Three people were killed when their vehicle split in half in Ascension Parish. Halen Doughty has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The Senate is committed to fully funding the TOPS scholarship program, despite budget troubles, according to President John Alario. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Safe Boating Week kicks off Saturday in Louisiana and runs through May 26. Adam Einck with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says their agents will be conducting more safety checks on waterways this week. He says it’s important to remember three things when out on the water.

Cut 3 (08) “working condition”

With the summer boating season getting underway, Einck encourages boaters to make sure they have the proper safety equipment on their vessels, including life jackets for everyone on board and a fire extinguisher. He says it’s important to stay safe on the water at all times, or it could cost you your life.

Cut 4  (07) “boating fatalities” 2x

Alcohol consumption is the leading cause of boat crashes and fatalities. Einck advises people to sign up for LDWF’s free boating safety course. For more information on the class, visit wlf.la.gov.

Cut 5  (09)  “as well”

Louisiana saw 24 boating fatalities in 2016, and this year 9 people have died in boating accidents.

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Three people were found dead in an Ascension Parish bayou by their own family member. State Trooper Bryan Lee says the family had not heard from 23-year-old Thomas Jones, 22-year-old Austin Kiernan, and 19-year-old Sydney Persac of St. Amant after they went out Wednesday night.

Cut 6 (09) “a canal”

It’s believed the crash occurred in the early morning hours on Thursday, and the crash site was not discovered until just before midnight Thursday. Lee says when troopers arrived they discovered a grisly scene of the vehicle split in half by a tree.

Cut 7 (09)  “in half”

Lee says this was a gruesome discovery for a family member to make, as the bodies of all three victims were found outside the vehicle. He says the investigation is ongoing, and troopers still have a lot of unanswered questions in this case.

Cut 8 (09) “a factor”

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Senate President John Alario says the upper chamber is committed to fully funding the TOPS scholarship program. Alario says the House budget plan takes money away from the Department of Health to fully fund TOPS and they are taking a close look at that proposal.

Cut 9 (07)  “TOPS funding” 

Alario says tapping into 200 million dollars that has yet to be allocated could reduce some cuts in multiple departments, as the House wants to only use 97.5-percent of what the Revenue Estimating Conference says is available. He is concerned the Department of Children and Family Services is not properly funded.

Cut 10 (08) “supervised”

A measure filed by Baton Rouge Representative Franklin Foil would raise the GPA requirement from 2.5 to 2.75 and would save the state 17 million dollars a year.  Alario expects any changes to TOPS will be unsuccessful in the Senate. He says too many students rely on the program.

Cut 11 (10) “for us”

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Higher training standards for police officers have been approved by the full House. A proposal by Baton Rouge Representative Ted James would require officers to receive at least 400 hours of basic POST training before entering the field.

Cut 12 (10) “the 400 hours”

James says he’s worked with law enforcement around the state to come up with the best practices to prepare officers for work in the field. The measure also mandates 20 hours of additional training annually. He says his bill also requires more training in some key areas.

Cut 13 (09) “peace officers”

James authored the measure after Alton Sterling, a black man, was killed in a confrontation with two white police officers outside a convenience store last July. He says that’s why his bill also includes training on bias policing recognition.

Cut 14 (10) “those situations”

The measure passed on an 82-5 vote and heads to the Senate.

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The Black and Gold Classic Fishing Rodeo gets underway in Grand Isle today with the help of some former and current Saints players. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A Senate-approved proposal to alter the state’s film tax credit program has the support of the Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Congressman Garret Graves calls the investigation into the connection between President Donald Trump and Russia during the election a total distraction. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Former and current Saints players will participate in a weekend of fishing, shooting and entertainment at the Black and Gold Classic in Grand Isle. Former Saints tackle Stan Brock hosts the event and says today teams will participate in a private shooting event and tomorrow the fishing rodeo begins at 6 a.m. He says all the proceeds go to the Green Beret Foundation and All American Caliber, groups which support veterans.

Cut 4  (09) “for them”

Zach Strief and other current players will also be present at the rodeo. Brock says the public is welcome to participate in the speckled trout and redfish rodeo at Bridgeside Marina and each team will be partnered with a Saints legend.

Cut 5  (09)  “called Butter”

Brock says tickets are 30 bucks to enter the fishing rodeo and 10 to enter the concert. He says this is a great way to raise money for the people who sacrifice so much for our freedom.

Cut 6 (10) “good time”

To enter in the rodeo visit blackandgoldclassic.com/Louisiana/registration.

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A measure to require litter prevention education in Kindergarten through 5^th grade heads to the Senate floor for final legislative passage. The bill received approval from the Senate Education Committee and the author of the proposal Lafayette Representative Stuart Bishop told the panel Louisiana has a serious litter problem that needs to be addressed.

