Believe it or not, there is an election tomorrow. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The Louisiana Tech women’s basketball program lost its head coach Tyler Sumitt who admitted he had an affair, and reports say it was with a player. Jeff Palermo has more on the reaction in north Louisiana.

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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It may come as a surprise to many Louisianans, but there is an election tomorrow in 41 parishes. Polls open at 7 AM and close at 8 PM. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says this election typically has a low voter turnout because so many people aren’t aware there’s an election.

CUT 3 (08)  “in March”

Schedler says in addition to local runoff elections, there are also tax renewals up for vote in several parishes. He says you can check the GeauxVote app to see exactly what’s on the ballot in your precinct.

CUT 4 (08)  “G-E-A-U-X”

Schedler says the early voting turnout was very low, as only about 34-tousand people casted ballots. He expects the turnout for this election to be around 11-percent and encourages everyone to exercise their right to vote.

CUT 5 (09)  “the other”

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

The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival begins today and there are lots of activities for festival goers. Festival Spokesperson Shelley Matherne says there will be tons of organizations selling delicious food, as well as, games, carnival rides, and a parade. She says this is the state’s biggest free festival.

CUT 6 (09) “Mardi Gras”

This year hasn’t been a good one for the strawberry industry given the recent flooding but Matherne says that won’t stop anyone from having a great time at the festival.

CUT 7 (10) “local farmers”

Festival Queen Danielle Rodriguez says the festival is near and dear to her heart because her family has a history of strawberry farming. She says this is a great event for the entire family.

CUT 8 (10) “second home”

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The now former head coach of the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters, Tyler Summitt, suddenly resigned Thursday after admitting to having an inappropriate relationship. The 25-year-old is the son of legendary head coach, Pat Summitt, and he’s married. Gene Ponti is the Sports Director at KTVE in Monroe. He says everyone is totally shocked at this news…:

CUT 9 (09) “and for the program”

In a statement, Summitt said he negatively affected the people he loved and hopes to repair those relationships. Ponti says a scandal like this is a black eye on any sports program, and on women’s basketball as a whole…:

cut 10 (10)  “are in a hole”

SB Nation is reporting the woman Summitt had an affair with is a player and she’s pregnant. Summitt was the youngest head coach in women’s basketball. Ponti says even though his age was criticized by some, a popular public sentiment was that he was wise beyond his years…:

Cut 11 (09) “some people thought”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says he’ll spend the weekend putting the finishing touches on the proposed budget for next year, which will contain a 750-million cut in state spending. Edwards says the spending plan for next fiscal year he’ll present to lawmakers on Tuesday will be very sobering.

cut 12 (08) “of Louisiana”

Healthcare, higher ed, TOPS, social services, and other vital programs are expected to receive cuts. Edwards says many state services will receive much less funding this year because of the massive budget deficit.

Cut 13 (08)  “priorities”

Lawmakers were able to raise over a billion dollars in the special session, but it wasn’t enough to close the budget gap. Because taxes cannot be raised during this regular session, another special session may be necessary. Edwards says his administration will release more details on Tuesday.

cut 14 (11)  “balanced budget”

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State Police have been called in to investigate after a woman was run over by a police vehicle while sunbathing on the beach in Grand Isle. Sgt. Nick Manale says two women were tanning near the dunes area when the truck drove near them and one was able to get out of the way in the nick of time. He says the woman struck by the vehicle received moderate injuries.

cut 15 (06) “several surgeries” 

Manale says the victim’s injuries are not life threatening. He says the name of the police officer driving the vehicle has not been released.

cut 16 (08) “the department”

Scandal has hit the Louisiana Tech women’s basketball program. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival starts today but recent flooding ruined a lot of the state’s berry crop. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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With the support of Governor John Bel Edwards, a Senate committee passed two bills that alter the TOPS scholarship program. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is monitoring the deer population for chronic wasting disease, which has been confirmed in Arkansas and Texas. Dr. Jim LaCour with DWF says CWD is a fatal, progressive neurological disease that affects deer, including the white-tailed deer in Louisiana.

cut 4  (11)  “disease”

LaCour says this disease basically eats holes in the deer’s brain and there is no cure. He says infected deer are not symptomatic in the beginning, but they show signs of CWD as it progresses.

Cut 5  (08)  “of weight”

A big concern is that deer infected with CWD can spread the disease, before symptoms develop. LaCour says currently there have not been any cases of CWD in Louisiana. He says DWF is monitoring the deer population for signs of the disease, and they do have a plan in place if the disease is ever discovered in Louisiana.

