Authorities say 4 people were injured in a shooting last night outside Hammond High School’s graduation which was held on the campus of Southeastern Louisiana University. One person is in custody. Tangipahoa Parish Schools Superintendent Melissa Stilley says shots rang out as students were leaving the ceremony to meet relatives outside the building…:

Cut 16 (11)  “…sad note.”
They don’t believe students were involved.

The state’s $39-billion budget reaches final passage. Governor Edwards is expected to sign the budget bill, but will he use his privilege of the line-item veto before he does? Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says, if he does, it will be sparingly.

Cut 12 (08) “…don’t end very well.” 

LSU will be awarding a record number of degrees with more than 45-hundred students expected to cross the stage this weekend. But will those degrees translate into employment? Economist Dr. Loren Scott says nearly every industry in the state has complained about the lack of available workers.

Cut 8 (09)  “…we’re seeing that.”

After a bill to charge a woman with murder if she has an abortion was heard in the Louisiana House, Kathleen Pittman, Director of the Hope Medical Group for Women, which provides abortion services in Shreveport says abortion laws in states are becoming even more restrictive and doing so only puts more women in danger.

Cut 5 (11) “…of that.”

The bill was heavily amended and then returned to the calendar by the bill’s author. It’s anticipated that Roe V Wade is about to be overturned by the Supreme Court.

The state’s $39-billion budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1^st has reached final passage. House members Thursday concurred on amendments made in the Senate and voted to send the bill to Governor Edwards’ desk. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says lawmakers did a good job of using windfalls of federal money; from the pandemic and the Infrastructure Act…:

AM Cut 10 (14) “…out of their pockets.”

Pinsonat says polling of Louisiana taxpayers indicates they’d approve of the Governor’s budget proposals and how legislators dealt with them…:

AM Cut  11 (11)  “…existing revenue.” 

House bill to prohibit smoking or vaping marijuana in a motor vehicle advances from Senate Transportation. Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel says her bill is to address the rising number of incidents of motorists using cannabis and then getting behind the wheel.

PM Cut 12 (08) “…in a car”  

Schlegel amended the bill in committee to not make is a primary offense, so it won’t be deemed profiling.

A bill to keep third graders with reading difficulties from advancing to fourth grade advances in Senate Education. House Bill 269 by Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson is an effort to increase literacy rates and is modeled after successful legislation in Mississippi. The House approved bill now advances to the Senate floor. Nelson says the bill allows the Board of Education to determine the reading test third graders must pass before promotion for fourth grade.

The Senate approved the $39-billion state budget on Wednesday and the House will vote on it this afternoon. Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s pleased the majority of his budget requests have been approved but he wishes the $2,000 teach pay raises instead of 15-hundred for teachers would make the cut.

Cut 3 (12) “….working out”

House-approved legislation to limit the release of mugshots in Louisiana advances in Senate Governmental Affairs. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis says the bill is an effort to protect innocent individuals from the embarrassment of the photo.

Cut 7 (12) “…release it.”

The bill was amended to allow for the release of booking photos for violent charges.

Though things look back to normal, Louisiana isn’t out of the COVID woods just yet. After seeing numbers fall for the past several weeks, 114 people were hospitalized with COVID Wednesday…the highest figure in the state since March 24. Governor John Bel Edwards says it’s concerning…

Cut 10 (12) “…certainly increasing.”

Louisiana Congresswoman Julia Letlow is among the lawmakers the FDA Commissioner is testifying before this morning. And Letlow says in an effort to help desperate parents she’s signed on to co-author Republican legislation House Resolution 7718, also known as the Formula Act.

Cut 15 (06)  “…for parents.”

House Democrats also proposed legislation to give the FDA $28-million to address the formula shortage.

A Senate-passed bill proposing risk assessment for juveniles who run afoul of the law clears another legislative hurdle. Central Louisiana Senator Heather Cloud’s SB 323 has already won approval from the full Senate. She tells members of the House Criminal Justice Committee the bill is in response to a big uptick in violence among juvenile offenders…:

Cut 4 (11)  “…to a tiered system.”

The bill now heads to the House.

House-approved legislation to limit the release of mugshots in Louisiana advances in Senate Governmental Affairs. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis says the intent of his bill is to keep those who are innocent from being negatively impacted a mugshot.

Cut 9 (09)  “…effect.”

The bill was amended to allow for the release of booking photos for charges of violent crimes.

Even though the COVID vaccine will not be on the elementary and secondary school schedule this fall, Governor Edwards and the LDH are still in agreement with the CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendations that all children between the ages of five and 17 should be fully vaccinated.

