A report from Wakefield Research finds more couples than ever are fighting over politics since President Trump was elected. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A measure to require the photo ID of a parent for a minor to receive an abortion passes out of a Senate committee. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana moves up three spots to number 47 on United Health Foundation’s report on the healthiest states for seniors. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A report from Wakefield Research finds more couples than ever are fighting over politics since Donald Trump took office. The data found 24-percent of Americans in a relationship say they’ve argued more about politics than any other time they’ve been together. Clinical Psychologist with LSU Health Sciences Center Dr. Michelle Moore…

Cut 4  (09) “about things”

The survey also found one in 10 couples broke up over disagreements in politics, especially millennials, who broke up at a rate of 22-percent. Moore advises potential couples to discuss their political views before dating or getting married to avoid problems down the road.

Cut 5  (10)  “opinion”

The data also shows even though money is usually the top fighting point, one out of five couples in American said they’ve had more arguments of President Trump’s policies than finances. Moore says if you are in a heated argument with your significant other because of politics, there are ways to defuse the situation.

Cut 6 (11) “you discuss”

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A measure that would require the ID of a parent before a minor gets an abortion received approval from a Senate Committee. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says there is an abuse with the law already in place, as other adults, other than the girl’s legal guardian are signing the notarized form for a minor to get an abortion.

Cut 7 (09)  “living address”

Dorinda Bordlee with the Bioethics Defense Fund supported the measure saying frequently girls who are victims of human trafficking are brought in for an abortion by a pimp then thrown back to the wolves.

Cut 8 (07) “a parent”

The Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault Director of Education, Jessie Nieblas, spoke out in opposition and says requiring additional steps and reducing access to timely abortion care could have a chilling effect on teens.

Cut 9 (09)  “and advocacy”

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A bill heading to the House Floor would lift the one year ban for individuals convicted of a drug related felony to receive food stamps and welfare benefits after being released from prison. New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno says the ban was originally placed as a deterrent not to commit drug related crimes, but it hasn’t work.

Cut 10 (11) “our community”

This measure is part of Governor John Bel Edwards’ legislative agenda on criminal justice reform. Moreno says her bill is common sense legislation particularly since only a small group of individuals are affected by the current law. She says these convicted felons need a little boost.

Cut 11 (08) “sense bill”

Currently, only six other states have legislation similar to Louisiana’s where these felons are not permitted to receive food stamps.  Executive Director of the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops Rob Tasman spoke out in support of the measure. He says they are passionate about the issue of inmates returning as citizens.

Cut 12 (09) “successful”

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Louisiana is no longer the least healthy state for seniors, according to a report by United Health Foundation. The state rose three spots to 47^th in the nation. But Advocacy Director for AARP Louisiana, Andrew Muhl says the Bayou State still has a long way to go in how we care for seniors. He says Louisiana consistently ranks towards the bottom for chronic diseases.

Cut 13 (11) “the bottom”

The report finds Louisiana made strides in health screenings over the last two years, with 72 percent of seniors receiving recommended health screenings. Muhl says while we are making progress, we’re still stagnant in some key areas, like long term care. He says Louisiana ranks 49^th for our nursing homes.

Cut 14 (11) “why that is”

The Bayou State saw increases in the obesity rate and a decline in flu vaccination from 2013 to 2017, contributing to the low ranking. Muhl says Louisiana is behind the curve when it comes to implementing necessary reforms. He is hopeful lawmakers will approve a policy change to get seniors the managed long term services and support they need.

Cut 15 (11) “home delivered meals”

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After a tough loss to South Alabama, LSU welcomes SEC foe Auburn to Alex Box Stadium for the start of a three-game series tonight. The Tigers blew a five to one lead on Tuesday and lost to the Jaguars seven to six. Coach Paul Mainieri says they can’t dwell on that loss

Cut 16 (19) “I think”

This is the final home weekend series for the Tigers, but LSU’s 32-17 overall record has them in position to host at least a regional. Mainieri says it’s their intention to play more games at the Box after this series with Auburn…

Cut 17 (20)  “games here”

Shortstop Kramer Robertson will be one of several seniors who will be recognized during senior day activities on Saturday

Cut 18 (12)    “I can”   

A proposal to allow Louisiana residents to concealed carry a gun without a permit was shot down by the House Criminal Justice Committee. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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TOPS students in the Class of 2021 would need at least a 2.75 GPA, under a proposal heading to the House floor. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A 12-year-old is dead after accidentally shooting himself in the head. Eunice Police Chief Randy Fontenot says Monday night the boy was handling a semi-automatic handgun that he believed was unloaded.

Cut 3 (11) “the chamber”

Fontenot says that’s when the boy accidentally shot himself. The boy was airlifted to a Baton Rouge hospital, where he later died from his injuries. He says they believe the boy was trying to intimidate his little brother.

Cut 4  (10) “intentional thing”

Fontenot says this was purely an accident, and no charges will be filed. He says the gun was accessible in the home because there’s not many places you can keep a gun out of reach for a 12-year-old.

Cut 5  (09)  “self-defense”

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The House Criminal Justice Committee shot down a bill that would have allowed Louisiana residents to conceal carry a gun without a permit. The bill was killed on a 8-5 vote, despite numerous people speaking for the legislation. Dr. Kenneth Flaming of Louisiana Carry says it can take up to a year to take the class, gather the paperwork, submit the application, and receive a permit. He adds it can cost between $300 and $500 to get a concealed carry permit.

Cut 6 (08) “the most”

Jimmy Williams of Louisiana Carry also support the measure. He says a law like this would not put guns in the hands of more criminals because criminals don’t abide by laws anyway. He adds requiring a permit gives lawbreaking criminals the upper hand.

Cut 7 (10)  “willing to”

Cissy Rowley with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America opposes the bill. Rowley was one of 9 people shot in a Lafayette movie theater on July 23, 2015. She says without the permit requirement, gun owners could carry their weapons concealed with little or no training.

Cut 8 (10) “a gun before”

Rowley adds these people will also be less familiar with Louisiana gun laws and where they can and cannot carry a weapon. She says the permitting process is also needed to vet people who should not be concealed carrying a firearm.

Cut 9 (08)  “respect that” 

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Louisiana Economic Development receives a $7 million donation from Cleco for job-creating projects. Cleco spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says Cleco executives presented Governor John Bel Edwards with the check for a fund that will be administered by LED.

Cut 10 (11) “job creating projects”

The fund seeks to grow economic development in Cleco’s 23 parish service area. Cahill says the Pineville-based company is more than just a reliable electricity provider. She says they’re an economic development partner with their communities across the state.

Cut 11 (10) “in Louisiana”

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The House Education Committee advances a bill to increase the minimum GPA requirement for TOPS from 2.5 to 2.75. Baton Rouge Representative Franklin Foil authored the measure. He says he’s hearing a lot of frustration from voters about the uncertainty of the scholarship program.

Cut 12 (10) “four year window”

Foil says this legislation would save the state at least 12-million dollars a year, because fewer students would be eligible. The measure would not take effect until the Class of 2021. President of the Council for a Better Louisiana, Barry Irwin says something has to be done to stabilize the program because a lot has changed in higher ed since TOPS’ inception.

Cut 13 (11) “period of time”

But Executive Director of the Taylor Foundation, James Callier opposes the measure. He says the GPA requirement only applies to the core curriculum, and Louisiana has one of the toughest core curriculums in the nation. He says raising that requirement would exclude needy students from the program.

Cut 14 (11) “one year”

The bill passed on a 9 to 3 vote and heads to the House floor.

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