A bill approved by the full state House of Representatives would cut the maximum weeks of yearly available state unemployment benefits from 26 to 20. Jennings Rep. Troy Romero’s bill drew opposition from New Orleans House member Wilford Carter…:

CUT 12  (12)        “…to work.”

Passed by the House, the bill moves now to the Senate.

The termites are swarming in this warm, wet weather, and state Ag Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain says be vigilant for what the pests may be doing to your home. He says be sure to clean your gutters and rid your property of wood lying around…:

CUT 04(12)      “…got termites.”

Orkin says termites cause $5-billion in property damage yearly across the U.S.

Look out for some more rough weather this evening, especially in northern Louisiana. Armani Cassel, with the National Weather Service in Shreveport, says make sure you stay alert for any further alerts to bad weather…:

CUT 08(06)      “and warnings.”

There is reported a storm damage in DeSoto and Natchitoches parishes, and a flash flood watch remains in effect into tonight. More rain is expected Friday, but Mother’s Day weekend looks nice.

Lafayette Police says a local man is in critical condition after walking into the middle of a busy street near I-49, lying down in the middle of the road and – no time flat – being run over by a car. The 42-year-old man has not been identified. The matter is under investigation, and once the man’s health is stabilized he may be submitted for a mental evaluation.

Sunday is Mother’s Day, the absolute busiest restaurant day of the year; surpassing even Valentine’s Day. If you haven’t made a reservation yet, get busy and good luck.

Starting in 2025, there would be less time for unemployed workers to find a job before their benefits run out, as a result of a bill approved by the House…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested a Boyce man for 25 counts of pornography involving juveniles. RPSO says local photographer John Rougeou had numerous illegal images on his p.c. and devices.

New Orleans Police are investigating a shooting this morning on the I-10 Service Road, that left a young mother dead. They ask the public for tips on the shooting.

Rough weather is expected to continue across Louisiana today. There have already been reports of flooding, storm damage and possible tornados in DeSoto and Natchitoches parishes. There’s also a flash flood watch in effect until 7 tonight. National Weather Service Shreveport forecaster Armani Cassel says the threat of heavy weather should taper off later this evening…:

CUT 07(08)      “…the atmosphere.”

Rain continues tomorrow. Saturday and Sunday should be nice.

Speaking of Sunday, it is Mother’s Day and if you haven’t made a reservation for dinner with Mom, you best get busy. Wendy Waren with the Louisiana Restaurant Association…:

CUT 11(12)      “…whole weekend.”

Mother’s day is the busiest restaurant day of the year; surpassing even Valentine’s Day.

It’s termite season and Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain reminds Louisianans to remain vigilant of the swarming pest…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Teiko Foxx.”

Reports of damage are coming in after multiple flood and tornado warnings popped up across Northern Louisiana today. National Weather Service Shreveport forecaster Armani Cassel…:

CUT 06(07)      “…the evening.”

A tornado watch is posted for Southeast Louisiana in areas near the Mississippi River.

The state’s largest hospital system, Ochsner Health, announces hundreds of layoffs in Louisiana, and in Mississippi. They plan to let 770 hospital employees and over 200 urgent care facility workers; about 2-percent of their total workforce. In a written reply to LRN, Ochsner says the reason is the economy and runaway inflation, basically. They assure the public the standard of care will be maintained at all Ochsner facilities, and no further layoffs are anticipated.

At the State Capitol, the House approves legislation that would reduce the number of weeks a person can receive unemployment in a 12-month period; from 26 weeks to 20. It comes from Jennings Rep. Troy Romero, who says fewer weeks of free money is incentive to go find a job…:

CUT 14(12)      “…more money.”

That bill now moves to the Senate for committee review.

A bill to add the exceptions of rape and incest to the state’s abortion ban failed in the House Criminal Justice Committee this morning. Bill author New Orleans Representative Delisha Boyd told committee members her own mother was raped for years by someone almost twice her age and pregnant at 15…:

CUT 09(10)      “…by a predator.”

Debbie Melvin, of Thibodeaux, spoke in opposition to the bill. She said the act of abortion is yet another trauma rape victims would endure…:

CUT 10(09)      “…to her.”

