16:30 LRN Newscast May 9

A House committee has approved a spending plan for the next fiscal year that fully funds TOPS by cutting other areas. Metairie Representative Cameron Henry says making sure tuition for TOPS scholarships are fully funded is a priority. But Governor Edwards says an across the board cut in other areas of the budget to get that accomplished is not a good idea…

cut 14 (08)  “of thing”

Louisiana is the third most dangerous state for teen drivers, according to a new study from Carinsurance.com. Highway safety advocate, Col. Jim Champagne is not surprised because he says we give teen drivers too much freedom at an early age.

CUT 6 (12) “until 18″

Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden has filed paperwork to run for Congress. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office announces they have made an arrest in the May 3 kidnapping and sexual assault of a woman outside a casino. Police say 23-year-old Jovante Owens of Lake Charles kidnapped a woman outside of a casino and drove around in her car while sexually assaulting her. Owens is charged with first-degree rape and aggravated kidnapping.