It’s official lawmakers will hold a veto session as they will return to the Capitol next week for five days to override any one of the 28 vetoes that the governor issued from the last legislative session.

The public can pay their final respects to former Governor Edwin Edwards tomorrow as the Cajun Prince is set to lie in state at the Louisiana Capitol from 10 AM to 7 PM. Delhi Representative Francis Thompson was a state legislator during Edwards’ first term in the 1970s and Thompson it was the start of a friendship that lasted for 40 years.…
Cut 10 (12) “..measure it.”
A private funeral will take place Sunday at the Old State Capitol.

The National Low Income Housing Coalition reports Louisians need to make 18-dollars an hour in order to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment. Research analyst Dan Threet says there needs to be a stronger effort to bridge the gap between income and housing costs…
cut 8 (10) “…renter protection”

Louisiana ranks at the top of the list, that’s the list for the highest combined state and local sales tax rate in the country. Tax Foundation Policy Analyst Janelle Cammenga says the average sales tax rate in Louisiana is 9.55-percent and coming in at a close second place, is Tennessee.
Cut 4 (10) “…major taxes.”
The tax foundation says Louisiana ranks 45th for state and local tax burden, when you also factor, income, business and property taxes.

Former Governor Edwin Edwards will Lie in State tomorrow at the State Capitol from 10 AM to 7 PM giving the public an opportunity to pay their final respects. Longtime Louisiana lawmaker and Delhi Representative Francis Thompson says Edwards understood the need for rural development and how metro areas would not grow if the agricultural economy was not built up…
cut 11 (11) “….bridges”
A private funeral will be held on Sunday for Edwards.

A report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition shows Louisiana renters have to make nearly 18 dollars an hour to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment. Research analyst Dan Threet says compared to Louisiana wages…
Cut 7 (10) “…a modest home”
The issue is more pronounced in New Orleans where renters must make nearly $21 and in Baton Rouge where they must make nearly $20.

The Bayou State ranks at the top when it comes to something few like to pay. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

We should find out shortly if Louisiana lawmakers will hold a historic override veto session next week. Legislators had until midnight last night to turn in a ballot to cancel the veto session. It takes a majority vote from either the Senate or House to cancel the veto session. There are two vetoes lawmakers are targeting to override, a conceal carry bill and a bill to prohibit transgender athletes from competing in girls sports.

Edwin Edwards will lie in state at the State Capitol tomorrow, allowing the public to pay their last respects to the former four-term governor from 10 AM to 7 PM. Matt Doyle spoke with one of his longtime legislative allies about Edwards’ legacy…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Governor John Bel Edwards will hold a press conference at 11 AM at the state capitol to discuss the rise in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations. There are over 500 people hospitalized as a result of the virus for the first time since early March.

The Tax Foundation says Louisiana ranks number one for the highest average state and local sales tax rate in the nation at over 9.5-percent. Tax Foundation Policy Analyst Janelle Cammenga says a common problem plaguing most states is that their sales tax base is not as broad as it should be. She says during the depression most states concentrated sales taxes on goods versus services and now that the economy has shifted.
Cut 6 (07) “…amount of money.”
But Louisiana ranks 45th for overall state and local tax burden.

In 2018, voters in 47 parishes approved the legalization of online fantasy sports betting and the Louisiana Gaming Control Board yesterday approved a license for Draft Kings to operate in those 47 parishes. State Police Gaming Division Audit Director Jeff Traylor on how much tax revenue Draft Kings could generate for Louisiana…
cut 14 (06) “…state”

According to the Tax Foundation, Louisiana has the highest average state and local sales tax rate in the nation at 9.55 percent, which is a shade higher than Tennessee’s. Tax Foundation Policy Analyst Janelle Cammenga says on average states rely on their sales tax for 24-percent of their state and local tax collection…
cut 5 (10) “….up there”
The Tax Foundation says Louisiana ranks 38th for state and local individual income tax collections and 43rd for state and local property tax collections.

Louisianans in 47 parishes can now play online fantasy sports through Draft Kings after the Gaming Control Board approved a license for them. Louisiana Gaming Enforcement Division Trooper Joseph Hall says they conducted a thorough background check of Draft Kings…
Cut 13 (07) “…industry.”
DraftKings launched the first mobile fantasy gaming app in 2013 and is available in 43 states.

Renters in Louisiana are on average facing dues that are not compatible with their wages and with the eviction moratorium ending at the end of the month they could be displaced. Erik Piccoli has the story…
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.”

