Five teams from Louisiana are in the NCAA Baseball Tournament. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The LSU AgCenter hosts a meeting today to address the growing problem of feral hogs. Don Molino has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

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The Senate Finance Committee makes major changes to the state’s proposed 26-billion dollar spending plan for next fiscal year. Halen Doughty has the story….

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The Senate Finance Committee has made their changes to the proposed budget for next fiscal year and sent it to the Senate floor. Amendments made to the budget only fund 48% of the TOPS scholarship program. Ville Platte Senator Eric LaFleur says they hope to have more money to fund the program after the special session.

cut 4  (08)  “to TOPS”

Under the committee’s version of the budget, all waiver programs that assist the elderly and families with developmentally disabled children are funded. However, Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says other important services are still underfunded.

Cut 5  (08)  “have needs”

Louisiana DHH undersecretary Jeff Reynolds says fully funding the waiver program took away from funding the state’s safety net hospitals, which provide care for the poor.

Cut 6 (11)  “the partnership“

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Feral hogs are a big problem in Louisiana, so the LSU AgCenter is hosting a meeting today at their Dean Lee Research Center in Alexandria to give updates on latest research and new regulations that are being implemented. AgCenter area agent Donna Morgan says strides have been made to control the feral pig population…

CUT 7 (13)  “now offer” 

Morgan says feral hogs are responsible for thousands of dollars in damage every year as they’ve been known to destroy ag fields, golf courses and personal property. She says the AgCenter started research about three years ago looking into toxic baits for the feral swine and they’re looking at additional ways to manage the population.

Cut 8  (10)  “eradicate them” 

Morgan says because the hogs are so widespread, trapping, shooting and toxic bait are methods to manage the population. She hopes the meeting from 1 to 3 PM is educational for everyone who attends.

Cut 9 (11)  “golf courses”

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The “Ban the Box” bill, which would prohibit state agencies from asking job applicants about their criminal history before the interview process, is waiting on the governor’s desk to be signed. US Justice Action Network Executive Director Holly Harris  applauds the Louisiana legislature for passing legislation that breaks down barriers to employment for thousands of citizens with criminal records…

Cut 10 (03) “crime free lives”

Harris says individuals who have been incarcerated work nine fewer weeks a year, and take home 40% less annual pay than their colleagues. She says this legislation can help felons get back to work and turn away from crime…

cut 11 (07) “taxpayer’s dime”

Governor John Bel Edwards is expected to sign the measure. Harris says a misconception during debate was that employers wouldn’t be able to ask about criminal history in an interview, but she says that’s not the case…:

cut 12 (10) “rehabilitate themselves”

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The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute says New Orleans is one of the top ten most challenging places to live with asthma. Director of the Division of Lung Diseases, Dr. James Kiley, says in Louisiana, about 271,000 adults are living with asthma, which is inherited and also caused by environmental factors…:

Cut 13 (10)  “pollen”

Kiley says with appropriate treatment, nearly all patients should be able to achieve good control with minimum symptoms, normal lung function and normal activity levels. He says if you suffer with asthma, you should take notice of your symptoms, and see your physician for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan…:

cut 14 (09)  “as directed”
Kiley says it’s important to visit your doctor, get and stay on a treatment plan..and develop an action plan so that friends and family know what to do in the event of an attack…

Cut 15 (10) “provider”

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LSU baseball will begin NCAA Tournament play on Friday at Alex Box Stadium by hosting Utah Valley. The Wolverines are out of the Western Atheltic Conference and they boast a record of 37-21. Coach Paul Mainieri says Utah Valley has defeated some good teams along the way…

Cut 16  (20)  “ball club”

Rice and Southeastern Louisiana are the other two teams in the Baton Rouge regional. LSU is seeded eighth nationally, so if they win the Baton Rouge regional, they’ll host a super regional series against the winner from the Raleigh Regional.Mainieri says it’s up to the Tigers to prove they are Omaha worthy…

Cut 17 (20)  “this tournament” 

The Ragin Cajuns are also hosting a regional this weekend as they face Princeton on Friday at Tigue Moore Field. Arizona and Sam Houston State are the other two teams in the Lafayette Regional. Coach Tony Robichaux’s team brings a 10-game winning streak into the NCAA Tournament…

Cut 18 (19 “point on”

Robichaux says there’s three good teams coming to the Tigue, but they can’t worry about the opponent…

Cut 19 (14) “handling us”

Louisiana Tech is in the NCAA tournament for the first time in 29 years as the Bulldogs are the three-seed in the Starkville Regional hosted by Mississippi State. Second-year Head Coach Greg Goff says this is an awesome experience for their program…

Cut 20 (18) “12 months”

As families celebrate Memorial Day with cookouts and crawfish boils, Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary, Joey Strickland encourages people to remember why they have the day off. Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (25) “I’m Don Molino”

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A Baton Rouge Brewery will enlist several LSU fans to help choose the taste of the official beer of LSU. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The regular legislative session ends in just one week, and the next special session will begin just 30 minutes later. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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In honor of Memorial Day, Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary, Joey Strickland encourages families to honor those who have died in war. He says many brave Louisianans have fought for our freedom.

cut 4  (12)  “wars past”

Strickland says no matter how people feel about the war, they should still honor our veterans. Strickland says there is plenty that people can do for our veterans to honor their sacrifice and salute their service.

