Should college athletes be able to cash in on their name and likeness? Marrero Republican Patrick Connick thinks so. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.” 

____________________________

Twenty-one individuals from around the country have applied to become Louisiana’s next education superintendent. Jeff Palermo has more…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

___________________________

LSU Ag Center researchers are warning farmers that stink bug numbers will be high this year because of a series of mild winters. LSU Entomologist Doctor Sebe Brown says it takes temperatures below 20-degrees to kill off the redbanded stink bug which is from South America

Cut 3 (09)  “…this year”  

Stink bugs are capable of destroying soybean fields and other crops. Brown says early season control is vital…

Cut 4 (10) “…of damage”

Brown says stink bugs are able to survive a mild Louisiana winter by living under clover and weeds…

Cut 5 (09)  “…they go.”

___________________________________________

Should college athletes be able to cash in on their name and likeness? Marrero Republican Patrick Connick files a Senate bill that would allow compensation in Louisiana. Connick says one potential revenue stream is merchandise sales.

Cut 6 (10) “…university is getting.”

The topic of financial benefits for student-athletes is a nationwide issue, with 30 other states filing legislation making the push for compensation. Connick says his measure is also vital for Louisiana schools to remain competitive.

Cut 7 (12) “…of their future.”

Opponents say compensation taints the student-athlete culture. However, Connick says times have changed.

Cut 8 (10) “…treat them fairly.”

If passed, the proposal would go into effect January 1, 2023. Just a few years ago, the NCAA exceeded one-billion dollars in revenues, but the association does not allow college athletes to receive money for what they do on the field or court.

____________________________________________________

Twenty-one people have applied to be the state’s next education superintendent. Jefferson Parish school superintendent Cade Brumley and Central Louisiana Technical Community College Vice-Chancellor Heather Poole are among the local candidates. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says there’s also several out of state candidates as well

Cut 9 (08) “…good candidates″

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education will meet in April to pick a successor to John White, who will step down next week. Governor Edwards says he hopes BESE will select someone who has worked in a variety of education roles, including as a teacher. But Erwin doesn’t think classroom experience is necessary…

Cut 10 (06) “ legislature approve”

Erwin says he’s surprised to see 21 individuals apply to be the leader of Louisiana’s K-through-12 public education system

Cut 11 (07) “…outside of the state”

It will take at least eight of the eleven BESE members to agree on a new superintendent.

________________________________

LSU-Shreveport Poli Sci Professor Jeff Sadow says polls show the democratic primary could be all but over by the time Louisianans vote on April 4^th.

Sadow says the consolidation of candidates and the number of delegates up for grabs today, Super Tuesday, likely means…

Cut 12 (06) “…Louisiana.”

Current polling shows either Senator Bernie Sanders or VP Joe Biden could gain an insurmountable lead within the next few weeks.

Louisiana usually holds it’s primary the weekend after Super Tuesday, but Sadow says we got kicked back about a month because other local elections on the ballot could lead to an inconvenient time for potential run-offs.

Cut 13 (10) “…essentially.”

Biden entered today with momentum but Sadow says polls show Sanders putting away the race with strong showings in California and the northeast.

Cut 14 (07) “…nomination.”

Non-Democrats have until March 14 to register online at geaux-vote-dot-com as a Democrat if they’d like to participate in the closed primary. Republicans will also be holding their closed primary on the 4^th with the same rules as well.

Deadlines to register to vote in the upcoming Presidential Primary in Louisiana are fast approaching. Brooke Thorington spoke with Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_____________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards names his three non-budgetary legislative priorities for the year. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

___________________________________________

A Franklinton Senator brings legislation that would bar trans women from playing women’s sports at Louisiana schools. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

____________________________________________

With voter registration deadlines fast approaching, Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is reminding Louisianans that only registered Democrats and Republicans are eligible to vote in the upcoming Presidential Primary or April 4th.  Ardoin says the Deadline for in person or by mail registration for the primary is tomorrow…

Cut 4 (09)_ “…registration.”

Ardoin says early voting will begin Saturday, March 21 and end Saturday March 28^th, except for Sunday, March 23^rd.

Cut 5 (12)  “…April 4th.”

There are 24 parishes that will have local elections on the ballot and are open to eligible voters., regardless to party. However, if you plan to vote in the Presidential Primary, Ardoin says the respective parties have established rules.

Cut 6 (11) “…for Republicans.”

For more information visit www.GeauxVote.com

____________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards laid out his top legislative priorities yesterday at the Baton Rouge Press Club, naming minimum wage, pay secrecy, and auto insurance as his primary, non-budgetary focuses.

