A construction firm has been selected to manage the first phase of what would, if approved, ultimately be a 450-million dollar Superdome renovation. The first phase of construction will cost about 100 million dollars, and Superdome Commission spokesperson Mike Hoss says it focuses on making the dome easier to traverse, and bringing the food up to New Orleans standards…
Cut 13 (12) “…Superdome”
The plan is for all four phases of renovation to be completed before the 2024 Superbowl in New Orleans.
One year after the state legislature restored voting rights for some convicted felons, there’s an effort to allow certain convicts eligible for jury duty. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis says former inmates can provide valuable contributions…
Cut 5 (09) “…voir dire process”
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Almost 7000 families impacted by the duplication of benefits issues stemming from the 2016 flood will soon have access to Restore grant money. Kevin Barnhart has the details.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”
The Advocate has purchased New Orleans’ longest running major paper, The Times Picayune. The Picayune traces it’s roots all the way back to January 1837, but had seen it’s circulation decline in the face of nationwide newspaper company struggles competition from the Advocate, who several years ago moved into the New Orleans market. The Picayune gained worldwide acclaim, and a Pulitzer, for it’s Katrina coverage.

A House Committee approves legislation to give medical marijuana patients the option to receive the drug through an inhaler, instead of liquid form. Members of the House Health and Welfare committee heard moving testimony from veterans. An 11-year combat veteran from Belle Chasse says he’s using medical marijuana to treat P-T-S-D and he’s seeing positive results…
Cut 8 (12) “…V-A.”
Officials say medical marijuana is expected to become available in Louisiana by the end of May.

The Trump Administration has agreed to rewrite the regulations so Louisiana RESTORE grant money can get in the hands of 2016 flood victims, who also received an S-B-A loan. Congressman Garret Graves says after months of delays, he expects the process to move quickly…
Cut 9 (11) “…state of Louisiana.“.

Legislation that would make secret the names of companies that sell the state chemicals and equipment used to administer the death penalty receives the House Criminal Justice Committe’s approval.
Voicer 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The Superdome Commission is moving forward with plans on a 450-million dollar renovation project of the iconic stadium. The first phase will include the installation of more escalators and elevators for fans, but a final funding plan has not finalized. Superdome Commission spokesperson Mike Hoss says hopefully taxpayers will not have to foot much of the bill…
cut 14 (06) “…for this”

One year after the state legislature restored voting rights for some convicted felons, there’s an effort to allow certain convicts to be eligible for jury duty. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says his legislation would allow convicted felons to be called for jury duty once they are off parole or probation for five years
Cut 3 (09) “…made mistakes ”
The House Criminal Justice Committee sent the proposal to the full House after a 9-6 vote. Bossier City Republican Raymond Crews says his constituents are against this bill…
cut 4 (09) “…with you”

Tomorrow, Vice President Mike Pence will travel to Louisiana to meet with community and faith leaders in St. Landry Parish impacted by the three black churches burned down by a suspected arsonist. 21-year-old Holden Matthews faces arson and hate crime charges.

A state board has taken the first step towards a 450 million dollar Superdome renovation project , set to be completed before the 2024 Superbowl…
Voicer 2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”

The state’s Congressional delegation announces that residents impacted by the 2016 floods will be eligible to receive Restore Louisiana grants, even if they received an S-B-A loan. Congressman Garret Graves says HUD is moving forward on issuing guidance after a strong lobbying effort…
cut 11 (10) “….have been waiting”

A construction firm has been selected to manage the first phase of what would, if approved, ultimately be a 450-million dollar Superdome renovation. The first phase of construction will cost about 100 million dollars, and Superdome Commission spokesperson Mike Hoss says it focuses on making the dome easier to traverse, and bringing the food up to New Orleans standards…
Cut 13 (12) “…Superdome”
The plan is for all four phases of renovation to be completed before the 2024 Superbowl in New Orleans.
One year after the state legislature restored voting rights for some convicted felons, there’s an effort to allow certain convicts eligible for jury duty. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis says former inmates can provide valuable contributions…
Cut 5 (09) “…voir dire process”
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Almost 7000 families impacted by the duplication of benefits issues stemming from will soon have access to Restore grant money. Kevin Barnhart has the details.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”
Louisiana Tech raised 1.23 million dollars for it’s inaugural Giving Day fundraiser. Nearly 2,000 donors contributed to the fund, a record for Tech fundraisers, which averages out to a little over 615 dollars a donor. A tornado ravaged the campus April 25th.

