The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame gets a little bigger this weekend. Becca Dill has more.

Cut 1 (30)  I’m Becca Dill.“

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Republicans are split on how they view the budget battle that ended with a renewal of a portion of the one point four billion dollars in expiring taxes that threatened to wreck state finances. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) ”  I’m  Matt Doyle” 

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Louisiana is no longer leading the nation for incarcerations. That distinction is now locked up by Oklahoma.  Governor John Bel Edwards addressed the latest research.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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Eleven bayou legends will be inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches this weekend. CEO and President of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation, Ronnie Rantz, says its a strong year, with two wide receivers who were Super Bowl champions, Reggie Wayne of New Orleans and Brandon Stokley of Lafayette.

Cut 4  (12) “in the NFL.”

Russ Springer began his career at LSU then spent 18 years pitching in the Major League and is also being inducted. Rantz says Springer’s talent is undeniable.

Cut 5  (13)  “in the big leagues”

Louie Cook, another inductee, served eight seasons as an offensive coordinator for the Ragin’ Cajuns and 32 years as a head coach for three different high school football teams. Rantz says he’s got an impressive resume.

Cut 6 (09) “doesn’t complain about it”

The ceremony is set to begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday in Natchitoches.

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Republicans are taking stock of a contentious series of special sessions that took three attempts this year to come to a resolution. The final deal was a 4.45 percent sales tax, set to start July 1^st, that received support from a majority of House Republicans. House GOP Chairman Lance Harris says they didn’t not what he wanted at the session’s start, but they were able to score a few other wins.

Cut 7 (08)  “unnecessary taxes”

Harris pushed a series of budget transparency bills and spending reform packages that either did not clear the legislature, or were vetoed by the governor. One of his main focuses, Medicaid, saw no major changes this year.

Cut 8 (07)  “every turn”

Despite support from the leadership, not every Republican supported sales tax plan. 24 House members and 6 Senators, mostly conservative Republicans, rejected the final compromise deal that was cut. Haughton Representative Doddie Horton, who rejected attempts to renew any portion of the one point four billion in expiring taxes, says the state had plenty enough money as is.

Cut 9 (10)  “our means”

Horton zeroed in on one area of frustration for many fiscal hawks in the lower chamber, Medicaid. She says she’s disappointed that further cuts were not implemented into the program that has grown significantly since Governor Edwards accepted the Medicaid expansion.

Cut 10 (10)   “we budget.”

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Louisiana is no longer leading the nation for incarcerations. That distinction is now locked up by Oklahoma.  Governor John Bel Edwards addressed the latest research that showed the numbers indicating prison populations are going down in the state.

Cut 11 (13) “…going to work better.”

The governor goes on to say, 7% more of the prison beds are filled with violent criminals.  Reducing incarceration rates was a marked as a priority for the governor during his campaign.  Edwards says there is satisfaction with the direction of the change, but there is still more progress to be made.

Cut 12 (06) “…work to do.”

The governor says the change has also produced financial savings.

Cut 13 (08)  “…this fiscal year.” 

The governor says a report outlining the savings will be available sometime next month.

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A conservation coalition led by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility is filing a lawsuit to protect the Louisiana Black Bear. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service delisted black bears from the List of Threatened and Endangered Wildlife in March of 2016, but PEER General Counsel Paula Dinerstein says the decision was premature.

After an invite from US Senator Bill Cassidy, US Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao will be taking a trip to the Bayou State to assess infrastructure needs, including ports.  With five of the top 20 ports in the country in Louisiana, Cassidy believes having Chao take a first-hand look at the problem will expedite the process of getting old and new projects approved.

Cut 4  (09) “…perhaps better funded.”

A civil rights advocacy group is raising concerns about the practice of jails eavesdropping on attorney-client phone calls made from inside facilities. Court Watch NOLA presented their findings to the New Orleans City Council, and says the practice is done in prisons across the state. Executive Director Simone Lavine says fears of surveillance are having a chilling effect on defendant’s openness with their defenders, specifically in Orleans Parish, which she says has the worst rate of wrongful convictions in the nation.

Cut 7 (11)  “…attorneys the truth.”

A former Louisiana Senator is now throwing his name in the hat for another elected position.  Pearl River Republican A.G. Crowe has announced his candidacy for Secretary of State in the November election.  The office has faced challenges with the previous administration being plagued with sexual harassment controversy.  Crowe says he’s taken preventative measures to combat that type of activity during his time as a legislature.

Cut 14 (09)  “…of potential activity.”

A child was returned to his family after an Amber Alert was issued for 9-month-old Liam Allen who was abducted last night after 43-year-old Terry Doehling stole a vehicle he was sleeping in. Doehling drove the vehicle from Jeanerette to New Orleans allegedly unaware that the child was in the vehicle. Louisiana State Police Spokesperson Trooper Melissa Matey credits the Amber Alert system for the successful child rescue.

