A House bill to allow concealed carry without a permit was heavily amended by Gonzales Senator Eddie Lambert in a Senate committee. The original bill to allow non-felons over the age of 21 to carry concealed now creates provisions for schools’s to appoint a teacher to serve voluntarily as a school protection officer. Lambert says that person will be certified.

Cut 7 (11) “…right now.” 

Because the amendment completely removed concealed carry language, West Monroe Senator Jay Morris, who had his Constitutional Carry bill vetoed by the governor last year, asked Lambert why House Bill 37 can’t keep its original intent and provide school protection officers.

Cut 8 (06) “…the other.” 

With the session ending on Monday, Lambert says this is the only way legislators can address school safety.

Lt. Colonel Chris Eskew, who was the head of State Police internal affairs when Ronald Greene died in L-S-P custody, tells state lawmakers he saw no criminal activity when he watched the violent body camera video of Greene’s arrest. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle provided the line of questioning

Cut 3 (13) “..no ma’am.”

It’s only day two of the Atlantic Hurricane Season, but researchers at Colorado State University have increased their projections of just how active this season will be. Alex DesRosiers says the latest models point to 20 named storms. The main reason? El Nino, which helps prevent storms from forming, is highly unlikely this year.

Cut 12 (08) “…quite some time.”  

Hurricane season ends November 30^th.

After passing in the House and a Senate committee, a so-called Constitutional Carry bill gets re-assigned to a second committee hearing. Kevin Gallagher reports on what that may mean…:

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

Governor John Bel Edwards issued a statement  saying, “In light of recent gun violence in Buffalo and Uvalde, gun safety discussions and action involving expanded background check and red flag laws are very much in order.”

A bill that would result in civil penalties against state and local governments and educational institutions that required proof of vaccination against COVID-19 for entry into government facilities is closer to final legislative passage. Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley’s convinced the Senate Judiciary C Committee to pass his bill…

Cut 12 (10) “…as sick.”  

New Orleans Senator Gary Carter voted no on the legislation, he expressed concerns about local governments facing a civil fine for trying to stop the spread of the disease…

Cut 14 (10)  “…this” 

Bagley’s bill, which passed in the House last month on a 59-26 vote, heads to the Senate floor for more discussion.

Major changes go into effect for hunting and fishing licenses tomorrow. Brooke Thorington has more on what you need to know before reeling in the next big one.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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LSU meteorologists and climatologists are predicting another busy storm season. David Grubb has the story…

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m David Grubb.”  

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Major changes for hunting and fishing licenses and fees go into effect tomorrow. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Undersecretary Bryan McClinton says even though a current license doesn’t expire until the end of June, any license that’s purchased tomorrow going forward…

Cut 3 (11) “..fiscal year.”

McClinton says the basic hunting license will see an increase of $5 to $20 annually.

Cut 4  (12) “…add ons.”

A residential basic freshwater fishing license will cost an additional $7.50 annually, but McClinton says the license has been broadened to include additional fishing options…

Cut 5  (11) “…gear fee.”

A saltwater license is also increasing by $7.50 but like the basic freshwater license, it has also been expanded to include additional fishing methods.

McClinton says another big change this year is a required $5 license for roadside crabbing. He says this is so they can survey license holders and have a better idea of how many crabs are being removed from fisheries.

Another new feature among hunting and fishing licenses is the automatic license renewal option so you don’t have to worry about being caught off guard with an expired license. For specific fees and price changes visit the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website.

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Tomorrow is the start of the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season and there’s the potential for tropical development in the Gulf of Mexico this week. LRN meteorologist John Wetherbee says a Pacific hurricane by name of the Agatha made landfall in southern Mexico yesterday and there’s a good chance its remanents could reform near the southeastern Gulf of Mexico

Cut 6  (11) “…into the Bahamas.” 

Wetherbee says if you are heading to Florida later this week, there’s the possibility this system could ruin outdoor activities in the Sunshine State…

Cut 7 (10) “…northeasterly direction.” 

