Jurors are hearing arguments this morning for the trial of the Marksvile City Marshal charged with murder in the shooting death of a 6-year-old autistic boy. 33-year-old Derrick Stafford is one of two law enforcement officers charged in the November 2015 incident. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says this will be an emotional trial…:
Cut 8 (09) “circumstances”
It took five days for 12 jurors and two alternates to be selected. Stafford and Norris Greenhouse Jr each face charges of murder and attempted murder.

The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s deputy who was killed in the line of duty has been identified as 43-year-old Sgt. Shawn Anderson. According to authorities, Anderson was conducting a rape investigation with another deputy at a barber shop when they encountered a suspect and shots were fired leading to the eventual death of Anderson and injuring of the suspect. Cops say the as-yet unidentified suspect was in critical condition. State Police is handling the investigation.

The state is taking new bids from companies that want to oversee the homeowner assistance program for flood victims. Halen Doughty has more:
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana expands their KIDLINE services to 24 hours a day. PCA Louisiana Executive Director Amanda Brunson says 1-800-CHILDREN offers confidential emotional support, information on child development, and positive discipline tips…:
Cut 5 (09) “and resources”

The case of one of two Marksville City Marshal’s accused in the death of 6-year-old Jeremy Mardis begins opening arguments today. Derrick Stafford faces murder and attempted murder charges. The defense is expected to argue there was another shooter involved, possibly with testimony from experts and video simulation. Legal analyst Bryan Jeansonne says how it’s presented will make a difference…:
Cut 9 (08) “lose interest”
Former Deputy marshal Norris Greenhouse Junior is slated to be tried on the incident in June.

State Police say the injured suspect involved in the shooting that claimed the life of an East Baton Rouge deputy will likely be identified later this morning. Authorities say 43-year-old Sgt. Shawn Anderson was killed in the line of duty while conducting a rape investigating at a barber shop in Baton rouge late Friday night. They say the suspect was also shot in the incident and in critical condition.

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office says a 19-year-old was fatally shot in an argument with another man over a woman. The suspect who is also 19, Jake Mills, is charged with second degree murder in the death of Vincent Cuccia.

Governor Edwards hopes to revamp the Louisiana tax system in the upcoming legislative session. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 3 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Troopers are heading up an investigation into an officer-involved shooting at the Isle of Capri Casino parking lot in Westlake. KPLC reports witnesses indicated a suspect had a knife when an officer fired striking the suspect in the leg. The cop wasn’t harmed.

Opening arguments are scheduled to begin today in the murder trial of a law enforcement officer accused of fatally shooting a six-year-old boy. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Deputy who was shot and killed in the line of duty at a barber shop Friday was conducting a rape investigation, according to officials. They only say that 43-year-old Sgt. Shawn Anderson was struggling with the suspect with another deputy when shots were fired. Anderson succumbed to his injuries at a hospital. And the suspect was also injured and is being treated. State Police is investigating.

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says it’s disappointing the state is reopening the bidding process to find a company to oversee the homeowner assistance program for flood victims. He says Congress approved one-point-six billion dollars last year, and this is just another delay…:
Cut 12 (09) “out the door”
But the governor’s office says they weren’t pleased with the initial offers, and the second round of bidding will be expedited.

Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana expands their KIDLINE services to 24 hours a day. The hotline services parents, victims of child abuse, and others who need a listening ear. PCA Louisiana Executive Director Amanda Brunson says a grant from the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement provided dollars to have counselors available around the clock…:
Cut 4 (09) “chat online”
The 24 hour hotline is 1-800-CHILDREN.

The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s deputy who was killed in the line of duty has been identified as 43-year-old Sgt. Shawn Anderson. According to authorities, Anderson was conducting an investigation with another deputy at a barber shop when they encountered a suspect and shots were fired leading to the eventual death of Anderson and injuring of the suspect. State Police is handling the investigation.

The Office of Community Development is seeking new offers from companies that want to oversee the homeowner assistance program for flood victims. The Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Julie Baxter Payer says they’re reopening the bidding process because they weren’t pleased with the initial offers…:
Cut 10 (09) “best cost”
But Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves feels this is just slowing down the process when Congress approved 1.6 billion dollars last year and the money still isn’t in the hands of those who need it.

