Legislation to extend the state’s film tax credit incentive through 2035 passes in the lower chamber. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Natchitoches Police Department is investigating the murder of a 16-year-old who was found with multiple gunshot wounds after crashing into a tree Monday night. The vehicle was located in the 1400 block of Stella Street with heavy front-end damage. Two additional minors were also injured and transported to a nearby hospital. The investigation is ongoing. 

A proposed law that would triple the salary of members of the Louisiana legislature is being discussed in House Governmental Affairs today. In an interview on “Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster”, Gretna Representative Joe Marino – the bill’s author – says lawmakers have not received a raise since 1980 and the salary is too low for the time and commitment…

Cut 9 (11)  “…in the session.”

If the bill is approved, it will go into effect in 2024.

A measure that would prohibit drivers from using a hand-held cell phone while driving was approved by the House Transportation Committee. In opposition to the bill, John Swisher, a professional tow truck driver, says the bill will makes it harder for him to do his job…:

Cut 13 (12) “…right then and there.” 

Supporters of the bill believe passing the bill will help cut down on distracted drivers which means fewer accidents.  The panel voted 5-4 to move the bill to the House floor.

A bill that would ban drivers from using a hand-held cell phone while driving clears its first hurdle in the Legislature…:

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Minden Police are searching for two suspects who attempted to steal a car and struck a 9-year-old girl while attempting to getaway. The owner of the vehicle stopped at Love’s Truck Stop near I-20 in Minden. Two suspects approached the vehicle and attempted to steal it but the owner was able to stop the theives. The child was rushed to a Shreveport hospital where she was treated for her injuries and is now in stable condition.

Legislation to increase the salary of Louisiana lawmakers from $16,800 to $60,000 will be heard in House Governmental Affairs today. In an interview on “Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster”, the bill’s author, Gretna Representative Joe Marino says Governor Edwards is in agreeance with the bill but:…

Cut 7 (08) “…calls for.”

If the bill is approved, lawmakers will see an increase in pay in 2024. 

Legislation that would extend the state’s film tax credit program and encourage more movies and television shows to be filmed in Louisiana passes in the House on a 74-24 vote. . Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo says if the bill is passed it will continue to generate revenue for Louisiana.

Cut  16 (11)  “…gas revenues.” 

The legislation renews the current tax credit through 2035. The bill is authored by Representative Clay Schexnayder the Speaker of the House. The bill heads to a Senate Committee.

The Louisiana Department of Health has released a report on the state’s 951 community water systems. 67-percent received an A-or-B grade, while 15-percent were graded with a D or F. New Iberia Senator Fred Mills …
cut 5 (11) “….they’re doing”
Mills encourages poor performing water systems to consolidate with another water system to improve sustainability.

Gretna Representative Joe Marino’s bill that would nearly quadruple the annual pay of state lawmakers receives a hearing in the House Government Affairs Committee today. Marino says the annual pay of $16,800 is too low for a time consuming job…
cut 9 (11) “….in the session”
If approved, the pay hike would go into effect next year.

The House Transportation Committee approves a bill that would prohibit a driver from handling a cell phone while behind the wheel. Jennifer Smith with stop-distractions-dot-org says 65-percent of Louisiana drivers are guilty of distracted driving, via using a cell phone behind the wheel…
cut 11 (09) “….helmet laws”
Several survivors of crash victims testified how a person distracted by their phone caused the death of a loved one. Speaking against the bill was Alexandria attorney Ed Tarpley, who says state law has already intruded too much into people’s personal lives…:
Cut 12 (13) “…several years ago.”
The measure passed House Transportation on a five to four vote, and heads to the House floor for more discussion.

A bill to extend the state’s film tax credit program from 2025 to 2035 receives approval in the House. Opponents say the 150-million dollar tax credit program does not provide the state with a great return on investment, but New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry disagrees…
cut 15 (12) “…health insurance”
The measure heads to the Senate, but the Louisiana Film Entertainment Association is not happy with an amendment that reduces the tax credit over time.

