The Louisiana Conservative Caucus is calling for the Louisiana Legislature to override more of the Governor’s vetoes. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

A bill Governor Edwards did NOT veto places a hard limit on how long a juvenile offender can be held in solitary confinement. The Governor signed the bill into law this week. Meanwhile the state’s Office of Juvenile Justice continues dealing with security issues at its facilities.

Today marks 50 years since the signing of Title IX, which expanded athletic opportunities for females. Minden native Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes is a former UNO basketball standout, former athletic director at Dillard University and is now commissioner of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference. She says Title IX has brought about progress, but political and educational leaders have to maintain a commitment to equality…:

CUT 07(12)      “…in general deserve.”

Observing National Hydration Day…Dr. Shantel Hebert-Magee, with the state Department of Health, says drinking enough water daily to stay hydrated regulates your body temp and helps with electrolytes…:

CUT 13(09)      “…heart disease issues.”

Sher says in this harsh summer heat, hydrating is more important than ever.

An attorney for nursing home operator Bob Dean responds to the criminal charges his client is now facing as a result of last year’s botched hurricane evacuation plan. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

Residents in Carencro were alarmed to find their tap water coming out a purplish color. City officials say a faulty valve cause a bit too much of a treatment chemical to get into the water, but it IS non-toxic and safe to consume. The water supply is being drained and refilled with clear water today.

The Louisiana Conservative Caucus, which is 42 members in the state House, is pushing for a veto override session, after Governor Edwards vetoed 22 bills from the 2022 regular session. Caucus Chairman and Winnfield Representative Jack McFarland says fellow conservatives want to override the governor’s vetoes on criminal justice reform bills and legislation that provided state-funded education options for certain students…among others…:

CUT 11(11)      “…supported individually.”

The ballots – to vote NOT to have an override session – go out July 1^st.

It’s National Hydration Day. Louisiana Department of Health’s Regional Medical Director for the Greater New Orleans area, Doctor Shantel Hebert-Magee, says drinking eight to ten glasses of water daily can do wonders for the human body…:

CUT 12(08)      “…joint mobility.”

You’ll need to stay hydrated a temperatures rise to around 100 degrees over the next few days.

Attorney General Jeff Landry’s office says they have arrested the owner of seven Louisiana nursing homes, who evacuated hundreds of residents to a Tangipahoa Parish warehouse for Hurricane Ida. Over a dozen people died due to the unfit conditions there. Bob Dean Jr. is not charged with 8 felony counts of cruelty to the infirm, 5 counts of Medicaid fraud and 2 counts of obstruction of justice. Additional charges may be coming.

Governor Edwards has signed a bill inspired by that nursing home tragedy. It requires all nursing homes to submit their disaster preparedness plans with the state Department of Health for approval every year. Bill author Representative Rick Edmonds, of Baton Rouge…:

CUT 12(11)      “…never happen again”

Current state law requires nursing homes to have such plans, but with no mandate for a state authority to review and approve them.

A recent operation by the Central Louisiana Violent Crime Abatement Teams results in over 150 arrests. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

Governor Edwards has signed into law the Crown Act; a measure to prohibit discrimination based upon the way a person wears their hair. New Orleans Representative Candace Newell says too many people are passed over or even fired for their cultural hairstyles, and this law will help with that.

Rent help for those impacted by the pandemic. Louisiana has received over $100-million in federal housing assistance for the over 20-thousand people with overdue rent dating back to April 2020. The state Office of Community Development’s Gina Campo says it’s welcome help for folks on the verge of being evicted. She says there’s also some help for homeowners with trouble paying their mortgage..:

CUT 05(06)      “…is there.”

There’s a website for more information; “laCOVIDhousing.com”

The Baton Rouge businessman who moved over 800 nursing home residents into a makeshift shelter in a warehouse for Hurricane Ida is now facing criminal charges. Over a dozen elderly and infirm persons died as a result of that evacuation plan. Attorney General Jeff Landry’s office says Bob Dean is charged with felony cruelty to the infirmed, Medicaid fraud and obstruction of justice. Dean’s licenses to operate his seven Louisiana nursing homes last fall.

Louisiana Tech University and the Baltimore Ravens are mourning the sudden death of linebacker Jaylon Ferguson. David Grubb has more…:

CUT 02(34)      “…David Grubb.”

