The Washington Post is reporting the DOJ will not charge the Baton Rouge police officers accused of fatally shooting Alton Sterling last July…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

There have been a few small demonstrations and protests popping up since the leaked report was released. About 15 people gathered in front of the Baton Rouge Police headquarters. Much of the outrage at this point including from the mayor is due to the news leaking before the Sterling family was informed.

Leaders of state agencies are urging lawmakers not to cut their budgets, as the spending plan heading to the House floor is $237 million less than the governor’s budget proposal. The Louisiana Department of Health is facing a $235 million cut. Secretary Rebekah Gee says that means programs like school-based health centers, Zika defenses, and in-patient psychiatric treatment would be eliminated…:
Cut 7 (07) “does not exist”
DCFS is facing cuts and so is the Department of Corrections.

There is another flash flood watch in effect for almost the entire state from 10am this morning through just before sunrise tomorrow, as severe storms move through the state. Rain amounts of 3 to 6 inches are expected in some areas that are still trying to dry out from Sunday’s downpour.

The Washington Post reports the U.S. Department of Justice will not charge the two Baton Rouge Police officers who were involved in the shooting death of Alton Sterling last July. Legal analyst Tim Meche says the D-O-J’s ruling is consistent with the opinion of many lawyers he’s spoken with…
cut 13 (11) “…his pocket”
Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry can still investigate this case to see if state charges apply.

Three bills that seek to reduce Louisiana’s highest-in-the-nation incarceration rate were approved by a Senate committee today. The proposed laws would shorten sentences for some non-violent offenders and expand opportunities for probation and parole. Edwards’ says changes are needed, because the state is spending too much money on its prison population.

Democratic New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu has been named a potential 2020 presidential contender by a New York Times Report. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says it’s too early to guess who could be on the ballot. He says Landrieu could be influential in the party but doesn’t have name recognition outside of the Bayou State.
Cut 10 (11) “long shot”

The number of high school students completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the highest in the state’s history. Assistant Superintendent for the Office of Student Opportunity Ken Bradford says students are already at a 51-percent completion rate and the deadline to fill out the form is still two months away…:
Cut 3 (12) “completion rate”
The national average for FAFSA completion is 55-percent.

The Washington Post has learned the Department of Justice will not pursue charges against the Baton Rouge officers involved in the shooting death of Alton Sterling. But there’s nothing official yet from the D-O-J. Sterling was selling C-D’s outside a store last July when two officers went up to him after receiving a report he was threatening someone with a gun. An altercation ensued and Sterling was shot several times after video shows one of the officers apparently yelling, “he’s got a gun.”

Former U-S Attorney Don Cazayoux appeared as a guest on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster and said these difficult investigations take time…
cut 8 (08) “….easy decisions’
Again, nothing official from the Department of Justice, but the Washington Post is reporting officers Blane Salamoni and Howie Lake will not be charged. The governor’s office says they’ve not been notified of a timeline or decision regarding Sterling.

Three criminal justice reform bills supported by Governor John Bel Edwards were approved by a Senate committee. Edwards says the measures attempt to reduce the state’s incarceration rate, which is considered the largest in the nation. The governor says 95-percent of inmates in Louisiana will one day be released from prison, but many go right back in…
cut 13 (05) “….of prison”
Edwards says savings from lowering the incarceration rate can be used to on anti-recidivism courses.

More Louisiana high school students than ever have filled out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Assistant Superintendent for the Office of Student Opportunity Ken Bradford says this assistance covers the cost of attendance, like books and room and board. He also says this financial assistance applies to more than just two and four year colleges.
Cut 5 (09) “truck driving”

A Washington Post report says the Justice Department has decided not to bring charges against the officers involved in the death of Alton Sterling and plans to reveal their decision in the next 24 hours. But report goes on to say that the Sterling family has yet to be informed and it’s still unclear how the department will announce its findings.

State leaders have no idea where the Justice Department is with its decision on the Alton Sterling case. Michelle Southern reports…:
Voicer 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

Three bills that seek to reduce Louisiana’s highest-in-the-nation incarceration rate were approved by a Senate committee today. The proposed laws would shorten sentences for some non-violent offenders and expand opportunities for probation and parole. Edwards’ says changes are needed, because the state is spending too much money on its prison population…
cut 12 (09) “…not less”
A New York Times report names New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu as a possible Presidential candidate in 2020. Landrieu is gaining national attention for his effort to remove four confederate monuments. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says Landrieu leaves office next year and he could be someone that gets involved in national politics…
cut 11 (09) “….Deep South”
But Dubos says it’s unclear what the mayor will do once his second term ends.

Three criminal justice reform bills supported by Governor Bel Edwards were approved by a Senate committee today and the legislation now heads to the Senate floor. Edwards says the measures attempt to reduce the state’s incarceration, which is considered the largest in the nation. The governor says 95-percent of inmates in Louisiana will one day be released from prison, but many go right back in…
cut 13 (05) “….of prison”
Edwards says savings from lowering the incarceration rate can be used to on anti-recidivism courses.

Also at the capitol today, The House Governmental Affairs committee approved a bill that would make it easier to recall elected officials in larger voting districts. That same panel also approved the calling of a constitutional convention to make changes to Louisiana’s constitution where it deals with money issues.

There was speculation the U.S. Department of Justice would issue its decision in the Alton Sterling case today, but there’s been nothing from the DOJ. Civil rights charges could be brought against the Baton Rouge police officers involved in Sterling’s death. Former US Attorney Don Cazayoux says it’s probably been an extensive investigation.
Cut 6 (10) “ballistic evidence”
Cazayoux was a guest on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster
The number of high school seniors in Louisiana applying for federal student aid is at an all time high. Assistant Superintendent for the Office of Student Opportunity Ken Bradford says this is great news because if every student filled out a FAFSA form, millions of dollars would be available for them to go to college…:
Cut 4 (10) “pay back”
The national average for FAFSA completion is 55-percent. With two months before the deadline, Louisiana is already at 51%.

Part of Governor John Bel Edwards’ criminal justice reform package was approved by a Senate Committee today. One bill in his plan would address habitual offenders and more legislation could be created to reinvest savings into anti-recidivism courses. Edwards’ says Louisiana is spending too much money keeping too many people in prison for too long.
Cut 14 (09) “a result”

The governor wanted to change sentencing guidelines for felons, but he says that will be discussed in next year’s session.

Democratic New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu has been named a potential 2020 presidential contender by a New York Times Report. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says it’s too early to guess who could be on the ballot. He says Landrieu could be influential in the party but doesn’t have name recognition outside of the Bayou State.
Cut 10 (11) “long shot”

More Louisiana high school students than ever have filled out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Assistant Superintendent for the Office of Student Opportunity Ken Bradford says this assistance covers the cost of attendance, like books and room and board, whereas TOPS only covers tuition. He also says this financial assistance applies to more than just two and four year colleges.
Cut 5 (09) “truck driving”

An unrestrained teenager died after a crash in St. Landry Parish after hitting a cow that was standing in the road. State Police Sgt. Jared Sandifer says the female victim is identified as 16-year-old Adrian Johnson of Washington…:
Cut 15 (10) “that crash”