A funeral service is set to begin in Lafayette for Ragin Cajuns baseball coach Tony Robichaux. Coach Robe died last week after suffering a heart attack. Hundreds of mourners from around the region have come to the Hub City to pay their last respects.

The Assumption Parish Sheriff’s office is working a “cold” case after a Belle Rose man attempts to gain social media infamy with a grocery store prank. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Voicer 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”
Restore Louisiana is sending out the first round of checks to 2016 flood victims, previously denied government aid because they were approved for an SBA loan. Executive Director of the Louisiana Office of Community Development Pat Forbes says 230 homeowners will receive the grant money this week and many other families received notification today they are eligible for this money too…
cut 12 (11) “..your grant”
But Forbes says flood victims who actually received money through an S-B-A loan will have to wait at least another three months so that the federal government can approve Action Plan Amendment submitted by the state.

The National Hurricane Center says a tropical system is likely to form in the northern Gulf of Mexico this week and it could impact Louisiana with several inches of rain. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a small rainmaker would be beneficial…
Cut 8 (10) “…hot”

The trial of former LSU fraternity member Matthew Naquin, who was charged with negligent homicide in the alleged hazing death of Max Gruver in 2017, begins today. While the two sides take turns attacking Gruver and Naquin’s character, Legal analyst Tim Meche says it’ll be up to the judge to keep the proceedings focused…
Cut 14 (10) “…Gruver”
The trial is expected to take over a week to find a verdict.

A Belle Rose man is in the slammer after going to a grocery store, filming himself opening a Blue Bell ice cream container, licking the contents, sticking his fingers in the container, then returning it to the store freezer.  36-year-old Lenise Lloyd Martin III is accused of pulling the stunt.  Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office Commander Lonny Cavalier says Martin produced a receipt showing he later purchased an identical package.

Cut 4 (10) “…of gaining notoriety”
Martin remains in the parish prison.

Governor Edwards drops his first re-election TV ad of the gubernatorial campaign, with a familiar foe front and center…

cut  2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”  

Jury selection has begun in the trial of Matthew Naquin, the former LSU fraternity member who has been charged with Negligent Homicide in the alleged 2017 hazing death of Maxwell Gruver. Legal analyst Tim Meche says once the jury is picked and the lawyers begin their opening arguments, the trial will likely be difficult to watch for both families…

Cut 13 (11) “…in general.”

Naquin allegedly pressured Gruver into drinking himself to death during a fraternity initiation ceremony.

Governor Edwards has released his first re-election campaign TV ad of the now heating up gubernatorial campaign. The ad emphasizes Louisiana’s recovery from the Jindal deficits under Edwards’ leadership. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s a familiar line for Edwards, but it has a weakness…

Cut 9, 11 seconds, surplus

Also in the race are Republicans Eddie Rispone and Congressman Abraham.

A Belle Rose man is under arrest after going to a grocery store, filming himself opening a Blue Bell ice cream container, licking the contents, sticking his fingers in the container, then returning it to the store freezer.  Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office Commander Lonny Cavalier says it’s a prank that is not taken lightly.

Cut 3 (07) “…that does that.”

The man later went back to the store and purchased the container.

The National Hurricane Center says there is a high probability a tropical depression will form by the end of the week over the northern Gulf of Mexico, which has the potential to produce heavy rain over Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says an area of low pressure is expected to move into the northeastern Gulf of Mexico

Cut 6 (12) “…Gulf coast”

Keim says eight to ten inches of rain could fall across the northern Gulf Coast later this week.

The trial of Matthew Naquin, the LSU Frat member charged with negligent homicide in the alleged hazing death of Max Gruver, begins today…

Cut 3 (30) “.Matt Doyle”

A Belle Rose man is in the slammer after going to a grocery store, then filming himself opening a Blue Bell ice cream container, licking the contents, sticking his fingers in the container, then returning it to the store freezer.  36-year-old Lenise Lloyd Martin III is accused of pulling the stunt, and has been arrested for the unlawful posting of criminal activity for notoriety and publicity and one count of criminal mischief.  A receipt showed that he later purchased an identical package, believed to be the one used in the video.

