The LSU Tigers stay in the SEC Tournament didn’t last long as Florida nailed a three-pointer in the last second to upset the Bayou Bengals 76-73. LSU now awaits Selection Sunday to find out where they’ll be seeded in the NCAA Tournament. Interim head coach Tony Benford believes the Tigers should be seeded high…
Cut 16 (11) “…two seed”
26 million dollars in duplicate state tax refunds were electronically sent out to 66,700 Louisianans on Tuesday, March 12th as a result of a computer malfunction. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says if you’ve already spent the money, understand the state will need to recoup it.
Cut 5 (12) paid back”
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A Republican Baton Rouge lawmaker is pushing to end the death penalty in Louisiana.
Cut 2 (28) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”
President Trump vetoes a Congressional rejection of his national emergency declaration. Senator John Kennedy supports the declaration, but says expect that kind of executive authority to be challenged soon.
Cut 11 (09) “…Act”

President Donald Trump vetoes a Congressional effort to overturn his national emergency declaration that seeks to divert funding to construct additional border wall. Senator John Kennedy says legally, the President has every right to declare the emergency.
Cut 9 (12) “…power”
The veto is unlikely to be undone, as it would require a 2/3rds vote in Congress.
The LSU Tigers stay in the SEC Tournament didn’t last long as Florida nailed a three-pointer in the last second to upset the Bayou Bengals 76-73. LSU led for most of the game, until interim head coach Tony Benford was hit with a technical foul with 3:45 left in regulation as he questioned whether a three-pointer by Florida should have counted….
Cut 15 (12) “back on it”
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26 million dollars in duplicate state tax refunds were electronically sent out to 66,700 Louisianans on Tuesday, March 12th as a result of a computer malfunction. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says they’re not sure what caused the error.
Cut 4 (08) “.again″
Dardenne says if you got a duplicate return, don’t spend it, and wait for the state to correct the mistake.
A Department of Corrections investigation has resulted in multiple arrests and resignations at Angola since the investigation began last Friday. Department spokesperson Ken Pastorick says the accused employees are facing a wide ran allegations.
Cut 12 (11) “…into the facility.”

A bill to abolish the death penalty in Louisiana will soon be filed as the debate about capital punishment continues on the national level.  State Senator Dan Claitor says he’s taking the action because he believes the death penalty cheapens life in society, adding there are errors that occur, as well as a list of other issues. Claitor, a Republican from Baton Rouge, is working with Rep. Terry Landry, a Democrat from Acadiana on pushing the bill forward.  Claitor says victims’ families will get to be a part of the discussion as the bill is pushed forward.
Cut 7 (11) “…favor of it.”
This is not the first time this legislation has been introduced, but Claitor says he’ll keep trying even if not successful in this session.

A Department of Corrections investigation has resulted in multiple arrests and resignations at Angola. The allegations range from employees having inappropriate relationships with offenders, to conspiring with prisoners and their families to smuggle contraband into the facility. More arrests are expected as the investigation continues.

12 US Senate Republicans voted against the President’s national emergency declaration that would allow him to access billions in construction dollars to build additional physical border wall. Senator John Kennedy was not among the 12 and says history shows the President’s move is quite legal.  The opposing Republican Senators voiced concerns about executive overreach, and the potential for the declaration to be a template for future Democratic presidents. Kennedy says he sympathizes with that concern.

Cut 10 (11)“…mistake.”

Most of the Republicans who voted against the declaration, like Marco Rubio, Susan Collins, and newly elected Mitt Romney, are considered to be from the center-right of the party.
Louisiana officials are working to recover 26-million dollars mistakenly handed out to taxpayers. The Division of Administration says about 66-thousand residents received their state tax refund twice and they are asking individuals who may have received an extra tax refund not to spend that money.

