Could further legal ramifications be a concern for suspended LSU basketball coach Will Wade?  Matt Doyle spoke with legal analyst Tim Meche to find out.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle ”

____________________________

Flu season may see the worst to come as Louisiana has a second round of flu on the way. Connor Ferrill has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Connor Ferrill”  

_______________________________

House Democrats passed a bill that features substantial reforms to the American electoral system. Republicans say it’s a non-starter. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

__________________________________

LSU head basketball coach Will Wade has been suspended by the university in the wake of reports of an FBI wiretap involving his activities in a college basketball corruption scandal.  But legal analyst Tim Meche says Wade may see ramifications from the feds if things get much worse for the coach, but there are questions that need to be answered.

Cut 4 (11) “…of this activity.”

Audio of Wade in conversations with recruiting handler Christian Dawkins caught with the FBI wiretap appear to be discussing a payment to a recruit’s family. Dawkins was recently sentenced to six months in jail after being found guilty of fraud and conspiracy charges for facilitating payments to the families of recruits.  What’s the worst that could happen to Wade?

Cut 5 (10) “…wire fraud theory.”

Meche doesn’t foresee LSU being on the receiving end of legal ramifications from the feds in this situation.

Cut 6 (11) “…Mr. Smart’s scheme.”

Meche says during Wade’s suspension, he would expect Wade to go into hiding and his legal counsel to advise the coach to not make any public comment.

___________________________________________________

Flu season may see the worst to come as Louisiana has a second round of flu on the way. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious disease specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says though the Bayou State handled the H1N1 strand well this year another flu variation is rearing its ugly head again…

Cut 7 (11) “…out.”

Lopez says Louisiana is already facing the brunt of this flu season without help from any tourists who came to the Bayou State for Mardi Gras…

Cut 8 (09) “…coming in.”

Lopez says just because you had the flu this season doesn’t mean you are protected from the emerging strain. He says the best protection from H3N2 is the flu shot and it’s not too late to get it…

Cut 9 (12) “…vaccine.″

The CDC says the H3N2 strain is accounting for almost half of all new diagnoses this year.

__________________________

House Democrats passed a sweeping elections reform package last week that includes major electoral changes such as making voting days federal holidays, automatic voter registration, and other substantial changes. Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham, who voted against the bill, calls it the Democrat Politician Protection Plan.

Cut 10 (09) “…American history.”

The bill passed unanimously with Democrats, who say the legislation would dramatically increase voter participation. Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell says the bill will not be considered in the Upper Chamber.

If passed, the legislation would also subsidize federal candidates by giving a six to one match for every dollar under 200 bucks donated to a candidates. Democrats say this allow candidates to run for office without needing major corporate backers, but Abraham says it’s highly inappropriate.

Cut 11 (08) “go for.”

The legislation allows federal workers six paid vacation days a year to work at polling locations.

The proposal also seeks to create independent redistricting commissions to draw voting districts that it says would be more representative of the population, whereas current redistricting duties in Louisiana are handled by elected officials. Abraham says that’s a duty best left to the states…

Cut 12 (06) “…untenable”

HR 1 would also require Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates to release tax information going back ten years.

______________________________

An amped  up LSU crowd celebrated an SEC title in basketball on Saturday, but before and during the contest they expressed anger towards athletic director Joe Alleva for suspending coach Will Wade. Freshman Javonte Smart was also held out, because of reports the FBI has a recorded conversation with Wade trying to set up a payment for a recruit, believed to be Smart. With Smart out, Marshall Graves hit four three-pointers. He says the players fed off the crowd’s energy…

Cut 13 (15) “…represent them well.”

Darius Days was LSU’s leading scorer on Saturday with 15 points. Tony Benford is the interim head coach in Wade’s absence and Days says the coaches had the Tigers prepared….

Cut 14 (14) “…we won.”

LSU is the number one seed in this week’s SEC Tournament. The Tigers will play Friday versus the winner of Thursday’s game between Florida and Arkansas. Benford says it’s possible Smart could play in the SEC Tournament…

Cut 15 (15) “…we practice”

Three people, including two children, are dead and two others are hospitalized in critical condition from an incident that happened at a home in Terrytown. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

____________________________

The delays continue in getting medical marijuana out to eligible patients in Louisiana. Kevin Barnhart has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

_____________________________________________

A one-year-old boy is hospitalized and his mother and her boyfriend face child abuse and hate crime charges. St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s office Major Ginny Higgins says they received a report about possible child abuse from the Iberia Police Department, but later leaned the abuse took place in St. Martin Parish…

Cut 3 (08) “…victim’s mother.”

