A Senate approved bill that would allow a parish by parish vote on the legalization of sports betting will be heard today in the House Appropriations Committee.

Currently the bill calls for the activity at racetracks and casinos but video poker interests are hoping to expand that. Metairie Senator Danny Martiny says that can’t happen…

Cut 12 (05) “…you know”

But the Metairie Republican is optimistic and thinks Louisiana could have sports betting in the state’s racetracks, riverboat casinos, and land-based casino in New Orleans by the end of the year.

Cut 14 (08) “…championship.”

A companion bill to tax the activity proposes a 13 percent tax rate, which Martiny says is about average, and nearly equal to that of Mississippi’s. One percent would be sent to compulsive gambling funds.

And that’s not the only sports related legislation working it’s way through the chambers as House approved Fantasy sports regulation is halfway to final passage and a bill that would tax the activity will soon receive a hearing in a Senate committee.

As it stands the tax rate for fantasy sports is currently at 15 percent, which Fairness for Fantasy Sports spokesperson Ryan Berni says would be the highest in the nation.

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Opponents argue it’s a lower rate than what other gaming activities in the state must pay.

The bill has seen stiff opposition from other gaming interest groups who say fantasy sports should only be accessible from within a casino, or a video poker facility. Berni that would be disregarding the will of 60 percent of voters and 47 parishes that approved the activity last fall. He says it would be a shame to see special interests tank the legislation…

21

Three Louisiana teams are in the NCAA Baseball Tournament. Jeff Palermo has more on who they will play…

Cut 3 (30) “..Jeff Palermo”

The Army Corps of Engineers announces it will open the Morganza Spillway in Pointe Coupee Parish on Sunday. Governor John Bel Edwards on why they need to open the Morganza Floodway structure for the third time in history and the first since 2011.

Cut 10 (09) “…used up.”

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House approved Fantasy sports regulation is halfway to final passage as a bill that would tax the activity will soon receive a hearing in a Senate committee. Over 60 percent of voters, and 47 parishes approved the activity last fall, and Fairness for Fantasy Sports spokesperson Ryan Berni says it would be a tragedy to see the will of those voters overturned by gaming lobbyists in the Senate.

Cut 5 (11) “…this point”

Opponents argue fantasy sports is paying a much lower tax rate than what other gaming activities in the state.

We observe Memorial Day today, a day set aside for the nation to pay it’s respects to the roughly 1.2 million service members who’ve died in the line of duty. Louisiana Veterans Affairs Secretary Joey Strickland says If you’re interested in honoring the fallen there’s a few simple ways you can contribute.

Cut 14 (11) “…sacrifice.”

ow, the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority will begin sinking a barge in Bayou Chene in southern Assumption to act as temporary flood gate for when the Morganza Spillway opens Sunday. Chairman of the Coastal Protection Restoration Authority Board Chip Kline says authorities are aware that thousands of acres of farmland will be lost, but it’s a cost that must be paid…

Cut 7 (09) “…livestock.”

Officials say the installation of the barge will begin tomorrow.

House approved Fantasy sports regulation is halfway to final passage as a bill that would tax the activity will soon receive a hearing in a Senate committee.  As it stands the tax rate for fantasy sports is currently at 15 percent, which Fairness for Fantasy Sports spokesperson Ryan Berni says would be the highest in the nation.

Cut 3 (09) “…winnings”

We observe Memorial Day today, a day set aside for the nation to pay it’s respects to the roughly 1.2 million service members who’ve died in the line of duty. Louisiana Veterans Affairs Secretary Joey Strickland asks the public to be aware of how difficult this day can be for Louisiana families whose loved ones have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Cut 12 (11) “…honor them”

Strickland says on Saturday morning hundreds of current and former military personnel planted 11-thousand flags in front of the State Capitol.

The Tigers take on Stoney Brooke Friday at 6pm for the Baton Rouge Regional hosted at Alex Box Stadium. The Long Island New York based school has a history with the Purple and Gold, having knocked them out of the Super Regional seven years ago. McNeese will also be in action Friday and take on Indiana State, while Southern heads back to the tourney for the first time in a decade to take on Mississippi State in first day action.

Tomorrow, the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority will begin sinking a barge in Bayou Chene in southern Assumption to act as temporary flood gate. It’s needed to prevent backwater flooding after the Morganza spillway is opened. Chairman of the Coastal Protection Restoration Authority Board Chip Kline…

Cut 6 (08) “…backwater flooding.”

Officials say the installation of the barge would begin May 28th and any water flow from the June 2^nd opening of the spillway would not arrive in the area until two weeks later.

