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”

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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”  

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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”

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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.”

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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″

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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.”

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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.

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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”

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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”  

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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.
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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.”

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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.”

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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”

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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”  

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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”

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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”  

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

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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” 

Work begins on Wednesday to improve the Texas Street Bridge that connects downtown Shreveport to Bossier Parish. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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What will it take to end the hazing culture on college campuses?  Kevin Barnhart talks to HazingPrevention.org founder Tracy Maxwell to find out.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

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Matt Doyle talked with Congressman Garret Graves, who says the national emergency declaration will not impact Louisiana flood projects.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Drivers in the Shreveport-Bossier City area can expect intermittent lane closures for both the eastbound and westbound lanes of the Texas Street Bridge starting Wednesday.  OTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan says the bridge which is part of US 80 was built in the 1930s and is in need of rehabilitation.

Cut 4 (12) “…bridge as well.”

During the first phase of the $6.4 million dollar project, Buchanan says the outside lanes will be closed as the contractor brings in equipment.

Cut 5 (09) “…start on Wednesday.”

Buchanan warns drivers to expect delays in their commute for at least the next year as the project continues.

Cut 6 (10) “…option for you.”

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President Trump is taking up Senator Bill Cassidy’s plan to fund additional border wall construction using money seized from drug and cartel busts at the border. This comes as a national emergency has been declared to raise additional money for wall construction. Cassidy says his legislation is good public policy.

Cut 7 (08) “…our border.”

The President is seeking to raise 8 billion dollars for the wall, and 600 million of that reportedly comes from the Treasury’s Forfeiture Fund, with houses seized funds from illicit activities. Cassidy says his solution to the ongoing border wall funding battle is a long term fix that is self-funding…

Cut 8 (10) “…one step.”

The total value of the Forfeiture Fund is estimated to be over three billion dollars.

Cassidy says estimates show only 10 percent of drugs, illicit goods, and money that illegally crosses the border is seized. He says by investing in the wall, you’ll be able to grab more cash, and create a cycle that funds even more wall construction.

Cut 9 (09) “…we confiscate″

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The recent high profile hazing case that that resulted in the arrest of 9 LSU students from incidents in the Fall of 2018 has many wondering what it will take to end the hazing culture on college campuses.  Founder of HazingPrevention.org Tracy Maxwell says it is important to remember the elimination of hazing will take time.

Cut 10 (12) “…doesn’t change overnight.”

Maxwell says the swift action taken to address the situation is a step in the right direction.

Cut 11 (07) “…taking aggressive action.”

Maxwell says she used to think those that commit acts of hazing are horrible people but has since come to the conclusion that they were people who were hazed at an earlier time.

Cut 12 (08) “…repeat the cycle.”

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Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says Louisiana flood control and prevention project funding will not be effected by the President’s declaration of a national emergency. The declaration allows funds to be redirected from military construction projects towards building up the southern border wall. Graves says they convinced the White House to take money from other projects.

Cut 13 (11) “…these projects.”

3.6 billion of the reported eight billion dollars the President is seeking to pool for the wall will come from construction projects.

Graves says progress on projects like the Comite River Diversion and other vital flood protection efforts will proceed as usual despite the national emergency.

Cut 14 (12) “…with haste.”

Democrats say they will challenge the declaration in Congress, where a two thirds vote would be needed to clear a Presidential veto. Graves backs the national emergency declaration, saying the situation at the southern border needs to be addressed.

Cut 15 (11) “…a crisis.”

A series of legal challenges have also been prepared, and it is likely the declaration will spend a very long time in court.

The Bayou Country Superfest has announced its 2019 Lineup at a press conference today.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Nine LSU students have been booked on hazing charges. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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After a 2 year stint in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Bayou Country Superfest returns to Tiger Stadium for its tenth anniversary over Memorial Day weekend.  Festival Producer Quint Davis says this year’s lineup for the 2-day festival is the best yet, and is expected to draw fans from across North America.

Cut 3 (08) “…and Chase Rice.”

Goveror Edwards was on hand for the announcement of the lineup and says his calendar is marked for the festival.

