Legislation that would have increased the legal age to purchase cigarettes, dip, and vape products to 21 dies on the House floor amid opposition concerns that the bill infringes on the individual liberties of adults.

Bill author West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman says it’s passage could have been a life saver…

Cut 9, 9 seconds, lives

The final vote was 24-55.

NOAA predicts a near-normal 2019 hurricane season. US weather officials say that means between  9 to 15 named storms, 4 to 8 hurricanes and 2 to 4 major hurricanes. Lead hurricane season forecaster Gerry Bell says the prediction is made with a 70 percent likelihood…

Cut 7 (06) “…we see.”

The other 30 percent leaves a chance for a stronger or weaker season to roll in, but do not expect any major hurricanes in June or July. 

A new opioid developed by researchers at Tulane and the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Healthcare System is showing it can increase recovery time and a decrease pain-sensitivity among animals. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

NOAA predicts a near-normal 2019 hurricane season. US weather officials say that means between 9 to 15 named storms, 4 to 8 hurricanes and 2 to 4 major hurricanes. Lead hurricane season forecaster Gerry Bell says there are competing climate factors that led to their prediction…
Cut 6 (12) “…more activity”
Last year there were 15 named storms, highlighted by two major hurricanes, Florence and Michael.

There’s promising research out of Tulane and Southeast Louisiana Veterans Healthcare System with the development of a new pain pills. Senior Study author Dr. James Zadina says the new opioid they’ve developed and tested on animals has shown it can reduce addiction.
Cut 25 (07) “…to humans”
Zadina says the opioid they’ve developed also speeds up recovery, without increasing pan sensitivity.

For only the third time in history the US Army Corps of Engineers may have to open the Morganza Spillway in early June because of the rising Mississippi River. That means water will be released into the Atchalfalya Basin raising the concern for flooding in several parishes. Terrebonne Parish President Gordon Dove
Cut 3 (14) “…and all.”
The Morganza spillway was opened for the first time 1973 for 56 days and 55 days in 2011.

Some interesting news as the summer cranks up. The Water Quality and Health Council has found 51-percent of US adults admit to either swimming as a substitute to showering or using the pool to rinse off after exercise or yardwork. Public health expert Chris Wiant says that’s not good…
cut 28 (09) “…disinfectant”
A pre-swim shower helps remove dirt, perspiration, and personal care items like deodorant.

A bill requiring restaurants to inform customers the country of origin of their  shrimp and crawfish is advancing at the state capitol. Louisiana Restaurant Association lobbyist Eldon Rogillo says they had some concerns, but he’s worked with the bill’s author, LaRose Representative Truck Gisclair.

Cut 10 (12) “…some compromise.”

For restaurants that don’t use menus, a sign at their entrance would need to disclose where their crawfish and shrimp came from.

US Senator John Kennedy is calling on Congressional Democrats to either begin impeachment, or cease their investigations as the President backs out of infrastructure discussions over frustrations related to subpoenas into Trump businesses coming out of the Democratic controlled House. Kennedy hopes both sides can move past their political differences in order to produce significant legislation to improve our transportation system.

Cut 15 (11) “fighting”

A new survey from the Water Quality and Health Council is a reminder that the local pool is likely being used as a communal bathtub.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Connor Ferrill” 

A Bossier City man is under arrest for allegedly engaging in sexual conversations with a minor in Wisconsin. The Kenosha Wisconsin Police discovered conversations between 49-year-old William Kramer and the minor where Kramer offered to pay for the child’s place ticket to Louisiana for sexual purposes. Further investigation revealed Kramer had engaged in sexual conversations online with multiple children.

US Senator John Kennedy slams his Democratic colleagues in the other chamber who are contemplating whether to impeach President Donald Trump. Kennedy’s message on the Senate floor was direct
Cut 13 (04) “…off the pot”
The state’s junior senator made the statement shortly after a meeting between the president and Democrats ended before it ever really started. Kennedy says he hopes the House leadership and the Trump administration can sit down and talk constructively about how their behavior could impact important institutions in this country.

Legislation requiring restaurants to tell customers what country their shrimp or crawfish came from has received the backing of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee. The House has also voted for the proposal. LaRose Representative Truck Gisclair says the legislation has also been endorsed by several coastal parishes that rely on the fishing industry…
cut 12 (11) “…out there”
Gisclair says the Louisiana Restaurant Association’s concerns with the legislation have been addressed.

Tulane and Southeast Louisiana Veterans Healthcare System researchers believe they’ve made a breakthrough in the fight against the opioid. Tulane Doctor James Zadina says they’ve developed an opioid that speeds up recovery, without increasing pain sensitivity. Zadina says they’ve tested their new drug on rats and hope to begin human clinical trials soon…
cut 6 (09) “….in humans”

Here’s some interesting news as the summer cranks up. The Water Quality and Health Council has found 51-percent of US adults admit to either swimming as a substitute to showering or using the pool to rinse off after exercise or yardwork. Public health expert Chris Wiant says using a swimming pool as a communal bathtub raises the risk of waterborne illnesses…..
cut 8 (09) “…disinfectant”
A pre-swim shower helps remove dirt, perspiration, and personal care items like deodorant.

