Dramatic testimony in Senate Finance today as disability advocates spoke out against a proposed budget that would slash healthcare services. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Calorie counts are now on display at all businesses with over 20 locations that sell food. Don Molino has the story.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Don Molino”

The Senate Finance Committee heard testimony today from disability advocates who are raising the alarm over the House passed budget that would place deep cuts in healthcare starting July 1st, including the slashing of programs for the disabled. Ville Platte Senator Eric LaFluer says the cuts would eliminate services for over 45 thousand developmentally disabled patients.

Cut 3 (11) “81 percent”

ARC of Ouachita representative Tina Holly says without these services, her family and friends would be broken up, and forced to move into nursing homes, if any would be available after the cuts kick in.

Cut 4 (10) “programs going”

Emotional testimony was presented on behalf of the disabled, this man said it was a life or death situation.

Cut 5  (08) “I survive”

Amy Duplechain of Lafayette receives assistance from the Long Term Care Special Income Level program, which allows people who earn under 2,250 dollars a month to get access to some Medicaid services. She says the cuts would force her into an impossible decision.

Cut 6 (13)  “lose services”

The Senate Finance Committee is expected to approve a budget later this week, but approving additional funding will have to wait until a special session.

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A two vehicle crash near Sorrento on Interstate 10 killed two children last night. State Police Trooper Bryan Lee says the driver of the vehicle who struck the victim’s car ,47-year-old Stephen Daigle of Gonzales, was arrested and charged with negligent homicide, negligent injuring and reckless operations

Cut 7 (10)  “Philson’s vehicle”

Lee says the victims were identified as one-month-old Arielle Philson and an eight-year-old Willie Williams Jr., both from Houston. All passengers involved in the crash were not restrained. Lee says proper restraints save lives…

cut 8 (09) “too often”

It is not known whether impairment was a factor in the fatal crash. State Police took toxicology samples from both drivers and additional charges are pending upon analysis…

.Cut 9 (08) “upgraded”

The investigation is ongoing.

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Louisiana is now on a six year run of record breaking tourism numbers as the state saw 500,000 more visitors in 2017 than it saw in 2016, for a total of 46.7 million visitors. Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says a lot of these great results come down to a big push to bring in more folks from outside the U-S…

Cut 10 (09) “more money”

Tourism also brought in 1.8 billion dollars in local and state tax revenue in 2017, a 4.5 percent increase over 2016.

Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans now offers direct flights into London and Germany. Nungesser says that’s played a huge role in bringing in more international guests.

Cut 11 (10) “the state”

Nungesser says as part of the push to get more foreign visitors, they’ll be taking a trip to the East.

Cut 12 (09)   “and clyde”

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Starting today business with over 20 locations that sell food, including groceries and movie theaters, must display calorie counts. The requirement is a part of “Obamacare” that is aimed at fighting obesity. Assistant Professor at the LSU Health Sciences New Orleans Center Dr. Henry Nuss says you could be in store for some big surprises about your favorite “healthy” foods.

Cut 13 (09) “healthy option”

Along with calorie counts, business will be required to provide detailed nutritional information about their food products as well, such as the amount of fats, carbs, and protein in each item. Nuss says that’s a big help for people on strict diets.

Cut 14 (11)  “follow”

Many fast food chains began displaying caloric information years ago, but Nuss says the jury is still out on whether or not it has much of an impact on dietary patterns.

Cut 15 (12) “choices”

Former City Councilwoman LaToya Cantrell is sworn in as New Orleans’ mayor today. Don Molino has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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Will the state Senate pass a budget for next fiscal year? Jeff Palermo reports that’s a major question mark with one month to go in the regular session…

Cut 2 (29) I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A study says 80 percent of managers and 86 percent of workers think that dressing up will help you climb the corporate ladder. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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LaToya Cantrell takes over New Orleans today after 8 years of Mitch Landrieu holding the reigns. Political Analyst Clancy DuBos says the former city council member’s leadership style is more of mystery than her predecessor who was known statewide after serving as Lt. Governor.