Cut 4 (06) “…100%″

Edwards adds his favorite on the lineup is Kenny Chesney, who will be closing out Saturday night.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the festival has a huge economic impact on the area by filling hotels and restaurants and says it’s important for locals to get the word out to friends and family across the nation.

Cut 5 (05)“…in Baton Rouge.”

Tickets go on sale a week from today for the festival that features headliners, Kenny Chesny, Florida Georgia Line and Jason Aldean.

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A nine-year-old boy is dead and his 18-year-old cousin has been arrested in an incident that Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto says was a negligent, but accidental discharge of a firearm. Kamone Thomas has been charged with Negligent Homicide, Obstruction of Justice, and Possession of Marijuana. Lopinto says initially Thomas told investors his cousin had shot himself, but…

Cut 6 (11) “…himself.”

When confronted by the results from the coroner’s investigation of the shooting that indicated the nine-year-old could not have shot himself, Lopinto says Thomas admitted guilt and said it was an accident that began with some horseplay.

Cut 7 (11) “…fatal.”

Lopinto says Thomas then told deputies that he panicked and hid the gun, but has allegedly revealed the location.

The Sheriff says it’s a tragic accident that could have been avoided had the weapon been properly secured and kept out of the hands of a young child.

Cut 8 (10) “…negligence.”

Lopinto says authorities are confident the incident was not malicious, and was not sparked due to any conflict.

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LSU is confirming that nine members of the Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity have been arrested on Hazing charges. The activities are alleged to have taken place during the fall of 2018. The hazing charges are misdemeanors despite the passage of tougher anti-hazing laws last year. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says these student’s actions must not have met the criteria for harsher charges.

Cut 9 (10) “or death”

Under the Gruver Act, felonies can also be charged if a student is coerced into consuming booze that puts their blood alcohol level of at least .3.

Gruver Act does increase the range of groups that can be found liable in the case of a hazing incident. Meche says it’ll be interesting to see if Baton Rouge DA Hillar Moore uses the new law to broaden the scope of the case.

Cut 10 (12)“…dollars”

All nine student have been booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

The Gruver Act flew through the legislature last year, and was publicly championed by a number of state leaders like Governor Edwards, who said they wanted to send a message with the tougher hazing penalties. Meche says that puts the student’s defense at a notable disadvantage right from the start.

Cut 11 (08)   “…extra harsh.”

Four of the students are also facing Second Degree Cattery charges, and one is facing an additional charge of False Imprisonment.

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Pointe Coupee authorities are trying to determine who shot into a home in the town of Glynn killing a young woman sleeping on the couch. Sheriff Bud Torres says no lights were on at the time of the shooting…

Cut 12 (10)   “…killed her”

Torres says this early morning fatal shooting on Valentine’s Day is a heart breaking case for his detectives to work…

Cut 13 (08) “…no apparent reason”

Torres says the only other person in the home was the victim’s boyfriend…

Cut 14 (04)     later died” 

Small business optimism is at it’s lowest levels in over two years, and the National Federation of Independent Business has a good idea as to why…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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March food stamp benefits will arrive early for those who receive the government assistance…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

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The National Federation of Independent Business says their Small Businesses Optimism Index has slipped to it’s lowest levels since just before the 2016 presidential election, a notable drop off from recent record highs. State Director Dawn Starns says much of the recent drop off can be attributed to the last, and potentially upcoming, government shutdown.

Cut 3 (08) “…the future.”

Starns noted the 101.2 rating is still above the historical average of 98.

The NFIB state director also noted another issue tugging at optimism for small business owners was difficulty hiring qualified workers. Starns says 23 percent of members reported that as an issue.

Cut 4 (07) “…job openings″

15 percent of companies said taxes were their biggest concern, followed by 12 percent who said it was regulation and red tape.

Starns says overall compensation for workers in independent firms did increase in January, as just over a third of companies reported paying their workers more, or offering better benefits.

Cut 5 (06)“…compensation”

NFIB also reports that small businesses added .33 worker each on average for January, with 15 percent of companies adding an average of 3 workers a piece.

