The Edwards Administration proposed a spending plan for the next fiscal year to legislators that contains $792 million in cuts to Louisiana’s budget, including deep cuts to education. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

The “Pastor Protection Act” passed out of the House Civil Law Committee with a 7-3 vote. Halen Doughty has the story…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

Governor John Bel Edwards presented his proposed budget for the next fiscal year to lawmakers today. The proposal contains 792-million dollars in cuts to state spending. Under the proposed spending plan, health care and the TOPS scholarship program would see big reductions in state funding. Edwards says this is not the budget he wanted to present to lawmakers and it’s why another special session is needed.

CUT 3 (07)  “revenue needs”

The governor says a second special session could begin as early as June 7^th Edwards says many state services are now severely underfunded, such as TOPS, which under this plan would receive a 183-million dollar cut. He says only having a third of the money needed to pay for TOPS is another reason why they need a second special session.

CUT 4 (07)  “fund it”

The governor is proposing a 46-million dollar cut to higher education. Edwards says not only is higher ed receiving looking at another cut in funding, but so are public schools.

CUT 5 (06)  “education”

Edwards is calling for a new task force to help develop long term budget solutions.

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

A Senate committee approves legislation that would increase the age to 18 for a suspect to be prosecuted as an adult. Currently, individuals 17 and over are put into the adult criminal system once charged with a crime. Criminal justice expert Ed Mulvey says a 17 year-old offender is better off in the juvenile justice system…

CUT 6 (10) “adult system”

An 18-year-old high school student went before the committee supporting the legislation. He says this bill is close to his heart because his friend was arrested at 17. He says the adult prison system is not a place for juveniles because his friend lost his pride and it couldn’t be restored.

CUT 7 (09) “is today”

The legislation will now move to the full Senate. 17-year-olds who commit serious offenses could still be tried as an adult. A 15-year-old high school student also spoke in favor of the bill. She said her brother was arrested at the age of 17 and spent a week in jail without receiving any educational hours.

CUT 8 (10) “my brother”

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

Many people are remembering the great life of former LSU and Saints running back Hokie Gajan, who passed away from cancer at the age 56 last night. LSU’s all-time leading rusher Charles Alexander played with Hokie for two years in college and says Gajan was the ultimate teammate.

CUT 9 (07) “football with”

Alexander says Hokie would do whatever the coaches asked and even with a bad knee, he never once complained. He says Gajan was always eager to be on the football field.

cut 10 (10)  “football”

Alexander says back in the day, Hokie was quite off the field but as he got a little bit older he couldn’t stop talking. He says Gajan always put the team first and never worried about being in the headlines.

Cut 11 (10) “good guy”

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

The House Civil Law Committee has passed the “Pastor Protection Act” today on a 7-3 vote. The bill would allow ministers and clergy members to refuse to conduct a same sex marriage. Lester Perryman, with the Human Rights campaign, questions why Louisiana needs this legislation.

cut 12 (07) “to do so”

Perryman also raises concern about the potential for backlash as other religious freedom bills approved in Georgia, North Carolina and Mississippi have received.

Cut 13 (08)  “other states”

Bruce Springsteen and Bryan Adams have cancelled concerts in North Carolina and Mississippi in protest of religious laws passed in those states. Over a dozen convention organizers have also decided against holding their events in North Carolina. But Bossier City Representative Mike Johnson says those bills are much broader than his proposal, which is strictly limited to churches and religious leaders.

cut 14 (08)  “protection left”

The bill now heads to the House floor, with the support of Governor John Bel Edwards. But he says pastors are already protected under Louisiana law.

cut 15 (07) “under threat” 

A bill to address equal pay in Louisiana will be heard on the Senate floor today. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

The proposed “Pastor Protection Act” will be heard by the House Civil Law Committee today. This bill would allow clergy members and religious organizations to decline to participate in a same sex marriage. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

 The Southern University community is mourning after the death of two students. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________________

A bill will be heard on the Senate floor today to address equal pay. Governor John Bel Edwards supports the legislation and says Louisiana comes in dead last in the country when it comes to the wage gap between men and women. He says women in the state earn only 65 cents for every dollar a man makes.

cut 4  (10)  “top of”

A study by the National Partnership finds there close to a 17-thousand dollar pay gap per year between men and women. Edwards says the bill up for discuss today, is a carefully crafted piece of legislation that promotes equal pay of men and women for similar work, without being too onerous.

Cut 5  (10)  “rectify it”

 The study finds the state’s wage gag is costing women close to 11 billion dollars a year. Edwards says many businesses may not realize there is a pay differential. He says things must change in order to help the women of Louisiana.

Cut 6 (08)  “business either” 

___________________________________________________

The defense attorney in the Will Smith case believes once all of the evidence comes out his client will be innocent. Cardell Hayes has been charged with second degree murder in the fatal shooting of the former-Saint, who was killed after a three-car fender bender turned violent in New Orleans. Attorney John Fuller hopes more details of the incident will come out in a preliminary hearing.

