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

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

cut 4  (09)  “left out”

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

Cut 5  (05)  “statewide”

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

Cut 6 (10)  “candidates don’t”

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

CUT 7 (05)  “pissed off” 

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

Cut 8  (06)  “my family” 

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

Cut 9 (10)  “Hailey’s Hope”

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

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

Cut 10 (05) “to paper”

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

cut 11 (05) “quill pen”

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

cut 12 (07) “says cursive”

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

Cut 13 (10)  “other purposes”

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

cut 14 (08)  “the future”

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

Cut 15 (11) “you guess not?”

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

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

Cut 16  (18)  “for every team”

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

Cut 17 (14) “….every year”

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

Cut 18 (15) “great baseball”

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

Cut 19 (21) “of baseball”

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

CUT 1 (26)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

CUT 2 (26)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

CUT 3 (11)  “the pit”

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

CUT 4 (06)  “of time”

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

CUT 5 (07)  “short life”

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

CUT 6 (10) “to react”

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

CUT 7 (07) “our children”

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

CUT 8 (07) “do anything”

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

CUT 9 (11) “better decision”

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

cut 10 (07) “a life”

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

Cut 11 (09) “more desperate”

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

cut 12 (09) “the clinic”

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

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

Cut 13 (10)  “he was”

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

cut 14 (08)  “Wesley Dale”

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

cut 15 (10) “15 years” 

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

CUT 1 (24) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

cut 4  (10)  “done something”

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

Cut 5  (10)  “an effort”

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

Cut 6 (07)  “feels safe”

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

CUT 7 (10)  “an issue” 

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

Cut 8  (09)  “is yes” 

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

Cut 9 (10)  “of work”

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

Cut 10 (12) “him apart”

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

cut 11 (09) “of em”

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

cut 12 (09) “kill someone”

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

Cut 13 (10)  “remedy is”

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

cut 14 (09)  “the scene”

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

Cut 15 (09) “the story”

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

Cut 16  (11)  “a bicycle”

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

________________________________________________

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

Cut 17 (07) “….true really”

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

Cut 18 (08) “get better”

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

Cut 19 (10) “on Sundays”

Legislators are looking at proposals to regulate drones to prevent individuals from using them to commit crimes, like stalking and voyeurism. Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Don Molino”

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An ad airs today from the Louisiana Federation for Children, a pro-voucher group, that shows parents of voucher students saying Governor John Bel Edwards lied to them by cutting the budget of the Louisiana Scholarship Program. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 2 (26)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Louisiana lawmakers are working to regulate drones. Baton Rouge Senator Dan Claitor has legislation that prevents people from using drones for stalking, voyeurism, and other crimes. He says his proposals are intended to protect people from people, as well as the government.

CUT 3 (10)  “search warrant”

Claitor has proposed similar legislation before, but lawmakers were more hesitant, as drones were not as popular a few years ago as they are now. He says technology is advancing, and regulation of drones is needed to keep up with the times.

CUT 4 (07)  “your house”

Claitor says you shouldn’t be able to do something with a piece of technology that would wouldn’t do with your physical person.

CUT 5 (08)  “the government”

One of Claitor’s measures would make it illegal to fly a drone over someone’s property without their permission, and that bill has passed the Senate. Another proposal, which would prevent people from using drones for stalking, harassment or assault, is scheduled to be hear in a Senate committee.

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A 17-year-old is under arrest after making threats online involving the Alexandria Senior High School prom. Rapides Parish Lt. Tommy Carnline says investigators believed an incident could take place at the prom and discovered a fake internet social media account. Carline says evidence found led them to arrest Adrian Ray of Alexandria at his home.

CUT 6 (10) “of justice”

The prom was held on Saturday night. Carnline says Ray is currently being held in the Rapides Parish Detention Center on a 21-thousand dollar bond. He says anytime they have threats of this kind, they take them very seriously.

