A University of Michigan Medical School study finds there has been an almost 30-percent increase in the report of falls among the elderly since the late 90s. Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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US Representative John Fleming of Minden has joined with eight other republicans to form the House Freedom Caucus. Jeff Palermo tells us more…

CUT 2 (28) “reporting”

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

A University of Michigan Medical School study finds there has been an almost 30-percent increase in the report of falls among the elderly since the late 90s. Dr. Cathi Fontenot, with LSU Health Internal Medicine, feels the increase could be, in part, due to older people maintaining higher levels of activity that make them susceptible to falls…

CUT 3 (09)  “get on ladders”

She says older adult’s higher activity levels are a result that they are generally feeling better and in better health…

CUT 4 (11)  “a little worse”

Fontenot says as one ages, your sense of balance typically gets a little worse. She says the weakening of core muscles in the elderly affect their sense of balance. Fontenot says it’s important to keep those core muscles as strong as possible to help maintain your balance…

CUT 5 (09)  “strengthens core muscles”

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It’s estimated over three-thousand people attended Saturday’s prayer rally on the LSU campus that featured Governor Bobby Jindal. The event was also streamed live on God T-V and the governor, who spoke a couple of times, told the crowd in the Maravich Center why this event was needed

CUT 6 (12)  “fix our country”

Jindal, who is considering a campaign for President, didn’t talk politics while on the stage, but he did ask the crowd to pray for President Barack Obama. Jindal also said that God has given us the book of life

CUT 7 (10)  “our God wins”

The event also drew hundreds of protesters upset the American Family Association paid for the event. The A-F-A has been classified as a “hate group” by the Southern Poverty Law Center, because of it’s views on same sex relationships. During a Sunday appearance on A-B-C’s “This Week,” Jindal was asked what he would do if the US Supreme Court overturned Louisiana’s law that bans gay marriages…

CUT 8 (11) “man and a woman”

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An accidental shooting at a Shreveport casino resulted in a man being hospitalized with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Shreveport Police Cpl. Breck Scott says 34-year-old Jerry Grimes arrived at the casino valet early this morning…

CUT 9 (08)  “in the thigh”

Scott says Grimes was removing his firearm from his person and placing it in the trunk of his car when it discharged, shooting him in the upper thigh. Grimes was taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.  He says the investigation is ongoing, but Grimes had no signs of impairment…

cut 10 (05)  “on his person”

He says Grimes had no prior felony convictions that would make it illegal for him to carry a firearm. No charges have been filed at this time. Scott says, in the end, it’s fortunate that nothing more serious happened in this incident…

cut 11 (03)  “someone else”

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

Republican Minden Congressman John Fleming says he along with eight other US House of Representatives have formed the House Freedom Caucus. Fleming says they’ll advance an agenda that calls for an of accountable and limited government

cut 12 (09)  “everyday lives”

Fleming says they plan on adding additional members to the House Freedom Caucus, but membership is only for those US House of Representatives that promote the liberty, safety and prosperity of all Americans

cut 13 (11)  “conservative”

Fleming says this new group of truly conservative lawmakers will look to advance legislation and also prevent measures that do not represent what he calls “America’s Agenda:….

cut 14 (08)  “amend it”

The Revenue Estimating Conference meets today and will determine the budget shortfall the state is facing this fiscal year and next. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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It appears that state Treasurer John Kennedy is testing the waters for a few races in this year’s upcoming elections. Eric Gill reports…

Cut 2 (28) “reporting”

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The trial for a man accused of tying up and abandoning a baby pit-bull in October 2013 begins in Caddo District Court today, and there are plenty of angry citizens expected to be in attendance. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 3 (32) “reporting”

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The Revenue Estimating Conference meets today  to determine the budget shortfall the state faces this fiscal year and next. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says it’s likely mid-year cuts will be needed to offset the deficit. He says a big reason for the shortfall, lower than expected oil prices…:

cut 4  (10)  “less revenue”

Erwin says it’s hard to predict how much will be cut this fiscal year. He says we already had a projected shortfall of $1.4 billion for next fiscal year but more than likely that will grow as oil prices keep plummeting…:

Cut 5  (10)  “major part of those cuts”

Erwin says the falling oil prices aren’t the only reason we’re in this situation but the structure of the budget has never really been repaired since 2008-2009. He says we’ve just been borrowing money from ourselves over and over and then that ran out…:

Cut 6 (07)  “for state government”

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It appears state Treasurer John Kennedy is testing the waters for a few races in this year’s upcoming election. It’s reported Kennedy has hired Virginia-based North Star Opinion Research to poll the races for governor, attorney general, and if there was a special US Senate election in 2016. Kennedy says, at this time, he’s keeping his options open…

CUT 7 (09)  “best contribute”