CUT 7 (11)  “knowledge of”

Smith’s wife Racquel Smith was also shot, but suffered no fatal injuries. Hayes will reportedly be charged in that shooting as well. Fuller stands by his claims that there was another gun at the scene and Hayes was not the aggressor.

Cut 8  (09)  “on that night”

Fuller has filed a motion to preserve all ballistic evidence. He says that when all the evidence from New Orleans Police is revealed, it will change everyone’s impression of the incident. He also says this was first encounter with Smith.

Cut 9 (08)  “New Orleans Saint”

___________________________________________________

The House Civil Law Committee will hear testimony today on the “Pastor Protection Act,” which would allow a clergy member or religious organization to deny participation in a same sex marriage. Bossier City Representative Mike Johnson, says the bill should not create a lot of controversy…

Cut 10 (06) “essential”

Johnson says this proposal is not as broad as similar bills that have gotten backlash in other states, like bills in Mississippi and North Carolina. He says this just protects a person’s religious beliefs, and he feels confident that once people read the legislation and understand it, any opposition will be withdrawn.

cut 11 (07) “against”

But Matthew Patterson with Equality Louisiana says if this law really only pertained to ministers and religious organizations, it would not be necessary because they are already protected under the First Amendment.

cut 12 (08) “to do”

Patterson says what the bill actually does is give organizations with any sort of religious affiliation to deny service to people in same sex relationships. He says this could include places like hospitals, homeless shelters and food banks that are typically associated with a religious group.

Cut 13 (07)  “to people”

___________________________________________________________

Southern University will hold a candlelight vigil tonight for the two students that were shot and killed outside of a party near the LSU campus. Interim Athletic Director Roman Banks says 19-year-old Annette January of Indiana was a member of the track and field team and 19-year-old Lashuntae Benton of Lake Charles was a student athletic trainer. He says everyone is having a hard time coping with the deaths of these bright young women.

Cut 14 (09)  “our support” 

One person has been arrested in connection with the case but no one has been charged with murder of the two girls. Banks says both girls were not doing anything wrong or somewhere they weren’t supposed to be. He says they were good kids.

Cut 15 (10) “law enforcement”

Banks says they’re continuing to ask for prayers for the Benton and January families. He says Benton always went above and beyond her duties as she was a volunteer student athletic trainer.

Cut 16  (09)  “eventually”

__________________________________________________________

Former Saints & LSU star, Hokie Gajan, has succumbed to his illnesses. He was 56 years old. The Saints color analyst’s daughter, Kristin Gajan Sell, told WWL the hospital staff felt Hokie would be best served with round the clock care and medical attention as he was moved to ICU earlier.

Cut 17 (09) “about him”

The 56-year-old was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in December of 2015, and he had to miss the final games of last season as he underwent chemo. Sell says her father did not get depressed and he remained in good spirits till the end.

Cut 18 (11) “to be Hokie”

Friends and supporters organized a benefit last week, although Gajan was unable to attend as he was in the hospital. Sell says the outpouring of affection from everyone has been a true blessing.

Cut 19 (10) “for him”

A bill to address equal pay in Louisiana will be heard on the Senate floor today. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

The proposed “Pastor Protection Act” will be heard by the House Civil Law Committee today. This bill would allow clergy members and religious organizations to decline to participate in a same sex marriage. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

 The Southern University community is mourning after the death of two students. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________________

A bill will be heard on the Senate floor today to address equal pay. Governor John Bel Edwards supports the legislation and says Louisiana comes in dead last in the country when it comes to the wage gap between men and women. He says women in the state earn only 65 cents for every dollar a man makes.

cut 4  (10)  “top of”

A study by the National Partnership finds there close to a 17-thousand dollar pay gap per year between men and women. Edwards says the bill up for discuss today, is a carefully crafted piece of legislation that promotes equal pay of men and women for similar work, without being too onerous.

Cut 5  (10)  “rectify it”

 The study finds the state’s wage gag is costing women close to 11 billion dollars a year. Edwards says many businesses may not realize there is a pay differential. He says things must change in order to help the women of Louisiana.

Cut 6 (08)  “business either” 

___________________________________________________

The defense attorney in the Will Smith case believes once all of the evidence comes out his client will be innocent. Cardell Hayes has been charged with second degree murder in the fatal shooting of the former-Saint, who was killed after a three-car fender bender turned violent in New Orleans. Attorney John Fuller hopes more details of the incident will come out in a preliminary hearing.

CUT 7 (11)  “knowledge of”

Smith’s wife Racquel Smith was also shot, but suffered no fatal injuries. Hayes will reportedly be charged in that shooting as well. Fuller stands by his claims that there was another gun at the scene and Hayes was not the aggressor.

