The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office found four shot to death and one injured this morning at an apartment complex in Metairie. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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State Police Superintendent Col. Mike Edmonson announces his plans to retire March 24 amid ongoing investigations into his agency. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A Denham Springs contractor has been arrested after allegedly defrauding two Baton Rouge flood victims. BRPD Sgt. Don Coppola says 48-year-old Andrew Darian contacted two female victims, one of whom was 70-years-old, about doing work on their homes.

Cut 3 (12) “from them”

Coppola says Darian would even change his number after getting the money. He says unfortunately, we’ve seen similar cases of fraud by supposed contractors since the August flood. He says this adds an extra burden on the victims.

cut 4  (11) “to rebuild”

Coppola says Darian is charged with home improvement fraud, felony theft, misapplication of payment, and theft of assets of an aged person. He says it’s unclear if Darian has any other victims, but if you have been a victim of contractor fraud you should  contact authorities.

Cut 5  (10)  “help you out”

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Jefferson Parish authorities found four people dead at an apartment complex in Metairie early this morning. Sheriff Newell Normand says when authorities arrived they found three people dead and a woman shot in the face, who was transported to a local hospital. He says as deputies were canvasing the scene, a nearby apartment had an open door…

Cut 6 (10) “of age”

Normand says they are working to identify the four victims. He says originally they were investigating a triple homicide and finding another body turns back the clock on the investigation.

CUT 7 (07)  “original scene”

Normand says three men and one woman were pronounced dead at the scene and the injured female is reported to be in stable condition. He says it’s too early in the investigation to speculate about what exactly happened.

Cut 8 (06) “information”

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After spending nine years as the leader of State Police, Superintendent Col. Mike Edmonson announces his plans to retire March 24^th. The agency has been the center of controversy regarding questionable travel by four state troopers. Edmonson says he loves his job, but stepping down brings a sense of normalcy to the department.

Cut 9 (10)  “any distractions”

Edmonson says he will work with Governor John Bel Edwards and his successor to make the transition as seamless as possible. He says he wouldn’t have done anything differently because problems are always going to arise.

Cut 10 (12) “move forward”

LSP is under investigation by multiple agencies after four troopers made taxpayer funded overnight stops in Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon while heading to a training conference in San Diego. Political analyst Clancy Dubos the announcement shouldn’t come as a surprise.

cut 11 (11) “make a change”

Over a dozen members of State Police have also been subpoenaed as part of federal investigation into illegal campaign contributions involving the Louisiana State Troopers Association and its executive director. Dubos says Edmonson retirement is the best move for everyone involved.

cut 12 (11) “that organization”

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New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu has decided not to go forward with his previous suggestion to close the doors of all bars in the Crescent City at 3 a.m. in an effort to increase safety. French Quarter Business League President Alex Fein says they’ve been against the idea from the get go and are glad that proposition has been taken off the table.

Cut 13 (09) “their mind”

Fein says especially on Bourbon Street, a lot of bars are open past 3 a.m. and there was a concern it could negatively affect businesses. But he says their biggest problem with the proposed change was they didn’t want the world seeing the city in a different light…

cut 14 (09) “we’re changing”

Landrieu still plans on using 40 million dollars to tighten security in the city. Fein says they are encouraged by other recommendations the mayor has to make New Orleans a safer place.

Cut 15 (10) “come visit” 

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Plans to replace the Affordable Care Act are dominating conversations in Washington. Jeff Palermo has more on the proposal…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Charges are expected to be filed against a Westminster Christian Academy student who hung a noose at the school’s baseball field. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The sea level is rising on Louisiana’s western coast at a rate that’s four times higher than the global average. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Healthcare is the big issue in Washington. Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham of Richland Parish says federal lawmakers are heading in the right direction of repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act. He says they can’t leave Obamacare as it is because it’s driving up premiums and people are losing coverage.

Cut 4  (11) “fix it”

One of Governor John Bel Edwards’ biggest concerns with the replacement plan is losing Medicaid expansion. Abraham says most of the people on Medicaid are working people whose employers don’t offer insurance and who can’t afford it on their own. He says boosting the economy would resolve this.

Cut 5  (11)  “go with this”

Abraham says the bill is still in its early form with a long way to go, but he’s certain about some changes that are coming. He says rolling back the taxes created under Obamacare will be one of those changes. He says eliminating the individual and employer mandates is also a key goal for the GOP.

Cut 6 (11) “they can afford”

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Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says his biggest concern with the current Affordable Care Act is that it’s unaffordable. He says it’s the largest tax increase in US history. He says another issue is the limited access to physicians.

Cut 7 (11)  “their doctors”

Graves says in the House replacement bill, the individual mandate will be removed, and citizens will no longer be fined for not having coverage. He says he also hopes to see policies that prevent medication costs from skyrocketing. He says after Obamacare, some companies increased the cost of their drugs by 100%.

Cut 8 (10) “other countries”

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Arrests are anticipated in the case of a Westminster Christian Academy student who hung a noose at the school’s baseball field. St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says three black boys were arguing with three white boys at the ball field last week when things escalated.

