The Senate Education Committee approves a House-backed measure that would hold back third-graders from advancing to the fourth grade if they score poorly multiple times on a literacy test. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

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One man is in custody and more arrests are anticipated after three people were shot during Hammond High school’s Graduation Thursday night. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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A House-approved bill that would hold back third-graders who score in the bottom tier in state reading assessments continues to move through the Legislature. Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson says the state has a literacy problem and this legislation is designed to make sure students who reach the fourth grade can read at an adequate level…

Cut 3 (12) “…fewer, fewer back”

An estimated 45-hundred students could be held back and the legislation would go into effect for the 2023-24 school year. The Senate Education Committee approved Nelson’s bill and an amendment was added that would give a student three tries to pass a literacy test before it’s determined the student must repeat the third grade…

Cut 4  (08) “…as well.”

Nelson’s legislation is modeled after a program in Mississippi that he says has boosted literacy rates in the Magnolia State. He says if a third-grader fails the literacy test on the first try, they’ll get intensive tutoring…

Cut 5  (08) “…cut score.”

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Seven years after a woman was killed in Terrebonne Parish and her two nieces were kidnapped, two arrests have been made. Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet says new evidence led them to make the arrests in connection with the murder of 56-year-old Pamela Johnson.

Cut 6  (07) “…on this.” 

Soignet says December 1, 2015, they found two young girls in a car in Houma who told them they had been kidnapped from their aunt’s home, which led them to Johnson’s home in Bourg where they found her body. He says the girls had already lost their mother, so they wanted to bring them closure in this case.

Cut 7 (06) “…that closure.” 

As for the particular evidence that helped lead them to a break in the case, Soignet couldn’t comment but says new technology and the evidence helped his team make arrests in the case.

Cut 8 (06) “…homicide.” 

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After three people were shot Thursday night while attending Hammond high school’s graduating ceremonies on the campus of Southeastern University, authorities say one person is in custody. Southeastern University Police Chief Michael Beckner…

Cut 9 (14) “…justice.”

Thomas is being held in the Amite jail. A fourth person was taken to the hospital due to injuries from fleeing the incident. One shooting victim remains hospitalized.

Hammond Police Chief Edwin Bergeron says they do know that the shooting victims were innocent bystanders and a person of interest is being sought in what is believed to be a gang-related shooting.

Cut 10 (11) ” ….person of interests.” 

Authorities have asked individuals attending more graduating ceremonies on Southeastern’s campus this weekend not to bring any bags, or guns into the facility only their phones to take photos. Bergeron says this is not the way high school seniors should have to remember their graduation.

Cut 11 (11)  “…like this.” 

More arrests are anticipated.

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As the shortage of infant formula throughout the country continues, lawmakers on Capitol Hill are demanding answers to how we got here and when we’ll be out of this crisis. Leading the charge has been District 5 Representative Julia Letlow who was quite direct in questioning FDA commissioner Robert Califf.

Cut 12 (13) “…24 x 7.”  

Letlow pressed Califf on exactly when families would see restocked shelves, and the Chairman struggled to provide any concrete answers.

Cut 13 (11) “…is distribution.”

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Louisiana will get a break from the recent heat as a result of a cold front that will bring cloud cover and rain. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says showers and thunderstorms will develop along the coast on Saturday spreading into southeast Louisiana and there’s also a cold front coming

Cut 14 (11)  “…of the state”

Wetherbee says a large area of showers and thunderstorms will cover the entire state on Sunday

Cut 15 (09) “…rainfall” 

As the abortion debate returns to the headlines, Brooke Thorington has reaction from the director of one of three abortion clinics remaining in Louisiana.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A record number of graduates will be leaving LSU and entering the workforce this weekend, but what awaits them when they do? David Grubb has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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Lawmakers deliver the state’s $39-billion annual budget to final passage. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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After a bill to charge a woman with murder if she has an abortion was heard in the Louisiana House, Kathaleen Pittman, Director of the Hope Medical Group for Women, which provides abortion in Shreveport, says it’s not just antiabortion protesters that upset her.

Cut 4 (07)  “…the women.”

The bill was heavily amended and then returned to the calendar by the bill’s author.

Pittman who’s advocated for abortion rights for more than three decades says more restrictive abortion laws are only going to put more women in danger.

Cut 5 (11) “…of that.”

As a guest on Jim Engster’s Talk Louisiana radio program Pittman was asked about her feelings about majority male lawmakers making decisions regarding female reproductive rights, she said she feels it’s about control. And when religion is brought into the debate, Pittman has a response.

Cut 6 (08)  “…treat that.”

