Governor John Bel Edwards is signing the Ban the Box bill into law today. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The Humane Society of Louisiana says they’ve seen a higher than usual number of animal abuse arrests and seizures over the past 6 months, and they credit teamwork. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Louisiana remains one of 32 states not in compliance with a Supreme Court ruling, as a bill dealing with child killers failed to pass in the final minutes of the regular session. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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LHSAA principals meet today in Baton Rouge to vote on four proposals regarding the public-private playoff split, which is set to expand to other sports beginning next year. LHSAA President Vic Bonnaffee says one reason for this meeting is because the expanded split to other sports has created logistical issues for the venues that host championship events in basketball, baseball and softball.

cut 4  (11)  “the problems”

Bonnaffee says the expanded split will also also create brackets that only feature six or eight teams. There are four proposals on the table that all seek to combine the classes differently. Bonnaffee says whatever happens today, the debate over public versus private schools will not end.

Cut 5  (12)  “it was”

The public-private playoff split has been a controversial issue in Louisiana high school sports. If the split is expanded more, the LHSAA is in jeopardy of losing a major sponsor and there’s talk of a competing association forming. Bonnaffee says hopefully high school principals understand the importance of this vote…

Cut 6 (06) “the LHSAA” 2x

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The Humane Society of Louisiana says they’ve seen a higher than usual number of animal abuse arrests and seizures over the past 6 months. Director Jeff Dorson credits newly formed partnerships between humane societies and law enforcement agencies that work together as a team to investigate cases of animal abuse…:

CUT 7 (09)  “this approach” 

Dorson says now when people report cases of animal abuse, members of the humane society will go out with the law enforcement agencies as they coordinate the arrests, and seize the animals to find them new homes…:

Cut 8  (07)  “prices” 

Since the beginning of the year, several agencies have been involved in more than 14 arrests, and the seizure of more than 30 animals including horses, pigs, chickens and dogs. Dorson says this additional training for deputies and teamwork is paying off..:

Cut 9 (09)  “good results”

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The governor is signing the Ban the Box bill into law today. The measure would prohibit state employers from asking about criminal history until the interview process. Executive Director for the US Justice Action Network, Holly Harris, says they’re excited to see this legislation pass with bipartisan support, because Louisiana is the incarceration capital of the world and in serious need of criminal justice reform.

Cut 10 (07) “crime-free lives”

Harris says this bill will impact a lot of people, as most American families are touched by the criminal justice system in some way. She says it’s not just about helping those with criminal records, it’s about making our communities safer.

cut 11 (07) “to prison”

Harris says this legislation is about showing that convicts are more than just their one mistake. She says many companies that hire people with criminal records will say that those employees are their best workers.

cut 12 (07) “been given”

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A bill that failed to make it out of the final hours of the regular session would have given convicted teen killers serving life sentences parole hearings after 30 years in prison. The bill was a reaction to a Supreme Court ruling that says convicted minors cannot be sentenced to life without the chance for parole. Metairie Senator Danny Martiny says it’s unfortunate they couldn’t pass this measure.

Cut 13 (09)  “6 o’clock”

Roughly 300 inmates who were convicted as minors are serving life sentences in Louisiana. Martiny says this could cost the state a lot of money, as inmates start to request parole hearings or file motions to be resentenced.

cut 14 (10)  “expensive proposition”

Louisiana is one of 32 states who are not in compliance with the Supreme Court ruling. Martiny says while a lot of inmates will probably try to get parole hearings, he doesn’t think many of them will succeed in actually getting paroled.

Cut 15 (07) “of jail”

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The Saints have signed free-agent safety Roman Harper, who spent the first eight seasons of his career NFL career in New Orleans before playing his last two with the Carolina Panthers.Harper started 104 games out of a possible 108 during his first tenure with the Saints, racking up 743 tackles and 17 sacks. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says Harper provides familiarity, a player with high football IQ and depth.

Cut 16  (15)  “Kenny Vaccaro”

The Saints face depth issues at safety as they lost safety Rafael Bush in the off-season, who signed to the Detroit Lions as a free-agent. Starting strong-safety Kenny Vaccaro has faced injury concerns throughout his NFL career.
Harper can potentially help a Saints defense who finished 31st in yards allowed per game but Detillier does not expect him to have a full-time role at this stage in his career.

Cut 17 (9)  “in the NFL” 

Harper was a two-time pro-bowler with the Saints in 2009-10 and help the team win Super Bowl XLIV. He has started all 16 games for the past two seasons.

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The LSU baseball team is headed back to the Super Regionals as the Tigers rallied from a two-run deficit to beat to beat the Rice Owls five to two. The most valuable player in this game was Jared Poche, who on three days rest, threw six shutout innings and kep LSU in the contest, until the bats woke up in the 7th. Poche says he felt good going into the game…

Cut 18 (10) “best chance to win”

The Most Valuable Player of the Regional was Greg Deichmann, who had three hits on Tuesday, including a moster home run that put the Tigers up 3-2….

