LSU mourns the death of its only Heisman Trophy winner, Billy Cannon, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 80. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A bill barring drivers from touching their phone while on the road failed to pass the legislature, but gathered surprising levels of support. Becca Dill has more.

Cut 2 (30)I’m  Becca Dill “

Cut 3 (10) “we did”

Cannon had a fall from grace in the 1980s,  when he was convicted on counterfeiting charges and served two and a half years in prison. He says he came through the rough period a better person…

Cut 4 (11) “front page”

After his release from prison, Cannon became the Director of Dentistry at the State Penitentiary at Angola. He held that job until his retirement in January.

When LSU won the national title in 1958, they were picked to finish 8th in the 12 team SEC. But Cannon was so confident they would win the league, he bought a bunch of tickets for his family and friends before the season started…

Cut 5  (09) “be there”

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New Orleans is the only city that has been invited to bid for the 2024 Super Bowl, potentially setting the stage for the Big Easy’s 11^th time hosting the big game. Saints Owner Gayle Benson will pitch NFL executives on hosting Super Bowl 58 on Wednesday. Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation President Jay Cicero says unlike past years, there’s no competing bids.

Cut 6 (09)  “city invite”

New Orleans’s last Super Bowl was in 2013. Cicero says everyone knows no one can do the big game better.

Cut 7 (09)  “Bowl better”

Cicero says with a little luck, and a good presentation, Gayle Benson will bring the game home to the Crescent City in his first year running the team since her husband Tom passed away.

cut 8 (05) “it awarded”     

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Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s distracted driving bill found a surprising amount of success, but ultimately failed to cross the finish line. The bill would bar drivers from touching their phone while on the road. Huval says the surprising momentum the legislation gained indicates a growing interest in safer roads.

Cut 9 (09) “far also.”

The bill sparked vigorous debate, specifically from a north Louisiana lawmaker who expressed concerns about their ability to serve their constituents while on the three hour trip from Shreveport to the capital. Huval says arguments like those were common, and legislators just haven’t warmed up to the idea in the upper chamber.

Cut 10 (07) “you’re driving”

Huval says the skyrocketing numbers of distracted driving incidents are raising awareness of the dangers of taking your eyes off the road.

Cut 11 (10) “inattentive”

—————————————————————

The National Hurricane Center is watching a tropical disturbance that’s expected to move into the Gulf of Mexico this week. Forecasters only give the system a 20-percent chance of developing into a depression over the next five days. Danielle Manning in the National Weather Service office in Slidell says it’s still hard to figure out the track with this low pressure…

Cut 12 (11)   “wet weekend”

Manning says the biggest threat as of now to Louisiana is the potential of a wet holiday weekend

Cut 13 (05) “closer to the Gulf”

Manning says it is rare to see a named storm before the start of the hurricane season, which officially begins June 1st….

Cut 14 (05)  “since 1851”

Former Senator and First Lady Elaine Edwards will be laid to rest today. Jeff Palermo takes a look at her fascinating history.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo “

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Summertime means more door to door sales, and that means more predatory home security sales practices. Don Molino has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Don Molino”

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Another school massacre has brought gun control back into the national spotlight just three months after the Parkland shooting. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The Miss USA finals are tonight in Shreveport. It’s an event that not only brings glamour to northwest Louisiana, but the pageant is also expected to produce a five-million-dollar economic impact. Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau spokesperson Chris Jay says the contestants have enjoyed their time preparing for the big night

Cut 4  (10) “our community” 

Fox Television will broadcast the 67^th Miss USA pageant at 7 PM and it will be shown around the world in 60 countries. A winner will be crown inside the Hirsch Coliseum and Jay says the Miss Universe Organization will shine a bright light on the Shreveport area tonight…

Cut 5  (05)  “Madison Square Garden”

The contestants have been in town for over a week and Jay says it seems they’ve enjoyed their time in the Bayou State

Cut 6 (07) “love it”

Officials hope the press surrounding the event may lead to more tourism not only in Shreveport but throughout Louisiana.

