The governor approved language in the appropriations bill that would front load the TOPS program Edwards believes vetoing the legislation would cause chaos just weeks before the next semester begins. Higher Education Commissioner Joe Rallo says they respect the governor’s opinion.
Cut 13 (06) “potential challenge”

Those who oppose say this would place a massive burden on students in the spring.

A lawsuit has been filed in attempt to restore voting rights to Louisiana felons. The suit states that prohibiting people released on parole or probation from voting in the state is unconstitutional. The suit was filed by the activist group called The Voice of the Ex-Offender. The Attorney General’s Office says they will review the lawsuit but believe the law is constitutional.

A driver has been cited after being involved in a crash that resulted in a State Police Trooper being hit by her own unit. Authorities say the trooper was helping a disable vehicle change a tire on 1-55 when a truck hit the unit which caused it to spin and hit the trooper walking along the shoulder. 28-year-old Shane Matecum of Tickfaw was been cited for careless operation. The trooper was airlifted to the hospital and is now in stable condition.

A deputy with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s office has been arrested for solicitation of a prostitute. State Trooper Scott Moreau says the investigation into 48-year-old Stacy Bender revealed he had an inappropriate relationship. Moreau says Bender is looking at 12 charges…
cut 15 (11) “criminal records”

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says Bender was a deputy for over 17 years and has been terminated.

The Pelicans did not make a huge splash on the first day NBA teams can sign free agents, but they filled a couple of needs. They added a small forward to their roster by inking six-foot-seven Solomon HIll to a four-year, 48-million dollar contract. Hill averaged fours points and three rebounds a game for the Indiana Pacers last season, but played well in the playoffs last season and is considered a good defender.

New Orleans has also reportedly signed free-agent guard E-Twaun (E-Twon) Moore to a four-year deal. Moore averaged eight points, two rebounds and two assists a game last season, while also hitting a career-high 45-percent from three-point land in Chicago.

In other basketball news…Former Brother Martin star Jordan Cornish is transferring from U-N-L-V to Tulane. The six-foot-six guard averaged six points a contest as a sophomore for the Running Rebels. He’ll have to sit out the upcoming season, because of NCAA rules.

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IN the final college baseball polls, the LSU Tigers finished the season ranked 12th. In the Baseball America poll, Coastal Carolina was ranked number one after winning the school’s first national championship. Arizona is ranked second, followed by Arizona, TCU, Oklahoma State and Florida. Tulane is ranked 19th and UL Lafayette is ranked 22nd.

LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonine stands by a statement that he referred to the high school sports landscape as a “proverbial dumpster fire.” Bonine made the commement in a report to his collegaues at the National Federation of High School Associations. Bonine says there was no malice in the use of words as he explained what was going on in Louisiana with the public versus private school split.

The Saints were reportedly interested in signing former South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw, but he’s been signed by the Chicago Bears instead, who claimed him off waivers, after he was released by Cleveland.

Governor John Bel Edwards said he would not veto language in the appropriations bill that would “front load” the TOPS scholarship program. The governor added that student’s tuition would be mostly funded in the fall, but they’d have to cover more than half in the spring. Higher Education Commissioner Dr. Joe Rallo says they support the governor…:

Cut 11 (06) “and how much”

But those who oppose say this would place a massive burden on students in the spring.

As people spend time outside this holiday weekend, the LSU Vet School is advising pet parents to make sure their animals don’t get overheated. Associate professor and veterinarian Dr. Kirk Ryan says there are steps pet parents can take to make sure their animals stay as cool as possible.

CUT 7 (09) “drinking water”

Forecasters say the heat index in Louisiana this weekend could reach 110 in some places.

Many Americans will be on the road for the 4^th of July holiday but that also means thieves will be on the prowl. Emelie Gunn has more on how to protect your home over the long weekend…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

A Livonia couple has been arrested on child sex charges. Police say 35-year-old Damien Kimble was raping his girlfriend’s daughter over the course of 9 years. The Livonia Police Chief says the victim, who is under 13-years-old, reported the crime herself. Kimble has been charged with aggravated rape, molestation, and carnal knowledge of a juvenile, and the unnamed mother was charged with principal to molestation and indecent behavior of a juvenile.

