Two state republican legislators, Stuart Bishop of Lafayette and Norby Chabert of Houma, have admitted they were involved in a fist fight at a downtown Baton Rouge bar last night over a piece of legislation. Bishop apologized on the House floor earlier today. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat…
cut 14 (10) “…in front of them”

The US Supreme Court has allowed sports gambling outside of Nevada. Jim Shannon has more on when you might be able to place a legal bet on a sporting event in Louisiana
Cut 2 (27) I’m Jim Shannon”

Public school children will soon have the opportunity to bring bulletproof backpacks into schools under legislation that’s heading to the governor’s desk. The measure received overwhelming approval in the state legislature. Some lawmakers raised concerns about the cost for the bullet proof material as it can range from 50 to 400-dollars. Lafayette Representative Nancy Landry says fundraisers could be held to help parents pay for the armour…
cut 8 (10) “….get them”

Kenner Representative Julie Stokes announced she’s running for Secretary of State. Stokes was also a candidate in last year’s State Treasurer’s Race, but backed out after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

The “Bulletproof Backpack” bill is on its way to the governor’s desk. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Louisiana education officials say the number of high school graduates entering college each fall has increased by 15 percent since 2012. A record 23,500 public high school students from the Class of 2017 enrolled in college last fall. State Department of Education spokesperson Sydni Dunn credits financial aid programs, which are mandatory for high school students to participate in.

Cut 4 (12)      “parents signature”

Dozens of states, including Mississippi, have passed legislation that will allow them to permit sports gaming in the wake of a US Supreme Court decision to allow it outside of Nevada, but Louisiana currently is not one of them. This year’s sports gaming bill was shot down in the legislature. But, Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones says that could change next year.

Cut 9 (07) “each parish”

A bill that would allow riverboat casinos to come up out of the water passed is heading to the governor’s desk. The legislation would “modernize” riverboat casino regulations, allowing them to expand onto land near where they are berthed, and it changes the rules on gambling space. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton and Lake Charles Representative Stephen Dwight discussed just how much gaming contributes to the state.

Cut 13 (13)  “million dollars” 

According to the Louisiana State Department of Education the number of Louisiana high school graduates entering college each fall has increased by 15 percent in the last five years. A record 23,500 public high school students enrolled in college in the fall after graduation. Sydni Dunn is with the Department of Education, she says some high school programs geared toward college credits help the numbers grow.

Cut 3 (12) “Education Process”

Public School teachers are hitting the hip when it comes to paying for school supplies for their students. A new survey released says teachers are spending about 250 dollars a year on notebooks, pens, and other supplies without reimbursement. Les Landon is a spokesperson for the Louisiana Federation of Teachers.

Cut 4  (09) “That’s ashame” 

The House passed a 15 week abortion ban bill with amendments on a 78-9 vote yesterday, clearing one of the last hurdles before it arrives on the Governor’s desk for his likely approval. The Senate has already approved one version of the legislation and this morning approved and concurred with the final version. The concurrence was for an added an amendment that brings the date considered for conception up to the generally accepted medical standard. The measure now heads to the governor’s desk which he’s expected to sign. There is a federal lawsuit in Mississippi which could wipe out the Louisiana law all together.

A bill that would allow riverboat casinos to come up out of the water passed is heading to the governor’s desk. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds says the probative restrictions placed on the gaming industry are there for a reason, because Louisianans don’t want more gambling in the state, and he says passing this legislation would lead to an increase in the number of casino visitors.

Cut 15 (10) “or another”

The vote was 54-41.

Public School teachers are hitting the hip when it comes to paying for school supplies for their students. A new survey released says teachers are spending about 480 dollars a year on notebooks, pens, and other supplies without reimbursement. Les Landon is a spokesperson for the Louisiana Federation of Teachers.

He says it’s Louisiana’s turn to shake up the status quo.

Cut 6 (11) “their facing”

Teachers who spend their own money for supplies are able to take a $250 federal tax deduction.

A recent 5-cent rise in gas prices puts the state average at $2.61 a gallon.  AAA fuel analyst, Don Redman, says multiple factors are all conspiring against the consumer. Redman has some good news though, he does not project that Louisiana will reach 3-dollars a gallon during the summer.

