The New Orleans Pelicans‘ playoff run has come to an end.

The Pelicans showed some fight early on, and again late in the fourth quarter, but the Golden State Warriors’ third-quarter surge was too much to overcome in a 113-104 triumph at Oracle Arena on Tuesday night (May 8), claiming a 4-1 victory in the Western Conference semifinals.

Golden State will advance to the Western Conference finals for the fourth consecutive year to face the top-seeded Houston Rockets.

The Saints will not have Mark Ingram for the first four games of the 2018 season as the NFL has suspended the running back for violating the league’s performance enhancing drug policy. Ingram rushed for 11-hundred yards and 12 touchdowns last season. Saints analyst Mike Detillier says Alvin Kamara will be the focal point in the backfield, but they’ll need a couple of other guys to step to…

cut 14 (13) “…veteran running back”

Ingram is entering the final year of his contract.

__________________________________________________________________________________

LSU running back Jerry Stovall will have his number 21 retired. It will be hung in Tiger Stadium in a place of honor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29) I’m Jeff Palermo”

LSU has reportedly received permission to speak with Joey Burrow. The redshirt sophomore is transferring from Ohio State. Since he’s graduating, he’ll be a graduate transfer and can play in 2018. Burrow has two years of  eligibility left.

Northwestern State defeated Grambling seven to three last night. Tonight, it’s LSU hosting McNeese State at 6:30.

One of the marijuana industry’s biggest conferences of the year begins today in New Orleans. Jeff Palermo has the story,…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

No other LSU football player will wear the number 21 jersey. Instead it will be hung in Tiger Stadium in a place of honor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29) I’m Jeff Palermo”

__________________________________.

State Farm insurance rates are on their way down for the first time in years. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________________________

It’s high times in New Orleans this week as the annual MJBiz conference kicks off today. 70 experts and 275 companies will be represented in the marijuana industry conference that’s in it’s 7th year. Cassandra Farrington is the CEO of Marijuana biznews daily which reports on the cannibus industry. She says these conventions are fostering the boom that is the weed industry.

Cut 4  (09) “That growth” 

She says the opportunities are endless for professionals from all walks of business.

Cut 5  (09)  “the past”

Louisiana is expected to begin offering medical marijuana to patients later this year. The state has licensed nine dispensaries and LSU and Southern universities are in charge of growing medicinal cannibas that will be given to patients in an oil or pill. Farrington says they will discuss Louisiana’s role in the marijuana industry.

Cut 6 (08) “to do”

In Louisiana, medical  marijuana is limited to cancer, HIV, Epilepsy, Muscular dystrophy and Crohn’s disease patients. But there’s legislation pending that will open it up to other conditions.

___________________________________

Jerry Stovall’s number 21  jersey will be retired this fall as the LSU Athletic Hall of Fame committee unanimously approved the move. Stovall joins two other LSU legends as members of the retired jersey club, Billy Cannon and Tommy Casanova. Stovall says he wasn’t the best player on the 1962 squad, when he finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting.

Cut 7 (08)  “very expansive”

The ever humble Stovall was a unanimous All-American in 1962 and was drafted in the first round by the St. Louis Cardinals where he would play for 9 years. At LSU, he was known as “Mr. Everything,” playing halfback, defensive back, kick returner and also handled punting duties. He did it with great determination…

Cut 8 (:11)  “better athlete”

Stovall, a native of West Monroe, credits his fellow teammates for helping him achieve such a high honor.

Cut 9 (09)  “names on it.”

He was also LSU football coach for 3 years and led the Tigers to the Orange Bowl in 1982.

_____________________________________

State Farm auto insurance customers will see a three percent decrease in their rates this summer, despite soaring numbers of distracted driving accidents that helped the nation set a record number of road deaths. That number works out to about 43 dollars a customer a year. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says it could be a sign that insurance rates will be on their way down for the next few years.

Cut 10 (11) “years now”

Donelon says the savings are not really the result of federal tax reform, but a better than expected series of results for insurance companies.

Cut 11 (12) “years before”

There’s been interest during the regular session in cutting back on the deadly epidemic of distracted driving, including a bill that bans the use of handheld electronics while driving. Donelon says legislation like that could help continue to push down rates.