Pittman says when Texas outlawed abortions in September they experience a significant increase in patients who crossed state lines for a procedure.

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LSU will be awarding a record number of degrees with more than 45-hundred students expected to cross the stage, diploma in hand, this weekend. The number one question for every graduate, or at least their parents, is “what’s next?” LSU economist Dr. Loren Scott says opportunities abound for the class of 2022.

Cut 7 (07) “…it seems like.”

Scott says that nearly every industry in the state has complained about the lack of available workers. That means, at least for now, the value of those degrees is on the rise along with wages.

Cut 8 (09)  “…we’re seeing that.”

The shortage of workers and the steady uptick in inflation has pushed many employers to offer better salaries right out of the gate.  That increases competition for employees, especially for one industry in particular.

Cut 9 (10)  “…really hot.”

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The state’s $39-billion budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1^st has reached final passage. House members Thursday voted concurrence on amendments made in the Senate; sending the bill to Governor Edwards’ desk. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says lawmakers did a good job of using windfalls of federal money; from the pandemic and the Infrastructure Act passed months ago…:

Cut 10 (14) “…out of their pockets.”

Pinsonat says polling of Louisiana taxpayers indicates they’d approve of the Governor’s budget proposals and how legislators dealt with them…:

Cut  11 (11)  “…existing revenue.” 

The budget contains money for road & bridge improvements, $300-million toward a new Mississippi River bridge in Baton Rouge and pay raises for teachers and school staff members.

Governor Edwards is expected to sign the budget bill, but will he use his privilege of the line-item veto before he does? Pinsonat says, if Edwards does, he’ll use it sparingly…:

Cut 12 (08) “…don’t end very well.” 

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Proposed changes in policy could have a major impact on how charter schools in New Orleans are evaluated. Due to the pandemic, clear performance data was harder to come by, so adaptation became necessary says Sarah Vandergriff, Legal and Policy Director for the Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools.

Cut 13 (10) “…pre-COVID.”

Orleans Parish has 10 schools up for charter renewal this year and a new superintendent coming on board this summer. Vandergriff says these temporary policy changes allow for schools to receive multiple comprehensive evaluations in order to offset the lack of state testing data and performance scores in determining whether or not to extend those charters.

Cut 14 (12)  “…recommendations would be.”

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education has been conducting its own review of the state’s accountability system. Vandergriff believes this is an opportunity for Orleans Parish to take a leadership role in localizing the process due to its unique makeup.

Cut 15 (11)  “…100 percent charter.”

As the state budget makes its way through the legislature Governor Edwards says, for the most part, he’s pleased lawmakers have accepted the majority of his funding requests. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A new study shows the connection between hormones, the brain, and our diet…David Grubb has the story.

Cut 2 (00) “…I’m David Grubb.”  

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The Senate approved the $39-billion state budget Wednesday, and the House will vote on the concurrence of Senate amendments this afternoon. Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s pleased the majority of his budget requests have been approved but he wishes the $2,000 teacher pay raises had made the cut, instead of the $1500 raises that WERE approved…:

Cut 3 (11) “….working out”

The Senate-approved budget also includes a significant down payment of $300 million on a proposed Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge. Edwards says it’s the most significant infrastructure project that impacts traffic across the state.

Cut 4  (12) “…two billion dollars.”

Edwards says he asked for $500-million for the Mississippi River Bridge because of state also received additional one-time funding as part of the American Rescue Act. He says the amount matters when it comes to seeking matching funds.

Cut 5  (10) “…yourself.”

Edwards also says bridge sites should be narrowed down to three in the new few weeks.

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Research published by the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge reports that reducing protein in the diet produces a number of positive outcomes, including increasing lifespan. Dr. Christopher Morrison says while this basic fact has been known for some time, by experimenting with the diets of mice scientists are learning more about this connection.

Cut 6  (11) “…metabolic improvement.” 

Pennington has been a leader in this research for a while, discovering a hormonal link between the brain and the body and protein restriction years ago. Dr. Morrison says this study used mice to compare the body’s response either with or without the hormone leading to a deeper understanding of that link.

Cut 7 (11) “…protein restricted.” 

Dr. Morrison says while the study doesn’t provide a “magic bullet” to help people be healthier or live longer, it is an important step in understanding how our brains and bodies work collectively, which could lead to improvements in individual health outcomes in the future…

Cut 8 (10) “…and your goals.” 

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As Louisianans continue to cope with rising prices and inflation at over 8-percent, State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain advises we hunker down for at least several more months of this. Strain says the prices we pay at the grocery store now are reflective of market conditions and wholesale prices from months ago…:

Cut 9 (09) “…next year’s crop.”

