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

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

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

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

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

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

cut 4  (08)  “the Senate”

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

Cut 5  (09)  “help a lot”

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

Cut 6 (09)  “tough race”

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

CUT 7 (08)  “dewatering” 

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

Cut 8  (10)  “to focus” 

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

Cut 9 (07)  “like this”

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

Cut 10 (04) “sales tax”

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

cut 11 (10) “those weekends”

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

cut 12 (06) “March”

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

Cut 13 (09)  “those children”

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

cut 14 (11)  “immediately”

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

Cut 15 (12) “to them”

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

Cut 16  (19)  “positive thing”

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

Cut 17 (20)  “they learn” 

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

Cut 18 (11) “probably the best”

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

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

CUT 2 (25)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

CUT 3 (10)  “education”

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

CUT 4 (08)  “as well”

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

CUT 5 (09)  “understand that”

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

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

CUT 6 (09) “does it”

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

CUT 7 (08) “for terrorists”

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

CUT 8 (07) “on them”

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

CUT 9 (11) “the morning”

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

cut 10 (07)  “any sense”

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

Cut 11 (07) “take place”

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

cut 12 (06) “one point”

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

Cut 13 (12)  “stabbing them”

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

cut 14 (08)  “truly is”

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

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

cut 4  (06)  “level jobs”

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

Cut 5  (08)  “labor pool”

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

Cut 6 (06)  “at it”

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

CUT 7 (10)  “metallic sheen” 

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

Cut 8  (07)  “spill effect” 

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

Cut 9 (08)  “minimal”

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

Cut 10 (10) “my daughters”

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

cut 11 (09) “medical marijuana”

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

cut 12 (07) “no one else”

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

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

Cut 13 (09)  “football field”

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

cut 14 (10)  “safety commission”

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

Cut 15 (07) “they’re doing”

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

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

Cut 16  (24)  “SEC Tournament”

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

Cut 17 (11)  “our guys” 

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

Cut 18 (14) “be exciting”

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

CUT 1 (27)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

CUT 3 (12)  “the checks”

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

CUT 4 (06)  “public records”

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

CUT 5 (12)  “after the fact”

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

CUT 6 (11) “neuroscience center program”

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

CUT 7 (09) “situation”

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

CUT 8 (12) “science center”

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

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

CUT 9 (10) “a problem”

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

cut 10 (10)  “to him”

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

Cut 11 (08) “great citizen”

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

cut 12 (07) “investment”

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

Cut 13 (11)  “done here”

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

cut 14 (09)  “this tax credit”

Today is the deadline for taxpayers to file state tax returns. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A bill to that would require a minimum of three years in prison if you commit a felony with a gun that results in a fatality is nearing final legislative passage. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Frank Selas III, a 76 year old former Monroe TV personality, will be arraigned today in Rapides Parish on alleged child sex abuse accusations from 1979. Halen Doughty previews the case…:

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Today, May 16^th, is the deadline for Louisianans to file state income taxes for 2015. Kizzy Payton with the Department of Revenue says it’s important for taxpayers to settle up today no matter what. She says you can request an extension to avoid any penalties..:

cut 4  (10)  “be made”

Payton says to file online or request an extension visit revenue-dot-louisiana-dot-gov (revenue.louisiana.gov). She says taxpayers in the 36 regions of the state that were declared a Federal Disaster Area after the March flooding are eligible for a a special extension.

Cut 5  (10)  “July 15″

Payton says they’ve already issued over one million refunds this year. She reminds those in the declared disaster areas that you are not automatically granted an extension…:

Cut 6 (09)  “of revenue”

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Seth Fontenot of Lafayette is a free man after spending 10 months behind bars for the shooting death of 15-year-old Austin Rivault (Ree-Voe). Many people thought his sentence was too lenient after he was convicted of manslaughter. Lafayette Sen. Page Cortez sponsors legislation that says if you commit a felony with a gun that results in a fatality, you should at least spend 3 years in prison.

