Officials are watching a broad area of low pressure in the Gulf of Mexico that could affect parts of southwestern Louisiana tonight into tomorrow. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Eric Gill”

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

Dozens of vehicles are trapped on a high hill at the Colfax Mudfest Park after a homemade levee gave way and water from the Red River rushed in. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (29) “reporting”

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

Officials are watching a broad area of low pressure in the  Gulf of Mexico that could affect parts of western Louisiana tonight into tomorrow. Jonathan Brazzell, with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says it’s very possible this system could develop into something stronger before it hits land…

CUT 3 (08)  “meeting the criteria”

Invest 91-L has a 90-percent chance of developing into a tropical depression or storm before making landfall. Brazzell says the main story with this system will not be the wind, but the rain…

CUT 4 (07)  “with this system”

Brazzell says southwest Louisiana could begin seeing rain this afternoon into tonight due to Invest 91-L. He says some areas between Lafayette and Lake Charles could see significant rainfall…

CUT 5 (11)  “to set up”

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

State Police say two people have been arrested in connection with a March fatal hit and run in St. Mary Parish. 33-year-old Kista Sedotal of Jeanerette was struck twice and killed while walking along LA 182. Master Trooper Brooks David says a major clue leading to one arrest was found at the scene…

CUT 6 (10)  “pickup truck”

Investigators determined that 46-year-old Brian Timken of New Iberia drove the truck that initially struck Sedotal. Timken was arrested on hit and run and obstruction of justice charges. They also found that a car driven by 25-year-old Kayla Norris of Franklin struck Sedotal sometime after Timken. David says Norris thought she had hit an animal in the roadway…

CUT 7 (08) “and never stopped”

Norris is charged with hit and run. David says if you believe you hit something in the roadway, you should always stop…

CUT 8 (07)  “to your vehicle”

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

Dozens of vehicles, ATVs and motor homes are still stranded at the Colfax Mudfest Recreational Park after a temporary levee gave way over the weekend, resulting in a considerable amount of water from the Red River entering the park area. Grant Parish Sheriff Steven McCain says thankfully a deputy there on security detail noticed the levee cracking

CUT 9 (09)  “that it broke”

Over 110 people had to be rescued when the homemade levee gave way. The Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security was contacted and coordinated air support from the National Guard. There were no injuries reported. McCAin says it was incredible to see how fast the water moved in…:

cut 10 (11) “in one piece” 

McCain says they were able to get the vehicles, including a deputy’s car, on a high hill which is now completely surrounded by water. He says one of the attendants lives seven and a half hours away…:

cut 11 (10)  “secure a road”

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

Darren Sharper pleaded guilty today in an Orleans Parish courtroom to two counts of forcible rape and one count of simple rape. This was the final step in Sharper’s “global plea deal” resolving criminal charges in four states. Legal analyst Tim Meche says it appears Sharper has sealed the deal with authorities…

cut 12 (10)  “in ten years”

Sharper has admitted to raping at least nine women in Louisiana, California, Arizona, and Nevada. Under the agreement, Sharper is expected to serve 9 years in prison, with credit for good behavior and time already served. Meche says the understanding is that Sharper will serve his time at a federal prison in California…

cut 13 (12)  “much more favorable”

Many are upset about the length of Sharper’s sentence, but Meche says the criminal justice system doesn’t treat everyone equally. Meche says it appears Sharper’s lawyers used his multiple criminal acts in several different states to his advantage…

cut 14 (07) “much more harshly”

The Fighting Tigers play their worst game of the season in a 10-3 loss to TCU in the College World Series. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association President Will French believes the bill that caps the film tax program at 180-million dollars is unconstitutional. Eric Gill reports…

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Eric Gill”

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After viewing firsthand the flood damage caused by the Red River in northwest Louisiana, Senator Bill Cassidy will look to see what could have been done to minimize the impact. Scott Carwile has the story…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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Higher education is appreciative lawmakers found enough funding to prevent deep budget cuts to public universities and colleges. But Higher Ed Commissioner Joe Rallo says long-term funding for colleges is still not guaranteed

cut 4  (10)  “every year”

Rallo says they will ask the next governor to put some budget reforms into place that will give higher ed leaders more assurances that they’ll have a certain amount of money available every year…

Cut 5  (08)  “is protected”

Rallo says even though higher ed avoided significant cuts this year, the amount of state funding going to colleges and universities has decreased substantially during Governor Jindal’s second term in office

Cut 6 (9)  “720-million”

______________________________________

The LSU Tigers played their worst game of the season in a 10-3 loss to TCU on Sunday in the College World Series. The Bayou Bengals committed four errors, two of them by starting pitcher Jared Poche, who misfired on two throws to first base in the fourth inning that started the rout for TCU

