Auto insurance rates for Progressive and LA Farm Bureau customers are going down later this summer. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________

A deadly dispute over a man between a woman and her ex’s new love interest results in a 23 year prison sentence. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut 2 (29) I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

_____________________________________________

Progressive and Louisiana Farm Bureau are dropping their auto insurance rates on the heels of the state’s largest insurer, State Farm, also lowering their rates.  Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says the three insurers combined account for just over 50 percent of all Louisiana auto policies…

Cut 3 (08) “…point four”

State Farm owns a third of the state’s policies at a million drivers, Farm Bureau has 220,000 policies, and Progressive owns 175,000.

This comes after a failed attempt to pass legislation in the legislative session that proponents say would have spurred further rate decreases. Donelon says part of the reason for the cuts appears to be a lowered cost of business due to…

Cut 4 (11) “…peak”

The Insurance Commissioner says the rest of the decreases can be chalked up to aggressive moves by insurers to try to undercut the competition for new policies…

Cut 5 (10) “…writers.”

________________________________________________

Three people are dead after an alleged drunk driver slammed into a vehicle that broke down in the middle of the Westbank Expressway in Harvey last night. State Police trooper Monroe Dillon says the three victims were on the upper level of the overpass and standing near the broken-down car when the collision occurred.

Cut 6 (08) “feet drop”

One of the three victims, 49-year-old Claude Williams, was a pastor at Celebration Church. Williams was the driver of the stalled vehicle.

Dillon says they can’t be certain at this point, but it appears some of the victims were bystanders who had responded to the stalled vehicle and were attempting to help before they were killed.

Cut 7 (09) “…roadway.”

The broken-down vehicle was facing oncoming traffic.

Dillon says the deaths are a tragic reminder that if your vehicle begins to break down, do everything you can to get it out of lanes of traffic.

Cut 8 (11) “…travel.”

40-year-old Todd Williams of New Orleans was arrested and booked into prison on several counts, including Vehicular Homicide.

____________________________________

A Houma woman will spend 23 years in prison for stabbing another woman to death in a dispute over a man. The homicide took place in July 2017 at Miranda Gilley’s apartment.  Terrebonne Parish Assistant DA Chris Erny says Gilley pulled out a tactical knife during a physical confrontation.

Cut 9 (08) “…couple of times”

Prosecutors say Gilley had invited the victim, 24-year-old Jessica McGehee, over to her apartment to fight. Gilley claimed she acted in self-defense.  Erny says the jury had several options on the charges, but ultimately decided to go with a lesser charge of manslaughter, which carries a maximum 40-year sentence.

Cut 10 (06) “…still a homicide.”

Erny says he was not surprised by the lack of the maximum sentencing, as they were aiming for 30 years.  The judge’s decision not to give Gilley the maximum sentence came as the result of the defendant’s youth and not having a criminal history.

Cut 11 (11) “…it, she didn’t.”

Gilley will be eligible for parole after 15 years.

__________________________ –

A 15-year-old is dead and two other minors are in critical condition after they were ejected from an SUV in a rollover crash south of Ponchatoula on I-55 last night. State Trooper Dustin Dwight says they suspect the driver, 38-year-old Viola Oliver II, was impaired as she attempted to exit at US 51 when the vehicle began to roll

Cut 12 (11)   “…fatal injuries.”

Oliver was trapped in the vehicle and had to be rescued by the Ponchatoula Fire Department.

None of the children involved appear to have been buckled up, and Dwight says it’s a good reminder that you can get into a lot of trouble for driving kids around who are not clicked in…

Cut 13 (07) “…restrained”  

Dwight says it’s a tragedy that could potentially have been avoided by strapping the kids in with a child safety seat. He adds state police will install them in your vehicle free of charge…

Cut 14 (08) “…correctly” 

15-year-old Solomon Short died from his injuries at a local hospital.

An abnormal number of deaths of bottleneck dolphins in the Northern Gulf of Mexico has prompted NOAA Fisheries to declare an Unusual Mortality Event. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

____________________________

Investigation Discovery will revisit the mysterious deaths of eight women in Jennings who’s bodies were scattered across southwest Louisiana from 2005 to 2009…

cut 2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________________________

Over 260 dolphins have been stranded since February 1^st in the Northern Gulf of Mexico, three times the usual amount. The increase has prompted NOAA Fisheries to declare an Unusual Mortality Event. NOAA Fisheries Coordinator Dr. Terri Rowles (Rolls) on what to do if you come into contact with any stranded mammals.

Cut 3 (11) “…it’s illegal”

NOAA is urging you to call 1-877-Whale-Help if you find a stranded dolphin.

