A measure that would ban school boards from requiring uniforms didn’t make it out of the House Education Committee today. Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater says a group of fourth graders picked the measure as one they wanted him to bring up in the session. But New Orleans Representative Joe Bouie feels this would negatively impact family finances …:
CUT 6 (10) “have it”
The bill was deffered and Broadwater says he’s going to talk to the fourth graders more about the bill before taking further action.

An incident terrified a group of children at the Boys & Girls Club in Lafayette when a 15-year-old allegedly shot another teen several times during a basketball game. Lafayette Police say the suspect was booked on Attempted 1st Degree Murder Charges and Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile in a Gun Free Zone. The 17-year-old victim is in critical condition. The investigation remains ongoing.

The State Department of Health and Hospitals advises residents of Donaldsonville not to drink the water until further notice, because the system has been treating its drinking water with elevated levels of chlorine dioxide. State Health officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says this chemical is an EPA-approved water treatment disinfectant, however…:
CUT 4 (12) “impact health”
The water system serves about 10-thousand customers.

A 64-year-old man from Independence died when he crashed into a garbage truck in Tangipahoa Parish, according to State Police. They say Edward Stewart slammed into the back of the stopped truck and died at the scene, while seriously injuring a worker who was collecting garbage at the time of the collision.

The House education committee is hearing legislation that would prohibit school boards from requiring school uniforms. The bill’s author, Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater, says he’s heard a lot of postive and negative feedback about the proposal…
cut 9 (09) “….supportive concept”
Broadwater says the bill was the result of an exercise he did with fourth graders, who approved this legislation during a field trip to the state capitol.

Female hunters would be allowed to legally wear blaze pink as opposed to bright orange when they hunt under a bill set to be heard in the House Natural Resources Committee today. Bogalusa Representative Malinda White says she wants to make a point that women actively participate in Sportsman’s Paradise…:
CUT 6 (06) “in Louisiana”
White says the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is in support of the hot pink proposal.

The state department of health and hospitals has told the residents of Donaldsonville in Ascension Parish not to drink or cook with the water that comes out of their faucets. State Health officer Doctor Jimmy Guidry says it’s because of elevated chlorine levels in the water…
cut 3 (09) “…take samples”
The “do not drink” alert will remain in effect until further notice.

During a legislative hearing, West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth expressed concern about financial aid for businesses impacted by the flooding. Walsworth says the Small Business Administration’s “low-interest loans” do not seem to offer such low rates for all businesses…
cut 15 (12) “….bad credit”
The Louisiana Department of Revenue announces that taxpayers in areas affected by the flooding will not have to file their taxes until June 15th, instead of May 16th.

A bill is on the agenda today in the House Education Committee that would prohibit public school leaders from requiring students to wear uniforms. Emelie Gunn has more on the unique origin of the measure…:
CUT 2 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Protesters are rallying at the Superdome in New Orleans to oppose offshore oil leases in the Gulf of Mexico. The Department of the Interior is set to auction 43 acres of the Gulf of Mexico. The industry says today’s sale is vitally important as offshore lease sales contribute to the economy and develop energy.

If you’re thinking about adding a live bunny to your family this Easter, the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is asking parents to do their homework first. Spokeswoman Alicia Haefele (HAY-flee)…:
CUT 12 (08) “a rabbit”
She says animal shelters around the country see an influx in rabbits following Easter every year because people aren’t really aware of what they’re getting into.

Women are hunters too and a lawmaker from Bogalousa would like to see blaze pink added to the approved colors you’re allowed to wear for the sport. Representative Malinda White hopes her bill before the House Natural Resources Committee today would inspire more girls to participate in outdoor activities:
Cut 5 (07) “the outdoors”
She says the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries supports the bill.

Saints Coach Sean Payton says the team has given him a proposed five year contract extension. ESPN reports Payton has accepted the deal worth more than $45 million dollars.

A multi-agency investigation finds that former Louisiana State Penitentiary Warden Burl Cain did not participate in any illegal activity. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
Cut 3 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The water system in Donaldsonville has been declared in violation of safe drinking water standards by the state Department of Health and Hospitals, and as a result they’ve told residents there not to drink or cook with with the water. DHH says a routine inspection discovered possible elevated levels of chlorine dioxide in the treatment system in Donaldsonville and they are ordered to change immediately.

