Governor John Bel Edwards today will reveal how he proposes to close a $304 million dollar budget deficit during the special session that begins a week from today. He wants to tap into the Rainy Day Fund, which would still leave $185 million to plug the entire hole. But the governor does want to protect certain sectors…:
CUT 11 (10) “family services”
Edwards says he’ll also ask legislators to minimize cuts to higher ed.

For the past 7 years, Tulane medical students have been learning the ins and outs of healthy cooking as part of their curriculum, and now schools around the country are following suit. Dr. Tim Harlan, with the Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine, discusses the classes for med students:
CUT 5 (12) “can understand”

Tired of political rants on Facebook? Halen Doughty reports on how to get it out of your newsfeed…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

According to reports, the 8-year-old niece of pop-star Britney Spears was in an ATV accident in Kentwood and is in critical condition. Sources say Jamie Lynn Spears’ daughter was riding the 4-wheeler while on a hunting trip, when it flipped — and she is now on life support at a nearby hospital.

A budget deficit eliminating special session begins next week. Jeff Palermo reports we are waiting to hear how the governor proposes to cover the midyear shortfall…:
Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Many people complain about seeing too many political social media posts from their friends these days, but there’s a plugin for Facebook that filters those out. Matt Kruse (Krew-zee) developed the app Social Fixer. He says a lot of users don’t like to see political rants from friends and family members…:
Cut 8 (07) “their sanity”
He says you can download the filter at SocialFixer.com.

Tulane University’s School of Medicine has become a model for new culinary medicine courses that are being taught around the country. Executive Director of the Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine, Dr. Tim Harlan, says other medical universities are following suit with the cooking classes for future doctors…:
cut 4 (11) “that we do”
He says the idea for requiring culinary courses began seven years ago.

For the 5th time in as many weeks, Tiger Stadium was broken into and five juveniles were cited for unauthorized entry into a place of business, according to LSU officials. The teens were released after the Saturday incident. No damage was reported in the latest incident.

Governor John Bel Edwards has sent a letter to President Donald Trump seeking his support for an additional $2-billion in federal flood aid. State officials expect the first round of funds will get into the hands of low income flood victims by April or May.

Governor John Bel Edwards is expected to release a detailed plan today on how he would like lawmakers to address a 304-million dollar midyear budget deficit. Edwards says the plan will include cuts and money that’s available in the state’s savings account..:
Cut 10 (05) “rainy day fund”
That would mean legislators will need to make 185-million dollars in cuts to eliminate the rest of the deficit.

Arraignment for the man accused of killing former-NFL player Joe McKnight is today. Legal analyst Chick Foret says 55-year-old Ronald Gasser will enter a plea of not guilty to a charge of second-degree murder. He says this is the first step in the criminal prosecution, and from here a hearing date and a trial date will be set…:
Cut 13 (10) “the prosecutors”
Gasser’s attorneys sent a letter to the AP saying Gasser acted in self-defense.

Are you sick of seeing political posts on Facebook? There’s an app for that. Matt Kruse (Krew-zee) developed the app Social Fixer. He says right now it’s only available for desktop browsers, but he’s working to develop a mobile version. He says the plug in is easy to use once you download it at SocialFixer.com…:
CUT 7 (09) “in your feed”
He says more and more Facebook users are downloading Social Fixer, as political discussions are becoming more heated on social media.

State Police confirm two people died in a crash on I-10 Sunday evening in Ascension Parish, and it’s believed alcohol is a factor in the crash. They say the wreck claimed the lives of 39-year-old Jeremy Jenkins of Baton Rouge, and 23-year-old Jared Cunningham of St. James. LSP says Cunningham, who is suspected of being impaired, lost control of his vehicle and ran off the road, flipping several times.

Governor John Bel Edwards has sent a letter to President Donald Trump seeking his support for an additional $2-billion in federal flood aid. Congress has already approved $1.6 billion in federal assistance, but Edwards says another $2-billion is needed for a full, robust recovery. State officials expect the first round of funds will get into the hands of low income flood victims by April or May.

