On the three-year anniversary of Ronald Greene’s fatal arrest in Union Parish, the Associated Press published a report that says federal prosecutors are becoming increasingly skeptical they can bring a successful civil rights case against the troopers shown on body camera video beating Greene before he died. Baton Rouge criminal defense attorney Richard Sprinkle says that’s because it’s hard to determine if the troopers tased or pepper-sprayed him after he was in custody…
cut 15 (14) “…deprivation of rights’
Sprinkle says Greene’s family does not need a federal civil rights charge against the LSP officers to move forward with a civil lawsuit for wrongful death.

The statewide average gasoline price is up another two cents today to $4.06 according to Triple-A. That’s about ten cents shy of the record set in March.

East Baton Rouge Sheriff Corporal Nick Tullier who was shot during a police ambush in 2016 was laid to rest in Denham Springs on Tuesday.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

A bill to allow parents to bring a lawsuit against the entity that prevents a student’s entry to a school on the basis of their immunization status advances from House Education. Houma Representative Beryl Amedee’s bill will give parents legal recourse if their child is denied admittance because they opted out of any vaccination.
Cut 7 (10) “…into the statues.”

The House Education Committee approves a bill that gives parents legal recourse if their child is denied admittance into a school based on vaccination status…
cut 2 (34) “….I’m Brooke Thorington”

Also at the capitol, the Louisiana Senate rejected a proposed constitutional amendment that would have required local government approval before a large corporate tax break is given to manufacturers.  LABI opposed the measure.

Louisiana said goodbye to East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s deputy Nick Tullier during a funeral service attended by law enforcement officers from across the country. Tullier was one of six officers shot in July of 2016 during an ambush on Baton Rouge law enforcement officers. Governor John Bel Edwards says Tullier responded to a call of officers down and for that, he’s a hero
Cut 4 (09) “…this case.”
Tullier was shot three times and not given much of a chance to live, but he defied the odds until an infection ended his life on May 5th

U-L Lafayette is participating in a three-year research effort to see how oysters can be more resilient in low-salinity environments. U-L Lafayette Associate Biology Professor Doctor Beth Stauffer says they are using a 14-million dollar research initiative to identify heritable traits that make some oysters hardier than others…
cut 11 (09) “….oyster production”

East Baton Rouge Sheriff Corporal  Nick Tullier who was shot during a police ambush in 2016 was laid to rest in Denham Springs on Tuesday.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Legislation to give parents of children who are denied admittance to school based on their vaccination status legal recourse, advances from House Education. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Federal prosecutors are doubtful they can successfully charge State Police involved in the 2019 death of Ronald Greene with a civil rights violation. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Louisiana said goodbye to East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s deputy Nick Tullier during a funeral service attended by law enforcement officers from across the country. Tullier was one of six officers shot in July of 2016 during an ambush on Baton Rouge law enforcement officers. Three officers died that day. Governor John Bel Edwards says Tullier responded to a call of officers down and for that he’s a hero

Cut 4 (09)  “…this case.”

Tullier was shot three times and not given much of a chance to live, but he defied the odds until an infection ended his life on May 5th. Edwards says Tullier’s will to live will not be forgotten…

Cut 5 (11) “…man of strength”

Tullier passed away at the age of 46. East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says Tullier spent 18 years of those years as a deputy with the EBRSO…

Cut 6 (12)  “…strength.”

Authorities say 29-year-old Gavin Long opened fire on law enforcement as tensions were high following the officer-involved shooting of Alton Sterling. Baton Rouge police officers Montrell Jackson and Matthew Gerald, along with East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s deputy Brad Garafola were killed. Long was killed by responding officers.

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A bill to allow parents to bring a lawsuit against the entity that prevents a student’s entry to a school on the basis of their immunization status advances from House Education. Houma Representative Beryl Amedee’s bill will give parents legal recourse if their child is denied admittance because they opted out of any vaccination.

Cut 7 (10) “…into the statues.”

House Bill 531 received opposition from the Louisiana Department of Education’s legal counsel Joan Hunt. Baton Rouge Representative Barbara Frieberg asked Hunt to clarify the existing law that says parents can opt-out of having their child vaccinated due to medical, personal, or religious reasons.

Cut 8 (08)  “…none at all.”

Fiorella (Fee-oh-rella Tro-han-ee) Trapani Co-director of Health Freedom Louisiana, a consumer and health rights advocacy organization spoke in favor of the bill.  She told lawmakers even though a law exists many do not know they have recourse if denied.

Cut 9 (12)  “…and for all.”

The bill passed on a six to five vote and will be heard in the full House.

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Over the past 15 years, Louisiana’s oyster industry has taken some major hits. Between hurricanes, flooding, and multiple openings of the Bonnet Carre Spillway changing the concentration of salt in oyster beds, larger and larger percentages of the annual crop never make it to the table. UL-Lafayette is working to change that through a $14-million research partnership to develop more resilient oysters.

Cut 10 (11) “…will survive.”

Over the next three years, working with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Dr. Stauffer and other researchers from across a number of disciplines will examine oyster populations with a low-salinity tolerance to develop strategies that will help the oysters and the industry stay strong.

Cut  11 (09)  “…oyster production.”  

Stauffer says the goal isn’t to create a new kind of oyster, it’s to ensure the health of an industry that provides thousands of jobs and has an annual value of nearly $70 million.

Cut 12 (08) “…100 years.” 

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After a months-long investigation into the 2019 Union Parish roadside death of Ronald Greene in State Police custody, federal prosecutors are growing skeptical they can bring a successful civil rights violation case against any of the troopers involved. The problem is video evidence doesn’t seem to show that officers acted “willfully” to hurt Greene. Baton Rouge criminal defense attorney Richard Sprinkle says the real sticking point is the word “willfully”…:

Cut 13 (14) “…more than obvious.”

Greene died during his arrest, after a high-speed chase through three parishes in May 2019. His family was first told he died in a car crash, but over a year later body cam evidence surfaced showing him being beaten and kicked by troopers. Sprinkle can only speculate on what federal prosecutors are thinking, but says it’s certain they don’t want any missteps that could potentially damage the case…:

Cut 14 (09)  “…obviously passed away.”

Sprinkle says an issue in finding troopers “willfully” deprived Greene of his civil rights is any evidence – video or other – that shows they were ‘after” Ronald Greene for a reason, or that they tased or pepper-sprayed him after he was in custody…:

Cut 15 (14)  “…deprivation of rights.”

Sprinkle says Greene’s family does not need a federal civil rights charge against the LSP officers to move forward with a civil lawsuit for wrongful death.

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Cut 16 (14)  “…they’re hosting.”

Cut 17 (16) “ …good enough.” 

  Cut 18 (15) “ …upward right now.” 

Cut 19 (15) _“…some trouble.”    ___________________________________________

Cut 20 (17) “ …the whole time.” 

A bill to allow parents to bring a lawsuit against the entity that prevents a student’s entry to a school on the basis of their immunization status advances from House Education. Houma Representative Beryl Amedee’s bill will give parents legal recourse if their child is denied admittance because they opted out of any vaccination.

AM Cut 7 (11) “…into the statues.”

House Bill 531 received opposition from the Louisiana Department of Education’s legal counsel Joan Hunt. Baton Rouge Representative Barbara Frieberg asked Hunt to clarify the existing law that says parents can opt out of having their child vaccinated due to medical, personal, or religious reasons.

AM Cut 8 (08)  “…none at all.”

The bill passed on a six to five vote and will be heard in the full House.

The Louisiana House backs a proposal that will phase out a temporary sales tax that’s set to expire in 2025. The tax generates over 400-million dollars in revenues a year and Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala’s bill will begin the phase-out in 2023 so the state doesn’t face a fiscal cliff in 2025…

Cut 3 (11) “…appropriate word.”

The bill passed on a 67-40 vote in the House.

After a Louisiana version of a Don’t Say Gay bill restricting the discussion of gender identity in Louisiana schools was rejected in House Education last week, the full House voted 55 to 39 to have the bill resurrected for the current legislative session. It’s a rare legislative move to have a bill that was rejected in committee to be added the House calendar for debate in the full chamber

CLECO customers might be eligible for a discount on their utility bills during the hot summer months. David Grubb has more…:

CUT 02(35)      “…David Grubb.”

Police in Monroe seek a woman they say shoplifted from a local store, then fled police; causing a fatal traffic crash. MPD says Candace Gill ran a red light and crashed into another car; killing one and injuring three others. A warrant is out for her arrest.

Senator Bill Cassidy introduces a bill to reauthorize the bipartisan Mental Health Reform Act of 2016 that provides crucial programs to improve the nation’s mental health infrastructure. He and Connecticut Democrat Senator Chris Murphy pushed the bill through 6 years ago, which provides key services, especially for kids. Cassidy says re-funding the act is important, because services suffered during the COVID crisis…:

Cut 14  (10)      “…just a stretch.”

Optimism for an improving economy among small businesses continues to decline, according to the April survey by the National Federation of Independent Business. State NFIB director Dawn McVea says supply chain issues, fuel costs, and inflation continue to impede earnings among small business owners. She says 70-percent of independent businesses have had to raise prices…:

CUT 11(10)      “…on record.”

93-percent of those surveyed report few or no qualified job applicants.

Along with gasoline prices, the price of our utility bills is also rising to match the heat. Cleco wants to remind you of its Alternative Rate for Electricity discount program for eligible low-income families. Spokesperson Fran Phoenix says, if you meet the guidelines for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program or LIHEAP, you automatically qualify for these savings during the hottest months of the year…:

CUT 08(08)      “…that discount.”

Find out more at “lhc.la.gov”

Senator Bill Cassidy introduces a bill to reauthorize the bipartisan Mental Health Reform Act of 2016 that provides crucial programs. It provides mental health services for kids in schools, but also for those who find themselves in juvenile detention. He says some teens are denied services while they await sentencing…:

CUT 13(10)      “…might be.”

Louisiana is sort of flush with cash – revenue – right now, and the Louisiana House has up-voted a proposal to help the next legislature deal with the future loss of a temporary sales tax. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

New Orleans Police are seeking a woman they say stole food from a grocery store and used her toddler-aged child to shoplift as well. Store security video shows the woman and little girl carrying over $400 worth of meat without paying. Police say it’s sad they have to steal food, but she’s teaching the child criminal behavior.

A few years back, the Governor and state lawmakers plugged a big budget gap by passing a temporary sales tax hike; set to expire in 2025. It generates about $400-million a year for the state. The state House has passed a bill start phasing that tax increase out, starting next year. Bill sponsor Tony Bacala, of Prairieville, says better to start reducing the sales tax sooner, so budget planners face a soft landing instead of a fiscal cliff…:

CUT 05(08)      “…long term.”

Passed by a 67-to-40 vote, the bill heads now for the Senate.

Funeral services are today for East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Sgt. Nick Tullier, who died after six years of struggling with injuries received when he was shot in an assassin’s attack in Baton Rouge in 2016. Tullier and two others were shot and wounded. Three other law officers were killed, as was the gunman.

Senator Bill Cassidy introduces a bill to reauthorize the bipartisan Mental Health Reform Act of 2016 that provides crucial programs to improve the nation’s mental health infrastructure. Cassidy says current legislation is set to expire in September and the new bill also focuses on mental health programs for children…:

CUT 12(11)      “…support children.”

Cassidy’s 2022 Reauthorization Act not only provides mental health services for kids in schools but also for those who find themselves in juvenile detention centers.

Optimism among small businesses continues to wane, according to the April survey by the National Federation of Independent Business. State NFIB director Dawn McVea says a net-negative 50-percent of owners feel the business environment for them will NOT improve, and record high inflation is why…:

CUT 10(07)      “operating right now.”

93-percent of those surveyed report few or no qualified job applicants.

Louisiana is experiencing good fiscal times now and the Louisiana House votes for a proposal to help the next legislature deal with the loss of temporary sales. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

College athletes have been profiting off of their name, image, and likeness since July and now the NCAA says it’s beginning a crackdown on booster involvement. The new NIL guidelines attempt to stop boosters from being involved in recruiting and the NCAA says it will investigate those who violate the rules.

Some CLECO customers could be eligible for the Alternative Rate for Electricity discount program. Spokesperson Fran Phoenix the 25-percent discount is applied to the customer’s bills for July, August, and September. Customers must enroll before May 30 through their local community action agency.

Cut 7 (11) “…started breathing again.” 

For a list of those agencies visit the Louisiana Housing Corporation website, l-h-c-dot-la-dot-gov.

Optimism among small businesses continues to decline. According to the April survey by the NFIB, small business owners who are expecting better conditions over the next six months decreased by one point. State Director Dawn McVea says in their 48-year history of the survey…

Cut 9 (08) “…will improve.”

Today marks the three-year anniversary of Ronald Greene’s death. Still no charges against the State Troopers who were seen on body camera video beating Greene before he died. Kevin Gallagher has more…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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The Louisiana House backs a proposal that will phase out a temporary sales tax that’s set to expire in 2025. Democrats are concerned the legislation will result in budget cuts. Shreveport Representative Sam Jenkins believes the Legislature should wait until next year’s fiscal session to discuss this temporary sales tax.

Cut 4 (09) “…be cut”

—

Gas prices are up, and with temperatures on the rise, utility bills will be soaring throughout the summer months. To help provide some relief, CLECO is spreading the word about its Cleco Alternative Rate for Electricity discount program for eligible low-income families. Here’s spokesperson Fran Phoenix…

Cut 6 (11) “…assistance program.”

If eligible, the discount is applied to the customer’s bills for July, August, and September. To find out if you qualify visit lhc-dot-la-dot-gov.

Today marks the third anniversary of the death of Ronald Greene. His death has put State Police under a microscope for a possible cover-up as Greene’s family was originally told he died in a crash, but body camera video shows he was involved in a violent encounter with State Troopers. Paramedic Cindy Ott described what she saw when she arrived on the scene…
cut 10 (09) “….his head”
A federal civil rights investigation is underway, but no charges have been handed down.

The Louisiana House backs a proposal that will phase out a temporary sales tax that’s set to expire in 2025. The tax generates over 400-million dollars in revenues a year and Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala’s bill will begin the phase-out in 2023 so the state doesn’t face a fiscal cliff in 2025…
cut 3 (11) “…appropriate word”
Democrats are concerned the legislation will result in budget cuts. The measure still needs Senate approval.

The state Supreme Court hears arguments today over pre-2019 non-unanimous jury verdicts, and whether those convicted should be eligible for a new trial…:
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Arguments are underway in a federal court in Baton Rouge as a coalition of civil rights groups seek to toss out the Congressional district map approved by Republican lawmakers in February. The plaintiffs say there should be a second majority-Black congressional district, but GOP legislators say the Black population is too spread out to have two majority-minority districts.