Sensitive health groups should limit outdoor activities today in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Lake Charles, and Monroe due to ozone air quality. Teiko Foxx has more from DEQ…
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

The Supreme Court has ordered Alabama lawmakers to redraw its Congressional Map and add another majority-minority district. Louisiana may have to do the same as Louisiana’s current Congressional map is facing a legal challenge, because it only has one majority minority district.

Louisiana lawmakers have passed legislation requiring all public school classrooms from kindergarten to college must display the motto In God We Trust. An activist has signs ready to donate to Louisiana. Chaz Stevens says he has plenty of options, some are written in Arabic, Spanish and even rainbow-colored backgrounds…
cut 9 (09) “….come through”
The In God We Trust legislation is still awaiting the governor’s signature.

LDWF has confirmed two Northern Snakehead fish, native to Asia, were caught in Concordia Parish. There’s video taken by the fishermen on Old River of their unusual catch. Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Rob Bourgeois says they could impact our native fisheries.
Cut 3 (10) “…the concern.”
Bourgeois says they likely migrated from Mississippi or Arkansas.

State lawmakers approved legislation requiring public schools to have “In God, We Trust” displayed in the classroom. Brooke Thorington reports an activist is ready to donate signs
Cut 2 (31) “….I’m Brooke Thorington. ”

The U-S Supreme Court has ruled Alabama is violating the Voting Rights Act by only having one majority-minority Congressional district. Louisiana’s Congressional District map is also facing a legal challenge, so based on the Alabama ruling, Louisiana my have to redraw its map with a second majority minority district.

DEQ declares an ozone air quality action day for people sensitive to health effects of air pollutants in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Lake Charles, and Monroe. Air Planning and Assessment Division Administrator Jason Meyers says elevated ozone and smoke from wildfires in Canada are causing hazardous air quality.
Cut 6 (11) “…activities outdoors.”
For south Louisiana it’s a standard ozone action day alert, but northeast Louisiana is feeling the effects of the Canadian wildfires.

Lawmakers have sent a bill to the governor that phases out the corporate franchise tax. Some call it the worst tax in Louisiana because of how it hampers companies who have headquarters outside of the state. Tax consultant Jason Decuir says to help offset the revenue loss, the Quality Jobs Program will be reduced by 50-percent…
cut 14 (10) “….that out”

Waiting for the governor’s signature is a bill that would phase out the corporate franchise tax. Tax expert Jason Decuir says it’s a tax that business lobbyists have tried to do away with for years…

Cut 12 (10) “…being taxed” 

The Legislative Fiscal Office says phasing out the tax would cost the state up to 163 million dollars per year over the four-year phase-out.

The US Supreme Court ruled in favor of Black voters over majority-Black congressional districts in Alabama, which means Alabama will have to create another majority-Black congressional district. A similar case against Louisiana’s congressional maps was pending the ruling in Alabama. The ruling was a surprise in which Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh ruled with the court’s three liberal judges.

Since the final passage of legislation requiring “In God, We Trust” signs in Louisiana classrooms, artist activist Chaz Stevens has a variety of options for the signs to be donated, options in Arabic, Spanish, and even rainbow-colored backgrounds. You can view the signs at chazstevens-dot-store.

Cut 11 (10)  “…in this case.”

Stevens says he’ll send 2,500 signs to Louisiana.

Wildlife officials have confirmed two Northern Snakehead fish, native to Asia, were spotted in a video taken in Old River in Concordia Parish. Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Rob Bourgeois says they can grow up to 3 feet in length and they’re safe to eat.

Cut 5 (07)  “…there too.

He says fishers are asked not to return the species to water because they are an invasive species.

Upon the final passage of legislation requiring “In God, We Trust” signs in Louisiana classrooms, a political activist who donated signs in Texas is making the same offer in Louisiana. Artist Activist Chaz Stevens is offering options in french, mandarin, and more…

Cut 10 (10) “…with them.”

To donate to help defer the cost of the signs or to view them visit chazstevens-dot-store.

