The new action-drama film, Free State of Jones, starring Matthew McConaughey, comes out in theaters today. Emelie Gunn has an update on Hollywood South…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

There’s more turmoil with Grambling State’s administration. Halen Doughty reports…

Cut 2 (26) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

After 19 weeks of trying to come up with a way to solve a massive budget deficit, lawmakers are finally done with their work. Jeff Palermo tells us how they did…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________________

The Louisiana filmed movie, Free State of Jones, starting Matthew McConaughey comes out in theaters today. Executive Director of Celtic Studios Patrick Mulhearn says the movie revolves around a Mississippi farmer who tries to secede from the Confederacy. He says the movie is set during the Civil War and was filmed in 10 different Louisiana parishes.

cut 4  (10)  “the map”

“Free State of Jones” is just one of several Louisiana shot films that will be shown on the silver screen later this year. The others are Bad Moms, When the Bough Breaks, the Magnificent 7 and Deepwater Horizon. He says unfortunately movie production is down this year, but there is still some activity…

Cut 5  (10)  “parish area”

Mulhearn says right now, Georgia is the hot state for movies as about 40 movies are filming in the Peach State. He says Hollywood South in Louisiana has hit a temporary lull and lawmakers can look at making changes to the state’s film incentive program next year, which could help spur movie production again…

Cut 6 (09) “fair share”

___________________________________________________

The LSU Board of Supervisors will vote today on whether or not their AgCenter will grow medical marijuana that would be sold to patients who receive prescriptions for the drug. Spokesperson for the LSU AgCenter Frankie Gould says the law passed this year that expanded the diseases for which the drug can be prescribed, also outlined two possible growers for the plant.

CUT 7 (09)  “medical marijuana”

The new drug will be a pill containing cannabis oil, and it will not be smoke able. Gould says LSU has the ability to grow the plant in their AgCenter. But she says they have a lot to consider before committing.

Cut 8  (07)  “of things”

Gould says they are still unsure if growing medical marijuana is a worthwhile investment, especially since state funding for colleges has been slashed in recent years. She says it could take $10 to $20 million to produce medical marijuana.

Cut 9 (07)  “of ifs”

_______________________________________________

An Abbeville man will spend the rest of his life in prison for fatally shooting a Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s deputy. District Attorney Keith Stutes says 22-year-old Quintylan Richard entered a plea of guilty on the two-year anniversary when he shot Deputy Allen Bares.

Cut 10 (07) “difficult circumstance”

Authorities say Bares was gunned down after confronting Richard and an alleged accomplice about a home they just robbed. Stutes says Richard will not get the death penalty, but he will spend the rest of his life in jail. He says the trial was set for next year, but everyone was ready to put this tragedy to rest.

cut 11 (11) “final decision”

Stutes says Richard did show some remorse for his crime. He says in the courtroom Richard apologized to the family and Bares’ wife.

cut 12 (10) “some remorse”

Bares was 51-years-old and spent 12 years as a deputy with the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s office.

________________________________________________

Just before midnight, the Louisiana legislature gave final approval to a spending bill that calls for the TOPS scholarship program to be fully funded for the fall semester. West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth says it’s the right thing to do…

Cut 13 (09)  “tuition free”

But legislators left Baton Rouge without fully funding TOPS. Under the plan approved by lawmakers, TOPS students would only have 42-percent of their tuition covered for the spring semester. Walsworth says hopefully the state will see higher than anticipated revenues as a result of taxes passed this year and rising oil prices…

cut 14 (09)  “we need”

Several democrats call the front-loading of TOPS a budget gimmick. Governor John Bel Edwards doesn’t anticipate a higher than expected amount of revenues rolling in, so TOPS students will be left with a big tuition bill for the spring semester…

Cut 15 (08) “time of year”

________________________________________________

As expected former LSU star Ben Simmons was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the first overall pick in the NBA Draft. He’s the second player from LSU to be taken with the top pick. Shaquille O’ Neal was the first in 1992. Simmons says this is a dream come true

Cut 16  (08)  “accomplish that” 

The 19 year-old averaged 19 points a game in his only season in Baton Rouge. He also averaged a dozen rebounds and five assists a contest. Simmons says he’s worked hard to get himself ready for life in the NBA.

Cut 17 (15)  “of experience”

_____________________________________________________

The Pelicans selected the shooter they craved with the sixth overall pick as New Orleans drafted Oklahoma guard Buddy Hield. The All-American averaged 25 points a game last season as he guided the Sooners to the Final Four. Hield made 46-percent of his 3-point shots. Hield says he’s thankful for the opportunity to play in New Orleans….

Cut 18 (14) “Anthony Davis”

General Manager Dell Demps says Heild is a phenomenal player and the player they targeted. Hield on what he’ll bring to the Big Easy..

