Legislation that would extend a temporary sales tax beyond 2025 and use that money to improve roads and bridges receives the approval of the Senate Finance Committee. Metairie Republican Senator Cameron Henry is not too keen on permanently extending a tax that was a temporary solution to a previous budget crisis…
cut 10 (11) “….an income tax”
The bill heads to the Senate where it will need two-thirds approval.

Legislation that would give voters in St. Tammany Parish an opportunity to vote on whether they want a riverboat casino in Slidell is advancing to the Senate floor after a close vote in Senate Finance. Chairman Bodi White had this to say to the opponents who testified against the legislation…
cut 7 (11) “…what we do”

The first-ever comprehensive report of deaths behind bars in the state is released by Loyola Law. Brooke Thorington has more on what the study found among the 786 deaths from 2015 to 2019.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating the fatal shooting of a woman who was found dead this morning inside an apartment on Houma Boulevard. The sheriff says there is no suspect or motive available at this time. The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s office says human remains were discovered in a wooded area of Golden Meadow just north of Yankee canal. An autopsy is scheduled.

Senate Finance advances a bill that would dedicate point four-five percent of the state sales tax that is set to expire in 2025 permanently to infrastructure. Port Allen Senator Rick Ward made an emotional appeal to the committee, saying he doesn’t want to see any more of his family move out of state because of Louisiana’s inadequate infrastructure.
Cut 8 (10) “…state.”
The legislation would generate 400-million dollars every year that would go towards road and bridge improvements.

Loyola University New Orleans Law Professor Andrea Armstrong has put together a database on deaths in Louisiana prisons, jails and detention centers from 2015 to 2019. Deaths as a result of medical illness make up a majority of deaths. Armstrong says deaths by suicide and drug overdose are the second and third leading causes, and they occur primarily in local jails…
cut 15 (06) “….department”

A bill to allow voters to decide if Slidell can have a riverboat casino now heads to the Senate floor for final passage after a 5-4 vote in Senate Finance. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A bill to allow voters to decide if Slidell can have a riverboat casino now heads to the Senate floor for final passage after a 5-4 vote in Senate Finance. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________

Legislation dedicating a portion of the state sales tax that is set to expire in 2025 cleared a Senate committee 7-4 and is headed to the Senate floor. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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The first-ever comprehensive report of deaths behind bars in the state is released by Loyola Law. Brooke Thorington has more on what the study found among the 786 deaths from 2015 to 2019.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

____________________________________

A House bill to give St. Tammany voters the opportunity to decide if riverboat gambling should be allowed in the parish is heading to the Senate Floor. Sidell Representative Mary DuBuisson’s bill passed on a tight 5-4 vote in Senate Finance.

Slidell Pastor John Raymond spoke in opposition, stating his area of the parish would suffer the downside of gaming while other areas would profit.

Cut 4 (08)”…share.”

Spectrum Gaming VP Matthew Roob says a 2018 Mississippi Gaming Commission study noted 22-percent of their Gulf Coast casino customers were from Louisiana.  Gamblers that Roob says have the potential to roll the dice in-state if a casino is placed in St Tammany Parish.

Cut 5 (10)”…region.”

But St. Tammany resident Linda Thornhill is skeptical about how gaming revenue is appropriated.

Cut 6 (12)”…it did.”

After the vote advancing the bill to the Senate floor, Baton Rouge Senator Bodi White reminded those who testified in opposition that it’s not a done deal yet.

Cut 7 (11)  “…what we do.”

The bill now heads to the Senate for final passage.

_______________________________

Senate Finance advances a bill that would dedicate point four-five percent of the state sales tax that is set to expire in 2025 permanently to infrastructure.

Port Allen Senator Rick Ward made an emotional appeal to the committee, saying he doesn’t want to see any more of his family move out of state because of Louisiana’s crumbling infrastructure.

Cut 8 (10) “…state.”

The bill would generate an estimated 350 to 380 million dollars a year once it is fully phased in 2025. If passed it would be slowly phased in over three years starting in 2022.

The bill took flak from both the left and right before passing 7-4. Baton Rouge Democratic Senator Regina Barrow is concerned dedicating that money to infrastructure could create a budget deficit.

