The fiscal cliff is smaller, as the state’s Revenue Estimating Conference has lowered the budget shortfall from 994-million to 648-million-dollars. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Legislation that would prohibit smoking inside bars and casinos statewide failed to get out of the House Health and Welfare Committee today. Jim Shannon has more..

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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Winn Parish Sheriff’s deputies were met with gun fire when they were trying to serve a civil warrant in the small community of the Chee Chee Dam area yesterday afternoon. 71-year-old Betty Lemoine was killed by deputies who had just driven up to their home. State Police is also investigating, Trooper Scott Moreau.

Cut 3 (:13) “With fire arms”

Moreau say her son 50 year old Kendall Lemoine was the target of the civil arrest warrant, he was seriously injured as well.

Cut 4 (12) “critical condition.”

No deputies were injured.

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The revenue shortfall the state is facing has declined from 994-million-dollars to 648-million-dollars, as a result of the state collecting more income taxes due to the federal tax overhaul. House Speaker Taylor Barras says the extra money would likely go for higher education and the TOPS program…

Cut 5  (13) “dollar range.”

But based on this new revenue projection, the state would still have to make 648-million dollars in cuts, unless another special session is called to address the shortfall.  Barras says he’s not committed to a special session yet, he wants to see what the budget looks like when it’s approved by the House next week…

Cut 6 (10)  “pass it.”

Barras says the Appropriations Committee is set to vote on a budget that will contain 648-million dollars in cuts on Monday and then the full House could vote on the spending plan next Thursday…

Cut 7 (07)  “next Thursday.”

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For the second time in the last five months, an Acadiana area family has claimed a  Powerball jackpot. A tax attorney representing the Moore Family Trust out of Lafayette brought their 56-million dollar ticket from the March 24th drawing to Louisiana Lottery headquarters. Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says on what the family plans do their with their winnings…

Cut 8 (10) “as well.”

Chopin says the couple has been playing the lottery for years, buying their tickets at Tigers Touchdown 2 in Lafayette. She says tax attorney Russell Stutes says the winning family is deserving of their new found fortune…

Cut 9 (08) “their lives”

This is the 17th Powerball jackpot ticket sold in Louisiana since the state joined the multistate game in 1995. Chopin says Lady Luck has recently shined twice in Acadiana as a St. Landry Parish couple won a prize last fall…

Cut 10 (07) “that area”

The latest winners received over 23-million-dollars after state and federal tax withholdings.

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The House Health and Welfare committee heard hours of testimony on a statewide smoking ban that would include casino’s and bars. The bill by Opelousas Democrat Dustin Miller was voluntarily yanked, so he can work on the language of the measure. If passed it would virtually ban smoking in just about every public building in the state. Wade Duty represents casinos.

Cut 11 (:09) “the water”

Brent Rochon is a cardiologist who testified in favor of the measure.

Cut 12 (:10)   “the smoke”

Lobbyist Alton Ashy says this legislation will have a negative impact of video poker halls…

Cut 13 (10) “your decision”

Reagan Carter is a member of the Louisiana Public Health coalition who supports the  bill.

Cut 14 (11)   “step outside”

Miller says he will bring the bill back in two weeks.

In Washington House Speaker Paul Ryan’s announcement that he will not seek re-election has sparked debate over who will run. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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Legislation to legalize fantasy sports betting in Louisiana is heading to the House floor. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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In Washington the announcement of House Speaker Paul Ryan’s, R-Wisconsin, decision not to seek re-election has sparked debate over who might be the next Speaker. New Orleans area Congressman Steve Scalise’s is considered a strong candidate. Political analyst Clancy DuBos says Scalise has as good a chance as anyone.

Cut 3 (:12) “Paul Ryan”

DuBos says if it were up to President Trump, Salise would have the job.

Cut 4 (10) “will decide.”

He adds that Louisiana would benefit greatly if Scalise is House Speaker.

Cut 5  (10) “house speaker”

The Republicans have to maintain control of the House for Scalise to have any chance. The election is in November. Scalise told the Associated Press that now is not the time for people to talk about what titles they want.

