Just three years ago, Louisiana ranked near the bottom for the number of high school seniors who sought financial aid to attend college, now it leads the nation.  Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (31)  I’m Jeff Palermo“

_____________________________________________

The Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge has an exhibit on editorial cartoons that’s up for public viewing through September 29th. Kevin Barnhart has the story…

Cut 2 (33) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

_____________________________________________

A new report shows the 2017 criminal justice reforms are beginning to save the state a good bit of money. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________________________

Louisiana now leads the nation when it comes to student applications for federal aid to attend college. Louisiana had one of the lowest FAFSA completion rates in the nation in 2015, and Stephanie Markham with the Louisiana Department of Education says that led to a policy that required all graduating high schoolers to fill out the financial aid form, to show them what they were eligible for.

Cut 4  (06) “the table”

FAFSA allows high school seniors to get access to grants and loans to pursue higher education. Markham says the program is helping students from working class families get access to hundreds of millions of dollars in grants to help pay for school

Cut 5  (12)  “before”

After 2015, BESE began recommending that districts set aside flexible schedules at schools to allow students and their parents to fill out the forms with the help of professionals and school officials familiar with the sometimes intimidating process. Markham says these meetings take  the stress out of completing the paperwork.

Cut 6 (13) “12 minutes”

The report was written by the National College Access Network.

_____________________________________________

With the deputies having a boat nearby, those stranded didn’t wait too long for responders to show up with a rescue vessel.  Upon transferring passengers from the tour boat, Mowell says they were able to get the boat unstuck.

Cut 8 (08)  “..to their headquarters.”

Mowell says everyone involved is thankful for a successful rescue effort.

Cut 9 (13)  “…the way they did.”

 ____________________________________________________

If you love political cartoons, you’ll need to check out the new exhibit at the Old State Capitol Museum called “Lines with Power and Purpose: Editorial Cartoons.” Director of State Museums, Mary Durusau, spoke on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster and says the exhibit will feature original editorial cartoons from the nation’s best newspapers throughout the first half of the 20^th century.

Cut 10 (11)   “democratic process”

 Durusau says the exhibit will take a closer look at the political power of commentary.

Cut 11 (11) “over again”

Two time Pulitzer Prize winner, Walt Handelsman of the Advocate, will share his artistic experience on Wednesday evening, highlighting the exhibit. Durusau says it is an honor to have him speak at the Old State Capitol.

Cut 12 (08) “at 6pm”

The exhibit will run until September 29^th.

_____________________________________________

The state will save 12.2 million dollars as a result of the criminal justice reforms of 2017, that from a new report issued by the Department of Corrections. 70 percent of those savings will be reinvested into programs that will help inmates at parish prisons, increased the number of parole staff, new reception centers, and more. Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc:

Cut 13 (09)  “already done” 

PEW Charitable Trusts worked with the state to help create the criminal justice reforms.

The state has seen a noticeable drop in the number of inmates in the system since 2016, but LeBlanc says that’s not where most of the savings are actually coming from.

Cut 14 (09) “into prison”

The estimated savings are double that which PEW initially estimated when the reforms went into effect.

The Secretary singled out one initiative in particular, Compliance Credit, for having exceeded even the more optimistic projections for success. Compliance Credits allow those on parole to be able to complete certain activities and achievements to reduce the time remaining on their sentence. LeBlanc says this save the state money, by helping offenders get out of the system faster.

A major national political magazine article asks the question: “Does Mitch Landrieu have to run for President?” Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

_____________________________________________

Have suppressed aggression issues you need to alleviate, need relationship help, or just a workout?  Kevin Barnhart has more on a new Broussard business that might be just what you need.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

cut 9 (06)  “…seemed so impossible”

Comier says that at age 39, his career is winding down and he’ll likely be more selective with the fights he competes in.

Cut 10 (13) “…and be done.”

Following his championship victory, Cormier called out former UFC Champion and current WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar, who was sitting cage side for the fight.  It’s a moment that left some UFC fans upset.

Cut 11 (13) “…upside your head.”

No date has been set for Cormier’s bout with Brock Lesnar.

