A previously marked black bear was found on the lam making its way through a Central neighborhood Wednesday night, and it’s not this bear’s escape from a protected area. The ursine El Chapo was non-aggressive but certainly unexpected in the urban setting. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Public Information Director Trey Iles says officials eventually tranquilized and relocated the bear Thursday morning…
Cut 7 (09) “…known to habitat.”

When you hear the words “court date” the first thing that comes to mind might not necessarily be the action that took place at the Rapides Parish Courthouse this week. An unusual sound was coming from the staircase. Spokesperson Lt. Tommy Carnline says that’s when one of the employees decided to scope out the situation.
Cut 10 (03) “…sex in the stairwell.”

A new report casts a dim view on Louisiana as opposed to the rest of the country, it says Louisiana is one of the worst states in the nation to retire in. Becca Dill finds out why.
Cut 1 (31) I’m Becca Dill“

Commodities

In sports U.S. Tennis star Serena Williams is eyeing history as she enters her 10th Wimbledon women’s final today across the pond. She’s 10 month’s out from having a baby followed by serious health issues. Tonight she takes on 13th seeded Jullia Georges of Germany. If Williams wins she will face Germany’s Angelique Kerber for a rematch of the 2016 title which Williams won.

The Southland Conference has announced it’s 2018-19 pre-season all-conference players. Nicholl’s state leads the conference with 14 players selected. Leading the way is all-conference quarterback Chase Fourcade. Central Arkansas and McNeese come in second and third with 11 and 10 players each. Southeastern Louisiana had four listed. Southland conference media day kicks off Thursday in Houston.

Southwestern Conference Media day is slated for tomorrow in Birmingham Alabama. Swac Coach Dawson Odums is scheduled to talk to the media at 11:10 A.m. and will be streamed live in SWAC.org. Grambling coach Broderick Fobs starts at 11:45. Southern coach Dawson Odums says he’s excited about this year’s team even after losing four of the league’s best players. Odums says his 2018 team has as much depth as any team he’s coached in his seven years at Southern.

New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton and Philadelphia Eagles coach Doug Pederson will compete against each other in the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament this weekend in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. The loser after three days will donate to team-affiliated autism charities in both cities.

A new report says Louisiana is one of the worst states in the nation to retire in. Becca Dill finds out why.

Cut 1 (31)  I’m Becca Dill“

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If the scales of justice are rockin’, don’t bother knocking… That was the case at the Rapides Parish Courthouse earlier this week.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (33) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Improvements to the federal fisheries policy has advanced to the U.S. Senate as the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 200 – Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act.  Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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If you are searching for a place to retire, Bankrate says you may not want to be looking at the Bayou State. Their survey determined Louisiana was the fourth worst retirement destination in the country, joined by surprise picks California and New York in the bottom 5. Bankrate analyst Taylor Tepper says there are several reasons why Louisiana is at the bottom of the list.

Cut 4  (12) “…very well either”

Louisianans may argue that the state offers plenty of cultural activities, but Tepper says the creative vitality index used to calculate the score incicates that outside of pockets of activity, pickens may be slim.

Cut 5  (10)  “…there for you”

South Dakota is rated the number one place for retirees and Tepper explains how the baren far north might be more appealing than the sportsman’s paradise.

Cut 6 (07) “…not very good”

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A previously marked black bear was found on the lam making it’s way through a Central neighborhood Wednesday night, and it’s not this bear’s escape from a protected area. The ursine El Chapo was non aggressive, but certainly unexpected in the urban setting. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Public Information Director Trey Iles says officials eventually tranquilized and relocated the bear Thursday morning…

Cut 8 (07)  “…go away from you.”

With the Louisiana black bear population rising, Iles says seeing more bears break their chains may be due to the expanding populations footprint.

Cut 9 (12)  “…some conflict”

Visit bearwise-dot-o-r-g for more information about what to do if smokey takes a trip into your neck of the woods.

