5:30 LRN Newscast May 15

Pay raises for lawmakers are off the table. House Appropriations voted 16 to five against increased salaries of $16,800 to around 39-thousand dollars. Gretna Representative Joe Marino says being a legislator is time-consuming and a higher salary would result in more candidates wanting the job.

Cut 7 (12)  “…16-8″ 

A bill to establish the Louisiana Center for Safe Schools under the umbrella of the GOHSEP advances from Senate finance. The center would be a single point for schools to get funding for safety programs, training, and bleeding control kits should the unthinkable happen. Clayton Bathen, who attends high school in Rapides Parish testified to committee members.

Cut 10 (08) “…this crisis.” 

The bill heads to the Senate floor.

A bill to establish a partnership with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Louisiana advances from House Appropriations.  The bill provides funding for children ages zero to five to receive a free book monthly. New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes applauds the legislation and supports efforts to encourage children and even adults to read more.

Cut 14 (09)  “…for kindergarten.”

States that partner with the Dolly Parton program have seen their literacy rates increase. The bill advances to the House floor.

House Criminal Justice Committee is scheduled to discuss a bill to allow citizens to carry a concealed weapon without a permit Tuesday. Bill sponsor and Oil City Representative Danny McCormick says his bill won approval from the full House last year before it stalled out in the Senate in the wake of the Uvalde, TX school shooting…:

Cut 4 (11)  “…an that direction.”

1:30 LRN Newscast May 15

The House Appropriations Committee has stopped an effort to increase the annual salaries of state lawmakers from $16,800 to around 39-thousand dollars. Gretna Representative Joe Marino says being a legislator is time-consuming and a higher salary would result in a larger pool of candidates wanting the job.

Cut 7 (12)  “…16-8″ 

The proposal was rejected on a 16-5 vote.

Legislation to establish a partnership with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Louisiana advances from House Appropriations. Bogalusa Representative Melinda White’s bill creates the Louisiana Imagination Library Program with dedicated funding for children up to age five to receive free books by mail.

Cut 12 (08) “…kindergarten.” 

The bill advances to the House floor.

Louisiana Wildlife is investigating the illegal killing of one of the state legacies – the Louisiana Black Bear – found in Lincoln Parish last week. LDWF Sgt. John Hattaway says agents and biologists responded to the call of a bear shot on Millie Road.

Cut 9 (09) “…the road.”

They are asking the public for any information about the incident.

During the pandemic, a gap in health insurance complicated matters for many and annual mammograms fell by the wayside. LSU Health New Orleans Surgical Oncologist Dr. Shawn McKinney says there are several programs that pay for mammograms, and she urges patients to never let finances be an obstacle. She says to always tell your healthcare provider about your family history.

Cut 5 (09) “…evaluated.”

McKinney says they are seeing more advanced stages of breast cancer since the pandemic.

 

 

 

12:30 LRN Newscast May 15

A proposal to raise the salary of state lawmakers, starting with next term, was soundly defeated in the House Appropriations Committee.

Cut 2 (31)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Denham Springs police officer Corporal Shawn Kelly remains listed in critical condition at a Baton Rouge hospital after receiving multiple gunshots Thursday evening. Several blood drives have been held in his honor as he continues to fight for his life. Visit the Denham Springs Police Facebook page for blood drive and more info on a fundraiser to be held on Saturday for Officer Kelly.

The pandemic forced many women to delay or miss their annual mammograms and LSU Health New Orleans Surgical Oncologist Dr. Shawn McKinney says she, like other surgeons, is seeing more patients with advanced stages of breast cancer. Last week U.S. Preventive Services Task Force changed course and advises to begin screenings at 40 years of age instead of 50.

Cut 4 (06)  “…to help.” 

McKinney says never let finances be a hurdle for screenings because there are programs available. visit the Louisiana Breast and Cervical Health Program website at lbchp.org for more information.

10:30 LRN Newscast May 13

A Denham Springs Police Officer was critically wounded during a shootout Thursday afternoon in the parking lot of a shopping center. Corporal Shawn Kelly –who was shot multiple times – was hired by Denham Springs police in 2019.  Denham Springs Police Chief Rodney Walker says Kelly can use your prayers…

Cut 12 (11) “…to us” 

A blood drive in Officer Kelly’s honor is being held in Walker today on Ball Park Drive until 1 pm.

