In a letter sent to Governor Edwards, US Senator John Kennedy expressed his concern over what he called an “inexcusable waste of taxpayer funds at the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.”  Kevin Barnhart has more…

Cut 1 (31)  I’m Kevin Barnhart“

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Working poor families can expect to get some extra cash on their 2019 tax returns as the result of one of the few bills to escape the special session. Connor Ferrill has the story.

Cut 2 (30) ”  I’m Connor Ferrill” 

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The “Caucus of No” is standing by their decision to block any revenue bill from being passed in the special session. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (31) “Im Matt Doyle”

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In a letter sent to Governor Edwards, US Senator John Kennedy expressed his concern over what he called an “inexcusable waste of taxpayer funds at the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission” based on a legislative audit.  Kennedy says the bulk of the problems appeared to have occurred under the leadership of Katara Williams, who has since been moved to a position with Southern University.

Cut 4  (10) “…to recover this money.” 

Among the fifteen areas of concern with the audit, Kennedy says there was 226.5 hours of overtime paid to one employee without any evidence to support the claim, sloppy travel records, and expenses for entertainment events.

Cut 5  (09)  “…essence festival tickets.”

In addition to wanting to know if the governor will recoup the funds spent, Kennedy also wants to know what the future hold for Williams, who now holds a high ranking position at Southern University.

Cut 6 (11) “…handle any money.”

Not only did Kennedy send his letter of concern to the governor, but he also sent a copy to President Donald Trump.

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The State Department of Wildlife and Fisheries seeks to get more people outdoors with a free fishing weekend. So Saturday and Sunday residents and visitors can fish Louisiana waters without an otherwise required fishing license. LDWF Spokesperson Rene LeBreton says they hope to attract new anglers…

Cut 7 (4)  “them hooked”

One reason why they have the free fishing weekend now, is so that a novice fisherman who enjoys their experience this weekend will decide to purchase a license and they would have it for more than a year …

Cut 8 (11)  “in june”

LeBreton says a quick visit to the LDWF website www.wlf.la.gov has lots of information for those who may not know where to get started…

Cut 9 (11)  “fishing locations”
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Low wage workers with kids will be getting a 40 to 50 dollar boost on their 2019 tax returns as the legislature approved an expansion of the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit. It’s all but guaranteed to be signed by the Governor. Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moller says it’ll help blunt the impact on the poor of relying on sales tax increases to fund budget gaps.

Cut 10 (12)   “afford it.”

Moller says the extra cash will go right into the pockets of thousands of Louisiana families.

Cut 11 (07) “2019 returns.”

The EITC was a bipartisan effort starting the 70s, but was substantially expanded during the Clinton administration. It’s often regarded as one of the more effective anti-poverty tools in the government arsenal, and Moller says despite initial House Republican opposition about the cost, the measure managed to get the governor’s desk.

Cut 12 (12) “workplace.”

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A group of anti-tax, pro cut Republicans in the House, named the “Caucus of No” by the Governor are standing their ground, defending their move to block any move to renew a portion of expiring sales taxes that hit June 30th. Jackson Representative Kenny Havard says that group has refused to work with other legislators to find a real, long term solution to the state’s perpetual budget woes.

Cut 13 (13)  “this problem” 

TOPS is facing a 30 percent cut, and higher ed is looking at 96 million dollars in reductions if additional revenue is not raised.

The Moderate Republican says most of the state is willing to raise some revenue if it means preserving programs like TOPS, funding universities, and keeping state agencies open. He says the obstruction, including Representative Alan Seabaugh’s filibuster to prevent a last second tax vote, may be playing well with their constituents, but it’s damaging to the rest of Louisiana.

A south Louisiana man is under arrest after allegedly stalking an ex, and setting a series of fires aimed at harassment.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Entergy recommends you set thermostat to 78 degrees for maximum savings on your electric bill. And most people say theres no way they’re going to bake at home if their AC is actually working, and a lot of folks are saying what’s the point of having AC if it doesn’t keep you comfy in the summer?

Cut 14 (08)  “*laughs*”

Erath Representative Blake Miguez says before another special session, the governor needs to sign the budget that’s on his desk to reassure the Medicaid patients who received cancellation notices that their programs will not be cut.

cut 8 (11) “a priority”

A bill sponsored by House GOP leader Lance Harris that would allow independent gas stations to sue larger gas station companies over unfair pricing has been vetoed by Governor John Bel Edwards. Although Governor Edwards said a in a veto note that the bill would’ve likely resulted in higher prices at the pump for drivers, Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat believes that was not the primary reason for the veto.

Cut 10 (11) “…the governor’s motives.”

Harris dismissed suggestions it was improper for him to push a proposal in which, as an independent gas station owner, would have a financial interest.