Cut 19 (16) “swing on it”

Deichmann’s blast went 417 feet and the home run impressed head coach Paul Mainieri…

Cut 20 (16) “with your team”

During a joint session of the legislature kicking off the special session, Governor John Bel Edwards called on lawmakers to raise enough revenue to reduce cuts to state services. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The family of slain Tulane graduate Thomas Rolfes held a news conference today to beg for information about the murder which happened a month ago today. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Several lawmakers are in a foul mood after failing to approve a construction budget. Ways and Means Chairman Neil Abramson says Senate changes to the spending plan made the bill unworkable and he didn’t bring it up for a vote in the regular session. Franklin Representative Sam Jones asked Abramson why not send the bill to a conference committee to resolve the issues…

CUT 3 (12)  “out of here”

The construction budget funds road projects, repairs to public buildings and improvement to state parks. It will be taken up again in the special session, but Marrero Representative Patrick Connick says it should have been done in the regular session…

CUT 4 (11)  “the Senate”

The frustration over the lack of a vote on the construction bill can be felt on the senate side too. Metairie Senator Danny Martiny says what House leaders did was disrespectful…

CUT 5 (07)  “we do”

A new version of the construction budget bill has begun to move in the special session as the four-billion dollar financing plan was approved by the Ways and Means Committee today.)

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Governor John Bel Edwards addressed a joint session of the legislature this morning, calling on lawmakers to find the political courage to raise enough revenue during this special session to reduce cuts to state programs. Edwards says they cannot wait any longer to resolve the fiscal crisis.

CUT 6 (12) “afford to wait”

In addition to tying up some loose ends from the last special session, Edwards is asking lawmakers to look at altering income taxes as a means to raise revenue, which he says is part of long term tax reform. He says they should also look at reducing corporate tax exemptions.

CUT 7 (10) “overall”

Edwards also wants lawmakers to limit the itemized deductions taxpayers claim on their state returns. He says he does not want to raise taxes, contrary to popular belief, but this proposal would not affect the majority of Louisiana taxpayers.

CUT 8 (08) “on them”

Legislators have until midnight on June 23 to try and raise enough revenue to close a $600 million budget shortfall.

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It’s been one month today since a 25-year-old Tulane graduate was shot and killed in New Orleans while visiting to look for a good spot to get married, and authorities still do not have a suspect. The family held a Crimestoppers news conference today at the site where Thomas Rolfes was murdered. His fiance, Elizabeth Fried (freed), is pleading for answers…:

CUT 9 (10) “find closure”

The reward for information regarding Rolfes’ death is $30,000. Investigators say they are working tirelessly to find the killer or killers. According to NOPD, Rolfes had been out celebrating with friends on May 7th, then went to the gas station where his body was found by a passerby. His mother, Julie Rolfes, says this has been a total nightmare…:

cut 10 (09)  “really been terrible”

Fried says Rolfes was a wonderful man who touched the lives of everyone he met…:

Cut 11 (09) “as my own”

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The state Department of Environmental Quality has resumed mercury testing in public waterways after the program was halted in 2008 because of budget cuts. DEQ environmental scientist Al Hindrichs (HINE-drix) says they are testing for mercury in 36 sites in southwest Louisiana this year. Hindrichs says if a waterway is found to have a high level of mercury, fish consumption advisories are posted.

cut 12 (08) “small children”

Hindrichs says they are staring in the southwest part of the state because the centers in Lake Charles and Lafayette are familiar with the sampling program. He says they’ll expand to other areas of the state next year. He says there are currently 48 consumption advisories in place for 85 water bodies in Louisiana.

Cut 13 (06)  “individual advisory”

Hindrichs says mercury poisoning can cause neurological damage, particularly in children, and it can lead to birth defects if consumed by pregnant women. He says they need to update some of the advisories in effect because some of them are as much as 14 years old.

cut 14 (08)  “out there”

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Lawmakers are looking at their options to raise revenue to fill the budget holes, as the second special session of 2016 is currently underway. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Natchitoches has unveiled plans for a Riverfront Improvement Project. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The second special session is underway, and Governor John Bel Edwards is calling on legislators to fix the state’s budget problems. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The second special session of 2016 is underway and lawmakers are looking at their options to raise enough revenue to reduce cuts to state programs, like TOPS and hospitals that provide care for the poor and uninsured. Personal and corporate income taxes are an option for raising revenue, but Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry says he is not okay with raising anymore taxes.

cut 4  (09)  “do that”

Lawmakers have also proposed reducing or eliminating some corporate tax exemptions. But Henry says they can’t be sure that will generate enough revenue to be worthwhile.

Cut 5  (08)  “at this point”

Senate President John Alario believes the legislature needs to raise about $450 million to ensure that TOPS, higher ed and safety net hospitals are adequately funded.

Cut 6 (09) “the budget”

Alario says he is not opposed to altering state income tax rates or removing exemptions, if it means all of the state’s priorities will be funded.

CUT 7 (06)  “it accomplished” 

The special session must end by June 23^rd at midnight.

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Governor John Bel Edwards is set to address a joint session of the state legislature at 10 this morning, which marks the official kickoff to the special session that was called to address a $600 million revenue shortfall. Edwards says revenues need to be raised the budget that was passed in the regular session is in bad shape.

Cut 8  (11)  “172 million” 

Legislators also have to pass a $4 billion construction budget that would pay for road work and improvements to public buildings and state parks. Edwards is upset the House failed to negotiate the construction spending plan during the regular session.