Cut 12 (11) “…any boosters.” 

The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act is one step closer to the Governor’s Desk, and when questioned on his monthly call-in show Governor John Bel Edwards says he not going to commit to vetoing the legislation at the moment. Last year he vetoed the legislation saying it was mean-spirited towards transgender community.

Cut 24 (12) “…unfortunate.”

To address the ongoing baby formula shortage the US Agriculture Appropriations subcommittee will hold a hearing today. Louisiana Congresswoman Julia Letlow who was just named to House Appropriations, says it will be her first hearing on the committee.

Cut 13 (11) “…searching.”

The FDA Commissioner will appear before committee members today.

The Louisiana Department of Health has removed the COVID-19 vaccine as a requirement for elementary and secondary school students, citing a lack of full approval by the Food and Drug Administration. Governor John Bel Edwards.

Cut  11 (10)  “…17-year-olds.”  

On Wednesday the state reported 114 COVID hospitalizations in Louisiana, the highest since March.

A Senate-passed bill to use a tiered risk assessment system to evaluate and house juvenile offenders wins House committee approval. More on that from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Despite removing the COVID vaccine from the list of required vaccines for elementary and secondary students, the Louisiana Department of Health issues a statement that their official recommendation to be fully vaccinated is still in place. The requirement was removed for students because it has yet to receive full FDA approval.

Since the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act is one step closer to the Governor’s Desk, and when questioned on his monthly call-in show Governor John Bel Edwards says he not going to commit to vetoing the legislation at the moment.

PM Cut 12 (16) “…itself,”  

The bill prohibits transgender females from competing in women’s sports in Louisiana.

Senate Health and Welfare votes in favor of House-approved legislation aimed at improving access to medical marijuana. Military veteran Tony Landry says there’s a monopoly on the medical marijuana industry with just nine licensed pharmacies and two licensed growers, LSU and Southern.

PM Cut 10 (10)  ”….in Louisiana”

The bill now heads to the Senate.

A Senate-approved bill proposing risk assessment for juveniles who run afoul of the law clears House Criminal Justice. Central Louisiana Senator Heather Cloud says the bill is in response to an uptick in violence among juveniles…:

AM Cut 4 (11)  “…to a tiered system.”

The bill now goes to the House floor for final passage.

House approved legislation to limit the release of mugshots in Louisiana advances in Senate Government Affairs. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis says the bill is an effort to protect innocent individuals from the embarrassment of the photo.

AM Cut 7 (12) “…release it.”

The bill was amended to allow for the release of mugshots of those charged with violent crimes. The bill now heads to the Senate.

Consumer watchdog groups are warning parents of potential scams due to the nationwide shortage of baby formula. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________

There’s been a national surge in road fatalities and Louisiana hasn’t avoided the trend. David Grubb has the story…

Cut 2 (35) …I’m David Grubb.”  

______________________________________

As the nationwide shortage of baby formula continues consumer watchdog groups are warning parents of potential scams. President of the Better Business Bureau of South-Central Louisiana, Carmen Million says fear makes people make rash decisions and scammers are taking advantage of it.

Cut 3 (11) “….physician”

Million says to be sure to research the vendor or individual you intend to purchase formula from. See if they have a brick-and-mortar store and know that reviews can easily be falsified. Million says formula is called formula for a reason, it’s specific

Cut 4  (11) “…their kids.”

For parents who are having difficulty locating formula, Million says to start a conversation with family and friends and if you run across a scam, also let your family, friends, physician, and the Better Business Bureau know of those scams.

Cut 5  (11) “…money back.”

Visit the BBB-dot-org forward-slash scam tracker for more information.

___________________________________________________

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that US traffic fatalities are at their highest level in 16 years with nearly 43-hundred deaths in 2021, an 11 percent increase from the previous year. Mark Lambert, spokesman for the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, says the numbers don’t get better here at home…

Cut 6  (10) “…2020 to 2021.” 

Lambert says driver behavior is typically the cause of traffic deaths, and the leading cause is highly preventable.

Cut 7 (10) “…safety belt.” 

Seat belts have been shown to reduce the chances of severe injury by as much as 50 percent and the risk of death by 45 percent.

The LHSC begins its participation in the national “Click it or Ticket” campaign this Monday. Lambert says law enforcement will be looking for drivers and passengers who haven’t buckled up.

Cut 8 (11) “…in a crash.” 

_____________________________________________________

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee votes in favor of a House-approved bill that’s aimed at improving access to medical marijuana. Houma Representative Tanner Magee says his measure will allow pharmacies open satellite locations and home delivery would also be an option….

