Former Louisiana Governor Buddy Roemer has passed away at the age of 77. Roemer served as Louisiana’s governor from 1988 to 92. Before that was a Congressman. Roemer was known as a reformer when he was sworn in as governor at the age of 44. He helped increase teacher pay and also worked to improve the state’s environment.

While the rest of the country is racing to file their taxes today, Louisiana is one of three states whose federal tax deadline is June 15th instead. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 1 (31) “…Brooke Thorington”

Tax reform legislation that Republicans are pushing in this legislative session may not happen, because the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus is upset with House leadership for failing to remove state representative Ray Garofalo as House Education Chairman. Garofalo suggested there was some good with slavery and Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says black lawmakers are not accepting his apology…
cut 9 (06) “…view”
A tax reform bill needs two-thirds support and there are enough black lawmakers in the House to keep that legislation from passing.

State Police is seeking cadets for its 100th Cadet class that will begin training in October. Trooper Monroe Dillon says like other professions, recruiting has become a challenge….
cut 14 (09) “…challenges”
For more information you can visit the State Police’s Facebook Page for more information.

A poll is released that shows most voters support sending tax revenue generated by sports betting to early childhood education. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

A sports betting tax bill could be heard on the Senate floor this week. A bill that could be heard on the Senate floor today is the legislation that would allow college athletes to profit off of their name, image, and likeness. Six states have a similar law that would go into effect in July.

Passing a tax reform bill is a major priority for Republican lawmakers but that effort has hit a stumbling block as the Legislative Black Caucus is withholding support because they are upset state representative Ray Garofalo is still House Education Chairman after suggesting there was some good that came out of slavery. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat…
cut 8 (11) “…pass this”
Despite calls from the Black Caucus, House Speaker Clay Schexnayder has not removed Garofalo as House Education Chairman.

State Police is looking for men and women who want to be a part of the Louisiana State Police’s 100th Cadet Class. Trooper Monroe Dillon says the historic class will begin in early October, but participants need to apply by next Monday…
cut 13 (10) “….this class”

A State Capitol observer says a dispute between Black Caucus members and House Education Chairman Ray Garofalo related to Garofalo’s comments about slavery threatens to tank major tax reform legislation. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

Tomorrow the full House will debate whether recreational marijuana use should be legalized in Louisiana. The debate on the House floor has been postponed twice as the bill’s author, Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson, tries to secure the 53 votes needed for passage.

A Louisiana Policy Institute for Children survey of 600 people finds over 75-percent of Louisiana voters support dedicating tax revenue from sports betting to early childhood education. LPIC Executive Director Dr. Libbie Sonnier says there’s an ongoing debate as to where to send revenue from the soon-to-be-available activity. She says most voters agree early childhood education is the best option…
Cut 10 (08) “….learn”
The full Senate could debate a sports betting tax revenue bill today.

It’s tax day for most Americans, but not in Louisiana as the federal and state deadline was pushed back months ago to June 15th. But Senior Tax Manager at Hannis T Bourgeois in Baton Rouge, Ben Tate, says if you need an extension beyond June 15th, you might want to file the extension request today….
cut 6 (05) “…file those”

The Legislative Black Caucus is not supporting Republican-backed tax reform bills unless state representative Ray Garofalo is removed as House Education Chair. During a contentious committee debate about banning divisive teaching on race, Garofalo said the state should teach “the good, the bad, the ugly” of slavery. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says that outraged Black lawmakers…
Cut 7 (08) “…apology.”
House Speaker Clay Schexnayder at the moment is keeping Garofalo as House Education Chair.

