The National Safety Council has released it’s first-ever “Road to Zero” report. They are trying to achieve zero roadway deaths in the future. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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US Senator John Kennedy is calling on major banks to reverse new policies that target companies that sell firearms. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The National Safety Council has released it’s first-ever “Road to Zero” report. It’s their vision for achieving zero deaths on roadways by 2050. National Safety Council President Deborah Hersman says they have assembled a huge coalition to fight against roadway deaths.

Cut 3 (:12) “get to zero”

She adds that technology has helped bring down some of the statistics on roadway deaths. That coupled with tighter laws also help.

Cut 4 (:11) “best practices”

But here in Louisiana the road deaths are increasing.

Cut 5  (08) “2015”

Nearly 40-Thousand people die each year on our nations public roads.

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US Senator John Kennedy is asking Louisiana officials to cancel state contracts with Citigroup and Bank of America after the banks announced that they would enforce restrictions on companies that sell firearms. Kennedy says after getting bailed out in 2008, banks have no right to be dictating policy.

Cut 6 (11)  “on America”

Citigroup announced that it would no longer do business with companies that sell firearms to anyone under 21, or companies that do not require a background check for gun purchases.

Kennedy says bankers are not legislators, and shouldn’t be punishing citizens who are following currently established law.

Cut 7 (08)  “of America”

The Republican Senator has pushed back against federal efforts to implement increased gun control laws in the wake of the Parkland shooting that killed 17.

Kennedy says the restrictions are a form of political discrimination.

Cut 8 (10) “are blue”

Governor John Bel Edwards has responded to Kennedy’s divestment request saying: “The only contract with a direct cost to the state was signed by you during your tenure as state treasurer. This contract is  with Bank of America.” As such, the governor called for “less posturing on the issue.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health will be offering free STD testing at a series of rotating sites from Tuesday through Thursday. The initiative is part of the CDC’s STD awareness month. Assistant State’s Health Officer Dr. Parham Jaberi says testing is the most important thing you can do to stop the spread of STDs.

Cut 9 (07) “its spread”

Jaberi says Louisiana in particular is in need of more extensive STD education and testing.

Cut 10 (10) “raise awareness.”

The Department of Health says the screening is aimed at people who are unsure whether or not they are infected, and those showing symptoms should schedule an appointment at another time. Jaberi says if you plan on visiting, set a little time aside.

Cut 11 (10) “needs.”

Information on when units will be open is available at www.ldh.la.gov

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Huge economic development news as Formosa selects a site in St. James Parish near the Sunshine Bridge to build a nine-point-four billion dollar chemical manufacturing complex.  State Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the 24-hundred acre site is branded as the Sunshine Project and it would create 12-hundred jobs…

Cut 12 (07)   “globally”

Pierson says construction should begin next year. He says Formosa Plastics Group operates three existing Louisiana facilities in East Baton Rouge and Pointe Coupee which made it easy for the company to the Bayou State…

Cut 13 (10) “over decades”

Pierson says in order to secure the project, Louisiana offered a competitive incentive package that includes a 12-million dollar performance based grant….

Cut 14 (10)  “we have won”

The House is expected to vote this afternoon on a proposal to raise hunting and fishing license fees in order to pay for state Wildlife and Fisheries expenses. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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An LSU medical graduate has put out a new supplement that was tested at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, aimed at improve gut health. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”

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A riverboat gambling bill is on deck for Senate consideration today. Michael Farrar has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michael Farrar”

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A House floor vote is scheduled today on a proposal to raise the cost of a basic resident hunting and fishing license by a few dollars. Wildlife and Fisheries officials say the increase is needed to offset a 65-million dollar loss in state funding since 2009. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the proposal is having a difficult time passing, because it needs 70 votes from the 105-member House

Cut 4  (04) “for something” 

Pinsonat says a special session is likely coming in which legislators will be asked to pass tax measures to replace expiring revenue, so jacking up the price for a hunting or fishing license is not something legislators are quick to endorse

Cut 5  (06)  “to government”

Pinsonat says lawmakers are facing re-election next year, so voting for a fee increase on a hobby many Louisiana residents enjoy is not a good idea for most legislators

Cut 6 (07) “is reluctant”

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A new supplement wrapped up testing at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center and claims it can help improve gut health that is lacking in most modern diets. “Biomebliss”, from LSU Medical School graduate and New Orleans Native Dr. Mark Heiman says there’s a lot of research showing Americans are lacking the proper bacteria in their stomachs.

