LSU’s annual “Louisiana Survey” of public opinions shows residents’ Number One concern is CRIME. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 1 (31) “…Kevin Gallagher.”

Republican State Senator Fred Mills from St. Martin Parish says he has no regrets about his vote as chairman of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee that resulted in the defeat of a bill to ban gender-affirming care for transgender children. Mills says statistics show this is not a problem in Louisiana and it’s ridiculous to create legislation that impacts a few dozen people.

Family members of the 63-year-old Houston woman who died of hypothermia at the New Iberia Arby’s on May 11th are suing Turbo Restaurants, the Texas-based company that owns the franchise. Attorney Paul Skrabanek says Nguyet Lee (New wet Lee) was the acting manager when she was found dead in the walk-in cooler.
Cut 13 (11) “…thing broken.”
Skrabanek says Le tried to force her way out and was found with blood on her hands. Turbo Restaurants has not commented on the incident.

The Louisiana Association of United Ways released a report that says 51-percent of Louisiana households struggle to afford the basics, an increase of nearly 23-thousand families. President of the Louisiana Association of United Ways, Sarah Berthelot, says the 11-percent increase in inflation is making it extremely difficult on so many families.
Cut 12 (11) “…concluding.”
A link to view the ALICE report can be found on the LouisianaRadioNetwork.com

The family of the 63-year-old Houston woman who died of hypothermia in a New Iberia Arby’s May 11th is suing the owners of the chain. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The search continues in the Bahamas for a recent Louisiana high school graduate who went missing after he went overboard during a sunset cruise. 18-year-old Cameron Robbins who graduated days ago from University High in Baton Rouge was on a trip with other grads when he reportedly jumped into the water on a dare and disappeared moments later.

According to a survey of 500 people, crime has surged to the top as the biggest concern among state residents….
cut 5 (06) “…20-percent
That’s the director of the Louisiana Survey, LSU’s Doctor Michael Henderson, who says four out of five Louisiana residents say crime has increased over the last few years.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says law enforcement are paying close attention to see if motorists are buckled up during the “Click It or Ticket” campaign, which runs through June 4. Spokesperson Gregory Fischer says wearing a seat belt increases your chances of surviving a vehicle crash. He says all you have to do is look at the 2021 crash statistics…
Cut 7 (07) “…their seatbelts.”
State law mandates every person in a vehicle must wear a seat belt. Based on a latest survey 86 percent of people in the front seat buckle up.

Republican state senator Fred Mills from St. Martin Parish is facing backlash after he cast the tie-breaking vote to kill a bill that would ban gender-affirming healthcare for transgender minors. Mills sided with Democrats to defeat the legislation in Senate Health and Welfare. Louisiana Republican Strategist Lionel Rainey…

Cut 6 (09)  “…how does this happen.” 

Mills said he voted against the legislation because he believes in the doctor-patient relationship and the ability to allow a family to choose what’s best for them. A’niya Robinson, with the Louisiana ACLU says Mills and the four other lawmakers who voted against the bill stood up for transgender children and families…

Cut 9 (04) “…day went.”

He says his vote was based on testimony given during the lengthy debate.

Legislation to provide free and accessible menstrual products for female public-school students passed in House Education without objection. Bill author, New Orleans Senator Aimee Freeman says other states already provide funding for feminine products.

Cut 12 (08) “…and funding.” 

The bill heads next to House Appropriations

Senate Education advances House-approved legislation requiring high school students to complete a financial literacy course to graduate and qualify for TOPS. State Treasurer John Schroder supports the legislation….

Cut 3 (11) “…have money.”

The bill heads to the Senate floor for final passage.

The NOAA says we likely have a “near-normal” hurricane season ahead this year. They predict up to 17 named storms (the average is 14)…up to 9 of those hurricanes, and up to 4 of those Category 3 or stronger. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we got a break last year; getting NO storms at all. This year we have two climate factors at play…;

CUT 13 (10)      “…hurricane season.”

