A judge has cleared the way for the removal of a confederate monument that sits outside of the Caddo Parish Courthouse. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

After initial reports began to surface on the case of a body being discovered with the hands and feet bound together with rope in a bayou on Sunday, the death seemed suspicious.  However, Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office representative .Lt. Brennan Matherne says it appears self-inflicted with a lack of evidence that ties anyone else to his death because he did not appear to be robbed.

Cut 7 (03)  “…cash on him.”

The preparation is underway for the next voice of the Saints as Zach Strief transitions from the playing field to the press box.  Strief, who has no previous broadcasting experience, spent a more than a decade as an offensive tackle with the black and gold.  Strief says his time on the gridiron definitely gives him an advantage but says he still feels he has a long road ahead of him to polish his play by play skills.

Cut 4  (11) “…be a fan really.”

Strief says he looks forward to working with Duece McAllister on commentary and says his hope is that this is something truly special to be shared with the Who Dat Nation.

Here’s a look at your commodities…

A federal judge has allowed for the removal of a confederate monument in front of the courthouse in Caddo, after dismissing a lawsuit filed by the Daughters of the Confederacy, who said the monument sat on private property. Caddo Parish Commissioner Steven Jackson says placing the monument in front of a courthouse was highly inappropriate because of the effect it could have had on the proceedings taking place inside court of law.

Cut 13 (11) “the jury” 

The monument was erected in 1903, and the commission voted 7-5 in October of 2017.

The preparation is underway for the next voice of the Saints as Zach Strief transitions from the playing field to the press box.  Strief, who has no previous broadcasting experience, spent a more than a decade as an offensive tackle with the black and gold.  Strief says he’s hoping to find his own voice.

Cut 3 (13) “…have a conversation.”

In a recent interview, Senator John Kennedy was asked about the recent exchanges between Attorney General Jeff Landry and Governor John Bel Edwards that bring attention to the lack of executions in the state since 2010.  Kennedy acknowledged he hasn’t been following the correspondence that closely, but says he believes the people of Louisiana should have more clarity on the governor’s personal view of capital punishment.

Cut 5 (10) “…in the death penalty.”

Governor Edwards recently stated:” The fact of the matter is that we cannot execute someone in the state of Louisiana today because the only legally prescribed manner set forth in state statute is unavailable to us.”

Louisiana Economic Development’s FastStart program has been ranked the nation’s number one state workforce training program for a record ninth consecutive year by Business Facilities. LED Secretary Don Pierson says if you are looking to grow in a skilled position…

Cut 9 (09)  “…available jobs”

The mother of an infant that died from severe burns last week in Natchitoches has been charged with principle to 1st Degree Murder. She’s the second person arrested this week and State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says the investigation is ongoing…
cut 15 (06) “…this arrest”
The infant’s mother, 22-year-old Hannah Baker, claimed that two people forced their way into her home, maced her and then took the child. Browning says that story turned out to be a lie.

A federal judge has permitted the removal of a confederate monument in Caddo Parish. The monument sits in front of the parish courthouse. The Judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Daughters of the Confederacy, deciding the group had not proved that the statue stood on private land. Caddo Parish Commissioner Steven Jackson says it’s a great step forward
cut 12 (10) “be equal.”
No word on if an appeal has been filed.

Louisiana has been awarded for having the best workforce training program in the nation. Matt Doyle has the story.
voicer 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The LaFourche Parish Sheriff’s office has determined the death of a man found with his arms and legs bound by rope in Bayou Lafourche as a suicide. 69-year-old Terry Angelle’s body was found on Sunday. Detectives believe he used slip knots to tie up his arms and legs. Family and friends also say the Galliano man was battling depression.

Saints fans are getting to get their first glimpse of the team’s practices this weekend. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (27) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

A federal judge has permitted the removal of a confederate monument in Caddo Parish. The monument sits infront of the parish courthouse. US Distrcit Judge Robert James dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Daughters of the Confederacy, deciding the group had not proved that it had a private property interest in the matter. He also ruled against separate arguments that the Caddo Parish Commission had violated free speech rights and equal protection.

Louisiana Economic Development’s FastStart program has been ranked the nation’s number one state workforce training program for a record ninth consecutive year by Business Facilities. LED Secretary Don Pierson says FastStart has partnered with multiple colleges across the state. Pierson says there’s a lot of great examples.

Cut 8 (12)  “…in Lafayette”

In a recent interview, Senator John Kennedy was asked about the recent exchanges between Attorney General Jeff Landry and Governor John Bel Edwards that bring attention to the lack of executions in the state since 2010.  Kennedy acknowledged he hasn’t been following the correspondence that closely, but he believes Edwards is trying to veil his personal feelings about the death penalty.

Cut 4 (09) “…believe what you want.”

Governor Edward’s Chief of Staff Richarbo responded saying “Doesn’t make much sense why Sen. Kennedy’s opinion on this issue matters since he’s not involved.”

