The Senate Education committee moved a measure that allows public school teachers to pray with students. The bill would further existing law that allows school employees to volunteer to supervise voluntary student-initiated, student-led prayer. Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti.

Gatti says the improved legislation will make it easier for the kids to do what they want to.

Cut 4 (:08) “law suits”

Four former LSU students pleaded not guilty this morning in the Maxwell Gruber hazing case. 20 year old Matthew Naquin faces negligent homicide charges, Sean-Paul Gott, Patrick Forde, & Ryan Isto were charged with hazing. Naquin faces up to five years while the other three are facing 30 days. All four were indicted last month by an east Baton Rouge parish grand jury for the alcohol related death of Maxwell Gruber in September. District Court Judge Beau Higginbotham has set a September trial date.

The Louisiana Department of Corrections is rolling back a policy that allowed state prisons to bar inmates from talking to the media. Michael Farrar has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Michael Farrar

A ceremony is being held today for a Korean War Veteran from Ferriday whose remains are being returned home after 68 years. 19-year-old Sergeant Lester Walker was deployed to Korea with an anti-air craft weapons battalion. Congressman Ralph Abraham says Walker was lost during the first months of the war.

Cut 4  (11) “M-I-A” 

The senate education committee moved a measure that allows public school teachers to pray with students. The bill would further existing law that allows school employees to volunteer to supervise voluntary student-initiated, student-led prayer. Bossier Senator Ryan Gatti.

Cut 3 (:12) “get sued”

Four former LSU students pleaded not guilty in the Maxwell Gruber hazing case. 20 year old Matthew Naquin faces negligent homicide charges, Sean-Paul Gott, Patrick Forde, & Ryan Isto were charged with hazing. Naquin faces up to five years while the other three are facing 30 days. All four were indicted last month by an east Baton Rouge parish grand jury for the alcohol related death of Maxwell Gruber in September.

The remains of a North Louisiana Korean War vet are being returned home after 68 years. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

A seven year old policy barring inmates from talking to the media about their cases has been lifted by the Louisiana Department of Corrections after a challenge from the ACLU. ACLU Staff Attorney Bruce Hamilton says the gag order was a gross violation of inmates civil rights.

Cut 7 (09)  “constitutional rights”

A ceremony is being held today for a Korean War Veteran from Ferriday whose remains are being returned home after 68 years. 19-year-old Sergeant Lester Walker was deployed to Korea with an anti-air craft weapons battalion. Congressman Ralph Abraham says he was lost during the first months of the war.

Abraham says hundreds lined the runway as Walker was returned home, in a show of solidarity with all gold star families. Abraham says it’s been cathartic for the north Louisiana community.

Cut 6 (08) “situation.”

An armistice was signed in 1953, but the war is technically still ongoing.

A seven year old policy barring inmates from talking to the media about their cases has been lifted by the Louisiana Department of Corrections after a challenge from the ACLU. ACLU Staff Attorney Bruce Hamilton

says the justice system isn’t perfect, which is why inmates need the right to tell their stories to the media.

Cut 9 (06)  “of committing”

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The House narrowly passed a budget that would fund TOPS at 80% and maintain higher ed funding, but would implement deep cuts in healthcare funding, potentially ending public-private partnership hospitals that care for the poor.

House Democratic Chairman Robert Johnson went after legislators who voted yea on the proposed budget.

Cut 13 (12)  “we do”

The Pelicans made it look easy last night and pounded the Portland Trail Blazers 119 to 102 and a three games to nothing lead in the series. Sixth seeded New Orleans took control with a 36 point 1^st quarter. Nikola Mirotic started off hot and finished with 30 points on 12 of 15 shooting. Anthony Davis had 28 points and 11 rebounds. Jrue Holiday and Rajon Rondo each had 16 points and Rondo added 11 assts. The Pels can complete the sweep on Saturday afternoon.

The House passed a budget that maintains higher ed spending, and funds TOPS at 80 percent, but slashes healthcare. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A ceremony is being held today for a Korean War Veteran from Faraday whose remains are being returned home after 68 years. 19-year-old Sergeant Lester Walker was deployed to Korea with an anti-air craft weapons battalion. Congressman Ralph Abraham says Walker was lost during the first months of the war.

36,914 American Servicemen and women were lost in the conflict that is often referred to as the “Forgotten War”, due its lack of recognition. Abraham says those sacrifices need to be remembered.

Cut 5  (07)  “of life”

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A seven year old policy barring inmates from talking to the media about their cases has been lifted by the Louisiana Department of Corrections after a challenge from the ACLU. ACLU Staff Attorney Bruce Hamilton says the gag order was a gross violation of inmates civil rights.

The suit was brought on behalf of Darold Hines, an Angola Inmate, who was denied the right to speak to LSU reporters who were investigating his case. Hamilton says just because they are prisoners, doesn’t mean they don’t have rights.

Cut 8 (08)  “as well.”

The LSU baseball team begins a three-game series tonight at South Carolina. The road has not been friendly to the Bayou Bengals as they are 2-8 away from Alex Box Stadium. LSU will start Zack Hess on the mound and he’s won his last three outings

Cut 19 (17) “strikeout pitch” 

The Louisiana Department of Corrections is rolling back a policy that allowed state prisons to bar inmates from talking to the media. Michael Farrar has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Michael Farrar

A ceremony is being held today for a Korean War Veteran from Ferriday whose remains are being returned home after 68 years. 19-year-old Sergeant Lester Walker was deployed to Korea with an anti-air craft weapons battalion. Congressman Ralph Abraham says Walker was lost during the first months of the war.

