Summer is approaching and routines are changing. Safety advocates are urging parents and caregivers to take action to prevent the horrible tragedy of a child dying in a hot car. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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While trying to escape during a transport from the Catahoula Correctional Center, an inmate was fatally shot. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Louisiana leads the nation on a per capita basis for the number of children who died from being in a hot car too long. Since 1998, 36 kids in Louisiana lost their life from Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Greg Fisher says if you have small children, keep your vehicles locked…

Cut 3 (08) “…huge problem.” 

Fisher says Pediatric Vehicular Homicide can happen quickly in a parked car. He says temperatures can rise 10 to 15 degrees in as little as 15 minutes

Cut 4 (11) “.194 degrees.” 

Fisher says another hot summer is approaching and routines are changing with kids getting out of school. He says there have been several cases of parents forgetting they had a small child in the backseat

Cut 5 (12)  “…forget.” 

Fisher says the best way to preventing these tragedies is for every parent and caregiver to understand that this can happen to anybody.

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A Catahoula Correctional Center Inmate was fatally shot after allegedly faking an illness during transport and attacking two correctional officers. Lt. Jared Sandifer with the Louisiana State Police says it happened just outside of St. Francisville Wednesday morning.

Cut 6  (12) “…this situation.” 

The inmate has been identified as 46-year-old Raymond Huddleston of Baton Rouge. He was being transported to a court hearing.

Sandifer says Huddleston was able to disarm one of the correctional officers, and that officer was able to retrieve the firearm. He says Huddleston also tried to drive off in the van.

Cut 7 (10) “…towards him.”  

Despite officers rendering aid after Huddleston was shot, he died from his injuries.  Sandifer says state police are investigating and it appears before Huddleston faked a seizure, he was able to remove his restraints.

Cut 8 (13) “…combative.” 

The officers were treated and released for minor injuries. A second inmate who was in the van was not involved and uninjured.

This is an active investigation.

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The Louisiana Workforce Commission reports the number of seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs increased by 500 from February to March and by 11-hundred since March 2023. Chief Economist for the L-W-C Emily Dipalma says the state has recorded 36 consecutive months of over-the-year-gains in nonfarm employment…

Cut 9 (08) “..March 2024” 

The Baton Rouge metro area led the state with 19-hundred jobs added since February. New Orleans added 15-hundred jobs. Dipalma says the rest of Louisiana’s metro areas added or lost a few hundred jobs….

Cut 10 (11) “..couple hundred jobs each.” 

Dipalma says construction had the largest gains for seasonally adjusted jobs over the month…

Cut 11 (12) ” …our data.”

Legendary rock Band, the Rolling Stones, make their long-awaited appearance at the New Orleans Jazz Fest today. Michelle Southern has the story…

Cut 1 (40) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

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Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields says he’s still running for the 6^th congressional district even though the lines of that district are still to be determined.

Cut 2 (32)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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State lawmakers have convinced the Landy Administration to participate in the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer Program which helps feed children from needy families. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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The Rolling Stones, kick off the second weekend of Jazz Fest with a special performance at the New Orleans Fairgrounds at 5 PM today. Jazz Fest producer Quint Davis says the legendary rock band was booked to play at Jazz Fest in 2019, but Mick Jagger had heart issues. It was rescheduled for 2020, but canceled because of Covid.  He says it worked out this year as the Stones just started a new tour across the U-S and Canada…

Cut 4 (11) “…on Thursday”

The Stones play Jazz Fest as their second stop in the “Hackney Diamonds” tour, and sometimes with older acts and busy festivals, you can’t always get what you want, but Davis says that they haven’t missed a beat as their Houston performance was given electric reviews.

Cut 5 (12) “…over two hours.” 

The Rolling Stones are just one of many great artists scheduled to play this weekend. Foo Fighters, Neil Young, and Queen Latifa are also on the schedule. Davis says the weather is also cooperating so this could be one of the best Jazz Fests’ ever…

Cut 6 (13) “…all time festivals.”

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Louisiana is the only state without a finalized congressional map and Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields announced that he would run for the 6^th district from the map state lawmakers approved in January with two majority-black congressional districts After three years of back and forth, Fields says it’s time for the Supreme Court to settle the matter…

Cut 7 (11) “…at all now.”

A meeting is set for Monday for all interested parties in Shreveport. But in the meantime, Fields says it’s in the cards that he’s running…

Cut 8 (09) “…look like.” 

The Secretary of State’s Office has stood firm on a May 15^th deadline for a map to be finalized for the fall election. As far as Fields is concerned after multiple court cases and legislative sessions to draw the map, it’s time to go to the highest court.

Cut 9 (07)  “…them decide.”

Congressman Garret Graves says he’s running for re-election to the 6^th congressional district.

