A state trooper and two police officers have reportedly been shot in a standoff in Avoyelles Parish. The cops were reportedly trying to negotiate with a man barricaded behind a window when the man shot them. The trooper sustained nonlife threatening injuries, one officer was shot in the lip with a BB gun, and the condition of the other officer is unknown.

Former Sons of Guns star Will Hayden will spend life behind bars for raping young girls. Michelle Southern reports…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

A convicted murderer has confessed to another murder. St. Landry Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says 23-year-old Phillip LaFleur was incarcerated in LaSalle Parish on a murder charge when he passed a note to the guards saying he wanted to speak with detectives about his great uncle Dale LaFleur, who has been missing since 2011.

Cut 11 (07) “the river”

The University of Louisiana System President announces a contest for one student to receive a $500 scholarship by coming up with his 10-thousandth tweet. Dr. Jim Henderson says he thought this would be a good way to get students involved. He says the process of selecting the tweet is a very rigorous process.

Cut 6 (10) “we serve”

The winner will be announced on Twitter.

Voters do not want to see their taxes go up, according to a survey from Southern Media and Opinion Research. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A study from the personal finance website, WalletHub, finds Louisiana is the 2^ndworst state for working moms. Michelle Southern has more….

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The budget isn’t fixed, but you could braid hair without a license if a measure passed by the House wins approval in the Senate. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Raising taxes is not popular among voters, according to a survey from Southern Media and Opinion Research. Lawmakers have proposed increasing taxes on everything from a pack of cigarettes to a gallon of gasoline to close a looming budget hole. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says two-thirds of voters say they do not want their legislator to raise the state’s gas tax.

Cut 4  (12) “17 percent”

In this fiscal session, lawmakers had to resolve a $440 million budget shortfall for the next fiscal year, and deal with an imminent $1.3 billion fiscal cliff in 2018. Pinsonat says according to his survey, the public thinks the state has more than enough money.

Cut 5  (11)  “enough revenue”

Pinsonat says while voters don’t want to see their own taxes go up, they also oppose an increase in business taxes. The survey finds 18 percent of respondents believe taxes on business are absorbed by profits, but 67 percent say the tax is passed on to the customers.

Cut 6 (11) “much difference”

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Over 160 soldiers in the Louisiana National Guard’s 1086^th Transportation Company are heading to Fort Hood, Texas for training before being deployed to Kuwait. Col. Ed Bush says a deployment ceremony will be held for the Bunkie-based unit in Pineville on Saturday. He says during their one year deployment, the soldiers will provide logistic transportation support.

Cut 7 (08)  “as well”

The 1086^th deployed in support of Operations Desert Storm in 1991, Iraqi Freedom in 2003 and Enduring Freedom in Kuwait in 2011. Bush says these soldiers have participated in several state responses, like last year’s historic floods.

Cut 8 (07) “of emergencies” 

Bush encourages everyone to get out to support the 1086^th Company at their deployment ceremony this Saturday at 4 p.m. He says Governor John Bel Edwards will be a guest speaker to send these brave men and women off.

Cut 9 (07)  “the years”

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A report by the personal finance website, WalletHub, finds Louisiana is the second worst state for working moms. Analyst Jill Gonzales says they measured the quality of child care and professional opportunities, which really brought Louisiana down. She says although the costs of day-care is relatively low…

Cut 10 (10) “pay for”

Gonzales says the gender pay gap is fairly large in Louisiana, ranking 44^th, as women make about 76 cents to every dollar a man makes. She also says the female unemployment rate is about 6-percent, really bringing Louisiana down.

Cut 11 (09) “the country”

Gonzales says the states at the top of this list are combating unemployment and making sure there are good opportunities for working moms. She says another factor against Louisiana is females have a longer workweek than other states.

Cut 12 (08) “the country”

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Amid debates on the budget, taxes, and education, lawmakers in the House spent over half an hour debating licensing for hair braiding. A measure by Carencro Representative Julie Emerson waives the licensing requirement to braid hair. Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith says it’s ridiculous that the state would regulate something like braiding hair.

Cut 13 (09) “to braid hair”

Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater says he can’t see why the state would charge someone fees to get a permit to braid someone’s hair. He told Emerson he’s baffled by the fact that it was regulated in the first place.

Cut 14 (11) “received any”

Monroe Representative Jay Morris asked Emerson if a proposed amendment to the bill would require him to get a license to cut his own hair.

Cut 15 (11) “of legislation”

The measure was approved on an 81-12 vote.

Governor John Bel Edwards’ approval rating has slipped nine percentage points to 54-percent, according to a new Southern Media and Opinion Research poll. The poll also found an increase in the percentage of voters who are concerned about the state’s future. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says 52-percent say it’s heading in the wrong direction.

