Legislation is one step away from the governor’s desk that would require abortion clinics to provide additional information to women seeking their services. Michael Farrar has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michael Farrar”

______________________________________

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu two term run ends Monday and Matt Doyle looks back at his administration…

Cut 2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”

__________________________________

A 62-year-old Hammond man faces a vehicular negligent homicide charge, plus a host of other charges for a fatal wreck on I-12 that killed a one-month old child and injured four others. Don Molino has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

____________________________________________

The “Adoption Option” bill that would require abortion clinics to provide information about the adoption process to women seeking abortions is nearing final passage. The legislation would also mandate the creation of a state website with information about adoption. Louisiana Right to Life Executive Director Ben Clapper says he hopes it will result in fewer abortions.

Cut 4  (09) “as well” 

Clapper says women need to be made more aware before committing to an abortion about the financial and institutional support available for women who put their children up for adoption.

Cut 5  (07)  “of adoption”

Clapper says right now, too many women are ignoring the benefits of adoption, and choosing abortion instead.

Cut 6 (10) “of adoption”

The bill has received little opposition in the legislature.

___________________________________

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu is set to end his second term Monday after 8 years in charge of the Crescent City. Landrieu guided the city through a tumultuous post Katrina recovery period, but political analyst Clancy DuBos says nationally he’ll be most remembered for his part in the removal of the confederate monuments to Robert E Lee, Jefferson Davis, and PT Beauregard.

Cut 7 (08)  “for that”

Despite reports indicating he would be interested, Landrieu says he does not currently plan on running for president in 2020.

New Orleans has suffered frequent, and often crippling floods from routine rainstorms during the latter half of Landrieu’s stewardship. DuBos says the failure of the Sewage and Water Board will weigh on his legacy.

Cut 8 (10)  “his watch”

The city’s finances were a wreck after the now imprisoned former Mayor Ray Nagin’s tenure. DuBos says Landrieu was able to address that problem, but it came at a cost.

Cut 9 (12)  “police recruiting”

Mayor-Elect Latoya Cantrell will replace Landrieu.

_____________________________________

State Police charge a Hammond man with vehicular negligent homicide as result of a crash on I-12 near Covington that killed a one-month old child. Senior Trooper Dustin Dwight says 62-year-old Erroll Nugent missed his exit to Highway 190 and instead of turning around at the next exit, he tried a U-Turn through the grassy  median…

Cut 10 (07) “rear of his vehicle”

Dwight says one-month old Bryce Martin from Hammond was killed in the impact with the 18-wheeler. Nugent and three others in his vehicle were injured. He says Troopers suspected Nugent was impaired

Cut 11 (09) “around”

Dwight says the one-month-old victim was also not properly restrained. He says Nugent faces numerous charges

Cut 12 (10) “consequences”

__________________________________________

A bill barring drivers from touching their cellphones while on the road narrowly escaped the House and is on its way to the Senate. The anti-distracted driving legislation was inspired by the uptick in distracted driving road deaths in recent years. Bill sponsor Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval says the legislation is about protecting the next generation of drivers.

Cut 13 (06)  “distracted drivers” 

Slidell Representative Kevin Pearson says the legislation is about a driving culture change. Now-a-days he doesn’t fire up his car without buckling up, but that didn’t always used to be the case.

A bill barring drivers from touching their cellphones while on the road narrowly escaped the House and is on its way to the Senate. But the bill wasn’t without opposition. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton says living 250 miles away from the capital means she has to spend hours of her day on the road getting work done.

Cut 15 (12) “on me”

Students who had the GPA, but were a few points shy of qualifying for TOPS in high school could get another shot at the scholarship under a bill that is almost to the governor’s desk. The legislation would allow students who scored 17, 18, or 19 on the ACT, but have a 3.2 GPA after two years in college to collect TOPS for their last two years. The bill’s sponsor, New Orleans Senator Wesley Bishop:

Cut 10 (11) “particular day”

Legislation is one step away from the governor’s desk that would require abortion clinics to provide additional information to women seeking their services. Michael Farrar has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michael Farrar”

The top aide to Secretary of State Tom Schedler denies knowing about sexual harassment allegations against his boss until a lawsuit detailing the accusations was made public. Kyle Ardoin says the accuser never came to him with any problems. Ardoin is set to take over the office when Schedler’s resignation takes effect Tuesday.

Louisiana now meets the highest standard of air quality according to EPA standards. Governor John Bel Edwards says the success is the result of notable increases in air quality in the Baton Rouge area parishes. DEQ Environmental Scientist Vivian Aucoin says its great news for quality of life in the Bayou State.

Cut 11 (08) “have done”

The state legislature is interested in setting up a task force to study daylight saving time versus standard time, but Covington Representative Mark Wright says  studies have shown turning the clock back an hour creates problems

Cut 4 (:10) “an uptick”

Wright has a resolution calling for a task force that will report back its findings to the legislature next year.

