Good news for Louisiana Anglers, the feds have given control of Red Snapper waters to the state for the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Don Molino has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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15 thousand pounds of crawfish will be devoured starting today and running through the weekend at the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival. Jeff Palermo the scoop.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana has been given full control of Red Snapper waters from the feds for the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist Harry Blanchet says that’s great news for bayou sportsmen.

Cut 3 (07) “offshore”

This year’s season will kick off Friday, May 25^th, with a total allocation of 743,000 pounds allowed to be harvested

Not only will it be easier to keep track of where you are allowed to fish, Blanchet says you’ll be allowed to head out all week long.

Cut 4 (12) “to quickly”

Blanchet says part of the reason the state has been given authority over both waters is that early projections indicate that anglers won’t have a lot of success fishing in the federal waters this season.

Cut 5  (08) “this year”

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The Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival is expecting over 30-thousand people at this weekend’s massive festival just outside Lafayette. Festival Spokesperson Angelique Bernard says an unbelievable amount of mudbugs will be consumed.

Cut 6 (05)  “peeled crawfish”

But it’s not just the usual boiled affair. Bernard says there’s a little something for everyone.

Cut 7 (08)  “crawfish jambalaya”

And it’s not just food. Bernard says festival goers will be treated to an Acadiana specialty.

cut 8 (06) “stages”

The festival starts today with a celebrity crawfish eating contest.

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The chemical fire has been distinguished at Flowchem in Duson and evacuated residents were allowed back into their homes Friday morning. The massive blaze shutdown I-10 on Thursday, but it’s has since re-opened. State Police spokesperson Brooks David says investigators still don’t know what caused the blaze

.Cut 9 (10) “go from there”

Flowchem Technologies is a chemical blending facility that provices products and services to the oil and gas industry. David says which chemicals sparked the blaze is part of the investigation….

Cut 10 (08) “release it”

David says given the size of the fire, it’s amazing no one was injured…

Cut 11 (11) “that blaze”

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The state posted the slowest gross domestic product growth in the nation in 2017 at minus-point-two-percent. It’s the second straight year Louisiana had a decline in the real G-D-P. LSU Economist Doctor Loren Scott says Louisiana is coming off a 28-month recession that ended in the final quarter of 2017

Cut 12 (10)   “New Orleans”

Scott says the downturn in the oil and gas industry has bottomed out, which is good for Louisiana’s economy. He says the next big threat is the potential of higher taxes on businesses as legislators scramble to fix a 648-million dollar budget hole

Cut 13 (07) “that’s Texas”

Louisiana’s Gross Domestic Product Growth for the fourth quarter of 2017 was two-point-two-percent, which could be a positive sign. Scott credits the industrial expansion boom that’s ongoing in Lake Charles and Baton Rouge

Cut 14 (08)  “fourth quarter”

State Fire Marshal investigators believe a charging cell phone could be responsible for a blaze that injured a one-year-old child. Michael Farrar has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michael Farrar”

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A bill is nearing final passage that would allow students who missed out on TOPS in high school a second chance after two years in college. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (31) I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The state legislature is interested in setting up a task force to study daylight saving time versus standard time. Covington Representative Mark Wright says he gets asked about moving the clocks back an hour every fall all the time

Cut 3 (06) “taxes”

Florida recently passed legislation to stay on Daylight Saving Time year round, but Congress has yet to agree with Florida’s Sunshine Protection Act. Wright says studies have shown turning the clock back an hour creates problems

Cut 4 (:10) “an uptick”

Wright has a resolution calling for a task force that will report back its findings to the legislature next year.

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The State Fire Marshal’s office believes a cell phone is responsible for a fire that injured a one-year-old child in Jeanerette. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says a 14-year-old resident told detectives he was sleeping in a room with his little sister, when he awoke to use the bathroom, he smelled smoke and saw the mattress on fire

Cut 5  (09) “electrical outlet”

The toddler suffered second-degree burns to her head, arms and legs. She was taken to Galveston, Texas hospital for treatment. Rodrigue says electronic devices should always be properly ventilated when they are being charged….