Cut 7 (11)  “these mircronutrients”

Heiman says between processed foods and low carb diets, people are losing out on nutrients are that crucial to helping your body stay healthy, slim, and regular.

Cut 8 (12)  “GI microbiome.”

Heiman says Biomebliss is a prebiotic that feeds microorganisms in your gut that often starve when you try out a new, non-balanced diet plan.

Cut 9 (06)  “carbohydrate diet”

A report from 2015 studies of Biomebliss at Pennington is available, but the claims have not yet been reviewed by the FDA.

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A bill that would allow riverboat casinos to expand onto land is scheduled to be heard by the full Senate today, after being pulled from consideration last week. The bill would remove restrictions for Louisiana’s 15 floating gambling halls. Louisiana Casino Association Executive Director Wade Duty says more profitable casinos means more revenue for the state.

Cut 10 (08) “predictable jobs”

Duty says Louisiana is the only state that requires casinos be seaworthy, and that’s holding back the local industry.

Cut 11 (10) “the customer”

The bill’s sponsor, Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns, says the legislation is not an expansion of gaming, but Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says that’s disingenuous.

Cut 12 (11) “of opportunity”

Mills, a conservative cultural values advocate, says allowing those casinos to expand would increase the number of gambling addicts, which currently numbers nearly 180,000 statewide.

Cut 13 (09)  “of Louisiana”

Another gambling bill, one that would allow Tangipahoa residents to vote on whether or not to accept a casino in Robert, is also expected to be discussed.

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The chairman of Senate Finance has no desire to approve the budget the House passed last Thursday. Ville Platte Senator Eric LaFleur says he can’t support a spending plan that would kick 46-thousand elderly and disabled people from nursing homes

Cut 20 (12) “since then”

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”

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March Louisiana unemployment numbers had their biggest year to year drop in years. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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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.

Cut 3 (:12) “get sued”

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

Cut 4 (:08) “law suits”

The measure moves to the Senate floor. Metairie Senator Conrad Appel thinks the bill will only get the state sued and he voted against it.

Cut 5  (09) “nobody prayed”

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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.

Cut 6 (:10)  “is cheating”

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”

He added that 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”

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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 “

One of Louisiana’s oil beds, Lafayette, is starting to recover jobs lost from last year’s oil bust. Dejoie says rising prices at the pump are paying dividends for the area.

Cut 10 (07) “more stable.”

Healthcare and construction drove much of the job gains, but Dejoie says one high paying sector in particular is starting to show some explosive growth.

Cut 11 (10) “particular careers.”

Dejoie encourages anyone looking to take advantage of the rosier labor market to visit www.laworks.net for job listings and training opportunities.

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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”

Power Forward Nicola Mirotic, who was obtained at the trade deadline after the team lost Demarcus Cousins for the year, dropped 30 on Portland last night. 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.”

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.

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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 the former Warhawk QB is ready to help improve season-ticket sales and raise money…

Cut 15 (08) “our program.”

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.

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.”

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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

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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”

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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 he was lost during the first months of the war.

Cut 4  (11) “M-I-A” 

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”

2.5 million people are suspected to have lost their lives during the three year 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.

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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.

Cut 7 (09)  “constitutional 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.”

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

Cut 10 (08) “attain it”

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”

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”

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

Cut 13 (12)  “we do”

Governor John Bel Edwards has announced that if the spending plan reaches his desk, he will not sign it, and reports indicate that legislators are planning on beginning a special session mid-May to attempt to pass a budget that replaces the 663 million dollars in funds that are not present in this spending plan.

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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.

Hess says there are several factors on why they haven’t played well on the road…

Cut 20 (17) “go around”

The State Fire Marshal’s office arrests a Richland Parish volunteer firefighter, who allegedly set his home on fire, injuring his 53-year-old medically disabled wife. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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An NFL legend is putting his name, and voice behind a new distracted driving campaign. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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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.