CUT 7 (09) “high school”

Authorities believe Ray is the only person involved with the threats. Carnline says Ray is charged with Terrorizing, Stalking, and Obstruction of Justice.

CUT 8 (07) “those charges”

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One of the largest employers in central Louisiana announces mass layoffs are coming. Houston-based Union Tank Car Company (UTLX) said it expects to lay off about 224 employees beginning June 24th at its Alexandria facility. Jim Clinton is the CEO of the Central Louisiana Economic Development Alliance. He says they’ve known for some time that this cutback was coming…:

CUT 9 (07) “related commodities”

Clinton says the manufacturing company announced it would cut its production in half due to market conditions and poor demand outlook for railroad tank cars to plants. He says UTLX is a strong company that shouldn’t have a problem adding staff once the economy rebounds…:

cut 10 (08) “workforce again”

UTLX said they will continue to employ about 350 people. The Louisiana Workforce Commission says it will conduct orientation sessions for affected employees next week. Clinton says they hate to see anyone in their region out of work…:

Cut 11 (11) “possibly do”

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A pro-voucher group, the Louisiana Federation for Children, releases an ad today that features parents accusing Governor John Bel Edwards of breaking campaign promises by cutting the Louisiana Scholarship Program. LFC President Ann Duplessis says fewer children will receive vouchers to attend private or parochial schools based on the governor’s proposed budget…

cut 12 (08) “children’s future”

Duplessis says the governor’s proposed budget for next fiscal year cuts the program’s budget by 14-percent. She says currently 71-hundred students receive vouchers, but not all of them will get one next year, if the governor has his way…

Cut 13 (09)  “school year”

The governor has responded by saying the L-F-C’s accusations are blatantly false. John Bel Edwards also says that every student who is currently receiving a scholarship will continue to get one. Duplessis maintains that a cut to the state’s voucher program will not save the state any money….

cut 14 (08)  “impacted”

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A Senate committee has approved legislation dealing with police body cameras and what footage should be exempted from Louisiana’s public record laws.  Author of the bill, Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns, says there needs to be some privacy safeguards but…

cut 15 (11) “real transparency” 

New Orleans Senator J.P Morrell says it causes a lot of financial strain on police departments to save these body cam videos for three years, which is currently required by law. He says this is a very complicated scenario.

cut 16 (07) “really comprehend”

If Governor John Bel Edwards budget proposal is approved by lawmakers, there could be an 11-percent cut in retail food inspectors. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Prices are going up at the pump, as the statewide average for a gallon of gas is up to $1.92. Halen Doughty has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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 Iberville Parish investigators head to Texas to find out more about the woman found dead under interstate 10 by Whiskey Bay. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (22) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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There is the chance of a reduction in retail food inspectors if lawmakers approve of the governor’s proposed budget for next fiscal year. This would result in an 11-percent reduction in inspectors. Department of Health and Hospital spokesperson Bob Johannessen says this means they will not be able to inspect as many grocery stores and restaurants as they should.

cut 4  (09)  “the state”

 Johannessen says a reduction in food inspectors will result in more than 20-thousand fewer inspections after July 1^st. He says this could impact people’s health and hurt tourism in Louisiana because we’re known for our great food.

Cut 5  (09)  “get sick”

 Johannessen says they’re working now to let lawmakers know the risks associated with cutting 16 sanitarians.. He says food retailers welcome the inspections.

Cut 6 (09)  “in general”

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Prices at the pump continue to rise. Gregg Laskowski with GasBuddy-dot-com says the national average for a gallon of gas is up three-cents since last week, and Louisiana is seeing similar price increases, as the statewide average is nearing two-dollars for a gallon of regular gasoline.

CUT 7 (10)  “nationwide” 

Laskowski says consumer demand is up 4% compared to this time last year. He says that and other factors are driving up gas prices.

