It’s been a quiet governor’s race so far, but a political analyst says expect that to change very shortly…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Small business optimism is up, but the National Federation of Independent Business calls for a change in the governor’s mansion. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut 2 (28) I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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With the legislative session in the books, the state’s political focus shifts to the governor’s race and the October 12^th primary.  It’s been a quiet race so far, with little ad spending from Governor Edwards and his two Republican opponents, but political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says expect that to change, and soon…

Cut 3 (12) “…August.”

The governor’s race four years ago was a bloodbath that featured a slate of Republicans who tore into former Senator David Vitter, over his personal life. Pinsonat says this year the candidates don’t have the same vulnerabilities on the personal front so…

Cut 4 (10) “…philosophy”

Governor Edwards is challenged by Congressman Ralph Abraham and Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone.

Only one Republican will make it through to a potential November 16^th run-off against the governor. As the clock ticks down and a GOP frontrunner emerges, there’s a chance the odd Republican out could start getting feisty.

Cut 5 (12) “…attacking.”

A run-off would be necessary if none of the three candidates earn more than 50 percent of the vote.

________________________________________________

Small business optimism is up according to the National Federation of Independent Business.   NFIB State Director Dawn Starns says business owners in Louisiana are feeling better now that the 2019 legislative session is in the rearview mirror.

Cut 6 (07) “…any damage anymore.”

Starns says in addition to the wrap up of the legislative session, the new tax code on the national level is contributing to the rise.

Cut 7 (10) “…into their business.”

Starns says that with the growth in optimism, comes bigger hiring numbers as well as pay increases for those on the payroll of small businesses.

Cut 8 (10) “…of our state.”

____________________

Governor Edwards signed legislation today that will bring ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft statewide. Uber spokesperson Evangeline George says this law will help increase tourism throughout the state as there are visitors who are interested in seeing more than just the big city sights.

Cut 9 (07) “…Louisiana.”

Previously, ridesharing services only operated in the state’s major cities and not present in many rural and suburban communities, or Alexandria. George says they had success expanding into rural areas once similar legislation passed in other states.

Cut 10 (10) “…button.”

But the service will not be immediately ready in communities that were not already receiving the service. George says there are a few steps left to be completed.

Cut 11 (08) “…the law”
__________________________ –

A Houma man is dead after State Police say he wrecked his car into a tree following another crash where he fled the scene. Trooper Jared Sandifer says 44-year-old Ricky Giroir Jr. was driving a Dodge Durango southbound on Highway 315 in Terrebonne when the initial crash happened.

Cut 12 (10)   “…that fatal crash.”

Sandifer says investigators are uncertain why Girior fled from the initial crash, adding the investigation continues.

Cut 13 (08) “…sample was taken.” 

Sandifer says Girior’s death is a reminder to motorists that it is never a good idea to leave the scene of an accident.

Cut 14 (07) “…even more serious.” 

Memory and witness identification experts will now be allowed to testify in criminal trials in Louisiana. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________

Legislation headed to Governor’s desk from Lafayette Representative Nancy Landry revises current anti-hazing laws for colleges.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut 2 (31) I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

____________________________________________

A cold front will bring the Bayou State cooler temperatures and lower humidity for the next few days. Davyon Hill with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says it’s rare to see a cold front in Louisiana in June

Cut 3 (12) “…exceptions.”

Hill says the cold front will drop high temperatures into the 80s tomorrow and the morning lows through Friday will be cool. He says you’ll feel the difference when you walk outside…

Cut 4 (11) “…north Louisiana”

Hill says the heat and humidity will return Friday afternoon, so get outside the next few days and enjoy this brief return to spring like weather…

Cut 5 (12) “…several days.”

________________________________________________

Governor Edwards signs legislation allowing eyewitness identification experts the right to testify in criminal trials. Innocence Project New Orleans Staff Attorney Kia Hayes says this policy brings the state in line with most other states and could cut down on the instances of false identifications. Before last Wednesday…

Cut 6 (12) “…identification”

The law passed the legislature unanimously. The reform specifies that those experts can be called in to potentially speak about the unreliability of eyewitness identification when there is no physical evidence that corroborates an accuser’s account. Hayes pointed out one such situation where a victim’s recollection of a perp’s face might be questionable…

Cut 7 (09) “…face”

Wilbert Jones was in attendance for the bill signing. Mr. Jones was exonerated after serving 46 years in prison on a rape charge stemming from a single eyewitness. At the time the witness told police she wasn’t 100 percent certain about the ID, and Hayes says that kind of info could have changed Jones’ life.

