Today, the House Appropriations Committee is expected to approve a proposed budget for next fiscal year that will fully fund TOPS. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The tiny Tensas Parish town of St. Joseph may finally get their water problems resolved, as members of the governor’s staff are there today to discuss fixing the brown tap water. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

The U.S. Senate election is six months away and so far it’s been a slow race. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (25) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________________

A bill that would prohibit open burning of explosives and munitions could be withdrawn from the regular session. There’s opposition from a company called Clean Harbors, which has a location near Colfax that open burns. Minden Rep. Gene Reynolds says he’s talked with Clean Harbors and the state department of environmental quality….

cut 4  (05)  “things out”

Reynolds says if lawmakers and Clean Harbors are able to come up with a reliable solution, the bill will no longer be necessary.

Cut 5  (10)  “in statute”

Reynolds says in the bill’s place would be a House resolution which would call for local input before Clean Harbors can receive a new permit next year.

Cut 6 (05)  “working on”

___________________________________________________

Key members of the Governor’s staff are in St. Joseph today, where  brown water is flowing from faucets in the Tensas Parish town. The governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Julie Baxter Payer, says they are there to inform St. Joseph residents about what’s being done to improve the drinking water…

CUT 7 (08)  “as possible” 

Baxter Payer says there is $7.8 million available to repair the town’s water system, but unfortunately St. Joseph cannot receive the money, because it has yet to complete a 2015 financial audit. She says they are waiting on a court to approve a financial manager that will be assigned to improve the town’s financial records…

Cut 8  (10)  “status” 

Residents of St. Joseph say the tap water has been pale yellow to murky brown for over 8 years. Baxter Payer hopes everyone will come out to their 5pm meeting to discuss the water.

Cut 9 (10)  “to come”

___________________________________________________

We’re six months away from Louisiana’s U.S. Senate election and it’s been a slow race so far. That’s the opinion of ULM Political Science Professor, Dr. Joshua Stockley, who says we haven’t seen or heard much from the nine declared candidates. He says this election is very similar to last year’s governor’s election.

Cut 10 (10) “to date”

Stockley says we’ll see an uptick in attention to the race after the major party conventions in the summer. He says right now, many voters are focused on the state’s budget problems and the legislative session.

cut 11 (10) “attuned”

Stockley says the presidential election will likely play a role in who wins this Senate seat. He says right now, the favorites are any of the major Republican candidates.

cut 12 (10) “picks up”

_______________________________________________

The House Appropriations Committee will vote today on a proposed budget for next fiscal year that’s expected to fully fund the TOPS scholarship program. Governor John Bel Edwards proposed spending plan only allocated a third of the approximately 300-million dollars needed to fully cover tuition costs for eligible students. Chairman of the committee, Cameron Henry of Metairie, says that’s not enough….

Cut 13 (07)  “that’s covered”

If legislators fully fund TOPS that means 183-million dollars will be moved from other areas of the budget. Edwards says it would be great if the state can cover 100-percent of the costs for TOPS, but that will mean less state funding for hospitals, public education and state prisons…

cut 14 (05)  “do that”

But Henry says TOPS is a priority for a majority of House members and if state agencies receive less funding next fiscal year than they currently receive, they’ll have to make do…

Cut 15 (09) “for them”

__________________________________________________________

After couple of wild victories on Friday and Saturday night, LSU had a normal win on Saturday as they defeated Arkansas 7-1 on Mother’s Day. After giving up nine runs on Saturday, the Tigers had a much better pitching performance on Sunday. Freshman Caleb Gilbert made his first start and pitched five scoreless innings. Coach Paul Mainieri was proud of Gilbert’s performance…

Cut 16  (15)  “the stretch”

LSU catcher Jordan Romero put the game out of reach with a three-run homer in the 5th inning. Romero’s team-leading 8th home run came on a 3-0 pitch…

Cut 17 (18)   off of it” 

LSU’s Kramer Robertson played on Sunday despite a huge fat lip, after getting hit by a ball on Saturday night on a throw from the outfield. Robertson had one hit in Sunday’s win and Mainieri admires the toughness of his starting shortstop…

Cut 18 (17) “the team”

Mother’s Day is Sunday and the Department of Health and Hospitals is reminding moms to get regular health checks. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Louisiana prosecutors decide not to file any criminal charges in the death of a mentally ill man, who was shot and killed by sheriff deputies last December. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 2 (28)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

With Mother’s Day on Sunday, the Department of Health and Hospitals is urging all women to get regular health checks, including mammograms. Secretary Rebekah Gee says she lost her mother to breast cancer when she was 16 and doesn’t want others to go through the same experience. Gee says you don’t want to wait until it’s too late.

