A french bulldog died last Monday on a United flight from Houston to New York. The incident has spurred action from one Louisiana Senator. Don Malino has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Malino.”

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Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson is being remembered fondly today. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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An East Baton Rouge grand jury has indicted four young men who were allegedly involved in the suspected hazing death of an LSU fraternity pledge. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Senator John Kennedy has co-sponsored the WOOFF act which stands for welfare of our furry friends act.  He’s aiming to curtail the death’s of animals on airlines like the one last Monday on a United flight.

Cut 4  (13) “Dog Died.” 

Kennedy says he expects to get some answers from the airline that was responsible for the dog’s death.

Cut 5  (10)  “animal cruelity.”

But Lamar White,publisher of bayou brief says Kennedy is looking for some cheap publicity.

Cut 6 (08) “into action.”

The U.S. Department of Transportation says there were 24 documented animal deaths on airlines in 2017.

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Shreveport Senator John Milkovich’s legislation that would give teachers more freedom to decide how to handle bullies in public schools passed through the Senate Education Committee. The bill gives teachers a wide leniency to “take all steps deemed necessary” to stop bullying, including involving the police, and personally restraining offending students. Milkovich says it would cut down on the red tape involved in stopping bullies.

Cut 7 (10)  “the police”

Milkovich says the bill was inspired by a meeting he had, arranged by a local pastor, with two parents whose daughters had committed suicide after being bullied.

Cut 8 (11) “their bedrooms.”

The Senator says the parents reported the bullying several times to the school, but after months, nothing had been done.

Currently, teachers are limited in how they can handle bullying in schools. Milkovich says his legislation would provide educators with new avenues for dealing with classroom abusers.

Cut 9 (11)  “in need.”

The bill faces opposition from the governor’s office, who says the bill is “overly regulatory” and “that school officials have a lot of tools right now” for dealing with bullying.

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Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson has passed away at the age of 90. Benson bought the Saints in 1985 after building a car dealership and real estate empire that started in San Antonio, and expanded to his hometown of New Orleans. When the team went up for sale in 1984, then governor Edwin Edwards says he had one priority: finding a buyer who would keep the team in town, and he found that man in Benson.

Cut 10 (11) “the state.”

Edwards considered Benson a friend, and the two worked together to make the team a staple of Louisiana culture. The governor says if you worked with Benson, you better be a straight shooter.

Cut 11 (10) “gunna do”

The team had a nearly immediate run of success after Benson’s purchase, grabbing at the time a franchise best 12-4 record just two years into his ownership.

The city, and franchise hit its most precarious patch in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina devastated the gulf south. Rumors were abound that the team would end up permanently moving to another city, but Benson kept his word and the Black and Gold committed to staying home. Governor John Bel Edwards says that act helped bring the city back to life.

The Senate Labor Committee approved bills increasing the minimum wage, enacting equal pay in the private sector, and ending pay secrecy. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The annual LSU survey on how the state’s doing has just been released by the Manship School. Jim Shannon has a look.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon.”

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Spicy comments were made during the postgame press conferences following LSU’s 84-76 win over UL Lafayette in the first round of the NIT. Tigers Coach Will Wade took exception to what Cajuns Coach Bob Marlin said before the game…

Cut 3 (10) “my mind”

Marlin says he stands by the comments he made on Monday when he said the Cajuns should have hosted the game, because they had the better season and had more wins…

Cut 4  (10) “27.”

But Wade says the Tigers played a much tougher schedule and they deserved the higher seed…

Cut 5  (11) “Xavier New Orleans”.

Marlin expressed frustration before the game that the Tigers and Cajuns don’t play more often on the hardwood. Last night marked just the sixth meeting in the last 45 years. Marlin still believes it would be good if the two teams played on a more regular basis…

Cut 6 (10)  ” good thing”

The Cajuns season is over, while the Tigers will play Utah on Monday night in the second round of the NIT.

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The man convicted in the road rage shooting death of former NFL player Joe McKnight was sentenced to 30 years in prison today. 56-year-old Ronald Gasser was facing 40 years for his manslaughter conviction. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says the publicity around the case led to a longer sentence…

Cut 7 (07)  “figured in this thing”

McKnight was one of the best high school football players in the country coming out of John Curtis High School in 2006. He starred at USC and played for three seasons in the NFL. A Jefferson Parish jury found Gasser guilty of manslaughter on a 10-2 vote. Meche believes it’s a fair sentence. 