Cut 4 (:11) “and equipped”

He says he’s saddened by the situation today’s schools are in.

Cut 5  (10) “about this”

A task force has been assembled to study the issue.

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The State Fire Marshal has 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.

Cut 6 (:13)  “on her own”

Fulford was additionally charged with Aggravated Cruelty to animals.

Cut 7 (10)  “set the fire”

Fulford is also a Richland Parish volunteer fire-fighter himself. Rodrigue says it’s unfortunate one of their own was charged, but that’s the way it iss.

Cut 8 (:06) “is affected..”

More charges maybe pending.

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The state House approves legislation that supporters say will help the Cajun Navy and other volunteer groups have a greater impact during a disaster. Denham Springs Representative Valarie Hodges says her family was helped by volunteers after the 2016 flood. She says the legislation gives the Cajun Navy access to state equipment and training…

Cut 9 (:07) “Volunteer organizations “

But 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.”

Hodges says she met with just about every member of the emergency community when she drafted bill, including the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness…

Cut 11 (:12) “the United States.”

The bill now moves to the Senate.

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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”

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 13 (08) “listen to.”

Woods says the advent of smart phones has led to a drastic increase in distracted driving fatalities.

Cut 14 (12)  “our cars”

The state legislative auditor has completed an audit on sexual harassment in state government and concludes the state should do a better job of educating its workers. Jeff Palermo has more

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A bill that would allow companies like Uber to operate across the state passed the House on a resounding 97-1 vote. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The Pelicans return to New Orleans with a two games to nothing series lead over Portland after a 111 to 102 victory last night. Jrue Holiday scored a career playoff-high 33 points. And on the defensive end, Holiday held Damian Lillard to 17 points. Head Coach Alvin Gentry says Holiday has been playing at a high level for awhile…

Cut 3 (10) “tonight”

A modest Holiday says he’s just doing what his teammates expect out of him…

Cut 4 (09) “right now”

Game 3 is Thursday night at the Smoothie King Center. The Pels are just the seventh team in NBA history to win the first two games of an opening round playoff series on the road. Gentry says they still have to get two more wins to advance to the next round…

Cut 5  (10) “go off”

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The full House has approved legislation that gives residents a chance to vote on whether fantasy sports betting should be legal in their parish. The bill’s author, River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot, explained to the rest of the House how the fantasy sports games work…

Cut 6 (06)  “to play”

Currently, fantasy sports websites like Draft Kings and Fan Duel do not allow Louisiana residents to play in their contests. Talbot says all his legislation does is legalize it in parishes, if it’s approved by a majority of residents in November…

Cut 7 (10)  “regulate it”

The measure still needs Senate approval.

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The state’s legislative auditor has completed a sexual harassment survey of thousands of state workers and concluded that the state should do a better job of educating its workers on the issue. Auditor Daryl Purpera says the state spent more than five million dollars on sexual harassment claims over the past 9 years. He says there is no clear cut process on what to do.

Cut 8 (:12) “those claims.”

The audit was triggered by the resignation of one of Governor John Bel Edwards top aide’s over accusations of sexual harassment. Purpera adds without a standard procedure the issue may continue.

Cut 9 (10) “that report”

Purpera admits the state’s employee base is very diverse and a sexual harassment policy would have to be custom fit for some of the different agencies.

Cut 10 (:09) “should have.”

The audit findings largely came from the Office of Risk Management.

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On a 97-1 vote, the House passed legislation that would permit companies like Uber to operate across the state, without needing to make local agreements. The bill, by Speaker Taylor Barras, would bring Louisiana in line with the vast majority of other states’ rideshare regulations. Barras says it’s a big benefit with a small price tag.

Cut 11 (07) “in workforce.”

Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton said her mind was changed after talking to her son about the benefits of the service for people who don’t own a vehicle….

Cut 12 (10)   “to win”

Shreveport Representative Cedric Glover was the one dissenting vote. He expressed concerns that the background check system used to clear Uber drivers was not reliable.

