Louisiana is one of 30 states seeing a decline in gas prices. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Tiger fans are getting ready to make the trip back to Omaha as LSU will face Florida State on Saturday night in the College World Series. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Lawmakers are working towards a budget agreement, as the House Appropriations Committee approves a $28 billion spending plan for next fiscal year. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Although increasing slightly nationally, gas prices are dropping in 30 states and Louisiana is one of those seeing a decline in prices at the pump. That’s according to AAA spokesperson Don Redman, who says prices are slightly lower than at this time last year.

Cut 4  (10) “price of gasoline”

The statewide average of $2.14 a gallon is well below the forecast for June of $2.40 a gallon. Redman says how low it will go is hard to predict. He says we’re seeing higher demand like we typically do for summer, but refineries have kept up with the demand.

Cut 5  (09)  “gas prices”

Redman says he expects the statewide average to remain above $2 a gallon throughout the summer. He says the price of gas is about 20 cents cheaper in Louisiana than the national average. He says they’re already seeing drivers take advantage of lower prices at the pump.

Cut 6 (10) “people travelling”

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The city of Omaha is excited LSU is back in the College World Series. Tracie McPherson with Visit Omaha says they always enjoy when Tiger fans visit because the Purple and Gold Nation love a good party. She says there is a speakeasy where fans can experience a unique time.

Cut 7 (09)  “bar area”

The Tigers will face Florida State on Saturday at 7pm. McPherson says there are a variety of different craft breweries in walking distance to TD Ameritrade Park.  She says even though Louisiana is known for food, they can get a taste of some world-renowned Omaha steaks.

Cut 8 (08) “sandwich”

McPherson says while waiting for the first pitch, fans can tailgate at Baseball Village. She says a new activity to enjoy is the Baseball Hall of Fame at the CenturyLink Center.

Cut 9 (10)  “right there”

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The Department of Children and Family Services encourages Louisiana residents to pre-register for disaster food stamps in preparation for hurricane season. Kim Matherne with DCFS says pre-registering gets your information in the system and makes things move smoother following a disaster.

Cut 10 (08) “everything in”

Matherne says the DSNAP program offers assistance to people who need help purchasing groceries after a disaster. She says when pre-registering, families will need the names, dates of birth, and social security numbers of all household members. She says workers will ask for more information at the DSNAP site in the event of a hurricane.

Cut 11 (10) “the better”

Matherne says in the event of a disaster, people should go to the DSNAP site in their parish, which will be listed on the DCFS website. She says people can pre-register at dcfs.la.gov or call 1-888-LA-HELP-U. She says there are some people who do not need to register.

Cut 12 (09) “for DSNAP”

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The House Appropriations Committee has approved a 28-billion dollar budget plan that spends more than what they proposed in the regular session, but still less than what the Senate and governor wanted. The new proposal represents 98.94 percent of the state income forecast that would be spent. Chairman Cameron Henry…:

Cut 13 (10) “compromise here”

Henry says there has been a lot said and written in the media about the House not willing to compromise, and he hopes this proposal shows that is not the case. But he says he’s not holding his breath that the upper chamber or the administration will negotiate…:

Cut 14 (09) “what they want”

But Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says that $100 million dollars being held back is money the state might need in the mid-year that they wouldn’t be able to spend. He says the responsible way to deal with the budget is to appropriate the dollars that are available…:

Cut 15 (10) “midyear cut”

Dardenne says they want to see all of the money appropriated, but the administration will let agencies know to hold back money in case of a midyear shortfall…:

Cut 16 (12)  “gonna see”

Under the latest proposal, $100 million would be left on the table as opposed to $206 million. The full House will debate the spending plan Wednesday.

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Thirty-two-year-old running back Adrian Peterson says he’s ready to catch passes in the Saints offense. Peterson caught 241 passes during his 10 seasons in Minnesota and doesn’t know why people say he can’t be a pass catching running back….

Cut 17 (23) “to me”

Peterson has nearly 12-hundred rushing yards during his Hall of Fame career and he’s looking forward to playing with a Hall of Fame quarterback in Drew Brees this season….

Cut 18 (21) “is productive” 

Peterson and running back Mark Ingram are on the field during the team’s minicamp this week. Fans are also getting a chance to see third-round pick Alvin Kamara from Tennessee. Payton says he likes what he’s seen from Kamara….

Cut 19 (17) “good job”

Col. Kevin Reeves has been named as the permanent superintendent of Louisiana State Police, after serving as interim since March. Reeves says he remains committed to the public.
Cut 13 (11) “priority”
Reeves began his career with State Police as a motorcycle trooper in 1990.

According to the Agenda for Children’s KIDS COUNT report, Louisiana is below the national average for uninsured children. KIDS COUNT Coordinator Theresa Falgoust says 96 percent of Louisiana children now have health insurance. She hopes this leads to improvements in child health outcomes.

