The Louisiana House approves a bill that reduces the maximum number of weeks, 26 to 20, a person can receive unemployment benefits during a 12-month period. New Orleans Representative Wilford Carter says this legislation hurts the unemployed workers and the state.

PM Cut 13 (05) “…receiving benefits.” 

If passed it would take effect in January 2025.

Legislation that would raise Louisiana’s minimum wage to $10 per hour next year and up to $14 per hour in 2028 was approved by Senate Labor Committee in a 3-2 vote. Louisiana is one of 21 states that observes the federal rate of $7.25 an hour. Matt Wood with Louisiana AFL-CIO says increasing the state minimum wage benefits working families.

AM Cut 7 (10) “…I say.”

Both bills head to the Senate.

A bill to extend Louisiana’s film tax incentives is approved by the Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs, but not without some changes. The original bill sought to extend the tax credit to 2035, it’s been amended to 2030. Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association President Trey Burvant, says the incentives bring hundreds-of-millions in revenue…

Cut 4 (12)  “…kids through schools.”

Monroe area Senator Jay Morris opposes continuing the $150-million-a-year in tax incentives. He says the return on investment is too low; with only about a $10 benefit for every $100 invested and the jobs created only benefit certain parts of the state.

Cut 5 (07)   “…issue with it.”

The bill moves now to the full Senate for debate and what could be final passage.

A bill approved by the full state House of Representatives would cut the maximum weeks of yearly available state unemployment benefits from 26 to 20. Jennings Rep. Troy Romero’s bill drew opposition from New Orleans House member Wilford Carter…:

CUT 12  (12)        “…to work.”

Passed by the House, the bill moves now to the Senate.

The termites are swarming in this warm, wet weather, and state Ag Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain says be vigilant for what the pests may be doing to your home. He says be sure to clean your gutters and rid your property of wood lying around…:

CUT 04(12)      “…got termites.”

Orkin says termites cause $5-billion in property damage yearly across the U.S.

Look out for some more rough weather this evening, especially in northern Louisiana. Armani Cassel, with the National Weather Service in Shreveport, says make sure you stay alert for any further alerts to bad weather…:

CUT 08(06)      “and warnings.”

There is reported a storm damage in DeSoto and Natchitoches parishes, and a flash flood watch remains in effect into tonight. More rain is expected Friday, but Mother’s Day weekend looks nice.

Lafayette Police says a local man is in critical condition after walking into the middle of a busy street near I-49, lying down in the middle of the road and – no time flat – being run over by a car. The 42-year-old man has not been identified. The matter is under investigation, and once the man’s health is stabilized he may be submitted for a mental evaluation.

Sunday is Mother’s Day, the absolute busiest restaurant day of the year; surpassing even Valentine’s Day. If you haven’t made a reservation yet, get busy and good luck.

Starting in 2025, there would be less time for unemployed workers to find a job before their benefits run out, as a result of a bill approved by the House…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested a Boyce man for 25 counts of pornography involving juveniles. RPSO says local photographer John Rougeou had numerous illegal images on his p.c. and devices.

New Orleans Police are investigating a shooting this morning on the I-10 Service Road, that left a young mother dead. They ask the public for tips on the shooting.

Rough weather is expected to continue across Louisiana today. There have already been reports of flooding, storm damage and possible tornados in DeSoto and Natchitoches parishes. There’s also a flash flood watch in effect until 7 tonight. National Weather Service Shreveport forecaster Armani Cassel says the threat of heavy weather should taper off later this evening…:

CUT 07(08)      “…the atmosphere.”

Rain continues tomorrow. Saturday and Sunday should be nice.

Speaking of Sunday, it is Mother’s Day and if you haven’t made a reservation for dinner with Mom, you best get busy. Wendy Waren with the Louisiana Restaurant Association…:

CUT 11(12)      “…whole weekend.”

Mother’s day is the busiest restaurant day of the year; surpassing even Valentine’s Day.

It’s termite season and Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain reminds Louisianans to remain vigilant of the swarming pest…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Teiko Foxx.”

Reports of damage are coming in after multiple flood and tornado warnings popped up across Northern Louisiana today. National Weather Service Shreveport forecaster Armani Cassel…:

CUT 06(07)      “…the evening.”

A tornado watch is posted for Southeast Louisiana in areas near the Mississippi River.

