Legislation that creates an oyster shell recycling tax credit to help restaurants statewide participate in Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana’s coastal restoration program passed both the House and Senate unopposed. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Teiko Foxx.”

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

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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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 3 (32)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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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 4 (11)  “…of Louisiana.’”

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. 13 million pounds of shells have been returned back to the water since 2014. Bosworth says the process involves volunteers to help build shell reefs to limit erosion.

Cut 5 (13)   “…coastal erosion.”

The oyster reefs help absorb storm surges during hurricanes and tropical storms. More than two dozen New Orleans restaurants participate in the CRCL Oyster Shell Recycling Program. Bosworth says there were slight revisions to the bill.

Cut 6 (12)  “…program going.”

CRCL has built five reefs with a sixth planned for this fall.  Governor John Bel Edwards is expected to sign.

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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 says for many physicians it’s retirement and more than 60 percent of doctors report burnout.

Cut 7 (08) “…for that.”

Among the reasons it required the use of Electronic Health Records (EHR) DiCarlo says has created more administrative duties for physicians which means less time seeing patients. In addition to COVID and the stress it placed on physicians, DiCarlo says it’s caused a shortage among nurses and other healthcare workers.

Cut 8 (07) “… physician burnout.”

DiCarlo says it’s expected that a large majority of the doctors who will leave are primary care physicians and he fears for those who are dependent on care in underserved and/or rural areas will be impacted the most.

And just how many will leave the profession remains to be seen, DiCarlo says it could be as high as 100,000 or even more in the next decade. He 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, like nurse practitioners and physician assistants, are capable of providing care for a wider range of patients.

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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.”

Senate members wanted to spend $500-million in the remainder of this fiscal year, and budget $1.8-billion in spending for the fiscal that starts in July. The compromise agreement allows to $250-million fort the current fiscal year, which ends in three weeks. 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.”

House members wanted to spend little of the surplus, preferring to pay down state retirement debt instead. Senators want to invest in infrastructure and other projects. Erwin says the agreement gives House members at least a piece of what they wanted…:

Cut 12 (14)    “…both of those sides.” 

The budget deal uses one-time revenue surplus dollars to reduce retirement debt while investing in roads, bridges, ports, and other priority projects. Lawmakers must adjourn by tonight at 6, with a balanced budget bill passed.

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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 Dr. Joe Kanter says some algae are harmless but certain types are toxic.

Cut 13 (11) “…stay away.”  

Algal bloom is the rapid growth of algae on the surface of the water. Blooms appear blue, bright green, brown, or red and smell like rotting plants. Kanter believes it’s important for everyone to know the signs and take precautions.

Cut 14 (09)  “.or cleaning.”

LDH warns everyone to stay out of affected water, keep pets away, and wash with soap and water after coming in contact with algal blooms. Kanter says if you experience symptoms, seek medical attention.

Cut 15 (11)  “…from there.”

Visit cdc.gov/habs/environment for more information on algal blooms.

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LSU and Kentucky are preparing to meet each other in an All-SEC Super Regional Series that will begin Saturday in Alex Box Stadium. The Tigers lead the SEC in hitting, while the Wildcats have the third best team E-R-A in the league at 4.17. LSU Coach Jay Johnson says Kentucky has a deep pitching staff

Cut  16 (13) “…of games”

Kentucky is making its second Super Regionals appearance in program history. Last year the Wildcats didn’t even make the NCAA Tournament. Johnson says they overhauled their roster in the offseason with help from the transfer portal….

Cut 17 (25) “…to that identity.” 

On offense Kentucky will look to put the ball in play. They don’t hit many homers, they’ll bunt and they’ve stolen an SEC high 91 bases. Johnson is confident his defense can make the plays….

Cut 18 (16) “…with it.”

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As the final hours of the legislative session wind down, House and Senate members reach a compromise on the budget and raising the state-imposed cap of spending 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…:

Cut 10 (09) “…I’m optimistic.”

House members wanted to spend a little of the surplus, preferring to pay down state retirement debt instead. Senators want to invest in infrastructure and other projects. Erwin says the agreement gives House members at least a piece of what they wanted…:

Cut 12 (14)    “…both of those sides.” 

Lawmakers must adjourn by 6PM Thursday with a balanced budget.

The House and Senate unanimously passed legislation to create a tax credit for restaurants that recycle oyster shells. The bill was strongly supported by 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 4 (11)  “…of Louisiana.’”

The state’s film tax credit will be extended to 2031. The original bill sought to extend the incentive set to expire in 2025, to 2035. But Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association President Trey Burvant says it’s still a great victory for Louisiana, its residents, and workers in the film industry.