CUT 7 (10)  “my fault”

The two throwing errors by Poche in the fourth inning led to two TCU runs. The Horned Frogs scored four additional runs in the 5th inning and four more in the 7th inning. Coach Paul Mainieri says the turning point was Poche’s miscues…

Cut 8  (13)  “fourth inning” 

The loss sends LSU into an elimination game on Tuesday afternoon. Mainieri hopes the Tigers bad play is out of their system

Cut 9 (08)  “describe it”

______________________________________

The state legislature passed a measure capping the amount of the stae’s film tax credit program at 180-million dollars, but some believe the bill is unconstitutional. Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association President Will French says the legislation doesn’t address the issuing of film tax credits, but the redemption of those credits. He says the problem comes when one film tax credit is honored and another is not…

Cut 10 (05) “constitutional law”

French says it’s unconstitutional for the state to treat tax payers differently and by denying a tax credit that was honored for someone else, that’s what would happen. He also says it’s unlawful for the government to take something of value, like a tax credit, and devalue it or take away the person’s ability to use it…

cut 11 (05) “that, constitutionally”

French says there are many ways structure a cap on a tax credit program, but legislators got it wrong in this case. He points out that the legislation is not law, yet. Governor Jindal has yet to sign the measure into law. French says if the governor doesn’t veto the bill, then it will be challenged in court…

cut 12 (09)  “stricken down”

______________________________________

After assessing the Red River flooding in the Shreveport area, US Senator Bill Cassidy says he’ll look into why NOAA’s earlier crest predictions were off. Cassidy says the federal agency’s prediction of a 34-feet crest resulted in an unpleasant surprise when the eventual crest came in at 37-feet

Cut 13 (10)  “much higher”

Cassidy says he’s will also look into whether the Army Corps of Engineers could have done anything differently as the water flowed down the Red River from Oklahoma…

Cut 14 (08) “is understood”

Cassidy says he’ll also push for federal assistance once the request for help is formally made the state level. He says after viewing the flooded areas, it appears a lot of people will need some financial help…

Cut 15  (08)  “for everybody”

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In response to the death of an infant in the care of an unlicensed day care operation, the state releases a list of illegal childcare center operators. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Eric Gill”

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The business community and the film industry are hot happy with what came out of the legislative session. Jeff Palermo has the story

CUT 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

In the wake of the arrest of two day care workers in the death of a 22-month old child, the state department of education is now posting on its website a list of unlicensed day care centers. The infant died in the care of a Baton Rouge day care center operator, who had her license revoked. State Superintendent of Education John White wants to make sure this tragic incident never happens again….

CUT 3 (10)  “of a child”

The registry comprises 16 individuals whose licenses were revoked from 10 different parishes. White says local law enforcement and school superintendents are being notified of the underground day cares in their area…

CUT 4 (06)  “communities”

White says he will also recommend to BESE to increase funding so that low-income families can afford licensed day care centers…

CUT 5 (09)  “less expensive”

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

The department of transportation is reminding Baton Rouge area residents the deadline to take the online I-10 Corridor Improvement Study is this Monday. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says more than 12-thousand people have taken the online survey already, surpassing their goal…

CUT 6 (08)  “surveys in”

Mallett says the daily number of vehicles on the Mississippi River Bridge has surpassed over 100-thousand, up 14-thousand from 2010. He says this survey will help them come up with ideas on ways to alleviate traffic……

CUT 7 (09) “Baton Rouge”

Mallett says once the survey is completed, the next step is to have a public hearing that will present ideas on I-10 corridor improvements….

CUT 8 (11)  “concepts”

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

With his final legislative session as governor complete, Governor Bobby Jindal says he has few regrets with what he’s been able to accomplish in the legislature. Jindal says if he got everything he asked for during a legislative session, then he didn’t ask for enough. The governor does say that he is disappointed that he was unable to repeal the state’s income tax…

CUT 9 (06)  “to accomplish”

The governor says this was a very successful legislative session, since lawmakers passed a balanced budget. Jindal says he’s proud of the work done on K-12 education reform. He says the School Voucher Program has proven to be very successful statewide and hopes more students will be able to take advantage of the program…

cut 10 (09) “children’s education” 

The governor thinks legislators took a step in the right direction this year in reforming Louisiana’s tax code by reducing some of the refundable tax credits. Jindal says, if you’re looking for a list of things he was unable to accomplish, he has an idea of where you can find it…

cut 11 (08)  “several months”

