On a 65-37 vote, the state House approved a 24-billion dollar budget for next fiscal year. House Appropriations Chairman Jim Fannin says the budget process started with a one-point-six billion dollar shortfall, but they covered much of that gap, by passing revenue generating bills, recognizing additional dollars thanks to an improved revenue forecast, and other financing…

cut 14 (10) “MFP”

The spending plan now heads to the Senate.

As motorists begin hitting the road for the Memorial Day weekend, Gasbuddy-dot-com says they’ll see the lowest gas prices since 2009. Senior Petroleum Analyst Gregg Laskoski says the current average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Louisiana is $2.45 a gallon…

cut 11 (07) “a year ago” 2X

Laskoski says many are considering an additional road trip this summer because of the price at the pump.

In the first of a series of questions to the four major gubernatorial candidates, Louisiana Radio Network asks about the state’s budget problems. We asked each candidate if they were Governor today, how would they handle the $1.6 billion dollar deficit. Republican Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle says he’d cut every dime of wasteful spending…

cut 4 (11) “and healthcare”

The gubernatorial primary is October 24th.

The number one ranked LSU Tigers advance to the SEC Baseball Tournament Semifinals after a 10-5 win over Arkansas. The Tigers will next face either Florida or Arkansas in the second semifinal game Saturday afternoon.

On a 65-37 vote, the state House approved a 24-billion dollar budget for next fiscal year, sending the spending plan to the senate. House Appropriations Chairman Jim Fannin says the budget process started with a one-point-six billion dollar shortfall, but they covered much of that gap, by passing revenue generating bills, recognizing additional dollars thanks to an improved revenue forecast and other financing…
cut 14 (10) “…MFP”
As it stands now, the budget reduces funding for LSU’s medical schools in New Orleans and Shreveport and the state’s public-private hospital partnerships are also underfunded. Fannin says some agencies will also face cuts…
cut 15 (08) “…highest priority”
The Senate Finance Committee will take up the budget next week.

Governor Bobby Jindal’s religious freedom executive order is receiving strong criticism from democrats. The leader of the state democratic party, New Orleans Senator Karen Peterson, says she can’t believe Jindal would issue the order, when businesses and the tourism industry expressed concern the measure could alienate visitors or keep conventions away…:
CUT 10 (08) “we represent”
Jindal’s controversial order prevents the executive branch of state government from taking adverse action against a person or a business for their belief in traditional marriage. The governor says it re-affirms our first amendment rights….
cut 12 (09) “….without discrimination”
New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu signed his own executive order in response. The mayor says his executive order lets the nation know New Orleans is an accepting, invititing city that thrives on its diversity.

The former teacher of the year in Plaquemine who was arrested for allegedly having sex with three of his students, apparently fathered a child with one of the victim’s when she was 15-years-old…
cut 7 (10) Q: ‘by the victim”
That’s Iberville Parish Sheriff Brett Stassi, who says 30 year-old Keavin Keith was arrested Monday on 30 counts of prohibited sex with a student.

State Police say a fire at their data center has left Office of Motor Vehicles offices across the state unable process any transactions. Major Doug Cain says an electrical panel fire has disabled all automated systems at the Department of Public Safety, including OMV locations statewide. That word came down today…
CUT 5 (07) “of the offices”
He says he hopeful they will be up and running tomorrow.

========================
Governor Bobby Jindal is defending his Religious Freedom executive order, after it was shelved by a House Committee. Critics say this standing firm in the corner of traditional marriage will have adverse economic effects, but Jindal disagrees…
CUT 13 (10) Q: “mutally consistent”
LSU grad and prominent Democratic Party figure, James Carville, appeared on the Jim Engster Show and said he wishes the governor would focus on bigger issues impacting the state.

AAA is saying more people will be on the roads this Memorial Day Weekend than they have in the last 10 years. They say people are feeling more confident about the economy, and the low gas prices are also encouraing them. Spokesman Don Redman says it’s estimated more than 37 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles from home; 33 million of those by car.

