West Monroe Senator Jay Morris says he has a package of bills that he calls a Safer Louisiana Agenda. Kevin Gallagher has the story…
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher”
____________________________________
Nicholls State will be the first college campus in Louisiana to have a pet-friendly residence hall in the fall, Brooke Thorington has more on how the school will allow Fido and Fluffy to bunk with select students
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
_____________________________________
Louisiana law enforcement leaders urge legislators to support funding aimed at keeping kids in school and OUT of jail. Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”
____________________________________
West Monroe Senator Jay Morris says he has a package of bills addressing the increase in violent crime. He’s calling it a safer Louisiana Agenda. Morris says these bills, along with those introduced by other legislators are the start of a multi-year effort to reverse the trend of letting violent offenders back on the streets
Cut 4 (09) “…something about it.”
Morris says the crime problem is widespread with carjackings in New Orleans and other cities to potshots taken at police officers by young criminals in northeast Louisiana. He says part of the problem is the state is light on prison sentences, particularly for repeat offenders…
Cut 5 (10) “…again.”
Morris says he also has legislation waiting to be heard that will address the issue of local prosecutors not acting on certain crimes…
Cut 6 (10) “…local court.”
Morris says it will be a tough slog to get his agenda through the Legislature.
_______________________________________
This fall at Nicholls State the university will welcome pets to the state’s first pet-friendly residence hall. Director of Residential Living Alex Coad says they’ll have space for 32 pets at North Babington Hall because the university understands how pets enhance our quality of life.
Cut 7 (07) “…car or dog.”
Coad says this goes beyond service and emotional support animals that are allowed for students through a separate waiver.
Pets will be limited to cats or dogs, and they must be up to date on all their shots and vaccinations. Coad says at this time there are no breed or weight restrictions for animals. He says so far, they’ve received a positive response.
Cut 8 (10) “…another building.”
The Pet-Friendly Living Learning Community will be part of the school’s growing residential communities with shared interests like academics or organizational interests. Coad says right now it’s limited for returning students with 24 credit hours or above, but if all goes well, he believes the ability to bring your pet to college will attract new students.
Cut 9 (06) “…this opportunity.”
Coad says they are also planning to have a dog park construction near the pet dorm so the four-legged residents will have a place to exercise and socialize.
________________________________________
Leaders of Louisiana law enforcement are urging legislators to invest millions yearly in early education plans aimed at keeping kids away from a life of crime. One of those is St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne, who says numerous studies indicate it’s better to invest in young kids before they go wrong than for the criminal justice system to deal with them…:
Cut 10 (06) “…a life of crime.”
Champagne is among lawmen asking state government to heed the recommendations of a blue-ribbon panel on kids & crime prevention, and vote to approve $115-million yearly in care & education programs to reach kids, and hopefully, keep them in school and off the streets. Champagne says the programs would target kids as soon as they begin pre-K…:
Cut 11 (11) “…much more reduced.”
Champagne is one of many state law enforcement leaders who are members of a group called “Fight Crime: Invest in Kids,” whose mission is to use a good education as a deterrent to the bad choices that lead to criminal activity…:
Cut 12 (11) “…look at the long term.”
He says 60-percent of young people convicted of crimes never graduated high school. Champagne says funding is included in the budget bill now, and he urges lawmakers to assure funding for the programs survives the budget negotiating process.
______________________________________________
One week after a house fire destroyed their home, two of the four occupants, both in their 80s, have passed away. State Fire Marshall Office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue…
Cut 13 (10) “…the other yesterday.”
A 59-year old woman and a 10-year-old boy both made it out safely after the woman was alerted by the home’s smoke detectors. Unfortunately, the other victims were unable to escape. Rodrigue says there’s a lesson to be learned through the tragedy.
Cut 14 (08) “…home escape route.”
While 80 percent of Americans say they have a fire escape plan, 51 percent say they’ve never practiced it. Rodrigue says get yours together, practice it monthly, and if you need help, there are resources.
Cut 15 (08) “…help you out.”
______________________________________________
LSU conducts its annual Pro Day for NFL scouts today, and unlike in years past, this year’s workouts don’t have a lot of first-round names participating. There is still one blue-chip prospect looking to impress, says draft analyst Mike Detillier…cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.
Cut 16 (19) “…the Lisfranc injury.”
Stingley was electric as a freshman at LSU, earning All-America honors, and was a two-time first-team All-SEC selection before injuries sent his career sideways. Detillier says talent is the question with Stingley, its availability.
Cut 17 (18) “ …calm some nerves.”
Detillier says that one other player to watch out for is Cade York. Over three seasons, York was one of the very best kickers in the nation, converting 82 percent of his field-goal attempts while showing accuracy and power.
Cut 18 (16) “ …looking for a placekicker.”