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.” 

A legislative effort to stop a rule requiring students 16 and older from needing to show proof of a COVID vaccine in order to attend is defeated in the Senate Health and Welfare Committee. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A study from the National Oceanic at Atmospheric Administration says there’s a potential link in the decline of air pollution to the increase in the number of hurricanes. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Students 16 and older will likely be required to show proof of a COVID vaccination to attend school this fall. A House resolution preventing that rule from going into effect was rejected by a Senate committee. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau voted against the effort to block the rule because parents can submit a written exemption…

Cut 3 (08) “…clearly is.”

House and Welfare Chairman Larry Bagley says most parents are not aware of the opt-out provisions.  Louisiana Solicitor General Elizabeth Murrill testified in favor of Bagley’s resolution and she says L-D-H is not doing the state a good service by pressing this vaccine on children…

Cut 4  (12) “…indefinitely.”

Murrill says her son ended up in the ICU with myocarditis after receiving a second Pfizer COVID vaccine. Numerous people testified that schools should not have the COVID vaccine on the list of required shots. But Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow, who lost her husband to COVID in December of 2020, feels differently…

Cut 5  (09) “..differently.”

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee voted against Bagley’s resolution on a four to three vote.

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Congresswoman Julia Letlow has been chosen to fill an empty seat on the House Committee on Appropriations. The committee is responsible for funding the Federal government’s vital programs. Letlow says it’s an honor to be chosen for such a powerful committee and to help the Bayou State.

Cut 6  (08) “…needs.” 

Letlow says the committee seat will help her fulfill campaign promises for her district, which include increasing broadband access to rural areas of the state and supporting the needs of Louisiana farmers.

Cut 7 (09) “…right now.” 

Letlow, a former teacher, says the appointment will allow her the ability to see that education is properly funded. While teaching she says she’s witnessed firsthand how education can take someone from poverty to prosperity.

Cut 8 (11) “…school choice.” 

Letlow is the first Louisianan to serve on House Appropriations since 2013.

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A NOAA study says there’s a potential link in the decline of air pollution to the increase in the number of hurricanes. State Climatologist Barry Keim says efforts in North America and Europe to improve the environment have shown a surge in Atlantic hurricanes.

Cut 9 (12) “…really interesting.”

Keim says the logic behind these findings is due to particulate pollution. He says pollution blocks out the sun’s rays and off of the heavily polluted Asian coast it leads to cooler sea surface temperatures and as a result fewer typhoons. But in contrast closer to home…

Cut 10 (11) ” …in hurricanes.” 

Environmental efforts in the US have decreased pollution by about 50-percent which Keim says has created a much cleaner and more transparent atmosphere allowing the sun to heat sea surface temperatures.

Cut 11 (10)  “…decades.” 

While Keim expects the research to be heavily scrutinized and says there’s a tradeoff by having a cleaner environment which helps reduce lung disease and environmental cancers.

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A bill that would let Louisiana colleges and boosters of their athletic programs pay student-athletes as part of name, image and likeness deals continues to advance through the Louisiana legislator. Marrero Senator Patrick Connick is the author of the proposal and got the bill through the House Education Committee

Cut 12 (06) “…,state law.”  

The head of LSU’s NIL department Taylor Jacobs says the intent of this legislation is not to allow a booster organization to pay a student-athlete as a recruiting inducement

Cut 13 ( 08) “…image & likeness deal.”

The NCAA says it will begin to enforce what is known as pay for play payment arrangements, which have been used to get recruits to sign at a school. The NCAA says it will begin enforcing these type of arrangements and UL System President Jim Hightower says this legislation is not in violation of NCAA policy…

Cut 14 (12)  “…a student athlete bill.”