Strain says everything from seed costs, to fertilizer prices, to the cost & scarcity of diesel fuel for hauling food to market in contributing to the current high prices. He says state & federal authorities, and private sector interests are working on solutions, but they could be quite some time coming…:

Cut 10 (10) ” ….try to cut that down.” 

Strain says there’s is little people on a fixed income can do, but one thing we can all do is make maximum use of the groceries we do buy…:

Cut 11 (10)  “…the spices get better.” 

Strain advises planning out meals more carefully and making every effort to eat your leftovers, to get the most bang for your grocery bucks.

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A House bill to prohibit smoking or vaping marijuana in a motor vehicle advances from Senate Transportation. Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel says her bill is to address the rising number of incidents of motorists using cannabis and then getting behind the wheel.

Cut 12 (08) “…in a car”  

Schlegel amended the bill in committee after issues were brought to light during a previous House debate that the legislation could be used to profile motorists.

Cut 13 (12) “…primary offense (x2).”

Schlegel says there’s been data from other states showing that once marijuana is legalized some individuals believe it means they are allowed to drive and use marijuana also. The purpose of the legislation is to remind them it’s not ok.

Cut 14 (03)  “…all times.”

The amended legislation now advances to the Senate.

A Senate-passed bill to use a tiered risk assessment system to evaluate and house juvenile offenders wins House committee approval. More on that from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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House approved legislation to limit the release of mugshots in Louisiana advances in Senate Government Affairs. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Governor Edwards is dropping the COVID vaccine as a requirement for Louisiana elementary and high school students. David Grubb has more…

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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A Senate-passed bill proposing risk assessment for juveniles who run afoul of the law clears another legislative hurdle. Central Louisiana Senator Heather Cloud’s SB 323 has already won approval from the full Senate. She tells members of the House Criminal Justice Committee the bill is in response to a big uptick in violence among juvenile offenders…:

Cut 4 (11)  “…to a tiered system.”

Cloud’s bill would require that juveniles arrested and brought into the system be assessed for their tendencies toward violent behavior, and would be housed under a tier system; assessing them from least dangerous to most dangerous. Michelle Piazza is a corrections officer at a youth detention center in Bunkie. She tells members of her attack and serious injury by a violent teen…:

Cut 5 (10) “…in the face.”

Cloud says evaluating and housing juvenile inmates based on a tiered system will be safer for guards and other detainees…:

Cut 6 (08)  “…in that facility.”

The committee advanced the bill, sending it to the House floor for debate, and what could be final passage.

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House-approved legislation to limit the release of mugshots in Louisiana advances in Senate Government Affairs. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis says the bill is an effort to protect innocent individuals from the embarrassment of the photo.

Cut 7 (12) “…release it.”

House Bill 729 was amended in committee allowing the photo to be released upon conviction and/or in the event an individual is charged with a violent crime. Committee Chair, Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt…

Cut 8 (11)  “…be used.”

Duplessis says he knows of situations where an innocent person has lost their job due to a mugshot and its intention to keep those who are innocent from being negatively impacted by a mugshot.

Cut 9 (09)  “…effect.”

The bill advances to the Senate floor.

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Though things look back to normal, Louisiana isn’t out of the COVID woods just yet. After seeing numbers fall for the past several weeks, 114 people were hospitalized due to the virus as of Wednesday…the highest figure in the state since March 24. Speaking with Jim Engster on Ask the Governor, John Bel Edwards expressed his concern with the rise…

Cut 10 (12) “…certainly increasing.”

Despite those concerns, Edwards says the Louisiana Department of Health has removed the COVID-19 vaccine as a requirement for elementary and secondary school students, citing a lack of full approval by the Food and Drug Administration.

Cut  11 (10)  “…17-year-olds.”  

Though the COVID vaccine will not be on the schedule this fall, Governor Edwards and the LDH are still in agreement with the CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendations that all children between the ages of five and 17 get vaccinated.

Cut 12 (11) “…any boosters.” 

According to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation, COVID-19 was the fourth leading cause of death among children ages 5-14 and individuals between 15-24 as recently as January of this year.

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To address the ongoing baby formula shortage the US Agriculture Appropriations subcommittee will hold a hearing today. Louisiana Congresswoman Julia Letlow who was just named to House Appropriations, says it will be her first hearing on the committee.

Cut 13 (11) “…searching.”

The committee will hear from FDA Commissioner about the baby formula shortage. Letlow says it’s frightening to hear that some children are being admitted to the hospital as a result.

Cut 14 (13)  “…months ago.”

