Former Angola Warden Burl Cain spoke today, one day after a multi-agency investigation cleared him of wrongdoing in allegations that he violated state policies. Cain says he is “vindicated” and hopes the accusations do not tarnish his reputation…
cut 13 (09) “….Catholic Church”
Cain’s last day as warden was December 31st after holding the post for more than 20 years.

Saints Coach Sean Payton also spoke today about a new five-year contract extension that he expects to sign. Payton says it feels good to know he’s working for a franchise that is confident about the future…
cut 10 (07) “….through 2020″
Payton will reportedly make 8.5 million dollars under the new deal.

A proposal that called for the end of school uniforms in public schools died in the House Education committee. Gonzales Representative Ed Price, served on the Ascension Parish School board, when they institued a school uniform policy…
cut 8 (09) “….than anything”
Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater brought the legislation up for debate as part of a fourth-grade school project.

The state department of health and hospitals has told residents in Donaldsonville to not drink or cook with the water that comes out of their faucet, because of high levels of chlorine dioxide. State Health officer Doctor Jimmy Guidry says the alert will remain in effect until further notice…
cut 5 (09) “…I’m pregnant”
The water system impacted serves about 10-thousand customers.

Former Angola Warden Burl Cain spoke briefly this morning about the investigation into allegations that he was a corrupt prison leader during his 20 year tenure. The investigation eventually cleared him, as the Inspector General said there was no evidence to support these accusations. Cain stepped down at the start of the year and said he’s enjoying retirement and ready for this matter to be over…:
cut 12 (06) “in corrections”
Cain says he’s proud of the things Angola accomplished in his 20 years and hopes the investigation doesn’t tarnish his legacy.

A proposed bill to prohibit school boards from requiring uniforms does not get out of the House Education Committee. Houma Rep. Beryl Amadee says she remembers a time where kids would get beat up at school for wearing name brand tennis shoes or expensive clothing…:
CUT 7 (09) “uniforms”
Representative Chris Broadwater came up with the legislation after an exercise with elementary students and he plans to talk more with them about it.

Legislation seeking to end the public-versus-private school split impacting the LHSAA scored a victory in the House education committee. The panel approved the measure after hearing from two highly successful coaches at select schools. John Curtis Head Football Coach JT Curtis called on the legislature to help bring the association back together…:
cut 14 (08) “right page”
Those in opposition say the LHSAA isn’t owned or governed by the state — it’s a private organization that should be allowed to set their own rules. The measure now heads to the House floor.

Yahoo Sports is reporting that LSU Athletic Director Joe Alleva says they are not making a change in basketball coach next season. Speculation about coach Johnny Jones’ future surfaced after the Tigers brutal 71-38 beating in the SEC Conference Tournament to Texas A&M. But it appears as though Jones will be returning next season.

Former Angola Warden Burl Cain spoke at a news conference this morning to comment on the investigation by several agencies that eventually cleared him of accusations he was a corrupt prison leader. The Advocate published a series of articles accusing Cain of violating policies in his 20 year tenure, but officials said no such evidence exists. Cain says the news articles ruined his life…:
CUT 11 (10) “and so forth”
Cain stepped down January 1st amid the allegations.

North Louisiana residents and businesses are still hurting from the massive downpour that dumped upwards of two feet of rain in some areas. West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth says the Small Business Administration’s “low-interest loans” do not seem to offer such low rates for all businesses…:
Cut 15 (12) “bad credit”

Saints coach Sean Payton today told reporters that the franchise wants him to stick around 5 more years, and that he couldn’t see himself anywhere else. The Saints say Payton agreed to the extension. Payton said at the owners meeting this morning that the proposal means a lot…:
CUT 9 (10) “another 5 years”
ESPN reports the deal is worth in excess of $45 million dollars.

The state Department of revenue says Louisiana taxpayers affected by recent storms and flooding will receive filing extensions for returns on various taxes with due dates between March 8 and July 15, 2016.

A measure that would ban school boards from requiring uniforms didn’t make it out of the House Education Committee today. Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater says a group of fourth graders picked the measure as one they wanted him to bring up in the session. But New Orleans Representative Joe Bouie feels this would negatively impact family finances …:
CUT 6 (10) “have it”
The bill was deffered and Broadwater says he’s going to talk to the fourth graders more about the bill before taking further action.

An incident terrified a group of children at the Boys & Girls Club in Lafayette when a 15-year-old allegedly shot another teen several times during a basketball game. Lafayette Police say the suspect was booked on Attempted 1st Degree Murder Charges and Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile in a Gun Free Zone. The 17-year-old victim is in critical condition. The investigation remains ongoing.

The State Department of Health and Hospitals advises residents of Donaldsonville not to drink the water until further notice, because the system has been treating its drinking water with elevated levels of chlorine dioxide. State Health officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says this chemical is an EPA-approved water treatment disinfectant, however…:
CUT 4 (12) “impact health”
The water system serves about 10-thousand customers.

A 64-year-old man from Independence died when he crashed into a garbage truck in Tangipahoa Parish, according to State Police. They say Edward Stewart slammed into the back of the stopped truck and died at the scene, while seriously injuring a worker who was collecting garbage at the time of the collision.

