A House committee narrowly approves legislation that partially rolls back changes made by Governor John Bel Edwards to a tax break program that benefits large manufacturers. Matt Doyle has more…
voicer 2 (30) “….I’m Matt Doyle”

Two hotly debated topics will be discussed in a Senate committee this morning. Lawmakers will debate a proposed constitutional amendment to abolish the death penalty and there’s also a bill on the agenda that would prohibit an abortion when the fetus’ heartbeat is detected.

The Louisiana House passes a bill that says banks with gun control policies can not refuse to do business with companies involved in the manufacturing and selling of guns and ammunition. Erath Representative Blake Miguez says his legislation protects against a discriminatory action
Cut 3 (10) “…move it forward”
The House approved the measure on a 66-27 vote and it heads to the Senate for more discussion.

The state is reporting its first death from the Hepatitis A outbreak, which is a highly contagiuous liver infection. Assistant state health officer Joseph Kanter says Hep A primarily spreads through close contact and it’s most often seen with drug users, in the homeless population, prisoners and homosexuals. Kanter says at first someone may experience fever, fatigue and loss of appetite…..
cut 14 (09) “….of the eyes’

Will Wade’s name has surfaced again in the college basketball corruption case as evidence emerges of the LSU basketball coach allegedly offering 300,000 dollars in an effort to recruit Naz Reid. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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 A proposal to partially roll back Governor Edwards’ changes to a program that issues substantial property tax cuts to big business narrowly gets through a House committee. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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An outbreak of Hepatitis A results in the first reported death from the virus in Louisiana. Who’s most at risk for contracting the liver infection? Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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The Louisiana Department of Health is asking residents to be on the lookout for the penny sized “kissing bug”, whose bite can carry the rare, but nasty Chagas disease.  LDH vector-borne diseases epidemiologist Julius Tonzel says the Triatomine bugs are known to break into poorly maintained houses, and feast on unsuspecting sleepers.

Cut 4 (12) “…happens.”

The alert was triggered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which confirmed a case of the disease in Delaware.

The best way to keep the bugs out is to fix any holes in your home that lead to the outside, and Tonzel says you can identify the disease carrying “kissing bug” by it’s long, thin legs, and earthy brown or black outside with red stripes…

Cut 5 (11) “…the body.”

There’s only been 13 confirmed cases of Chargas Disease in the state’s history and none since 2017.

Chagas symptoms can take weeks to appear, and can feel very much like the flu initially. Tonzel says after that, it could be quite some time before the long term effects are felt, but they could ultimately be fatal.

Cut 6 (12) “…heart failure”

In it’s history, the disease has been documented in 11 parishes, as far north as Caddo, and as far south as Terrebonne.

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A recording that claims LSU basketball coach Will Wade allegedly offered 300,000 dollars in an effort to recruit LSU forward Naz Reid was featured Monday at a federal trial on NCAA corruption. Tiger Rag assistant editor Tyler Nunez says it’s another recruiting allegation against the 36-year-old coach.

Cut 7 (12) “…him in.”

The video aired in court is former Arizona assistant Book Richardson, who was reportedly caught on tape saying Wade offered him a job to help with the recruiting of Reid, and quoted Wade as saying “There’s a deal in place, I got 300,000 for him.” Richardson allegedly responded saying “Give me half, and I’ll make sure the kid goes there”.

After being reinstated, Wade agreed to a provision in his contract that would give LSU cause to fire him if he was found in violation of a level one or two NCAA violation. Nunez says this fits the bill, if the allegation is true…

Cut 8 (12) “…allegations.”

Reid was instrumental in helping LSU win an SEC regular season title and a trip to the Sweet 16. Nunez says along with potentially ending Will Wade’s time at LSU, the ongoing trial could reveal just how much illegal money is flowing into basketball recruiting.

Cut 9 (09) “…continues.″

LSU responded, saying “We are continuing to monitor the situation, and will refrain from commenting until further notice.”

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A bill that would partially roll back the Governor’s changes to the Industrial Tax Exemption Program advanced to the House floor. The change would take the ability to grant the often substantial local property tax breaks to businesses away from local boards, like school boards.

Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds says it’s scaring away business.

Cut 10 (09) “…ITEP.”

Companies use ITEP to request hundreds of thousands, and even millions in tax breaks from the state.

Governor Edwards opposes reversing the changes he made to the program last year. Edwards’ Executive Council, Matthew Block, says every other state allows local level authorities to make decisions about issuing local tax breaks…

Cut 11 (07) “…program.”

The changes created a controversy in Baton Rouge when the local school board denied Exxon a several hundred thousand dollar ITEP request under the new rules.

The change would see the parish president, sheriff, and school board president in charge of accepting or rejecting ITEP requests. Opponents would prefer keeping the authority at the city/town, and not parish level, but Edmonds says that should be local enough.

Cut 12 (10) “…they will.”

Before Edwards’ changes, the decision to issue the tax break was made by a state level board.

