A rape victim finally gets justice 30 years later. Halen Doughty has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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TOPS is fully funded under the budget proposal that’s been approved by the House Appropriations Committee. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Two people are dead after a private plane went down in Morehouse Parish. Sheriff Mike Tubbs says his deputies received a call yesterday afternoon in reference to a plane that went down in Collinston near the Morehouse Detention Center.

Cut 3 (07) “we arrived”

Tubbs says the identities of the victims have not been released. He says the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration will conduct an investigation into what caused the crash.

Cut 4  (06) “on the scene”

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It’s a sad day in Ouachita Parish, as the community mourns the loss of 26-year-old Sheriff’s Deputy Justin Beard. State Trooper Michael Reichardt says Beard was responding to a burglar alarm early Sunday morning on Highway 34 when he was involved in a crash.

Cut 5  (08)  “this crash”

Reichardt says the roads were wet from rain, and Beard was not wearing his seatbelt. Beard was a deputy at OPSO for over three years and leaves behind a wife and three young children.

Cut 6 (08) “to anybody”

Glenn Springfield with OPSO says it’s been a tough day for everyone at the department.

Cut 7 (10)  “Deputy Beard”

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Rising waters are a concern today in Evangeline Parish, as flooding from that weekend storm system hit  at least two towns hard. Director of the Evangeline Office of Emergency Preparedness, Liz Hill says the city of Mamou sustained extensive damage.

Cut 8 (10) “that were affected”

Hill says the town of Basille on the Acadia Parish line was also affected. She says they’re still waiting on a count, but the flood damage could be as bad or worse as it was in Mamou.

Cut 9 (08)  “right now”

Hill says many residents are just getting power restored in their homes. She says although the water wasn’t as high as it was in the August flood, some people had to be rescued from their flooded homes.

Cut 10 (07) “higher ground”

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An 83-year-old Larose man has been found guilty of sexual battery of a 7-year-old that occurred over 30 years ago. Lafourche Assistant District Attorney Kristine Russell says a victim came forward to report the incidents with Warren Danos that occurred between 1984 and 1986.

Cut 11 (09) “he raped her”

Russell says Danos is set to be sentenced June 20th on a count of sexual battery. He faces a minimum of 25 years behind bars. She says two other victims came forward, but those cases had reached the statute of limitations, because the victims were not raped. She says this is a huge victory for the victim because they didn’t expect a guilty verdict.

Cut 12 (11) “years ago”

Russell says the victim said on the stand that’d she’d been a victim for 30 years, and she wanted her life back. She encourages any victim of sexual assault to come forward and report it to police, no matter how much time has passed.

Cut 13 (08) “have justice now”

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The House Appropriations Committee has voted to fully fund the TOPS scholarship program for the next fiscal year. Baton Rouge Representative Franklin Foil amended the state’s spending plan to take 82-million dollars from the Department of Health’s budget so TOPS students would have their tuition fully paid for.

Cut 14 (11) “percent”

TOPS was only funded at 70 percent under the governor’s budget proposal, leaving lawmakers to find more than $81 million needed to fully fund the program. Foil says he will leave it up to LDH to decide where to allocate those cuts.

Cut 15 (09) “a priority”

The Appropriations committee’s version of the budget funds the Department of Health 235-million dollars below what Governor John Bel Edwards proposed. New Orleans Representative Walt Leger raised concerns in committee about how these cuts would impact LDH. He says the only areas of the health budget that can be cut are optional Medicaid programs, like behavioral health services. He says this cut will greatly impact Louisiana residents.

Cut 16  (12)  “on the streets”

The amendment was approved on a 19-5 vote and the entire budget was approved on a 17-5 vote, along party lines. The full House could take up the spending plan later this week.

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A measure to be heard before the House Ways and Means Committee would place a flat corporate income tax of 2-percent on the profits of businesses. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (26) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Civil rights activists say protests can be expected if the Department of Justice chooses not to file charges against the Baton Rouge police officers who fatally shot Alton Sterling. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Today the budget for next fiscal year is expected to move out of the House Appropriations Committee. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A measure gaining popularity with lawmakers that will be heard in the House Way and Means Committee today would place a flat corporate income tax from 1 to 2 –percent on the profits a business makes. Jackson Representative Kenny Havard says his bill would generate an estimated 200 million dollars in tax revenue.

Cut 4  (07) “for business”

Havard says the bill would eliminate exemptions and the franchise tax. He says this plan is the farthest thing away from Governor John Bel Edwards’ proposed gross receipts tax, which was pulled due to a major lack of support but he has received positive feedback on his measure.

Cut 5  (10)  “fiscal note”

Business groups like LABI are not supportive, because corporate loopholes will be closed. But Havard says companies or businesses will not have to pay this tax, if they don’t  make a profit.