Of the mammals they have been able to perform necropsies on 23-percent have shown skin lesions consistent with fresh water. There are concerns the recent openings of the Bonne Carre Spillway has increased the amount of fresh water and pollutants into the Gulf, which could be contributing factors.  Dr. Erin Fougeres (Foo-gere) with NOAA Fisheries Southeast Region.

Cut 4 (08) “…the mortalities”

Also located in the area where the Dolphins have shown an increase of deaths is where the Deepwater Horizon Explosion impacted the gulf in 2010. Dr. Terri Rowles (Rolls) says previous studies have shown abnormal reproduction rates of mammals from the oil spill.

Cut 5 (10) “…from the oil spill.”

Of the 260 recorded dolphin deaths Louisiana has reported 89, Mississippi 121, Alabama 32 and Florida 37.

________________________________________________

Investigation Discovery is running a four-hour special on Saturday and Sunday night on the unsolved murders of eight women in the Jennings area between 2005 and 2009. Ten years later the deaths are unsolved, and ID Executive Producer Liz Massie says they hope their in-depth look can shake loose some leads…

Cut 6 (12) “deserve.”

Not all of the deaths have been ruled murders, and no one was ever charged in the case.

Reports say the women lived “high risk” lifestyles, some of them engaging in heavy drug use or prostitution, but Massie says the special looks beyond the stereotypes to tell the victim’s stories…

Cut 7 (11) “…were.”

The eight bodies were found discarded across backroads and bayous in and around southwest Louisiana.

The series grounds itself by following the sister and niece of one of the victims, Whitnei DuBois. Massie says the two family members and the production team cover the tragedy and track down new leads, which makes for a compelling watch.

Cut 8 (10) “…involved.”

The first half of “Death In The Bayou: The Jennings 8″ airs Saturday at 9PM and covers the details of the murders. The second half airs Sunday at 9PM and follows several theories of why the women disappeared.

____________________________________

Police are on the hunt for 39-year-old Oshay Booker who is believed to have murdered his stepfather, former Winnfield Mayor Ronald “Cloud” Goff in a familial dispute Tuesday. Winn Parish Sheriff Cranford Jordan says believes the suspect fled into Texas.

Cut 9 (12) “…him anything”

The shooting occurred on Spillway Road in Winnfield, and Jordan says they still aren’t certain exactly what provoked the attack.1

Cut 10 (12) “…Texas”

The suspect was last seen driving a Green Honda Pilot.

Jordan says it’s a tragedy for the city, and a personal tragedy as the Sheriff says he knew the former mayor well.

Cut 11 (08) “ saw him”

__________________________ –

Two years ago today, Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise was one of five people shot when a gunman opened fire on a group of Republican lawmakers while practicing for a charity baseball game. Scalise was struck in the hip and the bullet nearly killed him. In a video message, Scalise says there were many dark days during his long recovery

Cut 12 (09)   “…powerful.”

Scalise underwent numerous surgeries and returned to Congress two and a half months later. The House Minority Whip says thinking back to the day he was shot, still brings out a lot of emotions….

Cut 13 (07) “…who prayed”  

Scalise thanks everyone who prayed for him to recover from his near death experience…

Cut 14 (06) “…everyday.” 

Sons and daughters are predicted to spend an all-time high of 16-billion on Father’s Day gifts this year.  Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (25) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

____________________________

Saints QB Drew Brees returned for the team’s final two minicamp practices after testifying against a San Diego based jeweler who allegedly defrauded him of 6.7 million dollars…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

_______________________________________________

A southwest Louisiana DA is seeking an execution date of later this summer for a man convicted fifteen years ago of the brutal kidnapping, rape, and murder of a four-year-old…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

____________

Dads should expect to hit the mother lode this weekend. According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are expected to spend more than ever on Father’s Day gifts this year. N-R-F spokesperson Katherine Cullen says they predict spending to reach a high of $16-billion. Cullen says greeting cards are the most popular gift along with

Cut 4 (09) “…this weekend”

Sons and daughters are predicted to spend an average of $139 on gifts this year, an increase of 70-percent since 2009.

Cut 5 (13) “…gift cards.”

Some might choose a more unique idea for dad.

Cut 6 (:08) “the love.”

 ________________________________________

Governor Edwards awards 25 million for a road project in Monroe after a controversy erupted over the legislature not including northeast Louisiana in a signed 700-million-dollar road project plan. Monroe Representative Jay Morris says when the plan to use BP oil money to fund projects was announced in the legislature, politicians from every corner of the state wanted a piece of the action.

Cut 7 (10) “…state.”

The money will fund the Kansas Lane – Garret Road I-20 Interchange.

