Legislation to allow victims of domestic violence with a protective order to carry a concealed handgun with an expedited and temporary permit now moves to the full House. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

A bill to expand the list of diseases for which doctors can prescribe medical marijuana barely made it out of the House Health and Welfare Committee. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Public school students could start getting lessons in personal finance management, if a bill by Minden Representative Gene Reynolds gains more approval in the legislature. The measure has been approved in the House Education Committee with no objection. Reynolds says this proposal would not create a financial literacy course. He says teachers could add finance lessons to the regular curriculum.

CUT 3 (07)  “whole idea”

Reynolds says students in every grade can learn something about money. He says even in kindergarten, you learn to count pennies, which he says could be considered financial literacy. He says many schools are already teaching students about finance management.

CUT 4 (06)  “special projects”

The bill now moves to the House floor.

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

Another proposal aimed at public schools by New Orleans Representative Walt Leger would require students to have wellness exams before entering kindergarten and sixth grade. Leger says this just ensures that any health issue that a student may have can be caught early.

CUT 5 (07)  “and otherwise”

But Houma Representative Beryl Amedee says this could cost the state more money, because kids who use government healthcare would be required to get medically unnecessary exams at the state’s expense.

CUT 6 (10) “not necessary”

Leger says parents would be able to opt out of getting the exams, like they can with vaccines. He says these exams would benefit all students who get them, even if they are healthy.

CUT 7 (09) “evaluated”

The measure passed on a 59-37 vote and moves to the Senate.

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A bill to allow victims of domestic violence who have been issued a protective order to carry a concealed handgun with an expedited and temporary permit passed out of the House Criminal Justice committee. Author of the legislation, Denham Springs Rep. Valerie Hodges, says according to the FBI, a woman is battered every 15 seconds. She says she is committed to protecting victims of domestic violence.

CUT 8 (10) “Trade Center”

Hodges says this is a very real problem and right now it takes six to eight weeks to obtain a permit. Wade Duty with the Louisiana Shooting Association says it’s very hard to get into a class and a woman could be killed waiting to take a training course.

CUT 9 (10) “this bill”

The measure now heads to the full House. The NRA supports expediting the process for obtaining concealed carry permit. Hodges says daughters, sisters, and mothers are being murdered at the hands of former loved ones and wants to give them a chance.

cut 10 (08)  “the attack”

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Buying, selling, transporting, or donating fetal tissue from an abortion could earn someone a bed behind bars for at least 10 years, under a proposal by Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti. The bill has been approved by the Senate, as well as a House committee. Gatti says people should not benefit in any way from induced abortions.

Cut 11 (07) “be sold”

Gatti says this bill does not apply to donating fetal tissue for stem cell research or umbilical cord blood. He says he put every word that could possibly be used for this act, to make sure that everyone involved can be prosecuted.

cut 12 (09) “criminal law”

The measure passed the House Health and Welfare committee without opposition and now heads to the full House.

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A bill that expands the number of diseases for which medical marijuana can be prescribed was narrowly approved by the House Health and Welfare Committee today.  St. Martin Parish Senator Fred Mills is the author of the legislation and says he’s encountered many individuals who say medical cannabis can help their child cope with numerous diseases.

Cut 13 (09)  “back yard”

When the legislature approved the legal dispensing of medical marijuana last year, they only allowed three different diseases to receive the medication. Katie Corkern says her son, who has uncontrollable seizures, could benefit from medical marijuana and doesn’t understand why lawmakers would oppose a bill that could help her child.

cut 14 (12)  “was seizing”

Dr. Will Hall with the Louisiana Baptist Office of Public Policy spoke out against the bill. He says this proposal would put medical marijuana in the hands of more and more people without prescriptions.

cut 15 (05) “promote expansion”

Pete Adams, Executive Director of the Louisiana DA’s Association, also opposes the measure because he says medical cannabis has not been proven to help with these illnesses. He says this bill is a gateway to total legalization.

cut 16 (11) “of marijuana”

The bill passed on an 8-6 vote and moves to the full House for more debate.

It’s Air Quality Awareness month, and the Department of Environmental Quality has announced that the air quality in Louisiana is better than it’s been since the 1800s. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Governor John Bel Edwards is touring the state with the Secretary of the Department of Health and Hospitals, Dr. Rebekah Gee to raise awareness about Medicaid expansion. Don Molino has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Don Molino”

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Legislation that could result in TOPS students no longer having their entire tuition paid for has been approved by the House and heads to the governor for his signature. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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May is Air Quality Awareness month, and the Department of Environmental Quality says Louisiana’s air quality is better than it’s been since the start of the Industrial Revolution. DEQ senior scientist Vivian Aucoin says that’s because they have improved the quality of the air in parts of the state where it was lacking.

cut 4  (08)  “quality standards”

Aucoin says everybody is doing their part to reduce pollution or unhealthy air, even major industrial facilities. She says environmental agencies have done well to enforce higher air quality standards.

