A progressive advocacy group recommends that this fall people vote against a tax swap proposal passed by the legislature. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

Three men were injured during a shooting in the parking lot of the Lafayette Police Department Friday night.  All three were taken to an area hospital by ambulance. No fatalities have been reported and no officers were among the injured or involved in the shooting.

Tony Spell the Central Pastor who gained national attention for thwarting COVID restrictions is once again in trouble with the law, this time he’s cited for alleged alligator hunting violations in East Baton Rouge Parish. Spell posted photos on social media bragging about shooting a gator behind his church, out of season on June 5th. Wildlife and Fisheries agents responded to the scene and found Spell in possession of a 6-foot alligator. Spell also doesn’t not have a license.

This weekend you won’t need a fishing license because it’s LDWFs Free Fishing Weekend today and Sunday. LDWF spokesperson Gabe Giffin says the annual event is a great opportunity for residents and visitors to cast a line with family and friends.

Cut 3 (08) “…license.”

June is also the month to renew your fishing license.

A progressive advocacy group recommends that this fall people vote against a tax swap proposal passed by the legislature. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (29) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

It’s free fishing weekend in Louisiana and LDWF spokesperson Gabe Giffin says it’s the perfect opportunity to introduce the sport to someone who’s never been and possibly recruit a new fishing buddy.

Cut 5  (07) “…every day.”

You won’t need a fishing license this weekend in Louisiana.

A tense exchange between two lawmakers ended in threats, tears, and the removal of a bill. On Wednesday Bogalusa Representative Malinda White and Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh had a heated exchange over her bill to define domestic abuse. White who has previously shared she’s a victim of domestic abuse herself was visibly emotional over the withdrawal of her bill.

Cut 10 (13) “…House Bill 159.”

The Advocate newspaper reports retired Oregon State Coach Pat Casey is unlikely to become the next coach at LSU.  Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says but another name to watch in the school’s search for a new coach is former LSU catcher and current Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco.

Cut 15 (11) “…a lot” 

Governor Edwards says he’ll look closely at a bill to gradually increase funding for roads and bridges by an additional 300-million dollars per year. The governor is concerned about taking money out of the general fund to put towards roads, when the general fund will see fewer dollars in 2025. when a temporary sales tax expires…

Cut 7 (12) “…alone”

During a tense exchange Wednesday between Bogalusa Representative Malinda White and Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh, White allegedly said to Seabaugh “let me get my gun and finish this or I’m going to get my gun and we can finish this.” White then pulled her domestic abuse bill that supposedly sparked the disagreement.

Cut 9 (11) “…about.”

The Legislature gave final passage to a bill that would increase state unemployment benefits by 28 dollars a week next year if the governor ceases accepting federally enhanced benefits by July 31st. Many Democrats opposed the legislation, but State Representative Chad Brown, a Democrat from Plaquemine, agreed with business groups who support the legislation…

Cut 13 (10) “…to work.”
Governor Edwards indicated that he’s leaning towards signing the bill.

During his closing speech of the session, Governor Edwards thanked congressional members and the President’s administration for federal relief dollars that the state has received but reminded citizens that long-term budget decisions did not need to be based on monies received for pandemic relief.

Cut 11 (12) “…go away.”

Governor Edwards says he’ll look closely at a bill that would increase funding for roads and bridges by an additional 300-million dollars. Edwards is concerned the money will come from the general fund, potentially creating shortfalls in other areas of state government, especially after federal coronavirus aid is spent.

Cut 6 (09) “…surely won’t”

Supporters of the proposal say the state has made major investments in education, health care, and other areas while roads and bridges continue to deteriorate.

In the final hour of the session, lawmakers passed a bill that would end the enhanced 300-dollar federal unemployment benefit. The legislation would also raise the state’s unemployment benefits by 28-dollars a week starting next year. Abita Springs Representative Larry Frieman says he initially opposed higher state benefits, but the business lobby accepts this compromise…

Cut 14 (09) “…thing.”

The Legislature gave final approval to the last piece of legislation needed to get sports betting online, potentially as early as fall. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

The Advocate reports that it is unlikely LSU will hire retired Oregon State Coach Pat Casey to replace Paul Mainieri. The 62-year-old Casey won three national titles during a 24-year run with the Beavers. The search is said to be wide open. The Tigers will play Tennessee Saturday at 6pm in the Super Regional NCAA tournament.

LSU Health Shreveport’s work during the pandemic with genetic sequencing receives national recognizing and the school is receiving a Rockefeller grant. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Legislature gave final approval to the last piece of legislation needed to get sports betting online, potentially as early as fall. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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Compromise legislation that would slightly increase state unemployment benefits in exchange for ending federally enhanced benefits five weeks early is headed to the Governor’s desk. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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LSU Health Shreveport is one of four universities to be awarded a grant to study gene sequencing from the prestigious Rockefeller Foundation. Director for Emerging Viral Threats at LSUHS Dr. Andrew Yurochko (U-rotch-co) says the school’s role in the pandemic is why they have received the honor.