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

Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack says lawmakers approved two-and-half billion dollars in tax increases on businesses over the the next five years on the final day of the legislative session. One of the bills reduces the inventory tax credit businesses receive and Waguespack says that’s something shoppers will notice

cut 12 (12)  “those stories”

Legislators approved the tax increases and a roll back of tax credits in order to prevent big cuts to higher education and health care. But Waguespack wishes lawmakers used a different method to fund those areas…

cut 13 (08)  “those dollars”

The Louisiana Film Industry is also not pleased with the final result of the session. Patrick Mulhearn, Executive Director of the Celtic Studios in Baton Rouge , says the legislature agreed to cap the amount of film tax credits at 180-million dollars, which will slow down movie production in this state

cut 14 (09) “it would”

Mulhearn says they hope Governor Bobby Jindal vetoes the legislation. He says the legislation also creates confusion on which credits the state will honor….

cut 15 (10) “or problems”

The Red River has crested in the Shreveport area and now it’s moving toward Alexandria. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

The legislature passes a bill that increases the tax on cigarettes by an additional 50-cents a pack. Scott Carwile has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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The key piece of the legislation that was needed to prevent a veto of revenue generating bills  made it through in the final hours of the session. Jeff Palermo has more

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The Red River has crested in the Shreveport area and now it’s moving toward Alexandria. Jonathan Brazzell, with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says residents can expect waters to continue to rise for the next few days…

cut 4  (06)  “next week”

Brazzell says the Red is predicted to crest at 38 feet late Sunday night or early Monday morning and that crest could last a day or so before it begins receding. Brazzell says property in Alexandria, Pineville, and areas north of the levee system are at risk of flooding. He says the biggest issue facing residents is backwater flooding…

Cut 5  (09)  “Rigolette area”

Brazzell says it’s estimated that about 100 homes are at risk of flooding in the Alexandria area. He says there are several roads closed due to flooding in the area and more could be closed as the crest nears. Brazell says it will take a while for the water to drain out…

Cut 6 (11)  “of the lakes”

______________________________________

State lawmakers have voted to increase the state’s cigarette tax by 50-cents. If the measure is not vetoed, the tax on a pack of cigarettes will go up from 36-cents to 86-cents on July first. Leesville Representative James Armes voted against the tax hike, he says Louisiana benefits from having the third lowest tax in the country on cigarettes…

CUT 7 (12)  “restaurants”

At 86-cents, Lousiana’s cigarette tax would surpass Mississippi’s tax rate, but it will remain lower than Arkansas and Texas. Revenue raised from the higher cigarette tax will go towards Medicaid funding. During debate on House floor, Armes stood up for smokers…

Cut 8  (08)  “wanna smoke” 

The measure passed on the House on 75-29 votes. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton was one of the lawmakers who voted in favor of the tax increase ….

Cut 9 (05)  “healthcare”

______________________________________

In Louisiana Radio Network’s 4th week of Governor Q&A, we asked the four major candidates how they would handle transportation issues in the state. US Senator David Vitter says he’s sick and tired of sitting in hours of traffic instead of spending time being productive or with family….:

Cut 10 (09) “change that”

Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle says building roads and bridges are fundamental to our economic development. He says it’s time we put the trust back into the Transportation Trust Fund…:

cut 11 (09) “other areas of government”

Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says with our growing economy and population it’s crucial that we address the transportation projects piling up, but it must be done as part of overall budget reform…:

cut 12 (09)   “for the state”

Amite Representative John Bel Edwards says the state needs to take the money it gets for roads and bridges and use it for its intended purpose…:

Cut 13 (09)  “on those items”

______________________________________

In the waning hours of the legislative session, lawmakers approved the SAVE tax credit, which is needed to prevent Governor Bobby Jindal from vetoing revenue generating bills. Amite Representative John Bel Edwards called the legislation a gimmick and only proposed to help Jindal’s presidential ambitions

Cut 14 (11) “right thing”

Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater told House members a vote against the SAVE fund will result in a 282-million dollar cut to higher education…

Cut 15  (11)  “trained work force”

Governor Bobby Jindal calls it a very successful session, since the legislature passed a balanced budget

Cut 16  (12)  “taxes”

During the debate of the SAVE credit, there was plenty of criticism of the legislation directed towards Jindal. But the governor doesn’t take any of those remarks personally

Cut 17 (09) ” raising taxes” 

——————————————————

A major story line for this College World Series will be whether we’ll see an increase in home runs in Omaha this year. Last there were only three long balls. This season college baseball is using a flat-seam ball, but Coach Paul Mainieri still doesn’t expect to see many home runs in the spacious TD Ameritrade Park…

Cut 18 (13) “first base”

