Taxes are down 14 percent for utility companies in the wake of the federal tax overhaul, but Louisianans haven’t seen lower rates. The Public Service Commission says they anticipate lower rates as a result, but Commissioner Lambert Boissierre says you could be waiting until summer to see the change.The commissioner says the tax overhaul effected a wide variety of different companies that Louisiana residents rely on.

Cut 9 (11)  “These companies.” (2X)

Boissierre disagrees with the commission’s estimates for when rate changes could take place, and feels utility companies have the ability to begin cutting rates immediately.

The house of representatives was burning the late night oil at the capitol last night. The house ways and means committee agreed to send vital legislation forward in an effort to plug a billion dollar plus budget hole, by agreeing to rein in tax breaks for middle and upper income people who itemize their taxes. The vote last night is the first significant movement on tax raising issues the special session was called for. The measures now move to the full house for their consideration.

Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator is asking the Caddo Parish School Board, to allow some faculty and administrators to carry guns on campus.  Most Caddo Parish schools have a security guard or a resource officer, but he feels it’s not enough.  Prator says schools are an open door to criminals with weapons…

Teacher union groups oppose Prator’s proposal. President of the Red River United Union, Jackie Lansdale, says teachers are there to educate students and going beyond that to protect students is more than what they signed up for…

Cut 11 (06) “become that.”

Prator says school staff that would be allowed to carry guns, must undergo several hours of training to make sure they can handle a weapon in a crisis situation…

Cut 12 (10) “testing done.”

You may have seen some savings from the federal tax bill in your paycheck, but it will be summertime before you see it on your utility bill. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Baton Rouge Senator Dan Claitor is proposing a bill that would fine wreckless drivers for creating potentially dangerous wakes while driving through flooded areas. The bill would add a new specification to existing law that would fine drivers up to 500 dollars, with potential for 90 days in jail.

Claitor says passing the bill could help cut down on such incidents.

Cut 5  (05)  “people’s attention.”

Claitor says the legislation was inspired by flood horror stories from his constituents.

Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator is asking the Caddo Parish School Board, to allow some faculty and administrators to carry guns on campus.  Most Caddo Parish schools have a security guard or a resource officer, but he feels it’s not enough.  Prator says schools are an open door to criminals.

Prator says school staff that would be allowed to carry guns, must undergo several hours of training to make sure they can handle a weapon in a crisis situation…

Cut 12 (10) “testing done.”

Teacher union groups oppose Prator’s proposal. President of the Red River United Union, Jackie Lansdale, says teachers are there to educate students and going beyond that to protect students is more than what they signed up for.Lansdale knows there are challenges facing schools and law enforcement alike with the increase in violence on school campuses. She believes more parental involvement is a better way to stop many copycats from acting out…

Cut 13 (09)  “they’re playing?”

One north Louisiana sheriff is asking schools to allow teachers to carry guns.  Kelley Ray has more on this heated topic…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

Baton Rouge Senator Dan Claitor is proposing a bill that would fine wreck less drivers for creating potentially dangerous wakes while driving through flooded areas. The bill would add a new specification to existing law that would fine drivers up to 500 dollars, with potential for 90 days in jail. Claitor says the legislation was inspired by flood horror stories from his constituents.

If the bill passes, Claitor says you’ll be able to report wreck less flood zone drivers to the authorities.

Cut 6 (06)  “the DA”

The bill would also extend these laws to watercraft used during flood situations.

Taxes are down 14 percent for utility companies in the wake of the federal tax overhaul, but Louisianans haven’t seen lower rates. The Public Service Commission says they anticipate lower rates as a result, but Commissioner Lambert Boissierre says the new tax structure means the PSC will have to redo its previous analysis that it sets every six months to a year for rate changes. He says there is a lot that goes into formulating the rates.

Cut 8 (10) “money back”

The commissioner says the tax overhaul effected a wide variety of different companies that Louisiana residents rely on.

Two tax bills that will help the state overcome a looming one billion dollar budget deficit are heading to the House floor. Some Republicans were seeking to make permanent a quarter of a temporary one-cent sales tax.

If this legislation becomes law, the state’s sales tax rate would be a four and a quarter percent until June 30, 2021. It’s currently 5-percent, but two years ago, the sales tax rate was four-percent. The measure also temporarily eliminates some sales tax breaks. Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey opposed it..

Cut 15 (06) “my opinion.”

For Democrats to support the sales tax bill, they wanted the House Ways and Means Committee to remove tax breaks for middle and upper income wage earners who itemize deductions on tax returns. The panel did on a 10-7 vote. New Orleans Representative Walt Leger says these tax bills can stave off deep budget cuts..

Cut 16 (09) “higher education.”

