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

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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

Cut 2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”

Cut 3 (06) “we’re optimistic”

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

Cut 4 (11) “very significant”

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

Cut 5  (07) “do this”

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

Cut 6 (09)  “July 1st”

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

Cut 7 (10)  “fiscal year”

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

cut 8 (10) “hazing violations”

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

Cut 9 (07) “university people.”

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

Cut 10 (10) “cover it up”

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

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

Cut 11 (10) “the state”

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

Cut 12 (10)   “take precautions”

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

Cut 13 (10) “play out”

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

Cut 14 (11)  “family services”

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

Cut 15 (11) “disengenuous”

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

Cut 16  (09) “solutions”

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

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

Cut 2 (27) I’m Jim Shannon”

Cut 3 (12) “Education Process”

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

Cut 4 (12)      “parents signature”

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

Cut 5  (11) “those students”

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

Cut 6 (10)  “of protection”

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

Cut 7 (06)  “same protection”

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

cut 8 (10) “get them

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

Cut 9 (07) “each parish”

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

Cut 10 (10) “revenue”

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

Cut 11 (12) “yea yea”

The interview was conducted with a Shreveport radio station.

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

Cut 12 (09)   “apologize”

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

Cut 13 (12) “dueling guns”

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

Cut 14 (10)  “of them”

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

Cut 15 (12) “so many times”

Both Chabert and Bishop are Republicans.

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

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

Cut 2 (30) I’m Becca Dill”

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

Cut 3 (32) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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

Cut 4  (09) “That’s ashame” 

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

Cut 5  (12)  “11 Years”

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

Cut 6 (11) “their facing”

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

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

Cut 7 (11)  “country”

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

Cut 8 (10)  “hope”

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

Cut 9 (11)  “staff yet”

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

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

Cut 10 (07) “ineffective”

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

Hodges says abortions after 15 weeks are dangerous for mothers.

Cut 11 (09) “objected to”

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

Cut 12 (08) “ban this”

The bill heads back to the Senate.

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

Cut 13 (13)  “million dollars” 

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

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

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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

Cut 2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”

Cut 3 (08) “tremendous momentum”

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

Cut 4 (12)      “bill of rights”

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

Cut 5  (11) “just ignore”

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

Cut 6 (12)  “nursing homes”

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

Cut 7 (09)  “day weekend”

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

cut 8 (10) “for medicaid”

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

Cut 9 (11) “get out”

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

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

Cut 10 (06) “place open”

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

Cut 11 (12) “housing areas”

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

Cut 12 (09)   “reputation”

Camp J housed 400 inmates at it’s peak.

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

Cut 13 (06) “ninety-six”

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

Cut 14 (12)  “warm temperatures”

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

Cut 15 (08) “been hot”

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

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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

Cut 2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”

Cut 3 (08) “head on”

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

Cut 4 (06)      the boat”

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

Cut 5  (08) “as well”

Caleb White was 27.

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

Cut 6 (08)  “Orleans market”

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

Cut 7 (06)  “those markets”

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

cut 8 (10) “rely on”

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

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

Cut 9 (12) “of imprisonment”

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

Cut 10 (09) “voting polls”

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

Cut 11 (11) “criteria”

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

Cut 12 (09)   “object”

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

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

Cut 13 (09) “do so”

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

Cut 14 (09)  “school events”

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

Cut 15 (12) “very coercive”

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

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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

Cut 2 (29) I’m Becca Dill”

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

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

Cut 4  (10) “on higher ed” 

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

Cut 5  (10)  “like that”

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

Cut 6 (08) “the session”

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

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

Cut 7 (09)  “CLEP Exam”

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

Cut 8 (11)  “you credit”

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

Cut 9 (10)  “of courses”

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

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

Cut 10 (07) “right now”

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

Cut 11 (12) “guaranteed”

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

Cut 12 (12) “proposed”

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

Cut 13 (10)  “the sentence” 

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

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

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

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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

Cut 2 (32) I’m Jeff Palermo”

Cut 3 (11) “and 1/3rd”

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

Cut 4 (12) “real time accountability”