A Pacific El Nino can actually weaken Atlantic storms, and that would be a good thing.

A House-approved bill to require high schooler complete a financial literacy course to graduate and qualify for TOPS passed out of the Senate Education committee today. State Treasurer John Schroder spoke for the bill…:

CUT 03 (11)      “…have money.”

The bill heads to the Senate floor for what could be final passage.

A Senate bill to provide free and accessible feminine products to Louisiana public school girls advances out of the House Education Committee…:

CUT 02 (31)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

The family of a 12-year-old Kenner boy, who was killed when an ice cream truck crashed through his home, says they will donate his organs so that up to 8 lives can be saved. The crash left young Adrian Fajardo in critical condition and brain dead. Go to “LOPA.org” to learn how you can be an organ donor.

Hurricane season officially begins in a week, and the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (or NOAA) predicts near-normal activity this year. 12-17 named storms, 5-9 of those hurricanes and 1-4 of those Cat 3 or higher. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the developing Pacific El Nino could help calm the tropics down a bit for us…:

CUT 15(13)      “…deeper into the season.”

Hurricane Ida in 2021 was our last hurricane.

A bill to assure that public schools provide free and accessible feminine hygiene products for girls passed out of the House Education Committee un-opposed today. Speaking for the bill, Caddo high schooler Natalie Cockrell, who says she and classmates had to pitch in to buy what they needed once a month…:

CUT 11(06)      “…than normal.”

The Senate has already passed the bill, by New Orleans Senator Aimee Freeman. It goes now to House Appropriations due to its cost to taxpayers.

Republican Senator Fred Mills from New Iberia is receiving strong backlash from his own party for voting against a bill to ban gender-affirming healthcare for transgender minors…:

CUT 01(39)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

Opening today in Lafayette, the 35^th annual Cajun Heartland State Fair; featuring live music, rides, food and even a big top circus style performances. The fair runs now through June 4^th.

At the State Capitol, a Senate bill to provide free and accessible feminine products to Louisiana public school students advances out of the House Education Committee. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Thorington.”

State Police report a 2 vehicle crash in Sabine Parish Wednesday afternoon left three people dead. Troopers says it happened on Highway 171 near Zwolle, when a pickup rear-ended a big rig that was waiting to make a left turn. A man and two teens in the pickup were killed. The crash is under investigation.

NOAA predicts a near-normal 2023 hurricane season. Weather officials say that means 12 to 17 named storms, five to nine hurricanes, and one to four of those Category 3 or higher. State Climatologist Barry Keim says an El Nino will likely be in full effect by the time we’re well into storm season…:

CUT 14(11)      “…be weaker.”

Louisiana was spared any hurricanes or tropical storms last year, but 2020 and 2021 were disastrous.

The Senate Education Committee advanced House-approved legislation requiring high school students to complete one unit of financial literacy course to graduate and to qualify for TOPS. State Treasurer John Schroder says businesses have contacted the Department of Treasury to donate money to help pay for the infrastructure of the program…:

CUT 05(09)      “…could use.”

That bill moves now to the Senate floor.

Republican senator Fred Mills from New Iberia is receiving strong backlash from his own party for voting against a bill to ban gender-affirming healthcare for transgender minors.

Cut 1 (39)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

University Lab Student Cameron Robbins of Baton Rouge has been reported as missing after going overboard Wednesday evening on a boat ride in the Bahamas. The 18-year-old graduate was staying at a resort with other classmates.

Senate Education advances House-approved legislation requiring high school students to complete a financial literacy course to graduate and qualify for TOPS. State Treasurer John Schroder supports the legislation….

Cut 3 (11) “…have money.”

The bill heads to the Senate floor for final passage.

NOAA predicts a near-normal 2023 hurricane season. Weather officials say that means 12 to 17 named storms, five to nine hurricanes, and one to four major storms. State Climatologist Barry Keim says this is because of two climate factors working against each other.

