Louisiana has seen a 29 percent increase in the suicide rate since 1999, that according to a CDC report that revealed national suicide rates have skyrocketed over the last two decades. Louisiana Department of Health Suicide Prevention Coordinator Danita Leblanc says the state, and country, need to beef up their suicide detection efforts, increase the amount of mental health education, and expand mental health services, but that’s tough to do under a budget crunch.

Cut 6 (08)  “to deliver”

The Louisiana Department of Corrections is warning that unless additional tax revenue is raised by June 30th, thousands of inmates will be released. Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc says  they can’t absorb that kind of budget cut, because it’s not like corrections can cut back on staff.

Cut 12 (08)   “look at”

The current budget, without additional funds, would require a nearly 63-million dollar cut to corrections.

US Congressman Garret Graves says they’re one step closer to a massive reform of the way the feds handle flooding and hurricane protection projects. The 2018 Water Resources and Development Act would allow local governments to take over funds for the execution of protection projects from the Corps of Engineers. Graves says passing this bill would speed up construction of some desperately needed hurricane protection and coastal restoration plans.

Cut 10 (10) “river region”

Four people have been arrested in the shooting death of a 17 year old West Monroe girl. Hannah Crenshaw was shot in the front yard of her home Wednesday night. Chris Williams, Jeterrius Patrick, Cortez Williams, all in their early 20s, and 35-year-old Paul Tillman, all of West Monroe, were charged with Criminal Conspiracy and 2^nd Degree Murder.

The summertime is here and while kids may be enjoying time away from the classroom, but as Kevin Barnhart explains, the experts say it’s an important time to make sure they stay engaged in learning.

Cut 3 (24) “Im Kevin Barnhart”

Governor John Bel Edwards indicated last night that he will be putting out the call for the third special session of the year today, and the 7^th of his administration, with the goal of raising revenue to head off a potential 30 percent reduction to TOPS and 96 million dollars in cuts to higher ed. The last session collapsed in the last moments as a tax bill that would have fully funded government, and reportedly had the votes for passage, was filibustered by an anti-tax legislator.

Researchers say the Gulf of Mexico “Dead Zone” off the Louisiana coast will grow to the size of Connecticut by the end of July, as part of its yearly expansion resulting from the tons of chemicals that ride down the Mississippi from Midwestern crop fields. The dead zone is an area with little oxygen, which drives away aquatic life. LSU Professor Dr. Eugene Turner says the size fluctuates, but has trended up over the years.

Cut 13 (10)  “temperature” 

Nicholls State is launching a new program, called CROWN, aimed at helping young black men stay at college, and finish their degree. After reviewing information from last year, the university discovered that only 53 percent of African American men returned after their freshman year. Education research indicates first generation students are a vulnerable population, and Chadwell says those students could use a helping hand.

Cut 6 (10) “…with their peers.”

Nicholls State is launching a new program, called CROWN, aimed at helping young black men stay at college, and finish their degree. After reviewing information from last year, the university discovered that only 53 percent of African American men returned after their freshman year. In response the university created the CROWN program, pairing freshman with upperclassmen mentors. CROWN Administrator Sean Chadwell says there was a lot of enthusiasm for it.

Cut 5  (12)  “…like other students”

The US Department of Justice has teamed up with several state agencies to help ensure people with serious mental illnesses have the opportunity to live in a community setting. The agreement follows a review by the DOJ in December of 2016 that claimed the state was unnecessarily relying on nursing homes to serve people with serious mental illnesses. Executive Counsel for the Department of Health, Stephen Russo:

Cut 10 (12)   “…for them is.”

Researchers say the Gulf of Mexico “Dead Zone” off the Louisiana coast will grow to the size of Connecticut by the end of July, as part of its yearly expansion. LSU Professor Dr. Eugene Turner says Planting season fertilizers, and other chemicals are dumped every year into waterways that feed into the Mississippi River, eventually making their way down into the delta. Turner says it’s been going on for hundreds of years.

