Legislators return to the State Capitol today as they look to solve the state’s budget issues. The governor has asked legislators to raise revenues by 600-million dollars in this special session to avoid cuts to health care, higher education, public schools and TOPS. But so far the House has only agreed to 220-million dollars in tax increases. Democratic New Orleans Representative Walt Leger…:
Cut 13 (08) “revenue in”
GOP lawmakers are taking a strong stance against additional taxes saying money can be freed up by cutting out the waste in state government.

Governor John Bel Edwards, Senate President John Alario, House Speaker Taylor Barras, and other lawmakers will participate in a “Moment of Unity” at 1pm today at the Capitol in response to the tragic terrorist attack at an Orlando night club over the weekend. Authorities say 50 people died and at least 53 injured in the mass shooting.

A Transportation Infrastructure Investment task force has been formed by the governor to identify priority projects throughout the state. State Department of Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says the average driver pays about $108 a year in gas taxes to Louisiana, and they want to make sure those dollars go towards repairing roads, bridges and ports…:
Cut 10 (08) “infrastructure system”
Wilson says they will spend the next six months touring the state and getting input on priority projects from the public.

The LSU baseball team’s season is over following 2 losses to Coastal Carolina this weekend in the Super Regional at Alex Box Stadium in Baton Rouge. It’s the third time in five years the Tigers see ball end for the year on their home field.

Sea lice has been producing rashes for some Gulf Coast swimmers. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi biology professor, Dr Kim Withers, says sea lice are actually jelly fish larvae and they tend to sting people when they get trapped under a person’s clothes. Withers says the irritation caused by the bites usually goes away after 24 hours, but it can become severe.
cut 8 (06) “….and vomiting”
Withers says the best thing people can do is limit the amount of clothes they wear in the water.

A license is not required to fish this weekend on Louisiana waterways. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries does this every year to attract new anglers for recreational fishing. LDWF biologist Meghan Macmenamin says some popular fishing areas have been stocked with extra fish.
cut 5 (06) “….the weekend”
The LDWF is also hosting some fishing rodeos as part of the two-day license free weekend.

A Luling man has been arrested after he allegedly shot his neighbor’s cat with a bow and arrow. St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne says Cody Dupre has been charged with an aggravated cruelty to an animal charge, because the arrow did hit any of the feline’s vital organs.
cut 14 (07) “…be okay”
Champagne says Dupre apparently shot the cat, because he didn’t want it on his property.

Coastal Carolina stands in LSU’s way from reaching the College World Series. The Tigers and the Chanticleers (Shon-ta-kleers) begin their Super Regional Series today at Alex Box and the winner advances to Omaha. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says Coastal Carolina have hit a whopping 91 home runs, but they are more than just a power hitting team.

cut 15 (05) “pitching staff”

Coach Paul Maineri says he would like to start Jared Poche in Game Two on Sunday, but wants to make sure he feels okay after two extended outings in last weekend’s regional.

The governor’s chief of staff, Ben Nevers, says if the legislature only approves 223-million dollars in new taxes in this session, it could lead to hospitals closing and funding for the TOPS scholarship program cut in half. So far, the Republican-controlled House has only been willing to raise that much money. Many GOP legislators say taxes have been raised enough and the state has to spend its money more wisely.

Swimmers at beaches along the Gulf Coast have been developing rashes on their skin from sea lice. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

A fishing license is not required this weekend if you want to drop a line in a public waterway. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries holds a free recreational fishing weekend every year in the hopes of attracting new anglers. LDWF biologist Meghan Macmenamin says there’s also several events going on in conjunction with the free recreational fishing days.
cut 4 (09) “…in Cameron”
For more information, go to the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website.

LSU has decided to pitch Alex Lange in Game 1 of the Super Regional Series against Coastal Carolina. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says Lange, along with Jared Poche and Hunter Newman pitched really well in last weekend’s Regional, but the Tigers need better performances from their middle relievers…
cut 16 (08) “…three guys”
The Super Regional Series gets underway tonight at Alex Box Stadium.

