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”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser announces Louisiana had a fifth consecutive record breaking year for tourism. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Attorney General Jeff Landry has once again filed suit against Governor John Bel Edwards. Don Molino has more…

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Don Molino”

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Louisiana now has just three abortion clinics in the entire state, after Bossier City Medical Suite closed. Jeff Palermo reports…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana is down to just three abortion clinics statewide, as Bossier City Medical Suites has closed. Executive Director of the New Orleans Abortion Fund, Amy Irvin says the only remaining clinics are in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Shreveport. She says this closure will greatly impact Louisiana women seeking an abortion.

Cut 4  (09) “more childcare”

Irvin says this latest closure is the result of the growing list of state regulations and laws that are in place making it more difficult for women to receive abortions, including a 72 hour waiting period. She says one less clinic in the state will only make it that much harder for women to have an abortion in Louisiana.

Cut 5  (10)  “for women”

Irvin says they are keeping their eyes on two bills in the current session that seek to place more restrictions on abortions. She says the New Orleans Abortion Fund is calling on lawmakers to cease their attacks on abortion access and work for comprehensive healthcare services.

Cut 6 (08) “in our country”

The Louisiana Right to Life is pleased to hear there is one less facility in Louisiana destroying the lives of innocent unborn babies. They say they look forward to a day when all babies are protected by law and welcomed with joy.

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For a fifth consecutive year, Louisiana broke a record for tourism. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says in 2016, the state welcomed a record 47 million visitors, which is more than a 2 percent increase over the previous year. He says tourists spent an average of $360 a person.

Cut 7 (11)  “million”

Nungesser says the revenue represents a 40-to-1 return on investment. He says in order to protect that investment, we need to make sure the historical sites tourists come to see remain intact. That’s why Nungesser is asking for President Trump’s help in protecting the confederate monuments around the state.

Cut 8 (12) “repeating itself”

Nungesser also defends himself amid allegations made in a letter by a disgruntled former employee, who claims the Lt. Governor misused a state owned apartment in New Orleans. Nungesser says Tim Chester has been the interim museum director for six months and hasn’t done anything. He says it’s obvious Chester is just an angry old man.

Cut 9 (11)  “in my opinion”

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The feud continues between the governor and the attorney general as Jeff Landry has once again filed suit against John Bel Edwards. The lawsuit states the governor’s office doesn’t have the right to withhold 4 million dollars in operational funds from his agency. Landry says Edwards wants to circumvent the rules and continues to play politics with the state Department of Justice.

Cut 10 (06) “this office”

The Edwards Administration released a statement claiming this lawsuit is nothing more than a dog and pony show. The governor has said the money that is coming from 2014 pharmaceutical settlement is not legally Landry’s dollars to spend. But the attorney general says Edwards is jeopardizing the operations of his department.

Cut 11 (09) “the courts”

The lawsuit comes one day after Governor Edwards called on legislators to leave partisan politics out of the debate overhauling the state’s tax structure. But Landry says Edwards is being a hypocrite by withholding money that belongs to his office.

Cut 12 (06) “that cause”

Last year Landry and Edwards exchanged lawsuits language involving the governor’s LGBT executive order.

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State Farm reports dog bite claims have increased 15 percent nationwide over the last year. Company spokesperson Kip Diggs says State Farm paid more than $121 million in dog bite claims last year. He says the cost of those claims is on the rise.

Cut 13 (10) “in cost”

Diggs says while we might not be seeing as many bites, the bites are becoming more expensive to treat as the cost of healthcare continues to increase. He says State Farm saw a total of 3,660 dog bite claims last year, and Louisiana had quite a few of those.

Cut 14 (06) “million dollars”

State Farm has paid over a billion dollars in dog-related injury claims in the past decade. Diggs says more than 50 percent of the dog bite claims they see are for children. He says that’s why it’s important for both dog-owners and dog-lovers to be careful.

