The House and Senate say they plan to fully fund TOPS next fiscal year. Higher Ed Commissioner Joe Rallo says this gives students some certainty, but it’s possible recipients will still pay some money towards tuition costs…:
Cut 25 (10) “at 70 percent”
The legislature must agree to a budget plan by 6 p.m. today.

Governor John Bel Edwards signed into law a measure to allow video poker machines to accept 100 dollar bills, up from the current law of only 20 dollars. Video Poker Lobbyist Alton Ashy says the main reason for the legislation is the convenience factor…:
Cut 3 (10) “dollar bill”
Critics argued this could fuel gambling addiction.

We can expect to see more mosquitos out and about after more than a week of continued rain. LSU AgCenter entomologist Kristen Healy says more rain equals more mosquitos, and different types of mosquitos at that. She says a lot of rainfall can lead to hatching of so-called flood water mosquitos…:
Cut 6 (09) “for example”
Still she says it’s a good idea to protect yourself when outdoors.

Another example of why you should think before you post. The state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries was tipped off to a Facebook video which showed three Jennings men allegedly killing alligators from a moving vehicle in the off-season. LDWF spokesman Adam Einck…:
CUT 14 (09) “in this video”
Rhett Guidry, Dodie Bouley, and Kyle Thibodaux were issued citations including taking alligators during a closed season and hunting from a moving vehicle.

A lot of questions still surround the budget on the final day of the regular session, but the House and Senate agree that fully funding TOPS is a priority. Higher Ed Commissioner Joe Rallo says this is an improvement over last year, but the uncertainty of TOPS funding has encouraged other states to recruit Louisiana students.

Cut 5 (10) “on it”

Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says funding TOPS is one good thing that came out of a session where not much was accomplished. He’s also pleased a resolution was passed to form a taskforce that will examine the TOPS scholarship program.

Cut 12 (10) “in the future”

The session ends tonight at 6 p.m.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries arrests three Jennings men for hunting alligators in a drainage canal from the bed of a pickup truck. Spokesperson Adam Einck says 24-year-old Rhett Guidry, 19-year-old Dodie Bouley, and 23-year-old Kyle Thibodaux have been cited for illegally hunting gators, among other things.

Cut 13 (10) “citations as well”

The men also faces charges for taking frogs using illegal methods.

LDWF agents also rescued a partially blind man in Rapides Parish. Einck says 48-year-old Charles Pickering was last seen Monday afternoon. He was found yesterday afternoon in a wooded area less than half a mile from his house. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

The 2017 legislative session ends today…:
Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Fired FBI Director James Comey is speaking before the Senate Intelligence Committee at this hour to testify about his role in the investigation into whether or not Russia interfered in the presidential election. The nation claims it has never been involved in hacking, but US Senator John Kennedy says that’s not true…:
Cut 9 (10) “in my opinion”

According to Time magazine, Greater New Orleans ranks #5 in the USA for in-migration of millennials. The publication found that from 2010-2015, The Big Easy and Metairie areas saw an almost nine percent increase in its 25-34 year-old population.

A video posted on Facebook of three Jennings men illegally killing alligators from a moving vehicle is what tipped off authorities. LDWF spokesman Adam Einck says 24-year-old Rhett Guidry, 19-year-old Dodie Bouley, and 23-year-old Kyle Thibodaux face up to $2,500 in fines, and they could also face jail time if convicted…:
Cut 15 (09) “road as well”
The men were also cited for taking frogs using illegal methods.

Lawmakers have decided the state’s public colleges should have limited authority to ask prospective students about their criminal histories to determine admission. But under the bill headed to the governor’s desk, schools could ask about convictions for stalking, rape and sexual battery.

Former-FBI Director James Comey is slated to testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee at this hour on his role in the investigation into possible Russian interference in the presidential election. US Senator John Kennedy says we have to get to the bottom of what happened
Cut 8 (08) “do that”

If lawmakers reach an agreement on a budget today, TOPS is expected to be fully funded. Jeff Palermo has the latest..:
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Livingston Parish Coroner has released the autopsy findings for the Baton Rouge massage therapist found dead in a vacant building. It indicates 24-year-old Kayla Ann Denham died of blunt force trauma to the head associated with strangulation. Bond has been upgraded to $250-thousand for the murder suspect, 25-year-old Christopher Landry.

In Jefferson Davis Parish, three Jennings men have been cited by Wildlife and Fisheries agents for the illegal killing of two alligators. LDWF spokesman Adam Einck says one of the men posted a video of the incident on Facebook which is how they found out…:
Cut 14 (09) “in this video”
24-year-old Rhett Guidry, 19-year-old Dodie Bouley, and 23-year-old Kyle Thibodaux were issued citations including taking alligators during a closed season and hunting from a moving vehicle.

There were no jackpot winners in last night’s Powerball drawing which rises to an estimated $435 million dollars.

Today Former-FBI Director James Comey is expected to testify before a US Senate committee. Halen Doughty spoke with Louisiana’s junior US Senator…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says, as the legislative session ends today, it’s been quite lackluster. The exception, he says, is the criminal justice reform package that passed…:
Cut 11 (11) “these cases”

Lawmakers from both the House and Senate are meeting behind closed doors trying to reach a compromise on the budget before today’s 6pm session deadline. Higher Ed Commissioner Joe Rallo says says it looks like lawmakers plan to fully fund TOPS next fiscal year. But he says the House proposed withholding two percent of the revenue forecast in case of shortfalls which would mean a $19 million cut to colleges..:
Cut 6 (11) “best outcome”
He says all of the uncertainty surrounding TOPS and higher ed funding in Louisiana could impact enrollment numbers.

