Louisiana has been recognized as one of the toughest states on fighting Medicaid fraud. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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After last week’s heavy rain, we could see an uptick in the mosquito population. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Governor John Bel Edwards signed into law a measure to allow video poker machines to accept 100 dollar bills, up from the current law of only 20 dollars. Video Poker Lobbyist Alton Ashy says the main reason for the legislation is the convenience factor for patrons and businesses.

Cut 3 (10) “dollar bill”

Critics say upping the amount allowed into gambling machines would increase the chances for an addiction but Ashy says statistics do not back that opinion up.

Cut 4  (10)    “gaming”

Plaquemine Rep. Chad Brown brought forth this legislation so gamblers at truck stops do not have to break a 50 or 100 dollar bill if they want to bet more than 20 dollars at a video poker machine. Ashy says the only reason for this measure is so a patron is not required to ask a cashier for smaller bills.

Cut 5  (08)  “dollar bill”

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We can expect to see more mosquitos out and about after more than a week of continued rain. LSU AgCenter entomologist Kristen Healy says more rain equals more mosquitos, and different types of mosquitos at that. She says a lot of rainfall can lead to hatching of so-called flood water mosquitos.

Cut 6 (09) “for example”

But Healy says they also see the southern house mosquito, which is known to carry diseases like the West Nile virus. She says while we haven’t seen local transmission of the Zika virus yet, that’s also a possibility.

Cut 7 (11)  “as well”

Healy says unfortunately mosquitos will always be a concern in Louisiana, especially during the summer months when people spend more time outside. She recommends that everyone take steps to protect themselves from these pesky critters.

Cut 8 (10) “own mosquitos”

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The Trump Administration recognizes Louisiana as one of the toughest states on fighting Medicaid fraud. Chief of Staff with the Louisiana Department of Health Andrew Tuozzolo says they’re doing everything they can to prevent, detect, and prosecute fraud. The US Inspector General reviewed 225 cases of suspected fraud in Louisiana.

Cut 9 (09)  “the referrals”

Tuozzolo says they refer 200 to 400 cases to the state Inspector General’s Office every year, which limits the liability for taxpayers. He says they use state-of-the-art software with pattern matching algorithms to look for potentially fraudulent billing practices.

Cut 10 (10) “for that service”

Louisiana was one of only four states to pass this audit since 2014. Lawmakers have suggested Medicaid fraud was one culprit of the state’s budget problems. But Tuozzolo says there’s only around $50 million in fraudulent claims annually in a $10 billion program.

Cut 11 (09) “in the program”

The feds could not make any recommendations for Louisiana to improve fraud detection.

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Budget negotiations are going down to the wire at the State Capitol as the House and Senate seek an agreement over how much money to spend. Publisher of La-politcs-dot-com, Jeremy Alford says House Republican leaders do not want to spend all of the dollars that are available

Cut 12 (09) “do not”

If the state doesn’t spend all of its available resources, the governor and senate are worried cuts will be made to health services, colleges and child welfare programs. Lawmakers have until 6 PM to reach a budget deal, if not, the governor will call for a special session to begin at 6:30 PM. Alford says many legislators are ready to go home

Cut 13 (07) “tonight”

Alford says the Senate is willing not to spend 50-million dollars, which could be used if Louisiana hits another mid-year budget deficit next year. But the House wants to hold back much more than that and Alford says legislators also must pass a bill that finances construction projects

Cut 14 (11) “construction budget”

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If lawmakers reach an agreement on a budget today, TOPS is expected to be fully funded. Jeff Palermo has the latest

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Today Former-FBI Director James Comey is expected to testify before a US Senate committee. Halen Doughty spoke with Louisiana’s junior US Senator…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The 2017 legislative session ends today. Emelie Gunn looks at what they accomplished…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Budget negotiations continue at the Capitol, but the House and Senate say they plan to fully fund TOPS next fiscal year. Higher Ed Commissioner Joe Rallo says education leaders are still holding their breath until the session ends this evening. He says funding TOPS gives students some certainty, but its possible scholarship recipients will pay some money towards tuition costs.

Cut 4  (10) “at 70 percent”

TOPS was decoupled from tuition increases during last year’s legislative session. Rallo says all of the uncertainty surrounding TOPS and higher ed funding in Louisiana could impact enrollment numbers. He says other states like Mississippi, Texas, and Alabama are trying to recruit Louisiana students.

Cut 5  (10)  “on it”

Lawmakers from both chambers are meeting behind closed doors trying to reach a compromise on the budget, as the House proposed withholding two percent of the revenue forecast in case of shortfalls. Rallo says that would mean a $19 million cut to higher ed.

Cut 6 (11) “best outcome”

The legislature must agree to a budget plan by 6 p.m. today.

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Former-FBI Director James Comey is slated to testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee today on his role in the investigation into possible Russian hacking in the presidential election. US Senator John Kennedy says he’s anxious to hear what Comey has to say. He says he was surprised the former FBI director agreed to testify at all.