12 US Senate Republicans voted against the President’s national emergency declaration that would allow him to access billions in construction dollars to build additional physical border wall. The 12 Republican Senators voiced concerns about executive overreach, and Senator John Kennedy, who was not among the 12, says he sympathizes with that concern.
Cut 10 (11)“…mistake.”
The President says he will veto the Congressional action, which will not likely be overturned.
LSU is in SEC Tourney action as we speak against Florida, but the recruiting scandal still looms over the team. In good news though, CBS Sports bracketologist Jerry Palm says the recruiting scandal will not factor into their NCAA tourny seeding.
Cut 4 (07) “…the court.”
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Could the death penalty be abolished in Louisiana? If a bill being introduced by a Baton Rouge Republican gets signed into law that could be the case. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (28) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

12 US Senate Republicans voted against the President’s national emergency declaration that would allow him to access billions in construction dollars to build additional physical border wall. Senator John Kennedy was not among the 12, and says history shows the President’s move is quite legal.

Cut 9 (12) “…power”

The President says he will veto the Congressional action, and it appears highly likely that vetoed will be sustained, as Congress would need a 2/3rds vote to overturn it.

Seven Angola employees has resigned and are facing serious criminal allegations that they were helping smuggle contraband into the prison, and even having “inappropriate” relationships, in one case involving sex, with the inmates at the facility. Sex between a guard and inmate, even if consensual, is considered rape.
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A bill to abolish the death penalty in Louisiana will soon be filed as the debate about capital punishment continues on the national level. State Senator Dan Claitor says he’s taking the action because he believes the death penalty cheapens life in society, adding there are errors that occur, as well as a list of other issues.

Cut 6 (08) “…that it’s immoral.”

Claitor says victims’ families will get to be a part of the discussion as the bill is pushed forward.

LSU basketball freshman guard Javonte Smart has been cleared to play in today’s contest against Florida in the Tiger’s opening game of the SEC tournament. Smart was held out of the regular season finale against Vanderbilt in the wake of an FBI wiretap that may include evidence that Smart’s family received improper payments for the talent to come to Baton Rouge. Coach Will Wade, who allegedly spearheaded the improper payments, is still suspended by LSU. Smart was the number one high school prospect in the state in 2018.

Will LSU’s recruitment scandal weigh down their chances of getting a high seed in the NCAA tournament? A CBS bracketologist has the answer…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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 Senator John Kennedy says they’re getting closer to resolving the duplication of benefits nightmare that’s plagued thousands of flood victims since 2016…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m matt Doyle”  

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A Caddo Parish manhunt ended Thursday when the suspect is found dead in a Shreveport home.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Selection Sunday is three days away and the LSU basketball team has to wonder just how the growing off the court controversy involving suspended coach Will Wade will impact their NCAA tournament seeding. CBS Sports bracketologist Jerry Palm says the recruiting scandal will not factor into the selection committee’s analysis.

Cut 4 (07) “…the court.”

LSU plays it’s first SEC tournament game today against Florida at 12PM. Palm says more so than any scandal, it’ll be their performance in this weekend’s competition that will have the biggest say in where they land…

Cut 5 (09) “…teams do.”

Palm notes the top eight teams are all from three conferences, meaning the majority of the teams ahead of LSU will suffer a loss.

We are still awaiting the fate of freshman guard Javonte Smart, who’s family may have received improper payments for his decision to attend LSU. Smart is still being held out, and Palm says if that holds then it weigh down LSU’s seeding…

Cut 6 (08) “…the tournament.”

Smart averaged 11.5 points a game this year in 30 minutes a game for the Purple and Gold.

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Senator John Kennedy says HUD has agreed to implement rules allowing those who received SBA loans after the 2016 flood access to RESTORE funds by late April, but that won’t be finalized until the Office of Management and Budget OKs the rule change. Kennedy says Thursday’s meeting with HUD Secretary Ben Carson was progress, but…

Cut 7 (10) “…HUD”

Congress passed a law that was signed by the President late last year closing the duplication of benefits loophole, but various federal agencies have refused to implement the law.
While the HUD side of the issue appears to be resolved, Kennedy says they’re still unsure whether or not OMB will allow the rule change. Kennedy says he’ll have a face to face meeting with OMB Director Mick Mulvaney two weeks from now to settle the issue.

Cut 8 (06) “Congress.”

While Senators Kennedy and Cassidy pursue a bureaucratic fix, a southeast Louisiana homeowner is suing the agencies involved to force the policy into action.
Kennedy says he’s tired of bureaucrats refusing to implement a law passed by Congress, and if the departments delay any further or resist the rule change, he’s calling Trump.