According to the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, they found that over 75-percent of likely voters in Louisiana support taxes on sports betting to fund early care and education. Senator Rick Ward’s bill would deposit proceeds into the general fund, but L-P-I-C Director Doctor Libbie Sonnier says the money should be dedicated…
cut 12 (11) “….dedicated”
While the rest of the country is racing to file their taxes today, Louisiana is one of three states whose federal tax deadline is June 15th instead. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 1 (31) “…Brooke Thorington”

While the rest of the country is racing to file their taxes today, Louisiana is one of three states whose federal tax deadline is June 15^th instead. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (31) “…Brooke Thorington”

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A dispute between Black Caucus members and House Education Chairman Ray Garofalo related to Garofalo’s comments about slavery threatens to tank major tax reform legislation. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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A poll is released ahead of today’s House floor discussion of regulating sports betting that shows most voters support sending all revenue generated by the activity to early childhood education. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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The deadline to file 2020 federal taxes for the country is today however Louisiana residents still have until June 15^th due to the February winter storms. Filing your 2020 taxes presents a few oddities, for example, if you received unemployment, Senior Tax Manager at Hannis T. Bourgeois in Baton Rouge, Brad Tate…

Cut 4 (07)“…tax return.”

Tate says if you did already file your taxes before the law was changed to not tax less than ten thousand of unemployment there’s no need to amend your taxes, the IRS will send your return.

Tate says you also don’t have to claim income on any stimulus check received in 2020, however, if you failed to receive one…

Cut 5 (07)”…do that.”

Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma residents were given an extension until June 15^th to file their federal taxes but due to the way e-filing is set up, Tate says if you need more time to file…

Cut 6 (05) “…file those.”

In the past state, taxes would be due a month after federal taxes in Louisiana however state income taxes are June 15^th also.

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The Legislative Black Caucus says they will block a series of tax reform bills unless House Education Chairman Ray Garofalo is removed for comments he made about slavery in committee.

During a contentious debate about education policy Garofalo said the state should teach “the good, the bad, the ugly” of slavery. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says that outraged Black lawmakers…

Cut 7 (08)  “…apology.”

Garofalo apologized and moments after making the statement said he misspoke, but according to reporting by The Advocate, the apology was insufficient to many Black lawmakers, who were also frustrated about other insensitive comments made by white Republican lawmakers throughout the session.

Pinsonat says revenue-neutral legislation that would lower the state income tax in exchange for removing deductions for federal taxes is the GOP’s priority this year, and it’s now at risk…

Cut 8 (11) “…this.” 

All tax-related bills need two-thirds support for passage in the Legislature.

Pinsonat says normally these kinds of inter-personal disputes are handled in private, but now that the issue is public both sides are digging in…

Cut 9 (06) “… view.”

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A Louisiana Policy Institute for Children survey of 600 voters finds over three-quarters support dedicating revenue from sports betting to early childhood education.

LPIC Executive Director Dr. Libbie Sonnier says there’s an ongoing debate as to where to send revenue from the soon-to-be-available activity. She says most voters agree early childhood is the best option…

Cut 10 (08) “….learn”

63 percent of Republicans and 72 percent of Democrats supported dedicating those funds in statute to early childhood education instead of sending it to the general fund.

Sonnier says it would cost 86 million dollars a year to guarantee early childhood education for all at-risk and underserved Louisiana kids. Sports betting is estimated to generate 10 to 30 million a year…

Cut 11 (08) “….dent.”

Monday the House will take up a bill regulating sports betting. It includes a ten percent tax on gaming at dedicated establishments and 15 percent on online gaming.

There’s widespread legislative support for increasing early childhood funding but resistance to creating yet another dedicated source of revenue. Sonnier says the funds must be dedicated.

Cut 12 (11) “…dedicated”

The concern with dedicating the sports betting funds is that should the state face an economic downtown it would be unable to draw from those funds to make a balanced budget.

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The deadline to apply for the 100^th Louisiana State Police Cadet Class is approaching.  Trooper Monroe Dillon says the historic class will begin in early October, but participants need to apply by May 24^th.

Cut 13 (10) “…this class.”

The 100^th class has been delayed for two years due to COVID and budget restrictions but is now set for the fall.

Dillon says they are seeking qualified candidates to complete the 23-week academy. Cadets will receive training in firearm proficiency, de-escalation techniques, and leadership skills to name a few. Like other professions, Dillon says recruiting has become a challenge for LSP.

Cut 14 (09) “…challenges.”

