The Senate approves legislation to allow riverboat casinos to operate on land, despite objections it’s an expansion of gambling. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A House committee is expected to take up a Senate-approved proposal that seeks to change the state constitution so that unanimous juries are required in felony convictions. Jeff Palermo previews the debate…

Cut 2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A wave of teacher’s strikes is sweeping the south, and which has Louisiana Teacher’s Unions looking at their options. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The Senate passed a bill 22-14 that would allow riverboat casinos to expand their operations on land. Louisiana is the only state that requires floating gambling halls to keep all gaming operations on water. Franklin Senator Bret Allain says he can’t support the legislation, because it is an expansion of gaming.

Cut 4  (10) “what is” 

But Metairie Senator Danny Martiny says the bill allows the riverboats to invest more into their properties, which will bring more tax dollars to the state…

Cut 5  (09)  “that money”

Opponets argue that an expansion of gaming would lead to more gambling addiction, but the Metairie Republican says gamblers will find a way to get their fix whether we legislate against it or not.

Cut 6 (11) “nothing”

The bill moves to the House.

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The switch to make Louisiana juries come to unanimous decisions will face a tough test in the House Criminal Justice committee today. Currently only 10 out of twelve jurors have to agree if someone is guilty of a crime. A proposed constitutional amendment seeks to make all felony convictions unanimous. Christie Smith is the legislative liaison for the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys.

Cut 7 (10)  “in Louisiana”

The measure has already passed the Senate, despite concerns the proposal will make it more difficult to get convictions. Smith says that’s not the case….

Cut 8 (08)  “or better”

Smith also says if you compare Texas and Mississippi they both are getting their share of convictions with a standard of unanimous juries.

Cut 9 (10)  “that matter”

That House committee is made up of 10 Republicans, 8 Democrats, 1 independent.

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A teachers strike in Kentucky that led to increased funding for schools and higher pay is inspiring educator walkouts and work stoppages across the south. Louisiana Federation of Teachers is now polling its members to see what actions they would favor to address quality of life for teachers and students. LFT spokesperson Les Landon says it’s not just about winning a bigger paycheck.

Cut 10 (09) “to be”

Landon says six year ago, Louisiana teachers we’re paid about the same as other southern educators, but in 2018, that’s no longer the case.

Cut 11 (11) “regional average”

Landon says they’ve already polled around 3,000 members, and will release a report in mid to late may with the results.

Cut 12 (11) “strike”

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A 15 week abortion ban passes the Senate on a 31-3 vote. The bill mirrors a Mississippi law recently passed that has been halted by a federal judge. Shreveport Senator and Democrat John Milkovich says he’s well aware his potential law will lead to an expensive court battle, but it’s a price he’s willing to pay.

Cut 13 (06)  “worth it”

Milkovich says 15 week old fetuses show clear signs of life.

The House-approved Max Gruver Act is sailing through the legislative process, passing out of a Senate committee without objection today. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (:31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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We’re at the halfway point of the regular session, and major changes to hot button issues appear to be off the table. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The House-approved Max Gruver Act is sailing through the legislative process, passing out of a Senate Judiciary Committee without objection this morning. It calls for tougher penalties for those convicted of hazing. Police say Gruver died after an alcohol induced hazing incident last September at LSU. Lafayette Representative Nancy Landry authors the bill.

Cut 3 (:11) “Your support”

East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore testified in favor of the legislation which makes it a felony to commit hazing.

Cut 4 (:06) “its fair”

Rae Ann and Steven Gruver, Max’s parents, both testified in front of the panel.

Cut 5  (11) “saved maxes”

The bill cleared the house 88-0 it now goes to the Senate Floor.

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The regular legislative session is at the halfway point, with issues like TOPS reform, gun control, and gambling expansion mostly dead, while new sexual harassment policies, tougher hazing laws, and medical marijuana expansion have received broad support. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the session has been bogged down by one issue

Cut 6 (10)  “gunna have”

The yearly attempt at altering TOPS hit a brick wall on the house floor, and Pinsonat says at this point legislators should just give up trying to change the universally popular program.

Cut 7 (11)  “ever passed”

Governor John Bel Edwards and Democratic lawmakers are calling on the legislature to abandon efforts to craft a budget that includes a 648 million dollar budget gap, but Pinsonat says entering a special session without a senate approved budget would be unprecedented.

Cut 8 (08) “or tried”

Lawmakers have until June 4^th to wrap up the regular session.

