Governor Jeff Landry has signed a bill to reorganize Louisiana Economic Development. House Commerce Committee Chair, Marksville Representative Daryl Deshotel says his bill restructures LED to run at the pace of businesses instead of government, and

Cut 6  (08) “…so long. ” 

The act also makes sure every business is fairly represented in government.

Former LSU Baseball Coach Paul Mainieri will apparently be returning to an SEC dugout, but this time it’s at the University of South Carolina. After retiring from LSU in 2021 for health reason Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says Mainieri was on the radar for other schools…

Cut 5 (16)  “… next year.”

With car theft on the rise in Louisiana, there have been cases where car owners have tried to either confront the thieves during the theft or later when they track down their vehicle. In some cases, the car owner has been injured or even killed. Self-defense expert Dave Newman says if you find yourself witnessing a car theft, try to document as much as you can.

Cut 14 (10)  “…(x2) because of GPS.”

He says let police intervene and never try to take the law into your own hands.

Nunez Community College in Chalmette is set to kick off a first-in-the-state associate’s program training students as entry-level wind turbine technicians. Dean of Instruction Reggie Poche hopes this program will push the state to modernize its energy sector, since…

Cut 24 (09) “…this country.”

Visit the school’s website for more information and they are also offering full scholarships.

The body of a boy who went missing in an Ascension Parish pond has been recovered. Around 6 pm last night, the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office says they received a call that a 12-year-old went into a pond in the Keystone Subdivision in Prairieville and never resurfaced. Dive teams from the Gonzales Fire Department, East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, and LDWF agents assisted with the search. The body was recovered at 12:30 this morning.

Nunez Community College in Chalmette is set to kick off a first-in-the-state associate’s program training students as entry-level wind turbine technicians. Dean of Instruction Reggie Poche (Po-shay) says besides hands-on training for a field with above average pay, there’s another reason to consider becoming a wind turbine technician…

Cut 6 (09) “…program.”

The program is set to begin in the Fall 2024 semester.

Ray Tanner, the University of South Carolina’s Athletic Director, has shocked the baseball world by selecting Paul Mainieri to be the Gamecocks next baseball head coach. The move comes after South Carolina fired their head coach Mark Kingston after seven seasons. Tiger Rag editor Todd Horne says it’s a surprise after Mainieri retired three seasons ago citing health concerns.

Cut 3 (16) “… little shocking.” 

And if you’d wager on Mike the Tiger as being the most memorable college mascot in the country, you’d be correct according to OLBG’s sports betting website.The only other SEC mascot in the top 10 were Auburn’s War Eagle, that flys in before home football games, he came in seventh and Uga, the bulldog from University of Georgia placed ninth.

This year’s edition of the KIDS COUNT Data Book shows the unprecedented harmful effect the pandemic had on student learning. Annie E. Casey Foundation President Lisa Hamilton says a higher percentage of Louisiana students suffered from trauma than students nationwide, but compared to the rest of the country Louisiana students aren’t as chronically absent and that counts…

Cut 5 (09)  “… on time.”

Hamilton says there are still pandemic funds out there that could help schools catch students up.

Currently Louisiana requires hair braiders to be licensed and have at least 500 hours of education, which can cost as much as 20 thousand dollars. A bill that would have lifted requirements did not make it through this year’s legislative session. Critics say the hours are essential for education and safety. Bill sponsor Chalmette Representative Mike Bayham says they are cost-prohibitive and unnecessary.

Cut 7 (06) “…job.”  

Considering Louisiana has among the highest property and auto insurance rates in the country, insurance coverage for your pet here is the most affordable. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

And former LSU Baseball coach Paul Mainieri is returning to the SEC to replace South Carolina’s coach, who was fired after seven years. Mainieri coached the Tigers from 2007 until his retirement for health reasons in 2021. While in Baton Rouge, he led the Tigers to the College World Series five times and a national championship in 2009.

A bill to lift licensing requirements to braid hair failed to pass in this year’s regular legislative session. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

Former LSU Baseball coach Paul Mainieri is expected to return to baseball as South Carolina’s new coach. Mainieri coached the Tigers from 2007 until his retirement for health reasons in 2021. While in Baton Rouge, he led the Tigers to the College World Series five times and a national championship in 2009.He replaces Mark Kingston who was fired after seven seasons.

The Annie E Casey Foundation released a new report that shows there was an unprecedented drop in learning and absences from 2019 to 2022 as a result of the of the pandemic. Thirty-percent of all students were chronically absent, but Annie E Casey President Lisa Hamilton says the chronic absence percentage was better in Louisiana…
cut 4 (07) “…nationally”
Hamilton says they actually saw reading scores improve as well.

Louisiana has the lowest pet insurance premiums in the country according to MarketWatch Guides. Dayna Drake with MarketWatch says Louisiana’s lower cost of living is reflected in veterinary costs. She also credits a state law for pet insurers.

Cut 10 (12) “…the vet.”

The average monthly premium in Louisiana is $36

A bill to lift licensing requirements to braid hair failed to pass in this year’s legislative session. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

Shreveport police are investigating a shooting involving a man who was reportedly arguing with his girlfriend, and when her father showed up a physical altercation ensued. The father was allegedly shot by the boyfriend and his injuries are life-threatening. It happened around 11:30 this morning on Miriam Lane.

Even though Louisiana ranks among the country’s highest property and automobile insurance rates, you’d be surprised to learn that when it comes to pet insurance, Bayou State is ranked the most affordable. Dayna Drake with MarketWatch Guides says the statewide average to insure your pet is $36 a month.

Cut 9 (07) “…national average.” 

The national average is $46 a month.