The survey shows the Treasurer topping a possible attorney general’s race and the leading Republican in a US Senate race should David Vitter become governor. Kennedy says he’s had a number of different groups talk to him about serving in a different capacity…

Cut 8 (10)  “made one, yet” 

The poll shows Kennedy coming in third in the governor’s race behind Vitter and Democrat John Bel Edwards. He says he enjoys being state Treasurer and this doesn’t mean he will not run for re-election. Kennedy says he’s trying to weigh the advice he’s been given and think things through. He says he’ll make a decision about his political future soon…

Cut 9 (11)  “work through”

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The trial for a man accused of tying up and abandoning a baby pit-bull in October 2013 begins in Caddo District Court today, and there are plenty of angry citizens expected to be in attendance. The dog is now known as Braveheart and he is owned by Bo Spataro who says 32-year-old Gabriel Lee, charged with cruelty to an animal, has shown zero remorse…:

Cut 10 (10)  “it’s just a dog” 

According to authorities, when he was 4 months old, Braveheart was found chained inside a storage unit in Shreveport and it was believed he’d been there for several days as he was barely alive. Spataro says they are hoping Lee gets the maximum sentence allowed…:

cut 11 (08) “or ever again”

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office issued a release reminding those who plan to come to the trial no public demonstrations are allowed in or near the Courthouse. They say signs, buttons or t-shirts addressing the case are prohibited. Spataro says nothing like that is planned and they are asking that anyone who attend be a silent voice for Braveheart in court:

cut 12 (08)  “gone to waste”

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Senate President John Alario plans to meet with Governor Jindal this week to discuss ways to reduce a potential budget cut of up to $380 million dollars to Louisiana’s public colleges. He says that kind of cut would completely devastate higher education not only to the universities but to the children who are seeking it…:

Cut 13 (08)  “shutting down”

Alario says he’s also heard that LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is in danger if this type of cut comes down. He says they need to put their heads together and try to figure out how to fix this problem..:

Cut 14 (04)  “table”

Alario says one of the items of discussion that’s on the table is trying to increase revenue…:

Cut 15  (07)  “tougher job”

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LSU Baseball Coach Paul Mainieri says sophomore left-hander Jared Poche will start opening day on February 13th against Kansas, but he’s not sure on what the rest of his starting rotation will look like. Mainieri says he has several freshmen to choose from and the situation will play itself out during the non-conference portion of the schedule

Cut 16  (11)  “puzzle together”

LSU is expected to be young on mound this season, but Mainieri has confidence he’ll strong staff by the end of the season, because of pitching coach Alan Dunn…

Cut 17 (20)  “special”

Poche was a weekend starter last season and a Freshman All-American. The former Lutcher standout is one of eight returning pitchers and he likes what he sees from the young arms that have joined the team

Cut 18 (13) “to college’

The Tom Benson family situation that’s being aired out to the public is getting so heated that there may not be much room for repair. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 1 (32) “reporting”

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Protests are planned outside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center for Saturday’s Global Prayer Rally. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has issued several citations on a group of people for allegedly hunting ducks illegally over a sewer plant in Acadia Parish. LDWF spokesman Adam Einck says they got the tip that these Louisiana residents were possibly committing the violations…:

CUT 3 (10)  “left the scene”

Einck says in all 15 people were cited by agents and a total of 89 ducks were seized and 72 coots. He says it appears these people were going to the Rayne sewer plant because they just wanted to hunt…:

CUT 4 (08)  “any kind of way”

Einck says there were a number of violations that took place in this case but the biggest was wanton waste which means you don’t retrieve game that you harvest. He says the penalty carries up to a $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Einck says these people were just leaving the ducks in the sewage pond…:

CUT 5 (08)  “after you do shoot em”

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Multiple sources have reported that employees of General Electric’s plant in Pineville have been told that the facility is closing with the manufacturing jobs transferring to Jacksonville, Florida. The valve plant employs about 300 people. Pineville Mayor Clarence Fields says they haven’t gotten any official report from GE…

CUT 6 (06)  “flowed from”

Fields says employees were informed of the closing in a meeting held Thursday morning. He adds that there was no prior indication that the plant would potentially close down. Fields says this closing, not only will affect the 300 employees and their families, but also on other merchants in the area…

CUT 7 (09)  “to fruition”

Pineville has seen several facilities close in recent years, including Cotton Brothers Bakery and International Paper. Fields says they are currently looking for prospects to fill those sites. He is hoping the city’s luck will change in the near future…

CUT 8 (10) “pretty soon”

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Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson’s dirty laundry is being aired to fans as a day after he announces he’s decided to leave the franchises to his wife instead of his kids, the former heirs sue claiming it was a decision made out of incompetence. Dr. Michelle Moore is a clinical psychologist at the LSU Health Sciences Center. She says a family battle like this is happens all the time…:

CUT 9 (11)  “over time”

The 87-year-old Benson responded to the lawsuit saying the allegations that he’s incapacitated are false and he intends to fight them every step of the way. Moore says this family battle can be repaired with simple open communication among members…:

cut 10 (09)  “ugly words”

The family suit claims Gayle Benson is a gold digger who has talked her husband into completely disconnecting himself from the kids and grandkids. Moore says this situation is that much more difficult because there is a ton of money involved…:

cut 11 (05)  “at stake here”

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

Protests are planned outside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center for Saturday’s Global Prayer Rally. The American Family Association, known for its opposition of gay rights, is putting on the event and gay rights advocates plan to protest. “The Response” is a planned day of prayer for America. Spokesman Doug Stringer says we live in a country where we have freedom of speech and people do have the right to protest…

cut 12 (09)  “not about them”

Stringer calls the rally a call to prayer for a nation in crisis. Governor Bobby Jindal is scheduled to be one of many participants praying at the 6-hour event. Although hundreds of protesters are expected, Stringer says that will not distract them from their mission…

cut 13 (11)  “of our nation”

Peter Jenkins is the organizer of “Organize, Reflect, Act”, who will be protesting at the event. Jenkins says it’s important to note that his organization is not against a prayer rally, rather they oppose the American Family Association…

cut 14 (12)  “pray with them”

He says the American Family Association has a history of making anti-gay remarks. Jenkins says his event will begin with a march through the LSU campus and will be followed by several speakers and workshops. He says Saturday will not just be about protesting the American Family Association…

cut 15 (07) “in our communities”

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

This weekend, the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians will be hosting the DC Mardi Gras in our nation’s capitol. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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A super PAC has been established that could be used to help finance a presidential run by Governor Bobby Jindal. Scott Carwile has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

After Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson, who is 87, announced he was cutting his children and grandchildren out of the sports franchises in the event of his death, the former heirs sued, claiming he’s incapacitated. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

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This weekend, the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians will be hosting the DC Mardi Gras in our nation’s capitol. A reported 3,000 Louisianians will fly in for the festivities at the Washington Hilton. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says, with this being an election year in Louisiana, you can expect to see a lot of candidates attending looking for support…

cut 4  (10)  “Louisiana politics”

Alford says a “Who’s Who” of Louisiana politics will be attending. He says the bar at the Hilton becomes Louisiana’s 65th parish during DC Mardi Gras. Alford says one topic has been dominating the conversation there this year and that’s money…

Cut 5  (12)  “oil patch”

In the past, this was an event where Louisiana politicians could really let their hair down. But Alford says, due to technology, there is now a reluctance among politicians to have too much fun in public…

Cut 6 (10)  “campaign commercial”

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The New Orleans City Council has approved a ban on smoking in bars and casinos, so could we see the Louisiana legislature pass a similar law that would impact the entire state. West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman says a statewide ban on smoking in bars and gambling halls is something legislators might consider

CUT 7 (11)  “what we need to do”

Hoffman says an ordinance that prohibits smoking in bars and bingo halls in all of Ouachita Parish went into effect last January and it’s been well received by bar owners

Cut 8 (10)  “it’s possible” 

Hoffman authored legislation that went into effect at the start of this year that prohibits smoking near the entrance of state buildings. He says a public smoking ban in New Orleans could convince legislators that it’s time to do it statewide

Cut 9 (10)  “New Orleans did”

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Republican supporters of Governor Bobby Jindal establish a super PAC that could assist him in a presidential bid. Former Louisiana Congressman, Bob Livingston, is the chairman of the political action committee, called Believe Again PAC. Livingston acknowledges this is the first step in a possible run for the White House

Cut 10 (07)  “super PAC” 

The Super PAC can raise an unlimited amount of money, but Jindal can’t direct or coordinate how the money is spent. Livingston says the Super PAC will get Jindal ready, if he chooses to run for President

cut 11 (09) “structure his operation”

Livingston says organizers of the super PAC have not set a goal of how much they plan to raise…

cut 12 (09)  “if possible”

______________________________________

A day after Saints owner Tom Benson, who is 87, announced his wife will assume ownership of the Saints and Pelicans when he dies, his former heir files suit claiming her grandfather is incapacitated. Rita Benson LeBlanc, her mother Renee Benson and brother Ryan LeBlanc filed the petition in Orleans Civil District Court. Legal analyst Tim Meche…:

Cut 13 (12)  “she has a chance”

The suit makes several claims that Benson is not fit mentally and physically to manage his personal or business affairs and that Renee should be executor of his sports and business ventures with Rita in the secondary position. Meche says they will have to prove that Tom Benson is not capable of making decisions on his own…:

Cut 14 (11)  “bring to the table”

The suit also alleges that Tom Benson’s wife, Gayle, is trying to take advantage of her husband’s unfit mental state and is only after his money. Meche says ultimately the complainants would have to come up with evidence that Benson is too handicapped to handle his affairs…:

Cut 15  (11)  “some examination”

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College baseball teams can begin full squad workouts today and for the LSU Tigers they enter the season ranked ninth in the country according to Division One-Baseball-dot-com. One of there writers, Aaron Fitt, says LSU’s line-up has the potential to score a lot of runs this year

Cut 16  (14)  “last year”

Fitt says LSU’s pitching staff is talented, but young and inexperienced…

Cut 17 (10)  “those guys”

Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson announces ownership of both teams will transfer to his wife, Gayle, upon his death. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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The woman who has assisted law enforcement locally and nationally in identifying human remains, Mary Manhein, announces she is retiring from the LSU FACES Laboratory after more than 30 years. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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

Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson announces ownership of both teams will transfer to his wife, Gayle, upon his death. This move effectively cuts out Benson’s daughter, Renee, and grandchildren, Ryan Leblanc and Rita Benson Leblanc, from the sports franchises. The voice of the Saints, Jim Henderson, says this had to be an agonizing decision for Benson to make…

CUT 3 (10)  “a rough one”

Benson stated that this change in succession is necessary for the long-term success of both teams. There are reports that there was tension at team headquarters with Renee, Rita, and Ryan. Henderson says if you looked closely, you could observe the strain…

CUT 4 (10)  “and his support”

Henderson says this is a very bold move on Benson’s part. It was expected that Rita would succeed her grandfather in leading the sports empire. He says Rita was suspended a couple of years ago for lack of attention to the job and that could have weighed on Benson enough to make this change…

CUT 5 (08)  “or not should have”

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

The woman who has assisted law enforcement locally and nationally in identifying human remains, Mary Manhein, announces she is retiring from the LSU FACES Laboratory after more than 30 years. Also known as “The Bone Lady,” Manhein has consulted on hundreds of forensic cases including mass disasters…:

CUT 6 (13)  “and what happened to them”

Manhein says her last day is April 30th and she’ll then turn over the reins of the program to another generation. She says some of the most rewarding work she’s done was in the aftermaths of Hurricanes Katrina and Issac in which they were able to assist cemeteries who were having problems with graves…:

CUT 7 (11)  “is known for”

Manhein says she’s loved that her job has enabled her to work with families of victims in helping resolve cold cases of unidentified persons. She says through the cold case “hit” program, they’ve had instances where the DNA from an unidentified person get matched up with someone from across the country…:

CUT 8 (07) “like that”

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The Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Department has arrested a 24-year-old woman in the May 2014 death of her fiance’s 3-year-old son. After an eight month investigation, Brittany Marie Prejean of Rayne is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Keaghyn Parsons. Spokesperson Maxine Trahan says Prejan was often left to care for the toddler…

CUT 9 (08)  “of the child”

Prejean was caring for the toddler the day of his death. Trahan says an autopsy was performed on Parsons and the Calcasieu Parish Coroner ruled his death a homicide. Trahan says it was determined that the child had a perforation of the small intestine…

cut 10 (08)  “cause of death”

Trahan says the cause of death was from a perforation of the small intestine due to blunt force trauma. She says Prejean was booked into the Acadia Parish Jail… (No bond has been set, at this time.)

cut 11 (10)  “will set bond”

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

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is offering a $10,000 reward for information about the whooping crane that was shot in Vermilion Parish then later died late last year. Spokesman Adam Einck says the reward money is coming from several sources including the operation game fees, the LDWF foundation…:

cut 12 (09)  “$10,000”

Einck says the whooping crane is one of the world’s most endangered birds and they want to make it clear that there are serious repercussions  from killing one. He says this is now the 6th bird that has been shot and killed in Louisiana…:

cut 13 (09)  “at large cases”

Einck says if you have any information on this case, you can report it online at wlf.louisiana.gov. He says LDWF is putting a lot of resources, time, effort and money into bringing the whooping cranes back to a sustainable population in Louisiana…:

cut 14 (07) “put on them”

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The New Orleans City Council today approved a smoking ban at bars and casinos by a 7-0 vote. This is a big win for supporters who say it’s a public health issue for workers and patrons of these establishments. Tonia Moore is with the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco Free Living. She says they are thrilled this initiative had so much support…:

cut 15 (09) “city of New Orleans”

The opposition was mostly from business owners who were worried such a smoking ban would threaten revenue. Moore says they hope to see many other municipalities in Louisiana follow suit and ban smoking in bars after this historic day…:

cut 16 (07) “of this measure”

