A proposal attempting to make Louisiana the first state in the South to legalize recreational use of marijuana failed in the House Criminal Justice Committee. Kevin Caldwell of Common Sense NOLA says marijuana use is increasing and the state is not getting any benefits from it…

Cut 9 (12) “…40 years”

tax revenues from the sale of legal pot would go towards public schools, TOPS and better roads.

Legislation is heading to the governor’s desk to extend Harrah’s Casino in New Orleans’ license with the state through 2054. In return, Harrah’s will invest 325-million dollars into the property which will result in a second hotel, new restaurants and other upgrades. Norco Senator Gary Smith says the bill is about economic development

Cut 6 (10) “…the table”

“Home of the Who Dat Nation” road signs legislation receives final passage following a 35-0 Senate vote. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Senate approved legislation that would increase penalties for state officials who sexually harras heads for final approval on the House floor. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says her legislation was inspired by a Legislative Auditor’s report that showed taxpayers have been on the hook for millions of dollars in costs associated with sexual harassment suits.

Cut 13 (08) “…settlements”

A proposal attempting to make Louisiana the first state in the South to legalize recreational use of marijuana failed in the House Criminal Justice Committee. New Orleans Representative John Bagneris brought the bill before the panel.

Cut 8 (12) “…smaller and smaller .”

Colorado was one of the first to legalize marijuana for recreational purposes. But Winnsboro Representative Steve Pylant says that state is still dealing with illegal drug activity as authorities recently executed the state’s biggest drug bust involving marijuana growers.

Cut 10 (12) “…in Colorado”

After about a ten-minute discussion on the proposal, the marijuana legalization bill was soundly defeated.

State officials found guilty of sexual harassment could be set to foot much of the bill for their misdeeds if Senate approved legislation gets final approval on the House floor before the end of the session. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says if an official is sued for sexual harassment, her legislation would limit the impact of the damages to taxpayers.

cut 12(09)   “…financially””

The legislation received approval from the House Governmental Affairs Committee and heads to the House floor for final passage.

The Senate has given final legislative approval to a bill that places signs on I-10 at the Texas and Mississippi borders declaring that motorists are entering the Home of the Who Dat Nation. New Orleans Senator Wesley Bishop says a metal banner with the message will be added to existing road signs, and they will be funded by fans.

Cut 5 (11) “…paying for it.”

“Home of the Who Dat Nation” road signs legislation receives final passage following a 35-0 Senate vote. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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The House Criminal Justice Committee rejects a proposal to legalize recreational marijuana. Jeff Palermo has more…

cut 2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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The Senate has given final legislative approval to a bill that places signs on I-10 at the Texas and Mississippi borders declaring that motorists are entered the Home of the Who Dat Nation. New Orleans Senator Wesley Bishop says he wanted to honor Saints fans following the controversial end to the NFC title game.

Cut 3 (09) “…the Super Bowl.”

Originally, the bill called for I-10 to be renamed the Who Dat Nation Highway, but it was already named in honor of veterans.  The signs will be placed at the state lines of I-10 as well as the exit for the Superdome.

Bishop says Franklin Representative Sam Jones added a provision to the bill designating Highway 90 from Raceland to Lafayette as the “Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Highway.”

Cut 4 (08) “…I had filed” 

Bishop says a metal banner with the message will be added to existing road signs, and they will be funded by fans.

Cut 5 (11) “…paying for it.”

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Legislation is heading to the governor’s desk to extend Harrah’s Casino in New Orleans’ license with the state through 2054. In return, Harrah’s will invest 325-million dollars into the property which will result in a second hotel, new restaurants and other upgrades. Norco Senator Gary Smith says the bill is about economic development

Cut 6 (10) “…the table”

Harrah’s will also pay an additional millions of dollars more to the state and city for having Louisiana’s only land-based casino license. A similar bill died last year over concerns that the state was not getting a good deal. Smith says prior to this year’s debate, the legislature hired a consultant to study the casino license’s market value

Cut 7 (10) “…we know.”

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A proposal attempting to make Louisiana the first state in the South to legalize recreational use of marijuana failed in the House Criminal Justice Committee. New Orleans Representative John Bagneris brought the bill before the panel

Cut 8 (12) “…smaller and smaller .”

