Legislation to set minimum bail amounts for crimes of violence and/or the use of a firearm advances from House Criminal Justice. Crowley Representative John Stefanski’s bill would set a minimum bail of $50,000 for a violent crime and $100,000 for one that involves the use of a firearm.

Cut 8 (11)  “…the crime.” 

The bill passed favorably in committee heads to the House floor.

A requiring public schools schedule at least 15 minutes of recess for grades K thru 5 was approved by the House in a 66 to 28 vote. Houma Representative Beryl Amedee says her bill will help promote social and emotional well-being among students…:

Cut 5 (08) “…learn better.”

A bill to ban social media platforms from allowing minors to have their own account without parental consent passed in the Senate but it would only go into effect if funds are allocated for enforcement. Bill author Covington Senator Patrick McMath…

Cut 14 (08)  “…is going.”

US Senator John Kennedy took to the floor in DC urging state senators in Baton Rouge to pass legislation to hold back third graders who are unable to read on grade level.

AM Cut 4 (11)  “…that attention.”

Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson’s bill will give students intensive reading instruction and three opportunities to pass the literacy exam before advancing to third grade.

Legislation that would require public schools statewide to schedule at least 15 minutes of supervised, unstructured free play time of recess for grades kindergarten through fifth was approved by the House in a 66 to 28 vote. Houma Representative Beryl Amedee says under this legislation no special accommodations are required…:

CUT 03(12)      “…funded mandate.”

A recent study finds 89 percent of schools in Louisiana currently have recess and 56 percent offer more than 15 minutes of recess.

District 3 Congressman Clay Higgins responded to uproar over internet video showing him physically removing a heckler from an outdoor press conference. In a written statement, Higgins office says the activist (quote) “became very disruptive and threatening in violation of the law” and goes on to say Higgins “successfully de-escalated the situation.”

Legislation to raise – or in some cases SET – minimum bail amounts for crimes of violence and/or the use of a gun in a crime advances from House Criminal Justice. Crowley Representative John Stefanski’s bill would set a minimum bail of $50-thousand for a violent crime and $100-thousand for one that involves the use of a firearm…:

CUT 06(10)      “…did that.”

The bill passed favorably in committee heads to the House floor. Stefanski is also running for Attorney General this fall.

Our state ranks 4^th unhealthiest in the nation for seniors, according the Unite Health Foundation’s report. UHF’s Dr. Phil Painter says despite that poor showings, there is always hope for improvement for older residents…:

CUT 11(12)      “…or exercise.”

At the State Capitol, legislation to hike up minimum bail amounts for those accused of violent and/or gun crimes has cleared a House Committee. Brooke Thorington has that story…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Thorington.”

After a catastrophic computer systems failure, the state Office of Motor Vehicles remains closed statewide until Monday. This also includes using the OMV website for applications and renewals. State officials say they’ll have new hardware installed soon and expect to be A-OK by Monday.

Louisiana ranks the fourth unhealthiest state for senior citizens for the second year, according to the United Health Foundation’s America’s Health Rankings Senior Report. Chief Medical Officer for the Medicare and Retirement Division Dr. Phillip Painter says increasing poverty among older citizens is a big part of that…:

CUT 10(10)      “…stay healthy”

Access to healthcare, physical environment, social and economic factors, and healthy behaviors play a vital role in the ranking as well.

A bill to ban social media platforms from allowing minors to have their own account without parental consent passed in the Senate. It’s sponsored by Covington Senator Patrick McMath, who says – if passed – the Attorney General would be tasked with investigation and enforcement…:

CUT 13(12)      “…this law.”

Utah and Arkansas have already put such laws into effect.

After a catastrophic computer systems failure, the state Office of Motor Vehicles remains closed statewide today. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (29)  “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

A bill to ban social media platforms from allowing minors to have their own account without parental consent passed in the Senate but it would only go into effect if funds are allocated for enforcement. Bill author Covington Senator Patrick McMath…

Cut 14 (08)  “…is going.”

Legislation to set minimum bail amounts for crimes of violence and or the use of a firearm advances from House Criminal Justice. Crowley Representative John Stefanski’s bill would set a minimum bail of $50,000 for a violent crime and $100,000 for one that involves the use of a firearm.

