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.

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.”

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

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

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It’s the perfect weekend to cast and line and you don’t have to have a fish license either. Brooke Thorington has more on Free Fishing Weekend.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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After almost forty years with Catholic Charities, The Louisiana Commodity Supplemental Food Program is transitioning to a new partnership after the USDA encouraged them to seek bids for providers. Feeding Louisiana with its statewide network of foodbanks will begin distributing “Senior Boxes” to eligible Louisianans 60 and over. LDH’s Director of Nutrition Services, Jennifer Nicklas…

Cut 4 (11) “…with us.”

Catholic Charities is helping get the word out by calling all current recipients of the CSFP boxes and by providing addresses and contact information to Feeding Louisiana. Nicklas says recipients should be able to receive their commodity boxes without interruption…

Cut 5 (08) “…that service.” 

Nicklas encourages Louisiana residents 60 and over who may be eligible now to reach out to Food for Seniors at 800-522-3333. They will tell you if your household income qualifies, where the closest food site to your home is, and what the serving days and times are.

Cut 6 (11) “…still available.”

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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.”

Henderson says this is the second consecutive year that 61 percent of the respondents said the state is heading in the wrong direction…

Cut 8 (09) “…direction of the state.” 

Twenty-eight percent of the respondents told the Louisiana survey that crime is the biggest problem in the state, up from 19 percent last year. However, 36 percent of the respondents have confidence that the state government can address their concerns, which is eight percentage points from last year…

Cut 9 (12)  “…come up.”

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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.”

The grant dollars can be used at any Louisiana Community and Technical College school, plus LSU-Shreveport and LSU Eunice.

Theriot says the MJ Foster Program provides financial support for eligible adult students who are earning credentials that align with high-demand jobs…

Cut 11 (10) “…health care.”

This is the third year of the M-J Foster Program and Theriot says last year they had more than ten thousand applicants

Cut 12 (12) “…M-J Foster Promise-dot-com.” 

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

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It’s time to grab those fishing poles and cast a line. This Saturday and Sunday it’s Free Fishing Weekend in Louisiana. State Wildlife Fisheries Outreach Biologist Josh Porter says you don’t have to have a fishing license this weekend.

Cut 13 (09)  “…get hooked.”

And of course, fishing is a lot more fun when you don’t have to talk about the one that got away. Porter says chances are there’s a recently stocked pond near you.

Cut 14 (12)  “…those ponds.”

For a listing of the 17 ponds they stock, you can visit their website and click on events and education…

Cut 15 (08)  “…stocked was.”

Or you can visit LWDF’s “Get out and Fish” Facebook page for more information and catch photos.

After this weekend, adults 18 and older will be required to have a fishing license. And new anglers can find fishing education courses on LWDF’s website.

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Cut 16 (16) “…helps a lot.” 

Cut 17 (17) “…the system.”

Cut 18 (18)  “…get after it.”

Cut 19 (12) “…tomorrow.” 

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Cut 20 (19) “…really pitch.”

After being hit by a vessel early Thursday morning DOTD says the Grosse Tete bridge in Iberville will be closed for a significant amount of time. The drawbridge on La Highway 77, is closed to both vehicular and marine traffic. The bridge has a daily average use of up to 1,500 vehicles.

Lake Charles remains the Youth Sports Capital of Louisiana after they secured hosting rights with LHSAA for an additional two years.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

Lawmakers have repealed a law to put cameras on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. St. Martin Parish Sheriff Becket Breaux says when monies are collected from speeding fines issued by law enforcement, they help fund things like the Indigent Defense Board and Crimestoppers. When a speed camera issues a fine those monies aren’t distributed to other agencies…

Cut 5 (11)  “… goes on.”

Today is “Secure Your Load for Road Safety Day.” Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Greg Fischer says it’s important for motorists to properly secure items to prevent them from becoming potentially lethal traffic hazards. And before you hitch that boat to your vehicle, secure loose objects.

Cut 10 (08) “…or death.”