Two bills to ensure the safety of nursing home patients during natural disasters pass unanimously in Senate Health and Welfare. Senate Bill 33 requires all long-term care facilities to have generator power. Mark Berger, Executive Director of the Louisiana Nursing Home Association says while most facilities have generators large enough to support their heating and cooling systems…

Cut 10 (07) “…their peers.”

Failure to comply could result in loss of certification.

The second bill would task the State Fire Marshal with inspecting evacuation plans for nursing homes. The legislation was inspired after 15 patients died during a mass evacuation to a warehouse in Tangipahoa Parish during Hurricane Ida. Covington Senator Patrick McMath applauds the bill.

Cut 12 (07) “…State Fire Marshal.”

Both bills advance to the Senate.

House Governmental Affairs approves legislation to give the Legislature the ability to end certain portions of a governor’s emergency executive order. Abita Springs Representative Larry Frieman’s bill is in response to the governor’s public health orders during the pandemic that placed restrictions on businesses…

PM Cut 13 (10) “…end those”

A similar bill was vetoed by Governor John Bel Edwards last year.

Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey, Jr. fulfills a campaign promise made years ago by introducing legislation to make the Gulf Fritillary (frit-ah-lar-ee) the official state butterfly. Cathey says the Gulf Fritillary is the only butterfly indigenous to the Bayou State.

Cut 14 first for me :10

Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt along with other members of Senate Governmental Affairs approved the bill and it now advances to the Senate.

Is legalized marijuana on the horizon for Louisiana? New poll results may surprise you. David Grubb has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.”

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Senator John Kennedy’s re-election campaign reports the St. Tammany Parish Republican has raised five million dollars in the first quarter of 2022 and has 14-million in his war chest

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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A three-year-old was killed while sleeping in his bed Tuesday night after shots were fired outside his home. Baton Rouge Police Sgt L’Jean McKneely says the victim Devin Page Junior was killed around 11 PM in the 5100 block of Fairfields Ave.

Cut 3 (12) “…the home.”

McKneely says the toddler was pronounced dead on the scene and the home where he was sleeping was not the intended target.

Cut 4  (11) “…three-year-old.”

Police are asking for anyone with information to assist with their investigation.

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Many residents in Northwest Louisiana are without power after storms swept through the area Tuesday.  SWEPCO spokesperson Carey Sullivan says more than 34,000 customers in the Shreveport-Bossier area are without power.

Cut 5  (12) “…and dangerous.”

Sullivan says over 700 linemen and additional crew worked overnight to speed restoration efforts.

Weather-wise however another round of storms is in the forecast today which Sullivan says could hinder restoration efforts.

Cut 6  (10) “…come through.” 

Sullivan says you can visit their website at SWEPCO.com and view their outage map and also sign up to receive text messages with updates on when your power will be restored.

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There’s a shift happening in Louisiana…at least when it comes to supporting the legalization of recreational marijuana. According to results of polling done by the University of New Orleans Survey Research Center, almost 60 percent of registered voters in the state support making cannabis legal. Dr. Ed Chervenak says that’s a 22 percent increase from just four years ago.

Cut 7 (11) “…of doing that.” 

Chervenak says Louisiana’s results mirror what’s happening around the nation as attitudes have evolved based on a number of factors…

Cut 8 (15) “…of tax revenue.” 

A proposal to decriminalize marijuana has moved to the U-S Senate, but what does that mean for Louisiana? Last year House Bill 524 would have done the same; it advanced out of committee before dying on the House floor. Chervenak says the governor has not been a proponent in the past, but now…

Cut 9 (07) “…final decision.”

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Louisiana Senator John Kennedy raised more than $5 million in the first quarter of 2022 for a total of $14 million for his re-election campaign. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the dollar signs are indicative of Kennedy’s ability to raise money.

Cut 10 (10)  “…popular with.”

Pinsonat says while Kennedy is heavily predicted to win re-election the state’s junior senator knows all too well to be extremely prepared given the current stanch political divide in DC.

Cut 11 (09)  “…millions of dollars (x2).”  

And because Kennedy will receive national support from Republicans and out-of-state political action committees, Pinsonat says that means his more than $14 million will go even farther.

Cut 12 (11) “…himself.” 

So far Democrats Gary Chambers and Luke Mixon have announced their intent to run against Kennedy.

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A House committee approves legislation that would give the Legislature the ability to end certain portions of a governor’s emergency executive order. Abita Springs Representative Larry Frieman’s measure is in response to the governor’s public health orders during the pandemic that placed restrictions on businesses…

Cut 13 (10) “…end those”

A similar bill was vetoed by Governor John Bel Edwards last year, but today the House  Governmental Affairs approved Frieman’s proposal that would allow a majority vote from the House and Senate to overturn a governor’s emergency order.

