A new study out of Tulane issues a dire warning for New Orleans. Lead author of the study and Tulane Geology Professor Doctor Torbjorn Tornqvist says because of the increasing rate of sea level rise, combined with sinking land, the Gulf of Mexico will eventually swallow up the south shore. Tornqvist says one thing that can be done to delay the inevitable is to restart the Mid-Baritaria Sediment Diversion Project that was cancelled last year.

Cut 6 (13) “…big storm surges.”

Governor Jeff Landry and Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Director Gordon Dove canceled the Mid-Baritaria Sediment Diversion project over cost and concerns it would not produce the coastal restoration benefits that some scientists have projected.

In response to last month’s fatal mass shooting at the Mall of Louisiana, the Louisiana Senate has passed legislation that stiffens the penalty for someone who opens fire on a crowd of people and kills someone. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh says the way the legislation is written, the death penalty would still be on the table for the defendant even if he or she shoots an unintended target.

Cut 11 (10) “…to kill him.”

The Senate unanimously approved the legislation and the measure heads to the House floor for concurrence”

Shreveport’s public water system, which serves 192-thousand people, is one of 58 drinking water systems in the state to receive an “F” grade in the Louisiana Department of Health’s annual drinking water report card. L-D-H Chief Engineer Steven Joubert says Shreveport is taking steps to improve its water system infrastructure….

Cut 15 (06) “…work to improve”

A new study by Tulane University researchers say people in New Orleans should start planning to relocate. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The statewide average price for a regular gallon of gasoline has surpassed four dollars a gallon. According to Triple-A, the statewide average increased three pennies overnight to $4.02 . That’s a 22-cent increase from last week. Still a ways to go to reach the highest recorded average price in Louisiana, which is $4.55, set in June of 2022.

In a response to last month’s fatal mass shooting at the Mall of Louisiana, the Louisiana Senate has passed legislation that would result in a gunman being charged with first-degree murder, which would make that person eligible for the death penalty, if they fire a gun at a crowd of people….

Cut 12 (09) “…you actually hit”

That’s Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh. First-degree murder charges are usually handed down if a person kills another person while also committing a felony.

The Louisiana Department of Health has released its annual report card on drinking water. L-D-H ? Chief Engineer Steven Joubert says the water system grades can be found on L-D-H’s website…

Cut 14 (07) “…that report”

Sixty-seven percent of the state’s 909 community public water systems have earned an A letter grade, while 58 received an “F” grade.

Legislation that provides for easy cancellation of automatic renewal subscriptions continues to move through the legislative process. Joe Gallinaro has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

A multi-agency investigation in in North Louisiana has led to the arrests of five Colombian nationals in connection with a series of burglaries across the region, including Texas. According to Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s detectives the suspects specifically targeting Asian American families.

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A new study from Tulane University Researchers says people in New Orleans should start planning to relocate.  Lead researcher Torbjorg Tornqvist (TORB-yorg TORN-quist), a professor of earth and environmental sciences at Tulane, . say it’s only a matter of time before New Orleans gets swallowed up by gulf waters due to climate change and coastal erosion.

Cut 5 (12) “…locations for example.”

In an effort to prevent future mass shootings like the one at the Mall of Louisiana last month,  the Louisiana Senate has passed legislation that stiffens the penalty for someone who opens fire on a crowd of people and kills someone. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh says the way the legislation is written, the death penalty would still be on the table for the defendant even if he or she shoots an unintended target.

Cut 11 (10) “…to kill him.”

The Louisiana Department of Health has released its annual report card on public drinking water systems, and there’s some good news.  Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Opelousas General Health System introduces first of its kind in Louisiana wound care technology that combines artificial intelligence, 3D printing, and a patient’s own fat tissue to create a personalized graft. Doctors say the treatment is especially promising for patients living with chronic wounds, including those related to diabetes

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Researchers at Tulane University say it’s only a matter of time before New Orleans gets swallowed up by gulf waters. Lead researcher Torbjorg Tornqvist (TORB-yorg TORN-quist), a professor of earth and environmental sciences at Tulane, says due to climate change, sea level is gradually rising, and that will lead to further coastal erosion.

Cut 4 (08) “…Gulf of Mexico.”

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee is set to begin public hearings on a new legislative map tomorrow.  That after the Supreme Court declared the current one unconstitutional. ULM political science professor Pearson Cross says says the most likely outcome is a map that yields five Republican-leaning districts and one Democratic-leaning district.

Cut 8 (12) “…the Supreme Court.”