Cut 4  (10) “for Landrieu” 

Cantrell takes over a city with big issues to tackle, but a more stable budget and economy than it had eight years ago. DuBos says she’ll have three big challenges right out of the gate that need to be addressed.

Cut 5  (08)  “time down”

Cantrell arrives in office with a potential major scandal in the making. Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry is investigating the former city council member for potential misuse of a city credit card. DuBos says it’s an investigation that casts a pall not just over her, but many city officials.

Cut 6 (10) “credit card”

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The regular session must end in a month, but the belief at the capitol is it will end in mid-May, so lawmakers can pass tax bills to address a 648-million dollar shortfall. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says legislation that has nothing to do with the budget is close to final legislative passage, so the regular session could end in a couple of weeks.

Cut 7 (11)  “be passed”

The House passed a spending plan that would enact deep spending cuts in healthcare, potentially ending public-private partnership hospitals. Pinsonat says it remains to be seen if the Senate will act on the proposed budget or just wait for an anticipated special session…

Cut 8 (12)  “the budget”

The focus for some legislators is passing major legislation in the regular session. Bills about riverboat gaming being allowed on land and a constitutional amendment that would require unanimous jury verdicts in criminal trials are still being considered. Pinsonat says there’s a chance that legislation stalls as the clock ticks down.

Cut 9 (08)  “budget”

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A study is out revealing overwhelmingly that most workers and managers believe that what you wear to work has a big impact on your chances of getting that big promotion. 80 percent of managers and 86 percent of workers feel that clothing affects your promotion chances. OfficeTeam District President Brandi Britton says the old adage is still true…

Cut 10 (12) “a notch”

Another finding in the report was that while people still belive dressing up helps you move up, the definition of what “dressing up” is has loosened in recent years. Britton says that’s because employers are scrambling to find high quality workers.

Cut 11 (09) “to work”

Jeans, tennis shoes, and leggings are all more acceptable than they were in a study conducted five years ago, while tank tops, cold shoulder tops, and shorts are now less acceptable.

The study revealed that the old gendered stereotype that women take longer to get ready than men might be dead wrong, at least when it comes to Monday through Friday. Britton says men take three minutes a day longer to get dressed for work than women.

Cut 12 (11) “not prepared”

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College football attendance has dropped four straight years nationwide, but LSU officials says they’ve only seen a one percent drop in non-renewals for season tickets this year. Despite not having a 10-win season since 2013, Tiger fans are not giving up their season tickets. Tiger Athletics Foundation President Rick Perry says if anything, tickets are becoming even more sought after.

Cut 13 (07)  “last year” 

LSU Athletics Director Joe Alleva expressed concern there could be fewer season ticket holders, because of a change in federal tax law that says you can no longer deduct a contribution fans must make in order to have the ability to purchase season tickets. But Perry says an increase in the standard deduction should balance out the loss.

Good news for Louisiana Anglers, the feds have given control of Red Snapper waters to the state for the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Don Molino has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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15 thousand pounds of crawfish will be devoured starting today and running through the weekend at the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival. Jeff Palermo the scoop.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana has been given full control of Red Snapper waters from the feds for the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist Harry Blanchet says that’s great news for bayou sportsmen.

Cut 3 (07) “offshore”

This year’s season will kick off Friday, May 25^th, with a total allocation of 743,000 pounds allowed to be harvested

Not only will it be easier to keep track of where you are allowed to fish, Blanchet says you’ll be allowed to head out all week long.

Cut 4 (12) “to quickly”

Blanchet says part of the reason the state has been given authority over both waters is that early projections indicate that anglers won’t have a lot of success fishing in the federal waters this season.

Cut 5  (08) “this year”

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The Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival is expecting over 30-thousand people at this weekend’s massive festival just outside Lafayette. Festival Spokesperson Angelique Bernard says an unbelievable amount of mudbugs will be consumed.

Cut 6 (05)  “peeled crawfish”

But it’s not just the usual boiled affair. Bernard says there’s a little something for everyone.

Cut 7 (08)  “crawfish jambalaya”

And it’s not just food. Bernard says festival goers will be treated to an Acadiana specialty.

cut 8 (06) “stages”

The festival starts today with a celebrity crawfish eating contest.

