Video games can be a fun pass time, but now the World Health Organization says that compulsively playing video games qualifies as a new mental health condition.  Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 1 (30)  I’m Kevin Barnhart“

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On the opening day of the third special session, Governor Edwards tells legislators  to break free of the partisan gridlock as the state approaches the fiscal cliff.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) ”  I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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The House Ways and Means Committee will begin discussing today the tax bills that have been filed in this third special session. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The issue of immigration is a hot button topic across the nation, and now US Representative Steve Scalise of Metairie has weighed in on the issue, saying he stands with President Trump.

Cut 4  (09) “….every other country does.”

Much of the focus as of late has been on the separation of children from their parents at the border.  Scalise says that the issue boils down to bad policy from previously enacted laws.

Cut 5  (12)  “…go back home.”

The congressman says it’s time to reevaluate the policies in place and not let politics get in the way.

Cut 6 (13) “…let’s go get that done.”

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Video games can be a fun pass time, but now the World Health Organization says that compulsively playing video games qualifies as a new mental health condition.  It’s a move that some critics warn may risk stigmatizing its young players.  LSU Health New Orleans Clinical Psychologist Michelle Moore says there needs to be clear cut criteria defined prior to labeling someone with this new mental illness.

Cut 7 (11)  “…label to someone.”

The U.N. health agency said that classifying “Gaming Disorder” as a separate condition will serve a public health purpose for countries to be better prepared to identify the issue.  Moore asks how much is too much.

Cut 8 (10)  “…cell phone addiction.”

The clinical psychologist goes on to say that if video games are interfering with portions of someone’s life, it can be considered to be a serious issue.

Cut 9 (09)  “…it is problematic.”

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The third special session of the year is underway, and Governor John Bel Edwards addressed both chambers saying it’s time to break free of the partisan gridlock as the state approaches the fiscal cliff on June 30^th.

Cut 10 (11)   “…simply inexcusable.”

While the governor did express understanding with aggravation within the chambers, he relayed that the citizens are even more so than they are.

Cut 11 (11) “…must come now.”

Edwards says he believes that a solution can be reached in the allotted 10 days for the session, and says now is the time to come together on a compromise so that the people of Louisiana come out as winners in the new fiscal year.

Cut 12 (09) “…for it”

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The House Ways and Means Committee meets today to discuss the various tax bills that would raise revenue to prevent or soften proposed cuts to state services. New Iberia Representative Terry Landry has authored the legislation Governor Edwards supports. Landry’s measure would renew a half-cent of an expiring one-cent sales tax and the Democrat says there’s also public support behind his legislation

Cut 13 (08)  “I’ve got” 

Landry says renewing a half-penny of an expiring one-cent sales tax would generate 500-million dollars and that would be enough to fully fund TOPS, higher education, the department of corrections and the food stamp program. He says his bill is the best solution to the fiscal cliff…

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry hopes the third special session is the charm for legislators to solve the fiscal cliff. Don Molino has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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They are often used to treat pain, but now, Dr. Bob Zura from LSU Health New Orleans says it looks like opioids may very well be contributing to an elevated risk of bone fractures.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (26) “I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

Last week’s announcement of the 2.3 million dollar return through the Unclaimed Property Program has gotten more people interested in the program’s potential returns. State Treasurer John Schroder says the recent claim has generated a lot of excitement and the calls keep coming in.

 cut 9 (12)  “was only 821”

Treasurer Schroder has always touted the Unclaimed Property Program, but public interest was heightened once the claim was released to the media.

Cut 10 (06) “was claimed”

Schroder says whatever is not returned to Louisiana citizens are spent in the state’s general fund.

Cut 11 (11) “return it”

Louisiana has 858-million dollars of unclaimed money, so Schroder advises every resident to visit www.LAtreasury.com and see if you are owed any money.

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A Denham Springs couple is looking at 35 years in prison following two different traffic stops on Interstate 10 in Calcasieu Parish.  State Police Sergeant James Anderson says during the stops, a total of 25 illegal aliens were discovered in large S-U-Vs.

Cut 12 (09)   “…for 25 people.”

Troopers arrested 32 year old Stephanie Harris and 38 year old Nicholas Harris, in what Anderson says appears to be a case of human trafficking.

Cut 13 (09) “…what this appears to be.” 

US Border patrol has taken custody of the illegal aliens and placed the juveniles into protective custody as the investigation is ongoing.  Anderson recounts what happened on that fateful night.

Cut 14 (11)  “on one of the vehicles.”

Each were charged with improper lane use, human trafficking, and human trafficking of a juvenile.  Bond for each was set at $376,000.

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The third special session of the year starts today, and lawmakers only have ten days to work out a deal to generate revenue to avoid steeps cuts to TOPS and other services. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30)  I’m Matt Doyle“

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Eyes across the state are on the kick off of the third special session as we may soon know a definitive sales tax plan.  Kevin Barnhart has the story:

Cut 2 (30) ”  I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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The number of people employed in Louisiana has reached its second highest level ever. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The third special session of the year kicks off today, with some legislators expected to go to battle for the last time this year over the state’s persistent budget issues under the specter of deep cuts to TOPS and other state services. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says passing the half penny sales tax renewal will be the focus, because it fully funds the government.

