An Opelousas man has been arrested for burning down three historical black churches in St. Landry Parish. 21-year-old Holden Matthews is facing three counts of simple arson of a religious building. Governor John Bel Edwards was on hand to congratulate law enforcement for getting Matthews behind bars

Cut 6 (12) “…evil acts”

Matthews is a son of a St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s deputy and had no prior arrests or history of violence. Browning says an exact motive has not been determined, but the suspect may have been influenced by black metal

Cut 8 (10) “…church burnings.” 

The first church to burn down was the St. Mary Baptist Church in Port Barre on March 26. Two more churches were torched in early April in Opelousas

Walmart is investing an estimated $73 million into remodeling 15 stores in Louisiana.  Four of those stores are in the New Orleans area and two in the Baton Rouge area.  Walmart spokesperson Anne Hatfield says the goal of the investment in technology innovations is to help save customers’ time and money.

Cut 3 (07) “…serve our customers.”

Stores in Shreveport, Natchitoches, Minden, Leesville, Winnsboro, Thibodaux and Mansura are also being upgraded.

LSU F King Alexander says despite moving to a holistic admissions process, this year’s freshman class equaled the 2017 freshman class GPA and earned more credits in the first semester than the two previous incoming classes. Alexander says they are even seeing an improvement in fall to spring retention levels…
cut 12 (07) “…90-percent”

Governor Edwards announces a suspect has been arrested in the St. Landry Parish church fires that destroyed three historically black churches over a ten-day span. Twenty-one-year-old Holden Matthews of Opelousas was booked into the St. Landry parish jail on three counts of simple arson of a religious building. An exact motive has not been established.

Gubernatorial candidate Congressman Ralph Abraham announces over 100 endorsements from local elected officials in 36 parishes. Matt Doyle spoke to the two state reps on the list…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

A study recommends two riverboat casinos in Bossier City should relocate, because the gaming business has declined in northwest Louisiana. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones says the Shreveport-Bossier market has been hurt, because Oklahoma tribal casinos are doing a better job in luring visitors from the Dallas-Fort Worth area…
Cut 14 (09) “…about to expand.”
The study recommended that Boomtown Bossier City should move to the northshore of Lake Ponchartrain while Diamond Jacks should relocate to northeast Louisiana, but such an effort would take years to complete.

LSU says it’s new admissions model, which takes into account a student’s background and not just G-P-A and test scores, is showing impressive results. System president F King Alexander says the 2018 freshman class earned more credits than the previous two incoming classes and equaled the 2017 freshman class G-P-A. Alexander says shifting to holistic admissions puts LSU in line with 48 of the nation’s top 50 schools…
cut 11 (11) “…senior year”

A press conference will begin shortly in Opelousas where authorities are expected to announce an arrest in the investigation into fires that destroyed three historically black churches in St. Landry Parish during a ten-day period. Media reports says the suspect is 21-year-old Holden Matthews. He’s the son of a St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s deputy.

A study recommends that two riverboat casinos in Bossier City should re-locate out of northwest Louisiana…
voicer 3 (32) “….I’m Kevin Barnhart”

LSU F King Alexander says despite moving to a holistic admissions process, this year’s freshman class equaled the 2017 freshman class GPA and earned more credits in the first semester than the two previous incoming classes. Alexander says they are even seeing an improvement in fall to spring retention levels…
cut 12 (07) “…90-percent”
Instead of just focusing on grade point average and test scores, LSU now looks into more of a student’s background during the admission process.

It’s Work Zone Awareness Week and this year’s theme is “Work Zone Safety, drive like you work here. Which means a work zone is essentially the office space for those individuals working on the roadways. State Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallett says before you take a trip, check out 5-1-1-L-A-dot-org to find construction zones on your route…
cut 9 (10) “….ahead of time”

CBS News reports it was the father, a St. Landry Deputy Sheriff who turned in his son, the suspect in the recent burning of three churches in St. Landry Parish. A Lafayette TV station sites sources that the suspect is 21-year old Holden Matthews. The State Fire Marshal will hold a press conference at 10am. The three historically black churches burnt to the ground within 10 days of each other.

