LRN PM Newscall May 3

The man who fatally shot two people and wounded a Bossier City police officer during a shootout at a gas station off of I-20 is reportedly a suspect in a fatal stabbing that took place in Alabama. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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On a nine to five vote, the House Labor Committee rejects a proposal to raise the minimum wage above the current $7.25 an hour. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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The armed gunman who murdered two people and injured two more including a police officer at a Valero gas station in Bossier City is reportedly connected to a deadly stabbing and shooting in Alabama.  Spokesperson Louis Johnson says he is familiar with the reports but their agency has not released any information.

Cut 3 (08) “….this moment.”

Booking records show 50-year-old Cortrell Burks is also a fugitive from Birmingham, Alabama in Jefferson County where authorities say Burks is suspected of stabbing a woman to death and shooting four other people before the tragic incident in Bossier City. Bossier City Police have not released the names of the suspect or victims. Johnson says the initial call came in as an armed robbery and they received a “shots fired” call.

Cut 4 (07)  “…a clerk.” 

The wounded officer who was shot multiple times is listed in stable condition and the fourth victim is in critical condition.

Cut 5 (12) “…that situation.”

A press conference releasing more details is scheduled for today.

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the Louisiana Department of Health is promoting the use of 988, a 24/7 suicide and crisis call line. Karen Stubbs, Assistant Secretary in the Office of Behavioral Health, says 988 launched in July and they want more people to know help is available and it’s only three digits away.

Cut 6 (10)  “…anniversary.” 

Stubbs says they’ve also launched a dashboard to provide transparency of 988 to include call volume, demographics, and what people are using the line for and it will be updated monthly.

Cut 7 (11)  “…conversation again.” 

In addition to receiving council by calling 988, Stubbs says you can also receive assistance via text and chat. You can find the dashboard and more information at ldh.la.gov/crisis

Cut 8 (10)  “…their families.” 

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A bill that would raise the statewide minimum wage to $10 an hour failed in House Labor Committee on a 9-5 vote. The bill’s author, Alexandria Representative Ed Larvadain (Larva-dane), says citizens making between $7.25 an hour and ten-bucks an hour are struggling to survive and lawmakers must step up.

Cut 9 (09) “….is unacceptable.”

NFIB State Director Dawn McVea says Louisiana small businesses oppose this legislation. 

Cut 10 (13) “…of employees” 

President of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry Jim Patterson says there are very few non-government workers making less than 10-dollars an hour…

Cut 11 (12)  “…not necessary”

The last federal wage increase was in 2009. Thirty out of fifty states has a minimum wage greater than the federal minimum wage. Arkansas raised its minimum wage to eleven dollars an hour this year. Larvadain says the lack of a higher minimum wage is contributing to the state’s outmigration problem.

Cut 12 (06) “…other locations.” 

The minimum wage will continue at 7.25 an hour. During Governor John Bel Edwards two terms in office he’s pushed the Louisiana Legislature to raise the minimum wage, but in his seven-plus years in office, the proposal has been rejected by the Republican controlled Legislature.

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The House Education Committee approves legislation requiring high school students to take a financial literacy class to graduate. Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says he hears from parents who say public school students should be educated on how to handle their finances…

Cut 13 (12) “…going to make.” 

Brumley says the course will provide students with life skills to understand economics…

Cut 14 (09)  “…day-to-day basis”

Brumley says 11th and 12th graders would take the financial literacy course.

Cut 15 (10) “…some replacement”

The bill heads to the House floor for more discussion.

2:30 LRN Newscast May 3

The man who allegedly shot and killed two people and wounded a Bossier City cop during a shootout at an I-20 truck stop in Minden is reportedly also the suspect in a fatal stabbing in Alabama…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Teiko Foxx.”

A Rayville man is under arrest for shooting a teen who was pranking him by ringing the doorbell and running away. Richland Parish deputies say Michael Duckworth chased the group of teens and shot at them; hitting one. He’s charged with 2nd-degree battery and held pending bond. The teen is expected to recover.

 

At the State Capitol, a House committee advances a bill requiring high school kids take a financial literacy class in order to get their diploma. State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley supports the measure. He says the course would be for 11th and 12th graders…:

CUT 15(10)      “…some replacement.”

That bill is scheduled for House floor debate next.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the Louisiana Department of Health is promoting the use of 988, a 24/7 suicide and crisis call line. Karen Stubbs, with the Office of Behavioral Health, says, in addition to receiving council by calling 988, you can also get help via text and live chat. You can find the dashboard and more information at “ldh.la.gov/crisis”…:

CUT 08(10)      “…their families.”

1:30 LRN Newscast May 3

The man who allegedly killed two people and injured two others, in a shootout in Bossier City Tuesday at Valero gas station is in custody. Media reports indicate the suspect is 50-year-old Cortell Burks, who’s also suspected of shooting a woman and injuring four others in Alabama on Sunday.

