The House Governmental Affairs Committee rejects legislation that would have prohibited state-funded facilities from denying access to individuals who are not vaccinated against COVID-19. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

A 22-year-old Mandeville man has pleaded guilty to raping a teenager after her high school graduation party in 2020 and to the sexual battery of a 12-year-old at his house in 2016. District Attorney Warren Montgomery says Richard Michael Deidrich was sentence to 25 years without probation, parole or suspended sentence.

House Education Chairman Ray Garofalo, whose comments about slavery went viral, says the House Speaker threatened to have him removed from the Capitol this morning if he tried to chair today’s meeting. The meeting was called off when only one member showed up. Garofalo says it ended up delaying discussion of legislation that would allow student-athletes to collect paid endorsements…

Cut 12 (12)    “…for that” 

The committee is scheduled to meet again next Wednesday, June 2nd, but the session is scheduled to end on June 10th.

An E Pluribus Unum survey finds broad support across racial groups for requiring officers to step in when other officers are using excessive force. E-P-U founder and former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu…

Cut 14 (09) “…onsite” 

1,200 people were surveyed in southern states.

The controversy continues involving House Education Chairman Ray Garofalo, whose comments about slavery went viral, today the meeting of his committee was called off. Garofalo says this morning Speaker Clay Schexnayder told him he was still Chairman, but when he told the Speaker he was going to chair today’s meeting, Schexnayder said no you’re not and then the discussion took a turn…

Cut 11 (11) “…duty”

When asked by a reporter if the “heated” meant it got physical he declined to comment.

The House Governmental Affairs Committee rejects a Senate-approved bill to prohibit state facilities from denying entry to those who are not vaccinated against COVID. Jennifer Herricks of Mandeville testified in favor.

Cut 6 (07) “..diseases”

A similar bill has already passed the House and awaits a Senate hearing.

Governor Edwards says video of the Ronald Greene arrest shows State Police troopers acting unprofessionally and not conducting themselves as law enforcement officers should. Edwards says the footage is being reviewed by the Union Parish DA and the US Department of Justice for a reason.

Cut 8 (11) “…restrained.”

An E Pluribus Unum survey finds a majority of southerners support major police reform and believe not enough has changed since the murder of George Floyd. EPU Founder and former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu says the annual survey of 1,200 indicates broad support of police reform being negotiated in Congress and locally.

Cut 13 (07)“…supervision.”

Landrieu says before the most recent survey police reform responses were mostly split along racial lines.

Governor Edwards is no longer requiring face masks in most settings and COVID restrictions on businesses have also been lifted as a result of a new public health emergency order. But Edwards says the state will continue its push to vaccinate more individuals as people are dying from COVID every day…

Cut 5 (10)”…is effective.”
The White House says over 50-percent of adults are fully vaccinated against COVID but in Louisiana, it’s only 39-percent. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter has another reason to get the shot…

Cut 6 (10)”…more attractive.”
Kanter says dating apps like Tinder and Bumble are offering special bonuses to get users vaccinated.

The House Governmental Affairs Committee rejects a Senate-approved bill that would prohibit state facilities from denying entry to individuals who are not vaccinated against COVID-19. Harvey Representative Rodney Lyons says the legislature should not prevent a public building like the State Capitol from only allowing vaccinated persons inside.

Cut 3 (07)  “…circumvent that.” 

Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey’s bill died on a seven to six vote.

Recently elected Congresswoman Julia Letlow has joined with Republicans on the House Agriculture Committee to introduce the Broadband for Rural America Act….

Cut 14 (11) “…to connect.”
Letlow says a least 350-thousand households in Louisiana do not have high-speed internet as defined by the FCC.

A house-approved bill allowing St. Tammany residents the right to vote on whether they want a casino built outside of Slidell resulted in some chippy testimony in a Senate committee. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

At least seven people were injured when a natural gas well caught on fire along the Louisiana coast south of Patterson. The accident happened at a well owned by Texas Petroleum Investments. Crews were attempting to plug the well that ignited Tuesday. According to St Mary Parish officials, all victims are on land and being treated for their injuries.

A House bill to study domestic violence fatalities in the state continues to make its way through the legislature. Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence Executive Director Mariah Wineski says House Bill 452 creates a multidisciplinary team within the health department to review a victim’s records.

