Chancellors of two LSU Health Sciences Centers delivered impassioned testimonies in front of the Senate Finance Committee, calling on legislators not to pass the proposed budget approved by the House Appropriations Committee that they say would devastate healthcare. New Orleans Chancellor Larry Hollier says the proposed spending plan cuts funding for the five statewide residency programs by 43 percent. He says those programs provide crucial services to the most vulnerable patients.

Cut 10 (11) “care of.”

House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry, who’s in favor of the proposed budget, released a statement saying “We’re trying to pass a responsible budget with the dollars we have available.”

The National Weather Service confirmed 20 tornadoes touched down in Louisiana between Friday and Saturday. The severe weather hit 13 parishes, and generated an EF-1 Tornado that was responsible for the death of a Bossier Parish infant.

On an 11-7 vote, a House committee killed Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith’s proposal to ban bump stocks on guns. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

If you are a parent, you may find it hard to feed your child if they are a picky eater. About one in four kids develop an eating problem. Ochsner Pediatrician Dr. Myriam Ortiz says don’t force them to eat what they don’t want to. It could be due to other issues…

Cut 3 (09) “appetite slump”

Ortiz says it’s important not to become frustrated with your child. She also warns against bribing your child

The full House takes up a bill this afternoon that would prohibit you from holding a cell phone while driving. Opponents to the bill, claim they need access to their phones at all times while driving. Many note the map feature is something they use on a regular basis while behind the wheel. But Jennifer Smith of Stop Distractions-dot-org says using your cell phone while driving is dangerous…

Cut 9 (08)  “deadly weapon.”

You may have a child who is a picky eater and you don’t know what to do about it. Ochsner pediatrician Dr. Myriam (Ma-ri-um) Ortiz says it’s important not to become frustrated with your child. She also warns against bribing your child. You could be training them in a way that is not conducive with what you are trying to accomplish…

Cut 4 (07) “certain behaviors.”

On an 11-7 vote, a House committee killed Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith’s proposal to ban bump stocks on guns. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

The full House takes up a bill today that would prohibit you from holding a cell phone while driving. Jennifer Smith, the C-E-O of Stop-distractions-dot-org is pushing for this legislation…

Cut 7 (13)  “no cost.”

15 other states and Washington D.C. currently have a similar law.

An LSU survey shows Louisianans have a favorable view of their local media. Public Policy Research Lab Director Mike Henderson says 78 percent of those polled said they trust their local media’s information a lot, or some. He says maintaining trust between the media and public is critical for preserving the system of governance.

Cut 15 (10) “their decisions”

Today is the final day to file your 2017 federal tax returns. A recent survey found 53-percent of Louisianans wait until the very end to do so, the most of any state.  Retired New Orleans CPA Ted Stacey says those who procrastinate can make costly mistakes as they rush to file…

Cut 5  (11)  “can take.”

Louisiana state taxes need to be filed by May 15.

The Pelicans can take a commanding two games to none series lead tonight when New Orleans faces Portland in Game 2 of their best of seven playoff series. New Orleans won Game 1 on Saturday night and have had two off days to get ready for tonight’s game. Head Coach Alvin Gentry says he’ll take the extra rest….

Cut 17 (11)  “to us”

Tip off is set for 9:30pm.

The full House takes up a bill on today that would prohibit you from holding a cell phone while driving. Jennifer Smith, the C-E-O of Stop-distractions-dot-org is pushing for this legislation…

15 other states and Washington D.C. currently have a similar law. Opponents to the bill, claim they need access to their phones at all times while driving. Many note the map feature is something they use on a regular basis while behind the wheel. But Smith says that’s dangerous…

Cut 9 (08)  “deadly weapon.”

A bill by Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt that would allow civil court judges to decide whether or not juries are allowed to know whether or not a crash victim was wearing their seat belt is being heard in committee todayThe bill is backed by the National Federation of Independent businesses who says it’ll save business who employ drivers a good bit of money.

Hewitt says civil law in crash lawsuits is currently convoluted.

Cut 12 (12) “seatbelt”

The bill will be heard in Senate Judiciary A.

