An LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center study indicates physical exercise can prevent a recurrence of colon cancer. Brooke Thorington has more.

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One of the NBA’s greatest players and a Louisiana legend, Willis Reed has died. Teiko Foxx has more on his career.

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The recall petition against New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has failed in its mission. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

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According to an LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center study, regular physical activity can prevent a recurrence of colon cancer. Director of the Cancer Metabolism Program at Pennington, Dr. Justin Brown says they followed 1,600 patients with stage III colon cancer for five years and post-operative exercise increased their survival rate.

Cut 4 (10)  “…health benefit.”

Brown says by being physically active, just 150 minutes a week of brisk walking, can prevent a recurrence of colon cancer.

Cut 5 (09) “…comes back.”

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and as for why and how physical activity prevents a recurrence, Brown says they will continue their research.

Cut 6 (12)  “…in the future.” 

To read the entire study follow a link provided at LouisianaRadioNetwork.com.

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Louisiana legend and NBA Hall of Famer – who led the New York Knicks franchise to their only two championships – Willis Reed passed away at the age of 80 yesterday. The Lincoln Parish native, was a seven-time NBA All-Star and earned two NBA Finals MVP awards. Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Chairman, Doug Ireland, says beyond basketball Reed exemplified great character and leadership.

Cut 7 (12) “…a gentleman.”

Reed played basketball at Grambling State winning three SWAC championships and a NAIA national championship in 1961. After scoring 2,280 career points at Grambling, he was selected as the eighth overall pick in the 1964 NBA draft. Ireland says Reed had incredible talent and his legacy will live forever.

Cut 8 (08) “…world champion.”

Reed spent 10 years playing for the New York Knicks where he averaged 19 points and 13 rebounds per game. He’s recognized as one of the greatest NBA Players ever and his number 19 jersey was retired by the Knicks.

After retiring in 1973, Reed worked as an assistant coach and eventually moved into the front office, helping the Nets reach the NBA finals in 2002 and 2003.  Ireland says despite his success in the NBA, north Louisiana was always home…

Cut 9 (11)  “…ever present.”

Grambling State University retired his jersey in 2022. A cause of death is unknown, but he was in poor health.

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If you had damage from Hurricane Ida the Louisiana Office of Community Development is helping rebuild, replace, or repair your home. Executive Director Pat Forbes says they are holding several outreach events to discuss the program.

Cut 10 (11)  “…in shape.”

Thursday agents will be onsite at the Matthews Government Complex in Lafourche Parish from 4:30 to 6:30 PM to answer questions and register eligible homeowners for assistance and…

Cut 11 (12)  “…as well.”

And if you’ve already made repairs to your home, you could potentially be reimbursed. Forbes says they’ve lowered the criteria for damage so you should check again to see if you are eligible and have your FEMA registration number handy.

Forbes says they’ve already invited 6,000 homeowners to submit applications to the program but says they believe there and thousands more who are eligible for assistance in areas that received Hurricane Ida damage.

Cut 12 (10)  “…the storm.”

The first step is to answer a survey at Restore.LA.gov or call 1-866-735-2001 to speak with an attendant.

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The petition to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell fell way short of the signatures needed to go to a citywide ballot. Governor John Bel Edwards’ office says there were only 27-thousand certified signatures from registered voters in Orleans Parish; far below the 45-thousand needed. UNO political science professor Ed Chervenak says the NOLATOYA effort began months ago with a bang…:

Cut 13 (10) “…that they needed.” 

The Governor’s Office says over 39-thousand signatures on the recall petition had to be discounted, which brought the effort up short. Chervenak says he’s not surprised, because recall petition drives often fall short…:

Cut 14 (09)  “…completely different.”

Chervenak says a lot of things can disqualify a recall petition signature, like missing signatures, incorrect birthdate, or the person simply wasn’t a qualified New Orleans voter. He says it was up to the NOLATOYA group to assure the names were legitimate…:

Cut 15 (10)  “…verified and certified.”