Cut 5  (10)  “our communities”

Today at 3pm is the National Moment of Remembrance. Strickland says seven Louisianans have died defending freedom. He says it’s important to keep our veterans in mind as families are gathering for crawfish boils and cookouts.

Cut 6 (11)  “of freedom“

Strickland says there are events celebrating veterans around the state today, including one he will speak at in the Port Hudson National Cemetery in Zachary. Governor Edwards is scheduled to speak at the Northeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Rayville. Other events today are also taking place at the Louisiana Veterans Cemeteries in Slidell and Keithville.

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser hopes for a lot of visitors to Louisiana throughout the summer season. He says this is the time of year to put our best foot forward with over 400 festivals statewide during the summer months. He says we have the best food, music, culture, and history but it’s our people that really set us apart from other states.

CUT 7 (06)  “of year” 

Louisiana is coming off of another record breaking year for tourism. Nungesser hopes the low gas prices will bring even more people in from other states.

Cut 8  (06)  “low prices” 

Nungesser says the people of Louisiana make our visitors feel like family. He says even though the temperature is so hot during the summer months, that doesn’t stop people from traveling to our festivals or historic locations.

Cut 9 (10)  “having fun”

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LSU fans will help choose the taste of the official beer of LSU. Cofounder of Tin Roof Brewery in Baton Rouge, William McGehee, says people age 21 and over can go to TinRoofBeer.com to register to be part of a tasting panel that will select the new LSU brew from different ales and lagers.

Cut 10 (08) “we’ve done”

McGehee says registration to be on the panel continues through June 8. He says the new beer should be ready in time for the start of the 2016 football season and be the perfect tailgating beer.

cut 11 (12) “big scale”

McGehee says Tin Roof Brewery was selected to brew the LSU beer after a series of conversations with LSU officials.

cut 12 (11) “we are”

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In one week, lawmakers will end the regular session and begin another special session in the same day. Communications Director for Governor Edwards, Richard Carbo says responsible revenue raising measures will be a priority during this session, in order to ensure that TOPS, healthcare, K-12 education, and higher ed are fully funded.

Cut 13 (06)  “it out”

Carbo says lawmakers were unable to raise enough revenue in the first special session to fully close the budget shortfall. He says the budget will be an important item during the session.

cut 14 (11)  “be priorities”

Carbo says there are some things that happened in the final minutes of the previous special session that need to be addressed, including exemptions that should have been placed on the sales tax increase.

Cut 15 (09) “cleaned up”

An Allen Parish man was killed by a swarm of bees in an Arizona park. Jeff Palermo spoke with Maricopa County Sheriff’s Deputy Joaquin Enriquez …

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The stock of beef is plenty for those planning on grilling this Memorial Day weekend. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A Louisiana man has died after being stung by more than a thousand bees in a park in Arizona. Maricopa County Sheriff’s Deputy Joaquin Enriquez says 23-year-old Alex Bestler of Elton and a friend were hiking in the Usery Mountain Park when they were attacked by a swarm of bees. He says Bestler’s friend was able to escape into a bathroom, but Bestler was overcome by the swarm.

CUT 3 (08)  “the bees”

Enriquez says sheriff’s deputies, firefighters, and EMS were immediately called to the scene. He says Sgt. Romer with the Sheriff’s Lake Patrol suited up in his jacket and gloves and duct taped his sleeves to the gloves before commandeering a utility vehicle and braving the swarm to retrieve Bestler.

CUT 4 (13)  “of him”

Enriquez says the park is closed through the weekend pending an investigation. He says Bestler was completely covered in bees.

CUT 5 (09)  “bad shape”

Enriquez says Bestler was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. An examination of the body showed over 1,000 bee stings.

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The National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration has released its 2016 Atlantic Hurricane season forecast. NOAA Administrator Dr. Kathryn Sullivan says there is a 70-percent chance of 10 to 16 named storms during this season.

