Former LSU Tiger and Former NBA Star forward Glen “Big Baby” Davis was sentenced by a federal judge yesterday to 40 months in prison for his November 20-23 conviction in an alleged health care fraud scheme. Twenty-two people, 18 of them former players, have been sentenced in the case, for filing false medical claims with the NBA Players’ Health and Benefit Welfare Plan.

The Mayor of West Monroe says she’s doing all she can to keep Glenwood Regional Hospital open.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

Governor Jeff Landry visited Louisiana Troops at the Texas border yesterday. Answering questions about the impact of illegal immigration on Louisiana, Landry says he is especially interested in knowing how much pressure has been placed on the Department of Corrections. Has issued an executive order for impact data from all of Louisiana’s Department Secretaries.

Cut 8 (09) “…to know.” 

LSU Health New Orleans has been granted a patent for a test that greatly improves the detection of a life-threatening disease in premature babies.  Twenty babies are born at risk for Necrotizing enterocolitis or NEC in Louisiana every day and it affects somewhere between 9,000 and 12,000 each year. Inventor of NEC Detect, Dr. Sunyoung Kim…

Cut 15 (11)  “…public service.”

LSU Health New Orleans has been granted a patent for a test that greatly improves the detection of a life-threatening disease in premature babies.  Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common and second deadliest disease in preemies. Inventor of the diagnostic system, NEC Detect, Dr. Sunyoung Kim says currently, x-rays are used but they uncover less than half of the cases and often too late…

Cut 13 (10)  “…the baby.”

The future of West Monroe’s Glenwood Regional Hospital is in jeopardy, after parent company Steward Health Care declared bankruptcy. Mayor Staci Mitchell says the potential closure would gravely impact the city and they are doing all they can to help the hospital get sold and remain open.

Cut 10 (11) “…rural hospitals.”

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Governor Jeff Landry was at the Southern Border in Texas visiting with the third group of Louisiana National Guard Soldiers who are assisting with border security. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

Former Louisiana legislator James David Cain died Wednesday night after a battle Alzheimer’s Disease. Cain served 20 years in the Louisiana House and another 16 in the Senate, where he led the Insurance and Agriculture & Natural Resources committees. Cain died at home in Dry Creek with his son and two daughters by his side. He was 85 years old.

For the first time since the state has been attempting to update the congressional map from the 2020 Census, all sides agree that the matter needs to be settled by the US Supreme Court. Jared Evans is an attorney with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund…

Cut 4 (10) “…finality really.”

The Third group of Louisiana National Guard Soldiers is in Texas assisting with border security and Governor Jeff Landry visited them on Thursday. Landry says he doesn’t know if Louisiana Troops will continue to help or how long they might be there…

Cut 7 (11) “…making a decision.”

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LSU Health New Orleans has been granted a patent for a test that greatly improves the detection of a life-threatening disease in premature babies.  Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common and second deadliest disease in preemies and early diagnosis saves lives. Inventor of NEC Detect, Sunyoung Kim says in addition to earlier and more accurate testing, NEC Detect is non-invasive causing no stress to the babies…

Cut 14 (10)  “…their diaper.”

Twenty babies are born at risk for NEC in Louisiana every day and affects somewhere between 9,000 and 12,000 across the country each year.
The Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice opened the new Swanson Center for Youth at Monroe this week. It’s a big step that demonstrates the state’s commitment to juvenile rehabilitation. The Tier 1 secure setting provides intensive rehabilitative service and can accommodate up to 72 youths in individualized rooms.

For the first time since the state has been attempting to update the congressional map from the 2020 Census, all sides agree that the matter needs to be settled by the US Supreme Court. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Governor Landry was at the Southern Border in Texas visiting with the third group of Louisiana National Guard Soldiers who are assisting with border security. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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The Mayor of West Monroe says she’s doing all she can to keep Glenwood Regional Hospital open.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

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For the first time since the state has been attempting to update the congressional map from the 2020 Census, all sides agree that the matter needs to be settled by the US Supreme Court. Jared Evans is an attorney with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund…

Cut 4 (10) “…finality really.”

For more than two years there have been multiple maps that have been either vetoed or rejected by two separate judicial districts. Evans says it’s time for the Supreme Court to settle the issue for the 2024 congressional election.