State Fire Marshal investigators believe a charging cell phone could be responsible for a blaze that injured a one-year-old child. Michael Farrar has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michael Farrar”

The mother of a Claiborne Parish boy who disappeared a month ago has been arrested on charges unrelated to the child’s disappearance. Shelia Phillips is being held in jail while search teams continue to comb the area around her house where she says her 4-year-old son, Rondreiz Phillips, dispeared. Shelia was arrested on a drug charge. Her husband, Demarcus Gilbert, was arrested for stealing scrap metal two weeks ago.

Louisiana now meets the highest standard of air quality according to EPA standards. Ozone is formed in the atmosphere when nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compounds interact with sunlight, and can be exacerbated from human activity. DEQ Environmental Scientist Vivian Aucoin says this makes ozone control a tough task.

Cut 12 (11)   “emitting ozone”

The State Fire Marshal’s office believes a cell phone is responsible for a fire that injured a one-year-old child in Jeanerette. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says a 14-year-old resident told detectives he was sleeping in a room with his little sister, when he awoke to use the bathroom, he smelled smoke and saw the mattress on fire

Cut 5  (09) “electrical outlet”

Detectives learned it was an I Phone 6 that caught fire.

A bill is nearing final passage that would allow students who missed out on TOPS in high school a second chance after two years in college. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (31) I’m Jeff Palermo”

The state legislature is interested in setting up a task force to study daylight saving time versus standard time. Covington Representative Mark Wright says he gets asked about moving the clocks back an hour every fall all the time

Cut 3 (06) “taxes”

A bill that would allow bullet proof backpacks in public schools is one step away from the governor’s desk after clearing committee. Don Molino has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

______________________________________

A pair of medical marijuana bills are nearing final passage. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”

__________________________________

A bill allowing concealed weapons on K-12 and university campuses passed the House. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________________________

A bill that would allow students to wear bulletproof backpacks in public schools is set for final passage after clearing the House Education Committee. The legislation, inspired by the Parkland, Florida Shooting, received unanimous support. West Monroe Republican Mike Walsworth says something needs to be done about the lack of safety for school children.

Cut 4  (10) “no kid” 

The bill has received some criticism from legislators, like Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith, who says the 50-300 dollar price tag for the backpacks could lead to shooters targeting low income schools that they know can’t afford the protection.

Cut 5  (08)  “this sort”

Newman High Student Pierce Nelson says the backpack would give him greater peace of mind while at school.

Cut 6 (07) “my life”

The bill moves to the House floor

___________________________________

Two bills that would expand access to medical marijuana are close to being put into law after moving through the full House, and now being passed by a Senate committee. One bill would allow some children with autism, if prescribed, access to the treatment. The bill’s sponsor, Harvey Representative Rodney Lyons, says he was moved by an appeal from his constituents.

Cut 7 (11)  “help them”

Lyons says current autism medications have devastating side effects that he says aren’t a problem with medical marijuana.

Cut 8 (09)  “this day”

The other bill would add other new conditions to the ten already in place, including PTSD, to the list of those who can be prescribed the oil or pill based treatment. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says medical marijuana is a safe treatment that has helped fight opioid use.

Cut 9 (08)  “of marijuana”

_____________________________________

The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s office has arrested a 50-year-old man on bigamy charges. Spokesperson Casey Rayborn Hicks says Chaffie Brown had a wife in Baton Rouge and in LaPlace, who he married in 1993. Hicks says Brown married another woman in 2013

Cut 10 (10) “second wife”

Property tax records indicate Brown owned a home in St. John and in East Baton Rouge. Hicks says Brown told his first wife that he needed a home in Baton Rouge, because he often worked in the capital city and for long hours…

Cut 11 (04) “second wife”

Hicks says clerk of court records show Brown had two certificates of marriage for two different women, showing he was married to both at the same time. She says when the first wife started asking questions, Brown came up with another lie…

Cut 12 (10) “annulled”

__________________________________________

A concealed carry on campus bill passed the House. The bill allows school visitors with a concealed carry permit to possess a firearm while on campus, but does not allow school officials or students with a permit to carry. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle says allowing concealed handguns on campus would detract from educator’s time with students.

Cut 13 (13)  “on campus” 

Campuses include K through 12, and universities.

Westwego Representative Robert Billiot says the legislation only further stresses teachers who would then be saddled with the responsibility to asking armed individuals for their concealed carry permit.

The House Criminal Justice Committee approved Senator John Milkovich’s 15 week abortion ban bill 9-8, after it passed with little opposition in the Senate. Milkovich raised concerns that the level of development in a 15 week old fetus could lead to potentially dangerous medical complications.

Cut 7 (11)  “significant injuries”

The bill mirrors an effort in Mississippi that’s been halted in federal court, but pro-choice activists note that there are differences. They say Louisiana’s law imposes stiff criminal penalties for providers, and does not allow exceptions for fetal abnormalities. Pro-choice attorney Ellie Schilling says this bill also measures the time from conception.

cut 8 (11) “11 weeks”

The law would not go into effect unless a federal appeals court rules favorable on the challenge to Mississippi’s 15 week abortion ban.

A bill allowing riverboat casinos to build on land from their current water bound facilities cleared a House committee 10-4, one of the few gaming related bills to gain traction this session.  Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says taking the casinos off the water will make it easier for casinos to bring in bigger crowds.

