A dramatic rescue this week in Lake Charles as Lake Charles police officers rescued a a female trapped inside a car sinking in the river. Cpl. James Gruspier saw the car, called for help, and swam to the car. The occupant who could not swim was terrified. Gruspier along with Sgt. Ryan Magee and Officer Brennan Hoover with a flotation device were able to free the panicking occupant as the car was swept into the current on its way to quickly sinking. The three officers formed a circle around the occupant and swam her safely to shore.

With the 3^rd highest rate of pickup truck fatalities Louisiana Law enforcement will be out in force next week. DOTD Spokesperson, Gregory Fischer says during the Buckle Up in Your Truck campaign, there’s an opportunity for state Law enforcement to receive extra funding for overtime patrols, but Fischer says It’s not about issuing tickets. He hopes the desire to avoid a ticket will help pickup drivers establish the habit of buckling up…

Cut  14 (09) “…these things.” 

The U-S House is expected to take a vote on Saturday to send foreign aid to Ukraine and Israel, a move that puts Mike Johnson’s position as House Speaker in jeopardy. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

LSU could win its first national championship in gymnastics on Saturday. They will compete against Utah, Florida and Cal, but not Oklahoma. The two-time defending champion Sooners suffered multiple falls in the semifinals and they are out. College Gym News co-managing editor Brandif Heffner

Cut 6  (10) “..slight edge.” 

House Speaker Mike Johnson of Benton’s political future is on the line as the US House is scheduled to vote on Saturday to provide funding for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. Johnson has separated the foreign aid package into separate bills but Republican hardliners are demanding that any foreign aid bill be tied to strong border security policies. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says Johnson is doing what he thinks is right and is not worrying about the political ramifications…

Cut 5 (11)  “..United States.”

As part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Know2Protect campaign to educate parents about the dangers of online sexual exploitation and abuse of children, Special Agent Jessica Zuppardo says if your child is a victim of such abuse do not to delete any messages, don’t engage with the perpetrator, and contact local law enforcement.

Cut 11 (12) “…law enforcement.”

LSU could win its first national championship in gymnastics Saturday. They will compete against Utah, Florida and Cal. Utah is looking to tie a record with a 10th national championship. Florida is seeking its fourth and Cal is fresh off a Pac-12 title. But College Gym News co-managing editor Brandif Heffner likes LSU’s depth…

Cut 8 (08) “…championship final.” 

Buckle UP in Your Truck Campaign begins next week as Law Enforcement focuses on pickup truck drivers wearing seatbelts. Because trucks are large and heavy, DOTD Spokesperson, Gregory Fischer believes Pickup Truck Drivers may have an elevated sense of safety causing some to feel comfortable unbuckled…

Cut 13 (13) “…big trouble.”

Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene has said she will move forward with her motion to vacate U S House Speaker Mike Johnson if he puts a Ukraine aid bill up for a vote in the House. A divided House Republican caucus led to the removal of Johnson’s predecessor, Kevin McCarthy, last October. But LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says the desire for a new House Speaker is not as strong as it was last Fall…

Cut 4 (08) “…seeing now ” 

U.S. Department of Homeland Security has launched the Know2Protect campaign to educate parents about the dangers of online sexual exploitation and abuse of children. The problem is rampant in Louisiana and the State Attorney General’s office indicates an almost 100-percent increase in cases from 2022. Special Agent Jessica Zuppardo  says…

Cut 10 (10) “…reporting it.”

Oklahoma stumbles at the NCAA gymnastic championships, giving LSU an excellent chance to win its first national title.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Louisiana has the 3^rd highest rate of pickup truck fatalities according to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission and next week some Law enforcement officers will be focused on pickup truck drivers during the Buckle UP in Your Truck Campaign. DOTD Spokesperson, Gregory Fischer…

Cut 12 (10) “…their seatbelts” 

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.