On this Memorial Day, we remember the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U-S military. Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Colonel Joey Strickland says there’s now a digital platform dedicated to the memory of millions of veterans interred in V-A national cemeteries and state-run veteran cemeteries…
cut 7 (08) “…never dies”
For more information go to va-dot-gov-slash-remember.

If you are firing up the grill this Memorial Day, Dave Foster, CEO of the Cattle Producers of Louisiana says there are a couple of things you should keep in mind before buying your beef…
Cut 12 (09) “…limited as well.”

Moody’s has raised Louisiana’s bond rating up a notch which will save the state 750-thousand dollars a year in interest for every 300-million dollars in bonds issued. That’s according to state Treasurer John Schroder who says the state over the last five years has significantly increased reserves…
cut 4 (07) “….the bottom five”
Louisiana had been ranked among the five lowest-rated states by Moody’s.

A bill making it legal for Louisiana sportsmen (and women) to catch catfish with their hands has been sent to Governor Edwards’ desk. The bill is authored by Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland, who says the sport – called “noodling” – is catching on in Louisiana, and his legislation assures folks can do it without running afoul of Wildlife & Fisheries agents…:
Cut 9 (08) “…and noodle a catfish.”
McFarland’s bill was passed with little objection in both the House and Senate, and there is little reason to think the Governor will veto it.

The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs announces a new way to honor a fallen loved one online. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

LSU is not hosting an NCAA Baseball Regional but they will not have to travel far as they are one of four teams in the Hattiesburg Regional. Southern Miss is the host school, while the second-seeded Tigers will play Kennesaw State. La Tech is at the Austin Regional, the Cajuns are at the College Station Regional and Southeastern Louisiana is at Auburn.

Moody’s has raised Louisiana’s bond credit rating to A-a-2 after it was A–a-3 for six years. It’s because Louisiana has made significant progress towards “restoring its financial reserves and liquidity in recent years by structurally aligning revenue and spending. State Treasurer John Schroder says the new rating will save the state about 750-thousand dollars a year in interest for every 300-million in bonds issued….
cut 5 (12) “….uhh for the state”

Noodling is just a Governor John Bel Edwards’ signature away from becoming legal in Louisiana. Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland says noodling is fishing for catfish with your bare hands…
cut 10 (08) “…pull it out”
McFarland says noodling has become more popular thanks to YouTube videos.

Today is Memorial Day, a day to remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. There are Memorial Day events across the state and Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary, Colonel Joey Strickland says the Bayou State has played a major role in the fight for our freedom…
cut 6 (07) “….our state”
Over 7,500 veterans are interred at LDVA cemeteries.

Louisiana’s bond rating – a main barometer of how much the state pays in interest on money borrowed – has been upgraded for the first time in nearly seven years. Moody’s Investor Service upgraded the state from an Aa2 rating, to Aa3. State Treasurer John Schroder says the upgrade will mean significant savings to the state (and taxpayers) in interest paid…:
Cut 3 (07) “…pretty big deal.”
Louisiana had been ranked among the five lowest-rated states by Moody’s.

For this Memorial Day weekend, you’ve probably noticed the price of beef is up from last year. CEO of the Cattle Producers of Louisiana, Dave Foster, says the reason for the spike isn’t a lack of product, but a distribution issue only heightened by soaring gas prices…
cut 14 (07) “….retail market”
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, prices for meat between March and April increased by 0.7%.

A proposed law sitting on the governor’s desk for his signature would make noodling legal in Louisiana. Noodling is fishing for catfish using one’s bare hands. The bill’s author, Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland,s ays noodling has become popular in Louisiana thanks to a series of YouTube videos…
cut 11 (06) “….quite popular now”
Governor Edwards could sign McFarland’s measure this week.

Today we observe Memorial Day, a day to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U-S military. If you have a relative or loved one who paid the ultimate sacrifice, Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Joey Strickland says the state has partnered with the Veterans Legacy Memorial…
cut 8 (10) “….forever”
For more information or to find a veteran’s page, visit v-a-dot-gov/remember.

Moody’s has raised Louisiana’s bond rating up a notch which will save the state 750-thousand dollars a year in interest for every 300-million dollars in bonds issued. That’s according to state Treasurer John Schroder who says the state over the last five years has significantly increased reserves…
cut 4 (07) “….the bottom five”
Louisiana had been ranked among the five lowest-rated states by Moody’s.

