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”

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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.

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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.

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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”

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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” 

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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”

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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.

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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.

The proposed cuts to public colleges and TOPS has higher education leaders concerned  Kevin Barnhart has more on this story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Fiscal conservatives are applauding the failure of a sales tax bill in the second special session, while left leaning groups are concerned about proposed cuts. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m   Jeff Palermo” 

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So what options does the governor have now after a sales tax bill failed to get approval that would replaced over 500-million dollars in expiring taxes? Political consultant Roy Fletcher says the governor may have to accept the House plan, which would set the sales tax rate at 4.3 percent after July 1st…

Cut 6 (11)  “out of here”

Both chambers are at odds with each other, as House Republicans do not want to go over a 4.3 percent sales tax rate and the Senate supports a 4.5 percent rate. Fletcher says everyone has to compromise.

Cut 7 (11)  “the governor”

Fletcher says the politics of the situation has already done damage to the dysfunctional perception of our government’s competence…

cut 8 (06) “with that”

With the fiscal year ending June 30th, we await the governor’s call for a third special session.

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The budget passed by the legislature in the waning moments of the special session has higher education advocates terrified that substantial cuts could be on their way. With no tax bill passed, TOPS will be reduced to 70 percent, and higher ed will be cut by 20 percent. Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moller says it’s not just college students who will bear the brunt of the cuts.

Cut 9 (13)  “completely unessecary”

A Senate backed tax bill that renewed half of the expiring penny sales tax, and fully funded higher ed, healthcare, and TOPS failed 64-40, coming just six votes short of the two thirds needed for passage. A last ditch effort to try and pass the bill again in the final minutes was filibustered by Representative Alan Seabaugh, leading to an eruption of boos from the chamber.

Moller says Moller says if the revenue can’t be raised in an expected third special session, 500 million dollars of cuts will be distributed  across state government…

Cut 10 (11) “this budget”

Fiscal conservatives are applauding the actions by House Republicans who blocked passage of the sales tax bill. Americans for Prosperity State Director John Kay says it’s time to reduce state spending

Cut 11 (06) “the budget”

Another special session is likely to be called in the coming days by Governor Edwards, with the goal of raising enough revenue to plug the 500 million dollar budget gap. Kay says legislators should once again refuse to accept any renewal of the expiring sales taxes.

Cut 12 (10)   “tax code”

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Googling “how common is barium poisoning “on your phone might not be a good idea if you plan on poisoning someone. That information is in the warrant for 50-year-old Meshell Hale of Slaughter ,who was arrested and charged with second degree murder in the 2015 poisoning death of a Damian Skipper. Baton Rouge Police Sergeant Don Coppola says the New Orleans homicide detectives assisted in the arrest.

Cut 13 (10) “were working” 

Other google searches documented in the warrant: “How bad does Barium Taste? – truly”, “is barium acetate soluble in alcohol.”, and “heart stopping drugs.”

The report notes that Hale’s husband Arthur Noflin passed away in New Orleans in 2016. Also noted is that Noflin suffered chest pains that led to several trips to the hospital several months after Skipper died. Noflin’s death was under investigation by NOPD. Sgt. Coppola:

Cut 14 (08)  “Damian skipper”

The warrant details that Hale purchased 500 grams of barium with a PayPal account linked to her email account, your-secret-007 at yahoo dot com, just a month before Skipper’s death, and purchased 250 grams of barium shortly before Noflin’s death.

The documents say Skipper’s death was initially ruled a heart attack, as the victim had been in and out of the hospital for a week with chest pains. He was not autopsied at the time. Coppola says a new autopsy revealed the presence of barium.

Cut 15 (07) “poisoning”

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lawmakers have until midnight to solve the fiscal cliff and pass a budget and tax plan to fund the government next year.  Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A St. Landry Parish priest has been accused of sexual abuse of a minor. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Kevin Barnhart

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The LSU Baseball season has come to a close as the Tigers finished with a record of 39-27 after losing 12-0 to Oregon State last night. Tiger Rag Associate Editor, James Moran, says the Tigers didn’t have enough healthy, quality arms to get past the Corvallis Regional

Cut 6 (14)  “lit up”

Moran says injuries and inexperienced kept this team from being a consistent winner. Moran says Coach Paul Mainieri took them as far as they could go……

Cut 7 (12)  “not hosting”

Mainieri said this season was a transition year for the Tigers. Moran says they could have a better team next season, especially if a couple of their star players decide to stay at LSU

cut 8 (12) “around”

The three-day Major League Baseball draft begins today.