Legislation targeting the LGBTQ community is advancing in the Louisiana Legislature.  Governor John Bel Edwards says he’ll address the bills when and if they cross his desk.

Cut 4 (07)  “…damaging.” 

Edwards says he’s frustrated lawmakers are not focusing on topics to grow the state’s economy and improve education instead.

Ochsner Health is in the process of laying off nearly 800 employees across its system. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Palermo.”

Fans of Louisiana’s own Duck Dynasty can see a trailer of the full-length feature film about Phil Robertson’s life before he became famous as the patriarch for the reality TV series.  The Blind, that was filmed entirely in Shreveport hits the big screen on September 28th.

9:30 LRN Newscast May 13

Bills targeting the LGBTQ community are advancing in the Louisiana Legislature.  Governor John Bel Edwards says it worries him because of the increased likelihood of the trans population committing suicide.

Cut 3 (08) “…to be worse.”

Among the bills is one prohibiting public-school teachers from discussing sexuality and gender identity, another forbidding gender-affirming health care for transgender minors, and restricting the use of certain pronouns in public schools.

The deceased body of a female employee was found in a walk-in freezer at an Arby’s in New Iberia Thursday evening.  New Iberia Police Department spokesperson Sergeant Daneisha Hughes says they will know more about the circumstances of her death after an autopsy is conducted…

Cut 10 (06) “…this time.” 

 Another employee found the deceased woman’s body.

Mother’s Day is one of the busiest weekends of the crawfish season and retailers are dropping prices in an effort to get your business. That’s according to Crawfish App Co-Founder Laney King who says this may be the last big weekend of the crawfish season.

Cut 13 (13) “…you can.” 

A sack of live medium crawfish will run between $2.00-$2.23 per pound.

WalletHub ranks Louisiana as the worst state to live in if you’re a working mom. The Bayou State ranks 22nd in female unemployment and 35th in women’s salary. And WalletHub’s Jill Gonzales says there’s always that work-balance gap, skewing in men’s favor…:

CUT 08(13)      “…dads are.”

 

 

8:30 LRN Newscast May 13

Bills targeting the LGBTQ community are advancing in the Louisiana Legislature. One bill prohibits classroom discussion of trans or gender-preference matters. When questioned about it Governor John Bel Edwards says lawmakers should be tackling problems not addressing issues the state doesn’t have.

CUT 05(06)      “…focused on.”

Edwards says these are “solutions in search of a problem.”

Denham Springs police Corporal Shawn Kelly is listed in critical condition, after being shot numerous times Thursday in a strip mall parking lot. DSPD Chief Rodney Walker says it started with a call of a man and woman in a heated argument…:

CUT 11(09)      “…officer down.”

A blood drive in Officer Kelly’s honor is being held in Walker today on Ball Park Drive until 1 pm.

The fiscal website “WalletHub.com” ranks Louisiana the WORST state for working moms. Failing in the categories of work opportunities, work-life balance and childcare. WalletHub’s Jill Gonzales says positive change seems unlikely anytime soon…:

CUT 07(09)      “…bottom up.”

Louisiana ranks 35th for women’s income levels, and 22nd for female unemployment.

Crawfish prices are dropping just in time for Mother’s Day. According to Crawfish App co-founder Laney King, mudbug prices are the same this Mother’s Day weekend as they were this time last year. A sack of live medium crawfish will run between $2.00-$2.23 per pound.

Cut 14 (12)  “…or so.”

 

 

 

12:30 LRN Newscast May 12

A Denham Springs Police Officer is fighting for his life after he was shot multiple times during a shootout yesterday afternoon in the parking lot of a shopping center. Denham Springs Police Chief Rodney Walker says his officers responded to a call of a man and woman arguing….

Cut 11 (09)  “…officers down”

Corporal Shawn Kelly is in critical condition. The man who allegedly shot Kelly, 30-year-old Justin Roberts, was fatally shot by Livingston Sheriff Deputies.

Bills targeting the LGBTQ community are advancing in the Louisiana Legislature.  Governor John Bel Edwards says it worries him because of the increased likelihood of the trans population committing suicide.

Cut 3 (08) “…to be worse.”

Among the bills is forbidding gender-affirming health care for minors.

