A bill to let you carry a concealed weapon without getting a permit is scheduled today in the House Criminal Justice Committee. Kevin Gallagher has that…:

Cut 1 (33)  “I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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The Conference Board Job Satisfaction annual survey shows U.S. employees’ job satisfaction overall is the highest it has ever been since the survey began in 1987. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Almost 900 students at LSU Health New Orleans will receive their degrees Thursday. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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At the Capitol, the House Criminal Justice Committee is scheduled to take up a bill to allow citizens to carry a concealed weapon without a permit, if they choose. Bill sponsor and Oil City Representative Danny McCormick says his bill won approval from the full House last year, before it stalled out in the Senate in the wake of the Uvalde, TX school shooting…:

Cut 4 (10)  “…an that direction.”

McCormick’s bill is often referred to as “Constitutional Carry”, because many believe the 2^nd Amendment right to bear arms should not hinge on a getting a concealed carry permit. Twenty-five other states already have similar laws in effect. McCormick says Louisiana already has “open carry” of a firearm with no training or permit necessary, but wants to collect fee income for the training to be able to conceal the gun. He says that’s a double standard…:

Cut 5 (11)   “…properly trained.”

McCormick’s HB 131 is scheduled before the committee today. McCormick says the bill will enable more people to protect themselves from violence and crime, and he hopes there is enough time to get the bill through the House and Senate before the legislative session ends…:

Cut 6 (10)  “…in this session.”

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Are you happy with your job? Most people are…that’s according to a recent survey by the Conference Board Job Satisfaction 2023, which shows a surge up by 2.1 points in 2022 –  the highest it has been in 35 years. UNO Business Professor Mark Rosa says when opportunities are limited, employees tend to have lower expectations and feel more satisfied with their jobs.

Cut 7 (12) “…is reporting.”

The report finds improved satisfaction across 26 components. Workers who voluntarily switched jobs since the pandemic began report higher satisfaction in almost all aspects of jobs. Their overall satisfaction was at 65.7 percent – 3.6 points higher than those who didn’t change jobs. Rosa says this is a case of the grass being greener on the other side — and people going there and liking it.

Cut 8 (11) “…considered that.”

The study showed a large gender gap in satisfaction with women less satisfied than men across all 26 categories. However, employees with hybrid work arrangements report the greatest satisfaction compared to fully remote or fully on-premises workers. Hybrid workers are also satisfied with organizational culture, potential growth, and interest in work, all of which drive higher retention and satisfaction overall.

Cut 9 (12)  “…board statistics.”

Job satisfaction has been rising steadily for over a decade, after hitting an all-time low of 42.6 percent in 2010 following the Great Recession.

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A bill to establish the Louisiana Center for Safe Schools under the umbrella of the GOHSEP advances from Senate finance. The center would be a single point for schools to get funding for safety programs, training, and bleeding control kits should the unthinkable happen. Clayton Bathen, who attends high school in Rapides Parish testified to committee members.

Cut 10 (08) “…this crisis.” 

Baton Rouge Magnet High School Junior Holly Fan shared with lawmakers about her younger sister who was in gym class when her school went on lockdown.

Cut 11 (11)  “…of safety.”

Baton Rouge McKinley High School Student Daniel Price says he doesn’t feel safe after incidents at the school and says he along with other students have very little confidence in the school leaders protecting them.

Cut 12 (06)    “…be shot.” 

The bill heads to the Senate floor.

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The pandemic highlighted the importance of well-trained healthcare providers and on Thursday almost 900 students from six professional health schools will graduate from LSU Health Sciences New Orleans. Interim Chancellor Dr. Steve Nelson says the majority of the school’s graduates tend to stay in Louisiana for their residency.

Cut 13 (10) “…for Louisiana.” 

Class sizes average around 200 for the four year programs and the majority of the students graduating are doctors of medicine, followed by nursing, then allied health.  Nelson says it’s not only doctors and nurses that provide for a patient’s well-being, their supporting staff is just as vital.

Cut 14 (12)  “…hospital tick.”

Nelson says it’s imperative for all parts of the state to have well-trained healthcare providers because when you’re in an accident or need immediate care you’re going to be taken to the closest emergency room.

