Baton Rouge Police arrested 26-year-old Desiree Felder days after police learned of an accidental shooting involving two small children while in her care. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (30)  “Teiko Foxx.”

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A bill to add paid Family Medical Leave benefits in Louisiana is pulled from consideration. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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GOP candidate for governor Stephen Waguespack releases his first official campaign ad, as he seeks to gain traction in the October election. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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26-year-old Desiree Felder has been arrested in connection to a shooting incident where a toddler and his cousin were found with gunshot injuries while under her supervision over the weekend. Baton Rouge Police Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says officers responded to a call Monday from a local hospital involving two male children.

Cut 4 (09)  “…of shooting.”

Felder’s sister left her 3-year-old son in her care while she worked an overnight shift. McKneely says the children were able to find a weapon at the home in the 12,000 block of Titian Avenue.

Cut 5 (12)   “…both kids.”

Felder did not take the children to seek medical treatment immediately or report what happened to law enforcement. Authorities arrived at the hospital Monday when the 3-year-old was brought in for medical attention for his wounds. Through the course of the investigation, detectives learned the 6-year-old also suffered from minor wounds.

Cut 6 (06)  “…of shooting.”

The children suffered only minor injuries. Felder has been charged with second-degree cruelty to a juvenile and obstruction of justice.

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After a lengthy discussion on a bill in committee to add paid Family Medical Leave benefits in Louisiana, the legislation was voluntarily deferred. Alexandria Representative Ed Larvadian presented the bill in House Labor and Industrial Relations on behalf of Representative Aimee Freeman.

Cut 7 (08) “…and compensated.”

Committee members heard from experts on how the program would work and how other states with similar programs operate. Larvadain says the Louisiana program would pay benefits for 12 weeks.  Federal law currently allows 12 weeks of leave but those weeks are unpaid and it also secures your position when you return to work.

Cut 8 (10) “…get paid.”

Larvadain opted to pull Freeman’s bill for consideration this session because committee members couldn’t agree on how the program would be implemented

Cut 9 (05)  “…next session.”

Larvadain says three out of four workers in Louisiana do not have paid medical leave.

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Former LABI head and candidate for Governor Stephen Waguespack releases his first campaign ad; introducing himself to voters by his nickname, “Wags.” The statewide spot is called “Louisiana’s Comeback” and features Waguespack in various casual settings, and in a highly likable light. Political analyst Roy Fletcher has seen it and says the video succeeds at that…:

Cut 10 (10) “…to be likable.” 

In the ad Waguespack says the state faces “its biggest crisis yet”, but Fletcher says he then moves right on to handshakes and hugs, from folks who call him “Wags.” Fletcher says the ad’s tone is too light for talk of crisis…:

Cut 11 (05)  “…you’re in crisis.”

Waguespack was the last Republican to enter the race, with Attorney General Jeff Landry far ahead in polling and fundraising. Fletcher says perhaps the candidate should have come out with a stronger message because this video tells voters very little about him or how he would lead…:

Cut 12 (08)    “…that’s it.” 

Fletcher says future ads need to convey solutions; for Waguespack and all candidates. You can view Waguespack’s campaign ad at “wags4la.com”

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The Senate Education Committee advanced several House-approved bills before taking a break for the weekend. Legislation that requires all public schools from elementary to college to display the national motto “In God We Trust” in every classroom is heading to the Senate floor. Speaking in favor of the bill, John Raymond, the headmaster of Lakeside Christian School in Slidell…

Cut 13 (11) “…need.” 

That bill is by Haughton Representative Dodie Horton. Horton’s “Protect Teachers Act” is also heading to the Senate floor. Horton says the bill grants civil immunity for teachers who break up fights at school…

Cut 14 (14)  “…out for you.”

Also advancing out of Senate Education is a bill that requires written permission from the parents, for schools to use corporal punishment on a child. Franklinton Republican Beth Mizell is handling the bill in the Senate…

Cut 15 (03)  “..doesn’t know why.”

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The NCAA Softball Baton Rouge regional gets underway today at Tiger Park. Two-seeded UL-Lafayette will face third-seeded Omaha at 2 PM and at five o’clock LSU will play Prairie View A-and-M. Former Cajuns and Tigers softball coach Yvette Girouard says LSU has a talented shortstop in Taylor Pleasants and a veteran pitcher in Ali Kilponen. She says Kilponen pitched well against Georgia on the last day of the regular season…

Cut  16 (14)  “…whole tournament.” 

U-L Lafayette had a good argument to host its own regional as they have a record of 46-13 and they won the Sun Belt regular season and tournament championships. Girouard wishes LSU and U-L hosted their won regionals…

Cut 17 (17) “…together.”

LSU and U-L Lafayette used to have a heated rivalry in softball, but Girouard says it has calmed down over the years…

Cut 18 (13) “…fans love it.”

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Cut 19 (17) “….ball game.” 

Cut 20 (19)  “…what happens.”  

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins is seen on video physically moving an activist away from a news conference on Capitol Hill. The activist asked Colorado Congresswoman Lauren Boebert about her divorce from her husband and that’s when Higgins ushered him away.

