Louisiana’s 2014 law that requires abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals went before the U-S Supreme Court today. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino on what the justices have to consider…
cut 4 (08) “…seeking abortions”
A ruling is expected in June.

A big night last night for former Vice President Joe Biden makes it likely the Democratic primary will remain competitive by the time Louisianans head to the polls April 4^th.  JMC Analytics publisher John Couvillon says Louisianans will likely be picking between Biden, Senator Bernie Sanders, and Senator Elizabeth Warren in April, despite Biden’s big night…
Cut 6 (12) “…states”
Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who had a sizeable presence in Louisiana, dropped out and endorsed Biden this morning.

The US Army is investing over $26 million into Fort Polk for barracks renovations and infrastructure replacements.  Congressman Mike Johnson says he has been pushing for the investment since last year.

Cut 9 (05) “…this very need″

Johnson calls it a huge win for the soldiers at Fort Polk as the needs were critical, adding this is just the beginning of continued investments.
State Representative Lance Harris of Alexandria announces he’s running for the fifth district congressional seat that’s being left vacant by the retiring Ralph Abraham. Republican Ouachita Police Juror Scotty Robinson and Democrat Candy Christophe of Alexandria are also in the race.

Louisiana’s 2014 law that requires abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals goes before the U-S Supreme Court today. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino (See-oh-lee-no) says this is the first major abortion case for the Supreme Court since President Trump’s appointment of two conservative judges…

Cut 3 (11)  “…Roe vs Wade”  

A ruling is expected in June

A stationary front is currently draped across central Louisiana which will bring rain on and off throughout the day.  Thunderstorms will be particularly problematic this afternoon. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the Storm Prediction Center has the state in the slight risk category for severe weather.

Cut 14 (08) “…very very careful.”

State Rep. Donna “Kathy” Edmonston, an Ascension Parish Republican, was arrested Tuesday and accused of driving while intoxicated after she rear-ended another vehicle in Baton Rouge. Edmonston, who works in Ascension public schools, won election to State House seat 88 last November. A breathalyzer test revealed her blood alcohol content was .143, significantly over the legal limit of .08.

Louisiana ranks as the least happy state in the nation.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.” 

The U-S Supreme Court hears oral arguments today on a 2014 Louisiana law that requires doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. It’s the first abortion case heard by a new conservative-leaning court. If the law is upheld, it would leave only one doctor in Louisiana able to perform abortions. Louisiana Attorney General spokesperson Deanna Wallace….
cut 6 (10) “…competent care”
But Centers for Reproductive Rights Senior Counsel TJ Tu says the admitting privileges law is an assault on women’s rights…
cut 7 (11) “….clinics
A ruling is expected in June. There are currently three abortion clinics in Louisiana.

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine is collaborating with Tulane to produce and test a coronavirus vaccine. Pathological Sciences Department Head Doctor Gus Kousoulas says dozens of institutions both public and private are working on a vaccine, but Tulane has secure facilities for handling this…
cut 12 (11) “…effectively”
The testing of experimental vaccines will be performed at the Tulane National Primate Research Center in Covington.

A thunderstorm watch is in effect until noon today for a large section of the state from Monroe down to Opelousas. State Climatologist Barry Keim expects more watches and warnings to be issued as the day goes on…
cut 15 (11) “…in the afternoon”
A portion of southeast Louisiana is also under a flash flood watch from tonight until tomorrow night.

The US Supreme Court hears oral arguments today on a 2014 Louisiana law requiring abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital, a regulation that would close two of the state’s three abortion clinics. Louisiana Attorney General spokesperson Deanna Wallace says it’s a law that will ensure better care for pregnant women…
Cut 4 (11)_ “…hospital.”
It’s the first major abortion case since President Trump’s appointment of two conservative judges. A ruling is expected in June.

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until noon today for an area of the state from Monroe to Opelousas. And a flash flood watch is in effect for tonight through tomorrow night for portions of southeast Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim…
cut 16 (08) “…weather service information”

Coronavirus vaccine development is underway by LSU School of Veterinary Medicine researchers. Matt Doyle has the story…
voicer 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Fourth District Congressman Mike Johnson announces the U-S Army is investing 26-million dollars into Fort Polk for barracks renovations and critical infrastructure replacements. And State Representative Lance Harris of Alexandria announces he’s running for the fifth district congressional seat that’s being left vacant by the retiring Ralph Abraham. Republican Ouachita Police Juror Scotty Robinson and Democrat Candy Christophe of Alexandria are also in the race.

A major abortion case based on a 2014 law passed in Louisiana will be heard by the U-S Supreme Court today. The law which has yet to take effect calls for abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals. Supporters say it ensures the health and safety of the mother. But Center for Reproductive Rights Senior Counsel TJ Tu says most doctors don’t need or have admitting privileges…
cut 5 (11) “…lower”
A ruling is expected in June.

