Louisiana’s budget surplus grew larger today as the Revenue Estimating Conference increased the amount of available dollars to spend by 323-million for this fiscal year and 483-million for next fiscal year. But Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the House is taking a conservative approach while the Senate is ready to spend the money on infrastructure projects…:

CUT 12(11)      “…some debt.”

He smells a stalemate brewing between now and the session’s end three weeks from now.

Caught on video and going viral: District 3 Congressman Clay Higgins at a press conference, giving an activist the “bum’s rush.” The activist, Jake Burdett, complained on Twitter later that he was detained, while the congressman was not…:

CUT 11(10)      “…was attacked!”

Burdett was asking congresswoman Lauren Boebert personal questions about her marriage and her failed business when Higgins stepped in.

Multiple state agencies are experiencing computer network outages, caused by failed hardware and backup systems. The Division of Administration says the good news is there is spare hardware readily available and work is underway to get it installed and systems back online ASAP.

On his monthly radio program, Governor Edwards wouldn’t say if he plans to veto any legislation this year that are similar to what he vetoed two years ago…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

Video of Congressman Clay Higgins physically removing an activist away from a press conference is going viral…

CUT 02(30)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

The state’s estimated revenue has gone up over $450-million for the fiscal year that starts in July, and the Governor is reiterating his call for teacher pay raises. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says a stalemate is underway…:

CUT 14(08)      “…last hour.”

That last hour is 6 pm, June 8^th.

The Office of Motor Vehicles and other state agencies have been plagued with internet and computer related outages. Jacques Berry, with the Division of Administration, says it was a hardware failure that included redundant backup systems. New equipment is being installed right now.

On his “Ask the Governor” radio show, Governor John Bel Edwards addressed matters moving through the legislature, like another bill to allow permit-free concealed carry of a gun. No permit would also mean no required proficiency training. Edwards says her still believes in training and in background checks…:

CUT 05(11)      “…conceal carry.”

The legislative session ends in 3 weeks.

State Police are investigating an officer-involved fatal shooting in Bastrop this morning. All we know right now is that Bastrop P.D. responded to call, there was gunfire, one person was pronounced dead at the scene; the officer treated for minor injuries. LSP investigates all officer-involved shootings and deaths.

On his monthly Ask the Governor radio program Governor Edwards wouldn’t say if he plans to veto any legislation this year similar to what he vetoed two years ago. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

The Louisiana Division of Administration announced a system hardware failure that has affected the main system and the redundancy backup systems at multiple state offices. Internet, email, and applications for the Louisiana executive branch were affected, but the outage did not elected officials or higher ed. Crews are reported to be working to get the systems back up. All agencies are expected to resume business today.

The Louisiana House passed a bill that would make menstrual products available for free to public school students. one out of four teen girls missed class due to a lack of access to feminine products in 2021. State Policy for Alliance for Period Supplies Manager Lacey Gero says hopes lawmakers will keep female students in mind when casting their votes.

Cut 8 (06)  “…those issues.” 

Eleven states already have bills requiring schools to provide menstrual products, and at least 20 states have eliminated the tax on menstrual products. passed by the House in a 79 to 17 vote.

Video of Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins physically moving an activist away from a news conference on Capitol Hill is gaining attention online. The activist asked Colorado Congresswoman Lauren Boebert about her divorce from her husband and that’s when Higgins ushered him away.

Cut 10 (07) “…get off me.”  (4x)

Higgins, a former sheriff’s deputy, says the activist was mentally disturbed and threatening and he was escorted out and turned over to Capitol Police.

On his monthly radio show “Ask the Governor”,  Governor John Bel Edwards was asked if he plans to veto any legislation making its way through the legislature addressing the LGBTQ community. The governor wouldn’t say if he plans to or not but brought up the example of when the Supreme Court legalized gay marriage in 2015.

Cut 4 (12)  “…exactly none.” 

Haughton Representative Dodie Horton’s bill that passed in the House on a 67 to 28 vote prohibits discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in the classroom.

The house passed legislation that would provide access to free menstrual products to female students in public schools in a 79 to 17 vote. State Policy for Alliance for Period Supplies Manager Lacey Gero says under the legislation the products would be in an easily accessible location at no cost to students.

Cut 7 (10)  “…would be.” 

New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman reintroduced her bill after it stalled last year on the Senate floor.

Congressman Clay Higgins is seen on video physically removing an activist away from a press conference. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins is seen on video physically moving an activist away from a news conference on Capitol Hill. The activist asked Colorado Congresswoman Lauren Boebert about her divorce from her husband and that’s when Higgins ushered him away.

Cut 9 (10) “…stand by”

On his monthly radio show Ask the Governor, Governor John Bel Edwards was questioned about anti-LGBTQ legislation making its way through the legislature and if he plans to veto any of them. The governor wouldn’t say if he plans to or not, only…

Cut 3 (10) “…unfortunate.”

Multiple state agencies are reporting network computer outages, among the agencies are DCFS, OMV, State Wildlife, and DOTD.

Legislation to lower the threshold of signatures needed in order to recall an elected official passed in the House. Bill author Covington Representative Paul Hollis says, under the current law it is very difficult to recall an elected official….:

Cut 11 (08)  “…smaller districts.”

The bill advances to a Senate committee.

Legislation to provide access to free menstrual products for female students in public schools passed in the House in a 79 to 17 vote. State Policy for Alliance for Period Supplies Manager Lacey Gero (Gee-row) says this is a positive step towards removing embarrassment for female students across the state.

Cut 6 (12)  “…education met.” 

The bill requires public schools to provide the products in an easily accessible location at no cost to students.