Cut 8 (08) “their life”

McKnight’s mother, Jennifer McKnight. spoke to reporters following the sentencing…

Cut 9 (11) “no how”

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A new survey by LSU shows Louisiana residents are not particularly happy with state government as it stands now. Michael Henderson with the Manship school for Mass communications says the survey reveals half of the state’s population disagree with the direction of the state government.

Cut 10 (10) “wrong direction”

Henderson says they have been doing the same survey since 2003 and found something interesting that they have not seen in the past.

Cut 11 (:11) “fellow residents.”

Henderson also says the people of louisiana are not anywhere close to being on the same page with one another…politically.

Cut 12 (:10) “used to.”

The poll was conducted from the end of January to the beginning of March. 852 people participated in the poll.

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Governor John Bel Edwards appeared before the Senate Finance committee this morning to support a bills that would raise the minimum wage, mandate equal pay for women, and allow employees to openly discuss pay with other employees without retribution. Edwards made a campaign promise that he would fight for better wages.

Cut 13 (:10) “pay bills”

Edwards came out in support of New Orleans Senator JP Morrell’s equal pay bill that would expand the Louisiana Equal Pay Act to private employers, mandating equal pay for women in the private sector. Edwards says the gender pay gap in Louisiana is a disgrace. 

Cut 14 (11) “truly offensive.”

The bill was passed 6-1

The committee passed a minimum wage hike to eight dollars an hour on January 1st and 8.50 an hour beginning January 1st, 2020 4-3 along party lines. Edwards says right now, 7.25 can barely buy you enough to eat.

Cut 15 (11) “not enough.”

The pay secrecy act was also approved by the Senate

There was little opposition spoken in the room, but State Director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses voiced her opposition to the Labor proposals. Starns says the pay gap referenced by the governor is not real.

The severe flu season is easing up in Louisiana. Jeff Palermo found out by how much…

Cut 1 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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US Senator John Kennedy is calling on the pardon board today to reject convicted murderer Clyde Giddens’ appeal for a medical furlough. Matt Doyle spoke to the senator.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Embattled Secretary of State Tom Schedler will not seek reelection, but will not resign despite being named in a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The severe flu season in Louisiana has relented, as health officials report fewer cases, than in late December and January. Over one in ten doctor visits were flu related at one point. State Immunization Director Dr. Frank Welch says it’s now down to 3.5 percent. He credits an aggressive flu shot drive for the decrease…

Cut 4  (10) “less flu.” 

The CDC says the flu season can last as late as May. Welch says if you have so far avoided the flu, don’t count yourself out just yet…

Cut 5  (05)  “get vaccinated.”

Louisiana seems to have been hard hit with the flu bug this year, but Welch says the state is faring better than other areas…

Cut 6 (11) “flu cases.”

He adds if you are sick with the flu, stay at home and isolate yourself while contagious.

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Public Service Commission staffer Hunter Coleman is being hailed as a hero, after he dove into cold water in  Shreveport to pull a motorist out of vehicle that crashed into a pond on Monday night. Four people, including three children, were saved, but the driver died at nearby hospital. Coleman says he doesn’t remember much, from heroic effort.

Cut 7 (12)  “the pond”

Coleman says the vehicle wrecked 30 yards from the shore, in water that was nearly 15 feet deep. He says he and a few other good Samaritans swam out and immediately began retrieving people from the car. Coleman grabbed 64-year-old Kathy Brown.

Cut 8 (09) “I could.”

Coleman says the rescue was a reminder about the power of community in the face of disaster.

Cut 9 (11)  “in need.”

Coleman serves as an enforcement agent in the office of PSC member Foster Campbell. The woman who died has been identified as 40-year-old Megan Victoria Brown of Shreveport.

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US Senator John Kennedy is urging the pardon board not to grant a medical furlough today to convicted killer Clyde Giddens, who was convicted in the brutal murder of Urline Bamburg in Red River. Giddens was sentenced to life in prison in 1964 after pleading guilty. Kennedy says the crime is so grotesque that Giddens does not deserve a second chance.

Cut 10 (12) “stray dog.”

Giddens has a chance at freedom as part of the 2017 Louisiana criminal justice reform package that allows for inmates with “limited mobility” to apply for a medical furlough that would set them free if approved. While Giddens’ case has not been decided, Kennedy blames Governor John Bel Edwards for the murderer’s chance at freedom.

