Today is Super Tuesday which means several states will be voting for their party’s favorite candidate in the upcoming presidential election. Louisiana’s primary is March 5th and many voters here are wondering if our ballots will even matter. Pollster John Couvillon of JMC Analytics says Louisiana will absolutely be getting attention after today…:
CUT 8 (06) “March 5th”
He says Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz are still strong contenders for the GOP nomination, but it’s possible the Democratic candidate will be locked in after tonight.

The state House put on hold the alcohol and cigarette tax bills until today saying they want to see what the Senate does with the measure that calls for more than $100 million dollars in cuts to the current year budget. On cuts to higher ed, LSU President F King Alexander says even though some brush the notion off as ridiculous, football is most certainly feeling the impacts of all this…:
CUT 5 (07) “to LSU”

Governor John Bel Edwards announces this week is Severe Weather Awareness Week to get the public to create a game plan for emergencies. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 2 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

DNA from a Baton Rouge man who was arrested in December on an unrelated matter ended up facing second-degree rape charges after it matched that of a teenage girl’s rape kit taken 20 years ago. Authorities say 59-year-old Jerry Williams denied the crime in 1996, but the DNA taken last year told a different story, according to the Baton Rouge Police Department. An arrest warrant was issued for Williams who was booked into Parish Prison on $80,000 bond.

There are just 8 days left in the special legislative session and things still appear to be moving along at a slow crawl. The debate over cuts vs. revenue is ongoing. Discussions about deep budget cuts to higher education could mean fewer students at LSU according to President F King Alexander…:
CUT 4 (07) “other universities”
Alexander stands by comments that LSU football is at risk.

Two LSU student protesters were escorted out of the state Capitol on Monday after releasing a bright orange banner that read, “Save Our Schools” over the rail of the Senate floor. They were immediately removed as demonstrations are prohibited in chambers.

The Secretary of State’s Office says nearly 100,000 ballots were cast during the early voting period for the March 5th Louisiana presidential primary. They say that’s more than twice than early voting numbers from 2012.

A bill has been filed for the regular session calling for a freeze on the state voucher program, which allows students in public schools with a C, D or F rating to attend private schools at the state’s expense. Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith says not awarding first time vouchers would save the state badly needed cash…:
Cut 13 (09) “ones out”
There are currently just over seven thousand students with vouchers in Louisiana.

Governor John Bel Edwards declares this week as Severe Weather Awareness Week in an effort to get families to create a game plan in the event of an emergency. Chris Guilbeau, Deputy Director with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, says this comes at a good time as 13 confirmed tornadoes touched down last week…:
Cut 10 (10) “their family”

More potential budget cuts to higher education could mean lower enrollment numbers at LSU. Halen Doughty reports…:
CUT 1 (32) “I’m Halen Doughty”

The National Weather Service says parts of Louisiana could be in for some severe weather this afternoon into this evening as a cold front heads this way. They say the chance for bad storms is 5 per percent, compared to 45 percent last Tuesday when tornadoes ripped through south Louisiana. Daytime temperatures today are expected in the mid 70s, and Wednesday’s highs around 65 once the front settles in.

Today is Super Tuesday, so will Louisiana’s presidential primary still matter on Saturday, March 5th? Pollster John Couvillon of JMC Analytics says Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton are in a strong position to receive their party’s nomination as people in 12 states will vote today. Couvillon says it’s possible the democratic nomination will be sewn up after tonight…:
CUT 7 (06) “Super Tuesday”
Trump’s campaign announces the GOP candidate will hold another rally in Louisiana. They say Trump will be at Landmark Aviation in New Orleans on Friday. US Senator Marco Rubio is expected to rally in Baton Rouge on Friday.

Captain Clay Higgins, the man made internationally famous for his “no nonsense” viral Crime Stoppers videos, announces he’s resigning from the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says if Higgins cannot agree with his words thoughts and message, then he is correct in resigning his position.

