House Speaker Clay Schexnayder believes support is growing among lawmakers to hold a veto session in July. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

____________________________________

The skyline of downtown Lafayette is possibly about to undergo a $140-million alteration if one developer has his way. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

______________________________________

The Louisiana Republican Party is urging the public to contact their local legislators and push for a veto session to override Governor Edwards’ veto of a bill that would prohibit transgender athletes from participating in girls’ sports. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says it’s a worthy cause

Cut 3 (08)  “…itself”

The governor could also veto two other high-profile bills, a gun-rights bill and a transportation funding measure that would take dollars away from other parts of the budget. Schexnayder believes they could override all of the governor’s vetoes during a four-day session in the middle of July…

Cut 4 (10) “…worked for”

Edwards calls the anti-transgender bill discriminatory and in search of a problem that does not exist. But Schexnayder doesn’t see it that way…

Cut 5  (07) “…with it then” 

If a majority of either chamber elects not to have a veto session, it’s canceled.

___________________________

A local developer is hoping to change the skyline in downtown Lafayette. Cliff Guidry with Guidry Land Development has unveiled his plans to build two 20-story high-rise buildings. Guidry says it’s been 40 years since the last high rise was built in the Hub City.

Cut 6 (10) “…Lafayette.”

While the development in Alabama is condominiums, Guidry says he used the same business model to develop Seven16 Lafayette tower. Guidry wants the towers to eclipse others and be the tallest in Acadiana. His original idea for Lafayette was office space however…

Cut 7 (12) “…flexible.”

Guidry, a developer for more than two decades, says he’s never seen such a booming real estate market. He says he’s especially surprised coming out of a pandemic with sales prices per square foot so high and record low-interest rates.

Cut 8 (07) “…again.”

Construction is expected to begin on the $140-millon development in the fall and Guidry wants the development the be the tallest in Acadiana.

_____________________________

LSU beat reporter Glen Guilbeau for the USA Today Network reports the search for a new Tigers baseball coach is down to three candidates…

Cut 9 (11) “…Jarrett.”

With Arizona’s Jay Johnson, East Carolina’s Cliff Godwin, and Notre Dame’s Link Jarrett squarely in the mix, Guilbeau says Athletic Director Scott Woodward might hold out for a bigger name.

Cut 10 (08) “…Corbin.”

Corbin and the Commodores avoided elimination last night at the College World Series and play again tomorrow. As far as when the school will announce a hire, Guilbeau says there’s a chance that it could take a while.

Cut  11 (09) “…he wants to.” 

Florida’s Kevin O’Sullivan and Drew Bianco of Ole Miss were once considered strong candidates but neither materialized, but both removed their names from consideration

_________________________________________________

51-year-old Derrick Hills of Opelousas was arrested in Rapides Parish after allegedly fleeing from his home after shooting his wife.

St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says Hills’ wife, Rachelle Arceneaux Hills, was found with three gunshot wounds in the couple’s trailer home Wednesday night.

Cut 12 (11) “…fled”

Guidroz says law enforcement eventually tracked Hills to his brother’s home in Alexandria.

Cut 13 (11) “…meet me”

Hills will be transported from Rapides Parish to St. Landry Parish today.

___________________________

Senator Bill Cassidy says a bipartisan group of lawmakers has reached an agreement with President Biden on an infrastructure bill.

Cassidy says this comes after long negotiations.

Cut 14 (12) “…process” 

Reportedly the bill spends 1.2 trillion dollars over eight years with only 600 billion of it being new spending. The rest is reallocated COVID relief money. The price tag comes in far under the President’s initial two trillion-dollar proposal.

Cassidy says the bill focuses on major infrastructure projects…

Cut 15 (08) “…progress” 

__________________________________

Cut 16 (09) “…soil saturation.” 

House Speaker Clay Schexnayder believes support is growing among lawmakers to hold a veto session in July. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

____________________________________

The skyline of downtown Lafayette is possibly about to undergo a $140-million alteration if one developer has his way. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

______________________________________

The Louisiana Republican Party is urging the public to contact their local legislators and push for a veto session to override Governor Edwards’ veto of a bill that would prohibit transgender athletes from participating in girls’ sports. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says it’s a worthy cause

Cut 3 (08)  “…itself”

The governor could also veto two other high-profile bills, a gun-rights bill and a transportation funding measure that would take dollars away from other parts of the budget. Schexnayder believes they could override all of the governor’s vetoes during a four-day session in the middle of July…

Cut 4 (10) “…worked for”

Edwards calls the anti-transgender bill discriminatory and in search of a problem that does not exist. But Schexnayder doesn’t see it that way…

Cut 5  (07) “…with it then” 

If a majority of either chamber elects not to have a veto session, it’s canceled.

