Representatives with the Alzheimer’s Association of Louisiana were at the state capitol this week to urge state legislators to approve funding to help families who have loved ones suffering from this horrible disease. Jim Shannon has more…

Cut 1 (26) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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Shaquille O’Neil is offering a helping hand to the Lafayette High athletics program after the school reached out to him for fundraising help. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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After a slow start, the crawfish supply is ready to match the Easter weekend demand. Freezing temperatures in January temporarily halted production, but LSU Crawfish expert Doctor Greg Lutz says the mudbugs have bounced back….

Cut 3 (07) “started to eat”

Easter weekend is the peak demand for crawfish eating. Lutz believes there’s enough mudbugs to go around…

Cut 4 (09) “we had”

Lutz says crawfish like to eat when the weather is warm, so the size of the mudbugs should be excellent too…..

Cut 5  (06) “out there”

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NBA and LSU legend Shaquille O’Neil is helping Lafayette High School athletes get ripped with a big donation to the school’s weight room renovation project. The school is looking to raise 42,000 dollars to give the Mighty Lions a better room to pump iron in. Shaq kicked off the fund drive off with a message of encouragement to the students.

Cut 6 (12)  “bye bye”

The Lafayette Parish School System says to help the school meet their goal, they’ll match the first 21,000 dollars raised as part of the South Louisiana Giving Day Event. Mighty Lions head football coach Rob Pool says the donation will go a long ways towards fixing a crucial part of the athletics program.

Cut 7 (10)  “for it.”

Pool says the school reached out to Superman to help them promote the fundraiser, but everyone was floored when they saw how far he went to help out.

Cut 8 (08) “great day.”

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Many children will be eager to find eggs during the traditional Easter egg hunts this year. There are things to keep in mind, especially if you plan on eating those eggs that are found. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says it’s important to use the correct dyes when coloring your eggs…

Cut 9 (09) “human consumption.”

After the Easter egg hunt, the children may want to eat those eggs. But Strain says it’s important to note how long they have been outside of a refrigerated environment…

Cut 10 (12) “food poisoning.”

He also says not to eat cracked eggs that are found before hard boiling. And how much money will you pay for those eggs? Strain says the price is up slightly higher than last year…

Cut 11 (09) “good value.”

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Representatives with the Alzheimer’s Association of Louisiana were at the state capitol this week to let lawmakers know Alzheimer’s is health care crisis in this state. Spokesperson Adrienne Mullens says the number of families dealing with this disease is staggering

Cut 12 (12)   “affected”

Mullens says they lobbied lawmakers to pass a resolution that recognizes the seriousness of the disease and provide support for caregivers. She says they estimate there are 232-thousand people in Louisiana who care for someone with Alzheimer’s

Cut 13 (11) “this disease”

A bill to establish one set of rules for ride sharing companies has come up in the legislature. If passed Uber and Lyft will be riding high. Jim Shannon explains.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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An 85,000 dollar settlement has been reached in a sexual harassment case against a former aide to Gov. John Bel Edwards.  Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Ride sharing companies like Uber and Lyft may soon be regulated by the state rather than parishes or cities in Louisiana. A bill to create statewide regulations over uber drivers has been introduced. Uber spokesperson Nick Juliano says we have been lagging behind other states when it comes to regulations.

Cut 3 (13) “differ.”

Currently individual parishes and cities control the Uber and Lyft rules. This puts control of the ride share companies under the blanket of the state.

Cut 4 (09) “of Louisiana.”

Juliano says individual cities will no longer have jurisdiction of the cars and trucks.

Cut 5  (07) “opt out.”

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Your child may ask for a rabbit as a pet for their very own Easter bunny. But it may not be the right fit for your family. Alicia Haefele-Vile with the Louisiana SPCA says a rabbit is like having a dog or cat, but with much more care…

Cut 6 (10)  “every day.”

Haefele-Vile says neutering or spaying is extremely important in care for your rabbit. Rabbits have a quick reproduction cycle, so if you don’t, you will have more rabbits than you can handle…

Cut 7 (12)  “local veterinarian.”

