The Mississippi River bridge project on Interstate 20 is now complete in Madison Parish. Brooke Thorington has more on what travelers can expect in northeast Louisiana.

Cut 1 (29) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

____________________________________

Governor Edwards signs into law legislation allowing sexual assault survivors to terminate their lease early. Matt Doyle has more on the law that went effect Tuesday…

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

________________________________________

An over two-year rehabilitation Mississippi River Bridge project on Interstate 20 is now complete. Department of Transportation Spokesperson Erin Buchanan says the bridge in Madison Parish was built about 50 years ago and like any interstate corridor, it is well-traveled.

Cut 3 (10)  “…itself.” 

The $30-million-dollar project began in January of 2019 and is one of the few interstate river crossings in the state. Buchannan says the repairs were paid for with both state and federal dollars.

Cut 4 (10) “…of both.” 

Buchanan says in addition to resurfacing the structure, there were also corroded bolts and other components of the bridge that were replaced.

Cut 5  (11)  “…that goes.”

The bridge also received modernizations with new LED lighting, cameras, and radar that are integrated into Mississippi’s IT network.

______________________________________

The first bill of the session to be signed into law by Governor Edwards is one that would allow sexual assault survivors to terminate their residential leases early.

New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman says this legislation was inspired in large part by all of the LSU students who had their sexual assaults covered up by the school.

Cut 6 (09) “..survivors”

The tenant would be allowed to apply for the early termination after a wait of at least 60 days after the assault. From that point, the victim would have to pay one more month’s rent.

STAR Legal Director Morgan Lamandre says the new law is similar to an existing law but it covers a loophole that’s been particularly problematic for students.

Cut 7 (09) “…assualted.” 

The law, which took effect Tuesday, also allows landlords to immediately evict a tenant if they are documented as the individual who perpetrated the assault.

Lamandre notes there are some stipulations…

Cut 8 (12) “…before.” 

The law also requires the assault to be verified by a “qualified third party” such as a licensed social worker or counselor, prosecuting attorney, law enforcement officer involved in the assault investigation, a healthcare worker who administered a forensic examination, or program director of a sexual assault center such as STAR.

___________________________

A Senate judiciary committee has voted down a bill that would limit the legal immunity Louisiana police officers have in wrongful death or injury cases. Shreveport Police Officers Association president Michael Carter voiced his concerns with legislation that would allow civil lawsuits against officers who acted “unreasonable”…

Cut 9 (10) “…huge arguments.”

Carter says the legislation would also open up officers to numerous lawsuits and cops do not earn enough money to pay malpractice insurance. Veteran Shreveport police officer Kevin Goodwin says if this became law, it would change how officers would police

Cut 10 (10) “…my children.”

Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan’s bill received approval from the House and it had the backing of the Louisiana Sheriff’s Association. Jordan tried to make the case that his legislation was not designed to drive good officers away from the profession

Cut 11 (09) “…deal with.”

______________________________________

A tragic boating accident near the Lake Bistineau Spillway Tuesday claims the life of a 15-year-old Bossier Parish high schooler

The victim has been identified as Cavalry Baptist Academy football player Hayden “Lane” Mangum. Bossier Sheriff’s Lt. Bill Davis says he was out fishing with his best friend when the incident occurred.

Cut 12 (09)   “…middle ground.” 

Mangum’s friend and fellow football player, 16-year-old Cade Bedgood, managed to jump off of the boat before it began to capsize and made it back to shore safely. He then told first responders what happened.

Davis says local first responders, drone crews, and local boaters spent all yesterday evening and into the night utilizing emergency searchlights to look for Mangam.

Cut 13 (07)“…capsized”

Davis says it’s a tragic, shocking accident.

Cut 14 (11) “…body.” 

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will investigate what led to the capsizing of the boat and the subsequent death.

Southwest Louisiana continues to struggle with recovery from the 2020 hurricanes and today marks the beginning of the 2021 season. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (28) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington” 

____________________________________

Republican US Senator John Kennedy says he’s running for reelection in 2022. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

________________________________________

The 2021 Atlantic Hurricane season is officially underway and southwest Louisiana continues recovery efforts from the last season along with other weather woes. Calcasieu Parish Police Jury President Brian Abshire says they are hoping they will receive a break this season.

Cut 3 (09)  “…I suppose.” 

As for how the parish is has recovered approximately 9 months since the area was impacted by Hurricanes Laura and Delta, Abshire says it depends on who you ask.

Cut 4 (11) “…the woods.” 

Abshire says approximately 4,000 residents remain displaced from the hurricanes. He says they could be living in another home or apartment, with family, or even in a trailer on their property but they remain displaced.

Cut 5  (12)  “…individual to individual.”

Abshire says a number of residents are working with the Insurance Commission to settle their claims while others have had to seek litigation.

______________________________________

US Senator John Kennedy announces he is running for reelection in 2022.

The Mississippi-born, Zachary-raised Republican says it’s been an honor to serve the state in D.C.

