LSU has made it official. Scott Woodward is the new athletics director at LSU, replacing the unpopular Joe Alleva. The LSU grad will be formally welcomed back on Tuesday. Woodward was the director of LSU’s external affairs from 2000 to 2004 and most recently the athletics director at Texas A-and-M.

Strong storms are starting to pop on what is supposed to be an active weather day. Kevin Barnhart has more…
voicer 1 (31) “…Kevin Barnhart”

There’s a push in the legislative session to pass legislation that would guarantee all Louisianans 12 weeks of paid family or medical illness leave, along with legal protections against being fired while out. Caitlin Berni, a spokesperson for a coalition called Louisiana Families First says the proposal would create a state-run fund created by a small payroll tax, split roughly between employers and employees…
Cut 7 (08) “employer”
The bill includes parental leave, leave to take care of a close relative who has fallen ill, and long term medical leave for events like chemo therapy in cancer patients.

The message is going out again, a real bunny as an Easter gift is not a good idea in most cases. For the last two years, over 60 pet rabbits were turned over to the Louisiana SPCA following the Easter holiday from owners with buyer’s remorse. Louisiana SPCA spokesperson Rebecca Melanson says many people do not realize the commitment of rabbit ownership.
Cut 10 (09) “…in your family.”

Joe Alleva is out and it appears Scott Woodward is in as LSU’s new athletic director. Multiple reports say the Baton Rouge native will leave his A-D job at Texas A-and M for the same job at his alma mater. Glen Gilbeau of the USA Today Network says a new style of leadership is coming to LSU…

Cut 14 (12) “…Scott.”

Woodward did what LSU couldn’t do and that’s hire Jimbo Fisher as is his head football coach.

A bill is being introduced that would guarantee all Louisianans 12 weeks of paid family or medical illness leave. Berni Consulting partner Caitlin Berni says the pot of leave money to fund the leave would grow overtime, and mechanisms would be put in place to cover expenses of young workers who need to take the leave before they’ve built up enough money to cover 12 weeks. Berni says the leave is transferable between jobs.

Cut 8 (10) “…four quarters.”

The leave pay would come directly from the fund, and not your employer while you were out.

You’ll want to keep an eye on the weather today, strong storms have already moved into the state in northwest Louisiana where they’ve already reported flooding and several power outages. Across the state, several schools and businesses closed for the day in anticipation for the severe weather. Strong winds with gusts up to 45 miles per hour have been reported, and flood advisories are in effect until late this evening. The line of storms is expected to be followed with a cold front dropping temperatures into the lower 50s later tonight.

Thinking about getting a bunny or a chick as gift for someone this Easter? The Louisiana SPCA says you may want to reconsider. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

An unsettled and intense story system has started to make its way through Louisiana. Much of the state is under an enhanced risk for severe weather, which is why many schools and government offices are closed. There’s the threat of a tornado outbreak and state climatologist Barry Keim says this is the time of the year when we see severe weather…

cut 6 (07) “…makes perfect sense”

The northern half of Louisiana is under a flash flood watch and so is a portion of southeast Louisiana.

Texas A&M Athletic Director Scott Woodward has been tapped to replaced LSU AD Joe Alleva.

This wraps up a wild week for the school that saw basketball coach Will Wade’s suspension lifted, and a long time AD axed. Glen Guilbeau with the USA Today Network says Alleva was not a popular figure in the program, and it’s remarkable he stuck around for over ten years.

Cut 15 (09) “…he did.”

Nola.com reports the hire was made less than an hour after it was announced that Alleva was set to “transition” into a new role at the school while his contract runs for another year.

At the Capitol there’s a bill being introduced to guarantee all Louisianans 12 weeks of paid family or medical illness leave. Louisiana Families First is beginning a statewide effort to push support for the proposal. While it would functionally be an income tax increase of about a quarter of a percent on most workers, Caitlin Berni with Berni Consulting, she says 82 percent of those polled were on board.

Cut 9 (09) “…employee″

The bill is being sponsored by New Orleans Senator JP Morrell.

It’s Easter this weekend and it’s also a popular time of the year when people give rabbits as gifts. The Louisiana SPCA says an average of 60 pet rabbits are turned over to shelters following the Easter holiday from owners with buyer’s remorse.  SPCA spokesperson Rebecca Melanson says each year, in addition to rabbits that are turned into shelters, some people even try release rabbits in the wild in an effort to relinquish ownership.

Cut 11 (05) “…from wild rabbits.”

The average lifespan of a rabbit is 10-12 years.