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The chemical fire has been distinguished at Flowchem in Duson and evacuated residents were allowed back into their homes Friday morning. The massive blaze shutdown I-10 on Thursday, but it’s has since re-opened. State Police spokesperson Brooks David says investigators still don’t know what caused the blaze

.Cut 9 (10) “go from there”

Flowchem Technologies is a chemical blending facility that provices products and services to the oil and gas industry. David says which chemicals sparked the blaze is part of the investigation….

Cut 10 (08) “release it”

David says given the size of the fire, it’s amazing no one was injured…

Cut 11 (11) “that blaze”

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The state posted the slowest gross domestic product growth in the nation in 2017 at minus-point-two-percent. It’s the second straight year Louisiana had a decline in the real G-D-P. LSU Economist Doctor Loren Scott says Louisiana is coming off a 28-month recession that ended in the final quarter of 2017

Cut 12 (10)   “New Orleans”

Scott says the downturn in the oil and gas industry has bottomed out, which is good for Louisiana’s economy. He says the next big threat is the potential of higher taxes on businesses as legislators scramble to fix a 648-million dollar budget hole

Cut 13 (07) “that’s Texas”

Louisiana’s Gross Domestic Product Growth for the fourth quarter of 2017 was two-point-two-percent, which could be a positive sign. Scott credits the industrial expansion boom that’s ongoing in Lake Charles and Baton Rouge

Cut 14 (08)  “fourth quarter”

State Fire Marshal investigators believe a charging cell phone could be responsible for a blaze that injured a one-year-old child. Michael Farrar has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michael Farrar”

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A bill is nearing final passage that would allow students who missed out on TOPS in high school a second chance after two years in college. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (31) I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The state legislature is interested in setting up a task force to study daylight saving time versus standard time. Covington Representative Mark Wright says he gets asked about moving the clocks back an hour every fall all the time

Cut 3 (06) “taxes”

Florida recently passed legislation to stay on Daylight Saving Time year round, but Congress has yet to agree with Florida’s Sunshine Protection Act. Wright says studies have shown turning the clock back an hour creates problems

Cut 4 (:10) “an uptick”

Wright has a resolution calling for a task force that will report back its findings to the legislature next year.

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The State Fire Marshal’s office believes a cell phone is responsible for a fire that injured a one-year-old child in Jeanerette. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says a 14-year-old resident told detectives he was sleeping in a room with his little sister, when he awoke to use the bathroom, he smelled smoke and saw the mattress on fire

Cut 5  (09) “electrical outlet”

The toddler suffered second-degree burns to her head, arms and legs. She was taken to Galveston, Texas hospital for treatment. Rodrigue says electronic devices should always be properly ventilated when they are being charged….

Cut 6 (08)  “unfortunate fire”

Detectives learned it was an I Phone 6 that caught fire. Rodrigue says an electrical malfunction can happen when a cell phone is charging, if it’s not properly ventilated

Cut 7 (09)  “cell phones”

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Students who had the GPA, but were a few points shy of qualifying for TOPS in high school could get another shot at the scholarship under a bill that is almost to the governor’s desk. The legislation would allow students who scored 17, 18, or 19 on the ACT, but have a 3.2 GPA after two years in college to collect TOPS for their last two years. The bill’s sponsor, New Orleans Senator Wesley Bishop:

cut 8 (09) “go on”

The bill would affect 47 current Louisiana college students. Welsey says it’s unfair that college students who are excelling are forced to take on debt because of youthful mistakes.

.Cut 9 (07) “years old”

Wesley says he was moved by stories of students who were valedictorians in high school, but just couldn’t perform on the ACT. The New Orleans Democrat says hard working students shouldn’t be punished just because they’re bad testers.

Cut 10 (11) “particular day”

The bill passed committee and is on its way to the House floor.

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Louisiana now meets the highest standard of air quality according to EPA standards. Governor John Bel Edwards says the success is the result of notable increases in air quality in the Baton Rouge area parishes. DEQ Environmental Scientist Vivian Aucoin says its great news for quality of life in the Bayou State.

