In three weeks, landlords can begin filing for the eviction of tenants for nonpayment. Brooke Thorington talks to the person in charge of evictions in the state’s largest city.

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The legislative instrument that will result in teachers getting an 800-dollar a year pay raise and school support workers seeing their salary go up 400-dollars has received final legislative approval. Jim Shannon has the story…

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Jim Shannon”  

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Parents in Louisiana can enroll their children in free 20-day-long virtual math courses that apply as credit toward their high school transcripts. Senior VP at K-12 Stride Darren Reed says two out of three parents are looking for summer learning opportunities and Stride offers 20-day Algebra one, two, and Geometry classes…

Cut 3 (8) “…suffered the most”

Each class lasts four hours per day and the 20-day cohorts begin today, June 23rd, and July 7th. Reed says Stride offers other opportunities for students including free summer camps…

Cut 4 (11) “…camps etc etc”

Keeping the classes online allows for the courses to be widely accessible for students. Reed says the courses and camps help connect students with industry experts…

Cut 5  (12) “…completing high school”

Those interested can visit k12.com to sign up.

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Senator Bill Cassidy is calling for an end to enhanced federal unemployment benefits. Cassidy says the employment numbers in the latest national jobs report didn’t meet expectations for a second consecutive month. He says the extra 300-dollars jobless workers are receiving is a reason why…

Cut 6 (9) “…to work”

Cassidy says it would be better for an out-of-work individual to get a job with the potential to earn more money down the road, instead of spending the summer collecting unemployment checks…

Cut 7 (9) “…to work”

The enhanced federal unemployment benefits is set to end in September, but several states including Mississippi have made a decision to no longer give out the extra 300-dollars. Cassidy believes Governor Edwards should do the same…

Cut 8 (8) “…let’s get back to work” 

Edwards has expressed concern about ending the enhanced unemployment benefits too soon because the state’s economy depends on tourism and the tourists have yet to arrive in Louisiana in large numbers.

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In three weeks, landlords can file for the eviction of tenants who have failed to pay rent. A moratorium on evictions began last year during the onset of the pandemic and has been extended numerous times. However New Orleans First City Clerk of Court, Austin Badon, who oversees evections believes June 30^th is a hard date.

Cut 9 (04) “…extended.”

Badon says they are bracing for an onslaught of thousands of evictions and some landlords have gone without payment for over a year. Badon says some landlords have seen their tenants who have failed to pay out at casinos and even driving new cars. He says property owners are fed up.

Cut 10 (03) “…to happen.”

And as the deadline lingers, Badon says they expect to see an influx of abandoned rentals.

Cut 11 (07) “…go move.”

According to the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center tenants are still responsible for the entirety of the rent owed and landlords can begin collecting rent on July 1^st.

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Cleco says assistance is available to help pay late fees or past-due utility bills. Cleco spokesperson Fran Pheonix says the money comes from the federal government’s emergency rental assistance program, which was designed to help those struggling to pay rent, but the program has been expanded to help residents pay other bills

Cut 12 (11) “..in general”

For more information go to L-A-State-rent-dot-com. Pheonix says the assistance is not exclusive to Cleco customers…

Cut 13 (08) “…water and gas.”

The Emergency Rental assistance program has 25 billion dollars available and 161-million has been allocated to Louisiana to assist 57 parishes. Pheonix says residents in Caddo, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Lafayette, Orleans and St. Tammany Parishes should contact their parish government about how to apply for this money

Cut 14 (10) “….state program” 

A diet that calls for periods of fasting and feasting has become more popular. Erik Piccoli has the story on who and how this diet should be practiced…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli”

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A bill that will increase hunting and fishing licenses awaits the Governor’s signature. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

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Legislation to raise the legal age to smoke, vape, or use tobacco in the state to 21 receives final passage. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Intermittent fasting has become a popular diet, but is it for everyone, and is it sustainable?
LSU nutritionist Elizabeth Gollub says the diet, which allows for 500 calories or fewer to be consumed on certain days, gives dieters more liberties than usual…

Cut 4 (09) “…the other diets.”

The diet allows individuals to decide when and how they’ll fast based on their personal schedules. Gollub says it has shown to improve blood pressure and glucose control…

Cut 5  (07) “…we don’t know.”

The diet isn’t recommended for children, pregnant or lactating women, shift workers, those with Type 1 diabetes, or people with certain health conditions. Gollub says those who are also underweight shouldn’t fast…

Cut 6 (08) “…work for them.”

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Legislation requiring the Louisiana Legislative Auditor to review local, state, and federal elections has received final legislative passage. Evangeline Parish Senator Heather Cloud says her legislation will help bring election integrity.

Cut 7 (11) “…shortfalls here.”

Cloud says the legislative auditor already reviews numerous other state agencies and departments on how they operate and where they can improve. She says our elections should also undergo an independent review.

Cut 8 (05) “…between parishes.”

Cloud says it was over 20 years ago when there was an in-depth examination of elections. It resulted in the conviction of former elections commissioner Jerry Fowler who was involved in a kickback scheme in the selling of voting machines.

Cut 9 (07) “…but we verify.” 

The bill also calls for parish registrars of voters to keep and maintain all records relating to absentee by mail and early voting 2 years following the election.

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A bill to increase hunting and fishing license fees in the state is on its way to the Governor’s desk. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Undersecretary Bryan McClinton says while license fees will increase, they also add more privileges. For example, a hunting license goes from $29 to $34 but that includes archery and primitive hunting so that will save hunters who use those styles $15 annually.

Cut 10 (10) “…fishermen.”

McClinton says the bill is an effort to restructure fees to help the department become self-sufficient again due to a loss in revenue from oil and gas royalties. Recreational fees have not been since 2000 and most commercial licenses since 1986. McClinton says the legislature had to earmark $17 million to keep the agency afloat.

