Former Florida Governor and possible presidential contender Jeb Bush endorses US Senator David Vitter in this year’s governor’s race. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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Today is tax day and even though many have already settled up with Uncle Sam, there are still millions who have yet to file. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

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Louisiana college students are expected to rally on the state capitol steps today against proposed deep budget cuts to higher education. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

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Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush endorses US Senator David Vitter in this year’s governor’s race. Bush will appear with Vitter today at a fundraising event in New Orleans. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says this is not a surprise as the senator has contacts at the national level to secure endorsements like this…

cut 4  (10)  “some momentum”

Bush is considering a run for the Republican presidential nomination. Vitter has also picked up endorsements from presidential hopefuls Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. Dubos says these endorsements are good at creating momentum for a campaign, but endorsements alone will not get Vitter elected governor…

Cut 5  (10)  “the linchpin”

Bush is considered a serious contender for the Republican nomination due to his ability to raise money. Dubos feels Vitter is not the only one to benefit from this endorsement…

Cut 6 (06)  “a favor”

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Today is tax day and even though many have already settled up with Uncle Sam, there are still millions who have yet to file and are waiting till the last minute. If you’re filing electronically it must be done by midnight. But Bill Potter, a CPA in Baton Rouge, says if you don’t think you’re gonna make it then you can file an extension…:

CUT 7 (11)  “with that form”

If you make less than $60,000 a year you can log on to irs.gov and choose from several different commercial software companies that let you file your taxes for free. Potter says one of the most common mistakes people make is getting their social security number wrong. He says it’s also important to report ALL your income…:

Cut 8  (11)  “IRS super computers” 

Potter says a lot of people procrastinate because they owe money, but most taxpayers get refunds so it’s always better to file and the sooner the better…:

Cut 9 (06)  “get their refund”

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Louisiana college students will rally at the state capitol today to express their concerns about a potential 600-million dollar cut in state funding to public colleges and universities. Stephanie Travis, who chairs the council of student body presidents, says she started at Southeastern Louisiana in 2009 and has seen how previous budget cuts have impacted the Hammond campus

Cut 10 (07) “previous years”

Lawmakers are looking at how they can preserve higher education, but finding ways to raise revenue to prevent drastic cuts will be difficult. Travis says raising tuition on students is NOT the answer

cut 11 (08) “an increase in tuition”

So far in previous budget hearings, lawmakers have talked about the importance of finding a way to stop the cuts to higher ed. Travis is concerned that legislators will realize that the easiest solution is to raise tuition and fees, but they’ve already gone up enough

cut 12 (10)   “70-percent”

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Bossier City Representative Mike Johnson took to the House floor Tuesday to try and clear up some of the misconceptions of his so-called religious freedom bill. Johnson says his bill does not promote discrimination against gays and lesbians. He says it’s only an attempt to safe guard religious freedom…

Cut 13 (08)  “involved in it”

Johnson’s bill seeks to prevent the state from denying a resident a business license or tax deduction because of that person’s religious belief about marriage…:

Cut 14 (10) “regardless of their views”

Democrats have said the language in the bill is vague and many have not taken a public stance on the measure as of yet. Johnson says he plans to change the language in his bill, when it gets its first hearing in the House Civil Law committee. He says ideas about marriage change with the times and it’s up to lawmakers to figure out how we’re going to coexist…:

Cut 15  (04)  “to live freely”

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If the Pelicans win tonight against the defending NBA champion San Antonio Spurs they are in the Western Conference playoffs for the first time since 2011. Pelicans head coach Monty Williams says the players are embracing the situation before them

Cut 16  (11)  “awesome opportunity”

Tonight is the regular season finale and Williams had a feeling when the schedule came out that this game against the Spurs would be an important one….

Cut 17 (15)  “gonna be big”

If the Pelicans lose tonight, they’ll have to hope that Minnesota upsets Oklahoma City, because a Thunder victory and a New Orleans loss, puts O-K-C into the playoffs and not the Pels. Williams believes his team can handle the pressure…

Cut 18 (16) ” handle this’

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Rock and Roll and Louisiana Music Hall of fame musician Percy Sledge died this morning at his home in Baton Rouge. He was 73. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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Heavy showers and thunderstorms have been moving through south Louisiana since early this morning and it appears that more rain is on the way. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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Covington Representative Paul Hollis had a pretty rough first day of the legislative session. Hollis was driving his car through a parking lot at the Capitol when the new security system went off and two bollards shot up from the ground through the front of his car. State Police spokesman Lt. JB Slaton says it appears Hollis was following a delivery truck that was exiting the lot…

