The 2023 legislative session will be remembered most for its final minutes of confusion over the state budget. But Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says overall the session was productive and he believes lawmakers dedicated the more than $2-billion of surplus revenue well…:

CUT 03(12)      “…pretty good.”

The LSU Tigers are going back to the College World Series in Omaha, after sweeping Kentucky in the Super Regional over the weekend in Baton Rouge. Senior designated hitter Cade Beloso cranked out a three-run homer in the third inning in his final game at Alex Box Stadium…:

CUT 13(11)      “…every day.”

LSU will play the winner of today’s game between Southern Miss and Tennessee, either Friday or Saturday in the opening round of the College World Series.

A well-known Baptist church leader from Pollock is under arrest; charged with sex crimes against minors. 60-year-old Darryl Stagg faces counts of sexual battery, first-degree rape, aggravated crimes against nature, and indecent behavior with juveniles. Now lawmen are asking any other possible victims to come forward. Here’s Grant Parish Sheriff Steven McCain…:

CUT 09(08)      “…in jail.”

Call the GPSO at 318-627-3261.

Entergy is asking that we conserve power during the hottest parts of the day, to help avoid possible power outages. Entergy’s David Freese offers tips to save energy. Little things around the house that are easy to do…:

CUT 08(13)      “…your bills.”

For other tips, visit “myentergy.com”.

Lawmen ask the public’s help in gathering information on the alleged sex crimes of well-known Baptist leader Darryl Stagg, of Pollock, who was arrested last week for numerous crimes against minors. Rapides Parish Sheriff Mark Wood says they’re building their case against Stagg and encourage any other victims to come forward…:

CUT 11(09)      “…for you.”

We start the week going into an early-summer heatwave. Highs across the state will range in the mid-90’s and we’ll be getting into the upper-90’s by late this week. Entergy reminds us that conserving power in peak heat helps avoid stress on the grid and possible power outages. Entergy’s David Freese says consider using ceiling and box fans as opposed to running the AC non-stop…:

CUT 07(11)      “…to you.”

Shreveport Police seek the public’s help in locating 22-year-old Nautica Byrd, after she was seen wildly firing a handgun during a Facebook Live broadcast. Byrd was arguing with another woman when the gunplay started. When located, she’ll be charged with Illegally Carrying and Discharging a Weapon.

The LSU Tigers are headed back to the College World Series for the 19th time. Jeff Palermo was at the Box for the celebration…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Palermo.”

The 2023 legislative session will be remembered most for its final minutes of confusion over the state budget. But Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says overall the session was productive and he believes lawmakers dedicated the more than $2 billion of extra funding appropriately. He says they also made a massive payment on the state’s retirement system debt…:

CUT 04(11)      “…that’s good.”

After a well-known Louisiana Baptist leader, Daryl Stagg was arrested in Central Louisiana for a number of sex crimes last week, authorities are asking the public to contact them if they have any knowledge of the crimes. Grant Parish Sheriff Steven McCain says Stagg allegedly committed crimes in Union and Rapides parishes and in the state of Wisconsin…:

CUT 10(13)      “…with us.”

Call GPSO with tips at 318-627-3261.

With Louisiana in an early summer heat wave of record proportions this week, Entergy encourages you to consider taking steps to lower usage and save on your power bill…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Teiko Foxx.”

LSU is back in the College World Series for the first time since 2017 after sweeping Kentucky in the Baton Rouge Super Regional. LSU will play the winner of today’s game between Southern Miss and Tennessee, either Friday or Saturday in the opening round of the College World Series.

The Legislature has concluded its annual business, but without approving salary hikes for school teachers and support staff. Instead of permanent pay raises, they get another round of one-time bonuses. Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh is among lawmakers unhappy with how things played out…:

CUT 03  (10)        “…was a joke.”

Another sticking point in the final budget deal is cutting $100-million from next year’s budget for the Department of Health, which could cost the state $400-million in matching federal bucks down the road.

Governor Edwards says he’ll veto bills targeting LGBT persons, like to one banning transgender procedures for minors…:

CUT 07  (10)        “…have to do.”

Will lawmakers be willing to meet to override his vetoes? Or will they try again next year?

State Climatologist Barry Keim says the anticipated Pacific El Nino has arrived. However, he says, an El Nino normally can quiet down hurricane season, but warm sea surface temperatures could counteract that…:

CUT 11  (12)        “…to average.”

Keim says be prepared to deal with possible Louisiana impacts, which normally come after mid-to-late August.

LSU and Kentucky meet for the second time this season, but this time the winner of the series advances to the College World Series. Coach Jay Johnson says weather delays are a concern for tomorrow, and they will not start a game unless they have a window to finish it…:

CUT 13  (09)        “…on the line.”

LSU hasn’t been to a CWS since 2017. Kentucky has never gone to the Big Show.

The final minutes of this year’s legislative session were hectic and chaotic, as lawmakers raced to make last minute budget changes and vote them through. Some legislators were angry to see $100-million stripped from Department of Health spending, because they say it will mean the loss of about $400-million in federal matching funds. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says LDH asked House Appropriations for one sum and Senate Finance for another…:

CUT 05  (07)        “…each one.”

Many are angry that teacher pay raises were shunted; offering only another round of one-time bonuses instead.

Bills passed that some say target LGBT persons are destined for the Governor’s Veto pen, says Mr. Edwards, who calls the bills mean-spirited and wrong…:

CUT 06  (12)        “…for example.”

Will lawmakers choose to override those vetoes? That remains to be seen.

An anticipated El Niño has shown up ahead of schedule which could help reduce hurricane activity. Teiko Foxx has more on what else it means for our weather…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Foxx.”

