The search is on for the man with a missing finger that was found in a St. Tammany turtle. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Former Governor Bobby Jindal’s Commissioner of Administration is coming out in support of the half cent sales tax renewal. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The turtle was discovered in west St. Tammany Parish.

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Two Arkansas men who plead guilty to aggravated animal cruelty charges for slitting a dog’s throat and posting the video on Snapchat avoid jail time in Morehouse Parish. Judge Carl Sharp gave Boots Stanley and Stevan Sadler a suspended three-year prison sentence. Executive Director of the Humane Society of Louisiana Jeff Dorson can’t believe they are not going to jail..

 cut 9 (11)  “cruelty statutes”

Stanley and Sadler will be on three years probation and must perform 480 hours of community service and pay a five-thousand dollar fine.

The maximum sentence for is 10 years in prison and a fine of 25,000 dollars for the charge they were facing. Dorson says the remarkably lenient sentence was judicial malpractice…

Cut 10 (08) “wrong profession”

Dorson says community service is a slap on the wrist compared to the suffering inflicted on that dog…

Cut 11 (06) “means nothing”

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Former Jindal Administration staffers are calling on the House to pass the half cent sales tax renewal that would fully fund state government, and avoid cuts to programs like TOPS. Former Commissioner of Administration Paul Rainwater says failing to pass the revenue bill would harm the most vulnerable people in the state.

Cut 12 (08)   “afford it”

Rainwater coauthored an editorial with former Jindal Revenue Secretary Tim Barfield coming out in support of the half cent sales tax renewal.

Many legislators have credited the current fiscal crisis to fiscal mismanagement during the Jindal years, where one time money was often used to fill budget holes, and deep cuts were enacted on higher education. Rainwater says both Jindal and Edwards’ administrations failed to get the legislature to bite on long term tax reform that would end the cycle of fiscal cliffs.

Cut 13 (12) “do it.” 

Some have criticized the former Commissioner’s for coming out in support for the half cent sales tax renewal, considering the Jindal Administration’s fiscal legacy and support for wide tax cuts. Rainwater isn’t buying it.

Cut 14 (11)  “to do”

Without additional revenue, TOPS would see a thirty percent cut, along with deep reductions in higher ed and other state services.

House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry is looking at shuffling some budget money around to fill the TOPS gap. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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40 million dollars in federal money is being sent to the state to help more parents pay for childcare. Connor Ferrill has more.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Connor Ferrill” 

Taylor recommends consulting with your pediatrician for advice at to see what the best disciplinary actions are for your child.

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The feds are pumping 40 million dollars into the state’s Childcare Assistance Program, that helps working and middle class parents pay for child care services. That means 4,000 more families will get help finding a safe environment for their pre-kindergarten age children while they’re at work. Louisiana Policy Institute for Children Executive Director Melanie Bronfin says that’s big for working parents.

Cut 9 (08)  “great need”

Bronfin says helping working families figure out what to do with their children is not only good for the kids, but great for the economy.

Cut 10 (11) “kindergarten”

The program has had to cut back dramatically in the last decade, as the state cut off all funds for Childcare Assistance after years of budget cuts. Bronfin says those cuts kicked 25 thousand families out of the program.

Cut 11 (12) “years ago”

The program provides, on average, three to four thousand dollars in assistance. the average cost for childcare can run 6,000 dollars.

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US Senator John Kennedy is weighing in on President Donald Trump’s historic summit meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. He says it took a certain kind of person to break through the Hermit kingdom’s tough outer shell, after decades of failed attempts.

Cut 12 (09)   “baby step.”

Kennedy, presumably talking about former President Barack Obama, says past threats were laughed off, and with Trump, threats of military action against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea are being taken seriously.

Cut 13 (11) “in Syria.” 

Bashar Al Assad is the current President of Syria, who has sustained his military rule through nearly a decade of civil war.

The Republican says if the talks do not lead to a firm commitment to allow inspectors to verify the 70-year-old regime’s nuclear and missile sites have been destroyed, then he hopes President Trump would respond accordingly.

Cut 14 (08)  “have tried”

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.