CUT 3 (07)  “the same time”

Slaton says the investigation is ongoing. He says the new security system is set up to allow one car go through at a time. The bollards are used to prevent the entry of unauthorized vehicles in the State Capitol. Slaton says these bollards are lowered either manually by a guard or by swiping a sensor card…

CUT 4 (10)  “bollards re-engage”

Hollis, who broke his right hand and suffered a concussion in the accident, says he looks forward to working with LSP to educate fellow lawmakers and staff on the new security system. Slaton says this security system appears to be operating properly…

CUT 5 (05)  “exact reason”

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Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Louisiana Hall of Fame musician Percy Sledge died shortly after midnight Tuesday in Baton Rouge at the age of 73. The coroner confirms Sledge had been battling cancer. Louisiana Music Hall of Fame Director Mike Shepherd says this is a very sad day…:

CUT 6 (08)  “wanna meet”

When a Man Loves a Woman was recorded in 1966 and was an international top 40 hit that 2was certified as gold by the RIAA. Sledge was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. Shepherd  says they inducted the R&B singer into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2007 and his reaction to the award was memorable…:

CUT 7 (10)  “that’s how he felt”

Sledge was born in Leighton, Alabama and had lived in Baton Rouge since 1966. In a 2013 appearance on the Jim Engster Show, Sledge said he wrote When a Man Loves a Woman and it had been a tune in his head since he was a little boy…:

CUT 8 (16)  “in the world”

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Heavy showers and thunderstorms have been moving through south Louisiana since early this morning. Flash flood watches are in effect for a large portion of south Louisiana through this evening. Donald Jones, with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says even more rain is expected to roll in from the Gulf…

CUT 9 (09)  “this morning”

Jones says morning rains have produced minor flash flooding in some areas. He says rain has been falling at a rate of two to three inches per hour. Jones says what’s making matters worse is that these are slow moving storms…

cut 10 (09) “some flash flooding”

Jones says there should be a break from the rain this evening, but it’s only temporary… (Flash Flood Warnings are in effect for portions of south Louisiana until 2:45PM)

cut 11 (09)  “end of the week”

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There’s uncertainty surrounding state Representative Mike Johnson’s religious freedom bill. 775 bills were introduced to the House on Monday and Johnson’s legislation was the only one not assigned to a committee for a hearing. Jeremy Alford, with Lapolitics-dot-com, says lawmakers are not eager to debate the rights of businesses when it comes to same sex marriage

cut 12 (10)  “with it”

Governor Bobby Jindal supports Johnson’s bill. He says the legislation doesn’t promote discrimination, but it protects a business or person from receiving adverse treatment from the state based on their religious beliefs concerning marriage…

cut 13 (12)  “about marriage”

The House Democratic Caucus has yet to take a stand on Johnson’s bill. State representative John Bel Edwards says as of right now the legislation is vaguely written….

cut 14 (08) “interracial marriage”

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A new study shows that staying up late at night could put your health at risk. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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Today and tomorrow members of the public will have a chance to lobby before the House Appropriations Committee about what they would like to see funded in next fiscal year’s budget. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (29) “reporting”

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Members of the House Democratic Caucus lay out their priorities for the legislative session. Scott Carwile has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

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A new study shows that staying up late at night could put your health at risk. Korean researchers found that people who stay up very late are at a higher risk of diabetes, muscle deterioration, and metabolic disease, even if they get the same amount of sleep as early risers. Assistant Professor at Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Dr. Courtney Peterson, says she’s not surprised about these results…

cut 4  (11)  “health problems“

Peterson says quality sleep can help regulate several body functions. The study followed sleep cycles of more than 1,600 people between the ages of 47 and 59. They found that about 100 were night owls and 500 were early risers. Peterson says one theory suggests that sleep during the day is not as good because of blue light interrupting your internal clock…

Cut 5  (09)  “less good”

The report says that these health risks exist for those who stay up late regardless of lifestyle. Peterson says that there’s no real conclusion on why this happens…

Cut 6 (07)  “on our health”

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Today and tomorrow members of the public will have a chance to lobby before the House Appropriations Committee about what they would like to see funded in next fiscal year’s budget. Because of a $1.6 billion dollar shortfall, money is tight and several government services are facing massive cuts. Jan Moller (Yawn Mole-er), director of the Louisiana Budget Project, expects the public will make sure their voice is heard…:

CUT 7 (10)  “everyday”

Moller says public testimony on the budget is one of the most important parts of the legislative session. He says there are no more easy options for lawmakers when it comes to deciding how to handle the dire financial situation…:

Cut 8  (10)  “by those cuts” 

Moller says this is a chance for lawmakers who write the budget to understand how it impacts people and communities. He says one of the things legislators will try hard to do over the next couple of months is protect higher education…:

Cut 9 (10)  “protected”

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The House Democratic Caucus says Medicaid expansion and state funding for higher ed are their top priorities in this legislative session. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James, says democrats will not approve a budget for next fiscal year, if the legislature doesn’t pass a bill that allows the state to receive federal dollars so more low-income residents can receive Medicaid…:

Cut 10 (08) “presidential ambition”

As it stands now, higher education is looking at a massive reduction in state funding, because of a one-point-six billion dollar revenue shortfall. There’s talk about giving public colleges more autonomy to raise tuition or passing additional fees on students. James says the democratic party opposes both efforts

cut 11 (08) “their tuition”

Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, state representative John Bel Edwards, says there’s enough democrats in the legislature that can prevent the passing of bills that raise college tuition costs for students….

cut 12 (12)   “technical colleges”

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In his last state of the state address to the legislature, Governor Bobby Jindal took a break from politics to show a sentimental side during portions of his speech. The Governor began by joking that there may be some lawmakers happy that it would be his final time speaking in chambers to kick off the session:

Cut 13 (12)  “appreciate your restraint”

Jindal also said he wanted to acknowledge what he said everyone already knew and that is he hasn’t done everything perfectly. The Governor also brought his children to his speech for the first time…:

Cut 14 (13) “turn around and say hello”

Jindal also used a moment to recognize his parents. His father was at the Capitol but the Governor said that for the first time, his mother couldn’t make it because she was at home recovering from surgery…:

Cut 15  (13)  “and your thoughts”

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A State Trooper and a Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s deputy have been arrested on racketeering charges in a case where they allegedly planted drugs on an individual. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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As the legislative session begins, education is always a big topic, and one lawmaker wants to make sure there are enough quality substitute teachers. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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A State Trooper and a Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s deputy have been arrested on racketeering charges in a case where they allegedly planted drugs on an individual. State Troper Corey Jackson and Lafayette Deputy Jason Kinch were arrested in the alleged scheme. Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Art LeBreton (le-breh-ton) says more people were involved…

CUT 3 (10)  “Metro Narcotics”

He says four people were involved in the placement of illegal drugs under the vehicle of Bryan Knight. Few details of the scheme are available, but LeBreton says it involved over $100,000 in cash payments to a number of people including Jackson and Kinch. They both have been placed on administrative leave. LeBreton says an anonymous tip lead to a traffic stop of Knight…

CUT 4 (08)  “to happen”

He says the traffic stop lead to the unlawful arrest of Knight. The drug charges against Bryan Knight were dismissed in court. Arrest warrants have been issued for the two other co-conspirators, Russell Manual and Mark Knight, Bryan’s brother. LeBreton says the motive appears to be financial. He says it’s very disappointing to have law enforcement officers involved in a scheme like this…

CUT 5 (08)  “serious fashion”

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Louisiana is facing the prospect of a lot of rain this week. State Climatologist Barry Keim says rain chances across the state are 80-percent or higher for every day of the work week…

CUT 6 (12)  “of rain”

Keim says you can expect waves of gulf moisture to produce downpours over a one or two hour period

CUT 7 (11)  “get some breaks”

Keim says the national weather service has issued a flash flood watch is in effect until Tuesday night for portions of southeast Louisiana, including Baton Rouge, Houma and Hammond

CUT 8 (08)  “about it”

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As the legislative session begins, education is always a big topic, and one lawmaker wants to make sure there are enough quality substitute teachers. Ville Platte Representative Bernard LeBas says his bill would enable retired teachers to spend more time in the classrooms without their pension being affected. He says under present law, retired teachers are only allowed to work up to 25% of their retirement checks…:

CUT 9 (09)  “their retirement”

LeBas says HB 43 would raise the salary cap to 50 percent of benefits. He says the whole idea is to offer our students the best possible education…:

cut 10 (08) “in the classrooms”

LeBas says school systems are having major problems finding qualified teachers to work as substitutes, especially when a regular teacher is taking extended medical or maternity leave…:

cut 11 (10)  “and the schools need em”

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Governor Bobby Jindal laid out three priorities for this year’s legislative session in a speech he delivered to both houses of the Louisiana legislature. Jindal says the first priority is to balance the state’s budget without increasing taxes…

cut 12 (10)  “doesn’t raise taxes”

