A political activist who took on a Texas law requiring “In God We Trust” signs in the classroom is offering schools in Louisiana the option as well. Signs from Artist Activist Chaz Stevens have a variety of options, they can be in Arabic, Spanish, and even rainbow-colored backgrounds.

Cut 9 (09) “…come through.”

And while many like Stevens believe it crosses the line of the separation of church and state, he’s pushing the envelope.

As the final hours of the State Legislature’s session wind down, House and Senate members reach a compromise on the state budget and raising the state-imposed spending cap to make use of surplus funds. 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.”

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

Cut 13 (11) “…stay away.”  

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 it’s burnout and COVID caused many in healthcare, like nurses and support staff to retire early.

Cut 8 (07) “… physician burnout.”

DiCarlo says medical schools are increasing class sizes so more graduates can enter the field to make up for the anticipated loss.

Today is the final day of the legislative session. The House was resistant to breaking the spending cap, but they have agreed to raise the cap, but at the same time the plan is also to allocate millions of dollars towards paying down state retirement debt. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin…
cut 12 (14) “…..both of those ideas”
The legislative session must be completed by 6 PM tonight.

LDWF has confirmed that two Northern Snakehead fish, native to Asia, were observed in a video that was taken in Concordia Parish. Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Rob Bourgeois says they could impact our native fisheries.
Cut 3 (10) “…the concern.”
Northern Snakeheads closely resemble Louisiana’s native Bowfin species. They were originally released into the wild through fish markets and aquarium trade. Bourgeois says they likely migrated from Mississippi or Arkansas.

The Louisiana Department of Health is urging residents to avoid waterways with blue-green algae. There’s a significant algal bloom in Lake Pontchatrain. State health officer Doctor Joe Kanter says some algae are harmless, certain types can produce toxins harmful to humans…
cut 15 (11) “….from hthere”
Residents can help prevent harmful algal blooms by properly using fertilizers and maintaining septic systems.

A bill sent to the governor incentives Louisiana restaurants to recycle oyster shells by providing them with a tax credit of one-dollar per 50 pounds Shell recycled. The recycled shells can help in the fight against coastal restoration. Tyler Bosworth is the advocacy director at the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana…
cut 6 (12) “…program going”
The Oyster Shell Recycling Program has returned more than 13 million pounds of shell to the water since 2014.

As the 2023 legislative session comes to an end tonight, 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.”

Department of Environmental Quality has issued an advisory for people who are in sensitive groups due to health effects in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Lake Charles, and Monroe regions are advised to limit outdoor activities today due to ozone air quality. Monroe’s warning is related to smoke from the Canadian fires.

A bill that would create a tax credit for restaurants that recycle oyster shells is headed to the governor’s desk. Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana – a supporter of the bill -Advocacy Director Tyler Bosworth says the process involves volunteers to help build shell reefs to limit erosion.

Cut 5 (13)   “…coastal erosion.”

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.

More than 60 percent of doctors report burnout and 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 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 are capable of providing care for a wider range of patients.

The state legislature must wrap up its business by 6 tonight, and House & Senate members are working to reach a budget deal both chambers can live with. Yesterday, lawmakers from both approved a resolution to lift the expenditure cap, and they reached a deal on how much to spend and what on. The compromise agreement allows spending of $250-million for the current fiscal year, which ends in three weeks. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry 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.”

They’ve also agreed to invest $400-million in surplus to pay down state retirement system debt.

The state branch of the NAACP is asking its parent organization to issue a “national travel advisory” for Louisiana because of legislative policies and actions that it believes target and marginalize certain groups, including African Americans. They feel some of the bills being passed are detrimental to the black community.

Legislation that creates an oyster shell recycling tax credit for restaurants is headed for the Governor’s desk. Tieko Foxx reports…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Foxx.”

One-in-five doctors is expected to exit the profession within the next 2 years. LSU Healthcare’s Dr. Richard DiCarlo says many are retiring, but a great many are also just exhausted…:

CUT 07(08)      “…burnout.”

He says a real shortage of doctors looms in the years ahead.

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.”

