The new Louisiana Bass Trail is promoting north Louisiana’s world renowned bass fishing to kids. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Student leaders from Louisiana universities went before the House budget committee to plead with lawmakers not to cut funding for the TOPS scholarship program. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A report by the state Department of Children and Family Services finds the number of reported sex trafficking cases in Louisiana rose 25-percent last year. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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North Louisiana is known for its great locations for bass fishing, which is why the Lt. Governor’s office in partnership with the office of tourism and state parks has announced the launch of the Louisiana Bass Trail. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the trail includes 7 lakes at 8 state parks and he believes this will help attract recreational fishermen from all over.

Cut 4  (10) “in Louisiana”

Nungesser says this year is the 100^th anniversary of the National Park System, and they want to use this as a chance to promote the great outdoors in the Bayou State. The Lt. Governor hopes the trail can also help get more kids involved in the outdoors and fishing. He says kids who embark on the Bass Trail will be given “bassports,” complete with information about all of the stops on the trail.

Cut 5  (08)  “state parks”

Nungesser says they will have prizes for winners who complete the trail, and they hope to add more stops in the future. He says kids can use an app on their phones to log their catches while enjoying the world class fishing Louisiana has to offer.

Cut 6 (08) “great outdoors”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says the state should not get involved in the city of New Orleans’ decision to remove confederate monuments. The city is attempting to hire a contractor to take down three Confederate statues and a monument that commemorates an attack by a white supremacists. Edwards was asked on his monthly call-in radio show and he says it’s not something they’ve focused on at the state level.

Cut 7 (10)  “have weighed in”

Louisianans from all corners of the state have voiced their opinions on social media. Groups like Take Em Down NOLA and others have hosted rallies celebrating the removal of the monuments, while others have fought to keep them in place. But Edwards says it isn’t the state’s place to get involved.

Cut 8 (09) “city of New Orleans”

Two different bills have been filed seeking to protect confederate monuments around the state. But Edwards says he hasn’t spoken to either author. He says this is an issue that was brought forward by New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, who wants to see the monuments removed.

Cut 9 (09)  “seen on TV”

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Student body leaders call on the state legislature to fully fund the TOPS scholarship program. Under the governor’s current budget proposal, TOPS is only funded at 70 percent. Northwestern State University student president John Pearce testified before the House Appropriations Committee and says he’s heard a lot of concerns from students.

Cut 10 (07) “extremely worried”

This year TOPS students had to pay over half of their spring tuition for the first time ever. Pearce says they are disappointed lawmakers are breaking their promise to help cover their tuition costs. He says TOPS was a great way to keep students in Louisiana, and he’s worried as that money dissipates, so will the students.

Cut 11 (11) “somewhere else”

Southeastern Louisiana University student president Erin Fernandez says students at her school are also worried. She says with all the uncertainty surrounding the state budget, it’s hard for students and parents to plan, which is leading them to look for other options.

Cut 12 (08) “pay for it”

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Sex trafficking cases reported in Louisiana rose by 25-percent last year. That’s according to a report by the state Department of Children and Family Services. Child Welfare Consultant Walter Fahr says of that number 45-percent of those victims were juvenile. He says the highest number of human trafficking reports came from Orleans and Caddo Parishes.

Cut 13 (09) “urban areas”

The report identified 447 victims statewide. Fahr says the report is beneficial because it helps to determine sex trafficking hot spots. He says the primary reason for the 25-percent increase is the state is doing a better job of identifying victims.

Cut 14 (10) “help them”

Fahr says there is a chance that the number of sex trafficking victims is on the rise given the easy access of online solicitation. But he says authorities are also getting better at tracking down pimps and helping victims recover and move on with their lives.

Cut 15 (10) “outreach”

Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter has filed a bill to increase the state’s gasoline tax by 17 cents. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Shreveport Representative Cedric Glover has filed a bill to prevent universities, like LSU and UL-Lafayette, from branding their own beers. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A Baton Rouge lawmaker has filed a proposal that would increase the state’s gasoline tax by 17 cents. Louisiana motorists pay 38-cents per gallon, 20-cents in state taxes for gasoline. Representative Steve Carter says it’s been over 20 years since Louisiana increased the state tax on gasoline.

Cut 3 (09) “of dollars”

The proposed law would require the state to use at least 50-percent of the proceeds, over the first 20 years, to begin construction on mega projects, like a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge. Carter says if signed into law, his tax hike would generate about 500 million dollars a year.

Cut 4  (08) “resolved”

A group representing small businesses oppose the increase because many do not believe the funds would go to better roads. There’s also just a general opposition at the capitol to any higher taxes. Carter says when the bill comes up for debate, they’ll provide detailed information on how a higher gasoline tax will benefit the state.

