Should LSU promote a second place finish? A national sports reporter doesn’t think so. Jeff Palermo has more..

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Community college students are being given a pathway to a career in agriculture with a new program that lets them transfer two years of credits to LSU Ag. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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Law enforcement agencies participate this week in the “Buckle Up in Your Truck” campaign, an effort to get more drivers and passengers in pick up trucks to wear seat belts. Deputy Director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Dortha Cummins says pick up truck passengers are less compliant of seat belt laws

Cut 3 (06) “…a crash ”

Cummins says 89-percent of drivers and passengers in passenger vehicles follow the state’s seat belt laws, but the percentage drops to 81-percent for pickup truck drivers and passengers

Cut 4 (12) “      usage rate” 

Cummins says the Buckle Up in Trucks law enforcement campaign means state troopers, deputies and police officers will increase their efforts to make sure those in a pick up truck are buckled up…

Cut 5 (07) “…through awareness”

Pickup trucks make up a quarter of the vehicles on our roadways and Cummins says stats show men are more likely not to buckle up then women.

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A national reporter is criticizing LSU for a billboard that congratulates the school’s gymnastics team for finishing as national runner ups. Sports Business Reporter for the Action Network Darren Rovell appeared on ESPN Radio in Baton Rouge, Alexandria and New Orleans said  you shouldn’t celebrate a second place finish…

Cut 6 (08) “…to go”

Rovell tweeted on Sunday that a school should not put up a billboard for coming in second, which resulted in over one-thousand comments, many from LSU fans who disagreed. But Rovell would not back down from his tweet when he appeared on a morning show based out of Baton Rouge…

Cut 7 (07) “…of time.”

LSU sports information director Michael Bonnette tweeted back to Rovell and said the billboard recognizing LSU’s second place finish helps promote the brand. But Rovell says his message on the billboard would have said something different…

Cut 8 (10) “…runners up”

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The state hopes to get more students involved in the Ag industry by letting eligible two year college grads transfer directly to LSU’s College of Ag, and start as a junior. Louisiana Community and Technical College President Monty Sullivan says the 2+2 program will help get a wider range of skilled workers into the industry…

Cut 9 (11) “…a science.”

Students looking to make the jump to LSU Ag for their last two years need to have a 2.5 GPA, and an associate degree in certain fields of study.

Sullivan says while any student is eligible for the program, they’re hoping it’s influence more Louisianans with rural backgrounds to stick around their communities.

Cut 10 (12) “…economy.”

The LCTC President says 2+2 is an economical program that gets kids out of college in four years with a lower debt load and bright prospects for a high paying job in a vital field.

Cut 11 (09)   “…of college”

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A House committee approves legislation to create a Team Gleason specialty license plate in honor of former Saints star and now ALS advocate. New Orleans Representative Walt Leger says Gleason, who was diagnosed with A-L-S in 2011, says his work to help people with wheelchair bound disabilities is courageous

Cut 12 (12) “…devastating disease”

Gleason is set to receive the Congressional Gold Medal this year. Leger says Gleason’s fight against A-L-S has helped raise public awareness about the disease and the Team Gleason Foundation has also helped those who suffer from neuromuscular diseases or injuries

Cut 13 (11) “…independent lives”

The House Transportation committee gave the Team Gleason specialty license plate unanimous approval and Leger says if it becomes law, it can also help in the fight against A-L-S…

Cut 14 (11) “…they do”

A ten-million dollar proposal to exempt feminine products and diapers from the state sales tax will be heard in a Senate committee today. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Governor Edwards says if it reaches his desk, he would sign legislation concealing the identity of companies that sell the state lethal injection chemicals. Matt Doyle spoke to the bill’s sponsor…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Juniors and Seniors at public high schools may soon have the chance to take two college courses, free of charge starting next year.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Kathleen Blanco’s family wants the public to know the former governor is not as close to death as reports indicated last week when it was announced she was in hospice care. Advocate Reporter Tyler Bridges spoke with Blanco’s husband, Raymond Blanco, and he says his wife is still active despite her terminal cancer

Cut 4 (12) “…those visits.”

Bridges says Blanco can no longer walk, but is getting around with the help of an electric wheelchair

Cut 5 (11) “…going forward.”

Bridges says no one knows how many days the former governor has left, but she’s trying to live them to the fullest. She was first diagnosed with a rare eye cancer in 2011. Blanco announced in 2017 that the cancer had returned and Bridges says it appears she’s in the final stages of her battle

Cut 6 (07) “…her body.”

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A Senate Committee is set to hear a proposal today that would exempt feminine hygiene products and diapers from the state sales tax. Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moller says the proposal would cost the state 10-million dollars in revenues, but that’s not a lot of money in a 30-billion dollar budget…

Cut 7 (11) “…relief.”