A new study out of Tulane says says people in New Orleans should start planning to relocate. Andrew Greenstein explains.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Authorities in St. Mary Parish say a disturbance call in Berwick escalated into a dangerous confrontation after a suspect allegedly ordered two dogs to attack responding officers. We’re told when the dogs charged, one officer fired his weapon hitting the dog in the shoulder.  We’re told that dog was treated and released. We’re told the dogs’ owner is facing several charges.

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Tomorrow, the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee will begin public hearings on a new legislative map, which is necessicary after the Supreme Court declared the current map an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. ULM political science professor Pearson Cross says when all is said and done, Louisiana will likely send an additional Republican to Washington next year.

Cut 7 (09) “…safe Democratic district.”

The Louisiana Senate has responded to last month’s fatal mass shooting at the Mall of Louisiana–passing legislation that would result in a death penalty charge the next time a gunman fires shots into a crowd and kills someone. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh added an amendment to a House-approved bill that expands the definition of first-degree murder to such a situation.

Cut 10 (10) “…upon that person.”

The Louisiana Senate has responded to last month’s fatal mass shooting at the Mall of Louisiana by passing legislation that would result in a death penalty charge the next time a gunman fires their gun at a crowd of people and kills someone. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh added an amendment to a House-approved bill that expands the definition of first-degree murder to such a situation…

Cut 10 (10) “…upon that person.”

Tomorrow, the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee will begin public hearings on a new legislative map. ULM political science professor Pearson Cross says when all is said and done, Louisiana will likely send an additional Republican to Washington next year.

Cut 7 (09) “…safe Democratic district.”

A proposed constitutional amendment that seeks to limit a governor to no more than two elected terms receives approval from the House after failing to get the necessary 70 votes on the first two tries. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A bill that provides for easy cancellation of automatic renewal subscriptions continues to make its way through the legislature, as the Senate Commerce Committee advanced the House-approved bill.

Cleco says it has started its largest grid resiliency investment in the power company’s history. Spokesperson Brooke Buford says the plan includes replacing electronic equipment, undergrounding portions of the system and assessing more than 700 utility poles…

Cut 9 (10) “…your area”

Buford says the work will reduce outages and shorten restoration times.

There is a tornado watch until 11 PM for a large portion of the state. The watch box covers all of central Louisiana and several parishes just north of I-10. National Weather Service Meteorologist  Brandon Thorne describes the situation…

Cut 10 (09) “…to develop”

Thorne says parishes across central Louisiana could expect to see two to three inches of rain through Saturday. Some areas could see even higher amounts.

The Louisiana House has approved a proposed constitutional amendment that says a governor can not serve more than two terms.

Cut 5 (12) “…to Louisiana”

The governor is already term limited to two consecutive terms, so Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham’s legislation would prevent a governor from serving two consecutive terms, sitting out four years and then running for governor again. The measure heads to the Senate for more discussion.

Governor Jeff Landry is facing a recall petition because of his decision to suspend the U-S House elections after the Supreme Court ruled the state’s Congressional map is unconstitutional. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says it’s not unusual for a governor to face recall petition, but none of the previous petitions have been successful…

Cut 15 (06) “…nowhere”

In 2008, Jindal did not stop lawmakers from approving a legislative pay raise. It angered many voters. Jindal, who was governor at the time, eventually vetoed the bill.

It took three tries, but Chalmette Representative Mike Bayham finally advanced his constitutional amendment to limit governors to two lifetime terms. The House passed it yesterday with 73 votes, three more than the 70 needed. Covington Representative Mark Wright, who was one of the 25 who voted no, does not see how capping a governor to two lifetime terms will actually help the state.

Cut 6 (10) “…I can’t agree.”

A ULM political science professor says the newly-launched recall effort against Governor Landry has almost no chance in succeeding. Pearson Cross says in his view, there are valid reasons to recall an elected official, and nothing that Landry has done rises to that level.

Cut 14 (10) “…apply to Landry.”

A tornado watch is in effect for much of central Louisiana until 11 tonight. National Weather Service Meteorologist Brandon Thorne says tornadoes, damaging winds and large hail are among the threats – however, he says this won’t exactly be a super-soaker.

Cut 12 (10) “…half an inch.”

Cleco says work is underway on the largest grid resiliency investment in the power company’s history.  Cleco spokeswoman Brooke Buford says they have crews replacing electric equipment, moving certain segments of the system underground and reinforcing utility poles.

Cut 8 (09) “…need replacement.”

