Voters will get to decide whether or not the state protects the right to abortion on the 2020 ballot, but the amendment does not provide exceptions for rape or incest, which promoted a heated Senate floor argument…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The 2019 legisaltive session must adjourn by 6pm and a political analyst says there’s already a clear winner after two months of work…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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Former Governor Kathleen Blanco is to be inducted into the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame this October alongside Reggie Bush and Marques Colston.  Kevin Barnhart has the story

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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The Legislature approves a constitutional amendment that would allow voters on the 2020 Presidential ballot to decide if the state does not protect the right to an abortion. The amendment would not protect that right in cases of rape or incest.

Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says it’s necessary to prevent a rogue judge from protecting the right to an abortion in Louisiana.

Cut 4 (11) “…any direction”

The law would not take effect unless Roe vs. Wade is overturned.

But New Orleans Senator and chairwoman of the state Democratic Party, Karen Carter Peterson says the legislation demeans women and empowers rapists by not including expectations for rape or incest.

Cut 5 (11) “…and inhumane.”

Mizell and Peterson had a tense argument about rape and incest exceptions while sharing a mic on the Senate floor. Peterson says the law isn’t just without those exceptions, but Mizell says that’s only a fraction of abortion cases…

Cut 6 (07) “…of convenience.”

This comes on the heel of a fetal heartbeat abortion ban that was signed into law by Governor Edwards.

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Today is the final day of the 2019 legislative session. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says between a funding increase and a pay raise, K-12 education and teachers are clear winners this year, along with those who backed them.

Cut 7 (11) “…that one.”

K-12 education secured a total of 140 million in additional funding this year between the raises and funding increases.

Labor issues once again found little support again, despite backing from Governor Edwards, who made working-class wage issues a core part of his election pitch four years ago.

Cut 8 (09) “…failed again”

Edwards pushed for a minimum wage increase from the current 7.25 an hour to nine dollars an hour.

While most issues have been settled, it remains up in the air as to whether or not Governor Edwards will sign a 700-million-dollar road project bill that uses BP oil spill settlement money. Pinsonat says politically it’s a double-edged sword.

Cut 9 (11) “…Louisiana.”

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The Saints Hall of Fame Class of 2019 was announced today with Reggie Bush, Marques Colston, and former Governor Kathleen Blanco receiving the distinction at a ceremony this October. Blanco, who is currently battling cancer, was on hand for the announcement and describes the induction as a huge honor.

Cut 10 (11) “…here in October (applause).”

Blanco will receive the Fleur de Lis award for her vast contributions to the organization. Blanco was instrumental in getting the Saints back to New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina by pushing for repairs to the storm damages suffered by the Superdome.

Cut 11 (10) “…going to dispair.”

Blanco recalled fond memories of the Saints first game back in the Superdome and says she was happy to help in contributing in getting the team to return to their home turf.

Cut 12 (09) “thank you Gayle (applause).”

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The unsettled weather pattern continues across the state today with widespread coverage of thunderstorms, especially across the southern portions of the state.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says a storm system over the Gulf is a contributing factor to the current conditions.

Cut 13 (11) “…some severe weather.”

Keim says the Storm Prediction Center has Louisiana in the marginal category for tornados, hail, and high winds with this system today and tomorrow.

Cut 14 (08) “…daunting sounding term.”

Keim says many parts of the state face the slight to moderate risk for flash flood, so be careful on the roads.

Cut 15 (09) “…decisions out there.”

The wet weather is expected to continue through Sunday, with possibly a brief break on Saturday.

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Reggie Bush and Marques Colston will be inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame in October. Both players helped the team win the franchise’s only Super Bowl in 2009. Bush was a dynamic playmaker as a running back and returner, while Colston was a dependable receiver that finished his career as the franchise leader in catches, receiving yards and total touchdowns. Colston on the legacy he tried to leave….

