It appears Congress is getting ready to vote for a border security bill that would provide only a fraction of the billions of dollars President Trump has demanded to secure the southern border. Louisiana Republican Senator John Kennedy says he’s not sure if he will vote for the deal, but the nearly two billion dollars contained in the bill is not a bad start towards wall expansion efforts…
cut 5 (11) “…250”
President Trump has signaled he will sign the legislation.

The state has announced that its putting help centers on every college campus in Louisiana to help military veterans. Chancellor of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, Monty Sullivan says the 520-thousand dollar program will help veterans interact with other vets on campus…
cut 15 (06) “…college environment”
Louisiana would be just the second state to have veteran centers on college campuses.

It’s been nearly a year since legislation passed to allow riverboat casinos to expand on land within 1,200 feet of their river mooring, and so far no ground has been broken on those sought after expansions. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones says that was expected, and it may be quite some time before any casinos climb up out of the water.
Cut 10 (09) “…ten years”

On this Valentine’s Day, the Louisiana Family Forum is recognizing over a dozen married couples who have been married for over 70 years. General Counsel Kristie Cross…
cut 8 (12) “…hall of fame”
The longest known married couple is Wallace and Gladys Menard of Duson, who have been husband and wife for 80 years.

Congressional leaders have agreed to provide 1.37 of the 5.7 billion dollars the President has demanded to construct additional physical barriers along the US-Mexican border. Senator John Kennedy says he hasn’t read the entire bill yet, but he’s been told that when combined with other funds, the final tab is a bit higher.
Cut 4 (12) “…October.”
The U-S House will vote on the border security bill today.

Beginning this fall, Louisiana will become only the second state in the US with military veteran centers on every college campus. Chancellor of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System Monty Sullivan says the resource centers will help vets transition into the campus lifestyle.
Cut 13 (07) “…the resource available.”

In honor of Valentine’s Day, Louisiana Family Forum has found the longest married couple in the state. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The state department of transportation now says emergency repairs on the Sunshine Bridge in Donaldsonville will be completed in mid-March.

1.37 billion dollar southern border wall compromise has been reached in Congress. Matt Doyle talked to Senator John Kennedy about the announcement…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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In honor of Valentine’s Day, Louisiana Family Forum has found the longest married couple in the state.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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 Often military veterans struggle in the transition from the service to the college campus, but this fall that should be an easier hurdle in Louisiana.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

__________________________________

A border wall deal has been reached in Congress that would provide 1.37 of the 5.7 billion dollars the President has demanded to construct additional physical barriers along the Mexican border. Senator John Kennedy says he hasn’t been shown the bill yet, but he’s been told by colleagues that when combined with other funds, the final tab is a bit higher.

Cut 4 (12) “…October.”

The legislation would also increase detention capacities for immigration enforcement agencies.

Kennedy says he’s not sure whether he will ultimately vote for the deal, but two billion dollars isn’t a bad start to southern border wall expansion efforts.

Cut 5 (11) “…250.

National media are reporting anonymous sources inside the White House have indicated the President will ultimately sign the deal to prevent another partial government shutdown, but Kennedy wants to remind constituents that it’s not done until the Commander in Chief puts pen to paper.

Cut 6 (09) “legislation”

Kennedy says he also is not sure whether or not the funding bill will clear the Democratically control House, but he assumes it will.

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In honor of Valentine’s Day, Louisiana Family Forum has found the longest married couple in the state.  That title for 2019 belongs to Wallace and Gladys Menard of Duson who have been hitched for 80 years.  General Council Kristie Cross says the couple has seen many changes in the world.

Cut 7 (12) “…they’ve lived through.”

The organization recognizes all marriages over 70 years as part of their annual Marriage Hall of Fame.  Cross says the search is one of her favorite events of the year.

Cut 8 (12) “…hall of fame.”

Cross says the celebration of marriages with longevity is meant to send a message to newlyweds that a marriage can last a really long time.

Cut 9 (11) “…these committed marriages.″

_________________________________

It’s been nearly a year since legislation was passed that would allow riverboat casinos to expand on land within 1,200 feet of their river mooring, and so far no ground has been broken on those sought after expansions. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones says that was to be expected, and it may be quite some time before any casinos climb up out of the water.

Cut 10 (09) “…ten years”

The law also changed the restrictions on the total amount of gaming machines and gaming spaces riverboats are allowed to have.

Jones says of the 15 river boat casinos in Louisiana, so far he knows of only two who are actively working out their expansion plans.

Cut 11 (10) “…El Dorado.”

