Republican Senator Fred Mills from St. Martin Parish says he has no regrets about voting against a House-approved bill to ban gender-affirming care for transgender youth despite the criticism he’s receiving from conservatives. He says the bill would deny those children accessibility because the bill would have banned their ongoing care…:

CUT 05(10)      “…that decision.”

The bill failed in Senate Health and Welfare when Mills sided with Democrats on the committee and voted against the bill to break a tie. Republicans want to call the bill out of committee to the Senate floor for full debate.

The family of the woman who died of hypothermia after getting locked in the freezer of a New Iberia Arby’s restaurant where she worked is suing the parent company, Turbo Restaurants Inc. Lawyers for Nguyet Le’s relatives say the lock/latch on the walk-in freezer had been broken for months and no one took the time to get it fixed. So far no comment from Arby’s or Turbo.

At the White House today, a reception for the National Champion LSU Lady Tigers basketball team and Head Coach Kim Mulkey. President Joe Biden thanked them for the example they’ve set for young women across the country and the kindness they’ve extended to their fans…:

CUT 14(12)      “…it matters.”

This is Mulkey’s 5^th trip to the White House with an NCAA champion team.

State lawmakers have approved the 2023 coastal master plan, which is the state’s vision for the long-term sustainability of south Louisiana. The chairman of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, Chip Kline, says lawmakers have the opportunity to appropriate another $157-million in surplus money for flood protection projects, but – with two weeks left in the session – have yet to do so…:

CUT 11(06)      “…that opportunity.”

St. Martin Parish Senator Fred Mills is under fire from members of his own party for voting against a bill to ban gender-swapping procedures for minors. Brooke Thorington reports…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Thorington.”

Once thought to be an extinct species, the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker has been photographed on a trail camera in Madison Parish. The last official sighting of the bird was in 1944, nearly eighty years ago. Wildlife experts are now verifying the recent images as genuine or not.

The National Champion LSU Lady Tigers basketball team and head Coach Kim Mulkey were received today by President Joe Biden at the White House. The President acknowledged Angel Reese as the team’s most outstanding player, but also jokingly blamed her for the recent inflation in ticket prices…:

CUT 13(09)      “…then times.”

Backup forward Smyah Smith actually passed out for couple moments during the event, but she was back on her feet in no time.

State lawmakers approve the $1.6-billion Coastal Master Plan to rebuild and protect the state’s eroding coastline and wetlands. CPRA head Chip Kline says the 147 planned projects will mean over 9-thousand jobs…:

CUT 10(12)      “…new land.”

The National Champion LSU Lady Tigers basketball team spent some time at the White House with President Biden and dignitaries today; a tradition for championship teams. The President praised the women and Coach Kim Mulkey who’s been to the White House five times now representing a championship team…:

CUT 12(12)      “…(laughter)”

A bill inspired by the death of LSU co-ed Madison Brooks this spring – that would punish bars who serve minors and the minor the hurts themselves or others – fails to clear a House committee. The Senate-approved bill deadlocked on a 6-6 vote. Shreveport Rep. Alan Seabaugh feels the bill protects kids who break the law by drinking underage..:

CUT 08  (12)        “…not it.”

The bill could be called up again, but that seems unlikely.

State lawmakers have approved the 2023 coastal master plan, which is the state’s vision for the long-term sustainability of south Louisiana. The chairman of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, Chip Kline, says the plan was developed utilizing the best available science and engineering, as well as public input…:

CUT 09(10)      “…master plan.”

Kline says $1.6-billion will be used to fund 147 projects across the coast.

The state Republican Party is calling for a bill to ban gender transition care for minors to be called from the Senate Health & Welfare Committee and brought to the Senate floor for a vote. The House has already approved the measure. It was defeated in committee Wednesday by a 5-4 vote; Republican Senator Fred Mills, of St. Martin Parish cast the deciding vote to kill the measure. GOP members say they whole body should have the opportunity to vote on it. Mills is unfazed by criticism for his vote.

St. Martin Parish Senator Fred Mills received widespread criticism from members of his own party when he voted against a bill to ban gender transition procedures for minors. Brooke Thorington reports…:

CUT 01  (33)        “…Thorington.”