The legislation initially addressed the LA 415 connector near I-10 and a stretch of highway on LA 1, but quickly expanded to include nearly every portion of the state. Every portion except northeast Louisiana that is…

Cut 8 (06) “…Louisiana”

The plan includes ferries in Lake Charles, cranes at the Port of New Orleans, tens of millions for roads in Shreveport, and more.

A firestorm erupted when the Monroe News-Star ran a headline reading “Monroe snubbed in 700 million dollar infrastructure bill”, but Morris says the Governor found some funds to redirect up north after his office got bombarded with calls…

Cut 9 (10) “…can get.”

___________________________________________________

Saints quarterback Drew Brees made it to minicamp after missing last week’s team activities testifying against a jeweler he has accused of defrauding him of millions of dollars.

The QB says it hurt to miss the first day of minicamp this week while dealing with the legal matter that he alleges resulted in him being defrauded of 6.7 million dollars.

Cut 10 (11) “…it comes.”

Brees testified that Vahid Moradi was a friend who lied to him about the value of diamonds he purchased. Moradi’s lawyer says they were not close, and Brees had an “obsession” for jewelry and was “drawn in like an addict.”

The Black and Gold legend says he’s glad to be back, and he’s moved past the pain of the highly controversial end to last season’s NFC Championship game, but it wasn’t easy at first.

Cut 11 (10) “ a plan.”

The 40-year-old  is on the last year of what may be his last contract, but says he’s still working on a few new tricks, like possibly running some routes when Taysom Hill goes under center…

Cut 12 (07) “…handsome.”

_________________

Calcasieu District Attorney John DeRosier is seeking an August 19th execution date for Jason Manuel Reeves, who was convicted and sentenced to death in 2004 for the abduction of a little girl, who he ended up raping and stabbing 16 times, and then slitting her throat. DeRosier says Reeves deserves to die for what he’s done…

Cut 13 (08) “..than that.”

Four-year-old Mary Jean Thigpen was taken from her family in Moss Bluff on November 1^st, 2001.

DeRosier is a practicing Catholic, but says he disagrees with the church’s position on the death penalty. He feels the Governor’s criminal justice reforms has created an environment where dangerous people are not guaranteed to be locked up forever…

Cut 14 (10) “…church.”

Last month the US Supreme Court denied an appeal by Reeves, which prompted a death warrant from the local prosecutor.

It’s been nine years since the state executed a prisoner, and Louisiana has been unable to find a pharma company willing to supply the chemicals needed for lethal injections to be carried out. DeRosier says between that and legal delays…

Cut 15 (12) “to happen.”

______________________________________

Eight baseball teams will compete in the College World Series this weekend, but LSU Coach Paul Mainieri and his staff are getting ready for 2020. Mainieri says he wants to have more roster balance next season. He says the 2019 roster had 20 pitchers on it, he’ll like to carry 17 or 18 pitchers next season

Cut 16  (25) “…enough”  

LSU will have to replace several position players, Antoine Duplantis, Josh Smith, Chris Reid, Zach Watson and Brandt Broussard. It’s hard to say who will start in the infield next season and Mainieri says the guys who served as back-ups this season are not guaranteed starting spots next year

cut 17 (24) “.two days” 

Mainieri says pitchers Landon Marceaux and, Devin Fontenot will not pitch this summer as they need to rest. The same goes for Cole Henry. The coach hopes Jaden Hill can begin throwing again this summer after missing most of this past season

Drug and suicide deaths have risen sharply among the Millenial generation over the last 20 years, according to a new report…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________

An NCAA official tells CBS Sports that six schools will learn this summer that they face allegations of major recruiting violations. Could LSU be one of them? Jeff Palermo has more…

cut 2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________________________

A highway marker that was just put up to honor Louisiana blues legend Buddy Guy is missing. Pointe Coupee Parish Tourist Commission executive director Jeanie Andre says the roadside marker was last seen on the ground after it was knocked down by a vehicle that drove off the road…

Cut 3 (10) “…it’s missing”

The sign was unveiled on December seventh and it was once standing along LA 418 in Lettsworth, the hometown of the eight-time Grammy award winner. Andre says the tourist attraction means a lot to them

Cut 4 (10) “…safely returned”

Andre says if someone returns the Buddy Guy highway marker no questions will be asked and the person will not face any charges. She says the sheriff’s office is investigating and they hope for a positive outcome…

Cut 5 (09) “…returned.”

________________________________________________

A Trust for America’s Health report shows a dramatic spike in deaths due to drug abuse and suicide over the last twenty years, particularly among young people.

CEO John Auerbach says in 2017 Louisiana had 2,000 deaths from alcohol, drugs, and suicide, a seven percent increase over 2016. He says those rates are some of the worst in the nation.

