Once again this year, a bill to ban using a hand-held cell phone while driving goes before state lawmakers today…
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

On Saturday, voters in several parishes voted against property tax renewals. Alexandria voters objected to a renewal of a property tax that would go towards road, infrastructure and downtown projects. Natchitoches Parish voters said no to a ten-year-long property tax extension to fund public libraries, roads and bridges.

The candidates running for governor say they have no plans to repeal Governor John Bel Edwards executive order that expanded the Medicaid program, providing an estimated 500-thousand Louisiana residents with health care. Six of the seven candidates made that comment at a gubernatorial forum hosted by the Public Affairs Research Council and PAR President Steven Propcopio says Attorney General Jeff Landry gave his answer after the forum….
cut 14 (07) “….undo it”

Pearl River native Rachel Zehenelly has made history as she’s been named the first female to lead the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ Enforcement Division. Zechenelly has worked with the agency for over two decades and has received several awards including numerous Meritorious Service Awards…
cut 5 (11) “….and rescue”

The coroner in Jefferson Parish releases his preliminary cause of death findings for Bella Fontanelle, the 6-year-old girl whose body was found stuffed in a ten-gallon bucket this week. Coroner Gerry Cvitanovich says Bella died from strangulation and blunt force trauma to the head. 43-year-old Hannah Landon, the girlfriend of Bella’s father has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Cvitanovich says the case has been difficult on everyone involved including first responders and his staff…:

CUT 13(07)      “…young girl.”

Video footage from cams in the neighborhood show Landon pulling a wagon Tuesday night with that bucket inside.

Has your infant had its shots? This is National Infant Immunization Week, and Shreveport pediatrician Dr. Nikki Humphries says vaccines ARE safe and guard your baby from numerous illnesses…:

CUT 10(10)      “…pneumonia, polio…”

A New Orleans teen has set a record by receiving more than $9-million in scholarships and 180 college acceptance letters. 16-year-old Dennis Maliq Barnes holds the Guinness World Record title as the top senior accepted by the most colleges with the most scholarships. Barnes, a senior at the International High School of New Orleans, says his intent was just to get into college…:

CUT 06(12)      “…really fast.”

Barnes has a 4.98 GPA and was promoted early to 10^th and 11^th.

We have some chances of rain in the Louisiana forecast today, as a line of showers and thunderstorms moves across the state. Some of those could get intense at times. Some areas may see next to nothing. However, the rain is expected to move out to the east and northeast during the overnight hours. We should wake up Sunday to clearing skies and cool temperatures, with afternoon highs reaching into the mid-to-upper-70’s.

A Friday morning car crash in Grant Parish takes three lives. State Police say a Toyota sedan was trying to pass multiple vehicles on Highway 71, when it crashed head-on into a SUV. The victims are identified as 24-year-old Joseph Kirk of Boyce, 30-year-old Brittney Johnson of Colfax and an un-named 10-year-old child. The crash is under investigation.

The Jefferson Parish coroner release his preliminary findings in the murder of 6-year-old Bella Fontanelle this week in Harahan. Coroner Gerry Cvitanovich says she died from strangulation and blunt force trauma to the head. He says rumors she was dismembered are NOT true. He says dealing with death is routine for he and his staff, but it IS different when the victim is a child…:

CUT 14(11)      “…all of us.”

The girl’s father’s girlfriend, Hannah Landon, has been arrested for Bella’s murder.

Two Breaux Bridge men are under arrest in a major drug bust. St. Martin Parish deputies executing a search warrant found sizeable amounts of crystal meth, powder and crack cocaine, heroin, weed and numerous kinds of pills. Brothers Travis and Dwayne Calais are in custody facing a long list of charges.

A Shreveport pediatrician says National Infant Immunization Week is the perfect time to make sure your baby has his or her necessary shots. Dr. Nikki Humphries is a pediatrician at Willis-Knighton Medical Center in Shreveport. She says an “anti-vaccine” sentiment has surfaced in recent years, after a now-discredited study linked them to autism and other childhood ailments. The COVID pandemic and pressure to get that vaccine added to public paranoia. As a result, diseases like measles and rubella and others are seeing an uptick in the U.S.  Humphries urges parents to disregard the hype and follow the science for their child’s sake…:

CUT 11(08)      “…decades and decades.”