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Summertime is the most active season for door-to-door sales, and State Fire Marshal Butch Browning reminds everyone to be wary of home security sales fraud. Dale Meredith of Cottonport recounted his story of how a salesman saw the ADT sign outside his house and proceeded to impersonate an ADT official who claimed to be there to replace his panel. After coming in to take a look around the house…

Cut 7 (11)  “of nothing”

Better Business Bureau Southwest Louisiana President Carmen Million says home security installation and sales ranks among one of the most problematic and reported industries in the country.

Cut 8 (10)  “of complaints”

Browning says report any suspicious sales activity and offered four tips to avoid door to door sales fraud.

Cut 9 (09)  “resume there”

Browning says the state receives 25 complaints a month about door to door sales fraud.

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Today is the funeral service for former First Lady Elaine Edwards, the onetime US Senator, actress, seamstress, and wife of Edwin Edwards. Elaine married Edwin in 1949, remaining married for 40 years, and three terms of her husband’s governorship. Biographer Leo Honeycut says a life in politics wasn’t exactly what she had in mind.

Cut 10 (11) “is law”

As one of her husband’s political machinations, Elaine was appointed a US Senator following Allen Ellender’s death in 1972, where she served for three months. She’s been quoted as saying “Let’s have no misgivings, I am not a United States Senator.” But Honeycut says she picked up on the great responsibility remarkably quickly.

Cut 11 (08) “priority”

After Edwin’s third term began in 1983, Elaine did not return to the mansion. Instead, she became a seamstress specializing in exclusive dresses for Mardi Gras balls. The two divorced in 1989, which lead to Elaine trying her hand at acting in the Big Apple.

Cut 12 (12) “some revenue”

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The latest school shooting, this time at Santa Fe High School, has reignited the conversation around gun regulations. In response to the Parkland massacre, several bills were introduced in Louisiana that targeted firearms, but all were struck down. New Orleans Senator Troy Carter, who introduced several gun bills this year, says he hopes the legislature will come around on gun control.

Cut 13 (09)  “saving lives” 

Carter introduced three gun control bills. One that would restrict assault rifle sales to those over the age of 21, another that would track ammo sales, and a final bill that banned bump stocks. He says despite a lack of support in the capital this year, he’ll be reintroducing them next year.

Three anti-hazing bills are on their way to the governor’s desk following last fall’s death of LSU freshman Max Gruver. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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Its been a record breaking week of unusual heat, but forecasts project a cooler weekend. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”

Cut 3 (06) “we’re optimistic”

He says one casino in particular is looking very promising now that it’s allowed to expand on land.

Cut 4 (11) “very significant”

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Governor John Bel Edwards addressed the recent US Supreme Court decision to allow sports betting outside of Nevada on his monthly talk radio show. 32 states have legislation in place to allow the activities, including Mississippi, but Louisiana shot down similar legislation this session. Edwards didn’t oppose the idea.

Cut 5  (07) “do this”

But don’t expect to see Senator Danny Martiny’s parish by parish legalization legislation to pop up again during the special session that starts next week.

Cut 6 (09)  “July 1st”

But Edwards did express some concerns about legislation he’s seen that would legalize the activity in Louisiana.

Cut 7 (10)  “fiscal year”

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Three anti-hazing bills are on their way to the governor’s desk following last fall’s death of LSU freshman Max Gruver. The house voted 88 to 1 in favor of final passage of house bill 78 otherwise known as the Max Gruver Act. East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore testified in favor of the measure to give the current laws more teeth.

cut 8 (10) “hazing violations”

Moore says a companion bill to force mandatory education for university fraternities and sororities should help  stop dangerous hazing.

Cut 9 (07) “university people.”

Moore contends that the new law holds principals at the national level accountable for problems at the chapters.

Cut 10 (10) “cover it up”

In the new bill hazing that does not result in a death will still cost one thousand dollars and six months in jail.