Cut 8  (09)  “going up”  2x

Laskowski says even with the slight uptick in gas prices, Louisiana’s statewide average is 36 cents lower than it was at the same time last year. But he says prices will keep rising for at least another month…

Cut 9 (05)  “or June”

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Investigators from Iberville Parish are in Humble, Texas today to find out more information about the woman who was found dead under I-10 near Whiskey Bay. Sheriff Brett Stassi says the body of 28-year-old Elizabeth Ferrell of Humble was discovered by a fisherman over the weekend….

Cut 10 (06) “from Texas”

Stassi says an autopsy found the cause of death to be asphyxiation by strangulation and blunt force trauma to the head. He says they’ve talked to some of Ferrell’s friends from Humble but she doesn’t have much family.

cut 11 (10) “to Texas”

 Stassi hopes they’ll get some new information to tell them which direction to go. He says at this time they have very few leads…

cut 12 (09) “quick recovery”

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The full House rejects a bill that attempted to put an end to the public-private school playoff split in the Louisiana High School Athletic Association. The lower chamber voted 51-34 against the legislation authored by River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot. Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley says the legislature shouldn’t get involved in the LHSAA.

Cut 13 (11)  “the LHSAA”

Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval says the principals of the schools in the LHSAA is meeting on June 8 to discuss the split, and lawmakers should give them the chance to make things right.

Cut 14 (05)  “passing laws” 

But Talbot says the split is discriminatory, which means the legislature has a right to step in.

Cut 15 (05) “that hunt”

FBI documents obtained by the LSU Manship School of Mass Communication reveal that during the mid-60s former-Governor John McKeithen made payments to the KKK to suppress racial violence. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A bill was approved by the House Transportation Committee today that would allow drivers to access their license through a smart phone app. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A 24-year-old Monroe woman is being evaluated at the Ouachita Parish Correctional Center after she kidnapped a newborn from St. Francis Hospital. Monroe Police Detective Chris Bates says Anquinisha Cummings entered a hospital room occupied by a woman and her 3-day-old infant, claiming that a mutual friend had sent her. Bates says after visiting for a couple of hours, the mother of the child went to the bathroom and came back to an empty room.

CUT 3 (08)  “both gone”

Bates says Cummings was at the hospital complaining about pregnancy issues, but doctors confirmed that Cummings was not pregnant. He says Cummings, who is believed to have mental problems, took the kidnapped infant home.

CUT 4 (10)  “not true”

Bates says Cummings’ mother called the authorities and returned the child to the hospital immediately. He says Cummings later turned herself in to police.

CUT 5 (10)  “no bond”

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Former-Governor John McKeithen made payments to the KKK in the 1960s to stop racial violent outbreaks. That’s based on FBI records obtained by the LSU Manship School of Mass Communication. Gus Weill, Executive Secretary to the former-governor, knew nothing about the payments at the time, but says he was recently told by a man that McKeithen arranged a payment of 10-thousand dollars to leaders of both black and white supremacist groups to stop a violent outbreak in Bogalusa.

CUT 6 (08) “blood shed”

Weill says McKeithen went out of his way to end racial violence, like one occasion when he sent the National Guard, armed with unloaded guns, to protect civil rights demonstrators. He says he’s not surprised to hear McKeithen used money as a way to quell the racial strife.

CUT 7 (12) “and Mississippi”

Weill says the money for the payments probably came from a fund containing privately raised dollars that was established by the previous administration to control civil rights issues.

CUT 8 (11) “came from”

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Standardized testing is this week and there is far less controversy this year, compared to last year when public school students took Common Core exams. Hollis Milton, president of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents, says educators are more prepared, since testing is later in the school year…:

CUT 9 (10) “the kids”

Milton anticipates there will be a much smaller number of students who opt of the test, once known as Common Core. This year the tests are called LEAP 2016 and Milton says there’s less controversy, because the state has taken steps towards revising academic standards..:

cut 10 (08) “Louisiana standards”

A panel of educators is assigned to review the standards and come up with recommended changes as a result of a 2015 law which would establish Louisiana’s own benchmarks in reading, writing and math. Milton says those are still being reviewed and should show up on assessments next year..:

Cut 11 (11) “will be better”

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Louisiana could be the first state to allow digital driver’s licenses. The House Transportation Committee passed a bill today that would allow drivers to access their license through an app on their phone. Stacy White, Deputy Commissioner with the Office of Motor Vehicles, says this would allow people to access their information if they did not have their license with them.

cut 12 (10) “utilize it”

Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle says she supports this bill because more and more things are becoming available on smart devices.

