Louisiana has made significant progress on some measures for children, but many challenges remain. Brooke Thorington has more from the 2023 KIDS COUNT.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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A trio of anti-LGBTQ bills have passed and are headed to the Governor. Will he sign or veto? Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”
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Local leaders along the I-20 corridor will meet with Amtrak and Southern Rail Commission to discuss the future of the passenger rail service between Meridan, Mississippi, and Dallas/Ft. Worth today and tomorrow. Teiko Foxx has more.
Cut 3 (32) “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”
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The 2023 KIDS COUNT for Louisiana shows significant progress over the years but Director of Data and Research with Agenda for Children Teresa Falgoust (fal-goo) says there’s still room for improvement. She says the state saw improvements in reading proficiency among 4th graders and high school graduation rates.
Cut 4 (07) “…the years.’”
Before CHIP began, she says the rate was much lower.
Falgoust says one of the biggest areas that really challenge Louisiana’s children, is the high child poverty rate. She says over the past decade there have been no improvements, and…
Cut 5 (10) “…to thrive.”
Only Ascension and Livingston Parishes had child poverty rates lower than the national average.
Among the ways to improve the welfare of children in the state, Falgoust says is to give parents a living wage and benefits like paid leave so they can stay home with their children. And Falgoust says lawmakers need to invest more in education.
Cut 6 (11) “…our state.”
The National KIDS COUNT report will be released on June 14th.
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A package of anti-LGBTQ bills has reached final passage, but will Governor John Bel Edwards veto them? A bill criticized as a “Don’t Say Gay” bill bars school staff from discussing gender and sexual topics with students outside of legitimate classroom study. Another bill assures teachers may address students with pronouns appropriate to the gender they were born. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says it will be interesting to see what Edwards does in his last session as governor…:
Cut 7 (12) “…affect him politically.”
A third bill – from the House – that bans certain transgender medical procedures for persons under 18 has passed the Senate and also goes to the Governor’s office. Governor Edwards and others have called the bills “solutions seeking a problem.” Hogan says, if the bills are vetoed, lawmakers may want to call a veto override session…or perhaps not…:
Cut 8 (10) “…sort of legislation.”
Republicans have solid majorities in both House and Senate, and have the votes needed to override Edwards’ vetoes, but will they? Hogan says this is an election year, and many may feel the necessity to push the bills into law, to send a message in an election year…:
Cut 9 (10) “…running for governor.”
Governor Edwards has made no secret of his distaste for the bills. Republicans beleve the bills protect kids’ innocence. Edwards can either sign them into law, let them become law without his signature, or veto them.
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The Southern Rail Commission and Amtrak will meet with local leaders along the I-20 corridor today and tomorrow to highlight the application for funding for passenger rail service through North Louisiana. Southern Rail Commission Chairman Knox Ross says the goal is to get the federal railroad administration to fund all phases of it.
Cut 10 (10) “…of things.”
The passenger rail service will run from Meridian, MS to Dallas/Fort Worth. Canadian Pacific merged with Kansas City Southern, which shares ownership of the tracks between Meridian and Dallas/Fort Worth with Norfolk Southern. Ross says Canadian Pacific has contributed to the progression of the Gulf Coast passenger rail service.
Cut 11 (13) “…doing phase.”
Amtrak and its partners have explored this idea for more than 20 years, but last year’s Congressional passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act now creates new opportunities to study possible expanded long-distance Amtrak service. Ross believes the question is no longer “if”, but when.
Cut 12 (12) “…from now.”
If the study is funded by FRA and it produces a sufficient business case for a direct connection, Amtrak would partner with the SRC and others to seek capital to initiate the service.
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After a video of a five-year-old child smoking what’s believed to be a marijuana cigar went viral, Baton Rouge Police have arrested 48-year-old John Hall who reportedly is the ex-boyfriend of the child’s grandmother. Lt L’Jean McKneely says Hall also posted the video on social media.
Cut 13 (13) “…through Crimestoppers.”
Hall is charged with contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile, possession with intent to distribute a Schedule I drug, and illegal use of a controlled substance of a person under 17.
McKneely says the child was one of the children involved in an accidental shooting last month.
Cut 14 (12) “…cousin.”
The five-year-old’s mother, 26-year-old Desirae Felder was arrested on May 18th and charged with second-degree cruelty to juveniles and obstruction of justice. McKneely says Child Protective Services is involved.
Cut 15 (07) “…look into.”
Hall is being held at the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.
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Saints Wide Receiver Michael Thomas returned to the practice field this week during OTA’s. The 2nd round pick and 2019 Offensive Player of the Year has missed much of the last three seasons with injuries, but he’ll hope to pick up right where he left off under new quarterback Derek Carr. Thomas says he’s excited to get back to playing the game he loves…
Cut 16 (16) “…better player”
Thomas has missed 40 of the Saints last 50 games, and many questioned his future with the Saints and his relationship with the front office as he suffered injuries and setbacks keeping him off the field. Thomas, though, wouldn’t let his injuries stop him from improving…
Cut 17 (18) “…get ready.”
Carr, along with many in the organization, has praised the wideout’s work ethic and approach to the game. Carr even said that Thomas and the conversations they had throughout the recruiting process were one of the key reasons he decided to come to New Orleans. He says injuries are just an unfortunate reality of the NFL…
Cut 18 (19) “…same way.”
Head Coach Dennis Allen says the team is taking it easy with Thomas for now, but he should be ready to go come training camp.
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LSU will host Kentucky in a Super Regional this weekend. After a heartbreaking loss to Indiana in the Lexington Regional, the Wildcats clawed their way back from the loser’s bracket and beat the Hoosiers two times to keep their Omaha hopes alive. Voice of the Wildcats Darren Headrick says this is an unselfish resilient group…
Cut 19 (19) “…of Kentucky.”
The Wildcats have become known this season for their fast-paced small-ball offense with 91 stolen bases this season compared to their 51 homers. Headrick says Coach Nick Mingione actually modeled the offense after the Tennessee football team’s up-tempo attack and says it’s more than just small ball…
Cut 20 (20) “…opponent’s defense.”
The First game of the best-of-three series is scheduled for Saturday at 2:00 P.M.