Edwards threw his weight behind New Orleans Senator Troy Carter’s minimum wage bill that would lift the state from 7.25 to nine an hour by January 2021 and ten dollars an hour by July 2021.

Cut 7 (09) “…on that”

Edwards made raising the minimum wage a pillar of his 2015 election, and 2019 reelection efforts.

The Governor is also back supporting a push to prevent employers from firing workers who openly discuss their salary with other workers, and allow workers to keep their previous job’s pay secret.

Cut 8 (09) “employer”

He came out in favor of a series of bills by Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau that bars auto insurance companies from charging customers more based on their gender, credit, or military service.

Cut 9 (10) “…to do″

Republicans are pushing to lower the jury trial threshold to 15,000 dollars, but Edwards says he believes the current 50,000 dollar level is adequate.

____________________

State Police have found the body of a missing deaf and mute Ville Platte woman and have made an arrest in the case. Trooper Thomas Gossen says 53-year old Phillip Dewoody of Opelousas has been arrested in connection with her disappearance.

Cut 10 (11) “…was his photo.”

Search teams found the body of Joyce Thomas along I-49 between Sunset and Opelousas. Gossen says he is unsure of a previous connection between the victim and the suspect, adding the woman had been reported missing on February 26^th.

Cut 11 (07) “…a remote wooded area.”

The Advocate newspaper reports that court documents show the suspect has been in and out of prison after convictions including two armed robberies and escaping prison at knifepoint.

Cut 12 (10) “…with his background.”

________________________________

The legislature will consider a bill that bans schools from allowing transgender athletes who were not assigned as a woman at birth to play on women’s sports teams.

The legislation was brought by Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell who says women’s sports are a women’s rights issue and should be for women only.

Cut 13 (09) “…for women.”

She says she’s concerned about the competitive advantage that trans women have over someone who was assigned female at birth.

Cut 14 (08) “…that.”

Louisiana Trans Advocates President Dylan Waguespack opposes the bill and says a similar ban functionally already exists at the high school level, but this would target all Louisiana trans students.

Cut 15 (12) “…with”

Waguespack says the legislation, and it’s companion bill in the House, is imported from radical national anti-trans groups, and is discriminatory.

Cut 16  (11)  …can’t’   

The bill provides for the “Save Women’s Sports Act”.

Investigators say it may take several days before they determine a cause to a fatal fire in Alexandria on Saturday night that killed four people, including three children. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

____________________________

Gov Edwards addresses members of the Baton Rouge Press club about the formation of the state’s response to the coronavirus. Brooke Thorington has more.

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

___________________________

The investigation continues today into the weekend house fire in Alexandria that killed four people, including three children. Alexandria Fire Department Chief Larry King says the deadly blaze started late Saturday night and half the home was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived…

Cut 3 (10)  “…family sake”  

King says there were no working smoking detectors in the home.

Cut 4 (11) “…the house”

An autopsy is scheduled today on the bodies. The family has identified the victims as 48-year-old Verlana Cooper, seven-year-old Jayda Cooper, four-year-old Brooklyn Cooper, and four-month-old Dreya Russaw. King says the fire started in the living-dining room and no one was able to escape

Cut 5 (11)  “…the fire.”

___________________________________________

One person is dead after being shot in the chest with a crossbow and two others have been arrested by Caddo Parish deputies in connection to the killing.  Caddo Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson Cindy Chadwick says the body was discovered by two teens shortly after 4PM Saturday near Wallace Lake in Shreveport.

Cut 6 (04) “…to come out.”

The victim has been identified as 33-year-old Rodney Christopher Nordby and the two arrested have been identified as 24-year-old Daniel Haire and 27-year-old Dillon Brown.

Chadwick says the investigation indicates the victim was at the Shreveport home of Haire when a disagreement occurred on Thursday night.

Cut 7 (09) “…of the body.”

Chadwick says the body was left near the parking lot at Cameron Park early Friday morning.

Cut 8 (10) “…teenagers found it.”

Both Haire and Brown were arrested on Sunday morning.

____________________________________________________

Federal and state officials are ramping up preparation efforts for a possible Coronavirus outbreak in Louisiana. Cassidy is proposing legislation that would change telehealth practices so doctors can send healthcare workers out to those who feel they might have the symptoms of the virus, so they out of waiting rooms and not expose others.

Cut 9 (12) “…infection″

After his experience with Katrina, Cassidy is also proposing a bank account where public health has immediate access to funds in order to speed its response.

