The House Transportation Committee put the brakes on a bill that would allow residents to vote on whether or not they want traffic enforcement cameras. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A Covington man has been arrested after allegedly trying to run over an 8-year-old and then ramming a sheriff’s deputy on the interstate. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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FEMA is looking for Louisiana workers to help during disaster response. Supervisor of Human Resources Specialist, Carisa Berkeley says they’re looking to hire 100 reservists from southeast Louisiana to work in FEMA’s public assistance program. She says they’re interested in hiring people with a range of work experience.

Cut 3 (11) “and response”

Berkeley says their reservist program is made up of 23 groups that handle different aspects of disaster response. She says the more robust of a workforce they can create in these areas, the better the response they can offer.

Cut 4  (09) “type of response”

Berkeley says people can view the job openings and apply at LaWorks.net. She says the deadline to apply is tomorrow at midnight. She says this job can help someone advance their own career and at the same time rebuild a community.

Cut 5  (09)  “back together”

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A bill that requires specific training during driver’s education courses on how motorists should behave during a traffic stop received approval from the House Transportation Committee. Plaquemine Representative Chad Brown is the author of the measure…

Cut 6 (10) “traffic stop”

The measure now heads to the full House. Brown says this is just common sense legislation.

Cut 7 (07)  “occupant bill”

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A measure that would leave it up to voters to decide if the state should allow traffic enforcement cameras died in the House Transportation Committee on a 14 to 1 vote.  Author of the bill, Covington Representative Paul Hollis, says he conducted a poll on support for traffic cameras and only 11-percent of those surveyed were in favor of keeping red light and speed cameras.

Cut 8 (09) “about money”

New Iberia Representative Terry Landry says using traffic cameras as a way to enforce red lights and speeding violations is part of the evolution of technology. He also says that putting this up for a vote prohibits local governments from making their own decisions.

Cut 9 (07)  “from them” 

Bogalusa Representative Malinda White says there should be no fear of traffic cameras because drivers should follow the law and not run red lights. She says eliminating traffic enforcement cameras promotes bad behavior.

Cut 10 (11) “are around”

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A Covington man is behind bars after police say he tried to run over an 8-year-old then rammed a sheriff’s deputy on I-12. Capt. Daniel Seuzeneau with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office says they received a 911 call about a domestic dispute between 34-year-old Shawn Porrovecchio and his girlfriend.

Cut 11 (09) “inside the vehicle”

Seuzeneau says Porrovecchio also threw baseballs at both the child and his mother. He says deputies spotted the suspect on Highway 21, where he led police in a chase to Interstate 12.

Cut 12 (10) “to crash”

Seuzeneau says both the deputy and the suspect sustained minor injuries and were transported to local hospitals. He says they’re just lucky no one was seriously injured in this incident.

Cut 13 (07) “minor injuries”

Porrovecchio was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Jail on a list of charges, including attempted first degree murder and domestic abuse.

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A Tulane University professor has filed a lawsuit to keep the city from removing a statue of Confederate General P.G.T Beauregard, which is at the main entrance of New Orleans City Park. Richard Marksbury argues that the City Park Improvement Association is the true owner of the monument and Mayor Mitch Landrieu would need their approval before taking it down.

Cut 14 (08) “those two”

The Beauregard monument is one of four military statutes that are set to be removed by the city of New Orleans in the coming weeks. Marksbury is seeking a temporary restraining order from a judge to halt its removal.

Cut 15 (11) “been done”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser supports the efforts to stop the removal of the Confederate Monuments. Marksbury says if this suit is unsuccessful, he will ask the 4^th Circuit Court of Appeals and see what can be done at that level.

Cut 16  (10)  “city park”

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e House takes up a bill today that would ban corporal punishment in Louisiana schools. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The regular session ends in one month and Jeff Palermo tells us where legislators are with two big issues….

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A bill that would give residents the chance to vote on if they want to remove traffic enforcement cameras will be heard before the House Transportation Committee. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (25) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Today the full House is scheduled to take up a proposal to ban corporal punishment in public schools. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton says 19 other states have similar laws on the books. She says children need a safe haven at school.

Cut 4  (09) “abused”

Norton says currently 12 lawsuits are pending around the country stemming from spankings in schools. She says one of pending suits is in the Bayou State and allowing children to be paddled only leaves cash-strapped public schools open to more litigation from angry parents.

Cut 5  (10)  “corporal punishment”

The measure was narrowly approved by the House Education Committee on a 6 to 5 vote. Corporal punishment is allowed in 38 of Louisiana’s 69 school districts. Norton says asking teachers to spank their students also puts an additional strain on the educators.