The coroner in Jefferson Parish releases his preliminary cause of death findings for Bella Fontanelle, the 6-year-old girl whose body was found stuffed in a ten-gallon bucket this week. Coroner Gerry Cvitanovich says Bella died from strangulation and blunt force trauma to the head. 43-year-old Hannah Landon, the girlfriend of Bella’s father has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Cvitanovich says the case has been difficult on everyone involved including first responders and his staff…:

CUT 13(07)      “…young girl.”

Video footage from cams in the neighborhood show Landon pulling a wagon Tuesday night with that bucket inside.

Has your infant had its shots? This is National Infant Immunization Week, and Shreveport pediatrician Dr. Nikki Humphries says vaccines ARE safe and guard your baby from numerous illnesses…:

CUT 10(10)      “…pneumonia, polio…”

A New Orleans teen has set a record by receiving more than $9-million in scholarships and 180 college acceptance letters. 16-year-old Dennis Maliq Barnes holds the Guinness World Record title as the top senior accepted by the most colleges with the most scholarships. Barnes, a senior at the International High School of New Orleans, says his intent was just to get into college…:

CUT 06(12)      “…really fast.”

Barnes has a 4.98 GPA and was promoted early to 10^th and 11^th.

We have some chances of rain in the Louisiana forecast today, as a line of showers and thunderstorms moves across the state. Some of those could get intense at times. Some areas may see next to nothing. However, the rain is expected to move out to the east and northeast during the overnight hours. We should wake up Sunday to clearing skies and cool temperatures, with afternoon highs reaching into the mid-to-upper-70’s.

The preliminary cause of death of a 6-year-old Harahan girl who was murdered Tuesday night has been released. Jefferson Parish Coroner Gerry Cvitanovich says he wanted to stop rumors that are circulating about the shocking death of Bella Fontenelle….:

CUT 12(10)      “…involved.”

Jazz festival is now underway in New Orleans, and coinciding with that major event is a walk-out of ride share drivers; just when they’re needed most. Dozens of Uber & Lyft drivers are refusing to work until they get a bigger share of the money made from fares. One driver said a trip from Armstrong Airport to downtown costs almost $150…of which they make less than $30. Drivers say it costs more to gas up and maintain a vehicle and they need a pay increase to offset that.

At the state Capitol, a bill to reduce the number of hours required for cosmetology students passes in the full House…:

CUT 01(29)      “…Thorington.”

It’s National Infant Immunization Week, and Shreveport pediatrician Dr. Nikki Humphries says getting those shots for baby is crucial…:

CUT 09(08)      “…illness and injury.”

The Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office released the results of the autopsy of a 6-year-old Harahan girl murdered Tuesday night.  Coroner Gerry Cvitanovich says speculations on the case are not true.

cut 12 (10) “…involved.” 

The girlfriend of Bella’s father, 43-year-old hannah landon, was seen pulling a wagon Tuesday night with a bucket inside. She was been arrested and charged with first-degree murder.

A New Orleans senior with a 4.98 GPA broke the national record after receiving 125 college acceptances and over $9 million in scholarships. 16-year-old Dennis Maliq Barnes began applying for colleges last summer.

cut 6 (12)  “…really fast” 

Barnes plans on breaking his own record by crossing the $10 million threshold in scholarships.  He will pursue a dual degree in computer science and criminal justice.

A bill to reduce the number of hours required for cosmetology students passes in the full House. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The LSU Tigers football team is expected to hire South Carolina defensive line coach Jimmy Lindsey for the same position. Lindsey has been the defensive line coach at South Carolina for two seasons. He previously coached defensive ends at Illinois and Western Kentucky. LSU had an opening after former defensive line coach Jamar Cain left for the position of pass rush specialist with the Denver Broncos.