Cut 4  (11) “M-I-A” 

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Governor John Bel Edwards says the proposed budget that was approved by the House is a non-starter, and if it reaches his desk, he’s not signing it. The budget maintains higher ed, and funds TOPS at 80 percent, but includes steep cuts to healthcare that could shutter public-private hospitals that care for the poor. Edwards says it’s a budget unworthy of the people of Louisiana.

Cut 14 (10) “than this”

The proposed spending plan goes to the Senate Finance Committee who will meet Sunday. It’s possible the Senate may not even vote on a budget.

House GOP Chairman Lance Harris says the budget is the best they could do with the funds they have available.

Cut 11 (11) “projected today”

The remains of a North Louisiana Korean War vet are being returned home after 68 years. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

A seven year old policy barring inmates from talking to the media about their cases has been lifted by the Louisiana Department of Corrections after a challenge from the ACLU. ACLU Staff Attorney Bruce Hamilton says the gag order was a gross violation of inmates civil rights.

Cut 7 (09)  “constitutional rights”

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The House narrowly passed a budget that would fund TOPS at 80% and maintain higher ed funding, but would implement deep cuts in healthcare funding, potentially ending public-private partnership hospitals that care for the poor. House Appropriations Chairman Republican Cameron Henry says the state cannot afford to maintain its current healthcare spending.

Cut 10 (08) “attain it”

House Democrats nearly unanimously voted against the budget. New Orleans Representative Gary Carter says if passed, the spending plan would kill people.

Cut 12 (09) “currently have”

The Pelicans made it look easy last night and pounded the Portland Trail Blazers 119 to 102 and a three games to nothing lead in the series. Sixth seeded New Orleans took control with a 36 point 1^st quarter. Nikola Mirotic started off hot and finished with 30 points on 12 of 15 shooting. Anthony Davis had 28 points and 11 rebounds. Jrue Holiday and Rajon Rondo each had 16 points and Rondo added 11 assts. The Pels can complete the sweep on Saturday afternoon.

The Saints 2018 schedule features five prime-time games, including a Thanksgiving night contest against the Falcons in the Superdome. New Orleans will also host the Redskins on Monday night on October 8^th. The Saints will visit Minnesota on October 28^th for a Sunday night contest. Dallas for a Thursday night game on November 29^th and a big Monday night matchup against the Panthers on December 19^th.

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Saturday is LSU’s Spring Game and Tiger fans will be focusing on the three quarterbacks battling for the starting job. Gordy Rush of the LSU Sports Radio Network says the offense is a work in progress under first-year O-C Steve Ensminger, but the defense is loaded in the front seven….

Cut 18 (21) “…middle linebacker”

The Spring Game gets underway at 5 PM in Tiger Stadium.

Former LSU linebacker Kendell Beckwith is recovering from a fractured ankle suffered in a one-vehicle car accident in Louisiana. Beckwith had a solid rookie season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last year, recording 73 tackles and seven tackles for a loss. Its unknown how long Beckwith will be off the field.

The House passed a budget that maintains higher ed spending, and funds TOPS at 80 percent, but slashes healthcare. Jeff Palermo has more.
voicer 3 (31) “….Jeff Palermo”

Also at the capitol, the Senate Education committee rejected a House approved measure that attempted to end what is known as lunch shaming. State Representative Patricia Smith’s legislation would prohibit public schools from penalizing students or embarassing them if their parents have failed to pay for school lunches.

The state House approves legislation supporters say will help the Cajun Navy and other volunteer groups have a greater impact during a disaster. Denham Springs Representative Valarie Hodges says her family was helped by volunteers after the 2016 flood. She says the legislation gives the Cajun Navy access to state equipment and training…
Cut 9 (:07) “Volunteer organizations “
The meaure heads to the Senate for its consideration.

Governor John Bel Edwards is working to find ways to equip every school with a school resource officer. He says the vast majority of schools already have them but not all. Edwards made the comments during his monthly radio show, “ask the governor.” Where he said he’s saddened by the situation today’s schools are in.
Cut 5 (10) “about this”

The House narrowly passed a budget that would fund TOPS at 80% and maintain higher ed funding, but would implement deep cuts in healthcare funding, potentially ending public-private partnership hospitals that care for the poor. House Appropriations Chairman Republican Cameron Henry says the state cannot afford to maintain its current healthcare spending.

Cut 10, 8 seconds, attain it

But House Democratic Chairman Robert Johnson went after legislators who voted yay on the proposed budget in an impassioned speech.

Cut 13, 12 seconds, we do

The proposed spending plan goes to the Senate Finance Committee who will meet Sunday. It’s possible the Senate may not even vote on a budget, and wait on a special session.

House GOP Chairman Lance Harris says the budget is the best they could do with the funds they have available.

Cut 11, 11 seconds, projected today

House Democrats nearly unanimously voted against the budget. New Orleans Representative Garry Carter says if passed, the spending plan would kill people.

Cut 12, 9 seconds, currently have

And Governor John Bel Edwards has announced that if the spending plan reaches his desk, he will not sign it

Cut 14

Reports indicate that legislators are now planning on beginning a special session mid-May.