A brutal murder in Baton Rouge has one man behind bars today. Jim Shannon reports

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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One New Orleans Democrat wants to make sure a lucky streak doesn’t get you tossed out of casinos. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Baton Rouge police have arrested 49 year old Eric Augustus on 1^st degree murder charges of his girlfriend Lovie Variste age 76. Augustus had been living with Variste at the time of her death. Police spokesman Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says Augustus was told to kill his girlfriend.

Cut 3 (09) “to kill”

Police say Augustus then allegedly went after her.

Cut 4 (07) “the home”

Strangely enough it was Augustus that ultimately called for help.

Cut 5  (09) “was having”.

Augustus is being held without a bond. Police say the victim died yesterday afternoon of blunt trauma to the head.

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The first woman will be inducted into the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction as 96-year-old Margie Jenkins will receive that honor tonight in  a ceremony hosted by the Louisiana Radio Network. Governor John Bel Edwards says the Jenkins Farm and Nursery in Amite has been a staple in Tangipahoa Parish since 1960….

Cut 6 (09)  “recognizing her”

Jenkins career in agriculture spans 80 years. She and her late husband, Bryant, moved to Tangipahoa Parish in 1951 and planted a small watermelon field. The following year the couple started a dairy farm and they also had success in the timber industry. Edwards says Ms Margie remains very busy to this day….

Cut 7 (08)  “works hard”

Jenkins is recognized nationwide as one of the most knowledgeable experts on the cultivation of rare, unusual and native landscaping plants. She has spoke across the country on the topic. Edwards says it’s a long overdue honor for Ms. Margie…

Cut 8 (09) “over the years”

New Orleans native Pete Lanaux will also be inducted posthumously. He’s known as one of the state’s most successful sugarcane growers, farming on 900 acres in St. John the Baptist Parish.

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A 14-year-old girl from Jonesville faces a charge of terrorizing after she allegedly left a threatening note at Block High School in Catahoula Parish.  State Police Trooper Scott Moreau

Cut 9 (11) “last night.”

KNOE-TV reports the teenager left a note with a list of names and that something would happen during a scheduled assembly at 12:30. The school was evacuated when the note was found and Moreau says their detectives quickly responded…

Cut 10 (08) “terrorizing”

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A 2 year old Shih tzu was found lying in a flower bed in St. Charles Parish suffering from chemical burns to his body. The dog was unable to open its eyes and faces a long, slow and painful recovery. PETA spokesperson Kearney Whelan Robinson says they are offering a 5,000-dollar reward for information that leads to an arrest…

Cut 11 (09) “gets hurt.”

Robinson says this person may be a violent person to begin with and more than just animals may be at risk while the offender remains on the loose…

Cut 12 (09)   “the FBI.”

Anyone with information is urged to call the Metairie Humane Shelter or their nearest law enforcement agency.

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A bill requiring the motto “In God We Trust” to be displayed in public schools passed the Senate Education Committee. The legislation by Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow mirrors efforts in several other southern states to have the motto displayed prominently inpublic schools. Barrow says young people are suffering from a lack of proper values.

Cut 13 (07) “school system”

Barrow says the legislation was inspired by a meeting with the governor, where the talk turned to how to best prepare children for the adult world.

Cut 14 (07) “prayer breakfast”

Barrow says many kids are not taught proper morals, values, and beliefs by their parents, so public schools should fill that void.

Cut 15 (09) “at home”

The bill also says students should be instructed on what “In God Trust” means, but no clarification was provided on what the content of that instruction would be.

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Governor John Bel Edwards indicates he would likely sign legislation that prohibits an abortion after 15 weeks from the start of pregnancy. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A bill that would penalize drivers who push wakes into people’s homes during a flood has advanced to the Senate floor. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Now that the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans are no longer owned by the late Tom Benson, what will happen to the teams? Kelley Ray says they’re staying.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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The Trump administration billed Wednesday’s offshore oil lease sale in the Gulf of the Mexico as the biggest in U.S. history.  It resulted in 33 companies making 125-million dollars in bids on 148 offshore tracts. That’s a small increase from a lease sale in August. Tulane Energy Institute Associate Director Eric Smith…

Cut 4  (05) “high bids” 

It’s the first sale since 1983 to put the entire gulf up for sale.