Cut 7 (09)  “in the first place”

President Donald Trump fired Comey last month, amid the investigation that alleges Russia hacked into Democratic Party emails, which may have helped Mr. Trump win the election. Kennedy says we have to get to the bottom of what Russia did during the election.

Cut 8 (08) “do that”

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Russian has never been involved in hacking at the state level and that no one can influence elections. But Kennedy says that’s not true at all.

Cut 9 (10)  “in my opinion”

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The 2017 regular session comes to a close today and Capitol observers say not much was accomplished. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says the state has been dealing with budget deficits for the last decade and this was supposed to be the year to address the problem.

Cut 10 (11) “hurt us”

Erwin says a special session is imminent as the state is facing a looming fiscal cliff as 1.3 billion dollars in temporary taxes are set to expire next year. He says the most significant legislation to come out of this session was the reduction of sentences for some non-violent criminals and the expansion of parole and probation opportunities.

Cut 11 (11) “these cases”

Erwin says it’s very hard to get anything accomplished in an environment like this with the GOP dominated House and the Democratic governor disagreeing with most everything. But he says one good thing that came out of this session is the passage of a resolution that forms a taskforce to examine the TOPS Scholarship program.

Cut 12 (10) “the future”

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Three Jennings men have been arrested for allegedly shooting alligators from the bed of a pickup truck. Adam Einck with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says 24-year-old Rhett Guidry, 19-year-old Dodie Bouley, and 23-year-old Kyle Thibodaux were cited for illegally hunting gators, among other things.

Cut 13 (10) “citations as well”

The men were also cited for taking frogs using illegal methods, as they were shooting the frogs as well. Einck says one of the men posted a video of the incident on Facebook. He says LDWF agents were informed about the post and made contact with the suspects.

Cut 14 (09) “in this video”

Einck says all three men face up to $2,500 in fines, as well as a $751 restitution fee for the replacement value of the alligators. He says they could also face jail time if convicted.

Cut 15 (09) “road as well”

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Former LSU assistant and current Mississippi State Head Coach Andy Cannizaro says his team knows what it will take to beat the Tigers in this weekend’s Super Regional series. LSU swept the Bulldogs in a three-game series  last month and Cannziaro believes his club has more confidence this time around

Cut 16 (25)  “of play”

After losing the first game at the Hattiesburg Regional, Mississippi State won four straight to advance to the best out of three Super Regional series with the Tigers. Cannizaro says his team is looking forward to the challenge…

Cut 17 (20) “like our chances”

Cannizaro was Tigers hitting coach and recruiting coordinator for two seasons, before taking the head coaching job at Mississippi State. He wishes the LSU players the best, but it’s his job to beat them this weekend…

Cut 18 (18) “sometime” 

A Louisiana congressman stands by statements he made on Facebook saying terrorists should be hunted down. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (26) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A bill on its way to be signed by the governor would prevent a college from asking an applicant about their criminal history. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Congressman Clay Higgins stands by his controversial Facebook post saying all conceivable means must be taken to hunt down radical Islamic terrorists. He says in the post not a single radicalized Islamic suspect should be granted any measure of quarter. The Republican from St. Landry Parish says probable cause could result in search warrants that could lead to an arrest.

Cut 3 (13) “in jail”

The Facebook post goes so far to say “For the sake of all that is good and righteous. Kill them all.” Critics of Higgins’ post say the comments could be used as propaganda for radicals. Higgins says he’s even been asked why he would want to make the terrorists mad. He says they’re already mad.

Cut 4  (12)    make them”

Higgins says the US should air strike known terrorists training camps and detain suspects on terrorist watch lists. He says if he was in charge, he’d pick up all of them. He says we cannot take these threats lightly, and force must be used to protect U.S. citizens.

Cut 5  (13)  “in the head”

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With only two days left in the legislative session, lawmakers need to come to an agreement on a 28-billion dollar spending plan for next fiscal year. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the House does not want to spend all the money that’s been recognized by the Revenue Estimating Conference but the Senate does. He says it’s all about negotiations now.

Cut 6 (09) “side does”

Pinsonat says the biggest issues arise with the House’s budget as it would result in cuts to health care, state prisons and child welfare. He says negotiations are expected to be positive but nothing is predictable during a legislative session.

Cut 7 (10)  “fighting about”

Governor John Bel Edwards has voiced his disapproval of the House’s latest budget plan. But Pinsonat says that likely won’t affect what the House decides to do.

