On an 11-7 vote, a House committee killed Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith’s proposal to ban bump stocks on guns. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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The leaders at LSU’s medical schools railed against a proposed budget that’s heading to the House floor. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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If you are a parent, you may find it hard to feed your child if they are a picky eater. About one in four kids develop an eating problem. Most quickly outgrow the fast-food and junk food only phase, but a few need professional assistance. Ochsner Pediatrician Dr. Myriam Ortiz says don’t force them to eat what they don’t want to. It could be due to other issues…

Cut 3 (09) “appetite slump”

Ortiz says it’s important not to become frustrated with your child. She also warns against bribing your child. You could be training them in a way that is not conducive with what you are trying to accomplish…

Cut 4 (07) “certain behaviors.”

In some cases, Ortiz says if your child isn’t eating, there could be a bigger underlying problem…

Cut 5  (11) “with them.”

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A House committee killed Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith’s proposal to ban bump stocks on guns. Authorities say a bump stock was used to kill more than 50 people in Las Vegas last October by allowing semi-automatic guns to shoot rapid-fire. Smith says something like that can happen here too.

Cut 6 (11)  “are gathered”

Kyle Galotta, who opposes the bill, says the Las Vegas shooting should not mean the end of Bump Stocks.

Cut 7 (10)  “bad precedent”

NRA spokesperson Erin Luper says they oppose the state ban on bump stocks, because there is legislation pending in Washington to ban them nationwide.

Cut 8 (06) “looks like.”

The measure failed on an 11-7 vote.

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Chancellors of two LSU Health Sciences Centers delivered impassioned testimonies in front of the Senate Finance Committee, calling on legislators not to pass the proposed budget apporved by the House Appropriations Committee that they say would devastate healthcare. Shreveport Chancellor G.E. Ghalli says the proposed cuts are impossible to make.

Cut 9 (10) “to cut”

The budget will be discussed on the House floor Thursday.

New Orleans Chancellor Larry Hollier says the proposed spending plan cuts funding for the five statewide residency programs by 43 percent. He says those programs provide crucial services to the most vulnerable paitents.

Cut 10 (11) “care of.”

Both Chancellors called on the legislature to not pass a budget until the 648 million dollar fiscal cliff, which is the result of expiring revenue in July, is potentially replaced in a possible special session.

Hollier says this budget, heading to the House floor, would result in a mass exodus of medical professionals from the state, and the devastation of the residency program.

Cut 11 (07) “in workforce.”

House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry, who’s in favor of the proposed budget, released a statement saying “We’re trying to pass a responsible budget with the dollars we have available.”

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Congressman Clay Higgins campaign reports the former law enforcement officer has raised 218-thousand dollars during the first quarter of this year and has 211-thousand dollars on hand. Higgins had just 50-thousand dollars in the bank at the end of 2017. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Higgins finally has his campaign fundraising operation going

Cut 12 (10)   “to win”

Republican attorney Josh Guillory and Democrat Phillip Conner, a physician from Lake Charles, are two candidates raising money to challenge Higgins this fall. Cross says Higgins will need to raise a lot more…

Cut 13 (11) “try anything.”

Cross says Higgins didn’t raise a lot of money when he was elected in 2016, but he’ll need more cash this time around

Cut 14 (12)  “this time”

There is strong support from the public for two of Governor John Bel Edwards main policy issues. Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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The House Appropriations Committee is expected to send a proposed spending plan for next fiscal year to the full House today. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A Tulane study finds Mississippi River diversions will produce new land, but not at the rate to keep up with the rising sea level. Jeff Palermo has the more…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Tax day is tomorrow and a survey from offers.com finds  most Louisianans wait until the very end to file. Some 53 percent wait until the day before or the final day to file. Offers-dot-com’s Carson Yarbrough says most people don’t want to pay their taxes and some say they would go to extreme measures to avoid doing so…

Cut 4  (10) “paying taxes.” 

According to the I-R-S, the average person who qualifies for a refund will get over 31-hundred-dollars. Yarbrough says the Louisiana taxpayers they spoke with will put that money to good use…

Cut 5  (12)  “everyday expenses.”

Yarbrough says many taxpayers choose not to do their own taxes…

Cut 6 (12) “squared away.”

