A House-approved bill to extend $150-million in annual film tax credits another ten years clears a Senate committee, but with a big change. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (34)  “I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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An effort by Democratic lawmakers to raise the state’s minimum wage is not done for this session. Teiko Foxx has more…:

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards conveyed his displeasure with the legislature for not adding exceptions to the state’s abortion ban.  Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A House bill to extend Louisiana’s often-debated film & TV tax incentives is approved by the Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs, but not without some changes. The bill originally sought to extend the tax credits to entertainment productions through 2035. It was amended to make the end date 2030. Supporting the bill is producer and studio owner Trey Burvant, who says the credits mean productions will come, which means hundreds of millions in revenue changing hands…:

Cut 4 (12)  “…kids through schools.”

Monroe area Senator Jay Morris is among those who oppose continuing the $150-million-a-year in film production tax incentives. He says the return on investment to the state is far too low; with only about a $10 benefit for every $100 invested. Morris also says the jobs created only benefit certain parts of the state where studios choose to film…:

Cut 5 (07)   “…issue with it.”

Burvant says film tax breaks stimulate local economies, and often better-known film locations go on to be tourism destinations. Case-in-point, the “Steel Magnolias” house in Natchitoches which still attracts tourists over 30 years after the movie’s release…:

Cut 6 (10)  “…state of Louisiana.”

Approved by the committee, the bill moves now to the full Senate for debate and what could be final passage.

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Legislation that would raise Louisiana’s minimum wage to $10 per hour next year and up to $14 per hour in 2028 was approved by Senate Labor Committee in a 3-2 vote. Louisiana is one of 21 states that sets its minimum wage with the federal rate which is $7.25 an hour. LA AFL-CIO – Matt Wood says increasing the state minimum wage benefits working families.

Cut 7 (09) “…minimum wage.”

Louisiana has the second-highest poverty rate in the country, with nearly 19% of the population impoverished, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. A proponent of raising the minimum wage, LA Budget Project Director Jan Moeller says that doing so would make Louisiana more competitive with other states.

Cut 8 (12) “…wage workers.”

A bill to increase Louisiana’s minimum wage was rejected by the House Labor Committee last week — a day after lawmakers advanced a bill that would double their own salaries. LABI’s Lauren Hadden argues the bill is unnecessary and would economically hurt small businesses.

Cut 9 (10)  “…consumers.”

SB149 will head to the Senate floor.

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Governor John Bel Edwards expressed his disappointment that lawmakers failed to advance legislation to add exceptions for rape and incest to the state’s abortion ban. Edwards says it’s extremely unfortunate that the House Criminal Justice Committee voted against legislation that protects crime victims.

Cut 10 (11) “…to term.” 

Sarah Zagorski, with Louisiana Right to Life, says it’s a victory for pro-life advocates and they are pleased the committee voted against adding exceptions.

Cut 11 (13)  “…is conceived.”

Edwards, who’s a pro-life Democrat, says a large majority like himself believe exceptions should be added and that in some cases children, victims shouldn’t be forced to carry a child for both their physical and mental health.

Cut 12 (07)    “…exceptions.” 

Zagorski disagrees and says legislators are merely reflecting the belief of their constituents that life begins at conception no matter how a child is conceived.

Cut 13 (06) “…hard situation.” 

Bills to reduce penalties for doctors who perform abortions and exempt women who have a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy from the abortion ban were pulled from consideration after exceptions for rape and incest were rejected by the House Criminal Justice Committee.

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Guidance on when women should begin their annual mammograms has changed according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Instead of beginning screenings are age 50, it’s 40 years of age. LSU Health New Orleans Surgical Oncologist Dr. Shawn McKinney says it’s welcome news.

Cut 14 (11)  “…at 40.”

Several organizations like the American Society of Breast Surgeons, the College of Radiology, and the American Cancer Society have recommended beginning mammograms at the age of 40.

McKinney says she believes after reviewing data and that more and more women are being diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age prompted the change.

Cut 15 (11)  “…at least 40.”

USPSTF still advises women to have mammograms every other year, however, McKinney and other health organizations recommend annual mammograms.

If you have a family history of breast cancer, McKinney says you should be screened earlier, depending on the age that your family member was diagnosed.

Cut  16 (11)  “…at 35.” 

