The Legislature approves a constitutional amendment that would allow voters on the 2020 Presidential ballot to decide if the state does not protect the right to an abortion. The amendment would not protect that right in cases of rape or incest. Which prochoice advocates strongly opposed.

But Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell  says it’s necessary to prevent a rogue judge from protecting the right to an abortion in Louisiana.

Cut 4 (11) “…any direction”

The law would not take effect unless Roe vs. Wade is overturned.

Strong storms moving through south Louisiana have a number of roads closed in the Acadian area due to flooding. State climatologist Barry Keim warns motorist to be extra careful on the roads today.

Cut 15 (09) “…decisions out there.”

The 2019 legislative session must adjourn by 6pm tonight and a political analyst says there’s already a clear winner after two months of work…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

Medical Marijuana patients in Louisiana are now allowed to inhale cannabis after a final passage of a house bill Wednesday night. Currently medical marijuana is only available for patients in medicinal oils, pills, liquids and topical applications. The bill sponsored by Baton Rouge Democrat Ted James.  The bill now heads to the Governor office for his signature.

The unsettled weather pattern continues across the state today with widespread coverage of thunderstorms, especially across the southern portions of the state.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says a storm system over the Gulf is a contributing factor to the current conditions.

Cut 13 (11) “…some severe weather.”

The wet weather is expected to continue through Sunday, with possibly a brief break on Saturday.

Today is the final day of the 2019 legislative session. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says between a funding increase and a pay raise, K-12 education and teachers are clear winners this year, along with those who backed them.

Cut 7 (11) “…that one.”

K-12 education secured a total of 140 million in additional funding this year between the raises and funding increases.

Voters will get to decide whether or not the state protects the right to abortion on the 2020 ballot, but the amendment does not provide exceptions for rape or incest, which promoted a heated Senate floor argument…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Voters will get to decide whether or not the state protects the right to abortion on the 2020 ballot, but the amendment does not provide exceptions for rape or incest, which promoted a heated Senate floor argument…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The 2019 legisaltive session must adjourn by 6pm and a political analyst says there’s already a clear winner after two months of work…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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Former Governor Kathleen Blanco is to be inducted into the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame this October alongside Reggie Bush and Marques Colston.  Kevin Barnhart has the story

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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The Legislature approves a constitutional amendment that would allow voters on the 2020 Presidential ballot to decide if the state does not protect the right to an abortion. The amendment would not protect that right in cases of rape or incest.

Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says it’s necessary to prevent a rogue judge from protecting the right to an abortion in Louisiana.

Cut 4 (11) “…any direction”

The law would not take effect unless Roe vs. Wade is overturned.

But New Orleans Senator and chairwoman of the state Democratic Party, Karen Carter Peterson says the legislation demeans women and empowers rapists by not including expectations for rape or incest.

Cut 5 (11) “…and inhumane.”

Mizell and Peterson had a tense argument about rape and incest exceptions while sharing a mic on the Senate floor. Peterson says the law isn’t just without those exceptions, but Mizell says that’s only a fraction of abortion cases…

Cut 6 (07) “…of convenience.”

This comes on the heel of a fetal heartbeat abortion ban that was signed into law by Governor Edwards.

________________________________________

Today is the final day of the 2019 legislative session. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says between a funding increase and a pay raise, K-12 education and teachers are clear winners this year, along with those who backed them.

Cut 7 (11) “…that one.”

K-12 education secured a total of 140 million in additional funding this year between the raises and funding increases.

Labor issues once again found little support again, despite backing from Governor Edwards, who made working-class wage issues a core part of his election pitch four years ago.

Cut 8 (09) “…failed again”

Edwards pushed for a minimum wage increase from the current 7.25 an hour to nine dollars an hour.

While most issues have been settled, it remains up in the air as to whether or not Governor Edwards will sign a 700-million-dollar road project bill that uses BP oil spill settlement money. Pinsonat says politically it’s a double-edged sword.

Cut 9 (11) “…Louisiana.”

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The Saints Hall of Fame Class of 2019 was announced today with Reggie Bush, Marques Colston, and former Governor Kathleen Blanco receiving the distinction at a ceremony this October. Blanco, who is currently battling cancer, was on hand for the announcement and describes the induction as a huge honor.

Cut 10 (11) “…here in October (applause).”

Blanco will receive the Fleur de Lis award for her vast contributions to the organization. Blanco was instrumental in getting the Saints back to New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina by pushing for repairs to the storm damages suffered by the Superdome.