CUT 3 (07)  “your doctor”

The American Cancer Society suggests women 45 to 54 should get yearly mammograms to detect breast cancer. Gee says many women are scared to get mammograms, but she says cancer isn’t a death sentence.

CUT 4 (10)  “be treated”

Gee says cervical cancer screenings are also important and there are many vaccines to prevent cervical cancer. She recommends women get regular PAP tests starting at age 21 every three to five years.

CUT 5 (07)  “as well”

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

Louisiana prosecutors ruled this morning that no charges will be filed in the fatal officer-involved shooting of a mentally-ill man last year. State Police say 32-year-old Michael Noel was shot and killed at his home in St. Martin parish last December when officers attempted to take him into protective custody. St. Martin Parish Assistant District Attorney Chester Cedars says no one was charged in the incident, because there was no crime.

CUT 6 (08) “the law”

In March, Noel’s relatives sued St. Martin Parish Sheriff Ronald Theriot and the two deputies involved in the incidence, claiming the shooting was unprovoked. Noel reportedly attacked the officers as they attempted to subdue him and drive him to a hospital. Cedars says Noel was posing a threat to the officers before the shooting.

CUT 7 (08) “both officers”

Noel’s mother, Barbara, told the Associated Press she is “furious” no criminal charges were handed down against the deputies. The officers reportedly shocked Noel with a stun gun, but he allegedly tried to stab one of the officers with an unsecured handcuff. Cedars says the officers did what they had to do.

CUT 8 (11) “criminal offense”

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

Saturday’s PowerBall jackpot has reached a whopping 415 million dollars. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kimberly Chopin says this is the 7^th largest PowerBall jackpot ever. She says buying your mom a Powerball ticket for Mother’s Day will definitely make a great gift.

CUT 9 (07) “as well”

Chopin says there is a 17-percent chance that Saturday’s PowerBall jackpot will be hit and the cash value of the jackpot is estimated to be 270 million dollars. She says the recent PowerBall jackpots have boosted ticket sales 50-percent from this time last year.

cut 10 (10)  “jackpots”

Chopin says it only takes one ticket to win. She says the PowerBall gets so much attention because when the jackpot gets this high, everyone talks about what they would do with their money.

Cut 11 (08) “big wins”

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

The 2016 Competitive Alternatives study by the firm KPMG shows that north Louisiana is the most competitive place to do business in the country. Scott Martinez, President of the North Louisiana Economic Partnership, says that’s due to a business friendly environment.

cut 12 (11) “availability”

Monroe and Shreveport ranked as the top two most competitive business markets, and Louisiana cities make up 8 of the top 10 for competitive markets. Martinez says low utility costs in north Louisiana also help businesses.

Cut 13 (10)  “competitively priced”

The data from the study shows that Monroe and Shreveport each rank about 8-percent lower than the national average for business costs. Martinez says north Louisiana has been ranked at the top of the most affordable places to do business since 2008.

cut 14 (07)  “in particularly”

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

With only four more weeks left in the regular session, Emelie Gunn looks at what legislators will be discussing before they adjourn on June 6^th…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

 With Mother’s Day on Sunday, many people will treat Mom to a nice meal. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Senator Fred Mills’ bill, which expands the list of medical conditions that medical marijuana can be used to treat, has the support of Governor John Bel Edwards. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________________

There is a month left in the legislative session and lawmakers still have a lot to. Jeremy Alford with LaPolitics.com says the budget is the biggest concern for legislators. He says lawmakers are working to pass a balanced budget with a 600 million dollar shortfall before the session ends on June 6^th and funding TOPS is a major priority.

cut 4  (10)  “that amount”

The House Appropriations committee is expected to make changes to the proposed budget for next fiscal year on Monday and send the spending plan to the House floor. Alford also says one of the governor’s main bills for the session, a measure that raises the minimum wage, faces an uphill climb.

Cut 5  (10)  “budget crunch”

Governor John Bel Edwards is expected to call a second special session in June. It make take a second special session to figure out funding for TOPS. Alford says one bill that will likely be signed by the governor soon, is a measure that could one day lead to TOPS recipients no longer having their full tuition paid for…

Cut 6 (07)  “rate increases”

___________________________________________________

Mother’s Day is this Sunday and restaurants will be packed with families getting together to celebrate Mom. Louisiana Restaurant Association spokesperson Erica Burns says this is the most popular day of the year to dine out. She advises husbands and kids, if you haven’t made a reservation yet, do so now before it’s too late.

CUT 7 (10)  “a restaurant” 

Burns says many restaurants have specials or even give gifts to honor Mom. He says both fine dining and every day restaurants book up quickly around lunch for Mother’s Day.