Cut 6 (11) “..again.”

Kennedy won the 2016 US Senate election defeating Democratic Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell 61 to 39 percent. Kennedy took first place in the jungle primary that proceeded it with 25 percent, with Republican former Congressman Charles Boustany coming in third with 15 percent.

Kennedy, a Democrat until 2007, served as a lawyer to Governor Roemer and Revenue Secretary under Governor Foster before winning the 1999 race for State Treasurer.

Cut 7 (13) “…values.” 

It took Kennedy three tries to win his Senate seat, first losing as a Democrat in the 2004 open seat race, then failing to unseat incumbent Mary Landrieu in 2008.

UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross expects Kennedy will have a relatively stress-free reelection. Cross says the only Democrat who could potentially put up a real fight is Governor Edwards…

Cut 8 (7) “…at least.” 

On his monthly talk show Ask the Governor Edwards said he was planning to serve out the rest of his term and then go back to the private sector.

Cross says Kennedy likely won’t face a real challenger from within the Republican Party, giving him the freedom to use this reelection to pad his election bank account for a future move.

Cut 9 (11) “…impeachment.”

__________________________

The Senate Natural Resources Committee has passed House-approved legislation that would raise recreational and commercial hunting and fishing licenses. Chairman of the governor’s shrimp task force, George Barisich, opposes the legislation

Cut 10 (08) “…proposal.”

The bill’s author, Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala, says the restructuring of hunting and fishing licenses, which will lead to fee increases, is needed because the Conversation Fund which has been funding the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is nearly empty. Bacala on the importance of passing this bill…

Cut 11 (12) “…purposes.”

The legislation has received House approval and more adjustments were made to the bill in the Senate Natural Resources Committee. Bacala says he’s working with a lot of different parties, so no one gets hurt too badly by the fee increases

Cut 12 (09)   “…middle ground.” 

____________________________

Senate Judiciary Committee B approves legislation allowing those 21 and older to carry a concealed handgun without needing a permit or training.

Democratic Shreveport Senator Greg Tarver lambasted the bill saying this will lead to more gun violence.

Cut 13 (07)“..business.”

The proposal is opposed by both the Chiefs of Police Association and Governor Edwards.

But Thibodaux Republican Representative Bryan Fontenot, a former law enforcement officer, says there’s no research to suggest that his bill will result in more crime.

Cut 14 (10) “…table.” 

A nearly identical bill by West Monroe Senator Jay Morris passed both the House and Senate on margins large enough to overturn a veto.

Tarver contends this bill will lead to more police shootings because cops will now have to assume everyone has a gun on them.

Cut 15 (11) “…killed.” 

The bill notes that no individual who is currently barred from owning a gun or who is intoxicated may carry a concealed firearm. It also calls on State Police to provide a free, but optional 60-minute online training course that covers concealed carry basics like interaction with law enforcement, gun-free zones, and use of deadly force.

Higher education officials are celebrating the 38 billion dollar budget approved by the Legislature. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

_______________________________

If you’re hitting the waterways you are not alone on this Memorial Day. A boat towing company says to expect a jump in the number of boaters and new navigators. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

____________________________

UL System President Jim Henderson calls the budget for the fiscal year starting in July the biggest investment in higher education the state has seen in 13 years.

The 38 billion dollar spending plan is headed to the Governor’s desk. Henderson says it features a faculty pay raise that breaks down to about a two to two and a half percent increase.

Cut 3 (10)  “…for us.”

Henderson says UL System faculty are still about 8,000 to 10,000 dollars a year behind the southern regional average and this increase gets them about a quarter of the way there.

Henderson says the budget fully funds TOPS and even increases the size of the Go Grant program.

Cut 4 (09)”…higher education”

Despite the big increase in higher ed funding this year, Henderson says the still hasn’t made up for the steep budget cuts enacted during the Jindal Administration.

Cut 5 (06)”…Legislators.”

Per-student funding is still below where it was in 2009 and the Henderson says the funding mechanism for higher ed has “flipped” in the last decade. Previously up to 70 percent of college budgets were state-funded, now 75 percent of college budgets are sustained by student tuition and fees.

___________________________________

Not only are there more drivers on the road for Memorial Day this year, but according to a Sea Tow Services survey, 52-percent of the boaters say they plan to spend more time on the water this year compared to 2020. Sea Tow President Kristen Frohnhoefer (Frone – hoffer) says expect waterways to be crowded.

Cut 6 (11)”…with it.”

With a record number of new boat sales and an influx of new boaters, Sea Tow says new navigators are 142-percent more likely to need ungrounding services. Frohnhoefer says if you’re a neophyte to boating, get properly trained before you leave the dock.

Cut 7 (11)  “…courteous boater.”

Frohnhoefer says their Sea Tow affiliates in Louisiana have experienced a large increase of ungrounding calls due to the record low tides. She says another hazard, due to the recent floods, is more debris in the water. She recommends assigning someone to serve as a lookout when cruising.