A recent survey by the American Medical Association shows one in five doctors plan to leave the practice in the next two years. Interim Dean of the LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine Dr. Richard DiCarlo says for many physicians it’s retirement and more than 60 percent of doctors report burnout.

Cut 7 (08) “…for that.”

DiCarlo says it could be as high as 100,000 or even more in the next decade. DiCarlo says mid-level physicians, like nurse practitioners and physician assistants, are capable of providing care for a wider range of patients.

LDWF verifies two Northern Snakehead fish, native to Asia, were seen in a video that was taken in Old River in Concordia Parish. Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Rob Bourgeois says they likely migrated from Mississippi or Arkansas.

Cut 4 (12)  “…were at.” 

Bourgeois urges fishers not to return the species to the water. It is illegal to possess, sell or transport live snakeheads in Louisiana.

Saturday and Sunday is a free fishing weekend in Louisiana. That means a fishing license in not required to drop a line in the water.

A political activist who took on a Texas law requiring “In God We Trust” signs in the classroom is offering schools in Louisiana the option as well. Signs from Artist Activist Chaz Stevens have a variety of options, they can be in Arabic, Spanish, and even rainbow-colored backgrounds.

Cut 9 (09) “…come through.”

And while many like Stevens believe it crosses the line of the separation of church and state, he’s pushing the envelope.

As the final hours of the State Legislature’s session wind down, House and Senate members reach a compromise on the state budget and raising the state-imposed spending cap to make use of surplus funds. Council for a Better Louisiana (CABL) President Barry Erwin says the agreement helps assure a budget bill will be approved before adjournment at 6 tonight…:

Cut 10 (09) “…I’m optimistic.”

State health officials urge residents to avoid areas with blue-green algae due to the algal bloom observed in Lake Pontchartrain. State Health Officer Joe Kanter says some algae are harmless but certain types are toxic.

Cut 13 (11) “…stay away.”  

One in five physicians plan to leave the practice in the next two years, that’s according to an American Medical Association survey. Interim Dean of the LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine Dr. Richard DiCarlo it’s burnout and COVID caused many in healthcare, like nurses and support staff to retire early.

Cut 8 (07) “… physician burnout.”

DiCarlo says medical schools are increasing class sizes so more graduates can enter the field to make up for the anticipated loss.

Today is the final day of the legislative session. The House was resistant to breaking the spending cap, but they have agreed to raise the cap, but at the same time the plan is also to allocate millions of dollars towards paying down state retirement debt. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin…
cut 12 (14) “…..both of those ideas”
The legislative session must be completed by 6 PM tonight.

LDWF has confirmed that two Northern Snakehead fish, native to Asia, were observed in a video that was taken in Concordia Parish. Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Rob Bourgeois says they could impact our native fisheries.
Cut 3 (10) “…the concern.”
Northern Snakeheads closely resemble Louisiana’s native Bowfin species. They were originally released into the wild through fish markets and aquarium trade. Bourgeois says they likely migrated from Mississippi or Arkansas.

The Louisiana Department of Health is urging residents to avoid waterways with blue-green algae. There’s a significant algal bloom in Lake Pontchatrain. State health officer Doctor Joe Kanter says some algae are harmless, certain types can produce toxins harmful to humans…
cut 15 (11) “….from hthere”
Residents can help prevent harmful algal blooms by properly using fertilizers and maintaining septic systems.

A bill sent to the governor incentives Louisiana restaurants to recycle oyster shells by providing them with a tax credit of one-dollar per 50 pounds Shell recycled. The recycled shells can help in the fight against coastal restoration. Tyler Bosworth is the advocacy director at the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana…
cut 6 (12) “…program going”
The Oyster Shell Recycling Program has returned more than 13 million pounds of shell to the water since 2014.

As the 2023 legislative session comes to an end tonight, lawmakers work to agree on the $47-billion state budget and how to best use $2-billion in surplus money. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 3 (32)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Department of Environmental Quality has issued an advisory for people who are in sensitive groups due to health effects in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Lake Charles, and Monroe regions are advised to limit outdoor activities today due to ozone air quality. Monroe’s warning is related to smoke from the Canadian fires.

