Louisiana is once again ranked 48th in the America’s Health Rankings Report for women and children. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (24) “I’m Matt Doyle”

46 percent of LSU Health New Orleans graduating medical students participating in the National Resident Match Program this year chose to remain in Louisiana. That is down from 49 percent staying in state last year and 64-percent in 2012. Dr. Steve Nelson says it’s a trend that could cost Louisiana some great doctors…

Cut 7 (11)  “not return.”

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Louisiana is two million dollars short on its funding for voucher students this year. The money is appropriated every June, and covers the cost of state students to attend charter and private schools, instead of public schools. Department of Education spokesperson Sydni Dunn says the state is short this year, and if more money isn’t appropriated next year, could be short by an even wider margin.

Cut 10 (08) “land aid.”

Despite talk of budget cuts to public colleges and TOPS, a record 23-thousand students have applied for entry at LSU for the academic year that starts in August. The school’s chief enrollment officer, Jose Aviles, says they  hope for an incoming freshman class of 58-hundred, but TOPS funding is a factor…

Cut 13 (11)  “for sure”

A 13-hit attack by the LSU Tigers helped them defeat Missouri 7-5 to clinch the series on Sunday afternoon at Alex Box Stadium. The top two hitters in LSU’s lineup, Zach Watson and Brandt Broussard, each had three hits. Watson drove in two runs and scored twice, while Broussard had an RBI and a run scored. Ma’Khail Hilliard pitched six solid innings for his fifth win of the year.

In other action over the weekend, Louisiana Tech swept a series from Rice that ended on Saturday with a doubleheader sweep over Rice. The Bulldogs have won nine of their last 12 meetings with the Owls. And senior shortstop Dalton Skelton has a 13-game hitting streak. And Grambling took two of three from Southern.

ULM, UL-Lafayette and Tulane all lost series this past weekend. McNeese State swept Stephen F Austin. The Cowboys beat the Lumberjacks 5-1 for the their sixth win in a row on Sunday. Southeastern Louisiana has a five game winning streak after sweeping Lamar.

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After getting shot down by the Rockets on Saturday night, the Pelicans responded with a 108-89 win over the Boston Celtics last night in the Smoothie King Center. Anthony Davis led the way with 34 points and 11 rebounds. Check Diallo (De-al-OH) had a season-high 17 and Nikola Mirotic ( (Knee-cola) Mear-uh-tich) poured in 16 points. Before the game, it was announced head coach Alvin Gentry was fined 15-thousand dollars for his criticism of the refs following the loss to Houston. The Pels host Dallas on Tuesday the first of three consecutive games.

LSU faces Utah tonight in the second round of the NIT. The Utes are 20-11 on the season and Tigers Coach Will Wade says they are very good on the defensive end of the floor…

Cut 16 (14) “…good team”

LSU has lost seven straight road games. Tip off is at 8 PM.

Tom Benson’s will has been filed in Orleans Parish Civil Court and the billionaire made it clear that his daughter and grandchildren will not get a penny from him. The document was signed in July 2015, shortly after a judge found him mentally competent to handle his own affirs. Meanwhile, the Saints and Pelicans say ownership of the teams will be a smooth transition to Mr. Benson’s wife Gayle.

A report from America’s Health Ranking says the rates of maternal mortality and teen suicide have risen over the last two years in Louisiana, UnitedHealthcare Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mark Peters says we are one of the worst states when it comes to taking care of expecting mothers.
Cut 4 (12) “other states.”
The good news is that the uninsured rate for women 18-40 was down 34 percent.

A bill that would prevent businesses from requiring employees to sign agreements blocking them from going to court over sexual harassment claims passed the House Labor Committee. Representative Robert Johnson says victims must be guaranteed a chance in civil court.
Cut 12 (11) “be brought”
The measure now heads to the House floor.

Rodney Arbuckle has retired as sheriff of DeSoto Parish. Arbuckle says he’s looking forward to being around his granddaugthers and spending time outdoors…
cut 10 (12) “…turkey hunt”
Arbuckle has served as sheriff for 17 years. Chief Deputy Jayson Richardson has been appointed as the new sheriff.