Cut 13 (11) “law enforcement agencies.”

The bill moves onto the Senate

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The Democratic Caucus is pushing back against a budget that will be discussed tomorrow on the House Floor that includes 648 million dollars in cuts to higher education and healthcare. Caucus Chairman Robert Johnson says the budget discriminates against Democratic constituencies, while funding projects in Republican areas of the state.

Cut 14 (09)  “that’s immoral”

The caucus is also pushing back against part of the budget that fully funds TOPS, but cuts the higher education budget.

Johnson says Republicans aren’t properly considering, and explaining just how damaging these cuts would be to Louisianans.

Cut 15 (11) “of cuts.”

Baton Rouge Representative Democrat Patricia Smith says so far, the GOP have resisted any efforts to cut a bargain that would adequately fund state programs.

Cut 16  (10) “for cuts”

The caucus is calling on lawmakers to vote against the budget, and instead replace expiring revenues in a special session.

Sports betting is off the books for the foreseeable future in Louisiana. Don Molino has the story.

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Don Molino.”

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A Senate committee approves a bill that would ban abortions 15-weeks after conception, but its uncertain if it will get final legislative approval. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31) I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A bill that would make it illegal to hold and use your phone while driving was narrowly defeated in the House. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Sports betting will not be legal in Louisiana anytime soon as a push to allow parishes to vote on allowing it in casinos was shot down six to three in Senate Finance. Metairie Senator Danny Martiny, the bill’s sponsor, says if the US Supreme Court expands sports gaming nationwide, Louisiana could lose out on a lot of tourism to its neighbors.

Cut 4  (10) “we don’t.” 

Martiny says the opposition wasn’t interested in expanding gambling in the state.

Cut 5  (07)  “respect that”

Martiny says keeping sports gaming illegal in Louisiana isn’t going to keep Louisianans from placing bets on their favorite sports.

Cut 6 (11) “of it.”

The US Supreme Court could rule on allowing sports betting in all 50 states this spring.

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A Senate committee approves legislation that would prohibit abortions in Louisiana after 15 weeks from conception, but there are concerns the legislation could bring upon unintended consequences. Kaplan Senator Jonathan Perry urged the bill’s author to work on the language of the bill with an attorney, before bringing it up to the Senate floor

Cut 7 (07)  “it can hurt”

An attorney said if “Roe versus Wade” is overturned, this legislation could actually weaken Louisiana’s pro-life laws by allowing abortions within 15 weeks of pregnancy. But the bill’s author, Shreveport Senator John Milkovich, urged the committee to pass his legislation so its in place if the federal appeals court upholds Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban

Cut 8 (05)  “after 15 weeks.”

Pro choice advocates were on hand to testify against the 15-week abortion ban. Amy Irvin of the New Orleans Abortion Fund says the legislation will cost the state thousands of dollars to defend

Cut 9 (07)  “costly litigation”

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A bill allowing judges to inform juries about whether or not a victim in a car crash was wearing a seat belt died in a Senate Committee. The bill was promoted as potentially leading to smaller settlements in some cases, which would drive insurance rates down. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt, the bill’s sponsor, says we should trust judges to make the right call.

Cut 10 (08) “a jury”

But the bill received opposition from Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti, who says the bill punishes victims with lower settlements in crashes that weren’t their fault.

Cut 11 (06) “everyday thing”

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon could not guarantee that insurance rates would go down as a result of the bill, and Gatti says it’s emblematic of problems with the bill as a whole.

Cut 12 (09) “be reduced”

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A bill to ban drivers from using their phone with their hands while on the road failed to pass the House floor after an, at times, contentious debate. The legislation by Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval was inspired by the traffic deaths of a constituent’s child. Huval says it’s a bill designed to save lives.

Cut 13 (12)  “they know”

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”

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The leaders at LSU’s medical schools railed against a proposed budget that’s heading to the House floor. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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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. Most quickly outgrow the fast-food and junk food only phase, but a few need professional assistance. 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. You could be training them in a way that is not conducive with what you are trying to accomplish…

Cut 4 (07) “certain behaviors.”

In some cases, Ortiz says if your child isn’t eating, there could be a bigger underlying problem…

Cut 5  (11) “with them.”

