A proposal to rename the stretch of I-10 that runs from Texas to Mississippi the “Who Dat Nation Highway” sees it’s scope substantially pared back. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The LSU Board of Supervisors is set to vote today on the contract of new Athletics Director Scott Woodward and the amendments of Coach Will Wade’s contract.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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Governor Edwards says the path of destruction left by a deadly EF-3 tornado in Ruston is some of the worst, concentrated damage he’s seen while in office. Matt Doyle

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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A New Orleans Senator’s bill to rename the I-10 the “Who Dat Nation Highway” has it’s ambitions significantly reduced after lawmakers discover the stretch of road has already been dedicated to veterans.

Wesley Bishop amended the bill to call for three plates saying “Welcome to the Who Dat Nation” to be placed underneath some existing road signs.

Cut 4 (09) “…exit.”

The plates would be paid for by private donors.

Bishop says before filing the legislation, he was not aware that the entirety of the I-10 from Jacksonville, Florida to Santa Monica, California, had already been dedicated to something a bit more prominent than a football team.

Cut 5 (11) “so ever.”

The amended version of the bill cleared committee, but not without some raised eyebrows. Winnfield Senator Gerald Long ultimately supported the bill, but not before raising questions about just how this kind of proposal makes us look to the rest of the nation.

Cut 6 (09) “…Louisiana”

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The LSU Board of Supervisors is set to vote on the contracts of two major figures in the school’s athletics.  The first is that of the new Athletic Director Scott Woodward.  Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says Woodward’s six-year contract is valued at $8 million, with a starting annual salary of $1.1 million and seeing it bumped to $1.5 in years five and six.

Cut 7 (08) “…commitment to Woodward.”

Woodward’s contract is not only more lucrative than his predecessor on the base pay, but if Woodward is still on board in 2025, he receives a quarter million dollar bonus, and after six years, that’s a half million.  Moran says it’s a testament to LSU’s dedication to Woodward.

Cut 8 (07) “…in the SEC.”

Basketball coach Will Wade’s contract is also being amended as part of his reinstatement.  Wade has agreed to waive his quarter million dollar performance bonuses earned in the most recent season.  Also, Moran says if the NCAA finds that Wade has committed a level one or level two violation, LSU can send Wade packing.

Cut 9 (08) “…this past season.″

In the event that NCAA punishments come down on the athletics department for anything that happened prior to Woodward taking over, Woodward’s contract is automatically extended for two years at a rate of $1.5 million annually.

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Governor Edwards was on-hand to survey the devastation in Ruston in the wake of a freak EF-3 tornado that cut a deadly path Thursday morning through the hometown of Louisiana Tech University.

Edwards says pictures from the ground just don’t do the damage justice, and for a state used to floods and hurricanes, it’s unusual to see such a precise path of destruction.

Cut 10 (12) “…damaged.”

Edwards has declared a state of emergency while officials get a full handle on the scope of the damage that cut across several northern parishes.

The Governor says while going through the city, there was one moment in particular that shocked him.

Cut 11 (11) “…injured.”

Two people in Ruston died when a tree fell on their house, and search and rescue teams are still out and about ensuring no one else has been hurt by debris or collapsed houses. Edwards says Louisiana’s first responders can be trusted to get the job done right.

Cut 12 (12) “…have it”

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Attorney General Jeff Landry is welcoming other AG’s from around the nation to an event in Lafayette this week that address their roles following a disaster.  Landry says often times AG’s play a very pivotal role as the chief legal officers of their state, and sometimes have to wear many hats.

Cut 13 (08) “…is properly done.”

Landry says following natural disasters, the Attorney General also works in consumer protection as people will come to an impacted area and pretty upon those that are going through tough times.

Cut 14 (10) “…their law enforcement.”

Of the topics up for discussion, Landry says the event will address how to handle the medical needs of those impacted.

Cut 15 (09) “to medical conditions.”

The event is not only addressing natural disasters, but is discussing an AG’s role following events such as active shooter situations.

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LSU’s freshman pitcher Cole Henry will not pitch this weekend when the 14th ranked Tigers visit Alabama. Coach Paul Mainieri says Henry has developed soreness in his pitching elbow. The coach says the plan was for Henry to start tonight and move Zack Hess back to the bullpen

Cut 16  (20) “…getting sore” 

Mainieri says they don’t believe the injury to Henry is serious and an MRI on the elbow came back clean…

 cut 17 (25)   “next weekend” 

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The Saints only have one pick in the first four rounds and six overall, with two in the sixth and two in the seventh. Payton says they can also add to the roster through undrafted free agents

Cut 19 (20) time on” 