Cut 8  (09)  “at night” 

Burns says Valentine’s Day is the next biggest holiday where people go out to eat. She expects to see a lot of families outdoor dining with the nice weather that’s expected.

Cut 9 (05)  “Mother’s Day”

___________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards says he supports Parks Senator Fred Mills’ bill to expand the list of diseases medical marijuana can be used to treat. But Edwards says this is not a step towards legalization of pot.

Cut 10 (09) “that direction”

Edwards says he knows of many people, especially children who need medical cannabis to cope with a disorder. He says the state shouldn’t stand between doctors and the parents when it comes to what’s best for those children.

cut 11 (07) “to move”

Mills’ medical marijuana legislation is facing opposition from district attorneys and sheriffs, because they are concerned that too many people might have access to the drug. Edwards believes medical marijuana should be available for those with seizure disorders, but he’s also interested in limiting the number of disorders the drug could be used for.

cut 12 (07) “medical conditions”

Mills’ bill has already passed out of the Senate and is awaiting approval by the full House.

_______________________________________________

Strippers in Louisiana could soon be required to be at least 21 years old, as a bill to raise the minimum age for strippers is heading to the House for final legislative approval. Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns told the House Judiciary Committee he authored the bill to combat sex trafficking.

Cut 13 (07)  “strip clubs”

Jim Kelly, executive director of the Covenant House in New Orleans, supports the bill. Kelly says he knows many young girls who are victims of sex trafficking that end up working in strip clubs at a very young age.

cut 14 (08)  “same establishment”

Amite Representative Robby Carter also supports the legislation. He says lawmakers need to do something to stop human trafficking in Louisiana.

Cut 15 (08) “or something”

The bill was unanimously approved by the House Judiciary Committee.

__________________________________________________________

LSU Baseball Coach Paul Mainieri will start Alex Lange on the mound tonight against Arkansas, instead of Jared Poche, who has been the Tigers Friday night starter for most of the season. Mainieri likes how Lange has been throwing the ball lately…

Cut 16  (17)  “dominating stuff”

LSU enters tonight’s game with an 11-10 record in SEC Play, while Arkansas is just 7-and-14. But Mainieri is expecting three tough games with the Razorbacks….

Cut 17 (15)   always been” 

Lange says he’s excited about the Friday night start, his first in regular season play….

Cut 18 (08) “the opportunity”

The five uncommitted Marco Rubio delegates in Louisiana have announced they will support Donald Trump, as he is now the presumptive Republican nominee. Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (24)  “I’m Don Molino”

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

A Senate approved bill to legalize the sale of raw milk was shot down in a House committee. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Louisiana’s five uncommitted Marco Rubio delegates have announced that they will back the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump. Kirk Williamson, a Louisiana delegate, says the delegates are following the voters’ lead.

CUT 3 (06)  “the fall”

Williamson says the most important thing right now is party unity. He thinks one way to achieve that would be for Trump to choose Rubio as his running mate.

CUT 4 (10)  “vice president”

Williamson says the delegates will rally behind the candidate who has the best chance of defeating the Democratic opponent in the general election. He says although all Republicans may not like Trump, it’s better than the alternative.

CUT 5 (08)  “nominee”

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

A measure is making its way through the legislature that would prohibit Louisiana cities from receiving state dollars for construction projects if they don’t enforce federal immigration law. The bill is heading to the Senate after a lengthy debate on the House floor. Denham Springs Representative Valerie Hodges says sanctuary cities are a threat to national security.

CUT 6 (03) “that’s anarchy”

The bill could hurt Lafayette and New Orleans because they are considered sanctuary cities. New Orleans police has a policy in which they do not assist with federal immigration enforcement, and the Lafayette Sheriff’s Office says it won’t hold offenders for Immigration and Customs Enforcement without a court order. Hodges says cities should not work against federal agencies.

CUT 7 (09) “federal authorities”

But New Orleans Representative Walt Leger opposes the bill. He says it’s not the local governments place to have to do the federal government’s job.

CUT 8 (10) “immigration laws”

Under this proposal, the Attorney General would decide if a sanctuary city would be able to borrow state dollars for construction projects. Leger says this would hurt New Orleans if the city wanted to update the infrastructure at the port of New Orleans.

CUT 9 (11) “in infrastructure”

Governor John Bel Edwards says he has some concerns with the legislation as well.

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

A bill to legalize the sale of raw milk died in a House committee today. State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says pasteurizing milk kills the bacteria and removes the risk. He says federal government agencies agree that there are significant risks when it comes to drinking raw milk.

cut 10 (09)  “see deaths”

Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain says there will continue to be outbreaks of disease if raw milk is legalized. He says raw milk is 150 times riskier to drink than pasteurized milk.