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

Cut 5  (12) “registered voters”

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

Cut 6 (08)  “the state”

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

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

Cut 7 (08)  “current laws”

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

cut 8 (10) “thirty two”

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

Cut 9 (09) “this requirement”

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

Cut 10 (08) “better outcomes”

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

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

Cut 11 (10) “good time”

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

Cut 12 (08)   “money”

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

Cut 13 (08) “wasn’t okay”

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

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

Cut 14 (15)  “that revenue”

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

Cut 15 (12) “talking about”

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

Cut 16  (12) “million dollars”

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

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

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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

Cut 2 (27) I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

Cut 3 (11) “we get”

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

Cut 4 (09) “came forward”

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

Cut 5  (10) “that happens”

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

Cut 6 (12)  “you advance”

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

Cut 7 (09)  “really had”

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

cut 8 (12) “as a franchise”

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

Cut 9 (12) “his injuries”

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

Cut 10 (10) “have to”

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

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

Cut 11 (10) “woman over”

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

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

Cut 12 (08)   “the time”

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

Cut 13 (08) “yesterdays incident”

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

Cut 14 (11)  “make plans”

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

Cut 15 (11) “take action”

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

Cut 16  (09) “I eligible”

Dramatic testimony in Senate Finance today as disability advocates spoke out against a proposed budget that would slash healthcare services. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Calorie counts are now on display at all businesses with over 20 locations that sell food. Don Molino has the story.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Don Molino”

The Senate Finance Committee heard testimony today from disability advocates who are raising the alarm over the House passed budget that would place deep cuts in healthcare starting July 1st, including the slashing of programs for the disabled. Ville Platte Senator Eric LaFluer says the cuts would eliminate services for over 45 thousand developmentally disabled patients.

Cut 3 (11) “81 percent”

ARC of Ouachita representative Tina Holly says without these services, her family and friends would be broken up, and forced to move into nursing homes, if any would be available after the cuts kick in.

Cut 4 (10) “programs going”

Emotional testimony was presented on behalf of the disabled, this man said it was a life or death situation.

Cut 5  (08) “I survive”

Amy Duplechain of Lafayette receives assistance from the Long Term Care Special Income Level program, which allows people who earn under 2,250 dollars a month to get access to some Medicaid services. She says the cuts would force her into an impossible decision.

Cut 6 (13)  “lose services”

The Senate Finance Committee is expected to approve a budget later this week, but approving additional funding will have to wait until a special session.

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A two vehicle crash near Sorrento on Interstate 10 killed two children last night. State Police Trooper Bryan Lee says the driver of the vehicle who struck the victim’s car ,47-year-old Stephen Daigle of Gonzales, was arrested and charged with negligent homicide, negligent injuring and reckless operations

Cut 7 (10)  “Philson’s vehicle”

Lee says the victims were identified as one-month-old Arielle Philson and an eight-year-old Willie Williams Jr., both from Houston. All passengers involved in the crash were not restrained. Lee says proper restraints save lives…

cut 8 (09) “too often”

It is not known whether impairment was a factor in the fatal crash. State Police took toxicology samples from both drivers and additional charges are pending upon analysis…

.Cut 9 (08) “upgraded”

The investigation is ongoing.

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Louisiana is now on a six year run of record breaking tourism numbers as the state saw 500,000 more visitors in 2017 than it saw in 2016, for a total of 46.7 million visitors. Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says a lot of these great results come down to a big push to bring in more folks from outside the U-S…

Cut 10 (09) “more money”

Tourism also brought in 1.8 billion dollars in local and state tax revenue in 2017, a 4.5 percent increase over 2016.

Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans now offers direct flights into London and Germany. Nungesser says that’s played a huge role in bringing in more international guests.

Cut 11 (10) “the state”

Nungesser says as part of the push to get more foreign visitors, they’ll be taking a trip to the East.

Cut 12 (09)   “and clyde”

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Starting today business with over 20 locations that sell food, including groceries and movie theaters, must display calorie counts. The requirement is a part of “Obamacare” that is aimed at fighting obesity. Assistant Professor at the LSU Health Sciences New Orleans Center Dr. Henry Nuss says you could be in store for some big surprises about your favorite “healthy” foods.

