AAA is expecting a major rebound in Memorial Day travel. Erik Piccoli has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.” 

Louisiana is up 127,400 total jobs through the pandemic in April 2020 to April 2021.

Louisiana Workforce Commission chief economist Julian Hwang says the state also added 1,600 new private-sector jobs from March to April.

LWC says that Baton Rouge and New Orleans make up over half of the jobs that have been gained at 33,300 and 43,500 jobs, respectively. Hwang says the food industry played a major part in this increase…

Cut 5 (05)”…social life.”

Child drownings increased by sixty percent in Louisiana last year according to the state health department.  The CDC says Louisiana has the fourth-highest drowning rate from children in the U-S and drowning remains the third leading cause of death for children ages one to fourteen. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says when you look at individual drownings there are a couple of things in common.

Cut 8 (08) “…separates the pool.”

With restrictions loosened riverboat cruises have resumed and tourists heading up the Mississippi River from New Orleans are back to visiting historic sites like Rosedown Plantation on their voyage north.

This year ships are set to dock in New Orleans, Vacherie, White Castle, Darrow, St. Francisville, and Baton Rouge. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says this year eight ships from two cruise lines will dock at sites in Louisiana every day.

Cut 14 (11) “..future.”

As pool season kicks off this Memorial Day weekend, the state health department wants to remind you to pay attention to children around the water, especially after the state reports a staggering increase in child drownings. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
Louisiana is up 127,400 total jobs from the trough of the pandemic in April 2020 to April 2021.
Louisiana Workforce Commission chief economist Julian Hwang says the state economy is rebounding and we’re up to 1.7 million non-farm jobs in Louisiana with employers looking to add even more…
Cut 4 (07)”…the hire site.”

AAA forecasts a 60-percent increase in the number of Americans traveling this Memorial Day weekend compared to last year’s holiday. Spokesperson Don Redman says those traveling by car can expect gas prices to be the most expensive since 2014. He says the average price in Louisiana for a gallon of regular gasoline is just about 2.70 an hour.
Cut 11 (08) “…dollar a gallon.”
With restrictions loosened riverboat cruises have resumed and tourists heading up the Mississippi River from New Orleans are back to visiting historic sites like Rosedown Plantation on their voyage north.
Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser met with 150 of the first tourists to resume the riverboat stops at Rosedown. He says reviving these riverboat cruises is a key part of bringing tourism back…
Cut 13 (11) “…communities.”

Child drownings increased by sixty percent in Louisiana last year according to the state health department. The number of infant and child drownings, ages zero to fourteen in 2020 was 24, which is up from 15 in 2019. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says pediatric drownings in the state have been an ongoing issue.
Cut 7 (12) “…like it to be.”
AAA forecasts a 60-percent increase in the number of Americans traveling this Memorial Day weekend compared to last year’s holiday. Spokesperson Don Redman says more than 37 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home with 12 million traveling by car.
Cut 10 (06)”… with a vengeance.”
COVID numbers have fallen significantly and with that, some things are starting to return to normal, like riverboat paddle wheeler cruises up the Mississippi River. Matt Doyle has more…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

As pool season kicks off this Memorial Day weekend, the state health department wants to remind you to pay attention to children around the water, especially after the state reports a staggering increase in child drownings. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________

 AAA is expecting a major rebound in Memorial Day travel. Erik Piccoli has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.” 

____________________________

COVID numbers have fallen significantly and with that, some things are starting to return to normal, like riverboat paddle wheeler cruises up the Mississippi River. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

____________________________

Louisiana is up 127,400 total jobs from the trough of the pandemic in April 2020 to April 2021.

Louisiana Workforce Commission chief economist Julian Hwang says the state economy is rebounding and we’re up to 1.7 million non-farm jobs in Louisiana with employers looking to add even more…

Cut 4 (07)”…the hire site.”

The state also added 1,600 new private-sector jobs from March to April.

LWC says that Baton Rouge and New Orleans make up over half of the jobs that have been gained at 33,300 and 43,500 jobs respectively. Hwang says the food industry played a major part in this increase…

Cut 5 (05)”…social life.”

Hwang says the heavy hit leisure and hospitality had the biggest gains in employment year to year at 62,400 added jobs.

Cut 6 (04)”..pandemic.”

The trade sector is up 27,300 jobs year-to-year and education and health are up 19,400.

_____________________________

Child drownings increased by sixty percent in Louisiana last year according to the state health department. The number of infant and child drownings, ages zero to fourteen in 2020 was 24, which is up from 15 in 2019. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says pediatric drownings in the state have been an ongoing issue.

Cut 7 (12)  “…like it to be.”