Cut 9 (10)  “a felony”

Both the victims and the suspect are refusing to speak without attorneys. Guidroz says the noose was hung on the batting cage at the field. He says all 6 of the boys are friends who play on the same baseball team, and the argument just got out of hand.

Cut 10 (09) “we are today”

Guidroz says fashioning a hangman’s noose is a felony that carries a penalty of a $5-thousand fine and at least a year in jail. He anticipates an arrest will be made soon, but he says they don’t want to hinder anyone’s future.

Cut 11 (11) “educational climb”

The school issued a statement saying it in no way condones the use of such racially insensitive language, behavior, or symbolism.

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Southeastern Louisiana University revamps its offerings for the summer semester by lowering tuition cost and adding high demanded courses. Director of Marketing and Admissions Mike Rivault says they wanted to have a wider variety of classes available for current students and students home for the summer from other universities.

Cut 12 (10) “have risen”

Rivault says the new course offerings include hybrid courses, which combine face-to-face and online instruction. He says the recommended course load for a student is 15 hours a semester and 30 hours a year but many students can’t…

Cut 13 (09) “as possible”

Rivault says with an anticipated net cost of less than 900-dollars for three-credit hour course, Southeastern’s summer semester will provide the highest education value with the lowest cost of four-year colleges in south Louisiana…

Cut 14 (10) “another university”

For more information visit southeastern.edu/summersmart.

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Rising sea levels are threatening the western side of Louisiana’s coast, according to a Tulane study. Co-author Torbjorn Tornqvist (Tor-bee-on Torn-quist) says they used data from the Coastal Restoration and Protection Authority to determine how fast the sea level is rising.

Cut 15 (10) “the world”

Tornqvist says the reason the rate is so high in Louisiana is the coast is sinking. He says in some parts of the Mississippi River delta, sediment accumulation keeps up with the rising sea. But he says accretion is not occurring as quickly on the west side of the coast.

Cut 16 (11) “sea level rise”

Tornqvist says if nothing is done, more than 60-percent of the sites they track in the westernmost coast will go under water. He says significant coastal restoration is the only hope. But he says even those efforts might not be enough.

Cut 17 (11)  “in the future”

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The installation of a new offense is underway at LSU. Quarterback Danny Etling and the Tigers had their second practice of the spring yesterday and the starting signal caller says he has good feel for the basics of offensive coordinator’s Matt Canada’s offense

Cut 18 (16) “go a long”

The transfer from Purdue has been in several different offenses during his career and says Canada’s offense is easier to learn, because there is a system behind it.  Etling also calls the Tigers new O-C a good teacher…

Cut 19 (13)   “good relationship”

Etling says Canada preaches a quick tempo on offense and getting everyone involved…

Cut 20 (15)   “excited to do”

Louisiana is now seeing a cluster of mumps cases with students at LSU. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Energy producing areas of the state continue to see large decline in employment. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The state Legislative Auditor’s Office launches an investigation into the travel spending of Louisiana State Police. The inquiry comes amid an ongoing investigation into the agency by the Governor’s Office. Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera hopes this probe will lead to policy changes.

Cut 3 (09) “in the future”

LSP is under scrutiny after four troopers made stops in Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon on their way to a training conference in San Diego. Reports also indicate at least one trooper may have received overtime pay while on the trip. Purpera says the goal is to uncover the truth.

cut 4  (09) “actually transpired”

LSP is conducting their own internal investigation into the side trips and possible overtime pay. State Police Col. Mike Edmonson hopes the findings of all these probes can be turned into new policy and accountability practices.

Cut 5  (09)  “welcome that”

The results from State Police’s own investigation are expected in the coming weeks. Edmonson is still at the helm of LSP, despite rumors he would step down amid ongoing investigations into his department by multiple agencies. The Superintendent says he has no plans to vacate his position.

Cut 6 (10) “State Police”

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There has been a large outbreak of mumps cases in Arkansas and we’re starting to see cases in Louisiana now. Medical Director of the state Immunization Program Dr. Frank Welch says they’ve been able to confirm at least six cases on the LSU campus. He says mumps is relatively mild but can cause some serious complications…

CUT 7 (10)  “kill people”

Welch says the U.S. used to see less than one thousand cases a year but there were over 5-thousand cases of the mumps in 2016. He says the disease is spread through saliva, so it’s important to wash your hands, cover your mouth when coughing and avoid sharing utensils.

Cut 8 (10) “health center”

LDH encourages everyone to receive two doses of the mumps vaccine which is 90-percent effective and the department has sent alerts to all doctors.  Welch says the outbreak in Arkansas is mostly in school aged children. He says even though the majority of mumps cases in Louisiana have been at LSU, they are also taking every measure to ensure young children are aware of the disease.

Cut 9 (11)  “hygiene”

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The Bureau of Labor and Statistics finds Louisiana’s unemployment rate has seen little change overall in the past year, but manufacturing and the oil and gas industry continue to see big losses. Houma lost 6,000 jobs over the year, and Lafayette lost 9,000. LSU economist Dr. Loren Scott says the loss rate in the Houma and Lafayette areas has slowed, but not enough.

