Legislation that creates an oyster shell recycling tax credit to help restaurants statewide participate in Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana’s coastal restoration program passed both the House and Senate unopposed. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Teiko Foxx.”

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It’s anticipated that 20% of physicians will leave the profession in the next two years. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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As the clock runs out on the legislative session, lawmakers work to agree on the $47-billion state budget and how to best use $2-billion in surplus money. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 3 (32)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The House and Senate unanimously passed legislation to create a tax credit for restaurants that recycle oyster shells. The bill was strongly supported by the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana which operates the only large-scale shell recycling program in the state. Advocacy Director Tyler Bosworth believes saying “no” to landfills and “yes” to slowing coastal erosion is a win for the state.

Cut 4 (11)  “…of Louisiana.’”

Restaurants statewide would receive a tax credit of $1 per 50 pounds of oysters and up to $2,000 per restaurant recycled to offset costs associated with recycling. 13 million pounds of shells have been returned back to the water since 2014. Bosworth says the process involves volunteers to help build shell reefs to limit erosion.

Cut 5 (13)   “…coastal erosion.”

The oyster reefs help absorb storm surges during hurricanes and tropical storms. More than two dozen New Orleans restaurants participate in the CRCL Oyster Shell Recycling Program. Bosworth says there were slight revisions to the bill.

Cut 6 (12)  “…program going.”

CRCL has built five reefs with a sixth planned for this fall.  Governor John Bel Edwards is expected to sign.

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One in five physicians plan to leave the practice in the next two years, that’s according to an American Medical Association survey. Interim Dean of the LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine Dr. Richard DiCarlo says for many physicians it’s retirement and more than 60 percent of doctors report burnout.

Cut 7 (08) “…for that.”

Among the reasons it required the use of Electronic Health Records (EHR) DiCarlo says has created more administrative duties for physicians which means less time seeing patients. In addition to COVID and the stress it placed on physicians, DiCarlo says it’s caused a shortage among nurses and other healthcare workers.

Cut 8 (07) “… physician burnout.”

DiCarlo says it’s expected that a large majority of the doctors who will leave are primary care physicians and he fears for those who are dependent on care in underserved and/or rural areas will be impacted the most.

And just how many will leave the profession remains to be seen, DiCarlo says it could be as high as 100,000 or even more in the next decade. He says to address the issue medical schools have increased enrollment and they need more residency programs.

Cut 9 (10)  “…welcome change.”

DiCarlo says mid-level physicians, like nurse practitioners and physician assistants, are capable of providing care for a wider range of patients.

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As the final hours of the State Legislature’s session wind down, House and Senate members reach compromise on the state budget and raising the state-imposed cap of spending to make use of surplus funds. Wednesday, both chambers approved a resolution to lift the expenditure cap. Council for a Better Louisiana (CABL) President Barry Erwin says the agreement helps assure a budget bill will be approved before adjournment at 6 tonight…:

Cut 10 (09) “…I’m optimistic.”

Senate members wanted to spend $500-million in the remainder of this fiscal year, and budget $1.8-billion in spending for the fiscal that starts in July. The compromise agreement allows to $250-million fort the current fiscal year, which ends in three weeks. Erwin says many lawmakers hope to quickly get some of the money down to local governments in those coming weeks…:

Cut 11 (09)  “…win-win either way.”

House members wanted to spend little of the surplus, preferring to pay down state retirement debt instead. Senators want to invest in infrastructure and other projects. Erwin says the agreement gives House members at least a piece of what they wanted…:

Cut 12 (14)    “…both of those sides.” 

The budget deal uses one-time revenue surplus dollars to reduce retirement debt while investing in roads, bridges, ports, and other priority projects. Lawmakers must adjourn by tonight at 6, with a balanced budget bill passed.

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State health officials urge residents to avoid areas with blue-green algae due to the algal bloom observed in Lake Pontchartrain by NCCOS. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says some algae are harmless but certain types are toxic.

Cut 13 (11) “…stay away.”  

Algal bloom is the rapid growth of algae on the surface of the water. Blooms appear blue, bright green, brown, or red and smell like rotting plants. Kanter believes it’s important for everyone to know the signs and take precautions.

Cut 14 (09)  “.or cleaning.”

LDH warns everyone to stay out of affected water, keep pets away, and wash with soap and water after coming in contact with algal blooms. Kanter says if you experience symptoms, seek medical attention.

Cut 15 (11)  “…from there.”

Visit cdc.gov/habs/environment for more information on algal blooms.

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LSU and Kentucky are preparing to meet each other in an All-SEC Super Regional Series that will begin Saturday in Alex Box Stadium. The Tigers lead the SEC in hitting, while the Wildcats have the third best team E-R-A in the league at 4.17. LSU Coach Jay Johnson says Kentucky has a deep pitching staff

Cut  16 (13) “…of games”

Kentucky is making its second Super Regionals appearance in program history. Last year the Wildcats didn’t even make the NCAA Tournament. Johnson says they overhauled their roster in the offseason with help from the transfer portal….

