The Senate passed a budget, and a sales tax bill to pay for it last night, that fully funds TOPS, higher ed, and healthcare. The tax bill raises 508 million dollars by renewing half of the expiring penny sales tax, and eliminating some business tax deductions. Senate Finance Chairman Eric LaFleur says it’s a compromise he hopes everyone can be content with.
Cut 13 (07) “solid policy”
The House has yet to say whether they’ll accept or reject the Senate’s budget and tax plan. Behind the scenes negotiations are ongoing.

It won’t help next fiscal year, but executive director of the Louisiana Casino Association Wade Duty says the state will benefit from a bill signed into law that allows riverboat casinos to move gaming operations on to land…
cut 5 (09) “…..for the state”
Duty anticipates a handful of the state’s 15 licensed riverboat casinos will push to take advantage of the new law over the next year.

Three people are accused of a widespread livestock theft ring with quite the price tag. State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the husband and wife, Rickey and Wanda Thompson of Pitkin, along with their son Justin Thompson, are accused of the thefts that occurred from August to October of 2017.
Cut 9 (08) “…one million dollars”
Ricky and Wanda Thompson have turned themselves in to the Allen Parish Jail, however Justin Thompson has yet to surrender to authorities.

The American Cancer Society is now recommending that average-risk adults get a colorectal cancer screening at age 45, five years earlier than the previous recommendation. A co-author of that report is Elizabeth Fontham from LSU Health New Orleans, who says there are six different tests that screen for the disease…
cut 8 (09) “…missing anything visually”
Fontham says among adults younger than 55 years, there was a 51-percent increase in the incident of colorectal cancer.

The Senate has agreed to a budget and tax plan that would fully fund healthcare and higher ed. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 3 (30) “Im Matt Doyle”

The LSU baseball team’s season ended last night with a 12-0 loss to Oregon State. The Tigers who battled numerous injuries, mainly to their pitching staff, finished with a 39-27 record. It’s the first time they haven’t made it past Regionals since 2014. Northwestern State’s season also ended yesterday with a 9-5 loss to LSU.

The American Cancer Society has new guidelines recommending earlier screenings for colorectal cancer, bumping the previously recommended age from 50, down to 45. LSU Health New Orleans School of Public Health founding dean Dr. Elizabeth Fontham, says there’s been an alarming new trend…
Cut 7 (:12) “…at least fifty years old.”
Colorectal cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer, and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths.

Entergy Louisiana agrees to purchase solar power from a yet to be constructed plant in West Baton Rouge Parish. Entergy Lousiaina CEO Phillip May says the purchasing plan is estimated to save 29-million dollars over the life of the 20 year agreement…
cut 12 (08) “…megawatt project”
The solar power plant is expected to be up and running by March 2020.

The state senate approved a 29-billion dollar budget last night and the upper chamber also agreed to a sales tax bill that would generate 540-million dollars so that higher education, TOPS and major health programs would be spared from cuts. It remains to be seen if the House will agree to the Senate proposals and Republicans like Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt want to cut government spending….
cut 15 (12) “…point one”
The special session ends at midnight tonight.

Governor Edwards has signed one of the marquee bills of the regular session, which will allow riverboat casinos to move gaming operations on land. Executive director of the Louisiana Casino Association, Wade Duty, says the upcoming investments will help the state’ bottom line…
cut 6 (09) “….increases concurrently”

The American Cancer Society now recommends that average-risk adults get screened for colorectal cancer at 45, five years earlier than the previous recommendation. Elizabeth Fontham with LSU Health New Orleans says among adults younger than 55 years, there was a 51-percent increase in the incident of colorectal cancer, so getting screened earlier in life can save lives….
cut 9 (09) “….in to cancer”

Entergy Louisiana has an agreement to buy power from a yet to be constructed solar power plant in West Baton Rouge Parish. Entergy CEO Phillip May says the solar project will produce enough electricity to power about 95-hundred homes…
cut 11 (11) “….Louisiana”
Entergy Louisiana customers are expected to save an estimated 29-million over the life of the contract.

It’s the last day of the special session, so can legislators come to an agreement on a budget and a sales tax bill that would generate hundreds of millions of dollars. The Senate’s plan calls for fully funding higher education, TOPS and major health care programs, while the House supports a lower state sales tax rate and a reduction in state spending.

Now that Governor John Bel Edwards has signed into law a measure allowing riverboat casinos to come ashore, when will it happen? Matt Doyle has more…
Voicer 1 (30) I”m Matt Doyle“

Entergy Louisiana is planning on purchasing solar power generated by a solar farm that’s set to be the largest such facility in the state. The facility by Eagle Solar Group will be based in West Baton Rouge Parish, and should be up and running by 2020. Entergy Louisiana CEO Phillip May says it’s a huge project and a 20 year agreement.
Cut 10 (08) “homes”
The purchasing plan is estimated to save customers 29 million dollars over the life of the contract.