Cut 8  (09)  “on that night”

Fuller has filed a motion to preserve all ballistic evidence. He says that when all the evidence from New Orleans Police is revealed, it will change everyone’s impression of the incident. He also says this was first encounter with Smith.

Cut 9 (08)  “New Orleans Saint”

___________________________________________________

The House Civil Law Committee will hear testimony today on the “Pastor Protection Act,” which would allow a clergy member or religious organization to deny participation in a same sex marriage. Bossier City Representative Mike Johnson, says the bill should not create a lot of controversy…

Cut 10 (06) “essential”

Johnson says this proposal is not as broad as similar bills that have gotten backlash in other states, like bills in Mississippi and North Carolina. He says this just protects a person’s religious beliefs, and he feels confident that once people read the legislation and understand it, any opposition will be withdrawn.

cut 11 (07) “against”

But Matthew Patterson with Equality Louisiana says if this law really only pertained to ministers and religious organizations, it would not be necessary because they are already protected under the First Amendment.

cut 12 (08) “to do”

Patterson says what the bill actually does is give organizations with any sort of religious affiliation to deny service to people in same sex relationships. He says this could include places like hospitals, homeless shelters and food banks that are typically associated with a religious group.

Cut 13 (07)  “to people”

___________________________________________________________

Southern University will hold a candlelight vigil tonight for the two students that were shot and killed outside of a party near the LSU campus. Interim Athletic Director Roman Banks says 19-year-old Annette January of Indiana was a member of the track and field team and 19-year-old Lashuntae Benton of Lake Charles was a student athletic trainer. He says everyone is having a hard time coping with the deaths of these bright young women.

Cut 14 (09)  “our support” 

One person has been arrested in connection with the case but no one has been charged with murder of the two girls. Banks says both girls were not doing anything wrong or somewhere they weren’t supposed to be. He says they were good kids.

Cut 15 (10) “law enforcement”

Banks says they’re continuing to ask for prayers for the Benton and January families. He says Benton always went above and beyond her duties as she was a volunteer student athletic trainer.

Cut 16  (09)  “eventually”

__________________________________________________________

The family of former Saints & LSU star, Hokie Gajan, says doctors have moved him into intensive care after his battle with cancer intensifies. The Saints color analyst’s daughter, Kristin Gajan Sell, told WWL the hospital staff felt Hokie would be best served with round the clock care and medical attention.

Cut 17 (09) “about him”

The 56-year-old was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in December of 2015, and he had to miss the final games of last season as he underwent chemo. Sell says her father is not getting depressed and he continues to remain in good spirits.

Cut 18 (11) “to be Hokie”

Friends and supporters organized a benefit last week, although Gajan was unable to attend as he was in the hospital. Sell says the outpouring of affection from everyone has been a true blessing.

Cut 19 (10) “for him”

Two children were killed in Livingston Parish after being hit being struck by an apparent drunk driver. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

The man who is accused of shooting and killing former-Saints defensive end Will Smith is claiming he was not the aggressor. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

Baton Rouge Police are looking to arrest another gunman in the shooting that killed two Southern University students and injured another man. 22-year-old Ernest Felton has already been arrested and charged with Attempted Second Degree Murder and Illegal Use of a weapon. Sgt. Don Coppola says investigators are working to determine who fired the gun killing the two women.

CUT 3 (08)  “young ladies”

Coppola says gunfire was exchanged between Felton and the 24-year-old injured victim after the victim drove up to the social gathering at the apartment complex. He says investigators believe the women were not the intended targets of the shooting.

CUT 4 (08)  “gunfire exchange”

Coppola says they’re confident they will be making another arrest in the near future. He says the victims were 19-year-old Lashunte Benton of Lake Charles and 19-year-old Annette January of Indiana.

CUT 5 (04)  “hospital”

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

State Police say two children are dead after a fatal wreck on a highway in Livingston Parish last night. Trooper Bryan Lee says impairment is suspected on the part of two of the four vehicles involved. Lee says the two children killed were ages four and six and they were standing on the road as adults were attempting to remove a garbage compactor from the road…

CUT 6 (09) “those vehicles”

Lee says the vehicle that struck the five people on the side of the road was driven by 26-year-old Jerry Ervin of Holden, who is believed to have been impaired. He says they also believe 50-year-old Travis Rose of Denham Springs was drunk and left the garbage compactor in the road after it fell out of his truck.

CUT 7 (09) “no insurance”

Lee says the two children, four-year-old Samuel Shropshire and six-year-old Khaiden Ramsey were pronounced dead at the scene. He says 34-year-old Michelle Ramsey, a 16-year-old male, and a 15-year-old female were transported to a hospital with serious injuries after being struck by Ervin.

CUT 8 (08) “this week”

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

Today Governor John Bel Edwards declared April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Louisiana. According to Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana, there were over 12-thousand victims of child abuse and neglect in 2014, the latest year statistics are available. State Police Major Doug Cain says kids are our most important resource, and everyone needs to do what they can to them.