Cut 15 (08) “don’t know”

The majority of Louisiana small business owners oppose an increase to the state’s gasoline tax. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The 2017 Louisiana survey finds most Louisiana residents approve of Medicaid expansion. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Small businesses oppose increasing the state’s gasoline tax. Dawn Starns, State Director of the National Federation of Independent Business, says they surveyed their members and 73-percent oppose a gas tax hike. Starns says everyone wants to see better roads but….

Cut 3 (09) “they have”

The business group, BUILD IT, supports an increase in the gasoline tax by anywhere from 15 to 20 cents to help with the construction of major transportation projects. Starns says those supporters are engineers and architects who would see a boom in their business with this hike.

Cut 4  (10) “to juggle”

Starns says small business owners are also worried increased revenue from a higher gas tax won’t go to roads. She says state government needs to do more with what they have available to them.

Cut 5  (08)  “transparency”

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An Easter egg hunt turned violent when a Thibodaux man’s ex-girlfriend showed up armed with a shovel handle. David Melancon with Thibodaux Police says 33-year-old Junius Boyd was at the event in Peltier (Pel-chay) Park when 25-year-old Florence Robinson arrived, just hours after the two ended their relationship.

Cut 6 (10) “his arm”

Melancon says Boyd’s child was in the vehicle when this transpired, and there were numerous children at the event who witnessed the incident. He says things escalated when Boyd got out of the vehicle and took the shovel handle, hitting Robinson in the head and causing a laceration. He says Boyd certainly had a right to defend himself, but this was taking it too far.

Cut 7 (12)  “defending yourself”

Melancon says Robinson is charged with aggravated battery with a dangerous weapon, criminal damage to property, and disturbing the peace. Boyd is charged with aggravated battery with a dangerous weapon. But he says things got even worse for Boyd.

Cut 8 (12) “was involved”

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The House Ways and Means Committee began looking at various tax proposals today that will be discussed over the next several weeks. First up was Jackson Representative Kenny Havard, who is pushing legislation that would reduce income taxes on individuals and make that revenue up by increasing taxes on businesses. He says with the state constantly facing budget cuts, it’s time for tax reform.

Cut 9 (10)  “do something”

Havard believes the most sensible approach is to alleviate the tax burden on residents and ask businesses to pay their fair share. 

Cut 10 (08) “that’s unfair”

A vote was not taken on Havard’s proposed legislation. There are over 140 tax bills filed in the House. Changing Louisiana’s tax laws are a major debate, because one-point-three billion dollars in temporary taxes expire next year. Havard says it is the legislature’s job to create a way to stabilize the budget.

Cut 11 (08) “the road”

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Most Louisiana residents approve of Medicaid expansion, according to an LSU survey. Director of the LSU Public Policy Research Lab, Dr. Michael Henderson says 72 percent of respondents for the 2017 Louisiana Survey approve of the expansion. He says the approval rating for the Affordable Care Act has increased over the past few years.

Cut 12 (10) “more favorable”

Henderson says they’re seeing a similar trend nationwide. He says it could be because former-President Obama has left office and people no longer attach their feelings towards him to the law. But he suspects it has more to do with people learning more about the ACA.

Cut 13 (10) “have improved”

But the survey finds only 42 percent of voters approve of the Affordable Care Act. Henderson says people also may not realize that Medicaid expansion is a provision of the ACA. But he suspects the 51 percent unfavorable view has more to do with politics.

Cut 14 (11) “the ACA”

According to the survey, 76 percent of Democrats have a favorable view of Obamacare, while 80 percent of Republicans have an unfavorable view.

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The Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating an early morning incident in which they believe a person or persons drove by a bunch of houses and cars and started shooting at random. Chief Deputy Mike Haley says they received reports of gunfire in Mt. Hermon around 4am…:

Cut 15 (10) “they had been shot”

Haley says they know the gunfire was coming from a pickup truck, but not much beyond that. He says it’s not known who is responsible or why they were doing it…:

Cut 16  (08)  “at this time”

A Chinese chemical company announces plans for a 1.1 billion dollar chemical plant to be constructed in Louisiana. Don Molino has more…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

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Today the House Ways and Means Committee begins delving into the Governor’s proposed tax plan. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has released 1.6 billion dollars in flood recovery dollars. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A Chinese chemical company chooses Louisiana over Texas to build a 1.1 billion dollar manufacturing complex. State Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says this will help Louisiana grow as a global leader in chemical manufacturing and he says the project by Wanhua (Wan-hwah) Chemical Group will bring 170 new direct jobs to the state.