_____________________________________________________

President Donald Trump will announce his nomination for the vacant US Supreme Court position tonight at 8PM, a decision that could tip the balance of the high court in a decidedly conservative direction. Pro-Life advocates are hoping this leads to a successful challenge of Roe vs. Wade, but ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says….

Cut 12 (11)   “the margin”

Republican control of the Senate means it is unlikely the choice will be denied the seat.

But Stockley says that doesn’t mean some substantial changes to abortion rights could be on the way. The ULM Professor says a more conservative court could make it less likely that state based abortion restrictions would be overturned when challenged.

Cut 13 (10) “its laws” 

Louisiana recently passed legislation that would ban abortion after 15 weeks, pending a Federal Appellate Court decision on a similar piece of legislation from Mississippi.

Stockley says you shouldn’t expect radical changes in the courts direction on topics like workers’ rights and abortion as a result of the new Justice, because Justice Anthony Kennedy, who recently retired, wasn’t nearly as moderate as his reputation indicated.

Cut 14 (11) “the majority.”

The LA Wallet app is allowing Louisianans to access their driver’s license on their phones, and comes with a few other perks as well. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30)  I’m Matt Doyle“

_____________________________________________

We are 13 months away from qualifying for the 2019 governor’s race.  Kevin Barnhart reports we’ll likely have to wait awhile before we see any Republicans jump into the race.

Cut 2 (31) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

_____________________________________________

Many Louisiana industries are bracing to take a hit from the Chinese tariffs that went into effect Friday. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________________________

The LA Wallet app that allows Louisianans to access a digital copy of their driver’s license, is available now on your Iphone or Android app store. The app was developed by a Louisiana company, Envoc, with offices in Baton Rouge and Hammond. Envoc CEO Calvin Fabre says it comes with all kinds of convenient perks.

Cut 4  (09) “expires”

The app is a useable substitute for any state based license checks, like traffic stops, and in the near future could be valid for ID checks in bars, other states, and at the airport. In the event someone totally clears you out, taking your wallet and phone, Fabre says you can still access your license on other devices.

Cut 5  (09)  “your license”

Often states have to look outside their borders for software development, usually to the west coast, but this time a home grown tech company took the lead producing the first digital driver’s license app for a state in the United States. Fabre says this is good indicator of the healthy growth in the Bayou tech sector.

Cut 6 (09) “friendly.”

LA Wallet comes with a $5.99 activation fee.

_____________________________________________

Cut 7 (10)  “…time before that.”

US Senator John Kennedy, Congressman Ralph Abraham, Attorney General Jeff Landry and state senator Sharon Hewitt have been mentioned as possible candidates. Dubos doesn’t foresee any announcements until next year.

Cut 8 (10)  “..late in the game.”

Dubos says he anticipates declarations of office runs will be held off until 2019, but says anything could happen.

Cut 9 (09)  “…declare at anytime.”

Earlier this year, Edwards reported having more than five-million dollars in his campaign war chest. Dubos expects the governor to keep raising money for a tough re-election bid.

Louisiana ranks second in the South for strongest economic development results for 2017 according to Southern Business & Development magazine. Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says last year they announced DXC Technology is coming to New Orleans, plus an 800-million dollar LNG production and export facility in Lafourche Parish and LNG and chemical production continues to grow in Lake Charles thanks to…

Cut 10 (06)   “…state right now”

Lake Charles was titled Small Market of the Year for the eighth year in a row as they continue to secure capital investment projects. Pierson says the infrastructure in place it should keep growing…

Cut 11 (10) “…as well”

The success is spilling over into the major cities of Louisiana with Baton Rouge earning an Honorable Mention for Major Market of the Year. Pierson says the state’s economy looks to be getting stronger…

Cut 12 (08) “…in Lousisiana”

_____________________________________________

Billions in Chinese tariffs went into effect Friday, and Louisiana industries are bracing for what could be a rocky ride. A recent Forbes report showed Louisiana as the most at risk state for negative effects from tariffs due to its export and shipping based economy. Port of New Orleans VP Robert Landry says the Chinese tariffs on steel will have ripple effects throughout all economies that rely on Mississippi river shipping.

