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.

With the Louisiana Radio Network Legislative Report, I’m Jeanne Burns.

Departing from Governor Landry’s proposal that would maintain the 87 million dollars in the budget set aside for early childhood education, the House cut 24 million dollars from it. Executive Director of the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, Libbie Sonnier says the cut will remove 2000 children from their programs.

Cut 7 (08) “…really dire.”

Sonnier says, access to early education is vital in preparing children to enter kindergarten on time, read at grade level by third grade and achieve overall success in school. She’s concerned about an already stressed system…

Cut 8 (10) “…even worse.” 

A property insurance reform bill waiting for the governor’s signature would end the three-year rule. Louisiana is the only state that prohibits an insurer from canceling policies that are three years old or older. House Insurance Commissioner Gabe Firment says the legislation allows insurance companies to manage their own risks better

Cut 10 (11) “…everybody else.”

The Louisiana Senate could give final legislative approval today to a bill that would require high schoolers to pass a computer science course in order to graduate. New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes says the requirement take effect for the 2027-28 school year

Cut 14 (08)  “…this bill.”

Hughes says the legislation would also require the passage of a computer science course in order to be eligible for TOPS.

Louisiana Tech’s Giving Day was a big success this year. The annual campaign raised almost 2 million dollars April 18^th. This year’s them: “Fulfilling our Potential” .”LA Tech President Jim Henderson says the administration will do that by continuing growth in all its programs.

Cut 8 (09) “…focused manner.” 
Speaking of focus, The Council for a Better Louisiana is not pleased with where proposed cuts to education in Louisiana are headed right now at the capitol. As of now, early childhood education stands to lose $24 million. A solid early childhood education reduces one’s likelihood of a life of crime and after a session dedicated to crime reforms, CABLE President Barry Erwin says reducing funding for such a vital sends a mixed message.

Cut 5 (12)  “…direction.” 

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The Rolling Stones made a big splash before a crowd of 40-thousand Thursday at the New Orleans Jass and Heritage Festival. By all accounts it was an amazing show as the British Rockers perform a two-hour, 18-song set list.  One of the highlights was New Orleans soul queen, Irma Thomas, singing “Time is on My Side” President of New Orleans and Company Walt Leger says it was a nice Jazz Fest touch…

Cut 10 (12) “..really cool.” 

A Drive by shooting in Shreveport last night sent one man to the hospital.  It happened around 8, when authorities’ say someone a red/orange Crown Victoria of Dodge charger opened fire. Over 20 rounds were reportedly shot.  We’re told the injured man  was shot in the hand and the arm so he is expected to survive.

The Council for a Better Louisiana is not happy with budget cuts to education being proposed by the House. They would mean a $24 million dollar reduction in funding for early childhood education and would reduce teacher pay stipends by $300. President of the Council for a Better Louisiana, Barry Erwin says lawmakers are aware of the ongoing teacher shortage and cutting their pay will most likely make things worse.

Cut 4 (11) “….gets cut.” 

A Hammond man wanted in the stabbing death of a woman from New Orleans was arrested this week in Natchitoches Parish. 25-year-old Jerome Wilson is accused of killing 31 year old Carol Allen. Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jimmy Travis on how Wilson ended up being arrested.
Cut 12 (10) “…roadside assistance” 

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People will be talking about the Rolling Stonesappearance at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival for a while. 40-thousand fans were on hand to see the British Rockers perform a two-hour, 18-song set list on Thursday. President of New Orleans and Company Walt Leger says you would never guess frontman Mick Jagger is 80 years old

Cut 9 (08) “..amazing show” 

The LSU baseball tigers put on a show taking down top ranked Texas A-and-M last night six to four to begin a huge three game series. In other action, Louisiana Tech won its seventh straight last night, an 18 to 4 win over New Mexico State. Georgia Southern downed ULM 12 to 4, UNO edged Southeastern four to three, McNeese over Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi seven to three, while Nicholls and Northwestern State lost.