====================——————————————————–

An LSU survey shows Louisianans have a favorable view of their local media. 78 percent of those polled said they trust their local media’s information a lot, or some. Public Policy Research Lab Director Mike Henderson says local media also got high marks in getting the facts right.

Local media scored much higher than the national media, where only 32 percent of those polled say they trust what they see.

But the numbers weren’t completely rosy. One third of respondents say they don’t trust their local media. Henderson says if you take a closer look, there’s a big trend.

Cut 14 (06) “republicans are”

Henderson says maintain trust between the media and public is critical for preserving our system of governance.

More than 100 banks in Louisiana could be out from under a wide range of regulations enacted after the 2008 financial crisis. The Dodd-Frank act imposes rules that smaller banks claim are burdensome and have high compliance costs. Louisiana Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy are both in favor of repealing Dodd-Frank.

A survey from LSU says a majority of Louisianans trust their local media. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Today is the final day to file your 2017 federal tax returns. A recent survey found 53-percent of Louisianans wait until the very end to do so, the most of any state.  Retired New Orleans CPA Ted Stacey says Since the federal tax overhaul, proponents have claimed that taxes can be done on paper the size of a postcard. Stacey says the reform should make it easier for everyone…

Cut 6 (08) “increased considerably.”

The final day the state will accept tax returns will be May 15^th.

=======================————————————————————————–

The full House takes up a bill on today that would prohibit you from holding a cell phone while driving. Jennifer Smith, the C-E-O of Stop-distractions-dot-org is pushing for this legislation…

15 other states and Washington D.C. currently have a similar law. Smith says a reduction in crashes and cell phone use while driving have been noted in Oregon…

Cut 8 (11)  “the wheel.”

A bill by Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt that would allow civil court judges to decide whether or not juries are allowed to know whether or not a crash victim was wearing their seat belt is being heard in committee today. Hewitt says crashes involving people not wearing seat belts end up leading to heftier settlements.He says six out of seven drivers buckle up, which reduces bodily harm during crashes, saving money. But for those who don’t…

Cut 11 (11) “that information”

A bill that would allow jurors to be told if a crash victim was wearing their seat belt will be heard in committee today. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (28) I’m Jeff Palermo”

Today is the final day to file your 2017 federal tax returns. A recent survey found 53-percent of Louisianans wait until the very end to do so, the most of any state.  Retired New Orleans CPA Ted Stacey says

there are several things that a taxpayer could overlook when rushing through it…

Cut 5  (11)  “can take.”

=============================——————————–

The full House takes up a bill on today that would prohibit you from holding a cell phone while driving. Jennifer Smith, the C-E-O of Stop-distractions-dot-org is pushing for this legislation…

Cut 7 (13)  “no cost.”

An LSU survey shows Louisianans have a favorable view of their local media. 78 percent of those polled said they trust their local media’s information a lot, or some. Public Policy Research Lab Director Mike Henderson says local media also got high marks in getting the facts right.

Cut 13 (06)  “their reporting”

The House is expected to vote on a bill today that would ban holding a cell phone while driving. Kelley Ray spoke with a proponent of the legislation.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

Today is the final day to file your 2017 federal tax returns. A recent survey found 53-percent of Louisianans wait until the very end to do so, the most of any state.  Retired New Orleans CPA Ted Stacey says those who procrastinate can make costly mistakes as they rush to file, so asking for a six month extension is an option…

Cut 4  (12) “covers everything.” 

=========================———————————————————-

A bill by Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt that would allow civil court judges to decide whether or not juries are allowed to know whether or not a crash victim was wearing their seat belt is being heard in committee today. Hewitt says crashes involving people not wearing seat belts end up leading to heftier settlements.

Cut 10 (11) “of us”

More than 100 banks in Louisiana could be out from under a wide range of regulations enacted after the 2008 financial crisis. The Dodd-Frank act imposes rules that smaller banks claim are burdensome and have high compliance costs. Louisiana Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy are both in favor of repealing Dodd-Frank.

