The Senate Finance Committee heard testimony today from disability advocates who are raising the alarm over the House passed budget that would place deep cuts in healthcare starting July 1st, including the slashing of programs for the disabled. Ville Platte Senator Eric LaFluer says the cuts would eliminate services for over 45 thousand developmentally disabled patients.

Cut 3 (11) “81 percent”

Starting today business with over 20 locations that sell food, including groceries and movie theaters, must display calorie counts. Along with calorie counts, business will be required to provide detailed nutritional information about their food products as well. Assistant Professor at the LSU Health Sciences New Orleans Center Dr. Henry Nuss says you could be in store for some big surprises about your favorite “healthy” foods.

Cut 13 (09) “healthy option”

A two vehicle crash near Sorrento on Interstate 10 killed two children last night. State Police Trooper Bryan Lee says the driver of the vehicle who struck the victim’s car ,47 year old Stephen Daigle of Gonzales, was arrested and charged with negligent homicide, negligent injuring and reckless operations.

 All passengers involved in the crash were not restrained. Lee says proper restraints save lives…

cut 8 (09) “too often”

Louisiana is now on a six year run of record breaking tourism numbers as the state saw 500,000 more visitors in 2017 than it saw in 2016, for a total of 46.7 million visitors.. Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says a lot of these great results come down to a big push to bring in more folks from outside the states.

Cut 10 (09) “more money”

Dramatic testimony in Senate Finance today as disability advocates spoke out against a proposed cuts to healthcare services. Jeff Palermo has more.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A 4.6 magnitude earthquake was recorded in the Gulf of Mexico on Sunday morning, about 120 miles southeast of Grand Isle. According to the Richter Scale, a 4.6 magnitude earthquake is consdidered light. There have been no reports that anyone felt anything in southeast Louisiana.

A one-month-old and an eight-year-old from Houston were killed in a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 10 in Ascension Parish last night. State Police Trooper Bryan Lee says 47-year-old Stephen Daigle of Gonzales has been chared with negligent homicide and the children in the other car were not buckled up….
cut 9 (08) “…upgraded”
Lee says eyewitnesses report seeing Daigle driving recklessly moments before the crash.

Starting today business with over 20 locations that sell food, including groceries and movie theaters, must display calorie counts. The requirement is a part of “Obamacare” that is aimed at fighting obesity. Assistant Professor at the LSU Health Sciences New Orleans Center Dr. Henry Nuss says you could be in store for some big surprises about your favorite “healthy” foods.
Cut 13 (09) “healthy option”

The Senate Finance Committee heard testimony from those concerned about deep cuts health care services especially from the developmentally disabled, if legislators don’t cover up a 648-million dollar shortfall in a special session. ARC of Ouachita representative Tina Holly says without these services, her family and friends would be broken up, and forced to move into nursing homes, if any would be available after the cuts kick in.
Cut 4 (10) “programs going”
Senate Finance Chairman Eric LaFluer says the House approved budget calls for the elimination of services for 45-thousand developmentally disabled patients.

A two vehicle crash near Sorrento on Interstate 10 killed two children last night. State Trooper Bryan Lee says 47 year old Stephen Daigle of Gonzales, the driver of the vehicle who struck the victim’s car, was arrested and charged with negligent homicide, negligent injuring and reckless operations…
Cut 7 (10) “Philson’s vehicle”
The two victims were from Houston and not buckled up. An adult in that vehicle could also face charges.

Emotional testimony is taking place in the Senate Finance Committee this morning as those with developmental disabilities plead with lawmakers not to cut funding to programs that pay for services that help them daily. This man says it’s a life or death matter….
cut 3 (08) “…would survive”
Senate Finance Chairman Eric LaFleur says the House-proposed budget would cut services from 45-thousand developmentally disabled individuals. LaFleur says the Senate Finance Committee also intends to pass its own version of the budget later this week.

Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it remains to be seen if the full Senate approves a budget for next fiscal year…
cut 8 (12) “…the budget”
Governor Edwards is urging legislative leaders to end the regular sesssion early, so they can deal with the approaching fiscal cliff in a special session.

LaToya Cantrell’s inauguration as the next of mayor of New Orleans is underway. Political Analyst Clancy DuBos says the former city council woman’s leadership style is more of a mystery than her predecessor Mitch Landrieu…
Cut 4 (10) “for Landrieu”
Once Cantrell is sworn in, Louisiana’s three largest cities will be led by black female Democrats.

A study from Office Team has found men take three minutes a day longer to get dressed for work than women…
cut 12 (11) “….not prepared”
That’s Office Team President Brandi Britton, who says the study revealed that the old gendered stereotype that women take longer to get ready than men might be dead wrong.

