The Gator Scholarship Bill which will expand the state’s voucher program so more families can receive public dollars to pay for private school tuition is headed to the governor’s desk. .
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Doctor Marcus Jones is stepping down as the president of Northwestern State. Jones says he’s leaving the school after 25 years to serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the University of Louisiana System. Jones says he’ll also serve as a senior advisor to President Rick Gallot.

A New York jury found former President Donald Trump guilty on all 34 charges of falsifying business records to pay adult film actress and Baton Rouge native Stormy Daniels to keep their relationship quiet so it wouldn’t influence the 2016 election. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan on how the historic verdict will impact the upcoming Presidential election…
Cut 13 (13) “…energize them.”
Legal expects say it’s likely Trump will avoid jail time. His sentencing is July 11th.

The Louisiana Seafood Cookoff is tonight in Monroe on the ULM campus. Twelve chefs from around the state will compete for the title of King or Queen of Louisiana Seafood. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the cooking begins at 6:30 at the Bayou Pointe Event Center…
cut 9 (02) “…excited”
The winner will represent Louisiana in the Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans in August.

A bill that creates the Gator Scholarship Program is headed to the governor’s desk. It will expand the state’s current voucher program, which allows parents to use public dollars to pay for private school tuition. The governor wants the Education Savings Account available for families of all income levels. But Council a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says under the bill headed to the governor’s desk, BESE will determine eligibility and how much money a family will receive and is the program resulting in students getting a better education…
cut 12 (08) “…the kids”

The hurricane season begins tomorrow and experts say the conditions are right for a season where we see 20 plus named storms. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says the sea surface temperatures are warm enough to start producing storms now…
cut 6 (09) “….even worse”

LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says yesterday’s historic verdict that found former President Donald Trump guilty of all 34 counts in his hush money case will not change the views of hardcore Republican and Democratic voters…
cut 14 (09) “….by that”
Sentencing for Trump is scheduled for July 11th, days before the Republican National Convention.

Tonight is the Louisiana Seafood Cookoff in Monroe as 12 chefs from around the state will battle for a chance to be crowned the King or Queen of Louisiana Seafood. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the winner sees a bump in business at their restaurant…
cut 8 (07) “…special dishes”
The event will take place at the Bayou Pointe Event Center on the ULM Campus. The cooking starts at 6:30.

The Gator Scholarship Program, an expanded use of the school voucher program received final passage in the Senate Thursday. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says while passage is a win for the governor, a watered-down version of the original bill is what he’ll have the opportunity to sign.
Cut 10 (11) “…a bit.”
The legislation calls for a study to take place over the next several months and BESE will use the results of that study to develop rules and regulations for the voucher program.

Former President Donald Trump was convicted on all 34 counts in his hush money case that involved Baton Rouge native and porn star Stormy Daniels who said the two had sex. A majority of Louisiana voters will likely vote for Trump in the NOvember 5th election and LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says yesterday’s historic verdict should not change that…
cut 15 (11) “…teflon like”

The 17th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off is tonight in Monroe. Mel Bridges has more…
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

The Gator Scholarship Program, an expanded use of the school voucher program received final passage in the Senate Thursday. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says while passage is a win for the governor, a watered-down version of the original bill is what he’ll have the opportunity to sign.

Cut 10 (12) “…a bit.”

Erwin says the Education Savings Account bill still offers opportunities for families to use tax dollars to pay for private school, but the program will be phased in slower than originally intended.

Cut 11 (11) “…long runway.”

In the final version of the legislation, Erwin says the amount of money each family could potentially receive remains to be determined. BESE will oversee the program.

A bill headed to the Governor’s desk will eliminate the requirement to give 16- and 17-year-old employees at least a 20-minute break when they work at least five hours. Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder says this legislation is less red tape for employers hiring minors which makes the hiring process more productive.

PM Cut 4 (13) “…with paperwork.” 

With the session scheduled to wrap up on Monday, there are several bills still trying to make it across the finish line. And one is to eliminate the 30-year statute of limitations where one can be prosecuted for child molestation. Representative Tim Kerner hopes the bill, which passed unanimously in the House, will reach the governor’s desk.

