Former Republican gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone sat down with Jim Engster on Talk Louisiana this morning in a rare public interview where he opined about his quest to unseat Governor Edwards. Rispone was the first Republican to challenge Edwards, announcing his bid back in late 2018. When asked if he still has a taste for the campaign trail…

Cut 12 (05) “was it”

He says he plans to remain active in Louisiana politics through support for candidates who share his views on education.

The Agenda for Children releases its first-ever road map to improving Child Well-Being in Louisiana. Researcher Theresa Falgoust (Fal-goo) says Louisiana’s high rate of child poverty is 28-percent, but there is a positive sign, just over half of three and four years are enrolled in schools with the help of federal and state resources.

Cut 11 (12) “…universal access.”

A drive-by shooting in Iberia Parish leaves an 8-year-old child in critical condition in a Baton Rouge hospital.  Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Col. Wendall Raborn says the child was among 15 people standing outside when the suspect, 26-year-old Jonas Hawk of Jeanerette rolled up on the scene.

Cut 3 (11)  “…to the hospital. 

Hawk was booked on 15 counts of first-degree murder.

Three teenagers have been arrested for the murder of 20-year-old Adrian Carradine of Bossier City, including a high school basketball star. Bossier City Police spokesperson Traci Landry says their investigation began Monday night when an officer patrolling a neighborhood saw gunfire coming from a vehicle

Cut 6 (09) “…into custody”

18-year-old Raymond Henry of Bossier City a 15-year-old female and 19-year-old Otis Smith, a senior on the Bossier High basketball team, were arrested.

Eddie Rispone had a rare public interview this morning where he spoke with Jim Engster about his run for Governor. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

The suspect within 30 minutes and he is now in the Iberia Parish Jail, booked on 15 counts of attempted first degree murder.

Ascension Parish Sheriff Bobby Webre says one of two individuals who jumped from a moving party bus early Saturday morning has died. 21-year-old Austin Jenkins has passed away from his injuries, while his 19-year-old brother remains in critical condition. Sheriff Webre calls the incident a tragic accident.

A drive-by shooting in Iberia Parish leaves an 8-year-old child in critical condition in a Baton Rouge hospital.  Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Col. Wendall Raborn says the child was among 15 people standing outside when the suspect, 26-year-old Jonas Hawk of Jeanerette rolled up on the scene and fired at least four shots.  Raborn says the child’s uncle, who was among the group, had a connection to the suspect that may have been the motive behind the shooting.
Cut 4 (08) “…long ongoing dispute.”
Raborn says officials were able to find the suspect within 30 minutes.

The Agenda for Children releases its first-ever road map to improving Child Well-Being in Louisiana. The Bayou State has never ranked higher than 46th in the Annie E Casey Foundation Kids Count report. Researcher Theresa Falgoust (Fal-goo) says the report also shows that if every parish could prevent four infants from being born at low birth weight then Louisiana would improve by a ranking.
Cut 10 (07) “…five rankings.”

The latest Kids Count report has Louisiana ranked 49th again for child well-being, but Agenda for Children releases a roadmap on how the state can improve its ranking…
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

Louisiana native Courtney Phillips has reportedly been chosen as Louisiana’s new health secretary. She’s been the head of the Texas health department since October 2018.

Bossier City Police have charged three teens with the murder of 20-year-old Adrian Carradine. One of the suspects, 19-year-old Otis Smith, is a star on the Bossier basketball team. Bossier City Police spokesperson Traci Landry says the shooting happened Monday night and they were able to make quick arrests because….
cut 8 (10) “…Bossier City”
18-year-old Raymond Henry of Bossier City and a 15-year-old girl were also arrested.

Iberia Pairsh Sheriff deputies announce the arrest of 26-year-old Jonas Hawk of Jeanerette. He allegedly opened fire on a group of people and one of the bullets hit an eight-year-old child, leaving him in critical condition. Lt. Colonel Wendall Raborn says Hawk has been booked on 15 counts of attempted first-degree murder…
cut 5 (12) “…somebody like this”
The shooting happened yesterday afternoon and detectives believe the shooter was targeting the eight-year-old vicitm’s uncle.

A drive-by shooting in Iberia Parish leaves an 8-year-old child in critical condition in a Baton Rouge hospital.  Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Col. Wendall Raborn says the child was among 15 people standing outside when the suspect, 26-year-old Jonas Hawk of Jeanerette rolled up on the scene.
Cut 3 (11)  “…to the hospital. 
The suspect was apprehended within 30 minutes and he is now in the Iberia Parish Jail, booked on 15 counts of attempted first-degree murder.

Three teenagers have been arrested for the murder of 20-year-old Adrian Carradine of Bossier City, including a high school basketball star. On Monday, police arrested two teens, 18-year-old Raymond Henry of Bossier City and a 15-year-old female who was the driver.  Bossier City Police spokesperson Traci Landry says 19-year-old Otis Smith, a senior on the Bossier High basketball team, was arrested yesterday

Cut 7 (11) “…himself in.”