Cut 9 (09)  “the bill”

The special session must end by June 23 at midnight. Edwards is optimistic they will approve the necessary revenue raising measure to avoid cuts to TOPS, safety net hospitals, and education.

Cut 10 (05) “the future”

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The University of New Orleans will soon have a new digital animation lab on campus. UNO fine arts instructor Jeff Rinehart led the effort to secure a $94-thousand grant for the school’s new Innovation Lab, which will be open to all students working on digital media projects. Rinehart says the department is working toward creating a new media and animation degree.

cut 11 (05) “digital animation”

Rinehart says the lab should be open to students by the 2017 spring semester. He says the lab will be equipped with computers, a 3D printer, motion capture equipment, and the software students need to complete all kinds of digital media projects.

cut 12 (10) “digital cameras”

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the number of jobs for multimedia artists and animators is growing substantially. The annual mean wage for people in this field in the New Orleans area is about $73-thousand. Rinehart says increased demand in this field is due to the growing need for animation in television, movies and other multimedia projects.

Cut 13 (03)  “like that”

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Plans have been unveiled for a Riverfront Improvement Project in Natchitoches. Mayor Lee Posey says the project will update some infrastructure along the river and improve handicap accessibility.

cut 14 (11)  “about this”

Posey says they will put new bathrooms on the riverbank, double the size of the stage on the river, add new landscaping, and even repave the asphalt along the riverbank. He says the project will cost just over $4 million. He says state and private agencies will split the costs of the project.

Cut 15 (10) “electrical department”

Posey says they hope to have everything ready by the beginning of next year so it can hopefully be done in time for the Festival of Lights in November of 2017. He says there are lots of events on the riverbank, so this is a worthwhile project.

Cut 16  (06)  “really excited”

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Its win or go home for the LSU Baseball team today after losing to Rice 10-6 last night to force a winner take all matchup at 4 PM in the Baton Rouge Regional. If LSU won last night, they would be heading to the Super Regionals. Coach Paul Mainieri doesn’t think there’s more pressure on his team to get it done today…

Cut 17 (14)  “some runs” 

LSU had 15 hits in the loss, but they were just 2-of-10 at the plate with runners in scoring position. Center fielder Jake Fraley says they can’t dwell on Monday night’s loss…..

Cut 18 (13) “this next game”

The Ragin Cajuns season came to a quick end last night as they lost two games to Arizona, which resulted in the Wildcats winning the Lafayette Regional and advancing to the Super Regionals. UL Lafayette had won 12 in a row heading into Monday, but lost the first game to Arizona 6-3 and then lost the regional championship game 3-1. Cajuns outfielder Kyle Clement says baseball can be a cruel sport at times…

Cut 19 (14) “wrong time”

The Cajuns finish with a 43-21 record. Coach Tony Robichaux says Arizona’s pitchers threw the ball well and his team had trouble putting runs on the board…

Cut 20 (16) “deficit down”

A second special session for 2016 begins tonight at 6:30 pm, and lawmakers will look at changes to income taxes as they try to close a $600 million shortfall for next fiscal year. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The Louisiana Family Caregiver Act has been signed by the governor and goes into effect August 1. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Lawmakers will begin a special session tonight at 6:30 pm to attempt to raise $600 million to close the budget deficit for next fiscal year. LSU economist Jim Richardson, also serves as the chairman of the task force for long term budget reform and says to raise that much money, lawmakers will likely have to alter personal income taxes.

CUT 3 (11)  “do constitutionally”

State Capitol observers say a key to bill to watch in the session is House Bill 11 which would limit federal itemized deductions on income taxes. Richardson says reducing or removing these deductions could affect a lot of Louisiana taxpayers, particularly those with higher personal incomes.

CUT 4 (11)  “income brackets”

The call for the special session also calls for changes to income tax brackets. Richardson says this approach would impact most taxpayers.

CUT 5 (08)  “notice it”

Richardson says legislators will probably not do anything with the sales tax, other than cleaning up some exemptions that should have been placed on the increase in the last special session.

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The Governor has signed the Louisiana Family Caregiver Act into law, which supporters say will provide critical help for families across the state. Advocacy Director for AARP Louisiana, Andrew Muhl says this will assist the more than 660-thousand family members who help out an aging relative.

CUT 6 (08) “more independently”

Twenty-two other states have passed similar legislation. Muhl says this measure requires hospitals to offer caregivers instruction and demonstrations of medical tasks. He says the bill also allows a family caregiver to be designated in the patient’s medical records.

CUT 7 (07) “post-hospital stay”

It’s estimated this type of unpaid care to family members in our state amount to about 6-point-4 billion dollars annually. Muhl says this legislation will save the state money by reducing costly hospital readmissions, as family caregivers will be able to perform the tasks the patients need.

CUT 8 (10) “be required”

The unanimously-approved law goes into effect August 1.

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A small Tensas parish town is one step closer to having clean water after being plagued by murky brown tap water. The town of St. Joseph has agreed to appoint a fiscal administrator so audits on the town can be cleared up and work can begin to repair the town’s water system. The governor’s Communications Director, Richard Carbo says getting a fiscal administrator is a step in the right direction.