Cut 8 (08) “on spending”

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The Eunice Police Department says they’ve arrested a teenager in a bizarre series of criminal acts including a 7-year-old passerby being shot and injured. Chief Randy Fontenot says the first shooting happened around 8pm Tuesday when 17-year-old Jamie Ned allegedly shot at a car:

Cut 9 (10)  “shot him in the hip”

The child was taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The shootings allegedly stem from an on-going dispute between two factions of people in Eunice. Fontenot says about 3 hours after the child was hit, they responded to a report of another shooting…:

Cut 10 (10) “the same shooter”

Ned has been booked with five counts attempted first-degree murder. Fontenot said they discovered that two victims in the second shooting were relatives of the 7-year-old. He believes it appears they tried to take the law into their own hands, and this may not be the end of it:

Cut 11 (10) “going on”

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Colleges would be prohibited from asking students about their criminal history when filling out an application under legislation heading to the governor’s desk. Executive Director of Operation Restoration Syrita Steib-Martin spent nine years in prison on a theft charge. Once released, she applied to the University of New Orleans where she checked the felon box on her application.

Cut 12 (09) “institution”

Martin says a few years later, she applied to UNO again with exact same information and was admitted because she did not check the box on her application. She says education plays a big factor in an individual’s success after being released from prison.

Cut 13 (09) “life over”

Martin worked with state representatives Vincent Pierre and Ted James on the legislation. A study finds that two-thirds of felons stopped filling out their application when asked about their criminal history. Martin says if that box was removed, the recidivism rate drops significantly.

Cut 14 (08) “Bachelor’s”

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U.S. Senator John Kennedy supports a bill in Congress to reduce federal excise taxes on small breweries. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Drug felons will be eligible for food stamps under a measure that won final legislative passage. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Two longtime SEC college baseball rivals will meet this weekend for the right to go to the College World Series. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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U.S. Senator John Kennedy is backing legislation in Congress to support small breweries in Louisiana by reducing their federal excise taxes. Kennedy says the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act of 2017 helps to grow jobs and the economy by creating a fair and comprehensive tax structure for small independent brewers.

Cut 4  (09) “in Louisiana”

Kennedy, who is a member of the Senate Small Business Committee, says there are over 52-hundred breweries in the U.S. and if the bill passes it would create 9-thousand jobs in the first year.

Cut 5  (10)  “been forgotten”

Kennedy says the bill would reduce the federal excise tax to $3.50 per barrel on the first 60-thousand barrels and reducing the federal excise tax to 16-dollars on the first 6 million barrels for all other brewers.

Cut 6 (10) “their backs”

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The sister of the missing 18-year-old from Lafayette is pleading for answers in the case of their beloved family member known as “Daisy Lynn.” Jacqueline Landry left home with a friend on May 23rd and has not been heard from since. Her oldest sister, Lori Sonnier, says they’d do anything to have Daisy Lynn back home…:

Cut 7 (07)  “still missing”

Twenty-two-year-old Malik Davis of Lafayette has been charged with second degree murder in connection with Daisy Lynn’s disappearance. But Sonnier says they still don’t have any answers or closure. She says law enforcement hasn’t kept them up to date to avoid jeopardizing the investigation.

Cut 8 (10) “those details”

Sonnier says she’s trying to keep faith that she will have answers in the end. Teams of volunteers and rescue crews are searching for the missing girl. She says Daisy Lynn is the youngest of four sisters, and this has been a terrible ordeal for the entire family.

Cut 9 (11)  “many years”

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A state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries biologist says they are receiving an increase in calls from the public who are concerned about foxes near their home. Melissa Collins says it is normal to see foxes in urban areas. Collins says it’s unlikely they will attack humans and they tend to stay away from pets.

Cut 10 (10) “squirrels”

LDWF is holding an informational meeting tonight in Lafayette on urban foxes and nuisance wildlife control. Collins says these foxes are attracted to fruits and vegetables, which is important to know if you have a garden. She says it is likely people can expect to continue to see an increase in the fox population.

Cut 11 (10) “over time”

Collins says if you come across a fox in your neighborhood, be cautious, but these animals usually don’t come up humans. She says do not to feed them, because many times that tempts them to stay close to your home.

Cut 12 (09) “sprinklers”

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Drug felons will soon be eligible to receive food stamps upon their release from jail. In the 90s, offenders with drug related charges were barred from the program for one year after their release. The bill by New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno lifts that ban. LSU School of Public Health criminologist Dr. Peter Scharf says this takes away one of the obstacles that prevent offenders from reentering their community.

Cut 13 (09) “are taken away”

Louisiana incarcerates more people per capita than any other place in the world. Scharf says one reason for that is because too many offenders return to prison shortly after being released. He says this bill is a step in the right direction toward addressing that problem.

Cut 14 (09) “might not recidivate”

Scharf says this gives newly released inmates the chance to get back on their feet, which means they are less likely to return to prison. Opponents to the measure raised concerns offenders might sell their food stamps to continue their drug habit. Scharf says while that is a possibility, it’s less of a risk than the alternative.

Cut 15 (09) “back to jail”

The measure finally passed on a 67 to 26 vote in the House.

