A study shows that Louisiana’s civil court system is significantly harming the state’s economy. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Catholics in Louisiana and the rest of the country are abuzz over the election of the first U.S.-born pope in the history of the church. Andrew Greenstein reports.

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On this Mother’s Day, take some time to keep tabs on the mental health of expectant and new mothers. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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A study reveals that Louisiana’s civil court system is significantly harming the state’s economy. Louisiana Lawsuit Abuse Watch Executive Director Lana Venable says excessive litigation has led to nearly 40-thousand lost jobs, 2.9-billion-dollars in lost personal income, and over 240-million dollars in annual state revenue losses.

Cut 4 (11) “…retail establishments.”

Venable says the impact spans sectors like manufacturing, retail, and finance. The report estimates a “tort tax” exceeding one-thousand dollars per resident annually.

Cut 5 (11) “…families are paying.”

The study urges comprehensive tort reform, citing other states’ successes in boosting economic performance and job creation through such measures. Venable says without reform, Louisiana risks continued economic decline.

Cut 6 (11) “…these numbers change.”

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Catholics in Louisiana and all across the country are still abuzz over the election of the first U.S.-born pope in the history of the church. Robert Prevost was elected on the second day of the conclave at the Vatican, and he has chosen Leo the 14th as his papal name. LSU professor of religious studies and history Michael Pasquier (pass-KAY) says Leo the 14th was already a worldly figure before his ascension to the head of the Catholic church.

Cut 7 (13) “…the wider Americas.”

Pasquier says Prevost took his papal name after Pope Leo the 13th, who was pope in the late 19th Century and into the beginning of the 20th Century.

Cut 8 (15) “…the Catholic church.”

Pasquier points to one encyclical that Leo the 13th wrote called Rarem Novarum, which serves as Catholic social teaching as we know it today.

Cut 9 (13)  “…capitalism and socialism.”

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Webster Parish deputies are investigating the deaths of the former Registrar of Voters and her husband. Sheriff Justin Parker says 63-year-old Melanie Smith and 58-year-old Kenny Smith were found dead at around eight Wednesday night inside their home during a welfare check.

Cut 10 (07) “…in the residence.”

Parker stated that the bodies have been sent to Little Rock for autopsies as the investigation into the circumstances of their deaths continues.

Cut 11 (08) “…to the family”

Melanie Smith retired in December 2020 after a 29-year career in the Registrar of Voters’ office, serving as chief deputy and later as registrar from 2003. Kenny Smith was a retired local businessman whose family sold their Dixie Inn business. Parker says the community mourns the loss of the couple, who were well-known and respected in the area.

Cut 12 (06) “…to the family.”

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On this Mother’s Day, make a special effort to check on the mental health of the women who are near and dear to you. Research has shown that one in five women experience a mental health crisis at some point in their lives. Louisiana Healthcare Connections says the number is likely higher, since many cases go untreated due to things like stigma. Dr. Dana Lawson says mental health is a big issue among women.

Cut 13 (12)  “…so many burdens.”

Dr. Lawson says just being there to lend a sympathetic ear can make a woman’s day.

Cut 14 (09) “…to be heard.”

Lawson says even small acts of kindness go a long way.

Cut 15 (10) “…her nails done.”

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The LSU baseball team will host Arkansas this weekend in the final regular season series at Alex Box Stadium this season. The Tigers are 15-and-9 in the SEC, but they have struggled to score runs in their recent losses. Coach Jay Johnson is not overly concerned.

Cut 16 (12) “…into.”

Johnson gives credit to some of the opposing pitchers the Tigers have recently faced as a reason for their offensive woes.

Cut 17 (18)  “…they have.”

Arkansas is 40-and-9 overall, 17-and-7 in the SEC. They are ranked number one in the country by the college baseball writers association after sweeping the previously number one ranked team in the country, Texas. Arkansas swept the Tigers last season, and senior Josh Pearson says the Hogs are always tough.

Cut 18 (23)  “…playing them here.”

