Former Saints safety Darren Sharper pleads guilty to drug and rape charges Friday in New Orleans federal court. The 39-year-old Sharper pleaded guilty to three counts of conspiracy to distribute drugs with the intent to commit rape. Legal analyst Chick Foret says Sharper’s “global” plea deal limits his sentence to 9 years, which Judge Jane Milazzo can choose to accept or reject…:
CUT 9 (10) “August 20th”
Under his “global” plea deal, Sharper will plead guilty in state court to two counts of forcible rape and one count of simple rape.

The US Army has agreed to pick up the tab on the burning of the 15-million pounds of M6 propellant improperly stored at Camp Minden in Webster Parish. The Environmental Protection Agency says this should open the door for the Louisiana National Guard to sign a contract to dispose of the materials. The National Guard received the notification in a letter from the Department of Justice.

This weekend is the Louisiana Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday which means you don’t have to pay the 4% state sales tax on storm preparedness items. LDR spokeswoman Kizzy Payton says eligible items include batteries, generators, flashlights and more..:
CUT 7 (08) “citizens purchase”

And an Orleans Parish Civil District Court Judge has decided to keep the public out of the court proceedings that will determine if Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson is competent to make important business decisions regarding his professional sports franchises. Several media outlets argued that the public should have access, since Benson’s teams receive hundreds of millions of dollars in state money.

The US Army agrees to pick up the tab on the burning of the 15-million pounds of M6 propellant stored at Camp Minden in Webster Parish. The Department of Justice says the Army will pay the $28 million to dispose of the materials. Minden Representative Gene Reynolds says this means the project can finally get up and going…:
CUT 3 (09) “out of there”
The M6 will be disposed through a closed burn on the Camp Minden grounds.

Saturday and Sunday is the 2015 Louisiana Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday. Hurricane Season starts Monday and Department of Revenue spokeswoman Kizzy Payton says this weekend Louisiana residents can purchase preparedness items without having to pay the 4 percent state sales tax…:
CUT 6 (05) “emergency supplies”
The exemption applies to the first $1500 dollars of the purchase price of each item.

Louisiana residents are bracing for flooding that’s coming within the next week from areas around the Red River. The National Weather Service predicts the Red will crest at 33 feet on June 5th in the Shreveport/Bossier area then down to Alexandria into the following week. Bossier Parish Sheriff Office spokesman Bill Davis says people in low lying areas should keep an eye on the water…:
CUT 14 (10) “necessary precautions”
Sandbags are available for residents.

Former Saints safety Darren Sharper pleads guilty to drug and rape charges Friday in a New Orleans Federal Courtroom. The 39-year-old pleaded guilty to the three counts of conspiracy to distribute drugs then rape women. There is a 9 year prison sentence tied to the so called global plea deal since Sharper is accused in other states.

Louisiana is also about to deal with some flooding along the Red River and authorities are urging residents to be aware and prepare now. The red is expected to crest at levels not seen in 25 years by June 5th in the Shreveport area. Lt. Bill Davis with the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s office says they don’t encourage people to stay in their homes despite flood conditions, but if you choose to stay then stockpile water and plenty of canned foods…:
CUT 16 (07) “be aware”

In New Orleans, former Saints star Darren Sharper has officially pleaded guilty to rape and drug charges in federal court. A nine year prison sentence is part of the plea deal. Sharper faces similar charges in other states and exact details of the apparent “global” plea deal are not being disclosed until he’s sentenced in all of his cases.

The statewide Click It or Ticket campaign continues this weekend. Jeff Palermo reports law enforcement hopes it will prevent further traffic fatalities…:
CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

In the Senate Thursday lawmakers put a $60 million dollar fee increase on two House bills that would mean drivers pay $50 more in title fees when buying a car. Also being discussed is a nearly $40 increase in the cost of a driver’s license as part of ongoing budget balancing proposals.

Legislation that will allow for the dispensing of medical marijuana in Louisiana has the full support of Governor Bobby Jindal. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (27) “reporting”

The US Army has agreed to pick up the tab on the burning of the 15-million pounds of M6 propellant improperly stored at Camp Minden in Webster Parish. The Environmental Protection Agency says this should open the door for the Louisiana National Guard to sign a contract to dispose of the materials. The National Guard received the notification in a letter from the Department of Justice.