Cut 8 (10) “…the water.”

She also recommends checking that you are properly fueled before you leave the dock as well.

___________________________________

Hurricane season starts tomorrow and Louisiana residents know all too well about storm preparedness.  David Maurstad, the head of the National Flood Insurance Program with FEMA, says every homeowner should have a flood insurance policy

Cut 9 (13) “…you need.” 

There’s no way to completely eliminate flood damage but Maurstad says a good policy can help with the recovery process.

Cut 10 (12) “…policy.”

Louisiana residents experienced an unprecedented flood back in 2016 due to a variety of reasons.  Maurstad says the NFIP policy protects from all types of flooding.

Cut 11 (07) “…policy.”

___________________________________

Americans observe Memorial Day today, remembering those who died serving our country.

Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Colonel Joey Strickland says today is partially about remembering those who have served in the military, but…

Cut 12 (12) “…forgotten”

Strickland says while you’re enjoying your day off take some time to think about the Louisiana National Guardsmen who are overseas…

Cut 13 (07) “…are”

Dating back to the Revolutionary War an estimated 70,000 Louisianans have died while serving in the military, but Strickland says that number is likely much higher when you factor in uncounted civil war deaths.

Cut 14 (06) “…sacrifice.”

Cameron Parish authorities say it was a tip from a local woman that helped them identify a human skull found off a highway in 2018. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington” 

____________________________________

The Legislature sends a 38-billion dollar spending plan to Governor Edwards’ desk, a record amount buoyed by federal coronavirus aid.  Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

________________________________________

After 15 seasons and one national championship at LSU, Paul Mainieri has announced he’s retiring as a college baseball coach. Mainieri has the most career victories among active Division one coaches, but his team had a losing record in SEC play this year. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says the 63-year-old is also dealing with health issues…

Cut 3 (10)  “…left to prove.” 

Mainieri led the Tigers to the College World Series five times, winning it all in 2009 and finishing as a runner-up in 2017. But his critics say Mainieri didn’t win enough national titles like Skip Bertman, who won five titles. Higgins says Mainieri was still a great coach…

Cut 4 (08) “…great job.” 

This year’s LSU baseball team is waiting to find out if they made the NCAA Tournament. The Field of 64 will be unveiled on Monday at 11 AM. The Tigers are on the bubble after going 13-and-17 in SEC play. Higgins says Mainieri’s announcement might give the selection committee another reason to put the Tigers in a regional

Cut 5  (10)  “…deserve that”

______________________________________

Millions of drivers are expected to hit the roadway this Memorial day weekend and the Louisiana Transportation Department advises travelers to exercise extra caution. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says 330 people have lost their lives in fatal crashes this year in Louisiana so put down the phone and buckle up to prevent more fatalities…

Cut 6 (8) “…they’re used too”

Last year over 800 drivers died in Louisiana. Mallett hopes they do not surpass that number this year, despite traffic volume up over last year.

Cut 7 (9) “…that trend downwards” 

Travelers should expect roadwork on I-10 next to the Texas border and near the Atchafalaya Basin and I-12 in St. Tammany Parish. Mallet says there will be no lane closers but be aware of speed limit changes and lane shifts…

Cut 8 (7) “…at any minute” 

_______________________________________________

A human skull found in Cameron Parish more than three years ago has been identified as a missing 58-year old San Antonio woman. Cameron Parish Sheriff Ron Johnson says it was a computer-generated image of the head that led a concerned citizen to connect the dots and dental records confirmed the findings.

Cut 9 (11) “…Sally Hines.”

58-year-old Hines went missing in December of 2017 and a clean-up crew found the head on highway 27 between Hackberry and Holly Beach in March of 2018.

After numerous tips over the years that never identified the skull, Johnson says it was a Cameron Parish woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, that looked at a computer-generated image of what the skull would resemble in person and that pointed investigators in the direction to see if it was Hines.

Cut 10 (11) “…at zero.

Johnson says San Antonio police, who took the initial missing person report, is leading the investigation and many questions remain unanswered.

Cut 11 (08) “…the body.”

Johnson says they do not believe any other body parts from Hines, with the exception of the skull, are located in Cameron Parish.

____________________________________________

With two weeks still left in the session, the Legislature approves a record 38 billion dollar spending plan for the fiscal year starting in July.

Senate President Page Cortez says because of federal assistance there were a lot of things they could accomplish so lawmakers didn’t argue about the little things.

Cut 12 (08)   “…Senate.” 

Despite frequent talk of increasing early childhood education funding, no additional dollars were allocated to it.

Cortez highlighted a few of the major investments they were able to make thanks to the American Rescue Act Assistance, including infrastructure.

Cut 13 (11)“..lines”

The state also paid down 400 million dollars of a one billion dollar outstanding payment we owe to the federal government over the 12 billion dollar New Orleans levee system built after Hurricane Katrina. The unemployment trust fund was also replenished with 490 million dollars. After paying back some money owed to the feds that puts the fund at a net of 300 million dollars.

