The House approves legislation that would allow St. Tammany voters the chance to vote on whether or not a waterfront casino should be built just outside Slidell. The bill was brought by Slidell Representative Mary DuBuisson who quoted recent survey results indicating local support for the right to vote on the issue.

Cut 6 (10) “…reality”

It was social media that two women used to sell fraudulent Motor Vehicle Inspection stickers and it was also social media that helped them get caught. State Police Trooper Taylor Scrantz says they have arrested and charged Louvenia Allen of Baton Rouge and Yakeiva Hicks of New Orleans with forgery, computer fraud, and criminal conspiracy.

Cut 10 (10) “….catch up.”

Senator Bill Cassidy says news of the revised CDC guidelines that fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear face masks is long overdue. The physician says when studies show fully vaccinated individuals are unable to transmit the virus to others he doesn’t understand why the CDC delayed.

Cut 4 (05) “…American people. 

Tulane Epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig says the new CDC’s recommendations should reassure individuals who are inoculated.

Cut 14 (08) “…environment.”

Both physicians hope the revisions will encourage more to get vaccinated.

Senator Bill Cassidy says news of the revised CDC guidelines that fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear face masks or socially distance is long overdue. Cassidy voiced his frustration publicly at a hearing in DC this week and the physician believes the federal agency is behind the curve.

Cut 3 (11)  “…most Americans” 

Cassidy says he also hopes this encourages more people to get vaccinated.

Legislation approved by a House Committee that would increase future state unemployment benefit amounts is amended to include a “hiring bonus” for people currently on unemployment. Monroe Representative Mike Echol’s amendment creates a 1,000 dollar bonus for beneficiaries who return to work off of unemployment. But there’s a catch…

Cut 4 (11)“…24 weeks.”

A House committee unanimously approves legislation barring the use of handheld telecommunication devices while driving. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

LSU legend Seimone Augustus has retired and she’ll serve as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Sparks. The 37-year-old Baton Rouge native won four W-N-B-A titles after leading the Lady Tigers to three Final Four appearances. Current LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey will be sworn into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame on Saturday. Michael Jordan will present the Tickfaw native into the Hall.

A House committee advances unemployment insurance legislation that includes an amendment offering a “hiring bonus” for people who return to work. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (28) “…Matt Doyle”

A House bill to allow voters in St. Tammany Parish to decide if they want a casino just outside the city limits of Slidell passes in the house 63-28. It now heads to a Senate committee. The bill faces opposition from conservative faith-based groups but proponents say the casino would create jobs and retain as much as 33-percent of the money that state residents spend at Mississippi gulf casinos.

It was social media that two women used to sell fraudulent Motor Vehicle Inspection stickers and it was also social media that helped them get caught. State Police Trooper Taylor Scrantz says they have arrested and charged the pair with forgery, computer fraud, and criminal conspiracy. He says it was tips from the public that led to the arrests

Cut 12 (09) “…license plates.”

The CDC says those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, no longer need to wear face masks or social distance from each other. Tulane Epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig says the news comes following real-life evidence that the vaccines not only prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and subsequent death…

Cut 13 (07) “…really important.”

State Health Department says approximately 30-percent of Louisianans are fully vaccinated.

Legislation that would provide unemployed workers with a one-thousand dollar bonus if they were hired to a full-time job has received approval from the House Labor Committee. There is a catch, residents who receive the bonus would be ineligible from getting unemployment benefits for six months. Natchitoches Representative Kenny Cox…
cut 6 (07) “…problem”
House Republicans are pushing this legislation as a way to motivate people to return to the workforce.

The Louisiana House is scheduled on Monday to consider legislation that would ban the use of handheld cellphones while driving. The Legislature has considered this type of bill in the past, but Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval says there’s now ample evidence to support passing it.
Cut 7 (08) “…halfway.”
If approved, the handheld cell phone ban would go into effect on January 1st and fines would start at one hundred dollars.

The C-D-C says fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear face masks in most cases but will it entice more Louisianans to get vaccinated, one local health expert says probably not. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (25) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Saints 2021 schedule came out this week and the Black and Gold’s first home game is September 12th against Green Bay. A team spokesperson says they plan on playing their games this season in front of a full stadium. Superdome Commission Chairman Kyle France told WWL-TV that they may require fans to show proof of vaccination in order to enter the dome.

A proposal is advancing in the House that would provide individuals who are unemployed with a one-thousand dollar check if they find a full-time job, but they wouldn’t be able to receive unemployment benefits for the next six months. Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews says another option is to cut off federal enhanced unemployment benefits…
cut 5 (11) “…valid alternative”
The legislation could be heard on the House floor next week.

The Louisiana House is set to debate on Monday a bill that would prohibit motorists that are behind the wheel from touching a handheld cell phone. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton supports the legislation…
cut 9 (09) “….hit”
The measure passed the House Transportation Committee unanimously this week.

