It’s National Hurricane Preparedness Week and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness wants you to be ready.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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At the state capitol, the House is expected to vote today on a bill on whether to hold a Constitutional Convention later this month. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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A meeting was held Monday on the remedial process of how the state’s congressional map will be drawn. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Its National Hurricane Preparedness Week, and GOHSEP Director Jacques Thibeadeaux  wants to make sure you are ready for an active hurricane season. Here are a few things you can do to make sure you are prepared.

Cut 4 (08) “…Senior citizens.”

Thibeadeaux suggest having an emergency fund ready and not wait to start saving up.

Cut 5 (07) “…for that.” 

Thibeadeaux says now is a good time to make sure you know where to evacuate and what you’ll need…

Cut 6 (11) “…storm may be.”

Colorado State University conducts long-range forecasts and they anticipate a very active 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, with the possibility of 23 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and 5 of those likely becoming Major Hurricanes.

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The Louisiana House is scheduled to vote today on whether to hold a Constitutional Convention later this month. Revising the constitution is one of Governor Jeff Landry’s priorities, but political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it will need a two-thirds majority to pass.

Cut 7 (11) “…thin majority.”

The full House was scheduled to vote on the bill last week but it was pushed to today.

Pinsonat says for more assurance that the convention will receive passage in the House, the Republicans will need to reach across the aisle.

Cut 8 (07) “…(x2) of Democrats.” 

The bill was amended to protect the homestead exemption, the K-12 funding formula, and that a third party cannot fund the convention. Pinsonat says those were big concerns and while that might be what it takes to garner enough votes for passage…

Cut 9 (08)  “…be removed.”

Landry says his motivation to hold a constitutional convention is to give lawmakers more flexibility with the budget so, when there’s less money to allocate most of the cuts won’t fall on healthcare and education.

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Today, Louisiana observes National Fentanyl Awareness Day. 210 people die every day from Fentanyl overdoses and Kandyce Cowart with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana says everyone needs to be aware of how dangerous the drug is. She equates it to a jetliner crashing every day…

Cut 10 (10) “…talking about.”

Fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine and it has been showing up in drugs like marijuana and cocaine with deadly consequences for users who are often unaware of its presence. Cowart believes education and awareness are vital in combating the problem.

Cut 11 (08) “…word out.”

In a prescribed healthcare setting Fentanyl provides relief from severe pain, but illegal and improper use can be fatal.

Blue Cross is holding community forums at some area churches to help people learn about the dangers of Fentanyl. Cowart says the problem in Louisiana is compounded by our location…

Cut 12 (10) “…the country.” 

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It’s going to be a scorcher this week with temperatures in the 90s and heat indexes reaching triple digits in Louisiana. Climatologist Barry Keim says that compared to previous years, this heat wave is early, he says it’s usually around May 12^th through the 14^th when the mercury hits the 90s.

Cut 13 (10)  “…the state.”

And the heat wave is bringing very high humidity levels along with it. Keim says we’re likely to feel heat indexes into the triple digits.

Cut 14 (12)  “…very nice.”

Keim says it’s usually the first heat wave of the year when individuals experience heat-related illnesses and end up in the emergency room.

Cut 15 (12)  “…the population.”

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Cut 16 (15)  “..from us.”

Cut 17 (17) “…we’re doing that”

Cut 18 (20)  “… we’re in the fight.”

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Cut 19 (14) “…do things.” 

Cut 20 (19) “….we practice.”

A meeting was held in Shreveport, Monday discussed options on how to proceed with choosing the state’s congressional map. Attorney General Liz Murrill released a statement that the Secretary of State has issued a May 15^th deadline for a map to be in place for the fall election. In the statement she said the panel is inclined to move the deadline that she says will quote “create more chaos” for the state’s congressional election. Murrill wants the current map that was passed by lawmakers to remain in place.

Jared Evans, an attorney with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, who defended the overturned map says the judges don’t believe a new map can be in place by next Wednesday.

Murrill said the US Supreme Court is expected to review the case this week.

A three-judge panel issued a decision last week that Louisiana’s congressional map creating a second majority-black district was unconstitutional because of racial gerrymander. They sided in a two to one vote with the plaintiffs who sued, leaving Louisiana as the only state in the country without a congressional map.

A statewide poll conducted for the Times-Picayune and the Advocate finds only 21-percent of voters approve of how Governor Jeff Landry is handling the state’s insurance crisis. UL-M political science professor Pearson Cross says the low the percentage could be that voters lack understanding of the insurance reform legislation that’s lawmakers are debating…

Cut 4 (11) “..for them.” 

The Louisiana House is scheduled to vote Tuesday on whether to hold a Constitutional Convention later this month. Revising the constitution is one of Governor Jeff Landry’s priorities, but political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it will need a two-thirds majority to pass.

Cut 7 (11) “…thin majority.”

The full House was scheduled to vote on the bill last week, but it was pushed to Tuesday.

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 statewide poll conducted for the Times-Picayune and the Advocate finds only 21-percent of voters approve of how Governor Landry’s handling the state’s insurance crisis. UL-M political science professor Pearson Cross says the low the percentage could be that voters lack understanding of the insurance reform legislation that’s lawmakers are debating…

Cut 4 (11) “..for them.” 

On the subject of gun control, 63-percent are in favor of requiring a permit to conceal carry.