The Trump Administration has agreed to rewrite the regulations so Louisiana RESTORE grant money can get in the hands of 2016 flood victims, who also received an S-B-A loan. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says the funding will help almost seven-thousand families in Louisiana.
Cut 10 (11) “…the end zone”
Congress approved legislation to fix the duplication of benefits loophole and it was signed into law by President Trump in October 2018.
The House health committee approves legislation that would allow medical marijuana patients to receive the drug through an inhaler, instead of a liquid or pill. Medical marijuana is expected to be available at nine licensed dispensaries by the end of May. Doctors can prescribe the drug to those who suffer from specific conditions. Marijuana physician, Dr. Victor Chou.
Cut 7 (11) “…this program.”
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Eddie Rispone, Congressman Ralph Abraham, and Governor John Bel Edwards stated their cases to the oil and gas industry as to why they should be selected to lead the state. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnart”

A bill that would conceal the identities of companies that sell lethal injection drugs and equipment to Louisiana clears committee and is headed to the House floor.Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops representative Rob Tasman says the state owes it to the tax payers to be open and honest…
Cut 15 (12) “…standard.”
The bill’s writer says some transparency must be sacrificed to provide anonymity to pharma companies, or they won’t sell the state the chemicals.
Thousands of Louisianans with developmental disabilities will now be able to stay at home with their families after the Department of Health revamped a decades-old assistance waiting list. Assistant Secretary for the Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities Julie Hagan says they’re prioritizing those who were set to be separated from their loved ones.
Cut 9 (12) “…institution.″
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The largest professional union representing educators, the National Education Association, releases a report of the how Louisiana teacher pay stacks up compared to the rest of the country. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”
The Superdome’s governing body is moving ahead with the first phase of a planned 450 million dollar renovation of the iconic home of the Black and Gold. The first phase will cost 100 million dollars and remove the structures ramps in favor of escalators and elevators, along with construction of a kitchen and food service area in a space currently used for parking.

Louisiana’s 2019 gubernatorial candidates spoke to members of the oil and gas industry during an event next to the state capitol and made their case on why they should lead the state for the next four years. Congressman Ralph Abraham says if elected, he’ll make Louisiana more business friendly…
cut 5 (12) “…corporate tax”
Governor John Bel Edwards says there’s been an increase in the number of oil and gas permits, but there are still challenges. He believes his administration can attack those remaining changes from a position of strength. Republican and Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone says there’s no reason why Louisiana should not be number one in the South when it comes to jobs and opportunities for their citizens with the resources that are already here. This is the first time the 2019 gubernatorial candidates spoke at the same event.

A report from the National Education Association says teacher pay in Louisiana ranks 39th in the country, 4.5 percent less than the national average. The state legislature is expected to approve a one-thousand dollar pay raise for teachers this year and N-E-A president Lily Garcia says a pay hike is needed, because certified teachers are leaving the profession…
cut 11 (12) “…other work”

Despite concerns over government secrecy, legislation to conceal the identities of companies that sell lethal injection drugs to Louisiana is heading to the House floor. Hammond Representative Nicky Muscarello says his legislation would help the state resume executions…
cut 16 (09) “…are made”
The state has not carried out an execution since 2010.

Vice President Mike Pence is scheduled to visit the state tomorrow to meet with faith and community leaders in St. Landry Parish, where three black churches were burnt to the ground earlier this year.

21-year-old Holden Matthews, has plead not guilty and is facing arson and hate crime charges. A crowdfunding campaign for the churches has raised more than $2.1 million.

Legislation that would conceal the names of companies that sell the state chemicals and equipment used to administer the death penalty is headed to the House floor. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The wait for state assistance for those with developmental disabilities is expected to be shortened now thanks to changes to the system waiting list.

Prior to the change a year ago, the wait list for assistance was an average of 12-13 years long, and was operated on a first come first serve basis. Assistant Secretary for the Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities Julie Hagan says now they’ve cataloged applicants based on their immediate needs.

Cut 8 (09) “…get those.”

A new report from the National Education Association, indicates the average teacher salary in Louisiana ranks 39^th in the country. The Association fears the ranking is discouraging for teacher recruitment. Union President Lily Garcia recommends looking at similar educated and experienced professionals and what their pay is compared to a teacher.

Cut 12 (07) “…go into education.”