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Senate President Cameron Henry says at the urging of state lawmakers the Landry administration has decided to participate in a federal summer feeding program that provides 40-dollars a month per child to needy families. Henry says the decision comes after a meeting with leaders of DCFS and the Department of Education…

Cut 10 (08) “…working together.”

In February, Governor Landry announced the state would not opt into the Summer EBT program. A spokesperson for the governor said it was a pandemic era related program that costs seven million dollars and the pandemic is over. DCFS Secretary David Matlock says the state should be more focused on a pathway to self-suffiency.

But House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says this is a program that could serve as many as 450-thousand children. He says an investment of three-point-six million dollars will lead to 71-million dollars in federal money

Cut 11 (07) “…,money”

McFarland says he’s heard from constituents who relied on the summer EBT program the last two summers and the Landry administration should make it available this summer…

Cut 12 (08) “…to do.” 

Summer EBT officially begins June 4th. Congress passed a law which was signed by President Biden that made the program permanent.

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Louisiana’s homestead exemption will not be changed as part of the proposed rewrite of the state’s constitution. New Iberia Representative Beau Beaullieu has amended his constitutional convention bill to protect the homestead exemption in the state constitution

Cut 13 (11)  “…to protect.”

Beaullieu also amended the legislation so the K-through-12th grade public school financing formula can not be touched. And Beaullieu has also removed the language that allows for private funding to pay for the convention…

Cut 14 (04)  “…(x2) for sale.”

A vote on Beaullieu’s bill that calls for a constitutional convention to begin later this month was scheduled for a vote on Wednesday. But after the amendments were added, the bill was put back on the calendar…

Cut 15 (10)  “…2024.”

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The Ragin Cajuns baseball team is heading into what could be their toughest series yet when they face Troy this weekend. UL-Lafayette is currently on top of the Sun Belt Conference standings at 17 and 4 while Troy is at 14 and 7. Cajuns Coach Matt Deggs has a healthy respect for the Trojans.

Cut 16 (17)  “…their ballpark.”

The Ragin Cajuns have only lost one series this season in Sun Belt play. The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers took advantage of the Cajuns mistakes and took two out of three games at their home park. Deggs says that keeping “freebies” under control will significantly help the Cajuns win their tough road series against Troy.

Cut 17 (20) “…of them.”

The Cajuns and Trojans will face off Friday with first pitch at 6 pm and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

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The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs will travel to take on the New Mexico State Aggies this weekend. The Bulldogs lead Conference USA with an 11-4 record. Tech Head Coach Lane Burroughs says going to New Mexico is a new experience for many of his coaches and players, but they are excited to play in Las Cruces

Cut 18 (16)  “…Coach Fouts.”

The Bulldogs pitching staff will have their hands full this weekend as New Mexico State leads Conference USA in batting percentage with an average of .304 this season. Their ball park in Las Cruces, New Mexico slightly favors hitters and Burroughs has taken note of this important information.

Cut 19 (20) “…at home.” 

The Bulldogs are on a 6 game winning streak dating back to their series clinching win over Dallas Baptist University on April 21st. Bulldogs Coach Burroughs says that he is proud of how his team has performed this season and that LA Tech has put themselves in a really good position to make a run in the postseason.

Cut 20 (20) “…. can ask.”

The Bulldogs and Aggies face off Friday with first pitch at 7 pm and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

Louisiana is expected to see heavy rainfall during overnight hours. Bill Jacquemin has information on a flash flood watch that’s been posted for a large portion of the state….

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Bill Jacquemin”

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Congressman Garret Graves, whose district was heavily altered in the most recent congressional map, was among the plaintiffs who filed suit against that map that was overturned Tuesday.

Cut 2 (28)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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In a historic move, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency is looking to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug. Peter Robins-Brown with Louisiana Progress says with close to 40 states having medical marijuana and two dozen with legalized recreational use….

Cut 3 (12) “…their ways.” 

In terms of what that means for Louisiana in terms of medicinal cannabis…

Cut 4 (08) “..medicine.” 

Currently, marijuana is in the same classification as heroin and LSD. If approved, it would change from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III.

In terms of this allowing legalized recreational use in Louisiana….

Cut 5 (08)  “…the state.” 

The DEA proposal will still have to be reviewed by the White House Office of Management and Budget. Robins-Brown says if approved it acknowledges the medicinal use of marijuana and at the same time recognizes that cannabis has lesser potential for abuse. The proposal, however, does not legalize recreational use.

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14 people that were part of a large Pro-Palestine protester encampment on Tulane’ campus were arrested as over 100 police officers moved in to break up the protest up. The group set up an encampment on Monday after a march in support of Palenstine. NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says after two nights of letting them demonstrate, it was time to go

Cut 6  (10) “…them room.” 

