The House Ways and Means Committee is hearing bills today that would raise taxes on tobacco, alcohol, Internet sales and car rentals. Jeremy Alford, publisher of la-politics.com, says the public is typically more receptive to raising these so-called “sin taxes” and even Republicans are starting warm to the idea that revenue has to be raised. He says passing any of the proposed bills will take compromise from both sides…:
CUT 15 (05) “to move”
The committee will reportedly not hear corporate and personal income tax bills until next week.

Shreveport Representative Barbara North is proposing a bill for the regular session that would require metal detectors in movie theaters…:
CUT 11 (05) “are safe”
She says the measure comes as a response to the deadly shootings that occur at movie theaters around the country, including one in Lafayette last year. The regular session convenes March 14th.

A new poll shows of 500 likely voters shows 72% of people are saying “no” to raising taxes and fees as a way to help state government solve its huge budget deficit this fiscal year. But Southern Media and Opinion Research pollster Bernie Pinsonat says over 60% are in favor of increasing taxes on cigarettes and alcohol…:
Cut 9 (04) “sin tax”
He says the public is wary of raising taxes on businesses because of concern about the economy.

Parents of athletes will appreciate a new mouth-guard created in Lake Charles that’s designed to keep players hydrated. Joseph Tucker invented the Hydra-Guard. He says it’s pressurized so the athlete can just push their tongue against the roof of their mouth to release a liquid — and it can be refilled quickly. He predicts this will be a big hit during games and practices in Louisiana’s sweltering heat:
CUT 6 (09) “healthy”
The mouth guard will retail for $34.99 and be available online starting February 25th.

Citizens in Louisiana don’t want to see their taxes raised, according to a recent poll on the current budget deficit. Southern Media and Opinion research pollster Bernie Pinsonat found 72% of voters said “no” to raising taxes and fees, and 61% said the state government is spending too much money. He says the results from survey show lawmakers could have a tough time balancing the budget and keeping folks happy…:
Cut 8 (06) “revenue problem”
He says 54% of people say the state budget can be balanced without raising taxes. But 60% said they are fine with boosting taxes on cigarettes.

Vice President Joe Biden is in New Orleans today meeting with leaders including Governor John Bel Edwards and Mayor Mitch Landrieu. Biden is slated to tour the Port of New Orleans and give a speech before noon to commemorate the 7th anniversary of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Legislators have started proposing bills for the regular legislative session, one of which aims to keep citizens safe at movie theaters. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A Lake Charles man has developed a new way of keeping athletes hydrated during a game. Joseph Tucker created the Hydra-Guard which has a pouch holding liquid to a mouth guard sealed so it doesn’t get in the way:
CUT 5 (08) “breathability”
Tucker says the mouth guard will be released online February 25th.

A new poll from Southern Media and Opinion Research shows a majority of Louisiana residents are not in favor of raising taxes to solve the state’s budget deficit. Halen Doughty has the story…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

A bill that would require metal detectors to be installed at movie theaters will be up for debate in the regular session. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton says despite the cost, added safety measures at the movies are well worth the price of protecting a person’s life…:
CUT 12 (07) “or safer”

The Mercedes-Benz Superdome has been added to the National Register of Historic Places, despite objections from the state. Owners felt the designation, though prestigious, could delay maintenance and improvements. A student from Tulane nominated the Superdome in December, and the National Parks Service announced the structure was listed earlier this month.

Lawmakers will hear bills discussing the raising of so called “sin taxes” today in the House Ways and Means Committee. Lapolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says Republicans have been hesitant about raising taxes, but they may consider it on alcohol, tobacco, Internet sales and car rentals…:
CUT 14 (05) “be created”
The tax writing committee has 22 bills on today’s agenda.

The Mystic Krewe of Apollo in Lafayette says their member who fell from the top of a Mardi Gras float during their February 5th parade, has died. They say Quinn Dejean passed away Tuesday afternoon.

The House Ways and Means Committee will hear testimony today for tax increases on tobacco, alcohol, Internet sales and car rentals. Jeremy Alford, publisher of la-politics.com, says that legislators will not be voting on these proposed taxes yet…:
Cut 13 (04) “eventually vote”
The committee will reportedly not hear corporate and personal income tax bills until next week. A recent poll conducted by Southern Media and Opinion research found the majority of people are opposed to raising income and state sales taxes, but over 60% are in favor of increasing so called “sin taxes.”

Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton proposes a bill for the regular session, which convenes March 14th, that would require metal detectors to be installed at movie theaters…:
Cut 10 (07) “a weapon”

A Natchitoches man has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for the state’s nearly $1 billion budget deficit. Eric Boleyn’s online donation page reads “Help Louisiana, Need $900 million.” The description explains that any donations will be put towards the crippling budget deficit the state is facing. The page has been shared by thousands of people and has brought in a total of $40 in the past four days.

