Governor Edwards proposed 183 million dollars worth of cuts to the TOPS scholarship program. Emelie Gunn has more on what this means…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

For the fourth consecutive year, Louisiana has broken records in tourism, according to Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

The LHSAA’s executive committee meets today as the state legislature looks at legislation aimed at ending the split playoffs in football and other sports. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________________

Another bill will be heard at the state capitol today that aims to prevent the removal of confederate monuments. A Senate committee already rejected one attempt to create a state board that would decide if a city can take down a confederate statue and a House committee hears similar legislation today. Former state senator Elbert Guillory, who is an African American, has been a vocal supporter of efforts to keep Confederate monuments standing….

cut 4  (06)  “foolish”

The bill scheduled today in the House Municipal Affairs committee would establish a Memorial Preservation Board that would be in charge of granting a waiver to relocate any monuments that’s been in place for more than 30 years. Guillory says these monuments need to be preserved to teach future generations about the history of Louisiana.

Cut 5  (06)  “been through”

Guillory says unfortunately the real issue here is not the monuments.

Cut 6 (06)  “aside” 

___________________________________________________

House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry believes lawmakers can fund the TOPS scholarship program without raising additional taxes. Governor John Bel Edwards proposed budget for next fiscal year calls for a 183 million dollars cut to the state-funded scholarship program, because of a large revenue shortfall. But Henry says the state has enough money to fund TOPS…

CUT 7 (08)  “TOPS”

Governor Edwards says additional revenues are needed to fund all of the priorities in the budget and plans to call another special session as early as June 7^th. But Henry says there is no need for another session until at least September. He says the governor is painting the worst picture possible in an effort to increase more taxes…

Cut 8  (10)  “in Baton Rouge” 

Higher Education Commissioner Joseph Rallo says currently, we’re facing a 62-percent cut to TOPS. Under current rules, if no more money is allocated to TOPS then only students with an ACT of 27 or higher would be eligible for TOPS.  He hopes this will not deter college students from going to school.

Cut 9 (08)  “state’s future”

Not only are colleges dealing with a potential cut to TOPS but they are also facing a 46 million dollar cut in state funding. Rallo says there is a lot of uncertainty right now when it comes to higher education.

Cut 10 (10) “be different”

___________________________________________________

Four of the ten hospitals for the poor and uninsured in Louisiana are at risk of closing because of critical cuts to the state Department of Health and Hospitals. DHH Secretary Rebekah Gee says her department took over half of the 750-million dollars in budget cuts, which means some people may lose access to healthcare.

cut 11 (09) “in access”

Six public-private hospitals in Louisiana will remain open, but the other four might not. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the state needs to come up with 75-million dollars to keep the other four safety net hospitals open. Gee says her department is doing everything they can to cut back on spending, including laying people off. She says DHH has gone from 12-thousand employees in Louisiana to 55-hundred.

cut 12 (10) “vital facilities”

DHH received 409-million dollar cut in state general funds. Gee says legislators cannot just move money around to resolve such a massive budget deficit. She says it will take another special session and raising more revenue to close the budget gap.

Cut 13 (09)  “we don’t”

___________________________________________________________

Louisiana has broken the tourism record for the fourth year in a row, according to Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser. In 2015, Louisiana welcomed almost 29 million visitors, who spent over $11 billion. That’s almost a 3-percent increase from the previous year.  Nungesser says the state needs tourism dollars to help resolve the budget problems.

Cut 14 (09)  “that gap” 

Nungesser says the money generated through tourism means more tax dollars that don’t come out of Louisianans pockets.

Cut 15 (10) “we invested”

Nungesser says if we can continue to see this increase, there will be great days ahead for the people of Louisiana. He says we needs to do whatever we can to keep those numbers going up.

Cut 16  (10)  “forward”

Nungesser says the credit goes to the people at the department of tourism, who do a great job in bringing people to the state.

__________________________________________________________

The LHSAA Executive Committee holds its spring meeting today, and they’ll continue to discuss the expanded public-private school playoff split that’s been in place for football and will impact other sports next school year. Todd Guice, LHSAA past president, says he still hopes that something can be done to end the split.

Cut 17 (05) “found this”

A bill that seeks to end the public-private split is waiting to be heard on the House floor. The author of that legislation, River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot, will be at today’s meeting. In January, high school principals voted to expand the playoff split to basketball, baseball and softball. Guice says the executive committee could call for a special meeting to have the principals’ vote again on the issue…

Cut 18 (14) “for that”

There’s been talk of creating another organization where public and private schools could both compete. Guice says he doesn’t think that would really help anything and hopes a solution can be found within the LHSAA.