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One of the best rivalries in college baseball writes an exciting new chapter this weekend as LSU meets Mississippi State in the Super Regionals. There’s added intrigue, because former Tigers hitting coach and recruiting coordinator Andy Cannizaro is the head coach of the Bulldogs. But LSU skipper Paul Mainieri says the main motivation for his squad is advancing to Omaha…

Cut 16 (15)  “to win”

Cannizaro took the head coaching job at Mississippi State in November and there’s been reports Mainieri was miffed over how the former Tulane standout left LSU. But the Tigers veteran head coach says that’s not the case

 cut 17 (10) “Mississippi State”

LSU swept Mississippi State in a three-game series to finish off the regular season. During the weekend in Starkville, the Tigers clinched an SEC West championship and an SEC Title. Mainieri says what happened in May shouldn’t impact what happens this weekend….

Cut 18 (18) “trophy case” 

Last year, LSU was swept by eventual national champion Coastal Carolina in the Super Regionals. Shortstop Kramer Robertson says the loss in the Supers last year has him motivated to get to the College World Series this year…

Cut 19 (12) “happen again”

A Denham Springs man is behind bars after a missing massage therapist’s body was discovered in a vacant building. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Bills heading to the governor’s desk will implement the criminal justice reform lawmakers promised at the start of the regular session. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Livingston Parish Sheriff deputies arrest a Denham Springs man following the discovery of a missing massage therapist’s body in an abandoned building. Sheriff Jason Ard says 24-year-old Kayla Ann Denham of Baton Rouge never returned from a home visit in Denham Springs, where she was meeting first-time client Christopher Landry for a massage. Ard says detectives searched the residence near where the girl’s vehicle was found.

Cut 3 (11) “on the property”

The 22-year-old Landry is booked at the Livingston Parish Detention Center for obstruction of justice and second degree murder. Ard says the charges could be upgraded as the investigation unfolds. He says the victim did not know the suspect, and this was the first time they had met.

Cut 4  (08) “drug charges”

Ard says they still have a lot of unanswered questions and the investigation is ongoing. He asks the public to keep the family of the victim in their thoughts during this difficult time.

Cut 5  (10)  “to the family”

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Bills seeking to reform the state’s criminal justice system are heading to the governor’s desk. The measures implement sentencing reform for some offenders and offer parole eligibility for more inmates. Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala spoke in opposition because he says the state’s high incarceration rate is driven by crime.

Cut 6 (10) “isn’t even close”

But Houma Representative Tanner Magee disagrees. Supporters of the governor’s criminal justice reform package say it will help reduce the state’s inmate population by 10-percent over the next decade. Magee says these bills will do just that.

Cut 7 (10)  “number one”

One measure would provide parole eligibility for about 160 murderers convicted in the 1970s. Magee says the law at the time said these offenders would have parole eligibility after 20 years. He says the legislature later removed that eligibility, and this measure simply rights that wrong.

Cut 8 (10) “40 years” (2x)

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Students with disabilities will now be protected from corporal punishment in public schools after a measure to prohibit the spanking of children with ADHD and other developmental disabilities received final legislative approval. Mom of an autistic child in St. Charles Parish, Allison Badgerow, says teachers physically restraining her son to say the pledge of allegiance significantly set him back.

Cut 9 (09)  “restraining him”

Badgerow says in a school where physical punishments were allowed, her son was showing violent behaviors. But she says her family moved to another town where corporal punishment is not permitted and her son is thriving.

Cut 10 (11) “three weeks”

Michelle Hurst with the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council also voiced her support for the measure. She says often times students with limited social or communication skills possess more intense and challenging behaviors.

Cut 11 (09) “strategies”

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A bill to allow public school students to bring sunscreen to school and apply it themselves without a doctor’s note heads to the governor’s desk to be signed into law. Sarah Gray of Baton Rouge who heads a skin cancer awareness foundation advocated for the passage of this bill because it protects our kids.

Cut 12 (07) “as well”

Gray says studies have found the regular use of sunscreen can significantly reduce someone’s risk of skin cancer.

Cut 13 (09) “skin cancer”

Gray says along with hats, sunglasses, and long sleeve shirts, it’s sunscreen that protects us for damaging UV rays.

Cut 14 (08) “apply sunscreen”

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A bill to suspend child support payments for felons incarcerated for over six months receives Senate approval and heads to the House for final legislative passage. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Despite strong opposition from alumni and students the House approves a bill that changes the name of the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts in Natchitoches. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Following this weekend’s terrorist attack in London, Congressman Clay Higgins says on Facebook the free world is at war with Islamic horror. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Testing on a water sample from puddles on Bourbon Street finds more than just spilled Hurricanes and Hand Grenades. Milwaukee-based Microbe Detectives finds traces of fecal-related bacteria. Chief Technology Officer Dr. Trevor Ghylin (Jill-in) says they looked for microbes and bacteria in the sample using DNA sequencing.

Cut 4  (10) “like horses”

Ghylin says it’s likely the bacteria are coming from police horses’ manure. He says this was the most fecal bacteria he’s ever seen in a sample. Bourbon Street is cleaned nightly, but he wasn’t surprised to find such high concentrations of fecal bacteria.

