FBI and IRS investigators had enough information to convince a federal grand jury that a Baton Rouge accountant allegedly stole almost 2 million dollars from the New Orleans firefighters pension fund.

The Advocate newspaper reports that Wayne Triche of American Pension Consultants, now faces a 38 count indictment. The federal grand jury indictment states that Triche used the money for gambling, credit card debts, various living expenses and home improvements.

If convicted Triche could be sentenced up to 20 years in prison.

There was a shooting death in New Orleans Saturday morning about 4:30 am beneath the Interstate 10 bridge close to the intersection of North Claiborne Avenue and Canal Street near the Central Business District.

Authorities say an autopsy will need to be completed before the victim’s identity is released.

The man was shot in the head and body according to New Orleans Police. The Advocate newspaper reported another man was killed by gunfire earlier in February near the same intersection.

——————————————-

A jury found a 19 year old man not guilty of murder in the stabbing death of a St. Amant High School Student.

Jacob Westbrook was 16 at the time when he got into altercation that resulted in the death of 18-year old Todd TJ Toups Jr.

Defense attorny Jarrett Ambeau says Westbrook acted in self-defense.
Cut 9 (13) “…essentially no reason.”

LSU’s number three and four hitters Antoine Duplantis and Daniel Cabrera each hit two home runs last night as the Tigers finally pulled away for a 12 to 7 victory over ULM.

Cabrera hit a two-run shot in the third inning and a solo home run in the sixth inning and he drove in five runs.

Duplantis hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning and then a grand slam in the eighth inning.

ULM Third baseman Chad Bell hit a two-run homer in the first inning off of LSU starting pitcher Zack Hess.

Hess gave up five runs in his first start of the season.

An ATM technician was arrested by Louisiana State Police after allegedly stealing over $41,000 from ATMs across eight parishes.

NOLA.com reports that 32 year old Christian Washington, 32, of Harvey, was placed under arrest and faces charges in parishes including Jefferson, Orleans, Washington, St. Tammany, St. Mary, Terrebonne, Tangipahoa and Lafourche parishes.

Washington’s job was to service those ATMs.

The New Orleans Pelicans made a dramatic cut to their roster… the team’s General Manager Dell Demps.

Bourbon Street Shots writer Jesse Brooks says Demps was on borrowed time after the Anthony Davis demanded to be traded off the team a few weeks ago.

Cut 14 (11) “…that time comes.”

Davis’s trade demand was not met by the deadline last week, and he will play out the rest of the season as a Pelican.

———————————–

The future looks very bright for the main three sports at LSU. Kevin Barnhart speaks with Tiger Rag Associate Editor Tyler Nunez to get the details.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The Ethics Board has reversed a November decision to bar a Baton Rouge woman who was running for office from using campaign funds to pay for childcare expenses.

There was a public outcry over the decision, due to the board previously allowing men to do it.
Political Consultant Mary Patricia Wray, says she’s glad they’ve reversed the decision, but…

Cut 6 (09) “…the state.”

Two teen age boys were shot Friday night on the porch of home on Louisiana Avenue Parkway in the Broadmoor neighborhood of New Orleans according to NOLA.com.

The youngest shooting victim was a 13 year old who was hit in his lower torso, while a nearby 17 year old was shot in his buttocks.

Both teens were reportedly in stable conditions after being struck by gunfire around 8:25 pm last night.

N-O-P-D spokesperson Juan Barnes says Police are exploring the possibility that the teens could have been targeted.

Ouchita (WASH-IT-AW) Correction Center officials inspecting letters discovered synthetic marijuana had been sprayed on a page they think was intended to reach inmates.

Among the seven people arrested was 25 year old Andriana C. Massey who faces charges of taking contraband to a penal institution and criminal conspiracy.

The Monroe News Star reports that correction officials reviewed a February 7th phone call conversation Massey had with 27 year old inmate Michael Warren.

