Five major health advocacy groups are coming together to push for a higher cigarette tax in Louisiana. Scott Carwile has the story…

cut 2 (30) “reporting”

State Police are investigating a crash in Iberia Parish that killed a Jeanerette Police officer last night. They say 22-year-old Juandre Gilliam died during an apparent high speed chase when his car went off the road and overturned. The officer was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. They say the two suspects in the car Gilliam was chasing, Andre Joseph and an unnamed juvenile, have been taken into custody. Charges are pending at this time.

Louisiana education superintendent John White tells lawmakers he needs more money so the state can provide standardized tests next school year. White says Louisiana will violate state and federal law if it doesn’t have a standardized test…

cut 17 (10) “education system”

White says the budget as it currently exists will prevent students from taking the A-C-T or an assessment test like PARCC. The Jindal administration has said the superintendent will have to decide what to cut from his budget.

A high school in Monroe, which previously told a gay female student that she was not allowed to wear a tuxedo to prom, has now retracted. Carroll High School and Claudetteia Love’s story got national attention. Love was represented by the National Center for Lesbian Rights and Executive Director Kate Kendell says they are happy about this outcome…

cut 13 (09) “as a person”

Kendell says forbidding girls from wearing a tuxedo to prom would have served no purpose.

Louisiana education superintendent John White tells lawmakers he needs more money so the state can provide standardized tests next school year. White says the budget as it currently exists will prevent students from taking the A-C-T or an assessment test like PARCC…

cut 16 (10) “of chaos”

White and Governor Jindal have battled over the tests tied to Common Core.

Five major health advocacy groups are joining forces in support of a bill to raise the state’s tax on cigarettes by $1.18 a pack. Bogalusa Representative Harold Ritchie is sponsoring a bill to raise the state’s cigarette tax to the national average. Ritchie says he’s not the only lawmaker to file legislation to raise tobacco taxes, which gives him hope something will get done

cut 8 (07) “this session”

Ritchie says a higher cigarette tax can reduce the number of deaths associated with smoking and help generate millions of dollars.

The 2015 Louisiana Survey shows a majority of residents still support the legalization of marijuana for medical use, but support declined from 79- to 60-percent since last year. LSU Public Policy Research Lab Director Michael Henderson says last year’s Senate race may have been a factor in the drop of support…

cut 5 (08) “for sure”

The survey shows 52-percent of residents oppose legalizing marijuana for personal use.

The Department of Health and Hospitals has cut the ribbon on a new public health laboratory. DHH Secretary Kathy Kliebert says the new lab site allows the state to better identify food outbreaks, test infectious disease samples and any number of other public health concerns. She says every single child that is born in Louisiana will have blood sent to the lab…

cut 11 (09) “before it affects them”

She says this is a ultra modern lab with all of the latest technology.

Anthony Davis lead all scorers with 29 points and Quincy Pondexter added 20 as the Pelicans upset the Golden State Warriors last night 103-100. This was the Pels first victory over Golden State since April 24th, 2012. With the win, coupled with Oklahoma City’s 113-88 loss to San Antonio, New Orleans is now a half game ahead of the Thunder for the last playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Pelicans are in Memphis tonight.

In an interview with the Arizona Republic, Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson said that he is diabetic. The former LSU Tiger said that he’s been working with doctors on a plan to reverse the symptoms and that his health is back to normal.

Northwestern State guard Zeek Woodley has been named the Southland Conference Men’s Basketball Student-Athlete of the Year. The sophomore ranked second in scoring in the country last season with 22.2 points per game while maintaining a 3.30 grade-point average.

In college baseball, the third ranked LSU Tigers combined for 14 hits as they blew past UNO 11-2. LSU has now won five straight as they improve to 28-5 on the season. The Tigers look to make it six in a row tonight when Northwestern State comes to the Box.

Speaking of the Demons, they will be looking to bounce back after their 8-5 loss to Sam Houston yesterday.

ULM took a 7-3 win over McNeese State. Today the Warhawks will face Nicholls State at 2 PM and turn around and play McNeese again at 6PM.

Junior outfielder Brian Mills drilled a walk-off RBI double as UL-Lafayette scored three in the bottom of the ninth to defeat Houston 6-5. The Cajuns hope to keep it going tonight when they travel to Southern.

Southland Conference leader Southeastern Louisiana crushed South Alabama 12-2. The Lions head to Salt Lake City this weekend for a series against Utah.