Cut 5  (05)  “gonna do”

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Six people have been arrested in Bossier City for human trafficking as a result of an undercover prostitution operation. Bossier Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Lt. Bill Davis says nine people, including four females, traveled in from Little Rock in the back of a U-Haul. Davis says a local man allowed his apartment to be rented out for prostitution.

Cut 6 (10) “some help”

Davis says the two girls who asked to be rescued from the situation hadn’t eaten in 24 hours and authorities were able to connect them with an organization that helps victims of human trafficking. He says undercover agents performed a sting operation at a Bossier City apartment.

Cut 7 (09)  “sex act”

Davis says four Little Rock men were arrested on multiple charges, including pandering and prompting prostitution. He says Antwan Lay, an 18-year-old Bossier City man, was charged with letting premises for prostitution.

Cut 8 (10) “in it”

Davis says one of the females involved in the human trafficking case was arrested for prostitution.

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A proposal by Shreveport Representative Cedric Glover would put an end to official university beers. LSU and UL-Lafayette already have their own trademarked beers from local breweries. Glover says in Louisiana, you can’t drink under the age of 21, which applies to most college students. He says schools branding their own alcohol only encourages underage drinking.

Cut 9 (10)  “in particular”

Opponents to the measure are concerned about universities losing their portion of the money from the beer sales. But Glover says there should be some limit in terms of what we’re willing to do for money in this state. He says lawmakers need to fund priorities higher education so universities aren’t forced to look for other revenue streams.

Cut 10 (09) “type of commerce”

LSU officials say companies already use university colors and logos to promote their beers, and they deserve their fair share of that money. But Glover says if that’s the case, then universities should start paying college athletes their share of the revenue they generate.

Cut 11 (11) “as well”

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The House Education Committee approves a bill that would allow public school students to bring sunscreen to school and apply it on their own. Ville Platte Representative Harvey LeBas says skin cancer is a major problem and the goal of his bill is to protect kids from sunburns when they go outside for school activities.

Cut 12 (07) “the protection”

The measure passed on a 12 to 1 vote and heads to the House floor. Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith was the only vote in opposition to the measure.

Cut 13 (09) “get notified”

Smith is also concerned that younger children would not be able to properly apply sunscreen. She says a kindergartner or first grader would need someone else to help apply.

Cut 14 (06) “wrong place”

The sentencing is today for, Cardell Hayes, the man who shot and killed Former Saints defensive end Will Smith in April of 2016. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A proposal heading to the House floor would shorten the waiting period for a divorce to be finalized for couples with minor children. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Southeastern Louisiana University is launching a new program that will guarantee incoming freshmen won’t see a tuition hike. Halen Doughty has more on the Southeastern Promise…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Cardell Hayes, the man who shot and killed former Saints star Will Smith, will be sentenced today after being convicted of manslaughter and attempted manslaughter. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino expects Judge Camille Buras already has a sentence in mind for Hayes and it’s most likely a lengthy one.

Cut 4  (10) “unusual”

Hayes was originally charged with second-degree murder in the road shooting of Smith but a jury found him guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter. Ciolino believes Buras will keep in mind that Hayes did not have much of a criminal record before this incident.

Cut 5  (08)  “self defense”

The shooting happened on April 6, 2016 when Hayes rear-ended Smith, which then resulted in the fatal shooting of Smith and the injuring of his wife, Racquel. Ciolino says this is a serious crime, but it’s not murder and Hayes is not a habitual offender.

Cut 6 (08) “for it”

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A proposal to shorten the waiting period to be granted a divorce for couples with children under the age of 18 moves to the House floor. Homer Representative Patrick Jefferson would reduce the waiting period from a year to six months. Jefferson says resolving a difficult situation sooner helps the kids.

Cut 7 (10)  “can begin”

House Bill 136 was approved by the House Judiciary committee on Tuesday. But Southern University law Professor Michelle Ghetti says living in a broken home is actually detrimental to children. She says a majority of runaways and violent criminals come from broken homes. She says it also makes them vulnerable to abuse.

Cut 8 (12) “of a step family”

President of the Louisiana Family Forum, Gene Mills also opposes the measure. He says the current one year waiting period gives couples more time to resolve their issues if possible.

Cut 9 (12)  “very reconcilable”

But Jefferson doesn’t think people are filing for divorce hastily. He says it’s a tough decision to make, but once it gets to that point, it may already be too late.

Cut 10 (08) “they decided”

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Southeastern Louisiana University is issuing a promise to incoming freshmen not to raise their tuition, if they commit to completing their degree in four years. University President John Crain says they’re seeing students taking longer and longer to earn a bachelor’s degree, and the Southeastern Promise encourages students to graduate in four years.

