A Federal three-judge panel told Louisiana Lawmakers they have until June 3^rd to create a new congressional map, or the panel will create one. But multiple attempts to draw maps have all been rejected by federal judges in different districts. Senate President Cameron Henry says it’s all part of the legal process…

Cut 5 (12)  “…outcome is.” 

A bill moving along at the state capitol would end the requirement that employers have to give minors a 20-minute meal break if they’ve worked five consecutive hours. Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder says hard working teenagers would rather make money than take a break…

cut 11 (09) “…of pay”
The bill is heading to the Senate floor for final legislative passage.

A bill to make holding a cellphone while driving a crime failed to pass in the House with a 21-72. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (28)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

The Violence Policy Center says in 2022, Louisiana ranked second in the country for gun deaths. Kristen Rand with VPC says while the number of firearm homicides decreased by six percent from 2021 to 2022, the number of gun-related suicide attempts increased by almost three percent across the country in 2022.

Cut 15 (06)  “…suicide rates”

A panel of 3 federal judges has given the state a June 3^rd deadline to draw a new congressional map. While the legislature is in session Senate President Cameron Henry says it’s impossible for to even file a bill for a new map because the deadline has already passed. He says it’s time to let State Attorney General Liz Murrill handle the congressional map with an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Cut 4 (08) “…this time.” 

The NAACP has also filed an appeal for the U.S. Supreme Court to settle the congressional map for the fall election.

Senator Patrick McMath’s bill to make using a handheld cellphone while driving in Louisiana a criminal offense passed overwhelmingly in the Senate, but his yearly attempt failed in the House overwhelming by a 21-72 vote. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick questions what else would be considered a crime in McMath’s bill.

Cut 9 (11) “…still out there, yes.” 

Legislation is moving closer to final passage to end the requirement for employers to give minor workers at least a 20-minute meal break if they work five or more hours. Denham Springs Republican Representative Roger Wilder says kids in school go for a long period of time, especially if they are involved in extracurricular activities…

Cut 12 (12) “…in a school.” 

The bill heads to the full Senate for final passage.

A federal 3 judge panel is giving the Louisiana Legislature until June 3^rd to draw yet another congressional map or have the court provide interim boundaries for the November 5^th election. The last map, drawn in January, was ruled unconstitutional because of impermissible racial gerrymander. This time the judges did not say this map would require a 2^nd majority minority district.  It’s not clear whether Lawmakers have a legislative instrument that would allow for a new map during this session, as it appears the deadline to introduce new bills for this session has passed.

The Louisiana House has voted down a bill that would have prohibited a person from concealing a handgun if they were within 100-feet of a parade. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick voted against the measure. McCormick says this bill will only affect law abiding citizens…

Cut 6  (10) “…lower crime.” 

One of the bills Governor Landry signed into law this morning phases out the three-year rule for Insurance Companies. Louisiana is the only state that prohibits an insurer from dropping a policyholder that’s been a customer for three or more years. But Pollock Representative Gabe Firment gives the insurers the ability to drop some of their older policyholders…

Cut 11 (11) ” ..in Louisiana.”

Luke Letlow, who was elected to Congress in 2020, but died from Covid before he could be seated is being honored by the U.S. House with the naming of his hometown post office. His widow and 5th district U.S.  Representative Julia Letlow spoke on the House floor.

Cut 3 (07) “..his story.” 

Letlow worked in the Jindal administration as his congressional district director and then as former Congressman Ralph Abraham’s chief of staff.

A federal 3 judge panel is giving the Louisiana Legislature until June 3^rd to draw yet another congressional map or have the court provide interim boundaries for the November 5^th election. The last map, drawn in January, was ruled unconstitutional because of impermissible racial gerrymander. This time the judges did not say this map would require a 2^nd majority minority district.  It’s not clear whether Lawmakers have a legislative instrument that would allow for a new map during this session, as it appears the deadline to introduce new bills for this session has passed.