A common misconception about the cadet class is that it only leads to a career as a police officer. Dillon says the cadet training offers several opportunities in law enforcement for example detective, narcotics, street patrol, and more.

Cut 15 (12)“…anyone’s liking.”

For more information about the class, you can visit the Louisiana State Police’s Recruiting Facebook page. The deadline for applicants is May 24^th and testing begins on the 28^th.

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In a game that LSU needed to win to keep its NCAA Tournament hopes alive, the Fighting Tigers jumped out to a 5-to-nothing lead and went on to beat Alabama 13-5 to win the series over the Crimson Tide, who is also on the bubble to make a Regional. Coach Paul Mainieri is impressed with how his team played

Cut 16 (16) “…all year”

On Senior Day, senior right-hander Ma’Khail Hilliard allowed three runs in five innings and struck out seven to improve his record to 5-0. Hilliard says he entered the game determined to get a win

Cut 17 (17) “…good feeling.”

LSU hit four home runs on the day. Giovanni DiGiacomo hit two home runs, his first two of the season. DiGiacomo says they knew they needed to score runs after losing by one run on Saturday…

Cut  18 (18)”…whole game.”

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Louisiana Tech is champions of the Conference USA West division after beating UTSA 17-7 in seven innings coupled with Florida Atlantic defeating Southern Miss. Bulldogs Coach Lane Burroughs says they found out about the Golden Eagles loss during their game…

Cut 19 (20) “…SEnior Day.” 

Burroughs says it’s quite an accomplishment when you consider a tornado destroyed their stadium over two years ago, leaving them without a place to play or practice…

Cut 20 (20) “…every day” 

Legislation allowing St. Tammany residents to vote on whether a casino should be built on the water in Slidell is approved by the House. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (33) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Governor John Bel Edwards adopts new CDC guidelines for Louisiana that allow those who are fully vaccinated to be indoors and non socially distanced in most situations without needing a mask. This comes as just under a third of all Louisianans have completed their vaccine series.

Gas prices in Louisiana continue to rise as AAA spokesperson Don Redman says the statewide average is 2.72 a gallon for regular gasoline, which is up eight cents in the last week. Redman says there’s enough gasoline to meet the increasing demand for fuel. He says a big issue at the moment is distribution…

Cut 10 (11) “..truck drivers.” 

Baton Rouge high school basketball sensation, LSU legend and WNBA superstar Seimone Augustus has retired at the age of 37. Augustus led LSU to a 121-19 record from 2002 to 2006, including three straight final four appearances. The Lady Tigers also went to the Final Four two straight years after she left.  voice of the Lady Tigers Patrick Wright says Augustus went on to win four WNBA titles….

Cut 13 (09)“…way around”

Louisiana adopts recently passed CDC guidelines saying those who are fully vaccinated don’t have to wear masks indoors. Senator Bill Cassidy says this guidance from the CDC is long overdue as it’s been clear for weeks that these vaccines are incredibly effective at preventing COVID infections.

Cut 3 (11)  “…most Americans” 

The state department of health says approximately 30-percent of Louisianans are fully vaccinated.

Gas prices are up eight cents in Louisiana over the last week sitting at a statewide average of 2.72 a gallon and AAA spokesperson Don Redman says he expects prices to continue to rise all the way up to Memorial Day…

Cut 11 (08) “…June”

An LSU legend has retired from playing basketball. Brooke Thorington looks back at the career of future Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Seimone Augustus

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

The New Orleans Pelicans will wrap up their season tomorrow night against the Lakers. Win or lose it’ll be the third losing season in a row for the team, but the first mostly full season from sophomore star forward Zion Williamson who averaged 27 points a game, ranking among the all-time great sophomore efforts.

Governor John Bel Edwards announces that those who are fully vaccinated now longer need to wear masks indoors in most situations in Louisiana. This comes as the CDC put out matching national recommendations. Senator Bill Cassidy says it’s been clear for weeks that vaccines are highly effective and he’s frustrated it took the agency this long to make the announcement.

Cut 4 (05) “…American people. 

The exceptions include health care facilities, public transit, educational facilities, and correctional settings.