43-year-old Tony Domingue of St. Martinville has been charged with second-degree cruelty to juveniles and aggravated second-degree battery. Higgins says his 25-year-old girlfriend, Jorretta Carrere of New Iberia was also booked…

Cut 4 (11) “…charged with″

Authorities have not released details on how the child was abused. But Higgins says Domingue and Carrere are also facing a hate crime charge…

Cut 5 (11)“…that charge”

____________________

Multiple people were found dead at a home in suburban New Orleans Wednesday morning. Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s office captain Jason Rivarde says deputies were called to a home in Terrytown to provide medical assistance…

Cut 6 (08) “…local hospital”

Rivarde says three of the deceased individuals are two children and the other is an adult. He says they are trying to determine if this was a murder-suicide…

Cut 7 (08) “…the residence”

Rivarde did not provide details on how the individuals were killed or the relationship of the victims. He says there are a lot of questions they would like answered…

Cut 8 (11) “…have information”

_______________________

Colorectal cancer is the number two cancer killer in the United States and Louisiana ranks 34^th in screenings for the disease. Shreveport doctor and Gastrointestinal Specialist James Hobley says these numbers can stem from misconceptions of who is most affected by the cancer…

Cut 9 (08) “…tested.”

American College of Gastroenterology guidelines highlight average-risk adults should begin screenings at 50 years old, and African Americans should begin at 45 years old.

Hobley says digging into family history is imperative to make sure the cancer doesn’t come any sooner…

Cut 10 (10)“…diagnosed.”

Hobley says one effective procedure can both screen and protect…

Cut 11 (12)   “…individual.”

_______________________________

There’s another delay in the production of medical marijuana. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain is the regulator of the state’s medical marijuana program and he claims LSU and its private grower,GB Sciences, violated law by moving cannabis plants from a temporary pod to the main growing facility. Political anayst Bernie Pinsonat says this dispute is likely headed for court

Cut 12 (07)   “…progress.”

Strain says LSU needed to agree to memorandum of understanding before expanding the operation. LSU questions whether Strain has the authority to stop the move. Pinsonat says it’s unclear when medical marijuana will be available to the patients who have been waiting the purchase the drug

Cut 13 (10) “…backwards.” 

LSU and Southern University have the authority to grow medical marijuana, while Strain is the regulator. Pinsonat says the Edwards administration may need to get involved in order for the product to get to eligible patients…

Cut 14 (09)  “…in this.” 

Sen. John Kennedy and Rep. Ralph Abraham have filed legislation with the intent of combating fraud in government assistance programs.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (26) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

____________________________

Fete-Dieu du Teche is holding a Bible reading marathon in St. Martinville’s town square that begins today in celebration of Ash Wednesday.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (25) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________

A West Monroe lawmaker has filed legislation for the upcoming session that would increase the legal age a person can purchase or possess tobacco and vaping products. Brooke Thorington…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

__________________________________

Sen. John Kennedy and Rep. Ralph Abraham have filed legislation with the intent of combating fraud in government assistance programs.  The Income Verification Act applies to Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and food stamps.  Abraham says the idea is to verify recipients’ eligibility for the programs.

Cut 4 (10) “…really need help.”

In November, a report from the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office revealed that 82 out of 100 Medicaid recipients in a random sample did not financially qualify for the program.  Abraham says the act would see programs verifying eligibility with federal data, instead of state data.

Cut 5 (08) “…to ineligible beneficiaries.”

Abraham says he doesn’t foresee the bill getting much resistance in its path.

Cut 6 (11) “…accountability in government.”

___________________________________________________

The town of St. Martinville will be the host of a public reading of the Bible from cover to cover starting today.  Fete-Dieue du Teche will be hosting the Bible Marathon today through Sunday in the town’s square Father Michael Champagne (Shome-pine) says the event was inspired by a similar event once done by the Pope.

Cut 7 (12) “Evangelicals, Baptists, Episcopalians.”

The event drew thousands last year, both locals and people passing through the area.  Champagne describes it as the Woodstock of Bible reading.

Cut 8 (11) “…its highly organized.”

During the four days of continuous reading, 300 lectors will read in 20 minute increments.  Champagne says the event is intended to re-ignite a love for scripture and says the atmosphere is very festive.