And speaking of pets, don’t forget to include them in your hurricane plan. LSU School of Veterinarian Medicine spokesperson Ginger Gutner says to be patient with your pet when you must evacuate. She says they can tell when you’re stressed and a new environment could bring out behavioral issues.

AM Cut 12 (10) “…extra stops.” 

Even if your dog is housetrained, the stress of evacuating could cause them to have accidents.

This year’s KIDS COUNT shows the pandemic had an unprecedented harmful effect on student learning. Annie E. Casey Foundation President Lisa Hamilton says the report shows a higher percentage of Louisiana students suffered from trauma than students nationwide.

Cut 3 (10) “…nationally.” 

Starting in 2025, retailers who do not properly label seafood with its correct country of origin will face fines of up to two-thousand dollars. Marrero Senator Patrick Connick says his bill that was recently signed by the governor puts teeth into a law passed in 2019….

cut 8 (12) “…two thousand dollars”

In 2025, college athletes could be paid directly by the university because of an antitrust lawsuit against the NCAA that’s expected to be finalized soon. LSU executive deputy athletics director Verge Ausberry expects the Tigers will remain competitive once revenue sharing between athletic departments and athletes begins…
cut 14 (12) “….look”
It’s expected athletic departments will spend around 22-million dollars in paying college athletes in 2025.

Don’t forget about your pets when making your hurricane plans. LSU School of Veterinary Medicine spokesperson Ginger Guttner says have you dog or cat microchipped…
cut 11 (11) “….come off”

You can find a list of hurricane tips for pet owners at LouisianaRadioNetwork.com

Governor Jeff Landry has signed Marrero Senator Patrick Connick’s bill to strengthen penalties against food establishments that do not clearly label imported seafood.

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

The younger son of LSU legend Pete Maravich died Friday. LSU reports 42-year-old Josh Maravich passed away at the family home in Covington. Josh Maravich was on the LSU men’s basketball team from 2001 to 2005. Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

The latest NFIB survey finds only 18-percent of business owners plan to increase wages in the next three months. The survey finds the construction sector is having problems filling openings and NFIB State Director Leah Long says it’s going to take more than higher wages.

Cut 6 (10) “…in the state.”

In addition to making your hurricane plans for you and your family don’t forget about the four-legged members of your family.  LSU School of Veterinary Medicine spokesperson Ginger Guttner says Katrina taught Louisianas to never to leave their pets behind.

Cut 10 (12) “…driving around.”

You can find a listing of more hurricane prep tips for pet owners at LouisianaRadioNetwork.com

Governor Landry has signed legislation that prohibits transgender individuals from using restrooms, locker rooms and sleeping quarters at public schools and jails that do not match their biological sex. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

It looks like a second Bucee’s location in Louisiana is in the works. The Lafayette Economic Development Authority has confirmed they are working to add the toothy beaver to their town. The LEDA says the deal has not yet been finalized but there is good potential.

The A&E series “Murder at the Motel” will feature the 2016 murder of 28-year-old Sonya Ortego. Chief Jared Morton of the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office says Jackie Pruitt was traveling through town for a court date the following day and rented a room in the DeRidder motel for the night. Morton says his motive remains unknown.

Cut 4 (06) “…at all.” 

Pruitt was convicted of First-Degree Murder.

Looking back at a very unusual crawfish season this year, LSU Ag Center Crawfish Specialist Mark Shirley says December to February supply was down 90 percent. In May supply increased, but Shirley says it was only 40 to 50 percent compared to other Mays.

Cut 7 (11) “…production year.”  

He says crawfish farmers are hopeful about next year’s crop.

For a third consecutive year, LSU’s Louisiana survey finds most residents believe the state is heading in the wrong direction.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

It looks like a second Bucee’s location in Louisiana is in the works. The one under construction in Ruston is expected to open next year and Lafayette could soon be able to add the toothy beaver to their town. According to The Advocate, the construction company that has built other Bucee’s has requested a variance with the zoning board in Lafayette.

Adults interested in receiving the necessary education to land a job in a high-demand field can now apply for financial assistance through the M-J Foster Promise Program. Brittany Theriot with the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance says the award amount is 32-hundred dollars per year for a full-time student and students can receive a maximum of 64-hundred dollars over three years…

Cut 10 (08) “…award back.”

Visit the M-J Foster Promise Program for more information.

This Saturday and Sunday it’s Free Fishing Weekend in Louisiana.And of course, fishing is a lot more fun when you don’t have to talk about the one that got away. State Wildlife Fisheries Outreach Biologist Josh Porter says chances are there’s a recently stocked pond near you.

Cut 14 (12)  “…those ponds.”

Check their website for a listing of those ponds or their Facebook page.

A survey out of LSU finds 61 percent of Louisiana residents believe the state is heading in the wrong direction. The Louisiana Survey polled more than one thousand adults in March and April and only 30 percent said the state is heading in the right direction. Director of the Louisiana Survey Professor Michael Henderson says these numbers are similar to the last couple of years.

Cut 7 (10) “…two to one.”

Adults interested in receiving the necessary education to land a job in a high-demand field can now apply for financial assistance through the M-J Foster Promise Program. Brittany Theriot with the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance

Cut 11 (10) “…health care.”

After almost forty years with Catholic Charities, The Louisiana Commodity Supplemental Food Program is transitioning to a new partnership. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Crawfish prices along with the temperatures are rising. According to The Crawfish App Prices are up about 20-cents a pound. That’s due to the decrease in the supply. Live crawfish average $2.94 a pound and if you can find a restaurant with crawfish still on the menu expect to pay close to $5 a pound.