9:30 LRN Newscast

The state’s sales tax rate is 4.45-percent one of the highest in the country. During the first televised gubernatorial debate, the candidates were asked about reducing the state sales tax back to four-percent now that the state has a surplus of money. Governor Edwards says the additional .45 percent should remain for now…
cut 6 (06) “…came out of”
But Edwards’ republican challengers, Ralph Abraham and Eddie Rispone, say it’s time to lower the state’s sales tax rate.

In a recent TV ad, Rispone criticized the Edwards administration for the criminal justice reforms approved by the legislature in 2017. But Republican Metairie Senator Danny Martiny says the reforms have been good and cost-effective…
cut 8 (08) “…the jail”
The Department of Corrections reported nearly 18 million dollars in savings in the last fiscal year due to the reforms.

The state health department reports only a handful of human West Nile virus cases, 12 this year compared to 79 at this time last year. State Epidemiologist Raoult Ratard says heavy rainfall this past spring may have helped reduce the mosquito population.
Cut 10 (11) “…mosquitos.”
Ratard still urges residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

A hazing prevention summit takes place this afternoon in Baton Rouge. The event will feature a special message from the parents of Max Gruver, the LSU student who died as a result of fraternity hazing. Board of Regents spokesperson Meg Casper Sunstrom says since Gruver’s death anti-hazing policies have been put in place…
Cut 5 (11) “…to be interactive.”
Sunstrom says bringing awareness to the dangers of hazing is just the first step in the fight against the activity.