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” 

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Governor John Bel Edwards says the proposed budget that was approved by the House is a non-starter, and if it reaches his desk, he’s not signing it. The budget maintains higher ed, and funds TOPS at 80 percent, but includes steep cuts to healthcare that could shutter public-private hospitals that care for the poor. Edwards says it’s a budget unworthy of the people of Louisiana.

Cut 14 (10) “than this”

The proposed spending plan goes to the Senate Finance Committee who will meet Sunday. It’s possible the Senate may not even vote on a budget.

House GOP Chairman Lance Harris says the budget is the best they could do with the funds they have available.

Cut 11 (11) “projected today”

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”

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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 Appropriations Chairman Republican Cameron Henry says the state cannot afford to maintain its current healthcare spending.

Cut 10 (08) “attain it”

House Democrats nearly unanimously voted against the budget. New Orleans Representative Gary Carter says if passed, the spending plan would kill people.

Cut 12 (09) “currently have”

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 Appropriations Chairman Republican Cameron Henry says the state cannot afford to maintain its current healthcare spending.

Cut 10, 8 seconds, attain it

But House Democratic Chairman Robert Johnson went after legislators who voted yay on the proposed budget in an impassioned speech.

Cut 13, 12 seconds, we do

The proposed spending plan goes to the Senate Finance Committee who will meet Sunday. It’s possible the Senate may not even vote on a budget, and wait on a special session.

House GOP Chairman Lance Harris says the budget is the best they could do with the funds they have available.

Cut 11, 11 seconds, projected today

House Democrats nearly unanimously voted against the budget. New Orleans Representative Garry Carter says if passed, the spending plan would kill people.

Cut 12, 9 seconds, currently have

And Governor John Bel Edwards has announced that if the spending plan reaches his desk, he will not sign it

Cut 14

Reports indicate that legislators are now planning on beginning a special session mid-May.

Governor John Bel Edwards is working to find ways to equip every school with a school resource officer. He says the vast majority of schools already have them but not all. Edwards made the comments during his monthly radio show, “ask the governor.”

Cut 3 (:12) “recurring training”

The governor adds each officer should have uniformed training.

The State Fire Marshal arrested a volunteer firefighter in Richland Parish in connection with a mobile home fire that injured his medically disabled wife. Kenneth Fulford was booked into parish prison on multiple offenses. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue said that Fulford faces charges related to his wife’s injuries…

Cut 7 (10) “set the fire”

More charges against Fulford maybe pending.

Hall of Fame Quarterback Brett Favre is in a new PSA addressing dangerous behavior behind the wheel. Property Casualty Insurance Vice President of State Government Relations Joe Woods worked with Favre to bring the PSA to life. He says his organization is pushing to increase penalties for drivers who use their phone while driving, but laws alone won’t save lives.

Cut 14 (12) “our cars.”

Distracted driving was responsible for over 700 Louisiana deaths in 2016.

And it sounds like an outrageous scene from a movie comedy but a woman in Monroe was not laughing when she came home to find a naked stranger bathing in her tub while eating food including some Cheerios cereal from the home’s kitchen. Twenty-nine year old Evelyn Washington faces property damage and burglary charges. Police say the arrested woman claims that an unknown man told her to break into the home.

Governor John Bel Edwards is working to find ways to equip every school with a school resource officer. He says the vast majority of schools already have them but not all. Edwards made the comments during his monthly radio show, “ask the governor.” Where he said he’s saddened by the situation today’s schools are in.

Cut 5  (10) “about this”

The state House approves legislation that supporters say will help the Cajun Navy and other volunteer groups have a greater impact during a disaster. New Iberia Representative Terry Landry, the former head of State Police, is skeptical about bringing volunteers into a disaster situation.

Cut 10 (:11) “is in charge.”

The bill now moves to the Senate.

The State Fire Marshal has made an arrest in Richland Parish in connection with a mobile home fire that injured his medically disabled wife. Kenneth Fulford was booked into parish prison on multiple offenses. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says it’s unfortunate one of their own was charged, but that’s the way it is.

Cut 8 (:06) “is affected..”

More charges maybe pending.

Brett Favre is stepping up to be the voice of a distracted driving campaign in Louisiana. The Hall of Fame Quarterback will be featured in a new PSA speaking out against dangerous behavior behind the wheel that was responsible for the deaths of more than 700 Louisianans in 2016. Favre is using his NFL experience to make an impact.

Cut 12 (09)   “someones life”

Governor John Bel Edwards is working to find ways to equip every school with a school resource officer. He says the vast majority of schools already have them but not all. Edwards made the comments during his monthly radio show, “ask the governor.”The governor adds each officer should have uniformed training.

Cut 4 (:11) “and equipped”

The State Fire Marshal has made an arrest in Richland Parish in connection with a mobile home fire that injured his medically disabled wife. Kenneth Fulford was booked into parish prison on multiple offenses. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says Fulford was additionally charged with Aggravated Cruelty to animals.