The House education committee is hearing legislation that would prohibit school boards from requiring school uniforms. The bill’s author, Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater, says he’s heard a lot of postive and negative feedback about the proposal…
cut 9 (09) “….supportive concept”
Broadwater says the bill was the result of an exercise he did with fourth graders, who approved this legislation during a field trip to the state capitol.

Female hunters would be allowed to legally wear blaze pink as opposed to bright orange when they hunt under a bill set to be heard in the House Natural Resources Committee today. Bogalusa Representative Malinda White says she wants to make a point that women actively participate in Sportsman’s Paradise…:
CUT 6 (06) “in Louisiana”
White says the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is in support of the hot pink proposal.

The state department of health and hospitals has told the residents of Donaldsonville in Ascension Parish not to drink or cook with the water that comes out of their faucets. State Health officer Doctor Jimmy Guidry says it’s because of elevated chlorine levels in the water…
cut 3 (09) “…take samples”
The “do not drink” alert will remain in effect until further notice.

During a legislative hearing, West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth expressed concern about financial aid for businesses impacted by the flooding. Walsworth says the Small Business Administration’s “low-interest loans” do not seem to offer such low rates for all businesses…
cut 15 (12) “….bad credit”
The Louisiana Department of Revenue announces that taxpayers in areas affected by the flooding will not have to file their taxes until June 15th, instead of May 16th.

A bill is on the agenda today in the House Education Committee that would prohibit public school leaders from requiring students to wear uniforms. Emelie Gunn has more on the unique origin of the measure…:
CUT 2 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Protesters are rallying at the Superdome in New Orleans to oppose offshore oil leases in the Gulf of Mexico. The Department of the Interior is set to auction 43 acres of the Gulf of Mexico. The industry says today’s sale is vitally important as offshore lease sales contribute to the economy and develop energy.

If you’re thinking about adding a live bunny to your family this Easter, the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is asking parents to do their homework first. Spokeswoman Alicia Haefele (HAY-flee)…:
CUT 12 (08) “a rabbit”
She says animal shelters around the country see an influx in rabbits following Easter every year because people aren’t really aware of what they’re getting into.

Women are hunters too and a lawmaker from Bogalousa would like to see blaze pink added to the approved colors you’re allowed to wear for the sport. Representative Malinda White hopes her bill before the House Natural Resources Committee today would inspire more girls to participate in outdoor activities:
Cut 5 (07) “the outdoors”
She says the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries supports the bill.

Saints Coach Sean Payton says the team has given him a proposed five year contract extension. ESPN reports Payton has accepted the deal worth more than $45 million dollars.

A multi-agency investigation finds that former Louisiana State Penitentiary Warden Burl Cain did not participate in any illegal activity. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
Cut 3 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The water system in Donaldsonville has been declared in violation of safe drinking water standards by the state Department of Health and Hospitals, and as a result they’ve told residents there not to drink or cook with with the water. DHH says a routine inspection discovered possible elevated levels of chlorine dioxide in the treatment system in Donaldsonville and they are ordered to change immediately.

North Louisiana is still reeling from the massive downpour that dumped upwards of two feet of rain in some areas, and caused widespread flooding. West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth’s concerns include crops that are still under water…:
CUT 14 (08) “crops back”
He also doesn’t see how parish governments will be able to pay for the damage even if they are eligible for federal aid but are still responsible for 25%.

A measure set to be heard in the House Natrual Resources Committee today would add “blaze pink” as an alternative to the floresecnt orange requirements for hunters. Bogalusa Representative Malinda White says her proposal would give female hunters more options, without detracting from the safety aspect…:
cut 4 (09) “are hunters”
She says Sportsman’s Paradise is a Sportswoman’s Paradise too which is what she’s trying to highlight.

Saints Coach Sean Payton announced today that the team has given him a proposed five year contract extension, worth a reported $45 million dollars.

A bill set to be heard in the House Education Committee today would prohibit public school boards from requiring uniforms. Hammond Rep. Chris Broadwater says his bill came after he conducted a project with fourth graders in his district who were invited to the capitol to vote on their own proposed legislation…:
CUT 7 (11) “fourth graders”
He says he promised the students that whichever bill they passed, he would bring in the regular session. The students argued the lack of free dress inhibits their sense of style, fashion, and expression.

Lafayette Police book a 15-year-old on Attempted 1st Degree Murder Charges and Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile in a Gun Free Zone for allegedly shooting another teen during a basketball game at the Boys & Girls Club. The 17-year-old victim is in critical condition. The investigation remains ongoing.

Female hunters would be allowed to legally wear blaze pink as opposed to bright orange when they hunt under a bill set to be heard in the House Natural Resources Committee today. Bogalusa Representative Malinda White says she wants to make a point that women actively participate in Sportsman’s Paradise…:
CUT 6 (06) “in Louisiana”
White says the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is in support of the hot pink proposal.

The Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals asks parents to think twice before buying an live bunny for their children this Easter. Spokeswoman Alicia Haefele (HAY-flee) says many of these rabbits eventually end up in rescue facilities…:
CUT 11 (07) “after Easter”
She advises people to get plush or chocolate bunnies instead.

The Louisiana Department of Revenue said taxpayers in the areas affected by recent storms and flooding are eligible to file extensions for tax returns.