The House Appropriations Committee sends a budget to the full House that fully funds TOPS and Go Grants, but makes cuts to higher education and health care. Jim Shannon has more…

Cut 1 (25) “I’m Jim Shannon”

The full House will likely make changes to the proposed spending plan on Thursday.

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A solider died from a gunshot wound at his residence in Fort Polk last Thursday. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (25) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The House Appropriations Committee approves a budget that fully funds TOPS.  The Revenue Estimating Committee recognized 346- million in new revenues and 233-million dollars of that would go towards TOPS under this proposal. New Orleans Representative Walt Leger says the TOPS funding proposal gives students false hope, but because he anticipates amendments to reduce TOPS funding….

Cut 3 (:06) “been removed”

Governor John Bel Edwards released a statement saying “TOPS is absolutely a priority, and should be fully funded, but so should higher education institutions, and healthcare.”

Baton Rouge Representative Franklin Foil authored the amendment to fully fund TOPS….

Cut 4 (09) “I voted.”

But Baton Rouge representative Pat Smith says health care will take a hit in the process which is not good.

Cut 5  (:11) “not die.”

Smith says the amendment to fully fund TOPS means public colleges would receive a 22 million dollar cut in funding.

Cut 6 (:12)  “doesn’t connect.”

More changes in the budget are expected when the bill hits the House Floor on Thursday.

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Clean up is underway in Bossier Parish after some nasty weather trashed the northern part of the parish on Saturday. Most of the damage occurred just north of  I-20 near Red Chute. Bossier Sheriff spokesperson Lt. Bill Davis says a tornado tore through a town just outside of Bossier City.

Cut 7 (10)  “their land”

Debris pickup is now underway in the affected areas. Unfortunately, there was one fatality. Davis says Carli Ortiz, an infant, died at mobile home park in Haughton…

Cut 8 (09) “the RV.”

Davis says life, for the most part, is back to normal in Bossier Parish. He says it was inspiring to see the community come together after the storm whipped the area.

Cut 9 (08) “as possible”

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A bill that would require 18-wheelers to be in the right hand lane while traveling on interstates through Baton Rouge from 4 to 7 PM weekdays passed the House Transportation Committee. Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter says he’s trying to do something about the daily back-ups that happen in the capital city…

Cut 10 (10) “the problem.”

Lobbyist Maria Bowen representing the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, is against the measure. She says even though forcing truck drivers into the right lane may have some benefits, the poor infrastructure in place in Baton Rouge negates any positives. She cited a 2008 study…

Cut 11 (12) “Rouge Parish.”

Bowen says Interstates were designed to handle heavy transport traffic, not commuters to and from work, which leaves too many drivers and not enough interstates…

Cut 12 (10)   “major towns.”

Carter acknowledged an infrastructure improvement to I-10 from the Mississippi River bridge to the 10/12 split, but is afraid it’s too little too late…

Cut 13 (11) “try anything.”

The bill now moves to the full House.

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The National Weather Service confirms three tornadoes touched down in Acadiana Saturday morning. Parishes affected included Lafayette, St. Landry and St. Mary Parish, with the strongest tornado touching down north of Carencro. National Weather Service Lake Charles Meteorologist Donald Jones they varied in intensity…

Cut 14 (12)  “Mary Parish.”

Jones says some damage was reported with the EF-2 tornado in Lafayette Parish near Carencro…

Cut 15 (09) “the interstate.”

National Weather Service forecasters are already concerned as another strong cold front will move through the Pelican State this weekend…

Cut 16  (10) “next weekend.”

The House Appropriations Committee passes a proposed spending plan for next fiscal year that calls for the TOPS scholarship program to be fully funded. Baton Rouge Representative Franklin Foil’s amendment was approved on an 18-6 vote…
cut 4 (09) “…I voted”
Governor John Bel Edwards says this proposed budget has no chance of becoming law, because it makes large cuts to public collleges, health care for seniors and the disabled and cuts funding to medical schools.

Baton Rouge is known for its bad traffic. The House Transportation Committee approved legislation requiring 18-wheelers to drive in the right lane on interstates in the capital city from 4 to 7 PM every weekday. Louisiana Motor Transport Association lobbyist Maria Bowen says this proposed law will make it difficult on truckers
cut 11 (12) “…Rouge Parish”
Despite opposition, the bill heads to the House floor.