Sea lice have been posing a problem for swimmers at Gulf Coast beaches this summer. Texas A&M Corpus Christi biology professor Dr. Kim Withers says the pesky little creatures are actually jelly fish larvae. She says they get under clothes, so people may be better off skinny dipping.

CUT 6 (10) “their nematocysts”

Withers says the jellyfish larvae should clear out in a couple of weeks.

A St. Charles Parish man has been arrested after he allegedly shot his neighbor’s cat with a bow and arrow when it wandered onto his property. Sheriff Greg Champagne 33-year-old Cody Dupre has been charged with felony cruelty to animals, and his bond was set at $30-thousand.

Cut 13 (06)  “somebody’s pet”

The 9-month-old cat is expected to make a full recovery.

The body found in Logansport yesterday has been identified as that of the 21-year-old Miranda Whitton, who went missing earlier this week. Jarrod Johnson of Logansport was brought in for questioning and subsequently booked into the DeSoto Parish Detention Center on one count of first degree murder. The investigation is ongoing.

You can fish without a license this weekend. Jeff Palermo spoke with the Louisiana Department Wildlife and Fisheries about this annual event…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is holding free recreational fishing days on Saturday and Sunday. This means both Louisiana residents and non-residents can fish without a license in public waters. LDWF biologist Meghan Macmenamin says the goal is to get new anglers out on the water.

CUT 3 (10)  “in Louisiana”

Macmenamin says there are many different fishing events going on through the free recreational fishing days.

Sea lice have been posing a problem for swimmers at Gulf Coast beaches this summer. Texas A&M biology professor Dr. Kim Withers advises people not to get back in the water if they get bitten by the lice. She says the irritation caused by the bites usually goes away after 24 hours, but it can become very severe.

CUT 8 (06) “and vomiting”

Withers says the jellyfish larvae should clear out in a couple of weeks.

A St. Charles parish man has been arrested after he allegedly shot his neighbor’s cat with a bow and arrow. Sheriff Greg Champagne says the cat apparently wandered onto 33-year-old Cody Dupre’s property.

cut 12 (04) “hunting arrow”

The 9-month-old cat was immediately rushed to a local vet clinic and is expected to be okay. Dupre has been charged with felony cruelty to animals, and his bond was set at $30-thousand.

Coastal Carolina stands in LSU’s way from reaching the College World Series. The Tigers and the Chanticleers (Shon-ta-kleers) begin their Super Regional Series today at Alex Box and the winner advances to Omaha. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says Coastal Carolina have hit a whopping 91 home runs, but they are more than just a power hitting team…

cut 15 (05) “pitching staff”

You can fish without a license this weekend. Jeff Palermo spoke with the Louisiana Department Wildlife and Fisheries about this annual event…:
CUT 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A St. Charles parish man has been arrested after he allegedly shot his neighbor’s cat with a bow and arrow. Sheriff Greg Champagne says the cat apparently wandered onto 33-year-old Cody Dupre’s property…:
cut 12 (04) “hunting arrow”
The cat is going to be okay. Dupre’s bail was set at $30,000.

The Baton Rouge Police Department is still searching for a pregnant woman whose 3-year-old daughter was found wandering alone Thursday morning. Cpl. L’Jean McKneely says 39-year-old Robert Marks is arrested for child desertion, and they do suspect foul play in the disappearance of 40-year-old Lyntell Washington on the night of June 8th…:
CUT 10 (08) “for him”
Arrest records indicate the child told detectives that her mother was in the lake. McNeely says they are looking in the Baton Rouge, Baker, Zachary, and St. Francisville areas.  Marks is an assistant principal in East Baton Rouge Parish, and Washington is also employed within the system as a teacher.

The father of the 8 month old girl who died after being left inside a hot car Wednesday will likely not be prosecuted, according to East Baton Rouge Parish DA Hillar Moore. He says they are still reviewing final reports before anything is official. 31-year-old Marvin Mercer was arrested and charged with negligent homicide in the death of his daughter Raylee Mercer. Her death was ruled accidental.