Cut 6 (08)  “unfortunate fire”

Detectives learned it was an I Phone 6 that caught fire. Rodrigue says an electrical malfunction can happen when a cell phone is charging, if it’s not properly ventilated

Cut 7 (09)  “cell phones”

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Students who had the GPA, but were a few points shy of qualifying for TOPS in high school could get another shot at the scholarship under a bill that is almost to the governor’s desk. The legislation would allow students who scored 17, 18, or 19 on the ACT, but have a 3.2 GPA after two years in college to collect TOPS for their last two years. The bill’s sponsor, New Orleans Senator Wesley Bishop:

cut 8 (09) “go on”

The bill would affect 47 current Louisiana college students. Welsey says it’s unfair that college students who are excelling are forced to take on debt because of youthful mistakes.

.Cut 9 (07) “years old”

Wesley says he was moved by stories of students who were valedictorians in high school, but just couldn’t perform on the ACT. The New Orleans Democrat says hard working students shouldn’t be punished just because they’re bad testers.

Cut 10 (11) “particular day”

The bill passed committee and is on its way to the House floor.

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Louisiana now meets the highest standard of air quality according to EPA standards. Governor John Bel Edwards says the success is the result of notable increases in air quality in the Baton Rouge area parishes. DEQ Environmental Scientist Vivian Aucoin says its great news for quality of life in the Bayou State.

Cut 11 (08) “have done”

Ozone is formed in the atmosphere when nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compounds interact with sunlight, and can be exacerbated from human activity. Aucoin says this makes ozone control a tough task.

Cut 12 (11)   “emitting ozone”

Aucoin says it’s been a tough fight, but over the years a series of regulations have helped bring Louisiana into compliance.

Cut 13 (12) “your fuel”

A proposed 15-week abortion ban moves closer to final legislative passage after a House committee approved the measure on a 9-8 vote. Jim Shannon has more…

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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The state legislature is close to allowing riverboat casinos to expand gaming activity on land. Matt Doyle reports a House committee approved the Senate-passed measure today.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”

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The full Senate approved a measure to enact a statewide policy against sexual misconduct in government. The bill was passed the same day Secretary of State Tom Shedler announced he was stepping down following allegations of sexual misconduct. New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson is a co-author of the bill

Cut 3 (12) “those ways”

Peterson says the bill will allow state employees to make complaints that will be investigated, unlike the Secretary of State’s office.

Cut 4 (:11) “agency head”

Peterson says the bill will greatly enhance the state’s sexual harassment policy.

Cut 5  (:12) “as inappropriate.”

The bill heads back to the House for final passage.

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The House Criminal Justice Committee approved Senator John Milkovich’s 15 week abortion ban bill 9-8, after it passed with little opposition in the Senate. The bill mirrors an effort in Mississippi that’s been halted in federal court that would make it illegal to provide an abortion after 15 weeks. The Shreveport Democrat says fetuses are alive, and deserving of a chance at life.

Cut 6 (09)  “protect them”

Current law blocks abortions after 22 weeks in Louisiana. The majority of states have a 24 to 26 week ban.

Milkovich raised concerns that the level of development in a 15 week old fetus could lead to potentially dangerous medical complications.

Cut 7 (11)  “significant injuries”

The bill is similar to the Mississippi ban, but pro-choice activists note that there are differences. They say Louisiana’s law imposes stiff criminal penalties for providers, and does not allow exceptions for fetal abnormalities. Pro-choice attorney Ellie Schilling says this bill also measures the time from conception.

cut 8 (11) “11 weeks”

Schilling says the effort is a waste of taxpayers’ dollars, and just adds to the six abortion restriction court battles the state is embroiled in.

.Cut 9 (12) “like these”

The law would not go into effect unless a federal appeals court rules favorable on the challenge to Mississippi’s 15 week abortion ban.

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A bill allowing riverboat casinos to build on land from their current water bound facilities cleared a House committee 10-4, one of the few gaming related bills to gain traction this session. The bill has come under fire from gambling critics for being a de facto expansion of casino services, but bill sponsor Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns says that’s not the case.