Cut 11 (08) “free program”

Kennedy says this case shows the governor’s criminal justice program is flawed.

A St. Landry Parish woman is in jail after allegedly killing her uncle for his “constant chattering. Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Kelley Ray”

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A south Louisiana police chief says judges should  be more careful about reducing bonds on known criminals. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon.”

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An Opelousas woman is in jail after allegedly killing her uncle because of his “constant chattering.”  St. Landry Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says 49-year-old Melissa Ann Credeur (Cra-ter) initially accused, John Ray Gautreaux, of raping her while she slept. When she woke up, she told authorities he was not breathing and started beating him. But Guidroz says after questioning Credeur, the real story came out…

Cut 3 (04) “kill him.”

Guidroz says Creduer was tested for rape at a hospital and there wasn’t any evidence found. When deputies arrived at the residence, they found Gautreaux’s body in a fetal position. Guidroz says it appears she used a variety of items in attacking Gautreaux…

Cut 4  (09) “the body.”

Guidroz had some contact with her recently. Guidroz says she admitted to some mental issues, which may have led to this murder…

Cut 5  (10) “our conversation.”.

Bond has been set at 150-thousand-dollars.

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Zachary Police Chief David McDavid is angry at a judge about one of his officers being killed in the line of duty this week. Lawton was working undercover when 33-year-old Albert Franklin allegedly crushed the officer with a rental truck. Just three months ago, McDavid complained about District Court Judge Trudy White lowering Franklin’s bond on an unrelated crime.

Cut 6 (11)  ” a problem.”

McDavid knew back then that Franklin was dangerous, he is appalled that Judge White reduced Franklin’s last bond.

Cut 7 (07)  “it happened.”

A commissioner originally set Franklin’s bond at 88-thousand dollars, but Judge White lowered it to 9,000 dollars on his latest arrest.

Cut 8 (11) “to be out.”

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Drew Brees is back in Black and Gold after agreeing to a two year, 50 million dollar contract one day before the start of free agency. The New Orleans legend will reunite with a team that was one play away from the NFC championship and loaded with young talent. Brees says he always planned on returning, but last season’s success made the decision that much easier.

Cut 9 (08) “the future.”

Brees confirmed he was offered more money to play elsewhere, and there’s no denying he signed far below his market value after watching journeymen QBs and unproven gunslingers sign more lucrative contracts. Brees says he wanted to make sure the team had the flexibility to build a roster capable of making the Super Bowl.

Cut 10 (10) “ultimate goal”

But it wasn’t all smiles and celebration, as Drew watched his former teammate star tight end Jimmy Graham sign for three years in Green Bay. Brees said he was hoping to see him back in New Orleans, but it just didn’t work out.

Cut 11 (10) “coming together.”

Who Dats are looking forward to taking home the Lombardi in front of  Falcons fans at the 2019 Super Bowl in Atlanta.

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Thousands of Louisiana students walked out of class today in solidarity with a national youth movement protesting gun violence and gun laws. New Orleans Students at Lusher, NET Charter, Abramson Sci Academy, and more joined the protests. NET students were led in a chant calling for an end to shootings of all kinds.

Cut 12 (08) “in peace.”

The protest began with a moment of silence to remember the 17 Parkland victims and victims of violence in New Orleans, a city that saw 157 murder victims last year.

Cut 13 (09) “New Orleans.”

NET Charter School Dean of Students Justin Ross-Hilliard says we can’t let the young fight this fight alone, parents need to join the efforts.

Cut 14 (08) “with them.”

Interest is growing in the legislature for a constitutional convention. Matt Doyle reports,

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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For the first time since 2009, the LSU Tigers will take on the UL Lafayette Ragin Cajuns. Kelley Ray has a look at the upcoming first round NIT matchup…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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Health care providers are spelling out exactly what would happen if the legislature cuts its way to a balanced budget. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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House and Senate committees are meeting today to discuss legislation that if adopted would trigger a constitutional convention. Much of the interest is due to the state’s current budgetary law that restricts cuts to only higher ed and health care when faced with a budget deficit. Senator Troy Carter, who has proposed his own bill to tackle the issue, says it’s time to bring our government into 2018.

Cut 4  (07) “21st century” 

The Senator says the world has changed substantially since Louisiana’s last constitutional convention in 1974. He says the state needs to adapt to new economic realities.