Bagneris says tax revenues from the sale of legal pot would go towards public schools, TOPS and better roads. Kevin Caldwell of Common Sense NOLA says marijuana use is increasing and the state is not getting any benefits from it…

Cut 9 (12) “…40 years”

Colorado was one of the first to legalize marijuana for recreational purposes. But Winnsboro Representative Steve Pylant says that state is still dealing with illegal drug activity as authorities recently executed the state’s biggest drug bust involving marijuana growers

Cut 10 (12) “…in Colorado”

After about a ten-minute discussion on the proposal, the marijuana legalization bill was soundly defeated

Cut 11 (10)“ eight nays”

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State officials found guilty of sexual harassment could be set to foot much of the bill for their misdeeds if Senate approved legislation gets final approval on the House floor before the end of the session.

Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says if an official is sued for sexual harassment, her legislation would limit the impact of the damages to taxpayers.

cut 12(09)   “…financially””

Hewitt says her legislation was inspired by a Legislative Auditor’s report that showed taxpayers have been on the hook for millions of dollars in costs associated with sexual harassment suits.

Cut 13 (08) “…settlements”

The issue took on more prominence after former Secretary of State Tom Schedler settled a sexual harassment suit brought by his secretary. That incident cost Louisiana 184,000 dollars.

The legislation also features rules governing incidents where a false accusation is made. Hewitt says there are guidelines in place for false accusation related penalties.

Cut 14 (08) “…accusation” 

The legislation received ap

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Cut 15 (07) “…be bold”

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Cut 16 (08) “…initial release”

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The House Criminal Justice Committee rejects a proposal to legalize recreational marijuana. Jeff Palermo has more…

cut 2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”  

A barge has arrived that will be sunk in Bayou Chene and will act as a temporary floodgate site to prevent backwater from flooding parts of Assumption, Lower St. Martin, Iberville, St. Mary, and Terrebonne Parishes.  The process is being carried out in response to the opening of the Morganza Spillway on Sunday due to rising river levels.

A 35-0 Senate vote Tuesday gave final passage to a bill that aims to notify motorists on I-10 coming from Texas and Mississippi that they are entering the Home of the Who Dat Nation.  Bill author New Orleans Senator Wesley Bishop says Franklin Representative Sam Jones added a provision to the bill designating Highway 90 from Raceland to Lafayette as the “Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Highway.”
Cut 4 (08) “…I had filed” 
Legislation is heading to the governor’s desk to extend Harrah’s Casino in New Orleans’ license with the state through 2054. Harrah’s will pay millions of dollars more to the state and city for having Louisiana’s only land-based casino license. A similar bill died last year over concerns that the state was not getting a good deal.  Norco Senator Gary Smith says prior to this year’s debate, the legislature hired a consultant to study the casino license’s market value

Cut 7 (10) “…we know.”

Sports gambling legalization is on life support as multiple attempts to approve the activity in the House, and a House Committee fell flat yesterday. There were two attempts to revive the legalization push on the House floor, both of which came up short, including one by Gretna Representative Joe Marino who says the revenue generated by the activity would fund thousands of kid’s early childhood education subsidies.

Cut 12 (12) “…it”

That argument prompted a frustrated response from opponents who say the two issues should not be combined.

Legislation is heading to the governor’s desk to extend Harrah’s Casino in New Orleans’ license with the state through 2054. A similar bill died last year over concerns that the state was not getting a good deal, and Norco Senator Gary Smith says they’ve addressed that concern.

Cut 7 (10) “…we know.”

Coach Will Wade says he regrets getting lawyers involved in the scandal that lead to his extended suspension from LSU’s basketball program.  

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

CBS has announced that the LSU/Alabama game will not be featured in prime time this year.

Sports gambling legalization is on life support as multiple attempts to approve the activity in the House, and a House Committee fell flat yesterday. Louisiana Casino Association Executive Director Wade Duty says future attempts at legalization cannot get weighed down by the same burdensome restrictions that were placed on the bill in committee…
Cut 10 (12) “…model.”

