Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, Ronnie Johns is stepping down as Chairman effective June 30th. During his time as chair, he’s seen two riverboat properties become first-class land-based properties with another three under construction, as well as bringing sports betting to the state. Those are only a few of the milestones of Johns’s time as Chairman. He says that wasn’t a small task.

Cut 7 (11) “…was done properly .”  

Steward Health Care has announced its selling Glenwood Regional Medical Center in West Monroe. Steward has filed for bankruptcy and is looking to sell several of its 31 hospitals in eight states. The Glenwood hospital has been struggling with staffing and supply issues and State Representative Mike Echols says it’s time for Glenwood to have a new owner…

cut 7 (11) “…Steward Health Group”
A Federal three-judge panel told Louisiana Lawmakers they have until June 3^rd to create a new congressional map, or the panel will create one. But multiple attempts to draw maps have all been rejected by federal judges in different districts. Senate President Cameron Henry says it’s all part of the legal process…

Cut 5 (12)  “…outcome is.” 

According to the Violence Policy Center, Louisiana ranks 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 ranks first for the highest gun death rate followed by Louisiana, New Mexico, Alabama, and Missouri.

Senator Patrick McMath’s bill to make using a handheld cellphone while driving in Louisiana a criminal offense passed overwhelmingly in the Senate, but his yearly attempt failed in the House overwhelming by a 21-72 vote. Denham Springs Representative, Roger Wilder, is concerned about court issues that would come with the violation.

Cut 11 (11) ” …concerned about the bill, thank you.”

A panel of 3 federal judges has given the state a June 3^rd deadline to draw a new congressional map. While the legislature is in session Senate President Cameron Henry says it’s impossible for to even file a bill for a new map because the deadline has already passed. He says it’s time to let State Attorney General Liz Murrill handle the congressional map with an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Cut 4 (08) “…this time.” 

The NAACP has also filed an appeal for the U.S. Supreme Court to settle the congressional map for the fall election.

Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, Ronnie Johns is set to retire June 30th of this year. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Sean Richardson”

For the second year in a row, U-S News and World Report ranks Louisiana as the worst state in the country. The ranking is based on several categories that Louisiana did not perform well in, like crime, the economy and its roads. Are there any positives? U-S News and World Report’s Gary Emerling says Louisiana ranked 21st for healthcare access and more children under the age of five are spending time in an education setting…

cut 6 (03) “…pre-school enrollment.”

Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, Ronnie Johns is set to retire June 30th of this year. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (00)  “…I’m Sean Richardson”

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A bill to make holding  a cellphone while driving a crime failed to pass in the House with a 21-72. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

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The three-panel court has given the state a June 3^rd deadline to draw a new congressional map. The legislature is in session, and they are scheduled to end June 3rd as well. But with the budget yet to be heard in Senate Finance, Senate President Cameron Henry says it’s impossible for them to even file a bill for a new map because the deadline has already passed.

Cut 3 (08) “…to do it.” 

Henry says it’s time to let State Attorney General Liz Murrill handle the congressional map at this point with an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court in the works.

Cut 4 (08) “…this time.” 

After multiple attempts to draw maps, that have been rejected by federal judges in different districts, Henry says it’s all part of the legal process…

Cut 5 (11)  “…outcome is.” 

The NAACP has also filed an appeal for the U.S. Supreme Court to settle the congressional map for the fall election.

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Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, Ronnie Johns told Governor Jeff Landry that he will be stepping down as Chairman effective June 30th.

Cut 6  (09) “…gaming control board.” 

During his time as chair, he’s seen two riverboat properties become first-class land-based properties with another three under construction, as well as bringing sports betting to the state. Those are only a few of the milestones of Johns’s time as Chairman. He says that wasn’t a small task.

Cut 7 (11) “…was done properly .”  

Johns says “It’s been an incredible honor to serve in this very important position to regulate such a large industry in our state,” and the future looks bright.

Cut 8 (10  “…the next chairman.” 

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Senator Patrick McMath’s bill to make using a handheld cellphone while driving in Louisiana a criminal offense passed overwhelmingly in the Senate, but his yearly attempt failed in the House overwhelming by a 21-72 vote. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick questions what else would be considered a crime in McMath’s bill.

