The National Weather Service says 10 to 13 inches of rain has fallen in some parts of southwest Louisiana today. Numerous roads are closed in the Lake Charles area and there are reports of rainwater getting into homes. Meteorologist Donald Jones says after dealing with two major hurricanes and a winter storm in the last year, a flooding event is the last thing they need in this area…

Cut 11 (10) “…as well”

A flash flood watch is in effect for southwest Louisiana through Thursday night.

Former Louisiana Governor Buddy Roemer passed away this morning, he served as governor from 1988 to 1991. Former chief of staff Len Sanderson says Roemer only served one term but became a successful banker.

Cut 4 (05) “…American people. 

Roemer was 77.

The US Supreme Court rules 6-3 that a prior ruling deeming non-unanimous jury verdicts unconstitutional is not retroactive. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

The health department reports that 280 Louisianans are currently hospitalized with COVID-19. The last time the state reported a number in that range was March 23, 2020. The latest vaccine numbers show 1.4 million have completed their vaccine series.

Former Louisiana Governor Buddy Roemer passed away this morning. During his term from 1988 to 1991 Roemer signed the bill that legalized riverboat gaming, he also worked to improve the state’s environment. But his tax reform plan was rejected by the voters. Former chief of staff Len Sanderson says Roemer’s administration also had to cut the budget because of a large deficit…

Cut 5  (10)  “…would like to”

Roemer was 77.

The National Weather Service says 10 to 13 inches of rain has fallen in some parts of southwest Louisiana today. Numerous roads are closed in the Lake Charles area and there are reports of rainwater getting into homes. Meteorologist Donald Jones says more rain is on its way.

Cut 9 (10) “…as well”

The US Supreme Court rules that those convicted in the past on non-unanimous jury verdicts will not automatically get a retrial. Attorney Andre Belanger who argued for retroactivity says about 1,500 Louisiana convictions would have to have been retried if the ruling went the other way, but Belanger says the Court did leave the door open for state and local action.

Cut 13 (09)“…verdict”

The ruling was 6-3 against retroactivity.

The temporary shutdown of the Colonial Pipeline only highlighted the ongoing truck driver shortage, Louisiana Motor Transport Association Executive Director Renee Amar says consumers should expect to see an increase in prices and….

Cut 7 (10) “…issues there.”

Amar says the shortage of drivers was an issue well before the pandemic.

The US Supreme Court rules that those convicted in the past on non-unanimous jury verdicts will not automatically get a retrial. The decision states that a prior ruling deeming non-unanimous jury verdicts unconstitutional is not retroactive. Attorney Andre Belanger argued for retroactivity, calling the 6-3 decision unfair…

Cut 12 (11)   “…factor” 

The Louisiana Attorney General’s Office argued against retroactivity in front of the court.

The temporary shutdown of the Colonial Pipeline only highlighted the truck driver shortage. Louisiana Motor Transport Association Executive Director Renee Amar says the driver shortage was already an issue well before the pandemic.

Cut 6 (11) “…truckdrivers”

Former Louisiana Governor Buddy Roemer died this morning in Baton Rouge at the age of 77. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (33) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Former Louisiana Governor Buddy Roemer passed away this morning, he served as governor from 1988 to 1991. Former chief of staff Len Sanderson says Roemer only served one term but became a successful banker.

Cut 4 (05) “…American people. 

Roemer was 77.

A Louisiana Policy Institute for Children survey of 600 voters finds over three-quarters support dedicating revenue from sports betting to fund early childhood education. LPIC Executive Director Dr. Libbie Sonnier says it would cost 86 million dollars a year to guarantee early childhood. Sports betting is estimated to generate 10 to 30 million a year…

Cut 11 (08) “….dent.”

Passing a tax reform bill is a major priority for Republicans and the Legislative Black Caucus is withholding support because they are upset state representative Ray Garofalo is still House Education Chairman after suggesting there was some good that came out of slavery. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat…

Cut 8 (11) “…this.” 
Despite calls from the Black Caucus, House Speaker Clay Schexnayder has not removed Garofalo as House Education Chairman.

