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 3 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

State police are investigating a two-vehicle crash that fatally injured a man and two juveniles from Zwolle on U.S. Highway 171 south of Zwolle yesterday. Louisiana 66-year-old Bill Meshell, the driver of a 2003 GMC pickup truck failed to slow down when a 2012 Peterbilt log truck made a right turn. While the cause of this crash remains under investigation.

Delta Biofuel has announces the construction of a $100 million full-scale renewable fuel production facility in Jeanerette that will convert sugarcane waste into feedstock for low-emissions energy generation. CEO Phil Keating says the project will add jobs with an average salary of around 63 thousand dollars.

Cut 6 (12)  “…for everybody.”

The company is expected to break ground in late June.

Nearly 42 million people will travel out this Memorial Day holiday weekend, a 7 percent increase from last year, that’s according to AAA. 3 million people are boarding planes for the weekend, that’s an 11 percent increase over last year. Analyst Don Redman says that’s about 170,000 more passengers than the pre-pandemic level.

Cut 12 (13)    “…people fly.” 

The good news, if you plan to take a road trip, gas prices are lower this year compared to last year when the national average was more than $4 a gallon.

Legislation to require public libraries to limit children’s access to certain materials cleared a House committee Tuesday.  Louisiana Association of School Librarians President Amanda Jones says child safeguards are already in place at virtually ALL libraries, and she says people are using libraries and librarians as political pawns…:

Cut 6 (08)  “…and He weeps.”

The bill has also been accused of seeking to ban books; a claim refuted by A.G. Jeff Landry as not true…:

Cut 7 (13) “…appropriate shelves.”

By an 8-to-3 vote, the committee approves the bill. The measure has already passed in the Senate. It moves now to House floor debate and possible final passage.

A 29-year-old Deville woman has been arrested on rape, human trafficking, and sexual battery charges.  Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Tommy Carnline says they began their investigation into Danielle Sober Trapp in early April in reference to criminal sexual conduct….

Cut 8 (10) “…was investigating.”

Detectives were able to uncover more alleged crimes and warrants. Carnline says Trapp was re-arrested a second time on outstanding warrants on April 28. The investigation is ongoing.

The House approves a bill that would allow people 18 years of age and older who are not felons to conceal carry a firearm without a permit or training in a 70 to 29 vote. Oil City Republican Representative Danny McCormick says this is the Second Amendment right of every citizen.

Cut 14 (06)  “…our citizens.”

Twenty-seven other states already have similar laws in effect.

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office announces a Deville woman has been arrested on child rape and human trafficking charges.The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Tommy Carnline says an investigation began in early April after receiving a complaint in reference to 29-year-old Danielle Sober Trapp and criminal sexual conduct….

Cut 9 (12)  “…following day.”

Trapp was re-arrested a second time on outstanding warrants on April 28.

The House approves a bill that would allow law-abiding citizens 18 years of age and older to conceal carry a firearm without a permit or training. Referred to as the “Constitutional Carry” bill, many believe under the 2^nd Amendment gives law-abiding citizens the right to bear arms and should not require a concealed carry permit. Oakdale Representative Dewith Carrier favored the bill. He said the issue is not people carrying guns.

Cut  16 (13)  “..to happen” 

The bill was passed in a 70 to 29 vote.

If you’ve been binging “Stranger Things” thanks to a friend of a friend’s Netflix password, the day of reckoning has arrived. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested 31-year-old Casey Hallford and 19-year-old Arianni Williams following a mid-day shooting leaving three injured, one which remains in critical condition. Hallford shot his three siblings during a verbal altercation and fled the scene with Williams. Hallford has been charged with 3 counts of attempted first-degree murder and 1 count of illegal discharge of a weapon while Williams has been charged with 3 counts of principle to attempted first-degree murder.

A bill that would establish a database system so rape victims can follow where their kits are in the process was passed in the Senate. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says the tracking system would provide accountability with the rape kits.

Cut 3 (10) “…rape kit.”

The bill has passed in the Senate and heads to the full House for final passage.

A bill that would provide a $5 thousand tax credit to families adopting a child under the age of three was approved by a full House in a 97 to 0 vote. Bill author, Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds says it’s about helping families help children.

Cut 7 (08)  “…lives forever.” 

Under the legislation, if the $5,000 credit exceeds the adoptive family’s tax liability, the state would give the family the balance of that money the year the adoption takes place. The bill heads to the Senate.

The state House has unanimously approved a bill that would symbolically abolish slavery in Louisiana. Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan’s legislation would add language to the state’s constitution that would abolish slavery and involuntary servitude forever…

Cut 9 (07) “…we are good.”

Jordan’s measure heads to the Senate for its approval. Since it’s a constitutional amendment, it will also need voter approval.

While the restaurant industry is still recovering from the effects of the COVID pandemic,  Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris says eateries, like every other industry, have had to endure record inflation, supply-chain issues, and shortages.

Cut 5 (06)   “…coming due.”

And even though some restaurants have closed since the pandemic, Harris says there are new ventures that opened their doors.

The restaurant industry has seen improvement since the height of COVID but Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris says workforce woes continue to plague restaurants and many full-service dining establishments are now faced with paying the piper.

Cut 5 (06)   “…coming due.”

Harris says eateries, like every other industry, have had to endure record inflation, supply-chain issues, and shortages that haven’t been experienced since WWII.

