Former Iberville Parish teacher of the year will spend two years behind bars for having sex with three of his former students. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A Houma man has been arrested after he shot and killed his neighbor’s Pitbull because the dog bit his son. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (28)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A Houma man is facing animal cruelty charges after he allegedly shot and killed his neighbor’s pit bull. Sgt. Travis Theriot says 60-year-old Karl Kohman shot the 2-year-old dog after the K-9 bit his son.

CUT 3 (12)  “handgun”

Theriot says Kohman’s 34-year-old son was walking through the neighbor’s yard when the dog bit him on the ankle. He says Kohman hid the dog’s body after the shooting.

CUT 4 (06)  “local bayou”

Theriot says Kohman faces charges of aggravated cruelty to animals, illegal use of a weapon, obstruction of justice, and criminal trespassing. Theriot says if someone is bit by a dog, they should never take matters into their own hands.

CUT 5 (09)  “be taken”

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Former Iberville Parish teacher, Keavin Keith, will spend two years in prison for having sex with three of his former students. Keith was sentenced to 10 years in jail for five counts of felony carnal knowledge, but eight of the years were suspended. Sheriff Brett Stassi says he suggested 10 years of hard labor, but the decision is ultimately up to the courts.

CUT 6 (09) “sentence is”

Keith was the Iberville Parish teacher of the year in 2013. Stassi says DNA evidence found Keith fathered a child with one of his victims.

CUT 7 (10) “run in”

Keith pleaded no contest to all charges. Stassi says he hopes this conviction shows that behavior like that will not be tolerated in Iberville Parish.

CUT 8 (08) “held accountable”

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Police say a child was killed in Ruston this morning after being struck by her mother’s vehicle as she was dropping her child off at school. Ruston Police Deputy Chief Clint Williams says first responders arrived at New Living Word Church shortly before eight AM and made a heartbreaking discovery.

CUT 9 (09) “Ford Explorer”

Williams says it appears the 4-year-old child tried to exit the vehicle while it was still moving and fell out. He says the child was unresponsive when the EMTs arrived.

cut 10 (07)  “the child”

Williams says no charges have been filed against the child’s mother. He says the child apparently tried to get out of the vehicle while it was still moving.

Cut 11 (10) “the vehicle”

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The Edwards Administration is very concerned about state funding for healthcare, as the full House is set to debate the proposed spending plan for next fiscal year. Department of Health and Hospitals Sec. Rebekah Gee says the House budget committee shifted dollars away from DHH and this could lead to multiple hospital closures and would eliminate jobs that inspect potentially unsafe facilities…

cut 12 (10) “no sense”

Gee says the budget proposal approved by the House Appropriations Committee will also lead to major cuts to multiple waiver programs, including those that keep patients out of nursing homes and developmentally disabled children in their homes. She says DHH has over 230 million dollars in unmet needs.

Cut 13 (06)  “the impact”

House Appropriates Chairman Cameron Henry defended the reallocating of the dollars during a discussion of the proposed budget.

cut 14 (07)  “bit more”

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The Raise the Age Bill is moving closer to final legislative passage, as it has been approved by the House Criminal Justice Committee without objection. The measure would increase the age at which someone can be tried as an adult for nonviolent crimes from 17 to 18. Executive Director for the Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights Joshua Perry supports the bill. He says a mistake at 17 shouldn’t ruin someone’s life.

cut 15 (12) “higher education”

Pete Adams with the District Attorneys Association says his office has withdrawn their objection to the proposal. Perry says DA’s would still be able to prosecute some 17-year-olds as adults.

cut 16 (10) “hate crime bill”

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

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The TOPS Scholarship is no longer guaranteed to cover a student’s full tuition starting in the fall of 2017, as Governor Edwards has signed a bill into law that decouples the award amount from tuition increases. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Sensible Marijuana Policy for Louisiana released two billboards to encourage people to call their legislators to vote in favor of expanding access to medical marijuana. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Authorities say a Prairieville woman has been arrested after her child ate methamphetamine. Gonzales police Sgt. Steven Nethken says 21-year-old Tyler Dauzat took her 2-year-old to the hospital when the child began exhibiting “erratic behavior.” Nethken says Dauzat was staying in a local hotel, when she left her child alone with her purse.

CUT 3 (08)  “her purse”

Nethken says the mother was at first evasive in answering questions at the hospital, but a blood screen of the toddler showed meth in her system.

CUT 4 (10)  “the methamphetamine”

Nethken says the child was stabilized and taken to a Baton Rouge Pediatric Center. He says Dauzat was subsequently arrested.

