The 2015 Louisiana Survey finds that state residents support the legal use of marijuana for medical purposes, but not personal use. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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Five major health advocacy groups are coming together to push for a higher cigarette tax in Louisiana. Scott Carwile has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

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A high school in Monroe which previously told a gay female student that she was not allowed to wear a tuxedo to prom has now retracted. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

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The 2015 Louisiana Survey finds that state residents support the legal use of marijuana for medical purposes, but not personal use. LSU Public Policy Research Lab Director Michael Henderson says 52-percent of residents oppose the personal use of marijuana, but the difference between support and opposition is shrinking…

cut 4  (08)  “seven points”

68-percent of 18 to 29 year olds support legalizing marijuana for personal use while 68-percent of residents 65 and older oppose it. A majority of residents still support the legalization of marijuana for medical use, but support declined from 79- to 60-percent since last year. Henderson says last year’s Senate race may have been a factor in the drop of support…

Cut 5  (08)  “for sure”

Even if marijuana remains illegal in Louisiana, 67-percent of the public feel that people convicted of possessing small amounts of pot should not serve jail time. Henderson says that number jumps to 79-percent when respondents were informed of the costs of incarceration…

Cut 6 (07)  “support it”

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Five major health advocacy groups are teaming up to launch a campaign in support of a bill to raise the state’s tax on cigarettes by $1.18 a pack. The American Heart Association is part of the “Invest in a Healthy Louisiana” campaign and its spokesperson Stasha Rhodes says it’s time to bring the state’s tax on cigarettes to the national average, which is a $1.54 a pack…

CUT 7 (08)  “state’s budget”

Bogalusa Representative Harold Ritchie is sponsoring a bill to raise the state’s cigarette tax to the national average. Ritchie says he’s not the only lawmaker to file legislation to raise tobacco taxes, which gives him hope something will get done

Cut 8  (07)  “this session” 

Ritchie says a higher cigarette tax can reduce the number of deaths associated with smoking and help generate millions of dollars. But Governor Jindal is calling for tax cuts to offset any tax increase. Ritchie says he’s willing to work with the governor

Cut 9 (09)  “combination of things”

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The Department of Health and Hospitals has cut the ribbon on a new public health laboratory that will be used to test water, screen for genetic disorders and help the state respond to public health threats such as Ebola. DHH Secretary Kathy Kliebert says this is a ultra modern lab with all of the latest technology…:

Cut 10 (11) “water is safe”

Kliebert says the new lab site allows the state to better identify food outbreaks, test infectious disease samples and any number of other public health concerns. She says every single child that is born in Louisiana will have blood sent to the lab…:

cut 11 (09) “before it affects them”

Kliebert says the goal of the Office of Public Health Laboratory is to protect the health and safety of Louisiana residents by providing accurate and timely data to state officials, public health program and citizens..:

cut 12 (12)  “and laboratories”

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A high school in Monroe which previously told a gay female student that she was not allowed to wear a tuxedo to prom has now retracted. Carroll High School and Claudetteia Love’s story got national attention. The student was represented by the National Center for Lesbian Rights and Executive Director Kate Kendell says they are happy about this outcome.:

Cut 13 (09)  “as a person”

Kendell says the school’s original decision to not allow the 17-year-old to wear the tux is not only a violation of law which prohibits sex discrimination, it’s also wrongheaded…:

Cut 14 (11) “supported”

Kendell says forbidding girls from wearing a tuxedo to the prom would have served no purpose other than to reinforce the worst sorts of harmful stereotypes and censor a core part of Love’s identity…:

Cut 15  (12)  “who they are”

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Louisiana education superintendent John White tells lawmakers he needs more money so the state can provide standardized tests next school year. White says the budget as it currently exists will prevent students from taking the A-C-T or an assessment test like PARCC

Cut 16  (10)  “of chaos”

White and Governor Jindal have battled over the tests tied to Common Core. The Jindal administration has said the superintendent will have to decide what to cut from his budget. White says Louisiana will violate state and federal law if it doesn’t have  a standardized test

Cut 17 (10)  “education system”

A recent LSU Public Policy Research Lab poll finds support for legally recognized same-sex marriage in Louisiana lags well behind the national average. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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A lawmaker from Kenner is sponsoring legislation for the upcoming session that would criminalize so-called “revenge porn.” Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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A recent LSU Public Policy Research Lab poll finds support for legally recognized same-sex marriage in Louisiana lags well behind the national average, but the gap between supporters and opponents is shrinking. Director Michael Henderson says national support for same-sex marriage is between 55- and 60-percent…

CUT 3 (09)  “as the nation”

