A new report from Georgetown University ranks LSU’s return on investment number one among SEC public universities. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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What can citizens expect to be top priorities for Governor Edwards’ next four years? Kevin Barnhart has the details.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Period Equity is hosting a protest against the state’s sales taxing of feminine products today at Tulane and they want attendees to bring receipts of their latest tampon or pad purchase along with them.  Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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LSU’s return on investment ranks number one among SEC public universities according to a new report from Georgetown University.  The report compares earnings versus average student debt.   LSU President F. King Alexander says grads tend to find a promising income.

Cut 4 (06) “…mid-career earning.”

Alexander says the earnings-to-debt ratio return is almost 300 percent, adding few undergrads leave LSU with saddled with debt.

Cut 5 (07) “…is over 80%.”

Students may have to take a large loan to fund their college experience at other schools, but Alexander says that is not necessarily the case at LSU.

Cut 6 (10) “…lowest among flagships.”

Expanded data from the College Scorecard was analyzed to calculate the report.

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Governor Edwards addresses some of the issues that will be the benchmarks of his second term.  Following a reinvestment in higher education and the locking in a pay raise for public school teachers in his first term, Edwards says his focus on education will continue.

Cut 7 (12) “…the southern average.”

Edwards says infrastructure will remain a top priority.

Cut 8 (11) “…trust fund dollars.”

Edwards says he will entertain the idea of rolling back the .45 percent state sales tax, but it is dependent on what the revenue estimating conference shows for a particular year and what economists show for the outlook.

Cut 9 (09) “…to recover from.”

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Period Equity is hosting a protest against the state’s sales taxing of feminine products today at Tulane and they want attendees to bring receipts of their latest tampon or pad purchase along with them.

LIFT Louisiana is helping organize the event, and Legal Advisory Board Member Laura Fine says there’s a legitimate legal claim at play here along with the protest.

Cut 10 (11) “…unconstitutional.”

Those without a previous receipt can make a purchase at the site of the protest.

Fine says the demand is for feminine products to be exempted from the sales tax in the same way that other necessities are. They’re hoping to send a message to state leaders and…

Cut 11 (05) “…constitutional”

The organizers are also demanding diapers be removed from the state sales tax as well.

33 states do not exempt the products from sales tax, and an effort to do so failed to pass last year, but Fine says they’ve worked to sure up more votes for next year’s attempt.

Cut  12 (12) “…lose.” 

The protest will be held on Tulane’s campus from 11 AM-3 PM today.

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Louisiana has the seventh-highest rate of distracted driving incidents in the nation according to a report by QuoteWizard.

5,037 drivers died in what was deemed distracted driving incidents in Louisiana between 2013 and 2017. State Police Sgt. Melissa Matey says it’s not just cellphone related incidents.

Cut 13 (8) “the road”

That’s good for roughly 13 percent of driving fatalities in the state.

Matey says distracted driving is so dangerous because even if you take your eyes off the road for just a second or two, a car could make an abrupt stop in front of you and…

Cut 14 (12) “…happen” 

The report notes distracted driving has declined slightly over the past few years, and Matey credits that to an aggressive driver education campaign at national and state levels…

Cut 15 (07) “driving”

New Mexico, New Jersey, and Washington State topped the list. Mississippi was the least distracted state.
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For Louisiana Tech to stay in first place in the Conference USA Western Division, they need to win Saturday in Birmingham against the U-A-B Blazers. The Bulldogs have the league’s top-ranked offense, while the Blazers have the number one ranked defense. Tech Coach Skip Holtz says U-A-B is very aggressive on defense…

Cut 16  (17)  …rushing”  

Tech will not have starting quarterback J’Mar Smith and leading receiver Adrian Hardy tomorrow as they will serve game two of their two-game suspension for violating an athletic department policy. Freshman Aaron Allen is set to start again at Q-B after throwing for 159 yards last week. Holtz is not down on the rookie

Cut 17  (16)  competed” 

La Tech had an eight-game win streak snapped last week against Marshall. Holtz says he’s looking forward to his team bouncing back, but they’ll have to do it at a tough place to win for opponents…

cut 18  (16)  can do” 

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The Saints are 8-and-2 and have a comfortable three-game lead over Carolina for first place in the N-F-C South. Those two teams meet on Sunday. Quarterback Drew Brees says miscues is keeping the offense from performing at a higher level…

cut 19 (23),   can be”    

Carolina is tied with San Francisco for most sacks in the league with 39. Brees says they have a lot of good pass rushers…

cut 20 (17) “ make em”    

The cyberattack on state computer servers will keep Louisiana O-M-V offices closed for the rest of the week. The ransomware attack on Monday impacted 132 servers in state government and the Office of Motor Vehicles has struggled to get its computer system to work properly. Governor John Bel Edwards…

Cut 4 (12) “…more computers”

The OMV will be back online Monday.

Crowley Police now have a person of interest in a string of church vandalism incidents after another church was targeted this week, the sixth such incident since July. Chief Jimmy Broussard says the feds have been contacted and information has been passed to them, so if you’re behind the vandalism, it’s best to turn yourself in now before federal agents charge you.