Cut 12 (11) “insurance costs”

______________________________________

Saints running back Mark Ingram has been suspended for the first four games of the season after testing positive for PEDs, leaving a gaping hole in a Black and Gold offense. Ingram and Alvin Kamara combined for over 3000 yards from scrimmage last year. Saints analyst Mike Detillier says his production is impossible to replace.

Cut 13 (09)  “Mark Ingram” 

Detillier says besides an increased roll for offensive rookie of the year Alvin Kamara, there’s two young guns who are going to need to step up for the Saints offense to keep scoring at their unstoppable 2017 rate.

A Senate-approved bill to allow teachers to pray with students during the school day is close to final passage after clearing the House Education Committee. Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti says the legislation would require that all students present have a signed form from their parents before the teachers can participate in the student initiated prayer.

Cut 12 (10)   “around it”

But the bill received opposition from people who were concerned about the constitutional ramifications of allowing a public official to lead a religious ceremony.

Southern University Constitutional Law Professor Michelle Ghetti opposed the legislation, posing a hypothetical where a group of students and teachers got permission to conduct a “Wican” ritual.

Cut 15 (14) “their god”

Legislation that would set up statewide rules for ride-sharing services and expand Uber and Lyft to rural areas has died in a Senate committee for a second straight year. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (31) I’m Jeff Palermo”

And those looking to get hitched quick are in luck, a bill is on its way to the governor’s desk for signature that would reduce the wait time for marriages from 72 to 24 hours, but under current law a judge or justice of the peace can waive the waiting period. The legislation by Carencro Representative Julie Emerson would go into effect August 1^st if signed.

The Pelicans want to keep their fairytale season alive tonight as they face playoff elimination against the Warriors in Oakland. It’s been a rough series for the Pels, who are down 3 to 1 with their only win coming at home. Anthony Davis, whose averaging 30 points and 13 rebounds in the playoffs, says they know what it’ll take to steal a game at home from a team that hasn’t lost a playoff game at Oracle Arena in their last 14 contests.

22

And the Saints are losing running back Mark Ingram for the first four games of the season after he tested positive for PEDs. That means he’ll miss crucial divisional competitions against Tampa and Atlanta, and return to action in time for the game against Washington. Ingram combined with Alvin Kamara for over 3,000 yards last season.

Jerry Stovall’s number 21 will be retired by LSU this season. “Mr. Everything” is a college football hall of fame player who played both sides of the ball, and even punted during his time with the Tigers in the early 60s, and was the no.2 draft pick in the 1963 NFL draft.

After playing nine seasons in the league, Stovall returned to LSU, first as assistant, and then as head coach after Charlie McClendon’s plane disappeared over the Atlantic. Starting in 1980, he had two winning seasons and two losing seasons, winning SEC coach of the year for his 8-3-1 1982 season.

Stovall was fired by the school in 1983 after a disastrous 4-7 season where he went 0 and 6 in the SEC. Stovall would serve as athletic director for Louisiana Tech from 1990 to 1994. He now serves as the President and CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Sports Foundation.

Stovall joins Billy cannon, number 20, and Tommy Casanova, number 37, as the only other Tigers football players to have their numbers retired.

Oil prices in the U.S. have climbed over the 70 dollar mark for the first time since 2014. Jim Shannon has more on how that affects the state and you. Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon” ______________________________________________ Legislation that would set up statewide rules for ride-sharing services and expand Uber and Lyft to rural areas has died in a Senate committee for a second straight year. Jeff Palermo has more. Cut 2 (31) I’m Jeff Palermo”

Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, and the New Orleans area are under ozone warnings due to unseasonably warm weather that could temporarily lead to more polluted air. DEQ Environmental Sciences Manager Vivian Aucoin says they ask residents in affected areas to help reduce emissions Cut 3 (11) “to lunch” Aucoin says those with respiratory problems, whether chronic or acute should try to stay indoors for the duration of warning, as the outside air could be harder to breathe. Cut 4 (11) “expose yourself” Aucoin says if you’d like to stay on top ozone updates, drop by www.deq.louisiana.gov. Cut 5  (10) “your phone” _________________________________________________________ Oil prices in the U.S. have climbed over the 70 dollar mark for the first time since 2014. But Gifford Briggs, president of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association, says the rise in crude prices is not jump starting an industry that’s been struggling.. Cut 6 (10)  “seen that” Briggs says numerous lawsuits filed by local governments in south Louisiana seeking money for coastal restoration has had a chilling effect on the industry. Briggs says it’s not all bad as non-direct jobs are on the increase since the prices began going up. Cut 7 (12)  “good thing” Historically, Louisiana oil and gas companies have benefited from higher oil prices. But Briggs says a recent wave of lawsuits by parishes accusing the industry of damaging the wetlands has slowed drilling activity… cut 8 (12) “south Louisiana land” Analyst say the rise in price is two-fold, A strong demand and production limits. _________________________________ A bill setting up statewide rules and expanding service to rural parishes for Uber and Lyft has died in a Senate committee for a second straight year. Lyft Public Policy Manager Jonathan Buckner tried to reassure lawmakers that the service is safe, and offers multiple ways to ensure a trustworthy ride around town. .Cut 9 (11) “you up” The legislation would bring Louisiana in line with 45 other states. But Metairie Senator Danny Martiny pushed back against the legislation. He says Uber and Lyft would be under much lighter regulations than cab companies, lacking the more extensive background check for drivers, a CDL license, and expanded insurance. Cut 10 (10) “have to” Martiny says rideshare companies should meet the same requirements as cabbies. Cut 11 (12) “regulating it” _____________________________________ A Senate-approved bill to allow teachers to pray with students during the school day is close to final passage after clearing the House Education Committee. Bossier City Senator says the legislation would require that all students present have a signed form from their parents before the teachers can participate in the student initiated prayer. Cut 12 (10)   “around it” But the bill received opposition from people who were concerned about the constitutional ramifications of allowing a public official to lead a religious ceremony. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds brought up a 1990 case from Nebraska, when contesting Gatti’s bill. Cut 13 (09) “of religion” Edmonds says the legislation has potential to undermine other religious liberty laws that Louisiana has passed. Cut 14 (10)  “already have” Southern University Constitutional Law Professor Michelle Ghetti opposed the legislation, posing a hypothetical where a group of students and teachers got permission to conduct a “Wican” ritual. Cut 15 (14) “their god” Reports say offering up a chicken is not common practice in mainstream Wicca.

A bill setting up statewide rules and expanding service to rural parishes for Uber and Lyft has died in a Senate committee for a second straight year. Lyft Public Policy Manager Jonathan Buckner tried to reassure lawmakers that the service is safe, and offers multiple ways to ensure a trustworthy ride around town.
Cut 9 (11) “you up”
But Metairie Senator Danny Martiny objected to the legislation because it sets up different rules for Uber and Lyft than taxi cab operators.

Passing out of the House Education Committee is a bill that allows teachers to participate in student led prayer during the school day. Baton Rouge Representative Representative Rick Edmonds is concerned the measure is not constitutional and undermines other religious liberty laws….
cut 14 (10 “..already have”

Oil prices in the U.S. have climbed over the 70 dollar mark for the first time since 2014. Jim Shannon has more…
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, and the New Orleans areas are an air quality alert and people sensitive to ozone should avoid prolonged outdoor activity….
Cut 4 (11) “expose yourself”
That’s D-E-Q Environmental Sciences Manager Vivian Aucoin.

Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, and the New Orleans area are under ozone warnings due to unseasonably warm weather that could temporarily lead to more polluted air. DEQ Environmental Sciences Manager Vivian Aucoin says if you’d like to stay on top ozone updates, drop by www.deq.louisiana.gov.

Cut 5  (10) “your phone”

A Senate-approved bill to allow teachers to pray with students during the school day is close to final passage after clearing the House Education Committee. Bossier City Senator, Ryan Gatti, says the legislation would require that all students present have a signed form from their parents before the teachers can participate in the student initiated prayer.