Cut 9 (11)  “staff yet”

Redman says the Baton Rouge Metropolitan area averages around $2.54 a gallon.

A bill that would allow riverboat casinos to come up out of the water passed is heading to the governor’s desk. The legislation would “modernize” riverboat casino regulations, allowing them to expand onto land near where they are berthed, and it changes the rules on gambling space. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton and Lake Charles Representative Stephen Dwight discussed just how much gaming contributes to the state.

Cut 13 (13)  “million dollars” 

The Louisiana Senate has approved a budget proposal that’s described as more of a demonstration rather than an actual budget. The bill passed 27-10 with democrats making up those opposed. Most in the upper chamber agree the final version will be hammered out in the special session. The bill now heads back to the house for concurrence. The special session starts next Tuesday.

The House sends a bill to the governor that would allow riverboat casinos to expand onto land. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (32) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Public School teachers are hitting the hip when it comes to paying for school supplies for their students. A new survey released says teachers are spending about 480 dollars a year on notebooks, pens, and other supplies without reimbursement. Les Landon is a spokesperson for the Louisiana Federation of Teachers.

He says there is already a growing tide of discontent sweeping across the country. He adds Louisiana has not addressed its educational shortfalls for years.

Cut 5  (12)  “11 Years”

A recent 5-cent rise in gas prices puts the state average at $2.59 a gallon.  AAA fuel analyst, Don Redman, says multiple factors are all conspiring against the consumer. Gas prices during the summer typically fluctuates due to more traveling and reformulated fuel. Redman says in addition to increased sanctions, increased energy demands will affect national and global prices.

Cut 8 (10)  “hope”

The House passed a 15 week abortion ban bill with amendments on a 78-9 vote, clearing one of the last hurdles before it arrives on the Governor’s desk for his likely approval. The Senate has already approved one version of the legislation. Denham Springs Representative Valerie Hodges says the legislation could prevent hundreds of abortions in Louisiana a year.

Cut 12 (08) “ban this”

The bill heads back to the Senate.

Gas prices are going up, in preparation for the summer season, a five cent per gallon rise in the last week. Becca Dill has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Becca Dill”

Public School teachers are hitting the hip when it comes to paying for school supplies for their students. A new survey released says teachers are spending about 250 dollars a year on notebooks, pens, and other supplies without reimbursement. Les Landon is a spokesperson for the Louisiana Federation of Teachers.

Cut 4  (09) “That’s ashame” 

The House passed a 15 week abortion ban bill with amendments on a 78-9 vote, clearing one of the last hurdles before it arrives on the Governor’s desk for his likely approval. The Senate has already approved one version of the legislation. Denham Springs Representative Valerie Hodges says abortions after 15 weeks are dangerous for mothers.

Cut 11 (09) “objected to”

A bill that would allow riverboat casinos to come up out of the water passed is heading to the governor’s desk. The legislation would “modernize” riverboat casino regulations, allowing them to expand onto land near where they are berthed, and it changes the rules on gambling space. Gaming advocates have brought up the fact that the “riverboats” haven’t taken a ride down waterways in years. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle brought up the safety concerns that come with forcing facilities to exist over water.

Cut 14 (09) “the boats”

The LSU Tigers finished off the home schedule by scoring eight runs in the first three innings on their way to a 9-5 win over Northwestern State. Austin Bain in his final game at Alex Box Stadium, went 3-for-5 with two runs scored and two runs driven in. Daniel Cabrera continued to swing a hot bat as he hit a two-run homer.

The Ragin Cajuns led 5-0 after two innings and held on to beat Tulane seven to six. Designated Hitter Todd Lott came through with two home runs, including one in the bottom of the eighth that proved to be the winning run.

Southeastern Louisiana hit four home runs and beat South Alabama 12-9. Alabama native Drew Avans hit one of those home runs and had four hits on the night.

Owen Magee hit a three-run homer and UNO upset 14^th ranked Southern Miss 14-9 for the Privateers who have won five in a row.

