The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear a challenge from a Louisiana man who was convicted in 2016 by a non-unanimous jury verdict for the murder of a New Orleans woman. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________

A state audit shows LSU improperly compensated a faculty member with the School of Veterinary Medicine.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

_____________________________________________

A state lawmaker who championed having the right to vote restored to felons now wants those same individuals serve jury duty with a bill pre-filed for the upcoming legislative session.  About 36,000 former felons were granted the right to vote as of March 1. But Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says these individuals are not allowed to serve on a jury.

Cut 3 (06) “…in the law”

James says it’s important to see returning citizens reintegrated on a full scale.  He adds jury duty is an obligation, and often, there are not diverse juries.

Cut 4 (08) “…in my opinion.″

James says much like voting rights, jury pool eligibility isn’t restored as soon as the cell door opens and someone is released into society.

Cut 5 (10)  “…of our society.”
____________________

LSU opens their NCAA Tournament run Thursday against Yale, and the American Gaming Association says 47 million American adults will place a bet on this year’s contest either by filling out a bracket or putting down money on a specific game. CEO Bill Miller says 8.5 billion in bets will be placed by the end of the tournament.

Cut 6 (08) “…championship game.”

The Bayou Bengals are eight-point favorites to beat the Bulldogs.

The vast majority of those participating in NCAA Tourney wagers, about 40 million, will be folks filling out brackets, hoping to predict the outcome of all 63 games, starting with tomorrow’s First Four. Miller says 147 million brackets will be filled out.

Cut 7 (08) “…and more.”

Vegas does not expect the Tigers to challenge for an NCAA title, giving them 50-1 odds.

Despite seven new states approving legal sports betting last year, the black market is still projected to be the biggest recipient of funds, as only 4.1 million bettors are expected to place a legal wager. Miller says they hope the 27 states, including Louisiana, that are reportedly considering legalizing sports gaming will join the growing number.

Cut 8 (12) “…provides”

Louisiana’s easterly neighbor, Mississippi has legalized sports betting, something that has Bayou State casinos concerned.

_____________________

The US Supreme Court will consider overturning a Louisiana man’s 2016 non-unanimous jury conviction in a murder case. Last year the Bayou State voters approved a constitutional amendment requiring unanimous convictions in all felony cases, but the law is not retroactive. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino.

Cut 9 (10) “…the state”

43-year-old Evangelisto Ramos was convicted of Second Degree Murder on a 10-2 in the death of New Orleans woman, who’s body was found in a garbage can in 2014.

If Ramos’ conviction is overturned, then all current cases being tried, along with those being appealed, would be subject to the new requirement. Ciolino says that impact would be felt immediately in the appeal of one high profile case, the shooting death of former NFL running back Joe McKnight by Ronald Gasser.

Cut 10 (10)“…gasser.”

Louisiana’s unanimous juries law only applied to crimes committed in 2019 and beyond.

Ciolino says previous federal challenges to non-unanimous convictions were declined, and so if Ramos’ conviction is overturned, Ciolino says the state will face a major unanswered question about cases that go back decades involving those non-unanimous convictions…

Cut 11 (07)   “…the pipe”

The US Supreme Court last ruled on the issue in 1972, where it upheld the legality of state non-unanimous jury laws.

___________________________

The state Legislative Auditor’s office releases a report that shows LSU paid a faculty member over 400-thousand dollars in salary and benefits for nearly three years, even though that person admitting to not performing work for the university during that time. State auditor Barrett Hunter says the School of Veterinary Medicine did not take sufficient action to address the employee’s lack of performance…

Cut 12 (10) “…anything like that.”

The audit showed the employee was having performance issues, not showing up for work and management didn’t take appropriate action to handle the issue.  Hunter says according to LSU’s audit, even the employee acknowledge he was undeserving of his pay.

Cut 13 (08) “…deserve the pay.”

Hunter says there is a chance that the employee could face legal ramifications for the payment.

Cut 14 (12) “…in recouping it.”