Smith says the sale could be a boost to companies who tailor to offshore drilling work.

Cut 5  (09)  “little bit”

Smith says Wednesday’s lease sale was a small step towards ramping up production in the Gulf of Mexico, but oil production is still way down from where it was four years ago.

Cut 6 (10) “serious drop.”

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Louisiana State Penitentiary investigators arrested four female Angola prison officers, as part of an effort to crack down against drug smuggling and inappropriate behavior with inmates. Department of Corrections Spokesman Ken Pastorick….

Cut 7 (08)  “offender’s relatives.”

Pastorick says investigators discovered drugs and a large amount of cash in one employee’s vehicle, while another admitted to having sex with an inmate. He says the actions of the four female prison guards arrested do not represent the rest of the Department’s employees…

Cut 8 (09)  “at risk.”

A fifth officer was fired and another was placed on administrative leave. Pastorick says the investigation continues and more arrests are possible. He says it’s sad that those who are paid to protect criminals from the public, end up on the wrong side of the law…

Cut 9 08)  “them fired.”

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Senator Dan Claitor’s bill that would make it a crime to generate wakes that damage property while driving a vehicle through flooded streets has passed through committee and is on its way to the Senate floor. The Baton Rouge Republican says he was moved to write the bill, after hearing horror stories from his constituents about reckless drivers during the 2016 floods.

Cut 10 (08) “to save.”

Claitor was questioned about whether the driver’s intent should matter, but the Senator says it’s just like reckless drivers behind the wheel of a car.

Cut 11 (08) “the road”

Claitor says at this point, there’s no way drivers can play dumb about the impact of crashing through flooded streets in jacked up trucks.

Cut 12 (08) “jury convictions”

Drivers could be assessed a 175 dollar fine and up to 30 days in jail for a first time offense.

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Governor John Bel Edwards says if a bill banning abortion after 15 weeks ends up on his desk he’ll likely sign it. Edwards made the comments during his monthly call-in radio show, “Ask the Governor”….

Cut 13 (08)  “my desk.”

Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant just signed a 15-week abortion ban and a similar bill is waiting to be discussed in the Louisiana Senate. Edwards says his pro-life stance results in him backing legislation that’s supported by conservatives and that same belief also has him backing issues supported by liberals…

Cut 14 (08) “pro life”

The Center for Reproductive Rights plans to lobby against the Senate bill calling for a ban on abortions after 15 weeks. State legislative counsel Shivana Jorawar says politicians shouldn’t be making important health decisions for women…

Cut 15 (06) “own health”

A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction against Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban, which means it can’t go into effect yet. Jorawar predicts legal challenges, if the governor signs a similar law…

Cut 16 (09) “deserve that”

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A team official says the Saints and Pelicans are committed to Louisiana and the city of New Orleans. With Tom Benson’s death, there are questions surrounding the fate of both teams in one of the smallest sports markets in the country. Saints and Pels President Dennis Lauscha says he and Benson’s widow, Gayle, are both committed to keeping the teams in New Orleans…

Cut 17 (14) “New Orleans.”

Lauscha says the late Tom Benson and now Gayle Benson have been pleased with the support fans have given both teams since owning the Saints starting in 1985 and the Pels in 2012…

Cut 18 (17)  “basketball court.”

The annual NFL owners meeting are next week in Orlando, Florida. Lauscha says, even though she’s grieving, Gayle Benson will attend…

Cut 19 (11) “to do.” 

Some redemption today for the parents of Max Gruver as they testified in front of a House committee looking to put more teeth in the state’s hazing law. Jim Shannon has more from the capitol.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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A site has been selected to relocate the residents of Isle de Jean Charles off of their island that’s vanishing because of coastal erosion. Matt Doyle has more..

