The Senate Education committee approved a measure that allows public school teachers to pray with students, if the child’s parents sign a permission slip. Jim Shannon has more.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

U.-S. Senator John Kennedy is asking President Trump to put even higher tariffs on Chinese crawfish and shrimp. In a letter to the White House, Kennedy accused the Chinese of not trading fairly with the U-S.
Cut 6 (:10) “is cheating”

Louisiana had three months run of good jobs numbers with unemployment down to 4.4 percent. According to March employment figures, 46-thousand people have joined the workforce over the last 12 months. Workforce Commission Executive Director Ava Dejoie (DAZE-WW-AH) says that puts us number one in the nation for adding new jobs.
Cut 9 (08) “with Alabama “
Dejoie (DAZE-WW-AH) says Lafayette is starting to recover jobs lost from the recent oil bust.

And while the Federal tax deadline passed earlier this week, the Louisiana individual income tax deadline is May 15th. The Louisiana Department of Revenue has already issued over 400,000 individual income tax rebates to those who have sent in their returns. Filing state taxes electronically is faster with refunds typically being sent out within 60 days. Those filing paper forms should get their refund within 98 days.

Unemployment is down to 4.4 percent in Louisiana, capping a three month run of strong jobs numbers. According to the March employment figures, 46-thousand people have joined the workforce over the last 12 months and state Workforce Commission Executive Director Ava Dejoie says that puts us number one in the nation for new jobs added.

Cut 9 (08) “with Alabama “

The Senate Education committee moved a measure that allows public school teachers to pray with students. The bill would further existing law that allows school employees to volunteer to supervise voluntary student-initiated, student-led prayer. Metairie Senator Conrad Appel thinks the bill will only get the state sued and he voted against it.

Cut 5  (09) “nobody prayed”

The measure moves to the Senate floor.

Super Bowl wining head coach of the Eagles, Doug Pederson, is back in bayou to help ULM kick off the new football season. ULM Director of Marketing and Communications Julia Letlow says it’s a chance for fans to get to know the highly regarded NFL coach.

Cut 16  (09) “along the way”

The “2018 Kickoff with Doug Pederson” is Saturday night in Fant-Ewing Coliseum.

And three alleged crawfish bandits have been arrested in connection with the theft of 756 dollars’ worth of mudbugs from Lafayette farmers. Allan Turner was arrested by deputies, and warrants are out for Haley Briscoe and Chirstopher Prejean, who are suspected of stealing from local farmers on a nightly basis. The trio is suspected of lifting over 165 pounds throughout their spree.

Unemployment is down to 4.4 percent in Louisiana, capping a three month run of strong jobs numbers. According to the March employment figures, 46-thousand people have joined the workforce over the last 12 months and state Workforce Commission Executive Director Ava Dejoie says one high paying sector in particular is starting to show some explosive growth.

Cut 11 (10) “particular careers.”

The Pelicans are on the verge of a series sweep after crushing the Trailblazers in game three 119-102. The Pels have been prolific, with an average margin of victory in the series of 9.3 points a game. Head coach Alvin Gentry says a bit reason for the blowout win was a raucous fan base that was locked in.

Cut 14 (08)  “on Saturday”

Saturday’s game tips off at 4pm.

The Senate Education committee moved a measure that allows public school teachers to pray with students. The bill would further existing law that allows school employees to volunteer to supervise voluntary student-initiated, student-led prayer. Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti says the improved legislation will give children more freedom.

Cut 4 (:08) “law suits”

United States Senator John Kennedy is asking President Trump to put even higher tariffs on Chinese crawfish and shrimp. Earlier this month, President Trump instructed the United States Trade Representative to consider whether 100-billion dollars in additional tariffs would be appropriate. Kennedy says he’s asked the Trump administration to give full consideration to the inclusion of Chinese crawfish and shrimp.

Cut 7 (07)  “their product”

United States Senator John Kennedy is asking President Trump to put even higher tariffs on Chinese crawfish and shrimp. In a letter to the White House, Kennedy accused the Chinese of not trading fairly with the U-S. He says a higher tariff on Chinese crawfish and shrimp would help our seafood industry, which has a 2.4 billion dollar impact on Louisiana’s economy…

Cut 8 (:10) “cut rate prices”

The Pelicans are on the verge of a series sweep after crushing the Trailblazers in game three 119-102. The Pels have been prolific, with an average margin of victory in the series of 9.3 points a game. Power Forward Nicola Mirotic says last night’s big win gives the team the momentum it needs to close out game four.

