The final minutes of this year’s legislative session were hectic and chaotic, as lawmakers raced to make last-minute budget changes and vote them through. Some legislators were angry to see $100-million stripped from Department of Health spending because they say it will mean the loss of about $400-million in federal matching funds. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says LDH asked House Appropriations for one sum and Senate Finance for another…:

Cut 5 (07)  “…each one.

Many are angry that teacher pay raises were shunted, offering only one-time bonuses instead.

Bills passed that some say target the LGBTQ community are destined to be vetoed by Governor Edwards, who calls the bills mean-spirited and wrong…:

Cut 6 (12)  “…for example.” 

An anticipated El Niño has shown up ahead of schedule which could help reduce hurricane activity. Teiko Foxx has more on what else it means for our weather…:

Cut 2 (31)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx. ”  

Governor John Bel Edwards and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear have a gentlemen’s bet on this weekend’s NCAA baseball Super Regional between the Tigers and the UK Wildcats. If LSU wins, Beshear sends some Kentucky bourbon. If Kentucky wins, Edwards will send Beshear delicious Louisiana seafood. Game 1 is at 2 o’clock at the Box.

8:30

After 37 Federal indictments were issued against former President Donald Trump, southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins tweeted a cryptic statement. He said the arraignment quote “a perimeter probe from the oppressors” end quote. He also used language one could deem is a call for right-wing militia groups to mobilize at Trump’s arraignment in Miami on Tuesday.

An override veto session is possible after the Republican-controlled legislature approves three bills that target the LGBTQ community.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The final minutes of the legislative session were filled with chaos and confusion as lawmakers voted on the state’s $45-billion budget. Among the points of contention was the failure to make teacher pay raises permanent and gutting $100 million from the Department of Health. Some complained they were given no time to read last-minute changes. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder defended his actions; saying that’s not so…:

Cut 4 (09)  “…those bills.” 

The Governor is concerned about deep cuts to LDH spending, which may cost the state a lot in federal funds down the road.

El Nino is here. The warming of the Pacific Ocean can and often does lead to calmer and weaker tropical cyclones in our part of the world. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it also leads to warmer weather in general…:

Cut 10 (11) “…breaking temperatures.”

An override veto session is possible after the Republican-controlled legislature approves three bills that target the LGBTQ-plus community. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

House Majority Leader and Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise had LSU’s Brian Kelly, Alabama’s Nick Saban and SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey in his office yesterday as college football is looking to Congress to approve legislation to regulate NIL deals that compensate college athletes. There are a couple of bills being discussed, one of them would prohibit boosters from providing inducements to play for a particular school.

LSU and Kentucky meet for the second time this season, but this time the winner of the series advances to the College World Series. The Tigers took two of three from the Wildcats in April. Coach Jay Johnson says he got an updated scouting report on the Cats by dissecting their games last weekend in the Lexington Regional…

Cut 12 (14) “…to it” 

This is only the second time Kentucky has been to a Super Regional series. It will be LSU’s 16th super regional.

El Nino arrived earlier than scheduled and NOAA is predicting strong weather and record hot temperatures worldwide over the next few months. State Climatologist Barry Keim says this is good news for Louisiana’s 2023 hurricane season.

Cut 9 (13) “…tropical season.”

An El Nino suppresses hurricane activity. But Keim says this year an El Nino is interacting with warm sea surface temperatures which helps fuel tropical activity.

The Legislature has concluded its annual business, but without approving salary hikes for school teachers and support staff. Instead of permanent pay raises, they get another round of one-time bonuses. Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh is among lawmakers unhappy with how things played out…:

CUT 03  (10)        “…was a joke.”

Another sticking point in the final budget deal is cutting $100-million from next year’s budget for the Department of Health, which could cost the state $400-million in matching federal bucks down the road.

Governor Edwards says he’ll veto bills targeting LGBT persons, like to one banning transgender procedures for minors…:

CUT 07  (10)        “…have to do.”

Will lawmakers be willing to meet to override his vetoes? Or will they try again next year?

State Climatologist Barry Keim says the anticipated Pacific El Nino has arrived. However, he says, an El Nino normally can quiet down hurricane season, but warm sea surface temperatures could counteract that…:

CUT 11  (12)        “…to average.”

Keim says be prepared to deal with possible Louisiana impacts, which normally come after mid-to-late August.

LSU and Kentucky meet for the second time this season, but this time the winner of the series advances to the College World Series. Coach Jay Johnson says weather delays are a concern for tomorrow, and they will not start a game unless they have a window to finish it…:

CUT 13  (09)        “…on the line.”

LSU hasn’t been to a CWS since 2017. Kentucky has never gone to the Big Show.

The final minutes of this year’s legislative session were hectic and chaotic, as lawmakers raced to make last minute budget changes and vote them through. Some legislators were angry to see $100-million stripped from Department of Health spending, because they say it will mean the loss of about $400-million in federal matching funds. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says LDH asked House Appropriations for one sum and Senate Finance for another…:

CUT 05  (07)        “…each one.”

Many are angry that teacher pay raises were shunted; offering only another round of one-time bonuses instead.

Bills passed that some say target LGBT persons are destined for the Governor’s Veto pen, says Mr. Edwards, who calls the bills mean-spirited and wrong…:

CUT 06  (12)        “…for example.”

Will lawmakers choose to override those vetoes? That remains to be seen.

An anticipated El Niño has shown up ahead of schedule which could help reduce hurricane activity. Teiko Foxx has more on what else it means for our weather…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Foxx.”