Opening arguments in the Derrick Stafford trial are set for 9 a.m. in Marksville. The former deputy marshal faces murder and attempted murder charges after he and another officer allegedly shot at a vehicle killing a 6-year-old boy and injuring his father. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the main issue is whether the shooting was justified..:
Cut 7 (05) “deadly force”
The shooting happened in November of 2015.

Governor John Bel Edwards is seeking to give the Louisiana tax system a facelift during the upcoming legislative session. But Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh is skeptical of the plan he feels could propose higher taxes…:
Cut 16 (09) “gas tax”
Other lawmakers say they support the effort to repeal many business tax exemptions, so that large companies are paying taxes to the state, instead of getting a big refund.

Governor John Bel Edwards hopes to revamp the Louisiana tax system in the upcoming legislative session. Emelie Gunn has more…
Cut 3 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

An effort to recall Jefferson Parish President Mike Yenni has unsuccessfully ended. Attorney Robert Evans the Third had six-months to get 90-thousand signatures to force a recall and three weeks before the deadline he only had 55-thousand signatures. Evans sought a recall after Yenni reportedly sent sexually explicit texts to a 17-year-old boy.

As federal lawmakers devise a plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, US Senator John Kennedy says he will vote for any plan that’s better than Obamacare. Halen Doughty has more…
Voicer 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

What a night at Alex Box Stadium for Lafayette native Antoine Duplantis. The sophomore left fielder drove in seven runs on a single-game school record six hits as the 6th ranked LSU Tigers belted Georgia 22-9. Duplantis was 6-for-6 on the night. LSU and Georgia meet again tonight at 6:30.

20-year-old Armande Stephen Tart faces four counts of first degree murder. Jefferson Parish investigators believe he’s the man who killed four people at a Metairie apartment complex earlier this week. Three of the victims were fatally shot and the fourth victim was reportedly stabbed over 40 times. Sheriff Newell Normand calls Tart a cold-blooded killer, who murdered these people over drugs.

There are 12 confirmed cases of the mumps and it will likely keep rising, according to Dr. Frank Welch with the state Department of Health. He says the viral infection has a long incubation period which is why it’s important to know how to prevent the spread of mumps this St. Patrick’s Day weekend…:
cUT 5 (11) “through saliva”
He says know the symptoms, such as headache, fever, fatigue, and jaw swelling just below your ear.

The St. Landry Sheriff’s office announces three teenagers have been arrested for the hanging of a noose on the campus of Westminster Christian Academy. Major Eddie Thibodaux says one of the juveniles involved performed well in school, but made a very bad decision…
cut 14 (10) “….his life”
The school says all three students are no longer enrolled at Westminster.

A Washington Parish man is behind bars after police say he shot and killed five abandoned puppies in February. Chief Deputy Mike Haley with the Sheriff’s Office says a concerned citizen contacted the Humane Society after seeing the abandoned puppies on the side of the road:
Cut 9 (10) “they were dead”
25-year-old Shawn Glen Jones of Angie faces animal cruelty charges.

LSU police arrest a 20-year-old man in the reported kidnapping and sexual assault of an LSU student on campus. Frank Herrera was booked on numerous charges after detectives say they found his DNA in the victim’s vehicle. Authorities say Herrera kidnapped his victim, as she was walking into a sorority house and forced her to perform oral sex at another location. The victim was able to call for help after Herrera dropped her off at a convenience store to buy condoms.

The major criticism with the House Republicans plan to overhaul the nation’s health care system is that fewer people will be insured as they are now under the Affordable Care Act. But Senator John Kennedy says that’s because the GOP’s plan repeals the individual and employer mandates. He says residents will decide whether they want insurance or not…
cut 8 (08) “….American way”

Three arrests have been made after a noose was hung at the baseball field of Westminster Christian Academy following an argument between three black boys and three white boys. Maj. Eddie Thibodaux with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office says even though it was meant as a joke, a noose is humiliating and hateful.
Cut 13 (06) “lives”
Two juveniles and one 18-year-old are charged with public display of a noose with intent to intimidate.