Cut 5  (08)  “any more”

A constitutional convention would likely take at least a year to complete, which wouldn’t do anything to solve the impending fiscal cliff, but the New Orleans Democrat says it could lead to a more reasonable budgetary process in the future.

Cut 6 (07) “the brunt.”

Representatives Neil Abrahamson, Frank Foil, and Barry Ivey, as well as Senator Page Cortez have also introduced legislation to trigger a convention.

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The Ragin Cajuns basketball team seems ready for tonight’s 6 PM N-I-T match-up between UL-Lafayette and LSU. Cajuns coach Bob Marlin says it’s great to play in Baton Rouge, but he believes they should have been seeded higher than LSU and the home team…

Cut 7 (11)  “32 teams.”

This will be the 47th meeting on the hardwood between the two south Louisiana schools, but it’s the first time they’ve played each other since 2009. Marlin says he’s tried to schedule LSU more often and even tried to get the Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches involved…

Cut 8 (11) “that either.”

Marlin says it’s sad that it took a NIT committee to finally pit UL-Lafayette against the Tigers…

Cut 9 (12)  “be honest.”

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If the legislature decides to cut its way through the billion dollar budget gap, private health care providers warn the consequences would be dire. If the Department of Health sustains the kinds of cuts being discussed, public-private facilities would be on the chopping block. Our Lady of the Lake President Scott Wester says those cuts would mean the end of their partnership with the state, LSU, and LDH.

Cut 10 (07) “our agreement.”

Wester says that would end care for tens of thousands of patients with a variety of health issues.

Cut 11 (11) “Baton Rouge”

Our Lady of the Lake has a robust residency program that allows hundreds of aspiring doctors get the experience necessary to complete their education. Wester says if the cuts go through, hundreds of LSU students would lose that opportunity.

Clear, crisp, and more importantly clean water now flows through the water lines in the small northeast Louisiana town of St. Joseph. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne has a warning for legislators; you can’t cut your way out to avoid going off the fiscal cliff. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Residents of the small town of St. Joseph in Tensas parish are soaked with joy over a new water system that goes on-line today. Governor John Bel Edwards is in St. Joseph to cut the ribbon on the new facility that has been in need for decades. Shauna Sanford is the Governor’s communications director.

Cut 3 (11) “something about.”

Sanford says the new plant is welcomed by residents who have been dealing with dis-colored water for years.

Cut 4  (11) “great day.”

The town had been under a perpetual public health emergency declaration because of their old system. Those days are now gone says Sanford.

Cut 5  (12) “the community.” 

The 8-million dollar project was funded by the state.

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Louisiana State Police say a 12-year-old shot and killed his seven-year-old brother in Lake Providence Monday. Trooper Michael Reichardt says the two youngsters were together when the shooting occurred. They are still investigating how the older juvenile got a hold of a weapon…

Cut 6 (11)  “old juvenile.”

The seven-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene. Six children were at home at the time of the shooting while their mother was at work. Reichardt says it’s an active and on-going investigation…

Cut 7 (08)  “that’s pending.”

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Multiple reports say star quarterback Drew Brees has agreed to a 50-million-dollar two-year-deal with the saints. A reported 27-million-dollars is guaranteed. Saints radio color analyst Deuce McAllister says it’s actually a one year deal as there’s a team option after the first year

Cut 8 (08) “been made.”

The New Orleans coaching staff and management are starting to feel the crunch of time. Brees is entering his 18^th season. McAllister says even though it’s a good deal for the team and Brees both, the Saints need to start thinking about life after Brees decides to hang it up…

Cut 9 (05) “for him.”

After just coming up short in making it to the NFC Championship Game, McAlister says Brees feels like the team still has a chance of making it to the Super Bowl and is willing to do what it takes to get there one more time…

Cut 10 (10) “more guys.”

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Reserve Zachary Police Officer 41-year-old Christopher Lawton was killed after two suspects allegedly ran over him in a Wal Mart parking lot in Baker. East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says Lawton was attempting to arrest 33-year-old Albert Franklin on active felony warrants.  30-year-old Ashley Chaney was also in the U-Haul when they fled the scene…

Cut 11 (10) “the scene.”

Franklin and Chaney were apprehended in the truck about 20 minutes later. Gautreaux says law enforcement were working undercover and had been seeking Franklin and Chaney for some time…

Cut 12 (07) “this suspect.”

