A ceremony is being held today for a Korean War Veteran from Ferriday whose remains are being returned home after 68 years. 19-year-old Sergeant Lester Walker was deployed to Korea with an anti-air craft weapons battalion. Congressman Ralph Abraham says he was lost during the first months of the war.

Abraham says hundreds lined the runway as Walker was returned home, in a show of solidarity with all gold star families. Abraham says it’s been cathartic for the north Louisiana community.

Cut 6 (08) “situation.”

An armistice was signed in 1953, but the war is technically still ongoing.

A seven year old policy barring inmates from talking to the media about their cases has been lifted by the Louisiana Department of Corrections after a challenge from the ACLU. ACLU Staff Attorney Bruce Hamilton

says the justice system isn’t perfect, which is why inmates need the right to tell their stories to the media.

Cut 9 (06)  “of committing”

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The House narrowly passed a budget that would fund TOPS at 80% and maintain higher ed funding, but would implement deep cuts in healthcare funding, potentially ending public-private partnership hospitals that care for the poor.

House Democratic Chairman Robert Johnson went after legislators who voted yea on the proposed budget.

Cut 13 (12)  “we do”

The Pelicans made it look easy last night and pounded the Portland Trail Blazers 119 to 102 and a three games to nothing lead in the series. Sixth seeded New Orleans took control with a 36 point 1^st quarter. Nikola Mirotic started off hot and finished with 30 points on 12 of 15 shooting. Anthony Davis had 28 points and 11 rebounds. Jrue Holiday and Rajon Rondo each had 16 points and Rondo added 11 assts. The Pels can complete the sweep on Saturday afternoon.

The House passed a budget that maintains higher ed spending, and funds TOPS at 80 percent, but slashes healthcare. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A ceremony is being held today for a Korean War Veteran from Faraday whose remains are being returned home after 68 years. 19-year-old Sergeant Lester Walker was deployed to Korea with an anti-air craft weapons battalion. Congressman Ralph Abraham says Walker was lost during the first months of the war.

36,914 American Servicemen and women were lost in the conflict that is often referred to as the “Forgotten War”, due its lack of recognition. Abraham says those sacrifices need to be remembered.

Cut 5  (07)  “of life”

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A seven year old policy barring inmates from talking to the media about their cases has been lifted by the Louisiana Department of Corrections after a challenge from the ACLU. ACLU Staff Attorney Bruce Hamilton says the gag order was a gross violation of inmates civil rights.

The suit was brought on behalf of Darold Hines, an Angola Inmate, who was denied the right to speak to LSU reporters who were investigating his case. Hamilton says just because they are prisoners, doesn’t mean they don’t have rights.

Cut 8 (08)  “as well.”

The LSU baseball team begins a three-game series tonight at South Carolina. The road has not been friendly to the Bayou Bengals as they are 2-8 away from Alex Box Stadium. LSU will start Zack Hess on the mound and he’s won his last three outings

Cut 19 (17) “strikeout pitch” 

The Louisiana Department of Corrections is rolling back a policy that allowed state prisons to bar inmates from talking to the media. Michael Farrar has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Michael Farrar

A ceremony is being held today for a Korean War Veteran from Ferriday whose remains are being returned home after 68 years. 19-year-old Sergeant Lester Walker was deployed to Korea with an anti-air craft weapons battalion. Congressman Ralph Abraham says Walker was lost during the first months of the war.

Cut 4  (11) “M-I-A” 

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Governor John Bel Edwards says the proposed budget that was approved by the House is a non-starter, and if it reaches his desk, he’s not signing it. The budget maintains higher ed, and funds TOPS at 80 percent, but includes steep cuts to healthcare that could shutter public-private hospitals that care for the poor. Edwards says it’s a budget unworthy of the people of Louisiana.

Cut 14 (10) “than this”

The proposed spending plan goes to the Senate Finance Committee who will meet Sunday. It’s possible the Senate may not even vote on a budget.

House GOP Chairman Lance Harris says the budget is the best they could do with the funds they have available.

