Today the Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee takes up a proposal by New Orleans Senator JP Morrell that would exempt diapers and tampons from the state sales tax. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

The first 8 blocks of Bourbon Street is undergoing reconstruction that begins today. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

U.S. Representative Mike Johnson is confident Congress will pass a new healthcare bill. Don Molino has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

______________________________________

The Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee will look at a proposal today that would exempt items like diapers and tampons from the state sales tax. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says his bill would acknowledge that these are not luxury items, they’re essential.

Cut 4  (09) “feminine hygiene products”

The proposed constitutional amendment would be put on the ballot for voters, if it’s approved by the legislature. Morrell says other constitutional amendments already exempt essential items like water, food, and prescription drugs from the state sales tax.

Cut 5  (11)  “for their tampons”

Morrell says other states already have similar laws on the books. He says he wouldn’t really be open to adding other items to the list, like one suggestion to include beer in the exemption.

Cut 6 (08) “in diapers”

______________________________________

The House Ways and Means Committee has set aside two days to dive into the intricate Commercial Activity Tax proposed by Governor John Bel Edwards. The CAT is a sales tax businesses pay on their transactions. So far there’s very little support for the proposal. Franklin Representative Sam Jones will present the bill to lawmakers today and he hopes they will change their mind after learning more about it.

Cut 7 (10)  “might be”

Jones says so far this is the only plan that’s been presented in this session to deal with the $1.3 billion fiscal cliff in 2018, when the extra penny of the sales tax and other temporary taxes expire.

Cut 8 (10) “to fund TOPS”

The biggest opposition to the Commercial Activity Tax comes from businesses, who say it’s a burdensome tax at a time when the state’s economy is struggling. But Jones says something must be done to address looming budget shortfalls and provide a predictable revenue stream.

Cut 9 (09)  “fund government”

_________________________________________________________

A major construction project begins today on the first 8 blocks of Bourbon Street. Director of New Orleans Public Works Col. Mark Jernigan says they’ll remove and replace the existing pavement, drainage lines, waterlines, sewer lines, and gas lines. He says this is much needed repair work on New Orleans’ most historic street.

Cut 10 (09) “90 years”

Jernigan says some very important work will be done under the pavement as their aging waterlines need to be replaced. He says this stretch has had 92 water leaks in the past decade, an average of two leaks per block every year. He says pedestrians will have access to Bourbon Street during construction, even if the block is closed to vehicular traffic.

Cut 11 (10) “reconstruction project”

Jernigan says the project will cost a total of $6 million, and construction is expected to wrap up by the end of the year. He says visitors can expect to see a new and improved Bourbon Street, but it’s what they won’t see that’s really important.

Cut 12 (09) “to walk on”

__________________________________________________

U.S. Representative Mike Johnson believes members of the House are moving closer to agreeing on a bill that would overhaul healthcare in the country. Johnson says many Congressmen were frustrated with the previous legislation that was pulled at the last minute but he’s hopeful new amendments will secure passage through the House and Senate.

Cut 13 (09) “of weeks”

Johnson says one provision that’s gained support would put cancer patients and individuals with a chronic illness in a separate market place funded by the federal government. Johnson says the state of Maine has done this and it’s lowered health care costs for many…

Cut 14 (10) “went down”

Johnson says Congress remains committed to replacing Obamacare, because it has caused premiums in Louisiana, on average, to increase by over 32-percent. He also says part of the plan is to give states more flexibility to pull out of Affordable Care Act provisions.

Cut 15 (06) “on everyone”

___________________________________________________

LSU coach Ed Orgeron was not happy with how his quarterbacks played in the spring game. The contest was moved into the indoor practice facility, because of severe weather on Saturday. For the portion of the game that was played in Tiger Stadium, last year’s starter, Danny Etling, was just 4-of-11 for 53 yards and an interception. Orgeron says they need better play from their quarterback…

Cut 16 (15) “best night”

Orgeron has said he will not name a starting quarterback until they go through fall camp. That gives back-ups Justin McMillan, Lindsey Scott and Myles Brennan a chance to compete for the job. Orgeron says they plan to put their quarterbacks in competitive situations to find a starter

Cut 17 (17)  “do it”

Orgeron says the play of the quarterbacks on Saturday shows that no one has earned a starting spot….

Cut 18 (17)    “LSU Quarterback” 

U.S. Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy met with a Trump administration official this week to seek an additional two billion dollars in federal flood aid. Don Molino has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

______________________________________

A poll commissioned by a group that opposes Governor John Bel Edwards tax plan finds most Louisiana residents are concerned about jobs and the economy. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

U.S. Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy met with a Trump administration official about providing Louisiana an additional two-billion dollars in federal flood aid. Kennedy says they asked the White House to include the 2 billion dollars in a budget bill that needs to pass to keep the federal government running through September.