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It’s been a record breaking week of intense heat, that’s turned the usually tolerable Louisiana spring into a hot, soupy mess. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a high pressure system is camping just off the coast, leading to a historic scorcher that’s taken down long time state records.

Cut 11 (10) “the state”

A cool front is moving over the area starting today, which Keim says will make things just a little more pleasant this weekend than they’ve been this week.

Cut 12 (10)   “take precautions”

The unusual heat is peaking with summer right around the corner, leading to concerns that we could be in store for a second year in a row of record breaking heat, but Keim says this unusual weather phenomenon is not an indicator of any long term trends.

Cut 13 (10) “play out”

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The House approved Senate changes to the budget, that fully funds healthcare, but slashes higher ed, funding for state agencies, and cuts TOPS by 30 percent. The spending plan is now on its way to the Governor who has expressed opposition to the cuts. Metairie Representative Cameron Henry says the budget will identify what programs need to be funded with special session revenue.

Cut 14 (11)  “family services”

But the Democratic Caucus opposed the passage of the budget, calling the cuts included immoral. They argued the legislature should wait until the special session, where revenue could be raised to fill the 648 million dollar budget gap to complete a budget. Caucus Chairman Robert Johnson:

Cut 15 (11) “disengenuous”

Johnson says the budget passed is not feasible, and does not reflect a spending plan that the state could operate on.

Cut 16  (09) “solutions”

The “Bulletproof Backpack” bill is on its way to the governor’s desk. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The US Supreme Court has allowed sports gaming outside of Nevada. Jim Shannon has more on when you might be able to place a legal bet on a sporting event in Louisiana

Cut 2 (27) I’m Jim Shannon”

Cut 3 (12) “Education Process”

Dunn also credits financial aid programs, which are mandatory for high school students to participate in.

Cut 4 (12)      “parents signature”

She says many students in high school may have never even thought of going to college are now doing so.

Cut 5  (11) “those students”

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A bill allowing students at public schools to wear backpacks with bullet proof material in them is on its way to the governor’s desk. The bill was inspired by the tragic deaths of 17 people during the Parkland school shooting. Lafayette Representative Nancy Landry says the backpacks would provide parents and students with peace of mind.

Cut 6 (10)  “of protection”

But Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith, who voted against the legislation, voiced concerns that students in poorer districts would be unable to afford the same protection allowed to students in more affluent areas.

Cut 7 (06)  “same protection”

Bulletproofing a backpack can cost anywhere from 50 to 400 dollars. Landry responded by saying that concerned parents in those districts could hold fundraisers aimed at distributing the protection.

cut 8 (10) “get them

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Dozens of states, including Mississippi, have passed legislation that will allow them to permit sports gaming in the wake of a US Supreme Court decision to allow it outside of Nevada, but Louisiana currently is not one of them. This year’s sports gaming bill was shot down in the legislature. But, Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones says that could change next year.

Cut 9 (07) “each parish”

Despite reports that the new sports gaming market could be worth as much as 7 billion dollars, Jones says the actual fiscal impact of allowing the activity would be fairly tame.

Cut 10 (10) “revenue”

Even if sports gaming doesn’t stuff state coffers, Jones still believes legalizing it would allow cut back on the black market that exists around sports wagers.

Cut 11 (12) “yea yea”

The interview was conducted with a Shreveport radio station.

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A report by Greg Hillburn of the USA Today Network says Houma Senator Norby Chabert and Lafayette Representative Stuart Bishop got into a fist fight at a Baton Rouge bar last night, supposedly related to a bill blocked in committee by Bishop. Bishop issued his apology on the House floor.

Cut 12 (09)   “apologize”

Chabert told the USA Today Network that he loves Stuart like a brother and sometimes brothers fight. Bishop attempted to inject some levity into the awkward subject

Cut 13 (12) “dueling guns”

Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the severe budget woes, lack of trust, and rising levels of partisanship have are pushing the legislature to the breaking point.