Cut 9 (09) “…meeting set″

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A manhunt has ended with the suspect being found dead in a home in Shreveport yesterday.  The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office says James Salone is alleged to have busted into a residence of his ex-girlfriend, her two children and current boyfriend Terry Thomas on Wednesday night.  Sheriff’s office spokesperson Cindy Chadwick says the suspect confronted the two adults at the home.

Cut 10 (12) “…in the buttocks.”

He was treated at a medical facility for his injuries.

More shots were fired in the home, but Thomas managed to make an escape.  Chadwick says Salone tied up the remaining three in the home, holding them at gunpoint.

Cut 11 (12) “the mother free.”

When they fled, he went outside, fired several shots at police as well as the woman and children.  He then went inside the home but could not be located by police.

On Thursday the search continued for Salone when investigators received a tip of where to find him.  Deputies swarmed that home and made several attempts to make contact, but there was no response.  Chadwick says with authorities entered the home, they found the body of a man they believe to be the suspect.

Cut 12 (10) “…inside the residence.”

Further information on Salone has led investigators to believe he is connected with a Texas vehicle theft as well as the homicide of that’s vehicle’s owner.

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A tugboat crew had to abandon ship after the boat sunk in the Mississippi River. The Coast Guard got the call yesterday morning around 11 of a towing vessel sinking at Baton Rouge General Anchorage. US Coast Guard Petty Officer Brandon Giles (soft G) says the Army Corp of Engineers deployed survey teams in an effort to locate the completely submerged vessel. Giles says officials are also checking for environmental impacts.

Cut 13 (09) “…signs of pollution.”

The incident is still under investigation as the reason for the vessel, the Michelle Anne, to sink is currently unknown. Giles says the four crew members escaped uninjured.

Cut 14 (10) “…the 4 crew members.”

Giles says a portion of the river remained closed into Thursday evening.

Cut 15 (13) “…locate the vessel.”

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The 10th ranked LSU baseball team begins SEC play tonight as they host Kentucky. The Tigers are 12-and-5 on the season and Coach Paul Mainieri says he’s still trying to determine which guys he can really count on

Cut 16  (18) “the league” 

Kentucky brings a 13-4 record to LSU. The Wildcats lead the SEC in stolen bases and that’s a concern for the Tigers as they’ve only thrown out one would be base stealer this season…

 cut 17 (13)   “every time” 

Junior right-hander Zack Hess will start on the hill for the Tigers tonight. Hess has yet to put together a dominating performance this season, but LSU’s ace thinks he’s getting closer to where he needs to be

Cut 18 (16)  the challenge” 

LSU basketball coach Will Wade has asked for his suspension to be lifted, so he can return to his coaching duties immediately, and the school responded saying they won’t, until he talks to the admin about an FBI wiretap he’s on. LSU’s statement also point out that Wade has never denied any wrongdoing in his public statements. Glen Guilbeau, who covers LSU for the USA Today Network, says the relationship between the school and Wade is strained…
Cut 5 (06) coming back”
Former Avoyelles Correctional Center Warden Nate Cain has pleaded guilty to charges in his federal trial on corruption charges. US Attorney David Joeseph says Cain conspired to rip off taxpayers.
Cut 7 (09) “…taxpayers”

After a back and forth with his hometown team, the Miami Dolphins, it looks like Saints backup QB Teddy Bridgewater will be returning to NOLA after posting a picture on twitter of himself in the Black and Gold.

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The number of abortions in Louisiana last year fell to a 10-year low. 8,048 abortions were reported to have been performed in the state, and A 2017 report indicated nationwide abortion numbers have fallen to their lowest rate since Roe vs. Wade was passed in 1973. Planned Parenthood says it’s due to efforts to make contraception widely accessible to women, but Louisiana Right to Life Executive Director Ben Clapper says it’s due to a culture shift.
Cut 11 (07) “…life”
Governor John Bel Edwards, a pro-life Democrat, responded saying “We are committed to reducing the number of abortions in Louisiana, and the data shows that is working”.
The Denham Springs police department arrests a couple in the death of a small child child in Livingston Parish. Detective Amber Fairburn says their investigation started last Friday when they were called to a home in reference to an unresponsive two-year-old female…
Cut 13 (08) “…to her injuries.”