Discussion about deep budget cuts to higher education could mean fewer students at LSU. The TOPS Scholarship Program is only funded at 25% for the next school year. Without TOPS, many students may have to rethink their education plans. LSU President F. King Alexander stands by comments that LSU football is at risk. He says unless enough revenue is raised, they may have to close summer school and only about half of the athletes will be eligible to play in the fall.  He says unfortunately LSU’s budget problems is impacting recruiting…

Cut 6 (10)  “to LSU”

This flu season got off to a slow start, but doctors say it may start to ramp up soon. Influenza expert Dr. Frank Welch with the State Office of Public Health Welch says this year the flu vaccine is very well matched to the virus, making it more effective, and flu shots are the best way to avoid getting sick.

CUT 5 (04)  “to get it”

Welch says most insurance covers flu shots and people without insurance should call a public health unit. He also advises people to wash their hands, stay home if they’re sick and avoid sick people.

Former state lawmaker and ex Klu Klux Klansman David Duke is part of the storyline in the Republican presidential race. Duke supports Donald Trump and Trump’s opponents are bashing him for declining to disavow Duke’s endorsement during a CNN interview. Duke says political observers said his support of Trump would hurt the republican front-runner for the republican nomination, but that hasn’t been the case at all…

cut 14 (09)  “combined”

The House postponed votes until tomorrow on bills that would raise taxes on alcohol and cigarettes. House Speaker Taylor Barras says they are waiting to see what the Senate will do with a House-approved measure that calls for 106-million dollars in cuts to the current fiscal year…
cut 30 (15) “….is complete”
The special session ends on March 9th and the House and Senate are far part when it comes to a plan on how to deal with a 900-million dollar budget deficit.

And LSU President F King Alexander stands behind comments that proposed cuts to higher education could keep the LSU football team off the field next fall…
cut 24 (08) “….eligible”

State agencies are describing what the potential impacts will be if the legislature approves the House’s plan to cut 106-million dollars from the current fiscal year’s budget. Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Rebekah Gee says they would have to lay-off restaurant inspectors, which is a serious public health risk…
cut 7 (08) “….get an inspection”
The Department of Education says if the House’s budget cutting plan goes through, they won’t be able to give out standardized tests this spring and payments for voucher will stop before the end of the school year. House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry says he’s open to reducing the size of the cut the department of education could receive…
cut 29 (17) “…we can”

State Senators are hearing about the potential impacts if they approve a House bill that cuts an additional 106-million dollars from this fiscal year’s budget. Superintendent of Education John White says they would have to close early childhood programs, send voucher students back to public schools and cancel standardized testing, which led to this question by Senator Wesley Bishop

CUT 6 (08) “yes sir”

David Duke, a former state lawmaker and ex Klu Klux Klansman, is part of the storyline in the Republican presidential race. Duke supports Donald Trump, and Trump’s opponents are bashing him for declining to disavow Duke’s endorsement during a CNN interview. Duke says the media is making a big deal out of this because of his connection with the KKK, a group that he says he left in the 1970s.

cut 12 (07) “with the Klan”

Trump blames a bad ear piece and says he couldn’t hear the question well when asked about Duke’s endorsement by CNN.

It’s been a quiet flu season in Louisiana, but doctors say it may start to ramp up soon. Influenza expert Dr. Frank Welch with the State Office of Public Health, says the number of flu cases are starting to rise across the country….

CUT 3 (05)  “we’re next”

Welch advises people to wash their hands, stay home if they’re sick, avoid sick people and most importantly get a flu shot.

Captain Clay Higgins, the man made internationally famous for his “no nonsense” viral Crime Stoppers videos, announces he’s resigning from the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office. Higgins had come under fire by groups stating he shouldn’t be calling black suspects, animals. Higgins said in a news conference that he refuses to respond to such critics…:

CUT 9 (09) “make a profit” 

Captain Clay Higgins, known for his viral Crime Stoppers videos, has announced today that he’s resigning from the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office. Higgins has been under attack by groups stating he shouldn’t be calling black suspects, animals. Higgins said if he would’ve continued to wear the badge, he would’ve violated the principles it represents.

Cut 11 (07) “…my post.”

Ex Klu Kluz Klansman and former state lawmaker David Duke is part of the storyline in the Republican presidential race. Duke supports Donald Trump and Trump’s opponents are criticizing him for declining to reject Duke’s endorsement during a CNN interview. Duke says political observers said his support of Trump would hurt the republican front-runner, but that isn’t the case.