Cut 6 (12)  “sample it” 

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The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival begins today but it wasn’t a great year for strawberries, because of the massive flooding in Tangipahoa and Livingston Parishes last month. Strawberry farmer Eric Morrow says 90% of his crop was damaged and he won’t have much to show for this year’s harvest.

CUT 7 (07)  “of that”

Morrow says the rain came at the wrong time and ruined a lot of green fruit. He says will not make any money this year, because he lost the majority of his crop and so did several other strawberry producers.

Cut 8  (06)  “their pocket”

Morrow says he’ll have to hope his other crops do well to make up with the loss of strawberries, because he’s not expecting any federal assistance because government aid doesn’t usually go for specialty crops.

Cut 9 (04)  “our own”

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Governor John Bel Edwards supports legislation passed out of a Senate committee that attempts to control the cost of the TOPS scholarship program. One of the bills would cap the amount a TOPS recipient receives at next year’s level and it stays there even if tuition rises. Edwards says it’s a bill he voted for as a legislator last year and he favors its passage this year…

Cut 10 (12) “tuition increases”

Edwards says although legislators did well in the special session, they did not generate enough revenue to fully fund TOPS. He says that’s why another special session is needed to raise more money.

cut 11 (07) “fund TOPS”

On Tuesday, the Edwards will propose its spending plan for next fiscal year to lawmakers. The governor says because of a 750-million dollar shortfall, the state doesn’t have enough money to fully fund the scholarship program…

cut 12 (04) “don’t have it”

_______________________________________________________________

A bill that adds parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities as a firearm free zone passes out of a House Criminal Justice Committee on an 8 to 6 vote. Prairieville Rep. Tony Bacala disagrees with the legislation. He says the majority of tragic shootings happen by people should be in jail.

Cut 13 (10)  “the innocent”

The legislation faces opposition from gun rights supporters but Baton Rouge Rep. Denise Marcelle understands we have the right to bear arms but the safety of our children and loved ones is more important.

Cut 14 (09)  “do something” 

New Orleans Rep. Jimmy Harris is the author of the legislation. Harris says this bill wasn’t created to infringe on anyone’s rights, but to keep people safe.

Cut 15 (09) “foolishness”

The massive flooding the state experienced in March has caused up to 15 million dollars in damages to the agriculture industry. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Two bills that attempt to resolve the TOPS funding problems were approved by the Senate Education Committee today. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A Natchez man is now in custody after fatally shooting his estranged wife and another man multiple times in their Vidalia home while the woman’s two children slept nearby. Vidalia Assistant Police Chief Bruce Wiley says witnesses saw the suspected gunman fleeing the home in the early morning hours on Wednesday…

CUT 3 (09)  “a motorcycle”

Wiley says 35-year-old Curt Thornton was arrested after a Mississippi police officer pulled Thorton over for riding his motorcycle without a helmet. He says the two children, both under 10 years old, did not hear the gunshot. He says the female child called 911 at 7 a.m. when she found her mom and another man dead.

CUT 4 (07)  “that age”

Wiley says Curt Thornton and his estranged wife Angela Thornton were reportedly having problems, so Thornton allegedly shot her and 36-year-old Ken Tibbs.

CUT 5 (09)  “the situation”

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

The House has approved a bill that would extend the waiting period to get an abortion from 24 to 72 hours. West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman says five other states have similar waiting periods. He says this waiting period gives women facing crisis pregnancies time to look at their options without an impending deadline.

CUT 6 (06) “later regret”

No one spoke out in opposition to the proposal. Hoffman says the waiting period does not apply to women who live more than 150 miles from the nearest abortion clinic. He says women have a lot to consider when making this decision.

CUT 7 (07) “mother’s decision”

The bill now heads to the Senate.

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

The director of the famous LSU Golden Band from Tigerland has been placed on paid administrative leave, and his lawyer says it’s the result of a witch hunt. Attorney Jill Craft says her client, Roy King, has been there 18 years and is well liked by his students. She says this action truly came out of the blue…:

CUT 8 (10) “ridiculous”

Craft says there was a move by the School of Music’s Administration, to try to get some of the athletic funds that go toward the Tiger Band, for things that have nothing to do with the band. She says King came forward to try to stop that from happening, then suddenly was placed on leave pending results of an investigation…:

CUT 9 (10) “purposes”

In a statement, LSU said this is not as a result of any alleged dispute between King and the School of Music, and the university plans not to comment further. Craft says it is not clear exactly what the probe hopes to uncover, and there is a huge problem with placing someone irresponsibly on paid administrative leave.:

cut 10 (08)  “he hasn’t”

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

The massive March flooding across the state has cost the agriculture industry up to 15 million dollars. That’s according to LSU AgCenter economist Kurt Guidry, who says corn was impacted the most, as about 40-thousand acres were covered in water and some fields are still underwater.