Cut 14 (11) “watershed”

GOP House Delegation Chairman Lance Harris wrote a letter to Governor Edwards, in anticipation of the year’s third special session, calling on the Democrat to consider expanding the scope of the next session to more than just tax bills. Hes looking for reconsideration on a transparency measure known as Louisiana Checkbook, a reordering of the state’s calculations for expenditures, and is asking for the legislative auditor to have the authority to audit any state agencies financial records.

A statewide poll from JMC Analytics shows despite a 42 percent national approval rating for President Donald Trump, Louisianans are still on board, as 56 percent of those surveyed approve of his administration. Pollster John Couvillion says “never Trump Republicans” never caught on in the Bayou State.

Cut 12 (09)   “amoungst Republicans”

The poll also indicates the president has strong support amongst white Democrats and independents.

But Couvillion says there’s two cities that just never bought in.

Cut 13 (08) “New Orleans” 

Results were also released for an early peak at the Secretary of State’s race, where Representative Leger, who’s made headlines in the most recent special session is polling in single digits, alongside Representative Stokes, who could be heard shouting at Representative Seabuagh during his dramatic last second filibuster Monday night.

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In a letter sent to Governor Edwards, US Senator John Kennedy expressed his concern over what he called an “inexcusable waste of taxpayer funds at the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.”  Kevin Barnhart has more…

Cut 1 (31)  I’m Kevin Barnhart“

Governor Edwards used his veto pen to take out 40 projects contained in the state’s three-point-six billion dollar construction spending plan. Most of the projects are in parishes represented by Republicans, who have voted against his tax plans. This comes just a day after Edwards vetoed a gas station bill that would have benefitted GOP House Chairman Lance Harris’ personal businesses.

A statewide poll from JMC Analytics shows an indecisive early start to the Secretary of State’s race. The special election will be held in fall as a result of a sexual harassment scandal that toppled the former Secretary Tom Schedler. It looks like most folks have no clue who many of the possible candidates are at this point, and Couvillion says that likely means it’ll take a big name to break the race open.

Cut 14 (11)  “ballot race”

A Shreveport woman is facing felony charges after her three dogs were found dead in her car.  Bossier City Police Spokesperson Mark Natale says that 47 year old Nancy Western was at Willis Knighton Medical Center, when she left her two Labrador retrievers and cocker spaniel in the vehicle

Cut 6 (12)  “…longer than that”

Two Louisiana men have been cited for alleged Louisiana Black Bear violations in St. Mary Parish on November 12^th, 2017. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck saysThe bear was found in an open field six miles off Highway 83 near Glencoe, and Einck says the Department had no idea the bear was shot and killed…

Cut 4 (10) “black bear.”

It’s National Seersucker Day. Created in Louisiana during the early 1900’s, the seersucker suit has withstood the test of time to be a signature look in the south and an iconic apparel around the country.  It has since become a congressional tradition on the first Thursday of June to wear the suit, and now, Laurie Haspel with the company behind the look has expanded the celebration to a national holiday.

Cut 9 (08)  “…Thursday in June”

So what is the best way to celebrate National Seersucker Day? Haspel says it’s all about enjoying an afternoon beverage.

A statewide poll shows continued, strong support for President Donald Trump in Louisiana, and a wide open Secretary of State’s race. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Governor Edwards used his veto pen to take out 40 projects contained in the state’s three-point-six billion dollar construction spending plan. Most of the projects are in parishes represented by Republicans, who have voted against his tax plans. This comes just a day after Edwards vetoed a gas station bill that would have benefitted GOP House Chairman Lance Harris’ personal businesses.

Two Louisiana men have been cited for alleged Louisiana Black Bear violations in St. Mary Parish on November 12^th, 2017. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says they received a tip of the violation last April and obtained a search warrant…

Cut 3 (12)   “open field.” 