Officers on the scene saluted the fallen officer as his body was put into the coroner’s van. Gautreaux says their department is working through the process of comprehending what occurred…

Cut 13 (11) “police department.”

Gautreaux says no shots were fired, insinuating Lawton was killed as a result of being hit by the truck.  An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday.

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Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne is warning that lawmakers will not be able to cut their way to a balanced budget for next fiscal year. He testified in front of the House Appropriations Committee today and reiterated the governor’s call to wrap up the regular session in early May, so that a special session that addresses revenue can be called to tackle the fiscal cliff. Dardenne has a challenge for lawmakers who disagree.

Cut 14 (07) “the budget.”

Revenue issues can only be brought up in a special session this year.

The state is facing a one billion dollar fiscal cliff, but could see that reduced by as much as 300 million dollars once the federal tax cut is factored in. Dardenne says even under the rosiest projections, the cuts required would wreck popular state programs.

Cut 15 (12) “to you.”

The regular session kicks off today, and Governor John Bel Edwards is hoping for a more productive gathering than the recent special session. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The same divides that wrecked any hopes of a fiscal cliff solution could linger into the regular session that begins today. Kelley Ray has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray”

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Governor John Bel Edwards supports a bill that rolls back the standard public school teachers need to achieve for tenure. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The regular session kicks off today, and Governor John Bel Edwards is hoping the legislature gets more accomplished than the special session that ended without a clear solution to the fiscal cliff. The special session was notable for its stark partisan divides, which Edwards says were the worst he’s seen in a decade.

Cut 4  (07) “state goverment” 

Legislators are not allowed to address revenue issues in this regular session, so the fiscal cliff will have to wait for another special session to be called afterwards.

Despite the tension, Edwards says he’s optimistic that the legislature will put aside their differences and come together for a productive regular session.

Cut 5  (11)  “to mine.”

Edwards says he and House Speaker Taylor Barras had the framework for a fiscal cliff deal in place, only to see the speaker back away from the plan early into the special session. Edwards says going forward, legislators need to place more trust in each other’s good intentions.

Cut 6 (09)  “to do”

To kick off the regular session, the governor released his legislative agenda to advance the well-being of Louisiana children and seniors, that includes legislation addressing teacher tenure, and abuse of individuals with infirmities.

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The regular session begins today less than a week after the special session crashed and burned. Fiscal cliff negotiations will be put on hold while a slew of other issues take center stage. There are several gun control bills filed. But Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin doesn’t see any of the measures to restrict who can purchase an assault rifle passing.

Cut 7 (11)  “amendment state.”

18 states raised their minimum wage this year, and a few major companies are following suite. Erwin says while the national landscape is tilting in favor of higher wages, he doesn’t see it happening in Louisiana.

Cut 8 (11) “minimum wage”

Substantial changes to the state retirement system have been considered, but ultimately scrapped in past session, but Erwin says he sees support building for a fundamental overhaul of how new hired state employees receive their benefits.

Cut 9 (08)  “finish line.”

Substantial changes to the state retirement system have been considered, but ultimately scrapped in past session, but Erwin says he sees support building for a fundamental overhaul of how new hired state employees receive their benefits.

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Governor John Bel Edwards released his legislative agenda aimed at improving the well-being of children and seniors. One of the bills included is West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman’s proposal to reduce the requirements necessary for public school teachers to obtain tenure. Hoffman says the current requirements are unfair to educators.

Cut 10 (09) “the teachers.”

Currently, teachers must be rated “highly efficient” for five of six years to qualify. The bill would lower the requirement to “effective: proficient”.

Hoffman says only 20 percent of teachers in a given year qualify for “highly efficient” status. He says his bill makes the requirements for tenure more reasonable.

Cut 11 (09) “you did.”

West Virginia teachers recently won a strike for higher pay and benefits, and reports showed Louisiana teachers are paid about 2,000 dollars less per year than the regional average. Hoffman says this is the kind of legislation that will make sure Louisiana can attract and retain quality instructors.

Four people are in custody for a double murder in St. Tammany Parish. Jim Shannon reports detectives believe it was a carjacking gone bad.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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The Louisiana Federation of Teachers is hailing the results of a nine day teachers strike in West Virginia. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”.

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St. Tammany Sheriff Randy Smith has provided more details on the arrest of four people who are connected to the deaths of Raegan Day and Dustin Hartline. They were found in a Camaro submerged in water near the East Pearl River Boat Launch on Monday. The coroner determined both were shot in the head. Smith says it is a senseless crime

Cut 3 (:11) “premediated this.”

