Entergy says about 90% of customers should have power restored by tonight and nearly all customers should have electricity restored by Wednesday after terrible south Louisiana storms Monday. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (26) “reporting”

==================

In the latest campaign finance numbers for Louisiana’s governor’s race, US Senator David Vitter has $4.2 million cash on hand, more than the other three candidates combined. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (28) “reporting”

===================

Entergy says about 90% of customers should have power restored by tonight and nearly all customers should have electricity restored by Wednesday. Horrible storms blew through south Louisiana Monday and caused damage to the company power grid. Entergy spokesman Will John says they have made progress since the weather calmed down…:

CUT 3 (09)  “yesterday’s storm”

There were reports of tornadoes in Kenner, Belle Chasse and Labadieville areas and wind gusts in excess of 100 mph. Johnson says he’s optimistic, with the current weather conditions, that crews can make even more headway…

CUT 4 (08)  “as we can” 2X

Entergy has assembled a storm team of about 2,000 to restore power in Louisiana safely and as quickly as possible. Johnson says it could take a little longer for customers where damage is more severe…

CUT 5 (08)  “those numbers down”

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The House Ways and Means Committee approves three different bills that would cap the state’s film tax credit program anywhere from 150 to 223 million dollars a year. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris authors one of the bills, he says with the state facing big cuts to higher ed and health care, it’s time to put restraints on a program that costs the state 256-million dollars this year…

CUT 6 (06)  “do it now”

Harris says when Louisiana’s film tax incentive program started in 2002, it was intended to build an industry that one day would self support itself…

CUT 7 (10) “and parties”

Will French, president of the Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association, opposed Harris’ legislation. He says the film industry employs thousands and scaling back the program will not help the state’s budget crisis…

CUT 8 (11)  “2016″

Supporters of the film tax credit program are concerned that a cap on the program will chase away future TV and film production. French told lawmakers during testimony that they could anticipate a significant lobbying effort against this type of legislation…

CUT 9 (10)  “not productive”

============================

In the latest campaign finance numbers for Louisiana’s governor’s race, US Senator David Vitter has $4.2 million cash on hand, more than the other three candidates combined. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says this has to be disappointing to Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne, Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle, and State Representative John Bel Edwards…

cut 10 (10) “dose of reality”

Dardenne announces $1.8 million in cash on hand while Angelle has $1.2 million and Edwards reports $894,000. Cross believes money will have a big impact in this race…

cut 11 (10)  “almost always wins”

Cross says, with all other factors being equal, more money is better. He says you can expect this 2:1 ratio in cash on hand in Vitter’s favor to continue throughout the campaign. Cross says the other candidates in this race are facing an uphill battle when it comes to fundraising…

cut 12 (08)  “to bring in”

============================

Authorities in St. Tammany Parish say the woman who was shot in the head allegedly by her ex-boyfriend then drove herself to the hospital is going to survive. Sheriff Jack Strain says they believe 56-year-old Ronald Brown of Pearl River broke into victim’s home and waited for her to arrive…:

cut 13 (12)  “in the head”

Strain says once the woman arrived for treatment the hospital was placed on lock-down as they believe the suspect’s vehicle was seen in the area. He says they were able to locate Brown a short time later and he was taken into custody without incident…:

cut 14 (09) “armed suspect”

Strain says Brown is currently in the St. Tammany Parish Jail and is being held without bond at this time. He believes the woman had something on her side in this tragic incident…:

cut 15 (08) “in my book”

The US Supreme court hears arguments today over whether same sex couples have the right to get married. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

A bill that would eventually phase out the state’s film tax credit program will be heard today in the House Ways and Means Committee. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

After all of the recent bad storms we’ve been dealing with in Louisiana, The American Red Cross wants you to know about a new app which helps you to prepare for severe weather. Scott Carwile reports…:

Cut 3 (27) “reporting”

______________________________________

The US Supreme court hears arguments today over whether same sex couples have the right to get married. Attorney Kyle Duncan has been hired by the state AG’s office to make Louisiana’s case in the social debate. He says it’s their belief that each state should have the right to determine what is legally defined as marriage. Matthew Patterson with Equality Louisiana says other courts around the nation are not divided on this issue…:

cut 4  (10) “in every state”

A ruling is not expected until later this year. Patterson says this is not just a mtter of recognition and social standing but it’s a concrete case of people who are not being treated fairly under the law. He says he is ecstatic that this case is finally being heard…:

Cut 5  (11)  “law of the land”

Duncan says states should have authority when it comes to family law including ways to define marriage. He doesn’t think the state’s judiciary should be the ones to decide such a massive issue…:

Cut 6 (09)  “or not”

