Dell Demps has reportedly been relieved of his duties as New Orleans Pelicans General Manager after nearly a decade with the franchise. This comes amid growing chaos surrounding the Pelicans and star Anthony Davis, who demanded a trade several weeks ago but was not shipped out before the deadline. Demps has come under fire for failing to put much of any talent around a generational talent like Davis, and routinely shipping out first round draft picks in a win-now mentality that’s resulted in a team largely devoid of home grown talent.

That’s led to a situation like last night’s game, a surprising 131 122 win over the Thunder, where Davis exited the game with an injury, and left the arena before the game ended. Coach Alvin Gentry is clearly not happy with the team’s current situation, but praised the teams upset effort.

cut 30 (19) “…great job”

The number one ranked LSU baseball team takes the field for the first time in 2019 tonight when they host ULM at Alex Box Stadium. The Tigers are one of the favorites to win the College World Series, because of the return of shortstop Josh Smith, who missed most of last season with a back injury. 2009 was the last time the Tigers won a national championship and Smith knows LSU fans are hungry for another title…
Cut 18 (15) after it”
ULM comes into the season, looking to improve on a 23-31 mark.

Also this weekend, Louisiana Tech is at Southeastern Louisiana. The Bulldogs return 24 players from a team that went 39-and-20 last season and just missed the NCAA Tournament.

And over in Lafayette, the Ragin Cajuns host 23rd ranked Texas. UL-Lafayette features three players who were named to the preseason All Sun Belt Conference team, Gunner Leger, Daniel Lahare and Hayden Cantrelle.

President Trump announces he will sign an emergency declaration to pursue the border wall. The declaration will likely be immediately challenged in Congress but would require an unlikely two-thirds override vote in both chambers. At that point, Senator John Kennedy says he expects the battle to shift to the courts.
Cut 11 (09) “…Ninth Circuit”
Kennedy says he would not vote to oppose the President’s State of Emergency.
Thursday’s arrest of 9 frat members at LSU over allegations of hazing comes after the passage of the Maxwell Gruver Act that was put into place to combat the activity by handing out harsher punishments for future incidents.  East Baton Rouge DA Hillar Moore says this isn’t the only hazing case to come up since the act’s passage.
Cut 14 (08) “…kind of go along.”

After a year-long investigation, State Police have arrested fifteen suspects in connection with a Mardi Gras 2018 incident known as a ride out where participants would stop up highways and ride recklessly.  Senior Trooper Melissa Matey says ride outs of this nature have taken place in other cities across the country but is hopeful this investigation will keep another one from happening during this year’s Mardi Gras.
Cut 6 (10) “…please call 911.”

This morning in a 6-4 decision, the Ethics Board has decided candidates are permitted to use campaign funds to pay for childcare. In November, a female Baton Rouge candidate requested authorization and was denied as the board overruled a 2000 decision that allowed a man to use campaign funds for childcare. UL-Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says the optics of the November decision made it look like the board is trying to prevent moms from running for office.

President Trump announces he will sign an emergency declaration to pursue the border wall. The declaration will likely be immediately challenged in Congress but would require an unlikely two-thirds override vote in both chambers. At that point, Senator John Kennedy says he expects the battle to shift to the courts.
Cut 11 (09) “…Ninth Circuit”
Kennedy says he would not vote to oppose the President’s State of Emergency.
Thursday’s arrest of 9 frat members at LSU over allegations of hazing comes after the passage of the Maxwell Gruver Act that was put into place to combat the activity by handing out harsher punishments for future incidents.  East Baton Rouge DA Hillar Moore says this isn’t the only hazing case to come up since the act’s passage.
Cut 14 (08) “…kind of go along.”

After a year-long investigation, State Police have arrested fifteen suspects in connection with a Mardi Gras 2018 incident known as a ride out where participants would stop up highways and ride recklessly.  Senior Trooper Melissa Matey says ride outs of this nature have taken place in other cities across the country but is hopeful this investigation will keep another one from happening during this year’s Mardi Gras.
Cut 6 (10) “…please call 911.”