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Three people are accused of a widespread livestock theft ring with quite the price tag. State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the husband and wife, Rickey and Wanda Thompson of Pitkin, along with their son Justin Thompson, are accused of the thefts that occurred from August to October of 2017.

Cut 9 (08)  “…one million dollars”

Strain said businesses sustained significant financial losses due to the thefts.

Cut 10 (08) “….from livestock theft”

Ricky and Wanda Thompson have turned themselves in to the Allen Parish Jail, however Justin Thompson has yet to surrender to authorities.

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The pastor of St. Peter Church in St. Landry Parish has been accused of sexual abuse of a minor in an alleged incident that occurred several years ago. 75-year-old Michael Guidry has been a priest for nearly 50 years, while running St. Peter for the last nine. Lafayette Bishop Doug Deshotel says the priest has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation by law enforcement.

Cut 11 (12) “canonical penalties”

Guidry is also the head of the Resurrection Chapel in Whiteville.

Deshotel says the abuse occurred in a very small church community.

Cut 12 (07)   “families”

The Catholic Church was been hit with claims of widespread, and covered up cases of sexual abuse of minors over the last decade, specifically cases involving priests who’ve been moved to other diocese after allegations surfaced. Deshotel says Guidry’s past record is clean.

Cut 13 (07) “anywhere else” 

The Governor signs legislation that allows families to put cameras in their relative’s nursing home rooms. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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The Senate has a lot to tackle Sunday, with critical decisions needed on a series of sales tax and budget bills. Don Molino has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m  Don Molino

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Hurricane season has officially begun. The Bayou State may be relieved it has avoided tropical threat Alberto but the Spokesperson of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Mike Steele says now is the time to get a plan in place in case Louisiana is threatened by major hurricane …

Cut 6 (12)  “travel expenses”

Steele says if you don’t have flood insurance now is the time to get it and also take a look at your homeowners insurance …

Cut 7 (08)  “may be”

Steele encourages residents to visit getagameplan.org to help you get an idea of what kind of items you need in a supply kit…

cut 8 (09) “medical information”

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Governor Edwards signed River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot’s nursing home camera bill, as it breezed through the legislature. The law allows families to place remotely accessible cameras in their loved ones nursing home rooms for monitoring. Talbot says before you rush to grab that grandma cam, you need to talk to their roommate.

Cut 9 (07) “no issue”

Talbot says the cameras these days aren’t too pricey, but he does warn you’ll have to buy a cellular data plan because you can’t hook it up to the nursing homes Wi-Fi.

Cut 10 (08) “do that”

The legislation was inspired by a nursing home incident where a family suspected that the staff was physically abusing their relative, but the River Ridge Republican says it’s not just to prevent abuse, it’s handy just for checking in to make sure your loved one is looking healthy and happy.

Cut 11 (10) “can do”

The law will go into effect after it is reviewed by the Department of Health.

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It’ll be a big day in the Senate Sunday as the upper chamber takes on sales tax and budget bills that could decide the fate of 648 million dollar fiscal cliff that threatens to wreck higher ed, TOPS, and healthcare. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the House won’t have much time to debate the budget and tax plans the Senate agrees too, with a Monday at midnight deadline approaching.

Cut 12 (09)   “question”

The big revenue raising bill would call for consumers to pay a 4.3 percent state sales tax after July 1st. But the House and Senate disagree on how many sales tax exemptions for businesses should be removed. The Senate version raises enough money to avoid cuts, while the House supports a version that generates 330 million dollars in revenue., about half of what is needed. Pinsonat says several GOP Representatives have already said they will not vote for the Senate version…

Cut 13 (12) “can pass” 

If the two chambers cannot agree on a budget and tax plan by 12PM Monday night,  another special session will be called. Unlike this session, each day of the new session would cost the state tens of thousands of dollars, but Pinsonat says he’s optimistic a deal will be reached before the deadline.

Cut 14 (10)  “solutions”

A 29-year-old man and his four-year-old daughter were killed in LaPlace last night. Jeff Palermo reports the St. John the Baptist Sheriff’s office believes it was a single gunman…

Cut 1 (25) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Online fantasy sports is heading to the November ballot after being signed by the Governor. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle “

Tregre says deputies have been canvassing the neighborhood as they search for more leads…

Cut 5  (10) “some justice”

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Online fantasy sports gaming will be on the ballot for parish approval in November after grabbing the governor’s signature. The legislation by River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot breezed through the legislature this year after past attempts stalled out. Talbot says it just took some time to educate lawmakers about why fantasy sports is not the same as sports betting.

