The state’s oil and gas industry is on a slow but steady climb back, after struggling through the pandemic. David Grubb reports…:

CUT 02(33)      “…David Grubb.”

And while Governor Edwards proposal to put aside $500 million for a new Mississippi River Bridge garnered applause as his state of the state Monday, some House leaders have voiced opposition to allocating that much money into a project that’s five years away.

The regular session kicked off Monday and Governor John bel Edwards says he’s hopeful that positive bills, not divisive ones will eventually reach his desk.

Cut 12 (12) “…look forward”

The session is scheduled to end on June 6th.

After the U.S. Senate voted to make Daylight Saving Time permanent in 2023, one state lawmaker is saying “I told you so.” Haughton’s Dodie Horton passed a bill 2 years ago for Louisiana to end time changes should the feds give us the option…:

Cut 7 (12) “…they represent” 

The U.S. House must also pass the Senate bill before it becomes a reality. Daylight Saving Time currently runs from March until October.

The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana today is $4.13, down two cents from the record high of $4.15 set on Friday. And while prices jumped quickly, they won’t necessarily fall at the same speed. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says that’s partly because when forecasters estimated crude oil prices could reach $200 a barrel many distributors locked in prices for example at $130 a barrel.

Cut 4 (07) “…month contract.”

The U-S Senate has approved legislation to make daylight saving time permanent. It was a unanimous vote in support on the Senate side, but still needs House approval and President Biden’s signature. State Representative Dodie Horton from Haughton is a supporter of Daylight-Saving Time year-round…

 Cut 6  (07) “…energy cost-saving” 

Daylight Saving Time runs from March to October.

The Governor’s COVID health emergency order expires today, but some medical experts say he may have acted too soon. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

Former State Police Superintendent Kevin Reeves tells a special House committee examining the May 2019 fatal arrest of Ronald Greene that he did not take an active role in the investigation of the motorist’s death. The 30-year veteran of law enforcement says it was standard procedure to not get involved in such investigations…

Cut 4 (08)  “…the report (x2).”

Ronald Greene’s mother Mona Hardin also testified and voiced her disappointment and frustration with Reeve’s and his lack of involvement.

Governor John Bel Edwards discusses why he vetoed the congressional map the legislature approved in the redistricting session last month. He says the map does not increase majority-Black districts and a lawsuit has already been filed in federal court over the map. Edwards says it’s disappointing and unfortunate

Cut 13 (07) “…Voting Rights Act.”

The Governor’s COVID health emergency order expires today, but some medical experts say he may have acted too soon. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

18-year-old Joshua White Jr. of West Monroe is charged with domestic abuse battery-serious injury burning in connection with burning his former girlfriend. The victim told police White previously stated he wanted to know what it was like to set someone on fire and on the evening of March 5^th he poured a flammable liquid on her head and body and used a lighter. White also told the victim he would kill her if she reported it.

Former State Police Superintendent Kevin Reeves told members of the special House committee formed to look into the events surrounding Ronald Greene’s death says it’s procedure not to get involved in such investigations, but the mother of Ronald Greene, Mona Hardin expressed her disappointment in Reeves.
Cut 5 (10) “…directly answered.”
Lawmakers accused Reeves of being disengaged.

Governor John Bel Edwards’ health emergency orders for the COVID pandemic expire today, and some medical experts are worried he may have lifted the order too soon. Tulane University Medical School epidemiologist Dr. Susan Hassig says she’s concerned because the virus isn’t “gone” yet…:

Cut 8 (13)  “…if we need to.”

A Vandebilt high school student faces hate crime charges. The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office says the student was arrested in connection with a racially motivated video filmed in the school’s cafeteria. The video was shared on social media and the 15-year old 9^th grader is charged with a hate crime and simple battery.

An LSU legend calls it a career. David Grubb has the story.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

20-year old Brynnen Murphy is being held in connection with the deaths and disappearances of his girlfriend 24-year old Kaylen Johnson and her son 2-year old Kayden. Lt. Don Coppola with the Baton Rouge Police Department Johnson and her son were last seen on March 5th and reported missing March 11th. When asked about a motive and how the victims were killed, Coppola responded…

Cut 7 (06) “…determinations” 

He says Murphy told investors where they could find the bodies.

Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell is hoping to ban access to sexually explicit or pornographic content by anyone using state-issued phones and or computers at colleges and universities.  Mizell says while it’s already enforced among state offices it now adds postsecondary education to the adopting the policy.

Cut 13 (10) “…not acceptable.”

Governor John Bel Edwards lays out his legislative priorities for the regular session during his State of the State address.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The Special Committee to inquire into the circumstances and investigation of the death of Ronald Greene will hear testimony from former LSP Superintendents Col Mike Edmonson, Col Kevin Reeves.

20-year old Brynnen Murphy is being held in connection with the deaths and disappearances of his girlfriend 24-year old Kaylen Johnson and her son 2-year old Kayden. Lt. Don Coppola with the Baton Rouge Police Department says Murphy arrived at a local precinct Monday.

Cut 6 recovered:10

Murphy faces two counts of first-degree murder and Coppola says more charges could be filed as they await the medical examiner’s report. There are reports the victim was pregnant with the suspect’s child.

Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds files a bill to encourage retired teachers to return to the classroom. The proposal would allow retired educators to earn more of their annual pension…
cut 11 (12) “…bit more money”
State Police hires a firm to conduct an independent review and assessment of LSP policies, procedures, training, and overall culture. Trooper Dustin Dwight says it’s an extension of Colonel Lamar Davis’ action plan to restore trust in the agency and provide an outline for reform.

Cut 5 (08) “…and 2023.”

The Special Committee to inquire into the circumstances and investigation of the death of Ronald Greene meets at 11 am and former LSP Superintendents Col Mike Edmonson, Col Kevin Reeves are scheduled to testify.

In 2018 legislation prohibiting the access of material deemed sexually explicit via state-issued devices went into effect with colleges given the exception for research purposes. But Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says it’s time for that to change.

Cut 15 (10)  “…unintended purposes.”

In his annual State of the State speech, Governor John Bel Edwards lays out some of his priorities for lawmakers to address. In addition to giving teachers & school staff a pay raise, Edwards says wants to invest over $1-billion in one-time dollars coming into state coffers on major infrastructure projects, such as…:

Cut 8 (15)  “…across our state.”

The Louisiana State Police has hired a firm to conduct a comprehensive and independent review and assessment of LSP policies, procedures, training, and overall culture. Trooper Dustin Dwight.

Cut 4 (09)  “…organizational areas.”

The Bowman Group will conduct the review and once completed LSP will share with the public.

The bodies of 24-year old Kaylen Johnson and her two-year-old son Kaden were found in Baton Rouge Monday after they were reported missing March 5^th. Johnson’s boyfriend 20-year old Brynnen Murphy turned himself into police yesterday. Johnson was reportedly pregnant, but police are waiting on the coroner’s report.

State Representative Rick Edmonds has introduced a bill to tackle the state’s growing teacher shortage. David Grubb has more…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

Governor John Bel Edwards lays out his legislative priorities for the regular session during his State of the State address. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The Special Committee to inquire into the circumstances and investigation of the death of Ronald Greene will meet Tuesdays. Expected to testify are former LSP Superintendents Col Mike Edmonson, Col Kevin Reeves. That meeting is scheduled for 11 am.

Governor Edwards is calling for $15-hundred teach pay raises and $750 for support staff but President of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, Larry Carter wants even more if the funds are found, he says not making the investment could be even more costly later.

Cut 5 (11) “…right now.”

Carter is pushing for $2,500 for teachers and $12-hundred fifty for support staff.

Lake Charles Senator Jeremy Stine is pushing the storm victims’ insurance reform package in his first legislative session. Stine has bills to increase the penalties for insurance companies who fail to provide payment on a timely basis and double the fine a company could receive if the Insurance Commissioner determines they are acting in bad faith…

Cut 7 (11) “…as a deterrent” 

Legislators will discuss teacher pay raises again during this legislative and teacher unions will push for more than the proposed $1,500 more for educators. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The 2022 legislative session is underway and a recently elected lawmaker wants to reform the insurance industry. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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Governor John Bel Edwards is asking lawmakers to approve a $1500 teacher pay raise and $750 increase for support staff, President of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers Larry Carter is hopeful that’s a mere starting point and educators could see even more in their paycheck after this legislative session.