Cut 11 (12) “four years”

Crain says as part of the Southeastern Promise the university will guarantee that students have access to required courses to enable degree attainment within four years. He says by guaranteeing that a student’s tuition will remain the same, it gives students and their families the ability to budget the exact cost of higher education for four years.

Cut 12 (10) “of higher education”

Crain says this ground-breaking program is the only one of its kind of Louisiana and it will help with student recruitment and retention. He calls the Southeastern Promise a game-changer in Louisiana.

Cut 13 (09) “more quickly”

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Agricultural Commissioner Mike Strain has delayed the sale of Kaput feral hog bait in Louisiana, because of the danger it poses to other animals. Kaput is a poison that can kill wild pigs, but Strain says the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has found black bears can overturn the feeders containing the bait and dump the contents.

Cut 14 (09) “non-target species”

Louisiana is home to an estimated 600,000 feral hogs, which are prolific breeders. Strain says they are looking into different kinds of feeders that cannot be accessed by other animals. He says another option would be to use a food that bears and other animals don’t want to eat.

Cut 15 (10) “pigs will eat”

Strain says they are also working to develop a vaccine that would make the feral pigs infertile to address the growing problem of wild hogs. He says feral swine are an invasive species that results in $40 to $60 million in damages to Louisiana agriculture and forestry every year.

Cut 16 (08) “that large”

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LSU fans will get their first glimpse on Saturday of what the Fighting Tigers offense will look like next fall when the Tigers compete in the Spring Game. Senior offensive tackle K.J. Malone of Ruston says it will look a lot different…

Cut 17 (18)  “the quarterback”

The Spring game will get underway on Saturday night at seven o’ clock. Malone says there’s definitely a different feel about this spring game and it’s not just because it will be played under the lights in Death Valley

Cut 18 (13)    “exciting” 

Columbia Senator Neil Riser sponsors a bill that would exempt flood victims from state income tax for the 2017 year. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A bill to allow inmates who are serving life sentences eligible for parole, if they were convicted  of murder while they were a juvenile clears a Senate committee. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A 62-year-old has been charged with vehicular homicide after hitting a pedestrian and killing him in Terrebonne Parish last night, according to State Police. Master Trooper Brooks David says Albert Williams Jr. was driving down LA 24 in Houma shortly before 9 p.m. when he struck 43-year-old Byron Acosta.

Cut 3 (09) “that crash”

David says authorities are still unsure why Acosta was walking down the shoulder of the roadway and the crash is still under investigation. He says when troopers arrived, they suspected Williams was impaired.

Cut 4  (08) “lane usage”

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A Raceland man has been arrested for allegedly hitting his on and off again girlfriend after she made jokes about his dance moves. David Melancon with The Thibodaux Police Department says 34-year-old Cole Rodriguez was at a bar on the dance floor when things turned violent…

Cut 5  (09)  “defend himself”

Melancon says bar patrons broke up the fight and things had calmed down by the time authorities arrived. He says while police were transporting Rodriguez to jail on charges of domestic abuse battery, he began acting up in the back of the patrol car.

Cut 6 (06) “police officers”

Melancon says Rodriguez began spitting blood at the police officers then earning himself additional charges of resisting an officer with force and battery of a police officer. He says he never should’ve hit the woman in the first place after the joke.

Cut 7 (10)  “the lick”

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Columbia Senator Neil Riser sponsors a bill that would exempt flood victims from state income tax for the 2017 year. He says the bill includes certain parameters…:

Cut 8 (09) “a family earns”

The bill has not yet been scheduled for debate. Riser says it’s the least the state could do to help 2016 flood victims rebuild their lives…:

Cut 9 (08)  “been affected”

Riser says hard working people have paid their taxes for their entire lives, and have just lost everything they own. He doesn’t think giving them a break for a year is unreasonable…:

Cut 10 (10) “got it hear yet”

(Under Riser’s proposal, the first $100,000 of income that a family earns this year would be exempt from the state income tax if the family sustained $10,000 or more of losses during 2016 flooding. $50,000 if filing single.)

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A measure that would offer parole after 30 years behind bars for those convicted of life sentences for murder committed while they were juveniles passed out of a Senate committee. Baton Rouge Senator Dan Claitor’s bill has the support of State Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Johnson. Johnson says there needs to be a line drawn between immature juveniles and corrupt juveniles.

Cut 11 (05) “peer pressure”

If the bill is signed into law, 89 of about 300 people serving life in prison who were sentenced as juveniles would be immediately  eligible for parole after already serving 30 years. Johnson says everyone has a made a bad decision because of an immature brain.