The House is expected to vote on a bill today that would ban holding a cell phone while driving. Kelley Ray spoke with a proponent of the legislation.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

______________________________________

A bill that would allow jurors to be told if a crash victim was wearing their seat belt will be heard in committee today. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (28) I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A report from LSU’s Manship School says a majority of Louisianans trust their local media. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Today is the final day to file your 2017 federal tax returns. A recent survey found 53-percent of Louisianans wait until the very end to do so, the most of any state.  Retired New Orleans CPA Ted Stacey says those who procrastinate can make costly mistakes as they rush to file, so asking for a six month extension is an option…

Cut 4  (12) “covers everything.” 

Stacey says there are several things that a taxpayer could overlook when rushing through it…

Cut 5  (11)  “can take.”

Since the federal tax overhaul, proponents have claimed that taxes can be done on paper the size of a postcard. Stacey says the reform should make it easier for everyone…

Cut 6 (08) “increased considerably.”

The final day the state will accept tax returns will be May 15^th.

_________________________________________________

The full House takes up a bill on today that would prohibit you from holding a cell phone while driving. Jennifer Smith, the C-E-O of Stop-distractions-dot-org is pushing for this legislation…

Cut 7 (13)  “no cost.”

15 other states and Washington D.C. currently have a similar law. Smith says a reduction in crashes and cell phone use while driving have been noted in Oregon…

Cut 8 (11)  “the wheel.”

Opponents to the bill, claim they need access to their phones at all times while driving. Many note the map feature is something they use on a regular basis while behind the wheel. But Smith says that’s dangerous…

Cut 9 (08)  “deadly weapon.”

_________________________________________________________

A bill by Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt that would allow civil court judges to decide whether or not juries are allowed to know whether or not a crash victim was wearing their seat belt is being heard in committee today. Hewitt says crashes involving people not wearing seat belts end up leading to heftier settlements.

Cut 10 (11) “of us”

The bill is backed by the National Federation of Independent businesses who says it’ll save business who employ drivers a good bit of money.

Hewitt says six out of seven drivers buckle up, which reduces bodily harm during crashes, saving every money. But for those who don’t…

Cut 11 (11) “that information”

Hewitt says civil law in crash lawsuits is currently convoluted.

Cut 12 (12) “seatbelt”

The bill will be heard in Senate Judiciary A

_________________________________________________________

A report from the Reilly Center at LSU’s Manship School says Louisianans have a pretty favorable view of their local media. 78 percent of those polled said they trust their local media’s information a lot, or some. Public Policy Research Lab Director Mike Henderson says local media also got high marks in getting the facts right.

Cut 13 (06)  “their reporting”

Local media scored much higher than the national media, where only 32 percent of those polled say they trust what they see.

But the numbers weren’t completely rosy. One third of respondents say they don’t trust their local media. Henderson says if you take a closer look, there’s a big trend.

Cut 14 (06) “republicans are”

Henderson says maintain trust between the media and public is critical for preserving our system of governance.

Cut 15 (10) “their decisions”

_______________________________________

The Pelicans can take a commanding two games to none series lead tonight when New Orleans faces Portland in Game 2 of their best of seven playoff series. Head Coach Alvin Gentry says its great to win Saturday, but the immediate goal is to advance to the Western Conference semifinals

Cut 16 (14) “basketball team”

New Orleans won Game 1 on Saturday night and have had two off days to get ready for tonight’s game. Gentry says he’ll take the extra rest….

Cut 17 (11)  “to us”

One reason for the Pelicans win on Saturday was the defense they played on the Trail Blazers starting back court. Damian Lillard and C-J McCollum combined to shoot 13 of 41 from the field. Gentry says it’s unlikely that will happen again

Cut 18 (20)  “to do”

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A solider died from a gunshot wound at his residence in Fort Polk last Thursday. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (25) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Congressman Steve Scalise underwent follow up surgery today, ten months after a gunman shot Scalise and several others while practicing for a charity softball game. Scalise’s office says he was in “excellent spirits” and will be hospitalized for several days.

Injured East Baton Rouge Parish sheriff’s deputy Nick Tullier is reportedly in ICU with pneumonia. His father James Tullier said on Facebook that the pneumonia could have been caused by a recent seizure but it was difficult to determine the exact cause.

