Dell Demps has reportedly been relieved of his duties as New Orleans Pelicans General Manager after nearly a decade with the franchise. This comes admists growing chaos surrounding the Pelicans and star Anthony Davis, who demanded a trade several weeks ago but was not shipped out before the deadline. Demps has come under fire for failing to put much of any talent around a generational talent like Davis, and routinely shipping out first round draft picks in a win-now mentality that’s resulted in a team largely devoid of home grown talent.

President Trump announces he will sign an emergency declaration to pursue the border wall. Much of that money would reportedly come from Army Corps and/or FEMA disaster prevention and relief projects, a keen concern for hurricane prone Louisiana. Senator John Kennedy says he’s aware that’s a possibility…

Cut 10 (06) “…come from”

East Baton Rouge DA Hillar Moore says he believes the Maxwell Gruver Act has had an impact on hazing in the wake of new allegations at LSU.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

After a year-long investigation, State Police have arrested fifteen suspects in connection with a Mardi Gras 2018 incident known as a ride out where participants would stop up highways and ride recklessly with motorcycle, ATVs and dirt bikes. The group has been linked to a string of dealership robberies as well.

Dell Demps has reportedly been relieved of his duties as New Orleans Pelicans General Manager after nearly a decade with the franchise. This comes amid growing chaos surrounding the Pelicans and star Anthony Davis, who demanded a trade several weeks ago but was not shipped out before the deadline. Demps has come under fire for failing to put much of any talent around a generational talent like Davis, and routinely shipping out first round draft picks in a win-now mentality that’s resulted in a team largely devoid of home grown talent.

That’s led to a situation like last night’s game, a surprising 131 122 win over the Thunder, where Davis exited the game with an injury, and left the arena before the game ended. Coach Alvin Gentry is clearly not happy with the team’s current situation, but praised the teams upset effort.

cut 30 (19) “…great job”

The number one ranked LSU baseball team takes the field for the first time in 2019 tonight when they host ULM at Alex Box Stadium. The Tigers are one of the favorites to win the College World Series, because of the return of shortstop Josh Smith, who missed most of last season with a back injury. 2009 was the last time the Tigers won a national championship and Smith knows LSU fans are hungry for another title…
Cut 18 (15) after it”
ULM comes into the season, looking to improve on a 23-31 mark.

Also this weekend, Louisiana Tech is at Southeastern Louisiana. The Bulldogs return 24 players from a team that went 39-and-20 last season and just missed the NCAA Tournament.

And over in Lafayette, the Ragin Cajuns host 23rd ranked Texas. UL-Lafayette features three players who were named to the preseason All Sun Belt Conference team, Gunner Leger, Daniel Lahare and Hayden Cantrelle.

President Trump announces he will sign an emergency declaration to pursue the border wall. The declaration will likely be immediately challenged in Congress but would require an unlikely two-thirds override vote in both chambers. At that point, Senator John Kennedy says he expects the battle to shift to the courts.
Cut 11 (09) “…Ninth Circuit”
Kennedy says he would not vote to oppose the President’s State of Emergency.
Thursday’s arrest of 9 frat members at LSU over allegations of hazing comes after the passage of the Maxwell Gruver Act that was put into place to combat the activity by handing out harsher punishments for future incidents.  East Baton Rouge DA Hillar Moore says this isn’t the only hazing case to come up since the act’s passage.
Cut 14 (08) “…kind of go along.”

After a year-long investigation, State Police have arrested fifteen suspects in connection with a Mardi Gras 2018 incident known as a ride out where participants would stop up highways and ride recklessly.  Senior Trooper Melissa Matey says ride outs of this nature have taken place in other cities across the country but is hopeful this investigation will keep another one from happening during this year’s Mardi Gras.
Cut 6 (10) “…please call 911.”