Cut 13 (12)  “world marketplace” 

Landry says right off the bat, he expects hours to be cut back at the port for the men who load and transfer goods from international shipping barges

Cut 14 (10) “who do.”

Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson also expressed concern about the tariff’s impact on the state’s economy. He highlighted the damage that could be inflicted on Louisiana’s agriculture industry that ships massive qualities of goods overseas.

A pioneer in cardiovascular health, New Orleans surgeon John Ochsner, has passed away at the age of 91. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

_____________________________________________

Essence Festival has started in New Orleans, bringing three days of entertainment some of the biggest names in music, comedy, and culture. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle” 

The man who performed the first heart transplant in the Gulf South has passed away in New Orleans. Doctor John Ochsner conducted over 12-thousand surgeries during a 57 year career. He passed away at the age of 91. President of the Ochsner Health System, Warner Thomas, calls Doctor Ochnser an icon in the industry

cut 9 (10)  “…as well”

Thomas says Doctor Ochsner pioneered valve and coronary surgery and received the prestigous Michael E DeBakey Surgical Award in 2000. He says Doctor Ochsner’s patients had the utmost respect for him

Cut 10 (09) “…amazing outcomes.”

Doctor Ochsner’s father, Alton Ochsner, helped found the Ochsner health care system. Doctor John Ochsner stopped performing surgeries at 75-years-old, but was still involved with the clinic on a daily basis…

Cut 11 (11) “…do better.”

_____________________________________________________

Essence Fest has kicked off today in New Orleans, taking over the city for three days as some of the biggest names in entertainment take the town. Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, and Snoop Dog headline the show tonight, and New Orleans Convention and Visitor’s bureau Spokesperson Kristian Sonnier says that’s not all.

Cut 12 (10)   “and more”

Temperatures will be in the upper 80s all weekend in the Crescent City, with decent chances for afternoon showers throughout the event. Sonnier says that shouldn’t scare you away, because Essence Fest is indoor fun.

Cut 13 (09) “air conditioning” 

Most of the festival takes place in Morial Convention Center by day, where speakers and workshops for personal development will be offered, and by night for concerts at the Super Dome. Sonnier says if you get hungry, there’s great options right nearby.

Cut 14 (11) “around there.”

Suspected members of the famed Felony Lane Gang were arrested with a treasure trove of illicit goods, including credit cards, Social Security cards, and pot. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_____________________________________________

A 15-year-old escapes captivity where he’d allegedly been hog tied and tortured at a home in Sulphur. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

An Arnaudville teen has been arrested and charged with aggravated assault and attempted first-degree murder following an early Wednesday morning police pursuit.  St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Major Ginny Higgins says 17-year-old Dartamian Landry refused to pull over when deputies attempted a traffic stop.

cut 9 (08)  “…and a pursuit ensued.”

Higgins says the suspect continued to drive at a high rate of speed for quite some time, when things turned south for the teen behind the wheel.

Cut 10 (09) “…with a traffic stop.”

Higgins says it appears that the suspect intentionally aimed his vehicle at deputies when the crash occurred, injuring the officers involved.

Cut 11 (10) “…for their injuries.”

Landry was booked at the St. Martin Parish Correctional Center with a bond set at $550k.

_____________________________________________________

A 40-year-old man is under arrest after his 15-year-old son escaped captivity from a home in Sulphur where authorities say he was torturing the young man. Thomas Winniger and his girlfriend 34-year-old Desirae Tomcannin have been charged with 2^nd degree cruelty to a juvenile and false imprisonment. Calcasieu Parish Sherriff Tony Mancuso says the details of the crime are disturbing.

Cut 12 (12)   “feet together”

Authorities suspect the minor has been kept out of school for some time now while the torture was taking place.

Mancuso says little is known about the family at this time, or Winninger, who hails from Sylvester Georgia, or than they suspect they move from place to place frequently. Mancuso says you could never justify the putting anyone through that kind of pain, which makes the arbitrary reasons given for the punishment that much more concerning.

Cut 13 (10) “that’s terrible” 

Mancuso says the teenager made his escape to a neighbor’s house, where a 911 call was placed, by outsmarting his captors.