Wetherbee says confidence is growing that we could see our first named storm of the season…

Cut 8 (06) “..this weekend” 

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LSU held a virtual media briefing on the eve of the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season in anticipation of another active summer. Dr. Paul Miller, assistant professor of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, was instrumental in developing a new forecasting model. After reviewing all of the atmospheric data for the month, Miller says…

Cut 9 (09) “…this year.”

Miller says that LSU has compared its data with other sources and feels comfortable with projecting five named storms in the gulf this year, another higher than usual output.

Cut 10 (09) ” …historical baseline.” 

Louisiana has been pounded by major storms over the last few years, experiencing some of the worst hurricanes in the history of the state. Another five projected named storms will do little to ease the anxiety of residents, but on the bright side, Miller says it has been and could be worse.

Cut 11 (12)  “…at this moment.” 

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A bill that would result in civil penalties against state and local governments and educational institutions that required proof of vaccination against COVID-19 for entry into government facilities is closer to final legislative passage. Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley’s convinced the Senate Judiciary C Committee to pass his bill…

Cut 12 (10) “…as sick.”  

Bagley’s bill, which passed in the House last month on a 59-26 vote, heads to the Senate floor for more discussion. Private citizen Christy Haik spoke in support of the legislation during committee testimony today…

Cut 13 (07) “…overreach”

New Orleans Senator Gary Carter voted no. He expressed concerns about local governments facing a civil fine for trying to stop the spread of the disease…

Cut 14 (10)  “…this” 

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Cut 15 (09) “…rainfall” 

Cut  16 (08)  “…their businesses“

Major changes for hunting and fishing licenses and fees go into effect tomorrow. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Undersecretary Bryan McClinton says the basic hunting license will see an increase of $5 to $20 annually.

Cut 4  (12) “…add ons.”

And tomorrow is the start of the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season and there’s the potential for tropical development in the Gulf of Mexico this week. LRN meteorologist John Wetherbee says there’s the possibility this system could ruin outdoor activities in Florida later this week

Cut 7 (10) “…northeasterly direction.” 

And it could be the first named storm for the Atlantic and it would be Alex.

Louisiana is well-represented in the NCAA Baseball Tournament. David Grubb has more…
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m David Grubb.”

For fans looking to drive to those regional destinations, they’ll find the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $4.22 that’s according to Triple-A.

According to the Louisiana Economic Activity Forecast A full recovery is not expected until next year and the number of jobs in the state remains about 5-percent below pre-COVID levels. University Louisiana at Lafayette economist Gary Wagner says consumer spending remains relatively strong, but vehicles and recreational goods saw a decline in the first quarter of this year…

Cut 6 (11)  “…the year.”

The Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office has released a report to the state legislature designed to help the state attract and retain a capable teaching workforce. State auditor Ed Seyler (Sailor) says the state also could improve teacher retention if salaries in areas with high housing costs were higher…

Cut 9 (09)  “…this state.”

Tomorrow is the start of the 2022 hurricane season and there are still thousands living in trailers as a result of Hurricane Ida. Terrebonne Planning and Zoning Director Christopher Pulaski says it’s something they have to prepare for if another storm approaches southeast Louisiana…

Cut 12 (09) “…10 thousand people.” 
Governor Edwards has said that congregate shelters for evacuees will return this year. The state didn’t do that the last two years because of COVID.

The bracket is out for the NCAA baseball tournament. After going 1-2 at the SEC tourney, it wasn’t a shock when Baton Rouge was left off the list of Regional host sites. Tigers coach Jay Johnson says once that happened, he could read the tea leaves on where his team was headed…

Cut 13 (12) “…a surprise.”

The Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s office has sent a report to state lawmakers that looks at teacher retention and certified teachers’ impact on student achievement. Kevin Gallagher has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

Authorities are searching for two 19-year-olds who escaped from Acadiana Center for Youth around 1 p.m. on Monday. A Command Center has been established at the facility to assist in their arrests. Anyone with information is asked to call local law enforcement immediately.

