More details are now available regarding the triple homicide in Bastrop that took the lives of three teens Wednesday night. After receiving multiple 9-1-1 calls about shots fired, Morehouse Parish Sheriff’s deputies mobilized. Chief Deputy Jeremy Mardis says a retired reserve deputy was the first to reach the scene.

Cut 10 (12) “…laying in the street.”

Two victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while the third died from his injuries at Morehouse General Hospital.

Governor John Bel Edwards says he and Louisiana State Police Superintendent Col Lamar Davis will cooperate with the Department of Justice’s civil investigation of state police. Kristen Clarke, US Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division says such cooperation will assist in their thorough investigation.

Cut 15 (06)  “…timely manner.”

Louisiana Association of Business & Industry (LABI) CEO Stephen Waguespack says the legislature made good use of billions in federal dollars to address road and bridge needs in the most recent session. He says there’s always a temptation for lawmakers to use big windfalls of one-time money on recurring expenditures…:

Cut 5 (09) “…unemployment trust funds.”

LBI also applauds the legislature’s investments in workforce development.

As the country continues to face record inflation, food banks continue to meet unprecedented demand. Natasha Curley with Second Harvest in Louisiana says demand has been nonstop since COVID, and with three devastating hurricanes and now the economy, demand has only increased.

Cut 7 (07) “…also helps.”
Curley says there are many individuals who continue to donate as well.

The Justice Department formally announces its civil investigation of the Louisiana State Police. Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division says they will focus on two main issues.

Cut 10 (18) ” …of color.” 

The civil investigation is separate from the criminal investigation surrounding the death of Black motorist Ronald Greene.

Higher education will see a record increase in funding for the fiscal year that begins July 1st. The money contained in the budget for universities and colleges contains a pay raise for faculty and there are also five million dollars for title nine and power-based violence training programs. Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed.
cut 5 (10) “….work”

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline has reached $4.50 for the first time and Triple-A’s Don Redman says there’s no relief in sight, in fact, it may get worse…

cut 8 (12) “….the fall”

Lake Charles chef Amanda Cusey is this year’s winner of the Louisiana Seafood Cook-off which took place this week in Lafayette. Cusey cooked a pan-seared red drum over tomato polenta with crawfish cream sauce. The Arizona native makes Italian dishes at Villa Harlequin in Lake Charles…
cut 14 (09) “….in Ireland”
Cusey will represent Louisiana in the Great American Seafood Cook-off in New Orleans in August.

Higher education in Louisiana is receiving a 12-percent increase in state funding, the largest ever state funding increase for higher ed. Nearly 32-million dollars will be used to give the largest state-funded faculty pay increase since 2007. Higher Ed Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says the pay raise will help the state keep its best professors

Cut 3 (10) “…for this.”

A bill that’s made its way to the governor’s desk will allow trucks to pull two 20-foot containers to and from shipping ports. Now they still have to be under the state’s 37-thousand pounds per axle limit. But Norco Senator Gary Smith hopes his legislation can help with supply chain issues…

Cut 6 (12)  “…it needs to go.”
The state transportation department will issue the annual permits and the new tandem load permit can only be used on designated roadways.

The latest report from trustees of the Social Security Trust Fund says the program will be insolvent by the year 2034. Senator Bill Cassidy says this is an issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible and current laws regarding social security would greatly reduce monthly benefits for those collecting benefits.

Cut 14 (10)  “…an option.”

Cassidy met with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen who says she’s willing to meet with Republican lawmakers to address the issue.

The FDA advisory committee is recommending that the FDA give full approval to Novavax, which is another COVID vaccine. LSU Health New Orleans Chair of Genetics Doctor Lucio Miele says it’s best to have as many different vaccines as possible that use different technologies to combat a virus that he says is here to stay.

Cut 9 (10)  “…by it.”

Due to the special legislative session to redraw the Congressional district map that was rejected by a federal judge the House Special Committee investigating the death of Ronald Greene hearing that was scheduled for the 16^th will be rescheduled. Governor John Bel Edwards was on the agenda to testify before the committee but due to the special session that will begin on the 15^th House Speaker Clay Schexnayder has postponed the hearing.