Cut 11 (10) “…going to dispair.”

Blanco recalled fond memories of the Saints first game back in the Superdome and says she was happy to help in contributing in getting the team to return to their home turf.

Cut 12 (09) “thank you Gayle (applause).”

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The unsettled weather pattern continues across the state today with widespread coverage of thunderstorms, especially across the southern portions of the state.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says a storm system over the Gulf is a contributing factor to the current conditions.

Cut 13 (11) “…some severe weather.”

Keim says the Storm Prediction Center has Louisiana in the marginal category for tornados, hail, and high winds with this system today and tomorrow.

Cut 14 (08) “…daunting sounding term.”

Keim says many parts of the state face the slight to moderate risk for flash flood, so be careful on the roads.

Cut 15 (09) “…decisions out there.”

The wet weather is expected to continue through Sunday, with possibly a brief break on Saturday.

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Reggie Bush and Marques Colston will be inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame in October. Both players helped the team win the franchise’s only Super Bowl in 2009. Bush was a dynamic playmaker as a running back and returner, while Colston was a dependable receiver that finished his career as the franchise leader in catches, receiving yards and total touchdowns. Colston on the legacy he tried to leave….

Cut 16  (25) “…great players”  

Bush’s best game in a Saints uniform may have been in the Divisional playoff victory over the Cardinals during the Super Bowl season. Bush had two touchdowns, including an 83-yard punt return. When the team took the field before the game, Bush brought a bat onto the field to signify the team was bringing the wood…

cut 17 (28) “..that game” 

Both Bush and Colston were drafted in 2006, a draft class that was instrumental in the Saints winning the Super Bowl in 2006. Bush was the second overall pick, while Coslston was taken in the seventh round. Colston says that speaks volumes on how this organiziation evaulates players…

The legislative session ends on Thursday at 6 PM and it seems unlikely a bill to bring legalized sports betting to the state’s casinos will pass. Metairie Senator Danny Martiny blames House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry for leading the effort to kill his sports betting bill. Henry says 14 members in his committee voted against the bill…

Cut 6 (12) “…you lose”

An LSU poll conducted earlier this year found that 59-percent of Louisiana residents support legalized sports betting. Gretna Representative Joe Marino says the legislature should give the public a chance to legalize sports betting

Cut 8 (06) “…not listening.”

Lawmakers still need to approve a budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1^st, and The fantasy sports tax and regulation bills also need to pass for residents to participate in online fantasy sports contests.

The Legislature approves a constitutional amendment that will allow voters in the 2020 fall presidential election to state whether or not the state does not protect abortion rights. The amendment does not include exceptions for rape or incest, which prompted New Orleans Senator and chairwoman of the state Democratic Party, Karen Carter Peterson to say the amendment empowers rapists…

21

Winnfield Senator Gerald Long rose in opposition to Peterson, saying…

22

The law would not take effect unless the Supreme Court overturns Roe Vs. Wade, and comes on the heels of Governor Edwards’ signing of a fetal heartbeat abortion ban.

Patients with a prescription will soon have access to inhalable medical marijuana once the governor signs a bill that’s headed to his desk. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The Saint Hall of Fame Class of 2019 was announced today with Reggie Bush, Marcus Colston, and former Governor Kathleen Blanco receiving the distinction at a ceremony this October.  Blanco was instrumental in getting the Saints back to New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina by pushing for repairs to the storm damages of the Superdome.  Blanco, who is currently battling cancer, was on hand for the announcement and describes the induction as a huge honor.

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness  encourages Louisiana residents to prepare for heavy rainfall.  National Weather Service Lake Charles forecaster Stephen Carboni says southwest Louisiana will get the worst of it today.

Cut 3 (08) “…ten inches plus.”

The state is already dealing with high river levels and the rain will add to the flooding risks.

A Taco Bell in Slidell ran out of both soft and crunchy taco shells on Monday.  One patron felt the snafu was an egregious violation and warranted a call to Slidell Police.  Slidell Police spokesperson Daniel Seuzaneau says initially the department thought it was a joke.Authorities have posted their account of the story on social media, which has since gone viral with over 2,000 shares.  Seuzaneau says others have chimed in on Taco Bell’s inventory woes.

Cut 13 (08) “…on social media.” 

