A bill that would provide parole eligibility for juveniles convicted of murder has been approved by the state Senate. Baton Rouge Senator Dan Claitor says his proposal would bring Louisiana in line with a 2012 Supreme Court decision…:
Cut 5 (10) “gonna get it”
The measure would provide parole eligibility after 25 years for juveniles who received life sentences after June 25, 2012.

Authorities in Webster Parish have raided three alleged dogfighting rings and rescued over 30 dogs. Anna Ware is with an Atlanta based group called Norred and Associates and they investigate animal cruelty cases. She says all of the dogs were living in horrible conditions…:
Cut 8 (08) “logging chain”
4 arrests were made on animal cruelty and other dog fighting related charges.

Two bills are heading to the House floor that would extend domestic violence protections to more couples…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

A Jefferson Parish judge found former Destrehan High teacher Shelley Dufresne not guilty on charges of unlawful carnal knowledge of a juvenile for allegedly having sex with a then 16-year-old student. Before announcing her decision, Judge Danyelle Taylor said that while there’s no doubt Dufresne’s behavior was reprehensible, the teenager’s testimony was not believable. This means the 34 year old does not have to register as a sex offender.

The House Criminal Justice Committee approves a bill to extend domestic violence protections to sex-same couples. Jody Fortunato with the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office says they are running into problems handling felony domestic abuse charges against same sex couples….
cut 14 (08) “…can’t use it”
The panel also approved a bill that would put couples who are dating under the state’s domestic violence laws.

Revelers from all over the world are in Lafayette as the Festival International de Louisiane kicks off today. Kelly Strenge with the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Bureau says there will be entertainers from as far away as Europe and Africa…:
Cut 4 (07) “entertain you”
Strenge says atendees can even expect to see some big lcoal names, like Marc Broussard.

Two teachers in St. Landry Parish have been arrested for allegedly bullying an 11-year-old student. Emelie Gunn has more…
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Three men have been charged on dog fighting charges in Webster Parish and 30 dogs have been rescued. Deputies were tipped off after they received allegations from an Atlanta-based group that investigates such cases. The booking report says many of the dogs were malnourised and several were restrained with heavy logging chains.

The American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2017 Report Card for Louisiana Infrastructure gives the State a D+ for its roads, bridges and drinking water. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The state Senate approves a bill that would remove the life sentence without parole for people convicted of crimes they committed when they were juveniles. It was amended that juvenile convicts come up for parole after 25 years behind bars instead of 30, provided they have good behavior. The measure now heads to the House.

A House panel approved two bills yesterday that would expand who is covered under domestic violence laws. One measure by New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno would include couples who are dating. She says currently the laws only apply to couples who are living together or married. She says 41 other states cover dating partners in criminal laws:
Cut 15 (07) “in our laws”
The other measure headed to the full House would include same sex couples.

The Festival International de Louisiane is underway in Lafayette. The celebration draws 300,000 visitors every year from all over the world. Kelly Strenge with the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Bureau says in addition to an incredible musical lineup, there’s no shortage of shopping
Cut 6 (09) “type of merchandise”
Visit festivalinternational.org for additional information.

A House panel approves two bills that would extend domestic violence protections to include more couples. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

The state’s roads, bridges and drinking water receive a D+ rating on the 2017 Report Card for Louisiana Infrastructure produced by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Executive Director of the project, Dr. Kam Movassaghi (Mo-vuh-sah-gee), says this is not acceptable…:
Cut 11 (07) “protected neighborhood”

Authorities in St. Landry Parish have arrested two Washington Elementary School teachers for allegedly bullying a student. 44-year-old Ann Shelvin and 50-year-old Tracy Gallow are the suspects. Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says the two allegedly encouraged students to fight an 11-year-old classmate, and a video showed Gallow being abusive herself…:
Cut 8 (08) “old child”
Shelvin faces multiple charges including, contributing to child delinquency, as does Gallow, who received charges of simple battery and intimidation.

The Festival International de Louisiane is underway in Lafayette, and festival-goers are lining up to enjoy the festivities from all over the world. Kelly Strenge with the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Bureau says attendance is free, and they even have free parking at the Cajun Dome…:
Cut 5 (10) “to the festival”
Visit festivalinternational.org for additional information.

D+ is the grade Louisiana gets on its roads, bridges and drinking water on a report card by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Executive Director of the project, Dr. Kam Movassaghi (Mo-vuh-sah-gee) says there are several bills filed for the session that could help address these problems, but that means getting the legislature to shell out more money:
CUT 12 (09) “function better”
Louisiana’s lowest scores are in drinking water and inland waterways, with D- ratings, while roads, bridges, and coastal waters earned D and D+ scores.

