With many kids already out on summer vacations, Emelie Gunn spoke with a doctor on some tips to keep your children safe while in the water….

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A bill that would allow universities to lower their out-of-state tuition to bring in more students from other states is nearing final passage. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Jackson Representative Kenny Havard says he won’t apologize for his joke that strippers should be young and skinny. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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With summer vacation already underway for most schools, here’s a doctor that provides some tips to make sure your kids stay safe this break. Baton Rouge General family practitioner Dr. Kristen Ducote warns parents that drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional fatalities in kids 14 and under. She says it’s important to invest in swimming lessons for your children.

cut 4  (07)  “the water”

Ducote says kids should always wear a life jacket when out on the boat, jet skiing or even fishing. She says if you’re at the beach make sure your children are swimming with a buddy, never alone.

Cut 5  (07)  “and under”

Ducote says it’s important to always keep an eye out on your kids even if they’re swimming in shallow water. She also warns parents with Memorial Day coming up, stay sober when your children are around the water.

Cut 6 (08)  “been avoided”

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A bill is nearing final legislative passage that would allow universities to lower their out of state tuition in an effort to attract more students from neighboring states. There was concern about lowering tuition in light of the budget deficit. But Ruston Representative Robert Shadoin says bringing in more students could help curb those losses.

CUT 7 (08)  “we’re experiencing” 

Vice President for External Affairs for the University of Louisiana system Rachel Kincaid this would also help universities bring in more international students. She says it’s a good way for the state to bring in more money.

Cut 8  (08)  “resident students” 

The measure has passed the House and it cleared the Senate Education committee earlier this week. Metairie Senator Conrad Appel sits on that panel and says out of state students would not take precedence over in state students.

Cut 9 (06)  “Louisiana students”

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The American Sugar Cane League says the 2016 Louisiana sugar cane crop is showing great potential and could possibly surpass last year’s 1.4 million tons of raw sugar. Senior Agronomist Herman Waguespack says we had a mild winter and hopes hurricane season will be quite so it doesn’t disrupt the crops.

Cut 10 (08) “somewhat”

Waguespack says farmers worried their rutted fields from the massive rainfall last winter would cause root damage to the crops. He says Louisiana is now one of only three states that produce sugar, including Florida and Texas, Hawaii has closed its last sugar mill. He says the Bayou State is the second biggest producer of sugar cane in the country.

cut 11 (05) “in production”

Last year, 380-thousand acres of Louisiana sugar cane was harvested producing an economic impact of 2 billion dollars. Waguespack still remains hopeful for a similar season even after the recent downpours this spring put farmers behind in field work.

cut 12 (06) “we have”

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Jackson Representative Kenny Havard is not sorry for his amendment intended as a joke that said strippers in Louisiana must be young and less than 160 pounds. The amendment which was attached to a bill that raises the age of exotic dancers to 21 has received national attention. Havard spoke with reporters after adjournment and says he regrets if he offended anyone, but….

Cut 13 (07)  “politically incorrect”

Havard’s remarks have been called sexist, disrespectful and disgusting. He defended his joke by saying that it didn’t mention female strippers specifically.

cut 14 (08)  “160 pounds”

House speaker Taylor Barras of New Iberia spoke on the House floor about the incident. He says it seems ridiculous that he has to ask elected state officials to be respectful.

Cut 15 (12) “to determine”

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Attorney General Jeff Landry is telling public schools they do not have to comply with President Obama’s transgender bathroom mandate. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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More lawmakers and even the governor are still talking about the stripper age/weight requirement “joke” amendment. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Attorney General Jeff Landry believes President Obama’s mandate to allow transgender individuals to use the restroom of their gender identity is unlawful. Landry says the President’s threat of defunding schools that don’t comply jeopardizes student safety and creates a public education crisis.

CUT 3 (10)  “o.1%”

Landry says the president doesn’t have the authority to force students to share restrooms with members of the opposite sex. He says his message to public schools is they do not have to follow through with the mandate.