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The Ragin Cajuns are at 21^st ranked Southern Miss this weekend. U-L Lafayette is coming off a three-game sweep of Georgia State in Atlanta. The Cajuns scored 28 runs in the three-game series and hit eight home runs. Coach Matt Deggs brings a 15-9 Sun Belt record to Hattiesburg.

Cut 19 (15) “…train rolling.”

U-L Lafayette’s overall record is 25-and-24. Deggs wants to see his team continue to play consistently good baseball.

Cut 20 (17) “…keep showing up.”

House Republicans are looking to lower the state income tax even lower than the flat three-percent they did during the special session last fall. The House has approved a proposed constitutional amendment that seeks to lower the state income tax to 2.75 percent beginning January 1st, 2027. Author Julie Emerson of Carencro says it would make Louisiana more competitive in attracting business and residents.

Cut 13 (11)  “…to grow.”

The vote was 86 to 13, with all “no” votes coming from Democrats. New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard expressed concern about budget cuts because of a decline in state revenues especially since the state just lowered the state income tax five months ago…

Cut 14 (11) “…state’s revenue.”

On a tie vote, the House Insurance Committee failed to advance a bill that would have prohibited insurance companies from using credit scores as a factor in determining premiums. In Louisiana, drivers who have a poor or fair credit score pay higher premiums than drivers with very good or excellent credit scores. Baton Rouge Democrat Edmond Jordan says a credit score doesn’t determine a person’s driving ability.

Cut 25 (07) “…bad credit.”

Committee Chairman Gabe Firment asked Jordan if his bill passed, when would drivers with poor credit actually see lower auto insurance rates.

Cut 26 (07) “…40 years.”

Opponents of the legislation also say drivers with low credit scores are more likely to sue in the hopes of getting a big settlement because of their financial situation. The vote was 9-to-9; on tie votes, bills do not advance. The committee could take it up again before the end of the session, but that appears to be unlikely.

History was made at the Vatican as the first U.S.-born pope is chosen. Robert Prevost has taken the papal name Leo the 14th. Loyola University Chaplain and professor of theology Dr. Tom Ryan says he was surprised an American was chosen but Pope Leo the 14th has spent a considerable amount of time away from the United States.

Cut 4 (11) “…he’s international himself.”

Hurricane season begins June 1 and some are concerned that the recent departure of over 1000 employees from the National Weather Service will threaten accurate forecasting. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim warns that this could delay critical weather alerts.

Cut 8 (09) “…get turned around.”

Louisiana’s state income tax was lowered to three percent at the beginning of the year and House Republicans would like to lower it again. The lower chamber has approved a proposed constitutional amendment that seeks to lower the state income tax from 3-percent to 2.75 percent beginning January 1^st, 2027. The author of the bill is Carencro Representative Julie Emerson…

Cut 12 (10) “…some relief.”

Louisiana gas prices are among the lowest in the nation and along the Gulf Coast, since we’re a lot closer to oil refineries than the rest of the country. Don Redman with Triple A says gas prices are expected to remain stable through the Memorial Day holiday and well into the summer. If you’re planning to drive to the West Coast and you’re looking for cheap gas out there, forget it.

Cut 11 (07) “…$4.82 a gallon.”

History was made at the Vatican. The college of cardinals has elected the first U.S.-born pope. Robert Prevost has taken the papal name, Leo the 14th. Loyola University Chaplain and professor of theology Dr. Tom Ryan says the election of Chicago-born Leo the 14^th was a surprise to him.

Cut 3 (11) “…American pope.”

The house approves a proposed constitutional amendment to lower state income tax from 3-percent to 2.75 percent. It would also double the standard deduction for those 65 and older. Bill author Julie Emerson says lowering the tax would make Louisiana more competitive in attracting business and residents while Representative Matthew Willard expressed concern about a decline in state revenues as state income taxes were lowered five months ago.

Cut 14 (11) “…state’s revenue.”

But Emerson says she knows Louisiana residents are begging for more tax relief.

