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

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

Cut 3 (09) “fatal accidents”

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

Cut 4  (08) “state level”

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

Cut 5  (09)  “in the city”

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

Cut 6 (10) “United States”

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

Cut 7 (10)  “that gun”

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

Cut 8 (12) “fine”

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

Cut 9 (12)  “get sick” 

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

Cut 10 (10) “our kids”

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

Cut 11 (11) “and equipment”

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

Cut 12 (08) “in the house”

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

Cut 13 (09) “was committed”

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

Cut 14 (11) “bu children”

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

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

Cut 1 (27) “I’m Don Molino”

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

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

Cut 4  (11) “allow it”

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

Cut 5  (12)  “and disgust”

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

Cut 6 (12) “as immutable”

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

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

Cut 7 (11)  “private sector”

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

Cut 8 (10) “from government”

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

Cut 9 (08)  “need Medicaid”

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

Cut 10 (10) “just gone”

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

Cut 11 (08) “next year”

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

Cut 12 (09) “lacks courage”

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

Cut 13 (08) “sunset it”

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

Cut 14 (07) “that dollar”

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

Cut 15 (08) “no longer exist”

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

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

Cut 16 (17) “this weekend”

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

Cut 17 (20)  “this weekend”

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

Cut 18 (18)    “get em out”

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

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 3 (10) “in their budgeting”

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

Cut 4  (10) “better employees”

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

Cut 5  (10)  “what have you”

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

Cut 6 (10) “about that”

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

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

Cut 7 (09)  “yet wave”

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

Cut 8 (08) “that nature”

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

Cut 9 (10)  “terrible” 

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

Cut 10 (09) “our state”

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

Cut 11 (07) “our epidemic”

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

Cut 12 (11) “that balance”

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

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

Cut 13 (11) “ever done”

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

Cut 14 (10) “we do”

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

Cut 15 (07) “death penalty”

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

Cut 16  (09)  “his state”

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

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 3 (08) “white supremacy”

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

Cut 4  (12) “our citizens”

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

Cut 5  (08)  “and legislator”

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

Cut 6 (11) “people decide”

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

Cut 7 (07)  “the office”

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

Cut 8 (08) “late January”

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

Cut 9 (10)  “the nose” 

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

Cut 10 (09) “the ground”

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

Cut 11 (08) “to live, folks”

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

Cut 12 (07) “sad excuse”

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

Cut 13 (10) “unaddressed”

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

Cut 14 (09) “the country”

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

Cut 15 (09) “a jump”

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

Cut 16  (08)  “have now ”

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

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

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

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

Cut 4  (10) “recidivism rate”

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

Cut 5  (14)  “out on parole”

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

Cut 6 (10) “turn those people around”

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

Cut 7 (08)  “area”

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

Cut 8 (06) “the public”

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

Cut 9 (06)  “few years”

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

Cut 10 (07) “nine years”

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

Cut 11 (11) “physical altercation”

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

Cut 12 (11) “separate charge”

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

Cut 13 (11) “everybody here”

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

Cut 14 (08) “my enslavement”

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

Cut 15 (09) “of Sadaam”

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

Cut 16 (08) “their country”

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

Cut 17 (07)  “on this issue”

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

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

Cut 18 (12)    “be successful”   

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

Cut 19 (20)   “national seed”

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

Cut 20 (18)   “good showing”

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

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

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

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

Cut 3 (10) “threatened em”

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

Cut 4  (07) “any charges”

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

Cut 5  (10)  “white female”

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

Cut 6 (10) “state police”

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

Cut 7 (09)  “Saturday afternoon”

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

Cut 8 (09) “taken from him”

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

Cut 9 (08)  “yet to call” 

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

Cut 10 (10) “at this”

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

Cut 11 (10) “a third child”

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

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

Cut 12 (10) “to Louisiana”

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

Cut 13 (08) “our survey”

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

Cut 14 (08) “billion years”

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

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

Cut 15 (07) “day to day”

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

Cut 16  (11)  “to protect us”

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

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

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 4  (10) “they day”

