The defense attorney for Cardell Hayes, the man charged in the murder of former Saints defensive end Will Smith, says once the truth comes out, his client will be found not guilty. John Fuller says a witness will back up Hayes’ story that he did not provoke the shooting….:
CUT 1 (16) “…she witness”
Fuller added witnesses has given him plenty of information to prove that his client is legally not guilty.

Louisiana breaks the tourism record for the fourth year in a row, according to Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser. In 2015, Louisiana welcomed almost 29 million visitors, who spent over $11 billion. Nungesser says the state needs tourism dollars to help resolve the budget problems…:
Cut 14 (09) “that gap”

House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry believes lawmakers can fund the TOPS scholarship program without raising additional taxes. Governor John Bel Edwards proposed budget for next fiscal year calls for a 183 million dollars cut to the state-funded scholarship program, because of a large revenue shortfall. But Henry says the state has enough money to fund TOPS…:
CUT 7 (08) “TOPS”
Under current rules, if no more money is allocated to TOPS then only students with an ACT of 27 or higher would be eligible for TOPS.

A Senate panel approved, without objection, a measure that would expand the number of diseases medical marijuana can be used to treat. The measure now goes to the full Senate.