Cut 5  (11)  “cleaner”

But Director of the Louisiana Bucket Brigade, Anne Rolfes, doesn’t think Louisiana’s air is any cleaner. She says the state does a poor job of monitoring the air in areas where it’s the worst.

Cut 6 (08)  “closely enough”

Rolfes says in neighborhoods near oil refineries and other plants, the air just stinks, literally. She says her organization works with the EPA to get air quality readings in those areas, and their information shows the air is not any cleaner.

CUT 7 (08)  “screening levels” 

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Governor John Bel Edwards has kicked off his statewide tour to discuss Medicaid expansion. Over the next month, Edwards and Secretary of the Department of Health and Hospitals, Dr. Rebekah Gee, will visit cities to raise awareness and answer questions about who will be eligible to enroll for the government health insurance on June 1st. Edwards also announced that the state’s health program has a new name.

Cut 8  (11)  “of Louisiana” 

State health officials say the expanded Medicaid program will be able to cover an estimated 350,000 working poor individuals. Edwards says he wants to make sure that the people of Louisiana have all the information they need when it comes to Medicaid expansion before enrollment begins.

Cut 9 (08)  “July 1″

Edwards and Gee emphasized the importance of the new website healthy-dot-la-dot-gov, which provides information about the Medicaid expansion. Gee says people should understand their healthcare options, so they can choose the plan that’s best for them.

Cut 10 (09) “your providers”

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The Senate has approved legislation that would send 17-year-old non-violent offenders through the juvenile court system, instead of adult court. The measure was approved on a 33-4 vote. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says 17-year-olds who are convicted of crimes would be better off if they didn’t go to adult jail.

cut 11 (08) “hardened criminal”

Morrell says violent offenders will still be able to be charged as adults, but under the current law, even those who commit minor offenses are required to be charged as adults.

cut 12 (11) “adult facility”

Morrell says 17-year-olds aren’t allowed to vote, sign a contract, or join the military. He says these offenders are not adults, and they don’t belong in the adult court system.

Cut 13 (08)  “a child”

The bill, which is supported by Governor Edwards, heads to the House for more discussion.

_______________________________________________

Legislation is heading to the governor’s desk that curbs the cost of the TOPS scholarship program, but it will likely mean recipients will have to pay a portion of their tuition. Lafayette Representative Nancy Landry says the measure freezes the value of the scholarship and it doesn’t go up, even if tuition rises…

cut 14 (10)  “afford to”

The measure passed on a 74-20 vote and heads to the governor’s desk, where he is expected to sign it. Amite Representative Robby Carter has concerns about telling TOPS students that their tuition will no longer be fully paid for…

Cut 15 (12) “when they started”

The taxpayer funded scholarship program costs the state nearly 300-million dollars and Landry says the legislature must do something to rein in its costs…

Cut 16  (08)  “the future”

Louisiana’s high school graduation rate has reached an all-time high. Don Molino reports…:

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Don Molino”

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Officials in St. Tammany announce the start of a program that would let drug addicts turn in their drugs to police and get help instead of being arrested. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (28)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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South Louisiana is under flash flood watch until seven o’ clock tonight. State Climatologist Barry Keim says much of the state is already water logged after severe storms dumped several inches of rain along the I-10 corridor…

CUT 3 (08)  “been hammered”

Keim says the heavy rainfall is the result of a slow moving cold front that could produce in excess of three inches of rain in isolated areas…

CUT 4 (09)  “that in use”

Keim says the heavy rainfall is expected to move out of the state tomorrow, but until then, we have another afternoon where the umbrella will be needed…

CUT 5 (08)  “g0 away”

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Cleco utility customers can expect a $475 credit on their bills beginning in July, as a result of the Pineville-based company’s sale to foreign investors. Cleco spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says the Louisiana Public Service Commission created this credit as a part of their transaction.

CUT 6 (06) “from Cleco”

Cahill says the credit will be applied until it runs out, meaning some customers will not have to pay a utility bill for a couple of months.

CUT 7 (09) “fifth month”

Cahill says the deal, which closed on April 13, will benefit both residents and businesses.

CUT 8 (03) “customers”

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Louisiana’s high school graduation rate is at an all-time high, as 78-percent of the Class of 2015 received their diplomas. State Education Superintendent John White, says that’s almost a 3-percent increase over the previous year, which is the second largest annual gain in 10 years. He believes more students are graduating, because educators raised the bar.

CUT 9 (09) “high expectation”

White says this achievement continues a trend since 2012 when BESE implemented policy changes that includes the start of the Jump Start program which prepares students for technical careers and the expansion of the Advanced Placement program. He says this graduating class also participated in education classes prior to kindergarten.

cut 10 (07)  “LA 4”

White says Louisiana is also the most improved state in the country on ACT test scores, and the second most improved in the number of graduates achieving an Advanced Placement college credit. Louisiana still lags behind the national graduation rate which was 82-percent in 2014. But White says the state’s graduation rate is rising faster than the nation’s.