Renters in Louisiana are on average facing dues that aren’t compatible with their wages and with the eviction moratorium coming to a close they could be displaced. Erik Piccoli has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.”

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The Bayou State ranks at the top when it comes to something few like to pay. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Governor Edwin Edwards will lie in state Saturday at the State Capitol. Matt Doyle spoke with one of his longtime legislative allies about Edwards’ legacy…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Louisiana ranks at the top of the list, that’s the list for the highest combined state and local sales tax rate in the country. Tax Foundation Policy Analyst Janelle Cammenga says the average sales tax rate in Louisiana is 9.55-percent and coming in at a close second place, is Tennessee.

Cut 4 (10) “…major taxes.”

The Bayou State consistently ranks high when you compare sales tax rates among other states. Cammenga says on average states rely on their sales tax for 24-percent of their state and local tax collection.

Cut 5  (10) “…up there.”

Cammenga says a common problem plaguing most states is that their sales base is not as broad as it should be. She says during the depression most states concentrated sales taxes on goods versus services and now that the economy has shifted.

Cut 6 (07) “…amount of money.”

She says tax rates can sometimes be a determining factor for companies looking to relocate.

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A report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition shows Louisiana renters have to make nearly 18 dollars an hour to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment in the state. Research analyst Dan Threet says compared to Louisiana wages…

Cut 7 (10) “…a modest home” 

The issue is more pronounced in certain parts of the state such as New Orleans where renters must make nearly $21 and in Baton Rouge where they must make nearly $20.

Threet says responses to unaffordable housing include the short-term distribution of emergency rental assistance money and in the long term addressing the structural housing affordability problem…

Cut 8 (12) “…enforce renter protection”

With the end of the eviction moratorium, certain renters are likely to face eviction and displacement in the following months. Threet says about 16% of renters across the country are not current on their rent…

Cut 9 (11) “…rent payment go late”

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Longtime allies of Governor Edwin Edwards will pay their last respects Saturday as the Cajun Prince is set to lie in state at one of his favorite places on earth, the state Capitol.

Longtime lawmaker Francis Thompson entered the legislature during Edwards’ first term. He says the two of them went hunting and fishing together every year for 40 years. He says Edwards won every competition…

Cut 10 (12) “..measure it.”

Thompson, a Delhi Democrat, says Edwards understood the need for rural development and how the cities wouldn’t grow if the agricultural economy wasn’t built up.

Cut 11 (12) “…bridges.”

The two did have a major disagreement over Edwards’ push to expand gambling in the state.

Thompson says Cajun Prince will ultimately be remembered as one of the state’s greatest governors despite his many scandals and stint in federal prison.

Cut 12 (12) “…state”

A private funeral will be Sunday that will be streamed live.

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Louisianans in 47 parishes can now play online fantasy sports for at least one site after the Gaming Control Board approved a license for DraftKings yesterday.

Louisiana Gaming Enforcement Division Trooper Joseph Hall says they conducted a thorough background check of everyone involved with the company before signing off.

Cut 13 (07) “…industry.”

DraftKings launched the first mobile fantasy gaming app in 2013 and is available in 43 states.

State Police Gaming Division Audit Director Jeff Traylor says DraftKings expects to see about 15.5 million in net revenue for the current fiscal year.

Cut 14 (06) “…state.”

Traylor says an audit of DraftKings finances shows they’ve been losing money for years but that’s not a real problem for the state given their online-only presence.

Cut 15 (10)“..years.”

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With The MLB draft in the books LSU coach Jay Johnson can get a feel for what his roster may look like next season.  The Tigers return every starting position players from last year’s team and several key pitchers elected to return to LSU.  Coach Johnson says a veteran presence will be a positive for his team.

Cut 16 (16) “…high level” 

While he has a bunch of players returning, he’s also filling out his staff as he is bringing in Marc Wanaka as a volunteer assistant, who has coached under Johnson at multiple stops.  Coach Johnson says he’s excited to have him on staff.

Cut 17 (12) …of time.” 

One player who decided to stay in Baton Rouge is pitcher Devin Fontenot.  Fontenot was the team’s closer last season but says he returned to LSU to prove he can be in the starting rotation.

Cut  18 (18)”..better.”

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Cut 19 (14) “…lives.” 

Cut 20 (27)  “…next weekend.” 

Louisiana has entered another surge in COVID cases, this time largely due to the more transmissible and virulent Delta variant. The state reported 1,500 new COVID positive tests and for the first time since early March, we now have over 500 COVID patients in the hospital. LSU Health Shreveport Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. John Vanchiere says your best protection against the new variant is to get vaccinated, but know it’s not 100 percent protection…

Cut 10 (09) “…zero.”