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Lafourche Parish Sheriff deputies arrested a 17-year-old in connection with the death of a 19-year-old who was fatally shot Sunday night when a bullet entered his mother’s home in Lockport. Jyairus Folse of Lockport was charged with the Second Degree Murder of Alton Adams of Bayou Blue.  Lt. Brennan Matherne says the suspect hasn’t disclosed to investigators a reason for the shooting.

Cut 6 (10) “…in this situation.”

Matherne says Folse has also been charged with 6 counts of attempted second-degree murder for each person in the home.

Cut 7 (06) “…inside the trailer.”

Matherne says the investigation shows that Adams was shot in the back.

Cut 8 (13) “…in this shooting.”

Bond has been set at $5 million.

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March food stamps will arrive early as  recipients should check their mailboxes for benefits on the first and second of the month, whereas SNAP traditionally arrives sometime between the first and 15^th. Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says the early delivery is to make up for the significant gap recipients faced due to the last government shutdown.

Cut 9 (09) “in January”

This comes as the nation awaits a decision by President Trump as to whether or not he will accept a Senate compromise on border wall funding, or reject the legislation and allow another shutdown to begin Friday. Walters says they’re keeping a close eye on the situation.

Cut 10 (10) “…guaranteed”

Walters says there’s an important reason why the benefits are being staggered over two days, and it’s to allow the most vulnerable populations access to groceries first.

Cut 11 (12)   “…the second.”

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Allegiant Air will begin non-stop service between Shreveport and the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport in Florida on May 17th. Shreveport Regional Airport Authority spokesperson Mark Crawford says fares start at 49-dollars each way and flights will operate on Mondays and Fridays…

Cut 12 (07)   “…in an hour and half”

The seasonal service is scheduled to run through Monday, September 2nd. Crawford says back in 2011 the non-defunct Vision Airlines offered non-stop service to Destin twice a week…

Cut 13 (10) “…with Vision Airlines”

Crawford says this new service to Destin-Fort Walton Beach is the eighth non-stop route offered from Shreveport…

Cut 14 (10)       49 dollars one way” 

Allegiant has flown out of the Shreveport Regional Airport for the last 13 years.

State health officials say we are seeing widespread flu cases as we approach the Carnival season.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Addicts in Tangipahoa Parish can now turn to a source of help they may not have expected… law enforcement.  Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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According to the Louisiana Department of Health, the flu is on the rise as almost 6% of doctor visits are for flu-like symptoms. LDH flu bug expert Dr. Frank Welch says the state has seen several small outbreaks in schools and nursing homes.

Cut 3 (07) “…as last year.”

Welch says the main strain going around is a very serious strain known as H1N1…

Cut 4 (04) “…more serious type.″

Welch says while there are a number of preventative measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of catching the flu, the best protection is to get the flu shot.

Cut 5 (10) “…from sick people.”

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The jaguar that escaped his cage at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans and killed nine other animals last summer is back on display after a half-year hiatus. Vice president of the Zoo Joel Hamilton says after the tragic breakout, they redesigned the exhibit to make it safer, and more appealing.

Cut 6 (11) “next step”

Valerio was born in San Diego in 2015, and moved to New Orleans in 2017.

The jag chewed through a fence in his enclosure and went on a killing spree back in July of 2018, before he was ultimately sedated by zoo employees. He’s been kept out of public view for some time, but Jaguar Jungle Curator Liz Wilson says the new showcase is perfect for the big cat.

Cut 7 (10) “…welfare”

Hamilton says Valerio is an important part of the zoos mission to educate the public about the rapidly disappearing population of wild jaguars and other large felines.

Cut 8 (08) “these animals”

Valerio killed five alpacas, an emu, and three foxes during the incident.

_______________________

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine gets 11 and a half million dollars in funding to launch the Center for Lung Biology and Disease. The center will work with researchers on LSU’s campus and others to develop new understandings and techniques for treating devastating lung diseases. LSU Associate Vice President for Research and Economic Development Dr. Gus Kousoulas.

Cut 9 (09) “…competitive.″

The five year grant comes courtesy of the National Institutes of Health.