Cut 6 (10) “to care.”

Drug deaths among Millennials were more than twice as likely to be opioid related then all other drugs combined.

Millennials, those aged 23-38, are disproportionately likely to die by alcohol and drug abuse or suicide. Auerbach says that generation’s bleak economic situation, rising debt loads, and increasing levels of opioid abuse are major drivers, along with the fact that…

Cut 7 (11) “…alone.”

Millennial men were more than twice as like to overdose as millennial women, and more than four times more likely to commit suicide.

Auerbach says the numbers are startling and should prompt authorities to begin investing in programs that will directly target those drivers of death among the youth.

Cut 8 (12) “…decreasing.”

White Millennials were more than twice as likely to die of overdose than other racial groups, and somewhat more likely to commit suicide.

____________________________________

An NCAA official has told CBS sports the association will soon issue notices of Level One recruiting violations to at least six schools who were mentioned in the FBI’s college basketball corruption probe. Tiger Rag Assistant editor Tyler Nunez says if LSU is one of these schools, coach Will Wade could lose his job

Cut 9 (12) “…him anything”

LSU was one of at least 20 schools mentioned during the course of the FBI investigation. The FBI reportedly has a wiretap conversation between Wade and a convicted middleman, where Wade discusses a strong offer made to a recruit’s family. Nunez says it’s unclear if LSU will receive a notice, but…..

Cut 10 (08) “…just massive”

If LSU receives a notice of violations, new AD Scott Woodward can fire Wade with cause and also receive an automatic two-year contract extension because the NCAA violations occurred before he took over. But Nunez says such a move would draw the ire of LSU fans who want Wade as their basketball coach

Cut 11 (10) “ at him”

__________________________ –

A U-S House Committee has unanimously approved a bipartisan proposal that would extend the National Flood Insurance Program for five years. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is encouraged by the prospects of a long-term deal

Cut 12 (09)   “…rates.”

Graves says the bill coming out of the House Financial Services Committee contains increased funding for projects that could minimize flooding in future years

Cut 13 (09) “…lacking” 

Graves says he’s a concern the bill does not address the N-F-I-P’s long-term debt and because of how the legislation is structured, there’s a chance it can raise rates…

Cut 14 (12) “…will be charged.” 

There are about 500-thousand flood insurance policies in Louisiana.

It’s been a quiet governor’s race so far, but a political analyst says expect that to change very shortly…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________

Small business optimism is up, but the National Federation of Independent Business calls for a change in the governor’s mansion. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut 2 (28) I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

_____________________________________________

With the legislative session in the books, the state’s political focus shifts to the governor’s race and the October 12^th primary.  It’s been a quiet race so far, with little ad spending from Governor Edwards and his two Republican opponents, but political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says expect that to change, and soon…

Cut 3 (12) “…August.”

The governor’s race four years ago was a bloodbath that featured a slate of Republicans who tore into former Senator David Vitter, over his personal life. Pinsonat says this year the candidates don’t have the same vulnerabilities on the personal front so…

Cut 4 (10) “…philosophy”

Governor Edwards is challenged by Congressman Ralph Abraham and Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone.

Only one Republican will make it through to a potential November 16^th run-off against the governor. As the clock ticks down and a GOP frontrunner emerges, there’s a chance the odd Republican out could start getting feisty.

Cut 5 (12) “…attacking.”

A run-off would be necessary if none of the three candidates earn more than 50 percent of the vote.

________________________________________________

Small business optimism is up according to the National Federation of Independent Business.   NFIB State Director Dawn Starns says business owners in Louisiana are feeling better now that the 2019 legislative session is in the rearview mirror.

Cut 6 (07) “…any damage anymore.”

Starns says in addition to the wrap up of the legislative session, the new tax code on the national level is contributing to the rise.

Cut 7 (10) “…into their business.”

Starns says that with the growth in optimism, comes bigger hiring numbers as well as pay increases for those on the payroll of small businesses.

Cut 8 (10) “…of our state.”

____________________

Governor Edwards signed legislation today that will bring ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft statewide. Uber spokesperson Evangeline George says this law will help increase tourism throughout the state as there are visitors who are interested in seeing more than just the big city sights.

Cut 9 (07) “…Louisiana.”

Previously, ridesharing services only operated in the state’s major cities and not present in many rural and suburban communities, or Alexandria. George says they had success expanding into rural areas once similar legislation passed in other states.

Cut 10 (10) “…button.”

But the service will not be immediately ready in communities that were not already receiving the service. George says there are a few steps left to be completed.