Cut 12 (06)   “go bigger”

The Mayor of Cotton Valley, Joseph Alexander, has been arrested by State Police and charged with Felony Abuse of Power related to two undisclosed incidents in 2017 involving the alleged mishandling of town funds. State Police Trooper Glenn Younger says the charge is similar to misappropriation of funds and malfeasance.

Cut 14 (08)  “fit it”

The arrest took place after Webster Parish Sheriffs informed the LSP about the incidents. Younger says Alexander is now out of detention, while the investigation continues.

First Assistant Kyle Ardoin will take over the agency that handles elections starting May 8^th . Ardoin is replacing Secretary of State Tom Schedler, who submitted his resignation papers in the wake of a sexual harassment scandal.

LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremey Alford says the statewide elected post opening gives lawmakers an opportunity to move up the ladder.

Cut 6 (11) “this fall”

Cooler weather this year has extended the usually brief gnat season, making trips out to the river a bit unpleasant for some. If you’re looking to make an outdoors trip, LSU Ag Center entomologist Sebe Brown says some folks might even find gnat bites are more of a problem than being swarmed by mosquitos.

Cut 10 (10) “coagulant”

The US House passed a bill that would allow Louisiana residents impacted by the 2016 floods to become eligible for grant money, even if they received low interest loans to help with their recovery. Baton Rouge US Representative Garret Graves, the bill’s sponsor, says this opens up recovery money to thousands. Graves says they also managed to fix a few other issues from the 2016 flood with this legislation.

Cut 13 (11)  “of FEMA” 

Legislation to give voters an opportunity in November to decide if fantasy sports gambling should be legal in their parish is one step away from final passage. A Senate committee approved River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot’s proposal.

The vote in Judiciary B committee was four to one in favor. New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson, who did not explain her objection, was the lone no vote. Houma Senator Norby Chabert says he’s received a lot of calls in support…

Cut 16 (10) “clamoring for”

A bill heading to the US Senate could help out thousands who were denied disaster relief funds after the 2016 floods. Michael Farrar has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michael Farrar”

First Assistant Kyle Ardoin will take over the agency that handles elections starting May 8^th . Ardoin is replacing Secretary of State Tom Schedler, who submitted his resignation papers in the wake of a sexual harassment scandal. Ardoin knows he’s been put in charge during a pivotal time for the department.

The resignation will trigger a fall special election for the position. Ardoin says “At this moment I’m interested in running the office, not for the office.” He says it’s a department that means a lot to him.

Cut 5  (12)  “a child”

Cooler weather this year has extended the usually brief gnat season, making trips out to the river a bit unpleasant for some. If you’re looking to make an outdoors trip, LSU Ag Center entomologist Sebe Brown says understand these pests don’t work like mosquitos. For those looking to brave gnat infested rivers, Brown has a non-scientific, but country tested protection plan.

Cut 9 (11)  “work well”

Southern University band director Nathan Haymer has been fired by the University following accusations that Haymer was asking for kickbacks for the band to perform. Haymer denies the allegations but the university still fired him. Haymer says he will weigh his legal options Haymer has been the human jukebox’s band director since 2014. Former band director Lawrence Jackson will take over

Gnats are overstaying their welcome this year as a result of the abnormally cooler temperature. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”

First Assistant Kyle Ardoin will take over the agency that handles elections starting May 8^th . Ardoin is replacing Secretary of State Tom Schedler, who submitted his resignation papers in the wake of a sexual harassment scandal. Ardoin knows he’s been put in charge during a pivotal time for the department.

Cut 4  (10) “this state” 

The US House passed a bill that would allow Louisiana residents impacted by the 2016 floods to become eligible for grant money, even if they received low interest loans to help with their recovery. Baton Rouge US Representative Garret Graves, the bill’s sponsor says current recovery grant rules punish homeowners who didn’t want to wait for the feds to come through.

Cut 12 (09) “penalizing them”

Legislation to give voters an opportunity in November to decide if fantasy sports gambling should be legal in their parish is one step away from final passage. A Senate committee approved River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot’s proposal.

If the legislation is approved, the gaming control board would regulate fantasy sports gambling. Talbot says another bill would be introduced next year to determine how it will be taxed

Cut 15 (09) “combination of the two”

A special election will be held in November as a result of Secretary of State Tom Schedler’s resignation. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Cooler weather this year has extended the usually brief gnat season, making trips out to the river a bit unpleasant for some. If you’re looking to make an outdoors trip, LSU Ag Center entomologist Sebe Brown says understand these pests don’t work like mosquitos.

Cut 8 (08)  “every year”

The US House passed a bill that would allow Louisiana residents impacted by the 2016 floods to become eligible for grant money, even if they received low interest loans to help with their recovery. Baton Rouge US Representative Garret Graves, the bill’s sponsor, says this opens up recovery money to thousands.

Cut 11 (07) “a loan”

Legislation to give voters an opportunity in November to decide if fantasy sports gambling should be legal in their parish is one step away from final passage. A Senate committee approved River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot’s proposal.

Cut 14 (12) “the site”