Also included was an 800 dollar teacher pay raise and a roughly two and a half percent higher education faculty pay raise. Cortez says they may be reoccurring costs, but it’s a priority that’s worth it.

Cut 14 (12) “…do that” 

Other items include four million to increase LSU campus lighting and security, more money for public defenders, millions in funding for small local projects, judicial pay raises, the full funding of TOPS, and more.

The House Governmental Affairs Committee rejects legislation that would have prohibited state-funded facilities from denying access to individuals who are not vaccinated against COVID-19. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

____________________________________

House Education Chairman Ray Garofalo, whose comments about slavery earlier this month ignited a controversy, says the House Speaker threatened to have him removed from the Capitol this morning if he tried to chair today’s meeting. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

________________________________________

The House Governmental Affairs Committee rejects a Senate-approved bill that would prohibit state facilities from denying entry to individuals who are not vaccinated against COVID-19. Harvey Representative Rodney Lyons says the legislature should not prevent a public building like the State Capitol from only allowing vaccinated persons inside

Cut 3 (07)  “…circumvent that.” 

Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey’s bill died on a seven to six vote. Cathey says he’s trying to protect individuals who have made the personal decision not to get the vaccine

Cut 4 (12) “..is wrong.” 

Cathey admitted to the committee he has not received the vaccine over concerns the shot will impact the ability for him and his girlfriend to have a child.

Cut 5  (11  “…vaccinated”

Health officials have said there is no evidence that any vaccine affects fertility.

Jennifer Herricks of Mandeville testified for the bill. She’s concerned about her children getting the virus and would like to send them to a school where everyone is vaccinated

Cut 6 (07) “..diseases”

While this bill was killed, a similar bill by Gonzales Representative Kathy Edmonston has already passed the House and awaits a Senate hearing.

____________________________________

Governor Edwards says video of the Ronald Greene arrest shows State Police troopers acting unprofessionally and not conducting themselves as law enforcement officers should.

Edwards first saw the footage last October while viewing it with the Greene family. He called it disturbing then…

Cut 7 (11) “…they should.”

Greene died in police custody in 2019 after being severely beaten and tased by State Police troopers following a car chase in Union Parish. Immediately after Greene’s death the first report to come out of State Police claimed Greene died in the car crash following the chase.

Edwards says the footage is being reviewed by the Union Parish DA and the US Department of Justice for a reason.

Cut 8 (11) “…restrained.”

Edwards says Greene’s death has led to policy changes.

Cut 9 (11) “…again”

____________________________

The ongoing controversy involving House Education Chairman Ray Garofalo, whose comments about slavery ignited a firestorm, results in today’s meeting of his committee being called off.

Garofalo says this morning Speaker Clay Schexnayder told him he was still Chairman, but when he told Shexnayder he was going to chair today’s meeting, Schexnayder said no you’re not.

Cut 10 (12) “…to”

Garofalo’s comments earlier this month in committee calling for the teaching of “the good, the bad, the ugly” of slavery during a tense debate about education policy resulted in calls from the Legislative Black Caucus for Garofalo to be removed as chairman. Garofalo says his words have been taken “out of context” and he has nothing to apologize for.

Garofalo says the discussion with Shexnayder took a turn after he said he would sit as chair…

Cut 11 (11) “…duty”

When asked by a reporter if the “heated” meeting with Shexnayder got physical Garofalo declined to comment.

The committee meeting was called off after 45 minutes when only one member showed up, delaying discussion of legislation that would allow student-athletes to collect paid endorsements…

Cut 12 (12)    “…for that” 

The committee is scheduled to meet again next Wednesday, June 2nd, but the session is scheduled to end on June 10th.

____________________________________________

An E Pluribus Unum survey finds a majority of southerners support major police reform and believe not enough has changed since the murder of George Floyd. EPU Founder and former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu says the annual survey of 1,200 indicate common ground that Floyd was wrongly killed and broad support of police reform being negotiated in Congress and locally.

Cut 13 (07)“…supervision.”

The survey tracks attitudes on systemic racism in policing and police reforms in the South. It included 400 Black, 400 Latino, and 400 white respondents. Landrieu says the survey also highlighted major support of police officers stepping in when other officers use excessive force.

Cut 14 (09) “…onsite” 

Landrieu says responses from the annual survey surprised him this year because of common ground belief in police reform when before it was split along racial lines. He says the murder of George Floyd magnified the issue.

Cut 15 (10) “…might say.” 

The survey also found broad support for police officers and departments to carry liability insurance so taxpayers do not have to pay for settlements when officers are found guilty of misconduct.

It appears pay raises for the next fiscal year will be $800 for teachers and $400 for support staff. Union leaders say lawmakers claim they want to invest in education, but their actions show otherwise. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (32) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

____________________________________

A bill that would extend the state’s 180-million dollar film tax credit program for another three years to 2028 is headed to the House floor for final legislative passage. Jeff Palermo has the details…

Cut 2 (29) …I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

________________________________________

The budgeted amount for K-12 teacher pay raises in Louisiana appears to be on track for $800 and not $1000 as previously discussed by lawmakers. Louisiana Federation of Teachers Legislative Director Cynthia Posey says the amount is disappointing and the goal to bring teacher pay to the southern regional average continues to be put on the backburner.

