Minimum wage increase, pay secrecy, and equal pay for women legislation all died on the Senate floor last night. The bills were a major part of Governor John Bel Edwards agenda. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell’s equal pay for women bill died 20-18. He says the best and brightest women in Louisiana are flocking to state’s that won’t pay them less for the same work a man does.

Cut 14 (12) “the world”

A minimum wage hike was also struck down. The bill would have increased the minimum wage to 8.50 by 2020.

A bill seeking to make major changes to TOPS faced opposition from LSU students. The Senate Education Committee defeated the measure to make TOPS a flat four-thousand dollar annual award and provide additional stipends for students who perform well on the ACT. LSU Student Body Vice President Rachel Campbell says the proposed legislation would force some LSU students to leave the state…

Cut 10 (10) “looking back.”

The House Health and Welfare committee is expected to hear legislation today that would allow medical marijuana to be used as a legal treatment for persons with autism. Louisiana Mothers Advocating for Medical Marijuana spokesperson Katelyn Castleberry says her two sons suffer from autism and they need better options made available for treatment…

Cut 4  (13) “to suicide.” 

Carencro Representative Julie Emerson’s bill to shorten the waiting period for getting married has advanced to the House floor. She says the states 72 hour waiting period is highly abnormal.

Cut 7 (06)  “that regard”

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry announced that the two white officers involved in the shooting of Alton Sterling, a black man, will not be charged. Landry says this was a justifiable shooting under Louisiana’s law as the 37-year-old failed to cooperate with the police
cut 7 (09) “…was resisiting”
Landry says Sterling had a gun in his pocket and was under the influence of drugs.

The Sterling family was notified of the A-G’s decision before Landry told the public charges against the officers will not be pursued. His aunt, Velda Washington ,says racism played a role in the outcome…
cut 16 (09) “…nobody”
The Sterling Family has already filed a civil lawsuit against the Baton Rouge Police Department and Officers Blane Salamoni and Howie Lake.

The Baton Rouge Police Department is set to release additional evidence from the Alton Sterling shooting by the end of the week. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Attorney John McLindon represents Officer Salamoni. He says his client is pleased he will not face charges, but no one feels good about what happened…
cut 14 (07) “….he did”
It’s possible Salamoni and fellow officer Howie Lake will be fired by Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul.

Instead of our customary legislative report at this hour, we bring you the top news of the day.

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry has ruled criminal charges are not warranted against two white Baton Rouge police officers who fatally shot a black man during an altercation in front of a convenience store in July of 2016. Landry’s office reviewed the evidence in the Alton Sterling shooting for nearly a year…
cut 6 (11) “…probable cause”
But Sterling’s aunt, Velda Washington, sees it differently….
cut 15 (13) “…nothing wrong”
Washington made those comments after meeting personally with Landry, before he went public with his decision.

The attorney for Sterling’s family, Chris Stewart, says they will seek some sort of justice for the shooting of Alton Sterling through a civil lawsuit already filed….
cut 10 (07) “….Baton Rouge, Louisiana”
Sterling’s family is also seeking the firing of Blane Salamoni and Howie Lake.

Attorney John McLindon represents Salamoni and he says they are not surprised by today’s announcement from the A-G…
Cut 13 (10) “in order.”
Now the Baton Rouge Police Department has started its own internal investigation of the shooting. Police Chief Murphy Paul says theyw ill determine if Salamoni and Lake violated policies or procedures during the incident and a disciplinary hearing is expected to be completed by the end of the week.

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry has ruled criminal charges are not warranted against two white Baton Rouge police officers who fatally shot a black man during an altercation in front of a convenience store in July of 2016. Landry’s office reviewed the evidence of the Alton Sterling shooting for nearly a year, concluding the shooting involving officers Blane Salamoni and Howie Lake was justified.

