Voters will get to decide whether or not the state protects the right to abortion on the 2020 ballot, but the amendment does not provide exceptions for rape or incest, which promoted a heated Senate floor argument…
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The 2019 legisaltive session must adjourn by 6pm and a political analyst says there’s already a clear winner after two months of work…
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Former Governor Kathleen Blanco is to be inducted into the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame this October alongside Reggie Bush and Marques Colston. Kevin Barnhart has the story
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”
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The Legislature approves a constitutional amendment that would allow voters on the 2020 Presidential ballot to decide if the state does not protect the right to an abortion. The amendment would not protect that right in cases of rape or incest.
Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says it’s necessary to prevent a rogue judge from protecting the right to an abortion in Louisiana.
The law would not take effect unless Roe vs. Wade is overturned.
But New Orleans Senator and chairwoman of the state Democratic Party, Karen Carter Peterson says the legislation demeans women and empowers rapists by not including expectations for rape or incest.
Mizell and Peterson had a tense argument about rape and incest exceptions while sharing a mic on the Senate floor. Peterson says the law isn’t just without those exceptions, but Mizell says that’s only a fraction of abortion cases…
This comes on the heel of a fetal heartbeat abortion ban that was signed into law by Governor Edwards.
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Today is the final day of the 2019 legislative session. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says between a funding increase and a pay raise, K-12 education and teachers are clear winners this year, along with those who backed them.
K-12 education secured a total of 140 million in additional funding this year between the raises and funding increases.
Labor issues once again found little support again, despite backing from Governor Edwards, who made working-class wage issues a core part of his election pitch four years ago.
Edwards pushed for a minimum wage increase from the current 7.25 an hour to nine dollars an hour.
While most issues have been settled, it remains up in the air as to whether or not Governor Edwards will sign a 700-million-dollar road project bill that uses BP oil spill settlement money. Pinsonat says politically it’s a double-edged sword.
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The Saints Hall of Fame Class of 2019 was announced today with Reggie Bush, Marques Colston, and former Governor Kathleen Blanco receiving the distinction at a ceremony this October. Blanco, who is currently battling cancer, was on hand for the announcement and describes the induction as a huge honor.
Cut 10 (11) “…here in October (applause).”
Blanco will receive the Fleur de Lis award for her vast contributions to the organization. Blanco was instrumental in getting the Saints back to New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina by pushing for repairs to the storm damages suffered by the Superdome.
Cut 11 (10) “…going to dispair.”
Blanco recalled fond memories of the Saints first game back in the Superdome and says she was happy to help in contributing in getting the team to return to their home turf.
Cut 12 (09) “thank you Gayle (applause).”
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The unsettled weather pattern continues across the state today with widespread coverage of thunderstorms, especially across the southern portions of the state. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a storm system over the Gulf is a contributing factor to the current conditions.
Cut 13 (11) “…some severe weather.”
Keim says the Storm Prediction Center has Louisiana in the marginal category for tornados, hail, and high winds with this system today and tomorrow.
Cut 14 (08) “…daunting sounding term.”
Keim says many parts of the state face the slight to moderate risk for flash flood, so be careful on the roads.
Cut 15 (09) “…decisions out there.”
The wet weather is expected to continue through Sunday, with possibly a brief break on Saturday.
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Reggie Bush and Marques Colston will be inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame in October. Both players helped the team win the franchise’s only Super Bowl in 2009. Bush was a dynamic playmaker as a running back and returner, while Colston was a dependable receiver that finished his career as the franchise leader in catches, receiving yards and total touchdowns. Colston on the legacy he tried to leave….
Bush’s best game in a Saints uniform may have been in the Divisional playoff victory over the Cardinals during the Super Bowl season. Bush had two touchdowns, including an 83-yard punt return. When the team took the field before the game, Bush brought a bat onto the field to signify the team was bringing the wood…
Both Bush and Colston were drafted in 2006, a draft class that was instrumental in the Saints winning the Super Bowl in 2006. Bush was the second overall pick, while Coslston was taken in the seventh round. Colston says that speaks volumes on how this organiziation evaulates players…