Lawmakers defer two pro-choice bills aimed at making the state’s all-out ban on abortions less onerous. House Criminal Justice chose to shelve HB 598, which would have clarified that non-viable ectopic pregnancies can be treated through surgery. New Orleans Representative Candace Newell (New-ELL)argued her bill is a pathway to saving a mother’s life from a problem pregnancy…:
Cut 7 (15) “…to their patients.”
Louisiana Right to Life director Ben Clapper told panel members HB 598 is unnecessary…:
Cut 8 (11) “…pregnancies and more.”
The House Criminal Justice Committee also voted against a bill that would have exempted miscarriages from the state’s near-total abortion ban.

Despite pushback from Black lawmakers, the Louisiana House approved a bill that would hold back third graders who fail multiple literacy tests. Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson’s measure is modeled after a policy Mississippi is using. But New Orleans Representative Delisha Boyd is not impressed…
cut 15 (06) “……scoring 45th”
But Nelson says Mississippi’s reading scores have improved since the program was enacted in 2013.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services has won an award. The nonprofit organization, Code for America, has awarded DCFS with its Government Changemaker Award. Secretary Terri Ricks says in 2019 the state partnered with Code for America and launched a one-way text messaging service that helps recipients at critical times…
cut 11 (12) “…be helpful”
Ricks says they also use text messaging to keep SNAP recipients informed.

Two bills aimed at clarifying the state’s all-out ban on abortions meet defeat in a House committee. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

New Orleans is the center for the national debate over the access of the widely used abortion drug mifepristone. A federal appeals court in New Orleans will hear arguments today on a federal judge’s decision in Texas to revoke the FDA’s approval of the drug which occurred over two decades ago. The case is expected to end up before the U-S Supreme Court.

A bill that would allow a pregnant mother to recover half of the out of pocket medical expenses of the pregnancy from the biological father continues to move through the legislative process. The House approved legislation has received approval from a Senate committee…
cut 5 (05) “…real issue”
That’s Turkey Creek Senator Heather Cloud. The bill heads next to the Senate floor.

The Louisiana House approves a bill to hold third graders back if they fail to pass a literacy competency test multiple times. Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson’s measure gives students three opportunities to pass the test…
Cut 14 (11) “…requirements.”
The proposal passed on a 88-15 vote and heads to the Senate.

Two bills aimed at softening the state’s all-out ban on abortions meet defeat in a House committee. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

State police are investigating a physical confrontation between two House staff members that happened outside of the capitol Tuesday. One staffer from House Sergeant at Arms was reportedly carrying a firearm before the incident. Only law enforcement is allowed to carry a weapon inside the Capitol. No other details are available.

House-approved legislation that would allow the pregnant mother of a child to recover half the out-of-pocket, pregnancy-related medical expenses from the biological father was approved by Senate Judiciary A. Abita Springs Representative Larry Frieman says the bill was created to protect pregnant women.

Cut 4 (08)  “… the father.”

The bill heads to the Senate floor.

A bill to hold third graders back if they fail to pass a literacy competency test advances from the full House. Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson’s bill failed the final days of the session last year. He says this bill gives students three opportunities to pass the test…

Cut 11 (11)  “…requirements.”

Students who fail the test would receive intensive instruction and two additional opportunities to pass the test. The bill will be heard in a Senate committee next.

At the State Capitol, the House rejects two bills that would have curtailed carbon capture projects planned for Lake Maurepas in southeast Louisiana. Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala says the legislation threatens 21-billion dollars in industrial projects…:

CUT 09(12)      “…somewhere else.”

Residents who live near Lake Maurepas are concerned about carbon capture’s effect on the ecosystem. Nevertheless, those bills are defeated.

A bill that would let property insurers raise rates without the approval of the insurance commissioner has passed the full House and heads now to the Senate. New Orleans Rep. Mandie Landry says she is skeptical of the bill, though…:

CUT 07(12)      “…more irate.”

Supporters say it will lead to more competition.

A truck theft in Slidell Monday led to a fiery crash, a big manhunt and an attack by angry hornets that sent two cops and a K-9 officer to the hospital. Slidell PD’s Office Dan Suzeneau says the suspect rolled the stolen truck over, which burst into flames. He then fled into a nearby swap and that’s where cops encountered the hornets’ nest…:

CUT 14(10)      “…of hornets.”

The suspect managed to get away, but Suzeneau says they’ll catch him another day. The two officers and the K-9 were treated for multiple stings and released.

Congratulations to Kenneth Colona, of Tangipahoa Parish, who just graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond…at age 85. Colona walked the stage and collected his Bachelor of Science in Sociology; making him the oldest person to ever earn a degree from SLU. He says it proves you are never too old to reach for your dreams.

A truck theft in Slidell Monday involved a flipped truck going up in flames, a massive manhunt, and a hornet’s nest…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

Senator John Kennedy incurred the anger of the Mexican ambassador to the U.S. when he recently said without American help, (quote) “Mexico – figuratively speaking – would be eating cat food from a can while living in a tent behind an Outback.” The ambassador says that’s vulgar and racists. So far, no comment from Mr. Kennedy.

The state is reaching out to anyone who sustained damage from the hurricanes of 2020 and ’21, who may be eligible for reimbursement from the Restore Louisiana Program. State Office of Community Development director Pat Forbes says there could be reasons why these individuals are not applying for assistance at “restore.la.gov”…:

CUT 03(12)      “…some assistance.”

If you had repairs totaling $5k or more, check to see of you have help coming to you.

A bill to remove approval from the Insurance Commissioner for property insurance rate changes passes in the full House. Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval says some people think allowing the commissioner to control rates is a good thing…:

CUT 06(10)      “…goes up.”