Details of Tom Benson’s last will are coming out. According to the Advocate newspaper, Benson made it clear in 2015 that his daughter or grandchildren would never receive another penny from him. Mr. Benson has also left all of his property to a trust and he also made it clear that he wanted his wife, Gayle, to run both the Pelicans and the Saints.

West Baton Rouge elementary school teacher Melissa Blank will not face charges after she was accused of roughing up a female student who was misbehaving and then prevented the rest of the class from leaving her classroom. Assistant District Attorney Tony Clayton says after investigating what happened on February seventh, it didn’t rise to criminal misconduct. Her attorneys Beau Brock and Yigal Bander say their client is pleased with the D-A’s decision.

The Storm Predicition Center says there’s a slight chance for severe weather across north Louisiana tomorrow. There’s a marginal risk for severe weather for northwest Louisiana today.

Forty-six percent of LSU Health of New Orleans graduating medical students have chosen to remain in Louisaina to complete their medical training. Kelley Ray tells us the number of grads deciding to stay continues to fall
Cut 2 (28) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

There was no winner in last night’s 345-million dollar Mega Millions drawing. Tonight’s Powerball jackpot is 455 million dollars.

The LSU baseball team opened SEC play last night with a 4-2 win over Missouri.

Louisiana is once again ranked 48th in the America’s Health Rankings Report for women and children. Matt Doyle has more.
Voicer 1 (24) “I’m Matt Doyle”

A settlement has been reached in a lawsuit filed by the family of Victor White against Iberia Sheriff Louis Ackal and a deputy. White was fatally shot when handcuffed inside a patrol car in 2014. The coroner ruled it a suicide, White’s family disagreed. Terms of the settlement are not known.

LSU baseball won its SEC opener last night as the Tigers defeated Missouri four to two. They go for the series victory tonight at 6 PM.
Public visitation for Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson will take place Wednesday and Thursday at Notre Dame Seminary on Carrollton Avenue. A private funeral will be held Friday at St. Louis Cathedral. Saints all-time leading rusher, Duece McAllister, remembers Benson as a guy that would talk to anyone at anytime…
cut 7 (09) as a person”
It remains unclear if Benson’s estranged former heirs will challenge in court transition of ownership to Tom Benson’s wife, Gayle Benson.

A bill that would prevent businesses from requiring employees to sign agreements blocking them from going to court over sexual harassment claims is heading to the House floor. Representative Robert Johnson’s proposal is backed by Attorney Generals across the country. Johnson says businesses shouldn’t have the ability to dictate how victims respond to abuse.
Cut 11 (09) “be safe.”

Well wishers continue to remember Saints owner Tom Benson one day after his death. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon.”

Some Louisiana lottery players could get rich if they hit it big this weekend. The jackpots for the multi-state games are some of the largest seen in recent weeks. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Dustin Annison says there will hopefully be some big winners…

Cut 3 (08) “Powerball jackpot.”

Louisiana Lottery asks that you play responsibility, it only takes one ticket to win.

After 17 years, DeSoto Parish Sheriff Rodney Arbuckle retires today. He is in his fifth term, elected back in 2000. Arbuckle says there are several personal issues he’s having to attend to and this is a good time to step aside…

Cut 8 (12) “go home.”

A bill that would prevent businesses from requiring employees to sign agreements blocking them from going to court over sexual harassment claims passed the House Labor Committee. The proposal by Representative Robert Johnson is part of a nationwide effort, Johnson says victims stand a better chance to reach a favorable conclusion if they seek litigation for sexual harassment claims instead of potentially more company friendly options. He says when human dignity is on the line, a judge needs to be called.

Cut 13 (05) “not appropriate”

State Representative Robert Johnson’s bill bolstering the rights of victims of sexual harassment passed committee. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Some Louisiana lottery players could get rich if they hit it big this weekend. The jackpots for the multi-state games are some of the largest seen in recent weeks. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Dustin Annison says even if you are buried deep in NCAA “March Madness”, these jackpots could make you a lot richer than your office pool bracket challenges…

Cut 4  (06) “Monday morning.”

Well wishers for Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson continue the day after 90-year-old New Orleans native passed. Benson bought the Saints in 1985 and was instrumental in getting local quarterback Bobby Hebert to play in his home state…

Cut 5  (13) ” New Orleans saints”.