Only half of Louisiana adults have been vaccinated.

Online fantasy sports gaming has been approved by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board for at least one site, DraftKings. It’s anticipated that the service will be available for use sometime tonight if not by tomorrow. Only residents in 47 parishes that approved the activity will be allowed to log in.

The NRA and National Association for Gun Rights have been running in-state campaigns to persuade lawmakers to enter a veto override session July 20^th and overturn the Governor’s veto of legislation that would eliminate the need to have a concealed carry permit to carry a concealed firearm. NAGR spokesperson Chris Stone says right now the state is a regional outlier…

Cut 6 (07) “..this year”

Stone says currently there are 21 states that allow the concealed carry of a firearm without needing a permit.

A 49-year-old Franklin man is under arrest for allegedly severely burning a woman and killing a small child. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the female victim was able to tell responders that she and Derwin Hamilton were involved in an argument, then…

Cut 4 (05) “…on fire.” 

Over 500 people are hospitalized in Louisiana with COVID for the first time since March 10^th. LSU Health Shreveport Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. John Vanchiere this new surge is driven by the Delta variant, and while available vaccines do offer a lot of protection against the variant, they aren’t perfect…

Cut 10 (09) “…zero.”

1,500 new positive COVID tests were also reported today.

The State Fire Marshal is investigating a tragic fire that claimed the life of a child and left a woman badly burned in the Franklin community of Centerville. Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue describes what responders found when they arrived at the mobile home Tuesday night.

Cut 3 (11)  “…condition.”

49-year old Derwin Hamilton is charged with second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder.

National gun rights organizations are hoping a last-minute campaign will sway lawmakers to override the Governor’s veto of constitutional carry legislation. Some Louisiana Sheriffs and the Louisiana Chiefs of Police Association oppose the bill, but National Association for Gun Rights spokesperson Chris Stone says there’s a reason why.

Cut 8 (09) “…money”

Lawmakers have until midnight tonight to submit their ballots requesting the upcoming veto override session be canceled.

In northwest Louisiana, the Jimmie Davis Bridge along Highway 511 that crossed the Red River in Bossier and Caddo Parishes will be closed over the weekend for scheduled repairs. DOTD Spokesperson Erin Buchannan says work will begin on Friday at 8 pm.

Cut 12 (12) “…approaches.”

They expect work will be completed by 6 am on Monday.

COVID cases topped 1,500 today and now just over 500 people are hospitalized. Health officials say we’re in the midst of another surge. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Brooke Thorington”.  

Draft Kings will become the first fantasy sports betting company to be allowed in Louisiana. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board unanimously approved the request for an operator’s license on Thursday. Gaming investors were told that an expected 15.5 million dollars will be brought in bringing 1.3 million dollars in tax revenue for the state.

Gun rights organizations are hoping to sway local lawmakers to override the Governor’s veto on constitutional carry. Opponents of the bill fear that more shootings and crime would increase if the veto is overturned but NAGR spokesperson Chris Stone says there’s no data supporting that claim

Cut 7 (09) “…crumble.”

There are currently 21 states that have passed the constitutional carry legislation

The Jimmie Davis bridge is undergoing repairs and will be closed over the weekend. DOTD Spokesperson Erin Buchannan says work will begin on Friday at 8 pm and alternative routes are available

Cut 13 (09) “…Barksdale bridge”

This weekend was chosen due to the lack of large events scheduled.

With 1,500 new COVID cases and a total of 504 hospitalizations in Louisiana, health officials say the Delta variant and low vaccination rates are to blame. LSU Health Shreveport Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. John Vanchiere…

Cut 9 (12) “…variant.”
The Jimmie Davis Bridge on Highway 511 will close this weekend for repairs. DOTD Spokesperson Erin Buchannan says this weekend was chosen due in part to the lack of large events scheduled in the surrounding area and hopes that by Monday the repairs will be finished…

Cut 14 (10) “…coming in” 

The NRA and National Association for Gun Rights are wading into the battle over Governor Edwards’ veto of constitutional carry legislation. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

The Mercedes-Benz logo will no longer adorn the Superdome following the end of a 10-year long contract with the German automaker. In May of 2020, the announcement was made by Mercedes stating they wouldn’t seek a renewal. The contract was reportedly between $50 and $60 million dollars. The Saints have been seeking a deal with Caesars Entertainment but nothing has been confirmed.