The survey shows only 42-percent of residents support legalizing same-sex marriage. The disparity between supporters and opponents is down to 9-percent, compared to 17-percent two years ago. Henderson says there appears to be a generation gap when it come to the support of legalizing same-sex marriages…

CUT 4 (06)  “strong support”

The poll shows that 62-percent of residents age 65 or older oppose legalizing same-sex marriage, while 59-percent of those age 18 to 29 support the issue. Henderson says change could be on the way as younger generations replace older generations…

CUT 5 (07)  “these trends”

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A lawmaker from Kenner is sponsoring legislation for the upcoming session that would criminalize so-called “revenge porn.” The measure would make it illegal to disclose a sexual image of someone without their consent. Representative Julie Stokes says House Bill 489 would ensure that people who spread private pictures without permission are held accountable…:

CUT 6 (05)  “in Louisiana”

Stokes says this bill protects people who are 17 years of age or older as minors are already covered under a different set of laws when it comes to sexually explicit photos. She says there are many instances in which young adults will send a private photo to another person who they think can be trusted…:(Penalties for this offense include a fine of up to $10,000 and up to two years in jail or both.)

CUT 7 (08)  “or high school”

Governor Bobby Jindal announced this week that he fully supports this legislation saying the number of individuals who have been victimized by this form of abuse is inexcusable and needs to be stopped. Stokes says this crime happens when a person spreading private photos, usually online, intends to harm or harass another. She says they also want to send a message that it’s usually not a good idea to send out naked pictures…:

CUT 8 (05)  “these images”

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Four underage Louisiana college students were issued summonses in Alabama for attempting to haul a trailer full of alcohol to Gulf Shores for spring break. Mobile County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Lt. Paul Burch says deputies noticed a trailer traveling on Interstate 10 with an expired tag…

CUT 9 (07)  “amount of alcohol”

Burch says deputies found over 100 18-packs of beer and numerous bottles of hard liquor and wine from the trailer. He says the four students, ages 18 and 19, were taken to a police substation where the alcohol was seized and they were cited…

cut 10 (10) “happens in court”

The four will be charged with minor in possession of alcohol. Burch says no drugs or weapons were found on the students, so authorities allowed them to go on their way. Burch says he isn’t sure if they continued on to Gulf Shores…

cut 11 (09)  “headed back out”

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There was an unexpected turn today in the Darren Sharper case. The former New Orleans Saints star was expected to plead guilty in state court to charges related to drugging and raping women, but the judge delayed the arraignment until the federal case is resolved. Legal analyst Chick Foret says this could be a sign Sharpers “global” plea deal is going to change:

cut 12 (09)  “an alternative”

The deal that was struck would have reportedly sent Sharper to jail for 9 years and that would have covered all the charges in the four states he’s accused. Foret says the Orleans Parish DA, Leon Cannizzaro, is the one holding the cards at this point..:

cut 13 (12)  “this deal is gonna get done”

The new state hearing was set for June 15th. It’s expected Sharper will enter a guilty plea for federal drug charges in district court on May 21st. Foret says when the word was out that Sharper struck a deal to cover the charges in all four states, many called it a “sweet-heart” deal and it’s not likely Cannizzaro liked that…:

cut 14 (08) “in Orleans Parish”

Republican US Senator David Vitter begins to unveil his plan on leading Louisiana into the future as governor. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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The state Department of Education says Louisiana’s four-year high school graduation rate was at a record high in 2014 and increased for the fourth straight year. Scott Carwile reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

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The Louisiana Film Entertainment Association says a study they commissioned found that movies made here created up to $4 billion dollars in economic output in 2013. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

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Funeral services will be held today for Loreauvile Mayor Albert Broussard. Broussard was killed in a car crash Friday night. New Iberia State Representative Taylor Barras (BAR-ra) says it’s a sad day for the small, tight-knit community…

cut 4  (10)  “the village forward”

Services are scheduled for 1PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Loreauville. Broussard is survived by his fiancee, a son, and two daughters. Barras says Broussard loved Loreauville and loved serving his community…

Cut 5  (09)  “the same time”

Broussard served as Alderman for 24 years and was serving his third term as mayor at the time of his death. He was also a 1st Lieutenant in the Louisiana National Guard. Barras says Broussard’s death is a loss that will be felt beyond Loreauville…

Cut 6 (07)  “miss him greatly”

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Republican US Senator David Vitter begins to unveil his plan on leading Louisiana into the future as governor. Vitter calls the plan “Together, Louisiana Strong”. He has released the first two chapters; one dealing with staying in touch with Louisiana citizens while governor and the second focusing on stabilizing the budget through spending and tax reform…

CUT 7 (09)  “crisis level”

