The House Transportation committee passed a bill today that would prohibit drivers from using a handheld cell phone while behind the wheel. In passed on a 13-2 vote, Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton was one of the two no votes and says there are plenty of things that can district you while you drive, so why just pick on handheld cell phones…
cut 10 (12) “…just one out”
The measure heads to the House floor for more discussion.

Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker is thanking the thousands who volunteered this past weekend to help in the recovery from last week’s E-F 3 tornado…
cut 14 (11) “…just so refreshing”
Lincoln Parish public schools and Louisiana Tech University re-opened today, but about 10-percent of the city remains without electricity.

A constitutional amendment that would exempt diapers and feminine products from the state sales tax clears the Senate Finance committee, but not before finding out it may cost the state more than previously thought. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

A recording played in a federal courtroom in New York connects LSU basketball coach Will Wade to a 300-thousand dollar recruiting offer for Naz Reid. The recording was played during the NCAA corruption trial and it’s a sign Wade is not in the clear yet, even though he’s been reinstated.

A constitutional amendment that would exempt diapers and feminine products from the state sales tax clears the Senate Finance committee, but not before finding out it may cost the state more than previously thought.  Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Legislation to prohibit hand held cell phone use while driving cruises out of the House Transportation Committee on a 13-to-2 vote. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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LSU will hold its first Giving Day Tuesday, soliciting donations at geauxgive.lsu.edu. It’s a 24-hour fundraiser that starts at midnight. LSU Foundation spokesperson Sara Whittaker says April 30^th is the anniversary of the dedication of the flagship campus in Baton Rouge in 1926 and the donation goal has significance as well.

Cut 3 (11) “…first giving day.”

LSU Giving Day is part of the university’s $1.5 billion dollar Fierce for the Future Campaign, which is the largest campaign for higher education in the history of Louisiana.

Whittaker says there are many matching challenges for students and alumnus.

Cut 4 (12) “…may match that.” 

Whittaker says she expects the Tiger community around the world will help smash the goal of 1860 donations, and when they do, it’ll unlock a big money match.

Cut 5 (06) “…$10,000 match.”

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A proposed constitutional amendment to exempt diapers and feminine products from the state sales tax cleared the Senate Finance Committee, and is heading to the Senate floor, with debate focusing in on diapers.

Baton Rouge Diaper Bank Danielle Satawa says poor families often struggle to afford diapers, and end up needing to lift them from local groceries.

Cut 6 (09) “…restrooms”

Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt opposed the amendment, saying eliminating the 4.45 percent sales tax on diapers would not be impactful for mothers, but New Orleans Senator JP Morrell, the bill’s sponsor, disagreed.

Cut 7 (14) “…shoes.”

Satawa says parents spend about 1,200 dollars a year on diapers for a child, and eliminating the sales tax would save them roughly 55 dollars a year.

The proposal has a fiscal note of 9.6 million dollars, but Hewitt expressed concerns that that number is not accurate, if proponents are correct and families do indeed spend more than the fiscal office claims.

Cut 8 (06) “…also then”

The proposal would need a two thirds vote in both houses, followed by voter approval on the October ballot before becoming law.

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The House Transportation Committee overwhelming supports legislation that would prohibit hand held cell phone use while driving. Jennifer Smith with Stop Distractions-dot-org says 18 states have approved similar laws and in some states like Georgia, they’ve seen amazing results

Cut 9 (09) “…and only one“.

A similar bill in Louisiana died in the Senate last year. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton says there are plenty of things that can you distract you while you drive, so why just pick on hand held cell phone use

Cut 10 (12) “…just one out”

Supporters of the proposed handheld cell phone ban say statistics show that talking or texting on the phone is contributing to more and more accidents. Bogalusa Representative Malinda White says she doesn’t need stats to know Louisiana needs a handheld cell phone ban

Cut 11 (12)   “…cell phones.”

The measure now moves to the full House for more debate.

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Some residents are still without power from Thursday’s EF-3 tornado that struck Ruston, killing two and causing widespread damage. Mayor Ronny Walker says they have 88% of the electrical grid back up, but they will not hit 100% for a while.

Cut 12 (10) “…days is incredible.”

Walker says the rebuilding of aerial fiber optic lines is a slower process.

Cut 13 (11) “…the same way.”

Walker says the outpouring of support from volunteers has been overwhelming in helping the community rebound.

