The good news keeps rolling in for the recovery of Hollywood South. Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association president Patrick Mulhearn says the 36 month, 180 million dollar cap on the state’s film tax credit program is about halfway in, and he hopes lawmakers will make changes next year. He says movie producers don’t realize how susceptible they are to fraud in other states that don’t have limits on film incentives like Georgia:
CUT 7 (08) “in Atlanta”
He wants to see the film tax cap back-ended instead of on the front side.

Despite extremely heated words between the two during the campaign, Democrat Caroline Fayard has decided to publicly endorse fellow Democrat Foster Campbell in the race for US Senate. In a statement, Fayard says Cambpell gives the best hope to protect President Obama’s legacy in Washington. Cambpell faces Republican John Kennedy in the December 10th runoff.

A 17-year-old boy is continuing to recover after receiving a serious neck injury during a football game on Friday night. Michael Doherty, a junior at St. Paul’s High School in Covington, collided with three players resulting in a major injury to his C5 vertebra. The school’s athletic director, Craig Ketelsen, says Doherty’s condition is still in a holding pattern after undergoing a seven hour surgery on Saturday…:
Cut 9 (10) “positive results”
He says the love and support Doherty is receiving is amazing.

A couple from Vinton is facing serious animal abuse charges after deputies say they found three decomposed puppies and six other extremely sick dogs in their home. 25-year-old Shawna Crochet and 31-year-old Christopher Hilburn are charged with eight counts of simple animal cruelty, three counts of aggravated animal cruelty; and three counts of failure to cremate or bury the remains of an animal.

This week thousands of Louisiana college students on the TOPS scholarship will have a difficult decision to make, as they’re reminded they will owe almost 60-percent of their semester’s tuition in January – due to actions by the state legislature. Higher Ed Commissioner Joe Rallo says some students could be forced to drop out…:
cut 4 (09) “in time”

Northwestern State has been designated a Military Friendly School by Victory Media. N-S-U Vice President of Technology Darlene Williams says they have a long history of working with Fort Polk and Barksdale Airforce Base. She says they also have a nationally ranked online degree program….
cut 14 (10) “…of honor”

Louisiana Policy Institute for Children is concerned about drastic state cuts that have been made to help parents receive assistance for early child care and education. Melanie Brofin with L-P-I-C says more than 20-thousand families who qualify for school readiness tax credits are not getting assistance…
cut 9 (09) “…coming session”

There’s a light at the end of the tunnel for Hollywood South, according to Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association president Patrick Mulhearn. He says we’re halfway through the 36 month 180-million dollar cap legislators placed on the film tax credit program and he’s hopeful lawmakers will approve changes next year that will be more beneficial for Louisiana’s film industry….
cut 6 (10) “…front end cap”

Beginning next semester, students on the TOPS scholarship program will be required to pay about 60% of their tuition. Due to a massive budget deficit, the legislature was not fully able to fund the program in the last session. Higher Ed Commissioner Joe Rallo says the future of TOPS is not certain, but he doesn’t think it will go away completely…:
CUT 5 (09) “toward TOPS”
The average LSU student will owe more than $2-thousand for the spring tuition.

Northwestern State University has received the 2017 Military Friendly School designation. N-S-U Vice President of Technology Darlene Williams says they have specific services in order to address the needs of military students and their families…:
CUT 15 (10) “that group”
She says it’s the 7th time they’ve been recognized for being a military friendly school.

The Louisiana Policy Institute conducted a report on the benefits of the school readiness tax credits. Emelie Gunn has more on the results…:
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This story has been making national headlines, and once again UL-Lafayette coach Mark Hudspeth is apologizing for the video showing some of his players dancing and singing to a profanity laced anti-Donald Trump rap song inside the locker room…:
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College students in Louisiana have disappointing news heading their way, as letters are being sent out this week reminding them they will owe 60-percent of their spring tuition in January if on TOPS. Jeff Palermo has the story:
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The US Department of Agriculture says Bossier, Caddo and Concordia parishes have been declared primary natural disaster areas due to damage caused by storms and flooding. This means farmers and ranchers in those parishes can apply for aid.

A group supporting a tax incentive for parents to put their young kids in early child education has released a study looking at the effectiveness at the program since its adoption in 2008. Louisiana Policy Institute for Children Executive Director Melanie Brofin says the school readiness tax credits have been very effective…:
Cut 8 (07) “very effective”
She says they plan to present their findings to lawmakers in the 2017 session in hopes they will vote to continue the program.