Cut 14 (12)  took off.”

Soggy conditions are expected in Louisiana this week.  Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

_____________________________________________

Demarcus Cousins and Rajon Rondo have left the New Orleans Pelicans, but some young blood has been brought in to fill the All-Star sized holes left in the roster. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle” 

Big changes in the Big Easy as the Pelicans roster has been restructured during NBA free agency. Veteran point guard Rajon Rondo went to L-A, and All-Star Center Demarus Cousins is heading to Golden State. They’ve been replaced by former Ragin Cajun point guard Elfrid Payton and six-foot-nine forward Julius Randle. Pelicans beat writer Scott Kushner for the Advocate says it’s definitely a mixed bag for Pels fans, but could really pay off.

cut 9 (11)  “proven guys”

Payton, a native of Gretna, starred for the Rajun Cajuns, and was the tenth pick in the 2014 draft, playing four years in Orlando, before a stop in Phoenix last year.  Kushner says Payton is a poor shooter, but can handle the ball and play solid defense.

Cut 10 (12) “either”

The 24-year-old Payton signed a one-year, 2.7 million dollar contract with New Orleans.

Julius Randle, a Dallas native, played one year at Kentucky before leaving college for the NBA, where he was drafted 7^th in 2014 draft by Los Angeles. He missed his entire rookie year, but has grown steadily every year since then seeing a steady uptick in points and efficiency. Kushner says he’s a high upside pick up.

Cut 11 (10) “defender”

The 23-year-old Randle signed a 2-year, 18 million dollar contract with a player option to opt out in year two.

_____________________________________________________

Good news for folks grabbing steaks for the 4^th: the prices should be lower than last year for good quality beef. Cattle Producers of Louisiana CEO Dave Foster says this is one of the biggest days of the year for grilling all things beef. Despite what The Cooking Channel might tell you, Foster says don’t throw that steak in a pan or the oven.

Cut 12 (07)   “eating experience”

Everybody knows about chuck for burgers and ribeyes for steak eaters, but for those looking to change things up, and get the most bang for their buck, Foster says grab a chuck.

Cut 13 (11) “single person” 

And for those looking for a lower fat, more health conscience cut of meat, Foster says they’re definitely out there, even if they don’t measure up to the feeling of sinking your teeth into a juicy, fatty ribeye.

Cut 14 (09)  “bit leaner.”

Foster says those looking for medium steaks should make sure those cuts are 140 to 145 degrees in the center, and those looking for well-done should buy chicken instead.

The Bossier Educational Excellence Fund, or BEEF, started with just $500,000 in 1985, but as a result of gaming tax revenue, the fund has grown to over $50 million. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

______________________________________________

The traffic death of a Sterlington officer in 2016 has yielded a 15 year sentence for a 46-year-old Louisianan. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The man who struck and killed a Sterlington police officer, David Elahi with his car in 2016 was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor. 46-year-old Tracy Govan was found guilty of vehicular homicide and vehicular negligent injury in February. Govan’s Attorney, Louis Scott, says it’s a shocking sentence considering his client’s clean record and the fact that the crime was an accident.

cut 9 (09)  “that nature”

Elahi was standing behind the fog line conducting a traffic stop when Govan’s vehicle crossed over the marker and struck three officers. Prosecutors say Govan was intoxicated, because two hours later he blew a .062 blood alcohol level, but Scott says thats not above the legal limit.

Cut 10 (12) “.08”

Elahi says it’s a gross over sentencing of his client, considering the sentences handed out for similar crimes in Judge Carl Sharp’s courtroom.

Cut 11 (08) “years”

District Attorney Steve Tew praised the sentence, saying “We hope the family of the officer can now find a way to heal from this horrific tragedy.”

_____________________________________________________

The fiscal cliff is officially gone as the Revenue Estimating Conference recognized 500-million dollars in revenue that will be used to shield TOPS, public colleges and most state agencies from cuts after July 1st. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne led the meeting, one day after the governor signed a new sales tax bill into law…

Cut 12 (11)   “…we have.”