Cut 11 (08) “have done”

Ozone is formed in the atmosphere when nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compounds interact with sunlight, and can be exacerbated from human activity. Aucoin says this makes ozone control a tough task.

Cut 12 (11)   “emitting ozone”

Aucoin says it’s been a tough fight, but over the years a series of regulations have helped bring Louisiana into compliance.

Cut 13 (12) “your fuel”

A proposed 15-week abortion ban moves closer to final legislative passage after a House committee approved the measure on a 9-8 vote. Jim Shannon has more…

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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The state legislature is close to allowing riverboat casinos to expand gaming activity on land. Matt Doyle reports a House committee approved the Senate-passed measure today.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”

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The full Senate approved a measure to enact a statewide policy against sexual misconduct in government. The bill was passed the same day Secretary of State Tom Shedler announced he was stepping down following allegations of sexual misconduct. New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson is a co-author of the bill

Cut 3 (12) “those ways”

Peterson says the bill will allow state employees to make complaints that will be investigated, unlike the Secretary of State’s office.

Cut 4 (:11) “agency head”

Peterson says the bill will greatly enhance the state’s sexual harassment policy.

Cut 5  (:12) “as inappropriate.”

The bill heads back to the House for final passage.

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The House Criminal Justice Committee approved Senator John Milkovich’s 15 week abortion ban bill 9-8, after it passed with little opposition in the Senate. The bill mirrors an effort in Mississippi that’s been halted in federal court that would make it illegal to provide an abortion after 15 weeks. The Shreveport Democrat says fetuses are alive, and deserving of a chance at life.

Cut 6 (09)  “protect them”

Current law blocks abortions after 22 weeks in Louisiana. The majority of states have a 24 to 26 week ban.

Milkovich raised concerns that the level of development in a 15 week old fetus could lead to potentially dangerous medical complications.

Cut 7 (11)  “significant injuries”

The bill is similar to the Mississippi ban, but pro-choice activists note that there are differences. They say Louisiana’s law imposes stiff criminal penalties for providers, and does not allow exceptions for fetal abnormalities. Pro-choice attorney Ellie Schilling says this bill also measures the time from conception.

cut 8 (11) “11 weeks”

Schilling says the effort is a waste of taxpayers’ dollars, and just adds to the six abortion restriction court battles the state is embroiled in.

.Cut 9 (12) “like these”

The law would not go into effect unless a federal appeals court rules favorable on the challenge to Mississippi’s 15 week abortion ban.

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A bill allowing riverboat casinos to build on land from their current water bound facilities cleared a House committee 10-4, one of the few gaming related bills to gain traction this session. The bill has come under fire from gambling critics for being a de facto expansion of casino services, but bill sponsor Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns says that’s not the case.

Cut 10 (07) “so ever”

Johns says gaming is responsible for bringing in over 900 million dollars in state revenue, 300 million more than even oil and gas. The Shreveport Republican says we’re in danger of losing that revenue if we don’t allow our casinos to compete.

Cut 11 (09) “enormous casinos”

But opponents disagree that the bill is not an expansion of gaming. Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says taking the casinos off the water will make it easier for casinos to bring in bigger crowds.

Cut 12 (06)   “go bigger”

Mills says there’s a reason why the state initially imposed such severe restrictions on gaming in the state…

Cut 13 (10) “those industries”

The bill moves to the House.

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The Mayor of Cotton Valley, Joseph Alexander, has been arrested by State Police and charged with Felony Abuse of Power related to two undisclosed incidents in 2017 involving the alleged mishandling of town funds. State Police Trooper Glenn Younger says the charge is similar to misappropriation of funds and malfeasance.

Cut 14 (08)  “fit it”

The arrest took place after Webster Parish Sheriffs informed the LSP about the incidents.

Younger says Alexander is now out of detention, while the investigation continues.

Cut 15 (06) “dollar bond”

Louisiana Senator John Kennedy is asking the legislature to put the breaks on a new deal for Harrah’s casino in New Orleans. Jim Shannon has details.