New Orleans City Council is expected to vote on a controversial ordinance that would prohibit smoking in bars and casinos. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (27) “reporting”

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A self-confessed child killer named Phillip DeSelle is set to be released from prison today and the family of the little girl and Evangeline Parish citizens are outraged. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (32) “reporting”

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Governor Bobby Jindal appears on Fox News to defend his “No go Zones” comments. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

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New Orleans City Council is expected to vote on a controversial ordinance that would prohibit smoking in bars and casinos. Claudia Rodas, with the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, is in favor of the ordinance. She says more should be done to protect bar and casino workers from the dangers of second hand smoke…

cut 4  (08)  “smoking ordinance”

Alex Fine, President of the French Quarter Business League, points out that there are already over 100 bars in the city that do not allow smoking. He says owners should be allowed to make the decision on whether or not they want to be smoke-free…

Cut 5  (08)  “see fit”

Rodas says employees in bars and casinos should be able to work in a smoke-free environment, like people who work in the restaurant industry. She says this is much bigger than a business decision, it’s a public health issue…

Cut 6 (09)  “second hand smoke”

Fine says the timing of this ordinance couldn’t be much worse. He says they are concerned about the revenue hit this measure could have on business, on top of the 20 to 30 percent drop in business due to the crime crisis in the city…

CUT 7 (07)  “smoking ban”

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A self-confessed child killer named Phillip DeSelle is set to be released from prison today and the family of the little girl and Evangeline Parish citizens are outraged. Erin Keyser (Kie-Zer) is the aunt of Averie Evans of Natchitoches who was killed by DeSelle when she was 11 years old. Keyser says the man served just 24 years in prison on a 50 year sentence.:

Cut 8 (12)  “his sentence” 

Keyser says DeSelle, now 65, was given time off for good behavior because of the laws that were in place when he was convicted in the early 90s. They believe he will be required to report to his probation officer in Acadiana at Turkey Creek. Keyser says they are spreading the word and putting his picture out there so people know this is happening.

Cut 9 (09)  “out there”

Keyser says they are glad laws in Louisiana have changed and now 85% of violent crime sentences must be served. She says Turkey Creek residents are extremely unhappy as their worst fear is that DeSelle could snap again…:

Cut 10 (09)  “their children especially” 

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As a result of the collapse of oil prices, Stone Energy Corp. which is based out of Lafayette, announces it will cut spending this year by more than half of what the company spent a year ago. Gifford Briggs, Vice President of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association, says there are plenty of big oil companies who are being forced to scale back right now…:

cut 11 (12) “unexpected”

The cuts were part of an update Stone released on its operations. The report indicates the capital spending will go down to $450 million in 2015 when it spent $875 million last year. Briggs says the brunt of the impact will be felt by the companies who were doing business with companies that are making reductions…:

cut 12 (12)  “its people”

The price of oil has been steadily dropping and closed Wednesday at $47.28. Briggs says it was impossible to predict this would happen and it’s hard to say when crude will stop falling and gas prices will level off…:

Cut 13 (11)  “for quite some time”

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Governor Bobby Jindal continues to insist there are neighborhoods in Europe where authority is ceded to a more harsh version of Islamic law. Jindal had a chance to back down from those comments in a one-on-one interview with Neil Cavuto on Fox News…

Cut 14 (11)  “Sharia law”

Fox News previously reported the same claims, but has since apologized and said those reports were false. But in the governor’s interview on Fox News, he said there are government officials in Europe who say they have Muslim-led communities who do want to assimiliate..

Cut 15  (11)  “serious crimes”

While speaking with Neil Cavuto, Jindal expressed concern a similar situation could develop in this country, if our federal government doesn’t take appropriate measures to make sure immigrants are not trying to overturn our culture

Cut 16  (05)  “integration”

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U-L-M takes a six-game winning streak into tonight’s home against Texas-Arlington. Defense has been the key to the Warhawks success, as they are allowing just 60 points a game and opponents are shooting 37-percent from the field. U-L-M Coach Keith Richard credits the size and length they have in the front court…

Cut 17 (07)  “some shots”

The Mavericks come into tonight’s game with a 10-and-7 record. They beat the Warhawks three times last season, but U-L-M beat them in overtime earlier this month. Richard expects another close game tonight

Cut 18 (12) “to win’

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Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis has confirmed the hiring of former Dolphins General Manager Jeff Ireland. Ireland’s exact title with the Saints has not been determined, but Loomis says he’ll be involved in college and pro scouting and assist in other areas within the front office. He says Ireland will be able to provide fresh ideas

Cut 19 (12)   “more efficient”

To make room for Ireland in the front office, the team fired director of college scouting Rick Reiprish, who had been with the Black and Gold since the 2004 season. Loomis says Ireland has done some some great work in the NFL…