The latest in the dispute between Governor John Bel Edwards and Attorney General Jeff Landry is that the governor wants a Baton Rouge court to define the role of the AG and indicate what he can and can not do. Publisher of LaPolitics.com, Jeremy Alford, says Louisiana has become increasingly partisan over the past couple of terms, and this dispute is the product of that divide…:
cut 12 (10) “for Louisiana”
A hearing is set for tomorrow.

The big cut to the TOPS scholarship program is going into effect this spring and students and parents are getting letters this week with the reminder. It’s the first time in the popular program’s history that 100% of tuition will not be covered due to acts of the legislature. Higher Ed Commissioner Joe Rallo says there are other options…:
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The average LSU student on TOPS will owe more than $2-thousand for the spring tuition, not including fees.

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne will present the proposal for plugging a $315 million dollar budget hole to lawmakers on Friday. The gap is left from the fiscal year that ended June 30th and could mean cuts across state agencies and higher ed. Those groups have already been asked to present what a 7-10 percent cut in their general fund would mean.

Governor John Bel Edwards is asking a Baton Rouge court to outline Attorney General Jeff Landry’s political power. Halen Doughty has more.:
cut 3 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Northwestern State University has received the 2017 Military Friendly School designation. N-S-U Vice President of Technology Darlene Williams says they are proud to be recognized for their efforts to provide educational opportunities for military students and their families…:
Cut 13 (07) “friendly school”

This week thousands of Louisiana college students on the TOPS scholarship will have a difficult decision to make, as they’re reminded they will owe almost 60-percent of their semester’s tuition in January – due to actions of the legislature this year. Higher Ed Commissioner Joe Rallo says some students could be forced to drop out…:
cut 4 (09) “in time”
He says even without TOPS, there are funding options, which is why high school grads are required to file for FAFSA.

The quarrel between Governor John Bel Edwards and Attorney General Jeff Landry continues, as the governor is asking a Baton Rouge court to define Landry’s role in state government. Publisher of LaPolitics.com, Jeremy Alford, says the two officials disagree about how much power the AG should have…:
Cut 10 (10) “traditional boundaries”
A hearing is scheduled for tomorrow.

The Louisiana Policy Institute for Children released a report on how the school readiness tax credits are benefiting the state. Melanie Brofin with L-P-I-C says the incentive helps working families afford and access early care and education for children up to 4 years old. She says the program is moving in the right direction…:
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She says they will present their findings to the legislature in the next session.

FEMA officials announced another extension for the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program Monday evening, extending the program until Sunday, Dec. 18. This will provide more time for flood evacuees to stay in rooms paid for by the federal government.

In response to an audit’s findings, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Charlie Melancon says he’s ordered a complete internal review of his agency:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

The National “Move Over” Campaign is this week. State Police Master Trooper Scott Moreau says if there’s a vehicle on the shoulder, move over or slow to a reasonable speed. He says enforcement efforts are increased this week:
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Moreau says ten officers were killed in crashes on the side of Louisiana roadways last year.

The debate about whether or not LSU interim head coach Ed Orgeron should keep the job long term continues to heat up. LSU Law graduate Parker Layrisson of Ponchatoula commissioned a statewide opinion poll and found 72% want him to stay on as head coach. Layrisson says they also threw in a question about former Coach Les Miles…:
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LSU is coming off a dominating win over Arkansas.

UL-Lafayette head football coach Mark Hudspeth publicly apologized for the behavior of four of his players who were recorded in the locker room singing an anti-Donald Trump rap song filled with vulgarities. Hudspeth says these young men have shown remorse for their actions.
Cut 16 (15)” promoted there”
Coach Hudspeth says the four players in the video have been discplined.

State Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Charlie Melancon ordersa complete internal review of his agency after an audit found Gulf oil spill money went to unnecessary iPads, cameras, boats and fishing equipment. He says the mismanagement happened before he got there…:
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The audit scrutinizes the department when it was run by Robert Barham.

Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry has publicly announced his support for State Treasurer John Kennedy for US Senate, Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Kennedy has a huge advantage…:
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And Congressman John Fleming has endorsed Republican Mike Johnson in the race for the seat he is leaving after 8 years.

How Louisiana plans to close a 315-million dollar budget deficit will be discussed with state lawmakers on Friday. The budget gap was created when the state closed the books on last fiscal year and ended up spending more than what they took in. State agencies and colleges have been asked to prepare for budget cuts of up to 10-percent.

Louisiana State Police is participating in the National Move Over Campaign, which is now underway and runs through the end of the week. Halen Doughty has more…
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