Cut 14 (10)  “of them”

Polls indicate the legislature is not a popular body at the moment, and Pinsonat says this altercation just makes them look even worse at time when the state is already struggling.

Cut 15 (12) “so many times”

Both Chabert and Bishop are Republicans.

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Public School teachers are hitting the hip when it comes to paying for school supplies for their students. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Gas prices are going up, in preparation for the summer season, a five cent per gallon rise in the last week. Becca Dill has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Becca Dill”

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The House sends a bill to the governor that would allow riverboat casinos to expand onto land. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (32) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Public School teachers are hitting the hip when it comes to paying for school supplies for their students. A new survey released says teachers are spending about 250 dollars a year on notebooks, pens, and other supplies without reimbursement. Les Landon is a spokesperson for the Louisiana Federation of Teachers.

Cut 4  (09) “That’s ashame” 

Landon says there is already a growing tide of discontent sweeping across the country. He adds Louisiana has not addressed it’s educational shortfalls for years.

Cut 5  (12)  “11 Years”

The study also found that teachers in high-poverty schools were more likely to spend personal money on school supplies. Landon says it’s Louisiana’s turn to shake up the status quo.

Cut 6 (11) “their facing”

Teachers who spend their own money for supplies are able to take a $250 federal tax deduction.

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A recent 5-cent rise in gas prices puts the state average at $2.59 a gallon.  AAA fuel analyst, Don Redman, says multiple factors are all conspiring against the consumer. Redman says recent withdrawal from the Iran deal has negatively affected the market.

Cut 7 (11)  “country”

Gas prices during the summer typically fluctuates due to more traveling and reformulated fuel. Redman says in addition to increased sanctions, increased energy demands will affect national and global prices.

Cut 8 (10)  “hope”

Redman has some good news though, he does not project that Louisiana will reach 3-dollars a gallon during the summer.

Cut 9 (11)  “staff yet”

Redman says the Baton Rouge Metropolitan area averages around $2.54 a gallon.

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The House passed a 15 week abortion ban bill with amendments on a 78-9 vote, clearing one of the last hurdles before it arrives on the Governor’s desk for his likely approval. The Senate has already approved one version of the legislation. Denham Springs Representative Valerie Hodges says the legislation’s enactment is contingent on the results of a legal challenge to a similar bill in Mississippi.

Cut 10 (07) “ineffective”

The bill added an amendment that brings the date considered for conception up to the generally accepted medical standard.

Hodges says abortions after 15 weeks are dangerous for mothers.

Cut 11 (09) “objected to”

Hodges says the legislation could prevent hundreds of abortions in Louisiana a year.

Cut 12 (08) “ban this”

The bill heads back to the Senate.

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A bill that would allow riverboat casinos to come up out of the water passed is heading to the governor’s desk. The legislation would “modernize” riverboat casino regulations, allowing them to expand onto land near where they are berthed, and it changes the rules on gambling space. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton and Lake Charles Representative Stephen Dwight discussed just how much gaming contributes to the state.

Cut 13 (13)  “million dollars” 

Gaming advocates have brought up the fact that the “riverboats” haven’t taken a ride down waterways in years. Baton Rouge Representative Denis Marcelle brought up the safety concerns that come with forcing facilities to exist over water.

To convince the legislature to pass a bill that requires unanimous jury verdicts was considered a long shot in March. Now as Jim Shannon reports the measure is one vote away from becoming law.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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State leaders are locked in combat over the Governor’s decision to mail a cancellation warning to 37,000 Medicaid recipients. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”

Cut 3 (08) “tremendous momentum”

Louisiana is just one of two states that do not require unanimous verdicts.

Cut 4 (12)      “bill of rights”

The last hurdle will be to convince voters to approve the amendment when it come up for a vote in November.