Vitter says he would immediately call a special legislative session to deal exclusively with the budget crisis, if elected. Two big concerns among residents are roads and education. He says specific chapters on each will be released in the coming weeks. Vitter says one of the key areas of focus in that special session would be to protect and enhance the Transportation Trust Fund…

Cut 8  (05)  “roads and bridges” 

Vitter calls this a blueprint for building a brighter future for all Louisianians. You can get more information at DavidVitter-dot-com. Vitter’s education plan includes getting Louisiana out of Common Core and enhancing technical and skills training for high school students…

Cut 9 (09)  “a four-year degree”

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The state Department of Education says Louisiana’s four-year high school graduation rate was at a record high in 2014 and increased for the fourth straight year. Superintendent John White says about 75% of students who entered 9th grade, graduated in 2014 which is a 1.1% increase over the prior year…:

Cut 10 (07) “four years ago”

White says this increase is a great sign for our state and a true testament to the hard work and devotion of teachers, principals and families. He says in the class of 2014, nearly 1600 more students graduated than did in the class of 2013 and nearly 3,440 more students than in 2011…:

cut 11 (09) “annually”

White says of the nearly 1600 additional students graduating in 2014, more than 1200 are of a minority racial group and more than 1230 are from low income homes…:

cut 12 (09)  “backgrounds”

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The Louisiana Film Entertainment Association says a study they commissioned found that movies made here created up to $4 billion dollars in economic output in 2013. HR&A Advisors Partner Shuprotim Bhaumik (Shoe-pro-teem Bah-Mick) says over 33,000 jobs and over $1.2 billion in personal income can be attributed to the state’s film tax credits. He also says the movie industry attracts tourists…:

Cut 13 (09)  “induced tourists”

Bhaumik says based on a survey of nearly 1400 recent visitors to Louisiana, 14.5% said they were spurred to visit Louisiana because of a television show or movie that was filmed here…:

Cut 14 (08) “activities”

Changes to the state’s film tax credit program have already been proposed for the upcoming legislative session. Those include capping the program and making administrative changes to help prevent fraud. LFEA executive director David Tatman says the economic impact of the incentives are felt throughout the entire state of Louisiana…:

Cut 15  (10)  “healthy industry”

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LSU’s Austin Bain has been named SEC Co-Freshman of the week. Bain was outstanding out of the pen on Saturday as he pitched 6.2 shutout innings, allowing just three hits and a career-high nine strikeouts in a win over Alabama. Coach Paul Mainieri has announced Bain will start Sunday’s game against Auburn and the former Dutchtown star is looking forward to the opportunity…

Cut 16  (07)  “that I have”

LSU hosts UNO tonight. Senior catcher Kade Scivicque likes the qualities that Bain brings to the mound….

Cut 17 (11)  “to play”

Bain will take Jake Godfrey’s spot in the weekend rotation. The freshman from Illinois has struggled in his last two outings and Mainieri plans to start him on Wednesday against Northwestern State. Mainieri says Godfrey is having trouble locating his breaking ball in the strike zone and opposing hitters are sitting on his fastball

Cut 18 (16) ” bigger times’

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The Pelicans, who are fighting to get into the NBA Playoffs, will host Golden State tonight. The Warriors have the best record in the NBA and they are led by MVP candidate Stephen Curry. Pelicans guard Norris Cole on trying to slow down Curry

Cut 19 (13)  “as possible “

New Orleans has lost 11 straight games to Golden State. The Pels enter tonight’s action a half game back of Oklahoma City for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Coach Monty Williams has told his team not to worry about O-K-C…

Cut 20 (15)  “as well”

According to the United States Public Interest Research Group, federal data from 2014 indicates that over 1,800 bridges in Louisiana need repairs. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne officially kicked off his campaign for Governor today. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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Governor Bobby Jindal made an appearance on NBC’s Meet The Press to talk about the religious freedom debate that’s created a national controversy. Bossier City Representative Mike Johnson has filed a religious freedom bill in Louisiana. Jindal says this issue is about business owners that don’t want to have to choose between their religious beliefs and being able to operate their businesses…

CUT 3 (09)  “those ceremonies”

Johnson’s proposed bill would permit private businesses to deny the same benefits to same-sex couples as other married couples based on a religious objection. Jindal says there used to be a bi-partisan consensus in the US about religious liberty…

CUT 4 (11)  “held beliefs”

The governor said that he has not read Johnson’s bill but supports the defense of religious liberty. Jindal says forcing businesses to participate in a same-sex wedding ceremony, when they have a religious objection, is a Constitutional issue…

CUT 5 (06)  “their religious beliefs”

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According to the United States Public Interest Research Group, federal data from 2014 indicates that over 1,800 bridges in Louisiana need repairs. The Federal Highway Administration lists 1,837 bridges in Louisiana as “structurally deficient”. Louisiana Department of Transportation spokesman Rodney Mallett says motorists should not be frightened by this designation…

