The state House is scheduled to take up measures this week aimed at helping prisoners find work once they are released from jail. Holly Harris, Executive Director for the US Justice Action Network, says one proposal would establish three new reentry courts, which are already in place in Houma, Lake Charles and Livingston. She says these programs are essential to criminals who are trying to get their lives back on track…:
Cut 8 (08) “reentry process”
Another bill would encourage people to become mentors to offenders who are under court supervision.

A man taking part in a triathlon drowned during the event in the Calcasieu River. The Sheriff’s Office says 25-year-old Taurean Blake of Sulphur had just begun the swimming portion of the race when he began to struggle and went under. Attempts to rescue Blake were not successful, but Sgt. Ron Johnson later located him in the water — but it was too late and Blake died at a hospital.

The massive amounts of rainfall Louisiana has experienced in the last month has caused some problems with the corn crop. Emelie Gunn has more…:
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Covington cops say one brother is in jail and the other in the hospital after a fight over a video game resulted in a stabbing. They said 28-year-old Genard Washington and 32-year-old Brandon Washington were arguing in front of the Quick Stop over the game when Genard stabbed his brother five times. The suspect turned himself in and was charged with attempted second degree murder. Brandon Washington is listed in critical, but stable condition.

Only two weeks are left until Tax Day, which means time is running out to file federal taxes. Jeff Palermo has more…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Two elderly women, a mother and daughter, lost their lives in a tragic crash in Tangipahoa Parish over the weekend. State Police say an investigation revealed 72-year-old Rita Adams of Hammond was turning at a stop sign and pulled in front of a truck that struck her vehicle. Adams and her mother, 97-year-old Mytris Jones, also of Hammond, were pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Governor John Bel Edwards announces he’s supporting Democratic Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell for US Senate. UL Lafayette political science professor Pearson Cross says the governor’s endorsement is a big boost for Campbell’s campaign, but it’s still anyone’s race…:

CUT 14 (09) “inside track”

Cross says Edwards endorsement does not bode well for the other prominent Democrat in the race, New Orleans lawyer Caroline Fayard.

Measures seeking to help former inmates reestablish themselves into society are set to be heard on the House floor this week. One bill would create a certificate of employ-ability that ex-felons could show to potential employers. Holly Harris is the Executive Director for the US Justice Action Network, which supports these measures…:
CUT 7 (12) “to prison”

The House will hear three measures this week that seek to help ex-inmates reenter society. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

This season’s corn crop is off to a soggy start after record amounts of rainfall during March. LSU Ag Center corn specialist Dan Fromme says it’s been a challenging year so far. He says we’ve seen rain in excess of 20 inches and some corn fields are still underwater…:
cut 4 (09) “as well”

There are only two weeks left until Tax Day, which is April 18, and time is running out to file federal taxes. IRS Spokesperson Lea Crusberg says usually April 15th is the deadline, but those who like to wait until the last minute have a couple of extra days to work with…:
Cut 10 (10) “this year”
She adds those individuals who live in one of the 30 parishes that have been declared a federal disaster area qualify for an extension and you can get details at IRS.gov.

A 4-year-old from Shreveport is fighting for his life following a tragic accident Sunday afternoon. Cops say the site of the incident indicates the toddler was crossing behind and Ice Cream truck when he was struck by a vehicle traveling along the roadway. The child is in critical condition.

Compliance could be an issue for businesses and vendors as new sales tax laws are now in effect. Jason Decuir, an attorney with Ryan’s tax service, says the many sales tax exemptions that have been temporarily removed are causing problems for those who are in charge of collecting taxes.
CUT 6 (10) “how long”

He says if vendors don’t collect the right amount of taxes, it will cause problems with the state trying to solve the budget deficit.