Another round of bad weather is impacting Louisiana today, starting this morning. There’s an enhanced risk for severe weather in the forecast for East Carroll Parish all the way down to southwest Louisiana and all parishes east of that stretch. State Climatologist Barry Keim says expect strong thunderstorms.

Cut 4 (08) “…of Louisiana today.”

Strong storms are currently moving into northwest Louisiana.

Texas A&M Athletic Director Scott Woodward is reportedly set to take over as LSU’s new AD. Woodward has been in charge of Aggies athletics since 2016, but Glen Guilbeau, who covers LSU for the USA Today Network, says he’s a local boy who may have been itching to get back to his roots in the boot.

Cut 13 (06) “Louisiana.”

Woodward presided over the hiring of football coach Jimbo Fisher at A&M, a 10 year 75 million dollar contract.

A bill is being introduced that would guarantee all Louisianans 12 weeks of paid family or medical illness leave, along with legal protections against being fired while out. Berni Consulting partner Caitlin Berni says it would allow you to draw from a fund managed by the Workforce Commission, and paid into by you and your employer every paycheck.

Cut 7 (08) “employer”

The bill includes parental leave, leave to take care of a close relative who has fallen ill, and long term medical leave for events like chemo therapy in cancer patients.

The Gofundme campaign for the three St. Landry parish churches that burned down has reached its goal of one-point-eight million dollars and the donations continue to pour in.

LSU Athletics Director Joe Alleva has officially announced he’s stepping down. The university says he’ll be transitioning into a new role as special assistant to the president for donor relations, but will continue to serve as A-D until a new athletics director is named. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran

Cut 14 (11) “…figure.”

Alleva has been the school’s A-D since 2008 and his contract is set to expire next year.

Former Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco is under hospice care. Blanco, who served as governor from 2004 to 2008 was first diagnosed with an eye cancer in 2011, but the cancer returned in 2017 and spread to her liver. Last December, she said there’s no escape from her cancer. Franklin Representative Sam Jones spoke on the House floor to recognize the governor’s fight for her life…

Cut 3 (12) “…do so ”

Over 1.2 million dollars has been raised for the burned St. Landry Parish churches on a GoFundMe page that’s seen a surge in donations since a fire tore through the historic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Seventh District Missionary Baptist Church President Freddie Jack says the effort is much appreciated, and the congregations are taking the tragedy in stride while they figure out how to get back into their old homes.

Cut 8 (08) “…spirits”

The Center for Reproductive Rights says if an admitting privileges law set to be heard at the US Supreme Court were to take effect, two of the state’s three abortion clinics would close. President Nancy Northup says the regulation requiring clinics and providers to have admitting privileges at a local hospital would dramatically reduce access to the procedure.

Cut 9 (11) “…each year”

The only remaining clinic would be a facility in Baton Rouge.

Tiger Rag Magazine has confirmed the initial report from the Baton Rouge Business Report that Joe Alleva is out as athletics director at LSU. Alleva’s faced controversy involving two prominent coaches but Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says there’s evidence Alleva wanted to go through with the firing of Les Miles and not suspend Will Wade, but the fan outrage is with Joe…
Cut 13 (10) “…Joe Alleva”

A high place source has informed us that a replacement will be named within 24 hours.
The Center for Reproductive Rights says if an admitting privileges law set to be heard at the US Supreme Court were to take effect, two of the state’s three abortion clinics would close. Senior Council TJ Toup says with an increase in abuse towards workers and patients at the Shreveport clinic already escalating, the only doctor with privileges at the facility said he’d retire if the law took effect.
Cut 10 (11) “…providing.”

_______________________
Over 1.2 million dollars has been raised for the burned St. Landry Parish churches on a GoFundMe page that’s seen a surge in donations since a fire tore through the historic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Seventh District Missionary Baptist Church President Freddie Jack says the historic majority black congregations have deep roots in the community, some of which go back over a century.
Cut 7 (10) “…long.”
21-year-old Holden Matthews is accused of burning the churches in a racially motivated attack.
Former Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco is under hospice care. Blanco, who served as governor from 2004 to 2008 was first diagnosed with an eye cancer in 2011, but the cancer returned in 2017 and spread to her liver. Franklin Representative Sam Jones asks that Louisiana residents pray for Blanco…
Cut 5 (10) “…that side”

Multiple reports say Joe Alleva is out as LSU’s athletics director. Alleva’s contract is set to expire next year and Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says this could be a good time for the head of athletics to step down or retire…
Cut 14 (11) “…figure.”
Alleva has been heavily criticized for his handling of basketball coach Will Wade’s suspension.