_______________________________

When you hear the words “court date” the first thing that comes to mind might not necessarily be the action that took place at the Rapides Parish Courthouse this week.  An unusual sound was coming from the staircase.  Spokesperson Lt. Tommy Carnline says that’s when one of the employees decided to scope out the situation.

Cut 10 (03)   “…sex in the stairwell.”

One of the participants was discovered to be an inmate assigned to courthouse maintenance for the day.  Carnline says the duo took quick action upon realizing they were busted with their pants down.

Cut 11 (04) “… left the area.”

Both were eventually found and arrested for violating obscenity laws.  Carline believes that this wasn’t just a random brush with romance with love at first sight.

Cut 12 (05) “…that was planned.”
At this time, neither of the two lovebirds commented on why they thought this was a good idea.

__________________________________

Improvements to the federal fisheries policy, an issue pushed by Congressman Garret Graves, has advanced to the U.S. Senate as the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 200 – Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act.  Graves says the original legislation made in the 70s may have been okay at the time, but now is dated.

Cut 13 (07)  “…have that happen 

Graves says the latest research implemented into the legislation provides more longevity to fishing in the state.

Cut 14 (07) “…generations to come.”

The bill also addresses the concerns created by the influx of imported fish.

Cut 15 (07) “…economically sustainable.”

The LHSAA’s recent punishment handed down to McKinley High for recent violations comes with quite the price tag: a fine just shy of $50K.  Kevin Barnhart has the details.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

The White House announced it is considering 200 billion dollars in new Chinese tariffs, potentially raising the import cost on a broad range of goods by 10 percent. Senior Director at National Retail Federation Bethany Aronhalt says these tariffs hit a little closer to home for most folks.

Cut 3 (09) “like shampoo”

Ascension Parish President Kenny Matassa is in the clear of allegations of bribery, accusations that have been lingering over his administration for the better part of two years.  State District Judge Thomas Kliebert Jr. ruled in the favor of Matassa saying prosecutors failed to prove the parish president offer cash and a job to A. Wayne Lawson in exchange for dropping out of a 2016 city council race.  Matassa’s attorney, Lewis Uglesby, says the parish president is happy the allegations are now behind him.

Cut 6 (11)  “…don’t have to worry.”

Animal activists are shocked as n Opelousas man will avoid jail time and will not be required to pay any fines after pleading guilty to Felony Cruelty to an Animal. Jermaine Doucet was accused of torturing award winning race horse Dr. Drip. Humane Society of Louisiana Executive Director Jeff Dorson says he’s concerned about a growing trend of under sentencing animal abusers in Louisiana.

Cut 11 (09) “officials”

An Opelousas man is avoiding jail time and a fine after pleading guilty to torturing an award winning race horse. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

Ascension Parish President Kenny Matassa is in the clear of bribery accusations that have been lingering over his administration for nearly two years.  Matassa’s attorney, Lewis Uglesby says he has a theory behind why things escalated the way they did.

Cut 7 (08)  “…a big deal.”

The White House announced it is considering 200 billion dollars in new Chinese tariffs, potentially raising the import cost on a broad range of goods by 10 percent. Senior Director at National Retail Federation Bethany Aronhalt says Tires, dog leashes, handbags, belts, shoe laces, and more are on the list, but it’s home improvement items in particular that could lead to price increases in places you weren’t expecting.

Cut 5  (08) “more expensive.”

The LHSAA’s recent punishment handed down to McKinley High for recent violations comes with quite the price tag: a fine just shy of $50K. The ruling also saw coach suspensions and a ban on the school participating in post season competition for all sports for the next two school years.  High school sports writer for the Advocate newspaper, Robin Fambrough says the school may have to resort to donations from alumni and fundraising for the fine, and as far as the post season ban, Fambrough has only seen one similar punishment before.

Cut 13 (09) “…reduced to one year.” 

