Public school students will soon be required to learn cursive writing, as a bill has been signed into law that takes effect in July of 2017. Halen Doughty spoke with an LSU English professor on whether this legislation is needed…

CUT 1 (27) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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 A study from insurancequotes.com finds car insurance premiums for Louisiana parents increase by more than 86-percent when they add a teen driver to their policy. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Plans are being drawn up to reconfigure seating in Tiger Stadium to allow visiting bands to perform at halftime shows. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________________

Teachers in public schools will soon have to teach students cursive writing because of a bill signed into law by the governor. LSU English professor Renee Casbergue says writing in cursive is becoming a lost art, and kids may not have much use for it in the future.

cut 4  (11)  “means nothing”

Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell authored the legislation, because she’s concerned children will not be able to sign their name in cursive. But Casbergue says there’s almost no time that people are asked to write in cursive, and in fact many times they are asked specifically to print when handwriting anything.

Cut 5  (08)  “a signature”

Casbergue says she wishes the legislature would stay out of managing anything that happens in classrooms. She says as lawmakers keep adding things teachers have to address, it takes away their ability to teach what they think their students need, which is causing them to lose access to arts and other things.

Cut 6 (08) “might be”

The new law goes into effect in July of 2017.

___________________________________________________

A new study shows that, In Louisiana, parents average premium for car insurance increases by over 86-percent when they add a teen driver to an existing policy.  Senior insurance analyst with InsuranceQuotes.com Laura Adams says although it’s still expensive, rates have been dipping slightly. She says this is because many teens are waiting to drive under they’re older….

CUT 7 (11)  “social media”

Adams says the report finds a lot of teens would rather chat with their friends on social media rather than hang out in person, which could lead to less 16-year-olds wanting to get a driver’s license. She says rates do get cheaper as your teen gets older.

Cut 8  (07)  “your policy”

Adams says it costs more to add a male teenager than a female to an existing policy. She advises parents to take advantage of every discount available to them.

Cut 9 (10)  “student discount”

_______________________________________________

The third installment of the “Ask the Governor” call-in radio show featured a wide variety of questions from callers. Governor John Bel Edwards was asked about everything from food stamps to marijuana and the budget was a key topic. One caller asked about changes to the state’s film tax credit program. Edwards says the state capped the program at 180-million dollars in credits paid out and there are no plans to change it.

Cut 10 (07) “million dollars”

Another caller asked whether a gas tax could be imposed to address the state’s budget shortfall. Edwards says he has established a transportation task force that will look into revenue raising measures such as gas taxes, tolls, and other ideas. But he says those dollars will have to go towards transportation.

cut 11 (10) “education”

One caller asked the governor about gun control, in light of the mass shooting in Orlando. Edwards says he is a big supporter of the Second Amendment, but he is in favor of a measure that would prohibit people on terrorist watch lists, who cannot even board planes, from purchasing guns.

cut 12 (11) “the public”

The next “Ask the Governor” show will be July 20^th.

________________________________________________

LSU says they will now allow visiting bands to perform during halftime, after not allowing them to do so during football games last season. LSU Deputy Athletic Director Eddie Nunez says their plan involves changes to seating in the South End Zone to allow bands to take a more direct route onto the field.

Cut 13 (12)  “the half”

Nunez says there were safety concerns with having two bands along the sidelines before the end of the first half, because having that many additional people on the field could be dangerous. He says they don’t expect many seats to be affected, as they hope to open up access to the field from where the visiting band has always been seated.

cut 14 (07)  “the field”

Nunez says the LSU Band will also perform first to give the visiting band more time to get down to the field. He says despite what some people may think, they do want visiting bands to be able to perform.

Cut 15 (08) “Tiger Stadium”

_______________________________________

The Saints have one more mini-day practice today and then they take a break until training camp starts in late July at The Greenbrier in West Virginia. New Orleans linebacker James Laurinatis says it’s been a good offseason as the coaching staff has found ways to make the team better…

Cut 16  (25)  “or whatever” 

Laurintatis is one of the new additions to the Saints defense. Linebacker Nathan Stupar is also new to the defense after spending the last two seasons in Atlanta. Stupar says he’s been impressed with recently acquired linebacker Craig Robertson, who started nine games in Cleveland last season…

Cut 17 (22)  “that group”

Saints running back Mark Ingram is coming off a season where he caught 50 passes and rushed for 769 yards, but his season was cut short, because of a shoulder injury. Ingram says he wants to play all 16 games this year…

Cut 18 (14) “left off”

The governor has signed a bill into law that increases the fine for texting and using social media while driving from $175 to $500 for a first offense. Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (27)  “I’m Don Molino”

================

The northern part of the state is under a heat advisory until 7 o’clock tomorrow night. Emelie Gunn reports it’s hot across the entire state…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

===================

The fines for texting or using social media while driving have been increased from $175 to $500 for a first offense, as a bill has just been signed into law by the governor. Major Doug Cain with State Police says they see this is a lot in crashes caused by distracted driving.