Letlow says in an effort to help desperate parents she’s signed on to co-author Republican legislation House Resolution 7718, also known as the Formula Act.

Cut 15 (06)  “…for parents.”

House Democrats also proposed legislation to give the FDA $28-million to address the formula shortage.

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There’s a lot on the line for LSU baseball as they head to Nashville to take on Vanderbilt in their SEC regular-season finale. Less than a week ago the Tigers were a near lock to host an NCAA regional, and now they’re flirting with a below .500 finish in the SEC. Pitching will be key against the Commodores and Jay Johnson likes what he’s seen lately from sophomore Ty Floyd.

Cut 16 (20)  “…him in there.”

Adversity has been a big part of Jay Johnson’s first year in Baton Rouge. Key players have missed time with injury, the starting rotation has been in flux, and LSU’s defense has been inconsistent. Johnson says his team has shown grit all year long and he expects them to continue to do so this weekend.

Cut 17 (18) “ …this week.” 

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The U-L Ragin Cajuns are fighting to get back into the NCAA tournament for the first time in six years. Matt Deggs’ squad was on a major roll before being swept by Texas State last weekend. Now the Cajuns likely need a big weekend against Little Rock and a strong showing in the Sun Belt tourney to reach the postseason. Deggs says he’s been here before…

Cut 18 (19) “ …big at-bats.” 

Deggs’ biggest concern leading up to the conference tournament is his pitching staff. The Cajuns will use this weekend to set up their rotation, but Deggs says they’ll adapt to matchups and hopefully get some hitting.

Cut 19 (19) _“…be a grinder.” 

Louisiana marks another all-time high at the gas pump today. BrookeThorington has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The House Education Committee soundly defeated a bill that would dictate how race should be incorporated into the teaching of history. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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The Louisiana House approves legislation requiring electric and hybrid owners paying an annual road usage fee. Baton Rouge Representative Barbara Freiberg says the state’s 20-cent per gallon gasoline tax pays for highway upkeep and improvement and she wants to make sure E-V and hybrid vehicle owners pay their fair share…

Cut 3 (07) “….that privilege”

Freiberg’s bill would charge EV owners 110-dollars annually and hybrid owners 60-dollars annually.

Cut 4  (09) “…it yet.”

Hybrid and EV owners would be asked to report they own these types of vehicles on their state income tax returns. The House approved the legislation 82-13 and it will also take two-thirds approval to pass the Senate, since it’s a fee.

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The average price for regular gasoline in Louisiana hits an all-time high at $4.19 a gallon today, surpassing the previous record of $4.16 set in March.  Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says gas prices have increased 33-cents in the last month and are way up over last year.

Cut 5  (11) “…the pinch.”

In addition to gas prices, the average price for diesel is up to $5.21 a gallon in Louisiana. Redman says that’s about $2.33 higher than this time last year. He says diesel prices will also be felt by consumers at grocery stores, retail stores, etc.

Cut 6  (05) “…higher.” 

And while Triple-A predicted a robust travel season this year due to pent-up demand as pandemic restrictions are relaxed, Redman says however their forecast might have to be altered due to prices at the pump. He says Memorial Day Weekend travel is still expected to be high.

Cut 7 (10) “…as long.” 

Redman says driving the speed limit and making sure your tires are properly inflated will help make your vehicle more fuel-efficient.

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Today the Food and Drug Administration announced that it has authorized a booster dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children between the ages of 5 and 11. Dr. Mark Kline, the Chief Medical Officer at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans says this is something he’s been waiting for…

Cut 8 (13) “…protective range.” 

Unfortunately, says Dr. Kline, a large number of children in the state are ineligible for the booster since an overwhelming number of kids in the five to 11 age group haven’t been vaccinated at all. Nationally, just under 30 percent of children have received the vaccine, and in Louisiana, the numbers are much lower…

Cut 9 (09) “…primary series.”

Kline emphasizes that millions of children have taken the vaccine without any major side effects and with case numbers once again on the rise, this is as good a time as there’s ever been to vaccinate your child.

Cut 10 (10) ” …their kid.” 

Between 0.1 and 1.5 percent of child COVID-19 cases resulted in hospitalization, according to data from the American Academy of Pediatrics.   

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The House Education Committee killed a bill from its former chairman Ray Garofalo who was trying to pass legislation on how race should be taught in public schools. Garofalo says he’s trying to keep politics out of the teaching of history

Cut 11 (09)  “…informed decision” 

Garofalo says his bill would prevent teachers from telling students that any race is more superior or inferior. He says there is indoctrination going on in schools and Homer Representative Patrick Jefferson says show me the evidence……

Cut 12 (12) “…to me”  

Baton Rouge Representative Barbara Freiberg says it would be impossible to enforce this legislation

Cut 13 (11) “…cumbersome.”

