One third of businesses are increasing benefits in order to attract talented employees, according to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

The state Office of Tourism is now able to enter public-private partnerships to upgrade attractions at state parks. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

LSU tries to keep its season alive tonight when they face Florida State in the College World Series. Jeff Palermo has the preview…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

__________________________________

A survey by the Society for Human Research Management finds one third companies are willing to provide employees with better benefits in order to attract more talented workers. University of New Orleans Business Professor Mark Rosa says this can be a more beneficial way to entice people over an increase in salary.

Cut 4  (08) “in cash”

In 2017, 95-percent of companies offered opposite sex spouses health care coverage, up from 71-percent in 2014. Rosa says 401K’s and many company benefits went away during the recession but now those are coming back. He says businesses are adding even more benefits as they are trying to attract the right employees.

Cut 5  (07)  “it’s meaningful”

Rosa says providing a health plan with low deductibles is even beneficial for a single person as there are no added taxes. He says giving employees an increase in flexible work arrangements has also become popular in the workplace.

Cut 6 (o9) “the office” 

________________________________________________________

There is a new law that allows the state Office of Tourism to sell naming rights or grant leases for state parks to add new attractions. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the state parks have always been a burden on taxpayers that never brought in any money. But he says this new law should change that and allow them to upgrade park attractions.

Cut 7 (11)  “horseback riding”

Nungesser says they’ll ensure that whatever businesses they bring in to these partnerships does not compete with local business. He says they’re thrilled at all the possibilities for new attractions at Louisiana state parks.

Cut 8 (11) “for us”

The bill by Houma Representative Norby Chabert was recently signed into law by Governor John Bel Edwards. Nungesser says companies are already expressing interest in partnering with state parks. He says they’re already drawing up proposals for some of the plans.

Cut 9 (08)  “state park”

____________________________________________________________

After the shootout on members of congress at a Virginia ball park, a bill is expected to be filed that would allow congressmen to carry concealed weapons. Richland Parish Congressman Ralph Abraham says he will the proposed law by his colleague Alabama Congressman Mo Brooks. He says while it’s important to protect members of congress, he also wants to keep bystanders safe.

Cut 10 (09) “for myself”

Abraham says lawmakers are well protected by Capitol Police in on Capitol Hill, but not as much elsewhere. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise thankfully had his security detail with him the morning of the shooting, but other members of congress do not have such protection. Abraham says that’s why federal lawmakers should be able to protect themselves.

Cut 11 (09) “every one of us”

Abraham says as a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights, he’s all for people having guns and using them properly. But not all congressmen have the experience the north Louisiana lawmaker does. He says it’s important to make sure that those who do carry know how to do so safely.

Cut 12 (08) “concealed carry course”

____________________________________________________________

Tropical Storm Cindy is expected to make landfall tomorrow near the Texas-Louisiana border. Stephen Carboni with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says southwest Louisiana can expect strong winds, as tropical storm winds will spread into the area today.

Cut 13 (11) “southwest Louisiana”

Carboni says forecasts are calling for sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph, and even higher along the coast. Rainfall totals are expected to reach two to four inches in southwest Louisiana, but wind damage will be a bigger concern.

Cut 14 (08) “tree limbs down”

Rain will be more of a problem in the southeastern portion of the state. Alek Krautman with the National Weather Service in New Orleans says forecasters expect periods of very heavy rainfall to last until Thursday.

Cut 15 (09) “some communities”

Krautman says what’s unique about this storm is that it has lot of tropical moisture on the eastern side. He says although the center of the storm will move westward, the eastern side of the state will get most of the rain.

Cut 16 (09)  “Gulf Coast”

_______________________________________________________

LSU faces Florida State again tonight in the College World Series. This time the loser will be eliminated. The Tigers defeated the Seminoles 5-4 in the opening round of the College World Series. Shortstop Kramer Robertson on what it will take to beat F-S-U again…

Cut 17 (09) “the game”

Robertson still doesn’t have a hit in the College World Series and he made a critical error in the 13-1 loss to Oregon State on Monday night. The senior from Texas says he’s anxious to start a new winning streak….

Cut 18 (14) “hit to me” 

In two games in Omaha, the Tigers have driven in just four runs. Second baseman Cole Freeman expects the bats will get it going again…

Cut 19 (19) “line now”

The Department of Education announces beginning July 1 all new applicants for the state’s Childcare Assistance Program will be placed on a wait list. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

Heavy rainfall is expected across Louisiana, as Tropical Storm Cindy moves towards the southwestern Louisiana coast. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

As demand for state childcare assistance rises, the Department of Education announces beginning July 1, new applicants will be placed on a waiting list. Assistant superintendent of early childhood development Jenna Conway says the federally funded Childcare Assistance Program offers subsidies for working families to choose a childcare provider.

Cut 3 (11) “afford childcare”

Conway says 18-thousand Louisiana children ages birth to five participate in the program. The program grew exponentially when DOE lowered the work threshold for families to qualify, from 30 to 20 hours a week. She adds as more people go to work, they will need consistent childcare.