CUT 9 (05) “St. Joe”

St. Jo has not been able to get approval to use state funds to fix the water system because Mayor Edward Brown missed the December deadline to file an audit. Carbo says the Governor’s Office has been working to get clean water for St. Jo since Governor John Bel Edwards took office in January.

cut 10 (07)  “finish line”

Carbo says they’re making progress, but at this point it’s still not clear when clean water will flow from the taps in St. Joseph.

Cut 11 (10) “projects underway”

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A trooper was injured in a fatal St. Charles Parish incident that involved two suspected drunk drivers and a man who stopped on the Bonne Carre spillway to urinate into Lake Ponchartrain. State Police trooper Melissa Matey says Louis Hernandez pulled his truck over to pee, and at that time a man suspected of being impaired, 42-year-old Joel Ybarra, crashed into the stopped vehicle

cut 12 (06) “not belted”

Matey says as a trooper was responding to the first crash scene on the spillway, his unit was hit from behind by another impaired driver. She says the trooper was wearing a seat belt and sustained minor injuries in the crash:

Cut 13 (06)  “operation”

Matey says Ybarra is charged with vehicular homicide and careless operation. She says charges are pending for Hernandez as you are not allowed to just relieve yourself off the side of a bridge…:

cut 14 (05)  “emergency purpose”

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It’s the last day of the regular session, and political analyst Clancy Dubos looks at what passed and what didn’t. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Legislation to require pet stores to keep records of breeds’ names and addresses, along with licensing information is on the governor’s desk to be signed into law. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The number of Louisiana homes at risk of storm surge damage has gone up by over 40-thousand since last year, according to CoreLogic. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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State lawmakers have approved a 26-billion dollar budget for next fiscal year that does not fully fund the TOPS scholarship program and hospitals that provide care for the poor and uninsured. House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry says the spending plan is not perfect, but they can address gaps in the budget in a special session that begins tonight…

cut 4  (04)  “is a priority”

Because of a 600-million dollar revenue shortfall, the budget also contains cuts to public schools, universities, prisons and child welfare programs. Henry says under this plan TOPS would be funded at 48-percent…

Cut 5  (05)  “18-hundred dollars” (2x)

The senate approved the budget on a 35-2 vote, but the vote was much closer in the House, 63 “yeas” and 38 “nays”. Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey voted against it, because health care and higher ed are underfunded…

Cut 6 (06) “less than 50-percent”

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The regular session must conclude by 6pm tonight. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says Governor John Bel Edwards had a hard time getting key pieces of his legislative package through the legislature, like the bills for equal pay for men and women and increasing the minimum wage.

CUT 7 (11)  “of representatives” 

Dubos says there were some victories for the governor. He says the budget lawmakers passed is close to the one he first proposed. Also, a bill that increases the age to 18 for which a person can be tried as an adult was approved.

Cut 8  (12)  “change as well” 

Dubos says the governor is feeling pressure to veto a bill that gives patients the ability to see a physical therapist without a doctor’s referral. He says a strong majority of lawmakers voted for the bill, but Edwards is hearing from the opponents of the measure.

Cut 9 (09)  “his allies”

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A bill that would require pet stores to keep records of breeders’ names, addresses, and licensing information is on the governor’s desk to be signed into law. Alicia Haefele with the Louisiana SPCA says also included under this legislation is that no pet under 8-weeks old can be sold in a store. She says these regulations are to make ensure pet stores are held to certain standards.

Cut 10 (07) “cared for”

Haefele says these regulations do not apply to animals up for adoptions from shelters. She says another big part of this legislation is pet stores are required to keep records on their dogs and cats for at least two years.

cut 11 (10) “its owner”

Haefele says the main target of this legislation is to stop puppy mills from selling sick puppies who have been living in unsanitary conditions.

cut 12 (09) “potential owner”

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The number of Louisiana homes at risk for storm surge damage has increased since last year, according to CoreLogic. Senior hazard risk scientist for CoreLogic, Tom Jeffery says that has a lot to do with new homes being built along the coast.

Cut 13 (07)  “about everywhere”

According to CoreLogic, last year there were just over 760-thousand hones at risk in Louisiana, and that number has grown to over 800-thousand. CoreLogic’s report says the cost to rebuild all those homes would be $184 billion. Jeffery says despite the danger, he doesn’t see construction slowing along the coast anytime soon.

cut 14 (12)  “those areas”

Almost 7 million homes along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts are at risk of potential storm surge damage this year. Florida has the most homes at risk, followed by Louisiana. Jeffery says the potential for storm surge is one of the most dangerous things about hurricane season.

Cut 15 (08) “of life”

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The Ragin Cajuns are one win away from advancing to the Super Regionals after UL Lafayette easily defeated Arizona 10-3 yesterday afternoon. Sophomore left-hander Gunner Leger won his 7th game of the year as he threw five innings and allowed three runs…

Cut 16  (13)  “great job”

At the plate, Stefan Trosclair drove in three runs and hit a home run. Kyle Clement scored three times. Brian Mills and Brenn Conrad each drove in two runs. Robichaux is well-rounded effort…

Cut 17 (07)  “timely hitting” 

(The Cajuns will face Arizona at 1 PM. UL Lafayette needs one win to advance, Arizona needs two.)

