After numerous stories of rape kits getting lost and the backlog of processing Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell decided to make the system more accountable with legislation to create a tracking system for the kits. 40 other states already have protocols in place to track rape kits.

Cut 4 (08)  “…for that point.” 

The bill has passed in the Senate and heads to the full House for final passage.

Legislation to provide families adopting a child under the age of three with a $5 thousand tax credit passed in the House. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmond’s bill prohibits the tax credit from applying to the adoption of a child from foster care and a taxpayer from claiming the credit and claiming the deduction.

Cut 8 (07)  “…the other.” 

The bill heads to the Senate.

The House unanimously approves a bill to symbolically abolish slavery in Louisiana. Louisiana voters rejected a similar proposal last year but Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan asked them to reject it because the amendment’s language was confusing. He says the language is clearer this year.

Cut 10 (04) “…needs to be.”

Slavery was abolished in the US in 1865. But more than 150 years later, states are banning involuntary servitude and slavery in their state constitutions.

Legislation to provide free breakfast and lunch for K-12 students who are eligible for reduced-priced meals advances in House Appropriations. Marrero Representative Kyle Green says students who qualify for reduced-priced meals have to pay $14 per month, the bill removes the copay. If approved, it would go into effect for the 2023-2024 school year.

A bill that would establish a database system so rape victims can follow where their kits are in the process was passed in the Senate. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says the tracking system would provide accountability with the rape kits.

Cut 3 (10) “…rape kit.”

The bill has passed in the Senate and heads to the full House for final passage.

A bill that would provide a $5 thousand tax credit to families adopting a child under the age of three was approved by a full House in a 97 to 0 vote. Bill author, Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds says it’s about helping families help children.

Cut 7 (08)  “…lives forever.” 

Under the legislation, if the $5,000 credit exceeds the adoptive family’s tax liability, the state would give the family the balance of that money the year the adoption takes place. The bill heads to the Senate.

The state House has unanimously approved a bill that would symbolically abolish slavery in Louisiana. Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan’s legislation would add language to the state’s constitution that would abolish slavery and involuntary servitude forever…

Cut 9 (07) “…we are good.”

Jordan’s measure heads to the Senate for its approval. Since it’s a constitutional amendment, it will also need voter approval.

While the restaurant industry is still recovering from the effects of the COVID pandemic,  Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris says eateries, like every other industry, have had to endure record inflation, supply-chain issues, and shortages.

Cut 5 (06)   “…coming due.”

And even though some restaurants have closed since the pandemic, Harris says there are new ventures that opened their doors.

The Louisiana House approves a constitutional amendment that would symbolically abolish slavery. Slavery was abolished in the United States in 1865. But more than 150 years later, states are banning involuntary servitude and slavery in their state constitutions. Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan…
Cut 11 (15) “…to slavery.”
Jordan’s legislation will need approval from the Senate and voters.

Legislation to phase out the corporate franchise tax continues to make its way through the legislative process. Franklin Senator Bret Allain says the tax hinders the state’s ability to attract new businesses…
cut 14 (10) “….has the on the books”
That’s Allain speaking before the House Ways and Means Committee, which sent the legislation to the House floor for more discussion.

It wasn’t too long ago when Louisiana’s signature restaurant industry was struggling to stay in business when the pandemic turned things upside down. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (31) …“Brooke Thorington.”

For the second consecutive year, LSU’s Dylan Crews has been named the SEC Player of the Year. The junior leads the SEC in hitting with a .423 average. And Paul Skenes has been named SEC Pitcher of the year. He leads the SEC in wins, strikeouts, and earned run average. LSU will begin play in the SEC Tournament tomorrow morning.

Lafourche Parish Sheriff deputies continue to investigate a Sunday night mass shooting at a street party in Thibodaux where seven people were shot and two others injured trying to escape the gunfire. Sheriff Craig Webre…

Cut 12 (08)    “…following up.” 
Webre says there were as many people as 500 people in the crowd when at least 12 shots rang out within three seconds. Thankfully no one was killed.

Legislation that would provide families adopting a child under the age of three with a $5 thousand tax credit was approved by the full House without objection in a 97 to 0 vote. Bill author, Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds says he hopes this will alleviate some of the financial burden for adoptive families under this legislation.

Cut 6 (12)  “…bill does.” 

Chris Giordano the longtime general manager of the State Fair of Louisiana has resigned. Giordano has been at the helm for 17 years, and he replaced his father Sam who held the position for more than 30 years. Robb Brazzel has been appointed interim GM.

Two donors made individual $1 million donations towards ULM $2.3 million raised in 24 hours during their first Day of Giving. Teiko Foxx has the story.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

The restaurant industry has seen improvement since the height of COVID but Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris says workforce woes continue to plague restaurants and many full-service dining establishments are now faced with paying the piper.

Cut 5 (06)   “…coming due.”

Harris says eateries, like every other industry, have had to endure record inflation, supply-chain issues, and shortages that haven’t been experienced since WWII.

