Louisiana has made significant progress on some measures for children, but many challenges remain. Brooke Thorington has more from the 2023 KIDS COUNT.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

A trio of anti-LGBTQ bills have passed and are headed to the Governor. Will he sign or veto? Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

_______________________________________________

Local leaders along the I-20 corridor will meet with Amtrak and Southern Rail Commission to discuss the future of the passenger rail service between Meridan, Mississippi, and Dallas/Ft. Worth today and tomorrow. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 3 (32)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”

_______________________________________________

The 2023 KIDS COUNT for Louisiana shows significant progress over the years but Director of Data and Research with Agenda for Children Teresa Falgoust (fal-goo) says there’s still room for improvement. She says the state saw improvements in reading proficiency among 4^th graders and high school graduation rates.

Cut 4 (07)  “…the years.’”

Before CHIP began, she says the rate was much lower.

Falgoust says one of the biggest areas that really challenge Louisiana’s children, is the high child poverty rate. She says over the past decade there have been no improvements, and…

Cut 5 (10)   “…to thrive.”

Only Ascension and Livingston Parishes had child poverty rates lower than the national average.

Among the ways to improve the welfare of children in the state, Falgoust says is to give parents a living wage and benefits like paid leave so they can stay home with their children. And Falgoust says lawmakers need to invest more in education.

Cut 6 (11)  “…our state.”

The National KIDS COUNT report will be released on June 14^th.

________________________________________________

A package of anti-LGBTQ bills has reached final passage, but will Governor John Bel Edwards veto them? A bill criticized as a “Don’t Say Gay” bill bars school staff from discussing gender and sexual topics with students outside of legitimate classroom study. Another bill assures teachers may address students with pronouns appropriate to the gender they were born. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says it will be interesting to see what Edwards does in his last session as governor…:

Cut 7 (12) “…affect him politically.”

A third bill – from the House – that bans certain transgender medical procedures for persons under 18 has passed the Senate and also goes to the Governor’s office. Governor Edwards and others have called the bills “solutions seeking a problem.” Hogan says, if the bills are vetoed, lawmakers may want to call a veto override session…or perhaps not…:

Cut 8 (10) “…sort of legislation.”

Republicans have solid majorities in both House and Senate, and have the votes needed to override Edwards’ vetoes, but will they? Hogan says this is an election year, and many may feel the necessity to push the bills into law, to send a message in an election year…:

Cut 9 (10)  “…running for governor.”

Governor Edwards has made no secret of his distaste for the bills.  Republicans beleve the bills protect kids’ innocence. Edwards can either sign them into law, let them become law without his signature, or veto them.

____________________________________________

The Southern Rail Commission and Amtrak will meet with local leaders along the I-20 corridor today and tomorrow to highlight the application for funding for passenger rail service through North Louisiana. Southern Rail Commission Chairman Knox Ross says the goal is to get the federal railroad administration to fund all phases of it.

Cut 10 (10) “…of things.”

The passenger rail service will run from Meridian, MS to Dallas/Fort Worth. Canadian Pacific merged with Kansas City Southern, which shares ownership of the tracks between Meridian and Dallas/Fort Worth with Norfolk Southern. Ross says Canadian Pacific has contributed to the progression of the Gulf Coast passenger rail service.

Cut 11 (13)  “…doing phase.”

Amtrak and its partners have explored this idea for more than 20 years, but last year’s Congressional passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act now creates new opportunities to study possible expanded long-distance Amtrak service. Ross believes the question is no longer “if”, but when.

Cut 12 (12)    “…from now.” 

If the study is funded by FRA and it produces a sufficient business case for a direct connection, Amtrak would partner with the SRC and others to seek capital to initiate the service.

____________________________________________

After a video of a five-year-old child smoking what’s believed to be a marijuana cigar went viral, Baton Rouge Police have arrested 48-year-old John Hall who reportedly is the ex-boyfriend of the child’s grandmother.  Lt L’Jean McKneely says Hall also posted the video on social media.

Cut 13 (13) “…through Crimestoppers.”  

Hall is charged with contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile, possession with intent to distribute a Schedule I drug, and illegal use of a controlled substance of a person under 17.

McKneely says the child was one of the children involved in an accidental shooting last month.

Cut 14 (12)  “…cousin.”

The five-year-old’s mother, 26-year-old Desirae Felder was arrested on May 18^th and charged with second-degree cruelty to juveniles and obstruction of justice. McKneely says Child Protective Services is involved.

Cut 15 (07)  “…look into.”

Hall is being held at the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

___________________________________________________

Saints Wide Receiver Michael Thomas returned to the practice field this week during OTA’s. The 2nd round pick and 2019 Offensive Player of the Year has missed much of the last three seasons with injuries, but he’ll hope to pick up right where he left off under new quarterback Derek Carr. Thomas says he’s excited to get back to playing the game he loves…

Cut  16 (16)  “…better player”

Thomas has missed 40 of the Saints last 50 games, and many questioned his future with the Saints and his relationship with the front office as he suffered injuries and setbacks keeping him off the field. Thomas, though, wouldn’t let his injuries stop him from improving…

Cut 17 (18) “…get ready.” 