Cut 17 (25) “…to that identity.” 

On offense Kentucky will look to put the ball in play. They don’t hit many homers, they’ll bunt and they’ve stolen an SEC high 91 bases. Johnson is confident his defense can make the plays….

Cut 18 (16) “…with it.”

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A House bill giving police the power to tell you “stay back” while they do their job wins final legislative passage in the state Senate. Among those opposed was Democrat Senator Royce Duplessis, of New Orleans, who says the bill is potentially unconstitutional, because of the question of distance. He says it is also already addressed in state law…:

Cut 5 (08)   “…law enforcement investigation.”

The measure passed by a 29-10 vote. It goes now to Governor John Bel Edwards for his signature…or veto.

Attorney General candidate and Crowley Representative John Stefanski’s bill to increase the penalties for fentanyl possession received final passage and await the governor’s signature. But LSU Law Center criminal law professor Dr. Ken Levy says it’s simply a repeat of the “War on Drugs” from the 80s.

Cut 7 (09) “…mass incarceration.”

For the first offense of possession of 250 grams or more, the penalty is life in prison and at least 35 years without parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

A legislative proposal that supporters say would make it clear in the state constitution that slavery is prohibited in Louisiana fails to get the two-thirds vote needed in the Senate in order for the measure to appear on the October 14th ballot. Gonzales Senator Eddie Lambert voted “no”…

Cut 13 (09) “…constitution.”  

The United States abolished slavery in 1865.

The fifth-seeded LSU Tigers are Super Regional Bound after beating Oregon State 13 to 7 yesterday in Baton Rouge. Catcher Hayden Travinski had three hits including a solo home run in the fifth inning….

Cut  16 (15)  “..number is called”

LSU will play Kentucky in a best-of-three super regional series that will start in Baton Rouge Saturday at 3 PM.

The House and Senate are still negotiating a budget for the next fiscal year. “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says the state House sent the Senate a budget bill that takes a much more frugal approach…:

Cut 11 (12)  “…other side does”

Lawmakers have until Thursday by 6 PM to pass a budget.

Senate unanimously passed two bills to make college admission more affordable for military veterans. HB 485, sponsored by Vacherie Democratic Representative Ken Brass, was approved to create the Louisiana National Guard Patriot Scholarship Program which would cover the cost of mandatory college fees for guard members. The Senate also approved a bill by Natchitoches Representative Kenny Cox that would provide a tuition waiver for disabled veterans.

LSU baseball defeats Oregon State six to five – gaining traction to advance to the Super Regionals. Coach Jay Johnson says Thatcher’s Hurd five-inning, 12-strikeout performance was huge…

Cut 13 (10) “…country tonight.”  

If LSU wins one more game today, they head to the Super Regionals for the first time since 2021. Jobert says today is the most important day of the year….

A bill to increase penalties for the crime of burglary of an inhabited dwelling received final passage Sunday. Legal Analyst Franz Borghardt says it’s a good bill in the sense that it will deter burglaries. If someone enters your home while you are there, even if you are not physically touched it would be considered a crime of violence…

Cut 3 (12) “…of parole.”

Borghardt says while the legislation is meant to deter simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling, it goes against justice reform initiatives.

New research by LSU Health of New Orleans School of Public Health and Medicine shows diet plays a role in women and HPV infection. Professor of Biostatistics Hui-Yi Lin says the study shows 43% of women do not eat any greens and beans, 28% do not eat whole fruits, and these are foods that can help prevent an HPV infection from leading to cervical cancer…

Cut 9 (12)  “…woman health.”

Lin says most HPV infections are asymptotic and resolve within two years, some persist and progress to cervical cancer.

LSU baseball is sliding closer to advancing to the Super Regionals after beating Oregon State six to five. The game was tied at five when Brayden Jobert launched a solo home run to give LSU the lead for good. The Slidell native says it was a great feeling…

Cut 14 (11)  “…a win.”

If LSU wins one more game today, they head to the Super Regionals for the first time since 2021. Jobert says today is the most important day of the year….

With just days left in the legislative session, the House and Senate are working toward a compromise on the revenue-surplus-heavy state budget. Jeff Palermo has more…:

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Legislation that would allow the Attorney General to fine companies who do not comply with a law that requires pornography websites to verify users’ age was unanimously passed by the Senate. Entities that “knowingly failed” to follow the law would face a fine of $5,000 a day and an additional civil penalty of $10,000 per violation.

DWI offenders with a blood alcohol content of .15 or higher will have the option to use a monitoring device in their vehicle to avoid more charges beginning in August. Government Relations for Mothers Against Drunk Driving in Louisiana Mary-Patricia Wray says the new law aligns Louisiana with 46 other states.

Cut 5 (04)   “…30 to 70 percent.”

By revising the law and lowering the BAC it gives DWI defendants the option to use the device to remove the 30 to 45-day waiting period to drive again.