Cut 8 (12) “…future homicides.”

The bill is set to be heard on the House floor today.

Congresswoman Julia Letlow joins House Agriculture Republicans to introduce the Broadband for Rural America Act. Letlow says the funding is part of the USDA’s $7 billion authorized for connectivity programs.

Cut 15 (10)“…the conversation.”

Letlow says a least 350-thousand households in Louisiana do not have high-speed internet.

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter is touting data from the dating website OkCupid shows users who identify as vaccinated are considered “more attractive”. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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A House bill to study domestic violence fatalities in Louisiana continues to make its way through the legislature

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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A house-approved bill allowing St. Tammany residents the right to vote on whether they want a casino built outside of Slidell resulted in some chippy testimony in a Senate committee. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Starting today most of the remaining COVID public health restrictions will be lifted.

Governor Edwards says his decision to drop most of the remaining limitations was due to the fact we’ve hit an all-time low in COVID-related hospitalizations, and…

Cut 4 (10)”…their part.”

Only 269 Louisianans are currently hospitalized with COVID, down from the all-time high of 2,069 on January 7^th.

But Edwards says despite our recent success he isn’t canceling the public health emergency declaration. He says we have a lot of work to do and are still seeing new COVID deaths every day.

Cut 5 (10)”…is effective.”

10,548 Louisianans have died of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic last year and 13 new deaths were reported Tuesday.

The mask mandate for educational settings will remain in place through the end of the current semester but will cease for the summer semester. Masks will still be required in health care facilities, prisons, and public transit.

_____________________________

With the number of new weekly vaccinations dropping the state is pulling out all the stops to get more people off the fence. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter had a unique pitch to the unvaccinated…

Cut 6 (10)”…more attractive.”

Dating apps like Tinder and Bumble are even offering special bonuses to users who get vaccinated…

Cut 7 (09)  “…to everyone.”

____________________

A House bill to study domestic violence fatalities in the state continues to make its way through the legislature. Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence Executive Director Mariah Wisneski says House Bill 452 creates a multidisciplinary team within the health department to review a victim’s records.

Cut 8 (12) “…future homicides.”

The review will pinpoint missed opportunities for intervention and potential areas for reform.

Wisneski says Louisiana has one of the highest rates of domestic violence fatalities in the nation and the formation of a review team is overdue.

Cut 9 (09) “…review team.” 

Because the bill involves funding and would be part of the health department’s duties its been through several House committees. Wisneski says the framework of the bill is set up to similar mortality reviews already in place in the health department.

Cut 10 (09) “…information.”

Wisneski says so far the bill has received bipartisan support and she’s hopeful it will eventually reach the governor’s desk.

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Senate Judiciary B advances House-approved legislation giving St. Tammany residents the right to vote on whether they want a casino to be built on the water outside of Slidell.

Slidell resident Camille Thompson spoke against the bill. She says it’s not fair that people in the Parish outside of Slidell get to vote on this.

Cut 11 (10) “….about that.”

The proposal would relocate a license currently held by DiamondJacks in Bossier City to St. Tammany Parish.

And another opponent, Lisa Clayton of Pearl River, questioned the integrity of Chairman Gary Smith, saying his wife’s connection to the gaming industry is suspect…

Cut 12 (11) “…impartiality.”

But Smith countered that his wife’s career is separate from his and they handle their business professionally.

Cut 13 (10) “…on that.”

The legislation heads to Senate Finance where an identical bill by Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt has been stuck for weeks. Reportedly the bill is having trouble finding the votes needed to pass.

______________________________

Congresswoman Julia Letlow joins House Agriculture Republicans to introduce the Broadband for Rural America Act. It is one of several infrastructure proposals to help to bridge the digital divide for communities.

Cut 14 (11) “…to connect.”

Letlow says a least 350-thousand households in Louisiana do not have high-speed internet as defined by the FCC. Letlow says that’s roughly the population of Shreveport, Bossier, Monroe, and Alexandria combined.

Letlow says the funding is part of the USDA’s $7 billion authorized for connectivity programs.

Cut 15 (10)“…the conversation.”