The judge in the case of the teacher from Destrehan High who was on trial for having sex with a student said that the youth’s testimony was not truthful or consistent. 34-year-old Shelley Dufresne was acquitted in the Jefferson Parish courtroom. She pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of obscenity in St. Charles Parish in 2015, and in each instance avoids having to register as a sex offender.

Two teachers in St. Landry Parish have been arrested for allegedly bullying an 11-year-old student. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Revelers from all over the world are in Lafayette as the Festival International de Louisiane kicks off today. Kelly Strenge with the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Bureau says there will be entertainers from as far away as Europe and Africa…:
Cut 4 (07) “entertain you”
The fest runs through Sunday.

Louisiana’s roads, bridges and drinking water receive a D+ rating on the 2017 Report Card for Infrastructure produced by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Executive Director of the project is Dr. Kam Movassaghi (Mo-vuh-sah-gee)…:
10 (10) “of failure”
He hopes the legislature considers this report during discussions on bills that could help address these problems.

A measure approved in House Criminal Justice would include same sex couples in domestic abuse laws. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle supports the proposal…:
Cut 13 (06) “for prosecution”

A Jefferson Parish judge found former Destrehan high school teacher Shelley Dufresne not guilty on charges of unlawful carnal knowledge of a juvenile for allegedly having sex with a student. This means she doesn’t have to register as a sex offender.

Authorities in St. Landry Parish have arrested two Washington Elementary School teachers for allegedly bullying a student. Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says 44-year-old Ann Shelvin would tell an 11-year-old student to fight her classmates or receive a failing grade…:
Cut 7 (08) “other kids”
He says Shelvin’s teacher’s aid, 50-year-old Tracy Gallow, also encouraged students to fight the young girl. They’re both looking at serious charges.

The same week 13 UL-Lafayette players were arrested on similar charges, an LSU offensive lineman is also indefinitely suspended from his team for allegedly committing simple burglary of an apartment. Adrian Magee is accused of taking items ranging from an XBox to Gucci flip flops and $1200 cash.

The House Education Committee advances a measure that would ban corporal punishment in public schools. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton who says there is no proof that spanking a student changes behavior…:
CUT 11 (10) “in 2011″
The bill heads to the House floor.

Another measure heading to the House floor would limit first-time opioid prescriptions to a 7-day supply…
Voicer 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

A bill that would ban so-called sanctuary city policies barely passed out the House Criminal Justice Committee. Chairman Sherman Mack broke a 7-7 tie by casting the final “yes” vote. Denham Springs Representative Valarie Hodges says her measure isn’t about discrimination, but putting America first. She says she raised her children in Mexico for 18 years…
Cut 13 (11) “of law”
The legislation targets New Orleans, because it’s police force has a policy that prohibits officers from questioning the immigration status of individuals who commit or report a crime. Researcher with the Jesuit Social Research Institute at Loyola University Sue Weishar….
Cut 16 (06) “public trust”
A lengthy debate on the House floor on this issue is expected as early as next week.

LSU Head Football Coach Ed Orgeron announced today that offensive lineman Adrian Magee of Franklinton has been indefinitely suspended for a violation of team rules. A police report shows Magee was arrested earlier this month for felony burglary. He also allegedly stole cash, an X-Box, apparel, but later returned some of the items.

13 UL Lafayette football players were arrested for allegedly breaking into a dorm room and stealing several items totaling 24-hundred dollars. Lt. Billy Abrams with campus police says the student-athletes are charged with conspiracy to commit felony theft…
cut 4 (08) “…that were stolen”
Football Coach Mark Hudspeth has suspended the 13 players from the team indefinitely. He apologized for the players actions and said they expect a higher standard from their student-athletes.

Tonight’s contest between nationally ranked baseball teams in Lafayette has been postponed to May 10th as a result of impending weather. UL Lafayette and McNeese State were scheduled to play tonight at Russo Park.

Earlier today it was Northwestern State over Mississippi Valley State 14-0. The Demons beat the Delta Devils by a combined score of 25-1 over two days.

Tonight, Nicholls is at Southern.

LSU left today for Tuscaloosa. The Tigers begin a three-game series at Alabama tomorrow night. The Bayou Bengals lost to Tulane last night nine to six. That’s four straight wins for the Green Wave in the series. The latest NCAA Tournament projection by D-1 baseball, does not have LSU hosting a regional, instead going to West Virginia.

In NFL news…former saints guard Jahri Evans has reportedly signed with the Green Bay Packers. The 33-year-old played his previous eleven seasons in New Orleans.