Higher ed officials are welcoming the new budget that preserves university and TOPS funding. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 1 (30) I’m Matt Doyle.“

But Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh says the legislature’s decision to renew nearly half an expiring one-cent sales tax will be bad for Louisiana’s economy….
cut 12 (06) “…thousand jobs”
The new state sales tax rate of 4.45 percent will go into effect Saturday.

The Vatican announces Bishop Michael Duca, the current Bishop of Shreveport, is leaving to replace Bishop Robert Muench, who is retiring as the leader of the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Duca has been Bishop of Shreveport since May of 2008.

Homicide detectives in Pointe Coupee Parish are looking to make an arrest in the death of a 20-year-old woman who was found dead in her home in Fordoche yesterday morning. Sheriff Bud Torres says they have a person of interest…
cut 14 (10) “…standpoint”
Torres says they believe a baseball bat was used to kill Madeline Falgout.

New Orleans police arrest a 36-year-old man after he allegedly stabbed two people after his drink was knocked over at a Bourbon Street bar. Authorities say Gomes-Taylor Dumar used a knife to cut a teenager and stabbed a 36-year-old man. Both victims were taken to the hospital, but there has not been an update on their conditions.

Louisiana’s sales tax rate will drop from five-percent to 4.45 percent on Saturday. But Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh takes issue with the governor’s claim that it’s a tax cut, because the sales tax was scheduled to go down to four-percent on July 1st.
Cut 10 (10) “dice it.”

And according to the Tax Foundation, the state’s new combined state and local sales tax will still be the highest in the country at 9.47-percent, slightly higher than Tennessee. But Tax Foundation economist Scott Drenkard says Louisiana ranks much lower when it comes to property and state income taxes…
cut 9 (13) “…six percent”

The Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff’s office is hoping to make an arrest soon in the the death of a 20-year-old woman. Sheriff Bud Torres says their investigation started yesterday morning….
cut 13 (07) “….foul play”
The victim has been identified as Madeline Falgout and Torres says the murder weapon appears to be a baseball bat and detectives have a person of interest.

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s deputies believe a man and woman found shot in a vehicle along I-55 north near Amite is a possible attempt at murder-suicide. At last report, both subjects are in critical, but yet stable condition. And the sheriff’s office says the two individuals are not local residents.

Higher ed officials are welcoming the new budget that preserves university and TOPS funding. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30)  I’m Matt Doyle.“

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Even with the sales tax plan that will see the state sales tax rate go from 5 percent to 4.45 percent coming up July 1^st, Louisiana residents still pay the most expensive sales tax rate in the nation.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) ”  I’m Kevin Barnhart.” 

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GOP lawmakers who voted against the final tax bill are speaking out against the legislation that sets the sales tax at 4.45 percent. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Higher education is celebrating the passage of the budget and tax plan that saves universities and TOPS from further budget cuts. Without the passage of the 4.45 percent sales tax, TOPS was on the block for a 30 percent cut, with higher ed looking at tens of millions in reduced funding. Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Kim Reed says a mobilization of students helped push the bill over the finish line.

Cut 4  (09) “phone bank.”

TOPS once again avoided any structural changes, despite early session pushes to raise the academic bar for qualification. The solvency of the scholarship will likely continue to be an issue though, with record numbers of students now qualifying for the program, due to increased test scores in Louisiana high schools. Reed says that shouldn’t deter lawmakers from continuing funding.

Cut 5  (09)  “preparation.”

Reed says now that the system has stabilized funding, they can get to work building on their recent success and increasing the quality of education in the state.

Cut 6 (07) “education.”

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Even with the sales tax plan that will see the state sales tax rate go from 5 percent to 4.45 percent coming up July 1^st, economist from the Tax Foundation, Scott Drenkard, says residents still pay the most expensive sales tax rate in the nation.

Cut 7 (12)  “…ahead of Tennessee.”

Drenkard says often it’s the local retailers that feel the biggest negative impact when it comes to the high sales tax rate.

Cut 8 (07)  “…sales tax areas.”

While the sales tax rate being as high as it is in the state, Drenkard says Louisiana does have more desirable tax rates in other areas, such as property taxes and income taxes.

Cut 9 (13)  “…at six percent.”

______________________________________________

The sales tax bill that fully funds healthcare and higher ed passed with two thirds support, but those who voted nay are speaking out against the legislation that raises 466 million dollars and sets the sales tax rate at 4.45 percent. Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh takes issue with the governor’s claim that it’s a tax cut, just because it means a half cent lower sales tax than Louisiana had last year.

Cut 10 (10)   “dice it.”

Seabaugh made headlines during the last special session when he filibustered a last second attempt to vote on a tax deal that reportedly would have passed, guaranteeing that another special session would be called.

