A record setting amount of money was returned to a North Louisiana resident as part of the state’s Unclaimed Property Program. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________________

The state is warning that unless more revenue is approved in the special session, the food stamps program will shut down. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle” 

Cut 6 (09)  “…related to financial loss”

Edmonds says that families that have a new baby via natural delivery have maternity leave, but it’s important that adopting families have a similar opportunity to bond with a child.

Cut 7 (10)  “…for those families”

The Baton Rouge Republican says he wanted to see the burden put on families eased by the new legislation.

cut 8 (10) “…has been removed.”

The change also applies to school social workers and school psychologists.

___________________________

More tech jobs are coming to Louisiana with today’s announcement that Austin-based Accruent will open an office in  New Orleans. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the tech center is expected to bring in 350 jobs into the Big Easy.

Cut 9 (10)  “…multiplier effect with this.”

Accruent is already hiring and they plan to be fully staffed by 2020. Pierson says Accruent’s main focus of the company is digital integration in real estate.

Cut 10 (12) “…in the market”

Colleges in the area are partnering with the company in training for these jobs.  Pierson says It’s the state’s goal to create a digital media and software development sector.

Cut 11 (13) “…high paying jobs”

Accruent is headquartered in Austin, Texas and serves a wide range of industries in more than 150 countries around the world.

___________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services warns that unless more funding is approved in the special session, that the food stamps program will be shut down. The money on SNAP cards comes from the feds, but the state has to foot much of the administrative bill, and the current budget leaves no money for it. Secretary Marketa Walters says one in five Louisianans are at risk of going hungry.

Cut 12 (10)   “about it”

The department is currently set for 34 million dollars in cuts, which the Secretary says would have to be absorbed by SNAP administrators because the only other services that could be cut would shut down child welfare services.

Walters says 64 percent of people who receive SNAP benefits are either children, disabled, or the elderly, with another 27 percent being the working poor who a earn paycheck that’s not enough to feed their families. She says the loss of this program would be a disaster.

Cut 13 (10) “their children” 

The feds currently pump 1.4 billion dollars in federal SNAP dollars into the state every year, which Walters says ends up being spent at one of 4,500 businesses like grocery stores and gas stations. The Secretary says that kind of economic loss would ripple throughout Louisiana’s economy.

Cut 14 (11)  “DCFS”

The state transportation department says 77 percent of the nearly 800 crashes annually along a notorious stretch of Interstate 10 just west of the Mississippi River are the result of drivers not paying attention. Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 1 (28)  I’m Kevin Barnhart“

_____________________________________________________

This year’s special session trilogy is set to begin its final chapter June 18^th. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (31) ”  I’m Matt Doyle” 

____________________________________________________

With the recent wave of mass shootings fresh on the minds of many, students in this state can have another level of protection against such a danger for the next school year.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (25) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

_______________________________________________

There are nearly 800 crashes annually along a notorious stretch of Interstate 10 just west of the Mississippi River. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallet says a video recently released showcasing accident data on the agency’s Facebook page is a stern message to distracted drivers who are to blame for the lion’s share of the accidents.

Cut 4  (12) “…paying attention or tailgating.”

The DOTD has taken multiple measures to ensure the safety along this stretch of highway with additional signage, cable barriers and ruble strips.  Mallett says it also comes down to the responsibility of drivers to make a difference.

Cut 5  (10)  “…and for others”

Mallet says that 77 percent of the 800 accidents are from people not paying attention.

Cut 6 (05) “…in front of them.”

__________________________________________________

Public school students can have a bulletproof backpack next school year as a result of a new state law. Republican Senator Mike Walsworth, who sponsored the bill, says it could protect students in the event of an active shooter on campus. But, if you are interested in obtaining one, you may need to act now to have one in time for the next school year.