The Baton Rouge Tigerland bar that over-served an underage LSU student on the night she died has been ordered to close its doors for good. Kevin Gallagher has that story…:

Cut 2 (33)  “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

Legislation allowing schools to designate school protection officers with the authority to carry a concealed handgun on campus with proof of a valid permit was removed because the law already exists. Gonzales Representative Eddie Lambert decided to pull SB 158 after learning a current law that has similar language.

Hairy legislation to reduce the required class hours for cosmetology students to be licensed in Louisiana passes in the House. Bill author, Slidell Rep Mary DuBuisson says the Cosmetology Board would continue to uphold state requirements.

Cut 5 (05) “…with this bill .”

Students will still be required to pass a national exam to become licensed in Louisiana. The bill advances to a Senate committee.

A New Orleans teen has set a U.S. record by receiving more than $9 million in scholarships and 180 college acceptances. 16-year-old Dennis Maliq Barnes, a senior at International High School, has a 4.98 GPA and was promoted early to 10^th and 11^th. He says his goal is to reach $10 million in funding.

Cut 8 (04)  “…are interesting.” 

Where he’ll attend college has yet to be decided but he plans to pursue a dual degree in Computer Science and Criminal Justice. He graduates from high school on May 24.

Jefferson Parish coroner has released the cause of death of a 6-year-old Harahan girl found in a 10-gallon bucket Wednesday morning.  Coroner Gerry Cvitanovich says everyone is feeling the impact of the tragic death of Bella Fontenelle.

Cut 14 (11)  “…all of us.”

Preliminary Cause of Death: Manual strangulation and multiple blunt force injuries to the head. 43-year-old Hannah Landon, the girlfriend of Bella’s father has been charged with first-degree murder.

A Louisiana high school senior has set a national record by securing more than $9 million in scholarships and 180 college acceptance letters to colleges. 16-year-old Dennis Maliq Barnes holds the Guinness Book of World Records title as the top senior accepted by the most colleges with the most scholarships. Barnes is also fluent in Spanish.

Cut 7 (09)  “…in New Orleans.” 

Barnes plans to pursue a dual degree in Computer Science and Criminal Justice and is working to top $10 million in scholarships.

A bill to cut the number of required hours for students studying cosmetology passes in the House. The author of the bill, Slidell Rep Mary DuBuisson says the bill will reduce hours but help students get employed earlier which in turn helps salon owners looking for help.

Cut 3 (09) “….seven and a half months.”

The Cosmetology Board will also be required to create a website for students to track their progress and make payments. The legislation passed on a 78 to 15 vote and advances to a Senate committee.

A Shreveport pediatrician says National Infant Immunization Week is the perfect time to make sure your baby has his or her necessary shots. Dr. Nikki Humphries is a pediatrician at Willis-Knighton Medical Center in Shreveport. She says parents should debunk the myths and follow the science.

Cut 11 (08)  “…decades and decades.”

Dr. Humphries says early vaccinations are safe and guard your baby against numerous common illnesses.

Manual strangulation and multiple blunt force injuries to the head is the preliminary cause of death of 6-year-old Bella Fontenelle of Harahan. Jefferson Parish Coroner Gerry Cvitanovich says the case has been difficult on everyone even first responders and his staff.

Cut 13 (07) “…young girl.” 

Bella’s father’s girlfriend 43-year-old Hannah Landon has been charged. Bella’s body was found in a 10-gallon bucket on her mother’s lawn Wednesday.

In Lafayette an instructor at St. Thomas More High School has been terminated. According to KLFY-TV parents were sent a message that Jacob De La Paz is no longer with the school and there’s no reason to believe he engaged in any type of inappropriate behavior with any students. A KLFY investigation of his previous employment in Arkansas says he sent inappropriate text messages to students in 2017.

A bill to reduce the number of required hours for cosmetology students passes in the House. Bill author Slidell Rep Mary DuBuisson says it will help hair salons that are struggling to find employees, but students are still required to pass their exams. Lafayette Representative Jean-Paul Coussan says it would hurt smaller schools.

Cut 4 (10)  “…smaller communities.” 

The bill now heads to a Senate committee.

