A bill that would end state income tax in Louisiana goes before the House Ways & Means Committee today. Republican Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson says his HB 424 would phase out taxes collected on the income of persons, estates, and trusts. Nelson says Louisiana needs this if it wants to compete with neighboring states with NO income tax, like Florida, Texas, and Tennessee…:
Cut 4 (07) “…compared to Louisiana.”
Nelson says the revenue lost would be offset by lowering the homestead exemption on property taxes and eliminating a number of exemptions to the state sales tax.

A bill that will be debated on later in the session is a measure to make Insurance Commissioner an appointed position instead of elected. Gubernatorial candidate Hunter Lundy opposes the legislation…
cut 12 (11) “…the consumer”
Outgoing Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon also opposes the bill.

Shreveport Senator Barry Milligan has legislation that would establish the Center for Safe Schools within the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. Milligan says the center can help schools develop plans to respond to active shooter situations, even during times when students are changing classes…
cut 14 (11) “….save lives”
Milligan says the Center for Safe Schools can also help assist schools and non-profits to apply for grants that can be used to increase security.

We’re less than four months away from qualifying for the statewide elections and only two statewide elected officials are running for re-election, Billy Nungesser and Mike Strain. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says the open statewide elected positions are drawing lots of candidates…
cut 9 (05) “…a position”
Multiple candidates are running for governor, attorney general, Secretary of State and State Treasurer.

Of the seven statewide elected positions in Louisiana, only two are seeking reelection this fall. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says every now and then we see a big shake up when it comes to these positions…
Cut 7 (10) “…little while.”
Only Billy Nungesser and Mike Strain are running for re-election this year.

Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson is running for governor and the House Ways and Means Committee will hear his bill that would get rid of the state income tax. To replace the revenue, Nelson is proposing higher property taxes and doing away with numerous sales tax exemptions….
cut 6 (12) “….looking to do”
Today’s Ways and Means Committee will begin at 9 AM.

Shreveport Senator Barry Milligan wants to make the Louisiana Commission on School and Nonprofit Safety to be permanent. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

New Orleans Senator Gary Carter says he will not move forward with his proposal that would open the door for gun owners to be sued if their gun was stolen from a vehicle and then used in a felony crime. Carter says he’s pulling his bill from consideration because it could result in unintended consequences. Carter says he filed the legislation to address the supply of stolen guns from unlocked vehicles that were later used in murders, armed robberies and other felonies.

A House bill aimed at ending state income tax gets its first hearing by lawmakers today. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 17-year-old male in the fatal shooting of 51-year-old Kevin Chad Camp, who was the girls softball coach at Calvin High School. The teenager has been charged with manslaughter. Calvin High won the Class C title last year and is scheduled to play a playoff game today.

Independent candidate for Governor Hunter Lundy is keeping an eye on what the Louisiana Legislature will do to fix the state’s property insurance crisis. Lundy is concerned lawmakers will approve legislation that will restrict the ability to sue insurance companies….
cut 10 (12) “…unfair.”

After creating a commission to assist schools and nonprofits with guidance and training for crisis management last year, Shreveport Senator Barry Milligan wants to make it a permanent entity, and establish the Center for Safe Schools within the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, and Senate Bill 207 does just that.
cut 13 (11) “…protect ourselves.”
Another reason Milligan says it’s important to have a central point of reference is to assist schools and non-profits with resources and how to apply for grants to increase security.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet has submitted his resignation as it has become public that he’s involved in a bribery scandal. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says this is not a good look for the Edwards administration…:
CUT 10 (11) “…to bribery.”
Federal documents show Montoucet’s signature is on a contract tied to a kickback scheme that’s resulted in one conviction on bribery charges for a man out of Youngsville.

