After numerous stories of rape kits getting lost and the backlog of processing Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell decided to make the system more accountable with legislation to create a tracking system for the kits. 40 other states already have protocols in place to track rape kits.

Cut 4 (08)  “…for that point.” 

The bill has passed in the Senate and heads to the full House for final passage.

Legislation to provide families adopting a child under the age of three with a $5 thousand tax credit passed in the House. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmond’s bill prohibits the tax credit from applying to the adoption of a child from foster care and a taxpayer from claiming the credit and claiming the deduction.

Cut 8 (07)  “…the other.” 

The bill heads to the Senate.

The House unanimously approves a bill to symbolically abolish slavery in Louisiana. Louisiana voters rejected a similar proposal last year but Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan asked them to reject it because the amendment’s language was confusing. He says the language is clearer this year.

Cut 10 (04) “…needs to be.”

Slavery was abolished in the US in 1865. But more than 150 years later, states are banning involuntary servitude and slavery in their state constitutions.

Legislation to provide free breakfast and lunch for K-12 students who are eligible for reduced-priced meals advances in House Appropriations. Marrero Representative Kyle Green says students who qualify for reduced-priced meals have to pay $14 per month, the bill removes the copay. If approved, it would go into effect for the 2023-2024 school year.

Lafourche Parish Sheriff deputies continue to investigate a Sunday night mass shooting at a street party in Thibodaux where seven people were shot and two others injured trying to escape the gunfire. Sheriff Craig Webre…

Cut 12 (08)    “…following up.” 
Webre says there were as many people as 500 people in the crowd when at least 12 shots rang out within three seconds. Thankfully no one was killed.

Legislation that would provide families adopting a child under the age of three with a $5 thousand tax credit was approved by the full House without objection in a 97 to 0 vote. Bill author, Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds says he hopes this will alleviate some of the financial burden for adoptive families under this legislation.

Cut 6 (12)  “…bill does.” 

Chris Giordano the longtime general manager of the State Fair of Louisiana has resigned. Giordano has been at the helm for 17 years, and he replaced his father Sam who held the position for more than 30 years. Robb Brazzel has been appointed interim GM.

Two donors made individual $1 million donations towards ULM $2.3 million raised in 24 hours during their first Day of Giving. Teiko Foxx has the story.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

It wasn’t too long ago when Louisiana’s signature restaurant industry was struggling to stay in business when the pandemic turned things upside down. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  …“Brooke Thorington.”

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Two donors made individual $1 million donations toward ULM $2.3 million raised in 24 hours during their first Day of Giving. Teiko Foxx has the story.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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No surprise, but LSU’s Dylan Crews is the SEC Hitter of the Year and Paul Skenes is the Pitcher of the Year. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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While the restaurant industry isn’t completely back to pre-pandemic levels,  Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris says things have improved since the height of COVID. Harris says there’s still more recovery to be made and some sectors fared better than others.

Cut 4 (10)  “…to recover.”

And even though some restaurants have closed since the pandemic, Harris says there are new ventures that opened their doors.

Workforce woes continue to plague restaurants and Harris says many full-service dining establishments are now faced with paying the piper.

Cut 5 (06)   “…coming due.”

Harris says eateries, like every other industry, have had to endure record inflation, supply-chain issues, and shortages that haven’t been experienced since WWII.

There are very few places in the country where restaurants play such an important role in the state’s identity. Harris says the association has even coined the phrase ‘we live to eat.’

Cut 6 (10)  “…having dinner.”

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ULM raised more than $2 million from 86 donors in 24 hours on its inaugural Day of Giving. ULM Foundation Advancement Officer Cindy Foust says this day mimics the National Day of Giving held during the fall.

Cut 7 (10) “…donate to.”

Donors were given the opportunity to make their gifts in honor of a graduate from ULM, NLU, or NLSC. Two donors made individual $1 million gifts with a total of more than $2,319,442 raised for their favorite colleges and sports. Foust says the generosity was overwhelming.

Cut 8 (10) “…big accomplishment.”

The two $1 million gifts were designated to the School of Business and Social Sciences. Donors were allowed to give in honor of graduates past or present and they will be recognized in an upcoming ULM publication. Foust says the monies were designated for different disciplines across campus.

Cut 9 (12)  “…that day.”

Gift partners including Louisiana Wholesale Drug Company, Inc., Lumen, Pinnacle Family Health, and Coach Lou St. Amant made $2 thousand challenge gifts to spur other donors on Day of Giving.

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After a Sunday night block party in Thibodaux for a preschool graduation took a violent turn, Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre is asking for the public’s help as deputies piece together clues. Of the seven individuals who received gunshot injuries, five were female and two were male, between the ages of 17 and 25.

Cut 10 (11) “…hospitalized.” 

Two other females received injuries when the crowd dispersed and sought cover.

Webre says deputies have learned the original gathering in the Marydale Community was to celebrate preschool graduation.

Cut 11 (12)  “…of people.”