Cut 6 (09) “your profit”

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The Capitol City is anxiously awaiting a decision from the Department of Justice on whether or not civil rights charges will be handed down against the Baton Rouge police officers involved in last summer’s fatal shooting of Alton Sterling. Former Metro Council member John Delgado says he’s heard the DOJ should announce its decision by Tuesday.

Cut 7 (09)  “civil rights violation”

The Mayor’s Office says speculation that a decision could be made this week is just that. After last July’s fatal incident outside a Baton Rouge convenience store, protestors called for justice. A week after the incident, a Missouri man attacked law enforcement officers in Baton Rouge, killing three and wounding three more. Delgado hopes we don’t see that kind of tragedy again.

Cut 8 (10) “that are the problem”

But President of the Baton Rouge Chapter of the NAACP, Mike McClanahan says without justice, there can be no peace. He expects if DOJ does not bring forth charges, there will be protests and rallies around the city.

Cut 9 (07)  “change happen”

McClanahan doesn’t believe relations have improved between law enforcement and the public since the shooting. He says groups are planning to march if the DOJ doesn’t charge the officers responsible for Sterling’s death, and some are calling for an economic boycott.

Cut 10 (09) “their checkbook”

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President Donald Trump has reached 100 days in office, but what does that mean for Louisiana? ULM political science professor Dr. Joshua Stockley says Mr. Trump’s first 100 days in office have been turbulent and unorthodox. He says there’s been very little direct policy change at the federal level under the new administration.

Cut 11 (07) “100 days”

But Mr. Trump has won the support of Louisiana’s congressional delegation, business leaders, and officials from the oil and gas industry. Stockley says the president hasn’t really done anything at this point to help or hurt them one way or the other.

Cut 12 (11) “reason not to”

Stockley says it’s not surprising policy changes have not yet been made because the federal process takes a while.

Cut 13 (10) “to take time”

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The House Appropriations Committee is expected to approve a spending plan for the next fiscal year today. Chairman Cameron Henry of Metairie says they plan to hold back about 2 percent of the revenue forecast by the Revenue Estimating Conference. He says the REC is usually wrong, and withholding this money could prevent midyear cuts.

Cut 14 (09) “have shortfalls”

Under the governor’s proposed budget, TOPS was only funded at 70 percent for the next fiscal year. Henry says it’s his intention to fully fund the taxpayer funded scholarship program.

Cut 15 (11) “the process”

Henry says that means lawmakers will have to find $81 million from somewhere else to fund the program. He says a lot of legislators feel plenty of agencies have funds to spare. He says some agencies, like the Louisiana Department of Health gain money throughout the year.

Cut 16 (09) “billion dollars”

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The Saints selected five players on defense and two offense with their seven picks in the 2017 NFL draft. The franchise believes they found a lock down cornerback for the next decade with their first round pick of Marshon Lattimore of Ohio State. But Coach Sean Payton says Lattimore will have to earn his spot on the field…

Cut 17 (22)  “outside corner”

Despite recently signing Adrian Peterson, the Saints still drafted a running back in the third round, running back Alvin Kamara.  Payton believes Kamara can coexist on a roster featuring Mark Ingram and A-P….

Cut 18 (23)    “those guys” 

The Saints had a big need to draft a pass rusher and they waited until the sixth round to take one, defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad. The 6-3, 253-pounder had his issues at Miami. He was suspended for a fight during spring practice and later kicked off the team after allegedly receiving improper benefits from a car rental company. Payton says Muhammad has made some mistakes, but he’s been a good teammate…

Cut 19 (13)   “if he fell”

A measure heading to the Senate floor would require higher ed institutions to put together an action plan for preventing unplanned pregnancies. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Governor Edwards alongside with DHL and Graphic Packaging International announced 274-million dollar folding carton operation and logistic center will be built in Monroe. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Universities would be required to make an action plan to prevent unplanned teen pregnancies, under a proposal approved by the Senate Education Committee. New Orleans Senator Wesley Bishop spent decades working in higher education. He says he’s talked with many young women who dropped out of school for so-called medical reasons.

Cut 3 (09) “happens a lot”

The measure would require all universities, community colleges, and trade schools to have a plan to help students prevent unplanned pregnancies to keep students in school. Bishop says only 40 percent of teen mothers finish high school, and just two percent complete college by age 30.

Cut 4  (09) “is pregnant”

Bishop says that’s because often times the responsibility of raising that child falls on the mother. He says pregnancy prevention is something that should be taught along with time management and study habits. He is confident if young people knew better, they would do better.

Cut 5  (08)  “very difficult”

The proposal now heads to the full Senate.

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The State Fire Marshal’s office is investigating a burning car in DeSoto Parish where the body of a woman was found inside. Fire Marshal Butch Browning says they responded to a call from the Sheriff’s Office at 2 a.m. this morning reporting a vehicle fire on Interstate 49 near Stonewall.

Cut 6 (06) “the road”

Browning says the victim has been identified as Kelly Jo Brunettin of Frierson. He says her vehicle was the only one at the scene and the investigation is ongoing.