There’s community reaction coming out about the case of a former Iberville Parish teacher of the year at the Math, Science and Arts Academy West in Plaquemine. Sheriff Brett Stassi says thirty year-old Keavin Keith is accused of having sex with at least three victims, and apparently causing a 15 year-old to become pregnant…
CUT 9 (10) Q: “very good teacher”
Keith was arrested on 30 counts of prohibited sex with a student, and is also charged with two counts of indecent behavior with juveniles and five counts of felony carnal knowledge.

With all of the travel miles Governor Bobby Jindal is logging, state lawmakers in the House voted to have the governor’s office to pay for the State Police Security detail in his out-of-town travel, instead of State Police. For next year’s budget, Jindal would be on the hook for the money, and have make cuts within his own office.
—————————-
Governor Bobby Jindal is standing firm in his Religious Freedom Executive Order, after state lawmakers did not pass the bill out House committee…
CUT 12 (09) Q: ‘without discrimination’
New Orleans Senator Karen Peterson says the move could have damaging economic results.

An Acadia Parish woman has been arrested on charges in connection with the death of her newborn. The baby girl went into cardiac arrest after she was born at home, then died at the hospital. The toxicology report showed high levels of methamphetamine, and Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Maxine Trahan says the case then went to the grand jury…
CUT 4 (08) Q: ‘of the baby’
Twenty-six year-old Katie Chriceol (Cry-sol) faces second-degree murder charges.

The teacher arrested in Iberville Parish for allegedly having sex with three of his students, apparently fathered a child of one of the victim’s when she was 15-years-old…:
CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

A fire at the Office of Motor Vehicles data center has shut down all transactions at DMV’s across the state today. State Police say all they can do at this point is turn people away. They are hopeful everything she be up and running shortly, but it may be tomorrow before transactions can resume.
———————————
The Religious Freedom Executive Order from Governor Bobby Jindal is receiving some strong criticism from the Democratic Party. Appearing on the Jim Engster Show, James Carville says he wishes the Governor would focus on the state’s bigger issues….
CUT 11 (10) Q: “the state”
But Jindal is not backing down, and disputes the accusation it will hurt the economy.

The Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office say a woman wanted for the death of her infant daughter has been arrested in Lafayette. Spokesperson Maxine Trahan says 26-year-old Katie Chriceol (Cry-sol) gave birth at home in late March. The newborn then went into cardiac arrest, and died at a local hospital…
CUT 3 (09) “for methamphetamine”
Chricesol (cry-sol) faces second-degree murder charges.

Governor Jindal is defending his religious freedom order, which prohibits the executive agencies from taking action against individuals or businesses, if they have a traditional view of marriage . Jeff Palermo has the story…:
CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

State Police say a fire at their data center has left Office of Motor Vehicles offices across the state unable process any transactions. Major Doug Cain says the Department of Public Safety to a virtual standstill…:
CUT 6 (05) “troopers use”
Cain says they hope to get everything up and going later today.

The Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office announce that a woman wanted for the death of her infant daughter has been arrested in Lafayette. Spokesperson Maxine Trahan says the baby had a heart attack after being born then doctors discovered meth in the toxicology reports. She says the case against the mother, 26-year-old Katie Chriceol (Cry-sol) went before a grand jury last week…:
CUT 4 (08) “of the baby”
Trahan says Chriceol was located and arrested in Lafayette Wednesday and booked on a charge of second degree murder.

In Houma cops are searching for a woman they believe spread thumbtacks all over the bed of her ex-boyfriend, then poured boiling water on top of him while he was sleeping. They say 36-year-old Lynette Joseph is wanted for questioning in the crime of aggravated 2nd degree battery. According to a news release, the victim suffered severe burns to his torso, right arm and face and had to be shipped to the burn center in Baton Rouge.

The teacher arrested in Iberville Parish on Monday for allegedly having sex with three students is now being accused of fathering a son by one of the victims. Sheriff Brett Stassi says another victim told detectives that she engaged in oral sex with 30-year-old Keavin Keith inside his classroom. He says this is an unfortunate case:
CUT 8 (08) “rest of his life”
He says a paternity test is pending to determine if Keith is the father.

State Police say a fire at their data center has left Office of Motor Vehicles offices across the state unable process any transactions. Major Doug Cain says an electrical panel fire has disabled all automated systems at the Department of Public Safety, including OMV locations statewide…:
CUT 5 (07) “of the offices”
He says workers are staying on site at the offices in hopes that the situation can be resolved.