Cut 9 (12) “…word of God.″

____________________________

There will be an effort in the upcoming legislative session to raise the age from 18 to 21-years-old to legally purchase or possess tobacco and vaping products. West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman says six states and over 400 cities have raised the tobacco age to 21 and the goal is to produce better health outcomes…

Cut 10 (09) “…18 to 21.”

Hoffman’s proposed legislation will be House Bill 38 in the legislative session that begins next month. He says raising the age would mean a loss of tax dollars from a decline in purchases of tobacco products, but it will have a long term benefit…

Cut 11 (09) “…cost for people”

The legislation is expected to face opposition in the regular session. But Hoffman says not everyone in the tobacco industry is opposed to raising the sale age to 21 for tobacco products…

Cut 12 (09) “…some of that ”

________________________

Switzerland-based helicopter maker Kopter selects the Lafayette Regional Airport to assemble helicopters, creating 120 jobs. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says Kopter looked at 38 locations before picking Lafayette, which has a strong helicopter culture, because of the oil and gas industry

Cut 13 (08) “…strong workforce.”

Pierson says Kopter is versatile enough that they’ll assemble helicopters for a variety of uses…

Cut 14 (13) “…law enforcement.”

Pierson says Kopter plans to reach full production in Lafayette in 2025, producing about 100 helicopters every year…

Cut 15 (12) “…with them”

_____________________________

The 10th ranked LSU basketball Tigers look to avenge an earlier loss to Florida when they meet the Gators in Gainesville tonight. Two weeks ago, Florida beat LSU in overtime in the PMAC. Coach Will Wade is still not happy with how his team played that night…

Cut 16  (19) “beat down” 

Since the loss to Florida, LSU has won three in a row. Wade says they’ve struggled against teams like the Gators who like to grind it out…

 cut 17 (20)   “who are seniors” 

If LSU wins its final two conference games, they’ll clinch at least a share of the SEC title. Wade says that would be a huge accomplishment…

Cut 18 (15)  you’re consistent” 

A Switzerland-based company plans to hire 120 workers so it can assemble helicopters in Lafayette. Jeff Palermo has the story..

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

____________________________

Cajun Navy 2016 responders from Baton Rouge are in Alabama following a tornado outbreak that left 23 dead.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

_____________________________________________

The rain is behind us but it’s a cold Fat Tuesday for revelers along the parade routes.  A cold front has brought Canadian air into the state.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says the temps may peak around 50 degrees for south Louisiana.

Cut 3 (07) “…around southwest Louisiana.”

The wind chill is around 30 degrees.

Keim is in New Orleans today and says the weather isn’t slowing things down for those ready to celebrate Mardi Gras.

Cut 4 (11) “…despite the cold″

The cold conditions are expected to continue into Ash Wednesday, but Keim says expect to see a warming trend as the week comes to a close.

Cut 5 (08)“…lot more pleasant.”

____________________

So how do you stay warm on a chilly Mardi Gras day? Eating tasty food is one way to do it. This man along a New Orleans parade route says he’s been cooking since four o’ clock this morning and has enough food to feed about 40 people…

Cut 6 (12) “…turkey necks”

It’s also a big day of parades in Lake Charles and Lafayette. There’s also a couple of parades in Shreveport. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says his office made a big push this year nationwide to market Mardi Gras festivities outside of New Orleans…

Cut 7 (13) “…over Louisiana.”

Nungesser was the grand marshal of the Krewe of Argus parade in Metairie today.

Mardi Gras is also known for its satire. There are several people dressed up as blind referees in reference to the blown call in the NFC Championship game…

Cut 8 (10) “…in our pockets.”

_______________________

When disaster strikes, the Cajun Navy is there to help.  The Cajun Navy 2016 has responded to the devastation left from tornadoes in south Alabama that killed at least 23.  Vice President of Cajun Navy 2016 Billy Bringear says they’ve got boots on the ground with chainsaws rescuing survivors from the mangled homes.

Cut 9 (07) “…destruction it did.”

Cajun Navy 2016 responders from Baton Rouge are in Lee County, which saw the heaviest impact from the tornado outbreak.  Bringear says efforts like this cost money, and any contributions people from Louisiana want to make to help can be done on the Cajun Navy 2016 Facebook page.

Cut 10 (05)“…do take donations.”

Bringear says it is an easy decision to help in times when others lose everything, which is relatable to many in Louisiana.

Cut 11 (12)   “…how people feel.”