The city of Alexandria warns residents not to fall for a scam in which a caller says tells you your power is about to be disconnected unless you submit immediate payment over the phone. They may ask for a credit or ATM card number. Just hang up and report it to the police.

In a collaborative effort over a two-week period, the multi-agency Central Louisiana Violent Crime Abatement Team has made nearly 200 arrests. State Police Master Trooper Casey Wallace says 19 different law enforcement agencies in the central part of the state put their heads together and were able to build a plan to apprehend as many violent offenders as possible…:

CUT 07(11)      “…went out there and did.”

He says they have already seen a decrease in drug overdoses, maybe because they’ve also seized so much meth, fentanyl, ecstasy and other narcotics.

An Airman at Barksdale air Force base has been arrested for allegedly distributing child pornography. Bossier Sheriff’s deputies says images obtained while investigating 23-year-old Matthew Daigle were disturbing. All his digital devices have been seized for the ongoing investigation.

Two Evangeline Parish deputies are under arrest for allegedly bringing drugs and other contraband items into the parish jail. They’re charged with Malfeasance and abuse of Office.

Governor Edwards signs a bill requiring all Louisiana nursing homes to have and submit to the Department of Health an emergency preparedness plan. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds says last year’s debacle with Hurricane Ida evacuations to an unfit facility brought about several deaths, and that’s why he brought the bill. He says nursing homes will have to submit their plans to LDH by March 1^st of every year…:

CUT 14(10)      “…transparency.”

A new development in the Hurricane Ida nursing home story: Bob Dean the Baton Rouge businessman who owns the homes in question and ordered the moving of over 800 residents to that warehouse, has been officially charged with felony cruelty to the infirm, Medicaid fraud and obstruction of justice. Dean’s licenses to operate those nursing homes were revoked months ago. More than a dozen residents of his homes died after that evacuation plan.

Now that the COVID vaccine has been approved for kids 5 and under, Louisiana health care providers are preparing to give out the shots. State health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says 175 providers have ordered tens of thousands of children’s doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. He says for Moderna, it is two shots…and the Pfizer requires 3…:

CUT 04  (07)        “…the other.”

Kanter says call your pediatrican for information, or visit “ldh.la.gov”

As it gets hotter, we’re all reminded to protect our precious pets from heat-related illness and death. Jeff Dorson with the Louisiana Humane society says pets can die in a hot car, or exposed to sun & heat, within a very short time. He says you could even be charged with aggravated cruelty to animals…:

CUT 08  (11)        “…be mindful please.”

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed into law a new “trigger law” that would outlaw abortions in Louisiana should the U.S. Supreme Court overturn “Roe vs Wade”. The legislation does not criminally punish pregnant women, but doctors or others who perform abortion could be sentenced for up to 10 years. Louisiana Right to Life executive director Ben Clapper…:

CUT 12(14)      “…abortions in Louisiana”

Senate Bill 342, by Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson, has exceptions for ectopic pregnancies and health threats to the mother. It will take effect immediately, should Roe by overturned.

A judge at the center of a high-profile custody battle where a woman was ordered to pay her accused rapist child support has temporarily reversed his decision to grant the now-teenage daughter’s father full custody. Judge Jeffrey Cashe, in Tangipahoa Parish, decided Tuesday to revoke John Barnes’ custody. A new custody trial has been scheduled for July 15^th.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon announces policyholders with Lighthouse Excalibur, Maison and Southern Fidelity can be insured by Louisiana Citizens for 60 days after they are cancelled by their current insurance provider. Donelon says failed insurers Lighthouse Excalibur and Maison will cancel their Louisiana policies on June 30th, but these policyholders will have coverage through July and August. He says Citizens can also provide coverage for 60 days for Southern Fidelity policyholders who see their current coverage canceled on July 15th…:

CUT 10(07)      “…or July 15^th.”

Now that the COVID vaccines have been OK’ed for kids 5 and under, State health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says he cannot overstate the importance of getting those shots for your kids…:

CUT 03(12)      “…age of five.”

21 Louisiana kids have died of COVID during the two years of the pandemic.

A Louisiana pro-life group gives a “thumbs up” to Governor Edwards signing into law a new “trigger law” to take effect, should the U.S. Supreme Court overturn “Roe vs Wade”. Ben Clapper is Executive Director of Louisiana Right to Life. He says they are pleased with the new law overall…:

CUT 14(12)      “…more accountable.”

