The House Criminal Justice Committee will hold a hearing today on the Death Penalty, featuring family members of victims whose attackers are on death row

The Governor’s administration says the serum needed for the death penalty has not been accessible since 2010. Attorney General Jeff Landry says that’s a poor excuse.

Cut 8 (09) “…stories.”

Landry cited recent executions in Texas and Oklahoma as evidence that Louisiana could begin executing again as well.

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s reintroducing the College Transparency Act.  Cassidy says the legislation aims to make education more affordable by updating the college reporting system. He want to ensure accurate data and help guide students to the school that best suites to their needs

Cut 6 (09) “…have affordable education.”

The legislative session is a less than a month away and the prospect of legalizing sports betting in Louisiana is a hot topic again. The US Supreme Court OK’d the practice for all states, but a last second effort to authorize it here fell flat. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says the same groups that stalled last year’s effort are likely to be back again…

Cut 11 (10) “again”

The LSU basketball team returns to practice today. Interim head coach Tony Benford says he plans on coaching the team at this weekend’s SEC Tournament, while the status of freshman Javonte Smart could be determined today. Glen Guilbeau covers LSU for USA Today Network…

Cut 15 (09) “…of what ifs”

LSU is trying to determine is Smart’s family received a payment, which was suggested in reported FBI wiretap involving Coach Wade.

The House Criminal Justice Committee will hold a hearing today on the Death Penalty, featuring family members of victims whose attackers are on death row, but have not been put to death. The state has not executed anyone in over a decade but Attorney General Jeff Landry says he will showcase a legal path forward for the death penalty.

Cut 7 (08) “…families.”

The Governor’s administration says there are legal barriers preventing the death penalty stating the serum is not available.

The legislative session is a less than a month away and pay raises for educators looks to be a hot button issue. Teacher and school support personnel pay raises, comes with an estimated 135-million dollar price tag. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says figuring out how to pay for it could be a struggle.

Cut 10 (09) “…American history.”

The proposal would raise teacher pay by 1,000 dollars, and support personnel pay by 500 dollars.

LSU’s suspension of Will Wade leaves basketball fans with more questions than answers. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

They’ll be discussing the death penalty today at a public hearing at the capitol, where family members of victims whose attackers are on death row will speak…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart ”

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The regular session kicks off in about a month and LaPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says get ready for teacher pay, sports betting, and tax issues…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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LSU’s suspension of Will Wade leaves basketball fans with more questions than answers. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s reintroducing the College Transparency Act.  Cassidy says the legislation aims to make education more affordable to students by modernizing the college reporting system to make available accurate data on student outcomes.

Cut 4 (08) “…after high school.”

Cassidy says among the data used would be the completion of the curriculum, as well as post-college hiring rates and earning expectations based upon a selected school.  It will also factor in students with similar backgrounds succeeded at a school.

Cut 5 (12) “…years of graduating.”

Cassidy says he, along with LSU President F. King Alexander, coauthored an op-ed for CNN in support of the act.

Cut 6 (09) “…have affordable education.”

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The House Criminal Justice Committee will hold a hearing today on the Death Penalty, featuring family members of victims whose attackers are on death row, but have not been put the death, as the state has not executed anyone in over a decade. but Attorney General Jeff Landry says today they will showcase a legal path forward for the death penalty.

Cut 7 (08) “…families.”

The Governor’s administration says there are legal and logistical barriers preventing the death penalty in Louisiana, as the serum needed has not been accessible since 2010. Landry says it’s a poor excuse, and the lack of an executable death penalty incentivizes more crime.

Cut 8 (09) “…stories.”

Landry cited recent executions in Texas and Oklahoma as evidence that with some legal and policy tweaks, Louisiana could begin executing again as well.

Governor Edwards has not voiced his personal opinion on the ethics of the death penalty, but says as governor it is his duty to follow the law, and currently the law provides no pathway towards enforcing executions. Landry called on Edwards to publicly testify at the hearing that’ll be held just a few minutes from the Governor’s house…

Cut 9 (09) “…his position″

The hearing is set for 9AM.

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The legislative session is a less than a month away and two topics look to be hot button issues. One of those, teacher and school support personnel pay raises, comes with an estimated 135-million dollar price tag. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says figuring out how to pay for it could be a struggle.

Cut 10 (09) “…American history.”

The proposal would raise teacher pay by 1,000 dollars, and support personnel pay by 500 dollars.

The other topic on many lawmakers lips is the prospect of legalizing sports betting in Louisiana. Last year the US Supreme Court OK’d the practice for all states, but a last second effort to authorize it here fell flat. Alford says the same groups that stalled last year’s effort are likely to be back again…

Cut 11 (10) “again”

Neighboring Mississippi has legalized sports betting, and Louisiana casinos say they fear they are losing visitors as a result.