Most of the new revenue comes from the legislature’s decision to renew nearly half of an expiring one-cent sales tax. The Revenue Estimating Panel heard from the state’s legislative economist and then Dardenne called for a vote to recognize the money…

Cut 13 (07) “…recognized.” 

__________________________

The Pope has appointed a new Bishop to preside over the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Bishop Michael Duca will be transferred from Shreveport, where he’s been for the last ten years. He’s replacing Bishop Robert Muench, who’s held the position since 2002. Duca says he didn’t see it coming, but he’s looking forward to serving the people of Baton Rouge.

Cut 14 (10)  “reservation.”

Duca, who previously served in Texas, as well as Shreveport, says he’s got a lot to learn about the culture of the southern portion of the boot.

Cut 15 (13) “don’t know.”

The state, and nation, has seen a rash of recent incidents involving misconduct from Catholic priests, including a recent confession from a father in Acadiana who admitted to sexual misconduct with a minor. Duca says if something like that were to happen under his watch, he wouldn’t hide it.

Cut 16  (10) “immediatley.”

The legislature’s decision to renew a portion of an expiring one-cent sales tax will provide funding to begin operating a new juvenile justice facility in Bunkie. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

______________________________________________

The newly passed budget and tax plan has Louisianans taking stock of the two brutal years of fiscal uncertainty that led to last night’s compromise deal. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Summer is back with a vengeance as State Climatologist Barry Keim tells us we can expect higher than normal temperatures through the week due to a high pressure system in the Gulf of Mexico which will see higher humidity levels and reduced cloud cover.

cut 9 (12)  “…between 100 to 110.”

Keim says the conditions will likely run through this upcoming weekend and that the morning temps will see the biggest jump compared to average levels for this time of the year.

Cut 10 (13) “…this time of year”

Keim does recommend to utilize caution with such intense heat in the area.

Cut 11 (07) “…just a bit”

_____________________________________________________

After a stop at a gas station in Grand Coteau this weekend, someone is now $2 million richer.  The St. Landry Parish convenience store has produced other big lottery winners in recent months and news of the luck at the establishment has gotten around.  The 1 Stop store owner, Nasir Sohail, says more people are showing up at his business with high hopes.

Cut 12 (08)   “…somebody got lucky again.”

The Powerball ticket sold over the weekend has yet to be claimed.  Sohail explains that although this particular winner didn’t match up all the numbers with the recent drawing, it was enough to land the sizable prize.

Cut 13 (10) “…with a power play.” 

Among those that have seen the luck of the store is Sohail himself, who in December won $350,000 playing the Louisiana Lottery.  He is also expecting a kickback from this most recent win at his store.

Cut 14 (08)  “…still getting lucky.”

Senate leaders have proposed a way for cuts not to occur if the fiscal cliff arrives without a sales bill passing in this third special session. Jeff Palermo has more

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________________

A Slidell couple is in jail facing multiple charges for drugs and dog fighting following an investigation by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (26) “I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

US Senator John Kennedy has attached an amendment to an appropriations bill to keep taxpayer money from going towards first-class airline tickets for federal employees. Kennedy says there’s only two reasons why a federal worker should receive a taxpayer funded first-class ticket….

cut 9 (10)  “…abused”

The Senator says a federal audit found that federal employees have been misusing allowable upgrades to ride first class in 56-percent of cases. He says in a recent three-year period an extra one-million dollars in taxpayer money went to unnecessary first class tickets…

Cut 10 (05) “…will do”

In a report released last March, EPA Secretary Scott Pruitt allegedly spent 105-thousand dollars on first class flights in his first year on the job. Kennedy says if his amendment makes it through Congress, even agency heads will not be able to fly first class unless there’s a legitimate medical or security reason…

Cut 11 (12) “…priviledge”

______________________________________________________

A four star quarterback from Alabama announced on Twitter he plans on attending LSU. Peter Parrish’s verbal commitment gives the Tigers 14 commitments for their 2019 class. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says Parrish can run a speedy 4.5 in the 40 and scouts say he’s improving as a passer

Cut 12 (09)   “…offered him.”