The full House is set to debate a bill that would consider an abortion an act of murder and send mothers who have one to prison. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Due to a nationwide shortage of infant formula, the Louisiana Department of Health issues advice for parents. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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LDH takes a major step forward in addressing the state’s opioid crisis with expanded treatment services. David Grubb has the story…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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A bill that would consider an abortion an act of murder is scheduled for debate today on the House floor. House Bill 813 would punish women who have the procedures, and doctors who perform them, with prison time. Oil City Republican Rep. Danny McCormick says his bill seeks to put abortion on the same level as infanticide…:

Cut 4 (10)  “…that’s my goal.”

McCormick’s bill is scheduled for full House debate today. He says his bill is not about putting doctors and mothers in jail…:

Cut 5 (07) “…protection of the child.”

Speaking Wednesday to the Baton Rouge Rotary Club, Governor John Bel Edwards said he doesn’t often come out on a bill before lawmakers have had their votes, but he worries HB813 won’t survive any possible legal challenge…:

Cut 6 (13)  “…with that bill.”

The governor indicates he’d use the veto pen, should McCormick’s bill reach final passage.

Cut 7 (07) “…off my desk.”

McCormick’s HB813 is scheduled for House floor debate today.

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The nationwide shortage of infant formula has parents of newborns looking for options and guidance. Director of Nutrition Services at the Louisiana Department of Health Jennifer Nicklas is advising families to shop at different stores if they are having difficulty finding formula.

Cut 8 (09)  “…give up.”

A recall of formula made by Abbott at their Michigan plant along with supply chain issues has only exacerbated the formula shortage. Nicklas also suggests asking friends and family to help you search for formula and for WIC clients the list of approved formula substitutions has been expanded.

Cut 9 (08)  “…substitutions.”

For a list of substitutions and other retailers who accept SNAP benefits the Louisiana Department of Health’s website.

Nicklas acknowledges it’s a frustrating situation for parents. She says switching to another formula could cause discomfort for an infant’s digestive system for several days. Nicklas says however do not water down formula in an attempt to make it last longer. Do not attempt to make your own formula, and never…

Cut 10 (08) “…breast milk.”

Nicklas says also never purchase expired formula or products that have been punctured or damaged.

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As part of the ongoing effort to fight the nation’s opioid epidemic, the Louisiana Department of Health Office of Behavioral Health is offering extended hours and treatment services in the Northwest and Northshore regions of the state. Traci Perry, the opioid treatment authority at OBH says the goal is to get services to the areas where they’re needed most.

Cut  11 (12)  “…life-saving services.”  

Access is one of the largest barriers for people trying to break the cycle of addiction. The OBH clinics will provide comprehensive services on a 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week basis. Perry says it takes a combination of medication and evidence-based treatment to keep patients on the right track.

Cut 12 (11) “…stay in recovery.” 

Services are already available at Behavioral Health Group in Shreveport and are expected to be up and running at BayMark Programs North Shore in Hammond in June. Perry says those two regions were chosen based on data collected by the state’s prescription monitoring program, though OBH expects to expand the program in the future.

Cut 13 (11) “…be empowered.”

The program is funded by the federal government’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and through the Louisiana State Opioid Response 2.0 Grant.

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A Senate bill requiring public schools to adopt policies by the end of the year regarding cameras to be installed in Louisiana special education classrooms advances from House Education.  Sandra Guichard, a mother of two special needs children says she placed a recorder on her daughter when she suspected she was being abused at school.

Cut 14 (10)  “…her face.”

The bill requires policies to be in place by December 31, 2022, for about 9,000 once funds are available. The cameras will cost an estimated $6-million.

Jennifer Carignan, President of Louisiana Save Our Schools says she’s talked with several parents of special needs children and heard horror stories of abuse in the classroom. She begged lawmakers to find funding and to hold schools accountable for installing cameras in the classroom.

Cut 15 (08)  “…to help them.”

Jody Rollins, whose son is nonverbal with severe autism, implored lawmakers to remove any obstacles school districts have to install cameras. She says it’s as if education is lawless and they are not forced to follow policies set forth by lawmakers.

Cut 16 (11)  “…good feeling.”

The bill advances to the House floor for final passage.

