March food stamp benefits will arrive early for those who receive the government assistance…
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

19th ranked LSU has a chance to make a huge statement tonight when they visit 5th ranked Kentucky. LSU has made a habit of getting behind by double digits and then roaring back to win games. Wade says that strategy will likely not work tonight
Cut 18 (10) to win”
Tip off is at 6 PM.

Allegiant Air will begin non-stop service between Shreveport and the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport in Florida on May 17th. Shreveport Regional Airport Authority spokesperson Mark Crawford says fares start at 49-dollars each way and flights will operate on Mondays and Fridays…
cut 12 (07) “….in an hour and a half”
The seasonal service is scheduled to run through Monday, September 2nd.

LaFourche Parish deputies have made an arrest in the fatal shooting of a 19-year-old, who was struck by a bullet that entered his mother’s home in Lockport on Sunday. Lt. Brennan Matherne says 17-year-old Jyairus Folse fired several shots into the home and one them struck Alton Adams of Bayou Blue in the back…
cut 8 (13) “….in this shooting”
Matherne says they still don’t exact reason why Folse shot at the home.

Small business optimism is at its lowest levels in over two years, and the National Federation of Independent Business has a good idea as to why…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

LSU baseball fans can now enjoy beer and wine at games at a new addition outside of Alex Box Stadium known as The Yard.  Sr. Associate Athletic Director Robert Munson says fans don’t have to worry about missing any action while hanging out in The Yard.

Cut 14 (08) “…second of it.”

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 17-year-old in connection with the death of a 19-year-old south Louisiana man who was fatally shot Sunday night when a bullet entered his mother’s home in Lockport. Jyairus Folse of Lockport was charged with the Second Degree Murder of Alton Adams of Bayou Blue.  Lt. Brennan Matherne says Folse has also been charged with 6 counts of attempted second-degree murder for each person in the home.

Cut 7 (06) “…inside the trailer.”

Bond has been set at $5 million.
March food stamps are set to arrive early, and recipients should be checking their mailboxes for benefits on the first and second of the month, whereas SNAP traditionally arrives sometime between the first and 15^th. Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says the early delivery is to make up for the significant gap recipients faced due to the last government shutdown.

Cut 9 (09) “in January”

The National Federation of Independent Business says their Small Businesses Optimism Index has slipped to it’s lowest levels since just before the 2016 presidential election.  State Director Dawn Starns says the shutdown was the primary driver, but another issue tugging at optimism for small business owners was difficulty hiring qualified workers. Starns says 23 percent of members reported that as an issue.

Cut 4 (07) “…job openings″

15 percent of companies said taxes were their biggest concern.

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 17-year-old in connection with the death of a 19-year-old south Louisiana man who was fatally shot Sunday night when a bullet entered his mother’s home in Lockport. Jyarius Folse of Lockport was charged with the Second Degree Murder of Alton Adams of Bayou Blue.  Lt. Brennan Matherne.

Cut 6 (10) “…in this situation.”

The race for the governor’s mansion is now just eight months away, with incumbent Democrat John Bel Edwards currently set to face off in a jungle primary against Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone and Alto Congressman Ralph Abraham. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the race has been quiet so far, but is set to blast off soon.

Cut 10 (08) “…they’re spending”

Candidates have already begun their social media campaigns, with all three sporting an active Facebook page and accompanying paid ads on the site. If no candidate receives over 50 percent of the vote in the fall primary, the top two will head to a run-off in December.

And now commodities

Eight months from today is Louisiana’s gubernatorial primary as Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards faces two Republican challengers, Ralph Abraham and Eddie Rispone. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says a big part of the debate will discuss state issues and how to move the state forward, but the national climate will bleed over and mix with local issues…
cut 11 (10) “….healthcare”

Following the popularity of The Chute at Tiger Stadium, LSU baseball fans can now look forward to The Yard.  The Yard is composed of two areas around Alex Box Stadium where fans can purchase and consume beer and wine during games so long as they are at least 21 and have purchased a wristband for the area.  Sr. Associate Athletic Director Robert Munson says the area comes in response to fans to enjoy alcohol as part of their game day experience.

Cut 13 (06) “…$6 a beer.”

The National Federation of Independent Business says their Small Businesses Optimism Index has slipped to it’s lowest levels since just before the 2016 presidential election, a notable drop off from recent record highs. State Director Dawn Starns says much of the recent drop off can be attributed to the recent, and potentially upcoming, government shutdown.

Cut 3 (08) “…the future.”

Starns noted the 101.2 rating is still above the historical average of 98.

The Department of Environmental Quality has an online, interactive map on its website that lets anglers see the fish consumption and swimming advisories for rivers, lakes, and bayous in Louisiana. Two of the advisories warn against both swimming and fishing and two other warn only against swimming, but the majority are warnings about contaminants in the fish.  DEQ Scientist Al Hindrichs says once you see the advisories, click the icons because each area has its own, unique, restrictions.