Cut 4 (10) “…we’ve done.”

Yurochko says sequencing in layman’s terms is discovering the fingerprint for a virus, or any other disease, and it is that fingerprint in which they are able to detect new variants and provide a code of what vaccine creators use as a roadmap.

Cut 5  (11) “…that vaccine.”

The objective of the grant is to strengthen global capabilities to detect and respond to pandemic threats in the future. Yurochko says the award is indicative of LSU Health Shreveport’s strides in detecting variants and assisting with vaccine rollout.

Cut 6 (10) “…the country.”

Harvard and MIT also received Rockefeller grants.

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The Legislature gave final passage to a bill setting the rules and regulations for legalized sports betting.

The bill lets anyone 21 and older place bets on their mobile device, computer, or at select locations in any of the 55 parishes that voted to approve the activity. Crowley Representative John Stefanski…

Cut 7 (10) “…Louisiana.”

Earlier this month Governor Edwards signed legislation setting the tax rates for sports betting with a 15 percent tax on mobile betting and a ten percent tax for betting at authorized locations.

The ability to place bets anywhere in approved parishes is a major expansion from initial proposals that would have only allowed betting at casinos. Stefanski says it was necessary.

Cut 8 (07) “…as well.”

Bars and restaurants will have the option of paying a 10,000 dollar fee to establish a sports betting kiosk at their business, meaning bets will be taxed at the lower rate. Bets can also be placed at sportsbooks in casinos.

Stefanski says allowing mobile betting was a question of equity for many of the rural parishes that approved the activity.

Cut 9 (11) “…participate.” 

Governor Edwards is expected to sign the bill into law, which could mean sports betting could be online for the fall football season.

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The 2021 regular Legislative session has come to an end and Governor John Bel Edwards closed out the session with a speech from the Capitol where he highlighted the historic increase in funding for education at both the K-12 and higher education levels, including higher ed faculty raises and an 800-dollar K-12 teacher pay raise.

Cut 10 (11) “…that goal.”

Edwards thanked congressional members and the President’s administration for federal relief dollars that the state has received but reminded citizens that long-term budget decisions did not need to be based on monies received for pandemic relief.

Cut 11 (12) “…go away.”

Ten of the 13 bills in the Governor’s legislative agenda passed during the session. He referred to House Bill 409 which strengthens and clarifies Title IX violations reporting procedures on higher education campuses.

Cut 12 (12) “…this legislation.”

Edwards also says he’s interested in signing a bill to lessen penalties for possession of 14 grams or less of marijuana.

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The Legislature gave final passage to a bill that would increase state unemployment benefits by 28 dollars a week if the Governor ceases accepting federally enhanced benefits by July 31^st.

Plaquemines Democratic Representative Chad Brown says while he understands some sectors of the economy have not bounced back yet…

Cut 13 (10) “…to work.”

The 28 dollar boost would take effect in January of 2022, but only if the state does not resume accepting federally enhanced benefits before then.

Abita Springs Republican Representative Larry Frieman says he was initially against increasing state benefits but says the business lobby accepts this compromise.

Cut 14 (09) “…thing.”

The bill has the backing of the state’s largest business lobby, the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, which had been calling for the end of federally enhanced benefits.

New Orleans Democratic Representative Mandie Landry says this bill takes free federal money away from the poorest people in the state when many jobs have yet to return.

Cut 15 (10)“…district”

Representative Brown says the Governor is waiting for an economist’s report on the impact of ending the federally enhanced unemployment benefits before making a final decision.

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After getting swept in three close contests to Tennessee earlier this season, is revenge on the mind of the Tigers as they face the Volunteers in the super regionals. Left fielder Gavin Dugas is just glad they are still playing

Cut 16 (17) “…at a time.”

After that series in an interview with a Baton Rouge radio station, Mainieri said the Tennessee fans were nasty based on things they were saying to the Tiger players. When asked, Dugas didn’t want to repeat some of the stuff he heard…

Cut 17 (19) …part of the game.” 

Coach Paul Mainieri admits Tennessee’s home ballpark is not an easy place to play…

Cut  18 (21)”..low 3s.”

Legislation mandating that children who turn five on or before September 30th must attend kindergarten receives final legislative passage. The bill faced some opposition, but bill author Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields says they were able to work it out…

Cut 4 (10) “…early age.”

Governor Edwards is expected to sign the bill that goes into effect for the 2022 school year.