CUT 6 (06) “or higher”

The average season typically includes around 12 named storms. The Colorado State forecast team has predicted 13 named storms. Sullivan admits this year’s forecast is challenging because of various factors related to sea surface temperatures and how strong La Nina and its impacts will be…

CUT 7 (07) “formation”

Sullivan says El Nino, which hinders tropical storm production, is dissipating and the Climate Prediction Center is forecasting a 70% chance a La Nina will form…

CUT 8 (08) “will be”

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An arrest has been made in the murder of East Feliciana School Board member, Broderick Brooks, who was found dead in his vehicle in north Baton Rouge earlier this week. Cpl. L’Jean Mckneely says 19-year-old Jaquez Griffin has been charged with first degree murder.

CUT 9 (12) “degree murder”

Brooks was found dead of multiple gunshot wounds at 3:30 am on May 23. Mckneely says Griffin has been booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. He says the motive for the shooting is still under investigation.

cut 10 (07)  “Mr. Griffin”

Brooks was said to be an active member of the school board, who was loved by everyone.

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A pregnant Thibodaux woman has been arrested after having a sexual relationship with a juvenile. Thibodaux Police Cpl. David Melancon says 24-year-old Alison Thibodaux had an inappropriate relationship with a teenager, which ended last December.

Cut 11 (11) “several months”

Melancon says Thibodaux has been charged with felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile, but more charges could be filed pending an investigation. He says Thibodaux also sent inappropriate pictures to the juvenile via text message. Melancon says the juvenile and his mother came forward when they learned Thibodaux was pregnant.

cut 12 (09) “the father”

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Grillers are in luck as there is plenty of beef to cook up this Memorial Day weekend. CEO of the Cattle Producers of Louisiana Dave Foster says beef was sold to retailers at a lower price compared to previous years and so consumers should see some good deals out there…

Cut 13 (09)  “this weekend”

Foster says this is a big part of the season for beef producers, especially because Father’s Day is also around the corner. He says meat lovers should enjoy decent prices for the summer, because cattle prices on the market are lower this year.

cut 14 (09)  “1.40s”

Foster says we’ve really turned into a hamburger society and ground beef seems to be the most popular type of beef bought in stores. He says half of the cow is used for ground beef and the other half is used for primal cuts.

cut 15 (10) “for sure”

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Governor John Bel Edwards could issue the call for the next special session as early as today, according to Jeremy Alford with LaPolitics.com. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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 NOAA issues its 2016 Atlantic hurricane season outlook today. Emelie Gunn has more on what federal forecasters might predict…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The Blue Lives Matter bill has been signed into law by Governor John Bel Edwards, making Louisiana the first state to include police, firefighters and EMS in hate crime legislation. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Governor John Bel Edwards is expected to issue the call for another special session any day now, according to Jeremy Alford, publisher of LaPolitics.com. Edwards has said a second session is needed to raise revenues to address a 600-million dollar budget deficit for next fiscal year. Alford says it’s likely lawmakers will not get a break from the State Capitol…

cut 4  (10)  “after adjournment”

When the call is issued, lawmakers will know when the session will run, as well as what kinds of bills they will be able to submit. Alford says the call could include reductions to personal or corporate income tax credits and addressing issues not covered in the previous session.

Cut 5  (10)  “special session”

Alford says the special session may only last as long as two and a half weeks. He says we won’t know for sure what will be on the call until it’s released. But he says there have been a few hints dropped on how to increase state revenues and avoid cuts to critical services…

Cut 6 (08)  “the call”

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NOAA will issue its outlook for the 2016 hurricane season today. State climatologist Barry Keim expects the federal forecasters will predict an average season. He says there are two factors working against each other, cooler than normal sea surface temperature, which is an indication for fewer storms, and La Nina coming later this season, which is an indicator for more storms.

CUT 7 (08)  “normal season” 

Keim says an average season typically includes around 12 storms. Last year there was 11 named storms. Hurricane Isaac in 2012 was the last hurricane to make landfall in Louisiana. Keim says Louisianans should still be prepared, even though we are not looking at an above-average season…

Cut 8  (05)  “in Louisiana” 

2016 has already produced Hurricane Alex in January, which did not affect land and now we have a tropical disturbance that could impact the Carolinas this weekend. Keim says if this season does lean in one direction, it would probably lean towards a more active season.

Cut 9 (11)  “gonna be”

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The Edwards administration is urging the Senate to reject the House amendments that were made to the proposed budget for next fiscal year. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne told the Senate Finance committee that the spending plan the House approved is not acceptable, because it will result in deep cuts to programs that assist the elderly and disabled….

Cut 10 (09) “shortfall”

One of the major changes the House made to HB1 was reallocating money towards TOPS and away from hospitals that provide care for the poor. Dardenne explained what would happen under the current proposal, with TOPS fully funded.

cut 11 (08) “unacceptable budget”

The Senate Finance committee is expected to approve its own version of the budget in the coming days. Legislators have been struggling with how to fund state services, because of a 600-million dollar shortfall. Dardenne says the House’s attempt to shift money around will not work…

cut 12 (08) “right now”

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Governor Edwards has signed the Blue Lives Matter Bill into law, which makes Louisiana the first in the nation to expand its hate crime laws to protect police, firefighters and EMS crews. Author of the legislation, Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says the new law allows prosecutors to seek tougher penalties against individuals who intentionally target first responders because of their profession.

