One of four constitutional amendments on the October ballot would allow New Orleans to exempt affordable housing from property tax. It’s a highly local issue so why is it up for a statewide vote?
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Plant-based shrimp could be offered by Tyson Foods as soon as next year after their investment into a California start-up. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”
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The state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries continues to collect data on the loss of aquatic resources from the historic lengthy opening of the Bonnet Carre spillway in an effort to qualify for federal emergency assistance. Kevin Barnhart has more.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”
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There are four constitutional amendments on the October ballot and voters will need to do their homework to understand their purpose. The first would create a property tax exemption for certain goods for oil and gas companies. Public Affairs Research Council Policy Director Steven Procopio says it would clear up a federal constitutional debate for local companies.
Opponents say it’s another tax giveaway to big oil.
The second amendment would allow Louisiana Public Broadcasting and three alternative schools access to Education Excellence fund money.
The third amendment would allow the Governor-appointed Board of Tax Appeals to rule on questions of constitutionality for tax questions. Procopio says proponents want the change because…
Opponents say it would give too much legal authority to a non-elected board of decision-makers.
The fourth amendment option may surprise people: it deals with allowing the City of New Orleans to give property tax exemptions for affordable housing. So why is it up for a statewide vote?
Supporters say it would give the city another tool to fight exploding housing costs, opponents say it could lead to waste fraud and abuse.
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Plant-based shrimp could be the next big thing if Tyson Foods recent investment into New Wave Foods is any indication. Tyson is the world’s second-largest processor of chicken, beef, and pork, and now moving into the plant-based realm. It’s a move that has caught the attention of Ag Commissioner Mike Strain.
Shrimp is a big economic driver for the state’s seafood industry and are the most consumed seafood on the planet. Strain says any attempt to market the new product as shrimp is not allowed under state law.
Cut 8 (10) “…misleading or confusing.”
The product is aiming to launch next year and look like a peeled, deveined and tailless shrimp. It’ll be hypoallergenic, lower in calories and cholesterol, and higher in fiber. Strain anticipates more synthetic seafood in the future.
Cut 9 (08) “…right behind that.”
Roll out of the product is expected next year.
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The state continues to collect data on the impact of aquatic life in southeast Louisiana as a result of the record long opening of the Bonnet Carre Spillway. Department of Wildlife and Fisheries biologist Harry Blanchet says National Marine Fisheries has a provision for fishery disasters, however it requires a 35% reduction in the value of a specific fishery to qualify
Cut 10 (10) “…the federal government.”
Blanchet says some of the most widespread impacts, with some areas seeing a 100% mortality rate, fall on oyster beds.
Cut 11 (10) “…the Sabine basin.”
Oyster populations will take years to regenerate. Blanchet says the brown shrimp harvest was down as well, but that population can bounce back much quicker.
Cut 12 (12) “…that impact is.”
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An independent poll shows 82 percent of Louisianans say TOPS should be a funding priority for legislators. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat, who conducted the survey, says it’s clear that TOPS is an absolutely untouchable government program that has widespread support.
The program pays for the in-state tuition of all Louisiana high school grads who earn a 2.5 GPA and 20 or higher on the ACT.
Pinsonat says those kinds of numbers make it clear that voters will not accept any excuses for why the program needs to be shaved from lawmakers.
The cost of the 291 million program continues to rise, and the state has made it a priority to get more kids eligible in high school. Pinsonat says it appears despite those rising costs…
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The Saints suffer a frustrating defeat to the Rams as another officiating call goes against them, plus they lose quarterback Drew Brees to a thumb injury in a 27-9 loss. The game was tied at three in the second quarter, when it looked like the Saints Cam Jordan returned a fumble for a touchdown, but the refs blew the play dead because they thought it was an incomplete pass. Coach Sean Payton is not using that call as an excuse on why they lost the game
Brees suffered the thumb injury in the first quarter and how much time he’ll miss is unknown. Teddy Bridgewater came in and threw for 165 yards. Payton says the rest of the offense, especially the o-line, didn’t play well around him…
The Saints next game is at the Seahawks, so the team will spend the week in Seattle getting ready for the game on Sunday. Payton says they’ll watch the tape today and it’s not going to be fun for some players…
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Fourth-ranked LSU started slowly but eventually rolled to a 65-14 win over Northwestern State on Saturday night. The defense allowed the Demons to score two touchdowns in the first half and it took a while before the offense got into a rhythm. Coach Ed Orgeron says there was no yelling on the sideline when LSU had a three-point lead late in the second quarter…
LSU did not allow any points in the second half and the offense ended up producing 610 yards. Another big night for quarterback Joe Burrow, who threw for 373 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
LSU will begin SEC play on Saturday when they visit Vanderbilt for an 11 o’clock kick-off.