After lengthy discussion, the committee voted 10-to-5 to halt the bill’s progress; meaning it is likely dead for the remains of the session.

A bill requiring a person found guilty in fatal DUI cases to pay restitution to the surviving children of the victims until they reach 18 was approved by the House Criminal Justice Committee.  Supporting the bill was Shelby Strong, whose husband was killed by an impaired driver. She says there needs to be something in place to compensate families…:

CUT 08(11)      “…and myself.”

That bill proceeds to the House floor.

Gunned down while getting chicken. New Orleans Police say a man was shot while in his car in the parking lot of a Church’s Fried Chicken on St. Claude Avenue; a well-traveled part of town. The yet-un-named victim was taken to a hospital where he died. NOPD is seeking leads in the case.

State Police are investigating a non-fatal officer-involved shooting early this morning in Bunkie. Details are sketchy as yet, but troopers ask that anyone who may have seen what happened or even recorded it contact them right away.

One of the nation’s strictest abortion ban remains in place. Brooke Thorington has more on the attempt to add exceptions in Louisiana…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Thorington.”

A Baton Rouge high school sports coach is under an arrest warrant; accused of sexually assaulting a student in a locker room. 41-year-old Johnnie Butler is also a reserve EBR sheriff’s deputy. He’s been forced from that job and has been on leave from the school ever since the alleged rape was reported. As of airtime, Butler had not been arrested.

A bill requiring a person found guilty in fatal DUI cases to pay restitution to the surviving children of the victim until they reach 18 passed out of the House Criminal Justice Committee. Speaking against the measure was Sarah Whittington of the Justice and Accountability Center of LA, who says this is a judicial matter; not a legislative matter…:

CUT 07(13)      “…would allow.”

The bill moves to the full House for debate.

Already approved by the House, a bill that would let you include your beloved pet’s cremated remains within your own casket moves out of a Senate committee. Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey questions bill sponsor and Minden Rep. Wayne McMahen about the need for the bill…:

CUT 14(04)      “…really.”

The bill does not allow for a pet’s actual physical remains; only ashes. It goes now to the Senate floor for what may be final passage.

Legislation that would require a drunk driver convicted of killing a parent to pay restitution to the victim’s child until they reach 18 was approved by the House Criminal Justice Committee today…:

CUT 01  (32)        “…Teiko Foxx.”

State Police are investigating a non-fatal officer-involved shooting early this morning in Bunkie. Details are sketchy as yet, but we do know it happened at around 2 am, and that the suspect was taken to a hospital for treatment. Troopers ask that anyone who may have seen what happened or even recorded it contact them right away.

Legislation banning the use of the social media app TikTok on any state-owned devices and state-owned or leased WIFI networks advances to the House floor. Marksville Representative Daryl Deshotel brings the bill, and says it’s a major security concern and should not be allowed on any phone or computer device at taxpayer expense…:

CUT 05(07)      “…funny video.”

The bill would also apply to state universities and colleges. If it passes, Louisiana will be the 34th state to ban TikTok.

Legislation to allow the cremated remains of a pet to be buried with a deceased person continues to make its way through the legislative process. The Senate Commerce Committee approved Minden Representative Wayne McMahen’s bill today…:

CUT 13(11)      “…buried together.”

Already passed by the House, the bill now heads to the Senate floor for what could be final passage.

With fentanyl overdose deaths in Louisiana up over 40-percent since 2019, the state Department of Health launches a campaign to raise awareness. By the Governor’s decree, today is Fentanyl Awareness Day in the state, and LDH’s Dr. Joe Kanter says we all should know just 2 milligrams can trigger an O.D…:

CUT 10  (10)        “…of fentanyl.”

Visit “OpioidHelpLA.org” to learn more.

A House-passed bill to make burglary of an inhabited dwelling a crime of violence, and subject to those penalties, cleared its first hurdle in the Upper Chamber today. Bill sponsor Rep. Debbie Villio, of Metairie..:

CUT 12  (12)        “…is life long.”

The senate Judiciary committee sends that bill to the full Senate floor.

A parent would have to sign a consent form allowing school officials to use corporal punishment on their child under a bill approved by the Louisiana House. This is Democrat Metairie Representative Stephanie Hilferty’s third attempt in trying to pass the bill…:

CUT 03(13)      “…consent to it.”