The majority of households lacking broadband in the state are located in the state’s Fifth Congressional District that Letlow represents.

Cut 16 (09) “…as soon as possible.”

Letlow campaigned on bringing broadband connectivity to rural Louisiana.

___________________________________

The Ragin Cajuns baseball team is ready for the Sun Belt tournament.  The tournament’s format is different, as the 12 conference teams are in four pools or divisions, with three teams each.  The team with the best record in that pool after two games will advance to the semi-finals. Coach Matt Deggs on the round-robin format.

Cut 17 (20) “…might not matter.”

The Cajuns take on Texas State tonight and Appalachian State on Friday in Montgomery, Alabama.  If each team in a pool is 1-1 after two games, the team with the highest seed advances.  U-L Lafayette has the highest seed in its pool, which gives them the tie-breaker.  Deggs says seeding is important in this format.

Cut  18 (14)”…higher seed.”

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The Conference USA Baseball Tournament starts today at J-C Love Field at Pat Patterson Park in Ruston. Louisiana Tech will face UTSA at 4 PM. Bulldogs Coach Lane Burroughs says winning today is a must

Cut 19 (18) “…pitch much.” 

Burroughs says hosting the tournament will help them this week, it will also benefit the program down the road as players from around the league will get to see their new park

Cut 20 (19)  “…long way.” 

Governor John Bel Edwards announced starting Wednesday nearly all of the remaining restrictions on building capacity and social distancing will be lifted in Louisiana. Once the semester ends, students will no longer need to wear masks at schools. You will still be required to wear face masks on public transit, in health care facilities, and in prisons and jails.

The budgeted amount for K-12 teacher pay raises in Louisiana appears to be on track for $800 and not $1000 as previously discussed by lawmakers. Louisiana Federation of Teachers Legislative Director Cynthia Posey says the effort to push state teachers towards the southern regional average got sidetracked…

Cut 4 (08) “…again.” 

Support staff would receive a $400 pay raise. On Monday Senate finance committee released their markup of the state budget that begins July 1^st.

Senate Judiciary C advances house-backed legislation that would decriminalize possession of up to 14 grams of marijuana. Shreveport Representative Cedric Glover says under his bill those found with just under half an ounce would only face a 100 dollar fine.

Cut 12 (10)    “…felon” 

It now heads to the Senate floor.

The House passes a bill that would require Louisiana public high schools to spend more time teaching students about the Holocaust and World War II. Denham Springs Representative Valarie Hodges says currently public schools are only required to spend one semester teaching students about the topics, but she believes they should be discussed throughout a child’s high school career…

Cut 10 (11) “…I believe”

The bill passed on a 66-32 vote.

Senate Judiciary C advances house-backed legislation that would decriminalize possession of up to 14 grams of marijuana and those found with just under half an ounce would only face a 100 dollar fine. Louisiana Progress Action Policy Director Peter Robins-Brown spoke in support of the bill. He says polls show nearly 70 percent of Louisianans support decriminalization.

Cut 13 (12)“…law”

The bill heads to the Senate floor for final passage.

The House passes a bill that would require Louisiana public high schools to spend more time teaching students about the Holocaust and World War II. Denham Springs Representative Valarie Hodges says students and young adults know very little about the Holocaust…

Cut 9 (12) “…died”

Legislation that extends the state’s 180-million dollar film tax credit program for another three years through 2028 is moving closer to final passage. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt explained to the House Ways and Means Committee on why it’s important to pass the tax credit beyond 2025…

Cut 6 (12) “…of that”

The budgeted amount for K-12 teacher pay raises in Louisiana appears to be on track for $800 and not $1000 as previously discussed by lawmakers. Louisiana Federation of Teachers Legislative Director Cynthia Posey says the amount is disappointing and the goal to bring teacher pay to the southern regional average continues to be put on the backburner.

Cut 3 (08)  “…to stay.” 

On Monday the Senate Finance committee released their markup of the state budget that begins on July first.

Senate Judiciary C advances house-backed legislation that would decriminalize possession of up to 14 grams of marijuana. Shreveport Representative Cedric Glover says under his bill those found with just under half an ounce would only face a 100 dollar fine.

Cut 12 (10)    “…felon” 

It now heads to the Senate floor.

