The US Justice Department reaches an agreement with Louisiana to help ensure people with serious mental illnesses are not living in a nursing home. Matt Doyle has the details.
Cut 2 (30) ” I’m Matt Doyle”

Could we see the release of 10-thousand inmates after July 1st. State Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc says it will happen, unless the legislature replaces some of the temporary sales taxes that are set to expire on June 30th. Governor Edwards will give legislators another chance at passing tax bills before the end of the month as the call for a third special session this year could come out today.

Nicholls State has a new program, called CROWN, aimed at helping black students stay in college, and finish their degree. The university discovered only 53 percent of African American men returned after their freshman year. CROWN administrator Dr. Sean Chadwell says in many cases the young black men who dropped out of college after one year are the first member of their family to go to college.
Cut 4 (09) “…think of it as theirs”
The program pairs freshmen with upper classmen who will mentor and guide the students through their early years.

LSU scientists predict the Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone is expected to be larger than Connecticut this summer. Fertilizer, urban runoff and sewage flowing down the Mississippi River and into the Gulf creates the dead zone, which is an area of water which lacks oxygen, forcing fish to flee and killing sea life…
cut 15 (08)_ “…kroker”
That’s LSU researcher Doctor Eugene Turner.

Louisiana Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc says unless the leiglsature approves a tax bill to increase state revenues, he’ll be forced to release 10-thousand inmates starting July 1st. LeBlanc says his department is currently looking at a 75-million dollar cut. He says the inmates they would release would not be violent or sex offenders.

Louisiana’s health department says they will move people with serious mental illnesses out of state nursing homes and into community-based settings. Executive counsel for L-D-H, Stepen Russo, says they’ve already moved more than 25-hundred mentally ill people to community settings and more health screenings are underway…
cut 12 (12) “….subject matter experts”
This initative is the result of a lawsuit that claimed the state was violating the Americans with Disabilities Act by not having seriously mentally ill in community-based settings.

Only 53 percent of black men at Nicholls come back to school after their freshman year, so the University is starting a new mentorship program called CROWN…
voicer 1 (30) “…I’m Becca Dill”

Summertime is here and many kids are enjoying time away from the classroom, but experts say its an important time to keep kids engaged in learning. So what are the best ways to do that? The State Department of Education’s Rebecca Kockler says parents need to make learning exciting during the summer break.
Cut 7 (08) “…help them do that”

Researchers say the Gulf of Mexico “Dead Zone” off the Louisiana coast is expected to be larger than Connecticut by the end of July. The dead zone is an area with little oxygen, which drives away aquatic life. LSU Professor Dr. Eugene Turner says the size fluctuates, but has trended up over the years.
Cut 13 (10) “temperature”

With it being summertime, some parents struggle in keeping children engaged in learning. Assistant state Superintendent of Education Rebecca Kockler says it’s important that your child keep reading during the summer. She suggests find books in subjects that interest your child and much of that reading material is as close as the palm of your hand…
cut 9 (09) “….to keep practicing”

The state health department announces plans to keep more people with serious mental illnesses out of nursing homes. Executive counsel for the Department of Health, Stephen Russo, says the state is enhancing its screening and evaluations for all individuals with serious mental illness who are currently living in a nursing facility and will find an approprirate home or a community-based setting, for individuals in warranted cases. Russo says this will also help with the state’s budget situation…
cut 11 (06) “…nursing hom setting”

The state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has lifted a feeding ban in place in East Carroll, Madison and Tensas Parishes, because sampling tests did not detect chronic wasting disease among white-tailed deer. Extensive testing was conducted after a buck tested positive for C-W-D in Mississippi near the Louisiana border.

A statewide poll from JMC Analytics shows despite a 42 percent national approval rating for President Donald Trump, Louisianans are still on board, as 56 percent of those surveyed approve of his administration. Pollster John Couvillion says “never Trump Republicans” never caught on in the Bayou State.

Cut 12 (09)   “amoungst Republicans”

The poll also indicates the president has strong support amongst white Democrats and independents.

But Couvillion says there’s two cities that just never bought in.