Cut 6 (07)  “consist of”

Talbot says fantasy sports usually lacks the high stakes of sports betting, and isn’t just about blind luck, it requires knowledge and strategy to play. He says its closer to a game than gaming.

Cut 7 (06)  “of skill”

Talbot fully expects many parishes will approve the measure in fall. Once that happens, the state will go about putting together a framework to generate some revenue off of the games.

cut 8 (10) “the spring”

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St. Tammany President Pat Brister sent a letter to the governor asking the state to expedite road expansion on I-12 in her parish after a fiery crash led to four dead on Saturday. Brister wants the planned expansion moved up from its currently scheduled 2023, but State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says they just don’t have the cash to do it

Cut 9 (08) “wait”

Wilson says DOTD was looking forward to having utilizing the over 500 million dollars that would have been available in a 17 cent gas tax proposal, but that legislation died, damaging the state’s ability to get federal matching road dollars.

Cut 10 (08) “things back”

Brister says the state is prioritizing road projects in areas with less traffic than her own. She says the Walker area sees 50 percent of the traffic that the highway 51 to Tchefuncte Bridge area does, but it was still prioritized ahead of the St. Tammany location. Wilson says prioritization is created by the legislature.

Cut 11 (11) “plans were”

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The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s office has charged two teens from the Opelousas area with aggravated kidnapping of a child and negligent homicide for their roles in the death of an 11-year-old girl in a car crash.  Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says 19-year-old Kelvin Monte and 17-year-old Jon’Torras Bryant picked up Bryla Bell from her home in Lawtell and were eventually stopped by Opelousas Police

Cut 12 (12)   “she crashed”

Guidroz says Bryla apparently snuck out of her home in Lawtell to meet up with the two suspects. He says even though Bryla consented in getting into the car, the kidnapping charge is still warranted

Cut 13 (07) “aggravated

Guidroz says suspects did not know Bryla was just 11-years-old, she claimed to be 16 or 17 years old. The sheriff says Bryla’s mother knew her daughter snuck out of the home….

Cut 14 (10)  “a pursuit”

The suspects jumped out of the vehicle in Opelousas and Bryla took the wheel and eventually crashed and died.

The chances of legislators finding a compromise budget and tax plan before the end of the June 4^th special session are looking slim. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A Lake Charles man is under arrest for allegedly attempting to rape two women. Don Molino has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Don Molino “

Cut 4 (05) “done right”

But Henry argues it would be easier to use the budget approved by the legislature in the regular session and fill in the budget gaps with any money raised in this special session…

Cut 5  (11) “move around”

New Orleans Representative Walt Leger was asked what would happen if a budget compromise is not found by July 1^st, and the next fiscal year starts without a spending plan. He said that’d mean a government shutdown.

Cut 6 (09)  “operating”

Certain critical services and infrastructure would still operate unfunded for a time if the showdown became prolonged.

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A Lake Charles man is under arrest after allegedly tried to rape two elderly women in two separate incidents on Friday. Richard Barras was charged with one count of Attempted 1^st Degree Rape. Calcasieu Parish Sherriff Tony Mancuso says they are glad Barras is off the streets…

Cut 7 (07)  “this suspect”

In both cases, the victims escaped after screaming for help, alerting neighbors.

Authorities say Barras is a parolee. Lake Charles Police Chief Don Dixon says he’s shocked that Barras allegedly committed the crime, because he doesn’t fit the profile.

cut 8 (10) “our radar”

LCPD and the Calcasieu Sheriff’s Department worked together on the case. The first incident was under investigation by LCPD, when Barras allegedly attempted the second rape, which was reported to the Sherrif’s Department. The two entities coordinated, which led to the discovery of Barras’ vehicle.

Dixon says even though the victims were able to escape fairly quickly, it’s still a particularly vicious crime.

Cut 9 (08) ” her life”

Barras is being held on a 900,000 dollar bond.

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Destrehan-based televangelist, Jesse Duplantis, wants a new 54-million-dollar private jet and asks his followers to pay for it. Duplantis says the new Dassalt 7X, which would be the fourth aircraft owned by the ministry, would be more cost beneficial in the long run…

Cut 10 (12) “of the Lord”

Duplantis says that he was told by God to believe for a Falcon 7X…

Cut 11 (11) “believe for it”

The aircraft will be owned by Duplantis’ ministry and he says its only purpose is to preach the Gospel all over the world…

Cut 12 (06)   “riding a donkey”

Those interested in tithing should visit his website.