The Rolling Stones long awaited appearance at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival was a ig hit and Governor Jeff Landry took a hit himself when Mick Jagger called him out for quote” trying to bring the state back to the Stone Age” Landry answered back on social media saying Jagger might be the only person who’d remember the Stone Age, but added the singer is always welcome in Louisiana. President of the Louisiana Radio Network and political analyst Jim Engster.

Cut 11 (08) ” …sense of humor.”

Louisiana Tech raised $1.96 million on Giving Day this year. The fundraiser was held on April 18^th and LA Tech President Jim Henderson says the money raised will go towards funding a variety of university programs.

Cut 7 (11) “…our campus.”  

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When it comes to education, the Council for a Better Louisiana isn’t pleased with the budget cuts proposed by the the House. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
A former Pearl River High School Teacher has been arrested for inappropriate contact with students. 30-year-old Arianna Kadinger is facing 4 felony prohibited sexual conduct between educator and student. St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Officials say they received a tip in early April and ultimately found text messages to two students containing inappropriate language and photographs.

The budget passed in the House last week, cut $24 million from early childhood education and reduced teacher pay stipends from $2,000 to $1,700. President of the Council for a Better Louisiana, Barry Erwin says it sends a bad message and it’s discouraging…

Cut 3 (13) “…a difference.” 

A murder suspect was arrested in Natchitoches Parish after he called authorities seeking assistance for a flat tire. Chief of operations for the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jimmy Travis, says 25-year-old Jerome Wilson of Hammond was wanted in the stabbing death of 31-year-old Carol Allen of New Orleans.

Cut 13 (14) “…stabbed her”

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Legendary rock band, The Rolling Stones, had a memorable performance at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival on Thursday. Jeff Palermo has a recap…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Louisiana Tech raised $1.96 million on Giving Day this year. The fundraiser was held on April 18^th and LA Tech President Jim Henderson says they received donations from over 800 different donors in donations ranging from five dollars to six figures.

Cut 6  (10) “…they live.” 

The owner of an engineering firm in New Orleans has been awarded Small Business Person of the Year. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Mick Jagger took an on stage jab at governor Jeff Landry during The Rolling Stones performance at Jazz Fest yesterday. According to reports, Jagger referred to Landry as “real inclusive” and said he’s taking the state back to “the stone age”. Landry clapped back on social media with “You can’t always get what you want.” And added “The only person who might remember the Stone Age is @MickJagger. Love you buddy, you’re always welcome in Louisiana.

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Governor Landry’s legislative priorities are hitting some snags at the Capitol. The school choice bill the governor supports has yet to be heard by Senate Education. And there’s back and forth over the constitutional convention. Representative Julie Emerson’s Education Savings Account bill passed 72 to 32 in the House on April 8, but the measure that would greatly expand the state’s voucher program  has stalled in the Senate…

Cut 14 (12)  “…in a committee.”

The LSU baseball team will host the top ranked Texas A&M Aggies this weekend. A&M currently sits on top of D1 Baseball’s rankings and the Aggies are top 3 in the SEC in almost every category. Head Coach Jay Johnson.

Cut 16 (16)  “… a lot of holes.”

Governor Jeff Landry’s legislative priorities are facing resistance in the Senate. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

New Orleans police are investigating a deadly afternoon traffic accident. The call about the overturned vehicle on Interstate 610 and St. Bernard Avenue came in just before 4:30 yesterday. We’re told the injured driver was taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead. No other injuries were reported.

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Walker High School’s head baseball coach has been arrested for allegedly submitting false invoices of almost $30,000 to the school for reimbursement of equipment he never bought. When the school discovered the discrepancy, they ultimately learned that the equipment had never even been ordered. Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard. says they his office is still investigating the incident.

Cut 11 (08) “…majority of it.”
Police have arrested 34-year-old Foreign National Amanvir (Uh man ver) Singh (Sing) in the shooting death of 36-year-old long-haul truck driver, Gurpreet (Gore preet) Singh Judge. The shooting happened alongside Interstate 20 in Caddo Parish last month. Wednesday night, Singh was arrested near Jackson, Mississippi. Sgt. Casey Jones with the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office …

Cut 7 (10) “…we got.”