A new poll from Southern Media and Opinion Research shows Governor John Bel Edwards approval and disapproval ratings have both gone up since February:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Hurricane season begins today and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness warns residents to be ready in case of a big storm. Director Jim Waskom says the state has been working hard since Hurricane Katrina to be ready for a big storm…:
CUT 8 (09) “state requirement”
The season ends November 30.

Today is the first day Louisianans can enroll in Medicaid under the newly expanded program. Governor John Bel Edwards and Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee will attend an enrollment kick-off event this morning at University Medical center in New Orleans. Edwards says Louisiana is simply bringing federal tax dollars home to put them to work for the poor…:
cut 4 (10) “in the first year”
Plans would go into effect July 1st.

A Gonzales man remains in jail today for allegedly injection a lethal dose of heroin into a man who died from an overdose. The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office says Andre Wilson is charged with second degree murder.

A bill is heading to the governor’s desk that will ensure that all TOPS students get at least part of their award if the program is not fully funded. Jennings Senator Blade Morrish says under the current law if TOPS is underfunded, it becomes a needs/merit based hybrid. He says it isn’t fair to eliminate students with a 21 ACT score before those with a 32, because they both earned it.

CUT 7 (09) “of fairness”

Over 50-thousand Louisiana students are eligible for a TOPS award.

State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson told the House Transportation Committee that Louisiana may need toll roads to pay for highway construction projects. During the discussion, Wilson says tolls will only work on roads with heavy volume.

Cut 13 (11)  “for tolling”

The number of traffic fatalities increased substantially from last year over the Memorial Day Weekend, according to State Police. Trooper Jesse LaGrange says they investigated 9 fatal wrecks, which resulted in 14 deaths. He says this is a sharp rise from last year’s 7 traffic related fatalities and it’s because of a lack of personal responsibility.

cut 15 (09) “this this”

LaGrange says over 100 suspected drunk drivers were arrested over the long weekend.

LSU’s live mascot Mike VI has made the first step in his cancer treatment process, getting a CT scan to assess the tumor in his face. Ginger Guttner with the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine says Mike will be treated at the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Baton Rouge, and the center will cover the cost of his treatment. But she says there will be other expenses associated with his care, and people can make donations.

Cut 11 (06) “information there”

A bill to ensure that all TOPS recipients get part of their award is heading to the Governor’s desk. Halen Doughty has more…
voicer 1 (30) “…I’m Halen Doughty”

Also getting final passage is a bill that would triple the fines for texting and driving. This measure increases the fine to 500-dollars and up to one-thousand dollars for a second offense. The bill that requires cursive writing to be taught in public schools is also heading to the governor’s desk for his signature.

State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson told a House committee that Louisiana may need to consider tolls as way to pay for major highway construction projects. He says the state cannot rely on federal money to cover the costs for big ticket items…:
cut 12 (12) “that happen”
The state is facing a 13-billion dollar backlog on bridge and road repairs.

A new poll from Southern Media and Opinion Research finds that 57-percent of Louisiana voters surveyed are opposed to raising more taxes. The survey also found 63-percent beleive there is too much spending in state government. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says based on these results GOP lawmakers could hesitat to raise taxes in the June special session…
cut 30 (07) “…in taxes”

The bill to ensure that all TOPS scholarship recipients get at least part of their award has received final legislative passage. Jennings Senator Blade Morrish says the bill will only go into effect if the legislature cannot fully fund the program. Morrish says who pays the remainder of the tuition would be at the discretion of the university.

CUT 6 (10) “the universities”

Currently, TOPS is only funded at 48%.

State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says Louisiana may need to consider tolls as way to pay for highway construction projects. Wilson says tolls could be an option to pay for a portion of a major highway project.

cut 14 (08)  “financial package”

The state is also facing a 13-billion dollar backlog on bridge and road repairs.