New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis voted no because he believes in a separation of powers in state government…

Cut 14 (10)  “…to do that”

But Frieman says there also should be checks and balances in state government…

Cut 15 (11) “…checks and balances system.” 

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Cut  16 (07)  “….judicial restraint“

A three-year-old was killed while sleeping in his bed Tuesday night after shots were fired outside his home. Baton Rouge Sgt L’Jean McKneely says the victim Devin Page was killed around 11 PM in the 5100 block of Fairfields Ave.

Cut 3 (12) “…a call.”

McKneely says the Page’s home was not the intended target.

A University of New Orleans Survey shows roughly a third of voters polled approve of the jobs Senator Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy are doing, but also a third disapprove, and about a third don’t know what to think.  Research director Dr. Ed Chervenak says the “don’t knows” can be vexing for public opinion researchers…:

Cut 13 (10) “…the next election.”

Stonewall Republican Larry Bagley’s resolution to remove COVID vaccines from the state’s immunization schedule passed on a 10 to 6 vote in House Health and Welfare. New Orleans Democrat Representative Jason Hughes asked Bagley why House Resolution 3 is even necessary.

Cut 4 (08)  “…need this?”

Bagley says it’s a matter of principle and that some schools have not allowed parents to opt-out. He even quoted fellow Republican Representative Troy Romero who said the COVID vaccine doesn’t even stop the virus.

Cut 5 (06) “…your children.”

The resolution along with Shreveport Republican Thomas Pressly’s bill to prohibit the government from issuing vaccine mandates, head to the House floor.

Two COVID vaccine-related pieces of legislation pass in House Health Welfare. Stonewall Republican Larry Bagley’s resolution would remove COVID vaccines from the state’s immunization schedule for students and Shreveport Republican Thomas Pressly’s bill to prohibit the government from issuing vaccine mandates.  House Bill 990 does not pertain to Federal vaccine mandates…

Cut 7 (05) “…to do so.”

Both Bills advance to the House floor.

Slidell Republican Senator Sharon Hewitt’s bill banning the sale of abortion-inducing medications without a prescription clears Senate Judiciary C. The bill would criminalize retailers and opponents worry pregnant women could also face prosecution. Hewitt says the bill is not intended to punish pregnant women…

Cut 16 (08)  “…use of the drug.”

The bill now heads to the Senate floor and Hewitt says she plans to amend the bill so pregnant women aren’t penalized.

A National Federation of Independent Businesses survey says inflation is now the number one concern for small business owners. State director Dawn McVea says supply chain issues have forced business owners to keep a watchful eye on their inventory due to difficulty in stocking and restocking items.

Cut 10 (08) “…to fewer sales.”

The survey indicates more small business owners are pessimistic about the future, the highest since 1981.

A University of New Orleans survey shows more Democrats versus Republicans approve of the job Republican Senator Bill Cassidy is doing. Research director Dr. Ed Chervenak says perhaps that’s because he voted with democrats for Donald Trump’s impeachment and a big democrat infrastructure bill. Chervenak says Cassidy is considering running for Governor next year…:

Cut 12 (13) “…going to be successful.”

Two pieces of legislation pertaining to COVID vaccines advance to the House floor. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A new report shows historic lows in confidence among small business owners. David Grubb has more…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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New voter research from UNO shows overall job approval for Louisiana’s two U.S. Senators at well under 50-percent. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Two pieces of legislation pertaining to COVID vaccines pass in House Health Welfare. Stonewall Republican Larry Bagley’s resolution to remove COVID vaccines from the state’s immunization schedule passed on a 10 to 6 vote. New Orleans Democrat Representative Jason Hughes asked Bagley why House Resolution 3 is even necessary.

Cut 4 (08)  “…need this?”

Bagley says it’s a matter of principle and that some schools have not allowed parents to opt out. He even quoted fellow Republican Representative Troy Romero who said the COVID vaccine doesn’t even stop the virus.

Cut 5 (06) “…your children.”

Shreveport Pediatric Infectious Disease specialist Dr. Joseph Bocchini spoke in opposition and says the decision to incorporate any vaccine into the routine schedule for children is based on the merits of the vaccine.

Cut 6 (08)  “…other staff.”

Shreveport Republican Thomas Pressly’s bill to prohibit the government from issuing vaccine mandates passed on a 12 to 5 vote.  House Bill 990 does not pertain to Federal vaccine mandates…

Cut 7 (05) “…to do so.”

Both Bills advance to the House floor.

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A new survey by the National Federation of Independent Businesses says inflation is now the number one concern for small business owners, and they are becoming more pessimistic about the future. The latest numbers are at their highest since 1981, and state director Dawn McVea says the impact is real.

