. Wright didn’t mention Mr. Obama during his speech, but defended his work as President…

Cut 14 (08) “2008”

Wright’s appearance at Southern was part of a Black History month program paid for by private donations. He spoke about injustices that black people have dealt with since the biblical times until now

Cut 15  (12)  “mass incarceration”

______________________________________

Republican Senator David Vitter is leading all other candidates in cash on hand for this year’s governor’s race. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

==================

The Mandeville Police Department says a man is charged with his 8th DWI after he allegedly drove a car that didn’t belong to him drunk into another vehicle then fled the scene. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

===================

Republican Senator David Vitter is leading all other candidates in cash on hand for this year’s governor’s race. Wednesday was the deadline for statewide elected officials to file annual campaign finance reports for 2014. Vitter has reported $3.5 million in the bank for his campaign. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says this is not surprising…

CUT 3 (07)  “lot of money”

Fellow Republican candidates Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne reported $1.55 million, and Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle has $1.43 million. Pinsonat says both Dardenne and Angelle are off to a good start…

CUT 4 (10)  “up with him”

Democratic State Representative John Bel Edwards reported $745,000. Pinsonat says the wildcard is Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy, who has reported $3.45 million in cash on hand. The treasurer is considering running for governor, attorney general, US Senator, as well as re-election. Pinsonat says Kennedy has enough money available to do just about anything he wants…

CUT 5 (09)  “to run for”

============================

The case of the man who was convicted of literally scaring a Lafayette woman to death in 1999 after he broke into her home, then had the ruling overturned, will be reviewed by the Louisiana Supreme Court. A jury found 40-year-old Willie James Robertson guilty in 2013 of causing 86-year-old Irene Schoofs heart attack which killed her. Legal analyst Tim Meche…:

CUT 6 (13)  “affirm a conviction”

The death of the woman happened in 1999 but the case wasn’t prosecuted until 13 years later. An appeals court overturned the manslaughter conviction and acquitted Robertson and now the state’s high court has agreed to take a look at the case at the request of the Lafayette Parish DA’s Office. Meche says the evidence in this case is very flimsy…:

CUT 7 (11)  “eyewitness testimony”

Meche says in these types of cases courts look to determine whether or not the evidence is sufficient to sustain a conviction, and the court of appeals concluded it was not. He says the trend of late is that the Louisiana Supreme Court reverse courts of appeal in cases like this…:

CUT 8 (10)  “very flimsy”

============================

The Mandeville Police Department says a man is charged with his 8th DWI after he allegedly drove a car that didn’t belong to him drunk into another vehicle then fled the scene. Lt. Gerald Sticker says 48-year-old James Hittson took his friend’s 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche from an apartment where they were hanging out without her permission…:

CUT 9 (09)  “damaged”

Sticker says when Hittson returned the crashed vehicle to the owner, a disturbance ensued where the suspect threatened the woman and her boyfriend. He says cops then got a call from a local Winn Dixie regarding a vehicle that had been slammed into while the owner was shopping…:

cut 10 (07)  “two and two together”

Sticker says the suspect’s history includes seven prior DWI’s starting in 1984 from Tangipahoa, Jefferson and St. Tammany Parishes. He says they arrested Hittson and booked him into the St. Tammany Parish Jail on many charges along with DWI – 8…:

cut 11 (06)  “suspensions as well”

============================

In a recent CBS News Poll, 67-percent of Republican respondents said they did not know enough about Governor Bobby Jindal to consider him for the Republican presidential nomination. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says this is bad news for Jindal especially after the publicity he received after his stance on “No-Go Zones”…

cut 12 (10)  “candidate for president”

The poll found that 18-percent of respondents would consider Jindal. Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush lead the poll with 49-percent saying they would consider him as the Republican nominee. Pinsonat thinks Jindal’s strategy is not to gain the presidential nomination this time…

cut 13 (10)  “nomination next year”

He feels Jindal is laying the groundwork for a presidential run in 2020 or 2024. But Pinsonat points out that a lot could happen in the next four to eight years and the odds do not favor Jindal.  But he says that won’t stop the governor…

cut 14 (06)  “I could do it” X2

A doctoral candidate in LSU’s College of Engineering believes he’s come up with a unique way to control mosquito-borne diseases. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

______________________________________

The US Department of Health and Human Services announces 184,532 Louisianans have signed up for insurance through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace as of Sunday’s deadline. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

