A mental health patient who attacked a nurse at a Baton Rouge hospital has been arrested in Lake Charles and charged with manslaughter after the nurse passed away from her injuries. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Officials are investigating a shooting that left a 14-year-old dead early Wednesday morning in Plaquemine. Police believe bullets went through the walls of the victim’s home striking and killing him.

Investigators say the boy was standing in his bathroom when someone fired shots across the street in an unrelated incident and the shooter fled the scene. The victim’s name has not been released.

The House approved legislation that supporters say addresses the factors that result in high auto insurance rates in Louisiana. There’s a concern among opponents that this legislation will restrict a car crash victims’ access to the courts and lower settlements. Despite those criticisms, the bill passed 69-30. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton was one of the legislators who voted against it….

Cut 8 (07) “…we represent”

A bill that removes professional wrestling from the State Boxing and Wrestling Commissions overview is headed to the House after clearing the House Commerce Committee on a 14-2 vote. Houma Representative Beryl Amedee says professional wrestling does not need to be regulated because what happens in the ring is choreographed and rehearsed. But the Chairman of the Boxing and Wrestling Commission Buddy Embanato says deregulation can create a health risk, and pro wrestling does involve physical contact…

Cut 10 (12) “…across the ring.”

54-year-old Jessie Guillory, who allegedly attacked a nurse at a Baton Rouge hospital has been arrested in Lake Charles after the nurse passed away a week after the assault. Baton Rouge Police Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says the investigation discovered that Truxillo was attempting to save a fellow nurse…
Cut 4 (11) “ struck”
Truxillo was allegedly grabbed by Guillory, who slammed her head into a desk.
The House approve legislation that supporters say addresses the factors that result in high auto insurance rates in Louisiana. River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot’s bill also lowers the jury threshold from 50-thousand dollars to five-thousand dollars, which Talbot says would lead to more cases settled out of court and lower costs for insurance companies. But LaPlace Representative Randal Gaines is skeptical Talbot’s legislation will lower premiums…
Cut 7 (05) “…either side.”
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A bill that removes professional wrestling from the State Boxing and Wrestling Commissions overview is headed to the House after clearing the House Commerce Committee on a 14-2 vote. Houma Representative Beryl Amedee says regulation is not necessary for an event that is more theatrical than sport…
Cut 9 (12) “…laughter.”
Amedee says professional wrestling does not need to be regulated because what happens in the ring is choreographed and rehearsed. But the Chairman of the Boxing and Wrestling Commission Buddy Embanato says deregulation can create a health risk, and pro wrestling does involve physical contact.

54-year-old Jessie Guillory, who allegedly attacked a nurse at a Baton Rouge hospital has been arrested in Lake Charles after the nurse passed away a week after the assault.Baton Rouge Police Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says initially they were not certain Lynne Truxillo’s death was related to the attack, but…
Cut 3 (10) “…happened”
Truxillo died of blot clots, and had torn a leg muscle and had other injuries in the attack.
The House approve legislation that supporters say addresses the factors that result in high auto insurance rates in Louisiana. River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot has several provisions, one would extend the period of time a lawsuit can be filed after a car wreck from one to two years, in an effort to avoid a trial
Cut 6 (09) “…work it out”
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New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson spoke publicly for the first time about her struggles with gambling addiction, that were public revealed earlier this year, Tuesday at a committee hearing on the legalization of sports betting. Peterson says she’s dealt with the disease for years, but had managed to keep it a secret.
Cut 10 (12) “…addiction.”
A 2015 report showed those labeled “problem gamblers” were 2.5 times more likely to attempt suicide than the general population.
The House Health and Welfare Committee is expected to vote on a bill that would raise the age to purchase or possess tobacco from 18 to 21 years old. The sponsor of the bill, West Monroe representative Frank Hoffman…
Cut 7 (07) “…ever smoke.”

A vote is expected on a bill today that would raise the sale age of tobacco from 18 to 21 years old. Connor Ferrill has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Connor Ferrill”

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A New Orleans senator spoke openly about her gambling addiction in a committee considering legislation that would legalize sports betting. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Nicholls State announces plans to have a Coastal Restoration center dedicated to saving the endangered wetlands where most of their students live. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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A center dedicated to coastal restoration and preservation could in the cards for Nicholls State University as the school prepares to expand it’s engineering curriculum.

School President Dr. Jay Clune says 70 percent of their students come from St. Mary, Terrebonne, and Lafourche parishes.

Cut 4 (12) “…personal.”

Louisiana has lost 1,800 square miles of land to coastal erosion since 1932.