Gretna Representative Joe Marino says the revenue generated by the activity would fund thousands of kid’s early childhood education subsidies. But that claim led a visibly frustrated Metairie Representative Cameron Henry to hit back, saying just because you oppose gambling, doesn’t mean you’re against the kids…

Cut 13 (09) “…education”

A 35-0 Senate vote Tuesday gave final passage to a bill that aims to notify motorists on I-10 coming from Texas and Mississippi that they are entering the Home of the Who Dat Nation.  Bill author New Orleans Senator Wesley Bishop says the idea to honor Saints fans came following the controversial end of the Saints post season.

Cut 3 (09) “…the Super Bowl.”

Originally, the bill called for I-10 to be renamed the Who Dat Nation Highway, but it was already named in honor of veterans.

Legislation is heading to the governor’s desk to extend Harrah’s Casino in New Orleans’ license with the state through 2054. In return, Harrah’s will invest 325-million dollars into the property which will result in a second hotel, new restaurants and other upgrades. Norco Senator Gary Smith says the bill is about economic development

Cut 6 (10) “…the table”

The odds of sports gambling legalization passing this year look slim after multiple failures in the House yesterday. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 3 (30) “..Matt Doyle”

A 35-0 Senate vote Tuesday gave final passage to a bill celebrating New Orleans Saints fans that aims to notify motorists coming into the state on I-10 from Texas and Mississippi that they are entering the Home of the Who Dat Nation. The bill also would see the same signage added to the Superdome exit on I-10. The signs must be paid for using local or private dollars to be installed.

The Morganza Spillway is set to open Sunday to relive pressure on Mississippi River levees. State officials say the environmental impact will not be as substantial as the last opening in 2011.  Atchafalaya Basin Keeper Executive Director Dean Wilson had reason to doubt that claim though, noting the Basin’s over-saturated soil.
Cut 8 (11) “different.”
Experts also warn opening the Basin will likely wipe out most of the crawfish and oyster crop in the area as well.

A Senate-approved bill has advanced from a House committee to set a minimum age on marriage to 16, so long as there is not an age gap of two years or greater between the two parties when one is under 18.  Current law does not set a minimum age on marriage so long as the marriage receives the approval of the parents of the minors.  Legislators questioned why parents would agree to something like this.

Cut 15 (10) “…full of deer meat.”

Coach Will Wade says he regrets getting lawyers involved in the scandal that lead to his extended suspension from LSU’s basketball program.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Ecologists say the opening of the Morganza Spillway Sunday threatens to wipe out wildlife in the Atchafalaya Basin. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m  Matt Doyle” 

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 The odds of sports gambling legalization passing this year look slim after multiple failures in the House yesterday. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 3 (30) “..Matt Doyle”

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LSU basketball coach Will Wade speaks with the media for the first time since his 38-day suspension earlier this year stemming from his connection to FBI wiretap records as part of a recruitment corruption investigation. While Wade said he would not address every report on the scandal, he commented on the allegations he had set out a $300,000 offer for Naz Reid.

Cut 4 (07) “…did not happen.”

Wade says he regrets the way he handled the accusations whenever they first surfaced that lead to a suspension that would see him missing the Tiger’s entire postseason run.

Cut 5 (08) “…of those issues.”

Wade was reinstated following a meeting with LSU and the NCAA. Wade says he believes the fan base eventually deserves an explanation from his point of view of the events that lead to the suspension.

Cut 6 (09) “…place right now.”

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The Morganza Spillway is set to open Sunday to relive pressure on Mississippi River levees, but ecologists say it comes at a steep cost for Atchafalaya Basin wildlife.  Atchafalaya Basin Keeper Executive Director Dean Wilson says there’s nothing that can be done to save thousands of at-risk animals.

Cut 7 (12) “…basin.”

Experts also warn opening the Basin will likely wipe out most of the crawfish and oyster crop in the area as well.

State officials say the environmental impact will not be as substantial as the last opening in 2011 because they won’t be opening the gates as quickly. Wilson had reason to doubt that claim though, noting the Basin’s over-saturated soil.

Cut 8 (11) “different.”

Wilson says the opening will drive large groups of animals into unfamiliar territory, and unto roads and levees near the Basin and it’s surrounding lands and water systems, so if you see any wild animals out place…

Cut 9 (12) “…them alone″

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Sports gambling legalization is on life support as multiple attempts to approve the activity in the House, and a House Committee fell flat yesterday.