LSU has responded saying the School of Veterinary Medicine has inserted safeguards to ensure nothing like this will occur again.

Who owns all of the pictures, posts and private messages you put on Facebook? Well, right now it’s not you, it’s Facebook, but one Senator has legislation that would change that. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________

LSU basketball is a three-seed in the East Regional of the NCAA Tournament and the Tigers will play Ivy on Thursday in Jacksonville. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

___________________________________

New Orleans is hosting a Republican Governor’s Association fundraiser today as the group seeks to raise money to take out the only Democratic governor in the Deep South.

Cut 3 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

__________________________________

Of the 181 LSU Health New Orleans graduating medical students participating in the National Resident Match Program, 81 chose to remain in Louisiana to complete their medical training. LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans Dean, Dr. Steve Nelson, says many are also choosing to continue with LSU Health New Orleans…

Cut 4 (04) “…and our school.”

Last year, only 46% or medical students stayed in state, with three-quarters of those continuing at LSU. Nelson says the National Resident Match Program is very competitive in luring in the promising new talent.

Cut 5 (11) “…to recruit them.”

Nelson says several factors contribute to the rise and he says it may continue into the future.

Cut 6 (05) “…in our funding.”

___________________________________________________

Senator John Kennedy is introducing legislation that seeks to give social media users legal control of content they post to social media. Currently all photos, private messages, posts, and other interactions are owned by network you post them too, which gives companies the right to sell it advertisers. Kennedy says it’s time to make that process more transparent.

Cut 7 (08) “…my data”

The legislation would also allow users to opt out of a tech companies ability to sell your data and information to other businesses, which is the cornerstone of how companies like Google and Facebook make money.

Kennedy says people are growing increasingly distrustful of social media and other tech companies, due to how secretive they’ve been about their data collection efforts. The Senator says this would force the companies to note exactly what personal data is being sold, and to which companies.

Cut 8 (09) “that data.”

The Senator says the bill would also significantly reduce the length and complexity of the dreaded “user agreements” that most people never read. He says they’d be legally required to write them in simple terms, with a 400 word limit.

Cut 9 (07) “…single spaced″

He’s co-sponsoring another piece of social media targeted legislation with Democratic presidential candidate Senator Amy Klobachar

__________________________

The LSU men’s basketball team is a three-seed in the East Regional of the NCAA Tournament and the Tigers will play the Yale Bulldogs on Thursday in Jacksonville. For the third time in the last five years, Yale won the Ivy League Tournament and they are led by junior guard Miye Oni, who is averaging 18 points a game. LSU interim head coach Tony Benford

Cut 10 (12) “…push the ball”

2015 was the last time LSU was in the NCAA Tournament. They only have one player on the roster who has been in the Big Dance and that’s Kavell Bigy-Williams, who formerly played at Oregon. Benford says it’s a great thrill to play in the NCAA Tourney

Cut 11 (12) “NCAA Tournament.”

It doesn’t appear suspended head coach Will Wade will return to the team before they leave for Jacksonville on Tuesday. Benford says he spoke with Wade after the brackets were released…

Cut 12 (12) “…on Thursday.”

Tip time is set for 11:40 AM on Thursday.

______________________________

The Republican Governor’s Association is throwing a fundraiser in New Orleans today, trying to build up steam to take out the only Democratic governor in an SEC state. But political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the big money raised today will likely not end up in one of the Republican candidate’s account anytime soon…

Cut 13 (11) “…a while.”

Congressman Ralph Abraham and Businessman Eddie Rispone are the only two Republicans challenging Governor John Bel Edwards, so far.

But Pinsonat says that tip jar cash certainly won’t go unspent for long, and Louisianans should prepare to start seeing an increasing number of anti-Edwards ads in rotation while Republicans figure out which of their two candidates will be the standard bearer.

Cut 14 (10) “…Edwards.”

Edwards will be the top target for Republicans in the fall, and Pinsonat says that means they’ll be calling in the big guns, including the Commander in Chief. Pinsonat says when Trump shows up, expect a six to seven point surge in the polls for his chosen Republican candidate.