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The House Criminal Justice passed the Max Gruver Act without objection today which will make hazing a felony crime in Louisiana. Gruver died following an alleged hazing incident one month into his first semester at LSU. Parents Rae Ann and Steven Gruver both tearfully laid out their son’s final hours before the committee asking them to pass this law which may have saved their son.

Cut 3 (16) “fly high max”

The bill heads to the House floor. Fighting back tears, Rae Ann, emphasized how this death has affected her family.

Cut 4  (10) “is broken”

Steven Gruver talked about meeting with other parents of kids who have perished from hazing.

Cut 5  (09) “ya’lls support”.

Brooke McCulley was Max’s friend and she testified how difficult it was for her because she says when you know someone who dies from hazing its different.

Cut 6 (08)  “as such.”

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Today, thousands of young persons are joining nationwide for the 23^rd annual Kick Butts Day, sponsored by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. Health advocates are calling on elected officials to implement proven strategies that help bring a young generation tobacco-free. Anti-tobacco advocate Carlos Vela says the tobacco companies are working hard to trying to get youngsters addicted to a deadly habit…

Cut 7 (07)  “every hour.”

One recent development in the tobacco industry is proving deadly, E-Cigarettes or electronic cigarettes. Vela says youth are constantly bombarded with pressure from tobacco companies and advertising agencies…

Cut 8 (13) “a stand.”

Director of Youth Advocacy Gustavo Torres says the best plan to stop anyone from smoking is just don’t start. That’s why it’s important to begin talking to young persons as soon as they are able to comprehend what smoking is…

Cut 9 (06) “for life.”

The national youth smoking rate is a record low 8-percent.  In Louisiana, i’ts up to 12-percent.  Kickbuttday.org has more information about events going on in Louisiana today.

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Public visitation for departed Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson is underway at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. Mourners can pay their last respects until 7pm today and 8am to 1pm tomorrow, with a private funeral ceremony on Friday at noon. Archbishop of New Orleans Gregory Aymond says it’s a last opportunity for fans to pay their respects to a man who meant a lot to the city.

Cut 10 (08) “could do”

Benson, a devout Catholic, talked often with the Archbishop Aymond….

Cut 11 (10) “a Christian”

Aymond says Benson didn’t have it easy growing up, but was able to work his way to the top, becoming the richest man in Louisiana.

Cut 12 (11)   “he did”

Benson had an estimated net worth of 2.5 billion dollars.

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A site has been selected for the residents of Isle de Jean Charles to relocate. They  currently live on a tiny, sinking island along the state’s coast, which is at risk of being crushed by a major hurricane. In response, HUD awarded the community a 48.3 million dollar resettlement package. Louisiana Office of Community Development Executive Director Pat Forbes says it’s been a slow motion disaster.

Cut 13 (12) “90 percent”

11.7 million of the resettlement dollars are going to the development of a new community in northern Terrebonne Parish for the residents of Isle de Jean Charles. Forbes says most of the 80 residents are ready to leave, but he understands why some are still holding out.

Cut 14 (11) “to move.”

After relocating, residents will still have access to their Isle de Jean Charles property, as long as it’s still there.

Forbes says many residents have expressed concern over how long the process is taking. The state won’t break ground on the new community until 2019, which means the islanders may have to ride out one or two more hurricane seasons before they leave. Forbes empathizes, but says federal dollars have strings attached.

Cut 15 (11) “to follow.”

Government analysts say 500 million dollars is available for 2016 Louisiana flood victims to make claims against losses from the disaster. Jim Shannon explains.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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The full Senate will debate legislation that rewrites the state’s riverboat casino laws. Jeff Palermo reports the proposal would allow the floating casinos move some of their gaming operations on land…

Cut 2 (32) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Recent Louisiana flood victims can qualify for flood rebate dollars by re-filing your 2016 tax returns. Basically, if you lost more than 500 dollars that wasn’t covered by insurance or government grants, during the flood, you can deduct the difference from your 2016 income tax return. Brandon Lagarde is the tax director at Postlethwaite and Netterville in Baton Rouge.