Cut 10 (11) “too low”

However, other employment sectors like construction and education and health services saw tremendous gains. The Lake Charles area in particular saw an increase of 5,600 jobs over the year. Scott says the primary reason for that growth is the industrial expansion.

cut 11 (10) “96 billion”

Louisiana’s unemployment rate is just under 6-percent statewide. Baton Rouge lost 1,300 jobs over the year, but gained 4,100 in the past month. Scott says the Capitol City has a number of projects that are underway and even more that have recently been announced.

cut 12 (09) “growth path”

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Governor John Bel Edwards has sent a letter to congressional leaders urging the protection of Medicaid expansion. The governor’s communications director Richard Carbo says as the debate is underway in the nation’s capital to repeal and replace Obamacare, Edwards is standing behind the program he signed into law on his first day in office…

Cut 13 (10) “number one”

Carbo says with the money generated from the expansion, the state is able to avoid major cuts to TOPS, K-12 education and partner hospitals. He says their biggest concern with the proposed health care legislation is that thousands of Louisiana residents who were recently insured though Medicaid will lose that coverage.

cut 14 (11) “healthcare”

In the letter, Edwards acknowledged the expansion is not perfect, but changes can be made without harming the people who have been positively affected by their new healthcare. Carbo says in addition to saving lives, Medicaid expansion has been good for our economy and budget.

Cut 15 (09) “hear that” 

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Car insurance rates in the Bayou State are on the rise again and a few factors could be the major culprits. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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With help from the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency, a pregnant mother from Haughton is donating her terminal baby’s tissue for research. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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UNO represents Louisiana in the NCAA Tournament tonight as they face Mount St. Mary’s in a First Four contest in Dayton, Ohio. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana car insurance rates are on the rise again and one big culprit could be the smartphone. The National Highway Safety Administration finds distracted driving is the cause for 20-percent of crashes in the state. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says drivers are having a hard time putting down the cell phone and focusing on the road.

Cut 4  (10) “while driving”

Donelon says the Bayou State’s auto insurance rates have been rising for the last five years with the biggest jump of an 8 percent increase last year. He says the growing sophistication of vehicles also adds to higher auto insurance rates.

Cut 5  (10)  “and replace”

A report by the LSU Highway Safety Group finds from 2011 to 2015, the number of motor vehicle accidents rose by over 12 percent. Donelon says with gas prices around two bucks a gallon, there are move vehicles on the road, creating an increased risk for a wreck.

Cut 6 (11) “increases”

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A Haughton woman with a fatal pregnancy is making a selfless contribution to science with the help of the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency. Kirsten Heintz with LOPA says at 18 weeks pregnant, Brittney Walls found out her baby suffers from a fatal disease that causes the brain and skull to be underdeveloped. She says Walls decided to donate her baby’s neonatal tissue for research.

Cut 7 (09)  “Type I diabetes”

Heintz says Walls’ baby is not eligible to be an organ donor, but with research donation she can help millions of people, instead of just one. She says Walls will carry her child to term before being induced to donate the infant’s tissue. She says this donation can bring a sense of fulfillment for mothers who will inevitably lose their child.

Cut 8 (10) “their pregnancies”

Walls has decided to name the child Anastacia Faith, and doctors say she may live a few hours or a couple of days, but no more than that. Heintz says LOPA strives to make the little time these mothers have with their children as precious as possible.

Cut 9 (11)  “donation request”

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The Louisiana Office of Tourism is promoting the Bayou State to travelers from Germany, as Condor Airlines prepares to offer direct flights to New Orleans this summer. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says representatives from his office spent the last week in Berlin promoting Louisiana’s food, culture, and history to the German-speaking market. But their efforts don’t stop there.

Cut 10 (08) “from Germany”

Nungesser says his office has established multiple websites, brochures, and social media sites in German to sell the Louisiana lifestyle to German travelers. He hopes these direct flights into the Crescent City allow these tourists to see more of the Bayou State.

Cut 11 (11) “all around Louisiana”

Nungesser says while in Louisiana, German visitors stay about 7 days and spend an average of $400 per day. He says German visitors make up nearly 10-percent of all international visitors to Louisiana. He says Louisiana is on the right track to boost international tourism even more, especially with this new direct flight to Frankfurt, Germany.

Cut 12 (08) “international travel”

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The Governor’s Office says speculation that State Police Col. Mike Edmonson will step down is just a rumor. The State Police Superintendent has been surrounded in controversy over questionable travel by state troopers, and now troopers are being subpoenaed for a federal investigation looking into illegal campaign donations. President of the Metropolitan Crime Commission, Rafael Goyeneche, says none of this looks good for LSP.

Cut 13 (10) “the superintendent”

Goyeneche says the investigations are undoubtedly a distraction for the agency. The Legislative Auditor’s Office says they will launch their own investigation into state police travel spending. Goyeneche says the public deserves to know how LSP is spending public funds.