Cut 13 (09) “healthy option”

Along with calorie counts, business will be required to provide detailed nutritional information about their food products as well, such as the amount of fats, carbs, and protein in each item. Nuss says that’s a big help for people on strict diets.

Cut 14 (11)  “follow”

Many fast food chains began displaying caloric information years ago, but Nuss says the jury is still out on whether or not it has much of an impact on dietary patterns.

Cut 15 (12) “choices”

Former City Councilwoman LaToya Cantrell is sworn in as New Orleans’ mayor today. Don Molino has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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Will the state Senate pass a budget for next fiscal year? Jeff Palermo reports that’s a major question mark with one month to go in the regular session…

Cut 2 (29) I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A study says 80 percent of managers and 86 percent of workers think that dressing up will help you climb the corporate ladder. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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LaToya Cantrell takes over New Orleans today after 8 years of Mitch Landrieu holding the reigns. Political Analyst Clancy DuBos says the former city council member’s leadership style is more of mystery than her predecessor who was known statewide after serving as Lt. Governor.

Cut 4  (10) “for Landrieu” 

Cantrell takes over a city with big issues to tackle, but a more stable budget and economy than it had eight years ago. DuBos says she’ll have three big challenges right out of the gate that need to be addressed.

Cut 5  (08)  “time down”

Cantrell arrives in office with a potential major scandal in the making. Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry is investigating the former city council member for potential misuse of a city credit card. DuBos says it’s an investigation that casts a pall not just over her, but many city officials.

Cut 6 (10) “credit card”

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The regular session must end in a month, but the belief at the capitol is it will end in mid-May, so lawmakers can pass tax bills to address a 648-million dollar shortfall. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says legislation that has nothing to do with the budget is close to final legislative passage, so the regular session could end in a couple of weeks.

Cut 7 (11)  “be passed”

The House passed a spending plan that would enact deep spending cuts in healthcare, potentially ending public-private partnership hospitals. Pinsonat says it remains to be seen if the Senate will act on the proposed budget or just wait for an anticipated special session…

Cut 8 (12)  “the budget”

The focus for some legislators is passing major legislation in the regular session. Bills about riverboat gaming being allowed on land and a constitutional amendment that would require unanimous jury verdicts in criminal trials are still being considered. Pinsonat says there’s a chance that legislation stalls as the clock ticks down.

Cut 9 (08)  “budget”

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A study is out revealing overwhelmingly that most workers and managers believe that what you wear to work has a big impact on your chances of getting that big promotion. 80 percent of managers and 86 percent of workers feel that clothing affects your promotion chances. OfficeTeam District President Brandi Britton says the old adage is still true…

Cut 10 (12) “a notch”

Another finding in the report was that while people still belive dressing up helps you move up, the definition of what “dressing up” is has loosened in recent years. Britton says that’s because employers are scrambling to find high quality workers.

Cut 11 (09) “to work”

Jeans, tennis shoes, and leggings are all more acceptable than they were in a study conducted five years ago, while tank tops, cold shoulder tops, and shorts are now less acceptable.

The study revealed that the old gendered stereotype that women take longer to get ready than men might be dead wrong, at least when it comes to Monday through Friday. Britton says men take three minutes a day longer to get dressed for work than women.

Cut 12 (11) “not prepared”

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College football attendance has dropped four straight years nationwide, but LSU officials says they’ve only seen a one percent drop in non-renewals for season tickets this year. Despite not having a 10-win season since 2013, Tiger fans are not giving up their season tickets. Tiger Athletics Foundation President Rick Perry says if anything, tickets are becoming even more sought after.

Cut 13 (07)  “last year” 

LSU Athletics Director Joe Alleva expressed concern there could be fewer season ticket holders, because of a change in federal tax law that says you can no longer deduct a contribution fans must make in order to have the ability to purchase season tickets. But Perry says an increase in the standard deduction should balance out the loss.