CUT 5 (09)  “minor child”

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Governor Edwards signs into law a bill that means the TOPS scholarship is no longer guaranteed to cover the full cost of a student’s tuition, starting in the fall of 2017. The bill locks in the amount of a TOPS scholarship at next year’s amount, and the award will not automatically increase, even if tuition costs go up. Executive Director of the Taylor Foundation, Dr. James Callier, says tuition increases have hurt the scholarship program.

CUT 6 (06) “increases”

If tuition costs continue to rise, students will have to pay more of their tuition, unless the legislature agrees to increase TOPS payments. Mandeville Senator Jack Donahue says this bill won’t solve all of the TOPS funding issues, but it’s a start.

CUT 7 (05) “we have”

Donahue says TOPS has been beneficial to Louisiana students, and the program needs to be preserved for future students as well.

CUT 8 (06) “forever”

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Sensible Marijuana Policy for Louisiana has launched billboards in Baton Rouge and Shreveport in hopes to encourage people to contact their legislators to vote in favor of legislation that would expand access to medical marijuana. SMPL spokesperson Jacob Irving says if you don’t make an effort, lawmakers will assume you don’t care.

CUT 9 (10) “yourselves”

The Louisiana Sheriff’s Association opposes broadening the access to medical marijuana because they believe it will lead to the legalization on recreational pot. Katie Corkern is featured on the billboard and is mom to Connor, who has a seizure disorder. She says Connor is on six FDA approved medications that do not control his seizures and cause horrific side effects that are withering his body away.

cut 10 (08)  “talk about”

President of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of South Louisiana and father to John, a child suffering from Crohn’s disease, Alan Pesch says the medicine John is currently taking can cause a rare form of cancer. He hopes this legislation will pass and allow people from other states to come to Louisiana to receive medical marijuana.

Cut 11 (10) “to Louisiana”

The bill that would add more medical conditions that could utilize medical marijuana is expected to be debated on the House floor tomorrow.

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The yearbook from West Monroe’s Good Hope Middle School is full of smiling children, and one very special furry friend. Presley, a service dog, got her own headshot in the yearbook next to her owner, 14-year-old Joseph “Seph” Ware, who has muscular dystrophy. Sonya Hogg is the yearbook advisor at Good Hope, and she says the 5-year-old golden doodle got her picture because to everyone at the school, Presley is just another student.

cut 12 (04) “quiet student”

Hogg says Presley follows the schedule and sits in class just like all the other students. She says Presley even signed the kids’ yearbooks, with a little help from Seph.

Cut 13 (05)  “from Presley”

Presley’s yearbook debut is making headlines across the country, but Hogg says it was a natural decision to include her. She says the purpose of the yearbook is for kids to look back years later and remember their time at the school.

cut 14 (08)  “love her”

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An attack on a member of law enforcement, firefighters or EMS would be considered a hate crime under a measure headed to the Senate floor. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says the hate crime law currently covers violence against people because of their race, gender, religion, age, disability or nationality — and this bill expands that…:

cut 15 (07) “EMS”

There was little discussion on the bill in Senate committee and there was no objection. Some have expressed concern about opening up the hate crime law to occupations, and say the measure is not necessary. But Harris says we need to add additional protections for those assigned to protect and serve…:

cut 16 (10) “hate crime bill”

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A House Committee is proposing to give Attorney General Jeff Landry more control over his office’s budget by removing it from the state’s general operating budget. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A poll finds the 52% of Louisianans would vote for Republican Donald Trump and 36% would vote for Democrat Hillary Clinton. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Bossier Parish Deputies say a school bus driver has been arrested for a DWI, shortly after she dropped of a busload of kids at school. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A House committee proposes to give Attorney General Jeff Landry more power over his budget. House Appropriations Chairman, Cameron Henry of Metairie, says Landry requested more freedom to determine how to spend his agency’s allotted state funds.

cut 4  (10)  “move money around”

The House Appropriations Committee voted 17-6 to remove the A.G. office from the state’s general operating budget and give Landry his own budget. But New Orleans Representative Walt Leger doesn’t think this move is constitutional.

Cut 5  (07)  “the past”

Governor John Bel Edwards says this action is not only unconstitutional, it’s just bad policy.

Cut 6 (09)  “agencies”

The House appropriations panel also voted to eliminate the Inspector General’s Office from the proposed budget, saying it overlaps with work done by state police, the attorney general, and legislative auditors. But Inspector General Stephen Street says his agency investigates tough political cases that other agencies will not.

CUT 7 (11)  “place else” 

___________________________________________________

A bill to require warnings 500 feet ahead of red-light camera intersections heads to the house floor for final legislative passage. The author of the legislation, New Orleans Sen. Troy Carter, believes this would limit the ability for cities to bring in revenue, which currently collects a substantial amount.

