Beginning January 1^st to receive their certification, teachers must undergo a criminal background check with the state. Currently, it’s up to local school systems to require those checks, but now Arthur Joffrion with the Louisiana Department of Education says it’s a state requirement.

Cut 3 (10) “…our educators.”

The new policy is a result of legislation passed in 2023.

Former LSU sprinter Sha’Carri Richarson is heading to the Paris Olympics as a favorite to win a Gold Medal after a 10.71 second sprint in the 100-meters at the U.S. track trials in Oregon. Richardson, who was banned from competing in the 2021 Tokyo Games because of a positive marijuana test, was emotional when she crossed the finish line on Saturday

Cut 10 (10) “…today.”

Richardson competed at LSU in 2019.

Cleco customers will see a rate increase next month, but the reason why depends on who you ask. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

Former President Donald Trump will visit New Orleans today for a campaign fundraiser, days before his debate with President Biden. JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon says he expects Trump will use the debate to prove his candidacy and attack Biden.

Cut 5 (08) “…easy examples.”

That debate will be held Thursday at 8 o’clock on CNN.

High School students in Louisiana will no longer be required to take the ACT, even though ten out of 11 BESE members asked lawmakers to reject the legislation. BESE President Ronnie Morris worries it could result in missed opportunities for some students.

Cut 8 (12) “…scholarship programs.” 

It will go into effect for the 2025-26 school year.

Governor Jeff Landry issued a controversial veto last week and the debate over the bill continues into this week. Landry vetoed 27 bills from the recently completed regular session and the veto of House Bill 423 is getting the most attention because Shreveport Representative Michael Melerine says it’s part of a package of bills that would have improved the legal climate for auto insurance companies…

Cut 14 (07)  “…more friendly.”
Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the current Collateral Source Doctrine produces windfall payments that result in accident victims getting more than they deserve….

Cut 16 (05) “…Ferrari.” 

Landry says the proposed change to the Collateral Source Doctrine would result in car crash victims not receiving the payouts they deserved following a car crash.

Former President Donald Trump will visit New Orleans today for a big money campaign fundraiser. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

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Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year high school students won’t be required to take the ACT. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

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One lawmaker is calling for a veto session after his tort reform bill that attempted to address the state’s high auto insurance rates was vetoed. Jeanne Burns has the story…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.” 

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Former President Donald Trump will visit New Orleans today for a campaign fundraiser. JMC Analytics and Polling’s John Couvillon says Trump certainly doesn’t need to stop in Louisiana for campaigning.

Cut 4 (10) “…here in New Orleans.”

The fundraiser is being hosted by two of Louisiana’s biggest Republican donors and comes three days before the first presidential campaign debate of the year. Couvillon says he expects Trump to use the debate to prove his candidacy and attack President Joe Biden.

Cut 5 (08) “…easy examples.”

On the other hand, Biden’s approval rate has yet to rise above 40% even with Trump’s felony fraud convictions last month. Couvillon says this may make the debates an uphill battle for the current president.

Cut 6 (09) “…the office.”

The first 2024 presidential debate will be held Thursday at 8 P.M. CST on CNN.

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High School students in Louisiana will no longer be required to take the ACT, even though ten out of 11 BESE members asked lawmakers to reject the legislation. BESE President Ronnie Morris worries it could be a missed opportunity for students who aren’t initially college-bound…

Cut 7 (10) “…light bulb moment.”

Proponents say this will allow the state’s test average to improve because it will be more reflective of education in Louisiana and college-bound students. However, Morris believes it could result in missed opportunities for some students.

Cut 8 (12) “…scholarship programs.” 

Only 10 states require the ACT to be taken; the average score for those states is 19, while the national average is 19.2. Louisiana’s average score is 18.2. Morris says while he’s disappointed lawmakers chose to go against the request of BESE members…

Cut 9 (09)  “…conversation again.”

Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, students will no longer be required to take the ACT or the Armed Services Vocation Aptitude Battery.

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GOHSEP and the Louisiana Safe School Center announce the new School Safety Grant of $5 million in funding for schools across the state.  GOHSEP Director of Strategic Engagement Rubby Douglas.

Cut 10 (12) “…local level.”