Webre says they’ve recovered one firearm with DNA evidence, and it’s been sent to ATF for forensic analysis. He they’ve also found a number of casings and one live round at the scene from two different caliber weapons. Video from the scene indicates the shooting was over in as little as three seconds.

It is believed the majority of those in attendance were there to socialize and unfortunately, Webre says at least two or more individuals, without any regard for the safety of themselves or others fired shots into the crowd.

Cut 12 (08)    “…following up.” 

Webre says there are estimates that as many as 500 people were in the crowd and they are hopeful they’ll receive tips that will lead to arrests.

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A Senate-passed bill that would phase out Louisiana’s corporate franchise tax passes the House Ways & Means Committee. Bill sponsor and Franklin Republican Senator Bret Allain says several other states have ended the tax, which he says may be good for state coffers, but is harmful to the state’s business environment. Allain says “if you want to dis-incentivize something, tax it”…:

Cut 13 (09) “…afford to do it.”  

Allain’s bill has already passed the full Senate. It would phase out the corporate franchise tax by the year 2031; reducing it by 25 percent any year in which the state collects over $ 600 million from it. Allain asks House Ways & Means members to support his legislation as a way to stimulate more business to come here…:

Cut 14 (10)  “…has on the books.”

Allain says there are other fiscal triggers that would need to occur for the bill to go into effect…:

Cut 15 (08)  “…stabilization fund.”

The bill also only triggers if a companion Quality Jobs tax rebate bill passes as well. Financial analysts say the bill could lessen state tax collection by over a half-billion dollars over five years. Ways & Means approved the bill; sending it to the House floor.

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LSU’s Dylan Crews and Paul Skenes are named SEC Hitter and Pitcher of the Year in a vote of the league’s coaches. Skenes has been dominant, winning a league-high 10 games, striking out an SEC-high 164 hitters and posting a league-low ERA of 1.77

Cut  16 (16)  “..this year” 

For the second consecutive season, Crews is named SEC Hitter of the Year. The junior from Florida leads the SEC with a .424 batting average. He’s also belted 14 home runs and he’s driven in 57 runs. Now Crews is expected to lead LSU to its seventh national championship…

Cut 17 (20) “..next to us” 

LSU will begin play in the SEC Tournament tomorrow morning. The real goal is to win the NCAA Tournament, which begins next week. But Coach Jay Johnson says they want to win an SEC tournament title first…

Cut 18 (22) “…execute”

Cut 19 (18) “….all they had” 

Cut 20 (19)  “…what happens.”  

State lawmakers have three weeks left to decide how they want to spend two-point-two billion dollars in surplus money. Republican House leaders would like to use 950 million dollars to pay down pension debt. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder…

Cut 10 (15) “…next legislature” 

But Governor Edwards says 296 million dollars is available to give teachers a three-thousand dollar pay raise. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the state also has the opportunity also has to make a significant investment toward other priorities…

Cut 11 (07)  “…needed.”

There’s been a lot of bills filed in the Legislature this year aimed at having better and cheaper auto and home insurance. How are they coming along? Kevin Gallagher takes a look…:

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

And lawmakers are advancing a bill to give a tax break to promote gun ownership and sale. Senate Bill 56 would reinstate what’s been known as the Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday. It reportedly costs the state $1.3 million in annual revenue.  If the bill passes the three-day sales tax exemption would take place over Labor Day weekend.

Seven people were shot in a mass shooting when gunshots rang out at a block party in Thibodaux last night. Teiko Foxx has the story.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

Baton Rouge Police are investigating another deadly shooting in the capital city today, the fourth shooting death since yesterday morning. So far, no arrests have been announced or if the shootings are related.

The death of former Kenner mayor and Krewe of Endymion founder Ed Muniz has many remembering his forever public legacy. Muniz died at 83 after several years of declining health and dementia. Mardi Gras Guide Publisher Arthur Hardy says Muniz was a pillar in the community…

Cut 6 (13)  “…a drinker.” 

Muniz owned several commercial radio stations in six southern states and later sold them to a national radio chain.

The Ragin Cajuns beat in-state rival LSU twice on Sunday during an epic day of softball in Baton Rouge. Sixth-year head coach Gerry Glasco is taking the U-L Lafayette to the Super Regionals for the first time since 2016.

Cut 12 (12) “…one-by-one-by-one” 

The Ragin Cajuns can get to the Women’s College Series if they beat Washington in a best out of three Super Regional Series that will start Friday night in Seattle.

A total of nine people were injured, seven with gunshot wounds, during a block party in Thibodaux last night. Lafourche Parish Captain Brennan Matherne says authorities are asking for the public’s help.

Cut 4 (11)  “… this investigation.” 

The victims have non-life-threatening injuries.

In Jefferson Davis Parish two people were killed in a three-vehicle crash Saturday night. Trooper Derek Senegal says a motorcycle was struck from behind by a car, and cyclist 67-year-old Jacob Touchet of Iowa and passenger 60-year-old Susan Trahan of Lafayette were both killed after they were thrown into oncoming traffic. Investigators are looking at the vehicle’s black boxes.