Tulane says they wanted the protestors to be removed, because they they were in violation of trespassing laws on public property and they wanted to return to a normal day at Tulane. Some protesters complained they were injured. Witnesses say police outnumbered protestors two to one in an effort to remove them from an area in front of Gibson Hall along St. Charles Avenue. Kirkpatrick says they will review video from surveillance cameras

Cut 7 (12) “…the other.”  

The university says the majority of the protestors are not affiliated with the school.

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Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves was among the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against the state’s congressional map, which was overturned by Tuesday’s two-to-one court decision. They agreed that race was the predominant factor for the map that changed his district into a majority-black one. As for what’s next…

Cut 8 (12) “…new maps” 

State Attorney General Liz Murrill says the state will appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court so the map lawmakers passed in January will stand.

Graves says the most recent map resembled one that the courts ruled was unconstitutional based on race in the 90s. As the map remains in limbo, Graves says he wants to concentrate on more pressing issues.

Cut 9 (12) “…facing.” 

With a panel set to convene on May 6^th to decide the next step in drawing a map for the fall election, Graves wants to look at ways to improve infrastructure and reduce crime in his district.

Cut 10 (11) “…themselves.” 

The Secretary of State’s Office has set a May 15th deadline for a congressional map to be used in the fall election. Qualifying is mid-July.

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Georgia Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Green says will call for a vote to remove Mike Johnson from Bossier Parish as Speaker of the House. Green says she voted for Johnson to lead the House because he was a conservative, but his views have changed…

Cut 11 (13) ” …us recognize.”

Greene said at a press conference today she’ll call for a vote next week. But Democrats plan to table the motion. House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar from California

Cut 12 (11) “…pressing issues” 

A motion to table Greene’s resolution would be a procedural move to keep it from it ever reaching the floor.

Greene is upset Johnson supported a military spending bill that sent hundreds of millions of dollars to Ukraine, who is fighting off a Russian invasion. She also does not like the relationship Johnson has developed with Democrats

Cut 13 (11) “…they want”

Johnson released a statement that says a motion to remove him as Speaker is wrong for the Republican Conference, wrong for the institution, and wrong for the country.

A bill to define the parameters of a parade route for gun-free zones advances from House Governmental Affairs. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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 Xavier University and Ochsner Health are teaming to bring the first HBCU Medical College to the Gulf Coast. Colleen Crain has the story.

Cut 2 (32)  “I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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Big vote today on the House floor as the bill that calls for a constitutional convention is up for debate this afternoon. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Legislation to better define gun-free zone laws pertaining to parade routes advances from House Criminal Justice. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry’s bill clarifies that guns are not permitted within 100 feet of the center line of a parade route and it does not apply to law enforcement or…

Cut 4 (12) “…to them.”

President of the Louisiana Shooting Association, Dan Zelenka, spoke in opposition…

Cut 5 (06) “…themselves.” 

New Orleans Representative Alonzo Knox reminded gun advocates who spoke in opposition that local law enforcement supports laws for a gun-free parade zone.

Cut 6 (14) “…my area.”

The bill passed on an eight to five vote and heads to the Full House.

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New Orleans will be home to the Gulf Coast’s only HBCU Medical School. Founding Dean Dr. Leo Seoane (Swan ee) says Xavier Ochsner Colleen of Medicine will transform generations of young black and brown lives…

Cut 7 (09) “…nationwide.”

The school will be in Benson Tower which is undergoing renovations to make way for the medical college.

It could be three years before accreditations, hiring, and renovations are complete and Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine is ready to begin training physicians. Seoane (Swan ee) says there’s an urgent need because the doctor shortage is growing…

Cut 8 (11) “…medical school.” 

Seoane (Swan ee), a first-generation Cuban American says training minority physicians is especially important because health outcomes for minorities are worse when their physicians don’t represent them…

Cut 9 (11)  “…for it.”

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The Louisiana House is set to vote today on a bill that calls for a constitutional convention to begin on May 20th. The Landry Administration says reorganization is needed so state lawmakers can avoid making deep cuts to health care and education when there are budget deficits. Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson supports the effort…

Cut 10 (10) “…on the ballot.”

Louisiana’s constitution was created in 1974 and over the last 50 years it’s been amended 216 times. Nelson says there are sections of the state constitution that should be moved into state law, so that’s the main emphasis of a proposed constitutional convention

Cut 11 (08) “…make it better”

There is opposition to holding a constitutional convention this year. Alfreda Tillman Bester, with the group ten-thousand women, says the public remains in the dark regarding exact proposed changes to the constitution…

Cut 12 (14) “…rewritten.” 

The constitutional convention would begin May 20th and organizers believe it will take two weeks to complete. HB 800 will need 70 votes in the 105-member House to advance to the Senate.

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The fate of Louisiana’s congressional map is up in the air again after a two-to-one ruling throws out the map lawmakers approved in January with a second majority-black district. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat describes the ruling as stunning and incredible…

Cut 13 (08)  “…this fall.”