According to the Louisiana Economic Activity Forecast, A full recovery is not expected until next year and the number of jobs in the state remains about 5-percent below pre-COVID levels. University Louisiana at Lafayette economist Gary Wagner says the Houma-Thibodaux and Lafayette metro areas are expected to experience the fastest job growth in the state…

Cut 5 (07) “…strongest growth.”

Hurricane season officially begins tomorrow and there are still roughly 400 households, representing about 12-hundred people, in Terrebonne Parish awaiting FEMA trailers. Parish Planning and Zoning Director Christopher Pulaski says people are frustrated…

Cut 10 (08) “…nine months out.”
Pulaski says there are about nine-thousand people living in more than three-thousand trailers from either the state or FEMA.

The state House has overwhelmingly voted for a measure that would remove the current restrictions on the state’s Name, Image, and Likeness law. Crowley Representative John Stefanski says the bill just puts Louisiana in the same posture as other states…:

CUT 11(12)      “…like you said.”

The bill started in the Senate and must go back there for concurrence on House amendments and what could be final passage.

Senate Transportation made the decision to defer Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s bill to ban handheld cellphone use while driving. New Orleans Senator Gary Carter continued to hit on the point made by several lawmakers; that Huval’s bill would lead to law enforcement profiling drivers who may or may not be using their cell phones in order to look for larger offenses.

Cut 8 (12) “…unfortunate consequences.”

Louisiana State Treasurer John Schroder says the check is in the mail. On Thursday almost 30-thousand unclaimed property checks were mailed out after a data match with the Department of Revenue to update addresses. The checks total $4.8 million in unclaimed property. Schroder says his staff works diligently to find the rightful owners.

Cut 4  (09) “…our program.”

Visit LaCashClaim-dot org to see if you have any unclaimed funds.

If you don’t have plans for Memorial Day weekend why not a visit to the World War II Museum in New Orleans. The museum’s director of education Dr. Maggie Hartley says their world-class exhibits will immerse you in the history…:

CUT 13(10)      “…arsenal of democracy.”

Active military and reservists get in free now through Labor Day.

The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs announces a new way to honor a fallen loved one online. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A bill making “noodling” legal in Louisiana has been sent to Governor Edwards’ desk. Kevin Gallagher reports it’s not about making pasta…:

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Louisiana’s bond rating – a main barometer of how much the state pays in interest on money borrowed – has been upgraded for the first time in nearly seven years. Moody’s Investor Service last week upgraded the state from an Aa2 rating, to Aa3. State Treasurer John Schroder says that upgrade will mean significant savings to the state (and taxpayers) in interest paid…:

Cut 3 (07) “…pretty big deal.” 

Louisiana had been ranked among the five lowest-rated states by Moody’s. It should easier financing and lower interest rates. Schroder says this upgrade shows that Moody’s sees Louisiana’s credit is good and the state is a responsible borrower…:

Cut 4 (07)  “…the bottom five.”

Schroder says the average person may not be affected, but a better bond rating does work its way right down to the taxpayer, by saving the state money when it needs to finance projects and initiatives…:

Cut 5 (12) “…uhhh for the state.”

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To honor those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice, Louisiana’s five-state cemeteries and five veterans homes are each holding ceremonies. Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, Colonel Joey Strickland says it’s a solemn occasion for remembrance to honor those who’ve died and served in the military.

Cut 6 (07)  “…our state.”

More than 7,500 veterans are interred at LDVA cemeteries.

This year the Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a digital platform where you can honor fallen soldiers in your family. Strickland says it’s called the Veterans’ Legacy Memorial.

Cut 7 (08) “…ever dies.”

The online memorial site can be found at VA.gov/remember. Strickland says every veteran that’s interred at the state-run veterans’ cemeteries has a profile page that is automatically populated with their military service and cemetery information.

Cut 8 (10)  “…forever.”

The website also allows you to share the information you’ve added to the profile page on social media.

________________________________________

A bill making it legal for Louisiana sportsmen (and women) to catch catfish with their hands has been sent to Governor Edwards’ desk. The bill is authored by Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland, who says the sport – called “noodling” – is catching on in Louisiana, and his legislation assures folks can do it without running afoul of Wildlife & Fisheries agents…:

Cut 9 (08)  “…and noodle a catfish.”

