The IRS reports the average federal tax refund so far is down eight percent from 2018, as filers are nabbing about 170 dollars less. The lower refund is the result of the GOP tax reform legislation that went into effect last year. But Frank Holzenthal, with the Louisiana CPA Society, says the lower refund is offset in most cases by higher take home pay during the year…
Cut 10 (11) “…more taxes”

The 19th ranked LSU basketball team pulled off the upset last night as the Bayou Bengals beat 5th ranked Kentucky 73-71 on tip in at the buzzer by Kavell Bigby Williams. Tigers Coach Will Wade felt good about his team’s chances heading into the game…
cut 30 (13) “…confident”
The Tigers are 20-4.

Rapides Parish Sheriff William Earl Hilton announces his sixth term as sheriff will be his last as he will not pursue re-election. Hilton, whose father also served as a sheriff, has grown up around law enforcement, and says the decision to leave the profession was not an easy one.
Cut 7 (11) “…like to do.”
Hilton began his first term as sheriff in 1992 and this is second time he’s retired. But he says this one will stick.

President of the 5th Louisiana Levee District Reynold Minsky says he’s concerned about the rising Mississippi River. But Minsky says the only place that may see overtopping of the levee system is in Tensas Parish…
cut 15 (09) “…on the outside”