The state conducted an audit looking at water rates in Louisiana and found many rural communities aren’t paying enough to produce revenue needed to keep up with the system. This leads to poor drinking water according to State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry. He says bigger, wealthier cities seem to be fine but the smaller towns have failing systems…:
Cut 9 (10) “be replaced”
He hopes this audit makes residents realize drinking water is a key part of our heath.

A measure has been filed for the upcoming legislative session that would increase cigarette taxes by 22-cents. Currently, the tax on a pack of cigarettes is $1.08 and the proposal would up that to $1.30 a pack. West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman, says his bill would generate more revenue for the state and lead to a healthier Louisiana….:
Cut 6 (06) “makes sense”
Louisiana’s cigarette tax ranks 36th highest in the country.

A bill filed for the regular session seeks to protect Louisiana’s military monuments, including controversial confederate statues. Shreveport Representative Thomas Carmody authored the legislation that would prohibit state and local governments from removing, relocating, or destroying a memorial that commemorates wars in US history. He says there’s also a provision to make sure the monuments can be maintained…:
Cut 12 (07) “tended to”
New Orleans is calling for Confederate monuments to be removed by mid-May.

Fans are giving Southeastern University’s mascot Roomie a makeover. Erin Cowser with SLU says Roomie’s current costume is a little over 7 years old, and the average lifespan of a mascot’s look is 6 to 10 years. She says they don’t want to totally change it up…:
Cut 15 (07) “a pushover”
Voting for ideas will be open through April 4 at Southeastern.edu/RoomieMakeover.