A lawyer for the man accused of killing former New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith says the public will have a much different opinion about what happened once all the facts come to light. 28-year-old Cardell Hayes is charged in the murder which cops say appeared to be sparked by road rage. He is being held on a million dollars bond.

Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s not sure when a call will be made for a second special session to address next fiscal year’s $750 million dollar deficit. He says not enough revenue was raised during the last special session to close the budget gap and lawmakers must find a way to keep critical programs open…:
CUT 9 (06) “to begin with”
So far two credit rating agencies have downgraded Louisiana’s credit rating.

Lafayette Police arrest a man in connection with an accidental shooting that claimed the life of a Baton Rouge man. They say 21-year-old Kenneth Mills is charged with negligent homicide in the death of Colin Norwood who is also 21.

A man is under arrest in connection with a shooting that left two Southern University students dead and another man injured near LSU Sunday. According to the Baton Rouge Police Department, say 22-year-old Ernest Felton allegedly exchanged gunfire with the male victim when 19-year-old Annette January and Lashuntae Benton were caught in the crossfire and killed. Felton is charged with attempted second degree murder and investigators are still working to determine who is responsible for the shooting deaths of the women.

In surprising news, State Treasurer John Kennedy says we may end this fiscal year with a surplus. Jeff Palermo has more…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A memorial at the site where former New Orleans Saint Will Smith was shot and killed is getting bigger with flowers and sports memorabilia. New Orleans Police Superintendent Michael Harrison says 28-year-old Cardell Hayes is charged with murder in the incident that could have been sparked by road rage:
CUT 12 (10) “as such”
Bond for Hayes is set at $1 million dollars and according to a warrant read in court, Smith was shot in the back and side.

Governor John Bel Edwards says a second special session is needed to address next fiscal year’s $750 million dollar shortfall. He says lawmakers need to stabilize the budget, and they need to do it sooner rather than later…:
Cut 8 (05) “Louisiana is”
They plan to present a proposed budget to lawmakers tomorrow for next fiscal year.

After all the concerns about the budget crisis, State Treasurer John Kennedy says Louisiana may actually end this fiscal year with a surplus. In December, the state revenues were down 15-percent, but now revenues are only down 6-percent, according to Kennedy…:
Cut 13 (10) “this year”
He attributes this move to an increase in tax collections.

A woman from northwest Louisiana becomes the first in the nation to enlist in an infantry combat position in the US Army. 25-year-old Grace Barnett says patriotism runs in her blood and is excited about the challenge that lies ahead:
Cut 5 (10) “at me”
She says she hopes to be an example for other women.

Bond has been set for $1 million dollars for Cardelle Hayes, the man accused of killing former Saints player Will Smith over the weekend in an apparent road rage incident. According to a warrant read in court last night, Smith was shot in the back and side. New Orleans Police Superintendent Michael Harrison says it’s too early to tell in the investigation if Hayes and Smith knew each other…:
cut 11 (08) “right now”
Saints offensive tackle Zach Strief told WWL Radio an argument should never turn into a gunfight and this incident gives New Orleans black eye…:
CUT 1 (06) “like this”

Also according to WWL Radio, former Saints and LSU running back Hokie Gajan is in intensive care as his battle with cancer intensifies. The color analyst for the Black and Gold has been facing a dire diagnoses since late last year.

Louisiana is still facing a 750-million budget deficit and Governor John Bel Edwards is expected to call another session. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

A Natchitoches Parish woman is the first female to enlist in an infantry combat position in the U.S. Army. 25-year-old Grace Barnett of Robeline, who was in law enforcement, says it’s a great honor to serve her country on the front lines…”
cut 4 (10) “larger scale”

The investigation continues today into the fatal shooting of former Saints defensive end Will Smith. Smith was gunned down after he was involved in a minor car wreck with 28-year-old Cardell Hayes. New Orleans Police Superintendent Michael Harrison says Hayes shot Smith in the city’s Lower Garden District…:
Cut 10 (12) “the law”
Court records show Hayes won a settlement with the city of the New Orleans over the fatal shooting of his mentally ill father. Smith reportedly just finished eating with a former New Orleans police officer who was named as a defendant in that suit.

And there’s more rough news for another prominent figure within the Saints organization. Former LSU and Saints star, and current Black and Gold radio analyst Hokie Gajan, who is battling cancer, is in ICU according to WWL.

