The Caddo Parish Commission votes today on removing the statue of a Confederate soldier outside the parish courthouse. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (23) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Governor Edwards says he met with Caddo Sheriff Steve Prator about his concerns over the release of hundreds of inmates next month as part of the state’s criminal justice reform effort. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A Jackson Parish paper mill will remain open thanks state tax breaks which will result in an updated facility. Kelley Ray has more.

Cut 3    (30) “I’m Kelley Ray”  

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The Caddo Parish Commission will likely vote today to remove the statue of a Confederate soldier outside of the parish courthouse in Shreveport. LSU Shreveport Associate Professor of Political Science Jeffery Sadow says last month the council preliminarily voted to support the removal of the monument…

Cut 4  (11) “that monument”

The United Daughters of the Confederacy erected the statue and the parish has kept no official record of who currently owns the land which it stands on. Sadow say this could create problems if the council does vote to remove the monument.

Cut 5  (10)  “some time”

Sadow says the monument was placed on the location of the last capitol of the Confederacy. He says the statue received the designation to be on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014 but that likely won’t affect if the monument can be removed or not.

Cut 6 (12) “situated”

Sadow says the community has not made much public noise keeping up the monument or removing it.

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In just a few weeks, hundreds of inmates will be released in Louisiana as a result of a criminal justice reform package signed into law by Governor John Bel Edwards. Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator voiced concern that violent criminals will be released early without proper rehabilitation. But Edwards says Prator didn’t have the best information at hand…

Cut 7 (09)  “best practices”

Prator also said it was important to keep “good” prisoners incarcerated, so they can pick up trash, wash cars, and cook for first responders. Edwards says these are the individuals Louisiana wants to release early, because they have proven themselves trustworthy and did not commit a violent offense.

Cut 8 (10) “policy debate”

The goal of the criminal justice reform is to reduce the state’s incarceration rate, to lower inmate costs and use the savings to fund more rehabilitation programs. Edwards says the majority of inmates will only be released about two months early. He says these reform efforts will help do more than just reduce the incarceration rate.

Cut 9 (07)  “gonna save”

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A Jackson Parish paper mill will continue to play a vital role in the local economy. WestRock will perform a 200-million-dollar expansion, saving about 400 jobs at the mill and another 37-hundred indirect jobs. State Economic Development Secretary Don Pearson says a big win for north Louisiana.

Cut 10 (09)  “that mill.”

The mill’s annual payroll is some 28-million-dollars. To help with their payroll and other operating costs, Pearson says WestRock will receive tax breaks.

Cut 11 (09) “for five years.”

Hodge Representative Jack McFarlin says if the facility closed down, it would be catastrophic to the community since the mill also provides needed utilities.

Cut 12 (09) “wastewater treatment.”

The mill produces 800-thousand tons container board paper each year. 

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Police are investigating the discovery of a female body near the Pineville expressway.  The victim is identified as 42-year-old Latish White of Alexandria.  Pineville Police Deputy Darrell Basco says they are trying to determine why the body was there…

Cut 13 (11) “this time.”

This is the city’s first apparent murder of the year.  Basco says where the victim was found is known as a pretty safe area…

Cut 14 (07) “crime rate.”

Basco says troubling to police is the state the body was in when it was found…

Cut 15 (05) “detective office.”

Basco says and autopsy will be conducted.

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The Ragin Cajuns have another big Sun Belt matchup tonight as they visit Arkansas State. UL Lafayette won last Thursday, beating Texas State. Tonight they’ll face a Red Wolves team that’s 2-0 in league play. Louisiana beat A-S-U last year 24-19, but Cajuns Coach Mark Hudspeth says the Red Wolves are a better team this year

Cut 16  (11)     our defense”

This is the 46th meeting between these two schools and they’ve met annually since 2001. Hudspeth says every time they play Arkansas State conference championship implications are on the line..