Cut 11 (06) “significant gains”

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Officials in St. Tammany Parish announced today the beginning of “Operation Angel” – a program whereby a person addicted to drugs can walk into a police station and ask for help instead of being charged with a crime. Covington Police Chief Tim Lentz says it’s time law enforcement changes the way they do business…:

cut 12 (08) “not a crime”

Lentz says this program would provide addicts with the help they need, without fear of being arrested. He says chemically dependent people would need to surrender any drugs they have, then they’ll be escorted by an “angel” to walk them through the recovery process at Giving Hope Retreat in Lacombe…:

Cut 13 (07)  “a week”

Agencies participating include the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, Slidell Police, Mandeville Police, Madisonville Police, Folsom Police and Pearl River Police. Lentz says the only requirement is that an addict must want to change their life. He encourages those suffering from addiction in St. Tammany Parish communities to go to your police department of sheriff’s office, and ask for help…:

cut 14 (10)  “in jail”

————————————————————–

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is traveling the state to highlight different areas in Louisiana. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Today ULM students, alumni, and faculty are gathering on campus to email their state legislators about their concerns for the future of higher ed. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Governor Edwards is calling on a special task force for a list of ideas on how the state should handle a 600-million dollar revenue shortfall. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Lt. Governor Bill Nungesser is touring the state to promote tourism as part of National Tourism Week. Nungesser says he’ll be in in West Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and St. Francisville today and then head to the northern part of the state later in the week. He says he just returned from a week-long trip to Canada.

cut 4  (09)  “Cajun music”

Nungesser will be traveling around the state in a van that’s wrapped with the state’s tourism marketing campaign. He says in 2015 nearly 29-million people visited the state, which was a record, but…

Cut 5  (10)  “hit parishes”

Nungesser says with the oil industry down and recent budget cuts, Louisiana needs as much tax revenue from tourists as possible. He says that’s why it’s important for him to visit historic sites, visitor centers and local tourism officials this week.

Cut 6 (08)  “our people”

___________________________________________________

ULM students are gathering on campus today to collectively voice their concerns for the future of higher education. Katherine Dawson, Online Program Coordinator for ULM, says students, faculty, alumni, and others will all email their state legislators between 11:45 am and 12:15 pm at an event called Mission: Maroon.

CUT 7 (11)  “our voice” 

The governor’s proposed budget calls for a 183-million dollar cut to TOPS and higher education would receive a six-percent cut in state funding. Dawson says the purpose is not to gripe at lawmakers but to speak up and be heard. She says unfortunately, one email from one person may not make much of a difference, but she hopes that hundreds of emails will.

Cut 8  (10)  “an impact” 

Dawson says they are encouraging people who cannot be on campus for this event to participate from home by emailing their legislators and posting photos wearing maroon to social media using their hashtags.

Cut 9 (07)  “maroon”

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The LSU AgCenter has developed an eye-drop to prevent and treat cataracts. AgCenter Department of Biological and Agriculture Engineering Professor Cristina Sabliov says they became interested in developing a solution because cataracts are the leading cause of visual impairment in the United States. She says they found a way to use lutein to prevent the eye lens from becoming cloudy.

Cut 10 (07) “the eye”

Sabliov says lutein is currently prescribed as an oral treatment for cataracts and eye diseases, but she says LSU AgCenter researchers have developed a solution to drop it directly into your eyes.

cut 11 (09) “the eye”

 The AgCenter is working to patent the drop. Sabliov says they hope this new product will have the unique advantage for both being able to prevent cataracts before they start or to treat cataracts after they form.

cut 12 (08) “daily”

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Governor John Bel Edwards wants a list of budget reform recommendations in two weeks from a special task force. Some of the proposals will likely be presented to lawmakers during a special session in June to address a 600-million dollar shortfall.  Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin is on the task force and says lawmakers have already raised the state sales tax, so they are left with limited options to address the budget gap….

Cut 13 (10)  “you have”

Erwin says it’s key that any revenue raising measure that could be passed in a second special session doesn’t further hurt the state economy.

cut 14 (06)  “a structure”

Raising more revenue could help reduce cuts to vital state services. Erwin says they will be looking at corporate and personal income taxes to see if enough revenue can be raised by removing some exemptions and deductions.