There’s a shocking turn in the case of a 6-month-old Natchitoches baby who died from extensive burns suffered in a barn fire….
Cut 3 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The LaFourche Parish Sheriff’s office has determined the death of a man found with his arms and legs bound by rope in Bayou Lafourche as a suicide. 69-year-old Terry Angelle’s body was pulled to shore on Sunday detectives believe he used slip knots to tie up his arms and legs. Family and friends also say the Galliano man was battling depression.

Republican Attorney General and Senator John Kennedy question whether Governor John Bel Edwards supports capital punishment. Landry has said Edwards could do more to make sure executions happen in Louisiana and Kennedy shared these thoughts with L-R-N….
cut 6 (07) “…just play games”
But the Edwards administration says the lack of available drugs needed to carry out an execution under Louisiana law is keeping the state from executing death row inmates.

The Saints are holding their first practice of training camp this morning. Fans will be allowed to attend practices starting Saturday and New Orleans Chief Operation Officer Ben Hales says if you want to go, you need to get your free tickets by logging on to the Saints website…
cut 11 (06) “…ready for the season”
For the first time in 33 years, Tom Benson is not there to watch the team get ready for an NFL season.

The mother of a six-month old child burned to death in Natchitoches last week has been charged with one count of principal to first degree murder. Twenty-two-year-old Hannah Baker told investigators two people broke into her home, sprayed her with mace and kidnapped the toddler. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says that’s not what happened and it appears the people involved wanted to end the child’s life…
cut 14 (05) “…first degree murder”
Earlier this week, Felicia Smith was charged with first-degree murder.

Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry has criticized Governor John Bel Edwards for not doing more to make sure death penalty sentences are carried out. Landry and Republican Senator John Kennedy wonder if the governor even supports capital punishment…
cut 5 (10) “…death penalty”
The Edwards administration has said Landry’s suggestions on restrating executions are not doable under Louisiana law.

Louisiana has been awarded for having the best workforce training program in the nation. Matt Doyle has the story.
Voicer 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The Saints first training camp practice for 2018 is today and the first practice that’s open to the public is Saturday. In order to watch, you need to get your free tickets at the Saints website. Chief Operating Officer Ben Hales says the players enjoy the fans support during these hot practices…
cut 12 (08) “…anywhere in sports.

Authorities have now arrested the mother of the 6-month-old Natchitoches baby who died from severe burns last week. 22-year-old Hannah Baker has been charged with Principle to 1st Degree Murder for her role in the tragic death. Baker claimed she was maced during a home invasion that saw her child taken from her, but State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says that likely was a lie.
Cut 13 (08) “this crime”
Baker is the second person charged in this crime and Browning says more arrests are possible.

Federal Judge Robert James has ruled the Caddo Parish Commission can remove a confederate monument that stands outside the parish courthouse. The United Daughters of Confederacy filed a lawsuit claiming that the statue was located on private property, but Judge James dismissed that argument. It’s unknown when the commission will remove the statue.

Louisiana Economic Development’s FastStart program has been ranked the nation’s number one state workforce training program for a record ninth consecutive year by Business Facilities. LED Secretary Don Pierson says this isn’t possible without the huge pool of talent that makes up the program…
Cut 7 (13) “…digital training”
The program works with growing companies to recruit and train new employees.

The Saints hold their first training camp practice today and starting Saturday practices will be open to the public. The team’s Chief Operating Officer Ben Hales on what Black and Gold fans can expect….
cut 10 (12) “…keep you entertained”
Fans will have to register to attend practice by going to the team’s website.

Louisiana has been awarded for having the best workforce training program in the nation. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30)  “I’m Matt Doyle”

__________________________________

Saints fans are getting to get their first glimpse of the team’s practices this weekend. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (27) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

__________________________________

There’s been a shocking turn in the case of a 6-month-old Natchitoches baby who died from extensive burns suffered in a barn fire. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

__________________________________

In a recent interview, Senator John Kennedy was asked about the recent exchanges between Attorney General Jeff Landry and Governor John Bel Edwards that bring attention to the lack of executions in the state since 2010.  Kennedy acknowledged he hasn’t been following the correspondence that closely, but he believes Edwards is trying to veil his personal feelings about the death penalty.

Cut 4 (09) “…believe what you want.”

Kennedy says he believes the people of Louisiana should have more clarity on the governor’s personal view of capital punishment.

Cut 5 (10) “…in the death penalty.”

Kennedy says he believes he does not see eye to eye on the subject of executions with the governor.

Cut 6 (10) “…just play games.”

_____________________________________________

Louisiana Economic Development’s FastStart program has been ranked the nation’s number one state workforce training program for a record ninth consecutive year by Business Facilities. LED Secretary Don Pierson says this isn’t possible without the huge pool of talent that makes up the program…

Cut 7 (13) “…digital training”

The program works with growing companies to tailor recruiting and training to arm employees with the skills to launch a business with full force.

