11:30 KFNV

Governor Landry vetoed a bill that would have given him the ability to pardon certain first-time convicted marijuana possession offenders without the recommendation of the pardon board. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 24 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

45-year-old Charlene Henderson was found guilty in a Caddo Parish District Court Wednesday for the 2022 shooting death of her husband, Larry Clark. Investigators says after she killed him, she doused his body with gasoline. She will be sentenced July 16^th.

Sulphur businessman Todd Hine says his auto insurance rates are up more than 40%. He’s the owner of Hine Environmental Services, and he’s been told the rates are going up because of the state’s legal climate.

Cut 6 (11) “…also.”

Hine met with Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple who told him the state needs tort reform legislation but legislation to make such changes was vetoed by Governor Landry.

Louisiana’s unemployment rate decreased to 4.1-percent in May. Emily Epps with the Louisiana Workforce Commission says 86 thousand individuals were unemployed last month, and the state is recording over 100 thousand vacant jobs, which will likely remain unfilled.

Cut 13 (08)  “…that exist.”

A Louisiana businessman says his insurance rates went up over 40% and he’s not sure how long he can take it. Mel Bridges has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

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President Joe Biden will meet former President Donald Trump for the first presidential debate of 2024 tonight at 8 on CNN. Mel Bridges explains what that means.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

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Governor Landry vetoed a bill that would have given him the ability to pardon certain first-time convicted marijuana possession offenders without the recommendation of the pardon board. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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A Louisiana businessman says his insurance rates are up over 40% and he’s not sure how long he can take it. Todd Hine, owner of Hine Environmental Services, a small waste services business in Sulphur, says he’s been told auto insurance rates are going up because of the state’s legal climate. He likens it to a casino…

Cut 4 (12) “…every single day.”

Hine says his insurance payments went from 300-thousand dollars to over a million, which he was able to negotiate down. He feels increasingly frustrated that he keeps having to pay more.

Cut 5 (06) “(x3)…the market.”

Hine met with Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple, who told him insurance relief would come from tort reform legislation. However, that’s on hold after Governor Jeff Landry vetoed a bill that attempted to prevent windfall judgments for car crash victims. Landry expressed concern the bill would prevent a car crash victim from getting the judgment they deserved and would hurt the everyday working citizen. Hine says any insurance relief would help his company pay the bills and keep their customers.

Cut 6 (11) “…also.”

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President Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump will meet for the first presidential debate of the campaign season tonight. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says both candidates are looking to prove something in the debate. President Biden wants…

Cut 7 (10) “…nothing to worry about.”

Stockley suggests that former president Trump, on the other hand, be careful of his onstage conduct and study up on domestic and foreign policies.

Cut 8 (10) “…for an hour.”

Despite all this, Stockley says he doesn’t anticipate tonight’s debate, which is unprecedented early in the campaign season, to be hot TV.

Cut 9 (10)  “…polls.”

The debate will start at 8 P.M. on CNN.

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Governor Jeff Landry vetoed a bill that would have given his office the ability to pardon certain first-time convicted marijuana possession offenders without the recommendation of the pardon board. New Orleans Representative Delisha Boyd says the veto letter explanation that her bill was soft on crime doesn’t make sense.

Cut 10 (11) “…a second chance.”

Landry’s veto letter says the bill is an attempt to have the state accept President Biden’s invitation to join his soft-on-crime, no-consequences-for-criminals agenda.

Boyd, says she’s disappointed because the intent of the bill was not to prevent people from being arrested…

Cut 11 (10) “…our economy.”

The bill which received bipartisan support, Boyd says was an attempt to give individuals a second chance so they would have a fair opportunity at things like employment and housing that require a criminal background check.

Cut 12 (10) “…stopping that.” 

First-time offenders found with less than 14 grams of marijuana would have been eligible under House Bill 391.

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Data from the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics shows Louisiana’s unemployment rate decreased for the month of May to 4.1%. Louisiana Workforce Commission Director of Research and Economic Analysis Emily Epps says there were 86 thousand individuals unemployed last month, and the state is recording over 100 thousand vacant jobs, which will likely remain unfilled.

Cut 13 (08)  “…that exist.”

Baton Rouge added 200 jobs from April and almost 7 thousand jobs from May 2023, which Epps says is expected. What does come as a bit of a surprise, she says, is Alexandria’s job growth from April to May.

Cut 14 (08)  “…MSAs.”

Alexandria also added 600 jobs from May 2023 to now. However, the Monroe area lost 600 jobs from April and 1500 jobs from May 2023, which Epps says is concerning to the Workforce Commission.

Cut 15 (10)  “…state.”

Major industries that showed the most seasonally adjusted jobs gained are financial activities from April to May and construction from May 2023 to 24.

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The Mannings will kick off their 28^th annual Manning Passing Academy at Nicholls today. Archie, Cooper, Payton and Eli Manning will join more than 140 coaches teaching the fundamentals of offensive technique and schemes. The program has become a premier offensive skills camp for high schoolers across the country and is expected to host over 14-hundred kinds this year. Saints legend Archie Manning says he never expected the camp to grow past a regional event…

Cut 16 (11) “…no way.” 

