The Louisiana Association of Business & Industry says they’re mostly happy with what the legislature has sent to the Governor’s desk this year. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Food banks are also feeling the pinch with record inflation and gas prices. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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New details in the triple homicide that took the lives of three Bastrop teens. David Grubb has the story…

Cut 3 (39) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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The state’s largest business lobby says lawmakers passed some very good bills for the state’s business environment. Louisiana Association of Business & Industry (LABI) CEO Stephen Waguespack says they’re happy with two bills passed to establish Education Savings Accounts for students will special needs and kids who’re struggling with reading skills. Waguespack says our state ranks 48^th in education and less than half of our students can read at grade level, and a solution is the ESA’s…:

Cut 4 (13)  “…or other services.”

Waguespack says he hopes the Governor will sign those bills.

Other bills passed will promote better literacy outcomes for K-12 students. Waguespack is also happy the legislature made good use of billions in federal dollars to address road and bridge needs. He says there is always a temptation for lawmakers to use big windfalls of one-time money on recurring expenditures…:

Cut 5 (09) “…unemployment trust funds.”

LABI applauds investments in workforce development, bills to create more transparency and modernization of the state’s courts and judicial system. Waguespack says LABI regrets that one bill they deemed critical FAILED passage…:

Cut 6 (11)  “…failed at the ballot.”

Waguespack says centralized sales tax collection agencies are the norm nationwide, and it’s the only system that is fair to small businesses.

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As the country continues to face record inflation, food banks continue to meet unprecedented demand. Natasha Curley with Second Harvest in Louisiana says demand has been nonstop since COVID. With three devastating hurricanes and now the economy, demand has only increased.

Cut 7 (07) “…also helps.”

In addition to national partners, Curley says there are many individuals who continue to donate and they are extremely grateful for their assistance.

Curley says in the summer months there’s an added stress for food banks as kids who normally receive free, or reduced-cost meals are no longer in school,

Cut 8 (08)  “…more kids.”

And while gas prices continue to rise, Curley says it’s only added another strain for non-profits.

Cut 9 (08)  “…transportations”

If you need food assistance, you can call 2-1-1 to direct you to the closest food bank.

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More details are now available regarding the triple homicide in Bastrop that took the lives of three teens on Wednesday night. After receiving multiple 9-1-1 calls about shots fired, Morehouse Parish Sheriff’s deputies mobilized. Chief Deputy Jeremy Mardis says a retired reserve deputy was the first to reach the scene.

Cut 10 (12) “…laying in the street.”

Two victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while the third died from his injuries at Morehouse General Hospital. Authorities were able to locate a fourth victim who escaped unharmed. Mardis says that the young man laid out the horrible sequence of events for law enforcement…

Cut  11 (11)  “…ambush style.” 

Based on witness statements and surveillance video from the area, sheriffs identified 18-year-old Errigan Rainwater and Jaquarius Givens as suspects. Under questioning, both admitted to firing the fatal shots into the victims. A third suspect, 38-year-old John Rabun, was also arrested. Mardis says the Bastrop community has been rocked by the tragedy.

Cut 12 (10) “…shock and outrage.” 

Rainwater and Givens have been charged with three counts of First Degree Murder and Attempted First Degree Murder. Rabun was charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly removing shell casings from the crime scene.

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Governor John Bel Edwards issued a statement in response to the federal civil investigation of the Louisiana State Police. Edwards says he along with LSP Superintendent Col Lamar Davis will cooperate fully with the investigation. Kristen Clarke, US Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division says they are grateful for their cooperation.

Cut 13 (12) “…expeditiously.”

US Attorney General Ronald Gathe for the Middle District of Louisiana says the federal civil investigation is imperative to restore public confidence in law enforcement.

Cut 14 (08)  “…and police.”

Clarke says they will perform ride-alongs with officers as part of the investigation and they are also seeking input from the public concerning civil rights violations. She says cooperation from LSP leaders will assist in their thorough investigation.

Cut 15 (06)  “…timely manner.”

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Opelousas native and LSU standout Devery Henderson was announced as one of three members of the 2022 class to be inducted into the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame. Henderson played eight seasons in New Orleans, leading the NFL in yards per reception in 2006 and 2008. His best season came as a member of the 2009 Super Bowl champions when he caught 50 passes for 804 yards.

Cut 16 (18)  “…it all worked out.”

Joining Henderson is former special teams ace “Fast Freddie” McAfee. Drafted in 1991, McAfee spent 10 of his 16 NFL seasons wearing the Black and Gold, earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2002. Today, McAfee serves as the team’s VP of Player Engagement.

Cut 17 (19) “ …I thank you.” 

Longtime assistant trainer Kevin Mangum will be inducted as well. He received the Joe Gemelli Award for his outstanding contributions to the team. The induction ceremony will take place this October.

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The Saints were back on the practice field today as they prepare to wrap up their third and final set of OTAs tomorrow. One player who has not been practicing is wideout Michael Thomas, who was last seen sprinting at the team’s facility on social media Wednesday. Thomas will likely miss minicamp as well as he recovers from ankle surgery. Coach Dennis Allen gave an update on his progress…

Cut 18 (19) “ …process play out.” 