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LSU starting pitcher Alex Lange struck out 10 hitters to help lead the Tigers to a 4-2 win over Rice. The victory puts the Bayou Bengals into the championship round of the Baton Rouge regional. Lange threw eight plus innings and only gave up two runs. Coach Paul Mainieri says it was an impressive outing from his sophomore…

Cut 18 (12) “their numbers”

Not an even rain delay could slow down Lange. The game was halted for about an hour in the 6th inning, but Lange returned to put a couple more zeros on the scoreboard…

Cut 19 (12) “locked in” (2x)

LSU’s offense came in the 1st inning on an inside-the-park grand slam by Greg Deichmann. The Tigers first baseman smoked a ball down the right field line and it got stuck underneath a bullpen bench, which allowed the three base runners and Deichmann to come on home…

Cut 20 (12) “kept running””

(LSU will play the winner of today’s game between Southeastern Louisiana and Rice at 7 PM.

Voters could soon decide if universities in the state get to set their own tuition. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A bill to increase the age for an individual being charged for a crime from 17 to 18 moves closer to final legislative passage. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Much of south Louisiana is under a flash flood watch though Saturday night. Donald Jones with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says we’re in for some heavy rain throughout the weekend.

CUT 3 (08)  “next week”

Jones says there’s a strong low pressure system moving through Texas that’s pulling up gulf moisture. He says the heavy rain will move through Louisiana in waves. He says flash flooding will be a big concern, particularly in the western part of the state.

CUT 4 (07)  “further east”

Flash flood watches for many parishes continue until Saturday night. Jones says the biggest threat with this system will be potential flooding.

CUT 5 (07)  “of days”

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Louisiana voters could decide this fall if universities should have the authority to set their own tuition as a result of a proposed constitutional amendment that is close to receiving final legislative passage. Currently, the legislature must approve a tuition hike if it goes above a certain percentage. Higher Education Commissioner Joseph Rallo says the proposed change to the constitution gives schools the power to lower and increase tuition depending on the market…

CUT 6 (07) “they want”

Rallo says Louisiana is the only state that doesn’t allow its institutions to set their own tuition and that puts state colleges at a competitive disadvantage with schools in other states.

CUT 7 (10) “the marketplace”

Rallo says this bill now heads to the Senate for approval of minor changes. He says letting universities set their own tuition is in the best interest of the students.

CUT 8 (10) “amount of tuition”

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The first shooter arrested in the fatal shooting of two Southern students in April, has had his charge upgraded to second-degree murder. Baton Rouge Police Cpl. L’Jean Mckneely says 22-year-old Ernest Felton was originally charged with attempted second-degree murder, but ballistics analysis and autopsy results led to the upgraded charge. He says Felton has also been charged with obstruction.

CUT 9 (10) “this investigation”

Mckneely says more arrests could be made as police are attempting to find the brother of the other shooter involved, 25-year-old Brandon Henderson. He says they know Henderson’s brother was there when the shooting occurred.

cut 10 (11)  “that area”

Lashunte Benton and Annette January were killed in the shooting.

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A bill to charge 17-year-olds as juveniles nears final legislative passage. Director of the Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights Joshua Perry says including 17-year-olds in the juvenile justice system makes for safer communities and more successful children.

Cut 11 (10) “avoid reoffending”

Raising the age is a key part of Governor Edwards’ legislative agenda. Perry says 17-year-olds can’t join the army, buy lottery tickets, or buy cigarettes because we know they are more immature and more susceptible to change than adults. He says in many important ways 17-year-olds are still children.

cut 12 (08) “to children”

The legislation passed the House 97 to 3 and heads back to the Senate for approval on minor changes. Perry says there has been a huge coalition behind this bill. He says it’s good policy and it’s common sense policy.

Cut 13 (09)  “mistakes”

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The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating three suspected murders that occurred within 24 hours in the rural town of Natalbany. Authorities say 24-year-old Charleston Mitchell and 31-year-old Randy Darnell Bickham were found shot to death in a SUV early Thursday morning, and the body of 18-year-old Marcus Lightfoot was found early Friday morning a block or so away from the scene of the double homicide. Sheriff Daniel Edwards says they are still not sure if the two incidents are related.

cut 14 (08)  “rule em out”

Lightfoot’s cause of death has not been released. Edwards says the Sheriff’s Office is offering an award for information about both of these cases. But he says they do not believe these victims were randomly selected.

cut 15 (12) “these homicides”

Edwards says other agencies, including Hammond Police and State Police, are assisting in the investigation. He says they are asking anyone with any information to come forward, even if they wish to remain anonymous.

cut 16 (10) “that way”

The budget remains a top priority for lawmakers as we near the end of the regular session. Halen Doughty…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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 A measure to prohibit abortions because of a genetic abnormality moves closer to final legislative passage. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A bill that would require public school students in fourth through sixth grade to recite a passage from the Declaration of Independence moves to the Senate. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Lawmakers are in the final days of the regular session, and they have yet to approve the budget proposal for next fiscal year. Jeremy Alford with LaPolitics.com says HB1 will likely go into a conference committee before the session ends.

cut 4  (12)  “agree on”

Alford says the next special session will begin just 30 minutes after adjournment for the regular session on Monday at 6 PM. He says the spending plan that lawmakers eventually agree on, will be 600-million dollars short of funding state services, which is why the governor has called a second special session.