CUT 4 (08)  “immediately”

Landry says he’ll defend the schools, if the federal government rakes action against them for failing to follow this order. He says we’re supposed to be ruled by the majority, not the minority.

CUT 5 (10)  “complete overreach”

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Governor John Bel Edwards has signed a bill into law that allows patients with a wider variety of medical conditions to receive medical marijuana once it becomes available in Louisiana. Edwards says this is an issue that should stay between doctors and their patients.

CUT 6 (11) “medicinal marijuana”

Sheriffs and district attorneys opposed the legislation over concerns about “creep”. But Edwards says this is not a gateway to the legalization of recreational marijuana. He also says he does not want this bill to be an ever expanding list of diseases for which medical cannabis can be prescribed.

CUT 7 (08) “out there”

People diagnosed with things like cancer, AIDS, and seizure disorders will soon be able to get medical marijuana in Louisiana. The legislation also attempts to speed up the process of getting medical cannabis in the hands of patients. The state is still seeking a grower for the drug. Edwards says signing this bill is one of this easiest decisions he’s made during this session, but also one of the most important.

CUT 8 (10) “of Louisiana”

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More lawmakers and even the governor are still talking about the stripper age/weight requirement “joke” amendment that ended up hitting the House Floor Wednesday. The change was added to a human trafficking bill stating strippers should be no younger than 21, but Jackson Representative Kenny Havard ending up withdrawing. New Orleans Sen. Karen Peterson says Havard should apologize:

CUT 9 (12) “consequences”

The story is making national headlines and sparking outrage from people across the country. Peterson says this is embarrassing and Havard should realize how many people he’s hurt and offended…:

cut 10 (09)  “I made a mistake”

The amendment suggested strippers should be young and skinny.  Governor Edwards said he knows this was intended as a joke, but it was in bad taste…:

Cut 11 (06) “unfortunate incident”

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A Senate-approved bill seeking equal pay for men and women who perform the same job failed to make it out of the House Labor Committee. Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh voted against it because he says there is already a law on the books that prevents pay discrimination based on gender.

cut 12 (04) “this bill”

But Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says there is still a gender pay gap. He says no one would say that women are less capable of performing these jobs, so there’s only one other reason for the wage gap.

Cut 13 (07)  “against women”

Louisiana has the biggest pay gap in the nation. New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno says this wage discrimination is hurting women in Louisiana.

cut 14 (09)  “and women”

Vermillion Parish Representative Blake Miguez voted against the legislation. He says it interferes with how companies conduct their business.

cut 15 (08) “his employment”

Governor John Bel Edwards supports this proposal, and it is a significant defeat for his legislative agenda. The measure failed on a 10-5 vote.

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The pest that eats Ash Trees has been discovered in Union Parish. Emelie Gunn has more on the Emerald Ash Borer in north Louisiana.

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The House Education Committee has approved a bill to require students to recite part of the Declaration of Independence every day, like they do with the Pledge of Allegiance. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Captain Clay Higgins, who achieved internet fame through his viral crime stoppers videos, has announced he is running for Congress. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The federally regulated insect pest of Ash Trees, the Emerald Ash Borer, has been found in Union Parish. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain says the pest originates in Asia and was first found in the U.S. in 2002 and is now in four Louisiana parishes. He says the main way Emerald Ash Borer is transmitted is by the moving of firewood.

cut 4  (06)  “burn it”

The United States Forestry Service identified the invasive pest and over 470 traps to catch the insect have been installed. Strain says the emerald Ash Borer doesn’t attack hardwoods or pine trees.

Cut 5  (10)  “appeal”

The Emerald Ash Borer is now in Union, Bossier, Claiborne, and Webster Parishes and a quarantine is in place. Strain says you can lose an entire forest of ash trees in 10 years, because of the pest. He says they’re working with the LSU Ag Center and USDA to control the bug.

Cut 6 (08)  “biological control”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says he’ll sign a bill today that expands the list of medical conditions for which medical marijuana can be prescribed. Under the legislation by St. Martin Parish Senator Fred Mills, individuals with seizure disorders and cancer could use medical cannabis once it becomes available. Edwards says it’s just the right thing to do.

