Senator Bill Cassidy officially announces his run for a second term.  So far, Cassidy does not face any major challenges from Democrats or Republicans, but U-L Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Cassidy will still probably have to put together a little bit of a campaign to make sure nothing is left to chance in his reelection bid.

Cut 12 (06) “…point at least.”

Cross says if Cassidy were to win reelection this year, it’s likely he could remain an incumbent in Louisiana for many terms to come.

A 77-year-old Baton Rouge man turned himself in to authorities Tuesday once autopsy results revealed his special needs son died as a result of internal bleeding on Valentine’s Day.  Ellsworth Hull is charged with second-degree murder in the beating death of his son 40-year-old Derrick Christophe. Baton Rouge Police Sgt L’Jean McKneely says Friday’s beating was not the first.

Cut 6 (12) “then died”

Three people are under arrest after over $600,000 in drugs are found during a Rapides Parish traffic stop on US Highway 165 near Woodworth.  Trooper Casey Wallace says the collection had a lot of fentanyl and heroin in it, two drugs that are fairly new to the area. He says the price on those two narcotics are beginning to spike.

Cut 5 (10)  “…really really hard.”

37-year old Archie Louis Carter, Jr. and passengers 31-year old Isiah Jones and 33-year old Anthony Manuel were arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute.

Pearl River swelling from heavy rain in central Mississippi is catching the attention of officials over flooding issues downstream in Washington and St. Tammany parishes. National Weather Service Slidell meteorologist Gavin Phillips forecasts near-record levels in the coming days around the town of Pearl River.

Cut 10 (10) “…I-59 gauge.”

A 77-year-old Baton Rouge man turned himself in to authorities Tuesday once autopsy results revealed his special needs son died as a result of internal bleeding on Valentine’s Day.  Ellsworth Hull is charged with second-degree murder in the beating death of his son 40-year-old Derrick Christophe. Baton Rouge Police Sgt L’Jean McKneely says once the investigation showed that the victim did not die of natural causes a warrant was filed.

Cut 8 (08)“…himself in”

Three people are under arrest after over a half a million in drugs are found during a Rapides Parish traffic. Trooper Casey Wallace says heroin and fentanyl demand are two relatively new drug issues to the area, which is driving the street value up.

Cut 5 (10) “…really really hard.”

Swelling of Pearl River from heavy rain in central Mississippi is catching the attention of officials over flooding issues downstream in Washington and St. Tammany parishes. National Weather Service Slidell meteorologist Gavin Phillips forecasts near-record levels in the coming days around the town of Pearl River.

Cut 10 (10) “…I-59 gauge.”

The river crests for both Bogalusa and the town of Pearl River are expected to be their highest levels since 2016.

A 77-year-old Baton Rouge man turned himself in Tuesday. Ellesworth Hull is charged with second-degree murder in the beating death of his special needs son 40-year-old Derrick Christophe. Baton Rouge Police Sgt L’Jean McKneely says when officers arrived on the scene Friday, they found the victim in the bathtub.
Cut 7 (11) “…results”
Autopsy results revealed his son died as a result of internal bleeding on Valentine’s Day.
Three people are under arrest after over $600,000 in drugs are found during a Rapides Parish traffic stop on US Highway 165 near Woodworth. Trooper Casey Wallace says while the area does see drug busts throughout the year…
Cut 4 (09) “…been having lately.”
37-year old Archie Louis Carter, Jr. and passengers 31-year old Isiah Jones and 33-year old Anthony Manuel were arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute.

If you’re taking your kids with you to Mardi Gras this year download the FBI Child ID app before you leave in the unfortunate event you and your kid are separated. The app gets you to build a profile of your child, including photo, height, weight, age, and your contact number. FBI New Orleans spokesperson Craig Betbeze says the app abides by all child privacy laws.
Cut 15 (10) “…FBI.”
If your child is missing, just press a button, and it alerts law enforcement. The app is free and available for Android and IPhone devices.

