The strong storm activity that swept through southeast Louisiana earlier today has resulted in wind damage and street flooding in the area. Eric Gill reports…
CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

In Shreveport/Bossier, it’s the start of Navy Week — an opportunity for the ArkLaTex to meet Sailors and learn about their missions. Scheduled events include free concerts, demonstrations, commemorative events, school visits and service projects. The schedule of events can be found at NavyOutreach-dot-org.
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Powerful storms along the Gulf Coast had tragic results in Mobile Bay causing several sailboats to capsize. A Pineville man also died competing in a regatta Saturday afternoon. The family of 27 year-old Kris Beall confirmed that one of the bodies recovered was his. Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Seth Johnson says the storm caught boaters by surprise…
CUT 8 (10) Q: ‘at the time’

That state bill for a tax increase on cigarettes has cleared the House Ways and Means Committee. That tax would move the tax from 36 cents to 68 cents. The measure passed 11-5, but not without opposition like former state senator Fred Hoyt, who is a convenient store owner…
CUT 11 (09) Q: ‘and food”

Entergy says crews are responding to extensive outages along south Louisiana as a strong line of storms packed strong wind gusts, hail and lightning strikes causing damage to the state’s power grid. There are over 170,000 Entergy customers currently without power and over 100,000 DEMCO residents in the dark. Entergy spokesman Tom Peters says, with storm activity like today, there are several factors that can cause power outages…:
CUT 3 (10) “event like this”
He says they are working to get everybody back up but some customers might remain without power through tomorrow.

A House Panel approves a 68 cent cigarette tax increase. The vote was 11-5 in the House Ways and Means Committee. Opposition came from Jack Casanova, a cigarette wholesaler who says such an increase will have an impact on jobs and bring security concerns…:
CUT 12 (09) “major issue”
Supporter say the money from the tax increase could go to fill the state’s budget deficit.

The family of 27-year-old Kris Beall of Pineville, who was competing in a regatta in Mobile Bay when a powerful storm capsized several sailboats, says he is among the dead. Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Seth Johnson says the incident happened Saturday afternoon…:
CUT 7 (12) “Bay off guard”
Beall’s wife reported his death in a Facebook post Sunday. Officials say there are still people missing and the search is ongoing.

Cops say two LSU students died after being found at the bottom of a swimming pool in an apartment complex. They believe the two died early in the morning. Police pulled them out of the water and indicate there are no obvious signs of foul play. Apparently the two got inside by climbing around a fence because the pool was closed.

Entergy and DEMCO say thousands of customers are without power after a horrible storm blew through south Louisiana this morning. Entergy spokesman Tom Peters says it could be a while before they get everybody back up…:
CUT 4 (09) “straight line winds”
They say power could be out for some areas until tomorrow. Cops are urging folks to stay off the roads if possible.

The House Ways and Means Committee approves a bill that increases the state’s cigarette tax from 36 cents per pack to 68 cents to match the tax rate in Mississippi. The bill’s author, Bogalusa Representative Harold Ritchie, originally proposed a tax increase of over one-dollar, but agreed to lower the tax so the measure would be approved…:
CUT 10 (06) “trying to do”
The bill advanced on an 11-5 vote and it’s expected to generate an estimated 67 million dollars for the state annually, which could be used towards the state’s one-point-six billion dollar shortfall.

Today is the start of of Navy Week in Shreveport Bossier…an opportunity for the community to meet Sailors and learn about their missions. Lead Navy week planner Gary Ross says events include free concerts, demonstrations, commemorative events, school visits and participation in service projects;
CUT 14 (11) “contact”
Ross says this is one of 12 Navy Weeks the their Office of Community Outreach is hosting in 2015.

Gas prices keep going up. The current statewide average for a gallon of regular is $2.30 which is 6 cents up from this time last week according to AAA.

Officials are urging folks in southeast Louisiana to stay put if you can as severe storms have moved through the area and downed trees and power-lines. Entergy is reporting over 150,000 customers are without power. Spokesman Tom Peters says crews will be working to restore electricity as weather conditions improve…:
CUT 1 (05) “is safe”
The National Weather Service in New Orleans says a tornado was spotted near Thibodaux by local sheriff’s office personnel.

The Louisiana Attorney General’s office urges consumers to research the costs and benefits of solar panels before purchasing them. The director of the public protection division of the state’s A-G’s office, Sam Pleasant, says homeowners can be attracted by a promise of reduced energy costs from solar power systems, but..:
CUT 13 (09) “up front”

The $22.9 million makeover of the Rapides Parish Coliseum in Alexandria begins today after numerous delays. Eric Gill reports…:
CUT 1 (28) “reporting”

ESPN is reporting the Pelicans have made a max offer to All-Star Anthony Davis that would pay him a total of 140-million dollars over five years. Davis still has one-year left on his rookie contract. The Pels season is over after getting swept by Golden State in their first round playoff series.

Severe weather continues to pummel southeast Louisiana this morning prompting the National Weather Service to issue Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Warnings in the region. Power disruptions have been reported as a result of the storms. A Tornado Watch remains in effect for southeast Louisiana until 1PM today. Flash Flood Watches are in effect for a large portion of central and south Louisiana until as late as tomorrow afternoon.