A bill inspired by flood victim’s horror stories of wreck less drivers pushing water into their homes is being proposed for the upcoming regular session. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Taxes are down 14 percent for utility companies in the wake of the federal tax overhaul, but Louisianans haven’t seen lower rates. The Public Service Commission says they anticipate lower rates as a result, but Commissioner Lambert Boissierre says you could be waiting until summer to see the change.

Cut 7 (06)  “current estimate”

Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator is asking the Caddo Parish School Board, to allow some faculty and administrators to carry guns on campus.  Most Caddo Parish schools have a security guard or a resource officer, but he feels it’s not enough.  Prator says schools are an open door to criminals with weapons…

Cut 10 (11) “a gun”

Two tax bills that will help the state overcome a looming one billion dollar budget deficit are heading to the House floor. Some Republicans were seeking to make permanent a quarter of a temporary one-cent sales tax.

If this legislation becomes law, the state’s sales tax rate would be a four and a quarter percent until June 30, 2021. It’s currently 5-percent, but two years ago, the sales tax rate was four-percent. The measure also temporarily eliminates some sales tax breaks. Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey opposed it..The bills now head to the House floor, where they’ll need 70 votes. Ivey says the measures do not provide the real tax reform…

Cut 17 (09) “sad day in Louisiana”

You may have seen some savings from the federal tax bill in your paycheck, but it will be summertime before you see it on your utility bill. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The house of representatives was burning the late night oil at the capitol last night. The house ways and means committee agreed to send vital legislation forward in an effort to plug a billion dollar plus budget hole. The vote last night is the first significant movement on tax raising issues the special session was called for. The measures now move to the full house for their consideration.

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h all the rain over the weekend a piece of legislation that would address flooded areas is surfacing. Baton Rogue Senator Dan Claitor is looking to slow down drivers who blow through flood water creating damaging wakes or waves.

The bill would add a new specifications to existing law that would fine drivers up to 500 dollars, with potential for 90 days in jail. Claitor says the legislation was inspired by flood horror stories from his constituents.

Cut 4  (12) “those folks” 

Two tax bills that will help the state overcome a looming one billion dollar budget deficit are heading to the House floor. Some Republicans were seeking to make permanent a quarter of a temporary one-cent sales tax. But Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh didn’t like the permanent part, so he changed the legislation so a quarter of the temporary one-cent sales tax stays until mid-2021

Cut 14 (08) “businesses pocket”

Yahoo Sports reports NCAA enforcement staff members have been investigating for the last six months the recruiting tactics of LSU Basketball Coach Will Wade. The NCAA apparently started doing work on the phone and in person not long after he was hired by LSU last March. But a source says the probe has stalled because of a lack of on-the-record specifics about Wade’s recruiting. LSU A-D Joe Alleva says his staff has not been contacted by the NCAA regarding any irregularities. LSU’s 2018 recruiting class is currently ranked third in the nation by Rivals-dot-com.

The Pelicans won their fifth straight yesterday in Milwaukee beating the Bucks 123-121 in overtime. New Orleans rallied back from an 18 deficit thanks to 36 points from Jrue (Drew) Holiday and Anthony Davis had 27 points. The Pels looks to stay hot tonight in the Smoothie King Center against the Suns.

Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson remains in the I-C-U as he continues to battle the flu. His doctors say the 90-year-old is in stable condition. Last Wednesday, New Orleans professional franchises said Benson had been admitted to the hospital because of the flu.

For the second straight Sunday, LSU was blown out at home. Texas trounced the Tigers 11-1 to prevent a three-game sweep by the Tigers. Todd Peterson suffered the loss as he gave up five runs in four innings, but Coach Paul Mainieri is not putting all the blame on what happened on the pitcher’s mound….

Cut 18 (14) “…lead today”

LSU’s record is 4-3.

Elswhere…Ole Miss swept Tulane, UL Lafayette lost its series with Wright State. Louisiana Tech took two of three from SIU-Edwardsville and ULM swept Northern Kentucky.

After five days of stalled negotiations, lawmakers are optimistic that legislation will begin moving forward when legislators convene Sunday afternoon. Lake Charles Republican Representative Steven Dwight’s bill to extend a portion of the expiring one penny sales tax will be heard, and he says he’s optimistic about its chances…

Medicaid reform is also on deck, with a proposal from West Monroe Republican Representative Frank Hoffman to implement work requirements for beneficiaries. New Orleans Democratic Representative Walt Leger’s bill to reduce itemized tax deductions will also be heard. Dwight says it’s something for both parties.

Cut 6  (10)  “democrats needed”

Baton Rouge Democratic Representative Ted James says after a week of haggling, the legislature is showing some signs of life.

If the proposals advance out of committee, they would then be heard on the House floor. James says a plan to get back in the black could still be a ways off, with Democrats balking at allowing special sales tax exemptions for certain industries.

