Minden Police are looking for two males who ran over a 9-year-old girl while fleeing an attempted carjacking at Love’s Truck Stop Monday evening. Police Chief Jared McIver says the father of the victim was inside the store with the child and ran out when he heard his teenage daughters scream as the suspects tried to steal the car, they were in. Fortunately, a physician was able to assist when the child was run over by the pick-up truck.

Cut 12 (08) “…airlifted.” 

The child suffered multiple broken bones but is expected to recover, they are looking for two black males in a stolen pick-up with the U-haul stickers removed.

There are few details about the fatal shooting of a man in downtown Alexandria Sunday night, but Mayor Jacques Roy says they will have increased security for the AlexRiverFete.

Cut 6 (13)  “…feel safety.” 

In St. Landry Parish an arrest has been made in the fatal hit-and-run that killed cyclist 59-year-old Randy Thibodeaux of Sunset. St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested 32-year-old Samuel Clay Richard of Church Point Monday after a tip they received. He’s been charged with felony hit and run, negligent homicide and operating a vehicle while under suspension. Thibodeaux was reported missing on Friday and his body was found in a ditch Sunday afternoon.

The House Governmental Affairs Committee approves legislation that would raise the annual pay for state lawmakers to 40-thousand dollars.

Cut 2 (31)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Minden police are looking for two men who ran over a 9-year-old girl while fleeing an attempted carjacking at Love’s Truck Stop Monday evening. Chief Jared McIver says when the father of the child went inside with his youngest, his teenage daughters were in the car when the suspects tried to take the vehicle. The father ran out to stop it and his 9-year-old daughter followed.

Cut 11 (07)  “…take out.”

He says the suspects were in a white stolen U-Haul pick-up truck and with the U-Haul stickers removed. The child was airlifted to LSU Ochsner in Shreveport with several broken bones but is expected to recover.

A 16-year-old was killed Monday evening in Natchitoches and two other teens were injured. Corporal John Greely with Natchitoches Police they found a 16-year-driver who’d crashed into a tree and learned two other teens had been in the car.

Cut 4 (07)  “…happened.” 

The investigation is ongoing.

The fatal shooting of a man in downtown Alexandria Sunday night – sparks concern about public safety a week before its AlexRiverFete event. Mayor Jacques Roy says this was an isolated incident that started at a private party.

Cut 5 (12) “…a death.”

No details were released on the victim’s identity or if any arrests were made.

House Governmental Affairs approves a bill to raise the annual salary for state lawmakers from 16,800 to about 40-thousand dollars. Gretna Representative Joe Marino says many legislators can’t afford the pay or time commitment.

Cut 8 (08)  “…than this” 

The bill passed on an eight to four vote, and it needs review from House Appropriations since it’s an added cost for the state.

A 16-year-old was killed Monday evening in Natchitoches and two other teens were injured. Corporal John Greely with Natchitoches Police says around 8:16 they received several calls of gunshots in the area of Stella and Northern Streets.

Cut 3 (07) “….gunshot victim.”

The 16-year-old victim was the driver and Greely says two other teens in the vehicle were taken to the hospital by family members. One was released and the other has non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation is on-going.

A bill to extend the state’s film tax credit passes in the House. The legislation renews the current tax credit for a decade when the current incentive expires in July of 2025. New Orleans Representative Mandy Landry says the film industry is not only important to her district but also to those Louisiana residents whose livelihood depends on the entertainment industry.

Cut 15 (05)  “…10,000 jobs.”

The measure passed 74 to 24 and heads to the Senate.

This year’s attempt to ban hand-held cell phone use while driving clears its first hurdle in the Legislature…:

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

In St. Landry Parish an arrest has been made in the fatal hit-and-run that killed cyclist 59-year-old Randy Thibodeaux of Sunset. After receiving a tip, the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested 32-year-old Samuel Clay Richard of Church Point Monday. He’s been charged with felony hit and run, negligent homicide and operating a vehicle while under suspension. Thibodeaux was reported missing on Friday and his body was found in a ditch Sunday afternoon.

A measure that would triple Louisiana lawmaker’s salaries beginning next year will be heard in House Governmental Affairs today. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “I’m Teiko Foxx.”

_______________________________________________

This year’s attempt to ban hand-held cell phone use while driving clears its first hurdle in the Legislature…:

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

_______________________________________________

Legislation to extend the state’s film tax credit incentive for ten years passes in the lower chamber but without some drama on the House floor. Brooke Thorington has the scene.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_____________________________________________

The State Health Department releases the grades of more than 900 community water systems in Louisiana. The data is a culmination of 2021 legislation for the accountability and transparency of community water systems. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says residents have a right to clean and safe drinking water.

Cut 4 (11)  “…with information.”