Cut 4  (10) “dramatically increased”

Conway says unfortunately, the program is underfunded to sustain this kind of growth, which is why the date-based waitlist is necessary. She says applications will be processed until June 30 and encourages families to apply now.

Cut 5  (10)  “immediately”

For more information on the program, visit LouisianaBelieves.com.

________________________________________________

Tropical Storm Cindy could drop a foot of rain in southeast Louisiana. State climatologist Barry Keim says the system is expected to make landfall as a tropical storm near the Texas-Louisiana border late Wednesday or early Thursday morning, but the largest rain totals will occur to the east of the storm’s center.

Cut 6 (08) “15 inches”

Flash flood watches are in effect across south Louisiana through Thursday evening. Keim says storm surge could be an issue in coastal areas, and it’s possible a tornado could form. But he says rain and potential flash flooding will be the biggest problems.

Cut 7 (09)  “rain volumes”

Keim says the heaviest rains are expected in southeast Louisiana, but the entire coast is vulnerable. He says that’s because the major rainfall associated with this system is far removed from the center of circulation.

Cut 8 (09) “heavy rainfall”

_________________________________________________________

Lafourche Parish is gearing up for Tropical Storm Cindy that is set to hammer southeast Louisiana with rain. Brennan Matherne with the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office says the parish is continuing to pump down drainage canals and sandbags are available at all parish field office locations.

Cut 9 (09)  “your own”

Matherne says Port Fourchon Harbor Police will be monitoring LA-1 throughout the system checking for storm surge. He urges residents who flood during heavy rain events to take precautions.

Cut 10 (11) “changes”

St. Tammany Parish President Pat Brister is also getting her residents prepared for the heavy rain event. Brister says the parish does not have many drainage pumps and heavily relies on gravity drainage, so they are taking precautions.

Cut 11 (08) “the parish”

Brister says the National Weather Service has told her office St. Tammany could receive 10 inches of rain over the next couple of days. She says river flooding and street flooding are their two biggest concerns.

Cut 12 (08) “anything else”

_________________________________________________________

Public schools will no longer be permitted to physically punish children with developmental disabilities after a measure was signed into law by Governor Edwards. Senate Education Chairman Blade Morrish says there weren’t any school districts that pushed back against this legislation.

Cut 13 (06) “those students”

38 of the 69 public school districts in Louisiana permit corporal punishment, like paddling or spanking. Morrish says this allows the administration to take a step back and realize certain students are not allowed to receive corporal punishments.

Cut 14 (09) “the policy”

There was also a push during the legislative session to ban corporal punishment in public schools for all students. Morrish says that bill never made it to his committee but he’s interested in hearing more about it.

Cut 15 (08) “weigh in”

____________________________________________________________

Thanks to the state legislature and Governor Edwards, Louisiana is the first state to prohibit public colleges from asking about criminal history on a prospective student’s application. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off gets underway in Lafayette today. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

Tropical storm conditions are expected to reach the state later today and state officials are gearing up for potential flooding. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

__________________________________

Louisiana is the first state in the country to ban the box on college admissions asking if a prospective student has a criminal record. Governor John Bel Edwards signed the measure into law. Annie Freitas, the program director with the Louisiana Prison Education Coalition, says this is a step in the right direction for prison reform.

Cut 4  (10) “criminal conviction”

Research finds two out of three people with convictions stop filling out their college application after seeing this box. Freitas says the recidivism rate drops by at least 40-percent when a convicted felon is able to access any kind of higher education.

Cut 5  (05)  “public safety”

Freitas says it was great to see this measure signed into law with bi-partisan support. She says many Republican lawmakers changed their mind about the bill after hearing first hand testimony.

Cut 6 (o9) “people’s lives” 

________________________________________________________

The 10^th annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off gets underway today at the CajunDome in Lafayette. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says this is a great way to showcase the fresh seafood of the Bayou State. He says a dozen Louisiana chefs will compete in the cook-off.

Cut 7 (09)  “next year”

This is the first year the event will be held in Acadiana, as it usually takes place in New Orleans. Nungesser says this is a way to help bolster the Lafayette economy amid a struggling oil and gas industry.

Cut 8 (11) “to do”

Nungesser hopes cook-off attendees will spend a couple days in Acadiana to see how beautiful the Lafayette community is. He says this can have a huge economic impact as people stay in area hotels and shop local establishments.

Cut 9 (10)  “for Lafayette”

Blake Phillips of Sage Restaurant in Monroe was last year’s winner.

____________________________________________________________

Louisiana’s craft beer industry is growing rapidly. That’s according to Executive Director of the Louisiana Craft Brewers Guild, Cary Koch, who says we’re on track for more growth if the state fosters a good business environment. He says 6 new breweries opened last year, and even more are in the planning stage.

Cut 10 (08) “out of state”

Koch says lawmakers have already targeted the industry. A proposal in this year’s legislative session would have ended trademarked university beers, like the ones at UL-Lafayette and LSU. He says they didn’t like some of the comments made during testimony on the bill.