President Trump’s meeting with Congressional democratic leaders fell apart and then Trump told the public he will not work with Democrats unless they stop their investigations into his administration, US Senator John Kennedy stated if House leadership wants to impeach the President then do it

Cut 14 (17) “…court system.”

It was a heartbreaking loss last night as the LSU Tigers fought for 6 hours and 43 mins in a 17 inning game to lose to Mississippi State 6-5. It was the longest recorded game for the SEC Tournament and LSU baseball. The game ended at 3:03 this morning. Coach Paul Mainieri

Cut 20 (:03) … Wanted to lose

The Tigers are forced now to take a quick nap and rally to face Auburn at 1 o’clock today.

Government and law enforcement officials say they are dealing with an opioid crisis, because the addiction to pain killers is leading to an increase in suicides and overdose deaths. But promising research out of Tulane and Southeast Louisiana Veterans Healthcare System with the development of a new pain pill could change things. Senior Study author Dr. James Zadina says the opioid their could reduce addiction.

Cut 5 (07) “…to humans”

The Water Quality and Health Council’s Healthy Pools survey reveals things aren’t as clean as you think they are at the local pool. Public Health Expert for the council Chris Wiant (we-ant) says the risk of waterborne illness is a problem when almost a quarter of swimmers surveyed would swim within an hour of having diarrhea.

Cut 9 (11) “…time.″

The US Army Corps of Engineers is looking to open the Morganza Spillway as the Mississippi River is predicated to crest by June 5^th.  This would be the third time in the spillway’s history it’s ever been opened. Weeks ago stakeholders along the Morganza were told engineers had no intentions of opening the spillway but plans have changed due to the Mississippi River being above flood stage for months and heavy rains continue to fall in the Midwest. Governor Edwards is meeting with the United Command Group today to discuss river flooding.

The Louisiana House is expected to vote on a few high profile bills before they take a break for the Memorial Day weekend. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A bill requiring restaurants to inform customers the country of origin of their shrimp and crawfish is advancing at the state capitol. Louisiana Restaurant Association lobbyist Eldon Rogillo (Row-gillo) says they don’t have an issue telling customers the country of origin, but how it would appear on the menu has been their biggest concern…

Cut 11 (11) “…run by.”

For restaurants that don’t use menus, a sign at their entrance would be required.

President Trump says he refuses to work with Democrats until they agree to stop investigating his administration. Yesterday House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she came to meet the President to talk about infrastructure projects, but instead he took a pass. US Senator John Kennedy hopes both sides can move past their political differences in order to produce significant legislation to improve our transportation system.

Cut 15 (11) “fighting”

Louisiana US Senator John Kennedy slams his Democratic colleagues in the other chamber who are contemplating whether to impeach President Trump. Kennedy’s message on the Senate floor was very direct.

Cut 13 (04) “…off the pot”

Kennedy made his comments after President Trump’s meeting with Congressional democratic leaders Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer fell apart and led to the president holding a news conference in the Rose Garden telling the American people he will not work with Democrats unless they stop their investigations into his administration.

Researchers at Tulane and Southeast Louisiana Veterans Healthcare System say they’ve developed a new type of opioid that speeds up recovery without increasing pain sensitivity or risk of chronic pain. Senior Study Author Dr. James Zadina says these results are encouraging…

Cut 4 (10) “… do nothing.”

The Water Quality and Health Council’s Healthy Pools survey shows your local pool is likely being used as a bathtub by swimmers. Public Health Expert for the council Chris Wiant (We-ant) says the survey reports 48 percent of swimmers never shower before getting into the pool…

Cut 7 (11) “…admit it.” (2x)

A long night for the LSU Baseball and Tiger fans as they lost to Mississippi State in the SEC Tournament 6-5 after 17 innings. The game lasts 6 hours and 43 minutes and ended at 3:03 this morning, both SEC Tournament and LSU records.  The Tigers will have to rally and face Auburn at 1 pm today.

The full Senate approves legislation that would give voters a chance to declare that abortions are unconstitutional. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says voters would have a chance in October to add the anti-abortion language to the state constitution…
Cut 3 (09) “…in DC.”
Opponents say constitutions are meant to protect a persons right.

Legislation that would create a database of veteran-owned businesses to help consumers who may want to do business with them is one step closer to final legislative approval. Governor John Bel Edwards supports the legislation and he says safeguards are in place to prevent abuse of the program…
cut 9 (12) “….do this”
The Senate Commerce committee approved the House approved bill today and it heads to the full Senate.

An effort to give voters a chance to decide if the minimum wage should be raised to nine dollars an hour has died in the Louisiana Senate. New Orleans Senator Troy Carter says the 26 votes needed to send his proposal to the House are not there…
Cut 5 (08) “…do not have the votes”
It’s a legislative defeat for Governor John Bel Edwards who has backed legislation to increase the minimum wage, but the Republican controlled legislature does not support it.

The Louisiana House has passed the lethal injection secrecy bill. It would keep secret the drugs used to carry out a lethal injection in Louisiana. But opponents cried foul about the ethics of keeping contractual details away from taxpayers. Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith says if drug companies that make lethal serums are proud of their work, they should stand behind it.
Cut 15 (13) “use”
Despite the objection, the bill heads to the Senate for more discussion.