The ruling was handed down after a federal lawsuit was filed on behalf of some Republicans on the grounds the January map was racial gerrymandering.

The Secretary of State’s Office has stated they needed a map in place by May 15^th for the fall election. And with a constitutional convention possibly in the works to begin May 20^th Pinsonat says there are several complications and multiple twists and turns in the map saga.

Cut 14 (14)  “…this controversary.”

As for the next chapter, Pinsonat expects the ruling will be appealed to the State Supreme Court…

Cut 15 (14)  “…any of this.”

Qualifying for the fall elections is mid-July

State Attorney General Liz Murrill issued a statement that she’s still reviewing the ruling and the state plans to appeal to the State Supreme Court.

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The Pelicans won 49 games in the regular season, but had zero victories in the postseason. Executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin says there are several positives to take away from the just completed season, but changes will be needed in order to make some noise in the Western Conference playoffs

Cut 16 (11)  “…do that.”

A bright spot was the play of Zion Williamson, who played in a career-high 70 games and led the team in scoring, averaging nearly 23 points a game. Griffin says it was disheartening to see Williamson injure his hamstring in the play-in tournament…

Cut 17 (23) “…intends to go.”

Williamson says having joy in playing basketball helped him have one of his better seasons…

Cut 18 (13)  “…is something.”

Opelousas High School can once again say they are state champs in football. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A Senate bill to make it a crime with harsh penalties to poison a pregnant woman without her consent with an abortion pill advances from House Criminal Justice.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Opelousas High School can once again say they are state champions in football. In February, the LHSAA stripped the school of its title over the alleged use of an ineligible player last season, but coach Jimmy Zachery says an agreement with the LHSAA brings the title back to Opelousas…

Cut 3 (12) “…what we earned.” 

In December, Opelousas won its first state championship in football when it defeated Cecilia 26-13. In late February, the LHSAA stripped Opelousas of its title. Zachery thanks the school board and St. Landry Parish Superintendent Milton Batiste who had his back…

Cut 4 (08) “..keep fighting” 

Zachery will remain on probation for one year, but will be allowed to coach the team in 2024. He says his main concern was making sure Opelousas retained a championship it rightfully deserved…

Cut 5 (11)  “..thrilling man” 

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Legislation inspired by a Shreveport native Catherine Herring, whose husband poisoned her with an abortion pill in Texas, but only spent 180 in jail advances from Louisiana’s House Criminal Justice Committee. Herring is the sister of bill sponsor Senator Thomas Pressly, who says the bill creates the crime of coerced criminal abortion by fraud….

Cut 6  (10) “…an abortion.” 

Pressly says the Louisiana bill of criminalized coerced abortion in the first trimester would be punishable by imprisonment of no less than five, no more than 10 years.

Cut 7 (09) “…maximum.”  

Herring was able to receive an abortion reversing medication in time to save her daughter, but  Josephine does have health complications as a result.

Cut 8 (13) “…political parties.” 

The bill has passed in the Senate and is headed to the full House.

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The Louisiana House is expected to vote tomorrow on legislation that would result in the state holding a constitutional convention starting on May 20th and end as early as June 3rd. La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says several legislators are concerned with the speed that this happening…

Cut 9 (06) “…few weeks.” 

A two-thirds vote is needed in the House for the constitutional convention proposal to advance to the Senate. Alford says it appears the voters are there in the House for it to pass…

Cut 10 (09) “..this convention.” 

A constitutional convention would let 171 delegates, most of them state lawmakers, make significant changes to the state’s constitution that would require voter approval on November 5th.

Governor Landry says the current constitution is too restrictive and forces state lawmakers to make big cuts to education and health care when there’s a budget deficit.

Alford says Landry has said the constitutional convention is a chance to reorganize the state constitution…

Cut 11 (12) ” …budget cuts.”

A small town in north Louisiana is mourning the loss of a police officer, killed while on duty on Saturday. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Legislation to hold a constitutional convention heads to the Full House, after costs were discussed in House Appropriations. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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In Lincoln Parish, a Dubach police officer was killed while conducting a traffic stop on U-S 167 just south of Hamilton Road. State Police spokesperson Ryan Davis says officer Russell Croxton’s police vehicle was hit by a truck driver from Arkansas who didn’t see Croxton’s police vehicle in the right lane…

Cut 3 (05) “…flashing lights.” 

61-year-old Michael Sutterfield of Russellville, Arkansas was the driver of the truck. After making impact with Croxton’s police vehicle, Davis says Sutterfield’s commercial motor vehicle hit Croxton…

Cut 4 (11) “..injuries” 

Davis says this is a reminder to obey the “Move Over” law. He says if you see an emergency vehicle stopped with its emergency lights activated, please reduce your speed and change lanes to give first responders room to operate safely…

Cut 5 (11)  “..investigation.” 