Filing date for state income tax returns is May 15.

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An LSU Public Policy Research Lab survey finds a majority of Louisiana residents support two of Governor John Bel Edwards’ major policy issues – criminal justice reform and Medicaid expansion. Of those surveyed, 61-percent say they support the sweeping changes made last year. LSU’s Dr. Mike Henderson says there seems to be support on changing the state’s sentencing laws, because over half of the respondents believe the system is not fair, especially African-Americans…

Cut 7 (07)  “this year.”

69-percent of the respondents approve of Medicaid expansion, which took effect in June of 2016. Some 430-thousand Louisiana residents enrolled in the government funded health insurance. Henderson says those polled aren’t concerned about the  costs…

Cut 8 (11)  “attractive idea.”

Henderson says since the approval ratings are high on these two major policy changes, it could help the governor get re-elected…

Cut 9 (07)  “of that.”

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The House Appropriations Committee is expected to approve a budget today for next fiscal year that will contain 648-million dollars in cuts from the current fiscal year. When the budget process started, lawmakers had a nearly billion dollar budget deficit, but an increase in tax collections has led to a much smaller fiscal cliff. Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry says his committee wants to use that newly recognized revenue for TOPS

Cut 10 (10) “of TOPS”

Henry says providing more money for district attorneys is another top priority for the committee. He says they also want to adequately fund the state’s waiver program, which provides assistance for those who are disabled. But the state health department and all state agencies can anticipate a cut in funding

Cut 11 (09) “we are”

Governor Edwards is pushing the legislature to end the regular session early, so a special session can begin in May to approve tax bills that can lead to more revenue and reduce the budget gap. Henry says it’s too early to tell whether the House believes another special session is needed

Cut 12 (08) “is generated”

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State officials have talked about spending billions of dollars on redirecting sediment carried by the Mississippi River to rebuild the state’s vanishing coast. However, a study out of Tulane says the diversions will produce new land, but not fast enough. Lead author of the report Elizabeth Chamberlain

Cut 13 (05)  “right now”

Cut 20 (07) “this situation”

Louisiana is bracing for the threat of severe weather today and tomorrow. Don Molino has more from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness…

Cut 1 (27) “I’m Don Molino”

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The House Judiciary committee failed to advance a bill that would have created an oversight committee for the state’s 41 District Attorneys. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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The state has activated its Crisis Action Team, because of the threat of severe weather today and tomorrow. Northwest Louisiana is under a tornado watch until 10 PM tonight. GOHSEP spokesman Mike Steele says the eastern portion of the state could see as much as 6 inches between now and tomorrow night…

Cut 3 (06) “heavy rains”

Torrential downpours could result in flooded roadways. Steele says if the water is high on the roadway, turn around…

Cut 4 (06) “flooded roadways.”

There are several outdoor activities this weekend, including the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival and the French Quarter Fest in New Orleans. Steele says it’s important those attending keep an eye on rapidly changing weather…

Cut 5  (09) “the state.”

Flash flood watches are in effect for northeast and southeast Louisiana through Saturday night.

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The House Judiciary Committee failed to advance a bill that would have created an oversight committee for the state’s 41 district attorneys. Nearly every one of the state’s D.A.’s were in attendance this morning as the panel debated the issue for two hours. Heated arguments between lawmakers and those in favor of the bill. Ruston Representative Rob Shadoin.

Cut 6 (07)  “alright.”

Pete Adams represents the district attorneys association. He says the bill itself is flawed.

Cut 7 (12)  “a nail.”

Sarah Mojoula testified on behalf of the Southern Poverty Law Center expressed support for the legislation, because it would make sure there wouldn’t be any misconduct

Cut 8 (09) “public defenders.”

The bill is done for this session.

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Shreveport Police have a man in custody following Thursday’s domestic situation in which the victim, 27-year-old Rannita Williams, was shot and killed on Facebook live. The video shows the shadow of 36-year-old Johnathan Robinson pacing back and forth holding a gun in the video. Police Chief Alan Crump says it was a very tense situation…

Cut 9 (13) “scene in”

Crump says Robinson is facing second-degree-murder and felon in possession of a firearm charges. After Robinson was put in custody at the Shreveport city jail, Crump says he became violent again, breaking a water pipe, flooding his  jail cell…

Cut 10 (11) “subdue him.”