Governor John Bel Edwards is expected to call another special session to address the state’s 750-million shortfall for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1. Edwards says they have not set a date for the session, but it will likely come before the fall to stave off more cuts to state services…:
CUT 7 (05) “for success”
He says lawmakers need to stabilize the budget, and they need to do it sooner rather than later.

The Rayne Police Department says a man driving a lawn mower along a roadway, with another man on the hood of the mower and another being pulled behind in a wheelchair, died after the three were hit by a truck. The other two men were sent to a local hospital. The investigation is ongoing.

Voters in 41 Parishes have until 8 tonight to cast a ballot. That’s because it’s a little known election day. Secretary of State Tom Schedler saays you can check the GeauxVote app to see exactly what’s on the ballot in your precinct…:
CUT 4 (08) “G-E-A-U-X”

Communities in north Louisiana are still in disbelief over the abrupt resignation of Louisiana Tech women’s basketball coach Tyler Summitt, who admitted he had an affair…:

CUT 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

State Police say it was the Assistant Police Chief of Grand Isle who ran over a sunbather while patrolling the beach in a department pickup. Sgt. Nick Manale says it’s too early to determine if charges are warranted against Norris Esponge Jr. He says the victim’s injuries are not life threatening…:
CUT 15 (06) “several surgeries”

The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival is underway and hundreds of thousands have gathered Saturday morning for the famous parade associated with the festival. . Festival Spokesperson Shelley Matherne says they’ll be selling delicious food,
revelers can enjoy a giant midway, and live entertainment…:
CUT 6 (09) “Mardi Gras”
Tonight’s final concert is slated to end at 10:30, and tomorrow the festival hours are 12-6. Admission is free.

Napoleonville Senator Troy Brown pleaded not guilty on a simple battery charge out of Orleans Parish. He is accused of punching a female “side friend” following the Bayou Classic.

Louisiana Tech Athletics Director Tommy McClelland announced Mickie DeMoss will serve as the interim coach of the Lady Techsters basketball team. The decision was announced Friday following the resignation of Tyler Summitt who stepped down due to engaging in an inappropriate relationship. Summitt, who is married, reportedly impregnated one of his players. Gene Ponti is the Sports Director at KTVE in Monroe. He says everyone is totally shocked at this news…:
CUT 9 (09) “and for the program”

Governor John Bel Edwards says he’ll unveil his propose budget plan for next fiscal year on Tuesday, and he’s using this weekend to finalize the difficult task of ways to plug the $750 million dollar shortfall. He says many state services will receive much less funding this year because of the massive budget deficit…:
Cut 13 (08) “priorities”

State Police are urging those attending the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival today to visit their Facebook Page to review an April 5th post that contains several alternate routes into Memorial Park. With over 300,000 people expected to be headed into the Strawberry Capital of the World on this beautiful weekend, troopers say traffic volume quickly overloads the interstate system and causes dangerous backups on ramps and exits.

The polls are open today. That’s because, believe it or not, it is an election day in 41 parishes. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says this election typically has a low voter turnout because so many people don’t know about it…:
CUT 3 (08) “in March”
He says you can check the GeauxVote app to see exactly what’s on the ballot in your precinct. Polls close at 8pm.

The New Orleans Pelicans dominated the Los Angeles last night in New Orleans, picking up a 110-102 victory over the Lakers and future hall of famer Kobe Bryant…who played his last game in The Big Easy.

Today is an election day. Halen Doughty reports on why you should go out and cast this little known ballot…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

So head to the polls before you head to the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival today. Over 300,000 people are expected to attend the massive event which kicked off on Friday. Festival Queen Danielle Rodriguez says the festival is near and dear to her heart because her family has a history of strawberry farming…:
CUT 8 (10) “second home”

Tyler Summitt, the 25-year-old son of Hall of Fame coach Pat Summitt, stepped down as head coach of the Louisiana Tech women’s basketball team, and admitted he’d engaged in an inappropriate relationship. Multiple media outlets are reporting Summitt, who is married, got one of his players pregnant. Sports Director at KTVE in Monroe, Gene Ponti says says a scandal like this is a black eye on any sports program, and on women’s basketball as a whole…:
cut 10 (10) “are in a hole”

Governor John Bel Edwards says he’ll spend the weekend putting the finishing touches on the proposed budget for next year, which will contain a 750-million cut in state spending. Edwards says the spending plan he’ll present to lawmakers on Tuesday will be very sobering…:
cut 12 (08) “of Louisiana”
Healthcare, higher ed, TOPS and social services are expected to receive cuts.