Cut 8  (06)  “due notice” 

Carter says right now there is barely any opportunity for a driver issued a red-light camera ticket to take their case to court. He says the second part of the bill is to provide for due process.

Cut 9 (09)  “to challenge”

Carter says this would allow a person the opportunity to prove their case, whereas currently you get a ticket and that’s it.

Cut 10 (08) “be heard”

___________________________________________________

A poll from JMC Analytics finds if the presidential election was held today, the majority of Louisianans would pick Republican Donald Trump over Democrat Hillary Clinton, 52 to 36-percet. Pollster John Couvillon says nearly 6 in 10 voters disapprove of Clinton.

cut 11 (10) “frank remarks”

 According to the poll of over 600 likely voters, 47-percent approve of Trump, while 43-percent disapprove. Couvillon says among woman voters, 48% support Trump while 41% do not.

cut 12 (10) “like that”

Couvillion says the poll also found people in the Alexandria area really support Trump, where he has 66-29-percent lead. He says he found very little evidence of Republican disunity in the poll.

Cut 13 (10)  “republicans”

_______________________________________________

Deputies say a Bossier parish school bus driver has been arrested for a DWI, immediately after she dropped of dozens of children. Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lt. Bill Davis says 33-year-old Bridget Whitley reported for a random drug screen after her morning route, where she showed signs of intoxication.

cut 14 (10)  “for DWI”

This is Whitley’s 2nd DWI, and Davis says she admitted to investigators that she had been drinking the night before this incident. He says he can’t believe someone would endanger children like this.

Cut 15 (11) “of parents”

Davis says this drug test was random, and none of the children on the bus reported anything unusual about Whitley that morning. He says these random tests are typical for parish employees.

Cut 16  (05)  “happened here”

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LSU shortstop Kramer Robertson is expected to play tonight against Notre Dame, despite a badly swollen upper lip and braces on his top teeth after getting hit with a baseball last weekend. Coach Paul Mainieri says Robertson is one tough cookie and a big reason why they’ve won 31 games this year,..

Cut 17 (20)  right now” 

The Tigers begin a two-game series against the Fighting Irish tonight. After tomorrow’s game, LSU will begin a three-game series against Tennessee on Friday. Mainieri believes his players will enjoy this five-game road trip…

Cut 18 (12) “these kids”

Senior left-hander John Valek will pitch tonight. Valek was the Tigers Sunday starter for most of the season, but lost that role, because of poor production. Valek says he’s looking forward to another opportunity on the mound…

Cut 19 (16) “pitch again”

Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden has filed paperwork to run for Congress. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana is ranked third most dangerous state for teen drivers, according to a new study from Carinsurance.com. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Baton Rouge mayor Kip Holden has filed his paperwork to run for Congress. Holden is expected to challenge fellow Democrat and incumbent US Representative Cedic Richmond, who represents the 2^nd District which covers New Orleans and parts of the River Parishes and Baton Rouge. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Holden, who is term-limited as a mayor, is a strong candidate.

CUT 3 (08)  “for him”

While Holden will have support from Baton Rouge voters, Pinsonat says he may need to get support from organizations in New Orleans to win more votes in that area.

CUT 4 (05)  “very viable”

Pinsonat says Holden’s campaign for Lt. Governor last year was unsuccessful, probably because he didn’t raise enough campaign money. He says Holden will have to do a lot better with his fundraising this year…

CUT 5 (11)  “just announcing”

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A new study from Carinsurance.com shows Louisiana is the third most dangerous state for teen drivers. Highway safety advocate, Col. Jim Champagne is not surprised because he says we give teen drivers too much freedom at an early age.

CUT 6 (12) “until 18”

Champagne says Louisiana also allows driver’s permits at 15, but the rest of the country doesn’t allow permits until 16, and the driving curfew for teen divers is earlier in other states. Champagne says we are giving our kids the ability to seriously hurt themselves, their passengers, and other drivers.

CUT 7 (09) “the nation”

The study also found Louisiana teens are driving drunk at a rate of 9-percent, and 49-percent are texting and driving. Champagne says unfortunately law enforcement is too busy with other traffic problems to pay enough attention to teen drivers.

CUT 8 (10) “our teens”

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The Jimmy Davis Bridge in Shreveport-Bossier City will not get its planned renovation anytime soon because the construction contract has been terminated. Department of Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallett says the plan has been halted because of a protected species of bird that’s nesting on the bridge.