A bill sponsored by House GOP leader Lance Harris that would allow independent gas stations to sue larger gas station companies over unfair pricing has been vetoed by Governor John Bel Edwards. Harris owns a chain of gas stations in the Alexandria area and could have benefited from the bill.  Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the move may be retaliation on the part of the governor.

Cut 9 (10)  “…by the governor”

Although Governor Edwards said a in a veto note that the bill would’ve likely resulted in higher prices at the pump for drivers, Pinsonat believes that was not the primary reason for the veto.

Cut 10 (11) “…the governor’s motives.”

Harris dismissed suggestions it was improper for him to push a proposal in which, as an independent gas station owner, would have a financial interest.

Conservatives in the House are punching back again the Governor’s claims that they’re at fault for the legislative gridlock and partisan conflicts that ground down yet another special session. Erath Representative Blake Miguez says after a House tax plan that raised 400 dollars was rejected, some Republicans may be losing interest in voting for any revenue measure.

Cut 6 (09)  “tax increase”

Without additional revenue, TOPS would be cut by 30 percent, higher ed would see 96 million in cuts.

Governor Edwards has labeled a group of anti-tax, pro budget cut hardliners the “caucus of no” for rejecting compromise tax plans. But Miguez says the votes were there for GOP House Chairman Lance Harris bill which would have raised 300-million dollars….

Cut 7 (10)  “compromise bill”

A bill sponsored by House GOP leader Lance Harris that would allow independent gas stations to sue larger gas station companies over unfair pricing has been vetoed by Governor John Bel Edwards. Harris owns a chain of gas stations in the Alexandria area and could have benefited from the bill.  Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s probably retaliation.

Cut 9 (10) “…by the governor”

Conservatives in the House are punching back again the Governor’s claims that they’re at fault for the legislative gridlock and partisan conflicts that ground down yet another special session. Erath Representative Blake Miguez says after a House tax plan that raised 400 million dollars was rejected, some Republicans may be losing interest in voting for any revenue measure.

Cut 6 (09)  “tax increase”

Without additional revenue, TOPS would be cut by 30 percent, higher ed would see 96 million in cuts.

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An Opelousas man is under arrest after allegedly setting a series of fires targeted at harassing his ex-girlfriend. 35-year-old Austin Ceasar was slapped with a series of Arson related charges after authorities found evidence that connected him to three fires dating back to March 9^th. State Fire Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodriquez says a neighbor caught him committing the first arson.

Cut 3 (12)   “that home.” 

Entergy recommends you set thermostat to 78 degrees for maximum savings on your electric bill. For most people…. That’s not going to happen…. Most folks surveyed said they didn’t have a problem leaving the temperature at 78 while they were at work, but nearly everyone said…

Cut 13 (08) “at all” 

Entergy says each degree below 78 will add approximately 3-percent to the cost of your electric bill.

Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed a bill by House Republican Delegation Chairman Lance Harris. Harris owns a chain of gas stations in the Alexandria area and the bill would have allowed independent gas stations to sue larger gas station companies over unfair pricing. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the veto is part of the partisan games being played in Baton Rouge…
cut 11 (12) “…for him”

Meanwhile, Governor Edwards has labeled a group of anti-tax, pro budget cut hardliners the “caucus of no.” But Erath Representative Blake Miguez says the votes were there for Harris sales tax bill, but the governor wanted even more tax dollars…
cut 7 (10) “….compromise bill”

A south Louisiana man is under arrest after allegedly stalking an ex, and setting a series of fires aimed at harassment.
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Entergy recommends you set thermostat to 78 degrees for maximum savings on your electric bill. For most people…. That’s not going to happen….
Cut 12 (10) “outside”
Entergy says each degree below 78 will add approximately 3-percent to the cost of your electric bill.

We’ve have yet to hear if Governor Edwards will veto the budget approved in the the second special session. Edwards is likely to call a third special session this year to see if legislators can approve a sales tax bill that would generate 500-million dollars, so that TOPS, higher ed, department of corrections and children and family services are fully funded. Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh says instead of a third special session, the governor could reduce state spending so TOPS is fully funded…
cut 13 (11) “…on Medicaid”

Meanwhile, Bogalusa Representative Malinda White says she will not accept her pay for a third special session. White says she’ll donate the money to the youth services bureau of Washington and St. Tammany Parish, which helps vulnerable children. White’s donation is expected to be about 15-hundred dollars.

Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed House Republican Caucus Chairman Lance Harris’ legislation that would allow independent gas stations to sue large gas station companies over unfair pricing. Edwards said in his veto message the bill would lead to higher prices at the pump. But political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says that was probably not the primary reason for the veto…
cut 10 (11) “…governor’s motives”
Edwards and Harris have clashed over legislation and policy since the governor’s term started.