A&E’s “Live PD” will feature the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office in two to three weeks. Spokesperson Capt. Daniel Seuzeneau says given the tensions rising between law enforcement and the public, they hope this show will give people a better idea of what deputies deal with every day.

Cut 3 (11) “to embrace it” (2x)

Seuzeneau says “Live PD” is similar to the reality show Cops, but this is live with an 8 minute delay.

NRG Stadium in Houston is hosting its second ever Super Bowl this weekend, so when will it be New Orleans’ turn to get the big game again? Jay Cicero with the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation says the Super Bowl is already awarded through 2021. He says, if New Orleans is selected to bid to host an 11th time, they would next be eligible in 2023.

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Cicero says they will find out if New Orleans is invited to bid on 2023 this upcoming May.

A court settlement has been reached between Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson and his estranged heirs over removing the shares of the pro teams from trusts that were set up for Benson’s daughter and her two children. Details of the settlement have not been made public. Benson released a statement that says he’s pleased that this ordeal his behind them.

The man accused of killing former-NFL player Joe McKnight will have his arraignment on Monday. 55-year-old Ronald Gasser of Terrytown is expected to enter a plea of not guilty to second degree murder, as his attorneys assert Gasser fatally shot McKnight in self-defense because he feared for his life. A speedy trial is expected because Gasser has been behind bars since his December 5^th arrest.

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office will be featured on “Live PD” in the next few weeks. Spokesperson Capt. Daniel Seuzeneau says the show is similar to Cops, but it’s live with a few minutes delay. He says people are used to seeing lots of bad guys on the reality show, but he expects viewers will see plenty of the good guys too.

Cut 5 (12) “the parish”

He says the first show will air two to three weeks from now.

Governor John Bel Edwards has issued the call for the third special session of his term, as lawmakers are once again facing a midyear budget deficit. The session begins on Monday, February 13 and must end by midnight on February 22. The governor plans to use both rainy day dollars and budget cuts to resolve a $304-million deficit for this fiscal year.

Today is World Cancer Day, and Director of the Louisiana Cancer and Prevention Programs with LSU Health New Orleans, Donna Williams, says we’re already winning the fight against cancer. She says before the 1930s, cervical cancer was the number on killer of women in the US. But she says strides in the medical field have greatly reduced the risk for cervical cancer.

Cut 7 (10) “have plummeted”

She says lung cancer rates have also decreased as fewer people are smoking cigarettes.

Governor John Bel Edwards has sent a letter to President Donald Trump seeking his support for an additional two-billion dollars in federal flood aid. Congress has already approved one-point-six billion dollars in grant money, but Edwards says another two-billion is needed to rebuild homes, assist those who lived in apartments that are now flooded and provide protection from future flooding.

NRG Stadium in Houston is hosting its second ever Super Bowl this weekend, so when next will it be New Orleans turn to get the big game? Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office will be featured on A&E’s “Live PD” in the coming weeks. Spokesperson Capt. Daniel Seuzeneau says it’s kind of like Cops, except live with an 8 minutes delay. He says the camera crews are professionals, and so are the officers.

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Seuzeneau says the first show will air two to three weeks from now.

Saturday is World Cancer Day. Director of the Louisiana Cancer and Prevention Programs with LSU Health New Orleans, Donna Williams, says the goal of World Cancer Day is to raise awareness about cancer prevention methods. She says they want to share a very important message.

Cut 6 (08) “from cancer”

Williams says more than half of cancers can be detected early and cured.

Governor John Bel Edwards has issued the call for the third special session of his term, as lawmakers are once again facing a midyear budget deficit. Legislators will not be able to raise taxes, but they can propose to increase fees. The session begins on Monday, February 13 and must end by midnight on February 22.

Saturday is World Cancer Day, and people are raising awareness about how to reduce the risk for cancer. Jeff Palermo has more…

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A national shortage of paramedics is also affecting the Bayou State. Justin Cox with Acadian Ambulance says starting paramedics make about $42-thousand a year, and they’re offering signing bonuses for new hires to lure people to the industry.

Cut 13 (12) “coming up”

Cox says they’re also recruiting in high schools and offering to pay back tuition for people who come to work.