Cut 24  (09) “…out there (x2).”

The Senate is expected to take up the state budget Friday and the session must end by 6pm Monday June 3^rd.

Police in Zachary arrested two teenagers this morning after an attempted car burglary that ended with a woman being shot three times when she tried to intervene earlier this week.  Chief Darryl Lawerence says the two suspects who are 17 and 15 years old were in the Baton Rouge area.

Cut 12 (13) “…Parish Prison.” 

Because this is considered a violent crime, Lawerence says the 17-year-old is one of their first arrests that the suspect can be charged as an adult due to a recent law passed to curb juvenile crime.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is asking for help this summer. If you see a fish kill they’re asking you to give them a call. Neighborhood ponds are prone to fish kills due to the small size and depth and while LDWF doesn’t investigate neighborhood ponds they do keep records. Inland Fisheries Technical Advisor Robby Maxwell says typically after a fish kill they see very good recovery of the fisheries resources.

Cut 8 (10)  “…fish kill.” 

The State House gave final passage to a measure that eliminates the regulation requiring employers to give 16- and 17-year-old employees at least a 20-minute meal break. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Sean Richardson .”

The 74^th annual Peach Festival is this Saturday in downtown Ruston. Tori Davis with Experience Ruston says Lincoln Parish is home to the largest peach orchard in the state and the event, which honors their farming heritage, is the longest-running agricultural festival in Louisiana.

Cut 10 (12) “…of course.” 

Police in Zachary arrested a 17-year-old and a 15-year-old this morning after an attempted car burglary that ended with a woman being shot three times when she tried to intervene early Tuesday morning.  Chief Darryl Lawerence says detectives received good leads on the suspects’ getaway vehicle and within two days they were able to make the arrests. The victim was released from the hospital and while Lawrence commends her bravery, he urges citizens to let law enforcement handle matters.

Cut 13 (09) “…a crime.” 

Instead of confronting criminals, Lawerence says to collect as much information as possible.

The House gives final passage to legislation that eliminates employer’s requirement to give 16- and 17-year-old employees at least a 20-minute meal break if they work at least five hours. Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder says this legislation is good for teenagers that are looking for work.

Cut 3 (05) “…get employment.” 

The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk.

If you’re out on the water this summer and spot some dead fish LDWF is asking you to let them know. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

The 74^th annual Peach Festival is this Saturday in downtown Ruston. It’ an opportunity to enjoy 12 hours of live music, an art market and of course peachy good food. Tori Davis with Experience Ruston…

Cut 9 (12) “…in Lincoln Parish.” 

The festival begins at 9 am and for the first time in 30 years, admission is free.

Police in Zachary arrested two teenagers this morning after an attempted car burglary that ended with a woman being shot three times when she tried to intervene earlier this week.  Chief Darryl Lawerence says the two suspects who are 17 and 15 years old were in the Baton Rouge area.

Cut 12 (13) “…Parish Prison.” 

Because this is considered a violent crime, Lawerence says the 17-year-old is one of their first arrests that the suspect can be charged as an adult due to a recent law passed to curb juvenile crime.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is asking the public to report any fish kills they may see this summer and see fish kills to give them a call. Inland Fisheries Technical Advisor Robby Maxwell says there could be multiple reasons for fish kills.

Cut 7 (09) “…follow up on it.”  

A bill headed to the Governor’s desk will eliminate the requirement to give 16- and 17-year-old employees at least a 20-minute meal break when they work at least five hours. Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder says this legislation is good for teenagers that are looking for work because it results in less red tape for employers hiring minors that makes the hiring process more productive.

Cut 4 (13) “…with paperwork.” 

The 74^th annual Peach Festival is this Saturday in downtown Ruston. Tori Davis with Experience Ruston says it’s a day full of family-friendly activities and Davis says it’s easy on your wallet too.

Cut 11 (10) ” …all day.”

The festival begins at 9 am. Last call for peaches is 11 pm.