On the final day of the legislative session, lawmakers approved tax swap plan that will lower individual income tax rates, but eliminate the ability to deduct on state taxes, federal income taxes paid. Pelican Institution CEO Daniel Erspamer says this proposal simplifies Louisiana’s complex tax code…
cut 6 (12) “…structure”
Voters will be asked to approve the plan on the October ballot.

Baton Rouge Police arrest two teenagers who they believe fatally shot three people, including a one-year-old on May 31st at an apartment complex. BRPD Sergeant Don Coppola says 19-year-old David Williams and a 15-year-old suspect were taken into custody this morning.

Cut 9 (12) “…same charges”

Live music returns to the historic Preservation Hall in New Orleans tonight. After closing its doors last March due to the pandemic, it’s reopening and on a historic day for the venue, its 60th anniversary. Preservation Hall Creative Director Ben Jaffe says it’s a significant night for not only the city but also the state.
Cut 12 (11) “..in general”

The investigation is ongoing.

The Senate gave final legislative passage today to a package of tax reform bills that supporters say will simplify personal income and business taxes. Pelican Institute CEO Daniel Erspamer says while this tax reform does simplify the state’s tax code significantly, put together it’s not really a tax cut for most people.

Cut 8 (09) “…state” 

Opponents argue the reforms mostly benefit the state’s wealthiest individuals and corporations.

Beginning fall of 2022 children who are five years old will be required to attend kindergarten in Louisiana as a result of legislation that’s received final legislative passage. The bill did face opposition claiming mandatory kindergarten is an infringement of parental rights. But Senate Education Chairman Cleo Fields says they were able to come to an agreement with the legislation.

Cut 4 (10) “…early age.”

Baton Rouge Police arrest two teenagers who they believe fatally shot three people, including a one-year-old on May 31st at an apartment complex. BRPD Sergeant Don Coppola says 19-year-old David Williams and a 15-year-old suspect were taken into custody this morning.

Cut 9 (12) “…same charges”

A total of five people have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting that occurred on Memorial Day.

Live music returns to the historic Preservation Hall in New Orleans tonight. After closing its doors last March due to the pandemic, it’s reopening on it’s 60^th anniversary. Preservation Hall Creative Director Ben Jaffe says they’ve received messages from all over the world about tonight’s reopening.

Cut 13 (10) “…sacred space.”

Patrons will have to undergo temperature checks and wear face masks.

The Legislature gives final passage to a tax reform package that supporters say is a revenue-neutral simplification of personal and business income taxes. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

Former Oregon State baseball coach Pat Casey visited LSU and is a candidate to be the Tigers next coach, replacing Paul Mainieri who will retire at the end of the season. The Tigers play in the NCAA super regional on Saturday against Tennessee.

Beginning fall of 2022 children who are five years old as of September 30^th will be required to attend kindergarten in Louisiana as a result of a bill that’s received final legislative passage. Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields, a proponent of early childhood education, says making kindergarten mandatory is the first hurdle in creating more learning opportunities for children in the state.

Cut 5  (10) “…chance.”

Baton Rouge Police arrest two teenagers who they believe fatally shot three people, including a one-year-old on May 31st at an apartment complex. BRPD Sergeant Don Coppola says 19-year-old David Williams and a 15-year-old suspect were taken into custody this morning and the case remains open.

Cut 10 (08) “…as well.”

A total of five people have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting.

Beginning fall of 2022 children who are five years old will be required to attend kindergarten in Louisiana. Baton Rouge Senator and Senate Education Chairman Cleo Fields who authored the legislation says it makes sense to have children learning earlier to get a head start with their education.

Cut 3 (12) “…at five.”

Twelve other states already require kindergarten.

The 2021 regular legislative session ends today. A session that saw a change in attitudes regarding marijuana. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says while legislation to legalize recreational marijuana use did not pass, legislators approved a bill that takes jail time away as a punishment for those caught with a small quantity of pot…
Cut 8 (06) “…anytime soon.”

The Louisiana Attorney General’s office is in federal court in Lafayette today disputing President Biden’s executive order that prevents new oil and gas lease sales on public land. Landry says the President is acting beyond the scope of his authority…
cut 11 (08) “….issues.”
The Biden administration says it’s only a temporary pause as his administration reviews how oil and gas production is contributing to climate change.

The FDA approved the first new medication in almost 20 years for the treatment of Alzheimer’s. but Dr Jeffrey Keller with the LSU Pennington Biomedical Institute on Dementia Research and Prevention says Aducanumab (add-yoo-CAN-yoo-mab) was approved even though an advisory committee deemed otherwise.

Cut 13 (11) “…a treatment.”

The list annual price for the mediation is $56,000.

Bobby Jindal turns 50 years old today. Erik Piccoli has more on the former governor who is keeping a low profile

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.”

