Legislation that would let victims of domestic violence with a protective order carry a concealed handgun for 45 days without training will be heard in the Senate after getting approval from the House. Denham Springs Rep. Valarie Hodges, says her bill provides an expedited process for a victim to seek concealed carry training….:
CUT 6 (08) “a class”
Opponents are concerned about people without proper training having weapons.

The Revenue Estimating Conference met this morning and did not change next fiscal year’s revenue forecast, which lawmakers were hoping for to reduce the budget deficit. Economist Manfred Dix says low tax collections impacted the estimates…:
CUT 9 (07) “relatively low”
Leaders says legislators may need to take another look at raising revenues when they meet for a second special session next month.

State police are looking for two vehicles involved in a fatal hit and run that took the life of a skateboarder in Hammond near SLU. Trooper Dustin Dwight says 26-year-old Erin Gerhard was hit twice by two vehicles that fled the scene. He says they are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the motorists responsible for Gerhard’s death…:
CUT 4 (09) “the case”
Troopers believe the vehicles involved are a pickup truck and a dark colored sedan.

A bill that would reduce penalties for possessing, selling and using drug paraphernalia is headed to the governor’s desk. The measure mirrors that of the lessened marijuana penalties law that passed last year.

State police are looking for two vehicles involved in a fatal hit and run that took the life of a skateboarder in Hammond. Trooper Dustin Dwight says 26-year-old Erin Gerhard was skateboarding down the right side of University Avenue near S-L-U’s campus around 10pm last night…:
CUT 3 (09) “the scene”
Dwight says troopers believe the vehicles involved are a pickup truck and a dark colored sedan.

A Prairieville man who has a lengthy criminal history is behind bars once again following a nearly 9 hour long standoff with Ascension Parish Deputies who acted on a tip regarding a gas station robbery in Baton Rouge. Authorities say they cut power to the residence where 27-year-old Matthew Morris was barricading himself inside, and used tear gas before the suspect finally surrendered, eight and a half hours later. Morris, who has over 19 arrests, was taken to the Ascension Parish Jail shortly after midnight.

The bill that would expand the number of diseases in the medical marijuana law passed the House floor Thursday on a 62-32 vote. Those in opposition say cannabis oil is not FDA approved, but New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno says federally legal drugs aren’t necessarily always the best option…:
CUT 17 (12) “they cause”
The measure heads back to the Senate for amendment review then to governor John Bel Edwards desk.

The Fruit of the Loom distribution center that’s been in Vidalia for over 20 years will be shuttering its doors for good, meaning 167 people will be out of work. The company, Martin Mills, a subsidiary of Union Underwear Company, said it would offer various employment services with the help of the state’s dislocated worker unit. They said the first jobs will be terminated no sooner than July 10th.

The Louisiana House will spend the day debating the state’s budget plan for next fiscal year. A major issue is the funding of the TOPS scholarship. Lapolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says it might take a special session next month to raise revenues to fully fund the program…
cut 6 (04) “…..fully funded”

The state House Labor committee has cancelled its hearing on a bill that would require private employers to pay men and women workers the same for equal work. No indication was given on why the meeting was cancelled. Tulane Business professor, Doctor Mark Rosa, this is not an easy issue for many businesses….
cut 12 (10) “…promotional chances’
There’s no word if the equal pay bill will get a hearing at a future date.

A bill that would allow patients direct access to physical therapists instead of receiving a doctor’s referral nears final legislative passage after it was approved by a House committee. Micheel Southern has more….
voicer 2 (31) “…reporting”

State Police is seeking two vehicles that struck and killled a skateboarder near the Southeastern Louisiana campus in Hammond last night. Twenty-six-year-old Erin Gerhard of Independence was killed. Police say they are looking for a truck and a dark-colored sedan.

The medical marijuana extension bill cleared a key legislative hurdle Wednesday as the House advanced the measure meaning it only has a quick stop on the Senate side for amendments before going to the governor’s desk. In opposition is Bossier City Representative Mike Johnson who quoted the American Epilepsy Society…:
Cut 16 (11) “seizures”
But supporters say there is plenty of evidence which shows medical cannabis oil helps people with conditions like epilepsy and cancer.