Cut 15 (09) “…won.”

Edwards has previously spoken of his cordial relationship with the President, who reportedly called the governor one of his favorite Democrats.

___________________________________________

The 10th ranked LSU baseball team started SEC play by sweeping Kentucky in a three-game series. The Tigers completed the sweep with a  7-2 win. Senior third baseman Chris Reid had a two-run signal and he says starting fast in conference play is a confidence booster…

Cut 16  (15) “phenomenal job” 

LSU’s pitching had its ups and downs prior to the start of conference play. But Tigers hitting coach Sean Ochinko says they threw strikes against the Wildcats…

 cut 17 (23)   “great job” 

Ochinko handled the postgame media duties for Paul Mainieri, who left right after Sunday’s game for his father’s visitation. Demie Mainieri will be buried today. Ochinko says the players wanted to provide Mainieri with some comfort…

Cut 18 (21)  really helps” 

26 million dollars in duplicate state tax refunds were sent out on Tuesday, and the state is scrambling to get the cash back. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________

Could the death penalty be abolished in Louisiana?  If a bill being introduced by a Baton Rouge Republican gets signed into law that could be the case.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

_____________________________________________

26 million dollars in duplicate state tax refunds were electronically sent out to 66,700 Louisianans on Tuesday, March 12th as a result of a computer malfunction. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says if you got a duplicate return, don’t spend it.

Cut 3 (10) “..outset”

Dardenne says at this point they still aren’t sure exactly what caused the malfunction that triggered the duplicate returns, but they’ve put some changes in place that should catch it before it can happen again.

Cut 4 (08) “.again″

If you’ve already spent some of that money, Dardenne says you need to know that you won’t get to keep it. He says the state will be recouping every erroneous dollar that was sent out, and If you’ve already blown through some of that money…

Cut 5 (12)  paid back”

____________________

A bill to abolish the death penalty in Louisiana will soon be filed as the debate about capital punishment continues on the national level. Baton Rouge Senator Dan Claitor says believes the death penalty cheapens life in society, adding there are errors that occur, as well as a list of other issues.

Cut 6 (08) “…that it’s immoral.”

Claitor, a Republican from Baton Rouge, is working with Rep. Terry Landry, a Democrat from Acadiana on pushing the bill forward.  Claitor says victims’ families will get to be a part of the discussion as the bill is pushed forward.

Cut 7 (11) “…favor of it.”

Claitor says if this bill passes, it will not affect the over 70 people currently on death row in Louisiana.

Cut 8 (09) “…forward looking bill.”

This is not the first time this legislation has been introduced, but Claitor says he’ll keep trying even if not successful in this session.

_____________________

12 US Senate Republicans voted against the President’s national emergency declaration that would allow him to access billions in construction dollars to build additional physical border wall. Senator John Kennedy was not among the 12, and says history shows the President’s move is quite legal.

Cut 9 (12) “…power”

The final tally in the Senate was 59-41.

The 12 Republican Senators voiced concerns about executive overreach, and the potential for the declaration to be a template for future Democratic presidents. Kennedy says he sympathizes with that concern.

Cut 10 (11)“…mistake.”

Most of the Republicans who voted against the declaration, like Marco Rubio, Susan Collins, and newly elected Mitt Romney, are considered to be from the center-right of the party.

The Senator says he shares his colleagues concern about the power of the executive branch, but says that not what this vote was supposed to be about. Kennedy predicts this incident will inspire an effort to prevent future similar uses of national emergencies.

Cut 11 (09)   “…Act”

The President issued his first veto overruling the Congressional action, and it appears highly likely that veto will be overturned as Congress would need a 2/3rds vote to overturn it.

___________________________

A Department of Corrections investigation has resulted in multiple arrests and resignations at Angola since the investigation began last Friday. Department spokesperson Ken Pastorick says the accused employees are facing a wide ran allegations.

Cut 12 (11) “…into the facility.”