Cut 7 (10)  “is involved”

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The Storm Prediction Center is calling for an enhanced risk of severe weather for northwest Louisiana tomorrow. C.S. Ross with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says a cold front will bring the potential for severe weather as early as Saturday afternoon.

Cut 8 (08) “or two”

Forecasters say the severe weather threat will shift to the eastern side of the state after midnight on Saturday. The Mississippi River Delta and southeast Louisiana will be under a slight risk on Sunday. He says heavy rainfall is also possible with this system.

Cut 9 (09)  “four inches”

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Many folks aren’t aware, but Saturday is an election day in Louisiana. Voters in 46 parishes will be deciding on vacancies in the state House, the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal and the Lake Charles Mayor’s office. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says there is also a big Senate race:

Cut 10 (08) “it touches”

Schedler says there are also many local propositions of tax renewals or new taxes to be decided throughout the state. He says if you aren’t sure if there’s an election in your area Saturday, check out the GeauxVote app…:

Cut 11 (07) “early voting”

Schedler says, unfortunately, he is not expecting a good turnout. He says the early voting turnout was a dismal 14%..:

Cut 12 (11) “17-18%”

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Governor John Bel Edwards along with DHL and Graphic Packaging International broke ground on a 1.27 million-square-foot folding carton plant and logistics center outside of Monroe. The expansion is estimated to be about 274 million dollars.

Cut 13 (10) “logistics center”

The project will create 93 new direct jobs and 74 indirect jobs. Edwards says GPI will continue to employ 800 workers at their mill in West Monore. He says Graphic Packing will move their folding cartons operation from West Monroe to the new facility in Monroe.

Cut 14 (11) “new projects”

The facility will be the size of six Mercedes Benz Superdomes. Edwards says not only will this expansion create more jobs at the logistics center but around north Louisiana.

Cut 15 (10) “be created”

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Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies have reportedly arrested four individuals after raiding three alleged dog fighting rings. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The former Destrehan High School teacher accused of having sex with a student still has legal issues as there’s still a civil suit pending against her. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A bill to provide parole eligibility for juveniles convicted of murder has been approved by the state Senate. Baton Rouge Senator Dan Claitor says his proposal would bring Louisiana in line with a 2012 Supreme Court decision that prohibits juvenile offenders from receiving life sentences without parole. The measure would provide parole eligibility after 25 years for juveniles who received life sentences after June 25, 2012.

Cut 3 (10) “gonna get it”

Claitor’s original bill called for parole eligibility after 30 years, but during the debate it was amended down to 25.

Cut 4  (08) “for consideration”

If enacted, the 14 inmates would be immediately eligible for parole consideration after time served. Metairie Senator Danny Martiny says a parole hearing would then determine if that person has at least tried to better themselves or abided by the rules.

Cut 5  (11)  “for parole”

The measure passed on a 22-13 vote and heads to the House.

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Authorities in Webster Parish have raided three alleged dogfighting rings and rescued over 30 dogs. Anna Ware is with an Altanta based group called Norred and Associates and they investigate animal cruelty cases. She says they received a report on their anonymous dogfighting tip line about an operation in North Louisiana so they contacted the Sheriff’s Office to investigate.

Cut 6 (10) “34 dogs”

Deputies originally arrested Randall Tims and Morgan Jones in Dubberly during the first raid, which then led to the arrests of Ketrick Frazier in Minden and Laracco Batton. Ware says the rescued dogs have never seen veterinary care in their lives. She says two animals died due to malnutrition.

Cut 7 (10)  “rabies shots”

Ware says it’s unbelievable that any human could treat an innocent animal like this. She says all of the dogs were living in horrible conditions.

Cut 8 (08) “logging chain”

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The former Destrehan High School teacher who allegedly had sex with a 16-year-old student isn’t out of the woods yet. Shelley Dufrense was found not guilty of carnal knowledge of a juvenile in Jefferson Parish, but the victim’s family has a civil suit pending in St. Charles Parish against the 34-year-old. Legal analyst Tim Meche says Wednesday’s verdict shouldn’t affect the outcome of the civil suit.

Cut 9 (09)  “a deposition”

Dufrense pleaded guilty to an obscenity charge in St. Charles Parish in 2015 and is not required to register as a sex offender. But Meche says that plea deal could hurt her in the civil suit.

Cut 10 (10) “in Jefferson Parish”

Three judges in the 29^th Judicial District in St. Charles Parish have recused themselves from the civil suit because one of them is Dufrense’s father. Meche says the not guilty verdict in Jefferson Parish won’t help Dufrense much in the civil suit.

Cut 11 (08) “that much”

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US Senator Bill Cassidy says President Donald Trump’s tax reform plan will simplify the tax code, create jobs and incentivize investment and growth. Cassidy says he likes that Trump is engaged and following through with his campaign promises.