The National Weather Service is facing serious staffing challenges with over 1000 employees leaving due to Trump budget cuts, which could affect forecast accuracy heading into hurricane season.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Road trips in Louisiana will cost less than in most states. Gas prices in the Bayou State are among the cheapest in the nation. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says gas prices are about 50 cents lower today than they were at this time last year.

Cut 9 (07)  “…$3.20 a gallon.” (Statewide price for regular unleaded is $2.70 a gallon)

In Louisiana, the average for a gallon of regular gasoline here is $2.70.

Authorities in Webster Parish discovered the bodies of former Registrar of Voters and her husband inside their home Wednesday evening.  Deputies were responding to a call for a welfare check when Melanie Smith and her husband Kenny were found deceased. Smith retired in December of 2020 after serving 29 years. Her husband Kenny was a retired local businessman. Little information is available, and autopsies are being arranged.

The National Weather Service has lost over 1000 employees since President Trump took office and many are concerned cities like Lake Charles, Houston, and Tampa are understaffed. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim warns that reduced staffing threatens accurate forecasting and the delivery of essential data which could result in less accurate hurricane forecasts and increased danger for Americans.

Cut 7 (11) “…real impacts here.”

Hurricane season begins June 1^st.

Louisiana residents might have a chance at voting for a lower state income tax. Jeff Palermo has the story…

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Gas prices in Louisiana are among the cheapest in the nation. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says gas prices are about 50 cents lower today than they were at this time last year.

one reason is a drop in the price of crude.

Cut 10 (05) “…barrel right now.”

Statewide the price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $2.70. Redman says gas prices are expected to remain stable through the Memorial Day holiday and well into the summer.

House Republicans are looking to lower the state income tax even lower than the flat three-percent they did during the special session last fall. The House has approved a proposed constitutional amendment that seeks to lower the state income tax to 2.75 percent beginning January 1st, 2027. Author Julie Emerson says lowering the state’s income tax again would make Louisiana more competitive in attracting business and residents.

Cut 13 (11)  “…to grow.”

Getting the gas gauge to “full” is leaving bank accounts less “empty” in Louisiana. Regular unleaded in the state is averaging $2.70 a gallon. That’s down 50 cents from this time last year. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says for the sake of comparison, you can forget about finding cheap gas on the West Coast.

Cut 11 (11) “…$4.82 a gallon.”

The National Weather Service is facing serious staffing challenges with over 1000 employees leaving due to Trump budget cuts, which could affect forecast accuracy heading into hurricane season. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Catholics in Louisiana and all across the country are hailing the election of the first U.S.-born pope in the history of the Catholic Church. Late this morning Central Time, the college of cardinals elected Robert Prevost, who was born in Chicago. He has taken the papal name Leo the 14th.

Cheers erupt in St. Peter’s Square as white smoke starts billowing from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, indicating that the College of Cardinals has elected a new pope – and for the first time in the history of the Catholic Church, the pope is an American. The cardinals elected Robert Prevost, who was born in Chicago, and he has taken the papal name Pope Leo the 14th. His election happened shortly before 11:30 local time this morning on the second day of voting and the third ballot overall. Loyola University New Orleans Chaplain and theology professor Thomas Ryan says the timing is pretty much par for the course.

Cut 4 (04) “…to be elected.”

Gas prices in Louisiana are about 50 cents cheaper today than they were at this time last year. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says one big reason is a drop in the price of crude.

Cut 10 (05) “…barrel right now.”

Louisiana’s state income tax was lowered to three percent at the beginning of the year, and House Republicans would like to lower it again. The lower chamber has approved a proposed constitutional amendment that seeks to lower the state income tax from 3-percent to 2.75 percent beginning January 1st, 2027. The author of the bill is Carencro Republican Julie Emerson…

Cut 12 (10) “…some relief.”

The House approved the measure on an 86-13 vote. It will need two-thirds approval in the Senate and then it will go to the voters for approval.

“Habemus Papam” – “we have a pope.” Within the last hour, white smoke started billowing from the chimney atop the sistine chapel, which means the College of Cardinals has reached a two-thirds consensus on a new pope. Loyola University New Orleans Chaplain and theology professor Thomas Ryan says the process is very secretive to the point that the Cardinals tune the world out.