Cut 14 (09) “will go forward”

Goyeneche says questionable acts involving Edmonson have been taking place for the last few years. In 2014, a bill was approved to increase Edmonson’s pension. The Colonel denied knowing about the legislation. He says Edmonson did the same when it was learned that someone signed off on the troopers’ controversial side trips.

Cut 15 (09) “underneath him”

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UNO will play in its first Division one NCAA Tournament game tonight since 1996 when they face Mount St. Mary’s in a First four matchup in Dayton, Ohio. The Privateers secured an invite to the Big Dance by winning the Southland Tournament Championship game on Saturday night. Head Coach Mark Slessinger says it’s been a crazy last couple of days…

Cut 16 (09) “with you”

Tonight’s game will tip-off at 5:30 on Tru-TV. Slessinger is pumped about the national exposure UNO is and will receive

Cut 17 (15)  “part of it”

Mount St. Mary’s is located in Maryland and they won the regular season and tournament titles in the Northeast Conference. Slessinger says the Mountaineers up tempo style is quite different from what the Privateers do…

Cut 18 (18) “can be”

The percentage of people who admit to having a gambling problem in Louisiana went from 2-3% in 2008, to 8% in 2016. Emelie Gunn reports on this growing problem…:

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Community leaders participate in statewide litter-a-thon for Keep Louisiana Beautiful’s Leaders Against Litter. Don Molino has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

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A $10 million investment raised with the help of Saints Quarterback Drew Brees will help expand the Lake Charles founded food delivery platform,  Waitr. Jeff Palermo reports:

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A Loyola law professor releases a report on ways Louisiana can reduce its highest-in-the-world incarceration rate. Professor Bill Quigley says the first step is admitting there’s a problem. He says one way to solve the issue would be to let people out of jail while they’re awaiting trial.

Cut 4  (11) “nonviolent crimes”

Quigley says people that are in jail are much more likely to plead guilty. He says Louisiana is one of only two states that allows people to be convicted with less than a unanimous jury. He says sentencing reform is needed as well, particularly for repeat offenders.

Cut 5  (11)  “of themselves”

Quigley says classifying drug offense as victimless crimes is another step Louisiana could take to reduce prison populations. Governor John Bel Edwards has said criminal justice reform will be a key issue in the upcoming regular session. Quigley hopes lawmakers implement the necessary changes to keep people out of jail because imprisonment ruins lives.

Cut 6 (12) “self-sufficient”

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Gambling addiction has become a growing problem in Louisiana as it affects an estimated 180-thousand people statewide. Executive Director of the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling Janet Miller says directly asking if someone has a problem is the best method to tackle the addition…:

Cut 7 (10)  “in debt”

Miller says compulsive gambling causes extreme depression in addicts who also have trouble concentrating and show a deterioration in work performance. Suicide is also a big problem associated with those who can’t kick the habit. She says gambling addictions in Louisiana were at about the 2-3% mark in 2008…:

Cut 8 (11) “dramatic jump”

To raise awareness about Louisiana’s services for those experiencing problems with gambling, Governor John Bel Edwards has declared March, “National Problem Gambling Awareness Month.” Miller advises anyone affected by gambling to contact the Problem Gambler’s Helpline at 1-877-770-STOP for free assistance.

Cut 9 (09)  “gambling”

She says the helpline handles on average 2400 calls or direct requests for help every month.

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Community leaders around the state are teaming up with Keep Louisiana Beautiful for the fight against litter. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says Leaders Against Litter are leading the way to a cleaner Louisiana. He says officials gathered Friday for a statewide litter-a-thon to kick off the campaign…:

Cut 10 (12) “in Louisiana”

Nungesser says litter costs the state money, hurts communities, and even hurts tourism. He says when people visit a place, they leave with an experience. He says it’s important we as a state put our best foot forward so tourists leave the Bayou State wanting to return.

Cut 11 (10) “absolutely beautiful”

The litter-a-thon comes ahead of the Great American Cleanup, which takes place April 22. Nungesser says one of the most important things we can do to keep the state clean is educate young people about the importance of picking up litter.

Cut 12 (09) “be proud of”

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The Lake Charles founded food delivery platform Waitr is expanding thanks to a $10 million investment from an investor group led by Saints Quarterback Drew Brees. President and CEO Chris Meaux says Waitr is currently in 18 cities in four states, and this new funding will allow them to open 24 new markets this year.

Cut 13 (10) “of California”

Meaux says Alexandria and Monroe are next to get Waitr, and maybe Houma after that. He says they hire a lot of people in the state, which is something that attracted Brees to work with them. He says the quarterback is also in the restaurant business himself.

Cut 14 (10) “on our team”

The smartphone app, which is available on Google Play and in the Apple Store, allows users to order food from local restaurants for carryout or delivery. Meaux says they try to make ordering as easy as possible for the consumer. He says they call it frictionless dining.