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The national rankings are all over the place when it comes to LSU, but D1-Baseball-dot-com has the Tigers projected as an 11-seed and hosting a regional in the upcoming NCAA tournament. Editor Kendall Rogers says though LSU is flawed he still likes the Tigers’ chances in the postseason.

Cut 17 (20) “ …stock on that.” 

Pitching remains the biggest question mark for the Tigers, as it has been since the start of the season. Though Ma’Khail Hilliard has delivered, LSU doesn’t have a consistent number two. Rogers says there are ways to work around that.

Cut 18 (20) “ …it pans out.” 

Rogers believes that one of LSU’s biggest advantages isn’t on the field. He says Coach Jay Johnson brings one of the best offensive minds in the game into the dugout every night, and he could be a difference in the postseason.

Cut 19 (19) _“…in-game adjustments.”    ___________________________________________

The House committee looking into the fatal arrest of Ronald Greene charges former State Police Colonel Kevin Reeves with contempt for failing to turn over his personal journals. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A Monroe woman accused of killing two passengers after fleeing from police, including her own child, is now in custody. David Grubb has more…

Cut 2 (36) …I’m David Grubb.”  

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A bill that attempts to deter juvenile crime and foster more parental involvement is closer to final legislative passage. New Orleans Senator Jimmy Harris’ says after a juvenile offender is convicted, his bill calls for the juvenile along with their parents or caretakers to be involved in the court-approved rehabilitation and…

Cut 3 (10) “…restitution.”

Senate Bill 370 passed unanimously in the Senate and is awaiting a House vote after it advanced from the House Criminal Justice Committee. Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo says the bill is a way to decrease the recent growth of juvenile crime.

Cut 4  (11) “…trying to do.”

Harris says the New Orleans carjacking by juveniles in which the victim died after her arm was severed has prompted juvenile crime legislation. Present law allows the judge to impose school attendance, community service, medical or psychological treatment, restrict driving privileges, prohibit possession of a firearm, and monthly supervision fees if a minor is found guilty.

Cut 5  (09) “…to the child.”

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The House Committee investigating the death of Ronald Greene voted to hold former State Police leader Colonel Kevin Reeves in contempt for refusing to turn over journals while he was superintendent. Houma Representative Tanner Magee says Reeves’ attorney has agreed to turn over some of the pages, but not all of the written notes

Cut 6  (10) “…contention” 

Reeves’ attorney, Lewis Unglesby, says a lot of the information contained in the journals does not have anything to do with the Greene case and investigation. But Kenner Representative Debbie Villio says it’s best they can get all of the journals without redaction

Cut 7 (11) “…should be produced” 

Magee also recommends that the House impose a civil fine of five thousand dollars against Reeves…

Cut 8 (08) “…contempt.” 

The House Governmental Affairs Committee and the full House will vote on the motion to hold Reeves in contempt. If they do, that means the state legislature can seek court action to get Reeves to turn over the journals unredacted.

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The driver in a fatal accident that took two lives, including her five-week-old child, in Monroe Monday night, has been arrested. Monroe Police Sgt. Mike Fendall says officers responded to a theft at a Walmart and it turned into a high-speed chase, which ended in a crash. When officers arrived at the scene, they found one passenger critically injured…

Cut 9 (12) “…at the hospital.”

While police tended to the injured, Candace Gill took off, leaving the scene on foot, abandoning her child in the process. Just before 11 pm on Tuesday, Monroe Police received a tip on Gill’s location. Officers headed to an apartment complex in West Monroe where Gill was arrested without incident.

Cut 10 (08) ” ….negligent injury.” 

The adult passenger who died at the scene has not yet been identified but is believed to have been Gill’s boyfriend. This isn’t the 38-year-old Gill’s first brush with the law, said Sgt. Fendall, but it has become the most tragic, with two lives now lost.

Cut 11 (09)  “…as well.” 

In a sadly ironic, twist. Gill is accused of stealing items for the child, setting the tragic chain of events in motion.