Cut 19 (11) “get there”

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approved a measure to allow for the sale of raw, unpasteurized milk. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

The attorney for the family of Will Smith said the former Saints star was shot 8 times and the lawyer for the accused shooter is spreading lies about what happened. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

The Senate has approved a bill to increase the fine for texting or using social media while driving from $175 to $500 for the first offense. The fine goes up to $1,000 for subsequent offenses. Baton Rouge Senator Yvonne Colomb says there will not be a fine for voice texting.

CUT 3 (06)  “the wheel”  (2x)

West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth says he’s concerned about minors because sometimes a fine is not enough to get their attention. He added an amendment to the bill to increase the penalties for minors.

CUT 4 (06)  “60 days”

The bill now heads to the House for more debate.

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

A bill to allow for the sale of raw, unpasteurized milk gets the approval of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee on a three to two vote. Sierra Majors of Melville says people should have the right to choose if they want to drink raw milk. She says many of our parents enjoyed raw milk their whole lives.

CUT 5 (06)  “first place”

Majors says consuming raw milk is not dangerous. She says every year about four people die in Louisiana from eating raw oysters, but that has never happened with raw milk.

CUT 6 (06) “the market”

But Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says according to the Center for Disease Control, from 1993 to 2006, there were 202 people hospitalized and two deaths due to raw milk consumption. He says drinking raw milk is not safe.

CUT 7 (09) “pasteurized milk”

Strain says the bacteria in milk can cause a wide range of diseases. He says those bacteria need to be killed before the milk is consumed.

CUT 8 (10) “salmonella”

The bill now heads to the Senate floor.

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

A proposed constitutional amendment to allow non-felons to carry concealed hand guns without a permit was shot down by the House Criminal Justice committee. Victoria Joy with Louisiana Violence Reduction Coalition says this bill could allow dangerous people to carry loaded, hidden weapons in public with no safety training. She says it would also let people with a dangerous arrest record or violent misdemeanors conceal a gun.

CUT 9 (10) “do so”

A volunteer with the Louisiana Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America says when she was only 13 years old she was a victim of gun violence, when she was kidnapped, raped, and then shot in the head. She says this bill will remove our safeguards and put the safety of all citizens at risk.

cut 10 (10)  “daily basis”

Author of the legislation, Baton Rouge Rep. Barry Ivey, tried to make the case that the bill would not put guns in the hands of dangerous criminals. He says most of these same arguments were made before Louisiana passed the open carry law.

Cut 11 (09) “that’s nationally”

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

The attorney for the family of Will Smith said the former Saints player was shot 8 times in the back, Smith’s wife Racquel was hit twice and that the shooting was intentional. Peter Thomson says he wants to clear up lies being spread by the defense lawyer of Cardell Hayes. Thomson says there was no hit and ru n on Magazine Street as Hayes is claiming…:

cut 12 (07) “to that car”

Thomson says the Hummer later violently rammed the back of Smith’s car, and that’s when he and the suspect got into an altercation. Thomson says Racquel and another woman went to diffuse the situation and walk Smith back to their vehicle…and that’s when the suspect shot Smith’s wife in both legs…:

Cut 13 (11)  “8 times”

Thomson says after the killer shot Smith, he showed no remorse and actually stood over Smith’s dead body and kept yelling. Thomson also says there was no fender bender before the altercation, but that the Hummer slammed hard intentionally into the back of Smith’s vehicle. As to the subject of the gun that was in Smith’s vehicle, Thomson says it was never removed from the car…:

cut 14 (09)  “a firearm”

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

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed an executive order that bans discrimination against members of the LGBT community who work for the state, or who receive state services or benefits. Matthew Patterson with Equality Louisiana says it’s a great day, and a historic day, for Louisiana.

cut 15 (06) “this minute” 

Similar orders were signed by former Democratic governors Edwin Edwards and Kathleen Blanco, but those orders were specific to sexual orientation. Patterson says this new order also includes gender-identity, making this the first order protecting transgender individuals in the state.

cut 16 (09) “included here”

The US Department of Labor has provided Louisiana with a $1.7 million disaster assistance grant to create temporary jobs in the state to assist with cleanup efforts. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

 A bill to give motorcycle operators 21 and older the choice to wear a helmet is on its way to the full House. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

More information is coming out about the Will Smith murder case after New Orleans police say a loaded 9mm gun was found in the former Saints star’s vehicle. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________________