Former Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco is under hospice care as she battles cancer. Blanco’s one term in office was marked by Hurricane Katrina and the destruction it left behind. Franklin Representative Sam Jones says Blanco worked tirelessly to bring evacuees back home and wasn’t afraid to stand up to the White House…
Cut 4 (09) “…her recently”
Blanco is 76-years-old.

The Center for Reproductive Rights filed a petition today asking the U-S Supreme Court to strike down a Louisiana law that says abortion doctors must have admitting privileges at a local hospital. Shreveport clinic administrator Cathleen Pittman says the legislation could leave the state with just one clinic, which isn’t good…
cut 11 (12) “…means”
Supporters of the law say it will help ensure the safety of the woman.

Over 1.2 million dollars has been raised for the burned St. Landry Parish churches on a GoFundMe page. Seventh District Missionary Baptist Association President Freddie Jack says the historic congregations are hoping for help from their insurance, but one of them is looking at some heavy costs.
Cut 6 (12) “…rebuilding”
The Goal Fund Me goal was one-point-eight million.

Former Governor Kathleen Blanco is in his hospice care. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Over 1.2 million dollars has been raised for the burned St. Landry Parish churches on a GoFundMe page that’s seen a surge in donations since a fire engulfed the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The page has been shared by national figures like Hillary Clinton and Katie Couric. 21-year-old Holden Matthews is accused of burning the three churches in a racially motivated attack.

Tiger Rag Magazine has confirmed the initial report from the Baton Rouge Business Report that Joe Alleva is out as athletics director at LSU. Alleva has been the school’s A-D since 2008, but Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says Alleva is a widely unpopular administrator

Cut 12 (10) “…in charge”

The Center for Reproductive Rights says if an admitting privileges law set to be heard at the US Supreme Court were to take effect, two of the state’s three abortion clinics would close. President Nancy Northup says the regulation requiring clinics and providers to have admitting privileges at a local hospital would dramatically reduce access to the procedure.

Cut 9 (11) “…each year”

The only remaining clinic would be a facility in Baton Rouge.

Reports have surfaced that LSU Athletics Director Joe Alleva is expected to step down, perhaps as soon as today. Alleva has held the position for more than a decade and his contract expires next year. Over the years, Alleva has been the target of criticism from fans for various issues including the firing of football coach Les Miles and failing to recruit Jimbo Fisher. Most recently Alleva has once again caught heat following the suspension and reinstatement of LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade in the wake of an FBI wiretap investigating a recruitment scandal.

Former Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco is under hospice care. Blanco, who is battling cancer, served as governor from 2004 to 2008. Franklin Representative Sam Jones spoke on the House floor asking that Louisiana residents pray for Blanco…

Cut 5 (10) “…that side”

Blanco served in elected offices for two dozen years.

A GoFundMe raising money for the burned St. Landry Parish churches is now over 1.2 million dollars. Matt Doyle talked with the Seventh District Baptist Church President about the effort…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”  

Former Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco is under hospice care. Blanco, who is battling cancer, served as governor from 2004 to 2008 and did not seek re-election. She was criticized for her handling of Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath and the federally funded program set up to help Louisiana homeowners rebuild. Franklin Representative Sam Jones who worked for Blanco in the governor’s office, fought hard for the state and wasn’t afraid to stand up to the White House…
Cut 4 (09) “…her recently”
Blanco is 76-years-old.
The latest installment from the Louisiana Survey out of LSU shows that 70-percent approve of the 2016 criminal justice reforms. But 60 percent of Republicans now support the reform efforts, up from 46 percent in 2018. LSU Public Policy Research Lab Director Dr. Michael Henderson says it’s taken a few years for the average GOP voter to buy in…

Cut 8 (09) “…ago.”

A constitutional amendment is on its way to the House floor that would let Louisiana voters decided whether or not the state constitution protects abortion rights. The amendment was brought by Monroe Democratic Representative Katrina Jackson who says it’s an opportunity for voter to show the rest of the country that the Bayou State is the no. 1 pro-life state.

Cut 14 (11) “…Louisiana.”

The proposal would need two thirds support in both chambers, and over 50 percent of the vote at the October 12th ballot that also features the primary round of the governor’s race. Several states have adopted similar additions to their constitutions.

Reports have surfaced that LSU Athletics Director Joe Alleva is expected to step down, perhaps as soon as today. Alleva has held the position for more than a decade. Alleva recently caught heat from fans for his decision to suspend LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade in the wake of an FBI wiretap investigating a recruitment scandal.