A bill to repeal the state’s income tax beginning in January of 2025 has been filed at the capitol. It’s estimated Louisiana would lose 4.5 billion dollars in revenue if the bill ultimately becomes law. But the bill’s author Columbia Representative Neil Riser says Louisiana could offset the losses by getting rid of dozens of different tax credits and rebates.

Cut 6 (13) “…five billion.”
Riser notes that nearby states of Texas and Florida have no income taxes.

Governor Jeff Landry is asking college boards in Louisiana to implement a policy that student-athletes must be present during the National Anthem or risk losing their scholarships. The Republican said the fact that Iowa players were present during the National Anthem and LSU players weren’t only highlighted the issue.

Cut 9 (12)  “…that anthem.”
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Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson-Andrews has filed a bill to remove the gassing method of execution from Louisiana law.  Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain”
Three people living in a makeshift homeless encampment in Jefferson Parish were found shot to death yesterday morning. Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s officials confirmed the three victims, including two women and one man, had suffered multiple gunshot wounds. The victims were discovered around 10:30 yesterday morning in a wooded area near Scott Street and Shrewsbury Road.

During an appearance on Fox News’ “America Reports” Governor Jeff Landry says he’s sent letters to all the Louisiana college boards encouraging them to implement a policy that student-athletes be present during the National Anthem

Cut 7 (15) “…itself.”

From the legislative session, Senate Education Committee has approved a bill to mandate a five-day school week. Nine school districts currently use a four-day week schedule.  But Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says she believes a five-day school week is a better option and it’s easier for parents and employers who operate Monday through Friday…

Cut 13 (06)  “…a week.”

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A bill to repeal the state’s income tax has been filed at the capitol and awaits a hearing in the House Ways and Means Committee. Columbia Representative Neil Riser’s bill would eliminate state taxes beginning in January of 2025.

Cut 5 (12) “…I am.” 

It’s estimated the amount the state will lose in revenue is around 4.5 billion dollars if the state repeals the state income tax.

Baton Rouge Police have made an arrest in the death of 26 year old David Repath who died after being knocked unconscious during a fight at Fred’s in Tigerland March 23^rd. You’ll recall, the 26 year old father of two was hospitalized for several days before he died of his injuries. Detectives arrested 21 year old Matthew Marsiglia yesterday and charged him with manslaughter.

A bill to repeal the state’s income tax has been filed and awaits a hearing in the House Ways and Means Committee. Columbia Representative Neil Riser says it’s time to relieve Louisianans of rising costs by eliminating taxes.

Cut 4 (11) “…local economy.”

Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson-Andrews has filed a bill to remove nitrogen hypoxia, the gassing method of execution, from Louisiana Law at the urging of Jews Against Gassing, a newly formed coalition of Jewish organizations and faith leaders. Coalition Steering Committee member, Jackie Stern

Cut 10 (11) “…concentration camps.”

Approximately 2.7 million people were killed by the Nazi’s using poison gas.

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Governor  Jeff Landry reiterates his belief that college athletes should be present for the National Anthem on National TV. I’m Brooke Thorington.

Cut 2 (29)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.” 
LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson has told the players no cellphones in the locker room. The Tigers are 2 & 7 in SEC play after loosing four in a row. Johnson says his players need to focus.

Cut 16 (11)  “…we are doing.” 
LSU plays Vanderbilt tonight at 6.

The Louisiana Gator Scholarship Program bill, also known as Education Savings Accounts, goes before House Appropriations today. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has launched the “Buckle Up, Phone Down,” campaign. Spokesperson Greg Fisher says almost a third of drivers in Louisiana engage in some sort of distracted driving, so he’s urging motorists to make a pledge…

Cut 6 (07) “…phone down.”

The LSU lady tigers will not repeat as National champs after losing to Iowa last night 94 to 87 last night. Caitlin Clark was sensational, scoring 41 points. LSU’s Angel Reese had 20 points and 17 rebounds. This past year hasn’t been easy for Reese whose faced a lot of negativity. After last night’s loss, she addressed what it’s been like for her.

Cut 15 (13)  “…every single time.”

This was likely Reese’s final game at LSU. She says she’ll make a decision on her future when she’s ready. Reese is expected to be a top ten pick in the WNBA draft.

Louisiana State Police are investigating a deadly officer involved shooting involving a Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s deputy yesterday. Troopers say the sheriff’s office requested their assistance after the shooting on Madison Land in Ponchatoula. Troopes say one person was shot and died on the scene. No deputies were injured, but the incident remains under investigation this morning.

Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes got the best of the LSU Lady Tigers last night in a rematch of last year’s national championship game. Jeff Palermo has a recap…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”
Ten former students who sued LSU over alleged mishandling of sexual assault and domestic violence complaints against football players and others have settled their case with the university. The lawsuit centered on federal Title IX laws which ban gender-based discrimination, harassment or violence. The terms of the settlement have not been disclosed.

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A south Louisiana lawmaker believes students should attend school five days a week. Nine school systems in Louisiana have some or all their schools with four-day weeks. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell has filed a bill that would mandate a five-day school week because she’s concerned about children at home without adult supervision one day a week.

Cut 10 (09) “…the homes.”
It will go before House Appropriations today…It’s The Louisiana Gator Scholarship Program bill that some estimate could eventually cost the state $520 million dollars a year. While the program has plenty of Republican support, Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says lawmakers need to consider a temporary sales tax that will expire in 2025, which is estimated to create a $400 to $500 million fiscal cliff.

Cut 8 (09) “…bill is.” 

If you’re getting behind the wheel this morning, be aware that April is National Distracted Driving Week and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission’s “Buckle Up, Phone Down” campaign is in full swing. Right now, Louisiana law prohibits writing, sending, or reading text messages on hand-held devices while driving. But Spokesperson Greg Fisher reminds us all that eating, drinking, and even talking with passengers can also be big distractions behind the wheel.