Cut 5  (11)  “special session”

Alford says in the budget’s current posture, TOPS and safety net hospitals are underfunded. He says lawmakers will have to raise more revenue in the special session to reduce cuts to these programs. He says lawmakers will likely try to raise between $300 and $450 million.

Cut 6 (11) “slice it”

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A 9-thousand dollar reward is being offered by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for any information on the fatal shooting of two Whooping Cranes in Acadia Parish. LDWF Spokesperson Adam Einck says they found the endangered birds with gunshot wounds in Rayne. He says both birds were found very close to each other.

CUT 7 (08)  “that morning” 

Einck says 2-thousand dollars in private donations were collected for this reward. He says many different organizations also contributed.

Cut 8  (09)  “5-thousand” 

Einck says they’re currently tracking 38 Whooping Cranes and recently a pair of birds hatched a few eggs. He says a handful of Whooping Cranes have been shot in recent years but most people understand it is one of the most endangered of all the world’s cranes.

Cut 9 (10)  “some information”

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A bill that would prohibit abortions because the fetus has a genetic abnormality moves closer to final legislative passage. Baton Rouge Sen. Dan Claitor spoke out against the legislation, even though he typically supports measures that add restrictions to abortions. He says this goes against a woman’s constitutional right to an abortion and many legislators don’t understand that…

Cut 10 (09) “they say”

The Senate voted in favor of the bill 29-6 and it heads back to the House for approval of minor changes. Claitor says when becoming a Senator he took an oath to follow the U.S. Constitution, whether he liked it or not.

cut 11 (10) “to myself”

Baton Rouge Sen. Regina Barrow co-sponsors the legislation and believes this will defend the lives of unborn children. She says this bill is about the importance and sanctity of life.

cut 12 (10) “some deficiencies”

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The bill to require fourth through sixth graders in public schools to recite part of the Declaration of Independence every day won the approval of the House. Opponents of the bill say it’s not fair to make students recite this passage, because there was slavery and women weren’t allowed to vote when it was written. But Denham Springs Representative Valerie Hodges says this document is the foundation of our country.

Cut 13 (12)  “of purpose”

Hodges says civil rights and women’s rights activists have quoted the Declaration in their campaigns for equality.

cut 14 (11)  “their liberation”

The measure passed on a 70-23 vote. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton says Thomas Jefferson, who authored the document, owned slaves, as did many Founding Fathers.

Cut 15 (10) “any slaves”

Despite opposition, the measure now heads to the Senate, but the upper chamber has only four more days to pass the bill before the session ends.

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LSU Baseball Head Coach Paul Maineri has decided to start Junior pitcher Jared Poche for the Tiger’s opening NCAA regional game against Utah Valley at 2 p.m. in Alex Box Stadium. Poche is one the more experienced players on this year’s team after pitching in the College World Series last season. He says he hopes to control himself better this time around as energy levels are high during the postseason.

Cut 16  (15)  “good start”

Maineri says he thinks Poche’s experience will help him to pitch well and confidently despite the postseason pressure.

Cut 17 (22)  “good start” 

The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs’ offense will have a tough task as they face the pitching rich Cal State Fullerton Titans in their opening game of the Starkville Regional today.  Head Coach Greg Goff says the Bulldogs have a lot of momentum after hitting .342 in the Conference USA Tournament…

Cut 18 (12) “their numbers”

Cal State’s pitching staff has the top team ERA in the country at 2.21. Goff hopes assistant coach Jake Wells and his College World Series coaching experience can continue to help the team, specifically the hitters, in this unfamiliar territory.

Cut 19 (16) “so far”

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UL Lafayette will face Princeton tonight. The Ragin Cajuns are coming off a Sun Belt Tournament Championship, but Coach Tony Robichaux says a new season starts tonight….

Cut 20 (15) “of the year “

A statewide poll shows Republican Donald Trump is ahead in the Presidential election without many undecided voters. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Pro-choice and pro-life advocates rallied in the Capitol City today. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Another arrest has been made in the fatal shooting that took the lives of two Southern students in April. Baton Rouge Police Cpl. L’Jean Mckneely says 25-year-old Brandon Henderson of Baton Rouge has been charged with two counts of second degree murder.

CUT 3 (08)  “the shooting”

22-year-old Ernest Felton was previously arrested for attempted second degree murder. But Mckneely says that charge could be upgraded, because they believe bullets from his gun fatally struck Lashuntae Benton and Annette January.

CUT 4 (07)  “still pending”

Mckneely says they just want to get closure for the families. He says more arrests could be made, as the investigation is ongoing.

CUT 5 (09)  “this shooting”

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The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating the murder of two men found in a vehicle in Natalbany early this morning. Spokesperson Dawn Panepinto says they received a call around 4 a.m. regarding gunshots in the area. She says when police arrived, they located the men unresponsive.

CUT 6 (09) “right now”

Panepinto says the identity of the victims has not yet been released. She says right now, it’s believed the shooter is still on the loose.