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The U.S. Senate is scheduled to vote today on a bill to codify abortion rights in federal law, but it apparently lacks the needed votes to pass. Among the Republican Senate members who say they will down-vote the bill is Louisiana’s senator Bill Cassidy. He says Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is pushing for a vote, but Cassidy has concerns…:

Cut 12 (10) “…,moment of birth.”  

Named the Women’s Health Protection Act, the measure would set Roe versus Wade into law, while banning some states’ restrictions on having the procedure; like waiting periods, mandatory doctor consultations and more. Cassidy – who is a medical doctor – says he cannot get past the bill allowing for pregnancies to be terminated right up to the last week…:

Cut 13 (13) “…outside the womb.”

Cassidy says he and his fellow 49 other Senate Republicans will vote to kill the bill…:

Cut 14 (12)  “…against it again.”

West Virginia Democrat Senator Joe Manchin says he will also vote against the bill. It needs 560 votes to pass and appears destined to be defeated.

Louisiana is experiencing good fiscal times now and the Louisiana House votes for a proposal to help the next legislature deal with the loss of a temporary sales tax. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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CLECO customers might be eligible for a discount on their utility bills during the hot summer months. David Grubb has more…

Cut 2 (35)…I’m David Grubb.”  

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The Louisiana House backs a proposal that will phase out a temporary sales tax that’s set to expire in 2025. The tax generates over 400-million dollars in revenues a year and Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala’s bill will begin the phase-out in 2023 so the state doesn’t face a fiscal cliff in 2025…

Cut 3 (11) “…appropriate word.”

Democrats are concerned the legislation will result in budget cuts. Shreveport Representative Sam Jenkins believes the Legislature should wait until next year’s fiscal session to discuss this temporary sales tax…

Cut 4  (09) “…be cut”

Despite Jenkins’ objection, the bill passed on a 67-40 vote in the House.  Bacala says this temporary sales tax is set to expire in June 2025 and 2023 is the time to start reducing the sales tax, so budget planners face a soft landing instead of a fiscal cliff…

Cut 5  (08) “…long-term”

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Gas prices are up, and with temperatures on the rise, utility bills will be soaring throughout the summer months. To help provide some relief, CLECO is spreading the word about its Cleco Alternative Rate for Electricity discount program for eligible low-income families. Here’s spokesperson Fran Phoenix…

Cut 6  (11) “…assistance program.” 

If eligible, the discount is applied to the customer’s bills for July, August, and September. Phoenix says to receive the discount, customers must enroll before May 30 through their local community action agency.

Cut 7 (11) “…started breathing again.” 

A list of those agencies is available on the Louisiana Housing Corporation website, l-h-c-dot-la-dot-gov.

The CARE program has been in place for eight years, and more than five thousand eligible customers took advantage last year. If you meet the guidelines for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program or LIHEAP, you automatically qualify for these savings during the hottest months of the year.

Cut 8 (08) “…that discount.” 

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Optimism among small businesses continues to decline. According to the April survey by the National Federation of Independent Business, small business owners who are expecting better conditions over the next six months decreased by one point. State Director Dawn McVea says in their 48-year history of the survey…

Cut 9 (07) “…will improve.”

It’s the fourth consecutive month that optimism has declined among independent business owners. McVea says the driving factor for the net negative 50-percent outlook for the future is record inflation.

Cut 10 (07) ” ….operating right now.” 

McVea says ongoing supply chain issues, rising fuel costs, and inflation continue to compound earnings among small business owners. She says 70-percent of independent businesses have had to raise prices.

Cut 11 (10)  “…on record.” 

Another reason small businesses are having to increase prices, McVea says is due to having to pay more in wages. And 93-percent of those surveyed report few or no qualified applicants for positions they were trying to fill.

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Senator Bill Cassidy introduces a bill to reauthorize the bipartisan Mental Health Reform Act of 2016 that provides crucial programs to improve the nation’s mental health infrastructure. Cassidy says current legislation is set to expire in September and the new bill also focuses on mental health programs for children.