Cut 12 (09) “American Workers”

Part of the president’s plan would double the exemptions for families and small businesses would receive a tax cut. While there is some concern this tax structure would benefit the wealthy, Cassidy says this incentivizes business owners to put that money back into their company to create better jobs.

Cut 13 (10) “more money”

Cassidy says there hasn’t been a significant tax reform since 1986, with President Ronald Reagan. He says although it took a while to pass, Reagan was thoroughly engaged, just as Trump is.

Cut 14 (08) “he’s engaged”

Cassidy serves as a member of the Senate Finance Committee and will play a role in the passage of any tax reform plan.

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Two teachers in St. Landry Parish have been arrested for allegedly bullying an 11-year-old student. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2017 Report Card for Louisiana Infrastructure gives the Bayou State a D+ for its roads, bridges and drinking water. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Two bills are heading to the House floor that would extend domestic violence protections to more couples in the Bayou State. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The Festival International de Louisiane is underway in Lafayette, and festivalgoers are lining up to enjoy the festivities from all over the world. Kelly Strenge with the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Bureau says there will be entertainers from as far away as Europe and Africa.

Cut 4  (07) “entertain you”

Strenge says attendees can even expect to see some big local names like Marc Broussard. She says this is a family friendly event, and during the weekend, there’s a section of the festival that’s just for kids. She says attendance is free, and they even have free parking at the Cajun Dome.

Cut 5  (10)  “to the festival”

Strenge says this year the Heritage Stage was removed because of budget constraints. She says in its place, they’ll have space for even more vendors. She says artists from all over the Bayou State come to the festival to show off their work.

Cut 6 (09) “type of merchandise”

The festival in downtown Lafayette lasts until Sunday.

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Authorities in St. Landry Parish have arrested two Washington Elementary School teachers for allegedly bullying a student. Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says the received reports from a parent that 44-year-old Ann Shelvin would tell her 11-year-old student to fight her classmates or Shelvin would fail her.

Cut 7 (08)  “other kids”

Guidroz says this isn’t the first time Shelvin has bullied students and those incidents are now under investigation. He says Shelvin’s teacher’s aid, 50-year-old Tracy Gallow, also encouraged students to fight the young girl and video footage shows Gallow physically bullying her.

Cut 8 (08) “old child”

Shelvin faces multiple charges including, contributing to child delinquency, as does Gallow, who received charges of simple battery and intimidation. Guidroz says it seems the teachers bullied the girl because they had a problem with one of her parents.

Cut 9 (10)  “mother”

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Louisiana’s roads, bridges and drinking water receives a D+ rating on the 2017 Report Card for Louisiana Infrastructure produced by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Executive Director of the Report Card project, Dr. Kam Movassaghi (Mo-vuh-sah-gee) says the state’s infrastructure needs immediate attention.

Cut 10 (10) “of failure”

Louisiana’s lowest scores are in drinking water and inland waterways, with D- ratings, while roads, bridges, and coastal waters earned D and D+ scores. Of the 9 categories graded in the last report in 2012, 8 of them got worse or stayed the same. Movassaghi believes the public is willing to pay a little more to live in a better environment.

Cut 11 (07) “protected neighborhood”

Movassaghi says we’re already paying more in hidden costs like wasted gas sitting in traffic, higher insurance, and lower property values. He says there are several bills filed for the session that could help address these problems, but that means getting the legislature to shell out more money.

Cut 12 (09) “function better”

Louisiana’s best scores were C- to C+ ratings for levees, ports, waste, and aviation.

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Two bills approved by the House Criminal Justice Committee seek to extend domestic violence protections to more Louisiana couples. One proposal by Harvey Representative Patrick Connick would include same sex couples in domestic abuse laws. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle supports the measure.

Cut 13 (06) “for prosecution”

Louisiana is one of two states that has the opposite sex language on the books for domestic violence laws. Jody Fortunato with the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office says they are running into problems handling felony domestic abuse charges against same sex couples.

Cut 14 (08) “can’t use it”

Another proposal by New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno would include couples who are dating in the law. She says currently the laws only apply to couples who are living together or married. She says 41 other states cover dating partners in criminal laws.

Cut 15 (07) “in our laws”

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Tonight it’s round one of the NFL draft. The Saints have seven picks, five in the first three rounds. General Manager Mickey Loomis says they are looking to select players who can impact the team now and in the future…

Cut 16 (20) “in the future”

The Saints need pass rushers and cornerbacks to help a defense that’s ranked near the bottom in the NFL over the last three seasons. New Orleans will also look to boost the offensive line and possibly draft a quarterback as Quarterback Drew Brees is 38 and entering the final year of his contract. Loomis on the possibility of drafting a Q-B…

Cut 17 (12)  “that position”

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Draft Analyst Mike Detillier says 10 former LSU players could be drafted over the next three days, which would break the previous school record, which is nine set in 2014.  Jamal Adams will become the highest ever picked safety, if he’s a top four pick. Detillier believes it could happen…

Cut 18 (12)    “cover cornerback” 

