The author of legislation that would legalize possession and consumption of recreational marijuana says the House will vote on the bill Tuesday. Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson is optimistic it will pass after agreeing to two key amendments…

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Nelson says win or lose, he is calling for a vote and will not delay the bill for a third time. This decision comes as a poll by JMC Analytics of nine Republican Legislative districts shows strong support for legalization even from GOP voters. Publisher John Couvillon says support for legalization ranged from 64 to 84 percent…

Cut 10, 8 seconds, March

The nine districts were spread across south and central Louisiana. Couvillon says he found even evangelicals and older voters backed legalization.

Cut 11 (08) “….are”

The Senate votes to approve legislation allowing college student-athletes to receive paid endorsements and to profit off of their name, image, and likeness without impacting their scholarship status.

Former Louisiana Governor Buddy Roemer has died at the age of 77. The Roemer Revolution of 1988 to 1991 resulted in a number of major legislative achievements including legalized riverboat gaming and campaign finance reform. His former chief of staff Len Sanderson called Roemer a dynamic leader.

Cut 3 (10)  “…electric personality” 

Roemer’s biggest legislative setback came after voters rejected his sweeping tax reform legislation at the ballot box.

One term Louisiana Governor Buddy Roemer has passed away at the age of 77. Roemer was Louisiana’s governor from 1988 to 1991. His former chief of staff Len Sanderson says the leader of the “Roemer Revolution” was a dynamic figure…

Cut 3 (10)  “…electric personality” 

Before becoming Governor Roemer served seven years in the US House of Representatives.

Attorney General Jeff Landry celebrated the US Supreme Court’s decision to not require retrials for prior non-unanimous jury convictions now that the practice has been deemed unconstitutional going forward. Landry argued ordering retrials would threaten the convictions of many violent criminals…

Cut 14 (08) “…rule of law” 

The ruling could have resulted in retrials for 1,500 Louisiana inmates.

The temporary shutdown of the Colonial Pipeline only highlighted the truck driver shortage. Louisiana Motor Transport Association Executive Director Renee Amar says they need tens of thousands of drivers monthly and there’s now legislation to help train potential CDL-licensed drivers. She says the association is also looking at scholarships to entice more drivers to the workforce.

Cut 8 (09) “…those trucks”

The industry lost a lot of drivers during the pandemic who moved on to other jobs.

Streets in parts of southwest Louisiana are covered in water after 10 to 13 inches of rain fell across parts of the region. National Weather Service Meteorologist Donald Jones says A flash flood watch is in effect for southwest Louisiana through Thursday night. The watch box also includes Alexandria, Lafayette, and Morgan City.

Cut 10 (07) “..few days” 

While the rest of the country is racing to file their taxes today, Louisiana is one of three states whose federal tax deadline is June 15^th instead. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (31) “…Brooke Thorington”

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A dispute between Black Caucus members and House Education Chairman Ray Garofalo related to Garofalo’s comments about slavery threatens to tank major tax reform legislation. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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A poll is released ahead of today’s House floor discussion of regulating sports betting that shows most voters support sending all revenue generated by the activity to early childhood education. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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The deadline to file 2020 federal taxes for the country is today however Louisiana residents still have until June 15^th due to the February winter storms. Filing your 2020 taxes presents a few oddities, for example, if you received unemployment, Senior Tax Manager at Hannis T. Bourgeois in Baton Rouge, Brad Tate…

Cut 4 (07)“…tax return.”

Tate says if you did already file your taxes before the law was changed to not tax less than ten thousand of unemployment there’s no need to amend your taxes, the IRS will send your return.

Tate says you also don’t have to claim income on any stimulus check received in 2020, however, if you failed to receive one…

Cut 5 (07)”…do that.”

Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma residents were given an extension until June 15^th to file their federal taxes but due to the way e-filing is set up, Tate says if you need more time to file…

Cut 6 (05) “…file those.”

In the past state, taxes would be due a month after federal taxes in Louisiana however state income taxes are June 15^th also.

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The Legislative Black Caucus says they will block a series of tax reform bills unless House Education Chairman Ray Garofalo is removed for comments he made about slavery in committee.

During a contentious debate about education policy Garofalo said the state should teach “the good, the bad, the ugly” of slavery. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says that outraged Black lawmakers…

Cut 7 (08)  “…apology.”