Cut 8 (07)  “…right now.”

The percentage of business owners expecting conditions to improve over the next sixth months is at its lowest level in the 48-year history of the survey. Aside from inflation, McVea pointed to several other areas of frustration.

Cut 9 (10)  “…labor shortages.”

With the supply chain disrupted, McVea says business owners have had to keep a watchful eye on their inventory as difficulty in stocking and restocking items has made their ability to operate increasingly challenging.

Cut 10 (08) “…to fewer sales.”

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A new survey of voters by the University of New Orleans shows less than overwhelming support for the state’s two U.S. Senators. Research director Dr. Ed Chervenak says 36-percent of persons surveyed approve of Senator John Kennedy’s job performance, with a much higher rating from his political base…:

Cut  11 (09)  “…job that he is doing.”  

Senator Bill Cassidy’s approval ratings were more evenly distributed between “approve”, “disapprove” or “don’t know.” 31-percent of the total survey give Cassidy the ‘thumbs up.” More whites than blacks approve of Cassidy, but also more DEMOCRATS than Republicans approve of his job performance. Chervenak says perhaps that’s because he voted with democrats for Donald Trump’s impeachment and a big democrat infrastructure bill. Chervenak says Cassidy is considering running for Governor next year…:

Cut 12 (13) “…going to be successful.”

The UNO survey shows persons 65 and older show more approval for Kennedy and Cassidy, but Cassidy polls better than Kennedy among 35-to-44 year-old voters. Overall, roughly a third of voters polled approve of the two senators job performance but also an third disapprove and about a third don’t know what to think. Chervenak says the “don’t knows” can be vexing for public opinion researchers…:

Cut 13 (12) “…the next election.”

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A bill banning the sale of abortion-inducing medications without a prescription and potentially criminalizing retailers and patients clears Senate Judiciary C on a 3-1 vote. Bill author, Slidell Republican Senator Sharon Hewitt says current law prohibits the sale and distribution of abortion pills when they are not provided in person by a physician.

Cut 14 (10)  “…medical oversite.”

But New Orleans abortion-rights attorney Ellie Schilling says the bill criminalizes out-of-state providers along with pregnant women who are given the medications. Shilling says if the intent is to not punish pregnant women, then it should be amended.

Cut 15 (12)  “…pretty great.”

Hewitt says while the bill is not intended to punish pregnant women, it does enact penalties against those who she says are taking advantage of women.

Cut 16 (12)  “…use of the drug.”

Hewitt pledged to amend the bill before it reaches the Senate floor clarifying that women who take the medications cannot be prosecuted.

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The New Orleans Pelicans are two wins away from making the NBA playoffs for the first time since the 2017-18 season. Standing in their way tonight in an elimination game is the San Antonio Spurs. Coach Willie Green faces off against one of his mentors Gregg Popovich, but says Pop’s resume won’t be taking the court.

Cut 17 (17) “ …on the line.” 

The Pelicans lost three of four to the Spurs this season, though New Orleans was without Brandon Ingram in two of those games. Green says there isn’t anything new to add at this point; both teams know what the other is trying to do. The difference will be in execution.

Cut 18 (18) “ …play our game.” 

CJ McCollum and Jonas Valanciunas are two of only five players on the roster with any postseason experience, and both have been in the play-in before. Green says that they’ve already taken the younger Pels under their wings in getting them prepared for a playoff atmosphere.

Cut 19 (14) _“…highest level possible.” 

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Cut 20 (16) “ …those plays.” 

On a ten to three vote, the House Criminal Justice Committee approved legislation to allow non-felons 21 and older to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. Bill author, Oil City Representative Danny McCormick says you shouldn’t have to pay for a permit to conceal carry. Current law requires gun training in order to receive a permit, and St. Martinville Representative Marcus Bryant expressed concern about removing instruction.

Cut 13 (07) “…real crazy.”

Louisiana State Police Superintendent Col Lamar Davis spoke in opposition saying legal conceal carry puts law enforcement at a disadvantage. In closing statements, McCormick says the state constitution is specific about a citizen’s right to bear arms.

Cut 15 (09) “…strict scrutiny.”

A bill banning the sale of abortion-inducing medications without a prescription and potentially criminalizing retailers and patients clears Senate Judiciary C on a 3-1 vote. Bill author, Slidell Republican Senator Sharon Hewitt…

Cut 14 (11)  “…medical oversite.”

Opponents say the bill criminalizes out-of-state providers along with pregnant women who are given the medications.

A New Orleans area senator Patrick Connick defers his bill to ban single-use plastic bags after hearing opposition from grocery store owners. Connick says the bill’s intent is the reduce litter, and while he decided to defer the legislation, he remains committed to cleaning up the state

Cut 8 (12) “…this legislation.” 