On this Memorial Day many will consume some beef. CEO of Cattle Producers of Louisiana Dave Foster says turning on the grill should be a priority…

Cut 9 (09) “…your list.″

62,000 pounds of beef were recalled due to a possible E. coli contamination.

Fantasy sports regulation is halfway through the legislative process and advocates are prepping for a fight against video poker interests in the Senate. Conner Ferrill has more…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Connor Ferrill”

The Tigers and Stony Brook will face off again as the New York based program will head down to Baton Rouge for the Regional that will be hosted at Alex Box Stadium. The scrappy program upset the Tigers in the 2012 in the Super Regional Series. First pitch will be thrown at 6pm Friday night in the Box. Southern is making their first NCAA tourney appearance in 10 years, and heads to Starkville to take on Miss. State Friday afternoon, and McNeese will play Indiana State.

Louisiana honors Gold Star Families and their fallen loved ones today for Memorial Day. Brooke Thorington has the story…
Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

State Police say a 21-year-old driver was killed early Sunday morning when his vehicle hit a horse near Hammond. L-S-P says there was a dark colored horse standing in LA 1040 and 21-year-old Javonte Lamone Johnson braked and swerved slightly to the left, but hit the horse. The collision resulted in Johnson’s vehicle overturning and he was ejected.

The US Army Corps of Engineers is expected to announce later today an official date on when they will open the Morganza Spillway in Pointe Coupee Parish. It would divert Mississippi River water into the Atchafalaya Basin, flooding thousands of acres of farmland. Chairman of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Chip Kline…
cut 7 (09) “…livestock”
Wildlife experts say there will be few places for the animals to go when the spillway opens.

The legislative session will end a week from Thursday and there are numerous bills still trying to get final legislative passage. Fairness for Fantasy Sports spokesperson Ryan Berni says the bill that sets up taxing and regulation of fantasy sports still needs to get through the Senate and there’s a chance it might not pass…
cut 4 (11) “…fantasy sports”
Sports betting and statewide regulation for ride sharing services are other pieces of legislation that’s seeking final legislative approval.

On this Memorial Day, 11-thousand flags are planted on the grounds in front of the State Capitol to honor servicemen and woman from Louisiana who died while protecting our country….
cut 13 (07) “….division”
That’s Louisiana Veterans Affairs Secretary Colonel Joey Strikland, who asks all Louisianians to take time today to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

There will be work inside the state capitol today as Senate finance meets to discuss the budget. Lawmakers have until next Thursday to complete their work. The Fantasy sports tax and regulation bill is one of many pieces of legislation trying to gain final legislative passage. Fairness for Fantasy Sports spokesperson Ryan Berni says revenue from fantasy sports would go to some good causes…
cut 5 (11) “…this point”

Governor John Bel Edwards is requesting federal assistance due to the ongoing threat of river flooding across Louisiana. The U-S Army Corps of Engineers could open the Morganza Spillway in Pointe Coupee Parish next week to alleviate pressure on Mississippi River levees downstream. Opening the spillway will flood thousands of acres of farmland, but Chip Kline, director of the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority says if the Morganza is not opened, it could have devastating effects on the Bayou State…
Cut 8 (10) “…astronomical.”

62,000 pounds of beef were recalled due to a possible E. coli contamination, but CEO of Cattle Producers of Louisiana Dave Foster says if you go to the store today to buy meat, don’t worry about recalls…
Cut 10 (09) “…used up.”

It’s Memorial Day, a time to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Louisiana Veterans Affairs Secretary Joey Strickland says if you want to honor the fallen, but can’t make it to any of today’s ceremonies, there’s a few simple ways you can contribute….
cut 14 (11) “…sacrifice”
Many will light up the grill on this Memorial Day. CEO of Cattle Producers of Louisiana Dave Foster says with cheap prices available for steaks go to the store and stock up on all kinds of cuts of beef…
cut 11 (11) “…little bit”

And today at 11 AM, the the NCAA Baseball Tournament brackets will be unveiled. LSU has already been announced as a host a site. McNeese and Southern are also in the tournament.

Fantasy sports regulation is halfway through the legislative process and advocates are prepping for a fight against video poker interests in the Senate….
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Connor Ferrill”

Tomorrow, the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority will begin sinking a barge in Bayou Chene in southern Assumption to act as temporary flood gate. It’s needed to prevent backwater flooding after the Morganza spillway is opened. Chairman of the Coastal Protection Restoration Authority Board Chip Kline…
Cut 6 (08) “…backwater flooding.”
The Morganza could open in early June.

