The abuse of nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is no laughing matter, as a bill to ban public sale of the drug in Louisiana is headed to Governor Jeff Landry for his signature. Mel Bridges has more…

Cut 1 (43) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

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Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser is in France this week at the Canne International Film Festival to promote Louisiana film production to an international market. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

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The U-S Supreme Court orders Louisiana to use the Congressional map that has two majority black districts. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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A bill banning general sale of nitrous oxide, better known as laughing gas, is headed to the Governor’s desk after being unanimously passed by the Louisiana Legislature. Doctor Mark Ryan, longtime director of Louisiana’s Poison Control center, says the seemingly harmless drug poses a big threat.

Cut 4 (14) “…times a day.”

Nitrous oxide is available to the general public for usages such as making homemade whipped cream. But Dr. Ryan says it is that availability, combined with the drug’s high abuse potential, that makes it so dangerous.

Cut 5 (15) “…including Amazon.” 

Because of the way the drug affects the body, Dr. Ryan says there is no easy and quick cure for an overdose of nitrous oxide. In fact, he notes that nitrous oxide overdoses are particularly scary to treat.

Cut 6 (11) “…potentially very dangerous.”

If Governor Jeff Landry signs this bill, Louisiana would become the first state to completely ban public sale of nitrous oxide with exemptions for industries reliant on the drug, such as dentistry.

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser along with officials from Louisiana Economic Development and the Department of Tourism are In France this week to promote the Louisiana film industry at the Cannes International Film Festival.

Cut 7 (08) “…film in Louisiana.”

Representatives from Celtic Studios in Baton Rouge and The Ranch Studios in St. Bernard Parish are with the Louisiana delegation. Nungesser says he wants to show the world what Louisiana brings to the table in the form of tax incentives.

Cut 8 (12) “…get out of those strikes” 

But the trip isn’t just about film and it doesn’t just stop in France.  Nungesser will also head to Milan, Italy and then Madrid, Spain to promote Louisiana tourism and the film industry.

Cut 9 (10)  “…overseas here.”

Chef Samantha Carroll will prepare Louisiana seafood dishes while in Madrid to bring a taste of Louisiana to an international audience.

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President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have announced they will hold two campaign debates ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

Cut 10 (05) “…taking place.”

That’s U-L-M Political Science Professor Pearson Cross, referencing how the announcement went against Biden’s previous statement that he would not attend any presidential debates. Cross believes these debates could be opportunities for both candidates to impress voters and dispel rumors before the election.

Cut 11 (16) “…something to lose.”

The two debates are set for June 27th on C-N-N and September 10th on A-B-C. The first debate is before either Biden or Trump could formally accept any nomination from their respective parties. In spite of how unusually early the debates are, Cross is encouraging voters to tune in.

Cut 12 (04) “…make a difference.” 

The presidential elections will be held Tuesday, November 5th, with Biden expected to be the Democratic nominee and Trump expected to be the Republican nominee.

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The Congressional map with two Black majority districts will be the map used for this fall’s federal election. That’s the result of a ruling from the U-S Supreme Court that blocks a previous ruling by a panel of three federal judges that said the map approved by lawmakers this year was illegal. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the state finally has closure

Cut 13 (10)  “..be using”

The ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court  means the current sixth Congressional district occupied by Republican Garret Graves has a political boundary that favors a minority to win. But Pinsonat says Graves will not go down without a fight

Cut 14 (10)  “..certainly run.”

Black Democrat Cleo Fields, a state senator from Baton Rouge, plans to challenge Graves, if he runs for re-lection in the sixth district.

The order from the Supreme Court came on the day Secretary of State Nancy Landry said she needed a finalized map to adequately prepare for the fall election.

Pinsonat says the map that will be used stretches the Sixth Congressional District from Baton Rouge to Shreveport, despite concerns this is racial gerrymandering

Cut 15 (12)  “…over.”

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LSU baseball’s series against the Ole Miss Rebels this weekend will most likely decide whether or not LSU makes it to the postseason tournament and gets a shot at defending their national title. LSU pitcher Gage Jump says that a key factor in this weekend’s series will be the type of play he and LSU pitcher Luke Holman can produce tonight and Friday night as the Tigers are just 1 and 8 in the final games of SEC series this season.

Cut 16 (14) “….that Sunday game.” 