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The largest international music fest in the United States begins tomorrow in Lafayette as Festival International de Louisiane starts a five-day fun that features music from over 20 countries. Marketing director Carly Viator says its free to attend…

Cut 9 (09) “pretty cool”

Viator says to make things easier on fairgoers this year, they will issue electronic bracelets instead of selling tickets to buy drinks and merchandise. She says you can also link your bank card to your wristband

Cut 10 (08) “really smooth”

The festival attracts 300-thousand people every year and has an estimated economic impact of 49-million dollars. Viator says there’s no other festival in Louisiana you can attend for free and hear music from across the globe…

Cut 11 (11) “this year”

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A Senate-approved resolution to create a panel to find a solution to Baton Rouge’s horrible traffic problems flew through a Senate committee. The Capital City is plagued with rush hour gridlock, and Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter says the sponsor of the measure was inspired to bring forth the legislation after one too many bumper to bumper trips through BR.

Cut 12 (08)   “this resolution”

Carter says the city is already looking into innovative options to curb excessive traffic, such as a compressed work schedule.

Cut 13 (10) “this resolution”

The panel will be comprised of DOTD, Workforce Commision, and LSU Board of Supervisor members.

Cut 14 (08)  “one suggestion”

Arcadia Mayor Eugene Smith passed away yesterday at the age of 84. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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A 9.4 billion dollar chemical manufacturing facility has been announced for St. James Parish. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”

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A proposal to raise fees on hunting and fishing licenses fails to get enough votes on the House floor. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (33) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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15-year-old Seth Veillon was found dead by deputies in a mobile home Sunday in Paradis, and his mother is in critical condition. The child’s father is the suspected killer. Deputies found the boy, and his mother, both with multiple gunshot wounds. St. Charles Parish Sherriff’s spokesman Corporal James Grimaldi says could not resuscitate the boy.

Cut 4  (09) “no avail” 

Grimaldi says the boy’s father, Ed Veillon Jr. has been charged with first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder.

Cut 5  (10)  “of deputies”

Grimaldi says the victim’s mother, Nicole Veillon was taken to a local hospital.

Cut 6 (10) “unharmed”

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84-year-old Arcadia Mayor Eugene Smith passed away yesterday from complications related to a lung illness. Smith sheparded the north Louisiana town for 16 years. Homer Representative Pat Jefferson, who was hired by Smith as the city’s first black attorney, says he was a man of the people.

Cut 7 (11)  “was everywhere”

Jefferson says Smith “mastered Baton Rouge”, and worked the rooms in the capital to get the best deal for his constituents and the surrounding areas.

Cut 8 (10)  “his stewardship”

The Homer Democrat says he tells mayors in his area to look to Smith as a role model for how to effectively guide their towns and cities. He says Smith’s secret was to never stop networking.

Cut 9 (06)  “of Arcadia”

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Governor John Bel Edwards and Formosa Petrochemical Corporation announced an agreement to build a 9.4 billion dollar facility in St. James Parish. Once the ten year project is completed, officials say it will generate 1,200 full time jobs with an average pay of 84,500 dollars a year. St. James Parish President Timothy Roussell says it’s a big deal.

Cut 10 (08) “these jobs”

8,000 construction jobs are expected to be created while the facility is built.

Roussell says Formosa, who employs over 100,000 people worldwide, including several hundred at its other Louisiana facilities, is looking forward to working with and in the St. James community.

Cut 11 (06) “organizations”

The project will require a major overhaul to local infrastructure, and Roussell says it’s the parish and state’s responsibility to make sure the road are up and working before construction begins.

Cut 12 (11) “kinda issues”

A LSU economic impact study estimates the facility will generate 313 million dollars in state revenue during its first ten years of operation.

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A proposal to increase fees for hunting and fishing licenses failed to get the necessary 70 votes to pass the House. The legislation would raise an additional six-point-eight million dollars a year for Wildlife and Fisheries, who says the increase is necessary to help sustain the department for years to come. But Erath Representative Blake Miguez says if L-D-W-F needs more money, they can get it from the Conservation fund

Cut 13 (08)  “what happens”

The legislation would also consolidate the number of licenses from 117 to 35 and actually lower some fees. Miguez says he’s fine with a consolidation of licenses, but his constituents are not happy about a fee increase…

The National Safety Council has released it’s first-ever “Road to Zero” report. They are trying to achieve zero roadway deaths in the future. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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US Senator John Kennedy is calling on major banks to reverse new policies that target companies that sell firearms. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The National Safety Council has released it’s first-ever “Road to Zero” report. It’s their vision for achieving zero deaths on roadways by 2050. National Safety Council President Deborah Hersman says they have assembled a huge coalition to fight against roadway deaths.