Cut 17 (21)  “the moment” 

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ULM looks to get back in the win column this Saturday when they visit South Alabama. The Warhawks were defeated for the first time in conference play last weekend by Georgia State. Coach Matt Viator says his team learned a valuable lesson that you can’t take victory for granted…

Cut 18 (12) “it is” 

South Alabama is coming off a win over Troy University. Viator says the Jaguars last performance shows their talent level…

Cut 19 (14) have a chance“

cut 20 (13)  “come prepared” 

In just a few weeks, hundreds of inmates will be released in Louisiana as a result of a criminal justice reform package signed into law by Governor John Bel Edwards. Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator voiced concern that violent criminals will be released early without proper rehabilitation. But Edwards says Prator didn’t have the best information at hand…
Cut 7 (09) “best practices”

Authorities discovered humain remains in a burned out ditch on Old Boyce Road in Rapides Parish. Sheriff’s office spokesperson Tommy Carnline says an active investigation is underway….
cut 15 (11) “…their mind”
No other details have been provided.

A Jackson Parish paper mill will remain open thanks state tax breaks which will result in an updated facility. Kelley Ray has more.
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray”

UL Lafayette softball coach Michael Lotief has been placed on administrative leave. No reason was given from the university. But Lotief’s attorney says the action arises out of a passionate conversation about gender equity between Lotief and University personnel. The statement says the Lotiefs have spent their careers fighting for better opportunities for female athletes.

Media reports indicate the Clinton man suspected of shooting four people, killing three of them, called authorities to let them know he’s the shooter. Ryan Sharpe was a plumber and family members have expressed shock over his actions. LSU criminologist Doctor Peter Scharf says Sharpe had a low key profile so it’s likely cops would have never suspected him.

Cut 5 (09) “criminal suspect”

Sharpe was arrested last week for allegedly fatally shooting three people and wounding another in East Feliciana and East Baton Rouge Parishes.

Authorities in Rapides Parish are investigating a fire in a ditch off Old Boyce Road where a charred body has been found.  Local media outlets reported there were two bodies discovered, but Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Tommy Carnline says that has not yet been confirmed…

Cut 14 (08) “human remains.”

LSU Public Policy research lab Director Mike Henderson finds that voter turnout for statewide elections has been on a decline for the last 30 years. In 1983, 54-percent of the eligible voters voted for governor and in 2015 the voter turnout was down to 33-percent. Last weekend’s special election saw only a 13 percent turnout. Henderson says the voting public seems to be burned out on state politics…:
Cut 10 (09) “Louisiana politics”
But he added there haven’t been enough statewide special elections in recent years to determine how early voting turnout relates to the overall election turnout.

The Iberville Parish Council voted unanimously last night to approve an ordinance to outlaw the desecration of official flags in the parish. The mandate protects the American flag, the Louisiana state flag, and any official flags of Iberville Parish. The ACLU of Louisiana calls the ordinance a violation of the public’s constitutional rights and “unenforceable.”

The Iberville Parish Council voted unanimously to approve an ordinance outlawing the desecration of any official flags. But ACLU of Louisiana’s Executive Director Marjorie Esman says this mandate violates the Constitution and the council has made a mistake…:

Cut 7 (10) “land is”

Council Chairman Matt Jewell brushes off any comment made by the ACLU as the organization’s usual rhetoric…:

Cut 8 (07) “enforce it.”

Penalties for violating the ordinance could range from a $1,000 fine and or a 6-month jail sentence.

A state judge has denied a motion to have Ascension Parish President Kenny Matassa’s (Ma-tassa) indictment on attempted election bribery thrown out.  The prosecution can now go forward on March 13.  Matassa claimed the man he was accused in trying to bribe dropped out of a 2016 Gonzales City Council race.

There is a noted decline in voter turnout for Louisiana elections.  More from Michelle Southern.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern.”

Media reports indicate the Clinton man suspected of shooting four people, killing three of them, called authorities to let them know he’s the shooter. Doctor Peter Scharf, a criminologist with the LSU School of Public Health on why possible serial killer Ryan Sharpe would do this

Cut 3 (07) “attention.”

An ordinance has been approved in Iberville Parish that makes it illegal to burn the American flag. Kelley Ray has more.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray”

According to the Tax Foundation, Louisiana ranks 42nd for tax competitiveness. Senior Policy Analyst Jared Walczak says the state’s tax code is so complicated, it makes it difficult for new companies to conduct business here. The report also ranks Louisiana 50th for sales tax structure.