Cut 3 (11) “now i can”

A key issue in this benefit is taxpayers did at the time NOT have  to itemize their return to make the adjustment.

Cut 4  (11) “of loss”

Some residents could make significant adjustments to their tax returns for significant cash. Plus, you have another year and a half before you must file.

Cut 5  (09) “benefit people”.

Loans taken out to pay to repair your property are allowed deductions.

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Mississippi’s governor has signed a bill that bans abortions after the 15^th week of pregnancy instead of the current 20th week. A similar bill has been introduced by Shreveport Senator John Milkovich. During his appearance on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster, he hopes his bill is a first step towards a total abortion ban…

Cut 6 (08)  “quietly by.”

A suit has already been filed against Mississippi by the state’s only abortion clinic and a federal judge has granted a temporary restraining order against the new Mississippi law. Milkovich isn’t worried about what federal judges might decide, because by refraining to do the right thing gets nothing accomplished…

Cut 7 (09)  “federal courts.”

There are three abortion clinics in Louisiana – Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Shreveport. Milkovich says they don’t care about the patients they are treating. Their only concern is their financial gain…

Cut 8 (09) “Dunkin’ Donuts.”

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Alexandria Representative Lance Harris has reached out to his constituents with a Facebook video to remind them the state republican party is watching the budget. Harris is the chair of the House Republican Delegation and announced his take on the budget issue.

Cut 9 (:09) “budget deficit.”

Harris says they are dedicated to cutting spending during this session and not raising taxes if another special session is called to increase state revenues.

Cut 10 (11) “other way around”

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A Senate committee approved legislation today that gives riverboat casinos the opportunity move on land and more gaming space. Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns says his legislation is not an attempt to expand gaming…

Cut 11 (09) “since 1991”

The bill now heads to the Senate Floor. It faces opposition from religious leaders. A pastor from Ponchatoula says the Louisiana Department of Health has estimated that problem gambling costs the state 845-million dollars per year

Cut 12 (10)   destroyed lives”

The bill nearly didn’t make it out of committee, after Shreveport Senator Greg Tarver raised concerns about the lack of minorities in casino management positions…

Cut 13 (12) “in that”

New Orleans Senator Karen Peterson also questioned the director of the Casino Association of Louisiana on why there are not more contracts between riverboat casinos and minority-owned businesses

Cut 14 (08) “their goals.”

A bill to put teachers on the same plane as firefighters and police when working is being heard today at the legislature. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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400,000 state returns have been sent out to Louisiana taxpayers, but if you haven’t seen your money yet, it doesn’t mean something went wrong. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Senate bill 423 is scheduled to be heard this afternoon in the Senate Finance committee. If passed, it would provide 250-thousand dollars to the families of any teacher or school employee that’s killed while performing their job. Cynthia Posey is with the Louisiana Federation of Teachers

Cut 3 (12) “more important”

Currently fire and police officers are covered under a similar law. This bill was prompted by the tragic events in Florida. Columbia Senator Neil Riser is the bill’s author.

Cut 4  (09) “our teachers”

Riser says it’s one of those laws he hopes is never enforced.

Cut 5  (13) “use it”.

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A Ruston man has been arrested and charged with 7 counts of attempted second degree murder after allegedly plowing his truck into a crowd of people Saturday night. 47-year-old Jason Rockett fled the scene after the incident at the North Village Mobile Home, and was arrested later that night. Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Steven Williams says it was a crime of passion.

Cut 6 (08)  “than that”

Williams says Rockett and his ex were arguing when another man intervened, escalating the situation. He says Rockett then got into his truck, and aimed it at the crowd.

Cut 7 (10)  “the vehicle”

Rockett allegedly then slammed into a residence, and drove off. Williams says despite the nature of the attack, the injuries were minor.

Cut 8 (11) “the hospital.”

