Beginning next year parents who send their kids to private school will receive an increase of $5,000 to $6,000 tax break per child in Louisiana. The governor signed the legislation that Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel authored.

Cut 9 (09)  “…their taxes.”

The current deduction costs the state about $22-millon annually and that will increase to $24.2 million in 2024.

The Major League Baseball draft began with two LSU players from the National Championship team, pitcher Paul Skeens was the first by the Pittsburgh Pirates, and center fielder Dylan Crews was the second pick by Washington Nationals. Crews says as a kid he followed the Nats ever since the former number one overall pick was Bryce Harper…

Cut 5 (11)  “…as him.”

Will they or won’t they return for a veto override session is the looming question. Since Governor Edwards rejected a bill to ban transgender procedures on minors in Louisiana the probability has increased, they’ll return.  “LaPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says the transgender bill veto could also open a floodgate of override efforts…:

Cut 12 (11)    “…by the Governor.” 

Votes from lawmakers on their willingness to return for an override session are due Thursday.

And ground has been broken on a project that will result in high-speed, affordable, and reliable internet for 91-hundred households and 535 small businesses in Avoyelles Parish. Connect LA director Veneeth Iyengar says Swift Telecom is expected to complete the project next summer.

Cut 16 (13) “..our office.”

We’ll find out later this week if there will be an override veto session that would begin on July 18th. Among the most high-profile bills that Governor Edwards has vetoed is the ban on transgender medical procedures on children. State Representative Gabe Firment from Grant Parish says there’s public support for his legislation.
Cut 7 (11) “…this veto.”
A simple majority vote by either the House or Senate cancels the override veto session, but Jeremy Alford of La-Politics-dot-com says Republican lawmakers seeking re-election are facing pressure to hold the veto session…
cut 13 (09) “….suffer the consequences”
Edwards vetoed over two dozen bills from the recently completed session.

Paul Skenes is the first LSU player to be selected number one in the Major League Baseball draft since Ben McDonald in 1989. The Pittsburgh Pirates used their top overall pick on Skenes, who features a 100-mile per hour fastball and a wipe out slider…
cut 3 (11) “…this position”
LSU’s Dylan Crews was the second overall pick, going to the Washington Nationals.

A $21 million broadband expansion project to bring high-speed, affordable, and reliable internet to thousands of households in Avoyelles Parish is underway. ConnectLA Executive Director Veneeth Iyengar says Louisiana is leading the country in how quickly they are bring broadband to every corner of the state…
Cut 14 (13) “…get it.”
The project is expected to completed next summer.

Governor Edwards vetoed three anti-LGBTQ bills including a ban on transgender medical procedures on minors. The bill’s author, Pollock Representative Gabe Firment neighboring states have passed similar legislation and without it, Louisiana will be set apart.

Cut 9 (10)  “…on kids.”

New Orleans Democrat Aimee Freeman points out that legislation passed in Arkansas has already been challenged in the courts and she believes Firment’s bill violates the state constitution because it’s discriminatory.

Cut 10 (09) “…be trusted.”

Lawmakers must respond by Thursday if they wish to return to Baton Rouge for a veto session.

Officials broke ground for a $21 million broadband expansion to bring high-speed, affordable, and reliable internet to 10,000 households and businesses in Avoyelles Parish last Thursday. ConnectLA Executive Director Veneeth Iyengar says Avoyelles is only one of several rural parishes selected to receive broadband …

Cut 15 (12)  “…most impact.”

The collective impact of the $176 million in federal funds plus the $1.4 billion will ensure that Louisianans in rural and low-income communities will have access to high-speed, affordable, and reliable internet.

Baton Rouge General has opened The Louisiana Center for Bariatrics in Baton Rouge. One of the surgeons, Dr. Karalyn Bentley, says in addition to weight loss surgery the center also specializes in non-surgical weight loss interventions, nutrition counseling, and support groups.

Cut 6 (10)  “…their family.”

Among the most high-profile bills that Governor Edwards has vetoed is the ban on transgender medical procedures on children. Pollock Republican Representative Gabe Firment, who authored the bill, says it’s not antitransgender legislation, it protects children and there’s public support for it.
Cut 7 (11) “…this veto.”
New Orleans Democrat Aimee Freeman disagrees and says there are no known cases of surgery on children to alter their gender in Louisiana. She says the bill’s intent is to target a vulnerable population, and unnecessary.
Cut 8 (12) “…legislation.’”
Lawmakers have until Thursday to decide if they want to come back for an override veto session. The veto session would begin July 18th.

LSU Tigers were the first two picks in the Major League Baseball Draft, which got underway last night. Right-handed pitcher Paul Skenes went number one overall to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Skenes says he’s shocked…
cut 4 (09) “…in Pittsburgh”
LSU center fielder Dylan Crews was the second selection as he was picked buy Washington. It’s the first time college teammates went one-two in the Major League Baseball draft.