Cut 10 (12) “care of”

Edwards announced the creation of a coronavirus task force today and says if a case develops in Louisiana the state it will be announced by his administration…

Cut 11 (11) “…announce that”

Edwards encourages citizens not to panic over the news of reported deaths in the U-S but to gather facts from reputable sources like the CDC and the Louisiana Department of Public Health.

Cut 12 (08) “…the facts.”

________________________

Houma Republican Tanner Magee files a House bill that would allow local companies to use independent contractors to deliver alcohol. Current law says alcohol home deliveries have to be conducted by an hourly-wage employee of the business.

Cut 13 (10) “…deliver their products.”

Rouses Supermarket facilitates deliveries through independent contractors. Recent changes for food delivery service Waitr now follow that same model. However, Magee says originally, Waitr had its delivery methods in compliance with the current law.

Cut 14 (10) “…Rouses’ business model.”

Magee says his bill is important because of the state’s need to keep up with modern times adding one of the problems that have held the state back is the unwillingness to change.

Cut 15 (11) “…the United States.”

A brutal allergy season is ahead for allergy sufferers. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

____________________________

Congressman Ralph Abraham tells Matt Doyle his support for term limits guided his decision not to seek a 4^th term in office…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

___________________________

According to the annual AccuWeather spring allergy forecast predicts we’ll see a brutal allergy season. In Louisiana, the forecast calls for an above-average season.  LSU Health New Orleans Professor of Allergy/Immunology Dr. Sanjay Kamboj says the pollen is already here.

Cut 3 (10)  “…end of January”  

Kamboj says humidity, hot weather, and carbon dioxide from cars all contribute to this being a brutal season.

Cut 4 (07) “…by the plants.”

In order to prevent an allergy flair up, Kamboj recommends not opening windows and doors until the early afternoon. If an allergy sufferer goes outside, there are steps to take upon getting home.

Cut 5 (11)  “…home from outside.”

___________________________________________

U.S. Representative Ralph Abraham will not seek a fourth term in office, citing a promise he made before being elected in 2014 that he would term limit himself.  Abraham says the decision to serve only three terms in the House is one he made six years ago on the campaign trail….

Cut 6 (09) “good thing.”

The Congressman says the decision was not hard, and he’s proud of the votes he cast on behalf of Louisiana’s sprawling 5^th district.

Cut 7 (09) “…Iraq”  

Abraham isn’t completely ruling out future public service, and assuming the President were to win reelection, he would be interested in a position in his administration if offered.

Cut 8 (10) “…history”

Abraham finished third in the gubernatorial primary last October.

____________________________________________________

A House bill filed by Jonesboro Republican Jack McFarland aims to allow nighttime hunting for feral hogs on private property any time of the year.  Similar legislation has been attempted in the past, but McFarland believes the problem has gotten worse and feels it would have more support this year.

Cut 9 (12) “…out of it.″

A hunter would need a basic hunting license and as well as permission from the land owner.  McFarland says the bill would also extend to other damaging species.

Cut 10 (11) “…that you did.”

Current law McFarland says feral hogs will eat anything and have a negative impact of row crops as well as other wildlife, but adds the problem isn’t just limited to rural communities.

Cut 11 (11) “…hog problem now.”

________________________

Oil prices continued to fall today as demand weakens over concerns from the coronavirus. The U-S West Texas Intermediate crude fell below 46-dollars a barrel, it’s lowest level since January 2019. LSU Energy Studies Director David Dismukes says there’s a lot of uncertainty right now

Cut 12 (10) “…globally”

Dismukes says if oil prices continue to drop, it will cause problems in the oil patch for businesses who are already struggling to make a profit

Cut 13 (12) “…balance sheet.”

With oil prices dropping, motorists are seeing gas prices for regular gasoline just above two-dollars a gallon and the cost of natural gas has also declined. But Dismukes Louisiana’s economy is at its best when energy companies are making money and profits are hard to pull off right now

Cut 14 (06) “…coastline”

U-S Senator John Kennedy has a tense exchange with acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf over the coronavirus. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

____________________________

If you file a restraining order in Louisiana and fail to show to appear at court the judge could order you to pay court costs. Brooke Thorington spoke with a domestic violence advocate.

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

___________________________

U-S Senator John Kennedy is not happy with the lack of answers from acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf over the coronavirus. Kennedy’s frustration grew when Wolf couldn’t say how many respirators and masks are available or if there’s an estimate on how many cases we might see in the U-S…

Cut 3 (14)  “…security”  

The tense line of questioning came during a hearing on Homeland Security’s budget. Kennedy’s blood pressure rose when Wolf said a vaccine could be available in a few months, but C-D-C officials said it could take 12 to 18 months…

Cut 4 (12) “…everyday.”