Cut 3 (08)  “…to stay.” 

On Monday the Senate Finance committee released their markup of the state budget that begins on July first.

Posey says there was an understanding to continue to increase teacher pay in an effort to retain and attract qualified educators in the state, but the momentum was sidetracked.

Cut 4 (08) “…again.” 

Posey says teachers were in the classroom on day one of the 20-21 school year and lawmakers praised them for it because allowed it parents to reenter the workforce and also meet the nutritional needs of those students who received free or reduced-priced meals at school.

Cut 5  (08)  “…list”

The House approved budget includes $800 pay raises for teachers and $400 raises for support staff. Louisiana schoolteachers are paid on average $51-thousand annually which is $4-thousand below the southern average.

_________________________________________________

Legislation that extends the state’s 180-million dollar film tax credit program for another three years through 2028 is moving closer to final passage. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt explained to the House Ways and Means Committee on why it’s important to pass the tax credit beyond 2025…

Cut 6 (12) “…of that”

Hewitt says the film industry supports about 10-thousand jobs in the state and last year invested more than 432-million dollars in productions in Louisiana. She expects those numbers to grow…

Cut 7 (12) “…the conversation.”

The House Ways and Means Committee approved Hewitt’s bill, which has already passed the Senate. It heads to the full House for final legislative passage. Eunice Representative Phillip Devillier is not a fan of spending 180-million dollars on the film tax industry

Cut 8 (12) “…concerns me.”

_______________________________

The state House passes a bill that would require Louisiana public high schools to spend more time teaching students about the Holocaust and World War Two. Denham Springs Representative Valarie Hodges says students and young adults know very little about the murder of six million Jews by the Nazi regime

Cut 9 (12) “…died”

Hodges says currently public schools are only required to spend one-semester teaching students about the Holocaust and World War Two, but she believes it’s a topic that should be discussed throughout a child’s high school career…

Cut 10 (11) “…I believe”

The bill passed on a 66-32 vote. Several Black lawmakers voted against the bill after Baton Rouge Representative Ted James tried to amend the bill to also include the required instruction of significant figures in Black history.

Cut 11 (10) “…as well”

James’s amendment failed on a 45-51 vote.

____________________________________________

Senate Judiciary C advances house-backed legislation that would decriminalize possession of up to 14 grams of marijuana.

Shreveport Representative Cedric Glover says under his bill those found with just under half an ounce would only face a 100 dollar fine.

Cut 12 (10)    “…felon” 

While an effort to fully legalize recreational marijuana failed in the House 47-49 Glover’s bill to decriminalize passed easily 68-25.

Louisiana Progress Action Policy Director Peter Robins-Brown spoke in support of the bill. He says polls show nearly 70 percent of Louisianans support decriminalization.

Cut 13 (12)“…law”

The Louisiana Baptist Convention opposes the bill. Office of Public Policy Director Dr. Will Hall says these days 14 grams of marijuana can be a dangerous amount.

Cut 14 (09) “..THC” 

The bill heads to the Senate floor for final passage.

As COVID cases continue to decrease, health officials are seeing a comeback of another virus. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (32) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

____________________________________

A former LSU Quarterback is staying in the SEC and also remaining a Tiger. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (29) …I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

________________________________________

The Louisiana Insurance Department says it has recovered 41 million dollars related to 1,500 complaints filed against insurers for issues stemming from last year’s three hurricanes. Commissioner Jim Donelon says the complaint process saves residents the effort of having to take their insurer to court over claim delays and underpayments…

Cut 3 (10)  “…lives” 

Of the 41 million recovered 38 million was related to Hurricane Laura, 2.5 million to Delta, and 750,000 from Zeta. 77 percent of complaints were related to homeowners policies.

Donelon says the process is an effective tool and he encourages anyone who is having a dispute with their insurer to utilize it.

Cut 4 (09) “…instances” 

Insurers received 311,000 total claims related to last years’ hurricanes.

Donelon says this data helps paint a national picture of who the problem insurers are.

Cut 5  (10)  “…valid”

_________________________________________________

COVID-19 mitigation practices like masking, social distancing, and frequent hand washing also decreased other transmissible illnesses like the flu. But LSU Health New Orleans Chief of Infectious Diseases Dr. Julio Figueroa says as mandates relax, we are starting to see a gradual increase in other viruses like the common cold.

Cut 6 (11) “…in May.”

There is no vaccine currently for RSV.

Figueroa says the pandemic put into play real-life examples of how proper mitigation efforts can decrease transmission of communicable diseases, something health officials have touted for years.

Cut 7 (10) “…as well.”