Cut 5  (12)  “anything like that”

Ghylin says with so many horses regularly doing their business on the street, it’s not surprising manure would be present in the samples. While no pathogens were found, he still advises people not to drink the so-called Bourbon Gumbo street water.

Cut 6 (10) “a little careful”

Ghylin says the samples were taken during a visit to New Orleans last September.

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A measure that suspends child support payments for individuals incarcerated for over 180 days nears final legislative passage as the bill heads to the House for approval of Senate changes. Metairie Senator Danny Martiny is a co-author and says it’s virtually impossible for a parent behind bars to pay child support.

Cut 7 (09)  “payment plan”

But Lafayette Senator Page Cortez says some offenders will still refuse to pay up.

Cut 8 (10) “to jail”

Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau supports the measure saying this gives an incarcerated parent the time to build up funds to actually pay child support.

Cut 9 (09)  “this money”

The bill is one of 10 different proposals that make up with governor’s criminal justice reform package. Supports of the comprehensive plan say it will help reduce the state’s inmate population by 10-percent over the next decade.

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A proposal to change the name of the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts nears final passage. The Natchitoches school would be named Jimmy D. Long Sr. Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts in honor of the late state lawmaker who established the school. The bill was amended to allow the original name on diplomas and transcripts, and Franklin Representative Sam Jones says it’s a good compromise.

Cut 10 (07) “they do”

The bill passed the House on a 56 to 43 vote, three more than minimum needed. Houma Representative Beryl Amedee voted against the measure because she’s heard a lot of opposition. She says a survey of more than 4,000 students, alumni, and other stakeholders finds the people invested in the school disagree with the proposal.

Cut 11 (07) “name changed”

Amedee says 84 percent of respondents wanted to honor the father of the school in some other way. She says one idea was to give him an honorary degree, which has never been done at LSMSA. She says others suggested naming a dorm building after the former state representative.

Cut 12 (08) “the offenders”

Alexandria Representative Lance Harris presented the amendment. Some students were worried about how a possible name change could affect their college admissions if the university didn’t recognize the new name of the school. He says this amendment is a good compromise.

Cut 13 (09) “school’s name now”

The amended measure heads back to the Senate for approval on changes made by the House.

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Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins says every conceivable measure should be taken to hunt down radical Islamic terrorists. The Facebook post in response to the weekend London Attack adds that “For the sake of all that is good and righteous, kill them all.” UL-Lafayette political science professor Pearson Cross says Higgins could face backlash from moderate constituents, but it shouldn’t be a concern for the man known as the Cajun John Wayne.

Cut 14 (11) “that direction”

Cross says voters in the 3^rd Congressional District had a good idea of who Higgins is from his viral crime stoppers videos with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office. He says comments like this likely won’t come as a surprise to his supporters.

Cut 15 (11) “to anybody”

Higgins has since issued a statement saying he’s never been accused of being politically correct, and terrorists take advantage of the politically correct madness that consumes the West. But Cross says while some Americans may agree with the comments, they could be used as propaganda by terrorists to fuel radicalization.

Cut 16 (10)  “for the enemy”

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LSU Freshman pitcher Eric Walker has been outstanding in his last two starts. Helping the Tigers win an SEC Tournament Championship and a Regional title. In the two games, he allowed just one run. Coach Paul Mainieri says Walker has a great feel for his pitches…

 cut 17 (18) “our staff”

LSU has three established starters and Mainieri believes the Tigers bullpen is just as good as the 2009 national championship team….

Cut 18 (25) “have been” 

A report by Credit Suisse finds 1 out of 5 shopping malls will close down in the next 5 years. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Some lawmakers are disappointed no legislation was passed this year to reform the state’s tax structure, as Louisiana faces a looming fiscal cliff. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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While the rate of interracial marriages is increasing nationwide, a Pew Research Center study finds that’s not the case in Baton Rouge or Lafayette. LSU associate professor of African-American studies and sociology, Dr. Lori Martin says there could be a number of reasons why these areas are not seeing the same uptick in interracial marriage.

Cut 3 (10) “to marriage”

Baton Rouge and Lafayette rank in the bottom 10 for interracial marriages, with less than 10 percent of relationships involving people of different races. Martin says there could be less positive attitudes towards interracial marriages in Baton Rouge and Lafayette than in other places. She says racial problems exist throughout the country, but those problems are more prevalent in some areas than others.

Cut 4  (10) “at work”

Martin says it’s always good when racial groups have less social distance between themselves and others because it can be a sign of improving race relations. But she says we are making more strides in some areas than others.

Cut 5  (09)  “and blacks”

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A report from Credit Suisse finds at least one in five U.S. shopping malls will go out of business within the next five years, because of the growth in online sales. LSU Marketing Professor Dr. Dan Rice says retail sector is not dying but certain retailers in these malls are really hurting.

Cut 6 (11) “are there”

The report estimates over 86-hundred stores will close in 2017. Rice says with a decline in interest of the anchor stores, or big department stores, there is less foot traffic to other small stores in the mall and that’s hurting small stores in a mall.