Cut 19 (17) “organization better”

The new action-drama film, Free State of Jones, starring Matthew McConaughey, comes out in theaters today. Emelie Gunn has an update on Hollywood South…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

There’s more turmoil with Grambling State’s administration. Halen Doughty reports…

Cut 2 (26) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

After 19 weeks of trying to come up with a way to solve a massive budget deficit, lawmakers are finally done with their work. Jeff Palermo tells us how they did…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________________

The Louisiana filmed movie, Free State of Jones, starting Matthew McConaughey comes out in theaters today. Executive Director of Celtic Studios Patrick Mulhearn says the movie revolves around a Mississippi farmer who tries to succeed from the Confederacy. He says the movie is set during the Civil War and was filmed in 10 different Louisiana parishes.

cut 4  (10)  “the map”

“Free State of Jones” is just one of several Louisiana shot films that will be shown on the silver screen later this year. The others are Bad Moms, When the Bough Breaks, the Magnificent 7 and Deepwater Horizon. He says unfortunately movie production is down this year, but there is still some activity…

Cut 5  (10)  “parish area”

Mulhearn says right now, Georgia is the hot state for movies as about 40 movies are filming in the Peach State. He says Hollywood South in Louisiana has hit a temporary lull and lawmakers can look at making changes to the state’s film incentive program next year, which could help spur movie production again…

Cut 6 (09) “fair share”

___________________________________________________

The LSU Board of Supervisors will vote today on whether or not their AgCenter will grow medical marijuana that would be sold to patients who receive prescriptions for the drug. Spokesperson for the LSU AgCenter Frankie Gould says the law passed this year that expanded the diseases for which the drug can be prescribed, also outlined two possible growers for the plant.

CUT 7 (09)  “medical marijuana”

The new drug will be a pill containing cannabis oil, and it will not be smoke able. Gould says LSU has the ability to grow the plant in their AgCenter. But she says they have a lot to consider before committing.

Cut 8  (07)  “of things”

Gould says they are still unsure if growing medical marijuana is a worthwhile investment, especially since state funding for colleges has been slashed in recent years. She says it could take $10 to $20 million to produce medical marijuana.

Cut 9 (07)  “of ifs”

_______________________________________________

An Abbeville man will spend the rest of his life in prison for fatally shooting a Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s deputy. District Attorney Keith Stutes says 22-year-old Quintylan Richard entered a plea of guilty on the two-year anniversary when he shot Deputy Allen Bares.

Cut 10 (07) “difficult circumstance”

Authorities say Bares was gunned down after confronting Richard and an alleged accomplice about a home they just robbed. Stutes says Richard will not get the death penalty, but he will spend the rest of his life in jail. He says the trial was set for next year, but everyone was ready to put this tragedy to rest.

cut 11 (11) “final decision”

Stutes says Richard did show some remorse for his crime. He says in the courtroom Richard apologized to the family and Bares’ wife.

cut 12 (10) “some remorse”

Bares was 51-years-old and spent 12 years as a deputy with the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s office.

________________________________________________

Just before midnight, the Louisiana legislature gave final approval to a spending bill that calls for the TOPS scholarship program to be fully funded for the fall semester. West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth says it’s the right thing to do…

Cut 13 (09)  “tuition free”

But legislators left Baton Rouge without fully funding TOPS. Under the plan approved by lawmakers, TOPS students would only have 42-percent of their tuition covered for the spring semester. Walsworth says hopefully the state will see higher than anticipated revenues as a result of taxes passed this year and rising oil prices…

cut 14 (09)  “we need”

Several democrats call the front-loading of TOPS a budget gimmick. Governor John Bel Edwards doesn’t anticipate a higher than expected amount of revenues rolling in, so TOPS students will be left with a big tuition bill for the spring semester…

Cut 15 (08) “time of year”

________________________________________________

As expected former LSU star Ben Simmons was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the first overall pick in the NBA Draft. He’s the second player from LSU to be taken with the top pick. Shaquille O’ Neal was the first in 1992. Simmons says this is a dream come true

Cut 16  (08)  “accomplish that” 

The 19 year-old averaged 19 points a game in his only season in Baton Rouge. He also averaged a dozen rebounds and five assists a contest. Simmons says he’s worked hard to get himself ready for life in the NBA.

Cut 17 (15)  “of experience”

_____________________________________________________

The Pelicans selected the shooter they craved with the sixth overall pick as New Orleans drafted Oklahoma guard Buddy Hield. The All-American averaged 25 points a game last season as he guided the Sooners to the Final Four. Hield made 46-percent of his 3-point shots. Hield says he’s thankful for the opportunity to play in New Orleans….

Cut 18 (14) “Anthony Davis”

General Manager Dell Demps says Heild is a phenomenal player and the player they targeted. Hield on what he’ll bring to the Big Easy..

Cut 19 (17) “organization better”

This morning two Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Deputies were serving a felony warrant in Monroe when the suspect tried to flee and shot both deputies. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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

The US Supreme Court issues a ruling regarding affirmative action and it has a connection to Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (28)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

Two Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Deputies were shot while serving a felony warrant in Monroe. Sheriff Jay Russell says the deputies arrived at the home of 26-year-old Rickie Wade, Jr. when they were notified he was in the back of the house. One deputy went through the home and the other went around the outside of the house.

CUT 3 (12)  “once also”

Russell says one deputy was shot in the leg, and the other near his face. He says they are both undergoing surgery. He says Wade was found just a few blocks from the home a couple hours later. He says the Swat team pumped OC gas into the house to get the suspect out of the residence without hurting him.