Jindal says when government takes more money out of people’s hands the economy lags, job growth lags, and it puts families in a tight spot. Jindal says priority number two is education reform and that means removing Common Core from Louisiana…

cut 13 (10)  “and every state”

The governor says he would take teachers and parents dictating the state’s education standards over the federal government. Thirdly, Jindal says he would fight for the passage of a religious freedom bill filed by Bossier City Representative Mike Johnson. Jindal believes that Louisiana endorses religious freedom…

cut 14 (09) “items simultaneously”

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How involved will Governor Bobby Jindal be in this legislative session as lawmakers grapple with a $1.6 billion budget deficit? Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (27) “reporting”

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One of the bills set to be discussed during the 2015 legislative session would raise the base pay for severs from $2.13 per hour to at least minimum wage. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

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State lawmakers convene in Baton Rouge today with a one-point-six billion dollar budget shortfall hanging over their heads. Scott Carwile has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

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Governor Bobby Jindal will provide the opening address as the legislative session gets underway today. The question is how involved will the governor be as lawmakers grapple with a $1.6 billion budget deficit? Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s important for Jindal to be active this session…

cut 4  (07)  “pay a price” 3x

Pinsonat says Jindal doesn’t have to be at the capital every day during the session, but he does need to pay attention to what’s happening. He says it’s not about the amount of time the governor spends there…

Cut 5  (09)  “his national image”

Pinsonat says very few governors are around the capitol a lot during the session. He doesn’t think the legislative session will stop Jindal from traveling outside the state pursuing his presidential hopes. However, Pinsonat says you can’t run for president when the state you’re supposed to be running is a disaster…

Cut 6 (09)  “national ambitions”

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Even though the massive budget deficit will by far be the biggest issue lawmakers will be dealing with this session, there are still many other issues on the agenda as well. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says Common Core will be one of the major items that will distract from the budget…:

CUT 7 (06)  “volatile issue”

Alford says even with the budget issues and the complicated tax situations on the table, lawmakers will still find time to touch that third rail of Louisiana politics…:

Cut 8  (07)  “in the classroom” 

Alford says with re-election just around the corner, it will be interesting to see if lawmakers even want to get involved in some of the hot button bills…:

Cut 9 (07)  “get a hearing at all”

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One of the bills set to be discussed during the 2015 legislative session would raise the base pay for severs from $2.13 per hour to at least minimum wage. Monroe Representative Marcus Hunter says whether you get good tips or not, $2.13 an hour is deplorable pay for any worker…:

Cut 10 (08) “$7.25 an hour”

Hunter says even though people argue that servers make at least minimum wage when you count their tips, it shouldn’t be assumed that they will achieve that. He says they want to get the conversation started between employers and employees…:

cut 11 (06) “$16 a day”

Hunter says he doesn’t want to continue to see hard working people who are committed to serving their businesses go home with less than minimum wage. He says that’s what HB 677 aims to correct..:

cut 12 (06)   “are paid fairly”

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What is expected to be a very difficult legislative session begins today in Baton Rouge. Lawmakers will have until June 11th to approve a spending plan that takes into account a one-point-six billion dollar shortfall. Senate President John Alario says legislators are looking at ways to generate more state revenue

Cut 13 (11)  “those things”

Alario says reforming the state’s film tax credit program is one of the priorities, as a recent study paid for by the department of economic development found that the state is only getting 23-cents back for every dollar spent on tax credits

Cut 14 (09) “on the expenditure”

There are several bills that seek to increase the tax on tobacco products, but for the governor to approve them, there has to be a tax cut somewhere else to offset new revenue. Alario says it will take several weeks before lawmakers can agree on a plan

Cut 15  (10)  “those solutions”

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The fourth ranked LSU baseball took two of three from Auburn this past weekend. The Tigers lost for just the sixth time all season on Saturday, but rebounded with a six-to-two win on Sunday to avoid their first two-game losing streak of the season. Coach Paul Mainieri on bouncing back from a loss on Saturday…

Cut 16  (16)  “certainly did”

LSU scored all of its runs on Sunday in the first three innings, as Chris Sciambra and Mark Laird each had two hits. That was enough offense for starting pitcher Zac Person (Peer-son) and two relievers. Person made his first start of the season and Coach Paul Mainieri made that decision on Sunday morning…

Cut 17 (16)  “good start”

Parker Bugg and Jesse Stallings each gave up a run in relief, but Person picked up the win by throwing three shutout innings. He says he got some good advice from pitching coach Alan Dunn

Cut 18 (10) ” went about it’