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That new car in the neighbor’s driveway probably has you thinking that their tax return came in, but if you’ve filed and are getting worried about where your money is, the Department of Revenue wants to remind you not to worry, it’s on its way. Spokesperson Byron Henderson says even if you filed on day one, your return won’t technically be late until the end of this month.

Cut 9 (11) “60 days.”

Those who filed a paper return could have to wait up to 14 weeks.

Henderson says if you are past your expected return time, it could be one of these three things.

Cut 10 (12) “fraud indicators”

If you’re getting antsy, you can always reach out to the Department of Revenue by phone or online, but Henderson recommends taking the online route to save yourself some time.

Cut 11 (09) “refund status”

He says you can always call instead, but the wait cues to talk to an agent could be “extremely long”.

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The House Appropriations Committee resumed its review of the proposed budget for next fiscal year by hearing from various state agencies, including the Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain raised concerns about not having enough money to battle the hundreds of wildfires that occur in the state every year.

Cut 12 (10) “a problem”

Strain says the state’s firefighting capacity is already stretched thin, and that a particularly nasty season could exceed his department’s budget.

Cut 13 (09) “fighting capacity”

Strain says the bayou state lags far behind other gulf south state’s when it comes to firefighting capabilities and funding.

Cut 14 (08) “significantly more.”

Strain says the most pressing issue facing state firefighters is outdated equipment, specifically bulldozers, that could falter in the face of a major disaster.

Louisiana is once again ranked 48th in the America’s Health Rankings Report for women and children. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (24) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Forty-six percent of LSU Health of New Orleans graduating medical students have chosen to remain in Louisiana to complete their medical training. Kelley Ray tells us the number of grads deciding to stay continues to fall

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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The LSU Board of Supervisors approves three merit scholarships to help attract students to the Baton Rouge campus. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A report from America’s Health Ranking says the rates of maternal mortality and teen suicide have risen over the last two years in Louisiana. UnitedHealthcare Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mark Peters says we are one of the worst states when it comes to taking care of expecting mothers.

Cut 4  (12) “other states.” 

The maternal mortality rate increased 28 percent to 44.8 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2017, while the infant mortality was down 11 percent.  Teen suicides were also up seven percent. Peters says mental health is a nationwide issue that Louisiana in particular lags behind on.

Cut 5  (08)  “our state”

Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama, and West Virginia made up the five lowest ranked states. Peters says they all have something in common, low state healthcare funding.

Cut 6 (11) “state programs.”

The good news is that the uninsured rate for women 18-40 was down 34 percent. Peters attributes this to the Medicaid expansion in 2016.

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46 percent of LSU Health New Orleans graduating medical students participating in the National Resident Match Program this year chose to remain in Louisiana. That is down from 49 percent staying in state last year and 64-percent in 2012. Dr. Steve Nelson says it’s a trend that could cost Louisiana some great doctors…

Cut 7 (11)  “not return.”

National studies find a high number of physicians set up their permanent practices in areas where they complete their residency program. Nelson says a decline of 18 percent in the last five years is a concern and it’s up to the legislature to provide a stable source of funding for higher ed…

Cut 8 (09) “to correct.”

Nelson says the future medical achievements and the new physicians that will fill our hospitals and medical practices come from Louisiana, not elsewhere…

Cut 9 (10)  “at LSU.”

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Louisiana is two million dollars short on its funding for voucher students this year. The money is appropriated every June, and covers the cost of state students to attend charter and private schools, instead of public schools. Department of Education spokesperson Sydni Dunn says the state is short this year, and if more money isn’t appropriated next year, could be short by an even wider margin.

Cut 10 (08) “land aid.”

Dunn says if the legislature doesn’t come up with another two-million dollars to fill the shortfall for this academic year, schools that are educating voucher students would be on the hook to pay for their educational expenses.

Cut 11 (07) “other expenses”

The state’s voucher program is paid for by a special line-item appropriation in the budget. It currently enrolls 6,600 students statewide. Dunn says it’s possible money that funds public schools may have to be redirected to cover some of the costs of the voucher program for next school year.

