The Commissioner of Higher Education Joe Rallo is concerned about the possible lack of funding for the TOPS program. Governor Edwards will present his budget proposal on Monday, which was delayed due to this week’s weather. Rallo says if TOPS doesn’t get funding, it could affect Louisiana’s job market…:
Cut 7 (09) “those graduates”
Governor Edwards says he plans to present to budget scenarios to lawmakers, one with his spending ideas, and another which includes the cuts including to TOPS.

Roads were shuttered and pipes shattered as Louisiana suffered record lows this week. Many Louisianans woke up to the sound of running water and nasty surprises across their property. Pipes “R” Us owner Danny Griffin says there’s a good way to avoid the hassle going forward…:
Cut 9 (10) “out tremendously”

Vermilion Parish School Board President Anthony Fontana, who was surrounded by controversy after a teacher was arrested at a meeting, says he will resign. He said in a letter to a local paper that his final goal was to get the superintendent a contract, and that happened so he’s out. It was that contract the teacher, Deyshia Hargrave, was questioning.

Frank Selas, known as Mr. Wonder on a Monroe children’s television show in the 1970s, accepted a plea deal in Rapides Parish…:
Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray”

Commissioner of Higher Education Joe Rallo is worried about possible cuts to the TOPS program…:
cut 2 (32) “I’m Kelley Ray”

The icy conditions caused hundreds of residents in Southeast Louisiana’s pipes to burst. Pipes “R” Us owner Danny Griffin is asking for patience as calls flood in asking for repairs…:
Cut 10 (06) “phone calls”

The Louisiana Public Service Commission wants to know why utility customers were asked to reduce energy consumption for a time Thursday morning over concerns the grids may not be able to handle the high demand. PSC Chairman Eric Skrmetta says there is no reason that should ever happen and it’s the PSC’s job to make sure that power is always there for consumers to use..:
CUT 4 (09) “an issue”
Skrmetta says they need to get to the bottom of why the Midcontinent Independent System Operator felt the action of asking people to conserve needed to be taken.

The Commissioner of Higher Education Joe Rallo is concerned about the possible lack of funding for the TOPS program. Governor Edwards will present his budget proposal on Monday. Rallo says if funding for TOPS is eliminated, it’ll be devastating for students:
Cut 6 (13) “to school”
Governor Edwards says the budget which includes the lack of funding for TOPS is not one he wants to present if lawmakers can’t come to an agreement on ways to deal with the budget deficit.

Testimony is underway in the trial of Ronald Gasser; the man accused of shooting and killing former NFL player Joe McKnight in an apparent road rage incident. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the defense will likely claim McKnight tried to enter Gasser’s car in a road rage incident:
Cut 4 (08) “will apply”
That permits use of force in defense of your home or car.

This afternoon Governor John Bel Edwards will speak at the Joint Louisiana Council of Chapters and Greater Baton Rouge Area Military Officers Association of America Luncheon. In a release, the governor says a new economic study finds the military plays a significant role as an employer in Louisiana, accounting for $7.7 billion dollars in annual economic output.

The Louisiana Public Service Commission wants to know why utility customers were asked to reduce energy consumption for a time Thursday morning over concerns the grids may not be able to handle the high demand. PSC Chairman Eric Skrmetta says there are always adequate resources available…:
CUT 3 (08) “to happen”
He says there is no reason the state of Louisiana should ever run short on electricity and the PSC plans to get to the bottom of what happened.

LSU nose tackle Greg Gilmore has been added to the roster for the Senior Bowl. Gilmore led the Tigers with 7.5 sacks last season. He joins receiver DJ Chark, running back Darrell Williams and defensive lineman Christian LaCourture who will play in the Senior Bowl on January 27th in Mobile.

There are two all-star games tomorrow. The N-F-L-P-A Collegiate Bowl on F-S-1 at 3 PM. Former Tigers Russell Gage and Frank Heron will play in that game. There’s also the East-West Shrine Game tomorrow. Lousiaina Tech safety Secdrick Cooper and U-L Lafayette’s Tracy Walker will play in that game.

In college basketball last night, the Ragin Cajuns rallied from a 12-point halftime deficit to beat U-T Arlington 77-65. Frank Bartley had 26 ponts as U-L Lafayette is now 6-0 in the Sun Belt. ULM fell to 1-5 in the Sun Belt after losing to Texas State 55-52. And Louisiana Tech defeated North Texas 66-65.

Former LSU Tiger Leonard Fournette will look to lead Jacksonville to its first ever Super Bowl appearance as they face the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game. Fournette scored three touchdowns last Sunday in the upset win over Pittsburgh and knows the Pats defense will focus on him….
cut 16 (15) “…of plays”
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady did not practice yesterday, because of a hand injury. Kick-off is at 2 PM.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper has released his first mock draft and he does have not any LSU Tigers selected in the first round. But there are many who expect Arden Key and Derius Guice will be selected in the first round.