LaToya Cantrell will be sworn in today as the first female mayor in New Orleans’ 300-year history. Cantrell arrives in office with a potential major scandal in the making. Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry is investigating the former city council member for potential misuse of a city credit card. Political Analyst Clancy DuBos says it’s an investigation that casts a pall not just over her, but many city officials.
Cut 6 (09) “credit card”
But a spokesperson for Cantrell predicts the investigation will clear the mayor-elect and her staff of any wrongdoing.

The Pelicans are on the verge of elimination in the NBA playoffs after losing 118-92 to Golden State yesterday at the Smoothie King Center. New Orleans Coach Alvin Gentry…
cut 16 (09) “…defensively”
Golden State can clinch a series victory tomorrow night in Oakland.

Will the state Senate pass a budget for next fiscal year? Jeff Palermo reports that’s a major question mark with one month to go in the regular session…
Voicer 2 (29) I’m Jeff Palermo”

Season ticket renewals for LSU football games have only declined one-percent, despite a concern about a dramatic drop in season ticket holders, because of changes with federal tax laws. Fans can no longer deduct the contribution they make that gives them an opportunity to purchase season tickets.

LaToya Cantrell will be sworn in as New Orleans’ first female mayor in the city’s 300-year history today. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says Cantrell will have three big challenges right out of the gate that need to be addressed….
cut 5 (08) “…time down”
During the campaign, Cantrell was accused of misusing the city’s credit card as a city councilwoman. Attorney General Jeff Landry says the investigation is ongoing. Cantrell’s office has denied any wrongdoing.

A one-month-old and eight-year-old were killed in a two vehicle wreck last night on Interstate 10 near Sorrento. The driver of the other vehicle, 47-year-old Stephen Daigle of Gonzales was arrested and charged with negligent homicide, negligent injuring and reckless operation. The victims were from Houston.

KTBS reports a man had his legs severed by a train last night in Shreveport. The TV station says they’ve learned the victim was sleeping on the tracks.

A new study finds that what you wear to work has a big impact on your chances of getting that big promotion. 80 percent of managers and 86 percent of workers feel that clothing affects your promotion chances. OfficeTeam District President Brandi Britton says the old adage is still true…
Cut 10 (12) “a notch”

College football attendance has dropped four straight years nationwide, but LSU officials says they’ve only seen a one percent drop in non-renewals for season tickets this year. Despite not having a 10-win season since 2013, Tiger fans are not giving up their season tickets. Tiger Athletic Foundation President Rick Perry says if anything, tickets are becoming even more sought after.
Cut 13 (07) “last year”

Former City Councilwoman LaToya Cantrell will be sworn in as New Orleans’ first female mayor today. Don Molino has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

A 4.6 magnitude earthquake was recorded in the Gulf of Mexico on Sunday morning, about 120 miles southeast of Grand Isle. According to the Richter Scale, a 4.6 magnitude earthquake is consdidered light. There have been no reports that anyone felt anything in southeast Louisiana.

The regular session must end in 28 days, but Governor Edwards is pushing lawmakers to end it early, so they can address a 648-million dollar revenue shortfall in a special session. A significant bill dealing with riverboat gaming and a constitutional amendment that would require unanimous jury verdicts in criminal trials are still being considered. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says there’s a chance that legislation stalls as the clock ticks down.
Cut 9 (08) “budget”

A survey finds most managers and workers believe dressing well can improve your chances of getting a promotion. But Office Team President Brandi Britton says the definition of dressing up has loosened as work attire rules have changed…
cut 11 (09) “…to work”

LaToya Cantrell will be sworn in today as mayor of New Orleans after eight years of Mitch Landrieu holding the reigns. Political Analyst Clancy DuBos says the former city council woman’s leadership style is more of mystery than her predecessor…
Cut 4 (10) “for Landrieu”
Once Cantrell is sworn in, Louisiana’s three largest cities will be led by black female Democrats.

It still remains to be seen if legislators will end the regular session early, so they can address a 648-million dollar budget shortfall in a special session. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says bills that have nothing to do with the budget are close to final passage, so the regular session could end in a couple of weeks…
cut 7 (11) “…be passed”

A magnitude 4.6 earthquake was reported Sunday morning about 120 miles southeast of Grand Isle in the Gulf of Mexico. The quake did not create a tsunami threat.

A study from Office Team has found men take three minutes a day longer to get dressed for work than women…
cut 12 (11) “….not prepared”
That’s Office Team President Brandi Britton, who says the study revealed that the old gendered stereotype that women take longer to get ready than men might be dead wrong.

Gasoline prices remain flat in Louisiana. According to Triple-A, the statewide average for regular gasoline has remained at $2.54 a gallon.