Cut 10 (07) “…like that.”

The Ragin Cajuns softball team is heading to the Super Regionals of the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016 after a dramatic day of softball in Baton Rouge. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

In Washington, US Senator John Kennedy sent a strong message home to his counterparts in the Louisiana Senate to pass legislation to hold third graders back who are unable to read on grade level. The House Bill failed to pass in the Senate last year and pleaded with state senators to do so this year.

Cut 6 (08)  “…pass this bill.”

Students who are given intensive reading instruction and three opportunities to pass the exam.

And scheduled for debate today on the Senate floor in Baton Rouge is a bill supported by Real Reform Louisiana. Executive Director Ben Riggs…

Cut 8 (09) “…insurance rates.”
It’s a bill opposed by Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon, who argues passage of the legislation will not produce the results supporters claim.

State lawmakers have three weeks left to decide how they want to spend two-point-two billion dollars in surplus money. Republican House leaders would like to use 950 million dollars to pay down pension debt. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder…

Cut 10 (15) “…next legislature” 

But Governor Edwards says 296 million dollars is available to give teachers a three-thousand dollar pay raise. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the state also has the opportunity also has to make a significant investment toward other priorities…

Cut 11 (07)  “…needed.”

The legislative session must conclude on June 8th at 6 PM.

Legislation to set minimum bail amounts for crimes of violence and/or the use of a firearm advances from House Criminal Justice. Crowley Representative John Stefanski’s bill would set a minimum bail of $50,000 for a violent crime and $100,000 for one that involves the use of a firearm.

Cut 8 (11)  “…the crime.” 

The bill passed favorably in committee heads to the House floor.

A requiring public schools schedule at least 15 minutes of recess for grades K thru 5 was approved by the House in a 66 to 28 vote. Houma Representative Beryl Amedee says her bill will help promote social and emotional well-being among students…:

Cut 5 (08) “…learn better.”

A bill to ban social media platforms from allowing minors to have their own account without parental consent passed in the Senate but it would only go into effect if funds are allocated for enforcement. Bill author Covington Senator Patrick McMath…

Cut 14 (08)  “…is going.”

US Senator John Kennedy took to the floor in DC urging state senators in Baton Rouge to pass legislation to hold back third graders who are unable to read on grade level.

AM Cut 4 (11)  “…that attention.”

Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson’s bill will give students intensive reading instruction and three opportunities to pass the literacy exam before advancing to third grade.

After a catastrophic computer systems failure, the state Office of Motor Vehicles remains closed statewide today. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (29)  “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

A bill to ban social media platforms from allowing minors to have their own account without parental consent passed in the Senate but it would only go into effect if funds are allocated for enforcement. Bill author Covington Senator Patrick McMath…

Cut 14 (08)  “…is going.”

Legislation to set minimum bail amounts for crimes of violence and or the use of a firearm advances from House Criminal Justice. Crowley Representative John Stefanski’s bill would set a minimum bail of $50,000 for a violent crime and $100,000 for one that involves the use of a firearm.

Cut 8 (11)  “…the crime.” 

The bill passed favorably in committee heads to the House floor.

Louisiana ranks the fourth unhealthiest state for adults 65 and older for the second year according to the United Health Foundation’s America’s Health Rankings Senior Report. United Chief Medical Officer Dr. Phillip Painter says there are a number of challenges working against seniors living in the Bayou State.

Cut 9 (12) “…should be”

26-year-old Desiree (Dez-ah-ree) Felder has been arrested in connection to a shooting where a toddler and his cousin were found with gunshot injuries while under her supervision over the weekend. Baton Rouge Police Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says officers responded to a call Monday from a local hospital involving two male children.

Cut 4 (09)  “…of shooting.”

The children suffered only minor injuries. Felder has been charged with second-degree cruelty to a juvenile and obstruction of justice.

Louisiana Public schools would have to schedule at least 15 minutes of recess for grades kindergarten through fifth under legislation advanced by House Education in a 66 to 28 vote. Houma Representative Beryl Amedee says no special accommodations are required.

Cut 3 (09) “…at school.”

The bill heads to the Senate floor.

After a lengthy discussion on a bill in committee to add paid Family Medical Leave benefits in Louisiana, the legislation was voluntarily deferred.  Federal law currently allows 12 weeks of leave, but those weeks are unpaid. Alexandria Representative Ed Larvadain says a state program would help Louisiana families.

Cut 8 (10) “…get paid.”

Bill author Representative Aimee Freeman is expected to file the bill again in the next regular session.

Former L-A-B-I head and candidate for Governor Stephen Waguespack releases his first campaign ad; introducing himself to voters by his nickname, “Wags.” It features Waguespack in a variety of casual settings, and highly likable. Political analyst Roy Fletcher has seen it and says the video succeeds at that…:

Cut 10 (10) “…to be likable.”