CUT 7 (10)  “discretion” 

The measure, dubbed The Austin Rivault Act, passed out of the House Criminal Justice committee on a 7-6 vote. Cortez says the opposition has generally come from criminal defense attorneys stating the judge should have complete discretion. He says judges do not have complete discretion in first and second degree murder cases, but they do with manslaughter which is what he wants to see changed…:

Cut 8  (09)  “a fatality” 

Cortez says the parents of Rivault contacted him about creating a new policy going forward. He says, based on what happened in their son’s case, they hope to see a change in the law…:

Cut 9 (09)  “this again”

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This week is National Dog Bite Prevention Week. Amanda Pumilia, with the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, says there are ways owners can prevent their dogs from biting people when they’re out and about.

Cut 10 (07) “socialized”

State Farm reported paying $1.5 million for dog-related injury claims in Louisiana last year. Pumilia says people without dogs can also take precautions to avoid being bitten.

cut 11 (05) “their dog”

Pumilia says dog bites affect everyone involved — the dog, its owner, and of course, the person who gets bitten. But she says when a dog bites someone, it doesn’t necessarily indicate that they are mean, they could just be scared…:

cut 12 (07) “compromising situation”

State Farm says Baton Rouge ranked 27^th in the country for dog bites with 18 reported last year, and New Orleans came in at number 30 with 15 reported dog bites.

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The former Monroe children’s TV personality, known as Mr. Wonder, will be arraigned today on accusations he sexually abused children almost 40 years ago. 76-year-old Frank John Selas III faces 13 counts stemming from an alleged incident that occurred on a 1979 camping trip in Rapides Parish with young boys. Legal analyst Tim Meche says, with a case this old, there could be witness issues and also no forensic evidence…:

Cut 13 (09)  “charged with”

One of Selas’ defense attorneys is the highly regarded Mike Small, who Meche says is one of the so-called legends of Louisiana trial courtrooms. He says the defense will probably try to use the fact that this case is so old to his advantage.

cut 14 (10)  “jurors’ minds”

Meche says the statute of limitations does not apply to cases in which a perpetrator has fled the jurisdiction where he is accused. He says graphic witness testimony will be very powerful in the case.

Cut 15 (12) “to convict”

The U.S. Department of Education is letting schools know they are required to allow transgender restrooms or risk losing federal funds. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A Louisiana teen graduates from high school and a community college on the same day. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A 17-year-old girl from northwest Louisiana participates in two graduation ceremonies today. Azariya McClendon will get her Associates Degree from Bossier Parish Community College this afternoon, then this evening she’ll get her diploma from Ringgold High School. McClendon says she has big academic aspirations after her double graduation.

CUT 3 (12)  “OBGYN”

McClendon says she was able to make this tremendous accomplishment with the help of her high school counselor Timothy Williams, and the support of her family. She says it was hard at times because she was always busy.

CUT 4 (11)  “4-H”

McClendon was also involved in Beta, a club called Elegant Ladies in Today’s Educational Society, and the student advisory council for the LHSAA. McClendon is the first student in her parish to earn two diplomas at the same time. She says she was able to do so through the Accelerated Curriculum of Excellence program at her school.

CUT 5 (10)  “for everything”

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The U.S. Department of Education sent a letter to public schools informing them they are required to allow transgendered students to use the restroom that is consistent with their gender identity, or risk losing federal funding.  Alto Congressman Ralph Abraham says this is another example of President Obama’s executive overreach. He says this is a form of extortion.

CUT 6 (10) “comply with”

Abraham says the state should make the decision regarding transgender bathrooms and this is an issue that should not be a federal mandate. He says we’re all about protecting people in this country so let’s protect the most vulnerable population, the young children.

CUT 7 (05) “granddaughters”

Matthew Patterson with Equality Louisiana says this is a really big step forward in terms of policies in public schools and universities. He says transgender kids are at a huge risk of many mental health issues.

CUT 8 (06) “implemented”

Patterson says no one wants to lose out on education money by not complying with this mandate because it would hurt all students. He says this doesn’t mean it’s okay for a man to go into bathrooms with little girls.

CUT 9 (05) “are about”

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A Pineville man has been arrested after he allegedly went door to door soliciting money he claimed was for a sick child with cancer.  Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesman Lt. Tommy Carnline says residents reported the suspicious activity and there was also an outcry on social media. He says authorities began investigating 48-year-old Charles Lowery, acting on the complaints…:

cut 10 (11)  “were given”

Carnline says they eventually located Lowery and his van and learned the suspect was a convicted sex offender…:

Cut 11 (09) “Mr. Lowery”

Carnline says they were also able to charge Lowery with two counts of cheating and swindling, because the story he was telling residents was not true…:

cut 12 (09) “cancer treatment”

Carnline says it’s a shame someone is exploiting people’s kindness and generosity.

