The Senate votes to advance a measure limiting the President’s authority to engage in acts of war against Iran. Matt Doyle spoke with one of the measure’s supporters Senator Bill Cassidy…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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An Oil City Representative thinks it’s time for the state to do away with the need to have concealed carry licenses to carry a concealed handgun. Brooke Thorington has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

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Gov. Edwards signs an executive order formally establishing the Governor’s Advisory Council on Rural Revitalization.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

____________________________________________

Senator Bill Cassidy is one of seven Republicans to join Senate Democrats in voting to limit the President’s authority to take military action against Iran.

Cassidy says the vote was not a slight to President Trump, he just feels Congress needs to reclaim its responsibility in deciding when to head to war and make sure any decision has public support.

Cut 4 (10) “…united”

The measure cleared the Senate 55-45 and heads to the House next, where a similar bill was passed earlier this year.

Cassidy cited The Obama Administration’s decision to bomb Libya as a prime example of executive branch overreach in making decisions that will lead to war.

Cut 5 (11)  “…a war”

President Trump has vowed to veto the measure, and Louisiana’s other Senator, John Kennedy, voted against it.

Cassidy says the measure would not have prevented the President from taking action like the decision earlier this year to bomb an Iranian General, because…

Cut 6 (05) “…permissible”

The wording calls for the termination of the President’s ability to use the military against Iran unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or use of force.

____________________________

Legislation has been filed for the upcoming session that would eliminate the need to have a concealed carry license in order to carry a concealed handgun in Louisiana.

Oil City Representative Danny McCormick says open carry is already legal in Louisiana, and requiring people to get a permit to cover up that gun is just a tax.

Cut 7 (09) “…call it.”

McCormick says putting additional barriers between legal gun owners and their right to carry in public is infringing on basic American rights.

Cut 8 (12) “…worship.”

The legislation still requires a concealed carrier be legal to own firearms. Opponents argue concealed carry creates additional public risk, and so the licensing classes exist to ensure gun owners are responsible and informed enough to concealed carry. McCormick disagrees.

Cut 9 (04) “…per say.″

____________________

A 2019 report on from True Colors United and the National Law Center for Homelessness ranks Louisiana in the top ten among the fifty states and District of Columbia in its efforts to address youth homelessness.  Report co-author Dylan Waguespack says the state has an advantage over others from spearheading the issue with the legislation in the ’90s.

Cut 10 (06) “…a new issue.”

Louisiana is ranked 7^th, up one spot from last year.  Among the areas where Louisiana excels include providing unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness the opportunity to seek legal independence and live independently, and the state’s foster care, where those in the program can now receive benefits through the age of 21 instead of 18.

Cut 11 (08) “…their 18^th birthday.”

Waguespack says there is room for improvement, indicating limiting opportunities for contact between youth experiencing homelessness and the juvenile and criminal justice systems should be prioritized.

Cut 12 (07) “…a young person.”

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Gov. Edwards signs an executive order formally establishing the Governor’s Advisory Council on Rural Revitalization.  Louisiana Farm Bureau President Ronnie Anderson is one of the 34 people appointed to that council and he says the work is important because many of the rural areas are drying up.

Cut 13 (11) “…these rural areas.”

Anderson says the expansion of broadband internet availability is an opportunity to help the rural areas become a more attractive place to live and work.

Cut 14 (08) “…have better service”

The council will develop and submit a comprehensive strategic plan to the Governor on January 5^th, 2021 and will supply annual progress reports thereafter.  The council will also have duties in advising the Governor on the needs, issues of concern, and solutions linked to rural revitalization.

Cut 15 (08) “…our products around.”

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The 11th ranked LSU baseball team opened the 2020 season by taking two of three from Indiana. The Hoosiers avoided the sweep with a seven to two win on Saturday night. It was a close game in the eighth inning, but LSU failed to turn a double play on a ground ball to shortstop Hal Hughes. The mistake led to an unearned run and Coach Paul Mainieri says they learned some lessons during the first weekend…

Cut 16  (20)  …the kids”  

LSU hit three home runs over the weekend. Freshman Cade Doughty hit a dinger in his first college at bat. Mainieri liked what he saw from the rookie second baseman…

Cut 17  (20) “player” 

_____________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech men’s basketball improved to 10-and-4 in Conference USA play on Saturday with an 81-68 win over Florida Atlantic on Saturday. Before the game, the Dunkin Dogs recognized their four seniors and all of them played well in the win

cut 18  (15) “different ways”   

Senior guard Derric Jean led the way with a career-high 21 points. The Miami native says he wanted to play well…

cut 19 (12)  W”  

Former LSU QB Joe Burrow now has a baby giraffe named after him at the Baton Rouge Zoo. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

____________________________

An Advocate report accuses Attorney General Jeff Landry, known for his hardline stance on immigration, of bringing in Mexican workers to help build a plant in Cameron Parish…

cut  2 (32) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

___________________________

Former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow may have collected many accolades during his time as a Tiger, but he now has a new honor thanks to the Baton Rouge Zoo.  Zoo spokesperson Robyn Lott says the public nominated and then voted on the top three names for a baby giraffe and “Burreaux” was the one to stick.