State Representative Robert Johnson’s bill bolstering the rights of victims of sexual harassment passed committee. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Well wishers continue to remember Saints owner Tom Benson one day after his death. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon.”

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Some Louisiana lottery players could get rich if they hit it big this weekend. The jackpots for the multi-state games are some of the largest seen in recent weeks. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Dustin Annison says there will hopefully be some big winners…

Cut 3 (08) “Powerball jackpot.”

He says even if you are buried deep in NCAA “March Madness”, these jackpots could make you a lot richer than your office pool bracket challenges…

Cut 4  (06) “Monday morning.”

Louisiana Lottery asks that you play responsibility, it only takes one ticket to win. Mega Millions jackpot for tonight is 345-million dollars, Powerball is 455-million.

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Well wishers for Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson continue the day after 90-year-old New Orleans native passed. Benson bought the Saints in 1985 and was instrumental in getting local quarterback Bobby Hebert to play in his home state…

Cut 5  (13) ” New Orleans saints”.

The Saints all-time leading rusher Deuce McAllister says Mr. Benson took a chance on him when the team was already flush with running backs.

Cut 6 (13)  ” in itself”

McAllister remembers Benson as a guy that would talk to anyone at anytime.

Cut 7 (09)  “as a person”

Visitation will take lace Wednesday from 10 AM to 7 PM and Thursday 8 AM through 1 Pm at Notre Dame Seminary. A private funeral will take place Friday March 23rd, from noon until 1 PM at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans.

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After 17 years, DeSoto Parish Sheriff Rodney Arbuckle retires today. He is in his fifth term, elected back in 2000. Arbuckle says there are several personal issues he’s having to attend to and this is a good time to step aside…

Cut 8 (12) “go home.”

Arbuckle will be replaced by Chief Deputy Jayson Richardson, who has served the citizens of DeSoto Parish for the last 14 years. Arbuckle says he’s accomplished much in his tenure as sheriff. He started with only 75 employees and about a half million dollar surplus…

Cut 9 (11) “dollar surplus.”

Arbuckle is looking forward to spending his free time with his granddaughters and get caught up on the outdoor recreation…

Cut 10 (12) “turkey hunt.”

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A bill that would prevent businesses from requiring employees to sign agreements blocking them from going to court over sexual harassment claims passed the House Labor Committee. The proposal by Representative Robert Johnson is part of a nationwide effort, backed by Attorney Generals, to protect victims of workplace misconduct. Johnson says businesses shouldn’t have the ability to dictate how victims respond to abuse.

Cut 11 (09) “be safe.”

The legislation would allow accusers to choose whether they would like settle claims in arbitration, an independent alternative to the court, or take their claim before a civil court. Criminal cases of sexual harassment would be heard in criminal court.

Due the nature of sexual harassment, Johnson says victims must be guaranteed a chance to bring their case to a civil court judge.

Cut 12 (11) “be brought”

Johnson says victims stand a better chance to reach a favorable conclusion if they seek litigation for sexual harassment claims instead of potentially more company friendly options. He says when human dignity is on the line, a judge needs to be called.

Cut 13 (05) “not appropriate”

A french bulldog died last Monday on a United flight from Houston to New York. The incident has spurred action from one Louisiana Senator. Don Malino has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Malino.”

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Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson is being remembered fondly today. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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An East Baton Rouge grand jury has indicted four young men who were allegedly involved in the suspected hazing death of an LSU fraternity pledge. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Senator John Kennedy has co-sponsored the WOOFF act which stands for welfare of our furry friends act.  He’s aiming to curtail the death’s of animals on airlines like the one last Monday on a United flight.

Cut 4  (13) “Dog Died.” 

Kennedy says he expects to get some answers from the airline that was responsible for the dog’s death.

Cut 5  (10)  “animal cruelity.”

But Lamar White,publisher of bayou brief says Kennedy is looking for some cheap publicity.

Cut 6 (08) “into action.”

The U.S. Department of Transportation says there were 24 documented animal deaths on airlines in 2017.