Cut 10 (07) “so ever”

Johns says gaming is responsible for bringing in over 900 million dollars in state revenue, 300 million more than even oil and gas. The Shreveport Republican says we’re in danger of losing that revenue if we don’t allow our casinos to compete.

Cut 11 (09) “enormous casinos”

But opponents disagree that the bill is not an expansion of gaming. Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says taking the casinos off the water will make it easier for casinos to bring in bigger crowds.

Cut 12 (06)   “go bigger”

Mills says there’s a reason why the state initially imposed such severe restrictions on gaming in the state…

Cut 13 (10) “those industries”

The bill moves to the House.

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The Mayor of Cotton Valley, Joseph Alexander, has been arrested by State Police and charged with Felony Abuse of Power related to two undisclosed incidents in 2017 involving the alleged mishandling of town funds. State Police Trooper Glenn Younger says the charge is similar to misappropriation of funds and malfeasance.

Cut 14 (08)  “fit it”

The arrest took place after Webster Parish Sheriffs informed the LSP about the incidents.

Younger says Alexander is now out of detention, while the investigation continues.

Cut 15 (06) “dollar bond”

Louisiana Senator John Kennedy is asking the legislature to put the breaks on a new deal for Harrah’s casino in New Orleans. Jim Shannon has details.

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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Embattled Secretary of State Tom Schedler, who is facing a sexual harassment lawsuit, submits his resignation to the governor. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (29) I’m Matt Doyle”

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Former Baton Rouge police officer Blane Salamoni, who was involved in the fatal shooting of Alton Sterling, is now facing a battery charge from a separate arrest that took place one month before the shooting. Salamoni’s attorney John Mclindon was asked about possible jail time for his client.

Cut 3 (07) “traditionally”

Baton Rouge Police fired Salamoni and demoted another officer involved in the Sterling incident. Federal and state prosecutors decided not to pursue criminal charges against Salamoni for the fatal shooting of Sterling. Mclindon says this new charge against Salamoni is window dressing for the police department.

Cut 4 (09) “I don’t know”

Salamoni has appealed his firing from the Baton Rouge Police Department. Mclindon thinks the battery charge is just a ploy to embarrass Salamoni.

Cut 5  (09) “my guess.”

In the battery case, the BRPD says the body camera video shows Salamoni slapped a handcuffed man in the head.

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U.S. Senator John Kennedy is asking the state legislature to hold off on voting a bill that extends Harrah’s New Orleans Casino’s contract with the state for 30 years. Kennedy says media reports that Harrah’s is considering selling the property so the state could unwittingly increase Harrah’s selling price by extending the contract.

Cut 6 (12)  “to me”

The House has already passed the measure. A Senate committee was set to debate the bill today, but has delayed discussion. Committee Chair Gary Smith says he postponed discussion, but it wasn’t because of Kennedy. Meanwhile, the US Senator says there is no rush to renew the contract.

Cut 7 (08)  “god’s sake”

Kennedy sought the delay after a published report that indicated Harrah’s allegedly signed an agreement with another entity to purchase the casno, hotel and parking garage….

cut 8 (12) exchange commission”

If Harrah’s receives the extension, House Speaker Taylor Barras said it would result in a new luxury hotel, more restaurant and entertainment options at the land-based casino.

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A House backed bill that would remove the requirement that florists be licensed was shot down in a Senate committee six to one. The bill was part of the governor’s licensing reform legislative agenda. Annie Taylor, a licensed florist in Scott, says floral work is more dangerous than you might think.

.Cut 9 (13) “to you”

Floral wholesaler Audrey Lemoine says removing license requirements would flood the marketplace with cut rate work from retailers.

Cut 10 (12) “anymore.”

But Carencro Representative Julie Emerson, the bill’s sponsor, says the front end regulation is keeping people from pursing their dreams in the floral profession.

Cut 11 (08) “can do”

The Lafayette area Republican says the legislation was common sense, bi-partisan reform.