During Tuesday night’s 2020 Democratic presidential debate, the candidates hammered President Trump’s response to the Coronavirus. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says the Trump administration is on top of it and has proposed spending two-point-five billion dollars as part of a response plan…

Cut 5 (08)  “…dollars in it”

U-S Health officials say it’s only a matter of time before the coronavirus spreads to the United States. So far there have been 14 confirmed cases in the US, but none in Louisiana.

___________________________________________

If victim a of domestic violence fails to appear at court in Louisiana during the filing of a temporary restraining order for any reason the judge could deem it frivolous and charge the victim court cost. In a state that has the second-highest rate of women murdered by men in the nation, Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence Director Mariah Wineski says this practice needs to stop.

Cut 6 (11) “…victim safety.”

Wineski says the potential burden of court costs could have a chilling effect across the state for victims of domestic abuse and those who so desperately need to file protective orders.

Cut 7 (10) “…first place”  

There are many reasons why a victim might not be able to attend a hearing, unable to get time off work, a sick child or intimidation from their assailant. Wineski says then the judge could turn around and order the victim to pay court costs.

Cut 8 (11) “…protect them”

If you are a victim of Domestic Abuse you can call the Louisiana Domestic Abuse Hotline at 1-888-411-1333

____________________________________________________

Governor Edwards calls for the resignation of 23^rd Judicial District Judge Jessie LeBlanc following her admission to using racial text messages. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says it’s outside of the Governor’s reach to make such a call.

Cut 9 (08) “…of a judge.″

LaBlanc’s lawyer Jill Craft released a statement saying her client’s statements were made in a private conversation and in response to a threatening situation. If that is now the litmus test for any public official, then every one of our public officials should be immediately held to the same standard.

Ciolino expects the matter to be referred to the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana…

Cut 10 (13) “…onerous as removal.”

Ciolino says the private nature of her use of the slurs makes it an extrajudicial comment rather than something that happened in the court room. But that doesn’t make her exempt from discipline as in 2004, a Houma judge was suspended for a one-year without pay after he dressed in blackface for a private Halloween party.

Cut 11 (12) “…or racially motivated.”

________________________

Visitation begins tonight for former state lawmaker Butch Gautreaux who passed away Saturday at the age of 72. Gautreaux represented the Morgan City area for 16 years in the state legislature. Executive Director of the Louisiana Democratic Party, Stephen Handwerk, says Gautreaux was a strong voice for the less fortunate

Cut 12 (10) “…get done”

Gautreaux also served in the Navy from 1968 to 1972 after graduating from Central Catholic High School. He was also a small business owner for 30 years in Morgan City. Handwerk says Gautreaux worked well with both sides of the aisle when it came to managing the state’s finances

Cut 13 (10) “…from Butch.”

Handwerk says Gautreaux worked with former US Senator Mary Landrieu on funding for our coast

Cut 14 (07) “…coastline”

The funeral service is Thursday morning at 10 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Morgan City.

Matt Doyle spoke with a Marrero Democrat who says Louisiana’s working-class deserves a raise and he’ll push to increase the minimum wage when lawmakers convene for the legislative session…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_____________________________________

Ash Wednesday is the start of the Lenten season and the supply of seafood is looking good. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.” 

___________________________________________

New data shows gun death rates in the Bayou State continue to rise. Brooke Thorington spoke with Violence Policy Center, Legislative Director Kristen Rand about the disturbing trend.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

____________________________________________

A significant cold front is blasting into the state today. National Weather Service Shreveport meteorologist Brad Bryant says gusty, northwest winds will make it worth your while to dress warm.

Cut 4 (06)_ “…feel pretty chilly.”

Bryant says sustained winds between 15 and 20 miles per hour will get your attention today…

Cut 5 (04)  “…30 mph occasionally.”

Bryant says over the winter, the state has seen multiple cold fronts creep through and stall at the coast, but…

Cut 6 (08) “…there for sure.”

____________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards wants to raise the state’s minimum wage and Marrero Representative Kyle Green has filed legislation that would increase the minimum wage from $7.25 to nine dollars an hour in 2021. He says since the economy is booming, there’s no reason businesses can’t afford to pay their workers fairly.

Cut 7 (07) “…of this state.”

Arkansas rose its minimum wage to 10 dollars this year. It’s set to rise to eleven dollars in 2021. Green says nine dollars an hour is still not a living wage, but he’s willing to work with opponents who might refuse a higher number.

Cut 8 (07) “…a pay increase.”

Democrats running for President back a 15 dollar minimum wage by 2025.