Cut 13 (12)  “in jail” 2x

Previous hate crime laws only included people on the basis of race, gender, religion, nationality, sexual orientation or affiliation with certain groups. Harris says the legislation is long overdue.

cut 14 (09)  “in place”

President of the Louisiana NAACP, Ernest Johnson says this law is just a knee jerk reaction to the Black Lives Matter campaign and unnecessary.

Cut 15 (09) “our firefighters”

Five other states have tried to pass similar bills, but they all failed to pass. Johnson says he doesn’t think this bill will stand up in court. He says if you classify hate crimes by occupation, everyone should be included.

Cut 16  (06)  “news reporters”

A bill is moving closer to final legislative passage that would ensure that all TOPS students receive at least part of their scholarship, in the event the legislature cannot fully fund the program. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The price of oil hit 50-dollars a barrel for the first time since October. Emelie Gunn on what this means for the industry….

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The bill to ensure that all TOPS students get at least part of their scholarship award moves closer to final legislative passage. The legislation would go into effect if the legislature is not able to fully fund the popular scholarship program. Currently, 51-thousand students receive TOPS. Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater says without this bill 13-thousand students could lose their scholarships because of funding issues, which would be bad for the state’s economy…

CUT 3 (05)  “do it”

Broadwater says this bill is needed to make sure that all TOPS students have the opportunity to go to college. He says this could keep more Louisiana students in the state.

CUT 4 (09)  “at home”

Under current law, if TOPS is underfunded, students with the lowest GPA and ACT scores would be dropped from the program. Broadwater says a better route is if lawmakers decreased the amount of each award, instead of taking the entire award away from some students.

CUT 5 (12)  “this year”

The measure passed the House and now heads back to the Senate so changes made to the bill can be approved.

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Earlier this morning the price of oil rose above 50 dollars a barrel for the first time since October.  Executive Director at LSU’s Center for Energy Studies David Dismukes says this marks an important milestone and it might put an end to the job losses in this industry.

CUT 6 (10) “woods yet”

Crude oil was below 30 dollars a barrel earlier this year. Dismukes says the real challenge is to see if the increase is sustainable. He says the biggest catalyst for the uptick has been the recent fires in Canada.

CUT 7 (10) “to that”

Even with this increase, crude oil is still down 66-percent from the record high in July of 2008 where oil closed at $145 a barrel. Dismukes says with the higher prices, there’s less pressure for oil companies to make production caps or cuts. He says with oil trading at 50-dollars a barrel, it’ll be interesting to see if there will be an uptick in production…

CUT 8 (10) “the operators”

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A Senate-approved bill that would allow patients to see physical therapists without a doctor’s referral also has the support of the House as it nears final passage. West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman opposes the legislation. He says patients should see a doctor before seeing physical therapists, because doctors have more medial training.

CUT 9 (08) “doctor’s training”

Under the current law, patients must get a diagnosis from a doctor before seeing a PT. Hoffman says if physical therapists missed something in a patient’s diagnosis, they could seriously hurt that person, even paralyze them.

cut 10 (05)  “real problem”

Ville Platte Representative Harvey LeBas is the House sponsor of the bill. He says Louisiana is one of only 7 states with this kind of law. He says because of this, PT grads are leaving Louisiana.

Cut 11 (07) “other states”

LeBas says physical therapists have the necessary training to see patients and take care of them.

cut 12 (08) “disease states”

The measure passed in the lower chamber on a 65-33 vote and heads back to the Senate for concurrence on House language.

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A report from the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums finds that the Baton Rouge Zoo is not at fault for the deaths of  two giraffes who died in March. Zoo director Phil Frost says he requested an audit by the association because the giraffe deaths that occurred during a severe thunderstorm were very unusual.

Cut 13 (10)  “do that”

Frost says he’s proud the report shows zoo staff were professional and kept a cool head even with the circumstances. He says the Baton Rouge Zoo wanted to be professional and open during this situation because the public has a connection with these animals.

cut 14 (10)  “that too”

18 animals have died in the last year at the Baton Rouge Zoo. Frost says they’re working on getting more giraffes to the zoo but it could take a while because it’s not an easy process…

cut 15 (10) “the year”

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Over 38 million Americans are expected to be traveling over the Memorial Day weekend. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Louisiana is one of several states suing the Obama administration over the new transgender bathroom policy in public schools. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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 An LSU AgCenter scientist creates a nanosalt to reduce the sodium content in food. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Triple-A expects over 38 million Americans will travel over the Memorial Day weekend, the highest number of travelers since 2005. Spokesperson Don Redman says it’s due to low gas prices, which are currently around $2.10 a gallon for regular gasoline. He says these are the lowest gas prices we’ve seen in 11 years.

cut 4  (09)  “done before”

Redman says from January until now, Americans have saved about 18 billion dollars that would usually go into their gas tanks. He warns drivers to be careful because a lot of travelers will be on the road this holiday weekend.