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Senator John Kennedy wants to hold Facebook and it’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg accountable for any breach in privacy. He is testifying before House Energy and Commerce Committee about a data breach affecting as many as 87-million Facebook users by a data firm with ties to President Trump’s campaign.   Kennedy says any trust that users placed in Facebook is no more after this incident…

Cut 6 (12)  “western hemisphere.”

Even though Facebook is being used as an avenue for many to get news and information, Kennedy feels Facebook pushes it’s own political agenda…

Cut 7 (12)  “completely neutral.”

Kennedy hopes that Zuckerberg will be held accountable for what he allows to be put on Facebook, good or bad…

Cut 8 (11) “Facebook punchbowl.”

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The House Criminal Justice Committee approves legislation that would allow fantasy sports players in Louisiana to collect winnings if they win contests hosted by third party groups like Fan Duel and Draft Kings. Gretna Representative Joseph Marino says each parish will have a chance to decide if they want to authorize fantasy sports gambling

Cut 9 (11) “its allowed”

If the bill is approved, Louisiana could tax businesses that organize fantasy sports contests. And the bill’s author, Kirk Talbot gave fellow Representative Barbara Norton advice, if she decides to draft a fantasy sports team….

Cut 10 (12) “you get”

The measure passed on a 10-4 vote. It has Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle’s support…

Cut 11 (09) “from them”

Louisiana Baptist office spokesperson Doctor Will Hall says legalizing fantasy sports betting is an expansion of gambling and it will create more problem gamblers….

Cut 12 (12)   “problem gambling”

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The House Criminal Justice Committee voted down a bill seeking to end the death penalty in Louisiana. Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews says there needs to be severe consequences for first-degree murder and raping children under the age of 13….

Cut 13 (10) “be expected”

New Iberia Representative Terry Landry marched a dozen religious groups to testify in favor of his bill,. which was debated for two hours.

Cut 14 (08)   “tough decisions”

Crews didn’t agree with Landry’s bill no matter how many groups testified.

Cut 15 (11) “that are taken”

A similar bill is still alive in the senate, but if approved by the upper chamber, it would go before the same committee in the House.

A bill to allow riverboat casinos to expand gaming operations on to land has been waiting for a vote on the Senate floor, but could get a vote today. Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray”

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The number of eligible graduates in Louisiana achieving TOPS reaches an all time high.    Kelley Ray has more.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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18 year olds will still be able to purchase assault rifles in Louisiana.  Michael Farrar has more.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Michael Farrar.”

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A bill to allow the state’s 15 licensed riverboats casinos to expand their gaming operations on to land and change the rules regarding gaming space has been sitting on the Senate floor for over two weeks, but a vote in the upper chamber could happen today. Senator Troy Carter says many senators are concerned about the numerous pieces of legislation that seek to expand gambling…

Cut 4  (07) “sports betting” 

But the author of the bill, Lake Charles Senator, Ronnie Johns says requiring riverboats to only conduct gambling on water prohibits these facilities from making a substantial investment in their properties….

Cut 5  (07)  “over water.”

Black lawmakers in the Senate are also not happy that earlier in the session the upper chamber voted against a proposal to raise the minimum wage. Carter says instead of providing a living wage, many low income workers are forced to rely on casinos to provide for their families.

Cut 6 (09) “the jackpot..”

Black legislators have also raised concerns that casinos fail to contract with enough minority-owned firms and they also believe there’s a lack of minorities in management at the gambling halls. Johns says he’s had good dialogue with concerned legislators

Cut 7 (09)  “passing this.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards and state Health Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee unveiled a report on the economic impact of Medicaid expansion. Edwards says according to the LSU report, Louisiana is saving 317-million dollars in state money and providing medical care to those who can’t afford it…

Cut 8 (08)  “the state.”

Governor Edwards says many who have recently diagnosed with cancer, are able to receive medical care with expansion…

Cut 9 (10)  “too late.”