CUT 6 (07)  “for repairs”

A “structurally deficient” designation doesn’t mean a bridge is unsafe. It means the bridge has at least one component that needs repair or replacement. Mallet admits that DOTD has prioritized interstate improvements in recent years, but that doesn’t mean bridges across the state have been neglected…

CUT 7 (10)  “replacement projects”

The state faces a $12 billion backlog in delayed road and bridge maintenance projects. Mallett says, with the current financial problems facing the state, it all comes down to money…

CUT 8 (09)  “address those”

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State police say one of their troopers was injured in a crash involving a drunk driver Sunday morning while investigating another DWI related accident in East Baton Rouge Parish. Trooper Dustin Dwight says the unidentified trooper had the first DWI suspect inside his vehicle parked on the side of I-12 and was finishing up the paperwork for that accident report…:

CUT 9 (06)  “back of him”

Dwight says both the trooper and the first DWI offender were inside the fully marked Tahoe when it was hit and suffered minor to moderate injuries. He says the vehicle which slammed into the back of the cop car was driven by 24-year-old Magen Hall of Zachary…:

cut 10 (09) “minor injuries”

Dwight says it’s a shame that the trooper was taking care of one drunk driving crash then he was hit by another drunk driver. He says they investigated several DWI crashes over the Easter weekend which is unacceptable…:

cut 11 (10)  “for Megen”

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Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne officially kicked off his campaign for Governor today. In his announcement, Dardenne said he’s traveled thousands of miles across Louisiana in his current job which is what he plans to do if he’s elected to be the next leader of the state…:

cut 12 (08)  “and Shreveport”

Dardenne says he’d work out of an existing state office in each location so it wouldn’t cost any more money. He says Louisiana is in horrible financial shape right now and he plans to go to work on budget matters from day one…:

cut 13 (09)  “to celebrate”

Dardenne says his office will work to create stability in the state’s budget and end the practice of using one-time money to pay for ongoing expenses. He says higher education will be a top priority and it will be funded as such. Dardenne says it’s okay that he doesn’t have the most cash to run his campaign…:

cut 14 (08) “the best idea”

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Lt Governor Jay Dardenne begins a statewide tour today to officially announce that he’s running for Governor. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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A contentious legislative session has another hot button item to discuss. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

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Former New Orleans Saints safety Darren Sharper is scheduled for arraignment today in federal court and tomorrow in state court. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

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Lt Governor Jay Dardenne begins a statewide tour today to officially announce that he’s running for Governor. Dardenne will begin in Baton Rouge and Lafayette today, tomorrow he’ll visit Alexandria and Lake Charles. Wednesday it’s New Orleans then Thursday Monroe and Shreveport. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat believes Dardenne has a tough road ahead

cut 4  (08)  “in the middle”

Recent polls have shown Dardenne a distant third in the race behind the leading Republican David Vitter then the Democratic candidate John Bel Edwards. Pinsonat says not only is Dardenne a moderate conservative, the fact that he supports Common Core might also be a problem for his campaign

Cut 5  (09)  “dislike Common Core”

Pinsonat says Vitter is a very powerful Senator and has a strong ability to raise plenty of cash while Dardenne’s war chest is lacking. He says in order for Dardenne to have a fighting chance at making the runoff, something major would have to happen with Vitter…:

Cut 6 (09)  “in the runoff”

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What is expected to be a very difficult legislative session begins a week today as state lawmakers will try to come up with a fiscal plan to avoid large budget cuts to health care and higher education. Alcohol and Tobacco Control Commissioner Troy Hebert has been appointed as Governor Jindal’s legislative liaison. Hebert is optimistic a workable solution can be had…

CUT 7 (11)  “in the past”

Heading into the session, there are numerous bills seeking to raise revenue as a way to close the budget deficit, but the Jindal administration has said if lawmakers raise taxes in one area, they have to be lowered somewhere else, so it’s revenue neutral. Hebert believes that’s what the public wants too

Cut 8  (07)  “anymore either” 

Hebert is familiar with the legislature as he’s served in the House and the Senate prior to becoming A-T-C Commissioner. He says while the state’s budget problems are difficult, he believes every crisis is an opportunity….

