At the State capitol, a bill that would limit certain foreign entities from leasing or buying property in Louisiana has won approval in the state House of Representatives. HB 537 comes from Livingston Parish Republican Rep. Valarie Hodges, who call the bill a “Louisiana sovereignty bill”…:

CUT 09(08)      “…major assets.”

Asian-Americans opposed the bill in committee; feeling it would limit their opportunities to own homes and businesses. Hodges says the bill targets foreign corporation buying up farmland and business infrastructure. The bill passed by 78=-22 vote and moves now to the Senate.

The Shreveport City Council has voted to roll back its ban on smoking in casinos within the city. Starting June 1, 25% of gaming floors in casinos will be designated as non-smoking areas, while smoking will be allowed in the other 75%. Anti-smoking folks say that’s a huge step backward, but others says it should help increase business.

State Treasurer John Schroder announce more than 25 thousand unclaimed property checks totaling $4.4 million dollars will be mailed out to Louisiana residents today. Teiko Foxx has more…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Foxx.”

At the Capitol, 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.

At the State Capitol, the House unanimously passes a bill to symbolically do away with slavery in Louisiana, removing it from the state Constitution. Baton Rouge Democrat Rep. Edmund Jordan is the measure’s author. Last year, he pulled the same bill himself, because the language was a little unclear. He says he’s cleared that up this time…:

CUT 10(04)      “…needs to be.”

That bill heads to the Senate. If it wins final passage it would go to voters this fall. The bill bans slavery and “involuntary servitude” with the exception of convicts sentenced to hard labor.

A bill aimed at making sure lower income school kids get a good breakfast and lunch – for free – clears a House committee. Marrero Rep Kyle Green says assuring kids are well-fed will result in better education outcomes…:

CUT 12(09)      “…able to pay.”

It would cost taxpayers about $850-thousand a year. The bill goes to the House floor next.

Adoptions can be pretty costly, but a bill that would provide families with a $5,000 tax credit for adopting a child under three has won approval of the full House. Teiko Foxx reports…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Teiko Foxx.”

A Mandeville man is under arrest, after a resident’s doorbell camera captured him trying to break into their home, while armed with a large knife. Clear images show Derrin Cavalier banging on the door, throwing himself against it and cussing loudly. He was located by police, captured and jailed for aggravated attempted burglary.

At the State Capitol, the House unanimously passes a bill to symbolically do away with slavery in Louisiana, removing it from the state Constitution. Baton Rouge Democrat Rep. Edmund Jordan is the measure’s author…:

CUT 09(07)      “…we are good.”

That bill heads to the Senate. If it wins final passage it would go to voters this fall. The bill bans slavery and “involuntary servitude” with the exception of convicts sentenced to hard labor.

A bill aimed at making sure lower income school kids get a good breakfast and lunch – for free – clears a House committee. Marrero Rep Kyle Green says assuring kids are well-fed will result in better education outcomes…:

CUT 13(12)      “…is impossible.”

The bill goes to the House floor next.

At the Capitol, a bill establishing a system to make rape kits more trackable and accountable moves closer to final passage It’s from Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell, and has passed the full Senate and two House committees, with its approval from House Appropriations Monday. Ponchatoula Representative Bill wheat tells Mizell he likes her bill…:

CUT 05(08)      “…evidence.”

The bill goes next to the House floor for what could be final passage.

St. John Parish deputies arrested three people they allegedly caught bringing guns – including semi-automatic rifle – to a Pre-K graduation ceremony last Friday. Garyville-Mt. Airy Magnet School was put on lockdown while the man, woman and teen were found and captured. All three have been booked and are awaiting bond. No word yet on why the trio chose to go to a family event so well-armed.

A bill to create accountability for rape kits in Louisiana advances in the legislature…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

The man who has overseen the Louisiana State Fair in Shreveport for 17 years is stepping down. General Manager Chris Giordano announced his retirement yesterday. Giordano’s father Sam Giordano led the fair before him. He will exit May 31^st. Robb Brazzel steps up as Interim GM.

Legislation that would provide families adopting a child under the age of three with a $5 thousand tax credit was approved in the House in a 97 to 0 vote. Bill author, Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds says he hopes this will alleviate some of the financial burden for adoptive families…:

CUT 06(12)      “…bill does.”

That bill heads to the Senate.

Another bill moving to the full House is Marrero Rep. Kyle Green’s bill to provide free lunch and breakfast for public school kids already getting them at a reduced rate of 70-cents a day. Green says a well-nourished kid is a better student…:

CUT 12(09)      “…able to pay.”

Cost to taxpayers: about $850-k a year. It passes committee and goes up for House vote next.

Seven people were injured in a mass shooting at a block party in Thibodaux last night…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Teiko Foxx.”

