The full House takes up a bill on today that would prohibit you from holding a cell phone while driving. Jennifer Smith, the C-E-O of Stop-distractions-dot-org is pushing for this legislation…

15 other states and Washington D.C. currently have a similar law. Opponents to the bill, claim they need access to their phones at all times while driving. Many note the map feature is something they use on a regular basis while behind the wheel. But Smith says that’s dangerous…

Cut 9 (08)  “deadly weapon.”

A bill by Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt that would allow civil court judges to decide whether or not juries are allowed to know whether or not a crash victim was wearing their seat belt is being heard in committee todayThe bill is backed by the National Federation of Independent businesses who says it’ll save business who employ drivers a good bit of money.

Hewitt says civil law in crash lawsuits is currently convoluted.

Cut 12 (12) “seatbelt”

The bill will be heard in Senate Judiciary A.

====================——————————————————–

An LSU survey shows Louisianans have a favorable view of their local media. 78 percent of those polled said they trust their local media’s information a lot, or some. Public Policy Research Lab Director Mike Henderson says local media also got high marks in getting the facts right.

Local media scored much higher than the national media, where only 32 percent of those polled say they trust what they see.

But the numbers weren’t completely rosy. One third of respondents say they don’t trust their local media. Henderson says if you take a closer look, there’s a big trend.

Cut 14 (06) “republicans are”

Henderson says maintain trust between the media and public is critical for preserving our system of governance.

More than 100 banks in Louisiana could be out from under a wide range of regulations enacted after the 2008 financial crisis. The Dodd-Frank act imposes rules that smaller banks claim are burdensome and have high compliance costs. Louisiana Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy are both in favor of repealing Dodd-Frank.

A survey from LSU says a majority of Louisianans trust their local media. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Today is the final day to file your 2017 federal tax returns. A recent survey found 53-percent of Louisianans wait until the very end to do so, the most of any state.  Retired New Orleans CPA Ted Stacey says Since the federal tax overhaul, proponents have claimed that taxes can be done on paper the size of a postcard. Stacey says the reform should make it easier for everyone…

Cut 6 (08) “increased considerably.”

The final day the state will accept tax returns will be May 15^th.

=======================————————————————————————–

The full House takes up a bill on today that would prohibit you from holding a cell phone while driving. Jennifer Smith, the C-E-O of Stop-distractions-dot-org is pushing for this legislation…

15 other states and Washington D.C. currently have a similar law. Smith says a reduction in crashes and cell phone use while driving have been noted in Oregon…

Cut 8 (11)  “the wheel.”

A bill by Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt that would allow civil court judges to decide whether or not juries are allowed to know whether or not a crash victim was wearing their seat belt is being heard in committee today. Hewitt says crashes involving people not wearing seat belts end up leading to heftier settlements.He says six out of seven drivers buckle up, which reduces bodily harm during crashes, saving money. But for those who don’t…

Cut 11 (11) “that information”

A bill that would allow jurors to be told if a crash victim was wearing their seat belt will be heard in committee today. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (28) I’m Jeff Palermo”

Today is the final day to file your 2017 federal tax returns. A recent survey found 53-percent of Louisianans wait until the very end to do so, the most of any state.  Retired New Orleans CPA Ted Stacey says

there are several things that a taxpayer could overlook when rushing through it…

Cut 5  (11)  “can take.”

=============================——————————–

The full House takes up a bill on today that would prohibit you from holding a cell phone while driving. Jennifer Smith, the C-E-O of Stop-distractions-dot-org is pushing for this legislation…

Cut 7 (13)  “no cost.”

An LSU survey shows Louisianans have a favorable view of their local media. 78 percent of those polled said they trust their local media’s information a lot, or some. Public Policy Research Lab Director Mike Henderson says local media also got high marks in getting the facts right.

Cut 13 (06)  “their reporting”

The Pelicans can take a commanding two games to none series lead tonight when New Orleans faces Portland in Game 2 of their best of seven playoff series. Head Coach Alvin Gentry says its great to win Saturday, but the immediate goal is to advance to the Western Conference semifinals

Cut 16 (14) “…basketball team”

Gentry is expecting a better shooting performance from Portland’s backcourt of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. They combined to shoot 13 of 41 from the field. New Orleans is also hoping for another great performance from point guard Rajon Rondo, who had 17 assists. Tip off is at 9:30.

Wide receiver Willie Snead is reportedly working out with the Saints, even though he’s yet to sign a contract with New Orleans. Just eight catches for Snead in 2017.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

The LSU baseball team has moved up four spots to number 19 in the latest D-1-Baseball Top 25. Also, Tigers senior Austin Bain has been named SEC Co-Player of the week. He was 8-for-15 at the plate with eight runs driven in. He also recorded one save as well. LSU is at Tulane tomorrow night.