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Shreveport Senator John Milkovich’s legislation that would give teachers more freedom to decide how to handle bullies in public schools passed through the Senate Education Committee. The bill gives teachers a wide leniency to “take all steps deemed necessary” to stop bullying, including involving the police, and personally restraining offending students. Milkovich says it would cut down on the red tape involved in stopping bullies.

Cut 7 (10)  “the police”

Milkovich says the bill was inspired by a meeting he had, arranged by a local pastor, with two parents whose daughters had committed suicide after being bullied.

Cut 8 (11) “their bedrooms.”

The Senator says the parents reported the bullying several times to the school, but after months, nothing had been done.

Currently, teachers are limited in how they can handle bullying in schools. Milkovich says his legislation would provide educators with new avenues for dealing with classroom abusers.

Cut 9 (11)  “in need.”

The bill faces opposition from the governor’s office, who says the bill is “overly regulatory” and “that school officials have a lot of tools right now” for dealing with bullying.

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Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson has passed away at the age of 90. Benson bought the Saints in 1985 after building a car dealership and real estate empire that started in San Antonio, and expanded to his hometown of New Orleans. When the team went up for sale in 1984, then governor Edwin Edwards says he had one priority: finding a buyer who would keep the team in town, and he found that man in Benson.

Cut 10 (11) “the state.”

Edwards considered Benson a friend, and the two worked together to make the team a staple of Louisiana culture. The governor says if you worked with Benson, you better be a straight shooter.

Cut 11 (10) “gunna do”

The team had a nearly immediate run of success after Benson’s purchase, grabbing at the time a franchise best 12-4 record just two years into his ownership.

The city, and franchise hit its most precarious patch in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina devastated the gulf south. Rumors were abound that the team would end up permanently moving to another city, but Benson kept his word and the Black and Gold committed to staying home. Governor John Bel Edwards says that act helped bring the city back to life.

The Senate Labor Committee approved bills increasing the minimum wage, enacting equal pay in the private sector, and ending pay secrecy. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The annual LSU survey on how the state’s doing has just been released by the Manship School. Jim Shannon has a look.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon.”

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Spicy comments were made during the postgame press conferences following LSU’s 84-76 win over UL Lafayette in the first round of the NIT. Tigers Coach Will Wade took exception to what Cajuns Coach Bob Marlin said before the game…

Cut 3 (10) “my mind”

Marlin says he stands by the comments he made on Monday when he said the Cajuns should have hosted the game, because they had the better season and had more wins…

Cut 4  (10) “27.”

But Wade says the Tigers played a much tougher schedule and they deserved the higher seed…

Cut 5  (11) “Xavier New Orleans”.

Marlin expressed frustration before the game that the Tigers and Cajuns don’t play more often on the hardwood. Last night marked just the sixth meeting in the last 45 years. Marlin still believes it would be good if the two teams played on a more regular basis…

Cut 6 (10)  ” good thing”

The Cajuns season is over, while the Tigers will play Utah on Monday night in the second round of the NIT.

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The man convicted in the road rage shooting death of former NFL player Joe McKnight was sentenced to 30 years in prison today. 56-year-old Ronald Gasser was facing 40 years for his manslaughter conviction. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says the publicity around the case led to a longer sentence…

Cut 7 (07)  “figured in this thing”

McKnight was one of the best high school football players in the country coming out of John Curtis High School in 2006. He starred at USC and played for three seasons in the NFL. A Jefferson Parish jury found Gasser guilty of manslaughter on a 10-2 vote. Meche believes it’s a fair sentence. 

Cut 8 (08) “their life”

McKnight’s mother, Jennifer McKnight. spoke to reporters following the sentencing…

Cut 9 (11) “no how”

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A new survey by LSU shows Louisiana residents are not particularly happy with state government as it stands now. Michael Henderson with the Manship school for Mass communications says the survey reveals half of the state’s population disagree with the direction of the state government.

Cut 10 (10) “wrong direction”

Henderson says they have been doing the same survey since 2003 and found something interesting that they have not seen in the past.