Cut 15 (11) “more revenue”

The full House approves a constitutional amendment that would allow voters decide if convicted felons should have to wait 8 years after they serve their sentence to run for elected office. Norco Representative Gregory Miller says Louisianans already have a hard time trusting elected officials.

Cut 10 (10) “good bill”

It would be easier for voters to recall an elected official under a House approved bill now headed to the Senate. The measure would reduce the number of signatures required for a recall petition. Covington Representative Paul Hollis says Louisiana has the highest threshold necessary to effect a recall election.

Cut 4 (08) “in a district”
The bill passed a 70-27 vote.

Today lawmakers spent over half an hour debating licensing for hair braiding. A measure by Carencro Representative Julie Emerson waives the licensing requirement. Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater told Emerson he’s baffled that it was regulated in the first place.

Cut 24 (11) “received any”

The measure was approved on an 81-12 vote

It would be easier for voters to recall an elected official under a House approved bill now headed to the Senate. The measure would reduce the number of signatures required for a recall petition. Covington Representative Paul Hollis says Louisiana has the highest threshold necessary to effect a recall election…:
Cut 4 (08) “in a district”
The bill passed the full House on a 70-27 vote.

UL-System President and CEO Jim Henderson wants your help in writing his 10,000th tweet, and if yours is chosen, you’ll get a $500 one-time scholarship. To enter, tweet using the hashtag JH10K about something you love about UL-System colleges. Dr. Jim Henderson says he determined Twitter would be the best way to reach students in a fun way..:
Cut 8 (08) “we serve”
Henderson expects to announce a winner with in the next two weeks.

Will Hayden, the former Sons of Guns reality TV star, will spend his life in prison for raping young girls. A Baton Rouge judge today sentenced the 51-year-old Greenwell Springs man to two life sentences on the aggravated rape convictions, plus 40 years to run concurrently. Hayden is slated for another rape trial in Livingston Parish in July.

A St. Landry Parish cold case becomes a murder case after an inmate confesses to killing his great uncle in 2011. Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says Dale LaFleur has been missing since 2011 and his great nephew 23-year-old Phillip LaFleur was incarcerated in LaSalle Parish on a separate murder charge. He says Phillip LaFleur passed a note to the guards saying he wanted to speak with St. Landry Parish detectives…:
Cut 11 (07) “the river”
He says search efforts are underway to retrieve the body from the river.

A bill heading to the Senate would make it easier for Louisiana voters to recall elected officials. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Baton Rouge Judge Mike Erwin handed down two life sentences and 40 years to former Sons of Guns star Will Hayden for raping two young girls. The 51-year-old Greenwell Springs man still faces trial in Livingston Parish on rape accusations from one of the same victims in the Baton Rouge case. That’s slated for July 11th.

A measure approved by the House would give voters the chance to decide if they want to prevent a convicted felon from running for office until 8 years after they served their sentence. Norco Representative Gregory Miller is the author of the constitutional amendment…:
Cut 9 (10) “of trust”
The legislation now moves to the Senate.

Workers in New Orleans last night removed the 2nd of 4 Confederate era monuments slated to be taken down. The statue of Jefferson Davis and its base was just hauled away on a big rig to an undisclosed storage location. The Liberty Place monument was removed at night last month. The Beauregard statue and one of Robert E. Lee are the 2 left standing.

The full House approves a measure that would make it easier for Louisiana voters to recall elected officials. The proposal comes just months after a failed attempt to recall Jefferson Parish President Mike Yenni amid a teen sexting scandal. Covington Representative Paul Hollis says he saw a similar attempt in his own district years ago…:
Cut 3 (10) “were necessary”
The bill reducing the number of required recall petition signatures now heads to the Senate.

A bill that would allow people convicted of drug-related felonies to get food stamps and welfare benefits when they leave prison advanced to the House floor. New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno says this would help former inmates get back into the community…:
Cut 11 (08) “sense bill”

A Baton Rouge judge has sentenced former Sons of Guns star Will Hayden to life in prison on rape charges. Hayden was unanimously convicted April 7th of raping two preteen girls more than two decades apart in East Baton Rouge Parish. In Livingston, Hayden is scheduled for trial July 10 on another aggravated rape count of the same 15-year-old girl who testified as one of his two accusers in the Baton Rouge case.

The University of Louisiana System President announces a contest for one student to receive a 500-dollar scholarship by coming up with his 10-thousandth tweet. Dr. Jim Henderson, who is an avid fan of twitter, says it’s a very small milestone in the grand scheme of things but thought this would be a good way to get students involved….:
Cut 6 (10) “we serve”
Participants can be current or future students.

