The University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson calls this legislative session the most successful for higher ed in nearly a decade. Don Molino has more…
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

Louisiana’s economy is picking up as nonfarm and private sector jobs are improving. Over the month of May, nonfarm employment gained 10,500 jobs, the best one month gain since July of 2011. Private sector jobs increased by more than 9-thousand over the month. The Bayou State is among four other states with the largest percentage gains in jobs.

The special session has come to an end and Governor Edwards has signed a spending plan for next fiscal year. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Eric LaFleur says for the first time in nearly 10 years, public colleges will not be cut.
Cut 4 (08) “not doing”
But Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt voted against the budget because she would rather hold back a small portion in case of a mid-year shortfall.

It’s time to put some steaks on the grill for Dad as it’s Father’s Day weekend. Executive Vice President of the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association Robert Joyner says while the demand for beef is up this weekend, prices will still be affordable given the large supply of cattle.
Cut 15 (08) “as numbers”

The full senate passed the budget bill on a 26 to 9 vote. Jeff Palermo has more on the state’s spending plan that was signed by the governor…
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

LSU begins play in the College World Series tonight at 7 p.m. as they take on Florida State in the second game of the series. Coach Paul Mainieri wants his players to enjoy this experience. This is the 18th time the Tigers have been to Omaha for the CWS.

Louisiana officials were in a federal courtroom seeking to have a lawsuit thrown out that challenges recent laws that restrict abortions in the state. The laws extend waiting periods, ban certain procedures and restrict which doctors can perform abortions. Executive Director for the Louisiana Right to Life, Ben Clapper….
cut 8 (09) “….that goal”
But pro choice organizations say the regulations interfere with the constitutional right that woman can terminate her pregnancy.

UL System President Jim Henderson believes this was one of the most successful legislative sessions when it comes to higher education in nearly a decade. The House and Senate approved spending plan did not reduce funding to higher ed and Henderson says they’re grateful.
Cut 12 (12) “deserve it”

Doctors remain encouraged over the progress Jefferson Parish Congressman Steve Scalise has made over the last few days as he’s recovering from a gunshot wound to the hip. Director of Trauma at MedStar Washington Hospital Dr Jake Sava says Scalise has a long road ahead of him but is expected to be able to walk and even run again.
Cut 17 (12) “rehabilitation”

Attorney General Jeff Landry announces 51 people have been arrested on child exploitation charges under Operation Broken Heart. With the work of numerous police departments, sheriff’s officers and state and federal agencies these individuals from all around the state were arrested. The charges range from possession of child pornography to Solicitation of minor.

A federal judge heard arguments in Baton Rouge regarding laws passed last year that restrict abortions in Louisiana. Attorney Zoe Levine with the Center for Reproductive Rights says the regulations interfere with a women’s access to safe and legal abortions…
cut 7 (09) “…to contract”
Louisiana officials are seeking to have the C-P-R’s lawsuit dismissed.

It’s Father’s Day weekend and many families will be outside grilling with Dad. Executive Vice President of the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association Robert Joyner recommends beef for the menu this Sunday as prices have been decliing over the past few years.
Cut 14 (08) “good year”

Doctors remain encouraged over the progress Congressman Steve Scalise is making as he recovers from a gunshot wound to the left hip. Director of the Trauma Unit at MedStar Washington Hospital, Dr. Jake Sava, says the bullet did substantial damage to bones, internal organs and blood vessels.

Cut 9 (10) “get it”

Sava says there’s a good chance Scalise will have an excellent recovery.

The Senate approved the House’s version of the budget on a 26 to 9 vote. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt voted against the spending plan because it uses 100 percent of the available dollars. She would rather hold some back in case of a shortfall.

Cut 5 (11) “the cycle”

The budget heads to the governor for his signature.

UL System President Dr. Jim Henderson calls this legislative session one of the most successful for higher ed in nearly a decade. He says he’s thrilled lawmakers approved a budget that fully funds TOPS, after failing to do so for the first time in the program’s history last academic year.

Cut 11 (09) “shouldn’t consider”

The spending plan is the first in nearly a decade that did not reduce funding to higher education.

Lots of people will be grilling for dad this Father’s Day weekend. Executive Vice President of the Louisiana Cattleman’s Association, Robert Joyner, says while the demand for beef is up, prices will still be affordable because of the large supply of cattle.

Cut 15 (08) “as numbers”

Joyner says beef is also a good source of iron and zinc.

The full senate passed the budget bill on a 26 to 9 vote. Jeff Palermo has more on the state’s spending plan that heads to the governor’s desk…
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Jefferson Parish continues to recover from a gunshot wound to the hip after he and four others were shot at a baseball practice on Wednesday morning. Scalise remains in critical condition after this third surgery but has improved over the last 24 hours according to MedStar Washington Hospital Center.

In federal court today, arguments were heard over state abortion laws passed last year. The laws extend waiting periods, ban certain procedures and restrict what doctors can perform abortions. Executive Director for the Louisiana Right to Life, Ben Clapper, defends the pro-life laws.
Cut 8 (09) “the goal”

But Attorney Zoe Levine says these restrictions put undue burdens on women’s access to abortion care.
Many families will be outside grilling steaks with Dad this weekend, as Father’s Day is Sunday. Executive Vice President of the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association Robert Joyner says beef prices have been declining over the last few years and the beef industry has rebounded in a big way.
Cut 14 (08) “good year”

The LSU AgCenter is one step closer to getting medical marijuana to patients with cancer, epilepsy, and HIV/AIDS. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Lawmakers have finally come to a budget agreement, as the Senate approves the spending plan for next fiscal year on a 26 to 9 vote. The budget allocates all of the available dollars, but instructs the administration to hold some back in case of a shortfall. The plan also fully funds TOPS and higher ed and gives pay raises to some state employees.

