Media reports indicate the Clinton man suspected of shooting four people, killing three of them, called authorities to let them know he’s the shooter. Ryan Sharpe was a plumber and family members have expressed shock over his actions. LSU criminologist Doctor Peter Scharf says Sharpe had a low key profile so it’s likely cops would have never suspected him.

Cut 5 (09) “criminal suspect”

Sharpe was arrested last week for allegedly fatally shooting three people and wounding another in East Feliciana and East Baton Rouge Parishes.

Authorities in Rapides Parish are investigating a fire in a ditch off Old Boyce Road where a charred body has been found.  Local media outlets reported there were two bodies discovered, but Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Tommy Carnline says that has not yet been confirmed…

Cut 14 (08) “human remains.”

LSU Public Policy research lab Director Mike Henderson finds that voter turnout for statewide elections has been on a decline for the last 30 years. In 1983, 54-percent of the eligible voters voted for governor and in 2015 the voter turnout was down to 33-percent. Last weekend’s special election saw only a 13 percent turnout. Henderson says the voting public seems to be burned out on state politics…:
Cut 10 (09) “Louisiana politics”
But he added there haven’t been enough statewide special elections in recent years to determine how early voting turnout relates to the overall election turnout.

The Iberville Parish Council voted unanimously last night to approve an ordinance to outlaw the desecration of official flags in the parish. The mandate protects the American flag, the Louisiana state flag, and any official flags of Iberville Parish. The ACLU of Louisiana calls the ordinance a violation of the public’s constitutional rights and “unenforceable.”

The Iberville Parish Council voted unanimously to approve an ordinance outlawing the desecration of any official flags. But ACLU of Louisiana’s Executive Director Marjorie Esman says this mandate violates the Constitution and the council has made a mistake…:

Cut 7 (10) “land is”

Council Chairman Matt Jewell brushes off any comment made by the ACLU as the organization’s usual rhetoric…:

Cut 8 (07) “enforce it.”

Penalties for violating the ordinance could range from a $1,000 fine and or a 6-month jail sentence.

A state judge has denied a motion to have Ascension Parish President Kenny Matassa’s (Ma-tassa) indictment on attempted election bribery thrown out.  The prosecution can now go forward on March 13.  Matassa claimed the man he was accused in trying to bribe dropped out of a 2016 Gonzales City Council race.

There is a noted decline in voter turnout for Louisiana elections.  More from Michelle Southern.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern.”

Media reports indicate the Clinton man suspected of shooting four people, killing three of them, called authorities to let them know he’s the shooter. Doctor Peter Scharf, a criminologist with the LSU School of Public Health on why possible serial killer Ryan Sharpe would do this

Cut 3 (07) “attention.”

Voter turnout in last Saturday’s Special Election was a dismal 13%, and some are wondering if it might be time for a change in the process. LSU Public Policy Research Lab Director Mike Henderson says voter turnout for statewide elections has been on a decline for the last 30 years. He hopes better informing voters would spike interest, but by how much?…
Cut 11 (09) “help a lot”
He says in 1983, 54-percent of the eligible voters cast a ballot for governor.

The Iberville Parish Council voted unanimously last night to approve an ordinance to outlaw the desecration of official flags in the parish. The mandate protects the American flag, the Louisiana state flag, and any official flags of Iberville Parish. The ACLU of Louisiana calls the ordinance a violation of the public’s constitutional rights and “unenforceable.”

Media reports indicate the Clinton man suspected of shooting four people, killing three of them, called authorities to let them know he’s the shooter. Ryan Sharpe was a plumber and family members have expressed shock over his actions. LSU criminologist Doctor Peter Scharf says Sharpe had a low key profile so it’s likely cops would have never suspected him:
Cut 5 (09) “criminal suspect”
Sharpe was arrested last week for allegedly fatally shooting three people and wounding another in East Baton Rouge and East Feliciana parishes.

Authorities in Rapides Parish are investigating a fire in a ditch off Old Boyce Road where a charred body has been found. Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Tommy Carnline says when the fire was put out, deputies discovered a grim scene…:
Cut 13 (07) “conducted”
There are no other details at this time.

It is now illegal to burn a flag in Ibervile Parish..:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray”

More than 4,000 jobs could be saved by a $200 million expansion of the WestRock paper mill in Hodge in Jackson Parish in a deal aided by state incentives. Governor John Bel Edwards is slated to make the announcement at this hour. The plant employs about 450 workers with a $28 million annual payroll, but the mill supports about 3,700 indirect jobs.

LSU Public Policy research lab Director Mike Henderson finds that voter turnout for statewide elections has been on a decline for the last 30 years. In 1983, 54-percent of the eligible voters voted for governor and in 2015 the voter turnout was down to 33-percent. Last weekend’s special election saw only a 13 percent turnout. Henderson says the voting public seems to be burned out on state politics…:
Cut 10 (09) “Louisiana politics”
But he added there haven’t been enough statewide special elections in recent years to determine how early voting turnout relates to the overall election turnout.

The Iberville Parish Council voted unanimously to approve an ordinance outlawing the desecration of any official flags. But ACLU of Louisiana’s Executive Director Marjorie Esman says this mandate violates the Constitution and the council has made a mistake…:
Cut 7 (10) “land is”
Iberville Council Chairman Matt Jewell brushes that comment off as the ACLU’s usual rhetoric…:
Cut 8 (07) “enforce it”
Penalties for violating the ordinance could range from a $1,000 fine to a 6-month jail sentence.