The bill was deferred by the committee without objection.

According to the Consumer Price Index, the inflation rate for April was 8.3-percent. Brooke Thorington has more from a local economist.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Louisiana Senate is poised to make an unprecedented financial commitment to improving the state’s infrastructure. David Grubb has the story…

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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The House Civil Law Committee approves a bill that would prohibit employers from firing an individual for a certain hairstyle. David Grubb has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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The consumer price index for the month of April rose to 8.3-percent, another forty-year high. Economist Loren Scott says each month the Bureau of Labor and Statistics looks at the average price for a basket of goods, for example, gas, a gallon of milk, a loaf of bread, and a month’s rent.

Cut 4 (11)  “…the economy.”

Scott says the Russian invasion of Ukraine and continued supply chain issues are impacting the inflation rate. The inflation rate has hovered around the 8-percent mark for a few months now and Scott says the lingering question among those with fixed incomes is whether the inflation rate is transitory due to supply chain issues.

Cut 5 (10) “…right now.”

Scott says however it’s not all doom and gloom, he says predictions from Well Fargo Economics Department and USA Consensus Forecast indicate things should improve.

Cut 6 (09)  “…next year.”

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An effort to begin phasing out a temporary sales tax that is set to expire in 2025 is dead for the legislative session. The .45-percent sales generates about 400-million dollars in tax revenue for the state and Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau says the state can use that money on major projects…

Cut 7 (12) “…make sense.”

Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala’s bill proposed to begin reducing the temporary sales tax in 2023. Bacala says the goal of his legislation is to prevent a sharp drop-off in revenue and a significant budget shortfall. But Norco Senator Gary Smith says Bacala’s proposal will actually cause more financial problems…

Cut 8 (14)  “…than later.”

Smith is concerned Bacala’s bill will produce budget deficits when a new governor and legislature take office in 2024…

Cut 9 (12)  “…are tied.”

The Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee rejected the House-approved bill.

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It isn’t the $500-million that Governor John Bel Edwards wanted, but the budget bill headed to the Senate floor for approval this Thursday does include $300-million of seed money for a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson is thankful for the unprecedented commitment of funds for a project of this size.

Cut 10 (09) “…more dollars.”

The budget also sets aside $100-million to replace the Lake Charles Bridge. Wilson says that the legislature dedicating funds for the projects makes getting additional dollars from private sources a real possibility, which could speed up both the financing and completion of the bridges.

Cut  11 (12)  “…a traditional environment.”  

In total, the budget bill earmarks more than half a billion dollars for the construction of a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge, the extension of I-49 South, and a new Lake Charles bridge, with an additional $150-million set aside for other projects. Wilson says it’s a great starting point.

Cut 12 (11) “…transportation agenda.” 

Wilson says the administration will continue to work with the legislature on securing additional funding to ensure that these critical infrastructure improvements happen.

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The House Civil Law Committee approves legislation that would make it illegal to discriminate against a person based on certain hairstyles. That would include afros, dreadlocks, braids and other styles of cultural significance. New Orleans Representative Candace Newell is the author of the bill

Cut 13 (11) “…the hair”

Newell says it’s not just African Americans who could be victims of hair discrimination…

Cut 14 (12)  “…dreadlocks” (2x)

Newell says hair color is not part of the bill, so an employer could fire an employee for having blue, purple or green hair.

The measure passed on an eight to six vote as two Republicans joined Democrats on the panel to vote for the legislation. Abita Springs Republican Larry Frieman says the bill leaves it open ended on what hair styles would be protected under this proposed discrimination law

Cut 15 (12)  “…about yet.”

The House Labor Committee defeated a similar bill earlier in the session.

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After a lost weekend for LSU baseball, the Tigers enter the final week of the regular season with plenty of unanswered questions and a tumbling RPI. Monday, Ole Miss canceled its mid-week game against Arkansas St., trying to hold on to the boost it received from sweeping LSU. Tigers coach Jay Johnson says he never considered doing the same against tonight’s opponent, Northwestern State.

Cut 16 (21)  “…gonna do that.”

The series loss to Ole Miss has LSU in jeopardy of finishing below .500 in the SEC for the first time since 2011, which was also the last time the Tigers missed the NCAA tournament. Johnson says he doesn’t want the team’s performance over the weekend to carry over into this critical week of ballgames.

Cut 17 (12) “ …wants to do.” 