Buford says these projects will reduce storm-related costs and will result in fewer outages and faster restoration times.

A proposed constitutional amendment that seeks to limit a governor to no more than two elected terms receives approval from the House after failing to get the necessary 70 votes on the first two tries. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Cleco says it has started the largest grid resiliency investment in the power company’s history. Joe Gallinaro has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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A proposal to limit the number of total terms a governor can serve to two; finally receives House approval. Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham’s proposed constitutional amendment failed to secure the necessary 70 votes on the first two tries. Yesterday, it got 73 votes as Bayham made the case a Louisiana governor should not be able to come back if he or she has already served eight years…

Cut 3 (10) “…in the United States.”

Covington Representative Mark Wright is one of 25 House members who voted against the amendment that needs a two-thirds vote in each house. Wright questioned why this proposal is only directed towards the governor.

Cut 4 (08) “…you name it.”

Bayham says voters support term limits. He says term limits went into effect for state lawmakers starting in 2007, and it’s resulted in a better state legislative body.

Cut 5 (12) “…of Louisiana.”

Only two governors in Louisiana’s history have served more than two elected terms — Edwin Edwards and Earl K Long. Wright does not see how capping a governor to no more than two terms will actually help the state.

Cut 6 (10) “…I can’t agree.”

The measure heads to the Senate for further debate. It will also need a two-thirds vote to pass there, and then it will head to the voters for their approval.

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Cleco says work is underway on the largest grid resiliency investment in the power company’s history. Cleco spokeswoman Brooke Buford says this is a five-year plan that includes over 550 projects.

Cut 7 (10) “…flood plains.”

Buford says these projects will reduce storm-related costs, and also result in fewer outages and faster restoration times. She says they have crews replacing electric equipment, moving certain segments of the system underground and reinforcing utility poles.

Cut 8 (09) “…need replacement.”

Buford says they’ve identified more than 700 utility poles for maintenance or replacement in St. Tammany Parish, Eunice, Jeanerette, New Iberia and Pineville. She says customers can keep track of their resiliency efforts.

Cut 9 (09)  “…your area”

Buford says Cleco is the only Louisiana utility to meet or exceed the Public Service Commission standards for each of the last 27 years.

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A tornado watch is in effect for much of central Louisiana until 11 tonight. National Weather Service Meteorologist Brandon Thorne says the threat will increase later this afternoon in central and south Louisiana.

Cut 10 (09) “…start to develop.”

Thorne says it will be a little later in the day before the severe weather reaches areas near New Orleans.

Cut 11 (08) “…as tomorrow morning.”

Thorne says tornadoes, damaging winds and large hail are among the threats – however, he says this won’t exactly be a super-soaker.

Cut 12 (10) “…half an inch.”

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A ULM political science professor says the newly-launched recall effort against Governor Landry has almost no chance in succeeding. Pearson Cross says first of all, the bar is set way too high, with verified signatures from 20-percent of all registered voters statewide needed by October 31st. He says that’s why of all the recall efforts launched through the years, the only ones which have made it onto the ballot have been much more local in nature.

Cut 13 (08) “…seeing that statewide.”

Cross says in his view, there are valid reasons to recall an elected official, and nothing that Landry has done rises to that level.

Cut 14 (10) “…apply to Landry.”

Cross says even if you use unpopular actions or policies as a reason to launch a recall effort, recent history will suggest that like all other prior efforts to recall governors, this one will go nowhere.

Cut 15 (06) “…petition went nowhere.”

A ULM political science professor says the newly-launched recall effort against Governor Landry has almost no chance in succeeding. Pearson Cross says the bar is set way too high, with verified signatures from 20-percent of all registered voters statewide needed by October 31st. He says that’s why throughout history, most recall efforts which have made it onto the ballot have been much more local in nature.

Cut 13 (08) “…seeing that statewide.”

It’s another potential severe weather day in Louisiana, with tornadoes, damaging winds and large hail possible. National Weather Service Meteorologist Brandon Thorne says the threat will increase later this afternoon in central and south Louisiana, and it will be a little later in the day before it reaches areas near New Orleans.

Cut 11 (08) “…as tomorrow morning.”

A proposed constitutional amendment that seeks to limit a governor to no more than two elected terms receives approval from the House after failing to get the necessary 70 votes on the first two tries. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Southern University’s search for a new president will take longer than planned. The school had originally hoped to have a list of recommended candidates by May 12th, with the new president installed by July 1st. The school says that timeline is being extended.