___________________________

A local developer is hoping to change the skyline in downtown Lafayette. Cliff Guidry with Guidry Land Development has unveiled his plans to build two 20-story high-rise buildings. Guidry says it’s been 40 years since the last high rise was built in the Hub City.

Cut 6 (10) “…Lafayette.”

While the development in Alabama is condominiums, Guidry says he used the same business model to develop Seven16 Lafayette tower. Guidry wants the towers to eclipse others and be the tallest in Acadiana. His original idea for Lafayette was office space however…

Cut 7 (12) “…flexible.”

Guidry, a developer for more than two decades, says he’s never seen such a booming real estate market. He says he’s especially surprised coming out of a pandemic with sales prices per square foot so high and record low-interest rates.

Cut 8 (07) “…again.”

Construction is expected to begin on the $140-millon development in the fall and Guidry wants the development the be the tallest in Acadiana.

_____________________________

LSU beat reporter Glen Guilbeau for the USA Today Network reports the search for a new Tigers baseball coach is down to three candidates…

Cut 9 (11) “…Jarrett.”

With Arizona’s Jay Johnson, East Carolina’s Cliff Godwin, and Notre Dame’s Link Jarrett squarely in the mix, Guilbeau says Athletic Director Scott Woodward might hold out for a bigger name.

Cut 10 (08) “…Corbin.”

Corbin and the Commodores avoided elimination last night at the College World Series and play again tomorrow. As far as when the school will announce a hire, Guilbeau says there’s a chance that it could take a while.

Cut  11 (09) “…he wants to.” 

Florida’s Kevin O’Sullivan and Drew Bianco of Ole Miss were once considered strong candidates but neither materialized, but both removed their names from consideration

_________________________________________________

51-year-old Derrick Hills of Opelousas was arrested in Rapides Parish after allegedly fleeing from his home after shooting his wife.

St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says Hills’ wife, Rachelle Arceneaux Hills, was found with three gunshot wounds in the couple’s trailer home Wednesday night.

Cut 12 (11) “…fled”

Guidroz says law enforcement eventually tracked Hills to his brother’s home in Alexandria.

Cut 13 (11) “…meet me”

Hills will be transported from Rapides Parish to St. Landry Parish today.

___________________________

Senator Bill Cassidy says a bipartisan group of lawmakers has reached an agreement with President Biden on an infrastructure bill.

Cassidy says this comes after long negotiations.

Cut 14 (12) “…process” 

Reportedly the bill spends 1.2 trillion dollars over five years with only 600 billion of it being new spending. The rest is reallocated COVID relief money. The price tag comes in far under the President’s initial two trillion-dollar proposal.

Cassidy says the bill focuses on major infrastructure projects…

Cut 15 (08) “…progress” 

__________________________________

Cut 16 (09) “…soil saturation.” 

The Louisiana Republican Party is urging the public to contact their local legislators and push for a veto session to override Governor Edwards’ veto of a bill that would prohibit transgender athletes from participating in girls’ sports. And The governor could also veto a gun-rights bill and a transportation funding measure. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder believes they could override all vetoes during a four-day session mid-July…

Cut 4 (10) “…worked for”

LSU beat reporter Glen Guilbeau for the USA Today Network reports the search for a new Tigers baseball coach is down to three candidates, Arizona’s Jay Johnson, East Carolina’s Cliff Godwin, and Notre Dame’s Link Jarrett. Guilbeau says Athletic Director Scott Woodward might hold out for a bigger name.

Cut 10 (08) “…Corbin.”

Corbin and the Commodores continue to play in the College World Series.

It’s been 40 years since a high rise was constructed in downtown Lafayette, but a now local developer wants to build the tallest ever in Acadiana. Cliff Guidry with Guidry Land Development wants to build two 20-story high-rise buildings at Seven16 Lafayette. His original idea was office space, however…

Cut 7 (12) “…flexible.”