Cut 7 (09)  “be seen”

Rice says online shopping is growing faster than ever. But he says attracting shoppers to physical stores is still possible, as retail sales are higher than ever.

Cut 8 (07) “with both”

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Flash flooding is a possibility in south Louisiana, as more heavy rains are expected through today and tomorrow. Donald Jones with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says the Alexandria, Lake Charles and Lafayette areas are under a flash flood watch until 7 p.m. tonight.

Cut 9 (10)  “the region”

Jones says southwest and central Louisiana saw anywhere from 3 to 4 inches of rainfall yesterday, with localized amounts up to 9 inches. He says anywhere that sees heavy rainfall over a short period of time will have the potential for flooding.

Cut 10 (08) “to start”

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The search is heating up for Jacquelyn “Daisy Lynn” Landry, the 18-year-old girl from Lafayette who was last seen on May 23rd. Her family is desperate to locate their loved one, and Acadian Search and Rescue Director Jeffery Istre says 75% of businesses they went to didn’t even know about Landry’s disappearance…:

Cut 11 (08) “information”

Landry was last seen wearing a green Army-colored jacket, jeans, brown sandals, and she has a tattoos of a Chinese symbol above her left breast and a small triangle on the inside of her right wrist. Istre is encouraging the public to share the information poster on the Finding Daisy Lynn Facebook page…:

Cut 12 (07) “keep a lookout”

There has been an arrest made in the case. 22-year-old Malik Davis is charged with second degree murder. Istre says the are also in need of donations and volunteers and you can find those details at the Acadian Search and Rescue Facebook page. He says they are encouraging the public to spread the word far and wide….:

Cut 13 (09) “possibilities”

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Heading into the 2017 legislative session, lawmakers talked about reforming Louisiana’s tax structure with 1.3 billion dollars in temporary taxes set to expire next year. But lawmakers will not pass any legislation this year dealing with the fiscal cliff. Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey expresses his frustration.

Cut 14 (07) “no problems”

Since legislators failed to pass any tax reform measures in this session, the governor might call for a special session next year to address what would be a one-billion dollar budget deficit. But Ivey doesn’t see any real tax reform changes coming in a special session…

Cut 15 (10) “my opinion”

Representative Julie Stokes of Metairie and Ivey proposed a flat income tax. Both bills passed the House, but too late in the process for them to gain traction in the Senate. Stokes says Louisiana will continue to have budget deficits, unless Republicans and Democrats come together…

Cut 16  (10)  “want it”

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Lawmakers are working towards avoiding another special session just minutes after the regular session ends on Thursday. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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State lawmakers have approved the 2017 Coastal Master Plan and implementation can now begin. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Freshman pitcher Eric Walker pitches a masterful game as the LSU Tigers beat Rice 5-0 to advance to the Super Regionals. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The regular session ends Thursday at 6 p.m. and lawmakers are optimistic a special session will not be needed 30 minutes later. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says to avoid a fourth special session since Governor John Bel Edwards took office, the legislature will need to approve a budget for next fiscal year and a financing bill for construction projects.

Cut 4  (09) “legislative limbo”

The Senate approved a budget on Saturday, but it differs from what the House has approved. The Senate’s proposal spends more money in an effort to avoid cuts to various state agencies.  But Alford says the House would rather not spend all of the available dollars.

Cut 5  (11)  “and spend”

Alford says a conference committee featuring lawmakers from both chambers will spend the next couple of days trying to reach an agreement on the budget. He says no one at the Capitol wants a special session, but it remains to be seen if a budget deal can be reached.

Cut 6 (10) “in the past”

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The Louisiana legislature approved the 2017 Coastal Master Plan and now implementation can begin. Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana Spokesperson Jimmy Frederick says thanks to bi-partisan support this plan was developed with the best science available to help preserve Louisiana’s coast.

Cut 7 (11)  “we can”

Frederick says between 640 to 800 million dollars a year is expected to be spent on coastal restoration projects for the next four years, like marsh creation, hydrologic restoration and levees. He says the cornerstone of the Master Plan is sediment diversion from the Mississippi River.

Cut 8 (07) “of years”

Frederick says unfortunately, they will not be able to break ground on the sediment diversion project until 2022. But in the near future he says we will see the ramping up for coastal projects throughout the state.

Cut 9 (11)  “communities”

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Today the House takes up three Senate bills aimed at implementing criminal justice reform lawmakers promised to deliver during the session. The measures would provide parole eligibility for more prisoners and reduce sentences for first-time offenders. Metairie Senator Danny Martiny says he understands it’s a hard vote because everyone wants to be tough on crime.

Cut 10 (11) “productive citizens”

Martiny says they’ve taken away the incentive for these offenders to better themselves. But Albany Representative Sherman Mack raised concerns about a provision that provides parole eligibility for second degree murderers sentenced in the 1970s, which means 160 inmates serving life sentences would become parole eligible.