CUT 3 (10)  “pulling out”

Drivers could pay a fine of up to $1,000 for a subsequent offense. Cain says state police deal with distracted driving accidents almost every day, and it’s something that’s entirely avoidable. He says using a cell phone while driving can be a deadly decision.

CUT 4 (08)  “everybody else”

The fines more than doubled for minors who text and drive, and subsequent offenses could result in a 6 month suspension of their driver’s license. Cain says State Police do issue tickets for this offense, they are usually are made aware that a person is playing with their phone while behind the wheel, based on the driver’s actions.

CUT 5 (09)  “stop sign”

The new law is now in effect.

===============================================

FEMA has released a smartphone app to help residents get prepared for potential natural disasters. FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate says app is available in the iTunes store and on Google Play. He says it gives you a checklist to follow in the palm of your hand even if you lose cell service.

CUT 6 (10) “an emergency”

It also allows users to receive prescheduled safety and preparedness tips, including practicing a fire escape plan and updating emergency tips. Fugate says in today’s society everyone is always on their phone. He says many tools are built in to the app.

CUT 7 (06) “anything else”

Whenever you have service, the FEMA app sends weather alerts for up to five locations across the nation, making it easy to follow severe weather that may be threatening family and friends. Fugate says the app will remind you to check your smoke detector and make sure you have emergency supplies prepared in the event of an emergency.

CUT 8 (10) “your family”

===================================================

A heat advisory is in effect for the upper half of Louisiana until 7 o’clock Thursday night. State Climatologist Barry Keim says summer has kicked off with a vengeance with temperatures reaching into the mid and upper 90s. He says on top of that, humidity levels are running high leading to high heat index values.

CUT 9 (09) “is here”

Keim says contributing to the extreme heat is the lack of rain the state will see this week. He says we’re going to have lots of sun baking us with heat index temperatures reaching a possible 108 degrees.

cut 10 (09)  “all the time”

Keim says these high temperatures don’t necessarily mean we’ll see an extremely hot summer but at least for this week, stay inside. He says a high pressure system is giving us these sky high temperatures.

Cut 11 (10) “high temperatures”

===================================================

The Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs committee approves a bill that would make industries decide between taking an industrial tax exemption or receiving an inventory tax credit. The measure would generate an estimated 146-million in state revenues. Alexandria Sen. Jay Luneau says the state is struggling financially and can’t afford to give big businesses large tax breaks…

cut 12 (10) “like this”

Jim Patterson with the Louisiana Association for Business and Industry spoke out against the legislation because he believes these tax incentives help our state’s economy.

Cut 13 (10)  “this state”

But New Orleans Sen. Karen Peterson says it’s time to stop cutting from higher education, public schools  and healthcare and come up with a real solution to our budget problem.

cut 14 (09)  “we have”

The measure is heading to the Senate floor, if the proposed law gets to the house, it’s not expected to get a warm reception.

_____________________________________________

A Baton Rouge federal judge has scheduled a hearing today to decide if Angola death row inmates should have air conditioning. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Lotte (Low-tay) Chemical and Axiall begin construction on a massive chemical manufacturing complex in Lake Charles. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Louisiana is now in compliance with a federal identification law, as Governor John Bel Edwards has signed the REAL ID Act into law. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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U.S. District Judge Brian Jackson has scheduled a hearing today to determine if death row inmates at Angola should have air conditioning. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says the state came up with their own heat remediation plan that consists of fans, ice chests, and cold showers for the prisoners, rather than AC. He says with all the legal fees the state spent fighting this, window units could’ve been placed in that area of the prison.

cut 4  (08)  “taxpayer money”

Meche says Judge Jackson will not likely reverse his ruling of installing air conditioners in death row, which would cost about a million dollars. He says this is a big waste of taxpayer money.

Cut 5  (07)  “air conditioning”

Jackson ruled that it is unconstitutional for the inmates to live where the heat index is higher than 88 degrees. Last July, the 5^th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said inmates could get relief from the heat without air conditioning. But Meche says if Jackson rules again that air conditioning needs to be installed at death row, the 5^th circuit court will likely not overturn Jackson’s decision.