Cut 8 (11)  “…the crime.” 

The bill passed favorably in committee heads to the House floor.

Louisiana ranks the fourth unhealthiest state for adults 65 and older for the second year according to the United Health Foundation’s America’s Health Rankings Senior Report. United Chief Medical Officer Dr. Phillip Painter says there are a number of challenges working against seniors living in the Bayou State.

Cut 9 (12) “…should be”

After a catastrophic computer systems failure, the state Office of Motor Vehicles remains closed statewide today. The technical outage affected numerous state agencies, but the OMV was seriously impacted; bringing operations to an abrupt halt Thursday. OMV offices remain closed today due to connectivity issues for internet, email and online applications, while tech crews replace failed hardware and backup systems. State Officials says the outage was NOT the result of any outside cyberattack or hack. They expect OMV and all other state systems to be back up and available to all by Monday morning.

A bill to ban social media platforms from allowing minors to have their own account without parental consent passed in the Senate but it would only go into effect if funds are allocated for enforcement.  Bill author, Covington Senator Patrick McMath…:

CUT 12(11)      “…health crisis.”

That bill moves now to the House for committee review.

A bill that jacks up minimum bail amounts for persons accused of violent and/or gun crimes has cleared the House Criminal Justice Committee. The bill is from Crowley Republican Rep. John Stefanski. Opposing the bill, Michael Calhoun, with the Promise of Justice Initiative, who says higher bail often punishes the family of the accused, who pay the bond…:

CUT 07(09)      “…their income.”

The bill passed committee and heads for the House floor next week. The legislature must wrap up June 8^th.

Two Alexandria boys are under arrest for allegedly shooting a neighbor’s chihuahua to death with a BB gun. The boys, whose ages have not been released, are charged with Aggravate animal Cruelty.

And for safety’s sake, Field of Dreams Park in Bossier City was closed after a 5-foot gator was spotted nearby. The same park was shut down in April, while wildlife & Fisheries agents removed a 6-foot alligator. The park will reopen once this one is captured.

At the State Capitol, a bill that sets new minimum bail amounts for violent crimes and/or gun crimes passes out of the House Criminal Justice Committee…:

CUT 01  (30)        “…Brooke Thorington.”

After only two years on the job the head of East Baton Rouge Parish public schools is seeking greener pastures. EBR Superintendent Sito Narcisse is listed as one of a dozen candidates to be the new school super in Broward County, Florida.

Three people have been arrested in connection with a deadly shooting that happened in Glenmora Tuesday. Rapides Parish deputies says the three men –ages 18, 19 and 20 – are all charged with murder and more.

Legislation that would require public schools statewide to schedule at least 15 minutes of supervised, unstructured free play time (also known as “recess”) for grades K thru 5 was approved by the House in a 66 to 28 vote. Houma Representative Beryl Amedee says her bill will help promote social and emotional well-being among students…:

CUT 05(08)      “…learn better.”

A recent study finds 89 percent of schools in Louisiana currently have recess and 56 percent offer more than 15 minutes of recess.

…and now a look at today’s commodities…

Legislation to set minimum bail amounts for crimes of violence and or the use of a firearm advances from House Criminal Justice. Crowley Representative John Stefanski’s bill would set a minimum bail of $50,000 for a violent crime and $100,000 for one that involves the use of a firearm.

Cut 6 (10)  “…did that.” 

The bill heads to the House floor.

Legislation that would require public schools to provide supervised recess of at least 15 minutes each day for grades kindergarten through fifth was approved by the House in a 66 to 28 vote. Houma Representative Beryl Amedee says 89 percent of schools currently have recess and 56 percent offer more than 15 minutes, however…

Cut 4 (08)  “…of schools.” 

The bill heads to the Senate.

Former LABI head and candidate for Governor Stephen Waguespack releases his first campaign ad; introducing himself to voters by his nickname, “Wags.” The statewide spot is called “Louisiana’s Comeback” and features Waguespack in various casual settings, and in a highly likable light. Political analyst Roy Fletcher says the ad’s tone is too light for talk of crisis…:

Cut 11 (05)  “…you’re in crisis.”