Tonight, 14^th ranked Southern Miss is at Southeastern Louisiana. The Lions are coming off a series loss to Northwestern State. The Demons will host Lamar. ULM is at Grambling. McNeese, who swept UNO this past weekend, will host Houston Baptist, while the Privateers are at Jackson State.

In college football, a new rule has been approved that says if the returning team calls for a fair catch inside the 25-yard line on a kick-off, the ball will be placed at the 25 yard-line. It’s an effort to end the strategy of the kick-off team using sky kicks to pin the opponent deep in its own end. College football, just like the NFL is trying to reduce injuries on kick-offs.

The House is expected to vote on a bill today that would ban holding a cell phone while driving. Kelley Ray spoke with a proponent of the legislation.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

Today is the final day to file your 2017 federal tax returns. A recent survey found 53-percent of Louisianans wait until the very end to do so, the most of any state.  Retired New Orleans CPA Ted Stacey says those who procrastinate can make costly mistakes as they rush to file, so asking for a six month extension is an option…

Cut 4  (12) “covers everything.” 

=========================———————————————————-

A bill by Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt that would allow civil court judges to decide whether or not juries are allowed to know whether or not a crash victim was wearing their seat belt is being heard in committee today. Hewitt says crashes involving people not wearing seat belts end up leading to heftier settlements.

Cut 10 (11) “of us”

More than 100 banks in Louisiana could be out from under a wide range of regulations enacted after the 2008 financial crisis. The Dodd-Frank act imposes rules that smaller banks claim are burdensome and have high compliance costs. Louisiana Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy are both in favor of repealing Dodd-Frank.

The House is expected to vote on a bill today that would ban holding a cell phone while driving. Kelley Ray spoke with a proponent of the legislation.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

______________________________________

A bill that would allow jurors to be told if a crash victim was wearing their seat belt will be heard in committee today. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (28) I’m Jeff Palermo”

___________________________________

A report from LSU’s Manship School says a majority of Louisianans trust their local media. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________________________

Today is the final day to file your 2017 federal tax returns. A recent survey found 53-percent of Louisianans wait until the very end to do so, the most of any state.  Retired New Orleans CPA Ted Stacey says those who procrastinate can make costly mistakes as they rush to file, so asking for a six month extension is an option…

Cut 4  (12) “covers everything.” 

Stacey says there are several things that a taxpayer could overlook when rushing through it…

Cut 5  (11)  “can take.”

Since the federal tax overhaul, proponents have claimed that taxes can be done on paper the size of a postcard. Stacey says the reform should make it easier for everyone…

Cut 6 (08) “increased considerably.”

The final day the state will accept tax returns will be May 15^th.

_________________________________________________

The full House takes up a bill on today that would prohibit you from holding a cell phone while driving. Jennifer Smith, the C-E-O of Stop-distractions-dot-org is pushing for this legislation…

Cut 7 (13)  “no cost.”

15 other states and Washington D.C. currently have a similar law. Smith says a reduction in crashes and cell phone use while driving have been noted in Oregon…

Cut 8 (11)  “the wheel.”

Opponents to the bill, claim they need access to their phones at all times while driving. Many note the map feature is something they use on a regular basis while behind the wheel. But Smith says that’s dangerous…

Cut 9 (08)  “deadly weapon.”

_________________________________________________________

A bill by Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt that would allow civil court judges to decide whether or not juries are allowed to know whether or not a crash victim was wearing their seat belt is being heard in committee today. Hewitt says crashes involving people not wearing seat belts end up leading to heftier settlements.

Cut 10 (11) “of us”

The bill is backed by the National Federation of Independent businesses who says it’ll save business who employ drivers a good bit of money.

Hewitt says six out of seven drivers buckle up, which reduces bodily harm during crashes, saving every money. But for those who don’t…

Cut 11 (11) “that information”

Hewitt says civil law in crash lawsuits is currently convoluted.

Cut 12 (12) “seatbelt”

The bill will be heard in Senate Judiciary A

_________________________________________________________

A report from the Reilly Center at LSU’s Manship School says Louisianans have a pretty favorable view of their local media. 78 percent of those polled said they trust their local media’s information a lot, or some. Public Policy Research Lab Director Mike Henderson says local media also got high marks in getting the facts right.

Cut 13 (06)  “their reporting”

Local media scored much higher than the national media, where only 32 percent of those polled say they trust what they see.