The state’s largest hospital system, Ochsner Health, announces hundreds of layoffs in Louisiana, and in Mississippi. They plan to let 770 hospital employees and over 200 urgent care facility workers; about 2-percent of their total workforce. In a written reply to LRN, Ochsner says the reason is the economy and runaway inflation, basically. They assure the public the standard of care will be maintained at all Ochsner facilities, and no further layoffs are anticipated.

At the State Capitol, the House approves legislation that would reduce the number of weeks a person can receive unemployment in a 12-month period; from 26 weeks to 20. It comes from Jennings Rep. Troy Romero, who says fewer weeks of free money is incentive to go find a job…:

CUT 14(12)      “…more money.”

That bill now moves to the Senate for committee review.

Starting in 2025, there would be less time for unemployed workers to find a job before their benefits run out, as a result of a bill approved by the House. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

Ocshner Health, the state’s largest hospital, plans to lay off more than 700 employees across the state and Mississippi – the largest in the system’s history. The cuts will spread across Ochsner’s 42 hospitals and 200-plus care centers. Ochsner CEO Pete November made the announcement via email. No physicians are impacted by this reduction.

Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain urges property owners to stay vigilant during termite season beginning late spring through summer months. Strain says doing basic things around your home can be helpful in protecting your property.

Cut 3 (11) “….find moisture.”

Termites cause over $5 billion in property damage across the U.S. annually, according to Orkin, and property owners spend over $2 billion to treat them.

The second Sunday in May is Mother’s Day – and maybe the busiest day for restaurants. Louisiana Restaurant Association spokesperson Wendy Waren says restaurants are prepared to take in additional customers on this special day every day.

Cut 10 (08) “…our industry.” 

80 million people will take their mom’s out to dine for Mother’s day in the US this year.

The House Education Committee approves legislation that would require schools to establish safety policies for carpool and bus lines for K-through- 5th graders. Slidell Representative Robert Owen authored the bill in response to last year’s death of a six-year-old girl fatally struck by a truck in a school parking lot in Slidell.
Cut 7 (10) “…too many.”
Under Owen’s bill, students under the age of 10 must be accompanied by a school employee while walking to and from a vehicle.

The Louisiana House approves a bill that reduces the maximum number of weeks, 26 to 20, a person can receive unemployment benefits during a 12 month period. New Orleans Representative Wilford Carter says this legislation hurts the unemployed worker and the state
cut 13 (05) “….receiving benefits”
Supporters say this bill could result in the unemployed finding a job faster.

A new survey finds labor quality surpasses inflation as the number one problem facing small business owners. NFIB state director Dawn McVea says many small business owners are willing to pay higher wages to get better workers…
cut 26 (07) “….few months”

Mother’s Day is Sunday and it’s one of the most popular days for restaurants. Louisiana Restaurant Association spokesperson Wendy Waren says about 80 million people will take their mom’s out to eat for their special day in the US. And if you’re looking to avoid the crowds, she has some suggestions…
Cut 9 (10) “…a Sunday.”
And while the restaurant industry was among the hardest hit during the pandemic, Waren says they’ve adapted to changes and most are well prepared to make Mom’s Day special this year.

The Louisiana House approves legislation that would reduce the number of weeks a person can receive unemployment in a 12-month period.  Jennings Representative Troy Romero proposes to reduce the maximum number of weeks from 26 to 20, which drew opposition from New Orleans Democrat Wilford Carter

Cut 12 (12) “…to work.” 

The bill says if the unemployment rate is below five-percent the max duration of benefits would be limited to 12 weeks.

House Education approves a bill to require daily recess of at least 15 minutes for public school students between kindergarten and fifth grade. Houma Representative Beryl Amedee says it’s good for a child’s physical and mental health…

Cut 11 (11)  “…classroom.”

Amedee says 11-percent of schools have dropped recess.

State Police release police bodycam footage from the April 23^rd officer-involved shooting of 33-year-old Joseph Taylor. LSP Trooper Melissa Matey says Shreveport Police Officer Anthony Visciotti and the other officers are on administrative leave while their investigation continues…:

Cut 6 (08)  “…analyzed and reviewed.”

Taylor was pulled over for swerving and video footage shows him refusing to get out of the vehicle along and he was found to be armed with a Glock 9mm.

Labor quality surpassed inflation as the top concern in the latest Small Business Optimism Survey. NFIB State Director Dawn McVea says 24 percent of ‘Mom and Pops’ say filling job openings with qualified workers is their top concern followed by inflation at 23 percent.

Cut 13 (08) “…that’s down.” 

McVea says finding qualified applicants has been an issue since the pandemic.