Cut 5 (11) “…2026 map.” 

The NAACP and State Attorney General Liz Murrill have filed for an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court and Evans says a Monday deadline has been set for other parties to file.

Cut 6 (05) “…look like.”

Qualifying dates for the November election are July 17^th through the 19^th.

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The Third group of Louisiana National Guard Soldiers is in Texas assisting with border security and Governor Jeff Landry visited them on Thursday. Landry says he doesn’t know if Louisiana Troops will continue to help or how long they might be there…

Cut 7 (11) “…making a decision.”

The price tag for Louisiana’s 90-day participation in Operation Lone Star is Three Million Dollars.

Before Louisiana and other states assisted with the border, Landry says daily crossing averaged 2,000 and now they are down to 200.

Answering questions about the impact of illegal immigration on Louisiana, Landry says he is especially interested in knowing how much pressure has been placed on the Department of Corrections. Through an executive order, Landry has requested impact data from all of Louisiana’s Department Secretaries.

Cut 8 (09) “…to know.” 

Some Louisiana Lawmakers accompanied Landry on his visit to the Southern Border. Among them, Mandeville Representative Jay Galle says it’s not the Mexican government governing the south side of the border.

Cut 9 (12)  “…our country.”

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With the future of West Monroe’s Glenwood Regional Hospital in jeopardy, after parent company Steward Health Care declared bankruptcy, Mayor Staci Mitchell says the potential closure would gravely impact the city and they are doing all they can to help the hospital get sold and remain open.

Cut 10 (11) “…rural hospitals.”

Mitchell says Glenwood Regional must remain open because the two hospitals across the river in Monroe can’t handle the number of patients that need care. She says Steward Health Care’s mismanagement is having dire consequences.

Cut 11 (12) “…Steward’s doing.”

The patient census at Glenwood has decreased to 91, even though they have more beds. Mitchell is hopeful the hospital can be sold and there’s a smooth changeover.

Cut 12 (12) “…system there.” 

Mitchell says complicating the possible sale of the hospital is that Medical Properties Trust owns the land and building.

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LSU Health New Orleans has been granted a patent for a test that greatly improves the detection of a life-threatening disease in premature babies.  Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common and second deadliest disease in preemies. Inventor of the diagnostic system, NEC Detect, Dr. Sunyoung Kim says currently, x-rays are used but they uncover less than half of the cases and often too late…

Cut 13 (10)  “…the baby.”

Fragile premature babies are at risk for NEC and early diagnosis before the baby’s intestines become inflamed is vital. Kim says in addition to earlier and more accurate testing, NEC Detect is non-invasive causing no stress to the babies…

Cut 14 (10)  “…their diaper.”

Twenty babies are born at risk for NEC in Louisiana every day and nationally NEC affects somewhere between 9,000 and 12,000 annually. Kim expects NEC Detect will be available to hospitals in a year to a year and a half when final FDA approval is given…

Cut 15 (11)  “…public service.”

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The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs will host the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers this weekend which could decide the regular season Conference USA title. Regardless of this weekend’s outcome, LA Tech Head Coach Lane Burroughs says he’s proud of the season his team has put together, especially after they bounce back from getting swept by Arizona.

Cut 16 (15) “….up for.” 

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers are currently atop the Conference USA standings at 13 and 5 and have the best Conference USA away record at 7-and-2. The Bulldogs are 12 and 6 and Burroughs says the Hilltoppers are similar to his team.

Cut 17 (13) “…like us.”

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LSU baseball is heading to Tuscaloosa this weekend to face the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Tigers series against the Tide could decide whether or not LSU makes it to the postseason tournament and get a shot at defending their national title. On3.com baseball analyst Jonathan Wagner has LSU making the tournament after their series win against Texas A&M last weekend, but he says that it won’t be an easy road for the Tigers.

Cut 18 (18)  “… it’s possible.”

LSU baseball is playing some of its best baseball of the season right now and made a statement last weekend defeating Texas A&M 2 out of 3 games. Wagner says that LSU has the talent to make some noise late into the season and if they keep up their momentum against Alabama the Tigers can take the series and possibly play their way into the tournament.

Cut 19 (16) “…taking two.” 