Mainieri has yet to unveil his pitching plans, but freshman Alex Lange is expected to start on Sunday against TCU. Mainieri says he has the confidence that Lange can get the Tigers off to a good start

Cut 19 (09)  “as he can

LSU is searching for its seventh national championship and first since 2009. Mainieri says the team is ready for a long stay in Omaha

Cut 20 (13)  “anybody”

The state House rejects a resolution that asked the Louisiana AG to drop his appeal of a federal judge’s order to release Albert Woodfox. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

Colorado Congressman Jared Polis went on a crazy rant about “crayfish” directed at Minden Congressman John Fleming on the US House floor. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 2 (28) “I’m Eric Gill”

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

Colorado Congressman Jared Polis went on a bizarre rant about “crayfish” directed at Minden Congressman John Fleming on the US House floor. Polis disagreed with Fleming’s stance on a bill that would prevent the federal government from enforcing federal marijuana laws in states that have legalized it. Here’s how Polis responded to Fleming’s remarks…

CUT 3 (07)  “to ban that”

In his rant, Polis asked Fleming if he would like “smoking crayfish” to be banned. Fleming says Polis’s rant was very odd and puzzling…

CUT 4 (09)  “on the floor”

Fleming cited numerous studies that show that states that have legalized marijuana have a much higher use rate among youth aged 12-17. Polis disputes those claims and make his stance on “crayfish” clear…

CUT 5 (11)  “I don’t want it”

Fleming says Polis can be pretty bizarre at times and this is a pretty good example of that.  He feels the Colorado congressman needs to get his facts straight before going on another rant…

CUT 6 (06)  “we boil them”

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

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness has damage assessment teams in northwest Louisiana to gather information on the amount of damage as a result of the Red River flooding. GOHSEP deputy director Mark Riley says the data collected is needed in a request for a federal disaster declaration

CUT 7 (11) “disaster declaration”

Riley says if the state secures a presidential disaster declaration, it will allow individuals or families impacted by the flood to apply for financial assistance

CUT 8 (11)  “it would”

It’s been reported that 300 homes were affected by flooding in Shreveport. Riley says it’s too early to tell if the flooding is extensive enough to qualify for federal assistance

CUT 9 (11)  “of the damage”

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

The state House rejected a resolution today that asked the Louisiana Attorney General to drop his appeal of a federal judge’s order to release Albert Woodfox; the last of the Angola three. Woodfox has been in solitary confinement for over 40 years for killing a prison guard, but his last two convictions were overturned. Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith says it’s time to drop this:

cut 10 (09) “lose again” 

Smith says Angola warden Burl Cain has said Woodfox is not violent and to keep him in solitary confinement like this is ridiculous. Woodfox has long argued that he did not kill guard Brent Miller but Jackson Representative Ken Havard says if the man is set free then the victim’s family would suffer…:(The resolution failed 65-18.)

cut 11 (09)  “out of there”

Woodfox has said he was targeted because he was trying to expose injustices at the prison and because he was an activist with the Black Panthers. Several House members came to the defense of Attorney General Caldwell and his desire to keep Woodfox in solitary confinement. Havard says this could have been taken care of long ago…:

cut 12 (09)  “incorrect”

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

The US House votes to repeal a law requiring country of origin labels on beef, pork, and poultry. Richland Parish Congressman Ralph Abraham says it’s projected that Louisiana could face $1.3 billion in new tariffs on exports if Congress doesn’t pass the legislation. Abraham says this issue goes farther than just beef, pork, and poultry…

cut 13 (08)  “my farmers”

The World Trade Organization has ruled that the required labels discriminate against Mexican and Canadian meat imports. Abraham says the regulatory burden put on both countries is leading to them to impose retaliatory tariffs on Louisiana and the US. He says lawmakers are left with few choices…

cut 14 (12) “from the tariffs”

The measure now heads to the US Senate. Abraham says if a tariff war erupts, a lot more than beef, pork, and poultry would be involved and it would not turn out in our favor…

cut 15 (11) “particular products”

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The LSU baseball team leaves for Omaha today and the fans won’t be far behind as preparations begin for the Tigers 17th College World Series appearance. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (30) “Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

The rising waters of the Red River have some concerned that could lead to a higher number of mosquitoes this summer. Eric Gill has more…

Cut 2 (25) “I’m Eric Gill”

______________________________________

Today is the last day for lawmakers to come up with a budget deal as the legislative session must end at 6 PM. Scott Carwile has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile”

______________________________________

The LSU baseball team leaves for Omaha today and the fans won’t be far behind as preparations begin for the Tigers 17th College World Series appearance. LSU will play TCU on Sunday at 2pm. Omaha Convention and Visitors Bureau spokeswoman Deborah Ward says they love it when the Purple and Gold Nation is in town…:

cut 4  (07)  “the country”