A bill to increase the annual pay of lawmakers from 16,800 to 60-thousand dollars receives a hearing in the House Governmental Affairs Committee today. Gretna Representative Joe Marino has talked with other legislators about his proposal….
cut 8 (06) “…..the House”
Governor Edwards has also indicated he supports the bill.

A bill to ban the hand-held use of a cell phone while driving passes its first hurdle in the legislature as the House Transportation Committee passed the legislation on a five to four vote. In support was Jennifer Smith, with “StopDistractions.org”, who says this proposed law will mean fewer car crashes…:
Cut 10 (10) “…in distracted driving.”
An opponent to the legislation called it a money grab for police departments. The discussion will continue on the House floor.

There’s a lot of discussion about quality drinking water in the state, so how many water systems are actually below average…
cut 6 (09) “….five percent of the population”
That’s Louisiana Department of Health Engineer Amanda Ames, who says a low grade does not mean that water is unsafe to drink but steps should be taken to improve the water system.

A measure that would triple Louisiana lawmakers’ salaries beginning next year will be heard in House Governmental Affairs today.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Teiko Foxx.”

During an appearance at the Baton Rouge Press Club, Governor Edwards was asked about LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey’s push for a new or vastly improved PMAC. Edwards says he doesn’t blame Mulkey for wanting a better arena, but…
cut 27 (04) “…new library’

A bill to extend the state’s film tax credit passes in the House. The legislation renews the current tax credit for a decade when the current incentive expires in July of 2025. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the incentive has a $6 return on investment for every dollar spent, but Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson says an independent study shows the ROI is only 23 cents.
Cut 14 (10) “…Louisiana either.”
House Bill 562 was approved 74-24 and heads to the Senate, but Louisiana Film Entertainment Association doesn’t like an amendment added to the bill that makes the tax credit less lucrative over time.

It takes money to improve water systems and a new report from the Louisiana Department of Health finds 15-percent of the state’s water systems or 138 of them received a D or F grade…
cut 4 (11) “….with information”
That’s State Health officer Doctor Joseph Kanter. Health department officials estimate it will cost nine billion dollars over the next two decades to upgrade water systems.

A measure that would triple Louisiana lawmaker’s salaries beginning next year will be heard in House Governmental Affairs today. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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This year’s attempt to ban hand-held cell phone use while driving clears its first hurdle in the Legislature…:

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Legislation to extend the state’s film tax credit incentive for ten years passes in the lower chamber but without some drama on the House floor. Brooke Thorington has the scene.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The State Health Department releases the grades of more than 900 community water systems in Louisiana. The data is a culmination of 2021 legislation for the accountability and transparency of community water systems. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says residents have a right to clean and safe drinking water.

Cut 4 (11)  “…with information.”

New Iberia Senator Fed Mills who authored the Community Drinking Water Accountability Rule, encourages you to look at your local water systems grade, and if it’s failing or close to it, ask your local government how they are addressing it…

Cut 5 (11)   “…they’re doing.”

Mills says you should also look at the grades of nearby water systems because depending on their grade, consolidation of water systems might be the best option.

LDH Chief Engineer Amanda Ames led the implementation of the project and they will publish water-grade systems annually on May 1^st. She says 65 percent of water systems received an A or B grade and 15 percent.

Cut 6 (09)  “…population.”

Grades for 951 community water systems can be found at ldh.la.gov/watergrade.

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Legislation to increase the annual salary of members of the legislature from $16,800 to $60,000 will be heard in House Governmental Affairs today. Lawmakers have not received a raise since 1980. In an interview on “Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster”, Gretna Representative Joe Marino – the bill’s author – says Governor Edwards is on board, however:…

Cut 7 (08) “…calls for.”

Marino says the governor believes the annual legislative pay should be raised to 50 thousand dollars.

The proposed law would also increase the annual salary for the president of the Senate and the speaker of the House of Representatives from $32,000 to $114,000. The Independent lawmaker says the biggest hurdle will be faced in the lower chamber…

Cut 8 (06) “…the House.”

The bill would also increase the salary for the president pro tempore of the Senate and the speaker pro tem of the House of Representatives from $24,500 to $87,400. Marino says the pay is too low for as much time as it takes to do an effective job…

Cut 9 (11)  “…in the session.”