Cut 5  (11) “just ignore”

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The Governor’s administration and GOP legislators continue to exchange barbs over the decision to mail program cancellation warnings to 37,000 Medicaid patients. Lafayette Representative, Republican Nancy Landry, blamed the Medicaid budget cuts on John Bel Edwards.

Cut 6 (12)  “nursing homes”

Landry, who voted for the House budget that slashed healthcare spending, says the letters were completely unwarranted as the budget process is not yet finished.

Cut 7 (09)  “day weekend”

But the Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne pushed back, arguing that the feds require Medicaid recipients to be informed of program cancellations ahead of time, so that they can try to find other programs to qualify for.

cut 8 (10) “for medicaid”

Dardenne says with a real threat from House lawmakers to cut these programs, it would have been wrong to wait any longer.

Cut 9 (11) “get out”

A special session that could replace the expiring revenue at the heart of these budget cuts is set to be called next Tuesday.

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One of Angola’s most restrictive housing units, Camp J, has been closed due to the facilities crumbling infrastructure. The cells at Camp J were used to house inmates in solitary for 23 hours a day. Department of Corrections Secretary James LeBlanc says the camp was no longer safe for use.

Cut 10 (06) “place open”

LeBlanc says some of the inmates have been moved to Hunt and Wade Correctional Facilities, but for the most part….

Cut 11 (12) “housing areas”

LeBlanc says the decision is in part due to new standards that were adopted as a result of Angola partnering with Vera, an African American criminal justice reform organization, and the American Correctional Association. Leblanc:

Cut 12 (09)   “reputation”

Camp J housed 400 inmates at it’s peak.

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It is the middle of May, but we are seeing temperatures in the mid-nineties. Michael Hill of the National Weather Service in New Orleans says yesterday’s temperatures were the highest we’ve seen for this time of the year…

Cut 13 (06) “ninety-six”

Hill says that temperatures will remain high until typical summer rain patterns begin…

Cut 14 (12)  “warm temperatures”

As temperatures reach record highs, Hill explains why we are experiencing warm temperatures so early…

Cut 15 (08) “been hot”

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Today’s US Supreme court ruling means sports gambling won’t just be restricted to Nevada. Jim Shannon on what it means for Louisiana.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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A boating wreck on the Amite River Saturday night leaves one dead, while the victim’s father faces charges. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”

Cut 3 (08) “head on”

Einck says the impact killed 27-year-old Caleb White…

Cut 4 (06)      the boat”

Einck says Patrick White flunked a field sobriety test and was charged with multiple offenses.

Cut 5  (08) “as well”

Caleb White was 27.

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The US Supreme Court has ruled that states outside of Nevada are now allowed to permit sports gambling. Neighboring states such as Arkansas and Mississippi approved legislation that would allow the gaming to take place, but Louisiana denied legislation that would have put the issue up for voters this fall. Metairie Senator Danny Martiny says that’s great news…. for Beau Rivage.

Cut 6 (08)  “Orleans market”

The Metairie Republican says it’s not just New Orleans that’s going to suffer as a result.

Cut 7 (06)  “those markets”

Martiny says ultimately the decision to keep sports gaming out of Louisiana will exacerbate the state’s already problematic budget issues.

cut 8 (10) “rely on”

Its estimated that the new, unrestricted, sports gaming industry will be worth 7.1 billion dollars a year.

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A House bill that allows some convicted felons while serving probation and parole to get their voting privileges back cleared the Senate and Governmental Affairs committee today. The bill restores voting rights five years after he or she is released from prison. Bill Riley is the executive of “voice of the experience” a pro voting rights organization.

Cut 9 (12) “of imprisonment”

Current law says felons must complete probation and parole, before they are able to vote. Checko Yancy is the executive director of “Organize to Educate” who still cannot vote.

Cut 10 (09) “voting polls”

Jonesboro Senator Jim Fannin was in staunch opposition to the bill. Saying losing your voting privilege when you are convicted of a crime is a deterrent.