Cut 15 (07) “your door”

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The coaching search is on for the LSU men’s basketball team and Athletic Director Joe Alleva says he’ll be looking for someone who can put the excitement back into the program. After a couple of less-than-stellar seasons, Johnny Jones was released. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says there are many appealing aspects of this job…:

Cut 16 (13) “spend some money”

Worsham says it’s a little early to predict who could be the next Tigers’ hoops coach, but one of the name’s he’s heard as a top prospect is Notre Dame coach Mike Brey…:

Cut 17 (12)  “Northwestern State”

Worsham also pegs former LSU assistant Eric Musselman who is the head coach at Nevada right now…:

Cut 18 (08) “conference”

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The sixth ranked LSU baseball team completed a three-game sweep of Wichita State with a 9-2 victory over the Shockers on a chilly afternoon at Alex Box Stadium. Left fielder Antoine Duplantis of Lafayette drove in a four runs and freshman Eric Walker pitched six scoreless innings for his second win. Coach Paul Mainieri is pleased with the victory….

Cut 19 (11)   “the weekend”

LSU went into the weekend on a bit of a slide as they had lost three of their last four. But Mainieri shook up the line-up as moved shortstop Kramer Robertson to lead-off and batted Duplantis third and it helped the Tigers score 27 runs during the three-game series…

Cut 20 (12)   “many runs”

The New Orleans Police Department says children are involved in a shooting that left multiple people dead and one injured in the Gentilly area…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The Johnny Jones era is officially over. LSU Athletic Director Joe Alleva announced this morning that the five year coach had been relieved of his duties. Don Molino reports…:

Cut 2 (24) “I’m Don Molino”

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The Orleans Parish Coroner has identified the victims, including children, in a crime that left three dead and one wounded at a home in the Gentilly area of New Orleans. Authorities report the victims are 30-year-old Monique Smith, 6-year-old Jumyrin Smith and 10-year-old Justin Simms. Police Chief Michael Harrison says they responded to a shooting at about 5 a.m. where police found a woman suffering from a gunshot wound and then discovered a horrific scene…

Cut 3 (10) “rattles everybody”

The shooting occurred on the corner of Mandolin and Touro. Harrison says the investigation is ongoing…

cut 4  (07) “done this”

Harrison says says currently, no one is in custody and urges anyone with information about this crime to come forward.

Cut 5  (10)  “to justice”

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The Louisiana State Troopers Association is reportedly the subject of a federal investigation alleging the nonprofit made illegal campaign contributions. That’s according to Tom Aswell, publisher of the political blog Louisiana Voice who broke the first story on the investigation. He says the nonprofit association’s board funneled the money through its executive director David Young.

Cut 6 (13) “state police”

Classified state employees, like troopers, cannot make campaign contributions. The alleged donations include more than $10-thousand to former-Governor Bobby Jindal and Governor John Bel Edwards. Aswell says Edwards returned the money when he learned the source. He believes the investigation goes all the way to the top.

CUT 7 (07)  “Michael Edmonson”

Aswell says earlier this week, the FBI served 18 subpoenas at the board of directors meeting.  He says the FBI will try to get information from these individuals to learn what they may have done on Edmonson’s behalf. But he says his sources suggest someone is trying to hinder the investigation.

Cut 8 (07) “the FBI”

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After 5 seasons, Johnny Jones is no longer the head coach of the LSU men’s basketball team. Athletic Director Joe Alleva made the announcement this morning.:

Cut 9 (08)  “basketball coach “

Jones, who was a member of LSU’s Final Four team in 1981, tweeted that it’s been an honor to serve the LSU community for 22 years. Alleva will now look to hire his third men’s hoops coach since coming to LSU in 2008. Asked what he would be looking for in the search for a new coach…:

Cut 10 (11) “it just didn’t work out”

All of Jones’ assistants have been fired, as well. The Tigers failed to qualify for postseason play in 2016 and 2017, and Jones’ final team finished 2-16 in league play, losing a school-record 15 straight games in the process. Alleva said it was appropriate to wait until now to make a final decision on Jones…:

cut 11 (08) “right thing to do”

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As Louisianans prepare for crawfish boils this weekend, one lucky crawdad won’t be in a sack. Earlier this week, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser teamed up with Zatarain’s to pardon a mudbug. He says the crawfish was set free in Bayou Segnette State Park to live out his days safe from crawfishers’ nets.

cut 12 (07) “every year”

Nungesser says of the more than 120 million pounds of crawfish we eat every year, they thought it was only fair to set one free. He says the pardoned crawfish was appropriately named Emile after the founder of Zatarain’s, who introduced boil mixes in the 1920s.

Cut 13 (08) “great seasoning”

Nungesser says every year, the pardoned mudbug will be named in honor of someone who contributes to the industry. He says it’s a tradition that will continue on the first Tuesday after Mardi Gras every year.

cut 14 (08) “as well”

The Governor’s Office is hosting an equal pay summit today in Baton Rouge. Don Molino has more…

Cut 1 (27) “I’m Don Molino”

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The eastbound lanes of I-10 near Sorrento will close over the weekend as crews move a damaged bridge. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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After the stripper age requirement law was blocked by a federal judge, the author of the measure says he plans to bring it back in the upcoming regular session. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Today, the Governor’s Office hosts an equal pay summit in downtown Baton Rouge. Co-chair of the summit Aprill Springfield says equal pay is good for families, businesses, and the state. She says women make up about half of Louisiana’s workforce but live in the second highest rate of poverty in the US.