CUT 9 (12) “look into it”

Pinwheels lined the front of the state capitol as a display of child abuse prevention awareness. The pinwheel serves as a symbol for the childhood that all children deserve. Cain says the public can also get involved in raising awareness about this issue.

cut 10 (07)  “it represents”

Cain says police deal with cases of child abuse throughout the state. He says it’s something they are working to put an end to by arming law enforcement officers with the tools and training necessary to recognize and prevent abuse.

Cut 11 (11) “change it”

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

A legal expert says a claim of self-defense will be hard to prove in the murder of former Saints standout Will Smith. Cardell Hayes is facing a charge of second-degree murder, but attorney John Fuller spoke with Hayes, who says he was not the aggressor in the incident. Legal Analyst Chick Foret says police will have to look at witness testimony to see exactly what happened.

cut 12 (09) “piece this together”

Police have referred to the shooting as a road rage incident. But Fuller the story is much more complex. So far police have not uncovered a weapon in Smith’s vehicle. Foret says if Hayes wants to use self-defense as a claim, it will be hard to prove unless police find that Smith had a gun.

Cut 13 (09)  “in this case”

Hayes is being held on a one million dollar bond. Foret says the investigation is still ongoing, but at this point forensic evidence seems to tell a different story than what Hayes is suggesting.

cut 14 (08)  “the defendant”

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

Most parishes north of Interstate 10 are under a severe thunderstorm watch until seven o’ clock tonight. CS Ross, with the National Weather Service in Shreveport, advises people to keep an eye to the sky. He says scattered thunderstorms have the potential to produce severe weather threats.

cut 15 (07) “or two” 

Ross says they are getting reports of one inch hail in the Texarkana area and parts of northern Texas. He says the rainfall associated with these storms will be brief, but heavy.

cut 16 (05) “of rainfall”

The first woman to enlist in the infantry in the U.S. army is a native of Robeline. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Louisiana is still facing a 750-million budget deficit after the special session, and Governor John Bel Edwards is expected to call another session to close the budget shortfall. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

Lawmakers have been scrambling to resolve a historic budget shortfall for months, and now State Treasurer John Kennedy says we may end this fiscal year with a surplus. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________________

A Natchitoches Parish woman is the first female to enlist in an infantry combat position in the U.S. Army. 25-year-old Grace Barnett of Robeline was in law enforcement for three years and has been working to go into the infantry since the department of defense allowed women in this role. She says it’s a great honor to serve her country on the front lines.

cut 4  (10)  “larger scale”

Barnett says patriotism runs in her blood. She says it took her as a surprise that she was actually the first woman to enlist in the infantry.

Cut 5  (10)  “at me”

Barnett says she’ll spend the next 14 months training and building up her endurance before she ships out. She says she hopes to be an example for other women.

Cut 6 (10)  “about doing” 

___________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards is expected to call another special session to address the state’s 750-million shortfall for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1. Edwards says they have not set a date for the session, but it will likely come before the fall to stave off more cuts to state services.

CUT 7 (05)  “for success”

So far two credit rating agencies have downgraded Louisiana’s credit rating. Edwards says that’s hardly an endorsement for how the state handled its business during the previous special session. He says lawmakers need to stabilize the budget, and they need to do it sooner rather than later.

Cut 8  (05)  “Louisiana is”

Edwards says legislators simply have to do better, as not enough revenue was raised during the last special session to close the budget gap. He says they must find a way to keep critical programs open.

Cut 9 (06)  “to begin with”

___________________________________________________

The investigation continues today into the fatal shooting of former Saints defensive end Will Smith. Smith was gunned down after he was involved in a minor car wreck with 28-year-old Cardell Hayes. New Orleans Police Superintendent Michael Harrison says Hayes shot Smith in the city’s Lower Garden District…

Cut 10 (12) “the law”

Court records show Hayes won a settlement with the city of the New Orleans over the fatal shooting of his mentally ill father. Smith reportedly just finished eating with a former New Orleans police officer who was named as a defendant in that suit. Harrison says it’s too early to tell in the investigation if Hayes and Smith knew each other.

cut 11 (08) “right now”

Harrison says Hayes has been charged with second-degree murder..

cut 12 (10) “as such”

___________________________________________________________

After all the concerns about the budget crisis, State Treasurer John Kennedy says Louisiana may actually end this fiscal year with a surplus. In December, the state revenues were down 15-percent, but now revenues are only down 6-percent. Kennedy says he can’t make any predictions but…

Cut 13 (10)  “this year”

Kennedy says a few months ago, he would thought a surplus was impossible. He attributes an increase in tax collections to the rise in state revenue.

Cut 14 (06)  “personal income” 

Kennedy says a surplus is possible, if revenue figures continue to rise and tax increases that came out of the special session generate more than what the legislative fiscal analysts predicted….