Cut 12 (12) “corruption”

A similar measure died right before the end of the session last year. But Kaplan Senator Jonathan Perry disagrees with the measure. He says during the entire discussion there was no conversation about the victims of these crimes.

Cut 13 (09) “get notified”

The bill heads to the Senate floor for more debate.

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In the second week of the legislative session, lawmakers are still a long way from putting together a funding plan for next fiscal year. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Police in North Louisiana have arrested a 17-year-old girl in the stabbing death of her 47-year-old boyfriend. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (25) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Week two of the legislative session is underway and it appears legislators are far from agreeing to a funding plan for next fiscal year’s budget. House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry says lawmakers have more than 150 tax bills to look over, and they’re still missing vital information on many of them.

Cut 3 (11) “of legislation”

Henry says in many cases, lawmakers still need more information on the proposals before they can make a decision, and that will come during the hearings. He says what legislation moves out of committee will depend on the merit of each individual bill, not partisan politics.

Cut 4  (10) “that’s laziness”

Henry says it remains to be seen which proposals have the most support, not just from legislators by from the public as well. The House Appropriations Committee will hear testimony from the public starting tomorrow. He says voters’ opinions will greatly influence lawmakers.

Cut 5  (07)  “the administration”

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Nascent Technologies Corporation located on the LSU campus received two cybersecurity contracts totaling nearly five-million dollars from the U.S. Department of Defense. N-T-C president Jeff Moulton says they will develop real solutions to real worldwide problems

Cut 6 (10) “community people”

NTC was established last year with support from the state’s economic development department. They employ about two dozen workers and Moulton says they’ve been contracted to identify and assess the risk and exposure in the energy industry supply chain. He says viruses can attack industrial systems and the threat of a cyber-attack is a major concern…

Cut 7 (06)  “about it”

The second contract secured by NTC is to coordinate information to address intelligence gaps between the U.S. and it’s many Caribbean partners. He says because the Caribbean comprises multiple countries, intelligence gaps can naturally emerge….

Cut 8 (09) “business now”

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UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation is seeking financial assistance applications from families with children that have medical needs not covered or not fully covered by their commercial health insurance. Joe Ochipinti (ahki’pinti), CEO of UnitedHealthcare-Gulf States Region, says grants cover up to $5,000 annually per child…:

Cut 9 (08)  “to be eligible”

Families can apply online at uhccf.org. Ochipinti says in order to qualify, the child must be 16 years of age or younger…:

Cut 10 (07) “insurance plan”

Ochipinti says, in Louisiana, UHCCF has awarded more than 30 grants since 2013. He says families typically use the grants to help pay for treatments associated with conditions such as cancer, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, diabetes, hearing loss, cerebral palsy, among others…:

Cut 11 (10) “hearing aids”

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The president of the Herndon Magnet Parent-Teacher-Student Association has been arrested for theft. Cindy Chadwick with the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office says 47-year-old Vera Dunfey of Shreveport headed the association. She says the investigation began in August of 2016 when an audit showed money was missing from the PTSA fund.

Cut 12 (07) “sheriff’s office”

Chadwick says the money in the account was raised through school fundraisers, and Dunfey had the most access to the money. She says after a detective met with the suspect, police took a look at Dunfey’s personal account.

Cut 13 (08) “personal benefit”

Chadwick says Dunfey has been booked into the Caddo Correctional Center on one count of theft. She says Dunfey committed the crime throughout the school year.

Cut 14 (07) “school year”

The centerpiece to Governor John Bel Edwards fiscal reform plan is expected to be introduced to the legislature today. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Ochsner Cancer Institute in Jefferson Parish is giving Louisiana cancer patients new hope through its Precision Cancer Therapies Program. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The state Department of Wildlife in Fisheries has scheduled a drawdown of Lake Bistineau to combat the giant salivina problem. Emelie Gunn on the May 1^st drawdown…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The centerpiece of Governor John Bel Edwards’ plan to overhaul’s Louisiana tax code is expected to be filed today. The measure has been referred to as a gross receipts or Commerical Activity Tax. Publisher of la-politics-dot-com, Jeremy Alford, says there’s very little support for this new tax on businesses…

Cut 4  (10) “somehow”

The CAT tax acts as a corporate  sales tax. Any business that has sales over one-point-five million dollars, a portion of those sales are taxed. Many small business owners would be assessed a flat tax. But Alford says even members of the governor’s party are not supportive…

Cut 5  (10)  “this thing”

Alford says the governor has struggled to drum up support for the CAT tax, because no one thought it would be up for debate in this session…

Cut 6 (11) “sponsor is”

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A Baton Rouge lawmaker is pushing for 18-wheelers to be required to drive at least 10 miles lower than the posted speed limit on Interstate highways. Representative Steve Carter filed the legislation after the speed limits were reduced on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge.