_______________________________

Tax season is in full swing and that can mean tax refunds are on the way too. IRS Spokesperson Raphael Tulino says anyone curious about their return status, can check online, rather than calling the IRS…

Cut 12 (12)   “…different information.”

Taxpayers can expect their refund within 21 days after filing, but if three weeks pass, Tulino says feel free to call the federal agency…

Cut 13 (11) “…care of it.” 

Tulino says if you will not be able to file by the April 15^th deadline, you can apply for a six-month extension, but if you owe money…

Cut 14 (09)  “…will help you.” 

It’s the first week of March, but it feels more like January. Jeff Palermo has more on this artic blast…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

____________________________

Some felons who’ve been out of jail in Louisiana for at least five years have the right to vote as a result of a law that passed last year. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________________________

It’s a cold Lundi Gras and temperatures will fall into the low-to-mid 20s tomorrow morning across the northern parishes. National Weather Service forecaster Mario Valverde says we could see record low temperatures…

Cut 3 (11) “…little colder.”

Valverde says forecast lows along I-10 could also dip below freezing on the morning of Fat Tuesday. He says the wind will die down and clear skies will allow for below freezing temperatures for much of the state…

Cut 4 (06) “…of fall″

Valverde says the cold weather is the result of an arctic airmass that’s brought heavy snow to the Midwest and now into the northeast. He says this polar vortex is a reminder Spring officially doesn’t start for another two weeks…

Cut 5 (11)“…cold air”

____________________

The Louisiana Board of Regents will award grants to ten college campuses in an effort to reduce textbooks for students. Deputy Commissioner for Strategic Communication Meg Casper Sunstrom says the total amount distributed is $67,500.

Cut 6 (08) “…about 15,000 students.”

Nicholls and Grambling State were two four-year universities to receive the grant money, the rest of the dollars will go towards community college campuses. Casper Sunstrom says text book costs can sometimes be a factor in whether a student is successful in a course.

Cut 7 (12) “…for electronic textbooks.”

Sunstrom says they believe this effort could save more than one-million dollars over three years for 15-thousand students and they plan to track the results…

Cut 8 (11) “…the project continues.”

_______________________

An estimated 36,000 convicted felons who’ve been out of jail for at least five years can now register to vote thanks to a state law that went into effect March 1st. To register, an eligible felon must get a certification letter from Probation and Parole. Voters Organized to Educate Director Checo Yancy says it took five years of lobbying, but…

Cut 9 (09) “…a veteran”

Checo was released from Angola in 2003 after serving 20 years in prison.

The law re-enfranchising those Louisiana felons was passed in last year’s spring session. Yancy says you can’t really be a fully citizen of a nation if you don’t have the right to vote for your representatives.

Cut 10 (08)“…me.”

There’s been a national push to re-enfranchise felons, including an effort in Florida that overwhelmingly passed at the ballot last year.

Some initial estimates put the number of people eligible for the law at 2,000, but advocates say that number is much larger. Yancy says while tens of thousands of people may be newly eligible, they’re still working to get them back into the democratic process.

Cut 11 (11)   “…the polls.”

_______________________________

32-year-old Tashonty Taylor remains in jail on a 510-thousand dollar bond after New Orleans Police say he plowed into a group of bicyclists on Saturday night, killing two and injuring seven. Detectives suspect Toney was impaired and he’s facing counts of vehicular homicide and several other charges. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says Toney faces a lengthy prison sentence

Cut 12 (07)   “…each count.”

Toney reportedly told police he has a drinking problem. Ciolino says that alleged admission will not result in any leniency, if he’s convicted of the charges…

Cut 13 (08) “…right and wrong” 

And Ciolino doesn’t expect Toney to receive any favortism just because he’s the son of a New Orleans police officer. Ciolino predicts a sentence of 5 to 30 years…

Cut 14 (08)  “…pay your debt”

Matt Doyle talked to Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera about Senator John Kennedy’s concerns with the state’s new computer system that checks income eligibility for Medicaid.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________

U-S Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy have blocked two President Trump nominees to the U-S Department of Housing and Urban Development in the hopes it will lead to more money for 2016 flood victims. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________________________

Louisiana’s Senior Senator Bill Cassidy had an opportunity to question top executives of several pharmaceutical companies about rising prescription drug costs. During a Senate Finance hearing, Cassidy, who is a medical doctor, thanked them for their advancements in medicine, but he says some patients can not take advantage of it, because of the high cost..

