A former Department of Veterans Affairs nurse faces jail time after a patient at a St. Charles veterans home died under her care. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (27)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Under the current budget proposal for next fiscal year, the LSU Health Science Centers in Shreveport and New Orleans would receive a combined 50-million dollars in cuts to state funding. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A former nurse with the Department of Veterans Affairs is facing jail time after a patient died under her care. Inspector General Stephen Street says 58-year-old Cheryl Poirrier was the on-duty nurse the night a resident fell at a Veterans Home in St Charles Parish. Street says after a fall, it’s Veterans Affairs policy to check the patient’s neurological signs for the next 72 hours.

CUT 3 (12)  “the checks”

Some eight hours after the patient’s fall, he was found unresponsive in his room and it was determined that he died during the night.  Street says Poirrier has been charged with multiple felony offenses, and faces time behind bars if convicted.

CUT 4 (06)  “public records”

Street says this kind of behavior cannot be tolerated, especially with our veterans. He says this is criminal conduct, and his office is treating it as such.

CUT 5 (12)  “after the fact”

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The spending plan for next fiscal year is moving through the legislature with a proposed $35 million cut to the LSU Health Science Center in Shreveport and about a $15 million cut to the center in New Orleans. Chancellor of the New Orleans center, Larry Hollier says this will impact many of their programs.

CUT 6 (11) “neuroscience center program”

Hollier says the cuts could force him to close the dental hygiene and undergraduate nursing programs. Shreveport Health Science Center Chancellor G.E. Ghali says his center has already made drastic cuts to reduce their spending. He says his center is as lean as it can be in terms of employees.

CUT 7 (09) “situation”

Ghali says this could also impact accreditation and enrollment at the Shreveport center.

CUT 8 (12) “science center”

The budget proposal for next fiscal year has been approved by the House and is being debated in the Senate Finance Committee.

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Former Lt. Governor Bobby Freeman has passed died. His family says Freeman passed away this morning after suffering an aneurysm last week.  He was 82-years-old. The St. Martinville native served as Lt. Governor from 1980-88. Edwin Edwards was the governor during Freeman’s second term and the former governor says Freeman was a very energetic man…

CUT 9 (10) “a problem”

Freeman also served as a state legislator from 1968-1980. Edwards recalls Freeman was a promoter of race relations…

cut 10 (10)  “to him”

Freeman also served in the US Army and is a former member of the LSU boxing team. In 1977, he was elected into the LSU Hall of Fame. He was an attorney in Plaquemine prior to his death. Edwards says Freeman was a good man…

Cut 11 (08) “great citizen”

—————————————————————————————-

In these tough budget times, some state senators are concerned about growing Louisiana’s film tax credit program. Lawmakers are reviewing the budget for next fiscal year which currently contains a $600 million dollar hole, and proposals to cut healthcare and education are on the table. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau thinks the movie incentives don’t have a tangible economic impact:

cut 12 (07) “investment”

But others who defend the program says the movie making business does bring money to the state especially at the local level. Baton Rouge Senator Yvonne Colomb says she understands that many vital services are looking at cuts, but..:

Cut 13 (11)  “done here”

Luneau says, even without the film tax credits, they already know movie makers will come to Louisiana because they want The Bayou State backdrop…:

cut 14 (09)  “this tax credit”

Today is the deadline for taxpayers to file state tax returns. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A bill to that would require a minimum of three years in prison if you commit a felony with a gun that results in a fatality is nearing final legislative passage. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Frank Selas III, a 76 year old former Monroe TV personality, will be arraigned today in Rapides Parish on alleged child sex abuse accusations from 1979. Halen Doughty previews the case…:

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Today, May 16^th, is the deadline for Louisianans to file state income taxes for 2015. Kizzy Payton with the Department of Revenue says it’s important for taxpayers to settle up today no matter what. She says you can request an extension to avoid any penalties..:

cut 4  (10)  “be made”

Payton says to file online or request an extension visit revenue-dot-louisiana-dot-gov (revenue.louisiana.gov). She says taxpayers in the 36 regions of the state that were declared a Federal Disaster Area after the March flooding are eligible for a a special extension.

Cut 5  (10)  “July 15″

Payton says they’ve already issued over one million refunds this year. She reminds those in the declared disaster areas that you are not automatically granted an extension…:

Cut 6 (09)  “of revenue”

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Seth Fontenot of Lafayette is a free man after spending 10 months behind bars for the shooting death of 15-year-old Austin Rivault (Ree-Voe). Many people thought his sentence was too lenient after he was convicted of manslaughter. Lafayette Sen. Page Cortez sponsors legislation that says if you commit a felony with a gun that results in a fatality, you should at least spend 3 years in prison.