Croxton’s father, Ruston Police Sergeant Raymond Croxton, also died while on duty. He was killed in 1978 in a traffic crash while pursuing a suspect.

Russell Croxton was a police officer for 17 years. He started with the Dubach Police Department in 2007, left to work for another agency and just returned to the Dubach Police Department two weeks ago.

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Legislation to hold a constitutional convention beginning May 20^th advances from House Appropriations. Bill author New Iberia Representative Beau Beaullieu told committee members were told the convention would cost 63-thousand-dollars if it wraps by June 3^rd, but the cost could grow to 1.5 million if it concludes in mid-July.

Cut 6  (11) “…our per diem.” 

Beaullieu was asked if overtime for legislative staff was also considered along with rental space if it can’t be held the House chamber. He says they were not included.

Beaullieu told Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley the bill was crafted from previous convention bills and donations could help cover the costs.

Cut 7 (12) “…need to.”  

Because little details of what will be discussed in the constitutional convention, Bagley believes outside funding is a concern.

Cut 8 (10) “…on a fire.” 

The bill passed on a 14 to 6 vote, along party lines and advances to the House floor.

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Three Kenner Police officers shot during a lengthy standoff with a gunman on Sunday have been released from the hospital. The gunman, Matthew Lathers, was killed. Lathers exchanged gunfire with both Kenner Police officers and Jefferson Parish deputies. Sheriff Joe Lopinto says a member of his SWAT team fatally shot Lathers

Cut 9 (04) “…in time.” 

Lopinto says Lathers was wanted for an armed robbery and an attempted murder that occurred last week. The sheriff says the incident started when Lathers shot two people sitting in a vehicle outside of his home…

Cut 10 (06) “..fired upon them.” 

At last report, one of the victims shot in the vehicle was listed in critical condition.

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Louisiana is joining several other states in a lawsuit against the federal government over new Title IX rules that expand protections to LGBTQ-plus students in a classroom setting. Attorney General Liz Murrill on what the new rules mean for every school that receives federal funding

Cut 11 (11) ” …as well.”

Murrill says these new rules will result in transgender women sharing bathrooms, locker rooms and perhaps even lodging on overnight field trips with biological girls. She says the federal government is telling colleges and universities to disregard the concept of biological sex…

Cut 12 (07) “…biological women.” 

State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley has already told public schools not to follow the revised Title IX rules….

Cut 13 (06) “…across the country”

Transgender advocates say the new rules are needed in Louisiana as the state legislature seeks to pass the legislation that goes against treating everyone with dignity and respect.

Several property insurance reform bills expected to bring more insurers into Louisiana are headed to the governor’s desk. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A bill to make edible items that contain THC like gummies could soon be illegal in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The investigation of Ware Youth Center in Red River Parish prompted by a 2022 New York Times report alleging poor conditions including abuse and 64 suicide attempts is complete. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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Several property insurance reform bills have received final legislative passage, including a measure Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says will create simple, clear timelines for the claims process

Cut 4 (12) “…quicker.”

Temple is talking about Senate Bill 323 which will give insurance companies 60 days, instead of 30 days for a qualified adjuster to the start claims process. He says the additional time will lead to a better claims process instead of a rushed one that could result in a lawsuit.

House Bill 611 has also received a final legislative passage. Insurers are prohibited from canceling a homeowners insurance policy if the company has insured the policyholder for three years or more. Temple says House Bill 611 allows insurers to drop some policies after three years

Cut 5 (06) “…for them.” 

Temple’s insurance reform legislation seeks to reduce regulations to create a more friendly insurance writing market, which he believes will drive up competition, stabilizing insurance premiums.

Another bill heading to the governor’s desk removes an end date on the popular fortified roof program. Temple says this shows insurance companies Louisiana has a long-term commitment to resiliency…

Cut 6 (06) “…toward that.”

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Edibles containing THC, like gummies, could soon be illegal in Louisiana. Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly says his legislation does not impact the highly regulated medical marijuana industry, he’s going after the recreational hemp industry that he says misled lawmakers.

Cut 7 (10) “…of children.”

Pressly says there are more than 2,200 locations in the state selling THC products and he’s gravely concerned about the ATC’s lack of regulatory ability to inspect them.

Senate Bill 237 removes a loophole that allows hemp products to contain up to half a milligram of THC per serving or package. Pressly used the example of THC gummies.

Cut 8 (11) “…and safety.” 

Even with an age requirement to purchase hemp products in Louisiana, Pressly says they are easily getting into the hands of minors. He says there have been reported cases of psychosis in children.

Cut 9 (12)  “…the effects.”

The bill passed in the Senate on a 27 to 9 vote and was assigned to the House Criminal Justice.