Cut 3 (05) “…one concern”

Cassidy says Humira, which treats arthritis and Crohn’s Disease, is sold at an 80-percent discount in Denmark and the drug manufacturer still makes a profit.

Cut 4 (06) “…we are not″

Cassidy says there is acknowledgment from the pharmaceutical industry that there is a problem in prescription drug affordability, which is a good first step…

Cut 5 (06)“…that innovation”

_________________________________________________

Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera is confident the Medicaid program is headed in the right direction after the implementation of a new computer check system that verifies a person’s income automatically, instead of the old way that relied on self reporting. Purpera says on a whole the new system is a good start, but…

Cut 6 (11) “…in may”

On Tuesday, Senator John Kennedy criticized LDH, saying he did not trust the new computer system, or the people in charge of running it.

Kennedy says LDH has been uncooperative with the Auditor, a accusation Secretary Rebekah Gee disputes. Purpera says they have a good working relationship with the department, but occasionally there are disagreements.

Cut 7 (10) “…eligible.”

Purpera says the department has been receptive to his ideas, and cited the recent system wide income check that revealed thousands of ineligible enrollees as one example.

Senator Kennedy has called for Secretary Gee to be fired, citing the tens of millions of dollars spent on Medicaid recipients who were not income eligible. Purpera says an audit did reveal that a significant portion of the past Medicaid population may have been income eligible.

Cut 8 (06) “…income levels.”

Gee defended the department saying the funds were not wasted, and most of it was federal money.

_______________________

The old state capitol in Baton Rouge has opened a new, permanent exhibit celebrating the 25^th anniversary of the building’s restoration called “Castle on the River: The Evolution of Louisiana’s Old State Capitol.” It documents the building from its inception to the current function as a museum. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says the building’s storied history is chronicled in the exhibit.

Cut 9 (11) “…in 1862.”

Ardoin says the free exhibit will take those making the tour through some of the historical sections of the building.

Cut 10 (10)“…something for everybody.”

Ardoin says those that are interested in the architectural history and the structure of the building will also find themselves intrigued with the display.

Cut 11 (09)   “…everything for everybody.”

_______________________________

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins questioned President Trump’s former personal lawyer Michael Cohen, who said before the House Oversight committee that Trump is a racist, a conman and a cheat. Cohen has pleaded guilty to lying to Congress about a Moscow real estate project that Trump denies ever pursuing. Higgins, a former law enforcement officer, had this to say to Cohen…

Cut 12 (04)   “…many of them.”

During his opening statement, Cohen said at one time he was so mesmerized by Trump that he was willing to do things for him that he knew were absolutely wrong. The president employed Cohen for more than a decade. But Higgins suggested in his questioning that Cohen didn’t say anything today that damages Trump…

Cut 13 (14) “…today really” 

Higgins concluded his questioning with a statement on why Cohen was brought before Congress and he says it’s only to benefit the democrats who are looking to damage the president…

Cut 14 (08)  “…impeachment proceedings” 

Louisiana is one of the few states that automatically tried 17-year-old suspects as adults, but that changes Friday.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

____________________________

The condition of a Lake Charles dual national detained in Venezuela is being followed closely as that nation’s political crisis deepens. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________

Bayou Teche Brewing’s got some good news for fans of both Boudin and Beer. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

__________________________________

The Raise the Age Act passed in 2016 goes into effect Friday, which means 17-year-olds will no longer be criminally charged as adults for non-violent offenses.  Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights says the act is a big win, as the juvenile justice program has a lower rate for recidivism.  And Policy Director Rachel Gassert says in most cases you are not considered an adult until you turn 18.

Cut 4 (08) “…a lot of sense.”

Gassert says the juvenile system has special procedures for children, and one of the big advantages is that the parents become part of the process.

Cut 5 (12) “…of the process.”

Often the juvenile justice system faces challenges as it relates to capacity limits.  But Gassert says the system has been making changes that prepare for this change.  She adds that alternatives should be used for pretrial detention to free up space.

Cut 6 (09) “…achieve those goals.”

___________________________________________________

Louisiana political leaders are keeping a close eye on the developing situation in Venezuela, as Houston based Citgo, the American subsidiary of the country’s state own oil company, is responsible for the direct and indirect employment of thousands of Louisiana workers. Senator Bill Cassidy says of particular concern is the government’s yearlong detainment of a dual national, Tomeu Vadell, from Lake Charles.