There are four SEC teams going to the CWS this year all bringing huge fan bases. Ward says they are expecting a major turnout for the city this year…:

Cut 5  (08)  “between them”

Ward says if you’re still planning a trip, you can go to visitomaha.com to check on hotel availability. She says there are lots of events surrounding the big games at TD Ameritrade Park…:

Cut 6 (10)  “baseball village”

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The rising waters of the Red River have some concerned that could lead to a higher number of mosquitoes this summer. LSU AgCenter Entomologist Kristin Healy says any time you get more water, you get more mosquitoes. Healy says when a river floods, it floods nearby flood plains and that’s where the problem lies…

CUT 7 (10)  “certainly”

She says mosquito control departments in areas along the Red River will have their hands full as they combat the pests. Healy says the mosquitoes the area will see from the floods will likely not be the “house mosquito” that transmits the West Nile Virus…

Cut 8  (08)  “bite humans” 

Although they may not be the type that transmit West Nile, Healy says the mosquitoes produced by the flood waters will the type that like to bite humans. She says, whether or not it’s a bad or mild mosquito year, personal protection is always important…

Cut 9 (09)  “mosquito bites”

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The Abbeville Police Department says 8 people are under arrest who were allegedly involved in a cockfighting ring. Detective LeLand Laseter says they got a call mid-May from a concerned citizen who reported they’d seen roosters fighting at a residence in the city. He says cops responded and observed from a distance…:

Cut 10 (09) “betting on the fight”

Laseter says when officers entered the property, they located feathers, wounded roosters and other things associated with cockfighting…:

cut 11 (09) “for admission”

Laseter says they also discovered during the investigation that a juvenile daughter of one of the suspects was illegally selling alcohol to those in attendance. He says the executed arrest warrants on Wednesday morning…:

cut 12 (10)   “is ongoing”

______________________________________

The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s office says 4 people described as gangsters have been arrested in the brutal murder of a 15-year-old boy last year. Sheriff Jeff Wiley says 18-year-old Tyrell Williams, 21-year-old Marcus Ester and two juveniles are charged with 1st degree murder in the death of Brandon Augusta. He believes all 5 were under the influence of synthetic marijuana when a fight took place…:

Cut 13 (10)  “boy”

Augusta went missing in Donaldsonville August 2014 and was found 5 days later along the levee — his body so badly beaten they needed dental records to identify the high school freshman. Wiley says several weapons of opportunity were used in the killing on the bank of the Mississippi River…:

Cut 14 (08) “his body was violated”

Wiley says the 4 suspects involved in the drug induced murder were thugs…:

Cut 15  (09)  “53 times”

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

It’s the last day of the legislative session and lawmakers have until 6 PM to approve a budget for next fiscal year and pass revenue generating bills that would stave off large cuts to higher education and health care. Senate Finance Chairman Jack Donahue says legislators also need to pass a tax offset to prevent Governor Bobby Jindal from vetoing certain tax bills

Cut 16  (12)  “anybody good”

The SAVE tax credit could be used to offset tax increases and satisfy Jindal’s demand for a revenue neutral budget. But House members call the legislation a sham. Donahue hopes the House changes its stance

Cut 17 (11) ” to do” 

LSU President and Chancellor F King Alexander says lawmakers have talked about making higher education a priority, but that doesn’t mean public universities and colleges will not be spared from big cuts

Cut 18 (07) “we’re very concerned’

Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater has told lawmakers that higher education could be cut 282 million dollars, if Jindal vetoes revenue generating bills that are not offset with a tax cut. Alexander says that will be tough to swallow

Cut 19 (08)  “July 1″

With the legislative session set to end on Thursday at 6 PM, lawmakers are scrambling to come up with a budget proposal that Governor Jindal will sign. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Eric Gill”

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Three bills that are a compromise in the dispute over the Common Core Education standards head to the governor’s desk. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

New Orleans Police say a man is dead after his truck crashed through a parking garage and fell to the street. Paul Colce, an eyewitness, says he was standing at Camp and Poydras streets when he heard the sound of glass breaking…

CUT 3 (07)  “five stories up”

Police say the pickup truck was on the fifth or sixth level when it crashed through a steel cable barrier and a glass window before falling to the street. Colce says he and others ran to help, but quickly realized there was nothing they could do…

CUT 4 (08)  “couldn’t do it”

The driver of the truck was pronounced dead at the scene. Colce says it’s a stroke of luck that nobody else was hurt…

CUT 5 (08)  “by fractions”

