Louisiana now ranks 19th in the country in WalletHub’s ranking of the best states for military retirees, that’s seven spots higher than last year. Kace Kieschnick has more.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”
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The state’s new litter-reporting hotline has yielded some positive results. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
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During a public appearance, U-S Senator John Kennedy says he’s been courted by donors to run President and he has not ruled out the idea. Jeanne Burns has the story…
Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”
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Louisiana came in 19th in WalletHub’s ranking of the best states for military retirees, climbing seven spots from last year. The state scored well in affordability, quality of life, veteran community support, and access to services. Louisiana Department of Veteran Affairs Secretary Charlton Meginley credited the capital investment attracted by the administration.
Cut 4 (12) “…good work.”
The state saw a 7.1% increase in the number of veterans receiving benefits, one percent higher than the national average. Meginley says there are more veterans in the stats receiving benefits than there were last year, despite fewer veterans living in Louisiana.
Cut 5 (10) “…percent increase.”
Louisiana veterans are receiving over 2.5-billion-dollars in compensation and pension benefits. Meginley says attracting and supporting veterans will benefit all Louisianians.
Cut 6 (12) “…the economy.”
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The Louisiana Litter Hotline has led to 50 simple littering citations since it was launched last September. A law that was passed last year created the hotline and it expands the authority of Louisiana State Park Rangers to investigate litter complaints, not just on park lands. Susan Russell, the executive director of Keep Louisiana Beautiful, says people are simply fed up with filth.
Cut 7 (10) “…acts of neglect.”
The most common violations involve fast food bags, drink cups, cigarette butts and other trash thrown from vehicles. Russell says people who submit reports must sign an affidavit.
Cut 8 (10) “…the proper investigation.”
Russell says the Louisiana Litter Hotline empowers people, and people should take advantage.
Cut 9 (09) “…we’ll enforce it.”
The hotline has also resulted in ten citations for illegal dumping.
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U-S Senator John Kennedy is seeking re-election in 2028, but is he eyeing an even higher office? While speaking on Friday at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at St. Anselm’s College, Kennedy said his donors have approached him about running for President and he has not ruled out the idea. Political analyst Ron Faucheux says Kennedy would be an interesting Republican Presidential candidate because of his way with words…
Cut 10 (08) “…a lot of people.”
Kennedy is not as well-known as other potential Republican Presidential candidates like Vice President J.D. Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio, but Faucheux says those who follow politics are aware of Kennedy’s political views…
Cut 11 (06) “…what he says.”
LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says a Kennedy presidential campaign has a chance to gain traction, because he agrees with many of President Trump’s priorities. But Hogan says it’s hard to say who Republicans will support post-Trump…
Cut 12 (07) “…looking for.”
Kennedy is 74-years-old. He’s currently serving his second term as U.S. Senator. Before that he was Louisiana’s State Treasurer for 17 years. Kennedy also served as Louisiana’s Revenue Secretary for three-plus years in the late 1990s. In 2007, Kennedy switched from the Democratic Party to the GOP.
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McNeese athletics officially trademarked the nickname Bayou Bandits. The moniker has become synonymous with the Cowboys men’s basketball. McNeese Sports Information Director Matter Bonnette says the name has spread throughout Southwest Louisiana.
Cut 13 (09) “…for us.”
The Bayou Bandits became the identity of the men’s basketball team during their success under Will Wade. After three straight Southland Championships and trips to the NCAA tournament, Bonnette says it’s brought national attention to McNeese.
Cut 14 (12) “…taking off.”
Bonnette says securing the trademark and protecting the identity they’ve been working to build has been a goal for a while now. He says the Bayou Bandits represent the tradition and people of Southwest Louisiana.
Cut 15 (10) “…that to happen.”
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Will Wade officially signed his first four transfers last week. Abdi Bashir is a lengthy senior shooting guard who averaged over 13 points a game for Kansas State last season. TJ Brown with The Advocate says he is a pure sharpshooter.
Cut 16 (18) “…your roster.”
Michigan State junior guard Divine Ugochukwu averaged just five points in 16 minutes a game with the Spartans last season, but Brown says he has the tools to take a big step forward if Wade gives him the keys to the Tigers’ offense. He says he reminds him of former Tigers guard Eric Gaines.
Cut 17 (16) “…get up.”
Senior forward Mo Dioubate was a glue guy for Kentucky last season. He averaged just under nine points and five rebounds last season, but Brown says his impact goes beyond the stats sheet.
Cut 18 (17) “…to win.”
Senior guard Austin Nunez was a top-75 recruit coming out of high school but ended up with UTSA after stints with Ole Miss and Arizona State. He averaged almost ten points and three assists a game with the Roadrunners, and Brown says he can be an effective role player.
Cut 19 (18) “…backup player.”