Fletcher says future ads need to convey solutions; for Waguespack and all candidates. You can view Waguespack’s campaign ad at “wags4la.com”

The NCAA Softball Baton Rouge regional gets underway today at Tiger Park. Two-seeded UL-Lafayette will face third-seeded Omaha at 2 PM and at five o’clock LSU will play Prairie View A-and-M. Former Cajuns and Tigers softball coach Yvette Girouard wish LSU and U-L hosted their won regionals…

Cut 17 (17) “…together.”

26-year-old Desiree (Dez-ah-ree) Felder has been arrested in connection to a shooting where a toddler and his cousin were found with gunshot injuries while under her supervision over the weekend. Baton Rouge Police Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says officers responded to a call Monday from a local hospital involving two male children.

Cut 4 (09)  “…of shooting.”

The children suffered only minor injuries. Felder has been charged with second-degree cruelty to a juvenile and obstruction of justice.

Louisiana Public schools would have to schedule at least 15 minutes of recess for grades kindergarten through fifth under legislation advanced by House Education in a 66 to 28 vote. Houma Representative Beryl Amedee says no special accommodations are required.

Cut 3 (09) “…at school.”

The bill heads to the Senate floor.

After a lengthy discussion on a bill in committee to add paid Family Medical Leave benefits in Louisiana, the legislation was voluntarily deferred.  Federal law currently allows 12 weeks of leave, but those weeks are unpaid. Alexandria Representative Ed Larvadain says a state program would help Louisiana families.

Cut 8 (10) “…get paid.”

Bill author Representative Aimee Freeman is expected to file the bill again in the next regular session.

Former L-A-B-I head and candidate for Governor Stephen Waguespack releases his first campaign ad; introducing himself to voters by his nickname, “Wags.” It features Waguespack in a variety of casual settings, and highly likable. Political analyst Roy Fletcher has seen it and says the video succeeds at that…:

Cut 10 (10) “…to be likable.” 
 

A bill to add paid Family Medical Leave benefits in Louisiana is pulled from consideration. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The state Office of Technology Services says systems affected by the network outage yesterday are starting to come back up. Internet, email, and applications for multiple state agencies across the state were affected, including DCFS, the Office of Motor Vehicles, and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Louisiana governor candidate and former LABI head Stephen Waguespack introduce himself by his nickname “WAGS” in his first TV campaign ad. Political analyst Roy Fletcher says perhaps the candidate should have come out with a stronger message because this video tells voters very little about him or how he would lead…:

Cut 12 (08)    “…that’s it.” 

Fletcher says future ads need to convey solutions; for Waguespack and all candidates. You can view Waguespack’s campaign ad at “wags4la.com”

The Senate Education Committee advanced legislation that requires written permission from the parents, for schools to use corporal punishment on a child. Franklinton Republican Beth Mizell is handling the bill in the Senate…

Cut 15 (03)  “..doesn’t know why.”

The Senate Education also advanced a bill that requires all public schools from elementary to college to display the national motto “In God We Trust” in every classroom is heading to the Senate floor. 

GOP candidate for governor Stephen Waguespack releases his first official campaign ad, as he seeks to gain traction in the October election.
Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Multiple state agencies continue to be crippled by a network outage that started yesterday. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, State Police, DCFS and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries were among the agencies affected. Systems are reportedly starting to come back online after a hardware failure that included backup systems.

A Baton Rouge mother is in jail after an accidental shooting involving two children left them wounded. Sergeant L’ Jean McKneely says a six and a three-year-old found an unsecured Draco AK-47 and one of the children started firing the gun, while under the care of 26-year-old Desiree Felder. McNeely says Felder did not take the kids to the hospital and tried to hide the wounds….
cut 6 (06) “…of shooting”
Felder has been charged with second-degree cruelty to a juvenile and obstruction of justice. The kids are expected to be okay.

Legislation to enact paid family leave was voluntarily deferred in the House Labor committee. Alexandria Representative Ed Larvadian says they’ll work on improving the bill…
cut 9 (05) “…next session”
The legislation would require family and medical leave benefits for up to 12 weeks when caring for a new child, caring for a family member with a serious health condition, or if an individual has a serious health condition.