An unsettled and intense story system has started to make its way through Louisiana. Much of the state is under an enhanced risk for severe weather, which is why many schools and government offices are closed. There’s the threat of a tornado outbreak and state climatologist Barry Keim says this is the time of the year when we see severe weather…

cut 6 (07) “…makes perfect sense”

The northern half of Louisiana is under a flash flood watch and so is a portion of southeast Louisiana.

Texas A&M Athletic Director Scott Woodward has been tapped to replaced LSU AD Joe Alleva.

This wraps up a wild week for the school that saw basketball coach Will Wade’s suspension lifted, and a long time AD axed. Glen Guilbeau with the USA Today Network says Alleva was not a popular figure in the program, and it’s remarkable he stuck around for over ten years.

Cut 15 (09) “…he did.”

Nola.com reports the hire was made less than an hour after it was announced that Alleva was set to “transition” into a new role at the school while his contract runs for another year.

At the Capitol there’s a bill being introduced to guarantee all Louisianans 12 weeks of paid family or medical illness leave. Louisiana Families First is beginning a statewide effort to push support for the proposal. While it would functionally be an income tax increase of about a quarter of a percent on most workers, Caitlin Berni with Berni Consulting, she says 82 percent of those polled were on board.

Cut 9 (09) “…employee″

The bill is being sponsored by New Orleans Senator JP Morrell.

It’s Easter this weekend and it’s also a popular time of the year when people give rabbits as gifts. The Louisiana SPCA says an average of 60 pet rabbits are turned over to shelters following the Easter holiday from owners with buyer’s remorse.  SPCA spokesperson Rebecca Melanson says each year, in addition to rabbits that are turned into shelters, some people even try release rabbits in the wild in an effort to relinquish ownership.

Cut 11 (05) “…from wild rabbits.”

The average lifespan of a rabbit is 10-12 years.

Another round of bad weather is impacting Louisiana today, starting this morning. There’s an enhanced risk for severe weather in the forecast for East Carroll Parish all the way down to southwest Louisiana and all parishes east of that stretch. State Climatologist Barry Keim says expect strong thunderstorms.

Cut 4 (08) “…of Louisiana today.”

Strong storms are currently moving into northwest Louisiana.

Texas A&M Athletic Director Scott Woodward is reportedly set to take over as LSU’s new AD. Woodward has been in charge of Aggies athletics since 2016, but Glen Guilbeau, who covers LSU for the USA Today Network, says he’s a local boy who may have been itching to get back to his roots in the boot.

Cut 13 (06) “Louisiana.”

Woodward presided over the hiring of football coach Jimbo Fisher at A&M, a 10 year 75 million dollar contract.

A bill is being introduced that would guarantee all Louisianans 12 weeks of paid family or medical illness leave, along with legal protections against being fired while out. Berni Consulting partner Caitlin Berni says it would allow you to draw from a fund managed by the Workforce Commission, and paid into by you and your employer every paycheck.

Cut 7 (08) “employer”

The bill includes parental leave, leave to take care of a close relative who has fallen ill, and long term medical leave for events like chemo therapy in cancer patients.

The Gofundme campaign for the three St. Landry parish churches that burned down has reached its goal of one-point-eight million dollars and the donations continue to pour in.

LSU Athletics Director Joe Alleva has officially announced he’s stepping down. The university says he’ll be transitioning into a new role as special assistant to the president for donor relations, but will continue to serve as A-D until a new athletics director is named. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran

Cut 14 (11) “…figure.”

Alleva has been the school’s A-D since 2008 and his contract is set to expire next year.

Former Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco is under hospice care. Blanco, who served as governor from 2004 to 2008 was first diagnosed with an eye cancer in 2011, but the cancer returned in 2017 and spread to her liver. Last December, she said there’s no escape from her cancer. Franklin Representative Sam Jones spoke on the House floor to recognize the governor’s fight for her life…

Cut 3 (12) “…do so ”

Over 1.2 million dollars has been raised for the burned St. Landry Parish churches on a GoFundMe page that’s seen a surge in donations since a fire tore through the historic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Seventh District Missionary Baptist Church President Freddie Jack says the effort is much appreciated, and the congregations are taking the tragedy in stride while they figure out how to get back into their old homes.