Mother’s Day is one of the busiest weekends of the crawfish season and it’s been six weeks since prices have dropped but retailers have decreased prices for mom. Crawfish App Co-Founder Laney King says this may be your last chance to get a bargain on mudbugs.

Cut 13 (13) “…you can.” 

You can expect to pay between $2.50 to $2.75 a bag for large crawfish and for boiled anywhere from $3.99 to $4.99 a pound this weekend.

11:30 LRN Newscast May 12

The manager of an Arby’s in New Iberia was found dead in the fast-food restaurant’s freezer. New Iberia Police Department spokesperson Sergeant Daneisha Hughes says officers were called to the scene shortly before 6:30 last night…

Cut 9 (05) “…freezer.”

Hughes says the deceased individual was a female and they will know more about the circumstances of her death after an autopsy is conducted…

If you’re a working mom, Louisiana ranks as the worst state to live in, according to WalletHub’s 2023 Best & Worst States for Working Mom report.  WalletHub Analyst Jill Gonzales says Louisiana failed in a number of categories.

Cut 6 (12)  “…on yet.” 

West Virginia, Mississippi, Alabama, and South Carolina were also ranked among “the worst” in several categories for working moms.

A House-approved bill to extend $150-million in annual film tax credits another ten years clears a Senate committee but with a big change. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (34)  “I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Fans of Louisiana’s own Duck Dynasty can see a trailer of the full-length feature film about Phil Robertson’s life before he became famous as the patriarch for the reality TV series.  The Blind, that was filmed entirely in Shreveport hits the big screen on September 28th.

AM LRN Newscall May 12

A House-approved bill to extend $150-million in annual film tax credits another ten years clears a Senate committee, but with a big change. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (34)  “I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

_______________________________________________

An effort by Democratic lawmakers to raise the state’s minimum wage is not done for this session. Teiko Foxx has more…:

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

_______________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards conveyed his displeasure with the legislature for not adding exceptions to the state’s abortion ban.  Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_____________________________________________

A House bill to extend Louisiana’s often-debated film & TV tax incentives is approved by the Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs, but not without some changes. The bill originally sought to extend the tax credits to entertainment productions through 2035. It was amended to make the end date 2030. Supporting the bill is producer and studio owner Trey Burvant, who says the credits mean productions will come, which means hundreds of millions in revenue changing hands…:

Cut 4 (12)  “…kids through schools.”

Monroe area Senator Jay Morris is among those who oppose continuing the $150-million-a-year in film production tax incentives. He says the return on investment to the state is far too low; with only about a $10 benefit for every $100 invested. Morris also says the jobs created only benefit certain parts of the state where studios choose to film…:

Cut 5 (07)   “…issue with it.”

Burvant says film tax breaks stimulate local economies, and often better-known film locations go on to be tourism destinations. Case-in-point, the “Steel Magnolias” house in Natchitoches which still attracts tourists over 30 years after the movie’s release…:

Cut 6 (10)  “…state of Louisiana.”

Approved by the committee, the bill moves now to the full Senate for debate and what could be final passage.

_______________________________________________

Legislation that would raise Louisiana’s minimum wage to $10 per hour next year and up to $14 per hour in 2028 was approved by Senate Labor Committee in a 3-2 vote. Louisiana is one of 21 states that sets its minimum wage with the federal rate which is $7.25 an hour. LA AFL-CIO – Matt Wood says increasing the state minimum wage benefits working families.

Cut 7 (09) “…minimum wage.”

Louisiana has the second-highest poverty rate in the country, with nearly 19% of the population impoverished, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. A proponent of raising the minimum wage, LA Budget Project Director Jan Moeller says that doing so would make Louisiana more competitive with other states.

Cut 8 (12) “…wage workers.”

A bill to increase Louisiana’s minimum wage was rejected by the House Labor Committee last week — a day after lawmakers advanced a bill that would double their own salaries. LABI’s Lauren Hadden argues the bill is unnecessary and would economically hurt small businesses.

Cut 9 (10)  “…consumers.”

SB149 will head to the Senate floor.

____________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards expressed his disappointment that lawmakers failed to advance legislation to add exceptions for rape and incest to the state’s abortion ban. Edwards says it’s extremely unfortunate that the House Criminal Justice Committee voted against legislation that protects crime victims.

