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”

_________________________________

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.

Good news for Louisiana Anglers, the feds have given control of Red Snapper waters to the state for the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Don Molino has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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15 thousand pounds of crawfish will be devoured starting today and running through the weekend at the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival. Jeff Palermo the scoop.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana has been given full control of Red Snapper waters from the feds for the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist Harry Blanchet says that’s great news for bayou sportsmen.

Cut 3 (07) “offshore”

This year’s season will kick off Friday, May 25^th, with a total allocation of 743,000 pounds allowed to be harvested

Not only will it be easier to keep track of where you are allowed to fish, Blanchet says you’ll be allowed to head out all week long.

Cut 4 (12) “to quickly”

Blanchet says part of the reason the state has been given authority over both waters is that early projections indicate that anglers won’t have a lot of success fishing in the federal waters this season.

Cut 5  (08) “this year”

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The Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival is expecting over 30-thousand people at this weekend’s massive festival just outside Lafayette. Festival Spokesperson Angelique Bernard says an unbelievable amount of mudbugs will be consumed.

Cut 6 (05)  “peeled crawfish”

But it’s not just the usual boiled affair. Bernard says there’s a little something for everyone.

Cut 7 (08)  “crawfish jambalaya”

And it’s not just food. Bernard says festival goers will be treated to an Acadiana specialty.

cut 8 (06) “stages”

The festival starts today with a celebrity crawfish eating contest.

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The chemical fire has been distinguished at Flowchem in Duson and evacuated residents were allowed back into their homes Friday morning. The massive blaze shutdown I-10 on Thursday, but it’s has since re-opened. State Police spokesperson Brooks David says investigators still don’t know what caused the blaze

.Cut 9 (10) “go from there”

Flowchem Technologies is a chemical blending facility that provices products and services to the oil and gas industry. David says which chemicals sparked the blaze is part of the investigation….

Cut 10 (08) “release it”

David says given the size of the fire, it’s amazing no one was injured…

Cut 11 (11) “that blaze”

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The state posted the slowest gross domestic product growth in the nation in 2017 at minus-point-two-percent. It’s the second straight year Louisiana had a decline in the real G-D-P. LSU Economist Doctor Loren Scott says Louisiana is coming off a 28-month recession that ended in the final quarter of 2017

Cut 12 (10)   “New Orleans”

Scott says the downturn in the oil and gas industry has bottomed out, which is good for Louisiana’s economy. He says the next big threat is the potential of higher taxes on businesses as legislators scramble to fix a 648-million dollar budget hole

Cut 13 (07) “that’s Texas”

Louisiana’s Gross Domestic Product Growth for the fourth quarter of 2017 was two-point-two-percent, which could be a positive sign. Scott credits the industrial expansion boom that’s ongoing in Lake Charles and Baton Rouge

Cut 14 (08)  “fourth quarter”

State Fire Marshal investigators believe a charging cell phone could be responsible for a blaze that injured a one-year-old child. Michael Farrar has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michael Farrar”

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A bill is nearing final passage that would allow students who missed out on TOPS in high school a second chance after two years in college. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (31) I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The state legislature is interested in setting up a task force to study daylight saving time versus standard time. Covington Representative Mark Wright says he gets asked about moving the clocks back an hour every fall all the time

Cut 3 (06) “taxes”

Florida recently passed legislation to stay on Daylight Saving Time year round, but Congress has yet to agree with Florida’s Sunshine Protection Act. Wright says studies have shown turning the clock back an hour creates problems

Cut 4 (:10) “an uptick”

Wright has a resolution calling for a task force that will report back its findings to the legislature next year.

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The State Fire Marshal’s office believes a cell phone is responsible for a fire that injured a one-year-old child in Jeanerette. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says a 14-year-old resident told detectives he was sleeping in a room with his little sister, when he awoke to use the bathroom, he smelled smoke and saw the mattress on fire

Cut 5  (09) “electrical outlet”

The toddler suffered second-degree burns to her head, arms and legs. She was taken to Galveston, Texas hospital for treatment. Rodrigue says electronic devices should always be properly ventilated when they are being charged….