McKinney says if finances are an issue in being screened annually for breast cancer, know that there are programs available to help pay for services and to be diligent about screenings.

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The second-ranked LSU baseball team will host Mississippi State tonight to begin a three-game SEC series. The Bulldogs are going through their second consecutive down season after winning a national championship in 2021. They are 6-18 in SEC play and they’ve lost eight and they were swept in their last two series. But Coach Jay Johnson is not taking them lightly…

Cut 17 (19) “…some power.”

State has hit 81 home runs this season and they are third in the SEC with 69 stolen bases. LSU center fielder Dylan Crews entering the game with a .457 batting average, which is the second-best in the nation. Last year Crews posted a .349 average. Johnson maintains Crews is the best college hitter he’s ever seen…

Cut 18 (18) “…plate discipline.”

Mississippi State ranks last in the SEC with a team ERA of 6.74. LSU is in the middle of the pack in the SEC with a team ERA of 4.49. Teddy Cahill of Baseball America says LSU is like a lot of schools, they do not have a ton of pitching depth…

Cut 19 (25) “…this year.“

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Cut 20 (15)  “… you stop.”  

The Louisiana House approves a bill that reduces the maximum number of weeks, 26 to 20, a person can receive unemployment benefits during a 12-month period. New Orleans Representative Wilford Carter says this legislation hurts the unemployed workers and the state.

PM Cut 13 (05) “…receiving benefits.” 

If passed it would take effect in January 2025.

Legislation that would raise Louisiana’s minimum wage to $10 per hour next year and up to $14 per hour in 2028 was approved by Senate Labor Committee in a 3-2 vote. Louisiana is one of 21 states that observes the federal rate of $7.25 an hour. Matt Wood with Louisiana AFL-CIO says increasing the state minimum wage benefits working families.

AM Cut 7 (10) “…I say.”

Both bills head to the Senate.

A bill to extend Louisiana’s film tax incentives is approved by the Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs, but not without some changes. The original bill sought to extend the tax credit to 2035, it’s been amended to 2030. Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association President Trey Burvant, says the incentives bring hundreds-of-millions in revenue…

Cut 4 (12)  “…kids through schools.”

Monroe area Senator Jay Morris opposes continuing the $150-million-a-year in tax incentives. He says the return on investment is too low; with only about a $10 benefit for every $100 invested and the jobs created only benefit certain parts of the state.

Cut 5 (07)   “…issue with it.”

The bill moves now to the full Senate for debate and what could be final passage.

A bill approved by the full state House of Representatives would cut the maximum weeks of yearly available state unemployment benefits from 26 to 20. Jennings Rep. Troy Romero’s bill drew opposition from New Orleans House member Wilford Carter…:

CUT 12  (12)        “…to work.”

Passed by the House, the bill moves now to the Senate.

The termites are swarming in this warm, wet weather, and state Ag Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain says be vigilant for what the pests may be doing to your home. He says be sure to clean your gutters and rid your property of wood lying around…:

CUT 04(12)      “…got termites.”

Orkin says termites cause $5-billion in property damage yearly across the U.S.

Look out for some more rough weather this evening, especially in northern Louisiana. Armani Cassel, with the National Weather Service in Shreveport, says make sure you stay alert for any further alerts to bad weather…:

CUT 08(06)      “and warnings.”

There is reported a storm damage in DeSoto and Natchitoches parishes, and a flash flood watch remains in effect into tonight. More rain is expected Friday, but Mother’s Day weekend looks nice.

Lafayette Police says a local man is in critical condition after walking into the middle of a busy street near I-49, lying down in the middle of the road and – no time flat – being run over by a car. The 42-year-old man has not been identified. The matter is under investigation, and once the man’s health is stabilized he may be submitted for a mental evaluation.

Sunday is Mother’s Day, the absolute busiest restaurant day of the year; surpassing even Valentine’s Day. If you haven’t made a reservation yet, get busy and good luck.

Starting in 2025, there would be less time for unemployed workers to find a job before their benefits run out, as a result of a bill approved by the House…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested a Boyce man for 25 counts of pornography involving juveniles. RPSO says local photographer John Rougeou had numerous illegal images on his p.c. and devices.

New Orleans Police are investigating a shooting this morning on the I-10 Service Road, that left a young mother dead. They ask the public for tips on the shooting.