The facility will resemble the LSU Center for River Studies, famed for it’s huge model of the Mississippi River and it’s flow patterns. Clune says the facility will be a hub for wetlands protection research.

Cut 5 (11) “…campus.”

Clune says the center will focus on land loss in the Terrebonne Basin, and study why the Atchafalaya Basin has managed to be so resilient. He says much of their efforts will center on one beloved waterway…

Cut 6 (11) “…this point.”

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The House Health and Welfare Committee is expected to vote on a bill that would raise the age to purchase or possess tobacco from 18 to 21 years old. The sponsor of the bill, West Monroe representative Frank Hoffman, says raising the age could prevent potential young smokers from ever picking up a pack of cigarettes…

Cut 7 (07) “…ever smoke.”

The bill would also prevent those under 21 from buying vaping products.

Hoffman says the Bayou State would not be breaking any ground as 11 other states have enacted similar laws.

Cut 8 (07) “…everywhere.”

Hoffman says the goal of the legislation is to reduce the number of smokers which would create healthcare benefits that cannot be ignored.

Cut 9 (07) “…hopeful.″

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New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson spoke publicly for the first time about her struggles with gambling addiction Tuesday at a committee hearing on the legalization of sports betting.

Peterson says she’s dealt with the disease for years, but had managed to keep it a secret.

Cut 10 (12) “…addiction.”

A 2015 report showed those labeled “problem gamblers” were 2.5 times more likely to attempt suicide than the general population.

Peterson credited her ability to cope with the disease to a supportive family, but says not all problem gamblers have the luxury of strong family support, which is why she’s taking a public stand to bring awareness to the issue.

Cut 11 (10) “…disease.”

The revaluation of Peterson’s addiction led to accusations of hypocrisy related to her criticism of a 2017 New Orleans city council candidate’s pill addiction.

The Crescent City Democrat was the lone dissenting vote in Tuesday’s 3-1 committee approval of the legislation. She says the public outing of her addiction has given her the freedom to more openly voice her views.

Cut 12 (10) “…a plan”

Peterson was issued a misdemeanor citation earlier this year for entering a Baton Rouge casino. The Senator had voluntarily signed up for a program where problem gamblers ban themselves from casinos.

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Breaux bridge Representative Mike Huval has legislation that would allow information about whether or not a driver was buckled up to be used in determining damages in trials related to car wrecks. Currently that information is not allowed to be entered into the record. Huval says 90 percent of drivers nationwide buckle up, but…

Cut 13 (12) “seat belt.”

Huval says the additional expenses are weighing heavily on Bayou State employers.

Cut 14 (10) “…accident”

The Breaux Bridge Republican says the average inpatient costs for victims who did not wear seat belts was 50 percent higher than those who did buckle up.

Cut 15 (10) “accident”

A proposal to allow a parish by parish vote on the legalization of sports gambling passed a Senate committee on a 3-1 vote. First Baptist Church of Ponchatula Pastor David Cranford says this bill will cost lives.
Cut 8 (12) “…gambling”
But Metairie Senator Danny Martiny says failing to legalize sports betting won’t stop addicts from betting.
Cut 9 (09) “…this bill.”
Gambling addicts, spoke out about the need to increase gambling addiction recovery services, especially if the law were to pass, including former LSU basketball player Randy Livingston.
Cut 10 (11) “…here.”
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Delhi Senator Francis Thompson’s truth in labeling law of ag products receives unanimous support from the state senate and moves to the House for more discussion. Food manufacturers in violation of this proposed law would be fined 500-dollars. Thompson says they have until October 2020 to properly label their packages…
Cut 5 (10) “…labeling laws”
Thompson also has a bill that prohibits the mislabeling of milk, like soy and almond milk. That measure is awaiting a hearing in the Senate Health committee.
The state legislature took a step in bringing back sales tax holidays as the House approved a measure to reinstate three separate sales tax holidays for school supplies, guns and hurricane preparedness. Monroe Representative Jay Morris says his bill would cost the state five million dollars a year, which brought this question from Natchitoches Representative Kenny Cox
Cut 6 (09) “…everything else”

A bill that would allow voters to decide if sports betting should be legal in parishes that have riverboats, race tracks and land-based casinos clears a Senate committee 3-1.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

New LSU Athletics Director Scott Woodward was formally introduced today and was asked about improving the fan experience at LSU football games…

Cut 15 (11) “…do that here.”