The pressure to win in Baton Rouge is always there, and it has only intensified as LSU approaches 13 years since its last national championship. Jay Johnson says he gets it, and he embraces it…otherwise he never would have accepted the job.

Cut 18 (20) “ …would have that.” 

Game time at The Box is set for 6:30 pm.

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Rookie wideout Chris Olave got his first “welcome to the NFL” moments this past weekend during the Saints’ rookie mini-camp. Olave, who signed a four-year contract worth $19-point-two-million just prior to the start of camp, was considered one of the top route-runners in this year’s draft and is expected to step in seamlessly opposite Michael Thomas, who missed all of last season with injury. Olave says he’s ready for whatever the team asks of him.

Cut 19 (16) _“…I’m good.” 

Receiver was a definite area of weakness for the Saints last season. With the return of Michael Thomas, the addition of Jarvis Landry, and the drafting of Chris Olave, New Orleans hopes to have surrounded Jameis Winston with the talent to put fear into opposing defenses. Olave says his work ethic pushes him to be the very best, and as a wideout, that starts and ends with catching the ball. Every time.

Cut 20 (11) “ …on the ground.” 

Legislation that would result in cameras to catch speeders on the I-10 Atachalfalya Basin Bridge between Baton Rouge and Lafayette continues to cruise through the legislative process. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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There’s new leadership at the State Fire Marshal’s Office and he brings decades of experience with him. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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A single-car crash in Washington Parish claims two lives. Trooper William Huggins says the driver 31-year-old Pamela Brown and 16-year-old Jaquan Brown of Kentwood were both killed when a Hyundai veered off the road shortly after 11 pm Saturday.

Cut 3 (09) “….two trees.”

Huggins says both were pronounced dead on the scene. In addition to the two victims, who were wearing their seatbelts, three juveniles in the back seat of the car were not restrained.

Cut 4  (05) “…hospitals.”

Huggins says this crash is one of the few exceptions in regards to seatbelt usage. He says statistically you are more likely to survive a crash if you are properly restrained.

Cut 5  (10) “…standpoint.”

Huggins says impairment is suspected in the crash and toxicology samples were collected.

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The House Transportation Committee voted today for Senate-approved legislation that would result in the installation of speed cameras on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says the cameras will track vehicles as they go over the 18-mile bridge and if they get across in less than 18 minutes the driver was likely speeding

Cut 6  (04) “…60-mile per hour limit.” 

Senate President Page Cortez says the goal of his legislation is not to generate revenue from speeding ticket fines, but to make the bridge safer, which has seen injury-related crashes double over the last decade…

Cut 7 (08) “…going 80.” 

Supporters of the legislation say cameras would be a better way to catch speeders than actual police officers because the narrow shoulders on the bridge make it unsafe for officers. Rosepine Representative Charles Owen agrees…

Cut 8 (10) “…crazy bridge” 

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Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees was let go from his contract with NBC Sports after just one season in the broadcast booth, setting off a storm of speculation about his future with Brees even alluding to a possible return to football. Coach Dennis Allen doesn’t see a reason to take talk of a comeback seriously.

Cut 9 (07) “…that regard.”

Brees was asked about a return to the Saints during last season as the team fought to make the playoffs but declined. Dennis Allen seems to be looking towards the future rather than hoping for a boost from the franchise’s greatest signal-caller.

Cut 10 (10) ” …for sure.” 

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A new era at the State Fire Marshal’s Office is underway as Chief Dan Wallis takes the helm and former Chief Butch Browning becomes the next executive director of the National Association of State Fire Marshals. Wallis says while it’s an exciting time it’s also bittersweet to say goodbye to his friend Browning of more than thirty years.

Cut 11 (11)  “…forward.” 

Wallis, who served as Zachery Fire Chief for 28 years has been with the State Fire Marshal’s Office since 2008. He’s served as Browning’s righthand man, and he says he plans to expand on the values already set by his predecessor.

Cut 12 (10) “…fifty years.”  

One of the first challenges Wallis plans to address is the growing decline of first responders and how to retain them once they’ve entered the profession.

Cut 13 (12) “…safety family.”

The state Supreme Court has ruled in favor of a Baton Rouge pastor who refused to comply with Governor Edwards’ COVID lockdown. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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As we return to a pre-COVID routine, Governor Edwards says they continue to monitor case counts and positivity rates. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Another former LSU Tiger is coming home as Jarvis Landry agrees to a one-year deal with the Saints. David Grubb has more…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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The Louisiana Supreme Court has ruled in favor of a Baton Rouge area pastor who refused to stop church services during the governor’s COVID lockdown. Pastor Tony Spell, of the Life Tabernacle Church in Central was arrested for flouting stay-at-home orders. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino on the High Court’s decision…:

Cut 4 (11)  “…religious institutions.”