The camp is open to eighth-through-twelfth grade players and not just quarterbacks. QB’s, wide receivers, running backs, and tight ends will attend seminars, participate in meetings, run through drills, and scrimmage one another over three days of camp. Manning says they aren’t trying to turn every attendee into an NFL player, but they want to make every player better…

Cut 17 (14) “…(x2)try to do.”

The Manning Passing Academy is perhaps best known for its counselors- dozens of the nation’s top college quarterbacks. Talents like Quinn Ewers, Jalen Milroe, Jaxson Dart, and Garrett Nussmeier will have the chance to learn from Payton and Eli and participate in a public exhibition, but Manning says their primary purpose is to teach the campers…

Cut 18 (19)  “…Patrick Mahomes.”

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Cut 19 (19) “…adversity.” 

Cut 20 (22) “…overcome that.”

36-year-old Daniel Callihan the man accused of killing a Lorange woman and her four-year-old daughter is now listed as an inmate in the Plaquemines Parish Detention Center. He was being held in Mississippi since he was apprehended June 13^th. The Plaquemines Parish Detention Center is one of three jails that hold inmates for New Orleans federal court. He’s already been charged in Mississippi and Tangipahoa Parish.

Congressman Garret Graves says he’s not running for any office this year, not Mayor, not PSC commissioner, or even dog catcher. Graves says he looks forward to being a normal citizen, reintroducing himself to friends and family and…

Cut 10 (11) “…prospective.”

His term ends in January. Grave’s district was redrawn to become the state’s second majority-Black congressional district.

Louisiana’s law that calls for the posting of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom is heading for a court fight, U-L-M Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says even if the law gets thrown out, it’s still a political victory for Governor Landry who signed the bill and said he couldn’t wait to get sued…
cut 8 (08) “….him really”
The ACLU case will be heard by a federal judge in Baton Rouge.

Louisiana is seeing an increase this year in a fuzzy blondish caterpillar called fall webworms. LSU AgCenter urban entomologist Aaron Ashbrook says they do not bite humans, but they could do a number on trees and bushes in your yard

Cut 3 (09) “…defoliators.”

He recommends using a pesticide that has BT in it.

Governor Jeff Landry is making national headlines with the Ten Commandments law requiring them to be displayed in every Louisiana public classroom. Some might question if the Republican has political aspirations outside of the state, UL-Monroe Political science professor Pearson Cross believes Landry’s “end game” is without boundaries…

Cut 6 (09) “…this game.”

After announcing he won’t seek re-election after his district was redrawn to be a majority-black one, Congressman Garret Graves says one of his main priorities is finishing out his fifth term in the U-S House…

Cut 11 (11) ” …huge wins.”

The Republican from Baton Rouge’s term ends in January. Graves says, “God has a plan, and he intends to listen.”

Daniel Callihan the man accused of killing a Loranger woman and her four year old daughter has been extradited back to Louisiana from Mississippi. The 36-year-old is listed as an inmate in the Plaquemines Parish Detention Center. Callihan faces charges in both states and federal charges are anticipated.

Louisiana is seeing an increase in the fall webworm population for this time of year. They could cause major damage to your fruit and nut trees.  Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31)I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Congressman Garret Graves says he’s not running for any office this year, not Mayor, not PSC commissioner, or even dog catcher. Graves says he looks forward to being a normal citizen, reintroducing himself to friends and family and…

Cut 10 (11) “…prospective.”

His term ends in January.

Most of the state is under a heat advisory again today as heat indices could reach 110-degrees so be careful when spending long periods of time outside…
cut 6 (11) “….as well”
That’s Doctor Sundee (Sunday)  Winder with the Louisiana Department of Health and you can find more information and about heat-related illnesses as well as a dashboard on their website.

Process Service Specialists will spend 3.5 million dollars over the next three years to outfit an existing building to be their manufacturing facility at the Port of Lake Charles. Aaron Reeves with PSS says the expansion will create 160 new jobs with an average salary of 100-thousand dollars…

cut 8 (05) “….these guys”

A Ragin Cajuns legend has been named as the new head coach of the U-L Lafayette softball team. Crowley native Alyson Habetz was a two-sport star for the Cajuns and led the team to the Women’s College World Series in ‘93. Her former coach Yvette Girouard credits athletics director Bryan Maggard for convincing Habetz to take the job…
cut 15 (15) “….it could be a go”
Habetz will be officially introduced tomorrow.

Congressman Garret Graves makes it clear he will not seek another political office this year, and that includes Baton Rouge Mayor, PSC Commissioner, or dog catcher. Graves says he’s not ready to jump into another political office after announcing earlier this month he will not seek re-election

Cut 9 (05) “…take a step back.”

His term ends in January. Graves says, “God has a plan, and he intends to listen.”