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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Embattled Secretary of State Tom Schedler, who is facing a sexual harassment lawsuit, submits his resignation to the governor. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (29) I’m Matt Doyle”

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Former Baton Rouge police officer Blane Salamoni, who was involved in the fatal shooting of Alton Sterling, is now facing a battery charge from a separate arrest that took place one month before the shooting. Salamoni’s attorney John Mclindon was asked about possible jail time for his client.

Cut 3 (07) “traditionally”

Baton Rouge Police fired Salamoni and demoted another officer involved in the Sterling incident. Federal and state prosecutors decided not to pursue criminal charges against Salamoni for the fatal shooting of Sterling. Mclindon says this new charge against Salamoni is window dressing for the police department.

Cut 4 (09) “I don’t know”

Salamoni has appealed his firing from the Baton Rouge Police Department. Mclindon thinks the battery charge is just a ploy to embarrass Salamoni.

Cut 5  (09) “my guess.”

In the battery case, the BRPD says the body camera video shows Salamoni slapped a handcuffed man in the head.

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U.S. Senator John Kennedy is asking the state legislature to hold off on voting a bill that extends Harrah’s New Orleans Casino’s contract with the state for 30 years. Kennedy says media reports that Harrah’s is considering selling the property so the state could unwittingly increase Harrah’s selling price by extending the contract.

Cut 6 (12)  “to me”

The House has already passed the measure. A Senate committee was set to debate the bill today, but has delayed discussion. Committee Chair Gary Smith says he postponed discussion, but it wasn’t because of Kennedy. Meanwhile, the US Senator says there is no rush to renew the contract.

Cut 7 (08)  “god’s sake”

Kennedy sought the delay after a published report that indicated Harrah’s allegedly signed an agreement with another entity to purchase the casno, hotel and parking garage….

cut 8 (12) exchange commission”

If Harrah’s receives the extension, House Speaker Taylor Barras said it would result in a new luxury hotel, more restaurant and entertainment options at the land-based casino.

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A House backed bill that would remove the requirement that florists be licensed was shot down in a Senate committee six to one. The bill was part of the governor’s licensing reform legislative agenda. Annie Taylor, a licensed florist in Scott, says floral work is more dangerous than you might think.

.Cut 9 (13) “to you”

Floral wholesaler Audrey Lemoine says removing license requirements would flood the marketplace with cut rate work from retailers.

Cut 10 (12) “anymore.”

But Carencro Representative Julie Emerson, the bill’s sponsor, says the front end regulation is keeping people from pursing their dreams in the floral profession.

Cut 11 (08) “can do”

The Lafayette area Republican says the legislation was common sense, bi-partisan reform.

Cut 12 (07)   “as well”

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Louisiana Secretary of State Tom Schedler has submitted his resignation letter to the governor, in the wake of a sexual harassment scandal involving his former secretary, Dawn Ross. Schedler refutes many of the allegations, but Ross’s attorney Jill Craft says his resignation sends a clear signal to other would be harassers.

Cut 13 (08) “stop period”

In the letter, Schedler decries a “tabloid approach to an incredibly serious allegation”. In March, Schedler described the lawsuit as “unfair”, but Craft disagrees.

Cut 14 (13)  “about it”

Craft says the behavior should’ve never taken place, especially from someone entrusted with state authority.

Cut 15 (07) “higher standard”

A Hospital in Lafayette has sent out lay off warnings to 770 employees ahead of potential budget cuts that would close the facility. Michael Farrar has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michael Farrar”

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GOP House Caucus Chairman Lance Harris says it’s likely we’ll see a special session kick off May 18^th. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”

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Two State Police Troopers and two former troopers are on the other side of the law as they’ve been arrested on allegations they received overtime pay for hours they never worked. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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University Hospital and Clinics in Lafayette has notified 770 employees that they could be laid off, and the facility shut down under proposed spending plans that slashes state funding for public-private partnership hospitals. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says they are not the only jobs at risk.

Cut 4  (09) “smaller locations” 

Dardenne says the public-private system was created after Charity Hospitals were dismantled under the Jindal Administration, and focus on covering the underinsured.