Cut 11 (:11) “fellow residents.”

Henderson also says the people of louisiana are not anywhere close to being on the same page with one another…politically.

Cut 12 (:10) “used to.”

The poll was conducted from the end of January to the beginning of March. 852 people participated in the poll.

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Governor John Bel Edwards appeared before the Senate Finance committee this morning to support a bills that would raise the minimum wage, mandate equal pay for women, and allow employees to openly discuss pay with other employees without retribution. Edwards made a campaign promise that he would fight for better wages.

Cut 13 (:10) “pay bills”

Edwards came out in support of New Orleans Senator JP Morrell’s equal pay bill that would expand the Louisiana Equal Pay Act to private employers, mandating equal pay for women in the private sector. Edwards says the gender pay gap in Louisiana is a disgrace. 

Cut 14 (11) “truly offensive.”

The bill was passed 6-1

The committee passed a minimum wage hike to eight dollars an hour on January 1st and 8.50 an hour beginning January 1st, 2020 4-3 along party lines. Edwards says right now, 7.25 can barely buy you enough to eat.

Cut 15 (11) “not enough.”

The pay secrecy act was also approved by the Senate

There was little opposition spoken in the room, but State Director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses voiced her opposition to the Labor proposals. Starns says the pay gap referenced by the governor is not real.

The severe flu season is easing up in Louisiana. Jeff Palermo found out by how much…

Cut 1 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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US Senator John Kennedy is calling on the pardon board today to reject convicted murderer Clyde Giddens’ appeal for a medical furlough. Matt Doyle spoke to the senator.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Embattled Secretary of State Tom Schedler will not seek reelection, but will not resign despite being named in a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The severe flu season in Louisiana has relented, as health officials report fewer cases, than in late December and January. Over one in ten doctor visits were flu related at one point. State Immunization Director Dr. Frank Welch says it’s now down to 3.5 percent. He credits an aggressive flu shot drive for the decrease…

Cut 4  (10) “less flu.” 

The CDC says the flu season can last as late as May. Welch says if you have so far avoided the flu, don’t count yourself out just yet…

Cut 5  (05)  “get vaccinated.”

Louisiana seems to have been hard hit with the flu bug this year, but Welch says the state is faring better than other areas…

Cut 6 (11) “flu cases.”

He adds if you are sick with the flu, stay at home and isolate yourself while contagious.

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Public Service Commission staffer Hunter Coleman is being hailed as a hero, after he dove into cold water in  Shreveport to pull a motorist out of vehicle that crashed into a pond on Monday night. Four people, including three children, were saved, but the driver died at nearby hospital. Coleman says he doesn’t remember much, from heroic effort.

Cut 7 (12)  “the pond”

Coleman says the vehicle wrecked 30 yards from the shore, in water that was nearly 15 feet deep. He says he and a few other good Samaritans swam out and immediately began retrieving people from the car. Coleman grabbed 64-year-old Kathy Brown.

Cut 8 (09) “I could.”

Coleman says the rescue was a reminder about the power of community in the face of disaster.

Cut 9 (11)  “in need.”

Coleman serves as an enforcement agent in the office of PSC member Foster Campbell. The woman who died has been identified as 40-year-old Megan Victoria Brown of Shreveport.

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US Senator John Kennedy is urging the pardon board not to grant a medical furlough today to convicted killer Clyde Giddens, who was convicted in the brutal murder of Urline Bamburg in Red River. Giddens was sentenced to life in prison in 1964 after pleading guilty. Kennedy says the crime is so grotesque that Giddens does not deserve a second chance.

Cut 10 (12) “stray dog.”

Giddens has a chance at freedom as part of the 2017 Louisiana criminal justice reform package that allows for inmates with “limited mobility” to apply for a medical furlough that would set them free if approved. While Giddens’ case has not been decided, Kennedy blames Governor John Bel Edwards for the murderer’s chance at freedom.

Cut 11 (08) “free program”

Kennedy says this case shows the governor’s criminal justice program is flawed.