If the bill is approved, it will go into effect next year.

____________________________________________________

A bill to ban hand-held use of a cell phone while driving passes its first hurdle in the legislature. The House Transportation Committee heard Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s bill Monday. In support was Jennifer Smith, with safety activist group “StopDistractions.org”, who says passing the bill into law will mean fewer car crashes…:

Cut 10 (10) “…in distracted driving.” 

Smith tells committee members 65 percent of all Louisiana drivers are guilty of distracted driving, via using a cell phone behind the wheel…:

Cut 11 (09)  “…seat belt and helmet laws.”

Several survivors of crash victims testified how a person distracted by their phone caused the death of a loved one. Speaking against the bill was Alexandria attorney Ed Tarpley, who says state law has already intruded too much into people’s personal lives…:

Cut 12 (13)    “…several years ago.” 

Also opposed to the bill, John Swisher, a professional tow truck driver, who characterized the measure as an attempted “money grab” that makes it harder for him to do his job…:

Cut 13 (12) “…right then and there.” 

After over an hour of discussion, the panel voted 5-4 to move the bill to the House floor.

________________________________________

A bill to extend the state’s film tax credit passes in the House. The legislation renews the current tax credit for a decade when the current incentive expires in July of 2025. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the incentive has a $6 return on investment for every dollar spent, but Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson says the ROI is only 23 cents.

Cut 14 (10)  “…Louisiana either.”

New Orleans Representative Mandy Landry says the film industry is not only important to her district but also to those Louisiana residents whose livelihood depends on the entertainment industry.

Cut 15 (12)  “…health insurance.”

Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo says he doesn’t believe the ROI that Nelson referred to is accurate, he says it’s underestimated especially when you look at the money a production spends locally, for example; hotels, restaurants, catering, dry cleaning, and more.

Cut  16 (11)  “…gas revenues.” 

The bill to continue the $150 million annual cap on the Film Tax credit passed in the House on a 74-24 vote and heads to a Senate Committee.

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The top-ranked LSU baseball team is in Hammond tonight to face a struggling Southeastern Louisiana team. The Lions are 19-21 overall, and in last place in the Southland with a 4-11 record. Tigers Coach Jay Johnson says S-L-U are speedsters on the base paths…

Cut 17 (12) “…of offense.”

The Lions have only 24 home runs, but they have 89 stolen bases. In 2014, when LSU visited Southeastern, 37 hundred fans were in attendance and Johnson is expecting another big crowd…

Cut 18 (19) “…they’ll beat you.”

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Cut 19 (17) “      play the game“

Cut 20 (13)  “… right now”  

The House Appropriations is taking a different approach to funding proposed teacher pay raises. Chairman Jerome Zeringue says instead of providing more money in the state budget, the panel proposes using state funds to pay down debt in the teacher retirement system, freeing up funds for local school systems to give teachers a raise.

Cut 12 (04) “…those funds.” 

The committee sent a proposed budget to the House floor that does NOT contain 197 million dollars in K-through-12 teacher pay raises. It also has fewer dollars for higher education and early childhood education than the governor proposed. While speaking to the Baton Rouge Press Club, Governor Edwards got word of what House Republicans are proposing…

Cut 13 (08) “…in the process.” 

A bill to extend the state’s film tax credit passes in the House. The legislation renews the current tax credit for a decade when the current incentive expires in July of 2025. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the incentive has a $6 return on investment for every dollar spent, but Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson says the ROI is only 23 cents.

Cut 14 (11)  “…Louisiana either.”

New Orleans Representative Mandy Landry says the film industry is not only important to her district but also to those Louisiana residents whose livelihood depends on the entertainment industry.

Cut 15 (12)  “…health insurance.”

The bill to continue the $150 million annual cap on the Film Tax credit passed in the House on a 74-24 vote and heads to a Senate Committee.

The search is on for the hit-and-run driver who struck and killed a bicyclist last weekend in St. Landry Parish. State Police Trooper Tom Gossen says it happened Friday night on state Highway 93 near Sunset…:

CUT 09  (11)        “…in the ditch.”