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After three years and nine announced and unannounced visits to the facility, the State Inspector General’s Office has completed its investigation of conditions at Ware Youth Center in Red River Parish. Inspector General Stephen Street says the goal was to determine current conditions and whether the facility was suitable to house juveniles going forward…

Cut 10 (07) “…suitable place.”

In 2022 the New York Times reported allegations of abuse and at least 64 suicide attempts at the facility prompting then Governor Edwards to request an investigation. Street says his office was able to review unredacted files and found the same 5 of the highest offending juveniles were often involved…

Cut 11 (11) “…actually occurred.”

Street says reporting procedures were also an issue as they lacked objective criteria for labeling incidents…

Cut 12 (13) “…other categories.” 

Street says OIG staff visits every facility operated by OJJ in the State of Louisiana and Ware currently compares favorably to them.

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If you have illegally tinted windows or a cover obscuring your license plate, Louisiana State Troopers are giving you a heads-up they’ll be issuing citations the first full week of May. Trooper First Class Ross Brennan…

Cut 13 (12)  “…plates are obscured.”

Brennan says there will be a concentrated effort on window tint law in Lafourche, Terrebonne, Assumption, the West banks of St. Charles, St. John, and St. James Parishes.

Brennan says excessively dark tinted windows create a driving hazard for motorists, especially when it’s dark outside, it’s like wearing sunglasses at night and driving. He says dark tint on your front or side windows…

Cut 14 (10)  “…pulling out.”

Another concern Brennan says is the difficulty obscured license plates and dark windows present identifying motorists and vehicles.

Cut 15 (12)  “…place coverings.”

Louisiana law requires front window tint to have light transmission of at least 40-percent, side windows 25-percent and rearmost windows 12-percent.

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The Saints selected five players in the draft on Saturday and the highlight was South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler. Rattler was a five-star recruit coming out of high school in Arizona. He had ups and downs during college but finished at South Carolina throwing for 31-hundred yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions last season. Coach Dennis Allen likes the potential of Rattler…

Cut 16 (17)  “…as a quarterback.”

Rattler says he felt the Saints would draft him after spending a couple of days with the team during a pre-draft visit…

Cut 17 (17) “…got me.”

Rattler started his college career at Oklahoma but was benched his sophomore season. He transferred to South Carolina. In 2022, he led the Gamecocks to huge victories over Tennessee and Clemson. Last year, Carolina struggled to a 5-7 record because of several injuries to guys on the offensive line…

Cut 18 (20)  “…I’m prepared.”

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The LSU Tigers missed out on sweeping the Auburn Tigers this past weekend, losing the series finale seven to five on Sunday. Coach Jay Johnson’s team is 7-14 in the SEC and will need to finish strong to make the NCAA Tournament…

Cut 19 (16) “…last eight.” 

LSU fell behind five to nothing after the first inning on Sunday. Kade Anderson got the start and couldn’t get out of the first inning. Johnson didn’t go to his best reliever, Griffin Herring, until the second inning. He says Herring was on a pitch count and didn’t want to bring him in the middle of an inning…

Cut 20 (20) “…..constraints.”

Twenty-one individuals in Shreveport and Bossier City are under indictment in a federal bank fraud case. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Crawfish prices have dropped another 50-cents and with an average  price of live mudbugs at $2.99 a pound, this could be the lowest prices of the season. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The Saints need offensive linemen and the Black and Gold believe they got a starter for years to come. With the 14th pick in the first round of the NFL draft, New Orleans selected Oregon State offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga (Tall-ee-s-a   Foo-ah-gah). Coach Dennis Allen says it’s not every time that a team’s need matches the best player available

Cut 3 (08) “…that time.” 

Fuaga (Foo-ah-gah) is expected to get an opportunity to start at right tackle, especially if Ryan Ramczyk is not able to play because of right knee. Allen says Fuaga caught their eye at the NFL draft scouting combine…

Cut 4 (10) “..love with him.” 

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Three LSU Tigers were selected in the first round of the NFL draft and the next Tiger that could be chosen is defensive tackle Maason Smith from Houma. W-W-L radio draft expert Mike Detillier says Smith had a disappointing season last year, but he has a lot of potential…

Cut 5 (11)  “…this league.” 

In the first round, Washington selected Jayden Daniels, the Giants picked Malik Nabers and Jacksonville drafted Brian Thomas Junior.

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With 38 years under their belt, Festival International is still going strong. President of the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission, Ben Berthelot says the event is a great way to draw tourists from across the globe to the city for the first time.

Cut 6  (10) “…great music.” 

Berthelot says that the five-day event is not only the largest international music festival in the world but it’s also free.

The event attracts more than 300,000 visitors from 42 different states and 10 different countries to Acadiana.

Cut 7 (12) “…our community.”  

Berthelot says Festival International is a great way to celebrate the state’s French heritage and it was created in 1986 when the oil and gas industry was suffering.