It’s an ailment that is causing a serious threat to the deer population, and since January, a feeding ban was enacted in order to minimize the risk of Chronic Wasting Disease, or CWD, spreading into Louisiana.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (24)  I’m Kevin Barnhart“

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The last special session revealed a rift in opinion within the Louisiana Republican Party between pro budget cut hardliners, and moderates who support a fully funded budget. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (31) ”  I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Candidates are lining up to replace Tom Schedler as Secretary of State in a special election in November, including Democrat Renee Fontenot Free. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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It’s an ailment that is causing a serious threat to the deer population, and since January, a feeding ban was enacted in northeast Louisiana in order to minimize the risk of Chronic Wasting Disease, or CWD, spreading into Louisiana says state wildlife veterinarian Dr. Jim LaCour.

Cut 4  (12) “…the Louisiana line.”

But now, in the parishes of East Carroll, Madison, and Tensas, LDWF has lifted the feeding ban after initial testing of deer in the area did not detect the disease.  Dr. LaCour explains the preemptive measure’s purpose.

Cut 5  (13)  “…licks, mineral sites.”

Dr. LaCour says the ban was enacted until they completed more research on the area’s deer population.  While they can’t test every deer in the state, they have tested enough and results are now in, and looking favorable.

Cut 6 (10) “…and bait ban.”

The state of Mississippi also conducted testing in the area where the deer was found, and is still awaiting results.

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A Eunice man is dead from a crash while fleeing from police on Monday morning. Around 7 a.m., a Kinder police officer attempted to stop a 2006 Ford Mustang after observing a traffic stop violation.  State Police Sergeant James Anderson says the driver, 26-year-old Aaron Charlot, chose to run.

Cut 7 (07)  “of speed”

Anderson says Charlot was traveling at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour before losing control 2 miles north of Louisiana Highway 101.

Cut 8 (07)  “to stop”

Charlot was ejected from the vehicle, not wearing a seatbelt. Anderson said he had a choice. 

Cut 9 (4)  “all this”

The crash is still under investigation.
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The fiscal cliff debate is revealing a wide range of opinions from within Louisiana’s Republican Party, ranging from moderates who support the governor’s call for a half cent sales tax renewal, to anti-tax conservatives who favor budget cuts to plug the 648 million dollar shortfall. River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot, who supported a third penny but not a half, says the state needs to tighten its belt.

Cut 10 (08)   “of Louisiana”

The difference between a half penny and a third penny sales tax on a 100 dollar purchase is 17 cents.

Talbot says the state’s budget has increased by seven percent for the last few years, a rate that is fiscally unsustainable. He says items like state worker pay raises need to be addressed before any taxes are renewed.

Cut 11 (08) “governor wants”

20 Republicans supported the third penny sales tax proposal that would have required over a 100 million in budget cuts.

But not all GOP legislators agree. 22 Republicans supported the half penny sales tax that would fully fund state agencies and TOPS. Shreveport Representative Thomas Carmody, who supported the half penny, says the state is obligated to fund critical services like TOPS.

Cut 12 (11) “partnership”

Without additional revenue, the budget, now signed by the governor would cut TOPS by 30 percent, and slash agency budget for Education, Corrections, the Department of Children and Family Services, and more.

Carmody says despite support from a clear majority of legislators, the half penny sales tax will need another seven votes relative to the last time it was debated to clear the 70 vote super majority threshold for tax bills. He says the governor will need to reassure Republicans on the fence that the money is being spent responsibly.

Cut 13 (07)  “have nothing” 

The session begins June 18^th, and must end by June 27^th at 6PM.

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The first entrants into the race for the Secretary of State’s office are trickling in, in the wake of a poll that showed nearly a third of Louisianans are undecided on who they will be voting for come November. Attorney General’s Director of the Public Protection Division, and Democrat, Renee Fontenot Free says her years of public service make her the ideal candidate.

A record setting amount of money was returned to a North Louisiana resident as part of the state’s Unclaimed Property Program. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The state is warning that unless more revenue is approved in the special session, the food stamps program will shut down. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle” 

Cut 6 (09)  “…related to financial loss”

Edmonds says that families that have a new baby via natural delivery have maternity leave, but it’s important that adopting families have a similar opportunity to bond with a child.