Cut 15 (09) “as well”

__________________________________________________________

The Saints and their fans are mourning the death of former defensive end Will Smith, who was killed during what police are calling a road rage incident. Smith and another man exchanged words after a fender bender involving their vehicles in New Orleans on Saturday night. Police say the other man pulled out a gun and fatally shot Smith. Saints offensive tackle Zach Strief played with Smith and says he’s been dealing with a lot of different emotions…

Cut 16  (14)  “how could this happen”

Strief made his comments on WWL radio in New Orleans. Smith played nine seasons for the Saints. The 34-year-old retired after the 2012 season and remained a resident of New Orleans. Strief hopes Smith’s tragic killing will lead to change…

Cut 17 (09) “is it take”

Twenty-eight-year-old Cardell Hayes was arrested for the fatal shooting of Smith. He’s been charged with second-degree murder. Strief says an argument should never turn into a gun fight and the shooting gives New Orleans a black eye….

Cut 18 (16) “it really does”

Believe it or not, there is an election tomorrow. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

The Louisiana Tech women’s basketball program lost its head coach Tyler Sumitt who admitted he had an affair, and reports say it was with a player. Jeff Palermo has more on the reaction in north Louisiana.

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

It may come as a surprise to many Louisianans, but there is an election tomorrow in 41 parishes. Polls open at 7 AM and close at 8 PM. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says this election typically has a low voter turnout because so many people aren’t aware there’s an election.

CUT 3 (08)  “in March”

Schedler says in addition to local runoff elections, there are also tax renewals up for vote in several parishes. He says you can check the GeauxVote app to see exactly what’s on the ballot in your precinct.

CUT 4 (08)  “G-E-A-U-X”

Schedler says the early voting turnout was very low, as only about 34-tousand people casted ballots. He expects the turnout for this election to be around 11-percent and encourages everyone to exercise their right to vote.

CUT 5 (09)  “the other”

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

The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival begins today and there are lots of activities for festival goers. Festival Spokesperson Shelley Matherne says there will be tons of organizations selling delicious food, as well as, games, carnival rides, and a parade. She says this is the state’s biggest free festival.

CUT 6 (09) “Mardi Gras”

This year hasn’t been a good one for the strawberry industry given the recent flooding but Matherne says that won’t stop anyone from having a great time at the festival.

CUT 7 (10) “local farmers”

Festival Queen Danielle Rodriguez says the festival is near and dear to her heart because her family has a history of strawberry farming. She says this is a great event for the entire family.

CUT 8 (10) “second home”

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

The now former head coach of the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters, Tyler Summitt, suddenly resigned Thursday after admitting to having an inappropriate relationship. The 25-year-old is the son of legendary head coach, Pat Summitt, and he’s married. Gene Ponti is the Sports Director at KTVE in Monroe. He says everyone is totally shocked at this news…:

CUT 9 (09) “and for the program”

In a statement, Summitt said he negatively affected the people he loved and hopes to repair those relationships. Ponti says a scandal like this is a black eye on any sports program, and on women’s basketball as a whole…:

cut 10 (10)  “are in a hole”

SB Nation is reporting the woman Summitt had an affair with is a player and she’s pregnant. Summitt was the youngest head coach in women’s basketball. Ponti says even though his age was criticized by some, a popular public sentiment was that he was wise beyond his years…:

Cut 11 (09) “some people thought”

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

Governor John Bel Edwards says he’ll spend the weekend putting the finishing touches on the proposed budget for next year, which will contain a 750-million cut in state spending. Edwards says the spending plan for next fiscal year he’ll present to lawmakers on Tuesday will be very sobering.

cut 12 (08) “of Louisiana”

Healthcare, higher ed, TOPS, social services, and other vital programs are expected to receive cuts. Edwards says many state services will receive much less funding this year because of the massive budget deficit.

Cut 13 (08)  “priorities”

Lawmakers were able to raise over a billion dollars in the special session, but it wasn’t enough to close the budget gap. Because taxes cannot be raised during this regular session, another special session may be necessary. Edwards says his administration will release more details on Tuesday.

cut 14 (11)  “balanced budget”

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

State Police have been called in to investigate after a woman was run over by a police vehicle while sunbathing on the beach in Grand Isle. Sgt. Nick Manale says two women were tanning near the dunes area when the truck drove near them and one was able to get out of the way in the nick of time. He says the woman struck by the vehicle received moderate injuries.

cut 15 (06) “several surgeries” 

Manale says the victim’s injuries are not life threatening. He says the name of the police officer driving the vehicle has not been released.

cut 16 (08) “the department”

Scandal has hit the Louisiana Tech women’s basketball program. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival starts today but recent flooding ruined a lot of the state’s berry crop. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

With the support of Governor John Bel Edwards, a Senate committee passed two bills that alter the TOPS scholarship program. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________________

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is monitoring the deer population for chronic wasting disease, which has been confirmed in Arkansas and Texas. Dr. Jim LaCour with DWF says CWD is a fatal, progressive neurological disease that affects deer, including the white-tailed deer in Louisiana.

cut 4  (11)  “disease”

LaCour says this disease basically eats holes in the deer’s brain and there is no cure. He says infected deer are not symptomatic in the beginning, but they show signs of CWD as it progresses.