The last increase in the minimum wage for Louisianans happened in 2009 under the Obama Administration. Green says we’re long overdue to increase it again.

Cut 9 (09) “…their basic necessities.″

The move is opposed by the business lobbyists.

____________________

Ash Wednesday begins the Lenten season and seafood becomes a popular dish.  Chairman of the Gulf Seafood Institute Harlon Pearce believes there should be plenty available.  Pearce says high water levels and weather conditions have resulted in a bountiful crawfish harvest.

Cut 10 (10) “…into the season.”

Pearce says oysters went through a rough phase with the high Mississippi river levels, but now there are more than enough to go around and prices are leveling out much better than what they were.

Cut 11 (05) “…good right now.”

Pearce says wild-caught Louisiana catfish are gaining in popularity among restaurants.

Cut 12 (09) “…farm raised shrimp.”
_____________________________________

New data from the CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control shows Louisiana ranks fifth in the nation among states with the highest per capita gun death rates in 2018. The states with the highest rates are Mississippi, Alabama, Wyoming, Missouri followed by the Bayou State. Violence Policy Center, Legislative Director Kristen Rand explains what these states have in common.

Cut 13 (09) “…gun ownership.”

Rand says there are several studies that show a correlation between areas that have stronger gun violence prevention laws and lower rates of gun deaths. Also, a key factor is lower exposure to firearms as represented by household gun ownership in having lower death rates.

Cut 14 (10) “…since 2009.”

The nationwide average for gun deaths is 12 per 100-thousand, in Louisiana the death rate is 21 per 100-thousand, significantly above the national average. Rand says it’s time for Louisiana to get proactive and prevent gun deaths.

Cut 15 (10) “…death rate.”

__________________________________________

LSU basketball coach Will Wade is not happy with the SEC schedule makers. The Tigers are at Florida tonight for an 8 PM tip and then they’ll host Texas A-and-M  Saturday at 11 AM. Wade says it’s the second time his team has had to play late on Wednesday and turnround and play their next game on Saturday morning….

Cut 16  (20)  …cold’   

The first time LSU played a late Wednesday night game, followed by an early Saturday morning contest, they lost to Vanderbilt and Auburn. Wade says it’s not fair they’ve had this scheduling inequity twice

Cut 17  (20) “not right” 

LSU will bring a 10-4 SEC record into Gainesville and they are tied for second place with Auburn. Florida is 9-5 in league play and Keyontae Johnson leads the Gators in scoring as he averages 14 points and seven rebounds a game. He also shoots 53-percent from the field. Wade says the six-foot-five sophomore is tough to handle

cut 18  (12) “against us”   

Last month, LSU beat Florida 84-82 in the PMAC. Last season, the Gators won two of the three games played between the two teams.

____________________________________________________

The 11th ranked LSU baseball team welcomes Louisiana Tech to Alex Box Stadium tonight. The Tigers are 5-3 and through eight games Coach Paul Mainieri has been shuffling the line-up and getting mixed results. Mainieri says with SEC play starting in a couple of weeks, he intends to use a similar lineup over the next four games to see if they can win with that group…

cut 19 (21) can handle it”  

In tonight’s game, left-hander Brandon Kaminer will start on the mound for LSU. Kaminer has not allowed a run in three appearances. Mainieri says after a rough fall, the Florida native has pitched well…

cut 20 (17) “     keep it up”  

Former LSU Quarterback Joe Burrow ends speculation that he would try to force his way out of Cincinnati as he says he’ll play for the Bengals if they take him with the number one pick. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

____________________________

Personal finance website WalletHub dissects New Orleans Mardi Gras by the numbers.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

___________________________

At the NFL draft combine in Indianapolis, former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow put to rest rumors that he would not play for the Bengals if Cincinnati selected him with the top overall pick. Burrow spoke to a large group of reporters this morning

Cut 3 (06)  “…show up”  

Some NFL reporters have speculated Burrow would pressure Cincinnati not to draft him.  Burrow will not throw at the combine, but he looks forward to meeting with several teams, including the Bengals…

Cut 4 (09) “…think about ball.”

JaMarcus Russell was the last LSU quarterback drafted with the top pick in 2007. But Russell turned out to be a big bust in Oakland. Burrow is confident he’ll succeed in the NFL…

Cut 5 (08)  “…fund it”

___________________________________________

A massive party is taking place in the Big Easy and across south Louisiana on this Fat Tuesday. Rex the King of Carnival has the key to the city…

Cut 6 (09) “…day and night.”