Cut 3 (07)  “…in this area. 

After filtering through the nominations, zoo officials picked the top three names which also included Romeo and Kiume, which is Swahili for masculine and strong.  Lott says through the voting the zoo was able to raise over $2000.

Cut 4 (07) “…for the zoo.”

Burreaux is on exhibit Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.  Lott says Burreaux is the twentieth giraffe to be born at the zoo.

Cut 5 (12)  “…perfect Instagram opportunity.”
___________________________________________

A 71-year-old retired farmer has been sentenced to 40 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of manslaughter for the 1989 disappearance of his wife, Isabelle and her friend Marian Coutee. Rapides Sheriff Earl Hilton credits the D-A’s office for prosecuting the case quickly after Robert Blair was arrested last October

Cut 6 (09) “the record”

Deputies got enough evidence to arrest Blair, after the truck, Isabelle Blair and Coutee were last seen riding in, was found on the property once owned by Robert Blair. Possible human remains were also found on the property and they are still being analyzed by the LSU FACES Lab. Hilton wonders how Robert Blair lived with himself all of these years

Cut 7 (07) “…did it.”

Since Blair is 71-years-old, that means he’ll likely spend the rest of his life at Angola. Rapides Parish Assistant District Attorney Christopher Bowman says the victims’ families were fine with the sentencing

Cut 8 (12)“…40 years”

Bowman says Blair confessed to the killings, but it was in self-defense.

____________________________________________________

A report by the Advocate alleges Attorney General Jeff Landry, who rails against immigration issues, brought in skilled Mexican laborers on work visas to construct an LNG plant in Cameron Parish.

Landry political advisor Brent Littlefield says yes, the AG did help bring foreign workers to the job site, but it was only temporary.

Cut 9 (12) “…on track″

Littlefield says the jobs were advertised locally first, but Advocate reporter Bryn Stole says the H2B skilled worker visa program is controversial and opposed by both the Trump admin and labor unions.

Cut 10 (10) “…labor.”

Stole says there is no definitive proof Landry broke the law in these dealings, but they did uncover documents indicating his companies may have misled the feds to get access to the visas.

Cut 11 (05) “…the law.”

Stole says the paper also discovered Landry and his brother Benjamin, had dealings with a now-imprisoned “labor broker” who illegally brought over 1,000 Mexican workers into the country.

Littlefield says the whole investigation was bogus, no laws were broken, and all the information uncovered was public record already. He also took issue with Advocate reporters’ behavior.

Cut 12 (11) “living”

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A carjacking suspect is dead after being shot during an altercation with Bossier City Police on Thursday.  State Police is now investigating the incident.  Trooper Brent Hardy says an officer responded to an attempted carjacking near the CenturyLink center.

Cut 13 (12) “…the subject was shot.”

Hardy says they now have a positive identification on the suspect.

Cut 14 (10) “…at the scene.”

A Bossier City permit inspector underwent surgery today after suffering a broken shoulder during the initial carjacking attempt at the hands of the deceased.

Cut 15 (07) “…active and ongoing.”

The inspector had gotten out of the truck when the suspect hopped in and upon trying to stop him, was pushed to the ground, causing the injury.

The latest Kids Count report has Louisiana ranked 49th again for child well-being, but Agenda for Children releases a roadmap on how the state can improve its ranking…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

____________________________

Eddie Rispone had a rare public interview this morning where he spoke with Jim Engster about his run for Governor. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

___________________________

A drive-by shooting in Iberia Parish leaves an 8-year-old child in critical condition in a Baton Rouge hospital.  Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Col. Wendall Raborn says the child was among 15 people standing outside when the suspect, 26-year-old Jonas Hawk of Jeanerette rolled up on the scene.

Cut 3 (11)  “…to the hospital. 

Raborn says the child’s uncle, who was among the group, had a connection to the suspect that may have been the motive behind the shooting.

Cut 4 (08) “…long ongoing dispute.”