Shelters usually after a month or so after Easter see a rash of bunnies turned in. Haefele-Vile says if you find you can’t care for the rabbit, under no circumstances should you let the rabbit loose in the wild…

Cut 8 (10) “that rabbit.”

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On an eight to six vote, The House Agriculture Committee approved a bill by Carencro Representative Julie Emerson repealing the requirement for a Louisiana florist to be licensed.  Louisiana is the only state that requires florists to take a written exam and be approved.  She says florists will still need a permit, but her bill eliminates a 40 question written test…

Cut 9 (09) “public health.”

Committee Chairman Clay Schexnayder of Gonzales is afraid if the requirement to license florists is done away with, it will be bad news for consumers…

Cut 10 (09) “back home.”

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says 70-percent pass the florist’s exam on the initial try and those who take it a second time usually pass. Emerson says it’s time to take down the barriers keeping florists out of the marketplace…

Cut 11 (06) “giving oversight.”

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71 people were arrested in a north Louisiana bust targeting prostitution and human trafficking. The sweep took place last week. Authorities have released the names, with ages ranging from 68 years-old to a juvenile. Shreveport Police Corporal Angie Willhite says the charges involve a wide range of criminal behavior.

Cut 12 (09)   “weapons arrest”

The operation, named “Slick John” arrested people from seven different states as far away as Nebraska. Willhite says the sting involved officers from the FBI, Caddo-Shreveport Narcotics Task Force, Louisiana ATC, and the Greenwood Police Department.

Cut 13 (06) “very succsessful”

Willhite says the bust was part of the ongoing effort to fight human trafficking in the Bayou State.

Cut 14 (11)   “those places”

A move to install camera’s in nursing homes cleared a House panel this morning. If approved by the entire legislature, you could check on your loved ones at any time. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (29 “I’m Jim Shannon”

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A House Committee has approved a bill that would increase fees for hunting and fishing licenses. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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A tornado watch has been issued for much of north and central Louisiana until nine o’ clock tonight. A flash flood watch has also been issued for much of north and central Louisiana until tomorrow morning.  Shreveport National Weather Service forecaster Davyon Hill says several inches of rainfall are expected to fall…

Cut 3 (07) “Shreveport area.”

Forecaster Matthew Duplantis says there is a moderate risk of a severe weather outbreak…

Cut 4 (07) “to form.”

Duplantis says those living in areas where storms begin firing need to be alert…

Cut 5  (10) “and evening.”

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Despite opposition from nursing home owners, a proposal that would allow for surveillance cameras in nursing home rooms has cleared a House committee. New Orleans representative Helena Moreno says her bill would allow an extra set of eyes on a loved one who is in a nursing home….

Cut 6 (09)  “back home”

None of the nursing home owners spoke against the bill, but they put in “red cards” to announce their opposition. Moreno says the resident and if there’s a roommate would have to sign a waiver, before the cameras can be installed. She says the family would be responsible for the costs.

Cut 7 (08)  “nursing home”

Lucy Titus testified in favor of the legislation. She says her 92 year old mother mysteriously had a black eye when she went to visit her. She says had a camera been in the room, she would have known what happened.

Cut 8 (11) “in pain”

The bill now moves to the full house.

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The House Natural Resources Committee approved a bill requested by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to increase the price of hunting licenses to 20 dollars and fishing licenses to $13.50. LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet says the current fees do not pay for what the department needs going forward.

Cut 9 (10) “ground zero”

The bill is projected to generate an additional 10 million dollars annually.

LDWF is also looking to consolidate the total number of licenses from 117 to 30. Montoucet says this will streamline the process for sportsmen looking to take on the outdoors.

Cut 10 (08) “our constituents”

Erath Representative Blake Miguez opposed the price hike portion of the bill. He says people in his district are suffering from a lagging oil industry and don’t want to see prices go up on their favorite hobby. He proposed revisiting the legislation at a later date.

Cut 11 (10) “or two”

The bill passed 12-3, and moves to the House floor.