While addressing investors and trade stakeholders in Japan this morning President Trump bragged about his administration’s reduction of regulations and how it has helped paved the way for the U-S to be a leader in energy production. He referred to a recent visit to Louisiana and the LNG plant in Cameron Parish.

Cut 21 (:16)  …being produced.

The President and First lady arrived in Tokyo this morning for a four day visit with Japanese leaders.

At the SEC Baseball Tournament, the 5th Seed LSU Tigers will take on the number 1 seed Vanderbilt Commodores this afternoon.  The Tigers have had a quite a roller-coaster ride at the tournament this year in Hoover, Alabama. They rebounded against Mississippi State last night 12-2 after losing one of the longest games in SEC Tournament and LSU history that ended after 17 innings at 3:03 Thursday morning against the Bulldogs. Today’s semi-final game is expected to start around 3:30.

25,000 acres of farmland could be destroyed if the Morganza Spillway is opened in Point Coupee Parish. Conner Ferrill has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Connor Ferrill”

The Army Corps of Engineers is expected to make a decision on the spillway Tuesday.

A young bald eagle found soaked and dazed along a neighborhood street in Metairie where it hatched will be released Tuesday. The bird’s parents have nested in the neighborhood for few of years in a tall live oak.

A neighborhood resident brought the young eaglet to the Wildlife Hospital at LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine on May 11^th . The eagle will be released in same neighborhood where is was found.

The President is Japan this weekend promoting trade with the U-S. In a speech during his state visit to Japan early this morning, President Trump touted his recent visit to the state.

Cut 20 (:16) … 20 years right.

The liquefied natural gas facility In Cameron Parish was a highlight of the President’s trip to the state last week.

An estimated 25,000 acres of farmland is expected to be destroyed if the decision is made to open the Morganza Spillway. LSU Ag Center county agent Mike Carriere (Carry-aye) says from the Mississippi along the levees has already brought standing water to fields…

Cut 7 (07) “…this year.”

The Army Corps of Engineers is expected to make a decision on the spillway Tuesday.

It’s Memorial Day Weekend and with a record numbers of cars expected to be on the road, State Police Spokesperson Taylor Scrantz is asking all motorists to drive with an abundance of caution, particularly in construction zones…

Cut 14 (11) “…Iberville Parish” 

At the legislature lawmakers are looking to ease routine traffic in near the state’s capitol. A proposal to add an HOV lane to a heavily traveled stretch of I-12 between Walker and the I-10/12 split in Baton Rouge heads to the Governor’s desk. Livingston Senator Dale Erdey (Err-dee) says this should shave time off the commute of everyone driving in and out of Baton Rouge from the east.

Cut 9 (10) “…right now”

Before any work can begin a study must be completed, and project approval by the feds, but Erdey says expect work to begin sometime in the fall.

In a speech during his state visit to Japan early this morning, President Trump touted his recent visit to Louisiana. Trump bragged about the advancements the state has made at the Cameron LNG export facility in Cameron Parish. The $10 Billion liquefied natural gas facility was a highlight of the President’s trip to the state last week. He encouraged leaders in Japan to make an investment in the Sempra project. The President and First Lady are in Japan as he negotiates a new bilateral trade agreement with Tokyo.

Its Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer. Your BBQ grill is not the only thing heating up this weekend. Temperatures across the state are expected to reach into the 90s. State Climatologist Barry Keim says not only has the summer heat returned, but we’ve hit a dry weather pattern

Cut 5 (10) “…next Thursday”

Keim also says we can also say goodbye for the time being to low temperatures in the low to mid-60s.

An estimated 25,000 acres of farmland is expected to be destroyed if the decision is made to open the Morganza Spillway in Pointe Coupee Parish. LSU Ag Center county agent Mike Carriere (Carry-aye) says it’s not welcome news that the Morganza could possibly open because it comes on the heels of a difficult planting season, because of wet conditions.…

Cut 8 (08) “…spillway”

Two Texas men are dead after trying to jump a compact car across the gap on a raised drawbridge in Louisiana

State Police say it happened shortly after 2 a.m. Friday at the Black Bayou Bridge about 6 miles south of Lake Charles. Investigators say the bridge was closed to traffic to allow a boat to pass through on the Intracoastal Waterway.

Witnesses say the car’s passenger pushed the gate arm up and they drove their car up to the raised section. They backed up, then accelerated forward, trying to jump to the other side. The vehicle landed in the water and sank. Both men were pronounced dead on the scene.