A bill that would allow the sale of raw milk from farmers to consumers is once again set to be heard by lawmakers today, after two failed attempts. Testimony is scheduled for debate in the Senate Health and Welfare committee today. Audry Salvador is a mother from Sulphur and strong supporter of legalizing the sale of raw milk. She says everything farmers use in its production is totally clean..:

cut 4  (05)  “raw milk”

The sale of raw milk stirs up major controversy across the US and has sparked heated debates in the last two years it was brought up to Louisiana lawmakers. This year’s measure is by Ville Platte Senator Eric LaFleur. Food safety has been cited as the major reason the sale of raw milk on farms is banned, but Salvador says there are far more dangerous things to consume…:

Cut 5  (07)  “raw milk”

Last year the Department of Health and Hospitals testified there is 150 times more risk in consuming raw milk than if it were pasteurized. But Salvador says the safety and death numbers that are set forth from the opposition, are not telling the whole story…:

Cut 6 (10)  “the lies” 

___________________________________________________

A bill that would allow motorcyclists aged 21 years and older the option to wear a helmet now heads to the full House. Current law requires all motorcycle riders to wear a DOTD approved helmet. But president of a motorcycle group, Randy Postlewait, says the DOTD approved helmets are not protective. He says 31 states have a freedom of choice law and we should follow their lead.

CUT 7 (10)  “injuries”

And Postlewait says states that make helmets optional, help attract motorcycle rallies. He says motorcyclists should make the decision regarding helmets, not the government…

Cut 8  (11)  “protected citizens” 

Executive Director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission John LeBlanc says if this bill becomes law, he anticipates 128 more deaths over the next 10 years. Governor John Bel Edwards also opposes the legislation. Ville Platte Rep. Harvey LeBas is concerned more people will be injured if this law passes.

Cut 9 (04)  “with this”

___________________________________________________

A recent discovery could change the whole dynamic of the Will Smith murder case. Police say a loaded 9mm gun was found in the former-Saints defensive end’s vehicle. Legal analyst Chick Foret says this could help alleged shooter Cardell Hayes’ defense that he was not the aggressor.

Cut 10 (06) “at best”

Surveillance video also shows that a hit and run that took place prior to the shooting appears to be Smith rear-ending Hayes before driving off.  Foret says there are still a lot of unanswered questions about the circumstances of the incident, especially now that we know there was a gun in Smith’s vehicle.

cut 11 (10) “on the seat”

There were a lot of witnesses that night, and Foret says their testimony, and possibly videos, will be key in figuring out what really happened. Foret says the perspective on the situation may continue to change as more evidence comes to light.

cut 12 (07) “to be determined”

___________________________________________________________

A bill that would require businesses to pay men and women the same for similar work passed in the Senate with a 28-10 vote. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says studies show in Louisiana a woman makes on average 65-cents to every dollar a man earns. Morrell says the nation’s largest gender pay gap has contributed to the state’s budget problems…

Cut 13 (11)  “additional income”

The legislation is part of Governor John Bel Edwards’ package of bills he would like passed. Morrell quoted former President Dwight Eisenhower when making the case that men and women should receive equal pay for equal work….

Cut 14 (08)  “simple justice” 

The measure heads to the House for more discussion. Businesses groups oppose the bill, because it could result in unnecessary litigation. Morrell says he worked with business lobbyists to address those concerns.

Cut 15 (06) “lawsuits”

__________________________________________________________

The Pelicans disappointing season ends tonight. The expectation was another trip to the playoffs, instead a mountain of injuries crushed the team’s playoff chances. Because of the injuries, Jake Madison a writer with Bourbon Street Shots, does NOT expect the team to fire general manager Dell Demps or head coach Alvin Gentry…

Cut 16  (13)  “this year”

It’s been reported former McNeese star and Detroit Pistons player and executive Joe Dumars could be hired to replace Demps and current Milwaukee Bucks general Manager John Hammond will also be added to the Pelicans front office staff. But Madison doesn’t see that happening…

Cut 17 (11) “this year”

Madison also doesn’t see the Pelicans signing a big name free agent. He says the biggest addition to the team will be whoever the franchise selects in the first round. He says the NBA draft lottery will determine what pick the Pels will get…

Cut 18 (14) “to the team”

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

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

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

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

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

CUT 3 (07)  “revenue needs”

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

CUT 4 (07)  “fund it”

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

CUT 5 (06)  “education”

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

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

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

CUT 6 (10) “adult system”

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

CUT 7 (09) “is today”

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

CUT 8 (10) “my brother”

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

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

CUT 9 (07) “football with”

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

cut 10 (10)  “football”

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

Cut 11 (10) “good guy”

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

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

cut 12 (07) “to do so”