LSU enters the series with a 10-and-17 SEC record. It’s believed the Tigers need 13 conference wins in order to get into the NCAA Tournament. Tigers coach Jay Johnson hopes the NCAA Tournament selection committee looks at other aspects of their resume…

Cut 17 (18) “…have a chance.”

Jump will get the start on the mound tonight as he looks to get the Tigers off to a good start in the series.

Cut 18 (17)  “… at a time.”

First pitch between the Tigers and Rebels will be on tonight at 6 pm and broadcast on the SEC Network.

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The twenty first ranked UL-Lafayette baseball team is now only one win away from taking the SunBelt regular season title outright. The Ragin Cajuns are 21 and 6 in SunBelt play and their next closest competition is Southern Miss who are 18 and 9. After winning a share of the title when the Cajuns beat Southern Miss earlier this season, UL-Lafayette Head Coach Matt Deggs says that the Ragin Cajuns job is not finished whenever his team wins the title, but that UL-Lafayette has many goals still in place this season.

Cut 19 (17) “… for a championship.” 

The Cajuns have been led this season by the play of Junior Shortstop Kyle Debarge who is expected to be a high draft pick in this season’s draft. DeBarge has 73 hits, 63 RBIs, and 19 home runs this season and has averaged .339 over his career with the Cajuns. Deggs says that the former Barbe high school standout will be missed and leaves as a legendary figure in UL-Lafayette baseball.

Cut 20 (18) “….over that one.”

First pitch between the Cajuns and Jaguars will be at 6 pm tonight.

A judge has sentenced Christopher McCoy of Bunkie to six years in prison after he pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide.  Authorities say McCoy was drunk when he drove off the road and struck a tree killing his passenger Lauren Vaughn. Sean Richardson has more..

Cut 1 (34)  “…I’m Sean Richardson”

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A national survey of small businesses finds optimism increased slightly in April, but the small business optimism index remains below the 50-year average. Joe Gallinaro has more

Cut 2 (28)  “…I’m Joe Galinaro” 

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Christopher McCoy of Bunkie has pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide in the death of Lauren Vaughn. She was a 22 year-old nursing student from Alexandria and was a passenger in McCoy’s vehicle when it ran off the road and hit a tree in Avoyelles Parish. The incident happened on Good Friday in 2023. Bridgette Vaughn, Lauren’s mother, says McCoy was sentenced to six years in prison.

Cut 3 (12) “…grieving process” 

State Police says McCoy’s blood alcohol level was .15 at the time of the fatal crash.

Vaughn says her daughter’s death is a sobering lesson to make plans ahead of time for a safe drive home.

Cut 4 (06) “…drink that night.” 

With apps and ride share platforms available Vaughn asks all drivers to be responsible when getting behind the wheel and if your not sober to not drive.

Cut 5 (10)  “…drink and drive.”

Lauren Vaughn was a graduate of Louisiana Tech and three months away from receiving a nursing degree from Northwestern State’s Shreveport campus.

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A national survey finds small business optimism increased slightly in April, but NFIB’s small business optimism index remains below a 50-year average for a 28th consecutive month. NFIB state director Leah Long says there’s a lot of discouraging news about the economy

Cut 6  (11) “..right now. ” 

Long says 22-percent of owners reported that inflation was their single most important problem….

Cut 7 (06) “…make it all work.”  

Long says a staggering 91-percent of owners who either hired or tried to hire workers last month, reported they had few or no qualified applicants…

Cut 8 (06)  “…jobs out there.” 

Forty-percent of all owners reported job openings they could not fill in April.

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With crawfish season winding down, we are getting a better idea of the effects still being felt from last summer’s historic drought. LSU Ag Center Economist Kurt Guidry says the number of harvested mudbugs has been way down…

Cut 9 (09) “..Normal catch.” 

Guidry says estimates in November had production loss at around 40%, but it actually ended up being 50-60%.

Cut 10 (13) “…fish those ponds” 

Crawfish farmers got some good news last week. The USDA is changing its rules so crawfish producers can take advantage of federal disaster grants. Guidry says those dollars can be used to help reseed their ponds for next year.

Cut 11 (10) ” …tend to seed.”

Guidry says despite the efforts to reseed, production is expected to be down again next year.