Cut 10 (11) “…to term.” 

Sarah Zagorski, with Louisiana Right to Life, says it’s a victory for pro-life advocates and they are pleased the committee voted against adding exceptions.

Cut 11 (13)  “…is conceived.”

Edwards, who’s a pro-life Democrat, says a large majority like himself believe exceptions should be added and that in some cases children, victims shouldn’t be forced to carry a child for both their physical and mental health.

Cut 12 (07)    “…exceptions.” 

Zagorski disagrees and says legislators are merely reflecting the belief of their constituents that life begins at conception no matter how a child is conceived.

Cut 13 (06) “…hard situation. 

Bills to reduce penalties for doctors who perform abortions and exempt women who have a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy from the abortion ban were pulled from consideration after exceptions for rape and incest were rejected by the House Criminal Justice Committee.

________________________________________

Guidance on when women should begin their annual mammograms has changed according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Instead of beginning screenings are age 50, it’s 40 years of age. LSU Health New Orleans Surgical Oncologist Dr. Shawn McKinney says it’s welcome news.

Cut 14 (11)  “…at 40.”

Several organizations like the American Society of Breast Surgeons, the College of Radiology, and the American Cancer Society have recommended beginning mammograms at the age of 40.

McKinney says she believes after reviewing data and that more and more women are being diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age prompted the change.

Cut 15 (11)  “…at least 40.”

USPSTF still advises women to have mammograms every other year, however, McKinney and other health organizations recommend annual mammograms.

If you have a family history of breast cancer, McKinney says you should be screened earlier, depending on the age that your family member was diagnosed.

Cut  16 (11)  “…at 35.” 

McKinney says if finances are an issue in being screened annually for breast cancer, know that there are programs available to help pay for services and to be diligent about screenings.

_______________________________________________________

The second-ranked LSU baseball team will host Mississippi State tonight to begin a three-game SEC series. The Bulldogs are going through their second consecutive down season after winning a national championship in 2021. They are 6-18 in SEC play and they’ve lost eight and they were swept in their last two series. But Coach Jay Johnson is not taking them lightly…

Cut 17 (19) “…some power.”

State has hit 81 home runs this season and they are third in the SEC with 69 stolen bases. LSU center fielder Dylan Crews entering the game with a .457 batting average, which is the second-best in the nation. Last year Crews posted a .349 average. Johnson maintains Crews is the best college hitter he’s ever seen…

Cut 18 (18) “…plate discipline.”

Mississippi State ranks last in the SEC with a team ERA of 6.74. LSU is in the middle of the pack in the SEC with a team ERA of 4.49. Teddy Cahill of Baseball America says LSU is like a lot of schools, they do not have a ton of pitching depth…

Cut 19 (25) “…this year.

____________________________________________________________

Cut 20 (15)  “… you stop.”  

5:30 LRN Newscast and Legislative Report May 11

The Louisiana House approves a bill that reduces the maximum number of weeks, 26 to 20, a person can receive unemployment benefits during a 12-month period. New Orleans Representative Wilford Carter says this legislation hurts the unemployed workers and the state.

PM Cut 13 (05) “…receiving benefits.” 

If passed it would take effect in January 2025.

 

Legislation that would raise Louisiana’s minimum wage to $10 per hour next year and up to $14 per hour in 2028 was approved by Senate Labor Committee in a 3-2 vote. Louisiana is one of 21 states that observes the federal rate of $7.25 an hour. Matt Wood with Louisiana AFL-CIO says increasing the state minimum wage benefits working families.

AM Cut 7 (10) “…I say.”

Both bills head to the Senate.

A bill to extend Louisiana’s film tax incentives is approved by the Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs, but not without some changes. The original bill sought to extend the tax credit to 2035, it’s been amended to 2030. Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association President Trey Burvant, says the incentives bring hundreds-of-millions in revenue…

Cut 4 (12)  “…kids through schools.”

Monroe area Senator Jay Morris opposes continuing the $150-million-a-year in tax incentives. He says the return on investment is too low; with only about a $10 benefit for every $100 invested and the jobs created only benefit certain parts of the state.

Cut 5 (07)   “…issue with it.”

The bill moves now to the full Senate for debate and what could be final passage.