CUT 4 (10)  “team members”

Wade has had several warrants in the past few years for everything from burglary and theft to violating a protective order and domestic violence battery. Russell says this so-called scumbag needs to be behind bars.

CUT 5 (08)  “this community”

Russell says one of the wounded deputies is a 25 year veteran with OPSO, and the other is a 30 year vet. Their names have not been released, pending family notification.

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

A brand new state-of-the-art breast imaging center, offering revolutionary hi-tech methods for breast cancer detection, is opening today in Shreveport. Marilyn Joiner is the spokeswoman for the WK Breast Health Center. She says doctors there will use 3D technology which lets them do a mammogram and a biopsy at the same time…:

CUT 6 (09) “to get a report”

Joiner says the new center offers the northwest Louisiana region convenient hours for patients to come for screening exams before and after work. She says detecting breast cancer at its earliest stages makes treatment more effective:

CUT 7 (11) “surgery”

The American Cancer Society recommends that every woman over 40 be examined for breast cancer once a year. Joiner says they are very excited about this facility that is unlike any other in the region…:

CUT 8 (06) “of their patient”

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

A new law goes into effect on August 1 that expands the felony for assaults on police officers. West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth says under the previous law, assaulting an officer with anything other than a gun was a misdemeanor. He says this new law expands that language to include the use of any weapon in the felony language, not just a firearm.

CUT 9 (10) “is assault”

Walsworth says the idea for this law came about when two police officers in Monroe were attacked by someone wielding an ax last year. He says we need to ensure that people who go after law enforcement are put behind bars.

cut 10 (08)  “private citizen”

Beginning in August, the felony for assaulting an officer could land someone in jail for up to 10 years. Walsworth says this law means individuals who assault cops will receive consequences more in line with their actions.

Cut 11 (06) “a firearm”

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

Since February, legislators have been trying to solve a massive budget deficit and in this second special session they’ve increased tax revenue by at least 258-million dollars. House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry says that money will go toward mitigating cuts safety net hospitals and the TOPS scholarship program…

cut 12 (07) “are funded”

The second special session must conclude by midnight tonight. It appears based on the tax revenues available, the TOPS will only be funded at 70-percent, which means recipients of the state funded scholarship program will have to pay a portion of their tuition for the first time. Henry says he’s comfortable with how the legislature addressed funding for TOPS…

Cut 13 (09)  “fund TOPS”

Governor John Bel Edwards went into this special session asking legislators to raise 600-million dollars in revenues in order to avoid cuts to public schools, health care services, prisons and medical schools. Henry says there was only a certain point the legislature was willing to go to fully fund government…

cut 14 (06)  “we did”

___________________________________________

Today, the Elmer Chocolate factory in Ponchatoula cuts the ribbon on a 40-million dollar expansion. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

The special session ends at midnight tonight, and there’s still uncertainty surrounding the budget for next fiscal year. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Law enforcement is mourning over the loss of a sheriff’s deputy from suburban New Orleans. Halen Doughty has details on the investigation…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________________

President Obama signed a bill into law that puts regulations in place to make chemical plants safer. U.S. Senator David Vitter is a co-sponsor of the legislation and says this benefits Louisiana residents, because it creates a federal system to make sure chemicals are made safely based on the latest science…

cut 4  (07)  “done that”

Vitter says the law gives a reasonable set of regulations with a single handbook that our companies can follow to remain a world leader in innovation. He says before this, states were developing their own inconsistent regulatory systems which wasn’t working.

Cut 5  (11)  “with them”

Vitter says this law gives the EPA the tools they need to properly test chemical plants in a timely manner so the burdens placed on the manufacturers aren’t extreme. He says the chemical industry is in support of these new regulations.

Cut 6 (10) “our economy”

___________________________________________________

The Ponchatoula-based company Elmer Chocolate cuts the ribbon on their new $40 million expansion today. Elmer president and CEO, Robert Nelson, says they are excited to open their expanded facility right here in the Bayou State.

CUT 7 (10)  “the world”

Elmer is best known for its Easter candy, but Nelson says that only accounts for 10-percent of their total sales. Nelson says the new facility will include technology to make the company more efficient. He says this is good news for Elmer’s employees.

Cut 8  (12)  “our community”

The expansion is 70-thousand feet, bringing the total plant to 400-thousand square feet. Nelson says they will not make any new chocolates, but…

Cut 9 (08)  “very efficiently”

_______________________________________________

There’s uncertainty involving next fiscal year’s budget as the second special session ends today. Lawmakers have approved legislation that raises tax revenues by $258 million. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says there could be one more attempt to raise even more revenue, as the Edwards administration is pushing legislators to approve a bill that would reduce a tax break many upper income earners enjoy.

Cut 10 (07) “governor wants”

Pinsonat says it’s unlikely the House will go along with the attempt to reduce the excess itemize deduction that can be claimed on state income taxes. He says the governor’s level of success in this second special session will come down to this bill.

cut 11 (10) “on it”

Legislators also have to determine how to allocate the revenues that have been generated in this special session. Pinsonat says there are still questions over how much money lawmakers really have to work with.

cut 12 (09) “just passed”

The special session ends tonight at midnight.

