An above-average hurricane season starts this Saturday. Are you prepared for the worst? Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

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A bill yet to be heard in the Senate would remove the 30-year statute of limitations one can be prosecuted for child molestation.  Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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A Ponchatoula city police officer found dead in her patrol car is remembered fondly. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

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The Governor’s Office of Homeland and Security and Emergency Preparedness are encouraging Louisiana residents to get a hurricane plan together before an above-average season starts Saturday. Director Jacques Thibodeaux says in the event of an evacuation, listen to local officials.

Cut 4 (07) “…time to go.”

Thibodeaux says now is the time to finalize evacuation plans if a major hurricane threatens Louisiana’s coast. He says they are advising coastal residents against trying to beat a hurricane by going east or west on I–10.

Cut 5 (08) “…go north.” 

Thibodeaux says he’s concerned about the coastal residents who refuse to evacuate even if a major hurricane is threatening their home and life.

Cut 6 (11) “…fight to a draw.”

Thibodeaux encourages Louisiana residents to visit GOHSEP’s website, getagameplan.org, to help stay hurricane ready.

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Among the bills to be heard in the Senate is one to eliminate the 30-year statute of limitations where one can be prosecuted for child molestation. Lafitte Representative Tim Kerner hopes the bill, which passed unanimously in the House, will be heard in the Senate before the session ends.

Cut 7 (09) “…out there (x2).”

Since he authored the bill, Kerner says he’s heard from too many victims, and he believes they deserve to have their case heard no matter how long ago it happened.

Cut 8 (08) “…State of Louisiana.” 

Far too often Kerner says children are victimized by someone they know and trust, and they repress the memories of what happened to survive. And in some cases, it’s someone in their own family.

Cut 9 (10)  “…that opportunity.”

Kerner encourages residents who support the bill to call their state Senator and ask them to pass House Bill 453.

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Ponchatoula City Police Corporal Pricilla Dean Pierson was found dead in her patrol car outside a Rouses in west Ponchatoula on Tuesday morning. Chief Bry Layrisson says his department is still reeling from the loss.

Cut 10 (14) “…arrangements.”

Bystanders noticed Pierson’s car had been parked overnight, and a store employee who checked on her found her unresponsive. Autopsy reports show an 80 percent blockage in one of her arteries. Pierson is survived by her loving family.

Cut 11 (12) “..together.”

Layrisson says Pierson had a number of existing health issues and no foul play is suspected. To Ponchatoula, he says, she was more than just an outstanding officer.

Cut 12 (11) “…Ponchatoula.” 

Funeral services have not yet been finalized.

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Walker Police Chief David Addison was at the right place at the right time last Friday. He says it was divine intervention when he took his daily walk an hour earlier when three young girls pleaded with him for help because their father was unresponsive in their backyard swimming pool.

Cut 13 (11)  “…babies’ daddy.”

Addison and responding officers were able to get the man out of the pool and begin life-saving measures. Addison says the victim remains hospitalized.

In the small Livingston Parish city of 7,000 Addison says while he’s responded to a variety of calls this one is an emotional one because he didn’t want the young girls ages 3, 4, and 5 to go without a father.

Cut 14 (12)  “…but uh.”

Addison says he also called his wife to calm the three girls while EMS worked to revive their father.

Cut 15 (12)  “…he’s alive.”

For the victim’s and the family’s privacy, his name is being withheld.

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The defending national champion LSU Tigers begin play tomorrow in the Chapel Hill Regional as they will play the Wofford Terriers, champions of the Southern Conference Tournament. Left-hander Gage Jump is a potential game-one starter as he’s allowed just nine earned runs in his last six starts. LSU pitching coach Nate Yeskie says Jump is a more confident pitcher after getting hitting around during the first half of SEC play…

Cut 16 (16) “…do this.” 

Jump and Luke Holman have become a difficult one-two punch as far as starting pitchers go. Yeskie says Jump and Holman are pushing each other to be great…

Cut 17 (11) “…do better.”

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Nicholls has arrived in Corvallis, Oregon for its regional game against U-C Irvine on Friday afternoon. Coach Mike Silva says the Anteaters have a loaded pitching staff and a dynamic line-up…

Cut 18 (20)  “…steal bags.”

Nico Saltaformaggio is one of Nicholls top pitchers. He’s 7-and-4 with a 3.88 ERA as he’s made 27 appearances out of the bullpen.  Silva says they don’t get this far without Nico…

Cut 19 (17) “…for us.” 

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Wofford faces a big test in trying to defeat LSU on Friday in the Chapel Hill Regional. Terriers Baseball Coach J-J Edwards says his players understand the challenge…

Cut 20 (14) “…slow them down.”

Wofford won six games in five days to win the Southern Conference Tournament and receive an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament. They rank second in the country in runs per game, as they average 10 runs a contest.

This could be the final week of Governor Jeff Landry’s first regular legislative session. While lawmakers are hoping to wrap up business on Friday, they must adjourn by 6 PM on June 3^rd. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the Senate has decided not to take up the Constitutional Convention bill.

Cut 7 (10) “…unanswered questions.” 

There is a push among legislators to end the session on Friday because they’ve been at the capitol for the most part since the end of January. Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields says there are bigger priorities for the Senate to address than a constitutional convention.

Cut 11 (04) ” …that now.”

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee met today for what was likely the last time in this session and they never reviewed the House-approved Constitutional Convention bill.

Thibodaux Representative Bryan Fontenot’s bill to give law enforcement a twenty-five-foot buffer from the public when they are attempting to make an arrest or performing an investigation is signed into law.
Cut 24 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Legislative leaders are looking to divert $700 million from a state savings account to go towards infrastructure projects. Among the projects are road improvements, updating and maintenance needs at colleges and universities, repairs to water systems and retrofitting prisons, due to the anticipated increase in prisoners after tough on crime legislation passed earlier this year.