Cut 11 (08) “in any way”

Koch says this bill also would have caused two local breweries to lose out on sales. He hopes the state will create more incentive programs for craft breweries, which have huge economic impacts on their communities. He says one specific change they’d like is the option for self-distribution.

Cut 12 (10) “the distributors”

____________________________________________________________

Tropical storm conditions are expected to reach the state late today. Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness spokesperson Mike Steele says heavy rains and flash flooding are the biggest threat. The National Weather Service is calling for four to eight inches of rain across southeast Louisiana, with isolated amounts of 10 inches.

Cut 13 (12) “red flag”

Steele encourages the public to prepare for the coming storm now. He says many parishes are already handing out sandbags in preparation for this rain event, which is expected to peak Wednesday and Thursday.

Cut 14 (12) “another issue”

Steele says if the storm stalls along the coast and we have continued rain, more problems could develop. But he says one of the biggest problems from flash flooding is not in homes, it’s on the roadways.

Cut 15 (10) “still applies”

_______________________________________________________

LSU’s 17-game winning streak came to a screeching halt as the Oregon State Beavers devoured the Tigers 13-1 in a winner’s bracket contest in the College World Series last night. Coach Paul Mainieri says it was not a pretty game for the Bayou Bengals…

Cut 16 (16)  “excellent ball club”

LSU used eight pitchers on the night. Starter Eric Walker left the game in the third inning with forearm soreness in his throwing arm. Mainieri says that was the turning point of the game…

Cut 17 (12) “very frequently”

LSU’s offense managed just four hits as Oregon State pitcher Bryce Fehmel pitched eight strong innings. Tigers center fielder Zach Watson says Fehmel kept them off balanced…

Cut 18 (09) “struggled to hit him” 

LSU faces an elimination game on Wednesday against Florida State. Mainieri says with the loss to the Beavers, the road to a national championship got a lot more difficult…

Cut 19 (24) “win a game”

An area of low pressure is set to head into the Gulf of Mexico. Emelie Gunn reports it could produce heavy rainfall in Louisiana later this week…

Cut 1 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

After lawmakers struggled to pass a budget in the regular and special sessions, Governor Edwards says he may not call another, even though budget woes are looming. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

An area of low pressure in the southern Gulf of Mexico is likely to turn into a tropical storm or depression in the next 48 hours. That’s according to State Climatologist Barry Keim, but he says there is good news with this tropical system.

Cut 3 (10) “very closely”

Keim says one of the computer models has the potential storm heading towards the Texas-Mexico coast but there is a chance the system could move north towards the Louisiana coast. He says if that’s the case, the biggest threat to the Bayou State is lots of rain.

Cut 4  (09) “inches”

Keim says it doesn’t appear the storm will get strong enough to create any serious problems with wind or storm surge. He says the right hand side of the storm seems to be where the heaviest rainfall will be.

Cut 5  (10)  “rainfall”

________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards says he may not issue the call for a special session where lawmakers could address a looming fiscal cliff in 2018. Edwards says House Republicans did not support any of the recommendations from the tax reform task force in the regular session, nor did they propose a plan of their own. He’s skeptical anything would be accomplished in another special session.

Cut 6 (10) “call one”

Edwards says he’s not giving up. He says he will continue to work with lawmakers to try and find common ground where a compromise can be reached. But he says the options before the legislature in a future special session won’t be any different than they were this year.

Cut 7 (09)  “more seriously”

More than a billion in temporary taxes are set to expire next year. If the call is issued, Edwards says he will look to House leadership to assure him that lawmakers have a plan they will support. He says almost any option would be much better than the alternative.

Cut 8 (11) “state general fund”

_________________________________________________________

LSU freshman pitching ace Eric Walker will start on the mound for the Tigers in tonight’s College World Series game against Oregon State. The right-hander is 8-1 with a 3.46 ERA and hasn’t pitched since he threw 8 shutout innings in LSU’s Baton Rouge regional-clinching victory over Rice. Walker says he’s ready for the big stage…:

Cut 9 (10)  “great club”

Walker is 2-0 in those postseason outings between Arkansas in the SEC Tournament final and Rice in the NCAA Regional final, with a 0.57 ERA in 15.2 innings, one walk and 16 strikeouts. Oregon State is hitting .296 as a team this season with 29 home runs and 62 steals in 80 attempts. Walker says he knows he’s going up against some serious talent…:

Cut 10 (06) “and get a win”

_________________________________________________________

Wounded Congressman Steve Scalise was elected US House Majority Whip three years ago, and experts say that no matter his condition the lawmaker from Jefferson Parish still has a bright political future. Analyst Clancy DuBos says Scalise is a classic Louisiana politician in the best and highest sense…:

Cut 11 (09) “key democrats”

Scalise was shot in what many believe was a politically motivated attack and remains hospitalized in serious condition. Dubos says another reason Scalise will not go anywhere anytime soon is that he still supported President Donald Trump’s campaign when the embarrassing Hollywood Access tapes were leaked…:

Cut 12 (11) “than anybody else in the House”

Dubos says it’s hard to imagine that Scalise would have any trouble keeping his seat in Louisiana’s 1st district. He says not only is Scalise popular with the public, but national media and pundits from both parties view him as a rising star…:

Cut 13 (09) “for his party”

_________________________________________________________

A scorecard from AARP finds the Bayou State needs serious improvement when it comes to serving older adults and those with disabilities. Advocacy Director with AARP Louisiana, Andrew Muhl, says Louisiana is ranked 40^th overall when it comes to meeting the needs of the elderly. He says these individuals are not getting the adequate day to day help that they need.