The grants were awarded for 126 projects in 40 parishes. Each project will receive up to fifty thousand dollars. Douglas says the funds will be used in a variety of ways.

Cut 11 (10) “…those schools.”

Douglas says the funds should be available July 1^st and schools will begin projects this summer to be in place for the upcoming school year.

Cut 12 (11) “…students.” 

The funds were awarded to both public and private schools.

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Shreveport Representative Michael Melerine would like to see a veto session after his bill to reform the state’s current collateral source rule was vetoed by the governor. Melerine says his House Bill 423 could have helped lower auto insurance premiums by awarding payouts that match the cost of a person’s medical bills following a car crash

Cut 13 (09)  “…override it.”

Governor Landry vetoed 27 bills from the recently completed regular session and the veto of House Bill 423 is getting the most attention because Melerine says it is part of a package of bills that would have improved the legal climate for auto insurance companies…

Cut 14 (07)  “…more friendly.”

Landry says the proposed change to the Collateral Source Doctrine would result in car crash victims not receiving the payouts they deserved following a car crash. He says he’s trying to protect the working class…

Cut 15 (06)  “…(x2) working class.”

But Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple the current Collateral Source Doctrine produces windfall payments that result in accident victims getting more than they deserve….

Cut 16 (05) “…Ferrari.” 

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Louisiana Tech baseball coach Lane Burroughs signed a five-year extension with the school following his seventh season in Ruston. Burroughs has led the Bulldogs to NCAA Regional appearances in 3 of the last 4 seasons and three Conference-USA championships. Burroughs says he’s happy to confirm five more years in Ruston…

Cut 17 (18) “…but our family.”

The Bulldogs finished with a 45-and-19 record behind Burrough’s CUSA Co-Coach of the Year earning a conference regular season title and tournament appearance. Burroughs says it’s difficult to succeed as a smaller program in the NIL era, but his Bulldogs can compete with anybody…

Cut 18 (17)  “…way we can.”

The Bulldogs will look a lot different next year as eight of the nine offensive starters last season were seniors. Burroughs will also lose out on the team’s two best relief pitchers Sam Broderson and All-American Ethan Bates. Burroughs says they’ve brought in 4 to 6 new transfers, and he feels his roster for next season is 98% ready…

Cut 19 (17) “…for the spring.” 

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Cut 20 (22) “…overcome that.”

Louisiana’s law requiring the Ten Commandments be posted in public classrooms is receiving national attention and groups like the ACLU say they plan to fight it in court. Alanah Odoms with the ACLU of Louisiana says the law clearly violates the First Amendment and it calls for a government-mandated version of the Ten Commandments.

Cut 7 (11) “…by this.”  

Author of the legislation, Haughton Representative Dodie Horton expects the legal challenge will ultimately be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court and she’s confident with the current conservative majority of justices the law will be upheld. But in the meantime…

Cut 8 (09)  “…in schools.”

Classroom are required to post the Ten Commandments no later than January 1^st

Baton Rouge Representative Dixon McMakin is calling for an overhaul of Louisiana’s AMBER Alert system after a delay for the two Loranger girls who were kidnapped. McMakin wants state police to work with lawmakers and internally to identify needed changes.

Cut 5 (10)  “…in place.”

Governor Landry has signed legislation giving the Louisiana Workforce Commission the responsibility of spearheading workforce changes and solutions. LWC Secretary Susana Schowen (sh-auh-on) says these changes can only result in good things.

Cut 10 (12) “…workers are.”

A Tangipahoa Parish grand jury has charged Danel Callihan and Victoria Cox with first-degree murder in the deaths of Callie Brunett and her three-year-old daughter Erin. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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This weekend, several Louisiana sports legends including Drew Brees and Seimone Augustus will be inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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State legislators passed a bill re-establishing a black bear season in Louisiana. Mel Bridges has the details.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

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A Tangipahoa Parish grand jury has charged Danel Callihan with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Callie Brunett and her three-year-old daughter Erin. The other suspect, Victoria Cox, faces one count of first-degree murder. With federal charges also anticipated, Tangipahoa Parish District Attorney Scott Perrilloux wants the pair to be tried in Louisiana first.

Cut 4 (09) “…decided here.”