Cut 11 (11) “criteria”

Fannin says five years is too soon to get your voting privilege restored after committing a felony.

Cut 12 (09)   “object”

The measure now goes to the full Senate for final passage.

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The Webster Parish School District has settled a lawsuit with the ACLU that alleged that they created a coercive environment that subjected students to school sponsored Christian religious activities. ACLU Staff Attorney Bruce Hamilton says they received complaints from a Webster Parish student’s family that the activities had been ongoing for some time.

Cut 13 (09) “do so”

The lawsuit resulted in a consent decree that goes into effect today that prevents the district from engaging in officially sponsored school prayer, requires them to remove Christian religious messages and places restrictions on the use of religious facilities for school events. Hamilton says it’s a comprehensive agreement.

Cut 14 (09)  “school events”

The Webster School system argued that the religious ceremonies were student initiated and led, but Hamilton says the ACLU’s investigation concluded that that wasn’t the case, as they found the administration was selecting students, and requiring they read a prayer over the intercom in the morning.

Cut 15 (12) “very coercive”

This could be the last week of the regular session as the governor will likely call for a special session to begin next week. Matt Doyle has more

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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A new website is offering a years worth of college courses for free, that transfer to major universities. Becca Dill has more.

Cut 2 (29) I’m Becca Dill”

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A Senate committee will hear arguments today on a bill that would extend the state’s contract with Harrah’s New Orleans. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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There are indications from both the Governor and legislative leaders that this will be the final week of the regular session. The chambers have 120 hours to come to a resolution on gaming issues, unanimous juries, a 15 week abortion ban, and possibly a budget. LaPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says the budget battles will escalate after Senate Finance passed a spending plan quite different from the House.

Cut 4  (10) “on higher ed” 

The Senate will be forced to reckon with a budget from Finance that includes cuts to many state agencies that are as deep as 25 percent. Alford says Senate President John Alario is likely to wait for the public to weigh in this week before deciding whether or not to bring a budget to a vote.

Cut 5  (10)  “like that”

But its not just budget issues and fiscal cliffs. Alford says one of the most controversial issues, riverboat gaming on land, will come to a head later this week.

Cut 6 (08) “the session”

the Governor is calling for the special session, that could get the revenue needed to fund the budget, to begin Friday after the regular session ends.

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Modern States Education Alliance is offering a “Freshman Year For Free” at their website which allows students to take CLEP eligible courses by nationally renowned professors, without paying thousands of dollars. Founder Steve Klinsky says the classes give credits that can be transferred to major colleges like LSU.

Cut 7 (09)  “CLEP Exam”

Klinsky says his program is the “Netflix” of online college curriculum.

Cut 8 (11)  “you credit”

Klinsky says the program lets you earn college credits on your own time, and can even shave up to a year of introductory courses off your four year diploma.

Cut 9 (10)  “of courses”

The project was founded, and funded by Klinsky, the Chair of Harvard’s Public education Policy Group.

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A Senate Committee will review a controversial bill today that would renew the state’s contract with New Orleans Harrah’s Casino for another 30 years. The bill has received opposition from statewide leaders like U.S. Senator John Kennedy, who say Louisiana should hold out for a better deal, and legislators are concerned about a provision that calls for less legislative scrutiny over future contract renewals. Political Analyst Clancy DuBos says there’s also another concern.

Cut 10 (07) “right now”

Harrah’s officials say in exchange for a new 30-year contract, they will spend 350-million dollars on a new 340-room hotel, plus restaurants and a nightclub that would result in 500 full-time jobs. DuBos says that’s not the only bonuses.

Cut 11 (12) “guaranteed”

DuBos says he doesn’t see the bill passing in its current form, unless Harrah’s puts up more on its end.

Cut 12 (12) “proposed”

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A constitutional amendment requiring unanimous jury verdicts in all felony trials is scheduled for a vote in the House today. Louisiana is one of two states that does not require unanimous jury decisions. Legal analyst Tim Meche says Louisiana’s outlier verdict system influences DAs to charge suspects with crimes that have longer sentences, just to have a better chance at conviction.