New Iberia Senator Fed Mills who authored the Community Drinking Water Accountability Rule, encourages you to look at your local water systems grade, and if it’s failing or close to it, ask your local government how they are addressing it…

Cut 5 (11)   “…they’re doing.”

Mills says you should also look at the grades of nearby water systems because depending on their grade, consolidation of water systems might be the best option.

LDH Chief Engineer Amanda Ames led the implementation of the project and they will publish water-grade systems annually on May 1^st. She says 65 percent of water systems received an A or B grade and 15 percent.

Cut 6 (09)  “…population.”

Grades for 951 community water systems can be found at ldh.la.gov/watergrade.

_______________________________________________

Legislation to increase the annual salary of members of the legislature from $16,800 to $60,000 will be heard in House Governmental Affairs today. Lawmakers have not received a raise since 1980. In an interview on “Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster”, Gretna Representative Joe Marino – the bill’s author – says Governor Edwards is on board, however:…

Cut 7 (08) “…calls for.”

Marino says the governor believes the annual legislative pay should be raised to 50 thousand dollars.

The proposed law would also increase the annual salary for the president of the Senate and the speaker of the House of Representatives from $32,000 to $114,000. The Independent lawmaker says the biggest hurdle will be faced in the lower chamber…

Cut 8 (06) “…the House.”

The bill would also increase the salary for the president pro tempore of the Senate and the speaker pro tem of the House of Representatives from $24,500 to $87,400. Marino says the pay is too low for as much time as it takes to do an effective job…

Cut 9 (11)  “…in the session.”

If the bill is approved, it will go into effect next year.

____________________________________________________

A bill to ban hand-held use of a cell phone while driving passes its first hurdle in the legislature. The House Transportation Committee heard Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s bill Monday. In support was Jennifer Smith, with safety activist group “StopDistractions.org”, who says passing the bill into law will mean fewer car crashes…:

Cut 10 (10) “…in distracted driving.” 

Smith tells committee members 65 percent of all Louisiana drivers are guilty of distracted driving, via using a cell phone behind the wheel…:

Cut 11 (09)  “…seat belt and helmet laws.”

Several survivors of crash victims testified how a person distracted by their phone caused the death of a loved one. Speaking against the bill was Alexandria attorney Ed Tarpley, who says state law has already intruded too much into people’s personal lives…:

Cut 12 (13)    “…several years ago.” 

Also opposed to the bill, John Swisher, a professional tow truck driver, who characterized the measure as an attempted “money grab” that makes it harder for him to do his job…:

Cut 13 (12) “…right then and there.” 

After over an hour of discussion, the panel voted 5-4 to move the bill to the House floor.

________________________________________

A bill to extend the state’s film tax credit passes in the House. The legislation renews the current tax credit for a decade when the current incentive expires in July of 2025. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the incentive has a $6 return on investment for every dollar spent, but Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson says the ROI is only 23 cents.

Cut 14 (10)  “…Louisiana either.”

New Orleans Representative Mandy Landry says the film industry is not only important to her district but also to those Louisiana residents whose livelihood depends on the entertainment industry.

Cut 15 (12)  “…health insurance.”

Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo says he doesn’t believe the ROI that Nelson referred to is accurate, he says it’s underestimated especially when you look at the money a production spends locally, for example; hotels, restaurants, catering, dry cleaning, and more.

Cut  16 (11)  “…gas revenues.” 

The bill to continue the $150 million annual cap on the Film Tax credit passed in the House on a 74-24 vote and heads to a Senate Committee.

__________________________________________________

The top-ranked LSU baseball team is in Hammond tonight to face a struggling Southeastern Louisiana team. The Lions are 19-21 overall, and in last place in the Southland with a 4-11 record. Tigers Coach Jay Johnson says S-L-U are speedsters on the base paths…

Cut 17 (12) “…of offense.”

The Lions have only 24 home runs, but they have 89 stolen bases. In 2014, when LSU visited Southeastern, 37 hundred fans were in attendance and Johnson is expecting another big crowd…

Cut 18 (19) “…they’ll beat you.”

__________________________________________________

Cut 19 (17) “      play the game“

Cut 20 (13)  “… right now”  

The House Appropriations is taking a different approach to funding proposed teacher pay raises. Chairman Jerome Zeringue says instead of providing more money in the state budget, the panel proposes using state funds to pay down debt in the teacher retirement system, freeing up funds for local school systems to give teachers a raise.

Cut 12 (04) “…those funds.” 

The committee sent a proposed budget to the House floor that does NOT contain 197 million dollars in K-through-12 teacher pay raises. It also has fewer dollars for higher education and early childhood education than the governor proposed. While speaking to the Baton Rouge Press Club, Governor Edwards got word of what House Republicans are proposing…

Cut 13 (08) “…in the process.” 