New Orleans has hosted 10 Super Bowls, but when will they get a chance to host another one. Jay Cicero, president of the greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, says the last two times they’ve bid to host the huge sporting event, they lost to cities who have a new or renovated stadiums.

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Cicero says they hope to learn in May that New Orleans will have a chance to bid for the Super Bowl in 2023.

Governor John Bel Edwards has issued the call for a special session to address a 304-million dollar budget shortfall for this fiscal year. It will begin Monday night on February 13th and it must conclude by midnight February 22nd. The governor is proposing to use rainy day dollars and cuts to various areas of state government, including the department of health and he’s asking legislators to minimize cuts to higher education.

There’s a shortage of paramedics around the country, and it’s being felt in the Bayou State too. Justin Cox with Acadian Ambulance says they are short 30 paramedics, which puts a serious strain on others. Cox says turnover for paramedics is high, because it’s a demanding job..:
cut 12 (08) “and mentally”
He says they are offering a 15-thousand dollar signing bonus for new hires.

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office will be featured on A&E’s “Live PD” in the coming weeks.Capt. Daniel Seuzeneau says given the tensions rising between law enforcement and the public, this show will give people a better idea of what cops deal with…:
Cut 3 (11) “to embrace it” (2x)
Seuzeneau says “Live PD” is similar to the TV show Cops, except this is live with an 8 minute delay.

It’s Super Bowl weekend and the big event is happening in Houston, but when will New Orleans host the game for an 11th time. Jay Cicero, with the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, says the NFL knows the Big Easy as a lot to offer…
cut 11 (10) “…hotels”
Cicero says they hope to host the Super Bowl again in 2023 and they’ll find out in May if they are one of the cities that can bid.

Governor John Bel Edwards has sent a letter to President Donald Trump seeking his support for an additional two-billion dollars in federal flood aid. Congress has already approved one-point-six billion dollars in grant money, but Edwards says another two-billion is needed to rebuild homes, assist those who lived in apartments that are now flooded and provide protection from future flooding.

It’s Super Bowl weekend, so when will New Orleans get a chance to host the big game again? Michelle Southern has more…
voicer 2 (30) “…I’m Michelle Southern”

Tomorrow is World Cancer Day a major killer of Louisiana residents. Donna Williams is a professor at LSU Health New Orleans and she says there’s plenty of ways you can reduce your risk for various cancers…
cut 8 (10) “…that mammogram”
Williams says there’s evidence we are winning the fight against cancer. She says look at the dramatic reduction of deaths as a result of cervical cancer.

Ambulance companies are facing a shortage for qualified paramedics. Acadian Ambulance says they are short 30 paramedics and they are offering tuiition payment for those who complete the two-year training program and come to work…
cut 14 (09) “…as well”
He says starting paramedics make about 42-thousand dollars a year.

Two defense attorneys have told the Associated Press that the fatal shooting of former NFL running back Joe McKnight was in self-defense. Matthew Goetz and Gerard Archer are representing 55-year-old Ronald Gasser of Terrytown. Gasser has been indicted on a charge of second-degree murder. But in an email to the A-P, Gasser’s lawyers say McKnight attempted to enter Gasser’s vehicle and he shot McKnight because he feared for his safety.

There is a shortage of paramedics around the country and that problem persists in Louisiana too. Acadian Ambulance says they could use 30 more paramedics and they are offering a 15-thousand dollar signing bonus for new hires in an effort lure more people to their industry…
cut 13 (12) “…coming up”
Cox says it takes two years to complete rigrourous course work to become a paramedic.

Tomorrow is World Cancer Day and health professionals are urging older adults to make sure they get annually checked for certain cancers. Donna Williams, with LSU Health New Orleans says strides in the medical field have greatly reduced the risk of cervical cancer….
cut 7 (10) “…have plummeted”
Williams says more than half of cancers can be detected early and cured.

A-and-E’s “Live P-D” is coming to St. Tammany Parish. The Friday night television show is like “Cops” but it shows police activity live at departments around the country on a Friday night, unfettered and unfiltered. St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson, Captain Daniel Seuzeneau says the show will likely show their deputies catching crooks, but you’ll see plenty of good guys too…
cut 5 (12) “…the parish”