Of those involved in the investigation, six were sergeants and one was a nurse. Pastorick says more arrests are expected as the investigation continues.

Cut 13 (07) “…with charges pending.”

Pastorick says the department will continue to crack down on those who choose to betray the public’s trust.

Cut 14 (09) “…our public safe.”

_____________________________

The LSU Tigers stay in the SEC Tournament didn’t last long as Florida nailed a three-pointer in the last second to upset the Bayou Bengals 76-73. LSU led for most of the game, until interim head coach Tony Benford was hit with a technical foul with 3:45 left in regulation as he questioned whether a three-pointer by Florida should have counted….

Should local governments be allowed to lower homestead exemption rates to pay for local projects? One Baton Rouge lawmaker thinks so…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________

Louisiana claims eleven straight months of job gains, adding 11,400 jobs from January of 2018 to January 2019. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________________________

It doesn’t appear LSU basketball coach Will Wade’s suspension will be lifted anytime soon. Interim Head Coach Tony Benford was asked on today’s SEC coaches teleconference about whether he’ll continue directing the program…

Cut 3 (11) “…the tournament.”

LSU’s first SEC Tournament game is Friday. University officials say they suspended Wade after he refused to provide any clarity about the recent reports that suggest he arranged payments to a recruit believed to be freshman guard Javonte Smart. Benford says he expects to hear about Smart’s status tomorrow and freshman big man Naz Reid should be ready to play after sitting out Saturday, because of injuries

Cut 4 (11) “…his situation″

Benford was asked if Wade’s suspension could be a rallying point. He says the team has already been through a lot, starting with the murder of Wayde Sims right before the season started. He says the players have formed a brotherhood…

Cut 5 (11)“…need to”

____________________

Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter is bringing a constitutional amendment in the upcoming session that asks voters whether local governments should have the authority to lower the homestead exemption. Carter says it would give locals a new way to fund vital projects.

Cut 6 (09) “…for.”

For most homeowners, the exemption means homeowners do not pay taxes on the first 75,000 dollars of their property value.

Carter says passing this would mean locals would no longer have to beg at the Capitol to get construction funds.

Cut 7 (07) “…money”

Independent analysis shows local governments in Louisiana have less control of their finances compared to other southern states.

The amendment would first require two thirds support in the legislature to make it onto the fall ballot, where it would then need to be approved by a majority of voters. Carter says at that point, local voters would still have a final say on homestead exemption rates in their own back yards…

Cut 8 (10) “…do it.”

_______________________

Studies have shown with the Monday following a time change comes an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and traffic accidents. State Police Sgt. Melissa Matey says when the time changes, tere is a difference in lighting and it can pose problems…

Cut 9 (12) “…your visual field.”

Matey says the lack of sleep can negatively impact driving habits, adding there is an uptick in distracted driving following time change.

Cut 10 (09)“…can turn disastrous.”

Matey says it is important for drivers to maintain heightened awareness for pedestrians at this time as well.

Cut 11 (10)   “…in your neighborhood.”

_______________________________

Louisiana has now seen eleven straight months of jobs gains, with the state adding 10,200 jobs from January 2018 to 2019. But it’s really a tale of two regions, with the southeast being the state’s job engine behind New Orleans’ 11,400 jobs added year to year. Workforce Commission chief economist Ali Bustamante says that’s due to healthcare, education, and…

Cut 12 (08)   “…statewide”

Louisiana added 2,100 jobs from December 2018 to January 2019.
Other south Louisiana markets like Lafayette also performed well, but those gains in the south are not being duplicated in northern markets like Shreveport, Alexandria, and Monroe, who’ve lost a combined 2,200 jobs year to year. Bustamante says that’s because the north is known for it’s production…

Cut 13 (10) “…once were” 

It was a disappointing jobs report nationwide, with gains slowing to their slowest rate in months, but Bustamante says the Bayou State has managed to buck that trend…

Cut 14 (11)  “…statewide.” 

Bustamante highlighted the fact that 9,500 of the new jobs added were in the private sector.

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”