The Louisiana Department of Health has released updated mercury and fish advisories for ten bodies of water, and it’s issued a new warning for Lake Maurepas in southeast Louisiana. L-D-H Environmental health section chief Shannon Soileau says because of mercury contamination, there are now fish consumption advisories for 51 waterways in Louisiana…

Cut 13 (08)  “…slight modifications.”

Black Bayou Lake, Caddo Lake and Toledo Bend Reservoir are also among the ten bodies of water.

The House Labor Committee advances a bill to remove the state mandate that requires a 30-minute meal period for minors who work five or more hours advances from.  Haughton Representative Dodie Horton supports the bill because she wants to ensure the state allows private businesses to operate as they see fit.

Cut 8 (12) “…all over.” 

The bill passed on a 10 to 2 vote and advances to the House.

Webster Parish’s largest employer is expanding its facility, and the project is expected to produce hundreds of new jobs. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

It’s peak time for birds migrating through Louisiana and Jimmy Frederick with the Louisiana Wildlife Federation says, establishing the habit of diming or turning off lights at night helps prevent confusion for the birds so they can safely make their way back to their northern nesting sites. Over 450 million fly through the Bayou State and include multiple beautiful varieties of shore birds and song birds…

Cut 11 (07) “…his wings”

A bill to remove the required 30-minute meal break for minors who work five or more hours advances from House Labor. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Economic growth is coming to Minden as industrial manufacturer Fibrebond announces a 50-million dollar expansion of its production facility in. Officials say this will result in an estimated 650 new jobs to support the expansion. Construction begins in June and Mayor Nick Cox says this latest expansion will bring Fibrebond’s total manufacturing and warehouse space to more than one million square feet on its 254-acre campus…

Cut 5 (10)  “…north Louisiana.”

The LSU baseball team leaves for Columbia, Missouri today as they head to Mizzou looking to snap their five game SEC series losing streak. Coach Jay Johnson says the coaching staff is trying to get the best out of this team…

Cut 17 (09) “…right now.”

 It’s peak time for birds migrating through Louisiana and since confusion caused by building light could cause them injury or death, The Louisiana Wildlife Federation is asking Louisianans to turn off bright lights each night from 11 pm to 6 am. Federation Communications Director Jimmy Frederick says he understands the need to light our homes for safety and security and suggests other options to help the flying visitors make it safely though the Bayou State…

Cut 10 (09) “…huge difference”

Diming lights or using motion activated lights are other ways to protect the migrating birds.

Legislation to remove the required 30-minute meal period for minors who work five or more hours advances from House Labor Committee. Shreveport Representative Tammy Phelps questioned the bill’s author, Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder asking if he considers a 16 or 17-year-old a young adult. He countered that the emancipation age is 16, and you’re allowed to marry at age 16.

Cut 7 (13) “…a minor.”  

Big economic development news in northwest Louisiana as industrial manufacturer Fibrebond announces a 50-million dollar expansion of its production facility in Minden. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says Fibrebond is taking advantage of a retention and modernization state tax credit to build a new production facility…

Cut 4 (13) “…shiny things ” 

Legislation to create a Gun Free Zone in New Orleans’ entertainment district was pulled from House Criminal Justice. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Every spring millions of beautiful birds migrate through Louisiana but the lights from our homes and buildings can be fatal to some especially during storms so The Louisiana Wildlife Federation is asking Louisianans to turn off bright lights from 11 pm to 6 am each night from now to May 31^st. Federation Communications Director Jimmy Frederick…

Cut 9(11)   … used to.

Big economic development news in northwest Louisiana today as industrial manufacturer Fibrebond announces a 50-million dollar expansion of its production facility in Minden. Mayor Nick Cox says for over four decades Fibrebond has been the cornerstone of their economy…
cut 3 (14) “…here to stay”
The expansion will enable Fibrebond to retain more than 450 exisiting jobs in northwest Louisiana.

The House Labor Committee approves legislation to remove the required 30-minute meal period for minors who work five or more hours. Bill author and Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder is a business owner and says the required break forces his teen age employees to lose 30 minutes of pay when they rather stay on the clock.
Cut 6 (07) “…want to.”
The measure passed on a ten to two vote.
Fire ant mounds are a sign of Spring that isn’t so welcome because they bring swarms of stinging pests to yards and gardens. Colleen Crain has more on getting rid of the tiny tormentors.
Cut 2 (33) “I’m Colleen Crain.”

A Senate Committee approves major changes to the state’s public record laws, despite objections from good government groups and journalists. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

And after one season with the Lady Tigers, Hailey Van Lith is heading to TCU. The guard entered the transfer portal after the Tigers lost to Iowa in the Elite Eight. She’s finishing up her last semester in Baton Rouge and will graduate next month with one more year of eligibility.