Cut 11 (09) “excessive rains”

Guidry says about 3 to 4 million dollars in corn was lost and it’ll cost farmers about 150 dollars per acre to replant. He says another commodity that was affected by the flooding was wheat.

cut 12 (08) “and flooding”

Guidry says in the southern part of the state, strawberry production was impacted. He says hundreds of cattle died after their pastures were flooded.

Cut 13 (11)  “be moved”

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

The Senate Education Committee approves two bills that addresses the funding issues surrounding the TOPS scholarship program. One of the measures would cap the amount students currently receive and it would not go any higher if even tuition increases. Mandeville Senator Jack Donahue says his legislation basically puts a cap on the amount a student receives…

cut 14 (11)  “of the bill”

Governor John Bel Edwards supports this legislation, because TOPS is facing major funding problems in light of a 750-million dollar budget deficit. West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth opposed this bill last year, but he’s heard from plenty of students in his district who are worried about the future of TOPS….

cut 15 (08) “our students” 

The other TOPS funding bill heading to the Senate floor is a bill by Jennings Senator Blade Morrish and it would reduce the amount each TOPS recipient receives, if the state doesn’t have enough money to fund TOPS at its current level…

cut 16 (10) “million dollars”

Both of these bills head to the Senate floor for more discussion.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has suggested that movie producers who film in Louisiana share their profits so the state can keep the film tax exemptions in place. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (27) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

 LSU is thinking about restricting drinking by student organizations on campus during football tailgates. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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 A study provides information on what kind of industry medical marijuana could be for the Bayou State, if laws were passed to loosen the restrictions. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________________

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has proposed that Hollywood South shares some of their profits in order to keep the film tax exemptions in place. Nungesser says he hopes to build a partnership with movie producers who come to Louisiana.

cut 4  (10)  “a pertnership”

Nungesser says movies and TV shows have had a good track record in Louisiana, such as Jurassic World and NCIS: New Orleans. He says legislators and producers need to sit down and see what will work and what would not.

Cut 5  (07)  “that works”

Nungesser says he spoke with producers at the Grammy’s in Hollywood, and he says he hasn’t heard a good reason why this would not work out for everyone.

Cut 6 (06)  “that before” 

___________________________________________________

A study paid for by the Louisiana Cannabis Association finds medical marijuana use could be a 200 to 330 million dollar industry, if the state loosens its restrictions on who could use the prescription drug. Spokesperson Jesse McCormick says under current law only about 4-thousand people can be legally prescribed medical marijuana. He says if medical marijuana was also available to those with chronic pain and other serious ailments, the number of eligible patients increases to as much as 105-thousand…

CUT 7 (10)  “helping patients”

Even though the dispensing of medical marijuana is legal in Louisiana, it could be another couple of years before it’s available. There is legislation in this session that would allow those with chronic pain, HIV, seizure and spasm disorders to also use the drug once it becomes available. McCormick says the study shows how many people could actually benefit from medical cannabis…

Cut 8  (10)  “healthcare dollars”

The study also shows medical marijuana could generate between 5 and 13-million dollars in tax revenue, if a four-percent tax was placed on the sale of the product….

Cut 9 (12)  “are doing”

___________________________________________________

A debate is underway on the LSU campus over whether the university should restrict drinking by its students on campus during football game days. LSU is considering several regulations that are designed to crack down on binge drinking and prohibit items like couches, punch bowls, and kegs from student association tailgates. LSU’s Dean of Students Maria (Ma-dee-ah) Fuentes-Martin says she doesn’t want to see another student hurt because of current tailgating practices.

Cut 10 (10) “our practices”

Fuentes-Martin feels like she’s taking a proactive step. But she says during town hall style meetings on campus, she received a lot of opposition.

cut 11 (06) “destroy that”

 The proposed new tailgating rules for students will be presented to President F. King Alexander for his consideration. Fuentes-Martin says she’s gotten some positive feedback, but for the most part students aren’t happy with this proposed change.

cut 12 (07) “other activities”

_______________________________________________________________

A bill has been filed that would restrict college athletic teams in the state, excluding LSU, from traveling more 375 miles to play in games. The proposed law also does not apply to football or basketball programs or postseason action. The bill’s author, Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter, says state dollars are scarce and public dollars shouldn’t be used on long road trips for baseball, softball and volleyball teams.