An LSU Health of New Orleans School of Public Health and Medicine study finds that diet and nutrition are linked to HPV infection leading to cervical cancer in women. Professor of Biostatistics Hui-Yi Lin (hugh-yee-lin) says women who consumed less Vitamin A, B2, E, and folate are at higher risk.

Cut 7 (12) “…HPV infection.”

Nearly 41% of women aged 15 to 59 will be diagnosed with an HPV infection. Lin says HPV is common but a healthy diet can help the body respond against cancer.

LSU Tigers endure a three-hour weather delay and a three-run deficit to beat Oregon State six to five on Sunday to move one win away from a Super Regional berth. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (29)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo”

After losing to the Miami Hurricanes in an 8-5 win, the Ragin’ Cajuns baseball team ends its season at 41-24 overall.

Nicholls season ended Saturday with a 34-24 record after Boston College hit five home runs to power past the Colonels 14-6 in the elimination round of the Tuscaloosa NCAA Regional.

A recent Tulane University study explains why black adults in the U.S. have a 59% higher risk of premature death than white adults can be linked to disparities in eight areas of life.  Assistant Professor of Epidemiology Dr. Josh Bundy says it will take policy, research, and a multidisciplinary approach to tackle these issues.

Cut 12 (13)    “…social determinants.” 

Socioeconomic factors account for 50% of the Black-White difference in mortality. However, the other 50% difference was explained by marital status, food security, job quality, and insurance status.

Plaquemines Democrat Rep. Chad Brown says the state’s efforts to preserve alligators have worked too well, and his House Resolution would ask Wildlife and Fisheries to seek ways to limit alligators’ intrusion into human-populated areas. In the House Natural Resources Committee, Brown says gators are becoming much more of a threat…:

Cut 14 (06)  “…too many alligators.”

Brown’s HCR 132 would – as a safety measure – request LDWF, and the Alligator Council, to consider a longer alligator harvest season, with slightly increased limits for hunters…:

Wedding Bells will ring today for Trina Edwards and John Alario. Brooke Thorington has more from former Governor Edwin Edwards’ widow.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

New Orleans District Attorney Jason Williams is considering joining the crowded race for state governor because of numerous attacks by Attorney General and Republican gubernatorial frontrunner Jeff Landry against him and ‘his city’ that he called ‘racist’. Williams would become the second Democrat running against former Secretary of Transportation Shawn Wilson. Governor Edwards said Williams would change the dynamics for the Democrats and hopes Williams will stay out of the race. Williams has not decided if he will run but he has until August 10 the end of the qualifying period.

The widow of former Governor Edwin Edwards, Trina Edwards will tie the knot with former Senate President and Speaker of the House John Alario in New Orleans today. The couple will get married in a private ceremony at the State Supreme Court Building and host a luncheon afterward. The couple will have a blended family and Edwards said Alario’s children have been extremely kind to her.

Cut 5 (07)   “…with them.”

79-year-old Alario popped the question on Edwards’ 44^th birthday.

Hurricane season begins today and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) urges residents to get their hurricane game plan in place. Since Hurricane Ida, FEMA continues to house more than 3,800 families in mobile homes, travel trailers, and other ready-to-occupy housing. Spokesperson Mike Steele says it is important for those residents to stay updated on the weather at all times.

Cut 9 (13)  “…be opened.”

Residents can visit getagameplan.org to prepare.

House Natural Resources Committee advances a resolution asking for more to be done to control the state’s burgeoning alligator population. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (34)  “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

State Fire Marshal deputies have concluded a duplex fire that claimed the life of a disabled Monroe woman last Friday began in the bed where the victim was confined during recovery from surgery. While the exact cause remains undetermined, deputies are unable to rule out the possibility that the victim could have been smoking while doing oxygen therapy.

The White House and U.S. House GOP majority agreement to raise the federal debt ceiling and avoid a government default must be approved by Congress. Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy says to avoid a government default – the deal has to place limits on how quickly the country can incur new debt to reach the new ceiling and it does that…:

Cut 6 (09)  “…spending cuts.”

The House is expected to vote on it today.

A bill to add the National Suicide Prevention Hotline number —  988 — on driver’s licenses and other state IDs advances in House Transportation. One death by suicide occurs every 11 minutes and in 2021 Louisiana had more than 680 suicides. Karen Stubbs with the Office of Behavioral Health with the Louisiana Department of Health oversees 9-8-8.

Cut 15 (12)  “…need it.”

Senate Bill 34 heads to the House floor for final passage.

LSU’s first opponent in the Baton Rouge Regional, Tulane defied the odds to get in the NCAA Tournament. Kace Kieschnick has the story…

Cut 3 (32)  “….Kace Kieschnick.”

Multiple people, pets, and 10 children safely escaped a house fire in Kenner Tuesday evening. Neighbors alerted the homeowner to the fire. The homeowner, Patricia Chaney, said although she doesn’t own a daycare – she has looked after children in the neighborhood for years. The American Red Cross is helping the family find a home. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.