Cut 20 (18)  “good fit”

The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office has charged an Opelousas woman with cruelty to a juvenile after allegedly burning her child with cigarettes. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested the man wanted in the shooting injury of a deputy. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 2 (29) “reporting”

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The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s office has arrested an Opelousas woman for allegedly burning her child with cigarettes. 26-year-old Jessica Deville is facing a charge of cruelty to a juvenile. Lt. Clay Higgins says they were alerted by a local hospital emergency room about the alleged abuse…

CUT 3 (06)  “and his torso”

Higgins says the hospital reported the 5-year-old had what appeared to be cigarette burns on his hands and torso. The child was brought to the emergency room by his father. Higgins says authorities spoke to both the father and child…

CUT 4 (09)  “Miss Deville”

Deville denies the accusation, but Higgins says since the injuries occurred under her care, she is held responsible. The child is recovering and living with his father. St. Landry Child Protection Services is continuing to investigate. Higgins says a crime like this is just shocking…

CUT 5 (08)  “really comprehend”

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

The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested the man wanted in the shooting injury of a deputy. Sheriff Jeff Wiley says the deputy stopped the suspect vehicle while responding to a shoplifting complaint…

CUT 6 (09)  “in the hand”

Wiley says a passenger in the vehicle, who is identified as 35-year-old John McMullen, came out shooting and shot the deputy in the hand. Wiley says the deputy was released from the hospital and will hopefully make a full recovery. Wiley says, after a five hour search, McMullen was found hiding near the Assumption Parish line…

CUT 7 (06)  “in custody”

A man and a woman, who were in the car with McMullen, were arrested earlier. Wiley says McMullen is wanted in Florida for numerous charges, including attempted first degree murder. He says McMullen and the others are facing major charges now in Louisiana… (Charges include attempted first-degree murder of a police officer.)

CUT 8 (11) “shooting took place”

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

One of the top high school football prospects announced his decision to play at LSU today. Riverdale defensive back Donte Jackson chose the Tigers over Georgia and U-S-C. Football analyst Mike Detillier says Jackson is a great talent…

CUT 9 (10)  “in flight”

The five-foot-eleven cornerback from New Orleans had five interceptions in his senior and played well in the U-S Army All-American Bowl. Detillier could see Jackson playing in the NFL one day, because of his speed and ability to cover….

cut 10 (06)  “foot speed”

Jackson is expected to sign with the Tigers on National Signing Day which is February. Detillier says LSU’s 2015 recruiting class also features a couple  of other outstanding defensive backs in Kevin Toliver and Xavier Lewis

cut 11 (08)  “one time”

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

State Police is investigating a tragic accident out of St. Francisville which claimed the life of a 73-year-old man Tuesday afternoon. Trooper Jared Sandifer says Felix Lipoma of Gonzales was pulling out of a private drive onto LA 61 as an 18-wheeler was approaching…:

cut 12 (08)  “causing that crash”

Sandifer says as Lipoma was pulling out onto the highway in his truck he hit the back of the tractor-trailer then overturned continuously…:

cut 13 (05)  “that trailer”

Sandifer says Lipoma was buckled up during the time of the crash and impairment is not suspected on the part of either driver. He says even though Lipoma was hurt, he was responsive with emergency personnel on the scene…:

cut 14 (06)  “a certain time later”

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

Republican lawmakers are pushing against President Obama’s tax proposals which would increase taxes for the wealthiest Americans. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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The state is set to begin accepting bids from companies to submit proposals for how they would handle disposing of the 15 million pounds of M6 propellant at Camp Minden. Scott Carwile reports…

Cut 2 (32) “reporting”

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Secretary of State Tom Schedler and Louisiana Public Broadcasting announce the launch of a site which contains videos of stories from throughout our state’s history. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

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Republican lawmakers are pushing against President Obama’s tax proposals which would increase taxes for the wealthiest Americans. The President pitched the plan in his State of the Union Address last night. Lafayette Congressman Charles Boustany serves on the House Ways and Means Committee. Boustany was hoping the President would be less combative on the issue…

cut 4  (08)  “and Means Committee”

The President’s plan would raise the capital gains tax on top-earning Americans and eliminate the current tax break on inheritances. Boustany says an agreement was made to set the inheritance tax at 35-percent and the President’s plan is not a good faith attempt to work on tax reform…

Cut 5  (11)   “of the President”

The President’s proposal would also raise taxes on big banks. Boustany calls the tax increases a re-distribution of wealth through increased spending. The Congressman says tax reform is needed. Boustany says he wants a tax code that is fair, simplified, and lowers rates to help grow the economy…

Cut 6 (13)  “opposite direction”