LSU has struggled all season to put offensive and defensive performances together as the Tigers hitting and pitching have never quite timed up at the right time. Alabama can tear the cover of a baseball, but the Tide have struggled to pitch well consistently this season, especially in SEC play. Wagner says that the Tigers hitting and pitching stepping up like they did last weekend will likely be a big factor in the Tigers winning this weekend.

Cut 20 (17) “….have to do.”

First pitch between the Tigers and Tide will be on Friday at 6 pm and broadcast on the SEC Network +.

5:30 (17) 8:30 (20)

Governor Jeff Landry visited with Louisiana National Guard Soldiers in Texas Thursday who are assisting with border security. Texas Governor Greg Abbott asked the state to send troops for 90 days. Landry says he doesn’t yet know whether Louisiana troops will continue to assist or how long they might be there…

Cut 7 (11) “…making a decision.”

The cost of the sending troops is approximately $3-million.

Senator Patrick McMath’s bill to make using a handheld cellphone while driving in Louisiana a criminal offense passed overwhelmingly in the Senate, but his yearly attempt failed in the House. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick questions what else would be considered a crime in McMath’s bill.

Cut 9 (11) “…still out there, yes.” 

The three-panel court has given the state a June 3^rd deadline to draw a new congressional map. The legislature is in session, and they are scheduled to end June 3rd as well. But with the budget yet to be heard in Senate Finance, Senate President Cameron Henry says it’s impossible for them to even file a bill for a new map because the deadline has already passed.

Cut 3 (08) “…to do it.” 

Henry says it’s time to let State Attorney General Liz Murrill handle the congressional map at this point with an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court in the works.

And NAACP Legal Defense Attorney Jared Evans agrees…

Cut 24 finality really. :11

Evans believes SCOTUS will make a decision by mid-June.

LSU baseball is not projected to make the NCAA tournament after the initial D-1 Baseball and Baseball America projections have come out. The Tigers need to win four of their next six games in order to have a good chance at making the NCAA tournament and LSU Head Coach Jay Johnson says that his team is excited to take on Alabama this weekend, no matter what the projections say.

Cut 30 (17) “… going for it.”

First pitch between the Tigers and Tide will be on Friday at 6 pm and broadcast on the SEC Network +.

D1 Baseball and Baseball America’s projections also have UL-Lafayette and Louisiana Tech making the tournament with the Ragin Cajuns as a two seed in College Station regional and the Bulldogs as a three seed in the Starkville regional.

And in baseball news across the state, ULM will travel to South Alabama this weekend and LA Tech will have their hands full against Western Kentucky in a battle for first place in the Conference USA baseball standings.

The New Orleans Saints cut former Texas A&M, Minnesota Vikings, and Cleveland Browns quarterback Kellen Mond. The Saints quarterback room was crowded after the addition of South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler through the draft and the solution was for the Saints to cut Mond. The Saints quarterback room will now include starting quarterback Derek Carr, second year quarterback Jake Haener, NFL veteran Nathan Peterman, and Rattler.

UL-Lafayette softball looked dominant today when they defeated James Madison in five innings. The Ragin Cajuns demonstrated why they were the number one overall seed in the SunBelt tournament, recording 8 runs on seven hits and Cajuns pitcher Sam Landry went four and a third innings, striking out 4 batters, and only allowing 3 hits.

And in the Non-select Division I baseball playoffs, third seeded Sam Houston will take on second seeded West Monroe at 5:30 and thirteenth ranked Benton will take on first seed Barbe at 5:30.

And UL-Lafayette will look to bounce back from a tough series loss against Troy when the Ragin Cajuns take on Georgia Southern this weekend with first pitch on Friday at 5:30 pm.

Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, Ronnie Johns is stepping down as Chairman effective June 30th. During his time as chair, he’s seen two riverboat properties become first-class land-based properties with another three under construction, as well as bringing sports betting to the state. Those are only a few of the milestones of Johns’s time as Chairman. He says that wasn’t a small task.

Cut 7 (11) “…was done properly .”  