Cut 12 (07)   “as well”

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Louisiana Secretary of State Tom Schedler has submitted his resignation letter to the governor, in the wake of a sexual harassment scandal involving his former secretary, Dawn Ross. Schedler refutes many of the allegations, but Ross’s attorney Jill Craft says his resignation sends a clear signal to other would be harassers.

Cut 13 (08) “stop period”

In the letter, Schedler decries a “tabloid approach to an incredibly serious allegation”. In March, Schedler described the lawsuit as “unfair”, but Craft disagrees.

Cut 14 (13)  “about it”

Craft says the behavior should’ve never taken place, especially from someone entrusted with state authority.

Cut 15 (07) “higher standard”

A Hospital in Lafayette has sent out lay off warnings to 770 employees ahead of potential budget cuts that would close the facility. Michael Farrar has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michael Farrar”

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GOP House Caucus Chairman Lance Harris says it’s likely we’ll see a special session kick off May 18^th. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”

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Two State Police Troopers and two former troopers are on the other side of the law as they’ve been arrested on allegations they received overtime pay for hours they never worked. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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University Hospital and Clinics in Lafayette has notified 770 employees that they could be laid off, and the facility shut down under proposed spending plans that slashes state funding for public-private partnership hospitals. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says they are not the only jobs at risk.

Cut 4  (09) “smaller locations” 

Dardenne says the public-private system was created after Charity Hospitals were dismantled under the Jindal Administration, and focus on covering the underinsured.

Cut 5  (10)  “primary care”

Dardenne says legislators need to find a budget solution sooner rather than later, as the indecision is stressing out the industry.

Cut 6 (10) “private sector”

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House GOP Chairman Lance Harris is defending the House backed budget that funds education, but slashes healthcare, ahead of a special session that is expected to start mid may. The budget has come under fire for threatening to eliminate public-private partnership hospitals and residency programs, but Harris says it’s just a first step in long budget process that he expects will carry over into a special session.

Cut 7 (11)  “may happen”

The Alexandria Republican anticipates a May 18^th special session being called by the governor to fill the 648 million dollar budget gap reflected in the House budget, but he says the legislature will likely not increase income taxes to replace expiring sales taxes.

Cut 8 (08)  “being here”

Harris says he sees two options for funding those healthcare priorities: keeping a piece of the expiring one cent sales tax, and eliminating sales tax deductions for certain industries in an anticipated special session.

Cut 9 (11)  “to execptions”

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Two current and two former Troopers have been arrested on various charges as part of a six month investigation into payroll fraud. The four men allegedly claimed bogus hours and wrote fraudulent tickets as part of a highway safety program funded by district attorneys. State Police Colonel Kevin Reeves says it’s a disappointing day…

Cut 10 (06) “their actions”

State Police launched an internal investigation into the actions of these troopers after a New Orleans T-V station showed surveillance video that showed two Troopers filed for overtime pay for hours they didn’t work. Reeves says changes have been made to this ticket-writing program

Cut 11 (09) “working”

Trooper Daryl Thomas, a 23-year veter of State Police was booked into the East Baton Rouge Prison, along with former Trooper Byron Sims. Former trooper Jimmy Rogers faces 74 counts of injuring public records was taken into custody in Calcasieu Parish and Senior Trooper Wayne Taylor was processed in Rapides Parish. Reeves says this has been a long and unfortunate journey….

Cut 12 (09) “their actions”

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Over 900 farmers and ranchers are receiving grants averaging 9900 dollars for disaster recovery efforts resulting from the 2016 floods. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says it’s long overdue.

Cut 13 (08)  “devastating flood” 

Strain says the grants will fill a reimbursement gap for farmers who’ve suffered damages that were uninsured.

Severed heads in Texas and Louisiana have law enforcement officials wondering if there is a connection. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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In Concordia Parish, an Australian-based manufacturing plant is about to move in. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A unrestrained Deville teen was killed in a car crash Sunday morning around 4AM on LA Highway 8 in Grant Parish. State Police Master Trooper Scott Moreau says the tragedy occurred after the driver, 18-year-old Benjamin Williford, lost control…

Cut 3 (10) “overturning”

Toxicology tests are pending.

