Proposals that would require either a public vote or legislative approval to remove confederate monuments were rejected by a Senate committee. The two bills faced steep opposition from black lawmakers, like New Orleans Senator Troy Carter, who says there are no statues celebrating Hitler.

Cut 10 (12) “a commemoration”

Supporters say confederate monuments honor those who fought in the Civil War.

A Senate committee takes up a bill to raise the minimum GPA requirement for TOPS from a 2.5 to a 2.75. Baton Rouge Representative Franklin Foil believes his bill has a shot at making it through the process.

Cut 9 (09) “as well”

But the measure could be in trouble in the Senate, which has approved a proposal to create a task force examining how changes to TOPS could impact students.

After a proposal to increase the state’s gasoline tax was killed without a vote in the House, lawmakers discussed their disappointment or excitement the measure died. The bill’s author Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter expressed his frustrations with the out of state anti-tax group Americans for Prosperity, who lobbied against it.

Cut 14 (09) “our problems”

Carter didn’t bring the bill up for vote because the support was not there.

With hurricane season kicking off today, Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon reminds homeowners to make sure their home is covered by flood insurance. He says now is the time to purchase flood insurance if you don’t have it already.

Cut 6 (10) “to effect”