After 17 years, DeSoto Parish Sheriff Rodney Arbuckle retires today. Arbuckle will be replaced by Chief Deputy Jayson Richardson, who has served the citizens of DeSoto Parish for the last 14 years. Arbuckle says he’s accomplished much in his tenure as sheriff. He started with only 75 employees and about a half million dollar surplus…

Cut 9 (11) “dollar surplus.”

Much of the state continues to mourn the death of Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson, and celebrate the bayou legend’s storied history. The Saints all-time leading rusher Deuce McAllister spoke highly of Benson.

Cut 6 (13)  ” in itself”

Gayle Benson now owner of the teams released a statement: “I am blessed to be surrounded by a wonderful leadership team and staff and we will move forward successfully together.”

A bill that would prevent businesses from requiring employees to sign agreements blocking them from going to court over sexual harassment claims passed the House Labor Committee. Representative Robert Johnson says victims must be guaranteed a chance in civil court.

Cut 12 (11) “be brought”

Some Louisiana lottery players could get rich if they hit it big this weekend. The jackpots for the multi-state games are some of the largest seen in recent weeks. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Dustin Annison says there will hopefully be some astonishing winners…

Cut 3 (08) “Powerball jackpot.”

Mega Millions jackpot for tonight is 345-million dollars, Powerball is 455-million.

After 17 years, DeSoto Parish Sheriff Rodney Arbuckle retires today. He is in his fifth term, elected back in 2000. Arbuckle says there are several personal issues he’s having to attend to and this is a good time to step aside…

Cut 8 (12) “go home.”

Arbuckle will be replaced by Chief Deputy Jayson Richardson, who has served the citizens of DeSoto Parish for the last 14 years.

Visitation and funeral details for Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson has been announced. A public visitation will take place Wednesday and Thursday at Notre Dame Seminary on Carrollton Avenue. A private funeral will be held Friday at St. Louis Cathedral.

Saints all-time leading rusher, Duece McAllister, remembers Benson as a guy that would talk to anyone at anytime…
cut 7 (09) as a person”

A federal appeals court rules construction can resume on the Bayou Bridge pipeline in the Atchafayala Basin. Environmental groups were successful in getting a federal judge to issue a preliminary injunction. Rising water in the swamp could lead to another work stoppage.

A settlement has been reached in a lawsuit filed by the family of Victor White against Iberia Sheriff Louis Ackal and a deputy. White was fatally shot when handcuffed inside a patrol car in 2014. The coroner ruled it a suicide, White’s family disagreed. Terms of the settlement are not known.

There are bunch of bills regarding sexual harassment in the workplace in this legislative session. One of them is heading to the House floor. It prohibits businesses from requiring employees to sign an agreement blocking them from going to court over sexual harassment claims. That means an arbitrator would make a ruling. But Marksville Democrat Robert Johnson says when human dignity is on the line, a judge needs to be called…
cut 13 (05) “….not appropriate”

Today is Rodney Arbuckle’s last day as sheriff of DeSoto Parish. Arbuckle is looking forward to being around his granddaugthers and spending time outdoors…
cut 10 (12) “…turkey hunt”
Arbuckle has served as sheriff for 17 years. He’ll be replaced by Chief Deputy Jayson Richardson.

The Saints have signed pass rusher Alex Okafor to a two-year, 10-million dollar contract.

Well wishers for Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson continue the day after 90-year-old New Orleans native passed. Benson bought the Saints in 1985 and was instrumental in getting local quarterback Bobby Hebert to play in his home state…

Cut 5  (13) ” New Orleans saints”.

After 17 years, DeSoto Parish Sheriff Rodney Arbuckle retires today. Arbuckle will be replaced by Chief Deputy Jayson Richardson, who has served the citizens of DeSoto Parish for the last 14 years. Arbuckle says he’s accomplished much in his tenure as sheriff. He started with only 75 employees and about a half million dollar surplus…

Cut 9 (11) “dollar surplus.”

State Representative Robert Johnson’s bill bolstering the rights of victims of sexual harassment passed committee. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Some Louisiana lottery players could get rich if they hit it big this weekend. The jackpots for the multi-state games are some of the largest seen in recent weeks. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Dustin Annison says there will hopefully be some big winners…

Cut 3 (08) “Powerball jackpot.”