Two bills to allow non-felons to conceal carry a gun without a permit in Louisiana are in legislative committees today. Last year Governor Edwards vetoed the legislation because it omitted training. West Monroe Senator Jay Morris’ legislation requires an online hour course on gun safety, but Oil City Representative Danny McCormick’s legislation removes training and the entire permit process.

Cut 9 (10)  “…those rights.”

McCormick’s bill is currently being heard in House Criminal Justice and Morris’s is scheduled in Senate Judiciary C.

A one-vehicle accident in East Baton Rouge Parish involving 11 children results in the driver, Leticia Brothers, who is also the mother of all the children, facing cruelty to juvenile charges. Central Police Chief Roger Corcoran says when officers arrived on the scene Sunday night, they noticed an SUV had flipped several times.

Cut 13 (09) “…by AirMed.”

No major injuries were reported.

A new University of New Orleans research poll shows fewer than 40-percent of persons approve of the job Governor Edwards is doing, a similar poll conducted in 2020 showed a 56-percent approval rating. UNO political science professor Dr. Ed Chervenak says it’s not uncommon for a governor to see approval numbers wane as the years wear on, however…:

Cut 12 (13) “…magnitude of the drop.”

Cleco will invest nearly one billion dollars to reduce carbon emissions at their plant in in Lena. CEO Bill Fontenot says they have already secured $9-million in federal monies to help pay for the project and consumers won’t see rate changes.

Cut 5 (12) “…sequestering carbon.”

Two bills to allow you to conceal carry a gun without a permit in Louisiana will be heard in legislative committees Tuesday. Last year Governor Edwards vetoed the legislation citing public safety concerns because the bill did not call for gun training. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick says he’s not giving up on constitutional carry in Louisiana.

Cut 7 (11) “…amendment rights.”

West Monroe Senator Jay Morris’ legislation, requires an online hour course on gun safety, McCormick’s legislation removes the requirement that a person must possess a permit issued by the state.  McCormick says he trusts citizens of the state and their right to bear arms.

Cut 9 (10)  “…those rights.”

McCormick’s bill will be heard in House Criminal Justice and Morris’ bill in Senate Judiciary C Tuesday.

A new University of New Orleans research poll shows falling approval numbers for Governor John Bel Edwards. UNO political science professor Dr. Ed Chervenak says fewer than 40-percent of persons surveyed said they approve of the job Governor Edwards is doing…:

Cut 10 (12) “…the death of Ronald Greene.”

A similar poll conducted in 2020 showed Edwards with a 56-percent approval.

Governor John Bel Edwards was in Rapides Parish Monday for Cleco’s announcement that they’re investing 900-million dollars to significantly reduce carbon emissions. Reducing the carbon footprint is part of Edwards’ Clean Air Initiative by 2050. Edwards says Cleco will not ask ratepayers to help fund this project.

Cut 15 (07) “…important.” 

A pre-pandemic report indicates 57-percent of Louisiana’s children live in households below the ALICE threshold. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Edy (Edie) Addison with the Capital Area United Way says often those families earn too much to qualify for assistance and they are issuing grants to help the ALICE population with accessing existing resources.

Cut 4  (09) “…needs met.”

You’ll have to stretch your food dollar a bit further as the price of eggs is also on the rise. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain…

Cut 6  (10) “…February 8.” 

He says Avian flu is to blame for the price increase.

A bill to create Education Savings Accounts, to help give parents more school choice options, clears the House Education Committee. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

New Orleans Democrat Karen Carter Peterson has resigned from the state senate after a 23-years. She’s been public about her struggles with depression and gambling addiction, but the Advocate says she’s under federal investigation. Political analyst says Clancy Dubos says Peterson was the first woman to lead the state’s Democratic Party.

Cut 13 (13) “…domestic violence.”

In Pineville, Cleco Power will make a major economic announcement at noon today. They will be joined by Governor John Bel Edwards and Senator Bill Cassidy; the utility provider will share details on an innovative technology plan for carbon capture and sequestration. Cleco serves approximately 291,000 customers in the Bayou State.

Senate President Page Cortez is proposing to up the fine for speeding on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge to 875-dollars for first offenders. Cortez’s legislation also calls for eight sets of speed limit signs equally spaced on the basin bridge…

Cut 9 (08)  “…high fine.”
The proposal is awaiting a hearing in the Senate Transportation Committee.

A bill to create an Education Savings Accounts (ESA’s) to help parents with funding for school options other than public school heads to House. Louisiana School Superintendents Association executive director Michael Faulk says the state already has a school vouchers program, and this will mean less state funding for local school systems and ESA’s won’t be everything proponents promise…:

Cut 5 (08) “…for a full year.”