Cut 7 (10)  “…the backpacks themselves”

Some schools require students to carry mesh fabric backpacks?  But Walsworth says even with a mesh backpack, you can purchase a kevlar plate to provide protection…

Cut 8 (11)  “…through that pretty easily”

Walsworth hopes a child never has to use a bulletproof backpack, but if a shooter  comes on campus, it could save a student’s life……

Cut 9 (10)  “…the child”
___________________________________________________

For the first time since its inception in 2001, the state may have to reduce enrollment to its taxpayer funded pre-k program. About 16-thousand students are enrolled in LA4. Superintendent of Education John White says state budget cuts are the reason for the reduction, but he hopes legislators will raise the necessary revenue to fully fund this program….

Cut 10 (09)   “…early childhood is one of them.”

White says it’s important we don’t lose focus of the needs of pre-kindergarten children in the state, but based on the current budget for next fiscal year, LA4 would see a 10-to-20-percent cut.

Cut 11 (12) “…cut to LA 4.”

The state’s tourism office is facing cuts as well. That will make it difficult for Louisiana to promote its new “Feed Your Soul” tourism campaign. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has been thinking about how to get that message out and he may turn to college students, who love using social media…

Cut 12 (12) “in Louisiana”

Nungesser says he’s also talking to LSU, about having a Feed Your Soul logo visible along the sidelines at Tiger Stadium and also looking towards the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board to assist with marketing efforts as well …

Cut 13 (08)  “…in Louisiana” 

__________________________________

The third special session of 2018 will begin a week from today and must end June 27th. Governor John Bel Edwards is still looking for a fix to the fiscal cliff. The governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff Richard Carbo says after the legislature failed to replace a large portion of the 1.4 billion dollars in temporary taxes that expire June 30th, they had no choice but to give it one more shot….

A CDC report reveals Louisiana has seen a massive spike in suicides since 1999. Connor Ferrill has more.

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Connor Ferrill”

______________________________________________

The man in charge of the state’s prison system says over 10-thousand inmates could be released unless additional revenue is not raised. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Cut 6 (08)  “to deliver”

Leblanc says without the proper facilities and professionals to take care of Louisiana patients with mental illnesses, they often end up treating the symptoms of their disease at places that aren’t equipped to handle them.

Cut 7 (10)  “to that”

_______________________________________________

US Congressman Garret Graves says they’re one step closer to a massive reform of the way the feds handle flooding and hurricane protection projects. The 2018  Water Resources and Development Act would allow local governments to take over funds for the execution of protection projects from the Corps of Engineers. Graves says this could help knock out the 100 billion dollar backlog of protection projects.

cut 8 (11) “for decades.”

Graves says local governments might be better equipped to tackle many of the decades old flood control projects than the large, and at times unwieldy Corps of Engineers.

Cut 9 (08)  “be efficient”

Graves is also considering moving the Corps of Engineers out of the Department of Defense.

Flood control and protection projects can take years to get approval, between environment surveys and federal approval. Graves says passing this bill would speed up construction of some desperately needed hurricane protection and coastal restoration plans.

Cut 10 (10) “river region”

The bill passed the House with overwhelming support and now needs Senate approval.

_______________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Corrections is warning that unless additional tax revenue is raised by June 30th, thousands of inmates will be released. Those released would be non-sexual and nonviolent offenders. Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc says that’s because the department would have to cut payments to local sheriffs who house state prisoners

Cut 11 (07) “with them”

The current budget, without additional funds, would require a 30 percent cut to TOPS, 96 million in higher ed cuts, and a nearly 63-million dollar cut to corrections, along with funding reductions across the board to other state agencies.

LeBlanc says they can’t absorb that kind of budget cut, because it’s not like corrections can cut back on staff.

Cut 12 (08)   “look at”

LeBlanc says there’s no more fat to trim, and any more budget cuts would mean cutting into bone.

Cut 13 (11) “four prisons” 

Only 53 percent of black men at Nicholls come back to school after their freshman year, so the University is starting a new mentorship program, CROWN, to tackle the issue. Becca Dill has the story.

Cut 1 (30)  I’m Becca Dill“

_____________________________________________________

The US Department of Justice has teamed up with several state agencies to help ensure people with serious mental illnesses have the opportunity to live in a community setting.  Matt Doyle has the details.