The C-D-C says vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask in most indoor settings. Tulane Epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig agrees with the new CDC recommendation and says it should also reassure individuals who are inoculated.
ct 14 (08) “…environment.”
Nearly 30-percent of Louisiana’s population is vaccinated.

It was social media where two women allegedly sold fraudulent Motor Vehicle Inspection stickers and it was also social media that helped them get caught. State Police Trooper Taylor Scrantz says they have charged Louvenia Allen of Baton Rouge and Yakeiva Hicks of New Orleans with forgery, computer fraud, and criminal conspiracy….
cut 10 (10) “…catch up”
Scrantz says the two sold the forged stickers under the screen names of “Kellz Goated” and “Big Kellz.”

The CDC says those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, no longer need to wear face masks or social distance in most situations. Tulane Epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig says the news comes following real-life evidence that shows the vaccines not only prevent serious illness, hospitalizations, and subsequent death…
Cut 13 (07) “…really important.”

The House Labor Committee approves legislation that would increase Louisiana unemployment benefits by 28-dollars a week and an amendment was added that would give out a 1,000 dollar bonus to individuals who get off unemployment and find a full-time job. There is a catch…
Cut 4 (11)“…24 weeks.”
That’s Monroe Representative Mike Echols who authored the amendment. The newly written bill heads to the House floor for more discussion.

The House Transportation Committee approved legislation this week that would bar the use of handheld cellphones while driving…
cut 2 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

State Police announce the arrest of Louvenia Allen of Baton Rouge and Yakevia Hicks of New Orleans for distributing fraudulent Motor Vehicle Inspection Stickers. Trooper Taylor Scrantz says the fake stickers were sold under the screen names of “Kellz Goated” and “Big Kellz” and if you purchased stickers from them…
Cut 11 (06) “….three-hundred-dollars.

The federal government says if you are fully vaccinated, you no longer need to wear a mask. President Biden says get vaccinated or wear a mask until you do. Tulane epidemiologist Dr. Susan Hassig…
cut 15 (07) “>…for it”
Just less than 30-percent of Louisiana residents are fully vaccinated.

A bill that would ban the use of a handheld phone while driving is awaiting a vote on the floor of the Louisiana House. During testimony in House Transportation. Stop Distractions.org founder Jennifer Smith says Georgia passed a similar law in 2018 and saw immediate results as phone tracking data showed major decreases in distracted driving.
Cut 8 (07) “…was passed.”
The legislation is scheduled to be debated on the House floor on Monday.

A House committee advances unemployment insurance legislation that includes an amendment offering a “hiring bonus” for people who return to work. Matt Doyle has more…
cut 1 (28) “…reporting”

According to Triple-A, the statewide price for a gallon of regular gasoline is $2.72. That’s an eight-cent increase from last week.

A House committee advances unemployment insurance legislation that includes an amendment offering a “hiring bonus” for people who return to work. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (28) “…Matt Doyle”

_______________________________

A House committee unanimously approves legislation barring the use of handheld telecommunication devices while driving. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

____________________________

Fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear face masks but will it entice more Louisianans to get vaccinated, one epidemiologist says probably not. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

____________________________

Legislation approved by a House Committee that would increase future state unemployment benefit amounts is amended to include a “hiring bonus” for people currently on unemployment.

Monroe Representative Mike Echol’s amendment creates a 1,000 dollar bonus for beneficiaries who return to work off of unemployment. But there’s a catch…

Cut 4 (11)“…24 weeks.”

Only those two take a job after the legislation is signed into law but before July 1^st would qualify. It’s unclear exactly when that bonus would be distributed.

Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews reluctantly supported the amendment. He says the only other option to get people to go back to work is to cut off federally enhanced benefits.

Cut 5 (11)”…valid alternative.”

Natchitoches Representative Kenny Cox says he’s concerned about the 24-week ban on accepting benefits for those who take the bonus.

Cut 6 (07) “…problem.”

There were other concerns raised by committee members over just how the bonuses would be administered, and whether or not unemployment funds can actually be used or restricted in this way.

__________________________________

The House is set to consider legislation that would ban the use of handheld wireless telecommunications devices while driving.

It’s now several years in a row the Legislature has considered this type of bill, but Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval says we now have ample evidence to support passing it.

Cut 7 (08)  “…halfway.”

Fines would not begin until January 1^st 2022 and would begin at 100 dollars for a first offense.

Stop Distractions.org founder Jennifer Smith says Georgia passed a ban in 2018 and saw immediate results. She says phone tracking data showed major decreases in distracted driving.

Cut 8 (07) “…was passed.” 

Haughton Representative Doddie Horton says these days you can find cheap Bluetooth devices so you can use your phone without taking your hands off the wheel. She says texting and driving is dangerous…

Cut 9 (09) “..hit is.”

The bill was approved by House Transportation unanimously.