Cut 7 (10)  “of litter”

Bishop says litter education would be included in regular science courses. He says he cannot promise this will solve the state’s litter problem…

Cut 8 (07) “go forward”

Bishop says it’s time to stop thanking Mississippi and Arkansas for ranking lower than us…

Cut 9 (07)  “embarrassing”

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The Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association supports proposed changes to the state’s film tax credit program. A Senate-approved measure would place a front-end cap on the program, as opposed to the back-end cap enacted in 2015. Association president Robert Vosbein says the bill also reserves 10 percent of the available credits for Louisiana filmmakers.

Cut 10 (10) “the program”

Vosbein hopes this will bring back some of the filmmakers who left for other states because of the uncertainty surrounding the program. The measure would sunset the program after 8 years if the industry can’t prove its value. But he says industry leaders aren’t worried.

Cut 11 (11) “worth keeping”

Vosbein says this bill is a collaborative effort among the film industry, lawmakers, and Louisiana Economic Development to fix what was broken two years ago. He says there’s even incentives to get producers outside of the Big Easy.

Cut 12 (07) “in the state”

The bill was approved 33-3 in the Senate. Its next hearing will be in the House Ways and Means Committee.

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Louisiana Congressman Garret Graves calls the investigation into the connection between President Donald Trump and Russia during the election a total distraction. Former FBI Director Robert Mueller has been hired to look into claims that Mr. Trump and Russia somehow teamed up to help sway the vote in November. Graves says this is the 4th probe underway..:

Cut 13 (08) “problematic”

There are reports that President Trump asked now-fired FBI Director James Comey to stop looking into the matter, which Democratic Congressman Cedric Richmand says qualifies as obstruction of justice. The President has called this a witch hunt, which Graves feels isn’t too far off the mark because past administrations weren’t treated this way…:

Cut 14 (08) “do our jobs”

Graves says he’s not going to prejudge whether Mueller is going to find anything of substance…:

Cut 15 (10) “been substantiated”

Legislation that establishes statewide regulations for Uber and Lyft heads to the Senate. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A measure that would make it illegal for adult to allow a children 12 and under from handling fully automatic guns heads to the House floor. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A bill to regulate Uber and Lyft statewide is heading to the Senate. Jackson Representative Kenny Havard says these ride sharing services keep people safe, offers an affordable ride, and provides thousands of employment opportunities. He says very rarely do lawmakers get a chance to do something that really affects people’s lives.

Cut 3 (09) “fatal accidents”

The measure would establish a blanket set of regulations and collect a fee of one percent, ending various deals some local municipalities have with the companies. New Orleans has one such agreement in which the city charges riders a 50 cent fee. New Orleans Representative Gary Carter was upset this bill would supersede that arrangement.

Cut 4  (08) “state level”

Carter says New Orleans would lose $2 million if this bill threw out the city’s deal with Uber. But Monroe Representative Jay Morris says the Big Easy is charging riders the highest fee in the country. He says the City of New Orleans used Uber’s desire to move into the city to get the most money possible out of the business.

Cut 5  (09)  “in the city”

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A measure that would penalize adults if they let a child who is 12 years old or younger handle a fully automatic weapon passed out of the House Criminal Justice Committee on a 7 to 6 vote. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton says she brought forth this bill after a nine year old girl accidentally shot and killed her instructor with an Uzi submachine gun in Arizona.

Cut 6 (10) “United States”

Adults would face fines if they violate the proposed law. Norton says she’s pro-gun and supports children of a proper age learning the correct way to shoot guns. She says she filed this measure strictly for the safety of young children too small to operate these weapons.

Cut 7 (10)  “that gun”

But Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala says this measure subjects gun collectors to a fine.

Cut 8 (12) “fine”

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A measure that would prohibit public universities from having their name or images to market alcoholic beverages was voluntarily deferred in the House Education Committee. Shreveport Representative Cedric Glover filed this bill because he believes LSU and UL-Lafayette licensed “official” beers promote underage drinkings.

Cut 9 (12)  “get sick” 

UL-Lafayette has Ragin Cajuns Genuine Louisiana Ale, while the LSU beer is “Bayou Bengal Lager.” But Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater says given the massive cuts to higher education, schools need this opportunity to generate funds.

Cut 10 (10) “our kids”

Stephanie Knott with Bayou Teche Brewing spoke out in opposition of the measure, discussing the brewery’s partnership with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Cut 11 (11) “and equipment”

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Two arrests have been made after a 7-year-old at Moss Bluff Elementary School was accidentally shot when a child brought a gun to school. Authorities say the gun fell out of the child’s backpack, and another child picked it up causing it to fire, hitting another student. Calcasieu Sheriff Tony Mancuso says the brother and father of the child who had the gun have been arrested.

Cut 12 (08) “in the house”

The father, 50-year-old Michael Lane Dugas, is charged with negligent injury and improper supervision of a minor. The brother, 17-year-old Jake Adam Dugas, is charged with negligent injury. Mancuso says the gun was kept just four feet off the ground in a shoe organizer hanging on the wall of the bedroom the boys shared.