Cut 2 (30) ”  I’m Matt Doyle” 

_______________________________________________.

The summertime is here and while kids may be enjoying time away from the classroom, but as Kevin Barnhart explains, the experts say it’s an important time to make sure they stay engaged in learning.

Cut 3 (24) “Im Kevin Barnhart”

______________________________________________

Nicholls State is launching a new program, called CROWN, aimed at helping young black men stay at college, and finish their degree. After reviewing information from last year, the university discovered that only 53 percent of African American men returned after their freshman year. CROWN administrator Dr. Sean Chadwell says young black men are often the first members of their family to go to college.

Cut 4  (09) “…think of it as theirs” 

The program pairs freshmen with upper classmen who will mentor and guide the students through their early years, introducing them to the campus, and helping them to feel welcome. Chadwell says there was a lot of enthusiasm from older students to participate in the program.

Cut 5  (12)  “…like other students”

Chadwell says there’s another benefit to the program: it really doesn’t cost the university, its all-volunteer.

Education research indicates that students who have a family history of educational attainment have a higher rate of college graduation than first generation college attendees, and Chadwell says even if a student was a high performer in high school, they can still struggle in college if their a first generation college student.

Cut 6 (10) “…with their peers.”

The program was modeled after similar efforts at UAB and Purdue that have found success.

__________________________________________________

The summertime is here and while kids may be enjoying time away from the classroom, the experts say it’s an important time to make sure they stay engaged in learning.  So what are the best ways to do that?  The State Department of Education’s Rebecca Kockler says it is important for adults to keep learning exciting for kids during the summer break.

Cut 7 (08)  “…help them do that”

It’s not enough to just help children find the resources they need.  Kockler says adults should join the conversation.

Cut 8 (12)  “…about what they are learning”

So where do you find math and reading learning tools for children?  Kockler says the answer may be as close as being in the palm of your hand.

Cut 9 (09)  “…to keep practicing”
___________________________________________________

The US Department of Justice has teamed up with several state agencies to help ensure people with serious mental illnesses have the opportunity to live in a community setting.  The agreement follows a review by the DOJ in December of 2016 that claimed the state was unnecessarily relying on nursing homes to serve people with serious mental illnesses.  So what does the timeline for the transition look like?  Executive Counsel for the Department of Health, Stephen Russo, explains.

Cut 10 (12)   “…for them is.”

With the current situation with the state’s budget, Russo does see a potential benefit in the transition.

Cut 11 (06) “…a nursing home setting.”

The Department of Health has begun it’s assessments of the more than 2,500 mentally ill people currently residing in nursing homes. Russo says that the skilled professionals are working on the case.

Cut 12 (12) “…subject matter experts.”

Russo says that the option to stay in a nursing home setting will be available.

_________________________________________

Researchers say the Gulf of Mexico “Dead Zone” off the Louisiana coast is expected to be larger than Connecticut by the end of July. The dead zone is an area with little oxygen, which drives away aquatic life. LSU Professor Dr. Eugene Turner says the size fluctuates, but has trended up over the years.

Cut 13 (10)  “temperature” 

Planting season fertilizers, and other chemicals are dumped every year into waterways that feed into the Mississippi River, eventually making their way down into the delta. Turner says it’s been going on for hundreds of years.

Two Labrador retrievers and a cocker spaniel are dead after their owner left them in a vehicle during a doctor’s appointment.  The Shreveport woman is now facing felony charges.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

______________________________________________

A statewide poll shows continued, strong support for President Donald Trump in Louisiana, and a wide open Secretary of State’s race. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m I’m Jeff Palermo” 

A Shreveport woman is facing felony charges after her three dogs were found dead in her car.  Bossier City Police Spokesperson Mark Natale says that 47 year old Nancy Western was at Willis Knighton Medical Center, when she left her two Labrador retrievers and cocker spaniel in the vehicle

Cut 6 (12)  “…longer than that”

Western notified authorities of the situation when she returned to the vehicle to find the dogs, then told police that she intentionally left the animals in the vehicle.