The Ethics Board is reconsidering its decision to bar candidates from using campaign funds to pay for childcare this morning. In November, a female Baton Rouge candidate requested authorization and was denied as the board overruled a 2000 decision that allowed a man to use campaign funds for childcare. UL-Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says the optics of the decision make it look like the board is trying to prevent moms from running for office.

Cut 8 (08) “…the system.”

State Police have arrested 15 suspects connected to a “ride-out” in New Orleans on Mardi Gras 2018.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

____________________________

Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell announces President Trump will declare a State of Emergency to get the money needed to build his sought after wall. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle  

_______________________________

East Baton Rouge DA Hillar Moore says he believes the Maxwell Gruver Act has had an impact on hazing, in the wake of new allegations at LSU.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

__________________________________

After a year-long investigation, State Police have arrested fifteen suspects in connection with a Mardi Gras 2018 incident known as a ride out where participants would stop up highways and ride recklessly.  Senior Trooper Melissa Matey says the investigation is very complex as many participants come from out of state.

Cut 4 (11) “…nearly eight hours.”

Matey says prior to Mardi Gras 2018, State Police had come across several cases of stolen motorcycles that ended up being connected with the activity.

Cut 5 (09) “…is ongoing.”

Matey says ride outs of this nature have taken place in other cities across the country, but is hopeful this investigation will keep another one from happening during this year’s Mardi Gras.

Cut 6 (10) “…please call 911.”

___________________________________________________

The Ethics Board will reconsider it’s decision to bar candidates from using campaign funds to pay for childcare today. The decision has received quite a bit of public flack, including from Governor Edwards. UL-Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says Edwards’ opposition will be hard for the board, seven of whom are appointed by the governor, to ignore.

Cut 7 (12) “…specifically.”

The other four members of the eleven member board were appointed by the Senate and House respectively.

In November a female Baton Rouge female candidate requested authorization, and was denied as the board overruled a 2000 decision that allowed a man to use campaign funds for childcare. Cross says the optics of the decision make it look like the board is trying to prevent moms from running for office.

Cut 8 (08) “…the system.”

Between November of last year and 2000, a number of male candidates, reportedly including Senator John Kennedy, have been allowed to use the funds for childcare.

While the Ethics Board is not elected, Cross says if any of the members were to run for public office, any vote against permitting funds for that purpose would be used against them, more so if their opponent is a mom.

Cut 9 (12) “…was.″

_________________________________

Senate leader Mitch McConnell says President Trump will declare a State of Emergency to obtain the funds necessary to build his sought after addition to the southern border wall. Much of that money would reportedly come from Army Corps and/or FEMA disaster prevention and relief projects, a keen concern for hurricane prone Louisiana. Senator John Kennedy says he’s aware that’s a possibility…

Cut 10 (06) “…come from”

The President is also expected to sign the compromise legislation preventing a shutdown and providing 1.37 billion in funds for the wall.

The declaration would likely be immediately challenged in Congress, but would require an unlikely two thirds override vote in both chambers. At that point, Kennedy says he expects the battle to shift to the courts.

Cut 11 (09) “…Ninth Circuit”

Kennedy says he would not vote to oppose the President’s State of Emergency.

Kennedy says the idea has so far received a somewhat chilly response from Congress, including from several Republicans. The Senator says he understand the motive after talking with the President on the plane ride back from the Farm Bureau Convention in New Orleans, and says while he would prefer a Congressional solution…

Cut 12 (10) “…Congress”

_____________________________

Thursday’s arrest of 9 frat members at LSU over allegations of hazing comes after the passage of the Maxwell Gruver Act that was put into place to combat the activity by handing out harsher punishments for future incidents.  East Baton Rouge DA Hillar Moore credits the act for the allegations coming to light.

Cut 13 (11) “…LSU police department.”

Moore says this isn’t the only hazing case to come up since the act’s passage.

Cut 14 (08) “…kind of go along.”

Moore believes the national fraternities are now taking quicker action because of the act, saying it’s of great value in forming a case.

Cut 15 (10) “…or it’s lost.”