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Another spirited debate broke out on the House floor over funding for TOPS versus hospitals that provide care for the poor. On Thursday night, legislators shifted 72-million dollars from the scholarship program to the safety net hospitals. On Friday, Monroe Representative Jay Morris tried to move some of that money back to TOPS, but he faced opposition from Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith…

Cut 13 (12)  “with TOPS”

Morris’ amendment to move 36-million dollars back to TOPS failed on a 42-57 vote. Several House republicans sought to fully fund TOPS, at the same time, they said the health care budget was bloated. Bogalusa Representative Malinda White, who has a public-private hospital in her district, fought against Morris’ amendment…

cut 14 (10)  “go home”

Ruston Representative Rob Shadoin also spoke out against Morris’ amendment. Shadoin says he understands the importance of TOPS funding, but health care for young individuals, who can’t afford to go to a private hospital is more important…

cut 15 (10) “to college”

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The Blue Lives Matter bill that seeks to include police, firefighters and EMS as protected groups in hate crime laws is becoming a controversial topic. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Thousands of college students across the state are graduating, and many may be wondering what’s next. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Letter Carriers Food Drive is this Saturday and here’s how you can participate. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Saturday is the Letter Carriers Food Drive and those interested in donating can leave nonperishable food items by the mailbox for the mailman. U.S. Post Office Spokesperson Boyd McKinney says this is the 24^th anniversary of the biggest single day of giving to replenish food banks in the country.

cut 4  (06)  “of food”

 McKinney says non-perishable items include, cereal, pasta, sauces, rice and canned foods. He says most mail carriers participate in the drive and for you to participate, just leave your bag of food outside of your mailbox on Saturday morning and your mailman will collect it during their route.

Cut 5  (09)  “the mail”

 Toiletries and other personal items can also be donated during the drive along with food. McKinney says the majority of the food donations stay local.

Cut 6 (05)  “food pantries”

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The Blue Lives Matter bill has one group questioning who can realistically be victims of hate crimes. The measure seeks to add police officers, firefighters, and EMS as a protected class in Louisiana’s hate crime laws. Ejike Obineme (EH-ji-kay Oh-bi-NEM-ay) with the New Orleans Chapter of the Black Youth Project 100 does not support the bill. He says police are not the victims of hate crimes.

CUT 7 (06)  “does not” 

Obineme says it doesn’t make sense for armed people to shoot at unarmed people and then claim to be in danger. He says far more people are killed by police violence than officers killed in hate crimes.

Cut 8  (12)  “the police” 

But Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says there have been instances of hate crimes against cops and firefighters around the country. He says one officer was shot while he was pumping gas in Houston.

Cut 9 (09)  “police officers”

Harris says lawmakers need to pass this bill to protect our civil servants.

Cut 10 (06) “going on”

The bill is waiting to be heard on the Senate floor for final passage.

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Health professionals have recommended for some time to wear sun protection while outdoors and now they say it’s also smart to do so while riding in a vehicle. Chair of Ophthalmology at LSU Health New Orleans, Dr. Jayne Weiss, says side windows in cars only block about 65% of the UV rays.

cut 11 (11) “side windows”

She cites a study demonstrating that left-sided skin cancer was more common in those who spent a lot of time driving. Weiss says overexposure to UV rays can lead to serious health problems, like skin cancer and cataracts. She says people need to wear sun protection inside the vehicle as well.

cut 12 (08) “your eyes”

Weiss says the level of protection from side windows can vary from one vehicle to the next. She says although driving with the windows up is not perfect, it’s still better than driving with the windows down.

Cut 13 (07)  “time driving”

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Thousands of college students receive their degree today and they are now set to enter the workforce. Recruiting consultant with the Eastman Group, Tom Hanson says hiring for entry level positions has increased since last year.

cut 14 (08)  “three months”

Today, LSU will hand out a record number of degrees, with over four-thousand students participating in commencement ceremonies.  Hanson says based on the National Labor Board, companies are hiring college grads, but the competition is tough.