Cut 7 (11)  “…means a trip to jail”

Animal Control assisted law enforcement with the situation and conducted a temperature test on the windows, and even after the vehicle had been opened, was still over 100 degrees.  Natale says it’s important that animals are never left to chance in vehicles in the hot Louisiana weather.

cut 8 (08) “…any length of time.”

Western was booked into the Bossier City Jail, which was followed by a transfer to the Bossier City Maximum Security Facility.

__________________________________

It’s National Seersucker Day. Created in Louisiana during the early 1900’s, the seersucker suit has withstood the test of time to be a signature look in the south and an iconic apparel around the country.  It has since become a congressional tradition on the first Thursday of June to wear the suit, and now, the Laurie Haspel with the company behind the look has expanded the celebration to a national holiday.

Cut 9 (08)  “…Thursday in June”

So what is the best way to celebrate National Seersucker Day? Haspel says it’s all about enjoying an afternoon beverage.

Cut 10 (11) “…in the afternoon”

So how did the seersucker suit gain the fame that it did?  Haspel credits the notable names over the years who have sported the look over the years.

Cut 11 (10) “…most of them”

In addition to the traditional seersucker suit, the Haspel company now produces a seersucker Tux.

____________________________

A statewide poll from JMC Analytics shows despite a 42 percent national approval rating for President Donald Trump, Louisianans are still on board, as 56 percent of those surveyed approve of his administration. Pollster John Couvillion says “never Trump Republicans” never caught on in the Bayou State.

Cut 12 (09)   “amoungst Republicans”

The poll also indicates the president has strong support amongst white Democrats and independents.

But Couvillion says there’s two cities that just never bought into Make America Great Again, and that’s been the case since the President jumped in the race in 2016.

Cut 13 (08) “New Orleans” 

Also released were very early polling results on the upcoming Secretary of State special election that will be held in fall as a result of a sexual harassment scandal that toppled the former Secretary Tom Schedler. It looks like most folks have no clue who many of the possible candidates are at this point, and Couvillion says that likely means it’ll take a big name to break the race open.

Cut 14 (11)  “ballot race”

A south Louisiana man is under arrest after allegedly stalking an ex, and setting a series of fires aimed at harassment.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________________

House Republicans are fighting the Governor’s claims that their “caucus of no” is responsible for the legislative gridlock. Kevin Barnhart.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

______________________________________________________

Conservatives in the House are punching back again the Governor’s claims that they’re at fault for the legislative gridlock and partisan conflicts that ground down yet another special session. Erath Representative Blake Miguez says after a House tax plan that raised 400 million dollars was rejected, some Republicans may be losing interest in voting for any revenue measure.

Cut 6 (09)  “tax increase”

Without additional revenue, TOPS would be cut by 30 percent, higher ed would see 96 million in cuts, and state agencies would take an across the board funding reductions.

Governor Edwards has labeled a group of anti-tax, pro budget cut hardliners the “caucus of no” for rejecting compromise tax plans. But Miguez says the votes were there for GOP House Chairman Lance Harris bill which would have raised 300-million dollars….

Cut 7 (10)  “compromise bill”

Miguez says the legislature’s current budget the fully funds healthcare, and has plenty of enough money to adequately fund other state priorities. The Erath Republican says before another special session, the governor needs to sign the budget that’s on his desk to reassure the Medicaid patients who received cancellation notices that their programs will not be cut.

cut 8 (11) “a priority”

__________________________________

A bill sponsored by House GOP leader Lance Harris that would allow independent gas stations to sue larger gas station companies over unfair pricing has been vetoed by Governor John Bel Edwards. Harris owns a chain of gas stations in the Alexandria area and could have benefited from the bill.  Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the move may be retaliation on the part of the governor.

Cut 9 (10)  “…by the governor”

Although Governor Edwards said a in a veto note that the bill would’ve likely resulted in higher prices at the pump for drivers, Pinsonat believes that was not the primary reason for the veto.

Cut 10 (11) “…the governor’s motives.”

Pinsonat says that this is part of the partisan games being played in Baton Rouge.

Cut 11 (12) “…vote for him.”