Baton Rouge Police Corporal Jason Lee has no idea when he pulled extra duty Saturday it would include delivering a baby. Lt. L’Jean McNeely with BRPD says it’s very fortunate that Lee was at the right place at the right time, and while it wasn’t Lee’s first time observing the miracle of birth.

Cut 8 (09) “…his first time.” 

Mom and baby Noah are reportedly doing well.

Waiting for the governor’s signature is a bill to allow property insurance companies to drop customers if they’ve been a policyholder for three or more years. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says by reducing regulations on insurance providers, it will result in more companies writing homeowners policies. But Ben Riggs, executive director of Real Reform Louisiana, says repealing the three-year rule will not spur on more competition among private insurance carriers…
Cut 12 (09) “…less available”

Temple says ending the three-year rule is just one of several reform measures that will help bring more insurance companies to Louisiana
Cut 13 (08) “…to Louisiana.”
New Orleans Representative Matthew Williard is also concerned the legislation will result in more homeowners being forced to use Citizens Insurance.

The legislation only gives insurers the ability to cancel up to five percent of its total policyholders in Louisiana and no more than five-percent in a single parish.

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.” 

Corporal Jason Lee with the Baton Rouge Police took on extra, extra duty Saturday, he delivered a healthy baby boy. Lt. L’ Jean McNeely says Lee was flagged down by the woman whose daughter was going into labor. Immediately after baby Noah was born, McNeely says Lee noticed he was having difficulty breathing.

Cut 7 (12) “…is history.”  

Mom and baby are reportedly doing well.

The Louisiana House’s proposed budget cut $24-million from the $87 million Governor Landry earmarked for Early Childhood Education. Colleen Crain has more…

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A meeting will be held today in Shreveport to decide how to finalize the state’s congressional map after the most recent one was dismissed by a three-judge federal panel. After three years of back and forth, NAACP Legal Defense Fund attorney Jared Evans is disappointed with last week’s ruling…
Cut 24 (11) “…Black districts.”
There’s a good chance the U-S Supreme Court will have to get involved.

The Senate Finance Committee will soon begin to discuss the House Approved budget. The House’s spending plan proposes to spend 24 million dollars less on early childhood education. Executive director of the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, Libbie Sonnier, says the reduction could be detrimental.
cut 7 (08) “….dire”

The Louisiana Senate could give final legislative approval today to a bill requiring high schoolers to pass a computer science course to graduate. New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes says the requirement takes effect for the 2027-28 school year
Cut 14 (08) “…this bill.”
Hughes says the legislation would also require the passage of a computer science course to be eligible for TOPS.

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 the woman whose daughter was going into labor.

Cut 6  (10) “…the baby.” 

Mom and baby Noah are reportedly doing well, and Lee has been to visit them at the hospital. Talk about protect and SERVE.

A meeting will be held today in Shreveport to decide how to finalize the state’s congressional map after the most recent one was thrown out in court. NAACP Legal Defense Fund attorney Jared Evans says he and other interested parties will attend the meeting and begin what’s called the remedial process.

Cut 5 (09) “…congressional map.” 

Evans says the court only ruled on the configuration of the map, not that Louisiana shouldn’t have a second majority Black district.

$24 million was cut from the state budget in the House that would go towards early childhood education. Executive Director of the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, Libbie Sonnier says the program is vital towards helping students read at grade level.

Cut 8 (10) “…even worse.” 

It’s possible the Senate could restore funding.

A property insurance reform bill waiting for the governor’s signature would end the three-year rule. Louisiana is the only state that prohibits an insurer from dropping a customer that’s been a policyholder for more than three years. House Insurance Chairman Gabe Firment says the legislation allows insurance companies to manage their risks better.

Cut 10 (11) “…everybody else.”

But New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard is concerned that removing this consumer protection policy will result in more homeowners relying on Citizens Insurance, which is 10-percent more expensive than the private market.

Cut 11 (11) “…(x2) riskiest policies.”

Ending the three-year rule is one of several insurance reform bills in this session.

A status conference takes place today on what happens now after a three-judge panel rejected the Congressional map approved by state lawmakers earlier this year. NAACP legal defense fund attorney Jared Evans says there are several options on the table, including a special master being appointed to draw a new map…
cut 6 (11) “….a map”
The Secretary of State’s Office says it has a May 15th deadline for a new map to be used for this fall’s congressional elections.

The LSU baseball team missed out sweeping the top ranked Texas A-and-M Aggies as they lost yesterday 14 to 4. Coach Jay Johnson says they held down a powerful Aggies team as long as they could…
cut 16 (15) “…from us”
LSU is now 9-15 in the SEC.
Waiting for the governor’s signature is a bill that would allow property insurance companies to drop customers if they’ve been a policyholder for three or more years. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says by reducing regulations on insurance providers, it will result in more companies writing homeowners policies. But Ben Riggs, executive director of Real Reform Louisiana, says repealing the three year rule will not spur on more competition among private insurance carriers…
Cut 12 (09) “…less available”
Temple says ending the three-year rule is just one of several reform measures that will help bring more insurance companies to Louisiana
Cut 13 (08) “…to Louisiana.”
The legislation only gives insurers the ability to cancel up to five percent of its total policyholders in Louisiana and no more than five-percent in a single parish.