We’re in what could be the final week of Governor Jeff Landry’s first regular legislative session. While lawmakers are hoping to wrap up business on Friday, they must adjourn by 6 PM on June 3^rd. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says there are still some big items left to tackle.

Cut 6  (09) “…this Friday. ” 

Earlier this month, the Louisiana House approved a bill calling for a constitutional convention to take place in August. But several lawmakers were concerned over the lack of specifics on how the convention would be held and what would exactly be changed in the constitution. Senate Governmental Affairs Chairman Cleo Fields says his committee opted not to hear the bill because there is not a consensus among state senators on holding a convention…

Cut 10 (04) “…is done.”

The 18-year-old Ruston woman who was killed Saturday in a drive-by shooting has been identified. Police say Haleei (Haley) Newton, the Ruston High School student, who graduated last Tuesday, was shot and killed as she and a male friend traveled eastbound on I-20 between the Tarbutton Road interchange and Tech Drive just after midnight Saturday morning. Ruston Police Chief Steve Rogers says one of the rounds entered the trunk and struck Newton. The male passenger was uninjured and steered the car off the road. Police have not yet identified a suspect.

The St. Aug Marching 100 is heading to Normandy, France. to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-day. School President Aulston Taylor says the students are excited and ready for this incredible journey.

Cut 3 (12) “…over on Monday.” 

Bandmembers have also visited the WWII Museum to learn more about the significance of D-Day.

While Governor Jeff Landry can claim some legislative victories in his first regular session, a few key pieces remain to be decided. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Legislation has been signed into law making it a crime for a person to approach a police officer if they’ve told not to come any closer. Thibodaux Representative Bryan Fontenot’s bill creates a 25-foot buffer zone around working law enforcement.
cut 14 (08) “…and arresting”
The ACLU opposes the law claiming it hinders the ability to hold police accountable and it violates a citizen’s First Amendment rights.

The Louisiana House approved a bill that creates the Gator Scholarship Program that will provide families with state dollars that can be used to pay for private school tuition. Opponents have expressed concerns about the program’s costs. One estimate had it at 500-million dollars a year once all families would become eligible. Carencro Representative Julie Emerson says BESE will determine how much tuition money gets handed out and when to make higher-income families eligible…
cut 12 (09) “….that nature”
The legislation needs Senate approval of House changes before it heads to the governor’s desk.

The St. Augustine Marching 100 will leave for France next week as they will perform at several ceremonies commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day. St. Aug Principal Aulston Taylor says this is a tremendous honor for the 112 members of the famed marching band…
cut 4 (11) “…soil of France”
They will be gone for eight days.

The St. Augustine Marching 100 will head to Normandy, France next week for a special performance for the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Sean Richardson has more…

cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

This could be the final week of Governor Jeff Landry’s final legislative session, which must wrap up by 6 PM on June 3rd. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says these next few days will determine the final tally on Landry’s overall accomplishments with his first session…

cut 8 (08) “…Jeff Landry.”

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee met today for what was likely the final time during this legislative session, and the panel never took up the House-approved constitutional convention bill. Chairman and Baton Rouge senator Cleo Fields says Senators disagree on the need for a constitutional convention…

cut 9 (04) “…uncertain.”

Governor Landry was pushing a constitutional convention so lawmakers and a group of appointed delegates can remove items out of the constitution and put them into state law to provide more flexibility where there are budget deficits.

The 18-year-old Ruston woman who was killed Saturday in a drive-by shooting has been identified. Police say Haleei (Haley) Newton, who graduated from Ruston High School last Tuesday, was shot and killed as she and a male friend traveled eastbound on I-20 between the Tarbutton Road interchange and Tech Drive just after midnight Saturday morning. Ruston Police Chief Steve Rogers says one of the rounds entered the trunk and struck Newton. The male passenger was uninjured and steered her car off the road. Police have not yet identified a suspect.

While Governor Jeff Landry can claim some legislative victories in his first regular session, a few key pieces remain to be decided. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The St. Augustine Marching 100 is heading to Normandy, France. to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-day. School President Aulston Taylor says the students are excited and ready for this incredible journey.

Cut 5 (12) “…young leadership.”

The Marching 100 will head out Monday and return home on June 11th.

Earlier this month, the Louisiana House approved a bill that called for a constitutional convention to take place in August. But several lawmakers were concerned over the lack of specifics on how the convention would be held and what would exactly be changed in the constitution. Senate Governmental Affairs Chairman Cleo Fields says his committee will no hear the because there is not a consensus among state senators on holding a constitutional convection…

Cut 10 (04) “…is done.”

Governor Jeff Landry signed a bill into law that would make it a crime to stand within 25 feet of a police officer after they order you to stand back. ACLU Policy Strategist Stephanie Willis says this is a violation of our first amendment.
Cut 15 (10) “…enforcement accountable.”
Anyone who fails to stay at least 25 feet from law enforcement could face up to 60 days in prison or a $500 fine.

This could be the final week of Governor Jeff Landry’s first regular legislative session. While lawmakers are hoping to wrap up business on Friday, they must adjourn by 6 PM on June 3^rd. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the Senate has decided not to take up the Constitutional Convention bill.

Cut 7 (10) “…unanswered questions.”  

There is a push among legislators to end the session on Friday, they’ve been at the capitol for the most part since the end of January. Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields says there are bigger priorities for the Senate to address than a constitutional convention.

Cut 11 (04) ” …that now.”

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee met today for what was likely the last time in this session and they never reviewed the House-approved Constitutional Convention bill.

Louisiana is the first state to ban the sale of nitrous oxide. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.”