Cut 12 (10) “…support children.”  

Cassidy says the 2022 Reauthorization Act not only provides mental health services for children in schools but also for those who find themselves in juvenile detention centers. He says some teens are denied services while they await sentencing.

Cut 13 (10) “…might be.”

Since the Reform Act of 2016, Cassidy says the pandemic has only worsened the mental health of Americans of all ages, particularly children with school closings and disruptions in academic and social development.

Cut 14 (10)  “…a stretch.”

Cassidy and Connecticut Democrat Senator Chris Murphy introduced the Mental Health Reform Act of 2016 and again joined forces for the Reauthorization Act of 2022.

Louisiana lawmakers will have more money to spend as the state continues to report better than expected revenues. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A Wildlife and Fisheries agent rescues nine from a capsized boat this weekend and saves the life of a young girl…David Grubb has the story.

Cut 2 (35)…I’m David Grubb.”  

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The Revenue Estimating Conference increased income projections for this fiscal year by 350-million dollars today, giving state lawmakers additional money to spend. Economists are reporting better-than-expected tax collections from sales and personal income taxes. Chief legislative economist Deborah Vivien

Cut 3 (10) “…approaching it.”

The Revenue Estimating Conference is also increasing revenues for the fiscal year that starts July 1st by more than 100 million dollars. Viven expects spending will drop off in 2023

Cut 4  (09) “…economic influences.”

Administration economist Manfred Dix says the state is having a good year when it comes to better than expected revenues. He wonders if it could last beyond this calendar year…

Cut 5  (11) “…fiscal year”

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Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sgt. Stephen Rhodes was patrolling the beach at Grand Isle Saturday when he noticed a boat taking on water before capsizing. After getting help from some nearby beachgoers, Rhodes sprang into action said spokesperson Adam Einck…

Cut 6  (12) “…still in the water.” 

Rhodes was able to find and resuscitate the girl, and she was transported to Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. She is expected to make a full recovery.

—

Saturday afternoon, while patrolling along the beach at Grand Isle, Sgt. Stephen Rhodes saw a boat capsizing. Rhodes was able to get eight people into his patrol vessel when he was told a young girl was still missing. LDWF spokesman Adam Einck says Rhodes then dove into the water to locate the girl.

Cut 7 (11) “…started breathing again.” 

—

Once everyone was on board, Sgt. Rhodes brought the people to the Bridgeside Marina. EMS crews were standing by, and they were able to stabilize the girl before airlifting her to Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. She is expected to make a full recovery. Einck says Rhodes did everything right, but couldn’t have been the hero without assistance from people nearby.

Cut 8 (08) “…as well.” 

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The statewide average for a regular gallon of gasoline has reached four dollars again. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says prices at the pump have jumped 13-cents since last Monday to reflect last week’s ten-percent increase in crude oil prices

Cut 9 (09) “…crude.”

After hitting a record high of $4.15 a gallon on March 11th, gas prices went down to about $3.85. But they shot up last week and Redman says four-dollar a gallon gasoline is not going away…

Cut 10 (09) ” ….near term” 

OPEC is not ready to boost the production of crude oil because China is weighing down the demand because of COVID lockdowns in that country. Redman says AAA expects oil prices to remain above 105-dollars a barrel as the supply remains tight and could get tighter later this summer

Cut 11 (10)  “…prices.” 

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One of Louisiana’s strongest pro-life lobbies comes out AGAINST a bill that would make having or performing an abortion punishable with prison time. Caddo Parish Representative Danny McCormick’s bill would define a procedure to terminate a pregnancy as murder. Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says it’s unneeded because the state already has a trigger bill that will render abortions illegal, should the Supreme Court overturn Roe versus Wade…:

Cut 12 (10) “…favorable Dobbs opinion.”  

Last week’s leaked Justice Alito opinion draft references the case of Dobbs versus Jackson Women’s Health, of Jackson Mississippi, and indicates a majority of justices support upholding it and returning control of abortion law to the states. Mill says McCormick’s bill has some “language problems” and needlessly punishes the mother…:

Cut 13 (11) “…trying to accomplish.”

