Former L-A-B-I head and candidate for Governor Stephen Waguespack releases his first campaign ad; introducing himself to voters by his nickname, “Wags.” The statewide spot is called “Louisiana’s Comeback” and features Waguespack in various casual settings, and in a highly likable light. Political analyst Roy Fletcher has seen it and says the video succeeds at that…:
Cut 10 (10) “…to be likable.”
Waguespack was the last of the major candidates to enter the governor’s race and is trying to make up ground on the front-runner, Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry.

The Senate Education Committee has approved the Protect Teachers Act. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton says the bill grants civil immunity for teachers who break up fights at school…
cut 14 (14) “…..out for you”
The legislation heads to the Senate floor. It has already passed the House.

Baton Rouge Police arrested 26-year-old Desiree Felder after two small children were wounded by gunfire after getting hold of a gun while in her care. Teiko Foxx has more…
Cut 1 (30) “Teiko Foxx.”

Baton Rouge Police arrested 26-year-old Desiree Felder days after police learned of an accidental shooting involving two small children while in her care. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (30)  “Teiko Foxx.”

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A bill to add paid Family Medical Leave benefits in Louisiana is pulled from consideration. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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GOP candidate for governor Stephen Waguespack releases his first official campaign ad, as he seeks to gain traction in the October election. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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26-year-old Desiree Felder has been arrested in connection to a shooting incident where a toddler and his cousin were found with gunshot injuries while under her supervision over the weekend. Baton Rouge Police Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says officers responded to a call Monday from a local hospital involving two male children.

Cut 4 (09)  “…of shooting.”

Felder’s sister left her 3-year-old son in her care while she worked an overnight shift. McKneely says the children were able to find a weapon at the home in the 12,000 block of Titian Avenue.

Cut 5 (12)   “…both kids.”

Felder did not take the children to seek medical treatment immediately or report what happened to law enforcement. Authorities arrived at the hospital Monday when the 3-year-old was brought in for medical attention for his wounds. Through the course of the investigation, detectives learned the 6-year-old also suffered from minor wounds.

Cut 6 (06)  “…of shooting.”

The children suffered only minor injuries. Felder has been charged with second-degree cruelty to a juvenile and obstruction of justice.

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After a lengthy discussion on a bill in committee to add paid Family Medical Leave benefits in Louisiana, the legislation was voluntarily deferred. Alexandria Representative Ed Larvadian presented the bill in House Labor and Industrial Relations on behalf of Representative Aimee Freeman.

Cut 7 (08) “…and compensated.”

Committee members heard from experts on how the program would work and how other states with similar programs operate. Larvadain says the Louisiana program would pay benefits for 12 weeks.  Federal law currently allows 12 weeks of leave but those weeks are unpaid and it also secures your position when you return to work.

Cut 8 (10) “…get paid.”

Larvadain opted to pull Freeman’s bill for consideration this session because committee members couldn’t agree on how the program would be implemented

Cut 9 (05)  “…next session.”

Larvadain says three out of four workers in Louisiana do not have paid medical leave.

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Former LABI head and candidate for Governor Stephen Waguespack releases his first campaign ad; introducing himself to voters by his nickname, “Wags.” The statewide spot is called “Louisiana’s Comeback” and features Waguespack in various casual settings, and in a highly likable light. Political analyst Roy Fletcher has seen it and says the video succeeds at that…:

Cut 10 (10) “…to be likable.” 

In the ad Waguespack says the state faces “its biggest crisis yet”, but Fletcher says he then moves right on to handshakes and hugs, from folks who call him “Wags.” Fletcher says the ad’s tone is too light for talk of crisis…:

Cut 11 (05)  “…you’re in crisis.”

Waguespack was the last Republican to enter the race, with Attorney General Jeff Landry far ahead in polling and fundraising. Fletcher says perhaps the candidate should have come out with a stronger message because this video tells voters very little about him or how he would lead…:

Cut 12 (08)    “…that’s it.” 

Fletcher says future ads need to convey solutions; for Waguespack and all candidates. You can view Waguespack’s campaign ad at “wags4la.com”

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The Senate Education Committee advanced several House-approved bills before taking a break for the weekend. Legislation that requires all public schools from elementary to college to display the national motto “In God We Trust” in every classroom is heading to the Senate floor. Speaking in favor of the bill, John Raymond, the headmaster of Lakeside Christian School in Slidell…

Cut 13 (11) “…need.” 