Cut 7 (10)  “…for those families”

The Baton Rouge Republican says he wanted to see the burden put on families eased by the new legislation.

cut 8 (10) “…has been removed.”

The change also applies to school social workers and school psychologists.

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More tech jobs are coming to Louisiana with today’s announcement that Austin-based Accruent will open an office in  New Orleans. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the tech center is expected to bring in 350 jobs into the Big Easy.

Cut 9 (10)  “…multiplier effect with this.”

Accruent is already hiring and they plan to be fully staffed by 2020. Pierson says Accruent’s main focus of the company is digital integration in real estate.

Cut 10 (12) “…in the market”

Colleges in the area are partnering with the company in training for these jobs.  Pierson says It’s the state’s goal to create a digital media and software development sector.

Cut 11 (13) “…high paying jobs”

Accruent is headquartered in Austin, Texas and serves a wide range of industries in more than 150 countries around the world.

___________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services warns that unless more funding is approved in the special session, that the food stamps program will be shut down. The money on SNAP cards comes from the feds, but the state has to foot much of the administrative bill, and the current budget leaves no money for it. Secretary Marketa Walters says one in five Louisianans are at risk of going hungry.

Cut 12 (10)   “about it”

The department is currently set for 34 million dollars in cuts, which the Secretary says would have to be absorbed by SNAP administrators because the only other services that could be cut would shut down child welfare services.

Walters says 64 percent of people who receive SNAP benefits are either children, disabled, or the elderly, with another 27 percent being the working poor who a earn paycheck that’s not enough to feed their families. She says the loss of this program would be a disaster.

Cut 13 (10) “their children” 

The feds currently pump 1.4 billion dollars in federal SNAP dollars into the state every year, which Walters says ends up being spent at one of 4,500 businesses like grocery stores and gas stations. The Secretary says that kind of economic loss would ripple throughout Louisiana’s economy.

Cut 14 (11)  “DCFS”

The state transportation department says 77 percent of the nearly 800 crashes annually along a notorious stretch of Interstate 10 just west of the Mississippi River are the result of drivers not paying attention. Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 1 (28)  I’m Kevin Barnhart“

_____________________________________________________

This year’s special session trilogy is set to begin its final chapter June 18^th. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (31) ”  I’m Matt Doyle” 

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With the recent wave of mass shootings fresh on the minds of many, students in this state can have another level of protection against such a danger for the next school year.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (25) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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There are nearly 800 crashes annually along a notorious stretch of Interstate 10 just west of the Mississippi River. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallet says a video recently released showcasing accident data on the agency’s Facebook page is a stern message to distracted drivers who are to blame for the lion’s share of the accidents.

Cut 4  (12) “…paying attention or tailgating.”

The DOTD has taken multiple measures to ensure the safety along this stretch of highway with additional signage, cable barriers and ruble strips.  Mallett says it also comes down to the responsibility of drivers to make a difference.

Cut 5  (10)  “…and for others”

Mallet says that 77 percent of the 800 accidents are from people not paying attention.

Cut 6 (05) “…in front of them.”

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Public school students can have a bulletproof backpack next school year as a result of a new state law. Republican Senator Mike Walsworth, who sponsored the bill, says it could protect students in the event of an active shooter on campus. But, if you are interested in obtaining one, you may need to act now to have one in time for the next school year.

Cut 7 (10)  “…the backpacks themselves”

Some schools require students to carry mesh fabric backpacks?  But Walsworth says even with a mesh backpack, you can purchase a kevlar plate to provide protection…

Cut 8 (11)  “…through that pretty easily”

Walsworth hopes a child never has to use a bulletproof backpack, but if a shooter  comes on campus, it could save a student’s life……

Cut 9 (10)  “…the child”
___________________________________________________

For the first time since its inception in 2001, the state may have to reduce enrollment to its taxpayer funded pre-k program. About 16-thousand students are enrolled in LA4. Superintendent of Education John White says state budget cuts are the reason for the reduction, but he hopes legislators will raise the necessary revenue to fully fund this program….