Cut 11 (11) “projected today”

The remains of a North Louisiana Korean War vet are being returned home after 68 years. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

A seven year old policy barring inmates from talking to the media about their cases has been lifted by the Louisiana Department of Corrections after a challenge from the ACLU. ACLU Staff Attorney Bruce Hamilton says the gag order was a gross violation of inmates civil rights.

Cut 7 (09)  “constitutional rights”

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The House narrowly passed a budget that would fund TOPS at 80% and maintain higher ed funding, but would implement deep cuts in healthcare funding, potentially ending public-private partnership hospitals that care for the poor. House Appropriations Chairman Republican Cameron Henry says the state cannot afford to maintain its current healthcare spending.

Cut 10 (08) “attain it”

House Democrats nearly unanimously voted against the budget. New Orleans Representative Gary Carter says if passed, the spending plan would kill people.

Cut 12 (09) “currently have”

The Pelicans made it look easy last night and pounded the Portland Trail Blazers 119 to 102 and a three games to nothing lead in the series. Sixth seeded New Orleans took control with a 36 point 1^st quarter. Nikola Mirotic started off hot and finished with 30 points on 12 of 15 shooting. Anthony Davis had 28 points and 11 rebounds. Jrue Holiday and Rajon Rondo each had 16 points and Rondo added 11 assts. The Pels can complete the sweep on Saturday afternoon.

The Saints 2018 schedule features five prime-time games, including a Thanksgiving night contest against the Falcons in the Superdome. New Orleans will also host the Redskins on Monday night on October 8^th. The Saints will visit Minnesota on October 28^th for a Sunday night contest. Dallas for a Thursday night game on November 29^th and a big Monday night matchup against the Panthers on December 19^th.

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Saturday is LSU’s Spring Game and Tiger fans will be focusing on the three quarterbacks battling for the starting job. Gordy Rush of the LSU Sports Radio Network says the offense is a work in progress under first-year O-C Steve Ensminger, but the defense is loaded in the front seven….

Cut 18 (21) “…middle linebacker”

The Spring Game gets underway at 5 PM in Tiger Stadium.

Former LSU linebacker Kendell Beckwith is recovering from a fractured ankle suffered in a one-vehicle car accident in Louisiana. Beckwith had a solid rookie season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last year, recording 73 tackles and seven tackles for a loss. Its unknown how long Beckwith will be off the field.

The House passed a budget that maintains higher ed spending, and funds TOPS at 80 percent, but slashes healthcare. Jeff Palermo has more.
voicer 3 (31) “….Jeff Palermo”

Also at the capitol, the Senate Education committee rejected a House approved measure that attempted to end what is known as lunch shaming. State Representative Patricia Smith’s legislation would prohibit public schools from penalizing students or embarassing them if their parents have failed to pay for school lunches.

The state House approves legislation supporters say will help the Cajun Navy and other volunteer groups have a greater impact during a disaster. Denham Springs Representative Valarie Hodges says her family was helped by volunteers after the 2016 flood. She says the legislation gives the Cajun Navy access to state equipment and training…
Cut 9 (:07) “Volunteer organizations “
The meaure heads to the Senate for its consideration.

Governor John Bel Edwards is working to find ways to equip every school with a school resource officer. He says the vast majority of schools already have them but not all. Edwards made the comments during his monthly radio show, “ask the governor.” Where he said he’s saddened by the situation today’s schools are in.
Cut 5 (10) “about this”

The House narrowly passed a budget that would fund TOPS at 80% and maintain higher ed funding, but would implement deep cuts in healthcare funding, potentially ending public-private partnership hospitals that care for the poor. House Appropriations Chairman Republican Cameron Henry says the state cannot afford to maintain its current healthcare spending.

Cut 10, 8 seconds, attain it

But House Democratic Chairman Robert Johnson went after legislators who voted yay on the proposed budget in an impassioned speech.

Cut 13, 12 seconds, we do

The proposed spending plan goes to the Senate Finance Committee who will meet Sunday. It’s possible the Senate may not even vote on a budget, and wait on a special session.