Cut 5  (10)  “rush hours”

Redman also says over 2 million Americans will travel by plane this Memorial Day. He says the average price of a ticket for the top 40 domestic flight routes is 26 percent cheaper this holiday.

Cut 6 (09)  “those prices”

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The nonprofit group Rebuild Louisiana is raising money that will go towards getting public support for Governor John Bel Edwards’ legislative agenda. It’s expected the governor will call a special session next month to address a 600-million dollar budget shortfall. Chairman of Rebuild Louisiana, Mary Olive Pierson says the group is raising money because there are plenty of what she calls “hard heads” in the legislature.

CUT 7 (09)  “really want” 

Several republican lawmakers have said a second special session should take place later in the year, after taxes were raised in the first special session. Pierson says Rebuild Louisiana is raising money through social media, direct mail, and every available outlet so they can spread their message through all popular mediums. She says one of their biggest concerns is the state budget. But she says they’re pushing for several issues.

Cut 8  (06)  “big ticket items” 

Pierson says they are concerned about some items that have already been defeated, such as equal pay for men and women. She says the fight isn’t over yet, because after this session, there will be another special session, and her organization will continue to push for their concerns.

Cut 9 (10)  “these issues”

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An LSU AgCenter scientist has discovered a new way to reduce the sodium content in food. Marvin Moncada developed nanosalt, which is salt in a powder form that is about one-thousand times smaller than kosher salt. Moncada says nanosalt is a natural alternative to reducing the amount of salt content in foods.

Cut 10 (08) “to cover”

Moncada says The CDC recommends individuals eat 23-hundred milligrams of sodium a day but most people in the US eat double the amount. He says they’re still in the lab stage but expects tests to be conducted with consumers shortly.

cut 11 (08) “the consumer”

Moncada says hopefully we can lower the cases of high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases by reducing the sodium content in some foods.

cut 12 (08) “maybe fries”

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Louisiana has joined several states seeking to block the Obama administration’s transgender bathroom policy in public schools. The federal government says public schools must allow transgender students to use bathrooms consistent with their gender identity, or risk losing federal funding. Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry says the President does not have the legal authority to require children to share locker rooms and bathrooms with children of the opposite sex….

Cut 13 (06)  “that letter”

The lawsuit was filed in a federal courtroom in Texas. The White House has no comment on the suit. Landry says the federal government continues to direct education policy to the detriment of Louisiana students and he will not allow Washington wreak further havoc on our schools….

cut 14 (07)  “harmful policy”

Landry says if there are any attempts from the federal government to make good on their threats to withhold federal funding, the schools should contact his office so they can take legal action. He says Louisiana has joined 10 other states in an effort to get a judge to declare the directive unlawful…

Cut 15 (09) “federal courts”

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A report out of Tulane University says if cuts needs to be made to TOPS, it would be more beneficial to state if needs based students were protected first. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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New Orleans lost out to Atlanta, who is building a new stadium, to host Super Bowl 53 in 2019, and some are asking if it’s time for New Orleans to get a new stadium. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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In light of LSU’s Mike the Tiger’s recent cancer diagnosis, PETA sent a letter to the university calling for them to end the live mascot program, when Mike VI passes away. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A report from the Tulane University Cowen Institute says if the legislature is forced to reduce state funding for TOPS cuts, they hope students most in need of financial assistance are protected first. Policy director Vincent Rossmeier says the program has increasingly awarded scholarships to students who are coming from families, who could otherwise afford college.

cut 4  (08)  “or more”

Rossmeier says TOPS is an excellent vehicle for students who can least afford to go to college to manage the costs. He says if legislators raise the academic requirements for students to achieve a TOPS scholarship, it will leave a lot of college worthy students with no way of paying for college.

Cut 5  (09)  “statewide”

The report also found raising the minimum GPA from 2.5 to 2.7 would reduce the eligibility of 22 percent of students in Louisiana. Rossmeier says TOPS was originally designed to help low-income students afford higher education, so the Cowen Institute favors need-based changes if cuts are made to the program…

Cut 6 (10)  “prosperity”

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The state Department of Children and Family Services says a Baton Rouge mother took the appropriate steps when she left her newborn baby at a fire station, instead of abandoning the child. Assistant Secretary of Child Welfare Program Rhenda Hodnett says the child was placed in the arms of a fireman and then transported to Woman’s Hospital for a checkup. She says the mother will face no charges.