Cut 8 (08) “…first place.”

Hayes says 28 people, that they know of, have been convicted on a case of mistaken identity.

____________________

The 2019 Legislative Session marks the first increase in base funding for higher education in a decade. Lawmakers appropriated an additional 47-million dollars to help with mandated costs for universities and colleges. Higher Ed Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says lawmakers were attentive to their issues…

Cut 9 (10) “….to do that.”

When asked if surpluses in the budget should be applied toward education, Reed says stable budgets produce forwarding thinking about education policy.

Cut 10 (12) “…is very important.”

Reed says the focus of higher ed will continue to be on affordability, innovation and expansion of talent development in Louisiana.

Cut 11 (09) “…in new ways.”
__________________________ –

The battle to deter hazing on college campuses continues with a bill on the way to the Governor’s desk authored by Lafayette Representative Nancy Landry.  It revises the state’s current anti-hazing laws based on the recommendations of law enforcement.  Landry says among the changes is the amount of time given to organizations to report hazing activity to law enforcement.

Cut 12 (10)   “…week grace period.”

Landry says the changes come so that the organization and law enforcement can conduct their investigations concurrently, but it allows law enforcement to analyze the freshest evidence to determine if the incident is a criminal matter.

Cut 13 (09) “…incident was reported.” 

Landry says with the changes, campus police are allowed to take their hazing investigation beyond the campus.

Cut 14 (12) “…hazing perpetrators are.” 

The sponsor of this year’s failed attempt to abolish the death penalty has a bold prediction for next year’s legislative session…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Governor Edwards signs legislation to extend foster care from 18 21-years-old. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.” 

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After a controversial legislative battle that drew international attention, Louisiana is set to bar kids under the age of 16 from getting married.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

____________

A proposal to abolish the death penalty failed to pass this year, but proponents are more optimistic about its chances going forward, citing the progress it made this year. New Iberia Representative Terry Landy says his bill got further this year than ever before, proof that legislative opinion may be shifting…

Cut 4 (12) “…conversation.”

The Democrat says despite a lack of support for the bill on the House floor, he’s encouraged about the effort’s momentum because lawmakers were more receptive to his arguments than ever before…

Cut 5 (11) “…their mind.”

Landry adds the incoming generation of lawmakers, set to replace a third of the legislature that is term-limited, may be more progressive in their views of this issue.

The death penalty ban failed to pass, but so too did an effort to make it easier to get the drugs needed to carry out the death penalty. Landry says the progress made this year has inspired him to make a bold prediction…

Cut 6 (09) “…my heart.”

Louisiana has not carried out an execution since 2010, as pharma companies refuse to sell the drugs the state legally needs to carry out lethal injections.

 ________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards signs legislation that increases the maximum foster care age from 18 to 21-years-old. The Department of Children and Family Services says by expanding the program, it will help many foster care teens transition into adulthood. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says for those that elect to stay in foster care, they can receive various forms of state aid.

Cut 7 (09) “…so much support.”

Walters says the law allows those who decide to leave foster care at 18 to come back in the event they feel they need the assistance.

Cut 8 (12) “…with this population.”

Previously, the law ended support at 18, which meant some of those in the foster care program was not able to finish high school. Walters says the change will increase the likelihood of better outcomes.

Cut 9 (11) “…or technical school.”

___________________________________________________

Legislation barring kids under the age of 16 from getting married awaits Governor Edwards signature after a last second push got it over the finish line before the end of the session. New Orleans Representative Stephanie Hilferty says the legislation is designed to push back against human trafficking that is often facilitated when older men marry young girls.

Cut 10 (07) “…states.”

Kids aged 16 and 17 will need judicial approval and parental consent before getting married. Hilferty says each prospective spouse will be interviewed separately by the judge, so they can vet out any potentially dangerous scenarios…

Cut 11 (09) “…free will.”

An amendment to allow anyone under 16 to get married, but with judicial approval was defeated.  The bill sailed through the Senate but ran into stiff opposition in the House after influential religious organizations raised concerns about barring kids who get pregnant from having to have a child out of wedlock. Hilferty says that opposition prompted a compromise…

Cut 12 (11) “…16.”