Another Ouchita Corrections inmate, Ashton Finely also called Massey to request a letter be sent to him.
——————————

The Ethics Board has changed it’s mind and will allow a Baton Rouge woman running for office the ability to use campaign funds for childcare, after reports that men who previously asked were permitted the right…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

After three and a half days in the courtroom, a jury has found a 19 year old man not guilty of murder in the stabbing death of a St. Amant High School Student.

Jacob Westbrook was 16 at the time when he got into altercation that would leave 18-year old Todd TJ Toups Jr. dead.

Westbook’s attorney Jarrett Ambreau says the jury agreed that Westbrook acted in self-defense.

The Pelicans and GM Dell Demps have mutually agreed to part ways after nearly a decade with the organization.  Bourbon Street Shots writer Jesse Brooks says frequent turnover just isn’t the Benson family’s style, and the owners tend to be patient when it comes to firing team leaders, as evidenced by recent history with the Saints…

Cut 13 (11) “…their jobs”
Owner Gayle Benson released a statement saying  “I would like to assure our fans that I am prepared to provide any, and all, resources required to compete for championships.”

Representative Garret Graves says after talking with President Trump, he’s confident funding for Louisiana flood control and prevention projects will not be jeopardized as a result of the President’s declaration of a national emergency to gain access to a total of 8 billion dollars of funding for additional southern border wall construction. Graves says this was the result of frequent conversations with the White House. The administration says they are seeking to divert funds from projects that are deemed as a lower priority or non-essential repairs.
After three and a half days in the courtroom, a jury has found a 19 year old man not guilty of murder in the stabbing death of a St. Amant High School Student.  Jacob Westbrook was 16 at the time when he got into altercation that would leave 18-year old Todd TJ Toups Jr. dead.  Westbook’s attorney Jarrett Ambreau says in a time in which the system often comes into question as it relates to race, this case showed the system isn’t broken.
Cut 11 (12)   “…the system worked.”
The Ethics Board has reversed a November decision to bar a Baton Rouge woman who was running for office from using campaign funds to pay for childcare expenses. There was significant public outcry over the decision, due to the board previously allowing men the same right. Political Consultant Mary Patricia Wray celebrated the decision, saying it’s another step towards clearing a backlog of cultural & political policies designed to keep women out of politics.
Cut 8 (10) “…to run.”

The Ethics Board has reversed a November decision to bar a Baton Rouge woman who was running for office from using campaign funds to pay for childcare expenses. Political Consultant Mary Patricia Wray, who spoke at the hearing today, celebrated the decision, saying it’s another step towards clearing a backlog of cultural and political policies designed to keep women out of politics.

Cut 8 (10) “…to run.”

There was significant public outcry over the decision, due to the board previously allowing men the same right.

Pelicans GM Dell Demps and the organization have agreed to “mutually part ways”, per a release from team. ESPN is reporting the decision was Gayle Benson’s, and in the release she is quoted as saying  “I would like to assure our fans that I am prepared to provide any, and all, resources required to compete for championships.”

She added… “We will immediately begin the process of restructuring our basketball operations department,”

Tiger Rag assistant editor Tyler Nunez says LSU’s athletic future looks bright…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Representative Garret Graves says after talking with President Trump, he’s confident funding for Louisiana flood control and prevention projects will not be jeopardized as a result of the President’s declaration of a national emergency to gain access to a total of 8 billion dollars of funding for additional southern border wall construction. Graves says this was the result of frequent conversations with the White House. The administration says they are seeking to divert funds from projects that are deemed as a lower priority or non-essential repairs.

The Pelicans have agreed to “mutually part ways” with GM Dell Demps after nearly a decade of wheeling and dealing in the New Orleans front office. Star Anthony Davis demanded a trade several weeks ago, a demand that was not met by the deadline last week, and he will play out the rest of the season as a Pelican. Bourbon Street Shots writer Jesse Brooks says Demps was on borrowed time after Davis said he was out, and the superstar’s antics in last night’s win over the Thunder all but sealed the GM’s fate…

Cut 12, 11 seconds, the announcement

ESPN is reporting the decision was Gayle Benson’s, and in the release she is quoted as saying  “I would like to assure our fans that I am prepared to provide any, and all, resources required to compete for championships.”