There are also parades all day in Lake Charles and Lafayette. K-PEL Radio’s Bernadette Lee says multiple parades will roll through downtown Lafayette…

Cut 7 (12) “     Mardi Gras today”  

In the Hub City, thousands are enjoying their Fat Tuesday. Lee says the big party started this morning…

Cut 8 (26) “…Lee reporting”

____________________________________________________

Millions are celebrating Mardi Gras around the world, but no one does it bigger than New Orleans.  The celebration has a large economic impact on the Big Easy, bringing in over $1 billion annually, which is roughly 2 percent of the city’s GDP.  Personal finance website WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says it’s growing too.

Cut 9 (06) “…impact from 2011.″

Of the roughly half-million King Cakes sold in Carnival season, about 50-thousand are shipped out of state overnight, with the average cost being around $40.  But for those that want to come into town for the festivities, Gonzales says visitors to New Orleans can expect to pay just shy of $300 per night to stay in the French Quarter.

Cut 10 (09) “…this time alone.”

The average price to attend a Mardi Gras ball is about $190 a ticket.  Gonzales says a VIP experience of riding on a float is upwards of $3000.

Cut 11 (10) “…does add up.”

About 25 million pounds of beads are thrown during the celebrations.  92,000 pounds of beads are removed from storm drains after the celebration.

________________________

With two float related fatalities within days of each other involving tandem floats, New Orleans Police Superintendent  Shaun Ferguson made the call to cease the use of tandem floats for the remainder of the 2020 festivities.  Ferguson says he wants to hold meetings in the immediate future to discuss safety measures.

Cut 12 (11) “… carnival season.”

Ferguson received criticism for making the decision to suddenly stop the use of tandem floats for the remainder of Mardi Gras but he feels he made the correct choice.

Cut 13 (09) “…that decision.”

Ferguson says safety is his top priority for the citizens of New Orleans and its visitors and he praised the Krewes that cooperated with the last minute changes involving floats.

Cut 14 (10) “…to do it”

There’s legislation this session to allow surveillance cameras to be installed in the classroom to protect special needs students. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

____________________________

Federal officials have given the state approval to spend one-point-two billion dollars in grant money that can be used to protect communities from flooding. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut  2 (27) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

___________________________

In the face of criticism from teachers, the governor’s office has signaled they could back a 500-dollar raise on top of the one-thousand dollar salary boost teachers got this year. Louisiana Federation of Teachers legislative director Cynthia Posey applauds Governor Edwards for changing his mind…

Cut 3 (10)  “…of last year.”  

The governor’s initial budget proposal did not include specific language for a pay raise. But Edwards’s education policy adviser told a task force that a 39-million dollar funding increase for public schools should go to teacher pay raises.

Last year, we were told Louisiana teachers were paid about 22-hundred dollars below the southern regional average. Posey says states around Louisiana have done a better job keeping up with the S-R-A…

Cut 4 (05) “…than Louisiana.”

The debate over whether teachers will get another pay raise will head up two weeks from today when lawmakers convene for the 2020 legislative session. Posey hopes lawmakers will see the value in paying public school teachers a good salary…

Cut 5 (08)  “…fund it”

___________________________________________

Surveillance cameras may soon be in place to protect special need students in Louisiana classrooms. Baton Rouge Senator Franklin Foil says he was approached by the Developmental Disabilities Council to sponsor Senate Bill 39 after the council placed a recorder on a child and they were able to document ongoing abuse of an autistic student attending Greater Baton Rouge Hope Academy in 2018.

Cut 6 (06) “…of safety.”

If enacted parents can request school systems install cameras in the classrooms to monitor interactions. Foil says stories of abuse are statewide and he believes cameras will clear up any questions parents have of what’s really going on in the classroom.

Cut 7 (12) “…bullying them.”

A similar measure to protect nursing home patients passed in 2018 and Foil believes Senate Bill 39 to safeguard Special Need students will be enacted as well.

Cut 8 (08) “…protect them.”

The estimated cost of installing the cameras is about $7-million with each camera costing around $5-thousand.

____________________________________________________

The federal government has approved the state’s plan to spend one-point-two billion dollars in grant money that will be used to reduce the flood risk for several communities. Director of the Louisiana Office of Community Development, Pat Forbes, says they’ll implement the plan as fast as possible

Cut 9 (07) “…need to do″

Forbes says they expect the money will become available in the spring and they’ll start using the dollars to improve rain and river gauges and models for every watershed in the state

Cut 10 (11) “…flood risk”

Forbes says the Louisiana Watershed Initiative will work with regional steering communities to guide flood mitigation decisions and investments…

Cut 11 (08) “their communities”

________________________

A Breaux Bridge man faces animal cruelty charges, accused of tossing a bag full of lab puppies from a bridge into Bayou Portage in Henderson last week. St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office Major Ginny Higgins credits the public’s help for nabbing 55-year-old Gary James Goulas.