Both suspects also face one count of aggravated kidnapping of a child and one count of second-degree kidnapping. Cox also faces accessory after the fact to first-degree murder.  Perrilloux wouldn’t comment on the details of the crime when asked if Erin was killed in Louisiana or Mississippi.

Both suspects could face the death penalty, but Perrilloux says a decision has not been made on whether to pursue capital punishment.

Cut 5 (09) “…a decision.”

Perrilloux says the case has left the small Tangipahoa Parish community in shock.

Cut 6 (10) “…and accept.”

Callihan and Cox also face murder and sexual battery charges in Mississippi, where they are currently being held. Funeral services for Callie and Erin were held yesterday in Hammond.

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On Saturday, nine sports figures will be inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, including former Saints quarterback Drew Brees and LSU legend Seimone Augustus. Hall of Fame Foundation President Ronnie Rantz says Augustus is regarded as the greatest women’s basketball player from Louisiana.

Cut 7 (13) “…she’s the greatest.”

Rantz says inducting Brees is a no-brainer.

Cut 8 (14) “…legend.” 

Other inductees include MMA icon Daniel Cormier, prolific high school football and baseball coach Frank Monica, and horse jockey Ray Sibille, whose 4-thousand career wins embody something Rantz says you just don’t see anymore.

Cut 9 (12)  “…these days.”

Induction celebrations will be held during this weekend at the HoF’s home in Natchitoches.

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Four people have been arrested in connection with the death of 25-year-old Ashley Beauclair of Marksville. Tim Ryan with the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office says in October her body was found in a wooded area north of Marksville and with the assistance of the FACES lab they were able to identify her remains.

Cut 10 (10) “…Marksville, Louisiana.”

Those three suspects were arrested Tuesday and on Thursday Morgan Lin Heims of Missouri was arrested in the case. Sonny Dauzat is charged with second-degree murder and all four suspects criminal conspiracy and obstruction of justice charges.

Sheriff David Dauzat says several law enforcement agencies have worked diligently to find those responsible for Beauclair’s death. Ryan says the APSO is committed to doing its best…

Cut 11 (06) “…we’re doing.”

He declined to give a motive and says the case has been turned over to the District Attorney’s Office. Ryan says while they don’t expect any more arrests in the case…

Cut 12 (04) “…the matter.” 

Listing of arrestees:

25-year-old Sonny Ray Dauzat of Effie – 2nd-degree murder, criminal conspiracy, and obstruction of justice. Bond set at $1.1 million

29-year-old Keion Joseph Roy of Moreauville – criminal conspiracy and obstruction of justice.

24-year-old Sophie Mae Badeaux of Marksville – criminal conspiracy and obstruction of justice

20-year-old Morgan Lin Heims of Branson, Missouri – criminal conspiracy and obstruction of justice

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State legislature passed House Bill 684, which re-establishes a black bear season in Louisiana. LDWF Large Carnivore Program Manager John Hanks says part of what the bill does is make sure money generated from the sale of black bear licenses goes towards a good cause.

Cut 13 (11)  “…species.”

The bill also establishes a $20 black bear hunting license, which will be required in addition to a basic hunting license, and a bear harvest permit. Both are required to hunt black bears. The Wildlife and Fisheries Commission will hold a lottery for permits at $50 per application. Finally, Hanks says, the bill establishes what is and isn’t legal.

Cut 14 (07)  “…bait bears.”

Black bear season runs from the first Saturday to the third Sunday in December, and you can only hunt black bears in a handful of parishes in northeastern Louisiana. If you’re in those parishes and can’t wait to get your license and permit, Hanks says to stay tuned.

Cut 15 (07)  “…work in progress.”

Black bear hunting had been suspended in Louisiana after the bears became endangered, but the population has since recovered.

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Cut 16 (11) “…you whole.” 

Cut 17 (19) “…right track.”

Cut 18 (20)  “…getting better.”

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Cut 19 (18) “…some power.” 

Cut 20 (22) “…overcome that.”

Governor Jeff Landry vetoed House Bill 423 which sought to limit damages a jury can award to victims in auto accidents. Jeff Palermo reports it has resulted in Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple is asking for a special session to address the state’s insurance crisis.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

Governor Landry signed the 10 Commandments bill into law this morning. The law requires public schools and colleges to display the 10 Commandments in each classroom. The ACLU of Louisiana along with other advocacy groups say they will be filing a lawsuit, on the grounds of separation of Church and State.