Cut 4  (11) “right now.”

The half-cent sales tax came just 7 votes short of passage on the last night of the previous session, but 20 Republican legislators in the House are at odds with plan, and would prefer a third penny and 126 million dollars in across the board cuts. House Democratic Caucus Chairman Robert Johnson says Democrats won’t let that happen.

Cut 5  (08)  “the board.”

The Governor signed the legislative budget that fully funds healthcare, but unless more revenue is generated would require 648 million in cuts to other sectors. Johnson says after a hard fought battle to get the bipartisan budget, suggestions by Appropriation Chairman Cameron Henry that money be shuffled out of healthcare and state worker raises will not be entertained.

Cut 6 (11) “revenue measures.”

Freshman Republican Hammond Representative Nicky Muscarello, one of the 20 House Republicans who voted against the half penny, but for the third penny, says the state can get by without the higher tax.

Cut 7 (11)  “to be”

Muscarello, whose district includes Southeastern, says he’s open to a revenue deal that fully funds higher education, but says he’s warry about spending increases in other sectors.

Cut 8 (10)  “state agencies.”

If the legislature manages to pass a revenue bill, it will likely be a short term deal lasting at most 6 years. That means half a decade from now, the whole process will likely start again. Dardenne says he’s disappointed that it came down to another sales tax, instead of permanent structural tax reform.

Cut 9 (09)  “years ahead.”

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Eyes across the state are on the kick off of the third special session.  Governor John Bel Edwards was 7 votes away from closing in on his wishes to renew a half-cent sales tax in the most recent special session, so now the attention has been turned toward legislators whose votes can tip the scales to approving a definitive tax plan.  Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says there are many factors that play into the lawmakers’ decisions.

Cut 10 (10)   “…do for them.”

Pinsonat says that even though the discussion has been focused on renewing a sales tax that is either a third of a penny or a half of a penny, there may be discussion of an amount somewhere in between the two amounts.

Cut 11 (10) “…cutting the budget”

The analyst seems fairly optimistic that a solution will be met in the third special session, but says it’s always a possibility that more stalling could occur.

Cut 12 (07) “…rest of the year.”

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Two high schoolers from Lake Charles want to bring delivery services to stadiums so that hot dog comes right to you in the stands. The idea from Malik Ellis and Alex Brown of LaGrange High School won the SEED Center Business Pitch Competition this year. SEED Center Business Incubator Executive Director Adrian Wallace saw the pitch.

Cut 13 (10)  “energetic” 

The potential app is called “Runner Eats” and would function similarly to Waitr.

Wallace says the key to their success was a highly developed business plan that would put many of the contestants on the businesses competition show Shark Tank to shame.

Father’s Day is this weekend and the National Retail Federation is expecting near record spending in honor of the holiday to the tune of $15.3 billion.  Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana could feel the burn from an escalating trade dispute with China, but proponents say a message needs to be sent. Connor Ferrill has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Conner Ferrill” 

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The US Senate approves legislation to honor former Saints standout and ALS advocate Steve Gleason with the Congressional Gold Medal which is the highest honor a citizen can receive from Congress. Senator Bill Cassidy, one of the bill’s sponsors, speaks about his experience meeting Steve…

 cut 9 (13)  “feel inspired”

Gleason was diagnosed with ALS in 2011 and he quickly became an inspiration for those living with the fatal disease. Cassidy says Gleason’s ‘No White Flags’ message has resulted in millions of dollars being raised to fight the disease…

Cut 10 (08) “cure for ALS”

Cassidy says Gleason has motivated others by his spirit even though ALS has robbed him of his ability to walk and speak…

Cut 11 (10) “all Americans”

The legislation now heads to the House seeking approval.

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Louisiana could feel the pinch as President Donald Trump issued a new round of tariffs today on China, worth 40 to 55 billion dollars in new penalties, and the Chinese responded with a threat of 50 billion in retaliatory tariffs. The escalating trade dispute could damage the Bayou State economy that relies on shipping, but US Congressman Steve Scalise says the People’s Republic needs to be pushed to trade fairly.

Cut 12 (08)   “afford it”

Scalise says despite some of the tough talk, the Trump administration is not looking for a dire escalation of the ongoing trade dispute.

Cut 13 (12) “do it.” 

Outside of politics, Scalise returned the diamond Thursday to mark the one year anniversary of the shooting that nearly killed him. Scalise recorded the first out in the Congressional baseball game by fielding a ground ball…

Cut 14 (11)  “to do”

The Jefferson parish Republican is reportedly being considered for Speaker of the House.

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June 15^th marks the beginning of open enrollment for the state’s Medicaid program known as Healthy Louisiana. Enrollment Services Manager Rebecca Harris says during this time window the over 1.5 million Louisiana residents on Medicaid have the opportunity to explore the five different coverage plans.

Cut 15 (06) “….care without cost.”

Harris says that there is an additional way of comparing plans as this year the program is introducing a smartphone app that allows it’s users to compare plans in the palm of their hand.

Cut 16  (12) “…their services are.”

The app is available for both Apple and Android devices. Open enrollment ends July 31^st.

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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.

___________________________

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“

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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….