Will there be a coronavirus vaccine soon? Doctor Gus Kousoulas with the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine is working with Tulane to produce and test coronavirus vaccines…
cut 11 (09) “…center”
The Tulane National Primate Research Center has secure facilities for handling this and other high containment pathogens.

According to the career resource website Zippia, Louisiana ranks as the least happy state in the nation. Among the metrics considered, depression rates, employment, and marriage rates. Zippia spokesperson Kathy Morris says married couples often report being happier than single people.
Cut 8 (12) “…lower marriage rate.”
Morris says the state’s high unemployment rate also contributes to the unhappiness.

State Climatologist Barry Keim says the Storm Prediction Center has the entire state south of I-20 in the slight risk category for severe weather.
Cut 14 (08) “…very very careful.”
A severe thunderstorm watch is already in effect until noon today for Monroe, Alexandria, Natchitoches, Opelousas, Leesville, and Marksville.

A 2014 Louisiana law requiring abortion clinics to have admitting privileges will be heard at the US Supreme Court today…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

There’s the possibility of strong to severe storms today as a front moves in from the north. A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until noon for an area south of Interstate 20 to just north of Interstate 10. All of central and south Louisiana are under a slight risk for severe weather.

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine is collaborating with Tulane to produce and test a coronavirus vaccine. Pathological Sciences Department Head Doctor Gus Kousoulas says dozens of institutions both public and private are working on a vaccine, but Tulane has secure facilities for handling this…
cut 12 (11) “…effectively”
The testing of experimental vaccines will be performed at the Tulane National Primate Research Center in Covington.

The career resource website Zippia says Louisiana is the least happiest state in the nation. Zippi spokesperson Kathy Morris says they looked at depression rates, marriage rates and the unemployment rate…
cut 9 (07) “….to be happy”
Louisiana’s jobless rate was the fifth highest in the nation based on the December unemployment rate.

The U-S Supreme Court hears oral arguments today on whether a 2014 Louisiana law that requires doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital is constitutional. It’s the first abortion case heard by a new conservative-leaning court. If the law is upheld, it would leave only one doctor in Louisiana able to perform abortions. Louisiana Attorney General spokesperson Deanna Wallace….
cut 6 (10) “…competent care”
But Centers for Reproductive Rights Senior Counsel TJ Tu says the admitting privileges law is an assault on women’s rights…
cut 7 (11) “….clinics
A ruling is expected by late June. There are currently three abortion clinics operating in Louisiana.

LSU and Tulane researchers are among those working on a coronavirus vaccine. Most vaccines take years to develop, but Pathological Sciences Department head at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, Doctor Gus Kousoulas, says due to the pressing nature of the novel coronavirus outbreak, they may get authorization to speed up the process….
cut 13 (12) “…quickly”
But the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases says it’s unlikely a deployable vaccine can be developed and tested in a year.

The storm system that spawned several tornadoes killing at least 24 in Nashville and other parts of Tennessee has made its way to Louisiana today which is why central and south Louisiana are under a slight risk for severe weather. Alexandria, Natchitoches and Monroe are under a severe thunderstorm watch until noon.

A 2014 Louisiana law requiring abortion clinics to have admitting privileges will be heard at the US Supreme Court today…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

_____________________________________

Louisiana ranks as the least happy state in the nation.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.” 

___________________________________________

Coronavirus vaccine development is underway by LSU School of Veterinary Medicine researchers. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

____________________________________________

Today the US Supreme Court will take up a 2014 Louisiana law requiring abortion clinics to have admitting privileges to operate, a law opponents say would close all but one Bayou State clinic.

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry will defend the law in court. AG spokespersons Deanna Wallace says it’s not an undue burden on clinics.

Cut 4 (11)_ “…hospital.”

But Center for Reproductive Rights Senior Counsel TJ Tu says all leading national medical groups, including the AMA, say that’s false. He says most doctors don’t need or have admitting privileges.

Cut 5 (11)  “…lower.”

TJ is also one of two lead counsels on the case today.

Wallace says the law is not designed to discriminate against abortion providers and says one provider in the state has proven they aren’t impossible to get.

Cut 6 (08) “…privledges.”

Tu counters saying privileges are only given to doctors who routinely send patients to a hospital, and abortion is so safe it’s almost never needed. He says if upheld, it’s an assault on women’s rights.

Cut 7 (11) “…clinics”

_______________________________

According to the career resource website Zippia, Louisiana ranks as the least happy state in the nation. Among the metrics considered, the ranking looked at depression rates, employment factors, and marriage rates. Zippia spokesperson Kathy Morris says married people often report being happier than single people.

Cut 8 (12) “…lower marriage rate.”

Rhode Island has the lowest marriage rate at 44%.

Morris says the state’s unemployment rate is also contributing to the rating.

Cut 9 (07) “…to be happy.″

Louisiana’s average household income only exceeds that of Mississippi, West Virginia, New Mexico and Arkansas. Morris says Louisiana workers spend about 39.7 hours a week at work, throwing off a work/life balance.

Cut 10 (12) “…an unhappy life balance.”