Harris dismissed suggestions it was improper for him to push a proposal in which, as an independent gas station owner, would have a financial interest.

____________________________

Entergy recommends you set thermostat to 78 degrees for maximum savings on your electric bill. For most people…. That’s not going to happen….

Cut 12 (10)   “outside”

Most folks surveyed said they didn’t have a problem leaving the temperature at 78 while they were at work, but nearly everyone said…

Cut 13 (08) “at all” 

The recommendation had a lot of folks asking, what’s the point of having AC if it doesn’t keep you comfy in the summer?

Cut 14 (08)  “*laughs*”

Entergy says each degree below 78 will add approximately 3-percent to the cost of your electric bill.

The proposed cuts to public colleges and TOPS has higher education leaders concerned  Kevin Barnhart has more on this story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

______________________________________________

Fiscal conservatives are applauding the failure of a sales tax bill in the second special session, while left leaning groups are concerned about proposed cuts. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m   Jeff Palermo” 

______________________________________________________

So what options does the governor have now after a sales tax bill failed to get approval that would replaced over 500-million dollars in expiring taxes? Political consultant Roy Fletcher says the governor may have to accept the House plan, which would set the sales tax rate at 4.3 percent after July 1st…

Cut 6 (11)  “out of here”

Both chambers are at odds with each other, as House Republicans do not want to go over a 4.3 percent sales tax rate and the Senate supports a 4.5 percent rate. Fletcher says everyone has to compromise.

Cut 7 (11)  “the governor”

Fletcher says the politics of the situation has already done damage to the dysfunctional perception of our government’s competence…

cut 8 (06) “with that”

With the fiscal year ending June 30th, we await the governor’s call for a third special session.

____________________________________________

The budget passed by the legislature in the waning moments of the special session has higher education advocates terrified that substantial cuts could be on their way. With no tax bill passed, TOPS will be reduced to 70 percent, and higher ed will be cut by 20 percent. Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moller says it’s not just college students who will bear the brunt of the cuts.

Cut 9 (13)  “completely unessecary”

A Senate backed tax bill that renewed half of the expiring penny sales tax, and fully funded higher ed, healthcare, and TOPS failed 64-40, coming just six votes short of the two thirds needed for passage. A last ditch effort to try and pass the bill again in the final minutes was filibustered by Representative Alan Seabaugh, leading to an eruption of boos from the chamber.

Moller says Moller says if the revenue can’t be raised in an expected third special session, 500 million dollars of cuts will be distributed  across state government…

Cut 10 (11) “this budget”

Fiscal conservatives are applauding the actions by House Republicans who blocked passage of the sales tax bill. Americans for Prosperity State Director John Kay says it’s time to reduce state spending

Cut 11 (06) “the budget”

Another special session is likely to be called in the coming days by Governor Edwards, with the goal of raising enough revenue to plug the 500 million dollar budget gap. Kay says legislators should once again refuse to accept any renewal of the expiring sales taxes.

Cut 12 (10)   “tax code”

____________________________________

Googling “how common is barium poisoning “on your phone might not be a good idea if you plan on poisoning someone. That information is in the warrant for 50-year-old Meshell Hale of Slaughter ,who was arrested and charged with second degree murder in the 2015 poisoning death of a Damian Skipper. Baton Rouge Police Sergeant Don Coppola says the New Orleans homicide detectives assisted in the arrest.

Cut 13 (10) “were working” 

Other google searches documented in the warrant: “How bad does Barium Taste? – truly”, “is barium acetate soluble in alcohol.”, and “heart stopping drugs.”

The report notes that Hale’s husband Arthur Noflin passed away in New Orleans in 2016. Also noted is that Noflin suffered chest pains that led to several trips to the hospital several months after Skipper died. Noflin’s death was under investigation by NOPD. Sgt. Coppola:

Cut 14 (08)  “Damian skipper”

The warrant details that Hale purchased 500 grams of barium with a PayPal account linked to her email account, your-secret-007 at yahoo dot com, just a month before Skipper’s death, and purchased 250 grams of barium shortly before Noflin’s death.