Cut 9 (09) “…education.” 

And Metairie Republican Senator Cameron Henry says he’s not too keen on permanently extending a tax that was supposed to be a temporary solution to the fiscal cliff…

Cut 10 (11) “…an income tax.”

The bill heads to the Senate floor and will need two-thirds support in both chambers, something that looks increasingly unlikely after the leader of the newly formed Conservative Caucus announced 41 members have pledged to vote against it.

__________________

Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker says the city is getting ready for a crush of visitors starting Friday as they host a “triple-header” of an NCAA Regional Tournament, a softball tournament, and the Peach Festival.

Ruston won the hosting rights for the regional after La Tech’s inspiring 40-18 season. Walker says the whole city is proud of what the team has been able to accomplish and will be packing the new “Love Shack”.

Cut 11 (03) “…sold out.”

The NCAA Regional in Ruston opens Friday with NC State and Alabama playing at 1 PM and Tech and Rider starting at 6 PM.

The new sports complex hosting the regionals was built after a devastating tornado destroyed much of Tech’s campus in 2019. Walker says it was tragic, but the new sports complex was a silver lining.

Cut 12 (10) “…every weekend.”

On top of the regionals, 50 girls’ softball teams will travel into town and tourists from around the region will be enjoying the famed Peach Festival. Walker says hotels are packed, but if you can get a room…

Cut 13 (07) “…you want.”

The Marucci Classic softball tournament and Peach Festival begin Saturday.

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Loyola Law releases the first comprehensive report on inmate deaths in Louisiana. Law Professor Andrea (On-dree-ah) Armstrong says the study analyzed data on 786 known inmate fatalities from 2015 to 2019. She says medical death is the majority cause behind bars but yet when you look at preexisting conditions only half were diagnosed while incarcerated.

Cut 14 (10) “…behind bars.”

Inmate deaths include those in state prisons, parish jails, and detention centers. Armstrong says six percent of inmate deaths were suicide and where they occurred in parish facilities was surprising, almost half in solitary confinement.

Cut 15 (06)“…department.”

Louisiana has the highest incarceration rate in the world and Armstrong says the state does not have any mandatory standards governing confinement conditions and no independent oversight of what happens behind bars.

Cut 16 (07) “…deaths.”

Armstrong says the report is based on 70-percent of the facilities that they requested records from, which means 30-percent did not comply with the state’s public records law.

_____________________________________________

The Southern Jaguars baseball team is in Texas for the Austin regional that begins tomorrow. The Jags are the four-seed after winning the SWAC tournament and they join Texas, Arizona State, and Fairfield in Austin.  Southern head coach Chris Crenshaw says they’ll need a full team effort.

Cut 17 (10) do well.” 

Southern reached the postseason after taking down a very tough Jackson State team in the SWAC championship. Crenshaw says playing in the tournament was beneficial because they learned how to handle adversity.

Cut  18 (09)”…five days.”

Southern will take on number-one seed Texas at 1 p.m. on Friday.

________________________________________________

The LSU baseball team is in Oregon getting ready for the Eugene Regional in what could be Paul Mainieri’s final weekend as the coach of the Tigers. Mainieri says he’s not trying to think about how his career is ending

Cut 19 (18) “…Super Regional.” 

Center fielder Giovanni Digiacomo re-aggravated his hamstring injury in the final regular-season series against Texas A-and-M. Mainieri says Gio has been practicing and he expects he’ll get the start on Friday night

Cut 20 (14)  “…play well.” 

The first bill of the 2021 legislative regular session to be signed by Governor Edwards allows sexual assault victims to terminate a rental lease early, with some stipulations. STAR Legal Director Morgan Lamandre says The tenant would be allowed to apply for the early termination after a wait of at least 60 days after the assault. From that point, the victim would have to pay one more month’s rent, also…

Cut 8 (12) “…before.” 

The law also requires the assault to be verified by a “qualified third party”.

