The 2017 legislative session ends today. Emelie Gunn looks at what they accomplished…
Voicer 5 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Legislators have yet to approve a budget for next fiscal year. Publisher of La-politics-dot-com, Jeremy Alford says House Republican leaders do not want to spend all of the dollars that are available.:
Cut 12 (09) “do not”
Lawmakers must complete their work by 6 PM.

The US Inspector General reviewed 225 cases of suspected Medicaid fraud in Louisiana, and the state had a 100% compliance rate. That’s according to Chief of Staff with the Louisiana Department of Health, Andrew Tuozzolo. He credits the use of state-of-the-art software to look for potentially fraudulent billing practices…:
Cut 10 (10) “for that service”
Louisiana is one of only four states to pass this audit since 2014.

We can expect to see more mosquitos out and about after more than a week of continued rain. LSU AgCenter entomologist Kristen Healy says a lot of rainfall can lead to hatching of so-called flood water mosquitos…:
Cut 6 (09) “for example”
Still she says it’s a good idea to protect yourself when outdoors.

Lawmakers have until 6:00 tonight to approve a spending plan for next fiscal year, or they’ll have to do it in a special session that would begin at 6:30. La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says legislators also must pass a bill that finances construction projects…
cut 14 (11) “…construction budget”

More mosquitos are possible as a result of all of the rain that has fallen across the state over the last week. LSU Ag Center Entomologist Kristen Healy says while we haven’t seen local transmission of the Zika Virus yet, that’s still a possibility….
cut 7 (110 “…as well”
Healy recommends taking the proper precautions from getting bitten by a mosquito.

Governor John Bel Edwards signed into law a measure to allow video poker machines to accept 100 dollar bills, up from the current law of only 20 dollars. Video Poker Lobbyist Alton Ashy says the main reason for the legislation is convenience…:
Cut 3 (10) “dollar bill”
Critics argued this could fuel gambling addiction.

The Trump Administration recognizes Louisiana as one of the toughest states on fighting Medicaid fraud. Chief of Staff with the Louisiana Department of Health Andrew Tuozzolo says they’re doing everything they can to prevent, detect, and prosecute fraud. He says the US Inspector General reviewed 225 cases of suspected fraud in Louisiana…:
Cut 9 (09) “the referrals”
Louisiana was one of only four states to pass this audit since 2014.

Governor John Bel Edwards announces a news conference will be held this evening at 6:45 to discuss the legislative session. He’d previously said if lawmakers hadn’t reached a budget deal by 6 he’d call a special session to begin 30 minutes later. Jeremy Alford of LaPolitics.com says the legislature is ready to go home…:
Cut 13 (07) “tonight”
House Republican leaders do not want to spend all of the dollars that are available, but the governor and Senate do to avoid cuts.

Edwards signed into law a measure to allow video poker machines to accept 100 dollar bills, up from 20 dollars. Critics of the bill said it could fuel gambling addictions. But Video Poker Lobbyist Alton Ashy says there are no statistics to show that would be the case…:
Cut 4 (10) “gaming”
He says this legislation is about convenience.

More charges have been filed against the Baton Rouge man accused of running over and killing a 12-year-old boy during a police chase. State Police had already charged Joshual Hilton with manslaughter for running over the child, but BRPD has just released its report on the initial investigation of the suspect. Those findings lead to additional charges of obstruction and possession and distribution of drugs. Bond is now $307,500.

The Trump Administration recognizes Louisiana as one of the toughest states on fighting Medicaid fraud. Louisiana was one of only four states to pass this audit since 2014. Lawmakers have suggested Medicaid fraud was one culprit of the state’s budget problems. But Chief of Staff with the Louisiana Department of Health Andrew Tuozzolo says says there’s only around $50 million in fraudulent claims annually in a $10 billion program…:
Cut 11 (09) “in the program”

Budget negotiations are going down to the wire at the State Capitol as the House and Senate seek an agreement over how much money to spend. Publisher of La-politics-dot-com, Jeremy Alford says House Republican leaders do not want to spend all of the dollars that are available.:
Cut 12 (09) “do not”
Governor Edwards has called a news conference for 6:45, following the conclusion of the session.