Governor John Bel Edwards’ monthly call-in radio show will be held today beginning at 2pm. Ask the Governor can be heard on certain affiliates of the Louisiana Radio Network, and streams online at louisianaradionetwork.com.

It’s being reported that the suspect in the deadly shooting spree in East Feliciana and East Baton Rouge Parishes called cops to identify himself as the killer. Had he not called, Ryan Sharpe was never a suspect. Why would he do this? A source says Sharpe’s ex-girlfriend recently got married, but LSU criminologist Doctor Peter Scharf says many people experience heart break, but do not go on a shooting spree…:
Cut 4 (09) “decifpher often”
Sharpe is facing three counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted first-degree murder.

With Halloween less than two weeks away, a new survey finds Louisianians should stock up on Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups to make trick or treaters happiest. Shoppers and savings expert Carson Yarbrough with Offers.com says a lot of folks will be celebrating next Tuesday…:
Cut 14 (08) “for Halloween”

According to the Tax Foundation’s State Business Tax Climate Index, Louisiana ranks 42nd for tax competitiveness. Senior Policy Analyst Jared Walczak says since the state’s tax code is so complicated, it makes it difficult for new companies to conduct business here…:
Cut 5 (11) “in Louisiana”
The index reports Louisiana ranks 50th for the state’s sales tax structure.

Louisiana’s entrepreneurship program to boost business opportunities for veterans in the state has just started its first class. State Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says many corners of the state are seeing tremendous work growth…:
Cut 11 (11) “northwest Louisiana”
The Louisiana Veterans Entrepreneurship Program includes a boot camp and ongoing counseling from small business partners for veterans as they leave active duty.

LSU’s Paul Mainieri has been named the manager of the 2018 USA Collegiate team…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Halloween is right around the corner, and a new survey by Offers.com finds that kids and adults in Louisiana won’t be the only ones dressing up this year…:
Cut 15 (05) “Halloween too”
Shoppers and savings expert Carson Yarbrough says they found Louisiana trick or treaters like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups best, followed by Twix and M&Ms.

The first class of the Louisiana Veteran Entrepreneurship Program has started training military vets to run their own business. State Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the class helps veterans wanting to go into business, by taking online classes and boot camp training on the LSU campus..:
Cut 10 (13) “business startups”
They hope to train over 100 participants in the first year with a long term goal of creating hundreds of new jobs.

The Iberville Parish Council voted unanimously last night to approve an ordinance to outlaw the desecration of official flags in the parish. The mandate protects the American flag, the Louisiana state flag, and any official flags of Iberville Parish. The ACLU of Louisiana calls the ordinance a violation of the public’s constitutional rights and “unenforceable.”

Louisiana ranks 42nd in tax competitiveness, according to the Tax Foundation’s State Business Tax Climate Index. Emelie Gunn has more..:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

With Halloween less than two weeks away, a new survey finds Louisianians should stock up on Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups to make trick or treaters happiest. Shoppers and savings expert Carson Yarbrough with Offers.com says a lot of folks will be celebrating next Tuesday…:
Cut 14 (08) “for Halloween”

Louisiana veterans are encouraged to start new businesses…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray”

It’s being reported that the suspect in the deadly shooting spree in East Feliciana and East Baton Rouge Parishes called cops to identify himself as the killer. Had he not called, Ryan Sharpe was never a suspect. He is facing three counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted first-degree murder.

According to the Tax Foundation’s State Business Tax Climate Index, Louisiana ranks 42nd on tax competitiveness. Senior Policy Analyst Jared Walczak says the state has one of the nation’s most complex tax structures, with many taxes most states have foregone…:
Cut 4 (09) “decision making”
Walczak says Louisiana could benefit greatly if it simplified its tax code.

A recent survey by Offers-dot-com has revealed the favorite Halloween candy in Louisiana for this trick or treating season. Shoppers and savings expert Carson Yarbrough says the state follows the nationwide trend in what their favorite Halloween candy is…
Cut 13 (07) “and Twix”
The average consumer spends 75-dollars a year on candy, costumes and decorations.

According to the Tax Foundation’s State Business Tax Climate Index, Louisiana ranks 42nd on tax competitiveness. Senior Policy Analyst Jared Walczak says the state has one of the nation’s most complex tax structures, and would benefit greatly if it were simplified…:
Cut 6 (08) “worth doing”
The index reports Louisiana ranks 50th for the state’s sales tax structure.

The first class of the Louisiana Veteran Entrepreneurship Program has started training military vets to run their own business. State Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says recent economic growth is making this a good time for veterans to venture into the small business world:
Cut 12 (07) “or service”
He says the initial boot camp will be followed by long-term counseling from small business resource partners.

A lethal disease of palm trees has been positively verified in Louisiana. Lethal yellowing was detected in silver date palms and Chinese windmill palms in Baton Rouge. LSU AgCenter plant doctor Raj Singh says the pathogen is known to cause decline in more than 35 palm species..:
Cut 7 (07) “queen palm”
Diseased trees usually die within five months.

The Iberville Parish Council voted unanimously to approve an ordinance outlawing the desecration of any official flags. Penalties for violating the law could range from a $1,000 fine to a 6-month jail sentence. The ACLU opposes the ordinance saying it violates the Constitution.