The budget deal uses one-time revenue surplus dollars to reduce retirement debt while investing in roads, bridges, ports, and other priority projects.

Watch what waterways you get into. Health officials are concerned about algae blooms on Lake Ponchartrain and other places that MAY be toxic. State health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says know the signs and take precautions…:

CUT 14(09)      “…or cleaning.”

A Deville man has been arrested for 506 counts of pornography involving juveniles, with victims being under the age of 13. Rapides Parish Cyber Crimes deputies honed in on 27-year-old David Roberts, and a warranted search of his home turned up damning evidence. He’s being held on $70-thousand bond.

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

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

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 03(32)      “…Palermo.”

A number of bills have already made their way to Governor Edwards’ desk and he has begun signing some. One bill becoming state law provides for you to have your pet buried with you, under certain circumstances. Another protects teachers and school staff who step in to break up fights from possible prosecution.

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 04(11)      “…of Louisiana.”

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 Joe Kanter says some algae are harmless but certain types are toxic…:

CUT 13(11)      “…stay away.”

You can find more info on algae blooms at “cdc.gov”

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.”

_______________________________________________

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.”

_______________________________________________

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.”

_______________________________________________

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.

________________________________________________

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.

____________________________________________

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.

____________________________________________

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.

___________________________________________________

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.”

___________________________________________________

As the final hours of the legislative session wind down, House and Senate members reach a compromise on the budget and raising the state-imposed cap of spending to make use of surplus funds. Council for a Better Louisiana (CABL) President Barry Erwin says the agreement helps assure a budget bill will be approved before adjournment…:

Cut 10 (09) “…I’m optimistic.”

House members wanted to spend a 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.” 

Lawmakers must adjourn by 6PM Thursday with a balanced budget.

The House and Senate unanimously passed legislation to create a tax credit for restaurants that recycle oyster shells. The bill was strongly supported by 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.’”

The state’s film tax credit will be extended to 2031. The original bill sought to extend the incentive set to expire in 2025, to 2035. But Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association President Trey Burvant says it’s still a great victory for Louisiana, its residents, and workers in the film industry.

Cut 9 (09) “…did that.”

The tax credit is capped at $150-million annually.

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 on spending to make use of surplus funds. The agreement lifts the expenditure cap, and applies $400-million to state retirement system debt, while also in investing roads, bridges and other priorities. Lawmakers wrap up their annual business tomorrow evening.

The state’s film tax credit will officially be extended to 2031, once Governor Edwards signs House Bill 562. The bill sets a cap of $150-million yearly for the tax breaks; no more. Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association President Trey Burvant says the bill set up useful mechanisms within the program to track local impacts from the incentives…:

CUT 11(11)      “…our industry.

Capital area Congressman Garret Graves has tossed his support in the fall Governor’s race behind former LABI head Stephen Waguespack. In a minute long video, Graves says Waguespack is “the person in this race who can put politics aside, do what’s right and give us the Louisiana we deserve.” Waguespack and seven others are vying to be the state’s next governor. The election is October 14^th.

Fontainbleau State Park in Mandeville has an all-terrain wheelchair available for people with limited mobility, to explore nature trails. Teiko Foxx has more…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Foxx.”

At the State Capitol, Louisiana’s film tax incentives of $150-million annually have been extended to the year 2031. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

Rapides Parish District Attorney Phillip Terrell has decided not to charge two Pineville Police officers who fatally shot a man threatening a child during a call in April. He says the investigation concluded the deadly shooting of 25-year-old Larry Calk was indeed justified.

The M.J. Foster Promise Program, which provides financial assistance to adults who would like to earn credentials to get a job in a high-demand area, is once again accepting applications. Program Specialist Brittany Theriot says the program provides multiple training options…:

CUT 03(12)      “…workforce priority.”

Interested applicants should apply at mjfosterpromise.com.

New Southeastern Louisiana University president William Wainwright is settling in to his first on the job. Wainwright says one of his priorities will be outreaching adults who want to continue their education…:

CUT 14(09)      “…resource for them.”

The Hammond area is growing quickly, and he says SLU is primed for big things.