Raborn says officials were able to find the suspect within 30 minutes and he is now in the Iberia Parish Jail, booked on 15 counts of attempted first-degree murder.

Cut 5 (12)  “…somebody like this.”

___________________________________________

Three teenagers have been arrested for the murder of 20-year-old Adrian Carradine of Bossier City, including a high school basketball star. Bossier City Police spokesperson Traci Landry says their investigation began Monday night when an officer patrolling a neighborhood saw gunfire coming from a vehicle

Cut 6 (09) “…into custody”

On Monday, police arrested two teens, 18-year-old Raymond Henry of Bossier City and a 15-year-old female who was the driver. Landry says 19-year-old Otis Smith, a senior on the Bossier High basketball team, was arrested yesterday

Cut 7 (11) “…himself in.”

Smith is one of the top scorers on the Bearkats basketball team that’s ranked number one in the Class 3A power ratings.

This is the third homicide in Bossier City this year after reporting six homicides in 2019. Landry says they are working to make Bossier City safe…

Cut 8 (10) “…Bossier City.”

____________________________________________________

The Agenda for Children releases its first-ever road map to improving Child Well-Being in Louisiana. The Bayou State has never ranked higher than 46th in the Annie E Casey Foundation Kids Count report. Researcher Theresa Falgoust (Fal-goo) says reducing the child poverty rate would be a huge step forward…

Cut 9 (10) “…deep south.″

Falgoust says the report also shows that if every parish could prevent four infants from being born at low birth weight then Louisiana would improve by a  ranking.

Cut 10 (07) “…five rankings.”

Falgoust says Louisiana’s high rate of child poverty is 28-percent, but there is a positive sign, just over half of three and four years are enrolled in schools with the help of federal and state resources.

Cut 11 (12) “…universal access.”

Falgoust hopes the report will encourage lawmakers and other policymakers along with nonprofit groups to focus on how they can help improve child wellness in the state.

________________________________________________________

Former Republican gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone sat down with Jim Engster on Talk Louisiana this morning in a rare public interview where he opined about his quest to unseat Governor Edwards.

Rispone was the first Republican to challenge Edwards, announcing his bid back in late 2018. When asked if he still has a taste for the campaign trail…

Cut 12 (05) “was it”

He says he plans to remain active in Louisiana politics through support for candidates who share his views on education.

Rispone received some flack for running a blitz of attack ads against Republican Ralph Abraham late in the primary. Rispone was asked if that soured his relationship with some Abraham supporters…

Cut 13 (10) “…different.”

Abraham struggled to raise funds during the campaign, while Rispone sunk a reported 14 million of his own money into the race.

Rispone’s connection to GOP mega-donor Lane Grigsby was the basis of many Edwards attacks, with the Governor even calling Rispone Grigsby’s “puppet”. Rispone called Grigbys’ influence a media exaggeration.

Cut 14 (09) “…personally”

The lower Mississippi River is being dredged to accommodate bigger ships.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

 Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

____________________________

LSU hires a new passing game coordinator and the Tigers will also play a game in New Orleans in the near future. Jeff Palermo has the details…

cut  2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

___________________________

State Police is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Lafayette. The deceased has been identified at 40-year old Jeremy Todd Baham of Lafayette. Trooper Thomas Gossen says the shooting happened last night on Kaliste Saloom Road.

Cut 3 (10)  “…(x2) with a weapon” 

Gossen says two officers approached Baham and that’s when things got physical and took a turn.

Cut 4 (12) “…more information.”

The officer involved in the incident received non-life threatening injuries.

________________________________________________

North Louisiana remains under a flash flood watch until six pm tomorrow night and two school systems canceled classes today due to flooding, Morehouse and West Carroll Parish Schools. National Weather Service Meteorologist Nicholas Fenner says northeast Louisiana has already seen a lot of rain

Cut 5 (09)  “…five inches.”

Fenner says the rain slacks off a little today, but more heavy rainfall is expected…

Cut 6 (09) “…northeast Louisiana”

The Ouachita Parish Police Jury has declared a state of emergency as the Monroe area braces for flooded roads and rivers. Fenner says there is an elevated risk for flash flooding…

Cut 7 (09) “…same location.”

_________________________________

The Army Corps of Engineers announces a plan to spend $85 million this year to deepen the lower Mississippi River to 50 feet.  Port of New Orleans spokesperson Matt Gresham says the initial phase will see work done on the first 30 miles of the river.

Cut 8 (11) “…about Oak Alley.”

The goal is to deepen the river to 50 feet.  Gresham says that allows for several southeast Louisiana ports to accept larger cargo ships built to take advantage of the Panama Canal’s expansion.