Cut 11 (08) “…the law”
__________________________ –

A Houma man is dead after State Police say he wrecked his car into a tree following another crash where he fled the scene. Trooper Jared Sandifer says 44-year-old Ricky Giroir Jr. was driving a Dodge Durango southbound on Highway 315 in Terrebonne when the initial crash happened.

Cut 12 (10)   “…that fatal crash.”

Sandifer says investigators are uncertain why Girior fled from the initial crash, adding the investigation continues.

Cut 13 (08) “…sample was taken.” 

Sandifer says Girior’s death is a reminder to motorists that it is never a good idea to leave the scene of an accident.

Cut 14 (07) “…even more serious.” 

Memory and witness identification experts will now be allowed to testify in criminal trials in Louisiana. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________

Legislation headed to Governor’s desk from Lafayette Representative Nancy Landry revises current anti-hazing laws for colleges.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut 2 (31) I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

____________________________________________

A cold front will bring the Bayou State cooler temperatures and lower humidity for the next few days. Davyon Hill with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says it’s rare to see a cold front in Louisiana in June

Cut 3 (12) “…exceptions.”

Hill says the cold front will drop high temperatures into the 80s tomorrow and the morning lows through Friday will be cool. He says you’ll feel the difference when you walk outside…

Cut 4 (11) “…north Louisiana”

Hill says the heat and humidity will return Friday afternoon, so get outside the next few days and enjoy this brief return to spring like weather…

Cut 5 (12) “…several days.”

________________________________________________

Governor Edwards signs legislation allowing eyewitness identification experts the right to testify in criminal trials. Innocence Project New Orleans Staff Attorney Kia Hayes says this policy brings the state in line with most other states and could cut down on the instances of false identifications. Before last Wednesday…

Cut 6 (12) “…identification”

The law passed the legislature unanimously. The reform specifies that those experts can be called in to potentially speak about the unreliability of eyewitness identification when there is no physical evidence that corroborates an accuser’s account. Hayes pointed out one such situation where a victim’s recollection of a perp’s face might be questionable…

Cut 7 (09) “…face”

Wilbert Jones was in attendance for the bill signing. Mr. Jones was exonerated after serving 46 years in prison on a rape charge stemming from a single eyewitness. At the time the witness told police she wasn’t 100 percent certain about the ID, and Hayes says that kind of info could have changed Jones’ life.

Cut 8 (08) “…first place.”

Hayes says 28 people, that they know of, have been convicted on a case of mistaken identity.

____________________

The 2019 Legislative Session marks the first increase in base funding for higher education in a decade. Lawmakers appropriated an additional 47-million dollars to help with mandated costs for universities and colleges. Higher Ed Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says lawmakers were attentive to their issues…

Cut 9 (10) “….to do that.”

When asked if surpluses in the budget should be applied toward education, Reed says stable budgets produce forwarding thinking about education policy.

Cut 10 (12) “…is very important.”

Reed says the focus of higher ed will continue to be on affordability, innovation and expansion of talent development in Louisiana.

Cut 11 (09) “…in new ways.”
__________________________ –

The battle to deter hazing on college campuses continues with a bill on the way to the Governor’s desk authored by Lafayette Representative Nancy Landry.  It revises the state’s current anti-hazing laws based on the recommendations of law enforcement.  Landry says among the changes is the amount of time given to organizations to report hazing activity to law enforcement.

Cut 12 (10)   “…week grace period.”

Landry says the changes come so that the organization and law enforcement can conduct their investigations concurrently, but it allows law enforcement to analyze the freshest evidence to determine if the incident is a criminal matter.

Cut 13 (09) “…incident was reported.” 

Landry says with the changes, campus police are allowed to take their hazing investigation beyond the campus.

Cut 14 (12) “…hazing perpetrators are.” 

The sponsor of this year’s failed attempt to abolish the death penalty has a bold prediction for next year’s legislative session…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________

Governor Edwards signs legislation to extend foster care from 18 21-years-old. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.” 

_______________________________________________

After a controversial legislative battle that drew international attention, Louisiana is set to bar kids under the age of 16 from getting married.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

____________

A proposal to abolish the death penalty failed to pass this year, but proponents are more optimistic about its chances going forward, citing the progress it made this year. New Iberia Representative Terry Landy says his bill got further this year than ever before, proof that legislative opinion may be shifting…

Cut 4 (12) “…conversation.”

The Democrat says despite a lack of support for the bill on the House floor, he’s encouraged about the effort’s momentum because lawmakers were more receptive to his arguments than ever before…

Cut 5 (11) “…their mind.”

Landry adds the incoming generation of lawmakers, set to replace a third of the legislature that is term-limited, may be more progressive in their views of this issue.