There’s a good chance that Carolina, with the eighth overall pick, will take running back Leonard Fournette.  But Detillier says he could see a team like Philadelphia trade up and pick Fournette before the Panthers get to pick…

Cut 19 (14)   “anymore”

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Junior right-hander Alex Lange takes the ball tonight as LSU begins a three-game series at Alabama. The Tigers are 10-8 in the SEC and tied for fourth place in the West Division. Lange says LSU has yet to play its best baseball…

Cut 20 (16)   “successful season”

A measure is heading to the House floor that would limit first-time opioid prescriptions to a 7-day supply. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The House Education Committee advances a measure that would ban corporal punishment of any kind in public schools. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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More than a dozen UL-Lafayette football players have been suspended indefinitely from the team after allegedly robbing a dorm room on campus. Lt. Billy Abrams with the UL-Lafayette Police Department says 13 football players stole several items from a room in Huger Hall.

Cut 3 (10) “students were”

Abrams says at this time, police are unsure what led the football players to commit this crime. He says all of the students are charged with conspiracy to commit felony theft.

Cut 4  (08) “that were stolen”

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A bill to require public schools to teach litter prevention and awareness to students from kindergarten to fifth grade passed out of the House Education Committee. Executive Director of Keep Louisiana Beautiful Susan Russell says educating young children on litter will help them become good environmental stewards.

Cut 5  (06)  “Louisiana”

The proposed law would require litter instruction be integrated into the existing science curriculum. Russell says it’s no secret Louisiana has a huge litter problem. She says the purpose of educating young students is to prepare them for tomorrow’s world.

Cut 6 (06) “about it”

Executive Director of the Louisiana School Boards Association Scott Richard also spoke before the committee. He says while they support the efforts to ensure the state is not at the top of the list for littering, it’s important to point out…

Cut 7 (08)  “and make”

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The House Health and Welfare Committee advances a bill that would limit first-time opioid prescriptions in Louisiana, in the hopes of addressing a growing opioid epidemic. Former Assistant Secretary of Health, Dr. Karen DeSalvo says 90 people die a day nationwide from opioid overdoses.

Cut 8 (11) “in 2014 alone”

The proposal by New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno would limit first-time opioid prescriptions to a 7-day supply. The measure also requires doctors to tell their patients about the risks involved with taking pain pills. DeSalvo says this allows for an open dialogue between patients and their doctors.

Cut 9 (11)  “treatment and recovery”

The bill allows patients to request pharmacists not fill the entire quantity of opioid prescription if they don’t need it. DeSalvo says this will limit the number of extra pain pills people have in their medicine cabinets, which keeps them away from friends and family. She says this can prevent other people from getting addicted to painkillers.

Cut 10 (09) “using opioids”

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

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The House Education Committee advances a measure that would ban corporal punishment of any kind in public schools. House Bill 497 is by Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton who says there is no proof that spanking a student has actually worked at changing behavior…:

Cut 11 (10) “in 2011”

On a 6-5 vote, the measure now heads to the House floor. Norton said, in addition to corporal punishment possibly opening up to door to lawsuits, it shouldn’t be up to educators to punish kids by paddling them…:

Cut 12 (10) “their responsibility”

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A bill that would ban so-called sanctuary city policies barely passed out the House Criminal Justice Committee. Chairman Sherman Mack broke a 7-7 tie by casting the final “yes” vote. Denham Springs Representative Valarie Hodges says her measure isn’t about discrimination, but putting America first. She says she raised her children in Mexico for 18 years…

Cut 13 (11) “of law”

But Baton Rouge native Melissa Yarborough spoke in opposition. Yarborough says this measure states that communities are better off without illegal aliens. She says her life was flipped upside down when her fiancé was deported.

Cut 14 (11) “our community”

Attorney General Jeff Landry says this legislation will ensure that no jurisdiction in the state will attempt to invite illegal immigrants. He says the bill does not say Louisiana doesn’t support immigrants, but there is a rule of law to follow.

Cut 15 (08) “funding”

The legislation targets New Orleans, because it’s police force has a policy that prohibits officers from questioning the immigration status of individuals who commit or report a crime. Researcher with the Jesuit Social Research Institute at Loyola University Sue Weishar….

Cut 16  (06)  “public trust”

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A K-12 online public charter schools is now offering high school students the chance to receive a free two year associate’s degree when they graduate. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Couples with minor children will not be able to get an expedited divorce, as the House rejects a proposal by Homer Representative Patrick Jefferson. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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After the governor’s proposed commercial activity tax was tabled for the session, Governor John Bel Edwards says it’s time for GOP leaders to propose their own plan. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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University View, a public online charter K-12 school, is expanding to offer high school students the chance to receive a free two year Associate’s Degree when they graduate from high school. UView Superintendent Dr. Lonnie Luce says most college courses will be available online but some classes in the technical field are face to face at a community college campus.