FastStart has partnered with multiple colleges across the state. One of the many being at the Regional Training Center at SOWELA Technical Community College in Lake Charles where the state has invested 20 million dollars to train workers at Sasol. Pierson says this project is one of many…

Cut 8 (12)  “…in Lafayette”

The project which is completing an 11 billion dollars ethane cracker complex will add 600 jobs to the area.

Pierson says if you are looking to grow in a skilled position…

Cut 9 (09)  “…available jobs”

The Bayou State has also earned top 10 rankings for economic growth potential, foreign trade zone activity such as exports, and Chemical Manufacturing.

__________________________________

Saints fans are getting to get their first glimpse of the team’s practices this weekend.  Training camp officially opened yesterday and practice begins today.  This weekend, fans are invited to check out practices.  The festivities start at 7:30 Saturday morning with a fan fest. Saints COO Ben Hales has the scoop on what to expect.

Cut 10 (12)   “…keep you entertained.”

The temps are expected to be but and Hales says the fans that come out are die-hards.

Cut 11 (08) “…ready for the season.” 

Hales says the open practices are a rewarding event for the players as well, especially those that have experienced practices in other cities.

Cut 12 (08) “…anywhere in sports.”

_____________________________________

Authorities have now arrested the mother of the 6-month-old Natchitoches baby who died from severe burns. 22-year-old Hannah Baker has been charged with Principle to 1^st Degree Murder for her role in the tragic death. Baker claimed she was maced during a home invasion that saw her child taken from her, but Fire Marshal Butch Browning says that likely was a lie.

Cut 13 (08)  “this crime” 

Browning says they suspect this was a preconceived crime that Baker participated in, thus the charge of Principle to First Degree Murder. He says they do not suspect it involved other criminal activities at this time.

Cut 14 (09) “degree murder”

And it may not be over yet, as the Fire Marshal says they are still actively pursuing leads that could lead to more people behind bars.

Cut 15 (06) “this arrest”

__________________

The recent killing of a six month old child in Natchitoches has taken a stunning turn, with the mother of the child, 22-year-old Hannah Baker, now under arrest, charged with first degree murder.  This news coming after the arrest of 25 year old Felicia Marie-Nicole Smith.  The child died from severe burns following what was initially believed to be a home invasion.  State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says the kidnapping and murder were not a random act.

Cut 5  (04) “…to the child.”

The grandchildren of a bedridden Baton Rouge grandmother have been arrested after the elderly woman was found dead in their home. Baton Rouge Police Spokesperson Sgt. L’Jean Mckneely says EMS was called to the home for medical purposes but upon seeing her condition pronounced her dead at the hospital…

Cut 8 (12) “…and medically”

Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc is speaking out against Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry’s accusations that the Edwards Administration is stonewalling efforts to continue executions in Louisiana. Executions have stopped since the legislatively approved drugs ceased production in 2010. LeBlanc says before releasing a letter to the media, Landry had been dead silent to him on the issue.

Cut 12 (11)   “my opinion.”

The Tax Foundation says their estimates show the average Louisianan will receive a 1,300 dollar tax break resulting from the tax reform passed in Congress last year. But a national poll showed most Americans haven’t seen a bigger paycheck yet. Tax Foundation Director of Special Projects Nicole Kaeding says if so, talk to your employer about adjusting for the new rates.

cut 9 (10)  “or April.”

The recent killing of a six month old child in Natchitoches has taken a stunning turn, with the mother of the child now under arrest, charged with first degree murder.  The child died from severe burns following what was initially believed to be a home invasion.  State Fire Marshal Butch Browning has given a timeline on when he believes the full picture will be clearer.

Cut 4  (06) “…week or so.”

Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc is speaking out against Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry’s accusations that the Edwards Administration is stonewalling efforts to continue executions in Louisiana. Executions have stopped since the legislatively approved drugs ceased production in 2010. Drug companies are now refusing to sell the drugs necessary to execute prisoners. LeBlanc says they’ve tried reaching out to those chemical companies, but no one’s budging.

Cut 14 (08) “turned down”

Increased wages were part of the pitch for the trillion and a half dollar tax plan that slashed corporate taxes, and lowered the top marginal income tax rate. The average pay for workers has remained mostly flat over the last year, and Tax Foundation Director of Special Projects Nicole Kaeding says it may be a few years before workers see a noticeable boost in wages related to the tax reform package.

Cut 11 (06) “have been.”

The grandchildren of a bedridden Baton Rouge grandmother have been arrested after the elderly woman was found dead in their home. Baton Rouge Police Spokesperson Sgt. L’Jean Mckneely Jr. says the suspects lived with the grandmother for some time and says he has no idea how the neglect could become so severe that the two wouldn’t have noticed when their grandmother had fallen into that poor of a condition…

Cut 7 (08)  “…did nothing”