After weeks of stalling Senate Finance approves legislation giving St. Tammany residents a vote on allowing a new casino on the water outside of Slidell. Supporters say it would raise millions a year for the parish, but Slidell Pastor John Raymond isn’t impressed…

21

Port Allen Senator Rick Ward’s bill that would dedicate point four five percent of the state sales tax that is set to expire in 2025 permanently to infrastructure is approved by Senate Finance 7-4. Ward says the bill would generate 350 million a year for roads and bridges, and keep young people from leave the crumbling state for greener pastures…

22

The bill heads to the Senate floor and will need two-thirds support in both chambers, something that looks increasingly unlikely after the leader of the newly formed Conservative Caucus announced 41 members have pledged to vote against it.

Compromise legislation limiting qualified immunity for law enforcement officers that cleared the House got defeated in a Senate committee. The bill was the result of a bipartisan task force dedicated to policing policy reform and had the backing of the Louisiana Sheriff’s Association, but was opposed by many rank and file officers who were concerned their personal finances could be impacted by wrongful death and injury incidents.

Governor Edwards makes legislation allowing sexual assault victims to break their rental leases early the first bill signed into law of the 2021 regular legislative session. New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman says previously the law only allowed renters to break their lease early if they were assaulted in a domestic situation…

Cut 6 (09) “..survivors”

The law went into effect yesterday.

Despite support from the highly influential Louisiana Sheriffs Association, a compromise bill limiting law enforcement officer’s ability to claim civil immunity in wrongful death and injury cases was defeated by a Senate committee. Veteran Shreveport police officer Kevin Goodwin says cops don’t make enough money to carry malpractice insurance.

Cut 10 (10) “…my children.”

A 30 million dollar rehabilitation of the Mississippi River Bridge on Interstate 20 is now complete. Department of Transportation Spokesperson Erin Buchanan says the bridge in Madison Parish was built about 50 years ago and like any interstate corridor, it is well-traveled.

Cut 3 (10)  “…itself.” 

The bridge also new LED lighting, cameras, and radar that are integrated into Mississippi’s IT network.

A tragic boating accident near the Lake Bistineau Spillway Tuesday claims the life of a 15-year-old Bossier Parish high schooler. The victim has been identified as Cavalry Baptist Academy football player Hayden “Lane” Mangum. Bossier Sheriff’s Lt. Bill Davis says he was out fishing with his best friend when the incident occurred.

Cut 12 (09)   “…middle ground.” 

The first bill of the session to be signed into law by Governor Edwards is one that would allow sexual assault survivors to terminate their residential leases early. The law also allows landlords to immediately evict a tenant if they are documented as the individual who perpetrated the assault. STAR Legal Director Morgan Lamandre notes there are some stipulations…

Cut 8 (12) “…before.” 

The law went into effect Tuesday.

A Senate judiciary committee has voted down a bill that would limit the legal immunity Louisiana police officers have in wrongful death or injury cases. Shreveport Police Officers Association president Michael Carter voiced his concerns with legislation that would allow civil lawsuits against officers who acted “unreasonable”…

Cut 9 (10) “…huge arguments.”

A boating accident near the Lake Bistineau Spillway Tuesday claims the life of a 15-year-old Bossier Parish teen.  Sheriff’s Lt. Bill Davis Hayden “Lane” Mangum was killed in the accident when the boat capsized while Mangum was fishing with a close friend. Davis says it’s a tragic, shocking accident.

Cut 14 (11) “…body.” 

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will investigate what led to the capsizing of the boat.

The $30-million Mississippi River Bridge project on Interstate 20 is now complete. Department of Transportation Spokesperson Erin Buchanan says in addition to resurfacing the structure, there were also corroded bolts and other components of the bridge that were replaced.

Cut 5  (11)  “…that goes.”

A House-approved bill that would have limited law enforcement officer’s ability to shield themselves from civil liability in the event of a wrongful death or injury case was defeated in a Senate committee. Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan says the Sheriffs Association-backed his bill and knew it wouldn’t drive away good cops like some had suggested…

Cut 11 (09) “…deal with.”

The body of 15-year-old Cavalry Baptist Academy football player was found this morning after an extensive search following a boating accident near the Lake Bistineau Spillway yesterday. Bossier Sheriff’s Lt. Bill Davis says crews desperately searched through the night for Hayden “Lane” Mangum…

Cut 13 (07)“…capsized”

The Mississippi River bridge project on Interstate 20 is now complete in Madison Parish. Brooke Thorington has more on what travelers can expect in northeast Louisiana.