Surprisingly, the governor did not veto the language in the TOPS bill that front loads the program for the first semester. Governor John Bel Edwards says students should be prepared for cuts to TOPS in the fall, and an even bigger cut in the spring. But he said he believes vetoing the legislation would cause chaos just weeks before the next semester begins. Higher Ed Commissioner Joe Rallo says they respect the governor’s opinion…:

Cut 13 (06)  “potential challenge”

But Edwards has made it clear that he is not happy about this approach.

People who are travelling over the holiday weekend should keep in mind that criminals will also be out and about. State Farm spokesperson Roszell Gadson says installing an alarm system is always a good idea no matter what time of year. He says it’s smart to install timers for when you’re away on vacation.

CUT 5 (08)  “you’re away”

Gadson says July is the third highest month for home theft claims.

Louisiana has received $2.4 million for residents who are owed money from a settlement after the 2008 housing bubble burst, according to State Treasurer John Kennedy. Kennedy says if your home was foreclosed during the financial crisis, you can go to LaTreasury.com to see if you have any unclaimed money.

CUT 9 (08) “in Louisiana”

Kennedy says most of the money belongs to people in Jefferson, East Baton Rouge, Orleans, St. Tammany and Caddo parishes.

Forecasters say the heat index in Louisiana could reach 110 in some places this Fourth of July Weekend, and the LSU Veterinary School advises pet parents to protect their fur babies from heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Associate professor and veterinarian Dr. Kirk Ryan says the number one danger is leaving pets in a hot car, but he says they can also get overheated when exercising outside.

CUT 6 (10) “like us”

Governor John Bel Edwards is not going to veto the TOPS legislation that nearly funds all fall tuition, but cuts more than half for spring. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

A sex offender registered in St. Landry Parish has been arrested for allegedly having a Facebook profile. Police say they received a tip that Al James Sonnier was posting pictures on the profile and he reportedly admitted to police that he had been posting as recently as that day.

Lots of people will be travelling this weekend, and unfortunately criminals will also be on the prowl. State Farm spokesperson Roszell Gadson says wait until you’ve returned home from vacation to post pictures or chat about your trip on social media because you never know who is watching your posts. He says another way to be proactive is to ask your neighbor for a helping hand…

CUT 4 (10)  “in town”

Gadson says installing an alarm system is always a good idea no matter what time of year.

A Rapides Parish Sheriff’s deputy has been arrested for solicitation of prostitution. State Trooper Scott Moreau says the investigation into 48-year-old Stacy Bender revealed he had an inappropriate relationship.

cut 14 (08)  “on duty”

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says Bender was a deputy for over 17 years and has been terminated.

The governor did not veto language in the appropriations bill that would “front load” the TOPS scholarship program. But Governor Edwards did call the legislation a disingenuous budgeting gimmick by the Louisiana Legislature. Higher Education Commissioner Dr. Joe Rallo says Edwards had a different plan in mind…:
cut 12 (08) “30%”

But LSU President F. King Alexander among those who oppose front loading because it’s going to put a massive burden on students in the spring.

A State Police Trooper was hit on I-55 while assisting a disable vehicle. The vehicle had its hazard lights on as well as flares to warn traffic. A truck hit the trooper’s unit, which then caused the unit to hit the trooper. The trooper was airlifted to a local hospital with moderate injuries. State Police wants to remind drivers of the Move Over law, which requires motorists to slow down and move into the farthest lane.

The state has received 2.4 million dollars for residents who are owned money from a settlement after the 2008 housing bubble burst according to State Treasurer John Kennedy. Kennedy says the majority is owned to people in Jefferson, East Baton Rouge, Orleans, St. Tammany and Caddo parishes and the average amount owed is $300.
cut 10 (06) “like never”

Kennedy says visit LaTreasury.com to see if you have any unclaimed money.

The LSU Vet School reminds people to protect their pets from heat exhaustion and heat stroke over this scorching 4th of July weekend. Associate professor and veterinarian Dr. Kirk Ryan says the number one danger is leaving pets in a hot car. He says you should monitor for signs of heat exhaustion in your pets and take action if they think your animal could be over heated
CUT 8 (11) “as possible”

Governor John Bel Edwards said he would not veto language in the appropriations bill that would “front load” the TOPS scholarship program. The governor added that student’s tuition would be mostly funded in the fall, but they’d have to cover more than half in the spring. Higher Education Commissioner Dr. Joe Rallo he’s glad the governor didn’t use his veto pen…;
CUT 1 (06) “and how much”
But those who oppose say this would place a massive burden on students in the spring. Edwards did criticize the legislation calling it a disingenuous budgeting gimmick by the Louisiana Legislature.

