Louisiana now has its first American Idol winner. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”
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A proposal to raise the legal age to smoke from 18 to 21-years-old barely gets out of the House Appropriations Committee. Jeff Palermo has more…
cut 2 (31) I’m Jeff Palermo”
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Louisiana has produced the state’s first American Idol winner with Livingston Parish native Laine Hardy taking the top honors in the season 17 finale last night on ABC. The eighteen year old’s mother, Cindy Hardy says in the hours since being crowned champion, he’s seen an uptick in streams.
Cut 3 (09) “…rock charts on iTunes.”
This season marks Hardy’s second run on the TV show.
He returned to play guitar for a friend who was auditioning. While he wasn’t trying to make it back on the show, both of them got offers to advance in the competition. His mom says in the time since he was last on the show, he had been playing more gigs, working on his stage presence.
Cut 4 (10) “…tried back out.”
Cindy Hardy says she was in shock that her son won as all three finalists were incredible. She says the family comes home tomorrow, but Laine will be staying in California for a few more weeks working on music.
Cut 5 (12) “…his own genre.”
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The House Appropriations committee approves legislation that would raise the legal age to smoke from 18 to 21 years old. West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman says his goal is to prevent young people from smoking, which he says will reduce health care costs for the state
Cut 6 (11) “…for many.”
The legislation will also prohibit the sale of vaping products to those under the age of 21. New Orleans vape shop owner Victoria Wood says it’s a bad bill, because there are no repercussions for those between 18 to 21 who try to purchase tobacco or vaping products…
Cut 7 (10) “…for it”
This legislation heading to the House floor contains several exemptions. Military personnel, law enforcement and first responders between the ages of 18-21 would still be able purchase tobacco products. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says the proposed law is too complicated
Cut 8 (08) “…deal with it”
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Louisiana was slammed with another round of twisters yesterday that’s knocked out power to hundreds in Acadiana, damaged dozens of homes and businesses, and left three people with minor injuries.
Nation Weather Service Lake Charles Meteorologist in Charge Andy Patrick says the most severe damage occurred in Ville Platte, where the twister cut right through the middle of town…
Cut 9 (09) “…as well”
Patrick says they’ve identified six tornadoes that touched down during the severe weather event so far, all of them having sustained winds of about 105 miles per hour.
Cut 10 (10) “…EF 1.“
Patrick says a large set of upper level disturbances has been contributing to the rash of tornadoes statewide.
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Ville Platte Mayor Jennifer Vidrine says the tornado that ripped through her town shocked the community, but she’s happy to announce that everyone appears to have come through with little to no bodily harm.
Vidrine says most folks were fast asleep when the EF-1 tornado tore into town…
Cut 11 (11)“…asleep.”
Vidrine says over 100 building sustained damage in the event.
The Mayor says while everyone managed to make it out without many scratches, she has heard of a few very close calls…
cut 12(08) “…their head””
She says 95 percent of the town has power back, and they’re hoping to get the last five percent back up and running before nightfall.
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Legislation to raise the gas tax to fund infrastructure projects gets shelved due to a lack of support, prompting bill author, Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter, to request the winner of the fall gubernatorial election call a special “infrastructure” session next year.
Carter says crumbling roads and bridges are some of the biggest threat facing the state.
Cut 13 (11) “…of us”
Carter’s plan would have raised the gas tax six cents in the first year, and up to 18 cents over the next 12 years.
But Crowley Representative John Stefanski says his informal poll on support for any additional taxes indicated there is not much interest until the state government can prove it can handle it’s finances better.
Cut 14 (11) “…a tax”
Carter says there just wasn’t enough time left in the session to push the bill through the House and Senate.
Carter was visibly frustrated at many of his colleague’s refusal to back the 300 million dollar proposal, saying it’s not right for the Legislature to keep kicking the can down the road.
Cut 15 (07) “…be bold”