Cut 6 (10) “he decides”

___________________________________________________

Lotte (Low-tay) Chemical and Axiall have broken ground on a three billion dollar chemical manufacturing complex in Lake Charles. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says this investment will create hundreds of quality jobs…

CUT 7 (08)  “indirect jobs”

Pierson says with these jobs coming to southwest Louisiana it will help make up for the employment losses in the oil and gas industry….

Cut 8  (10)  “construction workers”

Pierson expects the plants will be up and running by 2019. He says the project will greatly benefit the workforce in Louisiana.

Cut 9 (10)  “our citizens”

_______________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed the REAL ID Act into law, bringing Louisiana into compliance with the 2005 federal ruling that created national identification standards in the wake of 9/11. Edwards says these ID’s will be required for air travel, even domestic, in the near future.

Cut 10 (08) “an airplane”

Opponents say the federal law is government overreach and raise concerns about sharing information with a national database. Edwards says getting a REAL ID is not mandatory.

cut 11 (08) “their option”

The REAL ID is also required to enter federal courthouses and military bases. Edwards says this new law makes flying more convenient for those who choose to get a REAL ID because it means travelers won’t need a passport, birth certificate, or social security card with them when they fly domestically. He says it’s not mandated that everyone gets the Real ID driver’s license.

cut 12 (07) “an airplane”

The Office of Motor Vehicles anticipates it will begin issuing REAL ID licenses in the fall of this year, and they will not cost any more than a regular driver’s license.

________________________________________________

Lawmakers are taking another look at a bill that would limit itemized deductions on personal income taxes, after the House Ways and Means Committee rejected the proposal 11-10 last week. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says the measure, which would mostly impact upper-income taxpayers, would raise an estimated $120 million in taxes for next fiscal year’s budget. He says legislators are trying to come to a compromise.

Cut 13 (12)  “the books”

Alford says House Republicans have been hesitant to raise any more taxes, despite the governor’s push for them to raise $600 million during the special session. He says so far the House has already approved $220 million, and they may not be willing to raise much more revenue.

cut 14 (10)  “standoff”

Alford says this bill could give the governor his first big win in this special session. But he says it seems like the Ways and Means Committee has already considered all the tax measures they are interested in approving.

Cut 15 (10) “special session”

The special session must end by midnight on June 23.

_______________________________________

Saints head coach Sean Payton has confirmed that second-year defensive end Hau’oli Kikaha will likely miss the season after he tore the A-C-L in his left knee. It’s the third time he’s torn that ligament in his knee.  Payton says Kikaha is gathering medical opinions on what kind of procedure will be required, but the coach doesn’t think it will end his career

Cut 16  (21)  “that’s encouraging” 

Kikaha was expected to be one of the Saints top pass rushers in 2016. Potential replacements on the roster are third year pro Kaism Edebali and Obum Gwacham, who appeared in nine games as a rookie last season. Payton says there’s no rush to sign a veteran pass rusher, but that could change…

Cut 17 (16)  “not signed”

A new report shows Baton Rouge is the second most dangerous city to drive, ranking only behind Detroit. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

================

Fifty people are dead following the tragic mass shooting in Orlando, and people are questioning why someone would feel led to do something so terrible. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

===================

A new report shows Baton Rouge is the second most dangerous city to drive, ranking only behind Detroit. The analysis by the personal finance website NerdWallet examined risks for those who drive in nearly 200 of the nation’s most populated regions. Scott Kirkpatrick is with the Capital Region Industry for Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions, or CRISIS…:

CUT 3 (06)  “and dangerous”

The rankings were based on the rate of fatal crashes, the likelihood of an accident, number of years between crashes, risk for break-ins and risk of having a vehicle stolen. Kirkpatrick says Baton Rouge ranks low on most of those…:

CUT 4 (08)  “and fast”

Governor John Bel Edwards recently formed a task force that will come up with suggestions on how to fund critical roadway projects. Kirkpatrick says the public is frustrated and he hopes that can be focused in the right direction so that changes can be made…:

CUT 5 (08)  “improvements”

===============================================

The tragic massacre in Orlando has many people asking why someone would do something like that. Executive Director of Behavioral Health Services at Baton Rouge General, Ann Wilder, says mental health problems may have been a factor. Wilder says people can look for early warning signs of mental disorders in others that may be an indicator that person could be a danger to himself or others.

CUT 6 (12) “a behavior”

Wilder says if you believe someone you know may be struggling with a mental disorder, there are ways to get that person the help they need. She says in Louisiana, we have something called an order of protective custody.

CUT 7 (10) “a psychiatrist”

Wilder says it’s not always easy to confront someone about a problem they may have, but that difficult conversation could save someone’s life.