The legislature approved a bill that will allow students seeking TOPS eligibility to substitute computer coding for foreign language credits because there’s a great need for coders. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says unless Louisiana starts making some aggressive changes, it might be impossible to develop enough qualified candidates to meet demand.

Cut  11 (12)  “…next five years.” 

Big rigs pulling tandem trailers will be seen again on Louisiana roadways as a result of legislation by Norco Senator Gary Smith. DOTD will issue the permits, which will only be allowed for travel on designated highways to a from shipping ports. And Smith says the bill has a “sunset” of four years; meaning it has to be revisited down the road…:

Cut 5 (12) “…the trucking out there.”

The FDA advisory committee is recommending that the FDA give full approval to Novavax which is another COVID vaccine. LSU Health New Orleans Chair of Genetics Doctor Lucio Miele says the vaccine consists of two shots that deliver a small amount of the COVID spike protein so your immune system will respond and build antibodies.

Cut 8 (07)  “…and purified.”

Novavax is like more traditional vaccines and does not use RNA technology

Republican lawmakers are confident the Congressional District map they approved in February is compliant with federal and state laws, despite a federal judge ordering the Legislature to redraw the map because it does not have two majority-Black congressional districts. Senate Governmental Affairs Chairwoman Sharon Hewitt…

Cut 6  (10) “…about that” 

Governor Edwards has issued the call for a special session to begin on June 15th for legislators to redraw a Congressional district map.

Senator Bill Cassidy’s “No Surprises Act,” to keep patients from being caught off guard by medical bills is showing results. Cassidy says if you do receive a higher bill for services contact the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-985-3095…

Cut 13 (07) “…two-five-nine 53-hundred”

Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s bill to ban hand-held cellphone use while driving was defeated once again but he plans to remain resilient. He says there’s enough evidence from other states that have similar laws and in addition to preventing accidents, it might decrease car insurance rates also.

Cut 11 (12)  “…much-needed legislation.” 

In addition to normal camp activities, nine-to-12-year old’s who attend city-sponsored camps in Lafayette this week will also be trained on how to respond to an active shooter. Lafayette Police Corporal Matthew Benoit says it’s a growing concern that can’t be ignored.

Cut 3 (11) “…talk about.”

Resource officers are also teaching campers the proper way to respond to any threat of violence, not just an active shooter.

In addition to normal camp activities, children who attend city-sponsored camps in Lafayette this week will also be trained on how to respond to an active shooter. Lafayette Police Corporal Matthew Benoit says two school resource officers who already have a working relationship with students are presenting the program to children ages 9 to 12, and they are able to…

Cut 4  (09) “…more of a game.”

Senator Bill Cassidy has some positive news to report. Cassidy’s “No Surprises Act,” to keep patients from being caught off guard by medical bills is showing results.

Cut 12 (11) “…is working.”  

If you do receive a surprise bill, Cassidy says to contact the Louisiana Department of Insurance.

Governor John Bel Edwards has called for a special session to begin on June 15th to redraw a Congressional district map, but a Republican legislator says it may not happen. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Republican lawmakers are confident the Congressional District map they approved in February is compliant with federal and state laws, despite a federal judge ordering the Legislature to redraw the map because it does not have two majority-Black congressional districts. Senate Governmental Affairs Chairwoman Sharon Hewitt…

Cut 6  (10) “…about that” 

Governor Edwards has issued the call for a special session to begin on June 15th for legislators to redraw a Congressional district map.

New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis’ bill that limits the release of mugshots of those accused, but not convicted, of certain nonviolent crimes is headed to the governor’s desk. Duplessis says booking photos are highly prejudicial and once out in public, can’t be taken back. He says in most cases they serve no purpose.

Cut 13 (07) “…should do better.”
After the recent mass shooting at a school in Uvalde, Texas, State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley says there have been talks between him and about 100 education leaders from school systems statewide. Brumley says an important step is for faculty and staff is to harbor trust between themselves and the student body…:

Cut 10 (10) “…to report that.”
In addition to normal camp activities, nine-to-12-year old’s who attend city-sponsored camps in Lafayette this week will also be trained on how to respond to an active shooter. Lafayette Police Corporal Matthew Benoit says it’s a growing concern that can’t be ignored.