Cut 5  (08)  “of weight”

A big concern is that deer infected with CWD can spread the disease, before symptoms develop. LaCour says currently there have not been any cases of CWD in Louisiana. He says DWF is monitoring the deer population for signs of the disease, and they do have a plan in place if the disease is ever discovered in Louisiana.

Cut 6 (12)  “sample it” 

___________________________________________________

The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival begins today but it wasn’t a great year for strawberries, because of the massive flooding in Tangipahoa and Livingston Parishes last month. Strawberry farmer Eric Morrow says 90% of his crop was damaged and he won’t have much to show for this year’s harvest.

CUT 7 (07)  “of that”

Morrow says the rain came at the wrong time and ruined a lot of green fruit. He says will not make any money this year, because he lost the majority of his crop and so did several other strawberry producers.

Cut 8  (06)  “their pocket”

Morrow says he’ll have to hope his other crops do well to make up with the loss of strawberries, because he’s not expecting any federal assistance because government aid doesn’t usually go for specialty crops.

Cut 9 (04)  “our own”

___________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards supports legislation passed out of a Senate committee that attempts to control the cost of the TOPS scholarship program. One of the bills would cap the amount a TOPS recipient receives at next year’s level and it stays there even if tuition rises. Edwards says it’s a bill he voted for as a legislator last year and he favors its passage this year…

Cut 10 (12) “tuition increases”

Edwards says although legislators did well in the special session, they did not generate enough revenue to fully fund TOPS. He says that’s why another special session is needed to raise more money.

cut 11 (07) “fund TOPS”

On Tuesday, the Edwards will propose its spending plan for next fiscal year to lawmakers. The governor says because of a 750-million dollar shortfall, the state doesn’t have enough money to fully fund the scholarship program…

cut 12 (04) “don’t have it”

_______________________________________________________________

A bill that adds parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities as a firearm free zone passes out of a House Criminal Justice Committee on an 8 to 6 vote. Prairieville Rep. Tony Bacala disagrees with the legislation. He says the majority of tragic shootings happen by people should be in jail.

Cut 13 (10)  “the innocent”

The legislation faces opposition from gun rights supporters but Baton Rouge Rep. Denise Marcelle understands we have the right to bear arms but the safety of our children and loved ones is more important.

Cut 14 (09)  “do something” 

New Orleans Rep. Jimmy Harris is the author of the legislation. Harris says this bill wasn’t created to infringe on anyone’s rights, but to keep people safe.

Cut 15 (09) “foolishness”

The massive flooding the state experienced in March has caused up to 15 million dollars in damages to the agriculture industry. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Two bills that attempt to resolve the TOPS funding problems were approved by the Senate Education Committee today. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A Natchez man is now in custody after fatally shooting his estranged wife and another man multiple times in their Vidalia home while the woman’s two children slept nearby. Vidalia Assistant Police Chief Bruce Wiley says witnesses saw the suspected gunman fleeing the home in the early morning hours on Wednesday…

CUT 3 (09)  “a motorcycle”

Wiley says 35-year-old Curt Thornton was arrested after a Mississippi police officer pulled Thorton over for riding his motorcycle without a helmet. He says the two children, both under 10 years old, did not hear the gunshot. He says the female child called 911 at 7 a.m. when she found her mom and another man dead.

CUT 4 (07)  “that age”

Wiley says Curt Thornton and his estranged wife Angela Thornton were reportedly having problems, so Thornton allegedly shot her and 36-year-old Ken Tibbs.

CUT 5 (09)  “the situation”

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The House has approved a bill that would extend the waiting period to get an abortion from 24 to 72 hours. West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman says five other states have similar waiting periods. He says this waiting period gives women facing crisis pregnancies time to look at their options without an impending deadline.

CUT 6 (06) “later regret”

No one spoke out in opposition to the proposal. Hoffman says the waiting period does not apply to women who live more than 150 miles from the nearest abortion clinic. He says women have a lot to consider when making this decision.

CUT 7 (07) “mother’s decision”

The bill now heads to the Senate.