CUT 7 (10)  “discretion” 

The measure, dubbed The Austin Rivault Act, passed out of the House Criminal Justice committee on a 7-6 vote. Cortez says the opposition has generally come from criminal defense attorneys stating the judge should have complete discretion. He says judges do not have complete discretion in first and second degree murder cases, but they do with manslaughter which is what he wants to see changed…:

Cut 8  (09)  “a fatality” 

Cortez says the parents of Rivault contacted him about creating a new policy going forward. He says, based on what happened in their son’s case, they hope to see a change in the law…:

Cut 9 (09)  “this again”

___________________________________________________

This week is National Dog Bite Prevention Week. Amanda Pumilia, with the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, says there are ways owners can prevent their dogs from biting people when they’re out and about.

Cut 10 (07) “socialized”

State Farm reported paying $1.5 million for dog-related injury claims in Louisiana last year. Pumilia says people without dogs can also take precautions to avoid being bitten.

cut 11 (05) “their dog”

Pumilia says dog bites affect everyone involved — the dog, its owner, and of course, the person who gets bitten. But she says when a dog bites someone, it doesn’t necessarily indicate that they are mean, they could just be scared…:

cut 12 (07) “compromising situation”

State Farm says Baton Rouge ranked 27^th in the country for dog bites with 18 reported last year, and New Orleans came in at number 30 with 15 reported dog bites.

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The former Monroe children’s TV personality, known as Mr. Wonder, will be arraigned today on accusations he sexually abused children almost 40 years ago. 76-year-old Frank John Selas III faces 13 counts stemming from an alleged incident that occurred on a 1979 camping trip in Rapides Parish with young boys. Legal analyst Tim Meche says, with a case this old, there could be witness issues and also no forensic evidence…:

Cut 13 (09)  “charged with”

One of Selas’ defense attorneys is the highly regarded Mike Small, who Meche says is one of the so-called legends of Louisiana trial courtrooms. He says the defense will probably try to use the fact that this case is so old to his advantage.

cut 14 (10)  “jurors’ minds”

Meche says the statute of limitations does not apply to cases in which a perpetrator has fled the jurisdiction where he is accused. He says graphic witness testimony will be very powerful in the case.

Cut 15 (12) “to convict”

The U.S. Department of Education is letting schools know they are required to allow transgender restrooms or risk losing federal funds. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A Louisiana teen graduates from high school and a community college on the same day. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A 17-year-old girl from northwest Louisiana participates in two graduation ceremonies today. Azariya McClendon will get her Associates Degree from Bossier Parish Community College this afternoon, then this evening she’ll get her diploma from Ringgold High School. McClendon says she has big academic aspirations after her double graduation.

CUT 3 (12)  “OBGYN”

McClendon says she was able to make this tremendous accomplishment with the help of her high school counselor Timothy Williams, and the support of her family. She says it was hard at times because she was always busy.

CUT 4 (11)  “4-H”

McClendon was also involved in Beta, a club called Elegant Ladies in Today’s Educational Society, and the student advisory council for the LHSAA. McClendon is the first student in her parish to earn two diplomas at the same time. She says she was able to do so through the Accelerated Curriculum of Excellence program at her school.

CUT 5 (10)  “for everything”

====================================================

The U.S. Department of Education sent a letter to public schools informing them they are required to allow transgendered students to use the restroom that is consistent with their gender identity, or risk losing federal funding.  Alto Congressman Ralph Abraham says this is another example of President Obama’s executive overreach. He says this is a form of extortion.

CUT 6 (10) “comply with”

Abraham says the state should make the decision regarding transgender bathrooms and this is an issue that should not be a federal mandate. He says we’re all about protecting people in this country so let’s protect the most vulnerable population, the young children.

CUT 7 (05) “granddaughters”

Matthew Patterson with Equality Louisiana says this is a really big step forward in terms of policies in public schools and universities. He says transgender kids are at a huge risk of many mental health issues.

CUT 8 (06) “implemented”

Patterson says no one wants to lose out on education money by not complying with this mandate because it would hurt all students. He says this doesn’t mean it’s okay for a man to go into bathrooms with little girls.

CUT 9 (05) “are about”

====================================================

A Pineville man has been arrested after he allegedly went door to door soliciting money he claimed was for a sick child with cancer.  Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesman Lt. Tommy Carnline says residents reported the suspicious activity and there was also an outcry on social media. He says authorities began investigating 48-year-old Charles Lowery, acting on the complaints…:

cut 10 (11)  “were given”

Carnline says they eventually located Lowery and his van and learned the suspect was a convicted sex offender…:

Cut 11 (09) “Mr. Lowery”

Carnline says they were also able to charge Lowery with two counts of cheating and swindling, because the story he was telling residents was not true…:

cut 12 (09) “cancer treatment”

Carnline says it’s a shame someone is exploiting people’s kindness and generosity.