CUT 7 (09)  “a child” 

Hodnett says newborns up to 60 days old can be relinquished in the hands an employee at an emergency care facility. She says hospitals, police stations, and child advocacy centers are examples of locations where a child can be handed over.

Cut 8  (06)  “Safe Haven law” 

Hodnett says the baby must be placed in the hands of an official, the newborn cannot be left on the door step or somewhere in the building. She says at that time, the mother is issued a card with a number to call if she wants to provide additional information.

Cut 9 (09)  “that child”

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After finishing second to Atlanta to host the Super Bowl in 2019, some are wondering if it’s time for a new stadium in order to attract another Super Bowl. This is the second straight time New Orleans has lost to a city that was in the process of building a new stadium. Former-governor Kathleen Blanco, who sits on the LSED board, which oversees the Dome, says Louisiana does not need to build a new stadium to host a Super Bowl.

Cut 10 (07) “that discussion”

Blanco says they are always looking at ways to keep the Mercedes-Benz Superdome up to date. She says football fans will enjoy the new high definition video board that will be in place for the upcoming season. She says keeping the 40-year-old building in top notch condition takes a lot of money.

cut 11 (12 “them updated”

The NFL has now awarded Super Bowls through 2021. Blanco remains optimistic that the Mercedes Benz Superdome will be able to host at least one more Super Bowl.

cut 12 (09) “right now”

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PETA has sent a letter to LSU calling for them to end the live mascot program once Mike VI passes away. Mike VI has been diagnosed with a rare and incurable form of cancer, meaning he might only live another year or two with treatment. Lewis Crary, a captive wildlife specialist with PETA, says wild animals are not meant to live in captivity on a college campus.

Cut 13 (10)  “each year”

Crary says if LSU genuinely cares about tigers, they can donate to big cat sanctuaries or conservation efforts. But he says locking up another tiger is not the way to promote team spirit.

cut 14 (11)  “human entertainment”

LSU issued a statement in response to the letter, saying this is not the time to discuss football or a new mascot. Mike’s attending vet Dr. David Baker says they’re just worried about Mike’s wellbeing.

Cut 15 (04) “treatment plan”

The Pastor Protection Act, which would allow clergy members to refuse to marry a same sex couple, failed to get enough votes to pass the Senate Judiciary Committee. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Legislation to withhold funding for construction projects in cities that don’t enforce federal immigration laws died in a Senate committee. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (27)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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On a three-to-two vote a Senate committee voted against The Pastor Protection Act, which would have provided protection for religious organizations if they refuse to perform a same sex marriage. Bossier City Representative Mike Johnson says this bill is NOT as expansive as some of the religious freedom bills passed in other states.

CUT 3 (11)  “its scope”

But New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says pastors and clergy members are already protected under the Religious Freedom Protection Act. He says he doesn’t see a need for this bill.

CUT 4 (10)  “a problem”

But Johnson says religious freedom protection is becoming more and more narrow. He says the Obama Administration even said that each state will have to figure out how to balance protecting people’s rights once gay marriage was legalized.

CUT 5 (08)  “these issues”

This bill won easy approval in the House on an 80-18 vote, but New Orleans Senators Karen Peterson and Morrell fought against this legislation in Senate Judiciary B. It received opposition from LGBT groups and Morrell expressed their concerns during debate in committee today.

CUT 6 (09) “in law” 2x

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A House-approved bill that would punish so-called sanctuary cities by making it difficult for them to borrow money for construction projects was defeated in a Senate committee. The legislation was designed to force New Orleans and Lafayette to follow federal immigration laws. New Orleans Police Superintendent Michael Harrison spoke out against the bill…

CUT 7 (10) “sanctuary city”

Supporters of the legislation said this bill would help keep cities safe from illegal immigrants. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand spoke out in opposition about the unintended consequences this measure brings to his community…

CUT 8 (08) “unsafe”

Normand says this Sanctuary City legislation is not needed and makes no sense…

CUT 9 (12) “by business”

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Governor John Bel Edwards and other state and local officials cut the ribbon today on the Curtis Coleman Memorial Bridge over the Red River in Rapides Parish. Rodney Mallet with the Department of Transportation says this new bridge will benefit all drivers in Cenla.

cut 10 (10)  “entire region”

Mallet says this bridge will be good for the region as it continues to grow because it connects Pineville and Alexandria and is also the cut through to I-49. He says a lot of time and money went into building the new US 71 bridge.