Cut 13 (09) “was committed”

Mancuso says the actions of the child’s father and brother were the cause of the accident, not the young boy. Calcasieu Parish District Attorney John DeRosier says gun owners must store their weapons out of the reach of small children. He says we’re very lucky that the child injured in this case was not killed.

Cut 14 (11) “bu children”

The child who was shot underwent surgery Monday and continues to recover.

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Legislation that establishes statewide regulations for Uber and Lyft heads to the Senate. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A measure that would make it illegal for adult to allow a children 12 and under from handling fully automatic guns heads to the House floor. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A bill to regulate Uber and Lyft statewide is heading to the Senate. Jackson Representative Kenny Havard says these ride sharing services keep people safe, offers an affordable ride, and provides thousands of employment opportunities. He says very rarely do lawmakers get a chance to do something that really affects people’s lives.

Cut 3 (09) “fatal accidents”

The measure would establish a blanket set of regulations and collect a fee of one percent, ending various deals some local municipalities have with the companies. New Orleans has one such agreement in which the city charges riders a 50 cent fee. New Orleans Senator Troy Carter was upset this bill would supersede that arrangement.

Cut 4  (08) “state level”

Carter says New Orleans would lose $2 million if this bill threw out the city’s deal with Uber. But Monroe Representative Jay Morris says the Big Easy is charging riders the highest fee in the country. He says the City of New Orleans used Uber’s desire to move into the city to get the most money possible out of the business.

Cut 5  (09)  “in the city”

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A measure that would penalize adults if they let a child who is 12 years old or younger handle a fully automatic weapon passed out of the House Criminal Justice Committee on a 7 to 6 vote. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton says she brought forth this bill after a nine year old girl accidentally shot and killed her instructor with an Uzi submachine gun in Arizona.

Cut 6 (10) “United States”

Adults would face fines if they violate the proposed law. Norton says she’s pro-gun and supports children of a proper age learning the correct way to shoot guns. She says she filed this measure strictly for the safety of young children too small to operate these weapons.

Cut 7 (10)  “that gun”

But Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala says this measure subjects gun collectors to a fine.

Cut 8 (12) “fine”

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A measure that would prohibit public universities from having their name or images to market alcoholic beverages was voluntarily deferred in the House Education Committee. Shreveport Representative Cedric Glover filed this bill because he believes LSU and UL-Lafayette licensed “official” beers promote underage drinkings.

Cut 9 (12)  “get sick” 

UL-Lafayette has Ragin Cajuns Genuine Louisiana Ale, while the LSU beer is “Bayou Bengal Lager.” But Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater says given the massive cuts to higher education, schools need this opportunity to generate funds.

Cut 10 (10) “our kids”

Stephanie Knott with Bayou Teche Brewing spoke out in opposition of the measure, discussing the brewery’s partnership with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Cut 11 (11) “and equipment”

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Two arrests have been made after a 7-year-old at Moss Bluff Elementary School was accidentally shot when a child brought a gun to school. Authorities say the gun fell out of the child’s backpack, and another child picked it up causing it to fire, hitting another student. Calcasieu Sheriff Tony Mancuso says the brother and father of the child who had the gun have been arrested.

Cut 12 (08) “in the house”

The father, 50-year-old Michael Lane Dugas, is charged with negligent injury and improper supervision of a minor. The brother, 17-year-old Jake Adam Dugas, is charged with negligent injury. Mancuso says the gun was kept just four feet off the ground in a shoe organizer hanging on the wall of the bedroom the boys shared.

Cut 13 (09) “was committed”

Mancuso says the actions of the child’s father and brother were the cause of the accident, not the young boy. Calcasieu Parish District Attorney John DeRosier says gun owners must store their weapons out of the reach of small children. He says we’re very lucky that the child injured in this case was not killed.

Cut 14 (11) “bu children”

The child who was shot underwent surgery Monday and continues to recover.

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On a 3 to 1 vote, the Senate Labor Committee advances a bill that would protect the LGBT community from workplace discrimination. Don Molino has more…

Cut 1 (27) “I’m Don Molino”

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U.S. Senator John Kennedy spoke on the Senate floor about his Medicaid reform bill. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says every day it looks more and more likely we’ll have to have a special session after this fiscal session ends. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Louisiana’s LGBT community would be protected from workplace discrimination under a proposal heading to the Senate floor. New Orleans Senator Troy Carter’s bill would add sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes in state laws. He says as an African American man, he hasn’t always been protected from discrimination under the law.

Cut 4  (11) “allow it”

Dylan Waguespack with Louisiana Trans Advocates testified in support of the measure and telling committee members that he’s transgender. He says it’s something that, until now, he’s chosen not to share with his colleagues at the Capitol for fear of facing discrimination. He says something has to be done to protect people like him in the workplace.