A bill to extend the state’s film tax credit passes in the House. The legislation renews the current tax credit for a decade when the current incentive expires in July of 2025. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the incentive has a $6 return on investment for every dollar spent, but Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson says the ROI is only 23 cents.

Cut 14 (11)  “…Louisiana either.”

New Orleans Representative Mandy Landry says the film industry is not only important to her district but also to those Louisiana residents whose livelihood depends on the entertainment industry.

Cut 15 (12)  “…health insurance.”

The bill to continue the $150 million annual cap on the Film Tax credit passed in the House on a 74-24 vote and heads to a Senate Committee.

The state’s three most populated cities are among MoneyGeek’s Top Ten List of the Most Dangerous Cities in the Country. 2021 FBI data was used for the rankings and LSU Health New Orleans Criminologist Dr. Peter Scharf says if violent crime isn’t addressed it will only create more problems for Louisiana.

Cut 6 (05)  “…lost cities.” 

New Orleans ranked 8^th in the study, followed by Shreveport and Baton Rouge.

The candidates running for governor say they have no plans to repeal Governor John Bel Edwards’ executive order that expanded the Medicaid program, providing an estimated 500-thousand Louisiana residents with health care. Six of the seven candidates made that comment at a gubernatorial forum hosted by the Public Affairs Research Council and PAR President Steven Procopio says Attorney General Jeff Landry gave his answer after the forum….

Cut 14 (07)  “…undo it.”
The owners of Mandina’s in New Orleans made the difficult decision to reopen today after one of their employees was gunned down outside the restaurant Friday evening. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Legislation to extend the state’s film tax credit for a decade beyond 2025 will be heard in the House today. According to LED, there is a $6.00 Return on Investment for every dollar the state puts into the industry and last year filmmakers spent a billion dollars in Louisiana. Jason Waggenspack with the Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association says with more than a third of that billion went directly to the payroll of Louisiana residents…

Cut 12 (06)    “…unfathomable.” 

Seven of the major gubernatorial candidates who attended the Public Affairs Research Council’s annual meeting were asked about their top priorities. PAR President Steven Procopio says they were also asked if they would continue Medicaid expansion in Louisiana.

Cut 13 (05) “…said maybe.” 

Governor Edwards also attended and referred to Medicaid expansion as one of his biggest achievements.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has appointed its first female as head of its Enforcement Division in the agency’s 79-year history. Rachel Zechenelly will oversee 257 game agents and says the leadership from her mentor, Col. Chad Hebert has prepared her for the job.

Cut 6 (09)  “…that road.”

Zechenelly graduated from LDWF cadet class in 1999.

The LSU baseball team swept its second straight SEC series as they took three from Alabama this past weekend. The Tigers scored 33 runs against Crimson Tide pitching and Coach Jay Johnson liked the approach he saw at the plate…

Cut 18 (10) “..was awesome”

The Purple and Gold are 35-8 for the season and 15-5 in the SEC, just a half game behind Vanderbilt.

The Baton Rouge Tigerland bar that over-served an underage LSU student on the night she died has been ordered to close its doors for good. Kevin Gallagher has that story…:

Cut 2 (33)  “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

Legislation allowing schools to designate school protection officers with the authority to carry a concealed handgun on campus with proof of a valid permit was removed because the law already exists. Gonzales Representative Eddie Lambert decided to pull SB 158 after learning a current law that has similar language.

Hairy legislation to reduce the required class hours for cosmetology students to be licensed in Louisiana passes in the House. Bill author, Slidell Rep Mary DuBuisson says the Cosmetology Board would continue to uphold state requirements.

Cut 5 (05) “…with this bill .”

Students will still be required to pass a national exam to become licensed in Louisiana. The bill advances to a Senate committee.

A New Orleans teen has set a U.S. record by receiving more than $9 million in scholarships and 180 college acceptances. 16-year-old Dennis Maliq Barnes, a senior at International High School, has a 4.98 GPA and was promoted early to 10^th and 11^th. He says his goal is to reach $10 million in funding.

Cut 8 (04)  “…are interesting.” 

Where he’ll attend college has yet to be decided but he plans to pursue a dual degree in Computer Science and Criminal Justice. He graduates from high school on May 24.

Manual strangulation and multiple blunt force injuries to the head is the preliminary cause of death of 6-year-old Bella Fontenelle of Harahan. Jefferson Parish Coroner Gerry Cvitanovich says the case has been difficult on everyone even first responders and his staff.

Cut 13 (07) “…young girl.” 

Bella’s father’s girlfriend 43-year-old Hannah Landon has been charged. Bella’s body was found in a 10-gallon bucket on her mother’s lawn Wednesday.