A bill that would create a tax credit for restaurants that recycle oyster shells is headed to the governor’s desk. Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana – a supporter of the bill -Advocacy Director Tyler Bosworth says the process involves volunteers to help build shell reefs to limit erosion.

Cut 5 (13)   “…coastal erosion.”

Restaurants statewide would receive a tax credit of $1 per 50 pounds of oysters and up to $2,000 per restaurant recycled to offset costs associated with recycling.

More than 60 percent of doctors report burnout and plan to leave the practice in the next two years, that’s according to an American Medical Association survey. Interim Dean of the LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine Dr. Richard DiCarlo says to address the issue, medical schools have increased enrollment and they need more residency programs.

Cut 9 (10)  “…welcome change.”

DiCarlo says mid-level physicians are capable of providing care for a wider range of patients.

The state legislature must wrap up its business by 6 tonight, and House & Senate members are working to reach a budget deal both chambers can live with. Yesterday, lawmakers from both approved a resolution to lift the expenditure cap, and they reached a deal on how much to spend and what on. The compromise agreement allows spending of $250-million for the current fiscal year, which ends in three weeks. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says many lawmakers hope to quickly get some of the money down to local governments in those coming weeks…:

CUT 11(09)      “…win-win either way.”

They’ve also agreed to invest $400-million in surplus to pay down state retirement system debt.

The state branch of the NAACP is asking its parent organization to issue a “national travel advisory” for Louisiana because of legislative policies and actions that it believes target and marginalize certain groups, including African Americans. They feel some of the bills being passed are detrimental to the black community.

Legislation that creates an oyster shell recycling tax credit for restaurants is headed for the Governor’s desk. Tieko Foxx reports…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Foxx.”

One-in-five doctors is expected to exit the profession within the next 2 years. LSU Healthcare’s Dr. Richard DiCarlo says many are retiring, but a great many are also just exhausted…:

CUT 07(08)      “…burnout.”

He says a real shortage of doctors looms in the years ahead.

As the final hours of the State Legislature’s session wind down, House and Senate members reach compromise on the state budget and raising the state-imposed cap of spending to make use of surplus funds. Wednesday, both chambers approved a resolution to lift the expenditure cap. Council for a Better Louisiana (CABL) President Barry Erwin says the agreement helps assure a budget bill will be approved before adjournment at 6 tonight…:

CUT 10(09)      “…I’m optimistic.”

The budget deal uses one-time revenue surplus dollars to reduce retirement debt while investing in roads, bridges, ports, and other priority projects.

Watch what waterways you get into. Health officials are concerned about algae blooms on Lake Ponchartrain and other places that MAY be toxic. State health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says know the signs and take precautions…:

CUT 14(09)      “…or cleaning.”

A Deville man has been arrested for 506 counts of pornography involving juveniles, with victims being under the age of 13. Rapides Parish Cyber Crimes deputies honed in on 27-year-old David Roberts, and a warranted search of his home turned up damning evidence. He’s being held on $70-thousand bond.

It’s anticipated that 20% of physicians will leave the profession in the next two years. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

As the clock runs out on the legislative session, lawmakers work to agree on the $47-billion state budget and how to best use $2-billion in surplus money. Jeff Palermo reports…:

CUT 03(32)      “…Palermo.”

A number of bills have already made their way to Governor Edwards’ desk and he has begun signing some. One bill becoming state law provides for you to have your pet buried with you, under certain circumstances. Another protects teachers and school staff who step in to break up fights from possible prosecution.

The House and Senate unanimously passed legislation to create a tax credit for restaurants that recycle oyster shells. The bill was strongly supported by the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana which operates the only large-scale shell recycling program in the state. Advocacy Director Tyler Bosworth believes saying “no” to landfills and “yes” to slowing coastal erosion is a win for the state…:

CUT 04(11)      “…of Louisiana.”

State health officials urge residents to avoid areas with blue-green algae due to the algal bloom observed in Lake Pontchartrain by NCCOS. State Health Officer Joe Kanter says some algae are harmless but certain types are toxic…:

CUT 13(11)      “…stay away.”

You can find more info on algae blooms at “cdc.gov”