Cut 16  (25) “…great players”  

Bush’s best game in a Saints uniform may have been in the Divisional playoff victory over the Cardinals during the Super Bowl season. Bush had two touchdowns, including an 83-yard punt return. When the team took the field before the game, Bush brought a bat onto the field to signify the team was bringing the wood…

cut 17 (28) “..that game” 

Both Bush and Colston were drafted in 2006, a draft class that was instrumental in the Saints winning the Super Bowl in 2006. Bush was the second overall pick, while Coslston was taken in the seventh round. Colston says that speaks volumes on how this organiziation evaulates players…

The legislative session ends on Thursday at 6 PM and it seems unlikely a bill to bring legalized sports betting to the state’s casinos will pass. Metairie Senator Danny Martiny blames House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry for leading the effort to kill his sports betting bill. Henry says 14 members in his committee voted against the bill…

Cut 6 (12) “…you lose”

An LSU poll conducted earlier this year found that 59-percent of Louisiana residents support legalized sports betting. Gretna Representative Joe Marino says the legislature should give the public a chance to legalize sports betting

Cut 8 (06) “…not listening.”

Lawmakers still need to approve a budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1^st, and The fantasy sports tax and regulation bills also need to pass for residents to participate in online fantasy sports contests.

The Legislature approves a constitutional amendment that will allow voters in the 2020 fall presidential election to state whether or not the state does not protect abortion rights. The amendment does not include exceptions for rape or incest, which prompted New Orleans Senator and chairwoman of the state Democratic Party, Karen Carter Peterson to say the amendment empowers rapists…

21

Winnfield Senator Gerald Long rose in opposition to Peterson, saying…

22

The law would not take effect unless the Supreme Court overturns Roe Vs. Wade, and comes on the heels of Governor Edwards’ signing of a fetal heartbeat abortion ban.

Patients with a prescription will soon have access to inhalable medical marijuana once the governor signs a bill that’s headed to his desk. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The Saint Hall of Fame Class of 2019 was announced today with Reggie Bush, Marcus Colston, and former Governor Kathleen Blanco receiving the distinction at a ceremony this October.  Blanco was instrumental in getting the Saints back to New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina by pushing for repairs to the storm damages of the Superdome.  Blanco, who is currently battling cancer, was on hand for the announcement and describes the induction as a huge honor.

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness  encourages Louisiana residents to prepare for heavy rainfall.  National Weather Service Lake Charles forecaster Stephen Carboni says southwest Louisiana will get the worst of it today.

Cut 3 (08) “…ten inches plus.”

The state is already dealing with high river levels and the rain will add to the flooding risks.

A Taco Bell in Slidell ran out of both soft and crunchy taco shells on Monday.  One patron felt the snafu was an egregious violation and warranted a call to Slidell Police.  Slidell Police spokesperson Daniel Seuzaneau says initially the department thought it was a joke.Authorities have posted their account of the story on social media, which has since gone viral with over 2,000 shares.  Seuzaneau says others have chimed in on Taco Bell’s inventory woes.

Cut 13 (08) “…on social media.” 

Slidell Police gain social media fame after a Taco Bell runs out of both soft and crunchy taco shells. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut 2 (30) I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

Bossier’s Financial Crimes Task Force nabs 47-year-old Pamela Chandler on two counts of forgery related to a fraudulent trust fund she claimed to have when dealing with a realtor who was in the process of selling Mrs. Chandler a million dollar home.

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness  encourages Louisiana residents to prepare for heavy rainfall. National Weather Service Lake Charles forecaster Stephen Carboni says the rain is the result of an area of disturbed weather over the southwest portions of the Gulf that at one time was monitored by the National Hurricane Center for possible tropical development.

Cut 4 (11) “….another storm system.” 

Legislation allowing those with a medical marijuana prescription access to an inhalable form of the treatment is headed to the governor’s desk. The legislation had trouble getting Senate approval, but Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says constituents were able to change legislator’s minds…

Cut 10 (08) “…minds.”

Medical marijuana patients would be allowed to inhale cannabis through an inhaler under a bill heading to the governor’s desk. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Slidell Police gain social media fame after a Taco Bell runs out of both soft and crunchy taco shells. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut 2 (30) I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness  encourages Louisiana residents to prepare for heavy rainfall.  National Weather Service Lake Charles forecaster Stephen Carboni says southwest Louisiana will get the worst of it today.

Cut 3 (08) “…ten inches plus.”

Carboni says the rain is the result of an area of disturbed weather over the southwest portions of the Gulf that at one time was monitored by the National Hurricane Center for possible tropical development.

Cut 4 (11) “….another storm system.” 

The state is already dealing with high river levels and the rain will add to the flooding risks. Carboni says they have this message when street flooding occurs.