There’s two versions of the proposal, one a bill, and one an amendment that would require two thirds legislative support and over 50 percent of the vote on the October ballot. Moller says this legislation would help a lot of working class mothers.

Cut 8 (10) “…budget.”

An NPR report showed goods marketed to women can have as much as a 13 percent markup, known as the “Pink Tax”.

Moller says the precedent for the legislation is already there, as the state constitution exempts “necessities” like groceries, prescriptions, and utilities. Moller says ask any women or parent if these products are optional.

Cut 9 (07) “…by men.″

The legislation is being proposed by New Orleans Senator JP Morrell.

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Hammond Representative Nicky Muscarello has legislation that would conceal the identities of companies that sell lethal injection drugs or equipment to the state. Louisiana has not performed an execution since 2010, and Muscarello says a big reason why is drug companies fear retaliation from anti-death penalty consumers.

Cut 10 (11) “…them private.”

The legislation is similar to that which is in place in neighboring states like Arkansas and Texas.

The Tangipahoa Parish Republican says he was inspired by the testimonies of the families of victims who’s attackers are awaiting their final moments. Muscarello says those families were promised an execution, and this would help increase the odds of that happening.

Cut 11 (07) “…progress.”

Courts, tribunals, commissions, agencies and individuals would not have access to the information if this law were to pass.

Muscarello says the death penalty is law, and it’s the legislature’s responsibility to make the enforcement of law as feasible as possible.

Cut 12 (08) “…with that.”

Governor Edwards says he would sign the legislation if it were to reach his desk.

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A Senate Bill up consideration in the legislative session would allowing every junior and senior public high school students to take two college courses free of charge starting next school year.  It’s an effort that has the support of Gov. John Bel Edwards.  Higher Ed Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says while Louisiana does offer dual enrollment, there isn’t universal access.

Cut 13 (10) “dual enrollment courses.”

Hunter Reed says the state Board of Regents is looking into ways to keep the students from having to foot the bill on dual enrollment classes following a fee-shaming study that was conducted last year.

Cut 14 (08) “…around dual enrollment.”

Hunter Reed says emphasizing the importance of college through easier access to dual enrollment is a message that needs to be given to students.

Cut 15 (10) “…is important.”

Only 23-percent of Louisiana high school students participated in dual enrollment in 2017-2018.

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After losing the series opener 16-9, the LSU Tigers roared back over the next two games to beat Florida 13-1 in Game two and then 11-2 in the rubber game on Saturday. Eric Walker was the winning pitcher in the series finale and had plenty of run support, as the Tigers scored nine runs over the first three innings. Coach Paul Mainieri is pleased with his team’s performance…

Cut 16  (13) “…we can play” 

For the series, LSU scored 33 runs. Antoine Duplantis had a career best nine hits over a three-game series. Mainieri says you need your best players to perform well in order to win…

 cut 17 (17)   “.contributing” 

Josh Smith also had a big weekend and finished off the series by hitting his sixth home run of the season and driving in four runs. The shortstop says the Tigers knew they had to step up after losing the series opener…

Baton Rouge native Scott Woodward is the new LSU athletics director, after spending the last four years leading the Texas A-and-M athletic department. Matt Doyle talked with a Lone Star State writer about what to expect…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The latest data from the Louisiana survey shows how Louisiana residents feel about recreational marijuana and sports betting.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

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Baton Rouge boy Scott Woodward is coming home to take over LSU Athletics after a four-year run as Texas A&M’s Athletic Director. Woodward made a big splash in College Station by hiring football coach Jimbo Fisher and basketball coach Buzz Williams. Robert Cessna with AggieSports.com says he’s a real winner.

Cut 3 (10) “…everybody ”

Cessna also praised Woodward for his work on getting a softball stadium ready in time for the senior class.

LSU tried and failed to lure Fisher in 2015, but Woodward sealed the deal a year later with a ten-year, 75 million dollar deal. Woodward will be tasked with beating a school he just helped rebuild, but for now he’ll do it with a coach he didn’t hire…

Cut 4 (08) “…to beat”

The LSU/A&M rivalry has been heating up over the years, and last year exploded in a physical altercation between coaches at the end of a controversial Tiger loss to end the regular season. Cessna says get ready for an even more heated competition.

Cut 5 (11) “…other side”

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The latest data released from the Louisiana Survey shows majority support for both legalized sports betting as well as the legalization of recreational marijuana use.  LSU Public Policy Research Lab Director Dr. Mike Henderson says sports betting received support from 59% of residents while recreational marijuana received the approval of 55% of residents.

Cut 6 (08) “…social issues.”

Henderson says there is a big generational gap on recreational pot support.  A majority of support comes from younger residents.  80% of those ages 18-29 support the idea of legalization, but those 65 and older showed a 69% opposition.

Cut 7 (10) “…to the idea.”

