A 30-year contract extension between the state and Harrah’s land-based casino in New Orleans has been approved by the House. The legislation would allow the casino to make big expansions. Barras says Harrah’s would also add new restaurants and a night club. He says Harrah’s massive investment in the only land-based casino in the state will mean hundreds of jobs…

Cut 11 (12) “900 range”

The bill now goes to the Senate.

Louisiana lawmakers have voted to keep the state minimum wage as low as possible under federal law and spurned a proposal to make state contractors pay men and women equally. The AP Says the House labor committee killed a bill forcing companies with state contracts to pay male and female employees doing similar jobs the same amount. A measure that would establish a minimum wage of $15 an hour was also defeated. New Orleans Rep. Joe Bouie sponsored both bills.

Flu season is calming down but a particularly nasty strain is still out there threatening children in particular. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

Walker High Senior Jeremy McLain says he’s being threatened with expulsion over the length of his hair. He is nearing his goal on 17,000 signatures on an online petition to overturn the Livingston Parish School Board regulation on hair length. McLain says Assistant Principal Tim Rodgers threatened to have him thrown out of school for not following the policy.

Cut 13 (09)  “i’m expelled”

The Louisiana House approves legislation that calls for a 30-year contract extension between the state and Harrah’s land-based casino in New Orleans. House Speaker Taylor Barras says the deal also calls for Harrah’s to make a 350-million dollar investment in the gaming property and the casino operator already has robust plans in mind

Cut 10 (10) “existing casino”

Louisiana is recovering from one of the worst flu epidemics in recent memory, and while the numbers have come down, Louisianans, specifically those with children, should remain vigilant. State health department immunization director Dr. Frank says a particularly nasty strain of flu is still out there, and it’s hitting kids hardest.

Cut 4  (12) “of infection.” 

Elmer Chocolate in Ponchatoula is carrying on a 163 year old tradition as Easter approaches this weekend.   Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Flu season is calming down but a particularly nasty strain is still out there threatening children in particular. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Elmer Chocolate in Ponchatoula is carrying on a 163 year old tradition as Easter approaches this weekend.   Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A Walker High Senior is facing expulsion over the length of his hair, and is taking to social media to fight back. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Louisiana is recovering from one of the worst flu epidemics in recent memory, and while the numbers have come down, Louisianans, specifically those with children, should remain vigilant. State health department immunization director Dr. Frank says a particularly nasty strain of flu is still out there, and it’s hitting kids hardest.

Cut 4  (12) “of infection.” 

For healthy adults though, the numbers look a lot better than they were just three to four months ago. Welch says at our peak, a record 12-percent of doctor visits were because of the flu.

Cut 5  (08)  “like illness.”

After being one of the hardest hit states in the nation, Welch says Louisiana is actually looking better off now than most of the south.

Cut 6 (07) “our neighbors”

But Welch still recommends anyone suffering from flu like symptoms avoid other people, and make a visit to your doctor.

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Elmer Chocolate in Ponchatoula is carrying on a 163-year-old tradition this Easter. Not only are they the second largest producer of Valentine candy in the world, they have been a big part of Gulf South Easter celebrations. CEO Rob Nelson…

Cut 7 (10)  “to generation.”

Elmer Chocolate started in downtown New Orleans in 1855 and have grown to employ 270 workers in Ponchatoula.  Nelson says their Gold Brick Egg and Heavenly Hash remains their top selling Easter Candy. He says they still make it in the older part of the factory

Cut 8 (09)  “can’t change.”

Technology has helped change the way they can produce the candy.  Nelson says their 2016 expansion allows them to produce different and new types of chocolate.

Cut 9 (11)  “like pieces.”

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The Louisiana House approves legislation that calls for a 30-year contract extension between the state and Harrah’s land-based casino in New Orleans. House Speaker Taylor Barras says the deal also calls for Harrah’s to make a 350-million dollar investment in the gaming property and the casino operator already has robust plans in mind

Cut 10 (10) “existing casino”

Barras says Harrah’s would also add new restaurants and a night club. He says Harrah’s massive investment in the only land-based casino in the state will mean hundreds of jobs…

Cut 11 (12) “900 range”

If the Senate approves the contract, the Harrah’s casino in New Orleans would remain in operation until 2054. The company currently pays the state 60-million dollars a year, under the new contract Louisiana would receive an additional three-point-six million dollars annually, which will be spent on early childhood education

An 85,000 dollar settlement has been reached in a sexual harassment case against a former aide to Gov. John Bel Edwards.  Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Ride sharing companies like Uber and Lyft may soon be regulated by the state. A bill to create statewide regulations over Uber drivers has been introduced. Uber spokesperson Nick Juliano says cities will no longer have jurisdiction of vehicles…

Cut 5  (07) “opt out.”