CUT 9 (10) “the work”

Mallett says the Highway 511 Bridge will still be renovated, as soon as DOTD can figure out the best way to go about repairing the bridge without hurting the cliff swallows living there.

cut 10 (12)  “painting issue”

Mallett says the 23-million dollars is still allocated for the project. He says there are multiple angles to tackling this issue, and that’s what DOTD officials are looking into now.

Cut 11 (05) “Shreveport area”

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The House Appropriations Committee has approved a spending plan for next fiscal year that fully funds TOPS. The governor’s proposed budget only funded a third of the costs associated with the program. Chairman, Cameron Henry of Metairie, says they came up with the 183-million dollars to fully fund TOPS by taking dollars from other departments…

cut 12 (06) “for priorities”

While speaking to the Baton Rouge Press Club today, Governor John Bel Edwards expressed concerns about cutting funding from various agencies that have already seen their budgets slashed…

Cut 13 (08)  “dollar amounts”

Henry says making sure tuition for TOPS scholarships are fully funded is a priority. But Edwards says an across the board cut in other areas of the budget to get that accomplished is not a good idea…

cut 14 (08)  “of thing”

Today, the House Appropriations Committee is expected to approve a proposed budget for next fiscal year that will fully fund TOPS. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The tiny Tensas Parish town of St. Joseph may finally get their water problems resolved, as members of the governor’s staff are there today to discuss fixing the brown tap water. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The U.S. Senate election is six months away and so far it’s been a slow race. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (25) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A bill that would prohibit open burning of explosives and munitions could be withdrawn from the regular session. There’s opposition from a company called Clean Harbors, which has a location near Colfax that open burns. Minden Rep. Gene Reynolds says he’s talked with Clean Harbors and the state department of environmental quality….

cut 4  (05)  “things out”

Reynolds says if lawmakers and Clean Harbors are able to come up with a reliable solution, the bill will no longer be necessary.

Cut 5  (10)  “in statute”

Reynolds says in the bill’s place would be a House resolution which would call for local input before Clean Harbors can receive a new permit next year.

Cut 6 (05)  “working on”

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Key members of the Governor’s staff are in St. Joseph today, where  brown water is flowing from faucets in the Tensas Parish town. The governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Julie Baxter Payer, says they are there to inform St. Joseph residents about what’s being done to improve the drinking water…

CUT 7 (08)  “as possible” 

Baxter Payer says there is $7.8 million available to repair the town’s water system, but unfortunately St. Joseph cannot receive the money, because it has yet to complete a 2015 financial audit. She says they are waiting on a court to approve a financial manager that will be assigned to improve the town’s financial records…

Cut 8  (10)  “status” 

Residents of St. Joseph say the tap water has been pale yellow to murky brown for over 8 years. Baxter Payer hopes everyone will come out to their 5pm meeting to discuss the water.

Cut 9 (10)  “to come”

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We’re six months away from Louisiana’s U.S. Senate election and it’s been a slow race so far. That’s the opinion of ULM Political Science Professor, Dr. Joshua Stockley, who says we haven’t seen or heard much from the nine declared candidates. He says this election is very similar to last year’s governor’s election.

Cut 10 (10) “to date”

Stockley says we’ll see an uptick in attention to the race after the major party conventions in the summer. He says right now, many voters are focused on the state’s budget problems and the legislative session.

cut 11 (10) “attuned”

Stockley says the presidential election will likely play a role in who wins this Senate seat. He says right now, the favorites are any of the major Republican candidates.

cut 12 (10) “picks up”

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The House Appropriations Committee will vote today on a proposed budget for next fiscal year that’s expected to fully fund the TOPS scholarship program. Governor John Bel Edwards proposed spending plan only allocated a third of the approximately 300-million dollars needed to fully cover tuition costs for eligible students. Chairman of the committee, Cameron Henry of Metairie, says that’s not enough….

Cut 13 (07)  “that’s covered”

If legislators fully fund TOPS that means 183-million dollars will be moved from other areas of the budget. Edwards says it would be great if the state can cover 100-percent of the costs for TOPS, but that will mean less state funding for hospitals, public education and state prisons…

cut 14 (05)  “do that”

But Henry says TOPS is a priority for a majority of House members and if state agencies receive less funding next fiscal year than they currently receive, they’ll have to make do…

Cut 15 (09) “for them”

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After couple of wild victories on Friday and Saturday night, LSU had a normal win on Saturday as they defeated Arkansas 7-1 on Mother’s Day. After giving up nine runs on Saturday, the Tigers had a much better pitching performance on Sunday. Freshman Caleb Gilbert made his first start and pitched five scoreless innings. Coach Paul Mainieri was proud of Gilbert’s performance…