Governor John Bel Edwards and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear have a gentlemen’s bet on this weekend’s NCAA baseball Super Regional between the Tigers and the UK Wildcats. If LSU wins, Beshear sends some Kentucky bourbon. If Kentucky wins, Edwards will send Beshear delicious Louisiana seafood. Game 1 is tomorrow at 2 in Baton Rouge.

In Baton Rouge, at the Capitol, A veto override session is possible after the Republican controlled legislature approves three bills that target the LGBTQ-plus community…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

A traffic stop on I-10 in Lafayette Parish last night yielded a big drug bust. Sheriff’s deputies say they discovered over 40 pounds of methamphetamine was found in a vehicle driven by 23-year-old Sarah Cea, from Tucker, Georgia. She’s been booked into the parish jail.

The final minutes of the legislative session were filled with chaos and confusion as lawmakers voted on the state’s $45-billion budget. Among the points of contention was the failure to make teacher pay raises permanent and gutting $100 million from the Department of Health’s budget. Some complained they were given no time to read last-minute changes before being asked to vote. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder defended his actions; saying that’s not so…:

CUT 04(09)      “…those bills.”

The Governor is concerned about deep cuts to LDH spending, which may cost the state a lot in federal funds down the road.

El Nino is here. The warming of the Pacific Ocean can and often does lead to calmer and weaker tropical cyclones in our part of the world. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it also leads to warmer weather in general…:

CUT 10(11)      “…to average.”

The state legislature must wrap up its business by 6 tonight, and House & Senate members are working to reach a budget deal both chambers can live with. Yesterday, lawmakers from both approved a resolution to lift the expenditure cap, and they reached a deal on how much to spend and what on. The compromise agreement allows spending of $250-million for the current fiscal year, which ends in three weeks. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says many lawmakers hope to quickly get some of the money down to local governments in those coming weeks…:

CUT 11(09)      “…win-win either way.”

They’ve also agreed to invest $400-million in surplus to pay down state retirement system debt.

The state branch of the NAACP is asking its parent organization to issue a “national travel advisory” for Louisiana because of legislative policies and actions that it believes target and marginalize certain groups, including African Americans. They feel some of the bills being passed are detrimental to the black community.

Legislation that creates an oyster shell recycling tax credit for restaurants is headed for the Governor’s desk. Tieko Foxx reports…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Foxx.”

One-in-five doctors is expected to exit the profession within the next 2 years. LSU Healthcare’s Dr. Richard DiCarlo says many are retiring, but a great many are also just exhausted…:

CUT 07(08)      “…burnout.”

He says a real shortage of doctors looms in the years ahead.

As the final hours of the State Legislature’s session wind down, House and Senate members reach compromise on the state budget and raising the state-imposed cap of spending to make use of surplus funds. Wednesday, both chambers approved a resolution to lift the expenditure cap. Council for a Better Louisiana (CABL) President Barry Erwin says the agreement helps assure a budget bill will be approved before adjournment at 6 tonight…:

CUT 10(09)      “…I’m optimistic.”

The budget deal uses one-time revenue surplus dollars to reduce retirement debt while investing in roads, bridges, ports, and other priority projects.

Watch what waterways you get into. Health officials are concerned about algae blooms on Lake Ponchartrain and other places that MAY be toxic. State health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says know the signs and take precautions…:

CUT 14(09)      “…or cleaning.”

A Deville man has been arrested for 506 counts of pornography involving juveniles, with victims being under the age of 13. Rapides Parish Cyber Crimes deputies honed in on 27-year-old David Roberts, and a warranted search of his home turned up damning evidence. He’s being held on $70-thousand bond.

It’s anticipated that 20% of physicians will leave the profession in the next two years. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

As the clock runs out on the legislative session, lawmakers work to agree on the $47-billion state budget and how to best use $2-billion in surplus money. Jeff Palermo reports…:

CUT 03(32)      “…Palermo.”

A number of bills have already made their way to Governor Edwards’ desk and he has begun signing some. One bill becoming state law provides for you to have your pet buried with you, under certain circumstances. Another protects teachers and school staff who step in to break up fights from possible prosecution.

The House and Senate unanimously passed legislation to create a tax credit for restaurants that recycle oyster shells. The bill was strongly supported by the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana which operates the only large-scale shell recycling program in the state. Advocacy Director Tyler Bosworth believes saying “no” to landfills and “yes” to slowing coastal erosion is a win for the state…:

CUT 04(11)      “…of Louisiana.”

State health officials urge residents to avoid areas with blue-green algae due to the algal bloom observed in Lake Pontchartrain by NCCOS. State Health Officer Joe Kanter says some algae are harmless but certain types are toxic…:

CUT 13(11)      “…stay away.”

You can find more info on algae blooms at “cdc.gov”

As the final hours of the State Legislature’s session wind down, House and Senate members reach compromise on the state budget and raising the state-imposed cap on spending to make use of surplus funds. The agreement lifts the expenditure cap, and applies $400-million to state retirement system debt, while also in investing roads, bridges and other priorities. Lawmakers wrap up their annual business tomorrow evening.

The state’s film tax credit will officially be extended to 2031, once Governor Edwards signs House Bill 562. The bill sets a cap of $150-million yearly for the tax breaks; no more. Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association President Trey Burvant says the bill set up useful mechanisms within the program to track local impacts from the incentives…:

CUT 11(11)      “…our industry.

Capital area Congressman Garret Graves has tossed his support in the fall Governor’s race behind former LABI head Stephen Waguespack. In a minute long video, Graves says Waguespack is “the person in this race who can put politics aside, do what’s right and give us the Louisiana we deserve.” Waguespack and seven others are vying to be the state’s next governor. The election is October 14^th.

Fontainbleau State Park in Mandeville has an all-terrain wheelchair available for people with limited mobility, to explore nature trails. Teiko Foxx has more…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Foxx.”