The budgeted amount for K-12 teacher pay raises in Louisiana appears to be on track for $800 and not $1000 as previously discussed by lawmakers. Louisiana Federation of Teachers Legislative Director Cynthia Posey says teachers were in the classroom on day one of the 20-21 school year to help parents get back to work and lawmakers applauded them for it.

Cut 5  (08)  “…list”

The House passes a bill that would require Louisiana public high schools to spend more time teaching students about the Holocaust and World War II. Denham Springs Representative Valarie Hodges says currently public schools are only required to spend one semester teaching students about the topics, but she believes they should be discussed throughout a child’s high school career…

Cut 10 (11) “…I believe”

The bill passed on a 66-32 vote.

Legislation extending the state’s 180-million dollar film tax credit program for another three years through 2028 is moving closer to final passage. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says the film industry supports about 10-thousand jobs in the state and last year invested more than 432-million dollars in productions in Louisiana. She expects those numbers to grow…

Cut 7 (05) “…the conversation.”

The House Ways and Means Committee approved Hewitt’s bill.

The first of two funeral services will be held today for former Louisiana Governor Gov. Buddy Roemer. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat recalls the political life of the former four-term congressman and a one-term governor.

Cut 4 (11)”…his style.”

The first funeral service is in Baton Rouge today and a second service on Thursday in Shreveport. Roemer was 77.

The state marks a milestone as the health department reported the lowest number of Louisianans hospitalized with COVID since March 2020.  On Monday 271 were in the hospital with COVID. The number of those patients in the hospital on ventilators is 29, and State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kantar says placing someone on a respirator with COVID is a severe intervention and is a last-ditch effort.

Cut 11 (05) “….hospitalization.”

Kanter says the majority of patients hospitalized were not vaccinated.

House-approved Legislation that would make permanent a pandemic-driven policy giving nurse practitioners more independence is set to be heard by the full Senate. Previously independent NPs would contract with a doctor who was on call to review cases, but an executive order suspended that requirement last year. President of the Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioners Kathy Baldridge wants to make that permanent…

Cut 13 (09) “…communities”
Doctor Lisa Cary with Physicians for Patient Protection disputed claims by supporters that quality of care in Louisiana did not dip after the executive order, she says there’s been no surveys or research to confirm that. Casey says this is a patient safety issue.

Cut 16 (10) “…situation.”
The House approved the legislation on a 61-41 vote.

The first of two funeral services will be held today for former Governor Buddy Roemer. Brooke Thorington talks with a political analyst about the former governor and four-term congressman.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________

The state marks another COVID milestone with the lowest number of individuals hospitalized with the virus since they began counting last March, with 271. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (30) “…I’mBrooke Thorington.” 

____________________________

House-approved legislation offering nurse practitioners more independence to practice without needing a collaborative agreement with a doctor is waiting to be heard on the Senate floor. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (34)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

____________________________

The first of two funeral services will be held today for former Louisiana Governor Gov. Buddy Roemer. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat recalls the political life of the former four-term congressman and a one-term governor.

Cut 4 (11)”…his style.”

Roemer, a Bossier City native and Harvard graduate, first entered politics when he was elected as a delegate to the Louisiana Constitutional Convention in 1972. Pinsonat says Roemer’s father even worked for former Governor Edwin Edwards in his first administration then Roemer defeated Edwards in the 1987 Gubernatorial election.

Cut 5 (11)”…the dragon.”

As governor Roemer is remembered for legalizing riverboat gaming and the state lottery. Pinsonat says he’s also known for his call for education reform.

Cut 6 (11)”…schools better.”

Pinsonat says Roemer was extremely well-educated, an avid reader, and ahead of his time. After he left the governor’s mansion, he became a successful banker. Roemer was 77.

The first funeral service will be held at Istrouma Baptist Church in Baton Rouge today at 11 am with visitation beginning at 9 am. A second service will be in Shreveport on Thursday at First United Methodist Church, the service will begin at 11 am and visitation at 9:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting to honor Roemer with donations to the America Diabetes Association and the Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools Little Free Libraries Projects.

____________________

A Senate judiciary committee will hear House-approved legislation by Shreveport Representative Cedric Glover today that would decriminalize possession of up to 14 grams of marijuana.

