cut 15 (11) :…sound”
A vigil was held in the Rotunda of the State Capitol for the victims of the Orlando mass shooting. Governor John Bel Edwards says all of our hearts are broken…
cut 13 (10) “…senseless tragedy”
Edwards has ordered US and State of Louisiana flags should be flown at half-staff until sunset on Thursday.

Two people with ties to Louisiana were among the victims in the mass shooting at an Orlando gay nightclub. Twenty-seven-year-old Frank Hernandez, a former Lafayette Parish resident, was one of 49 killed and 39-year-old Leonel Melendez, a New Orleans native, is in a coma after he was shot in the head.

The standstill continues at the State Capitol over whether lawmakers should pass tax increases that would raise 600 million dollars in revenue, which is what the governor is seeking. The Edwards Administration says without that money there will be cuts to healthcare, education and the TOPS program. So far the House has approved 220 million dollars in tax increases but New Orleans Sen. Karen Peterson says that’s not enough…
cut 10 (10) “…this state”
Peterson says the Senate will not advance legislation that will correct some of the unintended consequences of the first special session, like taxing Girl Scout cookies and school lunch programs, until the House approves more revenue raising measures.But Bossier City Sen. Ryan Gatti says he’s not in favor of anymore taxes and would rather go into the budget and cut wasteful spending….
cut 12 (10) “…moving towards”

Governor Edwards and legislators held a prayer vigil at the State Capitol for the 50 people killed at an Orlando gay nightclub. House Speaker Taylor Barras says dozens of people lost their lives while celebrating life…
cut 14 (12) “…to reconcile”

The mass shooting in Orlando has saddened LGBT groups in Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has more…
voicer 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff palermo

Tests indicate the Bayou Corne sinkhole has stablized as we approach the four year anniversary of when the ground started giving way and swallowing up trees. Assumption Parish Director of Emergencey John Boudreaux says some of the mandatory evacuations have been lifted, but there is still an area under a voluntary evacuation…
cut 10 (07) “…is completed”
The company, Texas Brine, has been blamed for creating the sinkhole.

The Associated Press is reporting Louisiana has spent one-million dollars over the last three years fighting a lawsuit that seeks to get the court system to mandate air conditioning on death row at Angola. The story says it would cost about a million dollars for an air conditioning system that would satisfy a federal judge overseeing the case.

And there’s been no new developments in the search for a Baton Rouge school administrator, who is pregnant and hasn’t been seen since last week. Authorities believe her co-worker, who she had an affair with, has something to do with her disappearance.

A moment of unity was held in the State Capitol today as Governor Edwards and legislators honored and prayed for the victims of the Florida mass shooting. At least 50 people were killed when a gunman attacked a gay nightclub in Orlando. Governor John Bel Edwards says when freedom is threatened, all of our freedoms are threatened…
cut 12 (08) “…and hate’
Forum for Equality executive director Sara Jane Brady says the shooting demonstrates there’s still much hatred and prejudice aimed towards homosexuals…:
CUT 6 (10) “our expression”
It’s been reported New Orleans native, 39-year-old Leonel Melendez, is in a coma suffering after he was shot in the head. A former Lafayette resident, 27-year-old Frank Hernandez, is also said to be one of the 49 people shot dead by the gunman.

That large sinkhole in Assumption Parish has stabilized as we approach the four year anniversary of when the ground started sinking at Bayou Corne. But Assumption Director of Emergency Preparedness, John Boudreaux, says the sinkhole will continue to grow in size over the next few decades
cut 11 (09) “…slower progress”
The sinkhole currently covers 35 acres.

The Desoto Parish Sheriff’s office says they are still searching for answers in the death of a 21-year-old woman, as the murder charges against the suspect were dropped. Sheriff Rodney Arbuckle says they originally booked 33-year-old Jarrod Earl Johnson of Logansport for the murder of Maranda Whitton, but they let him go after the autopsy’s findings…:
CUT 3 (10) “cause of death”
Whitton’s body was found in a pond near Logansport last Friday.