McFarland’s bill was passed with little objection in both the House and Senate, and there is little reason to think the Governor will veto it. McFarland explains exactly HOW one goes about “noodling”…:

Cut 10 (08) “…and pull it out.”

McFarland says “noodling” has become a big sensation in the Bayou State, thanks in no small part to a series of YouTube videos…:

Cut  11 (06)  “…quite popular now.” 

To see “noodling” in action and decide it it’s for you, search YouTube for “Hannah Barron.”

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Each year nearly 60 percent of Americans fire up the grill over Memorial Day weekend. However, this year the cost of cooking out is probably going to put a dent in a lot of wallets. Dave Foster, CEO of the Cattle Producers of Louisiana says there are a couple of things you should keep in mind before heading to the market.

Cut 12 (09) “…limited as well.” 

Since Memorial Day is a special occasion, people may want to splurge and go all out, regardless of price. Foster says the one thing you shouldn’t skimp on is the quality of the cut of meat that you choose.

Cut 13 (09) “…quality experience.”

Beef prices have been on the rise, reaching record numbers earlier this year…though Americans haven’t let that deter them from getting their favorite steaks or burgers onto the dinner table. Foster says the reason for the spike isn’t a lack of product, but a distribution issue that’s only been heightened by soaring gas prices.

Cut 14 (07)  “…retail market.”

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Cut 15 (12)  “…background check.”

Cut 16 (17)  “…where we’re at.”

Cut 17 (11) “ …pushing for.” 

Cut 18 (20) “ …benefit us.” 

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Cut 19 (12) _“…and really improve.” 

Cut 20 (17) “ …outside of Omaha.” 

It seems every year a lawmaker attempts to pass a ban on using a hand-held cellphone while driving…and every year it fails to pass. This year is no different, as Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s proposed ban was squashed in the Senate Transportation Committee. Huval tells committee members he’s addressed concerns the bill could lead to racial profiling by law enforcement…:

CUT 07  (09)        “…who is stopped.”

The state House has overwhelmingly voted for a measure that would remove the current restrictions on the state’s name, image, and likeness law. Crowley Representative John Stefanski says it would allow universities and their employees to participate in NIL deals, which allows student-athletes to receive endorsement money

Cut 9 (10) “…to do”

Louisiana State Treasurer John Schroder says the check is in the mail. He mailed out almost 30-thousand unclaimed property checks totaling $4.8 million. Schroder says when the Louisiana Department of Revenue is able to provide Unclaimed Property with current addresses it allows them to unite those lost funds with their owner

CUT 05(08)      “…of Revenue.”

Visit LaCashClaim.org to see if you have any unclaimed funds.

This Memorial Day weekend why not visit the World War II Museum in New Orleans? The museum’s Director of Education, Dr. Maggie Hartley says active military and reservists get in free now through Labor Day…:

CUT 14  (08)        “…this summer.”

The museum will be holding events Monday for Memorial Day.

Most Louisiana lawmakers are on board with loosening the restrictions that are currently in place for name, image, and likeness deals for college athletes.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Louisiana State Treasurer John Schroder says the check is in the mail. On Thursday almost 30-thousand unclaimed property checks were mailed out after a data match to update addresses. The checks total $4.8 million in unclaimed property.

Cut 3 (04) “..the bank.”

Senate Transportation made the decision to defer Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s bill to ban handheld cellphone use while driving. The greatest concern for lawmakers continues to be the possible overreach by law enforcement that the ban could enable. Huval tried to allay those concerns.

Cut 6  (08) “…to stop people.” 

The vote to defer was close, going down 4-3.

For Memorial Day, the National World War II museum in New Orleans will have a number of events honoring fallen soldiers. Museum Director of Education, Dr. Maggie Hartley says on Monday they will hold a commemoration ceremony featuring a gold star spouse, that’s an individual who lost their military spouse in service.

Cut 12 (11) “…this holiday.”