Coach Will Wade says he regrets getting lawyers involved in the scandal that lead to his extended suspension from LSU’s basketball program. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”
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Ecologists say the opening of the Morganza Spillway Sunday threatens to wipe out wildlife in the Atchafalaya Basin. Matt Doyle has the story.
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The odds of sports gambling legalization passing this year look slim after multiple failures in the House yesterday. Matt Doyle has more…
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LSU basketball coach Will Wade speaks with the media for the first time since his 38-day suspension earlier this year stemming from his connection to FBI wiretap records as part of a recruitment corruption investigation. While Wade said he would not address every report on the scandal, he commented on the allegations he had set out a $300,000 offer for Naz Reid.
Wade says he regrets the way he handled the accusations whenever they first surfaced that lead to a suspension that would see him missing the Tiger’s entire postseason run.
Cut 5 (08) “…of those issues.”
Wade was reinstated following a meeting with LSU and the NCAA. Wade says he believes the fan base eventually deserves an explanation from his point of view of the events that lead to the suspension.
Cut 6 (09) “…place right now.”
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The Morganza Spillway is set to open Sunday to relive pressure on Mississippi River levees, but ecologists say it comes at a steep cost for Atchafalaya Basin wildlife. Atchafalaya Basin Keeper Executive Director Dean Wilson says there’s nothing that can be done to save thousands of at-risk animals.
Experts also warn opening the Basin will likely wipe out most of the crawfish and oyster crop in the area as well.
State officials say the environmental impact will not be as substantial as the last opening in 2011 because they won’t be opening the gates as quickly. Wilson had reason to doubt that claim though, noting the Basin’s over-saturated soil.
Wilson says the opening will drive large groups of animals into unfamiliar territory, and unto roads and levees near the Basin and it’s surrounding lands and water systems, so if you see any wild animals out place…
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Sports gambling legalization is on life support as multiple attempts to approve the activity in the House, and a House Committee fell flat yesterday.
Louisiana Casino Association Executive Director Wade Duty says future attempts at legalization cannot get weighed down by the same burdensome restrictions that were placed on the bill in committee…
Duty initially backed the legalization attempt but pulled support after the legislation got loaded down with additions from a number of special interest groups.
If the clock runs out on legalization this year, it could be another two years before another attempt can be made. Duty says in the meantime the casino industry in Louisiana will bleed customers…
There were two attempts to revive the legalization push on the House floor, both of which came up short. Gretna Representative Joe Marino says the revenue generated by the activity would fund thousands of kid’s early childhood education subsidies.
But that claim led a visibly frustrated Metairie Representative Cameron Henry to hit back, saying just because you oppose gambling, doesn’t mean you’re against the kids…
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A Senate-approved bill has advanced from a House committee to set a minimum age on marriage to 16, so long as there is not an age gap of two years or greater between the two parties when one is under 18. Executive Director of the Louisiana Partnership for Children and Families Susan Nelson says the bill would be to the advantage of younger families.
Cut 14 (11) “…otherwise have.”
Current law does not set a minimum age on marriage so long as the marriage receives the approval of the parents of the minors. Legislators questioned why parents would agree to something like this.
Cut 15 (10) “…full of deer meat.”
Nelson says in many cases, the current law perpetuates a cycle.
Cut 16 (09) “…finishes her education.”
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McNeese is in the NCAA Baseball Tournament for the first time since 2003 as the Cowboys will face Indiana State on Friday afternoon in Nashville. The Cowboys received an automatic berth after winning the Southland Tournament. Coach Justin Hill’s team was outstanding on the mound and he hopes to see a little more hitting in Music City…
Hill says for the Cowboys to win games at the Nashville Regional they’ll need good outings from senior right-hander Aiden Anderson…