Cut 3 (:12) “get to zero”

She adds that technology has helped bring down some of the statistics on roadway deaths. That coupled with tighter laws also help.

Cut 4 (:11) “best practices”

But here in Louisiana the road deaths are increasing.

Cut 5  (08) “2015”

Nearly 40-Thousand people die each year on our nations public roads.

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US Senator John Kennedy is asking Louisiana officials to cancel state contracts with Citigroup and Bank of America after the banks announced that they would enforce restrictions on companies that sell firearms. Kennedy says after getting bailed out in 2008, banks have no right to be dictating policy.

Cut 6 (11)  “on America”

Citigroup announced that it would no longer do business with companies that sell firearms to anyone under 21, or companies that do not require a background check for gun purchases.

Kennedy says bankers are not legislators, and shouldn’t be punishing citizens who are following currently established law.

Cut 7 (08)  “of America”

The Republican Senator has pushed back against federal efforts to implement increased gun control laws in the wake of the Parkland shooting that killed 17.

Kennedy says the restrictions are a form of political discrimination.

Cut 8 (10) “are blue”

Governor John Bel Edwards has responded to Kennedy’s divestment request saying: “The only contract with a direct cost to the state was signed by you during your tenure as state treasurer. This contract is  with Bank of America.” As such, the governor called for “less posturing on the issue.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health will be offering free STD testing at a series of rotating sites from Tuesday through Thursday. The initiative is part of the CDC’s STD awareness month. Assistant State’s Health Officer Dr. Parham Jaberi says testing is the most important thing you can do to stop the spread of STDs.

Cut 9 (07) “its spread”

Jaberi says Louisiana in particular is in need of more extensive STD education and testing.

Cut 10 (10) “raise awareness.”

The Department of Health says the screening is aimed at people who are unsure whether or not they are infected, and those showing symptoms should schedule an appointment at another time. Jaberi says if you plan on visiting, set a little time aside.

Cut 11 (10) “needs.”

Information on when units will be open is available at www.ldh.la.gov

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Huge economic development news as Formosa selects a site in St. James Parish near the Sunshine Bridge to build a nine-point-four billion dollar chemical manufacturing complex.  State Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the 24-hundred acre site is branded as the Sunshine Project and it would create 12-hundred jobs…

Cut 12 (07)   “globally”

Pierson says construction should begin next year. He says Formosa Plastics Group operates three existing Louisiana facilities in East Baton Rouge and Pointe Coupee which made it easy for the company to the Bayou State…

Cut 13 (10) “over decades”

Pierson says in order to secure the project, Louisiana offered a competitive incentive package that includes a 12-million dollar performance based grant….

Cut 14 (10)  “we have won”

The House is expected to vote this afternoon on a proposal to raise hunting and fishing license fees in order to pay for state Wildlife and Fisheries expenses. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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An LSU medical graduate has put out a new supplement that was tested at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, aimed at improve gut health. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”

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A riverboat gambling bill is on deck for Senate consideration today. Michael Farrar has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michael Farrar”

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A House floor vote is scheduled today on a proposal to raise the cost of a basic resident hunting and fishing license by a few dollars. Wildlife and Fisheries officials say the increase is needed to offset a 65-million dollar loss in state funding since 2009. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the proposal is having a difficult time passing, because it needs 70 votes from the 105-member House

Cut 4  (04) “for something” 

Pinsonat says a special session is likely coming in which legislators will be asked to pass tax measures to replace expiring revenue, so jacking up the price for a hunting or fishing license is not something legislators are quick to endorse

Cut 5  (06)  “to government”

Pinsonat says lawmakers are facing re-election next year, so voting for a fee increase on a hobby many Louisiana residents enjoy is not a good idea for most legislators

Cut 6 (07) “is reluctant”

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A new supplement wrapped up testing at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center and claims it can help improve gut health that is lacking in most modern diets. “Biomebliss”, from LSU Medical School graduate and New Orleans Native Dr. Mark Heiman says there’s a lot of research showing Americans are lacking the proper bacteria in their stomachs.

