Three weeks left in the legislative session and the House and Senate are at odds over whether to pay down debt or raise the spending cap which would result in hundreds of million dollars being spent on roads and improving buildings on college campuses. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the governor supports the Senate’s position…
cut 11 (07) “…needed”
But fiscal conservatives in the House do not want to raise the spending limit, because of an expected drop in state revenue in a couple of years.

Scheduled for debate today on the Senate floor is a bill supported by Real Reform Louisiana. Executive Director Ben Riggs…
cut 8 (09) “…insurance rates”
It’s a bill opposed by Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon, who argues passage of the legislation will not produce the results supporters claim.

US Senator John Kennedy urges Louisiana lawmakers to pass House Bill 12. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (31) “Brooke Thorington.”

Two people on a motorcycle were killed on Saturday night in Jefferson Davis Parish. State Police say a vehicle struck the motorcycle from behind on LA Highway 101. L-S-P says 67-year-old Jacob Touchet of Iowa and Susan Trahan of Lafayette were ejected and then struck by a pickup truck. They were pronounced dead at the scene.

There’s a lot of bills filed in the Legislature this year aimed at improving the auto and home insurance market for the consumer. How are they coming along? Kevin Gallagher takes a look…:
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

What a day of softball in Baton Rouge yesterday as the Ragin Cajuns defeated LSU twice to advance to the Super Regionals for the first time since 2016. Meanwhile, heart break in Seattle as McNeese allows seven runs in the seventh and lost to Washington seven to six in the championship round of the regional.

Three weeks left in the legislative session and the major storyline is will lawmakers vote to raise the spending limit, which would result in the appropriation of millions of dollars to fix roads, repair university buildings and put more money towards coastal restoration. Senate President Page Cortez urges the Legislature to raise the spending cap, fiscal conservatives in the House oppose, because of a possible fiscal cliff in a couple of years. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says there’s time to negotiate…
cut 13 (12) “…always done”

U-S Senator John Kennedy is keeping an eye on what’s happening at the state capitol. Kennedy is urging the state senate to approve a bill that would hold third graders back if they fail multiple literacy tests. Kennedy says similar programs are working in Mississippi and Florida…
cut 5 (09) “….it will”

A bill requiring Louisiana public schools to give students at least 15 minutes of  “supervised, unstructured free play” each day was approved by the House. Bill author, Houma Representative Beryl Amedee says 89 percent of schools in Louisiana currently have recess and 56 percent offer more than 15 minutes of recess for students, however…

Cut 4 (08)  “…of schools.” 

The bill was approved in a 66 to 28 vote.

Legislation that would establish mandatory minimum bail amounts of $50,000 for violent offenses and $100,000 for offenses committed with the use of a firearm advances from House Criminal Justice. Crowley Representative John Stefanski says the majority of the time Judges set bonds accordingly, but this is his attempt to make Louisiana safer.

Cut 8 (11)  “…the crime.” 

The bill passed favorably in committee heads to the House floor.

Legislation that would create age restrictions on social media platforms for children 15 and younger without parental consent was passed in the Senate but it would only go into effect if funds are allocated for enforcement.  Bill author, Covington Senator Patrick McMath says it appears some social media outlets are on board.

Cut 14 (08)  “…is going.”

The Senate passed the bill on a 37-0 vote and it advances to the lower chamber.

Louisiana ranks the fourth least healthiest state for senior citizens according to the United Health Foundation’s 11^th America’s Health Rankings Senior Report. Chief Medical Officer for the Medicare and Retirement Division Dr. Phillip Painter says access to healthcare and social and economic factors play a vital role in the ranking but there’s still hope for improvement.

Cut 11 (12)  “…or exercise”

Louisiana falls below Mississippi which is the unhealthiest state in the nation.

Legislation to set minimum bail amounts for crimes of violence and or the use of a firearm advances from House Criminal Justice. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

Former Kenner mayor and Founder of Krewe Endymion – New Orleans’ largest Carnival organization – Ed Muniz has died at age 83. Muniz founded the parade organization in 1966. The Gentilly native also served 10 years on Kenner’s city council from 1980 to 1990 and was elected the city’s mayor in 2006.