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State Police graduated 58 brand new troopers Friday from Cadet Class #93. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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At a gathering of about 600 Christian conservatives in Iowa Thursday, the largest applause of the night went to Governor Bobby Jindal. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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State Police graduated 58 brand new troopers Friday from Cadet Class #93. Sergent Nick Manale says these aspiring troopers began the rigorous Louisiana State Police Training Academy on November 30th last year…:

CUT 3 (11)  “training course”

Manale says the cadets have trained in crash investigations, emergency vehicle operations, impaired driving detection, traffic incident management and leadership. He says graduation day is about celebrating the hard work of the cadets and of course the pinning of the golden Louisiana badge…:

CUT 4 (08)  “state police”

Manale says now these 58 cadets become troopers and begin their careers of dedication, protection and service to the citizens of Louisiana. He says this addition puts the number of troopers at about 1000 statewide. The 19 week long academy also includes leadership instruction…:

CUT 5 (11)  “tradition of”

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Saturday marks the 29th annual Franklin Parish Catfish Festival in Winnsboro. The festival has grown into the largest one-day festival in the state. Festival board member Leslie Young says the festival offers something for everyone…

CUT 6 (10)  “huge party”

This year’s festival features three music stages headlined by 2015 Grammy Award winner Jo-El Sonnier. There will be four fish frying booths that will serve over two tons of fresh pond-raised catfish. Young says if you like arts and crafts, the Catfish Festival is where you need to be…

CUT 7 (09)  “something to buy”

Admission to the festival is just $5 and gates open at 8AM. Other festival highlights include a free day-long video game arcade, live princess performances, and a number of “walk around” acts. Young says there will also be a huge antique car show…

CUT 8 (04)  “these automobiles”

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At a gathering of about 600 Christian conservatives in Iowa Thursday, the largest applause of the night went to Governor Bobby Jindal. Three other Republican presidential hopefuls, Rick Perry, Mike Huckabee, and Rick Santorum, also spoke at the event. Jennifer Jacobs with the Des Moines Register says it was obvious Jindal hit a home run…

CUT 9 (10)  “after his speech”

Jacobs says Jindal’s speech really struck a chord with the audience. She says one effective segment of the governor’s talk was when he spoke of the qualities he’d like to see in a president…

cut 10 (10) “started applauding”

Jindal is expected to announce his candidacy for president after the legislative session concludes in June. Jacobs thinks this certainly helps the governor’s presidential aspirations, but doesn’t see it as a turning point…

cut 11 (10)  “a big jolt”

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It’s a big weekend of outdoor activities, but revelers in south Louisiana will likely have to deal with multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms. Danielle Manning with the National Weather Service in Slidell says the grounds along the coastal parishes will be wet in the coming days…:

cut 12 (11)  “3-4 inch range”

Manning says the good news is that the front passed through north Louisiana so they’ll dry out for the weekend festivities. She says the rain in the south should come in multiple rounds with breaks between the storms…:

cut 13 (10)  “kind of thing”

Manning says if you’re headed to one of the many festivals going on this weekend in south Louisiana, it might be a good idea to bring umbrellas, ponchos and rain boots. She says the likely chance for rain and storms remain in the forecast both Saturday and Sunday…:

cut 14 (06) “the good news”

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The streets of Ponchatoula will be packed this weekend as the 44th annual Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival gets underway today. Scott Carwile has more…

CUT 1 (27) “reporting”

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New Orleans Representative Joseph Bouie files legislation that would transfer regulation of cable and satellite companies to the Public Service Commission. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (29) “reporting”

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State Treasurer John Kennedy announces he’ll seek re-election this fall ending long-time speculation that he’d run for governor or attorney general. Jeff Palermo has that…:

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

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The streets of Ponchatoula will be packed this weekend as the 44th annual Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival gets underway today. 2015 Festival Chairman Donald Lanier says this is the largest free festival in Louisiana. Lanier says a fortunate circumstance will allow them to open a little early this year…

cut 4  (09)  “12 to 4”

Strawberries are the focal point of the festival, which runs through Sunday, but there is lots more for people to enjoy. Live music will be featured all weekend long including Don Rich, Christian Serpas, and Bag of Donuts. Lanier says carnival games this year have been replaced by local arts and crafts vendors…

Cut 5  (08)  “of the state”

Of course food is always an attraction plus carnival rides and a parade tomorrow morning. Lanier says they have no way of knowing how many people actually attend the festival, but it draws attendees from all over…

Cut 6 (09)  “sweet strawberry”