59-year-old Randy Thibodeaux is the victim. Gossen says they seek a 2013-to-2015 Honda Accord 2-door; metallic colored or gray. Call State Police with any tips.

The website MoneyGeek places 3 Louisiana cities among the nation’s Ten Most Dangerous; using 2021 FBI crime data. LSU New Orleans criminologist Dr. Peter Scharf says it needs to be addressed or it will just balloon…:

CUT 06  (05)        “…lost cities.”

New Orleans ranks 8^th, Shreveport 9^th and Baton Rouge 10^th.

Owners of Mandina’s Restaurant in New Orleans decided to reopen today; three days after one of their employees was gunned down outside the restaurant Friday evening…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Teiko Foxx.”

The popular retail chain Tuesday Morning announces they are closing all their locations – including stores across Louisiana – within the next few weeks. “Going Out of Business” signs are already posted at most locations and prices are chopped by 30-percent or more. Tuesday Morning has been in business for nearly 50 years.

At the State Capitol, discussion of a different way to put more money in the hands of school teachers. The idea? Instead of putting cash into raises, paying down debt in the teachers’ retirement system; freeing up funds for local school systems to give teachers a raise. While speaking to the Baton Rouge Press Club, Governor Edwards got word of what House Republicans are proposing…:

CUT 13(08)      “…in the process.”

The proposed budget sent to the House floor does NOT include million for the teacher pay raises Edwards asked for.

Lawmen in St. Landry Parish seek the person who hit and killed a bicyclist, then drove away. State Police Troop I spokesman Thomas Gossen says based on evidence collected at the scene, they are seeking a metallic-colored or gray Honda Accord 2-door, likely model year 2013-to-2015…:

CUT 11(12)      “…law enforcement agency.”

The victim is ID’ed as 59-year-old Randy Thibodaux of Sunset.

New Orleans, Shreveport, and Baton Rouge rank 8^th, 9^th, and 10^th in MoneyGeek’s list of America’s Most Dangerous Cities. Brooke Thorington reports…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Thorington.”

IN New Orleans, the famous Mandina’s restaurant, on Canal Street, has reopened after one of their waiters was gunned down in front of the eatery last Friday night. The Louisiana Restaurant Association is assisting Mandina’s staff by connecting them with trauma counseling services.

Three days after an employee was fatally shot, owners of Mandina’s Restaurant resumed business today. NOPD Superintendent Michelle Woodfork says officers are searching for two individuals involved in the incident that killed twenty-three-year-old Hilbert Walker III and injured a female victim from Chicago who was dining inside the restaurant.

Cut 5 (04) “…active investigation.”

Mandina owners says this has impacted restaurant owners across the city.

MoneyGeek’s Top Ten List of the Most Dangerous Cities in the Country includes three of the state’s major cities.  New Orleans ranked 8^th in the study, followed by Shreveport and Baton Rouge. LSU Health New Orleans Criminologist Dr. Peter Scharf says says you have to look at the political response to crime from both the state and local governments.

Cut 8 (11)  “…been here.” 

St. Louis ranked number one on the list of the most dangerous cities.

Louisiana State Troopers are searching for a driver who hit and killed a bicyclist, on LA 93 near Sunset and fled the scene. Spokesman Thomas Gossen 59-year-old Randy Thibodeaux was located in a ditch alongside the highway Sunday by a family member who’d been searching for him…:

Cut 10 (12) “…let us know.” 

Authorities are looking for a 2 door metallic-colored or gray Honda Accord, around 2013-15 model…:

The House Appropriations Committee is taking a different approach to funding proposed teacher pay raises. Chairman Jerome Zeringue says instead of providing more money in the state budget for teacher pay raises, the panel proposes using state funds to pay down debt in the teacher retirement system, freeing up funds for local school systems to give teachers a raise

Cut 12 (04) “…those funds.” 

The House Appropriations Committee sent a proposed budget to the House floor that does NOT contain 197 million dollars in K-through-12 public school teacher pay raises