Garofalo apologized and moments after making the statement said he misspoke, but according to reporting by The Advocate, the apology was insufficient to many Black lawmakers, who were also frustrated about other insensitive comments made by white Republican lawmakers throughout the session.

Pinsonat says revenue-neutral legislation that would lower the state income tax in exchange for removing deductions for federal taxes is the GOP’s priority this year, and it’s now at risk…

Cut 8 (11) “…this.” 

All tax-related bills need two-thirds support for passage in the Legislature.

Pinsonat says normally these kinds of inter-personal disputes are handled in private, but now that the issue is public both sides are digging in…

Cut 9 (06) “… view.”

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A Louisiana Policy Institute for Children survey of 600 voters finds over three-quarters support dedicating revenue from sports betting to early childhood education.

LPIC Executive Director Dr. Libbie Sonnier says there’s an ongoing debate as to where to send revenue from the soon-to-be-available activity. She says most voters agree early childhood is the best option…

Cut 10 (08) “….learn”

63 percent of Republicans and 72 percent of Democrats supported dedicating those funds in statute to early childhood education instead of sending it to the general fund.

Sonnier says it would cost 86 million dollars a year to guarantee early childhood education for all at-risk and underserved Louisiana kids. Sports betting is estimated to generate 10 to 30 million a year…

Cut 11 (08) “….dent.”

Monday the House will take up a bill regulating sports betting. It includes a ten percent tax on gaming at dedicated establishments and 15 percent on online gaming.

There’s widespread legislative support for increasing early childhood funding but resistance to creating yet another dedicated source of revenue. Sonnier says the funds must be dedicated.

Cut 12 (11) “…dedicated”

The concern with dedicating the sports betting funds is that should the state face an economic downtown it would be unable to draw from those funds to make a balanced budget.

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The deadline to apply for the 100^th Louisiana State Police Cadet Class is approaching.  Trooper Monroe Dillon says the historic class will begin in early October, but participants need to apply by May 24^th.

Cut 13 (10) “…this class.”

The 100^th class has been delayed for two years due to COVID and budget restrictions but is now set for the fall.

Dillon says they are seeking qualified candidates to complete the 23-week academy. Cadets will receive training in firearm proficiency, de-escalation techniques, and leadership skills to name a few. Like other professions, Dillon says recruiting has become a challenge for LSP.

Cut 14 (09) “…challenges.”

A common misconception about the cadet class is that it only leads to a career as a police officer. Dillon says the cadet training offers several opportunities in law enforcement for example detective, narcotics, street patrol, and more.

Cut 15 (12)“…anyone’s liking.”

For more information about the class, you can visit the Louisiana State Police’s Recruiting Facebook page. The deadline for applicants is May 24^th and testing begins on the 28^th.

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In a game that LSU needed to win to keep its NCAA Tournament hopes alive, the Fighting Tigers jumped out to a 5-to-nothing lead and went on to beat Alabama 13-5 to win the series over the Crimson Tide, who is also on the bubble to make a Regional. Coach Paul Mainieri is impressed with how his team played

Cut 16 (16) “…all year”

On Senior Day, senior right-hander Ma’Khail Hilliard allowed three runs in five innings and struck out seven to improve his record to 5-0. Hilliard says he entered the game determined to get a win

Cut 17 (17) “…good feeling.”

LSU hit four home runs on the day. Giovanni DiGiacomo hit two home runs, his first two of the season. DiGiacomo says they knew they needed to score runs after losing by one run on Saturday…

Cut  18 (18)”…whole game.”

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Louisiana Tech is champions of the Conference USA West division after beating UTSA 17-7 in seven innings coupled with Florida Atlantic defeating Southern Miss. Bulldogs Coach Lane Burroughs says they found out about the Golden Eagles loss during their game…

Cut 19 (20) “…SEnior Day.” 

Burroughs says it’s quite an accomplishment when you consider a tornado destroyed their stadium over two years ago, leaving them without a place to play or practice…

Cut 20 (20) “…every day” 

Legislation allowing St. Tammany residents to vote on whether a casino should be built on the water in Slidell is approved by the House. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (33) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Governor John Bel Edwards adopts new CDC guidelines for Louisiana that allow those who are fully vaccinated to be indoors and non socially distanced in most situations without needing a mask. This comes as just under a third of all Louisianans have completed their vaccine series.