In Lafayette an instructor at St. Thomas More High School has been terminated. According to KLFY-TV parents were sent a message that Jacob De La Paz is no longer with the school and there’s no reason to believe he engaged in any type of inappropriate behavior with any students. A KLFY investigation of his previous employment in Arkansas says he sent inappropriate text messages to students in 2017.

A bill to reduce the number of required hours for cosmetology students passes in the House. Bill author Slidell Rep Mary DuBuisson says it will help hair salons that are struggling to find employees, but students are still required to pass their exams. Lafayette Representative Jean-Paul Coussan says it would hurt smaller schools.

Cut 4 (10)  “…smaller communities.” 

The bill now heads to a Senate committee.

It’s National Infant Immunization Week and Shreveport Willis Knighton pediatrician Nikki Humphries says early vaccinations are safe and guard your baby against numerous common illnesses…:

Cut 10 (10) “…pneumonia, polio.” 

Humphries says when it comes to immunizations to trust your healthcare provider, not the internet.

A bill to reduce the number of hours required for cosmetology students passes in the full House. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________

The Baton Rouge Tigerland bar that over-served an underage LSU student on the night she died has been ordered to close its doors for good. Kevin Gallagher has that story…:

Cut 2 (33)  “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

______________________________________

Legislation to reduce the number of required hours for cosmetology students to graduate passes in the House. Slidell Rep Mary DuBuisson says the bill will help hair salons that are struggling to find employees due to lack of hours, but students are still required to pass their exams.

Cut 3 (09) “….seven and a half months.”

Lafayette Representative Jean-Paul Coussan questioned how less instruction would help students pass the exam and that reducing hours could financially hurt smaller schools of cosmetology.

Cut 4 (10)  “…smaller communities.” 

When asked if less instruction time could compromise safety in the workforce DuBussion says the Cosmetology Board still dictates which courses are needed to pass the exam.

Cut 5 (05) “…with this bill.”

The bill also modernizes the Cosmetology Board’s website to accept renewals and payments online. The legislation passed on a 78 to 15 vote and advances to a Senate committee.

______________________________________________

A New Orleans teen has set a U.S. record by receiving more than $9 million in scholarships and 180 college acceptance letters to colleges. 16-year-old Dennis Maliq Barnes holds the Guinness Book of World Records title as the top senior accepted by the most colleges with the most scholarships. Barnes, a senior at the International High School of New Orleans, says his intent was just to get into college.

Cut 6 (12)  “…really fast” 

Barnes is dually enrolled at Southern University of New Orleans and has been pursuing college credits for the past two years. He is the Executive President of the National Honor Society and is fluent in Spanish.

Cut 7 (09)  “…in New Orleans.” 

Barnes has a 4.98 GPA and was promoted early to 10^th and 11^th. He says his goal is to reach $10 million in funding.

Cut 8 (04)  “…are interesting.” 

Barnes plans to pursue a dual degree in Computer Science and Criminal Justice. His graduation is set for May 24.

__________________________________________________

A Shreveport pediatrician says National Infant Immunization Week is the perfect time to make sure your baby has his or her necessary shots. Dr. Nikki Humphries is a pediatrician at Willis-Knighton Medical Center in Shreveport. She says it’s crucial to baby’s health to get them protected against common infections…:

Cut 9 (08) “….illness and injury.”

Dr. Humphries says early vaccinations are safe and guard your baby against numerous common illnesses…:

Cut 10 (10) “…pneumonia, polio.” 

An “anti-vaccine” sentiment has surfaced in recent years, after a now-discredited study linked them to autism and other childhood ailments. The COVID pandemic and pressure to get that vaccine added to public paranoia. As a result, diseases like measles and rubella and others are seeing an uptick in the U.S.  Humphries urges parents to disregard the hype and follow the science for their child’s sake…:

Cut 11 (08)  “…decades and decades.”

_____________________________________________________

The preliminary cause of death of a 6-year-old Harahan girl who was murdered Tuesday night has been released. Jefferson Parish Coroner Gerry Cvitanovich says he wanted to stop rumors that are circulating about the shocking death of Bella Fontenelle.

Cut 12 (10) “…involved.” 

(Preliminary Cause of Death: Manual strangulation and multiple blunt force injuries to the head.)

43-year-old Hannah Landon, the girlfriend of Bella’s father has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Bella’s body was found Wednesday morning in a 10-gallon bucket left on her mother’s lawn.

Cvitanovich says the case has been difficult on everyone involved including first responders and his staff.

Cut 13 (07) “…young girl.” 

Even though police, EMS, and those who work in the coroner’s office deal with tragic deaths on a regular basis, Cvitanovich says it rings differently when it’s a child.

Cut 14 (11)  “…all of us.”

Investigators believe the child was murdered at her father’s home and neighborhood video footage shows Landon pulling a wagon Tuesday night with the bucket inside a block away

_____________________________________________________