A report shows Louisianans do not use a quarter of their vacation days that they earn every year, and the Lt. Governor says he has a fix for that…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Congressman Clay Higgins has been appointed as the Republican Ranking member of the Subcommittee on Border Security, Facilitation, and Operation.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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The Raising Canes River Center in Baton Rouge is playing host to 1400 educators today.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

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A report shows Louisianans are leaving 8.9 million vacation days a year on the table, 27^th most in the nation. Of the 17 days a year Louisianans do take, only eight of them were for travel, so Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says now’s a great time to start planning your “Staycations” for the year. To start, he recommends the criminally overlooked beauty of a bayou southwest of New Orleans.

Cut 4 (08) “state park”

the report, which studied trends in 2017, notes nationwide, 705 million vacation days go unused.

Once you wrap up your trip to Bayou Segnette, The Lt. Governor recommends driving west to Lake Charles, staying at one of the new resorts, and then driving just north for one of the most haunted destinations in the state.

Cut 5 (12) “…of ghosts.”

After you get your scares, Nungesser recommends loading the family in the car and visiting central and north Louisiana, which is becoming a hotbed of WW2 era historical must-sees. With one weekend trip to Alexandria and then Monroe, you can cover both theaters of the war.

Cut 6 (13) “…to fly”

The report notes people who plan their vacations ahead of time were more likely to utilize all of their vacation days than those who don’t.

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Congressman Clay Higgins has been named the top Republican of the Subcommittee of Border Security, Facilitation, and Operations, which is responsible for all aspects of security ops along land, air, and maritime borders.   It’s an appointment that Higgins says he doesn’t take lightly.

Cut 7 (10) “…our southern border.”

Higgins says although he expects the subcommittee to be one of the more contentious in the 116^th Congress, he expects his role to be one to unify the both sides of the border security debate.

Cut 8 (07) “…as a country.”

Higgins says he’s in favor of the border wall, and feels optimistic an agreement will be reached funding the structure prior to another shutdown that could take place next month.

Cut 9 (12) “…my home.″

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The Louisiana Department of Education is hosting the 2019 Behavioral Intervention Summit today at the Raising Cane’s River Center in Baton Rouge.  Chief of Staff of the Office of Student Opportunities at LDOE Lisa French says about 1400 educators and national experts will convene in a day full of focus on equipping educators with the tools and resources needed to work with the behavior issues of students.

Cut 10 (09) “emotional skills.”

French says the summit is a first in the state and comes as a response to behavioral issues faced in the classroom, in an effort to identify the best implementation of appropriate interventions.

Cut 11 (12) “…in this space.”

French says the goal is to see the behavioral needs being met with students remaining in the classroom instead of going to alternative schools or being suspended and sent home.

Cut 12 (10) “…their behavior.”

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A state commission is advancing a legislative plan to dramatically increase the amount of support for early childhood education. The preliminary funding plan, called LA B to 3, aims to clear the 22,000 children on the wait list for early childhood education financial support, and provide support to 114,000 children three and under. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says it’s a crucial first step.

Cut 13 (11) “…from that.”

The commission was created during the last legislative session.

Much of Louisiana’s early childhood education funding comes from the feds, but Mizell says this time the large increase in funds necessary to get this program going will have to come locally.

Cut 14 (10) “an example”

The commission reports less than a third of three-year-olds can accesses quality childcare in Louisiana.

But it’s not the only expensive education priority this session, with a teacher pay raise also on deck for intense discussions. The report notes every one dollar invested in early education yields $7.30 in return, and the expansion can large pay for itself unlike other programs.

Cut 15 (11) “…investment.”

173,000 children three and under are in need of early childhood education.

