Minden police are looking for two men who ran over a 9-year-old girl while fleeing an attempted carjacking at Love’s Truck Stop Monday evening. Chief Jared McIver says when the father of the child went inside with his youngest, his teenage daughters were in the car when the suspects tried to take the vehicle. The father ran out to stop it and his 9-year-old daughter followed.

Cut 11 (07)  “…take out.”

He says the suspects were in a white stolen U-Haul pick-up truck and with the U-Haul stickers removed. The child was airlifted to LSU Ochsner in Shreveport with several broken bones but is expected to recover.

A 16-year-old was killed Monday evening in Natchitoches and two other teens were injured. Corporal John Greely with Natchitoches Police they found a 16-year-driver who’d crashed into a tree and learned two other teens had been in the car.

Cut 4 (07)  “…happened.” 

The investigation is ongoing.

The fatal shooting of a man in downtown Alexandria Sunday night – sparks concern about public safety a week before its AlexRiverFete event. Mayor Jacques Roy says this was an isolated incident that started at a private party.

Cut 5 (12) “…a death.”

No details were released on the victim’s identity or if any arrests were made.

House Governmental Affairs approves a bill to raise the annual salary for state lawmakers from 16,800 to about 40-thousand dollars. Gretna Representative Joe Marino says many legislators can’t afford the pay or time commitment.

Cut 8 (08)  “…than this” 

The bill passed on an eight to four vote, and it needs review from House Appropriations since it’s an added cost for the state.

A 16-year-old was killed Monday evening in Natchitoches and two other teens were injured. Corporal John Greely with Natchitoches Police says around 8:16 they received several calls of gunshots in the area of Stella and Northern Streets.

Cut 3 (07) “….gunshot victim.”

The 16-year-old victim was the driver and Greely says two other teens in the vehicle were taken to the hospital by family members. One was released and the other has non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation is on-going.

A bill to extend the state’s film tax credit passes in the House. The legislation renews the current tax credit for a decade when the current incentive expires in July of 2025. New Orleans Representative Mandy Landry says the film industry is not only important to her district but also to those Louisiana residents whose livelihood depends on the entertainment industry.

Cut 15 (05)  “…10,000 jobs.”

The measure passed 74 to 24 and heads to the Senate.

This year’s attempt to ban hand-held cell phone use while driving clears its first hurdle in the Legislature…:

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

In St. Landry Parish an arrest has been made in the fatal hit-and-run that killed cyclist 59-year-old Randy Thibodeaux of Sunset. After receiving a tip, the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested 32-year-old Samuel Clay Richard of Church Point Monday. He’s been charged with felony hit and run, negligent homicide and operating a vehicle while under suspension. Thibodeaux was reported missing on Friday and his body was found in a ditch Sunday afternoon.

Legislation to extend the state’s film tax credit incentive through 2035 passes in the lower chamber. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Natchitoches Police Department is investigating the murder of a 16-year-old who was found with multiple gunshot wounds after crashing into a tree Monday night. The vehicle was located in the 1400 block of Stella Street with heavy front-end damage. Two additional minors were also injured and transported to a nearby hospital. The investigation is ongoing. 

A proposed law that would triple the salary of members of the Louisiana legislature is being discussed in House Governmental Affairs today. In an interview on “Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster”, Gretna Representative Joe Marino – the bill’s author – says lawmakers have not received a raise since 1980 and the salary is too low for the time and commitment…

Cut 9 (11)  “…in the session.”

If the bill is approved, it will go into effect in 2024.

A measure that would prohibit drivers from using a hand-held cell phone while driving was approved by the House Transportation Committee. In opposition to the bill, John Swisher, a professional tow truck driver, says the bill will makes it harder for him to do his job…:

Cut 13 (12) “…right then and there.” 

Supporters of the bill believe passing the bill will help cut down on distracted drivers which means fewer accidents.  The panel voted 5-4 to move the bill to the House floor.

A bill that would ban drivers from using a hand-held cell phone while driving clears its first hurdle in the Legislature…:

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Minden Police are searching for two suspects who attempted to steal a car and struck a 9-year-old girl while attempting to getaway. The owner of the vehicle stopped at Love’s Truck Stop near I-20 in Minden. Two suspects approached the vehicle and attempted to steal it but the owner was able to stop the theives. The child was rushed to a Shreveport hospital where she was treated for her injuries and is now in stable condition.

Legislation to increase the salary of Louisiana lawmakers from $16,800 to $60,000 will be heard in House Governmental Affairs today. In an interview on “Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster”, the bill’s author, Gretna Representative Joe Marino says Governor Edwards is in agreeance with the bill but:…

Cut 7 (08) “…calls for.”