The death penalty ban failed to pass, but so too did an effort to make it easier to get the drugs needed to carry out the death penalty. Landry says the progress made this year has inspired him to make a bold prediction…

Cut 6 (09) “…my heart.”

Louisiana has not carried out an execution since 2010, as pharma companies refuse to sell the drugs the state legally needs to carry out lethal injections.

 ________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards signs legislation that increases the maximum foster care age from 18 to 21-years-old. The Department of Children and Family Services says by expanding the program, it will help many foster care teens transition into adulthood. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says for those that elect to stay in foster care, they can receive various forms of state aid.

Cut 7 (09) “…so much support.”

Walters says the law allows those who decide to leave foster care at 18 to come back in the event they feel they need the assistance.

Cut 8 (12) “…with this population.”

Previously, the law ended support at 18, which meant some of those in the foster care program was not able to finish high school. Walters says the change will increase the likelihood of better outcomes.

Cut 9 (11) “…or technical school.”

___________________________________________________

Legislation barring kids under the age of 16 from getting married awaits Governor Edwards signature after a last second push got it over the finish line before the end of the session. New Orleans Representative Stephanie Hilferty says the legislation is designed to push back against human trafficking that is often facilitated when older men marry young girls.

Cut 10 (07) “…states.”

Kids aged 16 and 17 will need judicial approval and parental consent before getting married. Hilferty says each prospective spouse will be interviewed separately by the judge, so they can vet out any potentially dangerous scenarios…

Cut 11 (09) “…free will.”

An amendment to allow anyone under 16 to get married, but with judicial approval was defeated.  The bill sailed through the Senate but ran into stiff opposition in the House after influential religious organizations raised concerns about barring kids who get pregnant from having to have a child out of wedlock. Hilferty says that opposition prompted a compromise…

Cut 12 (11) “…16.”

_________________

The 2019 LSU baseball season finished with a heartbreaking 5-4 loss in 12 innings to Florida State. The Seminoles star third baseman Drew Mendoza singled home the winning run. Tigers Coach Paul Mainieri could have walked Mendoza, but decided to go after the Seminoles veteran number three-hitter…

Cut 13 (13) “on the ball.”

LSU rallied back from a three-run deficit to tie the game at four, but could never get over the top. Mainieri says it was a great college baseball game

Cut 14 (12) “…hearts out.” (2x)

Devin Fontenot suffered the loss, but it’s hard to blame him for the defeat. Fontenot entered with one out in the sixth inning and pitched six innings of no-hit baseball before allowing a single in the 12th inning. Mainieri says it was a great effort by his hard-throwing right-hander

Cut 15 (13) “go forward”

New Orleans musical icon and six-time Grammy winner Dr. John has died. Actor Harry Shearer and fellow New Orleans musician Irma Thomas remember the legendary artist.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

____________________________

A last second filibuster kills fantasy sports legalization as the session came to an end yesterday. Matt Doyle has the story…

cut 2 (31) I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________________________

New Orleans has lost one of its most recognizable voices as six-time Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Dr. John has passed away following a heart attack. New Orleans actor Harry Shearer remembers Dr. John as one of the area’s legendary piano players.

Cut 3 (10) “…so gloriously.”

Fellow Big Easy musician Irma Thomas, who recorded several songs written by Dr. John, says she had heard of his recent illness, but his death still comes as a surprise, adding he’ll be greatly missed by the city.

Cut 4 (09) “…to New Orleans.” 

Shearer says the music of Dr. John has impacted his life dating back to his first album.

Cut 5 (08) “…to Mac for that.”

Dr. John was 77.
________________________________________________

Fantasy sports legalization fails to get a final vote after a last second filibuster on the Senate floor from the same legislator who brought an ultimately doomed sports betting bill.

Fairness for Fantasy Sports spokesperson Ryan Berni says it’s a travesty that one legislator would seek retribution for his failed legislation by snubbing over 60 percent of voters that approved fantasy sports last year.

Cut 6 (09) “…anyway”

Martiny attempted to get his sports betting effort passed by amending it onto the fantasy sports bill, but that was undone earlier in the day when a conference committee agreed to strip the amendment.

Two bills had to be approved in the last fifteen minutes of the session for fantasy sports to be OK’d. The first passed by a comfortable margin, but when the second was brought up, Metairie Senator Danny Martiny took the floor and appeared to run out the clock…

Cut 7 (07) “….vote”

Martiny is termed limited after having served 26 years in the Legislature.

The Metairie Republican has been noticeably frustrated by what he alleged were dirty tricks employed to prevent sports gambling from getting a fair vote on the House floor after it passed the Senate. He said this as he filibustered the vote…

Cut 8 (07) “…treated.”