Slidell Police gain social media fame after a Taco Bell runs out of both soft and crunchy taco shells. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut 2 (30) I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

Bossier’s Financial Crimes Task Force nabs 47-year-old Pamela Chandler on two counts of forgery related to a fraudulent trust fund she claimed to have when dealing with a realtor who was in the process of selling Mrs. Chandler a million dollar home.

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness  encourages Louisiana residents to prepare for heavy rainfall. National Weather Service Lake Charles forecaster Stephen Carboni says the rain is the result of an area of disturbed weather over the southwest portions of the Gulf that at one time was monitored by the National Hurricane Center for possible tropical development.

Cut 4 (11) “….another storm system.” 

Legislation allowing those with a medical marijuana prescription access to an inhalable form of the treatment is headed to the governor’s desk. The legislation had trouble getting Senate approval, but Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says constituents were able to change legislator’s minds…

Cut 10 (08) “…minds.”

Flash flood watches are in effect for most of central and southwest Louisiana through Thursday evening as a rain trough is forming off the coast. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Senator John Kennedy brings legislation allowing small news media outlets to band together to bargain for better profit sharing from social media giants like Facebook and Google.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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For a second year in a row, a bill from Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval to ban handheld cellphone use behind the wheel fails to make it to the Governor’s desk. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A flash flood watch is in effect for southwest Louisiana, central Louisiana, and Acadiana as the state is expected to see steady rains over the next several days

State Climatologist Barry Keim says a trough a formed along the coast, and is expected to bring rains across the entire state.

Cut 4 (09) “…next week”

The flash flood watch is in effect through Thursday evening.

Keim says after two weeks of some incredibly dry weather, our fortunes are expected to change starting today.

Cut 5 (11) “…two weeks.”

A tropical disturbance is working it’s way up the Mexican Gulf Coast , and there’s a 40 percent chance the disturbance could develop into Tropical Storm Barry.

If you’re worried the deluge could exacerbate the ongoing flood risk on the Mississippi River, Keim says don’t worry about it, because the water we’re about to get won’t be getting into that waterway.

Cut 6 (07) “…small.”

Keim adds the water putting south Louisiana levees at risk is flowing in from the north.

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Colorado State University hurricane researchers are predicting a near-average Atlantic hurricane season in 2019, which is only a slight increase from the initial forecast issued in early April. The research team calls for 13 named storms this season. Researcher Jhordanne Jones says conditions in the Pacific could impact the Atlantic season.

Cut 7 (12) “…favor hurricane development.”

Jones says what causes the season to be average is the uncertainty of the Pacific to continue to warm up.

Cut 8 (08) “…more hurricane activity.”

The current probability of one major hurricane impacting the Gulf Coast is at 30% for this season, but Jones says it is still important to always be ready for a land falling storm.

Cut 9 (08) “…a lot of damage.”

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Senator John Kennedy says he’s got legislation that would address the raw deals smaller news media outlets are getting from social media giants who use their content. Kennedy wants to empower small media outlets by temporarily suspending antitrust laws for them.

He says this would allow them to collectively negotiate for more profit sharing from companies that use their content.

cut 10 (11) “…better deal on profit share”

Democratic presidential candidate Amy Klobuchar is co-sponsoring the legislation.

The Republican Junior Senator says Facebook and Google are so big they’ve basically become countries and are increasingly difficult to negotiate with for small companies. He says this has created an environment where media outlets are not getting rewarded for their hard work.

Cut 11 (12) “…advertising”

Kennedy says this bill isn’t about demonizing successful American companies, but about promoting a more competitive negotiating situation between social media, and the people who create content for it.

Cut 12 (11) “not bad.”

Several Democratic presidential candidates have called for using anti-trust laws to “break up” social media giants.

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Legislation to ban the handheld use of cellphones while behind the wheel is dead for the session.  This is the second year Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval has pursued the measure.  Huval says the bill has built momentum, but met it’s fate when Senator Regina Barrow changed her vote in committee, now moving to defer the bill, which had no objection.

Cut 13 (09) “…the bill favorably.”

In the time since the bill failed, Huval has filed a House resolution to conduct a study on safe driving while using a cell phone.

Cut 14 (10) “…of our state.”

Huval says he will continue with the efforts to mirror a law in Georgia that has been in place since July 2018.