North central Louisiana lawmakers at the Capitol today waited anxiously for news from back home as reports began filtering in about a deadly EF-3 tornado that sliced through Ruston, the home of Louisiana Tech University. Tech President Les Guice says thankfully the tornado skirted the edge of the core academic buildings, but the residential halls weren’t so lucky.
Cut 14 (12) “ fields”
The pictures from the campus are startling, with trees ripped up by the roots, and debris littering the grounds. Guice says walking the halls and fields that are usually teeming with students was heart-wrenching.
Cut 16 (11) “…traumatic”
The Louisiana National Guard has mobilized a unit to assist with recovery. They are equipped with chain saws, dump trucks and bobcats.
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A bill to legalize the growing and processing of Industrial hemp is on it’s way to the full House after unanimously passing in the House Agriculture Committee. Jennings Representative John Guinn says he supports the legislation, and in a back and forth with Strain, says the banning of hemp production in America can be traced to the rise of their competitors in big plastic…
Cut 9 (11) “…interesting“.
Following a 5-1 vote, a constitutional amendment that aims to raise the minimum wage in Louisiana to $9 an hour on July 1, 2020, is headed to the Senate floor, where the effort died last year. New Orleans Senator Troy Carter says a bump in the minimum wage would show that the state is serious about helping its working poor.
Cut 10 (12) “…government to survive.”
Governor John Bel Edwards has sought an increase in the minimum wage since taking office in 2016.

Two people are dead, a mother and her son, from a powerful tornado that swept through Ruston in the early morning hours. National Weather Service forecaster CS Ross says at least an EF-3 tornado struck Ruston just before two A-M…

Cut 5 (14) “…as well”

The Louisiana Tech campus is recovering from significant damage suffered from the tornado.

Tech President Les Guice says thankfully the tornado skirted the edge of the core academic buildings, but the residential halls weren’t so lucky.

Cut 14 (12) “ fields”

Most of the campus still has power, but classes have been canceled today to allow students to recover, and check in on family.

Following a 5-1 vote, a constitutional amendment that aims to raise the minimum wage in Louisiana to $9 an hour on July 1, 2020, is headed to the Senate floor, where the effort died last year. New Orleans Senator Troy Carter says a bump in the minimum wage would show that the state is serious about helping its working poor.

Cut 10 (12) “…government to survive.”

Governor John Bel Edwards has sought an increase in the minimum wage since taking office in 2016.

A bill to legalize the growing and processing of Industrial hemp is on it’s way to the full House after unanimously passing in the House Agriculture Committee. Gonzales Representative Clay Shexnayder says hemp is  a highly profitable, and renewable crop.

Cut 7 (10) “…belt.”

A mother and son were killed when a powerful tornado ripped through Ruston early this morning causing significant damage to the city…
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

La Tech president Les Guice says many trees are down on campus, dorms are damaged and the baseball, softball and soccer stadiums are unusable…
cut 16 (11) …traumatic”

A proposal to raise the minimum wage to nine dollars an hour on July 1st, 2020 advances out of the Senate Labor Committee. New Orleans Senator Troy Carter is the author of the measure and he had the President and CEO of Ochsner Health System Warner Thomas speak in favor of the measure. Thomas says Ochsner raised its minimum wage to 12 dollars an hour…
cut 11 (10) “…has been”
The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry is in opposition. Vice president of government relations, Jim Patterson, applauds businesses who raised their minimum wages, but not all businesses have the resources to do it..
Cut 13 (08) “…be able to.”
Despite the opposition the measure heads to the Senate floor after five to one vote in favor.

Two people are dead, a mother and her son, from a powerful tornado that swept through Ruston in the early morning hours. Chief Deputy with the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s office, Stephen Williams, says trees are down, power lines mangled and several businesses are destroyed
Cut 3 (12) “…gone”
The National Weather Service says it was at least an EF 3 tornado that struck Ruston, which also produced a lot of damage to the Louisiana Tech campus. Debris is everywhere as some of the dorms and athletic facilities sustained damaged. Helping in the effort is Bulldogs basketball legend, the Mailman himself, Karl Malone…
cut 17 (12) “….here”

Following a 5-1 vote, an amendment that aims to raise the minimum wage in Louisiana to $9 an hour on July 1st, 2020, is headed to the Senate floor. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
cut 2 (33) I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The owner of Cajun Cannabis has been arrested on felony drug charges after his new store was raided last night. Cajun Cannabis began selling CBD oil this past weekend and during a traffic stop last night the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s office arrested Travis DeYoung after CBD oil, gummies and mints were found in his vehicle. Louisiana officials have said CBD is illegal.

A mother and son were killed from a possible tornado that swept through Ruston early this morning. Responders say the two victims died after a tree fell on their home in Lincoln Parish. The twister left behind extensive damage, especially in Ruston. State Police Troop F spokesperson Michael Reichardt says the clean up effort will take some time…
cut 6 (11) “…some of the parish”
Louisiana Tech also sustained damage to their dorms and athletic facilties. But university president Les Guice is celebrating the fact that everyone on campus avoided the worst…
cut 15 (11) “….are safe”
Governor John Bel Edwards will talk about state assistance in a press conference this afternoon.

A proposed consitutional amendment to raise the minimum wage to nine-dollars an hour on July 1st, 2020 received approval from the Senate Labor Committee. Business organizations oppose the legislation. NFIB Louisiana director Dawn Starns says a mandated wage increase would negatively impact small businesses and result in a net loss of 36,000 jobs in the state.
Cut 12 (08) “…want to help.”
The measure heads to the Senate floor. A minimum wage hike proposal died in the upper chamber last year.