________________________________________________

Law enforcement around the state are mourning the death of 50-year-old Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Deputy David Michel, who was fatally shot yesterday while attempting to conduct a pedestrian stop. Police say a suspect is in custody. JPSO Chief Deputy Craig Taffaro says it’s a sad day for those who knew Michel.

Cut 13 (05)  “he had”

Authorities say Michel was shot three times in the back after an altercation with a black male pedestrian. After the shooting he was rushed to a local hospital, where he died less than an hour later. Taffaro says he spoke with Michel’s father when he was driving in from Mississippi.

cut 14 (05)  “to do”

Michel worked in street crimes and had been with the sheriff’s office since 2007. Taffaro says he knew Michel well because the two worked in the 4^th District at one time.

Cut 15 (02) “always cheerful”

________________________________________________

The Pelicans have the sixth overall pick in tonight’s NBA draft. Fox Sports college basketball writer Aaron Torres says several mock drafts have the Bees taking Providence point guard Kris Dunn…

Cut 16  (22)  “long run” 

The Pelicans might want to use their first round pick on a good shooter. Two of the best shooters in this draft are Oklahoma’s Buddy Hield and Kentucky’s Jamal Murray. Torres says there’s a good chance one of those players will be available at six…

Cut 17 (15)  “that one”

Former LSU star Ben Simmons is expected to be the number one overall pick and join the Philadelphia 76ers rebuilding effort. Duke’s Brandon Ingram would be the other potential number one pick. Many question if Simmons deserves to be the top overall pick after failing to lead LSU to the NCAA Tournament. But Torres predicts Simmons will have a great NBA career…

Cut 18 (12) “bum rap”

________________________________________________________

New Louisiana Tech Head Baseball Coach Lane Burroughs says plans to take the Bulldogs to Omaha. Burroughs says he’s not shy about high expectations…

Cut 19 (10) “last year”

The Bulldogs are coming off a season where they reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 29 seasons. Burroughs says he has no problem with fans who expect postseason play every year…

Cut 20 (09) “what soever”

The Baton Rouge mother who was arrested after allegedly beating her sons for robbing a neighbor’s house might not have to stand trial, according to District Attorney Hillar Moore. Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (24)  “I’m Don Molino ”

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

The rehabilitation of the Jimmy Davis Bridge in Shreveport-Bossier has been cancelled, and the state Department of Transportation says they’ll build a new four-lane bridge over the Red River instead. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore is not sure yet if he’ll prosecute a Baton Rouge mother who was arrested after allegedly beating her children for breaking into someone’s home. Police say 30-year-old Schaquana Spears was charged with two counts of child cruelty for whipping her three children with an electrical cord. Moore understands parents need to discipline their children.

CUT 3 (11)  “been pretty”

People from all over the nation have taken to social media in support of Spears’ actions. Authorities say the 10, 12, and 13-year-olds broke into a neighbor’s house and stole a hover board, electronics, and socks. He says there is a difference between discipline and child abuse, and his office is looking into the severity of the beating. But he says this may just be a family that needs help.

CUT 4 (11)  “criminality there”

Moore says it will take a while to go through all the facts of this case and decide whether or not to prosecute.

CUT 5 (09)  “is it not”

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

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed into law two bills that will regulate drone use in Louisiana. Baton Rouge Sen. Dan Claitor authored one of the measures and says under his bill, you could be charged with criminal trespassing if you use a drone to peep on your neighbors.

CUT 6 (10) “that’s prohibited”

Claitor says there are some exceptions included in his bill.

CUT 7 (08) “an exception”

The other drone regulation law signed by the governor would prohibit the public from flying drones above schools or jails and prisons. The White House is also implementing rules that allow drones less than 55 pounds to fly up to 100 miles per hour and 400 feet high within the view of the operator. Claitor says he doesn’t expect to file any more legislation on the issue.

CUT 8 (09) “to speak”

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

The state Department of Transportation cancels plans to rehabilitate the Jimmy Davis Bridge over the Red River in Shreveport-Bossier and instead they decide to build a new four-lane bridge. DOTD spokesperson Cindy Dorfner says this new bridge will mean less congestion and an easier drive for commuters.

CUT 9 (12) “and forth”

Dorfner says they aren’t sure at this point how much the new bridge will cost or when it will be complete. She says the old bridge will remain open during the construction. She says they have to get the design process started first.

cut 10 (07)  “the bridge”

Dorfner says they would have spent at least 20-million dollars on rehabbing a 60-year-old bridge, but that would not address the problem of congestion, which is why they’ve made the decision to move forward with a new bridge.

Cut 11 (11) “four lane bridge”

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

The lawyer of a Marksville City Marshall accused of fatally shooting a 6-year-old boy has filed a motion to move the trial out of Avoyelles Parish. 31-year-old Derrick Stafford’s attorney, Christopher LaCour says with all the media coverage he doesn’t believe Stafford can get a fair trial in this parish…

cut 12 (09) “is corrupt”

Stafford and fellow officer Norris Greenhouse Jr. are facing second-degree murder charges in last November’s shooting death of Jeremy Mardis. LaCour says neither Stafford nor Greenhouse intended to kill the autistic boy. He says he wants to give Stafford the best defense he can and that won’t happen if the case is heard in Avoyelles Parish.

