The surprise march of marijuana legalization through the Legislature is over for the session after the House rejects a bill that would set the tax rate for recreational pot sales. Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson says his legalization effort would generate a lot of revenue for the state that will now remain in the hands of drug dealers.

Cut 13 (11) “…after that.”

The final vote was 47-48 against. The tax legislation requires a two-thirds majority, for approval.

Senator Bill Cassidy advised fellow lawmakers in DC about the flooding and loss of lives in Louisiana this week when as much as 15 inches of rain deluged parts of the state. Cassidy told reporters he’s working on assistance for southwest Louisiana.

Cut 6 (11) “…rebuilding process.”

The Louisiana House approves legislation to increase certain hunting and fishing license fees, raising millions of dollars for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala says a fee hike is necessary because LDWF can no longer rely on money from the Conversation Fund.

Cut 3 (10)  “…practically depleted” 

The measure still needs Senate approval.

Federal assistance and a rosier economic outlook lead the Revenue Estimating Conference to upgrade the state’s revenue projections by 677 million dollars through the end of the next fiscal year. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says he recommends using these funds only for one-time expenses, although some would like to see the money put towards increasing teacher pay.

Cut 7 (09)  “…this year.”

The Revenue Estimating Conference upgrades the state revenue forecast for the current fiscal year by 357 million dollars and 320 million dollars for the next fiscal year beginning in July. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…Matt Doyle”

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Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo says he was told to step aside or be removed as House Education Chairman because House Speaker Clay Schexnayder feared the tax reform agenda wouldn’t pass. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The marijuana legalization effort appears to be dead for the session after legislation that would tax recreational sales is defeated 47-48 in the House. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Senator Bill Cassidy addressed fellow lawmakers in DC about the flooding and loss of lives in Louisiana this week when as much as 15 inches of rain deluged parts of the state. Cassidy urged lawmakers to pass comprehensive disaster relief for the state, which endured five named storms last year that included Hurricanes Laura and Delta.

Cut 4 (09)“…unaddressed.”

Cassidy reminded fellow senators of the two hurricanes that made landfall within a month of each other following almost the identical path in southwest Louisiana. And that it was heavy rains this week that bombarded the same area once again.

Cut 5 (10)”…natural disaster.”

When asked by reporters about the progress of federal relief for southwest Louisiana Cassidy says he’s with fellow lawmakers to provide assistance.

Cut 6 (11) “…rebuilding process.”

On Tuesday Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter says some residents are faced with renovating their homes for a third time in nine months after flooding this week.

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Federal assistance and a rosier economic outlook lead the Revenue Estimating Conference to upgrade the state’s revenue projections by 677 million dollars through the end of the next fiscal year.

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says he recommends using these funds only for one-time expenses, although some would like to see the money put towards increasing teacher pay.

Cut 7 (09)  “…this year.”

Unlike surplus funds discovered after a fiscal year ends these dollars won’t be restricted in where they can be used.

Dardenne says the windfall is partially the result of the REC putting forward a pessimistic forecast last February at the start of the pandemic. Another reason…

Cut 8 (11) “…the others.” 

The revenue expectations for the current fiscal year increased by 357 million and 320 million for the next fiscal year beginning in July.

The increased forecast is not factored into the current spending plan but Dardenne expects lawmakers won’t waste time including it…

Cut 9 (04) “…has.”

Dardenne says the funds do not need to be used to pay down the outstanding unemployment trust fund debt, as they plan to do that using American Rescue Act funds.

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Chalmette Representative issued a three-page response after being asked by House Speaker Clay Schexnayder to step aside for the remainder of the session from his post as House Education Chairman. The controversy started when Garofalo presented a bill in committee to prohibit divisive concepts in schools.

Cut 10 (06) “….you’re out.”

While presenting House Bill 564, Garofalo made a statement that said if you are discussing slavery then you can talk about everything, the good, the bad, and the ugly. The statement went viral and Garofalo says the Black Caucus wanted him removed for his bill, not his comments, but says he was removed so tax reform legislation can pass.