Cut 15 (09) “positions”

Hanson says healthcare and engineering are always majors that see job opportunity. But he says grads looking to get hired in the oil and gas industry will have to be patient. Hanson says with technology becoming more and more important, computer science will be a key career field.

Cut 16  (10)  “software development”

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UL Lafayette is at South Alabama in a battle of leaders in the Sun Belt Conference this weekend. The Ragin Cajuns are three games back of the Jaguars. The two teams lead the league in pitching and UL Lafayette Coach Tony Robichaux says South Al is a pesky team at the plate….

Cut 17 (21)  “from running” 

The Cajuns will face one of the top pitchers in the nation tonight. Senior right-hander Kevin Hill is 8-1 with a 2.23 ERA. Robichaux says they’ll need to have some timely hits tonight…

Cut 18 (18) “match em”

The LSU baseball team is in Knoxville for the start of a three-game series against Tennessee. The Tigers are looking to improve on their 14-10 league record, while the Vols are just 7-17 in the SEC. LSU Coach Paul Mainieri is surprised by Tennessee’s record…

Cut 19 (12) “other day”

Mainieri says his fielders will need to be on their toes this weekend…

Cut 20 (15) “with them”

State Police are asking for the public’s help in finding the two vehicles involved in a fatal hit and run that killed a skateboarder in Hammond. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Legislation to allow sex surveys to be given to public school students fails in a Senate committee. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (28)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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State police are looking for two vehicles involved in a fatal hit and run that took the life of a skateboarder in Hammond. Trooper Dustin Dwight says 26-year-old Erin Gerhard was skateboarding down the right side of University Avenue near S-L-U’s campus around 10pm last night when he was hit by two different vehicles.

CUT 3 (09)  “the scene”

Dwight says troopers believe the vehicles involved are a pickup truck and a dark colored sedan. He says they are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the motorists responsible for Gerhard’s death.

CUT 4 (09)  “the case”

Dwight says Gerhard was severely injured and pronounced dead at the scene. He says the investigation in ongoing.

CUT 5 (07)  “they can”

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Legislation to allow victims of domestic violence with a protective order to carry a concealed handgun for 45 days without training will be heard in the Senate after getting approval from the House. Denham Springs Rep. Valarie Hodges, says her bill provides an expedited process for a victim to seek concealed carry training. She says victims often times feel like they’re in imminent danger from their abusers.

CUT 6 (08) “a class”

Hodges says the proposal will be called the Brandi Trahan Act, in honor of a Carlyss woman who was murdered by her estranged husband. Baton Rouge Rep. Patricia Smith expressed her concerns about how the victim’s children could get their hands on the weapon because their parent hasn’t had proper training.

CUT 7 (10) “happened a lot”

Hodges says domestic abuse victims in this situation will know the responsibility of having a gun, even though they may not have gone through the training.

CUT 8 (06) “is dangerous”

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State lawmakers did not receive any good news today in terms of higher than expected revenues to help reduce the budget deficit.  The Revenue Estimating Conference met this morning and did not change next fiscal year’s revenue forecast. Economist Manfred Dix says low tax collections impacted the estimates.

CUT 9 (07) “relatively low”

The REC determined that unemployment has been rising in Louisiana since September, the price of oil has not gone up as much as they’d hoped, and tax collections were lower than anticipated. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says lawmakers did not see the overall growth that they wanted to see. He says they will have to stick with the revenue estimate they have.

cut 10 (07)  “going forward”

Senate President John Alario says legislators may need to take another look at raising revenues when they meet for a second special session next month, which means another revenue estimating conference could be called.

Cut 11 (08) “June time”

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The Senate Education Committee votes against a bill that would allow public schools to survey high school students about sexual health. Shreveport Rep. Robert Carmody told the panel, the survey can help determine which schools are most effectively getting the message across about sex education and allow other schools to follow their example.

cut 12 (07) “local levels”

West Monroe Sen. Mike Walsworth opposes the legislation and says schools aren’t doing enough with sexual education but this isn’t the way to go about it.