Cut 11 (10) “post contamination”

Sponsor of the bill, Ville Platte Sen. Eric LeFleur, says right now, people who want to drink raw milk have to buy it in other states or on the black market. He says this bill is about the freedom of choice and raw milk would not be sold in grocery stores.

cut 12 (10) “your neighbor”

Wendy Adams with the Libertarian party says she supports the legislation because this bill is about freedom and choice. She says no one is in any danger of walking into a supermarket and accidentally buying raw milk rather than pasteurized milk.

Cut 13 (10)  “your family”

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

The State Fire Marshal has put out a warning about electronic cigarettes, after two people were recently burned in Louisiana when their vaporizing device exploded. Deputy Chief Brant Thompson says in both cases the batteries in the vaping mods overheated…

cut 14 (11)  “caught fire”

A Baton Rouge man suffered second and third-degree burns to his leg and hand after the battery in his device overheated, and a Houma man also suffered serious burns when his mod exploded. Thompson advises people to be careful when carrying batteries to make sure they don’t come in contact with other metal objects. He says it’s also important to make sure the batteries are in good condition.

cut 15 (11) “for use”

Thompson warns people against using cheap knock off batteries, as they may be more likely to overheat. He says use the right battery for your mod.

cut 16 (08) “retailers”

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

The House has approved a measure to allow public high school students to participate in a national survey on sexual risks. Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (22)  “I’m Don Molino”

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

Since Ted Cruz and John Kasich have both dropped out of the presidential race, Donald Trump is now the presumptive Republican nominee. Michelle Southern has the story…

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

A bill to allow public high school students to participate in a national sex survey scarcely got enough votes to pass the House. Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith authors the bill. She says Louisiana has a high rate of STDs and pregnancy among teens. Opponents of the bill say it’s the parents’ place to talk about these things with their kids, but Smith says that isn’t working.

CUT 3 (09)  “policy”

Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle supports the legislation. She says lawmakers need to do something to prevent the cases of STDs and teen pregnancy from continuing to increase.

CUT 4 (09)  “the problem”

Students would not be required to participate, and parents would be able to opt their child out.  Shreveport Representative Thomas Carmody also spoke in support of the bill. He says the survey is anonymous, and it is not mandatory.

CUT 5 (10)  “their behavior”

The measure passed on a 53-40 vote and moves to the Senate.

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

A bill to restrict college athletic teams in Louisiana, except for LSU, from traveling more than 375 miles to play games has been withdrawn. Baton Rouge Rep. Steve Carter, says he’s decided not to push his measure further, but told the House Education Committee we’re using taxpayer dollars to fund athletic programs when the state is in a massive budget deficit.

CUT 6 (09) “TOPS kids”

Carter says he’s trying to make a point on the state’s priorities. He says there are a lot of out of student athletes using state dollars to travel when this money could be used to prevent cuts on the academic side….

CUT 7 (04) “be spent”

Carter says money used to fund long road trips for athletic teams could be put towards hiring new professors or for the TOPS scholarship program.

CUT 8 (09) “with TOPS”

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

The Powerball Jackpot for tonight’s drawing is up to $348 million. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says this jackpot is one of the top ten biggest jackpots in lottery history.

CUT 9 (08) “jackpot ever”

Chopin says Powerball has been producing big jackpots that the players have come to expect.

cut 10 (12)  “jackpot”

Chopin says Louisiana has had 15 Powerball jackpot winners. She says the last jackpot winner from Louisiana was in May of 2014. She says a Louisianan is due to win the grand prize again

Cut 11 (10) “in 2008″

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

Donald Trump is now the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, as both Ted Cruz and John Kasich have both dropped out of the race. UL-Lafayette political science professor Pearson Cross says Trump might start to reign in some of his controversial comments to get more voters to rally behind him.

cut 12 (08) “the convention”

Cross says not all Republicans will be happy to see Trump uncontested at the convention, but he doesn’t think the GOP will look for another nominee.

Cut 13 (07)  “some of that”

Cross says Trump probably cannot count on getting much of the Democratic vote, because most Bernie Sanders supporters say they would support Hillary Clinton if Sanders didn’t get the nomination. Cross says Republicans will likely do what they can to market Trump to more of the party.

cut 14 (10)  “support him”

A study finds Louisiana ranks as the 4^th worst state for working moms. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (25) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

The state department of health and hospitals is providing guidance to prevent the spread of the Zika virus. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The man behind the viral Crime Stoppers videos, Captain Clay Higgins, has released another video, which seems to hint the he may run for public office. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________________

220 retired research chimps at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s New Iberia research center will move to a new sanctuary in Blue Ridge, Georgia. Project Chimps is a non-profit organization and has negotiated with the university to move the chimps over the next several years. President Sarah Baeckler Davis says starting in June, chimps will start moving to the 236-acre sanctuary.

cut 4  (07)  “moved here”

Baeckler Davis says the NIRC decided to retire the chimps from research in 2015 before they were reclassified under the Endangered Species Act. She says the Georgia sanctuary will be the perfect environment to house the retired chimpanzees.