Cut 8 (13) “…support it.” 

Berthelot says the festival is a great opportunity to hear music from all over in downtown Lafayette.

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Twenty-one people from Shreveport and Bossier City face federal bank fraud charges for allegedly stealing nearly seven million dollars from U-S-A-A customers. U-S Attorney Brandon Brown says several employees at the Teleperformance Call Center in Shreveport obtained account information and shared it with others..

Cut 9 (11) “…gain.” 

Brown says many military service members and elderly residents who did banking with U-S-A-A and did not check their accounts regularly had money taken from their account in 2021 and 2022…

Cut 10 (08) “…bank account balances.” 

Brown says the stolen bank information was used to issue counterfeit checks and others were recruited to deposit checks into their bank accounts in exchange for money…

Cut 11 (12) ” …individuals.”

Most of the people indicted in this case are in their 20s.

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In addition to Louisiana hosting two world-renowned festivals this weekend, crawfish prices have dropped to new lows. Crawfish App co-founder Laney King says the average price for a pound of live mudbugs in the Bayou State is $2.99.

Cut 12 (10) “…couple of weeks.” 

The average price for boiled crawfish is $5.29 a pound.

Since the Crawfish App was created eight years ago, King says this season, by far, has been the most unusual due to the severe drought last August.

Cut 13 (12) “…little bit more.”

With prices down another 50-cents this week, King says it’s all about supply and demand, so you don’t want to miss the opportunity for what appears to be the lowest prices of the 2024 mudbug season.

Cut  14 (11) “…from consumers.” 

In addition to Louisiana, The Crawfish App also surveys the average prices in Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida panhandle.

Two of the state’s biggest festivals are this weekend and the tourism impact on the state is far and wide. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Last night, the Department of Transportation hosted a construction kick-off meeting for the new 4-lane Jimmie Davis Bridge over the Red River in northwest Louisiana. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 2 (34)  “I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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The Louisiana House has sent a 47-billion dollar spending plan to the Senate. Jeff Palermo reports the budget proposal includes 166-million dollars to provide bonus pay for teachers…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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It’s a huge festival weekend in Louisiana with Festival International and Jazz Fest. Both attract visitors from all over the world and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says it’s not only Lafayette and New Orleans that see a boost in tourists.

Cut 4 (13) “…over Louisiana.”

Nungesser says Jazz Fest has a $300 million impact on New Orleans, which is more than the Super Bowl, and Festival International has a $49 million impact on Lafayette.  He says state parks and hotels are booked with visitors for both events.

Cut 5 (12) “…footprint.” 

And while the two festivals are huge tourist draws for the state, Nungesser says it’s the locals’ southern hospitality that’s responsible for return visits.

Cut 6 (12) “…for more.”

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A new Jimmie Davis Bridge over the Red River is coming to Bossier and Caddo Parishes. DOTD held a Kick-off meeting for the community last night at Barksdale Baptist Church to provide information and answer questions. Public Information Officer Erin Buchanan says the existing 60-year-old 2-lane bridge is being replaced with a …

Cut 7 (10) “…every day”

The project is slated to start Mid to Late May and take about two and a half years. Buchanan says DOTD handed out detour maps and construction phasing information, so the community knows what to expect and isn’t surprised.

Cut 8 (09) “…businesses too.” 

When the new bridge is completed, Buchanan says the bridge currently being used is getting an exciting makeover…

Cut 9 (11)  “…like that.”

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The Louisiana House approved a budget for the next fiscal year that contains 166 million dollars in bonus pay for teachers. According to House leaders that equals a stipend of about 17-hundred dollars, but Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says it will vary…

Cut 10 (09) “…districts need.”

The spending bill heads to the Senate and there’s still time to provide more money for teacher pay. Teachers received a two-thousand dollar stipend this year, so they are set to receive a little less this year.

McFarland says lawmakers are also committed to spending 3-point-5 million dollars so the state can receive 70-million dollars in federal aid that low-income families can use to help pay for lunches when kids are out of school. DCFS is concerned it might to late to participate in the summer EBT program, McFarland doesn’t see how that can be…

Cut 11 (11) “…feeding program.”

The summer EBT program is in jeopardy because Governor Landry refused not to allocate funding for it, because it was a program established during the pandemic and there are other programs available to help feed kids when they are out of school for the summer.

The Louisiana Illuminator reports there are about 40-million dollars worth of pet projects in the budget proposal. approved by the House. But McFarland says these dollars are going to worthy initiatives…

Cut 12 (12) “…do that.” 

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As expected the Washington Commanders selected former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick in last night’s NFL draft. Daniels joins a franchise that has not had a winning season since 2016 and he plans to make the Commanders a winning organization

Cut 13 (11)  “…some fun.”