Today is the deadline for Louisiana state income tax. If you haven’t filed yet don’t worry. You’ve got a little more time. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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For the past four years, driving past the Hertz building in Lake Charles has been a sad reminder of Hurricane Laura’s destruction but that is about to change. Colleen Crain explains…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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A Senate approved bill that would make the sale of consumable hemp products containing THC illegal has passed the House Criminal Justice Committee with a 7 to 5 vote and now moves onto the House floor.  Sean Richardson has more on the debate.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

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Today is the deadline to file your state income taxes. But don’t worry if you need more time. Louisiana has an automatic six-month extension to November 15, 2024. Connor Brown is a certified tax preparer for LaPorte CPAs and Business Advisors

Cut 4 (10) “…taxes that are due.”

That means if you think or know you will owe some taxes that still need to be paid by today. Otherwise, you will start accruing interest and penalties.

Brown with some methods to pay the tax man.

Cut 5 (12) “…third party provider.” 

A possible reason for making the extension automatic was a way to easy administration and the taxpayers.

Cut 6 (12) “…get the extensions.”

There is no added step for Louisiana Taxpayers, but even with the November 15^th extension 6 months away it’s no time to waste.

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The National Weather Service says multiple tornadoes touched down in southwest Louisiana on Monday. Meteorologist Jeremy Michael says two tornadoes touched down in the Lake Charles area and the other in St. Martin Parish

Cut 7 (16) “…Sulphur tornado.”

Several businesses and homes were damaged in Sulphur and its estimated peak winds were 120-miles per hours. Michael says an EF two tornado also hit Henderson in St. Martin Parish and it caused significant damage…

Cut 8 (08) “…rolled over” 

Another storm system will move into the state tomorrow. Michael says this system looks to be more of a heavy rain event than severe storms, but southwest and central Louisiana have already received enough rain for the week as rivers and bayous are at flood stage…

Cut 9 (08)  “…flash flooding.”

The highest risk for widespread heavy rainfall is north of the I-10 corridor. State health department confirms three storm related deaths from Monday’s severe weather, one woman in St. Martin Parish, a pregnant women and her fetus were also killed in Port Allen.

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The Skyline of Lake Charles is changing as the tall, mirrored Hertz building is finally coming down. It has been four years since the building sustained significant damage in Hurricane Laura leaving multiple broken glass panes to greet travelers on I-10. Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter says they are making sure the taxpayers are not footing the bill for the demolition…

Cut 10 (12) “…not own.”

Hunter says the city does not own the Hertz Building but he is among many who wanted to save it. He and city officials met with a least a dozen private developers in hopes of finding a way…

Cut 11 (09) “…this building.”

Staging for demolition will begin around May 20^th and the building is expected to come down in Late August to Early September. Hunter says city consultants are there to ensure a safe event and he promised that whatever replaces the structure will be better than the current view.

Cut 12 (12) “…Lake Charles.” 

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A Senate approved bill that would make sale of any hemp product containing THC illegal statewide has passed the House Criminal Justice Committee with a 7 to 5 vote and moves to the House floor for final legislative passage. Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressley says there are dozens of THC products available to buy that can get you high and some of them are marketed towards children…

Cut 13 (11)  “..gets you high.”

Currently, point-three-percent THC is allowed in a consumable hemp product. Pressly’s bill says none at all if it becomes law.

Joe Gerrity, CEO of Crescent Canna makes that product and disputed Senator Pressly’s testimony…

Cut 14 (11)  “..entire country.”

Gerrity says prohibiting the sale of THC in a regulated, licensed, and taxable market will only drive people back to the black market.

Joseph Jones, System Director for North Louisiana Crime Lab said a huge factor for dealing with THC products in Louisiana are the standards of dosages from one product to another.

Cut 15 (05)  “…of this industry.”

Darrell Schweiss – Executive Director of the Hemp Association of Louisiana says that he believes that this industry can be regulated and protect the thousand of Louisiana business owners that have invested in Hemp Market.

Cut 16 (10) “….3300 Louisiana businesses” 

The bill moves onto the House and if signed into law will take effect August 1.

The Louisiana Department of Health says Monday’s severe weather resulted in three storm-related deaths. Mel Bridges reports two of the fatalities occurred in West Baton Rouge Parish…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Mel Bridges”

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A bill that sought to dramatically restrict the public’s access to records within Governor Jeff Landry’s office is dead for the session. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed three-storm related deaths from yesterday’s severe weather, including a woman who was nine months pregnant. The fetus did not survive and is counted as the third storm related death.  West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s office Sergeant Landon Groger says the double fatality occurred in Port Allen when a tree fell on a trailer in which she resided…

Cut 3 (10) “…did not survive” 

The woman has been identified as 31-year-old Kristin Brown of Port Allen.

