Leaders at the State Capitol are playing the blame game entering the special session. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Tickets for the LSU/Mississippi State Super Regional games this weekend are in hot demand. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

It’s a free fishing weekend, as anyone can fish in fresh or salt public waters without a fishing license on Saturday and Sunday. State Wildlife and Fisheries Outreach Biologist Alayna McGarry hopes this will lead to more recreational fishermen

Cut 3 (10) “them back”

McGarry says there are no rules or exclusions for those who can fish without a license, but anglers will still have to follow all fishing regulations. She hopes this will encourage more individuals to purchase a license to fish after this weekend.

Cut 4  (10) “the public”

McGarry says there are plenty of places anglers are guaranteed to catch a nice sized fish.

Cut 5  (09)  “close by”

Visit wlf.la.gov for more information on where to fish.

________________________________________________

State leaders are pointing fingers at who’s to blame for the fourth special session of Governor John Bel Edwards’ term. House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry of Metairie says they tried to negotiate with the governor over a budget, and he wanted all or nothing. He says that seems to be the governor’s strategy these days.

Cut 6 (09) “that regime”

But Edwards blames an epic failure of leadership in the House. He says there are some lawmakers who simply refused to give the governor a victory. He says it’s time for the legislature to do what is best for the people of Louisiana.

Cut 7 (08)  “grow up”

The budget dispute  between two chambers is over how much money to withhold in case of another midyear shortfall. The House wants to hold back at least 100-million dollars, the Senate and governor are pushing for a smaller number. Henry says lawmakers will try to negotiate again in the special session, but he’s afraid that won’t be the end of it.

Cut 8 (10) “your pockets”

Edwards says the budget was in a good posture when it came out of the Senate, but the House refused to take a vote on it at all. He says both sides are going to have to give a little to reach an agreement and accomplish what needs to be done for the state.

Cut 9 (08)  “better direction”

_________________________________________________________

Haughton Representative Dodie Horton claims New Orleans Senator Karen Peterson told her “shut the f up” in the chaotic final minutes of the regular session. The House was attempting to approve a budget through procedural moves and Horton says there was well orchestrated chaos when members of the black caucus continued to jeer in the back.

Cut 10 (10) “f up”

Horton told our news partner 710 KEEL in Shreveport that Peterson did apologize via text after the incident, but says she has yet to respond. Horton says several lawmakers and witnesses heard the comment from the New Orleans Senator and the chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party.

Cut 11 (09) “and left”

Horton says she would never disrespect her colleagues or the House in such a manner. She called the ordeal embarrassing and shameful.

Cut 12 (08) “state police”

_________________________________________________________

The tickets to the Baton Rouge Super Regional this weekend between LSU and Mississippi State sold out in less than 30 minutes Friday morning, but fans still have the option of using the secondary ticket market. StubHub spokesperson Johnna Hoff says normally they don’t see this kind of interest for college baseball tickets…:

Cut 13 (10) “grabbing up those tickets”

Game 1 begins Saturday night at 8pm. First pitch is the same time Sunday, and if a Monday game is necessary the time is TBA. Hoff says when you’re dealing with a rivalry like this, there will always be a huge demand…:

Cut 14 (10) “that experience”

Game 1 standing room only tickets were going for $200 on StubHub Friday morning, while the lowest price for a Sunday single game ticket was about $130. Hoff says one of the interesting things about this Super Regional is that the “get-in-the-door” price is rising rapidly…:

Cut 15 (06) “games one and two”

_________________________________________________________

If you’re heading to New Orleans over the weekend, use alternative routes as I-10 East between Sorrento and Gramercy will be closed. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

New Orleans is one of the top five cities for millennials to live, according to a report from Time Magazine. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Juveniles serving life sentences for murder will soon be eligible for parole after 25 years. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

__________________________________

If you’re heading to New Orleans this weekend, be aware Interstate 10 East between the Sorrento and Gramercy exits will be closed as crews will install a repaired on-ramp bridge. Rodney Mallett with the state Department of Transportation says it’s the same ramp that was removed earlier this year…

Cut 4  (09) “back on”

Mallett says it will take a month for the on-ramp to open after the section of bridge is replaced but the interstate will open up before at 5 a.m. Monday morning. He says when this part of the interstate was closed in March, delays were minimal and expects the same this weekend.

Cut 5  (09)  “you’re going”

Mallett says the interstate will close at 9 p.m. tonight and is scheduled to open again early Monday morning but could open earlier, as it did for the same closure in March. He advises motorists to check online for updates on the closure and alternative routes.

Cut 6 (10) “out there”

________________________________________________________

A report from Time Magazine finds New Orleans is one of the top five metro areas in the country for millennials to live. Demographer Greg Rigamer says it’s obvious that when you’re in the Crescent City the main age group is 25 to 34 and many businesses target that demographic.

