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.”

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.”

And the Saints have confirmed, via tweet, that the ownership situation for both teams is not “in flux”, and that both the NBA, for the Pelicans, and the NFL for the Saints, have approved Gayle Benson as the new owner of both franchises. Some have speculated ongoing litigation, initiated by Benson’s children’s, could lead to an uncertain ownership situation.

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’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.”

After 17 years, DeSoto Parish Sheriff Rodney Arbuckle retires today. He is in his fifth term, elected back in 2000. 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.”

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 27 :07 part of that.”
The Saints all-time leading rusher Deuce McAllister says Mr. Benson was a guy that would talk to anyone at anytime.
Cut 7 (09) “as a person”
Funeral arrangements are pending.
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.”

Louisiana Lottery asks that you play responsibility, it only takes one ticket to win. Mega Millions jackpot for tonight is 345-million dollars, Powerball is 455-million.

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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.”
Shreveport Senator John Milkovich’s legislation that would give teachers more freedom to decide how to handle bullies in public schools passed through the Senate Education Committee. The bill gives teachers a wide leniency to “take all steps deemed necessary” to stop bullying, including involving the police, and personally restraining offending students. Milkovich says the bill was inspired by a meeting he had, arranged by a local pastor, with two parents whose daughters had committed suicide after being bullied.The Senator says the parents reported the bullying several times to the school, but after months, nothing had been done.The bill faces opposition from the governor’s office, who says the bill is “overly regulatory”.

Well wishers for New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson continue the day after Benson passed. Benson bought the Saints in 1985 and was instrumental in getting Local quarterback Bobby Hebert on board.

Cut 5 (13) ” New Orleans saints”.

The Saints all time leading rusher Deuce McAllister says Tom Benson took a chance on him when the saints were already flush with running backs.

Cut 6 (13) ” in itself”

Some Louisiana lottery players could get rich if they hit it big this weekend. The jackpots 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.”
A french bulldog died last Monday on a United flight from Houston to New York. The incident has spurred action from one Louisiana Senator. Don Malino has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Malino.”
Ten people were arrested in the alleged hazing death of LSU student Maxwell Gruver, but only four of the young men were indicted by an East Baton Rouge grand jury. At the time of the arrests, Matthew Naquin was the only one charged with negligent homicide, and the grand jury found enough evidence to indict him on that charge. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino….

Cut 13 (12) “several months”

Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson is being remembered fondly today. Matt Doyle has more…
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

Senator John Kennedy has co-sponsored the WOOFF act which stands for welfare of our furry friends act. He’s aiming to curtail the death’s of animals on airlines like the one last Monday on a United flight.

Cut 4 (13) “Dog Died.”
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Shreveport Senator John Milkovich’s legislation that would give teachers more freedom to decide how to handle bullies in public schools passed through the Senate Education Committee. The bill gives teachers a wide leniency to “take all steps deemed necessary” to stop bullying, including involving the police, and personally restraining offending students. Milkovich says it would cut down on the red tape involved in stopping bullies.

Cut 7 (10) “the police”

Ten people were arrested in the alleged hazing death of LSU student Maxwell Gruver, but only four of the young men were indicted by an East Baton Rouge grand jury. At the time of the arrests, Matthew Naquin was the only one charged with negligent homicide, and the grand jury found enough evidence to indict him on that charge. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino….

Cut 13 (12) “several months”

9
Senator John Kennedy has co-sponsored the WOOFF act which stands for welfare of our furry friends act. He’s aiming to curtail the death’s of animals on airlines like the one last Monday on a United flight. Kennedy says he expects to get some answers from the airline that was responsible for the dog’s death.
Cut 5 (10) “animal cruelity.”
But Lamar White,publisher of bayou brief says Kennedy is looking for some cheap publicity.
Cut 6 (08) “into action.”
The U.S. Department of Transportation says there were 24 documented animal deaths on airlines in 2017.

Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson has passed away at the age of 90. The city, and franchise hit its most precarious patch in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina devastated the gulf south. Rumors were abound that the team would end up permanently moving to another city, but Benson kept his word and the Black and Gold committed to staying home. Governor John Bel Edwards says that act helped bring the city back to life.

Cut 12 (12) “and Louisiana”

Benson leaves the team in good shape, hoping to keep momentum from a highly successful 2017 season rolling right into a 2019 Super Bowl in Atlanta.
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Ten people were arrested in the alleged hazing death of LSU student Maxwell Gruver, but only four of the young men were indicted by an East Baton Rouge grand jury. At the time of the arrests, Matthew Naquin was the only one charged with negligent homicide, and the grand jury found enough evidence to indict him on that charge. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino.
Three other people were indicted on a charge of hazing. The East Baton Rouge District Attorney decided not to pursue a hazing charge against one of the fraternity members. Ciolino says since grand jury proceedings are not public, it’s unclear why the other five were not indicted.
Cut 14 (13) “defendants.”
According to documents from the East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s office, the grand jury heard evidence related to the five people not indicted, but the grand jury was pretermitted on whether they committed hazing or obstruction of justice charges. Ciolino says it’s likely these five individuals are in the clear…

Cut 15 (07) “to be charged”