Spell was arrested in 2020 for violating the Governor’s emergency order limiting gatherings to no more than 50 people. At that time, he said anywhere up a thousand persons might attend services at his church. Ciolino says, despite rulings from lower courts, the state Supreme Court Justice’s opinions were 5-to-2 in Spell’s favor…:

Cut 5 (09) “…different from churches.”

Does the ruling mean the Governor’s future emergency orders might lack the strength of enforcement? Ciolino says he doesn’t think so…as along as things are dealt with evenly and fairly going forward. Does the ruling mean Pastor Spell can now sue the Governor and/or the state for damages?

Cut 6 (13)  “…First Amendment rights.”

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As we return to somewhat of a pre-COVID lifestyle Governor John Bel Edwards says there’s been a slight bump in daily case counts. On Friday the state reported 730 new cases. Edwards says the positivity rate is also increasing.

Cut 7 (06) “…seven-percent.”

Edwards acknowledges that daily case counts can be somewhat misleading because of the availability of home tests that aren’t included in those counts. He says most likely case counts are higher. However, the good news is the number of hospitalization have not increased significantly

Cut 8 (12)  “…several weeks.”

Edwards says they are also keeping a watchful eye on cases as festival season and large gatherings return. And as in previous surges, it’s expected that case counts will increase along with the high temperatures.

Cut 9 (10)  “…things happen.”

Edwards says while the vast majority of residents have either had COVID or have been vaccinated those protections do wane over time and to stay up to date on your booster shots.

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The Senate Finance Committee approved a proposed budget for next fiscal year that does not match Governor John Bel Edwards’ wish list. Edwards has asked the Senate to give teachers a two-thousand dollar pay raise, but House Appropriations Chairman Jerome Zeringue, the author of the budget bill says a 15-hundred dollar raise is more appropriate…

Cut 10 (10) “…Southern average.”

The governor is also looking for 500-million dollars for a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge. The Senate is proposing to allocate 300-million dollars for a new bridge. There’s also 200-million for I-49 south and 200-million to replace the I-10 Lake Charles bridge.

Senate President Page Cortez says a lot of one-time money investments will go toward higher education needs

Cut  11 (09)  “…expansion”  

The Senate Finance Committee heard from a couple of members of the public who wanted eight million dollars appropriated to install cameras in special ed classrooms…

Cut 12 (11) “…the bill” 

White says the money for cameras in special education classrooms is contained in a supplemental funding bill. The Senate plans to vote Thursday on the spending bills.

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There will be a changing of the guard, or more accurately, a changing of the chiefs this morning as Butch Browning, the state’s longest-serving fire marshal, hands the baton to Daniel Wallis after 14 years of leadership. Here’s spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue…

Cut 13 (11) “…state for decades.”

Wallis has been Browning’s right hand throughout his term, and Rodrigue says the two share a similar vision that will continue the growth and development that the agency has seen over the years.

Cut 14 (11)  “…provide them.”

Browning moves on to the position of executive director of the National Association of State Fire Marshalls. Rodrigue says Browning is excited about the new challenge and opportunity to improve safety on a national scale, as well as the future of the agency he leaves behind.

Cut 15 (13)  “…national impact.”

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Last season, the New Orleans Saints had one of the worst wide receiving corps in the NFL. Not a single wideout caught 50 passes or topped 700 yards, something that hadn’t happened since the 80s. This season they may have one of the best, with All-Pro Michael Thomas expected back at full strength, the addition of first-rounder Chris Olave, and now the signing of five-time Pro Bowler and former LSU star Jarvis Landry…

Cut 16 (20)  “…running game”

Landry made the Pro-Bowl each year between 2015 and 2019 with the Dolphins and Browns,  averaging 96 receptions and over 1000 yards per season during that span. Injuries have slowed him the last two years, but NOLA-dot-com’s Rod Walker says a healthy Landry brings plenty to the table

Cut 17 (12) “ …wants to do.” 

Perhaps no one is happier about the signing of Landry than quarterback Jameis Winston. The Saints have given him a much better arsenal to work with this season than he had last year.

Cut 18 (12) “ …for success” 

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A tough weekend for the LSU baseball team as the Ole Miss Rebels swept the Tigers, dropping their RPI from 16 to 37. The disastrous weekend puts LSU on the bubble for hosting a regional. Coach Jay Johnson says staying away from the big inning was a problem against the Rebels and LSU pitching allowed eight home runs…

Cut 19 (24) _“…to throw” 

Johnson surprised everyone in the ballpark on Sunday when he allowed starting pitching Samuel Dutton to throw to one hitter, Justin Bench, who hit a double. Dutton was removed and Jacob Hasty pitched the next four innings. Johnson explained his game plan to reporters afterward…

Cut 20 (21) “ …curveball.” 