McCormick’s bill, HB813, has cleared a House committee and is scheduled for floor debate Thursday. Mills says Louisiana Family Forum does not support the bill and feels the U.S. Supreme Court WILL toss “Roe” soon. He says when that happens, the state and private sector need to be ready to step up for expectant mothers…:

Cut 14 (14)  “…or chemical abortions.”

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Ochsner Baton Rouge becomes the first hospital in the region to utilize what could be a breakthrough in pacemaker technology. Here’s David Grubb…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m David Grubb.”

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New data from the state Department of Health indicates fewer pregnant women are needing cesarean sections for the delivery of their babies. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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The state’s anti-abortion leading group has come out in opposition of a bill that will make abortion illegal in Louisiana and charge women with murder if they terminate a pregnancy. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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Ochsner Clinic started Louisiana’s first regional cardiac electrophysiology program in the mid-80s. Now, the clinic adds to its resume as a leader in the field by completing the region’s first heart pacemaker procedure utilizing the WiSE CRT System. Here’s Dr. Freddy Abi-Samra…

Cut 4 (09)  “…through the veins.”

The system is a leadless device that corrects the heart’s rhythm without having to attach wires to the heart’s muscles. Dr. Abi-Samra says the technology benefits those who aren’t a match for the standard procedure.

Cut 5 (09) “…use this technology.”

The WiSE CRT System is a complement to standard pacemakers, not a replacement. Dr. Abi-Samra says the ultimate goal is to perform one procedure to avoid having to do something far more invasive later on.

Cut 6 (11)  “…for transplant.”

For more information visit Ochsner-dot-org.

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The state Department of Health reports fewer women in Louisiana are having to resort to a cesarean section delivery of their babies. Numbers from the calendar year 2021, compiled by the LDH Safe Births Initiative, show c-sections fell to 28.5-percent of all deliveries; down from 33-percent the year before. Medical Director Dr. Veronica Gillespie-Bell says this data bucks a national trend…:

Cut 7 (13) “…without maternal benefit.”

LDH says cesarean births are often life-saving procedures, however they should be the exception and not the rule. Dr. Gillespie-Bell says until recently doctors would make the call on performing C-sections based on old recommended medical standards for pregnancy and birth…:

Cut 8 (10)  “…at six centimeters.”

Gillespie-Bell says waiting until a woman is more dilated increases the ability to have a normal, natural delivery. She says not all doctors are practicing this yet, but the lower numbers of C-sections performed indicates new standards are taking hold…:

Cut 9 (08)  “…newer recommendations..”

She says it’s hoped we’ll see even lower numbers of cesarean births in the future. _______________________________________

The state’s top anti-abortion group has announced its opposition to a House bill that would charge a pregnant mother with murder if she has an abortion. Louisiana Right to Life executive director Benjamin Clapper says the legislation is inconsistent with one of their long-standing policies

Cut 10 (06) “…as a criminal”

Oil City Representative Danny McCormick’s measure would make abortions illegal in Louisiana and also charge anyone involved in the abortion with a homicide. It’s scheduled for a House floor debate on Thursday. Clapper says House Bill 813 is also not needed because of a 2006 law that will ban abortions once the Supreme Court overturns Roe versus Wade

Cut  11 (12)  “…from abortion.”  

McCormick told the USA Today Network that if you believe abortion is murder then we must call it that. But Clapper says abortion-vulnerable women should not be treated as criminals

Cut 12 (10) “…the abortion” 

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Get for a week of unusually high temperatures across the state. Meteorologist John Wetherbee says it is going to be a scorcher.

Cut 13 (08) “…lot of records.”

After some cool breezes and rain this past week, the weather takes an abrupt change of course. Wetherbee suggests staying indoors, staying hydrated, and checking on neighbors who may not have air-conditioning.