Cut 7 (11)  “these mircronutrients”

Heiman says between processed foods and low carb diets, people are losing out on nutrients are that crucial to helping your body stay healthy, slim, and regular.

Cut 8 (12)  “GI microbiome.”

Heiman says Biomebliss is a prebiotic that feeds microorganisms in your gut that often starve when you try out a new, non-balanced diet plan.

Cut 9 (06)  “carbohydrate diet”

A report from 2015 studies of Biomebliss at Pennington is available, but the claims have not yet been reviewed by the FDA.

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A bill that would allow riverboat casinos to expand onto land is scheduled to be heard by the full Senate today, after being pulled from consideration last week. The bill would remove restrictions for Louisiana’s 15 floating gambling halls. Louisiana Casino Association Executive Director Wade Duty says more profitable casinos means more revenue for the state.

Cut 10 (08) “predictable jobs”

Duty says Louisiana is the only state that requires casinos be seaworthy, and that’s holding back the local industry.

Cut 11 (10) “the customer”

The bill’s sponsor, Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns, says the legislation is not an expansion of gaming, but Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says that’s disingenuous.

Cut 12 (11) “of opportunity”

Mills, a conservative cultural values advocate, says allowing those casinos to expand would increase the number of gambling addicts, which currently numbers nearly 180,000 statewide.

Cut 13 (09)  “of Louisiana”

Another gambling bill, one that would allow Tangipahoa residents to vote on whether or not to accept a casino in Robert, is also expected to be discussed.

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The chairman of Senate Finance has no desire to approve the budget the House passed last Thursday. Ville Platte Senator Eric LaFleur says he can’t support a spending plan that would kick 46-thousand elderly and disabled people from nursing homes

Cut 20 (12) “since then”

The Senate Education committee approved a measure that allows public school teachers to pray with students, if the child’s parents sign a permission slip. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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March Louisiana unemployment numbers had their biggest year to year drop in years. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The Senate Education committee moved a measure that allows public school teachers to pray with students. The bill would further existing law that allows school employees to volunteer to supervise voluntary student-initiated, student-led prayer. Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti.

Cut 3 (:12) “get sued”

Gatti says the improved legislation will make it easier for the kids to do what they want to.

Cut 4 (:08) “law suits”

The measure moves to the Senate floor. Metairie Senator Conrad Appel thinks the bill will only get the state sued and he voted against it.

Cut 5  (09) “nobody prayed”

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United States Senator John Kennedy is asking President Trump to put even higher tariffs on Chinese crawfish and shrimp. In a letter to the White House, Kennedy accused the Chinese of not trading fairly with the U-S.

Cut 6 (:10)  “is cheating”

Earlier this month, President Trump instructed the United States Trade Representative to consider whether 100-billion dollars in additional tariffs would be appropriate. Kennedy says he’s asked the Trump administration to give full consideration to the inclusion of Chinese crawfish and shrimp.

Cut 7 (07)  “their product”

He added that a higher tariff on Chinese crawfish and shrimp would help our seafood industry, which has a 2.4 billion dollar impact on Louisiana’s economy…

Cut 8 (:10) “cut rate prices”

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Unemployment is down to 4.4 percent in Louisiana, capping a three month run of strong jobs numbers. According to the March employment figures, 46-thousand people have joined the workforce over the last 12 months and state Workforce Commission Executive Director Ava Dejoie says that puts us number one in the nation for new jobs added.

Cut 9 (08) “with Alabama “

One of Louisiana’s oil beds, Lafayette, is starting to recover jobs lost from last year’s oil bust. Dejoie says rising prices at the pump are paying dividends for the area.

Cut 10 (07) “more stable.”

Healthcare and construction drove much of the job gains, but Dejoie says one high paying sector in particular is starting to show some explosive growth.

Cut 11 (10) “particular careers.”

Dejoie encourages anyone looking to take advantage of the rosier labor market to visit www.laworks.net for job listings and training opportunities.

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The Pelicans are on the verge of a series sweep after crushing the Trailblazers in game three 119-102. The Pels have been prolific, with an average margin of victory in the series of 9.3 points a game. Super Star Center Anthony Davis, who’s averaging nearly 28 points a game in the series, says the key to moving on is to continue to play suffocating defense.

Cut 12 (06)   “whole playoffs”

Power Forward Nicola Mirotic, who was obtained at the trade deadline after the team lost Demarcus Cousins for the year, dropped 30 on Portland last night. Mirotic says last night’s big win gives the team the momentum it needs to close out game four.