Legislation to legalize sports betting in Louisiana is up for discussion in the session.  Governor Edwards has voiced his support for the activity.  Henderson says in addition to the latest data, there is a history of public opinion in the state that would indicate support.

Cut 8 (12) “…support for this”

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A tornado watch is in effect for this afternoon for much of south Louisiana, a portion of central Louisiana and delta parishes in northeast Louisiana. National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Efferson says the big concern is that the unstable atmosphere has the potential of producing strong tornadoes…

Cut 9 (08) “…part of the area”

A strong line of storms is making its way across Louisiana. Efferson says tornadoes are the biggest threat, but we can also see other forms of severe weather…

Cut 10 (08) “…pretty significant.”

Efferson says the area covered by the tornado watch is under an enhanced risk of severe weather…

Cut 11 (08)   “…means”

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Ground has been broken on the 450-million dollar Comite River Diversion project. It’s a 12 mile long canal running from the Comite to the Mississippi River, diverting water out of northern East Baton Rouge Parish waterways that present a flood risk for E-B-R and Livingston parishes. Central Mayor David Barrow says it’s long overdue.

Cut 12 (12) “…damage”

Locals have been paying taxes towards a diversion project since 1983, but the construction just kept getting pushed back as the state’s backlog of flood prevention initiatives grew larger and larger. Barrow says at least now there appears to be an end in sight.

Cut 13 (11) “…three years”

The canal would run between the town’s of Baker and Zachary.

But the Mayor was quick to note that even after it’s completed, it’s still possible the area could flood, it just likely will not be as devastating as the 2016 event.

Cut 14 (10) “…relief”

Construction is expected to be complete by 2021.

Another round of bad weather is hammering much of the state today.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

 Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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 A family advocacy group is bringing legislation that would guarantee Louisianans 12 weeks of paid parental, family emergency, or long term illness leave. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Thinking about getting a bunny or a chick as gift for someone this Easter? The Louisiana SPCA says you may want to reconsider. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Another round of bad weather is impacting Louisiana today, starting this morning. There’s an enhanced risk for severe weather in the forecast for East Carroll Parish all the way down to the Cameron Parish and all parishes east of that stretch. State Climatologist Barry Keim says expect strong thunderstorms.

Cut 4 (08) “…of Louisiana today.”

The storms will likely continue into the early evening hours.

Keim expects the front to clear the state by tomorrow morning. The rain potential is anywhere from one to two inches.

Cut 5 (05) “…careful with that.”

Once the front is out of the way, expect cool and dry weather starting Friday and continuing through the weekend.

Keim says this part of spring is notorious for severe weather as the atmosphere is very unstable this time of year.

Cut 6 (07) “…makes perfect sense.”

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A bill is being introduced that would guarantee all Louisianans 12 weeks of paid family or medical illness leave, along with legal protections against being fired while out. Berni Consulting partner Caitlin Berni says it would allow you to draw from a fund managed by the Workforce Commission, and paid into by you and your employer every paycheck.

Cut 7 (08) “employer”

The bill includes parental leave, leave to take care of a close relative who has fallen ill, and long term medical leave for events like chemo therapy in cancer patients.

Berni says the pot of leave money would grow overtime, and mechanisms would be put in place to cover expenses of young workers who need to take the leave before they’ve built up enough money to cover 12 weeks. Berni says the leave is transferable between jobs.

Cut 8 (10) “…four quarters.”

The leave pay would come directly from the fund, and not your employer while you were out.

Louisiana Families First is beginning a statewide effort to push support for the proposal. While it would functionally be an income tax increase of about about a quarter of a percent on most workers, she says 82 percent of those polled were on board.

Cut 9 (09) “…employee″

The bill is being brought by New Orleans Senator JP Morrell.

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For the last two years, more than 60 pet rabbits have been turned over to the Louisiana SPCA following the Easter holiday from owners with buyer’s remorse.  While rabbits can be great companion animals, Louisiana SPCA spokesperson Rebecca Melanson says many people do not realize the commitment of rabbit ownership.

Cut 10 (09) “…in your family.”

Melanson says each year, in addition to the hundreds of rabbits that are turned into shelters and some people even try release rabbits in the wild in an effort to relinquish ownership.

Cut 11 (05) “…from wild rabbits.”

Melanson says there are great alternatives to giving bunnies and baby chickens as gifts at Easter.

Cut 12 (07) “…for real chicks.”

The average rabbit lifespan is 10-12 years.

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Texas A&M Athletic Director Scott Woodward is reportedly set to take over as LSU’s new AD. Woodward has been in charge of Aggies athletics since 2016, but Glen Guilbeau, who covers LSU for the USA Today Network, says he’s a local boy who may have been itching to get back to his roots in the boot.

Cut 13 (06) “Louisiana.”

