The trial begins today for Matthew Naquin. He’s the former LSU student charged with negligent homicide in the 2017 hazing death of Phi Delta Theta pledge Max Gruver. Legal analyst Tim Meche says Baton Rouge Judge Beau Higginbotham will try to keep the proceedings focused…
cut 14 (10) “….Gruver”
The trial is expected to take over a week.

A law recently signed by Governor Edwards brings new restrictions to rescue shelters on how and when they can pass along animals to research facilities. Houma Representative Jerome Zeringue says if an animal goes to a research facility, the law increases the likelihood of an animal finding a good home.
Cut 4 (07) “…for those animals.”
Shelters will no longer be able to euthanize animals for the sole purpose of research.

State Treasurer John Schroder says he’s no longer allowing the state to take 25-million dollars from the unclaimed property account to spend on general operating expenses. It’s a practice that’s been done for years, but Schroder says the unclaimed property account is money that comes from personal sources such as inheritances, life insurance and more…
cut 8 (12) “…certificates”
Schroder says if the state wants that money, they’ll have to take him to court. The governor’s office hopes it doesn’t come to that.

Governor Edwards has launched his first TV ad for the re-election campaign. It focuses on the governor’s handling of the budget. Edwards is currently on a statewide re-election tour and has a rally today in New Orleans.

In Lafayette, funeral services will get underway at 2 PM for Ragin Cajuns baseball coach Tony Robichaux who died last week following a heart attack.