The Public Affairs Research Council believes the temporary sales tax bill approved Thursday by the House Ways and Means Committee provides the legislature with its best opportunity at raising enough revenue to pass a budget. PAR President Robert Travis Scott says the legislation can lessen the fiscal cliff by renewing one-third of an expiring one-cent sales tax, but not everyone likes it, which might be a good thing…
cut 12 (09) “….with this bill”
Scott says this House bill is the most viable instrument to propel the special session toward a sensible outcome.

Sub Tropical Storm Alberto has formed near the Yucatan Peninsula. The five day forecast calls for the system making landfall near the Mississippi-Alabama line early next week, keeping Louisiana on the good side of the storm, but Phil Grigsby with the National Weather Service says….
cut 5 (05) “…to the west”

State troopers from Louisiana and Mississippi are working together to promote highway safety along I-55. Becca Dill has the story.
Voicer 2 (31) “I’m Becca Dill”

It’s also a Click It or Ticket weekend, which means law enforcement is looking for motorists who are not buckled up. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Mark Lambert….
cut 10 (09) “…belt law”
13 percent of Louisiana drivers admitted in a recent survey they do not wear a seat belt.