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19th ranked LSU looks to extend its winning streak to 10 games tonight when they visit Texas A-and-M. The Tigers are coming off a remarkable victory, where they rallied from 14 points down late in the second half to beat Missouri on their home floor. LSU guard Tremont Waters says that win shows a lot about their team…

Cut 16 (13) “…the end″

It looked like LSU would suffer its first SEC loss on Saturday in Missouri, but Skylar Mays got hot, scoring nine consecutive points to start the rally. Mays says it was a great win, but they can’t forget why they were down by double digits…

 cut 17 (16)   “against A-and-M” 

The Aggies are 1-5 in the SEC, with their only win coming against Alabama with a buzzer beating three-pointer. But Mays says they can’t overlook A-and-M…

Cut 18 (17)  this league” 

Authorities say they have obtained a confession from 21-year-old Dakota Theriot, the south Louisiana man accused of killing his parents in Ascension Parish and then three others in Livingston Parish during Saturday shooting spree. Theriot was arrested Sunday morning in Virginia in the driveway of his grandmother’s home. He’s currently in the Richmond County, Virginia jail and an extradition hearing is set for Friday morning. Theriot faces five counts of first-degree murder when he returns to Louisiana. Webre says the suspected killer is eligible for the death penalty if convicted…

Cut 11 (10) “opposed to that”

The NBA has slapped a $50,000 fine on Pelican’s forward Anthony Davis following his agent’s public disclosure of his trade request.  The NBA’s collective bargaining agreement prohibits such disclosures, citing the comments made by agent Rich Paul to ESPN as “an intentional effort to undermine the contractual relationship between Davis and the Pelicans.”

Freezing temps will be blanketing a chunk of the state as far south as the I-10 corridor.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says tomorrow will be the most brutal of the cold temps, especially for the northern portions of the state.

Cut 12 (06)   “…points northward.”

Keim says now is the time protect people, plants, pets and pipes.

It’s been four years since the legislature approved legislation to allow Louisiana patients who suffer from certain diseases have access to medical marijuana, but you still can’t get it. Some families are frustrated that the process has been delayed once again, this time with a treatment availability estimated at early summer. Katie Corkern is a mother of a child who suffers from epilepsy and believes medical marijuana could be used to replace some of her child’s current medications, medications that have severe side effects. She says every month the state delays, is another month her child has to suffer.

Cut 8 (11) “to half”

21-year-old Dakota Theriot has allegedly confessed to killing five people during a shooting spree in Livingston and Ascension Parishes. Jeff Palermo has the story…

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A judge has denied bail for LSU receiver Drake Davis after his most recent arrest for violating a protective order. Authorities claim Davis contacted his ex-girlfriend, whose ribs he is accused of breaking after an assault that led to his August arrest. After those charges he was placed on under house arrest, and ordered to not make contact with the victim.

It’s been four years since the legislature approved legislation to allow Louisiana patients who suffer from certain diseases have access to medical marijuana, but you still can’t get it. Some families are frustrated that the process has been delayed once again, this time with a treatment availability estimated at early summer. Katie Corkern is a mother of a child who suffers from epilepsy.

Cut 6 (10) “…intentions”

LSU and Southern are the two universities who have put in charge with the production of medical marijuana. GB Sciences has partnered with LSU.

Freezing temps will be blanketing a chunk of the state as far south as the I-10 corridor.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says tomorrow will be the most brutal of the cold temps, one of the coldest points of the winter so far for the state as Louisiana has only had a couple of other arctic outbreaks to rival this one.

Cut 13 (09) “…this winter.”

Authorities say 21-year-old Dakota Theriot has confessed to killing his parents in Gonzales and three others in Livingston Parish. But Ascension Sheriff Bobby Webre says they are not sure what sparked Theriot to go on his killing rampage on Saturday….
cut 10 (06) “….motive exactly”
Theriot is in a jail cell in Virginia and is awaiting extradition back to Louisiana. He faces five counts of first-degree murder.

