Louisiana ranked 50th in the U.S. News and World Report’s 2024 Best States, and here’s Sean Richardson on why.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

North Louisiana is under an enhanced threat level of severe weather this afternoon and evening. Thunderstorms could be accompanied by large hail and damaging wind gusts as high as 75 miles per hour. Flooding rain is also possible so remain weather aware today.

Legislation is moving closer to final passage to end the requirement for employers to give minor workers at least a 20-minute meal break if they work five or more hours. Denham Springs Republican Representative Roger Wilder says kids in school go for a long period of time, especially if they are involved in extracurricular activities…

Cut 12 (12) “…in a school.” 

The bill heads to the full Senate for final passage.

The Violence Policy Center says in 2022, Louisiana ranked second in the country for gun deaths. Kristen Rand with VPC says the number of gun-related suicide attempts increased six percent across the country in 2022.

Cut 15 (06)  “…suicide rates”

53% of homes in Louisiana have firearms.

Louisiana ranked 50th in the U.S. News and World Report’s 2024 Best States, and here’s Sean Richardson to take a look at why.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The fate of Glenwood Regional Medical Center in West Monroe remains to be seen since Steward Health Care declared bankruptcy. Brooke Thorington has more from State Representative Michael Echols.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Minors might be able to work long hours without having to take a mandatory 20-minute meal break as a result of legislation moving closer to final legislative passage. Brooke Thorington has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

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Dead last is what Louisiana was ranked out of the 50 states for the second year in a row in US News and World Report’s 2024 Best States report. Managing Editor for Government Rankings Gary Emerling…

Cut 4 (11) “…beneficiaries.”

Some factors contributing to the poor ranking are Louisiana factories putting more than three-thousand pounds of industrial toxins per square mile compared to the national average of just over 900.  Nearly one-third of Louisiana roads are in poor condition and a high crime rate.

Cut 5 (08) “…juvenile incarceration.” 

But there were some positive takeaways from the ranking.  Pre-K through 12th grade has improved to 40th from 46th in 2019. He says more children under the age of five are also spending time in an education setting…

Cut 6 (03) “…pre-school enrollment for sure.”

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With the future of Glenwood Regional Medical Center in West Monroe in peril, Representative Michael Echols says the Dallas-based owner, Steward Health Care, is solely to blame for the hospital declaring bankruptcy. He says the possible closure would have a huge impact on the community.

Cut 7 (11) “…Steward Health group.”

The company says they intend to sell by the end of June. But complicating the issue is that the building and land are owned by Medical Properties Trust. Echols says once the leaders at Steward are investigated…

Cut 8 (12) “…my perspective.” 

As for a prospective buyer, Echols says he’s been told the medical community has reached out to Ochsner, Willis-Knighton, and other regional medical facilities.

Cut 9 (12)  “…our patients.”

Glenwood has been cited repeatedly by the Louisiana Department of Health for putting patients in immediate jeopardy of harm. A statement from Steward Health Care said they do not expect interruptions in daily operations due to filing for bankruptcy.

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Legislation is moving closer to final passage that would end the requirement for employers to give minor workers at least a 20-minute meal break if they work five hours or more. Denham Springs Republican Representative Roger Wilder says the state should not hold back teen workers who want to put in the hours…

Cut 10 (10) “…wanna work.”

Wilder’s legislation has already passed the House and it received unanimous approval from the Senate Labor Committee on Wednesday. Wilder says he’s been speaking with young workers about staying on the clock for long periods of time…

Cut 11 (09) “…of pay.”

Wilder also points out that kids in school go for a long period of time, especially if they are involved in extracurricular activities…

Cut 12 (12) “…in a school.” 

The bill heads to the full Senate for final passage.

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According to the Violence Policy Center in 2022, Louisiana ranked second in the nation for gun deaths. Kristen Rand with VPC says states with weak firearm laws and higher gun ownership consistently have higher gun death rates.

Cut 13 (12)  “…of gun deaths.”

Mississippi ranked first for the most gun death rates followed by Louisiana, New Mexico, Alabama, and Missouri.

VPC says the numbers for 2022 indicate 53-percent of homes in Louisiana have firearms and the gun death rate is 28 per 100,000. Rand says for the Bayou State, this is nothing new…

Cut 14 (11)  “…the top 10.”

While the number of firearm homicides in the country decreased by six-percent from 2021 to 2022, gun suicides increased by almost three-percent in 2022. Rand says studies show if you survive a suicide attempt, you’re less likely to try again and that means matter. Meaning if you use a more lethal method, which tends to be a firearm you’re more likely to complete suicide.

Cut 15 (06)  “…suicide rates”

Rhode Island had the lowest gun death rate of three persons per 100,000 and household gun ownership was almost 15-percent.

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Cut 16 (06)  “…more and more bizarre.”

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Cut 17 (17) “…we’re doing that”

Cut 18 (20)  “… we’re in the fight.”

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Cut 19 (14) “…do things.” 

Cut 20 (19) “….we practice.”