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A Hepatitis A outbreak results in the first death reported from the virus in the state. The highly contagious liver infection primarily spreads through close contact. Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says in Louisiana the cases recorded since January 2018 sees the biggest impact in two main risk categories.

Cut 13 (09) “…those two categories.”

Kanter adds the virus spreads rapidly when people are in close quarters in such settings as homeless shelters or jails.

About two-thirds of those diagnosed with Hepatitis A are having to be hospitalized in this most recent outbreak, which Kanter says is higher than normal. Many people who have it end up doing fine, but some end up having worsened liver damage or even liver failure. Kanter says at first someone may experience vague symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
Cut 14 (09) “…of the eyes.”

For those that are high risk, Kanter says there is action that can be taken to reduce the chance of contracting the virus.

Cut 15 (07) “…an initial vaccine.”

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LSU ranks in the middle of the pack in the Southeastern Conference for team batting average. But Coach Paul Mainieri is hoping freshman Gavin Dugas can provide a spark. He missed about two months with a hamate injury, but delivered a big two-run single in Sunday’s win over Alabama

Cut 16  (22) “…for us” 

In Sunday’s win over the Crimson Tide, Landon Marceaux struck out nine in 5.1 innings pitched for the victory. Mainieri liked how the freshman from Destrehan battled back from shaky start

 cut 17 (09)   “as well” 

Mainieri also likes what he’s seeing from catcher Saul Garza, who hit his second home run of the season on Sunday

The House Transportation committee passed a bill today that would prohibit drivers from using a handheld cell phone while behind the wheel. In passed on a 13-2 vote, Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton was one of the two no votes and says there are plenty of things that can district you while you drive, so why just pick on handheld cell phones…
cut 10 (12) “…just one out”
The measure heads to the House floor for more discussion.

Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker is thanking the thousands who volunteered this past weekend to help in the recovery from last week’s E-F 3 tornado…
cut 14 (11) “…just so refreshing”
Lincoln Parish public schools and Louisiana Tech University re-opened today, but about 10-percent of the city remains without electricity.

A constitutional amendment that would exempt diapers and feminine products from the state sales tax clears the Senate Finance committee, but not before finding out it may cost the state more than previously thought. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

A recording played in a federal courtroom in New York connects LSU basketball coach Will Wade to a 300-thousand dollar recruiting offer for Naz Reid. The recording was played during the NCAA corruption trial and it’s a sign Wade is not in the clear yet, even though he’s been reinstated.

A constitutional amendment that would exempt diapers and feminine products from the state sales tax clears the Senate Finance committee, but not before finding out it may cost the state more than previously thought.  Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Legislation to prohibit hand held cell phone use while driving cruises out of the House Transportation Committee on a 13-to-2 vote. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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LSU will hold its first Giving Day Tuesday, soliciting donations at geauxgive.lsu.edu. It’s a 24-hour fundraiser that starts at midnight. LSU Foundation spokesperson Sara Whittaker says April 30^th is the anniversary of the dedication of the flagship campus in Baton Rouge in 1926 and the donation goal has significance as well.

Cut 3 (11) “…first giving day.”

LSU Giving Day is part of the university’s $1.5 billion dollar Fierce for the Future Campaign, which is the largest campaign for higher education in the history of Louisiana.

Whittaker says there are many matching challenges for students and alumnus.

Cut 4 (12) “…may match that.” 

Whittaker says she expects the Tiger community around the world will help smash the goal of 1860 donations, and when they do, it’ll unlock a big money match.

Cut 5 (06) “…$10,000 match.”

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A proposed constitutional amendment to exempt diapers and feminine products from the state sales tax cleared the Senate Finance Committee, and is heading to the Senate floor, with debate focusing in on diapers.

Baton Rouge Diaper Bank Danielle Satawa says poor families often struggle to afford diapers, and end up needing to lift them from local groceries.

Cut 6 (09) “…restrooms”

Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt opposed the amendment, saying eliminating the 4.45 percent sales tax on diapers would not be impactful for mothers, but New Orleans Senator JP Morrell, the bill’s sponsor, disagreed.

Cut 7 (14) “…shoes.”

Satawa says parents spend about 1,200 dollars a year on diapers for a child, and eliminating the sales tax would save them roughly 55 dollars a year.

The proposal has a fiscal note of 9.6 million dollars, but Hewitt expressed concerns that that number is not accurate, if proponents are correct and families do indeed spend more than the fiscal office claims.

Cut 8 (06) “…also then”

The proposal would need a two thirds vote in both houses, followed by voter approval on the October ballot before becoming law.

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The House Transportation Committee overwhelming supports legislation that would prohibit hand held cell phone use while driving. Jennifer Smith with Stop Distractions-dot-org says 18 states have approved similar laws and in some states like Georgia, they’ve seen amazing results

Cut 9 (09) “…and only one“.