Groger says there are multiple reports of trees and powerlines down…

Cut 4 (14) “…machinery” 

A wind gust of 83 miles per hour was reportedly recorded at the nearby Erwinville Community Center at that time. Groger says they are asking the public to stay off the roads in storm damaged areas…

Cut 5 (08)  “…everyone”

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A 24-year-old woman from Texas died in St. Martin Parish from a suspected tornado. Major Ginny Higgins with the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office says the woman was in a camper…

Cut 6  (13) “..deceased. ” 

One of the St. Martin Parish’s most famous restaurants, Pat’s Fisherman’s Wharf Restaurant in Henderson sustained some damage. Higgins says the restaurant is not a total loss, but repairs will be needed…

Cut 7 (11) “…during the storm.”  

Higgins says most of the damage that occurred in St. Martin Parish is in Henderson and Cecilia…

Cut 8 (10)  “…were affected” 

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The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is in contact with local emergency partners and receiving damage assessments. GOHSEP director Jacques Thibodaux says a squall line with hurricane force winds and possible tornadoes caused damage from southwest Louisiana through south central Louisiana…

Cut 9 (08) “..160-thousand.” 

As of 1 PM this afternoon, Entergy reported 39-thousand customers without power. Governor Jeff Landry says a storm out of Texas converged with another story system coming out of the Gulf of Mexico to produce the deadly results…

Cut 10 (08) “…size” 

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West Monroe Senator Jay Morris has withdrawn his legislation that would have restricted the public release of records and internal communications from Governor Jeff Landry’s office. Morris made the announcement on the Senate floor

Cut 11 (14) ” … hide anything”

There is pushback against Governor Landry’s efforts to restrict public access to certain government records. Morris says he agrees with the governor’s desire to keep certain records out of public view, but it’s hard to find a balance between transparency and keeping government information hidden

Cut 12 (09) “…of the Senate.” 

There are still two other bills alive in the legislative session that would limit public access to state government records, but it remains to be seen if they can get approval in the Senate.

The Revenue Estimating Conference has recognized an additional $88 million for the next fiscal year budget which is good news for teachers. Colleen Crain explains.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Legislation to hold a Constitutional Convention in August still has to clear the Senate. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The USDA has changed the rules so crawfisherman impacted by low production this year because of last year’s summer heat can apply for federal disaster grants. Sean Richardson has more from a local producer

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

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Louisiana lawmakers in the House reduced teacher stipends from $2,000 to $1,700 for the 2024-25 Fiscal Year. And while the budget has yet to be heard in Senate Finance, House Appropriations Chair Jack McFarland says the Revenue Estimating Conference figures could allow for those cuts to be restored.

Cut 4 (10) “…backfill.”

The REC found an additional $88 million that can be added to the next budget year which begins July 1^st.

McFarland says when the House received the budget, they were given X amount of dollars and had to make cuts accordingly. But he points out that they did that with the anticipation that the REC would find extra monies to restore those cuts and the originally proposed teacher stipends of $2,000.

Cut 5 (12) “…at all.” 

The original amount set aside in the Executive Budget was $198 million for teacher pay stipends. Governor Jeff Landry proposed a second round of teacher stipends instead of a permanent salary increase because of anticipated future budget shortfalls. McFarland says now with additional funding from the R-E-C for the next fiscal year…

Cut 6 (08) “…executive budget.”

The current legislative session is scheduled to end June 3rd.

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A bill to hold a Constitutional Convention, in August as opposed to May, still must pass in the Senate. While Senate President Cameron Henry says a new start date is more realistic, he says there are still several unknowns about the process that will be used in June and July before the convention.

Cut 7 (10) “…August 1st.”

Henry says proposed changes made at the convention will still have to go before voters in either the November or December elections.

Cut 8 (11) “…square one.” 

Henry says there are still too many unknowns about the convention and the delegate process that he says will have to be answered before he believes the upper chamber will approve a convention.

Cut 9 (07)  “…the Senate.”

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee has yet to schedule a hearing on the constitutional convention bill. Henry says the Senate also has to focus on approving a budget.