Martiny’s sports betting bill would have allowed voters in each parish to approve or reject sports betting at riverboat casinos, racetracks, or the land-based casino in New Orleans.

____________________

CBD sales were legalized in the same legislation that allows industrial hemp production, and the ATC is now accepting applications from retailers interested in selling the products. ATC Commissioner Juana Lombard says retailers will need to apply as they would for an alcohol license, but no need for a newspaper posting. After that…

Cut 9 (12) “….registration.”

The temporary permit will last through January. A permanent license can be obtained by working with the Department of Health on labeling requirements.

Lombard says the kinds of CBD products available once retailers begin selling will be limited by what is FDA approved.

Cut 10 (09) “…beverages.”

CBD vitamin type products cannot be advertised as a dietary supplement, which may result in some of them being taken off shelves until their labeling can be corrected.

There was some public confusion about the legality of CBD products before the bill was signed, but Lombard says before yesterday the law was clear…

Cut 11 (09) “…cracking down”

__________________________

Two of college baseball’s best programs meet for a best out of three Super Regional Series on Saturday at Alex Box Stadium. The winner will advance to the College World Series. Kendall Rogers of D-1-baseball-dot-com says the Seminoles are playing their best baseball

Cut 12 (09)   “…right now.”

LSU will start Cole Henry tomorrow afternoon and Landon Marceaux will start  Sunday. Florida will pitch junior lefty Drew Parrish on Saturday and CJ Van Eyk in game two. Rogers says Parrish and Van Eyk have stepped it up…

Cut 13 (12) “…next year’s draft” 

Rogers says both teams are pitching well and getting clutch performances at the plate and the Seminoles have the extra motivation of playing for their longtime head coach Mike Martin, who is retiring when the season ends…

Cut 14 (09) “…are rolling.” 

A political analyst says Governor Edwards is sitting pretty in the Governor’s race after racking up some big wins in the Legislative session…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Crews are assessing damage following severe weather impacting southeast Louisiana.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut 2 (32) I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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South Louisiana was swamped today with a severe weather system creating localized flooding and even tornadoes. State climatologist Barry Keim says the system dumped dangerous amounts of water on some communities…

Cut 3 (11) “…region.”

One person died during the heavy rain event in Baton Rouge when their car flooded. Keim says the severe amount of rainfall was more than initially predicted, but this whole weather system has been unusual from the start.

Cut 4 (11) “…moisture.” 

Keim says another inch of rain could fall tomorrow, which may not sound like much but…

Cut 5 (08) “…flooding.”

He adds that the chance for severe weather will drop off significantly by Saturday, but we could still be in for rain and thunderstorms potentially into early next week.

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Political analyst Clancy DuBos says Governor Edwards has terrific momentum heading into the fall governor’s election after a successful legislative session.

Dubos says the 1,000-dollar teacher pay raise, the 39 million in new education spending, and tens of millions of dollars in new infrastructure funds for New Orleans may win Edwards a second term.

Cut 6 (10) “…New Orleans”

Education saw a 140-million-dollar total increase in new funding, while New Orleans will get a 50-million-dollar funding injection, with an additional 27 million a year from redirected revenue generated by the hospitality industry.

But Edwards is taking some hits from his left flank as many pro-choice Democrats fume over his signing of one of the nation’s most restrictive abortion bans. DuBos suspects those voters will still turn out for the Democrat.

Cut 7 (12) “….Edwards”

Edward’s Republican opponents have indicated they plan on continuing to slam the Governor over tax increases he’s pushed in his first term, but DuBos says voters seem to be aware that those increases had to be passed to fix the budget chaos left by the previous administration…

Cut 8 (08) “…administration.”

Edwards Is running against Republicans Eddie Rispone and Congressman Ralph Abraham.

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Severe weather impacting southeast Louisiana has produced road flooding and reports of a tornado outbreak.  East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome says the flood waters resulted in one death, adding the heaviest rains came today during rush hour traffic.

Cut 9 (09) “….one hour timeframe.”

Some areas of the parish have received up to five inches of rain since last night with reports of possible tornado damage.

Livingston Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson Lori Steele says teams are surveying the wind damage from what is believed to be a tornado outbreak in various areas of the parish.

Cut 10 (10) “…that’s near Taylor.”

Some areas that saw flooding in 2016 are also experiencing issues today.  Steele discourages residents from sightseeing as many roads are impassable due to water and fallen trees.

Cut 11 (10) “…blocking that roadway”

As of noon, thousands of Entergy and DEMCO customers are without power.