Cut 14 (11) “…just so refreshing.”

The Louisiana legislature took a stop today towards banning the use of hand held cellphones while driving when the House Transportation Committee approved a bill to do just that. Supporters say statistics show that talking or texting on the phone is contributing to more and more accidents. Bogalusa Representative Malinda White says she doesn’t need stats to know Louisiana needs a handheld cell phone ban
Cut 11 (12) “…cell phones.”
The measure now moves to the full House for more debate.

Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker says the power is on for 88-percent of the residents and businesses that continue to recover from last week’s EF 3 tornado. Walker says the rebuilding of aerial fiber optic lines is a slower process…
cut 13 (11) “..same way”
Walker says they are very appreciative of the support they’ve received.

A proposal to exempt diapers, tampons and feminine hygiene products from the state sales tax is heading to the Senate floor after it received approval from the Senate Finance committee. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt opposes the measure, because she doesn’t believe eliminating the state sales tax from these products will help residents, but New Orleans Senator JP Morrell disagrees…
cut 7 (13) “…their shoes”
The proposal will need two-thirds support in the House and Senate and then majority support from voters.

Coming up on the House floor today is legislation that would bring ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft to every city in Louisiana.

Also the House floor is scheduled to hear legislation today that would remove the Boxing and Wrestling Commission from regulating pro wrestling matches, because its choreographed.

Legislation to prohibit hand held cell phone use while driving cruises out of the House Transportation Committee on a 13-to-2 vote. Jeff Palermo has the story…
cut 2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”
A woman was found dead and buried in a shallow grave, reportedly below the LA 415 bridge, near the trailer park where she lived, and her son has been charged with second degree murder in relation to the 76-year-old Joann Moore’s death. 44-year-old Louis Moore Jr. is being held in the West Baton Rouge Parish jail.
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A proposed constitutional amendment to exempt diapers and feminine products from the state sales tax cleared the Senate Finance Committee, and is heading to the Senate floor, with debate focusing in on diapers. The proposal has a fiscal note of 9.6 million dollars, but Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt, who opposed it, expressed concerns that that number is not accurate, if proponents are correct and families do indeed spend more than the fiscal office claims.
Cut 8 (06) “…also then”
The proposal would need a two thirds vote in both houses, followed by voter approval on the October ballot before becoming law.

Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker has offered an update on the progress of recovery effort in his city. Ruston was impacted by an EF-3 tornado on Thursday morning that killed two and caused widespread damage. Walker says they have about 88% of the electrical grid back up in a very short amount of time, but will not be able to hit 100% for a while.

Cut 12 (10) “…days is incredible.”

The House Transportation Committee overwhelming supports legislation that would prohibit hand-held cell phone use while driving. Jennifer Smith with Stop Distractions-dot-org says 18 states have approved similar laws and in some states like Georgia, they’ve seen amazing results

Cut 9 (09) “…and only one“.

A similar bill in Louisiana died in the Senate last year.

LSU will hold its first Giving Day on Tuesday. It’s a 24-hour fundraiser that starts at midnight. LSU Foundation spokesperson Sara Whittaker says there are many matching challenges for students and alumnus.

Cut 4 (12) “…may match that.” 

A goal of 1,860 donors has been set to commemorate the year LSU was founded. Donations can be made at geauxgive.lsu.edu.
A constitutional amendment that would exempt diapers and feminine products from the state sales tax clears committee, but not before finding out it may cost the state more than previously thought.  Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”
Here’s a look at your commodities.

LSU is holding its first Giving Day Tuesday, as part of the university’s $1.5 billion dollar Fierce for the Future Campaign. It’s a 24-hour fundraiser that starts at midnight. LSU Foundation spokesperson Sara Whittaker says April 30^th is the anniversary of the dedication of the flagship campus in Baton Rouge in 1926 and the donation goal has significance as well.
Cut 3 (11) “…first giving day.”
Donations can be made at geauxgive.lsu.edu.
An amendment to exempt diapers and feminine products from state sales tax cleared the Senate Finance Committee, and is heading to the Senate floor, with debate focusing in on diapers. Baton Rouge Diaper Bank Danielle Satawa says poor families often struggle to afford diapers and end up needing to lift them from local groceries.

Cut 6 (09) “…restrooms”

The proposal has a fiscal note of 9.6 million dollars.