Duncan says this is a huge political issue that should not be handled in the courts. He says this would be a major change to Louisiana’s family law…:

CUT 7 (09)  “marriage”

______________________________________

Louisiana’s film tax credits will be talked about by lawmakers today as legislation that would essentially phase out the motion picture benefits is set to be taken up in the House Ways and Means committee. House Bill 276 is by Alexandria Representative Lance Harris. He says the movie subsidy has gotten way out of control…:

Cut 8  (10)  “million dollars” 

Harris says in light of the $1.6 billion dollar budget deficit and the cuts healthcare and higher ed are facing, it’s past time to address the motion picture tax credits. He says this program is costing taxpayers way too much money…:

Cut 9 (09)  “on its own”

Harris’s proposal would put a $50 million dollar cap on the program next fiscal year the completely stop issuing credits in 2019. Celtic Studios Executive Director Patrick Mulhearn says this is not the answer to fixing the 2015-2016 budget…:

Cut 10 (09) “squeezing blood from a turnip”

Mulhearn says they are asking supporters of the film industry in Louisiana to come to the Capitol today wearing red shirts to show their opposition to this legislation. He says they would possibly support bills that would clean up the program, but if it went away then close to 30,000 people would lose their jobs. Mulhearn says Louisianians love having movies filmed here…:

cut 11 (06) “film jobs”

______________________________________

After all of the recent bad storms we’ve been dealing with in Louisiana, The American Red Cross wants you to know about a new app which helps you to prepare for severe weather. Spokeswoman Nancy Malone says by taking a few simple steps ahead of time, you can help ensure that you and your family knows what to do when severe weather occurs…:

cut 12 (07)   “to prepare”

Malone says the free Red Cross Emergency App provides instant access to weather and emergency alerts, life saving information and also lets you connect with family and friends…:

Cut 13 (08)  “their direction”

Malone says the app covers 14 types of disasters including tornado, flood and severe thunderstorms and also lets you customize more than 35 emergency alerts for yourself and where loved ones live…:

Cut 14 (08) “allows you to do”

______________________________________

The Baton Rouge Police Department says they still have no suspects in the case of the pregnant woman who was found shot dead in her apartment. Corporal Don Copolla says they believe 29 year old Brittney Mills opened her door to someone she likely knew…:

Cut 15  (06)  “she was shot”

Copolla says Mills, who was about 8 months pregnant, was shot several times and died on the scene. He says they raced the victim to the hospital…:

Cut 16  (06)  “to survive”

_____________________________________

The number one ranked LSU Tigers are back on the baseball diamond tonight to host Alcorn State. The Bayou Bengals have had a lot of success against schools from the SWAC over the years. But Coach Paul Mainieri says LSU needed extra innings to beat Southern earlier this year and had trouble beating Alcorn last year…

Cut 17 (17)  “baseball”

LSU is coming off an emotional series in which they won two of three from second ranked Texas A-and-M. Mainieri says he’s told the team they need to move past those games and focus on the now….

Cut 18 (18) ” Mississippi State’

If LSU is involved in a close game tonight, Mainieri says he won’t have second thoughts about using Jesse Stallings as his closer, even though Stallings has blown three saves in SEC play. The coach says the Colfax native has great stuff, but has trouble locating his fastball at times…

Cut 19 (14)  “year is over “

A bill to raise the state’s cigarette tax to 68-cents a pack gets approval from the House Ways and Means Committee. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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The strong storm activity that swept through southeast Louisiana earlier today has resulted in wind damage and street flooding in the area. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

===================

The severe weather that ripped though the state this morning has left thousands of residents without power. Entergy spokesman Tom Peters says, with storm activity like today, there are several factors that can cause power outages….

CUT 3 (10)  “event like this”

He says it could be a while before power is fully restored…

CUT 4 (09)  “straight line winds”

============================

The strong storm activity that swept through southeast Louisiana earlier today has resulted in wind damage and street flooding in the area. Frank Rivette, with the National Weather Service, says trees and power lines are down throughout the region. He says the damage caused by these storms is fairly widespread…

CUT 5 (10)  “squall line moved”

He says they still have to survey the area to determine if any damage was the result of tornadoes. Rivette says downpours with these storms has caused street flooding in several communities. He says the area may not be out of the woods just yet…

CUT 6 (11)  “severe weather overnight”

============================

The family of 27-year-old Kris Beall of Pineville, who was competing in a regatta in Mobile Bay when a powerful storm capsized several sailboats, says he is among the dead. Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Seth Johnson says the incident happened Saturday afternoon…

CUT 7 (12) “Bay off guard”

The family says Beall’s body was one of two recovered, although authorities have yet to release names of the victims. Over 100 sailboats and more than 200 people were participating in the regatta when the storm hit. Johnson says the storm was quite powerful…