===================================================

Another spirited debate broke out on the House floor over funding for TOPS versus hospitals that provide care for the poor. On Thursday night, legislators shifted 72-million dollars from the scholarship program to the safety net hospitals. On Friday, Monroe Representative Jay Morris tried to move some of that money back to TOPS, but he faced opposition from Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith…

Cut 13 (12)  “with TOPS”

Morris’ amendment to move 36-million dollars back to TOPS failed on a 42-57 vote. Several House republicans sought to fully fund TOPS, at the same time, they said the health care budget was bloated. Bogalusa Representative Malinda White, who has a public-private hospital in her district, fought against Morris’ amendment…

cut 14 (10)  “go home”

Ruston Representative Rob Shadoin also spoke out against Morris’ amendment. Shadoin says he understands the importance of TOPS funding, but health care for young individuals, who can’t afford to go to a private hospital is more important…

cut 15 (10) “to college”

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The Blue Lives Matter bill that seeks to include police, firefighters and EMS as protected groups in hate crime laws is becoming a controversial topic. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Thousands of college students across the state are graduating, and many may be wondering what’s next. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The Letter Carriers Food Drive is this Saturday and here’s how you can participate. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Saturday is the Letter Carriers Food Drive and those interested in donating can leave nonperishable food items by the mailbox for the mailman. U.S. Post Office Spokesperson Boyd McKinney says this is the 24^th anniversary of the biggest single day of giving to replenish food banks in the country.

cut 4  (06)  “of food”

 McKinney says non-perishable items include, cereal, pasta, sauces, rice and canned foods. He says most mail carriers participate in the drive and for you to participate, just leave your bag of food outside of your mailbox on Saturday morning and your mailman will collect it during their route.

Cut 5  (09)  “the mail”

 Toiletries and other personal items can also be donated during the drive along with food. McKinney says the majority of the food donations stay local.

Cut 6 (05)  “food pantries”

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The Blue Lives Matter bill has one group questioning who can realistically be victims of hate crimes. The measure seeks to add police officers, firefighters, and EMS as a protected class in Louisiana’s hate crime laws. Ejike Obineme (EH-ji-kay Oh-bi-NEM-ay) with the New Orleans Chapter of the Black Youth Project 100 does not support the bill. He says police are not the victims of hate crimes.

CUT 7 (06)  “does not” 

Obineme says it doesn’t make sense for armed people to shoot at unarmed people and then claim to be in danger. He says far more people are killed by police violence than officers killed in hate crimes.

Cut 8  (12)  “the police” 

But Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says there have been instances of hate crimes against cops and firefighters around the country. He says one officer was shot while he was pumping gas in Houston.

Cut 9 (09)  “police officers”

Harris says lawmakers need to pass this bill to protect our civil servants.

Cut 10 (06) “going on”

The bill is waiting to be heard on the Senate floor for final passage.

___________________________________________________

Health professionals have recommended for some time to wear sun protection while outdoors and now they say it’s also smart to do so while riding in a vehicle. Chair of Ophthalmology at LSU Health New Orleans, Dr. Jayne Weiss, says side windows in cars only block about 65% of the UV rays.

cut 11 (11) “side windows”

She cites a study demonstrating that left-sided skin cancer was more common in those who spent a lot of time driving. Weiss says overexposure to UV rays can lead to serious health problems, like skin cancer and cataracts. She says people need to wear sun protection inside the vehicle as well.

cut 12 (08) “your eyes”

Weiss says the level of protection from side windows can vary from one vehicle to the next. She says although driving with the windows up is not perfect, it’s still better than driving with the windows down.

Cut 13 (07)  “time driving”

_______________________________________________

Thousands of college students receive their degree today and they are now set to enter the workforce. Recruiting consultant with the Eastman Group, Tom Hanson says hiring for entry level positions has increased since last year.

cut 14 (08)  “three months”

Today, LSU will hand out a record number of degrees, with over four-thousand students participating in commencement ceremonies.  Hanson says based on the National Labor Board, companies are hiring college grads, but the competition is tough.

Cut 15 (09) “positions”

Hanson says healthcare and engineering are always majors that see job opportunity. But he says grads looking to get hired in the oil and gas industry will have to be patient. Hanson says with technology becoming more and more important, computer science will be a key career field.