Moreau says Williford was not wearing a seat belt.

Cut 4 (08) “minor injuries”

State Police Troop E says they’ve dealt with 12 fatal crashes so far this year.

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Investigators are trying to determine if severed heads discovered last month near lakes in Texas and Louisiana are connected. Cameron Parish Sheriff Ron Johnson says the head found in his parish next to Highway 27 and one in Texas are eerily similar.

Cut 5  (:12) “good teeth.”

The Texas and Louisiana connection according to Johnson seems to point toward a serial killer. The heads were found in similar surroundings about 150 miles apart at Lake Houston and Calcasieu Lake.

Cut 6 (07)  “thrown away”

An inmate doing clenup labor found the severed head in Cameron Parish on March 1st. Volunteers cleaning near Lake Houston made their discovery on March 24th. Johnson believes that another body discovered in his parish in 2016 could also be a part of these similar crimes.

Cut 7 (11)  “dump in”

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Australian-based Syrah Resources has selected Vidalia to open a 25 million dollar graphite processing plant. The  facility will produce products that are used in commercial and automotive batteries. Mayor Buz Craft says it means 25 new jobs

cut 8 (10) have em”

A 50-thousand square foot building is available for Syrah and the average annual salary will be 60-thousand dollars. Craft hopes it leads to more businesses coming to Concordia Parish.

.Cut 9 (12) “this region”

With many large metropolitan areas converting their old diesel buses to clean electric or natural gas propulsion, the product produced at the Vidalia plant will be in high demand for years to come.

Cut 10 (09) “its exciting.”

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A reported LSUPD Officer being sought by police for allegedly battering his girlfriend and holding her hostage overnight. Twenty-five-year-old Samuel Ellis III was charged with 2^nd Degree Battery and False Imprisonment as a result. Baton Rouge Police Spokesman Sgt. Don Coppola says it was a brutal crime.

Cut 11 (12) “he fled”

BRPD has not confirmed Ellis’s occupation.

Coppola says Ellis’s girlfriend survived the assault, but was badly hurt.

Cut 12 (08)   “extensive damage”

Coppola says a search is on for Ellis, and is asking for the public to pass on any information they have, but…

Cut 13 (09) “any jeopardy”

Ellis’s vehicle was located in the Baton Rouge area, but police say his whereabouts are still unknown.

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After his accuser speaks, will Secretary of State Tom Schedler decide to step down due to sexual harassment allegations? Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Legislation that would increase penalties for those who are caught soliciting prostitutes is close to final passage. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”

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Doubts are growing that the legislature will be able to find a compromise budget before the end of the regular session. Michael Farrar has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Mike Farrar”

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A political analyst says embattled Secretary of State Tom Schedler might not be able to stay in office much longer as the sexual harassment allegations against him will not go away. Bernie Pinsonat says published emails showing sexual advances by Schedler towards an employee could lead to his resignation…

Cut 4  (10) “resigns” 

Pinsonat says it’s also difficult for Schedler to stay in office, when U-S Senator John Kennedy believes the Secretary of State should step down

Cut 5  (09)  “case”

Schedler has previously said he will not resign, but this will be his last term. The Republican statewide elected official says it’s important for him to continue running the agency that handles elections, because they are in the process of buying new voting equipment. But Pinsonat says Schedler’s time might be up…

Cut 6 (10) “serious trouble”

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A Senate-approved bill that would double, and in some cases, increased tenfold the fines associated with soliciting prostitutes passed a House committee nine to six. The bill would not change the current penalty of up to six months in jail for soliciting. Sponsor Franklinton Senator Beth Mizel says it attacks human trafficking at its root.

Cut 7 (06)  “our problem”

The bill would also allow judges to order people convicted of soliciting to attend an educational course that instruct “Johns” on how human trafficking destroys lives. Mizel says that kind of public shaming is a powerful disincentive.