Three Jennings men are in big trouble for allegedly shooting alligators from the bed of a pickup truck. That’s according to Adam Einck with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries…:
Cut 13 (10) “citations as well”
The three are 24-year-old Rhett Guidry, 19-year-old Dodie Bouley, and 23-year-old Kyle Thibodaux.

Former-FBI Director James Comey is slated to testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee today on his role in the investigation into possible Russian hacking in the presidential election. US Senator John Kennedy says he was surprised the former FBI director agreed to testify at all…:
Cut 7 (09) “in the first place”
The testimony is scheduled for 9am.

The 2017 regular session comes to a close today and Capitol observers say not much was accomplished. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says the state has been dealing with budget deficits for the last decade and this was supposed to be the year to address the problem…:
Cut 10 (11) “hurt us”
Erwin believes a special session is imminent.

The autopsy results have been released for the Baton Rouge message therapist allegedly killed by a client during a house call in Denham Springs. The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office says the coroner report indicates 24-year-old Kayla Ann Denham died of blunt force trauma to the head associated with strangulation. 25-year-old Chris Landry is charged with second degree murder on a $250,000 bond.

The House and Senate say they plan to fully fund TOPS next fiscal year. Higher Ed Commissioner Joe Rallo says the scholarship gives students some certainty, but it’s possible recipients will pay some money towards tuition costs…:
Cut 4 (10) “at 70 percent”
The legislature must agree to a budget plan by 6 p.m. today.

A Louisiana congressman stands by statements he made on Facebook saying terrorists should be hunted down. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (26) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Livingston Parish Coroner has released the autopsy findings for the massage therapist found dead in a vacant building in Livingston Parish. 24-year-old Kayla Ann Denham reportedly died of blunt force trauma to the head associated with strangulation. Bond has been upgraded to $250-thousand for 22-year-old Christopher Landry, who is charged with second degree murder in connection with Dunham’s death.

With only two days left in the legislative session, lawmakers need to come to an agreement on a $28 billion spending plan for next fiscal year. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the House does not want to spend all the money recognized by the Revenue Estimating Conference but the Senate does. He says it’s all about negotiations now.

Cut 6 (09) “side does”

Governor John Bel Edwards has voiced his disapproval of the House’s latest budget plan.

Two people were shot in Eunice when they went after a man who allegedly shot their 7-year-old relative on accident during a drive by shooting. The two men and the juvenile are recovering in a local hospital, but Police Chief Randy Fontenot says this may not be the end of it.

Cut 11 (10) “going on”

17-year-old Jamie Ned has been booked with five counts attempted first-degree murder.

The 2017 regular session comes to a close tomorrow, and Capitol observers say not much was accomplished. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says the state has been dealing with budget deficits for the last decade, and this was supposed to be the year to address the problem.

Cut 10 (11) “hurt us”

Erwin says a special session is imminent to address a looming fiscal cliff.

A measure heading to the governor’s desk prohibits colleges from asking students about their criminal history on an application. Syrita Steib-Martin was incarcerated at 19. Once released, she applied to the University of New Orleans where she checked the felon box on her application.

Cut 12 (09) “institution”
Budget negotiations continue at the Capitol, but the House and Senate say they plan to fully fund TOPS next fiscal year. Higher Ed Commissioner Joe Rallo says education leaders are still holding their breath until the session ends tomorrow evening. He says funding TOPS gives students some certainty, but its possible scholarship recipients will pay some money towards tuition costs.

Cut 4 (10) “70 percent”

Rallo says all of the uncertainty surrounding TOPS and higher ed funding in Louisiana could impact enrollment numbers. He says other states like Mississippi, Texas, and Alabama are trying to recruit Louisiana students.

Cut 5 (10) “on it”

South Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins stands by his controversial Facebook post saying all conceivable means must be taken to hunt down radical Islamic terrorists. He says we cannot take these threats lightly, and force must be used to protect U.S. citizens…:
Cut 5 (13) “in the head”
The back and forth between the House and Senate continues over the budget with the legislative session ending tomorrow at 6pm. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says nothing is predictable at this point..:
Cut 7 (10) “fighting about”
Like cuts to health care services, colleges, state prisons and child welfare.

A bill on its way to be signed by the governor would prevent a college from asking an applicant about their criminal history. Michelle Southern has more…
Voicer 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

Drug felons would be able allowed to receive food stamps once released from prison under a bill heading to Governor Edwards desk. It’s part of the governor’s plan to reduce the state’s prison population. LSU Criminologist Doctor Peter Scharf says this bill is a step in that direction….
cut 25 (07) “….recidivating”

Budget negotiations continue as state lawmakers must complete their work by 6 PM tomorrow night or a special session will begin later that night. Governor Edwards opposes the House’s budget plan, but political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says that likely won’t affect what the House decides to do…
cut 8 (08) “….on spending”
The House plan calls for cuts to health care, public colleges, state prisons and child welfare.

Colleges will no long ask prospective students during the application process about their criminal history under legislation that’s received final passage. Syrita Steib-Martin knows from first-hand experience a university will deny your admission if you say you’re a felon….
cut 13 (09) “…life over”
Schools can still ask if an applying student was convicted of stalking, rape or sexual battery.

Congressman Clay Higgins stands by his Facebook post that said “every conceivable measure” should be used to hunt down and kill anyone suspected of being an Islamic radical. Some have said statements like that from elected officials could be used as propaganda by terrorists to fuel radicalization. But the St. Landry Parish Republican isn’t buying that…:
CUT 4 (13) “how mad can we make them?”
He believes this is about prioritizing national security and protecting American lives.

The bond has been increased for the Denham Springs man accused of killing a massage therapist from Baton Rouge during a house call. 25-year-old Christopher Landry is charged with second degree murder in the death of 24-year-old Kayla Ann Denham. Bond was raised this morning from $175,000 to $250,000.