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Legislation cleared the House Health and Welfare committee that would allow certain autism patients to have the ability to receive a prescription for medical marijuana once it comes available in Louisiana.  Louisiana Mothers Advocating for Medical Marijuana spokesperson Katelyn Castleberry says some of the current drugs on the market are unsafe for autism patients

Cut 12 (12)   “children alive”

The bill was approved on a 9-4 vote. The Louisiana Chapter of American Academy Pediatrics opposes the legislation. President and Doctor John Vanchiere says more testing needs to be done to see if medical marijuana is safe for children to use…

Cut 13 (09) “other medications”

The author of the bill is Harvey Representative Rodney Lyons. The Democrat from the New Orleans area says there are a lot of families struggling with an autism patient and medical marijuana could be their answer to a better life…

Cut 14 (05)   lot better”

Approved marijuana pharmacies are expected to open later this month. Under current law, only patients with cancer, AIDS, seizure disorders, Chron’s disease, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis can be prescribed medical marijuana.

The House Health and Welfare committee is expected to hear legislation allowing medical marijuana to be used as a legal treatment for autistic patients. Kelley Ray has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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A bill seeking to make major changes to TOPS is facing opposition from LSU students.  Jeff Palermo has more

Cut 2 (33) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Minimum wage, equal pay for women, and pay secrecy laws were all struck down in the upper chamber last night. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (32) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The House Health and Welfare committee is expected to hear legislation today that would allow medical marijuana to be used as a legal treatment for persons with autism. Louisiana Mothers Advocating for Medical Marijuana spokesperson Katelyn Castleberry says her two sons suffer from autism and they need better options made available for treatment…

Cut 4  (13) “to suicide.” 

Castleberry says even though marijuana has been used as a recreational drug for years, the medical benefits outweigh the stigma attached to it. Studies have shown that medical cannabis is quite effective for autism…

Cut 5  (10)  “to speak.”

A major difference between medical and recreational marijuana is the medicinal type don’t give patients a euphoric high. Castleberry says studies have found that medical cannabis could also help other medical conditions…

Cut 6 (11) “nervous system.”

Medical cannabis is expected to be available later this year for patients who have certain illnesses.

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A bill to shorten the waiting period for getting married has advanced to the House floor. The legislation by Carencro Representative Julie Emerson would reduce the wait time from the time paperwork is filed to officially hitched to 24 hours from the current 72. Emerson says Louisiana has an abnormally long wait time.

Cut 7 (06)  “that regard”

The current 72 hour delay is in place to dissuade impulsive marriage decisions that may seem like a good idea at the time, but quickly lose their appeal with a full night’s sleep and a splitting headache the next morning. Emerson says the one day wait should still prevent those awkward situations.

Cut 8 (09)  “can do.”

Emerson says Louisiana’s long wait time is a rarity in state marriage laws.

Cut 9 (10)  “effect Louisiana.”

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A bill seeking to make major changes to TOPS faced opposition from LSU students. The Senate Education Committee defeated the measure to make TOPS a flat four-thousand dollar annual award and provide additional stipends for students who perform well on the ACT. LSU Student Body Vice President Rachel Campbell says the proposed legislation would force some LSU students to leave the state…

Cut 10 (10) “looking back.”

Campbell says reducing TOPS award amounts for some students is not the way to build a strong economy……

Cut 11 (08) “and TOPS.”

52-hundred students receive the TOPS award and Student Government President Stuart Locket says this legislation would hurt a large majority of LSU students…

Attorney General Jeff Landry will not prosecute two white Baton Rouge police officers in the 2016 shooting of Alton Sterling, a black man. Jeff Palermo has more..

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Baton Rouge Police Department is set to release additional evidence from the Alton Sterling shooting by the end of the week. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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A bill to allow the home delivery of factory sealed alcohol beverages to your front door has passed out of a Senate committee. Bill sponsor, Jennings Senator Blade Morrish says there are already several home delivery companies such as Waitr, operating in larger cities. He says alcohol delivery would fit in well…

Cut 3 (08) “do that.”