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The summer driving season is underway, but gas prices continue to hold steady. The statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $2.67, which is a just a few pennies higher than a week ago. AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says there’s a chance the price at the pump can actually come down soon…

Cut 13 (12) “of oil

AAA’s current projection calls for gasoline prices in Louisiana to hover around $2.80 a gallon for the summer. But Redman says we might not see a summer average that high, which is good for those who plan to hit the road…

Cut 14 (11)  “this summer”

For Memorial Day, Louisiana honors the over 11,000 service men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30)  I”m Matt Doyle“

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The first major attempt to pass a tax bill to plug a portion of the state budget gap comes up a few votes short and the House is expected to try again today. Michael Farrar has more.

Cut 2 (30) ”  I’m Michael Farrar” 

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The nation observes its 47^th federally recognized Memorial Day today. The tradition memorializes those who died while serving in the US Military. Louisiana  Department of Veterans Affairs spokesperson Alex Juan is asking people to keep in mind what that means for Gold Star Families who have lost a loved one in service to the country.

Cut 3 (13) “the way”

Hundreds of thousands of service men and women have died since 1776, and Juan says if you haven’t had a chance to honor one of them at a veteran’s cemetery, today is the day to do it.

Cut 4  (07) “will help” 

Baton Rouge is hosting a large scale tribute this morning to the tens of thousands from Louisiana who have died serving in the armed forces. It’s called Hero Hump, a six mile ruck run from the LSU Memorial Tower to the Capital Gardens. Juan says it’s a great opportunity to honor the fallen.

Cut 5  (11)  “revolutionary war”

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention wants to remind folks who are gearing up for some summer pool time that if you’re not careful, you can pick up a pretty nasty bug from a pool that hasn’t been treated properly. Chief of the CDC Health Swimming Program Michele Hlavsa. (Hill-lav-sa)

Cut 6 (07) “water playgrounds”

In particular, Hlavsa says there’s one spot that seems to be teeming with with nasty bacteria that could ruin a vacation, and that’s a hotel pool.

Cut 7 (09)  “the water”

For those who have their own pools, Hlavsa says before bringing the family over for a summer swim and grill, you need to check your water and make sure it’s clean enough to swim in.

Cut 8 (12)  “test strips”

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GOP House Caucus Chairman Lance Harris’ tax bill that would fill 360 of the state’s 648 million dollar budget shortfall is expected to come up for a vote today after falling seven votes short on Friday. The proposal would renew a third of the expiring penny sales tax, and eliminate some sales tax breaks. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the weekend gave lawmakers a chance to discuss options…

Cut 9 (10)  “now gone”

Pinsonat says Harris’ bill was a long shot to pass on Friday. He says at least now everyone knows where each legislator stands on this particular bill.

Cut 10 (11)   “against it”

It won’t just be Republicans who are scrambling to build a consensus. The Democratic Black Caucus has been firmly against any renewal of the expiring penny sales tax. Pinsonat says to reach the 70 votes needed for any tax bill, the Black Caucus will have to be on board.

Cut 11 (11) “for something”

The House convenes at 2 PM.

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Northwestern State is heading to the NCAA Baseball Tournament for the fourth time in program history after the school won its first ever Southland Conference Tournament. The Demons beat UNO on Saturday night in Sugar Land, Texas to receive an automatic bid. Second-year head coach Bobby Barbier on the huge accomplishment…

Cut 12 (11) “the alumni”

David Fry hit a tie-breaking home run in the seventh-inning. Barbier says Fry has been their leader all season….

Cut 13 (12)  “few years” 

The first named storm of the season has developed and he could be on his way to Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Lake Charles Police arrest a Texas man  after a woman was found bound near Highway 14. Don Molino has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Don Molino “

Cut 4 (08) “the west”

Coastal areas should keep a close watch on the potential cyclone, and Grigsby says if you’re outside of the levee system you could be in store for some light flooding.

Cut 5  (05) “the west”

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The State Fire Marshal’s office continues to investigate the explosion at the Proctor and Gamble plant in Pineville claimed the life of a Jena man. The incident occurred early Thursday morning. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the explosion was contained to the incident area.

Cut 6 (07)  “equipment”

An earlier report from Proctor and Gamble said that there was no plant explosion, and the death was related to a forklift incident, but Rodrigue says investigators have confirmed that a smaller scale explosion did occur.

Cut 7 (10)  “of equipment”

Rodrigue says the investigation could be quite lengthy, due to the number of factors that have to be considered.

cut 8 (08) “the incident”

The coroner has identified the victim as 56-year-old Allen Kendrick, who was the director of the LaSalle Parish Community Choir and former Jena High Band Director.