Kousoulas says the grant is a big win for both the university, and may actually come with up to 16 million in direct funding, and more from total economic impact.

Cut 10 (06) “…here.”

The grant is renewable for two additional five year terms, for more than 32 million dollars in total funding.

Kousoulas says the state is swamped with lung disease issues, and further research into the biology of how the body reacts to initial infections and fights them off will be crucial to addressing those problems.

Cut 11 (09) “…disease.”

Kousoulas says the funding will help the school establish facilities that will make it eligible to receive millions more in from other institution’s grants in the future.

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Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards has announced the establishment of Operation Angel, a program where individuals suffering from addictions can turn to local law enforcement for help in getting to rehab.  It’s called Operation Angel, and Edwards says the program isn’t just limited to his agency.

Cut 12 (09)   “…go right away.”

For those that might be paranoid that it could be a trap, Edwards says part of the program is working with the permission of the DA’s office, and those in need of help need not fear legal ramifications.

Cut 13 (11) “…with a crime.”

The announcement of the program’s launch officially took place at 10am this morning at a press conference, but Edwards says they had someone reach out for help just before it got started.

Cut 14 (04) “…getting them there.”

Edwards says all of this is done by the faith-based community at no charge to the individual.

Senator Bill Cassidy files legislation to make drug cartels pay for a Southern border wall. Jeff Palermo has the story..

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Super Bowl ratings cratered last night in New Orleans as only a quarter of households bothered watching a game many Who Dats considered illegitimate…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Republican Senator Bill Cassidy files legislation that would take money seized from drug cartels and us it to pay for a southern border wall. Cassidy says instead of having Americans pay for the wall, let it be Mexican cartels

Cut 3 (11) “…buy guns”

Cassidy says the more they secure the border, the more illicit money they will capture. Congressional leaders have been debating for weeks on how to fund a border wall, Cassidy says this legislation could break the logjam…

Cut 4 (10) “way forward″

Another government shutdown is looming in a couple of weeks, if funding is not secured for a Southern border wall. He says the Department of Treasury Forfeiture Fund averages 842-million dollars annually and his proposal is to issue bonds in order to make billions of dollars for immediate improvements to border security…

Cut 5 (10) “…go forward”

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Who Dats turned off the Super Bowl in record numbers as boycott parties raged across New Orleans. The Nielsen rating for the New Orleans market was a 26.1. LSU Assistant Professor of Digital Advertising Jun Heo, says it’s a huge drop off from last year’s rating of 53.

Cut 6 (11) “…off”

Nielsen estimates about 165,872 households had the game on last night in the New Orleans market.

National ratings cratered during this year’s 13-3 snoozer that featured a widely panned half time performance and only six points through three quarters. The 44.9 national rating was the lowest in a decade, and Heo says local resentment likely played a part.

Cut 7 (10) “…about it” (2x)

It’s reportedly the lowest Nielsen ratings for a Super Bowl in New Orleans ever, and Heo says that’s likely cause for concern at the local CBS affiliates, and those who bought air time with them, who just a three weeks ago expected a huge television audience with the Black and Gold in the Super Bowl…

Cut 8 (08) “campaign”

It cost 5.2 million dollars to air a 30 second commercial nationally, and there were 92 ads run in total.

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For the second quarter of fiscal year 2019, the Louisiana Lottery has seen an uptick in contributions to the state treasury, transferring over $53.9 million towards K-12 public education in the state.  Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says that’s nearly a $10 million increase from this time last year.

Cut 9 (08) “…we had last year.″

Annison says the record-breaking Mega Millions jackpot from autumn had a big impact on the numbers.

Cut 10 (08) “…was huge for us.”

Annison says the year-to-date contributions of $94.6 million have exceeded what the Louisiana Lottery had budgeted and expected to give to the state by $16.8 million.

Cut 11 (09) “…a lot more.”

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The Baton Rouge area saw three separate fatal motorcycle wrecks in a span of less than 24 hours, including one involving an on-duty police officer. Motorcycle Awareness Campaign spokesperson Scotty Drake says motorcyclists need motorists to be actively aware and watching for those on two wheels.