Cut 9 (12) “…the Panama Canal.″

The Corps estimates a national economic benefit of $127.5 million annually.  It’s a project that has been pushed for a long time and Gresham says a study indicated that improvements offer an 80-to-1 cost-to-benefit ratio.

Cut 10 (10) “…than a decade.”

The project is expected to cost nearly $240 million, with the state covering more than $100 million, with an annual maintenance cost of $17.7 million.

______________________

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron has hired former Rams head coach Scott Linehan to be the Tigers new passing game coordinator. Linehan has also been a former offensive coordinator in Dallas, Minnesota, Miami, and Detroit. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says it’s an interesting hire

Cut 11 (07) “…20 years.”

Orgeron told a Baton Rouge radio station that Linehan and offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger will be a great combination with the former NFL coach helping with third-down and red zone game planning.

Higgins says most of Coach O’s coaching hires have worked, so we’ll have to wait to see if Linehan can help keep LSU’s offense humming along

Cut 12 (11) “…to recruit”

________________________________________________

LSU football will kick-off the 2022 and 2023 seasons by facing Florida State. The 2022 season opener will take place in the Superdome in New Orleans and the following year the two teams will meet in Orlando. Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley says they’ve spent about two years trying to put this game together…

Cut 13 (10) “…neutral sites.”

Hundley says each school will be given 30-thousand tickets that they can sell to their fans and that number could go up depending on demand. He says they expect F-S-U fans will be excited to spend Labor Day weekend in New Orleans and they know LSU fans will be there

Cut 14 (09) “…full house.”

Hundley says the game in New Orleans and Orlando will be played on Sunday of Labor Day weekend at the request of TV…

Cut 15 (10) “…great”

A state health official says the number of LSU mumps cases is up to 12 and one of the students living on campus has been quarantined. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

____________________________

A science teacher at Northwestern Middle School in Zachary being held in jail on a $225,000 bond, accused of having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old student.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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The northern half of the state is under a flash flood watch until Wednesday night as moisture and upper-level disturbances are expected to interact with a cold front to produce locally heavy rainfall. National Weather Service Shreveport Meteorologist Jason Hansford says several inches of rain will fall over the next few days…

Cut 3 (06)  “…Wednesday evening” 

There’s also a slight risk for severe weather for central and northeast today and Hansford says more severe weather will roll into the Bayou State on Wednesday.

Cut 4 (12) “…Wednesday evening.”

Hansford says today’s severe weather threat stretches from Lufkin, Texas, across Natchitoches, Ruston, and Monroe and into Mississippi. He says the storms will be isolated…

Cut 5 (10)  “…flooding.”

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The statewide average price for a gallon of gasoline is currently at $2.11, down about a nickel from this time last week and 21 cents from last month.  Uncertainty over tensions between the US and Iran earlier this year resulted in an uptick of prices, but AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says the recent drop follows an annual pattern.

Cut 6 (07) “…the whole year.”

A gallon of gas is still about 12 cents higher than this time last year and that gap is closing.  Redman says dropping trend may not last much longer.

Cut 7 (11) “…production even more.”

At $50 per barrel, crude oil prices are at their lowest point in a year.  Redman says an additional factor that could result in an uptick in prices is the transition from winter-grade gas to summer-grade gas.

Cut 8 (07) “…about $2.50 a gallon.”

_________________________________

We’re up to 12 cases in the LSU centered mumps outbreak that was first made public with five cases reported last week.

State Immunization Director Dr. Frank Welch says all students need to receive both doses of the MMR vaccine to protect against further spread, along with the usual health and safety advice.

Cut 9 (10) “…season”

Mumps feels like a particularly nasty cold, and also involves visible swelling of the salivary glands.

Welch says there’s been a nationwide string of mumps outbreaks on college campuses. He says college dorm rooms, parties, and sporting events are perfect places to spread the virus.

Cut 10 (11) “…does” 

An LSU tennis match over the weekend was canceled when it was discovered a tennis player had been infected.

Finding a ground zero in the outbreak has been difficult so far. Welch says that’s because there’s a significant lag between when you are infected, and when you show symptoms.

Cut 11 (09) “…exposed.”

There is one reported case of a student living on campus who is currently being quarantined in their apartment.

______________________

A science teacher at Northwestern Middle School in Zachary is accused of having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old student.  34-year-old Ellarea Silva is currently on leave after her arrest on Thursday.  Zachary Police Chief David McDavid says the relationship appeared to be a summer fling.

Cut 12 (10) “…in the media.”