Cut 11 (09) “….as chairman.”

Garofalo says his remarks were taken out of context and he used the term in reference to teaching the entirety of a subject not that there were good parts of slavery.

Cut 12 (11) “…was ugly.”

Garofalo says he’s never apologized for his statement and there’s nothing for him to apologize for.

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The surprise march of marijuana legalization through the Legislature is over for the session after the House rejects a bill that would set the tax rate for recreational pot sales.

Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson says his legalization effort would have generated a lot of revenue for the state that will now remain in the hands of drug dealers and the cartels.

Cut 13 (11) “…after that.”

The final vote was 47-48 against. The tax legislation would’ve need 70 votes, or a two-thirds majority, for approval.

Thibodaux Representative Brian Fontenot led the charge against the bill on the House floor. He says we don’t know enough about the impacts of legalization yet to do it in Louisiana.

Cut 14 (09) “…the answer (x2).”

Nelson countered…

Cut 15 (11)“…use it.”

The Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association were staunch opponents of the bill, saying it would lead to more traffic accidents and crime, a charge Nelson disputed.

Nelson attempted to win over skeptics by dedicating 20 percent of all legal pot revenue to local law enforcement. That did not sway the Sheriffs’ Association or Fontenot…

Cut 16 (05) “…vote no.”

Despite the failure of this legalization effort, the House did vote last week to decriminalize possession of a small quantity of weed. That legislation awaits a hearing in a Senate committee.

Governor Edwards says there have been four fatalities as a result of Monday’s rainfall, two involved cars and the others due to a loss of power.

Lake Charles recorded their third heaviest rainfall in history according to the National Weather Service. Mayor Nic Hunter says it’s ridiculous that they have yet to receive a comprehensive federal response to the 2020 hurricanes.

Cut 7 (12) “…response.”

Over a foot of rain fell over parts of Baton Rouge yesterday also and nearly 15 inches of rain fell in Gonzales. State Climatologist Barry Keim says warm air off the Gulf of Mexico is colliding with the upper atmosphere to produce strong thunderstorms capable of dumping a lot of water…

Cut 4 (10) “..over and over again” 

Rainfall is expected to continue through Thursday.

That deluge resulted in the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries needing to rescue 110 people in southwest Louisiana and over 300 calls for rescues were fielded in East Baton Rouge Parish by local authorities. State Fire Marshal’s spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says marshals were deployed in rescue boats to both locations and have rescued nearly 100 themselves…

Cut 10 (08) “..people” 

State Representative Ray Garofalo says he’s out as House Education Chairman. The Legislative Black Caucus asked for Garofalo’s removal after he said there was good with slavery to go along with the bad and ugly. La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says House Speaker Clay Schexnayder did not give any indication this move would occur.

Cut 12 (09)    “…on this” 

Governor John Bel Edwards says severe weather yesterday and early this morning is suspected to be responsible for four deaths so far in the Baton Rouge area. Edwards says a suspected weather-related incident in West Baton Rouge Parish claimed one life, injured another, and resulted in one missing person. Just across the river…

Cut 15 (11) “…Bluebonnet.” 

The man has been identified as Justin Blaine Thompson of Plaquemine

Edwards says two additional deaths in Baton Rouge may be related to power outages.

Over a foot of rain fell over parts of Lake Charles yesterday as a result of a slow-moving storm system. State Climatologist Barry Keim says Lake Charles is once again dealing with storm damage.

Cut 3 (14)  “…that flooded” 

In the Baton Rouge area, nearly 15 inches of rain fell in Gonzales and more heavy rainfall is expected through Thursday.

Lake Charles recorded the third heaviest rainfall in history according to the National Weather Service, with more than a foot of rain Monday, and that includes Hurricanes Laura and Delta. Mayor Nic Hunter says he’s not a scientist but three major weather events in less than nine months are evidence of climate change.

Cut 6 (12) “…100 years (x2)”

Hunter says some residents are faced with home renovations for a third time in less than nine months.