Guidry says they will either lease or sell the space and construction on the $140-million project should begin in the fall.

The Louisiana Republican Party is urging the public to contact their local legislators and push for a veto session to override Governor Edwards’ veto of a bill that would prohibit transgender athletes from participating in girls’ sports. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says it’s a worthy cause…
cut 3 (08) “…the bill itself”
Edwards calls the anti-transgender bill discriminatory and in search of a problem that does not exist.

Governor Edwards has signed a bill that removes the limits on how much a candidate running for office in Louisiana can receive from political action committees. There is a concern this will drastically increase the amount of influence out-of-state actors have on state politics, but the bill’s author. Gonzales Senator Ed Price disagrees…
cut 10 (07) “…happening”

A local developer is hoping to change the skyline in downtown Lafayette. Cliff Guidry with Guidry Land Development has unveiled his plans to build two 20-story high-rise buildings. Guidry says it’s been 40 years since the last high rise was built in the Hub City.
Cut 6 (10) “…Lafayette.”
Guidry says his proposal still needs approval from the local government. He imagines the towers will contain office space and possibly condominiums.

LSU beat reporter Glen Guilbeau for the USA Today Network reports the search for a new Tigers baseball coach is down to three candidates…
Cut 9 (11) “…Jarrett.”
With Johnson, Godwin, and Jarrett squarely in the mix, Guilbeau says Athletic Director Scott Woodward might hold out for a bigger name, like Vanderbilt’s Tim Corbin, but it’s unknown if Corbin is interested.

Governor Edwards approved the Legislature’s tax swap proposal that removes the ability to deduct federal income taxes in exchange for lower overall income tax rates for businesses and individuals. Tax expert Jason DeCuir the entire tax swap plan was constructed so that if this narrow amendment fails at the October ballot, none of the proposal will take effect.

Cut 5  (09) “…law.”

Governor Edwards signs legislation removing the cap on the amount of money candidates in state elections can receive from political action committees. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says the new law could drastically increase the amount of influence out-of-state actors have on in-state politics.

Cut 9 (11) “…elections.”

Bill author Gonzales Senator Ed Price says his legislation is about transparency.

20-year-old Mykia Tyson is behind bars in St. Tammany Parish in what authorities say was an alleged murder-for-hire scheme to have her ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend killed. St Tammany Sheriff’s Spokesperson Captain Scott Lee says Tyson hired four teenagers and 17-year-old Delester Magee was the shooter.

Cut 13 (09) “…custodial agreement.”

Tyson faces solicitation for murder and contributing to the delinquency of minor charges. No one was physically injured in the June 5^th shooting.

Before the proposed Slidell casino has even gone before St. Tammany Parish voters, Peninsula Pacific Entertainment announces they plan to invest even more than initially proposed to the casino site. St. Tammany Corporation CEO Chris Masingill says a $75-million investment alone is pretty significant.

Cut 14 (10) “…hear that.”

Governor Edwards has signed the complicated tax swap plan approved by the Legislature, but voters will have the final say on the entire plan in October…
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

A man wanted for the fatal shooting of his wife in Opelousas was arrested in Alexandria. St. Landry parish Sheriff deputies say 51-year-old Derrick Tyrone Hills was apprehended at his brother’s home after shooting his wife times at her home located next to the sheriff’s office in Opelousas. The victim has been identified as a Rachelle Arceneaux Hills.

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed legislation that removes the limit candidates running for offices in Louisiana could receive from political action committees. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says removing the caps, could result in more money spent on political campaigns…
cut 8 (11) “….eyebrows”
The cap for candidates running for major office was 80-thousand dollars from PACs.

A Covington-area woman and four teenagers have been arrested in an alleged murder-for-hire scheme in an effort to take out her romantic rival. St Tammany Sheriff’s Spokesperson Captain Scott Lee says 20-year-old Mykia Tyson was initially arrested on unrelated charges when they learned of her involvement with a shooting at a Lacombe home on June 5th.
Cut 11 (10) “…new boyfriend.”
No one was injured in the shooting and a total of five people are facing charges.