_________________

The 2019 LSU baseball season finished with a heartbreaking 5-4 loss in 12 innings to Florida State. The Seminoles star third baseman Drew Mendoza singled home the winning run. Tigers Coach Paul Mainieri could have walked Mendoza, but decided to go after the Seminoles veteran number three-hitter…

Cut 13 (13) “on the ball.”

LSU rallied back from a three-run deficit to tie the game at four, but could never get over the top. Mainieri says it was a great college baseball game

Cut 14 (12) “…hearts out.” (2x)

Devin Fontenot suffered the loss, but it’s hard to blame him for the defeat. Fontenot entered with one out in the sixth inning and pitched six innings of no-hit baseball before allowing a single in the 12th inning. Mainieri says it was a great effort by his hard-throwing right-hander

Cut 15 (13) “go forward”

New Orleans musical icon and six-time Grammy winner Dr. John has died. Actor Harry Shearer and fellow New Orleans musician Irma Thomas remember the legendary artist.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A last second filibuster kills fantasy sports legalization as the session came to an end yesterday. Matt Doyle has the story…

cut 2 (31) I’m Matt Doyle”  

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New Orleans has lost one of its most recognizable voices as six-time Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Dr. John has passed away following a heart attack. New Orleans actor Harry Shearer remembers Dr. John as one of the area’s legendary piano players.

Cut 3 (10) “…so gloriously.”

Fellow Big Easy musician Irma Thomas, who recorded several songs written by Dr. John, says she had heard of his recent illness, but his death still comes as a surprise, adding he’ll be greatly missed by the city.

Cut 4 (09) “…to New Orleans.” 

Shearer says the music of Dr. John has impacted his life dating back to his first album.

Cut 5 (08) “…to Mac for that.”

Dr. John was 77.
________________________________________________

Fantasy sports legalization fails to get a final vote after a last second filibuster on the Senate floor from the same legislator who brought an ultimately doomed sports betting bill.

Fairness for Fantasy Sports spokesperson Ryan Berni says it’s a travesty that one legislator would seek retribution for his failed legislation by snubbing over 60 percent of voters that approved fantasy sports last year.

Cut 6 (09) “…anyway”

Martiny attempted to get his sports betting effort passed by amending it onto the fantasy sports bill, but that was undone earlier in the day when a conference committee agreed to strip the amendment.

Two bills had to be approved in the last fifteen minutes of the session for fantasy sports to be OK’d. The first passed by a comfortable margin, but when the second was brought up, Metairie Senator Danny Martiny took the floor and appeared to run out the clock…

Cut 7 (07) “….vote”

Martiny is termed limited after having served 26 years in the Legislature.

The Metairie Republican has been noticeably frustrated by what he alleged were dirty tricks employed to prevent sports gambling from getting a fair vote on the House floor after it passed the Senate. He said this as he filibustered the vote…

Cut 8 (07) “…treated.”

Martiny’s sports betting bill would have allowed voters in each parish to approve or reject sports betting at riverboat casinos, racetracks, or the land-based casino in New Orleans.

____________________

CBD sales were legalized in the same legislation that allows industrial hemp production, and the ATC is now accepting applications from retailers interested in selling the products. ATC Commissioner Juana Lombard says retailers will need to apply as they would for an alcohol license, but no need for a newspaper posting. After that…

Cut 9 (12) “….registration.”

The temporary permit will last through January. A permanent license can be obtained by working with the Department of Health on labeling requirements.

Lombard says the kinds of CBD products available once retailers begin selling will be limited by what is FDA approved.

Cut 10 (09) “…beverages.”

CBD vitamin type products cannot be advertised as a dietary supplement, which may result in some of them being taken off shelves until their labeling can be corrected.

There was some public confusion about the legality of CBD products before the bill was signed, but Lombard says before yesterday the law was clear…

Cut 11 (09) “…cracking down”

__________________________

Two of college baseball’s best programs meet for a best out of three Super Regional Series on Saturday at Alex Box Stadium. The winner will advance to the College World Series. Kendall Rogers of D-1-baseball-dot-com says the Seminoles are playing their best baseball

Cut 12 (09)   “…right now.”