Cut 16  (10)  “software development”

__________________________________________________________

UL Lafayette is at South Alabama in a battle of leaders in the Sun Belt Conference this weekend. The Ragin Cajuns are three games back of the Jaguars. The two teams lead the league in pitching and UL Lafayette Coach Tony Robichaux says South Al is a pesky team at the plate….

Cut 17 (21)  “from running” 

The Cajuns will face one of the top pitchers in the nation tonight. Senior right-hander Kevin Hill is 8-1 with a 2.23 ERA. Robichaux says they’ll need to have some timely hits tonight…

Cut 18 (18) “match em”

The LSU baseball team is in Knoxville for the start of a three-game series against Tennessee. The Tigers are looking to improve on their 14-10 league record, while the Vols are just 7-17 in the SEC. LSU Coach Paul Mainieri is surprised by Tennessee’s record…

Cut 19 (12) “other day”

Mainieri says his fielders will need to be on their toes this weekend…

Cut 20 (15) “with them”

State Police are asking for the public’s help in finding the two vehicles involved in a fatal hit and run that killed a skateboarder in Hammond. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Legislation to allow sex surveys to be given to public school students fails in a Senate committee. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (28)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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State police are looking for two vehicles involved in a fatal hit and run that took the life of a skateboarder in Hammond. Trooper Dustin Dwight says 26-year-old Erin Gerhard was skateboarding down the right side of University Avenue near S-L-U’s campus around 10pm last night when he was hit by two different vehicles.

CUT 3 (09)  “the scene”

Dwight says troopers believe the vehicles involved are a pickup truck and a dark colored sedan. He says they are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the motorists responsible for Gerhard’s death.

CUT 4 (09)  “the case”

Dwight says Gerhard was severely injured and pronounced dead at the scene. He says the investigation in ongoing.

CUT 5 (07)  “they can”

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Legislation to allow victims of domestic violence with a protective order to carry a concealed handgun for 45 days without training will be heard in the Senate after getting approval from the House. Denham Springs Rep. Valarie Hodges, says her bill provides an expedited process for a victim to seek concealed carry training. She says victims often times feel like they’re in imminent danger from their abusers.

CUT 6 (08) “a class”

Hodges says the proposal will be called the Brandi Trahan Act, in honor of a Carlyss woman who was murdered by her estranged husband. Baton Rouge Rep. Patricia Smith expressed her concerns about how the victim’s children could get their hands on the weapon because their parent hasn’t had proper training.

CUT 7 (10) “happened a lot”

Hodges says domestic abuse victims in this situation will know the responsibility of having a gun, even though they may not have gone through the training.

CUT 8 (06) “is dangerous”

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State lawmakers did not receive any good news today in terms of higher than expected revenues to help reduce the budget deficit.  The Revenue Estimating Conference met this morning and did not change next fiscal year’s revenue forecast. Economist Manfred Dix says low tax collections impacted the estimates.

CUT 9 (07) “relatively low”

The REC determined that unemployment has been rising in Louisiana since September, the price of oil has not gone up as much as they’d hoped, and tax collections were lower than anticipated. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says lawmakers did not see the overall growth that they wanted to see. He says they will have to stick with the revenue estimate they have.

cut 10 (07)  “going forward”

Senate President John Alario says legislators may need to take another look at raising revenues when they meet for a second special session next month, which means another revenue estimating conference could be called.

Cut 11 (08) “June time”

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The Senate Education Committee votes against a bill that would allow public schools to survey high school students about sexual health. Shreveport Rep. Robert Carmody told the panel, the survey can help determine which schools are most effectively getting the message across about sex education and allow other schools to follow their example.

cut 12 (07) “local levels”

West Monroe Sen. Mike Walsworth opposes the legislation and says schools aren’t doing enough with sexual education but this isn’t the way to go about it.

Cut 13 (09)  “not true”

St. Tammany Parish resident Sarah Woods says this survey will not do anything to stop the sex and drugs by students. She says we’re now reaping what we sowed when God was removed from schools.

cut 14 (10)  “intimate questions”

Author of the legislation, Baton Rouge Rep. Patricia Smith, says we need to do something about teenage pregnancies and high rates of sexual diseases among teens.

cut 15 (09) “run rampant”

The full House is expected to discuss the proposed budget for next fiscal year today, including whether or not the TOPS scholarship program will be fully funded next year. Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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A bill that would allow patients direct access to physical therapists instead of receiving a doctor’s referral first heads to the full House. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The Senate approved measure that would require private employers to pay men and women the same for equal work is scheduled to be heard today in the House Labor Committee…:

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The full House is expected to discuss today whether the TOPS scholarship program should be fully funded for next school year, as they address the proposed budget for next fiscal year. Publisher of LaPolitics.com, Jeremy Alford, says he’s spoken with some lawmakers on the Senate side, who are torn on the matter.

cut 4  (10)  “other organizations”

Alford says TOPS was not fully funded in the governor’s proposed budget, but it is funded in the modified proposal from the House Appropriations Committee. He expects to see more changes made to HB1 as it moves through the legislature.