Cut 13 (08) “New Orleans” 

Results were also released for an early peak at the Secretary of State’s race, where Representative Leger, who’s made headlines in the most recent special session is polling in single digits, alongside Representative Stokes, who could be heard shouting at Representative Seabuagh during his dramatic last second filibuster Monday night.

____________________________________

In a letter sent to Governor Edwards, US Senator John Kennedy expressed his concern over what he called an “inexcusable waste of taxpayer funds at the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.”  Kevin Barnhart has more…

Cut 1 (31)  I’m Kevin Barnhart“

Governor Edwards used his veto pen to take out 40 projects contained in the state’s three-point-six billion dollar construction spending plan. Most of the projects are in parishes represented by Republicans, who have voted against his tax plans. This comes just a day after Edwards vetoed a gas station bill that would have benefitted GOP House Chairman Lance Harris’ personal businesses.

A statewide poll from JMC Analytics shows an indecisive early start to the Secretary of State’s race. The special election will be held in fall as a result of a sexual harassment scandal that toppled the former Secretary Tom Schedler. It looks like most folks have no clue who many of the possible candidates are at this point, and Couvillion says that likely means it’ll take a big name to break the race open.

Cut 14 (11)  “ballot race”

A Shreveport woman is facing felony charges after her three dogs were found dead in her car.  Bossier City Police Spokesperson Mark Natale says that 47 year old Nancy Western was at Willis Knighton Medical Center, when she left her two Labrador retrievers and cocker spaniel in the vehicle

Cut 6 (12)  “…longer than that”

Two Louisiana men have been cited for alleged Louisiana Black Bear violations in St. Mary Parish on November 12^th, 2017. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck saysThe bear was found in an open field six miles off Highway 83 near Glencoe, and Einck says the Department had no idea the bear was shot and killed…

Cut 4 (10) “black bear.”

It’s National Seersucker Day. Created in Louisiana during the early 1900’s, the seersucker suit has withstood the test of time to be a signature look in the south and an iconic apparel around the country.  It has since become a congressional tradition on the first Thursday of June to wear the suit, and now, Laurie Haspel with the company behind the look has expanded the celebration to a national holiday.

Cut 9 (08)  “…Thursday in June”

So what is the best way to celebrate National Seersucker Day? Haspel says it’s all about enjoying an afternoon beverage.

A statewide poll shows continued, strong support for President Donald Trump in Louisiana, and a wide open Secretary of State’s race. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Governor Edwards used his veto pen to take out 40 projects contained in the state’s three-point-six billion dollar construction spending plan. Most of the projects are in parishes represented by Republicans, who have voted against his tax plans. This comes just a day after Edwards vetoed a gas station bill that would have benefitted GOP House Chairman Lance Harris’ personal businesses.

Two Louisiana men have been cited for alleged Louisiana Black Bear violations in St. Mary Parish on November 12^th, 2017. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says they received a tip of the violation last April and obtained a search warrant…

Cut 3 (12)   “open field.” 

A Shreveport woman is facing felony charges after her three dogs were found dead in her car.  Bossier City Police Spokesperson Mark Natale says that 47 year old Nancy Western was at Willis Knighton Medical Center, when she left her two Labrador retrievers and cocker spaniel in the vehicle. Animal Control assisted law enforcement with the situation and conducted a temperature test on the windows, and even after the vehicle had been opened, was still over 100 degrees.  Natale says it’s important that animals are never left to chance in vehicles in the hot Louisiana weather.

cut 8 (08) “…any length of time.”

In a statewide survey of one-thousand Louisiana residents, 56-percent of them say they approve of the job President Donald Trump is doing. 35-percent disapprove and JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillion says…
cut 13 (08) :,,,,and New Orleans
88-percent of Republicans gave the President a positive job rating, while 55-percent of Democrats disapprove.

It’s National Seersucker Day. New Orleans suit maker Haspel made the first seer sucker as a way for men to keep cool in hot summers, while still dressing for work. Haspel is now owned by Haspel’s great granddaughter Laurie Haspel, who says it’s still trendy to enjoy an afternoon drink in a seersucker…
cut 10 (11) “….in the afternoon”
Seersuckers are now sold all over the world.