The Baton Rouge Police Department is still searching for a pregnant woman whose 3-year-old daughter was found wandering alone Thursday morning — and an arrest has been made in connection with the desertion of the child. Cpl. L’Jean McKneely says 39-year-old Robert Marks was with the daughter of 40-year-old Lyntell Washington on the night of June 8th….:
CUT 9 (06) “in the parking lot”
McKneely says they know Marks was in a romantic relationship with Washington. He is charged with kidnapping and child desertion. They are searching for the missing woman in the Baton Rouge/Baker/Zachary/St. Francisville areas.

The DA in the case of the father who was charged with negligent homicide in the death of his baby daughter who was mistakenly left alone in a hot vehicle for hours, says it appears as though this was a tragic accident. The East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner ruled the 8 month old’s death as accidental hypothermia. 31-year-old Marvin Mercer was arrested a posted $10,000 bail.

Sea lice have been posing a problem for swimmers at Gulf Coast beaches this summer. Texas A&M biology professor Dr. Kim Withers says the pesky little creatures are actually jelly fish larvae. She says they get under clothes, so people may be better off skinny dipping…:
CUT 6 (10) “their nematocysts”
Withers says the jellyfish larvae should clear out in a couple of weeks.

Former LSU basketball star Shaquille O’ Neal says he would like his son to play college basketball for Kentucky, not LSU. Shareef O’ Neal is a four-star prospect out of California and he’s six-foot-nine at the age of 16.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is holding free recreational fishing days on Saturday and Sunday. This means both Louisiana residents and non-residents can fish without a license in public waters. LDWF biologist Meghan Macmenamin says the goal is to get new anglers out on the water.

CUT 3 (10)  “in Louisiana”

Today is former-governor Bobby Jindal’s birthday and he’s turning 45 this year. He finished his second-term as the state’s highest elected official with low approval numbers. UL-Lafayette political science professor Pearson Cross says it’s unlikely Jindal run for office again in this state.

cut 11 (07) “step down”

But Cross says Jindal’s political career is probably far from over.

A job fair is underway in Terrebonne Parish that aims to help those in the oil and gas industry find jobs. The fair will be held at Fletcher Community College in Schriever from 9am to 1pm. President of the South Louisiana Economic Council, Vic LaFonte, says although the bayou region is seeing job losses, there are employment opportunities in other parts of the state.

cut 4  (11)  “Lake Charles area”

More than 30 companies will be present at the job fair.

A graduation ceremony will be held for the valedictorian who was not allowed to participate in his graduation at Amite High School because of his facial hair. Pastor Roosevelt Wright says Andrew Jones overcame many challenges and earned the right to lead his class that day.

CUT 7 (11)  “a baby” 

A job fair is currently underway in Terrebonne parish for people seeking jobs in the oil and gas industry. President and CEO of the South Louisiana Economic Council, Vic LaFonte says people can register and get more information at BayouOpportunity.com. He says they’ll be doing whatever they can to find new jobs for people at this event.

Cut 6 (12) “your resume”

LaFonte says walk-ins are also welcome at the job fair.

A graduation ceremony will be held for the valedictorian who was not allowed to participate in his graduation at Amite High School because of his facial hair. Pastor Roosevelt Wright says any grads who want to attend wearing their gown are welcome to turn their tassels one more time with Andrew Jones. Wright says Jones has also gotten the attention of several universities and state legislators.

Cut 9 (09)  “as well”

The ceremony will be held June 17 at the African-American Heritage Museum in Hammond.

Former-governor Bobby Jindal turns 45 today. The former-presidential candidate has kept a low profile since he left the Governor’s Office in January. But UL Lafayette political science professor Pearson Cross says Jindal’s political career is probably far from over.

Cut 10 (09) “his options”

At one-time the former governor was considered a rising star in the Republican Party.

A 15-year-old from Tangipahoa parish is facing two murder charges for his participation in the double homicide in Natalbany last week. Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson Dawn Panepinto says this case may also be related to the death of an 18-year-old, whose body was discovered a day after the double homicide.

Cut 15 (07) “together”

Panepinto says it was likely a robbery gone wrong.