A bill making “noodling” legal in Louisiana has been sent to Governor Edwards’ desk. Kevin Gallagher reports it’s not about making pasta…:
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

LSU will not host an NCAA Baseball Regional as their R-P-I was not high enough. So they will be a two-seed at a regional somewhere. U-L Lafayette, Louisiana Tech and Southeastern Louisiana will join the Tigers in the NCAA Baseball Tournament after those three schools won their conference tournament championships to receive an automatic berth.

It’s Memorial Day and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs announces a new way to honor a fallen loved one online. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

There are four teams who are in the NCAA Baseball Tournament. The LSU Tigers are not hosting but they’ll be a number two seed somewhere. Meanwhile, Louisiana Tech, the Ragin Cajuns, and Southeastern Louisiana all received an automatic bid after winning their conference tournaments.

Moody’s has raised Louisiana’s bond credit rating to A-a-2 after it was A–a-3 for six years. It’s because Louisiana has made significant progress “restoring its financial reserves and liquidity in recent years by structurally aligning revenue and spending. State Treasurer John Schroder says the new rating will save the state about 750-thousand a year in interest for every 300-million in bonds issued….
cut 5 (12) “….uhh for the state”

If you are heading out to the grocery store today to pick out meat to throw on the grill. Dave Foster, CEO of the Cattle Producers of Louisiana, has this advice…
cut 13 (09) “….quality experience”

The state House has overwhelmingly voted for a measure that would remove the current restrictions on the state’s Name, Image, and Likeness law. Crowley Representative John Stefanski says the bill just puts Louisiana in the same posture as other states…:

CUT 11(12)      “…like you said.”

The bill started in the Senate and must go back there for concurrence on House amendments and what could be final passage.

Senate Transportation made the decision to defer Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s bill to ban handheld cellphone use while driving. New Orleans Senator Gary Carter continued to hit on the point made by several lawmakers; that Huval’s bill would lead to law enforcement profiling drivers who may or may not be using their cell phones in order to look for larger offenses.

Cut 8 (12) “…unfortunate consequences.”

Louisiana State Treasurer John Schroder says the check is in the mail. On Thursday almost 30-thousand unclaimed property checks were mailed out after a data match with the Department of Revenue to update addresses. The checks total $4.8 million in unclaimed property. Schroder says his staff works diligently to find the rightful owners.

Cut 4  (09) “…our program.”

Visit LaCashClaim-dot org to see if you have any unclaimed funds.

If you don’t have plans for Memorial Day weekend why not a visit to the World War II Museum in New Orleans. The museum’s director of education Dr. Maggie Hartley says their world-class exhibits will immerse you in the history…:

CUT 13(10)      “…arsenal of democracy.”

Active military and reservists get in free now through Labor Day.

The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs announces a new way to honor a fallen loved one online. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A bill making “noodling” legal in Louisiana has been sent to Governor Edwards’ desk. Kevin Gallagher reports it’s not about making pasta…:

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

_____________________________________

Louisiana’s bond rating – a main barometer of how much the state pays in interest on money borrowed – has been upgraded for the first time in nearly seven years. Moody’s Investor Service last week upgraded the state from an Aa2 rating, to Aa3. State Treasurer John Schroder says that upgrade will mean significant savings to the state (and taxpayers) in interest paid…:

Cut 3 (07) “…pretty big deal.” 

Louisiana had been ranked among the five lowest-rated states by Moody’s. It should easier financing and lower interest rates. Schroder says this upgrade shows that Moody’s sees Louisiana’s credit is good and the state is a responsible borrower…:

Cut 4 (07)  “…the bottom five.”

Schroder says the average person may not be affected, but a better bond rating does work its way right down to the taxpayer, by saving the state money when it needs to finance projects and initiatives…:

Cut 5 (12) “…uhhh for the state.”

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To honor those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice, Louisiana’s five-state cemeteries and five veterans homes are each holding ceremonies. Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, Colonel Joey Strickland says it’s a solemn occasion for remembrance to honor those who’ve died and served in the military.

Cut 6 (07)  “…our state.”

More than 7,500 veterans are interred at LDVA cemeteries.

This year the Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a digital platform where you can honor fallen soldiers in your family. Strickland says it’s called the Veterans’ Legacy Memorial.

Cut 7 (08) “…ever dies.”

The online memorial site can be found at VA.gov/remember. Strickland says every veteran that’s interred at the state-run veterans’ cemeteries has a profile page that is automatically populated with their military service and cemetery information.