Cut 8 (08) “…spirits”

The Center for Reproductive Rights says if an admitting privileges law set to be heard at the US Supreme Court were to take effect, two of the state’s three abortion clinics would close. President Nancy Northup says the regulation requiring clinics and providers to have admitting privileges at a local hospital would dramatically reduce access to the procedure.

Cut 9 (11) “…each year”

The only remaining clinic would be a facility in Baton Rouge.

Tiger Rag Magazine has confirmed the initial report from the Baton Rouge Business Report that Joe Alleva is out as athletics director at LSU. Alleva’s faced controversy involving two prominent coaches but Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says there’s evidence Alleva wanted to go through with the firing of Les Miles and not suspend Will Wade, but the fan outrage is with Joe…
Cut 13 (10) “…Joe Alleva”

A high place source has informed us that a replacement will be named within 24 hours.
The Center for Reproductive Rights says if an admitting privileges law set to be heard at the US Supreme Court were to take effect, two of the state’s three abortion clinics would close. Senior Council TJ Toup says with an increase in abuse towards workers and patients at the Shreveport clinic already escalating, the only doctor with privileges at the facility said he’d retire if the law took effect.
Cut 10 (11) “…providing.”

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Over 1.2 million dollars has been raised for the burned St. Landry Parish churches on a GoFundMe page that’s seen a surge in donations since a fire tore through the historic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Seventh District Missionary Baptist Church President Freddie Jack says the historic majority black congregations have deep roots in the community, some of which go back over a century.
Cut 7 (10) “…long.”
21-year-old Holden Matthews is accused of burning the churches in a racially motivated attack.
Former Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco is under hospice care. Blanco, who served as governor from 2004 to 2008 was first diagnosed with an eye cancer in 2011, but the cancer returned in 2017 and spread to her liver. Franklin Representative Sam Jones asks that Louisiana residents pray for Blanco…
Cut 5 (10) “…that side”

Former Governor Kathleen Blanco is in his hospice care. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Over 1.2 million dollars has been raised for the burned St. Landry Parish churches on a GoFundMe page that’s seen a surge in donations since a fire engulfed the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The page has been shared by national figures like Hillary Clinton and Katie Couric. 21-year-old Holden Matthews is accused of burning the three churches in a racially motivated attack.

Tiger Rag Magazine has confirmed the initial report from the Baton Rouge Business Report that Joe Alleva is out as athletics director at LSU. Alleva has been the school’s A-D since 2008, but Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says Alleva is a widely unpopular administrator

Cut 12 (10) “…in charge”

The Center for Reproductive Rights says if an admitting privileges law set to be heard at the US Supreme Court were to take effect, two of the state’s three abortion clinics would close. President Nancy Northup says the regulation requiring clinics and providers to have admitting privileges at a local hospital would dramatically reduce access to the procedure.

Cut 9 (11) “…each year”

The only remaining clinic would be a facility in Baton Rouge.

Reports have surfaced that LSU Athletics Director Joe Alleva is expected to step down, perhaps as soon as today. Alleva has held the position for more than a decade and his contract expires next year. Over the years, Alleva has been the target of criticism from fans for various issues including the firing of football coach Les Miles and failing to recruit Jimbo Fisher. Most recently Alleva has once again caught heat following the suspension and reinstatement of LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade in the wake of an FBI wiretap investigating a recruitment scandal.

Former Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco is under hospice care. Blanco, who is battling cancer, served as governor from 2004 to 2008. Franklin Representative Sam Jones spoke on the House floor asking that Louisiana residents pray for Blanco…

Cut 5 (10) “…that side”

Blanco served in elected offices for two dozen years.

A GoFundMe raising money for the burned St. Landry Parish churches is now over 1.2 million dollars. Matt Doyle talked with the Seventh District Baptist Church President about the effort…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”  

Former Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco is under hospice care. Blanco, who is battling cancer, served as governor from 2004 to 2008 and did not seek re-election. She was criticized for her handling of Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath and the federally funded program set up to help Louisiana homeowners rebuild. Franklin Representative Sam Jones who worked for Blanco in the governor’s office, fought hard for the state and wasn’t afraid to stand up to the White House…
Cut 4 (09) “…her recently”
Blanco is 76-years-old.
The latest installment from the Louisiana Survey out of LSU shows that 70-percent approve of the 2016 criminal justice reforms. But 60 percent of Republicans now support the reform efforts, up from 46 percent in 2018. LSU Public Policy Research Lab Director Dr. Michael Henderson says it’s taken a few years for the average GOP voter to buy in…

Cut 8 (09) “…ago.”