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The USDA has announced Louisiana crawfish farmers are now covered under the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program, allowing producers to apply for federal disaster grants. Last year’s historic drought and a late-season freeze reduced production by about 200 million pounds at 45 thousand ponds. Louisiana Crawfish Processors Board Chairman David Savoy says it will take money to get production back to normal levels….

Cut 10 (05) “…in there. .”

Savoy said the funding will make a major difference and help farmers with reseeding.

Cut 11 (12) “…already.”

Savoy says supply has improved in April and May, but prices are still about a dollar more this year for boiled crawfish…

Cut 12 (05) “…come back.” 

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It’s Motorcycle Awareness Month and Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has some advice for Louisiana drivers.

Cut 13 (10)  “…difficult to see.”

And Fischer says this month isn’t just a message to drivers of trucks and cars, he’s talking to motorcyclists as well. He reminds everyone to drive the speed limit and responsibly this month and every month.

Cut 14 (05)  “…hotdogging on motorcycles.”

Even with advances in technology like lane and driver assist, it’s still best to take the time to slow down and look before you go.

Cut 15 (07)  “…motorcycle safety awareness month.”

Students may be turning off their phones and tucked away during the school day. Sean Richardson reports on a bill nearing final legislative passage that would require students to stow away their phones…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A bill to add exceptions for rape and incest to the state’s abortion ban when the victim is under the age of 17 fails in committee after emotional debate. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Since Louisiana’s latest congressional map was thrown out by a three-judge-panel, they’ve given the legislature until June 3rd to draw a new one or they will impose their own map for the November elections. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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A Senate-approved bill to require public school students to either turn off or stow away their cell phones during instructional time receives approval from the House Education Committee. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says wants to eliminate what is sometimes a major distraction from the classroom…

Cut 4 (07) “…go learn”

House Education passed the measure on a ten-to-one vote. The lone no vote was from Gray Representative Beryl Amedee….

Cut 5 (13) “…we have an avenue.” 

Shreveport Representative Michael Melerine expressed concern about students not having a phone during an emergency…

Cut 6 (11) “…active shooter situation.”

Mizell says during an active shooter situation, students should be focusing on hiding and being quiet…

Cut 7 (07) “…safety protocol.”

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Legislation to add exceptions for rape and incest to the state’s abortion ban was amended for exceptions only to apply when the victim is under the age of 17. The bill, however, failed to advance from House Criminal Justice after emotional debate. Bill author New Orleans Democrat, Representative Delisha Boyd’s mother was raped in her teens and turned to drugs to cope with the trauma and died before she was 30.

Cut 8 (07) “…these children.” 

Haughton Republican, Representative Dodie Horton says while she agrees the rape of a child is horrific, she believes the life of the unborn child should be protected.

Cut 9 (07)  “…innocent child.”

New Orleans Democrat Representative Alonzo Knox supports adding exceptions and says when the victims are children, he says forcing a child to give birth to a rapist child is unthinkable…

Cut 10 (11) “…disgusting way.”

Greenwell Springs Republican, Representative Lauren Ventrella questioned Boyd on the enforcement of the bill, asking how you would know if someone was telling the truth that they were raped. Boyd responded by asking how would you know if a nine-year-old was raped?

Cut 11 (12) “…you know?”

The age of consent in Louisiana is 17.

The bill failed to advance along party lines in a seven to four-vote.

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Legislation to hold a Constitutional Convention passes in the full House after amendments to change the start date from May 20^th to August 1^st. Bill author New Iberia Representative Beau Beaullieu says the dates were altered over concerns that the process was hasty.

Cut 12 (07) “…be rushed.” 

Instead of holding committee meetings for the convention during the ongoing session, Beaullieu says they will be held in June and July. This will allow the public to testify about the proposed state constitution changes.

Cut 13 (10)  “…have protected.”

While Beaullieu stressed the convention will be a refresh, not a rewrite of the constitution, Alexandria Representative Ed Larvadain expressed hesitation.

Cut 14 (12)  “…not true.”

The bill which needed a two-thirds majority passed on a 75 to 27 vote. The bill now heads to the Senate and Governmental Affairs committee.

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Federal judges have ordered Louisiana lawmakers to try again and draw up a Congressional map that can be used for the 2024 federal elections. The three-judge federal panel gave lawmakers until June 3rd to approve a new map. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says if the Legislature accepts the order, this would be their third try…

Cut 15 (05)  “…Supreme Court.”