Cut 1 (29) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

A two vehicle crash in Concordia Parish claims the life of two people, 31-year-old Robert Seals of Jonesville and 35-year-old Naymond Purdion Jr. of Ferriday. An investigation reveals that for reasons unknown a truck driven by Seals crossed the centerline on US 84 near Wildsville and struck another truck head-on, resulting in Purdion and Seals being ejected.

A tragic boating accident near the Lake Bistineau Spillway Tuesday claims the life of a 15-year-old Bossier Parish high school student. The victim has been identified as Cavalry Baptist Academy football player Hayden “Lane” Mangum. Bossier Sheriff’s Lt. Bill Davis says he was out fishing with his best friend when the incident occurred.

Cut 12 (09)   “…middle ground.” 

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will conduct a full investigation.

The first bill of the session to be signed into law by Governor Edwards is one that would allow sexual assault survivors to terminate their residential leases early. STAR Legal Director Morgan Lamandre says the new law is similar to an existing law, but it covers a loophole that’s been particularly problematic for students.

Cut 7 (09) “…assaulted.” 

The bill was inspired in large part by the sexual misconduct scandal at LSU.

A Senate judiciary committee has voted down a bill that would limit the legal immunity Louisiana police officers have in wrongful death or injury cases. Veteran Shreveport police officer Kevin Goodwin says if this became law, it would change how officers would police.

Cut 10 (10) “…my children.”

Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan’s bill received approval from the House and it had the backing of the Louisiana Sheriff’s Association.

An over two-year rehabilitation Mississippi River Bridge project on Interstate 20 is now complete. Department of Transportation Spokesperson Erin Buchanan says in addition to resurfacing the structure, there were also corroded bolts and other components of the bridge that were replaced.

Cut 5  (11)  “…that goes.”

The cost of the project in Madison Parish cost 30-million dollars.

A Senate judiciary committee has voted down a bill that would limit the legal immunity Louisiana police officers have in wrongful death or injury cases. Shreveport Police Officers Association president Michael Carter voiced his concerns with legislation that would allow civil lawsuits against officers who acted “unreasonable” …

Cut 9 (10) “…huge arguments.”

Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan’s bill received approval from the House and had the backing of the Louisiana Sheriff’s Association

An over two-year rehabilitation Mississippi River Bridge project on Interstate 20 is now finished. Department of Transportation Spokesperson Erin Buchanan says the 30-million dollar bridge project in Madison was paid for with both state and federal dollars.

Cut 4 (10) “…of both.” 

Governor Edwards signs into law legislation allowing sexual assault survivors to terminate their lease early. Matt Doyle has more on the law that took effect Tuesday…

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

The first bill of the session to be signed into law by Governor Edwards is one that would allow sexual assault survivors to terminate their residential leases early. New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman says this legislation was inspired in large part by all of the LSU students who had their sexual assaults covered up by the school.

Cut 6, 12 seconds, survivors

The assault would have had to have occurred while the tenant was in their current lease property.

The over two-year rehabilitation of the Mississippi River Bridge project on Interstate 20 is now completed. Department of Transportation Spokesperson Erin Buchanan says the bridge in Madison Parish was built about 50 years ago and is well-traveled.

Cut 3 (11)  “…itself.” 

Attorney General Jeff Landry threatens to take LSU to court if it follows through with a request by the Faculty Senate to establish a vaccine mandate similar to ones adopted by about 400 colleges nationwide.

Cut 12 (08) “…disappointing.”

LSU spokesperson Ernie Ballard says while they are reviewing the request “we do not believe we will be able to mandate vaccines on campus.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries confirms that a single Red Piranha was caught at University Lakes in Baton Rouge last week. Aquatic Nuisance Species Coordinator Robert Bourgeois says the South American native fish with teeth can throw things out of balance in our ecosystem here in Louisiana.

Cut 7 (11)  “…all young.”

All piranha species are illegal to possess or sell in Louisiana.