Governor Edwards signs legislation removing the cap on the amount of money candidates in state elections can receive from political action committees. Gonzales Senator Ed Price says his legislation is about transparency because candidates can consolidate the number of PACs they form, making the money easier to track.
Cut 7 (07) “…search.”
The removal of the contribution cap will go into effect on August 1st.

Governor Edwards has signed the bills that make up the Legislature’s tax swap proposal that removes the ability to deduct federal income taxes in exchange for lower overall income tax rates for businesses and individuals. Tax expert Jason DeCuir says voters will have a chance to weigh in on the issue on the October ballot, but only through an amendment involving a part of the reform…
Cut 4 (07) “…percent.”
The Louisiana Budget Project is concerned the proposed tax changes will benefit businesses and higher-income individuals more than middle-class and low-wage earners.

A bipartisan group of Senators that includes Louisiana’s Bill Cassidy, have reached a tentative agreement on a 579 billion dollar infrastructure bill. Cassidy will be among the Senators who will discuss the proposed spending plan with President Joe Biden today. Cassidy says the legislation can help advance construction on new bridges in Baton Rouge and Lake Charles and extending I-49 south.

Before St. Tammany voters have even approved a proposed casino-resort complex in Slidell, investors have increased their investment by $75-million for a total of $325-million. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The state Board of Ethics opposes legislation signed by Governor Edwards that removes the cap on how much money candidates can receive from PACs. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says he’s in favor of a four-day override veto session after Governor Edwards vetoed a bill that bans transgender athletes from competing on girls sports teams. But it’s unclear if the support is there in the Senate to hold one. If a majority of Senators or House members say no, the veto session is canceled.

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed the bills associated with a tax reform plan that will lower individual income tax rates, but take away a tax break that allows taxpayers to deduct the federal income taxes paid on their state income tax forms. But before the plan goes into effect, voters have to approve a constitutional amendment on the October ballot. Tax expert Jason DeCuir says the amendment should make sense to voters who learn about it for the first time at the voting booth…
cut 6 (09) “….understand”

St. Tammany Parish voters will decide whether a riverboat casino will be built in Slidell. St. Tammany Corporation CEO Chris Masingill says Peninsula Pacific Entertainment is proposing to invest 325-million dollars. Masingill says revenues from the casino resort will go towards flood protection and a new regional sports complex…
cut 15 (11) “…east St. Tammany”

An attorney for Ronald Greene, a black man who died while in State Police custody following a police chase in north Louisiana in May of 2019, says federal authorities are investigating whether there’s a pattern of racist abuses within State Police. There are cases of State Troopers from Troop F beating up Black motorists.

Governor Edwards has signed the complicated tax swap plan approved by the Legislature, but voters will have the final say on the entire plan in October…
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff deputies have arrested a Covington-area woman who allegedly tried to hire four teenagers to kill her former girlfriend’s new boyfriend. Captain Scott Lee says 20-year-old Mykia Tyson drove the teens to the home where her former girlfriend’s new boyfriend was located…
cut 12 (11) “….in LaCombe
Lee says one of the teenagers got cold feet and fired shots at the home instead. No one was injured and Tyson and the four teens face criminal charges.

The developer of a proposed new riverboat casino in Slidell promises the casino will employ nearly one thousand people once it’s in operation. St. Tammany Corporation CEO Chris Masingill says 50-percent of those workers will come from St. Tammany Parish…
cut 16 (08) “…with benefits”
Voters in St. Tammany will decide in October if they want the casino.

Governor Edwards approves the complicated tax swap plan approved by the Legislature this year but voters will have the final say on the entire plan this fall at the ballot box. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

_______________________________

The state Board of Ethics opposes legislation signed by Governor Edwards that removes the cap on how much money candidates can receive from PACs. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

____________________________

Before St. Tammany voters have even approved the casino, investors have increased their investment by $75-million for a total of $325-million. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

____________________________________

Governor Edwards OK’d the Legislature’s tax swap proposal that removes the ability to deduct federal income taxes in exchange for lower overall income tax rates for businesses and individuals.

Tax expert Jason DeCuir says voters will have a chance to weigh in on the issue in the fall, but only through an amendment involving a part of the reform…

Cut 4 (07) “…percent.”

The rest of the tax swap plan, three legislatively approved bills, were signed by the Governor.