Cut 12 (10) “… cruelty to animals.”

The charges, one for each puppy, are felony offenses with a fine of $5,000 to $25,000 and possible prison time of 1 to 10 years for each count. Higgins says it is an act that is not taken lightly.

Cut 13 (10) “…somebody being charged.”

The puppies are in the care of Every Paw Animal Rescue in Evangeline Parish and Higgins says they appear to be doing well.

Cut 14 (10) “…conversation”

A nearby fisherman saw the suspect toss what appeared to be litter into the water and drive away. Upon retrieval of the bag, the fisherman discovered the pups inside.

There are two days left of parades and partying, but a somber mood has come over Carnival 2020 after a second person was struck and killed by a Mardi Gras float in New Orleans. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The fourth annual Mardi Gras Parade Adoption Program is underway to place extra horses with owners so they can avoid possible slaughter. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington 

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An Alexandria-based cybersecurity agency has broken down how the 2020 Presidential election could be compromised by ransomware. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (33)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

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Mardi Gras safety will be a big topic in New Orleans over the months ahead, after a second person in three days was struck and killed by a float. 58-year-old Joseph Sampson died Saturday after a passing tandem float hit him at the Endymion parade. Afterward, the city banned the use of tandem floats, but Endymion Vice President Charles Bruno does not believe a tandem float is to blame

Cut 4 (11)_ “…police department”

Last Wednesday a 58-year-old woman was run over by a parade float and died. Endymion President Dan Kelly is calling on city leaders to come up with a plan to prevent future tragedies…

Cut 5 (09)  “…Mardi Gras parades”

Some say banning tandem floats is not the answer to preventing further deaths during the raucous street parades. Others say the city should put up more barricades keeping partygoers off the street. But Bruno says more barricades can create a different problem…

Cut 6 (10) “…larger crowd”

And on Sunday two krewe members on different floats in the Thoth parade fell off and had to be rushed to the hospital. Officials say both riders are in stable condition.

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The Humane Society of Louisiana is coordinating its fourth annual Mardi Gras Parade Horse Adoption Program. In the past extra horses needed to be used in parades were sent to auction, where they could be in danger of heading to slaughter.  Humane Society Director Jeff Dorson says the program has proven to be successful.

Cut 7 (06) “…for adoption.”

In the past potential adopters would choose from available horses after Carnival season, but with the program’s increased popularity, Dorson says they are seeing a new progression.

Cut 8 (11) “…few weeks.”

For 2020, twenty horses are up for adoption and more than half have already been adopted and several families have been approved by the Humane Society of Louisiana’s adoption team. Dorson is confident they will have another banner year.

Cut 9 (09) “…Mardi Gras horse.”

You can visit their facebook page Mardi Gras Horses for adoption information and photos of available horses.

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An Alexandria-based cybersecurity agency has broken down how the 2020 Presidential election could be hacked in a report distributed to the National Association of Secretaries of State. While Louisiana appears to be secure, Ingalls Information Security CEO Jason Ingalls says in a recent intrusion response, the agency discovered vulnerabilities to ransomware.

Cut 10 (10) “…pay your ransom.”

Ingalls says local level election systems are a likely target.

Cut 11 (09) “…advanced malware attacks.”

State agencies such as the OMV were recently impacted by a ransomware attack. But Ingalls says the state’s election systems are a testament to good security.

Cut 12 (13) “… been in place.”

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Governor Edwards announces the creation of a “Climate Initiatives Task Force” that will work on ways to reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to slow sea level rise.

The governor would not name any specific carbon emission targets at this point. But Edwards’ Chief Resilience Officer Charles Sutcliffe says it’s still early in the process.

Cut 13 (10) “…related.”

Edwards showcased his billion dollars a year coastal restoration plan last week, but officials admit it requires a slowing of sea-level rise to work longterm. Sutcliffe says it’ll have to be a global effort, but…

Cut 14 (12) “…conversation”

Discussing the impact of carbon emissions on the global climate can be controversial in an oil-rich state. Sutcliffe says the objective is not to attack a particular group.

Cut 15 (09) “…gonna do.”