Seven Louisianans have died in crashes between cars and trains within the last three months. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission urging drivers to always obey alerts at railroad crossings. Spokesperson Mark Lambert says sometimes, motorists get impatient and drive around the railroad crossing arms.
Cut 13 (08) “can’t win”

 
During the month of March Shreveport received 12.8 inches, which is the highest amount since 1945 and Monroe set a record with 24.4 inches of rain. Jason Hansford with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says many bayous and rivers are still at flood stage and the recent rainfall isn’t helping, but…
cut 10 (06) “next week”

He says we likely won’t see these levels again during our lifetime.

Police are looking for a man after a search warrant led to a gruesome discovery in a Slidell home. Sgt. Daniel Seuzeneau with the Slidell Police Department says 31-year-old Joshua Roques is wanted on multiple charges, including cremating human remains, opening graves and mutilating human remains. He says they believe he maybe trying to flee the state.
CUT 5 (09) “Louisiana plates”

With all the new sales tax laws going into effect today, compliance could be a problem. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says seven people have died in crashes between cars and trains within the last three months. Spokesperson Mark Lambert says when you see train tracks always think a train is coming and also don’t pull up too close to the tracks when you’re stopped.
cut 14 (07) “the tracks”

 
In March, both Monroe and Shreveport broke records for rainfall totals. Shreveport received 12.8 inches and Monroe saw 24.4 inches. Jason Hansford with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says we probably won’t see these levels again during our lifetime.
Cut 11 (09) “to go.”

He says there are many bayous and rivers still at flood stage.

Authorities are looking for a man in the New Orleans area after a search warrant led to a horrific discovery of human remains and animal bones in a Slidell home. Sgt. Daniel Seuzeneau with the Slidell Police Department says in 31-year-old Joshua Roques’ home they found ritualistic items unlike anything he’s ever seen.
CUT 3 (12) “animal bones”

Slidell police are looking for a man after a search of his home found human remains and animal bones in a makeshift altar. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Compliance could be a problem for vendors as new sales tax laws are now in effect. Attorney with Ryan’s tax service Jason Decuir says the numerous sales tax exemptions that have been temporarily removed are causing headaches for those who are collecting taxes
CUT 7 (06) “to navigate”

Monroe and Shreveport had historic rainfall totals during the month on March. Shreveport received 12.8 inches, which is the highest amount since 1945 and Monroe set a record with 24.4 inches of rain. Jason Hansford with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says much of this rain fell during the span of a few days.
CUT 9 (10) “day record”

Seven people died in crashes between cars and trains within the last three months in Louisiana. These tragedies have prompted the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission to caution motorists to always obey alerts at railroad crossings. Spokesperson Mark Lambert says for the entire year of 2014, there were seven train related deaths so this increase is alarming…
cut 12 (10) “as well”

Louisiana Radio Network Sports, I’m Emelie Guinn…
The 14th ranked LSU baseball team will play a doubleheader at 1:00 against Auburn. The start of the weekend series was postponed, because of rain. Sophomore pitcher Alex Lange will start game one, while Jared Poche will start game two.LSU is looking for its first SEC series win on the year.

ULM was also rained out last night and they’ll play a doubleheader against South Alabama later today. The Ragin Cajuns fell behind 7-0 and ended up losing to Arkansas State 7-6.

Louisiana Tech couldn’t hold to a one-run lead in the 7th inning and lost to Marshall seven to four. The loss drops the Bulldogs record to 3-4 in Conference USA.
Elsewhere…Texas Southern won easily over Southern 13-5. Grambling remains alone in first place in the SWAC western division as they defeated Arkansas Pine-Bluff seven to one.

 
LSU men’s basketball assistant coach David Patrick is leaving. Patrick will serve in a similar role at T-C-U as he’ll be an assistant for new head coach Jamie Dixon. Patrick was the Tigers top recruiter and helped bring Ben Simmons and Antonio Blakeney to LSU. Simmons is heading to the NBA after one season and Blakeney could join him. Blakeney has entered the NBA draft, but he’s not signing with an agent, so he could return to LSU.
The Saints will reportedly meet with running back Tim Hightower soon and discuss a return to the Black and Gold. The 29-year-old played in eight games for New Orleans last season and rushed for 375 yards and four touchdowns.
Former LSU running back Stevan Ridley announced on Instagram that he has signed to play with the Detroit Lions.
On twitter, UL Lafayette Coach Mark Hudspeth showed off a new helmet for the Cajuns that has a black colored crawfish on a red helmet. It looks really good, but it is apparently an April Fool’s joke.