The NCAA Champion LSU Lady Tigers are at the White House at this hour, to meet the President. Louisiana congressional delegates greeted the team when they arrived. Mulkey took the team to a national championship in only her 2^nd season at LSU. It is her fourth championship as a head coach.

Legislation in response to the death of 19-year-old LSU student Madison Brooks fails to get out of the House Judiciary Committee. The Senate approved bill would hold bars liable if an underage person consumes alcohol at their establishment and then injures themselves or others. Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh voted against the measure because it protects a person who breaks the law…:

CUT 06  (13)        “…with that.”

Brooks’ mother, Ashley Baustert, pleaded with the committee to pass the bill…:

CUT 07  (11)        “…in place.”

House Judiciary deadlocked with a 6 to 6 vote. The panel could still take up the measure again. But with less than two weeks left in the session that seems unlikely.

The NOAA says we likely have a “near-normal” hurricane season ahead this year. They predict up to 17 named storms (the average is 14)…up to 9 of those hurricanes, and up to 4 of those Category 3 or stronger. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we got a break last year; getting NO storms at all. This year we have two climate factors at play…;

CUT 13 (10)      “…hurricane season.”

A Pacific El Nino can actually weaken Atlantic storms, and that would be a good thing.

A House-approved bill to require high schooler complete a financial literacy course to graduate and qualify for TOPS passed out of the Senate Education committee today. State Treasurer John Schroder spoke for the bill…:

CUT 03 (11)      “…have money.”

The bill heads to the Senate floor for what could be final passage.

A Senate bill to provide free and accessible feminine products to Louisiana public school girls advances out of the House Education Committee…:

CUT 02 (31)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

The family of a 12-year-old Kenner boy, who was killed when an ice cream truck crashed through his home, says they will donate his organs so that up to 8 lives can be saved. The crash left young Adrian Fajardo in critical condition and brain dead. Go to “LOPA.org” to learn how you can be an organ donor.

Hurricane season officially begins in a week, and the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (or NOAA) predicts near-normal activity this year. 12-17 named storms, 5-9 of those hurricanes and 1-4 of those Cat 3 or higher. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the developing Pacific El Nino could help calm the tropics down a bit for us…:

CUT 15(13)      “…deeper into the season.”

Hurricane Ida in 2021 was our last hurricane.

A bill to assure that public schools provide free and accessible feminine hygiene products for girls passed out of the House Education Committee un-opposed today. Speaking for the bill, Caddo high schooler Natalie Cockrell, who says she and classmates had to pitch in to buy what they needed once a month…:

CUT 11(06)      “…than normal.”

The Senate has already passed the bill, by New Orleans Senator Aimee Freeman. It goes now to House Appropriations due to its cost to taxpayers.

Republican Senator Fred Mills from New Iberia is receiving strong backlash from his own party for voting against a bill to ban gender-affirming healthcare for transgender minors…:

CUT 01(39)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

Opening today in Lafayette, the 35^th annual Cajun Heartland State Fair; featuring live music, rides, food and even a big top circus style performances. The fair runs now through June 4^th.

At the State Capitol, a Senate bill to provide free and accessible feminine products to Louisiana public school students advances out of the House Education Committee. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Thorington.”

State Police report a 2 vehicle crash in Sabine Parish Wednesday afternoon left three people dead. Troopers says it happened on Highway 171 near Zwolle, when a pickup rear-ended a big rig that was waiting to make a left turn. A man and two teens in the pickup were killed. The crash is under investigation.

NOAA predicts a near-normal 2023 hurricane season. Weather officials say that means 12 to 17 named storms, five to nine hurricanes, and one to four of those Category 3 or higher. State Climatologist Barry Keim says an El Nino will likely be in full effect by the time we’re well into storm season…:

CUT 14(11)      “…be weaker.”

Louisiana was spared any hurricanes or tropical storms last year, but 2020 and 2021 were disastrous.

The Senate Education Committee advanced House-approved legislation requiring high school students to complete one unit of financial literacy course to graduate and to qualify for TOPS. State Treasurer John Schroder says businesses have contacted the Department of Treasury to donate money to help pay for the infrastructure of the program…:

CUT 05(09)      “…could use.”