Louisiana Tech blew a six run lead, but were able to recover to pull out a 9-7 win over Arkansas-Little Rock. The Bulldogs and Trojans will meet again this afternoon at 4.

Tulane upended Nicholls State 7-1.

Five major health advocacy groups are teaming up to launch a campaign in support of a bill to raise the state’s tax on cigarettes by $1.18 a pack. The American Heart Association is part of the “Invest in a Healthy Louisiana” campaign and its spokesperson Stasha Rhodes says it’s time to bring the state’s tax on cigarettes to the national average, which is a $1.54 a pack…

cut 7 (08) “state’s budget”

Bogalusa Representative Harold Ritchie is sponsoring a bill to raise the state’s cigarette tax to the national average.

The 2015 Louisiana Survey finds that state residents support the legal use of marijuana for medical purposes, but not personal use. LSU Public Policy Research Lab Director Michael Henderson says 52-percent of residents oppose the personal use of marijuana, but the difference between support and opposition is shrinking…

cut 4 (08) “seven points”

The Department of Health and Hospitals has cut the ribbon on a new public health laboratory that will be used to test water, screen for genetic disorders and help the state respond to public health threats such as Ebola. DHH Secretary Kathy Kliebert says this is a ultra modern lab with all of the latest technology…

cut 10 (11) “water is safe”

Kliebert says the goal of the Office of Public Health Laboratory is to protect the health and safety of Louisiana residents by providing accurate and timely data to state officials, public health program and citizens.

A high school in Monroe which previously told a gay female student that she was not allowed to wear a tuxedo to prom is now able to do so.
voicer 5 (30) “…reporting”

A bill to criminalize so-called ‘revenge porn” will be debated in the upcoming legislative session. Kenner representative Julie Stokes says she wants to ensure that people who spread private pictures without permission are held accountable…
cut 7 (08) “…high school”
Governor Jindal supports the bill.

Louisiana education superintendent John White tells lawmakers he needs more money so the state can provide standardized tests next school year. White says the budget as it currently exists will prevent students from taking the A-C-T or an assessment test like PARCC…
cut 16 (10) ”….of chaos”
The Jindal administration has said White will have to decide what to cut from his budget.

Four underage Louisiana college students were issued summons’ in Alabama when busted hauling a trailer full of alcohol to Gulf Shores for spring break. Mobile County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Lt. Paul Burch says deputies noticed a trailer traveling on Interstate 10 with an expired tag…:
CUT 9 (07) “amount of alcohol”
Burch says deputies found over 100 18-packs of beer.

A recent LSU Public Policy Research Lab poll shows support for legal same-sex marriage in Louisiana lags is lagging behind the national average…
CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

In state budget news, Superintendent of Education John White told lawmakers today he doesn’t have enough money to provide standardized tests next year, which would violate state and federal student testing requirements. The Jindal administration has previously stated it’s up to White on what he wants to cut to make things work.
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A Kenner lawmaker is sponsoring legislation that would criminalize so-called “revenge porn,” making it illegal to disclose a sexual image of someone without their consent. Representative Julie Stokes says House Bill 489 would ensure that people who spread private pictures without permission are held accountable…:
CUT 6 (05) “in Louisiana”
Governor Bobby Jindal is already on record saying the bill has his full support.

A new twist today in the Darren Sharper case today, as a New Orleans judge delayed the arraingment until the federal drug charges are resolved. That move means the previous plea deal for the former Saints star on drug and rape charges, is likely to change. Legal analyst Chick Foret says Orleans Parish DA Leon Cannizzaro may not like -what many refer to as- a sweetheart deal…
CUT 14 (08) Q: ‘Orleans Parish’

A Kenner lawmaker is sponsoring legislation would make it illegal to disclose a sexual image of someone without their consent. The proposed law would protect adults from physical exposure bullying via text or online, but Representative Julie Stokes says the best protection is…
CUT 8 (05) Q: ‘these images’

A twist in the Darren Sharper case today, as a New Orleans judge delayed the arraignment until the federal case of the drug charges is resolved. The former Saints star was expected to plead guilty in state court to charges related to drugging and raping women, in order to enact a global plea deal that would send Sharper to jail for 9 years. Legal Analyst Chick foret says the Orleans Parish DA is holding all the cards…
cut 13 (12) Q: ” this deal is gonna get done”
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Louisiana public support for same-sex marriage is lagging behind the national average, but a recent LSU Public Policy Research Poll shows the gap between support and opposition is shrinking. A large majority of older Louisianians are opposed, while almost 60 percent of adults under 30 support it. Director Michael Henderson says as time goes on, the numbers will change…
CUT 5 (07) Q: ” those trends”