Crump has been criticized about the amount of officers that responded. He said the dangerous situation made it necessary to show up in force…

Cut 11 (11) “was necessary.”

One officer, Cpl. Robert Entrekin sustained non-life threatening injuries to his wrist.

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The police officer who shot and killed Alton Sterling during a struggle has appealed his firing. Attorney John McLindon filed the appeal o a local civil service board on behalf of Blane Salamoni who shot Sterling nearly two years ago. McLindon says Salamoni wants to clear his name

Cut 12 (:12)   “being fired”

Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul said two weeks ago that Salamoni was fired because he violated policies on use of force and command of temper. McLindon anticipates a hearing on the appeal this summer

Cut 13 (11) “tell the whole story”

By getting the termination thrown out, it opens up the opportunity for Salamoni to become a police officer again in another jurisdiction.  McLindon says he’s heard from police officers around the country that Salamoni’s firing was unjust

Cut 14 (11)   “done this”

The fiscal cliff is smaller, as the state’s Revenue Estimating Conference has lowered the budget shortfall from 994-million to 648-million-dollars. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Legislation that would prohibit smoking inside bars and casinos statewide failed to get out of the House Health and Welfare Committee today. Jim Shannon has more..

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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Winn Parish Sheriff’s deputies were met with gun fire when they were trying to serve a civil warrant in the small community of the Chee Chee Dam area yesterday afternoon. 71-year-old Betty Lemoine was killed by deputies who had just driven up to their home. State Police is also investigating, Trooper Scott Moreau.

Cut 3 (:13) “With fire arms”

Moreau say her son 50 year old Kendall Lemoine was the target of the civil arrest warrant, he was seriously injured as well.

Cut 4 (12) “critical condition.”

No deputies were injured.

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The revenue shortfall the state is facing has declined from 994-million-dollars to 648-million-dollars, as a result of the state collecting more income taxes due to the federal tax overhaul. House Speaker Taylor Barras says the extra money would likely go for higher education and the TOPS program…

Cut 5  (13) “dollar range.”

But based on this new revenue projection, the state would still have to make 648-million dollars in cuts, unless another special session is called to address the shortfall.  Barras says he’s not committed to a special session yet, he wants to see what the budget looks like when it’s approved by the House next week…

Cut 6 (10)  “pass it.”

Barras says the Appropriations Committee is set to vote on a budget that will contain 648-million dollars in cuts on Monday and then the full House could vote on the spending plan next Thursday…

Cut 7 (07)  “next Thursday.”

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For the second time in the last five months, an Acadiana area family has claimed a  Powerball jackpot. A tax attorney representing the Moore Family Trust out of Lafayette brought their 56-million dollar ticket from the March 24th drawing to Louisiana Lottery headquarters. Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says on what the family plans do their with their winnings…

Cut 8 (10) “as well.”

Chopin says the couple has been playing the lottery for years, buying their tickets at Tigers Touchdown 2 in Lafayette. She says tax attorney Russell Stutes says the winning family is deserving of their new found fortune…

Cut 9 (08) “their lives”

This is the 17th Powerball jackpot ticket sold in Louisiana since the state joined the multistate game in 1995. Chopin says Lady Luck has recently shined twice in Acadiana as a St. Landry Parish couple won a prize last fall…

Cut 10 (07) “that area”

The latest winners received over 23-million-dollars after state and federal tax withholdings.

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The House Health and Welfare committee heard hours of testimony on a statewide smoking ban that would include casino’s and bars. The bill by Opelousas Democrat Dustin Miller was voluntarily yanked, so he can work on the language of the measure. If passed it would virtually ban smoking in just about every public building in the state. Wade Duty represents casinos.

Cut 11 (:09) “the water”

Brent Rochon is a cardiologist who testified in favor of the measure.

Cut 12 (:10)   “the smoke”

Lobbyist Alton Ashy says this legislation will have a negative impact of video poker halls…

Cut 13 (10) “your decision”

Reagan Carter is a member of the Louisiana Public Health coalition who supports the  bill.