Cut 15 (06) “bottom line”

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One of the Saints draft picks had a very interesting route to the NFL. Fourth round pick, defensive tackle David Onyemata, grew up in Nigeria and played college football at the University of Manitoba in Canada. New Orleans traded up to select the six-foot-four, 300-pounder and General Manager Mickey Loomis is glad they did…

Cut 16  (20)  “from him”

Loomis says while most football fans never heard of Onyemata, there were several clubs interested in Onyemata’s potential…

Cut 17 (20) “case at all

The Saints last selection was California running back Daniel Lasco, who New Orleans drafted in the 7th round. Loomis believes Lasco’s primary role will be on special teams…

Cut 18 (18) “as a running back”

_______________________________

Officials with the USDA are investigating the series of recent deaths at the Baton Rouge Zoo. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office arrests two people in connection with the double homicide investigation in a small Louisiana town. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (28)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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State Police announces the arrest of a Lafayette man who was allegedly traveling 150 miles per hour before crashing his 2016 Chevrolet Corvette and killing one person. Trooper Brooks David says 31-year-old Martin Nguyen was at the wheel when his vehicle ran off the road on April 18^th on LA Highway 339 and it killed 30-year-old Hoang Nguyen of Lake Charles.

CUT 3 (05)  “that crash”

David says Martin Nguyen’s blood alcohol concentration was over the legal limit when the crash occurred.

CUT 4 (11)  “miles an hour”

David says Martin Nguyen was in the hospital being treated for injuries after the accident, but he has now been arrested and charged with vehicular homicide, speeding, reckless operation, and improper lane usage.

CUT 5 (09)  “Nguyen”

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Investigators from the U.S. Department of Agriculture are looking into the number of animal deaths that have recently occurred at the Baton Rouge Zoo. Curator Sam Winslow says they asked for the USDA and the American Zoo Association to send in officials to assess the situation after 18 animals have died in the last year…

CUT 6 (10) “our procedures”

Winslow says the 2-year-old Malayan tiger that died earlier in the month likely suffered from gastric dilation. He says her death was something you unfortunately can’t do anything about.

CUT 7 (09) “30 minutes”

Two giraffes also recently died at the zoo. Winslow says they were 24 and 30-years-old. He says the normal life expectancy for a giraffe is about 13 years.

CUT 8 (07) “certainly”

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Lafayette Congressman Charles Boustany introduces legislation that he believes will help lead to better detection of tornadoes in south Louisiana. Boustany’s bill would require a Doppler weather radar site to be built near Baton Rouge. The US Representative says last February’s tornado outbreak inspired him to author of this federal legislation…

CUT 9 (10) “property damage”

There are detection sites near Slidell and Lake Charles, but none near Baton Rouge. Boustany says a new site will close the gap in radar coverage in Louisiana. He says he is looking into how much the radar site will cost, but he wanted to get the legislation introduced first.

cut 10 (08) “property damage”

There are also Doppler radars near Fort Polk and Shreveport. Boustany says a new radar detection site will ensure that Louisiana is better covered by weather radar to give citizens as much warning as possible to seek shelter or evacuate.

Cut 11 (09) “unacceptable”

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A Grand Isle man has been arrested for attempting to purchase a child for sexual purposes. That’s according to State Police trooper Jesse Lagrange who says 30-year-old Wade Perkins asked someone to locate a 6 to 8-year-old child so Perkins could pay for a sexual encounter. Lagrange says that person then contacted police.

cut 12 (09) “a meeting”

Lagrange says when Perkins met up with an undercover trooper, he was arrested for attempt and conspiracy to commit first-degree rape. Perkins is a registered sex offender in Michigan for criminal sexual conduct. Lagrange says they expect to file more charges against Perkins.

Cut 13 (07)  “like that”

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A Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Deputy left his job with the Medium-Security Facility to play professional minor league baseball after discovering he can throw a 91 mile-per-hour-fast ball. 26-year-old Randy Zeigler was a pitcher for LSU and caught the eye of a Chicago White Sox scout. Zeigler says he’ll be playing for the Lincoln Nebraska Saltdogs.

cut 14 (10)  “his purpose”

Zeigler says he was just messing around with a radar gun, when he discovered he was throwing at the same speed he was three years ago. He says he’s excited to play baseball, but he’ll miss being a deputy in his hometown.

cut 15 (10) “up in”

Lt. Billy Jones says he’s sad to lose such a dedicated employee, but is excited for Zeigler to do what he’s always had a passion for.

cut 16 (08) “his dream”

A Vermilion parish teacher is behind bars for three counts of rape. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says priority number one for him right now is stabilizing the budget, because we must focus on moving Louisiana forward. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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According to a poll paid for by the Louisiana Cannabis Association, 72-percent of Louisiana voters are in favor of legalizing medical marijuana as a treatment for more diseases. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A Vermilion parish teacher is facing rape charges. Lt. David Hardy with the Abbeville Police Department says James Harber has been charged with two counts of second-degree rape and one count of first-degree rape. He says a search of Harber’s home indicates that more charges could be coming.

cut 4  (08)  “child pornography”

Police have shared their evidence with the Sheriff’s Office as well as the US Attorney’s office, in the hopes that they would seek an indictment. Hardy says child pornography was found on Harber’s home computer. He says they learned of the rape charges after interviewing the victims that were in the explicit pictures on Harber’s computer.