CUT 8 (10) “who can”

===================================================

The first murder to occur in the Hammond city limits in over two years took place last night. Lisa Lambert with Hammond Police says 24-year-old Tremayne Sandifer fatally shot 34-year-old William Davis in a drug deal gone wrong.

CUT 9 (09) “then died”

Lambert says Sandifer then stole the victim’s car and fled the scene.

cut 10 (07)  “New Orleans”

Lambert says Sandifer has been arrested and faces multiple charges.

Cut 11 (06) “convicted felon”

===================================================

State Police say they’ve arrested three people that, together, lead investigators to the largest ever seizure of child pornography by LSP. Sgt. Jared Sandifer says the Special Victims Unit arrested 51-year-old James Dalton Vail of Shreveport, 30-year-old Steven Paul Lucia of LaPlace and 35-year-old Nicholas Bordelon of Hessmer. He says over one million files were seized.

cut 12 (10) “on them”

Videos were discovered that showed infants being raped. Sandifer says the Special Victims Unit will continue to work as hard as possible to find those individuals who exploit children in Louisiana.

Cut 13 (07)  “the consequences”

Sandifer says this is an ongoing investigation and urges anyone with additional information to come forward.

cut 14 (07)  “out anywhere”

_____________________________________________

Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham says destroying ISIS and not gun control can is the way to prevent another attack from a Islamic terrorist. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards signs into law the measure that removes 17-year-old non-violent offenders from the adult criminal justice system and prosecutes them as juveniles. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The Baton Rouge father of the 8-month-old baby who died after being left in a hot car will not be charged with negligent homicide. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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In the wake of the deadly shooting at an Orlando gay nightclub, Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham, from Richland Parish, says the United States must do more to eliminate ISIS. Abraham says our military commanders have told the Obama administration what the U.S needs to do, but the President will not address the elephant in the room….

cut 4  (11)  “even more”

Abraham says the the mass shootings in Orlando and San Bernardino by radical Islamic extremists will continue to get out of control, until these terrorists are eliminated…

Cut 5  (07)  “our soil”

Abraham says the battle against ISIS is one we can win…

Cut 6 (09) “very lacking”

___________________________________________________

A bill signing ceremony to include 17-year-olds in the Juvenile Justice System takes place today. The Policy Director for the Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights, Rachel Gassert, says this law brings Louisiana in line with 41 other states that currently set the age of criminal responsibility at 18. She says 17-year-olds are not adults and shouldn’t be treated as such for even minor offenses.

CUT 7 (10)  “recidivism”

Gassert says this will improve public safety because the recidivism rates in the Juvenile Justice System are far better than those in the adult system.

Cut 8  (10)  “juvenile system”

Gassert anticipates more criminal justice reform laws to be enacted during Governor John Bel Edwards’ time in office. She says the raise the age law is a first good step.

Cut 9 (08)  “public safety”

_______________________________________________

The standstill continues at the State Capitol over whether lawmakers should pass tax increases that would raise 600 million dollars in revenue, which is what the governor is seeking. The Edwards Administration says without that money there will be cuts to healthcare, education and the TOPS program. So far the House has approved 220 million dollars in tax increases but New Orleans Sen. Karen Peterson says that’s not enough…

Cut 10 (10) “this state”

Peterson says the Senate will not advance legislation that will correct some of the unintended consequences of the first special session, like taxing Girl Scout cookies and school lunch programs, until the House approves more revenue raising measures.

cut 11 (11) “these exemptions”

But Bossier City Sen. Ryan Gatti says he’s not in favor of anymore taxes and would rather go into the budget and cut wasteful spending.

cut 12 (10) “moving towards”

________________________________________________

The Baton Rouge father of the eight-month-old baby girl who was left in a hot car will not be criminally prosecuted in her death. That decision was made by East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore, who says Marvin Mercer forgot to drop his daughter, Raylee, off at daycare on his way to work, because it’s not something he usually does….

Cut 13 (10)  “and 911”

Baton Rouge police charged Mercer with negligent homicide. Moore says after numerous interviews they learned Mercer is a great husband and Raylee was well cared for and never abused. He says Mercer has also served as a role model to youth as the head baseball coach at Madison Prep High School…

cut 14 (08)  “the area”

Moore says Raylee’s death was an accident and Mercer’s actions do not rise to the standard of criminal negligence…

Cut 15 (10) “terrible mistake”

_______________________________________

The mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando has saddened LGBT groups in Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

================

The giant sinkhole in Bayou Corne seems to have stabilized. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 2 (25)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