71 people were arrested in a north Louisiana bust targeting prostitution and human trafficking. The sweep took place last week. Authorities have released the names, with ages ranging from 68 years-old to a juvenile. Shreveport Police Corporal Angie Willhite says the charges involve a wide range of criminal behavior…

Cut 12 (09)   “weapons arrest”

Your child may ask for a rabbit as a pet for their very own Easter bunny. But it may not be the right fit for your family. Alicia Haefele-Vile with the Louisiana SPCA says a rabbit is like having a dog or cat, but with much more care…

Cut 6 (10)  “every day.”

She says shelters usually after a month or so after Easter see a rash of bunnies turned in once people realize all the work that needs to be done in caring for a rabbit.

On an eight to six vote, The House Agriculture Committee approved a bill by Carencro Representative Julie Emerson repealing the requirement for a Louisiana florist to be licensed.  Louisiana is the only state that requires florists to take a written exam and be approved.  She says florists will still need a permit, but her bill eliminates a 40 question written test…

Cut 9 (09) “public health.”

Committee Chairman Clay Schexnayder (shecks-ni-der) of Gonzales is afraid if the requirement to license florists is done away with, it will be bad news for consumers…

Cut 10 (09) “back home.”

The bill now moves to the House floor.

A bill to create statewide regulations over Uber drivers has been introduced. Uber spokesperson Nick Juliano says we have been lagging behind other states when it comes to regulations. Currently individual parishes and cities control the Uber and Lyft rules. This bill would put control of the ride share companies under the blanket of the state.

Cut 4 (09) “of Louisiana.”

Governor John Bel Edwards is seeking legislative approval for his plan on how to spend 123 million dollars in surplus funds from the last fiscal year. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the funds can’t be dumped straight into the impending one billion dollar budget deficit, because one time money is not a long term fix.

Cut 15 (10) “time money”

Edwards is recommending to use 40-million-dollars in surplus money on 23 transportation project around the state.

Ride sharing companies like Uber and Lyft may soon be regulated by the state rather than parishes or cities in Louisiana. A bill to create statewide regulations over uber drivers has been introduced. Uber spokesperson Nick Juliano says currently individual parishes and cities control the Uber and Lyft rules. This puts control of the ride share companies under the blanket of the state.

Cut 4 (09) “of Louisiana.”

71 people were arrested in a north Louisiana bust targeting prostitution and human trafficking. The sweep took place from March 20^th-23^rd. Authorities have released the names, with ages ranging from 68 years-old to a juvenile. Shreveport Police Corporal Angie Willhite says the sting involved officers from the FBI, Caddo-Shreveport Narcotics Task Force, Louisiana ATC, and the Greenwood Police Department.

Cut 13 (06) “very successful”

On an eight to six vote, The House Agriculture Committee approved a bill by Carencro Representative Julie Emerson repealing the requirement for a Louisiana florist to be licensed.  Louisiana is the only state that requires florists to take a written exam and be approved.  She says they will still have to have a permit, but eliminates a 40 question written test…

Cut 9 (09) “public health.”

An 85,000 dollar settlement has been reached in a sexual harassment case a former aide to Gov. John Bel Edwards. Johnny Anderson was the deputy chief of staff for programs and planning, before leaving his position in November after the allegations surfaced. The claim stated the victim was subjected to unwelcome behavior by Anderson, but did not go into detail. 51,000 dollars went to the woman who made the claim, and 34,000 dollars went to her attorney Jill Craft.

Ride sharing companies like Uber and Lyft may soon be regulated by the state rather than parishes or cities in Louisiana. A bill to create statewide regulations over uber drivers has been introduced.

Nick Juliano Uber spokesperson says we have been lagging behind other states when it comes to regulations.

Cut 3 (13) “differ.”

Your child may be asking for a rabbit as a pet this weekend for their very own Easter bunny. But it may not be the right fit for your family. Alicia Haefele-Vile with the Louisiana SPCA says it’s wise to think carefully about getting a rabbit and all the care it can entail. She says it’s like having a dog or cat, but with much more care…

Cut 6 (10)  “every day.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards is seeking legislative approval for his plan on how to spend 123 million dollars in surplus dollars from the last fiscal year. If he has his way, 40 million dollars of the excess would be dumped into transportation projects. Edwards says the money would be spread out across the bayou to improve critical infrastructure.

A total of 80 million dollars will be spent on “strategic investments”.

Ten million dollars would be put into deferred maintenance on college campuses. Louisiana has a few billion dollar backlog of projects that would patch up state buildings. Edwards says many higher education facilities are becoming unsafe due to years of neglect.

Cut 14 (11) “our campuses”

A Longtime Louisiana mayor was hospitalized this week, just before losing an election. West Monroe mayor Dave Norris has since been released and his son Davy Norris says he could return to work on Monday. The news star cites a statement from the 77 year old saying is illness was unrelated to the election.