Cut 5  (07)  “Mr. Harber”

A Lafayette TV station reports that Harber was a 7^th grade teacher a J.H. Williams Middle School. Hardy says it is not clear if the victims attended the school where Harber taught, but he did know his victims.

Cut 6 (11)  “residence”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says priority number one for him right now is stabilizing the budget, because we must focus on moving Louisiana forward. He says the vision that he put forth when he was running for governor has not changed, but they have to work on filling the $600 million dollar gap for next fiscal year…:

CUT 7 (09)  “to do” 

Edwards says there are many policy related issues that are going to be on the back burner until we can deal with the present crisis…:

Cut 8  (09)  “and do that” 

Edwards says he remains very optimistic about his administration and the state as a whole. He says he doesn’t see any way they could avoid a second special session, but before he makes the call he’s going to wait for recommendations from a panel assigned to review the state budget…:

Cut 9 (09)  “the short term”

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A poll paid for by the Louisiana Cannabis Association finds that 72-percent of Louisiana voters support legalizing medical marijuana as a treatment for more diseases. Jesse McCormick is glad to see a majority of voters support the use of medical cannabis to help relieve pain for people who suffer from different diseases, like cancer and HIV

Cut 10 (07) “understand”

McCormick says 24 other states have already legalized medical cannabis. He says a majority of respondents are also in favor of taxing the prescription drug.

cut 11 (08) “eye-opening”

The telephone survey was conducted by Louisiana polling firm JMC Analytics and Polling. They surveyed six-hundred registered voters. McCormick says he understands that plenty of people will always oppose the legalization, but he hopes that this poll encourages more lawmakers to vote in favor of the legalization.

cut 12 (08) “huge win”

Legislators have been conflicted on whether or not to expand the list of diseases for which medical cannabis can be prescribed.

______________________________________________________

The House has approved two more pro-life measures. One of the bills, authored by Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds, prohibits women from getting abortions just because a child will have a genetic disorder. Edmonds says his son was born with a disorder, and if he’d taken medical advice, he wouldn’t have his grandchildren today.

Cut 13 (10)  “blessed with”

Edmonds says life is hard, and women shouldn’t be able to abort their babies just because it would be easier.

cut 14 (06)  “no meaning”

Edmond’s bill passed 75-1. Another proposal by Bossier City Representative Mike Johnson would outlaw a procedure commonly used in second trimester abortions. Johnson calls these “dismemberment” abortions and says every year more than a thousand unborn children are aborted through this “barbaric” process.

Cut 15 (08) “ripped off”

Johnson’s bill was approved unanimously. Opponents of the measure say outlawing this procedure would force women to undergo invasive, unnecessary procedures or lose access to abortion services entirely. Both measure now head to the Senate.

________________________________________________

Tonight is rounds two and three of the NFL draft, and several former LSU Tigers are expected to be selected. NFL draft analyst Mike Detillier believes linebacker Deion Jones will go early in round two.

Cut 16  (13)  “in reverse”

Detillier also believes defensive back Jalen Mills will go in the second round, as well.

Cut 17 (18) “at DBU”

Detillier also believes four year starter Vadal Alexander will be a third round pick and could be a productive offensive guard in the NFL.

Cut 18 (21) “NFL”

Governor Edwards pushed back today against a special interest group that’s airing an attack ad claiming he broke promises about keeping the voucher program. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (24)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A bill to prevent members of the LGBT from not being hired or being fired because of their sexual orientation or gender identity has won the approval of a Senate committee. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 2 (28)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The alleged shooter of the former Saints player Will Smith has been indicted on charges of second degree murder and attempted murder. Legal analyst Tim Meche says it looks like the Orleans Parish District Attorney is handling the case against Cardell Hayes cautiously.

CUT 3 (12)  “cautiously”

The indictment came down during the middle of a preliminary hearing that was called to establish probable cause against Hayes. Meche says he’s not surprised the D-A’s office was able to get an indictment, before the defense was able to call witnesses to the stand during today’s preliminary hearing…

CUT 4 (10)  “the witnesses”

Hayes’ Attorney John Fuller said in court today that the prosecution is trying to jam an indictment down. Meche says the DA is just going through the procedure according to the law.

CUT 5 (09)  “of Louisiana”

After the indictment, Hayes plead not guilty to four charges. Hayes was also indicted on charges of aggravated assault and aggravated damage to property to go along with the murder and attempted murder charge. His bond has been set at 1.75 million dollars and a motion date has been set for June 3rd.

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Two people are dead after a shootout involving a police officer in the small southwest Louisiana town of Carlyss. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso says his officers were responding to a 911 call for an armed robbery when they got another call from a man saying people were running through his field close to the location of the burglary. Mancuso says deputies met the individuals in the field.