LSU will start Cole Henry tomorrow afternoon and Landon Marceaux will start  Sunday. Florida will pitch junior lefty Drew Parrish on Saturday and CJ Van Eyk in game two. Rogers says Parrish and Van Eyk have stepped it up…

Cut 13 (12) “…next year’s draft” 

Rogers says both teams are pitching well and getting clutch performances at the plate and the Seminoles have the extra motivation of playing for their longtime head coach Mike Martin, who is retiring when the season ends…

Cut 14 (09) “…are rolling.” 

A political analyst says Governor Edwards is sitting pretty in the Governor’s race after racking up some big wins in the Legislative session…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Crews are assessing damage following severe weather impacting southeast Louisiana.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut 2 (32) I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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South Louisiana was swamped today with a severe weather system creating localized flooding and even tornadoes. State climatologist Barry Keim says the system dumped dangerous amounts of water on some communities…

Cut 3 (11) “…region.”

One person died during the heavy rain event in Baton Rouge when their car flooded. Keim says the severe amount of rainfall was more than initially predicted, but this whole weather system has been unusual from the start.

Cut 4 (11) “…moisture.” 

Keim says another inch of rain could fall tomorrow, which may not sound like much but…

Cut 5 (08) “…flooding.”

He adds that the chance for severe weather will drop off significantly by Saturday, but we could still be in for rain and thunderstorms potentially into early next week.

________________________________________________

Political analyst Clancy DuBos says Governor Edwards has terrific momentum heading into the fall governor’s election after a successful legislative session.

Dubos says the 1,000-dollar teacher pay raise, the 39 million in new education spending, and tens of millions of dollars in new infrastructure funds for New Orleans may win Edwards a second term.

Cut 6 (10) “…New Orleans”

Education saw a 140-million-dollar total increase in new funding, while New Orleans will get a 50-million-dollar funding injection, with an additional 27 million a year from redirected revenue generated by the hospitality industry.

But Edwards is taking some hits from his left flank as many pro-choice Democrats fume over his signing of one of the nation’s most restrictive abortion bans. DuBos suspects those voters will still turn out for the Democrat.

Cut 7 (12) “….Edwards”

Edward’s Republican opponents have indicated they plan on continuing to slam the Governor over tax increases he’s pushed in his first term, but DuBos says voters seem to be aware that those increases had to be passed to fix the budget chaos left by the previous administration…

Cut 8 (08) “…administration.”

Edwards Is running against Republicans Eddie Rispone and Congressman Ralph Abraham.

____________________

Severe weather impacting southeast Louisiana has produced road flooding and reports of a tornado outbreak.  East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome says the flood waters resulted in one death, adding the heaviest rains came today during rush hour traffic.

Cut 9 (09) “….one hour timeframe.”

Some areas of the parish have received up to five inches of rain since last night with reports of possible tornado damage.

Livingston Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson Lori Steele says teams are surveying the wind damage from what is believed to be a tornado outbreak in various areas of the parish.

Cut 10 (10) “…that’s near Taylor.”

Some areas that saw flooding in 2016 are also experiencing issues today.  Steele discourages residents from sightseeing as many roads are impassable due to water and fallen trees.

Cut 11 (10) “…blocking that roadway”

As of noon, thousands of Entergy and DEMCO customers are without power.

__________________________

Two of the biggest names in sports, Peyton Manning and Les Miles, are among the eleven that will be inducted this weekend into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches. Former LSU baseball coach and A-D  Skip Bertman hired Miles after Nick Saban left for the Miami Dolphins

Cut 12 (12)   “…antytime.”

Miles won 77-percent of his games while at LSU, including a national championship in 2007. Manning led the Colts and Broncos to Super Bowl victories and goes down as one of the NFL’s all-time greats.

But CEO of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation Ronnie Rantz says the most deserving member of this class is a Danielle Scott, who is a five-time USA Olympic Volleyball Standout and won two medals

Cut 13 (11) “…the world” 

Former La Tech quarterback Matt Dunigan is also going into the Louisiana Sports Hall of fame. Rantz says Dunigan is a 2006 Canadian Football League Hall of Fame inductee

Cut 14 (12) “…big personality.” 

Peabody Magnet High School basketball coach Charles Smith will also be enshrined on Saturday, along with former Southern Baseball Coach Roger Cador and Leesville’s T-Berry Porter who was Louisiana’s first professional rodeo cowboy.

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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”

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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. Matt Doyle has more…

cut 2 (29) I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________________________

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 this is huge for a city of their size…

Cut 3 (08) “…75-percent of that back.”