The CDC says Louisiana has the fourth-highest drowning rate from children in the U-S and drowning remains the third leading cause of death for children ages one to fourteen.

Kanter says when you look at individual drownings there are a couple of things in common.

Cut 8 (08) “…separates the pool.”

A second trend Kanter says is when a single person is not assigned to act as a lifeguard at a gathering when children are swimming and the task falls by the wayside when it’s assumed all adults are watching.

Cut 9 (11) “…around the water.” 

Kanter recommends checking fences and gates around your pool regularly, have children wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets, and never leave children unattended in any body of water.

According to the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance, the industry reported a historic increase of 24% in 2020.

___________________________________

AAA forecasts a 60-percent  increase in the number of Americans traveling this Memorial Day weekend compared to last year’s holiday. Spokesperson Don Redman says more than 37 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home with 12 million traveling by car.

Cut 10 (06)”… with a vengeance.”

Redman says those traveling by car can expect gas prices to be the most expensive since 2014. He says the average price in Louisiana for a gallon of regular gasoline is just about 2.70 an hour.

Cut 11 (08) “…dollar a gallon.”

Redman advises travelers the cost of a car rental is higher than normal.

Cut 12 (09)”…them 125 dollars.”

___________________________________

With restrictions loosened riverboat cruises have resumed and tourists heading up the Mississippi River from New Orleans are back to visiting historic sites like Rosedown Plantation on their voyage north.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser met with 150 of the first tourists to resume the riverboat stops at Rosedown. He says reviving these riverboat cruises is a key part of bringing tourism back…

Cut 13 (11) “…communties.”

This year ships are set to dock in New Orleans, Vacherie, White Castle, Darrow, St. Francisville, and Baton Rouge.

Nungesser says this year eight ships from two cruise lines will dock at sites in Louisiana every day.

Cut 14 (11) “..future.”

In 2022 Viking River Cruises will become the third cruise line to offer Mississippi Voyages.

Nungesser says everyone he’s talked to says voyages aboard the boutique luxury paddle wheelers are some of the best cruises they’ve ever taken.

Cut 15 (10)“…river”

_______________________________________

The LSU baseball team is back in Baton Rouge after they were ousted quickly from the SEC Tournament. The tigers are on the bubble in terms of getting into the NCAA tournament as they finished with a 13-17 mark in SEC play. Here’s coach Paul Mainieri on if his team deserves a spot in the NCAA tournament.

Cut 16 (14) “…in the country.”

Despite LSU’s conference record, the team is ranked 24^th in the RPI. Mainieri hopes the selection committee will take that into consideration.

Cut 17 (14) “…in the 20s as well.”

LSU lost a lot of close games this season and Mainieri says if his team could’ve won a few of them they would have a better shot at making it to a regional

Cut  18 (14)”…team or better.”

The House Governmental Affairs Committee rejects a Senate-approved bill that would prohibit state facilities from denying entry to individuals who are not vaccinated against COVID-19. Harvey Representative Rodney Lyons says the legislature should not prevent a public building like the State Capitol from only allowing vaccinated persons inside.

Cut 3 (07)  “…circumvent that.” 

The ongoing controversy involving House Education Chairman Ray Garofalo, whose comments about slavery ignited a firestorm, results in today’s meeting of his committee being called off. Garofalo says this morning Speaker Clay Schexnayder told him he was still Chairman, but when he told Shexnayder he was going to chair today’s meeting, Schexnayder said no you’re not.

Cut 10 (12) “…to”

The next scheduled meeting of the committee is June 2^nd

An E Pluribus Unum survey finds a majority of southerners support major police reform and believe not enough has changed since the murder of George Floyd. EPU Founder and former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu says the annual survey indicated common ground that Floyd was wrongly killed, and broad support of police reform being negotiated in Congress and locally.

Cut 13 (07)“…supervision.”

12-hundred were surveyed.

Governor Edwards says video of the Ronald Greene arrest shows State Police troopers acting unprofessionally and not conducting themselves as law enforcement officers should. Edwards says Greene’s death has led to policy changes.

Cut 9 (11) “…again”

The footage is being reviewed by the Union Parish DA and the US Department of Justice

The House Governmental Affairs Committee rejects legislation that would have prohibited state-funded facilities from denying access to individuals who are not vaccinated against COVID-19. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

A 22-year-old Mandeville man has pleaded guilty to raping a teenager after her high school graduation party in 2020 and to the sexual battery of a 12-year-old at his house in 2016. District Attorney Warren Montgomery says Richard Michael Deidrich was sentence to 25 years without probation, parole or suspended sentence.