A measure to increase the state’s tax on cigarettes by $1.18 is being debated in the House Ways and Means Committee. Stasha Rhodes, with the American Heart Association in Louisiana, says the bill has an excellent chance at passing, because of the state’s massive budget shortfall…

cut 10 (06) “possible solution”

This legislation would increase the state’s cigarette tax from 36-cents per pack to $1.54 per pack, which is the national average.

The Louisiana Attorney General’s office urges consumers to research the costs and benefits of solar panels before purchasing them. The director of the public protection division of the state’s A-G’s office, Sam Pleasant, says you can contact your utility provider to see if they’ll perform an energy efficiency audit of your home, which can determine if it’s even worth getting solar panels…

cut 15 (08) “solar system”

Pleasant says they issued this alert now, because warmer weather prompts many consumers to look at ways to save money on utility bills.

Funeral services for Caddo Parish District Attorney Charles Scott will be held today after his sudden death last week in Baton Rouge while on business at the Capitol. Pete Adams is the Executive Director of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association…

cut 7 (09) “very intelligent”

Preliminary findings reveal the 67-year-old died of previously diagnosed heart disease.

The National Weather Service has issued Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Warnings for several parishes this morning in southeast Louisiana as severe weather sweeps through the state. A Tornado Watch remains in effect for a large portion of central and south Louisiana until 1PM today, while Flash Flood Watches remain in effect until as late as tomorrow afternoon. Power outages have been reported due to storm activity.

For homeowners looking at purchasing solar panels to reduce their utility costs. Jeff Palermo reports the attorney general’s office says do your homework first…

cut 3 (30) “reporting”

Today, the House Ways and Means Committee will consider a bill that will raise the state’s cigarette tax from 36-cents per pack to $1.54 per pack, which is the national average. Stasha Rhodes, with the American Heart Association in Louisiana, says the measure under consideration today would generate 223-million dollars in new revenue for the state, which is why they think it has an excellent chance at passing…

cut 12 (11) “7,000 lives”

Legislators are currently tackling a one-point-six billion dollar budget deficit.

Caddo Parish District Attorney Charles Scott will be laid to rest today after his sudden death last week in Baton Rouge while on business at the Capitol. Pete Adams, Executive Director of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association, says Scott was a true leader in their organization…

cut 9 (10) “to the highest standards”

A special election for a new Caddo DA is expected to happen in conjunction with this fall’s gubernatorial election.

A bill to increase the state’s tax on cigarettes by $1.18 is expected to be debated today in the House Ways and Means Committee. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

cut 2 (29) “reporting”

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are in effect for several parishes as another round of severe weather sweeps through Louisiana. The National Weather Service has also issued a Tornado Watch for a large portion of central and south Louisiana until 1PM today, while a Flash Flood Watch will remain in effect until as late as tomorrow afternoon. NWS says thunderstorms today through tomorrow morning could drop two to three inches of rain with localized amounts up to five inches possible.

Funeral services are scheduled today for Caddo Parish District Attorney Charles Scott who died suddenly last week in a Baton Rouge hotel while on business at the Capitol. Executive Director of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association, Pete Adams says Scott was the kind of person who was kind to everyone and didn’t have a mean bone in his body…

cut 8 (09) “worked very hard”

Caddo District Court proceedings are suspended today in honor of Scott’s funeral at the Broadmoor Baptist Church.

$22.9 million in renovations to the Rapides Parish Coliseum in Alexandria begins today after numerous delays. Rapides Police Jury President Richard Billings says renovations will take place both outside and inside the building. He says renovations, so to speak, won’t stop with the building itself…

cut 6 (11) “many, many years”

The renovations are expected to take 20 to 22 months to complete.

This morning the House Ways and Means Committee will consider a bill that will raise the state’s cigarette tax to the national average of $1.54 per pack. Stasha Rhodes, with the American Heart Association in Louisiana, says not only will an increase in the cigarette tax help the state’s budget situation now, it will result in fewer people smoking, which should result in cost savings in the future…

cut 11 (11) “15.4 million dollars”

The state is facing a one-point-six billion dollar budget shortfall.

After numerous delays, the $22.9 million makeover of the Rapides Parish Coliseum in Alexandria begins today. Rapides Police Jury President Richard Billings says, when complete, the venue will be practically brand new with renovations happening both outside and inside the building…

cut 5 (10) “for entertainers”

The project is finally getting underway after voters approved a bond issue to renovate the facility two-and-a-half years ago.

If you’re considering solar panels for your home, the Louisiana Attorney General’s office urges consumers to research the costs and benefits before buying. The A-G’s director of the public protection division, Sam Pleasant, says Attorney General Buddy Caldwell recommends that potential solar panel buyers get at least three written proposals or price quotes and speak with people who have first-hand experience in purchasing them…

cut 14 (10) “recoup savings”

She says homeowners can be attracted by a promise of reduced energy costs from solar power systems.

Caddo Parish District Attorney Charles Scott will be laid to rest today after his sudden death last week in a Baton Rouge hotel while on business at the Capitol. Pete Adams is the Executive Director of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association…:

cut 7 (09) “very intelligent”

Preliminary findings reveal the 67-year-old Scott died of previously diagnosed heart disease.