Cut 6 (10) “the parent”

Opponents to the bill say parents can opt their children out of spankings by signing a form.

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The University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors has just named Dr. Chris Maggio the new president of Northwestern State University. Maggio says he’s honored and humbled to accept the position and has been with the university for 29 years.

Cut 7 (11)  “forward”

Maggio succeeds Dr. Jim Henderson who recently became president of the University of Louisiana System. Maggio plans to continue to prioritize higher education given the uncertainty in the legislature.

Cut 8 (09) “education”

Maggio says their world class faculty and academic programing draws in students from all over. He says their Natchitoches campus is warm and inviting, creating the perfect atmosphere for students.

Cut 9 (11)  “on campus”

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A measure to be heard before the House Transportation Committee today would give residents the chance to vote on removing red light or speed cameras that issue traffic tickets. Covington Representative Paul Hollis says enforcement cameras are money grabs for local government.

Cut 10 (09) “to stop”

Hollis says traffic cameras are scams and trample on drivers’ first amendment rights. He says motorists don’t get a chance to confront their accuser.

Cut 11 (10) “a fine”

Over the years lawmakers have brought up various bills to try to regulate traffic cameras and stop cites from installing them, but they have not fared well in the legislature. Local government say they help reduce crashes, especially at intersections. Hollis says he’s confident that given the opportunity, voters will support removing all traffic enforcement cameras.

Cut 12 (10) “right”

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We’re nearing the halfway point of the legislative session, and the legislature still has a long way to go. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says lawmakers tend to be most productive as they get closer to a deadline. The session ends June 8th and Dubos says most of the work will likely get done in the final two weeks.

Cut 13 (10) “gotten done”

The budget remains the biggest priority. The House has sent next fiscal year’s spending plan over to the Senate for approval. It appropriates 97.5 percent of the revenues that the State Treasury will make available. The governor says this will lead to difficult cuts, so Dubos expects the Senate will add money to the budget bill.

Cut 14 (08) “own ideas”

Another key agenda item is criminal justice reform. Dubos expects lawmakers to focus primarily on nonviolent crime during this session. He says it will take the 2018 session to accomplish the goal of overall reform.

Cut 15 (08) “to tackle”

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Lafayette native Antoine Duplantis’ fifth hit of the game sent home the winning run yesterday as the Tigers won a wild contest versus South Carolina, seven to six in ten innings. Duplantis had four singles and one double as the Tigers had 17 hits. Coach Paul Mainieri says when Duplantis is feeling good at the plate, he’s hard to get out…

Cut 16 (14) “big way”

LSU lost 3-2 on Friday, but came back to win on Saturday and Sunday to take the series against the Gamecocks and stay within one game back of the conference leaders Florida and Mississippi State. Mainieri wasn’t surprised the series against South Carolina was tightly played…

Cut 17 (18)  “Super Regional”

Greg Deichmann had three hits on Sunday and drove in two runs, including the game tying run in the 9th inning….

Cut 18 (17)    “the weekend”  

The House approved budget plan could lead to the closure of two veteran cemeteries in Leesville and Rayville. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The second weekend of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is underway. Michelle Southern reports fest goers are soaking up the music and beautiful weather….:

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A Zachary man has been arrested after making threats against law enforcement on Facebook. The post referenced the DOJ’s decision not to bring forth charges against the officers involved in the Alton Sterling case, saying “It’s time Baton Rouge u didn’t learn from the police killing.” State Trooper Bryan Lee says State Police was informed about the post made by 38-year-old Thallemus Thomas.

Cut 3 (11) “under arrest”

The post said in part, “we will find the cops and execute them if we can’t find them we will kill one of there family members and start ambushing police officers n Baton Rouge.” Lee says this is something police take very seriously.

Cut 4  (10) “the community”

Thomas is charged with terrorizing. He is being held in the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on a $250,000 bond.

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The budget plan approved by the House could lead to the closure of state-funded veteran cemeteries in Leesville and Rayville. That’s according to the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Undersecretary Homer Rogers who says the proposed 147-thousand dollar cut in state funding means they will not be able to bury veterans at these cemeteries going forward.

Cut 5  (09)  “already interned”

Rogers says over 340-thousand veterans currently live in Louisiana. He says taking this money away is disrespectful to our soldiers.

Cut 6 (08) “the line”

Rogers hopes the Senate will restore the funding when they take up the budget in the coming weeks. He says the cemeteries in Leesville and Rayville are miniature Arlington national cemetery and require a lot of upkeep.

Cut 7 (08)  “our veterans”

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The healthcare bill approved by the US House still has a long way to go in the legislative process. The next step for the plan is to get approval from the US Senate. Senator Bill Cassidy says there will likely be some changes made to the bill before it gets through the Upper Chamber.