CUT 8 (10)  “at the time”

Beall’s wife reported his death in a Facebook post Sunday. Four people remain missing and officials say they are focused on finding them. Johnson says the storm caught boaters by surprise…

CUT 9 (10)  “that took place”

============================

The House Ways and Means Committee approves a bill that increases he state’s cigarette tax from 36-cents per pack to 68-cents, to match the tax rate in Mississippi. The bill’s author, Bogalusa Representative Harold Ritchie, originally proposed a tax increase of over one-dollar, but agreed to the lower tax, so the measure would be approved…

cut 10 (06) “….trying to do”

The tax proposal passed on a 11-5 vote. It’s expected to generate an estimated 67-million dollars for the state annually, which could be used towards the one-point-six billion dollar shortfall. Opposition came from convenience store owners, like former state senator Fred Hoyt…

cut 11 (09)  “and food”

Ritchie’s bill originally proposed a tax increase from 36-cents per pack to $1.54, which is a national average. Jack Casanova is a cigarette wholesaler and he says such an increase will have an impact on jobs and bring security concerns…

cut 12 (09)  “major issue”

Health advocates lined up to speak in favor of a higher tax on cigarettes.  Frances Gilcreast, a volunteer for the American Cancer Society, is a former smoker and told the committee about how smoking has impacted her file…

cut 13 (09)  “lung cancer”

============================

Today is the start of Navy Week in Shreveport/Bossier — an opportunity for the community to meet Sailors and learn about their missions. Lead Navy week planner Gary Ross says events include free concerts, demonstrations, commemorative events, school visits and participation in service projects…:

cut 14 (11) “contact”

Ross says this is one of 12 Navy Weeks their Office of Community Outreach is hosting in 2015. He says the US Navy Parachute team, the Leapfrogs, are also in town for the week…:

cut 15 (09) “jump into”

You can get a full list of the Navy Week events online at navy-outreach-dot-org. Ross says Shreveport/Bossier is such an Airforce town that it’s good to bring in the Navy to let everybody know what they are all about:

cut 16 (07) “as well”

The $22.9 million makeover of the Rapides Parish Coliseum in Alexandria begins today after numerous delays. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28) “reporting”

______________________________________

A bill to increase the state’s tax on cigarettes by $1.18 is expected to be debated today in the House Ways and Means Committee. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 2 (29) “reporting”

______________________________________

For homeowners looking at purchasing solar panels to reduce their utility costs. Jeff Palermo reports the attorney general’s office says do your homework first…

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

The $22.9 million makeover of the Rapides Parish Coliseum in Alexandria begins today after numerous delays. The project is finally getting underway after voters approved a bond issue to renovate the facility two-and-a-half years ago. Rapides Police Jury President Richard Billings says everyone’s excited these changes are finally being made…

cut 4  (10) “what we want”

He says the coliseum last held an event over a year ago. Billings says, when complete, the venue will be practically brand new with renovations happening both outside and inside the building…

Cut 5  (10)  “for entertainers”

The renovations are expected to take 20 to 22 months to complete. Billings says he can’t wait for people to visit the new facility when construction is complete. He says renovations, so to speak, won’t stop with the building itself…

Cut 6 (11)  “many, many years”

______________________________________

Caddo Parish District Attorney Charles Scott will be laid to rest today after his sudden death last week in a Baton Rouge hotel while on business at the Capitol. Preliminary findings reveal the 67-year-old died of previously diagnosed heart disease. Pete Adams is the Executive Director of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association…:

CUT 7 (09)  “very intelligent”

Caddo District Court proceedings are suspended today in honor of Scott’s funeral at the Broadmoor Baptist Church. Adams says Scott was the kind of person who was kind to everyone and didn’t have a mean bone in his body..:

Cut 8  (09)  “worked very hard” 

Scott was found by two employees in his office at the Lod Cook Hotel and Conference Center at LSU after he didn’t show up for breakfast. A special election for a new Caddo DA is expected to happen in conjunction with this fall’s gubernatorial race. The first assistant is currently the acting DA. Adams says Charles was a true leader in their organization.:

Cut 9 (10)  “to the highest standards”

______________________________________

The House Ways and Means Committee will consider this morning a bill that will raise the state’s cigarette tax from 36-cents per pack to $1.54 per pack, which is the national average. Stasha Rhodes, with the American Heart Association in Louisiana, says the measure has an excellent chance at passing, because of the state’s massive budget shortfall…

Cut 10 (06) “possible solution”

Rhodes says not only will an increase in the cigarette tax help the state’s budget situation now, it will result in fewer people smoking, which should result in cost savings in the future…

cut 11 (11) “15.4 million dollars”