Cut 9 (11)  “solution”

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Former New Orleans Saints safety Darren Sharper is scheduled for arraignment today in federal court and tomorrow in state court. The 39-year-old is accused of drugging and raping women in four states and struck a “global” plea deal to resolve all of the charges where he’s been indicted. Legal analyst Chick Foret says the end results of both hearings this week will be guilty pleas…:

Cut 10 (12) “serve his time”

It’s been reported that Sharper will get 20 years in Louisiana, but will serve just nine under the multi state deal. Foret feels it will be far more complicated than that. But he says either way many people aren’t happy about the leniency Sharper is getting for these very serious charges…:

cut 11 (10) “been reduced”

Foret believes Sharper will definitely serve nine new years in jail, but once all the details in the case are hammered out this week we’ll know a lot more…:

cut 12 (10)  “complicated plea bargain”

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The religious freedom debate which made national headlines in Indiana and Arkansas is coming to Louisiana. Bossier City Representative Mike Johnson has filed a bill that would prevent state government from penalizing a business or person for decisions made based on their religious views about marriage. Jeremy Alford of la-politics-dot-com, says with the state facing a huge budge deficit, will some legislators be willing to debate this issue…

Cut 13 (09)  “hallways”

Gays rights organization, Equality Louisiana, has already come out in opposition to Johnson’s measure, because they believe it will lead to the discrimination of gays, lesbians and transgender individuals. Alford says this bill has a chance to bring national attention to Louisiana…

Cut 14 (10) “violently”

Common Core and the budget are expected to dominate the legislative session that begins Monday. Alford says some veteran lawmakers might not be willing to debate this bill, with some big issues already on the table

Cut 15  (10)  “through the system”

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The author of a bill to require a designated driver before drinks can be served to a person at a bar or restaurant, now plans on not seeking approval of his legislation. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (26) “reporting”

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This is the biggest weekend of the seafood year and a distributor says the crawfish are in good supply, but the sooner you get your orders in the better. Jeff Palermo reports…:

CUT 2 (26) “reporting”

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Haughton Representative Henry Burns, who has filed a bill that would require bar and restaurant patrons to have a designated driver, is now saying he will not try to seek approval of his measure in this session. Burns says his legislation would be difficult to enforce…

CUT 3 (08)  “smooth transition”

Burns says he still would like to have a committee hearing on his bill, to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving….

CUT 4 (06)  “do some good”

Burns says he filed the legislation after hearing from families who have lost loved one as a result of drunk drivers, but he hasn’t figured out how the legislation could be enforced

CUT 5 (09)  “goes from here”

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This is the biggest weekend of the seafood year and a distributor says the crawfish are in good supply, but the sooner you get your orders in the better. Gulf Seafood Institute Chairman Harlon Pearce says the product and prices are so good right now, mudbug lovers can’t get enough…:

CUT 6 (07)  “get em and enjoy em”

Pearce says the Easter weekend is the peak of the season and prices tend to drop from here. He says it’s been years since he’s seen crawfish as beautiful as they are this season…:

CUT 7 (08)  “really great season”

Pearce says there is also a ton of other delicious seafood available if you’re not a crawfish person. He says the shrimp are plump and oysters are extremely delicious right now…:

CUT 8 (06)  “fairly tight”

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Spring festival season is officially underway and there is no shortage of fun filled events happening in Sportsman’s Paradise. There is essentially a fair or festival on the calendar every weekend from now until the end of June. Jacques Berry with the Lt. Governor’s Office says Louisiana festivals are loved by locals and tourists…:

CUT 9 (09)  “promote the state”

Berry says the festivals range from the massive Jazz Fest in New Orleans to smaller historic events which have been years long traditions…:

cut 10 (15) “last weekend in April”

He says you can log on to www.louisianatravel.com to see a full calendar of events happening this spring. Berry says the greatest thing about these Louisiana gatherings is that they celebrate local communities and Louisiana’s many passions…:

cut 11 (08)  “gumbo pot”

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Data from the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis, shows Louisiana’s personal income for the fourth quarter in 2014 grew by just 0.6 percent, which is last in the country. But LSU economist Loren Scott says a reason for the low growth is because Louisiana did not accept federal dollars to expand its Medicaid program

cut 12 (07)  “bad thing”

The fourth quarter of 2014 coincides with a drop in oil prices and layoffs in the oil and gas industry. But Scott doesn’t see Louisiana being impacted as much as some other states who depend on large oil shale plays

cut 13 (07)  “hurt some”

Scott says there’s fewer federal dollars flowing into the state to assist low-income or unemployed workers and that’s what led to the lowest personal income growth number in the country for the fourth quarter of 2014…

cut 14 (10)  “in the country”

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The Louisiana Department of Education announces that 22,972 recent public high school graduates enrolled in college in 2014, an all-time high for the state. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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Pounchatoula-based Elmer’s Chocolates are a must-have for many Louisiana Easter baskets this Sunday. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (27) “reporting”

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New Orleans Senator JP Morrell files a package of bills that seeks to reform the state’s film tax credit program. Scott Carwile has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