Cut 5 (12) healthy babies”

Lawmakers are working towards a budget agreement, as the House Appropriations Committee approves a $28 billion spending plan for next fiscal year. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A suspect has died following an officer involved shooting in St. Martin Parish. Authorities say deputies attempted to serve a warrant on a suspect, when the male subject pulled a gun. Shots were fired at the suspect, and he was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The House Appropriations Committee approved a 28-billion dollar budget that spends more than what they proposed in the regular session, but still less than what the Senate and governor wanted. Chairman Cameron Henry says the new proposal represents nearly 99 percent of the state income forecast.

Cut 23 (10) “compromise here”

But Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says they want to see all of the money appropriated, and the administration will let agencies know to hold back money in case of a midyear shortfall.

Cut 24 (12) “gonna see”

The full House will debate the spending plan Wednesday.

Governor John Bel Edwards says the House’s idea to withhold money from the budget in case of a shortfall is not a responsible approach. He says any money not appropriated cannot be spent later.

Cut 7 (07) “last year”

Edwards adds that money can also not be used in the event of a natural disaster like a hurricane or flood.

The Governor announces Col. Kevin Reeves is the new permanent superintendent of State Police. Reeves took over as interim when Col. Mike Edmonson announced his retirement amid an investigation into a travel scandal involving four troopers. Reeves says they are working to ensure that never happens again.

Cut 14 (08) “travelling goes”

Reeves says the findings of the investigation will be released after the department finishes the disciplinary process.

Lawmakers have less than a week left to pass a budget for next fiscal year, after failing to do so in the regular session. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

Three people have been arrested for allegedly sneaking drugs into Angola after police received a tip about a package containing what is believed to be marijuana and tobacco products. Police say the three Morgan City suspects are charged with criminal conspiracy to introduce contraband into a penal facility. Officals say the investigation is ongoing and more arrests could be made.

Governor John Bel Edwards announces interim Superintendent of State Police Col. Kevin Reeves has received the permanent position. Reeves has served as interim since March, and he says the department is moving forward to build a new confidence with LSP.

Cut 12 (09) “effectively”

Reeves began his career with State Police as a motorcycle trooper in 1990.

The Agenda for Children ranks Louisiana 48^th in the country for overall child wellbeing in their KIDS COUNT report. KIDS COUNT Coordinator Theresa Falgoust says Louisiana made strides in some key areas, like more parents having high school diplomas and full-time jobs, fewer babies born with low birthweights, and other areas.

Cut 4 (09) “that measure”

Falgoust adds 96 percent of Louisiana children now have health insurance.

Lawmakers are working to craft a spending plan for next fiscal year in a special session that ends Monday. Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s confident a budget will be worked out, but lawmakers have already ensured there will be another special session because the House has made no effort to address the fiscal cliff in 2018…:
Cut 8 (09) “that task force”
The full House is expected to vote on a budget plan tomorrow.

Louisiana has a new State Police Col. Today the governor announced he’s given interim Superintendent Kevin Reeves the job permanently. Former Superintendent Col. Mike Edmonson announced his retirement amid an investigation into a travel scandal. Reeves says the findings of this matter will be released after the department finishes the disciplinary process. He says they are working to ensure this won’t happen again…:
Cut 14 (08) “traveling goes”

Louisiana ranks 48th in overall child well-being, according to the KIDS COUNT Data Book released by the Agenda for Children. KIDS COUNT Coordinator Theresa Falgoust says the Bayou State ranks 47th in education, which examined three and four year olds who don’t go to school, and 4th graders who are below proficient in reading…:
Cut 3 (10) “since 2009”
Falgoust says one of the positives in the report is that 96 percent of children now have health insurance.

Governor John Bel Edwards has announced the replacement for former Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle on the LSU Board of Supervisors. In a statement, the governor says Mary Werner will take over the vacated seat for the remainder of the term representing the 3rd Congressional District. Angelle left his role as public service commissioner after he was named director of the U.S. Interior Department’s Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement.

Governor John Bel Edwards has named Col. Kevin Reeves the permanent superintendent of Louisiana State Police, as Reeves has served in the interim position since March. Reeves says it’s a compliment that Edwards respects his leadership. He says he is committed to the public.
Cut 13 (11) “priority”
Reeves began his career with State Police as a motorcycle trooper in 1990.

According to the KIDS COUNT Data Book released by the Agenda for Children, The Bayou State ranks 48th for overall child well-being. But KIDS COUNT Coordinator Theresa Falgoust says Louisiana has improved as well, as 96-percent of children now have health insurance and this could lead to better health outcomes for children.
Cut 5 (12) “babies”

The full House is expected to vote on a budget plan tomorrow as the clock is ticking for lawmakers to approve a budget. The two chambers argued during regular session over how much money to withhold from the budget to prevent a midyear shortfall. Edwards says if that money is not appropriated from the onset, it cannot be used later to fill a budget gap or address unforeseen needs.
Cut 7 (07) “last year”

DOTD has introduced Motorist Assistance Patrols to help with traffic flow as construction has begun on the widening of I-10 between I-49 and the Atchafalaya Basin. Deidrea Druilhet with DOTD says these trucks are able to remove stalled vehicles out of traffic lanes onto the shoulder. She reminds drivers to pay attention in construction zones as that’s where many wrecks tend to happen.
Cut 11 (08) “are reduced.”