In a written statement, the Governor says he IS pro-life, but would have preferred the bill had exceptions for cases of rape or incest. He says vetoing the bill would not have accomplished that end.

Another bill signed into law by the governor will require all homes sold or leased in Louisiana going forward be equipped with carbon monoxide detectors AND smoke detectors. It also requires any home with a whole house generator installed to be outfitted with a CO detector. The new law takes effect on January 1^st, 2023.

A Louisiana pro-life group gives a “thumbs up” to Governor Edwards signing into law a new “trigger law” to take effect, should the U.S. Supreme Court overturn “Roe vs Wade”. Louisiana Right to Life Executive Director Ben Clapper says this bill has exceptions for medical reasons like ectopic pregnancies and to protect the life and health of the mother…and that’s reasonable…:

CUT 13(12)      “…through abortion.”

In a written statement, the Governor says he IS pro-life, but would have preferred the bill had exceptions for cases of rape or incest. He says vetoing the bill would not have accomplished that end.

Repeating a story from last hour…avoid Interstate 20 West through Bossier City if possible. A cement truck lost part of its load between Diamond Jacks and Benton Road, and DOTD crews are working now to clear that away. Westbound traffic is being routed OFF at Old Minden Road.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon announces policyholders with Lighthouse Excalibur, Maison and Southern Fidelity can be insured by Louisiana Citizens for 60 days after they are cancelled by their current insurance provider. Donelon says failed insurers Lighthouse Excalibur and Maison will cancel its Louisiana policies on June 30th, but these policyholders will have coverage through July and August…:

CUT 09(08)      “…hurricane season.”

Louisiana Citizens can also provide coverage for 60 days for Southern Fidelity policyholders who see their current coverage canceled on July 15th.

A judge at the center of a high-profile custody battle where a woman was ordered to pay her alleged rapist child support has temporarily reversed his decision to grant the now-teenage daughter’s father full custody. Judge Jeffrey Cashe, in Tangipahoa Parish, decided Tuesday to revoke John Barnes’ custody. A new custody trial has been scheduled for July 15^th.

The Louisiana Department of Health and the Academy of Pediatrics are recommending children ages 6 months to five years also be vaccinated against COVID. Brooke Thorington explains…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

Bossier City cops say avoid I-20…at least for a few more hours. The Interstate is closed at this hour due to a concrete truck spilling part of its load. Westbound traffic is being forced off I-20 at Old Minden Road, and being allowed back on at Benton. DOTD is working to clear the highway quickly.

A Louisiana pro-life group gives a “thumbs up” to Governor Edwards signing into law a new “trigger law” to take effect, should the U.S. Supreme Court overturn “Roe vs Wade”. Ben Clapper is Executive Director of Louisiana Right to Life…:

CUT 12(14)      “…abortions in Louisiana.”

The bills signed by the governor contains exceptions allowing abortion for medical causes, like ectopic pregnancies, stillbirth diagnoses and to protect the health of the mother.

With soaring summer heat, the Humane Society of Louisiana reminds us to take steps to keep our pets safe. Spokesman Jeff Dorson says common mistakes are leaving pets in a closed up car, ailing to keep them hydrated and missing signs your pet is in distress. He says tragedy can happen within seconds…:

CUT 07(10)      “…in the heat.”

A St. Tammany faces felony cruelty to animals charges, after leaving his dog tied up to die in the heat last week.

Despite a court order to submit a congressional map with two minority districts the legislature failed to deliver. Brooke Thorington has more…:

Cut 01  (42)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

The statewide average price of regular gas is now at $4.51; down a penny from last week…but still about 28-cents higher than one month ago. Gas cost $2.72 one year ago today.

A member of the House committee that handled redistricting proposals says the map lawmakers passed back in February does not comply with the Voting Rights Act. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis told the Baton Rouge Press Club that because one-sixth of the state’s population is Black, two of its six congressional districts should be majority-minority; not one…:

CUT 14(08)      “…lies a problem.”

State Police say two teens were struck by traffic and killed Sunday night, as they dealt with a broken-down vehicle on Interstate 10. Trooper Derek Senegal says Kyle Vidrine, of Lake Arthur, and Brannon Adams, of Jennings, were standing on the frontage road when they were hit by a Jeep; the driver blinded by oncoming headlights. He says that driver submitted a routine blood tox sample, but…:

CUT 12(05)      “…Jeep Wrangler.”

He says the crash seems to be just a tragic accident.