She added… “We will immediately begin the process of restructuring our basketball operations department,”

Another college baseball season starts today and there are high expectations in Baton Rouge as the LSU Tigers are ranked number one in several polls. Left fielder Daniel Cabrera is one of several Tigers expected to have a big season and the Baton Rouge native is fired up about tonight..

Cut 16 (12) “…with them″

Demp’s teams have only visited the playoffs twice in six full seasons during the Davis era.

LSU returns its starting out field from last season and a healthy Josh Smith will man shortstop. Senior Brandt Broussard will start at second base tonight, but he says there are several newcomers pushing for starting time as well…

 cut 17 (18)   “to contribute” 

ULM comes into the season, looking to improve on a 23-31 mark.

Also this weekend, Louisiana Tech is at Southeastern Louisiana.

And over in Lafayette, the Ragin Cajuns host 23rd ranked Texas.

The Ethics Board has reversed a November decision to bar a Baton Rouge woman who was running for office from using campaign funds to pay for childcare expenses. There was significant public outcry over the decision, due to the board previously allowing men the same right. Political Consultant Mary Patricia Wray spoke at the hearing today.

Cut 6 (09) “…the state.”

The Board defended the prior ruling by stating that the men who were allowed to use the funds for that reason were granted that right by a board composed of different members than the current one.

The Pelicans have reportedly fired GM Dell Demps after nearly a decade of wheeling and dealing in the New Orleans front office. Bourbon Street Shots writer Jesse Brooks says Demps was with Anthony Davis likely set to be traded this offseason, firing Demps and searching for a new GM now was the right move…

Cut 14 (11)   time comes” 

After three and a half days in the courtroom, a jury has found a 19 year old man not guilty of murder in the stabbing death of a St. Amant High School Student.  Jacob Westbrook was 16 at the time when he got into altercation that would leave 18-year old Todd TJ Toups Jr. dead.  Westbook’s attorney Jarrett Ambeau says the jury agreed that Westbrook acted in self-defense.

Cut 9 (13) “…essentially no reason.”

The three main sports of LSU are seeing a really great year.  Football finished last season ranked in the top ten and recently scored the 5^th ranked recruiting class, while basketball is seeing a promising season and things are looking promising on the diamond as baseball is projected to start their season with top ranking.  Tiger Rag Associate Editor Tyler Nunez says it’s a rare occurrence for the planets to align for so much athletic success.

Cut 3 (08) “…on the right track.”

LSU plays ULM to start the year at 7PM today.

The future looks bright for the main three sports at LSU. Kevin Barnhart speaks with Tiger Rag Associate Editor to get the details.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

____________________________

The Ethics Board has changed it’s mind and will allow a Baton Rouge woman running for office the ability to use campaign funds for childcare, after reports that men who previously asked were permitted the right…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________________________

The three main sports of LSU are seeing a really great year.  Football finished last season ranked in the top ten and recently scored the 5^th ranked recruiting class, while basketball is seeing a promising season and things are looking promising on the diamond as baseball is projected to start their season with top ranking.  Tiger Rag Associate Editor Tyler Nunez says it’s a rare occurrence for the planets to align for so much athletic success.

Cut 3 (08) “…on the right track.”

Nunez says the credit for such success is definitely spread all throughout the athletic department.

Cut 4 (05) “…this thing rolling.″

While all three programs are doing as well as they are, Nunez says there are some fans who aren’t satisfied, but he foresees championship contention in the future.

Cut 5 (07)“…direction right now.”

_________________________________________________

The Ethics Board has reversed a November decision to bar a Baton Rouge woman who was running for office from using campaign funds to pay for childcare expenses. There was significant public outcry over the decision, due to the board previously allowing men the same right. Political Consultant Mary Patricia Wray, who spoke at the hearing today, says she’s glad they’ve reversed the decision, but…

Cut 6 (09) “…the state.”

