Governor Edwards is celebrating a program dubbed “TOPS for adults” this afternoon with a ceremonial bill signing. Brooke Thorington has the story.
Cut 2 (31) …I’m Brooke Thorington”.

The state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education said today that it’s not issuing mandates or policies related to masking or distancing in schools for the upcoming school year. BESE says those decisions will be made by local school leaders who have the authority to develop COVID-19 policies appropriate for their communities.

Caddo Parish authorities have identified the remains of a body found Monday as that of missing teen Shamia Little. Shreveport Police Corporal Chris Bordelon says the 17-year old was reported missing last Tuesday at Doug Williams Park, by a person claiming to have been with Little
Cut 6 (09) “…that claim”
Her body was found not far from where she was last seen.

We are remembering former four-term Governor Edwin Edwards. The Cajun Prince died yesterday from respiratory issues. He was 93-years-old. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says in 1974 Edwards changed the severance tax from 25-cents a barrel of oil to 12.5 percent of its value. He says it created a revenue windall, but his crtics argue…
cut 5 (10) “…projects”

As the state remembers the life of former Governor Edwin Edwards political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s important to note some of the accomplishments of his four terms in office. Pinsonat says one change that ruffled some feathers at the time was being the first Governor to really bring Black leaders into state government…

Cut 4 (11) “….dramatically” 

Pinsonat says that decision would provide Edwards with a solid base of support from the African American community every time he ran for office.

Commissioner of Higher Education Kim Hunter Reed remembers Edwards from her time serving as his press secretary in his final term. She says he’s a big part of the reason she’s working in education today.

Cut 10 (09) “…for that.”

Remains found yesterday in Caddo Parish have been identified as missing 17-year-old Shamia Little. Little’s body was found at a residence just a half-mile from where she was first reported missing last Tuesday. Shreveport Police Corporal Chris Bordelon says when the discovery was made the victim’s family was notified.

Cut 8 (09) “…gone missing.”

Starting Thursday the first of a series of advanced child tax credit payments should start hitting parent’s bank accounts. The child tax credit increased to $3,600 for children under six and $3,000 for ages 6 to 17. Congressman Troy Carter says advancing these payments will help lift millions of children out of poverty.

Cut 13 (10) “…fifty percent.”

Before being confirmed as Higher Education Commissioner in 2018, Kim Hunter Reed also served as Press Secretary for Former Governor Edwin Edwards in his final term in the early 90s. She says it was an amazing opportunity for a woman in her 20s, crisscrossing the state with a Governor known for his charm and political savvy.

Cut 9 (10) “…to none.”

In Caddo Parish authorities have identified the remains of a body that was found Monday as that of missing teen Shamia Little. Shreveport Police Corporal Chris Bordelon says the 17-year-old was reported missing last Tuesday and her body was located less than a half-mile from where she went missing.

Cut 7 (09) “…death was.”

Bordelon says they are treating this as a homicide investigation.

Matt Doyle spoke with political analyst Bernie Pisnonat who says changes made during former Governor Edwin Edwards’ four terms in office still shape the Louisiana political landscape…

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle” 

Former Governor Edwin Edwards died yesterday at 93 after a long life including a record four terms in office. Edwards was known for his wit and fierce campaigning, famously skewering then-Governor David Treen in 1983 during a debate…

Cut 10 (08) “…saying.”

Edwards may have been known for his wit but political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says beyond the charm the Cajun Prince presided over four highly impactful terms in office. Pinsonat says one of the biggest changes resulting from the Edwards years was the shifting of political power in the state from the north to the south.

Cut 3, 10 seconds, long enough

Pinsonat noted other major changes such as bringing Blacks into government, significantly increasing state oil revenue, and holding a constitutional convention.

Edwards managed to remain one of the most popular figures in state politics despite repeated scandals and even a stint in jail on racketeering charges related to casino licenses. Edwards to his last day denied the allegations that landed him in prison and called the frequent investigations political witch hunts. Attorney Lewis Unglesby was a close friend of the Governor who says Edwards was confident in his innocence and wouldn’t let those around him take the fall when investigators came knocking at first in the 80s…

Cut 7 (04) “…unfair.”

The former governor is expected to lie in state at the capitol with a public viewing later this week.

Caddo Parish authorities have identified the remains of a body that was found Monday as that of missing teen Shamia Little. Shreveport Police Corporal Chris Bordelon says the 17-year old was reported missing last Tuesday at Doug Williams Park by a person claiming to have been with Little.

Cut 6 (09) “…that claim”

Her body was located Monday less than a half-mile from where she went missing.

Former Governor Edwin Edwards was one of the toughest campaigners in state history and a terror to his opponents on the debate stage. Matt Doyle has a sampling of some of his greatest hits…

Cut 2 (43) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

The former governor is expected to lie in state at the capitol with a public viewing later this week. He was 93.