A fiery head on collision in East Feliciana parish on Memorial Day left four people dead, including a one year old child. State Police trooper Bryan Lee says a 19-year-old and the infant were in 22-year-old Brandon Temple’s vehicle when Temple attempted to pass two vehicles in a no passing zone and hit a car head on. Lee says upon impact, both vehicles burst into flames.

Cut 5 (08) “that crash”

Lee says this was one of 9 fatal crashes state police investigated that resulted in 14 deaths over the holiday weekend.

Mike VI has made the first step in his treatment process, getting a CT scan to take images of the cancerous tumor threatening the life of LSU’s beloved mascot. Ginger Guttner with the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine says this will get Mike ready to undergo an innovative treatment that has never been used on a tiger before.

cut 10 (04)  “radiotherapy”

State Police says the number of traffic fatalities has gone up substantially from last year over the Memorial Day Weekend. Trooper Jesse LaGrange says they investigated 9 fatal wrecks, which resulted in 14 deaths.He says there was a mixture of factors that led to the fatal crashes.
cut 16 (09) “St. Tammany Parish”

LaGrange says more than 100 suspected drunk drivers were arrested over the long weekend.

The measure that would make sure all TOPS scholarship recipients get at least part of their award has received final legislative passage. Jennings Senator Blade Morrish says the bill will only go into effect if the legislature cannot fully fund the program, which is a real possibility. Morrish says right now, the program is likely funded as much as it can be.
CUT 8 (09) “another story”

State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says the state might need to consider tolls as way to pay for major highway construction projects. Wilson spoke during a meeting of the House Transportation Committee as they were talking about a resolution that directs the state transportation department to conduct a study on feasibility of tolling highways and bridges. During the discussion, Wilson says tolls will only work on roads with heavy volume.
Cut 13 (11) “for tolling”

LSU’s Mike VI has begun his first step in treatment by getting a CT scan to take images of his cancerous tumor. Ginger Guttner with the LSU Vet School says this scan will help Mike’s doctors figure out how many radiation treatment sessions are needed.
CUT 9 (07) “Mike’s face”

State Police say the summer of 2016 got off to a tragic start on Louisiana’s roadways as 9 fatal crashes resulted in the loss of 14 people over Memorial Day weekend. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

Will Smith’s blood alcohol content was reportedly three times the legal limit when he was shot and killed. Sources have told media that his BAC was .24, and the legal limit is .08. The toxicology report has not been released, but an evidence hearing will be held tomorrow in New Orleans.

The bill to ensure that all TOPS students get part of their award if the program is not fully funded is heading to the governor’s desk. Jennings Senator Blade Morrish says under the current law if TOPS is underfunded, it becomes a needs/merit based hybrid. He says it isn’t fair to eliminate students with a 21 ACT score before those with a 32, because they both earned it.

CUT 7 (09) “of fairness”

LSU’s beloved mascot Mike VI has gotten a CT scan of the cancerous tumor in his face, which is the first step in his treatment plan. Ginger Guttner with the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine says Mike will be treated at the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Baton Rouge, and the center will cover the cost of his treatment. But she says there will be other expenses associated with his care, and people can make donations.

Cut 11 (06) “information there”

The number of traffic fatalities doubled from last year over the Memorial Day Weekend, according to State Police. Trooper Jesse LaGrange says they investigated 9 fatal wrecks, which resulted in 14 deaths. He says it’s because of a lack of personal responsibility…:
cut 15 (09) “this this”
LaGrange says over 100 suspected drunk drivers were arrested over the long weekend.

State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says Louisiana may need to consider tolls as way to pay for major highway construction projects. He says the state cannot rely on federal money to cover the costs for big ticket items…:
cut 12 (12) “that happen”
The state is facing a 13-billion dollar backlog on bridge and road repairs.

In East Feliciana Parish, four people including a 1 year old died in a fiery crash when someone passed in a no passing zone. That’s according to trooper Bryan Lee who even says 24-year-old Brandon Temple, who had the child in his car, approached the crest of a hill and slammed into 24-year-old Jakyle Hall’s vehicle…:
CUT 4 (12) “no passing zone”
Another 19 year old was in Temple’s vehicle along with the child. Hall was alone. All four died instantly.