A Shreveport woman is facing felony charges after her three dogs were found dead in her car.  Bossier City Police Spokesperson Mark Natale says that 47 year old Nancy Western was at Willis Knighton Medical Center, when she left her two Labrador retrievers and cocker spaniel in the vehicle. Animal Control assisted law enforcement with the situation and conducted a temperature test on the windows, and even after the vehicle had been opened, was still over 100 degrees.  Natale says it’s important that animals are never left to chance in vehicles in the hot Louisiana weather.

cut 8 (08) “…any length of time.”

A group of anti-tax, pro cut Republicans in the House, named the “Caucus of No” by the Governor are standing their ground, defending their move to block any move to renew a portion of expiring sales taxes that hit June 30th. Jackson Representative Kenny Havard blamed the group for the legislative gridlock.

Cut 13 (13)  “this problem” 

TOPS is facing a 30 percent cut, and higher ed is looking at 96 million dollars in reductions if additional revenue is not raised.

But Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo stands by his colleague’s decision to prevent any portion of the one point four billion in expiring taxes to be renewed. Garofalo says he’s proud of the title “The Caucus of No” because that no stands for no new taxes.

Cut 16 (10) “that group”

Two Louisiana men have been cited for alleged Louisiana Black Bear violations in St. Mary Parish on November 12^th, 2017. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says they received a tip of the violation in early April of this year and obtained a search warrant…

Cut 3 (12)   “open field.” 

Agents charged Cody J. Charpentier, 31, of Glencoe, for taking a black bear during a closed season and his accomplice, Bailey Rogers, 21, of Youngsville, for illegal possession

A Shreveport woman is facing felony charges after her three dogs were found dead in her car.  Bossier City Police Spokesperson Mark Natale says that 47 year old Nancy Western was at Willis Knighton-Bossier for a doctor’s appointment when she left her two Labrador retrievers and cocker spaniel in the vehicle.

Cut 7 (11)  “…means a trip to jail”

In a letter sent to Governor Edwards, US Senator John Kennedy expressed his concern over what he called an “inexcusable waste of taxpayer funds at the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission” based on a legislative audit.  In addition to wanting to know if the governor will recoup the funds spent, Kennedy also wants to know what the future hold for Williams, who now holds a high ranking position at Southern University.

Cut 6 (11) “…handle any money.”

Among the fifteen areas of concern with the audit, Kennedy says there was 226.5 hours of overtime paid to one employee without any evidence to support the claim, sloppy travel records, and expenses for entertainment events.

Not only did Kennedy send his letter of concern to the governor, but he also sent a copy to President Donald Trump.

A St. Charles Parish deputy is under arrest for Felony Voyeurism and Obstruction of Justice in an incident that alledley occurred on May 17, and involved extended members of the deputy’s family. 42-year-old former Corporal Ryan Weaver has been fired after working for the Sherriff’s Office for four years. Bond has yet to be set for Weaver.

Working poor families can expect to get some extra cash on their 2019 tax returns as the result of one of the few bills to escape the special session. Connor Ferrill has the story.

Cut 2 (30) ”  I’m Connor Ferrill” 

The State Department of Wildlife and Fisheries seeks to get more people outdoors with a free fishing weekend. So Saturday and Sunday residents and visitors can fish Louisiana waters without an otherwise required fishing license. LDWF Spokesperson Rene LeBreton says they hope to attract new anglers…

Cut 7 (4)  “them hooked”

LeBreton says a quick visit to the LDWF website www.wlf.la.gov has lots of information for those who may not know where to get started…

In a letter sent to Governor Edwards, US Senator John Kennedy expressed his concern over what he called an “inexcusable waste of taxpayer funds at the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.”  Kevin Barnhart has more…

Cut 1 (31)  I’m Kevin Barnhart“

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Working poor families can expect to get some extra cash on their 2019 tax returns as the result of one of the few bills to escape the special session. Connor Ferrill has the story.

Cut 2 (30) ”  I’m Connor Ferrill” 

_______________________________________________.

The “Caucus of No” is standing by their decision to block any revenue bill from being passed in the special session. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (31) “Im Matt Doyle”

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In a letter sent to Governor Edwards, US Senator John Kennedy expressed his concern over what he called an “inexcusable waste of taxpayer funds at the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission” based on a legislative audit.  Kennedy says the bulk of the problems appeared to have occurred under the leadership of Katara Williams, who has since been moved to a position with Southern University.