The American Cancer Society is now recommending that average-risk adults get a colorectal cancer screening at age 45, five years earlier than the previous recommendation. A co-author of that report is Elizabeth Fontham, who says there are six different tests that screen for the disease…
cut 8 (09) “…missing anything visually”

The special session must end at midnight tonight and the House will come in this morning to consider a 29-billion dollar budget approved by the Senate last night that fully funds TOPS, higher ed, hospitals and nursing homes. A half-a-cent renewal of an expiring penny state sales tax was also approved by the Senate to stave off deep cuts. Senate Finance Chairman Eric LaFleur…
cut 14 (08) “…state government”

It won’t help next fiscal year, but executive director of the Louisiana Casino Association Wade Duty says the state will benefit from a bill signed into law that allows riverboat casinos to move gaming operations on to land…
cut 5 (09) “…..for the state”
Duty anticipates a handful of the state’s 15 licensed riverboat casinos will push to take advantage of the new law over the next year.

If you’re 45 and think you can wait until your 50′s to get a colorectal scan, a new report says you’re wrong. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Voicer 2 (26) ” I’m Kevin Barnhart”

One of the three co-owners of Explo Systems has died just days before he and two others were set to go on trial for charges related to the abandonment of tons of potentially explosive artillery propellant at Camp Minden in Webster Parish. A decision has not been announced on whether the trial will proceed.

LSU’s baseball season ended last night with a 12-0 loss to Oregon State.

The Senate passed a budget, and a sales tax bill to pay for it last night, that fully funds TOPS, higher ed, and healthcare. The tax bill raises 508 million dollars by renewing half of the expiring penny sales tax, and eliminating some business tax deductions. Senate Finance Chairman Eric LaFleur of Ville Platte says it’s a compromise he hopes everyone can be content with.
Cut 13 (07) “solid policy”
But not everyone is content with the proposal, which also must get House approval today, the last day of the special session. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says the Senate spending bill is higher than the current fiscal year…
cut 15 (12) “….nine point one”
The House is set to meet at 9:00. It’s likely the budget and tax bill will need to go to a conference committee on this the final day of the special session.

Governor John Bel Edwards signed legislation allowing riverboat casinos to move up to 12-hundred feet onto land from their current berth space. Executive Director of the Louisiana Casino Association Wade Duty says riverboat casinos will not come ashore immediately, as there’s regulatory work to do and operators have to design and come up with financing…
Cut 4 (10) “next year”
Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns, says the Shreveport-Bossier City market will benefit the most, because they face tough competition from Oklahoma, where Indian tribes are building huge casinos.

LSU’s baseeball season ended last night with a 12-0 loss to Oregon State. Earlier in the day, LSU rallied for a nine-to-five win over Northwestern State to eliminate the Demons.

Now that Governor John Bel Edwards has signed into law a measure allowing riverboat casinos to come ashore, when will it happen? Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 1 (30)  I”m Matt Doyle“

______________________________________

If you’re 45 and think you can wait until your 50’s to get a colorectal scan, a new report from LSU Health says you’re wrong. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (26) ”  I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

_______________________________________________.

The Senate has agreed to a budget and tax plan that would fully fund healthcare and higher ed. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “Im Matt Doyle”

______________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards signed legislation allowing riverboat casinos to move up to 12-hundred feet onto land from their current berth space. Executive Director of the Louisiana Casino Association Wade Duty says riverboat casinos will not come ashore  immediately, as there’s some regulatory work to do and operators have to design and come up with financing…

Cut 4  (10) “next year” 

Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns, says the Shreveport-Bossier City market will benefit the most, because they face tough competition from Oklahoma, where Indian tribes are building huge casinos. Duty says this is the first major change in Louisiana since casino gambling was legalized in 1991…

Cut 5  (09)  “for the state”

Duty says the upcoming investments made by the casino industry will help the state’s bottom line…

Cut 6 (09) “increases concurrently”

__________________________________________________

The American Cancer Society has new guidelines recommending earlier screenings for colorectal cancer, bumping the previously recommended age from 50, down to 45.  LSU Health New Orleans School of Public Health founding dean Dr. Elizabeth Fontham, says there’s been an alarming new trend…

Cut 7 (:12)  “…at least fifty years old.”

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer, and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths.  There are six different tests that screen for the disease, but one everyone knows.

Cut 8 (:09)  “…missing anything visually.”

The American Cancer Society recommends the average adult undergo regular screening with any of the six testing options, with the hope more screenings would save lives.

Cut 9 (:09)  “…in to cancer”

A colonoscopy is recommended once every ten years.

___________________________________________________

Entergy Louisiana is planning on purchasing solar power generated by a solar farm that’s set to be the largest such facility in the state. The facility by Eagle Solar Group will be based in West Baton Rouge Parish, and should be up and running by 2020. Entergy Louisiana CEO Phillip May says it’s a huge project and a 20 year agreement.

Cut 10 (08)   “homes”

The purchasing plan is estimated to save customers 29 million dollars over the life of the contract. May says it’s a great opportunity for customers, and expands Entergy’s diverse renewable energy portfolio, the he says is one of the most impressive in the nation.