Cut 7 (10)  “set the fire”

Electric bills for Entergy customers are going down a few bucks, and just in time for summer. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (28) I’m Jeff Palermo”

Can the Pelicans make it three straight wins over Portland. Host of the Locked on Pelicans Podcast, Jake Madison, says look for the Trail Blazers to make some adjustments to give them some advantages on the offensive end of the court…

Cut 17 (17)  “some problems”

Governor John Bel Edwards is working to find ways to equip every school with a school resource officer. He says the vast majority of schools already have them but not all. Edwards made the comments during his monthly radio show, “ask the governor.”

Cut 3 (:12) “recurring training”

The State Fire Marshal has made an arrest in Richland Parish in connection with a mobile home fire. On Monday Kenneth Fulford was booked into parish prison on multiple offenses including attempted 2nd degree murder of his wife. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue.

Cut 6 (:14)  “on her own”

New Orleans returns home with a 2-0 series lead after shocking the Trailblazers in Portland. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

The state education board approved a plan to include opioid abuse prevention education in Louisiana public school curriculum. Press Secretary for the Louisiana Department of Education Sydni Dunn says educators can bring a unique set of skills to the fight against opioid addiction.

Cut 14 (10) “of prevention”

The Pelicans are rolling back into New Orleans up 2-0 in their first round playoff series against the Trailblazers, after a suffocating defense sucked the life out of Portland’s star duo of CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard. Pelicans Senior Vice President of Sales Mike Stanfield says New Orleans’ stars are putting on a clinic.The team is planning to throw a party for fans in attendance, with free tee-shirts, pep rallies, a fan fest outside, and…

Cut 6 (08) “exciting atmosphere.”

Game three tips off Thursday at 8pm with a potential series clinching game four on Saturday at 4pm.

Entergy has announced that the tax savings from the federal tax reform bill will be passed back to customers starting in May. The savings will be implanted in two stages through September. Entergy Louisiana CEO Phillip May .

Cut 9 (07)  “going up”

Customers will see an additional drop of about two dollars a month after Katrina/Rita costs fall off in October.

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The full House will consider a budget today that funds TOPS, but includes deep cuts in healthcare and higher education. The budget has come under fire from leading Democrats, including Governor John Bel Edwards who says the cuts are a massive blow to crucial state services.

The Democratic Caucus is calling on its members to vote against the budget. They say it unfairly targets Democratic constituencies, while funding institutions in GOP districts.

But GOP House Delegation Chairman Lance Harris says the budget has one success, and that’s fully funding TOPS. Harris says the budget being discussed is not final, and a great tool for identifying where to start in a future special session.

Cut 13 (08)  “that process”

The state education board approved a plan to include opioid abuse prevention education in Louisiana public school curriculum. Press Secretary for the Louisiana Department of Education Sydni Dunn.

Cut 16 (11) “themselves”

The House is set to discuss a budget today that would fully fund TOPS, but slash funding for higher education and healthcare. Michael Farrar has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michael Farrar”

The Pelicans are rolling back into New Orleans up 2-0 in their first round playoff series against the Trailblazers, after a suffocating defense sucked the life out of Portland’s star duo of CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard. Pelicans Senior Vice President of Sales Mike Stanfield says New Orleans’ stars are putting on a clinic.

Stanfield says over the course of one of the most successful seasons in a decade, the fans have bought in, and turned up.

Cut 5  (07)  “sixth man”

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Entergy has announced that the tax savings from the federal tax reform bill will be passed back to customers starting in May. The savings will be implanted in two stages through September. Entergy Louisiana CEO Phillip May says by fall, the average customer will be saving six bucks a month.

May says the savings are the result of the trillion dollar tax cut, as well as upgrades to Entergy’s infrastructure.

Cut 8 (09)  “lower cost.”

The full House will consider a budget today that funds TOPS, but includes deep cuts in healthcare and higher education. The budget has come under fire from leading Democrats, including Governor John Bel Edwards who says the cuts are a massive blow to crucial state services.

The Democratic Caucus is calling on its members to vote against the budget. They say it unfairly targets Democratic constituencies, while funding institutions in GOP districts.

But GOP House Delegation Chairman Lance Harris says the budget has one success, and that’s fully funding TOPS.

Cut 12 (09) “already planned”

Electric bills for Entergy customers are going down a few bucks, and just in time for summer. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (28) I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Pelicans are rolling back into New Orleans up 2-0 in their first round playoff series against the Trailblazers, after a suffocating defense sucked the life out of Portland’s star duo of CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard. Pelicans Senior Vice President of Sales Mike Stanfield says New Orleans’ stars are putting on a clinic.

Cut 4  (09) “special team.” 

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The full House will consider a budget today that funds TOPS, but includes deep cuts in healthcare and higher education. The budget has come under fire from leading Democrats, including Governor John Bel Edwards who says the cuts are a massive blow to crucial state services.

Edwards says it’s a budget that’s so bad, it shouldn’t even be in consideration.

Cut 11 (10) “this long”

The state education board approved a plan to include opioid abuse prevention education in Louisiana public school curriculum. Press Secretary for the Louisiana Department of Education Sydni Dunn says educators can bring a unique set of skills to the fight against opioid addiction.Dunn says the program will be tailored to younger audiences, and is aimed at explaining the dangers of opioid abuse.

Cut 15 (09) “preventative action”