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The director of the famous LSU Golden Band from Tigerland has been placed on paid administrative leave, and his lawyer says it’s the result of a witch hunt. Attorney Jill Craft says her client, Roy King, has been there 18 years and is well liked by his students. She says this action truly came out of the blue…:

CUT 8 (10) “ridiculous”

Craft says there was a move by the School of Music’s Administration, to try to get some of the athletic funds that go toward the Tiger Band, for things that have nothing to do with the band. She says King came forward to try to stop that from happening, then suddenly was placed on leave pending results of an investigation…:

CUT 9 (10) “purposes”

In a statement, LSU said this is not as a result of any alleged dispute between King and the School of Music, and the university plans not to comment further. Craft says it is not clear exactly what the probe hopes to uncover, and there is a huge problem with placing someone irresponsibly on paid administrative leave.:

cut 10 (08)  “he hasn’t”

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The massive March flooding across the state has cost the agriculture industry up to 15 million dollars. That’s according to LSU AgCenter economist Kurt Guidry, who says corn was impacted the most, as about 40-thousand acres were covered in water and some fields are still underwater.

Cut 11 (09) “excessive rains”

Guidry says about 3 to 4 million dollars in corn was lost and it’ll cost farmers about 150 dollars per acre to replant. He says another commodity that was affected by the flooding was wheat.

cut 12 (08) “and flooding”

Guidry says in the southern part of the state, strawberry production was impacted. He says hundreds of cattle died after their pastures were flooded.

Cut 13 (11)  “be moved”

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The Senate Education Committee approves two bills that addresses the funding issues surrounding the TOPS scholarship program. One of the measures would cap the amount students currently receive and it would not go any higher if even tuition increases. Mandeville Senator Jack Donahue says his legislation basically puts a cap on the amount a student receives…

cut 14 (11)  “of the bill”

Governor John Bel Edwards supports this legislation, because TOPS is facing major funding problems in light of a 750-million dollar budget deficit. West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth opposed this bill last year, but he’s heard from plenty of students in his district who are worried about the future of TOPS….

cut 15 (08) “our students” 

The other TOPS funding bill heading to the Senate floor is a bill by Jennings Senator Blade Morrish and it would reduce the amount each TOPS recipient receives, if the state doesn’t have enough money to fund TOPS at its current level…

cut 16 (10) “million dollars”

Both of these bills head to the Senate floor for more discussion.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has suggested that movie producers who film in Louisiana share their profits so the state can keep the film tax exemptions in place. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (27) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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 LSU is thinking about restricting drinking by student organizations on campus during football tailgates. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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 A study provides information on what kind of industry medical marijuana could be for the Bayou State, if laws were passed to loosen the restrictions. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has proposed that Hollywood South shares some of their profits in order to keep the film tax exemptions in place. Nungesser says he hopes to build a partnership with movie producers who come to Louisiana.

cut 4  (10)  “a pertnership”

Nungesser says movies and TV shows have had a good track record in Louisiana, such as Jurassic World and NCIS: New Orleans. He says legislators and producers need to sit down and see what will work and what would not.

Cut 5  (07)  “that works”

Nungesser says he spoke with producers at the Grammy’s in Hollywood, and he says he hasn’t heard a good reason why this would not work out for everyone.

Cut 6 (06)  “that before” 

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A study paid for by the Louisiana Cannabis Association finds medical marijuana use could be a 200 to 330 million dollar industry, if the state loosens its restrictions on who could use the prescription drug. Spokesperson Jesse McCormick says under current law only about 4-thousand people can be legally prescribed medical marijuana. He says if medical marijuana was also available to those with chronic pain and other serious ailments, the number of eligible patients increases to as much as 105-thousand…

CUT 7 (10)  “helping patients”

Even though the dispensing of medical marijuana is legal in Louisiana, it could be another couple of years before it’s available. There is legislation in this session that would allow those with chronic pain, HIV, seizure and spasm disorders to also use the drug once it becomes available. McCormick says the study shows how many people could actually benefit from medical cannabis…

Cut 8  (10)  “healthcare dollars”

The study also shows medical marijuana could generate between 5 and 13-million dollars in tax revenue, if a four-percent tax was placed on the sale of the product….

Cut 9 (12)  “are doing”

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A debate is underway on the LSU campus over whether the university should restrict drinking by its students on campus during football game days. LSU is considering several regulations that are designed to crack down on binge drinking and prohibit items like couches, punch bowls, and kegs from student association tailgates. LSU’s Dean of Students Maria (Ma-dee-ah) Fuentes-Martin says she doesn’t want to see another student hurt because of current tailgating practices.

Cut 10 (10) “our practices”

Fuentes-Martin feels like she’s taking a proactive step. But she says during town hall style meetings on campus, she received a lot of opposition.

cut 11 (06) “destroy that”

 The proposed new tailgating rules for students will be presented to President F. King Alexander for his consideration. Fuentes-Martin says she’s gotten some positive feedback, but for the most part students aren’t happy with this proposed change.

cut 12 (07) “other activities”

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A bill has been filed that would restrict college athletic teams in the state, excluding LSU, from traveling more 375 miles to play in games. The proposed law also does not apply to football or basketball programs or postseason action. The bill’s author, Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter, says state dollars are scarce and public dollars shouldn’t be used on long road trips for baseball, softball and volleyball teams.