Cut 8 (07) “process works”

In its current posture, the measure would freeze enrollment for Medicaid expansion, and over time people would be taken out of the program. Supporters of the plan say employers will be able to offer these people affordable insurance once better plans are available. Cassidy says Medicaid expansion is expensive for the states.

Cut 9 (09)  “a year” 

While the bill may not look exactly the same if and when it makes it through the process, Cassidy says there are some key elements that lawmakers can likely get behind. He says the GOP wants to help President Trump fulfill his campaign promises on healthcare.

Cut 10 (11) “to get behind”

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A Sulphur man is behind bars after threatening a driver on I-10 with a handgun. Louisiana State Police Sgt. James Anderson says 24-year-old Matthew Savoie brandished his weapon at another motorist while driving down I-10 near Welsh.

Cut 11 (09) “inside the vehicle”

Savoie was driving in the left lane of the interstate when another vehicle approached from behind. He then applied his brakes and pulled over. Anderson says the drivers exchanged words as the other vehicle passed by, and Savoie waved his gun at the other motorist.

Cut 12 (11) “morning’s incident”

Anderson says this was not Savoie’s first run-in with law enforcement. He says the suspect will face a hefty penalty if convicted on his charge.

Cut 13 (10) “dollar fine”

A measure that guarantees equal pay in the workforce has passed out of the Senate Labor Committee. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Republicans in the US House have passed their plan to replace the Affordable Care Act and sent it to the Senate for approval. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The full House passed a budget plan on a 63 to 40 vote that would fund the Department of Health 237 million dollars less that the governor proposed. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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If you love crawfish, then Breaux Bridge is the place to be this weekend for Crawfish Festival that begins today. Publicity Director Angelique Bernard says this festival is huge for the St. Martin Parish town of about 8,000, as the three-day event draws 30,000 people a year. She says there’s plenty of festivities for attendees to enjoy.

Cut 4  (10) “eating contest”

Bernard says they have 30 bands playing on three stages. On Sunday there’s even have a parade and etouffee cook-off. She says they have 16 different food vendors selling crawfish anyway you can imagine.

Cut 5  (09)  “crawfish poboy”

With the festival going through roughly 20,000 pounds of mudbugs, it’s no surprise Breaux Bridge is known as the Crawfish Capitol of the World. Bernard says over 1,000 volunteers help put on the festival, and there’s something for attendees of all ages.

Cut 6 (09) “the music, too”

Attendance fees are $5 on Friday and Sunday and $10 on Saturday. There’s also a weekend pass available for $15 on Friday.

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A bill to require businesses in Louisiana to guarantee equal pay has passed out of the Senate Labor Committee and could receive a vote on the Senate floor next week. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says there’s safeguards in place that can prevent businesses from being sued…

Cut 7 (11)  “suing them”

But Louisiana Association of Business and Industry small business director Renee Amar spoke out against the legislation.

Cut 8 (07) “contract”

Morrell authored an equal pay bill last year, but it failed to get past the House Labor committee.  Amar says they also have a problem that the legislation fails to allow for salary differences given market changes.

Cut 9 (05)  “defend themselves”

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The US House has passed its plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act, and the measure now heads to the US Senate. Congressman Ralph Abraham of Richland Parish says what this means for the American people is lower premiums, better health insurance, and more options for patients. He says this is a good day for patients across the nation.

Cut 10 (09) “healthcare”

Abraham says the American Healthcare Act would freeze enrollment for Medicaid expansion, but they aren’t throwing anyone out of the expanded program, yet. He is confident that once better healthcare plans are available, workers will be able to get affordable insurance through their employer.

Cut 11 (09) “better plans”

Political blogger Lamar White has cerebral palsy and has been a long-time advocate for disability rights. He opposes the replacement plan, which he says is woefully underfunded, especially to cover people with pre-existing conditions.

Cut 12 (11) “five years”

White thinks most people on Medicaid expansion would love to be able to afford health insurance, but unfortunately that’s not the reality of the economy. He says for many people with disabilities, purchasing private insurance just isn’t an option.

Cut 13 (07) “the reality”

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The full House passed a budget plan on a 63 to 40 vote that the governor and Democrats do not like because it funds the Department of Health at 237 million dollars less than John Bel Edwards proposed. Franklin Representative Sam Jones questioned Chairman Cameron Henry for not knowing where the cuts to LDH would be.

Cut 14 (09) “the impact”

Henry argued that his job is to appropriate the money and the department head determines what areas should be cut.