State Police announce 34-year-old Reynard Green of Baton Rouge was able to get into the governor’s mansion last Wednesday and broke an antique table. Green was arrested on multiple charges after he was discovered sleeping on the couch.  The mansion is enclosed by a tall iron fence with only one entrance gate but security expert Joshua Nicholson says a tall fence is not always effective…

Cut 11 (09)   “…U.S border”

Legislation that would prohibit food manufacturers from labeling a package and naming it cauliflower rice, if it doesn’t contain rice receives unanimous approval from the Senate. Delhi Senator Francis Thompson’s proposed law would also protect other ag products like rice and meat, so no more tofu burgers…

Cut 4 (10) “…the violation”

Food manufacturers in violation of this proposed law would be fined 500-dollars and it would take effect in October 2020.

State Police have revealed a security breach at the Governor’s mansion after a Baton Rouge man was arrested when he was discovered sleeping on a couch. East Baton Rouge Parish Sherriff records indicate that  34-year old Reynard Green was booked Wednesday for simple burglary, criminal trespass, damage to property, possession of a narcotic and two counts of battery of a police officer. Green allegedly tried to disarm one of the security officers. State Police are evaluating security procedures.

Scott Woodward will be introduced as LSU’s athletic director today at noon. Woodward leaves Texas A&M after the Aggies won nine SEC titles over four years under his leadership. Commissioner of Administration and longtime friend of Woodward, Jay Dardenne, says the Baton Rouge native won’t need much of an introduction…

Cut 4 (12) “…LSU graduate.”

A Proposal to allow voters to legalize sports betting at casinos and race tracks will be among discussions at a State Senate Judiciary Committee today. Bill sponsor Senator Dany Martiny warns not passing the legislation will result in depressed revenues for Louisiana casinos who will lose business to other states, and drive away new potential gaming investors.

Cut 13 (10) “again.”

If passed locally the activity would be limited to the physical premises of Riverboats, Tracks, and Land-Based Casinos.

Overall the state continues to see job gains for the last 13 months but there are exceptions in some parts of the state. Workforce Commissioner Ava Dejoie says Shreveport is down almost 2-thousand jobs over the last year, so they’re training up workers for jobs that start at 40-thousand a year.

Cut 8 (09) “…CDL.”

A Baton Rouge man was arrested last week after he was discovered sleeping on a couch in the Governor’s Mansion. Louisiana State Police revealed the security breach and that 34-year old Reynard Green was booked Wednesday for simple burglary, criminal trespass, damage to property, possession of a narcotic and two counts of battery of a police officer Green allegedly tried to disarm one of the security officers.  State Police are evaluating security procedures and have not commented on if Governor Edwards or his family was in the mansion during the incident.

Louisiana has now added jobs over the year for 13 straight months according to the latest jobs report. Matt Doyle also reports the state’s unemployment rate has hit an 11-year low

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

Scott Woodward will be introduced at LSU’s athletic director today at noon. Woodward and Ed Orgeron are the first all Louisiana AD-football coach tandem since 1955. Commissioner of Administration and longtime friend of Woodward, Jay Dardenne says having locals from the Bayou State running the show in athletics could bring a bright future…

Cut 6 (12) “…this program.”

A constitutional amendment to exempt diapers and feminine products from the state sales tax unanimously cleared its first committee, and is on its way to Senate Finance. Amendment sponsor New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says the constitution calls for the exemption of necessities. Morrell says for women and parents, having these products isn’t just some luxury, and the costs can add up for working class moms.
Cut 15 (08) “…items.”

A Senate Judiciary Committee will take up a proposal to allow voters to legalize sports betting at casinos and race tracks in their parishes today.

Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills opposes the legislation, and says any revenue generated would be offset by the social damage caused by increased gambling.

Cut 10 (12) “…a wash.”

Mills says a UL study indicated there were nearly 200,000 problem gamblers in the state.

But bill sponsor, Metairie Senator Danny Martiny, says there’s already an active sports betting black market, and while the law may increase the overall amount of gaming in the state…

Cut 11 (06) “…market.”

Martiny warned that not passing the legislation will result in depressed revenues for Louisiana casinos who will lose business to other states, and drive away new potential gaming investors.

A constitutional amendment to exempt diapers and feminine products from the state sales tax unanimously cleared its first committee, and is on its way to Senate Finance, where it previously died. Amendment sponsor New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says there’s precedent for the exemption…

Cut 14 (12) “…them”

If passed local municipalities would have the option of exempting the items from local sales tax as well.

Overall Job growth in the state remains steady yet the Houma area is one part of the state that remains the weak spot for employment. Workforce Commission Director Ava Dejoie says the area lost approximately 2-thousand jobs from last year in a city of roughly 34-thousand. Dejoie says she’s hopeful that rising oil prices can stem the losses.

Cut 9 (09) “…those.″

The majority of the job gains in the state were in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette.

