The 2017 regular session comes to a close tomorrow, and Capitol observers say not much was accomplished. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says the state has been dealing with budget deficits for the last decade, and this was supposed to be the year to address the problem.

Cut 10 (11) “hurt us”

Erwin says a special session is imminent to address a looming fiscal cliff.

A measure heading to the governor’s desk prohibits colleges from asking students about their criminal history on an application. Syrita Steib-Martin was incarcerated at 19. Once released, she applied to the University of New Orleans where she checked the felon box on her application.

Cut 12 (09) “institution”
Budget negotiations continue at the Capitol, but the House and Senate say they plan to fully fund TOPS next fiscal year. Higher Ed Commissioner Joe Rallo says education leaders are still holding their breath until the session ends tomorrow evening. He says funding TOPS gives students some certainty, but its possible scholarship recipients will pay some money towards tuition costs.

Cut 4 (10) “70 percent”

Rallo says all of the uncertainty surrounding TOPS and higher ed funding in Louisiana could impact enrollment numbers. He says other states like Mississippi, Texas, and Alabama are trying to recruit Louisiana students.

Cut 5 (10) “on it”

South Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins stands by his controversial Facebook post saying all conceivable means must be taken to hunt down radical Islamic terrorists. He says we cannot take these threats lightly, and force must be used to protect U.S. citizens…:
Cut 5 (13) “in the head”
The back and forth between the House and Senate continues over the budget with the legislative session ending tomorrow at 6pm. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says nothing is predictable at this point..:
Cut 7 (10) “fighting about”
Like cuts to health care services, colleges, state prisons and child welfare.

A bill on its way to be signed by the governor would prevent a college from asking an applicant about their criminal history. Michelle Southern has more…
Voicer 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

Drug felons would be able allowed to receive food stamps once released from prison under a bill heading to Governor Edwards desk. It’s part of the governor’s plan to reduce the state’s prison population. LSU Criminologist Doctor Peter Scharf says this bill is a step in that direction….
cut 25 (07) “….recidivating”

Budget negotiations continue as state lawmakers must complete their work by 6 PM tomorrow night or a special session will begin later that night. Governor Edwards opposes the House’s budget plan, but political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says that likely won’t affect what the House decides to do…
cut 8 (08) “….on spending”
The House plan calls for cuts to health care, public colleges, state prisons and child welfare.

Colleges will no long ask prospective students during the application process about their criminal history under legislation that’s received final passage. Syrita Steib-Martin knows from first-hand experience a university will deny your admission if you say you’re a felon….
cut 13 (09) “…life over”
Schools can still ask if an applying student was convicted of stalking, rape or sexual battery.

Congressman Clay Higgins stands by his Facebook post that said “every conceivable measure” should be used to hunt down and kill anyone suspected of being an Islamic radical. Some have said statements like that from elected officials could be used as propaganda by terrorists to fuel radicalization. But the St. Landry Parish Republican isn’t buying that…:
CUT 4 (13) “how mad can we make them?”
He believes this is about prioritizing national security and protecting American lives.

The bond has been increased for the Denham Springs man accused of killing a massage therapist from Baton Rouge during a house call. 25-year-old Christopher Landry is charged with second degree murder in the death of 24-year-old Kayla Ann Denham. Bond was raised this morning from $175,000 to $250,000.

Congressman Clay Higgins stands by his controversial Facebook post saying all conceivable means must be taken to hunt down radical Islamic terrorists. He says in the post not a single radicalized Islamic suspect should be granted any measure of quarter. The Republican from St. Landry Parish says probable cause could result in search warrants that could lead to an arrest.
cut 3 (13) “in jail”
Higgins says the US should air strike known terrorists training camps.

A state judge has increased the bond for a man who allegedly killed a massage therapist who visited his Livingston Parish home. Twenty-five-year-old Christopher Landry of Denham Springs is in jail on a 250-thousand dollar bond. His bond was initially set for 175-thousand dollars. He’s facing charges related to the death of 24-year-old Kayla Denham of Baton Rouge.