The report says Medicaid expansion through the infusion of one-point-eight billion dollars in federal dollars has created over 19-thousand jobs in the health care sector, resulting in  nearly three-point-six-billion-dollars in economic activity. Dr. Gee says healthy people are important to the state’s economy. She says if you’re sick, you’re not a productive person…

Cut 10 (07) “can work.”

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The number of eligible graduates in Louisiana achieving TOPS reaches an all time high. More than 19,200 senior high school students qualified for at least one scholarship, up from 18,373 in 2016. Superintendent for the Office of Student Opportunities Ken Bradford says there’s a new college high school option for students to give them a head start…

Cut 11 (11) “focused diploma.”

But there is a problem for TOPS candidates. Bradford says if TOPS funding is cut due to a  one-billion-dollar budget shortfall, a lot of high school students hoping for a scholarship may be disappointed…

Cut 12 (10) “be available.”

Bradford says many graduating seniors are ready to attend a college or unviersity, the hope is that they can afford it…

Cut 13 (09)  “workstudy grants.”

A bill to eliminate the death penalty as a form of punishment for capital murder, rape, and treason has cleared a senate panel. Jeff Palermo reports Catholic Bishop Shelton Fabre testified in favor.

Cut 1 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A bill to ban cell phone while driving passed the House Transportation committee. Kelley Ray has more.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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A bill to eliminate the death penalty in cases of first degree murder, child rape, and treason has cleared a senate panel. New Orleans Senator J.P. Morrell’s legislation would apply to offenses after August 1st 2018. Catholic Bishop Shelton Fabre (FOB) testified in favor of the measure.

Cut 3 (:09) “culture of death”

Morrell says he authored the bill, because the death penalty has not reduced violent crimes.  Fabre says the death penalty is just matching violence with violence.

Cut 4 (13) “how bad.”

The measure passed on a 4-1 vote, after the testimony from Fabre….

Cut 5  (07) “more violence”

Capital crimes would receive a life prison sentence under the legislation approved by the Senate committee.

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A bill to extend foster care benefits in Louisiana from 18 years old to as much as 21 years old in some cases was passed by the Senate Finance Committee.  The money committee agreed to the legislation, even though it will cost the state an additional million dollars. Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti of Bossier City says it’s a tragedy that once a foster child gets put on the street once they turn 18

Cut 6 (09)  “up homeless”

After benefits for foster children are taken away, if they end up in trouble, Gatti says more money is spent taking care of their needs in jail that in a foster home…

Cut 7 (12)  “foster kids”

Gatti believes that most 18-year-olds will stay in foster care if benefits are extended to 21…

Cut 8 (11) “towards graduation”

One-million-dollars from the BP settlement would be used to finance the extension. The bill next heads to the Senate floor.

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A bill that makes it illegal to place your hands on your cell phone while driving passed the House Transportation committee. Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s measure says you can’t text or hold your phone, while behind the wheel. Jennifer Smith from Stop Distractions dot org says studies have shown cell phones divide your attention…

Cut 9 (14) “your brain.” (2x)

Huval says the legislation allows you to use a  hand free device to talk on the phone, but the measure prohibits the use of holding a  phone…

Cut 10 (10) “your hand”

Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter is in support of the bill. He almost found out the hard way how easy it is to get distracted…

Cut 11 (11) “my phone.”

The measure heading to the House floor calls for a 125-dollar fine for first offenders and after a third violation your driver’s license could be suspended.

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A Senate bill that requires juveniles to wait until they are 18 before getting married cleared committee today. Current law allows kids to get married with their parents consent as early as 12 years old. Ginger Lecompte is with Women United she says 70 percent of child marriages don’t last and it puts young people in a bad spot.

Cut 12 (14)   “career training”

LeCompte says it just makes sense to mandate that kids wait until they are 18 to get married.

Cut 13 (13) “full time job”

Current law requires not only parental consent, but permission from a juvenile judge. She says this would eliminate the judge’s permission.