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

With the legislative session set to end on Thursday at 6 PM, lawmakers are scrambling to come up with a budget proposal that Governor Jindal will sign. LaPolitics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says all major negotiations are occurring behind closed doors…

CUT 6 (10)  “conference committees”

Revenue raising bills that are critical to funding higher education and health care have been sent to Conference committees to hammer out differences between the House and Senate in closed door meetings. Alford says the big battle is the legislature versus the governor…

CUT 7 (09) “to accomplish”

Lawmakers have struggled to come up with a budget that is revenue neutral, as required by Governor Jindal. Alford doesn’t think anyone at the State Capitol knows how this session will wind up…

CUT 8 (08)  “for this session”

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

The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s office says a teenager from Opelousas tragically lost her life after a tree fell on top of her car. Spokesman Lt. Clay Higgins says the incident happened around 2pm Tuesday and they presume there were strong storms in the area when 17-year-old Gaberielle Lajack was backing out of her own driveway…:

CUT 9 (08)  “at that time”

Higgins says the coroner pronounced Lajack dead at the scene. He says Lajack was a beautiful young lady, niece to one of their deputies and the incident has everyone in total shock…:

cut 10 (09) “could happen’” 

Higgins says he stayed at the house until late last night along with other responders who were moving the tree away from the house…:

cut 11 (07)  “witness again”

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

The governor’s office says Bobby Jindal plans to sign the three bills that have been described as a compromise in the battle over Common Core. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says the bottom line is that the Common Core education standards stay in Louisiana public school classrooms…

cut 12 (10)  “Common Core”

Four panels, mostly be made up of teachers, will review Common Core and make recommendations to BESE. Erwin says a key component is that the next governor will have the ability to reject any proposed changes to Common Core

cut 13 (10)  “anti-Common Core side”

Council for a Better Louisiana is a supporter of Common Core and Erwin says they don’t have a problem with the legislation lawmakers approved this session…

cut 14 (08) “that’s a win”

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

SLU and LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center have partnered up to offer a program which teaches college students how to work with overweight kids. Michelle Southern reports..:

CUT 1 (28) “Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

Governor Bobby Jindal turns 44 years old today and the question is what does the future hold for him? Eric Gill reports…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Eric Gill”

______________________________________

Two more days left in the legislative session and lawmakers are still trying to agree on a budget deal. Scott Carwile has the story…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Scott Carwile”

______________________________________

Southeastern Louisiana University has partnered with LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center to create a new program helping college students prepare for careers working with children who are overweight. Pennington Assistant Professor, Dr. Amanda Staiano, says Project I-PAL is an interactive physical activity lab in Hammond…:

cut 4  (08)  “more exciting”

Staiano says Project I-PAL will provide unique opportunities for children to engage in physical activity to address possible issues associated with their weight such as self-esteem and body image. She says they are going to work with children and get them on some exercise equipment that is especially designed for them…:

Cut 5  (11)  “these children”

Staiano says the program is going to launch this fall when the kids head back to school. She says the primary purpose is to try to prepare college students for their future jobs…:

Cut 6 (10)  “or obese”

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

Governor Bobby Jindal turns 44 years old today and the question is what does the future hold for him? Jindal is finishing his second term as governor and a possible presidential campaign is ahead of him. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says the governor is at a crossroads, career-wise…

CUT 7 (08)  “for Jindal”

He says if Jindal’s presidential aspirations don’t pan out in 2016, he still has some good career prospects. Cross says it’s possible Jindal could be appointed to a cabinet post, be an ambassador, take a major position at a think tank, or even wind up on television…

Cut 8  (07)  “compared to most” 

He says Jindal has a really strong upside for future job opportunities. As far as presidential politics go, Cross says Jindal is still relatively young at 44…

Cut 9 (07)  “should choose it”

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

The Sterlington Police Department says they’ve arrested a man who allegedly set his pregnant girlfriend on fire during an argument over bills. Chief Barry Bonner says 23-year-old Darren Lambert is charged with aggravated domestic abuse involving the burning of a victim…:

Cut 10 (10) “her chest”

Bonner says the victim was transported to the burn center in Jackson, Mississippi with second and third degree burns all over her body. He says cops were told by family members that the victim was 9 weeks pregnant…:

cut 11 (07) “lost the baby”

Bonner says Lambert’s charge is a new statue that DA Jerry Jones helped establish along with Monroe Senator Bob Kostelka..:

cut 12 (10)   “50 years”

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The Louisiana legislature has only two more days left to reach a compromise on the budget. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says all eyes are on the House, who refuses to go along with a tax break that really doesn’t do anything, but it would keep Governor Bobby Jindal from vetoing several revenue generating bills that are close to final passage….

