Speaker of the House Clay Schexnayder is bidding for the title of Secretary of State. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Alexandria case of Courtney Coco – will be the focus of a Dateline episode on NBC Friday, April 14 at 8 p.m. The episode will focus on the death of 19-year-old Courtney Coco who was found in an abandoned building in Winnie, Texas in 2004. The former fiance’ of Coco’s sister, 47-year-old David Anthony Burns of Boyce, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder in 2021 and is serving life in prison without probation, parole, or suspension of sentence.

LSU Health Shreveport – partnered with The Tiger Research Group run by Bradie James – former LSU and NFL Linebacker – to analyze research data that found topical CBD provided therapeutic pain management for professional athletes. Dr. Kevin Murnane of LSU Health Shreveport is optimistic the research will create options other than opioids to control pain levels.

Cut 12 (08)  “…to opioids.”

The research included studying cannabinoids and formulations in cellular models for addiction, inflammation, and pain.

Colorado State University researchers are predicting a slightly below-average Atlantic hurricane season for 2023. Research Assistant Tyler Barbero says they are forecasting 13 named storms of which six would be hurricanes and two to reach major hurricane status.

Cut 6 (10)  “…ocean currently.” 

Researchers cite the likely development of El Nino as the primary factor for the below-average prediction for 2023.

Speaker of the House Clay Schexnayder announced his bid for Secretary of State Wednesday. The Republican from Gonzales says he wants to continue to build on the state’s secure voting systems that Ardoin and his staff have put in place.

Cut 5 (09) “…do better.”

Schexnayder will contend with at least two other Republicans that have entered the race: Gonzales grocery store owner Brandon Trosclair and Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis of Crowley.

The Pelican’s season ended last night with a loss to Oklahoma City in the NBA’s play-in tournament. When 2023 started, New Orleans was one of the top team’s in the league. Then Zion Williamson got hurt and the team suffered through other injuries. Coach Willie Green says it’s disappointing…

Cut 3 (08) “…can be”

We’ll see what the Pelicans will do with Williamson in the offseason after only playing 29 games this season and missing the entire 2021-22 campaign.

A recent study by LSU Health Shreveport found the use of topical CBD by elite athletes offered significant levels of pain management. Dr. Kevin Murnane with LSU Health Shreveport says the study was conducted on former professional athletes with a history of chronic lower extremity pain.

Cut 10 (12) “…conventional therapeutics.” 

This is the first study to assess the CBD treatment in professional athletes and Murnane hopes it will warrant further studies.

Concerns over teacher pay raises and funding for low-performing schools stirred controversy in the House Appropriations Committee by Republican lawmakers yesterday. Representative Jack McFarland of Winnefield says a pay raise would require the legislature to cut funds elsewhere to sustain the pay raises.

Cut 13 (07) “..to put that in.” 

The discussion to raise teacher pay and funding for public schools will continue for the remainder of the legislative session.

Funding teacher pay raises was a hot topic in Wednesday’s House Appropriations Committee meeting. Jeff Palermo has more…

 Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Natchitoches Police has arrested a man in the murder of a Natchitoches native found shot in an apartment on Wednesday. 21-year-old Johnny Williams has been charged with principal to second-degree murder and illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in the death of 21-year-old Joshua Chism who was found shot in a residence on North Melrose Avenue. The investigation is ongoing.

Speaker of the House Clay Schexnayder announced he will run for Secretary of State – just one day after current Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin made the decision not to seek reelection. The Republican lawmaker is in his third term in the legislature and says he wants to continue his call to public service.

Cut 4 (05)  “…right direction.”

Schexnayder believes Ardoin and his staff should be commended for their work and the office’s top ten ratings when it comes to election integrity.

Legislation filed by Representative Bob Owen’s “Safe Path to School Bill” requires elementary schools to have safety protocols when students are dropped off and picked up. The Republican lawmakers says keeping students safe behind a barrier before entering a drop-off/pick-up area until the vehicle is in park.

Cut 8 (08) “…schools don’t.”

The bill was filed after the tragic death of 6-year-old Emma Bell Savoie who was hit by a car in a Slidell School parking lot last year.

A Livingston parish man facing numerous child sexual abuse charges has been released on bond, and some are up in arms over it. One is Baton Rouge state Senator Regina Barrow, who chairs the Select Committee on Women and Children. She finds it troubling that John Mack, who’s been awaiting trial on the charges for over a year, was released this week on a $250-thousand bond.

Cut 3 (08) “…that’s happening.”

Mack’s family is very well-connected in Livingston Parish and southern Louisiana. Barrow worries that may affect how closely he is monitored while awaiting trial.

Colonel Lamar Davis expressed concern to lawmakers over troopers who are choosing to retire much sooner than they did in the past.  Davis says in order to prevent staff shortages – continuous training is needed to attract new candidates.

Cut 7 (10)  “…with now.” 

Troopers in Texas, Tennessee, and Mississippi are paid nearly twice the salary of Louisiana troopers. There are currently under 900 troopers in Louisiana.