Investigators are combing through the evidence on the student’s cell phone.

Silva was arrested Thursday after nearly a week of suspension without school leaders elaborating as to why.  City councilman Lael Montgomery is rallying supporters calling for the resignation or removal of Principal Debby Brian as a result.  The Baton Rouge chapter of the NAACP is expected to back Montgomery, but McDavid says there was not a cover-up in the investigation.

Cut 13 (07) “…and social media.”

McDavid says they are asking parents to talk to their children to see if Silva’s actions extended beyond this one child.

Cut 14 (12) “…investigation on that.”

Silva’s bond is set at $225,000. Silva faces several charges including indecent behavior with a juvenile, carnal knowledge of a juvenile and oral sexual battery.

Stat health officials are responding to a mumps outbreak involving LSU students. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

____________________________

A survey by Innovet Pet finds that 34 percent of pet owners in the Bayou State struggle financially to care for their pets. Brooke Thorington has more.

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

___________________________

LSU has confirmed five students living off-campus have come down with the mumps. Doctor Frank Welch with the state office of public health says the contagious disease can spread through contact with saliva or respiratory droplets…

Cut 3 (09)  “…very seriously” 

Welch says they are trying to determine if there’s a connection between the students because they did not live in the same apartment

Cut 4 (12) “…families.”

Welch says you can protect yourself from getting the mumps by receiving two doses of the M-M-R vaccine. He says students should seek treatment if their glands are swollen under their ears or jaw

Cut 5 (09) “…sides.”

_______________________

The Census will be taken this year and then it will be up to the state legislature to draw up new political maps. Lake Charles Republican Stephen Dwight was just named chair of the House Governmental Affairs Committee and he lays out the timeline for when reapportionment discussions will begin.

Cut 6 (10) “…redistricting”

A Census is taken every ten years.

Dwight will join with Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt, who chairs Senate House and Governmental Affairs, in the effort. He says they’ll tour the state after the Census is conducted.

Cut 7 (11) “…result”

The last reapportionment was not favorable to Louisiana representation as the state lost a Congressional seat. Dwight says it’ll be interesting to find out if our population has recovered.

Cut 8 (07) “…we’ll see.”

The Census is hiring Census takers, and you can apply at 2020-census-dot-gov-slash-jobs.

_________________________________

A survey by Innovet Pet reveals that one in three Louisiana pet owners struggle financially to care for their animals. Elizabeth Sprang, Director of Southern Animal Foundation, a nonprofit vet clinic in New Orleans, says medical costs continue to increase for pet owners.

Cut 9 (11) “…ultrasound machine”

The survey revealed that many pet owners fail to research medical costs associated with being a pet owner. Sprang, can assist low-income pet owners at her non-profit clinic but admits it’s a challenge.

Cut 10 (11) “…everybody else” 

The survey also revealed that 42% pet owners say if they lost their job, they would not have the means necessary to keep their animals. Sprang says some owners have come to her feeling they had no options.

Cut 11 (10) “…can’t afford”

______________________

A slow-moving cold front is providing the state with an active weather today.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says there is a chance for a wintry mix of precipitation in the northwest corner of the state, including the Shreveport area starting with rain tonight.

Cut 12 (12) “…kind of interesting”

Keim says we also have a tornado watch in effect for a large section of the state until 6pm covering Monroe, Alexandria, Lake Charles, and Baton Rouge…

Cut 13 (08) “…spun up.”

Keim says by tomorrow afternoon the front should be clear of the state and chilly air will settle in.

Cut 14 (12) “…of Louisiana.”

________________

A newly discovered drug in Louisiana known as gray death has the potential to kill someone, just by touching it. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

____________________________

A Tulane study uncovers data that supports a push to begin colorectal cancer screenings before age 50. Matt Doyle has more.

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

___________________________

A final removal vote in the Senate impeachment trial of President Trump is set for tomorrow, and Senator Bill Cassidy says he will vote against removing the Commander in Chief.

The vote is expected to split along party lines, and Cassidy says that’s evidence the whole process was a partisan exercise.

Cut 3 (12)  “…article one” 

Polls show a near dead even split on public opinion related to impeachment and removal, and Cassidy says you can’t undo an election without a strong consensus.

Cut 4 (09) “…society.”

Cassidy ended his comments by quoting then-Congressman, and now Senate Minority leader Chuck Schumer’s 1998 Clinton impeachment speech…

Cut 5 (06) “…prophet.”

Democrats allege the President used military aide pressure Ukraine into investigating his political rival, Joe Biden.