Cut 14 (10)  “…heat smart.”

The hot weather plans to stick around through the week with temperatures settling in the 90s into the weekend. But relief is coming if we can make it there, says Wetherbee.

Cut 15 (08)  “…ten days.”

A bill to ban corporal punishment in public schools fails to pass in the Louisiana House by two votes. Michelle Southern has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

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Thinking about bringing Mom breakfast in bed this Mother’s Day? A new study suggests it might be better to skip the scrambled eggs and instead, let Mom sleep in. David Grubb has more…

Cut 2 (35)…I’m David Grubb.”  

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Southeastern Louisiana University Police arrested a 19-year-old from Jackson, Mississippi, who allegedly abducted and raped a student at gunpoint. S-L-U Police Chief Michael Beckner says Demetris Harris was trolling campus before he abducted his victim from a parking lot on the edge of campus…

Cut 3 (08) “…random attack.”

Harris was arrested yesterday afternoon at an apartment in Hammond. Beckner says they believe he just moved to the area with a  relative. The suspect is not a student.

Beckner says the attack took place yesterday morning after the student pulled into a campus parking lot…

Cut 4  (06) “…gunpoint.”

Beckner says through the help of surveillance video they released a picture of the suspect’s vehicle and their license plate number. He says they made an arrest four hours after receiving a report about a sexual assault on campus…

Cut 5  (06) “…apartment complex.”

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A proposal to ban corporal punishment in public schools failed to pass the House by two votes. Oil City Republican Danny McCormick is among the opponents of the legislation. He says it’s a parental rights issue

Cut 6  (08) “…the bill.” 

The bill received 51 “yes” votes but it needs 53 votes to pass the House. It can come up for a vote again in the House. A similar measure failed to get House approval last year.

Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says he supports the bill because a principal in Rapides Parish is facing charges for a spanking that allegedly got out of hand

Cut 7 (09) “…state now.” 

But Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley says schools should make the decision on whether corporal punishment should be allowed, not the state…

Cut 8 (11) “..wrong signals” 

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You may be thinking about bringing Mom breakfast in bed this Mother’s Day, but a  study by the American Academy of Neurology suggests it might be better to skip the scrambled eggs and instead, let Mom sleep in. Data shows women are sleeping less and less each year. Dr. Kevin Stephens, chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare-Louisiana, says a lack of sleep can have a direct impact on Mom’s mood.

Cut 9 (07) “…be angry.”

Women typically take on most of the household responsibilities, usually to their detriment. Aside from the negative impacts on the mind, a lack of sleep can do a number on your physical health as well. Dr. Stephens says more sleep means less body fat and a lower risk of diabetes or hypertension.

Cut 10 (11) ” ….and your appetite.” 

Dr. Stephens says there are no shortcuts to getting good rest. He suggests a regular sleep schedule, eliminating caffeine and alcohol before bed, and shutting off all electronic devices. Another hour or two under the covers can make a world of difference.

Cut 11 (11)  “…absolutely necessary.” 

Adults need seven or more hours of sleep each night. Children need a minimum of eight hours every night.

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Entergy says it will create its expanded customer service call center in West Monroe. The company will build out existing commercial property to accommodate 170 new customer care representatives. Entergy spokesperson Yovanka Daniel says the announcement is good news for the regional economy…:

Cut 12 (10) “…seamless and positive.”  

The additional employees will help Entergy provide faster and better customer service, and will be most helpful during disasters, as the company plays a key role in emergency response and recovery. Daniel says people seeking a good entry-level position should take note…:

Cut 13 (08) “…end of the summer.”

West Monroe Mayor Staci Mitchell says she’s “thrilled” with Entergy’s announcement. Governor John Bel Edwards says it “demonstrates a strong commitment to communicating with its 1-million Louisiana customers. Daniel says hiring for the expanded customer call center will begin soon, and has a tip for anyone interested in applying…:

Cut 14 (06)  “…available jobs.”

More information can be found at entergy-louisiana.com

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