Cut 6 (08)  “unfortunate fire”

Detectives learned it was an I Phone 6 that caught fire. Rodrigue says an electrical malfunction can happen when a cell phone is charging, if it’s not properly ventilated

Cut 7 (09)  “cell phones”

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Students who had the GPA, but were a few points shy of qualifying for TOPS in high school could get another shot at the scholarship under a bill that is almost to the governor’s desk. The legislation would allow students who scored 17, 18, or 19 on the ACT, but have a 3.2 GPA after two years in college to collect TOPS for their last two years. The bill’s sponsor, New Orleans Senator Wesley Bishop:

cut 8 (09) “go on”

The bill would affect 47 current Louisiana college students. Welsey says it’s unfair that college students who are excelling are forced to take on debt because of youthful mistakes.

.Cut 9 (07) “years old”

Wesley says he was moved by stories of students who were valedictorians in high school, but just couldn’t perform on the ACT. The New Orleans Democrat says hard working students shouldn’t be punished just because they’re bad testers.

Cut 10 (11) “particular day”

The bill passed committee and is on its way to the House floor.

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Louisiana now meets the highest standard of air quality according to EPA standards. Governor John Bel Edwards says the success is the result of notable increases in air quality in the Baton Rouge area parishes. DEQ Environmental Scientist Vivian Aucoin says its great news for quality of life in the Bayou State.

Cut 11 (08) “have done”

Ozone is formed in the atmosphere when nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compounds interact with sunlight, and can be exacerbated from human activity. Aucoin says this makes ozone control a tough task.

Cut 12 (11)   “emitting ozone”

Aucoin says it’s been a tough fight, but over the years a series of regulations have helped bring Louisiana into compliance.

Cut 13 (12) “your fuel”

A proposed 15-week abortion ban moves closer to final legislative passage after a House committee approved the measure on a 9-8 vote. Jim Shannon has more…

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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The state legislature is close to allowing riverboat casinos to expand gaming activity on land. Matt Doyle reports a House committee approved the Senate-passed measure today.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”

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The full Senate approved a measure to enact a statewide policy against sexual misconduct in government. The bill was passed the same day Secretary of State Tom Shedler announced he was stepping down following allegations of sexual misconduct. New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson is a co-author of the bill

Cut 3 (12) “those ways”

Peterson says the bill will allow state employees to make complaints that will be investigated, unlike the Secretary of State’s office.

Cut 4 (:11) “agency head”

Peterson says the bill will greatly enhance the state’s sexual harassment policy.

Cut 5  (:12) “as inappropriate.”

The bill heads back to the House for final passage.

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The House Criminal Justice Committee approved Senator John Milkovich’s 15 week abortion ban bill 9-8, after it passed with little opposition in the Senate. The bill mirrors an effort in Mississippi that’s been halted in federal court that would make it illegal to provide an abortion after 15 weeks. The Shreveport Democrat says fetuses are alive, and deserving of a chance at life.

Cut 6 (09)  “protect them”

Current law blocks abortions after 22 weeks in Louisiana. The majority of states have a 24 to 26 week ban.

Milkovich raised concerns that the level of development in a 15 week old fetus could lead to potentially dangerous medical complications.

Cut 7 (11)  “significant injuries”

The bill is similar to the Mississippi ban, but pro-choice activists note that there are differences. They say Louisiana’s law imposes stiff criminal penalties for providers, and does not allow exceptions for fetal abnormalities. Pro-choice attorney Ellie Schilling says this bill also measures the time from conception.

cut 8 (11) “11 weeks”

Schilling says the effort is a waste of taxpayers’ dollars, and just adds to the six abortion restriction court battles the state is embroiled in.

.Cut 9 (12) “like these”

The law would not go into effect unless a federal appeals court rules favorable on the challenge to Mississippi’s 15 week abortion ban.