Cut 5  (10)  “a kitchen”

Baeckler Davis says this is the first time a non-federal program has released an entire population of research chimpanzees.

Cut 6 (06)  “retirement facility”___________________________________________________

Louisiana is the 4^th worst state for working moms, according to a study by the personal finance website, WalletHub. WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzalez says they looked at the cost of daycare, professional opportunities, and work and life balance. She says daycare and professional opportunities led to Louisiana’s poor ranking.

CUT 7 (07)  “ranked 47th” 

Gonzalez says in terms of daycare quality, Louisiana scored a 57 out of 150 points. She says the state also has a lot of single mothers living in poverty.

Cut 8  (10)  “in poverty” 

Gonzalez says Louisiana also ranked 43^rd for the gender pay gap.

Cut 9 (07)  “at least”

___________________________________________________

State health officials are offering guidance on how people can prevent the transmission of Zika virus. Dr. Frank Welch, with the department of health and hospitals, says the mosquito that carries Zika will be active in Louisiana this summer, but it won’t just be mosquitoes spreading the virus.

Cut 10 (11) “feel ill”

Welch says the virus can also be transmitted through sexual contact. He says if someone has a partner who has traveled to South America or the Caribbean, they need to take extra precautions, especially if the woman is pregnant.

cut 11 (09) “her baby”

Welch advises people to clear any standing water out of their yards, and wear long sleeves, pants and mosquito repellant. He says Southeastern Louisiana, and Lake Pontchartrain in particular, will be high risk areas because that’s where the mosquito that carries Zika lives.

cut 12 (10) “areas are”

_______________________________________________

Captain Clay Higgins, who achieved fame for his viral crime stoppers videos, has released another video where he addresses a few of his concerns about our country, even hinting that he may consider running for public office. Higgins told the Jim Engster Show the response to his video has been incredible.

Cut 13 (09)  “the country”

Higgins says after he resigned from the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, he wasn’t sure what direction his life would take. He says before he decides to run for an elected office, he wanted to put his feeling about the state of the nation out there.

cut 14 (10)  “nation faces”

In the newest viral video, Higgins says America’s once respected status has been diminished and national debt has skyrocketed because of career politicians in Washington. Higgins says if he is called by the people of his state and his country to serve, he would step up to the plate.

Cut 15 (08) “these things”

Higgins says if he decides to run for office, he’ll make the announcement sometime next week.

__________________________________________________________

LSU Coach Paul Mainieri says he will make changes to the weekend pitching rotation. The Tigers have lost their last two SEC series as Sunday starter John Valek has been hit hard and junior left-hander Jared Poche has given up 10 earned runs in his last two starts. Mainieri says he’ll announce the new pitching rotation on Thursday….

Cut 16  (08)  “midweek games”

The Tigers will begin an SEC Series against Arkansas on Friday. Mainieri says SEC teams have caught on to how Valek pitches, but the coach believes will bounce back after a couple of rough outings…

Cut 17 (23)      we need him”

With three SEC series left, the Tigers are in fourth place in the West division with an 11-10 record. Mainieri anticipates his team will finish the regular season strong….

Cut 18 (24) “third baseman”

Legislation to allow victims of domestic violence with a protective order to carry a concealed handgun with an expedited and temporary permit now moves to the full House. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

A bill to expand the list of diseases for which doctors can prescribe medical marijuana barely made it out of the House Health and Welfare Committee. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

Public school students could start getting lessons in personal finance management, if a bill by Minden Representative Gene Reynolds gains more approval in the legislature. The measure has been approved in the House Education Committee with no objection. Reynolds says this proposal would not create a financial literacy course. He says teachers could add finance lessons to the regular curriculum.

CUT 3 (07)  “whole idea”

Reynolds says students in every grade can learn something about money. He says even in kindergarten, you learn to count pennies, which he says could be considered financial literacy. He says many schools are already teaching students about finance management.

CUT 4 (06)  “special projects”

The bill now moves to the House floor.

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

Another proposal aimed at public schools by New Orleans Representative Walt Leger would require students to have wellness exams before entering kindergarten and sixth grade. Leger says this just ensures that any health issue that a student may have can be caught early.