The state is facing a one-point-six billion dollar budget shortfall. Rhodes says the cigarette tax increase under consideration today would generate 223-million dollars in new revenue for the state, which is why they think it has an excellent chance at passing…

cut 12 (11)   “7,000 lives”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Attorney General’s office urges consumers to research the costs and benefits of solar panels before purchasing them. The director of the public protection division of the state’s A-G’s office, Sam Pleasant, says homeowners can be attracted by a promise of reduced energy costs from solar power systems, but sometimes there are some significant up front costs

Cut 13 (09)  “up front”

Pleasant says Attorney General Buddy Caldwell recommends that potential solar panel buyers should get at least three written proposals or price quotes and speak with people who have first-hand experience in purchasing them….

Cut 14 (10) “recoup savings”

Pleasant says they issued this alert now, because warmer weather prompts many consumers to look at ways to save money on utility bills. She says you can contact your utility provider to see if they’ll perform an energy efficiency audit of your home, which can determine if it’s even worth getting solar panels

Cut 15  (08)  “solar system”

_____________________________________

The Pelicans season is over after getting swept by Golden State in their four-game playoff series. Even though New Orleans didn’t win a game in the postseason, Anthony Davis showed he’s one of the top players in the league. Davis had 36 points and 11 rebounds in the series finale…

Cut 16  (17)  “next year”

Head Coacn Monty Williams believes Davis’ first experience in the playoffs will only fuel him to become a better player…

Cut 17 (10)  “next year”

The LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man in connection with a double homicide. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

==================

Bruce Jenner, the 1976 Olympic Gold medalist and reality TV star, will reportedly confirm to the world tonight that he is transgender. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

===================

The LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man in connection with a double homicide. 37-year-old Randy Eugene Waits has been arrested for the deaths of 19-year-old Kylie Duncan and 76-year-old Irma Cotton. Sheriff Scott Franklin says the incident took place Wednesday morning…

CUT 3 (09)  “her home”

Cotton was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head. Duncan was also shot in the head and her throat was cut. Franklin says there appears to be a connection between the suspect and one of the victims…

CUT 4 (11)  “as a witness”

He says Cotton was an innocent bystander and not the intended target. Waits was booked into the LaSalle Parish Jail on two counts of first degree murder. Franklin wants to assure people that this is not a serial killer or mass murder situation…

CUT 5 (10)  “he thought”

============================

Bruce Jenner, the 1976 Olympic Gold medalist, is going to reportedly confirm to the world tonight that he is transgender. ABC will air an exclusive two-hour special with Diane Sawyer at 8pm. Matthew Patterson of Equality Louisiana says the 65-year-old Jenner is being amazingly courageous…:

CUT 6 (11)  “people in your life”

So far, the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star has been publicly silent about his reported transition despite swirls of media frenzy. Patterson says after the interview airs, he hopes Jenner can live his life the way he wants to. He says discrimination against transgender people is unfortunately quite pervasive and severe…:

CUT 7 (12) “other people”

There are also rumors circulating which indicate there will be a reality show to document Jenner’s journey. Patterson says he hopes this story will be educational and spur more acceptance among the public. He also hopes Jenner’s very public story will be an inspiration for other transgender people…:

CUT 8 (07)  “of trans people”

============================

Ochsner Health System in New Orleans announces they are the first hospital in the country to use the new Apple Watch to manage patients suffering from chronic diseases. The Ochsner Hypertension Digital Medicine Program uses the watch to track patients who are struggling to control their blood pressure. Chief Clinical Transformation Officer, Dr. Richard Milani…

CUT 9 (10)  “that for us”

With the Apple Watch, patients can receive medication reminders, feedback from clinicians, activity tracking, and exercise reminders. Milani says about 40-percent of patients with chronic disease want a medication reminder…

cut 10 (07) “at that time”

Milani says the fact that the watch is on your wrist, it will provide individuals with nudges and feedback in a timely fashion. He says the first seven weeks of the program have been very successful. Milani says over 40-percent of patients have their hypertension under control, compared to a usual care group of only one-percent…

cut 11 (08)  “to the patient”

============================

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission reports that there was a slight decline in the number of fatal motorcycle crashes in 2014. Eighty motorcycle riders were killed last year, a seven percent drop from 2013. The commission’s deputy director, Ken Trull, says they hope to reduce that number even more in 2015, but they need help from all motorists….

cut 12 (09)  “aware of em”

Trull says helmets are helping to reduce motorcycle deaths. He says an observational study in 2014 found that 100-percent of motorcyclists wore a helmet…

cut 13 (08)  “turn signals”