House Education Chairman Ray Garofalo, whose comments about slavery went viral, says the House Speaker threatened to have him removed from the Capitol this morning if he tried to chair today’s meeting. The meeting was called off when only one member showed up. Garofalo says it ended up delaying discussion of legislation that would allow student-athletes to collect paid endorsements…

Cut 12 (12)    “…for that” 

The committee is scheduled to meet again next Wednesday, June 2nd, but the session is scheduled to end on June 10th.

An E Pluribus Unum survey finds broad support across racial groups for requiring officers to step in when other officers are using excessive force. E-P-U founder and former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu…

Cut 14 (09) “…onsite” 

1,200 people were surveyed in southern states.

The controversy continues involving House Education Chairman Ray Garofalo, whose comments about slavery went viral, today the meeting of his committee was called off. Garofalo says this morning Speaker Clay Schexnayder told him he was still Chairman, but when he told the Speaker he was going to chair today’s meeting, Schexnayder said no you’re not and then the discussion took a turn…

Cut 11 (11) “…duty”

When asked by a reporter if the “heated” meant it got physical he declined to comment.

The House Governmental Affairs Committee rejects a Senate-approved bill to prohibit state facilities from denying entry to those who are not vaccinated against COVID. Jennifer Herricks of Mandeville testified in favor.

Cut 6 (07) “..diseases”

A similar bill has already passed the House and awaits a Senate hearing.

Governor Edwards says video of the Ronald Greene arrest shows State Police troopers acting unprofessionally and not conducting themselves as law enforcement officers should. Edwards says the footage is being reviewed by the Union Parish DA and the US Department of Justice for a reason.

Cut 8 (11) “…restrained.”

An E Pluribus Unum survey finds a majority of southerners support major police reform and believe not enough has changed since the murder of George Floyd. EPU Founder and former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu says the annual survey of 1,200 indicates broad support of police reform being negotiated in Congress and locally.

Cut 13 (07)“…supervision.”

Landrieu says before the most recent survey police reform responses were mostly split along racial lines.

Governor Edwards is no longer requiring face masks in most settings and COVID restrictions on businesses have also been lifted as a result of a new public health emergency order. But Edwards says the state will continue its push to vaccinate more individuals as people are dying from COVID every day…

Cut 5 (10)”…is effective.”
The White House says over 50-percent of adults are fully vaccinated against COVID but in Louisiana, it’s only 39-percent. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter has another reason to get the shot…

Cut 6 (10)”…more attractive.”
Kanter says dating apps like Tinder and Bumble are offering special bonuses to get users vaccinated.

The House Governmental Affairs Committee rejects a Senate-approved bill that would prohibit state facilities from denying entry to individuals who are not vaccinated against COVID-19. Harvey Representative Rodney Lyons says the legislature should not prevent a public building like the State Capitol from only allowing vaccinated persons inside.

Cut 3 (07)  “…circumvent that.” 

Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey’s bill died on a seven to six vote.

Recently elected Congresswoman Julia Letlow has joined with Republicans on the House Agriculture Committee to introduce the Broadband for Rural America Act….

Cut 14 (11) “…to connect.”
Letlow says a least 350-thousand households in Louisiana do not have high-speed internet as defined by the FCC.

A house-approved bill allowing St. Tammany residents the right to vote on whether they want a casino built outside of Slidell resulted in some chippy testimony in a Senate committee. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

At least seven people were injured when a natural gas well caught on fire along the Louisiana coast south of Patterson. The accident happened at a well owned by Texas Petroleum Investments. Crews were attempting to plug the well that ignited Tuesday. According to St Mary Parish officials, all victims are on land and being treated for their injuries.

A House bill to study domestic violence fatalities in the state continues to make its way through the legislature. Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence Executive Director Mariah Wineski says House Bill 452 creates a multidisciplinary team within the health department to review a victim’s records.

Cut 8 (12) “…future homicides.”

The bill is set to be heard on the House floor today.

Congresswoman Julia Letlow joins House Agriculture Republicans to introduce the Broadband for Rural America Act. Letlow says the funding is part of the USDA’s $7 billion authorized for connectivity programs.

Cut 15 (10)“…the conversation.”

Letlow says a least 350-thousand households in Louisiana do not have high-speed internet.

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter is touting data from the dating website OkCupid shows users who identify as vaccinated are considered “more attractive”. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

_______________________________

A House bill to study domestic violence fatalities in Louisiana continues to make its way through the legislature

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

____________________________

A house-approved bill allowing St. Tammany residents the right to vote on whether they want a casino built outside of Slidell resulted in some chippy testimony in a Senate committee. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

____________________________

Starting today most of the remaining COVID public health restrictions will be lifted.