Cut 12 (07)   “…not the motorcyclist.”

Drake says the death of the law enforcement officer is another reminder that motorists need to be more aware of motorcycles.  Cpl. Shane Toddy of the Baton Rouge Police Department was killed Friday after colliding with a pickup truck while riding with a funeral procession.

Cut 13 (10) “…then this.”

Drake says motorcyclists are often doing the best they can to be noticed when sharing the roadways, as well using their training to keep an eye out for those not looking for them.

Cut 14 (12) “…just see us.”

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The first batch of medical pot from GB Sciences and the LSU AgCenter has passed muster, and the program is set to begin full scale production soon…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Patients at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital in Baton Rouge have new television programming to watch with the introduction of the San Diego Zoo Kids Channel.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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A Shreveport woman received a 30 day prison sentence after she allowed her kids to play hooky from school for over a year.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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It’s been a long road for medical marijuana in Louisiana, but LSU AgCenter Dean of Agriculture Dr. Bill Richardson says the first batch of medical marijuana grown by GB Sciences and the AgCenter has passed testing. Advocates have voiced displeasure with a series of delays to the release date, but Richardson says it’s an extensive safety process that cannot be rushed.

Cut 4 (11) “…anticipated.”

The AgCenter and GB Sciences are partners in the effort to develop the treatment.

Last week ,reports mentioned the product would be ready available for those with a prescription by summer, but Richardson says he can’t commit to that date just yet.

Cut 5 (09) “…we hope.”

Despite passing, GB Sciences says they are waiting until they have a steady stream of product before they release it to the 10 pharmacies that have been licensed for sale.

The first medical marijuana legislation legalization law passed in 2015, and Richardson says he understands why advocates are frustrated with the long process, but says they will not allow a faulty product to be released to the public.

Cut 6 (10) “….asked for”

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Patients at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital in Baton Rouge have new television programming to watch with the introduction of the San Diego Zoo Kids Channel.  It’s a closed circuit TV adventure channel that offers family friendly, animal oriented content that’s both entertaining and educational.  Spokesperson for the Zoo, Debra Erickson, says the feedback from viewers is positive, adding parents say it gives families hope.

Cut 7 (09) “…and normal life.”

The channel is currently available in 203 facilities, 39 states and DC, and 8 different countries, including children’s hospital in New Orleans.  The channel has also filmed content at the Baton Rouge Zoo with animals native to the Bayou state.

Cut 8 (10) “…next few weeks.”

The partnership between the channel and the hospital was made possible with the help of the Baton Rouge Zoo, who will now be bring animals by the hospital.

Cut 9 (09) “…a regular basis.″

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The Atlanta Super Bowl is in the books, and it’s only five years until the big game makes it’s return visit to the big easy. New Orleans has hosted 10 so far, tied with Miami for the most. Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation CEO Jay Cicero says it’s a half decade away but they’re already preparing…

Cut 10 (08) “…2024”

The last New Orleans Super Bowl was in 2013, where the power infamous died during the Ravens triumph over the 49ers. Beyonce also played the halftime show.

Technology will likely be a bit different in five years, but Cicero says the fundamentals of hosting tens of thousands of football’s biggest fans won’t change…

Cut 11 (11) “….opportunities”

But 2024 is a ways away, and New ORleans will play host to quite a few major sporting events between now and then.

Cut 12 (11) “…final four”

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A Shreveport mom pleads guilty to improper supervision after authorities learned she allowed her kids to play hooky from school.  Caddo Parish Chief Deputy District Attorney Wilbert Pryor says 35 year old Fathimah Slack’s 13 and 14 year-old children missed over a year and a half of school.

Cut 13 (10) “…of 2018.”

Slack was arrested in November.  Pryor says she was living a questionable lifestyle.

Cut 14 (12) “…some strip clubs.”

Slack was sentenced to 30 days behind bars, the maximum sentence for the crime, but received credit for time served and is now out of prison.  Pryor says the children are in the custody of a family member and attending school, trying to catch up with their classmates…

Cut 15 (07) “…should be in.”

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