Cut 14 (11)   “the parents”

Legislation that makes it illegal to have your hands on your phone while driving is set to be heard by the House Transportation committee today. Don Molino has the story

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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A survey by 24-7 Wall Street shows Louisiana residents pay just 8-percent of their income to state and local governments. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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The Senate approves legislation to allow children to wear bulletproof backpacks at public schools. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Emotional testimony is expected in the House Transportation committee today as a bill will be heard, requiring drivers to use only hands free communication devices. Suzanne Salter from will testify in favor. Salter says her daughter was killed in 2014 by a teenage driver who was texting at the time of the fatal crash..

Cut 4  (09) “her phone” 

Salter says the bill by Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval doesn’t say you can’t talk on a cell phone while driving, it just can’t be in your hand…

Cut 5  (10)  “steering wheel”

State law says you can’t text while you drive. But Salter says by making it illegal to have your hands on your cellphone while behind the wheel, enforcement will be easier. She says right now, very few tickets are written for texting and driving…

Cut 6 (11) “than five.”

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Lawmakers approve legislation to allow students to have a bulletproof backpack at school. West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth says parents are looking at ways to make sure their children can protect themselves, if a shooter enters the school. He says this is one option

Cut 7 (12)  “200 dollars”

The vote for the bill was 34-2. New Orleans Senator J-P Morrell was one of the two no votes. Morrell says police officers wearing bulletproof vests still receive serious injuries if struck by a bullet and the bulletproof backpacks can’t guarantee that a bullet would just bounce off a child

Cut 8 (12)  “enter a school”

Morrell says he’d rather pass legislation to make sure mentally disturbed individuals can’t get their hands on a gun. Walsworth says parents are more worried than ever about sending their children to school and a bulletproof backpack could be the only thing that protects them

Cut 9 (10)  “guarantee”

(The measure now heads to the House.)

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A 24-7 Wall Street report shows Louisiana is one of the least taxed places to live in the country. Louisiana taxpayers are tied for fifth in the least amount of taxes paid to local and state governments when compared to other states. LSU economist Doctor Jim Richardson says this state has been a low tax state for years.

Cut 10 (11) “at all”

But Richardson says there is some give and take when it comes to taxes paid…

Cut 11 (08) “property taxes”

The report shows Louisiana residents pay just 8-percent of their income to state and local governments. Richardson says despite what this report says, many will think they always pay too much in taxes…

Cut 12 (08) “taxed enough”

The report shows that state income tax collections per capita is 13th lowest, and property tax collections is 8th lowest.

Governor John Bel Edwards continues to urge legislators to end the regular session early, so a special session can begin to address the loss of a billion dollars in tax revenue. Jim Shannon has more…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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A bill that requires instruction and display of the national motto, “In God We Trust’ in public schools passed out of the Senate Finance committee today. Don Molino has the story…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Don Molino”

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Governor John Bel Edwards is continuing his pledge to end the regular legislative session early, so a special session can begin to take up revenue raising measures that he says are needed to avoid going over the fiscal cliff. Testifying in the Senate Finance Committee, Edwards again urged early dismissal.

Cut 3 (:12) “that’s responsible”

Edwards says because of expiring temporary sales taxes, the state can not approve a budget in the regular session that adequately funds TOPS, higher education and health care. He says a special session is needed so revenues can be raised and put the state in a good fiscal posture…

Cut 4 (13) “job done.”

House Republican legislative leader Lance Harris says they are determining if they can pass a budget by making cuts and using savings to fill the deficit.

Cut 5  (09) “we’re in”

Harris says they will have a better idea on how much money the state has available to spend when the Revenue Estimating Conference meets on Thursday…

Cut 6 (09)  “from there”

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Baton Rouge Police detectives are investigating a fatal shooting in which the person who died is suspected of breaking into vehicles at the time. Corporal Don Coppola says 18-year-old Brice Lewis died at the scene early Sunday morning

Cut 7 (07)  “struck him”

Coppola says they are still looking for the person who shot Lewis. He says there is surveillance video of the shooting….