Cut 9 (11) “…still out there, yes.” 

Bossier City Representative, Raymond Crews asked are they chasing an issue that will solve itself in the near future.

Cut 10 (10) “…getting fines for it.” 

Denham Springs Representative, Roger Wilder is concerned about court issues that would come with the violation.

Cut 11 (11) ” …concerned about the bill, thank you.”

Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, Ronnie Johns told Governor Jeff Landry that he will be stepping down as Chairman effective June 30th.

Cut 6  (09) “…gaming control board.” 

During his time as the chair he’s seen two riverboat properties become first-class land based properties with another three under construction, as well as bringing sports betting to the state.

Senator Patrick McMath’s bill to make using a handheld cellphone while driving in Louisiana a criminal offense passed overwhelmingly in the Senate but failed in the House. Bossier City Representative, Raymond Crews fears chasing an issue that he says will solve itself soon.

Cut 10 (10) “…getting fines for it” 

The fate of Glenwood Regional Medical Center in West Monroe is unclear as the hospital’s owner Steward Health Care has filed for bankruptcy. Brooke Thorington has more from State Representative Michael Echols.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Federal three-judge-panel has given the state a June 3^rd deadline to draw a new congressional map. The current legislative session is scheduled to end June 3rd. But with the budget yet to be heard in Senate Finance, Senate President Cameron Henry says it’s impossible for them to even file a bill for a new map because the deadline has already passed.

Cut 3 (08) “…to do it.” 

A Federal three-judge panel told Louisiana Lawmakers they have until June 3^rd to create a new congressional map, or the panel will create one. But multiple attempts to draw maps have all been rejected by federal judges in different districts. Senate President Cameron Henry says it’s all part of the legal process…

Cut 5 (12)  “…outcome is.” 

A bill moving along at the state capitol would end the requirement that employers have to give minors a 20-minute meal break if they’ve worked five consecutive hours. Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder says hard working teenagers would rather make money than take a break…

cut 11 (09) “…of pay”
The bill is heading to the Senate floor for final legislative passage.

A bill to make holding a cellphone while driving a crime failed to pass in the House with a 21-72. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (28)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

The Violence Policy Center says in 2022, Louisiana ranked second in the country for gun deaths. Kristen Rand with VPC says while the number of firearm homicides decreased by six percent from 2021 to 2022, the number of gun-related suicide attempts increased by almost three percent across the country in 2022.

Cut 15 (06)  “…suicide rates”

A panel of 3 federal judges has given the state a June 3^rd deadline to draw a new congressional map. While the legislature is in session Senate President Cameron Henry says it’s impossible for to even file a bill for a new map because the deadline has already passed. He says it’s time to let State Attorney General Liz Murrill handle the congressional map with an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Cut 4 (08) “…this time.” 

The NAACP has also filed an appeal for the U.S. Supreme Court to settle the congressional map for the fall election.

Senator Patrick McMath’s bill to make using a handheld cellphone while driving in Louisiana a criminal offense passed overwhelmingly in the Senate, but his yearly attempt failed in the House overwhelming by a 21-72 vote. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick questions what else would be considered a crime in McMath’s bill.

Cut 9 (11) “…still out there, yes.” 

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.

A federal 3 judge panel is giving the Louisiana Legislature until June 3^rd to draw yet another congressional map or have the court provide interim boundaries for the November 5^th election. The last map, drawn in January, was ruled unconstitutional because of impermissible racial gerrymander. This time the judges did not say this map would require a 2^nd majority minority district.  It’s not clear whether Lawmakers have a legislative instrument that would allow for a new map during this session, as it appears the deadline to introduce new bills for this session has passed.

The Louisiana House has voted down a bill that would have prohibited a person from concealing a handgun if they were within 100-feet of a parade. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick voted against the measure. McCormick says this bill will only affect law abiding citizens…

Cut 6  (10) “…lower crime.” 

One of the bills Governor Landry signed into law this morning phases out the three-year rule for Insurance Companies. Louisiana is the only state that prohibits an insurer from dropping a policyholder that’s been a customer for three or more years. But Pollock Representative Gabe Firment gives the insurers the ability to drop some of their older policyholders…

Cut 11 (11) ” ..in Louisiana.”

