A bill to ban corporal punishment in public schools fails to pass in the Louisiana House by two votes. Michelle Southern has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

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Thinking about bringing Mom breakfast in bed this Mother’s Day? A new study suggests it might be better to skip the scrambled eggs and instead, let Mom sleep in. David Grubb has more…

Cut 2 (35)…I’m David Grubb.”  

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Southeastern Louisiana University Police arrested a 19-year-old from Jackson, Mississippi, who allegedly abducted and raped a student at gunpoint. S-L-U Police Chief Michael Beckner says Demetris Harris was trolling campus before he abducted his victim from a parking lot on the edge of campus…

Cut 3 (08) “…random attack.”

Harris was arrested yesterday afternoon at an apartment in Hammond. Beckner says they believe he just moved to the area with a  relative. The suspect is not a student.

Beckner says the attack took place yesterday morning after the student pulled into a campus parking lot…

Cut 4  (06) “…gunpoint.”

Beckner says through the help of surveillance video they released a picture of the suspect’s vehicle and their license plate number. He says they made an arrest four hours after receiving a report about a sexual assault on campus…

Cut 5  (06) “…apartment complex.”

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A proposal to ban corporal punishment in public schools failed to pass the House by two votes. Oil City Republican Danny McCormick is among the opponents of the legislation. He says it’s a parental rights issue

Cut 6  (08) “…the bill.” 

The bill received 51 “yes” votes but it needs 53 votes to pass the House. It can come up for a vote again in the House. A similar measure failed to get House approval last year.

Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says he supports the bill because a principal in Rapides Parish is facing charges for a spanking that allegedly got out of hand

Cut 7 (09) “…state now.” 

But Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley says schools should make the decision on whether corporal punishment should be allowed, not the state…

Cut 8 (11) “..wrong signals” 

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You may be thinking about bringing Mom breakfast in bed this Mother’s Day, but a  study by the American Academy of Neurology suggests it might be better to skip the scrambled eggs and instead, let Mom sleep in. Data shows women are sleeping less and less each year. Dr. Kevin Stephens, chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare-Louisiana, says a lack of sleep can have a direct impact on Mom’s mood.

Cut 9 (07) “…be angry.”

Women typically take on most of the household responsibilities, usually to their detriment. Aside from the negative impacts on the mind, a lack of sleep can do a number on your physical health as well. Dr. Stephens says more sleep means less body fat and a lower risk of diabetes or hypertension.

Cut 10 (11) ” ….and your appetite.” 

Dr. Stephens says there are no shortcuts to getting good rest. He suggests a regular sleep schedule, eliminating caffeine and alcohol before bed, and shutting off all electronic devices. Another hour or two under the covers can make a world of difference.

Cut 11 (11)  “…absolutely necessary.” 

Adults need seven or more hours of sleep each night. Children need a minimum of eight hours every night.

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Entergy says it will create its expanded customer service call center in West Monroe. The company will build out existing commercial property to accommodate 170 new customer care representatives. Entergy spokesperson Yovanka Daniel says the announcement is good news for the regional economy…:

Cut 12 (10) “…seamless and positive.”  

The additional employees will help Entergy provide faster and better customer service, and will be most helpful during disasters, as the company plays a key role in emergency response and recovery. Daniel says people seeking a good entry-level position should take note…:

Cut 13 (08) “…end of the summer.”

West Monroe Mayor Staci Mitchell says she’s “thrilled” with Entergy’s announcement. Governor John Bel Edwards says it “demonstrates a strong commitment to communicating with its 1-million Louisiana customers. Daniel says hiring for the expanded customer call center will begin soon, and has a tip for anyone interested in applying…:

Cut 14 (06)  “…available jobs.”

More information can be found at entergy-louisiana.com

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A sheriff deputy seriously wounded during a rampage on law enforcement officers in Baton Rouge in 2016 has passed away at the age of 47. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Butch Browning is retiring as the state’s fire marshal and will become the new executive director of the National Association of State Fire Marshals. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Michelle Southern”  

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After taking a slight dip, gasoline prices are getting higher once again, as the average price for a gallon of regular gas is up to three dollars and ninety-one cents. AAA spokesman Don Redman says a potential ban on Russian oil by the European Union would create a real tightening of the market, and today’s oil prices reflect that concern.

Cut 3 (10) “…prices upward.”

Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer is just a few weeks away. It typically signals an increase of drivers on the roads, but Redman says demand for gas is down as drivers continue to adjust their habits to deal with high fuel costs. He expects prices to remain high throughout the summer.

Cut 4  (09) “…will shake out.”

Redman says oil prices are very much driven by the news of the day. OPEC deciding not to increase production and the ongoing crisis in Ukraine are problems enough on their own, but Redman reminds Louisianans of another major factor looming on the horizon…

Cut 5  (11) “…anytime soon.”

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Corporal Nick Tullier, the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Deputy shot multiple times in an ambush targeting law officers in July 2016, has died at the age of 47. Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says he’s heartbroken over the passing of a true hero

Cut 6  (10) “…place now.” 