Cut 13 (09)  “great distances”

This proposal does not apply to playoffs or championship competitions, and teams would be able to attend competitions hosted by opposing schools that pay for travel costs. Carter says Louisiana’s budget is in bad shape, and legislators have to figure out a way to cut back on spending.

Cut 14 (05)  “some dollars” 

ULM Athletic Director Brian Wickstrom says he understands that Louisiana is facing budget problems, but college sports are important to students. 

Cut 15 (10) “young people”

__________________________________________________________

The 15th ranked LSU baseball team welcomes second ranked Vanderbilt into Alex Box Stadium tonight. Coach Paul Mainieri will start Jared Poche over Alex Lange on the mound tonight. Both pitchers last threw on Saturday, but Mainieri says Poche is more equipped to pitch again on shorter rest…

Cut 16  (16)  “last Friday”

Vanderbilt comes into this series with a 6-3 record in the SEC, 24-5 overall. They have the second best team ERA in the league and they’ve scored the most runs out of any team in the Southeastern Conference. Mainieri says the Commodres have only hit 20 home runs, so they find other ways to score…

Cut 17 (18) “including us”

Vanderbilt’s pitchers have struck out 319 batters, second most in the SEC. Mainieri wants his hitters to embrace the opportunity to face some great pitchers…

Cut 18 (10) “country”

A Natchez resident started a petition for the town to secede from Mississippi after the governor signed a bill that allows people and businesses with religious obligations to deny service to gay people. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

Three bills that would put limitations on the TOPS Scholarship Program failed to make it out of the House Education Committee today. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (26)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

A petition on change-dot-org is calling for Natchez, Mississippi, to secede from the state after legislators there approved a bill that allows individuals and institutions with religious obligations to deny services to gay people. Natchez resident Casey Hughes started the petition hoping the governor would not sign the bill, but he did yesterday. She says she wants to send a message to people who would visit the historic city.

CUT 3 (08)  “to everyone”

Tourism is a huge industry in Natchez, as the town holds wildly popular events throughout the year that draw hundreds of thousands of people. Hughes says this bill could impact tourism.

CUT 4 (07)  “come here”

Hughes says Natchez welcomes all kinds of people, even if the rest of the state does not. She says the petition was mostly a joke, but she wouldn’t mind if her town moved over to the Bayou State.

CUT 5 (08)  “that’d be great”

The petition has been signed by almost 700 people.

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

Legislation that attempted to prevent local governments from removing Confederate monuments failed in a Senate Committee today. The bill would create a statewide commission that would have to grant a waiver before a monument could be altered, moved, or renamed. Confederate monument supporter Leslie Tassin says monuments of Confederate soldiers are a history lesson…

CUT 6 (04) “brighter future”

Tassin says this issue is import now but is more important to future generations so they will have the opportunity to understand the history of Louisiana. He says historic monuments shouldn’t be torn down, new monuments should be built.

CUT 7 (12) “their lives”

Opponents for the legislation believe it shouldn’t be up to the state what happens to city property. Democrats on the panel voted against the bill, while Republicans supported it. Author of the legislation Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell urged legislators to vote favorably to allow the monuments to educate future generations…

CUT 8 (08) “shared history”

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

The House Education Committee rejected a proposal to increase the GPA a college student must achieve to keep their TOPS scholarship. It also said “No” to a bill to make a TOPS recipient pay back some or all of their scholarship if they fail or withdraw from school.  New Orleans Representative Walt Leger says changing TOPS to a loan makes it less of an opportunity for students.

CUT 9 (11) “many students”

Kenner Representative Julie Stokes authored the proposal to make students who don’t graduate pay back their TOPS scholarship. She says a lot of students get to college and have too much fun, then they end up dropping out.

cut 10 (04)  “take it seriously”

Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater proposed a bill that would make TOPS a partial scholarship, in which recipients would receive more money each year. That bill also failed to make it out of committee. Broadwater says lawmakers have to do something to save the TOPS program.

Cut 11 (05) “a challenge”

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Two new Zika cases have been confirmed in Louisiana, bringing the total number to four – but DHH says they are all okay. Medical Director for the Louisiana Center for Community Preparedness, Dr. Frank Welch says this Zika confirmation is really a few weeks late, because the tests had to be sent to the Center for Disease Control for confirmation.

cut 12 (07) “positive”

Welch says doctors have a much faster method for testing for Zika now. He says these cases were from people who had traveled to South America. Welch says only one in five people who contract Zika actually get sick, and the illness only lasts three to five days.