CUT 7 (10)  “someone better” 

Edwards spoke on his monthly call-in radio show about signing of the medical marijuana bill. The governor says, however, he does not support the legalization of recreational marijuana. But he says he’s happy to let Colorado and Washington do that if that’s what they want.

Cut 8  (09)  “right now” 

Edwards was asked how he would address the problem of opiate addiction in Louisiana. He says one key thing to do is to get Narcan, a medication that treats people who overdose, into the hands of first responders and allow it to be administered without a prescription. Edwards says they are also looking into legislative action.

Cut 9 (10)  “as well”

One caller asked the governor about what can be done to reduce Louisiana’s incarceration rate. Edwards doesn’t think there are more criminals here than anywhere else, so the incarceration rate shouldn’t be so high. He says this problem will be addressed in next year’s legislative session.

Cut 10 (10) “justice reform”

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A bill to require students to recite part of the Declaration of Independence daily has made it out of the House Education Committee. Author of the bill, Denham Springs Representative Valerie Hodges says kids should understand this important historic document.

cut 11 (09) “the Bible”

Hodges says many Americans wouldn’t be able to pass the citizenship test because although they live here, they don’t know about much our country. She says schools need to prepare students for citizenship.

cut 12 (10) “primary goal”

Gonzales Representative Eric Price was one of two legislators who voted against the measure. He says forcing students to recite this would open the door for more lawsuits.

Cut 13 (10)  “more permissive”

The measure passed on a 6-2 vote and heads to the House floor.

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Female lawmakers are not happy about a joke a male member of the House made during debate over legislation that raises the age from 18 to 21 to be hired as a stripper at a dance club.  Jackson Representative Kenny Harvard proposed an amendment that strippers in Louisiana could only be between the ages of 21-and-28 and less than 160 pounds. Kenner Representative Julie Stokes called the amendment disrespectful and disgusting…

cut 14 (09)  “bad idea”

Havard says the amendment was just a joke. But Stokes says she’s tired of the derogatory comments made about women at the State Capitol…

Cut 15 (11) “disgusting”

The bill ended up passing the House 96-0 without Havard’s amendment and it goes back to the Senate for final approval, before heading to the Governor’s desk. Houma Representative Beryl Amedee says the goal is to keep young women from entering the dangerous world of human trafficking…

Cut 16  (08)  “taken advantage of”

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The LSU Tigers begin their final regular season series tonight against number one ranked Florida. Alex Lange will pitch tonight, but game two’s starter is Riley Smith. The junior right-hander from Texas has pitched well lately and Coach Paul Mainieri wanted to give him a shot against the Gators…

Cut 17 (15)  “we recruited” 

Florida comes into the Box with an overall record of 43-9, 18-8, which is the best record in the SEC. They also have the top pitching staff in the league, with a team ERA of 2.92. Mainieri is impressed with the collection of arms Florida has…

Cut 18 (16) “then them”

LSU center fielder Jake Fraley says his teammates are confident they can hit good pitching…

Cut 19 (14) “nine innings”

Baton Rouge mayor of 12 years, Kip Holden, announces he will run for the 2nd Congressional District seat currently held by Cedric Richmond. Michelle Southern has more…
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

Tonight, the Cajun John Wayne, Captain Clay Higgins, announces his political aspirations as he’s expected to announce a run for US Senate or the third Congressional district.

The Blue Lives Matter bill, which would charge people with a hate crime if they enact violence on police, firefighters or EMS, is headed to Governor John Bel Edwards desk. The Senate gave final passage on a 33-3 vote.

Democratic US Senate candidate Foster Campbell held a press conference at the Old Governor’s Mansion in Baton Rouge to discuss what he would like to get accomplished if elected as US Senator this fall. Campbell says coastal restoration is on the top of his list…
cut 8 (10) “…pay for it”
Campbell is one of several well-known candidates seeking to replace David Vitter, who is not running for re-election.