Walker says most of their expenses are from repairing the city’s electrical grid and fiber system, plus debris removal. Louisiana Tech suffered another nine-point-five million dollars in uninsured damages.

Walker says the declaration does not provide assistance for the hundreds of homes that sustained damage, but he hopes that changes…

Cut 4 (07) “….sanitary environment” 

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.”

________________________________________________

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.”

Meaux applauds lawmakers on greenlighting the funding for school districts to help with resources in the classroom.

Cut 7 (10) “…to our children.”

The raise is the first for Louisiana teachers in ten years, but it does not bring their salary up to the Southern Regional Average, Meaux believes more money will come in time.

Cut 8 (08) “…find that money.”

The legislative instrument results in a $140 million increase to annual school spending. Lawmakers continue to work on the budget to fund the state this week.

____________________

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.

The legislation redirects funds that were earmarked in 2014 away from the rainy day and Medicaid trust fund. Magee says choosing to use it for infrastructure instead puts us in line with our neighbors.

Cut 10 (11) “…same thing.”

The state says there’s a roughly 14-billion-dollar backlog in road projects.

The legislation originally only addressed the LA 415 connector near I-10 and a stretch of highway on LA 1 that needed to be elevated, but was amended to a number of other projects. Magee says that stretch of LA 1 heading into Port Fourchon floods three days a year, costing incredible sums of money…

Cut 11 (08) “…road.”

That stretch of LA 1 runs from Golden Meadow to Leeville.

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An expecting mother is dead and her husband is under arrest charged with second-degree murder and first-degree feticide in Natchitoches Parish. Authorities received the call about the woman being unresponsive in a Clarence home and during the investigation, her husband arrived at the scene. Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Captain Tony Moran says he appeared nervous, so he was taken in for questioning.

Cut 12 (07)   “…wife by strangulation.”

25-year-old Christopher O’Neal Houston Jr. of Campti remains in police custody without bond for his role in the death of 22-year-old Elonzeya Teal-Houston, who was five months pregnant. Moran says the murder has impacted the investigators as well as the community.

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

Moran says the motive appears to be tied to a financial issue.

Cut 14 (06) “…and his wife.” 

The suspect has a criminal history and is on felony probation until November for a previous drug charge.

Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s proposal banning handheld cellphone use while driving is up for a critical vote in a Senate committee this morning…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

____________________________

AAA estimates there will be a 17 percent increase in teen driver fatalities on the road over the next roughly 100 days as summer break means more kids on the road. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…Matt Doyle.” 

_______________________________________________

Judges are the governor’s signature away from a 2.5 percent pay raise next year, with potential for 2.5 percent pay raises for the next five years. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 3 (30) “..governor”

____________

A bill prohibiting handheld use of cellphones while behind the wheel has cleared the House and is being heard in Senate Judiciary Committee C today. It will also need full Senate approval before the session ends on Thursday. Last year, a similar effort got hung up, but Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval is confident this year will be different.

Cut 4 (08) “…last year.”

Current law only calls for no handheld cell phone use while driving in a school zone. Opponents to Huval’s bill say there are other distractions like eating, talking to a passenger or changing the radio station, so why just focus on cell phone use. But Huval says statistics show cell phone use is a factor in many accidents.

Cut 5 (11) “…causing multiple accidents.”

Huval says Georgia has a similar law as his bill and it has saved lives.

Cut 6 (10) “…the driving public.”

________________________________________

AAA is warning drivers to be extra cautious on the roads this summer as teens off from school pack the roadways. Spokesperson Don Redman says 3,500 drivers nationwide have died in wrecks with teens in a five-year period during the “100 Deadliest Days” between 2013 and 2017.

Cut 7 (10) “…as well”

There’s a 17 percent increase in fatal teen crashes during this period relative to other times in the year. The top three killers of teen drivers are speeding at 28 percent of all fatalities, drunk driving 17 percent, and distraction at 9 percent. Redman says parents need to set a good example, particularly distraction.

Cut 8 (07) “…watching”

52 percent of teen drivers report that they operate their cellphone while behind the wheel.

Redman says there’s one hard and fast rule to keep your teen driver from killing themselves is not letting them chauffeur their friends. Redman says each additional teen passenger in a car driven by a teen doubles the chances of a wreck.

Cut 9 (08) “crash.”