Cut 14 (08) “adults”

The scorecard found the value of unpaid care for older adults is over six billion dollars. Muhl says Louisiana has a very unbalanced long term care system. He says Medicaid dollars tend to go towards nursing homes when many older adults want to stay at home with assistance from friends and family.

Cut 15 (10) “doing that”

Muhl says as a state, we have a lot of work to do. He says the state spends way too much on nursing home care and not enough on in-home care.

Cut 16  (09)  “term care”

____________________________________________________________

It took a special session to approve a budget for next fiscal year and  lawmakers have bigger money problems in the very near future. Jeff Palermo has the latest…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Bayou Teche Brewing cuts the ribbon on the newly expanded brewery in Arnaudville. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

It looks like Louisiana economy is picking up as nonfarm and private sector jobs are on the rise. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’mEmelie Gunn”

__________________________________

Legislators struggled to approve a budget this year and the state’s financial woes will only look worse next year. That’s because one-point-two billion dollars in temporary taxes will expire in July 2018. Publisher of lapolitics.com, Jeremy Alford, says state lawmakers face more difficult decisions…

Cut 4  (11) “two strategies”

It’s expected the governor will call a special session early next year so legislators can address the fiscal cliff. Alford says the governor may propose ideas recommended by a task force that studied the state’s tax code, but that doesn’t mean the legislature will agree with those proposals

Cut 5  (08)  “new revenue”

A big portion of the temporary taxes that will expire next year is the additional penny put on the state sales tax last year by legislators to address a massive budget shortfall. Alford says the easiest thing for lawmakers to do is to keep the fifth sales tax penny on the books

Cut 6 (o8) “Louisiana legislature”

________________________________________________________

Bayou Teche Brewing has a newly expanded Arnaudville brewery. President Karlos Knott says they added 50-percent more floor space, including new office space and an automated keg washing system. The expansion was needed to increase sales of their year-round LA 31 beers and seasonal beers. He says they’re excited about a new fully-automatic smart brewhouse from the Italian manufacturer Simatec.

Cut 7 (08)  “less energy”

This brewhouse is the first of its kind in the country. Knott says while it’s exciting to be on the forefront, it’s also nerve-racking to be the Guinee pig. He says there’s hundreds of them in Europe, and the owners they talked to love them.

Cut 8 (09) “the same time”

The smart brewhouse can produce up to 13 batches in just 24 hours. Knott says the new technology should help them brew at least three time as many beers in a day. He says the company is also going to help them further automate the brewery as they expand.

Cut 9 (09)  “more technological”

____________________________________________________________

Employment is on the rise in the Bayou State. In May, nonfarm employment increased by 10,500 jobs, the best one month gain since July of 2011. Executive Director of the Louisiana Workforce Commission Ava Dejoie says there’s been a noticeable improvement to the state’s employment landscape over the past month.

Cut 10 (09) “Lafayette”

Private sector employment increased by more than 9-thousand jobs over the month of May. Dejoie says our economy is tied to oil and gas but we’re turning the tide and diversifying the economy.

Cut 11 (10) “rebound” 

Even with these improvements, Louisiana unemployment rate is 5.7-percent, the third highest in the country. But Dejoie says the industrial boom in Lake Charles has created an additional 16-hundred jobs in May and flood recovery efforts are also producing jobs.

Cut 12 (10) “home sector”

____________________________________________________________

The Beauregard Parish Police Jury has expressed interest in taking possession of the P.G.T. Beauregard statue. It was one of four controversial confederate statues taken down in New Orleans. Police Jury President Rusty Williamson says it’s the right place for the monument, since the parish is named after the Confederate General.

Cut 13 (10) “get it”

Members of the Beauregard Community Coalition do not support moving the statue to Beauregard Parish. But Williamson says after a poll of the police jury, they determined bringing it to the parish was the best idea to avoid the namesake statue ending up in the trash. He says there are a variety of places to erect the statue other than the courthouse.

Cut 14 (09) “go there”

Williamson says he will meet with the Community Coalition this week to discuss options for a location for the equestrian statue. But he says it’s unclear if or when they may get the statue, because the removal of this monument is tied up in the courts.