Cut 5  (12)  “and disgust”

Dr. Will Hall with the Louisiana Baptist Office of Public Policy opposes the bill. He says Attorney General Jeff Landry has already ruled it illegal to add a new protective class that’s not defined under the law. He notes this bill would also go against a U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling.

Cut 6 (12) “as immutable”

The measure was approved in the Senate Labor Committee on a 3 to 1 vote.

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U.S. Senator John Kennedy spoke on the Senate floor touting a Medicaid reform bill that he has filed.  Kennedy says it would require adults ages 18 to 55, that have no dependents and are not disabled, to work 20 hours a week, go to school or do community service to receive Medicaid.

Cut 7 (11)  “private sector”

Kennedy says he filed The Medicaid Reform and Personal Responsibility Act of 2017 as not an attempt to take Medicaid away from people in need but so fewer people need Medicaid.

Cut 8 (10) “from government”

Kennedy says requiring 20 hours of schooling or work provides an incentive for able bodied Americans to know the dignity of work. He says a person without a job is neither happy nor free.

Cut 9 (08)  “need Medicaid”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s disappointed at how far behind the legislature is in this fiscal session and it could mean another special session in the near future. Edwards says a tremendous amount of work needs to be done before this session ends on June 8. He says this is the best opportunity lawmakers have to resolve the state’s looming budget problems.

Cut 10 (10) “just gone”

In 2018, over a billion dollars in temporary taxes will expire, leaving lawmakers with the task of finding other ways to fund state services. Edwards says nothing has moved out of the House that addresses the cliff. He says if legislators fail to act in this session, he’ll call them back to Baton Rouge.

Cut 11 (08) “next year”

Edwards is also not pleased with the budget put together by the House. He says it was done in a very irresponsible fashion and would cut about $720 million from healthcare. And the governor says House Republicans did not specify what areas of the health budget they’d like to see cut. He says that budget will never become law.

Cut 12 (09) “lacks courage”

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A Senate-approved bill seeks to refine the state’s film tax credit program. The proposal by New Orleans Senator JP Morell would place a $150 million front-end cap on the program. It would also sunset the program after 8 years. He gave his colleagues two simple reasons to support the measure.

Cut 13 (08) “sunset it”

Some lawmakers have been hesitant about the return on investment from the program, including Metairie Senator Conrad Appel. He says the state can’t afford to fund TOPS, and we shouldn’t give away millions of dollars to the film industry.

Cut 14 (07) “that dollar”

Morell seeks to ease some of those concerns by sun setting the program after 8 years, if no action is taken.

Cut 15 (08) “no longer exist”

The bill would also ensure that 10 percent of the available credits are reserved for local Louisiana filmmakers. The measure was approved on a 33 to 3 vote and heads to the House.

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LSU and Mississippi State battle for the SEC West championship starting tonight with a three-game series in Starkville. The Tigers lead the Bulldogs by one game in the standings. To add a little spice, former LSU assistant coach Andy Cannizaro is in his first season as the head coach of Mississippi State. Bayou Bengals right fielder Greg Deichmann…

Cut 16 (17) “this weekend”

The Tigers are playing their best baseball of the season as they’ve won nine of their last eleven. Deichmann is not surprised by how the team has responded down the stretch of the regular season….

Cut 17 (20)  “this weekend”

Mississippi State is led by Brent Rooker, who is hitting .406 with 20 home runs and 71 RBIs. Rooker is the SEC leader in all three of those categories, along with doubles. He has 26 of them. LSU pitcher Jared Poche is hopeful the Tiger pitchers can limit Rooker’s impact…

Cut 18 (18)    “get em out”

A proposed increase to the state’s minimum wage has won the approval of the Senate Labor Committee. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Opponents and supporters of the removal of the statue of Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard watched as crews took down the monument in New Orleans last night. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The Senate Labor Committee approves a proposal to increase the minimum wage to $8.50 over the next two years. The federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour, and this measure would create a state minimum wage at $8.00 by 2018 and increase to $8.50 by 2019. State Director of the National Federation for Independent Business, Dawn Starns opposes the measure because she says it will create uncertainty for small businesses.

Cut 3 (10) “in their budgeting”

But New Orleans Senator Troy Carter says raising the minimum wage would actually help businesses. He says the turnover rate for low wage employees is very high. He says giving workers a decent wage would boost morale and lower turnover rates.

Cut 4  (10) “better employees”

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry also opposes the measure. Jim Patterson with LABI says minimum wage is a starting hourly rate and not intended to be a living wage. He adds that once employees making minimum wage start making more, other workers will want better compensation too.

Cut 5  (10)  “what have you”

But Carter says the world doesn’t come to an end when you treat people fairly. He says not only will better wages make for better work environments, it will also help the community.