Cut 16  (15)  “the stretch”

LSU catcher Jordan Romero put the game out of reach with a three-run homer in the 5th inning. Romero’s team-leading 8th home run came on a 3-0 pitch…

Cut 17 (18)   off of it” 

LSU’s Kramer Robertson played on Sunday despite a huge fat lip, after getting hit by a ball on Saturday night on a throw from the outfield. Robertson had one hit in Sunday’s win and Mainieri admires the toughness of his starting shortstop…

Cut 18 (17) “the team”

Mother’s Day is Sunday and the Department of Health and Hospitals is reminding moms to get regular health checks. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Louisiana prosecutors decide not to file any criminal charges in the death of a mentally ill man, who was shot and killed by sheriff deputies last December. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 2 (28)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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With Mother’s Day on Sunday, the Department of Health and Hospitals is urging all women to get regular health checks, including mammograms. Secretary Rebekah Gee says she lost her mother to breast cancer when she was 16 and doesn’t want others to go through the same experience. Gee says you don’t want to wait until it’s too late.

CUT 3 (07)  “your doctor”

The American Cancer Society suggests women 45 to 54 should get yearly mammograms to detect breast cancer. Gee says many women are scared to get mammograms, but she says cancer isn’t a death sentence.

CUT 4 (10)  “be treated”

Gee says cervical cancer screenings are also important and there are many vaccines to prevent cervical cancer. She recommends women get regular PAP tests starting at age 21 every three to five years.

CUT 5 (07)  “as well”

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

Louisiana prosecutors ruled this morning that no charges will be filed in the fatal officer-involved shooting of a mentally-ill man last year. State Police say 32-year-old Michael Noel was shot and killed at his home in St. Martin parish last December when officers attempted to take him into protective custody. St. Martin Parish Assistant District Attorney Chester Cedars says no one was charged in the incident, because there was no crime.

CUT 6 (08) “the law”

In March, Noel’s relatives sued St. Martin Parish Sheriff Ronald Theriot and the two deputies involved in the incidence, claiming the shooting was unprovoked. Noel reportedly attacked the officers as they attempted to subdue him and drive him to a hospital. Cedars says Noel was posing a threat to the officers before the shooting.

CUT 7 (08) “both officers”

Noel’s mother, Barbara, told the Associated Press she is “furious” no criminal charges were handed down against the deputies. The officers reportedly shocked Noel with a stun gun, but he allegedly tried to stab one of the officers with an unsecured handcuff. Cedars says the officers did what they had to do.

CUT 8 (11) “criminal offense”

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Saturday’s PowerBall jackpot has reached a whopping 415 million dollars. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kimberly Chopin says this is the 7^th largest PowerBall jackpot ever. She says buying your mom a Powerball ticket for Mother’s Day will definitely make a great gift.

CUT 9 (07) “as well”

Chopin says there is a 17-percent chance that Saturday’s PowerBall jackpot will be hit and the cash value of the jackpot is estimated to be 270 million dollars. She says the recent PowerBall jackpots have boosted ticket sales 50-percent from this time last year.

cut 10 (10)  “jackpots”

Chopin says it only takes one ticket to win. She says the PowerBall gets so much attention because when the jackpot gets this high, everyone talks about what they would do with their money.

Cut 11 (08) “big wins”

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The 2016 Competitive Alternatives study by the firm KPMG shows that north Louisiana is the most competitive place to do business in the country. Scott Martinez, President of the North Louisiana Economic Partnership, says that’s due to a business friendly environment.

cut 12 (11) “availability”

Monroe and Shreveport ranked as the top two most competitive business markets, and Louisiana cities make up 8 of the top 10 for competitive markets. Martinez says low utility costs in north Louisiana also help businesses.

Cut 13 (10)  “competitively priced”

The data from the study shows that Monroe and Shreveport each rank about 8-percent lower than the national average for business costs. Martinez says north Louisiana has been ranked at the top of the most affordable places to do business since 2008.

cut 14 (07)  “in particularly”

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With only four more weeks left in the regular session, Emelie Gunn looks at what legislators will be discussing before they adjourn on June 6^th…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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 With Mother’s Day on Sunday, many people will treat Mom to a nice meal. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Senator Fred Mills’ bill, which expands the list of medical conditions that medical marijuana can be used to treat, has the support of Governor John Bel Edwards. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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There is a month left in the legislative session and lawmakers still have a lot to. Jeremy Alford with LaPolitics.com says the budget is the biggest concern for legislators. He says lawmakers are working to pass a balanced budget with a 600 million dollar shortfall before the session ends on June 6^th and funding TOPS is a major priority.

cut 4  (10)  “that amount”

The House Appropriations committee is expected to make changes to the proposed budget for next fiscal year on Monday and send the spending plan to the House floor. Alford also says one of the governor’s main bills for the session, a measure that raises the minimum wage, faces an uphill climb.