Cut 11 (11) “…matching that description.”

A criminal justice watchdog is raising concerns about the practice of jails recording phone conversations between attorneys and their clients. Matt Doyle has the story

Cut 2 (31) “I’m  Matt Doyle” 

After an invite from US Senator Bill Cassidy, US Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao will be taking a trip to the Bayou State to assess infrastructure needs, including ports.  Cassidy says he hopes to showcase Louisiana’s widespread need for new construction and repair projects.

US Transportation Secretary, Elaine Chao, will be paying a visit to the bayou state in response to an invitation from US Senator Bill Cassidy. Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

A former Louisiana Senator is now throwing his name in the hat for Secretary of State. AG Crowe says the first thing he’d do if elected would be to overhaul the department’s tech.

Cut 12 (08)   “…state of Louisiana”

A child was returned to his family after an Amber Alert was issued for 9-month-old Liam Allen who was abducted last night after 43-year-old Terry Doehling stole a vehicle he was sleeping in. Doehling drove the vehicle from Jeanerette to New Orleans allegedly unaware that the child was in the vehicle. Louisiana State Police Spokesperson Trooper Melissa Matey has more…

cut 9 (10)  “…is in custody.”

A civil rights advocacy group is raising concerns about the practice of jails eavesdropping on attorney-client phone calls made from inside of the facilities. Court Watch NOLA presented their findings to the New Orleans City Council, and says the practice is done in prisons across the state. Executive Director Simone Lavine says recording those conversations is not constitutional.

Cut 6 (11)  “…over 350 years.”

Eleven bayou legends will be inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches this weekend. CEO and President of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation, Ronnie Rantz, says its a strong year, with two wide receiver who were Super Bowl champions, Reggie Wayne of New Orleans and Brandon Stokley of Lafayette.

Cut 4  (07) “in the big leagues.”

Russ Springer began his career at LSU then spent 18 years pitching in the Major League and is also being inducted. Rantz says Springer’s talent is undeniable.

Cut 5  (09)  “doesn’t complain about it.”

Louie Cook, another inductee, served eight seasons as an offensive coordinator for the Ragin’ Cajuns and 32 years as a head coach for three different high school football teams.

The Brackets are now set for the knockout rounds of the FiFA World Cup. Saturday kicks off with a clash of the titans as Argentina takes on France, and And later that day, Uruguay, who breezed through one of the easiest groups in Cup history will take on Portugal.

Sunday sees perpetual contender Spain take on upstart Russia who’s had a surprisingly effective attack this year. Later that day Croatia, who dominated the group stages and boasts one of the best midfields on earth takes on Denmark.

Monday kicks off with a huge match as favorite Brazil takes on Mexico, the only North American team left in the tournament. Later that day Japan will play Belgium, who was undefeated in the group stages.

On Tuesday one of the shock teams of the tournament Sweden will take on Switzerland, who may be without two key players who made political gestures after scoring goals in the group stage. The knockout round will wrap up with Colombia taking on England, whose led by the cup’s top goal scorer, Harry Kane.

After an invite from US Senator Bill Cassidy,  US Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao will be taking a trip to the Bayou State on official business. She’ll be visiting to assess infrastructure needs, including ports.  Cassidy says part of the problem with louisiana’s persistent infrastructure crisis is due to the burdensome permitting requirements from the feds.

Cut 4  (09) “…perhaps better funded.”

A civil rights advocacy group is raising concerns about the practice of jails eavesdropping on attorney-client phone calls made from inside of the facilities. Court Watch NOLA Executive Director Simone Lavine says fears of surveillance are having a chilling effect on defendant’s openness with their defenders, specifically in Orleans Parish, which she says has the worst rate of wrongful convictions in the nation.

Cut 7 (11)  “…attorneys the truth.”

A child was returned to his family after an Amber Alert was issued for 9-month-old Liam Allen who was abducted last night after 43-year-old Terry Doehling stole a vehicle he was sleeping in. Doehling drove the vehicle from Jeanerette to New Orleans allegedly unaware that the child was in the vehicle. Louisiana State Police Spokesperson Trooper Melissa Matey.

Cut 10 (09) “…locate him.”

A former Louisiana Senator is now throwing his name in the hat for another elected position.  A.G. Crowe, a Republican of Pearl River, has announced his candidacy for Secretary of State in the fall election.  Crowe says  he will run a positive campaign as he believes that the negativity in elections results in people avoiding the polls.

Cut 13 (10) “…that in Louisiana.” 

The election takes place this November.