State Treasurer John Schroder is blocking the state from using 25 million dollars in unclaimed property in this fiscal year’s budget, telling lawmakers if they want the money, they’ll “have to drag me to court”.  Schroder says the Legislature has appropriated 850 million dollars of unclaimed property funds over the decades, but after doing some research, he doesn’t think the move it legal.

Cut 7 (10) “…it.”

In September the department was so successful in finding people who were owed money, that they overdrew the fund’s account by 20 million dollars and had to delay sending out new checks for 120 days.
The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana presents the first Louisiana Rural Economic Development Summit along with Southern University Law Center this week in Marksville at the Paragon Casino Resort.  Tribe Chairman Marshall Pierite says the summit will also feature two of the three individuals on the ballot for the Governor’s race.

Cut 12 (10) “…luncheon on Monday.”

The National Hurricane Center says there is a high probability that a tropical depression will form by the end of the week over the northern Gulf of Mexico. The system has the potential to produce heavy rainfall along portions of the northern and eastern U-S Gulf Coast later this week.

A new law sponsored by Houma Representative Jerome Zeringue results in rescue shelters facing new restrictions when it comes to animals and research facilities. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Voicer 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

This year’s budget calls for the state to use 25-million dollars in unclaimed property to help pay for general operating expenses. It’s something the Louisiana legislature has done for years, but State Treasurer John Schroder says he wants to stop that practice, because that money doesn’t belong to the state and they are getting better at returning the lost money to the rightful owners…
cut 9 (09) “…fiscal year”
But the governor’s office says the 25-million dollars is needed for critical needs throughout the state.

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe is co-hosting a rural economic development summit at the Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville today and tomorrow. Tribe chairman Marshall Pierite says the goal is to help rural residents develop an entrepreneurial mindset…
cut 11 (08) “….foster economic development”
Congressman Ralph Abraham will address attendees at a luncheon today.

The trial begins today for Matthew Naquin. He’s the former LSU student charged with negligent homicide in the 2017 hazing death of Phi Delta Theta pledge Max Gruver. Legal analyst Tim Meche says Baton Rouge Judge Beau Higginbotham will try to keep the proceedings focused…
cut 14 (10) “….Gruver”
The trial is expected to take over a week.

A law recently signed by Governor Edwards brings new restrictions to rescue shelters on how and when they can pass along animals to research facilities. Houma Representative Jerome Zeringue says if an animal goes to a research facility, the law increases the likelihood of an animal finding a good home.
Cut 4 (07) “…for those animals.”
Shelters will no longer be able to euthanize animals for the sole purpose of research.

State Treasurer John Schroder says he’s no longer allowing the state to take 25-million dollars from the unclaimed property account to spend on general operating expenses. It’s a practice that’s been done for years, but Schroder says the unclaimed property account is money that comes from personal sources such as inheritances, life insurance and more…
cut 8 (12) “…certificates”
Schroder says if the state wants that money, they’ll have to take him to court. The governor’s office hopes it doesn’t come to that.

Governor Edwards has launched his first TV ad for the re-election campaign. It focuses on the governor’s handling of the budget. Edwards is currently on a statewide re-election tour and has a rally today in New Orleans.

In Lafayette, funeral services will get underway at 2 PM for Ragin Cajuns baseball coach Tony Robichaux who died last week following a heart attack.

Jury selection gets underway today in Baton Rouge for Matthew Naquin’s negligent homicide trial. The former LSU student and ex Phi Delta Theta member faces a felony charge in the 2017 death of fraternity pledge Max Gruver, who died of alcohol poisoning. Legal analyst Tim Meche says the testimony of other fraternity members is crucial…
cut 15 (10) “…Mr. Gruver”
The other Phi Delta Theta members charged in the incident were hit with misdemeanor charges.

State Treasurer John Schroder is blocking the state from using 25 million dollars in unclaimed property in this fiscal year’s budget. Schroder says the Legislature has appropriated 850 million dollars of unclaimed property funds over the decades, but after doing some research, he doesn’t think the move is legal…
cut 7 (10) “…it”
A spokesperson for the governor says they hope legal action is not needed to spend the money.