Cut 8 (10)  “the product”

Denham Springs Representative Valerie Hodges, supported the legislation, arguing that heavier punishments are the only thing the stop people from trying to buy sex.

Cut 9 (12)  “the penalty”

The bill moves to the House for final passage.

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There’s only two months left in the fiscal year, and doubts are growing as to whether a spending plan for next budget year can be approved in the current regular session. A 648-million dollar budget gap is forcing lawmakers to consider deep cuts in state spending. LaPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says we’re approaching uncharted waters.

Cut 10 (11) “special session”

Lawmakers are constitutionally barred from raising revenue in this regular session to plug the budget gap, and Alford says that means the safe money is on a special session starting up next month, where revenue issues can be considered.

Cut 11 (09) “special session”

The House passed budget includes massive cuts to healthcare, which administrators warn would lead to the end of public-private partnership hospitals. Alford says voters won’t accept those kinds of cuts, so revenues will have to be raised to replace the one penny sales tax that is set to expire in July.

Cut 12 (10) “tax renewals”

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The Saints 2018 draft has a Louisiana flair to it this year as the Black and Gold selected two local products, running back Boston Scott in the sixth round and offensive lineman Will Clapp in the seventh round. Clapp is the first former Tiger drafted by New Orleans since defensive tackle Al Woods in 2010. Head Coach Sean Payton says he didn’t have to make a long distance call to let Clapp know he’ll be playing for his childhood team…

Cut 13 (10)  “on rent” 

Scott is a former Louisiana Tech running back, who walked on at the Ruston school after a stellar prep career at Zachary High School. Payton says Scott can fill a couple of roles on their team…

The Senate passed a bill that would allow teachers to pray in public schools with students. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The woman who has accused Secretary of State Tom Schedler of sexual harassment has come forward to the Louisiana Radio Network to tell her story. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (47) I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Senate passed a proposal that will allow school employees to pray with students during the class hours. Before joining in the group prayers, students would have to have a signed request form signed by their parents. The bill’s sponsor, Bossier Senator Ryan Gatti, says it’s a response to recent legal actions taken against his parish.

Cut 3 (12) “like that”

Gatti says denying students the ability to pray with faculty flies in the face of local culture.

Cut 4 (08) “gag order”

Gatti says prayer is allowed in many other state institutions, such as the legislature, and as such should not be restricted in schools. He anticipates his bill will receive approval in the House…

Cut 5  (08) “we pray”

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The woman who has accused Secretary of State Tom Schedler of sexual harassment is speaking out, exclusively to the Louisiana Radio Network. Dawn Ross, who is a longtime employee of the Secretary of State’s office, says she was the recipient of unwanted sexually charged emails, gifts and advances by Schedler since 2007 and she eventually had enough

Cut 6 (:10)  “multiple times”

Schedler has described the relationship as consensual. But Ross says she tried to keep the relationship only to the friendship level and made it clear to him that’s all she was seeking…

Cut 7 (07)  “texts”

Ross says Schedler also stalked her and would show up unannounced in public settings. She says the Secretary of State even bought a townhome in the same complex as her…

Cut 8 (:15) “back there”

Ross, who also worked for a time as Schedler’s secretary, says the final straw came last April, when Schedler started screaming at her when she asked for time off. Ross says Schedler banished her from the office and assigned her to a room with nothing to do and was told to stay out of sight. She says that continued for about three months….

Cut 9 (15) “my attorney”

US Senator John Kennedy says it saddens him, but he believes Secretary of State Tom Schedler should resign because of the sexual harassment allegations made against him by a longtime employee. When the accusations first surfaced, Kennedy said he’s withholding judgement, but his views have changed.

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The Louisiana Red Cross is joining a national push to install hundreds of thousands of smoke detectors in homes around the country. “Sound the Alarm” will see Red Cross volunteers visiting homes to install alarms, and educate families on fire safety. Greater New York Regional CEO Josh Lockwood says its been a wildly successful program so far.

Cut 10 (07) “since 2014”

Lockwood says despite big publicity pushes, reinforcing the importance of fire safety, many homes still lack a working smoke detector.