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New Orleans Representative Joseph Bouie files legislation that would transfer regulation of cable and satellite companies to the Public Service Commission. He says currently the Secretary of State’s office is responsible for the certification and regulation of cable and video entities…:

CUT 7 (06)  “if you will”

Bouie feels that it would make more sense for the PSC to regulate cable companies the way they do other utility companies. He says this would allow a state agency to advocate on behalf of Louisiana residents…:

Cut 8  (11)  “be of concern” 

Bouie says he’s heard many complaints and concerns from people who feel like cable and satellite companies aren’t held to the same rules as their other utilities…:

Cut 9 (10)  “responsibility”

______________________________________

State Treasurer John Kennedy announces he’ll seek re-election this fall ending long-time speculation that he’d run for governor or attorney general. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says this is a good move on Kennedy’s part…:

Cut 10 (10) “would have run”

Stockley says if Kennedy would have thrown his hat into the Governor’s ring it would have weakened fellow middle ground Republicans Jay Dardenne and Scott Angelle in the fight against the leading David Vitter. He says Kennedy has done a great job as our state treasurer…: (Stockley says as for the AG’s office, when Former Congressman Jeff Landry jumped in that race it was wise for Kennedy to stay put.)

cut 11 (06) “for the state”

Stockley says many people believe Kennedy has his eye on the US Senate seat that could come open if Vitter becomes Governor. He says nobody will challenge Kennedy for treasurer but that doesn’t mean he won’t run a campaign…:

cut 12 (12)   “for that office”

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Louisiana is about to get really wet as thunderstorms cloud the forecast for the next several days. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a slow moving cold front is pushing through the state today and looks to be hanging around into at least Monday..:

Cut 13 (11)  “next week”

Keim says as far as rain totals go, the state can expect at least two inches with higher totals in isolated areas…:

Cut 14 (10) “severe weather”

Keim says this event brings with it the possibility of severe weather which could mean hail, high winds and even the chance for a tornado. He says the story for the weekend is take cover..:

Cut 15  (09)  “into the evening”

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The LSU Tigers put their six-game winning streak on the line tonight when they host Auburn to begin a weekend set with the War Eagles. In their last 12 games, LSU has had at least 10 hits in each of those contests and shortstop Alex Bregman says there’s not an easy out in their line-up

Cut 16  (09)  “keep doing that”

Tonight’s game is set to begin at 7 PM, but the forecast doesn’t look good for the weekend as there’s an 80 to 90-percent chance of rain each day. Coach Paul Mainieri hopes the weather will not be a distraction…

Cut 17 (13)  “same thing”

Jared Poche will get the start on the mound tonight. Auburn is expected to counter with sophomore right-hander Cole Lipscomb, who is 4-0 with a 2.65 ERA. Mainieri says LSU’s hitters will see some good pitching this weekend

Cut 18 (19) ” against Arkansas’

_________________________________

Republican Bossier City Representative Mike Johnson says he plans to amend the religious freedom bill he has filed amid public concerns but gay rights advocacy groups want the legislation pulled altogether.  Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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The Colorado State University forecast team is predicting a below-average 2015 Atlantic hurricane season. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (28) “reporting”

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Republican Bossier City Representative Mike Johnson says he plans to amend the religious freedom bill he has filed amid public concerns but gay rights advocacy groups want the legislation pulled altogether. Johnson told the Jim Engster Show he’ll remove a paragraph in the bill that some believed gave businesses the right to deny benefits to same-sex couples as other married couples based on religious beliefs…

CUT 3 (09)  “has been alleviated”

Gay rights groups feel this bill legalizes discrimination and are banding together in opposition to Johnson’s legislation. Bruce Parker, Executive Director of Louisiana Progress Action, says a campaign is underway to defeat this piece of legislation…

CUT 4 (10)  “be focused on”

Johnson says HB 707 would prevent adverse treatment from the state of any person or entity on the basis of their views on marriage and it applies equally…

CUT 5 (11)  “under the bill”

Parker says there is a lack of clarity about what Johnson’s bill is intended to do and what it does and it is alarming. He hopes people will contact Johnson and ask him to pull the legislation…

CUT 6 (08)  “our energy on”

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Higher Education Commissioner Joe Rallo is very concerned about how some universities will be able to operate if lawmakers are not able to come up with a funding solution to the state’s one-point-six billion dollar budget deficit. Rallo says higher ed is facing a potential cut of about 600-million dollars in state funds…

CUT 7 (10)  “would not be viable”

LSU president and chancellor F King Alexander says every parish will feel the impact if these deep cuts go through. He says it will force them to eliminate the parish-based Ag Center programs, which concerns Crowley representative Jack Montoucet….