Carr, along with many in the organization, has praised the wideout’s work ethic and approach to the game. Carr even said that Thomas and the conversations they had throughout the recruiting process were one of the key reasons he decided to come to New Orleans. He says injuries are just an unfortunate reality of the NFL…

Cut 18 (19) “…same way.”

Head Coach Dennis Allen says the team is taking it easy with Thomas for now, but he should be ready to go come training camp.

___________________________________________________

LSU will host Kentucky in a Super Regional this weekend. After a heartbreaking loss to Indiana in the Lexington Regional, the Wildcats clawed their way back from the loser’s bracket and beat the Hoosiers two times to keep their Omaha hopes alive. Voice of the Wildcats Darren Headrick says this is an unselfish resilient group…

Cut 19 (19) “…of Kentucky.” 

The Wildcats have become known this season for their fast-paced small-ball offense with 91 stolen bases this season compared to their 51 homers. Headrick says Coach Nick Mingione actually modeled the offense after the Tennessee football team’s up-tempo attack and says it’s more than just small ball…

Cut 20 (20)  “…opponent’s defense.”  

The First game of the best-of-three series is scheduled for Saturday at 2:00 P.M.

Lawmakers have approved a bill that would require third graders to pass a reading test to advance to the fourth grade. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

______________________________________

Restore Louisiana announces homeowners affected by Hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Ida and the May 2021 severe storms have until August 1st to complete a survey in order to receive rebuilding grant money. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx ”  

______________________________________

EPA announces a $480,000 grant to DEQ to establish an air monitoring site in St. James Parish. Congressman Troy Carter says the people of St. James Parish are impacted by air pollution.

Cut 3 (13) “…and community.”

LDEQ received $450,000 to establish a temporary community air monitoring site targeted toward communities on the west side of the Mississippi River known as “cancer alley.: Carter says they want to make sure the community is safe.

Cut 4 (10)  “…the air.” 

Equipment at the site will produce near-real-time data on certain pollutants affecting air quality. Community groups, churches, local governments, and other partners can access the data to understand air quality. Carter says there’s still work to do, however…

Cut 5 (09)  “…punish them.

Primary funding came from the American Rescue Plan. The grant is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda.

__________________________________________________

The Senate has given final legislative approval to a bill that attempts to improve reading scores. The legislation would require third graders to pass a reading test in April in order to to be promoted to the fourth grade. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell…

Cut 6 (12)  “…be retained.” 

The legislation gives third graders three chances to pass the literacy test. Students diagnosed with dyslexia and kids still learning English could still be promoted to the fourth grade. Gonzales Senator Ed Price voted against the bill as he believes it’s an unfunded mandate…

Cut 7 (07)  “…fund it.” 

Mississippi has a similar program and they’ve seen an increase in reading scores. Louisiana has among the lowest literacy rates in the nation and Mizell says if the state can improve a child’s ability to read, it will lead to better outcomes later in life…

Cut 8 (09)  “… we see” 

The measure heads to the governor’s desk. If Governor John Bel Edwards signs the bill, the first literacy tests for promotion will be administered in April 2025.

_______________________________________________

Hours after releasing a photo of suspects wanted in connection with the Sunday evening fire at the Covington Walmart, two teens were arrested. State Fire Marshal Office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says it was the Northshore community that responded quickly which led to the arrests…

Cut 9 (12) “…from Covington.”

(The two suspects are a 15 and 17-year-old boys. )

The blaze caused extensive damage to Walmart and the store is closed at this time. In addition to endangering the lives of more than 200 people that were in the store Sunday night, Rodrigue says there are even more repercussions…

Cut 10 (10) “…frequently.”

Rodrigue says they tend to see more cases involving juveniles and fire over the summer break. She encourages parents to make it clear that fire is not a toy whatsoever.

Cut 11 (08)  “…out of trouble.”

The suspects were booked into the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center. Charges include Aggravated Arson, Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Arson, along with Manufacture and Possession of a Delayed Action Incendiary Device. 

______________________________________

The Louisiana Office of Community Development sets a deadline of August 1 for homeowners affected by Hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Ida and the May 2021 severe storms to complete the initial survey to participate in the Restore Louisiana Program. Executive Director Pat Forbes says there are still thousands of homeowners statewide who have not completed the survey.

Cut 12 (13) “…be eligible.” 

Restore LA provides grant funding to homeowners affected by the 2020-21 disasters for home repair, reconstruction, and/or reimbursement for repairs already completed. Forbes says the program expanded its criteria for homeowners to qualify.

Cut 13 (13) “…reimburse you.” 

Since launching in February 2022, more than 22 thousand homeowners have submitted the survey. Forbes urges homeowners to complete the survey even if they don’t believe they qualify.

Cut 14 (08)  “…the survey.”

Affected homeowners can complete the survey at restore.la.gov or call 866-735-2001.

_____________________________________

Legislation seeking to allow non-felon adults to conceal carry a firearm without a permit is dead for the legislative session. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick decided to pull it from consideration, because of amendments senators were proposing to put on the bill…

Cut 15 (12) “…defer it”

That was McCormick speaking before Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau wanted to add an amendment to make sure training would still be required to conceal carry. Luneau says at a gun store in his district, he saw a young man interested in purchasing a handgun, but told the gun shop owner he didn’t know how to load it…

Cut  16 (08)  “…else does”