We are getting news that two people with ties to Louisiana were among the victims in the mass shooting at an Orlando gay nightclub. Twenty-seven-year-old Frank Hernandez, a former Lafayette Parish resident, was one of 49 killed and 39-year-old Leonel Melendez, a New Orleans native, is in a coma after he was shot in the head. Forum for Equality executive director Sara Jane Brady…
cut 7 (09) “…our community”

A vigil was held in the Rotunda of the State Capitol for the victims of the Orlando mass shooting. Governor John Bel Edwards says all of our hearts are broken…
cut 13 (10) “…senseless tragedy”
Edwards has ordered US and State of Louisiana flags should be flown at half-staff until sunset on Thursday.

The giant sinkhole in Bayou Corne seems to have stabilized. Michelle Southern has more…
voicer 2 (25) “…I’m Michelle Southern”

DeSoto Parish investigators are trying to determine how 21-year-old Maranda Whitton was killed. Her body was found in a pond near Longansport last Friday. Sheriff Rodney Arbuckle says the coroner is waiting on more information before determing a cause of death, but in the meantime the investigation is ongoing…
cut 15 (06) “…on that”
33-year-old Jarod Johnson is a person of interest in Whitton’s death.

The sister of the New Orleans man who was in the nightclub that was the target of a massive deadly shooting in Orlando said on her Facebook page her brother is still alive. As of Sunday night the family hadn’t heard from 39-year-old Leonel Melendez, but Lauri Melendez says they learned he’s in a coma. Governor John Bel Edwards ordered flags at half-staff for the victims and families in the worst mass shooing in US history.

The massive sinkhole that formed about four years ago in Bayou Corne continues to show reduced activity and is close to becoming totally stable. Assumption Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness Director John Boudreaux says the hole is showing only slight growth right now. He says the deepest part has reached 174 feet and its filling up with soil from the sides…:
CUT 9 (07) “the depth”
He says experts believe the sinkhole won’t completely stop growing anytime soon, but the process will keep going slower.

The charges have been dropped against a man accused in the murder of a 21-year-old woman in Desoto Parish. Sheriff Rodney Arbuckle says autopsy findings could not determine how Maranda Whitton died, so they had to release the suspect, 33-year-old Jarrod Earl Johnson of Logansport…:
CUT 4 (09) “somebody else”
He says they are still actively investigating this incident.

Members of the LGBT community in Louisiana are devastated about the targeted attack on a gay club in Orlando that claimed the lives of at least 50 and injured 53 more. Forum for Equality executive director Sara Jane Brady says the risk of things like this happening grows when political leaders try to marginalize the LGBT community…:
CUT 8 (05) “LGBT people”
A woman from Carencro posted on Facebook that her brother, 27-year-old Frank Hernandez, was one of the victims who didn’t make it.

The mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando has saddened LGBT groups in Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Memorials are being held throughout the state today to honor the victims and their families of the deadly mass shooting. Governor John Bel Edwards, Senate President John Alario, House Speaker Taylor Barras, and other lawmakers are participating in a “Moment of Unity” today at the Capitol.

It was a heartbreaking end to the LSU baseball season as the Tigers dropped two over the weekend to Coastal Carolina in the Baton Rouge Super Regional. Center fielder Jake Fraley gives credit to Coastal Carolina’s pitchers who threw some serious ball at critical times…:
Cut 19 (11) “some balls”
LSU finishes with a record of 45-21.

Three people, including a 16-year-old, are under arrest in connection with the apparent accidental shooting death of a woman inside a vehicle, according to the Baton Rouge Police Department. They say the group was allegedly traveling to the scene of an earlier conflict, when an assault rifle the teen was holding went off in the back seat and killed a 20-year-old female.

Leaders of Louisiana’s LGBT community say they are reeling in pain today over the worst mass shooting in America’s history. At least 50 people were killed when a gunman attacked a gay nightclub in Orlando. Forum for Equality executive director Sara Jane Brady says the shooting demonstrates there’s still much hatred and prejudice aimed towards homosexuals…:
CUT 6 (10) “our expression”
It’s been reported that New Orleans native, 39-year-old Leonel Melendez, was at the nightclub at the time of the mass shooting, but remains missing.