Cut 13 (03)  “the illness”

Welch says the mosquito that carries the Zika virus is active in Louisiana, but only in the summer. He says so far the only people who have gotten Zika were bit by mosquitos outside of the country.

cut 14 (06)  “has happened”

A group of high school aged kids will rally on the state Capitol steps in support of legislation to prosecute 17-year-olds in juvenile court. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

A Senate committee approved a proposed bill that would prohibit selling organs collected from aborted fetuses. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Today the House Education Committee will discuss several proposed changes to the TOPS Scholarship Program. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________________

US Representative Ralph Abraham arrives in Cuba today seeking to make Louisiana a trade partner with the island once the U.S. lifts the trade embargo. The Richland Parish Republican says exporting Louisiana rice to Cuba would make a lot of sense for both sides and the Port of New Orleans is only 36 hours away…

cut 4  (09)  “farmers”

Abraham says beef, poultry, corn, and soybeans will hopefully follow shortly after they secure a deal to send Louisiana rice to Cuba. He says right now Cuba is getting their rice and other imported goods from Vietnam and Taiwan.

Cut 5  (10)  “the globe”

Abraham says it’s time to empower the Cuban people and help their economy grow. He says that can happen once the trade embargo is lifted…

Cut 6 (08)  “the latest” 

___________________________________________________

The House Education Committee meets today to discuss a variety of proposals that would change the TOPS Scholarship Program as we know it. Kenner Representative Julie Stokes has a bill that would make the scholarship a loan that students would have to pay back if they drop out or fail classes. She says when you offer something for free, there will always be people who will abuse the system.

CUT 7 (05)  “for me”

Stokes says many students who drop out of college do it in their freshman year. She says lawmakers will look at an amendment so student would not be penalized if they are able to graduate later.

Cut 8  (06)  “a loan”

Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey has a proposal that would raise the GPA requirement to retain the scholarship once a recipient is in college. The bill would raise the minimum GPA from a 2.3 to a 2.5 for the first year, and from a 2.5 to a 2.75 for the last three years. Ivey says it’s a very small increase to the minimum GPA.

Cut 9 (10)  “increase performance”

Ivey says the TOPS program was always intended to be performance-based. He says these small changes to TOPS will keep the program intact for more students in the future.

Cut 10 (05) “pretty quickly”

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A rally in support of legislation to have 17-year-olds charged as juveniles rather than adults takes place on the State Capitol steps today. Meg Garvey with the Youth Justice Coalition says Louisiana is one of only 9 states that routinely prosecutes 17-year-olds as adults… with a law like this.

cut 11 (09) “and unfair”

Governor John Bel Edwards is expected to speak at the rally. Garvey says a 17-year-old in the juvenile justice system could help kids get back on the right track, as studies show convicted teens are 34 percent less likely to reoffend.

cut 12 (09) “in life”

Garvey says this bill allows 17-year-olds the opportunity to be in a system that’s rehabilitative and that addresses their needs. She says passing this legislation is simply the right thing to do.

Cut 13 (11)  “public safety”

__________________________________________________________________

A Senate Committee has unanimously approved a proposal that would ban the sale of aborted fetal tissue. The bill would create a $5-thousand fine and mandatory 10 year prison sentence for people who sell or transfer organs or other body parts from aborted fetuses. Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti says he doesn’t want abortion doctors to profit from selling “baby parts.”

Cut 14 (11)  “for research” 

Before heading to the Senate floor, the bill was amended so mothers would not be criminalized for donating stem cells or umbilical cord blood. Gatti says his main emphasis is to make sure people can’t profit from the selling of parts of an aborted fetus.

Cut 15 (10) “that process”

This bill comes as a response to allegations that Planned Parenthood sold organs from aborted fetuses. Gatti says there are already laws in place about killing babies in the womb or immediately after birth. He hopes this bill fills a gap in the law about selling organs.

Cut 16  (07)  “an organ”

The measure that would allow people to be buried with their pets in cemeteries did not make it out of a Senate Committee today. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A state lawmaker says its time to restructure higher education. Jeff Palemro has the story…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

LSU Vice President for Agriculture Bill Richardson says the school is debating whether or not it will grow medical marijuana. He says several bills in this regular session outline the regulations that could help them make a decision. Richardson says they are still a ways away from offering medical marijuana to the public.

CUT 3 (09)  “years away”

When lawmakers approved legislation last year allowing for the dispensing of medical marijuana, it gave the ag centers at LSU and Southern the first right of refusal to produce the prescription drug. Richardson says they are keeping an eye on the proposed legislation this year and considering their options.