State Police say a trooper was hit on the side of I-55 while assisting a disabled vehicle and that the road is closed northbound north of I-10. They are requesting thoughts and prayers, but no other details have been released at this time.

Able-bodied food stamp recipients without dependents who do not work or go to school will now be required to participate in job training programs because of an executive order that goes into effect today. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

The state’s newly expanded Medicaid program goes into effect today. Louisiana Department of Health Secretary Rebekah Gee says this will change the dynamic of the well-being of people in the state….:
CUT 30 (07) “uninsured”

Governor John Bel Edwards surprisingly upheld the language that front-loads the TOPS scholarship program in the hopes of more money coming in before the start of the spring semester. Many people expected the governor to remove the language from the bill that means TOPS would be fully funded for the first semester but only 40% funded for the second semester. The governor has made it clear, however, that he is not happy with this approach.

Many Americans will be on the road for the 4^th of July holiday but that also means thieves will be on the prowl. Emelie Gunn has more on how to protect your home over the long weekend…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

State Treasurer John Kennedy has announced that Louisiana has received $2.4 million for residents who are owed money from a settlement after the 2008 housing bubble burst. Kennedy says if your home was foreclosed during the financial crisis, you can go to LaTreasury.com to see if you have any unclaimed money.

CUT 9 (08) “in Louisiana”

Kennedy says the average amount owed to each person is $300.

As people spend time outside in the heat this Fourth of July weekend, the LSU Veterinary School is reminding pet parents to make sure their animals don’t get too hot. Associate professor and veterinarian Dr. Kirk Ryan says there are steps pet parents can take to make sure their animals stay as cool as possible.

CUT 7 (09) “drinking water”

Forecasters say the heat index in Louisiana this weekend could reach 110 in some places.

As many Americans are traveling over the holiday weekend, thieves are on the lookout for those leaving their homes. State Farm spokesperson Roszell Gadson says July is the third highest month for home theft claims. He says it’s very important that your home is prepared during the 4th of July weekend if you’re going to be hitting the road…:
CUT 3 (08) “your property”
He says they saw 1,420 theft claims in Louisiana last year. The average cost of a crime-related claim is $2,789.

Able-bodied food stamp recipients without dependents who do not work or go to school will now be required to participate in job training programs. DCFS Deputy Assistant Secretary, Sammy Guillory, says not taking part could have consequences for those who depend on the SNAP assistance…:
cut 12 (10) “SNAP benefits”
Guillory says this new requirement will affect about 52-thousand food stamp recipients.

People and pets will be spending a lot of time outside this hot Fourth of July weekend, and the LSU Veterinary School advises people to protect their fur babies from heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be fatal. Dr. Kirk Ryan says pets can get easily overheated when exercising outside….:
CUT 6 (10) “like us”
Forecasters say the heat index in Louisiana this weekend could reach 110 in some places.

A third suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder of a Raising Cane’s restaurant manager in Kenner. 18-year-old Gregory Donald is also facing murder and armed robbery charges, in the death of 21-year-old Taylor Friloux. 24-year-old Mark Crocklen and Joshua Every have already been booked in the case. Authorities say Friloux was stabbed 8 times.

Job training requirements for more than 52,000 people on food stamps who are non-working, childless adults in Louisiana, kick in today.
CUT 3 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

Kenner Police Chief Michael Glaser announced that a third suspect has been arrested in the armed robbery of the Raising Cane’s in Kenner. The third suspect is identified as 18 year-end Gregory Donald. He admitted to being the getaway driver when 21-year-old Taylor Friloux was stabbed to death. He’s facing murder and armed robbery charges. Donald was a previous employee at the establishment.

Alligators have been popping up in recent national and local headlines as spottings in strange places are reported. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says if you see a gator, say, in your neighborhood, you should never approach it or try to feed it. LDWF Alligator Program Manager Edmond Mouton encourages people to visit LAgatorprogram.com..:
CUT 9 (11) “alligator industry”
He says it’s against the law to take matters into your own hands with gators and you should contact LDWF right away if you encounter one.

LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonine is not sorry about a report that is widely circulating online where he calls the Louisiana high school sports landscape “a proverbial dumpster fire.” Bonine issued a statement saying, “The phrase was used as it pertained to our association ‘not being on solid ground as it pertains to finances, perception and good standing with our membership.”