Odd numbered years allow lawmakers to propose tax increases in a regular session. Alford says revenue questions will take center stage…

Cut 12 (12) “…exemption”

The session begins at noon on April 8th.

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The suspension of LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade in response to his involvement in an FBI investigation into college basketball corruption has created more questions than answers.  Among the questions, what benefit is it to the school to suspend Wade at this point?  LSU beat reporter for the USA Today Network Glen Guilbeau says it makes the school look better in the NCAA’s eyes since they’ve taken steps towards self-disciplinary actions.

Cut 13 (06) “…of institutional control.”

Guilbeau says it’s likely the decision to suspend Wade was not just made Athletics Director Joe Alleva, the LSU compliance department also played a role…

Cut 14 (10) “…thing to do.”

Guilbeau says he believes the Tiger fans have seen the last of Will Wade at courtside, but when it comes to the player in question, Javonte Smart…

Cut 15 (09) “…of what ifs”

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The 13th ranked LSU baseball team visits Natchitoches for the first time since 2014 when they play Northwestern State at Brown-Stroud Field. Demons head coach Bobby Barbier says it should be a fun night at the park…

Cut 16  (15) “tickets sold” 

The Demons are 7-6 on the season, while LSU is 11-4. Tigers shortstop Josh Smith says not a bad start so far…

 cut 17 (13)   “how it goes” 

LSU is coming off a series victory over Cal. In the last game of the series, freshman first baseman Cade Beloso belted two home runs. Beloso on his plan at the plate.

Cut 18 (13)  so far” 

It doesn’t appear LSU basketball coach Will Wade’s suspension will be lifted anytime soon. Interim Head Coach Tony Benford was asked if Wade’s suspension could be a rallying point. He says the team has already been through a lot, starting with the murder of Wayde Sims right before the season started. He says the players have formed a brotherhood…

Cut 5 (11)“…need to”

Studies have shown the Monday following a time change comes an increased risk of things such as heart attacks, strokes, and traffic accidents.  State Police Sgt. Melissa Matey says any time the time changes and there is a difference in lighting, it can pose problems on the roadways.
Cut 9 (12) “…your visual field.”
Matey says the lack of sleep can negatively impact driving habits, adding there is an uptick in distracted driving following time change.

Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter is bringing a constitutional amendment in the upcoming session that asks voters whether local governments should have the authority to lower the homestead exemption. The amendment would first require two thirds support in the legislature to make it onto the fall ballot, where it would then need to be approved by a majority of voters.  Carter says at that point, local voters would still have a final say on homestead exemption rates in their own back yards…

Cut 8 (10) “…do it.”

Louisiana has now seen eleven straight months of jobs gains, with the state adding 10,200 jobs from January 2018 to 2019. It was a disappointing jobs report nationwide, with gains slowing to their slowest rate in months, but Workforce Commission chief economist Ali Bustamante says the Bayou State has managed to buck that trend…

Cut 14 (11)  “…statewide.” 

It doesn’t appear LSU basketball coach Will Wade’s suspension will be lifted anytime soon. Interim Head Coach Tony Benford was asked on today’s SEC coaches teleconference about whether he’ll continue directing the program…

Cut 3 (11) “…the tournament.”

LSU’s first SEC Tournament game is Friday.
Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter is bringing a constitutional amendment in the upcoming session that asks voters whether local governments should have the authority to lower the homestead exemption. Carter says it would give locals a new way to fund vital projects.

Cut 6 (09) “…for.”

For most homeowners, the exemption means homeowners do not pay taxes on the first 75,000 dollars of their property value.

Studies have shown with the Monday following a time change comes an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and traffic accidents. State Police Sgt. Melissa Matey says it is important for drivers to maintain heightened awareness for pedestrians at this time as well.

Cut 11 (10)   “…in your neighborhood.”
Matey says the lack of sleep can negatively impact driving habits, adding there is an uptick in distracted driving following time change.

Louisiana has now seen eleven straight months of jobs gains, adding 2,100 jobs from December 2018 to January 2019.  Other south Louisiana markets like Lafayette also performed well, but those gains in the south are not being duplicated in northern markets like Shreveport, Alexandria, and Monroe, who’ve lost a combined 2,200 jobs year to year. Workforce Commission chief economist Ali Bustamante says that’s because the north is known for it’s production…

Cut 13 (10) “…once were” 

Louisiana has now seen eleven straight months of jobs gains, with the state adding 10,200 jobs from January 2018 to 2019. New Orleans’ leads the way with 11,400 jobs added year to year. Workforce Commission chief economist Ali Bustamante says that’s due to healthcare, education, and…
Cut 12 (08) “…statewide”
Louisiana added 2,100 jobs from December 2018 to January 2019.