Jones say the Belle in Baton Rouge has paused their plans to initiate an expansion.

Ultimately Jones says many of the casinos will not take advantage of the new law. He says if there isn’t enough of a market to warrant a riverboat expanding onto land, then they’ll likely not invest the large sum of money necessary to build out their services.

Cut 12 (09) “…on land”

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Beginning this fall, Louisiana will become only the second state in the US with military veteran centers on every college campus.  Chancellor of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System Monty Sullivan says the resource centers are put in place to help vets in transitioning into the campus lifestyle.

Cut 13 (07) “…the resource available.”

Sullivan says the number of veterans enrolled in colleges across the state has significantly increased in recent years.

Cut 14 (11) “…this past year.”

Sullivan says the centers will be staffed with someone dedicated to working with them.  It also help veterans interact with other veterans on campus.

Cut 15 (06) “…the college environment.”

The competition to secure a good spot for Mardi Gras parades can be intense, but one Facebook user says he’s willing to ease that burden… for a price.  New Orleans resident Kenneth Sampey posted an offer to hold a 10×10 spot on St. Charles Avenue for Fat Tuesday.  The fee for the service?  Two grand.  Sampey says he made the post out of jest, not expecting it to get the attention that it did.
Cut 3 (12) “…for the price.”

No. 19 LSU is about to shoot up the rankings after an incredibly impressive 73-71 win over the Kentucky Wildcats. The team was down by nine at one point in the second half, but rallied back. The win puts them one game back in the SEC, and Tiger Rag Assistant Editor Tyler Nunez says you’ll almost certainly be seeing this team in March.

Cut 10 (09)“…contender now”

Thibodaux Police have arrested a man after a dating site meet up lead to an armed robbery.  25-year-old Kareem Acker of Gretna was apprehended after the victim contacted law enforcement from the meet up going south.  Police spokesperson says Clint Dempster says Acker found himself in a position where he couldn’t flee the scene.
Cut 6 (06) “…where he was.”
Dempster says Acker claims the victim gave him the money prior to a misunderstanding over the gender identity of the victim.

Calcasieu Parish Sheriffs are seeking a woman who left a newborn in a field just outside of the Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Gauthier Campus building last night at 8pm. Sherriff Tony Mancuso stressed that any mother who has just had a child and is considering abandoning it can leave the new born at any local police station, fire department, or hospital, and will not be asked any questions, and will not face any charges. But, you must make contact with an employee first.

Cut 13 (10) “…this happens”

No. 19 LSU is about to shoot up the rankings after an incredibly impressive 73-71 win over the 5^th team in the nation, the storied Kentucky Wildcats. It was a total team effort with four Tigers in double digit scoring, and ended on a dramatic tip in finish by Kavell Bigby-Williams. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor Tyler Nunez says it’s a historic win that will sit in the pantheon of great LSU basketball moments.

Cut 9 (11) “to me”

Guard Tremont Williams led the team with 15 points and five assists.

The team was down by nine at one point in the second half, but rallied back to be in a position to seal the game on an offensive rebound facilitated by a Skylar Mays last second drive. The win puts them one game back in the SEC, and Nunez says you’ll almost certainly be seeing this team in March.

Cut 10 (09)“…contender now”

In college hoops tonight….red hot Southeastern Louisiana hosts Incarnate Word. The Lions have won seven of their last eight. Nicholls welcomes Abilene Christian into Stopher Gym tonight. The Colonels are coming off a one-point win over UNO to snap a five game losing streak.

Northwestern State is at Lamar, while McNeese visits Stephen F Austin. The Cowboys have announced that standout guard Roydell Brown will miss two to four weeks because of a sprained ankle.

The Phillies are reportedly close to signing former LSU ace pitcher Aaron Nola to a four-year, 45-million dollar contract extension. The 25-year-old Baton Rouge native went 17-and-6 last season with a 2.37 ERA and finished third in the National League in the Cy Young voting.

According to Tiger Rag Editor James Moran, LSU Baseball Coach Paul Mainieri will announce tomorrow who will start on the mound for the Tigers for the opening weekend. LSU hosts ULM Friday.

D-1 Baseball-dot-com reports that Louisiana Tech senior left-hander David Leal is out two months after undergoing surgery to repair a broken foot.

Calcasieu Parish Sheriffs are seeking a woman who left a newborn in a field just outside of the Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Gauthier Campus building last night at 8pm. Sherriff Tony Mancuso says surveillance footage shows a woman depositing the child outside of the facility without alerting any of the employees there.