Cut 10 (09)   “…early childhood is one of them.”

White says it’s important we don’t lose focus of the needs of pre-kindergarten children in the state, but based on the current budget for next fiscal year, LA4 would see a 10-to-20-percent cut.

Cut 11 (12) “…cut to LA 4.”

The state’s tourism office is facing cuts as well. That will make it difficult for Louisiana to promote its new “Feed Your Soul” tourism campaign. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has been thinking about how to get that message out and he may turn to college students, who love using social media…

Cut 12 (12) “in Louisiana”

Nungesser says he’s also talking to LSU, about having a Feed Your Soul logo visible along the sidelines at Tiger Stadium and also looking towards the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board to assist with marketing efforts as well …

Cut 13 (08)  “…in Louisiana” 

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The third special session of 2018 will begin a week from today and must end June 27th. Governor John Bel Edwards is still looking for a fix to the fiscal cliff. The governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff Richard Carbo says after the legislature failed to replace a large portion of the 1.4 billion dollars in temporary taxes that expire June 30th, they had no choice but to give it one more shot….

A CDC report reveals Louisiana has seen a massive spike in suicides since 1999. Connor Ferrill has more.

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Connor Ferrill”

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The man in charge of the state’s prison system says over 10-thousand inmates could be released unless additional revenue is not raised. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Cut 6 (08)  “to deliver”

Leblanc says without the proper facilities and professionals to take care of Louisiana patients with mental illnesses, they often end up treating the symptoms of their disease at places that aren’t equipped to handle them.

Cut 7 (10)  “to that”

_______________________________________________

US Congressman Garret Graves says they’re one step closer to a massive reform of the way the feds handle flooding and hurricane protection projects. The 2018  Water Resources and Development Act would allow local governments to take over funds for the execution of protection projects from the Corps of Engineers. Graves says this could help knock out the 100 billion dollar backlog of protection projects.

cut 8 (11) “for decades.”

Graves says local governments might be better equipped to tackle many of the decades old flood control projects than the large, and at times unwieldy Corps of Engineers.

Cut 9 (08)  “be efficient”

Graves is also considering moving the Corps of Engineers out of the Department of Defense.

Flood control and protection projects can take years to get approval, between environment surveys and federal approval. Graves says passing this bill would speed up construction of some desperately needed hurricane protection and coastal restoration plans.

Cut 10 (10) “river region”

The bill passed the House with overwhelming support and now needs Senate approval.

_______________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Corrections is warning that unless additional tax revenue is raised by June 30th, thousands of inmates will be released. Those released would be non-sexual and nonviolent offenders. Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc says that’s because the department would have to cut payments to local sheriffs who house state prisoners

Cut 11 (07) “with them”

The current budget, without additional funds, would require a 30 percent cut to TOPS, 96 million in higher ed cuts, and a nearly 63-million dollar cut to corrections, along with funding reductions across the board to other state agencies.

LeBlanc says they can’t absorb that kind of budget cut, because it’s not like corrections can cut back on staff.

Cut 12 (08)   “look at”

LeBlanc says there’s no more fat to trim, and any more budget cuts would mean cutting into bone.

Cut 13 (11) “four prisons” 

Only 53 percent of black men at Nicholls come back to school after their freshman year, so the University is starting a new mentorship program, CROWN, to tackle the issue. Becca Dill has the story.

Cut 1 (30)  I’m Becca Dill“

_____________________________________________________

The US Department of Justice has teamed up with several state agencies to help ensure people with serious mental illnesses have the opportunity to live in a community setting.  Matt Doyle has the details.

Cut 2 (30) ”  I’m Matt Doyle” 

_______________________________________________.

The summertime is here and while kids may be enjoying time away from the classroom, but as Kevin Barnhart explains, the experts say it’s an important time to make sure they stay engaged in learning.

Cut 3 (24) “Im Kevin Barnhart”

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Nicholls State is launching a new program, called CROWN, aimed at helping young black men stay at college, and finish their degree. After reviewing information from last year, the university discovered that only 53 percent of African American men returned after their freshman year. CROWN administrator Dr. Sean Chadwell says young black men are often the first members of their family to go to college.