DeCuir says the entire tax swap plan was constructed so that if this narrow amendment fails at the October ballot, none of the proposal will take effect.

Cut 5  (09) “…law.”

DeCuir says this amendment and tax swap plan should make sense even to voters who learn about it for the first time in the ballot box.

Cut 6 (09) “…understand.”

Voters will also have another tax-related amendment to consider, that being one that would move the state away from a decentralized sales tax collection system and to a centralized sales tax collection system. The state is one of only two that still has a decentralized collection system.

___________________________

Governor Edwards signs legislation removing the cap on the amount of money candidates in state elections can receive from political action committees.

Gonzales Senator Ed Price says his legislation was about transparency because it allows candidates to consolidate the number of PACs they form to receive donations, making the money easier to track.

Cut 7 (07) “…search.”

The removal of the contribution cap will go into effect on August 1^st.

The bill was opposed by the State Board of Ethics. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says removing the previous caps could result in a campaigns becoming a lot more expensive…

Cut 8 (11) “…eyebrows.”

The previous caps for contributions to a candidate from PACs were $80,000 for major offices, $60,000 for district offices, and $20,000 for smaller offices per the AP.

Erwin says there are real concerns that this new law could drastically increase the amount of influence out-of-state actors have on in-state politics.

Cut 9 (11) “…elections.”

Price disagrees with that criticism. He says under the old capped system candidates still functionally could receive unlimited amounts of money.

Cut 10 (07) “…happening.”

The bill had overwhelming support from both the House and Senate during the session.

__________________

A Covington-area woman and four teenagers have been arrested in a murder-for-hire scheme in an effort to take out her romantic rival. St Tammany Sheriff’s Spokesperson Captain Scott Lee says 20-year-old Mykia Tyson was initially arrested on unrelated charges when they learned of her involvement with a shooting at a Lacombe house on June 5th.

Cut 11 (10) “…new boyfriend.”

19-year-old Delester Magee was one of the teens solicited along with a 17-year old and two 16-year olds. Lee says Tyson drove the four teens to the home where her former girlfriend’s new boyfriend was located.

Cut 12 (11) “…in Lacombe.” 

Authorities say at the last minute Magee got cold feet about committing murder but instead fired shots at the residence. He’s charged with criminal conspiracy and aggravated criminal damage to property.

Tyson remains behind bars facing solicitation for murder, contributing to the delinquency of minors and additional charges.

Cut 13 (09) “…custodial agreement.”

No one was physically injured in the shooting.

__________________

Before the proposed Slidell casino has even gone before St. Tammany Parish voters, Peninsula Pacific Entertainment announces they plan to invest even more than initially proposed to the casino site. St. Tammany Corporation CEO Chris Masingill says a $75-million investment alone is pretty significant.

Cut 14 (10) “…hear that.”

Masingill says P2E has made historic economic commitments to the area,  for example, a five percent of gaming share revenue to the area, which is the highest negotiated rate in the state’s history.

Cut 15 (11)“…east St. Tammany.”

P2E has also made a 50-percent guarantee to hire St. Tammany Parish residents. Masingill says jobs will run the gamut from hospitality to casino operations and IT.

Cut 16 (08) “…with benefits.”

P2E estimates nearly 1,000 direct jobs during the operation of the casino. If approved by voters, the venue would open in the first quarter of 2023.

Governor Edwards has signed into law oversight for Title IX policies on college campuses, legislation that was a reaction to mishandlings of sexual misconduct at LSU. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

Gov. Edwards has also signed significant pieces of a complicated tax plan to distance the state’s income tax collections from federal collections. But for the legislation to be enacted, it must receive voter approval on the October ballot.

The House Speaker backs calling lawmakers back to Baton Rouge for a veto override session to undo the Governor’s rejection of legislation that would ban transgender athletes from playing on girls’ sports school teams. Political consultant Lionel Rainey says there’s a high level of public support for overturning the veto.

Cut 5  (12) “…otherwise” 

In his veto message, Edwards called the legislation discriminatory.

Starting next June the only lifetime sportsman’s license you’ll be able to buy is a 500 dollar combination hunting and fishing license. LDWF Undersecretary Bryan McClinton says that’s not a bad thing because the combo license gives you every recreational hunting and fishing license privilege with gear fees included.

Cut 7 (12) “…can hunt.”