Cut 13 (10) “better job too.”

Mirotic dropped 30 on Portland last night.

The Senate Education committee approved a measure that allows public school teachers to pray with students, if the child’s parents sign a permission slip. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

And the volunteer firefighter who stands accused of setting a house fire that killed his wife and her service dog has had his charges upgraded to First Degree Murder, along with his existing charges of Aggravated Arson, Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, and Aggravated Cruelty to Persons with Infirmities. Police say Richland Parish volunteer Kenneth Fulford set his house alight, to “end his ailing wife’s suffering” early Monday morning.

Louisiana’s jobless rate is down to 4.4 percent as shown in the March employment data. Over the past 12 months, 46-thousand people in the state got jobs. State Workforce Commission Executive Director Ava Dejoie (DAY-ZZ-WW-AH) says Lafayette, is recovering jobs lost from the oil bust. Dejoie (DAY-ZZ-WW-AH) says rising prices at the pump are paying dividends in Acadiana’s job gains.

Cut 10 (07) “more stable.”
Dejoie (DAY-ZZ-WAH) encourages job seekers to visit www.LaWorks.Net for opportunities.

U.S. Senator John Kennedy is asking President Trump to increase tariffs on Chinese crawfish and shrimp. In a letter to the White House, Kennedy accused the Chinese of not trading fairly with the United States.

Cut 6 (:10) “is cheating”

The Senate Education committee moved a measure that allows public school teachers to pray with students. The bill would further existing law that allows school employees to volunteer to supervise voluntary student-initiated, and student-led prayer. Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti.

Cut 3 (:12) “get sued”
The measure will now move to the Senate floor.

Super Bowl wining head coach of the Eagles, Doug Pederson, is back in bayou state to help kick off ULM’s new football season. ULM Director of Marketing and Communications Julia Letlow says the former War Hawk Quarterback is ready to help improve season-ticket sales and raise money.

Cut 15 (08) “our program.”
Tickets to this Saturday night’s event with Pederson are still available.

United States Senator John Kennedy is asking President Trump to put even higher tariff’s on Chinese Crayfish and Shrimp. In a letter to the White House, Kennedy accused the Chinese of not trading fairly with the U-S.

Cut 6 (:10)  “is cheating”

Earlier this month, President Trump instructed the United States Trade Representative to consider an additional 100 billion in tarrifs.

Unemployment is down to 4.4 percent in Louisiana, capping a three month run of strong jobs numbers. According to the March employment figures, 46-thousand people have joined the workforce over the last 12 months and state Workforce Commission Executive Director Ava Dejoie says one high paying sector in particular is starting to show some explosive growth.

Cut 11 (10) “particular careers.”

The Pelicans are on the verge of a series sweep after crushing the Trailblazers in game three 119-102. The Pels have been prolific, with an average margin of victory in the series of 9.3 points a game. Super Star Center Anthony Davis, who’s averaging nearly 28 points a game in the series, says the key to moving on is to continue to play suffocating defense.

Cut 12 (06)   “whole playoffs”

Saturday’s game tips off at 4pm.

The Senate Education committee moved a measure that allows public school teachers to pray with students. The bill would further existing law that allows school employees to volunteer to supervise voluntary student-initiated, student-led prayer. But Metairie Senator Conrad Appel thinks the bill will only get the state sued. He voted against the bill.

Cut 5  (09) “nobody prayed”

The Senate Education committee moved a measure that allows public school teachers to pray with students. The bill would further existing law that allows school employees to volunteer to supervise voluntary student-initiated, student-led prayer. Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti.

Gatti says the improved legislation will make it easier for the kids to do what they want to.

Cut 4 (:08) “law suits”

Four former LSU students pleaded not guilty this morning in the Maxwell Gruber hazing case. 20 year old Matthew Naquin faces negligent homicide charges, Sean-Paul Gott, Patrick Forde, & Ryan Isto were charged with hazing. Naquin faces up to five years while the other three are facing 30 days. All four were indicted last month by an east Baton Rouge parish grand jury for the alcohol related death of Maxwell Gruber in September. District Court Judge Beau Higginbotham has set a September trial date.