Cut 4  (10) “online”

Luce says the Early College Program allows graduates to save two years of costs towards a college degree or be prepared to enter a technical field at a higher pay rate. He says now that UView is a K-14 public school, the number of students increased to 2,300.

Cut 5  (09)  “college program”

The program will start during the fall semester of 2017. Luce says families interested in the early college program can attend an information session online or in person by visiting University-view-dot-academy (universityview.academy). He says enrollment for the program is now open.

Cut 6 (09) “signed up”

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A measure that would prohibit the use of tobacco products anywhere on a public or private school campus is scheduled to be heard in the House Education Committee today. West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman says in the 90’s, Louisiana made it illegal to smoke in schools, but this legislation will expand on that law.

Cut 7 (05)  “allow smoking”

Hoffman says there will be some exceptions to the bill, like churches or other non-educational buildings. But the West Monroe legislator says measure also includes e-cigarettes and similar devices…

Cut 8 (06) “other vehicles”

Hoffman says the proposed law allows you to bring cigarettes or tobacco on a school campus, but you would not able to smoke or chew tobacco. He says the use of smoking cessation products on the property would be allowed under the measure.

Cut 9 (09)  “be allowed”

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The House rejects a bill to shorten the waiting period for a divorce for parents with minor children. The proposal by Homer Representative Patrick Jefferson would reduce the waiting period from one year to six months. But Livingston Representative Sherman Mack says families need ample time to make sure they’re making the right decision.

Cut 10 (10) “worth saving”

The bill sought to undo an extended waiting period that was put on the books for couples with children, as lawmakers believed given ample time, couples could resolve their problems. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds also opposed the bill. He says he stands against divorce, period.

Cut 11 (10) “ought to do that”

But Jefferson is disappointed his legislation failed on a 52-44 vote. He says the longer waiting period isn’t fair to couples who just want the stress of the divorce to be finalized in a speedy fashion.

Cut 12 (10) “best household”

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Governor John Bel Edwards remains hopeful lawmakers can pass a budget plan to address the loss of one-point-three billion dollars in temporary taxes that expire next year. Edwards spoke with reporters shortly after his proposed Commercial Activity Tax on businesses was tabled for the legislative session. Edwards says there are still multiple tax bills waiting to be discussed.

Cut 13 (08) “task force report”

But Edwards says since the GOP dominated House Ways and Means committee didn’t like his plan, House Republican leaders should unveil their own proposal.

Cut 14 (06) “to say no”

But Chairman of the House Republican Legislative Delegation Lance Harris of Alexandria says the legislative process is their plan and that starts with the proposed budget for next fiscal year.

Cut 15 (07) “legislative process”

Harris says legislators will continue to look at various bills. Other ideas on the table include changing how sales taxes are collected and altering income tax brackets. He anticipates the GOP can support some of those ideas.

Cut 16 (10) “no question about it”

The bill that would do away with capital punishment sentences in Louisiana advanced out of a Senate Committee by a vote of 6-1. Michelle Southern reports..:

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Even after New Orleans begins removing confederate statues, a state lawmaker plans to move forward with a bill to make it harder for local governments to take down monuments. Halen Doughty has more… ­­­

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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On a 6 to 1 vote, a Senate Judiciary committee approves a proposal to abolish the death penalty in Louisiana. The bill by Baton Rouge Senator Dan Claitor would eliminate the death penalty for capital murder and aggravated rape cases after July 31. Bishop Shelton Fabre of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux says taking a life should be left to a higher power.

Cut 3 (10) “gift from God”

New Orleans Attorney Nick Trenticosta testifies 82 percent of death penalty sentences in Louisiana have been reversed, a rate he says is the highest in the country. He adds the death penalty doesn’t provide closure for the victims in these cases. Rev. Leo Cyrus of New Hope Baptist Church in Baton Rouge agrees.

Cut 4  (08) “seek healing”

The head of the Louisiana Public Defender Board says the state spent $91 million defending death penalty cases since 2008.

Speaking in opposition to the bill is Christie Battaglia [bat-tà-glia] whose father is on death row in Texas for shooting and killing his two other daughters when they were age 6 and 9. Battaglia says if her father ever happened to get out of jail, she would live in fear…:

Cut 5  (10)  “wouldn’t be here”

Battaglia says she knows that some people are wrongly on death row, but that means there is a problem with the system and not that others don’t need to be executed. She says her father is an angry killer who will never change…:

Cut 6 (10) “living in fear”

(The lone nay vote was from Baton Rouge Senator Bodi White.)

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Two individuals from Orange, Texas have been arrested and one is still on the loose after allegedly tying up an elderly Starks man for hours and stealing his guns, cell phone and wallet. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso says the victim was discovered when a food delivery showed up at his home.

Cut 7 (11)  “seven hours”

Mancuso says 32-year-old Thomas Henson and 33-year-old Lea Pence were arrested and authorities are still searching for 43-year-old Michael Helmer, known as Mikey Irish. He says the three individuals face multiple charges including, cruelty to the infirmed and false imprisonment while armed with a dangerous weapon.