Cut 7 (10) “…Citgo”

Venezuela is facing a political crisis as a coalition of nations of called for the resignation of current President Nicolas Maduro amid accusations of anti-democratic behavior.

The internationally backed opposition has also named their own acting President, potentially setting the scene for a violent confrontation. Cassidy says he’s been told if Maduro were to step down peacefully, intervention would not be needed, but if the government were to harm the Lake Charles native…

Cut 8 (10) “…war criminals.”

The opposition party in Venezuela has named a new board of directors for the American based Citgo, amid an international effort to seize control of the oil-rich nation’s assets from Maduro.

Cassidy says he’s working to maintain diplomatic contact with Vadell, even as the political situation in Venezuela deteriorates and grows more chaotic.

Cut 9 (12) “…brought up″

____________________________

Online dating is alive and well in many parts of the country, but there is bad news for those looking for love in the bayou state.  According to research conducted by ATTSavings.com, of all of fifty states and Washington DC, Louisiana ranks last for online dating.  Website spokesperson Alec Sears says it’s not all bad news for the state.

Cut 10 (09) “…brought that down.”

Sears says many factors came together to formulate the results.

Cut 11 (12) “…further extrapolations.”

The research showed the number one dating site in Louisiana is Plenty of Fish.  Sears says the state is doing okay in median earnings and unemployment, and ranked highly for those that were open to online dating, but saw several factors bring Louisiana to last place.

Cut 12 (06) “…the gender ratio.”

________________________

Acadiana based Bayou Teche Brewing has a definitively Cajun concoction on their hands with the creation of a breakfast stout brewed with boudin, coffee, and maple syrup. Brewery founder Karlos Knott says to his knowledge it’s the first time in the sausage’s over 200 year history that it’s been tossed into beer, and not just eaten alongside it, and taste like nothing you’ve sipped before…

Cut 13 (10) “…the hops.”

The sausage comes from Russell’s Grocery in Arnaudville.

Knott says like most good ideas, the plan started with a few drinks to get the team in the right frame of mind to think up their next great beer. The owner says they’ve been wanting to take on a breakfast stout, but do it with a bayou twist.

Cut 14 (10) “…came up.”

They don’t just brew up a stout, toss some sausage into the bottle and call it a day either. The boudin is introduced early in the process, during mashing, when the grains that will become your drink get converted to sugar.

Cut 15 (11) “there.”

The beer is available at the brewery’s Arnaudville location, on draft and in four packs. Knott says if the beer takes off locally, they’ll look to getting it sent out statewide.

____________________________

A llama is under the care of LSU Veterinary Clinic after being shot three times and it’s owner is facing a felony cruelty to animals charge.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

____________________________

Want to adopt a horse that’ll march in a famous Mardi Gras parade? Matt Doyle has more on a Louisiana Humane Society effort to save those horses from the slaughterhouse…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________________________

A 67-year-old Opelousas woman was arrested for allegedly shooting her llama after it attacked her.  St. Landry sheriff deputies responded to Madeline Bourgeois’ home to find the injured llama, named Earl, limping in the pasture. Major Eddie Thibodeaux says Bourgeois is now charged with aggravated animal cruelty.

Cut 3 (11) “…shot at him.”

Thibodeaux says the Bourgeois fired four shots at Earl, striking him three times, after the llama struck her with his front legs. He says Bourgeois was charged with animal cruelty, because she grabbed her gun after the attack was over…

Cut 4 (09) “…to animal.″

Thibodeaux says if Bourgeois felt that Earl was going to attack again, she should have taken a different approach to handling the situation.

Cut 5 (08)“…relocating the llama.”

St. Landry Animal Control & Rescue describes Earl as a trooper as his struggle to recover continues at LSU. Bullets were lodged in the animal’s neck, shoulder, and abdomen, causing a fractured rib.
_________________________________________________

The Humane Society is working to find homes for 16 horses that will march in this year’s carnival parades. It’s the third year of the program and has so far saved 32 horses from potentially being sent to slaughter. Humane Society of Louisiana CEO Jeff Dorson says these horses are brought in to accommodate equine demand during Mardi Gras.

Cut 6 (13) “…sale barns.”

The executive director says the practice likely dates back decades, or more.

Dorson says they’ve got photos, bios, information about each horses personality, and which parade they trotted in on a Facebook page, and if any of them catch your eye you can take a trip over to Cascade Stables…

Cut 7 (10) “…the process.”