Authorities say Tullier was shot in the head, stomach, and shoulder by a gunman from Kansas City, Missouri who killed three other officers that day. Gautreaux says Tullier and fellow deputy, Sergeant Bruce Simmons, were drinking coffee that morning when they got the call of officers down…

Cut 7 (12) “…and Bruce.” 

Simmons was wounded but returned to work a year later. But Gautreaux says Tullier says beat all odds by living for nearly six years after the shooting when he was only given hours to live…

Cut 8 (11) “…the strength” 

Tullier’s family posted on social media earlier this week that Nick had developed an infection that was worsening and he needed prayers.

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Louisiana’s longest-serving state fire marshal is retiring. Butch Browning has accepted the position of executive director of the National Association of State Fire Marshals after serving 14 years as the state’s fire marshal. Browning says he’s proud of implementing higher safety standards for building and construction…

Cut 9 (11) “…very responsive agency”

State Fire Marshal Deputy Assistant Secretary Daniel Wallis has been named as Browning’s successor. Browning says Wallis will do a wonderful job…

Cut 10 (10) ” ….to the code” 

Browning is also credited with starting an Urban Search and Rescue program involving firefighters from around the state that are deployed when a disaster strikes…

Cut 11 (10)  “…a problem.” 

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Governor John Bel Edwards received his second COVID booster shot last night, which was his fourth COVID vaccine shot overall. Edwards is encouraging Louisiana residents to be up to date on their shots…

Cut 12 (14) “.wanes faster”  

The CDC says individuals 50 and over should receive a second COVID-19 booster if the first booter was at least four months ago.

The state health department reported over 500 new cases today, but hospitalizations remain low at 62. L-D-H also reported four more COVID deaths. Edwards says the state has reported over 17-thousand COVID fatalities….

Cut 13 (07) “…had none”

Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval is having a hard time connecting with his House members on a bill to prohibit drivers from handling a cell phone. Michelle Southern has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Michelle Southern”

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Hurricane season is less than a month away, and the Governor says there’s no time to waste in getting prepared. David Grubb has more…

Cut 2 (35)…I’m David Grubb.”  

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A bill banning a driver from handling a cell phone while driving failed to pass in the Louisiana House. Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s legislation faced opposition from Amite Representative Robby Carter, who says not everyone drives a car with Bluetooth technology, but Huval says there are inexpensive accessories available that allow for hands-free cell phone use…

Cut 3 (11) “…your hands”

Huval says banning handheld cell phone use will cut down on distracted driving crashes. But Plaquemine Representative and Attorney Chad Brown is concerned this proposed law could lead to illegal searches…

Cut 4  (09) “..thank you”

Brown also questioned the enforcement of the proposed law. He says it would be difficult for an officer to determine if a person is holding their cellphone or some other object…

Cut 5  (12) “…phone charger”

The vote was 48-46 for the bill, but it needs 53 to pass.

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As part of National Hurricane Preparedness Week, Governor John Bel Edwards, his staff, and several other officials held a press conference to signal the state’s ramp up with hurricane season less than a month away.

Cut 6  (12) “…natural disasters.” 

Edwards stressed that while state agencies will do everything that they can to ensure that strong response plans are in place, what Louisianans do is even more important to successfully navigate hurricane season.

Cut 7 (12) “…natural disaster.” 

The governor says one of the lessons learned from Hurricanes Laura and Ida over the past two years, is just how quickly storms are forming and intensifying, and that time is no longer a luxury that the state has.

Cut 8 (08) “…the new normal.” 

For help in putting your plan together and up-to-date information throughout hurricane season, visit getagameplan.org.

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A bill to prohibit transgender athletes from participating in girls’ sports in Louisiana cleared another legislative hurdle. Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed this measure last year, but Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says the public overwhelming supports her legislation

Cut 9 (11) “…biological females.”

Mizell’s measure has been approved by the Senate and today passed out of the House Education Committee on a seven to one vote. One of the governor’s arguments is that the bill is in search of a problem that doesn’t exist in Louisiana. Peyton Rose Michelle with Louisiana Trans Advocates agrees…

Cut 10 (09) “…need attention”

In support of the proposal, the panel heard from retired women’s soccer player Anne Metz, who said her career ended when she was blindsided during a game by a biological male who self-identified as a female.

Cut 11 (11)  “…my head.”  (2x)

Metz says she has been diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome. The bill heads to the House floor for final legislative passage.

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The U.S. Supreme Court seems poised to overturn the landmark Roe versus Wade case based on an opinion draft leaked to the media.  Louisiana Coalition for Reproductive Freedom coordinator Jessica Frankel says the nation’s highest court is going against popular opinion…

Cut 12 (10) “.is okay”  

A recent LSU poll found that 49-percent of Louisiana residents thought abortion should be illegal, while 46-percent say it should be legal. Frankel says for women considering an abortion, the three licensed clinics in the state are still open

Cut 13 (11) “…in Louisiana”

Senator Bill Cassidy a pro-life politician had this to say about the possible overturning of Roe versus Wade

Cut 14 (04)  “…I support”

Cassidy is concerned the draft opinion was released to the Politico. He says the person responsible for the leak must be found and held accountable

Cut 15 (07) “…institutions of government”