Morrish says drivers who would deliver the factory sealed alcohol would be held under the same rules as a bartender…

Cut 4 (13) “years old.”

The legislation contains restrictions, such as who can deliver it and who can order it. Morrish says the law could be adjusted under the oversight of the state office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control…

Cut 5  (12) “takes place.”

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Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry has ruled criminal charges are not warranted against two white Baton Rouge police officers who fatally shot a black man during an altercation in front of a convenience store in July of 2016. Landry’s office reviewed the evidence of the Alton Sterling shooting for nearly a year

Cut 6 (11)  “probable cause”

Officers Blane Salamoni and Howie Lake were the called to the scene after receiving reports of a man with a gun. Landry says the justifiable shooting of Sterling came after the 37-year-old failed to cooperate with the police and the encounter happened very quickly…

Cut 7 (09)  “was resisting”

Landry says after the shooting, officers pulled a gun from Sterling’s pocket. He says toxicology reports from the autopsy also showed Sterling was under the influence of illegal drugs, which contributed to his non compliance…

Cut 8 (11) “under Louisiana law”

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The attorney for Sterling family, Chris Stewart, says justice was not served…

Cut 9 (11) “black man”

Stewart says a civil lawsuit has already been filed against the city and the officers and they anticipate the truth will come out

Cut 10 (07) “Baton Rouge, Louisiana”

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Attorney General Jeff Landry’s decision not to charge the two officers who shot Alton Sterling is not the end of the case. The Baton Rouge Police Department will review the incident, and is expected to make a decision on the employment status of Officers Salamoni and Lake by the end of the week. Chief Murphy Paul says the public will have access to much of the same material as investigators.

Cut 11 (12) “the public.”

The fatal shooting of Sterling in July of 2016 sparked several days of protests in the capital city, a large police presence and some major roads had to be closed. Baton Rouge Mayor Sharon Weston-Broome calls on the public to keep future demonstrations lawful.

Cut 12 (09)   “is not”

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Attorney John McLindon represents Officer Salamoni and he says they are not surprised by today’s announcement from Attorney General Jeff Landry…

Cut 13 (10) “in order.”

McLindon says the evidence is clear that this was a justifiable shooting, but no one feels good about what happened…

Cut 14 (07) “he did”

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Sterling’s aunt, Velda Washington, sees the shooting differently than the A-G’s office…

Cut 15 (13) “nothing wrong”

The Sterling family was notified of the A-G’s decision before Landry told the public charges against the officers will not be pursued. Washington says racism played a role in the outcome…

Cut 16  (09)  nobody”

Two people died early this morning when a juvenile got behind the wheel of a car and ran head first into them. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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Louisiana’s unemployment rate for February was 4.5 percent, an over-the-year decline of over one-percent. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Two people are dead after being hit while riding a motorcycle at two o’clock this morning. The accident occurred when a 14-year-old juvenile was driving a vehicle in the wrong lane on La 74 in Ascension Parish. Louisiana State Police Trooper Bryan Lee….

Cut 3 (11) “dusty duet”

Lee says the  investigation is on-going and law enforcement is meeting with legal experts to determine which path to take on this horrific crash.

Cut 4 (:08) “a cause”

The juvenile is facing charges in the matter. He was moderately injured and taken to a local hospital. Alcohol is not suspected in the wreck. Lee says the wreck was just awful.

Cut 5  (06) “head on”.

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Louisiana motorists have seen a seven-cent increase in gasoline prices over the last week. Triple A’s fuel analyst Don Redman says the average price for regular gasoline is $2.39 a gallon. Redman says we usually see prices go up at this time of the year, plus supplies are down…

Cut 6 (11)  “by OPEC.”

Redman says prices will continue to increase as we get closer to the summer driving season…

Cut 7 (07)  “a gallon.”

Prices for the first quarter of the year have been on a seesaw, up one week, down the next. Redman says unfortunately, it appears prices will be on a steady climb. He says budget accordingly…

Cut 8 (05) “last year.”