A bill that would require 18-wheelers to be in the right hand lane while traveling on interstates through Baton Rouge from 4 to 7 PM weekdays passed the House Transportation Committee. Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter says he’s trying to do something about the daily back-ups that happen in the capital city…

Cut 10 (10) “the problem.”

After three confirmed tornadoes touched down in Louisiana Saturday, National Weather Service forecasters are concerned as another strong cold front is expected to push through the state this next weekend. National Weather Service forecaster Donald Jones…

Cut 16  (10) “next weekend.”

The strongest tornado touched down in Lafayette Parish last Saturday.

The House Appropriations Committee sends a budget to the full House that fully funds TOPS and Go Grants, but makes cuts to higher education and health care. Jim Shannon has more…

Cut 1 (25) “I’m Jim Shannon”

The full House will likely make changes to the proposed spending plan on Thursday.

______________________________________________

A solider died from a gunshot wound at his residence in Fort Polk last Thursday. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (25) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The House Appropriations Committee approves a budget that fully funds TOPS.  The Revenue Estimating Committee recognized 346- million in new revenues and 233-million dollars of that would go towards TOPS under this proposal. New Orleans Representative Walt Leger says the TOPS funding proposal gives students false hope, but because he anticipates amendments to reduce TOPS funding….

Cut 3 (:06) “been removed”

Governor John Bel Edwards released a statement saying “TOPS is absolutely a priority, and should be fully funded, but so should higher education institutions, and healthcare.”

Baton Rouge Representative Franklin Foil authored the amendment to fully fund TOPS….

Cut 4 (09) “I voted.”

But Baton Rouge representative Pat Smith says health care will take a hit in the process which is not good.

Cut 5  (:11) “not die.”

Smith says the amendment to fully fund TOPS means public colleges would receive a 22 million dollar cut in funding.

Cut 6 (:12)  “doesn’t connect.”

More changes in the budget are expected when the bill hits the House Floor on Thursday.

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Clean up is underway in Bossier Parish after some nasty weather trashed the northern part of the parish on Saturday. Most of the damage occurred just north of  I-20 near Red Chute. Bossier Sheriff spokesperson Lt. Bill Davis says a tornado tore through a town just outside of Bossier City.

Cut 7 (10)  “their land”

Debris pickup is now underway in the affected areas. Unfortunately, there was one fatality. Davis says Carli Ortiz, an infant, died at mobile home park in Haughton…

Cut 8 (09) “the RV.”

Davis says life, for the most part, is back to normal in Bossier Parish. He says it was inspiring to see the community come together after the storm whipped the area.

Cut 9 (08) “as possible”

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A bill that would require 18-wheelers to be in the right hand lane while traveling on interstates through Baton Rouge from 4 to 7 PM weekdays passed the House Transportation Committee. Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter says he’s trying to do something about the daily back-ups that happen in the capital city…

Cut 10 (10) “the problem.”

Lobbyist Maria Bowen representing the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, is against the measure. She says even though forcing truck drivers into the right lane may have some benefits, the poor infrastructure in place in Baton Rouge negates any positives. She cited a 2008 study…

Cut 11 (12) “Rouge Parish.”

Bowen says Interstates were designed to handle heavy transport traffic, not commuters to and from work, which leaves too many drivers and not enough interstates…

Cut 12 (10)   “major towns.”

Carter acknowledged an infrastructure improvement to I-10 from the Mississippi River bridge to the 10/12 split, but is afraid it’s too little too late…

Cut 13 (11) “try anything.”

The bill now moves to the full House.

________________________________________________________

The National Weather Service confirms three tornadoes touched down in Acadiana Saturday morning. Parishes affected included Lafayette, St. Landry and St. Mary Parish, with the strongest tornado touching down north of Carencro. National Weather Service Lake Charles Meteorologist Donald Jones they varied in intensity…

Cut 14 (12)  “Mary Parish.”

Jones says some damage was reported with the EF-2 tornado in Lafayette Parish near Carencro…

Cut 15 (09) “the interstate.”

National Weather Service forecasters are already concerned as another strong cold front will move through the Pelican State this weekend…

Cut 16  (10) “next weekend.”