Cut 7 (10)  “has occured”

This measure would also pertain to drivers of school buses and tractor trailers. Carter says multiple ostates have similar laws and this can greatly improve safety.

Cut 8 (08) “we’re having”

Once the legislation is heard, it will go before House Transportation Committee. Carter hopes this also helps with traffic given the state’s infrastructure problems.

Cut 9 (11)  “enhance safety”

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Ochsner Cancer Institute in Jefferson Parish will provide more treatment options, thanks to the hospital’s new Precision Cancer Therapies Program. Medical Director of the program, Dr. Marc Matrana (Muh-tron-ah) says this program connects Louisiana cancer patients with access to cutting-edge, early-phase clinical trials, something currently not available in our state.

Cut 10 (11) “of innovations”

Matrana says currently cancers are treated with the standard treatment for that type of cancer, meaning all colon cancers, for example, are typically treated the same. He says while this is effective for most patients, some need more personalized care. He says this gives more options and hope to patients.

Cut 11 (09 “and innovative will”

Matrana says they’re bringing in more and more trials to the state every day. So if cancer patients are not seeing results with standard treatments, Ochsner’s new Precision Cancer Therapies program can give many of them other options.

Cut 12 (10) “that we have”

For more information on the Ochsner Precision Cancer Therapies Program, visit ochsner.org/earlyphase or call 504-800-6370.

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has scheduled a drawdown of Lake Bistineau to control rapidly growing giant salvinia. LDWF Biologist Manager Jeff Sibley says the drawdown, set for May 1^st, is a little bit earlier this year in order to get the situation back under control. He says summer temperatures promote giant salvinia growth.

Cut 13 (09) “the lake”

The drawdown is scheduled to go on until November 30^th. Sibley says normally during this time of year there are under 1,000 acres of giant salvina in the lake. He says the drawdown dries out large areas of the lake and takes away the places that are the best habitat for the plant to grow.

Cut 14 (10) “two weeks”

During the drawdown, the lake has about 10-thousand acres of water in it and remains open to the public. Sibley says the giant salvinia limits recreational boating and most importantly, degrades the aquatic habitat making it unsuitable for fish or wildlife.

Cut 15 (09) “so quickly”

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At the halfway point of the SEC Schedule, the LSU Baseball team is 9-6 in league play after taking two of three from Ole Miss. The Tigers clinched the series victory with a three to two win over the Rebels on Saturday afternoon. That’s win number 25 on the season for the Tigers and Coach Paul Mainieri….

Cut 16 (10) “this series”

Eric Walker was the winning pitcher in Saturday’s win. The freshman from Texas is now 5-0 and he got some help from the fielders behind him, including second baseman Cole Freeman who had a couple of nice defensive plays….

Cut 17 (11)  “good game”

LSU hosts Lamar tomorrow night. The Tigers have won five of their last six after going through a stretch where they lost six of nine. Freeman likes how the Tigers are playing….

Cut 18 (15)    “the limit” 

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Louisiana Tech took two of three from Old Dominion over the weekend. The Bulldogs defeated the Monarchs seven to three as Tech pounded out three home runs in the ninth inning. Jordan Washam started the long ball display by hitting a solo home run to give the Diamond Dogs the lead for good…

Cut 19 (14)   “of fun”

Marshall Boggs hit a two-run bomb and Chase Lunceford also clubbed a home run in that decisive 9th inning. Tech is now 6-9 in Conference USA and Coach Lane Burroughs says his team showed a lot of heart…

Cut 20 (13)   “the ballgame”

The Humane Society of Louisiana is trying to figure who dragged a pit bull by a moving vehicle near St. Landry Parish. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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According to an annual survey from the National Retail Federation, Easter spending is expected to reach an all-time high. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The Humane Society of Louisiana is trying to figure out who is responsible for apparently dragging a pit bull from a moving vehicle in Acadia Parish near St. Landry. Executive Director Jeff Dorson says the 3-year-old dog was found by its owner in a ditch with horrible injuries..:

Cut 3 (08) “terrible shape”

Dorson says the owner didn’t have the resources to care for the dog, so their members raised over $800 to help pay for the dog’s care. He says they have no idea who could have done such a thing to a helpless animal…:

Cut 4  (07) “activity”

Dorson says the dog has a long road to recovery, but he is expected to pull through. He says that if anyone knows or hears anything about this incident, please let the Humane Society know…:

Cut 5  (10)  “he or she did”

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The Louisiana SPCA is urging families to put chocolate bunnies over real bunnies in Easter baskets. Spokesperson Deepak Saini (Dee-pahk San-ee) says giving a child a rabbit for Easter might sound like a festive idea, but many don’t realize the huge responsibility and the amount of care these animals need.