A federal judge is considering whether to issue a preliminary injunction that would block Farm Line operations at Angola Prison when the heat index reaches 88 degrees. Plaintiff Ronald Marshall…

Cut 4 (08) “…day out.”

The DOC says the work conducted on the Farm Line is in accordance with constitutional and industrial standards.

Ryan McKinnon with Charge Ahead Partnership says the state has yet to access 73-million dollars in federal funds for businesses to apply for to build electric vehicle charging stations.

Cut 6 (11) “…help in that.” 

But DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says the state has yet to receive the money and the rules for this federal grant program do not match their usual contracting methods, so there are few more hoops to jump through.

After Governor Jeff Landry vetoed the Collateral Source reform bill, Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple is calling on lawmakers to hold a special session to address the state’s high auto insurance rates. Temple says legislation is needed to improve the legal climate…

Cut 9 (08) “…do it now.” 

Supporters say the bill limits the amount juries can award to car crash victims, and Landry says the veto has nothing to do with campaign contributions.

We have our first named storm of the hurricane season. Tropical Storm Alberto is expected to make landfall later tonight or early tomorrow morning in Mexico. While the bulk of the storm is not expected to be a threat to Louisiana, state police say water is lapping onto Louisiana Highway 1 between Golden Meadow and Grand Isle.

A federal judge is considering a preliminary injunction to stop Farm Line operations at Angola when the heat index reaches or exceeds 88 degrees. State Corrections says the work is in accordance with constitutional and industrial standards. Promise of Justice Initiative attorney Lydia Wright….

Cut 5 (07)  “…our trial.”

Louisiana has received $73 million from the 2021 Federal Infrastructure Act but has yet to distribute the money to vendors wanting to enter the electric vehicle charging business. Ryan McKinnon with Charge Ahead Partnership hopes Louisiana will distribute those funds…

Cut 8 (11)  “…charging stations.” 

DOTD says they plan to start the request-for-proposal process as soon as they identify an appropriate contracting mechanism to use the money

In Lafayette this morning Governor Jeff Landry signed the Gator Scholarship Program into law. The Education Savings Account Act is intended to help all families offset private school education costs, and the governor also signed the 10 Commandments bill that requires public schools and colleges to display them in the classroom. At a Republican fundraiser in Tennessee that past weekend, Landry told attendees he looks forward to getting sued over the bill.

Louisiana received $73 million from the 2021 Federal Infrastructure Act but has yet to distribute that money to vendors wanting to enter the electric vehicle charging business. Ryan McKinnon with Charge Ahead Partnership says the funds are intended to help small businesses.

Cut 7 (06) “…in Louisiana.”  

DOTD says they plan to start the request-for-proposal process as soon as they identify an appropriate contracting mechanism to use the money.

A federal judge in Baton Rouge has been asked to issue an order that would prevent inmates at Angola from working on the prison farm when heat indices reach 88 degrees or higher.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A federal judge has ruled that details will remain seal in the federal criminal case against Danial Callihan, the man who has confesses to killing Callie Brunette and her three-year-old daughter. A federal bond hearing will be held June 25^th. Calihan is also facing state charges in Mississippi and Louisiana in Tangipahoa Parish. Victoria Cox is also charged in the case.

Baton Rouge Republican Congressman Garret Graves publicly spoke for the first time since announcing he will not run for re-election.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s temporary restraining order against a woman who photographed her and her then-bodyguard Jeffrey Vappie (rhymes with happy) eating and drinking wine while on duty has been thrown out. The judge dismissed Cantrell’s temporary restraining order against Anne Breaud (Brohd). Justin Schmidt, who represented Breaud…

Cut 8 (11)  “…you for it”” 

Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell will ask the P-S-C tomorrow to approve a plan to refund SWEPCO customers 23-million dollars because they were overcharged last year. Campbell says the average customer would receive a credit 62-dollars divided over their July, August and September bills. The refunds will be substantial for large businesses.
cut 11 (11) “….thousands of dollars”
Campbell says SWEPCO has admitted to billing error.