The Louisiana Department of Health has released updated mercury and fish advisories for ten bodies of water, Among them, Black Bayou Lake, Caddo Lake and Toledo Bend Reservoir. L-D-H Environmental health section chief Shannon Soileau says the state issues precautionary advisories when unacceptable levels mercury are detected in fish or shellfish…

Cut 14 (11)  “…general population.”

The House Labor Committee approves legislation to remove the required 30-minute meal period for minors who work five or more hours. Bill author and Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder is a business owner and says the required break forces his teen age employees to lose 30 minutes of pay when they rather stay on the clock.
Cut 6 (07) “…want to.”
The measure passed on a ten to two vote.

Big economic development news in northwest Louisiana today as industrial manufacturer Fibrebond announces a 50-million-dollar expansion of its production facility in Minden. Mayor Nick Cox says for over four decades Fibrebond has been the cornerstone of their economy…
cut 3 (14) “…here to stay”
The expansion will enable Fibrebond to retain more than 450 existing jobs in northwest Louisiana

Every Spring millions of beautiful birds migrate through Louisiana but the lights from our homes and buildings can be fatal to some especially during storms so The Louisiana Wildlife Federation is asking Louisianans to turn off bright lights from 11 pm to 6 am each night. Federation Communications Director Jimmy Frederick…

Cut 9(11)   … used to.

The Louisiana Department of Health has released updated mercury and fish advisories for ten bodies of water, and it’s issued a new warning for Lake Maurepas in southeast Louisiana. L-D-H Environmental health section chief Shannon Soileau says because of mercury contamination, there are now fish consumption advisories for 51 waterways in Louisiana…

Cut 13 (08)  “…slight modifications.”

Black Bayou Lake, Caddo Lake and Toledo Bend Reservoir are also among the ten bodies of water.

The House Labor Committee advances a bill to remove the state mandate that requires a 30-minute meal period for minors who work five or more hours advances from.  Haughton Representative Dodie Horton supports the bill because she wants to ensure the state allows private businesses to operate as they see fit.

Cut 8 (12) “…all over.” 

The bill passed on a 10 to 2 vote and advances to the House.

Webster Parish’s largest employer is expanding its facility, and the project is expected to produce hundreds of new jobs. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

It’s peak time for birds migrating through Louisiana and Jimmy Frederick with the Louisiana Wildlife Federation says, establishing the habit of diming or turning off lights at night helps prevent confusion for the birds so they can safely make their way back to their northern nesting sites. Over 450 million fly through the Bayou State and include multiple beautiful varieties of shore birds and song birds…

Cut 11 (07) “…his wings”

A bill to remove the required 30-minute meal break for minors who work five or more hours advances from House Labor. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

Economic growth is coming to Minden as industrial manufacturer Fibrebond announces a 50-million dollar expansion of its production facility in. Officials say this will result in an estimated 650 new jobs to support the expansion. Construction begins in June and Mayor Nick Cox says this latest expansion will bring Fibrebond’s total manufacturing and warehouse space to more than one million square feet on its 254-acre campus…

Cut 5 (10)  “…north Louisiana.”

The LSU baseball team leaves for Columbia, Missouri today as they head to Mizzou looking to snap their five game SEC series losing streak. Coach Jay Johnson says the coaching staff is trying to get the best out of this team…

Cut 17 (09) “…right now.”

 It’s peak time for birds migrating through Louisiana and since confusion caused by building light could cause them injury or death, The Louisiana Wildlife Federation is asking Louisianans to turn off bright lights each night from 11 pm to 6 am. Federation Communications Director Jimmy Frederick says he understands the need to light our homes for safety and security and suggests other options to help the flying visitors make it safely though the Bayou State…

Cut 10 (09) “…huge difference”

Diming lights or using motion activated lights are other ways to protect the migrating birds.

Legislation to remove the required 30-minute meal period for minors who work five or more hours advances from House Labor Committee. Shreveport Representative Tammy Phelps questioned the bill’s author, Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder asking if he considers a 16 or 17-year-old a young adult. He countered that the emancipation age is 16, and you’re allowed to marry at age 16.

Cut 7 (13) “…a minor.”  