Woodward is leaving one of the richest programs in all of college athletics for an LSU that isn’t exactly known for it’s free spending, evidenced by the fact that current football coach Ed Orgeron is not one of the highest paid in the SEC. Guilbeau says this could be signaling a change.

Cut 14 (12) “…Scott.”

Woodward presided over the hiring of football coach Jimbo Fisher at A&M, a 10 year 75 million dollar contract.

This wraps up a wild week for the school that saw basketball coach Will Wade’s suspension lifted, and a long time AD axed. Guilbeau says Alleva was not a popular figure in the program, and it’s remarkable he stuck around for over ten years.

Cut 15 (09) “…he did.”

Nola.com reports the hire was made less than an hour after it was announced that former LSU AD Joe Alleva was set to “transition” into a new role at the school while his contract runs for another year.

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LSU is set to begin a three-game series tonight against Florida and there’s good news on the injury front. Coach Paul Mainieri says he’s shocked by it, but he’s been told Zack Hess, Zach Watson and Chris Reid could return from injury and play in this series…

Cut 16  (14) “…three weeks” 

LSU is not sure if Hess will start on the mound tonight, but could come in as a reliever. Hess has a groin injury and so is Watson. Mainieri says he’s not sure how effective Watson will be, but it would be great to get him back on the field…

 cut 17 (18)   “.got hurt” 

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Cut 18 (22)  of your life” 

Griffen doesn’t expect his conversation with Davis to be very complicated…

Cut 19 (11)    looks like” 

Griffen was the general manager of the Cavaliers when that franchise won their first championship in 2016. Griffen says Cleveland and San Antonio are excellent examples of how a small market city can be successful in the NBA…

Cut 20 (24) “…here for”

Former Governor Kathleen Blanco is in his hospice care. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A GoFundMe campaign for the burned St. Landry Parish churches is now over 1.2 million dollars. Matt Doyle spoke with the Seventh District Baptist Church President about the effort…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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Former Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco is under hospice care. Blanco, who served as governor from 2004 to 2008 was first diagnosed with an eye cancer in 2011, but the cancer returned in 2017 and spread to her liver. Last December, she said there’s no escape from her cancer. Franklin Representative Sam Jones spoke on the House floor to recognize the governor’s fight for her life…

Cut 3 (12) “…do so ”

Blanco did not seek re-election in 2008. She was criticized for her handling of Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath and the federally funded program set up to help Louisiana homeowners rebuild. Jones, who worked for Blanco in the governor’s office, fought hard for the state and wasn’t afraid to stand up to the White House…

Cut 4 (09) “…her recently”

Blanco served in elected offices for two dozen years, as she spent time as a state legislator, public service commissioner, Lt. Governor and then elected as the state’s first woman governor. Jones asks that Louisiana residents pray for Blanco…

Cut 5 (10) “…that side”

Blanco is a New Iberia native, who lives in Lafayette. She’s 76-years-old.

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Over 1.2 million dollars has been raised for the burned St. Landry Parish churches on a GoFundMe page that’s seen a surge in donations since a fire tore through the historic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Seventh District Missionary Baptist Church President Freddie Jack says the historic congregations are hoping for help from their insurance, but one of them is looking at some heavy costs.

Cut 6 (12) “…rebuilding”

The page has been shared by national figures like Hillary Clinton, and Katie Couric.

The Pastor noted the historic majority black congregations have deep roots in the community, some of which go back over a century.

Cut 7 (10) “…long.”

21-year-old Holden Matthews is accused of burning the churches in a racially motivated attack.

Jack says the effort is much appreciated, and the congregations are taking the tragedy in stride while they figure out how to get back into their old homes.

Cut 8 (08) “…spirits”

You can find the fund by searching Seventh District Baptist Church Fires on GoFundMe.

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The Center for Reproductive Rights says if an admitting privileges law set to be heard at the US Supreme Court were to take effect, two of the state’s three abortion clinics would close.

President Nancy Northup says the regulation requiring clinics and providers to have admitting privileges at a local hospital would dramatically reduce access to the procedure.

Cut 9 (11) “…each year”

The only remaining clinic would be a facility in Baton Rouge.

The Shreveport facility has reported a significant increase and concentration of what they called “nasty” personal harassment of facility workers and patients as the number of facilities has declined statewide. Senior Council TJ Toup says the only doctor with privileges at the facility said he’d retire if the law took effect.

Cut 10 (11) “…providing.”

Shreveport clinic administrator Cathleen Pittman says a nearly identical law in Texas demonstrated that reducing access won’t end abortion, but it will make it significantly less safe.

Cut 11 (12)   “…means”

CRR has filed a motion to have the law dismissed by the court, citing it’s similarity to a previously dismissed Texas admitting privileges law.