Minors seeking an abortion would need the signature of a parent with a photo ID under a proposal heading to the Senate floor. But Director of Education with the Louisiana Foundation against Sexual Assault, Jessie Nieblas says the extra requirement could impact teens.

Cut 9 (09) “and advocacy”

Despite opposition, the measure was approved by a Senate committee.

A House committee approves a bill that would lift the one year ban on receiving food stamps and welfare for released inmates convicted of drug-related felonies. Executive Director of the Louisiana Conference of Catholica Bishops, Rob Tasman supports the bill because they’re passionate about helping inmates return as citizens.

Cut 12 (09) “successful”

The measure now heads to the House floor.

More couples than ever are fighting about politics since President Trump took office, according to a report from Wakefield Research. LSU Health clinical psychologist Michelle Moore advises potential couples to discuss their political views to avoid problems down the road.

Cut 5 (10) “opinion”

The survey finds one in 10 couples broke up over political disagreements.

Louisiana is the 47^th healthiest state for seniors, after moving up three spots on an annual report from United Health Foundation. Advocacy Director for AARP Louisiana, Andrew Muhl says Louisiana can improve its ranking if lawmakers implement policy changes to get seniors the managed long term services they need.

Cut 15 (11) “home delivered meals”

Couples have been getting into more arguments about politics since President Donald Trump took office. A report from Wakefield Research finds 24-percent of people in a relationship say they’ve argued more over political matters than any other time they’ve been together. Clinical Psychologist with LSU Health Sciences Center Dr. Michelle Moore on how to diffuse such a situation…:
Cut 6 (11) “you discuss”
The survey also found one in 10 couples broke up over disagreements in politics.

The Jefferson Davis statue was taken off its base in New Orleans overnight, and workers are still trying to remove what remains of the structure. This is the second Confederate era monument of four slated for removal by the city. Mayor Mitch Landrieu said in a news release that putting the Confederacy on a pedestal in some of our most prominent public places is a bad prescription for our future.

Minor children would have to have their parents present a photo ID at a clinic before a doctor would perform an abortion under a controversial measure headed to the Senate floor. Jessie Nieblas with Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault opposes the legislation…:
CUT 9 (09) “and advocacy”
But supporters say if a child is going to have an abortion, the parents need to know what’s going on and show proof of their permission.

Louisiana rose three spots to 47th in the nation as the least healthy state for seniors. Advocacy Director for AARP Louisiana, Andrew Muhl says while progress is being made, we’re still stagnant in some key areas, like long term care. He says Louisiana ranks 49th for our nursing homes:
Cut 14 (11) “why that is”

A report from Wakefield Research finds more couples than ever are fighting over politics since President Trump was elected. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

One of the big stories out of the Capitol Wednesday was the House Education Committee approving a bill to increase the minimum GPA requirement for TOPS from 2.5 to 2.75. Baton Rouge Representative Franklin Foil this could help cut down on the cost of the program. The proposed change would go into effect with the Class of 2021.

Parents of minor girls who want to have an abortion would have to show ID at a clinic before a pregnancy can be terminated under a bill that advances to the Senate floor. Dorinda Bordlee with the Bioethics Defense Fund supported the measure saying frequently girls who are victims of human trafficking are brought in for an abortion by a pimp…:
Cut 8 (07) “a parent”
Opponents say reducing access to timely abortion care could have a chilling effect on teens.

A bill that would allow people convicted of drug-related felonies to get food stamps and welfare benefits when they leave prison advanced to the House floor. New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno says this would help former inmates get back into the community…:
Cut 11 (08) “sense bill”
This measure is part of Governor John Bel Edwards’ legislative agenda on criminal justice reform.

A measure to require the photo ID of a parent for a minor to receive an abortion passes out of a Senate committee. Jeff Palermo has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Workers in New Orleans last night removed the 2nd of 4 Confederate era monuments slated to be taken down. The statue of Jefferson Davis was lifted off its base in a nearly 2 hour long process that began around 3am. The Liberty Place monument was removed at night last month. The Beauregard statue and one of Robert E. Lee are the 2 left standing.

A bill heading to the House Floor would lift the one year ban for individuals convicted of a drug related felony to receive food stamps and welfare benefits after being released from prison. New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno says the ban was originally placed as a deterrent not to commit drug related crimes, but it hasn’t worked…:
Cut 10 (11) “our community”
This measure is part of Governor John Bel Edwards’ legislative agenda on criminal justice reform.

Louisiana is no longer the least healthy state for seniors, according to a report by United Health Foundation. The state rose three spots to 47th in the nation. But Advocacy Director for AARP Louisiana, Andrew Muhl says the Bayou State still has a long way to go in how we care for seniors….;
Cut 13 (11) “the bottom”