The four major gubernatorial candidates were asked about their stance on Common Core in Louisiana Radio Network’s continuing gubernatorial Q&A. Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle says he opposes Common Core after meeting with teachers and parents and others who are needed to make it work, but don’t believe it it…

cut 7 (10) “on high standards”

All candidate responses can be found at louisianaradionetwork-dot-com.

Areas along the Red River are bracing for an expected crest of 33 feet which the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s office says could result in flood conditions similar to 2009. Lt. Bill Davis says they are making plans to inform residents, especially those south of Highway 527 who will likely be displaced by high waters, to make necessary plans…

cut 15 (08) “do so now”

The National Weather Service says the crest should hit the Shreveport area around June 5th.

Louisiana Radio Network’s gubernatorial Q&A continues and this week we asked the four major candidates about their position on Common Core. US Senator David Vitter says he strongly supports getting Louisiana out of Common Core and PARCC tests. He says we still need testing and to be able to compare our students with students around the country…

cut 6 (10) “other things”

You can go to louisianaradionetwork-dot-com to hear the responses of all the candidates.

A recent survey shows Governor Bobby Jindal is less popular than President Barack Obama in Louisiana. Jindal says he’ll announce after the legislative session on whether he’ll run for President. The governor says if he does run, he’ll let voters know that he’s not afraid to make big changes…

cut 13 (07) “country forward”

Jindal continues to struggle in recent Republican presidential primary polls.

A House committee has voted down New Orleans Senator Ed Murray’s equal pay bill. Murray’s legislation would ensure that all employees receive the same pay for the same work. It was approved by the Senate on a 21-16 vote, but the House Labor Committee voted 8-5 against the proposal. This is the third equal pay bill the committee has killed this legislative session.

Areas along the Red River are bracing for an expected crest of 33 feet which the National Weather Service says should hit the Shreveport area by June 5th. Michelle Southern reports…

cut 3 (31) “reporting”

Recent poll numbers show that Governor Bobby Jindal is less popular than President Barack Obama in Louisiana. And the governor, who has presidential aspirations, is struggling in recent Republican presidential primary polls. But Jindal says he’s not concerned…

cut 12 (08) “you know”

Jindal says he’ll announce after the legislative session on whether he’ll run for President.

The four major candidates for governor were asked about their stance on Common Core in Louisiana Radio Network’s continuing gubernatorial Q&A. Amite Representative John Bel Edwards says we should not be adopting national educational standards in Louisiana until they’ve been thoroughly vetted…

cut 5 (10) “age and grade”

October 24th is the date of Louisiana’s gubernatorial primary.

Areas along the Red River are bracing for an expected crest of 33 feet which the National Weather Service says is coming by June 5th to the Shreveport area. The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s office says residents could see flood conditions similar to 2009. Lt. Bill Davis says people living in low lying areas need to keep an eye on the rising water…

cut 14 (10) “necessary precautions”

Sandbags are available for residents and more are being made.

The statewide Click it or Ticket campaign continues this weekend after five unrestrained motorists were killed in highway crashes last weekend. State Police spokesperson Dustin Dwight says buckling up should always be a priority…

cut 9 (10) “safety system”

The campaign continues through the end of the month.

In Louisiana Radio Network’s continuing gubernatorial Q&A, we asked the four major candidates their stance on Common Core. Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says it’s completely necessary for Louisiana students to be measured against students in other states…

cut 4 (10) “real results”

Louisiana’s gubernatorial primary is October 24th.

A recent poll shows Governor Bobby Jindal is less popular than President Barack Obama in Louisiana. But Jindal says that’s because he’s made some tough choices, which includes cutting state government spending and implementing important reforms like the statewide school voucher program…

cut 11 (07) “tough choices”

And the governor, who has presidential aspirations, is also struggling in recent republican presidential primary polls.

State police say the Click it or Ticket campaign continues this weekend after five unrestrained motorists were killed last weekend in highway crashes. State police spokesperson Dustin Dwight says more than 400 tickets were issued for seat belt violations over the weekend, but unfortunately, that wasn’t enough to prevent fatalities…

cut 8 (09) “totally preventable”

Click it or Ticket is designed to emphasize proper seat belt use, the dangers of impaired driving and the importance of making good driving decisions.

The LSU softball team got off to a good start at the Women’s College World Series as the Tigers defeated Auburn six to one. The Tigers will play in a winner’s bracket game tonight at six against defending national champion, Florida. You can watch the game live on ESPN2.