Cut 15 (07)  “…LSU graduate.”

Governor John Bel Edwards will deliver the commencement address to graduates of the schools of Allied Health Professionals, Nursing, Public Health, Graduate Studies, Dentistry and Medicine.

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LSU’s bullpen is out of whack as the fifth ranked Tigers close out the regular season this week. LSU blew a late lead to Mississippi State on Saturday night and then coughed up a nine run lead in an extra inning loss on Sunday. After the series finale loss to the Bulldogs, Coach Jay Johnson talked about building their confidence back up…

Cut  16 (24)  “…to play” 

LSU hosts McNeese tonight and will close out the regular season with a Thursday through Saturday series at Georgia. Johnson says he has confidence pitching coach Wes Johnson can get his struggling pitching staff back on track…

Cut 17 (17) “…right now”

LSU’s bullpen in the series loss to Mississippi State gave up 21 earned runs in 10. 1 innings pitched. They also gave up five home runs.

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The Saints expect receiver Michael Thomas will be healthy for the start of training camp. The former All-Pro only played in three games last season due to a toe injury. He missed the entire 2021 campaign with an ankle injury that limited him to seven games in 2020. He has not caught more than 100 passes in a season since 2019, but G-M Mickey Loomis believes he can be a 100-catch receiver again this season as the injuries are behind him…

Cut 18 (14) “…for sure”

Thomas is on a one-year incentive laden deal for the 2023 season.

The Saints have signed former Steelers receiver James Washington to a one year deal. The former second round pick missed most of last year with a foot injury. His best season came in 2019 when he had 735 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Allen says Washington gives them a deep threat…

Cut 19 (16) “….defense” 

Cut 20 (16)  “… we have to do”  

Pay raises for lawmakers are off the table. House Appropriations voted 16 to five against increased salaries of $16,800 to around 39-thousand dollars. Gretna Representative Joe Marino says being a legislator is time-consuming and a higher salary would result in more candidates wanting the job.

Cut 7 (12)  “…16-8″ 

A bill to establish the Louisiana Center for Safe Schools under the umbrella of the GOHSEP advances from Senate finance. The center would be a single point for schools to get funding for safety programs, training, and bleeding control kits should the unthinkable happen. Clayton Bathen, who attends high school in Rapides Parish testified to committee members.

Cut 10 (08) “…this crisis.” 

The bill heads to the Senate floor.

A bill to establish a partnership with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Louisiana advances from House Appropriations.  The bill provides funding for children ages zero to five to receive a free book monthly. New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes applauds the legislation and supports efforts to encourage children and even adults to read more.

Cut 14 (09)  “…for kindergarten.”

States that partner with the Dolly Parton program have seen their literacy rates increase. The bill advances to the House floor.

House Criminal Justice Committee is scheduled to discuss a bill to allow citizens to carry a concealed weapon without a permit Tuesday. Bill sponsor and Oil City Representative Danny McCormick says his bill won approval from the full House last year before it stalled out in the Senate in the wake of the Uvalde, TX school shooting…:

Cut 4 (11)  “…an that direction.”

The House Appropriations Committee has stopped an effort to increase the annual salaries of state lawmakers from $16,800 to around $39-thousand. The panel rejected the proposal on a 16-5 vote. One of those “no” votes was New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes…:

CUT 06(09)      “…list goes on.”

The bill appears to be dead for this year.

Who killed a young Louisiana Black Bear out-of-season in Lincoln Parish last week? State Wildlife & Fisheries agents are investigating and LDWF Sgt. John Hattaway reminds us that taking the bears illegally can mean fines up to $950 and up to 4 months in jail…:

CUT 11(12)      “…a thousand dollars.”

Another un-intended consequence of the pandemic: women delaying their annual mammograms to often-negative outcomes. More from Brooke Thorington…:

CUT 01  (31)        “…Thorington.”

Deputies in East Baton Rouge Parish arrest two people, after a jealous shootout between exes resulted in the fatal shooting of a 12-year-old girl Saturday. EBRSO says the child was sitting in a car that 26-year-old Ester Williams fired upon. Williams is charged with murder. Her boyfriend with aiding and abetting.