Cut 12 (08)   “…good health”

The baby is African-American, and is in good health.

The Tigers are riding a high after last night’s historic 73-71 upset win over the 5^th team in the nation Kentucky. The team was down by nine at one point in the second half, but rallied back to be in a position to seal the game on an offensive rebound facilitated by a Skylar Mays last second drive. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor Tyler Nunez says the victory will sit in the pantheon of great LSU basketball moments.

Cut 9 (11) “to m

Guard Tremont Williams led the team with 15 points and five assists.

A dating website meet up goes south when it leads to an armed robbery in Thibodaux.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

If you’re willing to shell out two grand a guy in New Orleans will lock down a 10×10 spot for you and your crew on St. Charles for Fat Tuesday. New Orleans resident Kenneth Sampey says he posted the offer on facebook as a joke, but it pretty quickly got some real attention…

Cut 4 (12) “…serious about paying″

Calcasieu Parish Sheriffs are seeking a woman who left a newborn in a field just outside of the Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Gauthier Campus building last night at 8pm. Sherriff Tony Mancuso says the mother likely had good intentions with the decision, and they understand how heartbreaking it must have been, but you cannot leave your newborn alone and exposed when abandoning it.

Cut 14 (09)     other charges” 

Instead he asks you take it to a nearby police station, fire department, or hospital where you can legally leave it with an employee.

Thibodaux Police have arrested a man after a dating site meet up lead to an armed robbery.  25-year-old Kareem Acker of Gretna was apprehended after the victim contacted law enforcement from the meet up going south.  Police spokesperson says Clint Dempster says Acker attempted to hide the gun he used in the robbery before the cops arrived.

Cut 8 (06) “…fumbling around.”

The competition to secure a good spot for Mardi Gras parades can be intense, but one Facebook user says he’s willing to hold you a spot for a hefty sum. New Orleans resident Kenneth Sampey posted an offer to hold a 10×10 spot on St. Charles Avenue for Fat Tuesday at the low cost of only two grand. Says if he does manage to land a $2000 payday, he says his son likely already has plans for the money.

Cut 5 (03)“…something like that.”

No. 19 LSU is about to shoot up the rankings after an incredibly impressive 73-71 win over the 5^th team in the nation, the storied Kentucky Wildcats. It was a total team effort with four Tigers in double digit scoring, and ended on a dramatic tip in finish by Kavell Bigby-Williams. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor Tyler Nunez says there’s a lot of basketball left to be played this year, but a team full of freshman wining a grind-it-out contest against a historic and highly ranked opponent sends a strong signal to fans, and the rest of the NCAA.

Cut 11 (11)   “…special.”

No. 19 LSU is about to shoot up the rankings after an incredibly impressive 73-71 win over the 5^th team in the nation, the storied Kentucky Wildcats. It was a total team effort with four Tigers in double digit scoring, and ended on a dramatic tip in finish by Kavell Bigby-Williams. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor Tyler Nunez says it’s a historic win that will sit in the pantheon of great LSU basketball moments.

Cut 9 (11) “to me”

Calcasieu Parish Sheriffs are seeking a woman who left a newborn in a field just outside of the Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Gauthier Campus building last night at 8pm. Sherriff Tony Mancuso stressed that any mother who has just had a child and is considering abandoning it can leave the new born at any local police station, fire department, or hospital, and will not be asked any questions, and will not face any charges. But, you must make contact with an employee first.

Cut 13 (10) “…this happens”

Thibodaux Police have arrested a man after a dating site meet up lead to an armed robbery.  25-year-old Kareem Acker of Gretna was apprehended after the victim contacted law enforcement from the meet up going south.  Police spokesperson says Clint Dempster says Acker claims the victim gave him the money prior to Acker discovering the gender identity of the victim.

Cut 7 (11) “…he became stuck.”

The competition to secure a good spot for Mardi Gras parades can be intense, but one Facebook user says he’s willing to ease that burden… for a price.  New Orleans resident Kenneth Sampey posted an offer to hold a 10×10 spot on St. Charles Avenue for Fat Tuesday.  The fee for the service?  Two grand.  Sampey says he made the post out of jest, not expecting it to get the attention that it did.

Cut 3 (12) “…for the price.”

A baby was found in a grassy field just outside of a Lake Charles hospital, and Sherriff Tony Mancuso says the mother could have avoided charges for abandonment if she’d followed the “Safe Haven” law. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

No. 19 LSU is about to shoot up the rankings after an incredibly impressive 73-71 win over the 5^th team in the nation, the storied Kentucky Wildcats.