The Pelicans Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins have been selected as starters for next month’s NBA All Star game. It’s the first time the franchise will have two new starters. New Orleans is back home Monday night to host the Memphis Grizzlies.

Frank Selas, known as Mr. Wonder on a Monroe children’s TV show in the 1970s, accepts a plea deal, where he’ll serve five years for sexually assaulting a child during a camping trip in 1979.  Selas’ attorney Mike Small calls the plea deal a “no-brainer.  Legal analyst Tim Meche says people may be upset about the lenient sentence, but this agreement benefits the people directly involved…

Cut 11 (09) “they wanted.”

Jury selection in the second-degree murder trial involving Joe McKnight’s shooter should conclude today. The former NFL running back was shot by Ronald Gasser in December 2016.  The prosecution is expected to argue Gasser incited the shooting. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says, Gaser won’t be able to claim can’t claim self-defense then…

Cut 5  (10)  “defensive force.”

A legislative task force is pushing for a loosening of existing casino regulations. Jeff Palermo talked to Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A state judge will hear a dispute between Governor Edwards and Attorney General Jeff Landry over which party should control the state’s lawsuit against opioid manufacturers.  Edwards’ administration filed a lawsuit in September against more than a dozen drug companies.  Landry filed a request to stop the suit since it didn’t include how it impacts other agencies.  Landry says his office can supersede the state health department.

A legislative task force recommends Louisiana loosen its restrictions on the gaming industry. Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns says rules that only allow a certain square footage of gaming space are out of date considering how much bigger slot machines are now…:
Cut 8 (09) “particular license”
The proposals will go before legislators during the upcoming session.

There are still some cold-weather issues lingering today; particularly in Southeast Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards says some water systems are dealing with low pressure from busted pipes, and with temperatures going below freezing last night, some roads stayed slick..:
Cut 13 (09) “being open”
Temperatures today will return to the 50s.

Jury selection should conclude today in the fatal shooting of former NFL and John Curtis running back Joe McKnight. Matt Doyle reports…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Frank Selas, aka the Monroe kids TV host Mr. Wonder, accepts a plea deal to serve five years for sexually assaulting a child in the 70s. Legal analyst Tim Meche says evidence in a decades old case would have been hard to find:
Cut 12 (08) “attorney’s opinion.”

Jury selection in the second-degree murder trial involving Joe McKnight’s shooter should conclude today. The former NFL and John Curtis running back was shot by Ronald Gasser on a roadside in Jefferson Parish in December of 2016. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says a possible legal defense for Gasser would be invoking stand your ground…:
Cut 6 (12) “his ground”
He says the prosecution will argue the incident was incited by Gasser.

A legislative task force recommends moving riverboat casinos onto dry land, and Republican State Senator Ronnie Johns of Lake Charles said he would draft bills based on the suggestions. But he says the loosening of restrictions doesn’t mean Louisiana will get more casinos…:
Cut 9 (10) “any of that”

The Louis Armstrong International Airport is dealing with water pressure issues in the wake of this week’s freeze and busted pipes. Director of Aviation Kevin Dolliole says the toilets can not be flushed…:
Cut 15 (12) “lobby area”

Frank Selas, aka Mr. Wonder on a Monroe kids TV show in the 70s, accepted a plea deal in Rapides Parish for sexually assaulting a child.
Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray”

A legislative task force is pushing for a loosening of casino regulations. Jeff Palermo spoke with Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns about it..:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

There are a few cold weather-related incidents lingering today, especially in Southeast Louisiana. Most of the state’s interstate systems have re-opened, but DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson warns motorists that some spots may have iced back over last night…:
Cut 14 (10) “other closures”

Another issue still left behind by this week’s arctic blast is water pressure. In New Orleans, some hotels are working to accommodate guests as water pressure dropped so low that toilets and showers stopped working. Many restaurants decided to stay closed as water was only trickling from faucets. Most of the region is under a boil-water advisory due to the low pressure. LSU reports having similar issues, and so is the airport in New Orleans.

Frank Selas, known as Mr. Wonder on a Monroe children’s TV show in the 1970s, accepts a plea deal, where he’ll serve five years for sexually assaulting a child during a camping trip in 1979. Selas gets two years credited for time served and will not register as a sex offender since the registry didn’t exist when the crime was committed. Legal analyst Tim Meche says this is how a plea agreement works…:
Cut 10 (11) “for everybody”

Things seem to finally be getting closer to normal today after an icy week of road, school and office closures. But there are still some cold-weather issues; particularly in Southeast Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards says some water systems are dealing with low pressure from busted pipes, and with temperatures going below freezing last night, some roads stayed slick..:
Cut 13 (09) “being open”
Temperatures today will return to the 50s today.

A legislative task force recommends Louisiana loosen its restrictions on the gaming industry. Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns says one of the proposals involves allowing riverboat casinos some inland real estate…:
Cut 7 (08) “existing facility”
The proposals will go before lawmakers during the upcoming legislative session.