North Louisiana is still reeling from the massive downpour that dumped upwards of two feet of rain in some areas, and caused widespread flooding. West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth’s concerns include crops that are still under water…:
CUT 14 (08) “crops back”
He also doesn’t see how parish governments will be able to pay for the damage even if they are eligible for federal aid but are still responsible for 25%.

A measure set to be heard in the House Natrual Resources Committee today would add “blaze pink” as an alternative to the floresecnt orange requirements for hunters. Bogalusa Representative Malinda White says her proposal would give female hunters more options, without detracting from the safety aspect…:
cut 4 (09) “are hunters”
She says Sportsman’s Paradise is a Sportswoman’s Paradise too which is what she’s trying to highlight.

Saints Coach Sean Payton announced today that the team has given him a proposed five year contract extension, worth a reported $45 million dollars.

A bill set to be heard in the House Education Committee today would prohibit public school boards from requiring uniforms. Hammond Rep. Chris Broadwater says his bill came after he conducted a project with fourth graders in his district who were invited to the capitol to vote on their own proposed legislation…:
CUT 7 (11) “fourth graders”
He says he promised the students that whichever bill they passed, he would bring in the regular session. The students argued the lack of free dress inhibits their sense of style, fashion, and expression.

Lafayette Police book a 15-year-old on Attempted 1st Degree Murder Charges and Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile in a Gun Free Zone for allegedly shooting another teen during a basketball game at the Boys & Girls Club. The 17-year-old victim is in critical condition. The investigation remains ongoing.

Female hunters would be allowed to legally wear blaze pink as opposed to bright orange when they hunt under a bill set to be heard in the House Natural Resources Committee today. Bogalusa Representative Malinda White says she wants to make a point that women actively participate in Sportsman’s Paradise…:
CUT 6 (06) “in Louisiana”
White says the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is in support of the hot pink proposal.

The Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals asks parents to think twice before buying an live bunny for their children this Easter. Spokeswoman Alicia Haefele (HAY-flee) says many of these rabbits eventually end up in rescue facilities…:
CUT 11 (07) “after Easter”
She advises people to get plush or chocolate bunnies instead.

The Louisiana Department of Revenue said taxpayers in the areas affected by recent storms and flooding are eligible to file extensions for tax returns.

North Louisiana is still hurting from the massive downpour that dumped upwards of two feet of rain in some areas. West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth is concerned how parish governments will pay for the damage, even if they are eligible for federal assistance and only have to pay a quarter of the cost for a road that was washed away by the floods…:
Cut 13 (07) “25-percent”
Some areas of Ouachita Parish are still flooded and the process of recovery has barely begun for several home owners and renters.

Animal shelters are bracing again for an influx of bunnies given as gifts to children for Easter, because families soon find out they are unable to care for them. Alicia Haefele (HAY-flee), with the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, says parents should educate themselves before getting a bunny…:
Cut 10 (09) “a bunny”

A bill set to be reviewed by the House Natural Resources Committee today proposes to add “blaze pink” as an approved color for hunters…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Donaldsonville residents in Ascension Parish should not drink or cook with water until further notice, according to the state Department of Health and Hospitals.

A multi-agency investigation finds that former Louisiana State Penitentiary Warden Burl Cain did not participate in any illegal activity. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Former NFL Saints player Darren Sharper has plead guilty again to charges of drugging and raping women in four states. This time he’ll leave the length of his sentence up to a federal judge. His plea deal resulting in a 9-year sentence was rejected, and he now faces 15to 20 years.

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine is encouraging emergency personnel to learn CPR for animals.  Professor Dr. Kirk Ryan says dogs are susceptible to smoke inhalation, so in the event of a house fire, EMS or firefighters should know how to help an animal. He says giving CPR to pets is different than humans.

Cut 4 (10) “CPR”

Ryan says they’re hosting multiple events to train first responders because they often come across animals that need help.

State Police rescue two abducted North Carolina teens that were traveling with their uncle on Interstate 10. Sgt. Nick Manale says authorities in Winston-Salem called LSP to report 40-year-old Jose Melchor was likely traveling west through New Orleans, possibly on his way to Mexico. He says both the 15-year-old boy and 13-year-old girl were found unharmed. Manale says Melchor was booked into the St. James Parish Jail and is awaiting extradition back to North Carolina.