CUT 5 (07)  “and otherwise”

But Houma Representative Beryl Amedee says this could cost the state more money, because kids who use government healthcare would be required to get medically unnecessary exams at the state’s expense.

CUT 6 (10) “not necessary”

Leger says parents would be able to opt out of getting the exams, like they can with vaccines. He says these exams would benefit all students who get them, even if they are healthy.

CUT 7 (09) “evaluated”

The measure passed on a 59-37 vote and moves to the Senate.

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

A bill to allow victims of domestic violence who have been issued a protective order to carry a concealed handgun with an expedited and temporary permit passed out of the House Criminal Justice committee. Author of the legislation, Denham Springs Rep. Valerie Hodges, says according to the FBI, a woman is battered every 15 seconds. She says she is committed to protecting victims of domestic violence.

CUT 8 (10) “Trade Center”

Hodges says this is a very real problem and right now it takes six to eight weeks to obtain a permit. Wade Duty with the Louisiana Shooting Association says it’s very hard to get into a class and a woman could be killed waiting to take a training course.

CUT 9 (10) “this bill”

The measure now heads to the full House. The NRA supports expediting the process for obtaining concealed carry permit. Hodges says daughters, sisters, and mothers are being murdered at the hands of former loved ones and wants to give them a chance.

cut 10 (08)  “the attack”

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

Buying, selling, transporting, or donating fetal tissue from an abortion could earn someone a bed behind bars for at least 10 years, under a proposal by Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti. The bill has been approved by the Senate, as well as a House committee. Gatti says people should not benefit in any way from induced abortions.

Cut 11 (07) “be sold”

Gatti says this bill does not apply to donating fetal tissue for stem cell research or umbilical cord blood. He says he put every word that could possibly be used for this act, to make sure that everyone involved can be prosecuted.

cut 12 (09) “criminal law”

The measure passed the House Health and Welfare committee without opposition and now heads to the full House.

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

A bill that expands the number of diseases for which medical marijuana can be prescribed was narrowly approved by the House Health and Welfare Committee today.  St. Martin Parish Senator Fred Mills is the author of the legislation and says he’s encountered many individuals who say medical cannabis can help their child cope with numerous diseases.

Cut 13 (09)  “back yard”

When the legislature approved the legal dispensing of medical marijuana last year, they only allowed three different diseases to receive the medication. Katie Corkern says her son, who has uncontrollable seizures, could benefit from medical marijuana and doesn’t understand why lawmakers would oppose a bill that could help her child.

cut 14 (12)  “was seizing”

Dr. Will Hall with the Louisiana Baptist Office of Public Policy spoke out against the bill. He says this proposal would put medical marijuana in the hands of more and more people without prescriptions.

cut 15 (05) “promote expansion”

Pete Adams, Executive Director of the Louisiana DA’s Association, also opposes the measure because he says medical cannabis has not been proven to help with these illnesses. He says this bill is a gateway to total legalization.

cut 16 (11) “of marijuana”

The bill passed on an 8-6 vote and moves to the full House for more debate.

It’s Air Quality Awareness month, and the Department of Environmental Quality has announced that the air quality in Louisiana is better than it’s been since the 1800s. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards is touring the state with the Secretary of the Department of Health and Hospitals, Dr. Rebekah Gee to raise awareness about Medicaid expansion. Don Molino has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Don Molino”

______________________________________

Legislation that could result in TOPS students no longer having their entire tuition paid for has been approved by the House and heads to the governor for his signature. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________________

May is Air Quality Awareness month, and the Department of Environmental Quality says Louisiana’s air quality is better than it’s been since the start of the Industrial Revolution. DEQ senior scientist Vivian Aucoin says that’s because they have improved the quality of the air in parts of the state where it was lacking.

cut 4  (08)  “quality standards”

Aucoin says everybody is doing their part to reduce pollution or unhealthy air, even major industrial facilities. She says environmental agencies have done well to enforce higher air quality standards.

Cut 5  (11)  “cleaner”

But Director of the Louisiana Bucket Brigade, Anne Rolfes, doesn’t think Louisiana’s air is any cleaner. She says the state does a poor job of monitoring the air in areas where it’s the worst.

Cut 6 (08)  “closely enough”

Rolfes says in neighborhoods near oil refineries and other plants, the air just stinks, literally. She says her organization works with the EPA to get air quality readings in those areas, and their information shows the air is not any cleaner.

CUT 7 (08)  “screening levels” 

___________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards has kicked off his statewide tour to discuss Medicaid expansion. Over the next month, Edwards and Secretary of the Department of Health and Hospitals, Dr. Rebekah Gee, will visit cities to raise awareness and answer questions about who will be eligible to enroll for the government health insurance on June 1st. Edwards also announced that the state’s health program has a new name.