The Facebook page is called Mardi Gras Parade Horse Adoption Program.

Dorson says the program has a 100-percent success rate so far, and adds last year a Baton Rouge woman adopted a horse that had a special connection to her family history.

Cut 8 (11) “…season.”

_______________________

Baton Rouge Police say a woman was attacked and assaulted after getting into a vehicle she had mistaken for being her rideshare driver in the Tigerland area. Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says the victim knew there was a problem after getting a notification that her real driver was one minute away after she got into the vehicle of her attacker…

Cut 9 (10) “…sexually assault her.”

McKneely says the woman began to put up a fight with the driver before making an exit while the vehicle was still in motion, then called for police assistance.  Police are looking for any sort of surveillance footage that may have captured the incident.

Cut 10 (10)“…dark colored sedan.”

McKneely advises when using rideshare, pay attention to the vehicle you are entering and if you find yourself in a bad spot, take action.

Cut 11 (10)   “…without injuring yourself.”

_______________________________

A massive fire has destroyed a three-story, 150-year-old mansion on St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans, but three people, including a 92-year-old woman escaped the blaze. New Orleans Fire Chief Tim McConnell says the six-alarm fire started just before eight A-M and it was out of control when the first firefighters arrived

Cut 12 (14)   “…got here”

The Rex parade which rolls on Mardi Gras day stops at this house for a toast every year. McConnell says it was one of the largest fires in New Orleans in many years and not easy to extinguish

Cut 13 (14)   that area” 

McConnell says investigators are trying to determine a cause and thankfully no one was injured…

Cut 14 (05)  getting out”

Louisiana’s Higher Ed Commissioner says additional anti-hazing reforms could be needed after the criminal investigation into the latest hazing case at LSU is completed. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________

24-7 sports ranks LSU football’s 2020 recruiting class as the best in the country after receiving a commitment from a four-star defensive end in Texas…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________________________

Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed is keeping a close eye on the criminal investigation into alleged hazing at the LSU’s Delta Kappa Epsilon chapter that has so far resulted in nine arrests. Reed says the Board of Regents will use details gleaned from that investigation to sure up the state’s anti-hazing policy.

Cut 3 (10) “…could do.”

Several of the nine students charged in the alleged hazing have been hit with battery charges. The Advocate reports the hazing involved beating pledges with pipe, dousing them with gas, and urinating on them, among other things.

Reed says it’s vital the Board of Regents gathers this new information, and uses it to craft additional policies that can be applied statewide.

Cut 4 (07) “…absolutely″

Last year the legislature passed harsher anti-hazing laws in the wake of the Max Grvuer’s 2017 death that allegedly resulted from hazing.

The Commissioner cautioned against demonizing all Greek organizations on state campuses, but says anti-hazing culture changes must involve with students in those groups.

Cut 5 (11)“…goes wrong.”

_________________________________________________

A Gonzales man has been arrested and charged with his 3^rd DWI following an overnight crash in Ascension Parish left one dead.  The head-on collision happened just before 11:30 last night when 28-year-old Greg Rivere was traveling eastbound on Highway 43.  Trooper Tayler Scrantz says for reasons still under investigation, Rivere crossed the center line, striking an oncoming vehicle.

Cut 6 (08) “…for minor injuries.”

Toxicology samples were taken from Rivere.  Scrantz says a 3^rd DWI can carry a severe punishment in Louisiana.

Cut 7 (04) “…in the state.”

Despite being buckled up, 30-year-old Daniel Cox of Prairieville was killed in the accident and Rivere’s passenger suffered injuries as well.  Scrantz says nearly half of the fatal crashes in the state involve inebriation and/or lack of proper restraints.

Cut 8 (07) “…driving while impaired.”

_______________________

LSU football’s 2020 recruiting class is rated number one by 247Sports. The Tigers have eleven verbal pledges, nine four-star commitments and the number one cornerback in high school, California’s Elias Ricks. 247Sports recruiting analyst Shea Dixon says the class features seven players from outside of Louisiana..

Cut 9 (10) “…the way.”

The four local commitments so far are receiver Kayshon Boutte from New Iberia, defensive tackle Jaquelin Joy from Baton Rouge, quarterback TJ Finley from Ponchatoula, and defensive tackle CamRon Jackson of Haynesville.

The Tigers unseated Saban’s Tide at the top after locking down four star Texas defensive end Alec Bryant. Dixon says it’s still early, but the LSU is certainly making an early statement in the Deep South recruiting arms race…

Cut 10 (10)“…right now”

LSU ended the 2019 recruiting season ranked 5^th in the nation.