Cut 9 (10) “…stand by”

On his monthly radio show Ask the Governor, Governor John Bel Edwards was questioned about anti-LGBTQ legislation making its way through the legislature and if he plans to veto any of them. The governor wouldn’t say if he plans to or not, only…

Cut 3 (10) “…unfortunate.”

Multiple state agencies are reporting network computer outages, among the agencies are DCFS, OMV, State Wildlife, and DOTD.

Legislation to lower the threshold of signatures needed in order to recall an elected official passed in the House. Bill author Covington Representative Paul Hollis says, under the current law it is very difficult to recall an elected official….:

Cut 11 (08)  “…smaller districts.”

The bill advances to a Senate committee.

Legislation to provide access to free menstrual products for female students in public schools passed in the House in a 79 to 17 vote. State Policy for Alliance for Period Supplies Manager Lacey Gero (Gee-row) says this is a positive step towards removing embarrassment for female students across the state.

Cut 6 (12)  “…education met.” 

The bill requires public schools to provide the products in an easily accessible location at no cost to students.

Governor John Bel Edwards has expanded the criteria for the Restore Louisiana Program where thousands of additional households could be eligible for disaster assistance. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

If you needed to go to the Office of Motor Vehicles, you’re out of luck. There’s a statewide network outage that’s impacting all of the field offices today. when things will be restored is not known at this time. You can visit expresslane.org for an update.

The Louisiana House passes a bill to lower the threshold of signatures required in order to trigger a recall election. Bill sponsor and Covington Representative Paul Hollis says other states have passed similar legislation so citizens can feel they have more control when they grow dissatisfied with elected leaders…:

Cut 12 (06)    “…on board this year.” 

The bill advances to a Senate committee.

It seems like alligator sightings at the beach are becoming the norm, but LDWF Alligator Program Manager Jeb Linscombe says it’s mating season and so they tend to roam. Just be aware of your surroundings and if you do encounter one, make sure you, children, the elderly, and pets are taken out of harm’s way.

Cut 6 (06)  “…the animal.”

He says never feed one because then they will think it’s ok to approach you and that they are more afraid of you than you are of them.

The House Governmental Affairs Committee rejected a proposal that would set up a process for citizens to be able to put an issue on the ballot for a statewide vote. Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey voted against it over concerns of putting an issue before voters that is not vetted by state lawmakers.

Cut 14 (12)  “…certain decision.”

New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry authored the legislation. She believes her ballot initiative process would give voters an opportunity to put important issues up for a referendum vote.

Cut 15 (06) “…on the ballot”

Defeated by the committee, that bill is seemingly done for this year.

The Republican-controlled House approved a bill that would prohibit doctors from performing gender transition procedures on minors. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment says several surrounding states have passed similar bans and several European countries also restrict gender-affirming care for minors…

Cut 3 (12) “…surgeries”

But the American Academy of Pediatrics supports gender-affirming healthcare.

A bill aimed at giving women who are imprisoned for murdering their alleged abuser a chance to be released was heavily amended in the Senate. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow opposed the amendment to her bill that removed the retroactive relief for those serving prison terms…

Cut 13 (09) “…this point.” 

The bill, once amended, passed unopposed and heads to the House.

The Republican-controlled House approved a bill that would prohibit doctors from performing gender transition procedures on minors. Gender transition procedures include hormone treatments, gender reassignment surgery, or puberty blockers. Bill author Pollock Representative Gabe Firment says these types of treatments can lead to sterilization and loss of sexual function…

Cut 5 (07) “…experimental procedures.”

But Gretna Representative Joe Marino says this legislation actually harms transgender youth…

Cut 6 (12)  “…they are loved” 

Firment’s “Stop Harming Our Kids Act” was approved on 71-24 vote mainly along party lines. It’s one of four major anti-LGBTQ bills moving through the Legislature.

The House Criminal Justice Committee advances a bill to allow Louisiana adults to conceal carry a firearm.  Bill author Oil City Republican Representative Danny McCormick says the Second Amendment gives law-abiding citizens the right to do so. But Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police Fabian Blache believes it will escalate the already existing problem of illegal gun violence.

Cut 8 (07)  “…officer safety.” 

The legislation would also bypass background check requirements to carry a concealed weapon.

Despite pushback from Black lawmakers, the Louisiana House approved a bill that would hold back third graders who fail multiple literacy tests. Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson’s measure is modeled after a policy Mississippi is using. But New Orleans Representative Delisha Boyd is not impressed…

Cut 15 (06)  “…scoring 45th.”
But Nelson says Mississippi’s reading scores have improved since the program was enacted in 2013.

House Criminal Justice advances a bill on an 8-1 vote to expand gun rights and allow Louisiana adults 18 and older to carry handguns without permits or training. Oil City Republican Representative Danny McCormick says the Second Amendment gives law-abiding citizens the right to do so.

Cut 7 (13)  “…same age.” 

Among the law enforcement organizations who oppose the bill is the Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police.