Trull says a factor in motorcycle fatalities is impaired driving as one-third of Louisiana’s 2014 motorcycle deaths involved alcohol. He says motorcyclists should never ride impaired or distracted and try to make yourself more visible

cut 14 (07) “and cars”

The 2015 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival gets underway today. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission’s “Buckle Up in Your Truck” campaign runs through April 30. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (26) “reporting”

______________________________________

A bill by Gonzales state Representative Eddie Lambert would set a limit on the size of live crawfish that would be sold to people or restaurants. Scott Carwile reports…

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

The 2015 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival gets underway today. The lineup this first weekend includes headliners Keith Urban tonight, The Who tomorrow and Sunday it’s Jimmy Buffett on the Acura Stage. Festival producer Quint Davis says he’s excited about the music as usual, but he knows festers can’t get enough of the delicious Louisiana food…:

cut 4  (09) “when it’s open”

Other huge artists performing this weekend are Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga, Pitbull, Irma Thomas, Ryan Adams, John Legend, Wilco, Jimmy Cliff, Wayne Toups and more. Davis says festival also offers gourmet food in a field on a paper plate for $10 and under…:

Cut 5  (09)  “andouille gumbo”

There are chances for rain in the forecast for New Orleans mostly today and tomorrow, but Davis says that doesn’t stop the good times from rolling. He says last year’s Jazzfest was attend by over 400,000 people…:

Cut 6 (11)  “than last year”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission begins their “Buckle Up in Your Truck” campaign today in an effort to get more pickup drivers to use their seat belts. Executive Director Lt. Col. John LeBlanc says even though Louisiana’s seat belt compliance rate rose to a record 84-percent in 2014, pickup truck drivers lag behind…

CUT 7 (06)  “been the lowest”

LeBlanc says less than 79-percent of pickup truck drivers are using seat belts, which is the lowest rate for all vehicles. He says because of a pickup’s tendency to roll over, it’s especially important for people to be restrained inside a truck…

Cut 8  (10)  “compliance rate up” 

The campaign runs through April 30. LeBlanc says you can expect to see increased patrols to make sure you are buckled up, no matter what kind of vehicle you’re in. He says buckling up in a front seat passenger car is the best way to reduce your risk to fatal injury…

Cut 9 (09)  “to buckle up”

______________________________________

A bill by Gonzales state Representative Eddie Lambert would set a limit on the size of live crawfish that would be sold to people or restaurants. The measure would make it illegal for vendors, farmers, and harvesters to sell crawfish that are smaller than three and a half inches for people to eat. Lambert says he’s heard complaints about small crawfish from both wholesalers and consumers…

Cut 10 (10) “you can’t tell”

There would be an allowance of up to five percent of undersized crawfish in each sack. He says crawfish is a multi-million dollar industry that basically has no standards. Lambert says for the crawfish meat industry, these undersized crawfish are just not economically viable…

cut 11 (05) “180 crawfish”

He says this would damage the crawfish meat industry. First offense punishment would be a fine of up to $350 with possible jail time of up to 60 days. The bill will be heard in the House Natural Resources Committee. Lambert says one problem with crawfish is that they are difficult to grade…

cut 12 (10)   “live animals”

______________________________________

The Department of Health and Hospitals is issuing early reminders about the importance of taking the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family from West Nile. They believe this will be a big mosquito season because of all the rain we’ve gotten in April. DHH State Epidemiologist Raoult Ratard says get rid of all standing water…:

Cut 13 (12)  “to reach”

Ratard says standing water serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes that may be infected with West Nile. He says the virus typically doesn’t pop up in humans until July, but it’s good to start preparing your home now…:

Cut 14 (06) “keep the door closed”

In 2014, Louisiana reported 61 cases of West Nile and Ratard says residents who are at least 65 years old are at higher risk for complications but everyone is at risk for infection. He says when you’re outside, make sure you wear mosquito repellent containing DEET…:

Cut 15  (05)  “not on my skin”

_____________________________________

The 2015 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival gets underway today. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission’s “Buckle Up in Your Truck” campaign runs through April 30. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

A bill by Gonzales state Representative Eddie Lambert would set a limit on the size of live crawfish that would be sold to people or restaurants. Scott Carwile reports…

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

The 2015 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival gets underway today. The lineup this first weekend includes headliners Keith Urban tonight, The Who tomorrow and Sunday it’s Jimmy Buffett on the Acura Stage. Festival producer Quint Davis says he’s excited about the music as usual, but he knows festers can’t get enough of the delicious Louisiana food…:

cut 4  (09) “when it’s open”

Other huge artists performing this weekend are Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga, Pitbull, Irma Thomas, Ryan Adams, John Legend, Wilco, Jimmy Cliff, Wayne Toups and more. Davis says festival also offers gourmet food in a field on a paper plate for $10 and under…:

Cut 5  (09)  “andouille gumbo”

There are chances for rain in the forecast for New Orleans mostly today and tomorrow, but Davis says that doesn’t stop the good times from rolling. He says last year’s Jazzfest was attend by over 400,000 people…:

Cut 6 (11)  “than last year”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission begins their “Buckle Up in Your Truck” campaign today in an effort to get more pickup drivers to use their seat belts. Executive Director Lt. Col. John LeBlanc says even though Louisiana’s seat belt compliance rate rose to a record 84-percent in 2014, pickup truck drivers lag behind…

CUT 7 (06)  “been the lowest”

LeBlanc says less than 79-percent of pickup truck drivers are using seat belts, which is the lowest rate for all vehicles. He says because of a pickup’s tendency to roll over, it’s especially important for people to be restrained inside a truck…

Cut 8  (10)  “compliance rate up” 

The campaign runs through April 30. LeBlanc says you can expect to see increased patrols to make sure you are buckled up, no matter what kind of vehicle you’re in. He says buckling up in a front seat passenger car is the best way to reduce your risk to fatal injury…

Cut 9 (09)  “to buckle up”

______________________________________

A bill by Gonzales state Representative Eddie Lambert would set a limit on the size of live crawfish that would be sold to people or restaurants. The measure would make it illegal for vendors, farmers, and harvesters to sell crawfish that are smaller than three and a half inches for people to eat. Lambert says he’s heard complaints about small crawfish from both wholesalers and consumers…

Cut 10 (10) “you can’t tell”

There would be an allowance of up to five percent of undersized crawfish in each sack. He says crawfish is a multi-million dollar industry that basically has no standards. Lambert says for the crawfish meat industry, these undersized crawfish are just not economically viable…

cut 11 (05) “180 crawfish”

He says this would damage the crawfish meat industry. First offense punishment would be a fine of up to $350 with possible jail time of up to 60 days. The bill will be heard in the House Natural Resources Committee. Lambert says one problem with crawfish is that they are difficult to grade…

cut 12 (10)   “live animals”

______________________________________

The Department of Health and Hospitals is issuing early reminders about the importance of taking the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family from West Nile. They believe this will be a big mosquito season because of all the rain we’ve gotten in April. DHH State Epidemiologist Raoult Ratard says get rid of all standing water…:

Cut 13 (12)  “to reach”

Ratard says standing water serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes that may be infected with West Nile. He says the virus typically doesn’t pop up in humans until July, but it’s good to start preparing your home now…:

Cut 14 (06) “keep the door closed”

In 2014, Louisiana reported 61 cases of West Nile and Ratard says residents who are at least 65 years old are at higher risk for complications but everyone is at risk for infection. He says when you’re outside, make sure you wear mosquito repellent containing DEET…:

Cut 15  (05)  “not on my skin”

_____________________________________

Strong storms moved through northeast Louisiana on Wednesday causing widespread damage throughout the region. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 1 (28) “reporting”

==================

In an op-ed piece found in today’s New York Times, Governor Jindal says he’s not backing down from supporting a controversial religious liberty bill. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (28) “reporting”

===================

Many areas in northeast Louisiana are in recovery mode today after strong storms moved through the region Wednesday. Authorities say homes and businesses were damaged by heavy winds and at least three people were injured. Executive Director of Ouachita Parish Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Neal Brown…:

CUT 3 (11)  “not livable”

Brown says the storm produced straight line winds and hail and got worse as it moved through the Sterlington area and into Union, Richland and Morehouse parishes…:

CUT 4 (12)  “alot of hail”

Entergy reported thousands of customers were without power most of the morning and into the afternoon. Brown says Sterlington Middle sustained roof damage and classes were cancelled for today but they hope to open back up tomorrow. He says there were no reports of funnel clouds but high winds downed power lines, trees and blocked roads…:

CUT 5 (12)  “Sterlington area”

============================

Governor Bobby Jindal has an op-ed piece in today’s New York Times that explains his support for the religious liberty bill that will be debated in the Louisiana legislature. Some companies are concerned about the legislation. But U-L Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Jindal lets the world know their opinions won’t deter him…

CUT 6 (09)  “a gauntlet”

Jindal also says in the op-ed column that he continues to have the view a marriage is between one man and one woman. Cross says it appears the governor is once again trying to raise his profile in a crowded republican presidential field…

CUT 7 (09) “dramatic ways”

Cross says there are some in Louisiana that will applaud the governor’s stance against gay marriage and religious liberty, but others would rather see him devote more time to state specific issues…

CUT 8 (09)  “at home”