Cut 4  (09) “…think of it as theirs” 

The program pairs freshmen with upper classmen who will mentor and guide the students through their early years, introducing them to the campus, and helping them to feel welcome. Chadwell says there was a lot of enthusiasm from older students to participate in the program.

Cut 5  (12)  “…like other students”

Chadwell says there’s another benefit to the program: it really doesn’t cost the university, its all-volunteer.

Education research indicates that students who have a family history of educational attainment have a higher rate of college graduation than first generation college attendees, and Chadwell says even if a student was a high performer in high school, they can still struggle in college if their a first generation college student.

Cut 6 (10) “…with their peers.”

The program was modeled after similar efforts at UAB and Purdue that have found success.

__________________________________________________

The summertime is here and while kids may be enjoying time away from the classroom, the experts say it’s an important time to make sure they stay engaged in learning.  So what are the best ways to do that?  The State Department of Education’s Rebecca Kockler says it is important for adults to keep learning exciting for kids during the summer break.

Cut 7 (08)  “…help them do that”

It’s not enough to just help children find the resources they need.  Kockler says adults should join the conversation.

Cut 8 (12)  “…about what they are learning”

So where do you find math and reading learning tools for children?  Kockler says the answer may be as close as being in the palm of your hand.

Cut 9 (09)  “…to keep practicing”
___________________________________________________

The US Department of Justice has teamed up with several state agencies to help ensure people with serious mental illnesses have the opportunity to live in a community setting.  The agreement follows a review by the DOJ in December of 2016 that claimed the state was unnecessarily relying on nursing homes to serve people with serious mental illnesses.  So what does the timeline for the transition look like?  Executive Counsel for the Department of Health, Stephen Russo, explains.

Cut 10 (12)   “…for them is.”

With the current situation with the state’s budget, Russo does see a potential benefit in the transition.

Cut 11 (06) “…a nursing home setting.”

The Department of Health has begun it’s assessments of the more than 2,500 mentally ill people currently residing in nursing homes. Russo says that the skilled professionals are working on the case.

Cut 12 (12) “…subject matter experts.”

Russo says that the option to stay in a nursing home setting will be available.

_________________________________________

Researchers say the Gulf of Mexico “Dead Zone” off the Louisiana coast is expected to be larger than Connecticut by the end of July. The dead zone is an area with little oxygen, which drives away aquatic life. LSU Professor Dr. Eugene Turner says the size fluctuates, but has trended up over the years.

Cut 13 (10)  “temperature” 

Planting season fertilizers, and other chemicals are dumped every year into waterways that feed into the Mississippi River, eventually making their way down into the delta. Turner says it’s been going on for hundreds of years.

Two Labrador retrievers and a cocker spaniel are dead after their owner left them in a vehicle during a doctor’s appointment.  The Shreveport woman is now facing felony charges.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

______________________________________________

A statewide poll shows continued, strong support for President Donald Trump in Louisiana, and a wide open Secretary of State’s race. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m I’m Jeff Palermo” 

A Shreveport woman is facing felony charges after her three dogs were found dead in her car.  Bossier City Police Spokesperson Mark Natale says that 47 year old Nancy Western was at Willis Knighton Medical Center, when she left her two Labrador retrievers and cocker spaniel in the vehicle

Cut 6 (12)  “…longer than that”

Western notified authorities of the situation when she returned to the vehicle to find the dogs, then told police that she intentionally left the animals in the vehicle.

Cut 7 (11)  “…means a trip to jail”

Animal Control assisted law enforcement with the situation and conducted a temperature test on the windows, and even after the vehicle had been opened, was still over 100 degrees.  Natale says it’s important that animals are never left to chance in vehicles in the hot Louisiana weather.

cut 8 (08) “…any length of time.”

Western was booked into the Bossier City Jail, which was followed by a transfer to the Bossier City Maximum Security Facility.

__________________________________

It’s National Seersucker Day. Created in Louisiana during the early 1900’s, the seersucker suit has withstood the test of time to be a signature look in the south and an iconic apparel around the country.  It has since become a congressional tradition on the first Thursday of June to wear the suit, and now, the Laurie Haspel with the company behind the look has expanded the celebration to a national holiday.