LSU’s annual Spring Football Game will be April 18th but it will not take place in Tiger Stadium. Instead, LSU will hold the scrimmage at Southern University’s Mumford Stadium. Executive Deputy Athletic Director Verge Ausberry says that’s because they are replacing the turf inside Death Valley…

Cut 16  (14)  …be completed”  

A 77-year-old Baton Rouge man turned himself in to authorities Tuesday once autopsy results revealed his special needs son died as a result of internal bleeding on Valentine’s Day.  Ellesworth Hull is charged with second-degree murder in the beating death of his son 40-year-old Derrick Christophe. Baton Rouge Police Sgt L’Jean McKneely says Friday’s beating was not the first.

Cut 6 (12) “then died”

A National Federation of Independent Business poll of Louisiana members shows the top issue facing small businesses in the state is the “quality of labor.” Workforce concerns were at the top of the list, above even tax issues for 23 percent of members. NFIB State Director Dawn Starns says it boils down to two issues.

Cut 7 (08) “…be there.”

In Rapides Parish, a joint traffic stop on Saturday with Louisiana State Police and the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s office resulted in the seizure of a large number of illegal narcotics and three arrests. Trooper Casey Wallace.

Cut 3 (12)  “…thousand dollars.” 

37-year old Archie Louis Carter, Jr. and passengers 31-year old Isiah Jones and 33-year old Anthony Manuel were arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute.

If you’re taking your kids with you to Mardi Gras this year download the FBI Child ID app before you go just in case. The app allows to build a profile of your child. Then FBI New Orleans spokesperson Craig Betbeze says if your child is missing, just press a button…

Cut 13 (09) “…station.”

Heads up parents, before checking out the parades this weekend with the little ones, check out this free app from the FBI…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

In Acadia Parish the search continues for 89-year old James Gunnels, Junior who went missing when he an assisted living facility in Alexandria Thursday evening. The Navy-Air Force Veteran suffers from dementia and never returned when he left to go to the store. Volunteers and officials with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries are assisting in the search.

A National Federation of Independent Business poll of Louisiana members shows the top issue facing small businesses in the state is the “quality of labor.” Nearly 80 percent of respondents say they would like the state to do more to prepare workers coming out of high school for employment. NFIB State Director Dawn Starns says even entry-level jobs need technical and people skills.

Cut 9 (08) “…skills″

A report shows over 22,000 texters in Louisiana have reached out to the Crisis Text Line since it launched in August 2013.  The report indicates that three-quarters of the texters are under the age or 25, with 82% of them identifying as female.  However, men are more likely to die from suicide.  Crisis Text Line spokesperson Ashley Womble says sometimes, a conversation is not enough, and someone needs to step in.

Cut 5 (11)  “…happened 240 times.”

A survey of small business owners in Louisiana shows the top concern from owners is the workforce.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

Allies of Governor Edwards have formed an outside organization to promote his agenda as the Governor prepares for the first legislative session of his second term. The nonprofit political organization known as A Stronger Louisiana does not have to disclose donors to funding its mission. The group’s creation was announced Tuesday by Edwards reelection campaign and stated the nonprofit is committed to supporting bipartisan solutions to move the state forward.

Swell of the Pearl River from heavy rain in central Mississippi is catching the attention of officials over flooding issues downstream in Washington and St. Tammany parishes. National Weather Service Slidell meteorologist Gavin Phillips forecasts near-record levels in the coming days around the town of Pearl River.

Cut 10 (10) “…I-59 gauge.”

The Crisis Text Line report on the State of Mental Health in America shows over 22,000 texters in Louisiana have reached out for help since launching in August 2013.  60 percent of those using the Crisis Text Line are those seeking help for the first time.  Depression is the top reason linked to usage, followed closely by relationship issues, then anxiety and stress.  Crisis Text Line spokesperson Ashley Womble says the number one form of self-care among texters is music.

Cut 6 (09) “…in less crisis.”

National Federation of Independent Business state director Dawn Starns says the number one issue facing small businesses, quality of labor. Starns says many of their members find it difficult to find workers who are committed to the job…
cut 8 (10) “….face”
Starns says the N-F-I-B would like to see Louisiana do more to provide workplace skills and technology training for students who do not plan to attend college.

A new report shows over 22,000 texters in Louisiana have reached out to the Crisis Text Line since it launched in August 2013. Crisis Text Line spokesperson Ashley Womble says counselors have prevented 465 individuals from committing suicide…
Cut 4 (08) “…within 24 hours.”
To reach the Crisis Text Line, text the word “Home” to 741-741.