Heading to the House floor is legislation to legalize hemp production in Louisiana. During discussion of the bill in the House Ag committee. Jennings Representative John Guinn was questioning Ag Commissioner Mike Strain on when hemp production became illegal in America…
cut 9 (11) “…interesting”
The 2018 Farm Bill now allows states to regulate the production of industrial hemp.

Governor Edwards is surveying the devastation in Ruston at this hour by helicopter as the National Guard has mobilized and is on it’s way to the city that was slammed by a deadly tornado around 2AM this morning. Chief Deputy with the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s office, Stephen Williams, says at least half of the city is without power and will be for some time.
Cut 4 (06) “ are gone”
While power is out across half of Ruston, the Louisiana Tech campus has lights on from it’s personal generator, but classes have been canceled to allow students to contact family. Tech President Les Guice says thankfully the tornado skirted the edge of the core academic buildings, but the residential halls weren’t so lucky.
Cut 14, 12 seconds, fields
A mother and son who’s house was struck by a tree that had been uprooted are confirmed to have died in the event.
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Following a 5-1 vote, an amendment that aims to raise the minimum wage in Louisiana to 9 dollars and hour by 2020 is headed to the Senate floor, where the effort died last year. Senator Troy Carter of New Orleans says the bump in minimum wages shows people the state is serious about taking care of the working poor.
Cut 10 (12) “…government to survive.”
A bill to legalize the growing and processing of Industrial hemp is on it’s way to the full House after unanimously passing in the House Agriculture Committee. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain priased the crop, saying colonists began harvesting hemp in the early 1700s, and had a number of uses for it, including paper. He says these days hemp can be found in a range of products.
Cut 8 (12) “…capacitors”
The first few drafts of the Declaration of Independence were on hemp paper.

A mother and son were killed from a tornado that ripped through Ruston causing significant damage to the city and the Louisiana Tech campus…
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”
Industrial hemp legalization is on it’s way to the House after unanimously passing in the House Agriculture Committee. Gonzales Representative Clay Shexnayder says it’s a highly profitable, and renewable crop.
Cut 7 (10) “…belt.”
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Governor Edwards calls for three televised debates against his GOP gubernatorial rivals sometime after the 1st of September. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says the Democratic governor is clearly confident in his record, and isn’t planning on playing defense.
Cut 12 (09) “…candidates”

One of his opponents, Congressman Ralph Abraham, is calling for six debates, one in each Congressional district.

A Mississippi police officer who was indicted in Louisiana on charges that he used excessive force while working in the Bayou State has resigned from his job with Moss Point, Mississippi Police. 44-year-old Robert Hammac had been working at the Magnolia State police department for several months, and the police chief there says they were not aware of the ongoing investigation into his behavior as a Lake Charles officer.

Two people were killed when a tornado went through Ruston during the early morning hours causing widespread and extensive damage through the city of Ruston and on the Louisiana Tech campus. National Weather Service forecaster CS Ross says the twister hit Ruston just before two A-M…
cut 5 (14) “…as well”
Ross says there’s also been reports of damage in the Sabine Parish town of Converse and Downsville, which is located on the border of Lincoln and Union parishes.

Governor Edwards has cancelled plans to testify at the state capitol for bills that he supports and instead he’ll travel to Ruston to get a first hand look at the damage and what state resources the city needs.

A large portion of Louisiana is under a tornado watch until three PM this afternoon. The watch area covers Acadiana and all of southeast Louisiana.

Governor John Bel Edwards is calling for three televised debates prior to the October election. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says it’s interesting that Edwards is willing to debate his challengers and previous incumbents refusal to face their challengers has contributed to the public’s distrust of politicians.
Cut 14 (11) “…more debates”
Republican challenger Eddie Rispone says three debates are an apropriate number, while Ralph Abraham says there should be six debates, one in each Congressional district.

LSU Ag Center researcher Chris Green is using grant dollars to study whether various components of medical marijuana can be used to treat epileptic seizers. Green is using tiny zebrafish to develop treatments…
cut 7 (11) “…we do”

The governor’s office confirms two people are dead after a likely tornado roared through Ruston early this morning. No details have been reported on how the individuals died. Extensive damage has been reported throughout the city, even on Louisiana Tech’s campus, where the softball stadium and soccer field sustained damage. Classes have been canceled for the day.

Two former LSU Tigers are expected to hear their names called tonight in the first round of the NFL draft. Jeff Palermo has the story…
voicer 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Raising the minimum wage, pay secrecy and legislation to allow farmers to grow hemp will be the hot topics for discussion at the state capitol today. Opposition is expected against all three topics, even industrial hemp, because of its close association to marijuana. But Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says you can’t get high from smoking the hemp that Louisiana farmers will produce…
cut 5 (06) “…point-three percent”
The minimum wage and pay secrecy bills will be heard in Senate Labor.

The LSU Ag Center has received a 500-thousand dollar grant to see how various components from a cannabis plant treats epileptic seizures in zebrafish. Chris Green is conducting the research…
cut 8 (08) “…don’t know”
The grant comes from G-B Sciences, which is LSU’s growing partner of medical marijuana that could be available to patients next month.