Cut 11 (09) “this bridge”

Mallet says all four lanes of the bridge are now open, which he says will benefit people cutting through from one highway to another. He says the old bridge, the OK Allen Bridge, was not up to date on its safety standards.

cut 12 (09) “central Louisiana”

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5th District Representative Ralph Abraham introduces legislation that seeks to combat what he says is an executive overreach on the issue of transgender bathrooms in public schools. President Obama issued a decree that public schools must let transgender students use the bathroom consistent with their gender identity, or risk losing federal funding. Abraham says the President can’t threaten to withhold money that is appropriated by Congress.

Cut 13 (09)  “the president”

Abraham says his bill clarifies the term “sex” to refer to a person’s biological sex, not their gender identity. He says a person’s gender shouldn’t be based on how they feel that day, and he says he’s tired of the President pushing his liberal agenda before he leaves office.

cut 14 (09)  “are concerned”

Abraham says the term “sex” has been widely interpreted to refer to biological sex for 40 years, and his bill reduces the ambiguity suddenly surrounding the word. He says he expects a positive response to the bill.

cut 15 (09) “to it”

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NAACP members in Tangipahoa Parish are calling for school Superintendent Mark Kolwe to resign after a black honor student was not allowed to walk in the graduation ceremony at Amite High School. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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New Orleans sports officials present their pitch to the NFL owners in Charlotte today to host the 2019 Super Bowl. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Governor John Bel Edwards has a full day of events in Alexandria today. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Members of the Tangipahoa Parish Chapter of the NAACP are calling for the resignation of school Superintendent Mark Kolwe. This is because 4.0 African American student and athlete Andrew Jones was not allowed to walk at his graduation ceremony at Amite High School because of his facial hair. Tangipahoa NAACP President Patricia Morris says this has more to do with Jones’ race than his goatee.

cut 4  (08)  “about it”

Morris says this race war in the school district goes beyond just not letting a student walk at graduation. She also believes Jones was targeted because he was also the school’s valedictorian.

Cut 5  (10)  “the advantage”

Morris says Jones was told to shave his beard for the first time just before the ceremony, and when he refused, the school tried to take his awards.

Cut 6 (11)  “his cap”

Superintendent Kolwe has issued a statement saying it’s regrettable that any student, particularly an honor student, should not get to participate in the graduation ceremony. However, the statement says, Jones made that decision himself by failing to comply with the rules applicable to all other students and gave him multiple opportunities to shave before the ceremony started.   ___________________________________________________

New Orleans sports officials make their pitch to the NFL owners today to host the 2019 Super Bowl in the Louisiana Superdome. Atlanta, Miami, and Tampa are the other cities competing against the Big Easy. CBS Sports.com NFL Insider Jason La Canfora says the age of the Superdome hurts New Orleans’ bid….

CUT 7 (10)  “those teams” 

But La Canfora says New Orleans still has a fighting chance. He says even with the Superdome blackout in the 2013 Super Bowl, the city received outstanding reviews about the great atmosphere leading up to the game.

Cut 8  (09)  “destination spot” 

La Canfora says the fact that Saints owner Tom Benson is 88-years-old and this could be his last shot to host the Super Bowl in New Orleans also resonates with some of the NFL owners. He says the vote will be close….

Cut 9 (09)  “settle it”

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Legislation to require retail pet stores in the state to keep records and post breeders names along with licensing information now heads to the House floor for final legislative passage. Author of the bill, Metairie Sen. Danny Martiny, says this specifies where these animals come from and two other requirements.

Cut 10 (10) “is located”

State Director of the Human Society of the United States Julia Breaux says currently, if you purchase a dog or a cat from a pets store, you have no way of knowing where the animal originated from. She says the Department of Health and Hospitals is in support of the bill.

cut 11 (05) “pet stores”

Breaux says there are some exceptions in the legislation.

cut 12 (05) “pet stores”

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The bill that increases the minimum age for strippers to 21-years-old heads to Governor John Bel Edwards’ desk to be signed into law after the Senate gave final approval. Lake Charles Sen. Ronnie Johns, says he’s authored the bill as a way to combat human trafficking and he’s been working with the Department of Children and Family Services on this issue…

Cut 13 (09)  “human trafficking”

This is the same legislation that received the joke amendment by Jackson Rep. Kenny Havard to cap the age of strippers to 28-years-old and weigh no more than 160 pounds. But there were no comments about that amendment when the Senate gave final approval. During the controversy, Johns has been focused on creating a more pro-active approach to human trafficking.

cut 14 (07)  “out there”

Havard has not apologized for proposing his controversial amendment. During work on the House floor on Monday, Havard took some ribbing from Lafayette Rep. Nancy Landry on one of his resolutions on overweight truck movement on state highways.

