A new Legislative class was sworn in last week and for the first time in nearly a century, Louisiana finds itself without a member of the Long family serving in public office. The political dynasty began with Governor Huey Long the firecracker leftwing populist who pushed a massive public works program, built Tiger Stadium, but was also impeached. Former Senator Gerald Long…

Cut 3, 9 seconds, the bar

Huey Long was assassinated in 1935 in the midst of a presidential challenge to FDR, who’s “New Deal”, according to Long, didn’t go far enough in redistributing wealth.

While it is no secret Louisiana residents love King Cake, KingCakeSnob.com, a website dedicated to ranking the tasty seasonal treat, breaks down some of the surprising statistics. Website spokesperson Andrew Alexander…

Cut 6 (06) “… a mass number.”

The Louisiana Lottery is looking into expanding ticket sales by allowing players to make purchases of games over the internet. Louisiana Lottery CEO Rose Hudson says in order to start online sales, the legislature needs to change a state statute that prohibits gambling by computer.

Cut 10 (13) “…meeting that mission.”

Louisianans are twice as likely as the rest of the country to not get their federally recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week according to the CDC. LSU AgCenter nutrition specialist Denise Holston says If you are one of those inactive adults, find little ways to work additional exercise it into your busy schedule.

Cut 9 (12) “…spot”

It’s Martin Luther King Junior Day, a day off for some and for others a “day on” dedicated to community service. Volunteer Louisiana spokesperson Kori Chisham says volunteers in Louisiana create a billion dollars of economic impact annually, and that number continues to grow.

Cut 4 (09) “…someday.”

King would have been 91 today, and was assassinated 51 years ago.

CDC numbers show 30 percent of Louisianans are considered “inactive”, twice the national average. LSU AgCenter nutrition specialist Denise Holston says inactivity is defined by not meeting the recommended 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity and can be the result of a number of impediments.

Cut 7 (12) “…schedule”

The Louisiana Lottery is looking into expanding ticket sales by allowing players to make purchases of games over the internet. It would require legislative approval in a state that isn’t big on gambling expansion.  Louisiana Lottery CEO Rose Hudson says with more shoppers making purchases online that that in a line at a brick and mortar store, they need to be able to purchase Louisiana Lottery there as well.

Cut 12 (10) “…growing our business.”

35% of lottery revenue is transferred to the state treasury to mostly fund K-12 education.

Senator John Kennedy has co-introduced legislation aimed at combatting the global trade in bear parts along with New Jersey Senator Cory Booker. Animal Wellness Action founder Wayne Pacelle says legislative action is needed to protect bears that are being killed for their gallbladders to be used in traditional Chinese medicine, but Pacelle adds that it isn’t considered an essential medicine.

Cut 14 (6) “…of rhino horn.”

Federal and state government offices are closed today on this Martin Luther King holiday. Volunteer Louisiana spokesperson Kori Chisham says volunteering is the best way to honor the life of the civil rights leader…
cut 6 (11) “….service”
To find out about volunteer opportunities in your area, go to volunteer-louisiana-dot-gov or m-l-k-day-dot-gov.

Louisiana Lottery officials are considering pushing legislation this year to allow for the online sales of lottery tickets. Louisiana Lottery CEO Rose Hudson says eleven other states allow for the purchase of lottery tickets online and with the launch of the Louisiana Lottery app, it’s a great time to explore adding Louisiana to that list.
Cut 11 (09) “…using that app.”
Hudson says it’s important for the state to increase lottery sales since 35-percent of all lottery revenue is transferred to the state treasury.

A CDC report shows Louisiana is one of seven states with the highest prevalence of physical inactivity among adults…
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

A 50-year-old man is in jail facing 33 counts of animal cruelty. Ascension Parish Sheriff deputies say they found 33 dogs living in horrid conditions on the property owned by Thomas West. One dog was dead. All dogs were taken to Cara’s House animal sheltering for housing and treatment.

Winter has returned this week. Most areas of the state will see a freeze tonight, rain returns to the state midweek.

Could Louisiana residents soon be able to purchase lottery tickets online? Kevin Barnhart has the story…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Ruston police are trying to determine who fatally shot a Grambling man at a party early Sunday morning in downtown Ruston. Jeffery Early was pronounced dead at a local hospital. When officers arrived to a report of shots fired, they encountered a large crowd trying to exit the venue on West Mississippi Avenue.

Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds Louisiana is one of seven states with the highest prevalence of physical inactivity among adults. The South had the highest rates of physical inactivity and LSU AgCenter nutrition specialist Denise Holston says Louisiana lacks physical activity opportunities…
cut 8 (09) “….cars”
Holston says for adults who want to get more physically active, start slow and set small goals.

Today is Martin Luther King day and it’s designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer. Volunteer Louisiana spokesperson Kori Chisham…
cut 5 (12) “…projects”
For volunteer opportunities go to volunteer-Louisiana-dot-gov.

Volunteer Louisiana wants you to make MLK Day a “day-on” instead of a “day-off”. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 1 (28) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The man convicted in the hazing death of LSU fraternity pledge Max Gruver has begun serving his sentence. Matthew Naquin is at the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center. He was convicted in November of negligent homicide and sentenced to five years, but half of the sentence was suspended. It’s possible Naquin will spend less than a year in prison with good behavior and completing other jail programs.

A CDC report finds that at least 30-percent of adults in Louisiana are physically inactive which is a reason why the state’s obesity rate is 35-percent and over 40-percent in 16 parishes. LSU AgCenter nutrition specialist Denise Holston says small adjustments to your lifestyle can lead to more physical activity…
cut 9 (12) “…spot”
The CDC reports that inactivity contributes to one in 10 premature deaths in the U-S.