Cut 8 (07) “from it”

According to the property manager of the apartment complex who said she saw the video, the person who shot Lewis drove away. Coppola says they would like to talk with that person…

Cut 9 (08) “they may have”

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Former University High in Baton Rouge golfer Patrick Reed is the owner of a Green Jacket as he outlasted Rickie Fowler by one stroke to win his first Masters. In four previous trips to Augusta, Reed never had a Top 20 finish. The San Antonio native learned he needed to stick to a game plan

Cut 10 (13) “Green Jacket”

Reed takes home one-point-nine million in winnings. He says its a dream come true to win such a historic tournament….

Cut 11 (10) “Augusta national”

Reed had to make a short, but difficult putt on 18 to win the Masters…

Cut 12 (11)   “first major”

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Gas prices have held steady for the week and Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says the jump in gas prices we see every spring appears to be over. Redman says despite a strong demand, the statewide average for regular gasoline has been holding at $2.44

Cut 13 (06) “prices”

Gas prices usually rise in the spring time as refineries shut down operations to switch from a winter grade gasoline to a summer grade. Redman says the price at the pump has increased 11-cents over the last month, but much of that increase occurred in the weeks leading up to Easter weekend….

Cut 14 (10)   “very shortly”

Redman anticipates gas prices will only increase slightly once the summer driving season begins…

Cut 15 (09) “the summer”

LSU Engineering Seniors are hard at work on a project that could mean a lot to a local girl with a neuro-muscular disorder. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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An LSU survey finds that 72-percent of residents believe an elected official should resign if they are accused by multiple people of sexual harassment. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Senate could hear a bill that would block localities from requiring real estate developers to build lower cost housing units. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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LSU Engineering students have built a special wheelchair, designed for cruising beaches, in response to an inspiring essay from a girl with muscular dystrophy. Cheslyn Simpson of Plaquemine loves beaches, but is wheelchair bound. Blaize Vansickel from Livingston Parish says it’s technology for a better quality of life.

Cut 4  (12) “the beach” 

The project got off the ground with a contribution from an LSU donor, but since then has been mostly self-funded. Vansickel says they’re getting close to a finished product.

Cut 5  (06)  “gunna work.”

If the wheelchair works, Vansickel says they hope they can have it mass produced for others, who love a trip to the beach, but are wheelchair bound. He says working on the project has been a joy.

Cut 6 (09) “their own.”

They’ve setup a GoFundMe for donations, and also accept support through the LSU Foundation under team 43.

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An LSU survey finds 70-percent of state residents believe women face a lot or some discrimination in society and that’s a seven-percent increase from a year ago. LSU Public Policy Research Lab director, Doctor Michael Henderson, says most Louisiana residents agree gender inequality is a real problem in this state

Cut 7 (07)  “with these issues”

Henderson believes the increase can be attributed to reports that Louisiana leads the country in gender pay inequality and the numerous accusations of sexual harassment. He says most of the victims claim they were harassed by someone they worked with

Cut 8 (06)  “work place”

Henderson says the survey also showed that nearly three-fourths of the respondents say elected officials accused of sexual harassment or assault by multiple people should resign

Cut 9 (11)  “even higher”

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The full Senate could hear arguments today on a bill that would strip local jurisdictions of the ability to mandate real estate developers set aside a certain portion of their housing as lower rent. Metairie Senator Dan Martiny, the bill’s sponsor, says affordable housing initiatives should be voluntary, not mandatory.

Cut 10 (08) “income unit”

Martiny says rent prices and housing availability should not be subject to local control.

Cut 11 (05) “them self”

He says the bill is an attempt to preempt rent reform movements that are picking up steam in New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

But Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center Policy Director Maxwell Ciardullo says requiring developers to build lower cost units gives thousands of working class people the chance at finding a reasonable rent.

Cut 12 (08) “average worker”

An on-duty Louisiana State Trooper shot at a person last night in New Orleans as a young man allegedly attempted to get into his vehicle. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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Southeast Louisiana is getting over a billion dollars in federal money to pay for flood protection projects in southeast Louisiana. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Some scary moments for a Louisiana State Trooper last night in New Orleans as a yet unidentified man attempted to get into his vehicle. Police later apprehended a juvenile and charged him with attempted carjacking of the unmarked police vehicle. Sergeant Jared Sandifer says it started when a strange car just pulled up.