Cut 5 (06) “…turn around, don’t drown.”

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The legislative session ends on Thursday at 6 PM and it seems unlikely a bill to bring legalized sports betting to the state’s casinos will pass. Metairie Senator Danny Martiny blames House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry for leading the effort to kill his sports betting bill. Henry says 14 members in his committee voted against the bill…

Cut 6 (12) “…you lose”

Martiny’s bill would establish a vote so voters can legalize sports betting in their parish. Several unfriendly amendments were added to the bill in House appropriations and it was deferred. Henry says with the clock ticking, the legislature shouldn’t try to ram this through…

Cut 7 (10) “…to our children.”

An LSU poll conducted earlier this year found that 59-percent of Louisiana residents support legalized sports betting. Gretna Representative Joe Marino says the legislature should give the public a chance to legalize sports betting

Cut 8 (06) “…not listening.”

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Legislation allowing those with a medical marijuana prescription access to an inhalable form of the treatment is headed to the governor’s desk. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says the pill or oil-based forms of the treatment sometimes are not fast-acting enough to respond, such as an episode of PTSD…

Cut 9 (05) “….relief”

Proponents add that inhaling the product does not mean patients are smoking it like recreational marijuana.

The legislation had trouble getting Senate approval. But James says legislators minds were changed after senators started receiving calls from constituents who had experience with the treatment in other states…

Cut 10 (08) “…minds.”

As it stands though there are no forms of medical marijuana, inhalable or otherwise, available to the public as a regulatory dispute involving the Department of Agriculture and the grower has stalled the crop’s growth. James says if this gridlock continues, the Legislature will intervene on behalf of patients.

Cut 11 (09) “…unacceptable”

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A Taco Bell in Slidell ran out of both soft and crunchy taco shells on Monday.  One patron felt the snafu was an egregious violation and warranted a call to Slidell Police.  Slidell Police spokesperson Daniel Seuzaneau says initially the department thought it was a joke, but the caller insisted law enforcement should respond.

Cut 12 (12)   “…ironic in itself.”

Authorities have posted their account of the story on social media, which has since gone viral with over 2,000 shares.  Seuzaneau says others have chimed in on Taco Bell’s inventory woes.

Cut 13 (08) “…on social media.” 

Seuzaneau says the department is no stranger to peculiar calls.

Cut 14 (05) “…one of them.” 

No word on the updated taco shell inventory at the Gause Boulevard location of the fast-food chain.

The legislative session comes to a close at 6:00 tomorrow night and legislators are meeting behind closed doors to put the finishing touches on a budget proposal that will need to receive final legislative approval. Sports betting, fantasy sports, and a proposed minimum marriage age are among the bills that remain undecided.

Louisiana’s medical marijuana patients would be allowed to inhale cannabis through an inhaler under a bill heading to the governor’s desk. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

At this hour we are seeing heavy rainfall in southwest Louisiana and the northshore region of the state in southeast Louisiana. Flash flood watches are posted across south Louisiana. Stephen Carboni with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says if you are in an area where there’s street flooding, follow this advice….
cut 5 (06) “….turn around don’t’ drown”
Heavy rainfall will be in our forecast through Friday.

A Taco Bell in Slidell ran out of both soft and crunchy taco shells on Monday. So one patron called Slidell Police. Slidell Police spokesperson Daniel Seuzaneau says initially officers thought it was a joke, but the caller insisted it was a valid complaint in need on law enforcement’s attention.
Cut 12 (12) “…ironic in itself.”
Slidell P-D posted their account of the story to Facebook, which has since gone viral with over 2,000 shares.

There are less than 29 hours to go before the legislative session ends. Proponents for sports betting at the state’s casinos are still hoping to get their bill approved that would give voters a chance to legalize the activity. Gretna Representative Joe Marino says this is something the public wants…
cut 8 (06) “…not listening”
But the author of the sports betting bill, Kenner Senator Danny Martiny, says the legislation is barely alive for this session.