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

Cut 13 (08)  “other states”

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

cut 14 (08)  “protection left”

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

cut 15 (07) “under threat” 

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

CUT 1 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

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

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

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

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________________

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

cut 4  (10)  “top of”

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

Cut 5  (10)  “rectify it”

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

Cut 6 (08)  “business either” 

___________________________________________________

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

CUT 7 (11)  “knowledge of”

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

Cut 8  (09)  “on that night”

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

Cut 9 (08)  “New Orleans Saint”

___________________________________________________

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

Cut 10 (06) “essential”

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

cut 11 (07) “against”

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

cut 12 (08) “to do”

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

Cut 13 (07)  “to people”

___________________________________________________________

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

Cut 14 (09)  “our support” 

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

Cut 15 (10) “law enforcement”

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

Cut 16  (09)  “eventually”

__________________________________________________________

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

Cut 17 (09) “about him”

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

Cut 18 (11) “to be Hokie”

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

Cut 19 (10) “for him”

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

CUT 1 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

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

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

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

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________________

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

cut 4  (10)  “top of”

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

Cut 5  (10)  “rectify it”

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

Cut 6 (08)  “business either” 

___________________________________________________

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

CUT 7 (11)  “knowledge of”

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

Cut 8  (09)  “on that night”

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

Cut 9 (08)  “New Orleans Saint”

___________________________________________________

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

Cut 10 (06) “essential”

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

cut 11 (07) “against”

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

cut 12 (08) “to do”

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

Cut 13 (07)  “to people”

___________________________________________________________

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

Cut 14 (09)  “our support” 

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

Cut 15 (10) “law enforcement”

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

Cut 16  (09)  “eventually”

__________________________________________________________

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

Cut 17 (09) “about him”

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

Cut 18 (11) “to be Hokie”

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

Cut 19 (10) “for him”

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

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

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

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

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

CUT 3 (08)  “young ladies”

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

CUT 4 (08)  “gunfire exchange”

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

CUT 5 (04)  “hospital”

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

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

CUT 6 (09) “those vehicles”

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

CUT 7 (09) “no insurance”

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

CUT 8 (08) “this week”

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

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

CUT 9 (12) “look into it”

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

cut 10 (07)  “it represents”

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

Cut 11 (11) “change it”

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

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

cut 12 (09) “piece this together”

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

Cut 13 (09)  “in this case”

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

cut 14 (08)  “the defendant”

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

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

cut 15 (07) “or two” 

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

cut 16 (05) “of rainfall”

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

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

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

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

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

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________________

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

cut 4  (10)  “larger scale”

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

Cut 5  (10)  “at me”

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

Cut 6 (10)  “about doing” 

___________________________________________________

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

CUT 7 (05)  “for success”

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

Cut 8  (05)  “Louisiana is”

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

Cut 9 (06)  “to begin with”

___________________________________________________

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

Cut 10 (12) “the law”

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

cut 11 (08) “right now”

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

cut 12 (10) “as such”

___________________________________________________________

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

Cut 13 (10)  “this year”

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

Cut 14 (06)  “personal income” 

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

Cut 15 (09) “as well”

__________________________________________________________

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

Cut 16  (14)  “how could this happen”

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

Cut 17 (09) “is it take”

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

Cut 18 (16) “it really does”

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

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

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

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

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

CUT 3 (08)  “in March”

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

CUT 4 (08)  “G-E-A-U-X”

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

CUT 5 (09)  “the other”

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

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

CUT 6 (09) “Mardi Gras”

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

CUT 7 (10) “local farmers”

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

CUT 8 (10) “second home”

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

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

CUT 9 (09) “and for the program”

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

cut 10 (10)  “are in a hole”

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

Cut 11 (09) “some people thought”

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

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

cut 12 (08) “of Louisiana”

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

Cut 13 (08)  “priorities”

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

cut 14 (11)  “balanced budget”

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

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

cut 15 (06) “several surgeries” 

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

cut 16 (08) “the department”

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

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

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

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

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

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________________

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

cut 4  (11)  “disease”

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

Cut 5  (08)  “of weight”

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

Cut 6 (12)  “sample it” 

___________________________________________________

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

CUT 7 (07)  “of that”

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

Cut 8  (06)  “their pocket”

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

Cut 9 (04)  “our own”

___________________________________________________

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

Cut 10 (12) “tuition increases”

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

cut 11 (07) “fund TOPS”

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

cut 12 (04) “don’t have it”

_______________________________________________________________

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

Cut 13 (10)  “the innocent”

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

Cut 14 (09)  “do something” 

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

Cut 15 (09) “foolishness”