Budget cuts will result in 14 museums under the control of the Secretary of State to reduce the number of days they are open. Scott Carwile has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

A doctoral candidate in LSU’s College of Engineering believes he’s come up with a unique way to control mosquito-borne diseases. Charles Malveaux’s (MAL-vo) idea is to use drones for mosquito control. Malveaux says the concept is pretty straightforward…

cut 4  (06)  “can be targeted”

Malveaux says drones would fly over an area and target areas of interest. He says East Baton Rouge Parish has expressed interest in the use of drones for mosquito control and hopes to be able to work with them. Malveaux says the ideal system would use two drones: one to survey the area and another to treat the area…

Cut 5  (08)  “for another task”

Malveaux’s plan would treat breeding areas with larvicide, preventing mosquitoes from hatching. He says mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria and West Nile, could be prevented with technology like this. Malveaux says drones have been used to apply chemicals in the past and this can be a powerful tool in combating mosquitoes…

Cut 6 (11)  “in the future”

______________________________________

The US Department of Health and Human Services announces over 184-thousand Louisianans signed up for insurance through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace. Nationwide, about 11.4 million Americans selected Marketplace plans or automatically re-enrolled by Sunday’s deadline. Marketplace Director and CEO Kevin Counihan says they are very pleased with how things are going..:

CUT 7 (08)  “easier and simpler”

102,000 folks in the Bayou State signed up for Obamacare last year and Counihan says they are happy with the growing interest. He says they know they still have a long way to go especially when it comes to making the customer experience easier and simpler…:

Cut 8  (06)  “we’re working on” 

Counihan says when you see big enrollment numbers like these it means that people are starting to realize that the products and services being offered through HealthCare.gov are quality. He says they know open enrollment next year will be bigger and better than it was this year…:

Cut 9 (09)  “certainly does”

______________________________________

The State Department of Ag and Forestry says the severe insect pest Emerald Ash Borer (or EAB) has been detected in Louisiana. Commissioner Mike Strain says this pest attacks ash trees and has been confirmed in Webster Parish making Louisiana the 25th state to report the presence of this beetle. He says the EAB could be devastating to the trees…:

Cut 10 (07) “the trees die”

Strain says one of their biggest concerns with the EAB is that there is no effective eradication method. He says the EAB was discovered last year in southern Arkansas and they think it got there from someone who brought firewood camping from another state…:

cut 11 (07) “from where you buy it”

Strain says ash trees are primarily located along rivers and swamps but they are also planted in urban areas for aesthetic appeal and it could be costly to have them removed once they start dying. He says it’s best to purchase firewood not more than 10 miles from where it will be burned…:

cut 12 (09)  “all of your firewood”

______________________________________

Secretary of State Tom Schedler announces reduced days of operation for  14 museums. Starting in mid-April, the old state capitol in Baton rouge and the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum in Shreveport will only operate three days a week. Schedler says it’s in response to the mid-year budget cuts and his budget for next fiscal year is also tight

Cut 13 (10)  “currently expand”

Schedler says 12 smaller museums under his control will only be open one-day a week. He says the reduced hours could be in place for the foreseeable future

Cut 14 (10) “as it looks”

In addition to reduced hours of operation at state museums, 24 Secretary of State employees will be laid off. Schedler says if there’s group or individual that wants to provide financial resources, his door is open…

Cut 15  (11)  “those discussions”

______________________________________

The U-L Lafayette men’s basketball team hosts Texas State tonight at the Cajundome. The Cajuns are 8-and-7 in the Sun Belt and in fifth place in the league standings. Head Coach Bob Marlin says a victory is important tonight with the conference tournament right around the corner

Cut 16  (17)  “at home”

The Ragin Cajuns have lost seven of their last eleven games and Marlin knows his team can play better

Cut 17 (16)  “two areas”

Texas State enters tonight’s game with a 5-and-10 record in Sun Belt play, 11-and-13 overall. But Marlin expects a good battle with the Bobcats…

Cut 18 (13) “prepared for’

____________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech, who is in first place Conference USA, visits Charlotte tonight. The 49ers are 11-and-14 overall on the season, but Bulldogs coach Mike White calls Charlotte one of the more talented teams in the league

Cut 19 (10)   “on edge”

Louisiana Tech is coming off its 20th win of the season. Tech beat Florida International 75-42, forcing the Golden Panthers to commit 28 turnovers and shoot just 28-percent from the field. White says his team has improved on defense during the course of the season

Cut 20 (17)  “a process”