Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon fines the Texas law of McClenny, Mosely, and Associates firm $2 million for its role in an insurance fraud scheme. Donelon says law firms are usually regulated by the bar association and the Supreme Court when it comes to misrepresentation…

Cut 4 (11)  “…we’re acting.” 

The firm admitted to misrepresenting 856 claims in Louisiana.

Chairman of Louisiana Crawfish Promotion and Research Board, David Savoy says a mixed bag of inflation and limited consumption has made this one of the worst seasons for producers. He says if sales remain at this level for the remainder of the season, they will not see favorable profits.

Cut 8 (08)  “…cheaper, cheaper.” 

Alabama Baseball Coach Brad Bohannon was fired following reports of suspicious betting activity before last Friday’s game against LSU that suspended sports betting on Alabama baseball in Ohio, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. A statement from UA says they are investigating the matter and Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says that makes him believe there’s a connection to the suspicious gambling…

Cut 12 (09) “…firing him.” 

LSU is not suspected of being involved in the betting probe.

The joyride of four children that began in Smith County, Texas ended around 8:30 this morning in Port Allen. West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, Sgt. Landon Groger says they received a call from the car owner, who was tracking the vehicle with their GPS. Deputies located the car, and the 15-year-old driver gave a short pursuit. The ages of the three passengers are 12, 13, and 14.

Cut 10 (10) “…jurisdiction.” 

Debate is underway in the Louisiana House over the state’s budget bill. House Republicans’ version of the budget differs from the governor’s. Funding for teacher pay raises is not included and House Appropriations Chairman Jerome Zeringue says they’ve also taken out 52 million dollars in early childhood education assistance…

Cut 9 (14)  “…as they are.”

Crawfish harvest is decent in the Bayou State this season, but experts believe low sales are impacting producers statewide. Chairman of Louisiana Crawfish Promotion Board, David Savoy says a mixed bag of inflation and limited consumption has made this one of their worst seasons.

Cut 6 (12)  “…70′s prices.” 

The FDA approves the world’s first RSV vaccine. The vaccine lowers respiratory illness in adults 60 and older. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease Expert Dr. Fred Lopez says the virus can be life-threatening for those with underlying medical conditions in that age group. He says the vaccine looks promising to lower the risk of symptomatic illness.

Cut 5 (12)   “…94 percent.”

The ULL and Ochsner Lafayette General have created an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program to meet the growing need for nurses. Dean of the University’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences Doctor Lisa Broussard says students who hold a bachelor’s degree in any field can earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing in 15 months and tuition will be free…

Cut 11 (08)  “…upon graduation.”

The debate on the state’s $46-billion state budget is underway in the House. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

One day after one House committee approved a pay raise for state lawmakers that would more than double their annual salary, another House committee rejected a proposal to increase the minimum wage in Louisiana from $7.25 to ten dollars an hour. Opponents say a higher minimum wage would mean less jobs for low-earning workers.

50-year-old Cortrell Burks is in custody after a multi-state shooting spree. He’s accused of fatally stabbing his girlfriend in Alabama Sunday and on Tuesday in Bossier City, two people were killed at a gas station and wounding others. Bossier City police chief Daniel Haugen says it appears Burks was traveling on I-20 when he stopped in Bossier City.

Cut 15 (09)  “…into that.”

In Louisiana, he’s accused of killing the store clerk at the gas station and a 36-year-old man.

To address the critical need for registered nurses, UL Lafayette and Ochsner Lafayette General have partnered so students can earn an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Interim Dean of the College of Nursing Lisa Broussard says it’s ideal for those who have a bachelor’s degree in any field and desire a career in nursing.

Cut 10 (08) “… in 15 months.” 

Tuition for nursing courses is also covered

A bill that would raise the statewide minimum wage to $10 an hour failed in House Labor Committee on a 9-5 vote. President of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry Jim Patterson opposed the bill he says there are very few non-government workers making less than 10-dollars an hour…

Cut 11 (12)  “…not necessary”

Thirty out of fifty states have a minimum wage greater than the federal minimum wage. Bill author, Alexandria Representative Ed Larvadain (Larva-dane), says lower wages are contributing to the state’s depopulation.

Cut 12 (06) “…other locations.” 

The last federal wage increase was in 2009. Arkansas raised its minimum wage to eleven dollars an hour this year. The minimum wage in Louisiana remains $7.25 an hour.

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 12^th grade and the bill heads 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 if the size of one’s pet is an issue.

Cut 24 (13)  “…about a pound.”

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

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 12^th grade and the bill heads to the House floor for debate.

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 4^th 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.”

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.

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.

Shreveport Police have arrested one of the two suspects who ran over a 9-year-old child while fleeing an attempted carjacking at a Love’s Truck Stop in Minden Monday night. Minden Police Chief Jared McIver says security cameras caught everything and the footage is hard to watch…:

CUT 13  (10)        “…deserve.”

The child is expected to recover, and the teen is being held on a $2.5 million bond.

The fatal shooting of a man in downtown Alexandria Sunday night sparks concern about public safety before its annual AlexRiverFete. The shooting happened near the intersection of Third Street and Johnston Street. Alexandria Police Chief Chad Gremillion says security will be beefed up at and around the festival…:

CUT 07(12)      “…presence in place”

AlexRiverFete is Alexandria’s largest downtown event and is this weekend.

A House Committee approves a bill that would give members of the state legislature a hefty pay raise, to $40-thousand…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

House Education advances a bill to hold back 3^rd graders who aren’t reading on grade level and get them the help they need to catch up. The same bill was proposed last year but ran out of time for consideration before the session ended. It goes to the full House floor next.

Legislation to prohibit transgender procedures on minors advances from the House Health and Welfare Committee. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment says several European nations that pioneered gender reassignment surgery have reversed course.

Cut 24 (09) “… and surgeries.” 

New Orleans Pediatric Psychologist Clifton Mixon testified before committee members 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 (11)  “…your hands.”

The bill advances to the House on a 14 to 3 vote.

The House Governmental Affairs Committee approves a bill that would raise the annual salary for state lawmakers from 16,800 to about 40-thousand dollars. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson voted against the legislation as he says service is about sacrifice…

PM Cut 10 (14) “…we run” 

The bill passed on an eight to four and heads to House Appropriations.

A bill to prohibits the promotion of third-grade students who cannot read proficiently was approved by House Education with a 7 to 3 vote. Bill sponsor Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson says Louisiana is among the top ten states with the lowest literacy performance.

Cut 4 (12)  “…at it.”

The bill heads to the House floor for debate.