Gas prices continue to creep up as the nation returns to normal. In Louisiana we’re up eight cents over the week to a statewide average of 2.72 a gallon. AAA analyst Don Redman says it’s not due to the recent cyberattack on a major pipeline…

Cut 9 (09) “…pipeline”

Baton Rouge high school basketball sensation, LSU legend and WNBA superstar Seimone Augustus has retired at the age of 37. Augustus received national attention when she was in the sixth grade and the voice of the Lady Tigers Patrick Wright says Augustus became a household name during an All-American career at LSU

Cut 12 (08)   “…of Baton Rouge” 

Augustus played 15 seasons in the W-N-B-A and will now serve as an assistant for the Los Angeles Sparks.

The House approves legislation that would allow St. Tammany voters the chance to vote on whether or not a waterfront casino should be built just outside Slidell. The bill was brought by Slidell Representative Mary DuBuisson who quoted recent survey results indicating local support for the right to vote on the issue.

Cut 6 (10) “…reality”

The bill heads to the Senate.

It was a classic SEC baseball game on Friday night at Alex Box Stadium and what made it better for Tiger fans is that LSU ended up on top. Landon Marceaux threw 6.1 innings of shutout baseball and the Tigers held on for a two to one win over Alabama Marceaux scattered 11 hits as the Crimson Tide left 11 runners on base. Gavin Dugas with a sacrifice fly and a Drew Bianco RBI double was all the offense the Tigers needed. Game two of the series is today at 2 PM.

UTSA scored three runs in the seventh and held on for a seven to five win over 14th ranked Louisiana Tech. Jonathan Fincher suffered his first loss of the season. But the Bulldogs are one of 20 teams that could host a Regional during the first weekend in June.

ULM knocked off sixth-ranked TCU four to three, even though the Horned Frogs scored three runs in the ninth. Catcher Logan Wurm drove in two runs and Cam Barlow five shutout innings for the win.

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It was a tough Friday night for Louisiana teams in the Southland as Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi swept a doubleheader from Southeastern Louisiana. Lamar blanked UNO six to nothing, Stephen F Austin knocked off Northwestern State 8 to 3 and McNeese blanked Nicholls seven to nothing. Bryson Hudgens threw six scoreless innings for his first win of the season.

The McNeese softball team is one win away from winning the Southland Confernece Tournament Championship and receiving an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The Cowgirls beat STephen F Austin four to one yesterday in Hammond and they will play today at 1:30 against the winner of this morning’s game between Stephen F Austin and Central Arkansas.

U-L Lafayette is in the Sun Belt Softball tournament championship game. The Lady Cajuns edged Texas State four to three yesterday and at 2:30 today, they’ll play the winner of this morning’s game between Texas State and South Alabama.

Governor John Bel Edwards announced that based on the recommendations by the CDC and in consultation with the Louisiana Department of Health, those who are fully vaccinated no longer have to wear masks indoors except in certain situations including: educational facilities, public transit, correctional settings, and health care facilities as regulated by the Louisiana Department of Health.

Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s frustrated with how long it took the CDC to put out recommendations stating those who are vaccinated don’t have to mask up or social distance in most indoor settings. He says this delay on an obvious policy hurts the agency’s credibility, but at least it’s better late than never.

Cut 5  (11)  “…vaccinated”

The state department of health says approximately 30-percent of Louisianans are fully vaccinated.

Gas prices have increased nearly a dime in the last week to a statewide average of $2.72 for a regular gallon of gasoline. Triple-A spokesperson Don Redman says there’s enough gasoline to meet the increasing demand. He says a big issue at the moment is distribution…
Cut 10 (11) “..truck drivers.”

Baton Rouge high school basketball sensation, LSU legend and WNBA superstar Seimone Augustus has retired at the age of 37. Augustus led LSU to a 121-19 record from 2002 to 2006, including three straight final four appearances. Voice of the Lady Tigers Patrick Wright says Augustus was a phenom that lived up to the hype

Cut 14 (12) “..did it” 

Augustus will now serve as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Sparks.