Rough weather is expected to continue across Louisiana today. There have already been reports of flooding, storm damage and possible tornados in DeSoto and Natchitoches parishes. There’s also a flash flood watch in effect until 7 tonight. National Weather Service Shreveport forecaster Armani Cassel says the threat of heavy weather should taper off later this evening…:

CUT 07(08)      “…the atmosphere.”

Rain continues tomorrow. Saturday and Sunday should be nice.

Speaking of Sunday, it is Mother’s Day and if you haven’t made a reservation for dinner with Mom, you best get busy. Wendy Waren with the Louisiana Restaurant Association…:

CUT 11(12)      “…whole weekend.”

Mother’s day is the busiest restaurant day of the year; surpassing even Valentine’s Day.

It’s termite season and Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain reminds Louisianans to remain vigilant of the swarming pest…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Teiko Foxx.”

Reports of damage are coming in after multiple flood and tornado warnings popped up across Northern Louisiana today. National Weather Service Shreveport forecaster Armani Cassel…:

CUT 06(07)      “…the evening.”

A tornado watch is posted for Southeast Louisiana in areas near the Mississippi River.

The state’s largest hospital system, Ochsner Health, announces hundreds of layoffs in Louisiana, and in Mississippi. They plan to let 770 hospital employees and over 200 urgent care facility workers; about 2-percent of their total workforce. In a written reply to LRN, Ochsner says the reason is the economy and runaway inflation, basically. They assure the public the standard of care will be maintained at all Ochsner facilities, and no further layoffs are anticipated.

At the State Capitol, the House approves legislation that would reduce the number of weeks a person can receive unemployment in a 12-month period; from 26 weeks to 20. It comes from Jennings Rep. Troy Romero, who says fewer weeks of free money is incentive to go find a job…:

CUT 14(12)      “…more money.”

That bill now moves to the Senate for committee review.

Starting in 2025, there would be less time for unemployed workers to find a job before their benefits run out, as a result of a bill approved by the House. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

Ocshner Health, the state’s largest hospital, plans to lay off more than 700 employees across the state and Mississippi – the largest in the system’s history. The cuts will spread across Ochsner’s 42 hospitals and 200-plus care centers. Ochsner CEO Pete November made the announcement via email. No physicians are impacted by this reduction.

Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain urges property owners to stay vigilant during termite season beginning late spring through summer months. Strain says doing basic things around your home can be helpful in protecting your property.

Cut 3 (11) “….find moisture.”

Termites cause over $5 billion in property damage across the U.S. annually, according to Orkin, and property owners spend over $2 billion to treat them.

The second Sunday in May is Mother’s Day – and maybe the busiest day for restaurants. Louisiana Restaurant Association spokesperson Wendy Waren says restaurants are prepared to take in additional customers on this special day every day.

Cut 10 (08) “…our industry.” 

80 million people will take their mom’s out to dine for Mother’s day in the US this year.

The House Education Committee approves legislation that would require schools to establish safety policies for carpool and bus lines for K-through- 5th graders. Slidell Representative Robert Owen authored the bill in response to last year’s death of a six-year-old girl fatally struck by a truck in a school parking lot in Slidell.
Cut 7 (10) “…too many.”
Under Owen’s bill, students under the age of 10 must be accompanied by a school employee while walking to and from a vehicle.

The Louisiana House approves a bill that reduces the maximum number of weeks, 26 to 20, a person can receive unemployment benefits during a 12 month period. New Orleans Representative Wilford Carter says this legislation hurts the unemployed worker and the state
cut 13 (05) “….receiving benefits”
Supporters say this bill could result in the unemployed finding a job faster.

A new survey finds labor quality surpasses inflation as the number one problem facing small business owners. NFIB state director Dawn McVea says many small business owners are willing to pay higher wages to get better workers…
cut 26 (07) “….few months”

Mother’s Day is Sunday and it’s one of the most popular days for restaurants. Louisiana Restaurant Association spokesperson Wendy Waren says about 80 million people will take their mom’s out to eat for their special day in the US. And if you’re looking to avoid the crowds, she has some suggestions…
Cut 9 (10) “…a Sunday.”
And while the restaurant industry was among the hardest hit during the pandemic, Waren says they’ve adapted to changes and most are well prepared to make Mom’s Day special this year.