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Tiger Rag Magazine has confirmed the initial report from the Baton Rouge Business Report that Joe Alleva is out as athletics director at LSU. Alleva has been the school’s A-D since 2008, but Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says Alleva is widely unpopular

Cut 12 (10) “…in charge”

Alleva’s unpopuarlity began to take a hit with the attempted firing of Les Miles as head football coach towards the end of the 2015 season. It got worse for Alleva when basketball coach Will Wade was suspended in early March. Moran says there’s evidence Alleva wanted to go through with the firing of Miles and not suspend Wade, but the fan outrage is with Joe…

Cut 13 (10) “…Joe Alleva”

Alleva’s contract is set to expire next year and Moran says this could be a good time for the head of athletics to step down or retire…

Cut 14 (11) “…figure.”

A 14-3 vote in the House Transportation Committee has defeated a resolution aimed at reducing billboards in Louisiana. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Campaign numbers for the 2019 governor’s race have been updated. Jeff Palermo looks at what the candidates are reporting…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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Legislation has advanced to the House floor that seeks to lower auto insurance rates. Louisiana reportedly has the second-highest average auto insurance rates in the nation and River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot says his bill would create a legal environment that would reduce the costs for insurance companies…

Cut 3 (11) “…costs up.”

Talbot’s measure would lower the state’s threshold for requiring a civil trial to $5,000 from the current $50,000, take away the ability to sue an insurance company directly and extend the time limit to file a suit from one year to two…

Cut 4 (07) “…drive costs down”

The House Civil Law committee approved the legislation on a five to two vote.  Shreveport Representative Sam Jenkins voted against it, because he believes insurance companies can do more on their own to lower rates…

Cut 5 (10) “…that side”

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Lawmakers are seeking to bring back sales tax holidays. They were accidentally suspended for seven years when legislators crafted new tax laws last June. Monroe Representative Jay Morris’ measure would benefit consumers by reinstating a tax holiday for back to school shopping, hurricane preparedness and hunting supplies

Cut 6 (08) “…for the like.”

The school supply sales tax weekend would occur in August, hurricane preparedness would be in May and the second amendment sales tax weekend would take place in September. Morris says businesses also like the sales tax holidays…

Cut 7 (12) “…out of state.”

The House Ways and Means committee unanimously approved the sales tax holiday legislation. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton says it’s something the public wants…

Cut 8 (10) “…school uniforms”

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The Senate Ag Committee approved and expanded a bill that would require “truth in labeling” for food products like Almond “milk”, “riced” cauliflower, and “sugar” substitutes.

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says it’s the government’s job to keep advertisers honest, and prevent misleading products from tricking customers.

Cut 9 (11) “…responsibility”

It’s legislation brought by Delhi Senator Francis Thompson who says while most of these “fake” products are not made in the Bayou State, they shouldn’t be outlawed, just forced to be upfront about what’s in the package.

Cut 10 (11) “…not true.”

Louisiana rice industry representative Scott Franklin says the “substitute” industry is well aware that they are misleading the public, and they’d have trouble selling their product if it was labeled properly. He says this legislation would fight back against these predatory out of state companies.

Cut 11 (12)   “…here”

A representative of Silk soy milk says further regulations are unnecessary and people know what they are buying. No one was on hand to oppose the legislation at the committee meeting and the measure now heads to the Senate floor.

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The House Transportation committee slammed the breaks on a resolution pushed by Jonesboro Rep. Jack McFarland aimed at reducing the number of billboards on Louisiana roadways. The trucking industry backed the effort, because McFarland says ads for crash attorneys are impacting the cost of doing business for truckers.

Cut 12 (11) “…as we drive”

McFarland also lists clutter and distraction as other reasons to reduce the number of billboards. The resolution called for a moratorium on new billboard construction, unless it was a digital billboard replacing other billboards.

Cut 13 (09) “…distraction from them.”

Shreveport Rep. Barbara Norton says billboards are not the biggest issue when it comes to blight on the roads.

Cut 14 (13) “…not doing that.”

Lamar Advertising owns a majority of the billboards in the state and CEO Sean Reilly says Louisiana has seen a net reduction of billboards in recent years.

Cut 15 (12) “…what it’s about.”

Reilly says the state has about 2% of the nation’s highways and 2% of the nation’s billboards. The measure was defeated on a 14-3 vote.

LSU has reinstated basketball coach Will Wade after a five week long suspension. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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It’s four months into 2019 and the crawfish season still hasn’t quite taken off. Matt Doyle talked to a mudbug expert about why that is.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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LSU basketball coach Will Wade’s suspension is over as the 36-year-old has been reinstated, after meeting with LSU and NCAA officials. Athletics director Joe Alleva says Wade answered all questions and denied any wrongdoing in connection with the reported allegations of recruiting violations. Tiger Rag Assistant editor Tyler Nunez says Wade could have possibly avoided the five-week long suspension

Cut 3 (09) “…he’s back.”