Highly transmissible respiratory viruses in this part of the country, Figueroa says tend to spread faster in the winter months when people gather more indoors versus outside. When asked if we need to return to mitigation practices when we see an uptick in flu cases Figueroa says possibly, however…

Cut 8 (07) “…coming year.”

Figueroa says vaccines, increased hand washing, and staying home when you are sick are the best methods of decreasing the spread of viruses.

_______________________________

House Appropriations advances Senate-approved legislation mandating children who turn five on or before September 30th attend Kindergarten.

The vote was 19-1 with Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews the lone dissenter. He says he’s been bombarded with calls from concerned constituents…

Cut 9 (10) “…that age”

The bill would impact an estimated 2,800 students a year at most, and cost about 11 million dollars extra a year if all of those students went to school instead of being homeschooled. If passed the law would go into effect for the 2022-2023 school year.

Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says 54,000 students are already doing kindergarten every year, so it’s clear nearly all parents understand it is an important step.

Cut 10 (11) “…they need”

According to Department of Education stats, only 49 percent of students are reading on grade level in 1^st grade.

Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields says under his bill if a parent doesn’t want to send their kid to school they can homeschool them but either way they must be educated.

Cut 11 (10) “…nation”

19 states currently mandate Kindergarten attendance including Texas.

____________________________________________

It’s been a wet May, which has made it difficult for cotton farmers. State Cotton Specialist Matt Foster says there have only been a few dry days to plant cotton and a couple of dry days has been followed by several days of rain, limiting the effectiveness of expensive seed treatments

Cut 12 (10)    “…bigger problem” 

Foster says cotton plants have also struggled with cool nighttime temperatures that extended into the middle of May…

Cut 13 (11)“…replanting”

Rain chances for this week are much lower than previous weeks, but Foster says planting cotton later in the season, will mean a later harvest deeper into hurricane season…

Cut 14 (06) “..that crop” 

Foster expects to see more soybean acres and a lower cotton crop because of the wetter than normal May.

Today through Friday job seekers can attend virtual job fairs featuring over 100 employers hosted by the Louisiana Workforce Commission. Erik Piccoli has more

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli”

_______________________________

State Police has released all of the video evidence they have from their encounter with Ronald Greene in 2019, a Black man who died in police custody. Matt Doyle has the story

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

____________________________

The state health department reports two cases of the India COVID variant have been detected in two coronavirus patients in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

____________________________

The Louisiana Workforce Commission is hosting a virtual job fair every day this week as part of “Workforce Week.”  LWC spokesperson Marina Clay says more than 100 employers will offer thousands of immediate job openings to strengthen Louisiana’s workforce following the pandemic.

Cut 4 (10)”…to work”

Each day jobseekers will be able to meet with an array of different representatives from industries including manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality and tourism, and IT. Clay says applicants can attend multiple days and for those who are unemployed, this would count towards your work search requirement.

Cut 5 (9)”…and its effective”

While over 1000 job seekers have already registered, Clay says there’s still time to sign up on LA works dot net, update your resume and prepare an elevator pitch.

Cut 6 (8)”…a virtual platform”

____________________

The Louisiana Department of Health has issued an alert for healthcare providers in the Alexandria area over a significant increase in the number of new syphilis cases.

Region Six Medical Director Dr. David Holcombe says the number of early syphilis cases among women was up 62 percent from 2019 to 2020…

Cut 7 (11)  “…doubled.”

Alexandria is only 6 percent of the state’s population but accounts for 13 percent of new early syphilis cases and 14 percent of all congenital syphilis cases. The number of new cases has been rising since 2017 where only 43 cases were reported. In 2020 178 cases were reported.

Holcombe says the bacterial infection can spread quickly once it’s out in the community

Cut 8 (10) “…community.”

Those with syphilis will usually see a painless sore growing on their genitals, rectum, or mouth. That will eventually become a rash. Years later those with syphilis can suffer a number of severe impacts to their nervous system, brain, eyes, or heart.

Holcombe says regional medical providers need to be on the lookout…

Cut 9 (11) “…do this” 

___________________________________

State Police has released nine videos from the 2019 arrest of Ronald Greene, a 49-year-old unarmed black man who died in police custody. The videos show the troopers dragged Greene out of his vehicle, repeatedly punched him, and used a stun gun multiple times following a high-speed chase that ended in Union Parish. Superintendent Col. Lamar Davis says the videos are in the hands of state and federal criminal investigators

Cut 10 (09) “…investigation.”

The three troopers involved have been identified as Chris Hollingsworth, Dakota DeMoss and Kory York. Hollingsworth died from a car crash after learning he would be fired. Davis says he intends on firing DeMoss and York received a 50-hour suspension but remains on leave pending state and federal investigations.

The initial report from the traffic stop said Greene died in a car crash following that chase.

Davis would not comment directly on the video but he says new policies will ensure that something like this does not happen again.

Cut 11 (10) “….communties.”

Davis says footage released last week by the AP lacked full context. He hopes releasing all of the footage from the encounter will show his department is committed to transparency.