Cut 13 (08)  “to the phone”

According to state officials, motorists would pay up to $5 to download the app, which is the same as when they renew their license. White says this app will not replace having a license in every situation.

cut 14 (09)  “buying alcohol”

The measure now moves to the House floor.

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

A bill to prohibit an employer from refusing to hire or fire a person, because they are gay or transsexual will be heard in a House committee today. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Educational TV shows in French for kids are now airing on Louisiana Public Broadcast. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The House Transportation Committee will debate a bill today that would increase the fines for moving violations when a child under 15-years-old is in the vehicle. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A bill that forces the LHSAA to end its public-private school playoff split will be heard on the House floor today. River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot says his bill would prohibit schools from receiving public funds, if they belong to an athletic organization with split playoffs for select and non-select schools. Talbot says the LHSAA’s current playoff split is discriminatory…

cut 4  (05)  “somebody else”

The split began in football playoffs in 2013, and it is set to expand to include basketball, baseball and softball starting in 2016-17. Talbot says his goal with the legislation is not take away state funds from schools, but get the LHSAA to not separate its schools based on whether they are public or private….

Cut 5  (08)  “equal opportunity”

LHSAA member principals voted to expand the postseason split in January, but a special meeting will take place in June to vote on a metro-rural division plan, which would also combine 4A with 5A and B with C.  Talbot says he’s still moving forward with his bill, even though it appears the LHSAA is taking a positive step to rectify the situation…

Cut 6 (10)  “fair sake”

Opponents to the bill raised questions about whether the legislature should be involved in this controversy.

___________________________________________________

A bill that would prohibit an employer from firing or refusing to hire an individual based on their sexual orientation or gender identity will be heard in the House Civil Law committee today. Matthew Patterson with Equality Louisiana says this needs to be done because discrimination against gay and transgendered people is pervasive.

CUT 7 (09)  “in place” 

Opposition is expected to come from pro-business groups. State director of the National Independence Business Dawn Starns says business owners are concerned this legislation will lead to frivolous lawsuits…

Cut 8  (10)  “like that” 

But Patterson says Shreveport and New Orleans have passed ordinances that are similar to this proposed law and it has not led to a flood of lawsuits…

Cut 9 (05)  “have locally”

Starns understands equality for the LGBT community is important but making this a law will create problems for businesses…

Cut 10 (06) “overnight”

___________________________________________________

Louisiana Public Broadcasting is launching educational TV shows for kids in French. LPB’s program director Jason Viso says they are partnering with the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana to help more kids learn “en francais.” He says they have started showing several different kids’ shows that are in French.

cut 11 (09) “initial block”

The shows are airing on LPB 2 between 3pm and 5pm Monday through Friday and also on the weekends. Viso says French teachers are thrilled about helping future Francophones learn more about the language.

cut 12 (07) “about this”

According to CODOFIL, there are about 45-hundred students in French immersion programs in the state. Viso says kids learn French in school, but aren’t able to practice it elsewhere. He hopes this gives more students a chance to develop their language skills.

Cut 13 (07)  “the classroom”

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A bill to increase the fines for moving violations when a child under the age of 15 is in the car is being debated in the House Transportation Committee today. Baton Rouge Representative Paula Davis says she authored the proposal when several constituents called her after a child was killed in a car accident.