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A House committee killed Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith’s proposal to ban bump stocks on guns. Authorities say a bump stock was used to kill more than 50 people in Las Vegas last October by allowing semi-automatic guns to shoot rapid-fire. Smith says something like that can happen here too.

Cut 6 (11)  “are gathered”

Kyle Galotta, who opposes the bill, says the Las Vegas shooting should not mean the end of Bump Stocks.

Cut 7 (10)  “bad precedent”

NRA spokesperson Erin Luper says they oppose the state ban on bump stocks, because there is legislation pending in Washington to ban them nationwide.

Cut 8 (06) “looks like.”

The measure failed on an 11-7 vote.

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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 apporved by the House Appropriations Committee that they say would devastate healthcare. Shreveport Chancellor G.E. Ghalli says the proposed cuts are impossible to make.

Cut 9 (10) “to cut”

The budget will be discussed on the House floor Thursday.

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 paitents.

Cut 10 (11) “care of.”

Both Chancellors called on the legislature to not pass a budget until the 648 million dollar fiscal cliff, which is the result of expiring revenue in July, is potentially replaced in a possible special session.

Hollier says this budget, heading to the House floor, would result in a mass exodus of medical professionals from the state, and the devastation of the residency program.

Cut 11 (07) “in workforce.”

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.”

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Congressman Clay Higgins campaign reports the former law enforcement officer has raised 218-thousand dollars during the first quarter of this year and has 211-thousand dollars on hand. Higgins had just 50-thousand dollars in the bank at the end of 2017. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Higgins finally has his campaign fundraising operation going

Cut 12 (10)   “to win”

Republican attorney Josh Guillory and Democrat Phillip Conner, a physician from Lake Charles, are two candidates raising money to challenge Higgins this fall. Cross says Higgins will need to raise a lot more…

Cut 13 (11) “try anything.”

Cross says Higgins didn’t raise a lot of money when he was elected in 2016, but he’ll need more cash this time around

Cut 14 (12)  “this time”

There is strong support from the public for two of Governor John Bel Edwards main policy issues. Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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The House Appropriations Committee is expected to send a proposed spending plan for next fiscal year to the full House today. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A Tulane study finds Mississippi River diversions will produce new land, but not at the rate to keep up with the rising sea level. Jeff Palermo has the more…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Tax day is tomorrow and a survey from offers.com finds  most Louisianans wait until the very end to file. Some 53 percent wait until the day before or the final day to file. Offers-dot-com’s Carson Yarbrough says most people don’t want to pay their taxes and some say they would go to extreme measures to avoid doing so…

Cut 4  (10) “paying taxes.” 

According to the I-R-S, the average person who qualifies for a refund will get over 31-hundred-dollars. Yarbrough says the Louisiana taxpayers they spoke with will put that money to good use…

Cut 5  (12)  “everyday expenses.”

Yarbrough says many taxpayers choose not to do their own taxes…

Cut 6 (12) “squared away.”

Filing date for state income tax returns is May 15.

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An LSU Public Policy Research Lab survey finds a majority of Louisiana residents support two of Governor John Bel Edwards’ major policy issues – criminal justice reform and Medicaid expansion. Of those surveyed, 61-percent say they support the sweeping changes made last year. LSU’s Dr. Mike Henderson says there seems to be support on changing the state’s sentencing laws, because over half of the respondents believe the system is not fair, especially African-Americans…

Cut 7 (07)  “this year.”

69-percent of the respondents approve of Medicaid expansion, which took effect in June of 2016. Some 430-thousand Louisiana residents enrolled in the government funded health insurance. Henderson says those polled aren’t concerned about the  costs…

Cut 8 (11)  “attractive idea.”

Henderson says since the approval ratings are high on these two major policy changes, it could help the governor get re-elected…

Cut 9 (07)  “of that.”