A new will go into effect August 1st that says rescue shelters are banned from taking in a stray or unwanted animal solely to euthanize for research facilities. The measure also puts new restrictions in place when it comes to shelters giving live animals to research facilities. Houma Representative Jerome Zeringue says violators of the new law face a one-thousand dollar fine…
cut 6 (09) “…with the law”
PETA pushed for the law after there were allegations the LSU Vet school violated the federal Animal Welfare Act after buying dogs from a Baton Rouge shelter.

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana presents the first Louisiana Rural Economic Development Summit this week in Marksville at the Paragon Casino Resort. Tribe Chairman Marshall Pierite says the summit’s goal is to connect rural communities with local, state, and national leaders…
Cut 10 (12) “…to be successful.”
Governor Edwards will address attendees tomorrow and Congressman Ralph Abraham is the keynote speaker at today’s luncheon.

The trial of former LSU fraternity member Matthew Naquin, who was charged with negligent homicide in the alleged hazing death of Max Gruver in 2017, begins today. Legal analyst Tim Meche says the proceedings will likely be difficult to watch for both families as the prosecution and defense take turns tearing down both Gruver and Naquin’s character…
Cut 13 (11) “…in general.”
A six-person jury chosen in East Baton Rouge Parish will decide Naquin’s fate and the trial is expected to last over a week.

A new law will go into effect August 1st that prohibits shelters from taking in a stray or unwanted animal solely to euthanize them for research facilities…
cut 5 (07) “…also the shelters”
That’s Houma Representative Jerome Zeringue who is the author of the new law. Violators of the new law face a one-thousand dollar fine.

The state treasurer is blocking 25 million in unclaimed property funds from being used in this year’s budget…
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

The Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program will begin issuing checks to 2016 flood victims today who have been previously denied this government assistance. The first disbursement of grant funds will go to about 230 homeowners who were approved for an SBA loan but declined or canceled the loan in its entirety.

A new law sponsored by Houma Representative Jerome Zeringue results in rescue shelters facing new restrictions when it comes to animals and research facilities.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

__________________________

The state treasurer is blocking 25 million in unclaimed property funds from being used in this year’s budget. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

______________________________________________

The trial of Matthew Naquin, the LSU Frat member charged with negligent homicide in the alleged hazing death of Max Gruver, begins today…

Cut 3 (30) “.Matt Doyle”

_______________________________________

A law recently signed by Governor Edwards brings new restrictions to rescue shelters on how and when they can pass along animals to research facilities. Houma Representative Jerome Zeringue says in the event that the animal ends up going to a research facility, the law increases the likelihood of an animal finding a good home.

Cut 4 (07) “…for those animals.”

Zeringue says among the regulations, shelters must notify those making an animal drop off that they do provide animals for testing.  It also eliminates automatic euthanizing of animals for research that could possibly find a good home.

Cut 5    (07) “…also the shelters.” 

Zeringue says each violation would result in a $1000 fine.

Cut 6 (09) “…with the law.”

The law goes into effect August 1^st.

____________________________________

State Treasurer John Schroder is blocking the state from using 25 million dollars in unclaimed property in this fiscal year’s budget, telling lawmakers if they want the money, they’ll “have to drag me to court”.

Schroder says the Legislature has appropriated 850 million dollars of unclaimed property funds over the decades, but after doing some research, he doesn’t think the move it legal.

Cut 7 (10) “…it.”

An Edwards spokesperson responded, saying “The budget bill passed by the Legislature and signed into law by the Governor appropriates that money for critical needs throughout the state”, and that they hope they don’t have to go to court to get the funds.

Schroder says the money in the fund rightfully belongs to the people of Louisiana, and is comprised of money that often from very personal sources such as inheritances, life insurance, and more…

Cut 8 (12) “…certificates.”

The Republican has served as Treasurer since 2017.

Schroder says technical advances have allowed his department to get more money from that fund out to the public than ever before, so there isn’t even 25 million dollars left for the Legislature to appropriate this year.

Cut 9 (09) “…year.”

