House Education Chairman Ray Garofalo, whose comments about slavery earlier this month ignited a controversy, says the House Speaker threatened to have him removed from the Capitol this morning if he tried to chair today’s meeting. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (31) …I’m Matt Doyle”

The LSU baseball team is back home after they were eliminated quickly from the SEC Tournament with a four-to-one loss to Georgia. The Tigers were 13 and 17 in the SEC regular-season and they are on the bubble to make the NCAA Tournament. They’ll find out on Monday.

Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey’s legislation that would prohibit a state facility from denying access because a person had not received a COVID shot failed to get out of a House committee. Cathey admitted to the committee he has not received the vaccine over concerns the shot will impact the ability for him and his girlfriend to have a child.
Cut 5 (11) “…vaccinated”
But Cathey’s proposal failed.

An E Pluribus Unum survey finds broad support across racial groups for requiring officers to step in when other officers are using excessive force. E-P-U founder and former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu says the survey also found a majority of southerners support major police reform…
cut 15 (10) “…might say”

The controversy continues involving House Education Chairman Ray Garofalo, whose comments about slavery went viral, today the meeting of his committee was called off. Garofalo says this morning Speaker Clay Schexnayder told him he was still Chairman, but when he told the Speaker he was going to chair today’s meeting, Schexnayder said no you’re not and then the discussion took a turn…

Cut 11 (11) “…duty”

When asked by a reporter if the “heated” meant it got physical he declined to comment.

The House Governmental Affairs Committee rejects a Senate-approved bill to prohibit state facilities from denying entry to those who are not vaccinated against COVID. Jennifer Herricks of Mandeville testified in favor.

Cut 6 (07) “..diseases”

A similar bill has already passed the House and awaits a Senate hearing.

Governor Edwards says video of the Ronald Greene arrest shows State Police troopers acting unprofessionally and not conducting themselves as law enforcement officers should. Edwards says the footage is being reviewed by the Union Parish DA and the US Department of Justice for a reason.

Cut 8 (11) “…restrained.”

An E Pluribus Unum survey finds a majority of southerners support major police reform and believe not enough has changed since the murder of George Floyd. EPU Founder and former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu says the annual survey of 1,200 indicates broad support of police reform being negotiated in Congress and locally.

Cut 13 (07)“…supervision.”

Landrieu says before the most recent survey police reform responses were mostly split along racial lines.

The ongoing controversy involving House Education Chairman Ray Garofalo, whose comments about slavery ignited a firestorm, results in today’s meeting of his committee being called off. Garofalo says this morning Speaker Clay Schexnayder told him he was still Chairman, but when he told Shexnayder he was going to chair today’s meeting, Schexnayder said no you’re not.

Cut 10 (12) “…to”

Garofalo ultimately went to chair the meeting, but it was called off after 45 minutes when only one member showed up.

Governor Edwards says video of the Ronald Greene arrest shows State Police troopers acting unprofessionally and not conducting themselves as law enforcement officers should…

Cut 7 (11) “…they should.”

A House bill to study domestic violence fatalities in Louisiana is set to be heard today on the House floor. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Governor Edwards is no longer requiring face masks in most settings and COVID restrictions on businesses have also been lifted as a result of a new public health emergency order. But Edwards says the state will continue its push to vaccinate more individuals as people are dying from COVID every day…

Cut 5 (10)”…is effective.”
The White House says over 50-percent of adults are fully vaccinated against COVID but in Louisiana, it’s only 39-percent. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter has another reason to get the shot…

Cut 6 (10)”…more attractive.”
Kanter says dating apps like Tinder and Bumble are offering special bonuses to get users vaccinated.

The House Governmental Affairs Committee rejects a Senate-approved bill that would prohibit state facilities from denying entry to individuals who are not vaccinated against COVID-19. Harvey Representative Rodney Lyons says the legislature should not prevent a public building like the State Capitol from only allowing vaccinated persons inside.

Cut 3 (07)  “…circumvent that.” 

Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey’s bill died on a seven to six vote.

Recently elected Congresswoman Julia Letlow has joined with Republicans on the House Agriculture Committee to introduce the Broadband for Rural America Act….

Cut 14 (11) “…to connect.”
Letlow says a least 350-thousand households in Louisiana do not have high-speed internet as defined by the FCC.

A house-approved bill allowing St. Tammany residents the right to vote on whether they want a casino built outside of Slidell resulted in some chippy testimony in a Senate committee. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

At least seven people were injured when a natural gas well caught on fire along the Louisiana coast south of Patterson. The accident happened at a well owned by Texas Petroleum Investments. Crews were attempting to plug the well that ignited Tuesday. According to St Mary Parish officials, all victims are on land and being treated for their injuries.

A House bill to study domestic violence fatalities in the state continues to make its way through the legislature. Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence Executive Director Mariah Wineski says House Bill 452 creates a multidisciplinary team within the health department to review a victim’s records.