A bill to raise the base pay of state House & Senate members falls to defeat in the House Appropriations Committee…:

CUT 02  (31)        “…Palermo.”

Police in Houma say a local musician was hit in the head by a fallen bullet Saturday while performing outdoors at a downtown bistro. Cops says there was a shooting incident less than a mile away, and the bullet was likely a stray shot from that. The unnamed musician is OK, and is expected to recover.

Legislation to establish a partnership with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Louisiana advances from House Appropriations. Bogalusa Representative Melinda White’s bill creates the Louisiana Imagination Library Program, which she says will increase kids’ reading skills and also helps their parents…:

CUT 13(12)      “…of funding.”

Louisiana ranks 47^th in Literacy in the country. That bill moves now to the House floor.

The COVID pandemic caused many Louisiana women to fall behind on regular mammograms, and now that’s becoming all too evident. LSU Health New Orleans Surgical Oncologist Dr. Shawn McKinney says she- like other surgeons – is seeing the repercussions with more patients who have advanced or later stages of breast cancer…:

CUT 03(10)      “…advanced disease.”

Mammogram resources can be found online at LBCHP.org.

A bill to raise the salaries of state lawmakers is stopped short in the House Appropriations Committee. House and Senate members currently make a base of less than $17k. This bill would have made that around $40-thousand. Committee member and Ascension Parish Rep. Tony Bacala says he knew the pay was small when he signed up for the job…:

CUT 08  (11)        “…without some pain.”

The bill failed to pass committee by a 16-to-5 vote, meaning it is likely dead for this year.

Wildlife & Fisheries agents want to know who killed a Louisiana Black Bear in Lincoln Parish last week. LDWF Sgt. John Hattaway says the bears are no longer a protected species; not since 2016…:

CUT 10  (12)        “…attracts them.”

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office says divers have found the body of 21-year-old Zachory Rice, who drowned after going swimming in the Cane River Sunday. Using sonar in the murky water, crews recovered his remains early this morning. An autopsy is pending,.

The pandemic caused many women to miss their annual mammograms and surgeons are seeing the fallout…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

The House Appropriations Committee has stopped an effort to increase the annual salaries of state lawmakers from $16,800 to around 39-thousand dollars. Gretna Representative Joe Marino says being a legislator is time-consuming and a higher salary would result in a larger pool of candidates wanting the job.

Cut 7 (12)  “…16-8″ 

The proposal was rejected on a 16-5 vote.

Legislation to establish a partnership with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Louisiana advances from House Appropriations. Bogalusa Representative Melinda White’s bill creates the Louisiana Imagination Library Program with dedicated funding for children up to age five to receive free books by mail.

Cut 12 (08) “…kindergarten.” 

The bill advances to the House floor.

Louisiana Wildlife is investigating the illegal killing of one of the state legacies – the Louisiana Black Bear – found in Lincoln Parish last week. LDWF Sgt. John Hattaway says agents and biologists responded to the call of a bear shot on Millie Road.

Cut 9 (09) “…the road.”

They are asking the public for any information about the incident.

During the pandemic, a gap in health insurance complicated matters for many and annual mammograms fell by the wayside. LSU Health New Orleans Surgical Oncologist Dr. Shawn McKinney says there are several programs that pay for mammograms, and she urges patients to never let finances be an obstacle. She says to always tell your healthcare provider about your family history.

Cut 5 (09) “…evaluated.”

McKinney says they are seeing more advanced stages of breast cancer since the pandemic.

A proposal to raise the salary of state lawmakers, starting with next term, was soundly defeated in the House Appropriations Committee.

Cut 2 (31)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Denham Springs police officer Corporal Shawn Kelly remains listed in critical condition at a Baton Rouge hospital after receiving multiple gunshots Thursday evening. Several blood drives have been held in his honor as he continues to fight for his life. Visit the Denham Springs Police Facebook page for blood drive and more info on a fundraiser to be held on Saturday for Officer Kelly.

The pandemic forced many women to delay or miss their annual mammograms and LSU Health New Orleans Surgical Oncologist Dr. Shawn McKinney says she, like other surgeons, is seeing more patients with advanced stages of breast cancer. Last week U.S. Preventive Services Task Force changed course and advises to begin screenings at 40 years of age instead of 50.