Cut 13 (10)  “the sentence” 

The amendment would have to survive a popular vote before being put into law.

Meche says criminal justice reformers are pushing this legislation, because the non-unanimous jury requirement leads to more defendants pleading guilty to crimes they may have not committed

The state posted all time highs in the numbers of students who graduated high school in four years, and the number of students who qualified for TOPS. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Governor John Bel Edwards is pushing back against legislators who criticized his decision to mail eviction warnings to Medicaid patients who’s programs could be canceled under a House backed budget.  Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (32) I’m Jeff Palermo”

Cut 3 (11) “and 1/3rd”

Hollis says the effort is difficult at best, but at least he says with this legislation the process is a little easier.

Cut 4 (12) “real time accountability”

Hollis says even with this change to our recall laws, Louisiana still has a high standard when it comes to the process of removing an elected official.

Cut 5  (12) “registered voters”

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A bill strengthening laws against animal sexual abuse passed the House unanimously and heads back to the Senate for final passage. Conservative Christian groups oppose it, because they say it could  undermine Louisiana’s unconstitutional anti-sodomy law. Lafayette Representative Jean-Paul Coussan weighed in, with commentary from Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey.

Cut 6 (08)  “the state”

The bill’s language was alerted to more definitively only apply to instances of animal abuse. It does not change Louisiana’s unenforceable anti-sodomy law.

Coussan says the bill closes loopholes that allowed for those who abetted the abuse or profited from it to walk free.

Cut 7 (08)  “current laws”

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Louisiana high schools posted an all-time high of 78.1 percent of four year graduation for the class of 2017. That’s an increase of eleven percent over the last ten years. Louisiana Superintendent of Education John White says it’s a 4,000 student increase over last year.

cut 8 (10) “thirty two”

But White says that number could drop next year as the state begins to tighten up high school’s academic requirements.

Cut 9 (09) “this requirement”

52 percent of the class of 2017 qualified for TOPS this year, a nearly 1,000 student increase over the class of 2016. White says despite criticisms that TOPS is becoming too expensive, it’s clear that the program needs to be maintained to reward the hard work of Louisiana high school students.

Cut 10 (08) “better outcomes”

The state also saw an increase in the percentage of disadvantaged students graduating, posting a 52.5 percent rate.

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An off-duty Slidell police officer, Dennis Neyland, aided the release of a kidnapped 83-year-old woman in Downtown Baton Rouge on Wednesday afternoon. The officer rescued the woman after fighting with the suspect in the middle of a road near Laurel and 4th. Baton Rouge Police spokesperson, Sergeant L’Jean McKneely says the heroic officer seized the moment…

Cut 11 (10) “good time”

The 83-year-old was kidnapped after 42 year old Tamikia Raymond approached the victim on the fourth floor of the Belle of Baton Rouge casino’s parking lot with a pellet gun…

Cut 12 (08)   “money”

McKneely says that after the victim withdrew a reported 800 dollars in cash from the ATM, she refused to follow Raymond’s commands to move the vehicle…

Cut 13 (08) “wasn’t okay”

The Baton Rouge Police arrived to arrest Raymond on armed robbery, false imprisonment with a dangerous weapon, and battery of a police officer.

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Governor John Bel Edwards punched back against lawmakers who criticized his decision to mail nursing home eviction warnings resulting from a potential Medicaid cut, and who are stalling on approving the 648 million dollars in revenue needed to fund healthcare and TOPS. Governor Edwards:

Cut 14 (15)  “that revenue”

GOP legislators resisted efforts to renew any portion the expiring revenue at the center of the fiscal cliff in a special session in February, but Edwards says with a rebounding economy, they won’t need to renew the full billion dollars.

Cut 15 (12) “talking about”

Edwards says the ramifications of budget cuts that would close public-private partnership hospitals, formerly the Charity Hospital System, would go deeper than just eliminating service to hundreds of thousands of at risk patients.