A Lake Charles man has developed a new way of keeping athletes hydrated during a game. Joseph Tucker created the Hydra-Guard, which is the first re-hydrating mouth guard in the world. Tucker says the mouth guard will be released online February 25th and you can fill up the hands free system with water or your favorite sports drink…:
cut 4 (10) “the court”
The mouth guard will retail for $34.99.

A new poll shows that a vast majority of Louisiana residents do not support increasing taxes to help state government solve its huge budget deficit this fiscal year. Southern Media and Opinion Research surveyed 500 likely voters and 72% of them said “no” to raising taxes and fees. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says that’s because state government has lost credibility with the people of Louisiana….:
CUT 7 (04) “properly”
Today at the Capitol, measures proposed by the governor’s office to raise taxes on things like tobacco, alcohol, Internet sales and car rentals will get their first hearing.

Governor John Bel Edwards will meet with Vice President Joe Biden today at the Port of New Orleans. The Vice President is on a three state tour and this morning’s discussion with Edwards will include transportation and development projects and the accomplishments of the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery Grant program in the region.

A Lake Charles native has invented the first re-hydrating mouth guard. Emelie Gunn has more on the hands free system…:
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The LSU men’s basketball team faces one of the hottest teams in the Southeastern Conference tonight as the Tigers host Alabama. Tip-off is at 8pm.

One month into office and Governor John Bel Edwards approval rating is  below 50-percent. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A Natchitoches man has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for the state’s nearly $1 billion budget deficit. Eric Boleyn’s online donation page reads “Help Louisiana, Need $900 million.” The description explains that any donations will be put towards the crippling budget deficit the state is facing. The page has been shared by thousands of people and has brought in a total of $40 in the past four days.

Today is the third day of the special session that’s attempting to resolve the state’s $957 million deficit for this fiscal year. Barry Erwin, Head of the Council for a Better Louisiana, says lawmakers will make cuts to the budget in addition to generating new revenues. He says some revenue raising measures they are considering will not provide immediate solutions.

CUT 5 (07)  “years ago”

Erwin says legislators will be looking for both short-term and long-term solutions.

Former Saints safety Darren Sharper is facing charges for allegedly drugging and raping multiple women. Sharper has received a new plea hearing set for Thursday. Legal analyst Tim Meche says Sharper could possibly plead guilty without the guaranteed sentence he was hoping to get, or he could go to trial. Meche says things could get far worse for Sharper.

Cut 11 (09) “behavior”

Sharper’s new trial date is set for May 16^th.

It’s day three of the special session aimed at trying to resolve the state’s 850 to 950-million dollar shortfall for this fiscal year. Halen Doughty has an update…
voicer 1 (30) “…I’m Halen Doughty”

A proposal to use 128-million dollars in rainy day funds to fill the massive budget hole for this fiscal year was approved by the Senate finance committee. The panel also decided to redirect 200-million dollars in Gulf oil spill recovery money. Both bills head to the full senate for more discussion.

The House appropriations committee heard testimony today about the impact of proposed cuts to health care. Covington Representative John Schroeder was upset to hear about plans to close a pediatric health care program that helps several disabled children…
cut 30 (14) “…done our job”
Chief financial officer for DHH, Jeff Reynolds, says costs have escalated because the program has been abused by health care providers.

An independent poll from Southern Media and Opinion Research puts Governor John Bel Edwards approval rating at 42-percent. 25-percent disapprove of the governor’s first month in office, while 34-percent are undecided. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat…
cut 7 (12) “….difficult time”

A new poll conducted by Southern Media and Opinion Research shows Governor John Bel Edward has an approval rating of 42-percent. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says to make matters worse for Governor Edwards, the statewide elected official with the highest approval rating is Treasurer John Kennedy, who is arguing against the tax increases that the governor is pushing for…

CUT 8 (10) “reduce spending”

Pinsonat says 25-percent respondents disapprove of Edwards performance so far.

It’s day three of the special session that’s attempting to resolve the state’s budget deficit. Barry Erwin, Head of the Council for a Better Louisiana, says this session may only provide short-term solutions for this fiscal year, which ends June 30. Erwin says the budget has been in trouble for several years and lawmakers should have addressed it sooner.

CUT 4 (08)  “started happening”

Former Saints safety Darren Sharper has received a new plea hearing set for Thursday, as he faces charges where he allegedly drugged and raped multiple women. Legal analyst Tim Meche says the original agreement Sharper accepted isn’t likely to be accepted by the two female Louisiana judges he’s in front of now, US District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo and state District Judge Karen Herman.

CUT 9 (11)  “longer sentence”

The new trial date is set for May 16^th.

