After years of presenting legislation to ban handheld cellphone use, Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s bill is finally closer to becoming law.  Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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After several attempts, a bill that would prohibit discrimination on the basis of someone’s hair has advanced from the House to the Senate. David Grubb has more…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m David Grubb.”  

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The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration is predicting an above-average hurricane season with as many as 21 named storms and several major storms. NOAA administrator Rick Spinrad says their outlook is predicting between six and ten hurricanes…

Cut 3 (11) “..111 miles per hour”

The hurricane season begins June 1st. FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell says the public should get ready now…

Cut 4  (13) “…nine states”

Sprinrad says several climate factors give them confidence we’ll see an active hurricane season, including the ongoing La Nina and warmer than average sea surface temperatures…

Cut 5  (10) “…do now.”

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After years of presenting legislation to ban handheld cellphone use, Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s bill is finally closer to becoming law.  House Bill 376 passed in the House on a 55 to 38 vote. Huval says a number of lawmakers helped amend the legislation, which makes it a better bill, for example…

Cut 6  (11) “…goes away.” 

Current law in Louisiana bans the use of handheld devices in school zones, this bill expands that to public roadways in the state. Huval says the fine for his bill is reduced to $50 to $100.

Cut 7 (07) “…paying a fine.” 

The amended legislation also removes the possibility of arrest for the violation.

And while the bill’s intent is to improve highway safety, it’s received criticism that it could be used to racially profile motorists. Huval says the bill has also been amended to address that concern.

Cut 8 (11) “…use of this bill.” 

For vehicles without Bluetooth technology, the use of headphones with a phone is permitted so you aren’t holding your phone while driving.

The bill has just under two weeks to receive Senate approval.

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A Senate committee approved a House-backed measure today that would allow non-felons over the age of 21 years to conceal carry a weapon without needing a permit or the training to obtain a permit. Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed a similar bill last year and Tom Costanza, executive director of the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops also opposes it…

Cut 9 (09) “…workplaces.”

But Louisiana Shooting Association President Dan Zelenka says allowing for concealed carry without a permit will not lead to more gun violence…

Cut 10 (10) ” ….few issues” 

The measure passed on a four to two vote and heads to the Senate floor for final legislative passage. Zelenka says requiring gun holders to get a permit costs as much as 325-dollars, while criminals are carrying guns without a permit,…

Cut 11 (11)  “…illegal carrying” 

Zelenka says gun owners would still be able to get a permit and training under this legislation. He says a concealed carry permit is needed in order to conceal carry in  many other states or at a restaurant that serves alcohol.

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House Bill 1083, also known as the CROWN Act, is on its way to the Senate after receiving overwhelming passage in the House. The bill, authored by New Orleans Representative Candace Newell, prohibits discrimination on the basis of hair texture, natural hairstyles, and protective hairstyles. It passed after no debate on a 74-24 vote.

Cut 12 (10) “…beyond excited.”  

Studies have consistently shown that Black people and Black women in particular with natural hairstyles such as afros, braids, or twists are seen as less professional which leads to bias in hiring and other areas. Representative Newell says that she hopes people in Louisiana are finally becoming aware of an issue that has been on the national radar for a while.

Cut 13 (12) “…has been introduced.”

Newell says that the straight hair standard essentially amounts to a tax on a large number of people forced to spend money simply because their hair doesn’t conform. She says this issue impacts not just Black men and women in the state, but cuts across all demographics in some way

Cut 14 (12)  “…of our citizens.”

A tragic shooting in Lafayette last night claims the life of a 16-year-old female and a 14-year-old is facing murder charges. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Consumer complaints against their property insurance companies have risen sharply in Louisiana. VERY sharply. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”  

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Two people are dead after two boats collided on the False River in Pointe Coupee Parish on Friday night. State Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesman Adam Einck says 31-year-old Shea Mouton’s body was recovered Friday night, and they searched most of the weekend for Kenneth St. Romain…

Cut 3 (10) “..two injuries”

Einck says a Good Samaritan recovered two people from the water who received minor injuries. He says the double fatality occurred when a 20-foot vessel and a bass boat hit each other nearly head-on…

Cut 4  (08) “…in this”

St. Romain was a Baton Rouge dentist. His son was reportedly one of the individuals injured. Mouton was a resident of Fordoche.

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Lafayette Police are investigating a tragic shooting that claimed the life of a 16-year-old female and another juvenile has been charged with her murder. Sgt. Robin Green says last night detectives found the victim and the alleged 14-year old shooter sitting inside a parked vehicle. Green says the victim suffered a single gunshot wound to the chest.

Cut 5  (09) “…here in Lafayette.”

Green says life-saving measures were taken on the scene and the victim was transported to a local hospital where she was later pronounced dead. As for a motive…

Cut 6  (07) “…East Willow Street.” 

The suspect was booked into the Lafayette Parish Juvenile Detention Center.

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A 13-year-old is girl dead and another child is left injured after a crash following a high-speed pursuit in Bossier Parish. 22-year-old Willie Player is in custody after he fled a traffic stop on I-20. After moving from Bossier into Caddo Parish, Player crashed into a control wall and two unrestrained juveniles were thrown from the vehicle. Trooper Jonathan Odom says Brenda Adler suffered fatal injuries in the wreck.

Cut 7 (11) “…was killed.” 

During the pursuit, Player’s Chevy Tahoe hit a brick access wall on Montrose Drive, overturned multiple times, and then struck a utility pole. While both juveniles lay injured, Odom says Player fled the scene on foot before he was arrested. He now faces a laundry list of charges.

Cut 8 (12) “…carrying a weapon.” 