He says toxicology reports from the autopsy also showed Sterling was under the influence of illegal drugs, which contributed to his noncompliance…

Cut 8 (11) “under Louisiana law”

The attorney for Sterling family, Chris Stewart, says justice was not served…

Cut 9 (11) “black man”

Stewart says a civil lawsuit has already been filed against the city and the officers.

The fatal shooting of Sterling in July of 2016 sparked several days of protests in the capital city, a large police presence and some major roads had to be closed. Baton Rouge Mayor Sharon Weston-Broome calls on the public to keep future demonstrations lawful.

Cut 12 (09)   “is not”

The Baton Rouge Police Department is reviewing the incident, and is expected to make a decision on the employment status of Officers Salamoni and Lake by the end of the week.

A bill to allow the home delivery of factory sealed alcohol to your front door has passed out of a Senate committee. Bill sponsor, Jennings Senator Blade Morrish says drivers who would deliver the factory sealed alcohol would be held under the same rules as a bartender…

Cut 4 (13) “years old.”

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry announced that the two white officers involved in the shooting of Alton Sterling, a black man, will not be charged. Landry says this was a justifiable shooting under Louisiana’s law as the 37-year-old failed to cooperate with the police
cut 7 (09) “…was resisiting”
Landry says Sterling had a gun in his pocket and was under the influence of drugs.

The Sterling family was notified of the A-G’s decision before Landry told the public charges against the officers will not be pursued. His aunt, Velda Washington ,says racism played a role in the outcome…
cut 16 (09) “…nobody”
The Sterling Family has already filed a civil lawsuit against the Baton Rouge Police Department and Officers Blane Salamoni and Howie Lake.

A bill to allow the home delivery of factory sealed alcohol beverages to your front door has passed out of a Senate committee. Bill sponsor, Jennings Senator Blade Morrish, says there are already several home delivery food companies such as Waitr. He says alcohol delivery would fit in well…
Cut 3 (08) “do that.”
The deliveries can only be made during the days and hours the retailer is authorized to sell alcoholic beverages. The measure heads to the Senate floor.

A state audit has found the Department of Children and Family Services has done a much better job when it comes to not providing food stamp benefits to individuals who are already deceased. In a 2014 review, the state allocated one-point-three million in SNAP benefits to nearly four-thousand who had died. Division of Family Support Sam Guillory says SNAP benefits went to only 108 dead in the latest report…
cut 30 (06) “…percentage wise”

Attorney General Jeff Landry will not prosecute two white Baton Rouge police officers in the 2016 shooting of Alton Sterling, a black man…
Cut 1 (33) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Attorney John McLindon represents Officer Salamoni. He says his client is pleased he will not face charges, but no one feels good about what happened…
cut 14 (07) “….he did”
It’s possible Salamoni and fellow officer Howie Lake will be fired by Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul.

A state Senate committee has advanced legislation that sets up rules for the home delivery of factory-sealed beer, wine and hard liquor. Jennings Senator Blade Morrish says his bill is heading to the Senate floor and it gives the state office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control the power to regulate the deliveries of alcohol….
cut 5 (12) “…takes place”
Companies like Waitr would deliver the alcohol beverages purchased from a Louisiana-licensed retailer.

Legislation to allow students to wear backpacks on school that are bulletproof has been approved by a Senate panel. West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth says it’s ashame legislation like this is needed…..
cut 20 (10) “…protect myself”
The measure will be discussed next on Senate floor.

Attorney General Jeff Landry announced no criminal charges against Baton Rouge Police officers Blane Salamoni and Howie Lake in the 2016 shooting death of Alton Sterling. Landry says the shooting was justified as Sterling was not cooperative with the officers and was armed…
cut 8 (11) “…under Louisiana”
But Sterling’s aunt, Velda Washington, sees it differently….
cut 15 (13) “…nothing wrong”
Baton Rouge Police Cheif Murphy Paul says the public will get to see more evidence in the case after they complete their own administrative review…
cut 11 (12) “…the public”

Legislation that would allow you to have a bottle of wine or case or beer delivered to your home has passed out of a Senate committee. Jennings Senator Blade Morrish says drivers who deliver the factory sealed alcohol would be held under the same rules as a bartender….
cut 4 (13) “…years old”
The measure heads to the Senate floor for more discussion.