A constitutional amendment is on its way to the House floor that would let Louisiana voters decided whether or not the state constitution protects abortion rights. The amendment was brought by Monroe Democratic Representative Katrina Jackson who says it’s an opportunity for voter to show the rest of the country that the Bayou State is the no. 1 pro-life state.

Cut 14 (11) “…Louisiana.”

The proposal would need two thirds support in both chambers, and over 50 percent of the vote at the October 12th ballot that also features the primary round of the governor’s race. Several states have adopted similar additions to their constitutions.

Reports have surfaced that LSU Athletics Director Joe Alleva is expected to step down, perhaps as soon as today. Alleva has held the position for more than a decade. Alleva recently caught heat from fans for his decision to suspend LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade in the wake of an FBI wiretap investigating a recruitment scandal.

Former Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco is under hospice care. Blanco, who served as governor from 2004 to 2008 was first diagnosed with eye cancer in 2011, but the cancer returned in a checkup in 2017. Last December, she said there’s no escape from her cancer. Franklin Representative Sam Jones took time on Tuesday to recognize the governor’s fight for her life…
Cut 3 (12) “…do so ”
Blanco is 76-years-old.
The latest installment from the Louisiana Survey out of LSU shows that 70-percent approve of the criminal justice reforms that were approved in 2016. But LSU Public Policy Research Lab Director Dr. Michael Henderson says only a third of respondents believe the system is fair and only a third believe it keeps the public safe.

Cut 9 (11) “…today″

Bossier City has been selected as a top retirement destination according to Where to Retire Magazine. The city was highlighted in a feature called “8 Veteran-Friendly Cities” in an upcoming issue. Bossier City Chief Administrative Officer Pam Glorioso says the area offers a great part of Louisiana for people to live in and at a low cost.

Cut 4 (11) “…feel safe in.”

A wreck in Bossier Parish that claimed the life of four-year-old Katie Grantham in November 2017 has inspired legislation to run toxicology tests on drivers at fault for vehicle collisions that cause serious injury. The child’s mother, Morgan Grantham, spoke to a Senate Committee Tuesday and says evidence was found that could indicate the driver’s impairment, even though he was able to pass a field sobriety test.

Cut 11 (09) “…of custody issue.”

Currently a drug test is only mandated if someone dies at the scene of a crash. Grantham’s daughter died in the days that followed.

Where to Retire Magazine has highlight Bossier City as a Veteran-Friendly city. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

 Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A clear majority of Louisianans support the 2016 criminal justice reform according to the latest installment of the 2019 Louisiana Survey. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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A Monroe lawmaker would like voters to have the option of deciding whether or not abortion rights are covered in the state constitution. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

__________________________________

Bossier City has been selected as a top retirement destination according to Where to Retire Magazine. The city was highlighted in a feature called “8 Veteran-Friendly Cities” in an upcoming issue. Bossier City Chief Administrative Officer Pam Glorioso says the area offers a great part of Louisiana for people to live in and at a low cost.

Cut 4 (11) “…feel safe in.”

Bossier City is the home of Barksdale Air Force Base and Glorioso says many of those that have worked on the base, either in a military career or civilian career, have returned to the area to retire as the area has much to offer for vets.

Cut 5 (09) “…host in Bossier.”

Glorioso says the area certainly has much to contribute to the state’s reputation as being a Sportsman’s Paradise.

Cut 6 (08) “…here doing that.”

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The 2019 Louisiana Survey shows 70 percent of Louisianans support the criminal justice reforms championed by Governor Edwards and passed by a bi-partisan Legislature in 2016.

The reform now has majority Republican support, and Director of LSU’s Public Policy Research Center Dr. Mike Henderson says responsible for a dramatic rise in overall support.