Cut 8 (12) “…future homicides.”

The bill is set to be heard on the House floor today.

Congresswoman Julia Letlow joins House Agriculture Republicans to introduce the Broadband for Rural America Act. Letlow says the funding is part of the USDA’s $7 billion authorized for connectivity programs.

Cut 15 (10)“…the conversation.”

Letlow says a least 350-thousand households in Louisiana do not have high-speed internet.

Governor Edwards has removed all remaining capacity restrictions on businesses and the mask requirement for students in public schools. Edwards says the decision comes after hitting an all-time low in COVID-related hospitalizations, and…
cut 4 (10) “…their part”
But Edwards is concerned with the pace of residents getting the COVID vaccine. About 40-percent of the state’s adult population has completed the vaccine series, but nationally 50-percent of adults are fully vaccinated.

State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says based on the dating website, O-K-Cupid, users who claim to be vaccinated are 14-percent more likely to find a match…
cut 7 (09) “….to everyone”

A bill to study domestic violence fatalities in Louisiana is scheduled to receive a vote on the House floor today
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Senate Finance Committee has approved a plan on spending one-point-five billion dollars in federal coronavirus aid. A third of the money, 563-million dollars, would go towards roads and bridges. Some of that cash will be used to widen sections of I-10, I-12, and I-20. Another 300-million would be used to improve water and sewer systems.

The White House says over 50-percent of adults are fully vaccinated against COVID but in Louisiana, it’s only 39-percent. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter has another reason to get the shot…
cut 6 (10) “….more attractive”
Kanter says dating apps like Tinder and Bumble are offering special bonuses to get users vaccinated.

The Senate Judiciary B Committee votes four to three in favor of House-approved legislation that would give St. Tammany Parish residents the opportunity to vote on building a riverboat casino in Slidell. There’s vocal opposition. Slidell resident Camille Thompson says it’s not fair for people living outside of Slidell to vote on this.
Cut 11 (10) “….about that.”
The measure heads to Senate Finance but the votes might not be there to get the legislation passed.

The full House is expected to vote on a bill today that would require a panel organized within the state health department to study domestic violence fatalities. Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence executive director Mariah Wineski says Louisiana ranks fifth nationally for the highest rate of women murdered by men.
Cut 9 (09) “…review team.”
Wineski hopes there’s enough time to get the bill passed. The session ends on June 10th.

And on Capitol Hill, Newly elected Congresswoman Julie Letlow is a co-sponsor of the Broadband for Rural America Act. Letlow says this legislation will serve as a blueprint to connect rural communities with reliable and affordable high-speed internet…
cut 16 (09) “…as possible”
The measure awaits a hearing in front of the House Agriculture Committee.

Governor Edwards is no longer requiring face masks in schools and COVID restrictions on businesses have also been lifted as a result of a new public health emergency order. But Edwards says the state will continue its push to vaccinate more individuals as people are dying from COVID every day…
cut 5 (10) “….is effective’
10,548 Louisianans have died of COVID-19 and 13 new deaths were reported Tuesday.

Recently elected Congresswoman Julia Letlow has joined with Republicans on the House Agriculture Committee to introduce the Broadband for Rural America Act….
Cut 14 (11) “…to connect.”
Letlow says a least 350-thousand households in Louisiana do not have high-speed internet as defined by the FCC.

Senate Judiciary B voted for a proposal that would result in a referendum in St. Tammany Parish to see if voters approve of a new casino in Slidell. Chairman Gary Smith was questioned about his wife working as a lobbyist on behalf of a company trying to bring a casino to the Northshore…
cut 13 (10) “…on that”
The legislation heads to Senate Finance, which has yet to pass a similar bill on this topic.

There’s a bill that would create the Louisiana Domestic Abuse Fatality Review Team within the Louisiana Health Department. Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence Executive Director Mariah Wisneski says the panel will examine domestic violence deaths to see if there were missed opportunities to intervene and potential areas for reform….
cut 10 (09) “….information”
The measure is expected to get a vote on the House floor today.

Governor Edwards has removed all remaining business capacity restrictions and the mask requirement for students in public schools. Edwards says the decision comes after hitting an all-time low in COVID-related hospitalizations, and…
cut 4 (10) “…their part”

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says based on data from the dating website OkCupid, vaccinated individuals are considered “more attractive”…
Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

A proposal that would allow voters in St. Tammany Parish to decide if they want a riverboat casino in Slidell passed on a four to three vote in the Senate Judiciary B Committee. Chairman Gary Smith of Norco voted for it. His wife is one of 19 lobbyists trying to bring the casino to the Northshore. Pearl River resident Lisa Clayton testified against the legislation…
cut 12 (11) “…impartiality”
Smith responded by saying his wife was a lobbyist long before they met and she has a separate career and they keep it professional.