The documents say Skipper’s death was initially ruled a heart attack, as the victim had been in and out of the hospital for a week with chest pains. He was not autopsied at the time. Coppola says a new autopsy revealed the presence of barium.

Cut 15 (07) “poisoning”

________________________

lawmakers have until midnight to solve the fiscal cliff and pass a budget and tax plan to fund the government next year.  Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________________

A St. Landry Parish priest has been accused of sexual abuse of a minor. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Kevin Barnhart

______________________________________________________

The LSU Baseball season has come to a close as the Tigers finished with a record of 39-27 after losing 12-0 to Oregon State last night. Tiger Rag Associate Editor, James Moran, says the Tigers didn’t have enough healthy, quality arms to get past the Corvallis Regional

Cut 6 (14)  “lit up”

Moran says injuries and inexperienced kept this team from being a consistent winner. Moran says Coach Paul Mainieri took them as far as they could go……

Cut 7 (12)  “not hosting”

Mainieri said this season was a transition year for the Tigers. Moran says they could have a better team next season, especially if a couple of their star players decide to stay at LSU

cut 8 (12) “around”

The three-day Major League Baseball draft begins today.

____________________________________________

Three people are accused of a widespread livestock theft ring with quite the price tag. State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the husband and wife, Rickey and Wanda Thompson of Pitkin, along with their son Justin Thompson, are accused of the thefts that occurred from August to October of 2017.

Cut 9 (08)  “…one million dollars”

Strain said businesses sustained significant financial losses due to the thefts.

Cut 10 (08) “….from livestock theft”

Ricky and Wanda Thompson have turned themselves in to the Allen Parish Jail, however Justin Thompson has yet to surrender to authorities.

____________________________________________________

The pastor of St. Peter Church in St. Landry Parish has been accused of sexual abuse of a minor in an alleged incident that occurred several years ago. 75-year-old Michael Guidry has been a priest for nearly 50 years, while running St. Peter for the last nine. Lafayette Bishop Doug Deshotel says the priest has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation by law enforcement.

Cut 11 (12) “canonical penalties”

Guidry is also the head of the Resurrection Chapel in Whiteville.

Deshotel says the abuse occurred in a very small church community.

Cut 12 (07)   “families”

The Catholic Church was been hit with claims of widespread, and covered up cases of sexual abuse of minors over the last decade, specifically cases involving priests who’ve been moved to other diocese after allegations surfaced. Deshotel says Guidry’s past record is clean.

Cut 13 (07) “anywhere else” 

The Governor signs legislation that allows families to put cameras in their relative’s nursing home rooms. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

______________________________________________

The Senate has a lot to tackle Sunday, with critical decisions needed on a series of sales tax and budget bills. Don Molino has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m  Don Molino

______________________________________________________

Hurricane season has officially begun. The Bayou State may be relieved it has avoided tropical threat Alberto but the Spokesperson of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Mike Steele says now is the time to get a plan in place in case Louisiana is threatened by major hurricane …

Cut 6 (12)  “travel expenses”

Steele says if you don’t have flood insurance now is the time to get it and also take a look at your homeowners insurance …

Cut 7 (08)  “may be”

Steele encourages residents to visit getagameplan.org to help you get an idea of what kind of items you need in a supply kit…

cut 8 (09) “medical information”

____________________________________________

Governor Edwards signed River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot’s nursing home camera bill, as it breezed through the legislature. The law allows families to place remotely accessible cameras in their loved ones nursing home rooms for monitoring. Talbot says before you rush to grab that grandma cam, you need to talk to their roommate.

Cut 9 (07) “no issue”

Talbot says the cameras these days aren’t too pricey, but he does warn you’ll have to buy a cellular data plan because you can’t hook it up to the nursing homes Wi-Fi.

Cut 10 (08) “do that”

The legislation was inspired by a nursing home incident where a family suspected that the staff was physically abusing their relative, but the River Ridge Republican says it’s not just to prevent abuse, it’s handy just for checking in to make sure your loved one is looking healthy and happy.