Bossier City Spokesperson Louis Johnson…

Cut 5 (12) “…that situation.”

Among the injured in Bossier City is a police officer.

Demaris Quentall Jenks of Baton Rouge pled guilty to manslaughter today in the 2021 shooting death of his girlfriend in front of their child. Jenks accepted a plea deal from prosecutors who offered him 30 years instead of a life sentence for second-degree murder. Initially, Jenks told police he thought she was an intruder.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the Louisiana Department of Health is promoting the use of 988, a 24/7 suicide and crisis call line. Karen Stubbs, Assistant Secretary in the Office of Behavioral Health, says 988 launched in July and they want more people to know help is available and it’s only three digits away.

Cut 6 (10)  “…anniversary.” 

Visit ldh.la.gov/crisis for more info.

House Education approves legislation requiring high school students to take a financial literacy class to graduate. Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says the course will provide students with life skills to understand economics…

Cut 14 (09)  “…day-to-day basis”

The course would be given in 11th and 12th grade and the bill heads to the House floor for debate.

 

12:30 LRN Newscast May 3

Bossier City authorities plan to announce more information about on the armed gunman who murdered two people and injured two more including a police officer at a Valero gas station yesterday. Spokesperson Louis Johnson says officers responded to an armed robbery call in the 3800 block of Industrial Drive.

Cut 4 (07)  “…a clerk.” 

The officer who was shot is listed in stable condition and the other victim is in critical condition.

A proposed bill to prohibit third graders who cannot read proficiently from going into the 4th was approved by House Education on a 7 – 3 vote. Bill sponsor Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson was questioned by Shreveport Representative Tammy Phelps about the legislation.

Cut 6 (12)  “…we have.”

The bill heads to the House floor.

A bill to give cops the right to tell you “stay back” while they do their jobs advances out of a House Committee. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

 

11:40 LRN sportscast

For the 12th time this season, the top ranked LSU baseball team run-ruled an opponent last night as the Tigers shutout Southeastern Louisiana ten to nothing. It was also the eighth time LSU has blanked a team, which leads the nation. LSU right-hander Gavin Guidry made his first career start and worked the first 2.1 innings and struck out four to improve to 3-and-0 on the season. Second baseman Gavin Dugas snapped out of his slump with a three-hit performance, including a two-run homer.

More bad injury news for LSU, the Advocate reports relief pitcher Garrett Edwards will miss the rest of the season as he needs surgery on his elbow.

For the second time this season, Northwestern State defeated Louisiana Tech in extra innings last night. The Demons downed the Bulldogs ten to seven in eleven innings to complete their first season sweep of Tech since 2019. Daunte Stuart drove in the winning runs on a bases-loaded double.

Todd Garvin has been named the new head football coach at West Monroe. Garvin was an assistant coach at West Monroe for 16 years. The last two seasons he was the head coach at Ouachita Parish and the Lions beat the Rebels in 2021.

U-L Lafayette star cornerback Trey Amos got in the transfer portal over the weekend and Shea Dixon of on-three-dot-com, the Bengal Tiger, says LSU is very interested….
cut 18 (18) “…with the Gators”

Calvary Baptist star John Simon the Fourth has committed to Louisiana Tech. The three star receiver had seven touchdown catches in eight games last season. His Dad John Simon the third was a standout running back and receiver at Tech from 1998 to 2001.

11:30 LRN Newscast May 3

 

Legislation to ban gender-affirming healthcare for minors advances from the House Health and Welfare Committee. Bill author Pollock Representative Gabe Firment says several European nations that pioneered gender reassignment surgery have reversed course.

Cut 10 (09) “… and surgeries.” 

 

New Orleans Pediatric Psychologist Clifton Mixon testified in opposition to the bill. He says healthcare professionals try every alternative possible before performing such procedures and prohibiting them will have dire consequences.

Cut 11 (10)  “…your hands.”

Cross-sex hormones, puberty blockers and surgery on minors would be banned under the legislation.  The bill passed in committee on a 14 to 3 vote and advances to the full House.

The House Education Committee approves legislation requiring high school students to take a financial literacy class to graduate. Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says he hears from parents who say public school students should be educated on how to handle their finances…

Cut 13 (12) “…going to make.” 

The measure heads to the House floor.

Bossier City authorities arrested and charged an armed gunman who murdered two people and injured two more including a police officer at a Valero gas station yesterday. Spokesperson Louis Johnson says the scene was chaotic upon arrival.

Cut 3 (08) “….two fatalities.”

The victims’ names have not been released and the third victim is ilisted n critical condition.

 

10:30 LRN Newscast May 3

Legislation to prohibit transgender procedures on minors advances from House Health and Welfare. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment says surrounding states and other conservative southern states have passed similar laws and Louisiana should also.