Cut 12 (10)   “around it”

A bill setting up statewide rules and expanding service to rural parishes for Uber and Lyft has died in a Senate committee for a second straight year. The legislation would bring Louisiana in line with 45 other states. But Metairie Senator Danny Martiny pushed back against the legislation. He says Uber and Lyft would be under much lighter regulations than cab companies, lacking the more extensive background check for drivers, a CDL license, and expanded insurance.

Cut 10 (10) “have to”

Tangipahoa Parish authorities arrest a 25-year-old Hammond man, who is accused of killing a five-year-old child in a hit and run. Deputies say Davonta Abron’s vehicle struck a child at an intersection in Hammond and then fled the scene. He was taken into custody early this morning.

Legislation that would set up statewide rules for ride-sharing services and expand Uber and Lyft to rural areas has died in a Senate committee for a second straight year. Jeff Palermo has more.
Cut 2 (31) I’m Jeff Palermo”

Tangipahoa Parish authorities arrest a 25-year-old Hammond man, who is accused of killing a five-year-old child in a hit and run. Deputies say Davonta Abron’s vehicle struck a child at an intersection in Hammond and then fled the scene. He was taken into custody early this morning.

School employees would be able to pray with students during the school day under a Senate approved bill that recieved the blessing of the House Education committee. The vote was 10-4. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds says he wanted to vote for it, but he’s concerned its unconstitutional…
cut 13 (09) “…of religion”
Despite those concerns the bill heads to the full House for final passage.

The price of oil has hit 70-dollars a barrel for the first time since 2014. Gifford Briggs, president of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association, says the industry is still struggling because of a wave of lawsuits by parishes accusing the industry of damaging wetlands…
cut 8 (12) “…south Louisiana land”

Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, and the New Orleans area are under ozone warnings due to unseasonably warm weather that could temporarily lead to more polluted air. DEQ Environmental Sciences Manager Vivian Aucoin says those with respiratory problems, whether chronic or acute should try to stay indoors for the duration of warning, as the outside air could be harder to breathe.

Cut 4 (11) “expose yourself”

Oil prices in the U.S. have climbed over the 70 dollar mark for the first time since 2014. But Gifford Briggs, president of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association, says numerous lawsuits filed by local governments in south Louisiana seeking money for coastal restoration has had a chilling effect on the industry. Briggs says it’s not all bad as non-direct jobs are on the increase since the prices began going up.

Cut 7 (12)  “good thing”

A bill setting up statewide rules and expanding service to rural parishes for Uber and Lyft has died in a Senate committee for a second straight year. Lyft Public Policy Manager Jonathan Buckner tried to reassure lawmakers that the service is safe, and offers multiple ways to ensure a trustworthy ride around town.

.Cut 9 (11) “you up”

The legislation would bring the state in line with 44 other states rideshare laws.

We are 15 months away from qualifying for the 2019 Louisiana Governor’s race. Speculation is that Republican U.S. Senator John Kennedy will challenge Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards. Pollster John Couvillon says the big challenge for Governor Edwards is that there are 41,600 fewer Democrats registered to vote now compared to when he was elected….

Cut 12 (08) “two and a half years”

Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, and the New Orleans area are under ozone warnings due to unseasonably warm weather that could temporarily lead to more polluted air. DEQ Environmental Sciences Manager Vivian Aucoin says they ask residents in affected areas to help reduce emissions
Cut 3 (11) “to lunch”
She says those with respiratory problems should try to stay indoors.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is looking into giving the French Quarter State Park designation as a way to help clean up the area and reduce crime….
cut 5 (09) “…really changed”
Nungesser says if the French Quarter is considered a state park, it would allow lawmakers to allocate more funding. As of right now it’s just an idea and nothing has been set in stone.

A bill that attempted to put statewide regulations in place for Uber and Lyft so the companies can offer ridesharing services statewide has died in a Senate committee for a second straight year. Metairie Senator Danny Martiny was a vocal opponent against the proposal during a lengthy debate. He says these companies should meet the same requirements as cabbies.
cut 11 (12) “…regulating it”
The bill passed the House and also had the support of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry.

LSU announces it will retire the jersey of former player and coach Jerry Stovall, who wore number 21.