Cut 14 (11)   “step outside”

Miller says he will bring the bill back in two weeks.

In Washington House Speaker Paul Ryan’s announcement that he will not seek re-election has sparked debate over who will run. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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Legislation to legalize fantasy sports betting in Louisiana is heading to the House floor. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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In Washington the announcement of House Speaker Paul Ryan’s, R-Wisconsin, decision not to seek re-election has sparked debate over who might be the next Speaker. New Orleans area Congressman Steve Scalise’s is considered a strong candidate. Political analyst Clancy DuBos says Scalise has as good a chance as anyone.

Cut 3 (:12) “Paul Ryan”

DuBos says if it were up to President Trump, Salise would have the job.

Cut 4 (10) “will decide.”

He adds that Louisiana would benefit greatly if Scalise is House Speaker.

Cut 5  (10) “house speaker”

The Republicans have to maintain control of the House for Scalise to have any chance. The election is in November. Scalise told the Associated Press that now is not the time for people to talk about what titles they want.

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Senator John Kennedy wants to hold Facebook and it’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg accountable for any breach in privacy. He is testifying before House Energy and Commerce Committee about a data breach affecting as many as 87-million Facebook users by a data firm with ties to President Trump’s campaign.   Kennedy says any trust that users placed in Facebook is no more after this incident…

Cut 6 (12)  “western hemisphere.”

Even though Facebook is being used as an avenue for many to get news and information, Kennedy feels Facebook pushes it’s own political agenda…

Cut 7 (12)  “completely neutral.”

Kennedy hopes that Zuckerberg will be held accountable for what he allows to be put on Facebook, good or bad…

Cut 8 (11) “Facebook punchbowl.”

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The House Criminal Justice Committee approves legislation that would allow fantasy sports players in Louisiana to collect winnings if they win contests hosted by third party groups like Fan Duel and Draft Kings. Gretna Representative Joseph Marino says each parish will have a chance to decide if they want to authorize fantasy sports gambling

Cut 9 (11) “its allowed”

If the bill is approved, Louisiana could tax businesses that organize fantasy sports contests. And the bill’s author, Kirk Talbot gave fellow Representative Barbara Norton advice, if she decides to draft a fantasy sports team….

Cut 10 (12) “you get”

The measure passed on a 10-4 vote. It has Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle’s support…

Cut 11 (09) “from them”

Louisiana Baptist office spokesperson Doctor Will Hall says legalizing fantasy sports betting is an expansion of gambling and it will create more problem gamblers….

Cut 12 (12)   “problem gambling”

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The House Criminal Justice Committee voted down a bill seeking to end the death penalty in Louisiana. Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews says there needs to be severe consequences for first-degree murder and raping children under the age of 13….

Cut 13 (10) “be expected”

New Iberia Representative Terry Landry marched a dozen religious groups to testify in favor of his bill,. which was debated for two hours.

Cut 14 (08)   “tough decisions”

Crews didn’t agree with Landry’s bill no matter how many groups testified.

Cut 15 (11) “that are taken”

A similar bill is still alive in the senate, but if approved by the upper chamber, it would go before the same committee in the House.

A bill to allow riverboat casinos to expand gaming operations on to land has been waiting for a vote on the Senate floor, but could get a vote today. Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray”

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The number of eligible graduates in Louisiana achieving TOPS reaches an all time high.    Kelley Ray has more.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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18 year olds will still be able to purchase assault rifles in Louisiana.  Michael Farrar has more.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Michael Farrar.”

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A bill to allow the state’s 15 licensed riverboats casinos to expand their gaming operations on to land and change the rules regarding gaming space has been sitting on the Senate floor for over two weeks, but a vote in the upper chamber could happen today. Senator Troy Carter says many senators are concerned about the numerous pieces of legislation that seek to expand gambling…

Cut 4  (07) “sports betting” 

But the author of the bill, Lake Charles Senator, Ronnie Johns says requiring riverboats to only conduct gambling on water prohibits these facilities from making a substantial investment in their properties….

Cut 5  (07)  “over water.”

Black lawmakers in the Senate are also not happy that earlier in the session the upper chamber voted against a proposal to raise the minimum wage. Carter says instead of providing a living wage, many low income workers are forced to rely on casinos to provide for their families.