Legislation is heading to the governor’s desk that would result in Louisiana becoming the sixth state in the nation to prohibit a commonly used second-trimester abortion procedure. Opponents say this legislation would prohibit the safest method of a second-trimester abortion. But Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell disagrees…
cut 4 (04) “….dismemberment abortion”
State courts have blocked similar laws from taking effect in Kansas and Oklahoma.

Baton Rouge mayor of 12 years, Kip Holden announces he will run for the 2^nd Congressional District seat currently held by Cedric Richmond. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Sheriff’s vehicles could soon be equipped with cameras to catch uninsured drivers, as a bill has won the approval of both the Senate and now a House committee. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Governor John Bel Edwards is expected to sign legislation that would result in Louisiana becoming the sixth state in the nation to prohibit a commonly used second-trimester abortion procedure. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell described on the Senate floor the type of abortion this bill will prohibit…

CUT 3 (11)  “piece by piece”

The legislation is called the Unborn Child Protection from Dismemberment Act. But opponents of the measure say this legislation would prohibit the safest method of second-trimester abortion. Mizell disagrees…

CUT 4 (08)  “dismemberment abortion”

Five other states have passed similar laws, but State Court have blocked the laws from taking effect in Kansas and Oklahoma.

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Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden has announced his candidacy for the 2^nd Congressional District Seat, challenging incumbent Cedric Richmond. Holden says he has accomplished great things for Baton Rouge in his 12 years as mayor, and he hopes to do the same in Congress. Holden adds he’s worked with other mayors to improve southeast Louisiana and intends to do that as a US Representative.

CUT 5 (07)  “Washington, DC”

Holden says if elected, he will focus on the issues of the people, not Washington’s issues. He says global issues will be there, and he will work on those. But he wants to focus on what’s happening in the 2^nd congressional district.

CUT 6 (07) “this district”

Holden says we need to keep creating jobs and to provide the kinds of jobs to keep people here. He says he has a proven track record as a mayor in helping capital city industries expand.

CUT 7 (08) “do business”

Holden and Richmond are both Democrats. Richmond has represented the district since 2011.

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Democratic US Senate candidate Foster Campbell held a press conference today in Baton Rouge to discuss what he would do if elected as our U.S. Senator. Campbell says we need to address coastal restoration in Louisiana.

CUT 8 (10) “pay for it”

The Public Service Commissioner says his message to the people is don’t give up, help is on the way. Campbell says he also wants to raise the national minimum wage to 10 dollars an hour because no one in Louisiana can live off of $7.25.

CUT 9 (09) “a problem”

Campbell says if elected he will expand high-speed internet to Louisiana’s poorest people. Many analysts say a democrat will have a hard time winning this U.S. Senate race but Campbell says his values reflect the residents of Louisiana.

cut 10 (07)  “than 30”

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A bill that would authorize a private company to install cameras that read license plates has been approved by a House committee. The cameras would be installed in sheriff’s vehicles in nine parishes to catch uninsured motorists. Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns authored the bill. He says we need to endure that all drivers have liability insurance.

Cut 11 (11) “the time”

The bill would also classify driving without insurance as probable cause for police to pull over a vehicle. Johns says this bill is simply about making sure people are obeying the law.

cut 12 (08) “insurance”

But Wendy Adams with the Libertarian Party opposes the bill. She says it would put people at risk for theft and fraud because driver’s private information would be stored.

Cut 13 (09)  “personal privacy”

Similar legislation has passed through the legislature before, but it was vetoed by former governor Bobby Jindal. Adams says this is a prime example of government overreach.

cut 14 (09)  “crony capitalism”

Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden has announced his candidacy for the 2nd Congressional District Seat, challenging incumbent Congressman Cedric Richmond. Holden says he has accomplished great things for the city of Baton Rouge in his 12 years as mayor. He adds he’s worked with other mayors up and down the Mississippi River to improve southeast Louisiana and intends to do that as a US Representative..:
CUT 5 (07) “Washington, DC”
Holden and Richmond are both Democrats.

Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says voters should choose him for US Senate in the fall. The Democratic candidate says one of his priorities will be raising the minimum wage because nobody can live off $7.25…:
CUT 9 (09) “a problem”
Qualifying for the fall elections is July 20-22, early voting begins on Oct. 25 and the primary election is Nov. 8.

A bill that would authorize a private company to install cameras that read license plates has been approved by a House committee. The cameras would be installed in sheriff’s vehicles in nine parishes to catch uninsured motorists. Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns authored the bill. He says we need to endure that all drivers have liability insurance…:
Cut 11 (11) “the time”
The bill would also classify driving without insurance as probable cause for police to pull over a vehicle. Opponents say this is government overreach.

Governor John Bel Edwards will host his one-hour call-in radio show today at 2pm and you can get the details at louisianaradionetwork.com.

Youtube sensation and current Lafayette Deputy Marshall Captain Clay Higgins is expected to announce tonight that he’s running for political office. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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 A new study by LSU, UCLA, and NASA finds areas around New Orleans are sinking at a high rate. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Students and coaches from Plaisance Elementary School in Opelousas have been arrested after unusual disciplinary tactics were used in the school locker room. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Youtube sensation and law enforcement officer, Captain Clay Higgins, is expected to announce tonight he will run for political office. Higgins recently told a Lafayette TV station he’s considering a run for either Congress or US Senate. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross believes Higgins will run for the seat being vacated by Senator David Vitter. He says Higgins has a big personality and is looking for the biggest stage.

cut 4  (08)  “the Senate”

Cross says Higgins has never run for office before and is probably inspired by Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump. He says Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell, who is running for Senate as well, will also hold a press event this morning and Governor John Bel Edwards is expected to attend…

Cut 5  (09)  “help a lot”

Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden is also holding a press conference this morning where he’s expected to announce he’ll challenge fellow democrat Cedric Richmond in the 2^nd Congressional District race. Cross says Holden faces an uphill climb taking on an incumbent…

Cut 6 (09)  “tough race”

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A new study by LSU, UCLA and NASA finds New Orleans and surrounding cities are sinking at high rates because of natural and human processes. Lead Scientist Dr. Cathleen Jones says they used hot spot radar to determine which areas were sinking the fastest. She says Norco and Michoud are sinking at a rate of two inches a year.

CUT 7 (08)  “dewatering” 

Jones says these new numbers can help with flood modeling and prevention.

Cut 8  (10)  “to focus” 

The data was collected from June 2009 to July 2012. Jones says the survey is also useful for determining the worst areas and where to place ground instruments to continuously monitor the sinking.

Cut 9 (07)  “like this”

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There have been significant changes to the three different sales tax holidays that Louisiana consumers have enjoyed over the last several years. Louisiana Department of Revenue spokesperson Kizzy Payton says the Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, when people can but things like generators without paying sales taxes, usually takes place during the last weekend in May, but not this year.

Cut 10 (04) “sales tax”

Payton says the back to school sales tax holiday, during the first weekend in August, and the 2^nd amendment holiday, during the first weekend in September, will offer partial sales tax breaks this year and next.

cut 11 (10) “those weekends”

Payton says legislators made the changes to these sales tax holidays and the Department of Revenue is just getting the word out.

cut 12 (06) “March”

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Two elementary school coaches and three elementary students have been arrested after participating in extreme disciplinary tactics. Major Eddie Thibodaux with St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office says coaches Keidrick Owens and Mona Wilson told three students at Plaisance Elementary School in Opelousas to discipline three other students.

Cut 13 (09)  “those children”

Thibodaux says all of the children involved are between 11 to 14-years-old. He says parents should talk to their kids about any unusual things that might be going on at their schools.

cut 14 (11)  “immediately”

Thibodaux says Owens and Wilson have both been charged with malfeasance in office, criminal conspiracy, and encouraging or contributing to child delinquency, and the three students have been charged with aggravated battery. But he says Wilson is also charged with obstruction of justice for telling the students and their parents to keep quiet.