Cut 9 (09) “…did that.”

The tax credit is capped at $150-million annually.

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 on spending to make use of surplus funds. The agreement lifts the expenditure cap, and applies $400-million to state retirement system debt, while also in investing roads, bridges and other priorities. Lawmakers wrap up their annual business tomorrow evening.

The state’s film tax credit will officially be extended to 2031, once Governor Edwards signs House Bill 562. The bill sets a cap of $150-million yearly for the tax breaks; no more. Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association President Trey Burvant says the bill set up useful mechanisms within the program to track local impacts from the incentives…:

CUT 11(11)      “…our industry.

Capital area Congressman Garret Graves has tossed his support in the fall Governor’s race behind former LABI head Stephen Waguespack. In a minute long video, Graves says Waguespack is “the person in this race who can put politics aside, do what’s right and give us the Louisiana we deserve.” Waguespack and seven others are vying to be the state’s next governor. The election is October 14^th.

Fontainbleau State Park in Mandeville has an all-terrain wheelchair available for people with limited mobility, to explore nature trails. Teiko Foxx has more…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Foxx.”

At the State Capitol, Louisiana’s film tax incentives of $150-million annually have been extended to the year 2031. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

Rapides Parish District Attorney Phillip Terrell has decided not to charge two Pineville Police officers who fatally shot a man threatening a child during a call in April. He says the investigation concluded the deadly shooting of 25-year-old Larry Calk was indeed justified.

The M.J. Foster Promise Program, which provides financial assistance to adults who would like to earn credentials to get a job in a high-demand area, is once again accepting applications. Program Specialist Brittany Theriot says the program provides multiple training options…:

CUT 03(12)      “…workforce priority.”

Interested applicants should apply at mjfosterpromise.com.

New Southeastern Louisiana University president William Wainwright is settling in to his first on the job. Wainwright says one of his priorities will be outreaching adults who want to continue their education…:

CUT 14(09)      “…resource for them.”

The Hammond area is growing quickly, and he says SLU is primed for big things.

As things wind down at the State Capitol, lawmakers pass a bill to extend the state’s film & TV tax credits to 2031. Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association President Trey Burvant says the incentives are capped to cost taxpayers no more than $150-million a year, and the six-year extension gives a big boost of confidence for productions that are looking to film in Hollywood on the Bayou…:

CUT 10  (13)        “…very positive.”

This is the first week on the job for new Southeastern Louisiana University president Doctor William Wainwright, whose last gig was chancellor at Northshore Technical Community College. He hopes many of the students attending high schools in the area will give SLU in Hammond a serious look when choosing a college…:

CUT 13(10)      “…at Southeastern.”

Fox 8 in New Orleans reports former Louisiana Congressman and presidential advisor Cedric Richmond was spared a field sobriety test and a traffic citation after he and his son were injured in a single-vehicle crash earlier this year in the Crescent City. New Orleans Police report the incident occurred April 23^rd. They also says the officer on te4h scene reports there was (quote) “no reasonable suspicion of intoxication, nor probable cause to conduct tests for impairment” and a citation was at the officer’s discretion.

Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville takes a big step in making their facility accessible for disabled persons, by offering an all-terrain wheelchair to visitors. Lt. Governor Bill Nungesser, who heads up state parks, says it’s part of the state’s mission to create more accessibility options for visitors…:

CUT 07(13)      “…special needs.”

Call ahead to reserve the chair, at least 48 hours in advance.

The state’s film tax credit will officially be extended to 2031, once Governor Edwards signs House Bill 562. The original bill sought to extend the incentive set to expire in 2025, to 2035. But Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association President Trey Burvant says it’s still a great victory for Louisiana, its residents, and workers in the film industry.

Cut 9 (09) “…did that.”

The film tax credit is capped to cost taxpayers no more than $150-million annually.

This is the first week on the job for the new Southeastern Louisiana University president Doctor William Wainwright. He comes to Southeastern after spending the last 12 years as chancellor of Northshore Technical Community College, so he’s familiar with the S-L-U mission.

Cut 12 (13) “…greatness of Southeastern” 

Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville has all-terrain track wheelchairs available for people with limited mobility, to explore its natural surroundings. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

Baton Rouge Congressman Garrett Graves has endorsed former L-A-B-I present Stephen Waguespack for governor. In a video of the endorsement, Graves says Waguespack is the candidate who can put politics aside and do what’s right. Meanwhile Attorney General Jeff Landry has received endorsements from Congressmen Clay Higgins and Mike Johnson in the governor’s race.