Two donors made individual $1 million gifts towards a $2.3 million total raised by ULM in 24 hours during their first Day of Giving. ULM Foundation Advancement Officer Cindy Foust says the generosity was overwhelming.

Cut 8 (10) “…big accomplishment.”

The two $1 million gifts were designated to the School of Business and Social Sciences and other monies were designated for different disciplines across campus.

No surprise, but LSU’s Dylan Crews is the SEC Hitter of the Year and Paul Skenes is the Pitcher of the Year. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Former West Monroe Mayor Bert Hatten died Monday morning at the age of 96. Hatten served as mayor of Monroe for 12 years. He also worked as a reporter and managing editor for the Monroe Morning World until he left to enter the insurance business. He also owned and published the Ouachita Citizen from 1965 to 1986.

A Senate-passed bill that would phase out Louisiana’s corporate franchise tax passes the House Ways & Means Committee.
cut 13 (09) “…afford to it”
Bill sponsor and Franklin Republican Senator Bret Allain says several other states have ended the tax, which he says may be good for state coffers, but is harmful to the state’s business environment. The measure is moving in on final legislative passage.

Seven people were shot Sunday night during a street party in Thibodaux for a preschool graduation. Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre says five of the seven victims were female and two were male, between the ages of 17 and 25.
Cut 10 (11) “…hospitalized.”
Webre says they recovered a firearm at the scene. At least 12 shots rang out during a three second period, which sent hundreds of people scurrying for cover.

Three years ago restaurants were trying to stay afloat because of COVID restrictions. Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris says inflation is their current battle…
cut 6 (12) “….insurance”
Harris says finding employees is also a struggle for some restaurants.

ULM was able to raise over two-million dollars in 24 hours on its inaugural Day of Giving. ULM Foundation Advancement Officer Cindy Foust…
cut 9 (12) “….THAT DAY”
Two separate one-million dollar gifts were designated to the School of Business and Social Sciences.

The search continues for the gunman who fired off at least 12 bullets in a three-second span during a street party in Thibodaux Sunday. Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre says hundreds of people were on hand to celebrate a preschool graduation…
cut 11 (12) “….of people”
Seven people were shot and investigators have recovered one firearm.

Franklin Senator Bret Allain has been trying to get rid of the corporate franchise tax. A tax he says hinders economic development in Louisiana. Allain has a bill that phases out the franchise tax starting in 2025 and there are fiscal triggers for the bill to go into effect…
cut 15 (08) “….stabilization fund”
Also known as the Rainy Day Fund. The measure has received Senate approval and is awaiting debate on the House floor.

While the restaurant industry isn’t completely back to pre-pandemic levels, Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris says things have improved since the height of COVID. Harris says there’s still more recovery to be made and some sectors fared better than others.
Cut 4 (10) “…to recover.”
Harris says workforce woes also continue to plague restaurants.

ULM raised more than $2 million from 86 donors in 24 hours on its inaugural Day of Giving. ULM Foundation Advancement Officer Cindy Foust says this day mimics the National Day of Giving held during the fall.
Cut 7 (10) “…donate to.”
Two donors made individual $1 million gifts with a total of more than two-point-three million dollars raised for their favorite academic programs and athletic teams.

Legislation to phase out the corporate franchise tax continues to make its way through the legislative process. Franklin Senator Bret Allain has been critical of the tax for many years because he says it hinders the state’s ability to attract new businesses…
cut 14 (10) “….has the on the books”
That’s Allain speaking before the House Ways and Means Committee, which sent the legislation to the House floor for more discussion.

LaFourche Parish Sheriff deputies continue to investigate a Sunday night mass shooting at a street party in Thibodaux where seven people were shot and two others injured trying to escape the gunfire. Sheriff Craig Webre…
cut 12 (08) “….following up’
Webre says there were as many people as 500 people in the crowd when at least 12 shots rang out within three seconds. Thankfully no one was killed.

It wasn’t too long ago when Louisiana’s signature restaurant industry was struggling to stay in business when the pandemic turned things upside down. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (31) …“Brooke Thorington.”

It wasn’t too long ago when Louisiana’s signature restaurant industry was struggling to stay in business when the pandemic turned things upside down. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  …“Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

Two donors made individual $1 million donations toward ULM $2.3 million raised in 24 hours during their first Day of Giving. Teiko Foxx has the story.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

_______________________________________________

No surprise, but LSU’s Dylan Crews is the SEC Hitter of the Year and Paul Skenes is the Pitcher of the Year. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

_____________________________________________

While the restaurant industry isn’t completely back to pre-pandemic levels,  Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris says things have improved since the height of COVID. Harris says there’s still more recovery to be made and some sectors fared better than others.

Cut 4 (10)  “…to recover.”

And even though some restaurants have closed since the pandemic, Harris says there are new ventures that opened their doors.

Workforce woes continue to plague restaurants and Harris says many full-service dining establishments are now faced with paying the piper.

Cut 5 (06)   “…coming due.”

Harris says eateries, like every other industry, have had to endure record inflation, supply-chain issues, and shortages that haven’t been experienced since WWII.