It’s National Infant Immunization Week and Shreveport Willis Knighton pediatrician Nikki Humphries says early vaccinations are safe and guard your baby against numerous common illnesses…:

Cut 10 (10) “…pneumonia, polio.” 

Humphries says when it comes to immunizations to trust your healthcare provider, not the internet.

A bill to reduce the number of hours required for cosmetology students passes in the full House. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________

The Baton Rouge Tigerland bar that over-served an underage LSU student on the night she died has been ordered to close its doors for good. Kevin Gallagher has that story…:

Cut 2 (33)  “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

______________________________________

Legislation to reduce the number of required hours for cosmetology students to graduate passes in the House. Slidell Rep Mary DuBuisson says the bill will help hair salons that are struggling to find employees due to lack of hours, but students are still required to pass their exams.

Cut 3 (09) “….seven and a half months.”

Lafayette Representative Jean-Paul Coussan questioned how less instruction would help students pass the exam and that reducing hours could financially hurt smaller schools of cosmetology.

Cut 4 (10)  “…smaller communities.” 

When asked if less instruction time could compromise safety in the workforce DuBussion says the Cosmetology Board still dictates which courses are needed to pass the exam.

Cut 5 (05) “…with this bill.”

The bill also modernizes the Cosmetology Board’s website to accept renewals and payments online. The legislation passed on a 78 to 15 vote and advances to a Senate committee.

______________________________________________

A New Orleans teen has set a U.S. record by receiving more than $9 million in scholarships and 180 college acceptance letters to colleges. 16-year-old Dennis Maliq Barnes holds the Guinness Book of World Records title as the top senior accepted by the most colleges with the most scholarships. Barnes, a senior at the International High School of New Orleans, says his intent was just to get into college.

Cut 6 (12)  “…really fast” 

Barnes is dually enrolled at Southern University of New Orleans and has been pursuing college credits for the past two years. He is the Executive President of the National Honor Society and is fluent in Spanish.

Cut 7 (09)  “…in New Orleans.” 

Barnes has a 4.98 GPA and was promoted early to 10^th and 11^th. He says his goal is to reach $10 million in funding.

Cut 8 (04)  “…are interesting.” 

Barnes plans to pursue a dual degree in Computer Science and Criminal Justice. His graduation is set for May 24.

__________________________________________________

A Shreveport pediatrician says National Infant Immunization Week is the perfect time to make sure your baby has his or her necessary shots. Dr. Nikki Humphries is a pediatrician at Willis-Knighton Medical Center in Shreveport. She says it’s crucial to baby’s health to get them protected against common infections…:

Cut 9 (08) “….illness and injury.”

Dr. Humphries says early vaccinations are safe and guard your baby against numerous common illnesses…:

Cut 10 (10) “…pneumonia, polio.” 

An “anti-vaccine” sentiment has surfaced in recent years, after a now-discredited study linked them to autism and other childhood ailments. The COVID pandemic and pressure to get that vaccine added to public paranoia. As a result, diseases like measles and rubella and others are seeing an uptick in the U.S.  Humphries urges parents to disregard the hype and follow the science for their child’s sake…:

Cut 11 (08)  “…decades and decades.”

_____________________________________________________

The preliminary cause of death of a 6-year-old Harahan girl who was murdered Tuesday night has been released. Jefferson Parish Coroner Gerry Cvitanovich says he wanted to stop rumors that are circulating about the shocking death of Bella Fontenelle.

Cut 12 (10) “…involved.” 

(Preliminary Cause of Death: Manual strangulation and multiple blunt force injuries to the head.)

43-year-old Hannah Landon, the girlfriend of Bella’s father has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Bella’s body was found Wednesday morning in a 10-gallon bucket left on her mother’s lawn.

Cvitanovich says the case has been difficult on everyone involved including first responders and his staff.

Cut 13 (07) “…young girl.” 

Even though police, EMS, and those who work in the coroner’s office deal with tragic deaths on a regular basis, Cvitanovich says it rings differently when it’s a child.

Cut 14 (11)  “…all of us.”

Investigators believe the child was murdered at her father’s home and neighborhood video footage shows Landon pulling a wagon Tuesday night with the bucket inside a block away

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