A reward is now being offered for information about a birdhouse stolen from a residence in Lafourche Parish. Sergeant Brennan Matherne says regardless of the severity of the crime, he hopes this shows the public that anytime anything is stolen from your property, you should let authorities know about it…:

cut 13 (08)  “involved in”

The alleged incident took place the morning of February 8th in Gray.

One month into office and Governor John Bel Edwards approval rating is below 50-percent. Jeff Palermo has the story…
CUT 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

It’s the third day of the special session that’s trying to fix the state’s 957 million dollar budget deficit. President of the Council for a Better Louisiana Barry Erwin says legislators will be searching for both short long-term solutions….:
CUT 3 (05) “of time”

The session must end by March 9th.

Former Saints safety Darren Sharper has received a new plea hearing set for Thursday, as he faces charges where he allegedly drugged and raped multiple women. Legal analyst Tim Meche says the original agreement Sharper accepted isn’t likely to be accepted by the two female Louisiana judges he’s in front of now. Meche says Sharper’s attorneys didn’t realize who they were up against…
cut 10 (08) “jurisdiction”

The new trial date is set for May 16th.

A reward is being offered for information about whomever stole a birdhouse from a residence in Lafourche Parish. Sergeant Brennan Matherne says surveillance video shows an unknown female exit a vehicle from the passenger’s side, walk onto the victim’s property and take the birdhouse. He says this might not seem like a big deal…:
cut 12 (10) “stole something”

It’s day three of the special session aimed at trying to resolve the state’s $957 million shortfall for the fiscal year that ends June 30^th. Halen Doughty has an update…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

================

One month into office and Governor John Bel Edwards approval rating is  below 50-percent. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

===================

It’s day three of the special session that’s attempting to resolve the state’s $957 million deficit. Barry Erwin, Head of the Council for a Better Louisiana, says legislators will be looking for both short-term and long-term solutions. Erwin says he is unsure if lawmakers will be able to completely fix the budget problems in only three weeks.

CUT 3 (05)  “of time”

Erwin says this session may only provide short-term solutions for this fiscal year, which ends June 30. He says legislators know that some money will be coming in from BP and the rainy day fund, but it may not be enough. Erwin says the budget has been in trouble for several years and lawmakers should have addressed it sooner.

CUT 4 (08)  “started happening”

Erwin says lawmakers will make cuts to the budget in addition to generating new revenues. He says some revenue raising measures they are considering will not provide immediate solutions.

CUT 5 (07)  “years ago”

============================

A new poll gives Governor John Bel Edwards an approval rating of 42-percent. The survey was conducted by Southern Media and Opinion Research. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says he hasn’t seen an approval rating that low for a new governor, since Edwin Edwards last term which started in 1992…

CUT 6 (06) “50s or 60s”

The survey was conducted earlier this month and paid for by subscribers. Pinsonat says 25-percent respondents disapprove of Edwards performance so far, while 34-percent are undecided

CUT 7 (12) “difficult time”

Pinsonat says to make matters worse for Governor Edwards, the statewide elected official with the highest approval rating is Treasurer John Kennedy, who is arguing against the tax increases that the governor is pushing for…

CUT 8 (10) “reduce spending”

============================

Former Saints safety Darren Sharper has received a new plea hearing set for Thursday, as he faces charges where he allegedly drugged and raped multiple women. Legal analyst Tim Meche says the original agreement Sharper accepted isn’t likely to be accepted by the two female Louisiana judges he’s in front of now, US District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo and state District Judge Karen Herman.

CUT 9 (11)  “longer sentence”

The new trial date is set for May 16^th. Meche says Sharper’s attorneys believed the Louisiana judges would go along with the nine year prison deal. He says they didn’t realize who they were up against…

cut 10 (08)  “jurisdiction”

Meche says Sharper could possibly plead guilty without a guaranteed sentence that he was hoping to get or go to trial. He says things could get far worse for Sharper.

Cut 11 (09) “behavior”

============================

A reward is now being offered for information about whomever stole a birdhouse from a residence in Lafourche Parish. Sergeant Brennan Matherne says they have surveillance video which shows an unknown female exit a vehicle from the passenger’s side, walk onto the victim’s property and remove the birdhouse. He says this may not seem like a big deal…:

cut 12 (10) “stole something”

The alleged incident took place the morning of February 8th in Gray. Matherne says regardless of the severity of the crime, they hope this shows the public that anytime anything is stolen from your property, you should let authorities know about it…:

cut 13 (08)  “involved in”

The victim described the birdhouse as having a bronze colored “church-style” design with a decorative metal roof and white post. He says if you know something about this incident, please contact authorities…:

cut 14 (10)  “Bayou Region”

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