Legislation to hold a Constitutional Convention passes in the full House after amendments to change the start date from May 20^th to August 1^st. Bill author New Iberia Representative Beau Beaullieu says the dates were altered over concerns that the process was hasty.

Cut 25 (07) “…be rushed.” 

While Beaullieu stressed the convention will be a refresh, not a rewrite of the constitution, Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan expressed hesitation.

Cut 26 (12)  “…not true.”

The bill which needed a two-thirds majority passed on a 75 to 27 vote. The bill now heads to the Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee.

Students may be turning off their phones and tucking them away during the school day with legislation nearing final passage…

Cut 24 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

And a bill to repeal the requirement that employers give minors who work five or more hours at least a 20-minute meal break is nearing final passage. Denham Springs Republican Representative Roger Wilder says the state should not hold back teen who want to work.

Cut 10 (04) “…to work.”

LSU Football head coach, Brian Kelly said they are not interested in buying players after two top defensive players committed to other schools. Kelly made the comments to WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge. TigerRag Editor, Todd Horne, says Damonic Williams and Simeon Barrow ended up getting more lucrative NIL deals at other schools.

Cut 3 (11) “…defensive tackels.” 

Since the 2020 hurricane season a Lake Charles shelter for domestic and sexual violence victims hasn’t been able to house residents. Executive director of Oasis A Safe Haven, Kathy Manuel says on Monday they’ll reopen their doors to a completely renovated shelter.

Cut 9 (09) “…the shelter.” 

Manuel says survivors were either housed in hotels or placed in shelters elsewhere.

University Medical Center in New Orleans is launching a summer program to hire 100 Nursing Techs. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Sean Richardson”

In Shreveport 19-year-old Bobby Davis was arrested after allegedly waving a gun around and threatening people near Booker T. Washington High School. The incident happened around 6:40 last night. Davis is charged with aggravated assault.

University Medical Center in New Orleans is launching a summer program to hire 100 Nursing Techs. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Sean Richardson”

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A Lake Charles domestic and sexual violence shelter will reopen its doors Monday after a complete renovation from the 2020 hurricane season. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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LSU Football head coach, Brian Kelly said they are not interested in buying players after two top defensive players committed to other schools. Kelly made the comments to WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge. TigerRag Editor, Todd Horne, says Damonic Williams and Simeon Barrow ended up getting more lucrative NIL deals at other schools..

Cut 3 (11) “…defensive tackels.” 

Williams committed to Oklahoma after two seasons at TCU. Barrow is headed to Miami after three seasons at Michigan State.
Kelly has said signing defensive tackles from the transfer portal is a priority this offseason, but so far they’ve missed out on big names. Kelly told WAFB-TV that they are not going to buy players, they have something else to sell…

Cut 4 (07) “…the fall.” 

When asked about what defensive tackle Damonic Williams out of TCU’s intentions were behind entering the transfer portal, Horne said it looks like its about one thing…money.

Cut 5 (10)  “…demanded 7 figures.” 

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University Medical Center in New Orleans is looking to hire 100 Nursing Techs this summer.  Spokesperson Rachel Nichols says this is a strategic move from UMC and  LCMC to build a stronger Healthcare workforce for nursing students.

Cut 6  (06) “…future of healthcare.” 

The program helps take nursing students in their junior and senior year and help mentor them in to a nursing staff position.
Nichols said this is a broad healthcare profession pipeline working together to invest in future of the healthcare workforce.

Cut 7 (05) “…throughout Louisiana.”  

Phase One starts May 20th with weekly hands-on training, a one-on-one mentorship program, and networking opportunities for the students available.

Cut 8 (03 ) “…University Medical Center.” 

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Since the 2020 hurricane season a Lake Charles shelter for domestic and sexual violence victims hasn’t been able to house residents. Executive director of Oasis A Safe Haven, Kathy Manuel (pronounced manual) says on Monday they’ll reopen their doors to a completely renovated shelter.

Cut 9 (09) “…the shelter.” 

Manuel says survivors were either housed in hotels or placed in shelters elsewhere, which presented a security risk.

Cut 10 (12) “…want to meet” 

Often victims are hesitant to seek shelter if they’ll be housed in another city. Manuel hopes now they’ll take that bold step towards recovery and seek shelter in their renovated facility.

Cut 11 (12) ” …a job.”

The shelter was gutted after the storms and now it has new floors, walls, and a new security system.

To find a shelter near you visit domesticshelters.org

https://oasisasafehaven.org/

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Cut 12 (15) “…in Louisiana” 

Cut 13 (14) “…stabbed her”

Cut  14 (12) “…offense.” 

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Cut 15 (12) “…the roadway.”

LSU Football head coach, Brian Kelly said they’re not interested in buying players after two top defensive players committed to other schools. Kelly made the comments to WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge and TigerRag Editor, Todd Horne says Kelly said that they are not going to buy players, they have something else to sell…

Cut 4 (07) “…the fall.” 

Damonic Williams and Simeon Barrow got more lucrative NIL deals elsewhere.