Cut 15 (08) “…have been saved.”
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The LSU-Florida State Super Regional Series will begin Saturday at Alex Box Stadium. The Seminoles are much like the Tigers, they had high expectations prior to the season, but struggled during the year and they’ve gotten hot at the right time. The voice of Florida State baseball team Eric Luallen says the Noles are led by slugging third baseman Drew Mendoza, who has hit 16 home runs…

Cut 16  (16) “…for the team”  

The team is also playing for its legendary coach Mike Martin, who has won over two-thousand games, but is still searching for that elusive national title and he’ll retire when this season comes to an end. Luallen says Martin’s final season has been a theme all year

cut 17 (21) “…focus is now.” 

Florida State’s ace of the staff is ten-game winner CJ Van Eyk. They also have a southpaw that starts. Drew Parrish is 8-and-5 with an ERA of 5.07. But he’s struck out 112 in 81.2 innings pitched. Luallen says the home run ball has been an issue for Parrish…

Legislation to ban the handheld use of cellphones while behind the wheel is dead for the session.  This is the second year Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval has pursued the measure.  Huval says the bill has built momentum, but met it’s fate when Senator Regina Barrow changed her vote, now moving to defer the bill, which had no objection.

Cut 13 (09) “…the bill favorably.”

Huval says he will continue with the efforts next year.

An attempt to pull a bill out of House Appropriations that would have paved the way for sports betting legalization failed in the House on a 41 to 48 vote, but it’s not the end of the line for the increasingly controversial topic. The House will take up a vote on a combined fantasy sports/sports betting bill Wednesday. If that legislation fails to get the votes, it will head into a conference committee with a looming 6pm Thursday deadline for the session approaching.

Final legislative approval came on Monday for a measure to give a pay raise of $1000 to teachers, $500 to school support workers, and $39 million in block grant funding for school districts. President of the Louisiana Association of Educators Debbie Meaux says while it is a modest amount, teachers are ecstatic that lawmakers recognize the importance of the raise.

Cut 6 (10) “…southern regional average.”

The legislative instrument results in a $140 million increase to annual school spending.

A bill that would direct 700 million dollars in BP oil spill settlement money to road projects gains final passage. Houma Representative Tanner Magee says the money will find it’s way to every corner of the state, and target projects with the greatest economic impacts.

Cut 9 (11) “….New Orleans”

Lawmakers gave final legislative approval today to a bill that redirects 700-million  dollars in BP oil settlement money  for road improvement projects around the state.

cut 2 (29) I’m Matt Doyle”  

Final legislative approval came on Monday for a measure to give a pay raise of $1000 to teachers, $500 to school support workers, and $39 million in block grant funding for school districts. President of the Louisiana Association of Educators Debbie Meaux believes more money will come in time.

Cut 8 (08) “…find that money.”

The pay raises plus additional funding will cost the state an extra 140 million dollars a year. The raise is the first for Louisiana teachers in ten years, but it does not bring their salary up to the Southern Regional Average

President Donald Trump approves the state’s request for federal assistance to help rebuild public property and infrastructure from the EF-3 tornado that hit Ruston in April. Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker says over five-hundred structures were damaged in Ruston and about one-hundred of them were totaled. He says the other issue they are dealing with his fraudulent contractors…

Cut 5 (12) “…or what.”

Walker says most of their expenses are from repairing the city’s electrical grid and fiber system, plus debris removal.

25-year-old Christopher O’Neal Houston Jr. of Campti remains in police custody without bond, accused of strangling death of his wife 22-year-old Elonzeya Teal-Houston, who was five months pregnant.  Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Captain Tony Moran says the murder has impacted the investigators as well as the community.

Cut 13 (05) “…murder occurred yesterday.” 

A bill that would direct 700 million dollars in BP oil spill settlement money to road projects gains final passage. Houma Representative Tanner Magee says the money will find it’s way to every corner of the state, and target projects with the greatest economic impacts.

Cut 9 (11) “….New Orleans”

Magee says when federal matching dollars are accounted for, the total investment could top a billion dollars.

Final legislative approval came on Monday for a measure to give a pay raise of $1000 to teachers, $500 to school support workers, and $39 million in block grant funding for school districts. President of the Louisiana Association of Educators Debbie Meaux applauds lawmakers on greenlighting the funding for school districts to help with resources in the classroom.

Cut 7 (10) “…to our children.”

The federal government agrees to pay 75-percent of the rebuilding costs incurred by local governments from the April 25th tornado that killed two people in Ruston. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A tropical disturbance is working it’s way up the Mexican Gulf Coast and is expected to bring extended rains to the state over the next week. There’s a 40 percent chance the disturbance could develop into Tropical Storm Barry, and forecasters say it should not effect the ongoing flood risk on the Mississippi River.