House GOP Chairman Lance Harris says the budget is the best they could do with the funds they have available.

Cut 11, 11 seconds, projected today

House Democrats nearly unanimously voted against the budget. New Orleans Representative Garry Carter says if passed, the spending plan would kill people.

Cut 12, 9 seconds, currently have

And Governor John Bel Edwards has announced that if the spending plan reaches his desk, he will not sign it

Cut 14

Reports indicate that legislators are now planning on beginning a special session mid-May.

The full House has approved a budget for next fiscal year that would fund TOPS at 80-percent. State colleges would receive the same amount of dollars as they do this fiscal year. But the Edwards administration says the funding for th estate’s partner hospitals is woefully inadequate. The measure still needs Senate approval.

An NFL legend is putting his name, and voice behind a new distracted driving campaign. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The State Fire Marshal has arrested a Richland Parish volunteer firefighter in connection with a mobile home fire that injured his medically disabled wife. Kenneth Fulford was booked into parish prison on multiple offenses. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says it’s unfortunate one of their own was charged///
Cut 8 (:06) “is affected..”
The victim’s service dog was killed.

The state House approves legislation that supporters say will help the Cajun Navy and other volunteer groups have a greater impact during a disaster. New Iberia Representative Terry Landry, the former head of State Police, is skeptical about bringing volunteers into a disaster situation.
Cut 10 (:11) “is in charge.”
The bill, which has the support of the Cajun Navy and state emergency planners, now moves to the Senate.

Governor John Bel Edwards is working to find ways to equip every school with a school resource officer. He says the vast majority of schools already have them but not all. Edwards made the comments during his monthly radio show, “ask the governor.”

Cut 3 (:12) “recurring training”

The governor adds each officer should have uniformed training.

The State Fire Marshal arrested a volunteer firefighter in Richland Parish in connection with a mobile home fire that injured his medically disabled wife. Kenneth Fulford was booked into parish prison on multiple offenses. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue said that Fulford faces charges related to his wife’s injuries…

Cut 7 (10) “set the fire”

More charges against Fulford maybe pending.

Hall of Fame Quarterback Brett Favre is in a new PSA addressing dangerous behavior behind the wheel. Property Casualty Insurance Vice President of State Government Relations Joe Woods worked with Favre to bring the PSA to life. He says his organization is pushing to increase penalties for drivers who use their phone while driving, but laws alone won’t save lives.

Cut 14 (12) “our cars.”

Distracted driving was responsible for over 700 Louisiana deaths in 2016.

And it sounds like an outrageous scene from a movie comedy but a woman in Monroe was not laughing when she came home to find a naked stranger bathing in her tub while eating food including some Cheerios cereal from the home’s kitchen. Twenty-nine year old Evelyn Washington faces property damage and burglary charges. Police say the arrested woman claims that an unknown man told her to break into the home.

Governor John Bel Edwards wants to see a trained officer in every Louisiana school as the state looks at improving school safety in the wake of Florida school shooting…..
cut 4 (11) “…and equipped”
During his monthly call-in show, Edwards once again says he opposes allowing teachers to arm themselves.

The State Fire Marshal has arrested a volunteer firefighter in Richland Parish in connection with a mobile home fire that injured his medically disabled wife. Kenneth Fulford was booked into parish prison on multiple offenses. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue.
Cut 6 (:13) “on her own”
The victim’s service dog was killed in the blaze.

Legislation allowing volunteer groups like the Cajun Navy to have the opportunity to use state equipment and coordinates their efforts with state emergency planners has been approved by the House. Denham Springs Representative Valarie Hodges says the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness helped her draft the legislation…
cut 11 (12) “…the United States”
The measure moves to the Senate.

NFL legend Brett Favre is feaured in a new P-S-A urging Louisiana drivers to put the phone down while driving as part of an effort by Louisiana Farm Bureau Insurance Companies and Property Casualty Insurance Association of America to combat distracted driving….
cut 13 (08) “…listen to”
A recent study says distracted driving was responsible more than 50-percent of vehicle fatalities in 2016.