Two thirds of those injured or killed in wrecks involving teen drivers are not the teen drivers themselves.

___________________________________________________

Teachers may not know the exact raise they’ll get, but judges will see a 2.5 percent pay raise on July 1st, with potential for additional raises over the next five years gains as a result of bill that has received final legislative passage. Despite ultimately voting for it, Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter is frustrated that Louisiana chases the southern regional average for state salaries, but not for vital services.

Cut 10 (09) “…salaries.”

A study by LSU Economist Dr. Loren Scott indicated Louisiana judges were 2.5 percent behind the southern regional average in pay.

Erath Representative Blake Miguez grilled Houma Representative Tanner Magee over reports that judges received pay raises from 2013-2017 while the state budget was in chaos. Magee countered…

Cut 11 (12) “…system.”

The raise will cost 1.8 million in the first year and could grow to 9.5 million if the State Supreme Court approves raises in each of the next five years.

The testy exchange between the two continued as Miguez stated it isn’t fair that his constituents have taken years of pay cuts while judges salaries have continued to expand. Magee says that’s just how our government works right now.

Cut 12 (12) “five years.”

The House ultimately voted 87-3 in favor of the bill. Miguez was one of the three in opposition.

____________________

A bill to bring Uber and Lyft ride sharing services to Alexandria and rural areas  is close to final legislative passage. The proposal died in the Senate the last two years, but over the weekend the upper chamber aproved the measure 34-to-1. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau (Lou-NO) says this legislation can help reduce drunk driving deaths among college students

Cut 13 (08) “…do it.”

The lone Senator to vote against the measure was Kenner Republican Danny Martiny, who questioned why Lyft and Uber would not be regulated by the Public Service Commission, which currently regulates taxi cabs

Cut 14 (10) “…go there”

The bill enacts statewide regulations for ride-sharing services. Supporters say 44 other states have a statewide regulatory framework for Uber and Lyft to operate. Winnfield Senator Gerald Long says this is an important bill for central Louisiana…

Cut 15 (11) “…60 or 70 miles”

The bill still needs House approval of changes made by the Senate, but that is expected to happen.

_______________________________________

LSU will play in a Super Regional series for a 14th time in program history as the Fighting Tigers won the Baton Rouge Regional last night with a six to four victory over Southern Miss. The Golden Eagles took a lead after trailing 3-0, but Coach Paul Mainieri’s team battled back to secure the victory…

Cut 16  (19) “…they were awesome”  

LSU trailed 4-3 in the 7th inning, but re-took the lead on a Zach Watson two-run single. The bullpen did the rest. Trent Vietmeier was the winning pitcher as he threw two innings of scoreless relief…

cut 17 (08) honest with you” 

A couple of weeks ago, there were some who doubted if LSU would host a Regional, let alone a Super Regional. But junior shortstop Josh Smith says some people forget LSU was ranked number one in the preseason…

The controversy surrounding the bill that bans fetal heartbeat abortions spilled into budget discussions on the Senate floor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A Senate-approved bill targeting labeling restrictions for plant-based meats, non-animal-based milks, and cauliflower rice clears another legislative hurdle.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut 2 (33) I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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The state Senate approves a 30-billion dollar budget for next fiscal year and the controversy over the fetal heartbeat abortion bill spilled into the debate. New Orleans Senator and chairwoman of the state Democratic Party , Karen Carter Peterson, tried to steer more money towards the state’s foster care system, because getting an abortion will be more difficult in Louisiana…

Cut 3 (10) “…raise the child.”

Governor Edwards has signed one of the nation’s most restrictive abortion bills into law. If the federal courts uphold a similar law in Mississippi, than abortions would be outlawed in Louisiana once doctors detects the heartbeat of a fetus, usually six weeks into a pregnancy. Peterson says foster care will need more money…

Cut 4 (07) “…uterus” 

Peterson also proposed to increase state dollars for prenatal care for woman and sex education, but those amendments were defeated by both Republicans and Democrats. Senate Finance Chairman Eric LaFleur says the legislature is getting close to passing a budget the can be proud of…

Cut 5 (11) “…to go.”

The House and Senate still have to settle their differences with the spending plan. The Senate supports an additional 39-million dollars for public schools, but the House seeks a higher teacher pay raise than the one proposed by the governor.