Cut 12 (10)    “…our kids.” 

Proponents say social media is what’s causing children to be trans. Olivia Gowan, a transgender woman, refuted the argument and told committee members she was a transgender child in the 90s long before social media.

Cut 13 (11) “…time’s up.” 

Committee Chair Larry Bagley, who lost his wife to suicide, quickly dismissed Gowan. The bill passed in committee on a 14 to 3 vote and advances to the full House.

House Criminal Justices advances Pineville Representative Mike Johnson’s bill to give police the right to say, “stay back” and establish a 25-foot safe zone. He says the bill’s language does not mention videotaping officers but he believe it is still plenty close enough for cell phone video…:

Cut 9 (07)  “…not accurate.”

Violators could get fines and possible jail time. By a vote of 8-to-1, the bill moves to the House floor for debate.

Minden Rep Wayne McMahen bill to make it legal to have your pet’s cremated remains to be buried with you passed unanimously in the House. Amite Representative Robby Carter questioned about the size of one’s pet.

Cut 15 (13)  “…about a pound.”

House Bill 248 passed in the House 98-0 and heads to a Senate committee.

 

 

9:30 LRN Newscast

Legislation to prohibit minors from having transgender procedures advances from the House Health and Welfare Committee. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Bossier City Authorities have arrested the suspect involved in a shooting that killed two people and injured two others including a police officer, at a Valero gas station in Bossier City on Tuesday.   Media reports indicate the suspect is 50-year-old Cortell Burks who is also suspected of stabbing and shooting a woman and injuring four other people in Alabama on Sunday. The officer who was shot multiple times is listed in stable condition and the third victim is in critical condition.

Legislation that prevents third graders from being promoted to the fourth grade if they can not read on an average reading level was approved by House Education. Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson -the author of the bill- says he birthed the bill when he realized his child could not read. Addressing the committee, Nelson’s wife, Ashley says

Cut 5 (11)   “…the water.”

The bill passed with a 7 – 3 vote and moves to the House floor.

A proposed bill that gives police the right to say ‘stay back’  and establishes a 25-foot safe zone between them and bystanders advances from the House Criminal Justice Committee. The author of the bill – Pineville Rep. Mike Johnson says it’s a safety measure for officers however, opponents say the bill will prevent witnesses from holding police accountable for their actions…:

Cut 8 (05) “…that far away.”

Violators could get fines and possible jail time. By a vote of 8-to-1, the bill moves to the House floor for debate.

08:30 LRN Newscast, May 3rd

There is plenty of talk going around today over the bill that would ban transgender procedures on minors. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment says of the, “Save Adolescents from Experimentation Act,” that European nations which pioneered gender reassignment treatment have reversed course…:
Cut 10 (09) “and surgeries”
Opponents argue that restricting healthcare options for transgender minors would be devastating to their mental well-being. The measure heads to the House Floor.

Legislation to make it legal to bury your pet’s cremated remains in the owner’s coffin passes in the House. The measure is by Minden Representative Wayne McMahen, a former veterinarian…:
Cut 14 (09) “associations”
The bill heads to the Senate.

3rd graders would be held back if they can’t read under a measure that advanced out of House Education. Teiko Foxx reports…:
CUT 1 (33) “I’m Teiko Foxx”

A suspect wanted for murder out of Alabama is the man who allegedly shot an officer and killed 2 people at a gas station in Bossier City Tuesday. The Bossier City police officer was hit several times in the shootout and is now in stable condition. 50-year-old Cortrell Burks was named as a person of interest in the stabbing death of a woman in Center Point Alabama Sunday.

07:30 LRN Newscast, May 3rd

Third grade students who can’t read would be held back under a measure approved in House Education. The bill is by Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson who says Louisiana has some of the lowest literacy performance rates in the country…:
CUT 4 (11) “at it”
75% of fourth graders in Louisiana cannot read based on national test results.

That debate now moves to the House Floor, and so does a bill that would give police the right to say “stay back” while they do their jobs. Mike Johnson is the bill sponsor. He told the House Criminal Justice Committee this would allow cops to take preventive steps for his or her own safety and the safety of an approaching citizen…:
Cut 7 (12) “of a misdemeanor”
Opponents of the bill are worried it will prevent people from being able to video police.

A bill to prohibit transgender procedures on minors advances from the House Health and Welfare Committee. Brooke Thorington has more…:
Cut 3 (33) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

For the first time ever, Jazz Fest is trying out online ticket sales. Louisiana residents only have until 11pm tonight to purchase the “Locals Thursday” passes at NOJazzFest.com or via the Jazz Fest app for only $50. You can still get tickets at the gate tomorrow as in years past with a valid Louisiana ID.