The 2017 Memorial Day travel period, which began Thursday, is at its highest level since 2005, according to AAA. Michelle Southern reports.:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”
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Security will be ramped up for this weekend’s Bayou Country Superfest in New Orleans, after there was an attack at a Manchester concert. Halen Doughty has more…
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Author of the bill to raise the state’s gas tax by 17-cents is working to ensure it will receive House approval. Emelie Gunn has more…
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The 2017 Memorial Day travel period, which began Thursday, is at its highest level since 2005, according to AAA. Spokesman Don Redman says they project 39.9 million Americans are taking to the roads, skies, rails and water this weekend, which is a million more than last year. He says it’s attributed to an improving economy…:
Cut 4 (08) “those numbers upwards”
Redman says 88% of travelers are driving to their destinations this year, which is an increase of 2.4% from 2016. He says today is one of the busiest days…:
Redman says it’s been 12 years since this many people decided not to stay home for the unofficial kick-off to summer holiday. He says it’s been steadily increasing since then…:
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Students with disabilities would be protected from corporal punishment in public schools under a proposal heading to the Senate floor. Baton Rouge Representative Franklin Foil says his bill would prohibit school employees from spanking students with developmental disabilities.
Cut 7 (08) “not corporal punishment”
Foil’s bill has already been approved by the House and received the backing of the Senate Education Committee on Thursday. An amendment has been added to the proposal to also include students ADHD. Foil says his legislation also defines what constitutes corporal punishment.
Foil says the Governor’s Office asked him to carry the measure as part of their education package. He says he was surprised to learn schools were spanking children with disabilities at all.
Cut 9 (09) “can’t help themselves”
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Concertgoers at this weekend’s Bayou Country Superfest can expect even more security after the attack at a concert in Manchester. Producer Quint Davis says safety is always the number one concern, and everyone should feel comfortable attending the event.
Cut 10 (10) “pretty much always”
Davis says this is the 9th annual B-C-S, but it’s the festival’s first time in the Superdome. He says the three-day festival had to be moved, as the event’s usual venue, Tiger Stadium, is undergoing renovations. He says they’ve made the show even bigger and better for the new locale.
Davis says they’re thrilled that it won’t be hot or rain inside the new venue. He notes the indoor arena gives them a chance to go all out with the production this year to go along with the superstar performances. He says there’s lots of big name acts, and there’s sure to be something for everyone.
Davis says it’s the first time Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert will share the stage since there separation, even if it is on different nights.
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The author of a bill to raise the state’s gasoline tax by 17-cents continues to work on the legislation so it can receive the 70 votes necessary to get approval from the House. Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter says he is looking at a variety of options, like lowering the proposed increase. But he says not everyone is pleased with that…
Many Louisianans are worried the revenue generated from the proposed tax increase would not go to improving roads or new infrastructure projects. Carter says similar legislation has been shut down in the past but lawmakers need to come together to vote for the measure.
Carter says there has also been discussion of having the tax increase over time.
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Saints Coach Sean Payton is glad to see that the NFL has relaxed its rules when it comes to touchdown celebrations. The league has announced that after a touchdown is scored, players can use the football as a prop, celebrate as a group or even do snow angels. Payton says it’s good for the fans, the players and the referees
Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas led the team last season with nine touchdown catches during his rookie campaign. Thomas had 112 catches for 1,137 yards, but he says there’s plenty of room for improvement….
Former first round pick Sheldon Rankins is also entering his second season in the NFL. The 23-year-old says the defensive tackles on this team can be a big strength..