Cut 15 (12) “to them”

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LSU Football Coach Les Miles announces his coaching staff will hold “Satellite Camps” in north and south Louisiana during the first week of June. The first camp takes place June 2nd in Bossier City and they’ll also have a kicking and specialist camp on June third at the Saints practice facility. Those camps will cost 20-bucks and Miles says there will be a free youth camp on June 7th at Joe Brown Park in New Orleans…

Cut 16  (19)  “positive thing”

Miles says the new NCAA rule on satellite camps allow LSU to partner with instate schools to host these camps, which should benefit the likes of UL Lafayette, Louisiana Tech, Southeastern and other Louisiana schools….

Cut 17 (20)  “they learn” 

It’s also been announced that personnel at SEC headquarters will assist in-stadium Instant Replay Officials when replay decisions are made during football games in 2016. Miles likes the idea of a collaborative replay process…

Cut 18 (11) “probably the best”

Two Crimson Tide football players have been arrested in Monroe on gun and drug charges. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The legislature approves a bill stating local police officers can’t ticket children for operating a lemonade stand in their neighborhood. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (25)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Public and charter school students could be required to learn cursive writing, as a bill to mandate script is moving through the legislature without opposition. It passed out of House Education today with an amendment to include charter schools. Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater says kids need to learn to write in cursive so they can read historic documents.

CUT 3 (10)  “education”

Broadwater says a signature is still required on legal documents, and without cursive writing, kids wouldn’t be able to sign their name. He doesn’t think it would interfere with the rest of the curriculum.

CUT 4 (08)  “as well”

Broadwater says there are plenty of things that he has to read, or wants to read, that are written in cursive.

CUT 5 (09)  “understand that”

The Senate-approved measure won unanimous approval in the House Education Committee and now heads to the House floor.

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Spirited debate took place in a Senate committee today over the sanctuary cities bill that would punish cities who refuse to enforce the federal immigration law. Metairie Senator Danny Martiny expressed concerns about the Attorney General having sole power over determining who is considered a sanctuary city.

CUT 6 (09) “does it”

The measure could prevent New Orleans and Lafayette, which are considered sanctuary cities, from borrowing dollars for construction projects. The committee will continue debate on this bill next week. Attorney General Jeff Landry explains why this legislation is needed…

CUT 7 (08) “for terrorists”

Landry says if the bond commission chooses, they can negate his opinion and continue to issue the bonds. But Martiny says this needs to be done the right way if we’re going to restrict sanctuary cities.

CUT 8 (07) “on them”

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Two Alabama football players have been arrested in Monroe on gun and drug charges. Police say Cam Robinson and Hootie Jones were found smoking weed in a vehicle at Forsythe Park, and officers also discovered two guns in the car as well, one of which was stolen. KTVE-TV Sports Director Gene Ponti says they picked a bad location to for this, because police frequently survey the area.

CUT 9 (11) “the morning”

Robinson played at West Monroe High School and has started at Alabama at left tackle the last two seasons. Jones, a former Neville Tiger, has been a backup safety for the Tide. Ponti says both boys come from good families and have never been trouble makers. He says this arrest took everyone by surprise.

cut 10 (07)  “any sense”

The two football stars have been charged with possession of a controlled substance and illegal carrying of a weapon in the presence of narcotics. Robinson has also been charged with illegal possession of a stolen firearm. Ponti says there are rumors going around as to why they would have been in that park so late at night.

Cut 11 (07) “take place”

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An elderly couple was stabbed by a 17-year-old in the driveway of their home in Calcasieu Parish. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso says 69-year-old Robert Anderson is deceased, and his wife 57-year-old Rita Anderson is in critical condition at a local hospital. Mancuso says Antonieo Smith of Sulphur attacked the couple as they were coming home. Mancuso says Smith knew the Andersons.

cut 12 (06) “one point”

Mancuso says Smith was arrested less than 20 minutes after fleeing the scene, when he wrecked a stolen vehicle in front of a sheriff’s deputy then tried to run away. Mancuso says Smith also robbed and vandalized the Andersons’ home.