The KIDS COUNT Data Book from the Agenda for Children ranks Louisiana 48th for overall child well-being. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Governor John Bel Edwards has named Col. Kevin Reeves the permanent superintendent of Louisiana State Police. Reeves, who has served in the interim position since March, says the department is moving forward from the negatives…:
Cut 12 (09) “effectively”

Allen Parish Sheriff’s deputies have located the body of a 12-year-old who possibly drowned in the Calcasieu River Sunday evening. Authorities believe the child tried to swim across the river, went into distress and went under.

Construction has begun on the I-10 widening project between I-49 and the Atchafalaya Basin, so DOTD has introduced Motorist Assistance Patrols to the area to help with traffic flow. Deidrea Druilhet with DOTD says the map program trucks, which are already present in the Baton Rouge and New Orleans areas, serve many purposes…:
Cut 10 (08) “their car”
If you are ever on the road and need assistance dial *LSP.

The pairings and game times for the first two days of the College World Series have been announced. LSU will take on Florida in the second game in Omaha on Saturday at 7pm. The first game that day is scheduled to begin at 2pm, and will feature Cal St. Fullerton against No. 1 national seed Oregon St.

The clock is ticking on lawmakers to approve a budget before the special session ends on Monday. Governor John Bel Edwards says the spending plan approved by the Senate is a good starting point. He says unfortunately, the House did not vote on the budget last week, but he is optimistic HB1 can win passage this week…:
Cut 6 (10) “a majority”
The full House is expected to vote on a budget plan tomorrow.

In a national assessment of child-well being, which examined metrics such as poverty, education and health access, Louisiana was ranked 48th. KIDS COUNT Coordinator Theresa Falgoust says the Bayou State improved in 8 out of 16 measures…:
Cut 4 (09) “that measure”
But she says the number of child and teen deaths worsened, and the percentage of children living in poverty was up to 28 percent.

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission has voted for a proposal that could lead to red snapper fishing in federal waters for the next 12 weekends, beginning this Saturday. Emelie Gunn has more:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Louisiana ranks 48th in overall child well-being, according to the KIDS COUNT Data Book released by the Agenda for Children. KIDS COUNT Coordinator Theresa Falgoust says the Bayou State ranks 47th in education, which examined three and four year olds who don’t go to school, and 4th graders who are below proficient in reading…:
Cut 3 (10) “since 2009”
Falgoust says one of the positives in the report is that 96 percent of children now have health insurance.

Governor John Bel Edwards has introduced interim State Police Superintendent Kevin Reeves to the position permanently. Reeves has already been serving in that role since the retirement of Col. Mike Edmonson earlier this year. Edwards says Reeves has done an excellent job at State Police and has won the praise of his colleagues and law enforcement across Louisiana.

Construction has begun on the I-10 widening project between I-49 and the Atchafalaya Basin, so DOTD has introduced Motorist Assistance Patrols to the area to help with traffic flow. Deidrea Druilhet with DOTD says with 60,000 drivers traveling that stretch daily, the department will have three map program trucks patrolling the area..:
Cut 9 (09) “region”
If you are ever on the road and need assistance dial *LSP.

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission approves a proposal to open the recreational red snapper fishing season in federal waters for the next 12 weekends as part of a compromise with the federal government and four other Gulf Coast states. Assistant Secretary for LDWF, Patrick Banks..:
Cut 13 (08) “located”
The agreement could begin this weekend.

A new law seeks to curb the state’s growing opioid epidemic. Governor Edwards signed the bill by New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno that limits first time opioid prescriptions to a 7-day supply. Moreno says she’s glad this legislation made it through the process.

Cut 4 (08) “this year”

Moreno says this is a step in the right direction toward savings lives.

It’s been 17 years since the legislature failed to approve a budget in the regular session, and Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says we’re having many of the same discussions now. He says the one-penny sales tax enacted last year was supposed to be a bridge to fiscal reform, and lawmakers did not accomplish that in the fiscal session.

Cut 9 (10) “fiscal reform session”

A bill by Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves seeks to give flood victims some financial relief. Graves says his bill waives extra costs for those who had to withdraw from their retirement savings to rebuild.

Cut 11 (10) “additional penalty”

The bill would help victims of both the March and August floods, as well as those affected by the tornado outbreak in February.

Louisiana fishermen are pushing for a change in federal regulations to give them more access to fish in federal waters. Assistant Secretary with LDWF Patrick Banks says not many red snapper live in state waters.

Cut 14 (12) “red snapper”

A proposed change would end snapper fishing in state waters on weekdays.