A Wildlife and Fisheries agent rescues nine from a capsized boat this weekend and saves the life of a young girl…David Grubb has the story…:

CUT 02(36)      “…David Grubb.”

Three people were seriously injured this morning in a chemical plant explosion in Cotton Valley. Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker says it happened at Aeropres Corporation. The men hurt were airlifted to the burn center in Shreveport.

One of Louisiana’s strongest pro-life lobbies comes out AGAINST a bill that would make having or performing an abortion punishable with prison time. Caddo Parish Representative Danny McCormick’s bill would define a procedure to terminate a pregnancy as murder. Louisiana Family Forum president Gene Mills says it’s un-needed, because the state already has a trigger bill that will render abortions illegal, should the Supreme Court overturn Roe versus Wade…:

CUT 12(10)      “…Dobbs opinion.”

Last week’s leaked Justice Alito opinion draft references the case of Dobbs versus Jackson Women’s Health, of Jackson Mississippi, and indicates a majority of justices support upholding it and returning control of abortion law to the states. McCormick’s bill goes to the House floor this week.

The state panel that figures out how much money the state has, will have and will need has upped the fiscal outlook for the current year by $350-million. Chief legislative Economist Deborah Vivien says it’s due to better-than-expected tax collections.

You may be surprised to know that corporal punishment – paddling – of school kids is still allowed by law in Louisiana. A bill to end that met a narrow defeat on the House floor. Among those opposed was Caddo Parish Rep. Danny McCormick, who says spanking kids is a parental right…:

CUT 06(08)      “…the bill.”

The bill received 51 “yes” votes but it needs 53 votes to pass the House. It can come up for a vote again in the House. A similar measure failed in the House last year.

Thinking about bringing Mom breakfast in bed this Mother’s Day? Data from the American Academy of Neurology suggests a better gift may be letting her sleep in. United Healthcare-Louisiana Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kevin Stephens, says women sleep less as they get older and another hour or two under the covers can make a world of difference…:

CUT 11(11)      “…absolutely necessary.”

Entergy says it will create its expanded customer service call center in West Monroe. The company will build out existing commercial property to accommodate 170 new customer care representatives. Entergy spokesperson Yovanka Daniel says the additional employees will help Entergy provide faster and better customer service, and will be most helpful during disasters, as the company plays a key role in emergency response and recovery. Daniel says people seeking a good entry-level position should take note…:

CUT 13(08)      “…end of the summer.”

Apply online at “entergy-louisiana.com”

Deputies in St. Bernard have found the second of three children who were swept away while wading in the Mississippi River in New Orleans nearly two weeks ago. Relatives identified the remains as 14-year-old Brandy Wilson. Her 15-year-old brother’s body was found Monday. An 8-year-old sister is still missing and presumed drowned.

A bill to ban corporal punishment in public schools fails to pass in the Louisiana House by two votes. Michelle Southern has the story…:

Cut 01  (30)      “…Michelle Southern.”

Traffic on I-49 in Desoto Parish ground to a halt today, as an alligator blocked the roadway. DeSoto Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Dunn says the reptile was about 10 feet long. He grappled with the gator, picked it up with his bare hands and carried it to safety. The DPSO Facebook page has a hilarious description of the incident.

A man accused of abducting & raping a Southeastern Louisiana University student was arrested within just a few hours of the crime. SLU campus Police Chief Mike Beckner says it happened Thursday morning, right after the victim parked her car…:

CUT 04(06)      “…at gunpoint.”

Beckner says they got a good description from the victim, and had surveillance cam video of 19-year-old Demetris Harris – of Jackson, Mississippi. He was arrested before noon Thursday and is in custody.

Entergy says it will create its expanded customer service call center in West Monroe. The company will build out existing commercial property to accommodate 170 new customer care representatives. Entergy spokesperson Yovanka Daniel says the announcement is good news for the regional economy…:

CUT 12(10)      “…seamless and positive.”

Daniel says hiring for the expanded customer call center will begin soon. To apply go online to “entergy-louisiana.com.”

Campus police at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond were able to arrest a suspected on-campus rapist within four hours of his crime. SLU Police Chief Michael Beckner says 19-year-old Demetris Harris – from Jackson, Mississippi – was trolling the campus for a while before abducting a female student at gunpoint, from a parking lot in a remote part of the campus…:

CUT 03(08)      “…a random attack.”