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Louisiana’s February unemployment rate of 4.5 percent is down over a full percentage point from a year ago. Louisiana Workforce Commission Executive Director Ava Dejoie says a good economy is driving much of the job increases Louisiana is enjoying.

Cut 9 (12) “going up.”

She credits an increase in workforce training as one reason unemployment is going south.

Cut 10 (08) “their workforce.”

Health care is where most of the new jobs came from last month due in part to Medicaid expansion.

Cut 11 (08) “added 200.”

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For the second time in five months, a winning Powerball jackpot ticket was purchased in Louisiana. The 55-million-dollar winning ticket from Saturday’s drawing was sold at Tigers Touch Down 2 in Lafayette.  Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kimberly Chopin says Louisiana Powerball players are on a hot streak, but the Bayou State hasn’t had that many winners over the last 23 years…

Cut 12 (08)   “jackpot winners.”

Chopin says they don’t know who the winner is, but they are anxious to find out…

Cut 13 (10) “in order.”

Since the prize is so large, it will have to be picked up at the Lottery headquarters in Baton Rouge. Chopin says the winner has a couple of options to decide on…

Cut 14 (10) “million-dollars.”

The winning numbers were 10-33-45-53 and 56.  The convenience store will get a 25-thousand-dollar cash prize as a result of selling the winning ticket.

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New Orleans is now home to the state’s first ever milk bank, and only the 24^th milk bank nationwide. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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A memorial service was held Saturday for the slaves whose burial plots were discovered on Shell property in Ascension Parish. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Eight Louisiana communities are officially Louisiana Retirement Certified Areas. Kelley Ray has more on what that means.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray”

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Oschner Baptist in New Orleans is now home to Mother’s Milk Bank, the state’s first ever such facility. The bank allows mothers to donate milk that will be used to help premature babies grow through a turbulent first period of their life. Neonatal Intensive Care Director Harley Ginsberg says premature babies especially need the vital nutrients that you just can’t find in formula.

Cut 4  (10) “baby.” 

The process for opening the facility took three and a half years to complete.

Just because the milk bank is located in New Orleans, doesn’t mean it won’t benefit the rest of the state. Ginsberg says the milk is collected, pasteurized, and stored until it’s needed.

Cut 5  (12)  “frozen milk”

Ginsberg says donors will be questioned, much like blood donors, to make sure only clean, healthy milk makes it into the storage. Once you’re clear, he says the process should take about 12 minutes to complete.

Cut 6 (11) “human milk.”

The Mother’s Milk Bank is a non-for-profit initiative.

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Eight Louisiana communities are officially Louisiana Retirement Certified Areas. Lafayette, Lake Charles, Natchitoches, Ruston, Toledo Bend, Shreveport-Bossier City, Homua and Thibodaux are included. Lincoln, Sabine and Terrebonne Parishes are also listed. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the communities were selected for their quality of life for retiring seniors…

Cut 7 (11)  “and festivals.”

Nungesser says there are about 76 million baby boomers that are nearing retirement and competition is tough. Nungesser says our state’s mild weather, makes it the perfect place to link more communities with bike trails…

Cut 8 (12)  “retirement communities.”

Nungesser says he is intending to file a bill in which a specific scratch off lottery ticket would be used to raise money to be used toward retirees and the improvement of communities…

Cut 9 (11)  “those people.”

More information about these retirement communities can be found at LouisianaTravel-dot-com.

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A memorial service was held over the weekend near Donaldsonville for the 1,000 slaves whose unmarked graves were discovered on Shell property in 2013. Cofounder of the River Road African American Museum Darryl Hambrick says the ceremony paid respects to those whose freedom to choose their final rights was stolen.

Cut 10 (10) “was done”

The graves date back into the 1800s, but had gone undiscovered for hundreds of years until Shell surveyed the land as part of a planned expansion, and found two mass burial sites. Hambrick says the location was forgotten over time, and eventually built over.

Cut 11 (09) “for years”

Hambrick says he wants people to think about what these graves represent, and about the lives of those who were forced to work one of the nearly 100 plantations that were in operation around Ascension Parish.