_______________________

Another college baseball season starts today and there are high expectations in Baton Rouge as the LSU Tigers are ranked number one in several polls. Left fielder Daniel Cabrera is one of several Tigers expected to have a big season and the Baton Rouge native is fired up about tonight..

Cut 16 (12) “…with them″

LSU returns its starting out field from last season and a healthy Josh Smith will man shortstop. Senior Brandt Broussard will start at second base tonight, but he says there are several newcomers pushing for starting time as well…

 cut 17 (18)   “to contribute” 

2009 was the last time the Tigers won a national championship and starting shortstop Josh Smith knows LSU fans are hungry for another title…

Cut 18 (15)  after it” 

LSU is confirming that nine members of the Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity have been arrested on Hazing charges, and four of them are facing battery charges related to reports that pledges were doused in gas, urinated on, and beat. The activities are alleged to have taken place during the fall of 2018. The hazing charges are misdemeanors despite the passage of tougher anti-hazing laws last year. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says these student’s actions must not have met the criteria for harsher charges.

Cut 9 (10) “or death”

Felonies can also be charged if pledges are forced to consume booze pushing their BAC above .3.

Pointe Coupee authorities are trying to determine who shot into a home in the town of Glynn killing a young woman sleeping on the couch. Sheriff Bud Torres says says the only other person in the home was the victim’s boyfriend…

Cut 14 (04)     later died” 

The victim has been identified as 25-year-old Aerial Edwards.

The Bayou Country Superfest has announced its 2019 Lineup at a press conference today.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Yet another Acadiana school has been closed due to an infestation of bats that are making their yearly migration from Mexico to their more northern breeding grounds. Franklin Junior High in St. Mary Parish will be closed today and tomorrow after officials discovered bats hanging out in the halls and flying around in the gym. Experts have been called in for a non-lethal solution.

Nine LSU fraternity members have been booked on hazing charges, with several facing battery charges stemming from reports that pledges were doused in gasoline, beaten with pipes, made to lay on broken glass, and urinated on. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Pointe Coupee authorities are trying to determine who shot into a home in the town of Glynn killing a young woman sleeping on the couch. Sheriff Bud Torres says it’s heartbreaking.

Cut 13 (08) “…no apparent reason”

The girl has been identified as 25-year-old Aerial Edwards.

A nine-year-old boy is dead and his 18-year-old cousin has been arrested in an incident that Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto says was a negligent, but accidental discharge of a firearm. Kamone Thomas has been charged with Obstruction of Justice, and Possession of Marijuana, and Negligent Homicide. Lopinto says Thomas admitted guilt and said it was an accident that began with some horseplay.

Cut 7 (11) “…fatal.”

After a 2 year stint in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Bayou Country Superfest returns to Tiger Stadium for its tenth anniversary over Memorial Day weekend.  Festival Producer Quint Davis says this year’s lineup for the 2-day festival is the best yet, and is expected to draw fans from across North America.

Cut 3 (08) “…and Chase Rice.”

Tickets go on sale a week from today.

Pointe Coupee authorities are trying to determine who shot into a home in the town of Glynn killing a young woman sleeping on the couch. Sheriff Bud Torres says no lights were on at the time of the shooting…

Cut 12 (10)   “…killed her”
Torres says the only other person in the home was the victim’s boyfriend, who took her to the hospital where she died.

A nine-year-old boy is dead and his 18-year-old cousin has been arrested in an incident that Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto says was a negligent, but accidental discharge of a firearm. Kamone Thomas has been charged with Negligent Homicide, Obstruction of Justice, and Possession of Marijuana. Lopinto says initially Thomas told investors his cousin had shot himself, but…

Cut 6 (11) “…himself.”

LSU is confirming that nine members of the Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity have been arrested on Hazing charges.  Arrest reports show pledges were forced to lie face down on a basketball court covered in broken glass while being urinated upon.  They were also beaten with pipes and doused in gasoline. This comes after Gruver Act flew through the legislature last year, and was publicly championed by a number of state leaders like Governor Edwards, who said they wanted to send a message with the tougher hazing penalties. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says that puts the student’s defense at a notable disadvantage right from the start.