Cut 3 (11) “…talk about.”

The presentation covers topics like what to do if you come across a gun and what to do in any violent situation.

After being vetoed last year, the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act by Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell will go into effect this fall. Mizell believes a trans female athlete winning a collegiate swimming competition helped garner more votes in favor of the bill.

Cut 7 (09) “…needed the bill.”

The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act bans trans female athletes from competing in women’s sports and it goes into effect August 1^st.

New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis’s bill to limit the release of mugshots of those accused, but not convicted, of certain nonviolent crimes will soon become law. Duplessis says he will be watching to see how local law enforcement and news outlets respond.

Cut 15 (09)  “…I’m excited.”

After the recent mass shooting at a school in Uvalde, Texas… Louisiana Education Superintendent Cade Brumley says he’s been in talks with about 100 education leaders on how to keep students safe. Brumley says more focus will be made on keeping school facilities physically secure as well…:

Cut  11 (13)  “…barriers in place.” 

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Dr. Amanda Staiano (Sty-ann-yo) says they studied 72 children, ages 3 to 5, over a 12-week period to see if the exercises on a smartphone app that parents used to interact with them improved their motor skills. And she says it made a difference.

Cut 5 (07) “…this app.”

The app is called Play and they are looking to find sponsors so the app can be available to the public.

Governor Edwards is calling for a June 15^th special session after a federal judge rejected the Congressional Redistricting Map the legislature passed before the regular session. Research Director with the Public Affairs Research Council Melinda Deslatte (Duh-Lot) says the judge issued a June 20^th deadline for the new map that must have two majority-minority districts.

Cut 6  (06) “…different map.” 

State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley says the 2022 legislative session that ended yesterday was a good one for education. He says lawmakers approved legislation to address the teacher shortage by allowing any resident who has a Master’s Degree in a particular content to teach at a local school in that area of expertise…

Cut 4  (08) “…other professions.”

Teachers also received a 15-hundred dollar pay raise.

One of the bills that passed the session was HB 1031, which adds an annual fee of $110 for all-electric vehicles and a $60 fee for hybrid owners to help offset the losses from gas tax collections. Transportation Secretary Sean Wilson says the legislation is about making sure everyone who uses the roads helps maintain them.

Cut 9 (12) “…average driver pays.”

Louisiana is receiving 176-million dollars to bring reliable internet service to rural areas. The governor’s office says it’s enough money to connect 88-thousand homes and businesses with high-speed internet. Executive Director of Louisiana Broadband and Connectivity Veneeth Iyengar (Vuh-neeth Eye-IN-gar) says Louisiana is one of only four states to receive this money from the U-S Department of Treasury

Cut 12 (09) “…the most”  

Governor Edwards is expected to call for a special session after a federal judge rejected the Congressional Redistricting Map the Legislature approved in February. Research Director with the Public Affairs Research Council Melinda Deslatte (Duh-Lot) says Monday’s judgment has Republicans who approved the map seeking alternatives.

Cut 7 (12) “…new map.” 

Louisiana is receiving 176-million dollars to bring reliable internet service to rural areas. The governor’s office says it’s enough money to connect 88-thousand homes and businesses with high-speed internet. Executive Director of Louisiana Broadband and Connectivity Veneeth Iyengar (Vuh-neeth Eye-IN-gar) says Louisiana is one of only four states to receive this money from the U-S Department of Treasury

Cut 12 (09) “…the most”  

One of the bills to pass the legislative session was the passage of HB 1031, which adds an annual fee of $110 for all-electric vehicles and a $60 fee for hybrid owners to help offset the losses from gas tax collections. Transportation Secretary Sean Wilson says the legislation is about making sure everyone who uses the roads helps maintain them.

Cut 9 (12) “…average driver pays.”

LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing is ranked 10^th in the nation that’s according to the Nursing Schools Almanac. Demetrius Porche, Dean of the School of Nursing at LSU Health New Orleans credits the success of their students and the wide range of programs they offer for the ranking.

AM Cut 7 (12) “…of excellence.”