Cut 16  (12) “million dollars”

Edwards says he now supports renewing a portion of the expiring penny sales tax to close the budget gap.

Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard is re-visiting a 10 year old missing person’s case. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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The Edwards administration sends out 37-thousand letters tomorrow notifying Medicaid patients they could lose their benefits on July 1st and be forced to leave a nursing home or long term care facility. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (27) I’m Jeff Palermo”

Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard is re-opening the case in the disappearance of  Barbara Blount. The then 58 year old went missing in the middle of the day on Friday May 2nd, 2008 and has never been seen again. Back then a dozen or so volunteers combed the woods surrounding her house in Holden, Ard says it’s time to stir the pot again.

Cut 3 (11) “we get”

Ard says a decade can sometimes soften peoples resolve and hopefully someone will give the Sheriff’s office a tip.

Cut 4 (09) “came forward”

At the news conference where Ard announced he was revisiting the case, was the family of Barbara Blount. They again pleaded for the public’s help. Ard says it’s time to give it to them.

Cut 5  (10) “that happens”

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The Pelicans season ended last night a 113-to-104 loss to the defending NBA Champion Golden State Warriors. Golden State was just too good in this series, but New Orleans Coach Alvin Gentry still sees his team is one on the rise…

Cut 6 (12)  “you advance”

Anthony Davis had 34 points and 19 rebounds in the loss. Davis led the Pelicans to the Western Conference semifinals, despite the loss of DeMarcus Cousins to a season ending torn Achilles tendon three months ago. A-D was asked after last night’s game if this was a successful season…

Cut 7 (09)  “really had”

Gentry says playing the defending champs in the playoffs was a good measuring stick…

cut 8 (12) “as a franchise”

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A terrible automobile accident in North Louisiana claims the life of a 6 year old Houma boy. On Tuesday afternoon, in Richland Parish, 33-year old Trina Robinson of Houma was on I-20 when she exited at Bee Bayou. Trooper Michael Reichardt says her Yukon went off the road slightly and she over compensated, causing the S-U-V to flip. He says Sevante Robinson was in the back seat..

Cut 9 (12) “his injuries”

Four other people were in the vehicle and received moderate to minor injuries. Reichardt says they are always particularly disturbed when a child is killed.

Cut 10 (10) “have to”

Routine toxicology samples were taken from the driver and are pending.

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A Thibodaux man was arrested and released on bail yesterday after allegedly battering one woman, and running another over. 20-year-old Kip LeBlanc was charged with Aggravated Second Degree Battery and Domestic Abuse Battery. Lafourche Sheriffs Spokesperson Lt. Brennan Matherne says it started with an argument, and turned brutally violent.

Cut 11 (10) “woman over”

It’s suspected that Matherne threw the second woman in front of his vehicle before running over her legs.

The second woman was taken to the hospital, and Matherne says the good news is it appears she’s going to be OK.

Cut 12 (08)   “the time”

The initial argument took place at a residence that at one point was shared between LeBlanc, and the woman he allegedly punched. Matherne says it began as a domestic argument.

Cut 13 (08) “yesterdays incident”

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The state will send out letters tomorrow to 37-thousand elderly and disabled people, warning them the Medicaid programs which pay for their care could be eliminated on July 1st. It’s possible legislators will approve funding to avoid the cut, but Louisiana Health Secretary Doctor Rebekah Gee didn’t want to take that chance

Cut 14 (11)  “make plans”

The state has a 648-million dollar revenue shortfall for next fiscal year and the House approved a budget that reduces funding for several health care services. Gee says they must plan for the elimination of four Medicaid programs that pay for nursing home and long-term care…

Cut 15 (11) “take action”

Some legislators say the letters are going out too soon and the funding problems can be fixed before July 1st. But Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says impacted patients need to consider their options…

Cut 16  (09) “I eligible”