Cut 6 (09) “the jackpot..”

Black legislators have also raised concerns that casinos fail to contract with enough minority-owned firms and they also believe there’s a lack of minorities in management at the gambling halls. Johns says he’s had good dialogue with concerned legislators

Cut 7 (09)  “passing this.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards and state Health Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee unveiled a report on the economic impact of Medicaid expansion. Edwards says according to the LSU report, Louisiana is saving 317-million dollars in state money and providing medical care to those who can’t afford it…

Cut 8 (08)  “the state.”

Governor Edwards says many who have recently diagnosed with cancer, are able to receive medical care with expansion…

Cut 9 (10)  “too late.”

The report says Medicaid expansion through the infusion of one-point-eight billion dollars in federal dollars has created over 19-thousand jobs in the health care sector, resulting in  nearly three-point-six-billion-dollars in economic activity. Dr. Gee says healthy people are important to the state’s economy. She says if you’re sick, you’re not a productive person…

Cut 10 (07) “can work.”

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The number of eligible graduates in Louisiana achieving TOPS reaches an all time high. More than 19,200 senior high school students qualified for at least one scholarship, up from 18,373 in 2016. Superintendent for the Office of Student Opportunities Ken Bradford says there’s a new college high school option for students to give them a head start…

Cut 11 (11) “focused diploma.”

But there is a problem for TOPS candidates. Bradford says if TOPS funding is cut due to a  one-billion-dollar budget shortfall, a lot of high school students hoping for a scholarship may be disappointed…

Cut 12 (10) “be available.”

Bradford says many graduating seniors are ready to attend a college or unviersity, the hope is that they can afford it…

Cut 13 (09)  “workstudy grants.”

A bill to eliminate the death penalty as a form of punishment for capital murder, rape, and treason has cleared a senate panel. Jeff Palermo reports Catholic Bishop Shelton Fabre testified in favor.

Cut 1 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A bill to ban cell phone while driving passed the House Transportation committee. Kelley Ray has more.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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A bill to eliminate the death penalty in cases of first degree murder, child rape, and treason has cleared a senate panel. New Orleans Senator J.P. Morrell’s legislation would apply to offenses after August 1st 2018. Catholic Bishop Shelton Fabre (FOB) testified in favor of the measure.

Cut 3 (:09) “culture of death”

Morrell says he authored the bill, because the death penalty has not reduced violent crimes.  Fabre says the death penalty is just matching violence with violence.

Cut 4 (13) “how bad.”

The measure passed on a 4-1 vote, after the testimony from Fabre….

Cut 5  (07) “more violence”

Capital crimes would receive a life prison sentence under the legislation approved by the Senate committee.

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A bill to extend foster care benefits in Louisiana from 18 years old to as much as 21 years old in some cases was passed by the Senate Finance Committee.  The money committee agreed to the legislation, even though it will cost the state an additional million dollars. Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti of Bossier City says it’s a tragedy that once a foster child gets put on the street once they turn 18

Cut 6 (09)  “up homeless”

After benefits for foster children are taken away, if they end up in trouble, Gatti says more money is spent taking care of their needs in jail that in a foster home…

Cut 7 (12)  “foster kids”

Gatti believes that most 18-year-olds will stay in foster care if benefits are extended to 21…

Cut 8 (11) “towards graduation”

One-million-dollars from the BP settlement would be used to finance the extension. The bill next heads to the Senate floor.

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A bill that makes it illegal to place your hands on your cell phone while driving passed the House Transportation committee. Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s measure says you can’t text or hold your phone, while behind the wheel. Jennifer Smith from Stop Distractions dot org says studies have shown cell phones divide your attention…

Cut 9 (14) “your brain.” (2x)

Huval says the legislation allows you to use a  hand free device to talk on the phone, but the measure prohibits the use of holding a  phone…

Cut 10 (10) “your hand”

Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter is in support of the bill. He almost found out the hard way how easy it is to get distracted…

Cut 11 (11) “my phone.”

The measure heading to the House floor calls for a 125-dollar fine for first offenders and after a third violation your driver’s license could be suspended.