Legislation allowing those with a medical marijuana prescription access to an inhalable form of the treatment is headed to the governor’s desk. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says the pill or oil-based forms of the treatment sometimes are not fast-acting enough to respond, such as an episode of PTSD…
Cut 9 (05) “….relief”

The governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness encourages Louisiana residents to prepare for heavy rainfall. National Weather Service Lake Charles forecaster Stephen Carboni says southwest Louisiana will get the worst of it today.
Cut 3 (08) “…ten inches plus.”
Carboni says southeast Louisiana is under more of a threat for flooding tomorrow.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is missing Organized Training Activities this week, because he’s reportedly at a trial in San Diego. Last year, Brees filed a lawsuit against a California based jeweler that he and his wife bought diamonds from. In a statement to TMZ last year, Brees says they paid nine million dollars more than what the diamonds are worth.

After a couple of weeks of dry weather, tropical moisture is invading the Bayou State…
cut 5 (11) “…two weeks”
The U-S Army Corps of Engineers says the tropical rainmaker is not expected to affect the opening of the Morganza Spillway. The structure is still scheduled to open Sunday.

With the legislative session set to end on Thursday at 6 PM odds of a sports betting bill passing are not good. The proposal hit a roadblock in the House Appropriations and Chairman Cameron Henry says in this late hour, it’s not wise to push through…
cut 7 (07) “…two days”
Supporters of the legislation point to a recent LSU poll that says 59-percent of Louisiana residents support legalized sports betting.

A bill seeking to ban hand-held cellphones while behind the wheel has failed to pass in this legislative session. Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval was not able to get his legislation passed in the Senate, after getting House approval. Huval says his bill mirrored a law recently passed in Georgia…
cut 15 (08) “…have been saved”
Opponents of the legislation call Huval’s bill a government overreach.

Senator John Kennedy files legislation to address what he calls raw deals small news media outlets are getting from social media giants who use their content. Kennedy wants to empower small media outlets by temporarily suspending antitrust laws for them. He says this would allow them to collectively negotiate for more profit sharing from companies that use their content.
cut 10 (11) “…better deal on profit share”
Kennedy’s bill does have bipartisan support.

The legislative session ends on Thursday at 6 PM and it seems unlikely a bill to bring legalized sports betting to the state’s casinos will pass. Metairie Senator Danny Martiny blames House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry for leading the effort to kill his sports betting bill. Henry says every legislator knows what it’s like when the other chamber doesn’t go along with one of your bills…
cut 6 (12) “…you lose”

A proposal to ban hand-held cell phones while driving has failed in this legislative session. Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s bill passed the House, but he could not get the legislation out of a Senate committee. In the time since the bill failed, Huval has filed a House resolution to conduct a study on safe driving while using a cell phone.
Cut 14 (08) “…of our state.”

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says prepare for heavy rains this week…
voicer 1 (28) “….I’m Matt Doyle”

The Colorado State University hurricane forecast team has revised its initial forecast and they are now calling for 13 more named storms this year. The report also says there is a 31-percent chance for a major hurricane to hit the Gulf Coast this year. Researcher Jhordanne Jones says have your hurricane preparedness plans in place
cut 9 (08) “….of damage”

A bill seeking to ban hand-held cellphones while behind the wheel has failed to pass in this legislative session. Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval was not able to get his legislation passed in the Senate, after getting House approval. Huval says his bill mirrored a law recently passed in Georgia…
cut 15 (08) “…have been saved”
Opponents of the legislation call Huval’s bill a government overreach.

Flash flood watches have been posted across south Louisiana as several inches of rain are expected to fall over the next few days, because of an influx of tropical moisture. The US Army Corps of Engineers says they still plan on opening the Morganza Spillway on Sunday and State Climatologist Barry Keim says this rainfall will not have much of an effect on the Mississippi River level…
cut 6 (07) “…very very small”

The Colorado State University hurricane forecast team has revised its initial forecast and they are now calling for 13 named storms this year. The report also says there is a 31-percent chance for a major hurricane to hit the Gulf Coast this year. Researcher Jhordanne Jones says have your hurricane preparedness plans in place
cut 9 (08) “….of damage”

US Senator John Kennedy has co-authored a bill that has bipartisan support that seeks to help newspapers get some of the advertising revenue from Google and Facebook who are getting clicks from posting stories from local media outlets. Kennedy says he’s not trying to demonize successful American companies, instead it promotes a more competitive negotiating situation between social media, and the people who create content for it.
Cut 12 (11) “not bad.”
Several Democratic presidential candidates have called for using anti-trust laws to “break up” social media giants.