Cut 4  (10) “…to recover this money.” 

Among the fifteen areas of concern with the audit, Kennedy says there was 226.5 hours of overtime paid to one employee without any evidence to support the claim, sloppy travel records, and expenses for entertainment events.

Cut 5  (09)  “…essence festival tickets.”

In addition to wanting to know if the governor will recoup the funds spent, Kennedy also wants to know what the future hold for Williams, who now holds a high ranking position at Southern University.

Cut 6 (11) “…handle any money.”

Not only did Kennedy send his letter of concern to the governor, but he also sent a copy to President Donald Trump.

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The State Department of Wildlife and Fisheries seeks to get more people outdoors with a free fishing weekend. So Saturday and Sunday residents and visitors can fish Louisiana waters without an otherwise required fishing license. LDWF Spokesperson Rene LeBreton says they hope to attract new anglers…

Cut 7 (4)  “them hooked”

One reason why they have the free fishing weekend now, is so that a novice fisherman who enjoys their experience this weekend will decide to purchase a license and they would have it for more than a year …

Cut 8 (11)  “in june”

LeBreton says a quick visit to the LDWF website www.wlf.la.gov has lots of information for those who may not know where to get started…

Cut 9 (11)  “fishing locations”
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Low wage workers with kids will be getting a 40 to 50 dollar boost on their 2019 tax returns as the legislature approved an expansion of the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit. It’s all but guaranteed to be signed by the Governor. Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moller says it’ll help blunt the impact on the poor of relying on sales tax increases to fund budget gaps.

Cut 10 (12)   “afford it.”

Moller says the extra cash will go right into the pockets of thousands of Louisiana families.

Cut 11 (07) “2019 returns.”

The EITC was a bipartisan effort starting the 70s, but was substantially expanded during the Clinton administration. It’s often regarded as one of the more effective anti-poverty tools in the government arsenal, and Moller says despite initial House Republican opposition about the cost, the measure managed to get the governor’s desk.

Cut 12 (12) “workplace.”

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A group of anti-tax, pro cut Republicans in the House, named the “Caucus of No” by the Governor are standing their ground, defending their move to block any move to renew a portion of expiring sales taxes that hit June 30th. Jackson Representative Kenny Havard says that group has refused to work with other legislators to find a real, long term solution to the state’s perpetual budget woes.

Cut 13 (13)  “this problem” 

TOPS is facing a 30 percent cut, and higher ed is looking at 96 million dollars in reductions if additional revenue is not raised.

The Moderate Republican says most of the state is willing to raise some revenue if it means preserving programs like TOPS, funding universities, and keeping state agencies open. He says the obstruction, including Representative Alan Seabaugh’s filibuster to prevent a last second tax vote, may be playing well with their constituents, but it’s damaging to the rest of Louisiana.

A south Louisiana man is under arrest after allegedly stalking an ex, and setting a series of fires aimed at harassment.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Entergy recommends you set thermostat to 78 degrees for maximum savings on your electric bill. And most people say theres no way they’re going to bake at home if their AC is actually working, and a lot of folks are saying what’s the point of having AC if it doesn’t keep you comfy in the summer?

Cut 14 (08)  “*laughs*”

Erath Representative Blake Miguez says before another special session, the governor needs to sign the budget that’s on his desk to reassure the Medicaid patients who received cancellation notices that their programs will not be cut.

cut 8 (11) “a priority”

A bill sponsored by House GOP leader Lance Harris that would allow independent gas stations to sue larger gas station companies over unfair pricing has been vetoed by Governor John Bel Edwards. Although Governor Edwards said a in a veto note that the bill would’ve likely resulted in higher prices at the pump for drivers, Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat believes that was not the primary reason for the veto.

Cut 10 (11) “…the governor’s motives.”

Harris dismissed suggestions it was improper for him to push a proposal in which, as an independent gas station owner, would have a financial interest.