Chairman Franklin Foil says the bill would still make it a crime to possess small quantities of marijuana, people just wouldn’t get sent to jail over it.

Cut 7 (07)  “…society.”

Those found with up to 14 grams of marijuana can be fined up to 100 dollars, but cannot be sentenced to jail time.

But ultimately Foil wants to hear from criminal justice authorities before making his decision…

Cut 8 (07) “…make.”

The Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association reportedly played a pivotal role in the defeat of a legalization effort last week.

An effort to fully legalize recreational marijuana failed 47-49 last week, but this legislation passed 68-25. Foil says attitudes towards pot in Louisiana are changing quickly…

Cut 9 (10) “…happen.” 

Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans have already adopted local decriminalization laws.

___________________________________

The state marks a milestone as the health department reported the lowest number of Louisianans hospitalized with COVID since March 2020.  On Monday 271 were in the hospital with COVID and State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the majority of those patients have not been vaccinated.

Cut 10 (07) “…get vaccinated.”

Kanter says over two-thirds of Louisianans 65 and older are fully vaccinated. And because the average age of those in the hospital is decreasing so are fatalities.

He admits there have been some breakthrough cases, those who have been fully vaccinated but still catch COVID, but says overwhelmingly being vaccinated is your best protection.

The number of those patients in the hospital on ventilators is 29, and Kantar says placing someone on a respirator with COVID is a severe intervention and is a last-ditch effort.

Cut 11 (08) “….marker.”

The state also reported the first two cases of the COVID variant dominant in India in Caddo Parish last week. Kanter says the two individuals did not travel out of the country so it’s indicative that there are more cases of the variant in the state.

Cut 12 (09) “…down the road.”

Kanter says approximately 35-percent of residents have initiated or completed their vaccine series in the state, well below the national average.

__________________________________

House-approved Legislation that would make permanent a pandemic era policy giving nurse practitioners more independence is set to be heard in the Senate.

Previously independent NPs would have to have a contract with a doctor who would agree to be on call to review cases, but an executive order suspended that requirement last year. President of the Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioners Kathy Baldridge wants to make that permanent…

Cut 13 (09) “…communities”

Supporters of the bill say collaborative practice agreements can be prohibitively expensive and can restrict access to care for Medicaid patients.

Baldridge says there are five clinics in Avoyelles Parish that are completely staffed by nurse practitioners. They have an agreement with an aging doctor, and can’t find a replacement…

Cut 14 (11) “…clinc setting.”

Baldridge also argues eight of the ten healthiest states in the nation offer similar freedom to nurse practitioners, and that requiring the agreement restricts an NP to one location.

Dr. Lisa Casey with Physicians for Patient Protection opposes the bill. She says there’s a difference in education and training between a doctor and a nurse practitioner.

Cut 15 (10)“…of training.”(x2)

Casey disputed claims by supporters that quality of care in Louisiana did not dip after the executive order, she says there’s been no surveys or research to confirm that.

Casey says this is a patient safety issue.

Cut 16 (10) “…situation.”

The bill, by Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey, cleared the House on a 61-41 vote

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Saints Coach Sean Payton says 87-percent of the players are participating in organized team activities. There was talk of players skipping these training sessions after having a virtual 2020 offseason. Coach Sean Payton says they are not doing any on the field work, instead of its strength and conditioning

Cut 17 (15) “..camp starts.”

Retired Q-B Drew Brees is not around for the first time in a decade and a half. General Manager Mickey Loomis says it’s noticeable not to have number nine around anymore…

Cut  18 (18)”…as well.”

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The LSU baseball team needs to win today or its stay at the SEC Tournament will be a short one. The Tigers will face Georgia in an elimination game, the winner advances into the double-elimination portion of the bracket. Coach Paul Mainieri will send his staff ace to the mound, Landon Marceaux, and closer Devin Fontenot is once again ready to pitch multiple innings

Cut 19 (13) “…for us.” 

LSU has won a conference-high 12 tournament titles and the Tigers have won six of the past 12 SEC Tournament crowns. Paul Mainieri owns a 38-10 record in SEC Tournament games

Cut 20 (16) “…of the same.”