If the bill is approved, lawmakers will see an increase in pay in 2024. 

Legislation that would extend the state’s film tax credit program and encourage more movies and television shows to be filmed in Louisiana passes in the House on a 74-24 vote. . Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo says if the bill is passed it will continue to generate revenue for Louisiana.

Cut  16 (11)  “…gas revenues.” 

The legislation renews the current tax credit through 2035. The bill is authored by Representative Clay Schexnayder the Speaker of the House. The bill heads to a Senate Committee.

The Louisiana Department of Health has released a report on the state’s 951 community water systems. 67-percent received an A-or-B grade, while 15-percent were graded with a D or F. New Iberia Senator Fred Mills …
cut 5 (11) “….they’re doing”
Mills encourages poor performing water systems to consolidate with another water system to improve sustainability.

Gretna Representative Joe Marino’s bill that would nearly quadruple the annual pay of state lawmakers receives a hearing in the House Government Affairs Committee today. Marino says the annual pay of $16,800 is too low for a time consuming job…
cut 9 (11) “….in the session”
If approved, the pay hike would go into effect next year.

The House Transportation Committee approves a bill that would prohibit a driver from handling a cell phone while behind the wheel. Jennifer Smith with stop-distractions-dot-org says 65-percent of Louisiana drivers are guilty of distracted driving, via using a cell phone behind the wheel…
cut 11 (09) “….helmet laws”
Several survivors of crash victims testified how a person distracted by their phone caused the death of a loved one. Speaking against the bill was Alexandria attorney Ed Tarpley, who says state law has already intruded too much into people’s personal lives…:
Cut 12 (13) “…several years ago.”
The measure passed House Transportation on a five to four vote, and heads to the House floor for more discussion.

A bill to extend the state’s film tax credit program from 2025 to 2035 receives approval in the House. Opponents say the 150-million dollar tax credit program does not provide the state with a great return on investment, but New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry disagrees…
cut 15 (12) “…health insurance”
The measure heads to the Senate, but the Louisiana Film Entertainment Association is not happy with an amendment that reduces the tax credit over time.

A bill to increase the annual pay of lawmakers from 16,800 to 60-thousand dollars receives a hearing in the House Governmental Affairs Committee today. Gretna Representative Joe Marino has talked with other legislators about his proposal….
cut 8 (06) “…..the House”
Governor Edwards has also indicated he supports the bill.

A bill to ban the hand-held use of a cell phone while driving passes its first hurdle in the legislature as the House Transportation Committee passed the legislation on a five to four vote. In support was Jennifer Smith, with “StopDistractions.org”, who says this proposed law will mean fewer car crashes…:
Cut 10 (10) “…in distracted driving.”
An opponent to the legislation called it a money grab for police departments. The discussion will continue on the House floor.

There’s a lot of discussion about quality drinking water in the state, so how many water systems are actually below average…
cut 6 (09) “….five percent of the population”
That’s Louisiana Department of Health Engineer Amanda Ames, who says a low grade does not mean that water is unsafe to drink but steps should be taken to improve the water system.

A measure that would triple Louisiana lawmakers’ salaries beginning next year will be heard in House Governmental Affairs today.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Teiko Foxx.”

During an appearance at the Baton Rouge Press Club, Governor Edwards was asked about LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey’s push for a new or vastly improved PMAC. Edwards says he doesn’t blame Mulkey for wanting a better arena, but…
cut 27 (04) “…new library’

A bill to extend the state’s film tax credit passes in the House. The legislation renews the current tax credit for a decade when the current incentive expires in July of 2025. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the incentive has a $6 return on investment for every dollar spent, but Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson says an independent study shows the ROI is only 23 cents.
Cut 14 (10) “…Louisiana either.”
House Bill 562 was approved 74-24 and heads to the Senate, but Louisiana Film Entertainment Association doesn’t like an amendment added to the bill that makes the tax credit less lucrative over time.

It takes money to improve water systems and a new report from the Louisiana Department of Health finds 15-percent of the state’s water systems or 138 of them received a D or F grade…
cut 4 (11) “….with information”
That’s State Health officer Doctor Joseph Kanter. Health department officials estimate it will cost nine billion dollars over the next two decades to upgrade water systems.

A measure that would triple Louisiana lawmaker’s salaries beginning next year will be heard in House Governmental Affairs today. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “I’m Teiko Foxx.”