Cut 15 (09) “in litigation”

_______________________________________________________

Something has to give in tonight’s College World Series winner’s bracket matchup between LSU and Oregon State. The Tigers have won 17 in a row, while the Beavers have won 22 straight. Oregon State is an impressive 55-4 on the season, but Coach Paul Mainieri says they can be defeated…

Cut 16 (09)  “have a chance”

Both teams rallied from behind to win in the opening round of the C-W-S. Mainieri says expects another hard fought battle tonight…

Cut 17 (13) “they do”

Shortstop Kramer Robertson says they know it will take a great effort to get a win over Oregon State…

Cut 18 (15) “to us” 

The full senate passed the budget bill on a 26 to 9 vote. Jeff Palermo has more on the state’s spending plan that heads to the governor’s desk…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson calls this legislative session the most successful for higher ed in nearly a decade. Don Molino has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Legislature finally passed a budget for next fiscal year. The spending plan, which fully funds TOPS and gives thousands of state workers a small pay raise, received final legislative approval in the Senate on Friday morning. Senate Finance Chairman Eric LaFleur of Ville Platte calls it a smart and reasonable spending plan that adequately funds the state’s biggest priorities.

Cut 3 (08) “neglected”

The 28-billion dollar spending plan goes to the governor for his signature. Most state agencies are not cut, TOPS is fully funded and 38-thousand state workers receive a 2-percent pay raise. LaFleur says for the first time in nearly a decade, public colleges will not receive a cut

Cut 4  (08) “not doing”

But Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt voted against the budget, because it uses 100 percent of the money that’s available. She would rather hold back a small portion in case of a mid-year shortfall.

Cut 5  (11)  “the cycle”

Metairie Senator Conrad Appel also voted against it, because this budget plan does nothing to address the loss of over a billion dollars in temporary taxes next fiscal year.

Cut 6 (07) “handle”

________________________________________________

Arguments were heard today in a federal courtroom over state abortion laws passed last year. The Center for Reproductive Rights challenged the laws’ constitutionality, saying they violate women’s right to an abortion. Attorney Zoe Levine says they filed a motion to dismiss 7 laws that impede women’s access to safe and legal abortions.

Cut 7 (09)  “to contract”

The laws extend waiting periods, ban certain procedures and restrict what doctors can perform abortions. Executive Director for the Louisiana Right to Life, Ben Clapper, defends the pro-life laws.

Cut 8 (09) “the goal”

_________________________________________________________

Doctors remain encouraged over the progress Congressman Steve Scalise is making as he recovers from a gunshot wound to the left hip. Director of the Trauma Unit at MedStar Washington Hospital, Dr. Jake Sava, says Scalise says the bullet did substantial damage to bones, internal organs and blood vessels.

Cut 9 (10)  “get it”

Sava says when Scalise arrived after being shot, he was in imminent risk of death but now there is a good possibility he’ll have an excellent recovery.

Cut 10 (04) “run”

Crystal Griner, a member of the Capitol Police Department, was also treated at MedStar. Sava says Griner was shot in the ankle while protecting Scalise but is now in good condition and good spirits.

_________________________________________________________

UL System President Doctor Jim Henderson says this is one of the most successful legislative sessions for higher ed in nearly a decade. Henderson says he’s thrilled lawmakers approved a budget that fully funds TOPS, after failing to do so for the first time in the program’s history last academic year.

Cut 11 (09) “shouldn’t consider”

The spending plan approved by both the House and Senate is also the first in nearly a decade that did not reduce funding to higher education. Henderson says they’re grateful to all involved in passing this budget.

Cut 12 (12) “students deserve it”

But Henderson says improvements can still be made in terms of funding public colleges. He says Louisiana is the lowest funded higher education system among southern states, and it’s not even close. He says we’re a long way from making Louisiana universities truly competitive.

Cut 13 (09) “we make”

_________________________________________________________

As Father’s Day is this Sunday, many families will be outside grilling steaks with Dad this weekend. Executive Vice President of the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association Robert Joyner says beef prices have been declining over the past few years and the beef industry has rebounded in a big way.

Cut 14 (08) “good year”

Joyner says while the demand for beef is up this weekend, prices will still be affordable given the large supply of cattle.

Cut 15 (08) “as numbers”

Joyner says beef is more affordable than in years in the past and grilling up beef with Dad this Sunday is also a good source of iron and zinc. He says it looks like most families have steak on the menu this year as their Father’s Day meal.

Cut 16  (09)  “biggest seller”

____________________________________________________________

The LSU AgCenter is one step closer to getting medical marijuana to patients with cancer, epilepsy, and HIV/AIDS. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Louisiana has opened up a 39 day red snapper fishing season in federal waters starting today. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

After members of Congress were targeted in a Virginia shooting, New Orleans Congressman Cedric Richmond says it’s time to ramp up security. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

__________________________________

The LSU AgCenter selects a vendor for the medical marijuana program. AgCenter Chancellor Dr. Bill Richardson says this is the last major hurdle to getting the drug into the hands of those who need it. He says the details of the agreement have not been released, but the plan is to contract with a biopharmaceutical research company from Las Vegas called GB Sciences.

Cut 4  (08) “to work with”

Richardson says the Board of Supervisors will act on the plan at their June 22 meeting. He says it’s been almost a year since the board voted to allow the AgCenter to grow medical marijuana that would be prescribed to a certain group of patients outlined by state law.

Cut 5  (10)  “at it”

Richardson says they hope to have the product available to the patients by early 2018. He says LSU will be on the cutting edge of medical marijuana research, and they’ll be able to help patients with cancer, epilepsy, or HIV/AIDS.

