Governor Edwards delivered the keynote address today at a statewide business summit that brought about 500 business leaders together to discuss how to move Louisiana’s economy forward. Edwards says the state has made a significant investment in an effort to produce more graduates for the technology sector

Cut 12 (11)   “…that effort”

Republican Congressman and gubernatorial candidate Ralph Abraham calls the summit a farce, because the state’s unemployment rate is well above the national average.

Tough night for the 13th ranked LSU basketball team last night as the Tigers were upset on their home floor, falling to Florida 82-77 in overtime. LSU’s offense had trouble getting into a rhythm and Coach Will Wade says he tried to tell the players that the Gators are a good defensive team…

Cut 6 (09) “…we do”

A 13-year-old is dead after the Yamaha ATV he was riding collided with a Peterbuilt log truck.  Troopers responded to the crash just before 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon on LA Hwy 772 just east of Jena.  Master Trooper Scott Moreau says the victim was identified as Wayden Savell and was pronounced dead at the scene. 72-year old Lloyd Worsham was behind the wheel of the log truck and was treated for minor injuries.
Cut 10 (07)“…with the ATV.”
With tax season comes the need to be on the lookout for scammers who are hoping to exploit taxpayers in an effort to nab a dishonest dollar. Louisiana Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says some scammers are resorting preying on people via phone calls.  Often they will demand immediate payment for tax debts via a credit card or other means.

Cut 5 (11)“…a tax debt.”

With tax season comes the need to be on the lookout for scammers who are hoping to exploit taxpayers in an effort to nab a dishonest dollar, and Louisiana Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says it’s important to review your completed tax return before signing it and asking questions. Ultimately the taxpayer is responsible financially and legally for all information submitted on a return.
Cut 4 (09) “…blank tax return.″
Also, avoid hiring a preparer who bases their fee based on a percentage of the refund.
A 13 year old is dead after the Yamaha ATV he was riding collided with a Peterbuilt log truck. Troopers responded to the crash just before 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon on LA Hwy 772 just east of Jena. Master Trooper Scott Moreau says the truck driver attempted evasive action, but it was unsuccessful.

Cut 9 (10) “…and they collided.”
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Tough night for the 13th ranked LSU basketball team last night as the Tigers were upset on their home floor, falling to Florida 82-77 in overtime. LSU’s offense had trouble getting into a rhythm and Coach Will Wade says he tried to tell the players that the Gators are a good defensive team…
Cut 6 (09) “…we do”
The loss drops LSU’s record to 21-5 overall, 11-2 in the SEC and into a tie with Kentucky for second place in the league. Wade says teams like Florida, who play at a slower pace have given the Tigers trouble this season. Fans were reportedly seen leaving before the final buzzer rang.

A report by the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry says over the last three years Louisiana has had the largest percentage growth in business taxes in the nation, and they’re particularly concerned about changes to the Industrial Tax Exemption Program. LABI President Stephen Waugespack.
Cut 9, 12 seconds, economy
A Baton Rouge school board recently shot down a several hundred thousand dollar Exxon ITEP request request.
But Governor John Bel Edwards stood by his decision to allow local districts, as opposed to a state board, to determine whether or not they wanted to offer ITEP requests. Edwards says they will not reconsider the decision.
Cut 10 (10) “…”
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A Legislative Task Force is recommending the state allow foster kids to stay in the system through the age of 21. The proposal comes with a three million dollar price tag in a session that will be dominated by debates about raising teacher pay, and issue with a cost upwards of 100 million dollars. Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says it’s worth it.
Cut 12 (10) “…we spend.”
With tax season comes the need to be on the lookout for scammers who are hoping to exploit taxpayers in an effort to nab a dishonest dollar. Louisiana Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says there are a wide range of shady tactics being used.
Cut 3 (10) “…to exploit taxpayers.”
On the cyber side, Henderson recommends not filing on unsecured networks.

A statewide business summit is underway in Baton Rouge. Kevin Barnhart on what business leaders are discussing…
voicer 1 (30) “…Kevin Barnhart”

The group, Take Em Down NOLA, is asking the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club to stop wearing back face paint during the Zulu Parade on Fat Tuesday. But Zulu leaders have said the face paint will not come off as the black makeup was never intended to insult or degrade African-Americans.

A task force recommends Louisiana should allow foster kids to stay in the system through the age of 21, instead of 18. State Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says it would cost an additional three-million dollars to do so. Walters says it’s a wise investment and hopes legislators will go for the idea, especially since the state budget doesn’t look as bad as previous years…
cut 13 (05) “…ever been”
28 states have increased the foster age to 21.