CUT 4 (08)  “or out”

Richardson says growing the prescribed marijuana could cost u to $15 million, and the school doesn’t have that in the budget right now. He says they are looking into third-party investors, but there is a lot of uncertainty about the financial impact.

CUT 5 (08)  “next week”

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A bill has passed out of the House Transportation Committee to increase the penalty for violating the state’s seatbelt law.  New Orleans Rep. Walt Leger says under the proposed law, the fine would double to 50 dollars for the first offense of not wearing a seatbelt. He says the higher the penalty, the better your compliance

CUT 6 (09) “a year”

Leger says under this legislation, the second and third offense would increase to 75 dollars from 50 dollars. He says with this increase we can expect to see increased seatbelt usage and the saving of additional lives each year.

CUT 7 (10) “seatbelt”

The bill now moves to the full House. The legislature has also advanced a bill to the Senate floor that would increase the fines against drivers who are caught texting or using social media while behind the wheel. Baton Rouge Senator Dan Claitor helped move the bill out of committee.

CUT 8 (10) “the distraction”

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

The measure that would allow people to be buried with their pets in cemeteries did not make it out of a Senate Committee today. Gerald Melancon, with the Louisiana Cemetery Association, says the language in the bill that says pets would be in different sections needs clarification. He says cemeteries already have spots sold with the promise there would only be human remains there…:

CUT 9 (10) “this section”

It’s Metairie Senator Conrad Appel’s bill and he says it states folks who would want to be buried with their pets would have to buy a spot in another section, and do it in advance…:

cut 10 (08)  “goldfish section”

Melancon believes this law would give cemeteries problems if the owner never said he wanted to be buried with the pet, but the family wants it to happen..:

Cut 11 (09) “that owner”

But Appel says there is plenty of language in the bill that gives cemeteries the power to figure out how they want to do this, and also the right to refuse burying pets…:

cut 12 (08) “the cemetery”

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A state lawmaker tells higher education officials not to expect any additional revenue and they need to come up with a plan on how to educate our future workforce with existing dollars. Covington Representative John Schroeder says after raising hundreds of millions of dollars in the special session, he doesn’t see legislature any more tax increases…

Cut 13 (09)  “money coming”

Schroeder says higher education should restructure itself based on the dollars that are available now…

cut 14 (07)  “down the road”

Public colleges and universities have been on the receiving end of multiple budget cuts over the last several years. Lake Charles Representative and former Board of Regents member  Mark Abraham says if the legislature wants bold ideas from higher education officials, universities will need money to get it done…

cut 15 (09) “stay in mediocrity ” 

A federal judge has reached a $20-billion settlement with BP over the 2010 Gulf oil spill. Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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Today a Senate Committee will hear a proposal by Metairie Senator Conrad Appel that would allow people to have their pets buried next to them in cemeteries. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

 A New Orleans entrepreneur has developed an app which consumers can use to find the best price on seafood in town. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________________

Today a Senate committee will hear testimony on a proposed bill that would increase the fine for texting or using social media while driving from $175 to $500. Sgt. Nick Manale with Louisiana State Police says distracted driving causes accidents every day.

cut 4  (03)  “behind the wheel”

Manale says the use of a phone to text or check Facebook is considered distracted driving, which is a big problem in Louisiana.

Cut 5  (11)  “vehicle”

Meanwhile in the House, the Transportation Committee is scheduled to consider a proposal to double the fine for not wearing a seatbelt from $25 to $50 for first offenses. Manale says not wearing a seatbelt can turn a fender bender into a fatal accident.

Cut 6 (07)  “laws of physics” 

___________________________________________________

A $20-billion settlement has finally been reached regarding the BP oil spill in 2010. The money will go towards Clean Water Act penalties and to cover environmental damage, and it will be paid out over 16 years. Associate Director of the Tulane Energy Institute, Eric Smith says Louisiana will get some money out of the deal.

CUT 7 (06)  “restoration efforts”

Smith says with all the uncertainty surrounding the budget, it’s unclear if the money will still go towards the coast. He says the settlement isn’t even close to what BP has actually doled out because of the spill.

Cut 8  (06)  “double that”

Smith says the settlement does contain some good news for BP. He says the judge ruled that other oil companies could not file lawsuits against BP in relation to the spill. He says this should put a stop to any potential litigation against the oil giant.

Cut 9 (10)  “as a result”

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A Senate committee will hear a proposal today that would allow people to be buried next to their pets in cemeteries. Patrick McCausland, president of Heaven’s Pets in Metairie, says he knows this is something many pet owners would like to do for their pets.