Governor Bobby Jindal’s religious freedom executive order is receiving strong criticism from democrats. The leader of the state democratic party, New Orleans Senator Karen Peterson, says she can’t believe Jindal would issue the order, when businesses and the tourism industry expressed concern the measure could alienate visitors or keep conventions away…:
CUT 10 (08) “we represent”
Jindal’s controversial order prevents the executive branch of state government from taking adverse action against a person or a business for their belief in traditional marriage.

The teacher who was arrested in Iberville Parish for allegedly having sex with three of his students, apparently fathered a child of one of the victim’s when she was 15-years-old. 30-year-old Keavin Keith was arrested Monday on 30 counts of prohibited sex with a student. Sheriff Brett Stassi says one of the victim’s claims Keith got her pregnant…:
CUT 7 (10) “by the victim”
Keith was also charged with two counts of indecent behavior with juveniles and five counts of felony carnal knowledge.

The Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office says a meth-addict wanted for the death of her infant daughter has been arrested in Lafayette. Spokesperson Maxine Trahan says 26-year-old Katie Chriceol (Cry-sol) gave birth to her child at home in late March. The newborn then went into cardiac arrest and died at a local hospital..:
CUT 3 (09) “methamphetamine”
Chricol was indicted for second degree murder.

Legislation by Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater that would allow state colleges to raise fees for students passes the state House. Gonzales Representative Eddie Lambert wanted assurance from Broadwater that this measure would not affect tuition…:
Cut 10 (06) “TOPS, whatsoever”
The legislation passed on a 79-14 vote and moves to the Senate.

The American Automobile Association expects more Americans to travel this Memorial Day weekend than they have in the last 10 years…:
CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

The American Automobile Association says more people will be traveling this Memorial Weekend than they have in 10 years. Don Redman with AAA says people are feeling more confident about the economy because of low gas prices…:
CUT 6 (09) “this holiday”
He says over 37 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles from home for the three day weekend — 33 million of those by car.

The Houma Police Department is looking for a woman who allegedly covered her ex boyfriend’s bed with thumbtacks, then threw a pot of boiling water on top of him while he was sleeping. They say the victim suffered severe burns to his torso, right arm and face and had to be taken to a specialist center in Baton Rouge. Cops want 36-year-old Lynette Joseph for questioning in the incident.

It’s another big day at the Capitol for the House. Today’s debate is about next year’s $24.4 billion dollar budget proposal and a package of bills are currently being discussed.

The Saints announce that New Orleans has been invited by the NFL to bid on the the 2019 and 2020 Super Bowls as a host site. Eric Gill reports…:
CUT 2 (29) “reporting”

There were no winners Wednesday in the multistate Powerball jackpot which now goes to an estimated $138 million for Saturday night’s drawing.

A bill by Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater that would make it easier for state colleges to raise fees for students passes the state House. The legislation advances to the Senate on a 79-14 vote. Broadwater says those concerned that increased fees would create a drop in enrollment should look at the bigger picture…

cut 12 (10) “have under this”

He says a portion of monies generated from the additional fees would be used to provide financial assistance to students in need.

The United Health Foundation’s Annual America’s Health Rankings 2015 Senior Report ranks Louisiana 50th in the nation for Senior Health. Katherine Palmier (palm-yay), Chief Medical Officer for the East Region of United Health Care, says despite the low ranking, Louisiana does have some positives like a high flu vaccination rate, low prevalence of falls and great home health…

cut 15 (09) “nursing assistance”

In 2014 Louisiana was ranked 49th.

Lafayette Police have arrested a woman wanted in Acadia Parish for the death of her infant daughter. Authorities say 26-year-old Katie Chriceol gave birth to her child at home in late March. The newborn then went into cardiac arrest and died at a local hospital. Tests revealed that Chriceol and the baby both tested positive for high levels of methamphetamine. Chriceol was booked into the Lafayette Parish Jail on a second-degree murder charge.

The American Automobile Association expects more Americans to travel this Memorial Day weekend than they have in the last 10 years. Scott Carwile reports…

cut 1 (30) “reporting”