A solider died from a gunshot wound at his residence in Fort Polk last Thursday. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (25) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Parts of Bossier Parish are cleaing up from a tornado that killed a small child at a Haughton mobile home park. There was scattered damage throughout Caddo and Bossier parishes, but Bossier Sheriff’s office spokesperson, Lt. Bill Davis, says it’s been inspiring to see the community come together…
cut 9 (08) “…as possible”

The House Appropriations Committee approves a budget that fully funds TOPS. Baton Rouge representative Pat Smith says the amendment to fully fund TOPS means public colleges would receive a 22 million dollar cut in funding.

Cut 6 (:12)  “fully funded.”

Also included are steep cuts to healthcare, but More changes in the budget are expected when the bill hits the House Floor on Thursday.

Clean up is underway in Bossier Parish after some nasty weather trashed the northern part of the parish on Saturday. Bossier Sheriffs Officer Lt. Bill Davis says unfortunately, Carli Ortiz, an infant, passed away during the event.

Cut 8 (09) “the RV.”

State officials have talked about spending billions of dollars on redirecting sediment carried by the Mississippi River to rebuild the state’s vanishing coast. However, a study out of Tulane says the diversions will produce new land, but not fast enough. Lead author of the report Elizabeth Chamberlain says it’s important the river diversions are positioned in the right areas.

Cut 14 (10) “of marshes”

A bill that would require 18-wheelers to be in the right hand lane while traveling on interstates through Baton Rouge from 4 to 7 PM weekdays passed the House Transportation Committee. Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter says its common sense to anyone who’s had to drive on the interstate during rush hour.

Cut 10 (07) “anywhere”

The House Appropriations Committee sends a budget to the full House that fully funds TOPS and Go Grants, but makes cuts to higher education and health care. Jim Shannon has more…
voicer 1 (25) “…..I’m Jim Shannon”
The full House will likely make changes to the proposed spending plan on Thursday.

U-S Army officials announce an investigation is underway into a fatal shooting that happened at a residence at Fort Polk. Private Jacob Malcolm of West Virginia was pronounced dead on Thursday night by the Vernon Parish coroner. He was only 18 years old. The U-S Army Criminal Investigation Command is investigating the circumstances of his death.

Clean up is underway in Bossier Parish after some nasty weather trashed the northern part of the parish on Saturday. Most of the damage occurred just north of I-20 near Red Chute. Bossier Sheriff spokesperson Lt. Bill Davis says a tornado tore through a town just outside of Bossier City.
Cut 7 (10) “their land”
Debris pickup is now underway in the affected areas.

The LSU Tigers scored six runs in the bottom of the 9th for a stunning 9-7 walk off victory over Tennessee. Daniel Cabrera set off a wild celebration at home plate with a three-run bomb into the right field bleachers..
Cut 19 (05) “…my life”

The House Appropriations Committee is set to approve a budget that fully funds TOPS. The Revenue Estimating Committee recognized 346- million in new revenues and 233-million dollars of that would go towards TOPS under this proposal. New Orleans Representative Walt Leger says the TOPS funding proposal gives students false hope, but because he anticipates amendments to reduce TOPS funding….
cut 3 (:06) “been removed”
Baton Rouge Representative Franklin Foil authored the amendment to fully fund TOPS….
cut 4 (09) “I voted.”
The spending plan for next fiscal year is expected to be approved by the committee today and then taken up by the full House on Thursday.

An LSU Public Policy Research Lab survey finds a majority of Louisiana residents support two of Governor John Bel Edwards’ major policy issues – criminal justice reform and Medicaid expansion. Of those surveyed, 61-percent say they support the sweeping changes made last year. LSU’s Dr. Mike Henderson says there seems to be support on changing the state’s sentencing laws, because over half of the respondents believe the system is not fair, especially African-Americans…
cut7 (07) “this year.”
And 69-percent approve of the Medicaid expansion enacted in 2016.

A study out of Tulane says the Mississippi River diversions will produce new land, but not fast enough to slow overal coastal land loss. Lead author of the report Elizabeth Chamberlain says coastal policy and management will have to make difficult choices on where to locate these diversions…
cut 15 (09) “…work there”

The House Appropriations Committee is meeting at this hour to approve a budget for next fiscal year. An amendment has been added to the proposed spending plan that would fully fund the TOPS scholarship, but that would mean less money for health care and public colleges and universities. Governor Edwards is pushing the legislature to end the regular session early, so a special session can begin in May to approve tax bills that can lead to more revenue and reduce the budget gap. Rep. Cameron Henry says it’s too early to tell whether the House believes another special session is needed

Cut 12 (08) “is generated”

Officials say a solider at Fort Polk died as a result of a gunshot wound on Thursday. 18-year-old Private Jacob S. Malcolm of West Virginia joined the army last year and was assigned to the tenth Mountain Division. The death is being investigated by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command.

An LSU Public Policy Research Lab survey finds a majority of Louisiana residents support two of Governor John Bel Edwards’ major policy issues – criminal justice reform and Medicaid expansion. L-S-U’s Dr. Mike Henderson says since the approval ratings are high on these two major policy changes, it could help the governor get re-elected in 2019…

Cut 9 (07)  “of that.”

Many in Louisianans wait until the last minute to file their taxes. In fact, some 53-percent wait until the final day, which is tomorrow. The I-R-S says the average person will get a refund of over 31-hundred dollars. Offers-dot-com’s Carson Yarbrough says many are putting that refund to good use…

Cut 5  (12)  “everyday expenses.”

There is strong support from the public for two of Governor John Bel Edwards main policy issues. Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

The House Appropriations Committee is expected to approve a budget today for next fiscal year that will contain 648-million dollars in cuts from the current fiscal year. Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry….

Cut 11 (09) “we are”

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Tax day is tomorrow and a survey from offers.com finds most Louisianans wait until the very end to file. Some 53 percent wait until the day before or the final day to file. Offers-dot-com’s Carson Yarbrough says most people don’t want to pay their taxes and some say they would go to extreme measures to avoid doing so…

Cut 4  (10) “paying taxes.” 

State officials have talked about spending billions of dollars on redirecting sediment carried by the Mississippi River to rebuild the state’s vanishing coast. However, a study out of Tulane says the diversions will produce new land, but not fast enough. Lead author of the report Elizabeth Chamberlain

Cut 13 (05)  “right now”

A Tulane study finds Mississippi River diversions will produce new land, but not at the rate to keep up with the rising sea level. Jeff Palermo has the more…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Tax day is tomorrow and a survey from offers.com finds most Louisianans wait until the very end to file. Some 53 percent wait until the day before or the final day to file. Offers-dot-com’s Carson Yarbrough says … many taxpayers choose not to do their own taxes…

Cut 6 (12) “squared away.”

Filing date for state income tax returns is May 15.

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An LSU Public Policy Research Lab survey finds a majority of Louisiana residents support two of Governor John Bel Edwards’ major policy issues – criminal justice reform and Medicaid expansion. Of those surveyed, 61-percent say they support the sweeping changes made last year. LSU’s Dr. Mike Henderson says 69-percent of the respondents approve of Medicaid expansion, which took effect in June of 2016. Some 430-thousand Louisiana residents enrolled in the government funded health insurance. Henderson says those polled aren’t concerned about the costs…

Cut 8 (11)  “attractive idea.”

State officials have talked about spending billions of dollars on redirecting sediment carried by the Mississippi River to rebuild the state’s vanishing coast. However, a study out of Tulane says the diversions will produce new land, but not fast enough. Lead author of the report Elizabeth Chamberlain

Chamberlain says Mississippi River is capable of building land, but those in charge of coastal policy and management will have to made difficult choices on where to locate these diversions

Cut 15 (09) “work there”

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The House Appropriations Committee is expected to send a proposed spending plan for next fiscal year to the full House today. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Tax day is tomorrow and a survey from offers.com finds  most Louisianans wait until the very end to file. Some 53 percent wait until the day before or the final day to file. Offers-dot-com’s Carson Yarbrough says most people don’t want to pay their taxes and some say they would go to extreme measures to avoid doing so…According to the I-R-S, the average person who qualifies for a refund will get over 31-hundred-dollars. Yarbrough says the Louisiana taxpayers they spoke with will put that money to good use…

Cut 5  (12)  “everyday expenses.”

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An LSU Public Policy Research Lab survey finds a majority of Louisiana residents support two of Governor John Bel Edwards’ major policy issues – criminal justice reform and Medicaid expansion. Of those surveyed, 61-percent say they support the sweeping changes made last year. LSU’s Dr. Mike Henderson says there seems to be support on changing the state’s sentencing laws, because over half of the respondents believe the system is not fair, especially African-Americans…

Cut 7 (07)  “this year.”

State officials have talked about spending billions of dollars on redirecting sediment carried by the Mississippi River to rebuild the state’s vanishing coast. However, a study out of Tulane says the diversions will produce new land, but not fast enough. Lead author of the report Elizabeth Chamberlain says their findings doesn’t mean river diversions shouldn’t be utilized at all, but its important the river diversions are positioned in areas that have the greatest land building potential and

Cut 14 (10) “of marshes”