The Agenda for Children releases its first-ever road map to improving Child Well-Being in Louisiana. The Bayou State has never ranked higher than 46th in the Annie E Casey Foundation Kids Count report. Researcher Theresa Falgoust (Fal-goo) says reducing the child poverty rate would be a huge step forward…

Cut 9 (10) “…deep south.″

The story of Keiosha Felix, who vanished in 2012 when she was 15, gets the national spotlight on the Investigation Discovery show “In Pursuit with John Walsh.”  Show producer Michelle Sigona says authorities believe Keiosha may be in Duson, Baton Rouge, or Houston.

Cut 10 (13) “…someone knows something.”

The show airs tonight at 9PM.   The hotline, 1-833-3-PURSUE.

The new Senate President is optimistic the legislature can pass tort reform legislation this year that supporters say will result in fewer lawsuits against businesses…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Ascension Parish Sheriff Bobby Webre says one of two individuals who jumped from a moving party bus early Saturday morning has died. 21-year-old Austin Jenkins has passed away from his injuries, while his 19-year-old brother remains in critical condition. Sheriff Webre calls the incident a tragic accident.

Three teenagers have been arrested for the murder of 20-year-old Adrian Carradine of Bossier City, including a high school basketball star. Bossier City Police spokesperson Traci Landry says their investigation began Monday night when an officer patrolling a neighborhood saw gunfire coming from a vehicle…
cut 6 (09) “…into custody”
On Monday, police arrested two teens, 18-year-old Raymond Henry of Bossier City and a 15-year-old female from Shreveport, who was the driver. Landry says 19-year-old Otis Smith, a senior on the Bossier High basketball team, was arrested yesterday.

The Investigation Discovery Show “In Pursuit with John Walsh” will feature the 2012 disappearance of Keiosha Felix tonight. Felix was 15-years-old when she vanished from the Lafayette Parish town of Duson. Producer Michelle Sigona…
cut 12 (09) “…you can offer”
If you have information on Keiosha’s whereabouts call or text 1-833-3-PURSUE.

Legislative leaders tell the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry that they’ll push to reform the state’s lawsuit climate in an effort to lower auto insurance rates. The Senate stymied tort reform efforts last year, but Senate President Page Cortez doesn’t expect that to be the case this year
Cut 7 (11) “…on it.”
The legislative session begins on March 9th.

The state legislative auditor recommends that the Louisiana Legislature should implement a water management plan to keep the state’s aquifers from running dry, or falling prey to saltwater intrusion. Audit Manager Gina Brown says water is a valuable resource and the state should not take it for granted…
Cut 13 (10) “…resources.”
Water depletion has increased 63 percent nationwide since 1951, and 579 percent since 59’ for the Gulf Coast region.

A flash flood watch remains in effect for parishes in north Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says an additonal one to three inches of rainfall are possible in a short amount of time this afternoon and into tonight especially in northeast Louisiana…
cut 6 (05) “….top of it”
Once this cold front moves through, we’ll see a big drop in the temperature.

The 2012 disappearance of 15-year-old Keiosha Felix will be featured tonight on the Investigation Discovery Show “In Pursuit with John Walsh,” which airs at 9 PM. Keiosha was last seen at her aunt’s home in the Lafayette Parish town of Duson. Show Producer Michelle Sigona says they’ll have investigators standing by at their hotline and it’s produced results before…
cut 11 (13) “…missing child side”
If you have information on Keiosha’s whereabouts call or text 1-833-3-PURSUE.

New Senate President Page Cortez says the legislature is ready to tackle tort reform in the upcoming legislative session as Republican lawmakers seek to change the legal climate to reduce the number of lawsuits against insurance companies. But trial lawyers have historically been major funders in Louisiana politics and stand to lose work if proposed jury trial limits pass. Cortez says he’s not concerned their cash will derail the effort.
Cut 8 (06) “…wants.”
The session begins on March ninth.

The story of Keiosha Felix, a 15-year-old who vanished in 2012 from Duson, gets the national spotlight tonight on the show “In Pursuit with John Walsh,” which airs on Investigation Discovery. Show producer Michelle Sigona says authorities believe Keiosha is still alive…
Cut 10 (13) “…someone knows something.”
The show airs at 9 PM.

Gulf Coast aquifer usage is up 578 percent from 1951 and the Legislative Auditor is calling for a plan to protect the future of one of Louisiana’s most valuable resources…
Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle.

A large fireball lit up the nighttime sky over the ExxonMobil refinery in north Baton Rouge last night. But firefighters say the blaze did not result in any injuries and the fire was contained in the location where it started. ExxonMobil says it’s monitoring air quality at the fence line.

The new Senate President tells the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry he’s optimistic the legislature can pass tort reform legislation this year that supporters say will result in fewer lawsuits against businesses…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

A large portion of the state from Monroe down to Lake Charles and all of south Louisiana is under a marginal risk for severe weather today. State Climatologist Barry Keim….
cut 4 (08) “…across the state”
Shreveport and Monroe can see over an inch of rain today.

The Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s office releases a report that alerts legislative leaders the state is not doing enough to manage its water resources. Audit Manager Gina Brown says strain on the state’s aquifers is growing, with 49 percent of current usage going to energy production, 25 percent to industry, and 12 percent heading to irrigation.
Cut 14 (07) “…aquifer”
The report urges lawmakers to develop a comprehensive water management plan.

The Investigation Discovery Show “In Pursuit with John Walsh” will feature the 2012 disappearance of Keiosha Felix tonight at nine o’clock. Felix was 15-years-old when she vanished from the Lafayette Parish town of Duson. Producer Michelle Sigona hopes tonight’s show will result in new tips…
cut 12 (09) “…you can offer”
If you have information on Keiosha’s whereabouts call or text 1-833-3-PURSUE.

The Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office has released a report raising concerns about a decline water levels because of drought or over-pumping, which in turn have resulted in low surface water flows, impaired surface water quality and degraded groundwater quality due to saltwater intrusion in some areas. Audit Manager Gina Brown says to save water for future generations, they recommend the adoption of a Texas-style creation of “water regions”…
cut 15 (09) “…plan”
Brown says since 1956, the state has spent at least 5-million dollars on water management strategies and the state still does not have a water management plan.

Water management might be a topic for the upcoming legislative session, but Senate President Page Cortez says TORT reform is shaping up to be the key issue…
cut 9 (11) “…session”
The legislative session begins on March 9th.

A nearly eight-year-old missing child case out of Acadiana gets national attention tonight. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart

Breaux Bridge police have charged 28-year-old Dominique Howard with negligent homicide after her four-month-old child died. A cause of death has not been determined.

Business leaders were eager to hear from the new Legislative leadership about lawsuit reform yesterday at the Louisiana Association of Business and industry’s annual meeting…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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A child missing since April 2012 gets national attention tonight.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Gulf Coast aquifer useage is up 578 percent from 1951 and the Legislative Auditor is calling for a plan to protect the future of one of Louisiana’s most valuable resources…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle. 

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Wild weather is in the forecast for the state today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a pesky stationary front has been parked across Louisiana for the past couple of days, keeping it cloudy and dreary with the occasional rain.

Cut 4 (08) “…across the state.”

Keim says the Storm Prediction Center puts much of Louisiana under a slight to marginal risk for severe weather.

Cut 5 (07)  “…clearing on Thursday.”

With recent rains across the northern parishes, Keim says it’s a good idea to take the proper precautions ahead of potential flooding.

Cut 6 (05) “…top of it.”

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The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry hosted Legislative leaders yesterday for a panel all about the state’s legal climate and efforts to pass lawsuit reform aimed at lowering insurance rates.

The Senate stymied TORT reform efforts last year, but Senate President Page Cortez doesn’t expect that to be the case in the upcoming session.

Cut 7 (11) “…on it.”

The 2020 Regular Session begins March 9th.

Trial lawyer groups have historically been major funders in Louisiana politics and stand to lose work if proposed jury trial limits were to pass. Cortez says he’s not concerned their cash will derail the effort.

Cut 8 (06) “…wants.”

TORT reform is shaping up to be the key issue of the session, and Cortez says only one other issue will come close to it’s prominence.

Cut 9 (11) “…session.″

During his speech later in the day, Governor Edwards says he was open to working with the Legislature on TORT reform.

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The story of Keiosha Felix, a 15-year-old who vanished in 2012, gets the national spotlight tonight on the show “In Pursuit with John Walsh,” which airs on Investigation Discovery.  Show producer Michelle Sigona says authorities believe Keiosha may be in Duson, Baton Rouge, or Houston.

Cut 10 (13) “…someone knows something.”

Keiosha disappeared from her aunt’s home in Duson in April 2012.  Sigona has hope the episode can lead to Keiosha’s whereabouts as the program has a history of successfully tracking down fugitives and missing children, including a recent capture.

Cut 11 (13) “…missing child side.”

Sigona says the show has a hotline that viewers can call or text in their tips and they can do so anonymously.

Cut 12 (09) “…you can offer.”

The hotline is based at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.  The show airs tonight at 9PM.

_____________________________________

The State Legislative Auditor is asking the Legislature to consider implementing a water management plan to keep the state’s aquifers from running dry, or falling prey to saltwater intrusion in the future.

Audit Manager Gina Brown says water is increasingly becoming a valuable resource in America, and it’s a resource Louisiana currently has plenty of…

Cut 13 (10) “…resources.”

Water depletion has increased 63 percent nationwide since 1951, and 579 percent since 59’ for the Gulf Coast region.

But strain on the state’s aquifers is growing, with 49 percent of current usage going to energy production, 25 percent to industry, and 12 percent heading to irrigation.

Cut 14 (07) “…aquifer”

So to save the state’s water for future generations, one of their recommendations is the adoption of a Texas-style creation of “water regions”.

Cut 15 (09) “plan.”

Texas’s recent effort to buy water from Toledo Bend for 50 years was rebuffed by the Sabine River Authority, due to public concern over a lack of information on how it would impact water levels.