Two Republican legislators were involved in a fist fight in a Baton Rouge bar last night, resulting in both of them apologizing for their actions. Lafayette Representative Stuart Bishop said he was on the receiving end of several punches from Houma Senator Norby Chabert as the two argued about a bill. Police were called to the scene, but no one was arrested.

The US Supreme Court has allowed sports gaming outside of Nevada. Jim Shannon has more on when you might be able to place a legal bet on a sporting event in Louisiana
Cut 2 (27) I’m Jim Shannon”

Heading to the governor’s desk is legislation that would allow students to bring bulletproof backpacks into public schools. Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith voted against the legislation, because of concerns that students in poorer areas would be unable to afford the same protection allowed to students in more affulent school systems…
cut 7 (06) “….same protection”
Bulletproofing a backpack can cost anywhere from 50 to 400-dollars.

State education officials say since 2012, there has been a 15-percent increase in the number of high school graduates entering college each fall. Department of Education spokesperson Sydni Dunn says high school programs geared toward college credits have helped the numbers grow…
cut 4 (12) “…parents signature”
A record 23,500 public high school students from the Class of 2017 enrolled in college last fall.

A report by Greg Hillburn of the USA Today Network says Houma Senator Norby Chabert and Lafayette Representative Stuart Bishop got into fist fight at a Baton Rouge area bar last night, supposedly related to a bill blocked in committee by Bishop. Bishop issued his apology on the House floor.
Cut 12 (09) “apologize”
Chabert told the USA Today Network that he loves Representative Bishop like a brother and sometimes brothers fight.

A bill allowing students at public schools to wear backpacks with bullet proof material in them is on its way to the governor’s desk. The bill was inspired by the tragic deaths of 17 people during the Parkland school shooting. Lafayette Representative Nancy Landry says the backpacks would provide parents and students with peace of mind….
cut 6 (10) “…of protection”

Louisiana’s Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones believes if sports betting becomes legal in this state, it will not generate a lot of revenue for the state’s cofers….
cut 10 (10) “…revenue”
A US Supreme Court ruling this week opens the door for all states to legalize sports betting. Louisiana will have to wait until next year to pass such a law.

Louisiana education officials say the number of high school graduates entering college each fall has increased by 15 percent since 2012. A record 23,500 public high school students from the Class of 2017 enrolled in college last fall. State Department of Education spokesperson Sydni Dunn says high school programs geared toward college credits have helped the numbers grow.
Cut 3 (12) “Education Process”

Two republican legislators have admitted they were involved in a fist fight last night at a downtown Baton Rouge bar. Lafayette Representative Stuart Bishop told Greg Hilburn of the USA Today Network that Houma Senator Norby Chabert was upset over a bill that Bishop blocked as chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee. Bishop apologized on the House floor and attempted to inject some levity into the awkward subject….
cut 13 (12) “…dueling guns”
Polls indicate the legislature is not a popular body at the moment, and Pinsonat says this altercation just makes them look even worse at time when the state is already struggling.
Cut 15 (12) “so many times”

A recent US Supreme Court decision allows gambling to happen in all 50 states. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones anticipates one day state legislators will pass legislation, so that it can be regulated in Louisiana. Jones believes believes legalizing sports betting in Louisiana will cut back on the black market that exists around sports wagers…
cut 11 (12) “…yea yea”

Louisiana education officials say the number of high school graduates entering college each fall has increased by 15 percent since 2012. Department of Education spokesperson Sydni Dunn says many high school students have never thought of going to college are now doing so….
cut 5 (11) “…those students”
A record 23,500 public high school students from the Class of 2017 enrolled in college last fall.

Two state republican legislators, Stuart Bishop of Lafayette and Norby Chabert of Houma, have admitted they were involved in a fist fight at a downtown Baton Rouge bar last night over a piece of legislation. Bishop apologized on the House floor earlier today. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat…
cut 14 (10) “…in front of them”

The US Supreme Court has allowed sports gambling outside of Nevada. Jim Shannon has more on when you might be able to place a legal bet on a sporting event in Louisiana
Cut 2 (27) I’m Jim Shannon”

Public school children will soon have the opportunity to bring bulletproof backpacks into schools under legislation that’s heading to the governor’s desk. The measure received overwhelming approval in the state legislature. Some lawmakers raised concerns about the cost for the bullet proof material as it can range from 50 to 400-dollars. Lafayette Representative Nancy Landry says fundraisers could be held to help parents pay for the armour…
cut 8 (10) “….get them”

Kenner Representative Julie Stokes announced she’s running for Secretary of State. Stokes was also a candidate in last year’s State Treasurer’s Race, but backed out after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

The “Bulletproof Backpack” bill is on its way to the governor’s desk. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Louisiana education officials say the number of high school graduates entering college each fall has increased by 15 percent since 2012. A record 23,500 public high school students from the Class of 2017 enrolled in college last fall. State Department of Education spokesperson Sydni Dunn credits financial aid programs, which are mandatory for high school students to participate in.