Cut 13 (09)  “not true”

St. Tammany Parish resident Sarah Woods says this survey will not do anything to stop the sex and drugs by students. She says we’re now reaping what we sowed when God was removed from schools.

cut 14 (10)  “intimate questions”

Author of the legislation, Baton Rouge Rep. Patricia Smith, says we need to do something about teenage pregnancies and high rates of sexual diseases among teens.

cut 15 (09) “run rampant”

The full House is expected to discuss the proposed budget for next fiscal year today, including whether or not the TOPS scholarship program will be fully funded next year. Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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A bill that would allow patients direct access to physical therapists instead of receiving a doctor’s referral first heads to the full House. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The Senate approved measure that would require private employers to pay men and women the same for equal work is scheduled to be heard today in the House Labor Committee…:

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The full House is expected to discuss today whether the TOPS scholarship program should be fully funded for next school year, as they address the proposed budget for next fiscal year. Publisher of LaPolitics.com, Jeremy Alford, says he’s spoken with some lawmakers on the Senate side, who are torn on the matter.

cut 4  (10)  “other organizations”

Alford says TOPS was not fully funded in the governor’s proposed budget, but it is funded in the modified proposal from the House Appropriations Committee. He expects to see more changes made to HB1 as it moves through the legislature.

Cut 5  (06)  “dramatic changes”

Alford says the TOPS funding issue will likely be brought up again before the end of this fiscal year, regardless of what happens to the program in the proposal before the lower chamber today.

Cut 6 (04)  “fully funded”

Other budget concerns include the Attorney General’s Office requesting its own separate budget, talk of eliminating the Inspector General’s Office completely, and more cuts to the state’s health budget.

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Senate approved legislation that would give patients direct access to a physical therapist rather than getting a doctor’s referral first now moves to the full House. Family physician and occupational medicine specialist Dr. Robert Rush is in favor of the legislation and says many people in the orthopedic field are stuck in the past. Rush says direct access to a physical therapist is a time and money saver.

CUT 7 (10)  “systems business” 

President of the American Physical Therapy Association Sharon Dunn says early therapy with an episode of pain reduces costs up to 60-percent. She says it’s time for Louisiana citizens to have the right to choose physical therapy first.

Cut 8  (09)  “epidemic” 

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Doug Bostick spoke in opposition to the legislation because he believes the bill threatens patient safety and medical care. He says providing treatment without a medical diagnosis can be dangerous leading to inappropriate care.

Cut 9 (10)  “medical diagnosis”

Lafayette Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Scott Yurger says physical therapists are not part of the diagnostic team and never have been. He says many people in Louisiana can’t afford to pay for physical therapy…

Cut 10 (10) “a diagnosis”

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The Senate approved measure that would require private employers to pay men and women the same for equal work is scheduled to be heard today in the House Labor Committee today. A woman in Louisiana makes an average 66 cents on the dollar compared to men. Tulane Business Professor Mark Rosa says hardly anyone would argue against men and women earning equal pay, but it’s not that simple:

cut 11 (11) “complicated”

Rosa says what he’s seen in most businesses is that women tend to shoulder more of the care for home life, which is where he thinks most of the pay disparity comes from. He says women seem to be away from the workplace more than men due to things beyond her control such as maternity leave or caring for a relative…:

cut 12 (10) “promotional chances”

Critics of the equal pay bill feel it would expose small businesses to more lawsuits, and make their establishments more vulnerable to competition if their pay and benefits packages were made public. If this law passes Rosa says it would likely mean an outside entity, such as an auditor, would have to be involved in employee pay…:

Cut 13 (08)  “a difference”

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After a lengthy debate, the House approved a measure to expand the list of conditions medical marijuana can be used to treat. New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno supports the proposal. She says there are families with sick children in Louisiana who need this medication. Moreno says there would still be strict limitations surrounding medical cannabis.

cut 14 (07)  “medical marijuana”

But Bossier City Representative Mike Johnson opposes the legislation. He says he wants to help these kids, but he doesn’t want to give more people in Louisiana access to this schedule I narcotic.

Cut 15 (04) “Pandora’s Box”

Johnson says many medical professionals do not support this kind of legislation. He quoted the American Epilepsy Society, saying medical cannabis can actually make some conditions worse.

Cut 16  (11)  “seizures”

Johnson also says there are FDA-approved drugs that treat some of the diseases in the proposal. But Moreno says just because a drug is approved by the FDA, doesn’t make it the best option.

Cut 17 (12)  “they cause” 

The measure passed on a 62-31 vote but goes back to the Senate for them to agree to changes made by the House.

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