The governor’s office says ground has been broken on a project that will result in high-speed affordable and reliable internet for 91-hundred households and 535 small businesses in Avoyelles Parish. Connect LA director Veneeth Iyengar says Swft Telecom is expected to complete the project next summer..
cut 16 (13) “…our office”

The veto of a bill to ban transgender procedures on minors could be the tipping point for an override session that would begin next week.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Lawmakers have until Thursday to decide if they want an override veto session. The governor vetoed 26 bills and several items in the budget. Jeremy Alford of LaPolitics-dot-com says Firment’s bill seems to have the most momentum for an override veto session but there are other bills too…
cut 11 (11) “…these other issues”

Paul Skenes is the first LSU player to be selected number one in the Major League Baseball draft since Ben McDonald in 1989. The Pittsburgh Pirates used their top overall pick on Skenes, who features a 100-mile per hour fastball and a wipe out slider…
cut 3 (11) “…this position”
LSU’s Dylan Crews was the second overall pick, going to the Washington Nationals.

Baton Rouge General has opened the Louisiana Center for Bariatrics. The center offers robotic gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy surgery for patients who qualify and have been unsuccessful in losing weight through diet and exercise. Doctor Karayln Bentley says weight loss surgery is an effect and long-term treatment for obesity….
cut 5 (09) “…moderation”
Visit la-center-for-baraiatrics-dot-com for more information.

Lawmakers have until Thursday to decide if they want want to hold a veto session to override any of the vetoes issued by Governor John Bel Edwards. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment is urging his colleagues to hold an override veto session so that his bill that bans gender-affirming care for minors can be become law…
cut 9 (10) “….on kids”
Several legislative leaders have told the USA Today Network that a special session is inevitable.

Thinking about weight loss surgery. New guidelines are in place. Instead of a BMI of 40 or greater, it’s now 30, with at least one medical condition and…
cut 4 (08) “…considered”
That’s Doctor Karalyn Bentley at the new Louisiana Center for Bariatrics in Baton Rouge, who says nearly 43-percent of adults in the U-S have a B-M-I of 30 or higher.

Officials have broke ground on a $21 million broadband expansion project to bring high-speed, affordable, and reliable internet to nearly 10,000 households and businesses in Avoyelles Parish.
Cut 3 (33) “….I’m Teiko Foxx”

The veto of a bill to ban transgender procedures on minors could be the tipping point for an override session. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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With the Governor’s veto of the bill banning “gender-affirming care” for minors, the chances of a veto override session happening are getting better. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Officials broke ground last Thursday to begin a $21 million broadband expansion project to bring high-speed, affordable, and reliable internet to nearly 10,000 households and businesses in Avoyelles Parish. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 3 (33)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx”

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The guidelines for weight loss surgery were lowered last year, which means more individuals are eligible. Dr. Karalyn Bentley, one of the surgeons at The Louisiana Center for Bariatrics in Baton Rouge, said instead of a BMI of 40 or greater it’s now 30, with at least one medical condition and…

Cut 4 (08)  “…considered.”

Thirty-nine percent of adults in Louisiana are considered obese, and the Bayou State consistently ranks in the top 10 of the most obese states. Bentley said food is a large part of the state’s culture but when an individual’s health is compromised options are available.

Cut 5 (09)   “…moderation.”

In addition to weight loss surgery, Bentley said the center also specializes in non-surgical weight loss interventions, nutrition counseling, and support groups.

Cut 6 (10)  “…their family.”

The Louisiana Center for Bariatrics also has free seminars, every other month, which allows potential patients to learn more about weight loss surgery and management. For more information visit LaCenterforBariatrics.com

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Among the most high-profile bills that Governor Edwards has vetoed is the ban on transgender medical procedures on children. Pollock Republican Representative Gabe Firment, who authored the bill, says it’s not antitransgender legislation it’s about protecting children and his constituents support it.

Cut 7 (11) “…this veto.”

New Orleans Democrat Aimee Freeman disagrees and says there are no known cases of surgery on children to alter their gender in Louisiana. She says the bill’s intent is to target a vulnerable population, and unnecessary.

Cut 8 (12) “…legislation.’”

Neighboring states have passed similar legislation and Firment fears without it, Louisiana will be set apart.

Cut 9 (10)  “…on kids.”

Freeman points out that legislation passed in Arkansas has already been challenged in the courts and she believes Firment’s bill violates the state constitution because it’s discriminatory.

Cut 10 (09) “…be trusted.”

Lawmakers must respond by Thursday if they wish to return to Baton Rouge for a veto session.