CUT 8 (08)  “rural areas”

Over the next several weeks lawmakers will discuss ways to generate revenue so that the cuts to higher ed are mitigated. Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith questions why the governor is proposing to increase the funding for TOPS scholarships, but dramatically cutting funds for colleges

CUT 9 (12)  “go to”

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The Colorado State University forecast team is predicting a below-average 2015 Atlantic hurricane season. The lead author of the report is Dr. Phil Klotzbach who says a typical hurricane season has 12 named storms, 6 hurricanes and two major hurricanes…:

cut 10 (07) “hurricane season”

The CSU team will issue forecast updates on June 1st, July 1st and August 3rd. Klotzbach says the tropical Atlantic has cooled over the past several months and the chance of an El Nino forming is high. He says historical data indicates fewer storms form in these conditions…:

cut 11 (10)  “in the Atlantic”

The team predicts that 2015 tropical cyclone activity will be about 45 percent of the average season. By comparison, 2014’s tropical cyclone acticity was about 75 percent average. He says if the forecast holds true, it would be the third quiet Gulf hurricane season in a row…:

cut 12 (04)  “this year”

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The 32-year-old Destrehan teacher accused of having sex with a 16-year-old student has reached a plea deal with the St. Charles Parish District Attorney’s office. Under the terms of the deal, Shelley Dufrense avoids jail time, but she’ll have to complete 90 days of treatment at a mental health facility. Legal analyst Tim Meche says most people will think Dufrense got a good deal…

cut 13 (10)  “resolution”

Dufrense will also have to forfeit her teaching certificate and while on three years of active probation, she’s not allowed to have contact with the victim or his family. Meche says based on the conditions of the deal, she avoids having to register as a sex offender for now…

cut 14 (08) “sporting activities”

Meche says if it was a male teacher involved with a female student, the punishment would likely be more severe..

cut 15 (07) “ever change”

Dufrense also faces charges out of Jefferson Parish, along with another former teacher, where an alleged threesome took place with the same 16-year-old student.

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The city of Jeanerette is mourning the loss of 22-year-old police officer Juandre Gilliam. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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House Transportation Committee Chairwoman Karen St. Germain of Pierre Part files a bill that would increase Louisiana’s gasoline tax by 4 cents a gallon. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (29) “reporting”

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The leader of LABI, Stephen Waguespack, doesn’t want to see businesses harmed as the state deals with a one-point-six billion dollar shortfall. Scott Carwile…

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

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The city of Jeanerette is mourning the loss of 22-year-old police officer Juandre Gilliam. Gilliam was killed in the line of duty Tuesday night following a car crash during a high-speed chase. Jeanerette Police Chief Marvin Grogan says Gilliam was an asset to the force…

cut 4  (07)  “with the community”

Two people, 21-year old Antre Joseph of New Iberia and an unnamed 16-year-old juvenile, have been arrested in connection with the chase. Gilliam was a native of Jeanerette and was a quarterback for Jeanerette High School. Grogan says Gilliam was relatively new to the police force…

Cut 5  (06)  “eager to learn”

Grogan says it was Gilliam’s childhood dream to become a police officer. He says the loss of Gilliam has hit his department hard but they will pull through…

Cut 6 (02)  “their prayers”

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House Transportation Committee Chairwoman Karen St. Germain of Pierre Part files a bill that would increase Louisiana’s gasoline tax by 4 cents a gallon. The funds, about $120 million per year, would be dedicated to the state’s roads and bridges on a local level. President of Louisiana Good Roads and Transportation Association Ken Perret says the funding is badly needed…:

CUT 7 (10)  “to increase funding”

The measure was also submitted by Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Robert Adley of Benton. Dollars raised by the increased tax would go to the Parish Transportation Fund which finances local projects. Perret says this would also take some of the burden off of the statewide Transportation Trust fund…:

Cut 8  (10)  “as well as local needs” 

There are over $12 billion dollars in backlogged road and bridge needs in the state. Perret says good roads lead to good jobs and this isn’t about just fixing potholes but about developing a first class transportation system…:

Cut 9 (05)  “for all our citizens”

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With just a few days left before the start of the legislative session, the head of Louisiana Association of Business and Industry is concerned about a proposal to eliminate refunds businesses receive for paying an inventory tax to local governments. LABI president Stephen Waguespack says you’ll see companies leaving the state if it happens

Cut 10 (08) “bad mistake”

As a way to soften cuts to higher ed and health care, the Jindal administration has proposed scaling back inventory tax refunds. But Waguespack believes there’s other solutions, including eliminating the inventory tax all together, which actually saves the state money…

cut 11 (07) “responsible way”