Alleva says Wade’s explanations offered during the meeting, absent actual evidence of misconduct, satisfy his contractual obligation to LSU. Nunez says LSU’s compliance department look into the Yahoo Sports Report that allegedly had Wade discussing improper benefits and could not find any wrongdoing

Cut 4 (09) “…get him back”

Wade returns to a team that looks much different than the one that just won the SEC regular season championship. Five players have declared for the NBA draft, but have the option of returning to LSU. Nunez also needs to build up a recruiting class that’s rated near the bottom in the SEC…

Cut 5 (09) “…April 20th”

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The severe weather that impact Louisiana on Saturday resulted in two deaths.  The first was a 13-year-old boy, who fell into a flooded drainage canal in West Monroe.  Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson Deputy Glenn Springfield says a call for help came just before 5 o’clock Saturday afternoon.

Cut 6 (04) “…he fell in.”

The child was identified as Sebastian Omar Martinez.  The investigation is ongoing as to why he fell into the water.  This is the second child to be killed by flooding in less than a week.

Springfield says a call came in around 10:15 PM of a vehicle being taken over by floodwaters on a rural road in Calhoun.  When first responders arrived, the vehicle was still underwater.

Cut 7 (06) “…of the vehicle.”

Deputies say the victim was identified as 80-year-old Patsy Meeks.

Springfield says the flooding has resulted in infrastructure damage that leaves some roads closed today.  In West Monroe, Highway 546, which is one of the major state highways in that part of the parish, sustained a severe washout under the roadbed.

Cut 8 (10) “…of the road.”

The potential for more severe weather is in the forecast Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

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The crawfish supply remains limited this season and experts cannot pin down an exact cause. LSU Ag Center Aquaculture Specialist Greg Lutz says its a mixed bag when it comes to size and quantity of the crop.

Cut 9 (11) “…so long”

He says so far they have two leading theories as to why the mudbug class of 2019 appears to be smaller in both size and number. One of them is the irregularly long winter that featured some bursts of brutally cold weather.

Cut 10 (09) “…their growth.”

The other theory is the white spot virus, which is a fatal disease for mudbugs. Lutz says white spot has become a bigger problem since it was first discovered in Louisiana ponds about 10 years ago.

Cut 11 (11)   “…harvested”

Lutz reiterated that the virus does not effect humans, or even fish, it’s restricted solely to crustaceans.

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A St. Landry parish judge has denied bond for 21-year-old Holden Matthews, who is accused of burning down three historically black churches. Matthews had his first court appearance today since he was arrested on Wednesday night. Legal analyst Tim Meche is not suprised Matthews remains in jail without bail…

Cut 12 (07) “…denied bond”

Matthews was arrested Wednesday on three arson charges. Prosecutors have also added three hate crime charges. But Meche says the hate crime charges are not that significant

Cut 13 (07) “…five years”

Matthews trial on state charges is set to begin in September. Federal prosecutors are also considering charges against Matthews and Meche expects this case be prosecuted federally…

Cut 14 (06) “…will end up”

If Louisiana legalizes sports betting, then LSU wants in on the action. Jeff Palermo talked with school President F. King Alexander…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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 The Ports of New Orleans and Baton Rouge are getting a 3.1 million dollar grant that could reduce traffic congestion by getting more shipping trucks off the road. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

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There’s a big threat for severe weather on Saturday. State Climatologist Barry Keim says ingredients are in place for numerous thunderstorms, some of them could produce a significant severe weather event

Cut 3 (10) “…severe tornadoes.”

Central Louisiana is under an enhanced threat for severe weather, while south Louisiana is under a slight risk. Keim says flash flooding is also possible…

Cut 4 (10) “…severe weather.”

Saturday’s stormy weather will result in cooler temperatures on Sunday with high temperatures in the 60s. But Keim says north Louisiana especially should be on the look out for severe weather

Cut 5 (10) “…thunderstorms.”

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When electric scooter companies Bird and Lime placed their electric scooters in Lafayette, there were no ordinances in place to govern their use on the city’s streets. So Lafayette Senator Page Cortez has introduced a bill that provides regulations.

Cut 6 (09) “…deal with them”

The scooters would be able to be operated on roads which have a speed limit of 25 miles per hour or less. It would also require minors to wear a helmet while operating the scooters.

Cortez says the bill came from local government not knowing how to regulate because the scooter’s hybrid design didn’t fit the criteria of either a motorcycle or a bicycle.

Cut 7 (07) “…to call them.”

Cortez says his bill would help answer many questions that need to be defined within state law, while at the same time not restricting municipalities and parishes from passing ordinances in dealing with scooters as well.

Cut 8 (10) “…third party companies.”

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LSU President F. King Alexander says if sports betting is legalized in Louisiana, then LSU should get a cut of the revenue since a lot of the gambling will be on the Purple and Gold.  Alexander says it’s only right that a portion of the revenue should return to the individuals who will generate the revenue.