The crown jewel of LSU’s 2020 haul is undoubtedly the number one corner in America, California raised, and Louisiana linked Elias Ricks. Dixon says after locking in Derek Stingley this year, stealing Ricks from the Golden State cements the team’s reputation as the new DBU.

Cut 11 (12)   “…a row.”

Ricks’ father is a Bayou State native who imparted a love of Purple and Gold on his son from an early age.

_______________________________

Heavy rainfall came down in north Louisiana this morning and Michael Berry with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says more downpours are expected today and in the overnight hours

Cut 12 (10)   “…east in the morning”

Berry says forecasters are also keeping their eye on the potential of severe weather on Saturday, a day full of Mardi Gras parades across the state

Cut 13 (11)    “isolated tornadoes”

Berry says there’s the potential some isolated areas we’ll see a couple of inches of rain by tomorrow afternoon and then there’s the potential for more heavy rainfall before the week ends

Cut 14 (10)  as well” 

New fundraising totals are in for the 2019 governor’s race and Governor Edwards has more money than his two Republican challengers combined. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

____________________________

Waitr is finding a new home in Downtown Lafayette and bringing with it 200 new jobs.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

_____________________________________________

The New Orleans shot comedy/horror slasher flick Happy Death Day 2U clears 27 million in worldwide box office receipts as Louisiana film tax credit advocates celebrate nearly two years since the program was reformed. Louisiana Entertainment’s Chris Stelly says the credit is proving it’s long-term viability.

Cut 3 (08) “…as well.”

The changes put a 180 million dollar cap on total yearly credits and required productions to justify their credited expenses.

The legislative session is now on the horizon, and every year there are calls for the credit to be revoked and the 180 million to be deposited back into the general fund. Stelly hopes the legislature maintains the program, which he says supports thousands of jobs that pay 60-65 thousand on average…

Cut 4 (10) “…residents.″

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has also credited the program with raising the state’s profile, increasing tourism numbers.

The bulk of those production jobs are clustered in New Orleans, but Stelly says the credit has incentivized new studios to pop up statewide, joining established enterprises already at work in the Crescent City.

Cut 5 (11)“…Shreveport.”

Happy Death Day to U2 had a budget of 9 million dollars.

_________________________________________________

The latest campaign finance numbers show Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards has more money in his warchest than his two Republican challengers combined. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says Edwards is in a good position heading into the October 12th election…

Cut 6 (10) “…important financiers.”

Edwards has eight-point-four million dollars in his bank account, while Eddie Rispone has five-point-five million and Ralph Abraham only has 350-thousand through the 2018 fundraising period. Stockley says it doesn’t appear many Republicans are ready to get behind Abraham

Cut 7 (12) “…among Republicans”

Rispone has raised only a half-a-million dollars and the other five-million dollars is his own money. Stockley says the poor fundraising totals by the two Republican candidates suggests Governor Edwards could be getting money from some G-O-P donors…

Cut 8 (09) “…is weak.”

_______________________

Food delivery service Waitr is seeing growth that will now result in 200 new jobs with an average annual salary of $55,000 in Acadiana. Waitr CEO Chris Meaux says over the next 18 months, the company will move into their new headquarters, the former Washington Life Building in the downtown area.

Cut 9 (12) “…center and headquarters.”

Waitr is now a publicly traded company and recently released it’s preliminary earnings last week with a full earnings report coming next month.  Meaux says the focus of the company in the last five years has been on growth.

Cut 10 (13)“…in 2018.”

Meaux says last year, the company did around $279 million in gross food sales for restaurants.

Cut 11 (10)   “…well as Waitr.”

_______________________________

A 14-year-old has been arrested for allegedly stabbing a woman and a dog at a home in Vivian last night. KTBS-TV is reporting the victim, Annette Moore, is the juvenile’s mother. Caddo Sheriff’s spokesperson Cindy Chadwick says the incident began when the victim and the 14-year-old were at home watching TV…

Cut 12 (11)   “…the dog”

The dog’s condition is unknown at this time.

After allegedly stabbing his mother and the family dog, Chadwick says the teenager stormed out of the house, and found transportation.

Cut 13 (10) “…locate him”

Chadwick says eventually the 14-year-old submitted to police after evading officers on the four wheeler and by foot for several hours.

Cut 14 (08)   to authorities”