When a group of law enforcement officers held a press conference last week imploring lawmakers not to override Governor Edwards’ veto of concealed carry, it inspired Bossier Parish Sherriff Julian Whittington to speak in favor of the legislation.

Cut 4 (11) “…about.”

In his veto statement, Edwards says requiring proper firearm training is a fair balance for one to carry concealed and most Louisianans agree.

On Thursday parents should begin to see the first of six-monthly child tax credit payments in their account. The child tax credit increased to $3,600 for children under six and $3,000 for ages 6 to 17.  Congressman Troy Carter says allowing families to receive the money in advance is significant.

Cut 13 (06) “…fifty percent.”

Recently deceased former Governor Edwin Edwards was extremely popular, but he also faced prison time. Matt Doyle spoke with a close friend of Edwards about the moments immediately after the Cajun Prince was convicted of Racketeering in a corruption case involving casino licenses…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

The four-term governor passed away Monday morning, a week after he entered hospice care. Edwards was surrounded by close family and friends when he died at his home in Gonzales. He is survived by his wife Trina and his five children. He was 93.

While some law enforcement officers have voiced their support of Governor John Bel Edwards’ veto of concealed carry legislation, Bossier Parish Sheriff Julian Whittington says it’s a second amendment right issue at stake and the required training to receive a permit is not adequate.

Cut 5  (11) “…you pass.”

The original legislation passed on a veto-proof vote.

The first of six-monthly child tax credits begin on Thursday. Parents must have filed their taxes in the last two years and even parents who didn’t receive income are also eligible. Congressman Troy Carter says visit the child tax credit portal at IRS.gov and it will guide you on how to receive payments.

Cut 15 (10)“…as well.”

Recently deceased former Governor Edwin Edwards was known for his quick wit and sharp tongue, especially during gubernatorial debates. This was Edwards’ closing statement from his 1991 debate with David Duke…

Cut 12 (14) “…victims.”

Former Governor Edwin Edwards was broadly popular but faced many scandals and several criminal investigations that ended with his conviction in 2001 on Racketeering charges. Attorney Lewis Unglesby was a close friend of Edwards says he was a man of strong character, and after being convicted in 2001 the first thing he did was to walk over to those who were not convicted and congratulate them…

Cut 8 (05) “…appropriately.”

Edwards passed away Monday at the age of 93.

On Thursday parents should begin to see the first of six-monthly child tax credit payments in their account. The child tax credit increased to $3,600 for children under six and $3,000 for ages 6 to 17.  Congressman Troy Carter says allowing families to receive the money in advance is significant.

Cut 13 (10) “…fifty percent.”

For move information visit the child tax credit portal at IRS.gov.

A group of law enforcement voiced support of Governor Edwards veto of the concealed carry legislation last week, but Bossier Parish Sheriff Julian Whittington says those officers don’t speak for everyone in the field, Whittington says he’s not alone in support of the concealed-carry legislation.

Cut 6 (05) “…on it.”

If the measure originally passed in the legislature on a veto-proof vote.

Many Louisianians are mourning the death of popular but controversial former Governor Edwin Edwards, who passed away yesterday at the age of 93 from respiratory issues. He’s the longest-serving governor in the state’s history, serving four terms. The last election he won was in 1991 as he defeated former K-K-K leader and state representative David Duke…
cut 11 (10) “…governor”
Edwards also served eight years in prison for corrupting the state’s gaming license process. Attorney and close friend of Edwards, Lewis Unglesby says Edwards kept his spirits up while serving time and left prison more popular than he was before he went in…
Cut 9 (09) “…story.”

On Thursday, the first of six-monthly tax child credit payments will go out to eligible parents. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Big vote for the Shreveport City Council today. They will decide whether to repeal a smoking ban for casinos that is set to take effect on August 1st. And the body of Kenner native Cassie Billedeau-Stratton was recovered from the rubble of the collapsed condo building in Surfside, Florida. She’s one of 83 victims identified, while 22 remain unaccounted for.

Louisiana is remembering former Governor Edwin Edwards, who passed away from respiratory problems yesterday at the age of 93. The former four-term governor and Congressman was a tough campaigner and quick on his feet on the debate stage….
cut 2 (43) “…Matt Doyle”

When a group of law enforcement officers held a press conference last week imploring lawmakers not to override Governor Edwards’ veto of a concealed carry bill, it inspired Bossier Parish Sherriff Julian Whittington to speak in favor of the legislation.
Cut 4 (11) “…about.”
In his veto statement, Edwards says to require proper firearm training as part of getting a permit is a fair balance for a person to conceal carry.

The first monthly installment of the newly enhanced child tax credit starts on Thursday.
cut 14 (10) “…two years”
That’s New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter who says payments will be sent to eligible parents automatically to the same account they used on their 2020 tax return or the payments will be mailed.