Two Labrador retrievers and a cocker spaniel are dead after their owner left them in a vehicle during a doctor’s appointment. The Shreveport woman is now facing felony charges. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
voicer 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

And 31-year-old Cody Charpentier of Glencoe and 21-year-old Bailey Rogers of Youngsville have been cited for their role in the fatal shooting of a black bear and the concealment of the animal’s death. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says…
cut 5 (09) “…shooting at”

A statewide poll from JMC Analytics shows despite a 42 percent national approval rating for President Donald Trump, Louisianans are still on board, as 56 percent approve of his administration. Pollster John Couvillion says…
Cut 12 (09) “amoungst Republicans”

Two men from South Louisiana have been charged in the fatal shooting of a black bear and the then intentional attempt to hide the deceased bear. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says the bear was killed in St. Mary Parish last November and then moved to a field off of Highway 83…
cut 4 (10) “…black bear”
31-year-old Cody Charpentier of Glencoe and 21-year-old Baily Rogers of Youngsville have been cited for the crime.

It’s National Seersucker Day. Created in Louisiana during the early 1900’s, the seersucker suit has withstood the test of time to be a signature look in the south and an iconic apparel around the country. It has since become a congressional tradition on the first Thursday of June to wear the suit, and now, Laurie Haspel with the company behind the look has expanded the celebration to a national holiday.
Cut 9 (08) “…Thursday in June”
Even though the first seersucker suit was created in New Orleans in 1909, it was Ivy Leaguers from the Northeast that made it a popular look.

Former LSU star and NBA player, Glen “Big Baby” Davis faces a prison sentence of up to seven years. after he was indicted in Los Angeles on a felony assault charge. Davis will be arraigned today for his role in a fight outside of a West Hollywood nightclub in April. The victim reportedly suffered multiple broken bones and was on a ventilator for the day.

A group of anti-tax, pro cut Republicans in the House, named the “Caucus of No” by the Governor are standing their ground, defending their move to block any move to renew a portion of expiring sales taxes that hit June 30th. Jackson Representative Kenny Havard blamed the group for the legislative gridlock.

Cut 13 (13)  “this problem” 

TOPS is facing a 30 percent cut, and higher ed is looking at 96 million dollars in reductions if additional revenue is not raised.

But Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo stands by his colleague’s decision to prevent any portion of the one point four billion in expiring taxes to be renewed. Garofalo says he’s proud of the title “The Caucus of No” because that no stands for no new taxes.

Cut 16 (10) “that group”

Two Louisiana men have been cited for alleged Louisiana Black Bear violations in St. Mary Parish on November 12^th, 2017. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says they received a tip of the violation in early April of this year and obtained a search warrant…

Cut 3 (12)   “open field.” 

Agents charged Cody J. Charpentier, 31, of Glencoe, for taking a black bear during a closed season and his accomplice, Bailey Rogers, 21, of Youngsville, for illegal possession

A Shreveport woman is facing felony charges after her three dogs were found dead in her car.  Bossier City Police Spokesperson Mark Natale says that 47 year old Nancy Western was at Willis Knighton-Bossier for a doctor’s appointment when she left her two Labrador retrievers and cocker spaniel in the vehicle.

Cut 7 (11)  “…means a trip to jail”

In a letter sent to Governor Edwards, US Senator John Kennedy expressed his concern over what he called an “inexcusable waste of taxpayer funds at the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.” Kevin Barnhart has more…
Cut 1 (31) I’m Kevin Barnhart“

The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s office is investigating a fatal shooting that happened last night in West Monroe. Deputies say the victim was found dead when they arrived on the scene in the one-hundred block of Keller Street. KNOE-TV reports the victim is a teenage girl.

A Shreveport woman is facing felony charges after her three dogs were found dead in her car. Bossier City Police Spokesperson Mark Natale says that 47 year old Nancy Western was at Willis Knighton-Bossier for a doctor’s appointment when she left her two Labrador retrievers and cocker spaniel in the vehicle
Cut 6 (12) “…longer than that”
Natale says animals should never be left to chance in vehicles in the hot Louisiana weather.

Saturday and Sunday is a free fishing weekend in Louisiana, which means you do not need a license to drop a line in state waters. If you want to try cast a reel this weekend, Rene LeBreton says you can visit L-D-W-F’s website to find a fishing hole….
cut 9 (11) “….fishing locations”