The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee spent a while on Friday debating proposed Congressional maps to replace the one the U-S Supreme Court ruled an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. Four past and present Black Louisiana Congressman testified in support of a map with two majority minority districts. New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says it’s simple math, one third of the state is black, therefore Blacks should represent one-third of Louisiana’s House delegation…

Cut 13 (13) “…very basic.”

But the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee is also considering map proposals with just one majority minority district or zero. West Monroe Senator Jay Morris is the author of these proposals and was questioned on how he can support a map where districts are set up so a Republican can represent every district…

Cut 14 (11) “…six conservative districts .”

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When it comes to being a state that’s friendly to working moms, Louisiana has its work cut out for it. A new study by WalletHub ranks Louisiana dead last for working mothers. Analyst Chip Lupo says the study ranked all 50 states and the District of Columbia across three key dimensions

Cut 6 (14) “…female unemployment rate.”

We’ll see multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms this Mother’s Day weekend as a weak front has stalled near the coast and it’s interacting with a very moist air mass. But LSU Health climatologist Barry Keim says the threat of severe weather is low…

Cut 4 (12) “…the state.”

Two people connected with last month’s mass shooting in Shreveport where a gunman killed eight children have been indicted by a federal grand jury. U-S Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana, Zachary Keller, says one of men indicted is Charles Ford. It’s believed the gun Shamar Elkins used on April 19^th belonged to Ford…

Cut 9 (06)  “…shooting”

We’ll see multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms this Mother’s Day weekend as a weak front has stalled near the coast and it’s interacting with a very moist air mass. LSU Health climatologist Barry Keim says multiple inches of rain are possible…

Cut 3 (11) “…welcome the rain.”

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WalletHub is out with its rankings of the best and worst states for working mothers. Andrew Greenstein reports to find Louisiana on the list, look to the very bottom.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee held a lengthy and sometimes contentious meeting on TODAY over proposed Congressional maps to replace the current one struck down by the U-S Supreme Court. New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis thinks New Orleans and Baton Rouge should each have a majority black district.

Cut 12 (09) “…preferred candidates.”

Public discussion is underway on drawing up a new Congressional District map. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (38) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

We’re getting word of an explosion at a refinery in Chalmette. The explosion at Chalmette Refining happened just before one this afternoon. While it shook several nearby businesses, there are no reports of any injuries. This happened less than a year after the explosion at Smitty’s Supply in Roseland.
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It’s shaping up to be a stormy Mother’s Day weekend. This, as a weak front has stalled near the coast, and that front is interacting with a very moist air mass. LSU Health climatologist Barry Keim says there’s a chance for high winds and hail, and we can’t rule out the possibility of a tornado. He says while excessive rainfall is possible in southeast Louisiana, the rest of the state will be dodging rain drops.

Cut 5 (10) “…through the weekend.”

A new WalletHub study shows Louisiana is unfortunately the worst state for working moms. The study ranked the 50 states and the District of Columbia on professional opportunities, child care and work-life balance. Analyst Chip Lupo says in order for Louisiana to dig out of the basement in these rankings, it’s going to need to create a business climate that’s better for work overall, using Florida as an example.

Cut 8 (06) “…your engine.”

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee spent a while on Friday debating proposed Congressional maps to replace the one the U-S Supreme Court ruled an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. Four past and present Black Louisiana Congressman testified in support of a map with two majority minority districts. New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says it’s simple math, one third of the state is black, therefore Blacks should represent one-third of Louisiana’s House delegation…

Cut 13 (13) “…very basic.”

But the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee is also considering map proposals with just one majority minority district or zero. West Monroe Senator Jay Morris is the author of these proposals and was questioned on how he can support a map where districts are set up so a Republican can represent every district…

Cut 14 (11) “…six conservative districts .”

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When it comes to being a state that’s friendly to working moms, Louisiana has its work cut out for it. A new study by WalletHub ranks Louisiana dead last for working mothers. Analyst Chip Lupo says the study ranked all 50 states and the District of Columbia across three key dimensions

Cut 6 (14) “…female unemployment rate.”

We’ll see multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms this Mother’s Day weekend as a weak front has stalled near the coast and it’s interacting with a very moist air mass. But LSU Health climatologist Barry Keim says the threat of severe weather is low…

Cut 4 (12) “…the state.”

Public debate on a new Congressional map for Louisiana begins this morning at nine. The congressional map the Supreme Court struck down last week gave Louisiana two majority-minority districts.  La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says there’s a possibility lawmakers approve a six district map where Democrats are unable to represent any of the districts…

Cut 8 (09) “…favor a Republican.”

The Black Legislative Caucus believes that since one-third of the state’s voting population is Black, two of the districts in the state should be represented by a minority. New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis believes that’s still possible despite last week’s Supreme Court ruling…

Cut 9 (09)  “…their choosing.”

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Be on the lookout for special coins that commemorate America’s 250th birthday. Joe Gallinaro has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

The Louisiana Senate has unanimously approved legislation that would give teachers and other public school employees six weeks of paid parental leave after giving birth, adopting or fostering a child. Right now, they have to use sick days or take partially paid leave.  The bill’s author, Shreveport Senator Sam Jenkins, says that is not right…

Cut 6 (06) “…illness.”