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

Cut 5  (10)  “June 30th”

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

Cut 6 (10) “25%”

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

Cut 7 (08)  “and party”

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

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

Cut 8 (07) “be improved”

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

Cut 9 (07)  “asking for”

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

Cut 10 (09) “be honored”

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

Cut 11 (08) “larger cause”

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

Cut 12 (10) “we slide”

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

Cut 13 (09) “monuments up”

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

Cut 14 (11) “good legislation”

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

Cut 15 (10) “major legislation”

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

Cut 16 (09) “that pressure”

Governor John Bel Edwards spoke at the commencement ceremony for the graduating LSU class of 2017. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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According to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey, Mother’s Day spending is expected to reach an all-time high. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A 35-year-old man is facing three counts of attempted first degree murder after shooting at law enforcement during a standoff in Avoyelles Parish yesterday. State Trooper Scott Moreau says Brandon Carpenter of Elizabeth barricaded himself inside a residence in Moreauville and during negotiations, Carpenter fired at officers

Cut 3 (12) “flying debris”

The Trooper and the Marksville Police Officers were transported to a local hospital where they received treatment for non-life threatening injuries. Moreau says Carpenter was taken into custody just before 7:30 on Thursday night….

Cut 4  (12) “maybe likely”

KALB-TV reports that Carpeneter is an Army veteran who suffers from PTSD. He reportedly had a warrant for domestic abuse battery and Moreau says police officers began to pusue Carpenter, which led to the standoff…

Cut 5  (09)  “LA 114”

The trooper shot has been identified as 26-year-old Nick Ducote. Ducote has been with LSP for over two years and is expected to make a full recovery.  

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Waitr is growing its presence in Lafayette, as the fast growing food delivery app is opening its own permanent facility. Waitr CEO Chris Meaux says moving into their own facility will create new jobs in the Lafayette area.

Cut 6 (12) “400 employees”

The app launched in 2015 in Lake Charles and now the company operates over 20 cities in five states and employing more than 1,200 people nationwide. Meaux says when they opened its initial Lafayette site at the Opportunity Machine, supported by the Lafayette Economic Development Authority, it allowed them to focus on their growth without worrying about the details.

Cut 7 (10)  “a startup”

The app also provides food delivery service in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and New Orleans. Meaux says he never thought he could start and build a technology company in Louisiana. He says Opportunity Machine enabled him to pursue his dream of starting this company in his home state, without having to relocate to Silicon Valley.

Cut 8 (09) “in technology”

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Governor John Bel Edwards gave the commencement address at LSU today, as the school is handing out a record 4,163 degrees. Edwards says this class also sets records for diversity.

Cut 9 (11)  “47 states” 

Edwards says it’s great of an honor it is to stand before the class of 2017 as the governor of Louisiana, but he had his eyes on another job…

Cut 10 (09) “Orgeron”

The class of 2017 had more TOPS recipients than any other class in the history of the scholarship program. Edwards says these graduates have made it, but that can be very bitter sweet. He says his message to all the students is…

Cut 11 (08) “this point”

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Consumers are planning to spend more than ever on Mother’s Day this year, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey. NRF spokesperson Anna Serafin Smith says 85 percent of consumers plan to celebrate the holiday, spending a total of more than $23 billion. She says that’s a record high for the survey’s 14-year history.

Cut 12 (07) “Mother’s Day”

The survey finds 56 percent of consumers plan to spend a combined $4 billion on special outings like dinner or brunch, and 69 percent of consumers will buy over $2 billion in flowers. Other popular items include clothing, electronics, and gift cards. Smith says a lot of moms are hoping to get some sparkle on their special day.

Cut 13 (10) “this year”

According to the survey, 35 percent of consumers will find mom’s gift at a department store, while 30 percent will shop online. Another 31 percent will shop at specialty stores like florists, and 24 percent plan to support local businesses. Smith says this year’s record high spending is being driven primarily by two areas.