Cut 13 (12)  “stabbing them”

Smith has been charged with 2^nd degree murder, attempted 2^nd degree murder, armed robbery, aggravated burglary, possession of stolen items, and several traffic charges. His bond has been set at $2-million. Mancuso says the violent acts took place between the front door and the driveway of the Andersons’ home.

cut 14 (08)  “truly is”

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Fast food restaurant, Wendy’s, announced they’ll start using self-serving kiosks at over 6-thousand locations. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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 Scientists are in the Gulf to study the effects of the recent 88-thousand gallon Shell oil spill that’s about 90 miles off the coast of Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A bill has been approved by the Senate and the House Transportation that would raise the fine for texting or using social media while driving from $175 to $500 for a first offense. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The fast food chain, Wendy’s, will offer self-serving kiosks at over 6-thousand locations across the country by the end of this year. Tulane Business Professor Mark Rosa says this is what we can expect for the future and many European fast food restaurants are using kiosks to take orders. He says other fast food restaurants are the U.S. could move in this direction because of higher minimum wages.

cut 4  (06)  “level jobs”

 In California, the state minimum wage will soon increase to 15-dollars and the city of New York also has a minimum wage of 15-bucks. Rosa says minimum wage earners in these areas could be making more than those who have recently achieved a degree from college. He says those pushing for a higher minimum wage should be cautious, because this could lead to a loss of entry level jobs.

Cut 5  (08)  “labor pool”

Rosa says Wendy’s will likely start using the kiosks where the minimum wage is the highest, like in California and New York. He says we live in a do it yourself economy and most people won’t mind the self-serve kiosk.

Cut 6 (06)  “at it”

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Scientists are in the Gulf of Mexico studying the effects of the 88-thousand gallon oil spill from a Shell oil field. Florida State University Oceanographer, Dr. Ian MacDonald, says they want to find out what will happen as the oil starts to decompose and the impacts on marine life. He says the leak is contained, but oil remains on the surface.

CUT 7 (10)  “metallic sheen” 

The leak occurred on Thursday about 90 miles off of Louisiana’s coast, near Timbalier Island. MacDonald says porpoise and fish are swimming through the thick oil. He says scientists were funded to study oil spills after the massive BP spill in 2010 and will collect water samples to look at how the bacteria is responding with this most recent oil spill.

Cut 8  (07)  “spill effect” 

MacDonald says it’ll be a few weeks before data is back, but they should get some good results from cameras that go under the floating oil to see how it falls to the sea floor. He says even though this is considered a minor spill, the cleanup efforts are not enough.

Cut 9 (08)  “minimal”

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Medical marijuana legislation is heading to the governor’s desk to be signed into law. The bill by Parks Senator Fred Mills expands the list of conditions medical marijuana can be used once it becomes available. Mills says those with cancer, epilepsy or HIV/AIDS will benefit from this measure.

Cut 10 (10) “my daughters”

The ag centers at LSU and Southern have first right of refusal to grow the state’s medical marijuana, but they have not yet agreed to do it. Under this bill, they would have to make a decision by September. Mills says he thinks this bill could get them to agree to grow the cannabis.

cut 11 (09) “medical marijuana”

Opponents to the bill say it will open the door for the legalization of recreational marijuana. But Mills says that’s not the case. He says this measure is just about getting medication to the people who need it.

cut 12 (07) “no one else”

Governor Edwards is expected to sign the bill, but Mills says it will probably be another year or two before the public has access to medical marijuana.

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Senate approved legislation to increase the fines for texting or using social media while driving unanimously passed out of the House Transportation Committee. Baton Rouge Senator Yvonne Colomb says using a cell phone while driving is one of the most dangerous things you can do behind the wheel.

Cut 13 (09)  “football field”

The bill seeks to raise the fine from $175 to $500 for a first offense. Colomb says texting while driving is a serious problem because so many people are doing it, and she says it’s costing people their lives.

cut 14 (10)  “safety commission”

No one spoke out in opposition to the bill. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle supports the proposal and hopes higher fines will get people to stop this dangerous habit.

Cut 15 (07) “they’re doing”

The measure now heads to the House floor for final legislative passage.