Cut 4 (12)      “parents signature”

Dozens of states, including Mississippi, have passed legislation that will allow them to permit sports gaming in the wake of a US Supreme Court decision to allow it outside of Nevada, but Louisiana currently is not one of them. This year’s sports gaming bill was shot down in the legislature. But, Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones says that could change next year.

Cut 9 (07) “each parish”

A bill that would allow riverboat casinos to come up out of the water passed is heading to the governor’s desk. The legislation would “modernize” riverboat casino regulations, allowing them to expand onto land near where they are berthed, and it changes the rules on gambling space. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton and Lake Charles Representative Stephen Dwight discussed just how much gaming contributes to the state.

Cut 13 (13)  “million dollars” 

According to the Louisiana State Department of Education the number of Louisiana high school graduates entering college each fall has increased by 15 percent in the last five years. A record 23,500 public high school students enrolled in college in the fall after graduation. Sydni Dunn is with the Department of Education, she says some high school programs geared toward college credits help the numbers grow.

Cut 3 (12) “Education Process”

Public School teachers are hitting the hip when it comes to paying for school supplies for their students. A new survey released says teachers are spending about 250 dollars a year on notebooks, pens, and other supplies without reimbursement. Les Landon is a spokesperson for the Louisiana Federation of Teachers.

Cut 4  (09) “That’s ashame” 

The House passed a 15 week abortion ban bill with amendments on a 78-9 vote yesterday, clearing one of the last hurdles before it arrives on the Governor’s desk for his likely approval. The Senate has already approved one version of the legislation and this morning approved and concurred with the final version. The concurrence was for an added an amendment that brings the date considered for conception up to the generally accepted medical standard. The measure now heads to the governor’s desk which he’s expected to sign. There is a federal lawsuit in Mississippi which could wipe out the Louisiana law all together.

A bill that would allow riverboat casinos to come up out of the water passed is heading to the governor’s desk. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds says the probative restrictions placed on the gaming industry are there for a reason, because Louisianans don’t want more gambling in the state, and he says passing this legislation would lead to an increase in the number of casino visitors.

Cut 15 (10) “or another”

The vote was 54-41.

Public School teachers are hitting the hip when it comes to paying for school supplies for their students. A new survey released says teachers are spending about 480 dollars a year on notebooks, pens, and other supplies without reimbursement. Les Landon is a spokesperson for the Louisiana Federation of Teachers.

He says it’s Louisiana’s turn to shake up the status quo.

Cut 6 (11) “their facing”

Teachers who spend their own money for supplies are able to take a $250 federal tax deduction.

A recent 5-cent rise in gas prices puts the state average at $2.61 a gallon.  AAA fuel analyst, Don Redman, says multiple factors are all conspiring against the consumer. Redman has some good news though, he does not project that Louisiana will reach 3-dollars a gallon during the summer.

Cut 9 (11)  “staff yet”

Redman says the Baton Rouge Metropolitan area averages around $2.54 a gallon.

A bill that would allow riverboat casinos to come up out of the water passed is heading to the governor’s desk. The legislation would “modernize” riverboat casino regulations, allowing them to expand onto land near where they are berthed, and it changes the rules on gambling space. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton and Lake Charles Representative Stephen Dwight discussed just how much gaming contributes to the state.

Cut 13 (13)  “million dollars” 

The Louisiana Senate has approved a budget proposal that’s described as more of a demonstration rather than an actual budget. The bill passed 27-10 with democrats making up those opposed. Most in the upper chamber agree the final version will be hammered out in the special session. The bill now heads back to the house for concurrence. The special session starts next Tuesday.

The House sends a bill to the governor that would allow riverboat casinos to expand onto land. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (32) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Public School teachers are hitting the hip when it comes to paying for school supplies for their students. A new survey released says teachers are spending about 480 dollars a year on notebooks, pens, and other supplies without reimbursement. Les Landon is a spokesperson for the Louisiana Federation of Teachers.

He says there is already a growing tide of discontent sweeping across the country. He adds Louisiana has not addressed its educational shortfalls for years.

Cut 5  (12)  “11 Years”

A recent 5-cent rise in gas prices puts the state average at $2.59 a gallon.  AAA fuel analyst, Don Redman, says multiple factors are all conspiring against the consumer. Gas prices during the summer typically fluctuates due to more traveling and reformulated fuel. Redman says in addition to increased sanctions, increased energy demands will affect national and global prices.

Cut 8 (10)  “hope”

The House passed a 15 week abortion ban bill with amendments on a 78-9 vote, clearing one of the last hurdles before it arrives on the Governor’s desk for his likely approval. The Senate has already approved one version of the legislation. Denham Springs Representative Valerie Hodges says the legislation could prevent hundreds of abortions in Louisiana a year.

Cut 12 (08) “ban this”

The bill heads back to the Senate.