Cut 14 (08) “to this year”

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An early morning crash in the Village of Tangipahoa claimed the lives of two people, including the former Mayor of the Village of Tangipahoa and retired NFL player Michael Dyson, according to State Police. Trooper Dustin Dwight says the 48-year-old Dyson was traveling down US 51 on his motorcycle at a high rate of speed.

Cut 15 (11) “motorcycle”

Dwight says although Dyson was wearing a DOT approved helmet and Gordon was wearing her seat belt, both died in the collision.

Cut 16  (08)  “Ms. Gordon”

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A bill heading to the Senate would make it easier for Louisiana voters to recall elected officials. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Former Sons of Guns star Will Hayden will spend life behind bars for raping young girls. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The full House approves a measure that would make it easier for Louisiana voters to recall elected officials. The proposal comes just months after a failed attempt to recall Jefferson Parish President Mike Yenni amid a teen sexting scandal. Covington Representative Paul Hollis says he saw a similar attempt in his own district years ago.

Cut 3 (10) “were necessary”

The measure would reduce the number of signatures required for a recall petition to 25 percent of the registered voters for districts with less than 100,000 voters and 20 percent for districts with more than 100,000 voters. Hollis says Louisiana has the highest threshold necessary to effect a recall election.

Cut 4  (08) “in a district”

Current law requires signatures from one-third of the registered voters in in large districts and 40 percent of voters in smaller districts. Hollis says that just isn’t feasible in 180 days.

Cut 5  (08)  “or greater”

The bill passed on a 70-27 vote and now heads to the Senate.

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The University of Louisiana System President announces a contest for one student to receive a 500-dollar scholarship by coming up with his 10-thousandth tweet. Dr. Jim Henderson, who is an avid fan on twitter, says it’s a very small milestone in the grand scheme of things but thought this would be a good way to get students involved. He says the process of selecting the tweet is a very rigorous process.

Cut 6 (10) “we serve”

Henderson says he came up with the idea as he saw his 10-thousandth tweet was approaching.

Cut 7 (08)  “tweet”

Henderson says he determined twitter would be the best way to reach students in a fun way that also has a valuable purpose.

Cut 8 (08) “we serve”

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A measure approved by the House would give voters the chance to decide if they want to prevent a convicted felon from running for office until 8 years after they served their sentence, now moves to the Senate. Norco Representative Gregory Miller is the author of the constitutional amendment…

Cut 9 (10)  “of trust 

If approved, the vote would be placed on the November 6^th ballot. Miller says Louisianans already have a hard time trusting elected officials…

Cut 10 (10) “good bill”

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A St. Landry Parish cold case becomes a murder case after an inmate confesses to killing his great uncle in 2011. Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says Dale LaFleur has been missing since 2011 and his great nephew 23-year-old Phillip LaFleur was incarcerated in LaSalle Parish on a separate murder charge. He says Phillip LaFleur passed a note to the guards saying he wanted to speak with St. Landry Parish detectives.

Cut 11 (07) “the river”

Guidroz says they have an audio and video confession from LaFleur stating he killed his great uncle and dumped his body in the Atchafalaya River because the uncle was delaying giving him money. He says search efforts are underway to retrieve the body from the river.

Cut 12 (10) “int the water now”

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A Southern Media and Opinion Research Poll finds Governor John Bel Edwards’ approval rating has dropped nine percentage points since September of 2016. It now stands at 54-percent. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says the public is sick and tired of the governor and legislature not coming to an agreement on how to fix the state’s budget woes.

Cut 13 (09) “they’re saying”

Pinsonat says Edwards’ honeymoon is over. He says African American residents continue to give Edwards’ a positive rating, while only 44-percent of white voters feel that way about the governor.

Cut 14 (09) “popularity”

The survey also finds more than half of Louisianans believe the state is headed in the wrong direction. Pinsonat says in their September poll, 42-percent said the state is moving in the wrong direction and in this latest survey 52-percent feel that way.