There is an election Saturday in 41 parishes. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says the early voting turnout was very low, as only about 34-thousand people caste ballots. He expects the turnout for this election to be around 11-percent and encourages everyone to exercise their right to vote.

CUT 5 (09)  “the other”

Polls are open from 7am to 8pm Saturday.

Governor John Bel Edwards will present his proposed spending plan for the next fiscal year to lawmakers on Tuesday. The proposal will contain 750-million dollars in cuts to state spending, as lawmakers were able to close the budget gap in the special session. Edwards says his administration will also release more details about another potential special session.

cut 14 (11)  “balanced budget”

The Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters head coah, Tyler Summitt, suddenly resigned Thursday after admitting to having an inappropriate relationship. The 25-year-old is the son of legendary head coach, Pat Summitt, and he’s married. Gene Ponti is the Sports Director at KTVE in Monroe. He says everyone is totally shocked at this news…:

CUT 9 (09) “and for the program”

It’s been reported that the woman Summitt had an affair with is a player and she’s pregnant.

State Police have been called in to investigate after a woman was run over by a police vehicle while sunbathing on the beach in Grand Isle. Sgt. Nick Manale says the victim’s injuries are not life threatening. He says the name of the police officer driving the vehicle has not been released.

cut 16 (08) “the department”

Governor John Bel Edwards will present his proposed budget to lawmakers on Turesday, which will contain a 750-million cut in state spending. Edwards says many state services will receive much less funding this year because of the massive budget deficit.

Cut 13 (08)  “priorities”

Healthcare, higher ed, TOPS, social services, and other vital programs are expected to receive cuts.

41 parishes will have an election tomorrow. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says in addition to local runoff elections, there are also tax renewals up for vote in several parishes. He says you can check the GeauxVote app to see exactly what’s on the ballot in your precinct.

CUT 4 (08)  “G-E-A-U-X”

Polls open at 7 AM and close at 8 PM.

The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival begins today and there are lots of activities for festival goers. Festival Spokesperson Shelley Matherne says there will be tons of organizations selling delicious food, as well as, games, carnival rides, and a parade. She says this is the state’s biggest free festival.

CUT 6 (09) “Mardi Gras”

The now former head coach of the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters, Tyler Summitt, suddenly resigned Thursday after admitting to having an inappropriate relationship.  Summitt was the youngest head coach in women’s basketball. Sports Director at KTVE in Monroe, Gene Ponti says even though his age was criticized by some, a popular public sentiment was that he was wise beyond his years…:

Cut 11 (09) “some people thought”

SB Nation is reporting the woman Summitt had an affair with is a player and she’s pregnant.

Governor John Bel Edwards says he’ll spend the weekend putting the finishing touches on the proposed budget for next year, which will contain a 750-million cut in state spending. Edwards says the spending plan he’ll present to lawmakers on Tuesday will be very sobering…:
cut 12 (08) “of Louisiana”
Healthcare, higher ed, TOPS and social services are expected to receive cuts.

It’s election day for 41 parishes tomorrow. Polls open at 7 AM and close at 8 PM. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says this Spring election typically has a low voter turnout because so many people aren’t aware there’s an election…:
CUT 3 (08) “in March”
Schedler says for many parishes, tax renewals are the big item on the ballot.

State Police have been called in to investigate after a woman was run over by a police vehicle on the beach in Grand Isle. Sgt. Nick Manale says two women were tanning when the truck drove near them. He says the woman struck by the vehicle received moderate injuries.
cut 15 (06) “several surgeries”
Manale says no decisions have been made whether to cite or arrest the officer involved, who has been identified as 52-year-old Norris Esponge Junior, the assistant police chief.

The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival begins today. It wasn’t a good year for Louisiana strawberries, because of recent flooding, but festival Spokesperson Shelley Matherne says that won’t stop anyone from having a great time at the festival:
CUT 7 (10) “local farmers”
You can get more information at lastrawberryfestival.com.