_______________________________________________

This year’s attempt to ban hand-held cell phone use while driving clears its first hurdle in the Legislature…:

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

_______________________________________________

Legislation to extend the state’s film tax credit incentive for ten years passes in the lower chamber but without some drama on the House floor. Brooke Thorington has the scene.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_____________________________________________

The State Health Department releases the grades of more than 900 community water systems in Louisiana. The data is a culmination of 2021 legislation for the accountability and transparency of community water systems. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says residents have a right to clean and safe drinking water.

Cut 4 (11)  “…with information.”

New Iberia Senator Fed Mills who authored the Community Drinking Water Accountability Rule, encourages you to look at your local water systems grade, and if it’s failing or close to it, ask your local government how they are addressing it…

Cut 5 (11)   “…they’re doing.”

Mills says you should also look at the grades of nearby water systems because depending on their grade, consolidation of water systems might be the best option.

LDH Chief Engineer Amanda Ames led the implementation of the project and they will publish water-grade systems annually on May 1^st. She says 65 percent of water systems received an A or B grade and 15 percent.

Cut 6 (09)  “…population.”

Grades for 951 community water systems can be found at ldh.la.gov/watergrade.

_______________________________________________

Legislation to increase the annual salary of members of the legislature from $16,800 to $60,000 will be heard in House Governmental Affairs today. Lawmakers have not received a raise since 1980. In an interview on “Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster”, Gretna Representative Joe Marino – the bill’s author – says Governor Edwards is on board, however:…

Cut 7 (08) “…calls for.”

Marino says the governor believes the annual legislative pay should be raised to 50 thousand dollars.

The proposed law would also increase the annual salary for the president of the Senate and the speaker of the House of Representatives from $32,000 to $114,000. The Independent lawmaker says the biggest hurdle will be faced in the lower chamber…

Cut 8 (06) “…the House.”

The bill would also increase the salary for the president pro tempore of the Senate and the speaker pro tem of the House of Representatives from $24,500 to $87,400. Marino says the pay is too low for as much time as it takes to do an effective job…

Cut 9 (11)  “…in the session.”

If the bill is approved, it will go into effect next year.

____________________________________________________

A bill to ban hand-held use of a cell phone while driving passes its first hurdle in the legislature. The House Transportation Committee heard Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s bill Monday. In support was Jennifer Smith, with safety activist group “StopDistractions.org”, who says passing the bill into law will mean fewer car crashes…:

Cut 10 (10) “…in distracted driving.” 

Smith tells committee members 65 percent of all Louisiana drivers are guilty of distracted driving, via using a cell phone behind the wheel…:

Cut 11 (09)  “…seat belt and helmet laws.”

Several survivors of crash victims testified how a person distracted by their phone caused the death of a loved one. Speaking against the bill was Alexandria attorney Ed Tarpley, who says state law has already intruded too much into people’s personal lives…:

Cut 12 (13)    “…several years ago.” 

Also opposed to the bill, John Swisher, a professional tow truck driver, who characterized the measure as an attempted “money grab” that makes it harder for him to do his job…:

Cut 13 (12) “…right then and there.” 

After over an hour of discussion, the panel voted 5-4 to move the bill to the House floor.

________________________________________

A bill to extend the state’s film tax credit passes in the House. The legislation renews the current tax credit for a decade when the current incentive expires in July of 2025. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the incentive has a $6 return on investment for every dollar spent, but Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson says the ROI is only 23 cents.

Cut 14 (10)  “…Louisiana either.”

New Orleans Representative Mandy Landry says the film industry is not only important to her district but also to those Louisiana residents whose livelihood depends on the entertainment industry.

Cut 15 (12)  “…health insurance.”

Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo says he doesn’t believe the ROI that Nelson referred to is accurate, he says it’s underestimated especially when you look at the money a production spends locally, for example; hotels, restaurants, catering, dry cleaning, and more.

Cut  16 (11)  “…gas revenues.” 

The bill to continue the $150 million annual cap on the Film Tax credit passed in the House on a 74-24 vote and heads to a Senate Committee.

__________________________________________________

The top-ranked LSU baseball team is in Hammond tonight to face a struggling Southeastern Louisiana team. The Lions are 19-21 overall, and in last place in the Southland with a 4-11 record. Tigers Coach Jay Johnson says S-L-U are speedsters on the base paths…

Cut 17 (12) “…of offense.”

The Lions have only 24 home runs, but they have 89 stolen bases. In 2014, when LSU visited Southeastern, 37 hundred fans were in attendance and Johnson is expecting another big crowd…

Cut 18 (19) “…they’ll beat you.”

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Cut 19 (17) “      play the game“

Cut 20 (13)  “… right now”