Two donors made individual $1 million gifts towards a $2.3 million total raised by ULM in 24 hours during their first Day of Giving. ULM Foundation Advancement Officer Cindy Foust says the generosity was overwhelming.

Cut 8 (10) “…big accomplishment.”

The two $1 million gifts were designated to the School of Business and Social Sciences and other monies were designated for different disciplines across campus.

No surprise, but LSU’s Dylan Crews is the SEC Hitter of the Year and Paul Skenes is the Pitcher of the Year. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Former West Monroe Mayor Bert Hatten died Monday morning at the age of 96. Hatten served as mayor of Monroe for 12 years. He also worked as a reporter and managing editor for the Monroe Morning World until he left to enter the insurance business. He also owned and published the Ouachita Citizen from 1965 to 1986.

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 Captain Brennan Matherine says officers are actively investigating what happened last night.

Cut 3 (12) “…by gunfire.”

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

Former LSU football coach Les Miles has been ordered to testify by a federal judge in the Sharon Lewis case. Lewis, a former associate AD who worked in the football operations building, is suing the LSU Board of Supervisors because she claims she endured a hostile work environment and was retaliated against after she tried to report Miles sexually harassed a student. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne is following the story…

Cut 15 (06) “…court setting”

Eight current and former LSU Board of Supervisor members have also been ordered to give depositions.

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.

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.”

Toxicology samples were taken, and the incident remains under investigation.

The House and Senate have three weeks to reach an agreement on funding teacher pay raises. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

7 people were injured after gunfire erupted in the Marydale community in Thibodaux last night. The motive and suspects are unknown at this time. No fatalities were reported. Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre says the investigation is ongoing.

Legislation aimed at improving the state’s property insurance market for consumers has an advocacy group concerned. Executive Director of Real Reform LouisianaBenjamin Riggs says SB 96, from Jefferson Parish Senator Kirk Talbot, is one that seems intended to help the state-run insurer of last resort but could easily hurt the insured…:

Cut 9 (12)  “…insurance corporation.”

Riggs is concerned there may not be enough time remaining to get real beneficial insurance reforms to final passage, before the session ends June 8^th.

A federal judge in New Orleans has ordered former LSU football coach Les Miles will need to give a deposition in Sharon Lewis’ lawsuit against the LSU Board of Supervisors. Lewis is a former associate athletic director and claims LSU created a hostile work environment and retaliated against her after she tried to report Miles sexually harassed a student. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says the judge also ordered LSU to provide a bunch of documents that were previously withheld…

Cut 14 (06)  “…more information”

Eight current and former LSU Board of Supervisor members have also been ordered to give depositions.

A bill requiring Louisiana public schools to give students at least 15 minutes of  “supervised, unstructured free play” each day was approved by the House. Bill author, Houma Representative Beryl Amedee says 89 percent of schools in Louisiana currently have recess and 56 percent offer more than 15 minutes of recess for students, however…

Cut 4 (08)  “…of schools.” 

The bill was approved in a 66 to 28 vote.

Legislation that would establish mandatory minimum bail amounts of $50,000 for violent offenses and $100,000 for offenses committed with the use of a firearm advances from House Criminal Justice. Crowley Representative John Stefanski says the majority of the time Judges set bonds accordingly, but this is his attempt to make Louisiana safer.

Cut 8 (11)  “…the crime.” 

The bill passed favorably in committee heads to the House floor.

Legislation that would create age restrictions on social media platforms for children 15 and younger without parental consent was passed in the Senate but it would only go into effect if funds are allocated for enforcement.  Bill author, Covington Senator Patrick McMath says it appears some social media outlets are on board.

Cut 14 (08)  “…is going.”

The Senate passed the bill on a 37-0 vote and it advances to the lower chamber.

Louisiana ranks the fourth least healthiest state for senior citizens according to the United Health Foundation’s 11^th America’s Health Rankings Senior Report. Chief Medical Officer for the Medicare and Retirement Division Dr. Phillip Painter says access to healthcare and social and economic factors play a vital role in the ranking but there’s still hope for improvement.

Cut 11 (12)  “…or exercise”

Louisiana falls below Mississippi which is the unhealthiest state in the nation.

Legislation to set minimum bail amounts for crimes of violence and or the use of a firearm advances from House Criminal Justice. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

Former Kenner mayor and Founder of Krewe Endymion – New Orleans’ largest Carnival organization – Ed Muniz has died at age 83. Muniz founded the parade organization in 1966. The Gentilly native also served 10 years on Kenner’s city council from 1980 to 1990 and was elected the city’s mayor in 2006.

A recent report finds Louisiana ranks 49^th in overall health for adults 65 and older according to the United Health Foundation’s 11^th America’s Health Rankings Senior Report. Chief Medical Officer for the Medicare and Retirement Division Dr. Phillip Painter says poverty among seniors rose statewide from 12 percent to 14 percent but funding for seniors could help.

Cut 10 (10) “…stay healthy.”

Painter says access to healthcare, physical environment, social and economic factors, and healthy behaviors play a vital role in the ranking.

Legislation that would prohibit social media platforms from allowing children 15 and younger to have their own account without their parent’s permission passed in the Senate but it would only go into effect if funds are allocated for enforcement.  Bill author, Covington Senator Patrick McMath says if enacted, the Attorney General’s Office would be tasked with investigating and enforcing Senate Bill 162, and…

Cut 13 (12) “…this law” 

The Senate passed the bill on a 37-0 vote and it advances to the lower chamber.