The tax plan came a long way from February, when it had little to no support from Republican legislators, but many of the GOP caucus members who eventually backed the tax bill say they couldn’t let crucial state services get axed. Despite those public statements, Seabaugh believes many Republicans were strong armed, or bribed into supporting legislation that he says is a tax increase.

Cut 11 (11) “people off.”

More than half of the GOP legislative caucus supported the final tax bill.

Seabaugh says the Governor’s tax plan will end up running people out of the state.

Cut 12 (06) “thousand jobs”

The interview was conducted on a Shreveport radio station.

______________________________________

A 20-year-old girl was found dead in her home in Fordoche, with investigators saying there appeared to be no forced entry. Madeline Falgout was discovered in the residence around 1045AM yesterday. The cause of death has not been officially determined, and Point Coupee Parish Sherriff Bud Torres says he suspects someone else was involved.

Cut 13 (07)  “foul play.” 

As of now, police suspect the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head.

No arrests have been made, nor are investigators sure what the motive for the crime may have been, but Torres says they may have narrowed down the list of suspects to people who were close to Falgout.

Following two years and seven special sessions, the state now has a path forward on revenue that as of now provides enough money to fully fund most state services at current levels. The finalizing of a compromise 4.45 percent sales tax last night has many people, including Political Analyst Clancy DuBos, relived to be past the constant threats of deep cuts to higher ed and healthcare.

Cut 6 (12)  “permanent fix.”

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

cut 9 (12)  “…between 100 to 110.”

The legislature has appropriated four-million dollars to begin operating a new juvenile justice facility in Bunkie. Once fully funded at 12 million dollars, the site will host 72 beds, and emphasizes rehabilitation methods to deal with young offenders. Office of Juvenile Justice Deputy Secretary Dr. James Bueche (Bush) says he trusts that, if the new facility gets fully funded, they’ll be able to show the same positive results that have been produced in other states.

Cut 5  (10) “manner.”

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

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

After two years and seven special sessions, the state now has a path forward on revenue that as of now provides enough money to fully fund most state services at their current levels. Most of the tax plan has a seven-year sunset, setting up another round of budget battles in 2025, unless a permanent tax reform plan can be enacted. There’s growing interest in a constitutional convention to facilitate that reform, but Political Analyst Clancy DuBos says many opponents are worried about just who would run the convention.

cut 8 (11) “for everybody”

Summer is back with a vengeance as State Climatologist Barry Keim tells us we can expect higher than normal temperatures through the week due to a high pressure system in the Gulf of Mexico which will see higher humidity levels and reduced cloud cover. Keim does recommend to utilize caution with such intense heat in the area.
Cut 11 (07) “…just a bit”

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

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

After a stop at a gas station in Grand Coteau this weekend, someone is now $2 million richer.  This particular convenience store has produced other big winners in recent months and news of the luck of the establishment appears to have gotten around.  The 1 Stop store owner, Nasir Sohail says more people are showing up at his business with high hopes.  The ticket sold over the weekend has yet to be claimed.  Sohail explains that although this particular winner didn’t match up all the numbers with the recent drawing, it was enough to land the sizable prize.
Cut 13 (10) “…with a power play.” 

The newly passed budget and tax plan has Louisianans taking stock of the two brutal years of fiscal uncertainty that led to last night’s compromise deal. Jeff Palermo has more.
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

A man and woman are in critical condition after being found shot on the side of I-55 in the Amite area.  First responders were dispatched for a welfare check and found the two wounded by a vehicle on I-55 North.  The man was airlifted to the hospital and the woman was taken by ambulance.  The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating the shooting.

The legislature has appropriated four-million dollars to begin operating a new juvenile justice facility in Bunkie. Once fully funded at 12 million dollars, the site will host 72 beds, and emphasize rehabilitation methods to deal with young offenders. Office of Juvenile Justice Deputy Secretary Dr. James Bueche (Bush) says the new location will build on modern therapeutic research that shows better outcomes for kids who get a good education while being treated, and receive specialized care.

Cut 4  (09) “the dorm.”

After a stop at a gas station in Grand Coteau this weekend, someone is now $2 million richer.  The St. Landry Parish store has produced other big winners in recent months.  Among those that have found luck there is The 1 Stop store owner himself, Nasir Sohail, who in December won $350,000 playing the Louisiana Lottery.  He is also expecting a kickback from this most recent win at his store.

Cut 14 (08)  “…still getting lucky.”

After two years and seven special sessions, the state now has a path forward on revenue that as of now provides enough money to fully fund most state services at their current levels. The finalizing of a compromise 4.45 percent sales tax last night has many people, including Political Analyst Clancy DuBos, relived to be past the constant threats of deep cuts to higher ed and healthcare.

Cut 6 (12)  “permanent fix.”