A few selections later former LSU wide Malik Nabers of Youngsville went to the New York Giants with the sixth overall pick. Nabers wants to be the next great wide receiver from LSU…

Cut 14 (14)  “….chip on my shoulder .”

Another former LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Junior went to the Jacksonville Jaguars with the 23rd pick.

The Saints used their first-round draft pick on an offensive tackle, six-foot-six Taliese Fuaga (Tall-ee-s-a Foo-ah-gah) from Oregon State. The first-team All-American did not give up a sack with the Beavers and played right tackle. Fuaga says he’s played football nearly his entire life…

Cut 15 (09)  “… grit.”

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Louisiana Tech is in second place in Conference USA heading into this weekend’s series against Sam Houston. The Bulldogs are 8-3 in league play, while the Bearkats are 7-and-8. Coach Lane Burroughs says the Diamond Dogs must play well to take the series…

Cut 16 (09)  “…south Texas.”

Tech went on the road last weekend and won a series over a nationally-ranked Dallas Baptist team. Burroughs says it was a big confidence builder…

Cut 17 (11) “…RPI goes.”

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The LSU Tigers will look to win its second consecutive SEC series as they host Auburn this weekend. Coach Jay Johnson believes his team is playing better after taking two of three from Missouri last weekend. Johnson is hoping some of his veteran hitters find a hot streak

Cut 18 (08)  “…be afraid of.”

The Tigers are 5-13 in the SEC and could use a sweep to put themselves back in the conversation of making the NCAA Tournament. Auburn has struggled as they are 2-16 in SEC play. But Johnson says Auburn has played a tough schedule too and he has a lot of respect for them

Cut 19 (07) “…this place.” 

Tonight is game two of a nine-game homestand for the Tigers.

Governor Jeff Landry says there are several reasons why his administration and Republican lawmakers are committed to a constitutional convention this year. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 1 (37)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Anthony Holland of West Monroe has been arrested in connection to the death of Sheryl Tuner of New Iberia, whose torso was found floating in the Ouachita River. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (37)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Governor Jeff Landry held a press conference today to explain the need for a constitutional convention. Landry is pushing for a convention to be held in May and any changes would need voter approval in November. Landry says a presidential election is a perfect time for voters to weigh in on a reorganized constitution

Cut 3 (11) “…have a say” 

The goal of the constitutional convention is move certain sections of the constitution into state law. Landry says these changes will hopefully result in more budget flexibility when the state is facing a deficit. He says right now the Legislature’s hands are tied during tough budget times, resulting in big cuts to health care and education…

Cut 4 (10) “…those things ” 

Democrats say they are uncomfortable rushing into a constitutional convention without more details on what could be possible moved into state statue. There’s  a concern the state’s popular 75-thousand dollars homestead exemption will be removed from the constitution. Landry that’s not his intent…

Cut 5 (13)  “…statue.” 

A bill calling for a constitutional convention to begin May 20th is awaiting debate on the House floor.

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The full House has approved a bill that removes the requirement that businesses must provide minor workers a 20-minute break if they work for five consecutive hours. Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder says the policy prevents teens from landing work with some businesses

Cut 6  (09) “…hire the kids.” 

Opponents are concerned about over working 16 and 17-year-olds. Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder says Mississippi does not have a mandatory break for minors and there no major problems,,,

Cut 7 (12) “…responsible for.”  

Wilder says there are minors who are eager to work and the state should not hold them back or prevent businesses from working them more than five consecutive hours…

Cut 8 (11) “…wanting to work.” 

The House approved Wilder’s bill 61-37 and the measure heads to the Senate for more discussion.

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An arrest has been made in the case where the torso of 19-year-old Sheryl Turner of New Iberia was found floating the Ouachita River, on January 24^th. Catahoula Parish Sheriff Detective Dewain Littleton says 29-year-old Anthony Holland, Junior of West Monroe confessed that he dismembered and disposed of her body.

Cut 9 (13) “…not why.” 

Multiple law enforcement agencies collaborated in the investigation including the FBI. Littleton says Holland was unemployed but had been a cross-country truck driver, and there could possibly be more arrests.

Cut 10 (08) “…how to do.” 

Holland has no previous criminal record and Littleton says that due to the nature of the crime, agencies are investigating to see if others could be linked to the suspect.

Cut 11 (11) ” …for sure.”

Investigators say Holland met Turner on social media and the two planned to live together in West Monroe.

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LSU honored its women’s gymnastics team with a parade and a celebration inside the PMAC last night. Coach Jay Clark led the program to its first ever title and the team’s success resulted in Georgia offering him and his assistants a chance to coach the Gym Dogs. But Clark says he’s staying at LSU

Cut 12 (06) “…(cheers)” 

The LSU gymnastics program has been around for 50 years and they became the 8th school in NCAA history to win a national championship in gymnastics. Clark believes more championships are in their future…

Cut 13 (10) “…Geaux Tigers. (cheers fade)”