This morning in a 6-4 decision, the Ethics Board has decided candidates are permitted to use campaign funds to pay for childcare. In November, a female Baton Rouge candidate requested authorization and was denied as the board overruled a 2000 decision that allowed a man to use campaign funds for childcare. UL-Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says the optics of the November decision made it look like the board is trying to prevent moms from running for office.

President Trump announces he will sign an emergency declaration to pursue the border wall. The declaration will likely be immediately challenged in Congress but would require an unlikely two-thirds override vote in both chambers. At that point, Senator John Kennedy says he expects the battle to shift to the courts.
Cut 11 (09) “…Ninth Circuit”
Kennedy says he would not vote to oppose the President’s State of Emergency.
Thursday’s arrest of 9 frat members at LSU over allegations of hazing comes after the passage of the Maxwell Gruver Act that was put into place to combat the activity by handing out harsher punishments for future incidents.  East Baton Rouge DA Hillar Moore says this isn’t the only hazing case to come up since the act’s passage.
Cut 14 (08) “…kind of go along.”

After a year-long investigation, State Police have arrested fifteen suspects in connection with a Mardi Gras 2018 incident known as a ride out where participants would stop up highways and ride recklessly.  Senior Trooper Melissa Matey says ride outs of this nature have taken place in other cities across the country but is hopeful this investigation will keep another one from happening during this year’s Mardi Gras.
Cut 6 (10) “…please call 911.”

The Ethics Board is reconsidering its decision to bar candidates from using campaign funds to pay for childcare this morning. In November, a female Baton Rouge candidate requested authorization and was denied as the board overruled a 2000 decision that allowed a man to use campaign funds for childcare. UL-Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says the optics of the decision make it look like the board is trying to prevent moms from running for office.

Cut 8 (08) “…the system.”

The state Ethics Board meets today to reconsider its previous decision to bar candidates from using campaign funds to pay for childcare. The ruling has received quite a bit of public flack, including from Governor Edwards. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Edwards’ opposition will be hard for the board to ignore.
Cut 7 (12) “…specifically.”

The East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s office will soon begin the legal proceedings against the nine individuals charged with hazing pledges at LSU’s Delta Kappa Epsilon. D-A Hillar Moore credits the recently approved Maxwell Gruver Act for getting the authorities involved…
cut 15 (12) “…or its lost”

State Police have arrested 15 suspects and they are looking for dozens more connected to a “ride-out” in New Orleans on Mardi Gras 2018. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Shreveport police say a woman fatally shot her husband early this morning during a domestic dispute at the Cypress Landing Apartments. Authorities say the woman used a 22-caliber gun to kill her 29-year-old husband. The woman is reportedly in custody and no charges have been filed as of yet.

President Donald Trump is expected to declare a national emergency today to give him access for funds to build his long-promised border wall. Louisiana Senator John Kennedy says Democrats will oppose it, but don’t have enough votes to override the declaration. There will likely be legal action, but Kennedy says it appears the president has the constitutional authority to do it…
cut 12 (10) “….Congress”

After a year-long investigation, State Police arrest 15 suspects in connection with a Mardi Gras 2018 incident known as a ride out where participants stopped traffic by riding recklessly. Senior Trooper Melissa Matey says many of the participants do no live in Louisiana….
Cut 4 (11) “…nearly eight hours.”
Matey says the search continues for dozens of other suspects.

East Baton Rouge DA Hillar Moore believes the recently approved Maxwell Gruver Act helped sparked an investigation into new hazing allegations at an LSU fraternity. Kevin Barnhart has the story….
voicer 3 (30) “….I’m Kevin Barnhart’

It’s opening day for college baseball. Top ranked LSU hosts ULM tonight and Tigers left fielder Daniel Cabrera is fired up
cut 16 (12) :…with them”
Also today, the Cajuns host 23rd ranked Texas and La Tech is at Southeastern.

