The full House has approved a measure that would require third graders to pass a literacy test before advancing to the fourth grade. Jeff Palermo has the story
Cut 2 (33) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A recount of the recent mayoral election in Pineville confirms Rich Dupree will be the Rapides Parish city’s new leader, by five votes. Dupree he’s excited for the future of Pineville and its industries..:
Cut 15 (09) “is strong”
Dupree will take office July 1st.

The 2022 legislative regular session ends one month from today and there are still some hot button issues to be decided like expanding medical marijuana laws, cracking down on speeders using cameras and a controversial ban on transgender athletes competing in women’s sports which was vetoed last year. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the Governor might want to change course:
Cut 6 (09) “it’s gonna hurt you”
The legislature must adjourn by 6 pm on June 6th.

Mother’s Day is Sunday, but while many families will celebrate with their loved ones, the Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs is working to help those seniors who aren’t getting the care they deserve. Program manager Ebony Thomas-Phillips says abuse takes many different forms…:
Cut 8 (10) “sometimes abandonment”
Contact Louisiana Elderly Services to report abuse.

With just one month left to go in the 2022 Legislative Session, what have lawmakers accomplished and what is left to do? Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

The full House has approved a measure that would require third graders to pass a literacy test before advancing to the fourth grade. Mississippi has a similar law:
Cut 10 (12) “in Mississippi”
Bill author Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson.

Mother’s Day is Sunday, but while many families will celebrate with their loved ones, the Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs is working to help those seniors who aren’t getting the care they deserve. Program manager Ebony Thomas-Phillips says all of us can play a role in ending elder abuse…:
Cut 7 (11) “us a call”
To report suspected abuse or neglect, search online for Louisiana Elderly Protective Services.

Get ready for more pain at the pump. The current statewide average for a gallon of regular jumped 4 cents overnight to $3.95 a gallon which is up over a dime from last week.

Elvis Costello is in New Orleans for his appearance at the second weekend of Jazz Fest and he made a stop at the newly renamed Allen Toussaint Boulevard to take a selfie with the caption “It’s about time.” The street used to be designated as Robert E Lee Boulevard, but the City Council agreed to change it to honor Toussaint, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame producer who lived on the street for several years. He and Costello were close friends and collaborators.

The 2022 regular legislative session ends one month from today. With just a few weeks left to go, what’s been accomplished? Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says a big achievement is lawmakers and the governor working in a bipartisan fashion to make optimal use of a huge budget surplus…:
Cut 4 (11) “…increases in taxes.”
The legislature must adjourn by 6 pm on June 6th.

The full House has approved a measure that would require third graders to pass a literacy test before advancing to the fourth grade. Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson says his legislation will help more than just students who struggle with reading…:
Cut 12 (12) “because of this”
The measure heads to the Senate for more consideration.

The AP reports former head of state police Kevin Reeves has had his journals released on the deadly 2019 arrest of Ronald Greene, and they appear to show he knew the situation needed to be addressed early on, though it was not. The pages were put out as part of subpoena from a committee investigating a possible cover up in Greene’s fatal traffic stop. They are demanding Reeves turn over all his journals or hold him contempt if he does not.

A recount of the recent mayoral election in Pineville confirms Rich Dupree will be the Rapides Parish city’s new leader, by a margin of only five votes. Dupree tells LRN the race, the results and the ensuing recount demand have made for a wild ride…:
Cut 13 (11) “like it did”
Dupree will take office July 1st.

There continues to be a lot of buzz over the vote in the House Criminal Justice Committee that would allow law enforcement to charge a mother and others who are involved in the termination of a pregnancy with murder. The Bill’s author is Oil City Representative Danny McCormick…
cut 24 (09) “….not yet born”
New Orleans Attorney Gwyneth O’Neil spoke in opposition. O’Neil called the legislation reckless and bad law. She says the way it’s written in vitro fertilization would be illegal…
Cut 26 (09) “…negligent homicide.”
And there’s a question over whether the legislation is even constitutional, because the proposed law also says any judge that attempts to overrule or void the proposed law shall be subject to impeachment or removal.