Chervenak says certainly some political pressure came to bear from the Mayor Cantrell, but he doesn’t suspect any “backroom shenanigans” in the petition’s outcome.

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The LSU football program has re-started spring football after taking a week off for spring break. It’s year number two for Coach Brian Kelly and he believes his team is in much better shape depth wise and he knows his team is bigger, faster and stronger. He says only one player ran faster than 20 miles per hour at the second spring practice last year, this year the number is nine…

Cut  16 (16)  “…faster, stronger” 

Wide receiver Malik Nabors is practicing with the team after charges were dropped against him for allegedly illegally carrying a weapon in the French Quarter during Mardi Gras. Kelly says Nabors has emerged as the leader of the wide receiver room…

Cut 17 (23) “…respectful” 

One of the biggest position battles is at cornerback as the Tigers have to replace both outside corners. Former five-star recruit Denver Harris will get a chance to start. Harris ran into off the field trouble at Texas A-and-M last season, but Kelly says far Harris is doing well in his new surroundings…

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Members of the House Transportation Committee let the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles know about complaints they are hearing from their constituents. Jeff Palermo has the story…

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A bill to give lawmakers a significant pay raise next year has been filed for the upcoming legislative session. Brooke Thorington has more.

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State lawmakers grilled leaders of the state Office of Motor Vehicles during a legislative hearing about poor customer service complaints. Legislators have heard allegations of staffers responding poorly to customer questions and being told they need to make an appointment. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton…

Cut 3 (09) “…want to.” 

The requirement to make an OMV appointment was put in place during the COVID-era. The policy ended a year ago, but word of the change has apparently not made it to some of their offices. Pollock Representative Gage Firment says he’s hearing from his constituents about the lack of customer service at his local office…

Cut 4 (12)  “…okay.” 

O-M-V Deputy Commissioner Staci Hoyt says they working on the issues. She says they are facing two issues, not enough workers and an outdated computer system

Cut 5 (08) “…that we have.”

Hoyt says they will work to improve their interaction with the public…

Cut 6 (05)  “…entire staff.” 

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Louisiana lawmakers would receive a $43,000 pay raise if Gretna Representative Joseph Marino’s bill passes. The current salary for legislators has been $16,800 since 1980. Marino says when you compare salaries from 40 years ago, it would average more than $60 thousand today for the part-time position.

Cut 7 (08)  “…be a legislator.” 

Marino says he’s not filing the legislation to line his own pockets because he wouldn’t even be eligible for the pay increase due to term limits. He says he’s doing it to encourage more qualified individuals to run for office.

Cut 8 (11)  “…do this job.” 

In addition to the annual regular legislative session, lawmakers are also required to come to the capitol for special sessions. Since being elected in 2016, Marino says he’s been called to Baton Rouge 19 times. He says it’s a part-time job that not everyone can fiscally perform due to the demands.

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If passed the pay raise would go into effect in January 2024.

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A new conservation funding initiative – known as the Louisiana Outdoors Forever Program – providing matching resources to governmental agencies and municipalities is currently taking pre-applications. LDWF Undersecretary Bryan McClinton says the program will help in conserving “Sportman’s Paradise”

Cut 10 (11) “…that match.” 

The $10 million dollar appropriation from the State General Fund was approved through House Bill 406. These projects will expand the footprint of conservation in the state, restore valuable habitat, provide for land management, and enhance public access. McClinton says although there are a number of resources available – this will help state projects be more competitive.

Cut 11 (10)  “…grant period.”

The program will help fund projects that protect drinking water supplies, conserve wildlife habitat, provide recreational opportunities in urban and rural areas, sustain working farms and forests, and much more. McClinton believes this effort will help preserve the state’s natural resources and increase quality of life for Louisianans. 

Cut 12 (10) “…right now.” 

Visit wlf.louisiana.gov for applications. The deadline to apply is midnight May 19.