Cut 14 (08)  “speeding” 

Davis says children under age 15 need to be protected because until that age, they cannot be in control in a vehicle. She believes the increased fines will help stop dangerous driving with children in the car.

Cut 15 (08) “tripled”

Davis says she doesn’t expect much opposition to the bill. She says she hopes this bill will raise awareness about how dangerous these bad driving habits are, especially when kids are in the vehicle.

Cut 16  (09)  “the car”

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5th ranked LSU avoided a sweep to Mississippi State by beating the Bulldogs 11-8 on Sunday afternoon. The Tigers scored all of their runs in the three middle innings, after falling behind 3-0. Coach Paul Mainieri is happy his team pulled off the victory after tough losses on Friday and Saturday nights….

Cut 17 (13) “of em”

Russell Reynolds was the winning pitcher. He entered in the third inning for the starter John Valek and Reynolds went on to pitch 2.2 innings of scoreless baseball. Mainieri says Reynolds did a good job of holding the Bulldogs down, until the Tigers got the bats going…

Cut 18 (11) “key innings”

Jake Fraley was one of LSU’s hitting stars as he collected three hits on the afternoon. Fraley says it was a big win for the Tigers…

Cut 19 (09) “it into Tulane”

A campaign begins today in Louisiana that aims to get more pickup truck drivers to wear their seat belts. Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Don Molino”

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A new report by the National Center for Health Statistics shows the suicide rate is up 24-percent from 1999 to 2014 and experts say Louisiana is being affected too. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The Buckle Up in Your Truck campaign begins today in Louisiana. Executive Director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, John Leblanc says drivers of pickup trucks use their seat belts less often than drivers of other vehicles. He says this campaign is important to get more truck drivers to wear their seat belts, because it could save their lives.

CUT 3 (10)  “trucks there”

Leblanc says 8 people have been killed in pickup truck accidents in the state since March. He says 25% of the registered vehicles in Louisiana are pickup trucks, and wearing a seat belt in these vehicles reduces the chance of fatality in an accident.

CUT 4 (07)  “a crash”

Leblanc says the goal of the campaign is voluntary compliance, but unfortunately they have seen an increase in truck drivers not buckling up for the past three years. He says wearing a seat belt is especially important in a pickup because those vehicles are taller than others.

CUT 5 (10)  “a window”

The campaign runs through April 28.

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There is more bad news when it comes to job loss in the oil and gas sector. LSU economist Loren Scott says the low gas prices we’ve seen since August of 2014 have really hammered the industry. He says major companies are cutting back their drilling budget dramatically.

CUT 6 (10) “like this”

Gulf Island LLC based in Houma and Carbo Ceramics in New Iberia plan to lay off nearly 300 workers in June. Scott says there is some opportunity for those laid off to find other work but not enough for everyone who lost their job.

CUT 7 (09) “and Lafayette”

40 to 50 jobs employees of Helmerich & Payne International Drilling Co. in the Gulf of Mexico will also be laid off. Scott says the state is losing jobs at the rate of about 21-thousand a year. And he says a lot of big companies are planning to stop drilling in the Gulf.

CUT 8 (08) “very heavily”

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The Humane Society of Louisiana is holding seminars for law enforcement throughout the state to address animal cruelty. The first seminar was held yesterday in New Iberia, and Jeff Dorson, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Louisiana, says they hope to help law enforcement be better prepared for handling cases of animal cruelty.

CUT 9 (10) “being mistreated”

Dorson says social media is helping them prosecute more cases of animal abuse because people are sharing evidence when they see it.

cut 10 (08) “quickly”

Dorson says they are teaching law enforcement officers about changes in the law, advances in technology, and how to handle case of animal abuse. He says there are also new developments in forensic pathology that can help them determine causes of death and what happened to animals that are brought in.