Cut 8 (05) “   …statutes”

Hate crime charges could apply.

La Tech has unveiled plans for new baseball, softball and soccer stadiums. They were destroyed last April by a tornado. Athletics Director Tommy McClelland says the new baseball stadium will remain in the same place, while softball and soccer will relocate next to the track stadium. Construction will take several months

Cut 12 (12) “…as possible.” 

St. John Parish Sheriffs are offering 3,500 dollars for information leading to an arrest of anyone involved in an August shooting ambush of an autistic man in Reserve. Sheriff Mike Tregre believes a vehicle drove up behind 57-year-old Aurelius Burfict August 12^th around 1 AM, and suspects within opened fire on the man.

Cut 9 (10) “…did it.″

Southeastern Louisiana hosts Nicholls tonight in the regular-season finale for both teams and the winner will earn at least a share of the Southland Conference Championship and a berth into the F-C-S playoffs. Lions Coach Frank Scelfo says it’s no surprise that the Colonels have a chance at repeating as Southland champs…
cut 18 (20) play well”
Kick-off is at 6 PM and C-S-T has television coverage.

The Pelicans are in Phoenix tonight to face the Suns. New Orleans has won three of its last four thanks to the improved play of Jrue Holiday. Holiday has averaged 24 points a game and shot 48-percent from the field over the last four games.

The Saints continue preparations today to host their N-F-C South Rivals, the Carolina Panthers. Coach Sean Payton says protecting quarterback Drew Brees will be a priority…
cut 17 (11) “….at a high level”
Kick-off Sunday is at noon.

Arkansas Interim head coach Barry Lunney is not saying who will start at quarterback on Saturday against the top ranked Tigers. True freshman KJ Jefferson has been seen taking snaps with the first team at practice.

Louisiana Tech unveiled its plans for new baseball, softball and soccer stadiums as the rebuild continues from a killer tonrado last April. Athletics Director Tommy McClelland would not give out a total price tag…
cut 13 (12) “…state’s permission”
McClelland says they know the university will receive FEMA reimbursement, insurance, state money and get help from private donors.

Office of Motor Vehicle locations will remain closed until Monday as the state continues to get its computers working properly from a cybersecurity attack. Brooke Thorington has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

The Tigers are not just top-ranked on the gridiron. LSU’s return on investment ranks number one among SEC public universities according to a new report from Georgetown University. The report compares earnings versus average student debt.

Crowley Police now have a person of interest in a string of church vandalism incidents after another church was targeted this week, the sixth such incident since July. Chief Jimmy Broussard says the incidents have all had roughly the same M.O., a vandal, or vandals tosses a brick or concrete through the glass of a church in a majority-black neighborhood.
Cut 6 (09) “building”

La Tech has unveiled plans for new baseball, softball and soccer stadiums. They were destroyed last April by a tornado. Athletics Director Tommy McClelland says the new baseball stadium will remain in the same place, while softball and soccer will relocate next to the track stadium. FEMA reimbursement, insurance, state dollars and private donors will pay for the new facilities.

Cut 13 (12) “…state’s permission”
Construction will take several months

A cyber-attack that crippled state websites and impacted 132 government servers will keep the Office of Motor Vehicles shuttered for the rest of the week. Governor Edwards says the OMV will be open once again on Monday and State Police have informed the public that they will not be enforcing checks on expired IDs until after the OMV is back up and running.

Louisiana Tech releases renderings and plans for new baseball, softball and soccer stadiums. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut  2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”    

Crowley Police now have a person of interest in a string of church vandalism incidents after another church was targeted this week, the sixth such incident since July. Chief Jimmy Broussard says they’re not sure exactly what is motivating these attacks, and they’re keeping all options open, but…

Cut 7 (07) “…crime.”

The feds have been informed, and are considering a hate crime investigation.

St. John Parish Sheriffs are offering 3,500 dollars for information leading to an arrest of anyone involved in an August shooting ambush of an autistic man in Reserve. Sheriff Mike Tregre says they know who’s behind the shooting, they can’t make an arrest because they don’t have enough evidence yet.

Cut 10 (09) “happened.”

The cyberattack on state computer servers will keep Louisiana O-M-V offices closed for the rest of the week. Governor John Bel Edwards announced today the Office of Motor Vehicles will reopen on Monday.

Cut 3 (11)   “Motor Vehicles” 

The ransomware attack on Monday impacted 132 servers in state government.

La Tech has unveiled plans for new baseball, softball and soccer stadiums. They were destroyed last April by a tornado. Athletics Director Tommy McClelland there will be chair-back seats with berm seating at the new Love Shack, some of the seating will be partially covered and once fans enter the concourse they never have to leave

Cut 14 (12) “…of the field.”

Crowley Police now have a person of interest in a string of church vandalism incidents after another church was targeted this week, the sixth such incident since July. Chief Jimmy Broussard says the feds have been contacted, but you’re better off turning yourself in locally…

Cut 8 (05) “   …statutes”

Broussard says the incidents have all had roughly the same M.O., a vandal, or vandals tosses a brick or concrete through the glass of a church in a majority-black neighborhood.