A bill that would end state income tax in Louisiana goes before the House Ways & Means Committee today. The bill is authored by Republican Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson, who says his HB 424 would phase out taxes collected on the income of persons, estates, and trusts. Nelson says Louisiana needs this if it wants to compete with neighboring states with NO income tax, like Florida, Texas, and Tennessee…:
Cut 4 (07) “…compared to Louisiana.”
The bill would phase income taxes out over a four-year period. Nelson says the revenue lost would be offset by lowering the homestead exemption on property taxes and eliminating a number of exemptions to the state sales tax.

Independent candidate for Governor Hunter Lundy is keeping an eye on what the Louisiana Legislature will do to fix the state’s property insurance crisis. Lundy is concerned lawmakers will approve legislation that will restrict the ability to sue insurance companies….
Cut 10 (12) “…unfair.”

Wildlife & Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet has resigned abruptly, after it came to light he is implicated in a federal kickbacks investigation. Court documents show Montoucet’s signature is on a contract tied to a kickback scheme that has resulted in a conviction for a Youngsville man. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s yet another tale of public corruption…:
CUT 11(09) “…it continues.”
Montoucet served in the legislature before being appointed as LDWF Secretary by Governor John Bel Edwards.

A stormy day is expected across Louisiana this afternoon and into tonight. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says the greatest risk for severe weather is north of I-20,…
cut 29 (08) “…heavy rainfall”
Sunday looks like a very nice day.

A rapidly spreading fungus, that can be fatal to some, has the medical community concerned. Brooke Thorington has more…:
CUT 01 (30) “…Thorington.”

The top ranked LSU baseball team lost 13 to 10 last night and the series wraps up at 1 PM today. But again the weather forecast does not look. Also, this afternoon, the LSU gymnastics squad goes after its first national title as they are one of four schools who will compete in today’s NCAA Championships at 3 PM on ABC.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet has submitted his resignation as it has become public that he’s involved in a bribery scandal. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says this is not a good look for the Edwards administration…:
CUT 10 (11) “…to bribery.”
Federal documents show Montoucet’s signature is on a contract tied to a kickback scheme that’s resulted in one conviction on bribery charges for a man out of Youngsville.

The top ranked LSU baseball team lost last night to 12th ranked Kentucky 13 to 10. LSU committed a season-high three errors. Tigers third baseman Tommy White hit his 12th home run, but also committed three errors…
cut 20 (06) “….ourselves”
Final game of the series is today.

Health officials are concerned about a nasty fungus going around, named Candida Auris, which spreads fast and has a high mortality rate. Dr. Fred Lopez says you get it from touching dirty stuff, and when it hits the bloodstream, it can get dangerous…:

CUT 05(12) “…really important.”
Candida auris spreads in healthcare facilities through contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment.

Reaching out to veterans’ organizations to return missing money is the latest push by State Treasurer John Schroder for unclaimed property. The campaign is called “Veterans Cash Claim.” Schroder says they’ve returned close to $280 million since 2017.
Cut 14 (09) “…of Veteran’s Affairs.”
To check if you might have any unclaimed property go to LaCashClaim.org.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet has resigned after allegations of being involved in a bribery scandal. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s important to note Montoucet has not been charged, but you are not sure where the investigation may go…
Cut 12 (11) “…that point.”
Records from the U-S Attorney’s office indicate Montoucet signed a contract for a program set up by a man who has pleaded guilty to federal bribery charges, that would result in an LDWF official receiving an ATV worth 14-thousand dollars upon retirement.

Severe storms are possible in Louisiana later today and into tonight. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says the greatest threat is north of I-20…
cut 27 (07) “…air loft”
Numerous storms are expected in south Louisiana and there’ the potential for heavy rain in southeast Louisiana.

A fungus by the name of Candida Auris is rapidly spreading. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease specialist, Dr. Fred Lopez says it’s also highly resistant to treatment He says it usually infects individuals who are in and out of the hospital, in long-term acute care, and those who use feeding or breathing tubes. He says the mortality rate is between 30 to 60 percent.
Cut 4 (06) “ to prevent it.”
The best way to prevent it is by cleaning and disinfecting the patient care environment.