Cut 15 (11) “to you”

Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle spoke out in concern for how cutting funds to LDH would affect the health and well-being of the people of Louisiana.

Cut 16 (10) “our hands”

The budget passed with TOPS still fully funded.  Henry defended before the House why making these cuts is necessary even though difficult.

Cut 17 (10)  “committee”

Governor John Bel Edwards released a statement saying this budget guts health care, children’s services, and veteran services to levels that endanger the health and welfare of the people of Louisiana.

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There are seven baseball teams within one game of first place for the overall lead in the Southeastern Conference. LSU is one of those teams, with a 13-7 league mark. Coach Paul Mainieri believes his squad is heading in the right direction…

Cut 18 (10)    “against Alabama” 

The Tigers are coming off a sweep of Alabama and they begin an eight-game homestand tonight against South Carolina, who is 10-11 in league play. But Mainieri says the Gamecocks are more than capable…

Cut 19 (09)   “history as well”

Aaron Fitt with D-1 baseball-dot-com believes LSU and Florida are the two SEC teams best equipped to make a strong run once postseason play arrives. Fitt likes the Tigers starting pitching…

Cut 20 (21)   “bring it”

A lawyer for Officer Blane Salamoni is optimistic no state charges will be filed against his client for the shooting death of Alton Sterling. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Baton Rouge Police are gearing up for any potential weekend protests as a result of the feds’ decision in the Alton Sterling Case. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Senate Transportation Committee approves a bill that requires traffic signs to be posted ahead of speed cameras. The proposal by New Orleans Senator Troy Carter is similar to one that passed last year requiring warning signs for red-light cameras. He says this prevents municipalities from using these cameras as a money grab.

Cut 3 (07) “perfect sense”

The bill was amended to require signs within 500 feet of the camera, but no closer than 250 feet. Carter says this allows for proper signage to discourage the speeder with enough time to slow down safely.

Cut 4  (11) “a problem”

The proposal requires signs to be posted ahead of both moveable and fixed speed enforcement cameras. Another amendment requires that the signs be clearly visible and at the same height of other street signs already in place. Carter says this is another added safety measure of the bill.

Cut 5  (10)  “dangerous situation”

The proposal was approved without objection and now heads to the full Senate.

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More details are coming out about the fatal encounter between Alton Sterling and two Baton Rouge police officers on July 5. Community activist Gary Chambers met with DOJ officials following yesterday’s announcement, and he detailed the meeting to Jim Engster on Talk Louisiana. Chambers says Officer Blane Salamoni’s actions that night are disturbing.

Cut 6 (09) “end of that”

Chambers says that comment speaks to the mindset of Salamoni, while Officer Howie Lake was trying to deescalate the situation. He adds Lake never fired his weapon, though he did use his Taser. He says this means Attorney General Jeff Landry can make a great case for state criminal charges against Salamoni.

Cut 7 (10)  “shoot somebody”

Chamber says he never expected the DOJ to find civil rights violations because the burden of proof is so high for those charges. But he says state violations are much easier to prove. He’s also upset Salamoni is still receiving a paycheck from BRPD while on leave after this incident.

Cut 8 (09) “bad apple”

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John McLindon, the attorney for Blane Salamoni, believes Attorney General Jeff Landry will not seek state charges against his client. Salamoni is one of the officers involved in the fatal police shooting of Alton Sterling and he’s been cleared of any federal civil rights charges. McLindon points to the thorough investigation already conducted by the DOJ on why he thinks Salamoni will not be charged.

Cut 9 (06)  “to prosecute” 

The Sterling family reports Salamoni threatened Alton Sterling’s life before the shooting. But McLindon says there was no criminal conduct in this case.

Cut 10 (06) “the officers”

McLindon expects just like the federal investigation, the state’s probe will take a lengthy amount of time. He says these last 10 months haven’t been easy for anyone.

Cut 11 (10) “Sterling family”

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Baton Rouge Police don’t expect any protests this weekend following the Department of Justice’s decision in the Alton Sterling case, but they’re prepared for anything. Cpl. L’Jean McKneely says they wanted to make sure they weren’t last minute in responding to any potential incidents. So BRPD made some adjustments in their work schedule.

Cut 12 (09) “answering calls”

McKneely says aside from three arrests at a protest outside BRPD headquarters the night the decision was leaked, things have been pretty quiet in the Capitol City. But just in case, Live After 5 in downtown Baton Rouge and a 5K scheduled for this weekend have been cancelled.

Cut 13 (09) “Baton Rouge”

McKneely says there’s a signed agreement between protestors and law enforcement that demonstrators would abide by the law and police would protect their right to protest. He says officers will be on hand to make sure everyone is safe.

