Former Governor Kathleen Blanco will give the Commencement address at UL-Lafayette today. Kelley Ray reports the governor is known as a friend to education…
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Republican Congressman Mike Johnson along with Democratic Congressman Charlie Crist of Florida have created a caucus dedicated to restoring civility in American politics. Emelie Gunn has more…
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A State Legislative Audit into possible misuse of state funds by former Superintendent Mike Edmonson has been released. Jeff Palermo has more.
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo .”
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Former Governor Kathleen Blanco will give the Commencement address at UL-Lafayette today. Blanco announced last week she is fighting liver cancer. University President Joe Savoie says the plans for her to speak today were made before her latest diagnosis…
Blanco served as Governor from 2004 to 2008 and Savoie says Blanco led efforts to improve higher education funding…
Savoie says Blanco has not only been a great political leader, but is a great person and looks forward to seeing her values shine through in the speech…
Her husband Raymond served many roles at UL-Lafayette during his 46 years with the university.
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Republican U.S. Representative Mike Johnson along with Democratic Florida Representative Charlie Crist have established a bi-partisan Honor and Civility Caucus to restore trust and confidence in American politics. Johnson, who represents the northwestern parishes of Louisiana, says it’s time to change the tone of the way politics is done.
Johnson authored the “Commitment to Civility” that’s been signed by over 120 bi-partisan members of Congress to commit to setting an example of personal integrity and mutual respect. He says it’s sad that an issue has to be made about this topic to remind people to be polite.
Johnson says the goal of the caucus is to hold other lawmakers responsible for their actions and encourage respect in Congress.
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Through an Executive Order, Governor John Bel Edwards has the created the Governor’s Justice Implementation Oversight Council as a part of the sweeping criminal justice reform effort. The Governor’s Communications Director Shauna Sanford says a variety of backgrounds will serve on the panel…
A main aspect of the reform effort is the lowering of the state’s incarceration rate, which the Governor’s office says will save the state 78-million-dollars over ten years. The money will be reinvested for programs designed to rehabilitate former inmates into becoming productive citizens. Sanford says the council will make sure the money is being used as promised and the information will be transparent…
They won’t be directly changing laws, but will meet quarterly to see if the reform is working. If it isn’t, Sanford says they will be able to make informed recommendations on what changes are needed…
A required annual report will be submitted to the Governor starting at the end of 2018.
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The state legislative auditor releases findings that point to possible misuse of state dollars and abuse of power by the former Superintendent of State Police Mike Edmonson. During a meeting of the legislative audit advisory council, an auditor who worked on the report gave an example of how Edmonson allegedly used public resources to run errands for his family…
Governor John Bel Edwards calls the report’s findings troubling. The report also details improper use of New Orleans hotel rooms during Mardi Gras. State Auditor Roger Harris says Edmonson and his family lived in a state owned building without proper authority….
Cut 14 (12) “of his employment.”
Edmonson says he plans to respond to the audit by January 15th and believes Louisiana residents will not prematurely reach conclusions until all facts are presented. He retired in March after it was learned several troopers billed taxpayers for sight seeing trip to Las Vegas and Grand Canyon. Harris says they believe Edmonson knew about the expensive side trip…
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The 9-and-4 Saints are preparing to host the New York Jets Sunday. New Orleans is in a tie in the NFC South with Carolina after losing last Thursday to Atlanta. Quarterback Drew Brees says the long week has allowed the team to heal and prepare for the final four games of the regular season…
Cut 16 (11) “some experience.”
More than likely, running back Mark Ingram will cross the one-thousand yard mark in rushing, matching his 2016 effort of over one-thousand yards. Brees says Ingram is a leader that all players want to rally around…
Brees was critical of the NFL following last week’s loss to the Falcons, but says he realizes that as a leader, he needs to focus on the next challenge in the New York Jets Sunday and be fully prepared…
Kick off is set for 12 noon on CBS.
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