The House approves a bill to hold third graders back if they fail to pass a literacy competency test multiple times. Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson’s measure gives students three opportunities to pass the test…

Cut 14 (11)  “…requirements.”
The heads to the Senate.

A House-approved bill to allow a mother to recover 50% of their out-of-pocket expenses for pregnancy-related medical costs from the father advances from a Senate Committee.

Cut 1 (32)  “I’m Teiko Foxx.”

New Orleans is the center for the national debate over the access of the widely used abortion drug mifepristone . A federal appeals court in New Orleans will hear arguments today on a federal judge’s decision in Texas to revoke the FDA’s approval of the drug which occurred over two decades ago. The case is expected to go before the U-S Supreme Court.

The Republican-controlled House approved a bill that would prohibit doctors from performing gender transition procedures on minors. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment says several surrounding states have passed similar bans and several European countries also restrict gender-affirming care for minors…

Cut 3 (12) “…surgeries”

But the American Academy of Pediatrics supports gender-affirming healthcare.

Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson’s bill to hold third graders back if they fail to pass a literacy competency test advances from the full House bill.

Cut  16 (08)  “…another solution.” 

New Orleans Representative Delisha Boyd argued that it isn’t the child who should be punished and held back, it’s the teachers who are failing the students. The bill advances to a Senate committee.

The House Criminal Justice Committee voted against two measures that sought to clarify medical exceptions to the state’s abortion ban. Among the lawmakers who rejected legislation, Haughton Representative Dodie Horton…

Cut 10 (07) “…and what’s needed.” 
None of the bills aimed at softening the state’s abortion ban have made out of committee this session.

House-approved legislation to allow a pregnant mother of a child to recover half the out-of-pocket, pregnancy-related medical expenses from the biological father was approved by a Senate Committee. Abita Springs Representative Larry Frieman says he’s trying to protect pregnant women.

Cut 4 (05)  “… the father.”
After the baby is born, the mother would have two years to recover these expenses. The bill also states the mother can only recuperate monies if the paternity of the child has been proven. Utah also has a similar bill that was passed in 2021. The measure heads to the Senate floor.

Two bills aimed at softening the state’s all-out ban on abortions meet defeat in a House committee. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

State police are investigating a physical confrontation between two House staff members that happened outside of the capitol Tuesday. One staffer from House Sergeant at Arms was reportedly carrying a firearm before the incident. Only law enforcement is allowed to carry a weapon inside the Capitol. No other details are available.

House-approved legislation that would allow the pregnant mother of a child to recover half the out-of-pocket, pregnancy-related medical expenses from the biological father was approved by Senate Judiciary A. Abita Springs Representative Larry Frieman says the bill was created to protect pregnant women.

Cut 4 (08)  “… the father.”

The bill heads to the Senate floor.

A bill to hold third graders back if they fail to pass a literacy competency test advances from the full House. Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson’s bill failed the final days of the session last year. He says this bill gives students three opportunities to pass the test…

Cut 11 (11)  “…requirements.”

Students who fail the test would receive intensive instruction and two additional opportunities to pass the test. The bill will be heard in a Senate committee next.

A bill to remove approval from the Insurance Commissioner for rate changes passes in the House. Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval believes a competitive insurance market will regulate prices better than the government. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry…

Cut 7 (12)  “…more irate.” 

After 30 days if the rate is deemed discriminatory or unlawful the commissioner could repeal the rate.  The bill heads to a Senate committee.

The House has rejected two bills that attempted to curtail carbon capture projects planned for Lake Maurepas in southeast Louisiana. Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala says the legislation threatens 21 billion dollars in industrial projects…

Cut 9 (12) “…somewhere else.”

The state is trying to reach out to an estimated 45 thousand households who sustained damage from hurricanes in 2020 and 2021 because they could be eligible for financial assistance.  Executive Director for the Louisiana Office of Community Development, Pat Forbes says you can respond to a survey at restore.la.gov.

Cut 5 (13) “…for help.”

That website again is restore.la.gov

House Criminal Justice is scheduled to discuss concealed carry without a permit today. Bill sponsor, Oil City Representative Danny McCormick hopes there is enough time to get the bill through the House and Senate before the session ends…:

Cut 6 (10)  “…in this session.”

The bill passed in the House last year but stalled in the Senate in the wake of the Uvalde, Texas school shooting.

Almost 900 students from six professional health schools will graduate from LSU Health Sciences New Orleans Thursday. Interim Chancellor Dr. Steve Nelson says the majority of their graduates stay in the state and you want well-trained healthcare providers because when you’re in an accident or need immediate care you’re going to be taken to the closest emergency room.

Cut 15 (07)  “…LSU graduate.”

Governor Edwards is scheduled to give the commencement address on Thursday.

The Conference Board Job Satisfaction annual survey shows U.S. employees’ job satisfaction overall is the highest it has ever been since the survey began in 1987. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Lafayette Christian football star Ju’Juan Johnson committed to LSU last night. He was previously committed to Colorado. Johnson is talented dual threat quarterback for the Knights, but the four-star prospect will likely be a cornerback in college.