Cut 5  (10)  “primary care”

Dardenne says legislators need to find a budget solution sooner rather than later, as the indecision is stressing out the industry.

Cut 6 (10) “private sector”

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House GOP Chairman Lance Harris is defending the House backed budget that funds education, but slashes healthcare, ahead of a special session that is expected to start mid may. The budget has come under fire for threatening to eliminate public-private partnership hospitals and residency programs, but Harris says it’s just a first step in long budget process that he expects will carry over into a special session.

Cut 7 (11)  “may happen”

The Alexandria Republican anticipates a May 18^th special session being called by the governor to fill the 648 million dollar budget gap reflected in the House budget, but he says the legislature will likely not increase income taxes to replace expiring sales taxes.

Cut 8 (08)  “being here”

Harris says he sees two options for funding those healthcare priorities: keeping a piece of the expiring one cent sales tax, and eliminating sales tax deductions for certain industries in an anticipated special session.

Cut 9 (11)  “to execptions”

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Two current and two former Troopers have been arrested on various charges as part of a six month investigation into payroll fraud. The four men allegedly claimed bogus hours and wrote fraudulent tickets as part of a highway safety program funded by district attorneys. State Police Colonel Kevin Reeves says it’s a disappointing day…

Cut 10 (06) “their actions”

State Police launched an internal investigation into the actions of these troopers after a New Orleans T-V station showed surveillance video that showed two Troopers filed for overtime pay for hours they didn’t work. Reeves says changes have been made to this ticket-writing program

Cut 11 (09) “working”

Trooper Daryl Thomas, a 23-year veter of State Police was booked into the East Baton Rouge Prison, along with former Trooper Byron Sims. Former trooper Jimmy Rogers faces 74 counts of injuring public records was taken into custody in Calcasieu Parish and Senior Trooper Wayne Taylor was processed in Rapides Parish. Reeves says this has been a long and unfortunate journey….

Cut 12 (09) “their actions”

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Over 900 farmers and ranchers are receiving grants averaging 9900 dollars for disaster recovery efforts resulting from the 2016 floods. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says it’s long overdue.

Cut 13 (08)  “devastating flood” 

Strain says the grants will fill a reimbursement gap for farmers who’ve suffered damages that were uninsured.

Severed heads in Texas and Louisiana have law enforcement officials wondering if there is a connection. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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In Concordia Parish, an Australian-based manufacturing plant is about to move in. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A unrestrained Deville teen was killed in a car crash Sunday morning around 4AM on LA Highway 8 in Grant Parish. State Police Master Trooper Scott Moreau says the tragedy occurred after the driver, 18-year-old Benjamin Williford, lost control…

Cut 3 (10) “overturning”

Toxicology tests are pending.

Moreau says Williford was not wearing a seat belt.

Cut 4 (08) “minor injuries”

State Police Troop E says they’ve dealt with 12 fatal crashes so far this year.

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Investigators are trying to determine if severed heads discovered last month near lakes in Texas and Louisiana are connected. Cameron Parish Sheriff Ron Johnson says the head found in his parish next to Highway 27 and one in Texas are eerily similar.

Cut 5  (:12) “good teeth.”

The Texas and Louisiana connection according to Johnson seems to point toward a serial killer. The heads were found in similar surroundings about 150 miles apart at Lake Houston and Calcasieu Lake.

Cut 6 (07)  “thrown away”

An inmate doing clenup labor found the severed head in Cameron Parish on March 1st. Volunteers cleaning near Lake Houston made their discovery on March 24th. Johnson believes that another body discovered in his parish in 2016 could also be a part of these similar crimes.

Cut 7 (11)  “dump in”

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Australian-based Syrah Resources has selected Vidalia to open a 25 million dollar graphite processing plant. The  facility will produce products that are used in commercial and automotive batteries. Mayor Buz Craft says it means 25 new jobs

cut 8 (10) have em”

A 50-thousand square foot building is available for Syrah and the average annual salary will be 60-thousand dollars. Craft hopes it leads to more businesses coming to Concordia Parish.