Cut 6 (11) “other states”

________________________________________________________

I will be a busy red snapper season for Louisiana anglers. Under an agreement with the federal government, fisherman will get 39 days, beginning today until September 4^th,to fish for red snapper in federal waters on weekends. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves…

Cut 7 (10)  “fishing”

Recreational anglers will be permitted to start fishing 200 miles off the coast of Louisiana for red snapper every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through September 4^th, also included are July 3^rd and 4^th and Labor Day. Graves says after this season, the red snapper population will be reevaluated to see if a fall season can open. He says this is to prevent over fishing.

Cut 8 (09) “to come”

Graves says this is a great agreement for fishermen, after all the angst and frustration surrounding a previously short red snapper season in federal waters. He says they are working to come up with a permanent solution.

Cut 9 (06)  “long term”

____________________________________________________________

A State Trooper has been charged with simple battery after allegedly using excessive force on a suspect. Trooper Melissa Matey says back in February, Master Trooper John Neal tried to conduct a traffic stop on a stolen vehicle in Orleans Parish, one of the occupants fled on foot and was detained. She says that’s when things escalated between Neal and the victim.

Cut 10 (08) “at that time”

And Matey says the use of excessive force didn’t stop there.

Cut 11 (10) “to shatter”

Footage of the incident was captured by civilian surveillance video and body cameras. The victim was treated at a local hospital for minor injuries and when released from the hospital he was booked on several charges including a possession of a stolen auto. Matey says as a result of their investigation, detectives determined Neal committed simple battery on the victim. She says it’s always a sad day when LSP has to charge one of their own.

Cut 12 (09) “just that”

____________________________________________________________

New Orleans Congressman Cedric Richmond says it is time to ramp up security for federal lawmakers, after a shootout at a baseball park in Virginia left House Majority Whip Steve Scalise seriously injured. Richmond says in these polarizing times, Congressional leaders need to be aware of the potential danger of their positions.

Cut 13 (09) “that’s us”

Scalise had a security detail because he is the third highest ranking member of the US House, but other congressmen do not have such protection. Richmond says security for members of Congress is embarrassingly inadequate.

Cut 14 (07) “need protection”

Richmond says if Scalise had not been at that practice, it could have been a blood bath. He says something has to be done to keep all members of Congress safe at all times.

Cut 15 (07) “on my own”

_______________________________________________________

LSU faces Florida State tomorrow night in the opening round of the College World Series. Both teams are red hot, the Seminoles have won 12 of their last 13, while LSU has won 16 straight. Publisher of Collegiate Baseball News Lou Pavlovich (Pav-low-vich) says just like LSU, Florida State went through a rough patch during the regular season…

Cut 16 (18)  “first round matchup”

Out of the eight teams in the College World Series, Florida State has scored the most runs with 488. Pavlovich says LSU starting pitcher Alex Lange will go face a line-up that will be patient at the plate…

Cut 17 (19) “the country”

Cal-State Fullerton and top-seeded Oregon State are the other two teams in LSU’s bracket. But the Beavers best pitcher Luke Heimlich will not pitch in the C-W-S. It was recently learned that Heimlich pleaded guility as a teenager to molesting a six-year-old girl. Pavlovich says it’s a big blow to Oregon State’s chances of winning a third national title…

Cut 18 (18) “that tournament” 

MedStar Washington Hospital tweets that House Majority Whip Steve Scalise remains in critical condition and will need more operations. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed 10 criminal justice reform measures aimed at reducing the state’s prison population by 10-percent. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The LSU baseball team has arrived in Omaha the site of the College World Series. Head Coach Paul Mainieri says even though this team doesn’t have a lot of experience in the C-W-S,  his players seem cool, calm and confident…

Cut 3 (09) “be victorious”

LSU will play Saturday night against Florida State. Mainieri says this is his 6^th trip to Omaha and the fifth time he’s brought an LSU team to the College World Series. If the Tigers win it all, it would be the school’s seventh national championship. But Mainieri says they will take it one game at a time…

Cut 4  (09) “next one”

LSU has won only one game at the College World Series since winning the national championship team in 2009. Mainieri has told his players it’s been a great season regardless of what happens in Omaha…

Cut 5  (12)  “that way”

________________________________________________

Lawmakers are close to reaching a budget agreement with just five days left in the special session. The House approved a spending plan that appropriates all of the available dollars, something they would not agree to do during the regular session. Jackson Representative Kenny Havard says no one got everything they wanted in this deal.

Cut 6 (07) “a shortfall”

House Republicans originally proposed to withhold more than $200 million to avoid midyear cuts. Houma Representative Tanner Magee says the spending plan isn’t perfect, but it’s probably the best they could do as far as reaching a compromise.

Cut 7 (10)  “to do”

The bill does instruct the administration to hold back $60 million in case of midyear cuts, while appropriating the entire revenue forecast. Havard says no one wants to spend more money than we take in, but they had to come to an agreement.