Cut 5  (10)  “budget crunch”

Governor John Bel Edwards is expected to call a second special session in June. It make take a second special session to figure out funding for TOPS. Alford says one bill that will likely be signed by the governor soon, is a measure that could one day lead to TOPS recipients no longer having their full tuition paid for…

Cut 6 (07)  “rate increases”

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Mother’s Day is this Sunday and restaurants will be packed with families getting together to celebrate Mom. Louisiana Restaurant Association spokesperson Erica Burns says this is the most popular day of the year to dine out. She advises husbands and kids, if you haven’t made a reservation yet, do so now before it’s too late.

CUT 7 (10)  “a restaurant” 

Burns says many restaurants have specials or even give gifts to honor Mom. He says both fine dining and every day restaurants book up quickly around lunch for Mother’s Day.

Cut 8  (09)  “at night” 

Burns says Valentine’s Day is the next biggest holiday where people go out to eat. She expects to see a lot of families outdoor dining with the nice weather that’s expected.

Cut 9 (05)  “Mother’s Day”

___________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards says he supports Parks Senator Fred Mills’ bill to expand the list of diseases medical marijuana can be used to treat. But Edwards says this is not a step towards legalization of pot.

Cut 10 (09) “that direction”

Edwards says he knows of many people, especially children who need medical cannabis to cope with a disorder. He says the state shouldn’t stand between doctors and the parents when it comes to what’s best for those children.

cut 11 (07) “to move”

Mills’ medical marijuana legislation is facing opposition from district attorneys and sheriffs, because they are concerned that too many people might have access to the drug. Edwards believes medical marijuana should be available for those with seizure disorders, but he’s also interested in limiting the number of disorders the drug could be used for.

cut 12 (07) “medical conditions”

Mills’ bill has already passed out of the Senate and is awaiting approval by the full House.

_______________________________________________

Strippers in Louisiana could soon be required to be at least 21 years old, as a bill to raise the minimum age for strippers is heading to the House for final legislative approval. Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns told the House Judiciary Committee he authored the bill to combat sex trafficking.

Cut 13 (07)  “strip clubs”

Jim Kelly, executive director of the Covenant House in New Orleans, supports the bill. Kelly says he knows many young girls who are victims of sex trafficking that end up working in strip clubs at a very young age.

cut 14 (08)  “same establishment”

Amite Representative Robby Carter also supports the legislation. He says lawmakers need to do something to stop human trafficking in Louisiana.

Cut 15 (08) “or something”

The bill was unanimously approved by the House Judiciary Committee.

__________________________________________________________

LSU Baseball Coach Paul Mainieri will start Alex Lange on the mound tonight against Arkansas, instead of Jared Poche, who has been the Tigers Friday night starter for most of the season. Mainieri likes how Lange has been throwing the ball lately…

Cut 16  (17)  “dominating stuff”

LSU enters tonight’s game with an 11-10 record in SEC Play, while Arkansas is just 7-and-14. But Mainieri is expecting three tough games with the Razorbacks….

Cut 17 (15)   always been” 

Lange says he’s excited about the Friday night start, his first in regular season play….

Cut 18 (08) “the opportunity”

The five uncommitted Marco Rubio delegates in Louisiana have announced they will support Donald Trump, as he is now the presumptive Republican nominee. Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (24)  “I’m Don Molino”

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A Senate approved bill to legalize the sale of raw milk was shot down in a House committee. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Louisiana’s five uncommitted Marco Rubio delegates have announced that they will back the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump. Kirk Williamson, a Louisiana delegate, says the delegates are following the voters’ lead.

CUT 3 (06)  “the fall”

Williamson says the most important thing right now is party unity. He thinks one way to achieve that would be for Trump to choose Rubio as his running mate.

CUT 4 (10)  “vice president”

Williamson says the delegates will rally behind the candidate who has the best chance of defeating the Democratic opponent in the general election. He says although all Republicans may not like Trump, it’s better than the alternative.

CUT 5 (08)  “nominee”

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A measure is making its way through the legislature that would prohibit Louisiana cities from receiving state dollars for construction projects if they don’t enforce federal immigration law. The bill is heading to the Senate after a lengthy debate on the House floor. Denham Springs Representative Valerie Hodges says sanctuary cities are a threat to national security.

