Louisiana ranks No. 2 in the Nation for gun-related deaths
According to the Violence Policy Center in 2022, Louisiana ranked second in the nation for gun deaths. Kristen Rand with VPC says states with weak firearm laws and higher gun ownership consistently have higher gun death rates. "That includes homicides, suicides and unintentional injuries. Conversely, we see that s...
May 09, 2024
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Senate President says they can't meet deadline for congressional map
The three-panel court has given the state a June 3rd deadline to draw a new congressional map. The legislature is in session, and they are scheduled to end June 3rd as well. But with the budget yet to be heard in Senate Finance, Senate President Cameron Henry said it's impossible for them to even file a bill for a new ...
May 09, 2024
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Elimination of Required Breaks for working Louisiana Teens close to being passed
Legislation is moving closer to final passage that would end the requirement for employers to give minor workers at least a 20-minute meal break if they work five hours or more. Denham Springs Republican Representative Roger Wilder says the state should not hold back teen workers who want to put in the hours. "Tee...
May 09, 2024
West Monroe's Glenwood Regional Medical Center to be sold
Steward Health Care has announced its selling Glenwood Regional Medical Center in West Monroe. Steward has filed for bankruptcy and is looking to sell several of its 31 hospitals in eight states. The Glenwood hospital has been struggling with staffing and supply issues and State Representative Mike Echols says it's tim...
May 09, 2024
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Louisiana ranked dead last in 2024 Best States Report
Dead last is what Louisiana is ranked for the second year in a row in US News and World Report's 2024 Best States report. Managing Editor for Government Rankings Gary Emerling says the ranking is based on several categories that Louisiana does not perform well in. "No. 48 for obesity rate, No. 47 for adults who ha...
May 09, 2024
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Lake Charles domestic and sexual violence shelter to reopen Monday after 2020 hurricanes
Since the 2020 hurricane season a Lake Charles shelter for domestic and sexual violence victims hasn't been able to house residents. Executive director of Oasis A Safe Haven, Kathy Manuel said on Monday that they'll reopen their doors to a completely renovated shelter. "We have been still providing all the service...
May 08, 2024
University Medical Center hiring 100 nursing techs
University Medical Center in New Orleans is looking to hire 100 Nursing Techs this summer. Spokesperson Rachel Nichols says this is a strategic move from UMC and LCMC to build a stronger Healthcare workforce for nursing students. "The need is absolutely there and its really in an effort to invest in the future of ...
May 08, 2024
Louisiana Senate approves bill to ban cell phones during school class time
A Senate-approved bill to require public school students to either turn off or stow away their cell phones during instructional time receives approval from the House Education Committee. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell wants to eliminate what is a major distraction from the classroom. "We've given young people the...
May 08, 2024
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Bill to hold Constitutional Convention clears the House
Legislation to hold a Constitutional Convention passes in the full House after amendments to change the start date from May 20th to August 1st. Bill author New Iberia Representative Beau Beaullieu said the dates were altered over concerns that the process was hasty. "Listening to the public, part of listening to y...
May 07, 2024
Federal judges order Louisiana Legislature to draw another Congressional map, or they'll do it
Federal judges have ordered Louisiana lawmakers to try again and draw up a Congressional map that can be used for the 2024 federal elections. The three-judge federal panel gave lawmakers until June 3rd to approve a new map. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says if the Legislature accepts the order, this would be their...
May 07, 2024