Cut 9 (12) “…about that”

But Metairie Senator Danny Martiny says he’s committed to ensuring any revenue generated goes towards early childhood education subsidies for working and middle class families.

He says giving a cut to LSU because of their athletics opens up a nasty can of worms.

Cut 10 (06) “…i’m doing.”

Revenue coming directly from sports betting in other states like Mississippi has so far not added up to a lot of money. Martiny says people are lining up to get a slice of the revenue from business that may only be worth 20 to 50 million dollars.

Cut 11 (10)   “…casinos.”

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The feds have awarded the Ports of New Orleans and Baton Rouge a 3.1 million dollar grant to get shipping containers off the roads and back onto the river.

Congressman Garret Graves says we’re seeing more 40-foot steel containers in shipping, and our ports just aren’t built to process enough of them, which means many of them end up on trucks…

Cut 12 (12) “…congestion”

Louisiana’s growing chemical industry utilizes the containers to move products from facility to facility.

Graves says as the global market shifts to the use of 40-foot containers, ports that do not have the capability to process the steel boxes will fall behind their competitors.

Cut 13 (11) “…with them”

Graves says securing the grant was a big win for a state that has five of the country’s top 15 ports, and handles nearly 25 percent of America’s waterborne commerce.

Cut 14 (10) “…cargo”

The existing container on barge service moves about 16,800 40-foot equivalent units between Memphis/Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

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US Senator John Kennedy says President Trump is getting involved in the duplication of benefits dispute that’s impacted about 62-hundred 2016 flood victims who are unable to get federal recovery grant dollars, because they received an SBA loan. Kennedy says he spoke with the President during a lunch meeting

Cut 15 (11) “…couple of weeks”

Even though Congress passed legislation saying that 2016 SBA recipients are eligible federal recovery grant dollars, the Office of Management and Budget has refused to write the regulations so the money can be distributed. Kennedy says if the President doesn’t get the answer he’s looking for, legal action is the next step

Cut 16 (10) “…legislative intent”

The son of a St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s deputy has been accused of burning down three historically black churches in the Opelousas area. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Nearly three quarters of Louisianans approve of Governor Edwards’ Medicaid expansion according to the latest edition of the 2019 Louisiana Survey. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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Walmart is investing an estimated $73 million into remodeling 15 stores in Louisiana.  Four of those stores are in the New Orleans area and two in the Baton Rouge area.  Walmart spokesperson Anne Hatfield says the goal of the investment in technology innovations is to help save customers’ time and money.

Cut 3 (07) “…serve our customers.”

Shreveport, Natchitoches, Minden, Leesville, Winnsboro, Thibodaux and Mansura are also among the stores seeing the upgrades.

Hatfield says among the innovations, Walmart is adding autonomous shelf scanning to help with inventory, grocery pickup and delivery, and Walmart Pickup Towers.

Cut 4 (08) “…on walmart.com.”

In addition, autonomous floor scrubbers and fast unloaders to sort and scan truck deliveries will be added to assist Walmart employees.

Hatfield says online grocery pickup and delivery is extremely popular with customers.  Walmart has specially trained employees who do the shopping for the customers.

Cut 5 (07) “…customers love it.”

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An Opelousas man has been arrested for burning down three historical black churches in St. Landry Parish. 21-year-old Holden Matthews is facing three counts of simple arson of a religious building. Governor John Bel Edwards was on hand to congratulate law enforcement for getting Matthews behind bars

Cut 6 (12) “…evil acts”

The first church to burn down was the St. Mary Bapstist Church in Port Barre on March 26. Two more churches were torched in early April in Opelousas, State Fire Marshal Butch Browning credits boots on the ground law enforcement for making an arrest

Cut 7 (08) “…is a suspect”

Matthews is a son of a St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s deputy and had no prior arrests or history of violence. Browning says an exact motive has not been determined, but the suspect may have been influenced by black metal

Cut 8 (10) “…church burnings.” 

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The Revenue Estimating Conference’s updated revenue forecast gives lawmakers 110 million dollars extra to spend for this fiscal year, and 119 million dollars more for the next fiscal year.

The upgraded forecast had been blocked by Speaker Taylor Barras for months, citing concerns about accuracy. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says it was unnecessary.

Cut 9 (09) “…modified”

The forecast showed a 308 million dollar budget surplus from the fiscal year ending on June 30th.

The legislature can now go about crafting a budget, knowing exactly how much money they can spend, something they couldn’t do previously. Dardenne says he’s disappointed the final numbers came out lower than expected, but it’s better than nothing.

Cut 10 (09) “…forecast.”