Cut 8 (08) “for us”

The governor’s office of homeland security has activated it’s crisis action team due to the threat of severe weather in some portion of the state. In northwest Louisiana a flash flood warning is in effect through 6 p.m. Saturday.

A Baton Rouge Federal judge has closed the valve on construction of the Bayou ridge crude oil pipeline through the Atchafalaya Basin. The lawsuit was at the behest of environmental groups opposed to the project. U.S. District Court Judge Shelly Dick issued the order yesterday halting all work on the pipeline until quote…”the issue can be tried on its merits.”

Police arrested two people they say were involved in a shooting on the Southeastern Louisiana university campus. Spokesperson Tonya Lowentritt said the incident likely involved both students and non-students, but police are still working to determine who was at the scene.

CUT 4 :05   Under investigation.”

Officials say several individuals were near the assembly hall, where basketball games are played when the shooting occurred…

Governor Edwards released a statement that says “the state is ready to mobilize every available resource…to assist in this investigation.”

The 14-year tenure as chairman of the Republican Party ends on Saturday for Roger Villere. Jeff Palermo has more on how the party has changed during that time…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”.

The governor’s office of homeland security has activated it’s crisis action team due to the threat of severe weather in some portion of the state. In northwest Louisiana a flash flood warning is in effect through 6 p.m. Saturday.

Officials are investigating a shooting that injured two people on the campus of Southeastern Louisiana in Hammond early Friday morning. University spokesperson Tonya Lowentritt says the shooting stemmed from a fight involving students and others who do not attend the school…

Cut 3 (13) “life threatening.”

Two people have been arrested in the incident.

After five days of stalled negotiations, lawmakers are optimistic that legislation will begin moving forward when legislators convene Sunday afternoon. Lake Charles Republican Representative Steven Dwight’s bill to extend a portion of the expiring one penny sales tax will be heard, and he says he’s optimistic about its chances…

Cut 5  (10)  “floor monday.”

The special session is coming back to life tomorrow, as lawmakers are convening Sunday to hear a series of tax and Medicaid proposals. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

A Baton Rouge Federal judge has closed the valve on construction of the Bayou ridge crude oil pipeline through the Atchafalaya Basin. The lawsuit was at the behest of environmental groups opposed to the project. U.S. District Court Judge Shelly Dick issued the order yesterday halting all work on the pipeline until quote…”the issue can be tried on it’s merits.”

The governor’s office of homeland security has activated its crisis action team due to the on-going threat of severe weather in some portions of the northern part of the state. The warning was issued in large part due to high river levels caused by heavy rain in the region.

There is a risk for severe weather today over most of the state. Forecaster davyon hill with the national weather service in Shreveport says warm and unstable air could collide with a cooler air mass to cause some grief

Cut 12 : some tornadoes.”

Again most of the state should see some rain but the worst of it will be in the northern part of the state.

Police arrested two people they say were involved in a shooting on the Southeastern Louisiana university campus. Spokesperson Tonya Lowentritt said the incident likely involved both students and non-students, but police are still working to determine who was at the scene.

It was all LSU last night in its matchup with Texas as the Tigers trounced the Longhorns 13-4 at Alex Box Stadium. The Bayou Bengals bats came out hitting in the first inning, scoring five runs off Texas ace Nolan Kingham. Kingham lasted just three innings and gave up eight runs.

Offensively, the Tigers were led by second baseman Brandt Broussard who was 4-for-4 with 4 runs driven in. Lead off man Daniel Cabrera drove in three runs as the Tigers had 16 hits. Zack Hess gave up two runs in the 2nd inning, but pitched six strong innings and struck out a career-high 10. Game two of the series is tonight at 6:30 with Caleb Gilbert pitching.

Elsewhere, Louisiana Tech thumped S-I-U Edwardsville 13-1. Chris Clayton drove in three runs. ULM swept a doubleheader Northern Kentucky. The Ragin Cajuns lost to Wright State 8-2 in the first game in the completely renovated Tigue (Teague) Moore Field.
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The Pelicans returned from the All-Star break and they were pushed to limit but came away with a 124-123 overtime victory over the Miami Heat last night. Anthony Davis gave an MVP performance with 45 points, 17 rebounds, five blocked shots and five steals. During this four game winning streak, A-D has scored at least 38 points. New Orleans will be in Milwaukee to face the Bucks on Sunday afternoon.

The LSU Tigers are in Athens to take on the Georgia Bulldogs this afternoon at 1 PM. The Bayou bengals are looking to snap a five-game losing streak on the road. A win will give LSU an 8-8 record in the SEC and 17 wins on the year.

UL Lafayette can win an outright Sun Belt crown tonight as they visit South Alabama.

Grambling State goes after its 12th straight win as they host Arkansas Pine-Bluff. Other games of note, Nicholls State has a big game against UNO. and ULM goes after its fifth straight win when they take on Troy.