Cut 6 (10) “about that”

The bill was passed on a 4 to 2 vote. It will go to the Senate floor, but first it could be sent to the Senate Finance Committee, where it was killed last year. 

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The statue of P.G.T. Beauregard was hauled away in New Orleans by a masked crew last night. Workers took down the monument of the Confederate General as opponents of the removal watched while waving Confederate battle flags and singing the National Anthem.

Cut 7 (09)  “yet wave”

It took crews seven hours to get the equestrian statue off its base. Supporters of the removal threw a party just feet away from the opponents. One onlooker explained why this statue and all Confederate Monuments need to be taken down.

Cut 8 (08) “that nature”

The next monument to go will be Robert E. Lee. One opponent present at the removal spoke out about why it’s important to keep these monuments up.

Cut 9 (10)  “terrible” 

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A proposal that aims to resolve Louisiana’s opioid epidemic is heading to the Senate floor. New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno’s bill would limit first time opioid prescriptions for acute conditions to a 7 day supply, in the hopes of keeping the pain pills away from addicts. She says 4 out of 5 heroin users say they started with painkillers.

Cut 10 (09) “our state”

Another component of the bill requires doctors to tell their patients about the risks associated with taking pain pills. It also allow pharmacists to fill less than the prescribed amount at the patient’s request. East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner Dr. beau Clark testified in support of the bill.

Cut 11 (07) “our epidemic”

The measure does allow for doctors to prescribe more pills if they feel the patient needs them. It also specifies that opioids can be given to those with chronic conditions. Baton Rouge Senator Dan Claitor made sure that patients who need them would have access to painkillers.

Cut 12 (11) “that balance”

The House approved bill was unanimously approved and heads to the Senate floor.

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The House Criminal Justice Committee rejects a proposal to that sought to end the death penalty in Louisiana. Speaking in favor of the bill was Bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Shelton Shelton Fabre, who says every human life is sacred. He says an execution cannot bring back a loved one or heal terrible wounds.

Cut 13 (11) “ever done”

Baton Rouge Senator Dan Claitor, who has a similar measure in the Senate, says the death penalty costs our state millions of dollars, which is important given our state’s massive budget deficit. He also adds the death penalty doesn’t make Louisiana any safer.

Cut 14 (10) “we do”

But the proposal failed on an eight to nine vote. Hugo Holland with the Louisiana District Attorneys Association defended the need for the death penalty…

Cut 15 (07) “death penalty”

Mother of slain St. John the Baptist Sheriff’s Deputy Jeremy Triche, Edie Triche, says the death penalty isn’t about revenge, but justice. She says the murder of law enforcement officers deserves the protections that come with first degree murder.

Cut 16  (09)  “his state”

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The Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus believes white supremacy is behind legislation seeking to protecting confederate monuments. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A measure to increase the gas tax by 17 cents passes out of the House Ways and Means Committee. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus is offended over legislation aimed at protecting the state’s confederate monuments that has been approved by the House. Chairman and  New Orleans Representative Joseph Bouie says this bill is a Trojan horse designed to supersede the authority of local municipalities who have voted to remove such statues.

Cut 3 (08) “white supremacy”

Bouie notes some people testified in committee that the South is rising again. He is disappointed his colleagues would support such a divisive piece of legislation. He called it a failure of legislative leadership and says lawmakers have more important issues facing them.

Cut 4  (12) “our citizens”

Bouie says there has to be some healing after the 65 to 31 vote. The amended measure still has to win approval in the Upper Chamber. The Black Caucus is calling on senators and the governor not to pass this bill.

Cut 5  (08)  “and legislator”

But Shreveport Representative Thomas Carmody says his bill would allow the public to decide which monuments to keep and which ones to remove. He says the proposal is all about allowing voters to have some input on the matter.

Cut 6 (11) “people decide”

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An Allergist with LSU Health Sciences Center says in all his years as a doctor, this is the worst allergy season he’s ever seen. Dr. Sanjay Kamboj (San-jay Kam-bozh) says there has been a 10 to 20-percent increase in the number of patients coming in with allergies that were once able to be treated with over the counter medications.

Cut 7 (07)  “the office”

Kamboj says with virtually no winter, there were only two days in the season where there was no pollen count.

Cut 8 (08) “late January”

Kamboj advises people who get the symptoms of a runny nose or a post nasal drip to cover up when going outside by wearing a hat or a mask. He also recommends washing your face immediately when coming back inside to remove the pollen.

Cut 9 (10)  “the nose” 

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A Slidell man is facing a first-degree murder charge after he allegedly beat his 7-week-old son to death. St. Tammany Sheriff Randy Smith says deputies responded to a call about an infant who was not breathing last Wednesday. He says after seeing the severe head injuries on Karter Smith, deputies questioned his father, 25-year-old Anthony Dearmas.