Cut 11 (07) “out of jail”

Natalie Laborde with the Department of Corrections says in the 1970s the penalty for second-degree murder was life in prison with parole eligibility after 40 years, and the legislature removed parole eligibility in the 1980s.

Cut 12 (07) “the offenders”

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Two bills requiring traffic stop etiquette to be taught in driver’s education courses are waiting for the governor’s signature. One bill was by Plaquemines Representative Chad Brown, while Bossier City Representative Ryan Gatti has a similar measure with the same objective. Lafayette Senator Patrick Cortez says it helps the police officers when drivers know what to do during a traffic stop.

Cut 13 (10) “as well”

The measures require driver’s ed teachers to tell student drivers how to conduct themselves if they are pulled over, including where to keep their hands and what paperwork to have on hand. Gatti says this will not increase the cost of the driving course for the students or the instructors.

Cut 14 (09) “their instructor”

Office of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Karen St. Germain says this legislation is needed so that everyone can remain safe during a traffic stop.

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LSU is heading to the Super Regionals thanks to a masterful performance by pitcher Eric Walker. The freshman from Texas pitched eight plus innings of shutout baseball to help the Bayou Bengals blank Rice 5-zip. Coach Paul Mainieri says Walker continues to pitch big on the big stage….

Cut 15 (09) “to a championship”

Walker struck out eight hitters and scattered eight hits. He says he likes to pitch in pressure situations…

Cut 16 (13)  “next weekend

LSU defeated Texas Southern, Southeastern Louisiana and then the Owls for the program’s 23rd Regional title. They’ve won 14 straight and shortstop Kramer Robertson believes they can keep playing at a high level until they reach their ultimate goal…

 cut 17 (15) “it together”

The Tigers will find out today who they’ll play in the Super Regionals. It will be either Mississippi State or Southern Miss. Last year, LSU was swept by Coastal Carolina in the Super Regionals. Robertson says they understand the task at hand…

Cut 18 (22)    “for this weekend”  

The House supports a bill to suspend child support payments for certain inmates. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A measure that would give the film tax credit program a facelift nears final legislative passage as it received overwhelming support from the House. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Inmates paying child support would have their payments suspended under a House-approved measure by Gretna Representative Joe Marino. The measure suspends payments for inmates who’ve been incarcerated longer than 180 days and who have no other means of income. Some of the strongest opposition came from Albany Representative Sherman Mack.

Cut 3 (08) “their money anyway”

But Baton Rouge Representative Ted James disagrees. He says most good judges wouldn’t put someone back in jail for not paying child support, but some will. He adds it’s hard for inmates to walk out of jail and find a job, and this will give them a chance to get financially stable.

Cut 4  (10) “it doesn’t happen”

The measure would exclude inmates incarcerated for domestic abuse charges or for not paying child support in the first place. Marino says this proposal came out of the Criminal Justice Reinvestment Task Force with a unanimous recommendation. He says more than 20 other states have similar laws on the books, and it also complies with federal law.

Cut 5  (08)  “is zero”

The measure passed the House on a 68-30. Marksville Representative Robert Johnson voted against and said that an offender made a choice to break the law, and therefore they are voluntarily under employed. Mack agrees and says this legislation does not support the children in these situations.

Cut 6 (09) “the child”

The proposal still needs Senate approval and the legislative session ends Thursday.

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A measure to revamp the film tax credit program is nearing final legislative passage as it heads back to the Senate for approval on changes made by the House. The lower chamber overwhelmingly supported this bill, as it passed on an 89-8 vote. But Slidell Representative Kevin Pearson thinks our priorities are not in the right place.

Cut 7 (08)  “health care”

Under the measure, 180 million dollars in tax credits would go to producers each year, but would decrease to 150 million after three years. The legislation makes it easier for film makers to redeem these credits and Lafayette Representative Jean-Paul Coussan says that should help grow the industry.

Cut 8 (10) “of Louisiana”

Critics have said the return of investment isn’t there when it comes to the film tax credit program. But Coussan says the film industry creates jobs.

Cut 9 (10)  “compromised on”

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A Covington lawmaker says he is disappointed his bill died in committee without a fair hearing. State Representative Paul Hollis sought to make it easier for large districts to recall an elected official. Hollis says he was only afforded seven minutes to discuss his bill in front of the panel.

Cut 10 (09) “bipartisan”

Hollis says he is disappointed the measure was voted down without any discussion. He says no one in the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee even expressed any concerns about the bill. He says he can’t understand why the bill failed on a 3-3 vote.

Cut 11 (09) “long time ago”

Hollis says that’s why he assumed it would fly through the Senate without any problems, but that didn’t happen. The proposal came up after the emotional debate over the controversial confederate monuments bill. He says every bill deserves a good debate and his proposal didn’t get one

Cut 12 (10) “voted down”

Hollis says he plans to bring the legislation back next year.