Outgoing Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon opposes the legislation. Nevertheless, it moves now to the Senate for Insurance Committee review. Remember, the legislature must conclude its business by June 8^th.

The state believes there are thousands of homeowners who suffered damage during the 2020 and 21 hurricanes, but have not applied for assistance to repair or rebuild their home through the Restore Louisiana Program. Teiko Foxx has more…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Foxx.”

The City of Alexandria has announced that there is a recent scam going around targeting residents. The email scam circulating is falsely claiming to be from the city regarding collections of fines and fees. The City says they will not email or call you about collections; they will notify you by mail. Don’t be fooled.

Two Slidell cops and a K9 officer found themselves attacked by angry hornets while trying to find and arrest a vehicle theft suspect Monday. Slidell PD’s Dan Suzeneau says the thief crashed the truck and fled into swampy woods, and that’s where officers encountered the hornets’ nest. He says, after hours of searching they had to give up…:

CUT 13  (10)        “…more leads.”

The K9 and the cops were treated for multiple stings. They’ll be OK.

Two bills aimed at curtailing carbon emission capture plans for Lake Maurepas and other areas were voted down in the House. Ascension Parish Representative Tony Bacala says billions in new industrial investments in the state rely on carbon capture being in the picture…”

CUT 11  (11)        “…carbon capturing.”

People living in and around the lake worry carbon capture will harm the ecosystem.

A truck theft in Slidell Monday involved a massive manhunt, a fiery crash, a disturbed hornets’ nest with 2 cops and a K-9 stung multiple times and the suspect getting away. Slidell PD’s Officer Daniel Seuzeneau says it started when a 2005 Ford F-250 was stolen from a gym parking lot…:

CUT 12(10)      “…the woods.”

The truck burst into flames and the suspect got out and ran across the interstate and into the swamp. He is still at large.

If you had home damage from the hurricanes of 2020 and 29021, the state may have some assistance money for you. Pat Forbes with the state Office of Community Development says find out what help at “restore.la.gov”…:

CUT 04(11)      “…reimburse you.”

Or call them at 866-735-2001.

At the Capitol, two bill attempting to slow the roll of the carbon capture projects in the state fail to pass out of the House. The projects concern folks who live on or near Lake Maurepas, like Hammond Representative Nick Muscarello, who says there are too many unknowns in the emergent technology…:

CUT 10(10)      “…one of them.”

The projects will mean about $21-billion in industrial work and the revenues that come with that.

The House passed a bill to let insurance companies raise their rates without the approval of the Insurance Commissioner. Bill sponsor and Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval says it will increase competition and will not mean the Commissioner has no oversight…:

CUT 08(07)      “…Louisiana law.”

The vote passes by a 56-to-23 vote and moves now to the Senate.

A bill to remove approval from the Insurance Commissioner for rate changes passes in the House. Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval believes a competitive insurance market will regulate prices better than the government. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry…

Cut 7 (12)  “…more irate.” 

After 30 days if the rate is deemed discriminatory or unlawful the commissioner could repeal the rate.  The bill heads to a Senate committee.

The House has rejected two bills that attempted to curtail carbon capture projects planned for Lake Maurepas in southeast Louisiana. Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala says the legislation threatens 21 billion dollars in industrial projects…

Cut 9 (12) “…somewhere else.”

The state is trying to reach out to an estimated 45 thousand households who sustained damage from hurricanes in 2020 and 2021 because they could be eligible for financial assistance.  Executive Director for the Louisiana Office of Community Development, Pat Forbes says you can respond to a survey at restore.la.gov.

Cut 5 (13) “…for help.”

That website again is restore.la.gov

A bill to let you carry a concealed weapon without getting a permit is scheduled for debate today in the House Criminal Justice Committee. Kevin Gallagher has that…:
Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Congratulations to 85-year-old Kenneth Colona of Hammond. He’s the oldest person to graduate from Southeastern Louisiana. Colona received a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology.

The state is trying to reach out to 45 thousand households who sustained damage from hurricanes in 2020 and 2021 because they could be eligible for financial assistance. Executive Director of the Louisiana Office of Community Development, Pat Forbes says there could be reasons why these individuals have not applied for assistance at restore.la.gov.
Cut 3 (12) “…some assistance.”
Many of the homeowners who could be eligible live in southwest Louisiana.

A bill to remove approval from the Insurance Commissioner for rate changes passes in the full House. Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval says some people think allowing the commissioner to control rates is a good thing.
Cut 6 (10) “…goes up.”
Huval believes a free and competitive insurance market will regulate prices better than government bureaucracy and regulation.

House Criminal Justice is scheduled to discuss concealed carry without a permit today. Bill sponsor, Oil City Representative Danny McCormick hopes there is enough time to get the bill through the House and Senate before the session ends…:

Cut 6 (10)  “…in this session.”

The bill passed in the House last year but stalled in the Senate in the wake of the Uvalde, Texas school shooting.

Almost 900 students from six professional health schools will graduate from LSU Health Sciences New Orleans Thursday. Interim Chancellor Dr. Steve Nelson says the majority of their graduates stay in the state and you want well-trained healthcare providers because when you’re in an accident or need immediate care you’re going to be taken to the closest emergency room.

Cut 15 (07)  “…LSU graduate.”

Governor Edwards is scheduled to give the commencement address on Thursday.

The Conference Board Job Satisfaction annual survey shows U.S. employees’ job satisfaction overall is the highest it has ever been since the survey began in 1987. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Lafayette Christian football star Ju’Juan Johnson committed to LSU last night. He was previously committed to Colorado. Johnson is talented dual threat quarterback for the Knights, but the four-star prospect will likely be a cornerback in college.