Cut 14 (09) “combined.”

After Louisiana’s mild start to this flu season, experts say it may start to pick up soon. Halen Doughty reports.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty.”

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says State Treasurer John Kennedy can save the state almost 294-thousand dollars a year, if he moved some of his employees to a state-owned building. Kennedy’s office disagrees at the savings number that Dardenne has come up with, but if it saves the state at least one dollar and if there’s room for employees, they’ll move to the state owned building.

Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump blames a bad ear piece as why he couldn’t hear a question during a CNN interview when asked about the support he’s received from former KKK leader David Duke . The billionaire businessman said he knows nothing about Duke or white supremacists. Duke says he is no longer a white supremacist, so Trump doesn’t have to answer the question…
cut 13 (10) “….or something”
Duke says political oberservers said his support of Trump would hurt the real estate mogul, but tha’s not the case at all.

State Treasurer John Kennedy says he’s willing to move 44 of his employees to a state-owned building if there’s enough space for them. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the move would save the state nearly 294-thousand dollars annually. Kennedy doubts it would save the state that much, but even if it saves one dollar, he says he’ll do it.

Captain Clay Higgins, the man made famous for his “no nonsense” viral Crime Stoppers videos, announces he’s resigning from the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s office. Michelle Southern reports…
voicer 2 (30) “….I’m Michelle Southern”

Flu bug expert, Doctor Frank Welch, with the state office of public health, predicts an increase in flu cases. Welch says surrounding states are reporting an uptick in influenza and it’s only a matter of time before it reaches Louisiana. He says take steps to prevent getting the flu…
cut 5 (04) “…to get it”
He also advises people to wash their hands, stay home if ill and avoid sick people.

After coming under fire for the viral Crime Stoppers video on the Gremlins Gang, Captain Clay Higgins announces his resignation from the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Bobby Guidroz said he was going to more closely monitor the language used in such videos, and Higgins says his sheriff is a good man who he admires and respects…:
cut 10 (08) “I just can’t”
Activists called the videos a slap in the face to the criminal justice system because of Higgins’ intimidating delivery.

Former state lawmaker and ex KKK member David Duke is part of the story line in the Republican presidential race. Duke supports Donald Trump and Trump’s opponents are bashing him for declining to disavow Duke’s endorsement during a CNN interview. Duke says the media is making a big deal out of this, because of his connection with the KKK, a group that he says he left in the 1970s…:
cut 12 (07) “with the Klan”

Lawmakers are hearing from agencies who say the cuts the House is proposing in a spending bill now in the hands of the Senate would devastate their departments. Louisiana National Guard Major General Glenn Curtis says the House bill has them taking a cut of 564-thousand thousand dollars. Curtis says he would have to close nine armories, which will impact how they respond to emergencies like flooding…:
CUT 8 (06) “first guys out”
Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Rebekah Gee says they would have to lay-off restaurant inspectors, which is a serious public health risk.

Funeral arrangements for Baton Rouge State Representative Ronnie Edwards have been announced. Services for the two-term Baton Rouge Metro Council member will be held at the Living Faith Christian Center on Friday with a viewing from 8-10, then burial immediately following the service at the Heavenly Gates Mausoluem. Edwards passed away Wednesday at the age of 63 after a two-year-long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Captain Clay Higgins, the man made internationally famous for his “no nonsense” viral Crime Stoppers videos, announces he’s resigning from the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office. Higgins had come under fire by groups stating he shouldn’t be calling black suspects, animals. Higgins said in a news conference that he refuses to respond to such critics…:
CUT 9 (09) “make a profit”
Higgins says he has many other law enforcement job offers.

State Senators are hearing about the potential impacts if they approve a House bill that cuts an additional 106-million dollars from this fiscal year’s budget. Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Rebekah Gee says they would have to lay-off restaurant inspectors, which is a serious public health risk…:
CUT 7 (08) “get an inspection”
Education Superintendent John White says the cuts would shutter most of the agency.

After Louisiana’s mild start to this flu season, experts say it may start to pick up soon. Halen Doughty reports…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”