Cut 13 (04)  “abduction”

Legislation is heading to the Senate floor that would allow Louisiana to comply with the security measures of the federal REAL ID act. The bill is similar to one that former Governor Bobby Jindal vetoed over privacy concerns in 2014. But Governor John Bel Edwards supports this legislation that would allow Louisiana residents to decide if they want REAL-ID compliant licenses. Supporters say refusal to comply with the REAL ID law could result in residents needing a passport to fly domestically next year.

Also heading to the Senate floor, is a bill that would allow any Louisiana voter to vote by mail. State law only allows an absentee vote if that person has a reason they can’t vote in person. The Secretary of State’s office did not speak in opposition to the legislation, but said the new law would increase the cost of a ballot by over a dollar. Despite cost concerns, the Senate Government Affairs committee approved the legislation.

The House education committee is expected to debate tomorrow legislation that would prohibit school boards from requiring school uniforms. The bill’s author, Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater, says he’s heard a lot of postive and negative feedback about the proposal…
cut 29 (09) “….supportive concept”
Broadwater says the bill was the result of an exercise he did with fourth graders, who approved this legislation during a field trip to the state capitol.

The House Natural Resources panel is scheduled to hear a bill tomorrow that would add “blaize pink” as an alternative for the hunter oranger requirements. Bogalusa Representative Malinda White says this would give female hunters more options, without taking away from safety…
cut 24 (09) “…hunters”
White says the legislation has the support of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Two of the top 10 fattest metro areas in the country are in Louisiana, according to a study from WalletHub. Shreveport ranked second and New Orleans came in at number five. WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says the study looked at obesity in children and teens as well, and she says Louisiana did not perform well in that category either.

CUT 8 (08) “very closely”

The fattest metro area is Memphis, Tennessee, and the thinnest is Honolulu, Hawaii.

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine wants emergency personnel to learn animal CPR. Professor Dr. Kirk Ryan says they’re hosting multiple events to train first responders because they often come across animals that need help. He says cats and dogs can’t receive the same method of CPR as humans.

CUT 3 (10)  “compressions”

State Police rescued two abducted North Carolina teens that were traveling with their uncle on Interstate 10. Sgt. Nick Manale says authorities in Winston-Salem called LSP to report 40-year-old Jose Melchor was likely traveling west through New Orleans, possibly on his way to Mexico. He says both the 15-year-old boy and 13-year-old girl were found unharmed.

cut 12 (06) “their family”

Manale says everyone is happy to see this incident come to a safe resolution.

The president isn’t the only one making a trip to Cuba this week as LSU coach Les Miles is also in the country. Former Tiger baseball star Mikie Mahtook, who currently plays for Tampa Bay, tweeted that Miles would watch the Rays play the Cuban National Team. LSU Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette says this is Miles’ spring break trip…:

CUT 9 (08) “to Cuba”

Bonnette says Miles planned on visiting several schools during his trip.

A new study from WalletHub finds two Louisiana cities came in the top 10 fattest metro areas in the country. Halen Doughty has more…
CUT 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Former NFL star and member of the Saints Super Bowl team, Darren Sharper, has reportedly plead guilty again to charges of drugging and raping women in four states. This time he’ll leave the length of his sentence up to a federal judge. Last month, US District Court Judge Jane Triche Milazzo, rejected a nine-year sentence for Sharper and said his sentence should range from 15 to 20 years.

State Police have rescued two North Carolina teens that were abducted by their uncle. Sgt. Nick Manale says authorities in Winston-Salem called LSP to report 40-year-old Jose Melchor was possibly driving through New Orleans, likely headed to Mexico. He says Melchor was booked into the St. James Parish Jail and is awaiting extradition back to North Carolina.

Cut 13 (04) “abduction”

Manale says the investigation is still ongoing to determine why Melchor took the children.

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine wants first responders to learn animal CPR. Professor Dr. Kirk Ryan says previously, in different veterinary schools there were different methods of CPR for pets. He says they want to standardize a method to get all emergency personnel on the same page.

CUT 5 (10) “not helpful”

Ryan says dogs are susceptible to smoke inhalation, so in the event of a house fire it’s important EMS or firefighters know how to help an animal.