Cut 13 (11)  “fair trial”

Stafford and Greenhouse are set to go to trial this fall.

_____________________________________________

K-through-12 public schools will see a cut in state funding as a result of a spending plan approved by the Senate finance committee. The head of the Louisiana School Board Association, Scott Richard (Ree-shard), says if schools receive fewer state dollars, it will jeopardize the successes that have taken place  in public education….

cut 14 (07)  “reading scores”

But on an 8-2 vote, the Senate Finance Committee decided to not to give public colleges a reduction in state dollars, instead K-12 public schools would be put on the chopping block. Shreveport Senator Gregory Tarver says universities have been cut enough….

cut 15 (09) “other schools”

This spending proposal still has to be approved by the full Senate and House before the special session ends at midnight on Thursday. Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns also supports the idea that public colleges shouldn’t be cut any further…

cut 16 (06) “young people”

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

Attorney General Jeff Landry and law enforcement officers are partnering to stop the production and distribution of child pornography. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (26) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Former state legislator Ebert Guillory has released eye raising ad in support of his candidacy for the 4^th district Congressional race. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

The industrial tax exemption program that benefits large manufacturers is costing local governments 1.6 billion dollars a year, according to Together Louisiana. Jeff Palermo reports…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________________

Attorney General Jeff Landry and law enforcement are teaming up to tackle cyber-crimes against children. Landry says since April, 57 alleged perpetrators have been arrested for the distribution and possession of child pornography as part of “Operation Broken Heart”

cut 4  (09)  “that exploitation”

 State Police is assisting in the effort to reduce internet crimes against children. Superintendent Col. Mike Edmonson says parents can help in this battle by being vigilant and keeping a close eye on your kids online activities…

Cut 5  (10)  “with them”

 Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre says no parish or town is immune from cyber-crimes and it needs to be a priority for law enforcement, because victims of internet crime tend to because unlawful individuals later in life……

Cut 6 (09) “children”

___________________________________________________

Former state senator Elbert Guillory is in the race for the 4^th Congressional District seat, and he’s running a very unique YouTube ad to gain voters’ support, by using coconuts as a metaphor. He can be seen in the ad standing behind a podium, holding a mesh bag with two coconuts.

CUT 7 (12)  “has coconuts”

This is not the first time Guillory has made a bold statement in an ad. Last year in the race for Lt. Governor, he used the n-word multiple times to “start a dialogue on race.” UL-Lafayette political science professor, Pearson Cross, says Guillory is trying to build his name recognition in northern Louisiana, as he resides in St. Landry Parish.

Cut 8  (10)  “big way”

Cross says this seems to be an emerging trend in politics, where candidates are becoming less politically correct. In the recent ad, Guillory demonstrates that idea, saying there are not enough “coconuts” in Washington, D.C.

Cut 9 (12)  “our homeland”

Cross says Guillory may be inspired to make these wild statements by presidential candidates Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders. He says Guillory may feel like people want elected officials who are not afraid to say what others may not want to say.

Cut 10 (09) “the person”

_______________________________________________

A group called Together Louisiana says the state gives away 1.6 billion dollars in local tax revenue as a result of the industrial tax exemption program, which benefits large manufacturers. Together Louisiana spokesperson Broderick Bagert says school districts, parishes and other local entities are missing out on these dollars.

cut 11 (03) “tax money”

Bagert says local school districts and police departments in particular can really use this money. He says under the constitution, Governor John Bel Edwards has the authority to overhaul this program and allow local governments approve the exemption.

cut 12 (08) “on them”

Tax and Finance Council Director for the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, Jim Patterson, says 40 states give this kind of exemption. Patterson says this exemption draws big companies to build new facilities in our state. He says without this exemption, many businesses might not come to Louisiana.

Cut 13 (07)  “our state”

________________________________________________

With two days left in special session, lawmakers are struggling to raise enough money to tackle the state’s massive budget deficit. Jeremy Alford of LaPolitics.com says right now legislators are just short of raising 300 million dollars and Governor John Bel Edwards has asked for 600 million to cover the shortfall for next fiscal year. He says conservatives in the House say they’ve reached their saturation point on passing revenue generators.

cut 14 (11)  “more revenue”

Alford says the supplemental budget bill is currently in the Senate Finance Committee and right now, TOPS is funded at around 70-percent. He says other areas still don’t have adequate funding.

Cut 15 (10) “prisons”

Alford says so far, the legislature is poised to raise about 284 million dollars in new revenue. But he says the shortfall for next fiscal year is estimated at 600 million dollars and possibly even higher than that…

Cut 16  (08)  “being down” 

The governor has formed a Justice Reinvestment Task Force that aims to safely reduce the incarceration rate and cost of housing inmates. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Halen Doughty ”

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

Louisiana ranks 48^th in the country when it comes to child well-being according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

A Justice Reinvestment Task Force has been established that will develop ways Louisiana can safely lower its prison population and reduce the cost of housing inmates. Corrections Secretary James LeBlanc says Louisiana incarcerates more residents per capita than anywhere else in the world and hopefully this task force can come up with solutions that the legislature will approve in 2017.

CUT 3 (07)  “some sense”

LeBlanc says many of the reforms will be aimed at the local level, because half of the prison population are housed in sheriff’s jails. He says right now they lack the needed resources on the local level that can provide an alternative to housing an offender in jail.

CUT 4 (09)  “that access”

LeBlanc says the recommendations will be a combination of legislation, policy, and budget reforms. He says one way they can reduce the recidivism rate is by making sure released inmates have access to healthcare and the state’s expanded Medicaid program should help in that area.

CUT 5 (07)  “big issue”

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

When it comes to child well-being, Louisiana ranks 48^th in the country, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2016 Kids Count Data Book. Teresa Falgoust with the Agenda for Children says we rank so low because the number of kids in poverty in Louisiana is higher than in most other states. She says poverty drives a lot of other indicators of child well-being.

CUT 6 (09) “factor here”

Falgoust says the problem is getting worse with more children living in poverty and more children whose parents don’t have secure employment. She also says more families are burdened with high housing costs, which means parents don’t have a lot of money left over for food, clothing, and other needs.

CUT 7 (06) “on housing”

But Falgoust does says Louisiana teens are more likely to graduate on time and the teen birth rates in the state are dropping. She also says Louisiana children rank 7thin preschool attendance and literacy has improved.

CUT 8 (09) “71%”

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

The governor has signed a bill into law that raised the age threshold for victims of sex trafficking from 18 to 21. Before this law, victims ages 18 to 21 could have been arrested for prostitution. Executive Director of Project 41, Lindsey Nadler, says sex trafficking is a bigger problem in Louisiana than people may realize. The Polaris Project reports almost 350 cases of sex trafficking reported in Louisiana since 2012. Nadler says there are likely even more cases than that.

CUT 9 (07) “as criminals”

Nadler says human trafficking occurs heavily along interstate routes, which means some areas of the state are hotspots.  She says they thrilled about the new law because jail is not what these victims need.

cut 10 (08)  “here locally”

Under the new law, denying knowing the victims’ age cannot be used as a legal defense, and those convicted of sex trafficking will have to register as sex offenders and could spend between 15 and 50 years in jail. Nadler says there a plenty of things people can do to get involved in the fight against human trafficking.

Cut 11 (10) “is key”

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A recent study released by ManpowerGroup finds that New Orleans is the worst city for jobs during the summer months. According to the survey, The Big Easy has only a 1% net employment outlook for the third quarter of 2016. Baton Rouge is at 2%. But LSU Economist Dr. Loren Scott says the state of the oil industry is what is driving the majority of the job losses in Louisiana…:

cut 12 (10) “at all there”

The outlooks report was put together by asking employers in the top 100 metropolitan areas how they expect to see their payrolls between now and September. The numbers in are not seasonally adjusted, and Scott believes New Orleans ranks so low because tourism takes a big hit in the summer…:

Cut 13 (07)  “heat is brutal”

Scott says there is some truth to the report that construction of large scale construction projects between New Orleans and Baton Rouge is slowing down due to the energy market. But he says right in the middle is St. James Parish, where there are a large number of huge potential projects that are in the design and financing stages…:

cut 14 (11)  “New Orleans area”

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A Shreveport man has been arrested after he broke a historic monument while trying to climb on top of it. Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, Cindy Chadwick, says surveillance footage shows 27-year-old Tromell Cornelious playing a trumpet and walking around in front of the Caddo parish courthouse after midnight on June 10.

cut 15 (11) “arm off”

Chadwick says Cornelious was arrested today when police found him at a Greyhound bus stop trying to leave town. She says he won’t face many charges, because they don’t believe he broke the monument on purpose.

cut 16 (06) “with tresspassing”

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Toledo Bend on the Texas-Louisiana border came in as the number one fishing destination in the country for the second straight year. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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We’re in the final days of the second special session of the year, and lawmakers are still arguing over TOPS funding. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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 LSU’s Pennington Biomedical is looking for volunteers ages 50 to 85 to participate in a research that aims to slow memory loss caused by Alzheimer’s. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (25) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana ranks third in the country for lightning claims, according to State Farm. Roszell Gadson with State Farm says in 2015, the insurance company paid out over $6 million on almost 14-hundred lightning claims, averaging $46-hundred each.

cut 4  (07)  “related losses”

Gadson says this week is Lightning Safety Awareness Week. He says they want to encourage people to make sure their homes are properly grounded. He says if you have an expensive device or appliance, you should plug it into a surge protector.

Cut 5  (08)  “thousands of dollars”

State Farm reports lightning is most frequent during June, July, and August. Gadson says people should take precautions when lightning storms hit.

Cut 6 (10) “lower ground”

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Louisiana anglers rejoice as Toledo Bend has been ranked the number one bass fishery in the country for the second straight year by Bassmaster. Magazine Editor James Hall says the 185-thousand acre reservoir in Sabine and DeSoto Parishes has better catch rates in quality and quantity than every other fishery in the country. He says you don’t have to be a professional to reel in a great catch at Toledo Bend.

CUT 7 (10)  “bass fishing”

Hall says this is the first time in the history of ranking the best fishing destination in America that one fishery has won back to back or even won twice. He says there were over 130 10-pound bass catches at Toledo Bend this year.

Cut 8  (11)  “is fantastic”

Caddo Lake ranked number 7 in Bassmaster’s Central Division of top 25 best fisheries. Hall says tourism in the area increased 23-percent last year when Toledo Bend ranked 1. He expects this trend to continue…

Cut 9 (10)  “go back”

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With three days left in the special session, lawmakers are arguing over how much to fund TOPS. A bill approved by the House funds the scholarship program at 70-percent. Bogalusa Representative Malinda White believes fewer dollars should go to TOPS in favor of more money for hospitals that provide care for the poor and uninsured. She asked them what they would do if they came upon a wreck in her district and a safety net hospital was closed, because of a lack of funding.

Cut 10 (11) “to college”

White says the same people who want to fund TOPS did not vote in favor of revenue raising measures to get the funding. She says hospitals should take priority with the funds that are available.

cut 11 (09) “or death”

Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala urged House members not to take any more funding away from the scholarship program. He says LSU students will leave the state for better scholarship opportunities or attend cheaper schools if they do stay in Louisiana.

cut 12 (11) “or Nicholls”

If TOPS is only funded at 70-percent, all TOPS students will get a portion of their tuition paid for, but will have to cover the rest. Bacala says he would like to see TOPS funded at least at 80-percent…

Cut 13 (10)  “a promise”

The Senate Finance committee will talk more about TOPS funding at its meeting today. The special session ends Thursday at midnight.

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LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is looking for volunteers for a first-of-its-kind study to slow memory loss as a result of Alzheimer’s. Director of Pennington’s Institute for Dementia Research, Dr. Jeffery Keller, says they’re seeking people ages 50 to 85 who are concerned about their memory and don’t have a confirmed case of Alzheimer’s Disease to undergo this new investigational treatment.

cut 14 (11)  “from occurring”

Keller says this is a lengthy three year study, but it’s necessary because the disease forms in individuals who are asymptomatic and don’t show symptoms. He says Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the country, with 15 million people expected to be diagnosed by 2050.

Cut 15 (10) “disease”

Keller says this study is extremely promising because this approach has appeared to be something that’s moved the needle in people with Alzheimer’s. He says they hope this drug can prevent people without symptoms from developing the disease later in life.

Cut 16  (08)  “disease” 

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Thursday night is the NBA Draft and the Pelicans have three picks. The sixth overall pick and then two in the second round. New Orleans General Manager Dell Demps believes they can add some significant pieces around All-Star Anthony Davis…

Cut 17 (14)  “free agency”

Last season’s Pelicans team failed way short of reaching its goal of making the playoffs. The team was hit with multiple injuries. Demps says not having small forward Quincy Pondexter for the entire season was a huge blow…

Cut 18 (16) “us back”

Once the draft concludes, the Pelicans will focus on free-agency. Eric Gordon, Ryan Anderson and Norris Cole are players that the Pelicans will have a chance to re-sign, but Demps says it has to be a good fit…

Cut 19 (20) “everybody”

Data from the Department of Children and Family Services indicate the number of food stamp recipients is declining nationally, but increasing in Louisiana. Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo ”

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Two children died after being locked in a hot pickup truck in Bossier City, and authorities are still unsure of what happened. Halen Doughty has the story…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Authorities continue to investigate the deaths of 3-year-old twins Oliver and Aria Orr, who died after being locked in a hot pickup truck. Bossier City Police spokesperson Mark Natale says at some point Saturday afternoon, the children’s mother realized she didn’t know where the kids were.

CUT 3 (09)  “unresponsive”

A Shreveport television reports the children were in the truck for two hours and temperatures were in the 90s Saturday afternoon. Natale says once the children were found, a neighbor immediately called 911.

CUT 4 (11)  “the hospital”

Natale says a preliminary result from autopsies shows the children died of heat related causes. But He says at this point, authorities have more questions than answers.

CUT 5 (09)  “pickup truck”

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The number of food stamp recipients is increasing in Louisiana, while that rate is falling nationwide. The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services says nearly one in five Louisiana residents are on the federal food assistance program. Director of the Louisiana Budget Project, Jan Moller, says that increase is due to job loss in the oil and gas industry because low oil prices hurt Louisiana’s economy more than other states.

CUT 6 (11) “find work”

According to DCFS, the number of food stamp recipients jumped 9% from April 2015 to April 2016. Some southern parishes saw that rate increase even more, up 37% in Jefferson parish, 26% in St. Martin, and 90% in Cameron. Moller says those rates should go down when oil prices come back up.

CUT 7 (10) “to decrease”

Moller says hopefully these people will not be on the program for long, as the average recipient gets food stamps for nine months. He says we should all be happy that there’s a program to help people get through these tough times.

CUT 8 (10) “their children”

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32-year-old Margaret Sanchez has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the 2012 death and dismemberment of the former Bourbon Street dancer Jaren Lockhart. She also pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice in a Jefferson Parish courtroom and was sentenced to 40 years. Legal analyst Chick Foret says the case is now over and the family finally has closure…:

CUT 9 (09) “involved”

Lockhart was stabbed to death in Kenner, then cut up and tossed into the Gulf of Mexico by Sanchez, and her ex-boyfriend Terry Speaks who has already been convicted of the same crime. Foret says Lockhart has a young child and the family did not want to have to endure a lengthy trial…:

cut 10 (10)  “any appeals”

Sanchez was originally set to appear in court on July 11th on charges of second degree murder, obstruction of justice and conspiracy to obstruct justice. Foret says the Lockhart family has had enough with litigation as the trial of Speaks was a fiasco…:

Cut 11 (10) “that took place”

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The Louisiana approved two bills today that would generate an additional 75-million dollars in tax revenue. If approved by the Senate, legislature will raise nearly 300-million dollars in this special session, far short of the $600 million sought by Governor John Bel Edwards. Political analyst Clancy Dubos…:

cut 12 (10) “for raising taxes”

Dubos says if the budget falls short, then it will be up to lawmakers and the governor to determine what will get cut. He says Governor Edwards has said he would start cutting proportionally over 12 months…:

Cut 13 (10)  “fewer services”

Based on the money that’s been raised as a result of the 2 special sessions, at least 70% of TOPS would be funded under a bill to be heard this afternoon on the House floor. Dubos says this will likely have the biggest affect on Louisianians. He that would mean only 70% of a student’s tuition would be paid instead of all of it…:

cut 14 (11)  “higher tuition”

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The two Alabama football players & North Louisiana natives that were arrested in Monroe in May will not be prosecuted on drug and gun charges due to lack of evidence. DA Jerry Jones told KNOE he didn’t want to ruin the lives of Cam Robinson and Laurence “Hootie” Jones because they’ve been working and sweating while we were all in the air conditioning. Legal analyst Tim Meche…:

cut 15 (09) “and he has the discretion”

The Monroe TV station reported that Jones said he dropped the charges because he could not prove who was in possession of the drugs and the gun in question. Meche says Jones has been in office for over 20 years, and he knows what he’s doing…:

cut 16 (09) “of the cases”

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There are some encouraging upticks in the oil and gas industry, according to the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The Louisiana Right to Life says the state’s abortion rate dropped 10-percent from 2014 to 2015 based on data from the Louisiana Department of Health. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Lawmakers have raised $220 million in taxes during this second special session, and that may be all they can agree to do. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The head of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association says there are some encouraging signs for the struggling industry. LOGA President Don Briggs says one positive sign is that oil prices are near 50-dollars a barrel, after falling to 26-dollars in February.

cut 4  (07)  “for sure”

Briggs says they hope the price can rise some more during the second half of 2016, because of the break-even point for the industry is between 60-and-70-dollars a barrel. He says the price of natural gas is also up, which is particularly good for the northwestern part of the state.

Cut 5  (12)  “Haynesville shale”

Briggs says natural gas is used to power air conditioners, so a hot summer will be good.

Cut 6 (11) “of us”

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The number of abortions that took place in 2015 fell 10-percent from the previous year. That’s based on numbers from the Louisiana Department of Health. Louisiana Right to Life spokesperson Ben Clapper says there were 93-hundred abortions last year, a decrease of about a thousand from the previous year. He credits pregnancy resource centers for the decline….

CUT 7 (06)  “in Louisiana”

Clapper says Caddo Parish had the highest number of abortions in a single parish with 34-hundred. He says based on 2015 data, about 26 abortions are performed every day in Louisiana.

Cut 8  (10)  “considering abortions”

Clapper says the number of abortions could drop even further in 2016, if the U.S. Supreme Court rules later this month that abortion doctors need to have admitting privileges at a hospital.

Cut 9 (09)  “large wave”

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Louisiana has the third worst roads in the country, according to a new report from CarInsurance.com. Oklahoma came in 49^th on the list, and California finished last. Michelle Megna with CarInsurance.com says poor quality roads had a big impact on the state’s low rating.

Cut 10 (10) “49-percent”

The report also indicates that 29% of bridges in the state are classified as structurally deficient. Megna says Louisiana is also the second worst in the nation for how much drivers spend on their car insurance.

cut 11 (11) “insurance rate”

Megna says almost 14% of Louisiana drivers do not have auto insurance. She says the report also looked at how many hours drivers spend stuck in traffic during their daily commutes.

cut 12 (10) “80 hours”

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It looks like the appetite just isn’t there for lawmakers to raise any more taxes. Governor John Bel Edwards asked legislators to increase revenue by 600-million dollars in this special session, but it appears the legislature will fall way short of that figure. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says many lawmakers believe they’ve raised enough revenue.

Cut 13 (11)  “we implemented”

Last night, state representatives failed to pass a measure that would limit excess itemized deductions in personal income taxes, which would have raised an additional 60-million dollars. So far in this session, the legislature has approved tax changes that would generate 220-million dollars. Harris says this money will be spread around to cover shortfalls in TOPS, education and health care services.

cut 14 (09)  “cuts there”

The special session concludes at midnight on Thursday. Governor John Bel Edwards remains hopeful the House will agree to a Senate-approved bill that would force huge industrial businesses to choose between one of two tax credits they currently receive. The measure faces opposition from business groups. Edwards says the legislature needs to do what’s best for the state, not lobbyists…

Cut 15 (10) “we are”

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