A recent report finds Louisiana ranks 49^th in overall health for adults 65 and older according to the United Health Foundation’s 11^th America’s Health Rankings Senior Report. Chief Medical Officer for the Medicare and Retirement Division Dr. Phillip Painter says poverty among seniors rose statewide from 12 percent to 14 percent but funding for seniors could help.

Cut 10 (10) “…stay healthy.”

Painter says access to healthcare, physical environment, social and economic factors, and healthy behaviors play a vital role in the ranking.

Legislation that would prohibit social media platforms from allowing children 15 and younger to have their own account without their parent’s permission passed in the Senate but it would only go into effect if funds are allocated for enforcement.  Bill author, Covington Senator Patrick McMath says if enacted, the Attorney General’s Office would be tasked with investigating and enforcing Senate Bill 162, and…

Cut 13 (12) “…this law” 

The Senate passed the bill on a 37-0 vote and it advances to the lower chamber.

A bill that would require public schools statewide to schedule at least 15 minutes of supervised, unstructured free play time of recess for grades kindergarten through fifth was approved by the House in a 66 to 28 vote. Houma Representative Beryl Amedee says under this legislation no special accommodations are required.

Cut 3 (12) “…funded mandate.”

The bill heads to the Senate.

Legislation to set minimum bail amounts for crimes of violence and or the use of a firearm advances from House Criminal Justice. Crowley Representative John Stefanski’s bill would set a minimum bail of $50,000 for a violent crime and $100,000 for one that involves the use of a firearm.

Cut 6 (10)  “…did that.” 

Stefanski says the majority of the time Judges set bonds accordingly, but this is his attempt to make Louisiana safer.

Louisiana ranks the fourth unhealthiest state for adults 65 and older for the second year according to the United Health Foundation’s 11^th America’s Health Rankings Senior Report. Chief Medical Officer for the Medicare and Retirement Division Dr. Phillip Painter says there are a number of challenges that weigh against seniors living in the Bayou State.

Cut 9 (12) “…should be”

Louisiana falls below Mississippi which is the unhealthiest state in the nation.

A bill to ban social media platforms from allowing minors to have their own account without parental consent passed in the Senate but it would only go into effect if funds are allocated for enforcement.  Bill author, Covington Senator Patrick McMath…

Cut 12 (11) “…health crisis.” 

Minors in the bill are defined as ages 15 and younger.

Legislation to set minimum bail amounts for crimes of violence and/or the use of a firearm advances from House Criminal Justice. Crowley Representative John Stefanski’s bill would set a minimum bail of $50,000 for a violent crime and $100,000 for one that involves the use of a firearm.

Cut 8 (11)  “…the crime.” 

The bill passed favorably in committee heads to the House floor.

A requiring public schools schedule at least 15 minutes of recess for grades K thru 5 was approved by the House in a 66 to 28 vote. Houma Representative Beryl Amedee says her bill will help promote social and emotional well-being among students…:

Cut 5 (08) “…learn better.”

A bill to ban social media platforms from allowing minors to have their own account without parental consent passed in the Senate but it would only go into effect if funds are allocated for enforcement. Bill author Covington Senator Patrick McMath…

Cut 14 (08)  “…is going.”

US Senator John Kennedy took to the floor in DC urging state senators in Baton Rouge to pass legislation to hold back third graders who are unable to read on grade level.

AM Cut 4 (11)  “…that attention.”

Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson’s bill will give students intensive reading instruction and three opportunities to pass the literacy exam before advancing to third grade.

Legislation that would require public schools statewide to schedule at least 15 minutes of supervised, unstructured free play time of recess for grades kindergarten through fifth was approved by the House in a 66 to 28 vote. Houma Representative Beryl Amedee says under this legislation no special accommodations are required…:

CUT 03(12)      “…funded mandate.”

A recent study finds 89 percent of schools in Louisiana currently have recess and 56 percent offer more than 15 minutes of recess.

District 3 Congressman Clay Higgins responded to uproar over internet video showing him physically removing a heckler from an outdoor press conference. In a written statement, Higgins office says the activist (quote) “became very disruptive and threatening in violation of the law” and goes on to say Higgins “successfully de-escalated the situation.”