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The Louisiana Department of Education announces that 22,972 recent public high school graduates enrolled in college in 2014, an all-time high for the state. That’s a six-percent increase from 2013. Education Superintendent John White says the numbers in this report are very exciting…

cut 4  (08)  “several years”

He says this year’s gains are fueled by an increase in low-income and minority students attending college. Those two groups account for over half of the overall growth. White says recently implemented programs like Advanced Placement, dual enrollment classes, and Jump Start are creating chances for students…

Cut 5  (10)  “for our kids”

He says the number of graduates enrolling in college directly after high school has increased 16-percent since 2011. Statewide, 59-percent of the class of 2014 enrolled in college for the fall semester. White says this is not the time for education in Louisiana to take a step backwards…

Cut 6 (08)  “political whims”

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A must-have for many Louisiana Easter baskets this Sunday is a candy manufactured in Ponchatoula. Elmer’s chocolates have been around over 160 years and President Rob Nelson says the Easter Sunday tradition is highlighted by their top sellers — Heavenly Hash and Gold Brick…:

CUT 7 (08)  “turn of the century”

The company started in The Big Easy in 1855 as a pastry business but eventually became Elmer Candy Corporation. Nelson says even Easter is falling a little early this year, sales this Holiday have been great…:

Cut 8  (10)  “this weekend” 

Nelson says Heavenly Hash is their second most popular Easter candy, but the Gold Brick Eggs and their different flavors top the charts every year. He says they attribute a large part of their success to being in one of the best Easter candy markets in the country — from Houston, Texas to Pensacola, Florida…:

Cut 9 (08)  “family traditions”

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Legislation to reform the state’s film tax credit program has been filed for the upcoming session. The program has made Louisiana a major player in the motion picture industry, but the department of economic development says it costs $4.48 for every dollar of state revenue it creates. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says one of the goals with his legislation is to make the tax credit more predictable…

Cut 10 (09) “unsustainable”

Morrell says the most the state has paid out in a given year is 250-million dollars and one of his bills would cap the amount of tax credits paid in a fiscal year to 300-million dollars. The state senator says he also has three different bills that attempt to control fraudulent behavior

cut 11 (12) “itself is truthful”

Morrell says the legislation he’s filed is not designed to ruin Louisiana’s reputation as “Hollywood South.” He says the goal is to make it better and that includes legislation to help college graduates get involved in the movie and TV industry…

cut 12 (11)  “native industry”

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The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s office is investigating an officer involved shooting which left one man dead in Pineville. Lt. Tommy Carnline says deputies responded to reports of a disturbance in which a person was threatening another person in the residence and also threatening to do harm to himself…:

Cut 13 (11)  “at our deputies”

Carnline says they tried to calm the subject down for over an hour until he suddently left the room then began pointing a gun at deputies…:

Cut 14 (07) “on the scene”

Carnline says the subject did not listen to orders to drop the weapon which is when he was shot and killed by cops. He says the deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave as standard procedure…:

Cut 15  (09)  “choice that we’re given”

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US Senator David Vitter has picked up the endorsement of fellow Republican Lafayette Congressman Charles Boustany in this year’s governor’s race. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (27) “reporting”

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For the third year in a row, Louisiana has increased the number of tourists and set another record for the industry.

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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US Senator David Vitter has picked up the endorsement of fellow Republican Lafayette Congressman Charles Boustany in this year’s governor’s race. Vitter is one of three Republicans eyeing the state’s highest elected office. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says being endorsed by a sitting congressman is a good thing…

CUT 3 (05)  “means something”

Vitter also picked up the endorsement of three-term Lafayette City-Parish President Joey Durel. Cross says the combination of these two endorsements are an indication of Vitter’s strength in the upcoming gubernatorial election…

CUT 4 (05)  “favorite to beat”

Cross says this is kind of a slap in the face for Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle as these endorsements come from his home region. He says the backing of Boustany and Durel is a real win-win for the Vitter campaign…

CUT 5 (07)  “and Angelle”

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An escaped inmate charged with murder has been captured and a guard at a mental facility in East Feliciana Parish has been arrested in connection with the prisoner’s escape. State Police trooper Melissa Matey says 37-year-old Antonio Webb was arrested after they interviewed several employees at the Eastern Louisiana Mental Health Hospital where prisoner Lorenza Conner was being held..:

CUT 6 (07)  “helped Conner escape”

Conner got out of a DHH transport vehicle in Orleans Parish and he was re-arrested this morning at a laundromat in Jefferson Parish.  Matey says the investigation into Conner’s escape is still ongoing….