Cut 4  (08) “in the economy”

Springfield says the three panel summit will cover the facts about pay equity, business solutions and practices, and a call to action. She says pay equity would also help the state by moving more people off government assistance programs. She says Louisiana’s wage gap equates to more than $16-thousand a year.

Cut 5  (09)  “working families”

Springfield says equal pay boosts productivity in the workplace, helps with recruiting, and increases competitiveness. She says an equal pay bill died in last year’s legislative session, and they’re hoping with this call to action that pay equity can finally be achieved in Louisiana.

Cut 6 (12) “this session”

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The eastbound lanes of Interstate 10 near Sorrento will be closed over the weekend as crews with the state Department of Transportation will remove a damaged bridge. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says the two lane closure will begin tonight at 9 and the highway will reopen Monday at 5 a.m.. He recommends checking multiple alternative routes to avoid big delays.

Cut 7 (09)  “corridor”

The designated detour takes motorists on U.S. 61 to LA 641 back onto I-10 east. Mallet says the original plan was to remove the damaged on-ramp bridge back in January but they chose to push it back because of the chance of extended I-10 closures.

Cut 8 (10) “minimize delays”

Mallet says a large piece of machinery will be used to remove the bridge, so it can be renovated.

Cut 9 (08)  “early June”

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Out of four judicial races in Louisiana this year, every candidate running in the March 25 election is a woman. A Newcomb College Institute of Tulane University study, authored by Sally Kenney, finds even though the Bayou State ranks fairly low when it comes to women in the legislature…

Cut 10 (08) “the state”

The study finds that in 2016, 31-percent of judges in the Louisiana were women, up from 27-percent in 2011. Kenney says in three out of the four races, a female candidate will replace a male. She says the numbers look good in the state as a whole, but that masks the lack of female leadership outside of East Baton Rouge and Orleans.

Cut 11 (11) “parishes”

Allison Penzato was elected during qualifying to the 1^st Circuit Court of Appeals and the other seats on the ballot are the 3^rd and 4^th Circuit Court of Appeals and the Civil District Court in New Orleans. Kenney says seeing more women run for these positions and winning is a great motivator to get other females interested in filling these seats.

Cut 12 (10) “in Louisiana”

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The author of the stripper age requirement bill says he plans to present a similar version in the upcoming legislative session. The law was recently blocked by a federal judge in New Orleans for being unconstitutional as written. Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns says Judge Carl Barbier’s ruling was clear about what language violated the constitution.

Cut 13 (09) “too important”

Johns says he plans to alter the language in the bill so that it’s legal, but keep the intent of requiring strippers to be at least 21-years-old. He’s confident they can find a legal way to accomplish this because other laws impose age restrictions.

Cut 14 (09) “at age 21″ 2x

The bill was originally presented as a means of curbing human trafficking in the state. Johns says many victims who are brought into Louisiana end up working in strip clubs. He says anyone who think this type of modern day slavery doesn’t happen in our state is sadly mistaken.

Cut 15 (09) “thing to do”

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Spring football kicks off this weekend for the LSU Tigers. It’s the first spring practice for new head coach Ed Orgeron, who declared there will be an open competition at starting quarterback. David Ching covers the Tigers for espn.com and says Danny Etling is the clear favorite to be the starter, but it doesn’t hurt to make him fight for the job…

Cut 16 (14) “for the job”

Who will Etling throw the football to next season is a big question for the Tigers? LSU’s top two receivers from last season are headed to the NFL, Malachi Dupre and Travin Dural. Ching says there are some young wide outs on the Tigers roster, but they are unproven…

Cut 17 (13)  “a year ago”

LSU’s top pass rusher, Arden Key, will not participate in spring practice as he’s away from the football team for undisclosed reasons. Ching says developing additional other pass rushers will be a priority during spring football…

Cut 18 (14) “deserve it”

Non-custodial parents are now able to make child support payments through MoneyGram. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association launches the “Fight for Film” campaign. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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In response to the financial changes facing the state, the Louisiana Community and Technical College System is consolidating eight of their rural campuses. President of the system, Dr. Monty Sullivan, says they want to maintain and sustain the mission of two year colleges.

Cut 3 (10) “financial stability”

For example, the Northwest Louisiana Technical College in Natchitoches will become part of the Central Louisiana Technical Community College on July 1^st. Sullivan says the mergers will allow them to focus on these rural campuses and ensure their two-year colleges can stay open.

cut 4  (07) “create savings”

Sullivan says consolidating these campuses will save money and continue their mission of helping students move on to a four-year university or prepare Louisianans for technical careers. He says it’s their hope that students in the system will see very little changes.