Cut 7 (07)  “positive draw”

The survey from Urban Land Institute finds the city saw a nearly 9-percent increase in millennials from 2010 to 2015. Rigamer says post Katrina New Orleans brought younger workers to the area and it helps the Crescent City likes celebrations, which attracts a younger crowd.

Cut 8 (08) “young people”

The cities that drew in more millennials are Virginia Beach, Virginia; Richmond, Virginia; San Bernardino, California, and Memphis, Tennessee. Rigamer says the cost of living in the Big Easy is also a significant factor in where millennials choose to live.

Cut 9 (09)  “independently”

____________________________________________________________

Murderers convicted as juveniles will be eligible for parole after 25 years, as a bill by Baton Rouge Senator Dan Claitor wins final passage. Albany Representative Sherman Mack chairs the Criminal Justice Committee and pushed for 30 years instead of 25 because he says that’s what the families of the victims want.

Cut 10 (10) “than 25”

But some lawmakers asked why the House spent so much time splitting hairs over a five year difference. New Orleans Representative Gary Carter says there’s no law they could pass to give the victims in these situations back what they lost.

Cut 11 (09) “victim whole”

The Supreme Court ruled in 2012 that juveniles could not be sentenced to life in prison without the chance for parole. Crowley Representative John Stefanski says without this bill, Louisiana could be subject to litigation for not complying with federal law.

Cut 12 (10) “have to do”

The measure finally passed on a 67 to 34 vote. It’s one of the 10 bills that are part of the governor’s criminal justice reform effort.

____________________________________________________________

Another special session has started at the State Capitol, after lawmakers failed to pass a budget for next fiscal year. Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards calls it an epic failure by House Republican leadership.

Cut 13 (12) “special session”

Legislators have been discussing a 28-billion dollar spending plan since March. The House wanted to withhold spending $100 million in case of a midyear shortfall, while the Senate only wanted to hold back $50 million to avoid deeper cuts to state agencies. House Appropriations Chair Cameron Henry expressed his disappointment in the session’s final minutes

Cut 14 (11) “for that”

Edwards says it’s a sad day in Louisiana because some lawmakers decided not to do what is in the best interest of the state. He says the options before lawmakers won’t be any different in the special than they were in the regular session.

Cut 15 (12) “our veterans”

Edwards says the House should have approved the budget passed by the Senate, which fully funded TOPS and spared higher education, prisons and child welfare programs from cuts.

Cut 16 (10)  “that budget”

_________________________________________________________________

We’ll find out today who LSU plans to pitch in Game One of the Super Regional Series against Mississippi State. The Bulldogs have already announced a starter. Sophomore left-hander Konner Pilkington will pitch on Saturday. Former LSU pitcher and now college baseball analyst Ben McDonald says Pilkington is the real deal…

Cut 17 (17) “can do”

Mississippi State has one of the best hitters in college baseball. Brent Rooker is hitting .395 with 23 home runs and 82 RBIs. McDonald says LSU pitchers will have to make some quality pitches against him….

Cut 18 (21) “kind of mistakes” 

LSU brings a 14-game winning streak into the Super Regional series. The Tigers have scored 10 or more runs in half of those games. McDonald says the key for Mississippi State is no free passes to LSU hitters…

Cut 19 (13) “kinds of things ”

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

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

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

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

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

Cut 3 (10) “dollar bill”

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

Cut 4  (10)    “gaming”

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

Cut 5  (08)  “dollar bill”

________________________________________________

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

Cut 6 (09) “for example”

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

Cut 7 (11)  “as well”

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

Cut 8 (10) “own mosquitos”

_________________________________________________________

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

Cut 9 (09)  “the referrals”

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

Cut 10 (10) “for that service”

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

Cut 11 (09) “in the program”

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

_________________________________________________________

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

Cut 12 (09) “do not”

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

Cut 13 (07) “tonight”

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

Cut 14 (11) “construction budget”

_________________________________________________________

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

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

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

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

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

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

__________________________________

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

Cut 4  (10) “at 70 percent”

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

Cut 5  (10)  “on it”

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

Cut 6 (11) “best outcome”

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

________________________________________________________

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

Cut 7 (09)  “in the first place”

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

Cut 8 (08) “do that”

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

Cut 9 (10)  “in my opinion”

____________________________________________________________

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

Cut 10 (11) “hurt us”

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

Cut 11 (11) “these cases”

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

Cut 12 (10) “the future”

____________________________________________________________

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

Cut 13 (10) “citations as well”

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

Cut 14 (09) “in this video”

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

Cut 15 (09) “road as well”