Cut 12 (12) “…wounds”

Governor Edwards says he supports the decision to release the footage in its entirety. Edwards says the decision was made in consultation with the US Attorney’s Office and the Union Parish DA.

__________________________________

The Louisiana health department has confirmed the state’s first two cases of the India COVID-19 variant. LSU Health Shreveport Virologist Dr. Jeremy Kamil (Camille) says the two cases were detected in Caddo Parish.

Cut 13 (06) “…out there.”

The World Health Organization is concerned about the COVID strain from India, because it is thought to be more transmissible. Kamil says the current COVID-19 vaccines are effective against this variant strain…

Cut 14 (12) “…changing a little bit.”

Kamil says this variant is not completely responsible for the alarming outbreak in India. He says a low percentage of vaccinated individuals is a major factor, along with heavily populated cities and not wearing face masks.

There are now multiple variants of concern circulating in Louisiana. Kamil says the best way to protect yourself is to get vaccinated.

Cut 15 (12)“…recover from it.”

To find the nearest vaccine site visit CovidVaccine.LA.gov

________________________________________

LSU is a nine-seed in the SEC Tournament and will play Georgia on Tuesday afternoon after winning their final three conference series to finish with a 13-and-17 league record. The Tigers concluded the regular season with an eight to two win over Texas A-and-M. Zach Arnold hit a two-run homer on Saturday

Cut 16 (15) “…make a run at it.”

LSU got another great start from senior-right hander Ma’Khail Hilliard on Saturday. Hilliard allowed just two runs over seven innings for his sixth win on the season…

Cut 17 (17) “..been doing”

Before the season, LSU was picked to finish fourth in the SEC and they ended up finishing in fourth place. The Tigers are on the bubble to make the NCAA Tournament, but Coach Paul Mainieri is proud of how his team has overcome a lot of challenges this season…

Cut  18 (18)”…what happens.”

_____________________________________________

The Ragin Cajuns won the Sun Belt Western Division title with a two to one win over Troy on Saturday afternoon. Coach Matt Deggs was finally able to catch U-T Arlington on the final day of the regular season…

Cut 19 (19) “…great defense.” 

The Cajuns held Troy to five hits on Saturday and Carson Roccaforte and Drake Osborn each drove in a run. Osborn finished the regular season with a .333 record and has walked more than he struck out. Deggs says the transfer from Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi has been clutch for them this season.

Cut 20 (16) “…when it matters.” 

The Cajuns will take on Texas State in the Sun Belt Tournament on Wednesday night. It’s pool play so the Cajuns will face Appalachian State on Thursday night.

Starting in July a budget airliner will begin offering direct flights out of New Orleans to ten midsized cities in the South and Midwest. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle.” 

____________________________________

A $30-million buyout program to assist a Lake Charles neighborhood is now underway. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (32) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

________________________________________

Governor Edwards says the state is considering implementing a vaccine incentive program similar to efforts in other states.

The number of new vaccinations per week has fallen precipitously from a mid-March high. Edwards says they’re looking into ways to get skeptical Louisianans off the fence…

Cut 3 (10)  “…vaccinated” 

A significant decline in new vaccinations is being seen across the country. Nationwide between April 11^th and May 11^th the average number of weekly vaccinations is down 50 percent.

Ten states have so far adopted incentive programs ranging from lotteries to free beer and even a 100 dollar savings bond. Edwards says they’re carefully studying those efforts.

Cut 4 (12) “..do that” 

Alabama held a mass vaccination event where people who got vaccinated were entered into a raffle for a chance to drive two laps on the Talladega Superspeedway.

Edwards says whatever incentive program they come up with will be on top of ongoing outreach efforts…

Cut 5  (11)  “…ongoing”

_________________________________________________

Senator Bill Cassidy toured parts of Lake Charles this morning to check on the area after widespread flooding Monday and ongoing hurricane recovery efforts. As for helping southwest Louisiana get more federal assistance, Cassidy says he has met with a key person in the Biden administration in hopes of getting the President to sign off.

Cut 6 (09) “…sign it.”

Cassidy says he still sees plenty of standing water in Lake Charles and is aware of the possibility of more flooding in the immediate future. When asked who is against sending aid to the area and what the hurdles are…

Cut 7 (10) “…the need.”

Cassidy says it’s a matter of keeping the issue at the forefront and educating other lawmakers about the magnitude of damage. The state experience three hurricanes in 2020, two major winter storms in February, and now flooding.

Governor Edwards has requested an additional $3-billion for the area and Cassidy says he’s meeting again with a key decision-maker in the Biden administration.

Cut 8 (10) “…working hard.”

Cassidy shared that two staff members who just purchased homes in Baton Rouge flooded this week.