Cut 13 (08)  “override his veto”

The main focus of this legislative session has been the budget and a one-point-six billion dollar shortfall that if not resolved will result in big cuts to higher education and health care. Pinsonat says budget discussions will go down to the wire…

Cut 14 (10) “this time”

By law, the legislative session must end on Thursday at 6 PM. As of now, the House does not support a Jindal backed tax credit that allows him to keep his no-tax pledge. Pinsonat says without the tax credit, Jindal will veto several revenue generating bills, putting higher ed and health care at risk

Cut 15  (06)  “huge risk”

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LSU will leave tomorrow for Omaha as they’ll make their 17th trip to the College World Series. There are a handful of guys who were on the team that went to the C-W-S in 2013. But a vast majority of the players will make their first trip. Coach Paul Mainieri has let them know what they can expect

Cut 16  (19)  “to be like”

LSU will play TCU on Sunday at 2 PM. The other two teams on the Tigers side of the bracket are Cal State Fullerton and Vanderbilt. They also play on Sunday. Mainieri says each team in their bracket has a team ERA below three, so pitching and defense will be critical in Omaha

Cut 17 (14) ” giving them a base hit” 

Since the College World Series has moved to the new TD Ameritrade Park, runs have been at premium at the spacious park, where the win blows in. Reliever Zac Person says the pitchers have confidence their fielders can track balls down in the gaps…

Cut 18 (17) “we’ll be fine’

A Baton Rouge federal judge has ordered the unconditional release of 68-year-old Albert Woodfox, the last imprisoned member of the Angola 3. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Eric Gill”

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The state House has sent legislation that would raise the tax on cigarettes to a conference committee to work out the differences between the two chambers. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A Baton Rouge federal judge has ordered the unconditional release of 68-year-old Albert Woodfox, the last imprisoned member of the Angola 3. Woodfox has spent over 40 years in solitary confinement for the 1972 killing of Angola prison guard Brent Miller. Amnesty International’s Jasmine Heiss says it’s time for the state to stop blocking Woodfox’s release…

CUT 3 (07)  “to do so”

The state’s Attorney General’s Office has filed a notice of appeal with the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. Woodfox was convicted twice of the murder of Miller, but both convictions have been overturned. Heiss says this is a case of injustice, compounded…

CUT 4 (10)  “for four decades”

An Attorney General spokesperson says US District Judge James Brady’s ruling sees it fit to set free a twice convicted murderer. Heiss says, in their opinion, the state is seeking vengeance rather than justice. She says the only humane action the state can take, at this point, is to ensure Woodfox’s immediate release…

CUT 5 (09)  “way of justice”

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Widespread flooding in Northwest Louisiana continues as the Red River finally hits it crest at 37 feet where it is expected to remain today. CS Ross, hydrologist with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says they predict the water will finally start to go down a bit by tonight…:

CUT 6 (08)  “upcoming weekend”

The reading mark today has not been exceeded since April 1945. Authorities say over 300 structures and nearly 40 roads have been affected by floodwaters. Ross says residents in Caddo and Bossier Parish should not expect the flooding to get any worse than it is now. He says areas further south are about to get more water…:

CUT 7 (11) “Louisiana”

Ross says there is a chance of showers and thunderstorms today, decreasing overnight. Wednesday rain chances are just 20 percent increasing to 30 percent Thursday and Friday. He says thunderstorms will only be in isolated amounts…:

CUT 8 (12)  “on the Red River”

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The state House has sent legislation that would raise the tax on cigarettes to a conference committee to work out the differences between the two chambers. The House passed the measure raising the tax to 68 cents per pack. The Senate amended the bill to raise the tax to $1.08. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says the Senate hike is just too much…

CUT 9 (10)  “amendment on this”

Monroe Representative Jay Morris agrees with Harris. Morris says that cigarette taxes do need to be raised, but lawmakers shouldn’t rely solely on this to raise revenue…

cut 10 (08) “good tax policy’” 

An 81-15 House vote sends the measure to a conference committee. Bogalusa Representative Harold Ritchie is in favor of the Senate amendment. He says the tax hike would save lives. Ritchie argued that the House approved budget protected higher education, but not health care…

cut 11 (11)  “for health care”

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The Alexandria Police Department says a man is under arrest on murder charges accused of killing someone at a tattoo shop. Spokesman Lt. Bruce Fairbanks says they responded to the Sacred Art tattoo shop Monday afternoon and located the victim who’d been shot and was unresponsive…:

cut 12 (06)  “immediately”

Fairbanks says they arrested the suspect, 43-year-old Daymein Boyd of Alexandria…:

cut 13 (07)  “drug paraphernalia”