In September the department was so successful in finding people who were owed money, that they overdrew the fund’s account by 20 million dollars and had to delay sending out new checks for 120 days.

___________________________

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana presents the first Louisiana Rural Economic Development Summit along with Southern University Law Center this week in Marksville at the Paragon Casino Resort.  Tribe Chairman Marshall Pierite says the goal of the summit is to connect rural communities with local, state, and national leaders, as well as Native American Country.

Cut 10 (12) “…to be successful.”

Pierite hopes the summit, which kicked of yesterday and continues through tomorrow, helps develop a steady platform for small business owners and elected officials.

Cut 11 (08) “…fostering economic development.”

Pierite says the summit will also feature two of the three individuals on the ballot for the Governor’s race.

Cut 12 (10) “…luncheon on Monday.”

___________________

The trial of former LSU fraternity member Matthew Naquin, who was charged with negligent homicide in the alleged hazing death of Max Gruver in 2017, begins today.

Legal analyst Tim Meche says the proceedings will likely be difficult to watch for both families as the prosecution and defense take turns tearing down both Gruver and Naquin’s character…

Cut 13 (11) “…in general.”

Naquin is accused of pressuring Gruver into drinking himself to death in an initiation ceremony for new recruits to the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. Phi Delta Theta has since been banned from campus.

While the two sides take turns attacking Gruver and Naquin’s character, Meche says it’ll be up to the judge to keep the proceedings focused…

Cut 14 (10) “…Gruver”

The defense recently lost a challenge that will allow the prosecution to point out that Naquin deleted 700 texts and photos from his phone after he fell under investigation.

Meche says the trial will likely hinge on the testimony of the other members of the fraternity who were witnesses that night…

Cut 15 (10) “…Mr. Gruver”

Other Phi Delta members were charged in the wake of the incident, but only Naquin faces felony charges.

______________________________________

The funeral for beloved Ragin Cajuns baseball coach Tony Robichaux is today at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Lafayette. Robichaux died last week at the age of 57 following a heart attack. He’s described as a man of faith and a leader for young men. Coach Robe told his players not to let baseball be their identity

Cut 16  (20) “…be treated”  

The longtime baseball coach for the Ragin Cajuns was known for his Robeisms, which were his unique motivational sayings. He once said you can’t sharpen a knife with a Kleenex, he also once said that he wants players who drink out of a water hose and not guys who need mommy to bring them Gatorade in the third inning. Here’s one talking about the heat of a baseball schedule

cut 17 (21) “melting point” 

Governor Edwards officially kicks off his re-election campaign today in his hometown of Amite with a repeat of his RV tour. The Edward’s campaign is touting a successful legislative session that included the first teacher pay raise in a decade. Edwards is the south’s lone democratic governor facing two major republican candidates in October, U-S Representative Ralph Abraham and Businessman Eddie Rispone. The Edwards RV Tour continues throughout the week with stops in New Orleans on Monday and Lafayette and Lake Charles on Tuesday.

600 high school students from across the nation met in North Carolina to participate in the YMCA’s 52^nd Annual Conference on National Affairs this week. One of the six presiding officers at the mock government program was LSU freshman Drake Brignac. He says they debate issues like climate change and student loans that will affect his generation. Brignac they’ve even discussed the Armenian genocide.

Cut 13 (08) “…heard about.”

Within the next three months Entergy customers will see a five to seven dollar monthly increase in electric costs. Roughly three and a half dollars of that increase will kick in on your July bill, and Entergy Spokesperson Lee Sabatini  says these kinds of rate increases are necessary to pay for more efficient facilities, which will more than pay for themselves in the long-term.

Cut 8 (08) “…Louisiana”

UL-Lafayette Baseball Coach Tony Robichaux (Robe-uh-show), who died Wednesday at the age of 57 following multiple surgeries in the wake of a heart attack on June 23rd, will be laid to rest Monday in a service scheduled at 2PM at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Visitation will take place tomorrow from 3-9 PM at the Cajundome Convention Center, with an additional visitation taking place Monday at 10am. Robichaux will be buried in Crowley.