LSU President F. King Alexander is touting the performance of the 2018 freshman class, a portion of whom were admitted under the new “holistic admissions” policy where some applicants are admitted despite not meeting the GPA or ACT requirements.

Alexander says it has not sacrificed performance or achievement.

Cut 10 (09) “…we’ve had”

The average GPA was the same as 2017, at 2.8.

A study prepared for the Louisiana Department of Economic Development recommends that two riverboat casinos in Bossier City relocate due to a loss of revenue and taxes. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones says he anticipates if they do relocate, they will likely take advantage of the recently passed law that gives gaming establishments the ability to be built on dry land. The move of one casino to North Louisiana would likely be political.

Cut 15 (10) “…something like that.”

The Louisiana Department of Transportation is observing Work Zone Awareness Week, to encourage motorist to slow down and pay attention in work zones. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says in 2017 eleven workers were killed in Louisiana. Mallett adds in most cases, the deaths were preventable.

Cut 8 (09) “…be very dangerous.”

An arrest has been made in connection with the three recent fires of historically black churches in St. Landry’s Parish. A Lafayette TV station sites sources that the suspect is 21-year old Holden Matthews the son of a St Landry Deputy Sherriff. The State Fire Marshall will hold a press conference at 10am and Governor Edwards is scheduled to attend.

LSU says the 2018 freshman class’s record setting performance levels are proof that the decision to allow more students into the school that did not meet GPA and ACT requirements was justified. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

A study prepared for the Louisiana Department of Economic Development recommends that two riverboat casinos in Bossier City relocate due to a loss of revenue and taxes. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones says with increased competition from Oklahoma, the findings are not surprising.

Cut 13 (10) “…nearly a quarter.”

The study recommended that Boomtown Bossier City move to the north shore of Lake Ponchartrain while Diamond Jacks should relocate to northeast Louisiana.

Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham is touting over 100 endorsements from elected officials in 26 parishes in his run for Governor.

Covington Representative Paul Hollis says he’s especially impressed by Abraham’s background.

Cut 5 (08) “…Louisianian.”

Abraham is one of two Republicans, the other being Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone, hoping to eliminate the Gulf Coast’s only Democratic governor.

In St. Landry’s Parish the son of a Deputy Sherriff reportedly is being held in custody in connection with the recent fires of thee historically black churches. Police arrested one twenty-one year old Holden Matthews Wednesday night.

The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office will be holding a press conference today at 10:00 a.m. and Governor John Bel Edwards will be attending along with officials from St. Landry Parish, The FBI, and the ATF.

A study prepared for the Louisiana Department of Economic Development recommends that two riverboat casinos in Bossier City relocate due to a drop in activity. The study found if the two casinos moved, revenue and tax collection for the state would increase. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones says competition of Oklahoma tribal casinos that lure visitors from the Dallas-Fort Worth area is hurting attendance.

Cut 14 (09) “…about to expand.”

The study recommended that Boomtown Bossier City move to the north shore of Lake Ponchartrain while Diamond Jacks should relocate to northeast Louisiana.

Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham is touting over 100 endorsements from elected officials in 26 parishes in his run for Governor. The list includes five district attorneys, two state reps, and a number of mayors and sheriffs.

Monroe Representative Jay Morris says he’s proud to endorse Abraham.

Cut 4 (09) “…Louisiana.”

Abraham is one of two Republicans, the other being Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone, hoping to eliminate the Gulf Coast’s only Democratic governor.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation is observing Work Zone Awareness Week. The week is meant to bring attention to the need for drivers to be extra careful when traveling through work zones. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says the when drivers speed through work zones with excessive speeds, it can be unnerving for workers.

Cut 7 (09) “…that’s their office.”

Mallett says in the most recent numbers, eleven people were killed in 2017 in Louisiana.