_______________________

A new, potentially lethal drug has been discovered in a St. Mary Parish traffic stop.  It’s called “gray death” and it is heroin cut with fentanyl.  St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson David Spencer says different batches contain different levels of fentanyl and just touching it could have bad consequences.

Cut 6 (10) “…play with it.”

Some reports indicate the potency is up to 10,000 times that of morphine.  Spencer says it doesn’t look like heroin that officials are used to seeing on the street.

Cut 7 (09) “…pieces of concrete.”

Spencer says this drug is fairly new, first popping up around Georgia and Alabama in 2017.

Cut 8 (11) “…new to us.”

If someone sees this drug, Spencer says alert authorities.

_________________________________

There’s an active debate in the medical community about whether to start colorectal cancer screenings at 45 or 50, and a study by Tulane indicates starting screenings before 50 may be the better choice.

Tulane Associate Clinical Professor Dr. Jordan Karlitz studied cancer rate increases on a year to year basis, and found a 46 percent increase in diagnoses from ages 49 to 50…

Cut 9 (10) “increase”

The increase from 49 to 50 was particularly noticeable in men, who saw a 53 percent increase in diagnoses.

The study also found 93 percent of cases discovered at age 50 had been growing for quite some time. Karlitz says that’s dangerous.

Cut 10 (07) “radiation” 

Karlitz hopes the study will receive further review and potentially influence policy creators, as well as the public.

Cut 11 (11) “…screened”

______________________

The CDC launches a first of its kind virtual human simulation tool to help cancer survivors adopt healthier behaviors. It’s called Talk to Someone, a place to ask questions and engage in conversations with Linda, a virtual cancer survivor, about a variety of topics, including mental health. Cancer survivor Rebecca Shimkets…

Cut 12 (13) “…I was having.” 

Linda will also talk about issues such as alcohol use, tobacco use, nutrition and fitness to prevent recurrences.  Shimkets says it is a tool that would have been valuable to her upon recovery.

Cut 13 (11) “…that I had.”

There are nearly 17 million cancer survivors in the US, with 22 million projected in ten years. Shimkets says there’s no shame in having challenges and reaching out for help…

Cut 14 (07) “…to reach out.”

Iberville deputies arrest a Plaquimine man for elder abuse after neighbors reported not having seen the victim in months. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

_____________________

Former St. Tammany Parish President Pat Brister has passed away at the age of 73. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

___________________________

A Texas woman is arrested in Bossier Parish, accused of stealing an ambulance from Dallas.  Louisiana State Police located the stolen ambulance on Interstate 20, about eight miles into the state and attempt a traffic stop.  Trooper Brent Hardy says that’s when 19-year-old Kendall Tyson then kicked up the speed.

Cut 3 (08)  “…encountering slow traffic.” 

The traffic enabled authorities to bring the chase to a stop.  Hardy says her troubles didn’t slow down there.

Cut 4 (08) “…Bossier maximum jail.”

Hardy says the one tool she probably could have used to cut through the traffic was not used during the pursuit.

Cut 5 (06) “…the lights on.”

Tyson is charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, aggravated flight, resisting by false information, misrepresentation during booking, DWI, and driving without a license.

_______________________

A Plaquemine man is arrested for elder abuse after authorities say they discovered a woman in her 70s in a home lying in a hospital bed covered in filth and animal feces.

Iberville Sheriff Brett Stassi says neighbors reported not having seen the woman for months. When deputies arrived to investigate, they arrested 54-year-old Galen Marcantel after discovering…

Cut 6 (09) “…the house.”

Marcantel has been charged with cruelty to persons with infirmities.

The house was allegedly home to 14 cats and two dogs, and Stassi says it appears they may have been treated better than the victim was.

Cut 7 (08) “…consumption.”

The Sheriff adds this is not the first home authorities have had to remove animals from that Marcantel owned.

Marcantel had allegedly been living with the woman for many months and had barred the victim’s family from checking up on her. Stassi says he was clearly taking advantage of her condition.

Cut 8 (08) “…individual.”

The Governor’s Office for Elderly Affairs reported 1,739 caregiver neglect cases across the state last year.

_________________________________

Pat Brister, one of St. Tammany Parish’s most accomplished public servants has passed away. Brister just completed two terms as Parish President, but also had stints as the State GOP Chairwoman, and President Bush’s 2004 Louisiana Reelection Campaign Chair. St. Tammany Superintendent Trey Folse knew her well, and says his daughter looked up to Brister…

Cut 9 (11) “…family.”

She also served as a parish Councilwoman and Ambassador to the United Nations’ Commission on the Status of Women.