Police in Baton Rouge are still hopeful they will be able to find out what happened to the pregnant mother who went missing after her child was found alone near a vehicle filled with blood. They say the search of swamps near Ramah was suspended for 40-year-old Lyntell Washington, and now cops are looking for other leads or a break in the case. Police arrested 39-year-old Robert Marks for allegedly abandoning the child.

A Transportation Infrastructure Investment task force has been formed by the governor to figure out how to fund critical road projects. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says they already have a plan for what needs to be completed…:
CUT 12 (07) “the governor”

The Desoto Parish Sheriff’s office says they are still searching for answers in the death of a 21-year-old woman, as the murder charges against the suspect were dropped. Sheriff Rodney Arbuckle says they originally had booked 33-year-old Jarrod Earl Johnson of Logansport for the murder of Maranda Whitton, but they let him go after the autopsy’s findings…:
CUT 3 (10) “cause of death”
He says in the meantime this is still a very active investigation.

Legislators return to Baton Rouge today as they continue this special session that’s attempting to solve a 600-million dollar revenue shortfall. So far many republicans are taking a strong stance against additional taxes. Republican Kenner Representative Julie Stokes hopes a compromise can be reached…
cut 15 (09) “…founded on”

A Transportation Infrastructure Investment Task Force has been formed by the governor that will come up with suggestions on how to fund critical roadway projects. Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson…
cut 11(11) “…to act”
Wilson says they’ll make their recommendations to Governor Edwards.

The US House has passed legislastion that seeks to block President Obama’s proposed $10.25 tax on every barrel of oil. Louisiana Oil and Gas Association Chairman Brian Hanks says the tax would be a job killer…
cut 8 (08) “…of bankruptcy”
Hanks is hopeful the Senate approves a similiar piece of legislation.

A poll on the third district Congressional race shows Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle is getting 39-percent of the vote, while law enforcement officer Clay Higgins is receiving 18-percent. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Higgins is in good position to make the runoff…
cut 5 (10) “….is everything”
All other candidates in the race are receiving eight percent or less.

The US House has approved a bill that seeks to block President Obama’s proposed $10.25 tax on every barrel of oil. The proposed tax is an effort to pay for green initiatives and alternative energy research. Louisiana Oil and Gas Association Chairman Brian Hanks calls it another attack on the oil industry by the Obama Administration…:
Cut 9 (08) “his administration”
A study by the Tax Foundation found this would cost 137-thousand American jobs.

Governor John Bel Edwards and other state leaders will participate in a Moment of Unity today in the rotunda of the State Capitol at 1pm to honor the victims and families in Sunday’s shooting massacre at a club in Orlando. 50 people died, and another 53 injured according to authorities, and it’s the worst mass shooting in US history. It’s reported that a New Orleans native was among those in the club at the time of the shooting and the family still has not heard from him. He’s 39-year-old Leonel Melendez.

The LSU baseball season is over as Coastal Carolina completes a two-game sweep of the Tigers by beating the Bayou Bengals 4-to-3. Jeff Palermo has more…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Today is the last day that Louisiana residents, who suffered losses to the flooding from March 8th to April 8th, have to register to disaster relief. FEMA is urging those who think they may quality for help to get signed up before the Monday deadline. You can do so online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

A Transportation Infrastructure Investment task force has been established by the governor to identify priority projects throughout the state. Halen Doughty has more…
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Legislators return to the State Capitol today as they look to solve the state’s budget issues. The governor wants to raise revenues by 600-million dollars to avoid cuts to critical programs. Democratic New Orleans Representative Walt Leger…:
CUT 14 (07) “this year”

The US House has approved a bill that seeks to block President Obama’s proposed $10.25 tax on every barrel of oil. Louisiana Oil and Gas Association Chairman Brian Hanks is pleased with the House’s action, because any additional burden would be a devastating blow to an already struggling industry….:
CUT 7 (10) “energy independent”
He is hopeful the Senate approves a similar piece of legislation.

An infant died in a Red River Parish crash, according to State Police. Troopers say 23-year-old Desmond Scarborough of Natchitoches was traveling during heavy rainfall, when he traveled off the road, down a steep embankment and struck a tree. 4-month old Miracle Scarborough, who was restrained at the time of the crash, was pronounced dead at the scene. A routine toxicology sample was obtained from the driver and will be submitted for analysis. The crash remains under investigation.