In order to address a 750-million dollar budget shortfall for this fiscal year, Governor John Bel Edwards proposes adding one-cent to the state’s existing four-cent sales tax. Revenue Secretary Kimberly Robinson says another option for legislators to consider is legislation to require internet sales tax collection…

cut 5 (10) “sales tax free”

It will take a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate to pass any tax increase.

US Congressman Ralph Abraham is upset with the Department of Veteran Affair’s choice of Skye McDougall to lead health care operations in Louisiana and Mississippi. Abraham says McDougall provided false testimony about four day wait times at V-A centers in Los Angeles…

cut 13 (08) “50 days”

Abraham believes the new director should be someone that is not involved in this scandal.

The Louisiana Family Forum is searching for the state’s “Longest Married Couple” to share their story. President Gene Mills says last year, Lawrence and Varrie Player of Benton were recognized as the longest known married couple in the state at 80 years together. He says when talking to the Player’s you’re dealing with authentic Louisiana history…

cut 11 (08) “to capture”

To enter a couple married for over 70 years contact the LFF before February 5th.

A WalletHub study shows that it costs less to smoke in Louisiana than in any other state. Their report finds one resident in Louisiana spends about $24,000 a year in smoking-related costs. Spokeswoman Jill Gonzalez says the main reason it costs less to be a smoker in Louisiana is because they don’t have to dig too deep in their wallets at the store…

cut 9 (10) “to none”

They found the total cost over a lifetime per smoker in Louisiana is about $1.2 million dollars.

Governor John Bel Edwards calls for a higher state sales tax as one way to close a 750-million dollar shortfall for this fiscal year. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

New Orleans Police say a 3-year-old boy was shot and killed after his grandmother’s gun discharged while the two were sleeping. They say the grandmother works as a security guard and her gun was underneath a pillow on the bed. The child suffered a gunshot wound to the chest. He was rushed to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Authorities are questioning the 45-year-old woman. No charges have been filed at this time.

According to the personal finance website WalletHub, the total cost over a lifetime per smoker in Louisiana amounts to about $1.2 million dollars. Spokeswoman Jill Gonzalez says the out of pocket expense for a smoker in Louisiana who picks up a pack a day is about $1700 a year…

cut 8 (09) “per day”

The report shows it costs less to smoke in Louisiana than in any other state.

With Valentine’s Day approaching, the Louisiana Family Forum is searching for the state’s “Longest Married Couple” to share their story and commitment of marriage. President Gene Mills says it’s a great honor to meet these couples who have survived the test of time. He says it’s not every day you meet people together for 70 plus years…

cut 10 (10) “involved”

Mills says last year, Lawrence and Varrie Player of Benton were recognized as the longest known married couple in the state at 80 years together.

10th ranked Texas A&M remains undefeated in SEC play after beating LSU last night 71-57. The Tigers trailed by four at the half and tied the game with 15 minutes to play before the Aggies pulled away. Tim Quarterman came off the bench to lead LSU with 12 points. Craig Victor and Ben Simmons each added 10. The Tigers fall to 11-7 overall and 4-2 in the SEC. The Bayou Bengals remain on the road to face Alabama Saturday.

In the Southland Conference, Ehab Amin’s career high 36 points led Texas A&M-Corpus Christi to a 89-79 win over Northwestern State. Abilene Christian shot 52-percent from the floor in beating McNeese State 75-67.

Elsewhere, UConn blasted Tulane 60-42. The Green Wave shot a dismal 26-percent from the field and committed 16 turnovers in the contest. Tulane falls to 1-8 in the American Conference, 8-12 overall.

The Pelicans kicked off their seven game homestand in the right way by defeating Minnesota 114-99. The Pels were down 9 points at the half but used a dominant second half performance to notch their 14th win of the season. Anthony Davis led all scorers with 35, followed by Jrue Holiday’s 19. The win is bittersweet for the Pelicans as Eric Gordon fractured the ring finger on his shooting hand. It’s uncertain how long he will be out. Detroit comes to the Smoothie King Center Thursday night.

LHSAA director Eddie Bonine is meeting with principals and head coaches ahead of the association’s annual convention and many of them have questions and concerns over the news that the split playoff system in football has been terminated, because of an error made by the LHSAA. Several schools still support the split playoff system.

McNeese State designated hitter Billy Sommers has decided to forgo his final year of eligibility in order to train and serve in the United States Secret Service. Sommers, a three year letterman, finishes his collegiate career with a .287 batting average in 88 games. He will begin training for the Secret Service in March.