Cut 8 (10) “before”

All three suspects have previous criminal records. Mancuso says in his opinion, these individuals stalked and took advantage of the elderly gentleman.

Cut 9 (09)  “as that”

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A state lawmaker plans to move forward with her legislation designed to protect Confederate monuments, even though the process of removing them has begun in New Orleans. The Liberty Place monument was taken down early Monday morning, and the city also plans to remove three more confederate-era statues. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell opposes what Mayor Mitch Landrieu is doing.

Cut 10 (10) “where we are today”

That’s why Mizell will still seek passage of her bill, which requires the legislative approval before local government can remove any monument.

Cut 11 (11) “or not”

Mizell says the bill would not only protect confederate monuments. She says it includes memorials that have been in place over 25 years and any landmark on the National Register of Historical Places.

Cut 12 (10) “find objectionable”

Mizell says it’s unclear when her bill will get a hearing in the Committee on Senate and Governmental Affairs, but it could be too late to save the monuments that the city of New Orleans plans to remove.

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The centerpiece to Governor John Bel Edwards’ tax plan fails to receive support from the House Ways and Means Committee and the legislative sponsor has decided to pull the legislation from further consideration. Franklin Representative Sam Jones says the Commercial Activity Tax proposal would provide a stable revenue stream for the state but the legislature doesn’t support it.

Cut 13 (09) “do it”

The CAT Tax as it was known, would’ve imposed a tax on transactions that businesses make and would’ve generated nearly 300 million dollars in state revenues. But the measure received stiff opposition from business groups, who says this tax would hurt the state’s business climate. President of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association Chris John…

Cut 14 (11) “we have”

Head of the anti-tax organization Gator PAC, Col. Rob Maness, says this tax policy encourages and allows Louisiana to spend more than the economy can sustain.

Cut 15 (09) “gas business”

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A bill that would get rid of the death penalty in Louisiana goes before a Senate Committee today. Don Molino has more…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Don Molino”

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Country music superstar Hunter Hayes of Breaux Bridge is getting behind an effort that connects service dogs with veterans. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Governor Edwards is set to release a TV ad aimed at building support for his tax reform plan. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A bill that would eliminate the death penalty in Louisiana goes before a Senate Committee today. Baton Rouge Senator Dan Claitor says this would end the death penalty for first degree murder and rape offenses committed after July 31^st. He says given the state’s massive budget problems, this punishment makes no fiscal sense.

Cut 4  (08) “death row”

The former prosecutor says he used to be in support of the death penalty, but his views have shifted because of moral and religious beliefs. Claitor, who is Catholic, says we should promote life, not snuff it out.

Cut 5  (10)  “any safer”

The measure would not affect individuals currently on death row. Claitor says other states that don’t have the death penalty, have a lower homicide rate. He says Louisiana does not get a return on the dollars by killing prisoners convicted of murder.

Cut 6 (08) “the drugs”

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Country music sensation and Breaux Bridge native Hunter Hayes is taking time out of his busy schedule to help connect veterans with the healing power of dogs, through the Heartgardians Sweepstakes. Hayes says he decided to get behind the effort when he found out about the Warrior Canine Connection program….:

Cut 7 (09)  “as a companion”

Heartgardians is a consumer sweepstakes that gives people nationwide the opportunity to nominate a US Service Member or Veteran to win a trip to Nashville, and a year’s supply of Heartgard Plus. Hayes says you can enter by using the hashtags #NominateAVeteran on Twitter or Instagram..:

Cut 8 (09) “Warrior Canine Connection”

Hayes says, as a huge pet lover since his days growing up in Acadiana, he wants to help get the word out about a dog’s profound ability to help heal a heart, and the importance of keeping our furry friends protected from heartworm disease. He encourages his friends in Louisiana to take part, and promises he’ll be visiting soon…:

Cut 9 (08)  “you guys”

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is not happy the Liberty Place monument in New Orleans was taken down under the cover of night. The monument commemorated a group of white supremacists who fought against the racially integrated police force in 1874. Nungesser says the monuments should stay in place because they’re part of Louisiana’s history.

Cut 10 (10) “it stop”

The New Orleans City Council voted to remove four confederate-era monuments, including statues of Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis, and P.G.T. Beauregard. Nungesser says he’s doing everything he can to make sure the rest of the city’s monuments remain in place.

Cut 11 (11) “to stand on”

Nungesser suspects the removal of the monuments, which have been there for a hundred years, is a political move by Democratic Mayor Mitch Landrieu, who’s been pushing to take them down since 2015. But he says there are monuments all over the world commemorating darker parts of history

Cut 12 (09) “take em down”

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It’s expected a 30 second commercial from Governor John Bel Edwards will hit the airwaves this week, promoting his budget plan. The governor is pushing a proposal to place a new tax on businesses while reducing individual income taxes. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says he doesn’t have much support from legislators.