US Transportation Secretary, Elaine Chao, will be paying a visit to the bayou state in response to an invitation from US Senator Bill Cassidy. Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A criminal justice watchdog is raising concerns about the practice of jails recording phone conversations between attorneys and their clients. Matt Doyle has the story

Cut 2 (31) “I’m  Matt Doyle” 

A child was returned to his family after an Amber Alert was issued for 9-month-old Liam Allen who was abducted last night after 43-year-old Terry Doehling stole a vehicle he was sleeping in. Doehling drove the vehicle from Jeanerette to New Orleans allegedly unaware that the child was in the vehicle. Louisiana State Police Spokesperson Trooper Melissa Matey has more…

cut 9 (10)  “…is in custody.”

Matey says state troopers were able to positively identify Doehling once he arrived in the New Orleans area.

Cut 10 (09) “…locate him.”

Matey celebrates this as another success for the Amber Alert system which combines the public’s eye with law enforcement.

Cut 11 (11) “…matching that description.”

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A former Louisiana Senator is now throwing his name in the hat for another elected position.  A.G. Crowe, a Republican of Pearl River, has announced his candidacy for Secretary of State in the fall election.  Crowe says he’s entering the race with an extensive business background and that one of his first concerns is bringing in technology from the private sector, to bring the office up to date.

Cut 12 (08)   “…state of Louisiana”

When it comes to the topic of low voter turnout, Crowe says he will run a positive campaign as he believes that the negativity in elections results in people avoiding the polls.

Cut 13 (10) “…that in Louisiana.” 

The office has faced challenges with the previous administration being plagued with sexual harassment controversy.  Crowe says he’s taken preventative measures to combat that type of activity during his time as a legislature.

Cut 14 (09)  “…of potential activity.”

The election takes place this November.

A criminal justice watchdog is raising concerns about the practice of jails recording phone conversations between attorneys and their clients. Matt Doyle has the story

Cut 2 (31) “I’m  Matt Doyle” 

After an invite from US Senator Bill Cassidy, US Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao will be taking a trip to the Bayou State to assess infrastructure needs, including ports.  Cassidy says he hopes to showcase Louisiana’s widespread need for new construction and repair projects.

A child was returned to his family after an Amber Alert was issued for 9-month-old Liam Allen who was abducted last night after 43-year-old Terry Doehling stole a vehicle he was sleeping in. Doehling drove the vehicle from Jeanerette to New Orleans allegedly unaware that the child was in the vehicle. Louisiana State Police Spokesperson Trooper Melissa Matey has more…

cut 9 (10)  “…is in custody.”

A former Louisiana Senator is now throwing his name in the hat for another elected position.  A.G. Crowe, a Republican of Pearl River, has announced his candidacy for Secretary of State in the fall election.  Crowe says he’s entering the race with an extensive business background and that one of his first concerns is bringing in technology from the private sector, to bring the office up to date.

Cut 12 (08)   “…state of Louisiana”

A child was returned to his family after an Amber Alert was issued for 9-month-old Liam Allen who was abducted last night after 43-year-old Terry Doehling stole a vehicle he was sleeping in. Doehling drove the vehicle from Jeanerette to New Orleans allegedly unaware that the child was in the vehicle. Louisiana State Police Spokesperson Trooper Melissa Matey has more…

cut 9 (10)  “…is in custody.”

Matey says state troopers were able to positively identify Doehling once he arrived in the New Orleans area, due to a public tip from the amber alert.

A civil rights advocacy group is raising concerns about the practice of jails eavesdropping on attorney-client phone calls made from inside of the facilities. Court Watch NOLA says the practice is done in prisons across the state. Executive Director Simone Lavine says recording those conversations is not constitutional.

Cut 6 (10)  “intended them to go”

US Transportation Secretary, Elaine Chao, will be paying a visit to the bayou state in response to an invitation from US Senator Bill Cassidy, to take a look at some of the state’s most pressing infrastructure issues. Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

A research team at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center has been awarded a five year, $4.5 million grant.  It comes from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, to evaluate two treatments for childhood obesity.  Dr. Amanda Staiano says they are accessing families via pediatricians.

Cut 4  (07) “…a healthy weight.”

Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera says the Department of Health has been getting lax about requiring companies, known as Managed Care Organizations, report accurate information about what they are charging the state for their Medicaid management services. He says this may allow for people abusing Medicaid to get away with fraud, because the proper checks and balances are not being enforced.

Cut 8 (11)  “proper claims”

A recent commission meeting involving the LDWF to discuss red snapper season has produced the estimated amount of red snapper landed this season.  Kevin Barnhart reels in the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

65-year-old Durice “Joey” Richard of Lafayette was arrested and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center on over 30 counts of child pornography and other charges. Captain Tommy Carnline of the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Department says they nabbed the suspected with a little help from the community.

Cut 14 (08) “looking for him”