===================

The Desoto Parish Sheriff’s office says they are still searching for answers in the death of a 21-year-old woman, as the murder charges against the suspect were dropped. Sheriff Rodney Arbuckle says they originally had booked 33-year-old Jarrod Earl Johnson of Logansport for the murder of Maranda Whitton, but they let him go after the autopsy’s findings…:

CUT 3 (10)  “cause of death”

Arbuckle says Whitton’s body was found in a pond on June 10th, and since Johnson was the last person to see her alive, he was charged with second-degree murder. He says they have since removed the charges and turned their investigation over to the DA’s office…:

CUT 4 (09)  “somebody else”

Arbuckle says they are waiting for the coroner to get some more official results in hopes of finding out how Whitton was killed, but in the meantime the investigation is still very much ongoing…:

CUT 5 (06)  “on that”

===============================================

Leaders of Louisiana’s LGBT community say they are reeling in pain today over the worst mass shooting in America’s history. At least 50 people were killed when a gunman attacked a gay nightclub in Orlando. Forum for Equality executive director Sara Jane Brady says the shooting demonstrates  there’s still much hatred and prejudice aimed towards homosexuals…

CUT 6 (10) “our expression”

It’s been reported New Orleans native, 39-year-old Leonel Melendez, is in a coma suffering after he was shot in the head. A former Lafayette resident, 27-year-old Frank Hernandez, is also said to be one of the 49 people shot dead by the gunman. Brady extends her sympathy to their family and friends…

CUT 7 (09) “our community”

Brady says they are holding a memorial vigil for all of the victims tonight in New Orleans. She says their message to political leaders is that if demonize or attempt to marginalize the LGBT community, you provide extremists with a green light to violence…

CUT 8 (05) “LGBT people”

===================================================

The massive sinkhole that formed about four years ago in Bayou Corne has showed reduced action and is close to stable. That’s the word from Assumption Parish Director of Emergency Operations, John Boudreaux, who says the sinkhole shows some growth but nothing intense. He says the deepest part has reached 174 feet and is filling up with soil from the sides.

CUT 9 (07) “the depth”

Officials say the sinkhole has grown up to about 35 acres. Boudreaux says some of the mandatory evacuations have been lifted on the east side on the sinkhole. He says there is another area that is under voluntary evacuations.

cut 10 (07)  “is completed”

The company, Texas Brine, is in charge of managing the sinkhole because of irresponsible drilling in the area. Boudreaux says although the sinkhole is stabilizing, experts believe it will continue to go on for decades. He says we won’t see trees being swallowed up like in the first year of the sinkhole, but you’ll continue to see minor changes.

Cut 11 (09) “slower progress”

===================================================

A moment of unity was held today in the Rotunda of the State Capitol as Governor Edwards and members of legislators took time to honor and pray for the victims of the Orlando mass shooting. Governor John Bel Edwards says when freedom is threatened all of our freedoms are threatened…

cut 12 (08) “and hate”

Governor Edwards has ordered that US and State of Louisiana flags should be flown at half-staff over all public building until sunset on Thursday as an expression of respect for the victims of the terrorist attack in Orlando…

Cut 13 (10)  “senseless tragedy”

House Speaker Taylor Barras says it’s a shame 50 people lost their lives while celebrating life…

cut 14 (12)  “to reconcile”

The Moment of Unity ended with those in attendance singing “Amazing Grace”….

cut 15 (11) “sound”

_____________________________________________

The US House has passed a bill that seeks to block President Obama’s proposed $10.25 tax on every barrel of oil. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

A Transportation Infrastructure Investment task force has been established by the governor to identify priority projects throughout the state. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

The LSU baseball season is over as Coastal Carolina completes a two-game sweep of the Tigers by beating the Bayou Bengals 4-to-3. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________________

A recent independent poll of 800 voters shows Republican Scott Angelle is leading in the 3^rd Congressional District race as 39% of the respondents support the Public Service Commissioner. The Traflagar Group poll has Clay Higgins, who recently joined the race, at 18%. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross the poll shows 24% are undecided.

cut 4  (07)  “nothing more”

Cross says name recognition will be a factor in the election, which is good for Higgins, who achieved internet fame for his viral Crime Stoppers videos.

Cut 5  (10)  “is everything”

Cross says Angelle and Higgins are both Republicans, and both of them have a good chance of pulling some Democratic votes as well.

Cut 6 (11) “strongest candidates”

Retired Army Lt. Col. Greg Ellison is polling at 8-percent, while former state representative Brett Geymann is at 5-percent, while all other announced candidates are at three-percent or less.

___________________________________________________

The US House has approved a bill that seeks to block President Obama’s proposed $10.25 tax on every barrel of oil. Louisiana Oil and Gas Association Chairman Brian Hanks is pleased with the House’s action, because any additional burden would be a devastating blow to an already struggling industry.