________________________________________________________________________________

Joe Provenzano had his 248^th career hit last night to become the all-time hits leader in McNeese history. But the Cowboys lost to ULM 10-7, as Chad Bell had a couple of triples.

In football news, Ohio State transfer quarterback Joe Burrow, who visited LSU this past weekend, will reportedly visit North Carolina this week and is expected to make a decision by the end of the week. Burrow also visited Cincinnati last week.

Hedge fund manager David Tepper will reportedly purchase the Carolina Panthers for an NFL record two-point-two billion dollars. The 60-year-old Tepper is currently a minority owner of the Steelers. He plans to keep the team in Charlotte.

The annual charity softball game put on by the Saints will take place June 6^th at Turchin Stadium. Linebacker A-J Klein and tight end Benjamin Watson will serve as hosts. Tickets are on sale now, but if you are a teacher or first responder you get in free.

And in the NBA playoffs…Boston beat Cleveland 107-94 to take a two games to noting lead in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Public School teachers are hitting the hip when it comes to paying for school supplies for their students. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A recent 5-cent rise in gas prices puts the state average at $2.59 a gallon.  AAA fuel analyst, Don Redman, says multiple factors are all conspiring against the consumer. Redman says recent withdrawal from the Iran deal has negatively affected the market.

Cut 7 (11)  “country”

The House passed a 15 week abortion ban bill with amendments on a 78-9 vote, clearing one of the last hurdles before it arrives on the Governor’s desk for his likely approval. The Senate has already approved one version of the legislation. Denham Springs Representative Valerie Hodges says the legislation’s enactment is contingent on the results of a legal challenge to a similar bill in Mississippi.

Cut 10 (07) “ineffective”

A bill that would allow riverboat casinos to come up out of the water passed is heading to the governor’s desk. The legislation would “modernize” riverboat casino regulations, allowing them to expand onto land near where they are berthed, and it changes the rules on gambling space.

To convince the legislature to pass a bill that requires unanimous jury verdicts was considered a long shot in March. Now as Jim Shannon reports the measure is one vote away from becoming law.
Voicer 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon”

The Senate approved a spending plan for next fiscal year, but it’s never expected to become law as legislators will be asked to raise additional revenues in a special session to soften the deep cuts the House and Senate budget plans currently propose.

The legislature took a step closer to passing a law in Louisiana that would ban abortions after 15 weeks. The House approved the proposal on a 78-9 vote. Denham Springs Representative Valarie Hodges….
cut 11 (06) “….subjected to”
The measure goes back to the Senate for concurrence on minor changes made by the House. Mississippi passed a similar law, but a federal judge’s ruling has put a hold on the legislation.

House Republican lawmakers are criticizing the Edwards administration for sending out letters to Medicaid recipients, warning them they could lose their benefits after July 1st because of a lack of state dollars for health care funding. Lafayette Representative Nancy Landry says the letters were completely unwarranted as the budget process is not yet finished…
cut 7 (09) “….day weekend”
Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the feds require Medicaid recipients to be informed of program cancellations ahead of time, so that they can try to find other programs to qualify for.

State leaders are locked in combat over the Governor’s decision to mail a cancellation warning to 37,000 Medicaid recipients. Jeff Palermo has more.
Cut 2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”

In House floor action, the lower chamber overhwhelmingly approved a 15 week abortion ban. The legislation is similiar to a Mississippi law that’s currently blocked by a federal judge. The House also agreed with the Senate that students should be allowed to bring a bulletproof backpack into a school.

It was called the “Hail Mary” bill when Senator J.P. Morrell filed it in March, but unanimous jury verdicts are a public vote from becoming reality in Louisiana. The mood shifted rapidly once the legislation was taken up, gathering major support from liberal groups, and neutral opinions from D-As. Louisiana is just one of two states that do not require unanimous verdicts.
Cut 4 (12) “bill of rights”
Voters will get to decide in November.

One of Angola’s most restrictive housing units, Camp J, has been closed due to the facilities crumbling infrastructure. The cells at Camp J were used to house inmates in solitary for 23 hours a day. Department of Corrections Secretary James LeBlanc says the camp was no longer safe for use.
Cut 10 (06) “place open”
Camp J housed 400 inmates at its peak.