Big economic development news in northwest Louisiana as industrial manufacturer Fibrebond announces a 50-million dollar expansion of its production facility in Minden. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says Fibrebond is taking advantage of a retention and modernization state tax credit to build a new production facility…

Cut 4 (13) “…shiny things ” 

Legislation to create a Gun Free Zone in New Orleans’ entertainment district was pulled from House Criminal Justice. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Every spring millions of beautiful birds migrate through Louisiana but the lights from our homes and buildings can be fatal to some especially during storms so The Louisiana Wildlife Federation is asking Louisianans to turn off bright lights from 11 pm to 6 am each night from now to May 31^st. Federation Communications Director Jimmy Frederick…

Cut 9(11)   … used to.

A recall petition has been filed to remove St. Tammany Parish Coroner Christopher Tape who was charged with six counts of child sexual assault in New Mexico but never tried on a technicality. Dillard University Political Science Professor Robert Collins says recalls are extremely difficult and rarely successful. He says the most efficient way to obtain enough signatures, in this case, at least 35,000, is to mail voters affidavits, have them sign them, and return them in a postage-paid envelope.
Cut 11 (11) “…the challenge”

The House Governmental Affairs Committee began discussion today on holding a constitutional convention. Supporters of a constitutional convention say they want to move items to state law so legislators can have more flexibility during difficult budget times. Covington Representative Mark Wright believes holding a convention is a great idea. Any changes to the constitution would need voter approval in November…
Cut 13 (11) “…doesn’t change.”

The committee is planning to discuss the idea more tomorrow.
LSU star player Angel Reese is heading to Chicago to play for the Sky. Jeff Palermo has the story…
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

A bizarre break-in at Jennings High School Monday. Police say 37-year-old Dillion Champagne stole two vehicles, and held two employees at gunpoint, fortunately, no one was hurt. Jennings Police Chief Danny Semmes says After a 12-hour multi-law enforcement manhunt, Champagne was located thanks to a tip that he was seen on Highway 97 about a mile from the school.
Cut 8 (12) “…to another.”

Lawmakers began their discussions on holding a constitutional convention today in the House Governmental Affairs Committee. Several have questions on how the convention would work. New Orleans Representative Candace Newell says starting the constitutional convention on May 20th when the regular session is scheduled to end June 3rd can cause issues…

Cut  14 (14) “…this convention.” 

After a bizarre break-in at Jennings High School, before classes began on Monday, police have 37-year-old Dillion Champagne in custody. Jennings Police Chief Danny Semmes says Champagne stole two vehicles, followed a custodian in the school, and held two employees at gunpoint, fortunately, no one was hurt.

Cut 6  (10) “…Dillion Champagne.” 

A petition to recall the embattled St. Tammany Parish Coroner has been filed with the Secretary of State’s office. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (36)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

The Chicago Sky selected LSU women’s basketball star Angel Reese with the seventh overall pick in last night’s WNBA draft. Reese led LSU to its first national championship in women’s basketball in 2023 and this past season she was named the SEC Player of the Year. The All-American could have returned to LSU for one more season, but Reese says she’s ready for a new challenge…

Cut 4 (06) “…be a sponge” 

A recall petition has been officially filed to remove St. Tammany Parish Coroner Christopher Tape because he’s unfit for office. Tape was charged with six counts of child sexual assault in New Mexico but was never tried on a technicality. Dillard University Political Science Professor Robert Collins says recalls are extremely difficult and rarely successful.

Cut 9 (10) “…recall elections.” 

A bizarre break-in at Jennings High School, Monday caused classes to be cancelled. Jennings Police Chief Danny Semmes says 37-year-old Dillion Champagne is in custody, but Semmes says he can’t imagine the fear that the two employees experienced when Champagne confronted them with a gun and stole the keys to one of the employees’ cars.

Cut 7 (09) “…the best.”  

The House Governmental Affairs Committee began discussion today on holding a constitutional convention. The bill’s author, New Iberia Representative, Beau Beaullieu, says the goal is to streamline the state constitution, which is one of the longest in the nation…

Cut 12 (10) “…in statue.” 