Cut 11 (08)   “…extra harsh.”

After a 2 year stint at the Superdome, Bayou Country Superfest returns to Tiger Stadium for its tenth anniversary over Memorial Day weekend.  Goveror Edwards was on hand for the announcement of the lineup and says his calendar is marked for the festival.

Cut 4 (06) “…100%″

Tickets go on sale a week from today for the festival that features headliners, Kenny Chesny, Florida Georgia Line and Jason Aldean.

LSU is confirming that nine members of the Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity have been arrested on Hazing and other charges. The activities are alleged to have taken place during the fall of 2018. The Advocate is reporting that the hazing involves covering pledges in gasoline, beating them, and urinating on them. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says newly passed anti-hazing laws could allow the DA to pursue national organizations…

Cut 10 (12)“…dollars”

All nine student have been booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

A nine-year-old boy is dead and his 18-year-old cousin has been arrested in an incident where the two allegedly were playing with a handgun. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto says it’s a tragic accident that could have been avoided had the weapon been properly secured and kept out of the hands of a young child.

Cut 8 (10) “…negligence.”

The Bayou Country Superfest has announced its 2019 Lineup at a press conference today.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Yet another Acadiana school has been closed due to an infestation of bats that are making their yearly migration from Mexico to their more northern breeding grounds. Franklin Junior High in St. Mary Parish will be closed today and tomorrow after officials discovered bats hanging out in the halls and flying around in the gym. Experts say they’ll be sealing up the building until the bats wake up to go foraging, and then locking the door behind them once they leave. A decision about opening the school on Monday is pending.

LSU is confirming that nine members of the Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity have been arrested on Hazing charges.  Arrest reports show the pledges were forced to lie face down on a basketball court covered in broken glass while being urinated on.  They were also beaten and doused in gasoline. The activities are alleged to have taken place during the fall of 2018. The hazing charges are misdemeanors despite the passage of tougher anti-hazing laws last year. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says these student’s actions must not have met the criteria for harsher charges.
Cut 9 (10) “or death”
|After a 2 year stint in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Bayou Country Superfest returns to Tiger Stadium for its tenth anniversary over Memorial Day weekend. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the festival has a huge economic impact on the area by filling hotels and restaurants and says it’s important for locals to get the word out to friends and family across the nation.

Cut 5 (05)“…in Baton Rouge.”

Tickets go on sale a week from today for the festival that features headliners, Kenny Chesney, Florida Georgia Line and Jason Aldean.

A nine-year-old boy is dead and his 18-year-old cousin has been arrested in an incident that Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto says was a negligent, but accidental discharge of a firearm. Kamone Thomas has been charged with Negligent Homicide, Obstruction of Justice, and Possession of Marijuana. Lopinto says Thomas admitted guilt and said it was an accident that began with some horseplay.

Cut 7 (11) “…fatal.”

Beginning this fall, Louisiana will become only the second state in the US with military veteran centers on every college campus.  Chancellor of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System Monty Sullivan says the resource centers are put in place to help vets in transitioning into the campus lifestyle.

Cut 13 (07) “…the resource available.”

A nine-year-old boy is dead and his 18-year-old cousin has been arrested in an incident that Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto says was a negligent, but accidental discharge of a firearm. Kamone Thomas has been charged with Negligent Homicide, Obstruction of Justice, and Possession of Marijuana. Lopinto says initially Thomas told investors his cousin had shot himself, but…

Cut 6 (11) “…himself.”

After a 2 year stint in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Bayou Country Superfest returns to Tiger Stadium for its tenth anniversary over Memorial Day weekend.  Festival Producer Quint Davis says this year’s lineup for the 2-day festival is the best yet, and is expected to draw fans from across North America.

Cut 3 (08) “…and Chase Rice.”

Nine LSU students have been booked on hazing charges. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

In honor of Valentine’s Day, Louisiana Family Forum has found the longest married couple in the state.  That title for 2019 belongs to Wallace and Gladys Menard of Duson who have been hitched for 80 years.