University Medical Center in New Orleans is looking to hire 100 Nursing Techs this summer.  Spokesperson Rachel Nichols says Phase One starts May 20th with weekly hands-on training, a one-on-one mentorship program, and networking opportunities are available for students.

Cut 8 (03 ) “…University Medical Center.” 

The program takes nursing students in their junior and senior years and mentors them for nursing staff positions.

Since the 2020 hurricane season a Lake Charles shelter for domestic and sexual violence victims hasn’t been able to house residents. Executive director of Oasis A Safe Haven, Kathy Manuel (pronounced manual) says survivors were either housed in hotels or placed in shelters elsewhere, which presented a security risk.

Cut 10 (12) “…want to meet” 

If you need help visit domesticshelters-dot -org for the closest shelter.

Legislation to hold a Constitutional Convention passes in the full House after amendments to change the start date from May 20^th to August 1^st. Bill author New Iberia Representative Beau Beaullieu says the dates were altered over concerns that the process was hasty.

Cut 12 (07) “…be rushed.” 

The bill now heads to a Senate committee.

A bill to add exceptions for rape and incest to the state’s near total abortion ban in Louisiana for minors fails along party lines to advance from House Criminal Justice. New Orleans Democrat Representative Alonzo Knox supports the bill and says forcing a child to give birth to a rapist’s baby is unthinkable…

Cut 10 (11) “…disgusting way.”

Opponents say pregnancies should be carried to term no matter what led to conception.

The Louisiana House approves a bill calling for a constitutional convention. It would begin on August 1st instead of May 20th as originally proposed, so there’s more time to discuss how the constitution will be updated. But Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan is skeptical…
cut 14 (12) “….not true”
The measure heads to the Senate.

Since Louisiana’s latest congressional map was thrown out by a three-judge-panel, they’ve given the legislature until June 3rd to draw a new one or they will impose their own map for the November election. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

In baseball LSU made a huge comeback to beat Northwestern State six to five. The Tigers were down five to two in the 5^th inning and U-L Lafayette shutout Jackson State 5-0.

Legislation to add exceptions for rape and incest to the state’s near-total abortion ban failed to get out of a House committee. It’s a personal issue for bill author and New Orleans Democratic Representative Delisha Boyd. Boyd whose mother was raped in her teens and turned to drugs to cope with the trauma and died before she was 30.

Cut 8 (07) “…these children.” 

The bill was amended to only add exceptions if the victim is under the age of 17.

Haughton Republican, Representative Dodie Horton says while she agrees the rape of a child is horrific, she believes the life of the unborn child should be protected.

Cut 9 (07)  “…innocent child.”

The bill failed along party lines seven to four to advance from  House Governmental Affairs.

A three-judge federal panel that rejected the Congressional map approved by lawmakers earlier this year has ordered the legislature to come up with a new map by June 3rd or the courts will draw the map. But Secretary of State Nancy Landry says they need a map by May 15th for the November election. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the federal court system has put the state in a tough position…
cut 16 (06) “….more and more bizarre”

A Senate-approved bill requiring public school students to either turn off or stow away their cell phones during instructional time receives approval from House Education. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says during an active shooter situation, students should be focusing on hiding and being quiet…

Cut 7 (07) “…safety protocol.”

Her bill now heads to the House floor, if it passes it would go in effect next school year.

Legislation to add exceptions for rape and incest to the state’s abortion ban was amended for exceptions only to apply when the victim is under the age of 17. The bill, however, failed to advance from House Criminal Justice after emotional debate. Bill author New Orleans Democrat, Representative Delisha Boyd’s mother was raped in her teens and turned to drugs to cope with the trauma and died before she was 30.

Cut 8 (08) “…these children.” 

Haughton Republican, Representative Dodie Horton says while she agrees the rape of a child is horrific, she believes the life of the unborn child should be protected.

AM Cut 9 (07)  “…innocent child.”

The bill failed to advance along party lines in a seven to four-vote.

The legislature will have a third crack at drawing the state’s congressional map. The three-panel judge issued the decision Tuesday. The court also dismissed the Secretary of State’s May 15^th deadline. Lawmakers are still in session but it’s unclear if a bill can be filed to draft a new map in this session. Attorney General Liz Murrill says she will still proceed with taking the case to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Governor Jeff Landry has signed four property insurance reform bills. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The Louisiana House is scheduled to vote today on whether to hold a Constitutional Convention later this month. Revising the constitution is one of Governor Jeff Landry’s priorities, but political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it will need a two-thirds majority to pass.

Cut 7 (11) “…thin majority.”

The House convenes at 1pm.

Today, Louisiana observes National Fentanyl Awareness Day. 210 people die every day from Fentanyl overdoses and Kandyce Cowart with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana says everyone needs to be aware of how dangerous the drug is. She equates it to a jetliner crashing every day…

Cut 10 (10) “…talking about.”

Fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine.

It’s National Hurricane Preparedness Week GOHSEP wants you to be ready.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Temperatures will be in the the 90s with heat indexes reaching triple digits in Louisiana this week. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says usually it’s the third week of May when temps reach that high in Louisiana.

Cut 13 (10)  “…the state.”