The LHSAA’s recent punishment handed down to McKinley High for recent violations comes with quite the price tag: a fine just shy of $50K. The ruling also saw coach suspensions and a ban on the school participating in post season competition for all sports for the next two school years.  High school sports writer for the Advocate newspaper, Robin Fambrough, speaks on the nature of the violations.

Cut 12 (09)   “…paperwork things.”

Fambrough says the school may have to resort to donations from alumni and fundraising for the fine, and as far as the post season ban, Fambrough has only seen one similar punishment before.

Cut 13 (09) “…reduced to one year.” 

Fambrough says the 50 thousand dollar fine is due to the sheer number of students that were affected by the paperwork failures

Houston Astros’s third baseman and former LSU standout alex bregman wll be participating in the Major League Baseball’s Home Run Derby on Monday. Bregman will face Cubs outfielder Kyle Schwarber in the first round in Washington.

The Philadelphia Phillies has adjusted their pitching rotation to allow ace Aaron Nola to pitch in the all-star game. Nola is a former LSU standout and will move up one day so he can pitch in the all-star game. Nola has had a stellar year posting a 2.27 ERA with 126 strikeouts and leads the National league in wins with 12.

In Tennis at Wimbledon top seeded Roger Federer was but one single point away from victory against Kevin Anderson, to reach the quarterfinals, but amazingly Federer ended up losing the match in 5 sets taking 4 hours 14 minutes.

An Opelousas man is avoiding jail time and a fine after pleading guilty to torturing an award winning race horse. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

_____________________________________________

The LHSAA’s recent punishment handed down to McKinley High for recent violations comes with quite the price tag: a fine just shy of $50K.  Kevin Barnhart has the details.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

cut 9 (11)  “Skin”

Dr. Drip, winner of the Magnolia Stakes, was found in June of 2017, in severe pain and malnourished while in an Opelousas field. Vets on scene determined that the horse’s condition was so poor that he needed to be put down immediately. Dorson called out St. Landry Judge Alonso Harris for what he says was dereliction.

Cut 10 (09) “allow it”

Dorson says Animal Cruelty generally comes with a 1,000 to 5000 dollar fine, and one to ten years in jail. The animal rights activist says after two Bastrop men avoided jail time for slitting a dog’s throat on Snapchat, he’s concerned about a growing trend of under sentencing animal abusers in Louisiana.

Cut 11 (09) “officials”

Doucet will serve a one year suspended sentence.

_____________________________________________________

The LHSAA’s recent punishment handed down to McKinley High for recent violations comes with quite the price tag: a fine just shy of $50K. The ruling also saw coach suspensions and a ban on the school participating in post season competition for all sports for the next two school years.  High school sports writer for the Advocate newspaper, Robin Fambrough, speaks on the nature of the violations.

Cut 12 (09)   “…paperwork things.”

Fambrough says the school may have to resort to donations from alumni and fundraising for the fine, and as far as the post season ban, Fambrough has only seen one similar punishment before.

Cut 13 (09) “…reduced to one year.” 

Fambrough explains that she believes that many of the fines were capped at the max, but the volume of students contributed to the massiveness of the punishment.

Cut 14 (09) “…between 300 and 400 athletes.”

The White House announced it is considering 200 billion dollars in new Chinese tariffs, potentially raising the import cost on a broad range of goods by 10 percent, But Senior Director at National Retail Federation Bethany Aronhalt says the potential price increases likely will not happen overnight, as stores are still flush with goods they purchased at pre tariff prices. Aronhalt says with a two month comment period before enacting the proposed tariffs, shoppers could be looking at price increases at a very inconvenient time.

Cut 4  (11) “shopping season”

The LHSAA’s recent punishment handed down to McKinley High for recent violations comes with quite the price tag: a fine just shy of $50K. The ruling also saw coach suspensions and a ban on the school participating in post season competition for all sports for the next two school years.  High school sports writer for the Advocate newspaper, Robin Fambrough, speaks on the nature of the violations.

