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.

A St. Landry Parish woman is in jail after allegedly killing her uncle for his “constant chattering. Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Kelley Ray”

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A south Louisiana police chief says judges should  be more careful about reducing bonds on known criminals. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon.”

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An Opelousas woman is in jail after allegedly killing her uncle because of his “constant chattering.”  St. Landry Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says 49-year-old Melissa Ann Credeur (Cra-ter) initially accused, John Ray Gautreaux, of raping her while she slept. When she woke up, she told authorities he was not breathing and started beating him. But Guidroz says after questioning Credeur, the real story came out…

Cut 3 (04) “kill him.”

Guidroz says Creduer was tested for rape at a hospital and there wasn’t any evidence found. When deputies arrived at the residence, they found Gautreaux’s body in a fetal position. Guidroz says it appears she used a variety of items in attacking Gautreaux…

Cut 4  (09) “the body.”

Guidroz had some contact with her recently. Guidroz says she admitted to some mental issues, which may have led to this murder…

Cut 5  (10) “our conversation.”.

Bond has been set at 150-thousand-dollars.

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Zachary Police Chief David McDavid is angry at a judge about one of his officers being killed in the line of duty this week. Lawton was working undercover when 33-year-old Albert Franklin allegedly crushed the officer with a rental truck. Just three months ago, McDavid complained about District Court Judge Trudy White lowering Franklin’s bond on an unrelated crime.

Cut 6 (11)  ” a problem.”

McDavid knew back then that Franklin was dangerous, he is appalled that Judge White reduced Franklin’s last bond.

Cut 7 (07)  “it happened.”

A commissioner originally set Franklin’s bond at 88-thousand dollars, but Judge White lowered it to 9,000 dollars on his latest arrest.

Cut 8 (11) “to be out.”

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Drew Brees is back in Black and Gold after agreeing to a two year, 50 million dollar contract one day before the start of free agency. The New Orleans legend will reunite with a team that was one play away from the NFC championship and loaded with young talent. Brees says he always planned on returning, but last season’s success made the decision that much easier.

Cut 9 (08) “the future.”

Brees confirmed he was offered more money to play elsewhere, and there’s no denying he signed far below his market value after watching journeymen QBs and unproven gunslingers sign more lucrative contracts. Brees says he wanted to make sure the team had the flexibility to build a roster capable of making the Super Bowl.

Cut 10 (10) “ultimate goal”

But it wasn’t all smiles and celebration, as Drew watched his former teammate star tight end Jimmy Graham sign for three years in Green Bay. Brees said he was hoping to see him back in New Orleans, but it just didn’t work out.

Cut 11 (10) “coming together.”

Who Dats are looking forward to taking home the Lombardi in front of  Falcons fans at the 2019 Super Bowl in Atlanta.

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Thousands of Louisiana students walked out of class today in solidarity with a national youth movement protesting gun violence and gun laws. New Orleans Students at Lusher, NET Charter, Abramson Sci Academy, and more joined the protests. NET students were led in a chant calling for an end to shootings of all kinds.

Cut 12 (08) “in peace.”

The protest began with a moment of silence to remember the 17 Parkland victims and victims of violence in New Orleans, a city that saw 157 murder victims last year.

Cut 13 (09) “New Orleans.”

NET Charter School Dean of Students Justin Ross-Hilliard says we can’t let the young fight this fight alone, parents need to join the efforts.

Cut 14 (08) “with them.”

Interest is growing in the legislature for a constitutional convention. Matt Doyle reports,

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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For the first time since 2009, the LSU Tigers will take on the UL Lafayette Ragin Cajuns. Kelley Ray has a look at the upcoming first round NIT matchup…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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Health care providers are spelling out exactly what would happen if the legislature cuts its way to a balanced budget. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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House and Senate committees are meeting today to discuss legislation that if adopted would trigger a constitutional convention. Much of the interest is due to the state’s current budgetary law that restricts cuts to only higher ed and health care when faced with a budget deficit. Senator Troy Carter, who has proposed his own bill to tackle the issue, says it’s time to bring our government into 2018.

Cut 4  (07) “21st century” 

The Senator says the world has changed substantially since Louisiana’s last constitutional convention in 1974. He says the state needs to adapt to new economic realities.

Cut 5  (08)  “any more”

A constitutional convention would likely take at least a year to complete, which wouldn’t do anything to solve the impending fiscal cliff, but the New Orleans Democrat says it could lead to a more reasonable budgetary process in the future.

Cut 6 (07) “the brunt.”

Representatives Neil Abrahamson, Frank Foil, and Barry Ivey, as well as Senator Page Cortez have also introduced legislation to trigger a convention.

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The Ragin Cajuns basketball team seems ready for tonight’s 6 PM N-I-T match-up between UL-Lafayette and LSU. Cajuns coach Bob Marlin says it’s great to play in Baton Rouge, but he believes they should have been seeded higher than LSU and the home team…

Cut 7 (11)  “32 teams.”

This will be the 47th meeting on the hardwood between the two south Louisiana schools, but it’s the first time they’ve played each other since 2009. Marlin says he’s tried to schedule LSU more often and even tried to get the Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches involved…

Cut 8 (11) “that either.”

Marlin says it’s sad that it took a NIT committee to finally pit UL-Lafayette against the Tigers…

Cut 9 (12)  “be honest.”

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If the legislature decides to cut its way through the billion dollar budget gap, private health care providers warn the consequences would be dire. If the Department of Health sustains the kinds of cuts being discussed, public-private facilities would be on the chopping block. Our Lady of the Lake President Scott Wester says those cuts would mean the end of their partnership with the state, LSU, and LDH.

Cut 10 (07) “our agreement.”

Wester says that would end care for tens of thousands of patients with a variety of health issues.

Cut 11 (11) “Baton Rouge”

Our Lady of the Lake has a robust residency program that allows hundreds of aspiring doctors get the experience necessary to complete their education. Wester says if the cuts go through, hundreds of LSU students would lose that opportunity.