CUT 6 (08) “drops”

Mancuso says the suspect fired several shots at the deputies before the officers returned fire. The sheriff says the suspect either died from a gunshot wound from one of his deputies or he killed himself. He says when police approached the suspect, they found another victim.

CUT 7 (09) “investigating”

Mancuso says there was also a female child in the field, and she is unharmed. He says two investigations are ongoing.

CUT 8 (09) “shooting”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says the special interest group that’s running attack ads accusing him of breaking his promise about keeping existing school vouchers is not telling the truth. He told reporters Thursday that no student currently receiving a voucher, would lose it…:

CUT 9 (08) “receive them”

Edwards says he’s been told by the Department of Education that there is no plan to take a voucher away from a student, and that he is disingenuously being called a liar. He told a pro-voucher man at the news conference that he never said he was going to zero out funding for vouchers…:

cut 10 (10) “not gonna find it”

Edwards says there are cuts coming to several areas of the state due to the shortfall, and the voucher special interests are upset they aren’t getting preferential treatment. Before the governor spoke, the Louisiana Federation for Children held a press conference featuring parents whose children benefit from the voucher program. New Orleans single mother Corrine Celestine is upset over the proposed cuts.

Cut 11 (08) “next generation”

Baton Rouge mother Pamela Gauthier says her son Joseph has Down syndrome and struggled in public school because teachers didn’t have adequate resources. But she says thanks to the voucher program, Joseph is now excelling at a private school that teachers developmentally disabled children.

cut 12 (09) “Fs and Ds”

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A Senate committee has approved the bill to prevent members of the LGBT community from being fired or turned down for jobs because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. New Orleans Senator Troy Carter authored the legislation. He says we need to protect people from discrimination.

Cut 13 (07)  “recourse”

Carter says discrimination is still alive, and lawmakers need to do what they can to protect people from that in the workplace.

cut 14 (09)  “whatever reason”

Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns voted against the proposal. He says it could pose problems for business owners

cut 15 (12) “of that”

The measure passed on a 4-2 vote and now heads to the Senate floor for more debate.

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

The mother of a young girl with a seizure disorder spoke to legislators about how the medical marijuana she moved to Colorado to get is the only drug that has worked for her daughter. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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 Legislation to require cursive to be taught in public schools passed in the full Senate.  Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A proposal to prohibit organizations that perform abortions from receiving state funding has been approved by the House. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Latest campaign finance numbers show Republican Senate candidates Charles Boustany and John Fleming each have around two-million dollars in their campaign war chest. GOP state Treasurer John Kennedy has about 700-thousand. UL-Lafayette political science professor Pearson Cross says the November 1^stprimary is about six months away and these numbers reflect that this will be an expensive race.

cut 4  (09)  “left out”

Other republican candidates include Rob Maness, who has 213-thousand dollars on hand, while former Congressman Joseph Cao reported raising zero dollars during the first quarter.  Democrats Caroline Fayard and Foster Campbell each have about $250-thousand dollars as of March 31^st. Cross expects Democrats will continue to lag behind the Republican favorites…

Cut 5  (05)  “statewide”

Cross says the candidate who is in the best position for fundraising is Boustany, who sits on the House Ways and Means Committee and that gives him better connections…

Cut 6 (10)  “candidates don’t”

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A woman from Louisiana, who moved to Colorado to get medical marijuana her daughter needs for her seizure condition, tells her story to state legislators. Lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow people with a wider variety of disorders to get the marijuana treatment. Michelle Hall of Vernon Parish says her daughter, Ella, is doing much better since starting her cannabis medication. She says when her daughter takes the marijuana-derived medication, she is by no means “high.”

CUT 7 (05)  “pissed off” 

Hall says the medical marijuana works better for Ella than any other medication they have tried in the past four years. She pleaded with lawmakers to approve the legislation so she can bring her children home.

Cut 8  (06)  “my family” 

Hall told the House Health and Welfare Committee that the medication is not a drug that gets her child high. She says it’s just a medication that actually works. Hall says there are other families from Louisiana that use the same dispensary, Hailey’s Hope, in Colorado.

Cut 9 (10)  “Hailey’s Hope”

So far lawmakers are in a disagreement over who should have access to medical marijuana.

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A bill to require cursive to be taught in public elementary schools passes through the full Senate. Bossier City Sen. Ryan Gatti spoke in favor of the legislation and says many historic documents were written in cursive. He says our children need to be able to read and write in script, not just from their iPads or iPhones.

Cut 10 (05) “to paper”

Gatti says Abraham Lincoln didn’t use his iPad or Siri, he took out his quill pen and wrote the Gettysburg Address on a train.

cut 11 (05) “quill pen”

 Gatti says men and women chose to write the Articles of Confederate, the Constitution and the Louisiana Purchase in cursive not print or any other method.

cut 12 (07) “says cursive”

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The full House approves a bill to prohibit organizations that perform abortions, like Planned Parenthood, to receive public funding. West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman says the purpose of the bill is not to shut any of these facilities down.