Cut 3 (09) “disaster”

Congress has already appropriated Louisiana 1.6 billion dollars in flood recovery dollars. But Congressman Garret Graves says the state has not moved fast enough to get the money in the hands of flooded homeowners. The governor’s office blames federal red tape. Kennedy admits this dispute could hurt the state’s effort in getting the additional two-billion dollars…

Cut 4  (09) “he can”

Kennedy says he’s thankful for the financial assistance Congress has provided to flood victims, but it is not enough to help the middle class and the small businesses fully recover.

Cut 5  (07)  “hand out”

_______________________________________________________

Law enforcement is teaming up for the Buckle Up in your Truck campaign to make sure pickup truck drivers are wearing their seatbelts. Starting today and lasting until next Thursday, expect to see an abundance of police officers looking for passengers in pickup trucks that are not buckled up. State Police Sergeant Jared Sandifer…

Cut 6 (09) “at all times”

According to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, pickup trucks account for 25 percent of vehicles on the road. Sandifer says for some reason they see less seatbelt compliance in pickup trucks than other vehicles. He says some drivers may feel safer in a big vehicle, but they’re not.

Cut 7 (07)  “those pickup trucks”

Pickup trucks are twice as likely to roll over in a crash, according to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission. Sandifer reminds the public that it’s not just the driver who has to buckle up.

Cut 8 (08) “that seatbelt”

_______________________________________________________

A group opposing Governor John Bel Edwards tax plan has paid for a poll that shows a majority of Louisiana residents are concerned about the economy and oppose higher taxes on businesses. Truth in Politics Executive Director Kelli Bottgher says respondents listed jobs and the economy as their top concerns.

Cut 9 (09)  “find a job”

Bottgher says respondents also oppose tax hikes on businesses, with over half saying they do not support the governor’s proposed Commercial Activity Tax. She says 60 percent also say they expect business conditions to stay the same or get worse in the next 6 months.

Cut 10 (11) “the trend before”

Bottgher says the public does not want to see their taxes go up anymore. The survey finds 80 percent say government spends too much, taxes too high, or both. She says 75 percent of respondents also oppose a 23 cent hike on the state’s gasoline tax.

Cut 11 (11) “repair infrastructure”

_________________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards admits there’s not a lot of legislative support for his controversial Commercial Activity Tax, which would raise hundreds of millions dollars to help stave off a looming budget crisis. But Edwards says he’s disappointed an alternative plan hasn’t been proposed by House Republican leaders….

Cut 12 (09) “not agreement”

The Commercial Activity Tax is a corporate sales tax on businesses. It would generate at least 400-million dollars and replace tax revenue scheduled to fall of the books next year, when a one-cent sales tax expires. Edwards says the CAT will make sure businesses pay their fair share…

Cut 13 (10) “work for”

The Commercial Activity Tax will get its first legislative hearing on Monday, but public support is low and business groups staunchly opposed it. Edwards says with one-point-three billion dollars in temporary taxes set to expire next year, another special session maybe called if an adequate funding plan is not approved

Cut 14 (12) “or another”

_________________________________________________________

There is a threat for severe weather on Saturday as a result of a cold front that will provide the state with cool temperatures on Sunday. State Climatologist Barry Keim says eastern portions of Louisiana are under a slight risk of severe weather….

Cut 15 (07) “eye out”

Keim says there’s cool air behind this front. He says it will drop high temperatures for Sunday and Monday by 10-degrees…

Cut 16  (12)  “nice weather”

_________________________________________________________

Cardell Hayes has been sentenced to 25 years in prison following the road rage incident in New Orleans that left former Saints star Will Smith dead. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

Louisiana lost out to Texas to become the home of the world’s largest ethane cracker plant. Don Molino has reaction from an industry official…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

______________________________________

A door to door salesman in Shreveport is behind bars after police say he falsely claimed to be a state trooper. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Louisiana lost the fight to become the home to the largest ethane cracker plant in the world, as ExxonMobil and Saudi Basic Industries Corp announce the $10 billion plastics complex will be built in Texas instead. Louisiana Chemical Association President Greg Bowser says the Bayou State lost out because of its poor business climate.

Cut 4  (09) “in Louisiana”

The plant is expected to create 6-thousand temporary jobs during construction and 650 permanent jobs with an annual payroll of $60 million. Bowser hopes officials at the Louisiana Economic Development use this loss as a learning experience.

Cut 5  (09)  “gonna do”

Exxon cited Texas’ predictable tax climate and high quality school and community college systems as top reasons for choosing the Lone Star State. Bowser says LED does a good job of looking at what other states do and putting together incentive packages. He expects the state will be more competitive for the next project.