Cut 14 (10) “need to be”

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The full House will debate today the proposed budget for next fiscal year that would cut 235 million dollars more than the governor recommended from the department of Health. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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State Police and a prosecutor assigned by the Attorney General’s office will now investigate if the officers involved in the fatal shooting of Alton Sterling face state charges. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The US Justice Department has decided against filing federal charges for the officers involved in Alton Sterling’s death, but Sterling’s family hopes the state comes to a different conclusion. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The full House is expected to debate the budget bill that would cut 235-million dollars more than Governor Edwards wanted from the state Department of Health’s budget. Metairie Representative Cameron Henry says they plan to only use 97-percent of what the Revenue Estimating Conference appropriates for the budget to avoid mid-year cuts.

Cut 4  (09) “of health”

Henry says this will prevent the health department from taking a massive cut in the middle of the year like they’ve done in the past. He says if this strategy was used last year, the state would’ve eliminated all mid-year deficits.

Cut 5  (09)  “year cuts”

Governor John Bel Edwards opposes the proposed cut and is asking lawmakers to reverse them. LDH Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee says although the department of Health has one of the biggest budgets, that doesn’t mean their money is going to waste.

Cut 6 (09) “this state”

Gee says she wasn’t asked about what the implications of these cuts would have on the department. She says these cuts were just made without talking to experts first.

Cut 7 (08)  “other programs”

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The family of Alton Sterling is grieving all over again, after the Department of Justice announces no federal charges will be filed against the Baton Rouge police officers involved. Sterling’s aunt Sandra Sterling is hopeful the state investigation will bring forth criminal charges against the officers.

Cut 8 (12) “remember his name”

The family says they appreciate the support from demonstrators who are upset over the DOJ’s decision but ask that they remain respectful in memory of Sterling. Kimberly Pierson is the mother of Sterling’s 11-year-old son. She’s devastated and says Sterling didn’t deserve to die the way he did.

Cut 9 (08)  “for him”

Andricka Williams is the mother of three of Sterling’s children. She is disappointed no federal charges were handed down but remains hopeful Landry will get justice for Sterling. She says the determination that federal charges are not warranted is a hard pill to swallow.

Cut 10 (11) “like it was nothing”

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The Louisiana State Police along with a special prosecutor assigned by Attorney General Jeff Landry is now looking to see if Officers Howie Lake and Blane Salamoni violated state laws during the fatal shooting of Alton Sterling. Baton Rouge Attorney Beau Brock says it was a smart move by Landry to have LSP lead this investigation

Cut 11 (07) “of force”

The Sterling family believes there is sufficient evidence for state charges to be handed down against the officers. Brock says new information released by the U.S. Justice department will play a huge factor in the state case.

Cut 12 (10) “they have”

Brock says there is a high burden of conduct when it comes to determining if a person’s civil rights were violated. He says state statutes require only general criminal intent, which is a much lower standard.

Cut 13 (06) “be proved”

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Governor John Bel Edwards and Attorney General Jeff Landry have not seen eye-to-eye on many state issues, but the governor is anticipating Landry’s office will lead a thorough investigation into the fatal police shooting of Alton Sterling.

Cut 14 (11) “is warranted”

New Orleans Senator Karen Peterson says she is looking to the State of Louisiana to pursue the investigation. She calls on the Attorney General Jeff Landry to gather all the facts of the case to ensure that justice is in order.

Cut 15 (07) “this community”

Landry issued a statement saying a thorough investigation could take time, and his office asks for patience from the public. Peterson says not all of the facts of this case have been made public yet, but the facts that have been released are disturbing.

Cut 16 (11) “seem just”

A bill that would allow voters decide if military monuments should be removed, including those from the Civil War era, was approved by a House committee. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Department of Justice explained in detail why they aren’t filing federal civil rights charges against the cops in the Alton Sterling case. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (35) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Four Confederate monuments in New Orleans are coming down, but the rest of the state’s military monuments would be protected under a bill by Shreveport Representative Thomas Carmody. The measure would prohibit the removal of any military monument from any war, including the Civil War. Carmody says many of his family members fought for this country, and he is proud of their sacrifice.

Cut 3 (10) “of history”

The bill was approved by the House Municipal Committee on a 10 to 8 vote. The proposal was amended to allow for the monuments’ removal if a majority of voters decide to do so. Brenda O’Brock of Shreveport supports the monuments and says students should be paraded to them. She says all veteran lives matter, no matter what war they fought.

Cut 4  (10) “can we?”

The bill would not protect any monuments that are taken down before the proposed law takes effect. Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith opposes the measure. She says too many people have not grown up, and many black people still have to endure prejudice.