Compliance could be a problem for businesses and vendors as new sales tax laws are now in effect. Jason Decuir, an attorney with Ryan’s tax service, says if vendors don’t collect the right amount of taxes, it will cause problems with the state trying to solve the budget deficit. He says this is difficult for some businesses, because many haven’t had to collect sales taxes on certain items before.

CUT 8 (09) “of tax”

Decuir says some businesses will find it difficult to collect the right amount of tax.

Seven Louisianans have died in crashes between cars and trains within the last three months. These tragedies have prompted the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission to urge motorists to always obey alerts at railroad crossings. Spokesperson Mark Lambert says don’t get too close to the tracks when you’ve stopped.

cut 14 (07)  “the tracks”

Monroe and Shreveport broke records for rainfall totals during the month on March. Jason Hansford with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says there are many bayous and rivers still at flood stage and the recent rainfall isn’t helping, but…

cut 10 (06)  “next week”

Shreveport received 12.8 inches, and Monroe set a record with 24.4 inches of rain.

Police are searching for a man in the New Orleans area after a search warrant led to a gruesome discovery of human remains and animal bones in a Slidell home. Sgt. Daniel Seuzeneau with the Slidell Police Department says a makeshift altar was surrounded by ritualistic materials, candles, and blood. But he says they do not think the human bones are related to a homicide.

CUT 4 (09)  “very bizarre”

With all the new sales tax laws going into effect today, compliance could be a problem. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Meanwhile, Amazon has informed Amazon Associates in Louisiana that it’s ending its relationship with them because of a law that now allows the Department of Revenue to collect internet sales tax on purchases. Amazon Associates have their own personal blogs or sites and provide links to Amazon products for consumers to purchase.

We are through three weeks of the regular legislative session and it’s been a slow start. The biggest piece of legislation so far has been the minimum wage bill clearing the Senate Labor Committee. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says legislators were burnt out after a tough special session.

cut 23  (08)  “school reform”

The regular session concludes June 6.

A bill to make it legal to park on the wrong side of the road in residential areas is headed to the Senate floor. Metairie Senator Danny Martiny says currently it’s illegal to park in the opposite direction, but he believes the law was intended for highways only. Martiny says uniformly parked cars look nicer, but it isn’t the government’s place to make sure everything looks pretty.

Cut 24 (08)  “statute”

Seven Louisianans have died in crashes between cars and trains within the last three months. These tragedies have prompted the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission to urge motorists to always obey alerts at railroad crossings. Spokesperson Mark Lambert says for the entire year of 2014, there were seven train related deaths so this increase is alarming…

cut 12 (10) “as well”

Lambert says train related crashes are tragic accidents that we see far too often.

Monroe and Shreveport broke records for rainfall totals during the month on March. Jason Hansford with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says much of this rain fell during the span of a few days.

CUT 9 (10) “day record”

Businesses could have a hard time complying with the new sales tax laws that go into effect today. Jason Decuir, with Ryan’s tax service, says some businesses will find it difficult to collect the right amount of tax. He says Louisiana already has a sales tax system that ranks the worst in the country.

CUT 7 (06) “to navigate”

Decuir says if vendors don’t collect the right amount of taxes, it will cause problems with the state trying to solve the budget deficit

Police are searching for a man in the New Orleans area after a search warrant led to a gruesome discovery of human remains and animal bones in a Slidell home. Sgt. Daniel Seuzeneau with the Slidell Police Department says 31-year-old Joshua Roques’ home contained ritualistic items unlike anything he’s ever seen.

CUT 3 (12)  “animal bones”