Families who have loved ones who could use medical marijuana to treat their disease are growing more frustrated over the delays to have the product available in Louisiana. It’s now expected to be available in the summer. Katie Corkern has a child that suffers from epilepsy and says every month the state delays, another month her child has to suffer..
cut 8 (11) “…to half”
The state department of ag says the testing process has taken longer than expected.

New research shows people who sleep less than six hours a night might be at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The study indicates there’s an association between the lack of quality sleep and more plaque buildup in the arteries throughout the body. Chief of Cardiology at LSU Health New Orleans, Doctor Frank Smart, says getting enough sleep as well as quality sleep are important factors, he adds that it’s import to exercise and not be sedentary while awake.
Cut 4 (08) “…of blocked arteries.″

Freezing temps will blanket a chunk of the state as far south as the I-10 corridor tomorrow morning. State Climatologist Barry Keim says
Cut 12 (06) “…points northward.”
Keim says we are looking at one of the coldest mornings of the season tomorrow, but we’ll start warm up after that and we’ll 70s again this weekend.

Authorites say 21-year-old Dakota Theriot has confessed to investigators that he killed his parents in Gonzales and also fatally shot three people in a trailer outside of Walker. Ascension Sheriff Bobby Webre says the suspected killer is facing five-counts of first-degree murder and would be eligible for the death penalty if convicted…
cut 11 (10) “…opposed to that”
Theriot, who is in a jail cell in Virginia, has a extradition hearing on Friday.

Families waiting on Louisiana to make medical marijuana available for those patients who suffer from certain diseases are growing more frustrated with the delays in making the produc available. Katie Corkern has a child who suffers from epilepsy and says the delays are suspicious…
cut 7 (11) “…concern”
The new timeline provided by the LSU Ag Center is this summer.

There are two different studies that show not getting enough sleep and getting too much sleep are associated with blockages of the arteries. Chief of Cardiologgy at LSU Health New Orleans, Doctor Frank Smart, says in one subgroup of women who got over eight hours of sleep, it showed there was an increase in plaque buildup…
cut 5 (11) “…effect relationship”
Smart says based on the studies, getting between seven to eight hours of sleep, can help keep your heart healthy.

When you wake up tomorrow, the low temperature will likely be below the freezing mark, especially for areas north of I-10 and I-12. State Climatologist Barry Keim says before you go to bed tonight, make sure people, plants, pets and pipes are protected…
cut 14 (11) “…Wednesday morning”
Keim says the good news, we’ll start to see a warm-up on Thursday.

Authorities say they have obtained a confession from 21-year-old Dakota Theriot, the south Louisiana man accused of killing his parents in Ascension Parish and then three others in Livingston Parish during Saturday shooting spree. Livingston Sheriff Jason Ard spoke at  a noon press conference

Cut 9 (11) “from his father″

Ard says a motive on why Theriot went on the killing spree remains unclear.

It’s been four years since legislation was finalized that would allow Louisiana patients who suffer from certain diseases accesses to medical marijuana, but you still can’t get it. Some families are frustrated that the process has been delayed once again, this time with a treatment availability estimated at early summer. Katie Corkern is a mother of a child who suffers from seizures.

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A new study shows a connection between poor sleep and plaque buildup in the arteries.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology has discovered an association between poor sleep and plaque buildup in arteries throughout the body, which can cause issues such as strokes and heart attacks.  Chief of Cardiology at LSU Health New Orleans Dr. Frank Smart says he’s hesitant to say the blockages are a result of the poor sleep.

Cut 3 (06) “…cause and effect.”

Smart says in the study, in one subgroup of women who got over 8 hours of sleep, it showed there was an increase in plaque buildup.

And that’s not the only news coming out of the venerable institution.  A patient who underwent hyperbaric oxygen therapy at LSU Health New Orleans showed a big improvement in their mental and physical faculties. Director of Hyperbaric Medicine Dr. Paul Harch.

Cut 6 (11) “…Alzheimer’s”

The vote by LHSAA principals to hold private school state championship games at a separate venue from the public schools creates another dilemna for the leadership of high school athletics.