Cut 6 (09) “work to do”

______________________________________

A coalition called Louisianans for Prison Alternatives made their case for  criminal justice reform during a rally on the State Capitol steps. Foundation for Louisiana President Flozell Daniels served as a member of the governor’s Justice Reinvestment Task Force and he’s pushing for legislation to reduce the incarceration rate and save the state millions of dollars.

Cut 7 (08)  “decarcerate”

Governor John Bel Edwards legislative package contains bills that he says can reduce the state’s prison population by at least 13-percent. Executive Director of VOTE Norris Henderson says now is the time for legislators to act.

Cut 8 (09) “vocabulary”

The governor is urging legislators to pass bills that will give some inmates more parole hearings, alternatives to prison and shorter sentences for those who commit non-violent crimes. Henderson says non-violent felons can change and learn from their mistakes while in prison.

Cut 9 (09)  “present themselves”

_________________________________________________________

A Shreveport man has been arrested for pretending to be a state trooper. LSP Trooper Matt Harris says they received a complaint about a door to door steak salesman impersonating a trooper. He says after detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest, they requested 47-year-old Lester Wells’ service at the criminal investigations division in Bossier City.

Cut 10 (11) “police officer”

Harris says during an interview with detectives, Wells confessed to crime, claiming it helped his sales to portray himself as a state trooper. But Harris says Wells got more than just a sales boost by impersonating a trooper.

Cut 11 (09) “law enforcement officer”

Harris says if someone comes to your door claiming to be police, you have the right to ask to see their credentials. He says law enforcement doesn’t ask for handouts for what they do, and they won’t allow anyone else to take advantage of a good citizen by claiming to be police.

Cut 12 (08) “over someone else”

Wells is being held in the Bossier Parish Jail awaiting extradition to Caddo Parish on one count of fraudulent portrayal of a law enforcement officer.

__________________________________________________

The Orleans District Attorney’s office says they are disappointed Cardell Hayes was sentenced to 25 years behind bars for a fatal road rage shooting in New Orleans that left former Saints star Will Smith dead and his wife, Raquel, injured. Legal analyst Tim Meche believes Judge Camille Buras handed down a fair sentence.

Cut 13 (11) “case like this”

Hayes was facing 20 to 60 years in prison after being convicted of manslaughter and attempted manslaughter four months ago. During the sentencing phase of the trial, Hayes took the stand and apologized to the Smith family for their loss and once again claimed he acted in self-defense. The prosecution used Saints Head Coach Sean Payton as a character witness for Smith. But Meche says the judge was not swayed by the notoriety of Smith or his witnesses.

Cut 14 (09) “under these circumstances”

Prosecutor Chris Bowman also said the Smith family was not happy with the sentence. But Meche says Buras realized this wasn’t a calculated coldblooded murder for no reason. He says Smith could have diffused the situation with Hayes that night, and he chose not to.

Cut 15 (11) “with Mr. Hayes”

The Hayes family says in response to the sentencing that they are hurt but not broken.

___________________________________________________

Because of the likelihood of rain on Saturday in Lexington, the LSU baseball team will play a doubleheader today against Kentucky starting at 1 PM. Both games today will be nine innings. There’s no game on Saturday and the series will conclude on Sunday at noon. Coach Paul Mainieri is fine with the schedule change…

Cut 16 (21) “next week”

Kentucky leads the SEC East with a record of 10-5 in league play. The Tigers are 9-6 and they’ve won seven of their last nine overall. Closer Hunter Newman credits the nice work from the bullpen….

Cut 17 (10)  “score runs”

_______________________________________________________

LSU’s new look offense will be on display Saturday night in Tiger Stadium. The Tigers annual spring game will get underway at seven o clock. Quarterback Danny Etling says it’s still a work in progress but one thing is for certain offensive coordinator Matt Canada likes to spread the football around to their different playmakers…

Cut 18 (11)    “the season” 

There will be a bunch of inexperienced wide receivers on the field Saturday. Senior DJ Chark is the only one with a lot of experience catching passes on Saturdays in the fall. Etling says the young wide outs have made progress during the spring…

Cut 19 (17)   “go a long”

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”

______________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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”

_________________________________________________________

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”

__________________________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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”

_______________________________________________________

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.

_______________________________________________________

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”

_________________________________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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”

_________________________________________________________

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”

___________________________________________________

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”

___________________________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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”

_______________________________________________________

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”

_______________________________________________________

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.)

_________________________________________________________

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.

_________________________________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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”

_______________________________________________________

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”

_______________________________________________________

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”

_________________________________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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”

_________________________________________________________

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.

_______________________________________

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”

___________________________________________________

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” 

___________________________________________________

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”