A Senate-backed bill aimed at cracking down on theft of catalytic converters has received approval from a House Committee. Under this proposal, prison terms for the crime would be based on the value of the parts stolen. Lafayette Representative Jonathan Goudeau made the motion to report the bill favorably…:
Cut 23 (11) “a problem”
The measure heads to the house floor.

And the full House has approved a measure that would require third graders to pass a literacy test before advancing to the fourth grade…
cut 12 (12) “…because of this”
Covington Representative Richard Nelson says students will be given multiple tries to pass the literacy test and help will be provided for the struggling student. The measure heads to the Senate for its consideration.

A sheriff’s deputy seriously wounded during a rampage on law enforcement officers in Baton Rouge in 2016 has passed away at the age of 47. Jeff Palermo has more…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

At the Capitol, a bill that would stiffen penalties for carjackers who seriously injure their victims moves out a House committee and towards a vote of the full chamber. The bill would impose no less than ten years in prison, with no parole or sentence suspension. A 73-year-old new Orleans woman was dragged to death when teens carjacked her in March.

Campus Police at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond say they’ve made an arrest in this morning’s abduction and sexual attack on a female SLU student. The girl was abducted at gunpoint, assaulted and then released. SLU Police say a suspect is now in custody, but haven’t released his name.

Governor John Bel Edwards received his second COVID booster shot last night, making that four shots total. The state health department reported over 500 new cases today, but hospitalizations remain low at 62. LDH also reports four more COVID-related deaths. Edwards says the state has recorded over 17-thousand COVID fatalities…:

CUT 13(07)      “…had none.”

The CDC says if you are 50 or older, get your next booster, if your last one was at least 4 months ago.

You’ve probably noticed that gasoline prices – after dipping down for a few weeks – are rising again. The statewide average price of regular gas is now $3.91. What’s behind the latest spike? Louisiana AAA’s Don Redman says OPEC being stingey, the Ukraine War and other domestic factors like reduced demand. He says relief is NOT in sight…:

CUT 05  (11)        “…any time soon.”

Governor John Bel Edwards received his second COVID booster shot last night, which was his fourth COVID vaccine shot overall. Edwards is encouraging Louisiana residents to be up to date on their shots…:

Cut 12  (14)      “…wanes faster.”

The CDC says if you’re 50 or older, get a second COVID-19 booster IF the first booster was at least four months ago.

Corporal Nick Tullier, the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Deputy shot multiple times in an ambush targeting law officers in July 2016, has died at the age of 47. EBR Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says he’s heartbroken over the passing of a true hero..:

CUT 06(10)      “…place now.”

Three LEOs were killed that day, Tullier and two others were wounded, but his injuries were the most severe. After being given hours to live, he fought on for nearly six years.

State Fire Marshal Butch Browning is retiring, after 14 years in that job. He is the state’s longest-serving fire marshal. Browning is credited with starting an Urban Search and Rescue program involving firefighters from around the state that are deployed when a disaster strikes…:

CUT 11(10)      “…a problem.”

Browning will take a job heading the National Association of State Fire Marshals.

A Baton Rouge sheriff’s deputy, who was severely injured in a 2016 ambush shooting that killed three cops and injured three more, has passed away. 47-year-old Deputy Nick Tullier was shot three times by gunman Gavin Long, who was in turn shot and killed by LEOs. East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says Tullier beat all odds in surviving the shooting. He says doctors initially only gave him hours to live…:

CUT 08  (11)        “…the strength.”

A New Orleans woman is behind bars; accused of the beating death of her 2-year-old son. NOPD says little Gaylan Ferrand was brought to a hospital a week ago with serious injuries, but died a short time later. The coroner ruled it a homicide from multiple blunt force injuries. 25-year-old Dianne Ferrand was taken into custody this morning for 2^nd degree murder.

Butch Browning is retiring as the state’s fire marshal, and will become the new executive director of the National Association of State Fire Marshals. Michelle Southern has more…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Michelle Southern.”

Campus Police at Southeastern University in Hammond say a female student was abducted at gunpoint on campus this morning. The victim says she was taken to a nearby area and sexually assaulted, then let go. Officers are seeking a Black male, about 5’7” with knotted or plaited hair – driving a white Suburban.