The Board defended the prior ruling by stating that the men who were allowed to use the funds for that reason were granted that right by a board composed of different members than the current one.

Women’s advocates have pointed out that the previous decision appeared to be sexist, and puts a significant barrier in the way of middle class moms who would like to seek public office. Wray says barring moms from using those funds would likely have dissuaded many from even trying to run.

Cut 7 (09) “…to run.”

Wray celebrated the decision, saying it’s another step towards clearing a backlog of cultural and political policies designed to keep women out of politics.

Cut 8 (10) “…to run.”

_______________________

After three and a half days in the courtroom, a jury has found a 19 year old man not guilty of murder in the stabbing death of a St. Amant High School Student.  Jacob Westbrook was 16 at the time when he got into altercation that would leave 18-year old Todd TJ Toups Jr. dead.  Westbook’s attorney Jarrett Ambeau says the jury agreed that Westbrook acted in self-defense.

Cut 9 (13) “…essentially no reason.”

Ambreau says this is the first good step in his client putting his life back together.

Cut 10 (09)“…long road ahead.”

Ambreau says in a time in which the system often comes into question as it relates to race, this case showed the system isn’t broken.

Cut 11 (12)   “…the system worked.”

_______________________________

The Pelicans have reportedly fired GM Dell Demps after nearly a decade of wheeling and dealing in the New Orleans front office. Bourbon Street Shots writer Jesse Brooks says Demps was on borrowed time after the Anthony Davis trade demand a few weeks ago, and the superstar’s antics in last night’s win over the Thunder all but sealed the GM’s fate…

Cut 12 (11)   “…the annoucement”

Davis’s trade demand was not met by the deadline last week, and he will play out the rest of the season as a Pelican.

Many fans have been clamoring for Demp’s dismissal, saying the firing is several years too late. But Brooks says frequent turnover just isn’t the Benson family’s style, and the owners tend to be patient when it comes to firing team leaders, as evidenced by recent history with the Saints…

Cut 13 (11) “…their jobs”

Fans have noted that Demp’s teams have only visited the playoffs twice in six full seasons with a generational talent like Davis, and his habit of shipping out 1^st round picks for veteran players.

The firing means the search is on for the GM who will be tasked with navigating a summer highlighted by a high profile bidding war for Anthony Davis’s services. Brooks says firing Demps now was the right move…

Cut 14 (11)   time comes” 

__________________________

The Pelicans have reportedly fired GM Dell Demps after nearly a decade of wheeling and dealing in the New Orleans front office. Many fans have been clamoring for Demp’s dismissal, but Bourbon Street Shots writer Jesse Brooks says frequent turnover just isn’t the Benson family’s style, and the owners tend to be patient when it comes to firing team leaders, as evidenced by recent history with the Saints…

Cut 13 (11) “…their jobs”

The three main sports of LSU are seeing a really great year.  Football finished last season ranked in the top ten and recently scored the 5^th ranked recruiting class, while basketball is seeing a promising season and things are looking promising on the diamond as baseball is projected to start their season with top ranking.  Tiger Rag Associate Editor Tyler Nunez says the credit for such success is definitely spread all throughout the athletic department.
Cut 4 (05) “…this thing rolling.″
The Ethics Board has reversed a November decision to bar a Baton Rouge woman who was running for office from using campaign funds to pay for childcare expenses. There was significant public outcry over the decision, due to the board previously allowing men the same right. Political Consultant Mary Patricia Wray celebrated the decision, saying it’s another step towards clearing a backlog of cultural and political policies designed to keep women out of politics.
Cut 8 (10) “…to run.”

After three and a half days in the courtroom, a jury has found a 19 year old man not guilty of murder in the stabbing death of a St. Amant High School Student.  Jacob Westbrook was 16 at the time when he got into altercation that would leave 18-year old Todd TJ Toups Jr. dead.  Westbook’s attorney Jarrett Ambreau says in a time in which the system often comes into question as it relates to race, this case showed the system isn’t broken.

Cut 11 (12)   “…the system worked.”