Everyone at the Capitol appears ready to back a 1,000 dollar teacher pay raise, and 500 dollar support personnel pay raise, which could eat up most of these newly surplus funds. On top of a pay raise though, Governor Edwards is chasing 39 million in additional education funding, which could be a tough budget fit…

Cut 11 (10)   “…today.”

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73 percent of Louisianans support Governor Edwards’ Medicaid expansion according to the fourth installment of the 2019 Louisiana Survey.

Manship School Dean Martin Johnson says before you preface the question with any background information about costs, the policy has bipartisan backing.

Cut 12 (07) “…expansion”

The survey also found 74 percent of Louisianans support protections for pre-existing conditions in health insurance.

The survey shows support for the expansion increases even further when respondents were informed about how many people were covered by it, but Johnson says GOP support begins to collapse when the cost of the program is mentioned, something gubernatorial candidates are sure to notice…

Cut 13 (12) “…counting on”

The Medicaid expansion provided health insurance coverage to 600,000 Louisiana, and is primarily funded by the feds.

55 percent of respondents said they were “unsure” whether the state had expanded Medicaid, with only 35 percent correctly saying that it had. Johnson says the large gap is due to the difference in language between people in political and news circles, and the public.

Cut 14 (07) “…we do”

The expansion’s popularity has risen four percent in the three years since the survey began tracking it’s approval rating.

GOP lawmakers express their concerns to state health officials over audits that show misspent dollars within the Medicaid program. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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An Opelousas man is arrested following the stabbing death of his mother.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

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House Republican lawmakers grilled state health officials about the growing Medicaid budget and whether the state is doing enough to prevent waste or misspending. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds is concerned the health department’s budget is set to grow by another billion dollars

Cut 3 (12) “…L-D-H.”

Health Secretary Rebekah Gee says mistakes will be made with a large government program, but they are trying to control spending and pointed to the recent removal of 30-thousand people from Medicaid, because they made too much money…

Cut 4 (09) “…this program”

The House Appropriations Committee is hearing from every state agency as they  put together a spending plan for next fiscal year. Edmonds says the health department’s budget is set to grow to nearly 15-billion dollars and they need confidence that the money is spent wisely

Cut 5 (11) “…we have.”

It was revealed during the hearing that 16-hundred people making at least 100-thousand dollars a year were covered by Medicaid, which is way above the income threshold. But Gee says an upgraded computer system should make sure ineligible residents are not receiving taxpayer funded health care

Cut 6 (11) “…very well”

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After failing for five months on recognizing additional revenues, the Revenue Estimating Conference adopted an income forecast that will give lawmakers an additional 110-million dollars in this year’s budget to spend and another 119-million dollars in next year’s budget. House Speaker Taylor Barras “Yes” vote broke the gridlock

Cut 7 (11) “…budget work.”

Four members sit on the Revenue Estimating Conference. Since February, Barras blocked an increase to the income forecast, because he was concerned the state may not collect as much money as projected. The House Speaker relented on Wednesday after hearing revenue projections from two different economists…

Cut 8 (09) “…we can get.” 

The extra revenue recognized can help the state pay for raises for teachers and the governor also wants to put more money towards colleges and public safety programs. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne is glad the stalemate over revenue projections is over with

Cut 9 (11) “…is gonna be”

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An Opelousas man is behind bars for allegedly stabbing his mother to death.  St. Landry Parish Sheriff deputies arrested 28-year-old Cody James Arceneaux after receiving 911 calls from a witness inside the home and from the suspect.  Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodeaux says an argument quickly escalated into violence.

Cut 10 (07) “…out of control.”

The victim has been identified as Vicky Granger.

Thibodeaux says Arceneaux claims his mother tried grab the knife to stab him, slicing the suspect in the process.  He then regained the kitchen knife and began to attack her.

Cut 11 (10)   “…could stab her.”

Arceaneaux was transported to a local hospital for treatment, then was taken to jail.

Thibodeaux says by the time deputies arrived, they found the suspect curled up on the floor holding his hands in a bloody towel, but were too late to help the victim.

Cut 12 (05) “…we got there.”

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Democrat Charlie Greer of Natchitoches Parish is running for Agriculture Commissioner against incumbent Mike Strain, touting his 20 year career in the Ag Department, and time in law enforcement.

Greer says if elected, he would push hard for the regulated production of industrial hemp, and hemp adjacent products to revitalize the state’s lagging Ag.

Cut 13 (10) “…in it.”

Greer ran for the office in 2015, finishing with 30 percent of the vote.

Greer is blasting Strain for a series of medical marijuana delays, but Strain says he’s just following the law to ensure the product is safe for consumption. Greer isn’t buying it, and says Strain had years to get the program together.

Cut 14 (11) “…in place.”

Strain denies impeding medical cannabis progress, and recently granted approval for the growth of the first crop. Greer says the delays have been unacceptable, and proof that the commissioner is not surrounding himself with competent regulators.

Cut 15 (09) “…put that”