Research from LSU political communication professor Mike Henderson finds that voter turnout for statewide elections has been on the decline for over 30 years. Is it possible having election day on Saturday is hurting the turnout? Henderson says there two trains of thought…
cut 12 (13) “….down much”
Voter turnout for last Saturday’s election was just 13-percent.

Authorities discovered humain remains in a burned out ditch on Old Boyce Road in Rapides Parish. Sheriff’s office spokesperson Tommy Carnline says an active investigation is underway….
cut 15 (11) “…their mind”
No other details have been provided.

Authorities are still trying to develop a motive on why possible serial killer Ryan Sharpe allegedly shot four people in a shooting spree in East Feliciana and East Baton Rouge Parishes. A source close to the investigation says Sharpe’s ex-girlfriend recently got married, but LSU criminologist Doctor Peter Scharf says many people experience heart break, but do not go on a shooting spree…:
Cut 4 (09) “decifpher often”
According to the arrest affidavit, Sharpe confessed to the shootings.

The largest employer in Jackson Parish announces it will enhance its operations and retain more than 400 existing jobs at the facility. WestRock Company says they are investesting in new equipment and making facility upgrades to its paper mill plant in Hodge. WestRock is utilitizing a state tax rebate and tax exemption program to keep the paper mill running.

There is a noted decline in voter turnout for Louisiana elections….
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern.”

The Iberville Parish Council approves an ordinance that makes it illegal to burn or desecrate the American flag. The council says Iberville is a patriotic parish, but Louisiana ACLU executive director Marjorie Esman says the passage of the ordinance is just the opposite…
cut 9 (12) “….unconstitutional laws”

Voter turnout in last Saturday’s Special Election was a dismal 13%, and some are wondering if it might be time for a change in the process. LSU Public Policy Research Lab Director Mike Henderson says voter turnout for statewide elections has been on a decline for the last 30 years. He hopes better informing voters would spike interest, but by how much?…
Cut 11 (09) “help a lot”
He says in 1983, 54-percent of the eligible voters cast a ballot for governor.

The Iberville Parish Council voted unanimously last night to approve an ordinance to outlaw the desecration of official flags in the parish. The mandate protects the American flag, the Louisiana state flag, and any official flags of Iberville Parish. The ACLU of Louisiana calls the ordinance a violation of the public’s constitutional rights and “unenforceable.”

Media reports indicate the Clinton man suspected of shooting four people, killing three of them, called authorities to let them know he’s the shooter. Ryan Sharpe was a plumber and family members have expressed shock over his actions. LSU criminologist Doctor Peter Scharf says Sharpe had a low key profile so it’s likely cops would have never suspected him:
Cut 5 (09) “criminal suspect”
Sharpe was arrested last week for allegedly fatally shooting three people and wounding another in East Baton Rouge and East Feliciana parishes.

Authorities in Rapides Parish are investigating a fire in a ditch off Old Boyce Road where a charred body has been found. Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Tommy Carnline says when the fire was put out, deputies discovered a grim scene…:
Cut 13 (07) “conducted”
There are no other details at this time.

It is now illegal to burn a flag in Ibervile Parish..:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray”

More than 4,000 jobs could be saved by a $200 million expansion of the WestRock paper mill in Hodge in Jackson Parish in a deal aided by state incentives. Governor John Bel Edwards is slated to make the announcement at this hour. The plant employs about 450 workers with a $28 million annual payroll, but the mill supports about 3,700 indirect jobs.

LSU Public Policy research lab Director Mike Henderson finds that voter turnout for statewide elections has been on a decline for the last 30 years. In 1983, 54-percent of the eligible voters voted for governor and in 2015 the voter turnout was down to 33-percent. Last weekend’s special election saw only a 13 percent turnout. Henderson says the voting public seems to be burned out on state politics…:
Cut 10 (09) “Louisiana politics”
But he added there haven’t been enough statewide special elections in recent years to determine how early voting turnout relates to the overall election turnout.