The three judge panel says if the Legislature can not approve a map by June third, the court will create one on June 4th. But Secretary of State Nancy Landry says it needs a new map by May 15th in order to run a proper federal election in November. Pinsonat says the federal court system has put the state in a tough position…

Cut 16 (06)  “…more and more bizarre.”

The federal judges are also not requiring a second majority Black district if the Legislature draws a new Congressional map. Attorney General Liz Murrill says they will bring this issue to the Supreme Court this week.

Congress is honoring the late Luke Letlow by naming a post office near his hometown after him. Sean Richardson has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Sean Richardson”

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Governor Jeff Landry has signed four property insurance reform bills. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Luke Letlow, who was elected to Congress in 2020, but died from Covid before he could be seated is being honored by the U.S. House with the naming of his hometown post office. His widow and 5th district U.S.  Representative Julia Letlow spoke on the House floor.

Cut 3 (07) “..his story.” 

Letlow worked in the Jindal administration as his congressional district director and then as former Congressman Ralph Abraham’s chief of staff.

Julia Letlow is overwhelmed by this honor.

Cut 4 (08) “..are gone.” 

December 18th 2020, Luke Letlow announced he had tested positive for Covid-19, and died December 29. He was 41-years-old.

Julia Letlow told the House about her late husband’s passion.

Cut 5 (09)  “…post offices.” 

The legislation is expected to pass and the post office in Rayville on Benedette Street will be named the “Luke Letlow Post Office Building.”

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The Louisiana House has voted down a bill that would have prohibited a person from concealing a handgun if they were within 100-feet of a parade. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick voted against the measure. McCormick says this bill will only affect law abiding citizens…

Cut 6  (10) “…lower crime.” 

On July 4th, Louisiana adults will no longer need a permit to conceal carry. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry authored the legislation that tried to require a permit to conceal carry near a parade route. She’s concerned about multiple people possessing guns near Mardi Grad parades…

Cut 7 (09) “…outside bar-b-que.”  

Landry’s bill failed on a 58-38 vote. There were a few Republicans who voted for it, including Breaux Bridge Representative Chad Boyer, a former state trooper, who has provided support to the New Orleans Police Department for Mardi Gras

Cut 8 (05) “…good bill.” 

McCormick says this legislation will not keep criminals from possessing guns near a parade…

Cut 9 (09) “…laws anyhow.” 

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Governor Jeff Landry held a bill signing ceremony this morning where he signed four bills that supporters say will bring more property insurers into the state. Landry says the increased competition should result in lower premiums…

Cut 10 (12) “..our citizens” 

One of the bills signed into law phases out the three-year rule. Louisiana is the only state that prohibits an insurer from dropping a policyholder that’s been a customer for three or more years. But Pollock Representative Gabe Firment gives the insurers the ability to drop some of their older policyholders…

Cut 11 (11) ” ..in Louisiana.”

The consumer advocacy group, Real Reform Louisiana, calls this is an anti-consumer legislative package that will only result in rate increases and coverage decreases for Louisianians.

But Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says these news laws will create a more competitive and stable insurance marketplace…

Cut 12 (15) “…in Louisiana” 

A statewide poll finds Governor Jeff Landry’s approval rating at 56-percent after 100 days in office. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Lafayette native Brian Hernandez rode Mystik Dan to a win at the Kentucky Derby. Jeff Palermo reports co-owners of the horse are from Shreveport…

Cut 2 (35)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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A statewide poll conducted for the Times Picayune and the Advocate finds Governor Jeff Landry’s approval rating is 56-percent. U-L-M political science professor Pearson Cross says Landry has been busy with two special sessions and a regular session since January and voters have noticed

Cut 3 (11) “..new governor.” 

Landry received nearly 52-percent of the vote when he was elected in October.

But only 21-percent of the voters approve of how he’s handling the state’s insurance crisis. Cross says the low the percentage could be the result of voters not understanding the insurance reform legislation that’s lawmakers are debating…

Cut 4 (11) “..for them.” 

Only one percent of the respondents said a new constitution should be one of the governor’s top goals. Cross says Landry is pushing for a constitutional convention to begin on May 20th

Cut 5 (10)  “…deal with it” 

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When Corporal Jason Lee with the Baton Rouge Police took on extra duty Saturday, he never imagined it would include delivering a healthy baby boy. Lt. L’ Jean McNeely says Lee was driving down Greenwell Springs Road when he was flagged down by a woman, who’s daughter, Destiny Allen was in labor.