CUT 7 (10) “suspects”

Panepinto says Natalbany isn’t a place that usually sees a lot of crime. She urges anyone with information on the double murder to come forward and there is a possibility of a cash reward.

CUT 8 (09) “it’s anonymous”

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A Southern Media and Opinion Research poll finds in the Presidential race, Republican Donald Trump is ahead with not many voters undecided. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says in a poll of 500 likely voters, Trump draws in 53-percent of the vote compared to Democrat Hillary Clinton’s 39-percent. He says Trump will probably will Louisiana but both candidates have a pretty high unfavorable rating…

CUT 9 (09) “are 52”

Pinsonat says he’s never seen an election where both candidates had an unfavorable rating over 50-percent, but the chances are Trump is going to win in Louisiana. He says white democrats favor Trump over Clinton, 48-percent to 43-percent.

cut 10 (10)  “Louisiana”

The poll shows only 14-percent of those surveyed were undecided. Pinsonat says Governor John Bel Edwards will likely benefit from Clinton not being popular in Louisiana.

Cut 11 (10) “break”

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Pro-choice advocates protested outside the Governor’s Mansion, while pro-life supporters rallied on the steps of the Capitol today. Executive Director for the New Orleans Abortion Fund, Amy Irvin, says they are concerned about the anti-abortion legislation signed into law by the governor. She says these laws could cost the state money, as they may be unconstitutional.

cut 12 (12) “attention to”

Louisiana recently passed legislation tripling its waiting period for women to get an abortion, and a common second trimester abortion procedure will be soon be banned. There are other pieces of legislation moving through the process that could impact funding for abortion clinics in the state. Irvin says this kind of legislation will hurt women’s access to healthcare in Louisiana.

Cut 13 (09)  “four clinics”

But not everyone is upset about the legislation coming out of this session. Legislative Director for the Louisiana Right to Life, Deanna Wallace says they showed up at the Capitol to show their support for Governor John Bel Edwards and the pro-life bills that he’s signed.

cut 14 (09)  “their mothers”

Wallace says they’re glad that being pro-life in the state isn’t a right or left issue- it’s a human rights issue. She says these laws will not affect women’s ability to get quality healthcare in Louisiana.

cut 15 (12) “and men”

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The number of substance-exposed babies born in Louisiana has tripled since 2008, according to the Department of Children and Family Services. Halen Doughty reports it’s led to a greater demand for foster families to take care of these children….

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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 A statewide poll shows Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy has a large lead in the U.S. Senate race, which is five months away. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Sixty percent of teen crashes involve some sort of distraction, according to the AAA Foundation. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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According to the Department of Children and Family Services, the number of babies born addicted to drugs has tripled since 2008, as there were almost 15-hundred substance-exposed babies born in 2015. DCFS Regional Administrator Michelle Faust says that’s due in part to hospitals doing a better job of reporting these cases, and also because more people are addicts.

cut 4  (11)  “through withdrawals”

Faust says when a baby is born with drugs in its system, DCFS performs an investigation to assess the danger for the child and see if it should be placed in foster care. She says DCFS is having a hard time finding foster families for these babies, because it’s a lot for a foster family to deal with 24/7.

Cut 5  (10)  “their behavior”

Faust says over 4-thousand children are in foster care in Louisiana, and DCFS desperately needs more foster parents. She says prevention is essential to keep the number of foster children and children born addicted to drugs from growing.

Cut 6 (10) “they have”

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The U.S. Senate election is five months away and Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy has a large lead in a Southern Media and Opinion Research poll of 500 likely voters. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says Kennedy drew 32-percent of first choice votes followed by Republican Congressman Charles Boustany with 10-percent. He says the poll shows Kennedy’s favorable rating is at 62-percent…

CUT 7 (08)  “John Kennedy” 

Democratic candidate Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell follows at 9-percent when all other candidates are at 5-percent or lower in the poll. Pinsonat says in last year’s Governor’s race, David Vitter had a big lead early on but Kennedy is a different kind of candidate.

Cut 8  (07)  “to explode” 

32-percent of those polled are undecided. Pinsonat says there is a good chance a democrat could make it into the runoff. He says Democratic candidates Foster Campbell and Carolina Fayard, who comes in at 4-percent, are still unknown to many voters.

Cut 9 (10)  “be for”

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The bill to allow domestic violence victims to carry a concealed weapon with an expedited permit has received final legislative passage. Denham Springs Representative Valerie Hodges says women who feel threatened can get this temporary permit if they receive a protective order from a judge.

Cut 10 (09) “a deterrent”

Hodges says the permit is only good for 45 days, and women can only get the permit if they pass a background check. She says they can get the permit before they complete the concealed carry class.

cut 11 (12) “a gun”

Hodges says many concealed carry classes have a wait list, and it can take several weeks to get into the class and then get the permit. She says women could be attacked or murdered during these few weeks.

cut 12 (09) “have time”

The measure now heads to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

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According to the AAA Foundation, 60% of teen crashes involve some sort of distraction. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says this is important information to note as we’re entering the 100 deadliest days for teen drivers.