In central Mississippi, hundreds of homes are flooded because of the Pearl River, which flows into Washington and St. Tammany Parishes in Louisiana. The Pearl is expected to crest at 19 feet near Slidell on Sunday and Deputy Director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Secretary and Emergency Preparedness Casey Tingle says they are monitoring the situation closely…
cut 12 (11) “…be ready”
The river crests for both Bogalusa and the town of Pearl River are expected to be their highest levels since 2016.

Dozens of Mardi Gras parades will take place this weekend and the F-B-I is encouraging to parents to download their child ID app which allows you to build a profile of your child if he or she gets lost in the large crowds. FBI New Orleans spokesperson Craig Betbeze says the app also has information on what to do if your child is lost…
cut 14 (08) “….missing”
The app is available through app stores for both Android and Iphones.

LSU basketball lost for the fourth time in the last five games as 10th ranked Kentucky defeated the Tigers 79-76 in the PMAC last night. The Wildcats made just two three-pointers in the first half, but hit seven 3s in the second half and they shot 74-percent from the field. Tigers Coach Will Wade says he keeps seeing the same mistakes over and over again…
cut 30 (11) “….options”
LSU is on the road for the next two games, at South Carolina Saturday and Florida next Wednesday.

Saul Garza had three hits, including his second home run of the season and drove in four runs as the 11th ranked LSU baseball team defeated Southern eight to three.

Also last night, Louisiana Tech improved to 4-0 with a 7-4 win over McNeese. And the Ragin Cajuns won its first game, beating Southeastern Louisiana nine to six.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is coming back for a 20th season. The 41-year-old will need a new contract, but the future Hall of Famer’s decision likely means the end of Teddy Bridgewater’s time in the NFL. The versatile Taysom Hill who has expressed a desire to be a franchise quarterback, says he’s happy Brees is returning. Hill said on ESPN reporter Adam Schefter’s podcast that he would love to play with Drew again.

Because a new turf and drainage system is going in at Tiger Stadium, LSU will play its spring game on April 19th at Southern University’s Mumford Stadium. LSU Executive Deputy Athletic Director Verge Ausberry says to play the Spring Game at Southern, LSU had to get permission from the SEC…
cut 17 (14) “…thing to do”
Spring practice for LSU begins March 7th.

A National Federation of Independent Business poll of Louisiana members shows the top issue facing small businesses in the state is the “quality of labor.” Workforce concerns were at the top of the list, higher than tax issues for 23 percent of members. NFIB State Director Dawn Starns says it boils down to two issues.
Cut 7 (08) “…be there.”

Central Mississippi has been dealing with major flooding along the Pearl River and all of that water is making its way south towards Washington and St. Tammany Parishes. But National Weather Service meteorologist Gavin Phillips says the biggest threat in Louisiana is for those who live along the Pearl and in low lying areas or have fish camps in the area…
cut 11 (08) “….higher than that”

The Crisis Text Line releases data showing over 22,000 texters in Louisiana have used the service since its launch in 2013. Kevin Barnhart has details on who is using the service.
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

41-year-old Saints QB Drew Brees announces on his Instagram that he will return for the 2020 season after taking some time to consider retirement. Assuming the team resigns Brees, Saints analyst Mike Detillier says we’re almost certain to see backup QB Teddy Bridgewater, who led the team to five wins last year, leave in free agency.

Cut 8 (12)“…heavily”

Detillier says it’s likely the team will retain third-string backup QB Taysom Hill who is a restrictive free agent.

Shreveport Police has charged 37-year-old Gregory Jones for the Sunday night fatal shooting death of his girlfriend 43-year-old Tasha Mayberry.  Corporal Angie Willhite says Jones was shot in the chest after he pointed a gun at officers after fleeing from the scene, and Jones remains hospitalized

Cut 15 (07) “…him to recover.”

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President Donald Trump has pardoned former San Francisco 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Junior who pleaded guilty to giving 400-thousand dollars to former governor Edwin Edwards for a riverboat casino license.

cut  2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

After spending 52 days in the hospital, Wade Berzas is heading home. He’s the lone survivor of a December plane crash in Lafayette Parish that killed five people, including sports journalist Carley McCord. The plane was flying from Lafayette to Atlanta carrying passengers to watch the LSU Tigers compete in the Peach Bowl.