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The Youngsville Police Department says a male youth softball coach is facing charges for allegedly punching an opposing female softball coach and breaking her nose. Chief Rickey Boudreaux says it was a highly contested game between two teams with the Lafayette City-Parish Parks and Recreation. He says after it was over words were allegedly exchanged then three players jumped on an opposing player…:

CUT 9 (11)  “in three places”

Boudreaux says the suspect in this case is a complete low life and the sports organization indicates there is no place for violence in youth recreation sports. He says the players and the coach in this case let their emotions rise above common sense…:

cut 10 (08) “youth softball game”

Boudreaux says since the victim’s nose was broken in multiple places she will have to see a specialist to repair the injury..:

cut 11 (07)  “pretty good”

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At a gubernatorial candidate forum in Baton Rouge today, all four candidates were asked what should be done about the state’s current fiscal crisis. Legislators are currently working to resolve a $1.6 billion dollar budget deficit for next fiscal year. Republican Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle says the state’s tax code is outdated and needs to be totally redone…

cut 12 (11)  “people of Louisiana”

The forum was put on by the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana. Republican Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says one short term fix for the budget crisis is for legislators to increase the cigarette tax…

cut 13 (10)  “find some money”

Democratic Amite state Representative John Bel Edwards says Louisiana should reduce or eliminate tax credits that aren’t producing a the desired benefit. Edwards says tax credits are tax expenditures…

cut 14 (10) “review these things”

Republican US Senator David Vitter appeared by recorded video as he is in Washington, DC for a Senate vote. He says, if elected, he would immediately call a special legislative session focused on spending and tax reform and nothing would be off limits…

cut 15 (09) “on the table”

A benefit lunch/dinner will be held today for St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office Cpl. Burt Hazeltine today. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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Cops says a now ex-teacher from Lake Charles Academy is under arrest amid allegations of sexual misconduct with one of her juvenile students. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

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A bill that attempts to rein in the cost of the TOPS scholarship program received approval from the Senate Education Committee. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (27) “reporting”

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St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office Cpl. Burt Hazeltine has been released from the hospital and the sheriff’s office will host a benefit lunch/dinner for him today in Destrehan. Hazeltine was shot last week while directing traffic in a school zone in Paradis. Captain Pat Yoes says they’re holding this fundraiser because Hazeltine has a long road ahead toward recovery…

cut 4  (06) “lessen that burden”

The fundraiser will happen at the Shriner’s Hall in Destrehan from 11AM til 8PM. Yoes says plates are just $10 and you will have three different menu options to choose from. He says all of the proceeds from the benefit will go to Hazeltine and his family to help with expenses while he is out of work…

Cut 5  (07)  “full duty”

Yoes says Hazeltine is very fortunate to have survived the shooting in what law enforcement officials have described as an ambush. He says Hazeltine is doing remarkably well as he begins the road to recovery…

Cut 6 (06)  “all of these”

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The state Department of Transportation wants to hear how motorists feel the I-10 through Baton Rouge should be improved. They’ve created a survey you can take online at i10br.com as part of a study to determine the feasibility of any enhancements it could make to the congested area from West Baton Rouge to the I-10/12 split. DOTD spokesman Rodney Mallett…:

CUT 7 (10)  “for them to do that”

Mallett says they will be gathering your answers through the end of May…:

Cut 8  (13)  “this area” 

Mallett says they are going to compile all of the information and hold a series of public meetings in August and provide some concepts based on what was gathered. He says this study is about finding out what will help traffic, safety and enhance the corridor…:

Cut 9 (12)  “to be addressed”

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Cops says a now ex-teacher from Lake Charles Academy is under arrest amid allegations of sexual misconduct with one of her juvenile students. Lake Charles Deputy Chief Mark Kraus says they received a complaint from the mother of the victim that 35-year-old Sommer Nicole Odom of Iowa had inappropriate contact with her juvenile son on several occasions…:

Cut 10 (11) “support the allegation”

Kraus says Odom is charged with 3 counts of oral sexual battery, 4 counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile and 1 count of sexual battery. The suspect’s bond was set at $120,000 which was posted. Kraus says more charges could be coming but right now they have enough evidence to turn over to the DA…:

cut 11 (05) “or not”

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Two bills that attempt to address gender inequality when it comes to pay failed to get approval from the House Labor Committee. Natchitoches Representative Kenny Cox says Louisiana has the worst gender pay gap in the nation at 66 percent. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says employees are hard enough to find and this legislation would be a strain on business owners like himself…:

cut 12 (14)   “it doesn’t matter”

Harris feels the data is skewed when it comes to saying Louisiana is 51st in the nation for gender pay equality because we have a different workforce here. Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater says laws like this would open up floodgates of litigation…:

Cut 13 (09)  “treated unfairly”