Governor John Bel Edwards and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear have a gentlemen’s bet on this weekend’s NCAA baseball Super Regional between the Tigers and the UK Wildcats. If LSU wins, Beshear sends some Kentucky bourbon. If Kentucky wins, Edwards will send Beshear delicious Louisiana seafood. Game 1 is tomorrow at 2 in Baton Rouge.

In Baton Rouge, at the Capitol, A veto override session is possible after the Republican controlled legislature approves three bills that target the LGBTQ-plus community…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

A traffic stop on I-10 in Lafayette Parish last night yielded a big drug bust. Sheriff’s deputies say they discovered over 40 pounds of methamphetamine was found in a vehicle driven by 23-year-old Sarah Cea, from Tucker, Georgia. She’s been booked into the parish jail.

The final minutes of the legislative session were filled with chaos and confusion as lawmakers voted on the state’s $45-billion budget. Among the points of contention was the failure to make teacher pay raises permanent and gutting $100 million from the Department of Health’s budget. Some complained they were given no time to read last-minute changes before being asked to vote. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder defended his actions; saying that’s not so…:

CUT 04(09)      “…those bills.”

The Governor is concerned about deep cuts to LDH spending, which may cost the state a lot in federal funds down the road.

El Nino is here. The warming of the Pacific Ocean can and often does lead to calmer and weaker tropical cyclones in our part of the world. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it also leads to warmer weather in general…:

CUT 10(11)      “…to average.”

State lawmakers approved a package of budget bills in the final minutes of the 2023 legislative session that left some legislators angry. Senators were surprised to see the final budget deal result in a 100-million dollar cut to the Louisiana Department of Health. Senate Health and Welfare Chairman Fred Mills…
cut 12 (08) “…for that”
Also, teachers will get a two-thousand dollar increase in pay, but the bump in salary is not permanent.

Legislators are also not happy with how House Speaker Clay Schexnayder handled the final minutes in the lower chamber as conservatives yelled at Schexnayder asking him what was in the budget bills. Representative Alan Seabaugh had this to say KEEL Radio in Shreveport…
cut 3 (10) “…a joke”
House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says lawmakers had the ability to read over last minute changes in the budget.

An anticipated El Niño has shown up ahead of schedule which could help reduce hurricane activity. Teiko Foxx has more on what else it means for our weather…
Cut 2 (32) “….I’m Teiko Foxx. ”

There is an enhanced risk for severe weather for northwest Louisiana tomorrow afternoon and tomorrow night. Damaging wind gusts along with large hail will be the primary threats in addition to heavy rainfall that could result in flash flood. Also a marginal risk for the Baton Rouge area for the start of tomorrow’s Super Regional series.

The regular legislative session is over, but lawmakers could return for a veto override session. Governor Edwards says he expects he’ll veto three bills that target LGBTQ lifestyles. Edwards on a bill to ban gender-affirming care for transgender minors…

Cut 7 (10)  “…have to do.” 

If vetoed, a veto session is automatically called, unless a majority of the House or Senate votes not to have a veto session.=

El Nino arrived early, and NOAA is predicting strong weather and record-hot temperatures worldwide over the next few months. State Climatologist Barry Keim says this is welcome news for Louisiana’s 2023 hurricane season.

Cut 9 (13) “…tropical season.”

The final hour of the legislative session was chaotic and filled with grumbling as lawmakers rushed to approve a budget. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (37)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The 2023 regular legislative session is over, but lawmakers could return for a veto override session. Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards says he expects he’ll veto three bills that target LGBTQ lifestyles. Edwards says the legislation is mean-spirited and wrong
Cut 6 (12) “…for example.”
One of the bills facing a veto threat is a measure that bans gender affirming care for transgender minors. Chairman of the Republican House Delegation, Erath Representative Blake Miguez, is passionate about protecting kids from life-altering procedures…
Cut 8 (04) “… singular issue”
If the governor vetoes these bills, a veto session is automatically called, unless a majority of the House or Senate votes not to have a veto session.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruling Alabama’s congressional map unconstitutional, might pave the way for a second majority-black voting district in Louisiana.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser leaves Louisiana tomorrow for Australia as he’s visiting the land down under to promote Louisiana as a place to visit. Nungesser says there are several reasons why Aussies would love the Bayou State…
cut 16 (12) “…with us”

The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of Black voters in Alabama’s congressional districts map case has advocates in Louisiana hopeful the nation’s highest court will also rule that the Pelican State should have two Black-majority congressional districts. Urban League of Louisiana Vice President of Policy Tyrone Walker says the Urban League of Louisiana is urging Governor John Bel Edwards to immediately call a special session so the maps can be redrawn.

Cut 6 (09)  “…what’s right.”

Slidell Republican, and gubernatorial candidate, Senator Sharon Hewitt, who helped craft the GOP-drawn maps told The Advocate ” While she respects the ruling, it’s not a final ruling regarding the congressional maps in Louisiana.”

The 2023 legislative session ended with a wild finish as state lawmakers scrambled to approve a budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1st. Even Governor John Bel Edwards does not have a complete command of the specifics. But he knows the spending plan approved contains a 100-million dollar cut to the Louisiana Department of Health…

Cut 10 (09) “…down stairs”

The 100-million dollar cut to LDH could multiply if what’s cut is tied to federal matching dollars.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser leaves tomorrow to visit the land down under for an international mission to promote Louisiana as a tourist destination. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (28)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo.”

House Majority Leader and Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise had LSU’s Brian Kelly, Alabama’s Nick Saban and SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey in his office yesterday as college football is looking to Congress to approve legislation to regulate NIL deals that compensate college athletes. There are a couple of bills being discussed, one of them would prohibit boosters from providing inducements to play for a particular school.