President Trump is poised to declare a State of Emergency today in order to get the money he seeks to build up the Southern border wall…
voicer 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Pelicans Head Coach Alvin Gentry has had enough of the Anthony Davis drama…
cut 29 (09) “…what is important”
Davis left the arena during the middle of last night’s win over Oklahoma City with an apparent shoulder injury.

The state ethics board today will reconsider its previous decision that candidates can not use campaign funds to help pay for child care costs. In November, a female Baton Rouge candidate seeking a House seat requested authorization, and was denied, as the board overruled a 2000 decision that allowed a man to use campaign funds for childcare. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says the optics make it look like the board is trying to prevent moms from running for office.
Cut 8 (08) “…the system.”

State Troopers arrested 15 people and looking for dozens of more who participated in an event called the “2018 New Orleans Bike Life Mardi Gras Day Ride Out.” The “Ride Out” lasted nearly eight hours in different areas of the city on Mardi Gras day, disupting traffic flow by driving recklessly and intimidating other motorists. Trooper Melissa Matey says many of the bikes were stolen from commerical dealerships…
cut 5 (09) “…is ongoing”

President Trump is expected to sign this morning a spending deal that will avert another government shutdown and it’s also expected he’ll declare a national emergency in order to get the necessary funding he wants for a southern border wall. Much of that money would reportedly come from Army Corps and/or FEMA disaster prevention and relief projects, a keen concern for hurricane prone Louisiana. Senator John Kennedy says he’s aware that’s a possibility…
Cut 10 (06) “…come from”

Thursday’s arrest of 9 frat members at LSU over allegations of hazing comes after the passage of the Maxwell Gruver Act that was put into place to combat the activity by handing out harsher punishments for future incidents. East Baton Rouge DA Hillar Moore credits the act for the allegations coming to light.
Cut 13 (11) “…LSU police department.”
Police records indicate the nine members of the Delta Kappa Epsilon beat and urinated on pledges.

The state Ethics Board meets today to reconsider a previous ruling that said a female candidate for a state House seat in Baton Rouge can’t use campaign funds on child care expenses when the candidate is attending events related to the campaign. In 2000, the board said it was okay to do that. While the Ethics Board is not elected, UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says if any of the members were to run for public office, any vote against permitting funds for that purpose would be used against them, more so if their opponent is a mom.
Cut 9 (12) “…was.″
Governor Edwards has encouraged the Ethics Board to allow campaign money to be used on child care costs.

State Police have arrested 15 suspects connected to a “ride-out” in New Orleans on Mardi Gras 2018.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

____________________________

Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell announces President Trump will declare a State of Emergency to get the money needed to build his sought after wall. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle  

_______________________________

East Baton Rouge DA Hillar Moore says he believes the Maxwell Gruver Act has had an impact on hazing, in the wake of new allegations at LSU.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

__________________________________

After a year-long investigation, State Police have arrested fifteen suspects in connection with a Mardi Gras 2018 incident known as a ride out where participants would stop up highways and ride recklessly.  Senior Trooper Melissa Matey says the investigation is very complex as many participants come from out of state.

Cut 4 (11) “…nearly eight hours.”

Matey says prior to Mardi Gras 2018, State Police had come across several cases of stolen motorcycles that ended up being connected with the activity.

Cut 5 (09) “…is ongoing.”

Matey says ride outs of this nature have taken place in other cities across the country, but is hopeful this investigation will keep another one from happening during this year’s Mardi Gras.

Cut 6 (10) “…please call 911.”

___________________________________________________

The Ethics Board will reconsider it’s decision to bar candidates from using campaign funds to pay for childcare today. The decision has received quite a bit of public flack, including from Governor Edwards. UL-Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says Edwards’ opposition will be hard for the board, seven of whom are appointed by the governor, to ignore.

Cut 7 (12) “…specifically.”

The other four members of the eleven member board were appointed by the Senate and House respectively.

In November a female Baton Rouge female candidate requested authorization, and was denied as the board overruled a 2000 decision that allowed a man to use campaign funds for childcare. Cross says the optics of the decision make it look like the board is trying to prevent moms from running for office.