CUT 7 (06)  “he escaped”

Matey says Webb has been booked with Malfeasance in Office…:

CUT 8 (12)  “to his escape”

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Former four-term governor Edwin Edwards is now a licensed real estate agent. Edwards says he got his broker’s licence last week and he’s excited at the prospect of getting back to work. He says that just because his political career has ended, he’s not completely retired…

CUT 9 (09)  “obvious reasons”

Edwards says he has to supplement his retirement income because he has a family to support. His wife Trina also received her real estate license. Edwards says as a team, he will concentrate on commercial properties while she will focus on residential properties…

cut 10 (10) “very much doing”

Edwards says he had a broker’s license years ago but gave it up. He lost in last December’s runoff election for the Sixth District Congressional seat. Edwards says that while he wants to focus on commercial properties, he’s just getting started and all options are open…

cut 11 (10)  “to list it”

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For the third year in a row, Louisiana has increased the number of tourists and set another record for the industry. Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says there were 27.7 million people who visited Louisiana in 2014 which is a 5 percent increase over the year before…:

cut 12 (09)  “who don’t live here”

Dardenne says the revenue generated through visitors represents a more than 38-1 return on investment of state funding. He says this is great news for Louisiana and also means a lot of spending around the state at restaurants, bars, attractions, hotels and more…:

cut 13 (09)  “generated”

Dardenne says there was $11.2 billion dollars in total visitor spending in 2014 and $836 million dollars in state tax revenue generated. He credits the great year in tourism to creative marketing, dedicated industry leaders throughout the state and an incredible product in the many passions Louisiana offers…:

cut 14 (10)  “major conventions”

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The Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested an Avoyelles Parish corrections officer in connection with the escape of a female inmate last week. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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The Louisiana SPCA is encouraging folks to celebrate Easter responsibly and think before you buy live bunnies and chicks as pets. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (26) “reporting”

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Opelousas Senator Elbert Guillory wants Louisiana residents to vote on whether an unborn child should have legal rights at the moment of conception. Scott Carwile has the story…

Cut 3 (26) “reporting”

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The Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested an Avoyelles Parish Correctional Center officer in connection with the escape of a female inmate last week. Sheriff’s office spokesman Robert Martin says 47-year-old Michelle George reported that Felicia Daigle escaped while being transported from Assumption to Avoylles parish. He says their investigation found that George actually stopped the vehicle in Paintcourville…

cut 4  (07)  “to buy drugs”

He says George allowed Daigle to exit the vehicle so she could go and buy drugs. When Daigle didn’t return, George sent another inmate to find her. That inmate returned unable to find Daigle. Martin says George then met a third party at a gas station and came up with the story that Daigle escaped…

Cut 5  (08)  “has escaped”

Daigle was found hiding at her home in Labadieville and now faces an additional charge of simple escape. George is charged with assisting escape, obstruction of justice, and malfeasance in office. Martin says it’s shocking that a corrections officer would do this, but hopefully some good will come out of it…

Cut 6 (10)  “above reproach”

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The Louisiana SPCA is encouraging folks to celebrate Easter responsibly and think before you buy live bunnies and chicks as pets. Spokeswoman Destinie (Destiny) Hammond says hundreds of rabbits are turned in to local shelters or released into the wild shortly after the Easter holiday…:

CUT 7 (07)  “might adopt”

Hammond says when it comes to Easter bunnies, they encourage you to go chocolate. She says while rabbits can make a great companion animals, they encourage people to thoroughly research the care of these fragile creatures before making a casual decision to bring one home…:

Cut 8  (07)  “things like that” 

Hammond says rabbits can live 10-15 years and require as much care as a dog or a cat. She says they want to discourage impulse purchases of cute little bunnies and chicks…:

Cut 9 (09)  “they come here”

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The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s office says a man is behind bars on felony stalking charges after allegedly continuously harassing a female victim. Lt. Tommy Carnline says the woman told cops that 47-year-old Christopher Charles LAmmons of Alexandria would not leave her alone…:

Cut 10 (09) “had given”

Carnline says a warrant was obtained for Lammons’ arrest as well as a search warrant for his residence for additional evidence…:

cut 11 (08) “to our victim”

Carnline says because Lammons’ charges are domestic in nature, a new law that went into affect last year mandates that he stay in jail without bond under “Gwen’s Law”…:

cut 12 (05)  “just cause”

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Opelousas Senator Elbert Guillory files a constitutional amendment that would let voters decide if life begins at conception. Guillory’s proposed change to the constitution would give unborn children the same legal rights that all other people enjoy….

Cut 13 (11)  “is pro life”

Guillory says this constitutional amendment would not make abortions illegal in Louisiana, but it lets the world know that Louisiana is a pro life state

Cut 14 (10) ”  beyond that”

Guillory says the constitutional amendment will also make abortions automatically illegal, if Roe versus Wade is overturned. The legislation is referred to as “personhood” but similar proposals have failed to pass in other states. But Guillory likes his chances in Louisiana….