Arguments are being heard today in a federal courtroom over state abortion laws passed last year. Center for Reproductive Rights attorney Zoe Levine says they filed a motion to dismiss 7 laws that impede women’s access to safe and legal abortions.

Cut 7 (09) “to contract”

The Louisiana Right to Life says the laws protect the health and safety of women and the lives of unborn babies.

New Orleans Congressman Cedric Richmond is concerned about security for congressman, as Jefferson Parish Congressman Steve Scalise continues to recover from a gunshot wound sustained during a shootout on congressional leaders. Richmond says members of Congress need protection.

Cut 15 (07) “on my own”

The House Majority Whip has a security detail, but other congressmen do not.

The shootout on members of Congress has New Orleans Congressman Cedric Richmond concerned about protection for federal lawmakers. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise has a security detail, but other congressmen do not. Richmond says security for members of Congress is embarrassingly inadequate.

Cut 14 (07) “need protection”

Richmond says if Scalise had not been at the ball park with his security detail, it could have been a blood bath.

The LSU AgCenter selects a vendor for the medical marijuana program. Chancellor Dr. Bill Richardson says LSU will be on the cutting edge of cannabis research, and they’ll be able to help patients.

Cut 6 (11) “other states”

Richardson says they hope to have the product available by early next year.

A State Trooper is facing a simple battery charge after allegedly kicking a handcuffed suspect in the head while he was on the ground. Trooper Melissa Matey says Master Trooper John Neal’s use of excessive force didn’t stop there.

Cut 11 (10) “to shatter”

Civilian surveillance and body cameras captured footage of the incident.

An agreement with the federal government allows anglers to fish for red snapper in federal waters on weekends beginning today. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says after this season the fish population will be reevaluated to determine if a fall season can open.

Cut 8 (09) “to come”

Anglers can fish for red snapper 200 miles off the coast of Louisiana every weekend through September 4.

The LSU AgCenter is one step closer to getting medical marijuana to patients with cancer, epilepsy, and HIV/AIDS. Jeff Palermo has more:
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Recreational fisherman will be able to cast a line for red snapper 200 miles into the Gulf on 39 days over 3 day weekends today through September 4th. Congressman Garret Graves says this is due to an agreement with the federal government, but they are working on a permanent plan:
Cut 9 (06) “long term”

MedStar Hospital says it will continue to update the condition of Congressman Steve Scalise on its Twitter account. They say he is still critical but has improved over the last 24 hours.

State Police say a trooper is under arrest for allegedly using excessive force when taking someone into custody in New Orleans. They say Trooper John Neal is accused of kicking the suspect and bashing his head into a window while the suspect was handcuffed. LSP spokeswoman Melissa Matey:
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Neal has been on forced leave since the February incident and is booked with on one count of simple battery.

There’s a chance the special session could end today as a budget deal is near. The Senate Finance Committee approved the nearly 29-billion dollar House approved spending plan Thursday, so if the full senate passes the budget today without any changes, it will go the governor.

The LSU baseball team is in Omaha, as the Tigers begin their quest for a seventh national championship at the College World Series.

Congressman Steve Scalise is still in critical condition, though MedStar Washington Hospital says he has improved over the last 24 hours. The Congressional Baseball game Scalise was practicing for when he was shot took place last night, and Louisiana’s District 1 Representative was honored by members wearing LSU hats.

Congressman Cedric Richmond says what happened to Scalise is a prime example of why lawmakers in Washington should have more security. He says something has to be done to keep all members of Congress safe at all times…:
Cut 15 (07) “on my own”
Scalise had a security detail because he is the third highest ranking member of the US House, but other congressmen do not have such protection.

The state legislature could have a budget in place for next fiscal year after today. If no amendments are added to the House approved plan, the full Senate can send it to the governor’s desk today.

A State Trooper has been charged with simple battery after allegedly using excessive force on someone being taken into custody. Trooper Melissa Matey says Master Trooper John Neal is accused of kicking a subject in the head, and….:
Cut 11 (10) “to shatter”
Neal has been on forced leave since the February incident.

Louisiana has opened up a 39 day red snapper fishing season in federal waters starting today. Emelie Gunn has more…:
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After members of Congress were targeted in a Virginia shooting, New Orleans Congressman Cedric Richmond says it’s time to ramp up security for lawmakers.
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Meanwhile the hospital where Scalise is being treated says the House Majority Whip has improved over the last 24 hours, but remains in critical condition and will still need more surgeries.

The legislature is close to having a spending plan for next fiscal year in place as a House approved measure was quickly approved in the Senate Finance Committee Thursday and is set to hit the floor today.

Medical marijuana could be in the hands of patients suffering certain conditions by early next year, as another major step in the cultivation of the drug has been completed. A vendor for the program is now in place. LSU AgCenter Chancellor Dr. Bill Richardson says it’s been about a year since the board voted to allow LSU to grow medical marijuana..:
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The plan is to contract with a bio-pharmaceutical research company from Las Vegas called GB Sciences.

It’s going to be a busy red snapper season for Louisiana anglers thanks to an agreement with the federal government. Starting today through September 4th, Gulf States will get 39 days to fish for red snapper in federal waters on weekends. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves:
Cut 7 (10) “fishing”