Cut 8 (08) “…the system.”

Between November of last year and 2000, a number of male candidates, reportedly including Senator John Kennedy, have been allowed to use the funds for childcare.

While the Ethics Board is not elected, Cross says if any of the members were to run for public office, any vote against permitting funds for that purpose would be used against them, more so if their opponent is a mom.

Cut 9 (12) “…was.″

_________________________________

Senate leader Mitch McConnell says President Trump will declare a State of Emergency to obtain the funds necessary to build his sought after addition to the southern border wall. Much of that money would reportedly come from Army Corps and/or FEMA disaster prevention and relief projects, a keen concern for hurricane prone Louisiana. Senator John Kennedy says he’s aware that’s a possibility…

Cut 10 (06) “…come from”

The President is also expected to sign the compromise legislation preventing a shutdown and providing 1.37 billion in funds for the wall.

The declaration would likely be immediately challenged in Congress, but would require an unlikely two thirds override vote in both chambers. At that point, Kennedy says he expects the battle to shift to the courts.

Cut 11 (09) “…Ninth Circuit”

Kennedy says he would not vote to oppose the President’s State of Emergency.

Kennedy says the idea has so far received a somewhat chilly response from Congress, including from several Republicans. The Senator says he understand the motive after talking with the President on the plane ride back from the Farm Bureau Convention in New Orleans, and says while he would prefer a Congressional solution…

Cut 12 (10) “…Congress”

_____________________________

Thursday’s arrest of 9 frat members at LSU over allegations of hazing comes after the passage of the Maxwell Gruver Act that was put into place to combat the activity by handing out harsher punishments for future incidents.  East Baton Rouge DA Hillar Moore credits the act for the allegations coming to light.

Cut 13 (11) “…LSU police department.”

Moore says this isn’t the only hazing case to come up since the act’s passage.

Cut 14 (08) “…kind of go along.”

Moore believes the national fraternities are now taking quicker action because of the act, saying it’s of great value in forming a case.

Cut 15 (10) “…or it’s lost.”

_______________________

Another college baseball season starts today and there are high expectations in Baton Rouge as the LSU Tigers are ranked number one in several polls. Left fielder Daniel Cabrera is one of several Tigers expected to have a big season and the Baton Rouge native is fired up about tonight..

Cut 16 (12) “…with them″

LSU returns its starting out field from last season and a healthy Josh Smith will man shortstop. Senior Brandt Broussard will start at second base tonight, but he says there are several newcomers pushing for starting time as well…

 cut 17 (18)   “to contribute” 

2009 was the last time the Tigers won a national championship and starting shortstop Josh Smith knows LSU fans are hungry for another title…

Cut 18 (15)  after it” 

LSU is confirming that nine members of the Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity have been arrested on Hazing charges, and four of them are facing battery charges related to reports that pledges were doused in gas, urinated on, and beat. The activities are alleged to have taken place during the fall of 2018. The hazing charges are misdemeanors despite the passage of tougher anti-hazing laws last year. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says these student’s actions must not have met the criteria for harsher charges.

Cut 9 (10) “or death”

Felonies can also be charged if pledges are forced to consume booze pushing their BAC above .3.

Pointe Coupee authorities are trying to determine who shot into a home in the town of Glynn killing a young woman sleeping on the couch. Sheriff Bud Torres says says the only other person in the home was the victim’s boyfriend…

Cut 14 (04)     later died” 

The victim has been identified as 25-year-old Aerial Edwards.

The Bayou Country Superfest has announced its 2019 Lineup at a press conference today.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Yet another Acadiana school has been closed due to an infestation of bats that are making their yearly migration from Mexico to their more northern breeding grounds. Franklin Junior High in St. Mary Parish will be closed today and tomorrow after officials discovered bats hanging out in the halls and flying around in the gym. Experts have been called in for a non-lethal solution.