Cut 9 (13) “…rural access.”

The House voted 77-16 for the legislation and now that the Senate Health and Welfare Committee approved the measure, it’s expected to receive approval from the full senate. But there is opposition. Military veteran Tony Landry says there’s a monopoly on the medical marijuana industry with just nine licensed pharmacies and two licensed growers, LSU and Southern

Cut 10 (10) ” ….in Louisiana” 

Denham Springs Senator Rogers Pope is the only one on the committee who voted against the proposal…

Cut 11 (11)  “…I am” 

_______________________________________________________

Since the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act is one step closer to the Governor’s Desk, and when questioned on his monthly call-in show Governor John Bel Edwards says he not going to commit to vetoing the legislation at the moment.

Cut 12 (16) “…itself,”  

The bill prohibits transgender females from competing in women’s sports in Louisiana.

In the past, Edwards has said it’s a solution looking for a problem and so far, it isn’t a problem in Louisiana. Edwards says he’s met with the bill’s author, Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell and he believes her intent is not spiteful.

Cut 13 (12) “…unfortunate.”

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee votes in favor of a House-approved bill that’s aimed at improving access to medical marijuana. Houma Representative Tanner Magee says his measure will allow pharmacies open satellite locations and home delivery would also be an option….

Cut 9 (13) “…rural access.”

The House voted 77-16 for the legislation and it’s expected to receive full approval from the senate.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports US traffic fatalities are at their highest level in 16 years, up 11 percent from 2020. Mark Lambert, spokesman for the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, says the numbers don’t get better here at home…

Cut 6  (10) “…2020 to 2021.” 

As the nationwide shortage of baby formula continues, President of the Better Business Bureau of South-Central Louisiana, Carmen Million warns of possible scams. She says to be sure to research the vendor or individual you intend to purchase formula from. See if they have a brick-and-mortar store and know that reviews can easily be falsified. Million says formula is called formula for a reason.

Cut 4  (11) “…their kids.”

Cleco’s CARE program for low-income families is still accepting applicants through May 30, and now the energy provider has introduced the Watt Matters campaign says spokesperson Fran Phoenix and the campaign teaches customers how to keep energy from escaping their homes through weatherization.

Cut 8 (12)  “…energy efficient.”

As the nationwide shortage of baby formal continues consumer watchdog groups are warning parents of potential scams preying on parents. President of the Better Business Bureau of South-Central Louisiana, Carmen Million says fear makes people make rash decisions and scammers are taking advantage of it.

Cut 3 (11) “….physician”

A bill that would prohibit biological males from playing female sports as a transgender girl is one step closer to final legislative passage. The House approved the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act on a vote 72-21. Shreveport Representative Sam Jenkins says the legislation is an attack on vulnerable transgender children…

cut 14 (12) “….an attack”
A minor amendment was added so the bill goes back to the Senate for final approval.

The full House advances a bill that would prohibit giving COVID shots – or any other vaccines – at public schools unless parents give explicit permission. Terrebonne Parish Representative Beryl Amedee (BEAR-il AH-muh-day) says her bill would require schools to obtain written permission to administer a shot, then follow that up with a verbal verification…:

Cut 10 (07) “…parental permission..”

The bill passed on a 65 to 31 vote.

The full Senate will debate the budget bill this week that contains a 15-hundred dollar pay raise for teachers. But Louisiana Association of Educators President Doctor Tia Mills believes the raise should be two-thousand dollars to help curb a teacher shortage…
AM cut 5 (10) “…than later”
The Southern Regional Average is 55-thousand dollars, while the average teacher pay in Louisiana is 51-thousand.

At the state capitol, the Louisiana House approved a Senate-backed bill that would prohibit transgender girls from playing female sports in Louisiana. Opponents say the legislation is unnecessary and mean-spirited, but Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds disagrees…

Cut 15 (10)  “…female sports.”

The bill heads back to the Senate for agreement on a minor amendment and then it heads to the governor’s desk.

The two largest teacher unions in the state join forces and tell lawmakers the proposed fifteen-hundred dollar pay raises aren’t enough. President of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers Larry Carter says they plan to continue to lobby lawmakers for adequate raises in an effort to retain certified teachers.

Cut 6 (10)  “…or leave.”

The state House passes a bill banning schools from giving COVID shots without parental approval. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

Baton Rouge Republican Congressman Garret Graves confirms to the USA Today Network he is considering a run for governor. The 50-year-old says nearly a thousand people have encouraged him to run. But Graves says 100-percent of his focus is on his re-election campaign and his job now in Congress.