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.

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.”