Cut 8 (06) “…how much.”

Eight months from today, Louisiana voters will head to the polls to vote on who will be Louisiana’s governor for the next four years. In 2015, the race centered around former US Senator David Vitter’s ties to a prostitution scandal, but political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says this year’s race will focus more on policy issues…
cut 12 (11) “….a governor”
Qualifying for all of the statewide races is in early August.
According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are expected to spend $20.7 billion for Valentine’s Day.  Fewer Americans are spending money on Valentine’s Day compared to other years, but NRF spokesperson Katherine Cullen says those that are making purchases are spending enough money to make it a record-breaking year.Cullen adds animals are also reaping the benefits of the holiday.

Cut 6 (10) “…more than doubled.”

The state department of environmental quality’s website has a new interactive map that shows swim and fish advisories for 58 bodies of water statewide…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”
A 17 year old has been arrested in connection with the death of a 19-year-old south Louisiana man who was fatally shot Sunday night when a bullet entered his mother’s home in Lockport. Jyarius Folse of Lockport was charged with the Second Degree Murder of Alton Adams of Bayou Blue.   Folse has also been charged with 6 counts of attempted second degree murder for each person in the home.  The motive remains unknown and the bond has been set at $5 million.

The race for the governor’s mansion is now just eight months away, with incumbent Democrat John Bel Edwards currently set to face off in a jungle primary against Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone and Richland Parish Congressman Ralph Abraham. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the race has been quiet so far, but that will change soon…
Cut 10 (08) “…they’re spending”
Qualifying for the race is in early August.

The state department of environmental quality has posted an interactive map on its website that will let the public know about which bodies of water are safe to swim in and whether it’s safe to eat the fish. DEQ Scientist Al Hindrichs says a vast majority of the warnings are for mercury…
cut 9 (09) “….for mercury”
Hindrichs notes the majority of the mercury poisoning is not from one source, but from general atmospheric contamination.

Governor John Bel Edwards seven-day trip to Israel last fall cost 100-thousand dollars in taxpayer money according to a NOLA-dot-com report. Edwards met with Israeli government leaders, cyber-security experts and participated in other activities.

The National Retail Federation is forecasting record-setting spending for Valentine’s Day. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Eight months from today is Louisiana’s gubernatorial primary as Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards faces two republican challengers, Ralph Abraham and Eddie Rispone. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says a big part of the debate will discuss state issues and how to move the state forward, but the national climate will bleed over and mix with local issues…
cut 11 (10) “….healthcare”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has responded to Governor John Bel Edwards letter that expressed disappointment with the blown pass interference call in the NFC Championship game. Goodell says the game could not be re-played, but the league will look at whether expanding instant replay to include judgement calls on penalties. Goodell also says the league treasures its relationship with New Orleans as they gear up to host an 11th Super Bowl in 2024.

The state Department of Environmental Quality has an online, interactive map on it’s website that lets anglers see the fish consumption and swimming advisories for rivers, lakes, and bayous in Louisiana. DEQ Scientist Al Hindrichs…
Cut 7 (11) “…advisories.”
Two of the advisories warn against both swimming and fishing and two other warn only against swimming, but the majority are warnings about contaminants in the fish.

Adult fans attending baseball games at Alex Box Stadium can purchase beer and win in a new section called the Yard, which is a tented area in the right and left field corners. Senior Associate Athletics Director Robert Munson says the Yard will have television sets, so you can still watch the game, plus…
cut 15 (10) “….in the season”

You couldn’t tell from how quiet the campaigns have been, but we’re only eight months away for Louisiana’s gubernatorial primary…
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

House Republican leadership has once again rejected a recommendation to increase the amount of money the state is projected to receive from tax revenue. House Speaker Taylor Barras’ no vote at yesterday’s Revenue Estimating Conference meeting means Governor John Bel Edwards can’t use the extra revenue to help pay for a proposed pay raise for teachers.

The National Retail Federation estimates Americans will spend a record amount of money on Valentine’s Day, with the average person spending 161-dollars…
cut 5 (08) “…planning to spend”
That’s N-R-F spokesperson Katherine Cullen, who says only 51-percent of Americans plan to celebrate the holiday, which is down from 63-percent in 2007.

LSU will sell beer and wine during home baseball games this season in a new section called the Yard. They will be tented areas located in the left and right outfield corners and senior associate athletics director Robert Munson says fans do not have to worry about missing any of the action on the diamond…
cut 14 (08) “…second of it”
To consume beer and wine in the Yard, fans will have to buy a wristband for 20-dollars and that includes two beverages. Additional beverages will cost six dollars.