Other southern states that made the top five least happy states were Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama.

____________________

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine is now involved in the development of a vaccine for the coronavirus.

Pathological Sciences Department Head Dr. Gus Kousoulas says developing and testing the vaccine will be a team effort in tandem with Tulane.

Cut 11 (09) “…center.”

The SVM Department of Biotech and Molecular Medicine, in particular, has a history of working with coronaviruses, particularly bovine coronavirus, or coronaviruses in cows.

Kousoulas says dozens of institutions both public and private will be working on vaccine development, but the relationship with Tulane makes LSU SVM a prime candidate for development.

Cut 12 (11) “…effectively”

The Tulane National Primate Research Center has been cleared by the CDC for coronavirus testing.

Most vaccines take years to develop, but Kousoulas says due to the pressing nature of the novel coronavirus outbreak, they may get authorization to speed up the process.

Cut 13 (12) “…quickly.”

SVM’s work on the vaccine is part of the LSU-Tulane Center for Experimental Infectious Disease Research.

____________________________

A stationary front is currently draped across central Louisiana which will bring rain on and off throughout the day.  Thunderstorms will be particularly problematic this afternoon. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the Storm Prediction Center has the state in the slight risk category for severe weather.

Cut 14 (08) “…very very careful.”

Keim says this same frontal system was responsible for the tornado outbreak in Tennessee.

Cut 15 (10) “…across Nashville, Tennessee.”

Keim warns with saturated soils in some sections of the state, flooding could also become an issue.

Cut 16  (08)  …weather service information.” 

______________________________________________

LSU basketball enters the final week of the regular season tied for second place with Auburn in the SEC standings. The Bayou Bengals are at Arkansas tonight. A couple of weeks ago, Coach Will Wade was not happy with his team, but he feels much better about them now

Cut 17  (15) “on Wednesday” 

A week ago, LSU suffered one of its worst losses of the year, a 15-point defeat at Florida. But the Tigers rebounded with a 14-point win over Texas A-and-M on Saturday. Wade expects his guys will give a good effort tonight in Fayetteville…

cut 18  (18) “as a group”   

Wade says they need to build on last Saturday’s win against the Aggies…

cut 19 (17) really quick”  

The legislature will debate whether or not college athletes should be able to profit off of their likeness while enrolled at Louisiana schools, legislation similar to a recently passed California bill. Marrero Republican Patrick Connick filed the Senate bill and says it would open up the opportunity for athletes to sell merch.

Cut 6 (10) “…university is getting.”

If passed, the proposal would go into effect January 1, 2023. Just a few years ago, the NCAA exceeded one-billion dollars in revenues, but the association does not allow college athletes to receive money for what they do on the field or court.

LSU Ag Center Entomologist Doctor Sebe Brown warns the two back to back warm winters we’ve seen will result in a wave of stinkbugs that could muck things up for Bayou State farmers…

Cut 5 (09)  “…they go.”

Twenty-one people have applied to be the state’s next education superintendent. Jefferson Parish school superintendent Cade Brumley and Central Louisiana Technical Community College Vice-Chancellor Heather Poole are among the local candidates. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says there’s also several out of state candidates as well

Cut 9 (08) “…good candidates″

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education will meet in April to make a selection.

LSU-Shreveport Poli Sci Professor Jeff Sadow says polls show the democratic primary could be all but over by the time Louisianans vote on April 4^th. Louisiana usually holds it’s primary the weekend after Super Tuesday, but Sadow says we got kicked back about a month because other local elections on the ballot could lead to an inconvenient time for potential run-offs.

Cut 13 (10) “…essentially.”

Should college athletes be able to cash in on their name and likeness? Marrero Republican Patrick Connick files a Senate bill that would allow compensation in Louisiana. The topic of financial benefit for students is a nationwide issue, with thirty other states filing legislation making the push for compensation. Opponents say compensation taints the student-athlete culture. However, Connick says times have changed.

Cut 8 (10) “…treat them fairly.”

NCAA rules currently restrict students from making any money.

It’s Super Tuesday and an LSU-Shreveport Poli Sci Professor says recent developments in the Democratic primary indicate it’s likely the race will not be competitive by the time Louisianans vote on April 4^th. Jeff Sadow says the consolidation of candidates and the massive share of delegates up for grabs today means the race may be functionally over either by tomorrow or in the coming weeks.

Cut 12 (06) “…Louisiana.”

Twenty-one people have applied to be the state’s next education superintendent. Governor Edwards says he hopes The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education will select someone who has worked in a variety of education roles, including as a teacher. But Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin doesn’t think classroom experience is necessary…

Cut 10 (06) “ legislature approve”

BESE plans to meet in April to pick a successor to John White, who is stepping down next week.

LSU Ag Center researchers are warning farmers that stink bug numbers will be high this year because of a series of mild winters. Stink bugs are capable of destroying soybean fields and other crops. LSU Entomologist Doctor Sebe Brown says early season control is vital…

Cut 4 (10) “…of damage”