Cut 5  (09)  “take on us”

Supporters of the measure say removing the monuments would be taking a step backwards because if those who don’t learn from history, will repeat it. But Smith says we’ve already gone backwards in this country.

Cut 6 (08) “ugly names”

The measure now heads to the House floor for more debate.

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A measure that attempts to end pay secrecy in the workplace died in the House Labor Committee on a 9 to 5 vote. The bill sought to allow employees to discuss salary without fear of retaliation from their bosses. Mandeville Representative Reid Falconer voiced his concerns that not every worker feels comfortable sharing their wages. He says this bill could pose problems with employees and employers.

Cut 7 (11)  “everybody else”

But New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno says her measure only gives employees the option to discuss their salaries without fear of retaliation or termination from their employer. She says ending pay secrecy is actually beneficial to businesses.

Cut 8 (11) “productivity boost”

Moreno’s legislation was an attempt to end unequal gender pay practices by businesses. She says a poll found 90% of people surveyed support advancing equal pay policies. 

Cut 9 (11)  “and man”

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Emotions have been flying high surrounding every stance on the Department of Justice’s decision not to federally charge the Baton Rouge Police Officers for shooting Alton Sterling. The news was leaked yesterday by the Washington Post, and Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says it’s a shame the Sterling family had to find out that way…:

Cut 10 (10) “they promised”

James wants people who are upset about this to keep in mind that a lot of things have changed here since the July 2016 shooting..:

Cut 11 (08) “remain peaceful”

(Three females were arrested during a protest in Baton Rouge Tuesday night and are facing some pretty serious charges for allegedly trying to block a major roadway. Those include aggravated obstruction of a highway, resisting an officer, and failure to disperse. One woman was also charged with battery on a police officer for allegedly spitting on a cop.)

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The U.S Department of Justice announces no federal charges against the two Baton Rouge police officers involved in the shooting of Alton Sterling. Acting United States Attorney Corey Amundson says their extensive investigation determined officers Blane Salmoni and Howie Lake acted in accordance with the law when they encountered Sterling on July 5th..

Cut 12 (20) “civil rights laws”

Amundson says they had career prosecutors and agents who looked at the video evidence and witness testimony from the shooting that occurred in front of a convenience store. He says the investigation took so long because they carefully examined the actions of the officers

Cut 13 (18) “under federal law”

Amundson says the entire encounter between Sterling and the two officers lasted 90 seconds. He says they tazed Sterling and the officers also had difficulty trying to control the 37-year-old man after asking if they can see his hands. He says based on the video they can’t determine if the officers acted unreasonably and willfully

Cut 14 (16) “unreasonable”

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry announces State Police along with a special prosecutor will determine if state charges should apply. Chris Stewart, an attorney for Sterling’s family believes it should, because the actions of the police officers that night were outrageous….

Cut 15 (12) “these officers” (2x)

Stewart says everyone has seen the video of Sterling being shot three times, but what we didn’t see was that he was also shot three more times. He adds things got heated between Sterling and Officer Blane Salamoni even before the fatal scuffle.

Cut 16  (08)  “you bitch”

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Legislation designed to end pay secrecy will be heard in the House Labor Committee today. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The Washington Post is reporting the US Department of Justice will not charge the Baton Rouge police officers accused of fatally shooting Alton Sterling last July. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A measure by Representative Paul Hollis that would make it easier to recall elected officials clears a House panel. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A bill to be heard in the House Labor Committee today would protect employees from retaliation for talking about their wages. Vice President of the United Way of Southeast Louisiana Charmaine Caccioppi is an advocate for ending pay secrecy.

Cut 4  (10) “discussing that”

Opposition is expected to come from the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry but Louisiana Progress Action says LABI always testifies the state has a law to prohibit pay discrimination, but this is not true. Caccioppi says she spoke with many low income individuals who say pay secrecy is a real problem in their workplace.

Cut 5  (08)  “termination”

Caccioppi says their support for this measure does not mean they encourage employees in charge of salary information to discuss other’s income. But she says the legislation is the first tool in the tool box to prohibit employers from retaliating against someone who discusses salary.

Cut 6 (07) “right direction”

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Leaders of state agencies are urging lawmakers not to cut their budgets, as the spending plan heading to the House floor is $237 million less than the governor’s budget proposal. The Louisiana Department of Health is facing a $235 million cut. Secretary Rebekah Gee says that means programs like school-based health centers, Zika defenses, and in-patient psychiatric treatment would be eliminated.

Cut 7 (07)  “does not exist”

The Department of Children and Family Services would see a $19 million reduction under the budget proposal. Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says this would strip away 67 child welfare positions. She says it would also impact the budget for repairing the cars that workers use to take foster kids to school and family visits.