Steward Health Care has announced its selling Glenwood Regional Medical Center in West Monroe. Steward has filed for bankruptcy and is looking to sell several of its 31 hospitals in eight states. The Glenwood hospital has been struggling with staffing and supply issues and State Representative Mike Echols says it’s time for Glenwood to have a new owner…

cut 7 (11) “…Steward Health Group”
A Federal three-judge panel told Louisiana Lawmakers they have until June 3^rd to create a new congressional map, or the panel will create one. But multiple attempts to draw maps have all been rejected by federal judges in different districts. Senate President Cameron Henry says it’s all part of the legal process…

Cut 5 (12)  “…outcome is.” 

According to the Violence Policy Center, Louisiana ranks second in the nation for gun deaths. Kristen Rand with VPC says states with weak firearm laws and higher gun ownership consistently have higher gun death rates.
Cut 13 (12) “…of gun deaths.”
Mississippi ranks first for the highest gun death rate followed by Louisiana, New Mexico, Alabama, and Missouri.

Senator Patrick McMath’s bill to make using a handheld cellphone while driving in Louisiana a criminal offense passed overwhelmingly in the Senate, but his yearly attempt failed in the House overwhelming by a 21-72 vote. Denham Springs Representative, Roger Wilder, is concerned about court issues that would come with the violation.

Cut 11 (11) ” …concerned about the bill, thank you.”

A panel of 3 federal judges has given the state a June 3^rd deadline to draw a new congressional map. While the legislature is in session Senate President Cameron Henry says it’s impossible for to even file a bill for a new map because the deadline has already passed. He says it’s time to let State Attorney General Liz Murrill handle the congressional map with an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Cut 4 (08) “…this time.” 

The NAACP has also filed an appeal for the U.S. Supreme Court to settle the congressional map for the fall election.

Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, Ronnie Johns is set to retire June 30th of this year. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Sean Richardson”

For the second year in a row, U-S News and World Report ranks Louisiana as the worst state in the country. The ranking is based on several categories that Louisiana did not perform well in, like crime, the economy and its roads. Are there any positives? U-S News and World Report’s Gary Emerling says Louisiana ranked 21st for healthcare access and more children under the age of five are spending time in an education setting…

cut 6 (03) “…pre-school enrollment.”

Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, Ronnie Johns is set to retire June 30th of this year. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (00)  “…I’m Sean Richardson”

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A bill to make holding  a cellphone while driving a crime failed to pass in the House with a 21-72. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

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The three-panel court has given the state a June 3^rd deadline to draw a new congressional map. The legislature is in session, and they are scheduled to end June 3rd as well. But with the budget yet to be heard in Senate Finance, Senate President Cameron Henry says it’s impossible for them to even file a bill for a new map because the deadline has already passed.

Cut 3 (08) “…to do it.” 

Henry says it’s time to let State Attorney General Liz Murrill handle the congressional map at this point with an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court in the works.

Cut 4 (08) “…this time.” 

After multiple attempts to draw maps, that have been rejected by federal judges in different districts, Henry says it’s all part of the legal process…

Cut 5 (11)  “…outcome is.” 

The NAACP has also filed an appeal for the U.S. Supreme Court to settle the congressional map for the fall election.

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Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, Ronnie Johns told Governor Jeff Landry that he will be stepping down as Chairman effective June 30th.

Cut 6  (09) “…gaming control board.” 

During his time as chair, he’s seen two riverboat properties become first-class land-based properties with another three under construction, as well as bringing sports betting to the state. Those are only a few of the milestones of Johns’s time as Chairman. He says that wasn’t a small task.

Cut 7 (11) “…was done properly .”  

Johns says “It’s been an incredible honor to serve in this very important position to regulate such a large industry in our state,” and the future looks bright.

Cut 8 (10  “…the next chairman.” 

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Senator Patrick McMath’s bill to make using a handheld cellphone while driving in Louisiana a criminal offense passed overwhelmingly in the Senate, but his yearly attempt failed in the House overwhelming by a 21-72 vote. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick questions what else would be considered a crime in McMath’s bill.

Cut 9 (11) “…still out there, yes.” 

Bossier City Representative, Raymond Crews asked are they chasing an issue that will solve itself in the near future.

Cut 10 (10) “…getting fines for it.” 

Denham Springs Representative, Roger Wilder is concerned about court issues that would come with the violation.

Cut 11 (11) ” …concerned about the bill, thank you.”