McCormick says this bill will only affect law abiding citizens…

Beginning July 4^th, adults will no longer need a permit to conceal carry in Louisiana. The Louisiana House has voted down a bill that would have prohibited a person from concealing a handgun if they were within 100-feet of a parade. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick voted against the measure.

Cut 9 (09) “…laws anyhow.” 

Governor Jeff Landry has signed four property insurance reform bills. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The U S House is honoring the late Luke Letlow, who was elected to Congress in 2020, but died from Covid before he could be seated They are naming of his hometown post office after him. His widow and 5th district U.S.

Cut 5 (09)  “…post offices.” 

The legislation is expected to pass and the post office in Rayville on Benedette Street will be named the “Luke Letlow Post Office Building.”

Beginning July 4th, Louisiana adults will no longer need a permit to conceal carry in Louisiana. Concerned about multiple people possessing guns near Mardi Grad parades, New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry authored the legislation that would have prohibited a person from concealing a handgun if they were within 100-feet of a parade.

Cut 7 (09) “…outside bar-b-que.”  

Landry’s bill failed 58-38 in the House.

Governor Landry signed 4 bills this morning that supporters say will bring more property insurers into the state but the consumer advocacy group, Real Reform Louisiana, calls this is an anti-consumer legislative package that will only result in rate increases and coverage decreases for Louisianians. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says these news laws will create a more competitive and stable insurance marketplace…

Cut 12 (15) “…other states” 

Congress is honoring the late Luke Letlow by naming a post office near his hometown after him. Sean Richardson has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Sean Richardson”

Heat indexes are predicted to reach triple digits in Louisiana this week. Climatologist Barry Keim says that compared to previous years, this week’s heat wave is early and it’s bringing very high humidity levels along with it.

Department of Children and Family Services is working to finalize plans with federal partners to provide summer nutrition for low income Louisiana school age children. The program Sun Bucks provides nutritious meals for the children through the EBT grocery buying program. Beginning in June, each eligible child will receive a singl payment of $120 for the summer. Sun Bucks will automatically be added to most eligible families’ assistance, but some may need to apply.

A statewide poll conducted for the Times Picayune and the Advocate finds Governor Jeff Landry’s approval rating is 56-percent. U-L-M political science professor Pearson Cross says Landry has been busy with two special sessions and a regular session since January and voters have noticed

Cut 3 (11) “..new governor.” 

Landry received nearly 52-percent of the vote when he was elected in October.

Another champion out of Louisiana. The Kentucky Derby winning horse Mystic Dan was ridden by Jockey, Brian Hernandez, a Lafayette native and Mystic Dan is co-owned by Shreveport Native Sharilyn Gasaway and her husband Brent. He won by a nose, edging out Sierra Leone and Forever Young.  Gasaway says his greatest strength is of course his speed but he’s also very calm.

Cut 10 (07) “..150,000 people plus” 

Mystik Dan had a third place finish at the Arkansas Derby in March and won the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes in February.

When Corporal Jason Lee with the Baton Rouge Police took on extra duty Saturday, he never imagined it would include delivering a healthy baby boy. Lt. L’ Jean McNeely says Lee was driving down Greenwell Springs Road when he was flagged down by a woman, whose daughter was in labor. Immediately after baby Noah was born, McNeely says Lee noticed that he was having difficulty breathing.

Cut 7 (12) “…is history.”  

A statewide poll conducted for the Times Picayune and the Advocate finds Governor Jeff Landry’s approval rating is 56-percent. But only 21-percent of the voters approve of how he’s handling the state’s insurance crisis and Only one percent of the respondents said a new constitution should be one of the governor’s top goals. U-L-M political science professor Pearson Cross says Landry is pushing for a constitutional convention to begin on May 20^th.

Cut 5 (10)  “…deal with it” 

Destiny Allen and her brand-new baby, Noah are very fortunate that Corporal Jason Lee of the Baton Rouge Police took extra duty and was at the right place at the right time to deliver her baby boy. Lt. L’ Jean McNeely says Lee was driving down Greenwell Springs Road when he was flagged down by a woman, whose daughter, Destiny was in labor.  While it wasn’t Lee’s first time observing the miracle of birth.