Cut 10 (08) “as well”

The proposal by Metairie Senator Conrad Appel, specifies that pets would have to be interred with their owners in a specific area of the cemetery. McCausland says a few other states have already started allowing this.

cut 11 (04) “this decision”

If the measure gets through the legislative process and signed by the governor, it would take effect January 1^st. McCausland says this would simply give cemeteries the option to allow this.

cut 12 (09) “from there”

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A New Orleans entrepenuer has developed an app which consumers can use to find the best price on seafood in town. Sheldon Williams says the Seafood Locator App does the searching for you…:

Cut 13 (12)  “favorite places”

Williams says the establishments they work with are mostly in the Baton Rouge and New Orleans areas, but they are working to get more on board throughout the state. He says he launched the app in January after years of thinking about new, innovative ways to export our culture to people…:

Cut 14 (13)  “all on the app” 

The free app is available on iTunes or the Google play store. Williams says once you launch the app, you’ll see the 15 affiliate establishments closest to you that sell things like boiled crawfish, boiled shrimp, boiled crabs, raw oysters and more…:

Cut 15 (09) “in the app”

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After scoring 18 runs in its last two games, LSU Coach Paul Mainieri is hopeful his team has broken out of its offensive slump. Prior to Saturday’s doubleheader, the Tigers scored six runs in their last four games. Mainieri believes the team started gaining confidence in the ninth inning of Saturday’s 8-5 loss to Auburn.

Cut 16  (20)  “with your mind”

Mainieri credits catcher Jordan Romero for helping LSU overcome its offensive struggles, as he hit a home run and drove in seven runs during the series against Auburn.

Cut 17 (12) “seizing the moment”

Mainieri is not concerned about ace pitcher Alex Lange despite the sophomore right-hander giving up seven in a loss to Auburn. The Tiger’s skipper credits Lange for battling through a tough performance.

Cut 18 (21) “two to three innings”

Kenner police are investigating a double murder that took place at a home with three young children inside. Michelle Southern has the story…

CUT 1 (27)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Budget cuts are putting Louisiana’s state parks and historic sites at risk, according to Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A man and a woman were fatally shot in their Kenner home early this morning. Three children were also in the home, but they were not hurt. Lt. Brian McGregor with the Kenner Police Department says the discovery was made after one of the children went to a neighbor’s house.

CUT 3 (07)  “were notified”

Police say the couple was shot multiple times in their bed, where an infant girl was also sleeping. A 2-year-old boy and a 10-year old boy were also in the home. McGregor says none of the shots were self-inflicted….

CUT 4 (04)  “at this time”

McGregor says the children will be placed with family members through Child Protective Services. He says there were no signs of forced entry, but a vehicle was seen fleeing the scene this morning.

CUT 5 (07)  “at this time”

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Police have arrested a 12-year-old and 13-year-old in connection with the armed robbery of a pizza delivery driver in Houma. Authorities are also looking for a third suspect, 17-year-old Leroy Miles. Captain Dawn Foret with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office says the three adolescents robbed the delivery driver in the apartment complex where they live.

CUT 6 (08) “rob him”

Foret says the two juveniles have been arrested for armed robbery, and Miles is wanted for theft of a motor vehicle and armed robbery. She says unfortunately they see kids of all ages commit crimes.

CUT 7 (10) “his vehicle”

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A man was shot by an off-duty State Police detective after allegedly breaking into his unmarked police unit early Sunday in Ascension Parish. Sheriff Jeff Wiley says a neighbor alerted the cop around 430am that his police unit was being burglarized, so he armed himself, went outside and caught the man in the act…:

CUT 8 (06) “prepared to use it”

Wiley says the alleged thief and the officer got into a tussle which is when the suspect reached for his gun. He says the off-duty detective then shot the man with a shotgun in close proximity…:

CUT 9 (10) “Ascension Parish Jail”

Wiley says the thief had several stolen items in his possession and deputies also recovered a handgun believed to be owned by the suspect. He says the incident is under investigation…:

cut 10 (09)  “as yet complete”

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Authorities say a Sulphur man participating in a triathlon drowned in the Calcasieu River. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson Kim Myers says this was a sanctioned triathlon at the Sam Houston State Park where lifeguards, Marines, and spotters in kayaks were on hand. Myers says 25-year-old Taurean Blake swam about 100 yards out when he started to struggle and a Marine jumped in to help.

Cut 11 (11) “eventually did”

Myers says they pulled Blake out of the water and revived him. She says a lifeguard also tried to swim out to Blake, as well as one of the kayaks. She says they made every effort to help Blake.

cut 12 (10) “continued CPR”

Myers says after Blake was revived, he was taken to the hospital, where he later died.