Cut 3 (09) “troopers vehicle”

Sandifer says the trooper observed the juvenile attempt to gain entrance into his vehicle and pulled his gun.

Cut 4 (11) “for that.”

Legal experts say the trooper was justified in shooting at the subject because a vehicle is considered the same as your home. You do not have to retreat in your own home. Sandifer says he was later caught.

Cut 5  (14) “apprehend him.”

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Big crowds are expected this weekend for Wrestlemania 34 which will take place Sunday in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Hotel occupancy in the Big Easy is expected to be around 95-percent and when the city hosted Wrestlemania in 2014, the economic impact was 164-million dollars. WWE Superstar Alexa Bliss….

Cut 6 (08)  “thirty percent”

75-thousand pro wrestling fans are expected to pack the Superdome and millions will watch on the WWE television network. Bliss will defend her RAW Women’s Championship when she battles Nia Jax on Sunday and she can’t wait…..

Cut 7 (11)  “forward to”

A fan convention called WrestleMania Axxess is underway at the Morial Convention Center. Bliss says it should be an amazing few days in the Big Easy…

Cut 8 (11) “over again”

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The northern half of Louisiana is under an enhanced risk for severe weather this afternoon and into tonight. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a cold front will sweep through the state bringing the chance for flash flooding, but more concerning is the chance for tornadoes

Cut 9 (08) “pretty bumpy”

There’s a slight chance for severe weather for south Louisiana. Keim says the greater threat is for the northern parishes….

Cut 10 (06) “of that”

Keim says once this cold front moves through, be prepared for a chilly weekend. He says temperatures will be around 50 degrees in north Louisiana on Saturday and in 60s for south Louisiana

Cut 11 (10) “the state”

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Louisiana is receiving a 1.2 billion dollar block grant from the federal government to construct flood protection projects in southeast Louisiana. There’s been a push for this funding after the 2016 August flood caused an estimated 8.7 billion dollars in damage. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says the block grant will go right to the state and skip the red tape.

Cut 12 (10)   “for decades.”

Graves says there’s been extensive coordination between Governor John Bel Edwards, the White House, and federal agencies to make sure the project addresses clogged waterways, bayous, and basins that have plagued the area for decades.

Cut 13 (09) “of time”

There’s still a few steps left before Louisiana gets the money, but Graves says it shouldn’t be long before projects can begin.

Cut 14 (11)   “to school”

The Cajun Navy Relief will hold their first Search and Rescue Games this weekend in Henderson Bay in the Atchafalaya basin. Jeff Palermo has the details

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Two TOPS bills have advanced out of committee that would raise requirements for receiving full TOPS. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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A big tourism weekend is expected in New Orleans as Wrestlemania 34 takes place on Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Kelley Ray has the story…

Cut 3 (25) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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Cajun Navy Relief will hold its first Search and Rescue Games on Saturday in the Atchafalaya Basin. The games will serve as a training exercise for disaster rescue scenarios in extreme flooding. Spokesperson Amy Jones says the Games also give the volunteer rescue group a chance to work with new GPS equipment…

Cut 4  (11) “natural disaster.” 

Jones says markers will be “hidden” in several locations and will need to be “rescued” just like in a real disaster scenario…

Cut 5  (10)  “return them.”

This week, Colorado State researchers revealed they expect three strong hurricanes to strike the U.S. this year. Jones says the dire forecast makes these training games all that more important…

Cut 6 (09) “training event.”

Any boaters and dispatchers involved with real life search and rescue operations can sign up and participate.

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Two bills by Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey that would raise the minimum requirements to receive, and keep TOPS were passed out of the House Education Committee. One bill, would send students who score 2.5-2.75 GPAs and a 20 ACT to a two year college instead of a four-year university. Ivey says community colleges are a better place for those students.

Cut 7 (06)  “tremendous things”

But Patrick Taylor Foundation Executive Director James Callier says it’s not right to keep those students, who are disproportionately minorities, out of a four year college program.