Former Monroe children’s television host Frank Selas, known in North Louisiana as Mr. Wonder, will be sent back to Rapides Parish today where he faces rape a battery charges of children. Selas allegedly molested several children during a camping trip with them in the 70s. He fled the state when parents reported the allegations.

Senate approved legislation that would give patients direct access to a physical therapist rather than getting a doctor’s referral first now moves to the full House. Family physician Dr. Robert Rush says direct access to a physical therapist saves time and money…:
CUT 7 (10) “systems business”
Opponents say the measure threatens patient safety and medical care.

The equal pay bill is set to be heard in a House committee today. A woman in Louisiana makes an average 66 cents on the dollar compared to men. Tulane Business Professor Mark Rosa says hardly anyone would argue against men and women earning equal pay, but it’s not that simple…:
cut 11 (11) “complicated”
The measure has already been approved in the Senate.

The list of diseases that medical marijuana could be used to treat would grow under a measure that passed the full House Thursday, and steps to the Senate for small changes before going to Governor John Bel Edwards desk. New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno says there would still be strict limitations surrounding medical cannabis…:
cut 14 (07) “medical marijuana”
Opponents feel this is a gateway bill. The vote was 62-32 and the governor says he intends to sign it.

A Shreveport man who was driving drunk in 2015 when he fatally injured a 7-year-old girl riding a bike was sentenced Wednesday to 25 years by a judge in Caddo Parish. 47-year-old Randy Earl Presentine was at the wheel of the vehicle that left the road, hit a light pole and rolled over, striking the 7-year-old De’Asia Henderson as she sat on her bicycle. Presentine pleaded guilty to vehicuular homicide in January.

The Senate approved measure that would require employers to pay male and female employees the same for equal work gets a House hearing today…:
Cut 3 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Whether or not TOPS will be fully funded next fiscal year is set for debate on the House floor today as lawmakers hash out the budget bill. The governor says cutting other agencies to fund the program is irresponsible. Jeremy Alford of LaPolitics.com expects to see more changes made to HB1 as it moves through the legislature…:
Cut 5 (06) “dramatic changes”

The full House is expected to discuss the proposed budget for next fiscal year today, including whether or not the TOPS scholarship program will be fully funded. Don Molino has more…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

The Senate approved equal pay measure hits the House Labor Committee today. If this law passes, Tulane business professor Mark Rosa says it would likely mean an outside entity, such as an auditor, would have to be involved in employee pay…:
Cut 13 (08) “a difference”
Opponents say this will open up floodgates of litigation.

An 84-year-old Lockport man died in a Wednesday afternoon two-vehicle crash in Lafourche Parish. State Police say Howard Badeaux pulled out in front of an SUV when he was hit and later succumbed to his injuries sustained in the crash.

Police in Baton Rouge are investigating an early morning crash that claimed the life of one person on I-110 when the vehicle flipped. They believe there was only the one vehicle involved. The cause of the crash is being investigated.

Senate approved legislation that would give patients direct access to a physical therapist rather than getting a doctor’s referral first now moves to the full House. President of the American Physical Therapy Association Sharon Dunn says Louisiana citizens to have the right to choose PT over meds…:
Cut 8 (09) “epidemic”
But Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Doug Bostick says this could lead to inappropriate care…:
CUT 9 (10) “medical diagnosis”
The House Health and Welfare Committee approved the measure 9-5.

After a long, emotional debate, the House approved a measure to expand the list of conditions medical marijuana can be used to treat. New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno carried the bill on behalf of Park Senator Fred Mills. She says medical marijuana is going to help a lot of people and feels personally affected by this bill…:
CUT 1 (05) “get better”
But Bossier City Representative Mike Johnson says he doesn’t want to give more people in Louisiana access to this schedule I narcotic…:
CUT 15 (04) “Pandora’s Box”
The bill was approved by a wide margin and now heads back to the Senate for minor changes made on the House side.

The Crimestoppers reward for information in the killing of the Tulane grad, who was in New Orleans to plan his wedding, has now jumped to $30,000. Cops believe Thomas Rolfes was robbed before being shot to death over the weekend. Anyone with information on this incident is urged to contact authorities.

The full House is expected to discuss today whether the TOPS scholarship program should be fully funded for next school year, as they address the proposed budget for the financial year that begins July 1st. Publisher of LaPolitics.com, Jeremy Alford, says he’s spoken with some lawmakers on the Senate side who are torn on the matter…:
cut 4 (10) “other organizations”
Alford says TOPS was not fully funded in the governor’s proposed budget, but it is funded in the modified proposal from the House Appropriations Committee.