Cut 5  (09)  “to attend”

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Non-custodial parents in Louisiana can now make child support payments through MoneyGram at retail stores like WalMart, CVS and Albertsons. Director of Child Support Enforcement with the Department of Children and Family Services Lydia Scales says this is a more convenient way to pay rather than purchasing stamps and mailing in money.

Cut 6 (08) “credit card”

Scales says they often hear excuses from parents who don’t have custody, that it’s too difficult to make a payment. She says making cash payments through MoneyGram will allow these people to contribute more to their children.

CUT 7 (09)  “payments”

Other states are already using MoneyGram for cash child support payments. Scales says there is a four-dollars fee, but the convenience pays for itself. She says parents do need a few things in order to send support to their children through MoneyGram…

Cut 8 (10) “14695”

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The Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association has launched a campaign aimed at urging the legislature to make changes to the state’s film tax credit program. Jim Hornbeak sits on the LFEA’s Executive Board. He says right now there’s no guarantee a movie-maker will receive tax credits, and it negatively impacts many locals…:

Cut 9 (05)  “restaurant industry”

The state’s film-tax incentive program was capped in 2015 at $180 million dollars a year, and a lot of the industry left for better deals in other states. Hornbeak says the “Fight For Film” effort is all about putting faces to those Louisianians who thrive when a movie is filmed here…:

Cut 10 (08) “tax credits”

To see the videos associated with the campaign, visit FilmLouisiana.com. Hornbeak, who is also the Chief Marketing Officer of Ranch Film Studios in Chalmette, says the film industry has supported 13,000 jobs with average salary of $60,000 per year. He’s hoping to see some tweaks in the existing cap…:

cut 11 (10) “standpoint”

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Louisiana is set to benefit from ExxonMobil’s $20 billion investment in the Gulf Coast. Baton Rouge Refinery Manager Mark Northcutt says the Grow the Gulf initiative will strengthen and grow Exxon facilities in the Capitol City. He says Baton Rouge is home to one of the world’s largest refineries, as well as world scale chemical operations.

cut 12 (13) “position of strength”

Northcutt says another facility in Baton Rouge produces aviation lubricants. He says they’ve already invested $200 million into this facility, which created 400 construction jobs during development and 45 new permanent jobs at the facility.

Cut 13 (10) “Baton Rouge facility” 

Northcutt says they want to grow these Baton Rouge facilities even more. He the increased supply of natural gas in Louisiana is a big advantage for the chemical industry in the Gulf Coast. He says Exxon is looking for site for a new steam cracker facility, and the Bayou State could be a contender, if the state can provide a stable and predictable tax environment.

cut 14 (10) “in Louisiana”

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The Louisiana Oil and Gas Association hosts their annual summit today in Lake Charles with a new hope for the future of the industry. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A report shows only 49-percent of obese people say they are trying to lose weight, down from 55-percent. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more and more babies are born with syphilis. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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There’s a renewed sense of optimism for the oil industry, according to the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association, who host their annual summit today in Lake Charles. LOGA Vice President Gifford Briggs says higher oil prices aren’t the only thing contributing to their uplifted spirits.

Cut 4  (12) “rolling back regulations”

LOGA says 2017 is a critical year for the oil and gas industry. Briggs says that’s because the industry is starting to rebound after a two year recession. He says with the new president and the prices rebounding, this is the time for people to start making investments and bring people back to work.

Cut 5  (11)  “those investments”

Briggs says Exxon’s commitment to make a $20 billion investment in the Gulf and the plans for the Bayou Bridge Pipeline are promising signs for the industry as a whole. He says people have been asking to replace our old infrastructure for a long time.

Cut 6 (09) “for Louisiana”

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The rate of babies born with syphilis is rising in Louisiana, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC found the rate of congenital syphilis rose by 6-percent nationwide between 2014 and 2015. Director of the Bureau of Infectious Diseases for the Office of Public Health, Dr. DeAnn Gruber, says the problem is even worse in Louisiana than the rest of the country.

Cut 7 (06)  “other states”

According to the CDC, 83 out of every 100-thousand babies born has congenital syphilis. Gruber says her office is doing everything they can to reduce these rates. She says in 2014 the legislature passed a law that requires women to get tested for diseases throughout their pregnancies, not just in the first trimester.

Cut 8 (12) “that’s needed”

Gruber says babies born with syphilis can have complications and various types of disabilities. She says the Office of Public Health is doing interventions, provider outreach, and education to decrease the rate of congenital syphilis, and it looks like their methods are paying off.

Cut 9 (09)  “number decrease”

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A recent study shows fewer fat people are trying to lose weight. A report from Georgia Southern University found that overweight people who said they are trying to lose weight fell from 55-percent down to 49-percent. Executive Director of the Louisiana Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Rudy Macklin, says people are abandoning their weight loss efforts for a variety of reasons.

Cut 10 (10) “physically active”

Macklin says people may be getting discouraged because they aren’t seeing results right away. The study suggests being overweight could be becoming more acceptable. But Macklin doesn’t think that’s the case. He attributes the decline in people losing weight to busy schedules.