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A Senate bill that requires juveniles to wait until they are 18 before getting married cleared committee today. Current law allows kids to get married with their parents consent as early as 12 years old. Ginger Lecompte is with Women United she says 70 percent of child marriages don’t last and it puts young people in a bad spot.

Cut 12 (14)   “career training”

LeCompte says it just makes sense to mandate that kids wait until they are 18 to get married.

Cut 13 (13) “full time job”

Current law requires not only parental consent, but permission from a juvenile judge. She says this would eliminate the judge’s permission.

Cut 14 (11)   “the parents”

Legislation that makes it illegal to have your hands on your phone while driving is set to be heard by the House Transportation committee today. Don Molino has the story

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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A survey by 24-7 Wall Street shows Louisiana residents pay just 8-percent of their income to state and local governments. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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The Senate approves legislation to allow children to wear bulletproof backpacks at public schools. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Emotional testimony is expected in the House Transportation committee today as a bill will be heard, requiring drivers to use only hands free communication devices. Suzanne Salter from will testify in favor. Salter says her daughter was killed in 2014 by a teenage driver who was texting at the time of the fatal crash..

Cut 4  (09) “her phone” 

Salter says the bill by Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval doesn’t say you can’t talk on a cell phone while driving, it just can’t be in your hand…

Cut 5  (10)  “steering wheel”

State law says you can’t text while you drive. But Salter says by making it illegal to have your hands on your cellphone while behind the wheel, enforcement will be easier. She says right now, very few tickets are written for texting and driving…

Cut 6 (11) “than five.”

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Lawmakers approve legislation to allow students to have a bulletproof backpack at school. West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth says parents are looking at ways to make sure their children can protect themselves, if a shooter enters the school. He says this is one option

Cut 7 (12)  “200 dollars”

The vote for the bill was 34-2. New Orleans Senator J-P Morrell was one of the two no votes. Morrell says police officers wearing bulletproof vests still receive serious injuries if struck by a bullet and the bulletproof backpacks can’t guarantee that a bullet would just bounce off a child

Cut 8 (12)  “enter a school”

Morrell says he’d rather pass legislation to make sure mentally disturbed individuals can’t get their hands on a gun. Walsworth says parents are more worried than ever about sending their children to school and a bulletproof backpack could be the only thing that protects them

Cut 9 (10)  “guarantee”

(The measure now heads to the House.)

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A 24-7 Wall Street report shows Louisiana is one of the least taxed places to live in the country. Louisiana taxpayers are tied for fifth in the least amount of taxes paid to local and state governments when compared to other states. LSU economist Doctor Jim Richardson says this state has been a low tax state for years.

Cut 10 (11) “at all”

But Richardson says there is some give and take when it comes to taxes paid…

Cut 11 (08) “property taxes”

The report shows Louisiana residents pay just 8-percent of their income to state and local governments. Richardson says despite what this report says, many will think they always pay too much in taxes…

Cut 12 (08) “taxed enough”

The report shows that state income tax collections per capita is 13th lowest, and property tax collections is 8th lowest.

Governor John Bel Edwards continues to urge legislators to end the regular session early, so a special session can begin to address the loss of a billion dollars in tax revenue. Jim Shannon has more…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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A bill that requires instruction and display of the national motto, “In God We Trust’ in public schools passed out of the Senate Finance committee today. Don Molino has the story…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Don Molino”

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Governor John Bel Edwards is continuing his pledge to end the regular legislative session early, so a special session can begin to take up revenue raising measures that he says are needed to avoid going over the fiscal cliff. Testifying in the Senate Finance Committee, Edwards again urged early dismissal.

Cut 3 (:12) “that’s responsible”

Edwards says because of expiring temporary sales taxes, the state can not approve a budget in the regular session that adequately funds TOPS, higher education and health care. He says a special session is needed so revenues can be raised and put the state in a good fiscal posture…

Cut 4 (13) “job done.”

House Republican legislative leader Lance Harris says they are determining if they can pass a budget by making cuts and using savings to fill the deficit.