Cut 11 (10) “in need”

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A report by the National Center for Health Statistics finds the suicide rate in the US has increased by 24% from 1999 to 2014.  LSU Health New Orleans Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry Dr. Michelle Moore says there isn’t a specific reason why the number has gone up….

cut 12 (07) “a roll”

In the past week, two male students at Mandeville High School killed themselves within 48 hours of each other. Moore says it’s important to stop and talk to each other about the way we’re feeling and watch if a loved one is acting different than usual. She says parents really need to monitor what kids are posting on social media.

Cut 13 (10)  “like this”

The report finds the suicide rate of women increased to 45-percent and males increased by 16-percent. Moore says the gap is narrowing between the genders.

cut 14 (08)  “of people”

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Planned Parenthood supporters rallied on the state Capitol steps to advocate for women’s health. Emelie Gunn was there…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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 There’s talk of ending the regular legislative session early so lawmakers have time to get ready for a second special session, which is expected to begin in June. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Able-bodied adults without children will soon be required to participate in job training programs in order to get food stamps, because of an executive order signed by Governor John Bel Edwards. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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First Lady Donna Edwards has announced a new recycling initiative at the Governor’s Mansion in honor of Earth Day, which is today. Mrs. Edwards says she and the governor have been recycling ever since they lived in Hawaii many years ago…

cut 4  (09)  “the military”

The first lady is encouraging Louisiana residents to do their part in recycling as much trash as they can. Edwards says as an educator, it’s important to teach young kids the importance of recycling and to lead by example. She says it’s easy to start in your home or workplace.

Cut 5  (09)  “a habit”

Edwards says plastic bottles, aluminum cans, most paper, and even ink cartridges are recyclable. She says we produce a lot of trash each day…

Cut 6 (10)  “their part”

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Planned Parenthood advocates rallied on state Capitol steps after a House committee approved a bill to defund Planned Parenthood. Unitarian Minister Rev. Darcy Roake says nearly 20 pieces of anti-women’s health legislation has been filed, three of those bills aimed directly at defunding Planned Parenthood, which provides preventive health care and accurate sexual health information.

CUT 7 (10)  “religious values.” 

Roake aimed some of her frustration at Governor John Bel Edwards, who has described himself as pro-life.  She says injustice is being done to us as human beings as anti-abortion bills described as protecting the health of women continues to move through the legislative process.

Cut 8  (10)  “of legislation” 

New Orleans Dr. Julie Finger spoke before advocates and says Planned Parenthood is committed to providing women safe and reliable healthcare. She says many legislators try over and over to limit access to reproductive health.

Cut 9 (10)  “legal abortion”

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Legislative leaders seek to end the regular session early, so they could prepare for a special session that Governor John Bel Edwards plans to call to address the 750-million dollar revenue shortfall for next fiscal year. Senate President John Alario says the next special session needs to be held before the start of the next fiscal year.

Cut 10 (09) “operate on”

The regular session is set to end June 6^th and lawmakers will likely approve a budget that cuts state spending by 750-million dollars. Alario says special session will be needed to restore cuts to higher education, TOPS, public schools and health care, but that doesn’t necessarily mean raising more taxes.

cut 11 (10) “a whole”

Alario says ending the regular session early will give lawmakers a break, as they have been in one session after another since February. He says this will also allow legislators to meet with constituents to discuss what they would like to see done at the Capitol.

cut 12 (06) “a discussion”

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Governor John Bel Edwards has signed an executive order that requires able-bodied adults without children to participate in job training and work assistance programs in order to receive food stamp benefits. Edwards says this will prepare individuals for successful careers.

Cut 13 (10)  “job training”

Starting July first, unemployed able-bodied adults will have to visit one of the 59 Louisiana Workforce Commission Business and Career Solutions Centers. Edwards says these career centers have proven to be effective. He says in 2015, many people found jobs in Louisiana through the centers.

Cut 14 (06)  “Louisiana jobs” 

Republican lawmakers have been pushing for the governor to add work requirements to food stamp recipients. Edwards says for the past 19 years, Louisiana has received a waiver from the federal government, which allowed people to receive food stamps without working. He says this is an historic order and hopes other states will follow our lead.