97 percent of teachers and 98 percent of staff say the pay is too low according to a recent study by The Louisiana Federation of Teachers. LFT Spokesperson Heather Cushman says many teachers work a second job to stay afloat.

Cut 13 (12) “…one job.”

Louisiana teachers have not been at the Southern regional average since 2007 resulting in more than 1,200 vacant teaching positions across the state.

Former LSU basketball player Wayne Sims died at the age of 54. Sims was a four-year standout for the Tigers from 1987 to 1991. He played with former LSU greats Shaquille O Neal and Chris Jackson. Former coach Dale Brown says the LSU basketball family is saddened by Sims’ unexpected death….

Cut 9 (07) “…heard about Wayne.”

Sources say Sims collapsed at work yesterday and died from natural causes this morning.

Five Louisiana State Troopers plead “not guilty” in the 2019 death of Ronald Greene yesterday in Union Parish.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Former LSU men’s basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal said no athlete in the history of LSU sports is better than LSU’s women’s basketball superstar Angel Reese. On his podcast – “The Big Podcast with Shaquille O’Neal – O’Neal said Reese  is the greatest athlete LSU has ever had – regardless of gender. Reese led the LSU Lady Tigers to their first ever national championship on April2 scoring 15 points and 10 rebounds against Iowa.

Suzanne Salter, a mom who lost her daughter to a distracted driver, is seeking support from lawmakers to pass a measure that would prohibit Louisiana drivers from using a handheld cell phone while behind the wheel. Salter says her daughter, Nicole, was killed by a driver who was texting while driving in Pointe Coupee Parish almost nine years ago and the loss has impacted her family for almost ten years.

Cut 5 (13) “…their phone.”

Opponents of Huval’s bill in the past have raised concerns the legislation could lead to an overreach by law enforcement and potential profiling of drivers.

Louisiana Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announced he will NOT run for re-election next fall. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says with Ardoin now out of the running, Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis’  becomes the front-runner in the race to be the next Secretary of State. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder is rumored to be considering running as well. Pinsonat says he doesn’t think Schexnayder factored into Ardoin’s decision…:

Cut 15 (07)  “…about Mike Francis.”

Pinsonat says Francis is influential in politics and with Louisiana Republicans.

Louisiana Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announced he will not run for re-election. LaPolictics.com publisher, Jeremy Alford says Ardoin has faced debates over securing the voting process.

Cut 9 (10) “….heartburn.”

Ardoin says he intends to focus on his health and his family and does not plan to seek another position in government.

The National Council on Aging is getting the word out to millions of Americans 65 and older who are impacted by current inflation that resources are available for those in need. The Council’s Senior Director for Economic Security, Aisha Williams, says seniors are unaware that many of the resources are available.

Cut 12 (11) “…these benefits.”

To find resources or to apply, visit BenefitsCheckUp.org.

A Slidell man has been charged with Terrorizing after the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s was made aware of a threatening social media post. Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sgt. Suzanne Caboni says 19-year-old Landon Woodside was arrested Monday after posting an alarming video.

Cut 3 (08) “…the making.”

Carboni says Woodside admitted he made the video.

Stephen Waguespack, former LABI president and candidate for governor, along with two political action committees supporting him are expected to report raising over $3 million during the past four weeks. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says he needs to at least double his campaign funds to a major contender in the race.

Cut 7 (11) “… Jeff Landry.”

The latest campaign finance reports are due April 17.

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s arrested and charged 19-year-old Landon Woodside, with terrorizing after being notified of a social media post. Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sgt. Suzanne Carboni says Woodside admitted to making the video….:

Cut 4 (06)  “…just joking.” 

In Louisiana, the crime of Terrorizing can carry a sentence of up to 15 years or a fine of up $15,000.

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin made a surprise announcement today, he’s not seeking reelection. The Republican has served since 2018 after Tom Schedler resigned over a sexual harassment case. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says Ardoin has faced several emotional debates over election security.

Cut 9 (11) “…heartburn.”

Ardoin told Louisiana Radio Network he was running for a second full-term last month.

Richard Ieyoub, who served as Louisiana Attorney General for more than a decade, passed away yesterday. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 18 (35) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

In his final State of the State address, Governor John Bel Edwards called for an end to the death penalty, exceptions to the state’s abortion ban, and an increase in the state’s minimum wage.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announces he will not seek re-election this fall. Ardoin has held the post since 2018. Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis and South Louisiana grocery store owner Brandon Trosclair have already announced their candidacy and House Speaker Clay Schexnayder is also expected to get in the race.

19-year-old Landon Woodside of Slidell is charged with Terrorizing after the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office was notified of a post made on social media. Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sgt. Suzanne Carboni says they arrested Woodside Monday, and she describes the video post.

Cut 3 (08) “…the making.”

Carboni says Woodside confessed to investigators.

The National Council on Aging is getting the word out that they offer free resources to assist older Americans who need a helping hand with financial assistance during current inflation. The council’s Senior Director for Economic Security, Aisha Williams, says many older Americans don’t realize they qualify for resources.

Cut 12 (11) “…these benefits.” 

To find available resources or to apply, visit BenefitsCheckUp.org or call 800-794-6559.