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Two of the biggest names in sports, Peyton Manning and Les Miles, are among the eleven that will be inducted this weekend into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches. Former LSU baseball coach and A-D  Skip Bertman hired Miles after Nick Saban left for the Miami Dolphins

Cut 12 (12)   “…antytime.”

Miles won 77-percent of his games while at LSU, including a national championship in 2007. Manning led the Colts and Broncos to Super Bowl victories and goes down as one of the NFL’s all-time greats.

But CEO of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation Ronnie Rantz says the most deserving member of this class is a Danielle Scott, who is a five-time USA Olympic Volleyball Standout and won two medals

Cut 13 (11) “…the world” 

Former La Tech quarterback Matt Dunigan is also going into the Louisiana Sports Hall of fame. Rantz says Dunigan is a 2006 Canadian Football League Hall of Fame inductee

Cut 14 (12) “…big personality.” 

Peabody Magnet High School basketball coach Charles Smith will also be enshrined on Saturday, along with former Southern Baseball Coach Roger Cador and Leesville’s T-Berry Porter who was Louisiana’s first professional rodeo cowboy.

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The federal government agrees to pay 75-percent of the rebuilding costs incurred by local governments from the April 25th tornado that killed two people in Ruston. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Lawmakers gave final legislative approval today to a bill that redirects 700-million  dollars in BP oil settlement money  for road improvement projects around the state. Matt Doyle has more…

cut 2 (29) I’m Matt Doyle”  

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President Donald Trump approves the state’s request for federal assistance to help rebuild public property and infrastructure from the EF-3 tornado that hit Ruston in April. Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker says this is huge for a city of their size…

Cut 3 (08) “…75-percent of that back.”

Walker says most of their expenses are from repairing the city’s electrical grid and fiber system, plus debris removal. Louisiana Tech suffered another nine-point-five million dollars in uninsured damages.

Walker says the declaration does not provide assistance for the hundreds of homes that sustained damage, but he hopes that changes…

Cut 4 (07) “….sanitary environment” 

Walker says over five-hundred structures were damaged in Ruston and about one-hundred of them were totaled. He says the other issue they are dealing with his fraudulent contractors…

Cut 5 (12) “…or what.”

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Final legislative approval came on Monday for a measure to give a pay raise of $1000 to teachers, $500 to school support workers, and $39 million in block grant funding for school districts. President of the Louisiana Association of Educators Debbie Meaux says while it is a modest amount, teachers are ecstatic that lawmakers recognize the importance of the raise.

Cut 6 (10) “…southern regional average.”

Meaux applauds lawmakers on greenlighting the funding for school districts to help with resources in the classroom.

Cut 7 (10) “…to our children.”

The raise is the first for Louisiana teachers in ten years, but it does not bring their salary up to the Southern Regional Average, Meaux believes more money will come in time.

Cut 8 (08) “…find that money.”

The legislative instrument results in a $140 million increase to annual school spending. Lawmakers continue to work on the budget to fund the state this week.

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A bill that would direct 700 million dollars in BP oil spill settlement money to road projects gains final passage.

Houma Representative Tanner Magee says the money will find it’s way to every corner of the state, and target projects with the greatest economic impacts.

Cut 9 (11) “….New Orleans”

Magee says when federal matching dollars are accounted for, the total investment could top a billion dollars.

The legislation redirects funds that were earmarked in 2014 away from the rainy day and Medicaid trust fund. Magee says choosing to use it for infrastructure instead puts us in line with our neighbors.

Cut 10 (11) “…same thing.”

The state says there’s a roughly 14-billion-dollar backlog in road projects.

The legislation originally only addressed the LA 415 connector near I-10 and a stretch of highway on LA 1 that needed to be elevated, but was amended to a number of other projects. Magee says that stretch of LA 1 heading into Port Fourchon floods three days a year, costing incredible sums of money…

Cut 11 (08) “…road.”

That stretch of LA 1 runs from Golden Meadow to Leeville.

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An expecting mother is dead and her husband is under arrest charged with second-degree murder and first-degree feticide in Natchitoches Parish. Authorities received the call about the woman being unresponsive in a Clarence home and during the investigation, her husband arrived at the scene. Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Captain Tony Moran says he appeared nervous, so he was taken in for questioning.

Cut 12 (07)   “…wife by strangulation.”

25-year-old Christopher O’Neal Houston Jr. of Campti remains in police custody without bond for his role in the death of 22-year-old Elonzeya Teal-Houston, who was five months pregnant. Moran says the murder has impacted the investigators as well as the community.

Cut 13 (05) “…murder occurred yesterday.” 

Moran says the motive appears to be tied to a financial issue.

Cut 14 (06) “…and his wife.” 

The suspect has a criminal history and is on felony probation until November for a previous drug charge.