Cut 13 (09)  “great distances”

This proposal does not apply to playoffs or championship competitions, and teams would be able to attend competitions hosted by opposing schools that pay for travel costs. Carter says Louisiana’s budget is in bad shape, and legislators have to figure out a way to cut back on spending.

Cut 14 (05)  “some dollars” 

ULM Athletic Director Brian Wickstrom says he understands that Louisiana is facing budget problems, but college sports are important to students. 

Cut 15 (10) “young people”

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The 15th ranked LSU baseball team welcomes second ranked Vanderbilt into Alex Box Stadium tonight. Coach Paul Mainieri will start Jared Poche over Alex Lange on the mound tonight. Both pitchers last threw on Saturday, but Mainieri says Poche is more equipped to pitch again on shorter rest…

Cut 16  (16)  “last Friday”

Vanderbilt comes into this series with a 6-3 record in the SEC, 24-5 overall. They have the second best team ERA in the league and they’ve scored the most runs out of any team in the Southeastern Conference. Mainieri says the Commodres have only hit 20 home runs, so they find other ways to score…

Cut 17 (18) “including us”

Vanderbilt’s pitchers have struck out 319 batters, second most in the SEC. Mainieri wants his hitters to embrace the opportunity to face some great pitchers…

Cut 18 (10) “country”

A Natchez resident started a petition for the town to secede from Mississippi after the governor signed a bill that allows people and businesses with religious obligations to deny service to gay people. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Three bills that would put limitations on the TOPS Scholarship Program failed to make it out of the House Education Committee today. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (26)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A petition on change-dot-org is calling for Natchez, Mississippi, to secede from the state after legislators there approved a bill that allows individuals and institutions with religious obligations to deny services to gay people. Natchez resident Casey Hughes started the petition hoping the governor would not sign the bill, but he did yesterday. She says she wants to send a message to people who would visit the historic city.

CUT 3 (08)  “to everyone”

Tourism is a huge industry in Natchez, as the town holds wildly popular events throughout the year that draw hundreds of thousands of people. Hughes says this bill could impact tourism.

CUT 4 (07)  “come here”

Hughes says Natchez welcomes all kinds of people, even if the rest of the state does not. She says the petition was mostly a joke, but she wouldn’t mind if her town moved over to the Bayou State.

CUT 5 (08)  “that’d be great”

The petition has been signed by almost 700 people.

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Legislation that attempted to prevent local governments from removing Confederate monuments failed in a Senate Committee today. The bill would create a statewide commission that would have to grant a waiver before a monument could be altered, moved, or renamed. Confederate monument supporter Leslie Tassin says monuments of Confederate soldiers are a history lesson…

CUT 6 (04) “brighter future”

Tassin says this issue is import now but is more important to future generations so they will have the opportunity to understand the history of Louisiana. He says historic monuments shouldn’t be torn down, new monuments should be built.

CUT 7 (12) “their lives”

Opponents for the legislation believe it shouldn’t be up to the state what happens to city property. Democrats on the panel voted against the bill, while Republicans supported it. Author of the legislation Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell urged legislators to vote favorably to allow the monuments to educate future generations…

CUT 8 (08) “shared history”

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The House Education Committee rejected a proposal to increase the GPA a college student must achieve to keep their TOPS scholarship. It also said “No” to a bill to make a TOPS recipient pay back some or all of their scholarship if they fail or withdraw from school.  New Orleans Representative Walt Leger says changing TOPS to a loan makes it less of an opportunity for students.

CUT 9 (11) “many students”

Kenner Representative Julie Stokes authored the proposal to make students who don’t graduate pay back their TOPS scholarship. She says a lot of students get to college and have too much fun, then they end up dropping out.

cut 10 (04)  “take it seriously”

Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater proposed a bill that would make TOPS a partial scholarship, in which recipients would receive more money each year. That bill also failed to make it out of committee. Broadwater says lawmakers have to do something to save the TOPS program.

Cut 11 (05) “a challenge”

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Two new Zika cases have been confirmed in Louisiana, bringing the total number to four – but DHH says they are all okay. Medical Director for the Louisiana Center for Community Preparedness, Dr. Frank Welch says this Zika confirmation is really a few weeks late, because the tests had to be sent to the Center for Disease Control for confirmation.

cut 12 (07) “positive”

Welch says doctors have a much faster method for testing for Zika now. He says these cases were from people who had traveled to South America. Welch says only one in five people who contract Zika actually get sick, and the illness only lasts three to five days.

Cut 13 (03)  “the illness”

Welch says the mosquito that carries the Zika virus is active in Louisiana, but only in the summer. He says so far the only people who have gotten Zika were bit by mosquitos outside of the country.

cut 14 (06)  “has happened”