________________________________________________

The House Ag Committee advances a Senate-approved bill that would prohibit Louisiana manufacturers from labeling foods such as of cauliflower rice as rice when it doesn’t contain rice.  Ag Commissioner Mike Strain said the measure aims to ensure proper nutrition and safety for consumers.

Cut 6 (11) “…we have standards.”

Opponents of the bill say it will also be a hindrance to manufacturers who specialize in producing plant-based meat imitation products, but Colfax Representative Terry Brown says that is not the case.

Cut 7 (06) “…this bill does.”

Spokesperson for the plant-based meat producer Impossible Foods, Tyler Jameson says their company would never trick consumers into thinking they are eating meat from livestock, adding the bill would limit the right to free speech.

Cut 8 (08) “…won’t buy it.”

Jameson adds that not only are the current marketing materials clear they offer plant-based meat products, but the consumer demand is there for the products.

Cut 9 (10) “…St. Louis area restaurants.”

The bill moved forward without any objecting votes.

_______________________

Houma Representative Beryl Amadee withdraws her bill that would extend Stand Your Ground legal protections to houses of worship amid concerns it creates loopholes that incentivize violence.

Amadee says her legislation had the backing of the Louisiana Family Forum, Louisiana Baptist Association, and even consultation from AG Jeff Landry and the NRA.

Cut 10 (10) “…targets.”

The law stated in the event someone shoots a person in a house of worship and claims self-defense, that there is a legal presumption that force was reasonable, making it harder to prosecute them.

The Terrebone Parish Republican says a limited survey of shootings shows the “good guy with a gun” can save lives in the event of a mass shooting.

Cut 11 (11) “…rate.”

But opponents say the legislation could extend to interpersonal conflicts, and poorly defines what a “justifiable threat” is in a church. Senate Judiciary B Chairman Gary Smith appreciated the gesture, but…

cut 12(11)   “…in it””

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Beer and wine could be available for purchase in the general seating areas in Tiger Stadium this year as the SEC has lifted its stadium wide ban on alcohol sales. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says LSU has been a driving force behind this rule change

Cut 13 (07) “ policy” 

The policy change gives the 14 schools in the SEC the ability to draw up their own alochol sale policy. Some schools may decide not to sell alcohol in the general seating areas, but Moran says LSU believes beer and wine sales can help keep Tiger Stadium full in the second half of games

Cut 14 (06) “…elsewhere” 

Moran says beer and wine sales at football, basketball and baseball games could be big revenue generator for LSU…

Cut 15 (08) “…at LSU”

A Senate committee rejects a Housed backed bill that proposes to reduce the state’s sales tax rate from 4.45 percent to four-percent over a four-year period. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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There’s one week left in the legislative session. Kevin Barnhart looks at what lawmakers still need to get done…

cut 2 (27) I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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The Morganza Spillway opens on Sunday and there are concerns on how this will impact the crawfish industry. LSU AgCenter Aquaculture Professor Greg Lutz says some crawfish ponds in the Atchafalaya Basin will be impacted…

Cut 3 (10) “…from the crawfish.”

Lutz says for crawfish farmers in the Atchafalaya Basin area, it could mean bad news if water spills over their levees.

Cut 4 (09) “…in there too.” 

Farmers will not be able to fix the problem of trash fish and replenish their crawfish population until the water goes down, which means some farmers could be out of production for a season.

Lutz says while the industry will feel impact, with some farmers feeling it worse than others, he says the crawfish population should be okay after the flooding.

Cut 5 (07) “…kind of thing.”

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An effort to reduce the state sales tax from 4.45 percent to four-percent over a four-year period died in a Senate Committee. Lawmakers settled on a 4.45 percent sales tax rate last year as part of a budget deal to avoid significant cuts. Lafayette Senator Gerald Boudreaux says it’s too soon to change a tax deal that stabilized the budget…

Cut 6 (09) “…money back”

Alexandria Representative Lance Harris authored the House-backed measure. Harris argues the state is running a surplus of tax revenue and should give that money back. But Gonzales Representative Eddie Lambert says the state needs these tax revenues, especially for roads…

Cut 7 (09) “…address that”

New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson says residents are expecting the state to pay for a variety of things and the tax deal approved last year, helps the government fund those wishes…

Cut 8 (14) “…their prisoners.”

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An East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s deputy is dead following a single vehicle crash in Zachary around 6:30 this morning.  42-year-old Lt. Steven Whitstine was on his way to work when his car veered off of Pride Port Hudson Road.  Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says the accident is still under investigation.