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The LSU baseball team hosts Northwestern State in a non-conference match-up tonight. After the game against the Demons, LSU will have three more games left with number one ranked Florida. The Tigers are currently tied with Ole Miss for third place in the SEC West, but Coach Paul Mainieri says the team still has the chance to move up in the league standings…

Cut 16  (24)  “SEC Tournament”

LSU enters the final week of the regular season with a 17-9 conference record. Mainieri says that’s not a bad record…

Cut 17 (11)  “our guys” 

The Tigers bring an eight-game winning streak into the final week of the regular season. Mainieri says they need to keep winning to improve their seeding in the SEC and NCAA Tournaments. Tonight’s starting pitcher, John Valek, says they know what needs to be done…

Cut 18 (14) “be exciting”

A former Department of Veterans Affairs nurse faces jail time after a patient at a St. Charles veterans home died under her care. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (27)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Under the current budget proposal for next fiscal year, the LSU Health Science Centers in Shreveport and New Orleans would receive a combined 50-million dollars in cuts to state funding. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A former nurse with the Department of Veterans Affairs is facing jail time after a patient died under her care. Inspector General Stephen Street says 58-year-old Cheryl Poirrier was the on-duty nurse the night a resident fell at a Veterans Home in St Charles Parish. Street says after a fall, it’s Veterans Affairs policy to check the patient’s neurological signs for the next 72 hours.

CUT 3 (12)  “the checks”

Some eight hours after the patient’s fall, he was found unresponsive in his room and it was determined that he died during the night.  Street says Poirrier has been charged with multiple felony offenses, and faces time behind bars if convicted.

CUT 4 (06)  “public records”

Street says this kind of behavior cannot be tolerated, especially with our veterans. He says this is criminal conduct, and his office is treating it as such.

CUT 5 (12)  “after the fact”

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The spending plan for next fiscal year is moving through the legislature with a proposed $35 million cut to the LSU Health Science Center in Shreveport and about a $15 million cut to the center in New Orleans. Chancellor of the New Orleans center, Larry Hollier says this will impact many of their programs.

CUT 6 (11) “neuroscience center program”

Hollier says the cuts could force him to close the dental hygiene and undergraduate nursing programs. Shreveport Health Science Center Chancellor G.E. Ghali says his center has already made drastic cuts to reduce their spending. He says his center is as lean as it can be in terms of employees.

CUT 7 (09) “situation”

Ghali says this could also impact accreditation and enrollment at the Shreveport center.

CUT 8 (12) “science center”

The budget proposal for next fiscal year has been approved by the House and is being debated in the Senate Finance Committee.

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Former Lt. Governor Bobby Freeman has passed died. His family says Freeman passed away this morning after suffering an aneurysm last week.  He was 82-years-old. The St. Martinville native served as Lt. Governor from 1980-88. Edwin Edwards was the governor during Freeman’s second term and the former governor says Freeman was a very energetic man…

CUT 9 (10) “a problem”

Freeman also served as a state legislator from 1968-1980. Edwards recalls Freeman was a promoter of race relations…

cut 10 (10)  “to him”

Freeman also served in the US Army and is a former member of the LSU boxing team. In 1977, he was elected into the LSU Hall of Fame. He was an attorney in Plaquemine prior to his death. Edwards says Freeman was a good man…

Cut 11 (08) “great citizen”

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In these tough budget times, some state senators are concerned about growing Louisiana’s film tax credit program. Lawmakers are reviewing the budget for next fiscal year which currently contains a $600 million dollar hole, and proposals to cut healthcare and education are on the table. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau thinks the movie incentives don’t have a tangible economic impact:

cut 12 (07) “investment”

But others who defend the program says the movie making business does bring money to the state especially at the local level. Baton Rouge Senator Yvonne Colomb says she understands that many vital services are looking at cuts, but..:

Cut 13 (11)  “done here”

Luneau says, even without the film tax credits, they already know movie makers will come to Louisiana because they want The Bayou State backdrop…:

cut 14 (09)  “this tax credit”