The Louisiana Department of Corrections is rolling back a policy that allowed state prisons to bar inmates from talking to the media. Michael Farrar has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Michael Farrar

A ceremony is being held today for a Korean War Veteran from Ferriday whose remains are being returned home after 68 years. 19-year-old Sergeant Lester Walker was deployed to Korea with an anti-air craft weapons battalion. Congressman Ralph Abraham says Walker was lost during the first months of the war.

Cut 4  (11) “M-I-A” 

The senate education committee moved a measure that allows public school teachers to pray with students. The bill would further existing law that allows school employees to volunteer to supervise voluntary student-initiated, student-led prayer. Bossier Senator Ryan Gatti.

Cut 3 (:12) “get sued”

Four former LSU students pleaded not guilty in the Maxwell Gruber hazing case. 20 year old Matthew Naquin faces negligent homicide charges, Sean-Paul Gott, Patrick Forde, & Ryan Isto were charged with hazing. Naquin faces up to five years while the other three are facing 30 days. All four were indicted last month by an east Baton Rouge parish grand jury for the alcohol related death of Maxwell Gruber in September.

The remains of a North Louisiana Korean War vet are being returned home after 68 years. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

A seven year old policy barring inmates from talking to the media about their cases has been lifted by the Louisiana Department of Corrections after a challenge from the ACLU. ACLU Staff Attorney Bruce Hamilton says the gag order was a gross violation of inmates civil rights.

Cut 7 (09)  “constitutional rights”

A ceremony is being held today for a Korean War Veteran from Ferriday whose remains are being returned home after 68 years. 19-year-old Sergeant Lester Walker was deployed to Korea with an anti-air craft weapons battalion. Congressman Ralph Abraham says he was lost during the first months of the war.

Abraham says hundreds lined the runway as Walker was returned home, in a show of solidarity with all gold star families. Abraham says it’s been cathartic for the north Louisiana community.

Cut 6 (08) “situation.”

An armistice was signed in 1953, but the war is technically still ongoing.

A seven year old policy barring inmates from talking to the media about their cases has been lifted by the Louisiana Department of Corrections after a challenge from the ACLU. ACLU Staff Attorney Bruce Hamilton

says the justice system isn’t perfect, which is why inmates need the right to tell their stories to the media.

Cut 9 (06)  “of committing”

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The House narrowly passed a budget that would fund TOPS at 80% and maintain higher ed funding, but would implement deep cuts in healthcare funding, potentially ending public-private partnership hospitals that care for the poor.

House Democratic Chairman Robert Johnson went after legislators who voted yea on the proposed budget.

Cut 13 (12)  “we do”

The Pelicans made it look easy last night and pounded the Portland Trail Blazers 119 to 102 and a three games to nothing lead in the series. Sixth seeded New Orleans took control with a 36 point 1^st quarter. Nikola Mirotic started off hot and finished with 30 points on 12 of 15 shooting. Anthony Davis had 28 points and 11 rebounds. Jrue Holiday and Rajon Rondo each had 16 points and Rondo added 11 assts. The Pels can complete the sweep on Saturday afternoon.

The House passed a budget that maintains higher ed spending, and funds TOPS at 80 percent, but slashes healthcare. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A ceremony is being held today for a Korean War Veteran from Faraday whose remains are being returned home after 68 years. 19-year-old Sergeant Lester Walker was deployed to Korea with an anti-air craft weapons battalion. Congressman Ralph Abraham says Walker was lost during the first months of the war.

36,914 American Servicemen and women were lost in the conflict that is often referred to as the “Forgotten War”, due its lack of recognition. Abraham says those sacrifices need to be remembered.

Cut 5  (07)  “of life”

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A seven year old policy barring inmates from talking to the media about their cases has been lifted by the Louisiana Department of Corrections after a challenge from the ACLU. ACLU Staff Attorney Bruce Hamilton says the gag order was a gross violation of inmates civil rights.

The suit was brought on behalf of Darold Hines, an Angola Inmate, who was denied the right to speak to LSU reporters who were investigating his case. Hamilton says just because they are prisoners, doesn’t mean they don’t have rights.

Cut 8 (08)  “as well.”

The LSU baseball team begins a three-game series tonight at South Carolina. The road has not been friendly to the Bayou Bengals as they are 2-8 away from Alex Box Stadium. LSU will start Zack Hess on the mound and he’s won his last three outings

Cut 19 (17) “strikeout pitch”