A Ville Platte man is under arrest after he allegedly beat an elderly disabled vet at a gas station. Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodaux, with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s office, says 29- year-old Kenneth Shergold is accused of approaching the victim from behind and for no apparent reason, struck him numerous times in the head, back, and body with a tire iron.
Cut 14 (06) “…and his knees”
There is no motive to the attack.

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry says a new national report ranks Louisiana number one for increases in taxes on businesses over the last three years…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

The 13th ranked LSU basketball team no longer controls its own destiny when it comes to winning an SEC regular season championship crown. Florida upset the Tigers 82-77 in overtime. Coach Will Wade says it’s sickening the team has lost two conference home games this season. LSU hosts 5th ranked Tennessee on Saturday.

Governor Edwards has brought 500 business leaders to Baton Rouge today for a summit. The state Republican Party says it’s really a taxpayer-funded campaign event for Edwards’ re-election campaign. But Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the event is underwritten by corporate sponsors and the governor is just doing his job…
cut 6 (11) “…and lead business”
Edwards will deliver the keynote address at 12:30.

The St. Landry Sheriff’s office has announced the arrest of a Ville Platte man who allegedly beat a disabled veteran at a gas stateion. Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodaux says surveillance video caught Kenneth Shergold hitting the victim numerous times with a tire iron and he attempted to assault a woman at a Super Walmart Center in Ville Platte…
cut 16 (09) “…without his attorney”
Shergold has been charged with one count of aggravated second-degree battery.

Gov. Edwards is participating in a statewide business summit today that is meant to highlight the state’s economic development success stories.  Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the event will feature panel discussions from public and private sector leaders.

Cut 5 (10) “…in New Orleans.”

A report by the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry says over the last three years Louisiana has had the largest percentage growth in business taxes in the nation.

The business lobby has raised serious concerns about changes to the Industrial Tax Exemption Program, after a Baton Rouge school board recently shot down an Exxon request. LABI President Steven Waugespack says the reform is not healthy for business growth.

Cut 9 (12) “…state economy.″

A Legislative Task Force is recommending the state allow foster kids to stay in the system through the age of 21. Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says it would dramatically improve outcomes…

Cut 11 (12) “…system.”

Thibodeaux says the motive is unclear.

Cut 15 (08) “…in his vehicle.”

A national report notes kids who leave the foster system at 18 have a one in five chance of becoming homeless

A Ville Platte man is under arrest after beating an elderly disabled vet in at a gas station in Nuba.  Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodeaux of St Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, says 29 year old Kenneth Shergold approached the victim from behind and then struck him numerous times in the head, back, and body with a tire iron.

A Ville Platte man is under arrest after beating an elderly disabled vet in at a gas station in Nuba.  The suspect then left his scene in his vehicle.  Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodeaux says 29 year old Kenneth Shergold is accused of approaching the victim from behind and for no apparent reason, and struck him numerous times in the head, back, and body with a tire iron.

Cut 14 (06) “…and his knees”

A report by the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry says over the last three years Louisiana has had the largest percentage growth in business taxes in the nation.

LABI President Steven Waguespack says one of the state’s biggest industries is being impacted by the taxes, many of which have targeted their revenue.

Cut 8 (11) “…equipment.”

A task force is calling on the legislature to increase the foster care age to 21. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

A crash involving an empty log truck and an ATV claimed the life of a Jena teenager Wednesday in LaSalle Parish. State Police say the ATV driven by Wayden Savell entered Louisiana Highway 772 and was in the direct path of the 18-wheeler be driven by Lloyd Lee Worsham. State police want to remind the public that ATV are illegals on public roadways.

The crash is under investigation.

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry says over the last three years the state has had the largest percentage growth in business taxes in the nation. LABI President Steven Waugespack…
Cut 7 (11) “…percent.”
That 12.5 percent was seen between fiscal year 2016 and 2017. The business lobby has also raised serious concerns about changes to the Industrial Tax Exemption Program, after the East Baton Rouge school board recently shot down Exxon’s request for the tax break. But Governor Edwards stands by his decision to give local governments the power to reject I-TEP requests and not a state board…
cut 10 (11) “…process”

Governor John Bel Edwards holds a statewide business summit today. About 500 business leaders are expected to attend the event in Baton Rouge. State Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the summit will go over many of the key elements impacting business.
Cut 4 (09) “…our state today.”
The Republican Party of Louisiana has taken issue with the event, saying it’s a taxpayer-funded campaign event for Edwards’ re-election campaign. Pierson says that’s not true, saying the event is underwritten by corporate sponsors and the Governor’s participation just comes with his job.

Tough loss for the 13th ranked LSU basketball team last night as they fell to the Florida Gators 82-77 in overtime. It’s the second home S-E-C loss for the Tigers and Coach Will Wade calls that embarrassing.