St. John Parish Sheriffs are offering 3,500 dollars for information leading to an arrest of anyone involved in an August shooting ambush of an autistic man in Reserve. 57-year-old Aurelius Burfict survived, but Sheriff Mike Tregre says it’s important to get whoever did it off the streets….

Cut 11 (11) “…help”

Monday’s cyberattack will keep Louisiana O-M-V offices closed for the rest of the week. Governor John Bel Edwards announced today the Office of Motor Vehicles will reopen on Monday. Over the summer, several public school systems suffered a similar cyberattack and Edwards says more of them are coming, so the state will need to be prepared…
Cut 5 (12) “…of attacks” 
The ransomware attack on Monday impacted 132 servers in state government.
St. John Parish Sheriffs are offering 3,500 dollars for information leading to an arrest of anyone involved in an August shooting ambush of an autistic man in Reserve. Sheriff Mike Tregre believes a vehicle drove up behind 57-year-old Aurelius Burfict on August 12^th around 1 AM, and suspects within opened fire on the man.

Cut 9 (10) “…did it.″

Crowley Police now have a person of interest in a string of church vandalism incidents after another church was targeted this week, the sixth such incident since July. Chief Jimmy Broussard says the incidents have all had roughly the same M.O., a vandal, or vandals tosses a brick or concrete through the glass of a church in a majority-black neighborhood.
Cut 6 (09) “building”

La Tech has unveiled plans for new baseball, softball and soccer stadiums. They were destroyed last April by a tornado. Athletics Director Tommy McClelland says the new baseball stadium will remain in the same place, while softball and soccer will relocate next to the track stadium. Construction will take several months

Cut 12 (12) “…as possible.” 

FEMA reimbursement, insurance, state dollars and private donors will pay for the new facilities.

The cyberattack on state computer servers will keep Louisiana O-M-V offices closed for the rest of the week. Governor Edwards says the ransomware attack on Monday impacted 132 servers in state government and the Office of Motor Vehicles has struggled to get its computer system to work properly.

Cut 4 (12) “…more computers”

O-M-V is expected to open on Monday.

Former LSU student Matthew Naquin is out on bond pending his appeal after he was sentenced to 5-years-in prison, 2.5 years of the sentence are suspended for his role in the alcohol poisoning death of fraternity pledge Max Gruver. He also must perform one-thousand hours of community service. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino…
Cut 6 (05) “…the judge’s discretion.”

Governor Edwards touched on hopes for his second term and a Presidential congratulations on his first “Ask The Governor” show since reelection…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Governor Edwards was a topic during last night’s Democratic presidential debate. The candidates were asked if there is room in the party for a pro-life Democrat.

The cyberattack on state computer servers will keep Louisiana O-M-V offices closed for the rest of the week. Governor John Bel Edwards announced today the Office of Motor Vehicles will reopen on Monday

Cut 3 (11)   “Motor Vehicles” 

The ransomware attack on Monday impacted 132 servers in state government.

Even though the President has yet to comment publicly since Governor Edwards won re-election, especially on Twitter, Governor Edwards announced on his radio call-in show this week that President Trump who campaigned against him did call him personally…

Cut 9 (10) “…Governor”

Louisiana gets an “A” for its laws to combat domestic minor sex trafficking, but Shared Hope International founder Linda Smith says the state could receive a perfect score if it didn’t have laws that allow minors to be charged with prostitution, even if they were forced into it by sex traffickers…
Cut 15 (12) “…services”

Tim McGraw and Lafayette native Lauren Daigle will be among the performers at the College Football National Championship Game in New Orleans in January. Trombone Shorty & the Orleans Avenue are also on the bill. Host Committee Executive Director Jeff Hundley says there is a wide variety of genres being represented.

Cut 11 (07) “…your favorite artist”

The free concerts kick off Saturday, January 11^th

Former LSU frat member Matthew Naquin is facing 2.5 years behind bars in his future for his role in the 2017 hazing death of Max Gruver.  Loyola of New Orleans University law professor Dane Ciolino says it is a stiff sentence, but it is a serious crime.

Cut 4 (09) “…not a surprise.”

Governor Edwards says he’s not daunted by the Republicans near supermajority in the Legislature. Analysts note the increased Republican presence in Baton Rouge will likely doom many of the Governor’s pushes for campaign promises like an increased minimum wage, but the Governor feels otherwise…

Cut 8 (11) “…to do”

The GOP came two seats in the house shy of being able to override vetoes after the run-off.

The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s office arrest a Houghton man for Obscenity and Indecent Behavior after reports he was exposing himself while jogging.  Sheriff Julian Whittington says on Wednesday they arrested 59-year old Louis Schommer on a warrant from three different occasions that he was exposing himself to motorists, one incident involved a juvenile. Bond is pending.

Music’s biggest names descend on New Orleans in celebration of the College Football Playoff National Championship game in January.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”