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter is touting data from the dating website OkCupid shows users who identify as vaccinated are considered “more attractive”. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

_______________________________

A House bill to study domestic violence fatalities in Louisiana continues to make its way through the legislature

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

____________________________

A house-approved bill allowing St. Tammany residents the right to vote on whether they want a casino built outside of Slidell resulted in some chippy testimony in a Senate committee. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

____________________________

Starting today most of the remaining COVID public health restrictions will be lifted.

Governor Edwards says his decision to drop most of the remaining limitations was due to the fact we’ve hit an all-time low in COVID-related hospitalizations, and…

Cut 4 (10)”…their part.”

Only 269 Louisianans are currently hospitalized with COVID, down from the all-time high of 2,069 on January 7^th.

But Edwards says despite our recent success he isn’t canceling the public health emergency declaration. He says we have a lot of work to do and are still seeing new COVID deaths every day.

Cut 5 (10)”…is effective.”

10,548 Louisianans have died of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic last year and 13 new deaths were reported Tuesday.

The mask mandate for educational settings will remain in place through the end of the current semester but will cease for the summer semester. Masks will still be required in health care facilities, prisons, and public transit.

_____________________________

With the number of new weekly vaccinations dropping the state is pulling out all the stops to get more people off the fence. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter had a unique pitch to the unvaccinated…

Cut 6 (10)”…more attractive.”

Dating apps like Tinder and Bumble are even offering special bonuses to users who get vaccinated…

Cut 7 (09)  “…to everyone.”

____________________

A House bill to study domestic violence fatalities in the state continues to make its way through the legislature. Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence Executive Director Mariah Wisneski says House Bill 452 creates a multidisciplinary team within the health department to review a victim’s records.

Cut 8 (12) “…future homicides.”

The review will pinpoint missed opportunities for intervention and potential areas for reform.

Wisneski says Louisiana has one of the highest rates of domestic violence fatalities in the nation and the formation of a review team is overdue.

Cut 9 (09) “…review team.” 

Because the bill involves funding and would be part of the health department’s duties its been through several House committees. Wisneski says the framework of the bill is set up to similar mortality reviews already in place in the health department.

Cut 10 (09) “…information.”

Wisneski says so far the bill has received bipartisan support and she’s hopeful it will eventually reach the governor’s desk.

___________________________________

Senate Judiciary B advances House-approved legislation giving St. Tammany residents the right to vote on whether they want a casino to be built on the water outside of Slidell.

Slidell resident Camille Thompson spoke against the bill. She says it’s not fair that people in the Parish outside of Slidell get to vote on this.

Cut 11 (10) “….about that.”

The proposal would relocate a license currently held by DiamondJacks in Bossier City to St. Tammany Parish.

And another opponent, Lisa Clayton of Pearl River, questioned the integrity of Chairman Gary Smith, saying his wife’s connection to the gaming industry is suspect…

Cut 12 (11) “…impartiality.”

But Smith countered that his wife’s career is separate from his and they handle their business professionally.

Cut 13 (10) “…on that.”

The legislation heads to Senate Finance where an identical bill by Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt has been stuck for weeks. Reportedly the bill is having trouble finding the votes needed to pass.

______________________________

Congresswoman Julia Letlow joins House Agriculture Republicans to introduce the Broadband for Rural America Act. It is one of several infrastructure proposals to help to bridge the digital divide for communities.

Cut 14 (11) “…to connect.”

Letlow says a least 350-thousand households in Louisiana do not have high-speed internet as defined by the FCC. Letlow says that’s roughly the population of Shreveport, Bossier, Monroe, and Alexandria combined.

Letlow says the funding is part of the USDA’s $7 billion authorized for connectivity programs.

Cut 15 (10)“…the conversation.”

The majority of households lacking broadband in the state are located in the state’s Fifth Congressional District that Letlow represents.

Cut 16 (09) “…as soon as possible.”

Letlow campaigned on bringing broadband connectivity to rural Louisiana.

___________________________________

The Ragin Cajuns baseball team is ready for the Sun Belt tournament.  The tournament’s format is different, as the 12 conference teams are in four pools or divisions, with three teams each.  The team with the best record in that pool after two games will advance to the semi-finals. Coach Matt Deggs on the round-robin format.

Cut 17 (20) “…might not matter.”

The Cajuns take on Texas State tonight and Appalachian State on Friday in Montgomery, Alabama.  If each team in a pool is 1-1 after two games, the team with the highest seed advances.  U-L Lafayette has the highest seed in its pool, which gives them the tie-breaker.  Deggs says seeding is important in this format.

Cut  18 (14)”…higher seed.”

_____________________________________________

The Conference USA Baseball Tournament starts today at J-C Love Field at Pat Patterson Park in Ruston. Louisiana Tech will face UTSA at 4 PM. Bulldogs Coach Lane Burroughs says winning today is a must

Cut 19 (18) “…pitch much.” 

Burroughs says hosting the tournament will help them this week, it will also benefit the program down the road as players from around the league will get to see their new park

Cut 20 (19)  “…long way.”