The Senate floor will hear legislation to raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $8.50 an hour by 2020. Business lobbyists say this will lead to higher prices for consumers, but UNO Business Professor Mark Rosa doesn’t see this increase particulary harmful to the state’s economy…
cut 29 (07) “….of years’
The Senate will meet at 4 PM.

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry announced that the two white officers involved in the shooting of Alton Sterling, a black man, will not be charged. Landry says this was a justifiable shooting under Louisiana’s law as the 37-year-old failed to cooperate with the police
cut 7 (09) “…was resisiting”
Landry says Sterling had a gun in his pocket and was under the influence of drugs. Attorney John McLindon represents Officer Blane Salamoni and he says they are not surprised by today’s announcement…
Cut 13 (10) “in order.”
The attorney for Sterling’s family, Chris Stewart, says they will seek some sort of justice through a civil lawsuit already filed….
cut 10 (07) “….Baton Rouge, Louisiana”

A bill to allow the home delivery of factory sealed alcohol beverages to your front door has passed out of a Senate committee. Bill sponsor, Jennings Senator Blade Morrish says there are already several home delivery companies such as Waitr, operating in larger cities. He says alcohol delivery would fit in well…
Cut 3 (08) “do that.”
The measure heads to the Senate, but Morrish admits more work needs to be done to the bill, because it would restrict delivery services with only full-time employees, and companies like Waitr only have part-time staff.

A flash flood watch is in effect for northwest Louisiana until Thursday morning. The National Weather Service is anticipating two to four inches and as much as six inches of rain as a result of a slow moving front.

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry has ruled criminal charges are not warranted against two white Baton Rouge police officers who fatally shot a black man during an altercation in front of a convenience store in July of 2016. Landry’s office reviewed the evidence in the Alton Sterling shooting for nearly a year…
cut 6 (11) “…probable cause”
Landry says after the shooting,officers pulled a gun from Alton Sterling’s pocket. He says toxicology reports from the autopsy also showed Sterling was under the influence of illegal drugs. But the attorney for Sterling’s family, Chris Stewart, says justice was not served,….
cut 9 (11) “….black man”
Stewart says a civil lawsuit has already been filed and they are calling for the firing of officers Blane Salamoni and Howie Lake.

A bill to raise the minimum wage is scheduled to be heard on the Senate floor today. Jeff Palermo has more.
Voicer 2 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

New Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson says she’s committed to continuing her husband’s legacy going and that means keeping the professional franchises in New Orleans…
Cut 15 (10) “…big family”
Gayle Benson added that it’s upsetting to read or hear reports she may sell or move the teams.

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry’s office has declined to pursue charges against the two Baton Rouge officers who were involved in the shooting death of Alton Sterling. Landry says after an extensive review the shooting was justified, based on the facts that Sterling resisted arrest and a handgun in his pocket….
cut 30 (08) “….and correct”
Before announcing the decision to public, Landry met with the family of Sterling. His aunt, Veda Washington, was furious officers Howie Lake and Blane Salamoni will not be criminally charged.

Legislation has been approved by a Senate committee to allow students to bring bulletproof backpacks to school. The only person to testify against the bill was attorney and educator Dadrius Lanus, who says this bill doesn’t make sense….
cut 13 (06) “….bill down”
But none of the senators sitting on the panel objected and the measure heads to the full senate.
A state audit has found the Department of Children and Family Services is doing a better job of not providing food stamp benefits to individuals who are deceased. Matt Doyle has more…
voicer 1 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Gayle Benson is ready to lead the Saints and Pelicans franchises. She was asked at the NFL owners meetings on whether she can handle firing individuals….
cut 16 (05) “…with that”
Benson says her goal is keeping Tom Benson’s legacy going and that means keeping the teams in New Orleans.