Cut 11 (11) “each day”

Lockwood says along with alarm installation, volunteers will be handing out crucial fire safety tips like…

Cut 12 (09)   “reconvening outside”

The drive kicks off in Louisiana tomorrow in Baton Rouge and Marrero.

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Is six-foof-six pass rusher Marcus Davenport the missing piece to a Super Championship defense? New Orleans traded up in Thursday night’s first round of the NFL draft to select the freak athlete from Texas-San Antonio. Saints sideline reporter Kristian Garic says drafting Davenport comes with a risk, since they gave up their 2019 first round pick for him

Cut 13 (11) “winning a championship”

Davenport was the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year last year and finished his career at the University of Texas at San Antonio with 22 sacks. Garic says Davenport is a gifted athlete, who needs some polish

Cut 14 (09)  “pretty quickly”

The Saints have one third round selection tonight and then four more picks on Saturday. Garic says his sources around the league believe the Saints will look to add to their defensive line

Cut 15 (10) “me that”

The nation could be facing a truck driver shortage of over 100 thousand by 2022, and that means higher prices for consumers. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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If you are a concealed handgun permit owner, you could bring a gun into school or university building, under a bill heading to the House floor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29) I’m Jeff Palermo”

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35,000 Bald Cypress will be planted in Terrebonne Parish as part of a new project the joins NGOs and private in the fight against wetland loss. Mike Farrar.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Mike Farrar”

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The nation faces a truck driver shortage, and that could hurt your pocketbook. The American Trucking Association says they expect to see a 106,000 driver shortage by 2022. Louisiana Motor Transport Association Executive Director Chance McNeely says it’s resulting in longer delivery times and higher prices for consumers.

Cut 4  (09) “industry” 

The industry is facing a unique problem in that as the economy expands, more shipping is needed, but McNeely says the number of drivers appears to be dropping, just as demand has begun increasing.

Cut 5  (08)  “get worse”

Trucking doesn’t seem to have the same pull it used to. McNeely says average pay sits between 40 to 50 thousand, depending on the job, but one regulation in particular is keep young people from considering the industry.

Cut 6 (10) “hit 21”

In an example of the problems caused by the driver shortage: Tyson Foods blamed the 200 million dollars in new costs that they’ve passed to retailers on the shipping industries struggles.

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Concealed carry permit holders could bring a gun into a school or university building under legislation heading to the House floor. The controversial measure cleared the House Criminal Justice Committee on a narrow 9-8 vote. Erath Representative Blake Miguez says his legislation doesn’t arm teachers, just visitors who have a concealed handgun permit

Cut 7 (04)  “self defense”

All Democrats on the panel opposed the measure. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle argued concealed handgun permit holders do not have the same level of training as law enforcement….

Cut 8 (08)  “children shot”

Louisiana Federation of Teachers legislative director Cynthia Posey says allowing non-law enforcement to bring guns into a school will create a disruption…

Cut 9 (10)  “school lock down”

Miguez says education groups might oppose this legislation, but responsible gun owners would applaud the passage of this bill…

Cut 10 (10) “self defense”

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A Senate-approved bill to allow foster kids to stay in the system until they turn 21, or graduate high school, which ever happens first, cleared a House committee. Currently, foster kids are forced out of the foster care program when they turn 18, regardless of their high school degree progress. Louisiana Budget Project Coordinator Dylan Waguespack says hundreds of kids are effected every year.

Cut 11 (09) “foster care”

A foster care teenager by the name of Ella recounted the story of how earlier families difficulties put her behind in school, and under current law are putting her chance of obtaining her diploma at risk.

Cut 12 (13) “bit longer”

Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti says kids who age out before graduating are at high risk of falling into homelessness or crime.

Cut 13 (10)  “finding them”

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A partnership between coastal advocates and private business is leading to the planting of 35,000 bald cypress in Terrebonne Parish Wetlands. Senior adviser to the Americas Wetlands Foundation Sidney Coffee says its part of a string of smaller projects.