LSU head basketball coach Will Wade remains suspended. Interim head coach Tony Benford says they should no more tomorrow about freshman guard Javonte Smart after he was held out for Saturday’s game, so the university can look into alleged improper payments made to his family. Interim head coach Tony Benford on freshman Naz Reid who is dealing with injuries…..
cut 4 (11) “…his situation”

Should local governments be allowed to lower homestead exemption rates to pay for local projects? One Baton Rouge lawmaker thinks so…
Voicer 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

State Fire Marshal Butch Browning announces the arrest of a Bastrop man who allegedly set fire to a home with three relatives inside, including a child. 25-year-old Charles Craft faces three counts of attempted first degree murder and one count of aggravated arson. Authorities say Craft became angry after not receiving money from his mother to buy cigarettes.

Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter is bringing a constitutional amendment in the upcoming session that asks voters whether local governments should have the authority to lower the homestead exemption. Carter says passing this would mean locals would no longer have to beg at the Capitol to get construction funds.

Cut 7 (07) “…money”

Independent analysis shows local governments in Louisiana have far less control of their finances compared to other southern states.

Studies have shown the Monday following a time change comes an increased risk of things such as heart attacks, strokes, and traffic accidents.  State Police Sgt. Melissa Matey says the lack of sleep can negatively impact driving habits, adding there is an uptick in distracted driving following time change.

Cut 10 (09)“…can turn disastrous.”

Louisiana claims eleven straight months of job gains, adding 11,400 jobs from January of 2018 to January 2019. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

A helicopter crash has left one dead and another missing.  The aircraft crashed into the Gulf of Mexico on Sunday in a flight between Galliano and Venice.  The Coast Guard responded to the crash around 1:42 p.m.  Authorities confirmed Nicholas Duplantis, of Houma, was killed in the accident. The pilot remains missing.

It doesn’t appear LSU basketball coach Will Wade’s suspension will be lifted anytime soon. Interim Head Coach Tony Benford was asked if Wade’s suspension could be a rallying point. He says the team has already been through a lot, starting with the murder of Wayde Sims right before the season started. He says the players have formed a brotherhood…

Cut 5 (11)“…need to”

Studies have shown the Monday following a time change comes an increased risk of things such as heart attacks, strokes, and traffic accidents.  State Police Sgt. Melissa Matey says any time the time changes and there is a difference in lighting, it can pose problems on the roadways.
Cut 9 (12) “…your visual field.”
Matey says the lack of sleep can negatively impact driving habits, adding there is an uptick in distracted driving following time change.

Should local governments be allowed to lower homestead exemption rates to pay for local projects? One Baton Rouge lawmaker thinks so…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Here’s a look at your commodities.

It doesn’t appear LSU basketball coach Will Wade’s suspension will be lifted anytime soon. Interim Head Coach Tony Benford was asked on today’s SEC coaches teleconference about whether he’ll continue directing the program…

Cut 3 (11) “…the tournament.”

LSU’s first game in the SEC tournament is Friday. University officials say they suspended Wade after he refused to provide any clarity about the recent reports that suggest he arranged payments to a recruit believed to be freshman guard Javonte Smart.

Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter is bringing a constitutional amendment in the upcoming session that would allow local governments to adjust the homestead exemption. Currently the exemption, which gives homeowners a substantial tax break, is controlled at the state level. Carter says it would give locals a new way to fund vital projects.

Cut 6 (09) “…for.”

Flu season may see the worst to come as Louisiana has a second round of flu on the way. Connor Ferrill has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Connor Ferrill”  

House Democrats passed a sweeping elections reform package last week that includes major electoral changes such as making voting days federal holidays, automatic voter registration, and other substantial changes. Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham, who voted against the bill, calls it the Democrat Politician Protection Plan.

Cut 10 (09) “…American history.”

The bill passed unanimously with Democrats, who say the legislation would dramatically increase voter participation.

Could further legal ramifications be a concern for suspended LSU basketball coach Will Wade?  Matt Doyle spoke with legal analyst Tim Meche to find out.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle ”

A helicopter crash has left one dead and another missing.  The aircraft crashed into the Gulf of Mexico on Sunday in a flight between Galliano and Venice.  The Coast Guard responded to the crash around 1:42 p.m.  Authorities confirmed Nicholas Duplantis, of Houma, was killed in the accident. The pilot remains missing.

Health officials say another strain of influenza has emerged and it’s H-3-N-2. That’s the strain that killed 80-thousand Americans last year. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease specialist, Doctor Fred Lopez, says so far this year’s influenza season has been much milder than last year…

cut 8 (09) “….incidents”

He says the best protection from the H-3-N-2 flu strain is to get vaccinated against the flu.

The U-S House has approved a sweeping election reform package, but Republicans oppose it. The proposal would create independent redistricting commissions to draw voting districts. But Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham says that’s a duty best left to the states….

cut 12 (06) “…untenable”

The proposal is not expected to get a vote in the Senate.