Cut 13 (10) “better job too.”

Head coach Alvin Gentry says a bit reason for the blowout win was a raucous fan base that was locked in.

Cut 14 (08)  “on Saturday”

Saturday’s game tips off at 4pm.

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Super Bowl wining head coach of the Eagles, Doug Pederson, is back in bayou to help ULM kick off the new football season. ULM Director of Marketing and Communications Julia Letlow says the former Warhawk QB is ready to help improve season-ticket sales and raise money…

Cut 15 (08) “our program.”

Letlow says it’s a chance for fans to get to know the highly regarded NFL coach.

Cut 16  (09) “along the way”

The “2018 Kickoff with Doug Pederson” is Saturday night in Fant-Ewing Coliseum.

The remains of a North Louisiana Korean War vet are being returned home after 68 years. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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The Louisiana Department of Corrections is rolling back a policy that allowed state prisons to bar inmates from talking to the media. Michael Farrar has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Michael Farrar

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The House passed a budget that maintains higher ed spending, and funds TOPS at 80 percent, but slashes healthcare. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A ceremony is being held today for a Korean War Veteran from Faraday whose remains are being returned home after 68 years. 19-year-old Sergeant Lester Walker was deployed to Korea with an anti-air craft weapons battalion. Congressman Ralph Abraham says he was lost during the first months of the war.

Cut 4  (11) “M-I-A” 

36,914 American Servicemen and women were lost in the conflict that is often referred to as the “Forgotten War”, due its lack of recognition. Abraham says those sacrifices need to be remembered.

Cut 5  (07)  “of life”

2.5 million people are suspected to have lost their lives during the three year war.

Abraham says hundreds lined the runway as Walker was returned home, in a show of solidarity with all gold star families. Abraham says it’s been cathartic for the north Louisiana community.

Cut 6 (08) “situation.”

An armistice was signed in 1953, but the war is technically still ongoing.

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A seven year old policy barring inmates from talking to the media about their cases has been lifted by the Louisiana Department of Corrections after a challenge from the ACLU. ACLU Staff Attorney Bruce Hamilton says the gag order was a gross violation of inmates civil rights.

Cut 7 (09)  “constitutional rights”

The suit was brought on behalf of Darold Hines, an Angola Inmate, who was denied the right to speak to LSU reporters who were investigating his case. Hamilton says just because they are prisoners, doesn’t mean they don’t have rights.

Cut 8 (08)  “as well.”

Hamilton says the justice system isn’t perfect, which is why inmates need the right to tell their stories to the media.

Cut 9 (06)  “of committing”

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The House narrowly passed a budget that would fund TOPS at 80% and maintain higher ed funding, but would implement deep cuts in healthcare funding, potentially ending public-private partnership hospitals that care for the poor. House Appropriations Chairman Republican Cameron Henry says the state cannot afford to maintain its current healthcare spending.

Cut 10 (08) “attain it”

The proposed spending plan goes to the Senate Finance Committee who will meet Sunday. It’s possible the Senate may not even vote on a budget.

House GOP Chairman Lance Harris says the budget is the best they could do with the funds they have available.

Cut 11 (11) “projected today”

House Democrats nearly unanimously voted against the budget. New Orleans Representative Gary Carter says if passed, the spending plan would kill people.

Cut 12 (09) “currently have”

House Democratic Chairman Robert Johnson went after legislators who voted yea on the proposed budget.

Cut 13 (12)  “we do”

Governor John Bel Edwards has announced that if the spending plan reaches his desk, he will not sign it, and reports indicate that legislators are planning on beginning a special session mid-May to attempt to pass a budget that replaces the 663 million dollars in funds that are not present in this spending plan.

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Governor John Bel Edwards says the proposed budget that was approved by the House is a non-starter, and if it reaches his desk, he’s not signing it. The budget maintains higher ed, and funds TOPS at 80 percent, but includes steep cuts to healthcare that could shutter public-private hospitals that care for the poor. Edwards says it’s a budget unworthy of the people of Louisiana.

Hess says there are several factors on why they haven’t played well on the road…

Cut 20 (17) “go around”

The State Fire Marshal’s office arrests a Richland Parish volunteer firefighter, who allegedly set his home on fire, injuring his 53-year-old medically disabled wife. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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An NFL legend is putting his name, and voice behind a new distracted driving campaign. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Governor John Bel Edwards is working to find ways to equip every school with a school resource officer. He says the vast majority of schools already have them but not all. Edwards made the comments during his monthly radio show, “ask the governor.”