A bill that would have charged a woman with murder if she had an abortion was pulled by its author after it was amended to remove criminal charges. The amendment also removed language that would have criminalized in-vitro fertilization. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (43) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A Biden administration decision on oil and gas lease sales is receiving harsh criticism from the petroleum industry. David Grubb has more…

Cut 2 (40) …I’m David Grubb.”  

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Thursday’s debate on Oil City Representative Danny McCormick’s bill to charge a woman who has an abortion with murder is met with questions of fallout from the issue among the Republican Party in Louisiana. LaPolitic’s dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says it was republicans who amended the legislation and pointed out the bill could also punish those who use in-vitro fertilization, and that the bill in its original form is unconstitutional.

Cut 3 (10) “….those amendments.”

The amendment passed on a 65 to 26 vote with 14 votes absent. McCormick then pulled the bill from the calendar because the amendment changed the original intent of the bill to criminalize the procedure.

Alford says even with the leak of a possible overturn of Roe v Wade the original bill is considered unconstitutional.

Cut 4  (08) “…race at all.”

Alford says the original bill that would have saddled abortion participants with murder charges will most likely not return for this legislative session since the bill’s criminalization element was removed from the legislation.

Cut 5  (09) “..politically have not.”

In addition to being questioned by members of his own party about the constitutionality of the bill, Republicans also reminded McCormick Louisiana already has some of the most restrictive abortion laws on the books that would go into effect if Roe V Wade is overturned. Alford was asked if McCormick’s bill is symbolic of a fringe Republican party in Louisiana.

Cut 6  (08) “…that amendment.” 

If the bill in its original form passed it was poised to be one of the most aggressive new restrictions on reproductive rights in the country.

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The U-S Department of the Interior is canceling oil and gas lease sales scheduled in the Gulf and Alaskan coast due to what it says is a lack of industry interest in drilling near Alaska and conflicting court rulings that have made drilling in the Gulf more complicated. While environmental groups laud the decision Louisiana Oil & Gas President Mike Moncla say’s it’s disastrous for the state.

Cut 7 (09) “…good for Louisiana.” 

Moncla says that the Biden Administration is failing to respond in a time of crisis, with gas prices reaching a record four dollars and forty cents per gallon and consumer prices up 8.3 percent last month from a year ago.

Cut 8 (09) “…would do that.” 

Though new leases won’t have an impact on current gas prices, since it will take years for them to produce oil, Moncla says that the President’s strategy doesn’t prepare the country to become more “green”, address the current fuel needs of Americans, or take into consideration the wide range of businesses that will be impacted.

Cut 9 (11) “…of our product.”

The administration has scheduled onshore lease sales in eight states for next month but has limited the amount of available land and raised royalty rates.

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Child drownings are on the rise in Louisiana. Regional medical director Martha Whyte says there were 24 drownings in 2020, a 60 percent jump from 2019, and preliminary data from LDH indicates 25 drowning deaths last year. There have also been several drownings around the state in recent weeks.

Cut 10 (11) ” …safe around water.” 

Whyte warns that drowning isn’t just confined to large bodies of water. For infants and toddlers, there are dangers inside the home as well that adults have to look out for.

Cut 11 (11)  “…alone in it.” 

LDH says there are a number of precautions to prevent drowning, and encourages people to take swim lessons and learn CPR.  And, in a state where boating and fishing are a way of life Whyte says life jackets are essential.

Cut 12 (10) “…at all times.”  

As part of their efforts, LDH has set up Pool-Safely-dot-gov, which has a wide range of water safety resources.

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Sunday night should present Louisianans with an ideal view of the lunar eclipse. LSU Astronomy Professor Jeffrey Clayton says the earth will travel between the sun and the moon, and the earth’s shadow should be visible beginning at 9:30 and last a few hours.

Cut 13 (10) “…very red.”

In earlier times a lunar eclipse, and a red one at that, was thought to be symbolic of an omen but Clayton says both solar and lunar eclipses can be forecasted thus removing the folklore often associated with extraordinary celestial events.

Cut 14 (12)  “…as the Babylonians.”

Clayton says it’s a unique occurrence and he highly recommends making plans to stay up a bit later than usual Sunday night. He says as long as you are in a dark location with few clouds you should be able to enjoy the show and you won’t even need a telescope.

Cut 15 (06) “…awesome sight.”