Cut 10 (09) “the ground”

Smith says the infant was transported to a local hospital, where doctors later determined the 7-week-old was brain dead. Dearmas was initially charged with cruelty to a juvenile, but that was later upgraded to a charge of first degree murder.

Cut 11 (08) “to live, folks”

The parish coroner says Karter sustained 7 fractures to his skull and had bleeding inside his brain. The cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head, and the manner of death is child abuse homicide. Smith says Dearmas told detectives why he killed his child.

Cut 12 (07) “sad excuse”

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A proposal to increase the state’s gasoline tax by 17 cents won approval from the House Ways and Means committee. State Representative Steve Carter says his bill would help fund a new Interstate 10 Mississippi River Bridge and improved roads across the state. Carter says the tax hike will bring in an additional 510-million dollars a year.

Cut 13 (10) “unaddressed”

The bill passed on a 9 to 7 vote. Department of Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson also spoke out in support of the tax hike and says the state’s current gas tax has lost 57-percent of its value since it was instated decades ago. He says Louisiana spends less on our roads than we do on LSU’s football program.

Cut 14 (09) “the country”

But Lake Charles Representative Stephen Dwight spoke out in opposition. He says if this hike is signed into law, surrounding states will have a significantly lower gas tax than Louisiana.

Cut 15 (09) “a jump”

Eunice Representative Phillip Devillier says a 17 cent increase would make Louisiana have the 9^th highest gasoline tax in the country. He says residents in his district would gladly pay a little bit more in taxes if they actually saw construction on roadways.

Cut 16  (08)  “have now ”

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There are three bills slated to be taken up on the Senate floor today that deal with criminal justice reform. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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There’s been talk about increasing the state’s gasoline tax to pay for better roads. The proposal is expected to finally be heard in House Ways and Means today. Don Molino has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

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The full House approves a controversial measure to protect Louisiana’s confederate monuments after two hours of heated debates. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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There are three bills slated to be taken up on the Senate floor today that deal with criminal justice reform. State Senator Danny Martiny has a measure that would allow consideration of parole for some offenders who meet specific requirements. He says this is about reducing the state’s prison population, not letting violent criminals out of jail…:

Cut 4  (10) “recidivism rate”

Martiny says the goal of the Louisiana Justice Reinvestment Task Force is to realize savings that will be reinvested into the community for programs that would help keep people from going back to prison. He says they are looking to change the laws to where they make more sense when it comes to the way crime is tried….:

Cut 5  (14)  “out on parole”

Martiny says when you put someone that has a drug problem in jail, and take away programs to help them and train them to get back into the community, chances are when they complete their sentence they will go right back to their addiction. He says when you put a bad person in jail, and give him no incentive to be good, chances are they will return to a life of crime…:

Cut 6 (10) “turn those people around”

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A proposal to increase the state gasoline tax by 17-cents is expected to finally receive a hearing in the House Ways and Means Committee today. Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter says admits the legislation faces an uphill climb, but he says Louisiana has poor and congested roads, because the tax on a gallon of gasoline hasn’t increase in 20 years…

Cut 7 (08)  “area”

Some lawmakers are hesitant to raise the state’s gasoline tax over concerns the money will not go towards improving highways. But Carter promises money from the gas tax hike will only be used on road and bridge construction

Cut 8 (06) “the public”

If a 17-cent gasoline tax increase was approved by the legislature, it would generate over 500-million dollars. But the state Director of Americans for Prosperity John Kay needs to find other ways to fund roadwork. He says legislators raised taxes on Louisiana residents last year and this is not a good time for for another tax..

Cut 9 (06)  “few years”

Kay says he’s also concerned that this gas tax hike proposal will be even higher than 17-cents, because he says it’s tied to the consumer price index. Representative Carter’s bill has the ability to increase the tax over the next several years.

Cut 10 (07) “nine years”

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The Lafayette Police Department says they’ve solved a 10-year-old cold case murder by arresting three people. Cpl. Karl Ratcliff says last December they re-opened the investigation into the brutal death of 39-year-old Malcolm Davis, who was beaten to death at a gas station on August 10, 2007.

Cut 11 (11) “physical altercation”

Ratcliff says after the murder, the individuals involved fled the area. He says two of the suspects were eventually identified through video evidence obtained in 2007 and the third suspect was identified through interviews. He says last week arrest warrants were obtained to charge 29-year-old Marcus Smith, 32-year-old Kendall Smith, and 33-year-old Edward Woods. He says they had to go to Alexandria and Shreveport to make the arrests.

Cut 12 (11) “separate charge”

All three suspects are charged with second degree murder. Ratcliff says finally giving the family justice is huge for the department and the investigative team. He says these arrests are a result of the hard work of the cold case team at Lafayette PD.

Cut 13 (11) “everybody here”

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After two hours of passionate debate, the full House approves a measure that would protect Louisiana’s military monuments. Black lawmakers vehemently opposed the measure, as it would prevent local municipalities from removing or altering any confederate monuments without a public vote. New Orleans Representative Gary Carter called that offensive.