_______________________________

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a disturbance that has a medium chance of developing into a tropical depression in the Gulf of Mexico. National Weather Service in Lake Charles meteorologist Alex Donato says it’ll likely make landfall in Texas or possibly in southwest Louisiana

Cut 9 (8) “…most likely scenario”

Forecasters say the system could produce heavy rainfall which is why a flashflood watch is in effect through tonight for the western half of Louisiana. Donato this is one of two disturbances the National Hurricane Center is monitoring. The other is way out in the Middle of the Atlantic…

Cut 10 (4) “…average this year”

______________________________________

Breeze Airways will begin offering cheap direct flights out of Louis Armstrong in New Orleans into ten mid sizes cities across the Midwest and South.

CEO David Neeleman, who founded Jet Blue, says the flights are inexpensive and often take less than two hours to get to their destination.

Cut 11 (09) “…hub”

Flights to Charleston will begin July 8^th with flights to Louisville, Fayetteville, Richmond, Norfolk, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Akron, Columbus, and Huntsville beginning July 15^th and 16^th.

The Louisiana Department of Economic Development estimates the new routes will create 261 new direct jobs and 877 new indirect jobs throughout the region.

Cut 12 (08)    “…visitors” 

Neeleman says he’s already hearing good things from South Louisianans…

Cut 13 (10)“…much”

________________________

Governor Edwards announces a $30-million buyout program for a Calcasieu Parish neighborhood that has flooded on multiple occasions. Police Jury President Brian Abshire says the funds will be used to purchase homes at fair market value in the Greinwich Terrance neighborhood of Lake Charles.

Cut 14 (13) “…record flood” 

The buyout program is completely optional and Abshire says while he understands relocating and leaving your home is extremely emotional…

Cut 15 (09) “…repair your home.” 

Abshire says many of these residents were in the midst of renovating their homes from the hurricane and were impacted again by flooding Monday.

Homeowners will be approached about the buyout program there is no need to register. Abshire says once the majority of the neighborhood is purchased it will be turned into a green space.

Cut 16 (06) “…the future.” 

The 50-year old neighborhood has approximately 300 homes.

A bill prohibiting the handheld use of a phone when driving finally makes passage out of the house. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

____________________________________

 NOAA is once again predicting an active hurricane season. Erik Picolli reports on how many storms we could see in 2021…

Cut 2 (29) …I’m Erik Piccoli.”  

________________________________________

A bill prohibiting the handheld use of a cellphone when you’re driving makes passage out of the house. Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s bill would impose a $25 fine for the first offense and $50 for a second violation.

Cut 3 (11)  “…make a call” 

The use of a handheld device is already prohibited in school zones in Louisiana.

Rep Huval has brought similar legislation in the past and Baton Rouge Representative Denice Marcelle says she supports the bill now because it prohibits police from pulling one for handheld phone use to search their vehicle.

Cut 4 (07) “..with me” 

Use of a Bluetooth and speakerphone is not prohibited in this bill, only handheld use of the device. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick feels the law would hurt criminal justice reform and create a negative interaction between the police and the public.

Cut 5  (11)  “…oppose the bill”

The vote was 76-21 and the bill now heads to the Senate. If the legislation passes Louisiana would join 24 other states with similar laws.

__________________________________________________

Lumber prices have more than tripled over the year amidst a pandemic-driven surge in new home construction and renovation.

LSU Forestry Economist Joseph Chang says new home construction is up about 30 percent from last year and there are more remodeling projects in the works as well.

Cut 6 (12) “…space”

Last year lumber prices were clocked at around 354 dollars per thousand feet of lumber. As of May 18^th that number is up to 1,264 dollars, down from the year’s high of 1,686 earlier this month.

Chang says folks hoping to build or buy new homes are really feeling that lumber price increase…

Cut 7 (07) “…buying”

Despite the increase in lumber prices timber prices for landowners in Louisiana’s expansive forestry industry haven’t changed much due to a major decline in the number of sawmills over the last 15 years.

Chang says his sense is that the price is eventually going to decline, but the question is when…

Cut 8 (11) “…fall”

_______________________________

The NOAA Climate Prediction Center predicts another above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. Acting NOAA administrator Ben Friedman says between 13 to 20 named storms are expected to form and between six and ten will become hurricanes.

Cut 9 (8) “…miles per hour”

NOAA’s lead season hurricane forecaster Matthew Rosencrans says several factors have been combined for them to predict another active hurricane season…

Cut 10 (10) “…West African monsoon” 

NOAA says El Nino conditions are currently in the neutral phase. When there’s an El Nino it suppresses tropical activity in the Atlantic Ocean. Rosencrans is concerned about the possibility of a La Nina forming later in the hurricane season…

Cut 11 (11) “…predicted ranges”

A record 30 named storms formed in 2020.

_________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s not looking to continue his political career after his term ends in 2024.

Edwards says he does not anticipate that he will continue in public life as an elected official once his second term ends.

Cut 12 (07)    “…sector” 

Edwards says he’s also not considering running for any other office before this term ends, such as the US Senate race next year.

Cut 13 (12)“…term”

Edwards says there have been no conversations about him leaving Louisiana to join President Biden’s cabinet, but…

Cut 14 (10) “…consider”