LSU basketball coach Will Wade has asked for his suspension to be lifted, so he can return to his coaching duties immediately. LSU’s legal counsel also released its own statement today saying Coach Wade will remain suspended until he talks with university administration about a reported FBI wire tap that has Wade allegedly discussing an offer to a recruit. Glen Guilbeau, who covers LSU for the USA Today Network, says LSU is just playing it safe…
Cut 4 (12) “..Will Wade situation″
The Tigers head into Saturday’s 12pm SEC tournament game against Florida without both Wade, and freshman guard Javonte Smart, who he allegedly illegally recruited.
The Black and Gold are using some of that 10 million in cap space they generated earlier today to sign former Pats defensive tackle Malcolm Brown to a three year, 15 million dollar contract, coincidentally roughly the same contract Mark Ingram got in Baltimore. Brown is 25, and rated as a good run stuffer by Pro Football Focus, but unfortunate a poor pass rusher. He’ll likely see heavy minutes early while Sheldon Rankins misses the start of the season.
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Former Avoyelles Correctional Center Warden Nate Cain has pleaded guilty to charges in his federal trial on corruption charges. US Attorney David Joseph for the Western District of Louisiana says Cain’s guilty plea admits to stealing more than 150-thousand dollars in taxpayer money for personal items…
Cut 6 (08) “…at all”
Defense attorney John McLindon says Cain has only pleaded guilty to purchasing gun parts for personal use with state dollars, and that the other charges were dismissed. With this behind them, McLindon says Cain is ready to face whatever consequences come his way…
Cut 9 (11) “…differently.”
Cain will be sentenced June 17th. He faces up to 20 years in prison, a 250-thousand dollar fine per count and restitution.

LSU and suspended basketball coach Will Wade fired off new statements and it doesn’t look like Wade’s status is changing anytime soon. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The New Orleans Saints have signed defensive tackle Malcom Brown from the New England Patriots.  The Pats elected not to pick up Brown’s fifth-year option, setting him up for free agency.  Brown was the Patriots first-round draft pick in 2015.

The number of abortions in Louisiana last year fell to a 10-year low. 8,048 abortions were reported to have been performed in the state, and Louisiana Right to Life Executive Director Ben Clapper says it’s part of a years long trend.
Cut 10 (11)“…these lives.”
Governor John Bel Edwards, a pro-life Democrat, responded saying “We are committed to reducing the number of abortions in Louisiana, and the data shows that is working”.

The Denham Springs police department arrests a couple in the death of a small child in Livingston Parish. Detective Amber Fairburn says their investigation started last Friday when they were called to a home in reference to an unresponsive two-year-old female.  The toddler died on Monday and Fairburn says the child’s mother and her fiancé are facing significant charges.

Cut 14 (10) “…negligent homicide.”

LSU basketball coach Will Wade has asked for his suspension to be lifted, so he can return to his coaching duties immediately. But Glen Guilbeau, who covers LSU for the USA Today Network, doesn’t expect LSU to reinstate Wade, because the coach says in the statement, he still will not talk with LSU about reports that link him to potential recruiting violations…
Cut 3 (10) “..said before”
LSU says the coach will remain suspended until he is willing to talk to the admin.
The Denham Springs police department arrests a couple in the death of a small child child in Livingston Parish. Detective Amber Fairburn says their investigation started last Friday when they were called to a home in reference to an unresponsive two-year-old female…
Cut 13 (08) “…to her injuries.”
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The former warden of Avoyelles Correction Center faces prison time after he pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud.
Cut 2 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”
The number of abortions in Louisiana last year fell to a 10-year low, and that number could significantly decrease if the US Supreme Court rules in favor of a Louisiana law that would require clinics to have admitting privileges. Louisiana Right to Life Executive Director Ben Clapper says that case could be heard in January of 2020.
Cut 12 (08) “…of women”
8,048 abortions were performed in Louisiana in 2018.