Cut 8 (09) “special session”

The bill has the support of Governor John Bel Edwards, and Magee says he expects the Senate to approve it as well. He says he is cautiously optimistic lawmakers are moving in the right direction. He says it’s a relief they’re close to reaching an agreement.

Cut 9 (10)  “absolutely necessary”

The full Senate could pass the House approved budget on Friday.

_________________________________________________________

House Majority Whip Steve Scalise remains in critical condition, according to MedStar Washington Hospital. President Donald Trump says this has been more difficult for the Jefferson Parish Congressman than originally thought. He says Scalise is in some trouble, but he’s a fighter.

Cut 10 (11) “of the way”

The hospital says the gunshot wound to his left hip fractured bones, injured internal organs, and caused severe bleeding. MedStar confirmed the bullet traversed the pelvis, and LSU Health New Orleans trauma surgeon Dr. John Hunt says that could pose some problems.

Cut 11 (08) “an infection”

Scalise reportedly underwent a third surgery today. One of the procedures was necessary to stop the bleeding, as the hospital says Scalise was in shock. Hunt says what that means is the patient lost a lot of blood.

Cut 12 (10) “replete again”

MedStar tweets that Scalise will need more operations. Hunt says it’s not uncommon for gunshot wounds impacting the stomach to result in multiple surgeries. He says typically patients will undergo one procedure at the beginning and then come back for more.

Cut 13 (11) “the operation”

_________________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards signed 10 bills into law today that will result in shorter sentences for many non-violent offenders and expanded rehabilitation programs. Edwards predicts the new sentencing laws will reduce the prison population by 10-percent and Louisiana will finally lose the title as the incarceration capital of the world.

Cut 14 (08) “something better”

It’s estimated these new laws will save the state 262 million dollars over the next 10 years. Edwards says much of the money will be reinvested to help keep released inmates from returning to prison.

Cut 15 (08) “pay taxes”

Edwards says many of the bills that were signed into law have been successful in other states when it comes to reducing the prison population.

Cut 16  (09)  “broken from”

_____________________________

Tulane researchers discover Louisiana’s coast is sinking at a rate of one third inch per year, which is 50-percent faster than their estimate from two years ago. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

The St. Tammany Parish coroner doesn’t think a new law to limit first time opioid prescriptions will address the epidemic as much as we hoped. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves blames turbulent political times for the attack on House Majority Whip Steve Scalise. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Halen Doughty”

__________________________________

Tulane researchers have found Louisiana is sinking at a rate of just over one third of an inch per year, which is 50-percent faster than what was estimated two years ago. Geology professor and co-author of the report, Tor Tornqvist, says we’ve always known the state is sinking, but they developed a map of coastal Louisiana to determine how rapidly it’s going underwater and where.

Cut 4  (06) “one inch”

Tornquvist says they were able to conduct this research by collecting data from nearly 300 monitoring stations along the state’s coast that measured how wetland surfaces change over time and how much sediment accumulates over time.

Cut 5  (11)  “feet”

Tornquvist says this map is an improvement and can hopefully be used by policymakers who are making decisions about restoring Louisiana’s coast. He says this research should alarm those about future of Louisiana’s coastline.

Cut 6 (11) “right now”

________________________________________________________

A new law that limits first time opioid prescriptions may not address Louisiana’s opioid epidemic as much as we hoped. St. Tammany Coroner Charles Preston says according to numbers he’s seen, only four to 13 percent of patients will misuse their opioid prescription, and four percent of those will go on to use harder drugs. He says that means less than one percent of those who receive opioid prescriptions will abuse drugs.

Cut 7 (10)  “appropriately”

The law limits first time prescriptions for acute conditions to a 7-day supply. One provision allows patients to request their script only be partially filled, and they could get the rest later if needed. Preston says that could be problematic for pharmacies. He says he’s spoken to many that say they cannot practically partially fill a prescription.

Cut 8 (10) “additional prescription”

Preston says this new law is a positive step, and he applauds New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno for shedding light on a growing problem in Louisiana and around the country. But he hopes it doesn’t cloud the importance of funding addiction treatment programs.

Cut 9 (10)  “disease process”

____________________________________________________________

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says the attack on House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and others at a congressional baseball game practice is a sign of the turbulent times in our country. He says it’s okay to have different ideas and opinions, in fact we should celebrate that. But he says this is taking our differences too far.

Cut 10 (10) “physical attacks”

Graves says this sobering incident shows how quickly things can turn. He says it doesn’t matter which party it is, it’s simply not okay to turn to acts of violence to address a problem. He says he has never seen things as polarizing and divisive as they are right now.

Cut 11 (09) “right now”

There’s been reports of congressional leaders receiving threats following the attack, suggesting that more may follow. Graves says he’s certainly received threats in the past, but he won’t let it interfere with his duties in Washington.

Cut 12 (11) “to be fixed”

____________________________________________________________

Legislators have taken a significant step towards ending the budget impasse and the special session. On a 56-44 vote, the House approved a budget that allocates 100-percent of the available money. A large contingent of House Republicans like Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala did not want to spend at least 100-million dollars, because the state constantly has midyear revenue shortfalls.