There are very few places in the country where restaurants play such an important role in the state’s identity. Harris says the association has even coined the phrase ‘we live to eat.’

Cut 6 (10)  “…having dinner.”

_____________________________________________

ULM raised more than $2 million from 86 donors in 24 hours on its inaugural Day of Giving. ULM Foundation Advancement Officer Cindy Foust says this day mimics the National Day of Giving held during the fall.

Cut 7 (10) “…donate to.”

Donors were given the opportunity to make their gifts in honor of a graduate from ULM, NLU, or NLSC. Two donors made individual $1 million gifts with a total of more than $2,319,442 raised for their favorite colleges and sports. Foust says the generosity was overwhelming.

Cut 8 (10) “…big accomplishment.”

The two $1 million gifts were designated to the School of Business and Social Sciences. Donors were allowed to give in honor of graduates past or present and they will be recognized in an upcoming ULM publication. Foust says the monies were designated for different disciplines across campus.

Cut 9 (12)  “…that day.”

Gift partners including Louisiana Wholesale Drug Company, Inc., Lumen, Pinnacle Family Health, and Coach Lou St. Amant made $2 thousand challenge gifts to spur other donors on Day of Giving.

________________________________________

After a Sunday night block party in Thibodaux for a preschool graduation took a violent turn, Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre is asking for the public’s help as deputies piece together clues. Of the seven individuals who received gunshot injuries, five were female and two were male, between the ages of 17 and 25.

Cut 10 (11) “…hospitalized.” 

Two other females received injuries when the crowd dispersed and sought cover.

Webre says deputies have learned the original gathering in the Marydale Community was to celebrate preschool graduation.

Cut 11 (12)  “…of people.”

Webre says they’ve recovered one firearm with DNA evidence, and it’s been sent to ATF for forensic analysis. He they’ve also found a number of casings and one live round at the scene from two different caliber weapons. Video from the scene indicates the shooting was over in as little as three seconds.

It is believed the majority of those in attendance were there to socialize and unfortunately, Webre says at least two or more individuals, without any regard for the safety of themselves or others fired shots into the crowd.

Cut 12 (08)    “…following up.” 

Webre says there are estimates that as many as 500 people were in the crowd and they are hopeful they’ll receive tips that will lead to arrests.

_______________________________________________

A Senate-passed bill that would phase out Louisiana’s corporate franchise tax passes the House Ways & Means Committee. Bill sponsor and Franklin Republican Senator Bret Allain says several other states have ended the tax, which he says may be good for state coffers, but is harmful to the state’s business environment. Allain says “if you want to dis-incentivize something, tax it”…:

Cut 13 (09) “…afford to do it.”  

Allain’s bill has already passed the full Senate. It would phase out the corporate franchise tax by the year 2031; reducing it by 25 percent any year in which the state collects over $ 600 million from it. Allain asks House Ways & Means members to support his legislation as a way to stimulate more business to come here…:

Cut 14 (10)  “…has on the books.”

Allain says there are other fiscal triggers that would need to occur for the bill to go into effect…:

Cut 15 (08)  “…stabilization fund.”

The bill also only triggers if a companion Quality Jobs tax rebate bill passes as well. Financial analysts say the bill could lessen state tax collection by over a half-billion dollars over five years. Ways & Means approved the bill; sending it to the House floor.

_____________________________________

LSU’s Dylan Crews and Paul Skenes are named SEC Hitter and Pitcher of the Year in a vote of the league’s coaches. Skenes has been dominant, winning a league-high 10 games, striking out an SEC-high 164 hitters and posting a league-low ERA of 1.77

Cut  16 (16)  “..this year” 

For the second consecutive season, Crews is named SEC Hitter of the Year. The junior from Florida leads the SEC with a .424 batting average. He’s also belted 14 home runs and he’s driven in 57 runs. Now Crews is expected to lead LSU to its seventh national championship…

Cut 17 (20) “..next to us” 

LSU will begin play in the SEC Tournament tomorrow morning. The real goal is to win the NCAA Tournament, which begins next week. But Coach Jay Johnson says they want to win an SEC tournament title first…

Cut 18 (22) “…execute”

Cut 19 (18) “….all they had” 

Cut 20 (19)  “…what happens.”  

State lawmakers have three weeks left to decide how they want to spend two-point-two billion dollars in surplus money. Republican House leaders would like to use 950 million dollars to pay down pension debt. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder…

Cut 10 (15) “…next legislature” 

But Governor Edwards says 296 million dollars is available to give teachers a three-thousand dollar pay raise. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the state also has the opportunity also has to make a significant investment toward other priorities…

Cut 11 (07)  “…needed.”

There’s been a lot of bills filed in the Legislature this year aimed at having better and cheaper auto and home insurance. How are they coming along? Kevin Gallagher takes a look…:

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

And lawmakers are advancing a bill to give a tax break to promote gun ownership and sale. Senate Bill 56 would reinstate what’s been known as the Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday. It reportedly costs the state $1.3 million in annual revenue.  If the bill passes the three-day sales tax exemption would take place over Labor Day weekend.