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LSU Football ticket prices are going up in most coveted seats, but down in the less ought after areas of the stadium. LSU ticket manager Brian Broussard.

Cut 13 (11) “…are not increasing.”

Alzheimer sufferers potentially have some great news out of LSU Health New Orleans: A patient who underwent hyperbaric oxygen therapy showed a big improvement in their mental and physical faculties. Director of Hyperbaric Medicine Dr. Paul Harch says the patient reported increased quality of life, and a brain scan showed an in brain metabolism after undergoing the restorative therapy.

Cut 4 (08) “genes”

Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in America.

LSU announces season ticket prices for high demand seats in Tiger Stadium will go up four to 12-percent, but some seats will see a decrease of 16-percent in the cost of a ticket. LSU ticket manager Brian Broussard says they expect the pricing structure change to see an increase in revenue at the box office.

Cut 15 (10) “…a little better..”

LHSAA principals voted to give select schools the authority to choose where championship games will be held in the sports of football, basketball, baseball and softball, but the organization will still have to approve any site selection before private schools can host their final games. LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine.

Cut 11 (12) “…for approval.”

Teurlings Catholic principal Mike Boyer envisions title games played on college campuses or on school campuses of the higher seed.

An Alexandria man is under arrest on several charges for allegedly firing a gun inside of his house, and striking a five year old girl. When police arrived initially, they say Joshua Vercher told them the shot came from outside of the house, but further investigation indicated that was not the case.

Authorities are set to hold a press conference addressing Dakota Theriot, who allegedly murdered five people in two parishes at noon.

A federal judge in New Orleans needs to hear more before she rules on a lawsuit filed by two Saints ticket holders over the NFL’s miss pass interference call in the NFC Championship game. The suit calls for Roger Goodell to invoke Rule 17, which gives the commissioner to order a part of the game to be replayed replayed. But the NFL says on the field calls by the referees are final.

An LSU Health New Orleans doctor says he’s seen a notable, and measurable increase in quality of life for an Alzheimer’s patient….
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Temperatures are in the 30s for most of the state and wind chills are in the 20s as a result of an artic blast that’s reached the Gulf Coast. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we could several hours of below freezing temperatures over night and into tomorrow morning…
cut 9 (09) “…some time”
Keim says we’ll see a warm up begin on Thursday.

Tickets in Tiger Stadium for higher demand sections will see a four to 12-percent increase for the 2019 season, but LSU ticket manager Brian Broussard says about 24-thousand tickets will see no change and others will see a double digit decline in price…
cut 14 (09) “…of the stadium”
While reducing prices in some areas may reduce income, LSU athletic officials believe the reductions will generate an increase in sales to offset the reduction of prices.

The LSU Ag Center and GB Sciences, a company picked to grow medical marijuana in Louisiana, say the product should be ready for distribution this summer. Patients and parents waiting on the drug for their children expressed their frustration over the length of time it’s taking during a meeting at the department of Ag. The agency says they are trying to complete the testing process as fast as possible.

LSU Health New Orleans Director of Hyperbaric Medicine Doctor Paul Harch says they’ve seen an improvement in brain metabolism with an Alzheimer’s patient that’s undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Harch says the patient undergoes 40 sessions at 50 minutes…
cut 5 (12) “…of time”
After 40 treatments, the patient reported increased memory and concentration and had more good days than bad days. Harch cautions this was not a formal study, so more research is needed.

Now that private schools can hold state championship games at sites separate from public schools, it’s up to LHSAA leadership to make it work. The significant change goes into effect for the 2019-20 athletic season. LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine says the details have to be worked out…
Cut 10 (07) “with this”
LHSAA principals voted to give select schools the authority to choose where championship games will be held in the sports of football, basketball, baseball and softball.

Some season ticket prices are going up in Tiger Stadium, while others are going down. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”