The House has given final legislative passage to a bill that extends the waiting period for an abortion from 24 to 72 hours. The measure was unanimously approved and heads to Governor Edwards’ desk to be signed into law.

Former Iberville Parish teacher of the year will spend two years behind bars for having sex with three of his former students. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The Edwards Administration is concerned about state funding for healthcare, as the full House is set to debate the proposed spending plan for next fiscal year. DHH Sec. Rebekah Gee says the House budget committee shifted dollars away from DHH and this could lead to multiple hospital closures and would eliminate jobs that inspect potentially unsafe facilities. She says DHH has over 230 million dollars in unmet needs.

A Houma man is facing animal cruelty charges after he allegedly shot and killed his neighbor’s pit bull. Sgt. Travis Theriot says 60-year-old Karl Kohman shot the 2-year-old dog after the K-9 bit his son.

CUT 3 (12)  “handgun”

Theriot says Kohman’s 34-year-old son was walking through the neighbor’s yard when the dog bit him on the ankle.

Police say a child was killed in Ruston this morning after being struck by her mother’s vehicle as she was dropping her child off at school. Ruston Police Deputy Chief Clint Williams says when first responders arrived, they made a heartbreaking discovery.

CUT 9 (09) “Ford Explorer”

Williams says it appears the child tried to exit the vehicle while it was still moving.

The Edwards Administration is concerned about state funding for healthcare. DHH Sec. Rebekah Gee says the House budget committee shifted dollars away from DHH and that would eliminate jobs that inspect potentially unsafe facilities…

cut 12 (10) “no sense”

Gee says DHH has over 230 million dollars in unmet needs.

The Raise the Age Bill has been approved by the House Criminal Justice Committee. The measure would mean 17-year-old would no longer be tried as adults. Executive Director for the Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights, Joshua Perry says a mistake at 17 shouldn’t ruin someone’s life.

cut 15 (12) “higher education”

The measure heads to the House floor for final legislative passage.

A bill that would allow patients direct access to physical therapists instead of receiving a doctor’s referral first heads to the full House. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 23 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

The House has given final legislative passage to a bill that extends the waiting period for an abortion from 24 to 72 hours. The measure was unanimously approved and heads to Governor Edwards’ desk to be signed into law. Six other states have similar legislation, and it’s the longest waiting period in the country.

The LSU Baseball team and Notre Dame are playing a doubleheader today in South Bend, after last night’s game was postponed by rain. Game One started at 2 PM and it’s still going on as the contest went into extra innings in a scoreless tie. John Valek started game one for the Tigers and pitched well. The senior left-hander pitched four plus innings and struck out five. Riley Smith is expected to start game two for the Tigers.

In other action tonight…Louisiana Tech hosts Northwestern State. The Bulldogs blanked the Demons six to nothing last night. Tech has won five in a row. Northwestern is looking to end a two-game losing streak.

The 21st Ragin Cajuns begin a five-game road trip as they visit Houston. UL Lafayette is 6-6 in midweek games this year. Nicholls has never lost to Alcorn and those two schools meet on the baseball diamond in Thibodaux. Also McNeese is at Baylor.

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The LSU Softball team scored three runs in the 7th inning to beat Texas A-and-M 5-4 in the first round of the SEC Tournament. The victory moves the Bayou Bengals into the quarterfinals, where they’ll play Kentucky at 1:30 on Thursday. The Wildcats swept the Tigers during the regular season.

In the Sun Belt Tournament….UL Lafayette had a bye today, but ULM defeated Georgia Southern two to one. The Warhawks scored both of their runs in the first inning.

The state baseball tournament begins tomorrow in Sulphur as semi-final action takes place in Class C, Class B and in Four-A. In Four-A…it’s Teurlings Catholic versus district rival Breaux Bridge and the other semi has 3rd seeded West Ouachita taking on second-seeded St. Michael.

The Saints have signed second round pick Vonn Bell, who is a safety out of Ohio State. Bell is expected to receive a signing bonus around one-million dollars and his four-year contract is worth nearly four million dollars. The team’s only draft pick that has yet to sign is defensive tackle David Onyemata, who was selected in the fourth round.