Cut 6  (10) “…the baby.” 

Immediately after baby Noah was born, McNeely says Lee noticed that he was having difficulty breathing.

Cut 7 (12) “…is history.”  

McNeely says it’s very fortunate that Lee was at the right place at the right time, and while it wasn’t Lee’s first time observing the miracle of birth.

Cut 8 (09) “…his first time.” 

Mom, Destiny Allen, and baby Noah are doing well and Lee has visited them at the hospital several times. Lee will be recognized for his stork duties at the BRPD’s annual awards ceremony.

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The winning horse at Saturday’s Kentucky Derby has Louisiana’s fingerprints all over it. Mystik Dan won by a nose, edging out Sierra Leone and Forever Young. Lafayette native Brian Hernandez was the jockey and Shreveport native Sharilyn Gasaway is a co-owner…

Cut 9 (07) “…this horse. 

Sharilyn owns the horse along with her husband Brent. They are graduates of Captain Shreve High School in Shreveport.

Sharilyn Gasaway says Mystik Dan’s greatest strengths are of course his speed, but he’s also very calm.

Cut 10 (07) “..150,000 people plus” 

Mystik Dan had a third place finish at the Arkansas Derby in March and won the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes in February. Sharilyn Gasaway says Mystik Dan’s win in the Southwest gave them the confidence he could win at horse racing’s biggest race…

Cut 11 (11) ” ..Derby material.”

Mystik Dan may not go for the Triple Crown. Gasaway says the Kentucky-bred horse has not fared well on two weeks rest. The Preakness is May 18th.

Today, a meeting will be held in Shreveport to decide how to finalize the state’s congressional map. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Louisiana House’s proposed budget cut $24-million from the $87 million Governor Landry proposed for Early Childhood Education. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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Passing a computer science class could soon be a must to graduate high school. Jeanne Burns has the story…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.” 

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A meeting will be held today in Shreveport to decide how to finalize the state’s congressional map after the most recent one was thrown out in court. After three years of back and forth, NAACP Legal Defense Fund attorney Jared Evans is disappointed with the ruling…

Cut 4 (11) “…Black districts.”

Evans says he and other interested parties will attend the meeting and begin the remedial process.

Cut 5 (09) “…congressional map.” 

Evans says the court will give their opinion on how the map will be decided. He says there are several options on the table, for example, they could appoint a special master to draw the map.

Cut 6 (11) “…a map.”

The timeline is tight with a Secretary of State deadline of May 15^th so candidates and voters will know their district lines for the fall election. Evans believes there’s a possibility that the deadline will be pushed.

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Departing from Governor Landry’s proposal that would maintain the 87 million dollars in the budget set aside for early childhood education, the House cut 24 million dollars from it. Executive Director of the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, Libbie Sonnier says the cut will remove 2000 children from their programs.

Cut 7 (08) “…dire.”

Sonnier says access to early education is vital in preparing children to enter kindergarten on time, read at grade level by third grade and achieve success in school. She’s concerned about an already stressed system…

Cut 8 (10) “…even worse.” 

Sonnier is hoping when the Revenue Estimating Committee meets, they will realize more money and then that the Senate will return the 24 million dollars in cuts to the early childhood education budget…

Cut 9 (11)  “…the economy.”

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A property insurance reform bill waiting for the governor’s signature would end the three-year rule. Louisiana is the only state that prohibits an insurer from canceling policies that are three years old or older. House Insurance Chairman Gabe Firment says the legislation allows insurance companies to manage their risks better

Cut 10 (11) “…everybody else.”

Firment’s legislation only gives insurers the ability to cancel up to five percent of its total policholders in Louisiana and no more than five-percent in a single parish.

But New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard is concerned that removing this consumer protection policy will result in more homeowners relying on Citizens Insurance, which is 10-percent more expensive than the private market

Cut 11 (11) “…(x2) riskiest policies.”

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says by reducing regulations on insurance providers, it will result in more companies writing homeowners policies. But Ben Riggs, executive director of Real Reform Louisiana, says repealing the three year rule will not spur on more competition among private insurance carriers…

Cut 12 (09) “…less available” 

Temple says ending the three-year rule is just one of several reform measures that will help bring more insurance companies to Louisiana

Cut 13 (08)  “…to Louisiana.”