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A bill allowing riverboat casinos to build on land from their current water bound facilities cleared a House committee 10-4, one of the few gaming related bills to gain traction this session. The bill has come under fire from gambling critics for being a de facto expansion of casino services, but bill sponsor Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns says that’s not the case.

Cut 10 (07) “so ever”

Johns says gaming is responsible for bringing in over 900 million dollars in state revenue, 300 million more than even oil and gas. The Shreveport Republican says we’re in danger of losing that revenue if we don’t allow our casinos to compete.

Cut 11 (09) “enormous casinos”

But opponents disagree that the bill is not an expansion of gaming. Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says taking the casinos off the water will make it easier for casinos to bring in bigger crowds.

Cut 12 (06)   “go bigger”

Mills says there’s a reason why the state initially imposed such severe restrictions on gaming in the state…

Cut 13 (10) “those industries”

The bill moves to the House.

____________________________________

The Mayor of Cotton Valley, Joseph Alexander, has been arrested by State Police and charged with Felony Abuse of Power related to two undisclosed incidents in 2017 involving the alleged mishandling of town funds. State Police Trooper Glenn Younger says the charge is similar to misappropriation of funds and malfeasance.

Cut 14 (08)  “fit it”

The arrest took place after Webster Parish Sheriffs informed the LSP about the incidents.

Younger says Alexander is now out of detention, while the investigation continues.

Cut 15 (06) “dollar bond”

Louisiana Senator John Kennedy is asking the legislature to put the breaks on a new deal for Harrah’s casino in New Orleans. Jim Shannon has details.

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Jim Shannon”

______________________________________________

Embattled Secretary of State Tom Schedler, who is facing a sexual harassment lawsuit, submits his resignation to the governor. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (29) I’m Matt Doyle”

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Former Baton Rouge police officer Blane Salamoni, who was involved in the fatal shooting of Alton Sterling, is now facing a battery charge from a separate arrest that took place one month before the shooting. Salamoni’s attorney John Mclindon was asked about possible jail time for his client.

Cut 3 (07) “traditionally”

Baton Rouge Police fired Salamoni and demoted another officer involved in the Sterling incident. Federal and state prosecutors decided not to pursue criminal charges against Salamoni for the fatal shooting of Sterling. Mclindon says this new charge against Salamoni is window dressing for the police department.

Cut 4 (09) “I don’t know”

Salamoni has appealed his firing from the Baton Rouge Police Department. Mclindon thinks the battery charge is just a ploy to embarrass Salamoni.

Cut 5  (09) “my guess.”

In the battery case, the BRPD says the body camera video shows Salamoni slapped a handcuffed man in the head.

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U.S. Senator John Kennedy is asking the state legislature to hold off on voting a bill that extends Harrah’s New Orleans Casino’s contract with the state for 30 years. Kennedy says media reports that Harrah’s is considering selling the property so the state could unwittingly increase Harrah’s selling price by extending the contract.

Cut 6 (12)  “to me”

The House has already passed the measure. A Senate committee was set to debate the bill today, but has delayed discussion. Committee Chair Gary Smith says he postponed discussion, but it wasn’t because of Kennedy. Meanwhile, the US Senator says there is no rush to renew the contract.

Cut 7 (08)  “god’s sake”

Kennedy sought the delay after a published report that indicated Harrah’s allegedly signed an agreement with another entity to purchase the casno, hotel and parking garage….

cut 8 (12) exchange commission”

If Harrah’s receives the extension, House Speaker Taylor Barras said it would result in a new luxury hotel, more restaurant and entertainment options at the land-based casino.

___________________________________________________

A House backed bill that would remove the requirement that florists be licensed was shot down in a Senate committee six to one. The bill was part of the governor’s licensing reform legislative agenda. Annie Taylor, a licensed florist in Scott, says floral work is more dangerous than you might think.

.Cut 9 (13) “to you”

Floral wholesaler Audrey Lemoine says removing license requirements would flood the marketplace with cut rate work from retailers.

Cut 10 (12) “anymore.”

But Carencro Representative Julie Emerson, the bill’s sponsor, says the front end regulation is keeping people from pursing their dreams in the floral profession.

Cut 11 (08) “can do”

The Lafayette area Republican says the legislation was common sense, bi-partisan reform.

Cut 12 (07)   “as well”

___________________________________

Louisiana Secretary of State Tom Schedler has submitted his resignation letter to the governor, in the wake of a sexual harassment scandal involving his former secretary, Dawn Ross. Schedler refutes many of the allegations, but Ross’s attorney Jill Craft says his resignation sends a clear signal to other would be harassers.

Cut 13 (08) “stop period”

In the letter, Schedler decries a “tabloid approach to an incredibly serious allegation”. In March, Schedler described the lawsuit as “unfair”, but Craft disagrees.

Cut 14 (13)  “about it”

Craft says the behavior should’ve never taken place, especially from someone entrusted with state authority.

Cut 15 (07) “higher standard”

A Hospital in Lafayette has sent out lay off warnings to 770 employees ahead of potential budget cuts that would close the facility. Michael Farrar has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michael Farrar”

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GOP House Caucus Chairman Lance Harris says it’s likely we’ll see a special session kick off May 18^th. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”

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Two State Police Troopers and two former troopers are on the other side of the law as they’ve been arrested on allegations they received overtime pay for hours they never worked. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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University Hospital and Clinics in Lafayette has notified 770 employees that they could be laid off, and the facility shut down under proposed spending plans that slashes state funding for public-private partnership hospitals. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says they are not the only jobs at risk.

Cut 4  (09) “smaller locations” 

Dardenne says the public-private system was created after Charity Hospitals were dismantled under the Jindal Administration, and focus on covering the underinsured.

Cut 5  (10)  “primary care”

Dardenne says legislators need to find a budget solution sooner rather than later, as the indecision is stressing out the industry.

Cut 6 (10) “private sector”

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House GOP Chairman Lance Harris is defending the House backed budget that funds education, but slashes healthcare, ahead of a special session that is expected to start mid may. The budget has come under fire for threatening to eliminate public-private partnership hospitals and residency programs, but Harris says it’s just a first step in long budget process that he expects will carry over into a special session.

Cut 7 (11)  “may happen”

The Alexandria Republican anticipates a May 18^th special session being called by the governor to fill the 648 million dollar budget gap reflected in the House budget, but he says the legislature will likely not increase income taxes to replace expiring sales taxes.

Cut 8 (08)  “being here”

Harris says he sees two options for funding those healthcare priorities: keeping a piece of the expiring one cent sales tax, and eliminating sales tax deductions for certain industries in an anticipated special session.

Cut 9 (11)  “to execptions”

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Two current and two former Troopers have been arrested on various charges as part of a six month investigation into payroll fraud. The four men allegedly claimed bogus hours and wrote fraudulent tickets as part of a highway safety program funded by district attorneys. State Police Colonel Kevin Reeves says it’s a disappointing day…

Cut 10 (06) “their actions”

State Police launched an internal investigation into the actions of these troopers after a New Orleans T-V station showed surveillance video that showed two Troopers filed for overtime pay for hours they didn’t work. Reeves says changes have been made to this ticket-writing program

Cut 11 (09) “working”

Trooper Daryl Thomas, a 23-year veter of State Police was booked into the East Baton Rouge Prison, along with former Trooper Byron Sims. Former trooper Jimmy Rogers faces 74 counts of injuring public records was taken into custody in Calcasieu Parish and Senior Trooper Wayne Taylor was processed in Rapides Parish. Reeves says this has been a long and unfortunate journey….

Cut 12 (09) “their actions”

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Over 900 farmers and ranchers are receiving grants averaging 9900 dollars for disaster recovery efforts resulting from the 2016 floods. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says it’s long overdue.

Cut 13 (08)  “devastating flood” 

Strain says the grants will fill a reimbursement gap for farmers who’ve suffered damages that were uninsured.