The Senate approved a bill that would renew the state’s contract with Harrah’s New Orleans for at least 20 more years, contribute an additional 20 million dollars a year to the state’s coffers, and they would provide an upfront payment of 40-million dollars, which would be divided between the state and the city. Harrah’s would also agree to build a 350-million dollar hotel, with new restaurants and entertainment space. New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson says if Harrah’s agrees, it’d be a huge investment in the state.
Cut 13 (10) “twenty years”
The measure heads back to the House to see if they agree to Senate changes with the legislation.

Lake Charles-based food delivery service Waitr has been purchased for 308-million dollars by Texas billionaire Tilman Fertitta, who also owns the Golden Nugget Casino, Landry’s Restaurant and the Houston Rockets.

The Louisiana legislature has approved legislation that would ban abortions once a woman reaches 15 weeks into her pregnancy. Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s pro-life and intends to sign it…
cut 4 (08) “…with me”
The Center for Reproductive Rights says the legislation is a flat-out violation of Roe versus Wade and they expect the proposal will never become law.

State Representative Julie Stokes is the first person to announce her candidacy to become the next Secretary of State. A special election will take place this fall, because of the resignation of Tom Schedler. The accountant from Kenner believes she’s qualified to be Louisiana’s next election chief…
Cut 7 (09) “larger scale”
Stokes says as Secretary of State she will encourage voter participation and protect Louisiana elections.

The Senate agrees to a contract renewal for Harrahs Casino in New Orleans. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

During his monthly call-in show, Governor Edwards says he’s waiting for the final language in the Harrah’s bill, before determining whether he’ll sign it….
cut 5 (09) “…the House”

A bill that would have allowed teachers to join students in prayer during school hours was gutted by the House after concerns were raised that it violated religious civil rights. The bill would have allowed the joint prayer to occur if all students present had a signed consent form from their parents. Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh says the old bill would have targeted religious minorities.
Cut 10 (11) “consent form”
The measure goes back to the Senate and we’ll see what the bill’s author, Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti, decides to do with the legislation now that it has been dramatically changed.

Two republican legislators admit they were involved in a fist fight early this morning at a downtown Baton Rouge bar. Lafayette Representative Stuart Bishop and Houma Senator Norby Chabert apologized to their colleagues. Bishop attempted to inject some levity into the awkward subject….
cut 13 (12) “…dueling guns”
Chabert is reportedly upset with Bishop for blocking his legislation in the House Natural Resources Committee. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the altercation makes the legislature look bad at a time when the state is struggling with big issues.
Cut 15 (12) “so many times”

The Governor addressed the 15 week abortion ban and unanimous jury constitutional amendment on his monthly talk show. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The House has gutted a Senate bill that would have allowed teachers to participate in student-initiated prayers during school hours. Shreveport Representative Alan Seabugh says the legislation by Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti would have prompt lawsuits…
cut 11 (08) “…they will win”

Two Republican legislators were involved in a fist fight in a Baton Rouge bar last night, resulting in both of them apologizing for their actions. Lafayette Representative Stuart Bishop said he was on the receiving end of several punches from Houma Senator Norby Chabert as the two argued about a bill. Police were called to the scene, but no one was arrested.

The US Supreme Court has allowed sports gaming outside of Nevada. Jim Shannon has more on when you might be able to place a legal bet on a sporting event in Louisiana
Cut 2 (27) I’m Jim Shannon”

Heading to the governor’s desk is legislation that would allow students to bring bulletproof backpacks into public schools. Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith voted against the legislation, because of concerns that students in poorer areas would be unable to afford the same protection allowed to students in more affulent school systems…
cut 7 (06) “….same protection”
Bulletproofing a backpack can cost anywhere from 50 to 400-dollars.

State education officials say since 2012, there has been a 15-percent increase in the number of high school graduates entering college each fall. Department of Education spokesperson Sydni Dunn says high school programs geared toward college credits have helped the numbers grow…
cut 4 (12) “…parents signature”
A record 23,500 public high school students from the Class of 2017 enrolled in college last fall.

A report by Greg Hillburn of the USA Today Network says Houma Senator Norby Chabert and Lafayette Representative Stuart Bishop got into fist fight at a Baton Rouge area bar last night, supposedly related to a bill blocked in committee by Bishop. Bishop issued his apology on the House floor.
Cut 12 (09) “apologize”
Chabert told the USA Today Network that he loves Representative Bishop like a brother and sometimes brothers fight.

A bill allowing students at public schools to wear backpacks with bullet proof material in them is on its way to the governor’s desk. The bill was inspired by the tragic deaths of 17 people during the Parkland school shooting. Lafayette Representative Nancy Landry says the backpacks would provide parents and students with peace of mind….
cut 6 (10) “…of protection”

Louisiana’s Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones believes if sports betting becomes legal in this state, it will not generate a lot of revenue for the state’s cofers….
cut 10 (10) “…revenue”
A US Supreme Court ruling this week opens the door for all states to legalize sports betting. Louisiana will have to wait until next year to pass such a law.

Louisiana education officials say the number of high school graduates entering college each fall has increased by 15 percent since 2012. A record 23,500 public high school students from the Class of 2017 enrolled in college last fall. State Department of Education spokesperson Sydni Dunn says high school programs geared toward college credits have helped the numbers grow.
Cut 3 (12) “Education Process”

Two republican legislators have admitted they were involved in a fist fight last night at a downtown Baton Rouge bar. Lafayette Representative Stuart Bishop told Greg Hilburn of the USA Today Network that Houma Senator Norby Chabert was upset over a bill that Bishop blocked as chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee. Bishop apologized on the House floor and attempted to inject some levity into the awkward subject….
cut 13 (12) “…dueling guns”
Polls indicate the legislature is not a popular body at the moment, and Pinsonat says this altercation just makes them look even worse at time when the state is already struggling.
Cut 15 (12) “so many times”

A recent US Supreme Court decision allows gambling to happen in all 50 states. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones anticipates one day state legislators will pass legislation, so that it can be regulated in Louisiana. Jones believes believes legalizing sports betting in Louisiana will cut back on the black market that exists around sports wagers…
cut 11 (12) “…yea yea”

Louisiana education officials say the number of high school graduates entering college each fall has increased by 15 percent since 2012. Department of Education spokesperson Sydni Dunn says many high school students have never thought of going to college are now doing so….
cut 5 (11) “…those students”
A record 23,500 public high school students from the Class of 2017 enrolled in college last fall.

Two state republican legislators, Stuart Bishop of Lafayette and Norby Chabert of Houma, have admitted they were involved in a fist fight at a downtown Baton Rouge bar last night over a piece of legislation. Bishop apologized on the House floor earlier today. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat…
cut 14 (10) “…in front of them”

The US Supreme Court has allowed sports gambling outside of Nevada. Jim Shannon has more on when you might be able to place a legal bet on a sporting event in Louisiana
Cut 2 (27) I’m Jim Shannon”

Public school children will soon have the opportunity to bring bulletproof backpacks into schools under legislation that’s heading to the governor’s desk. The measure received overwhelming approval in the state legislature. Some lawmakers raised concerns about the cost for the bullet proof material as it can range from 50 to 400-dollars. Lafayette Representative Nancy Landry says fundraisers could be held to help parents pay for the armour…
cut 8 (10) “….get them”

Kenner Representative Julie Stokes announced she’s running for Secretary of State. Stokes was also a candidate in last year’s State Treasurer’s Race, but backed out after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.