You could be fined up to 900-dollars if you illegally transport feral swine. Don Molino has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Malino”

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The second LSU Manship School Public Policy Lab report is out, showing light consensus on how to fix the fiscal cliff. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The legislature is looking at a way to spank the wild swine in the state. Feral hogs are a menace for landowners in all 64 parishes and a House committee has moved legislation to fine people up to 900-dollars who illegally transport the hogs. River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot explained why this legislation is needed..

Cut 3 (11) “so quickly”

Talbot says the wild pig population has reached over 700-thousand and they are very destructive.

Cut 4 (11) “become epidemic”

State Veterinarian Jim LaCour says the feral hogs have infested every parish and by stopping the transportation of the hogs, it will slow the reproduction rates.

Cut 5  (13) “those properties”.

The state allows hunting feral hogs year round. Talbot, says people are trapping wild hogs, keeping them alive and then releasing them in a different location.

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Governor John Bel Edwards says he does not like the idea of arming teachers in the classroom. Edwards says he’s speaking with the Louisiana Sheriff’s Association and State Police Colonel Kevin Reeves on a comprehensive school safety program…

Cut 6 (09)  “properly trained”

There are several bills filed by Republican lawmakers seeking to allow teachers and other school officials carry concealed handguns.There are also many proposals in this regular session that call for a constitutional convention. Edwards prefers a study group be formed first, so a consensus can be built on what areas of the constitution should be changed.

Cut 7 (07)  “be everything”

There are also bills filed in this regular session that seek to change the criminal justice reform package approved last year. The governor says he’s fine with small changes, but not a large overhaul on the legislation designed to lower the state’s incarceration rate and put more money towards offender rehabilitation programs

Cut 8 (12) “able to make”

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An unrestrained Jonesville teenager was killed and two other teens moderately injured in a single vehicle wreck in Catahoula Parish. Master State Police Trooper Scott Moreau says investigators believe the car 18-year-old Delicia (Da-leash-she-a) Ceasor was riding in was traveling at a high rate of speed…

Cut 9 (10) “it’s roof.”

Ceasor was pronounced dead. Moreau says they are not sure if she was the driver…

Cut 10 (06) “and ongoing.”

This is the sixth fatality in Troop E in 2018.

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The second report from the Louisiana Survey finds that most state residents believe state spending can be cut without reducing services. The questions were focused on how to address the billion dollar budget gap the state will face come July. But LSU Public Policy Lab Director Michael Henderson says like many legislators, the public isn’t exactly sure where those cuts should come from.

Cut 11 (11) “think so.”

The only slam dunk in the survey? 87 percent of Louisianans agree, we do in fact have a budget problem.

There was some consensus on tax issues. The results show voters are not fans of raising, or even maintaining the current state sales tax rate of 5 percent, but Henderson says they are willing to entertain the idea of income tax reforms.

Cut 12 (09)   “deductions”

There’s a few constitutional convention bills floating around the legislature, but Henderson says there isn’t clear support for a constitutional rewrite that would remove spending protections for certain agencies and programs. Even amongst those who like the idea, once you dig down into the details, support tapers off.

Cut 13 (08) “of those”

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Funeral services for Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson, who died last week at the age of 90, occurred today with hundreds of people in attendance at a St. Louis Cathedral  in the French Quarter. Archbishop Gregory Aymond officiated the Mass and spoke about how Benson grew up poor but worked hard to become a very successful businessman

Cut 14 (13) “generoristy”

Aymond joked that the road Tom Benson Way in front of the Saints and Pelicans team headquarters was a one-way street. Many credit Benson for keeping pro football in New Orleans when he bought the Saints in 1985. Aymond says Benson was a New Orleans Saint on earth and deserves similar status in heaven…

Cut 15 (12) “go marching in”

Members of the Saints and Pelicans were in attendance and so were the league commissioners of those two sports. Former Governor Bobby Jindal and current Governor John Bel Edwards were also on hand. Aymond says Benson will live forever in the hearts of those who knew him…

Cut 16  (10)  “alive”

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.”