The State Department of Health predicts the mumps outbreak in Louisiana will get worse. Medical director of the state Immunization Program Dr. Frank Welch says the viral infection has a long incubation period so it could be a few weeks before cases are reported. He says it’s a good idea to know the symptoms…:
cut 4 (08) “both sides”
So far, LDH has confirmed 12 cases.

State health officials say the mumps outbreak in Louisiana will get worse before it gets better. Dr. Frank Welch with the Department of Health says after someone is exposed to mumps, it can take two to three weeks for them to show symptoms.

Cut 3 (09) “lag time”

LDH has confirmed at least 12 cases of mumps so far.

As federal lawmakers work to repeal and replace the affordable care act, US Senator John Kennedy says he’ll vote for anything that’s better than Obamacare, even if it’s not perfect. He says one change he’d like to see in the House bill is more healthcare assistance for those that need it.

Cut 7 (08) “the help”

Kennedy says he also wants more flexibility for states to run Medicaid.

There have been three arrests made after a noose was found hanging at Westminster Christian Academy. Major Eddie Thibodeaux with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office says two juveniles and one 18-year-old, Judah Barber of Opelousas, have been arrested on one count.

Cut 12 (06) “to intimidate”

The incident began after three black boys and three white boys were arguing on the baseball field. All three of those arrested are students.

A Rapides Parish man will spend 21 months behind bars after authorities say he stole more than $100-thousand in Veterans Affairs benefits. 51-year-old Tracy Marler of Ball withdrew more than $100-thousand from a deceased woman’s account between 2008 and 2014. He was sentenced for one count of theft of government property. The judge also sentenced Marler to two years supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution.

An arrest has been made in the case of a quadruple homicide in Metairie. Authorities say 20-year-old Armande Tarte is booked on four counts of first degree murder, and one count of attempted murder. Police say three victims were fatally shot, one was fatally stabbed in the head, and another survived a gunshot to the head. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand says this is a cold blooded killing for the sake of money and drugs.

The State Department of Health predicts the mumps outbreak in Louisiana will get worse. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

US Senator John Kennedy says there are problems with the House Republican’s plan to overhaul the nation’s health care law, but he’s confident it will be improved as it moves through the legislative process. Kennedy likes that the House bill is not as generous with tax credits as Obamacare, but it’s not ungenerous either.

Cut 6 (10) “buy insurance”

One change he would like to see in the bill is giving states more flexibility to operate Medicaid.

A Washington Parish man is behind bars after police say he shot and killed fie puppies that were abandoned on the side of the road. Chief Deputy Mike Haley says during the interrogation, 25-year-old Shawn Jones denied killing the puppies, until detectives learned he obtained a .22 caliber rifle just before the shooting.

Cut 11 (08) “the puppies”

Jones is booked on 5 counts of cruelty to animals.

As federal lawmakers devise a plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, US Senator John Kennedy says he will vote for any plan that’s better than Obamacare. …
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

The state has restarted the process of selecting a contractor who will manage the distribution of one-point-six billion dollars in federal flood relief dollars for homeowners. U.S. Representative Garret Graves says this will lead to further delays, but the governor’s office says they plan to hire a program manager next month.

There are 12 confirmed cases of the mumps and it will likely keep rising, according to Dr. Frank Welch with the state Department of Health. He says the viral infection has a long incubation period which is why it’s important to know how to prevent the spread of mumps this St. Patrick’s Day weekend…:
cUT 5 (11) “through saliva”
He says know the symptoms, such as headache, fever, fatigue, and jaw swelling just below your ear.

A Washington Parish man is behind bars after police say he shot and killed five abandoned puppies in February. Chief Deputy Mike Haley with the Sheriff’s Office says a concerned citizen contacted the Humane Society after seeing the abandoned puppies on the side of the road:
Cut 9 (10) “they were dead”
25-year-old Shawn Glen Jones of Angie faces animal cruelty charges.