That bill is by Haughton Representative Dodie Horton. Horton’s “Protect Teachers Act” is also heading to the Senate floor. Horton says the bill grants civil immunity for teachers who break up fights at school…

Cut 14 (14)  “…out for you.”

Also advancing out of Senate Education is a bill that requires written permission from the parents, for schools to use corporal punishment on a child. Franklinton Republican Beth Mizell is handling the bill in the Senate…

Cut 15 (03)  “..doesn’t know why.”

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The NCAA Softball Baton Rouge regional gets underway today at Tiger Park. Two-seeded UL-Lafayette will face third-seeded Omaha at 2 PM and at five o’clock LSU will play Prairie View A-and-M. Former Cajuns and Tigers softball coach Yvette Girouard says LSU has a talented shortstop in Taylor Pleasants and a veteran pitcher in Ali Kilponen. She says Kilponen pitched well against Georgia on the last day of the regular season…

Cut  16 (14)  “…whole tournament.” 

U-L Lafayette had a good argument to host its own regional as they have a record of 46-13 and they won the Sun Belt regular season and tournament championships. Girouard wishes LSU and U-L hosted their won regionals…

Cut 17 (17) “…together.”

LSU and U-L Lafayette used to have a heated rivalry in softball, but Girouard says it has calmed down over the years…

Cut 18 (13) “…fans love it.”

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Cut 19 (17) “….ball game.” 

Cut 20 (19)  “…what happens.”  

Here is today’s Legislative Update from the Louisiana Radio Network…

The state’s Revenue Estimating Conference revised the amount of available dollars for the fiscal year that starts in July UP by over $480-million; triggering debate over how to best use it. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says many House members want a conservative approach, but the Senate wants to spend in infrastructure needs…:

CUT 12(11)      “…some debt.”

A bill mandating public schools to provide free feminine hygiene products to girls passes the House by a huge margin. Lacey Gero is an advocate for positive period policy. She says the bill provides that the products be free and easily accessible by female students…:

CUT 07(10)      “…would be.”

Passed by a vote of 79-17, the bill heads now to the Senate

After a lengthy discussion in committee, a bill to add paid Family Medical Leave benefits in Louisiana was voluntarily deferred; mostly because members saw too many questions and potential pitfalls. The bill’s sponsor, New Orleans Rep. Aimee Freeman, says she’ll try again next year.

On his monthly radio program, Governor Edwards wouldn’t say if he plans to veto any legislation this year that are similar to bills vetoed two years ago. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Thorington.”

On his monthly radio show, “Ask the Governor”, Governor John Bel Edwards was questioned about bills making their way through the legislature that would impede portions of the LGBT agenda, and if he plans to veto any of them. The governor wouldn’t say if he plans to or not, only…:

CUT 03(09)      “…unfortunate.”

Two years ago, the governor vetoed anti-transgender legislation, and a veto override attempt failed.

Also at the Capitol, a bill to provide free feminine hygiene products to girls in public schools passes the House by a 79-to-17 vote. Lacey Gero, an advocate for providing period supplies, says it’s a big step at removing embarrassment for girls across the state…:

CUT 06(12)      “…education met.”

The bill, from New Orleans Democrat Rep. Aimee Freeman, moves now to the Senate.

The state’s estimated revenues for the fiscal year that starts in July has been revised upward by over $480-million; triggering a debate between House and Senate over what to do with it. Some want to pay down debt. Others want to spend on infrastructure. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says both chambers will need to agree – by two-thirds majorities – to break the state’s cap on spending…:

CUT 13(10)      “…stalemate.”

These matters must all be hammered out before the session ends three weeks from today.

You can take the boy out of law enforcement but you can’t take law enforcement out of the boy. Congressman Clay Higgins is going viral on the internet in video showing him physically removing a protester from a press conference. The man was asking Congresswoman Lauren Boebert personal questions about her divorce and her recently-closed business, when Higgins escorted him away. Higgins says the man was a threat, so he took “textbook” action to quell him.

