A Senate committee has begun debate on Baton Rouge Senator Dan Claitor’s legislation to eliminate the death penalty for capital murder and aggravated rape cases after July 31. He says in light of the state’s budget problems, the death penalty doesn’t make sense financially.

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is disappointed the Liberty Place monument in New Orleans was taken down. He says the state’s confederate monuments should stay in place because they’re part of our history.

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The Lt. Governor says he urged Attorney General Jeff Landry to file a suit to stop the removal of the statues, but apparently the state doesn’t have a legal leg to stand on.

Country music superstar Hunter Hayes of Breaux Bridge is getting behind an effort that connects service dogs with veterans. Michelle Southern reports…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

The CenturyLink Center in Bossier City announces a once-in-a-lifetime concert event, Paul McCartney. The event is reportedly one of four McCartney concerts listed on the website Bandsintown, and it’s the only date announced in the US. The Beatles star is slated to perform in Bossier City on July 15.