18:30 LRN Newscast, April 1, 2016

Compliance could be a problem for businesses and vendors as new sales tax laws are now in effect. Jason Decuir, an attorney with Ryan’s tax service, says if vendors don’t collect the right amount of taxes, it will cause problems with the state trying to solve the budget deficit. He says this is difficult for some businesses, because many haven’t had to collect sales taxes on certain items before.

CUT 8 (09) “of tax”

Decuir says some businesses will find it difficult to collect the right amount of tax.

Seven Louisianans have died in crashes between cars and trains within the last three months. These tragedies have prompted the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission to urge motorists to always obey alerts at railroad crossings. Spokesperson Mark Lambert says don’t get too close to the tracks when you’ve stopped.

cut 14 (07)  “the tracks”

Monroe and Shreveport broke records for rainfall totals during the month on March. Jason Hansford with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says there are many bayous and rivers still at flood stage and the recent rainfall isn’t helping, but…

cut 10 (06)  “next week”

Shreveport received 12.8 inches, and Monroe set a record with 24.4 inches of rain.

Police are searching for a man in the New Orleans area after a search warrant led to a gruesome discovery of human remains and animal bones in a Slidell home. Sgt. Daniel Seuzeneau with the Slidell Police Department says a makeshift altar was surrounded by ritualistic materials, candles, and blood. But he says they do not think the human bones are related to a homicide.

CUT 4 (09)  “very bizarre”