Fire Marshals assisted with more than 100 rescues yesterday. State Fire Marshal’s spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says their long day began early Monday as marshals were called in to help assist local authorities in Lake Charles…

Cut 9 (12) “…flooded in”

In Baton Rouge, a person was found dead inside their flooded and abandoned vehicle this morning after massive amounts of rain drenched the area. The car was located on Bluebonnet Boulevard near the Mall of Louisiana. Tow trucks were working to remove a pile of abandoned vehicles that passengers escaped from last night and discovered a body in one of the vehicles. And in West Baton Rouge parish state police say a man was killed when the vehicle he was in submerged in a canal off Highway 415, a second passenger remains missing.

State Climatologist Barry Keim says Louisiana has seen its share of major flood events in May. He says the two that come to mind are the May 3rd flood in 1978 in New Orleans and the May 8th to 10th 1995 flood in Slidell.

Cut 5  (10)  “…of events”

More rain is expected in the state until Thursday.

Lake Charles recorded their third heaviest rainfall in history according to the National Weather Service. Mayor Nic Hunter says it was 264 days ago that the city was hit with Hurricane Laura, then just over a month later Delta. Hunter says it’s ridiculous that they have yet to receive comprehensive federal response to the 2020 hurricanes.

Cut 7 (12) “…response.”

Hunter says some residents face renovating their homes for a third time in less than a year.

State Fire Marshal’s spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue the weather event is expected to last at least another day and she’s urging residents to stay off the road if they can and stay away from any flooded streets.

Cut 11 (11) “…out”

The Fire Marshal’s office and Wildlife and Fisheries reported more than 200 rescues.

Lake Charles recorded the third heaviest rainfall in history according to the National Weather Service, with more than a foot of rain Monday, and that includes Hurricanes Laura and Delta. Mayor Nic Hunter says he’s not a scientist but three major weather events in less than nine months are evidence of climate change.

Cut 6 (12) “…100 years (x2)”

Hunter says some residents are facing renovations of their homes for a third time.

Over a foot of rain fell over parts of Baton Rouge yesterday also and nearly 15 inches of rain fell in Gonzales. State Climatologist Barry Keim says warm air off the Gulf of Mexico is colliding with the upper atmosphere to produce strong thunderstorms capable of dumping a lot of water…

Cut 4 (10) “..over and over again” 

Rainfall is expected to continue through Thursday.

The historic rainfall that swamped Lake Charles and Baton Rouge last night left many residents stranded in their cars and homes as floodwaters rose rapidly yesterday and early this morning. State Fire Marshal’s spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says their long day began early Monday as marshals were called in to help assist local authorities in Lake Charles…

Cut 9 (12) “…flooded in”

State Representative Ray Garofalo says he’s out as House Education Chairman after he said there was good with slavery to go along with the bad and ugly. La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says because the Black Caucus threatened not to support the Republicans’ tax reform plans if he wasn’t removed. But he says now that Garofalo is out, they still might not support it.

Cut 13 (09)“…tax rate”

Baton Rouge and Celtic Studios are set to play host to the crew of a new 40 million dollar Disney plus feature film. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (28) “…Matt Doyle”

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There was a tense debate in House Civil over the efficacy and long-term effects of COVID vaccines. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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 Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson says the House will vote on his legislation that would legalize marijuana today. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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The upcoming Disney Plus feature film Crater is set to begin filming around the Baton Rouge area, primarily at Celtic Studios.

Celtic Director of Studio Operations Aaron Bayham says hosting the production is a big win for the struggling Capital City film industry and the regional economy.

Cut 4 (10)“…pandemic.”

More than a dozen film and TV projects are reportedly in production or pre-production in Louisiana right now.

The plot is described as a “futuristic teen adventure”.

Cut 5 (09)”…production.”

The 40 million dollar film plans to employ 325 crew members and 400 extras, with hundreds of Louisianans expected to be hired as well.