Cut 11 (10) “can do”

The law will go into effect after it is reviewed by the Department of Health.

____________________________________________

It’ll be a big day in the Senate Sunday as the upper chamber takes on sales tax and budget bills that could decide the fate of 648 million dollar fiscal cliff that threatens to wreck higher ed, TOPS, and healthcare. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the House won’t have much time to debate the budget and tax plans the Senate agrees too, with a Monday at midnight deadline approaching.

Cut 12 (09)   “question”

The big revenue raising bill would call for consumers to pay a 4.3 percent state sales tax after July 1st. But the House and Senate disagree on how many sales tax exemptions for businesses should be removed. The Senate version raises enough money to avoid cuts, while the House supports a version that generates 330 million dollars in revenue., about half of what is needed. Pinsonat says several GOP Representatives have already said they will not vote for the Senate version…

Cut 13 (12) “can pass” 

If the two chambers cannot agree on a budget and tax plan by 12PM Monday night,  another special session will be called. Unlike this session, each day of the new session would cost the state tens of thousands of dollars, but Pinsonat says he’s optimistic a deal will be reached before the deadline.

Cut 14 (10)  “solutions”

A 29-year-old man and his four-year-old daughter were killed in LaPlace last night. Jeff Palermo reports the St. John the Baptist Sheriff’s office believes it was a single gunman…

Cut 1 (25) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________________

Online fantasy sports is heading to the November ballot after being signed by the Governor. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle “

Tregre says deputies have been canvassing the neighborhood as they search for more leads…

Cut 5  (10) “some justice”

_________________________________________________________

Online fantasy sports gaming will be on the ballot for parish approval in November after grabbing the governor’s signature. The legislation by River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot breezed through the legislature this year after past attempts stalled out. Talbot says it just took some time to educate lawmakers about why fantasy sports is not the same as sports betting.

Cut 6 (07)  “consist of”

Talbot says fantasy sports usually lacks the high stakes of sports betting, and isn’t just about blind luck, it requires knowledge and strategy to play. He says its closer to a game than gaming.

Cut 7 (06)  “of skill”

Talbot fully expects many parishes will approve the measure in fall. Once that happens, the state will go about putting together a framework to generate some revenue off of the games.

cut 8 (10) “the spring”

____________________________________________

St. Tammany President Pat Brister sent a letter to the governor asking the state to expedite road expansion on I-12 in her parish after a fiery crash led to four dead on Saturday. Brister wants the planned expansion moved up from its currently scheduled 2023, but State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says they just don’t have the cash to do it

Cut 9 (08) “wait”

Wilson says DOTD was looking forward to having utilizing the over 500 million dollars that would have been available in a 17 cent gas tax proposal, but that legislation died, damaging the state’s ability to get federal matching road dollars.

Cut 10 (08) “things back”

Brister says the state is prioritizing road projects in areas with less traffic than her own. She says the Walker area sees 50 percent of the traffic that the highway 51 to Tchefuncte Bridge area does, but it was still prioritized ahead of the St. Tammany location. Wilson says prioritization is created by the legislature.

Cut 11 (11) “plans were”

____________________________________________

The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s office has charged two teens from the Opelousas area with aggravated kidnapping of a child and negligent homicide for their roles in the death of an 11-year-old girl in a car crash.  Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says 19-year-old Kelvin Monte and 17-year-old Jon’Torras Bryant picked up Bryla Bell from her home in Lawtell and were eventually stopped by Opelousas Police

Cut 12 (12)   “she crashed”

Guidroz says Bryla apparently snuck out of her home in Lawtell to meet up with the two suspects. He says even though Bryla consented in getting into the car, the kidnapping charge is still warranted

Cut 13 (07) “aggravated

Guidroz says suspects did not know Bryla was just 11-years-old, she claimed to be 16 or 17 years old. The sheriff says Bryla’s mother knew her daughter snuck out of the home….

Cut 14 (10)  “a pursuit”

The suspects jumped out of the vehicle in Opelousas and Bryla took the wheel and eventually crashed and died.