Cut 3 (11) “…support staff.”

Carter is hopeful the raises could go even higher in an effort to attract and keep teachers from leaving the state. Carter says they are asking for even higher raises so Louisiana educators can reach the southern regional average sooner than later.

Cut 4 (12) “…support staff.”

As for feedback from legislators on the pay raises, Carter says it’s mixed, while most support the raises others worry about the sustainability of pay raises in the future. But Carter says not making the investment could be even more costly.

Cut 5 (11) “…right now.”

Rising inflation is another reason Carter urges lawmakers to give teachers and support staff raises to keep them from leaving the profession or state sooner than later.

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Lake Charles Senator Jeremy Stine is pushing the storm victims’ insurance reform package in his first legislative session. Stine says after two active hurricane seasons, many policyholders are just fed up with their insurance providers as they attempt to get money to repair their damaged home

 Cut 6  (12) “… insurance industry” 

Stine says he has bills that increase the penalties for insurance companies who fail to provide payment on a timely basis and double the fine a company could receive if the Insurance Commissioner determines they are acting in bad faith…

Cut 7 (11) “…as a deterrent” 

Insurance industry lobbyist Jeff Albright told the Advocate Newspaper that insurance companies have concerns with several of the bills filed for this legislative session and it’s difficult to pay out thousands of claims quickly after a catastrophe. But Stine calls his legislation a measured, reasonable approach and insurance companies who act in good faith will not be impacted…

 Cut 8 (07) “  intend to do.” 

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LSU basketball has a storied history, but a murky future with major NCAA allegations to face and sanctions likely to follow. LSU alumnus and super fan James Carville believes LSU will survive this latest storm and come out ahead on the other side.

Cut 9 (12) “…they are now.”

The LSU athletic program has taken a number of hits over the past few years, from an ongoing Title IX investigation to these latest problems with the basketball program. Carville says that athletic director Scott Woodward is up to the task of setting things right.

Cut 10 (09)  “…a lot of confidence.”

Whatever the program is going through, Carville doesn’t think it will have any impact on the support the players get as they enter the NCAA tournament, and that the team can overcome this adversity.

Cut 11 (09)  “…really well.”  

The sixth-seeded Tigers will face 11th seed Iowa State Friday at 6:20 pm.

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On this two-year anniversary of the first reported COVID death in Louisiana, Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s allowing the current public health emergency order to lapse without extending it. Edwards made the announcement during a joint session of the House and Senate…

Cut 12 (10) “…(applause).” 

The state has reported 16,913 COVID deaths. Edwards says the decision to end COVID-19 emergency declaration was not made lightly…

Cut 13 (12) “…proclamation.”

Edwards says just because the proclamation is expiring doesn’t mean COVID is over…

Cut 14 (12)  “…again.”  

The state reported another 537 new COVID cases today.

The legislative session officially kicked off at noon today and there are a number of topics lawmakers will address Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says with several bills to expand the state’s medical-marijuana program, many conservative voters are still leery the expansion is moving the state closer to approving recreational marijuana use…

Cut 26 (10)  “…marijuana legislation.”

Governor Edwards is asking lawmakers to approve a $1500 teacher pay raise and $750 increase for support staff, President of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers Larry Carter says they are asking for even higher raises so Louisiana educators can reach the southern regional average sooner than later.

Cut 4 (12) “…support staff.”

Governor Edwards will give his State of the State at one.

Lake Charles Senator Jeremy Stine is pushing the storm victims’ insurance reform package in his first legislative session. Stine has bills to increase the penalties for insurance companies who fail to provide payment on a timely basis and double the fine a company could receive if the Insurance Commissioner determines they are acting in bad faith…

Cut 7 (11) “…as a deterrent” 

Stine says policyholders are rightfully fed up with insurance delays.

LSU basketball has a storied history, but a murky future with major NCAA allegations to face and sanctions likely to follow. LSU alumnus and super fan James Carville believes LSU will survive this latest storm and come out ahead on the other side.

Cut 9 (12) “…they are now.”