Cut 6 (06) “long time”

Saini recommends giving kids a basket with marshmallow chicks or candy rabbits. He says every year hundreds of rabbits are abandoned after Easter.

Cut 7 (10)  “of work”

Saini advises parents to do their research if they do decide to purchase a bunny as a pet, because they live up to 15 years and they require as much care as a cat or dog. He says plus your home needs to be bunny-proofed…

Cut 8 (08) “on things”

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The burning of M6 propellant at Camp Minden in Webster Parish is complete, but the job might not be done yet. The Louisiana National Guard has the option to extend their contract with ESI and allow them to continue to burn off hazardous substances there. But LSU Shreveport science professor Brian Salvatore, who sits on the concerned citizens’ advisory board, wants the burning to stop now.

Cut 9 (11)  “explosives business”

Salvatore says when he spoke with Major General Glenn Curtis, who leads the Louisiana National Guard, he didn’t want to comment on whether the burn chamber will continue to operate on the Guard’s property. He says the Webster Parish Police Jury passed a resolution in December calling on the company to remove the burn chamber. But he says they voted again last week and decided to rescind the resolution.

Cut 10 (08) “their heads”

Salvatore says the members he spoke to simply said they were neutral and no longer wanted to be involved. But he says a much higher ranking state official will have the ultimate say in the matter.

Cut 11 (10) “John Bel Edwards”

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With Easter coming a few weeks later this year, holiday spending is expected to reach record highs. Anna Serafin Smith with the National Retail Federation says their annual survey finds 80 percent of consumers will celebrate Easter, spending a record total of over $18 billion. That’s a six percent increase over last year.

Cut 12 (09) “happy Easter”

Smith says customers will spend an average of $152 per person on Easter, including food, clothing, candy and gifts. She says 87 percent of shoppers will spend a combined nearly $6 billion on food. Clothing spending is at its highest level in a decade, with 50 percent of consumers planning to buy new Easter attire.

Cut 13 (08) “Easter Sunday”

Their report also finds 89 percent of consumers plan to spend a total of $2.6 billion on candy. A survey from Offers.com finds Reese’s egg are Louisianan’s favorite Easter candy. Sixty-one percent of shoppers plan to spend almost $3 billion on gifts for Easter. Smith says that’s because outside of Christmas, this is the only other holiday that allows the whole family to chip in.

Cut 14 (09) “entire family”

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Ponchatoula-based Elmer’s Chocolates remains popular for the Easter holiday. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Procrastinators have a few extra days to file their federal income taxes this year, as the deadline is April 18^th. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The LSU Gymnastics Team is in St. Louis competing for a chance to win their first ever NCAA National Championship title. Jeff Palermo has more….

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Ponchatoula-based Elmer’s Chocolate continues to be an Easter tradition. CEO Rob Nelson says this year they brought back the Double Nut Gold Brick Fudge just in time for the holiday. He says even though Elmer’s brought back a fan favorite from years ago, it’s not the most popular item in the Easter basket.

Cut 4  (10) “close race”

Nelson says they’ve seen an increase in candy sales because of a later Easter this year. He says the selling season for Easter runs from the day after Valentine’s Day until Easter Sunday.

Cut 5  (05)  “manufacturers”

Nelson says Elmer’s Chocolate recently underwent a big company expansion, completely revamping how the company makes boxed chocolates. But Nelson says that hasn’t affected Easter candy at all.

Cut 6 (09) “can afford”

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Louisiana is the trashiest state in America, according to State Parks Director Robert Barham. He says if you don’t believe him, just look at the litter in ditches on the side of the road. He says he’s been to all 50 states, and he’s never seen anything like the litter here in the Bayou State.

Cut 7 (10)  “in shame”

Barham says we’re all potential litterers, whether it’s a pickup truck driver with an unsecure load or someone pulling a boat with trash in the back or even a driver who doesn’t think twice about throwing a gum wrapper out the window. He says we have got to do better.

Cut 8 (09) “of Louisiana”

Barham says law enforcement needs to pay attention to litter and know that it is important for economic development, protecting the environment, and preserving natural resources. But he says it’s up to everyone to keep Louisiana clean and litter-free.

Cut 9 (07)  “will not litter”

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Authorities are still trying to figure out why an active duty soldier at Ft. Polk would be detonating what appeared to be homemade bombs in Kisatche National Forest. Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft says they got a call about 23-year-old Ryan Keith Taylor setting a fire in the park Wednesday afternoon.

Cut 10 (12) “small fire”

Taylor is an active duty soldier stationed at Fort Polk, but he lived off post. Craft says authorities found some substances in his vehicle, which prompted a search of Taylor’s apartment in New Llano. He says a hazmat team came to search the apartment for explosive materials.