The US Inspector General reviewed 225 cases of suspected Medicaid fraud in Louisiana, and the state had a 100% compliance rate. That’s according to Chief of Staff with the Louisiana Department of Health, Andrew Tuozzolo. He credits the use of state-of-the-art software to look for potentially fraudulent billing practices…:
Cut 10 (10) “for that service”

You’ll be able to use a $50 or $100 bill in video poker machines under a new law just signed by Governor Edwards. The current mandate is $20. Video Poker Lobbyist Alton Ashy says the only reason for this measure is so a patron is not required to ask a cashier for smaller bills…:
Cut 5 (08) “dollar bill”

After last week’s heavy rain, we could see an uptick in the mosquito population. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

The Trump Administration recognizes Louisiana as one of the toughest states on fighting Medicaid fraud. Chief of Staff with the Louisiana Department of Health Andrew Tuozzolo says they’re doing everything they can to prevent, detect, and prosecute fraud. He says the US Inspector General reviewed 225 cases of suspected fraud in Louisiana…:
Cut 9 (09) “the referrals”
Louisiana was one of only four states to pass this audit since 2014.

You’ve probably already noticed a huge influx of mosquitos outdoors which is to be expected with all the rain we’ve seen over the last several days. LSU AgCenter entomologist Kristen Healy recommends taking steps to protect themselves…:
Cut 8 (10) “own mosquitos”

If lawmakers reach an agreement on a budget today, TOPS is expected to be fully funded…:
Cut 25 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

There were no jackpot winners in last night’s Powerball drawing which rises to an estimated $435 million dollars for Saturday.

The House and Senate say they plan to fully fund TOPS next fiscal year. Higher Ed Commissioner Joe Rallo says this gives students some certainty, but it’s possible recipients will still pay some money towards tuition costs…:
Cut 25 (10) “at 70 percent”
The legislature must agree to a budget plan by 6 p.m. today.

Governor John Bel Edwards signed into law a measure to allow video poker machines to accept 100 dollar bills, up from the current law of only 20 dollars. Video Poker Lobbyist Alton Ashy says the main reason for the legislation is the convenience factor…:
Cut 3 (10) “dollar bill”
Critics argued this could fuel gambling addiction.

We can expect to see more mosquitos out and about after more than a week of continued rain. LSU AgCenter entomologist Kristen Healy says more rain equals more mosquitos, and different types of mosquitos at that. She says a lot of rainfall can lead to hatching of so-called flood water mosquitos…:
Cut 6 (09) “for example”
Still she says it’s a good idea to protect yourself when outdoors.

Another example of why you should think before you post. The state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries was tipped off to a Facebook video which showed three Jennings men allegedly killing alligators from a moving vehicle in the off-season. LDWF spokesman Adam Einck…:
CUT 14 (09) “in this video”
Rhett Guidry, Dodie Bouley, and Kyle Thibodaux were issued citations including taking alligators during a closed season and hunting from a moving vehicle.

A lot of questions still surround the budget on the final day of the regular session, but the House and Senate agree that fully funding TOPS is a priority. Higher Ed Commissioner Joe Rallo says this is an improvement over last year, but the uncertainty of TOPS funding has encouraged other states to recruit Louisiana students.

Cut 5 (10) “on it”

Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says funding TOPS is one good thing that came out of a session where not much was accomplished. He’s also pleased a resolution was passed to form a taskforce that will examine the TOPS scholarship program.

Cut 12 (10) “in the future”

The session ends tonight at 6 p.m.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries arrests three Jennings men for hunting alligators in a drainage canal from the bed of a pickup truck. Spokesperson Adam Einck says 24-year-old Rhett Guidry, 19-year-old Dodie Bouley, and 23-year-old Kyle Thibodaux have been cited for illegally hunting gators, among other things.

Cut 13 (10) “citations as well”

The men also faces charges for taking frogs using illegal methods.

LDWF agents also rescued a partially blind man in Rapides Parish. Einck says 48-year-old Charles Pickering was last seen Monday afternoon. He was found yesterday afternoon in a wooded area less than half a mile from his house. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

The 2017 legislative session ends today…:
Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Fired FBI Director James Comey is speaking before the Senate Intelligence Committee at this hour to testify about his role in the investigation into whether or not Russia interfered in the presidential election. The nation claims it has never been involved in hacking, but US Senator John Kennedy says that’s not true…:
Cut 9 (10) “in my opinion”

According to Time magazine, Greater New Orleans ranks #5 in the USA for in-migration of millennials. The publication found that from 2010-2015, The Big Easy and Metairie areas saw an almost nine percent increase in its 25-34 year-old population.

A video posted on Facebook of three Jennings men illegally killing alligators from a moving vehicle is what tipped off authorities. LDWF spokesman Adam Einck says 24-year-old Rhett Guidry, 19-year-old Dodie Bouley, and 23-year-old Kyle Thibodaux face up to $2,500 in fines, and they could also face jail time if convicted…:
Cut 15 (09) “road as well”
The men were also cited for taking frogs using illegal methods.

Lawmakers have decided the state’s public colleges should have limited authority to ask prospective students about their criminal histories to determine admission. But under the bill headed to the governor’s desk, schools could ask about convictions for stalking, rape and sexual battery.