LSU has four quarterbacks competing to be the starter in 2018 and Moran says they have more signal callers on their way for a position that’s given the Tigers problems over the last decade

Cut 13 (12) “…the position” 

_________________________________________________________

After a week of difficult negotiations the House has approved legislation that sets Louisiana’s sales tax rate at 4.45 percent through mid-2025. That  would be enough revenue to prevent cuts to higher education and the TOPS scholarship program next fiscal year. Baton Rouge Representative Paula Davis had this message before the critical vote

Cut 14 (12)  “constitutents.”

Since the first special session in February, lawmakers have struggled to figure out a way to renew part of an expiring one-cent sales tax. Democrats  pushed for half-a-cent renewal, while in this session Republicans sought four-tenths of a cent. They eventually comprised at .45 percent. Davis congratulates the two sides for coming together

Cut 15 (11) “…their services.”

The measure needed 70 votes to pass and it got 74. It brought a sigh of relief to lawmakers who have been trying to solve the fiscal cliff

Cut 16  (07) “…applause.”

A group called Emerge Louisiana says they have successfully trained 22 women who plan to run for political office and they will graduate from their program on Saturday. Becca Dill has more…

Cut 1 (29)  I’m Becca Dill.“

_____________________________________________________

Louisiana’s Republican Delegation in Washington DC says the Farm Bill approved by the House protects farmers and improves the food stamp program. Michael Farrar has the story…

Cut 2 (31) ”  I’m Michael Farrar” 

____________________________________________________

Although average gas prices in Louisiana are lower this week than they were last, the current average is still forty-nine cents higher than this time last year.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

_______________________________________________

An organization dedicated to preparing Democratic women for the challenge of running for office will hold its inaugural graduation this weekend.  The Emerge Louisiana event will  honor 22 class members who completed 70 hours of in-depth candidate training.  Executive Director Melanie Oubre, says the program has a history of favorable outcomes for graduates in other states…

Cut 4  (08) “…a 70% win rate.”

Oubre says woman can look forward to learning many important factors of running for office.

Cut 5  (09)  “…in their campaign.”

In addition to the classes that take place in the program, Oubre says participants can expect to have a supportive community from Emerge Louisiana in the time beyond graduation.

Cut 6 (09) “…and the national level.”

Oubre says that two women in this graduating class have already announced they will be on ballots this fall and she says others will soon be announcing their candidacy for elections happening in 2019.

___________________________________________________

Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham calls the passage of the Farm Bill in the US House a great days for America’s farmers. Abraham, who is the only member of Louisiana’s delegation on the agriculture committee, says it help farmers recover from natural disasters…

Cut 7 (06)  “…one more time.”

Abraham says the legislation heading to the Senate also requires able-body adults to either work or participate in a job training program for 20 hours per week in order remain eligible for food stamps. The Republican from  Richland Parish says job training is guaranteed in the bill….

Cut 8 (12)  “…this training”

Abraham says the House version of the Farm Bill also has provisions in it to help Louisiana dairy farmers. He says its an industry that has seen a sharp decline over the last decade as they’ve had trouble competing against the big dairy producers in Wisconsin…

Cut 9 (11)  “…sometime”

______________________________________________

Although average gas prices in Louisiana are lower this week than they were last, the current average is still forty-nine cents higher than this time last year.  AAA Fuel Analyst Don Redmond says soon those prices may be on the rise again.

Cut 10 (13)   “…going back up.”

How much could the price be increasing?  Redmond says the prices may be influenced by several factors.

Cut 11 (11) “…such as Russia.”

Redmond says this time of the year does prove to put gas in high demand, and this year may very well see extreme masses of travelers hitting the roadways.

Cut 12 (09) “…to be a record-breaker.”

Some reports indicate OPEC could be looking at an increase in production which would likely help ease the global crude prices.

______________________________________________

The House failed to pass a proposal to renew half a cent of an expiring one cent sales tax, as a way to generate revenue to avoid cuts to state services.  The measure received sixty votes, but it needs seventy in order to receive passage and head to the Senate.  LAPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says the governor and Democrats want the half-a-penny renewal, while Republicans would prefer four-tenths….

Cut 13 (07)  “…in to the foreseeable future.” 

Alford says much of the dispute comes down to the goal of downsizing the government.