Fairbanks says the victim has been identified as 42-year-old John Williams of Alexandria…:

cut 14 (09) “at this time”

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It looks as if Lafayette Congressman Charles Boustany is considering a run for the US Senate if Senator David Vitter is elected governor this year. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28) “Eric Gill”

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According to a new report, abortions in Louisiana have jumped in number since 2010, while nearly everywhere else they’ve gone down. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The state legislature will continue to have authority over tuition costs. Jeff Palermo explains…

Cut 3 (30) “Palermo”

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It appears that Lafayette Congressman Charles Boustany is considering a run for the US Senate if Senator David Vitter is elected governor this year. Boustany says that could be an option after this year’s statewide election, but right now he’s focusing on the job at hand…

cut 4  (10)  “to our delegation”

Boustany currently sits on the US House Ways and Means Committee and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in recent months. Boustany says he’ll make a decision on his political future at a later time…

Cut 5  (08)  “presents itself”

UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross thinks it’s a really strong possibility that Boustany would vie for Vitter’s seat…

Cut 6 (07)  “frontrunner, initially”

Cross says other potential candidates could include Minden Congressman John Fleming and state Treasurer John Kennedy. If elected governor, Vitter will be able to appoint someone to replace him until the November 2016 election. Cross says whoever would receive that appointment would have a real advantage in that Senate election…

CUT 7 (07)  “as the incumbent”

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A higher education tax credit that provides an offset to revenue generating bills, receives a cold shoulder from House members. The legislation is called the SAVE ACT. But democrats, like Amite Representative John Bel Edwards, says the measure makes no sense for the legislature to pass it

Cut 8  (10)  “what are you assessing” 

Even Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh, who was pushing the House to pass the SAVE Act, admitted the legislation was peculiar…

(Seabaugh eventually withdrew his attempt to add the SAVE Act to another bill.)

Cut 9 (08)  “makes sense”

But without the SAVE Act, Jindal is expected to veto revenue generating bills that restore cuts to higher ed and health care.  New Orleans Representative Jeff Arnold says there are other bills that could provide the offset needed for Jindal to keep his no tax pledge…

Cut 10 (09) “using this”

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According to a new report, abortions in Louisiana have jumped in number since 2010, while nearly everywhere else they’ve gone down. But Louisiana Right to Life Executive Director Ben Clapper says numbers of out of state women coming here to have an abortion are dramatically increasing…:

cut 11 (09) “abortions”

Louisiana was recently honored by Americans United for Life as the top state taking steps to reduce access to abortion, but the study indicates the number of women ending pregnancies here is up 12 percent between 2010 and 2014. Clapper says Texas laws have closed one third of their abortion facilities and there is only one clinic in Mississippi.

cut 12 (10)   “income”

Clapper says abortions for non-residents jumped by more than 1200 between 2010 and 2012. He says even though lawmakers have tried to make it harder to end a pregnancy in Louisiana, the five clinics here only sell abortions and all they care about is collecting the $450…:

Cut 13 (09)  “off the procedure”

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A measure which would mean dramatic decreases in Louisiana’s tough pot possession penalties is headed to Governor Bobby Jindal’s desk. Metairie Representative Joe Lopinto says right now the sentence for one gram of marijuana and 60 pounds is the same which makes no sense…:

Cut 14 (08) “already”

The House voted 74-19 to approve amendments added to the bill on the Senate side. The proposed law would essentially end the possibility someone could be jailed 20 years for repeatedly getting arrested with only a small amount of marijuana. But Lopinto says the measure also increases penalties if you’re busted with a large amount of pot..:

Cut 15  (09)  “of marijuana”

Jindal has told reporters that he would sign this bill. HB 149 is a compromise between legislators who have tried to reform marijuana sentencing and law enforcement lobby groups. Lopinto says we have some of the harshest marijuana penalties in the country and this is a smart bill that cleans up the books…:

Cut 16  (08)  “make sense”

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The Houston Astros selected LSU shortstop Alex Bregman with the second overall pick in the Major League Baseball Draft. Bregman says it’s a dream come true to hear the MLB Commissioner call his name…

Cut 17 (16) ” grew up lovin” 

Bregman was taken after Arizona picked Vanderbilt shortstop Dansby Swanson with the number one overall selection. Bregman has been a star shortstop for the Tigers the last three seasons, but some major league scouts believe he’ll make a better second baseman in the pros. Bregman says he’s not sure about that

Cut 18 (15) “play shortstop’

Bregman and the Tigers will play their first game in the College World Series on Sunday afternoon. He says it’s been quite a week so far, winning a super regional on Sunday and getting drafted on Monday night

Cut 19 (13)  “really excited”