Jury selection in the second-degree murder trial involving former NFL player Joe McKnight’s shooter should conclude today. The John Curtis running back was killed by Ronald Gasser on a roadside in Jefferson Parish in December of 2016. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the defense will likely claim McKnight tried to enter Gasser’s car in a road rage incident:
Cut 4 (08) “will apply”
The castle doctrine permits use of force when in defense of your home, or as in Louisiana, your car.

Jury selection should conclude today in the fatal shooting of former NFL and John Curtis running back Joe McKnight. Matt Doyle spoke to a legal analyst about the trial…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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A legislative task force is pushing for a loosening of existing casino regulations. Matt Doyle talked to Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns about the proposals…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Frank Selas, known as Mr. Wonder on a Monroe children’s television show in the 1970s, accepted a plea deal in Rapides Parish for sexually assaulting a child.  Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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Jury selection in the second-degree murder trial involving Joe McKnight’s shooter should conclude today. The former NFL and John Curtis running back was shot by Ronald Gasser on a roadside in Jefferson Parish in December of 2016. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the defense will likely claim McKnight tried to enter Gasser’s car after a road rage incident…

Cut 4  (08) “will apply” 

The castle doctrine permits use of force when in defense of your home, or as in Louisiana, your car.

The prosecution will argue the incident was incited by Gasser. Ciolino says if this is the case, Gasser won’t be eligible to claim self-defense…

Cut 5  (10)  “defensive force.”

Another possible legal defense for Gasser would be invoking stand your ground. Ciolino says…

Cut 6 (12)  “his ground”

Gasser was involved in another aggressive incident at the same intersection a decade ago.

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A legislative task force recommends Louisiana loosen its restrictions on the gaming industry. The task force put forward two recommendations to make bayou gaming more nationally competitive. Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns says one of those proposals involves allowing riverboat casinos some inland real estate…

Cut 7 (08)  “existing facility.”

Existing regulations only allow a certain square footage of “gaming space”, and Johns says this requirement is antiquated considering the size of new slot machines…

Cut 8 (09) “particular license.”

Johns says if the proposals are adopted, you shouldn’t expect to see an increase in the number of Louisiana casinos…

Cut 9 (10)  “any of that”

These proposals will go before legislators during the upcoming legislative session.

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Frank Selas, known as Mr. Wonder on a Monroe children’s TV show in the 1970s, accepts a plea deal, where he’ll serve five years for sexually assaulting a child during a camping trip in 1979.  Selas gets two years credited for time served and will not register as a sex offender since the sex offender registry didn’t exist when the crime was committed. Legal analyst Tim Meche says this is how a plea agreement works…

Cut 10 (11) “for everybody.”

Selas’ attorney Mike Small calls the plea deal a “no-brainer.” And the “outcome in this case is the result of countless hours and meetings…all of whom were intimately familiar with the…case.”  Meche says people may be upset about the sentence, but this agreement benefits the people directly involved…

Cut 11 (09) “they wanted.”

The Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office said in a statement it is “in the best interest of the victim and his family to bring the matter to a conclusion…that would avoid putting the victim and his family through a public trial.”  Meche says evidence in a decades old case would have been hard to find…

Cut 12 (08) “attorney’s opinion.”

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Temperatures will return to the 50s today, but cold weather-related issues remain, especially in southeast Louisiana where many communities are dealing with low water pressure. The record breaking cold busted pipes and forced many to run their faucets to fight the freeze. Governor John Bel Edwards says water systems need a couple more days to catch up

Cut 13 (09)  “being open”

Most of the state’s interstate system has re-opened thanks to warmer temperatures and work done by the state department of transportation. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson warns motorists there may have been some re-freezing of ice on the roadways over night

Cut 14 (10) “other closures”

Low water pressure is impacting travelers at Louis Armstrong International Airport in Kenner. Director of Aviation Kevin Dolliole says the toilets in the concourses can not be flushed.

Cut 15 (12) “lobby area”

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The Saints are not playing this weekend, but there’s still some bayou boys to pull for in this weekend’s NFL conference championships. In the AFC, Jacksonville takes on New England, former Tiger and now Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette says after his huge game against Pittsburgh, he knows he’s the focus for Bill Belichik’s defense…

Cut 16 (15)  “of plays”

Last week Fournette was spotted rocking his LSU shoulder pads under his Jacksonville jersey. He says the old pads are just too comfy to put away…

Cut 17 (15) “LSU fans.”

In the NFC, Doug Pederson’s Eagles take on the Vikings. Pederson, a former ULM quarterback and high school coach at Calvary Baptist in Shreveport, lead his team to the top seed in the NFC. He says his reputation as a player’s coach comes down to his authenticity…

Cut 18 (15) “Doug Pederson”

Pederson lost MVP caliber quarterback Carson Wentz to a season-ending injury a month ago, and since then his offense has struggled. Backup Nick Foles has led the offense since, and Pederson says he’s optimistic about his chances…

Cut 19 (12)  “in him” 

That game kicks off Sunday at 5:30

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