Cut 5  (06)  “dramatic changes”

Alford says the TOPS funding issue will likely be brought up again before the end of this fiscal year, regardless of what happens to the program in the proposal before the lower chamber today.

Cut 6 (04)  “fully funded”

Other budget concerns include the Attorney General’s Office requesting its own separate budget, talk of eliminating the Inspector General’s Office completely, and more cuts to the state’s health budget.

___________________________________________________

Senate approved legislation that would give patients direct access to a physical therapist rather than getting a doctor’s referral first now moves to the full House. Family physician and occupational medicine specialist Dr. Robert Rush is in favor of the legislation and says many people in the orthopedic field are stuck in the past. Rush says direct access to a physical therapist is a time and money saver.

CUT 7 (10)  “systems business” 

President of the American Physical Therapy Association Sharon Dunn says early therapy with an episode of pain reduces costs up to 60-percent. She says it’s time for Louisiana citizens to have the right to choose physical therapy first.

Cut 8  (09)  “epidemic” 

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Doug Bostick spoke in opposition to the legislation because he believes the bill threatens patient safety and medical care. He says providing treatment without a medical diagnosis can be dangerous leading to inappropriate care.

Cut 9 (10)  “medical diagnosis”

Lafayette Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Scott Yurger says physical therapists are not part of the diagnostic team and never have been. He says many people in Louisiana can’t afford to pay for physical therapy…

Cut 10 (10) “a diagnosis”

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The Senate approved measure that would require private employers to pay men and women the same for equal work is scheduled to be heard today in the House Labor Committee today. A woman in Louisiana makes an average 66 cents on the dollar compared to men. Tulane Business Professor Mark Rosa says hardly anyone would argue against men and women earning equal pay, but it’s not that simple:

cut 11 (11) “complicated”

Rosa says what he’s seen in most businesses is that women tend to shoulder more of the care for home life, which is where he thinks most of the pay disparity comes from. He says women seem to be away from the workplace more than men due to things beyond her control such as maternity leave or caring for a relative…:

cut 12 (10) “promotional chances”

Critics of the equal pay bill feel it would expose small businesses to more lawsuits, and make their establishments more vulnerable to competition if their pay and benefits packages were made public. If this law passes Rosa says it would likely mean an outside entity, such as an auditor, would have to be involved in employee pay…:

Cut 13 (08)  “a difference”

_______________________________________________

After a lengthy debate, the House approved a measure to expand the list of conditions medical marijuana can be used to treat. New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno supports the proposal. She says there are families with sick children in Louisiana who need this medication. Moreno says there would still be strict limitations surrounding medical cannabis.

cut 14 (07)  “medical marijuana”

But Bossier City Representative Mike Johnson opposes the legislation. He says he wants to help these kids, but he doesn’t want to give more people in Louisiana access to this schedule I narcotic.

Cut 15 (04) “Pandora’s Box”

Johnson says many medical professionals do not support this kind of legislation. He quoted the American Epilepsy Society, saying medical cannabis can actually make some conditions worse.

Cut 16  (11)  “seizures”

Johnson also says there are FDA-approved drugs that treat some of the diseases in the proposal. But Moreno says just because a drug is approved by the FDA, doesn’t make it the best option.

Cut 17 (12)  “they cause” 

The measure passed on a 62-31 vote but goes back to the Senate for them to agree to changes made by the House.

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Former Iberville Parish teacher of the year will spend two years behind bars for having sex with three of his former students. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A Houma man has been arrested after he shot and killed his neighbor’s Pitbull because the dog bit his son. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (28)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A Houma man is facing animal cruelty charges after he allegedly shot and killed his neighbor’s pit bull. Sgt. Travis Theriot says 60-year-old Karl Kohman shot the 2-year-old dog after the K-9 bit his son.

CUT 3 (12)  “handgun”

Theriot says Kohman’s 34-year-old son was walking through the neighbor’s yard when the dog bit him on the ankle. He says Kohman hid the dog’s body after the shooting.

CUT 4 (06)  “local bayou”

Theriot says Kohman faces charges of aggravated cruelty to animals, illegal use of a weapon, obstruction of justice, and criminal trespassing. Theriot says if someone is bit by a dog, they should never take matters into their own hands.