Four underaged college students from Louisiana have been cited in Alabama for hauling a large amount of alcohol, headed toward Gulf shores for Spring Break. The booze was seized, and since no drugs of weapons were found, they were allowed to go on their way. Mobile County Sheriff’s Office Spokesman Lt. Paul Burch says he wasn’t sure if they continued to the beach…
CUT 11 (09) Q: ‘headed back out”

It’s called “revenge porn,” and a lawmaker from Kenner is sponsoring legislation that would criminalize it…
CUT 2 (30) Q: “reporting”

Good news for Louisiana agriculture as that economy sector grew to 12.7 billion dollars in 2014. Numbers out today from the LSU AgCenter says the net value was up 7.6 percent; an increase of about 900 million from 2013. The largest contributors were forestry, beef and soybeans.
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A recent LSU Public Policy Research Lab poll finds 42 percent support for legally recognized same-sex marriage in Louisiana. That lags well behind the national average, but the gap between supporters and opponents is shrinking; now at about 9 perent. And Director Michael Henderson says the research indicates a generation gap when it come to support…
CUT 4 (06) “strong support”

In Alabama, four underage college students from Louisiana were busted for hauling a trailer full of alcohol to Gulf shores for Spring Break. Mobile County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Lt. Paul Burch says deputies found the trailer had an expired tag, then found over 100 18-packs of beer and numerous bottles of hard liquor and wine…
CUT 10 (10) Q: ‘happens in court”

A bill banning “revenge porn” will be taken up in the legislative session that begins Monday. Kenner Representative Julie Stokes says this measure protects people who are 17 years of age or older and would make it illegal to disclose a sexual image of someone, usually online, without their consent. She says sometimes young adults think they are sending private pictures to someone that can be trusted..:
CUT 7 (08) “or high school”
Penalties for this offense include a fine of up to $10,000 and up to two years in jail or both.

There’s been a curve ball in the Darren Sharper case today. The former Saints safety was expected to plead guilty to drugging and raping women in New Orleans, but something derailed that plan. After some tense moments in the courtroom, it was announced that the ex-All Pro defensive back would not enter a plea today. The judge decided to take up the matter once the federal charges were resolved. Some say this could be a sign that Sharper’s global plea deal is getting re-worked.

Four underage Louisiana college students were issued summons’ in Alabama when busted hauling a trailer full of alcohol to Gulf Shores for spring break. Mobile County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Lt. Paul Burch says deputies noticed a trailer traveling on Interstate 10 with an expired tag…:
CUT 9 (07) “amount of alcohol”
Burch says deputies found over 100 18-packs of beer and numerous bottles of hard liquor and wine in the trailer. The four will be charged with minor in possession of alcohol. Burch says no drugs or weapons were found on the students, so authorities allowed them to go on their way.

The US Coast Guard says three-mile stretch of the Mississippi River in south Louisiana is now one-way traffic only upriver after a ship broke free this morning and hit two other vessels causing oil to spill. The incident took place around 4pm yesterday near Convent. There are no injuries reported.

There was an unexpected turn today in the Darren Sharper case. The former New Orleans Saints star was expected to plead guilty in state court to charges related to drugging and raping women, but the judge delayed the arraignment until the federal case is resolved. Legal analyst Chick Foret says this could be a sign Sharpers “global” plea deal is going to change:
CUT 12 (09) “an alternative”
The deal that was struck would have reportedly sent Sharper to jail for nine years but now Foret says he doesn’t think he’s going to get off that easy.

Bruce Foods in New Iberia has sold it’s The Original Louisiana Brand Hot Sauce to Georgia-based Southeastern Mills Inc. They say the purchase includes all of the property related to Bruce’s hot sauce business and under the terms of the acquisition, Southeastern Mills will keep current workers and also the plant in New Iberia.

A recent LSU Public Policy Research Lab poll finds support for legally recognized same-sex marriage in Louisiana lags well behind the national average. Eric Gill reports…:
CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

According to a report from the LSU AgCenter, Louisiana agriculture as a whole contributed $12.7 billion dollars to the state’s economy in 2014.