Cut 8 (09) “…his first time.”

Lafayette native Brian Hernandez rode Mystik Dan to a win at the Kentucky Derby. Jeff Palermo reports co-owners of the horse are from Shreveport…

Cut 2 (35)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

It’s not everyday you observe an emu sight seeing but if you were near Prien Lake Rd in Lake Charles Sunday, you just might have. Boudreaux the emu had a little adventure after escaping from his home. But he got a little help from his friends at the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, and made it home safely to his family and his mate Claudette.

A statewide poll finds Governor Jeff Landry’s approval rating at 56-percent after 100 days in office. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Shreveport police had to break into a car to rescue an 8-month-old and a two year old who had been left in a dangerously hot car in a grocery store parking lot on N. Market St.  Police say the children were in the car for half an hour. Jacqueline and Elizabeth Williams were arrested and face charges of child abandonment the Two had gone into a grocery store leaving the children while temperatures climbed. The children were evaluated by medical personnel and are expected to make a full recovery. Louisiana leads the nation in per capita deaths as a result of children left in hot cars.

The winning horse at Saturday’s Kentucky Derby has Louisiana’s fingerprints all over it. Mystik Dan won by a nose, edging out Sierra Leone and Forever Young. Lafayette native Brian Hernandez was the jockey and Shreveport native Sharilyn Gasaway is a co-owner…

Cut 9 (07) “…this horse. 

When Corporal Jason Lee with the Baton Rouge Police took on extra duty Saturday, he never imagined it would include delivering a healthy baby boy. Lt. L’ Jean McNeely says Lee was driving down Greenwell Springs Road when he was flagged down by a woman, whose daughter, Destiny Allen was in labor.

Cut 6  (10) “…the baby.” 

Mom, Destiny Allen, and baby Noah are doing well, and Lee has visited them at the hospital several times. Lee will be recognized for his stork duties at the BRPD’s annual awards ceremony.

A murder suspect was arrested in Natchitoches Parish after he called authorities seeking assistance for a flat tire. Chief of operations for the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jimmy Travis, says 25-year-old Jerome Wilson of Hammond was wanted in the stabbing death of 31-year-old Carol Allen of New Orleans.

Cut 12 (10) “…roadside assistance” 

Travis says Wilson’s motive was likely robbery.

A former Pearl River High School Teacher has been arrested for inappropriate contact with students. 30-year-old Arianna Kadinger is facing 4 felony prohibited sexual conduct between educator and student and 4 misdemeanor charges. St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office says they received a tip in early April and their investigation revealed text messages to two students containing inappropriate language and photographs.

The legendary rock band, The Rolling Stones, had a memorable performance at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival on Thursday.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The budget passed in the House last week, cut $24 million from early childhood education. President of the Council for a Better Louisiana, Barry Erwin says it sends a bad message and it’s discouraging.

Cut 3 (13) “…a difference.” 

Low bicycle tire and a call for roadside assistance in Natchitoches Parish led to the arrest of a Hammond man when authorities realized 25-year-old Jerome Wilson was wanted in the stabbing death of 31-year-old Carol Allen of New Orleans.  Jimmy Travis with the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office says the two met through an escort service and Wilson has a history of armed robbery against a female.

Cut 14 (12) “…offense.” 

Travis says Wilson’s motive was likely robbery.

Louisiana Tech raised $1.96 million on Giving Day this year. The fundraiser was held on April 18^th and LA Tech President Jim Henderson says they received donations from over 800 different donors, like students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, corporate partners, and community members.

Cut 6  (10) “…they live.” 

When it comes to education, the Council for a Better Louisiana isn’t pleased with the budget cuts proposed by the House. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Rolling Stones long awaited appearance at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is getting fantastic reviews. 40-thousand were on hand to see the British Rockers perform a two-hour, 18-song set list. President of New Orleans and Company Walt Leger says you would never guess frontman Mick Jagger is 80 years old.

Cut 9 (08) “..amazing show”