CUT 5 (09)  “be taken”

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Former Iberville Parish teacher, Keavin Keith, will spend two years in prison for having sex with three of his former students. Keith was sentenced to 10 years in jail for five counts of felony carnal knowledge, but eight of the years were suspended. Sheriff Brett Stassi says he suggested 10 years of hard labor, but the decision is ultimately up to the courts.

CUT 6 (09) “sentence is”

Keith was the Iberville Parish teacher of the year in 2013. Stassi says DNA evidence found Keith fathered a child with one of his victims.

CUT 7 (10) “run in”

Keith pleaded no contest to all charges. Stassi says he hopes this conviction shows that behavior like that will not be tolerated in Iberville Parish.

CUT 8 (08) “held accountable”

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Police say a child was killed in Ruston this morning after being struck by her mother’s vehicle as she was dropping her child off at school. Ruston Police Deputy Chief Clint Williams says first responders arrived at New Living Word Church shortly before eight AM and made a heartbreaking discovery.

CUT 9 (09) “Ford Explorer”

Williams says it appears the 4-year-old child tried to exit the vehicle while it was still moving and fell out. He says the child was unresponsive when the EMTs arrived.

cut 10 (07)  “the child”

Williams says no charges have been filed against the child’s mother. He says the child apparently tried to get out of the vehicle while it was still moving.

Cut 11 (10) “the vehicle”

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The Edwards Administration is very concerned about state funding for healthcare, as the full House is set to debate the proposed spending plan for next fiscal year. Department of Health and Hospitals Sec. Rebekah Gee says the House budget committee shifted dollars away from DHH and this could lead to multiple hospital closures and would eliminate jobs that inspect potentially unsafe facilities…

cut 12 (10) “no sense”

Gee says the budget proposal approved by the House Appropriations Committee will also lead to major cuts to multiple waiver programs, including those that keep patients out of nursing homes and developmentally disabled children in their homes. She says DHH has over 230 million dollars in unmet needs.

Cut 13 (06)  “the impact”

House Appropriates Chairman Cameron Henry defended the reallocating of the dollars during a discussion of the proposed budget.

cut 14 (07)  “bit more”

===================================================

The Raise the Age Bill is moving closer to final legislative passage, as it has been approved by the House Criminal Justice Committee without objection. The measure would increase the age at which someone can be tried as an adult for nonviolent crimes from 17 to 18. Executive Director for the Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights Joshua Perry supports the bill. He says a mistake at 17 shouldn’t ruin someone’s life.

cut 15 (12) “higher education”

Pete Adams with the District Attorneys Association says his office has withdrawn their objection to the proposal. Perry says DA’s would still be able to prosecute some 17-year-olds as adults.

cut 16 (10) “hate crime bill”

The measure heads to the House floor for final legislative passage.

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The TOPS Scholarship is no longer guaranteed to cover a student’s full tuition starting in the fall of 2017, as Governor Edwards has signed a bill into law that decouples the award amount from tuition increases. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Sensible Marijuana Policy for Louisiana released two billboards to encourage people to call their legislators to vote in favor of expanding access to medical marijuana. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Authorities say a Prairieville woman has been arrested after her child ate methamphetamine. Gonzales police Sgt. Steven Nethken says 21-year-old Tyler Dauzat took her 2-year-old to the hospital when the child began exhibiting “erratic behavior.” Nethken says Dauzat was staying in a local hotel, when she left her child alone with her purse.

CUT 3 (08)  “her purse”

Nethken says the mother was at first evasive in answering questions at the hospital, but a blood screen of the toddler showed meth in her system.

CUT 4 (10)  “the methamphetamine”

Nethken says the child was stabilized and taken to a Baton Rouge Pediatric Center. He says Dauzat was subsequently arrested.

CUT 5 (09)  “minor child”

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Governor Edwards signs into law a bill that means the TOPS scholarship is no longer guaranteed to cover the full cost of a student’s tuition, starting in the fall of 2017. The bill locks in the amount of a TOPS scholarship at next year’s amount, and the award will not automatically increase, even if tuition costs go up. Executive Director of the Taylor Foundation, Dr. James Callier, says tuition increases have hurt the scholarship program.

CUT 6 (06) “increases”

If tuition costs continue to rise, students will have to pay more of their tuition, unless the legislature agrees to increase TOPS payments. Mandeville Senator Jack Donahue says this bill won’t solve all of the TOPS funding issues, but it’s a start.

CUT 7 (05) “we have”

Donahue says TOPS has been beneficial to Louisiana students, and the program needs to be preserved for future students as well.

CUT 8 (06) “forever”

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Sensible Marijuana Policy for Louisiana has launched billboards in Baton Rouge and Shreveport in hopes to encourage people to contact their legislators to vote in favor of legislation that would expand access to medical marijuana. SMPL spokesperson Jacob Irving says if you don’t make an effort, lawmakers will assume you don’t care.