Cut 11 (11) “was not live”

Craft says after clearing the area, hazmat teams detonated the pipe bomb along the tree line behind the apartment complex. He says the multi-agency investigation is ongoing, but Taylor is not cooperating with police.

Cut 12 (07) “not factual”

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Time is running out to file your federal income taxes, but procrastinators have a couple extra days.  Baton Rouge Tax Preparer Brandon Lagarde says tax day is traditionally April 15, but it falls on a Saturday this year, which means the deadline would usually be Monday. But he says the nation’s capital will observe Emancipation Day on Monday.

Cut 13 (06) “file your taxes”

Lagarde says taxpayers that need an extension, can file paperwork to do so, but if they owe the federal government, then April 18^th is the deadline for taxpayers to submit payment to the federal government. He says there are tools on the I-R-S website that can help determine what you might owe or if you will receive a refund check.

Cut 14 (07) “to file”

Lagarde says if you need help filing your taxes at the last minute, you could be in trouble. He says his office and most CPAs around the state are extremely busy. But he says they will do what they can to help.

Cut 15 (10) “your taxes”

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The LSU Gymnastics team can win its first national title in program history this weekend as they compete in the NCAA Championships in St. Louis. The Tigers who were national runner-ups last year, are ranked second behind last year’s national champion, Oklahoma. Head Coach D.D. Breaux says she’s confident the girls could become LSU’s first national champions.

Cut 16 (12) “no clutter”

Breaux is in her 40^th year and LSU just won its first SEC Championship since 1981. Breaux says the girls have a lot of confidence after winning that competition.

Cut 17 (14)  “get more”

There are 11 other schools competing for the National Championship. The semi-finals are today and the teams with the top 6 scores advance to Saturday night’s Super Six, where a champion will be crowned. Breaux says if everyone brings their A game, they will come home with a trophy.

Cut 18 (09)    “right stuff” 

The 2017 Louisiana Survey finds opinion is divided on religious freedom laws and the use of public bathrooms by transgender individuals. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Executive Director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, Dr. Katara Williams says distracted driving is an epidemic in the Bayou State. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Authorities are still not sure why a Vermillion Parish man set fire to a home killing an 89-year-old Ponchatoula woman who lived there. Tangipahoa Sheriff Daniel Edwards says 26-year-old Timothy Rouchon of Abbeville is currently being held in Livingston Parish on an unrelated charge. He says they don’t know of a motive, but the suspect did know Dorothy Poche.

Cut 3 (07) “I believe”

The state Fire Marshal’s Office found the presence of accelerant used to fuel the fire. Edwards says Rouchon is charged with second degree murder, obstruction of justice, and theft of a vehicle for stealing the woman’s car, and an aggravated arson charge is pending.

Cut 4  (07) “this home”

Poche’s vehicle was also missing from the property when deputies arrived on scene. Edwards says Poche was a very sweet lady who was well-known in the community. He says she was even close with some of his deputies.

Cut 5  (08)  “this way”

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Louisiana residents are evenly split when it comes to religious freedom laws allowing businesses to refuse service to same sex couples based on their religion. That’s according to results from the 2017 Louisiana Survey. Director of the LSU Public Policy Research Lab Dr. Michael Henderson says this follows the nationwide trend.

Cut 6 (11) “the nation”

Henderson says he’s surprised only 47-percent of residents support refusal of services because Louisiana is such a conservative state. But he says the Bayou State does show its socially conservative colors as the survey finds 56-percent think transgender people should use the restroom of their birth gender.

Cut 7 (10)  “nationally”

Henderson says another shocking finding is three-fourths of Louisianans support the legal protection from discrimination at work based on sexual orientation. He says while more Democrats are supportive of this, so are many Republicans.

Cut 8 (09) “the workplace”

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The state has selected the same contractor it had originally denied to handle the federal flood aid program. The details still need to be hammered out, according to the governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff Julie Baxter Payer, but it looks like IEM will be the lead on helping homeowners rebuild…:

Cut 9 (07)  “cost figure”

IEM was the same firm originally chosen to do the work, but the state scrapped the contract because it was too costly. Payer says re-opening the bidding process ended up saving the state money…:

Cut 10 (10) “sent to us”

IEM is a global company that has expertise in emergency management, and employees people who live in Louisiana. Payer says since the homeowner survey opened on Monday, more than 11,000 people have signed up to apply for aid. She says they hope to have construction beginning mid-May…:

Cut 11 (08) “next couple of weeks”

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Distracted driving is an epidemic in Louisiana. That’s according to Executive Director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, Dr. Katara Williams, who says last year there were over 2,500 crashes linked to this risky habit. She says drivers engage in a lot of distracting behaviors.

Cut 12 (09) “on the roadway”

But the most common practice for Louisiana drivers is using a cell phone while driving. A study from EverQuote ranked the Bayou State dead last in the nation for the percentage of drivers using their phones, with 92 percent admitting to doing it in the past 30 days. Williams says not only is it dangerous, it can be deadly.

Cut 13 (07) “your life”

Williams says the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has educational campaigns aimed at teaching motorists about the dangers of distracted driving. She says it’s also important for parents to teach their children about these risks and to set good examples for them.

Cut 14 (10) “that they’re seeing”

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One person is dead and another seriously injured following a fiery crash between a fuel truck and a dump truck on Interstate 310 south in St. Charles Parish. Authorities say two other vehicles were also involved in the wreck. Trooper Melissa Matey says the deadly crash occurred this morning near Luling.

Cut 15 (08) “crash that happened”

Matey says the fire that broke out after the crash has been extinguished. She says I-310 remains closed in that area. She says they will reopen the highway when LSP finishes its investigation.

Cut 16  (08)  “it’s safe”

The tanker involved in the crash belongs to Gaubert Oil Company in Thibodaux.

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College Choice ranks Louisiana Tech University’s elementary education program fourth in the nation and first in the state. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A new political group is launching an ad campaign and they say they’ll get the truth out about Gov. Edwards’ tax plan. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana Tech University’s elementary education program ranks fourth in the nation and first in the state, according to College Choice. College of Education Dean, Dr. Don Schillinger says Tech students complete a full year of student teaching. He says their students are placed in schools in August and stay with a teaching mentor until graduation day.

Cut 3 (10) “student achievement”

Schillinger says they are proud of this ranking and if they are able to produce better teachers it will have a lasting impression on elementary education in this state.

Cut 4  (09) “of that”

Schillinger is hopeful this ranking will attract more students, even from other states, to LA Tech. He says they’re also trying to recruit future teachers from rural areas and get them to return home, rather than staying in larger urban areas.

Cut 5  (09)  “they need”

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Truth in Politics is a new political group created to tell Louisiana residents the truth about Governor John Bel Edwards’s tax plan. TIP Executive Director Kelli Bottger says they are launching a digital ad campaign to prevent the legislature from passing the governor’s proposals to raise taxes on businesses.

Cut 6 (11) “really want”

Governor Edwards’ tax plan calls for a new tax on big businesses, lowering income taxes on individuals and broadening the state’s sales tax, but lowering the overall rate. Bottger says their biggest concern is with Edwards’ proposal to raise taxes on businesses and they will use targeted ads to alert voters.

Cut 7 (10)  “we receive”

Governor Edwards’ communications director Richard Carbo referred to TIP has a deep-pocketed special interest group. Bottger says they are not offering an alternative tax plan, their goal is simply to tell the truth about the governor’s proposal to raise taxes on the rich and businesses….

Cut 8 (09) “higher taxes”

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Southeastern Louisiana University receives a $10 million bequest, the largest single donation in its history. S-L-U spokesperson Mike Rivault says Seth Ryan, a Class of 1953 graduate, became an anonymous donor 15 years ago. He says Ryan donated much of his estate to the university when he passed away several weeks ago.

Cut 9 (10)  “would be for”

Rivault says those scholarships will be primarily for STEM programs, which includes science, technology, engineering, and math. Southeastern’s student population is over 60% female, but women only account for 15% of STEM majors. He says with this generous donation, SLU should be able to award up to 600 scholarships every year.

Cut 10 (11) “or not”

Rivault says while Ryan wanted to remain anonymous in life, he said the university could note that the posthumous gift came from him. He says in his honor, the university is going to rename the Biology Building on campus after Ryan’s wife.

Cut 11 (10) “receive scholarships”

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The Louisiana Budget Project has studied Governor John Bel Edwards’ tax plan and has determined 95-percent of Louisianans would receive a tax cut. LBP Executive Director Jan Moller says the top five-percent of wage earners would pay higher taxes…

Cut 12 (12) “next year” (2x)

The Louisiana Budget Project is a left leaning non-profit. The governor’s tax plan also calls for the lowering of the sales tax rate, but taxing certain services that are not currently taxed. There’s also the proposed gross receipts tax, which would impact many businesses. Moller says the largest effective tax cut would go to those individuals earning between 36-and-56-thousand dollars a year…

Cut 13 (10) “gross receipts tax”

Many legislators are skeptical of the governor’s plan and they are concerned about placing an additional tax on companies. Moller says a lot of steps must be taken in order for the governor’s reform package to be approved.

Cut 14 (11) “can happen”