For their next game, LSU takes on Georgia Saturday at 5pm in Athens.

Thibodaux Police have arrested a man after a dating site meet up lead to an armed robbery.  25-year-old Kareem Acker of Gretna was apprehended after the victim contacted law enforcement from the meet up going south.  Police spokesperson says Clint Dempster says Acker found himself in a position where he couldn’t flee the scene.

Cut 6 (06) “…where he was.”
Dempster says Acker claims the victim gave him the money prior to Acker discovering the gender identity of the victim.

The competition to secure a good spot for Mardi Gras parades can be intense, but one Facebook user says he’s willing to ease that burden… for a price.  New Orleans resident Kenneth Sampey posted an offer to hold a 10×10 spot on St. Charles Avenue for Fat Tuesday.  The fee for the service?  Two grand.  Sampey says he has seen many responses to the post.

Cut 4 (12) “…serious about paying″

A dating website meet up goes south when it leads to an armed robbery in Thibodaux.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

____________________________

A baby was found in a grassy field just outside of a Lake Charles hospital, and Sherriff Tony Mancuso says the mother could have avoided charges for abandonment if she’d followed the “Safe Haven” law. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________________________

The competition to secure a good spot for Mardi Gras parades can be intense, but one Facebook user says he’s willing to ease that burden… for a price.  New Orleans resident Kenneth Sampey posted an offer to hold a 10×10 spot on St. Charles Avenue for Fat Tuesday.  The fee for the service?  Two grand.  Sampey says he made the post out of jest, not expecting it to get the attention that it did.

Cut 3 (12) “…for the price.”

Sampey says he has seen many responses to the post.

Cut 4 (12) “…serious about paying″

Sampey says if he does manage to land a $2000 payday, he says his son likely already has plans for the money.

Cut 5 (03)“…something like that.”

_________________________________________________

Thibodaux Police have arrested a man after a dating site meet up lead to an armed robbery.  25-year-old Kareem Acker of Gretna was apprehended after the victim contacted law enforcement from the meet up going south.  Police spokesperson says Clint Dempster says Acker found himself in a position where he couldn’t flee the scene.

Cut 6 (06) “…where he was.”

Dempster says Acker claims the victim gave him the money prior to Acker discovering the gender identity of the victim.

Cut 7 (11) “…he became stuck.”

Dempster says Acker ended up stuck in the mud when trying to exit the vehicle, then tried to remove a weapon and stomp it into the mud in an effort to hide it from authorities.

Cut 8 (06) “…fumbling around.”

_______________________

No. 19 LSU is about to shoot up the rankings after an incredibly impressive 73-71 win over the 5^th team in the nation, the storied Kentucky Wildcats. It was a total team effort with four Tigers in double digit scoring, and ended on a dramatic tip in finish by Kavell Bigby-Williams. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor Tyler Nunez says it’s a historic win that will sit in the pantheon of great LSU basketball moments.

Cut 9 (11) “to me”

Guard Tremont Williams led the team with 15 points and five assists.

The team was down by nine at one point in the second half, but rallied back to be in a position to seal the game on an offensive rebound facilitated by a Skylar Mays last second drive. The win puts them one game back in the SEC, and Nunez says you’ll almost certainly be seeing this team in March.

Cut 10 (09)“…contender now”

Number one Tennessee sits atop the SEC, riding an 18 game win streak.

Nunez says there’s a lot of basketball left to be played this year, but a team full of freshman wining a grind-it-out contest against a historic and highly ranked opponent sends a strong signal to fans, and the rest of the NCAA.

Cut 11 (11)   “…special.”

For their next game, LSU takes on Georgia Saturday at 5pm in Athens.

_______________________________

Calcasieu Parish Sheriffs are seeking a woman who left a newborn in a field just outside of the Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Gauthier Campus building last night at 8pm. Sherriff Tony Mancuso says surveillance footage shows a woman depositing the child outside of the facility without alerting any of the employees there.

Cut 12 (08)   “…good health”

The baby is African-American, and is in good health.

Mancuso stressed that any mother who has just had a child and is considering abandoning it can leave the new born at any local police station, fire department, or hospital, and will not be asked any questions, and will not face any charges. But, you must make contact with an employee first.

Cut 13 (10) “…this happens”

The “Safe Haven Law” applies up to sixty days after birth.

Mancuso says the mother likely had good intentions with the decision, and they understand how heartbreaking the decision must have been, but you cannot leave your newborn alone and exposed when abandoning it.

Cut 14 (09)     other charges”