CUT 6 (03) “that’s anarchy”

The bill could hurt Lafayette and New Orleans because they are considered sanctuary cities. New Orleans police has a policy in which they do not assist with federal immigration enforcement, and the Lafayette Sheriff’s Office says it won’t hold offenders for Immigration and Customs Enforcement without a court order. Hodges says cities should not work against federal agencies.

CUT 7 (09) “federal authorities”

But New Orleans Representative Walt Leger opposes the bill. He says it’s not the local governments place to have to do the federal government’s job.

CUT 8 (10) “immigration laws”

Under this proposal, the Attorney General would decide if a sanctuary city would be able to borrow state dollars for construction projects. Leger says this would hurt New Orleans if the city wanted to update the infrastructure at the port of New Orleans.

CUT 9 (11) “in infrastructure”

Governor John Bel Edwards says he has some concerns with the legislation as well.

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A bill to legalize the sale of raw milk died in a House committee today. State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says pasteurizing milk kills the bacteria and removes the risk. He says federal government agencies agree that there are significant risks when it comes to drinking raw milk.

cut 10 (09)  “see deaths”

Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain says there will continue to be outbreaks of disease if raw milk is legalized. He says raw milk is 150 times riskier to drink than pasteurized milk.

Cut 11 (10) “post contamination”

Sponsor of the bill, Ville Platte Sen. Eric LeFleur, says right now, people who want to drink raw milk have to buy it in other states or on the black market. He says this bill is about the freedom of choice and raw milk would not be sold in grocery stores.

cut 12 (10) “your neighbor”

Wendy Adams with the Libertarian party says she supports the legislation because this bill is about freedom and choice. She says no one is in any danger of walking into a supermarket and accidentally buying raw milk rather than pasteurized milk.

Cut 13 (10)  “your family”

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The State Fire Marshal has put out a warning about electronic cigarettes, after two people were recently burned in Louisiana when their vaporizing device exploded. Deputy Chief Brant Thompson says in both cases the batteries in the vaping mods overheated…

cut 14 (11)  “caught fire”

A Baton Rouge man suffered second and third-degree burns to his leg and hand after the battery in his device overheated, and a Houma man also suffered serious burns when his mod exploded. Thompson advises people to be careful when carrying batteries to make sure they don’t come in contact with other metal objects. He says it’s also important to make sure the batteries are in good condition.

cut 15 (11) “for use”

Thompson warns people against using cheap knock off batteries, as they may be more likely to overheat. He says use the right battery for your mod.

cut 16 (08) “retailers”

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The House has approved a measure to allow public high school students to participate in a national survey on sexual risks. Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (22)  “I’m Don Molino”

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Since Ted Cruz and John Kasich have both dropped out of the presidential race, Donald Trump is now the presumptive Republican nominee. Michelle Southern has the story…

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A bill to allow public high school students to participate in a national sex survey scarcely got enough votes to pass the House. Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith authors the bill. She says Louisiana has a high rate of STDs and pregnancy among teens. Opponents of the bill say it’s the parents’ place to talk about these things with their kids, but Smith says that isn’t working.

CUT 3 (09)  “policy”

Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle supports the legislation. She says lawmakers need to do something to prevent the cases of STDs and teen pregnancy from continuing to increase.

CUT 4 (09)  “the problem”

Students would not be required to participate, and parents would be able to opt their child out.  Shreveport Representative Thomas Carmody also spoke in support of the bill. He says the survey is anonymous, and it is not mandatory.

CUT 5 (10)  “their behavior”

The measure passed on a 53-40 vote and moves to the Senate.

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A bill to restrict college athletic teams in Louisiana, except for LSU, from traveling more than 375 miles to play games has been withdrawn. Baton Rouge Rep. Steve Carter, says he’s decided not to push his measure further, but told the House Education Committee we’re using taxpayer dollars to fund athletic programs when the state is in a massive budget deficit.

CUT 6 (09) “TOPS kids”

Carter says he’s trying to make a point on the state’s priorities. He says there are a lot of out of student athletes using state dollars to travel when this money could be used to prevent cuts on the academic side….

CUT 7 (04) “be spent”

Carter says money used to fund long road trips for athletic teams could be put towards hiring new professors or for the TOPS scholarship program.

CUT 8 (09) “with TOPS”

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The Powerball Jackpot for tonight’s drawing is up to $348 million. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says this jackpot is one of the top ten biggest jackpots in lottery history.