But the numbers weren’t completely rosy. One third of respondents say they don’t trust their local media. Henderson says if you take a closer look, there’s a big trend.

Cut 14 (06) “republicans are”

Henderson says maintain trust between the media and public is critical for preserving our system of governance.

Cut 15 (10) “their decisions”

_______________________________________

The Pelicans can take a commanding two games to none series lead tonight when New Orleans faces Portland in Game 2 of their best of seven playoff series. Head Coach Alvin Gentry says its great to win Saturday, but the immediate goal is to advance to the Western Conference semifinals

Cut 16 (14) “basketball team”

New Orleans won Game 1 on Saturday night and have had two off days to get ready for tonight’s game. Gentry says he’ll take the extra rest….

Cut 17 (11)  “to us”

One reason for the Pelicans win on Saturday was the defense they played on the Trail Blazers starting back court. Damian Lillard and C-J McCollum combined to shoot 13 of 41 from the field. Gentry says it’s unlikely that will happen again

Cut 18 (20)  “to do”

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A solider died from a gunshot wound at his residence in Fort Polk last Thursday. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (25) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Congressman Steve Scalise underwent follow up surgery today, ten months after a gunman shot Scalise and several others while practicing for a charity softball game. Scalise’s office says he was in “excellent spirits” and will be hospitalized for several days.

Injured East Baton Rouge Parish sheriff’s deputy Nick Tullier is reportedly in ICU with pneumonia. His father James Tullier said on Facebook that the pneumonia could have been caused by a recent seizure but it was difficult to determine the exact cause.

A bill that would require 18-wheelers to be in the right hand lane while traveling on interstates through Baton Rouge from 4 to 7 PM weekdays passed the House Transportation Committee. Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter says he’s trying to do something about the daily back-ups that happen in the capital city…

Cut 10 (10) “the problem.”

After three confirmed tornadoes touched down in Louisiana Saturday, National Weather Service forecasters are concerned as another strong cold front is expected to push through the state this next weekend. National Weather Service forecaster Donald Jones…

Cut 16  (10) “next weekend.”

The strongest tornado touched down in Lafayette Parish last Saturday.

The House Appropriations Committee has sent a bill to the House floor that makes cuts to higher education and health care, but fully funds TOPS and Go Grants…
voicer 1 (25) “…I’m Jim Shannon”

Governor John Bel Edwards was quick to express his opposition to the proposed spending plan. Edwards says TOPS should be fully funded, but so should public colleges, health care for seniors and the disabled and public-private hospitals. He says this budget document is not worth the paper it’s printed on and and it’s another reason why a special session is needed to replace expiring revenue.

Louisiana has some of the highest insurance rates in the country. Experts say one reason why is large settlements that are paid out in civil cases. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt has a bill that will be heard in Senate Committee on Tuesday afternoon that would give judges the authority to let juries know if a crash victim was not buckled up…..
cut 30 (11) “….that information”
Hewitt says it’s less likely a crash victim will receive a large settlement if it’s known their injuries could have been reduced if they were buckled up.

And the full House takes up a bill on Tuesday that would prohibit you from holding your cell phone while driving. Jennifer Smith, the C-E-O of Stop-distractions-dot-org is pushing for this legislation…
cut 7 (12) “…no cost”
The House convenes at 2 PM.

The House budget committee approves a spending plan that fully funds TOPS. State Representative Patricia Smith says the amendment to fully fund TOPS means public colleges would receive a 22 million dollar cut…
Cut 6 (:12) “connect”
Also included are steep cuts to healthcare. More changes in the budget are expected when the bill hits the House Floor on Thursday.

In an effort to improve traffic flow in Baton Rouge, a House committee passed a bill that requires 18-wheelers to stay in the right lane from 4 to 7 PM every weekday while traveling on the interstate in East Baton Rouge. The author of the bill is Representative Steve Carter….
cut 13 (11) “…try anything”
The measure heads to the House floor for more discussion.

The severe weather that moved through the state Friday night and Saturday morning claimed the life of an infant child in Bossier Parish. Sheriff’s office spokesperson, Lt. Bill Davis….
cut 8 (09) “…the RV”
In Acadiana, the National Weather Service confirms the strong cold front produced three tornadoes. Donald Jones with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says some damage was reported with the E-F two tornado in Lafayette Parish near Carencro….
cut 15 (09) “…the interstate”
No injuries were reported.

Louisiana Congressman and House Majority Whip Steve Scalise is back in the hospital for a series of planned surgeries on the gunshot wound he suffered during last summer’s shooting attack. He’s expected to remain hospitalized for several days and his doctors say he’s already eager to return to work.