Cut 8 (10) “traumatic experience”

The budget plan includes an $11 million cut to the Department of Corrections. Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc says they’re already understaffed. He says in the evenings, they often have one correctional officer for 170 inmates at Angola.

Cut 9 (08)  “medical staff”

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A lawmaker from Covington wants to make it easier for recall petitions to succeed in Louisiana, and his bill to do just that has cleared a House panel. The current rules state districts with more than 1,000 voters have 180 days to sign up a third of registered voters. Norco Representative Gregory Miller says he can see how that’s impossible…:

Cut 10 (10) “particular thing”

Representative Paul Hollis said he brought the measure after failure to remove from office a St. Tammany Parish Coroner who is now in federal prison. Miller says the recall laws are meaningless in voting districts of that size:

Cut 11 (06) “large jurisdiction”

Under the measure headed to the House floor, the signature threshold would be lowered to 25% in districts with 25,000-100,000 registered voters — and jurisdictions larger than that to 20 percent. Hollis said but once a petition is successful, that’s not the end of the line…:

Cut 12 (08) “majority wins”

(An effort to recall Jefferson Parish President Mike Yenni over a sexting scandal was recently halted after organizers realized they wouldn’t get close to the to the requirement.)

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The Washington Post reports the U.S. Department of Justice will not charge the two Baton Rouge Police officers who were involved in the shooting death of Alton Sterling last July. Legal analyst Tim Meche says the D-O-J’s ruling is consistent with the opinion of many lawyers he’s spoken with…

Cut 13 (11) “his pocket”

Sterling was selling C-D’s outside a store last July when two officers went up to him after receiving a report he was threatening someone with a gun. Video shows a scuffle ensues and shots were fired at Sterling over concerns he was reaching for a gun. Meche says the officers had a right to do what they did.

Cut 14 (09) “a weapon”

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry could still investigate to see if criminal state charges apply. But Meche doesn’t think that’s likely.

Cut 15 (08) “it’s over”

A report in the New York Times mentions Democratic New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu as a potential candidate for president in 2020. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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State leaders at every level seem to have no idea where the Justice Department is with its decision on the Alton Sterling case. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The number of high school students completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the highest in the state’s history. Assistant Superintendent for the Office of Student Opportunity Ken Bradford says students are already at a 51-percent completion rate and the deadline to fill out the form is still two months away.

Cut 3 (12) “completion rate”

The national average for FAFSA completion is 55-percent. Bradford attributes this increase to the forms becoming available in October rather than January. He says if every student filled out a FAFSA form millions of dollars would be available for students to go to college.

Cut 4  (10) “pay back”

Bradford says FAFSA covers the cost of attendance, like books and room and board, unlike TOPS, which is strictly tuition. He also says this financial assistance applies to more than just two and four year colleges.

Cut 5  (09)  “truck driving”

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Speculation said the U.S. Department of Justice would issue its decision in the Alton Sterling case, but there’s nothing yet from DOJ. Federal investigators are determining whether civil rights charges should be brought against the Baton Rouge police officers involved in Sterling’s death. Former US Attorney Don Cazayoux imagines this has been an extensive investigation.

Cut 6 (10) “ballistic evidence”

Cazayoux was a guest on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster this morning. New Orleans Congressman Cedric Richmond has been pressing the Justice Department for a timeline on a Sterling announcement and had this to say during a twitter town hall…

Cut 7 (11)  “time period”

The community has become restless awaiting the decision from the feds, and rumors a verdict could be coming soon have only added to the unrest. Cazayoux says these cases take a long time, so 10 months is not out of the ordinary. He says some even take years.

Cut 8 (08) “easy decisions”

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A New York Times report names New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu as a potential 2020 presidential contender. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says he hasn’t heard the mayor say anything about a potential White House bid. He believes the article reflects the need for a generational change within the Democratic Party.

Cut 9 (13)  “of his generation”

Dubos says it’s still too early to guess who could be on the ballot in 2020. He says Landrieu is someone who could step up and be influential in the party. But he says the Democratic mayor doesn’t have name recognition outside of the Bayou State.

Cut 10 (11) “long shot”

Landrieu is gaining national attention over the removal of four confederate-era monuments in New Orleans. Dubos says there’s speculation the monument controversy is a political move by the mayor to gain recognition around the country.

Cut 11 (09) “Deep South”

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A portion of Governor John Bel Edwards criminal justice reform package received approval from a Senate Committee today. The bills would shorten sentences for non-violent offenders and strengthen their probation and parole requirements. Edwards’ says changes are needed, because too many people are incarcerated and the state is spending too much money.