Cut 14 (08) “my enslavement”

Supporters of the bill argue it protects Louisiana’s history, but black opponents say it ignores their history. Carter says there are some things in history that shouldn’t be celebrated. He notes that Germans don’t have statues of Hitler, and other places in the world tear down monuments to hate.

Cut 15 (09) “of Sadaam”

Democrats tried to impede the process by proposing a series of amendments to do everything from guarantee equal pay to allow for medical marijuana dispensaries, but they were all shot down. The bill’s author, Shreveport Representative Thomas Carmody, says public art is meant to facilitate conversations about what the memorial is about.

Cut 16 (08) “their country”

Carmody says we need to protect monuments to those that served our country in any war. But he notes that a vote from the public would be the deciding factor. He says it’s only fair to let the people who live in those cities decide what they want to commemorate.

Cut 17 (07)  “on this issue”

Members of the Black Caucus walked out of the House chamber when the bill passed on a 65 to 31 vote.

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LSU hosts Northwestern State tonight in the final non-conference game of the season for both teams. The Tigers will start freshman right-hander Todd Peterson to the hill. The Florida native will make his third start of the season and Coach Paul Mainieri says Peterson will audition to be the team’s fourth starter in the postseason….

Cut 18 (12)    “be successful”   

LSU has won eight of its last ten and they now lead the SEC West by one game over Mississippi State, who they’ll face for a three-game series starting on Thursday. Mainieri believes his team’s recent play has put them in position to be a national seed in the Super Regionals…

Cut 19 (20)   “national seed”

LSU is 7-and-6 in midweek games this year. Mainieri says it’s been disappointing they’ve lost to many of their in state foes, but overall it’s been a good season….

Cut 20 (18)   “good showing”

Baton Rouge Police are seeking a gunman who fatally shot the McKinley High School quarterback just days before graduation. Don Molino has more…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

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A 7-year-old “innocent bystander” was accidentally shot and wounded this morning at Moss Bluff Elementary School in Lake Charles. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A home invasion in Ouachita Parish ends badly for the suspect. Glen Springfield with the Sheriff’s Office says around 5 p.m. on Sunday deputies responded to a report of an intruder in Swartz.

Cut 3 (10) “threatened em”

Springfield says the suspect was fatally wounded and pronounced dead at the scene. The identities of the suspect and the elderly couple have not been released. He says the investigation is ongoing.

Cut 4  (07) “any charges”

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The St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation after a body was discovered. Chief of Detectives Joe Chaney says someone came in to report what appeared to be a shallow grave in a wooded area.

Cut 5  (10)  “white female”

Chaney says the Sheriff’s Office and State Police Crime Lab are conducting an investigation to determine the identity of the woman. He says they’re asking citizens to come forward with any information they have that could help with this investigation.

Cut 6 (10) “state police”

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Just days before graduation, a McKinley High School senior was fatally shot and authorities are looking for the gunman. Cpl. L’Jean McKneely with the Baton Rouge Police Department says they received a call of shots fired around 2 a.m. Friday. He says officers found 18-year-old Bryant Lee when they arrived.

Cut 7 (09)  “Saturday afternoon”

The McKinley High School quarterback was reportedly one of three people shot in the incident, and police are still trying to piece together what happened. This is the second time this school year Lee has been shot, after a drive by shooting in November. McKneely says Lee had a bright future ahead of him.

Cut 8 (09) “taken from him”

McKneely says at this point they do not have a suspect or a motive. He says there were at least 100 people at what they believe was a high school graduation party. He says BRPD is asking anyone who saw what happened to come forward.

Cut 9 (08)  “yet to call” 

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A 7-year-old “innocent bystander” was accidentally shot and wounded this morning at Moss Bluff Elementary School in Lake Charles. Kim Myers with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office says the child is being treated for injuries at a local hospital.

Cut 10 (10) “at this”

The child had surgery and is reportedly in stable condition. Myers says they know that another child brought the gun to school…:

Cut 11 (10) “a third child”

Investigators are working to determine if charges will be brought on the parents of the child who brought the gun.

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LSU’s head football coach Ed Orgeron is helping spread the word about how flood victims can get federal assistance. The governor’s spokesperson Richard Carbo says Coach O said he wants to be as helpful as possible during the recovery process. The newly-minted head coach will be the voice of PSAs about the ongoing recovery efforts.

Cut 12 (10) “to Louisiana”

The survey can be found online at restore.la.gov, and beginning Tuesday will be a series of events around the state to help flood victims fill out the survey. Carbo says a lot of folks have a great deal of respect for the head coach of the Fighting Tigers. He hopes this will help spread the message about the survey.