Louisiana Casino Association Executive Director Wade Duty says future attempts at legalization cannot get weighed down by the same burdensome restrictions that were placed on the bill in committee…

Cut 10 (12) “…model.”

Duty initially backed the legalization attempt but pulled support after the legislation got loaded down with additions from a number of special interest groups.

If the clock runs out on legalization this year, it could be another two years before another attempt can be made. Duty says in the meantime the casino industry in Louisiana will bleed customers…

Cut 11 (10) “…direction.”

There were two attempts to revive the legalization push on the House floor, both of which came up short. Gretna Representative Joe Marino says the revenue generated by the activity would fund thousands of kid’s early childhood education subsidies.

Cut 12 (12) “…it”

But that claim led a visibly frustrated Metairie Representative Cameron Henry to hit back, saying just because you oppose gambling, doesn’t mean you’re against the kids…

Cut 13 (09) “…education”

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A Senate-approved bill has advanced from a House committee to set a minimum age on marriage to 16, so long as there is not an age gap of two years or greater between the two parties when one is under 18.  Executive Director of the Louisiana Partnership for Children and Families Susan Nelson says the bill would be to the advantage of younger families.

Cut 14 (11) “…otherwise have.”

Current law does not set a minimum age on marriage so long as the marriage receives the approval of the parents of the minors.  Legislators questioned why parents would agree to something like this.

Cut 15 (10) “…full of deer meat.”

Nelson says in many cases, the current law perpetuates a cycle.

Cut 16  (09) “…finishes her education.”  

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McNeese is in the NCAA Baseball Tournament for the first time since 2003 as the Cowboys will face Indiana State on Friday afternoon in Nashville. The Cowboys received an automatic berth after winning the Southland Tournament. Coach Justin Hill’s team was outstanding on the mound and he hopes to see a little more hitting in Music City…

cut 17 (17)   little bit” 

Hill says for the Cowboys to win games at the Nashville Regional they’ll need good outings from senior right-hander Aiden Anderson…

A proposal to allow sports betting at the state’s casinos and racetracks failed in the House Appropriations Committee. Amendments were added to the legislation to get some money for horseman and allow sports betting at video poker establishments, which drew the opposition of the Louisiana Casino Association. Executive Director Wade Duty…
cut 13 (11) “…we can support”
There’s still a slim chance the bill could be revived through legislative procedures.

Senate Finance has approved a spending plan for next fiscal year that contains a one-thousand dollar teacher pay raise and 39-million dollars in block grant funding for school districts. The House budget proposal calls for a higher pay raise for teachers, but no additional dollars for public schools. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says lawmakers have until June 6th to agree on a budget

Cut 3 (10) “…the wire.”

A Senate committee has killed a bill that sought to help the state carry out lethal injections. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”  

House lawmakers are scheduled to vote on a bill that would ban abortions when a doctor can detect a fetal heartbeat, generally around the sixth week of pregnancy.  The vote was scheduled to take place Tuesday, but was delayed until Wednesday. Similar laws have already passed in other states, where opponents have called it an attack on women.

The House Appropriations Committee rejects a proposal to legalize sports betting, after the bill got swamped with special interest amendments. Video poker, horse breeders, software producers, and others wanted a piece of the gaming pie. The bill’s author, Metairie Senator Danny Martiny questioned whether the additions are in good faith.

cut 12(10)   “…posture””

The bill originally only called for sports betting at racetracks, riverboat casinos, and Harrah’s Casino in New Orleans, but an amendment was added to allow for the activity at the state’s thousands of video poker facilities.

A proposal to shield the identity of the drug companies that supply lethal drugs for the state to carry out death penalty sentences failed on a 3-2 vote in Senate committee. New Orleans Senator J-P Morrell says the legislation would have opened the state to lawsuits, if an execution is botched

Cut 9 (10) “…of dollars”

A Senate committee has killed a bill that sought to help the state carry out lethal injections. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”  

A three year old drown in Lake Arthur in Jefferson Davis Parish on Memorial day. Lake Arthur police responded to a call of an unresponsive child found near the beach just before 4 p.m. Monday CPR was started immediately, but no pulse could be detected. coroner pronounced the boy dead later that day. The incident is still under investigation.