Cut 13 (10) “this ad”

The governor is recommending this tax plan as a way to offset 1.3 billion dollars in temporary sales taxes that are set to expire next year. Pinsonat says Republicans are not overly concerned with the higher sales taxes but Edwards is looking out for his low income supporters.

Cut 14 (10) “businesses”

The PAC, Rebuild Louisiana, is paying for the ad. Pinsonat says the goal of Edwards’ ad is to blame the Republicans for the state’s failing tax plan.

Cut 15 (11) “help him”

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After a tough weekend in Lexington, LSU is back on the road tonight to face in-state foe Tulane. The Green Wave have won three straight over the Tigers, including a seven to six decision in Baton Rouge last month. Coach Paul Mainieri says beating a rival is not the main motivation…

Cut 16 (19) “good ball”

LSU is 4-7 on the road this year and they are in the middle of a seven-game road trip. Mainieri knew this would be a difficult part of their schedule…

Cut 17 (19)  “nothing’s easy”

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There are reports the Saints and future Hall of Fame running back Adrian Peterson are moving closer to agreeing on a three-million dollar contract. Sideline reporter on the Saints Radio Network Kristian Garic says it would be a smart and bold move if the Black and Gold can get this deal done…

Cut 18 (21)    “run the football” 

Peterson is 32-years-old and played in just three games last season, because of a knee injury. Garic believes A-P has one more good year left…

Cut 19 (14)   “take you”

Garic says if the Saints sign Peterson, they’ll probably still draft a running back later this week…

Cut 20 (13)   “would be”

In the middle of the night city contractors removed one of the confederate monuments in New Orleans that has been targeted to be taken down. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A bill that will be heard before the House Transportation Committee could eliminate inspection stickers on personal vehicles in most parishes. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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During the overnight hours, New Orleans city contractors began removing the first of four Confederate monuments. The Liberty Place monument was taken away at around 5:30 this morning in pieces on a flat bed truck. Mayor Mitch Landrieu says this statue was put up to honor the killing of police officers by white supremacists…

Cut 3 (10) “strong today”

Landrieu says there are three other statues that will be taken down, two of them are Confederate generals and the other was a Confederate President. He says they will come down sooner rather than later, but won’t say when…

Cut 4  (11) “deterred”

He says they were taken down in the middle of the night for the safety of the workers. Tulane Professor Richard Marksbury said on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster that it was extreme for police to have snipers on hand for the removal…

Cut 5  (10)  “with that”

Landrieu says the removal of these statues sends a message that New Orleans celebrates its diversity. But Marksbury argues these statues can be used as teaching moment…

Cut 6 (10) “anymore”

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A measure to be heard before the House Transportation Committee would eliminate inspection stickers on personal vehicles in most parishes. Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley says he filed the bill because with the installment of two year inspection stickers, it’s no longer about public safety but collecting more money.

Cut 7 (06)  “stickers on”

Bagley says inspections would still be required for school buses and other commercial vehicles. But he says for the everyday person, it’s very hard to take time out of your busy work day to stop in and get a new inspection sticker.

Cut 8 (10) “runaway”

Inspection stickers will still be required in the five-parish Baton Rouge area, because federal law mandates it, due to air quality concerns. Bagley says in terms of safety, the stickers really aren’t useful anymore.

Cut 9 (10)  “my opinion”

Opponents of the measure have voiced concerns about people dropping their insurance providers and people are no longer held accountable for keeping up with their vehicles.

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The centerpiece of Governor John Bel Edwards plan to overhaul Louisiana’s tax structure did not receive a warm reception from Republicans in the House Ways and Means committee. Franklin Representative Sam Jones says the Commerical Activity Tax would raise over 400-million dollars in taxes on businesses, but the governor’s plan calls for a reduction in individual income taxes…

Cut 10 (08) “get a tax cut”

But Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh says any tax on business, will be passed down to the consumer…

Cut 11 (11) “paying more”

Monroe Representative Jay Morris also opposes this new tax on businesses, because it will be residents who pay for this tax not the company…

Cut 12 (09) “double taxation”

The governor is proposing this Commercial Activity Tax on businesses as a way to generate revenue to make up for the one-point-three billion dollars in temporary sales taxes that expire next year. But Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey fears this tax on business sales will hurt economic development efforts….

Cut 13 (08) “10 billion dollar projects”

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Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Deputies are looking for the gunman who fired shots into an elderly victim’s home over the weekend, killing an 80-year-old woman. Major Wendell Raborn says authorities responded to several calls reporting gunshots in the area off South Hopkins Street in New Iberia.

Cut 14 (09) “on them “

The woman has been identified as Bertha Hill. Raborn says when deputies responded, they were unable to get a response from inside the home.

Cut 15 (10) “passed away”

Raborn says there was a large crowd surrounding the home when police arrived but no one was able to give any information into who shot into the home. But he says since then, the community has been very helpful.

Cut 16  (11)  “their neighborhoods”

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