Cut 4 (06)  “…to help.” 

McKinney says never let finances be a hurdle for screenings because there are programs available. visit the Louisiana Breast and Cervical Health Program website at lbchp.org for more information.

The House Appropriations Committee has stopped an effort to increase the annual salaries of state lawmakers from $16,800 to around 39-thousand dollars. The panel rejected the proposal on a 16-5 vote. New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes voted against the bill…

Cut 6 (09)  “…goes on.” 

Hughes believes an independent commission should be established to determine the salary of legislators.

When the pandemic disrupted life as we know it, many women fell behind or missed their annual mammograms. LSU Health New Orleans Surgical Oncologist Dr. Shawn McKinney says she, like other surgeons, is seeing the repercussions with more patients who have advanced or later stages of breast cancer.

Cut 3 (10) “…advanced disease.”

Last week U.S. Preventive Services Task Force changed course and advises to begin screenings at 40 years of age instead of 50.

Louisiana lawmakers approved a state budget plan that erased a proposed $2,000 annual raise for public school teachers   – and instead put hundreds of millions of dollars towards paying down retirement debt. Representative Jack McFarland says this will allow schools to spend funds as they see fit which could include raises for educators.

Cut 10 (08) “…two for one.” 

Governor John Bel Edwards says he, along with the majority of those in the state, believes investments in education overall should be made while the funding is available.

Cut 13 (12) “…these investments.” 

Edwards says he will continue to work with the House on the budget acknowledging that if the Senate makes changes, then it will also have to be approved in the House.

If and how teachers will receive pay raises in Louisiana in the state’s budget remains to be seen after changes made by House Republicans. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

LDWF enforcement agents are looking for information about a Louisiana Black Bear that was found fatally wounded in Lincoln Parish on May 12. Anyone with information should call the Louisiana Operation Game Thief hotline at 800-442-2511.

Ochsner Health’s announcement to lay off nearly 800 employees in Louisiana and Mississippi highlights the grim reality that the healthcare system is facing financial challenges. Louisiana Hospital Association President and CEO Paul Salles says inflation has impacted the healthcare industry nationwide.

Cut 4 (08)  “…of expenses.”

Salles says regionally labor expenses have increased by over 25 percent and the cost of drugs and other supplies have increased by about 20 percent.

A $2.3 million study by LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center will determine if altitude plays a role in weight loss.  Participants of the ‘Low Oxygen and Weight Status” study will sleep 8 hours a night in oxygen tents for a period of four months. Lead Researcher Claire Berryman says the controlled effects of oxygen may benefit people struggling with obesity.

Cut 15 (13)  “…weight status.”

The 2.3 million grant was funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease, a division of the National Institutes of Health.

House Republicans approve a budget for next fiscal year that does not contain funding for a two-thousand dollar teacher pay raise but instead pays off teachers’ retirement debt.  Representative Jack McFarland says the issue can be resolved if needed on the ballot.

Cut 12 (12)    “…for them.” 

Edwards says he, along with the majority of those in the state, believes investments in education overall should be made while the funding is available.

Cut 13 (12) “…these investments.” 

Edwards says he will continue to work with the House on the budget acknowledging that if the Senate makes changes, then it will also have to be approved in the House.

Today is the deadline for Louisianans to file their state income taxes. Deputy Secretary of Revenue Luke Morris says if you have not filed and feel you need an extension, you no longer have to file with the state to get one…:

Cut 7 (09) “…to file that form.”

You can file your state return electronically or by mail, but it must be postmarked “May 15.” You can pay online at “revenue.louisiana.gov/LaTAP”

Researchers at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center will conduct a $2.3 million study to determine if elevated oxygen levels help with weight loss. Lead Researcher Claire Berryman says the underlying goal of this study is to determine whether sleeping in a low-oxygen tent leads to increases in energy expenditure, decreases in appetite, and greater body weight loss.

Cut  16 (12)  “…more calories.” 

Participants will sleep in a tent with oxygen levels equivalent to 85 hundred feet. And will also follow a controlled diet for four months.