A similar bill in Louisiana died in the Senate last year. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton says there are plenty of things that can you distract you while you drive, so why just pick on hand held cell phone use

Cut 10 (12) “…just one out”

Supporters of the proposed handheld cell phone ban say statistics show that talking or texting on the phone is contributing to more and more accidents. Bogalusa Representative Malinda White says she doesn’t need stats to know Louisiana needs a handheld cell phone ban

Cut 11 (12)   “…cell phones.”

The measure now moves to the full House for more debate.

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Some residents are still without power from Thursday’s EF-3 tornado that struck Ruston, killing two and causing widespread damage. Mayor Ronny Walker says they have 88% of the electrical grid back up, but they will not hit 100% for a while.

Cut 12 (10) “…days is incredible.”

Walker says the rebuilding of aerial fiber optic lines is a slower process.

Cut 13 (11) “…the same way.”

Walker says the outpouring of support from volunteers has been overwhelming in helping the community rebound.

Cut 14 (11) “…just so refreshing.”

The Louisiana legislature took a stop today towards banning the use of hand held cellphones while driving when the House Transportation Committee approved a bill to do just that. Supporters say statistics show that talking or texting on the phone is contributing to more and more accidents. Bogalusa Representative Malinda White says she doesn’t need stats to know Louisiana needs a handheld cell phone ban
Cut 11 (12) “…cell phones.”
The measure now moves to the full House for more debate.

Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker says the power is on for 88-percent of the residents and businesses that continue to recover from last week’s EF 3 tornado. Walker says the rebuilding of aerial fiber optic lines is a slower process…
cut 13 (11) “..same way”
Walker says they are very appreciative of the support they’ve received.

A proposal to exempt diapers, tampons and feminine hygiene products from the state sales tax is heading to the Senate floor after it received approval from the Senate Finance committee. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt opposes the measure, because she doesn’t believe eliminating the state sales tax from these products will help residents, but New Orleans Senator JP Morrell disagrees…
cut 7 (13) “…their shoes”
The proposal will need two-thirds support in the House and Senate and then majority support from voters.

Coming up on the House floor today is legislation that would bring ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft to every city in Louisiana.

Also the House floor is scheduled to hear legislation today that would remove the Boxing and Wrestling Commission from regulating pro wrestling matches, because its choreographed.

The World Health Organization says children under the age of one should not have any screen time while kids between one and five years old should not spend more than one hour watching screens every day. LSU Health New Orleans pediatrician Doctor Kyle Fulton recommends that parents should read books with their children instead…
cut 6 (12) “…they are older”
Coming up on the House floor today is legislation that would bring ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft to every city in Louisiana. Lyft spokesperson Carter Stern says Lyft is only available in six cities in Louisiana, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Lake Charles, Monroe, Shreveport and Lafayette…
cut 15 (10) “…will have access”
A similar bill was killed in the Senate last year.

If you would like to donate money towards the Ruston tornado recovery fund you can do so through the Community Foundation of North Louisiana. Spokesperson Emily Lane says they are taking donations on their website, which is c-f-n-l-a-dot-org. Smith says there are other ways to donate too…
cut 9 (08) “….bank”
Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker says if you want to volunteer, call area code 318-255-3300.

Selecting a tight end was considered a need for the Saints heading into the NFL draft and the Black and Gold took Notre Dame’s Alize Mack in the seventh round. In 2015, he was rated as the number one tight end in the nation coming out of Las Vegas, but only caught four touchdown passes at Notre Dame. General Manager Mickey Loomis says they like Mack’s potential
cut 17 (12) “succeed here”

Shreveport-based Community Foundation of Louisiana is collecting donations to help victims of last week’s deadly tornado in Ruston. Spokesperson Emily Smith says if you’re not sure where to send monetary support, their umbrella fund will direct your money to the most pressing needs.
Cut 8 (12) “…accordingly.”

The LSU AgCenter says Louisiana homeowners should prepare for upcoming termite swarms. Entomologist Karen Sun says the peak swarming season is from May to June, with a big peak around Mother’s Day. She says people who notice swarming termites should have a pest control professional inspect their homes and trees…
Cut 10 (08) “…services.”
Formosan subterranean termites are estimated to cause one-billion dollars in damage to the U-S annually half of that is in Louisiana.

For the first time-ever the World Health Organization has issued guidance on how much screen time children under the age of five should get and it’s not very much. The health agency says kids under one should not get any screen time and those under five should not spend more than one hour. LSU Health New Orleans pediatrician Doctor Kyle Fulton says the guidelines fall in line with previous recommendations that it’s important kids are active and not staring at a screen for long periods…
cut 5 (06) “….three hours a day”

LSU baseball came away with a series victory at Alabama with a five to four win in Tuscaloosa yesterday. It got too close for comfort, but Devin Fontenot ended the game with this strikeout with the bases loaded.
cut 30 (07) “…Tigers win, Tigers win”
That’s Chris Blair on the LSU Sports Radio Network. LSU is now 13-and-8 in the SEC, two games out of first place in the SEC West.