Cut 5 (11) “…to drive.” 

The Louisiana Gator Scholarship Program bill, also known as Education Savings Accounts, goes before House Appropriations today. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says even if the bill passes in the legislature in its current form, there would be a year of planning before it’s implemented.

Cut 9 (06)  “…aren’t acceptable.”

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The LSU lady tigers will not repeat as National champs after losing to Iowa last night 94 to 87 last night. Caitlin Clark was sensational, scoring 41 points. LSU’s Angel Reese had 20 points and 17 rebounds. And Flau’Jau Johnson had 23 points and six rebounds. During the postgame press conference, Johnson spoke out against the people who have shown hate towards Reese…

Cut 14 (11)  “…heavy bro”

This was likely Reese’s final game at LSU.  Reese is expected to be a top ten pick in the WNBA draft.

Louisiana State Police are investigating a deadly officer involved shooting involving a Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s deputy yesterday. Troopers say the sheriff’s office requested their assistance after the shooting on Madison Land in Ponchatoula. Troopers say one person was shot and died on the scene. No deputies were injured, but the incident remains under investigation this morning.

Iowa got the best of LSU this time. After losing to the Lady Tigers last year in the national championship game, the Hawkeyes defeated LSU 94 to 87 last night. Caitlin Clark was sensational, scoring 41 points. LSU’s Angel Reese had 20 points and 17 rebounds. Reese says it was a great run, despite not getting back to the Final Four

Cut 13 (12)  “…9ur heads up.”

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has launched the “Buckle Up, Phone Down,” campaign. Spokesperson Greg Fisher…

Cut 4 (10) “…your phone.”

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A south Louisiana lawmaker believes students should attend school five days a week. Nine school systems in Louisiana have some or all their schools with four-day weeks. Supporters of a four-day week say a condensed schedule helps with teacher recruitment, and retention, and doesn’t impede student learning. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell questions what happens when more schools attract teachers with a four-day week.

Cut 11 (11) “…teacher recruitment.”

The Louisiana Gator Scholarship Program bill, also known as Education Savings Accounts, goes before House Appropriations today. How much it will cost the state to fund and implement the program is a concern. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio estimates it will eventually cost $520-million annually.

Cut 7 (08) “…up too.”

New Iberia Representative Beau Beaullieu has filed legislation that calls for a constitutional convention so state lawmakers and delegates appointed by the governor can write a new state constitution. Under the bill, the convention would begin May 20^th and run through July 15^th, but Beaullieu says he doesn’t think streamlining Louisiana’s constitution would take that long.

Cut  14 (11) “…we can do that”
According to the Council of State Governments Louisiana’s constitution is one of the longest in the country. It’s been amended over 200 times since adopted in 1974.
If a constitutional convention were to take place, Louisiana residents would vote in November to ratify the new document.

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The defending national champion LSU women’s basketball Tigers are set to take on UCLA at Noon today. In case you’re wondering, the last team to win back-to-back national championships in women’s basketball is UCONN. They won four in a row from 2013 to 2016. LSU All-American forward Angel Reese admits there are more expectations this year…

Cut 4 (10) “…we’re wining, we’re winning.” 

LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson says they are not ready to go home yet…

Cut 5 (11)  “…on that.”
In baseball action, Coastal Carolina defeated ULM four to one, and Louisiana Tech held on to beat F-I-U seven to six and Northwestern beat McNeese six to two.

The LSU Lady Tigers are gearing up for their Sweet 16 matchup against UCLA on Saturday at noon. Jeff Palermo has a preview…
Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The New Orleans Pelicans will face Boston this afternoon. The Celtics have the best record in the NBA at 57-16, but they’ve lost two in a row. Tip-off is at four at the Smoothie King Center.

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Proposed legislation introduced during the regular session aims to ease the workload of educators. But some concerns loom regarding its potential repercussions on school curriculums. Vernon Parish Representative Charles Owen wants to limit disruptions so teachers can focus on classroom instruction, so we can keep qualified teachers from leaving Louisiana classrooms.

Cut 11 (09) “…they matter.”

A Bossier City woman faces attempted kidnapping charges after telling her estranged boyfriend that she’d given birth to their child who was premature and now being treated in Baton Rouge. Authorities say Dinesty Selmon managed to get an access badge, making several visits to a child that didn’t have a lot of visitors. BRPD Spokesperson Darren Ahmed says the child was never taken from the room by Selmon. As for her intentions…

Cut 8 (12) “…kidnapping.” 

Proposed legislation introduced during the regular session aims to ease the workload of educators. Vernon Parish Representative Charles Owen believes teachers should be relieved of having to teach subjects like cpr and substance abuse so they can spend more time on the core subjects. He recalls Amanda Bealer, an educator in Leesville, who walked away from teaching profession because of the heavy demands.

Cut 10 (13) “…they’re profession. “
New Iberia Representative Beau Beaullieu has filed legislation calling for a constitutional convention to streamline our state constitution. And that’s not all. Beallieu says they also want to give lawmakers more flexibility during tough budget times by freeing up some areas that are onstitutionally protected…

Cut 13 (09) “…health care”

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A Bossier City woman’s ploy to fool her boyfriend that she’d birthed their child ends with attempted kidnapping charges in Baton Rouge. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (35)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

A head on collision in Avoyelles Parish yesterday claimed the life of a 58 year old Marksville woman. State Police say the driver of the other vehicle was headed south on Highway 107 when he crashed into the vehicle Joyce James was driving. We’re told she died at the scene. The other driver and and a passenger in his car were taken to a local hospital with moderate injuries.