Cut 8 (10)  “…forever.”

The website also allows you to share the information you’ve added to the profile page on social media.

________________________________________

A bill making it legal for Louisiana sportsmen (and women) to catch catfish with their hands has been sent to Governor Edwards’ desk. The bill is authored by Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland, who says the sport – called “noodling” – is catching on in Louisiana, and his legislation assures folks can do it without running afoul of Wildlife & Fisheries agents…:

Cut 9 (08)  “…and noodle a catfish.”

McFarland’s bill was passed with little objection in both the House and Senate, and there is little reason to think the Governor will veto it. McFarland explains exactly HOW one goes about “noodling”…:

Cut 10 (08) “…and pull it out.”

McFarland says “noodling” has become a big sensation in the Bayou State, thanks in no small part to a series of YouTube videos…:

Cut  11 (06)  “…quite popular now.” 

To see “noodling” in action and decide it it’s for you, search YouTube for “Hannah Barron.”

________________________________________

Each year nearly 60 percent of Americans fire up the grill over Memorial Day weekend. However, this year the cost of cooking out is probably going to put a dent in a lot of wallets. Dave Foster, CEO of the Cattle Producers of Louisiana says there are a couple of things you should keep in mind before heading to the market.

Cut 12 (09) “…limited as well.” 

Since Memorial Day is a special occasion, people may want to splurge and go all out, regardless of price. Foster says the one thing you shouldn’t skimp on is the quality of the cut of meat that you choose.

Cut 13 (09) “…quality experience.”

Beef prices have been on the rise, reaching record numbers earlier this year…though Americans haven’t let that deter them from getting their favorite steaks or burgers onto the dinner table. Foster says the reason for the spike isn’t a lack of product, but a distribution issue that’s only been heightened by soaring gas prices.

Cut 14 (07)  “…retail market.”

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Cut 15 (12)  “…background check.”

Cut 16 (17)  “…where we’re at.”

Cut 17 (11) “ …pushing for.” 

Cut 18 (20) “ …benefit us.” 

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Cut 19 (12) _“…and really improve.” 

Cut 20 (17) “ …outside of Omaha.” 

It seems every year a lawmaker attempts to pass a ban on using a hand-held cellphone while driving…and every year it fails to pass. This year is no different, as Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s proposed ban was squashed in the Senate Transportation Committee. Huval tells committee members he’s addressed concerns the bill could lead to racial profiling by law enforcement…:

CUT 07  (09)        “…who is stopped.”

The state House has overwhelmingly voted for a measure that would remove the current restrictions on the state’s name, image, and likeness law. Crowley Representative John Stefanski says it would allow universities and their employees to participate in NIL deals, which allows student-athletes to receive endorsement money

Cut 9 (10) “…to do”

Louisiana State Treasurer John Schroder says the check is in the mail. He mailed out almost 30-thousand unclaimed property checks totaling $4.8 million. Schroder says when the Louisiana Department of Revenue is able to provide Unclaimed Property with current addresses it allows them to unite those lost funds with their owner

CUT 05(08)      “…of Revenue.”

Visit LaCashClaim.org to see if you have any unclaimed funds.

This Memorial Day weekend why not visit the World War II Museum in New Orleans? The museum’s Director of Education, Dr. Maggie Hartley says active military and reservists get in free now through Labor Day…:

CUT 14  (08)        “…this summer.”

The museum will be holding events Monday for Memorial Day.

Most Louisiana lawmakers are on board with loosening the restrictions that are currently in place for name, image, and likeness deals for college athletes.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Louisiana State Treasurer John Schroder says the check is in the mail. On Thursday almost 30-thousand unclaimed property checks were mailed out after a data match to update addresses. The checks total $4.8 million in unclaimed property.

Cut 3 (04) “..the bank.”

Senate Transportation made the decision to defer Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s bill to ban handheld cellphone use while driving. The greatest concern for lawmakers continues to be the possible overreach by law enforcement that the ban could enable. Huval tried to allay those concerns.

Cut 6  (08) “…to stop people.” 

The vote to defer was close, going down 4-3.

For Memorial Day, the National World War II museum in New Orleans will have a number of events honoring fallen soldiers. Museum Director of Education, Dr. Maggie Hartley says on Monday they will hold a commemoration ceremony featuring a gold star spouse, that’s an individual who lost their military spouse in service.

Cut 12 (11) “…this holiday.”