CUT 7 (10)  “energy independent”

Lafayette Congressman Charles Boustany says the proposed tax would drive up the price of gas by as much as 25-cents a gallon. A study by the Tax Foundation also found it would cost 137-thousand American jobs. Boustany’s office says Louisiana already lost over 11-thousand jobs in this industry last year. Hanks says we can’t afford to see any more job loss in this sector.

Cut 8  (08)  “of bankruptcy”

The proposed tax is an effort to pay for green initiatives and alternative energy research. Hanks calls it another attack on the oil industry by the Obama Administration.

Cut 9 (08)  “his administration”

Hanks is hopeful the Senate approves a similar piece of legislation.

_______________________________________________

A Transportation Infrastructure Investment task force has been formed by the governor to identify priority projects throughout the state. State Department of Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says the average driver pays about $108 a year in gas taxes to Louisiana, and they want to make sure those dollars go towards repairing roads, bridges and ports.

Cut 10 (08) “infrastructure system”

Wilson says they are looking at all of their options to fund the much needed infrastructure projects.

cut 11 (11) “to act”

Wilson says they will spend the next six months touring the state and getting ideas for funding infrastructure. He says they’ve already completed the statewide transportation plan and the highway priority program, so they know what projects need to be completed.

cut 12 (07) “the governor”

________________________________________________

Legislators return to the State Capitol today as they look to solve the state’s budget issues. Governor John Bel Edwards has asked legislators to raise revenues by 600-million dollars in this special session to avoid cuts to health care, higher education, public schools and TOPS. But so far the House has only agreed to 220-million dollars in tax increases. Democratic New Orleans Representative Walt Leger…

Cut 13 (08)  “revenue in”

The governor’s chief of staff, Ben Nevers, says if the legislature only approves 223-million dollars in new taxes in this session, it could lead to hospitals closing and TOPS funding cut in half.  Leger says they are not trying to expand government in this session…

cut 14 (07)  “this year”

So far many republicans are taking a strong stance against additional taxes and GOP legislators believe money can be freed up for health care, universities and TOPS by cutting out the waste in state government. Republican Kenner Representative Julie Stokes hopes a compromise can be reached…

Cut 15 (09) “founded on”

Many republicans say taxes have been raised enough and Stokes says she would like to see long-term tax reform as part of the fix to the state’s budget problems…

Cut 16  (11)  “12 months”

_______________________________________

For the third time in five seasons, LSU baseball has seen its season come to an end on its home field. Coastal Carolina’s Michael Paez’s single into left field scored the game winning run in the bottom of the 9th inning handing the Tigers a tough four to three defeat. Coach Paul Mainieri’s team finishes with a record of 45-and-21…

Cut 17 (18)  “gut”

LSU had plenty of chances to win this game and force a deciding game three in the Super Regional series. But the Tigers left eight runners on base in the final three innings and 12 for the game. Mainieri says clutch hitting is a big part of the game…

Cut 18 (14) “you that”

Center fielder Jake Fraley says give credit to Coastal Carolina’s pitchers, they made some big pitches at critical times…

Cut 19 (15) “some balls”

A majority of this team will return next season. Mainieri says it will take a lot of work in the offseason for this team to get back in this position again…

Cut 20 (16) “our attention”

Swimmers at beaches along the Gulf Coast have been developing rashes on their skin from sea lice. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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You can fish without a license this weekend. Jeff Palermo spoke with the Louisiana Department Wildlife and Fisheries about this annual event…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

===================

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is holding free recreational fishing days on Saturday and Sunday. This means both Louisiana residents and non-residents can fish without a license in public waters. LDWF biologist Meghan Macmenamin says the goal is to get new anglers out on the water.

CUT 3 (10)  “in Louisiana”

Macmenamin says there are many different fishing events going on through the free recreational fishing days.

CUT 4 (09)  “in Cameron”

Macmenamin says in anticipating that some public bodiesof water will be busy this weekend, Wildlife and Fisheries has stocked some popular fishing areas.…

CUT 5 (06)  “the weekend”

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Sea lice have been posing a problem for swimmers at Gulf Coast beaches this summer. Texas A&M biology professor Dr. Kim Withers says the pesky little creatures are actually jelly fish larvae. She says they get under clothes, so people may be better off skinny dipping.

CUT 6 (10) “their nematocysts”

Withers says there is a combination sunscreen and jellyfish repellant that may keep the lice away. But she says the best thing people can do is limit the amount of clothes they wear in the water.