Folse says during her eight-year tenure as Parish President, which ended after her reelection defeat last year, she was a strong champion for quality public schools.

Cut 10 (11) “of life.” 

Brister was diagnosed with breast cancer ten years ago.

Brister also helped in the creation of Safe Haven St. Tammany, a mental health center founded in 2018.

Cut 11 (10) “…president”

Brister was 73.

______________________

New Orleans native and former LSU Tiger Tyrann Mathieu is a Super Bowl champion today as he helped Kansas City beat San Francisco 31-20 in last night’s Super Bowl in Miami. Mathieu had six tackles for K-C and the veteran safety was a pivotal player during the Chiefs championship run

Cut 12 (12) “.   accept the challenges” 

Mathieu tweeted after the game that he can’t wait to hear from his dad, who is in prison serving a life sentence for second-degree murder.

Mathieu and the Chiefs found themselves down 20-10 in the fourth quarter, but the defense helped spark a comeback and a 21-0 run by Kansas City…

Cut 13 (11) “…progressed”

Its Kansas City’s first NFL championship in 50 years. Many analysts say this could be the start of a dynasty as Super Bowl MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes just completed his third season. Mathieu is anxious to defend their title

Cut 14 (09) “…(laugh).”

A Tulane study conducted in Texas shows minorities face longer wait times, and more questions when attempting to make an appointment with a primary care doctor. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Louisiana’s second-largest craft beer brewery is opening a taproom that will also serve as a research and development facility in Houston.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Democrats may have lost big in last fall’s House legislative races, but their alliance with moderate Republicans in the Speaker election appears to have paid off. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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A Tulane survey of primary care appointment wait times finds compared to white callers, minorities have three to seven day longer wait times to get a call back for scheduling.  Soon-to-be Tulane research assistant professor Brig Walker says minority callers also faced more questions…

Cut 4 (12) “…callers.”

The field study was conducted in Texas, where Tulane recruited Hispanic, black, and white callers who placed appointment requests with 800 primary care offices.

Hispanics faced a three day longer wait, and blacks a seven day longer wait than similar white patients. Walker says that can have a serious impact on health outcomes.

Cut 5 (09) “…delays.”

Walker says these findings could help reduce discrimination in healthcare appointment scheduling and possibly help shift the industry to more automation.

Cut 6 (10) “…accsess.”

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New Orleans-based Urban South Brewery is opening its first satellite location. Louisiana’s second-largest craft beer brewery is opening a taproom that will also serve as a research and development facility in Houston. Houston location taproom manager Marin Slanina says the expansion has been in the work for about two years.

Cut 7 (08) “…the Houston area.”

Slanina says unique flavors for the Houston location, but they do plan on bringing over some of the New Orleans brews like the Holy Roller IPA and putting a Texas twist on them.

Cut 8 (09) “…New Orleans location.”

Slanina says the company is keeping a finger on the pulse of the ever-evolving craft beer industry and says that could result in some beers created at the Houston location making its way to taps at the mothership location.

Cut 9 (09) “…to New Orleans.”

The grand opening is February 29^th.

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Assignments for two key House committees are in and Democrats have increased their representation relative to the last term thanks to the bipartisan coalition that elected Speaker Clay Schexnayder.Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says that’s their reward for backing Schexnayder.

Cut 10 (12) “…feat.”

A majority of Republicans backed Albany’s Sherman Mack, considered more conservative than Schexnayder.

The coalition of moderate Republicans and Democrats now narrowly controls Ways and Means and Appropriations, and Pinsonat says that could stymie conservative priorities, causing inter-GOP friction…

Cut 11 (09) “…repairable.”

Appropriations is where the state budget starts, and Ways and Means covers tax issues.

The Senate saw a total takeover by conservatives, so it’s still unlikely many Democratic priorities will make it the Governor, but they now may be more likely to make it to the House floor than last year.

Cut 12 (09) “…agree on”

The pro-Schexnayder coalition has a 13-12 edge in Appropriations, and a 14-4 lead in Ways and Means.

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About 300 needle incineration devices are being distributed to first responders in East Baton Rouge, Terrebonne, and Point Coupee parishes.  The device is the SANDD-mini, which stands for sharps and needles destruction device.  CEO of Redhawk Holdings, the company behind the device, Darcy Klug says it’s simple to operate.

Cut 13 (10) “…at 4000 degrees.”

Klug says while the needle is destroyed, it doesn’t tamper with any possible evidence.

Cut 14 (11) “…needle stick injury.”