_________________________________________________________________

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

Cut 16 (25)  “of play”

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

Cut 17 (20) “like our chances”

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

Cut 18 (18) “sometime” 

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

Cut 1 (26) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

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

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

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

Cut 3 (13) “in jail”

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

Cut 4  (12)    make them”

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

Cut 5  (13)  “in the head”

________________________________________________

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

Cut 6 (09) “side does”

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

Cut 7 (10)  “fighting about”

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

Cut 8 (08) “on spending”

_________________________________________________________

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

Cut 9 (10)  “shot him in the hip”

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

Cut 10 (10) “the same shooter”

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

Cut 11 (10) “going on”

_________________________________________________________

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

Cut 12 (09) “institution”

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

Cut 13 (09) “life over”

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

Cut 14 (08) “Bachelor’s”

_________________________________________________________

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

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

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

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

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

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

__________________________________

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

Cut 4  (09) “in Louisiana”

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

Cut 5  (10)  “been forgotten”

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

Cut 6 (10) “their backs”

________________________________________________________

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

Cut 7 (07)  “still missing”

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

Cut 8 (10) “those details”

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

Cut 9 (11)  “many years”

____________________________________________________________

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

Cut 10 (10) “squirrels”

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

Cut 11 (10) “over time”

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

Cut 12 (09) “sprinklers”

____________________________________________________________

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

Cut 13 (09) “are taken away”

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

Cut 14 (09) “might not recidivate”

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

Cut 15 (09) “back to jail”

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

_________________________________________________________________

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

Cut 16 (15)  “to win”

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

 cut 17 (10) “Mississippi State”

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

Cut 18 (18) “trophy case” 

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

Cut 19 (12) “happen again”

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

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

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

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

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

Cut 3 (11) “on the property”

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

Cut 4  (08) “drug charges”

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

Cut 5  (10)  “to the family”

________________________________________________

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

Cut 6 (10) “isn’t even close”

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

Cut 7 (10)  “number one”

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

Cut 8 (10) “40 years” (2x)

_________________________________________________________

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

Cut 9 (09)  “restraining him”

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

Cut 10 (11) “three weeks”

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

Cut 11 (09) “strategies”

_________________________________________________________

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

Cut 12 (07) “as well”

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

Cut 13 (09) “skin cancer”

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

Cut 14 (08) “apply sunscreen”

_________________________________________________________

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

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

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

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

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

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

__________________________________

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

Cut 4  (10) “like horses”

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

Cut 5  (12)  “anything like that”

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

Cut 6 (10) “a little careful”

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

________________________________________________________

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

Cut 7 (09)  “payment plan”

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

Cut 8 (10) “to jail”

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

Cut 9 (09)  “this money”

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

____________________________________________________________

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

Cut 10 (07) “they do”

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

Cut 11 (07) “name changed”

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

Cut 12 (08) “the offenders”

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

Cut 13 (09) “school’s name now”

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

____________________________________________________________

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

Cut 14 (11) “that direction”

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

Cut 15 (11) “to anybody”

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

Cut 16 (10)  “for the enemy”

_________________________________________________________________

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

 cut 17 (18) “our staff”

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

Cut 18 (25) “have been” 

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

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

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

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

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

Cut 3 (10) “to marriage”

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

Cut 4  (10) “at work”

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

Cut 5  (09)  “and blacks”

________________________________________________

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

Cut 6 (11) “are there”

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

Cut 7 (09)  “be seen”

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

Cut 8 (07) “with both”

_________________________________________________________

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

Cut 9 (10)  “the region”

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

Cut 10 (08) “to start”

_________________________________________________________

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

Cut 11 (08) “information”

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

Cut 12 (07) “keep a lookout”

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

Cut 13 (09) “possibilities”

_________________________________________________________

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

Cut 14 (07) “no problems”

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

Cut 15 (10) “my opinion”

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

Cut 16  (10)  “want it”

_________________________________________________________

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

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

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

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

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

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

__________________________________

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

Cut 4  (09) “legislative limbo”

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

Cut 5  (11)  “and spend”

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

Cut 6 (10) “in the past”

________________________________________________________

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

Cut 7 (11)  “we can”

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

Cut 8 (07) “of years”

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

Cut 9 (11)  “communities”

____________________________________________________________

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

Cut 10 (11) “productive citizens”

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

Cut 11 (07) “out of jail”

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

Cut 12 (07) “the offenders”

____________________________________________________________

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

Cut 13 (10) “as well”

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

Cut 14 (09) “their instructor”

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

_________________________________________________________________

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

Cut 15 (09) “to a championship”

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

Cut 16 (13)  “next weekend

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

 cut 17 (15) “it together”

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

Cut 18 (22)    “for this weekend”