Cut 3 (:12) “recurring training”

The governor adds each officer should have uniformed training.

Cut 4 (:11) “and equipped”

He says he’s saddened by the situation today’s schools are in.

Cut 5  (10) “about this”

A task force has been assembled to study the issue.

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The State Fire Marshal has arrested a volunteer firefighter in Richland Parish in connection with a mobile home fire that injured his medically disabled wife. Kenneth Fulford was booked into parish prison on multiple offenses. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue.

Cut 6 (:13)  “on her own”

Fulford was additionally charged with Aggravated Cruelty to animals.

Cut 7 (10)  “set the fire”

Fulford is also a Richland Parish volunteer fire-fighter himself. Rodrigue says it’s unfortunate one of their own was charged, but that’s the way it iss.

Cut 8 (:06) “is affected..”

More charges maybe pending.

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The state House approves legislation that supporters say will help the Cajun Navy and other volunteer groups have a greater impact during a disaster. Denham Springs Representative Valarie Hodges says her family was helped by volunteers after the 2016 flood. She says the legislation gives the Cajun Navy access to state equipment and training…

Cut 9 (:07) “Volunteer organizations “

But New Iberia Representative Terry Landry, the former head of State Police, is skeptical about bringing volunteers into a disaster situation.

Cut 10 (:11) “is in charge.”

Hodges says she met with just about every member of the emergency community when she drafted bill, including the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness…

Cut 11 (:12) “the United States.”

The bill now moves to the Senate.

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Brett Favre is stepping up to be the voice of a distracted driving campaign in Louisiana. The Hall of Fame Quarterback will be featured in a new PSA speaking out against dangerous behavior behind the wheel that was responsible for the deaths of more than 700 Louisianans in 2016. Favre is using his NFL experience to make an impact.

Cut 12 (09)   “someones life”

Property Casualty Insurance Vice President of State Government Relations Joe Woods worked with Favre to bring the PSA to life. He says his organization is pushing to increase penalties for drivers who use their phone while driving, but laws alone won’t save lives.

Cut 13 (08) “listen to.”

Woods says the advent of smart phones has led to a drastic increase in distracted driving fatalities.

Cut 14 (12)  “our cars”

The state legislative auditor has completed an audit on sexual harassment in state government and concludes the state should do a better job of educating its workers. Jeff Palermo has more

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A bill that would allow companies like Uber to operate across the state passed the House on a resounding 97-1 vote. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The Pelicans return to New Orleans with a two games to nothing series lead over Portland after a 111 to 102 victory last night. Jrue Holiday scored a career playoff-high 33 points. And on the defensive end, Holiday held Damian Lillard to 17 points. Head Coach Alvin Gentry says Holiday has been playing at a high level for awhile…

Cut 3 (10) “tonight”

A modest Holiday says he’s just doing what his teammates expect out of him…

Cut 4 (09) “right now”

Game 3 is Thursday night at the Smoothie King Center. The Pels are just the seventh team in NBA history to win the first two games of an opening round playoff series on the road. Gentry says they still have to get two more wins to advance to the next round…

Cut 5  (10) “go off”

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The full House has approved legislation that gives residents a chance to vote on whether fantasy sports betting should be legal in their parish. The bill’s author, River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot, explained to the rest of the House how the fantasy sports games work…

Cut 6 (06)  “to play”

Currently, fantasy sports websites like Draft Kings and Fan Duel do not allow Louisiana residents to play in their contests. Talbot says all his legislation does is legalize it in parishes, if it’s approved by a majority of residents in November…

Cut 7 (10)  “regulate it”

The measure still needs Senate approval.

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The state’s legislative auditor has completed a sexual harassment survey of thousands of state workers and concluded that the state should do a better job of educating its workers on the issue. Auditor Daryl Purpera says the state spent more than five million dollars on sexual harassment claims over the past 9 years. He says there is no clear cut process on what to do.

Cut 8 (:12) “those claims.”

The audit was triggered by the resignation of one of Governor John Bel Edwards top aide’s over accusations of sexual harassment. Purpera adds without a standard procedure the issue may continue.

Cut 9 (10) “that report”

Purpera admits the state’s employee base is very diverse and a sexual harassment policy would have to be custom fit for some of the different agencies.

Cut 10 (:09) “should have.”