Cut 11 (11) “Louisiana”

May says solar is beginning to become remarkable cost effective, depending on the area.

Cut 12 (08) “magawatt Project”

The project is pending regulatory approval by the Public Service Commission.

_____________________________________

The Senate passed a budget, and a tax bill to pay for it, that fully funds TOPS, higher ed, and healthcare. The tax bill raises 508 million dollars by renewing half of the expiring penny sales tax, and eliminating some business tax deductions. Ville Platte Senator Eric LaFleur says it’s a compromise that he hopes everyone can be content with.

Cut 13 (07)  “solid policy” 

Governor John Bel Edwards praised the legislation, saying “Louisiana has moved one step closer to avoiding catastrophic cuts.”

If adopted, the state sales tax would drop from the current five percent to 4.5 percent. LaFleur says late night talks with department heads led to tens of millions of dollars being freed up that could be passed back to taxpayers in tax breaks.

The legislature is scrambling to find a solution to the impending 648 million dollar fiscal cliff, with the Senate planning to take up tax and budget bills tomorrow, leaving the House just one day to concur with any Senate backed plans before a Monday midnight deadline when the session must end. A Senate revenue bill raises enough money to avoid cuts, but Political Analyst Pinsonat says several GOP Representatives have already said they will not vote for the Senate version…
Cut 13 (12) “can pass”
If the two chambers cannot agree on a budget and tax plan by 12PM Monday night, another special session will be called.

LSU takes on Oregon State tonight in a winner’s bracket game of the Corvallis Regional. The Tigers eliminated the Beavers from the College World Series last season, meanwhile Northwestern State will look to stave off elimination when they face San Diego State at 3 PM.

Governor Edwards signed River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot’s nursing home camera bill, as it breezed through the legislature. The law allows families to place remotely accessible cameras in their loved ones nursing home rooms for monitoring. Talbot says before you rush to grab that grandma cam, you need to talk to their roommate.
Cut 9 (07) “no issue”
The legislation was inspired by a nursing home incident where a family suspected that the staff was physically abusing their relative,.

Louisiana authorities are looking for 50-year-old Meshell Hale of Slaughter, who is accused of poisoning a man for a 10-thousand dollar life insurance payment. Originally, officials though 50-year-old Damian Skipper died from a heart attack in 2015. His body was exhumed and his death has now been reclassified as a homicide. Authorities also believe Hale poisoned her real husband Arthur Noflin. His body was found in the back of a burned out a truck in New Orleans in 2016.

Tomorrow will be a big day in the Senate as the upper chamber will vote on a sales tax bill that will decide the fate of the 648 million dollar fiscal cliff that threatens to wreck higher ed, TOPS, and healthcare. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says whatever the Senate agrees too, will need House approval before the special session ends Monday at midnight.
Cut 12 (09) “question”
If the two chambers cannot agree on a budget and tax plan by midnight Monday night, another special session will be called, costing tax payers tens of thousands of dollars a day.

Jefferson Parish deputies arrest a gymnastics coach for allegedly inappropriately touching at least four young boys over a span of two years. Twenty-six-year-old Jonathan West worked at Flipnastics in Luling and investigators say his victims were between the ages of 10 and 15.

The Governor signs legislation that allows families to put cameras in their relative’s nursing home rooms. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Voicer 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Hurricane season has officially begun. The Governor’s Office of Homeland Secrurity and Emergency Preparedness spokesperson Mike Steele encourages residents to visit getagameplan.org to get an idea of what kind of items you need in a supply kit…
cut 8 (09) “medical information”
And this will be the hottest weekend of the year as high temperatures will be in the mid to upper 90s, with the heath index reaching the triple digits.

There’s just three days left in the special session, so will legislators come to an agreement on a budget and a sales tax bill that depending on what the House and Senate do, can generate hundreds of million dollars to address the fiscal cliff. The Senate version is more lucrative, because it eliminates more sales tax exemptions that benefit businesses. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat is optimistic a deal can be reached…
cut 14 (10) “..solutions”
The full Senate is set to vote on the sales tax bill and a budget proposal tomorrow.

State Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents captured a big Louisiana black bear in the back yard of a home in Winnfield. Sheriff Cranford Jordan says it’s the first bear that he can remember in Winnfield and it had residents a little nervous. The bear was tranquilized and tagged and will be released into a wildlife area.

The so-called “Granny cam” bill has been signed into law. The legislation allows families to install a camera in their loved ones’ nursing home rooms, if certain requirements are met, including getting permission from the roommate if there are two people living in that room. River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot says the cameras are not too pricey, but you’ll need a cellular data plan…
cut 10 (08) “…do that”
By January 1st, nursing homes will have to provide information to nursing home residents and legal guardians on how the cameras can be installed.

A scathing audit has been released that alleges the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission allowed an excessive amount of overtime pay and travel expenses, misused state and federal dollars and failed to track employee leave. Katara Williams was the executive director at that time and new Commission Director Lisa Freeman says the audit will be used as a blueprint to overhaul the agency.