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The 2021 legislative session comes to a close today and one good-government group says it was a productive two months at the state capitol. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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The first FDA approval in almost 20 years for an Alzheimer’s medication has many asking why when an advisory council advised against it. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Today former governor, Congressman, and presidential candidate Boddy Jindal turns 50. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the once superstar politician has faded from the limelight ever since his two terms as governor ended.

Cut 4 (08) “…to change Louisiana.”

Jindal served in the US House of Representatives between 2005 to 2008 and as governor from 2008 to 2016. During his second term as governor, Jindal focused on an unsuccessful run for the White House, which many Louisiana residents didn’t support. A UNO poll in 2015 put his approval rating at 20-percent.

Pinsonat says Jindal had a remarkable rise but more remarkable was his exit from politics.

Cut 5  (12) “…boy of politics.”

Jindal has stayed out of the public eye since he left the governor’s office in 2016. Pinsonat says considering his age, it’s still possible he could make a political return

Cut 6 (11) “…a factor in.”

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It’s the final day of the legislative session and state lawmakers are expected to pass a tax reform package that will result in lower individual income tax rates, but eliminate the ability to deduct federal income taxes paid. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says the lower income tax rates could help attract businesses

Cut 7 (09) “…the country.”

The House has approved the tax swap plan, the Senate is expected to do it today and then it will go before voters in the fall.

Erwin says the 2021 session will also be remembered for the change in attitudes regarding marijuana. Erwin says while legislation to legalize recreational marijuana did not pass, legislators approved a bill that takes jail time away as a punishment for those caught with a small quantity of pot…

Cut 8 (06) “…anytime soon.”

In the budget, there’s money for teacher pay raises, TOPS is fully funded and there are also more dollars for Go Grants which will help students from moderate to low-income families attend college. Erwin says it’s the largest investment in higher education in more than a decade

Cut 9 (09) “…step forward.” 

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Attorney General Jeff Landry’s lawsuit against President Biden and other government officials will be heard at the Federal courthouse in Lafayette today. Landry says the Biden administration cannot legally halt all lease sales on public lands and it is impacting the cost of fuel.

Cut 10 (11) “…Americans.”

Louisiana along with 12 other states are suing the President for acting beyond the scope of his authority by directing government agencies to stop all lease sales for public lands thus halting all future oil and gas exploration.

Landry says he feels confident about the case.

Cut 11 (08) “…issues.”

Landry says while the administration might try to argue their actions are a temporary pause nothing suggests that the pause is only temporary. Having the case heard by a judge in an oil and gas state, Landry says is much more appropriate versus somewhere else.

Cut 12 (10) “…of Mexico.”

On Wednesday developer of the Keystone XL Pipeline announced the cancellation of the project to carry oil from Canada into the U-S due to the Biden administration’s withdrawal of their permit.

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The FDA approved the first new medication in almost 20 years for the treatment of Alzheimer’s. but Dr Jeffrey Keller with the LSU Pennington Biomedical Institute on Dementia Research and Prevention says Aducanumab (add-yoo-CAN-yoo-mab) was approved even though an advisory committee deemed otherwise.

Cut 13 (11) “…a treatment.”

Aducanumab (add-yoo-CAN-yoo-mab) is a monthly intravenous treatment intended to slow cognitive decline in those with mild memory and thinking problems.  Keller says the growing prevalence of Alzheimer’s put added pressure on the FDA to approve the drug.

Cut 14 (07) “…to happen.”

But Keller says there are several clinical trials that he believes will offer hope in the treatment of Alzheimer’s, some of those trials are underway at Pennington Biomedical.

Cut 15 (08)“…effective for.”

The list price for the medication is $56,000 annually and it is still to be determined if insurers will cover the drug.

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Louisiana Tech suffered an early exit from postseason play after failing to win the Ruston regional.  Even though the Bulldogs did not advance, Tech coach Lane Burroughs says it was good for his team to feel what it’s like to host in the postseason.

Cut 16 (14) “…taste of it.”

Burroughs says the fan support this season was great and he’s experienced first-hand what a good season can do for a smaller program.

Cut 17 (16) …part of that.” 

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The LSU baseball will make its second trip to Rocky Top when they face Tennessee in the super regionals. Game one is set for Saturday night in Knoxville. In late March, the Volunteers swept the Tigers, outscoring LSU by four runs. Coach Paul Mainieri says both teams benefited from that hard-fought series

Cut  18 (16)”..for us.”

LSU won four straight elimination games to advance to the super regionals and they won their first NCAA Regional on the road since 1989. Left fielder Gavin Dugas says his teammates understand the significance of the accomplishment….

Cut 19 (14) “…lives.” 

LSU has a 12-and-7 record on the road and they’ve won four road SEC series. Drew Bianco says they’ve nicknamed themselves the Road Dogs…

Cut 20 (27)  “…next weekend.”