Governor John Bel Edwards proposes adding one-cent to the state’s existing four-cent sales tax as a way to address a 750-million dollar budget shortfall for this fiscal year. Edwards will also provide lawmakers with other options as a way to raise revenue quickly and they include a higher telecommunications tax on all telephones and another increase to the cigarette tax

cut 4 (09) “menu of options”

Edwards plans to call a three-week special session starting on February 14th.

According to the personal finance website WalletHub, it costs less to smoke in Louisiana than in any other state. The report, The True Cost of Smoking By State, finds one resident in Louisiana spends about $24,000 a year in smoking-related costs. WalletHub spokeswoman Jill Gonzalez says it’s based on societal and economic factors…:

cut 7 (05) “on cigarettes”

US Congressman Ralph Abraham is not happy with the Department of Veteran Affair’s appointment of Skye McDougall, who was involved in the VA scandal, to lead health care operations in Louisiana and Mississippi. McDougall was originally appointed to a position in Phoenix, but after Senator John McCain objected, she was appointed to her current position. Abraham says the VA should not use Louisiana as a place to deposit unwanted employees.

cut 14 (11) “of the country”

Abraham says McDougall’s appointment is another example of how the VA is more concerned with protecting high-level bureaucrats than caring for veterans.

Governor John Bel Edwards’ administration announces proposals for repairing the state’s $750 million dollar budget hole for the current fiscal year, and they include raising the sales tax by a penny. The deficit must be filled by July and Edwards says something must be done right away…:
CUT 2 (13) “bridge”
The Edwards administration estimates Louisiana also faces a $1.9 billion dollar deficit in the 2016-2017 operating budget.

An Lamborghini belonging to David Mahler, owner of H&O Investments, was found in flames in front of the firm’s Baton Rouge office. H&O was the original contractor that the city of New Orleans hired to remove Confederate statues, but death threats prompted H&O to withdraw from the contract. Mahler’s attorneys say the threats and the car torching are being aggressively investigated.

The price at the pump continues to fall all across Louisiana. Eric Gill reports…:
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Eric Gill”

Huge acts were announced today for the 2016 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival including Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Van Morrison and Pearl Jam. Jazzfest producer Quint Davis says you’d be surprised how many people just come for the food…:
CUT 11 (12) ‘under $10″
Jazzfest beings April 22nd.

Governor John Bel Edwards spoke at the Capitol today to announce the administration’s options to fix the state’s $750 million dollar shortfall for this fiscal year. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says proposes tapping the rainy day fund for 128 million dollars, and raising the sales tax by 1% beginning April 1st. Edwards anticipates calling a special session on February 14th and have it last until March 4th.

The owner of the company originally hired by New Orleans to take down Confederate monuments, but has since backed down, found his $200,000 vehicle completely burned this morning at H&O Investments in Baton Rouge. David Mahler’s lawyer, Roy Maughan, Jr., says Mahler believes the story isn’t about him but about what the city council of New Orleans voted to do…:
cut 15 (10) “the threat”
Several agencies are investigating.

The ex-mayor of Sorrento has pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography and animal cruelty charges — in exchange for a 40 year sentence. Wilson Longanecker Jr. was initially arrested in 2014 after his home was raided and the illegal images were found. Spokesperson for the 23rd District Attorney’s Office Charlotte Guedry says the videos found at Longanecker’s Sorrento home involved minor girls, some as young as three years old….:
cut 13 (02) “to watch”

Gas prices continue to fall all across Louisiana. GasBuddy-dot-com reports that the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has dropped six cents in the past week. Spokesperson Gregg Laskoski says Louisiana’s average price per gallon has fallen to $1.67…:
CUT 3 (08) “the gas pump”

The Department of Health and Hospitals says if you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, now is the time. DHH Immunization Director Dr. Frank Welch…:
CUT 8 (08) “it gets here”

So far Louisiana, and the nation, has had a quiet flu season, but the state Department of Health and Hospitals says that’s about to change. DHH Immunization Director Dr. Frank Welch says influenza activity is increasing in other parts of the country and it’s only a matter of time before it hits Louisiana…:
CUT 7 (06) “in activity”
He says reported flu-like symptoms in the state are down 50-percent from this time last year.

A Lamborghini was found completely burned outside of H and O Investments in Baton Rouge this morning. The company, owned by David Mahler, was originally hired to move Confederate monuments in New Orleans, but backed down over death threats. Mahler’s attorney, Roy Maughan Jr, says his client is dealing with this the best way he can…:
CUT 16 (08) “a relationship”
Maughan confirms the Lamborghini owned by Mahler was completely destroyed.