Angel Reese is the first LSU women’s basketball player selected in the first round of the WNBA draft since 2012 when Washington took LaSondra Barrett. The Chicago Sky chose Reese with the 7^th overall pick and Reese says she’s looking forward to spending her summers in Chicago…

Cut 5 (05)  “…Chi-town girl.”

Reese led LSU to its first national championship in 2023 and this year was named SEC Player of the Year. The W-N-B-A begins its season next month.

Classes at Jennings High School had to be cancelled Monday after a bizarre break-in at the school, before classes began, police say 37-year-old Dillion Champagne stole two vehicles, followed a custodian in the school, and held two employees at gunpoint, fortunately, no one was hurt. Jennings Police Chief Danny Semmes says After a 12-hour multi-law enforcement manhunt, Champagne was located thanks to a tip that he was seen on Highway 97 about a mile from the school.

Cut 8 (12) “…to another.” 

The House Commerce Committee approves legislation that eliminates the requirement to have a license to be a florist. Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham says Louisiana is the only state that requires a florist to take a written exam to sell floral arrangements…

Cut 13 (10)  “…one of them.”

LSU star player Angel Reese is heading to Chicago to play for the Sky. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

This week, the Louisiana Department of Transportation is observing National Work Zone Awareness Week. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallet as part of the effort to increase awareness, on Wednesday, April 17th, Louisiana DOTD is participating in Go Orange Day…

Cut 12 (09) “…of safety.” 

Legislation to hold a Constitutional Convention next month will be heard in House Governmental Affairs Tuesday. Bill sponsor New Iberia Representative Beau Beaullieu says Governor Jeff Landry’s transitional team will describe what the convention will entail.

Cut 4 (12) “…of Louisiana.”

The last time the state’s constitution was revised was 1974 and for this convention, Beaullieu says there won’t be any huge changes, he says the plan is to move items from the constitution and put them in statute to give the legislature more flexibility.

Cut 5 (11) “…raise taxes.” 

The House Commerce Committee approves legislation that eliminates the requirement to have a license to be a florist. Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham says Louisiana is the only state that requires a florist to take a written exam in order to sell floral arrangement…

Cut 13 (10)  “…one of them.”

General counsel for the Pelican Institute Sarah Harbison says the public can weed out bad florists…

Cut 15 (10)  “..expectations”

The legislation heads to the house floor.

The House Ways and Means Committee takes no action on a bill that calls for Louisiana to repeal the state income tax in 2026. Columbia Representative Neil Riser says for over a decade there’s been talk about eliminating the state income tax and his bill would commit the state to doing it

Cut 9 (05) “…go get it.” 

Police have arrested 42-year-old Chad Credeur (crater) of Duson in a shooting and triple homicide in Lafayette. LPD Sgt Robin Green says the bodies of 45-year-old Brandon Touchet 49-year-old Eric Green, and an unidentified female were discovered Friday but just when the shooting occurred in the 700 block of College Road, is not known. LPD is asking for the public’s help…

Cut 5 (10)  “…Police Department.”

It might not be a billion-dollar jackpot but Janice Tullos of Ball wasted no time in claiming a one million dollar match-5 prize. The Louisiana Lottery reported today that Tullos claimed the prize from the March 30^th drawing on April 1^st. She made the claim for a group including herself, Debbie Van Dyke, Cynthia Abbarno, Rachel Wooten, Yuri Hester, and Mark Howard. After state and federal tax withholding, the group takes home $717,500. And the Albertson’s that sold the ticket gets a 1% bonus of $10,000

No committee vote has been taken on Columbia Representative Neil Riser’s bill that calls for Louisiana to repeal the state income tax in 2026. Chris Alexander with the Louisiana Citizens Advocacy Group spoke in favor of the bill…

Cut 11 (07) “…to death”

Governor Jeff Landry was in West Feliciana Parish and Slidell today. Two areas hit by tornadoes last Wednesday. Landry expects the state will issue emergency declarations soon so that the state can help in the cost to clean up debris…

Cut 6  (07) “…back to work.” 

Landry says state officials are still assessing the damage to determine if the tornado outbreak last week caused enough damage to qualify for federal assistance.