An effort to raise revenue to pay for key highway construction projects failed to get the necessary two thirds vote in the House of Representatives. Eric Gill reports…:
CUT 2 (27) “reporting”

Ed Anderson, a journalist who covered the legislature, state government and many other stories for more than four decades in Louisiana with the Times-Picayune of New Orleans, passed away in Baton Rouge. Both Chambers at the Capitol each held a moment of silence for Anderson Thursday morning. He lost his battle with cancer at the age of 67.

Governor Bobby Jindal says if the medical marijuana bill that is moving through the legislature right now by New Iberia Senator Fred Mills makes it to his desk, he will sign it…:
CUT 1 (07) “criteria”
Jindal also says he supports legislation to loosen penalties for those convicted multiple times on marijuana possession…:
CUT 2 (07) “drug offenders”
Both matters are getting close to final legislative passage.

In the Senate Thursday lawmakers put a $60 million dollar fee increase on two House bills that would mean drivers pay $50 more in title fees when buying a car. Also being discussed is a nearly $40 increase in the cost of a driver’s license as part of ongoing budget balancing proposals.

The state House has rejected legislation that would increase the state’s sales tax by one-cent for road and bridge improvements. Plaquemine Representative Karen St. Germain’s bill overwhelmingly failed to get a two-thirds vote of elected members it needed to pass. St. Germain says HB 778 would help with the backlog in road and bridge projects facing the state…:
CUT 6 (10) “pay as we go”
The measure didn’t get close to the 70 votes it needed to pass.

Tomororow afternoon the LSU baseball team will play Lehigh to open up NCAA Regional play. The Moutain Hawks are the Patriot League Tournament champs but the bring a 25-and-29 losing record into Baton Rouge. Shortstop Alex Bregman says the players look forward to postseason..:
CUT 10 (08) “this year”
First pitch is at 3pm.

Cops in the LaFourche Parish town of Golden Meadow say they’ve arrested a woman accused of stealing over $12,000 from a non-profit children’s baseball league. 35-year-old Renee Serigny (sehrn-YAY’) was booked with two counts of felony theft . Chief Reggie Pitre says that money was supposed to go towards their Babe Ruth and Cal Ripken league’s account for things like supplies and uniforms from registration fees…:
CUT 14 (08) “daily use”
was released from the parish jail after posting a $4,000 bond.

The National Weather Service predicts that the Red River could reach its highest level in 25 years. NWS predicts it will crest at 33 feet, the highest since a 34.5 foot crest in 1990. Meteorologist Mario Valverde says the Red River is not at flood stage, but that’s going to change soon…:
CUT 3 (05) “for 25 years”
Valverde says the Red River is expected to crest in the Shreveport area sometime around June 5th and in Alexandria a couple days later.

The House did not agree to raise the state sales tax by a penny for road and bridge projects in Louisiana. The measure needed 70 votes to pass but the vote was 50 yeas and 46 nays. Plaquemine Representative Karen St. Germain argued improving state roadways would enhance the lives of all Louisianians…:
CUT 8 (05) “to get there”
The state is currently facing a backlog of $12 billion in road and bridge needs. Governor Bobby Jindal has promised to veto any bills which raise taxes.

The LSU baseball team will host Lehigh tomorrow afternoon to open up NCAA Regional play. LSU is 48-and-10 on the season, and they’ve been ranked number one for a good part of the season. Coach Paul Mainieri doesn’t want his team putting any added pressure on themselves now that its the postseason…:
CUT 11 (10) “all year”
First pitch is 3pm.

The National Weather Service says the Red River is about to reach levels it hasn’t seen in 25 years. As of Wednesday, the river stood at 29.2 feet. NWS predicts it will crest at 33 feet, the highest since a 34.5 foot crest in 1990. Meteorologist Mario Valverde says the flooding will cause some inconvenience…:
CUT 5 (06) “period of time”
It’s predicted that it will be the first part of July before waters start to recede back to normal levels.

Cops in the LaFourche Parish town of Golden Meadow say they’ve arrested a woman accused of stealing over $12,000 from a non-profit children’s baseball league. Chief Reggie Pitre (PEE’-tree) says he questioned 35-year-old Renee Serigny (sehr-in-YAY’) about the complaint against her..:
CUT 13 (08) “medical setting”
Serigny was booked with two counts of felony theft and was released from the parish jail after posting a $4,000 bond.