Cut 3 (11) “…praying with each other.” 

Hurricane season begins June 1st, but the National Weather Service faces serious staffing challenges. Since the start of President Trump’s second term, nearly one-thousand employees have left, leaving key offices in cities like Lake Charles understaffed. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim warns that this could delay critical weather alerts or spread inaccurate information.

Cut 6 (12) “…inform those models.”

If you want to see how good we have it in Louisiana, go to another part of the country and stop at a gas station. Gas prices in Louisiana are among the cheapest in the nation. In fact, Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says gas prices are about 50 cents lower today than they were at this time last year. 

Cut 9 (07)  “…$3.20 a gallon.”

A bill that would have prohibited insurance companies from using credit score as a factor in determining insurance rates fails to get out of the House Insurance Committee by one vote. Committee Chairman Gabe Firment raised concerns that by reducing the insurance premiums for drivers with low credit scores, it will raise premiums for drivers with a high credit rating…

Cut 11 (14) “…make that projection”

Firment asked that question to Louisiana Progress Executive Director Peter Robins-Brown.

The House has passed a bill that would ban the use of handheld cell phones while driving, except in emergencies. The vote was 71-to-28 in favor. Jason Hughes of New Orleans voted for it

Cut 16 (09)  “…they were distracted.”

Last year, a similar bill failed by almost the exact same margin, 71-to-22. The bill now moves to the Senate.

The House Education Committee approves a bill that would allow students to provide contact information of a parent or guardian to universities and colleges so the school can call that contact if the student is going through a mental health crisis. New Orleans Representative Delisha Boyd says there’s a need for this measure, citing a recent suicide at Xavier University…

Cut 5 (07) “….a different way”

The bill moves to the House for more consideration.

The House Education Committee approves a resolution that urges the SEC not to schedule any LSU home football games before 6 PM in September. Harahan Representative John Ilg authored the measure in response to last September’s LSU-UCLA game, which featured a gametime temperature of 90-degrees, plus high humidity, which made it difficult for fans to watch the Tigers 34-17 win over the Bruins…

Cut 8 (06) “….it to halftime”

ESPN has control of the game times and they have that control because of a three-billion dollar TV contract with the SEC.

If you use your driver’s license as your main form of identification to board a commercial flight, it now has to be REAL ID compliant. But if you haven’t gotten your REAL ID yet, there’s no need to worry. Matt Boudreaux with the Office of Motor Vehicles says you have alternatives at the TSA checkpoint.

Cut 13 (13)  “…REAL ID compliant.”

The House Education Committee approves a bill that would allow colleges and universities to contact parents or designated individuals if a student experiences a mental health crisis. New Orleans Democrat Delisha Boyd says currently schools are not allowed to contact parents about their child’s mental health.

Cut 4 (10) “…paying for it all.”

The committee also passed a resolution asking the SEC not to schedule LSU home football games in September before six p-m. It’s being proposed by Harahan Republican John Illg, who noted that last September 21st, LSU was forced to play a home game at 2:30 p-m with a gametime temperature of 90 degrees.

Cut 7 (05) “…be treated medically.”

Illg says he went to the game with a group of friends; only two made it to halftime.

The House Insurance Committee fails to advance a bill that would have prohibited auto insurance companies from using credit scores as a factor in determining insurance rates. Committee Chairman Gabe Firment asked the author, Baton Rouge Democrat Edmond Jordan, whether drivers with poor credit would actually see lower rates.

Cut 12 (07) “…40 years.”

The vote was 9-to-0; a tie vote means the bill does not advance. It’s unlikely that the committee will take it up again this session.

If you use your driver’s license as your main form of identification to board a commercial flight, it now has to be REAL ID compliant. Matt Boudreaux with the Office of Motor Vehicles says REAL IDs are also required to enter certain federal offices.

Cut 15 (12) “…before you visit.”

Boudreaux says non REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses will work for everything else.