The deadline to file 2020 federal taxes for the country is today however Louisiana residents still have until June 15^th due to the February winter storms. Senior Tax Manager at Hannis T. Bourgeois in Baton Rouge, Brad Tate you don’t have to claim income on any stimulus check received in 2020, however, if you failed to receive one…

Cut 5 (07)”…do that.”

Former Louisiana Governor Buddy Roemer has passed away at the age of 77. Roemer was Louisiana’s governor from 1988 to 1991. Before that, he served as a U-S Representative for over seven years. His former chief of staff Len Sanderson says Roemer was a compelling person

Cut 3 (10)  “…electric personality” 

The deadline to file 2020 federal taxes for the country is today however Louisiana residents still have until June 15^th due to the February winter storms. Filing your 2020 taxes presents a few oddities, for example, if you received unemployment, Senior Tax Manager at Hannis T. Bourgeois in Baton Rouge, Brad Tate…

Cut 4 (07)“…tax return.”

If you filed your taxes before the law was changed Tate says there’s no need to amend your taxes, the IRS will send your return.

The Legislative Black Caucus is not supporting Republican-backed tax reform bills unless state representative Ray Garofalo is removed as House Education Chair. During a contentious committee debate about banning divisive teaching on race, Garofalo said the state should teach “the good, the bad, the ugly” of slavery. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says that outraged Black lawmakers…

Cut 7 (08)  “…apology.”
At the moment House Speaker Clay Schexnayder is keeping Garofalo as House Education Chair.

The deadline to apply for the 100^th Louisiana State Police Cadet Class is May 24^th. Trooper Monroe Dillon says cadet training offers several opportunities in law enforcement for example detective, narcotics, street patrol, and more.

Cut 15 (12)“…anyone’s liking.”

Governor John Bel Edwards announced that based on the recommendations by the CDC and in consultation with the Louisiana Department of Health, those who are fully vaccinated no longer have to wear masks indoors except in certain situations including: educational facilities, public transit, correctional settings, and health care facilities as regulated by the Louisiana Department of Health.

Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s frustrated with how long it took the CDC to put out recommendations stating those who are vaccinated don’t have to mask up or social distance in most indoor settings. He says this delay on an obvious policy hurts the agency’s credibility, but at least it’s better late than never.

Cut 5  (11)  “…vaccinated”

The state department of health says approximately 30-percent of Louisianans are fully vaccinated.

Gas prices have increased nearly a dime in the last week to a statewide average of $2.72 for a regular gallon of gasoline. Triple-A spokesperson Don Redman says there’s enough gasoline to meet the increasing demand. He says a big issue at the moment is distribution…
Cut 10 (11) “..truck drivers.”

Baton Rouge high school basketball sensation, LSU legend and WNBA superstar Seimone Augustus has retired at the age of 37. Augustus led LSU to a 121-19 record from 2002 to 2006, including three straight final four appearances. Voice of the Lady Tigers Patrick Wright says Augustus was a phenom that lived up to the hype

Cut 14 (12) “..did it” 

Augustus will now serve as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Sparks.

Legislation allowing St. Tammany residents to vote on whether a casino should be built on the water in Slidell is approved by the House. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (33) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The U-S Coast Guard reports they’ve recovered a hard hat on the Texas coastline from the Seacor Power lift boat accident that happened April 13^th off the coast of Lafourche Parish. The hat was found in Port Atansus,  600 miles away from the site of the boat capsizing. Seven crew members remain missing.

Gas prices in Louisiana continue to rise as AAA spokesperson Don Redman says the statewide average is 2.72 a gallon for regular gasoline, which is up eight cents in the last week.  While other parts of the country are impacted by the temporary shutdown of the Colonial pipeline, Redman says that isn’t the case for Louisiana.