Cut 4  (09) “a year”

LED estimates the project will also result in 945 indirect jobs. Pierson says a project like this creates a multiplier effect in the number of jobs it produces.

Cut 5  (12)  “the community”

The specific location of the site will be decided later in the year. Pierson says he led a Louisiana contingent to Wanhua’s headquarters in China last month where they completed final plans to move the project forward…

Cut 6 (11) “investments”

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Another study by LSU economist Dr. Loren Scott finds the return isn’t there when it comes to state’s film tax credits program as the report shows it causes a significant hit to Louisiana’s budget. Scott says the return of investment was 22-percent in 2016.

Cut 7 (07)  “million bucks”

This is the third time Scott has examined whether the state is getting a bang for its buck when it comes to providing incentives to lure films and TV shows to Louisiana. Scott says each time the report concluded, Louisiana is losing money, but tax incentive program creates jobs.

Cut 8 (08) “of jobs”

Legislators will discuss changing the film tax credit program, which currently has a 180 million dollar cap on it. Scott says his report shows Louisiana is subsidizing about 30 to 35-percent of the cost of making a film.

Cut 9 (05)  “your favor”

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The House Ways and Means committee begins today pouring over some of the proposals included in the governor’s tax plan. John Bel Edwards ambitious proposal will increase taxes on many businesses, but he says it will lead to lower income taxes for 90-percent of the taxpayers.  Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says once more come out, there will be ample support.

Cut 10 (11) “very top”

But West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth says Louisiana has one of the lowest income tax rates in the nation. He’s concerned about putting too much of the tax burden on businesses and losing jobs. He says lawmakers need to be cautious about lowering taxes for individuals and getting businesses to foot the bill.

Cut 11 (10) “to business”

Edwards says changes to our tax structure our needed to make sure TOPS is fully funded, more resources can be devoted to education and other priorities. Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith says the legislature has to do something to raise more revenue for vital state services.

Cut 12 (08) “can’t do it”

The governor is calling for a bipartisan effort to fix the state’s annual problem of budget cuts, especially during the middle of a fiscal year. Ruston Representative Rob Shadoin hopes lawmakers can come together across party lines to do what’s best for the people.

Cut 13 (07) “make progress”

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The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has granted Louisiana access to start dispensing 1.6 billion dollars to flooded homeowners in federal aid. Deputy Chief of Staff for the Governor Julie Baxter Payer says this will finally allow the state to move forward with recovery plans.

Cut 14 (11) “appropriated”

Payer says an action plan had to be submitted to HUD in order to spend the money, which is why the process of receiving funds took so long. She says federal restrictions have been placed on who first receives access to the money.

Cut 15 (09) “flood insurance”

Payer expects to have a contractor in place within the next week who will manage the Homeowner Assistance Program. The state is asking each homeowner who received flood damage to fill out a survey at restore.la.gov to determine their eligibility for federal assistance. She says in addition to that the governor is working on trying to receive more federal funding.

Cut 16 (11) “year’s flood”

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After taking two of three from Arkansas, LSU is once again back in the top ten in three major college baseball polls heading into tonight’s matchup against UL Lafayette. Despite a lot of grumbling from the LSU fan base over how this team is played, the Tigers are 22-11 overall,. 7-5 in the SEC. Coach Paul Mainieri admits this team has its faults, but he believes in his guys

Cut 17 (21)  “wants to”

LSU has been getting great starting pitching from Eric Walker. The freshman from Texas pitched a complete game shutout on Sunday and he’s 4-0 on the year. Mainieri says Walker has shown a great ability to command all of his pitches…

Cut 18 (18)    glove a lot“