CUT 9 (08) “jackpot ever”

Chopin says Powerball has been producing big jackpots that the players have come to expect.

cut 10 (12)  “jackpot”

Chopin says Louisiana has had 15 Powerball jackpot winners. She says the last jackpot winner from Louisiana was in May of 2014. She says a Louisianan is due to win the grand prize again

Cut 11 (10) “in 2008″

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Donald Trump is now the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, as both Ted Cruz and John Kasich have both dropped out of the race. UL-Lafayette political science professor Pearson Cross says Trump might start to reign in some of his controversial comments to get more voters to rally behind him.

cut 12 (08) “the convention”

Cross says not all Republicans will be happy to see Trump uncontested at the convention, but he doesn’t think the GOP will look for another nominee.

Cut 13 (07)  “some of that”

Cross says Trump probably cannot count on getting much of the Democratic vote, because most Bernie Sanders supporters say they would support Hillary Clinton if Sanders didn’t get the nomination. Cross says Republicans will likely do what they can to market Trump to more of the party.

cut 14 (10)  “support him”

A study finds Louisiana ranks as the 4^th worst state for working moms. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (25) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The state department of health and hospitals is providing guidance to prevent the spread of the Zika virus. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The man behind the viral Crime Stoppers videos, Captain Clay Higgins, has released another video, which seems to hint the he may run for public office. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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220 retired research chimps at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s New Iberia research center will move to a new sanctuary in Blue Ridge, Georgia. Project Chimps is a non-profit organization and has negotiated with the university to move the chimps over the next several years. President Sarah Baeckler Davis says starting in June, chimps will start moving to the 236-acre sanctuary.

cut 4  (07)  “moved here”

Baeckler Davis says the NIRC decided to retire the chimps from research in 2015 before they were reclassified under the Endangered Species Act. She says the Georgia sanctuary will be the perfect environment to house the retired chimpanzees.

Cut 5  (10)  “a kitchen”

Baeckler Davis says this is the first time a non-federal program has released an entire population of research chimpanzees.

Cut 6 (06)  “retirement facility”___________________________________________________

Louisiana is the 4^th worst state for working moms, according to a study by the personal finance website, WalletHub. WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzalez says they looked at the cost of daycare, professional opportunities, and work and life balance. She says daycare and professional opportunities led to Louisiana’s poor ranking.

CUT 7 (07)  “ranked 47th” 

Gonzalez says in terms of daycare quality, Louisiana scored a 57 out of 150 points. She says the state also has a lot of single mothers living in poverty.

Cut 8  (10)  “in poverty” 

Gonzalez says Louisiana also ranked 43^rd for the gender pay gap.

Cut 9 (07)  “at least”

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State health officials are offering guidance on how people can prevent the transmission of Zika virus. Dr. Frank Welch, with the department of health and hospitals, says the mosquito that carries Zika will be active in Louisiana this summer, but it won’t just be mosquitoes spreading the virus.

Cut 10 (11) “feel ill”

Welch says the virus can also be transmitted through sexual contact. He says if someone has a partner who has traveled to South America or the Caribbean, they need to take extra precautions, especially if the woman is pregnant.

cut 11 (09) “her baby”

Welch advises people to clear any standing water out of their yards, and wear long sleeves, pants and mosquito repellant. He says Southeastern Louisiana, and Lake Pontchartrain in particular, will be high risk areas because that’s where the mosquito that carries Zika lives.

cut 12 (10) “areas are”

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Captain Clay Higgins, who achieved fame for his viral crime stoppers videos, has released another video where he addresses a few of his concerns about our country, even hinting that he may consider running for public office. Higgins told the Jim Engster Show the response to his video has been incredible.

Cut 13 (09)  “the country”

Higgins says after he resigned from the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, he wasn’t sure what direction his life would take. He says before he decides to run for an elected office, he wanted to put his feeling about the state of the nation out there.

cut 14 (10)  “nation faces”

In the newest viral video, Higgins says America’s once respected status has been diminished and national debt has skyrocketed because of career politicians in Washington. Higgins says if he is called by the people of his state and his country to serve, he would step up to the plate.

Cut 15 (08) “these things”

Higgins says if he decides to run for office, he’ll make the announcement sometime next week.

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LSU Coach Paul Mainieri says he will make changes to the weekend pitching rotation. The Tigers have lost their last two SEC series as Sunday starter John Valek has been hit hard and junior left-hander Jared Poche has given up 10 earned runs in his last two starts. Mainieri says he’ll announce the new pitching rotation on Thursday….

Cut 16  (08)  “midweek games”

The Tigers will begin an SEC Series against Arkansas on Friday. Mainieri says SEC teams have caught on to how Valek pitches, but the coach believes will bounce back after a couple of rough outings…

Cut 17 (23)      we need him”

With three SEC series left, the Tigers are in fourth place in the West division with an 11-10 record. Mainieri anticipates his team will finish the regular season strong….

Cut 18 (24) “third baseman”