Gubernatorial candidate Congressman Ralph Abraham announces over 100 endorsements from local elected officials in 36 parishes. Matt Doyle spoke to the two state reps on the list…

 Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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LSU says the 2018 freshman class’s record setting performance levels are proof that the decision to allow more students into the school that did not meet GPA and ACT requirements was justified. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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A study prepared for the Louisiana Department of Economic Development recommends that two riverboat casinos in Bossier City relocate after the market has been hurt in recent years. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham is touting over 100 endorsements from elected officials in 26 parishes in his run to unseat Governor Edwards in fall. The list features five district attorneys, two state reps, and a number of mayors, sheriffs, and others.

Monroe Representative Jay Morris says he’s proud to endorse his northeast Louisiana neighbor.

Cut 4 (09) “…Louisiana.”

Covington Representative Paul Hollis is the other legislator on the list. He says he’s especially impressed by Abraham’s background as both a doctor, and a pilot.

Cut 5 (08) “…Louisianian.”

Abraham is one of two Republicans, the other being Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone, hoping to eliminate the Gulf Coast’s only Democratic governor. Hollis says Abraham has the best shot of any candidate to knock out the incumbent.

Cut 6 (11) “…freedoms.”

Abraham Campaign spokesperson David Weinman says the endorsements show the breadth of the Congressman’s support as “the only candidate who can defeat John Bel Edwards.”

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation is observing Work Zone Awareness Week. The week is meant to bring attention to the need for drivers to be extra careful when traveling through work zones. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says the when drivers speed through work zones with excessive speeds, it can be unnerving for workers.

Cut 7 (09) “…that’s their office.”

Mallett says in the most recent numbers, eleven people were killed in 2017 in Louisiana, while about 800 were killed on the national level. Mallett adds in most cases, the deaths were preventable.

Cut 8 (09) “…be very dangerous.”

In addition to the deaths, others were injured on the job.

Mallett says before taking a trip, drivers can plan ahead for the work zones along their route on their website 5-1-1-L-A dot org.

Cut 9 (10) “…ahead of time.″

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LSU President F. King Alexander is touting the performance of the 2018 freshman class, a portion of whom were admitted under the new “holistic admissions” policy where some applicants are admitted despite not meeting the GPA or ACT requirements.

King says opening up the admissions process has not sacrificed performance or achievement.

Cut 10 (09) “…we’ve had”

The average GPA was the same as 2017, at 2.8.

Shifting to holistic admissions sparked some controversy from opponents who argued it would weaken the flagship university’s sterling reputation. Alexander says this move just puts LSU in line with 48 of the nation’s top 50 schools.

Cut 11 (11) “…senior year.”

The 2018 class set a record with 92 percent of students maintaining their TOPS eligibility.

King noted that as a whole the retention rate stayed steady at 92 despite adding 900 more freshman, and there was only a slight difference in retention between those who had the traditional scores to get in, and those who did not.

Cut 12 (07) “…90 percent″

The freshman class brought in 5,812 freshman, topping a record set in 2012.

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A study prepared for the Louisiana Department of Economic Development recommends that two riverboat casinos in Bossier City relocate. The study found if the two casinos moved, both revenue and taxes paid to the state would increase. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones says with increased competition from Oklahoma, the findings are not surprising.

Cut 13 (10) “…nearly a quarter.”

The study recommended that Boomtown Bossier City move to the north shore of Lake Ponchartrain while Diamond Jacks should relocate to northeast Louisiana.

Jones says the reason for the drop in activity in the Shreveport-Bossier area can be attributed to the rise of big tribal casinos that lure visitors from the Dallas-Fort Worth area to Oklahoma.

Cut 14 (09) “…about to expand.”

Jones says he anticipates that if the casinos do decide to relocate, they will likely take advantage of the recently passed law that gives gaming establishments the ability to be built on dry land. The difficulty in moving a casino to north Louisiana would likely be political, as the area is very conservative in its support for gambling.