Gas prices are ridiculously low and are expected to fall even more. GasBuddy.com’s Senior Petroleum Analyst Gregg Laskoski says crude has plunged below $30 a barrel due to lifted Iran sanctions will puts more oil into an already flooded market. Laskoski says oil prices could drop even further…:
CUT 5 (07) “25 dollars”
He says Louisiana’s average price per gallon has fallen to $1.67.

In addition to huge acts like Paul Simon and Stevie Wonder, Jazzfest Producer Quint Davis says the Louisiana and New Orleans staple musicians, who have now become big names in their own right, will be featured this year as well…:
cut 10 (12) “Big Freedia”
The full lineup is online at nojazzfest.com.

The lawyer for the contractor originally hired to move Confederate monuments in New Orleans, says his client’s Lamborghini was found completely burned outside H&O Investments early this morning in Baton Rouge. Attorney Roy Maughan, Jr. says David Mahler also received death threats at home and work before pulling out of the project in New Orleans…:
CUT 14 (09) “is one”
Maughan said New Orleans told them the FBI has been asked to look into the fire and threats.

The 2016 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival lineup features another year of huge, crowd loving acts including Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Pearl Jam, Van Morrison. Something for everyone, says Festival Producer Quint Davis…:
CUT 9 (11) “gonna like”
Jazzfest beings April 22nd.

The Department of Health and Hospitals says the worst of the current flu season is still to come and they’re encouraging everyone to make sure they are vaccinated. Eric Gill has more…:
CUT 2 (27) “I’m Eric Gill”

The IRS and Louisiana Department of Revenue started accepting income tax returns today. You’ll have until May 16th to file your state returns, and April 18 to turn in federal. The IRS says, “Choosing e-file and direct deposit for refunds remains the fastest and safest way to file an accurate income tax return and receive a refund. The IRS anticipates issuing more than nine out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days.”

As low as the gas price is now, analysts predict they will likely fall even further. Gasbuddy.com reports the average price for a gallon of regular is $1.67, which is a 6 cent decline over the past week. Senior Petroleum analyst Gregg Laskoski says this is a nationwide trend…:
CUT 4 (09) “crude oil prices”
He says the lowest gas price in the state is $1.41 a gallon reported at a location in Kenner.

The contractor who was originally hired to take down the Confederate monuments in New Orleans reportedly found his Lamborghini set on fire Tuesday morning in Baton Rouge. City attorneys said in federal court last week that it was looking for a new contractor as David Mahler begged off the project after receiving death threats. Fire officials in Baton Rouge are only confirming their was a vehicle blaze today at the location where Mahler worked. The Confederate monuments were ordered to be moved after the New Orleans City Council voted to declare them public nuisances.

The ex-mayor of Sorrento has pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography and animal cruelty charges, in exchange for a 40 year sentence. Spokesperson for the 23rd District Attorney’s Office Charlotte Guedry says the D-A’s office was ready to go to trial with a mountain of testimony against Wilson Longanecker Jr…:
cut 12 (10) “to trial”
She says the videos found at Longanecker’s Sorrento home involved minor girls, some as young as three years old.

The artists performing at the 2016 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival include Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Pearl Jam, Neil Young, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Van Morrison, Snoop Dog and many more. The lineup at nojazzfest.com, announced this morning, includes the individual days each artist will perform the 7 dates between, April 22nd through May 1st.

The price at the pump continues to fall all across Louisiana. Eric Gill reports…:
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Eric Gill”

Governor John Bel Edwards is set to lay out options the administration has put together for repairing the current fiscal year’s $750 million dollar shortfall, and next year’s projected $1.9 billion deficit. A news conference is set for 3:30 this afternoon.

Former Sorrento Mayor Wilson Longanecker Jr. will spend 40 years in prison in exchange for pleading guilty to possessing child porn and animal cruelty in Ascension Parish. Longanecker was charged with 42 counts of possession of child pornography, seven counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and one count of obstruction of justice. He was initially arrested in 2014 after his home was raided and the illegal images were found on his computer.

The Department of Health and Hospitals says the worst of the current flu season is still to come and they’re encouraging everyone to make sure they are vaccinated. Immunization Director Dr. Frank Welch says it’s fortunate that flu season has been very slow, to date, in Louisiana….:
CUT 6 (09) “around the country”