Cut 12 (09)   “…paperwork things.”

_______________________________

Animal activists are shocked as n Opelousas man will avoid jail time and will not be required to pay any fines after pleading guilty to Felony Cruelty to an Animal. Jermaine Doucet was accused of torturing award winning race horse Dr. Drip. Humane Society of Louisiana Executive Director Jeff Dorson says the details of the crime highly disturbing.

cut 9 (11)  “Skin”

Ascension Parish President Kenny Matassa is in the clear of allegations of bribery. The Judge says prosecutors failed to prove the parish president offer cash and a job to A. Wayne Lawson in exchange for dropping out of a 2016 city council race.  Matassa’s attorney, Lewis Uglesby, says the parish president is happy the allegations are now behind him.

Cut 6 (11)  “…don’t have to worry.”

2:30 PM Newscast

Ascension Parish President Kenny Matassa is in the clear of bribery accusations that have been lingering over his administration for nearly two years.  Matassa has maintained his innocence, claiming the $1200 loan and employment opportunity offered to Lawson was twisted.  Matassa’a attorney Lewis Uglesby explains why he believes the situation got the amount of attention it did.

Cut 8 (12) “…gone to court.”

Animal activists are shocked as n Opelousas man will avoid jail time and will not be required to pay any fines after pleading guilty to Felony Cruelty to an Animal. Jermaine Doucet was accused of torturing an award winning race horse. The horse was found in June of 2017, in severe pain and malnourished. Vets on scene determined the horse needed to be put down immediately. Humane Society of Louisiana Executive Director Jeff Dorson says Animal Cruelty generally comes with a 1,000 to 5000 dollar fine, and one to ten years in jail. The animal rights activist says after two Bastrop men avoided jail time for slitting a dog’s throat on Snapchat, he’s concerned about a growing trend of under sentencing animal abusers in Louisiana.

Cut 11 (09) “officials”

The White House announced it is considering 200 billion dollars in new Chinese tariffs, potentially raising the import cost on a broad range of goods by 10 percent. The initial exchange of blows in the trade war have many Louisiana industries that are reliant on trade worried, but Senior Director at National Retail Federation Bethany Aronhalt says these tariffs hit a little closer to home for most folks.

Cut 3 (09) “like shampoo”

The LHSAA’s recent punishment handed down to McKinley High for recent violations comes with quite the price tag: a fine just shy of $50K. The ruling also saw coach suspensions and a ban on the school participating in post season competition for all sports for the next two school years.  High school sports writer for the Advocate newspaper, Robin Fambrough, speaks on the nature of the violations.

Cut 12 (09)   “…paperwork things.”

1:30 PM Newscast

Ascension Parish President Kenny Matassa is in the clear of bribery accusations that have been lingering over his administration for nearly two years.  Matassa’s attorney, Lewis Uglesby says he has a theory behind why things escalated the way they did.

Cut 7 (08)  “…a big deal.”

Animal activists are shocked as n Opelousas man will avoid jail time and will not be required to pay any fines after pleading guilty to Felony Cruelty to an Animal. Jermaine Doucet was accused of torturing an award winning race horse. The horse was found in June of 2017, in severe pain and malnourished. Vets on scene determined the horse needed to be put down immediately. Humane Society of Louisiana Executive Director Jeff Dorson called out St. Landry Judge Alonso Harris for what he says was dereliction.

Cut 10 (09) “allow it”

The Department of Education has released an application that will allow public school teachers to enroll in college courses at the state’s expense. Department of Education spokesperson Sydni Dunn says any certified teacher in the state can apply for the program but that there is priority for particular applicants…

Cut 13 (09)  “…STEM education” 

A Tulane geologist has been selected to join scientists from around the world who are traveling to Antarctica to research the history of glaciers at the bottom of the globe. Tulane Assistant professor Dr. Brent Goehring says this could give us a peek into potential sea rise levels in the future…

Cut 4  (11) “…integrated system”