Longtime New Orleans broadcaster, local politician and founder of the Krewe of Endymion Ed Muniz passed away over the weekend, after a long illness. Mardi Gras historian Arthur Hardy on his old friend…:

CUT 08(05)      “…to Ed.”

Ed Muniz was 83.

State Police report three vehicles were involved in a crash Saturday night in Jeff Davis Parish that left a motorcyclist and his passenger dead. Trooper Derek Senegal says the pair were hit from behind by one vehicle and thrown into the opposite lane, where they were hit by other traffic. He says troopers took blood toxicology samples from all drivers, to detect impairment, if that was the case. He says they will also examine each vehicle’s “black box”…:

CUT 10(07)      “…like that.”

The Natchitoches Parish President is accused of simple battery for an alleged altercation with a woman at the recent Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival. Parish President John Richmond has a court date scheduled in August. He was also arrested three years for an alleged fight at a local restaurant.

Shreveport cops were alerted to a suspicious package shipped to the Overton Brooks V.A. hospital there, and found it contained 42 pounds of marijuana. The intended recipient was located and arrested for distribution of drugs.

One of the founders of New Orleans’ largest and most prestigious Mardi Gras Kerewes, Ed Muniz, passed away over the weekend. Muniz was a former Mayor of the city of Kenner, a former city and parish councilman and owner-operator of numerous radio stations. Mardi Gras historian Arthur hardy says Endymion was Muniz’ creation; birthed on a small scale, but with colossal vision…:

CUT 07(11)      “…negative way.”

A total of nine people were injured and seven people were shot in a mass shooting during a block party in Thibodaux last night. Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Captain Brennan Matherne says officers are actively investigating what happened…:

CUT 03(12)      “…by gunfire”

Two others were hurt in the stampede of panic when the shots rang out. Matherne asks anyone with tips on the crime to contact LPSO.

A three-vehicle crash in Jefferson Davis Parish claimed two lives Saturday night. Trooper Derek Senegal says for unknown reasons a motorcycle was struck from behind by a Camaro. 67-year-old Jacob Touchet of Iowa was driving the Harley Davidson. He and his passenger, 60-year-old Susan Trahan of Lafayette, were both killed…:

CUT 09(12)      “…northbound vehicle.”

Blood tox samples were taken from all involved. The crash remains under investigation.

The Ragin Cajuns beat in-state rival LSU twice on Sunday during an epic day of softball in Baton Rouge . Sixth-year head coach Gerry Glasco he’s determined to get to the Women’s College World Series for his daughter, Geri Ann, who died in a car accident in 2019…:

CUT 13(13)      “…down on us.”

Seven people were injured in a mass shooting at a block party in Thibodaux last night. Teiko Foxx has the story.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

______________________________________

The Ragin Cajuns softball team is heading to the Super Regionals of the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016 after a dramatic day of softball in Baton Rouge. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

______________________________________

A total of nine people were injured, with seven people shot, in a mass shooting during a block party in Thibodaux last night. Lafourche Parish Captain Brennan Matherne says officers are actively investigating what happened.

Cut 3 (12) “…by gunfire.”

The shooting happened in the 300 block of Highland Drive in the Marydale Subdivision. Matherne says authorities are seeking help in identifying suspects and motives.

Cut 4 (11)  “… this investigation.” 

All of the victims are being treated at a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Cut 5 (12) “…7433.”

The investigation is ongoing.

__________________________________________________

The death of former Kenner mayor and Krewe of Endymion founder Ed Muniz has many remembering his forever public legacy. Muniz died over the weekend after battling health issues over recent years. The Mardi Gras Guide Publisher Arthur Hardy says Muniz was a pillar in the community.

Cut 6 (13)  “…a drinker.” 

The Krewe of Endymion rolled for the first time in 1967, and became what many would consider Muniz’s greatest legacy. With more than 3,000 riders and floats, Endymion is now one of Mardi Gras’s biggest parades. Hardy says Endymion started small but Muniz’s vision was colossal.

Cut 7 (11)  “…negative way.” 

Muniz served more than 25 years on Kenner City Council, Jefferson Parish Council, and as Kenner’s mayor. He also owned and operated several commercial radio stations in six southern states and later sold them to a national radio chain.

Cut 8 (05)  “…to Ed.” 

Delgado Community College opened the Endymion Garden which features a 7-foot statue of Muniz just a week before his death.

_________________________________________________

A three-vehicle crash in Jefferson Davis Parish claimed two lives Saturday night. Trooper Derek Senegal says for unknown reasons a motorcycle was struck from behind by a Camaro. 67-year-old Jacob Touchet of Iowa (eye-oh-way) who was driving the Harley Davidson and passenger 60-year-old Susan Trahan (Trah-hun) of Lafayette were both killed.

Cut 9 (12) “…northbound vehicle.”

Senegal says toxicology samples were taken, and troopers are still examining evidence to determine was led to the crash. He says the investigation includes an analysis of the vehicle’s “blackbox”.