Cut 15  (07)  “pro life”

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The LSU baseball team begins a three-game series tonight against Alabama. Sophomore left-hander Jared Poche will get the start on the mound for the Tigers, and Coach Paul Mainieri has all the confidence in the world in Poche…

Cut 16  (16)  “good start”

The series will NOT be played in Tuscaloosa, because of ongoing renovations with Alabama’s ball park. So the games will be played just outside of Birmingham at the same ball park where the SEC Tournament is held. Mainieri says his teams have won five SEC Tournament titles at the Hoover Met….

Cut 17 (15)  “big hits”

LSU blew a couple of late leads in dropping its series with Kentucky this past weekend. But Mainieri says he still has faith in his bullpen and he’s seen arms emerge as the season has gone on….

Cut 18 (13) ” count on’

Governor Bobby Jindal takes another step toward a potential presidential run by sending two members of his staff to Iowa. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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The New Orleans Police Department says they’ve arrested a suspect in the killing of a Dominos pizza delivery driver. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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Governor Bobby Jindal takes another step toward a potential presidential run by sending two members of his staff to Iowa. Taylor Teepell and Matt Parker will move to the Hawkeye State where they’ll work for the governor’s new political organization called the America Future Project. LaPolitics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says this shows how serious Jindal is about running for president…

CUT 3 (09)  “governor’s office”

Recent poll numbers have not been kind to the governor. They show Jindal polling in the single digits, well behind other expected Republican candidates for the nomination. Alford says no eventual president has polled below 15-percent at this point in the process and been successful with the exception of Bill Clinton…

CUT 4 (10)  “comeback kid”

Alford says despite the seemingly steep uphill battle in front of him, Jindal is moving forward with his campaign plans. The governor is expected to make an announcement following this year’s legislative session. Alford says presidential candidates often run for the office with other aspirations in mind…

CUT 5 (08)  “in their future”

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The prison population in Louisiana is going down for the first time in years. Secretary of Corrections Jimmy LeBlanc told the House Appropriations Committee that from 2006-2009 the state added about 1200 new prisoners a year. He says if that would have continued, there would have been about 44,000 inmates at the end of 2014 instead of closing the year with about 38,000 prisoners…:

CUT 6 (07)  “on that same pace”

LeBlanc says since 2012, Louisiana has seen a drop of almost 3000 inmates. He credits changes in sentencing laws and strong re-entry programs…:

CUT 7 (05)  “annually”

Louisiana has the highest incarceration rate in the nation. LeBlanc says the numbers not coming back to prisons annually is a huge financial gain for the state and it continues to get better. He says these numbers indicate that what they are doing to keep people from coming back to prison after the leave is working…:

CUT 8 (05)  “good things”

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A former Elton High School teacher and basketball coach has pleaded guilty to having inappropriate sexual relationships with students. 35-year-old Justin Fruge (froo-JHAY’) pleaded guilty to one count of felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile. Jeff Davis Parish District Attorney Michael Cassidy says Fruge faces up to ten years in prison…

CUT 9 (10)  “for 15 years”

Fruge will also lose his teaching certificate and have to register as a sex offender for 15 years. Sentencing is scheduled for July 20. Cassidy says most of Fruge’s victims preferred to not have to testify in court, but thought Fruge should have a felony on his record and not be allowed to teach again…

cut 10 (07) “his actions”

Fruge was facing numerous charges of sexual misconduct, but pleaded guilty to the lesser charge after parents of the victims requested the charges be reduced. Cassidy says all of the victims supported the plea. He says by pleading this quickly, it allows the victims and the Town of Elton to move on and let the healing begin…

cut 11 (08)  “or coach, again”

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The New Orleans Police Department says they’ve arrested a suspect in the killing of a Dominos pizza delivery driver. They say 24-year-old Michael Portis is believed to be responsible for the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Michael Price who was a married father of three. New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu says the community is sending a strong message…:

cut 12 (06)  “gonna convict you”

There was a $15,000 reward being offered in the case and cops say it was multiple tips to Crimestoppers which help lead detectives to Portis. Robert Redesco is the regional vice president for local Domino’s franchisee RPM Pizza LLC. He says their number one goal is to keep their team members safe…:

cut 13 (09)  “by voice”

Redesco says online donations for Price’s family have gone over $30,000 and there have also been several thousands of dollars given by Dominos chains across the region. Darlene Cusanza, president and CEO of Crimestoppers GNO says the entire $15,000 reward will be paid out…: (Portis is expected to face first-degree murder charges.)

cut 14 (06)  “a reward”