LRN PM Newscall April 10th

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says he will resign if the federal government is holding up flood recovery financial assistance. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Governor John Bel Edwards asks lawmakers to leave partisan politics at the door as they begin the 2017 legislative session. Michelle Southern has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The father of the 6-year-old autistic boy killed by a Marksville deputy marshal has been arrested for allegedly trying to strangle his girlfriend. Chief Deputy Steven Martel with the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office says they received a call Saturday about a domestic dispute between 26-year-old Christopher Few and his girlfriend.

Cut 3 (09) “strangle him”

The incident happened at a home in Moncla, just north of Marksville, only a week after former Marksville officer Derrick Stafford was convicted in the death of 6-year-old Jeremy Mardis. Martel says there was sufficient evidence to book Few on one count of domestic abuse battery by strangulation.

Cut 4  (07) “had occurred”

Martel says Few is currently being held in the Avoyelles Parish Jail, and he’s expected to have his bond hearing today. But he says Few also has two outstanding warrants for theft in St. Landry Parish.

Cut 5  (05)  “on him”

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Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says he will resign if the federal government is the reason flood victims have not yet received any federal assistance. Graves made the comments on the Jim Engster Show, also issuing a call for Governor John Bel Edwards to do the same.

Cut 6 (09) “with the governor”

Richard Carbo with the Governor’s Office says there is no truth to Graves’ claims that the state is holding up the process. He says Louisiana submitted its plan on how to spend recovery dollars to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development with record speed, and the funds are tied up in red tape on the federal level.

Cut 7 (09)  “of the funds”

Congress has approved a total of $1.6 billion for Louisiana’s flood recovery, but no dollars have yet been dispersed. The Governor’s Office says the funds will be available in the coming weeks. But Graves is adamant the state is delaying the process.

Cut 8 (08) “or not”

Carbo says the Governor’s Office in no way wants Graves to resign. He says instead, they want to work with him because that’s what’s best for the flood victims. He says these kinds of comments aren’t doing anything to help homeowners.

Cut 9 (08)  “not accurate”

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Have you noticed gas prices are on the rise? AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says the cost of regular gasoline rose 7 cents a gallon over the last week for a statewide average of $2.19. Redman says it’s that time of the year when the price at the pump rises.

Cut 10 (11) “their equipment”

Gas prices are at their highest level since January. Redman says refineries are switching from a winter grade of gasoline to a summer, which will lead to a decrease in supply, possibly pushing gas prices to $2.50 a gallon by May or June. He says motorists should be prepared to pay more for gasoline this year.

Cut 11 (10) “a gallon”

Redman says the more expensive summer grade gasoline has to be in place by May. He says while the swing in prices varies a little from one year to the next, we can always expect gas prices to go up this time of year.

Cut 12 (11) “in June”

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The 2017 session is underway and Governor John Bel Edwards told lawmakers now is the time to pass long-term tax reform that provides budget stability, so Louisiana can better fund its priorities. Edwards is pushing a plan that would increase taxes on many businesses, but promises to lower taxes on most Louisiana residents.

Cut 13 (12) “days ahead”

During an address to a joint session of the legislature, the governor also pushed legislators to pour money into roads, even if that means increasing the state’s gasoline tax…

Cut 14 (07) “traffic congestion”

The legislative session will last for two months. During that time, the governor will call on legislators to pass a series of changes to the state’s criminal laws in effort to lower the state’s incarceration rate. He also wants legislators to raise the minimum wage and pass legislation that ensures women receive the same wages as men for equal work

Cut 15 (08) “(applause”