As the northeast gets pounded by a blizzard, a group of students from Cedar Creek School in Ruston find themselves in the middle of it in New York City. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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According to the American Automobile Association, the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is at $1.87 for the second day in a row. So has the price bottomed out? Eric Gill has more…

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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

The Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office says the search for a teen, wanted in connection to a weekend robbery, ended unexpectedly when the suspect was found dead. Sheriff’s spokesperson Maxine Trahan says officers responded to a call from a crawfisherman who discovered a body in a field just east of Crowley…

CUT 3 (08)  “face down”

The body was identified as 18-year-old Slye Mier (mere) of Crowley. Trahan says after the Sunday night robbery, Rayne Police were involved in a chase with a vehicle that Mier and the other suspect, a juvenile, occupied. She says when the pursuit ended, both Mier and the juvenile fled on foot…

CUT 4 (07)  “in the field”

Authorities say Mier’s death is being classified as suspicious, although the exact cause of death is unknown at this time. Mier’s body has been taken to Calcasieu Parish for an autopsy. Trahan says their investigation is ongoing…

CUT 5 (10)  “the investigation”

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

As the northeast gets pounded by a blizzard, a group of Louisiana high school students find themselves in the middle of it in New York City. Students from Cedar Creek School in Ruston are in the Big Apple on a school trip. Director of Student Activities Elizabeth Walker says yesterday’s curfew cancelled the Broadway show they planned to attend, but they are making the best of the situation…

CUT 6 (09)  “what we can”

Walker says the group totals 27 people, including 14 students. She says that, even with the weather conditions being less than optimal, they are taking in as much of New York as they possibly can, including Central Park…

CUT 7 (08)  “experience for us”

Walker says the eight inches of snow made this a fun and memorable trip for everyone in the group. She says they are scheduled to fly back home tomorrow…

CUT 8 (11) “fun to do”

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

Ascension Parish Sheriff deputies are searching for at least two suspects involved in a double homicide in Donaldsonville. Chief Deputy Tony Bacala says around 3:30pm yesterday they arrived at the scene of a reported shooting and found 37-year-old Chad Nichols dead on the front lawn of his house..:

CUT 9 (10)  “did not survive”

Bacala says 29-year-old Benny Booker of Prairieville was also found shot in the doorway of the residence and he succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. He says as of right now they don’t know who is responsible for these murders…:

cut 10 (10)  “Booker’s vehicle”

Bacala says the suspects killed the victims then one drove away in a 2008-2011 white BMW 3 series vehicle and the other stole Bookers vehicle which is a 2007 white Dodge Magnum. He says investigators are actively searching for both cars. Bacala says they believe the victims were targetting by the shooters…:

cut 11 (04)  “to rob them”

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

According to the American Automobile Association, the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is at $1.87 for the second day in a row. So has the price bottomed out? AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says it’s possible, as the price of crude oil has stabilized between $45 and $48 a barrel…

cut 12 (09)  “of a plateau”

But Redman says there is also a chance that we could still see prices slip as we head into February…

cut 13 (06)  “into spring”

Redman says the drop in fuel costs is astounding, especially when you compare prices to this time last year…

cut 14 (09)  “a year ago”

The State Department of Health and Hospitals sets up a program that encourages Louisiana residents to take control of their health. Scott Carwile has more…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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State Police are among several law enforcement agencies looking into an ATM scheme along the I-10 corridor. Emelie Gunn has more….

Cut 2 (29) “reporting”

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Louisiana’s budget picture continues to get worse because of falling oil prices. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (32) “reporting”

______________________________________

The State Department of Health and Hospitals sets up a program that encourages Louisiana residents to take control of their health. The program is called “Own Your Own Health”. It’s a three month wellness challenge that can assist residents in living a healthier lifestyle. Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Director Rudy Macklin says you can participate as an individual or part of a team…

cut 4  (07)  “challenges in one”

The challenges are meant to motivate Louisianians to make small daily steps in creating and maintaining a healthier lifestyle. You can sign up at oyohla-dot-com. To help keep participants on-track, Macklin says a daily e-mail will be sent…

Cut 5  (09)  “based on age”

The daily e-mail will have meal and exercise suggestion for participants based on their age. They’re also offering prizes for participants who log-in and update their progress. Macklin says another aspect of OYOH is called “Own Your Own Health Now” which helps you make the correct choices regarding your own wellness…

Cut 6 (07)  “your own health”

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State Police says they are assisting in an investigation looking into an ATM scheme where customer’s debit card numbers and pins may have been compromised along the I-10 corridor. Whitney Bank has issued a statement acknowledging that they found devices called “skimmers” on ATM card receptors. Sgt. Nick Manale says local and federal authorities are also investigating.

CUT 7 (10)  “neighboring states”

Whitney bank says as an extra precaution they have deactivated and reissued about 71- hundred debit cards. Manale says people need to be watching their accounts and statements to check for possible fraudulent charges.

Cut 8  (09)  “own accounts.” 

Manale says “skimmers” are placed to look like they are part of the ATM. He says these devices steal some of the bar code information off of card as well as the PIN number entered into the machine.

Cut 9 (09)  “look into.”

______________________________________

Entergy has cut the ribbon on a new power plant in suburban New Orleans that company officials say will reduce fuel costs and produce reliable and affordable power for Louisiana customers. Entergy Spokesperson Mike Burns says Ninemile 6 is already using 30 percent less fuel than other natural gas combustion plants.

Cut 10 (07)  “in 2016” 

This is the first power plant Entergy has opened in Louisiana in 30 years. Burns says Ninemile 6 was completed under budget and ahead of time.

cut 11 (11) “721 million dollars”

The plant helps Louisiana’s economy by creating more jobs. Burns says Entergy plans to keep improving and modernizing their services and plants.

cut 12 (08)  “moving forward”

______________________________________

Falling oil prices will result in an 103-million dollar reduction in spending this fiscal year by state government. That determination was made by the Revenue Estimating Conference, after hearing from the chief economist for the Louisiana legislature, Greg Albrecht…

Cut 13 (09)  “is bad”

And based on economists projections, the Revenue Estimating Conference has increased the budget defict for next fiscal year by another 203-million dollars to one-point-six billion. Albrecht says weak oil prices are to blame for these falling oil prices…

Cut 14 (10)  “fiscal year with”

The 103-million dollar deficit for this fiscal year means, the Jindal administration will be forced to make cuts in the next few weeks. State government watchdog CB Forgotston says believes state government can handle that without a dramatic reduction to state services:

Cut 15  (07)  “unfilled positions”

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”

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

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”

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

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”

______________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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”

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

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”

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

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”

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

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”

______________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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”

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

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”

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

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”

______________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

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”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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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