That bill moves now to the Senate floor.

Here is today’s legislative Report…

A bill that would end capital punishment in Louisiana has failed to pass out of the House Criminal Justice Committee. HB 228 was from Marrero Democrat Representative Kyle Green, who tells committee members the death penalty needs to go forever…:

CUT 07(09)      “…innocent people.”

Opposing the bill was West Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Tony Clayton, who tells members the death penalty still has a place in Louisiana justice as punishment for the worst of the worst…:

CUT 09(09)      “…the death penalty

Louisiana is one of 27 states that still allow capital punishment, but no one has been put to death here since 2010. The measure failed by a vote of 4 “yeas” to 11 “nays”, which is a death sentence for Green’s bill.

A bill would’ve allowed tenants to break their lease if two or more violent crimes were reported within a 1/10th mile fails to win passage in the House. The vote was 28 “yeas” and 70 “nays.” Many lawmakers worried it would make it too easy to break a lease or skip on rent.

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee votes down on a House-approved bill that sought to ban gender-affirming care for minors. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 03(32)      “…Palermo.”

The House passes a bill limiting foreign purchase of property in our state. Denham Springs Rep. Valarie Hodges says her bill is about “Louisiana sovereignty”…:

CUT 28(09)      “…major assets.”

The bill affects nations unfriendly to the U.S.

Louisiana Congressman Garrett Graves is in the middle of the federal debt ceiling talks. Jeff Palermo reports the Republican from Baton Rouge gives an update on how talks are going…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Palermo.”

This isn’t Louisiana news, but legendary rock and soul superstar Tina Turner has passed away. She died at her home in Switzerland, after a long illness. Tina Turner was 83.

A bill that would limit certain foreign entities from leasing or buying property in Louisiana has won approval in the state House of Representatives. The bill would ban agents of China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela or Russia from buying and titling property in the state. In committee, many Asian Americans voiced worries the bill would limit their ability to buy land or businesses here. To help allay those fears, Houma Republican Representative and Speaker Pro Tem Tanner Magee offered a language-clarifying amendment…:

CUT 11(08)      “…foreign adversary.”

By a 78-to-22 vote (pretty much down party lines) HB 537 moves now to the Senate.

The state Department of Treasury is sending out almost 26-thousand Unclaimed Property checks today; totaling nearly $4 & ½-million. State Treasurer John Schroder says, if you get a check in the mail, it is likely legit…:

CUT 03(11)      “…of Treasury.”

Check to see if you have any money waiting for you at “LACashClaim.org.”

As the federal debt ceiling drama continues to play out in Washington DC, Louisiana District 6 Congressman Garret Graves remains one of the top negotiators for House Republicans, who will agree to that but only with spending cuts. Graves says the government needs to learn to spend less, and be less generous with other people’s money…:

CUT 08  (10)        “…to Japan.”

At the state capitol, a bill to bar foreign entities from buying up Louisiana land or businesses has passed the full House. Bill Sponsor and Livingston Parish Republican Rep. Valarie Hodge says concerns the bill will limit foreign residents ability to own property are unfounded…:

CUT 10  (06)        “…our farmland.”

The bill passed by 78-22 vote and heads to the Senate. Lawmakers have two weeks to conclude business.

The Department of Treasury is shipping out nearly 26,000 unclaimed property checks today, totaling $4.4 million. State Treasurer John Schroder says one-in-six in Louisiana has “unclaimed property” awaiting them to claim it…:

CUT 05(11)      “…cash it.”

Check to see what you have coming at “LACashClaim.org”

The top ranked LSU baseball team moved into the winner’s bracket of the SEC Tournament today, with a 10-3 win over South Carolina. Left fielder Brayden Jobert homered for the Tigers and Thatcher Hurd and Nate Ackenhausen were outstanding on the mound. It was career win #400 for Coach Jay Johnson…:

CUT 12(11)      “…well today.”

LSU’s next game in the SEC Tournament is Thursday afternoon at 4:30 PM.