Some argued there’s no place for physical punishment in schools at all. Still, the bill passed the House by a 74-21 vote. It moves now to the Senate.

Police in Minden are investigating the death of a Webster Parish man as a homicide. 26-year-old Dan Merrit went missing a week ago. His body was found Sunday; buried in a wooded area. Minden Police say they have a suspect (who they aren’t ready to identify) and a warrant is out for that person’s arrest.

Parents would have to sign a consent form in order for a school official to use corporal punishment on their child under a bill approved by the House…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

The state Health Department launches a campaign to educate the masses to the dangers of fentanyl and overdoses. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says knowing the warning signs is a good start…:

CUT 11(09)      “…weak breathing.”

Legislation that would require the national motto “In God We Trust” to be displayed in every public school classroom across the state was approved by the House in a 98-4 vote. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton says it’s not pushing religion on anyone…:

CUT 06(08)      “…my goal.”’

Despite concerns of religious favoritism and unintended consequence, the bill passed overwhelmingly and moves over to the Senate.

A bill already passed by the House that would make burglary of an inhabited dwelling a crime of violence and subject to those penalties passed a Senate committee. Some argued it cannot be a crime of violence if no one was physically attacked, but bill sponsor, and Metairie Rep. Debbie Villio disagrees..:

CUT 14(12)      “…of violence.”

The full senate will debate the bill next.

Fentanyl overdoses in our state were up by 41.6% last year compared to 2019 so, the Louisiana Department of Health launches a campaign to raise awareness about the alarming rates of overdoses in the state…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Teiko Foxx.”

Former state Representative Nancy Landry announces she will run for Secretary of State this fall. A Republican, Landry served as Lafayette’s House member from 2008 to 2019. She joins GOP House Speaker Clay Schexnayder and Republican businessman Brandon Trosclair in the race. Current SOS Kyle Ardoin is not running for re-election.

A House-approved bill that would alter state law to consider burglary of an inhabited dwelling a violent crime clears its committee review in the Senate. Jefferson Parish Rep. Debbie Villio says, if you’ve been burglarized, you feel violated. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow worries the well-intended bill could cause troubles in a courtroom…:

CUT 13  (10)        “…young and dumb.”

Despite that and other objections, the bill was approved, and moves to the Senate floor.

A bill to require “In God We Trust” be displayed in every school classroom passed overwhelmingly in the House. Bill sponsor Dodie Horton, of Bossier Parish, says the bill costs taxpayers virtually nothing, and carries no penalties…:

CUT 08  (08)        “…donated it.”

That bill passes 98-to-4 and heads over to the Senate.

The Louisiana Department of Health has launched a statewide campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of the powerful opioid fentanyl and actions everyone can take to save lives. Governor John Bel Edwards has proclaimed today as Fentanyl Awareness Day in Louisiana. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says Louisiana overdose rates are well ahead of national averages…:

CUT 09(12)      “…highly lethal.”

Visit “OpioidHelpLA.org” for information about fentanyl and resources.

At the State Capitol, legislation to make burglary of an inhabited dwelling a crime of violence advances from Senate Judiciary C. The bill already cleared the House 73 to 28. Bill author and Jefferson Parish Representative Debbie Villio on her bill…:

CUT 12(12)      “…life-long.”

By a 4-to-2 vote, the bill now heads for the Senate floor.

The full House has approved a bill that would require parents to give written consent to school officials for their kid to be paddled as punishment. Speaking against the bill was Amite Democrat Rep. Robby Carter, who says all physical discipline is outdated…:

CUT 05(10)      “…don’t you agree?”

Metairie Democrat Stephanie Hilferty’s bill advances; headed next to a Senate committee.

A pair of southwest Louisiana teens are arrested for allegedly shooting into a crowd of people last Saturday night in Lake Charles. 18-year-old Harry Pendleton of L.C. and 19-year-old Chelsey Ned of DeQuincy each face multiple charges and are in the Calcasieu Parish jail. Cops say it’s fortunate that no one was hit by any of the gunfire.

State Police report two people died overnight in a head-on crash in Washington Parish in Franklinton. Both drivers were women, and troopers confirm at least one of them was not wearing a safety belt. The crash is under investigation.