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The Daily Advertiser editorial board is calling for Taylor Barras to step down as House Speaker over the fact not much has been accomplished in the current legislative session. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross doesn’t think what’s happening at the Capitol is entirely Barras fault…:

Cut 13 (10) “ungovernable”

The Republican from New Iberia is accused by his local publication of not being able to lead lawmakers effectively and address many of the state’s problems. Cross says there is a major anti-tax sentiment within the public and many legislators weren’t willing to go against their constituents…:

Cut 14 (08) “trust government”

The editorial says Louisiana’s problems will not come from this House in its present form with Barras at the helm and it’s time to “reboot.” Cross says it seems like the journalists are good government types…:

Cut 15 (07) “the legislature”

Since there won’t be any increase on the gasoline tax, a Shreveport lawmaker recommended firing Department of Transportation employees to pay for highway construction. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Monroe-based CenturyLink announces plans for a CEO succession. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Senior left-hander Jared Poche starts on the mound today for LSU as they host Texas Southern to begin the Baton Rouge Regional. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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After a proposal to increase the state’s gasoline tax was tabled for the session, one lawmaker proposed firing thousands of state transportation workers to pay for better roads. Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh says the state has the money in the budget, they’re just not spending it right.

Cut 4  (08) “of em”

Seabaugh says that would free up a couple hundred million dollars to pay for highway projects and DOTD wouldn’t even notice the employee reduction.

Cut 5  (09)  “do the job” (2x)

But state Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says that’s not a practical solution to fund transportation infrastructure. He says all of the employees he was referring to are people that are in parishes around the state that perform routine maintenance and road closures during disasters.

Cut 6 (08) “the actual work”

Wilson says these are the folks digging ditches, replacing signs, changing lightbulbs, and other things motorists take for granted. He says even if the department eliminated employees, it wouldn’t be enough because the average DOTD employee only makes around $40,000.

Cut 7 (09)  “maintain things”

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It’s been over nine months since the flood waters rose across south Louisiana, and federal flood recovery dollars appropriated by Congress are finally getting into the hands of flood victims. Nick Speyrer with the Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program says Governor Edwards passed out the first handful of reimbursement checks to those who already completed their rebuilding.

Cut 8 (12) “to come”

Speyrer says flood impacted homeowners have several options in this program. He says flood victims who have completed construction can be reimbursed, and those who have not can get federal dollars to pay for rebuilding. He says there’s another option for those who do not have their own contractor.

Cut 9 (09)  “their house”

Checks are currently going out to flood victims in Phase I of the program, which includes uninsured low to moderate income households with elderly or disabled residents who lived outside the floodplain. Speyrer says over 2,000 families have already qualified for Phase I, and from there assistance will go to other flood victims.

Cut 10 (11) “the 2016 floods”

Speyrer says the first step for flood victims to receive federal aid is to complete the survey at restore.la.gov.

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Monroe based CenturyLink announces a CEO succession plan. Company Spokesperson Ann Marie Sartor says CenturyLink’s current CEO, Glen Post, will remain in his position until January of 2019 and then become the executive chairman of the board. She says the new leader of CenturyLink is coming from the company they recently purchased.

Cut 11 (10) “this year”

Sartor says even with the change in leadership, the headquarters will remain in Monroe and this will not affect employees.

Cut 12 (07) “do today”

Sartor says Post has been with CenturyLink for the last 25 years and has transformed the company. She says future CEO Jeff Storey is a distinguished leader who has proven himself as a skilled executive.

Cut 13 (10) “the board”

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The Senate has unveiled its funding plan for next fiscal year, and it does not call for any cuts to higher ed, prisons, and Department of Children and Family Services.  Senate President John Alario says their plan also fully funds the TOPS scholarship program.

Cut 14 (09) “their budgets”

The plan from the Upper Chamber puts $220 million back into the budget that the House wanted to hold back, which means funding can be restored for state agencies. DCFS was facing a cut that could have led to the loss of 67 child welfare workers. Alario says by not withholding 2 percent of the revenue forecast, they are able to fully fund the department.

Cut 15 (08) “care of that”

One agency that will face a cut is the state Department of Health, which will see a $34 million budget reduction. Deputy Secretary Michelle Alletto says $19 million in cuts will fall primarily on mental health programs. But she says the department should be able to handle the cut.

Cut 16 (11)  “the program”

The budget was approved by the Senate Finance Committee and heads to the Senate floor for their approval. The budget disagreement between the House and Senate will likely be settled in a conference committee.

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The road to Omaha begins for the LSU Tigers as they open the Baton Rouge Regional this afternoon by hosting Texas Southern. Senior left-hander Jared Poche of Lutcher will start on the mound….

Cut 17 (08)  “what happens”

If the Tigers win and Poche is determined to be the winning pitcher, he’ll tie Scott Schultz as the all-time winningest pitcher in LSU with 38 victories. Poche says it’s a great honor, but he didn’t do it alone..

Cut 18 (08)    “fortunate”  

LSU is one of the favorites to win the College World Series and claim their first national championship since 2009. Coach Paul Mainieri believes his team is ready for the journey….

Cut 19 (14)   “out played us”