Bayham says despite the big-budget don’t expect to see much filming going on around Baton Rouge…

Cut 6 (07) “…as the moon.”

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A Houma woman is facing numerous charges after she posed online as a teenager to lure juveniles into human trafficking. Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet says 39-year old Angela Lirette allegedly made contact with several teenagers and even had a sexual relationship with one teen.

Cut 7 (12)  “…of a minor.”

Soignet says the case remains under investigation and opted not to say how many victims were involved.

Cut 8 (08) “…investigate.” 

The investigation began on May 11th and Lirette was arrested within two days. Soignet credits the department’s Special Victims division with a quick arrest.

Cut 9 (05) “…we’re doing.”

Lirette is being held on a one-million-dollar bond and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information to contact them.

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A debate over the credibility of COVID vaccines broke out in House Civil Monday over a civil liability bill. House Bill 103 prevents businesses from being sued if they don’t require employees to be vaccinated and also prevents the state from denying a business a license if they choose not to mandate vaccines. Amite Representative Robby Carter, who shared that he’s had a kidney transplant, and Candace Timphony, who spoke against vaccines.

Cut 10 (07) “….yes I am”

Timphony expressed her concern over educational facilities requiring vaccines and referenced her daughter who attends nursing school and has preexisting health conditions.

Cut 11 (12) “….nursing school”

Carter and Timphony continued to debate the efficacy of the vaccines and both admitted to being immunocompromised. Carter feels more people should be vaccinated so those who are immunocompromised.

Cut 12 (12) “…individuals.”

The committee passed the amended version of the bill without objection. It now heads to the house floor.

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The author of legislation that would legalize recreational marijuana says the House will vote on his bill today.

Mandeville Republican Representative Richard Nelson says he’s optimistic he now has the votes needed to send this bill to the Senate and he does not plan on delaying that vote again.

Cut 13 (09) “..question.”

Nelson says agreeing to limit personal possession to two and a half ounces and removing language allowing people to grow pot at home helped win over some skeptical lawmakers.

The Sheriff’s Association still opposes the legislation, but Nelson says they don’t represent the views of all Louisiana law enforcement officers.

Cut 14 (10) “…bad guys.”

Lawmakers will be voting on both legalization and taxation instruments.

This vote comes as a JMC Analytics poll of nine south and central Republican-held legislative districts shows strong support for legalization. Publisher John Couvillon says support for legalization ranged from 64 to 84 percent…

Cut 15 (08)“…March.”

A March statewide poll showed 67 percent of Louisianans favored legalizing recreational marijuana use and possession.

Couvillon says in those south and central Louisiana districts he found even evangelicals and older voters backed legalization.

Cut 16 (08) “…are.”

The poll surveyed voters in five Greater New Orleans media market districts, two Lafayette and Lake Charles media markets, one in the Baton Rouge media market, and one in Alexandria.

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The offseason has begun for the Pelicans who finished the 2020-21 season with a 31-41 record.  New Orleans Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin is not happy they didn’t make the playoffs.

Cut 17 (14) “..shooting.”

The Pels have two young all-stars in Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, as well as some other young contributors.  Griffin says this team is definitely talented but…

Cut  18 (20)”…team.”

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The LSU baseball team is scheduled to host Northwestern State tonight for its final non-conference game of the year. The forecast does not look good as over an inch of rain could fall in Baton Rouge today. Coach Paul Mainieri says they will try hard to make sure this game is played

Cut 19 (24) “…tomorrow night” 

The Tigers are coming off a 13-5 win over Alabama. Giovanni DiGiacomo hit two home runs after not play in Friday’s win. Mainieri says he sat Gio on Friday after not giving 100-percent in the field in last week’s game against Louisiana Tech. Mainieri is glad DiGiacomo got the message…

Cut 20 (18) “…come here.” 

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”

Most of southwest Louisiana is under a flash flood watch until Thursday night.

Former Louisiana Governor Buddy Roemer passed away this morning. During his term from 1988 to 1991 Roemer signed the bill that legalized riverboat gaming, 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 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 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”

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.