Opponents of a tax swap plan that was passed by the Legislature and will ultimately need to be approved by voters in the fall say the plan has no benefits for middle and lower-income Louisianans and features a number of poison pill, smaller policy additions. Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moller says additions like an automatic trigger that would further cut taxes should the state see a surplus and a hard income tax cap of 4.75 percent are particularly troublesome…

Cut 12 (10) “..finish line”

Supporters say the plan will simplify the state’s tax code.

Saturday and Sunday are free wishing weekend days and anglers won’t need a license to go out and catch fish. Louisiana Department of wildlife and fisheries spokesperson Gabe Giffin says consider this weekend a reminder to renew as well…

Cut 4 (12) “…this month.”

Legislation that results in more state dollars going towards improving roads and bridges was approved by lawmakers in the final hour of the 2021 legislative session. Jeff Palermo has the story…

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Central Pastor Tony Spell is facing charges that could land him in jail for several months after illegally killing an alligator that he claims he found outside his church. Spell posed for a picture on social media with the dead gator, prompting LDWF agents to show up and cite him.

The Louisiana Budget Project recommends voters reject a “tax swap” proposal at the fall ballot box. The amendment would lower income tax rates in exchange for eliminating the ability to deduct federal taxes. Executive Director Jan Moller says this doesn’t do anything for most folks.

Cut  11 (11) “…taxes” 

Supporters of the tax swap say it simplifies the state tax code.

Governor Edwards says he will consider signing legislation that would shift sales tax revenue from vehicle purchases from the general fund to a fund for highway projects starting in 2023, but…

Cut 8 (11) “..crticial investments” 

The Advocate reports retired Oregon State Coach Pat Casey is unlikely to become the next coach at LSU. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says LSU hiring a coach who allowed a sex offender to play on Oregon State’s 2018 national championship team would not be a good look.

Cut 14 (12) “….the energy” 

Higgins says instead of Casey, current Ole Miss coach Mike Bianco could be the pick given his 20 years’ experience in the SEC and his marketability to LSU fans.

It is an ideal weekend to go fishing and it’s also the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ Free Fishing Weekend this Saturday 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.”

The session came to a close Thursday at 6 PM with a mad scramble to cross the finish line.

A last second addition was legislation that could signal Governor Edwards’ willingness to end federally enhanced unemployment benefits early. Under the bill by Plaquemines Democratic Representative Chad Brown state benefits would go up 28 dollars a week next year if the Governor agrees to stop accepting federally boosted unemployment by July 31^st. Brown says while he understands some sectors of the economy have not bounced back yet…

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And the final piece of the sports gambling puzzle was approved Thursday as lawmakers agreed to rules and regulations that would allow residents of the 55 parishes that approved sports betting to place bets from sportsbooks, select kiosk locations, and on the go or at home through phone via an app or website. Crowley Representative John Stefanski…

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Edwards is expected to sign legislation headed to his desk that would mandate kindergarten attendance for all children who turn five on or before September 30^th starting in Fall of 2022. Senate Education Chairman Cleo Fields says his bill doesn’t force you to send your kid to school…

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Fields bill has long been supported by Edwards, who closed out the session with a speech from the Capitol. He in particular 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…

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It’s unknown whether there will be a veto override session to overturn Edwards’ expected vetoes of controversial legislation involving transgender athletes and the concealed carry of handguns.

It’s the final day of the session and lawmakers ended with a flurry including giving final passage to legislation that, if approved, would execute a complex “tax swap” for personal and business income taxes. Pelican Institute CEO Daniel Erspamer says the bill eliminates the ability to deduct federal taxes in exchange for lowering your state income taxes.

Cut 7 (10) “…country”

Voters will have to approve the personal income tax measure in fall.

Lawmakers send Governor Edwards a bill that mandates children who turn five on or before September 30^th attend Kindergarten starting in fall of 2022.  Senate Education Chairman Cleo Fields says his bill helps ensure all children have a strong educational foundation…

Cut 3 (12) “…at five.”

Governor Edwards has supported the bill since the beginning of the session.

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 credits the public’s assistance for the arrests of 19-year-old David Williams and a 15-year-old suspect…

Cut  11 (12) “…always do” 

A source tells Louisiana Radio Network the alleged shooters are half-brothers. 

Live music returns to the historic Preservation Hall in New Orleans tonight for a 60th-anniversary celebration after being closed since last March. Preservation Hall Creative Director Ben Jaffe says they believe it is now safe to open and for the music to return…

Cut 14 (07) “….recovery.” 

The intimate venue will hold three shows nightly Thursdays through Sunday, with limited capacity.

Legislation mandating that children who turn five on or before September 30th must attend kindergarten whether through homeschooling or at school receives final legislative passage. The bill faced a stiff fight from opponents who say this infringes on parental rights 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, and the session is set to end at 6 PM today.

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”

As the Legislative Session comes to a close one good-government group is celebrating what they say was a productive two months at the state capitol. Jeff Palermo has the story…

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The Louisiana Senate has given final legislative approval to a bill that will decriminalize possession of 14 grams or less of marijuana. The proposal needed 20 votes to pass and that’s exactly how many it got as Senate President Page Cortez read the vote tally…

Cut 6 (10) “…the table”

The proposal heads to the governor’s desk. If signed into law, a person caught with a small amount of pot would not face jail time.

State Troopers are searching for the culprit in a hit and run which resulted in the death of a two-year-old girl. Witnesses say the suspect was driving a light-colored van or SUV that received damage during the incident

Anyone with information is urged to contact Louisiana State Police Troop L or online anonymously at la-safe.org by clicking the suspicious activity link. Trooper Will Huggins says Tangipahoa crime stoppers are also seeking tips..

Cut 5 (09) “…one thousand dollars,

The LSU Ag Center is participating in a trial to show the effectiveness of a new form of insect repellant, Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”