Legislators are attempting to work out a deal in principle for a revenue plan before the special session begins on Monday. Jeff Palermo has the story.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”
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Starting in September, travelers can fly direct from the Baton Rouge Aiport to the Magic Kindgom, with the addition of Via Airlines. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (28) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”
Small business optimism has reached its highest level in 34 years. That’s according to the National Federation of Independent Business, who surveys its members regularly. NFIB state director Dawn Starns credits the federal tax reform legislation approved last December…
Cut 6 (11) “…at the end of the year.”
Starns says they are now hoping for tax reform in Louisiana as lawmakers consider what to do with the state sales tax, which is currently at 5%. It’s set to drop to 4-percent after July 1st. Legislators are considering whether to renew a third or half a penny of a temporary one-cent sales tax.
Cut 7 (03) “..help everybody.”
The NFIB survey found that small businesses report high numbers in several key areas, including compensation, profits and sales trends. Nineteen-percent of small business owners also plan on price increases. Starns says that’s the signal of a strong economy…
cut 8 (12) “…with doing business.”
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Two Acadiana men are under arrest in connection to the murder of a St. Martinville teenager. Twenty-five-year-old Brandon Boutte of St. Martinville was charged with Obstruction of Justice and Second Degree Murder in the death of 19-year-old Simone Robin. St. Martin Parish Sherriff’s Spokesperson Major Ginny Higgins says Robin’s trailer was set on fire Saturday, and her body was found later that day on a levee in St. Landry.
Cut 9 (10) “their parish.”
Higgins says arson investigators discovered the attempt to destroy Robin’s home was not completely successful.
Cut 10 (10) “be determined”
The Major says throughout the course of the investigation, it was discovered that Robin had been killed earlier that week on Thursday, which leaves a three day period between when she was murdered, and when her home was burned down, and he body discovered at a separate location.
Cut 11 (06) “several days”
Twenty-two-year-old Toby Boutte was also charged with one count of accessory after the fact of second-degree murder.
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Starting in September, travelers through Baton Rouge Metro Airport can expect more destination options with the addition of Via Airlines. The airline, which has been in business for over a decade, will now provide direct service to Austin, Texas and Orlando, Florida. Airport spokesperson Jim Caldwell says the new airline was lured in by the need for the service in the area.
Cut 12 (11) “…on a quality airline.”
With the flights to Orlando that will operate Mondays and Thursdays, families will be able to access destinations such as Disney World, Universal Studios, and Port Canaveral. With flight service between Austin, there is hope that tourists will be lured to check out Baton Rouge.
Cut 13 (10) “…bring people here.”
Austin service will fly on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, as they expect a high demand for business travel to the capital city of the lone star state.
Cut 14 (09) “…great weekend destination.”
Via Airlines will start the new nonstop flights on September 13.