Cut 15 (11) “more revenue”

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A report from Wakefield Research finds more couples than ever are fighting over politics since President Trump was elected. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A measure to require the photo ID of a parent for a minor to receive an abortion passes out of a Senate committee. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana moves up three spots to number 47 on United Health Foundation’s report on the healthiest states for seniors. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A report from Wakefield Research finds more couples than ever are fighting over politics since Donald Trump took office. The data found 24-percent of Americans in a relationship say they’ve argued more about politics than any other time they’ve been together. Clinical Psychologist with LSU Health Sciences Center Dr. Michelle Moore…

Cut 4  (09) “about things”

The survey also found one in 10 couples broke up over disagreements in politics, especially millennials, who broke up at a rate of 22-percent. Moore advises potential couples to discuss their political views before dating or getting married to avoid problems down the road.

Cut 5  (10)  “opinion”

The data also shows even though money is usually the top fighting point, one out of five couples in American said they’ve had more arguments of President Trump’s policies than finances. Moore says if you are in a heated argument with your significant other because of politics, there are ways to defuse the situation.

Cut 6 (11) “you discuss”

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A measure that would require the ID of a parent before a minor gets an abortion received approval from a Senate Committee. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says there is an abuse with the law already in place, as other adults, other than the girl’s legal guardian are signing the notarized form for a minor to get an abortion.

Cut 7 (09)  “living address”

Dorinda Bordlee with the Bioethics Defense Fund supported the measure saying frequently girls who are victims of human trafficking are brought in for an abortion by a pimp then thrown back to the wolves.

Cut 8 (07) “a parent”

The Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault Director of Education, Jessie Nieblas, spoke out in opposition and says requiring additional steps and reducing access to timely abortion care could have a chilling effect on teens.

Cut 9 (09)  “and advocacy”

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A bill heading to the House Floor would lift the one year ban for individuals convicted of a drug related felony to receive food stamps and welfare benefits after being released from prison. New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno says the ban was originally placed as a deterrent not to commit drug related crimes, but it hasn’t work.

Cut 10 (11) “our community”

This measure is part of Governor John Bel Edwards’ legislative agenda on criminal justice reform. Moreno says her bill is common sense legislation particularly since only a small group of individuals are affected by the current law. She says these convicted felons need a little boost.

Cut 11 (08) “sense bill”

Currently, only six other states have legislation similar to Louisiana’s where these felons are not permitted to receive food stamps.  Executive Director of the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops Rob Tasman spoke out in support of the measure. He says they are passionate about the issue of inmates returning as citizens.

Cut 12 (09) “successful”

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Louisiana is no longer the least healthy state for seniors, according to a report by United Health Foundation. The state rose three spots to 47^th in the nation. But Advocacy Director for AARP Louisiana, Andrew Muhl says the Bayou State still has a long way to go in how we care for seniors. He says Louisiana consistently ranks towards the bottom for chronic diseases.

Cut 13 (11) “the bottom”

The report finds Louisiana made strides in health screenings over the last two years, with 72 percent of seniors receiving recommended health screenings. Muhl says while we are making progress, we’re still stagnant in some key areas, like long term care. He says Louisiana ranks 49^th for our nursing homes.

Cut 14 (11) “why that is”

The Bayou State saw increases in the obesity rate and a decline in flu vaccination from 2013 to 2017, contributing to the low ranking. Muhl says Louisiana is behind the curve when it comes to implementing necessary reforms. He is hopeful lawmakers will approve a policy change to get seniors the managed long term services and support they need.

Cut 15 (11) “home delivered meals”

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After a tough loss to South Alabama, LSU welcomes SEC foe Auburn to Alex Box Stadium for the start of a three-game series tonight. The Tigers blew a five to one lead on Tuesday and lost to the Jaguars seven to six. Coach Paul Mainieri says they can’t dwell on that loss

Cut 16 (19) “I think”

This is the final home weekend series for the Tigers, but LSU’s 32-17 overall record has them in position to host at least a regional. Mainieri says it’s their intention to play more games at the Box after this series with Auburn…

Cut 17 (20)  “games here”

Shortstop Kramer Robertson will be one of several seniors who will be recognized during senior day activities on Saturday

Cut 18 (12)    “I can”