The World Health Organization issues its recommendation on how much screen time is appropriate for little kids, and it’s not much….
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”
A Hepatitis A outbreak results in the first death reported from the virus in the state. The highly contagious liver infection primarily spreads through close contact. According to the state’s department of health, infections usually resolve themselves without treatment, illness, and deaths. However, the current national outbreak has been higher than usual due to older age and underlying health conditions. The virus is preventable with vaccines.

A bill that would establish a statewide framework for ride share services such as Uber and Lyft is scheduled for floor debate today in the House. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”
A woman was found dead and buried in a shallow grave, reportedly below the LA 415 bridge, near the trailer park where she lived, and her son has been charged with second degree murder in relation to the 76-year-old Joann Moore’s death. 44-year-old Louis Moore Jr. is being held in the West Baton Rouge Parish jail.
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The Shreveport-based Community Foundation of North Louisiana has started a fund to raise money for relief efforts in Ruston, which is recovering from a deadly tornado. Spokesperson Emily Smith says they are identifying needs and will distribute funds to organizations that can address them.
Cut 7 (07) “…donations.”
To donate, drop by C-F-N-L-A.O-R-G slash Ruston and hit the donate now.
It’s termite season in Louisiana and for most folks that means turning off your lights before dusk, but LSU AgCenter Entomologist Karen Sun says keeping your home swarm free is about more than just flipping a switch. A lot of folks know about clearing dead wood from the perimeter of your home, but Sun says many resident’s don’t realize that gardening mulch can pose just as much of a threat to your foundation.
Cut 12 (07) “…home”
The bugs will be swarming for roughly the next two to three months, starting early May.

The World Health Organization says children under the age of one should not have any screen time while kids between one and five years old should not spend more than one hour watching screens every day. LSU Health New Orleans pediatrician Doctor Kyle Fulton recommends that parents should read books with their children instead…
cut 6 (12) “…they are older”
Coming up on the House floor today is legislation that would bring ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft to every city in Louisiana. Lyft spokesperson Carter Stern says Lyft is only available in six cities in Louisiana, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Lake Charles, Monroe, Shreveport and Lafayette…
cut 15 (10) “…will have access”
A similar bill was killed in the Senate last year.

If you would like to donate money towards the Ruston tornado recovery fund you can do so through the Community Foundation of North Louisiana. Spokesperson Emily Lane says they are taking donations on their website, which is c-f-n-l-a-dot-org. Smith says there are other ways to donate too…
cut 9 (08) “….bank”
Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker says if you want to volunteer, call area code 318-255-3300.

Selecting a tight end was considered a need for the Saints heading into the NFL draft and the Black and Gold took Notre Dame’s Alize Mack in the seventh round. In 2015, he was rated as the number one tight end in the nation coming out of Las Vegas, but only caught four touchdown passes at Notre Dame. General Manager Mickey Loomis says they like Mack’s potential
cut 17 (12) “succeed here”

Shreveport-based Community Foundation of Louisiana is collecting donations to help victims of last week’s deadly tornado in Ruston. Spokesperson Emily Smith says if you’re not sure where to send monetary support, their umbrella fund will direct your money to the most pressing needs.
Cut 8 (12) “…accordingly.”

The LSU AgCenter says Louisiana homeowners should prepare for upcoming termite swarms. Entomologist Karen Sun says the peak swarming season is from May to June, with a big peak around Mother’s Day. She says people who notice swarming termites should have a pest control professional inspect their homes and trees…
Cut 10 (08) “…services.”
Formosan subterranean termites are estimated to cause one-billion dollars in damage to the U-S annually half of that is in Louisiana.

For the first time-ever the World Health Organization has issued guidance on how much screen time children under the age of five should get and it’s not very much. The health agency says kids under one should not get any screen time and those under five should not spend more than one hour. LSU Health New Orleans pediatrician Doctor Kyle Fulton says the guidelines fall in line with previous recommendations that it’s important kids are active and not staring at a screen for long periods…
cut 5 (06) “….three hours a day”

LSU baseball came away with a series victory at Alabama with a five to four win in Tuscaloosa yesterday. It got too close for comfort, but Devin Fontenot ended the game with this strikeout with the bases loaded.
cut 30 (07) “…Tigers win, Tigers win”
That’s Chris Blair on the LSU Sports Radio Network. LSU is now 13-and-8 in the SEC, two games out of first place in the SEC West.