____________________________________________

Speculation continues to build as to whether state lawmakers will seek to override any of Governor John Bel Edwards’ vetoes this year. Some of his vetoes were met with little reaction, but his killing of the so-called “Stop Hurting Our Kids Act”, which bans transgender medical procedures for minors, is drawing Republican ire. “LaPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says that bill alone could be what triggers a majority of lawmakers to vote to return to the Capitol…:

Cut 11 (11)  “…these other issues.”

In addition to three bills deemed to be anti-LGBTQ, the Governor also vetoed bills to phase out corporate franchise taxes, another to block future vaccine mandates, one to grant credits for fortifying one’s home to withstand hurricanes, and several others. Alford says the transgender bill veto could open a floodgate of override efforts…:

Cut 12 (11)    “…by the Governor.” 

A veto override session is automatic UNLESS a majority of lawmakers in either chamber vote NOT to reconvene. Those mail-in votes are due by Thursday. Some lawmakers may simply seek to re-file the bills next year, but Alford says those who seek re-election this fall are feeling political pressure to countermand the Governor…:

Cut 13 (09) “…suffer the consequences.”  

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A $21 million broadband expansion to bring high-speed, affordable, and reliable internet to 10,000 households and businesses in Avoyelles Parish is underway. Officials broke ground on the project last Thursday. ConnectLA Executive Director Veneeth Iyengar says this is the first phase toward eliminating the digital divide for thousands in Louisiana…

Cut 14 (13)  “…get it.”

The state will provide nearly $10 million in federal funds from the Department of the Treasury. The collective impact of the $176 million in federal funds plus the $1.4 billion will ensure that Louisianans in rural and low-income communities will have access to high-speed, affordable, and reliable internet. Iyengar says Avoyelles is only one of several rural parishes selected to receive broadband …

Cut 15 (12)  “…most impact.”

Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information Alan Davidson announced the impacts the $1.4 billion is going to have statewide. Iyengar says these funds will be used to expand access and affordability, help improves digital skills, and provide workforce training. He says officials have put funds to use and there are standards of accountability…

Cut 16 (13) “..our office.”

The project is set for completion in the summer of 2024.

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Cut 17 (19) “…this draft.”

Cut 18 (18) “…potentially” 

Cut 19 (22) “…bunt play” 

Cut 20 (20)  “…have fun”  

47-year-old Brian Horn has been convicted by a Desoto Parish jury a second time for the 2010 brutal killing of 12-year-old Justin Bloxom of Stonewall. The verdict was returned in DeSoto District Court after less than 15 minutes of deliberations. Desoto District Attorney Charlie Adams says Horn’s case is why Louisiana has the death penalty….

Cut 5 (11)  “…appropriate result.”

A $21 million broadband expansion to bring high-speed, affordable, and reliable internet to 10,000 households and businesses in Avoyelles Parish is underway. ConnectLA Executive Director Veneeth Iyengar says Avoyelles is only one of several rural parishes selected to receive broadband …

Cut 15 (13)  “…most impact.”

Anglers should prepare for reduced limits on redfish. It’s part of an effort to preserve the redfish populations in Louisiana waterways. The new limit would be 3 reds per day, per angler, instead of the current 5. Wildlife & Fisheries Commissioner Joe McPherson says that will speed up a 30-year rebuilding process big time…:

CUT 07  (10)        “…are in.”

A newly approved drug to treat Alzheimer’s is a beacon of hope for the over 5-million Americans affected by the disease. Dr. Owen Carmichael, with LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, says the drug Laqembi (lah-kem-be) Is a breakthrough, but it may not work for ALL patients…:

CUT 11(11)      “…other protein.”

A jury has decided 47-year-old Brian Horn should die by lethal injection for killing 12-year-old Justin Bloxom of Stonewall. Justin’s lifeless body was found along a highway in Desoto Parish in 2010. It’s the second time Horn has been convicted and sentenced to die for this brutal crime. Desoto District Attorney Charlie Adams believes this conviction will stick…

Cut 3 (10) “…of people

The state’s Wildlife and Fisheries Commission approves stricter catch limits for redfish in state waters in an effort to preserve the population of the popular fish. Commissioner Joe McPherson says sportsmen back their plan of reducing the catch limit from five redfish per day, per angler to three…

Cut 6 (08)  “…fishing success” 

The FDA’s endorsement of the Alzheimer’s medication Leqembi (lah-kem’-bee), is a beacon of hope for the more than five million Americans with the brain-robbing disease. LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center Professor Dr. Owen Carmichael says it’s a completely new era for Alzheimer’s disease.

Cut 9 (11)  “…symptoms.”

Carmichael says the medication is a twice-weekly infusion that’s been shown to clear sticky brain plaque linked to the disease. Center for Medicare Services says they’ll pay for the drug via coverage under evidence development.

Louisianans will have more access to financial records in the state. Governor John Bel Edwards signed the law from a bill that creates transparency. Act 446 requires government entities to upload financial records to a single website.