The House approved Senate changes to the budget, that fully funds healthcare, but slashes higher ed, funding for state agencies, and cuts TOPS by 30 percent. the Democratic Caucus opposed the passage of the budget, calling the cuts included immoral. They argued the legislature should wait until the special session, where revenue could be raised to fill the 648 million dollar budget gap.  Caucus Chairman Robert Johnson:

Cut 15 (11) “disengenuous”

It’s been a record breaking week of intense heat, but State Climatologist Barry Keim says this unusual weather phenomenon is not an indicator that the summer will be abnormally hot.

Cut 13 (10) “play out”

A cool front moving into the area today should start pushing temperatures down today and into the weekend.

Three anti-hazing bills are on their way to the governor’s desk following last fall’s death of LSU freshman Max Gruver. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon”

Riverboat casinos were thrown a lifeline this week as legislation was passed that would allow the water based facilities to expand onto land. That has Boyd Gaming CEO Keith Smith, who owns Treasure Chest, Sam’s Town, and Amelia Belle, pretty excited. He says this could lead more investment in Louisiana facilities.

Cut 3 (06) “we’re optimistic”

Riverboat casinos were thrown a lifeline this week as legislation was passed that would allow the water based facilities to expand onto land. That has Boyd Gaming CEO Keith Smith, who owns Treasure Chest, Sam’s Town, and Amelia Belle, pretty excited. He says this could lead more investment in Louisiana facilities.

Cut 3 (06) “we’re optimistic”

Governor John Bel Edwards addressed the recent US Supreme Court decision to allow sports betting outside of Nevada on his monthly talk radio show. 32 states have legislation in place to allow the activities, including Mississippi, but Louisiana shot down similar legislation this session. Edwards didn’t oppose the idea. But don’t expect to see Senator Danny Martiny’s parish by parish legalization legislation to pop up again during the special session that starts next week.

Cut 6 (09)  “July 1st”

Three anti-hazing bills are on their way to the governor’s desk following last fall’s death of LSU freshman Max Gruver. The house voted 88 to 1 in favor of final passage of house bill 78 otherwise known as the Max Gruver Act. East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore testified in favor of the measure to give the current laws more teeth.

cut 8 (10) “hazing violations”

Moore says a companion bill to force mandatory education for university fraternities and sororities should help  stop dangerous hazing.

The House approved Senate changes to the budget, that fully funds healthcare, but slashes higher ed, funding for state agencies, and cuts TOPS by 30 percent. The spending plan is now on its way to the Governor who has expressed opposition to the cuts. Metairie Representative Cameron Henry says the budget will identify what programs need to be funded with special session revenue.

Cut 14 (11)  “family services”

Its been a record breaking week of unusual heat, but forecasts project a cooler weekend. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”

Riverboat casinos were thrown a lifeline this week as legislation was passed that would allow the water based facilities to expand onto land. That has Boyd Gaming CEO Keith Smith, who owns Treasure Chest, Sam’s Town, and Amelia Belle, pretty excited. He says this could lead more investment in Louisiana facilities. He says one casino in particular is looking very promising now that it’s allowed to expand on land.

Cut 4 (11) “very significant”

Governor John Bel Edwards addressed the recent US Supreme Court decision to allow sports betting outside of Nevada on his monthly talk radio show. 32 states have legislation in place to allow the activities, including Mississippi, but Louisiana shot down similar legislation this session. Edwards didn’t oppose the idea.

Cut 5  (07) “do this”

Three anti-hazing bills are on their way to the governor’s desk following last fall’s death of LSU freshman Max Gruver. The house voted 88 to 1 in favor of final passage of house bill 78 otherwise known as the Max Gruver Act. East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore testified in favor of the measure to give the current laws more teeth.

cut 8 (10) “hazing violations”

The Department of Transportation is warning motorists heading east on Interstate 10 this weekend, a lane will be closed on the Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge.  Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo “

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A new jet airplane interior modification plant is coming to Chennault International Airport in Lake Charles. Jeff Palermo reports it means another 250 direct jobs for the area.

Cut 2 (27) I’m Jeff Palermo”

__________________________________.

All eyes are on the governor to see whether or not he signs a budget backed by the legislature that enforces deep cuts on education. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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If you are traveling east on Interstate 10 this weekend and crossing the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge, be prepared for some roadwork. The Department of Transportation will close the eastbound inside lane at seven o’clock tonight until noon on Sunday. The westbound inside lane will also be closed for about 12 hours starting tonight at 9:30. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett

Cut 4  (10) “River Bridge” 

The 50 year old plus bridge is in dire need of replacing some on-ramp concrete.

Cut 5  (12)  “incident”

Mallett says they are trying to get the word out for the thousands travelers who will use the bridge this weekend.

Cut 6 (08) “lit up”

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A new jet airplane  interior modification plant is coming to Chennault International Airport in Lake Charles. Citadel Completions announced the company will make a nearly 180-million dollar investment in a plant that will customize Jet airplanes of any size. Don Pierson is the Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development.

Cut 7 (09)  “related jobs”

In addition to Jet interior modifications Citadel will provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul services.

Cut 8 (10)  “big aircraft”

The average salary will be around 80 thousand dollars a year. Citadel is already hiring as they plan to employ 250 workers.

Cut 9 (09)  “resume there”

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The Legislature passed a budget that fully funds the Department of Health, but reduces nine state agencies budgets by 24 percent, slashes higher ed spending, and cuts TOPS to 70 percent coverage. The jury is still out on whether the governor will veto the plan, but if he approves the plan, but if he authorizes it House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry says it won’t be “imaginary”.

Cut 10 (11) “is law”

Democrats have raged against the budget, calling it immoral, and calling on lawmakers to reject any budget until a special session arrives that can plug a 648 million dollar shortfall. But Henry says the state has to work with the money it has available, and prioritize.

Cut 11 (08) “priority”

The governor has called for a special session next week to replace expiring sales tax revenues at the heart of the budget struggle. Henry says Republicans are potentially open to revenue proposals, but they’re back from the voters over the weekend.

Cut 12 (12) “some revenue”

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The Louisiana Department of Child and Family Services kicked off a new Foster Parent Recruitment Campaign as part of Foster Care Month, an annual push to increase awareness of the importance of the foster care system. Child Welfare Manager Christy Tate says the campaign is built around a message of teamwork.

Cut 13 (08)  “team approach” 

7,868 children were a part of DCFS’s foster care program last year, with only 2,250 certified foster homes available. Tate says they need more eligible families to participate.

The House approved Senate changes to the budget, that fully funds healthcare, but slashes higher ed, funding for state agencies, and cuts TOPS by 30 percent. the Democratic Caucus opposed the passage of the budget, calling the cuts included immoral. They argued the legislature should wait until the special session, where revenue could be raised to fill the 648 million dollar budget gap.  Caucus Chairman Robert Johnson:

Cut 15 (11) “disengenuous”

It’s been a record breaking week of intense heat, but State Climatologist Barry Keim says this unusual weather phenomenon is not an indicator that the summer will be abnormally hot.

Cut 13 (10) “play out”

A cool front moving into the area today should start pushing temperatures down today and into the weekend.

Three anti-hazing bills are on their way to the governor’s desk following last fall’s death of LSU freshman Max Gruver. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon”

Riverboat casinos were thrown a lifeline this week as legislation was passed that would allow the water based facilities to expand onto land. That has Boyd Gaming CEO Keith Smith, who owns Treasure Chest, Sam’s Town, and Amelia Belle, pretty excited. He says this could lead more investment in Louisiana facilities.

Cut 3 (06) “we’re optimistic”

Riverboat casinos were thrown a lifeline this week as legislation was passed that would allow the water based facilities to expand onto land. That has Boyd Gaming CEO Keith Smith, who owns Treasure Chest, Sam’s Town, and Amelia Belle, pretty excited. He says this could lead more investment in Louisiana facilities.

Cut 3 (06) “we’re optimistic”

Governor John Bel Edwards addressed the recent US Supreme Court decision to allow sports betting outside of Nevada on his monthly talk radio show. 32 states have legislation in place to allow the activities, including Mississippi, but Louisiana shot down similar legislation this session. Edwards didn’t oppose the idea. But don’t expect to see Senator Danny Martiny’s parish by parish legalization legislation to pop up again during the special session that starts next week.

Cut 6 (09)  “July 1st”

Three anti-hazing bills are on their way to the governor’s desk following last fall’s death of LSU freshman Max Gruver. The house voted 88 to 1 in favor of final passage of house bill 78 otherwise known as the Max Gruver Act. East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore testified in favor of the measure to give the current laws more teeth.

cut 8 (10) “hazing violations”

Moore says a companion bill to force mandatory education for university fraternities and sororities should help  stop dangerous hazing.

The House approved Senate changes to the budget, that fully funds healthcare, but slashes higher ed, funding for state agencies, and cuts TOPS by 30 percent. The spending plan is now on its way to the Governor who has expressed opposition to the cuts. Metairie Representative Cameron Henry says the budget will identify what programs need to be funded with special session revenue.

Cut 14 (11)  “family services”

Its been a record breaking week of unusual heat, but forecasts project a cooler weekend. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”

Riverboat casinos were thrown a lifeline this week as legislation was passed that would allow the water based facilities to expand onto land. That has Boyd Gaming CEO Keith Smith, who owns Treasure Chest, Sam’s Town, and Amelia Belle, pretty excited. He says this could lead more investment in Louisiana facilities. He says one casino in particular is looking very promising now that it’s allowed to expand on land.

Cut 4 (11) “very significant”

Governor John Bel Edwards addressed the recent US Supreme Court decision to allow sports betting outside of Nevada on his monthly talk radio show. 32 states have legislation in place to allow the activities, including Mississippi, but Louisiana shot down similar legislation this session. Edwards didn’t oppose the idea.

Cut 5  (07) “do this”

Three anti-hazing bills are on their way to the governor’s desk following last fall’s death of LSU freshman Max Gruver. The house voted 88 to 1 in favor of final passage of house bill 78 otherwise known as the Max Gruver Act. East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore testified in favor of the measure to give the current laws more teeth.

cut 8 (10) “hazing violations”

The House approved Senate changes to the budget, that fully funds healthcare, but slashes higher ed, funding for state agencies, and cuts TOPS by 30 percent. the Democratic Caucus opposed the passage of the budget, calling the cuts included immoral. They argued the legislature should wait until the special session, where revenue could be raised to fill the 648 million dollar budget gap.  Caucus Chairman Robert Johnson:

Cut 15 (11) “disengenuous”

It’s been a record breaking week of intense heat, but State Climatologist Barry Keim says this unusual weather phenomenon is not an indicator that the summer will be abnormally hot.

Cut 13 (10) “play out”

A cool front moving into the area today should start pushing temperatures down today and into the weekend.

Three anti-hazing bills are on their way to the governor’s desk following last fall’s death of LSU freshman Max Gruver. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon”

Riverboat casinos were thrown a lifeline this week as legislation was passed that would allow the water based facilities to expand onto land. That has Boyd Gaming CEO Keith Smith, who owns Treasure Chest, Sam’s Town, and Amelia Belle, pretty excited. He says this could lead more investment in Louisiana facilities.

Cut 3 (06) “we’re optimistic”