Cut 8  (11)  “of Louisiana” 

State health officials say the expanded Medicaid program will be able to cover an estimated 350,000 working poor individuals. Edwards says he wants to make sure that the people of Louisiana have all the information they need when it comes to Medicaid expansion before enrollment begins.

Cut 9 (08)  “July 1″

Edwards and Gee emphasized the importance of the new website healthy-dot-la-dot-gov, which provides information about the Medicaid expansion. Gee says people should understand their healthcare options, so they can choose the plan that’s best for them.

Cut 10 (09) “your providers”

___________________________________________________

The Senate has approved legislation that would send 17-year-old non-violent offenders through the juvenile court system, instead of adult court. The measure was approved on a 33-4 vote. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says 17-year-olds who are convicted of crimes would be better off if they didn’t go to adult jail.

cut 11 (08) “hardened criminal”

Morrell says violent offenders will still be able to be charged as adults, but under the current law, even those who commit minor offenses are required to be charged as adults.

cut 12 (11) “adult facility”

Morrell says 17-year-olds aren’t allowed to vote, sign a contract, or join the military. He says these offenders are not adults, and they don’t belong in the adult court system.

Cut 13 (08)  “a child”

The bill, which is supported by Governor Edwards, heads to the House for more discussion.

_______________________________________________

Legislation is heading to the governor’s desk that curbs the cost of the TOPS scholarship program, but it will likely mean recipients will have to pay a portion of their tuition. Lafayette Representative Nancy Landry says the measure freezes the value of the scholarship and it doesn’t go up, even if tuition rises…

cut 14 (10)  “afford to”

The measure passed on a 74-20 vote and heads to the governor’s desk, where he is expected to sign it. Amite Representative Robby Carter has concerns about telling TOPS students that their tuition will no longer be fully paid for…

Cut 15 (12) “when they started”

The taxpayer funded scholarship program costs the state nearly 300-million dollars and Landry says the legislature must do something to rein in its costs…

Cut 16  (08)  “the future”

Louisiana’s high school graduation rate has reached an all-time high. Don Molino reports…:

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Don Molino”

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

Officials in St. Tammany announce the start of a program that would let drug addicts turn in their drugs to police and get help instead of being arrested. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (28)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

South Louisiana is under flash flood watch until seven o’ clock tonight. State Climatologist Barry Keim says much of the state is already water logged after severe storms dumped several inches of rain along the I-10 corridor…

CUT 3 (08)  “been hammered”

Keim says the heavy rainfall is the result of a slow moving cold front that could produce in excess of three inches of rain in isolated areas…

CUT 4 (09)  “that in use”

Keim says the heavy rainfall is expected to move out of the state tomorrow, but until then, we have another afternoon where the umbrella will be needed…

CUT 5 (08)  “g0 away”

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

Cleco utility customers can expect a $475 credit on their bills beginning in July, as a result of the Pineville-based company’s sale to foreign investors. Cleco spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says the Louisiana Public Service Commission created this credit as a part of their transaction.

CUT 6 (06) “from Cleco”

Cahill says the credit will be applied until it runs out, meaning some customers will not have to pay a utility bill for a couple of months.

CUT 7 (09) “fifth month”

Cahill says the deal, which closed on April 13, will benefit both residents and businesses.

CUT 8 (03) “customers”

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

Louisiana’s high school graduation rate is at an all-time high, as 78-percent of the Class of 2015 received their diplomas. State Education Superintendent John White, says that’s almost a 3-percent increase over the previous year, which is the second largest annual gain in 10 years. He believes more students are graduating, because educators raised the bar.

CUT 9 (09) “high expectation”

White says this achievement continues a trend since 2012 when BESE implemented policy changes that includes the start of the Jump Start program which prepares students for technical careers and the expansion of the Advanced Placement program. He says this graduating class also participated in education classes prior to kindergarten.

cut 10 (07)  “LA 4″

White says Louisiana is also the most improved state in the country on ACT test scores, and the second most improved in the number of graduates achieving an Advanced Placement college credit. Louisiana still lags behind the national graduation rate which was 82-percent in 2014. But White says the state’s graduation rate is rising faster than the nation’s.