Cut 5  (09) “we’re in”

Harris says they will have a better idea on how much money the state has available to spend when the Revenue Estimating Conference meets on Thursday…

Cut 6 (09)  “from there”

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Baton Rouge Police detectives are investigating a fatal shooting in which the person who died is suspected of breaking into vehicles at the time. Corporal Don Coppola says 18-year-old Brice Lewis died at the scene early Sunday morning

Cut 7 (07)  “struck him”

Coppola says they are still looking for the person who shot Lewis. He says there is surveillance video of the shooting….

Cut 8 (07) “from it”

According to the property manager of the apartment complex who said she saw the video, the person who shot Lewis drove away. Coppola says they would like to talk with that person…

Cut 9 (08) “they may have”

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Former University High in Baton Rouge golfer Patrick Reed is the owner of a Green Jacket as he outlasted Rickie Fowler by one stroke to win his first Masters. In four previous trips to Augusta, Reed never had a Top 20 finish. The San Antonio native learned he needed to stick to a game plan

Cut 10 (13) “Green Jacket”

Reed takes home one-point-nine million in winnings. He says its a dream come true to win such a historic tournament….

Cut 11 (10) “Augusta national”

Reed had to make a short, but difficult putt on 18 to win the Masters…

Cut 12 (11)   “first major”

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Gas prices have held steady for the week and Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says the jump in gas prices we see every spring appears to be over. Redman says despite a strong demand, the statewide average for regular gasoline has been holding at $2.44

Cut 13 (06) “prices”

Gas prices usually rise in the spring time as refineries shut down operations to switch from a winter grade gasoline to a summer grade. Redman says the price at the pump has increased 11-cents over the last month, but much of that increase occurred in the weeks leading up to Easter weekend….

Cut 14 (10)   “very shortly”

Redman anticipates gas prices will only increase slightly once the summer driving season begins…

Cut 15 (09) “the summer”

LSU Engineering Seniors are hard at work on a project that could mean a lot to a local girl with a neuro-muscular disorder. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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An LSU survey finds that 72-percent of residents believe an elected official should resign if they are accused by multiple people of sexual harassment. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Senate could hear a bill that would block localities from requiring real estate developers to build lower cost housing units. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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LSU Engineering students have built a special wheelchair, designed for cruising beaches, in response to an inspiring essay from a girl with muscular dystrophy. Cheslyn Simpson of Plaquemine loves beaches, but is wheelchair bound. Blaize Vansickel from Livingston Parish says it’s technology for a better quality of life.

Cut 4  (12) “the beach” 

The project got off the ground with a contribution from an LSU donor, but since then has been mostly self-funded. Vansickel says they’re getting close to a finished product.

Cut 5  (06)  “gunna work.”

If the wheelchair works, Vansickel says they hope they can have it mass produced for others, who love a trip to the beach, but are wheelchair bound. He says working on the project has been a joy.

Cut 6 (09) “their own.”

They’ve setup a GoFundMe for donations, and also accept support through the LSU Foundation under team 43.

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An LSU survey finds 70-percent of state residents believe women face a lot or some discrimination in society and that’s a seven-percent increase from a year ago. LSU Public Policy Research Lab director, Doctor Michael Henderson, says most Louisiana residents agree gender inequality is a real problem in this state

Cut 7 (07)  “with these issues”

Henderson believes the increase can be attributed to reports that Louisiana leads the country in gender pay inequality and the numerous accusations of sexual harassment. He says most of the victims claim they were harassed by someone they worked with

Cut 8 (06)  “work place”

Henderson says the survey also showed that nearly three-fourths of the respondents say elected officials accused of sexual harassment or assault by multiple people should resign

Cut 9 (11)  “even higher”

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The full Senate could hear arguments today on a bill that would strip local jurisdictions of the ability to mandate real estate developers set aside a certain portion of their housing as lower rent. Metairie Senator Dan Martiny, the bill’s sponsor, says affordable housing initiatives should be voluntary, not mandatory.

Cut 10 (08) “income unit”

Martiny says rent prices and housing availability should not be subject to local control.

Cut 11 (05) “them self”

He says the bill is an attempt to preempt rent reform movements that are picking up steam in New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

But Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center Policy Director Maxwell Ciardullo says requiring developers to build lower cost units gives thousands of working class people the chance at finding a reasonable rent.

Cut 12 (08) “average worker”