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The Travel Exchange is holding their annual convention this week in New Orleans. The expo is expected to draw 3,600 visitors to the Big Easy. Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says this is a big event…

CUT 7 (08)  “travel agents”

The Travel Exchange is a actually an organization of three groups specializing in package travel. Dardenne says over 400 tour operator companies will be taking part. He feels this particular convention can have a big impact on tourism in Louisiana…

Cut 8 (07)  “and for groups” 

Dardenne says the 5-day event will also fill hotels and restaurants around the city. He says hosting this event is a tremendous opportunity for the Bayou State…

Cut 9 (09)  “for the state”

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The state is set to begin accepting bids from companies to submit proposals for how they would handle disposing of the 15 million pounds of M6 propellant at Camp Minden. Frances Kelly with Louisiana Progress Action (LPA) says they want the state to publicly post all bids submitted…

Cut 10 (08)  “options are” 

There is a concern that an open burn of the propellant poses a health risk for citizens who live nearby. According to LPA, the state’s Request for Proposals was only intended for the open tray burn of the M6. Kelley says a recent EPA decision opens the door for alternative methods of disposal…

cut 11 (10) “the open burn”

The EPA recently delayed the open tray burn of the propellant for at least 90 days and said they would be open to alternative methods for disposing of the M6. Kelley says with all of the uncertainties surrounding an open burn of the material, officials should look at other solutions to the problem…

cut 12 (11)  “those solutions”

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Secretary of State Tom Schedler and Louisiana Public Broadcasting announce the launch of a site which contains videos of stories from throughout our state’s history. He says the Louisiana Digital Media Archive puts the history of Louisiana into visual film that anyone can enjoy online…:

Cut 13 (05)  “learning standpoint”

Schedler says preserving our state’s unique history in a format the average person can explore has always been one of the critical missions of the State Archives. He says says the site, “ladigitalmedia.org”, will be a great place to pull up historic events in Louisiana and national history…:

Cut 14 (10)  “Huey Long”

Schedler says they were able to take old videotapes that had a risk of becoming destroyed due to deterioration over time and digitize them so they will always be available…:

Cut 15  (08)  “historic Facebook”

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Governor Bobby Jindal is getting national attention after giving a speech in England where he claimed Muslim “no-go zones” exist in Europe. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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The US Supreme Court passes on taking up a case out of Baton Rouge that involves a confession given to a priest by a teenage concerning sex abuse. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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Jennings Police have arrested a 66-year-old man accused of raping three girls, all under the age of 10. Deputy Chief Danny Semmes (Sims) says their investigation began when a government agency informed them of suspicious activity regarding Clarence Bouley (Boo-lay) of Jennings being in the presence of some young children. Semmes says the girls were interviewed by the Child Advocacy Center…

CUT 3 (08)  “seven and nine”

He says interviews determined that Bouley engaged in inappropriate behavior with the girls, aged 6, 7, and 9. The incidents allegedly occurred in the suspect’s home where his daughter babysat the girls. Semmes says Bouley was booked into the Jefferson Davis Parish Jail on three counts of aggravated rape…

CUT 4 (05)  “for his actions”

Bouley faces a possible life sentence. Semmes says this isn’t the suspect’s first run-in with authorities. He says Bouley was previously charged with indecent behavior with a juvenile… (Semmes says, during questioning, Bouley confessed to the crimes.)

CUT 5 (07)  “charges were dismissed”

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Governor Bobby Jindal is getting national attention after giving a speech in England where he claimed Muslim “no-go zones” exist in Europe. British leaders insist that these areas do not exist. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says it’s bewildering that Jindal continues to insist these “no-go zones” exist…

CUT 6 (12)  “doesn’t exist”

“No-go zones” are areas that have been allegedly taken over by radical Islamists where police are less likely to go in to enforce the country’s laws. Stockley says if Jindal is trying to bolster his foreign policy leading up to a presidential run, this is not the way to do it…

CUT 7 (10)  “at this point”

Last week, Fox News reported about these areas, but have since apologized for the report. Jindal is expected to announce his candidacy for president in the next few weeks. Stockley says Jindal is trying to woo the very conservative and evangelical wing of the Republican party…

CUT 8 (12) “nomination with”

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The US Supreme Court decides not to take up a Baton Rouge case that involves whether a priest should report allegations of sex abuse against a minor. The Diocese of Baton Rouge asked the nation’s highest court to review the case, after the Louisiana Supreme Court ruled that priests should be subject to mandatory reporting laws. Legal analyst Tim Meche

CUT 9 (10)  “cases like this”

This case stems from a civil lawsuit filed by a Baton Rouge family against the Diocese and a priest with the church for not coming forward after a girl, who was 14 at the time, confessed that she was kissed and fondled by an adult church parishioner. Meche says its not a surprise the courts are not backing the Church on this matter…

cut 10 (07)  “confidentiality”