The attack happened Thursday at around 8 am. Beckner says the witness’s description, coupled with good surveillance video of Harris in his SUV, led to his arrest before noon.

A bill to ban spanking kids in public schools failed on the House floor by only TWO votes. It needed 53 “yea” votes to pass and got only 51. Among those objecting was Desoto Parish Rep. Larry Bagley, who says schools should decide that policy, not lawmakers..:

CUT 08(11)      “…the wrong signals.”

The bill COULD be brought up for a second vote.

Shreveport Police seek a driver who hit a 12-year-old girl as she was getting off her school bus Thursday, then drove away. Cops say he stopped, got out of his silver SUV, then got back in and ran. A camera caught a good image of the man and they are asking that he turn himself in.

Thinking about bringing Mom breakfast in bed this Mother’s Day? A new study suggests it might be better to skip the scrambled eggs and instead, let Mom sleep in. David Grubb has more…:

CUT 02(35)      “…David Grubb.”

At the Capitol, a bill to ban physically punishing kids in public schools failed to pass the House by only two votes. During debate, Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says he supports the bill because a principal in Rapides Parish faces charges for a spanking that allegedly got out of hand…:

CUT 07(09)      “…state now.”

Opponents say it should be up to school districts to decide; not the state. The bill got 51 “yea” votes, but needed 53 to pass. Under House rules it can be brought up again for another vote before the session adjourns.

Something new for parents to worry about; illegal drugs that look like Flintstone vitamins. Police in Jeanerette says that’s what they found during their recent “Operation Take Back” drug sting; ecstasy tablets that could easily pass for kid’ vitamins – especially to your kid. Officers also seized nine guns, crack cocaine, meth, weed and drug paraphernalia.

Southeastern Louisiana University campus police arrested a 19-year-old from Jackson, Mississippi, who allegedly abducted and raped a student at gunpoint Thursday morning. SLU Police Chief Michael Beckner says Demetris Harris was trolling campus before he abducted his victim from a parking lot on the edge of campus. He says the victim’s description plus good surveillance video of Harris’s car led to an arrest within four hours..:

CUT 05(06)      “…apartment complex.”

What does Mom want for Mother’s day? Well, a new medical study suggest it may be some extra sleep. United Healthcare-Louisiana CMO Dr. Kevin Stephens, says maturing women sleep less every year and that can affect their physical health. He says letting Mom sleep in can actually help her quite a lot…:

CUT 10(11)      “…and your appetite.”

So let Mom sleep as late as she wants Sunday, then make breakfast.

A sheriff’s deputy seriously wounded during a rampage on law enforcement officers in Baton Rouge in 2016 has passed away at the age of 47. Jeff Palermo has more…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

At the Capitol, a bill that would stiffen penalties for carjackers who seriously injure their victims moves out a House committee and towards a vote of the full chamber. The bill would impose no less than ten years in prison, with no parole or sentence suspension. A 73-year-old new Orleans woman was dragged to death when teens carjacked her in March.

Campus Police at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond say they’ve made an arrest in this morning’s abduction and sexual attack on a female SLU student. The girl was abducted at gunpoint, assaulted and then released. SLU Police say a suspect is now in custody, but haven’t released his name.

Governor John Bel Edwards received his second COVID booster shot last night, making that four shots total. The state health department reported over 500 new cases today, but hospitalizations remain low at 62. LDH also reports four more COVID-related deaths. Edwards says the state has recorded over 17-thousand COVID fatalities…:

CUT 13(07)      “…had none.”

The CDC says if you are 50 or older, get your next booster, if your last one was at least 4 months ago.

You’ve probably noticed that gasoline prices – after dipping down for a few weeks – are rising again. The statewide average price of regular gas is now $3.91. What’s behind the latest spike? Louisiana AAA’s Don Redman says OPEC being stingey, the Ukraine War and other domestic factors like reduced demand. He says relief is NOT in sight…:

CUT 05  (11)        “…any time soon.”

Governor John Bel Edwards received his second COVID booster shot last night, which was his fourth COVID vaccine shot overall. Edwards is encouraging Louisiana residents to be up to date on their shots…:

Cut 12  (14)      “…wanes faster.”

The CDC says if you’re 50 or older, get a second COVID-19 booster IF the first booster was at least four months ago.

Corporal Nick Tullier, the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Deputy shot multiple times in an ambush targeting law officers in July 2016, has died at the age of 47. EBR Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says he’s heartbroken over the passing of a true hero..:

CUT 06(10)      “…place now.”