Mike VI has made the first step in his treatment process, getting a CT scan to take images of the cancerous tumor threatening the life of LSU’s beloved mascot, according to Ginger Guttner with the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine…:
CUT 10 (04) “radiotherapy”
Guttner says Mike will be treated at the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Baton Rouge.

A bill to ensure that all TOPS recipients get part of their award is heading to the Governor’s desk. Halen Doughty has more…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Governor John Bel Edwards and Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Dr. Rebecca Gee are set to kick off Medicaid expansion enrollment tomorrow in New Orleans. Wednesday will be the first day citizens can sign up for the new program with plans going into effect July 1st. You can get information about qualifying online at healthy.la.gov.

LSU’s Mike VI has made the first step in his treatment process, getting a CT scan to take images of the cancerous tumor threatening the life of LSU’s beloved mascot. Ginger Guttner with the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine says this scan will help Mike’s doctors decide how many radiation treatment sessions he will need…:
CUT 9 (07) “Mike’s face”
Guttner says Mike will be treated at the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Baton Rouge, and the center will cover the cost of his treatment.

The state legislature has sent a bill to Governor John Bel Edwards’ desk that would increase the fines for texting and driving. The current fine is $175. This measure increases that fine to 500-dollars and up to one-thousand dollars for a second offense.

The bill to ensure that all TOPS scholarship recipients get at least part of their award has received final legislative passage. Jennings Senator Blade Morrish says the bill will only go into effect if the legislature cannot fully fund the program, as TOPS is only funded at 48% under the current budget proposal. Morrish says who pays the remainder of the tuition would be at the discretion of the university…:
CUT 6 (10) “the universities”
Lawmakers will begin the second special session of 2016 on Monday.

State Police say a 6-year-old involved in an East Baton Rouge Parish crash last week has scummed to her injuries. They say the crash happened as 67-year-old Jacque Gregory of Prairiveille failed to yield when making a turn and was hit by a Jeep Wrangler and another vehicle. 6-year-old Ava Branstetter died Sunday.

Governor John Bel Edwards honored fallen troops at the Northeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Rayville during a Memorial Day service Monday. Edwards, who is a West Point graduate and was an Airborne Ranger with the Army, said it’s important to honor national heroes every single day and let our kids know about the sacrifices of vets and fallen soldiers.

Louisiana is one of the worst state’s in the nation for people suffering with asthma. Director of the Division of Lung Diseases with the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Dr. James Kiley says the condition is inherited, but environmental factors in The Bayou State also contribute such as exposure to pollution, cleaning products, roaches and animal dander. He says if you have asthma it’s important to stay on a treatment plan and develop an action plan:
CUT 15 (10) “provider”

Four people, including a one year old child, are dead after a fiery head-on Memorial Day crash in East Feliciana Parish. State Police Trooper Bryan Lee says two vehicles were involved in the incident which took place on Louisiana Highway 67, just north of Clinton…
cut 3 (12) “…after that crash”
The four people dead range from ages 24 to one-years old. State Police say 15 people were killed in crashes on Louisiana Highways over the Memorial Day weekend.

The Louisiana legislature has sent a bill to Governor John Bel Edwards’ desk that would increase the fines for texting and driving. The current fine is $175. This measure increases that fine to 500-dollars and up to one-thousand dollars for a second offense.

A bill waiting for the governor’s signature would prohibit state agencies from asking job applicants if they are a felon before the interview process. The proposed law has the support of the US Justice Action Network. Executive Director Holly Harris says government employers can still ask about criminal history in an interview…
cut 12 (10) “….rehabilitate themselves’
Governor Edwards is expected to sign the measure.

A meeting to discuss ways to control the feral hog population takes place this afternoon at the Dean Lee Research Center in Alexandria. AgCenter area agent Donna Martin says the AgCenter started research three years ago looking into toxic baits for the feral swine and they’re looking at additional ways to manage the population…
cut 8 (10) “…eradicate them”