Thanks to the M-J Foster Promise Program, some Louisiana adults can go to community college for free and earn credentials to get a job in a high demand field. Applications are being accepted now at M-J-foster-promise-dot-com…
cut 5 (06) “…the program”
Brittany Theriot says this will be the second year of the M-J Foster Program and six-thousand people applied in the first year.

People with limited mobility can now get out on hiking trails and explore the beach in an all-terrain wheelchair at Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says this will enhance the park’s accessibility for people with disabilities.
Cut 6 (13) “…great outdoors.”
The all-terrain electric-powered chair provides users with the ability to navigate areas of the park not suitable for conventional wheelchairs. Nungesser plans to bring the all-terrain wheelchair to other state parks.

The Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program has set an August 1st deadline to complete a survey for those homeowners who suffered damage from the 2020-21 hurricanes or the May 2021 severe storms. Executive Director of the Louisiana Office of Community Development Pat Forbes says based on the information submitted in that survey, storm victims could be eligible for federal assistance….
cut 29 (13) “….reimburse you”
The survey can be completed online at restore-dot-la-dot-gov.

A trio of anti-LGBTQ bills have passed and are headed to the Governor. Will he sign or veto? Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Also heading to the governor’s desk is a bill that would extend the state’s film tax credit program from 2025 to 2030. No more than 150-million dollars in tax credits would handed out in a given year. Also receiving final passage is a bill where gun owners could receive a 500-dollar tax credit for buying gun safe storage devices.

Local officials along the I-20 corridor will get an update today and tomorrow from Amtrak on efforts to bring passenger rail to north Louisiana. Southern Rail Commission Chairman Knox Ross says the rail line is already there, owned by Canadian Pacific…
cut 11 (13) “….doing phase”
Amtrak is seeking funding from the federal government through the infrastructure law to provide the dollars to make this happen.

Financial assistance is available for those 21 and older if they want to get the credentials in order to get a job in a high-demand field….
cut 4 (10) “…as well”
That’s Brittany Theriot, with the M-J Foster Promise Program, who says a full-time student can receive three and six-thousand dollars for their education costs. For more information go to m-j-foster-promise-dot-com.

Baton Rouge Police have arrested 48-year-old John Hall after telling a five-year-old to smoke a marijuana cigar in a video posted on social media. Lt. L’Jean McKneely…

Cut 13 (13) “…through Crimestoppers.”  
Hall is reportedly the ex-boyfriend of the child’s grandmother.

The M.J. Foster Promise Program, which provides financial assistance to adults who would like to earn credentials to get a job in a high-demand area is once again accepting applications. Program Specialist Brittany Theriot says the program provides multiple training options.

Cut 3 (12) “…workforce priority.”

Applicants must be adults 21 or older.

A package of anti-LGBTQ bills has reached final passage, but will Governor John Bel Edwards veto them? Republicans have solid majorities in both chambers and have the votes needed to override vetoes, but will they?  LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says it’s an election year, and many may feel the necessity to push the bills into law, to send a message in an election year…:

Cut 9 (10)  “…running for governor.”

The session ends tomorrow night at six PM

The 2023 KIDS COUNT for Louisiana shows significant progress over the years, Director of Data and Research with Agenda for Children Teresa Falgoust Louisiana, is the only state to show an improvement in 4th-grade literacy but she says lawmakers still need to invest more in education.

Cut 6 (11)  “…our state.”

Legislation seeking to allow non-felon adults to conceal carry without a permit is dead for this session. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick decided to pull it from consideration, because of amendments senators were proposing…
Cut 30 (12) “…defer it”
Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau wanted an amendment to make sure training would still be required to conceal carry.

The 2023 KIDS COUNT for Louisiana shows significant progress on some measures of child well being over the past decade. Director of Data and Research with Agenda for Children Teresa Falgoust says reading proficiency among 4th graders has improved and so has high school graduation rates and nearly every child has health insurance
Cut 4 (07) “…the years.’
But Louisiana continues to be weighed down by high child poverty rates, decreases in prenatal care for women and limited early childhood education access.

Legislation that targets the LGBTQ community is heading to the governor’s desk. The package of bills includes a ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors, Louisiana’s version of the Don’t Say Gay bill and pronoun usage in schools. Governor John Bel Edwards could veto the legislation. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says lawmakers would then have the option to return for an override veto session….
cut 8 (10) “….sort of legislation”

The Southern Rail Commission and Amtrak are meeting with local leaders along the I-20 corridor over the next couple of days to discuss the possibility of passenger rail service through north Louisiana. Southern Rail Commission Chairman Knox Ross is optimistic…
cut 12 (12) “….from now”
Ross says there are also federal dollars to get this done.