Cut 9 (08)  “…Thursday in June”

So what is the best way to celebrate National Seersucker Day? Haspel says it’s all about enjoying an afternoon beverage.

Cut 10 (11) “…in the afternoon”

So how did the seersucker suit gain the fame that it did?  Haspel credits the notable names over the years who have sported the look over the years.

Cut 11 (10) “…most of them”

In addition to the traditional seersucker suit, the Haspel company now produces a seersucker Tux.

____________________________

A statewide poll from JMC Analytics shows despite a 42 percent national approval rating for President Donald Trump, Louisianans are still on board, as 56 percent of those surveyed approve of his administration. Pollster John Couvillion says “never Trump Republicans” never caught on in the Bayou State.

Cut 12 (09)   “amoungst Republicans”

The poll also indicates the president has strong support amongst white Democrats and independents.

But Couvillion says there’s two cities that just never bought into Make America Great Again, and that’s been the case since the President jumped in the race in 2016.

Cut 13 (08) “New Orleans” 

Also released were very early polling results on the upcoming Secretary of State special election that will be held in fall as a result of a sexual harassment scandal that toppled the former Secretary Tom Schedler. It looks like most folks have no clue who many of the possible candidates are at this point, and Couvillion says that likely means it’ll take a big name to break the race open.

Cut 14 (11)  “ballot race”

A south Louisiana man is under arrest after allegedly stalking an ex, and setting a series of fires aimed at harassment.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________________

House Republicans are fighting the Governor’s claims that their “caucus of no” is responsible for the legislative gridlock. Kevin Barnhart.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

______________________________________________________

Conservatives in the House are punching back again the Governor’s claims that they’re at fault for the legislative gridlock and partisan conflicts that ground down yet another special session. Erath Representative Blake Miguez says after a House tax plan that raised 400 million dollars was rejected, some Republicans may be losing interest in voting for any revenue measure.

Cut 6 (09)  “tax increase”

Without additional revenue, TOPS would be cut by 30 percent, higher ed would see 96 million in cuts, and state agencies would take an across the board funding reductions.

Governor Edwards has labeled a group of anti-tax, pro budget cut hardliners the “caucus of no” for rejecting compromise tax plans. But Miguez says the votes were there for GOP House Chairman Lance Harris bill which would have raised 300-million dollars….

Cut 7 (10)  “compromise bill”

Miguez says the legislature’s current budget the fully funds healthcare, and has plenty of enough money to adequately fund other state priorities. The Erath Republican says before another special session, the governor needs to sign the budget that’s on his desk to reassure the Medicaid patients who received cancellation notices that their programs will not be cut.

cut 8 (11) “a priority”

__________________________________

A bill sponsored by House GOP leader Lance Harris that would allow independent gas stations to sue larger gas station companies over unfair pricing has been vetoed by Governor John Bel Edwards. Harris owns a chain of gas stations in the Alexandria area and could have benefited from the bill.  Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the move may be retaliation on the part of the governor.

Cut 9 (10)  “…by the governor”

Although Governor Edwards said a in a veto note that the bill would’ve likely resulted in higher prices at the pump for drivers, Pinsonat believes that was not the primary reason for the veto.

Cut 10 (11) “…the governor’s motives.”

Pinsonat says that this is part of the partisan games being played in Baton Rouge.

Cut 11 (12) “…vote for him.”

Harris dismissed suggestions it was improper for him to push a proposal in which, as an independent gas station owner, would have a financial interest.

____________________________

Entergy recommends you set thermostat to 78 degrees for maximum savings on your electric bill. For most people…. That’s not going to happen….

Cut 12 (10)   “outside”

Most folks surveyed said they didn’t have a problem leaving the temperature at 78 while they were at work, but nearly everyone said…

Cut 13 (08) “at all” 

The recommendation had a lot of folks asking, what’s the point of having AC if it doesn’t keep you comfy in the summer?

Cut 14 (08)  “*laughs*”

Entergy says each degree below 78 will add approximately 3-percent to the cost of your electric bill.