The Louisiana Department of Health’s Heat-Related Illness Dashboard is new and improved this year. Dr. Sundee Winder with the department says if you thought last year was hot, you’re right. The average number of ER visits for heat-related illness for the last decade was 2,800.

Cut 5 (08) “…numbers.”

You can see the dashboard at ldh-dot-la-gov-forward slash-heat

Former Ragin’ Cajuns two-sport star and assistant Alabama softball coach Alyson Habetz (habits) is returning to U-L Lafayette as head softball coach. Jeff Palermo reports a Hall of Fame coach is excited for her former school.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

Former Zachary High tight end Trey ‘Dez Green will play two sports next year at LSU. The 6-foot-7 tall player will shoot hoops for the Tigers and play football. He was the number two pick for LSU’s 2024 gridiron recruiting class and his junior year at East Feliciana High he averaged 24 points and 13 rebounds.

Doctor Ralph Abraham has been named as the state’s first Surgeon General. Abraham was serving as Secretary for the Louisiana Department of Health. Governor Jeff Landry says this will put a doctor in charge of health policy and an executive will oversee implementation

Cut 9 (10) “…healthcare system”

Undersecretary Michael Harrington has been promoted to L-D-H Secretary.

Former Baton Rouge Representative Scott McKnight is running for the Public Service Commission. McKnight is seeking to replace District 2 Commissioner Craig Greene, who is not seeking re-election.

Cut 3 (10) “…state of Louisiana.”

The Republican served in the Louisiana House from 2020-to-2024 and unsuccessfully ran for State Treasurer last year.

Heirloom Carbon Technologies is investing $475 million in a decarbonization project to construct two direct air capture facilities at the Port of Caddo-Bossier.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Sean Richardson” 

Two teenagers have been arrested after stealing a Mandeville-area woman’s LGBTQ flag and burning it in the street. The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office says the 15- and 14-year-olds face misdemeanor charges of theft, damage to property, and hate crimes. The incident happened May 26^th and they’ve been released to their parents.

The longest-serving school principal in the country, Chalmette High School’s Wayne Warner was attacked Sunday night after trying to help a man in a wheelchair. The St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office says Warner observed 33-year-old Christopher Kidd knocking over trash cans and stopped to offer aid. That’s when Kidd allegedly attacked Warner, pushed him down, and stole his phone. Kidd has been arrested and Warner’s injuries will require surgery.

The ACLU has filed suit against the law requiring public classrooms to display the Ten Commandments.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch says accused killers Daniel Callihan and Victoria Cox will be tried in both Mississippi and Louisiana…

Cut 15 (09)  “…working together.”
Callihan and Cox are facing murder charges in Louisiana and Mississippi for the brutal murders of a Loranger mother and her four-year-old daughter.

Homeowners like Cheron Brylski (Sharon Brill-ski) are having to sell their homes due to the cost of Citizens premiums. Even though her New Orleans home did not flood after Katrina she can’t get anyone to insure her home. She was planning to retire but her savings are being depleted.

Cut 12 (12) “…increase again.” 

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says legislation passed in the most recent session should help but it will possibly take three years, Brylski says she can’t hold out.

Beginning January 1^st to receive their certification, teachers must undergo a criminal background check with the state. Currently, it’s up to local school systems to require those checks, but now Arthur Joffrion with the Louisiana Department of Education says it’s a state requirement.

Cut 3 (10) “…our educators.”

The new policy is a result of legislation passed in 2023.

Former LSU sprinter Sha’Carri Richarson is heading to the Paris Olympics as a favorite to win a Gold Medal after a 10.71 second sprint in the 100-meters at the U.S. track trials in Oregon. Richardson, who was banned from competing in the 2021 Tokyo Games because of a positive marijuana test, was emotional when she crossed the finish line on Saturday

Cut 10 (10) “…today.”

Richardson competed at LSU in 2019.

Cleco customers will see a rate increase next month, but the reason why depends on who you ask. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

Former President Donald Trump will visit New Orleans today for a campaign fundraiser, days before his debate with President Biden. JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon says he expects Trump will use the debate to prove his candidacy and attack Biden.

Cut 5 (08) “…easy examples.”

That debate will be held Thursday at 8 o’clock on CNN.

High School students in Louisiana will no longer be required to take the ACT, even though ten out of 11 BESE members asked lawmakers to reject the legislation. BESE President Ronnie Morris worries it could result in missed opportunities for some students.

Cut 8 (12) “…scholarship programs.” 

It will go into effect for the 2025-26 school year.

Governor Jeff Landry issued a controversial veto last week and the debate over the bill continues into this week. Landry vetoed 27 bills from the recently completed regular session and the veto of House Bill 423 is getting the most attention because Shreveport Representative Michael Melerine says it’s part of a package of bills that would have improved the legal climate for auto insurance companies…

Cut 14 (07)  “…more friendly.”
Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the current Collateral Source Doctrine produces windfall payments that result in accident victims getting more than they deserve….

Cut 16 (05) “…Ferrari.” 

Landry says the proposed change to the Collateral Source Doctrine would result in car crash victims not receiving the payouts they deserved following a car crash.