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The House Appropriations Committee is expected to approve a budget today for next fiscal year that will contain 648-million dollars in cuts from the current fiscal year. When the budget process started, lawmakers had a nearly billion dollar budget deficit, but an increase in tax collections has led to a much smaller fiscal cliff. Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry says his committee wants to use that newly recognized revenue for TOPS

Cut 10 (10) “of TOPS”

Henry says providing more money for district attorneys is another top priority for the committee. He says they also want to adequately fund the state’s waiver program, which provides assistance for those who are disabled. But the state health department and all state agencies can anticipate a cut in funding

Cut 11 (09) “we are”

Governor Edwards is pushing the legislature to end the regular session early, so a special session can begin in May to approve tax bills that can lead to more revenue and reduce the budget gap. Henry says it’s too early to tell whether the House believes another special session is needed

Cut 12 (08) “is generated”

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State officials have talked about spending billions of dollars on redirecting sediment carried by the Mississippi River to rebuild the state’s vanishing coast. However, a study out of Tulane says the diversions will produce new land, but not fast enough. Lead author of the report Elizabeth Chamberlain

Cut 13 (05)  “right now”

Cut 20 (07) “this situation”

Louisiana is bracing for the threat of severe weather today and tomorrow. Don Molino has more from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness…

Cut 1 (27) “I’m Don Molino”

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The House Judiciary committee failed to advance a bill that would have created an oversight committee for the state’s 41 District Attorneys. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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The state has activated its Crisis Action Team, because of the threat of severe weather today and tomorrow. Northwest Louisiana is under a tornado watch until 10 PM tonight. GOHSEP spokesman Mike Steele says the eastern portion of the state could see as much as 6 inches between now and tomorrow night…

Cut 3 (06) “heavy rains”

Torrential downpours could result in flooded roadways. Steele says if the water is high on the roadway, turn around…

Cut 4 (06) “flooded roadways.”

There are several outdoor activities this weekend, including the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival and the French Quarter Fest in New Orleans. Steele says it’s important those attending keep an eye on rapidly changing weather…

Cut 5  (09) “the state.”

Flash flood watches are in effect for northeast and southeast Louisiana through Saturday night.

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The House Judiciary Committee failed to advance a bill that would have created an oversight committee for the state’s 41 district attorneys. Nearly every one of the state’s D.A.’s were in attendance this morning as the panel debated the issue for two hours. Heated arguments between lawmakers and those in favor of the bill. Ruston Representative Rob Shadoin.

Cut 6 (07)  “alright.”

Pete Adams represents the district attorneys association. He says the bill itself is flawed.

Cut 7 (12)  “a nail.”

Sarah Mojoula testified on behalf of the Southern Poverty Law Center expressed support for the legislation, because it would make sure there wouldn’t be any misconduct

Cut 8 (09) “public defenders.”

The bill is done for this session.

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Shreveport Police have a man in custody following Thursday’s domestic situation in which the victim, 27-year-old Rannita Williams, was shot and killed on Facebook live. The video shows the shadow of 36-year-old Johnathan Robinson pacing back and forth holding a gun in the video. Police Chief Alan Crump says it was a very tense situation…

Cut 9 (13) “scene in”

Crump says Robinson is facing second-degree-murder and felon in possession of a firearm charges. After Robinson was put in custody at the Shreveport city jail, Crump says he became violent again, breaking a water pipe, flooding his  jail cell…

Cut 10 (11) “subdue him.”

Crump has been criticized about the amount of officers that responded. He said the dangerous situation made it necessary to show up in force…

Cut 11 (11) “was necessary.”

One officer, Cpl. Robert Entrekin sustained non-life threatening injuries to his wrist.

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The police officer who shot and killed Alton Sterling during a struggle has appealed his firing. Attorney John McLindon filed the appeal o a local civil service board on behalf of Blane Salamoni who shot Sterling nearly two years ago. McLindon says Salamoni wants to clear his name

Cut 12 (:12)   “being fired”

Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul said two weeks ago that Salamoni was fired because he violated policies on use of force and command of temper. McLindon anticipates a hearing on the appeal this summer

Cut 13 (11) “tell the whole story”

By getting the termination thrown out, it opens up the opportunity for Salamoni to become a police officer again in another jurisdiction.  McLindon says he’s heard from police officers around the country that Salamoni’s firing was unjust

Cut 14 (11)   “done this”