The reason for the chase seemed to become more evident once troopers obtained a search warrant for the vehicle, though Odom says the crash and circumstances of the incident remain under investigation.

Cut 9 (08) “…inside the vehicle.”

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A new report from the state’s Legislative auditor shows a huge increase in complaints made against property insurance carriers in the state. Chris Magee is a data analyst with the Legislative Auditor’s Office. He says the number of consumer complaints has spiked in the wake of catastrophic storms that have hit Louisiana in recent years. He says, until 2019 there were an average of about 450 complaints per year…:

Cut 10 (10) ” ….after Hurricane Ida.” 

Magee says homeowners insurance complaints soared in 2021 to over 5200. He says claims tripled after hurricanes Laura and Delta in 2020, then triple again in 2021 after Hurricane Ida…:

Cut 11 (11)  “…handling the claims.” 

The Department of Insurance reports 10 property insurance companies left Louisiana over the past two years, and five others have stopped writing any new policies. Magee says a handful of companies were unable to meet their policyholders’ needs at all…:

Cut 12 (10) “…to pay those claims.”  

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Hearing word that the state has broken another high record for gas prices is becoming the norm for daily news. According to Triple-A the statewide average for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana is $4.24 a gallon today. Fuel Analyst Don Redman says it looks as if we’ll also have record-breaking highs for Memorial Day Weekend.

Cut 13 (08) “…anytime soon.”

Typically, Memorial Day weekend kicks off the summer travel season and Redman says Triple-A members continue to ask just how much should they budget for gas.

Cut 14 (08)  “…the summer.”

The nationwide average for a gallon of regular gas is $4.60.

The budget lawmakers sent to the governor’s desk contains 84-million dollars in early childhood education. David Grubb has the details on how it can pay off…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m David Grubb.”

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Driving without a safety belt can cost you your life, or at the very least a $50 fine. David Grubb has more…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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The recently passed state budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1^st gets a big “thumbs up” from college and university leaders. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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The Louisiana Legislature prioritized education funding during this year’s session, including $84-million for early childhood education. Libbie Sonnier, Executive Director of the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, says this is a landmark moment for the state’s future.

Cut 4 (09)  “…$84-million.”

Creating quality early childhood education opportunities has been a priority in Louisiana since the inception of the Cecil Picard LA-4 Early Childhood Program, but challenges caused by COVID and other factors have caused a dip in enrollment meaning a later start for many in acquiring needed skills. Sonnier says these programs ultimately pay for themselves…

Cut 5 (11) “…that we spend.”

The money will be split into two pots, $40-million will go to the Early Childhood Education Fund, which provides matching dollars for local school districts that invest in pre-K programs. The remaining dollars go to childcare assistance for low-income and working families and the LA-4 program. Sonnier is focused on ensuring this commitment lasts…

Cut 6 (12)  “…people in Louisiana.”

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The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission and law enforcement agencies across the state begin their Click it or Ticket campaign today. Louisiana saw a 14 percent increase in traffic fatalities in 2020 and preliminary figures for last year show that tragic trend continuing. Spokesperson Mark Lambert says reckless behavior among drivers is on the rise…

Cut 7 (10) “…a dangerous combination.”

To help put extra officers out on the roads, the LHSC has provided grant money to Louisiana law enforcement agencies. According to the latest data, only 85.7 percent of drivers and passengers in the state wear a seat belt, well below the national average of better than 90 percent.

Cut 8 (09)  “…their seatbelts.”

Almost 60 percent of those who died in vehicle crashes in 2020 were either not wearing a seat belt or were wearing it improperly. Lambert says the campaign is not about issuing tickets, but about saving lives.

Cut 9 (11)  “…in a crash.”

A first-offense ticket will cost $50, with each subsequent ticket costing $75. Click it or Ticket runs through June 5.

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State higher education leaders are giving the “thumbs up” to the state budget passed last week at the Capitol. University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson says lawmakers did ‘amazing work” on crafting a budget that fully funds schools under his banner. He says there were a lot of fiscal resources available to legislators, but when you have a lot of available resources…:

Cut 10 (11) “…this investment.”

Henderson says there is enough funding in the budget for the fiscal year that starts in July to provide faculty pay raises and to expand nursing programs at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond and at Nicholls State in Thibodaux. He says there is also money needed for much-needed building updates and upkeep…:

Cut  11 (07)  “…and research outcomes.” 

Henderson says he’s pleased that the level of funding for colleges and universities is sustainable for future years, because lawmakers avoided using any of the tens of millions of one-time federal money to get it done…:

Cut 12 (11) “…budget” 

Henderson says this year’s operating and capital outlay budgets represent the largest investment to the U-L System in more than 15 years.

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A House-passed bill that would allow adults over 21 to carry a concealed weapon without a permit is scheduled for Senate Committee review tomorrow. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick is the bill’s author. His bill passed in the House with 64 “yes” votes to 27 “no’s”. He says he expects it WILL pass committee muster…:

Cut 13 (10) “…have Constitutional Carry.”

McCormick stresses that passing the bill will not end Concealed Carry permitting and classes, but it will make that process an option…:

Cut 14 (11)  “…legal right to carry.”

McCormick’s same bill made final passage last year, but was vetoed by the Governor. A veto override failed in the Senate last year.

Louisiana has reciprocity agreements in place with many other states, meaning Concealed Carry Permit holders from here may carry their weapons there. Under McCormick’s bill, a person electing to skip getting a CCP would NOT be entitled to carry out-of-state. He says the same bill passed the Senate Judiciary C Committee last year – and it made Senate floor passage, and he feels that’ll happen again…:

Cut 15 (05)  “…on the Senate.”

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.”