Cut 13 (10) “…hurricane season” 

Republican state senator Fred Mills from St. Martin Parish is facing backlash after he cast the tie-breaking vote to kill a bill that would have banned gender-affirming healthcare for transgender minors. Louisiana Republican Strategist Lionel Rainey says the bill would prevent life-altering medical procedures on youth who are confused about their gender identity…

Cut 7 (11)  “…what they are going to be” 

But A’niya Robinson, with the Louisiana ACLU, says gender-affirming care starts with mental health care and there are very few cases where doctors are performing surgery on a child experiencing gender dysphoria…

Cut 8 (11)  “…not accurate” 

Mills said he voted against the legislation because he believes in the doctor-patient relationship and the ability to allow a family to choose what’s best for them.

Legislation to provide free and accessible menstrual products for female public-school students passed in House Education without objection today. Kay Riggs spoke on behalf of her daughter who was suspended for two days from Liberty Magnet High School in Baton Rouge after she had a period emergency.

Cut 10 (08) “…period products.”

The bill has already been approved in the Senate and advances to House Appropriations for funding.

A big travel weekend is coming up and Triple-A spokesperson Don Redman says despite inflation they estimate 42-million Americans will travel this Memorial Day holiday weekend, a seven percent increase from last year…
cut 28 (12) “….in 2000”
Air Travel is up eleven percent and road trips are up six percent from last year.

Republican state senator Fred Mills from St. Martin Parish is facing backlash today after he casted the tie-breaking vote to kill a bill that would ban gender-affirming healthcare for transgender minors. Mills sided with Democrats to defeat the legislation in Senate Health and Welfare. Louisiana Republican Strategist Lionel Rainey…
cut 6 (09) “…how does this happen”
Rainey says the bill would prevent life altering medical procedures on youth who are confused about their gender identity. But during committee debate, Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau says gender-affirming care has the support of several major medical organizations
cut 16 (12) “….needed therapy”
Opponents of the legislation pointed to studies that show transgender youth are less at risk for depression and suicidal thoughts if they are able to access gender-affirming care.

A bill that would end capital punishment in Louisiana has failed to pass out of the House Criminal Justice Committee. Opposing the bill was 18th Judicial District Attorney Tony Clayton, who says the death penalty still has a place in Louisiana justice… as punishment for the worst of the worst…:
CUT 09(09) “…the death penalty
Louisiana is one of 27 states that still allow capital punishment, but no one has been put to death here since 2010. The measure failed on an eleven to four vote.

Triple-A estimates 42-million people will travel this Memorial Day weekend. Spokesperson Don Redman says today is a good day to make sure your vehicle is ready for the long road trip…
cut 13 (13) “…for help”

A bill to end capital punishment in Louisiana receives a death sentence in the House Criminal Justice Committee. Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 1 (33) “…Kevin Gallagher.”

State Police has released more information on the fatal police shooting in Bastrop last Thursday. L-S-P says the man Bastrop Police shot was a suspect in a stabbing and did not comply when the officer instructed him to lay on the ground. Investigators say the man instead charged the officer and was armed with a utility knife.

St. Martin Parish Senator Fred Mills is taking criticism from conservatives around the country for his controversial vote yesterday that led to the defeat of a bill attempting to ban gender affirming healthcare for transgender minors. Mills, chairman of Senate Health and Welfare, sided with Democrats on the committee…
cut 14 (07) “…vote yes”
Right-wing political commentator Matt Walsh said on Twitter Mills sided with butchers and groomers and he’ll regret it. Mills is term-limited.

Delta Biofuel has green-lighted a project to build a renewable fuel facility in Jeanerette that will employ 126 individuals. CEO Phil Keating says they will convert sugarcane waste into feedstock for low-emissions energy generation….
cut 5 (13) “…..industrial scale”
Construction will begin next month.