Legislation to raise – or in some cases SET – minimum bail amounts for crimes of violence and/or the use of a gun in a crime advances from House Criminal Justice. Crowley Representative John Stefanski’s bill would set a minimum bail of $50-thousand for a violent crime and $100-thousand for one that involves the use of a firearm…:

CUT 06(10)      “…did that.”

The bill passed favorably in committee heads to the House floor. Stefanski is also running for Attorney General this fall.

Our state ranks 4^th unhealthiest in the nation for seniors, according the Unite Health Foundation’s report. UHF’s Dr. Phil Painter says despite that poor showings, there is always hope for improvement for older residents…:

CUT 11(12)      “…or exercise.”

At the State Capitol, legislation to hike up minimum bail amounts for those accused of violent and/or gun crimes has cleared a House Committee. Brooke Thorington has that story…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Thorington.”

After a catastrophic computer systems failure, the state Office of Motor Vehicles remains closed statewide until Monday. This also includes using the OMV website for applications and renewals. State officials say they’ll have new hardware installed soon and expect to be A-OK by Monday.

Louisiana ranks the fourth unhealthiest state for senior citizens for the second year, according to the United Health Foundation’s America’s Health Rankings Senior Report. Chief Medical Officer for the Medicare and Retirement Division Dr. Phillip Painter says increasing poverty among older citizens is a big part of that…:

CUT 10(10)      “…stay healthy”

Access to healthcare, physical environment, social and economic factors, and healthy behaviors play a vital role in the ranking as well.

A bill to ban social media platforms from allowing minors to have their own account without parental consent passed in the Senate. It’s sponsored by Covington Senator Patrick McMath, who says – if passed – the Attorney General would be tasked with investigation and enforcement…:

CUT 13(12)      “…this law.”

Utah and Arkansas have already put such laws into effect.

After a catastrophic computer systems failure, the state Office of Motor Vehicles remains closed statewide today. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (29)  “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

A bill to ban social media platforms from allowing minors to have their own account without parental consent passed in the Senate but it would only go into effect if funds are allocated for enforcement. Bill author Covington Senator Patrick McMath…

Cut 14 (08)  “…is going.”

Legislation to set minimum bail amounts for crimes of violence and or the use of a firearm advances from House Criminal Justice. Crowley Representative John Stefanski’s bill would set a minimum bail of $50,000 for a violent crime and $100,000 for one that involves the use of a firearm.

Cut 8 (11)  “…the crime.” 

The bill passed favorably in committee heads to the House floor.

Louisiana ranks the fourth unhealthiest state for adults 65 and older for the second year according to the United Health Foundation’s America’s Health Rankings Senior Report. United Chief Medical Officer Dr. Phillip Painter says there are a number of challenges working against seniors living in the Bayou State.

Cut 9 (12) “…should be”

After a catastrophic computer systems failure, the state Office of Motor Vehicles remains closed statewide today. The technical outage affected numerous state agencies, but the OMV was seriously impacted; bringing operations to an abrupt halt Thursday. OMV offices remain closed today due to connectivity issues for internet, email and online applications, while tech crews replace failed hardware and backup systems. State Officials says the outage was NOT the result of any outside cyberattack or hack. They expect OMV and all other state systems to be back up and available to all by Monday morning.

A bill to ban social media platforms from allowing minors to have their own account without parental consent passed in the Senate but it would only go into effect if funds are allocated for enforcement.  Bill author, Covington Senator Patrick McMath…:

CUT 12(11)      “…health crisis.”

That bill moves now to the House for committee review.

A bill that jacks up minimum bail amounts for persons accused of violent and/or gun crimes has cleared the House Criminal Justice Committee. The bill is from Crowley Republican Rep. John Stefanski. Opposing the bill, Michael Calhoun, with the Promise of Justice Initiative, who says higher bail often punishes the family of the accused, who pay the bond…:

CUT 07(09)      “…their income.”

The bill passed committee and heads for the House floor next week. The legislature must wrap up June 8^th.

Two Alexandria boys are under arrest for allegedly shooting a neighbor’s chihuahua to death with a BB gun. The boys, whose ages have not been released, are charged with Aggravate animal Cruelty.

And for safety’s sake, Field of Dreams Park in Bossier City was closed after a 5-foot gator was spotted nearby. The same park was shut down in April, while wildlife & Fisheries agents removed a 6-foot alligator. The park will reopen once this one is captured.