18-year-old Jason Landry and 25-year-old Brittney “Beezy” Savell, who both live in Slidell, were arrested in Waveland, Mississippi.  22-year-old Derrion Lemoine and 27-year-old Steve “Stevie” Olivieri were arrested in Louisiana. Smith says Hartline decided to sell his vehicle, the suspects were interested and then decided to steal it.

Cut 4  (:11) “our victims.” 

Sheriff Smith says these types of crimes are devastating to the community because the victims and suspects are young and their lives forever altered.

Cut 5  (:11 ) “Chevy Camaro.”

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Get set to lose an hour of sleep this weekend as Daylight Saving Time goes into effect. Experts say if you get at least seven hours of sleep a night, it should only be a minor inconvenience. But for over 50-percent of Americans it could take a couple days to adjust. Dr. Rebecca Meiners with Ochsner Medical Center in Baton Rouge says you can’t “make up” the sleep you’ve lost, so adjust now…

Cut 6 (08)  “minimize it.”

Meiners says a sleep friendly environment helps to encourage your body to sleep. It’s a good idea to ditch the cell phones and tablets while getting ready for bed…

Cut 7 (11)  “covered up.”

Also, she says to watch what kind of foods and drinks you consume before go to bed. Caffeine is definitely not good to drink late. Meiners says drink calming teas instead. She says look for a good amount of one particular ingredient…

Cut 8 (06) “the tea.”

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Senator John Kennedy is commending House Republicans for rejecting Governor John Bel Edwards’ tax proposals, in what some say is another step towards his eventual challenge for the governor’s house. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says a relocation to D.C. hasn’t kept the Senator from sticking his toes in local waters.

Cut 9 (12) “to Washington”

Tension between the Democratic governor and the Republican legislature dominated the failed special session negotiations. Cross says the dysfunction wasn’t solely the result of the 2019 governor’s race, but it certainly didn’t help.

Cut 10 (10) “the house.”

Cross says much of the blame lies at the feet of House Speaker Taylor Barras, who failed to build a republican coalition, and a Democratic caucus who refuses to budget on tax issues that target their constituents.

Cross says the legislative dysfunction hurts everyone involved, particularly a Democratic governor facing an uphill reelection battle in a Republican state.

Cut 11 (12) “against him”

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West Virginia teachers won a five percent raise for all state workers after a nine day strike. In the wake of reports showing Louisiana teachers are paid 2,000 dollars less than the regional average, Louisiana Federation of Teachers President Larry Carter says if all other options are exhausted to get better conditions for teachers, he would support a strike.

Cut 12 (10) “point across”

At the moment though, Carter says there has been no discussions locally about staging a strike. He says they’re waiting to hear more from educators.

Cut 13 (12) “national strike”

Reports say Oklahoma teachers could be the next to strike. Carter says teachers in some parts of the state haven’t had a raise in a decade, and the victory in West Virginia is getting their attention.

Cut 14 (11) “the end”

Lawmakers are barely able to deal with the effects of a special session hangover let alone prep for the regular session. Jim Shannon reports a balanced budget in the regular session looks more like a pipe dream than a reality.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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Parents and students alike are worried how they can afford higher education since TOPS funding may be cut back.  Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”.

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With the special legislative session being a memory for some and a nightmare for others, lawmakers are looking ahead to the regular session that starts Monday. The question is how the legislature will react to a highly fractured body after the recent blood-bath. Representative Barry Ivey.

Cut 3 (:11) “that we serve.”

Ivy says he can’t see any scenario  during the upcoming session that passes a budget.

Cut 4  (11) “more difficult.” 

Kenner Representative Julie stokes also is suffering the effects of a brutal special session that she also fears will bleed over to the regular session.

Cut 5  (07 ) “is respect.”

She says it’s time to reach out to the radical’s to reign in both sides.

Cut 6 (11)  “this situation.”

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Now that the special session concluded without a solution to fill a one-billion-dollar budget shortfall in July, TOPS funding could be cut by 80-percent. There are nearly 48-thousand TOPS students. Higher Education Commissioner Joe Rallo says many parents can’t afford to send their kids to college without some financial help. Those college prospects are looking elsewhere to get their education…

Cut 7 (11)  “students leaving.”