Luke Letlow, who was elected to Congress in 2020, but died from Covid before he could be seated is being honored by the U.S. House with the naming of his hometown post office. His widow and 5th district U.S.  Representative Julia Letlow spoke on the House floor.

Cut 3 (07) “..his story.” 

Letlow worked in the Jindal administration as his congressional district director and then as former Congressman Ralph Abraham’s chief of staff.

A federal 3 judge panel is giving the Louisiana Legislature until June 3^rd to draw yet another congressional map or have the court provide interim boundaries for the November 5^th election. The last map, drawn in January, was ruled unconstitutional because of impermissible racial gerrymander. This time the judges did not say this map would require a 2^nd majority minority district.  It’s not clear whether Lawmakers have a legislative instrument that would allow for a new map during this session, as it appears the deadline to introduce new bills for this session has passed.

McCormick says this bill will only affect law abiding citizens…

Beginning July 4^th, adults will no longer need a permit to conceal carry in Louisiana. The Louisiana House has voted down a bill that would have prohibited a person from concealing a handgun if they were within 100-feet of a parade. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick voted against the measure.

Cut 9 (09) “…laws anyhow.” 

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

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The U S House is honoring the late Luke Letlow, who was elected to Congress in 2020, but died from Covid before he could be seated They are naming of his hometown post office after him. His widow and 5th district U.S.

Cut 5 (09)  “…post offices.” 

The legislation is expected to pass and the post office in Rayville on Benedette Street will be named the “Luke Letlow Post Office Building.”

Beginning July 4th, Louisiana adults will no longer need a permit to conceal carry in Louisiana. Concerned about multiple people possessing guns near Mardi Grad parades, New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry authored the legislation that would have prohibited a person from concealing a handgun if they were within 100-feet of a parade.

Cut 7 (09) “…outside bar-b-que.”  

Landry’s bill failed 58-38 in the House.

Governor Landry signed 4 bills this morning that supporters say will bring more property insurers into the state but the consumer advocacy group, Real Reform Louisiana, calls this is an anti-consumer legislative package that will only result in rate increases and coverage decreases for Louisianians. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says these news laws will create a more competitive and stable insurance marketplace…

Cut 12 (15) “…other states” 

Congress is honoring the late Luke Letlow by naming a post office near his hometown after him. Sean Richardson has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Sean Richardson”

Heat indexes are predicted to reach triple digits in Louisiana this week. Climatologist Barry Keim says that compared to previous years, this week’s heat wave is early and it’s bringing very high humidity levels along with it.

Department of Children and Family Services is working to finalize plans with federal partners to provide summer nutrition for low income Louisiana school age children. The program Sun Bucks provides nutritious meals for the children through the EBT grocery buying program. Beginning in June, each eligible child will receive a singl payment of $120 for the summer. Sun Bucks will automatically be added to most eligible families’ assistance, but some may need to apply.

A statewide poll conducted for the Times Picayune and the Advocate finds Governor Jeff Landry’s approval rating is 56-percent. U-L-M political science professor Pearson Cross says Landry has been busy with two special sessions and a regular session since January and voters have noticed

Cut 3 (11) “..new governor.” 

Landry received nearly 52-percent of the vote when he was elected in October.

Another champion out of Louisiana. The Kentucky Derby winning horse Mystic Dan was ridden by Jockey, Brian Hernandez, a Lafayette native and Mystic Dan is co-owned by Shreveport Native Sharilyn Gasaway and her husband Brent. He won by a nose, edging out Sierra Leone and Forever Young.  Gasaway says his greatest strength is of course his speed but he’s also very calm.

Cut 10 (07) “..150,000 people plus” 

Mystik Dan had a third place finish at the Arkansas Derby in March and won the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes in February.

When Corporal Jason Lee with the Baton Rouge Police took on extra duty Saturday, he never imagined it would include delivering a healthy baby boy. Lt. L’ Jean McNeely says Lee was driving down Greenwell Springs Road when he was flagged down by a woman, whose daughter was in labor. Immediately after baby Noah was born, McNeely says Lee noticed that he was having difficulty breathing.

Cut 7 (12) “…is history.”