Cut 11 (06) “significant gains”

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

Officials in St. Tammany Parish announced today the beginning of “Operation Angel” – a program whereby a person addicted to drugs can walk into a police station and ask for help instead of being charged with a crime. Covington Police Chief Tim Lentz says it’s time law enforcement changes the way they do business…:

cut 12 (08) “not a crime”

Lentz says this program would provide addicts with the help they need, without fear of being arrested. He says chemically dependent people would need to surrender any drugs they have, then they’ll be escorted by an “angel” to walk them through the recovery process at Giving Hope Retreat in Lacombe…:

Cut 13 (07)  “a week”

Agencies participating include the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, Slidell Police, Mandeville Police, Madisonville Police, Folsom Police and Pearl River Police. Lentz says the only requirement is that an addict must want to change their life. He encourages those suffering from addiction in St. Tammany Parish communities to go to your police department of sheriff’s office, and ask for help…:

cut 14 (10)  “in jail”

————————————————————–

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is traveling the state to highlight different areas in Louisiana. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Today ULM students, alumni, and faculty are gathering on campus to email their state legislators about their concerns for the future of higher ed. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Governor Edwards is calling on a special task force for a list of ideas on how the state should handle a 600-million dollar revenue shortfall. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________________

Lt. Governor Bill Nungesser is touring the state to promote tourism as part of National Tourism Week. Nungesser says he’ll be in in West Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and St. Francisville today and then head to the northern part of the state later in the week. He says he just returned from a week-long trip to Canada.

cut 4  (09)  “Cajun music”

Nungesser will be traveling around the state in a van that’s wrapped with the state’s tourism marketing campaign. He says in 2015 nearly 29-million people visited the state, which was a record, but…

Cut 5  (10)  “hit parishes”

Nungesser says with the oil industry down and recent budget cuts, Louisiana needs as much tax revenue from tourists as possible. He says that’s why it’s important for him to visit historic sites, visitor centers and local tourism officials this week.

Cut 6 (08)  “our people”

___________________________________________________

ULM students are gathering on campus today to collectively voice their concerns for the future of higher education. Katherine Dawson, Online Program Coordinator for ULM, says students, faculty, alumni, and others will all email their state legislators between 11:45 am and 12:15 pm at an event called Mission: Maroon.

CUT 7 (11)  “our voice” 

The governor’s proposed budget calls for a 183-million dollar cut to TOPS and higher education would receive a six-percent cut in state funding. Dawson says the purpose is not to gripe at lawmakers but to speak up and be heard. She says unfortunately, one email from one person may not make much of a difference, but she hopes that hundreds of emails will.

Cut 8  (10)  “an impact” 

Dawson says they are encouraging people who cannot be on campus for this event to participate from home by emailing their legislators and posting photos wearing maroon to social media using their hashtags.

Cut 9 (07)  “maroon”

___________________________________________________

The LSU AgCenter has developed an eye-drop to prevent and treat cataracts. AgCenter Department of Biological and Agriculture Engineering Professor Cristina Sabliov says they became interested in developing a solution because cataracts are the leading cause of visual impairment in the United States. She says they found a way to use lutein to prevent the eye lens from becoming cloudy.

Cut 10 (07) “the eye”

Sabliov says lutein is currently prescribed as an oral treatment for cataracts and eye diseases, but she says LSU AgCenter researchers have developed a solution to drop it directly into your eyes.

cut 11 (09) “the eye”

 The AgCenter is working to patent the drop. Sabliov says they hope this new product will have the unique advantage for both being able to prevent cataracts before they start or to treat cataracts after they form.

cut 12 (08) “daily”

______________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards wants a list of budget reform recommendations in two weeks from a special task force. Some of the proposals will likely be presented to lawmakers during a special session in June to address a 600-million dollar shortfall.  Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin is on the task force and says lawmakers have already raised the state sales tax, so they are left with limited options to address the budget gap….

Cut 13 (10)  “you have”

Erwin says it’s key that any revenue raising measure that could be passed in a second special session doesn’t further hurt the state economy.

cut 14 (06)  “a structure”

Raising more revenue could help reduce cuts to vital state services. Erwin says they will be looking at corporate and personal income taxes to see if enough revenue can be raised by removing some exemptions and deductions.

Cut 15 (06) “bottom line”

________________________________________________

One of the Saints draft picks had a very interesting route to the NFL. Fourth round pick, defensive tackle David Onyemata, grew up in Nigeria and played college football at the University of Manitoba in Canada. New Orleans traded up to select the six-foot-four, 300-pounder and General Manager Mickey Loomis is glad they did…

Cut 16  (20)  “from him”

Loomis says while most football fans never heard of Onyemata, there were several clubs interested in Onyemata’s potential…

Cut 17 (20) “case at all

The Saints last selection was California running back Daniel Lasco, who New Orleans drafted in the 7th round. Loomis believes Lasco’s primary role will be on special teams…

Cut 18 (18) “as a running back”

_______________________________