Cut 15 (09) “federal government”

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The LSU baseball team brings a five game winning streak into its SEC showdown series with Mississippi State, which begins tonight at 7 PM at Alex Box Stadium. The Bulldogs will start Dakota Hudson on the mound in game one. He could be a  a top ten pick in this year’s Major League Baseball Draft. Coach Paul Mainieri says his won’t be intimidated…

Cut 16  (25)  “kind of challenges”

LSU enters the series ranked fifth in the country by Baseball America, while Mississippi State is seventh. The Bulldogs have the third highest team batting average in the SEC and Mainieri says the key for his pitchers is to limit traffic on the basepaths…

Cut 17 (13) “certainly helps”

In the SEC West standings, both LSU and Mississippi State trail Texas A&M for first place. The Tigers are one game back, while the Bulldogs are two games back. Mainieri says it makes that a lot is on the line this weekend at the Box….

Cut 18 (19) “part of the country”

The Senate approved a measure to expand the list of diseases that medical marijuana can be used to treat. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The Senate Education Committee unanimously approved a bill to require that students be taught cursive writing by the third grade. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (28)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana lawmakers are standing up for the little guys, and girls, looking to make a few dollars at their neighborhood lemonade stand. A bill unanimously passed in the Senate to exempt minors, who sell less than $500 a year worth of product, from having to pay an occupational license tax.  Norco Senator Gary Smith says some children in the state have been ticketed for selling lemonade without a license.

CUT 3 (08)  “lemonade stand”

Houma Senator Norby Chabert says local officials need to exercise something that he says is lacking more and more in government- common sense.

CUT 4 (10)  “being fined”

The measure now heads to the House.

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The bill to expand the list of diseases for which medical marijuana can be prescribed finally passed the Senate, after previously falling one vote short. Metairie Senator Conrad Appel opposes the bill, citing sources that says this would lead to increased use of the drug for non-medical purposes.

CUT 5 (12)  “has increased” 3x

Metairie Senator Danny Martiny spoke in opposition. He says we shouldn’t legalize something just because other states are.

CUT 6 (08) “do it” 2x

Parks Senator Fred Mills authored the legislation to include seizure disorders, HIV, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, and other diseases. He says people are leaving the state to seek this treatment elsewhere. He read a text from the mother of an epileptic girl, who had to go to Colorado to get the medication she needs.

CUT 7 (06) “come home”

Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt supports the bill because of the huge influx of emails she received from parents of children who need this medicine. She says many of them said the medical marijuana is the only drug that works for their children.

CUT 8 (06) “for them”

The bill now moves to the House.

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A bill that would require public schools to teach cursive writing by the third grade passed unanimously out of the Senate Education Committee. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell  is concerned about kids not using cursive for their signature, which she says is an identity that students carry with them through their entire lives.

CUT 9 (09) “an X”

Several states have a similar requirement. Mizell says cursive is becoming a lost art and children need to be able to read and write cursive.

cut 10 (07) “our part”

Mizell says the decline in the use of cursive is probably due to the increased use of technology. She says if kids can use an iPad, they should be able to use cursive.

Cut 11 (09) “to read”

The bill moves to the Senate floor.

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A measure that seeks to outlaw sanctuary cities in Louisiana advanced out of a House committee. The term is applied to cities in the US that have policies designed to not prosecute undocumented immigrants. Denham Springs Representative Valarie Hodges who says sanctuary cities are a national security threat…:

cut 12 (04) “in our country”

Attorney General Jeff Landry supports the bill saying this would give officers a tool to ask a possible offender what their immigration status is and to show ID. But Amite Representative Robby Carter feels that would lead to racial profiling…:

Cut 13 (10)  “tell us”

The bill will go before a full House vote now. Hodges feels the government should be able to ask about a person’s immigration status, but Carter feels this might unfairly target people…:

cut 14 (08)  “profiling”