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After a disappointing two to nothing loss on Friday, the 11th ranked LSU baseball team bounced back to win Saturday and Sunday to take the series from Eastern Kentucky. The Tigers had great starting pitching over the weekend. AJ Labas allowed two runs over seven innings in yesterday’s ten to two win

Cut 16  (23)  …fine today’   

LSU was shutout on Friday and put together a couple of good innings in the win on Saturday. But yesterday the Tigers busted the game open with a seven-run third inning. First baseman Cade Beloso had three hits and drove in three runs on the afternoon…

Cut 17  (24) “for sure 

Coach Paul Mainieri hopes Sunday’s performance at the plate will build the confidence of his hitters…

cut 18  (20) “of that”   

Crisis Text Line releases data showing over 22,000 texters in Louisiana have used the service since its launch is 2013. Kevin Barnhart has details of who is using the service.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A survey of small buisiness owners in Louisiana shows the top conern from owners is the workforce. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Heads up parents, before checking out the parades this weekend with the little ones, check out this free app from the FBI…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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The Crisis Text Line report on the State of Mental Health in America shows over 22,000 texters in Louisiana have reached out for help since launching in August 2013.  Crisis Text Line spokesperson Ashley Womble says in that time, 465 times they have been able to de-escalate someone in Louisiana who was thinking about suicide.

Cut 4 (08) “…within 24 hours.”

The report indicates that three-quarters of the texters are under the age or 25, with 82% of them identifying as female.  However, men are more likely to die from suicide.  Womble says sometimes, a conversation is not enough and someone needs to step in.

Cut 5 (11)  “…happened 240 times.”

Using the Crisis Text Line is the first time seeking help for 60% of those who use it.  Depression and sadness is the top reason linked to usage, followed closely by relationship issues, then anxiety and stress.  Womble says the number one form of self-care among texters is music.

Cut 6 (09) “…in less crisis.”

The Crisis Text Line can be accessed by sending the word “HOME” to 741-741

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A National Federation of Independent Business poll of Louisiana members shows the top issue facing small businesses in the state is the “quality of labor.” Workforce concerns were at the top of the list, above even tax issues for 23 percent of members. NFIB State Director Dawn Starns says it boils down to two issues.

Cut 7 (08) “…be there.”

Starns says there’s concerns about state workers’ technical qualifications, but with the tightening labor market and low unemployment, it can be difficult to find workers who are committed to the job.

Cut 8 (10) “…face.”

Nearly 80 percent of respondents say they would like the state to do more to prepare workers coming out of high school for employment. Starns says even entry-level jobs need technical and people skills.

Cut 9 (08) “…skills″

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Pearl River swelling from heavy rain in central Mississippi is catching the attention of officials over flooding issues downstream in Washington and St. Tammany parishes. National Weather Service Slidell meteorologist Gavin Phillips forecasts near-record levels in the coming days around the town of Pearl River.

Cut 10 (10) “…I-59 gauge.”

Near Bogalusa, the river is expected to crest at 22.5 feet on Saturday, causing flooding east of Highway 21 along the Bogalusa Creek.

Interstate commuters shouldn’t be too concerned. Phillips says the higher river levels may pose an issue for those that live along the river and low lying area or have fish camps in the area.

Cut 11 (08) “…higher than that.”

Near Slidell, the crest is expected Sunday at 19 feet. Deputy Director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Casey Tingle says they are monitoring the situation closely.

Cut 12 (11) “… to be ready.”

The river crests for both Bogalusa and the town of Pearl River are expected to be their highest levels since 2016.

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If you’re taking your kids with you to Mardi Gras this year download the FBI Child ID app before you leave in the unfortunate event you and your kid are separated.

The app gets you to build a profile of your child, including photo, height, weight, age, and your contact number. FBI New Orleans spokesperson Craig Betbeze says if your child is missing, just press a button…

Cut 13 (09) “…station.”

The app is free.

Along with helping get vital identification information to local authorities, Betbeze says it also helps you start piecing together info that could be critical to finding your lost offspring.

Cut 14 (08) “…missing ”

It also features a list of safety topics you should discuss with your kid before you head out on the parade route.

Betbeze says the app abides by all child privacy laws.

Cut 15 (10) “…FBI.”

The app is available through app stores for both Android and IPhone devices.

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LSU’s annual Spring Football Game will be April 18th but it will not take place in Tiger Stadium. Instead, LSU will hold the scrimmage at Southern University’s Mumford Stadium. Executive Deputy Athletic Director Verge Ausberry says that’s because they are replacing the turf inside Death Valley…

Cut 16  (14)  …be completed”  

Ausberry says to play the Spring Game at Southern, LSU had to get permission from the SEC to play the game there, because the league says you can’t play your spring game away from your home stadium unless you plan to play a regular-season game at the site of your spring game

Cut 17  (14) “thing to do”