Legislation to create a Gun Free Zone in New Orleans’ entertainment district was voluntarily deferred in House Criminal Justice. Bill author Representative Alonzo Knox urged committee members to ask local law enforcement in their districts what they think about the law that goes into effect July 4^th allowing for concealed carry without a permit.

Cut 4 (08) “…a crisis.”

Knox told committee members he was pulling the bill and will discuss points brought up with Senator Kirk Talbot who’s proposed similar legislation.

The LSU gymnastics squad will compete in the semifinals of the NCAA Championships today in Fort Worth as the Tigers are in search of the program’s first national championship. This is LSU’s 33rd appearance in the NCAA Championships and Coach Jay Clark might have the school’s most talented team.

Cut 14 (08)  “…love to have.”

A proposal to expand gun-free zones in New Orleans did not get out of House Criminal Justice Committee. Opponents to the legislation say adding another gun-free zone infringes on a person’s Second Amendment rights. New Orleans metro councilwoman Helena Moreno says there’s also a bill on the Senate side, so the issue is not dead for this session…

Cut 6 (13) “…better shape.”
The second-ranked LSU gymnastics squad competes in the semifinal round of the NCAA Championships today at 3:30 in Fort Worth, Texas. Coach Jay Clark has told the team to keep their same mindset…

Cut 15 (06)  “…be successful”
LSU will compete against Cal, Arkansas, and Stanford today.

Members of the news media and good-government groups strongly oppose a bill supported by Governor Jeff Landry to prevent journalists and the public from obtaining records that can now be accessed through public records requests. New Orleans investigative TV reporter Lee Zurik says public record requests he obtained helped shine a light on what led to the collapse of the New Orleans Hard Rock Hotel in 2019…

Cut 11 (12) “…this law.”
Governor Jeff Landry says current public records law stifles deliberative speech.

Bill author Turkey Creek Senator Heather Cloud says she’ll work to address some of the concerns of the opponents and will make changes to the bill before the full Senate takes a vote on it…

Cut 13 (05)  “…what they need.”

Legislation to create a Gun Free Zones for entertainment districts like the New Orleans French Quarter was pulled from House Criminal Justice. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says two people shot over the weekend in the parking lot of a convenience store in Gardner have died. The shooting occurred after a fight broke out involving a 17-year-old and his mother. Deputies say the 17-year-old shot himself and 27-year-old Michael Grossie, who authorities say tried to bring peace to the scene. The 17-year-old and Grossie are now dead.

It’s that time of year for fire ant mounds to start popping up in lawns across the state. LSU Ag Center horticulturist, Doctor Heather Kirk Ballard, says be careful to follow instructions on baits and poisons and pay attention to the time of your treatment…
cut 8 (11) “….wash away”
Kirk-Ballard says coordinate with neighbors since the pests can create extensive underground tunnels and treat them in both April and October when the insects are active.

The LSU gymnastics squad will compete in the semifinals of the NCAA Championships today at 3:30 in Fort Worth, Texas as the Tigers are in search of the program’s first national championship. This might be the school’s most talented team. Coach Jay Clark…
Cut 14 (08) “…love to have.”

Legislation that sought to create firearm free zones in areas classified as major entertainment districts failed to advance out of House Criminal Justice Committee. Firearm professionals Louisiana political director Chris Patron spoke in opposition…
cut 5 (11) “….need is enforcement”
New Orleans Representative Alonzo Knox is the author of the bill. He’s concerned about more people carry guns in the New Orleans French Quarter because of the state’s new permitless conceal carry law.

Do you have a bunch of fire ant mounds in your yard? LSU Ag Center horticulturist Heather Kirk Ballard says there are some organic options available and one is non-toxic…
cut 9 (12) “….or rotenone”
Kirk Ballard also advises to work with your neighbors so fire ants stay off your block.

Members of the news media and good-government groups strongly oppose a bill supported by Governor Jeff Landry that would prevent journalists and the public from obtaining records that can now be accessed through public records requests. New Orleans investigative TV reporter Lee Zurik says public record requests he obtained helped shine a light on what led to the collapse of the New Orleans Hard Rock Hotel in 2019…
cut 11 (12) “…this law”
Governor Jeff Landry says current public records law stifles deliberative speech.

U-S House Speaker Mike Johnson of Benton has scheduled votes on Saturday for stand alone bills to provide aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. They will be separate votes for each country. But Republicans have said any foreign aid package should also result in improved southern border security. Johnson is facing pressure from his Republican colleagues…
cut 28 (11) “….right think”