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Law enforcement will be ramping up their Click it Or Ticket seatbelt awareness and ticketing campaign over the Memorial Day weekend, to remind drivers about road safety. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Spokesperson Mark Lambert says while they do anticipate an increase in tickets, that’s not necessarily the goal of the campaign.

Cut 9 (10) “the behavior”

A recent report showed that drivers are more likely to not wear a seatbelt when driving at night. Lambert says that won’t keep troopers from spotting an unbuckled driver, or rider, this weekend.

Cut 10 (09) “belt law”

13 percent of drivers have admitted in surveys to not wearing their seatbelts. Lambert says the holiday weekend would be a great time to start a potentially lifesaving behavior change.

Cut 11 (07) “second nature”

The effort will be in conjunction with Line to Line, where Louisiana and Mississippi officers have paired together to increase patrols on I-55.

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The Public Affairs Research Council believes the temporary sales tax bill approved  by the House Ways and Means Committee is the legislature’s best opportunity at raising enough revenue to pass a budget.  PAR President Robert Travis Scott says the legislation can lessen the fiscal cliff by renewing one-third of an expiring one-cent sales tax, but not everyone likes it, which might be a good thing

Cut 12 (09)   this bill”

Democrats do not support it and Governor John Bel Edwards is pushing for a sales tax bill that generates more revenue and there are Republicans who are not for higher sales taxes. But Scott says this House bill is the most viable and reasonable instrument to propel the special session toward a sensible outcome

Cut 13 (07) “stuff forward”

Alexandria Representative Lance Harris is the author of the tax bill that’s waiting for a vote on the House floor. It would result in Louisiana paying a state sales tax of 4.3 percent after July 1st and it’s expected to generate 370-million dollars in revenue, but the shortfall is pegged at 648-million dollars. Scott says Harris’ bill is the best opportunity at reducing the proposed cuts within state government

Cut 14 (09)  “very slim”

There’s now a 70-percent chance over the next 48 hours we can see our first tropical system of the year. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine has been licensed for a medical school at ULM, which will lead to a privately funded, 100 thousand square foot facility. Don Molino has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Don Molino “

Cut 4 (10) “today”

Speaker Taylor Barras weighed in the on win, congratulating New Orleans on grabbing yet another major sporting event.

Cut 5  (10) “once again”

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The 2018 Atlantic hurricane season should be an active one, according to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center. Lead hurricane forecaster, Dr. Gerry Bell says there is a 75 percent chance that the upcoming season will be near- or above-normal.

Cut 6 (09)  “average season”

Dr. Bell says the number of storms may depend on whether a weak El Nino or La Nina develops

Cut 7 (08)  “a lot more hurricanes”

The NOAA says the severity Atlantic hurricane seasons have been steadily increasing since 1995 and the impacts have not been limited to coastal communities. Dr. Bell says more people should get ready for this upcoming hurricane season.

cut 8 (12) “by a hurricane”

NOAA will issue another seasonal outlook in early August, right before the peak of the season.

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Invest 90L, the low-pressure system in the west Caribbean that’s on its way to ruin gulf coast Memorial Day weekends, is starting to get a narrower prediction track, and more confidence that it will grow into a tropical depression or storm. State Climatologist Barry Keim says at this point, Louisiana should be spared the worst of it, but…

Cut 9 (07) “Louisiana.”

Nasty weather could start to popup nearby as early as Saturday, but Keim says they expect the system to really hit starting next week.

Cut 10 (12) “gulf coast”

The system is not expected to threaten the coast with dangerous storm surge or high winds, but Keim says it could dump a ton of water on whoever is unlucky enough to get hit.

Cut 11 (08) “a prospect”

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ULM has been approved for a new medical school in partnership with The Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, who was granted the license. A 100 thousand square foot facility will be built on the campus that is currently scheduled to begin classes in fall of 2020. ULM President Nick Bruno says that means there will be more room for medical students to stay home in Louisiana.

Cut 12 (08)   “640 students”

And Bruno says that’s important because students who study and take residencies in one state tend to stay there once they finish their education. The President says that could help address the reported 19 percent shortfall in the number of physicians needed in the coming years.

Cut 13 (08) “the country”

Reports indicate that 30 percent of physicians in Louisiana are 60-years-old or older, and the average age of those in the profession is 55.

Bruno says Virginia College plans to make the state of the art facility the most impressive of its nationwide set of colleges. He says students who attend the program are getting a great education.

Cut 14 (11)  “nationally”

Last year New York Institute of Technology was issued a license to work with ULM, but decided not to pursue the plan in August.