Cut 15 (10) “…something like that.”

GOP lawmakers express their concerns to state health officials over audits that show misspent dollars within the Medicaid program. Jeff Palermo has the story…
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Jeff Palermo”
Over a thousand students packed the lawn for UL Systems day to call attention to the needs of the 92,000 students studying at one of nine system colleges. U-L System President Jim Henderson celebrated the fact that this year’s event was certainly more upbeat than last year’s.

The Senate has gone home for the week and won’t be back until Monday.
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After failing for five months to recognizing additional revenues, the four member Revenue Estimating Conference adopted an income forecast that will give lawmakers an additional 110-million dollars in this year’s budget to spend and another 119-million dollars in next year’s budget.
House Speaker Taylor Barras “Yes” vote broke the gridlock, but he had previously blocked attempts to raise the forecast earlier this year because he was concerned the state may not collect as much money as projected. The House Speaker relented on Wednesday after hearing revenue projections from two different economists…
Cut 8 (09) “…we can get.”
Legislation in the House is bringing attention to law enforcement profiling of motorcycle riders. Many Representative Frank Howard says is sponsoring a bill that would add a 30 minute motorcyclist profiling awareness session to the training academy.
Cut 13 (08) “…over the state.”

House Republican lawmakers grilled state health officials about the growing Medicaid budget and whether the state is doing enough to prevent waste or misspending. Health Secretary Rebekah Gee says mistakes will be made with a large government program, but they are trying to control spending and pointed to the recent removal of 30-thousand people from Medicaid, because they made too much money…
Cut 4 (09) “…this program”

After failing for five months on recognizing additional revenues, the Revenue Estimating Conference adopted an income forecast that gives the state an additional 229 million dollars that it can spend between this fiscal year and next fiscal year. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne is glad the stalemate over revenue projections is over
Cut 9 (11) “…is gonna be”
The extra revenue can help fund teacher pay raises and the governor also wants to put more money towards colleges and public safety programs.

Democrat Charlie Greer of Natchitoches Parish is running for Agriculture Commissioner against incumbent Mike Strain, touting his 20 year career in the Ag Department, and time in law enforcement. Greer says if elected, he would push hard for the regulated production of industrial hemp, and hemp adjacent products to revitalize the state’s lagging Ag.
Cut 13 (10) “…in it.”
Greer also ran in 2015 and received 30 percent of the vote.

A 28-year-old Opelousas man is accused of stabbing his mother to death. St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodeaux says Cody James Arceneaux and his mother were involved in an argument when the mother grabbed a knife…
Cut 11 (10) “…could stab her.”
When deputies arrived they found Arceneaux curled up on the floor with a bloody towel in his hands.

The House Appropriations Committee is hearing from every state agency as they put together a spending plan for next fiscal year. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds says the health department’s budget is set to grow to nearly 15-billion dollars and they need confidence the money will be spent wisely
Cut 5 (11) “…we have.”
It was revealed during the hearing that 16-hundred people making at least 100-thousand dollars a year were covered by Medicaid, which is way above the income threshold. But Health Secretary Rebekah Gee says an upgraded computer system should make sure ineligible residents are not receiving taxpayer funded health care
Cut 6 (11) “…very well”

Republican Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain will have an opponent in the October primary. Democrat Charlie Greer of Natchitoches Parish says he’s running against Strain again. Greer received 30-percent of the vote in 2015, when Strain was re-elected to a third term. Greer blames Strain for causing the series of delays when it comes to the legal dispensing of medical marijuana. Strain says he’s just following the law to ensure the product is safe, but Greer isn’t buying it…
cut 14 (11) “…in place”
Greer says if elected, he would also push hard for the regulated production of industrial hemp.

The National Transportation Safety Board says the three children from Avoyelles Parish that were ejected from their church van in a fiery crash on Florida Highway in January where wearing seat belts. The Center for Auto Safety says while seatbelts remain an indispensable safety tool, they are not infallible.