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The Louisiana Senate could give final legislative approval today to a bill requiring high schoolers to pass a computer science course to graduate. New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes says the requirement takes effect for the 2027-28 school year

Cut 14 (08)  “…this bill.”

Hughes says the legislation would also require the passage of a computer science course to be eligible for TOPS. Hughes says having computer skills is a necessity…

Cut 15 (08)  “..today’s workforce”

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The LSU baseball team won a series over top-ranked Texas A-and-M over the weekend. The Tigers had a chance to sweep but gave up nine runs in the fifth inning in a 14-4 loss to the Aggies. Coach Jay Johnson says they held down a powerful A-and-M offense as long as they could

Cut 16 (15)  “..from us.”

The Tigers won the first two games of the series by the identical scores of six to four. Johnson says they got great pitching performances from Gage Jump, Luke Holman, Griffin Herring and Christian Little and some clutch hitting…

Cut 17 (17) “…we’re doing that”

Six more SEC games are left, and the Tigers are 9-15 in the SEC. The goal for LSU is to get to at least 13 wins to give them a shot at an at-large berth into the NCAA Tournament. Johnson says they put themselves in position…

Cut 18 (20)  “… we’re in the fight.”

When it comes to education, the Council for a Better Louisiana isn’t pleased with the budget cuts proposed by the the House. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The legendary rock band, The Rolling Stones, had a memorable performance at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival on Thursday. Jeff Palermo has a recap…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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The budget passed in the House last week, cut $24 million from early childhood education and reduced teacher pay stipends from $2,000 to $1,700. President of the Council for a Better Louisiana, Barry Erwin says it sends a bad message and it’s discouraging…

Cut 3 (13) “…a difference.” 

Erwin says lawmakers are aware of the ongoing teacher shortage and cutting their pay will most likely make things worse.

Cut 4 (11) “….gets cut.” 

Erwin says a solid early childhood education reduces one’s likelihood of a life of crime and after a session dedicated to crime reforms, but yet they reduced funding for such a vital program sends a mixed message.

Cut 5 (12)  “…direction.” 

Erwin says he’s hopeful the Senate will restore the cuts in these critical areas.

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Louisiana Tech raised $1.96 million on Giving Day this year. The fundraiser was held on April 18^th and LA Tech President Jim Henderson says they received donations from over 800 different donors, like students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, corporate partners, and community members.

Cut 6  (10) “…they live.” 

He says donations ranged from five dollars to six figures.

Donations will go towards funding a variety of programs at the university.

Cut 7 (11) “…our campus.”  

Henderson says they want to continue to build programs and the theme of this year’s Giving Day was “Fulfilling our Potential.”

Cut 8 (09) “…focused manner.” 

Henderson says they are extremely grateful for the outpouring of donations to the university.

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The Rolling Stones long awaited appearance at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is getting fantastic reviews. 40-thousand were on hand to see the British Rockers perform a two-hour, 18-song set list. President of New Orleans and Company Walt Leger says you would never guess frontman Mick Jagger is 80 years old

Cut 9 (08) “..amazing show” 

One of the highlights was New Orleans soul queen, Irma Thomas, singing “Time is on My Side” which was the first Top 10 American hit for the Rolling Stones in 1964. Thomas also released her version of that song the same year. Leger says it was a nice Jazz Fest touch…

Cut 10 (12) “..really cool.” 

After performing their hit song “Satisfaction” Jagger took the opportunity to take a jab at Governor Jeff Landry for his anti LGBTQ polices. Jagger said Landry is  inclusive and trying to bring the state back to the Stone age.

Landry answered back on the social media platform “X” and said the only person who might remember the stone age is Mick Jagger. And finished the post by saying Jagger is always welcomed in Louisiana. President of the Louisiana Radio Network and political analyst Jim Engster says….

Cut 11 (08) ” …sense of humor.”

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A murder suspect was arrested in Natchitoches Parish after he called authorities seeking assistance for a flat tire. Chief of operations for the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jimmy Travis, says 25-year-old Jerome Wilson of Hammond was wanted in the stabbing death of 31-year-old Carol Allen of New Orleans.

Cut 12 (10) “…roadside assistance” 

Allen was a sex worker and the two met through an escort service. Travis says she was killed in her car.

Cut 13 (14) “…stabbed her”

Travis says Wilson has a history of armed robbery against female…

Cut  14 (12) “…offense.” 

Travis says Wilson’s motive was likely robbery and they believe Allen put up a fight.