.Cut 9 (12) “this region”

With many large metropolitan areas converting their old diesel buses to clean electric or natural gas propulsion, the product produced at the Vidalia plant will be in high demand for years to come.

Cut 10 (09) “its exciting.”

———————————————————————————–

A reported LSUPD Officer being sought by police for allegedly battering his girlfriend and holding her hostage overnight. Twenty-five-year-old Samuel Ellis III was charged with 2^nd Degree Battery and False Imprisonment as a result. Baton Rouge Police Spokesman Sgt. Don Coppola says it was a brutal crime.

Cut 11 (12) “he fled”

BRPD has not confirmed Ellis’s occupation.

Coppola says Ellis’s girlfriend survived the assault, but was badly hurt.

Cut 12 (08)   “extensive damage”

Coppola says a search is on for Ellis, and is asking for the public to pass on any information they have, but…

Cut 13 (09) “any jeopardy”

Ellis’s vehicle was located in the Baton Rouge area, but police say his whereabouts are still unknown.

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After his accuser speaks, will Secretary of State Tom Schedler decide to step down due to sexual harassment allegations? Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Legislation that would increase penalties for those who are caught soliciting prostitutes is close to final passage. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”

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Doubts are growing that the legislature will be able to find a compromise budget before the end of the regular session. Michael Farrar has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Mike Farrar”

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A political analyst says embattled Secretary of State Tom Schedler might not be able to stay in office much longer as the sexual harassment allegations against him will not go away. Bernie Pinsonat says published emails showing sexual advances by Schedler towards an employee could lead to his resignation…

Cut 4  (10) “resigns” 

Pinsonat says it’s also difficult for Schedler to stay in office, when U-S Senator John Kennedy believes the Secretary of State should step down

Cut 5  (09)  “case”

Schedler has previously said he will not resign, but this will be his last term. The Republican statewide elected official says it’s important for him to continue running the agency that handles elections, because they are in the process of buying new voting equipment. But Pinsonat says Schedler’s time might be up…

Cut 6 (10) “serious trouble”

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A Senate-approved bill that would double, and in some cases, increased tenfold the fines associated with soliciting prostitutes passed a House committee nine to six. The bill would not change the current penalty of up to six months in jail for soliciting. Sponsor Franklinton Senator Beth Mizel says it attacks human trafficking at its root.

Cut 7 (06)  “our problem”

The bill would also allow judges to order people convicted of soliciting to attend an educational course that instruct “Johns” on how human trafficking destroys lives. Mizel says that kind of public shaming is a powerful disincentive.

Cut 8 (10)  “the product”

Denham Springs Representative Valerie Hodges, supported the legislation, arguing that heavier punishments are the only thing the stop people from trying to buy sex.

Cut 9 (12)  “the penalty”

The bill moves to the House for final passage.

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There’s only two months left in the fiscal year, and doubts are growing as to whether a spending plan for next budget year can be approved in the current regular session. A 648-million dollar budget gap is forcing lawmakers to consider deep cuts in state spending. LaPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says we’re approaching uncharted waters.

Cut 10 (11) “special session”

Lawmakers are constitutionally barred from raising revenue in this regular session to plug the budget gap, and Alford says that means the safe money is on a special session starting up next month, where revenue issues can be considered.

Cut 11 (09) “special session”

The House passed budget includes massive cuts to healthcare, which administrators warn would lead to the end of public-private partnership hospitals. Alford says voters won’t accept those kinds of cuts, so revenues will have to be raised to replace the one penny sales tax that is set to expire in July.

Cut 12 (10) “tax renewals”

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The Saints 2018 draft has a Louisiana flair to it this year as the Black and Gold selected two local products, running back Boston Scott in the sixth round and offensive lineman Will Clapp in the seventh round. Clapp is the first former Tiger drafted by New Orleans since defensive tackle Al Woods in 2010. Head Coach Sean Payton says he didn’t have to make a long distance call to let Clapp know he’ll be playing for his childhood team…

Cut 13 (10)  “on rent” 

Scott is a former Louisiana Tech running back, who walked on at the Ruston school after a stellar prep career at Zachary High School. Payton says Scott can fill a couple of roles on their team…