Cut 13 (08) “our survey”

Carbo says about 20,000 flood victims have already completed the survey. He says while that’s a great start, they need more people to complete the form. He’s hoping they can get those signup numbers up with a little help from Coach O.

Cut 14 (08) “billion years”

To find the survey or learn more about places to get help completing the survey, visit restore.la.gov.

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A Senate bill would give financial assistance to police and firefighters who are catastrophically injured during a targeted attack in the line of duty. The proposal comes as East Baton Rouge Deputy Nick Tullier continues to recover from the ambush on Baton Rouge police last July. His mother, Mary Tullier, spoke before the Senate Finance committee.

Cut 15 (07) “day to day”

Mary says Nick is worried about his medical bills, and with his father being retired, it’s unclear how the bills will get paid. Some agencies require officers to have health insurance, but after a year of being off work for an injury, that coverage ceases. She says police officers don’t make enough money to cover this kind of unexpected expense, and this is the least we can do for those who protect and serve us.

Cut 16  (11)  “to protect us”

Senate Finance is expected to vote on the bill this week, and then it will head to the Senate floor. It will need House approval as well.

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A Southern Media and Opinion Research poll finds opinions on President Donald Trump and the Affordable Care Act are split along party and racial lines. Don Molino has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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The full House takes up the controversial bill aimed at protecting Louisiana’s confederate monuments. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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No major legislation has been passed to solve the state’s problems as Louisiana is halfway through the legislative session. Emelie Gunn reports one state capitol reporter has never seen anything like this….

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Today is the last day for residents to file their 2016 Louisiana individual income tax returns. State Department of Revenue Secretary Kimberly Robinson says the easiest way to file is with Louisiana File Online, where taxpayers can file their state returns for free and make payments.

Cut 4  (10) “they day”

The website to file online is revenue-dot-louisiana-dot-gov-slash-file-online (revenue.louisiana.gov/fileonline). Robinson says there are some tornado related extensions for certain areas affected.

Cut 5  (10)  “June 30th”

Robinson reminds taxpayers that if you miss the deadline to pay or file returns, you could face some charges.

Cut 6 (10) “25%”

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Louisiana support for President Donald Trump is split along party and racial lines, according to a Southern Media and Opinion Research survey. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says Republicans really like the President with 91 percent giving him a favorable approval rating. But he says that’s a stark contrast to how Democrats feel.

Cut 7 (08)  “and party”

The poll finds two-thirds of white voters approve of the President’s job performance with 25 percent saying he’s doing an excellent job. Seventy-two percent of Democrats disapprove of Mr. Trump’s job performance.

Opinions are similarly split on the Affordable Care Act. Pinsonat says only 8 percent of respondents would keep the ACA as it is now. He says that’s a more popular opinion among Democrats in Washington.

Cut 8 (07) “be improved”

Most Democrats want to see Obamacare improved. Thirteen percent of respondents said they’d prefer the ACA to be repealed and not replaced. Pinsonat says many Louisiana Republicans agree with the GOP’s position, but not as strongly in the Bayou State as on the national level.

Cut 9 (07)  “asking for”

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Today the state House takes up a controversial bill aimed at protecting Louisiana’s confederate monuments. Debates quickly became heated in committee, where the measure narrowly passed on a 10-8 vote. Retired US Air Force Col. Rob Maness spoke in support of the measure, saying these monuments are not about some long-lived racial issue, though they may have been in the past.

Cut 10 (09) “be honored”

The bill by Shreveport Representative Thomas Carmody would prohibit the removal of any military monument from any war without approval from a majority of voters. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell also supports the proposal. She says this bill is a response to the Confederate monuments being removed in New Orleans, but these veterans’ blood was shed for the country as a whole, and that is timeless…:

Cut 11 (08) “larger cause”

But Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle says this bill has nothing to do with protecting veterans. She says the local government in New Orleans has voted to take down these statues, and this bill is about usurping the authority of the local municipalities.

Cut 12 (10) “we slide”

A monument supporter told black lawmakers it’s time to grow up and get over it. Marcelle says that’s an insult to the African American community.

Cut 13 (09) “monuments up”

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The regular legislative session has passed the halfway mark and not much has been accomplished when it comes to solving the state’s problems. That’s according to Jim Beam, retired editor of the Lake Charles American Press, who has covered the capitol for decades, and says he’s never seen anything like it. Beam blames partisan politics, especially in the House Ways and Means Committee.

Cut 14 (11) “good legislation”

Beam says the goals coming into the session were to reform the state’s tax structure, make changes to the criminal justice system and raise money to avoid a 1.3 billion dollar fiscal cliff. He says House Republicans refuse to pass legislation recommended by Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards.

Cut 15 (10) “major legislation”

Beam says what makes this so frustrating is the next time lawmakers can raise revenues during a regular session is in 2019. He says it’s a struggle for lawmakers to pass taxes that please residents.

Cut 16 (09) “that pressure”