Governor John Bel Edwards has expanded the criteria for the Restore Louisiana Program where thousands of additional households could be eligible for disaster assistance. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

If you needed to go to the Office of Motor Vehicles, you’re out of luck. There’s a statewide network outage that’s impacting all of the field offices today. when things will be restored is not known at this time. You can visit expresslane.org for an update.

The Louisiana House passes a bill to lower the threshold of signatures required in order to trigger a recall election. Bill sponsor and Covington Representative Paul Hollis says other states have passed similar legislation so citizens can feel they have more control when they grow dissatisfied with elected leaders…:

Cut 12 (06)    “…on board this year.” 

The bill advances to a Senate committee.

It seems like alligator sightings at the beach are becoming the norm, but LDWF Alligator Program Manager Jeb Linscombe says it’s mating season and so they tend to roam. Just be aware of your surroundings and if you do encounter one, make sure you, children, the elderly, and pets are taken out of harm’s way.

Cut 6 (06)  “…the animal.”

He says never feed one because then they will think it’s ok to approach you and that they are more afraid of you than you are of them.

This is the time of year when you see lots of movement among alligators, and Recent sightings have many wondering if they’ll be sharing their vacation with a reptile. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Alligator Program Manager Jeb Linscombe says that the air temperature is higher than the water is one reason you’ll see them on land, to warm up because they are cold-blooded animals.

Cut 5 (11)   “…time of the year.”

If it’s an urban area where you encounter a gator, Linscombe says contact wildlife agents so they can remove the reptile.

The National Institute of Health has selected LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center as a research site for one of the largest research efforts to find out why diets work for some and not for others. Associate Executive Director for Clinical Science Dr. Eric Ravussin says the results may help to offer personalized guidance to improve overall health.

Cut 9 (12)  “…you live.”

The study will last approximately 2 weeks and participants will be compensated $300. Learn more about enrolling at www.joinallofus.org.

Legislation that would lower the threshold of signatures required in order to recall an elected official was passed by the Louisiana House. Covington Representative Paul Hollis – the bill’s author – says, under current law it is very difficult to recall an elected official….:

Cut 11 (08)  “…smaller districts.”

Hollis’s bill heading to the Senate would require signatures from 50 percent of the number of people who voted in the election for that office. By a vote of 71-to-29, the bill clears the House and will move to the Senate.

Governor John Bel Edwards announced the Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program is expanding the criteria for homeowners that sustained damage from disasters in 2020 and 2021 to qualify for assistance. Executive Director for the LA Office of Community Development Pat Forbes says HUD has allocated funding and monies are available.

Cut 14 (13)  “…is eligible.”

To complete a brief survey visit restore.la.gov or call 866-735-2001.

A bill to lower the number of voter signatures needed to recall a public official wins passage in the House. Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

There is video of Congressman Clay Higgins physically removing an activist from a press conference after asking Congresswoman Lauren Boebert about her divorce. Higgins then grabbed the man and escorted him away…
cut 29 (10) “…
Higgins says he had to escort the activist away because it was a disturbance by a mental person.

The state says there are about 60-thousand homeowners who are eligible for financial assistance through the Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program that have yet to apply for assistance. Restore Louisiana provides grant dollars to repair homes damaged during the 2020-21 hurricane season…
cut 15 (12) “….hurricane damage”
That’s Pat Forbes with the Office of Community Development. For more information go to restore-dot-la-dot-gov.

There are viral photos and videos’ of alligators sunning on the beaches in Mississippi and Alabama. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Alligator Program Manager Jeb Linscombe says gators are just like every other species of wild animals…
Cut 4 (12) “…like a beach.”
But he says they do eventually return to their usual habitat. Alligators nest in freshwater.

The House Criminal Justice Committee sends a bill to the House floor that would allow adults over 18 without a criminal background to conceal carry a firearm without a permit.
Cut 29 (30) “….I’m Teiko Foxx”

The Louisiana House has approved legislation that would require public schools to provide free menstrual products to students in public schools. Funding for the program would come from the state’s general fund. A similar bill failed to receive approval from the Senate last year.

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center has been selected as a site by the National Institute of Health for the largest research effort to eliminate the one size fits all diet. Associate Executive Director for Clinical Science Dr. Eric Razussin says the goal is to personalize diets that address health disparities.
Cut 7 (11) “…fits all.”
LSU Health Sciences New Orleans is also participating.

The damage threshold has been lowered for those eligible for financial assistance from the 2020 -21 hurricanes. Executive Director of the Louisiana Office of Community Development Pat Forbes says the FEMA-determined damage threshold has been lowered from five thousand dollars to three-thousand dollars. He says that means more households can receive grant dollars from the Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program….
cut 13 (11) “…eligible”
If you suffered damage during the 2020-21 hurricanes go to restore-dot-la-dot-gov.

The Louisiana House has passed a bill that would lower the threshold of signatures required in order to trigger a recall election. Bill sponsor and Covington Representative Paul Hollis took questions from Baton Rouge Rep. Denise Marcelle about the numbers of registered voters that would be required to sign a recall petition, based on city, parish, or district population…:
Cut 10 (09) “…25 and 20.”
Hollis’s bill heading to the Senate would require signatures from 50 percent of the number of people who voted in the election for that office.

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is participating in a national study that’s trying to determine why some diets work for some and do not work for others. Associate Executive Director for Clinical Science Doctor Eric Razussin says they will look at a range of factors, including genes and lifestyle…
cut 8 (11) “….such diets”

After all the recent sightings, Brooke Thorington talks to a wildlife expert to find out if an alligator might crash your next beach trip.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”