Governor Edwards has hinted at calling another special session at the end of the regular session to continue to find a way to cover the loss of one-billion-dollars. Rallo says legislators will need to consider funding both TOPS and higher education. One can’t go without the other…

Cut 8 (10) “faculty members.”

Rallo says if funding for Higher Education and TOPS is wiped out, it will hurt more than just the students, their families and faculty. It could cripple the state’s economy…

Cut 9 (12) “it deserves.”

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So what happens now that the legislature wasn’t able to come to any agreement on solving the fiscal cliff? Governor John Bel Edwards doubts legislators can pass a budget for next fiscal year in the regular session, so another special session is likely…

Cut 10 (11) “June 4th.”

But Republican House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry is optimistic they can pass a budget in the regular session, because the state can do more to reduce its spending

Cut 11 (10) “they want”

The state is facing a billion dollar shortfall, but Louisiana will receive an additional 300-million dollars in state tax revenues, because of changes made as a result of the federal tax overhaul. Edwards says even with the extra revenue deep cuts will be needed and there will be more urgency to raise revenue in a special session that he hopes will begin in May…

Cut 12 (11) “this year”

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Livingston Parish deputies have charged 27-year-old Chad Horsley with a hate crime. The Denham Springs man is accused of targeting a Muslim owned convenience store, while impersonating an East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s deputy. He allegedly caused thousands of dollars of damage by attempting to steal the store’s ATM machine. Sheriff Jason Ard says Horsley also accused the owner of engaging in illegal activities.

Cut 13 (10) “search warrant”

Ard says his office later received a call from someone who says they witnessed the crime, but…

Cut 14 (09) “doing it”

Ard says after being confronted with evidence, Horsley cooperated and admitted he picked that store for a reason.

Cut 15 (11) “that nature”

Legislators waived the white flag on the special session. Matt Doyle looks at how much it cost taxpayers for lawmakers to do nothing towards fixing a one billion dollar shortfall…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A south Louisiana lawmaker thinks he has a solution for the state’s budget woes. It involves legalizing marijuana. Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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This year’s post special session blame game is revving up after the legislature failed to solve the fiscal cliff. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The state legislature went home after spending 15 days in a special session and failing to find a solution for the one billion dollar fiscal cliff. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says legislators spent a lot of taxpayer money for very little return.

Cut 4  (07) “… nothing.” 

The session is expected to cost the state nearly a million dollars, 50-to-60-thousand dollars a day.

Despite early reports of House leadership and the governor having a framework for a deal, negotiations collapsed once the session started. DuBos says the same partisan divides that tanked the February special session still exist going forward.

Cut 5  (11)  “of uncertainty.”

No revenue bills will be heard in the upcoming regular session.

DuBos says the legislative gridlock could hurt some lawmakers chances at re-election….

Cut 6 (10)  “a shot.”

The LSU System has warned that waiting until June to fix the cliff will have negative consequences on the 2018-2019 school year.

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Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan is seeking to introduce a bill that would legalize the recreational use of marijuana and set up a way to tax the sale of cannabis. Jordan says this legislation could help with the state’s constant budget deficits…

Cut 7 (09)  “right now.”

Colorado, the first state to legalize marijuana, pulled in nearly 200-million-dollars in taxes, while Washington State is expected to bring in over 700-million-dollars between 2017 and 2019.  California could make upwards of 1.4-billion-dollars by 2021.  Jordan proposes a tax rate similar to cigarettes, which is $1.08 per pack.  Jordan says if Louisiana were to legalize pot, it wouldn’t give citizens the right to smoke it whenever they want to

Cut 8 (10) “manner possible.”

Baton Rouge and New Orleans recently approved ordinances that decrease the penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana. He says making it legal statewide is the next obvious step…

Cut 9 (10)  “it underground.”

Jordan stresses this bill only would address marijuana and not other illegal drugs.

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Louisiana drivers are getting a bit of a break with falling gas prices over the last few weeks. The statewide average for regular unleaded gas is $2.33 a gallon, but Triple A’s Don Redman says don’t get too comfortable with these lower prices as we move into the warmer months…

Cut 10 (10) “grade gasoline.”

Earlier this year, the projection was for $3.00 a gallon in Louisiana, but Redman says the increase won’t be as much as first thought…

Cut 11 (10) “a gallon.”

Redman says drivers aren’t concerned as long as gas stays below $2.75 a gallon, which will translate to a lot of traveling this year…