Gas prices in Louisiana continue to rise as AAA spokesperson Don Redman says the statewide average is 2.72 a gallon for regular gasoline, which is up eight cents in the last week. Redman says there’s enough gasoline to meet the increasing demand for fuel. He says a big issue at the moment is distribution…

Cut 10 (11) “..truck drivers.” 

Baton Rouge high school basketball sensation, LSU legend and WNBA superstar Seimone Augustus has retired at the age of 37. Augustus led LSU to a 121-19 record from 2002 to 2006, including three straight final four appearances. The Lady Tigers also went to the Final Four two straight years after she left.  voice of the Lady Tigers Patrick Wright says Augustus went on to win four WNBA titles….

Cut 13 (09)“…way around”

Louisiana adopts recently passed CDC guidelines saying those who are fully vaccinated don’t have to wear masks indoors. Senator Bill Cassidy says this guidance from the CDC is long overdue as it’s been clear for weeks that these vaccines are incredibly effective at preventing COVID infections.

Cut 3 (11)  “…most Americans” 

The state department of health says approximately 30-percent of Louisianans are fully vaccinated.

Gas prices are up eight cents in Louisiana over the last week sitting at a statewide average of 2.72 a gallon and AAA spokesperson Don Redman says he expects prices to continue to rise all the way up to Memorial Day…

Cut 11 (08) “…June”

An LSU legend has retired from playing basketball. Brooke Thorington looks back at the career of future Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Seimone Augustus

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

The New Orleans Pelicans will wrap up their season tomorrow night against the Lakers. Win or lose it’ll be the third losing season in a row for the team, but the first mostly full season from sophomore star forward Zion Williamson who averaged 27 points a game, ranking among the all-time great sophomore efforts.

Governor John Bel Edwards announces that those who are fully vaccinated now longer need to wear masks indoors in most situations in Louisiana. This comes as the CDC put out matching national recommendations. Senator Bill Cassidy says it’s been clear for weeks that vaccines are highly effective and he’s frustrated it took the agency this long to make the announcement.

Cut 4 (05) “…American people. 

The exceptions include health care facilities, public transit, educational facilities, and correctional settings.

Gas prices continue to creep up as the nation returns to normal. In Louisiana we’re up eight cents over the week to a statewide average of 2.72 a gallon. AAA analyst Don Redman says it’s not due to the recent cyberattack on a major pipeline…

Cut 9 (09) “…pipeline”

Baton Rouge high school basketball sensation, LSU legend and WNBA superstar Seimone Augustus has retired at the age of 37. Augustus received national attention when she was in the sixth grade and the voice of the Lady Tigers Patrick Wright says Augustus became a household name during an All-American career at LSU

Cut 12 (08)   “…of Baton Rouge” 

Augustus played 15 seasons in the W-N-B-A and will now serve as an assistant for the Los Angeles Sparks.

The House approves legislation that would allow St. Tammany voters the chance to vote on whether or not a waterfront casino should be built just outside Slidell. The bill was brought by Slidell Representative Mary DuBuisson who quoted recent survey results indicating local support for the right to vote on the issue.

Cut 6 (10) “…reality”

The bill heads to the Senate.

Over a dozen states have announced they will be withdrawing from the federally enhanced unemployment insurance boost to unemployment benefits in an effort to force residents back to work as the economy begins to reopen.

State lawmakers are taking a slightly different approach here, more carrot than stick with a House committee approving legislation that would offer a 1,000 dollar bonus to beneficiaries who return to work off of unemployment. But there’s a catch, those who accept the bonus would be barred from receiving unemployment benefits for 24 weeks.

Natchitoches Representative Kenny Cox says he’s concerned about that…

Cut 6 (08) “…problem.”

But Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews reluctantly supports it…

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There were other concerns raised by committee members over just how the bonuses would be administered, and whether or not unemployment funds can actually be used or restricted in this way.

A House committee approves legislation that would allow either chamber of the Legislature to fully terminate or modify an emergency declaration by the Governor on a majority vote. Opponents took issue with the fact that only one chamber would have these sweeping powers during an emergency, but bill author Abita Springs Representative Larry Frieman says requiring both chambers would make the bill pointless.

Cut 7 (06) “…anything.”

The House is set to consider legislation that would ban the use of handheld wireless devices while driving. It’s now several years in a row the Legislature has considered this type of bill, but Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval says we now have ample evidence to support passing it.

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Fines would not begin until January 1st 2022 and would begin at 100 dollars for a first offense.