Cut 13 (10)  “other purposes”

Planned Parenthood has a new clinic under construction in New Orleans, where they plan to perform abortions. Hoffman says he hopes this bill would prevent that from happening.

cut 14 (08)  “the future”

A federal judge has blocked previous attempts to cut off funding for Planned Parenthood clinics. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle went back and forth with Hoffman about whether or not the state dictates what other organizations can and cannot do.

Cut 15 (11) “you guess not?”

The measure passed on an 85-7 vote and moves to the Senate.

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The 2016 NFL Draft begins tonight in Chicago at 7 P.M. on ESPN and NFL Network. The New Orleans Saints are expected to draft defensive players early and often as the team finished 31st in total yards given up in the NFL.
When asked about his team’s draftboard based on the depth of certain positions on this draft class, Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis says it varies.

Cut 16  (18)  “for every team”

In addition to defensive help, the Saints are also looking at options on the other side of the ball. Loomis says the team has looked into this quarterback class similarly to previous drafts.

Cut 17 (14) “….every year”

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The LSU baseball Tigers begin a three game series at Ole Miss tonight. The Bayou Bengals are 27-14 overall, 10-8 in the SEC and coming off a disappointing loss to Tulane. In fact the Tigers have lost three of their last four games, but Coach Paul Mainieri is still optimistic about his team’s potential…

Cut 18 (15) “great baseball”

Before leaving for Ole Miss, Mainieri addressed the comments he made following Saturday’s loss,  where he blamed first baseman Greg Deichmann, because he didn’t keep his foot on the bag on a putout. The coach he was transparent about his disappointment, but it wasn’t meant to signal out Deichmann…

Cut 19 (21) “of baseball”

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approved a bill to extend the waiting period for an abortion from 24 to 72 hours. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 1 (26)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The FBI is reopening the 15-year-old case of a little boy who went missing from his front porch in Clinton. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (26)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A horrifying display of animal abuse is breaking hearts across the state. A small dog was brutally beaten and thrown into a fire in New Orleans’ City Park. That’s according to Jeff Dorson, Executive Director of the Louisiana Humane Society, who says this is one of the most tragic cases of abuse he’s ever seen. He says the dog was beaten around the head, the muzzle and the jaw.

CUT 3 (11)  “the pit”

The unnamed dog is being affectionately referred to as the City Park Dog. Dorson says they are still trying to find the people responsible for this gruesome crime, because they are clearly dangerous.

CUT 4 (06)  “of time”

Dorson says the Humane Society is asking people to be vigilant for signs of animal abuse. He says the society has issued the first ever city-wide animal abuse alert in the hopes of bringing those responsible to justice. Until then, he’s asking the public to keep the memory of the City Park Dog in their hearts.

CUT 5 (07)  “short life”

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A bill that would require movie theaters to use metal detectors was defeated in a House committee today. Prairieville Rep. Tony Bacala says this legislation creates a false sense of security. He says if someone wants to shoot up a movie theater, the first person to be killed is the 18-year-old minimum wage worker manning the metal detector.

CUT 6 (10) “to react”

Author of the legislation, Shreveport Rep. Barbara Norton, says this bill is about protecting the lives of our loved ones. She was upset that many of her colleagues voted against the measure.

CUT 7 (07) “our children”

The vote was 6-5 against the legislation. Bacala says the people who would work these metal detectors are not trained law enforcement officers and probably work the concession stand the day before.

CUT 8 (07) “do anything”

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A bill to extend the waiting period for getting an abortion to 72 hours has been approved by the Senate Health and Welfare Committee. Sancha Smith, the State Director for Concerned Women for America, spoke in favor of the measure and sharing her experience getting an abortion at 16-years-old.

CUT 9 (11) “better decision”

Smith says women need more time to consider all of their options, before making this decision.

cut 10 (07) “a life”

Angela Adkins with the Louisiana Organization for Women opposes the bill. She shared stories of women who died or suffered complications from illegal abortions and attempts to self-abort, because of restrictions to abortions.

Cut 11 (09) “more desperate”

Amy Irvin of the New Orleans Abortion Fund also spoke in opposition. She says although the waiting period is currently 24 hours, women can take as much time as they need after the consultation before having the procedure.

cut 12 (09) “the clinic”

The measure passed on a five to two vote and heads to the Senate floor.