Governor John Bel Edwards is seeking legislative approval for his plan on how to spend 123 million dollars in surplus dollars from the last fiscal year. The funds can’t be dumped straight into the impending one billion dollar budget deficit. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says one time money is not a long term fix.

Cut 15 (10) “time money”

Edwards’ plans for spending surplus money will be contained in a supplemental appropriations bill that will be debated during the regular session.

Baton Rouge Senator Dan Claitor’s bill that allows for higher civil penalties when someone dies as a result of hazing has received Senate approval. Claitor says if his bill is approved, it would deter hazing related behavior, resulting in deaths. He says the criminal charges already in place haven’t done enough to curb this dangerous behavior…

Cut 12 (05) “a bit.”

There may be information released from an internal investigation by the Baton Rouge Police Department in connection with the death of Alton Sterling. It could also lead to a termination of the officer who fired the weapon, Blane Salamoni. Legal analyst Franz Borghart says video shows the officers yelling obscenities at Sterling, holding Sterling down on the ground and Salamoni firing six gunshots…

Cut 5  (10)  “inappropriate behaivor.”

NOLA.com is reporting that the state has settled a sexual harassment suit against former Governor Edwards’ deputy chief of staff for programs and planning, Johnny Anderson. The victim who brought the suit is collecting 85-thousand-dollars. In signing the agreement, neither party is admitting any wrongdoing. Anderson resigned in late November and the victim did a week later.

The Baton Rouge Police Department’s internal investigation into the Alton Sterling shooting could be released today. Attorney General Jeff Landry concluded criminal charges were not warranted against officers Blane Salamoni and Howie Lake. But legal analyst and Baton Rouge attorney Franz Borghart says

the termination may not be directly related to the actual shooting. He says there were several things that took place that is shown on a cell phone video during the 90 seconds that followed after Salamoni and Lake arrived on the scene – including the officers yelling obscenities at Sterling, holding Sterling down on the ground and Salamoni firing six gunshots…

If Salamoni does indeed get terminated by the Baton Rouge Police Department, he can appeal the decision. Borghart explains…

Cut 6 (12) “police officer.”

Both officers have been on paid administrative leave since the shooting in July of 2016. Sterling’s family has already filed a civil lawsuit against the East Baton Rouge Parish, the City of Baton Rouge, the Baton Rouge Police Department, former police chief Carl Dabadie and officers Salamoni and Lake.

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The Department of Agriculture and Forestry has ordered an emergency quarantine so that Roseau cane south of LA Highway 10 is not transported out of the area. A tiny invasive insect is damaging the plant, which is a vital part of Louisiana’s wetlands. Commissioner Mike Strain says it’s already effected 200,000 acres.

The agency is working with partners to find a solution, but doesn’t have a fix just yet. The scale, native to China and Japan, can usually be burned out, but Strain says Louisiana is in a uniquely bad position.

Hunters use the Roseau cane to camouflage their ducks blinds, and to hunters preparing for the next season: Strain says make sure you keep any cane you use to the immediate vicinity it came from.

Cut 9 (06)  “its infected.”

State police have arrested a 14 year old driver who is said to be responsible for the death’s of two people on Monday morning. The driver has been charged with two counts of negligent homicide, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, driving left of center, no driver’s license, and speeding. The wreck happened in ascension on la 74 west of us 61.

Governor John Bel Edwards releases his plan for spending 123 million dollars in budget surplus dollars from last fiscal year. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Department of Agriculture and Forestry has ordered an emergency quarantine so that Roseau cane south of LA Highway 10 is not transported out of the area. A tiny invasive insect is damaging the plant, which is a vital part of Louisiana’s wetlands. Commissioner Mike Strain says it’s already effected 200,000 acres.

The agency is working with partners to find a solution, but doesn’t have a fix just yet. The scale, native to China and Japan, can usually be burned out, but Strain says Louisiana is in a uniquely bad position.

Cut 8 (09)  “large scale.”

The Baton Rouge Police Department’s internal investigation into the Alton Sterling shooting could be released today. Attorney General Jeff Landry concluded criminal charges were not warranted against officers Blane Salamoni and Howie Lake. But legal analyst and Baton Rouge attorney Franz Borghart says

the termination may not be directly related to the actual shooting. He says there were several things that took place that is shown on a cell phone video during the 90 seconds that followed after Salamoni and Lake arrived on the scene – including the officers yelling obscenities at Sterling, holding Sterling down on the ground and Salamoni firing six gunshots…

Cut 5  (10)  “inappropriate behaivor.”

State police have arrested a 14 year old driver who is said to be responsible for the death’s of two people on Monday morning. The driver has been charged with two counts of negligent homicide, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, driving left of center, no driver’s license, and speeding. The wreck happened in ascension on la 74 west of us 61.