Public debate on a new Congressional map begins today at the state capitol. La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says last week’s Supreme Court ruling that strikes down the current Congressional map opens the door for the Republican-led Legislature to approve a map that would give the G-O-P an additional seat or two in the U-S House of Representatives…

Cut 7 (11) “…Senate side.”

Legislation that would give teachers and other public school employees six weeks of paid parental leave after giving birth, adopting, or fostering a child has been unanimously approved by the Louisiana Senate.  Author of the bill, Shreveport Senator Sam Jenkins says he’s happy to see Democrats and Republicans behind the bill he believes will be appreciated.

Cut 5 (09) “…new child.”

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The National Retail Federation says more money will be spent for Mother’s Day this year than ever before. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

If crawfish are what Mom wants this Mother’s Day weekend, be prepared to pay a little more for them.  Crawfish prices went up fifty cents per pound this week.  According to the Crawfish App, you can expect to pay $3.14 per pound for live crawfish and about 5>52 for boiled.

State lawmakers begin discussion of Louisiana’s new congressional map this morning. Jeff Palermo has details.

Cut 1 (39) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The city of Shreveport marked the National Day of Prayer yesterday, with a special ceremony to honor the eight children killed in the Cedar Grove mass shooting last month.  Church bells rang across the city in a synchronized tribute to the young victims. A formal ceremony was held at the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium to lead the community in reflection.

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The Louisiana Senate has unanimously approved legislation that would give teachers and other public school employees six weeks of paid parental leave after giving birth, adopting or fostering a child. Shreveport Senator Sam Jenkins is the author of the legislation…

Cut 4 (07) “…classroom.”

The measure heads to the House as it needs approval from the lower chamber too.

The U-S Mint is commemorating America’s 250^th birthday with redesigned quarters, a half-dollar and a new dime. U-S Mint Director Paul Hollis from Mandeville says you should start seeing them in circulation soon…

Cut 11 (12) “…historic nature.”

In all, five different quarters are being released. Two of them are our already.

Legislation that provides for easy cancellation of automatic renewal subscriptions continues to move through the legislative process. Joe Gallinaro has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

A multi-agency investigation in in North Louisiana has led to the arrests of five Colombian nationals in connection with a series of burglaries across the region, including Texas. According to Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s detectives the suspects specifically targeting Asian American families.

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A new study from Tulane University Researchers says people in New Orleans should start planning to relocate.  Lead researcher Torbjorg Tornqvist (TORB-yorg TORN-quist), a professor of earth and environmental sciences at Tulane, . say it’s only a matter of time before New Orleans gets swallowed up by gulf waters due to climate change and coastal erosion.

Cut 5 (12) “…locations for example.”

In an effort to prevent future mass shootings like the one at the Mall of Louisiana last month,  the Louisiana Senate has passed legislation that stiffens the penalty for someone who opens fire on a crowd of people and kills someone. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh says the way the legislation is written, the death penalty would still be on the table for the defendant even if he or she shoots an unintended target.

Cut 11 (10) “…to kill him.”

The Louisiana Department of Health has released its annual report card on public drinking water systems, and there’s some good news.  Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Opelousas General Health System introduces first of its kind in Louisiana wound care technology that combines artificial intelligence, 3D printing, and a patient’s own fat tissue to create a personalized graft. Doctors say the treatment is especially promising for patients living with chronic wounds, including those related to diabetes

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Researchers at Tulane University say it’s only a matter of time before New Orleans gets swallowed up by gulf waters. Lead researcher Torbjorg Tornqvist (TORB-yorg TORN-quist), a professor of earth and environmental sciences at Tulane, says due to climate change, sea level is gradually rising, and that will lead to further coastal erosion.

Cut 4 (08) “…Gulf of Mexico.”

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee is set to begin public hearings on a new legislative map tomorrow.  That after the Supreme Court declared the current one unconstitutional. ULM political science professor Pearson Cross says says the most likely outcome is a map that yields five Republican-leaning districts and one Democratic-leaning district.

Cut 8 (12) “…the Supreme Court.”

A new study out of Tulane says says people in New Orleans should start planning to relocate. Andrew Greenstein explains.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Authorities in St. Mary Parish say a disturbance call in Berwick escalated into a dangerous confrontation after a suspect allegedly ordered two dogs to attack responding officers. We’re told when the dogs charged, one officer fired his weapon hitting the dog in the shoulder.  We’re told that dog was treated and released. We’re told the dogs’ owner is facing several charges.

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Tomorrow, the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee will begin public hearings on a new legislative map, which is necessicary after the Supreme Court declared the current map an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. ULM political science professor Pearson Cross says when all is said and done, Louisiana will likely send an additional Republican to Washington next year.

Cut 7 (09) “…safe Democratic district.”

The Louisiana Senate has responded to last month’s fatal mass shooting at the Mall of Louisiana–passing legislation that would result in a death penalty charge the next time a gunman fires shots into a crowd and kills someone. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh added an amendment to a House-approved bill that expands the definition of first-degree murder to such a situation.

Cut 10 (10) “…upon that person.”