A Baton Rouge sheriff’s deputy that was seriously wounded during an ambush on cops in 2016 has died. Jeff Palermo has that…:

CUT 01(33)          “…Jeff Palermo.”

Tullier was 47 years old.

A tornado watch is in effect for parishes in northwestern Louisiana until 6 tonight. A system of strong showers and thunderstorms is moving across the ArkLaTex, with the possibility of spawning twisters. Stay alert to local radio for updates or possible warnings. Again, the tornado watch expires at 6.

New Iberia Police arrest a woman, after she admitted to being high on drugs when she left her 3-year-old child – alone and barefoot – at a public park. Cops found the toddler and took it into their care. The mom, Fredricka Hughes, was found six hours later. Both her kids are now in state custody.

After going down for a few weeks, gasoline prices are rising again. The statewide average for regular gas is $3.91. Louisiana AAA fuel expert Don Redman says reduced demand for fuel – as we all adjust to paying more – is a big part of the surge. He says we should get used to this … probably through summer…:

CUT 04  (09)        “…will shake out.”

Imagine sleeping in your bed and suddenly being awakened by an intruder in your home, slashing at you with a knife. Donaldsonville resident Elizabeth Street is recovering from multiple cuts, after fighting off her attacker, Peggy Valentine – a women she knew. Valentine is charged with attempted murder and home invasion.

After taking a slight dip, gasoline prices are getting higher once again, as the average price for a gallon of regular gas is up to three dollars and ninety-one cents across the state. AAA spokesman Don Redman says a potential ban on Russian oil by the European Union would create a real tightening of the market, and today’s oil prices reflect that concern.

Cut 3 (10) “…prices upward.”

—

The Saints and safety Tyrann Mathieu made it official yesterday as the Honey Badger signed a three-year deal. It’s been an incredible journey for the New Orleans native, who went from undiscovered gem to Heisman Finalist to being kicked off the LSU football team. Now, after nine successful seasons on and off the field, Mathieu likes who and where he is.

Cut 15 (10) “…in my life.”

—

Corporal Nick Tullier, the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Deputy shot multiple times in an ambush targeting law officers in July 2016, has died at the age of 47. Authorities say Tullier was shot in the head, stomach, and shoulder by a gunman from Kansas City, Missouri who killed three other officers that day. Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says Tullier and fellow deputy, Sergeant Bruce Simmons, were drinking coffee that morning when they got the call of officers down…

Cut 7 (12) “…and Bruce.”

—

Louisiana’s longest-serving state fire marshal is retiring. Butch Browning has accepted the position of executive director of the National Association of State Fire Marshals after serving 14 years as the state’s fire marshal. State Fire Marshal Deputy Assistant Secretary Daniel Wallis has been named as Browning’s successor. Browning says Wallis will do a wonderful job…

Cut 10 (10) ”…to the code”

—

The House Criminal Justice Committee approves legislation that would make abortion a crime in Louisiana. Under Oil City Representative Danny McCormick’s proposal, the mother and those assisting in the termination of a pregnancy can be charged with murder:
Cut 4 (09) “not yet born”
Opponents of the bill say the measure would criminalize in vitro fertilization.

Corporal Nick Tullier, the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Deputy shot multiple times in an ambush targeting law officers in July 2016, has died at the age of 47. Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says he’s heartbroken over the passing of a true hero
Cut 6 (10) “…place now.”
Tullier was only expected to live hours after he was shot in the head, stomach, and shoulder by a gunman from Kansas City. His family says he developed a severe infection, which turned out to be fatal.

Louisiana’s longest-serving state fire marshal is retiring. Butch Browning has accepted the position of executive director of the National Association of State Fire Marshals after serving 14 years as the state’s fire marshal. Browning says he’s proud of implementing higher safety standards for building and construction…
cut 9 (11) “…very responsive agency”

The Honey Badger is home, and he’s as excited as Saints fans. Tyrann Mathieu and New Orleans made it official yesterday as the veteran safety signed a three-year deal to join his hometown team. A reporter mentioned Mathieu is about to turn 30, and to that the Honey Badger said…:
Cut 16 (10) “some more”
Though he doesn’t have an official number yet, the Saints are taking pre-orders for Mathieu’s jersey and the website crashed almost instantly. It’s back up now.