Cut 9 (07) “…in a canal.”

Whitstine worked with the K-9 division and had spent eight years with the Sheriff’s Department and more than nine years with Baker Police prior to that.

Gautreaux says he will be sorely missed by many.

Cut 10 (10) “…the Sheriff’s office.”

Gauthreaux says he worked with Whitstine for many years and has fond memories of the man behind the badge.

Cut 11 (11) “…than he impersonated.”

Whitstine’s K-9 partner, Sixx, was also in the vehicle at the time of the crash and is being treated for minor injuries.

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A Senate approved resolution that contains a 1,000-dollar teacher pay raise and an additional 39 million dollars for public education passes through the House Education Committee. But House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry wonders if the state can afford both the pay raise and additional money for schools…

cut 12(07)   “…something””

The resolution includes a 500 dollar support personnel raise.

The Senate says the state has the money to afford the 39-million-dollar block grant, but Henry says that will be confirmed when the proposal moves next to the House Appropriations Committee.

Cut 13 (06) “…came from”

BESE President Dr. Gary Jones revealed that the 39 million could be used by local school districts to further increase teacher pay if a poorer school district prioritizes that over classroom investment.

Cut 14 (06) “…more” 

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An 11-year-old boy is facing a juvenile life sentence following the shooting death of his 9-year-old brother.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A Senate committee has killed a bill that sought to help the state carry out lethal injections. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Senate Finance has approved a spending plan for next fiscal year that contains a one-thousand dollar teacher pay raise and 39-million dollars in block grant funding for school districts. The House budget proposal calls for a higher pay raise for teachers, but no additional dollars for public schools. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says lawmakers have until June 6th to agree on a budget

Cut 3 (10) “…the wire.”

Multiple special sessions were needed last year to pass a budget. Erwin expects the legislature can get its work done this time before the regular session concludes…

Cut 4 (08) “…a compromise” 

Erwin says election year politics is playing a role in the dispute over education funding…

Cut 5 (11) “…teacher pay raise”

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An 11-year-old boy has been charged with negligent homicide following the shooting death of his 9-year-old brother in a Baton Rouge home on Saturday.  Authorities believe the shooting was unintentional. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says the complexities of the case raise more questions on if the charge will stick.

Cut 6 (09) “…or weak case.”

Borghardt says the child will be tried in the juvenile system and he could be released to his parents without making a bond or he could receive a juvenile life sentence, meaning he would be detained up until he turns 18.

Cut 7 (07) “…becomes an adult.”

The investigation continues into the shooting and the parents are not facing charges.  Borghardt says without facts and data in place, it is a difficult call on how to charge the parents.

Cut 8 (09) “…directly or indirectly.”
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A fatal blow was delivered to a pro death penalty bill at the State Capitol today. A proposal to shield the identity of the drug companies that supply lethal drugs for the state to carry out death penalty sentences failed on a 3-2 vote in Senate committee. New Orleans Senator J-P Morrell says the legislation opens the state to lawsuits, if an execution is botched

Cut 9 (10) “…of dollars”

Several came to the meeting to speak out against the proposal. Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops executive director Rob Tasman

Cut 10 (12) “…in the process”

The last execution held in Louisiana was in 2010. The state corrections department says they can’t purchase drugs to carry out a lethal injection, because drug manufacturers do not want to be associated with killing people. But New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson says offering confidentiality is not the way to go…

Cut 11 (09)“ this body”

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The House Appropriations Committee rejects a proposal to legalize sports betting, after the bill got swamped with special interest amendments. Video poker, horse breeders, software producers, and others wanted a piece of the gaming pie. The bill’s author, Metairie Senator Danny Martiny questioned whether the additions are in good faith.

cut 12(10)   “…posture””

The bill originally only called for sports betting at racetracks, riverboat casinos, and Harrah’s Casino in New Orleans, but an amendment was added to allow for the activity at the state’s thousands of video poker facilities.

Louisiana Casino Association Executive Director Wade Duty initially supported the legislation, but says the proposal got so laden down with pork and new taxes even his industry couldn’t back it anymore…

Cut 13 (11) “…support”

It wasn’t just special business interests who fought the bill. Louisiana Baptist Convention Director for Office of Public Policy Dr. Will Hall spoke in opposition…

Cut 14 (11) “…that hope”