Cut 8 (07)  “assesment.”

The other bill would raise the standards needed to keep TOPS once awarded. Incoming freshman would need to keep a 2.75 GPA after 48 hours of classes, up from the current 2.5. Currently students can carry a 2.3 for their first three semesters, and Ivey says that’s just too low of a bar for aid.

Cut 9 (07)  “achievement is”

But Callier says Ivey’s legislation isn’t going to inspire higher achievement, it’s just going to throw thousands of students out of college.

Cut 10 (10) “to school”

The bills head to the House floor

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Wrestlemania 34 will be held Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.   It marks the first time WWE has visited the Crescent City since 2014.   Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the last event drew 75,000 fans from 50 states and 36 countries…

Cut 11 (09) “their stars.”

Nungesser says he is not surprised that the WWE chose to come back to New Orleans after hosting the even just four years ago. He says economic impact is huge for the hosting city…

Cut 12 (06) “Orlando.Florida”

Forecasters say an above average hurricane season is on tap for 2018. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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A bill that would force students who lose TOPS to repay the money is headed to the House floor. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter has filed a bill on behalf of the governor’s office that’s designed to prevent hazing on college campuses. Carter says the legislation requires colleges and universities to provide hazing education and prevention during orientation…

Cut 3 (11) “on hazing”

After the meeting, the schools and students would be required to report they had taken the class. Carter says students need to understand the consequences of hazing…

Cut 4 (09) “serious business.”

Carter says the bill also mandates the reporting of hazing incidents and students found in violation of university hazing policies will be suspended or dismissed for at least that semester. All universities in Louisiana would be forced to comply with the new law…

Cut 5  (07) “governor proposed.”

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Colorado State Researchers predict above average activity for the upcoming hurricane season, but nothing like the historic 2017 season that devastated the Gulf. 14 named storms are predicted for this year, below the 17 named storms last year. Dr. Michael Bell says there’s a one in three chance the Gulf Coast gets hit this season.

Cut 6 (08)  “thirty percent”

They’re projecting three major hurricanes this year, only half the number suffered in 2017.

Bell says the early predictions are based on a shift away from a particularly brutal La Nina.

Cut 7 (10)  “potentially favorable”

There major hurricanes blasted the US last year, costing over 200 billion dollars and hundreds of lives. Bell says it’s highly unlikely we’ll be hit like that this year.

Cut 8 (10) “active season”

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A bill that expands illnesses that medical marijuana can be prescribed for clears a House Committee. State Representative Ted James bill adds Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, muscle spasms, and intractable pain to diagnoses that physicians will be able to prescribe medical marijuana for when it becomes available in Louisiana. James says this legislation will help many with pain and opioid issues…

Cut 9 (08) “save lives.”

The vote for the legislation was 8-to-4 and it now heads to the House floor.

Dr. Will Hall, with the Louisiana Baptist Coalition, warned the committee that not enough research has been done to determine the out-come of increasing the access to medical marijuana.

Cut 10 (:11) “etcetra.”

Hall also argues the pot industry hasn’t come together on a single plant strain they can monitor its effectiveness.

Cut 11 (10) “different intensities so”

James says his motivation is his constituents are leaving the state to go to other states to get medical marijuana, because they have tried the drug and it works.

Cut 12 (08)   “will help.”

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A bill that would force students who lose TOPS to repay the value of the scholarship passed a house committee on an eight to five vote. The legislation by Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo would charge students who drop out, or lose eligibility while in school. Garofalo says it gives TOPS longevity.

Cut 13 (09) “of time”

The bill would allow the board of regents to determine the repayment process, which could include interest.

New Orleans Representative Joseph Bouie says the bill targets working class students who often times lose eligibility after a few years when bills start piling up.

Cut 14 (11)   “to school”

Garofalo says his bill isn’t mean spirited, it’s responsible.

Cut 15 (09) “that gift”

But Carencro Representative Julie Emerson says the bill just doubles down on misery students experience after having to leave school.

Cut 16  (11) “hardship” (2x)

The bill heads to House Appropriations.