Universities would not be allowed to ask about a student’s criminal history during the application process under legislation heading to the governor’s desk. Syrita Steib-Martin spent nine years in jail on a theft charge and was denied admission by UNO after checking a box that said she was a convicted felon. Steib-Martin says if that box is removed, recidivism rates will drop…
cut 14 (08) “….Bachelor’s”

Eunice Police arrest a 17-year-old in connection with two separate shootings that left two adults and one child injured. Chief Randy Fontenot says the 7-year-old was an unintended victim in a drive-by and then three hours later, there was another shooting….
cut 10 (10) “…the same shooter”
Jamie Ned of Eunice faces five counts of attempted first-degree murder.

A Louisiana congressman stands by statements he made on Facebook saying terrorists should be hunted down. Jeff Palermo has more…:
Cut 1 (26) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The back and forth between the House and Senate continues over the budget with the legislative session ending tomorrow at 6pm. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says negotiations are expected to be positive but nothing is predictable at this point..:
Cut 7 (10) “fighting about”

A measure heading to the governor’s desk would prohibit colleges from asking students about their criminal history when filling out an application. Syrita Steib-Martin says she was incarcerated at 19 when she got involved with a gang. She says once released, she applied to the University of New Orleans where she checked the felon box on her application.
Cut 12 (09) “…institution.”
Martin believes if that box was removed, the recidivism rate drops significantly.

The Eunice Police Department says they’ve arrested a teenager in a bizarre series of criminal acts including a 7-year-old passerby being shot and injured. Chief Randy Fontenot says the first shooting happened around 8pm Tuesday when 17-year-old Jamie Ned allegedly shot at a car:
Cut 9 (10) “shot him in the hip”
When combined with a later shooting, Ned is charged with five counts of attempted first-degree-murder.

With only two days left in the legislative session, lawmakers need to come to an agreement on a 28-billion dollar spending plan for next fiscal year. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the House does not want to spend all the money that’s been recognized by the Revenue Estimating Conference, but the Senate does. He says it’s all about negotiations now…:
Cut 6 (09) “side does”
Governor John Bel Edwards has voiced his disapproval of the House’s latest budget plan.

Congressman Clay Higgins stands by his controversial Facebook post saying all conceivable means must be taken to hunt down radical Islamic terrorists. He says we cannot take these threats lightly, and force must be used to protect U.S. citizens…:
Cut 5 (13) “in the head”

Drug felons will soon be eligible to receive food stamps upon their release from jail. LSU School of Public Health criminologist Dr. Peter Scharf says this takes away one of the obstacles that prevents offenders from reentering society…:
Cut 13 (09) “are taken away”
The measure finally passed on a 67 to 26 vote in the House and has the support of the governor.

The bond has been increased for the Denham Springs man accused of killing a massage therapist from Baton Rouge during a house call. 25-year-old Christopher Landry is charged with second degree murder in the death of 24-year-old Kayla Ann Denham. Bond was raised this morning from $175,000 to $250,000.

Congressman Clay Higgins stands by his Facebook post that said “every conceivable measure” should be used to hunt down and kill anyone suspected of being an Islamic radical. Some have said statements like that from elected officials could be used as propaganda by terrorists to fuel radicalization. But the St. Landry Congressman isn’t buying that…:
CUT 25 (13) “how mad can we make them?”
He believes this is about prioritizing national security and protecting American lives.

The bond has been increased for the Denham Springs man accused of killing a massage therapist from Baton Rouge during a house call. 25-year-old Christopher Landry is charged with second degree murder in the death of 24-year-old Kayla Ann Denham. Bond was raised this morning from $175,000 to $250,000.

U.S. Senator John Kennedy supports a bill in Congress to reduce federal excise taxes on small breweries. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The Eunice Police Department is reportedly investigating an incident that resulted in a 7-year-old being shot and injured. They believe a gunman was aiming at a vehicle, but struck the child instead. The juvenile was taken to a local hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. Cops say there were reportedly two other people shot shortly after and it’s believed the incidents are connected.