Summer is back with a vengeance as State Climatologist Barry Keim tells us we can expect higher than normal temperatures through the week due to a high pressure system in the Gulf of Mexico which will see higher humidity levels and reduced cloud cover. Keim does recommend to utilize caution with such intense heat in the area.
Cut 11 (07) “…just a bit”

The budget approved last night in the legislature OK’d four million dollars to get a new juvenile justice facility up and running in Bunkie. Once fully funded at 12 million dollars, the site will host 72 beds, and utilize the Missouri Model that emphasizes rehabilitation methods to deal with young offenders. Office of Juvenile Justice Deputy Secretary Dr. James Bueche says he trusts that if the new facility gets fully funded, they’ll be able to show the same positive results that have been produced in other states.
Cut 5  (10) “manner.”
High school diploma programs, and vocational training will be offered.

After a stop at a gas station in Grand Coteau this weekend, someone is now $2 million richer.  This particular convenience store has produced other big winners in recent months and news of the luck of the establishment appears to have gotten around.  The 1 Stop store owner, Nasir Sohail says more people are showing up at his business with high hopes.  The ticket sold over the weekend has yet to be claimed.  Sohail explains that although this particular winner didn’t match up all the numbers with the recent drawing, it was enough to land the sizable prize.
Cut 13 (10) “…with a power play.” 

Two people were found shot in a parked vehicle on Interstate 55 near the Amite overpass. That’s according to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s office, who has deputies at the scene and State Police is assisting with traffic. Motorists should expect to see delays in the area.

The Pointe Coupee Sheriff’s office is investigating the death of a 20-year-old woman. Investigators say the door of the home belonging to Madeline Falgout was kicked in and she was found unresponsive inside her home at 10:45 this morning. No arrests have been made.

The calendar says It’s the first full week of summer and State Climatologist Barry Keim says it sure feels like it outside….
cut 10 (13) “…this time of year”
Political analyst Clancy Dubos says the big winner from the third special session is the public. That’s because lawmakers approved a sales tax plan that fully funds TOPS, public colleges, the food stamp program and health care. And Dubos says the state sales tax rate will go down just over a half-percent on Saturday….
cut 7 (10) “…this program”

The legislature appropriated four-million dollars to begin operating a new juvenile justice facility in Bunkie. Once fully funded at 12 million dollars, the site will host 72 beds. Office of Juvenile Justice Deputy Secretary Dr. James Bueche (Bush) says there other facilites are outdated….
Cut 3 (12) “those facilities.”
The facility will house juvenile offenders who have been classified as a threat to the community, and not eligible for community based rehab.

The special session came to a close last night with lawmakers approving legislation that fully funds TOPS, higher ed, health care and reduces cuts in corrections, juvenile justice and other areas. Governor John Bel Edwards…
cut 15 (09) “:…compromise is”
Edwards says the legislature’s decision to set the sales tax rate at 4.45 percent until July 2025, will give the state budget stability for the next seven years.

Political analyst Clancy Dubos expects to see a continuing effort for a constitutional convention, which several lawmakers say is needed for more budget and tax reform. But Dubos…
cut 8 (11) “…for everybody”

The state legislature has appropriated the four-million dollars needed to begin operating a juvenile justice facility in Bunkie. Office of Juvenile Justice Deputy Secretary Doctor James Bueche says young offenders at this facility will receive good education and specialized care…
cut 4 (09) “….the dorm”
Bueche says once fully funded, the facility will house 72 individuals.

After a stop at a gas station in Grand Coteau this weekend, someone is now $2 million richer. The St. Landry Parish convenience store has produced other big lottery winners in recent months and news of the luck at the establishment has gotten around. .
Cut 12 (08) “…somebody got lucky again.”
The 1 Stop store owner, Nasir Sohail, says he won 350-thousand dollars in December playing Louisiana Lotto, while no one has yet to claim the two-million dollar Powerball ticket from this past weekend.

With a new fiscal year set to begin on Saturday, state lawmakers finally agreed on a sales tax plan that prevents Louisiana from going over the fiscal cliff, which would have resulted in deep cuts to colleges, TOPS and public safety programs. Governor John Bel Edwards says he will sign the measure that renews .45 percent of an expiring one-cent sales tax…

cut 16 (12) “…divides us”

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

cut 9 (12)  “…between 100 to 110.”

The budget approved last night in the legislature OK’d four million dollars to get a new juvenile justice facility up and running in Bunkie. Once fully funded at 12 million dollars, the site will host 72 beds, and utilize the Missouri Model that emphasizes rehabilitation methods to deal with young offenders. Office of Juvenile Justice Deputy Secretary Dr. James Bueche says it provides relief to an overburdened system.

Cut 3 (12) “those facilities.”

The facility will house juvenile offenders who have been classified as a threat to the community, and thus are not eligible for community based rehabilitation.