Cut 13 (07)  “the drowning”

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser told lawmakers today that further budget cuts to the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism could force him to close several state parks and historic sites. He says with all the money problems Louisiana is facing, the state needs tourism dollars.

cut 14 (10)  “the tracks”

Nungesser says they are looking into private-public partnerships, naming rights, increasing fees, and even using prison workers to save money. He says they are open to any suggestions.

cut 15 (10) “save money” 

Leesville Representative James Armes voiced his concerns for our parks and historic sites, saying all the budget cuts put them at risk. He says lawmakers have cut the budget as much as they can, but tourism can’t take any more cuts.

cut 16 (10) “million dollars”

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The massive amounts of rainfall Louisiana has experienced in the last month has caused some problems with the corn crop. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The House will hear three measures this week that seek to help ex-inmates reenter society. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Only two weeks are left until Tax Day, which means time is running out to file federal taxes. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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This season’s corn crop is off to a soggy start after record amounts of rainfall during March. LSU Ag Center corn specialist Dan Fromme says it’s been a challenging year so far. He says we’ve seen rain in excess of 20 inches and some corn fields are still underwater.

cut 4  (09)  “as well”

Fromme says this will have a significant impact on the economy. He says the corn that came up early on in the year has been sitting in water for a while.

Cut 5  (07)  “root system”

Fromme says there are still a few weeks left to plant corn and the hope is for dry weather. He says before the corn planting season is over, they’ll have around 400 to 450-thousand acres planted.

Cut 6 (09)  “the air” 

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Three proposed bills aim to help ex-prison inmates reintegrate into society are set to be heard on the House floor this week. One would create a certificate of employability that former-felons could show potential employers. Holly Harris, Executive Director for the US Justice Action Network, says people getting out of jail need opportunities to help reduce the recidivism rate.

CUT 7 (12)  “to prison”

Another proposal would establish three new “reentry courts” in the state, in addition to 9 that are already in place. The new programs would be established in Houma, Lake Charles, and Livingston. Harris says these programs are essential to criminals who are trying to get their lives back on track.

Cut 8  (08)  “reentry process”

One of the bills would encourage people to become mentors to offenders who are under court supervision. Harris says there are of other ways Louisiana can reduce its incarceration numbers down.

Cut 9 (06)  “sentencing reform”

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There are only two weeks left until Tax Day, which is April 18, and time is running out to file federal taxes. IRS Spokesperson Lea Crusberg says usually April 15^th is the deadline, but those who like to wait until the last minute have a couple of extra days to work with.

Cut 10 (10) “this year”

Crusberg advises people not to get in a hurry filing taxes, because careless mistakes can be made, like forgetting to sign or putting the wrong social security number on their return. She says filing taxes electronically can help avoid these errors.

cut 11 (04) “the math”

Crusberg says people who make less than $62-thousand a year are eligible for free electronic filing. She says those individuals who live in one of the 30 parishes that have been declared a federal disaster area are allowed to file after April 18^th and that information can be found at I-R-S-dot-gov.

cut 12 (07) “this year”

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Governor John Bel Edwards has told state Democratic Party leaders to get behind Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell in the US Senate race.  UL Lafayette political science professor Pearson Cross says Edwards endorsement of the populist politician from north Louisiana is a real boost for his campaign….

Cut 13 (08)  “Foster Campbell”

Edwards says Campbell has shown he can win elections when people don’t believe a Democrat can or should win. But Cross says Edwards endorsement does not guarantee a spot in the runoff, because this will be a race that will focus on national issues…

Cut 14 (09)  “inside track” 

Cross says Edwards endorsement does not bode well for the other prominent Democrat in the race, New Orleans lawyer Caroline Fayard, who comes from a family that’s been long supported by the Democratic Party….

Cut 15 (08) “Memorial Day”

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There’s about two more weeks to go in spring football and LSU Coach
Les Miles likes the improvement from his quarterbacks. Brandon
Harris, Danny Etling and Justin McMilan each completed passes for a high
percentage in a scrimmage on Saturday, with Harris leading the trio with
246 passing yards. Miles says there’s more confidence with the group…

Cut 16  (16)  “good offense”
Miles liked what he saw from sophomore defensive end Arden Key, who had
six tackles and one sack. The coach freshman linebacker Devin White from
North Webster High School was also impressive…

Cut 17 (10) “in tackles”

Miles says the story of Saturday’s scrimmage was the play of the
quarterbacks…

Cut 18 (12) “today”