Cut 7 (07) “independents”

The reforms were aimed at reducing the prison population by reducing sentences and providing non-prison alternatives for non-violent offenders.

60 percent of Republicans now support the reform efforts. in 2018 only 46 percent of Republicans backed the changes, and Henderson says it’s taken a few years for the average GOP voter to buy in…

Cut 8 (09) “…ago.”

79 percent of Democrats support the reforms, up five percent from last year, and 74 percent of Independents are on board, a 12 percent increase over 2018.

But the survey did reveal that despite the reform effort, most Louisianans are not happy about the state of the criminal justice system in Louisiana. Henderson says only a third of respondents thought the system was fair, and only a third thought it kept them safe.

Cut 9 (11) “…today″

65 percent of those polled say “mandatory minimum sentencing” should be eased so that judges have the flexibility to determine sentences on a case by case basis.

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A wreck that claimed the life of four-year-old Katie Grantham in November 2017 has inspired legislation to run toxicology tests on drivers at fault for vehilcle collisions that cause serious injury. The child’s mother, Morgan Grantham, spoke to a Senate Committee Tuesday and says the driver was not drug tested and had a history of bad decisions.

Cut 10 (10) “…tricky like that.”

Currently a drug test is only mandated if someone dies at the scene of a crash. Grantham’s daughter died in the days that followed. Grantham says evidence was found that could indicate the driver’s impairment, even though he was able to pass a field sobriety test.

Cut 11 (09) “…of custody issue.”

The bill won the approval of the committee. Grantham says victims should not have to die at a crash to mandate a drug test and adds she has experienced issues, both physical and mental, since the wreck.

Cut 12 (08) “…moment of impact.”

________________________

A constitutional amendment is on it’s way to the House floor that would let Louisiana voters decided whether or not the state constitution protects abortion rights.

Governor Edwards is backing the measure and his spokesperson Matthew Block says the Governor wants to send a message to his constituents.

Cut 13 (08) “clearly.”

The proposal would need two thirds support in both chambers, and over 50 percent of the vote at the October 12th ballot that also features the primary round of the governor’s race.

The amendment was brought by Monroe Democratic Representative Katrina Jackson who says it’s an opportunity for voter to show the rest of the country that the Bayou State is the no. 1 pro-life state.

Cut 14 (11) “…Louisiana.”

Several states have adopted similar additions to their constitutions.

Pro-choice advocates were on hand to contest the proposal. Steffani Bangel with the New Orleans Abortion Fund disputed the amendment, saying a persons right to determine her own future, and her bodily autonomy are inextricably linked.

Cut 15 (13) “…pregnancy.”

Bangel says outlawing abortion in Louisiana would hit those living in precarious economic and social situations the hardest.

Cut 16  (12) “…assaulted.” 

The law would not outright ban abortion, and thus is unlikely to be challenged in federal court, but it may create a legal framework to outlaw the procedure if the US Supreme Court ever undid Roe vs. Wade.

A 14-3 vote in the House Transportation Committee has defeated a resolution aimed at reducing billboards in Louisiana. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”
A constitutional amendment is on it’s way to the House floor that would let Louisiana voters decided whether or not the state constitution protects abortion rights. The law would not outright ban abortion, and thus is unlikely to be challenged in federal court, but it may create a legal framework to outlaw the procedure if the US Supreme Court ever undid Roe vs. Wade.
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Lawmakers are seeking to bring back sales tax holidays. They were accidentally suspended for seven years when legislators crafted new tax laws last June. Monroe Representative Jay Morris’ measure would benefit consumers by reinstating a tax holiday for back to school shopping, hurricane preparedness and hunting supplies
Cut 6 (08) “…for the like.”
The school supply sales tax weekend would occur in August, hurricane preparedness would be in May and the second amendment sales tax weekend would take place in September.
The Senate Ag Committee approved and expanded a bill that would require “truth in labeling” for food products like Almond “milk”, “riced” cauliflower, and “sugar” substitutes. Louisiana rice industry representative Scott Franklin says the “substitute” industry is well aware that they are misleading the public, and they’d have trouble selling their product if it was labeled properly.
Cut 11 (12) “…here”