Cut 12 (09) “not less”

The governor wanted to overhaul sentencing guidelines for felons, but he says that will be discussed in next year’s legislative session. Edwards says the state needs to invest in programs to reduce recidivism. He says 95-percent of inmates in Louisiana will be released from prison, but many go right back in…

Cut 13 (05) “of prison”

Another measure would address habitual offenders and more legislation could be created to reinvest savings into anti-recidivism courses. Edwards’ says Louisiana is spending too much money keeping too many people in prison for too long.

Cut 14 (09) “a result”

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A 16-year-old driver who wasn’t buckled up has died in a crash after she hit livestock that was standing in the middle of the road near the St. Landry/Evangeline Parish line. State Police Sgt. Jared Sandifer says the female victim is identified as Adrian Johnson of Washington…:

Cut 15 (10) “that crash”

Sandifer says responding troopers reported that Johnson wasn’t wearing a seat belt when she struck the cow and crashed into a culvert. He reminds all drivers that Louisiana law requires everyone in a vehicle to be restrained..:

Cut 16  (08)  “the crash”

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LSU and a news organization have created a website which would let the public give an opinion on how Louisiana’s budget woes could be repaired. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A first of its kind study finds childcare issues costs the state over a billion dollars a year in the economy. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser announces an initiative to get Louisianans to vacation right here in the Bayou State. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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LSU and a news organization have created a website which would let the public give an opinion on how Louisiana’s budget woes could be repaired. LSU’s Reilly Center for Media and Public Affairs and The Advocate, together developed “solve-the-budget-dot-org.” LSU Mass Communications Professor Len Apcar says the poll has two sections

Cut 4  (10) “and spending cuts”

Lawmakers are faced with the task of deciding how to deal with a projected $440 million dollar budget deficit. Apcar says poll participants can select “Yes” or “No” to a number of different options related to revenue and spending, with the dollar amounts included for each….:

Cut 5  (10)  “close the gap”

Apcar says the website aims to teach Louisianians about the complexities of the state’s finances, and hopes a number of people respond between now and the end of the session. He also says that once developers look at the results, it could shed some light on what the masses would really like to see happen at the Capitol…:

Cut 6 (10) “we’ll find out”

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Congressman Clay Higgins has sent a letter to Governor John Bel Edwards urging him to take action to keep Louisiana’s confederate monuments in place, after the Liberty Place monument in New Orleans was taken down under the cover of night. Higgins says this is something that has to be done at the state level.

Cut 7 (07)  “there is none”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser recently sent a letter to President Trump making the same plea, but Higgins says there’s nothing the feds can do. He says these monuments are a part of Louisiana’s history, and they deserve to be protected.

Cut 8 (12) “that we are”

The New Orleans City Council voted to remove four confederate-era monuments, with statues of Robert E. Lee, P.G.T. Beauregard, and Jefferson Davis still awaiting removal. But Higgins doesn’t think it will stop there. He says the decision to surgically remove this part of our history reflects weakness and fear.

Cut 9 (10)  “be known for”

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A study by the LSU Public Policy Research Lab and the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children finds a lack of quality childcare costs employers and employees over a billion dollars a year. LPIC Executive Director Melanie Bronfin says Louisiana has cut funding to early child care programs 70-percent since 2008.

Cut 10 (09) “their employer”

The report finds one in six workers in Louisiana quit their jobs because of trouble with child care. Dr. Belinda Davis with the Public Policy Research Lab says this results in added costs for employers as the cost of temporary workers and training new employees is expensive. She says this creates large impacts on the state’s economy.

Cut 11 (08) “tax revenue”

Bronfin says a way to solve these problems is to stop cutting money to pay for the Louisiana School Readiness Tax Credits. She says early child care programs are critical to working parents and employers

Cut 12 (09) “childcare”

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser unveils a new initiative called Destination Louisiana to encourage Louisianans to vacation in their home state. Nungesser hopes residents will staycation in the Bayou State rather than jumping on a plane. He says there is so much beauty to see right here.

Cut 13 (08) “in Louisiana”

Over the next six months, six different parishes will receive multi-platform coverage from the Louisiana Office of Tourism, starting with Iberia and ending in Sabine. Nungesser says this initiative is an opportunity to showcase all the great reasons to enjoy what Louisiana has to offer.

Cut 14 (11) “Washington Parish”

Nungesser says radio commercials and digital billboards will promote the Louisiana parish of the month. He says for more information on the Destination of the Month, visit Louisiana-travel-dot-com (louisianatravel.com).

Cut 15 (10) “to offer”