Cut 15 (07) “today”

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LSU freshman left-hander Jake Latz will start on the mound tonight for the Tigers when they take on Tennessee in the SEC Tournament. Latz has only appeared three games this season as he recovered from elbow surgery. But Coach Paul Mainieri says Latz pitched well on Saturday and hopes his arm troubles are behind him…

Cut 16  (05)  “this season”

Mainieri also had the option to use seven-game winner Alex Lange, who last pitched three innings on Thursday, because the game was halted because of severe weather. Mainieri says Lange will pitch Wednesday night against Florida, if the Tigers win tonight…

Cut 17 (08)  “rush him back” 

LSU enters the SEC Tournament with 11 victories in their last 12 games and they’ve put themselves in a position to possibly be a Top 8 National seed and host up until the College World Series. Mainieri says his team is worthy of Top 8 national seed consideration….

Cut 18 (10) “NCAA Tournament”

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Louisiana Tech will look to beat Rice for a fourth consecutive time when the two teams meet in the Conference USA Tournament on Wednesday morning in Hattiesburg. Bulldogs Coach Greg Goff doesn’t think what happened last week will have a bearing on what happens this week…

Cut 19 (15) “this tournament”

Louisiana Tech is seeking its first NCAA Tournament berth since 1987. The Bulldogs have won 10 of their last 12, since losing a tough heart breaking extra inning game to Texas San Antonio. Shortstop Chandler Hall says the team learned a tough lesson from that loss…

Cut 20 (14) “at today”

Many of Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards priorities in this legislative session never gained traction with a republican dominated legislature. Jeff Palermo has the story….

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Mike the Tiger, the beloved mascot of the LSU Fighting Tigers, has been diagnosed with a rare, life threatening form of cancer. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 2 (28)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Governor John Bel Edwards legislative agenda for this regular session has NOT done well. A proposal to increase the state’s minimum wage has been bottled up in the Senate, an effort to require women and men receive equal pay for equal work was killed by a House committee.  Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says republicans in the legislature have no problem voting against these issues…

CUT 3 (10)  “crazy about”

The governor’s attempts to limit charter schools or vouchers has also fallen on deaf ears by a legislative body that has a republican majority. Pinsonat says Louisiana is a red state and there’s not much support for a higher minimum wage or fewer charter schools…

CUT 4 (06)  “with their base”

Pinsonat says Edwards’ inability to get a majority of his legislative agenda accomplished in the regular session, could hurt his efforts during an anticipated special session next month that would seek to raise revenue to address a 600-million dollar budget shortfall…

CUT 5 (08)  “by the legislature”

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LSU’s mascot, Mike the Tiger, has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, spindle cell sarcoma. Mike’s attending vet, Dr. David Baker, says they’ve discovered a tumor in the right side of Mike’s skull. Baker says because of the proximity to normal tissues in Mike’s head, the tumor is inoperable, and the condition is incurable. He says Mike will undergo radiation treatment, but there could be complications with the anesthesia.

CUT 6 (12) “episodes”

Mike will receive an innovative stereotactic radiotherapy treatment at the Mary Bird Perkins cancer treatment facility in Baton Rouge. Baker says this kind of treatment has never been done on a tiger before. He says the center will absorb much of the costs for the radiation treatment.

CUT 7 (10) “will be”

Doctors say the treatment should be able to prolong Mike’s life for another year or two. Baker says the logistics of transporting the tiger to the facility will be more time-consuming than the treatment itself. He says Mike doesn’t appear to be in any pain.

CUT 8 (09) “of greeting”

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The House Transportation Committee gave the green light today to a Senate approved measure that would make it the law for oncoming traffic to stop for a school bus on a two-lane road with a continuous turn left turn lane. Metairie Senator Danny Martiny says the rule would apply on roadways with that lane in the middle where you could either turn left or right…:

CUT 9 (09) “has to stop”

The measure passed without objection and now heads to the House floor. New Iberia Representative Terry Landry says this bill is needed because many motorists get confused about the law…:

cut 10 (09)  “those lanes”

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The victim in a Baton Rouge fatal shooting early this morning has been identified as 34-year-old Broderick Brooks, who was a school board member in East Feliciana Parish. Brooks had been a member of the school board for about five and a half years. Fellow school board member Beth Dawson says the news of Brooks’ death came as a shock to everyone.

Cut 11 (04) “many ways”

Brooks was reportedly found dead in the driver’s seat of his vehicle in north Baton Rouge with multiple gunshot wounds around 3:30 this morning. There are no known motives or suspects, and investigation is ongoing. Dawson says Brooks was very active in the school board and in the community.

cut 12 (06) “own church”

Brooks also worked as the community outreach director for RKM, a health clinic in Clinton, for seven years, and he previously served as editor of the Baker Observer, a newspaper that closed in 2009. Dawson says she’s known Brooks since he was in middle school. She says he has always been there when someone needed him.

Cut 13 (02)  “very much so”

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