CUT 9 (10) “yourselves”

The Louisiana Sheriff’s Association opposes broadening the access to medical marijuana because they believe it will lead to the legalization on recreational pot. Katie Corkern is featured on the billboard and is mom to Connor, who has a seizure disorder. She says Connor is on six FDA approved medications that do not control his seizures and cause horrific side effects that are withering his body away.

cut 10 (08)  “talk about”

President of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of South Louisiana and father to John, a child suffering from Crohn’s disease, Alan Pesch says the medicine John is currently taking can cause a rare form of cancer. He hopes this legislation will pass and allow people from other states to come to Louisiana to receive medical marijuana.

Cut 11 (10) “to Louisiana”

The bill that would add more medical conditions that could utilize medical marijuana is expected to be debated on the House floor tomorrow.

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The yearbook from West Monroe’s Good Hope Middle School is full of smiling children, and one very special furry friend. Presley, a service dog, got her own headshot in the yearbook next to her owner, 14-year-old Joseph “Seph” Ware, who has muscular dystrophy. Sonya Hogg is the yearbook advisor at Good Hope, and she says the 5-year-old golden doodle got her picture because to everyone at the school, Presley is just another student.

cut 12 (04) “quiet student”

Hogg says Presley follows the schedule and sits in class just like all the other students. She says Presley even signed the kids’ yearbooks, with a little help from Seph.

Cut 13 (05)  “from Presley”

Presley’s yearbook debut is making headlines across the country, but Hogg says it was a natural decision to include her. She says the purpose of the yearbook is for kids to look back years later and remember their time at the school.

cut 14 (08)  “love her”

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An attack on a member of law enforcement, firefighters or EMS would be considered a hate crime under a measure headed to the Senate floor. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says the hate crime law currently covers violence against people because of their race, gender, religion, age, disability or nationality — and this bill expands that…:

cut 15 (07) “EMS”

There was little discussion on the bill in Senate committee and there was no objection. Some have expressed concern about opening up the hate crime law to occupations, and say the measure is not necessary. But Harris says we need to add additional protections for those assigned to protect and serve…:

cut 16 (10) “hate crime bill”

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A House Committee is proposing to give Attorney General Jeff Landry more control over his office’s budget by removing it from the state’s general operating budget. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A poll finds the 52% of Louisianans would vote for Republican Donald Trump and 36% would vote for Democrat Hillary Clinton. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Bossier Parish Deputies say a school bus driver has been arrested for a DWI, shortly after she dropped of a busload of kids at school. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A House committee proposes to give Attorney General Jeff Landry more power over his budget. House Appropriations Chairman, Cameron Henry of Metairie, says Landry requested more freedom to determine how to spend his agency’s allotted state funds.

cut 4  (10)  “move money around”

The House Appropriations Committee voted 17-6 to remove the A.G. office from the state’s general operating budget and give Landry his own budget. But New Orleans Representative Walt Leger doesn’t think this move is constitutional.

Cut 5  (07)  “the past”

Governor John Bel Edwards says this action is not only unconstitutional, it’s just bad policy.

Cut 6 (09)  “agencies”

The House appropriations panel also voted to eliminate the Inspector General’s Office from the proposed budget, saying it overlaps with work done by state police, the attorney general, and legislative auditors. But Inspector General Stephen Street says his agency investigates tough political cases that other agencies will not.

CUT 7 (11)  “place else” 

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A bill to require warnings 500 feet ahead of red-light camera intersections heads to the house floor for final legislative passage. The author of the legislation, New Orleans Sen. Troy Carter, believes this would limit the ability for cities to bring in revenue, which currently collects a substantial amount.

Cut 8  (06)  “due notice” 

Carter says right now there is barely any opportunity for a driver issued a red-light camera ticket to take their case to court. He says the second part of the bill is to provide for due process.

Cut 9 (09)  “to challenge”

Carter says this would allow a person the opportunity to prove their case, whereas currently you get a ticket and that’s it.

Cut 10 (08) “be heard”

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A poll from JMC Analytics finds if the presidential election was held today, the majority of Louisianans would pick Republican Donald Trump over Democrat Hillary Clinton, 52 to 36-percet. Pollster John Couvillon says nearly 6 in 10 voters disapprove of Clinton.

cut 11 (10) “frank remarks”

 According to the poll of over 600 likely voters, 47-percent approve of Trump, while 43-percent disapprove. Couvillon says among woman voters, 48% support Trump while 41% do not.

cut 12 (10) “like that”

Couvillion says the poll also found people in the Alexandria area really support Trump, where he has 66-29-percent lead. He says he found very little evidence of Republican disunity in the poll.