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It was a return to form in Lafayette as the Ragin’ Cajuns made it back to the NCAA baseball tournament for the first time since 2016 this season. UL had been an annual participant for two decades before this extended absence. Coach Matt Deggs says that the foundation has been laid to bring back the glory days.

Cut 19 (17) _“…a championship program.” 

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A bill awaiting Governor Edwards’ signature will allow truckers to begin pulling tandem trailers again on Louisiana roadways. Kevin Gallagher has more on that…:

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Another COVID vaccine could be available soon in the US if the FDA decides to follow the advice of its advisory panel. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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A proposed option for the foreign language requirement for TOPS could mean a new career pathway for students. David Grubb has more…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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Big rigs pulling tandem trailers will be seen again on Louisiana roadways. Norco state Senator Gary smith says his bill is now awaiting the governor’s signature. Smith says the bill creates a new tandem load permit; allowing trucks to haul two 20-foot trailers. He says it addresses a statewide shortage of truck drivers and wear & tear on the highways…:

Cut 4 (11)  “…weight per axle.”

Smith says under his bill, DOTD will issue the permits, which will only be allowed for travel on designated highways. Interstates do not apply, because they are federally regulated. He says the bill actually has a “sunset” of four years; meaning it has to be revisited down the road…:

Cut 5 (13) “…the trucking out there.”

Smith says, under the bill, such tandem loads would still have to be under the state’s 37-thousand-pounds-per-axle limit. He says it’s hoped this can help with supply chain issues plaguing the state…:

Cut 6 (12)  “…it needs to go.”

Under state law, log trucks only are allowed a higher weight limit; 40-thousand-pounds-per-axle.

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The FDA advisory committee is recommending that the FDA give full approval to another COVID vaccine. LSU Health New Orleans Chair of Genetics Doctor Lucio Miele says the Novavax offering is similar to the more traditional vaccines we are used to, like flu and hepatitis.

Cut 7 (12) “…for decades.”

Miele says while the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines use RNA extractions so your own body will make the protein, the Novavax vaccine consists of two shots that deliver a small amount of the COVID spike protein so your immune system will respond and build antibodies.

Cut 8 (07)  “…and purified.”

Miele says it’s best to have as many different vaccines as possible that use different technologies to combat a virus that he says is here to stay.

Cut 9 (10)  “…by it.”

At this time FDA is considering two adult doses of the Novavax COVID vaccine. Studies show Novavax is 90% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID.

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Monday the legislature approved a bill that will allow students seeking TOPS eligibility to substitute computer coding for foreign language credits. SB 191 was sponsored by Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt, who says it gives students who struggle with learning languages and those looking to develop workforce skills more options and follows successful models from across the nation.

Cut 10 (07) “…a language.”

Hewitt says the need for computer coding skills is there as it represents the single biggest workforce gap in the state. She says unless Louisiana starts making some aggressive changes, it might be impossible to develop enough qualified candidates to meet demand.

Cut  11 (12)  “…next five years.” 

Some lawmakers contend that with the state’s French heritage and the increase in Spanish speakers foreign languages are essential. Hewitt says she doesn’t disagree, she just wants to provide another option for students that could better serve their academic needs and give them a marketable skill at the same time.

Cut 12 (10) “…option for them.” 

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The latest report from trustees of the Social Security Trust Fund says the program will be insolvent by the year 2034. Senator Bill Cassidy says that means in 12 years there will not be enough money to pay the full benefits promised to seniors and those who will be on retirement then.

Cut 13 (05) “…cliff.”

Cassidy says this is an issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible and current laws regarding social security would greatly reduce monthly benefits for those collecting benefits.

Cut 14 (10)  “…an option.”

Cassidy says he has spoken with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen about the concern and says she told him the current administration does not have a plan to address the issue, but they are willing to meet with Congress to devise a plan. Cassidy says he and fellow Republicans will attempt to do so.

Cut 15 (08)  “…us all.”

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There are plenty of unsettled questions about the 2022 LSU football team, but one player on the roster seems like a sure thing. Kayshon Boutte is expected to be THE next great LSU wide receiver and is already projected as a top 10 pick in next year’s NFL Draft. In 16 career games, Boutte has 83 catches for 1244 yards and 14 touchdowns but is coming off of two ankle surgeries and returns to a new coaching staff and offensive scheme. In a conversation with Tiger Rag Radio, Boutte said he’s excited about how Brian Kelly plans to utilize his skills.

Cut 16 (12)  “…amount of ways.”

Boutte wasn’t a participant in spring football due to his recovery from multiple ankle surgeries, but he kept himself involved mentally. He says he’s not certain who will be the Tigers’ quarterback this fall but was very impressed by the development of Garrett Nussmeier, who drew plenty of praise this spring.

Cut 17 (18) “ …he can do.” 

LSU Baseball finished 40-22 this season,  17-13 in the SEC. The Tigers’ regular season and conference wins reached their highest totals since 2019. LSU great and college baseball broadcaster Ben McDonald gave his assessment of year one of the Jay Johnson era.

Cut 18 (20) “ …and then some.” 

McDonald says that Johnson changed the culture of LSU baseball this season, and the future for the Tigers looks very, very bright.

Cut 19 (19) _“…transfer portal.” 

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