State Treasurer John Schroder launches a new initiative aimed at helping return unclaimed property to those who served our country. Schroder says Louisiana’s Unclaimed Property staff will help retired and active military men and women file claims in person by reaching out to veteran organizations and attending veterans’ events…
cut 15 (06) “…of Louisiana”
To find out if you have unclaimed property go to Lacashclaim-dot-org.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet has resigned as he’s been implicated in a bribery scandal. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

State Treasurer John Schroder is reaching out to veterans’ organizations in hopes of reuniting them with Unclaimed Property. It’s called the “Veterans Cash Claim.”

Cut 13 (09) “…our programs.”

Visit is LaCashClaim.org

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend you’ve got two festivals to choose from. The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival and for their 51st Anniversary, Director of Sales at Tangipahoa Tourism Emily Matise says there will be tons of berries and a plethora of things to do.

Cut 6 (05)  “…imagine.” 

And over in Scott you’ve got the Boudin Festival. Ms. Scott – Boudin Festival Queen 2023 Emily Chaisson says the festival provides an economic boost for the boudin industry.

Cut 8 (13)  “…can’t wait.” 

Scott is known as the epicenter of the boudin industry in the state and sells over 4 million pounds of boudin each year. Both festivals end on Sunday so there’s a chance to visit both this weekend.

The fungus candida auris is becoming a dangerous public threat in the U.S.  LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease specialist, Dr. Fred Lopez says it’s causing high levels of concern because it is becoming untreatable.

Cut 3 (10) “…treat infections.”

The mortality rate is between 30 to 60 percent and Lopez says there are 50 known cases in Louisiana.

The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival is already underway this weekend. Director of Sales at Tangipahoa Tourism Emily Matise says the festival is one of the state’s largest free events and will continue rain or shine.

Cut 7 (12)  “…Strawberry Festival.” 

The three-day event will be filled with traditions, great entertainment, rides, and loads of family fun! Visit lastrawberryfestival.com

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet has resigned after allegations of being involved in a bribery scandal. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says has not been criminally charged criminally…

Cut 12 (11) “…that point.” 

Records from the U-S Attorney’s office indicate Montoucet signed a contract for a program set up by Guidry, that would result in an LDWF official receiving an ATV worth 14-thousand dollars upon retirement.

Reaching out to veterans’ organizations to return missing money is the latest push by State Treasurer John Schroder for unclaimed property. The campaign is called “Veterans Cash Claim.” Schroder says they’ve returned close to $280 million.

Cut 14 (09)  “…of Veteran’s Affairs.”

To check if you might have any unclaimed property go to LaCashClaim.org

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet has resigned as he is implicated in a bribery scandal. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(32)      “….Palermo.”

A weird story out of Opelousas, where police say a man robbed a local bank Wednesday, then handed the money to another bank employee, asked them to call the cops and waited to be arrested. The 44-year-old man has not been identified. Police say his mental and physical health is being evaluated, while he faces a 1st degree robbery charge.

It’s a big weekend for spring festivals in Louisiana. In Acadiana, there’s the Scott Boudin Festival; celebrating the state’s signature sausage dish. This year’s Boudin Queen, Emily Chaisson, says the festival is one of a kind…:

CUT 08(13)      “…really can’t wait.”

The Scott area sells over 4-million pounds of boudin yearly. For information and a map, go to “Scott BoudinFestival.com”

In Ponchatoula, the 51^st annual Strawberry Festival is underway. Emily Matisse, with Tangipahoa Parish Tourism, says there will be tons of berries to be bought & consumed and a great time to be had by all…:

CUT 06(09)      “…at 9:30.”

Strawberry festival is one the largest FREE events in the state. Second only to Mardi Gras. It all ends Sunday. Go to “LAStrawberryFestival.com” to find out more.