Cut 10 (07) “…like that.”

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness month and Senegal says the deadly crash is a reminder of how vulnerable motorcyclists are compared to cars and trucks.

Cut 11 (07)  “…their space.”

____________________________________________________

The Ragin Cajuns beat in-state rival LSU twice on Sunday during an epic day of softball in Baton Rouge . Sixth-year head coach Gerry Glasco is taking the U-L Lafayette to the Super Regionals for the first time since 2016

Cut 12 (12) “…one-by-one-by-one” 

The Cajuns lost to the Tigers in Regional play in 2021, 2018 and 2017.  The program also dealt with tragedy off the field. One of their biggest cheerleaders. Gail Savoie, the first lady of UL Lafayette died last year and Glasco says he’s determined to get to the Women’s College World Series for his daughter, Geri Ann Glasco, who died in a car accident in 2019…

Cut 13 (13) “…down on us” 

The Ragin Cajuns can get to the Women’s College Series if they beat Washington in a best out of three Super Regional Series that will start Friday night in Seattle. Glasco has recruited well over the last few seasons, including the number one recruiting class in 2021, but he says the girls had to buy in…

Cut 14 (13)  “…need to be”

A block party in Thibodaux Sunday night was marred by gunfire that caused 9 people to be hurt; 7 by bullets and 2 by being trampled or falling down in the panic. Lafourche Parish Sheriffs’ Captain Brennan Matherne says all nine victims are being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. He asks anyone with tips or information to contact LPSO…:

CUT 05(12)      “…7433.”

The investigation is ongoing.

A three-vehicle crash in Jeff Davis Parish Saturday claimed the lives of two motorcyclists; 67-year-old Jacob Touchet of Iowa and his passenger, 60-year-old Susan Trahan, of Lafayette. State Police Trooper Derek Senegal says they were hit from behind by a Chevy Camaro. He says it’s sad that it happened during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month…:

CUT 11(07)      “…their space.”

Police in Shreveport Police say a suspicious package delivered to the Overton Brooks V.A. hospital contained 42 pounds of marijuana. After an investigation, police arrested 33-year-old Roydale Ladon Stewart. He was charged with distributing drugs.

The Ragin Cajuns softball team is heading to the Super Regionals of the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016 after a dramatic day of softball in Baton Rouge…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Palermo.”

Legislation that would require public schools statewide to schedule at least 15 minutes of supervised, unstructured free play time of recess for grades kindergarten through fifth was approved by the House in a 66 to 28 vote. Houma Representative Beryl Amedee says under this legislation no special accommodations are required…:

CUT 03(12)      “…funded mandate.”

A recent study finds 89 percent of schools in Louisiana currently have recess and 56 percent offer more than 15 minutes of recess.

District 3 Congressman Clay Higgins responded to uproar over internet video showing him physically removing a heckler from an outdoor press conference. In a written statement, Higgins office says the activist (quote) “became very disruptive and threatening in violation of the law” and goes on to say Higgins “successfully de-escalated the situation.”

Legislation to raise – or in some cases SET – minimum bail amounts for crimes of violence and/or the use of a gun in a crime advances from House Criminal Justice. Crowley Representative John Stefanski’s bill would set a minimum bail of $50-thousand for a violent crime and $100-thousand for one that involves the use of a firearm…:

CUT 06(10)      “…did that.”

The bill passed favorably in committee heads to the House floor. Stefanski is also running for Attorney General this fall.

Our state ranks 4^th unhealthiest in the nation for seniors, according the Unite Health Foundation’s report. UHF’s Dr. Phil Painter says despite that poor showings, there is always hope for improvement for older residents…:

CUT 11(12)      “…or exercise.”

At the State Capitol, legislation to hike up minimum bail amounts for those accused of violent and/or gun crimes has cleared a House Committee. Brooke Thorington has that story…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Thorington.”

After a catastrophic computer systems failure, the state Office of Motor Vehicles remains closed statewide until Monday. This also includes using the OMV website for applications and renewals. State officials say they’ll have new hardware installed soon and expect to be A-OK by Monday.

Louisiana ranks the fourth unhealthiest state for senior citizens for the second year, according to the United Health Foundation’s America’s Health Rankings Senior Report. Chief Medical Officer for the Medicare and Retirement Division Dr. Phillip Painter says increasing poverty among older citizens is a big part of that…:

CUT 10(10)      “…stay healthy”

Access to healthcare, physical environment, social and economic factors, and healthy behaviors play a vital role in the ranking as well.

A bill to ban social media platforms from allowing minors to have their own account without parental consent passed in the Senate. It’s sponsored by Covington Senator Patrick McMath, who says – if passed – the Attorney General would be tasked with investigation and enforcement…:

CUT 13(12)      “…this law.”

Utah and Arkansas have already put such laws into effect.