Senator John Kennedy has co-introduced legislation aimed at combatting the global trade in bear parts. Animal Wellness Action founder Wayne Pacelle says legislative action is needed to protect bears that are being killed for their gallbladders.
Cut 13 (12) “…for Chinese medicine.”

It’s Martin Luther King Junior Day, a day off for some and for others a “day on” dedicated to community service. Volunteer Louisiana spokesperson Kori Chisham says volunteers in Louisiana create a billion dollars of economic impact annually, and that number continues to grow.
Cut 4 (09) “…someday.”
If you’re looking to volunteer, Chisham recommends visiting www.volunteerlouisiana.gov or www.mlkday.gov

The Louisiana Lottery is looking into expanding ticket sales by allowing players to make purchases of games over the internet. Louisiana Lottery CEO Rose Hudson says in order to start online sales, the legislature needs to change a state law that prohibits gambling by computer.
Cut 10 (13) “…meeting that mission.”
Hudson says eleven other state lotteries allow for the purchase of tickets online. She’s not sure if the lottery will bring forward such legislation this year.

A CDC report shows Louisiana is one of seven states with the highest prevalence of physical inactivity among adults…
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

After a warm week last week, winter has returned this week. Most areas of the state will see a freeze tonight.

Baton Rouge welcomes the over 6,500 runners and their families for the 9^th annual Louisiana Marathon.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

The LSU parade for the National Championship team is scheduled to being at 11am on campus at the School of Music and then continue inside the PMAC for a celebration at noon. The route could be shortened if the weather presents an issue.

A Lake Charles man is arrested and charged with two counts of second-degree murder in connection with a trailer fire that killed a mother and daughter and gravely injured an 11-year old boy. State Fire Marshal deputies in collaboration with the Lake Charles fire department announced the Calcasieau Parish Sheriff’s office booked 36-year-old Casey Hatch into the parish jail and bond is set at $2-million.  Police say Hatch confessed to setting the blaze in an attempt commit suicide on January 14^th.

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education has started the process of finding a new Superintendent of Education to replace John White, who is stepping down. BESE member Holly Boffy says they are seeking someone with strong organizational skills who can implement their agenda.

Cut 9 (11) “visionary”

A two-thirds vote from BESE will be needed to hire a new superintendent. White’s resignation is effective March 11^th, and Boffy says they will be using that date as a “milestone” for finding a replacement.

President Donald Trump calls the LSU Tigers one of the greatest teams in college football history during a ceremony honoring the national champs. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut  2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The LSU Tigers will answer the Call of Baton Rouge as are the star attraction of a Parade today on campus. The team will be honored at 11 am with a procession, that could be abbreviated if the weather becomes an issue. The campus opened at 8 for tailgaters and the PMAC celebration starts at noon.

This weekend is the 9^th annual Louisiana Marathon in Baton Rouge. Festivities kicked off Friday at the Raising Cane’s River Center with an expo and continues with a series of races throughout the weekend. Marathon spokesperson Jennifer Macha (ma-ha) says it’s a big economic driver.

Cut 6 (08) “…pretty big draw.”

Macha says Saturday’s running events will be wrapped up in time for the LSU parade.

Advanced Aero Services announces the launch of its maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility in Shreveport that is expected to create sixty direct jobs by 2021.  AAS President Mike Anderson says he looked at various sites across the country before settling on Shreveport for meeting all the criteria he was looking for.

Cut 3 (11)  “…played a factor.” 

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education has started the process of finding a new Superintendent of Education to replace John White, who is stepping down. BESE member Holly Boffy says White overhauled the ways schools and teachers are graded in Louisiana, and the new Superintendent will be judged by that new criteria.

Cut 10 (10) “…schools” 

White’s resignation is effective March 11^th

President Donald Trump gave the national champion LSU football team a special treat during its visit to the White House today. The president says this LSU team will be remembered as one of the greatest in college football history. He says the Tigers beat seven teams ranked in the top ten and they are led by a great man, Coach Ed Orgeron…

Cut 15 (11) “…you think”

Baton Rouge welcomes the over 6,500 runners and their families for the 9^th annual Louisiana Marathon.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

59-year-old Myrna Thomas Quarles is set to serve 71 months in federal prison for stealing over million dollars by defrauding a federal summer lunch program for hungry children who are out of school. The case is linked to a fraudulent company Quarles set up in 2014 and 2015 that handed out some food to kids, but significantly overstated the amount of work it did to overbill the feds.

President Donald Trump greeted the national champion LSU football team during its visit to the White House today. Quarterback Joe Burrow presented the President with a number 45 LSU jersey. Trump joked he thought Burrow was going to give him the Heisman Trophy. Burrow says the trip to the White House is a great way to cap off the season

Cut 13 (09) “…never forget.”

The president says this LSU team will be remembered as one of the greatest in college football history.

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education has started the process of finding a new Superintendent of Education to replace John White, who is stepping down. BESE member Holly Boffy says BESE has formed a working group to find a new Superintendent. She says White left Louisiana in a stronger position.

Cut 11 (09) “…state”

This weekend is the 9^th annual Louisiana Marathon in Baton Rouge. Festivities kick off today at the Raising Cane’s River Center with an expo and continues with a series of races throughout the weekend. Marathon spokesperson Jennifer Macha (ma-ha) says it’s a big economic driver.

Cut 6 (08) “…pretty big draw.”

Macha says Saturday’s running events will be wrapped up in time for the LSU national championship parade.

Advanced Aero Services announces the launch of its maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility in Shreveport that is expected to create sixty direct jobs by 2021.  AAS President Mike Anderson says he looked at various sites across the country before settling on Shreveport for meeting all the criteria he was looking for.

Cut 3 (11)  “…played a factor.” 

Anderson says the operations will start in a hangar that will accommodate regional jet aircraft, but growth is on the horizon.