Louisiana’s budget surplus grew larger today as the Revenue Estimating Conference increased the amount of available dollars to spend by 323-million for this fiscal year and 483-million for next fiscal year. But Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the House is taking a conservative approach while the Senate is ready to spend the money on infrastructure projects…:

CUT 12(11)      “…some debt.”

He smells a stalemate brewing between now and the session’s end three weeks from now.

Caught on video and going viral: District 3 Congressman Clay Higgins at a press conference, giving an activist the “bum’s rush.” The activist, Jake Burdett, complained on Twitter later that he was detained, while the congressman was not…:

CUT 11(10)      “…was attacked!”

Burdett was asking congresswoman Lauren Boebert personal questions about her marriage and her failed business when Higgins stepped in.

Multiple state agencies are experiencing computer network outages, caused by failed hardware and backup systems. The Division of Administration says the good news is there is spare hardware readily available and work is underway to get it installed and systems back online ASAP.

On his monthly radio program, Governor Edwards wouldn’t say if he plans to veto any legislation this year that are similar to what he vetoed two years ago…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

Video of Congressman Clay Higgins physically removing an activist away from a press conference is going viral…

CUT 02(30)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

The state’s estimated revenue has gone up over $450-million for the fiscal year that starts in July, and the Governor is reiterating his call for teacher pay raises. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says a stalemate is underway…:

CUT 14(08)      “…last hour.”

That last hour is 6 pm, June 8^th.

The Office of Motor Vehicles and other state agencies have been plagued with internet and computer related outages. Jacques Berry, with the Division of Administration, says it was a hardware failure that included redundant backup systems. New equipment is being installed right now.

On his “Ask the Governor” radio show, Governor John Bel Edwards addressed matters moving through the legislature, like another bill to allow permit-free concealed carry of a gun. No permit would also mean no required proficiency training. Edwards says her still believes in training and in background checks…:

CUT 05(11)      “…conceal carry.”

The legislative session ends in 3 weeks.

State Police are investigating an officer-involved fatal shooting in Bastrop this morning. All we know right now is that Bastrop P.D. responded to call, there was gunfire, one person was pronounced dead at the scene; the officer treated for minor injuries. LSP investigates all officer-involved shootings and deaths.

On his monthly Ask the Governor radio program Governor Edwards wouldn’t say if he plans to veto any legislation this year similar to what he vetoed two years ago. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

The Louisiana Division of Administration announced a system hardware failure that has affected the main system and the redundancy backup systems at multiple state offices. Internet, email, and applications for the Louisiana executive branch were affected, but the outage did not elected officials or higher ed. Crews are reported to be working to get the systems back up. All agencies are expected to resume business today.

The Louisiana House passed a bill that would make menstrual products available for free to public school students. one out of four teen girls missed class due to a lack of access to feminine products in 2021. State Policy for Alliance for Period Supplies Manager Lacey Gero says hopes lawmakers will keep female students in mind when casting their votes.

Cut 8 (06)  “…those issues.” 

Eleven states already have bills requiring schools to provide menstrual products, and at least 20 states have eliminated the tax on menstrual products. passed by the House in a 79 to 17 vote.

Video of Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins physically moving an activist away from a news conference on Capitol Hill is gaining attention online. The activist asked Colorado Congresswoman Lauren Boebert about her divorce from her husband and that’s when Higgins ushered him away.

Cut 10 (07) “…get off me.”  (4x)

Higgins, a former sheriff’s deputy, says the activist was mentally disturbed and threatening and he was escorted out and turned over to Capitol Police.

On his monthly radio show “Ask the Governor”,  Governor John Bel Edwards was asked if he plans to veto any legislation making its way through the legislature addressing the LGBTQ community. The governor wouldn’t say if he plans to or not but brought up the example of when the Supreme Court legalized gay marriage in 2015.

Cut 4 (12)  “…exactly none.” 

Haughton Representative Dodie Horton’s bill that passed in the House on a 67 to 28 vote prohibits discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in the classroom.

The house passed legislation that would provide access to free menstrual products to female students in public schools in a 79 to 17 vote. State Policy for Alliance for Period Supplies Manager Lacey Gero says under the legislation the products would be in an easily accessible location at no cost to students.

Cut 7 (10)  “…would be.” 

New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman reintroduced her bill after it stalled last year on the Senate floor.

Congressman Clay Higgins is seen on video physically removing an activist away from a press conference. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo”