LSU Health Shreveport’s work during the pandemic with genetic sequencing receives national recognizing and the school is receiving a Rockefeller grant. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Legislature gave final approval to the last piece of legislation needed to get sports betting online, potentially as early as fall. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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Compromise legislation that would slightly increase state unemployment benefits in exchange for ending federally enhanced benefits five weeks early is headed to the Governor’s desk. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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LSU Health Shreveport is one of four universities to be awarded a grant to study gene sequencing from the prestigious Rockefeller Foundation. Director for Emerging Viral Threats at LSUHS Dr. Andrew Yurochko (U-rotch-co) says the school’s role in the pandemic is why they have received the honor.

Cut 4 (10) “…we’ve done.”

Yurochko says sequencing in layman’s terms is discovering the fingerprint for a virus, or any other disease, and it is that fingerprint in which they are able to detect new variants and provide a code of what vaccine creators use as a roadmap.

Cut 5  (11) “…that vaccine.”

The objective of the grant is to strengthen global capabilities to detect and respond to pandemic threats in the future. Yurochko says the award is indicative of LSU Health Shreveport’s strides in detecting variants and assisting with vaccine rollout.

Cut 6 (10) “…the country.”

Harvard and MIT also received Rockefeller grants.

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The Legislature gave final passage to a bill setting the rules and regulations for legalized sports betting.

The bill lets anyone 21 and older place bets on their mobile device, computer, or at select locations in any of the 55 parishes that voted to approve the activity. Crowley Representative John Stefanski…

Cut 7 (10) “…Louisiana.”

Earlier this month Governor Edwards signed legislation setting the tax rates for sports betting with a 15 percent tax on mobile betting and a ten percent tax for betting at authorized locations.

The ability to place bets anywhere in approved parishes is a major expansion from initial proposals that would have only allowed betting at casinos. Stefanski says it was necessary.

Cut 8 (07) “…as well.”

Bars and restaurants will have the option of paying a 10,000 dollar fee to establish a sports betting kiosk at their business, meaning bets will be taxed at the lower rate. Bets can also be placed at sportsbooks in casinos.

Stefanski says allowing mobile betting was a question of equity for many of the rural parishes that approved the activity.

Cut 9 (11) “…participate.” 

Governor Edwards is expected to sign the bill into law, which could mean sports betting could be online for the fall football season.

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The 2021 regular Legislative session has come to an end and Governor John Bel Edwards closed out the session with a speech from the Capitol where he highlighted the historic increase in funding for education at both the K-12 and higher education levels, including higher ed faculty raises and an 800-dollar K-12 teacher pay raise.

Cut 10 (11) “…that goal.”

Edwards thanked congressional members and the President’s administration for federal relief dollars that the state has received but reminded citizens that long-term budget decisions did not need to be based on monies received for pandemic relief.

Cut 11 (12) “…go away.”

Ten of the 13 bills in the Governor’s legislative agenda passed during the session. He referred to House Bill 409 which strengthens and clarifies Title IX violations reporting procedures on higher education campuses.

Cut 12 (12) “…this legislation.”

Edwards also says he’s interested in signing a bill to lessen penalties for possession of 14 grams or less of marijuana.

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The Legislature gave final passage to a bill that would increase state unemployment benefits by 28 dollars a week if the Governor ceases accepting federally enhanced benefits by July 31^st.

Plaquemines Democratic Representative Chad Brown says while he understands some sectors of the economy have not bounced back yet…

Cut 13 (10) “…to work.”

The 28 dollar boost would take effect in January of 2022, but only if the state does not resume accepting federally enhanced benefits before then.

Abita Springs Republican Representative Larry Frieman says he was initially against increasing state benefits but says the business lobby accepts this compromise.

Cut 14 (09) “…thing.”

The bill has the backing of the state’s largest business lobby, the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, which had been calling for the end of federally enhanced benefits.

New Orleans Democratic Representative Mandie Landry says this bill takes free federal money away from the poorest people in the state when many jobs have yet to return.

Cut 15 (10)“…district”

Representative Brown says the Governor is waiting for an economist’s report on the impact of ending the federally enhanced unemployment benefits before making a final decision.

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After getting swept in three close contests to Tennessee earlier this season, is revenge on the mind of the Tigers as they face the Volunteers in the super regionals. Left fielder Gavin Dugas is just glad they are still playing

Cut 16 (17) “…at a time.”

After that series in an interview with a Baton Rouge radio station, Mainieri said the Tennessee fans were nasty based on things they were saying to the Tiger players. When asked, Dugas didn’t want to repeat some of the stuff he heard…

Cut 17 (19) …part of the game.” 

Coach Paul Mainieri admits Tennessee’s home ballpark is not an easy place to play…

Cut  18 (21)”..low 3s.”

Legislation mandating that children who turn five on or before September 30th must attend kindergarten receives final legislative passage. The bill faced some opposition, but bill author Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields says they were able to work it out…

Cut 4 (10) “…early age.”

Governor Edwards is expected to sign the bill that goes into effect for the 2022 school year.

On the final day of the legislative session, lawmakers approved tax swap plan that will lower individual income tax rates, but eliminate the ability to deduct on state taxes, federal income taxes paid. Pelican Institution CEO Daniel Erspamer says this proposal simplifies Louisiana’s complex tax code…
cut 6 (12) “…structure”
Voters will be asked to approve the plan on the October ballot.

Baton Rouge Police arrest two teenagers who they believe fatally shot three people, including a one-year-old on May 31st at an apartment complex. BRPD Sergeant Don Coppola says 19-year-old David Williams and a 15-year-old suspect were taken into custody this morning.

Cut 9 (12) “…same charges”

Live music returns to the historic Preservation Hall in New Orleans tonight. After closing its doors last March due to the pandemic, it’s reopening and on a historic day for the venue, its 60th anniversary. Preservation Hall Creative Director Ben Jaffe says it’s a significant night for not only the city but also the state.
Cut 12 (11) “..in general”

The investigation is ongoing.

The Senate gave final legislative passage today to a package of tax reform bills that supporters say will simplify personal income and business taxes. Pelican Institute CEO Daniel Erspamer says while this tax reform does simplify the state’s tax code significantly, put together it’s not really a tax cut for most people.

Cut 8 (09) “…state” 

Opponents argue the reforms mostly benefit the state’s wealthiest individuals and corporations.

Beginning fall of 2022 children who are five years old will be required to attend kindergarten in Louisiana as a result of legislation that’s received final legislative passage. The bill did face opposition claiming mandatory kindergarten is an infringement of parental rights. But Senate Education Chairman Cleo Fields says they were able to come to an agreement with the legislation.

Cut 4 (10) “…early age.”

Baton Rouge Police arrest two teenagers who they believe fatally shot three people, including a one-year-old on May 31st at an apartment complex. BRPD Sergeant Don Coppola says 19-year-old David Williams and a 15-year-old suspect were taken into custody this morning.

Cut 9 (12) “…same charges”

A total of five people have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting that occurred on Memorial Day.

Live music returns to the historic Preservation Hall in New Orleans tonight. After closing its doors last March due to the pandemic, it’s reopening on it’s 60^th anniversary. Preservation Hall Creative Director Ben Jaffe says they’ve received messages from all over the world about tonight’s reopening.

Cut 13 (10) “…sacred space.”

Patrons will have to undergo temperature checks and wear face masks.

It’s the final day of the session and lawmakers ended with a flurry including giving final passage to legislation that, if approved, would execute a complex “tax swap” for personal and business income taxes. Pelican Institute CEO Daniel Erspamer says the bill eliminates the ability to deduct federal taxes in exchange for lowering your state income taxes.

Cut 7 (10) “…country”

Voters will have to approve the personal income tax measure in fall.

Lawmakers send Governor Edwards a bill that mandates children who turn five on or before September 30^th attend Kindergarten starting in fall of 2022.  Senate Education Chairman Cleo Fields says his bill helps ensure all children have a strong educational foundation…

Cut 3 (12) “…at five.”

Governor Edwards has supported the bill since the beginning of the session.

Baton Rouge Police arrest two teenagers who they believe fatally shot three people, including a one-year-old on May 31st at an apartment complex. BRPD Sergeant Don Coppola credits the public’s assistance for the arrests of 19-year-old David Williams and a 15-year-old suspect…

Cut  11 (12) “…always do” 

A source tells Louisiana Radio Network the alleged shooters are half-brothers. 

Live music returns to the historic Preservation Hall in New Orleans tonight for a 60th-anniversary celebration after being closed since last March. Preservation Hall Creative Director Ben Jaffe says they believe it is now safe to open and for the music to return…

Cut 14 (07) “….recovery.” 

The intimate venue will hold three shows nightly Thursdays through Sunday, with limited capacity.

On the final day of the legislative session, lawmakers approved tax swap plan that will lower individual income tax rates, but eliminate the ability to deduct on state taxes, federal income taxes paid. Pelican Institution CEO Daniel Erspamer says this proposal simplifies Louisiana’s complex tax code…
cut 6 (12) “…structure”
Voters will be asked to approve the plan on the October ballot.

Live music returns to the historic Preservation Hall in New Orleans tonight. After closing its doors last March due to the pandemic, it’s reopening and on a historic day for the venue, its 60th anniversary. Preservation Hall Creative Director Ben Jaffe says it’s a significant night for not only the city but also the state.
Cut 12 (11) “..in general”

Pending the Governor’s signature, kindergarten will soon be mandatory in Louisiana fall of 2022. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (29) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Today, Governor John Bel Edwards signed the state’s budget for the next fiscal year. As a result of increased revenues, legislators were able to fund 800-dollar pay raises for teachers. Nearly 20-million dollars in faculty pay raises for higher education. TOPS is fully funded and an extra 11-million dollars will go towards Go grant funding.

The Legislature gives final passage to a tax reform package that supporters say is a revenue-neutral simplification of personal and business income taxes. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

Former Oregon State baseball coach Pat Casey visited LSU and is a candidate to be the Tigers next coach, replacing Paul Mainieri who will retire at the end of the season. The Tigers play in the NCAA super regional on Saturday against Tennessee.

Beginning fall of 2022 children who are five years old as of September 30^th will be required to attend kindergarten in Louisiana as a result of a bill that’s received final legislative passage. Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields, a proponent of early childhood education, says making kindergarten mandatory is the first hurdle in creating more learning opportunities for children in the state.

Cut 5  (10) “…chance.”

Baton Rouge Police arrest two teenagers who they believe fatally shot three people, including a one-year-old on May 31st at an apartment complex. BRPD Sergeant Don Coppola says 19-year-old David Williams and a 15-year-old suspect were taken into custody this morning and the case remains open.

Cut 10 (08) “…as well.”

A total of five people have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting.

Legislation mandating that children who turn five on or before September 30th must attend kindergarten whether through homeschooling or at school receives final legislative passage. The bill faced a stiff fight from opponents who say this infringes on parental rights but bill author Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields says they were able to work it out…

Cut 4 (10) “…early age.”

Governor Edwards is expected to sign the bill that goes into effect for the 2022 school year, and the session is set to end at 6 PM today.

Baton Rouge Police arrest two teenagers who they believe fatally shot three people, including a one-year-old on May 31st at an apartment complex. BRPD Sergeant Don Coppola says 19-year-old David Williams and a 15-year-old suspect were taken into custody this morning

Cut 9 (12) “…same charges”

As the Legislative Session comes to a close one good-government group is celebrating what they say was a productive two months at the state capitol. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  (Slightly edited)

Beginning fall of 2022 children who are five years old will be required to attend kindergarten in Louisiana. Baton Rouge Senator and Senate Education Chairman Cleo Fields who authored the legislation says it makes sense to have children learning earlier to get a head start with their education.

Cut 3 (12) “…at five.”

Twelve other states already require kindergarten.

The 2021 regular legislative session ends today. A session that saw a change in attitudes regarding marijuana. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says while legislation to legalize recreational marijuana use did not pass, legislators approved a bill that takes jail time away as a punishment for those caught with a small quantity of pot…
Cut 8 (06) “…anytime soon.”

The Louisiana Attorney General’s office is in federal court in Lafayette today disputing President Biden’s executive order that prevents new oil and gas lease sales on public land. Landry says the President is acting beyond the scope of his authority…
cut 11 (08) “….issues.”
The Biden administration says it’s only a temporary pause as his administration reviews how oil and gas production is contributing to climate change.

The FDA approved the first new medication in almost 20 years for the treatment of Alzheimer’s. but Dr Jeffrey Keller with the LSU Pennington Biomedical Institute on Dementia Research and Prevention says Aducanumab (add-yoo-CAN-yoo-mab) was approved even though an advisory committee deemed otherwise.

Cut 13 (11) “…a treatment.”

The list annual price for the mediation is $56,000.

Oral arguments take place today in Attorney General Jeff Landry’s lawsuit against the Biden administration for imposing a temporary ban on new oil and gas lease sales on public lands, including the Gulf of Mexico. Landry is seeking a preliminary injunction…
cut 10 (12) “…Americans”
The White House says the moratorium does not stop oil and gas production and there’s plenty of undeveloped leases.

Former Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal turns 50-years-old today. Jindal has stayed out of state politics since he left the governor’s office in 2016. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says there’s still plenty of time for Jindal to return as a political figure…
cut 6 (11) “…a factor in”

The first FDA approval in almost 20 years for an Alzheimer’s medication has many asking why when an advisory council advised against it. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Today is the final day of the legislative session. Legislators are still looking at ways to generate more money for road and bridge construction. There is legislation that would re-direct revenues from vehicle sales taxes from the general fund and instead have that cash go towards transportation improvements.

The 2021 legislative session ends today. The Senate still has to approve bills dealing with a tax swap plan that will lower income tax rates and legislators are still looking at shifting vehicle sales tax revenues towards highway transportation projects. The budget is already done. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says the spending plan contains the largest investment in higher education in more than a decade…
cut 9 (09) “…step forward”

Oral arguments are today in a federal courtroom in Lafayette as Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry challenges the Biden administration’s pause on new oil and gas lease sales on public lands. Landry says the case is before Judge Terry Doughty…
cut 12 (10) “…of Mexico”

The FDA has approved the first new medication in almost 20 years for the treatment of Alzheimer’s, but Dr. Jeffrey Keller with the LSU Pennington Biomedical Institute on Dementia Research and Prevention says Aducanumab (add-yoo-CAN-yoo-mab) was approved despite an advisory committee voting against its approval
Cut 13 (11) “…a treatment.”
Keller says research continues on finding a better way to treat Alzheimer’s.

Today former governor, Congressman, and presidential candidate Boddy Jindal turns 50. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the once superstar politician has faded from the limelight ever since his two terms as governor ended in 2016
Cut 4 (08) “…to change Louisiana.”
Jindal is still active in pushing a conservative agenda on a national level.