Cut 11 (11) “things like that”

The nationwide study found the obesity rate is highest for black women with 55-percent being obese. Macklin says here in Louisiana, income and family environment play a big role in many of these women’s lives, leaving little time for exercise and cooking healthy meals.

Cut 12 (10) “one job”

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Governor John Bel Edwards sent a letter to President Donald Trump asking him to cut the red tape so Louisiana can get started on coastal restoration projects. Executive Director of the Coastal Restoration and Protection Authority, Johnny Bradberry, says the projects are part of the coastal restoration masterplan.

Cut 13 (07) “to do these”

Bradberry says the projects will be funded through BP’s restoration payments to the state over the next few years. He says the President is looking for projects that are ready to go and having funding methods in place. He says they’re hoping Mr. Trump can help fast track the federal approval process.

Cut 14 (10) “these projects”

Bradberry says two of the projects are sediment diversion, others prevent saltwater intrusion into our marshes, and another introduces freshwater into the Maurepas Swamp. Bradberry says these projects are vital because they protect industries that operate along Louisiana’s coast.

Cut 15 (11) “three years”

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Louisiana Tech begins play in the Conference USA Tournament at 5:30 today as the one of the hottest teams in the league. They’ve won eight of their last nine. Bulldogs head coach Eric Konkol believes his young team can win this tournament and receive automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament…

Cut 16 (17) “offense”

Tech will play the winner of last night’s game between UAB and Charlotte. Konkol says for them to win this tournament, good play will have to start on the defensive end

Cut 17 (15)  “awful lot”

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NFL teams can begin signing unrestricted free agents this afternoon and for the first time in several years, the Saints have some salary cap space to work with. Sideline reporter on the Saints Radio Network, Kristan Garic, doesn’t anticipate the Black and Gold making a huge splash, but they will look to bolster the offensive line…

Cut 18 (20) “possibility”

Trades can also made once the new league year starts this afternoon. There’s been a lot of speculation about the Saints trading former first round pick and wide receiver Brandin Cooks. Garic says the Saints are asking a lot for Cooks…

Cut 19 (14)   “gets done”

The Saints also have to make a decision on defensive tackle Nick Fairly. The Mobile native performed well under a one-year deal last season, but Garic says the Saints might not get that same production if Fairly signs a contract for multiple years…

Cut 20 (19)   “open market”

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education approves a proposal that does not increase funding for public schools. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A federal judge once again blocks a state law that would prohibit women under 21-years-old from exotic dancing. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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No charges are expected in the fatal shooting that occurred when a 40-year-old man attempted to break into a Baton Rouge home this morning. Authorities say Anthony Gordon was shot and killed by the homeowner during a confrontation, after forcing his way into the house at around 1:30 a.m. East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore says the homeowner had every right to defend his home.

Cut 3 (10) “something wrong”

Gordon was pronounced dead at the scene. Moore says an investigation into the shooting is underway…

cut 4  (05) “justified shooting”

Baton Rouge police say Gordon was armed with a gun when he tried to gain entry into the home. Moore says Louisiana law allows homeowners to use lethal force to defend themselves…

Cut 5  (07)  “every case”

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State funding for public schools is at a standstill, as the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education approves a proposal that does not increase state funding per student. Executive Director of the Louisiana School Boards Association, Scott Richard, says the outlook for K-12 schools is pretty bleak.

Cut 6 (09) “funding formula”

Richard says like anything else, the cost of operating a school is going up every year, but funding has not increased. He says federal funding is also in a decline, which leaves local school districts to pick up the lion’s share of the costs.

CUT 7 (10)  “serious concern”

BESE says continued state budget problems makes it difficult to ask and receive an increase in state funding. Richard says educating our children should be more of a priority for lawmakers.

Cut 8 (10) “year after year”

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It looks like the coaching days of Johnny Jones are coming to an end. Jones has been the head basketball coach at LSU since 2012, where he won more games in his first four years than any other basketball coach in the school’s history. But the team failed to make the NCAA Tournament last year and this season, they only won two SEC games. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham…

Cut 9 (07)  “basketball”

Worsham says the biggest problem with Jones was his inability to get more out of last year’s team with talented players, like Ben Simmons.

Cut 10 (11) “program’s reputation”

Worsham says LSU Athletic Director Joe Alleva has money to spend and should be willing  to invest in a good basketball coach….

cut 11 (08) “head coaches”

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A federal judge in New Orleans has once again blocked a state law that makes the minimum age to be an exotic dancer 21-years-old. Three strippers filed suit after the state legislature passed the legislation last year and their attorney is Harry Rosenberg….

cut 12 (07) “vague”

The women were 18, 19, and 20 when the suit was originally filed. Rosenberg says Judge Carl Barbier’s ruling ensures the law will not go into effect until this case goes to trial at a later date.

Cut 13 (09) “from dancing” 

Rosenberg says their argument to the court was that the law prohibited women aged 18 to 20 from expressing their right to free speech through dance. He says the basis for the court’s ruling granting the injunction stemmed from the extremely broad nature of the law.

cut 14 (11) “broad”

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