Governor Jeff Landry says there are several reasons why his administration and Republican lawmakers are committed to a constitutional convention this year. Jeff Palermo has the story….
Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”
______________________________________
Anthony Holland of West Monroe has been arrested in connection to the death of Sheryl Tuner of New Iberia, whose torso was found floating in the Ouachita River. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (37) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
______________________________________
Governor Jeff Landry held a press conference today to explain the need for a constitutional convention. Landry is pushing for a convention to be held in May and any changes would need voter approval in November. Landry says a presidential election is a perfect time for voters to weigh in on a reorganized constitution
The goal of the constitutional convention is move certain sections of the constitution into state law. Landry says these changes will hopefully result in more budget flexibility when the state is facing a deficit. He says right now the Legislature’s hands are tied during tough budget times, resulting in big cuts to health care and education…
Democrats say they are uncomfortable rushing into a constitutional convention without more details on what could be possible moved into state statue. There’s a concern the state’s popular 75-thousand dollars homestead exemption will be removed from the constitution. Landry that’s not his intent…
A bill calling for a constitutional convention to begin May 20th is awaiting debate on the House floor.
____________________________________________________________________
The full House has approved a bill that removes the requirement that businesses must provide minor workers a 20-minute break if they work for five consecutive hours. Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder says the policy prevents teens from landing work with some businesses
Opponents are concerned about over working 16 and 17-year-olds. Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder says Mississippi does not have a mandatory break for minors and there no major problems,,,
Cut 7 (12) “…responsible for.”
Wilder says there are minors who are eager to work and the state should not hold them back or prevent businesses from working them more than five consecutive hours…
Cut 8 (11) “…wanting to work.”
The House approved Wilder’s bill 61-37 and the measure heads to the Senate for more discussion.
____________________________________________________________________
An arrest has been made in the case where the torso of 19-year-old Sheryl Turner of New Iberia was found floating the Ouachita River, on January 24th. Catahoula Parish Sheriff Detective Dewain Littleton says 29-year-old Anthony Holland, Junior of West Monroe confessed that he dismembered and disposed of her body.
Multiple law enforcement agencies collaborated in the investigation including the FBI. Littleton says Holland was unemployed but had been a cross-country truck driver, and there could possibly be more arrests.
Holland has no previous criminal record and Littleton says that due to the nature of the crime, agencies are investigating to see if others could be linked to the suspect.
Investigators say Holland met Turner on social media and the two planned to live together in West Monroe.
_________________________________________________________________
LSU honored its women’s gymnastics team with a parade and a celebration inside the PMAC last night. Coach Jay Clark led the program to its first ever title and the team’s success resulted in Georgia offering him and his assistants a chance to coach the Gym Dogs. But Clark says he’s staying at LSU
The LSU gymnastics program has been around for 50 years and they became the 8th school in NCAA history to win a national championship in gymnastics. Clark believes more championships are in their future…