LSU introduces its new athletics director at a noon press conference today. Connor Ferrill has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Connor Ferrill”

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Louisiana has now added jobs over the year for 13 straight months according to the latest jobs report. Matt Doyle also reports the state’s unemployment rate has hit an 11-year low

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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A bill to allow parish voters to legalize sports betting will be heard Tuesday. Matt Doyle has reactions from both sides of the debate.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Scott Woodward will be introduced as LSU’s athletic director today at noon. Woodward leaves Texas A&M after the Aggies won nine SEC titles over four years under his leadership. Commissioner of Administration and longtime friend of Woodward, Jay Dardenne, says the Baton Rouge native won’t need much of an introduction…

Cut 4 (12) “…LSU graduate.”

Dardenne says he doesn’t suspect lots of coaching changes immediately but the Will Wade saga may be Woodward’s first test as AD…

Cut 5 (12) “…next season.”

Woodward and Ed Orgeron are the first all Louisiana AD-football coach tandem since 1955. Dardenne says having local Louisianan’s running the show in athletics could bring a bright future…

Cut 6 (12) “…this program.”

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Louisiana extends it’s streak of over the year job gains to 13 consecutive months. The state’s Workforce Commission Director Ava Dejoie says since March of 2018, the education/healthcare super-sector has led the way with an additional 7,400 jobs.

Cut 7 (12) “…people.”

But nearly all of the year to year job gains were powered by hiring in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette.

North Louisiana is still struggling, with Shreveport in particular down 1,700 jobs over the last year. Dejoie says to counteract this, they’re training up workers for jobs that start at 40,000 a year.

Cut 8 (09) “…CDL.”

The National Governor’s Association will also meet in Shreveport to discuss the possibility of turning the town into a cyber security hub.

Houma continues to see it’s economy slip, as it lost 2,100 job from last year in a city of roughly 34,000. Dejoie says she’s hopeful that rising oil prices can stem the losses.

Cut 9 (09) “…those.″

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A Senate Judiciary Committee will take up a proposal to allow voters to legalize sports betting at casinos and race tracks in their parishes today.

Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills opposes the legislation, and says any revenue generated would be offset by the social damage caused by increased gambling.

Cut 10 (12) “…a wash.”

Mills says a UL study indicated there were nearly 200,000 problem gamblers in the state.

But bill sponsor, Metairie Senator Danny Martiny, says there’s already an active sports betting black market, and while the law may increase the overall amount of gaming in the state…

Cut 11 (06) “…market.”

Martiny is pushing to direct any revenue generated directly from sports betting activities into early childhood education. The Senator says it’s a worthy cause, and will help the legislation pass, but Mills says the two causes should not be tied together.

Cut 12 (11) “…merit.”

The Metairie Republican says estimates show sports betting itself will not generate a substantial amount of tax revenue, and that the activity could be worth about 20-50 million dollars a year.

Martiny warned that not passing the legislation will result in depressed revenues for Louisiana casinos who will lose business to other states, and drive away new potential gaming investors.

Cut 13 (10) “again.”

If passed locally the activity would be limited to the physical premises of Riverboats, Tracks, and Land-Based Casinos.

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A constitutional amendment to exempt diapers and feminine products from the state sales tax unanimously cleared it’s first committee, and is on it’s way to Senate Finance, where it has previously died. Amendment sponsor New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says there’s precedent for the exemption…

Cut 14 (12) “…them”

If passed local municipalities would have the option of exempting the items from local sales tax as well.
The constitution calls for the exemption of necessities, and Morrell says for women and parents, having these products isn’t just some luxury, and the costs can add up for working class moms.
Cut 15 (08) “…items.”

The proposal comes with a roughly nine million dollar price tag. Morrell says it might be a little pricey, but most of that money will work it’s way right back into the economy.

Cut 16  (11) “…economy” 

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The 14th LSU baseball team looks to win a midweek game for the first time since April 3rd when they host Lamar tonight. The Cardinals are 12 games under the .500 mark and then after tonight’s home game, LSU visits Alabama, who is in last place in the SEC West. Coach Paul Mainieri wants his team to build on its current two game winning streak

 cut 17 (16)   “.week for us” 

LSU right-hander Cole Henry was named SEC Baseball Co-Freshman of the Week. The Alabama native struck out a career-high 12 Florida hitters in Friday night’s 13-1 win over the Gators. Henry says it’s a great honor…

Henry’s 12 strikeouts were the most since Alex Lange struck out 13 in a game in 2015. Henry says its not his goal to strike out hitters…

Cut 19 (18)    in games”