The device has the potential to save taxpayer dollars.  Klug says a single needle stick injury can top $30k in workers comp costs, even if a first responder doesn’t contract a disease such as Hep C or HIV.

Cut 15 (12) “…of taxpayer dollars.”

More parishes are expected to obtain the devices in teh near future.

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Louisiana Tech men’s basketball is on a four-game winning streak and the Bulldogs have moved into a first place tie with North Texas for first place in Conference. Tech won a thriller on Saturday, a 76-73 victory over Old Dominion. Senior DaQuan Bracey was the hero as he hit a step back three with one second for the win…

Cut 16  (11)  …put in” 

The Dunkin Dogs have a big game Thursday as they visit Western Kentucky, who is in third place, one game back of the Bulldogs and Mean Green. Konkol says when you are on top of the league standings, you will get every team’s best shot

Cut 17  (19) “contested games” 

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LSU is 8-0 in SEC play after Saturday’s 73-63 win over over Ole Miss. The Tigers had 40 points in the first half and sophomore guard Javonte Smart had 21 points in the win. LSU Coach Will Wade says Smart was ready for the 11 AM tip…

cut 18  (15) ” for him”   

LSU has two games on the road this week. They are at Vanderbilt on Wednesday, who is winless in league play and then they travel to Auburn, who just beat Kentucky. Wade says there is still a long way to go in the season…

cut 19 (20)  get better”  

The Tigers have a two-game lead over Auburn and Kentucky for first place in the SEC. Smart on trying to win back-to-back regular season titles…

cut 20 (10) “ continue to win”    

A Sulpher middle school teacher takes home a Music Educator Grammy for his work in the classroom. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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The split LHSAA playoffs will remain in place after high school principals failed to approve proposals to bring the association back together. Jeff Palermo has more….

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Maplewood Middle School in Sulphur is home to a Grammy winner in Mickey Smith, who was honored with the Music Educator Award. Smith says he received the award for his work at a school he grew up just a few blocks away from…

Cut 3 (12)  “teaching” 

The educator will receive a 10,000 dollar honorarium with a matching school grant.

Smith was nominated and ultimately won, due to his charity work providing kids with instruments, and his ability to massively expand Maplewood’s music program.

Cut 4 (11) “…to watch”

His charity is MusicMakers2U and can be found at his website MickeySmithJr.com

Smith came onto the Grammy’s radar after he was nominated by Sulphur local, two time Grammy nominee Sean Ardoin, who’s known for his work in creole rock and roll…

Cut 5 (11) “…classroom”

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AAA is warning of the potential impacts that legalization of recreational marijuana could have on Louisiana roadways ahead of the legislative session that begins in March.  AAA spokesperson Don Redman says in the five years prior to the state of Washington legalizing recreational use, 9% of drivers involved in fatal crashes tested positive for THC.

Cut 6 (11) “…impaired on marijuana.”

Redman says lawmakers need to consider the serious ramifications as laws against driving high will be very hard to enforce and impairment tricky to determine once recreational use is legal.

Cut 7 (09) “…are being abused.”

Redman says drivers are already very nonchalant about toking and driving as 70% think they won’t be caught, and it has the potential to get worse.

Cut 8 (13) “…on the highways.”

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Louisiana State Police added 51 Troopers to its force as their 99th cadet class graduated Friday. State Police Lt Nick Manale says the newly inducted cadets underwent 23 weeks of intense training and their education doesn’t stop there….

Cut 9 (09) “…out their career.”

During the 23-weeks of training at the Louisiana State Police Academy cadets undergo a combination of both classroom and physical drills.  Manale says the cadets also receive plenty of hands-on instruction.

Cut 10 (12) “regimen.” 

Manale says they are prepping for their historic 100^th cadet class at the LSP Academy and graduation day is a momentous occasion for every trooper.

Cut 11 (11) “…very challenging.”

For more information on becoming a state trooper visit lsp.org/recruit.html

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Proposals to end the public-private school split in postseason play for football, basketball, baseball, and softball high school sports failed to pass on the final day of the LHSAA annual convention. LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine has worked for the last five years to end the split

Cut 12 (12) “.   right now” 

Bonine says they are about 50 votes short shy of ending the split.

A majority of principals voted for North Vermilion High School principal Tommy Byler’s proposal to bring the association back together. It would have created six classes and eight in all other sports and many select schools would play at a higher classification. But Byler’s proposal needed to receive a two-thirds vote in favor…

Cut 13 (13) “…be the start”

High School principals can not vote again on another proposal to unify the association until next year. Bonine says in the meantime they’ll look to better define what a select or private school is

Cut 14 (09) “…all sports.”

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