Cut 13 (11)  “on the road” 2x

Over 5,000 people have been killed in crashes involving teen drivers during these 100 days in the past 5 years. Redman says on average over one thousand people die in crashes involving teen drivers each year. He says teens are most commonly distracted by their passengers or their cell phone.

cut 14 (12)  “the wheel”

AAA found that about 15% of crashes involving teen drivers were due to talking to passengers, and 12% were due to phone usage. Redman says the most dangerous day in the next 100 days will be the Fourth of July. He advises parents to talk to their kids about driving safety.

Cut 15 (10) “that vehicle”

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Several LSU Tigers will experience postseason play for the first time on Friday when the Tigers take on Utah Valley in the NCAA Tournament. Antoine Duplantis, the Jordan twins, Chris Reid, Cole Freeman and Greg Deichmann have never played in a Regional at the Box. Junior shortstop Kramer Robertson says the atmosphere is definitely different…

Cut 16  (14)  “after that”

Utah Valley is making its first NCAA Tournament appearance. Wolverines Head Coach Eric Madsen hopes his team can adjust quickly to the south Louisiana heat and the big crowd that’s expected in the Box for the regional opener…

Cut 17 (07)  “for em” 

Utah Valley brings a seven-game winning streak into the regional and they’ve won 11 of their last 13. Madsen says his guys are playing sound baseball…

Cut 18 (14) “supposed to”

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Southeastern Louisiana is back in the NCAA Tournament after a one-year absence. The Lions played in the Baton Rouge regional in 2014 and this weekend they’ll be back at the Box  to take on Rice. Senior Pitcher Kyle Cedotal says the won a game two years ago, but they’re looking to perform better this time around…

Cut 19 (10) “some people”

Cedotal says they’re looking forward to a home field advantage on Friday night against Rice…

Cut 20 (15) “at LSU”

A measure to allow patients direct access to a physical therapist without first receiving a doctor’s approval heads to the governor’s desk to be signed into law. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A blind man from Metairie is suing McDonald’s for being refused service after walking up to a drive-thru window. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Governor Edwards signs into law a measure that prohibits a common second trimester abortion procedure called dilation and evacuation. Louisiana Right to Life Legislative Director, Deanna Wallace, says this legislation ends a brutal practice known as dismemberment abortion, where an abortionist tears body parts from a live, unborn child….

CUT 3 (09)  “allow it”

Pro-choice advocates say a D&E abortion is the most common and the safest second-trimester abortion procedure. But Wallace disagrees.

CUT 4 (07)  “more convenient”

Louisiana is the sixth state to outlaw this practice. Amanda Allen with the Center for Reproductive Rights, says this law is part of a larger agenda to block women’s access to safe and legal abortions.

CUT 5 (07)  “second trimester”

State courts have blocked similar legislation in two other states. Allen says they are concerned it’s getting more difficult for women in Louisiana to receive safe and legal care.

CUT 6 (11) “ever seen”

The law goes into effect on August 1.

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A bill that would allow patients direct access to a physical therapist rather than getting a doctor’s referral first heads to the governor’s desk to be signed into law. Doctor Amanda Brewer with the Louisiana Physical Therapy Association says this allows patients to able to get into physical therapy sooner and result in decreased cost for the patients and an increased quality of life.

CUT 7 (09) “country have”

Opponents of the legislation believe therapists don’t have the training of a doctor and could miss diagnose a life threatening health problem. But Brewer says there has been extensive research showing direct access to a physical therapist isn’t dangerous.

CUT 8 (09) “the patient”

The bill passed in the Senate on a 33 to 2 vote. Brewer says once this becomes law if you hurt yourself gardening or twist your ankle playing basketball, you can call your physical therapist and immediately begin treatment.

CUT 9 (10) “physical therapist”

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Today Louisianans can start enrolling in the newly expanded Medicaid program. Governor John Bel Edwards says he wants a better quality of life and better health outcomes for the people of this state, and he says that starts with access to coverage.

cut 10 (12)  “manage health”

Edwards says the expansion will provide coverage for an estimated 375-thousand Louisiana workers, and it will save money by bringing more federal dollars back to the state and reducing state spending.

Cut 11 (08) “million dollars”

Edwards says it will also lead to increased economic activity and create over 15-thousand new jobs in the healthcare industry. Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee says the coverage starts July 1, but the hope starts today.

cut 12 (09) “of yourselves”

More information and enrollment can be found at heathy.la.gov or by calling 1-888-342-6207.

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A blind man from Metairie is suing McDonald’s after he walked up to the window in the drive-thru line and was refused service. Scott Magee’s attorney Roberto Costales says his client cannot drive but wants to eat McDonald’s late at night when the inside is closed.

Cut 13 (10)  “drive-thru”

Costales says McDonald’s drive-thru only policy violates the American’s with Disabilities Act. Costales says in this case, the blind have no recourse and no opportunity to purchase McDonald’s goods and services during late evening hours. He says this is a constant source of humiliation for Magee.

cut 14 (10)  “about it”

Costales says Magee is not seeking any money but the lawsuit is aimed at prohibiting McDonald’s from operating any of their restaurants unless they comply with the law, under the American’s with Disabilities Act. He says this isn’t a publicity stunt, it’s something many disabled people face every day.

cut 15 (10) “shift job”

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