Cut 11 (07) “…this country.”

Another added benefit in the restructuring of fees is for the life of the license, for example, a current fishing license expires June 30^th of each year, when the bill takes effect, McClinton says you’ll get more bang for your buck.

Cut 12 (07) “…for 365 days.”

The fee increases go into effect in July of 2022.

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A bill to raise the age to vape, smoke, or use any tobacco or nicotine product in Louisiana from 18 to 21 won final passage Tuesday. Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living Associate Director Shawna Shields says this allows the state to have parity with federal law in an effort to deter young people from starting.

Cut 13 (10) “…and under”

Denham Springs Representative Buddy Mincey says he was encouraged to present the legislation after a school administration told him about the rampant use of vaping on school campuses.

All but 17 states have already raised the age to 21 to comply with federal law.

Shields says because House Bill 473 bill aligned with federal law to increase the age limit, it faced little to no opposition.

Cut 14 (07) “…of Louisiana.”

For those under the age of 21, Shields says there’s free assistance to help you give up nicotine.

Cut 15 (07)“…and quit.”

The number is 1-800-Quit-Now.

The bill now goes to the Governor’s desk for signature.

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Saints Quarterback Jameis Winston says he’s keeping his eyes on the prize as he gets ready to battle Taysom Hill as the Black and Gold’s starting quarterback. After five up and down seasons in Tampa Bay, Winston came to New Orleans in 2020 to learn from Drew Brees. The former first-round pick is excited for the chance to be Q-B one again…

Cut 16 (18) “…a team.”

The entire team is together this week for a Mandatory mini-camp, but there will not be a lot of on-the-field work as the Saints are spending more time in the weight room and classroom. Running back Alvin Kamara was asked about Winston’s approach towards the starting quarterback battle

Cut 17 (13) …mentality” 

Winston says since arriving with the Saints he’s learned the importance of staying away from mistakes

Cut  18 (13)”..be average.”

The Saints no longer have Drew Brees leading them, but Kamara says the lockerroom still has a bunch of leaders

Cut 19 (29) “…you know” 

Legislation that would give St. Tammany Parish voters an opportunity to approve a riverboat casino in Slidell receives final legislative passage after the Senate approved the bill on a 23-14 vote. Jim Shannon has more…

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Jim Shannon.” 

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A bill to allow social media users to sue companies like Twitter and Facebook if their posts are censored for religious or political views is dead for the legislative session. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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A bill that would have banned drivers from handling their cell phones while behind the wheel failed by one vote in the Senate. The House-approved measure needed 20 votes to pass the upper chamber, but it received 19. Bossier City Senator Barrow Peacock says the legislation is too much of an infringement on personal freedoms

Cut 3 (11) “…state law”

Franklin Senator Bret Allain also looks at this bill as the government interfering with a person’s life…

Cut 4 (05) “…applies here”

Covington Senator Patrick McMath spoke in favor of the bill during the Senate debate. McMath says this measure would cut down on distracted driving, which leads to numerous accidents including a recent one involving senator Fred Mills., but Allain was not buying his argument..

Cut 5  (14) “…out there”

Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval has been trying to get this legislation passed for years. His proposal would allow a driver to talk on the phone through Bluetooth or an earpiece, but you can not handle the phone.

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Governor John Bel Edwards and Canadian-based Canfor Corporation announce a new 160 million dollar lumber mill will be built in Beauregard Parish near DeRidder. Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the mill is expected to create 130 new direct jobs with an average salary of nearly 60-thousand dollars and also 386 new indirect jobs…

Cut 6 (9) “…opportunity for us”

Canfor will locate the facility at the Beauregard Regional Airport and start-up is expected to begin late in the third quarter of next year. Pierson says the availability of roads and waterways to supply the product helped Beauregard parish secure the contract…

Cut 7 (9) “…well in advance”

LED says the state also offered a competitive incentive package that included a performance-based grant of one-point-five million dollars.

The sawmill project will process yellow pine from Louisiana forests with the manufacturing capacity to produce a variety of wood products. Pierson says the location will help pulp and paper production companies in the area…

Cut 8 (8) “… these days” 

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A bill to allow social media users in the state to sue platforms like Twitter and Facebook if they are blocked for political or religious speech is dead for this legislative session after the proposal failed to receive a hearing in the House. Republican Monroe Senator Jay Morris is disappointed and believes social media has too much power.

Cut 9 (11) “…my view.”

The bill passed unanimously in the Senate and Morris requested the bill be heard in the House Civil Law Committee and was shocked when it was not placed on the calendar. He then went to the Speaker and the bill was transferred to House Commerce.

Cut 10 (09) “…show up”

Morris says he believes the bill was deliberately kept from being heard and that social media platforms have a chokehold on the flow of information in our country.

Cut 11 (11) “…quorum.”

The session ends on Thursday, so there’s not enough time for the bill to have a hearing which effectively kills the bill.

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LSU took down Oregon in the Eugene Regional and will now battle it out with Tennessee in Knoxville in the Super Regionals. Gavin Dugas (D00-ghas) was named Regional MVP after helping the Tigers win four straight elimination games to advance.

Cut 12 (06) “…this tournament”

As LSU keeps winning, coach Paul Mainieri will remain in the dugout until the season ends. Dugas (Doo-ghas) says Mainieri’s retirement announcement gave the team extra motivation.

Cut 13 (12) “…forward.”

LSU pitcher Landon Marceaux is used to his role as the team’s Friday night starter but he pitched in relief for the Tigers on Monday and recorded the final outs of the game. Marceaux says it was easy knowing his team believed in him.

Cut 14 (05) “…a lot to me”