_________________________________________________

The White House announced it is considering 200 billion dollars in new Chinese tariffs, potentially raising the import cost on a broad range of goods by 10 percent. The initial exchange of blows in the trade war have many Louisiana industries that are reliant on trade worried, but Senior Director at National Retail Federation Bethany Aronhalt says these tariffs hit a little closer to home for most folks.

 

Cut 3 (09) “like shampoo”

The Trump Administration has opened a 60 day comment period to allow retailers and the public to weigh in on what products should be included in the tariffs.

But the potential price increases likely will not happen overnight, as stores are still flush with goods they purchased at pre tariff prices. Aronhalt says with a two month comment period before enacting the proposed tariffs, shoppers could be looking at price increases at a very inconvenient time.

Cut 4  (11) “shopping season”

Aronhalt says Tires, dog leashes, handbags, belts, shoe laces, and more are on the list, but it’s home improvement items in particular that could lead to price increases in places you weren’t expecting.

Cut 5  (08) “more expensive.”

 

_____________________________________________

 

Ascension Parish President Kenny Matassa is in the clear of allegations of bribery, accusations that have been lingering over his administration for the better part of two years.  State District Judge Thomas Kliebert Jr. ruled in the favor of Matassa saying prosecutors failed to prove the parish president offer cash and a job to A. Wayne Lawson in exchange for dropping out of a 2016 city council race.  Matassa’s attorney, Lewis Uglesby, says the parish president is happy the allegations are now behind him.

Cut 6 (11)  “…don’t have to worry.”

Uglesby continues to insist that there was no wrongdoing by his client, and says he has a theory behind why things escalated the way they did.

Cut 7 (08)  “…a big deal.”

Matassa has maintained his innocence, claiming the $1200 loan and employment opportunity offered to Lawson was twisted.  Uglesby explains why he believes the situation got nearly two years of attention.

Cut 8 (12) “…gone to court.”

 ___________________________

Animal activists are shocked as n Opelousas man will avoid jail time and will not be required to pay any fines after pleading guilty to Felony Cruelty to an Animal. Jermaine Doucet was accused of torturing award winning race horse Dr. Drip. Humane Society of Louisiana Executive Director Jeff Dorson says the details of the crime highly disturbing. As a warning, the description is graphic.