Meche says the Catholic Church believes a confession is private and they’ll continue to protect the confidentiality of a confession, despite the Supreme Court not hearing this specific case….

cut 11 (09)  “to testify”

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President Barack Obama tonight will give a speech to the nation and the newly Republican Congress in the State of the Union Address and it’s expected he will introduce a plan to increase taxes on wealthy Americans to deliver cuts to the middle class. We asked these Louisianians if they would support such a proposal and many are unsure…:

cut 12 (08)  “Marco Rubio”

Mr. Obama will deliver his message beginning at 8pm. The tax proposal would, in part, raise the total top capital gains rate on families who earn more than $500,000 a year and the money would add tax credits to families whose annual income is less than $210,000 annually. These Louisianians would be supportive…:

cut 13 (12)  “being taxed”

Many Republicans have indicated they would not be in favor of taxing the rich to give the middle class a break. These Louisianians have mixed feelings…:

cut 14 (11)  “appreciated”

Former New Orleans Saint and ALS advocate Steve Gleason will be Senator David Vitter’s special guest tonight at President Obama’s State of the Union Address. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28) “reporting”

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Arguments begin today in a federal courtroom in New Orleans over how much BP should be fined for its role in the 2010 Gulf oil spill. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29) “reporting”

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Tax season begins today as the I-R-S and the Louisiana Department of Revenue are now accepting individual income tax returns. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

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Former New Orleans Saint Steve Gleason will be Senator David Vitter’s special guest tonight at President Obama’s State of the Union Address. Gleason was diagnosed with ALS and works with his Team Gleason organization to empower others living with the disease. Vitter says he’s honored to have Gleason attend, calling Gleason an inspiring leader in the fight against ALS…

cut 4  (11)  “folks with ALS”

Vitter says he and Gleason will will have some significant meetings regarding issues associated with ALS. One of those meetings will be with US Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell. The Senator says they will discuss ways to make important equipment much more available for people battling this disease…

Cut 5  (11)   “verbalizes that”

Vitter says Gleason’s specialized wheelchair has become his lifeline and more equipment like that needs to be more available for people with ALS. Vitter thinks Gleason is excited about attending tonight, not just for himself, but the spotlight this will shine on the disease…

Cut 6 (10)  “because of that”

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A federal trial to determine how much oil giant B-P will be required to pay in penalties for its role in the massive 2010 Gulf oil spill begins today in New Orleans. Associate Director of the Tulane Energy Institute, Eric Smith, says a ruling made last week by U-S District Judge Carl Barbier gave us an indication on how steep the fine could be….

CUT 7 (10)  “gonna apply”

BP faces up to 13-billion dollars in Clean Water Act fines and that’s based on Judge Barbier’s ruling that three-point-one million barrels of oil spewed into the Gulf, when the rig on B-P’s Macondo well exploded. Smith says environmentalists are hoping the fine is that high, because most of the money will go towards Gulf Coast restoration

Cut 8 (10)  “particular source” 

BP is expected to argue for a lower penalty than 13-billion dollars. Smith says Judge Barbier will have several factors to consider, which is not surprising considering the complexity of this trial

Cut 9 (08)  “we’ve ever seen”

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Starting today, taxpayers can file their federal and state 2014 returns. Mark Eldredge, with Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants, says if you bought health insurance through the federal marketplace, also referred to as Obamacare, there is a special form you’ll have to fill out…

Cut 10 (08) “premium credit back” 

Eldredge says every taxpayer will be asked to check a box on whether they had health insurance in 2014 and if you did not, you’re subject to a fine that’s laid out in the Affordable Care Act…

cut 11 (10) “there is a penalty”

The penalty is based on several factors including what is known as the Modified Adjusted Gross Income. Eldredge says if you purchased health insurance through the federal marketplace, he encourages you to get your returns to a licensed preparer soon, because even tax pros are trying to get up to speed on the new rules

cut 12 (07) “this year “

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With election day about nine months away, the four major announced candidates are starting to speak out about why they should be Louisiana’s next governor. During a recent forum in Baton Rouge, Republican Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says there are many major issues facing the state and he has a history of bringing people together to solve problems…

Cut 13 (06)  “withstanding”

Democratic state representative John Bel Edwards says if elected, he’ll put Louisiana first, something that the current governor is not doing…

Cut 14 (11)  “of  Louisiana”

Republican Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle says he’s committed to building a better Louisiana, if elected governor…

Cut 15  (07)  “go to work”

Republican Senator David Vitter says if he’s elected governor, it will be his last political job, which means his focus will be strictly on the challenges that lie ahead for Louisiana

Cut 16  (08)  “down the road”