One of LABI’s priorities this session is workforce development, but public colleges are facing an almost 600-million dollar cut in state funding. Waguespack says its’ time to give universities more autonomy to raise tuition and fees…

cut 12 (08)   “to compete”

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There is a bill filed for the upcoming legislative session that would essentially make playing fantasy football online for money legal. Right now in Louisiana, “play-for-cash” computer fantasy football would violate state gambling laws. The measure is by Metairie Representative Joe Lopinto who says there are numerous states which create gambling exceptions for fantasy:

Cut 13 (08)  “game of skill”

Lopinto says the bill specifies that no winning outcome would be based on scores, point spreads or on any single performance of a certain athlete. He says under the measure, Louisiana residents wouldn’t be restricted from collecting money online if they win at fantasy…:

Cut 14 (08) “state of Louisiana”

Lopinto says the measure recognizes that winning outcomes of fantasy reflect relative knowledge and skill of those participating — and that it shouldn’t be considered gambling. He says many people have been clamoring for legislation like this to be filed…:

Cut 15  (08)  “obviously do this”

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State Police are investigating a crash in Iberia Parish that killed a Jeanerette Police officer last night. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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An Orleans Parish grand jury has indicted millionaire murder suspect Robert Durst on gun charges in Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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State Police are investigating a crash in Iberia Parish that killed a Jeanerette Police officer last night. Master Trooper Brooks David says 22-year-old officer Juandre Gilliam radioed that he was pursuing a vehicle in an attempt to make a traffic stop…

CUT 3 (08)  “his vehicle”

David says Gilliam’s vehicle ran off the road, struck a culvert, and overturned. It is unknown if the chase was high speed or at the speed limit. Detectives are currently working to make that determination. He says responding personnel found Gilliam in his overturned police unit…

CUT 4 (08)  “pronounced dead”

Gilliam was transported to a local hospital where he later died of injuries sustained in the crash. David says authorities found the two suspects in the car Gilliam was chasing, 21-year old Antre Joseph of New Iberia and an unnamed 16-year-old juvenile… (Charges against the two are pending at this time.)

CUT 5 (06)  “sheriff’s office”

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Abita Brewing Company announces their $30 million dollar expansion in Abita Springs is now complete. In a release the company says they produce 160,000 barrels of their popular craft beer annually, and with the expansion they will now be able to brew up to 400,000 barrels. President David Blossman says this will allow them to expand the brand nationally..:

CUT 6 (09)  “capacity constraints”

Blossman says they have also added on to their visitors center and retail space which will allow them to have more tours more often. He says over the past several years they’ve had capacity restraints during their peak times…:

CUT 7 (06)  “and marketing”

Blossman says they are also becoming a Founding Brewery Partner of Enjoy Beer Inc which is an enterprise created to provide resources to top independent craft brewers on a national scale…:

CUT 8 (06)  “in more places”

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An Orleans Parish grand jury has indicted millionaire murder suspect Robert Durst on gun charges in Louisiana. Durst’s attorney, Dick DeGuerin, has been attempting to get Durst extradited to California to face murder charges there. Legal analyst Tim Meche says this indictment means Durst won’t be going to California any time soon…

CUT 9 (09)  “to get out”

This indictment puts any extradition plans for Durst on hold. Durst is wanted in California for the 2000 shooting death of Susan Berman. Meche says this also cancels a preliminary hearing to determine whether or not there was probable cause in Durst’s arrest last month…

cut 10 (09) “of the case”

Durst is indicted on charges of illegal possession of a firearm by a felon and illegal possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled substance. Meche says Durst is facing some pretty severe consequences…

cut 11 (10)  “means ten years”

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The coming National Hurricane Museum and Science Center in Lake Charles receives a $1 million dollar pledge toward the building and operations. The gift from the Stream family is the largest private donation since fundraising for facility began four years ago. Gray Stream says they are motivated by the fact that the Center promises to save lives…:

cut 12 (08)  “educated by it”

The NHMSC will be open to daily visitors, but it will also offer teaching materials online covering science, technology, engineering, math and social sciences. The donation brings the total amount contributed to $40 million dollars and Stream says they are about $15 million dollars away from what they need to break ground in June 2016…:

cut 13 (09)  “big part of that”

The NHMSC should begin construction in southwest Louisiana next year for Phase One of the project. Stream says the facility will educate people about how to better prepare for, respond to and be resilient to natural disasters…:

cut 14 (09) “weather events”