Cut 13 (10)  “republicans”

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Deputies say a Bossier parish school bus driver has been arrested for a DWI, immediately after she dropped of dozens of children. Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lt. Bill Davis says 33-year-old Bridget Whitley reported for a random drug screen after her morning route, where she showed signs of intoxication.

cut 14 (10)  “for DWI”

This is Whitley’s 2nd DWI, and Davis says she admitted to investigators that she had been drinking the night before this incident. He says he can’t believe someone would endanger children like this.

Cut 15 (11) “of parents”

Davis says this drug test was random, and none of the children on the bus reported anything unusual about Whitley that morning. He says these random tests are typical for parish employees.

Cut 16  (05)  “happened here”

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LSU shortstop Kramer Robertson is expected to play tonight against Notre Dame, despite a badly swollen upper lip and braces on his top teeth after getting hit with a baseball last weekend. Coach Paul Mainieri says Robertson is one tough cookie and a big reason why they’ve won 31 games this year,..

Cut 17 (20)  right now” 

The Tigers begin a two-game series against the Fighting Irish tonight. After tomorrow’s game, LSU will begin a three-game series against Tennessee on Friday. Mainieri believes his players will enjoy this five-game road trip…

Cut 18 (12) “these kids”

Senior left-hander John Valek will pitch tonight. Valek was the Tigers Sunday starter for most of the season, but lost that role, because of poor production. Valek says he’s looking forward to another opportunity on the mound…

Cut 19 (16) “pitch again”

Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden has filed paperwork to run for Congress. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana is ranked third most dangerous state for teen drivers, according to a new study from Carinsurance.com. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Baton Rouge mayor Kip Holden has filed his paperwork to run for Congress. Holden is expected to challenge fellow Democrat and incumbent US Representative Cedic Richmond, who represents the 2^nd District which covers New Orleans and parts of the River Parishes and Baton Rouge. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Holden, who is term-limited as a mayor, is a strong candidate.

CUT 3 (08)  “for him”

While Holden will have support from Baton Rouge voters, Pinsonat says he may need to get support from organizations in New Orleans to win more votes in that area.

CUT 4 (05)  “very viable”

Pinsonat says Holden’s campaign for Lt. Governor last year was unsuccessful, probably because he didn’t raise enough campaign money. He says Holden will have to do a lot better with his fundraising this year…

CUT 5 (11)  “just announcing”

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A new study from Carinsurance.com shows Louisiana is the third most dangerous state for teen drivers. Highway safety advocate, Col. Jim Champagne is not surprised because he says we give teen drivers too much freedom at an early age.

CUT 6 (12) “until 18″

Champagne says Louisiana also allows driver’s permits at 15, but the rest of the country doesn’t allow permits until 16, and the driving curfew for teen divers is earlier in other states. Champagne says we are giving our kids the ability to seriously hurt themselves, their passengers, and other drivers.

CUT 7 (09) “the nation”

The study also found Louisiana teens are driving drunk at a rate of 9-percent, and 49-percent are texting and driving. Champagne says unfortunately law enforcement is too busy with other traffic problems to pay enough attention to teen drivers.

CUT 8 (10) “our teens”

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The Jimmy Davis Bridge in Shreveport-Bossier City will not get its planned renovation anytime soon because the construction contract has been terminated. Department of Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallett says the plan has been halted because of a protected species of bird that’s nesting on the bridge.

CUT 9 (10) “the work”

Mallett says the Highway 511 Bridge will still be renovated, as soon as DOTD can figure out the best way to go about repairing the bridge without hurting the cliff swallows living there.

cut 10 (12)  “painting issue”

Mallett says the 23-million dollars is still allocated for the project. He says there are multiple angles to tackling this issue, and that’s what DOTD officials are looking into now.

Cut 11 (05) “Shreveport area”

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The House Appropriations Committee has approved a spending plan for next fiscal year that fully funds TOPS. The governor’s proposed budget only funded a third of the costs associated with the program. Chairman, Cameron Henry of Metairie, says they came up with the 183-million dollars to fully fund TOPS by taking dollars from other departments…

cut 12 (06) “for priorities”

While speaking to the Baton Rouge Press Club today, Governor John Bel Edwards expressed concerns about cutting funding from various agencies that have already seen their budgets slashed…

Cut 13 (08)  “dollar amounts”

Henry says making sure tuition for TOPS scholarships are fully funded is a priority. But Edwards says an across the board cut in other areas of the budget to get that accomplished is not a good idea…

cut 14 (08)  “of thing”