Cut 13 (05) “need that money”

Bacala told his colleagues that it would be wise to hold back 100-million dollars so midyear cuts are not needed if the revenue does not come in as anticipated…

Cut 14 (11) “some back”

But New Orleans Representative Walt Leger says if the state doesn’t allocate all of the available dollars, cuts will occur to areas when the fiscal year begins in July to areas of the budget that do not need to be slashed

Cut 15 (10) “budget”

The 28-billion dollar budget proposal will be heard in the Senate finance committee on Thursday. It has the support of Governor John Bel Edwards, who says the spending plan imposes cuts in a responsible way, but it also adequately funds our needs. Leger says using all of the dollars available is the responsible way to fund state government…

Cut 16 (10)  “of the state”

____________________________________________________________________

The LSU Tigers leave for Omaha this morning. It’s their first trip to the College World Series since 2015. Senior shortstop Kramer Robertson is looking forward to his first C-W-S experience…

Cut 17 (20) “all of it”

LSU pitcher Alex Lange will start versus Flordia State on Saturday night. He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the first round earlier this week. But Lange is not worried about his pro career…

Cut 18 (08) “Omaha now” 

Lange says everyone is excited about the opportunity to win the school’s seventh national championship…

Cut 19 (15) “fun starts”

Members of Louisiana’s Congressional Delegation are reacting to the shooting of House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Jefferson Parish. Michelle Southern has that…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

The Department of Transportation announces plans to widen I-10 from Highland Road to LA 73 in the Baton Rouge area. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

A suspect has died as a result of another officer-involved shooting in Baton Rouge. That’s according to State Trooper Bryan Lee, who says Louisiana State Police is investigating the incident. He says the deadly encounter began when Baton Rouge Police conducted a traffic stop just before midnight.

Cut 3 (10) “at the scene”

The suspect has been identified as 35-year-old Jordan Frazier. Lee says investigators are working to establish the timeline of events that led to the death of the suspect.

Cut 4  (08) “BRPD officer”

No officers were injured in the incident. Lee says troopers are gathering witness statements, and the investigation is ongoing.

Cut 5  (09)  “are pending”

________________________________________________

New Orleans Congressman and House Majority Whip Steve Scalise is recovering from a gunshot wound to the hip, as he underwent surgery this morning. Scalise was shot at the practice for the Congressional Baseball Game in Alexandria, Va. US Senator John Kennedy says he wishes he understood why bad things happen to good people. He says he feels sad and mad that something like this happened.

Cut 6 (11) “in America”

The shooter has been identified as 66-year-old James Hodgkinson of Illinois, and it’s been reported he has ties to several anti-Republican online groups. Two police officers and a congressional aide were also wounded in the shooting.

Scalise is being treated at MedStar Washington Hospital. The hospital tweeted that Scalise remains in critical condition. St. Landry Parish Congressman Clay Higgins says he is hopeful his colleague will make a full and speedy recovery.

Cut 7 (10)  “he’ll recover”

President Trump confirmed the suspect has died as a result of his injuries. Higgins says although he would have liked for him to be prosecuted, that’s just fine with him. He is thankful the security detail responded as quickly and effectively as they did.

Cut 8 (11) “as it should be”

Higgins says it’s certainly not business as usual in Washington, as all meetings have been cancelled and everyone is on high alert. Rayville Congressman Ralph Abraham says it’s a sad day in American that we’ve gotten to this point. He says we have to get passed the divisiveness and the hate in this country.

Cut 9 (09)  “for sure”

_________________________________________________________

President Donald Trump addressed the public after the attack this morning at a baseball practice that left multiple people injured, including House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, of Jefferson Parish. Among the other injured are two police officers, a staffer, and lobbyist. Trump commended the actions of the officers who stepped in to stop this brutal and deliberate attack.

Cut 10 (10) “wounds”

Scalise was practicing for the annual charity baseball game when a man identified as James Hodgkinson of Illinois, started firing. The Congressman is currently recovering from a successful surgery. Trump says he has offered full and complete support to the Scalise family.

Cut 11 (08) “a fighter”

The President says Hodgkinson has died. Trump also commends the emergency responders from the Alexandria Police Department and Fire and Rescue for rushing to the field. He says we may have our differences but we do well in times of difficulty, to remember we are best when unified.

Cut 12 (11) “entire world”

_________________________________________________________

The state Department of Transportation announces plans to widen Interstate 10 from four to six lanes in East Baton Rouge and Ascension Parishes. The project also includes the replacement of the LA 42 overpass. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says construction is slated to begin in early 2018.

Cut 13 (07) “each direction”

Wilson says DOTD will widen the bridge over Highland, and they’ll widen the stretch all the way to Highway 73 to allow traffic to pass the busy exit. He says this will help alleviate congestion that happens during morning and afternoon commutes.

Cut 14 (09) “this corridor”

The $72 million project is funded through a combination of state and federal funds. Wilson says they are using repurposed earmarks from the federal FASTLANE grant, along with a state match. He reminds drivers this is a onetime opportunity.

Cut 15 (09) “think they are”

____________________________________________________________