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Despite opposition from Governor Bobby Jindal, the Senate Education committee approves legislation designed to control the cost of the TOPS scholarship program. The bill’s author, Mandeville Senator Jack Donahue, says as tuition costs rise, so does the cost for TOPS and something needs to be done to preserve the program…

Cut 14 (10) “in the future”

TOPS is expected to cost the state over 250-million dollars this year and nearly 400-million dollars by fiscal year 2018-19. Donahue’s bill sets a baseline on how much the state will spend on TOPS and it will not automatically increase with the rise in tuition…

Cut 15  (10)  “raise that”

But Jindal’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Stafford Palmieri, says Donahue’s bill breaks a promise Louisiana made to TOPS recipients that the state would fully pay their tuition…

(Donahue’s bill heads to the Senate floor for more discussion.) 

Cut 16  (11)  “education”

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The number one ranked baseball team in the country meets the second ranked team in the country tonight in Baton Rouge as the Tigers host Texas A-and-M. Coach Paul Mainieri admits this isn’t your normal three-game series.

Cut 17 (20)  “three days”

Jared Poche will start on the mound for the Tigers tonight. Mainieri says he went with Poche instead freshman phenom Alex Lange, because Lange had recent arm trouble and Poche has more experience…

Cut 18 (10) ” for game one’

Texas A&M has the lowest team ERA in the SEC and they’ve hit the most home runs in the league. Mainieri says the Aggies also have several veteran players…

Cut 19 (14)  “very good team “

New employment numbers show Louisiana’s labor force continues to grow while the state’s unemployment rate dropped for a third month in a row. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28) “reporting”

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The House Education Committee approves legislation to give public colleges and universities more authority to raise tuition and fees. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (29) “reporting”

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New employment numbers show Louisiana’s labor force continues to grow while the state’s unemployment rate dropped for a third month in a row. Louisiana’s unemployment rate currently sits at six-point-six-percent. Louisiana Workforce Commission Executive Director, Curt Eysink, says the unemployment rate dropped because hiring is catching up with the growth in the labor force…

CUT 3 (10)  “find a job”

Data shows that there were almost 2 million nonfarm jobs in Louisiana, the highest March on record. Eysink is hopeful the state’s job market will continue to improve…

CUT 4 (10)  “the job growth”

Eysink says the drop in oil prices has caused some decline in employment in the oil and gas industry. But, he says overall, the state is weathering that storm pretty well…

CUT 5 (07)  “up for that”

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Legislation that would give public colleges the authority to raise tuition and fees without legislative approval advanced out of the House Education Committee today. Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater says this legislation is needed because state funding for universities has been on the decline since 2008

CUT 6 (08)  “some point”

Broadwater says he would rather see more state dollars go into higher education, but that hasn’t been the trend lately, so it’s time give colleges more autonomy to raise fees…

CUT 7 (10) “as a shell”

Many lawmakers are not comfortable with the idea of allowing colleges and universities to raise tuition and fees. Thibodaux Representative Dee Richard says it’s already too costly for some people to attend a four-year university…

CUT 8 (10)  “I support that”

Homer Representative Patrick Jefferson says he’d rather see state funding for higher education increase rather than tuition and fees, but so far a funding source involving state dollars has yet to emerge

CUT 9 (07)  “do something”

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Caddo Parish District Attorney Charles Scott died in his sleep last night in Baton Rouge while in town to meet with lawmakers at the Capitol. Shreveport Representative Thomas Carmody announced the news in the House Education Committee this morning after he and Haughton Representative Henry Burns had just found out. He said they saw Scott Tuesday.

cut 10 (08) “for his family please”

LSU police say Scott was staying at the Lod Cook Hotel on campus. Captain Corey Lalonde says they were called to Scott’s room around 8:15 this morning…:

cut 11 (06)  “was deceased”

Scott was 67 according to public records. Lalonde says by all indications this was just an extremely tragic sudden death…:

cut 12 (06)  “natural causes”

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Now that Blue Bell has pulled all of its product off of supermarket shelves due to the potential they could be contaminated with Listeria, what can we expect next from the company? Tulane Business Professor, Mark Rosa, says, unfortunately, we’ve seen this type of situation before…

cut 13 (09)  “reputation risk”

Federal health officials say three people have died and five others have fallen ill from bacteria that may have come from Blue Bell products. A company spokesperson says they are focusing on cleanup and working to make sure they have a safe product. Rosa says, after all this negative attention, Blue Bell faces a huge undertaking in regaining their reputation and customers…

cut 14 (10) “herculean effort”

A Blue Bell spokesperson says the company could start shipping product to stores again in the next couple of weeks. Rosa says this is something that will stick in the minds of customers…

cut 15 (05) “and so on”