Cut 9 (09) “…pipeline”

Baton Rouge high school basketball sensation, LSU legend and WNBA superstar Seimone Augustus has retired at the age of 37. Augustus led LSU to a 121-19 record from 2002 to 2006, including three straight final four appearances. The Lady Tigers also went to the Final Four two straight years after she left. Voice of the Lady Tigers Patrick Wright says Augustus went on to win four WNBA titles….

Cut 13 (09)“…way around”

She will now serve as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Sparks.

The House approves legislation that would allow St. Tammany voters the chance to vote on whether a waterfront casino should be built just outside Slidell. The bill author Slidell Representative Mary DuBuisson a 2009 Gaming Control Board study shows Louisiana loses about 3.2 million people per year to Mississippi casinos.

Cut 7 (11) “…Louisiana.”

The final vote was 63-28 in favor, but a similar bill in the Senate has not received approval from the Senate Finance Committee

Gas prices in Louisiana continue to rise as AAA spokesperson Don Redman says the statewide average is 2.72 a gallon for regular gasoline. He expects gas prices to inch up a few more pennies as we get closer to the first big holiday weekend of the summer, Memorial Day…

Cut 11 (08) “…June”

Senator Bill Cassidy says news of the revised CDC guidelines that fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear face masks or socially distance is long overdue. Cassidy voiced his frustration publicly at a hearing in DC this week and the physician believes the federal agency is behind the curve.

Cut 3 (11)  “…most Americans” 

Baton Rouge high school basketball sensation, LSU legend and WNBA superstar Seimone Augustus has retired at the age of 37. Augustus received national attention when she was in the sixth grade and the voice of the Lady Tigers Patrick Wright says Augustus became a household name during an All-American career at LSU

Cut 12 (08)   “…of Baton Rouge” 

Augustus played 15 seasons in the W-N-B-A and will now serve as an assistant for the Los Angeles Sparks.

Gas prices are now up eight cents over the week in Louisiana. AAA analyst Don Redman says the increase in local prices is not really due to the cyber-attack on a major pipeline that led to supply shortages on the East Coast this week.

Cut 9 (09) “…pipeline”

Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s frustrated with how long it took the CDC to put out recommendations stating those who are vaccinated don’t have to mask up or social distance in most indoor settings. He says this delay on an obvious policy hurts the agency’s credibility, but at least it’s better late than never.

Cut 5  (11)  “…vaccinated”

The state department of health says approximately 30-percent of Louisianans are fully vaccinated.

Legislation allowing St. Tammany residents to vote on whether a casino should be built on the water in Slidell is approved by the House. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (33) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The Saints 2021 schedule came out this week and the Black and Gold’s first home game is September 12th against Green Bay. A team spokesperson says they plan on playing their games this season in front of a full stadium.  The Saints have no intention of requiring that fans provide any confirmation of a Covid vaccination to attend games, but vaccines are encouraged.

The House approves legislation that would allow St. Tammany voters the chance to vote on whether or not a waterfront casino should be built just outside Slidell. The bill was brought by Slidell Representative Mary DuBuisson who quoted recent survey results indicating local support for the right to vote on the issue.

Cut 6 (10) “…reality”

It was social media that two women used to sell fraudulent Motor Vehicle Inspection stickers and it was also social media that helped them get caught. State Police Trooper Taylor Scrantz says they have arrested and charged Louvenia Allen of Baton Rouge and Yakeiva Hicks of New Orleans with forgery, computer fraud, and criminal conspiracy.

Cut 10 (10) “….catch up.”

Senator Bill Cassidy says news of the revised CDC guidelines that fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear face masks is long overdue. The physician says when studies show fully vaccinated individuals are unable to transmit the virus to others he doesn’t understand why the CDC delayed.

Cut 4 (05) “…American people. 

Tulane Epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig says the new CDC’s recommendations should reassure individuals who are inoculated.

Cut 14 (08) “…environment.”

Both physicians hope the revisions will encourage more to get vaccinated.