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The FBI is reopening the case of a 2-year-old that went missing in Clinton 15 years ago. Avery Davidson is a former WAFB reporter who covered Wesley Morgan’s disappearance in 2001. Davidson says the child was playing on the front porch when his mother went inside and came back outside to find the little boy was gone. He says there was a huge search after his disappearance…

Cut 13 (10)  “he was”

Davidson spoke with Sheriff Bunch a few years ago and Bunch still believes the mother had something to do with the boy’s disappearance even though nothing ever turned up during the investigation. He says there must be a reason the FBI has reopened the case and released an age progression picture of Wesley Morgan.

cut 14 (08)  “Wesley Dale”

The FBI is offering up to a $10,000 reward for information that leads to Morgan’s location. Davidson says everyone is eager to find out what happened to Wesley Dale Morgan…

cut 15 (10) “15 years” 

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A bill to require movie theaters to use metal detectors will be heard in a House committee today. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (24) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Louisiana is the least prepared state when it comes to a major health emergency. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Supreme Court has ruled that juvenile offenders cannot be sentenced to life without the chance for parole, and Louisiana lawmakers are trying to figure out the implications of that ruling. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A bill that would require movie theaters to install metal detectors is scheduled to be heard in the House Criminal Justice committee today. Shreveport Rep. Barbara Norton wants to ensure movie goers are safe. Norton says she’s received many positive phone calls supporting this proposal.

cut 4  (10)  “done something”

Last summer a gunman walked into a Lafayette movie theater and killed two people and injured nine. Norton says nothing changes until you put something in place.

Cut 5  (10)  “an effort”

Norton says when a tragedy hits in your backyard, like the Lafayette Theater shooting, it makes you think something like this could happen anywhere. She says it would not cost theater operators a lot of money to install a detector or use a metal detecting wand.

Cut 6 (07)  “feels safe”

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This year’s National Health Security Preparedness Index finds Louisiana is the least prepared state to respond to a major health emergency. The state scores 5.6 out of 10 on the index. Bob Johannessen with the Department of Health and Hospitals says the survey is somewhat misleading. But he says some aspects used to determine this ranking are true.

CUT 7 (10)  “an issue” 

Johannessen says emergency preparedness in the state has greatly improved since Hurricane Katrina. He says different measures were asked to determine preparedness, like if Louisiana uses an electronic surveillance system to monitor diseases and reported and the answer was yes.

Cut 8  (09)  “is yes” 

Johannessen says this report does show that we have access to care issues and there are more areas than not in Louisiana that have health care shortages. He also says the report penalizes Louisiana for using state agencies to man emergency shelters when other states can hire private contractors.

Cut 9 (10)  “of work”

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State legislators are dealing with the repercussions of a Supreme Court ruling that says juveniles cannot be sentenced to life in prison without the chance for parole. Metairie Senator Danny Martiny’s would ensure that underage criminals with life sentences would become eligible for parole after 35 years behind bars. But Nathan Allbritton of Natchitoches Parish doesn’t think they should ever get parole. His wife and son were murdered by a 15-year-old, and he spoke in opposition to the bill.

Cut 10 (12) “him apart”

Allbritton says if dangerous criminals are released from jail, other people will get hurt. He says it’s important that these juveniles realize that actions have consequences, because it’s not a game.

cut 11 (09) “of em”

Allbritton’s niece, Andrea Pickett, also testified against the bill. She says not all of these cases are kids making bad judgement calls.

cut 12 (09) “kill someone”

Martiny’s bill also mandates that the juvenile maintain a good behavioral record and participate in educational programs to qualify. He says the purpose of the bill is not to get criminals out of jail, but lawmakers have to do something because of the court ruling.

Cut 13 (10)  “remedy is”

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An Amite man has been arrested following a fatal hit and run on highway 443 near Hammond early Tuesday morning. State Police Trooper Dustin Dwight says 32-year old Brandon Fowler hit 30-year-old bicyclist Anand Asi of Hammond with his truck.

cut 14 (09)  “the scene”

Dwight says there were witnesses of the incident, but initially troopers did not have much information to go on. He says through the help of witnesses, other agencies, and local media, they were able to locate Fowler on Tuesday afternoon.

Cut 15 (09) “the story”

Asi was reportedly wearing an approved helmet and had both front and rear lamps on his bike. Dwight says Fowler’s Chevy pick-up damage has damage on the passenger side as the head light is busted out.

Cut 16  (11)  “a bicycle”

Troopers are reminding motorists that passing vehicles are required to allow at least three feet when passing a bicycle travelling in the same direction.

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Former Louisiana Tech star Vernon Butler is in Chicago as he is one of 25 players that is attending the NFL draft after receiving a personal invitation from commissioner Roger Goodell. Butler is confident he’ll hear his name called when the first round takes place tomorrow night….

Cut 17 (07) “….true really”

Butler was a standout player on Louisiana Tech’s defensive line the last two seasons as he recorded over 100 tackles, nearly two dozen tackles for a loss and four sacks. NFL draft analyst Mike Detillier believes Butler will go late in the first round. Butler says he’s anxious to find out who he’ll play for…

Cut 18 (08) “get better”

Butler says he’s had individual work outs for Carolina, Tennessee, Tampa Bay, Buffalo and Seattle. He would love to be taken by the Saints, who have the 12th overall pick….

Cut 19 (10) “on Sundays”