Governor Edwards says his decision to drop most of the remaining limitations was due to the fact we’ve hit an all-time low in COVID-related hospitalizations, and…

Cut 4 (10)”…their part.”

Only 269 Louisianans are currently hospitalized with COVID, down from the all-time high of 2,069 on January 7^th.

But Edwards says despite our recent success he isn’t canceling the public health emergency declaration. He says we have a lot of work to do and are still seeing new COVID deaths every day.

Cut 5 (10)”…is effective.”

10,548 Louisianans have died of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic last year and 13 new deaths were reported Tuesday.

The mask mandate for educational settings will remain in place through the end of the current semester but will cease for the summer semester. Masks will still be required in health care facilities, prisons, and public transit.

_____________________________

With the number of new weekly vaccinations dropping the state is pulling out all the stops to get more people off the fence. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter had a unique pitch to the unvaccinated…

Cut 6 (10)”…more attractive.”

Dating apps like Tinder and Bumble are even offering special bonuses to users who get vaccinated…

Cut 7 (09)  “…to everyone.”

____________________

A House bill to study domestic violence fatalities in the state continues to make its way through the legislature. Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence Executive Director Mariah Wisneski says House Bill 452 creates a multidisciplinary team within the health department to review a victim’s records.

Cut 8 (12) “…future homicides.”

The review will pinpoint missed opportunities for intervention and potential areas for reform.

Wisneski says Louisiana has one of the highest rates of domestic violence fatalities in the nation and the formation of a review team is overdue.

Cut 9 (09) “…review team.” 

Because the bill involves funding and would be part of the health department’s duties its been through several House committees. Wisneski says the framework of the bill is set up to similar mortality reviews already in place in the health department.

Cut 10 (09) “…information.”

Wisneski says so far the bill has received bipartisan support and she’s hopeful it will eventually reach the governor’s desk.

___________________________________

Senate Judiciary B advances House-approved legislation giving St. Tammany residents the right to vote on whether they want a casino to be built on the water outside of Slidell.

Slidell resident Camille Thompson spoke against the bill. She says it’s not fair that people in the Parish outside of Slidell get to vote on this.

Cut 11 (10) “….about that.”

The proposal would relocate a license currently held by DiamondJacks in Bossier City to St. Tammany Parish.

And another opponent, Lisa Clayton of Pearl River, questioned the integrity of Chairman Gary Smith, saying his wife’s connection to the gaming industry is suspect…

Cut 12 (11) “…impartiality.”

But Smith countered that his wife’s career is separate from his and they handle their business professionally.

Cut 13 (10) “…on that.”

The legislation heads to Senate Finance where an identical bill by Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt has been stuck for weeks. Reportedly the bill is having trouble finding the votes needed to pass.

______________________________

Congresswoman Julia Letlow joins House Agriculture Republicans to introduce the Broadband for Rural America Act. It is one of several infrastructure proposals to help to bridge the digital divide for communities.

Cut 14 (11) “…to connect.”

Letlow says a least 350-thousand households in Louisiana do not have high-speed internet as defined by the FCC. Letlow says that’s roughly the population of Shreveport, Bossier, Monroe, and Alexandria combined.

Letlow says the funding is part of the USDA’s $7 billion authorized for connectivity programs.

Cut 15 (10)“…the conversation.”

The majority of households lacking broadband in the state are located in the state’s Fifth Congressional District that Letlow represents.

Cut 16 (09) “…as soon as possible.”

Letlow campaigned on bringing broadband connectivity to rural Louisiana.

___________________________________

The Ragin Cajuns baseball team is ready for the Sun Belt tournament.  The tournament’s format is different, as the 12 conference teams are in four pools or divisions, with three teams each.  The team with the best record in that pool after two games will advance to the semi-finals. Coach Matt Deggs on the round-robin format.

Cut 17 (20) “…might not matter.”

The Cajuns take on Texas State tonight and Appalachian State on Friday in Montgomery, Alabama.  If each team in a pool is 1-1 after two games, the team with the highest seed advances.  U-L Lafayette has the highest seed in its pool, which gives them the tie-breaker.  Deggs says seeding is important in this format.

Cut  18 (14)”…higher seed.”

_____________________________________________

The Conference USA Baseball Tournament starts today at J-C Love Field at Pat Patterson Park in Ruston. Louisiana Tech will face UTSA at 4 PM. Bulldogs Coach Lane Burroughs says winning today is a must

Cut 19 (18) “…pitch much.” 

Burroughs says hosting the tournament will help them this week, it will also benefit the program down the road as players from around the league will get to see their new park

Cut 20 (19)  “…long way.”