______________________________

It was social media that two women used to sell fraudulent Motor Vehicle Inspection stickers and it was also social media that helped them get caught. State Police Trooper Taylor Scrantz says they have arrested and charged Louvenia Allen of Baton Rouge and Yakeiva Hicks of New Orleans with forgery, computer fraud, and criminal conspiracy.

Cut 10 (10) “….catch up.”

Scrantz says the two sold the forged stickers under the screen names of “Kellz Goated” and “Big Kellz” and if you purchased stickers from them you’ll be surprised at how much you could end up paying trying to skirt the system.

Cut 11 (06) “….three-hundred-dollars.”

It was tips from the public in late April, Scrantz says that led to the arrest of the two suspects in under two weeks.

Cut 12 (09) “…license plates.”

______________________________

The CDC says those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, no longer need to wear face masks or social distance for each other. Tulane Epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig says the news comes following real-life evidence that the vaccines not only prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and subsequent death…

Cut 13 (07) “…really important.”

Hassig agrees with the new CDC’s recommendations for those who are fully vaccinated and says it should also reassure individuals who are inoculated.

Cut 14 (08) “…environment.”

As for how new recommendations will impact Louisiana, Hassig believes dropping the use of face masks for those who are fully vaccinated won’t necessarily encourage more individuals in the state to get vaccinated.

Cut 15 (07)“…for it.”

The most recent update from the Louisiana Department of Health indicates only 30-percent of residents are fully vaccinated in Louisiana.

_________________________________

LSU baseball hosts Alabama in its final home weekend series of the year. The Tigers need a strong finish in order to receive a bid to the NCAA Tournament. Coach Paul Mainieri’s teams usually play well in May and tonight’s starting pitcher Landon Marceaux says they want to continue that tradition

Cut 16 (15) “…board now”

2011 was the last time LSU did not make the NCAA tournament and the projected NCAA Regionals does not show the Tigers playing beyond the SEC Tournament. So the pressure is on for the Bayou Bengals to at least win their final two SEC series. Marceaux on their mind-set

Cut 17 (20) “…of itself.”

LSU’s opponent this weekend, Alabama, is also on the NCAA Tournament bubble. LSU outfielder Gavin Dugas on facing the Crimson Tide…

Cut  18 (16)”…focused on.”

Over a dozen states have announced they will be withdrawing from the federally enhanced unemployment insurance boost to unemployment benefits in an effort to force residents back to work as the economy begins to reopen.

State lawmakers are taking a slightly different approach here, more carrot than stick with a House committee approving legislation that would offer a 1,000 dollar bonus to beneficiaries who return to work off of unemployment. But there’s a catch, those who accept the bonus would be barred from receiving unemployment benefits for 24 weeks.

Natchitoches Representative Kenny Cox says he’s concerned about that…

Cut 6 (08) “…problem.”

But Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews reluctantly supports it…

22

There were other concerns raised by committee members over just how the bonuses would be administered, and whether or not unemployment funds can actually be used or restricted in this way.

A House committee approves legislation that would allow either chamber of the Legislature to fully terminate or modify an emergency declaration by the Governor on a majority vote. Opponents took issue with the fact that only one chamber would have these sweeping powers during an emergency, but bill author Abita Springs Representative Larry Frieman says requiring both chambers would make the bill pointless.

Cut 7 (06) “…anything.”

The House is set to consider legislation that would ban the use of handheld wireless devices while driving. It’s now several years in a row the Legislature has considered this type of bill, but Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval says we now have ample evidence to support passing it.

23

Fines would not begin until January 1st 2022 and would begin at 100 dollars for a first offense.

Governor Edwards lobbied the Biden Administration to end the moratorium on new oil and gas lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico today. The governor requests that the pause be lifted in the third quarter to help an industry that employs 250-thousand Louisiana…

Cut 4 (10) “…and their families 

Edwards made the comments to the Senate Energy Committee.

A bill by Abita Springs Representative Larry Frieman is headed to the House floor that would allow either chamber of the Legislature to end or modify a governor’s emergency declaration. Opponents took issue with the fact that only one chamber would have these sweeping powers during an emergency. Frieman says requiring both chambers would make the bill pointless.

Cut 7 (06) “…anything.”

The bill would take effect in 2024.

Louisianans ages 12 and up can now receive Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine as a result of the CDC approving the use of the vaccine in 12- to 15-year-olds. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says this is a step in the right direction.

Cut 12 (12)   “…semester” 

For a person younger than 18, parental consent is needed to get the shot.

The second Louisiana-themed episode of Restaurant Recovery airs on Discovery Plus today The show is the brainchild of Raising Cane’s CEO Todd Graves who assisted ten eateries impacted by the pandemic. Graves helps Domilise’s in New Orleans and Baton Rouge staple Poor Boy Lloyd’s, who’s owners went into credit card debt to pay their own employees.

Cut 10 (09) “…felt good.” 

The series will also air on the Cooking Channel Tuesday nights in June.