Three LEOs were killed that day, Tullier and two others were wounded, but his injuries were the most severe. After being given hours to live, he fought on for nearly six years.

State Fire Marshal Butch Browning is retiring, after 14 years in that job. He is the state’s longest-serving fire marshal. Browning is credited with starting an Urban Search and Rescue program involving firefighters from around the state that are deployed when a disaster strikes…:

CUT 11(10)      “…a problem.”

Browning will take a job heading the National Association of State Fire Marshals.

A Baton Rouge sheriff’s deputy, who was severely injured in a 2016 ambush shooting that killed three cops and injured three more, has passed away. 47-year-old Deputy Nick Tullier was shot three times by gunman Gavin Long, who was in turn shot and killed by LEOs. East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says Tullier beat all odds in surviving the shooting. He says doctors initially only gave him hours to live…:

CUT 08  (11)        “…the strength.”

A New Orleans woman is behind bars; accused of the beating death of her 2-year-old son. NOPD says little Gaylan Ferrand was brought to a hospital a week ago with serious injuries, but died a short time later. The coroner ruled it a homicide from multiple blunt force injuries. 25-year-old Dianne Ferrand was taken into custody this morning for 2^nd degree murder.

Butch Browning is retiring as the state’s fire marshal, and will become the new executive director of the National Association of State Fire Marshals. Michelle Southern has more…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Michelle Southern.”

Campus Police at Southeastern University in Hammond say a female student was abducted at gunpoint on campus this morning. The victim says she was taken to a nearby area and sexually assaulted, then let go. Officers are seeking a Black male, about 5’7” with knotted or plaited hair – driving a white Suburban.

A Baton Rouge sheriff’s deputy that was seriously wounded during an ambush on cops in 2016 has died. Jeff Palermo has that…:

CUT 01(33)          “…Jeff Palermo.”

Tullier was 47 years old.

A tornado watch is in effect for parishes in northwestern Louisiana until 6 tonight. A system of strong showers and thunderstorms is moving across the ArkLaTex, with the possibility of spawning twisters. Stay alert to local radio for updates or possible warnings. Again, the tornado watch expires at 6.

New Iberia Police arrest a woman, after she admitted to being high on drugs when she left her 3-year-old child – alone and barefoot – at a public park. Cops found the toddler and took it into their care. The mom, Fredricka Hughes, was found six hours later. Both her kids are now in state custody.

After going down for a few weeks, gasoline prices are rising again. The statewide average for regular gas is $3.91. Louisiana AAA fuel expert Don Redman says reduced demand for fuel – as we all adjust to paying more – is a big part of the surge. He says we should get used to this … probably through summer…:

CUT 04  (09)        “…will shake out.”

Imagine sleeping in your bed and suddenly being awakened by an intruder in your home, slashing at you with a knife. Donaldsonville resident Elizabeth Street is recovering from multiple cuts, after fighting off her attacker, Peggy Valentine – a women she knew. Valentine is charged with attempted murder and home invasion.

A bill to prohibit transgender athletes from participating in girls’ sports in Louisiana cleared another legislative hurdle. In support of the proposal, the panel heard from retired women’s soccer player Anne Metz, who said her career ended when she was blindsided during a game by a biological male competing as a woman…:

Cut 11  (11)      “…my head.”

The bill now goes to the House floor for final passage. The same bill was passed last year, but vetoed by the Governor. A veto override attempt failed.

A bill banning use of a handheld cellphone while driving failed to pass the full House. Bill sponsor Mike Huval, of Breaux Bridge, had this exchange with Amite Rep. Robby Carter, who was concerned not everyone has or can afford hands-free tech…:

CUT 03(11)      “…not use your hands”

The bill got more “yeas” than “nays”, but fell shy of the 53 votes needed to pass.

A House committee approves a bill that would allow law enforcement to charge a mother who has an abortion with murder and also charge those who assist with terminating a pregnancy. Jeff Palermo has more…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

The House Committee on Criminal Justice also approved a bill creating the crime of theft of a vehicle’s catalytic converter or engine control module. Another bill moved forward increases the criminal penalties for committing a carjacking. Both those crimes are happening with alarming frequency. The same committee rejected a bill that would have allowed earlier parole for certain inmates who meet criteria for good behavior and time served. That bill appears dead for the session.