CUT 7 (12) “the nematocysts”

Withers advises people not to get back in the water if they get bitten by the lice. She says the irritation caused by the bites usually goes away after 24 hours, but it can become very severe.

CUT 8 (06) “and vomiting”

Withers says the jellyfish larvae should clear out in a couple of weeks.

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The Baton Rouge Police Department is still searching for a pregnant woman whose 3-year-old daughter was found wandering alone Thursday morning — and an arrest has been made in connection with the desertion of the child. Cpl. L’Jean McKneely says 39-year-old Robert Marks was with the daughter of 40-year-old Lyntell Washington on the night of June 8th….:

CUT 9 (06) “in the parking lot”

Arrest records indicate the child told detectives that her mother was in the lake. McKneely says they know Marks was in a romantic relationship with Washington. He is charged with kidnapping and child desertion. He says they believe foul play is involved in the disappearance of Washington…:

cut 10 (08)  “for him”

It’s reported that Marks is an assistant principal in East Baton Rouge Parish, and that Washington was also employed within the system as a teacher. McKneely says they know the routes Marks took the night before he left the child in a parking lot….:

Cut 11 (08) “St. Francisville area”

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A St. Charles parish man has been arrested after he allegedly shot his neighbor’s cat with a bow and arrow. Sheriff Greg Champagne says the cat apparently wandered onto 33-year-old Cody Dupre’s property.

cut 12 (04) “hunting arrow”

The 9-month-old cat was immediately rushed to a local vet clinic. Champagne says Dupre has been charged with felony cruelty to animals, and his bond was set at $30-thousand.

Cut 13 (06)  “somebody’s pet”

Champagne says Dupre has bonded out. He says fortunately the arrow did not hit any of the cat’s vital organs. He says the kitty should be alright.

cut 14 (07)  “be okay”

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Coastal Carolina stands in LSU’s way from reaching the College World Series. The Tigers and the Chanticleers (Shon-ta-kleers) begin their Super Regional Series Saturday at Alex Box and the winner advances to Omaha. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says Coastal Carolina have hit a whopping 91 home runs, but they are more than just a power hitting team…

cut 15 (05) “pitching staff”

Moran says LSU got some excellent pitching performances from Jared Poche (Po-shay), Alex Lange and Hunter Newman in the Regional, but the Tigers need better production from their middle relievers…

cut 16 (08) “three guys”

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Night clubs in Louisiana will soon be prohibited from hiring strippers who are under the age of 21 because of a bill signed into law. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Governor John Bel Edwards responds to the planned visit by Florida Governor Rick Scott to Louisiana in job recruitment efforts. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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US Senator David Vitter has joined 44 other Senators in an attempt to block implementation of the Obama Administration’s overtime rule, which doubles the salary threshold under which employees qualify for overtime pay. Vitter says this will drastically impact small businesses, particularly in Louisiana, as well as employees.

CUT 3 (10)  “the workplace”

Vitter says there is a motion of disapproval making its way through the Senate that would block the implementation of this rule. He says this is another example of executive overreach by the Obama Administration. He says the salary increase is far too drastic for businesses.

CUT 4 (09)  “administratvely”

The current rule says employees who make less than $23,660 can qualify for overtime if they work more than 40 hours. The proposed rule increases the salary threshold to $47,476. Supporters say this rule will put more money into the pockets of low and middle-income workers. But Vitter says the overtime rule is actually a bad thing for American workers.

CUT 5 (07)  “move up”

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Beginning August 1, establishments in Louisiana can no longer hire strippers that are under the age of 21, under a law signed by Governor Edwards.  Senior Vice President for Gulf Coast Bank and foster parent, Kim Carver, says this legislation is important because girls who age out of foster programs are at risk of becoming victims of sex trafficking, especially if they go to work in strip clubs.

CUT 6 (07) “young adults”

Jim Kelly with the Covenant House in New Orleans also supports the new law. He says a lot of the girls that come to Covenant House were strippers or victims of sex trafficking. He says if a girl has to be 21 to drink in an establishment, she should have to be 21 to take her clothes off in that same establishment.

CUT 7 (07) “strip club”

Robert Waters owns Rick’s Cabaret in New Orleans opposes this new law. He says not everyone who works in the adult entertainment industry is a victim. He says many of the dancers in his club do so for good reasons.

CUT 8 (10) “higher education”

Waters says he doesn’t know if this law will do any good, but he does know it will hurt a lot of people. He says there are dancers who depend on the money they make by dancing to support themselves.