The audit findings largely came from the Office of Risk Management.

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On a 97-1 vote, the House passed legislation that would permit companies like Uber to operate across the state, without needing to make local agreements. The bill, by Speaker Taylor Barras, would bring Louisiana in line with the vast majority of other states’ rideshare regulations. Barras says it’s a big benefit with a small price tag.

Cut 11 (07) “in workforce.”

Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton said her mind was changed after talking to her son about the benefits of the service for people who don’t own a vehicle….

Cut 12 (10)   “to win”

Shreveport Representative Cedric Glover was the one dissenting vote. He expressed concerns that the background check system used to clear Uber drivers was not reliable.

Cut 13 (11) “law enforcement agencies.”

The bill moves onto the Senate

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The Democratic Caucus is pushing back against a budget that will be discussed tomorrow on the House Floor that includes 648 million dollars in cuts to higher education and healthcare. Caucus Chairman Robert Johnson says the budget discriminates against Democratic constituencies, while funding projects in Republican areas of the state.

Cut 14 (09)  “that’s immoral”

The caucus is also pushing back against part of the budget that fully funds TOPS, but cuts the higher education budget.

Johnson says Republicans aren’t properly considering, and explaining just how damaging these cuts would be to Louisianans.

Cut 15 (11) “of cuts.”

Baton Rouge Representative Democrat Patricia Smith says so far, the GOP have resisted any efforts to cut a bargain that would adequately fund state programs.

Cut 16  (10) “for cuts”

The caucus is calling on lawmakers to vote against the budget, and instead replace expiring revenues in a special session.

Sports betting is off the books for the foreseeable future in Louisiana. Don Molino has the story.

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Don Molino.”

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A Senate committee approves a bill that would ban abortions 15-weeks after conception, but its uncertain if it will get final legislative approval. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31) I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A bill that would make it illegal to hold and use your phone while driving was narrowly defeated in the House. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Sports betting will not be legal in Louisiana anytime soon as a push to allow parishes to vote on allowing it in casinos was shot down six to three in Senate Finance. Metairie Senator Danny Martiny, the bill’s sponsor, says if the US Supreme Court expands sports gaming nationwide, Louisiana could lose out on a lot of tourism to its neighbors.

Cut 4  (10) “we don’t.” 

Martiny says the opposition wasn’t interested in expanding gambling in the state.

Cut 5  (07)  “respect that”

Martiny says keeping sports gaming illegal in Louisiana isn’t going to keep Louisianans from placing bets on their favorite sports.

Cut 6 (11) “of it.”

The US Supreme Court could rule on allowing sports betting in all 50 states this spring.

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A Senate committee approves legislation that would prohibit abortions in Louisiana after 15 weeks from conception, but there are concerns the legislation could bring upon unintended consequences. Kaplan Senator Jonathan Perry urged the bill’s author to work on the language of the bill with an attorney, before bringing it up to the Senate floor

Cut 7 (07)  “it can hurt”

An attorney said if “Roe versus Wade” is overturned, this legislation could actually weaken Louisiana’s pro-life laws by allowing abortions within 15 weeks of pregnancy. But the bill’s author, Shreveport Senator John Milkovich, urged the committee to pass his legislation so its in place if the federal appeals court upholds Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban

Cut 8 (05)  “after 15 weeks.”

Pro choice advocates were on hand to testify against the 15-week abortion ban. Amy Irvin of the New Orleans Abortion Fund says the legislation will cost the state thousands of dollars to defend

Cut 9 (07)  “costly litigation”

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A bill allowing judges to inform juries about whether or not a victim in a car crash was wearing a seat belt died in a Senate Committee. The bill was promoted as potentially leading to smaller settlements in some cases, which would drive insurance rates down. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt, the bill’s sponsor, says we should trust judges to make the right call.

Cut 10 (08) “a jury”

But the bill received opposition from Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti, who says the bill punishes victims with lower settlements in crashes that weren’t their fault.

Cut 11 (06) “everyday thing”

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon could not guarantee that insurance rates would go down as a result of the bill, and Gatti says it’s emblematic of problems with the bill as a whole.

Cut 12 (09) “be reduced”

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A bill to ban drivers from using their phone with their hands while on the road failed to pass the House floor after an, at times, contentious debate. The legislation by Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval was inspired by the traffic deaths of a constituent’s child. Huval says it’s a bill designed to save lives.

Cut 13 (12)  “they know”