35-year-old Austin Ceaser has been arrested on multiple counts after he allegedly set three fires over a three-month period. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says he attempted to light up his ex-girlfriend’s hosue, her father’s truck and her parents house. Rodrigue says Ceasar had been wanted since March….
cut 4 (09) “…be located”
No one was injured in any of the fires.

House GOP leader Lance Harris’ bill that would allow independent gas stations to sue larger gas station companies over unfair pricing has been vetoed by Governor John Bel Edwards. Harris owns a chain of gas stations in the Alexandria area and could have benefited from the measure. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the move may be political retaliation…
Cut 9 (10) “…by the governor”
Edwards said in the veto message that Harris’ legislation would increase fuel prices.

State Fire Marshal’s office announces the arrest of a south Louisiana man who allegedly set three fires over three months time. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says Austin Blake Ceasar was upset with an ex-girlfriend and the last fire happened at a home in Ville Platte…
cut 5 (12) “…garden hose”
Ceasar faces several charges including aggravated arson.

House Republicans are fighting the Governor’s claims that their “caucus of no” is responsible for the legislative gridlock. Kevin Barnhart.
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s office says a 44-year-old Denham Springs woman was fatally stabbed by 33-year-old Christopher Glenn in a domestic violence attack. Spokesperson Lori Steele says Tosha Smith was stabbed multiple times and another woman was also injured…
cut 15 (08) “…local hosptital”
Steele says multiple children were inside the Denham Springs home too.

As it stands now, TOPS students will have to pay 30-percent of their tuition next school year, unless more revenue is raised before June 30th. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says if students and families want it fully funded, get involved in the legislative process…
cut 11 (11) “…at risk”
A third special session for 2018 is expected this month to see if legislators can muster enough votes to approve a sales tax bill, so that TOPS and higher education is fully funded.

Livingston Parish deputies arrested 33-year-old Christopher Glenn of Denham Springs after he allegedly stabbed 44-year-old Tosha Smith multiple times…
cut 14 (05) “…in that incident’
That’s Livingston Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson Lori Steel, who says another woman was also injured and several children were inside the home at the time of the attack in Denham Springs.

A south Louisiana man is under arrest after allegedly stalking an ex, and setting a series of fires aimed at harassment.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Public school teachers in Monroe will receive a two-percent pay raise next school year, their first increase in ten years. Superintendent Brent Vidrine hopes the increase will boost morale.

There’s still a lot of hard feelings after the second special session ended on a contentious note, and legislators are now prepping for round three…
Cut 3 (31) “Im Matt Doyle”

20-year-old Stephon Perkins of Shreveport has been arrested after he allegedly tried to run over an officer during a pursuit that ended in Bossier City. Police say Perkins failed to stop during an attempted traffic stop and eventually crashed his vehicle into a patrol unit. A Shreveport office fired his weapon, striking Perkins in the elbow. No officers were injured.

A south Louisiana man has been arrested after he allegedly set three different fires during a three month period. State Fire Marshal office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says 35-year-old Austin Blake Ceasar set fire to his ex-girlfriend’s house, her father’s truck and her parents’ house…
cut 5 (12) “…garden hose”
Rodrigue says Ceasar harassed his ex-girlfriend and her family since the first fire in March, even though there there was an active protective order against him.

If you are looking to save on utility costs during this hot summer, Entergy Customer Service Manager Patrick Hamby recommends efficient lighting in your home….
cut 8 (07) “….traditional lighting”
Hamby says also suggests keeping the thermostat at 78-degrees.

The Edwards administration is sounding the alarm about the cuts that would need to be enforced, if the House does not pass a sales tax bill that generates 500 million dollars in revenue. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the budget that passed the legislature calls for massive cuts to popular state programs, without the additional funding.

Cut 10 (08)   “housing.”

As of now TOPS is facing a 30-percent cut, higher ed would receive a 96-million dollar cut.

State Representative Malinda White of Bogalusa says she’s taking action by donating her per diem for the next special session. While refusing the check isn’t possible under the current system, she’s reinvesting the funds into her district, saying she will not let political agendas cost the taxpayers more than it has to.

Cut 6 (10) “…need to be upset about it.”

An Opelousas man is under arrest after allegedly setting a series of fires targeted at harassing his ex-girlfriend. 35-year-old Austin Ceasar was slapped with a series of Arson related charges after authorities found evidence that connected him to three fires dating back to March 9^th. State Fire Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodriquez says a neighbor caught him committing the first arson.

Cut 3 (12)   “that home.” 

Caesar is being held at the St. Landry Parish Jail after turning himself in on June 2nd^.

Livingston Parish deputies were informed about a domestic dispute and dispatched to a Denham Springs home around 1 am Tuesday morning.  Sheriff’s office spokesperson Lori Steel, says the results were a deadly tragedy witnessed by several children, but thankfully none of the kids were harmed.

Cut 16 (08) “…see often times.”