CUT 9 (10) “this business”

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Florida Governor Rick Scott says he’s coming to Louisiana to encourage businesses here to move to the Sunshine State. In a statement, Scott said Governor John Bel Edwards called the special session for the sole purpose of raising taxes which will burden the job climate here. Edwards’ spokesman Richard Carbo…:

cut 10 (06)  “your own business”

Carbo says Governor Scott and former Governor Bobby Jindal are one in the same and come with policies that put Louisiana’s budget in the mess that it’s in now. He says this isn’t the first time Scott has been on these job hunting missions and the move is purely political…:

Cut 11 (08) “we stick together”

Carbo says the governor inherited from Jindal a budget with a $2 billion dollar hole, and right now Edwards is focused on putting Louisiana back on a path to prosperity. He says Louisianans will look past this maneuver by Scott…:

cut 12 (08) “are over now”

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The mayor of St. Joseph is at the center of a criminal investigation by Louisiana State Police. Earlier this year a legislative auditor accused Mayor Ed Brown of mismanaging St. Joe’s finances, and the auditor outlined several possible crimes he may have committed. But Trooper Michael Reichardt says Brown has not been arrested yet.

Cut 13 (06)  “very preliminary”

The water in the small Tensas parish town has been murky brown for nearly a decade, and state funds were appropriated to repair the water system. But because of Brown’s failure to submit the required audits, the town cannot access the money. Reichardt says it could be a lengthy investigation.

cut 14 (06)  “attorney’s office”

A judge has stripped Brown of the authority to make financial decisions and appointed a fiscal manager for St. Joe. Reichardt says he can’t say much about the case yet, as the investigation in ongoing.

cut 15 (07) “takes us”

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Governor John Bel Edwards has signed into a law a measure requiring municipalities to post signs notifying motorists if they are approaching an intersection that has red light cameras. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (26)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Louisiana High School Athletic Association voted to keep expanded split championships during a special meeting held in Baton Rouge. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Starting August 1^st, signs will be required to be posted 500 feet ahead of intersections that have red light cameras, because of a bill signed into law by the governor. New Orleans Senator Troy Carter says it’s a great day for the citizens of Louisiana.

CUT 3 (09)  “for motorists”

Carter says red light cameras should be about public safety, not collecting fines. He says this bill protects citizens the right of due process, because if a motorist gets a ticket where a sign is not posted, they can get the ticket waived.

CUT 4 (07)  “no ticket”

The measure was approved with bipartisan support from both chambers. Carter says he’s glad the legislature passed this bill that has a real benefit for Louisianans.

CUT 5 (08)  “our citizens”

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Two days into the second special session, several of Governor Joh Bel Edwards tax proposals have hit a wall. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says proposals that would have raised income taxes on middle and upper class income earners received a frosty reception from the House Ways and Means Committee.

CUT 6 (09) “session agenda”

The committee killed a proposal to reduce tax credits for corporations. All revenue generating bills must start in the House Ways and Means Committee and Alford says based on early action, he doesn’t see the legislature raising the $600 million needed to close the budget gap.

CUT 7 (12) “Means Committee”

The committee passed the construction budget bill and a measure to tie up loose ends from the first special session, including taxes that should not have been placed on things like Girl Scout cookies and school lunches. Alford says some lawmakers may be feeling session fatigue, as no legislature in the history of the state has met as long as these members have been in session.

CUT 8 (12) “these hallways”

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Governor John Bel Edwards and members of the legislature are supportive of changes to the Common Core academic standards suggested by a 26-member review panel. BESE President Jim Garvey says the panel was made up of people recommended by local school boards.

CUT 9 (09) “good product”

Twenty-one percent of the English and math standards were changed by the panel. Garvey says that may not sound like much, but it’s about the same amount of changes that were made when they switched to Common Core initially.

cut 10 (06)  “the calssroom”

This puts to rest nearly a three year debate over whether the Common Core standards should be taught in public schools.  Garvey says the changes will give teachers the freedom to teach these standards how they want.

Cut 11 (05) “flexibility”

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is looking for new field agents, and they are taking applications for up to 23 cadets. LDWF spokesman Adam Einck says the academy is starting in September…:

cut 12 (08) “June 30th”

Applicants can apply online through the Department of Civil Service website. Einck says the class of graduating agents will fill field office vacancies around the state. He says they’ll train on general enforcement work on the state’s many wildlife management areas…:

Cut 13 (07)  “as well”

They’ll train to enforce the state’s recreational boating laws, the state and federal wildlife and fisheries laws, and general law enforcement work on the stat’s many wildlife management areas. Einck says each cadet is assigned to a parish and must reside in that parish upon completion of the academy. He says if you like law enforcement and the outdoors, this is a perfect job for you:

cut 14 (09)  “entire career”

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