Governor Jeff Landry signed a bill earlier today reorganizing Louisiana Economic Development, which House Commerce Committee Chair Marksville Representative Daryl Deshotel says the act, also known as the Positioning Louisiana to Win bill, makes sure every business is fairly represented in state government by establishing a private sector-led board to advise LED.

Cut 7 (05) “…table.”  

The LED senior leadership team was also announced at the signing.

Ray Tanner, the University of South Carolina’s Athletic Director, has shocked the baseball world by selecting Paul Mainieri as the Gamecocks’ next baseball head coach. The move comes after South Carolina fired their head coach Mark Kingston after his seventh season with the program. Tiger Rag editor Todd Horne says the move is shocking after Mainieri retired three seasons ago citing health concerns.

Cut 4 (12) “…now playing.” 

LSU and South Carolina will face each other in SEC regular season play next year.

The tragic drowning of a 12-year-old in Ascension Parish on Monday serves as a reminder of the dangers of water. In Louisiana drowning is the third cause of death for children ages one to 14. In Baton Rouge, BREC Aquatics Instructor Daniel Burg says through a partnership with the Red Cross they offer free swimming lessons…

Cut 11 (11) ” …ourselves.”

Another bill recently signed by Governor Landry aims to curb the state’s pet overpopulation. The bill allows the Pet Overpopulation Advisory Council to sell commemorative pet stamps with the proceeds supporting spay and neuter programs around the state. The stamps cost a minimum of $15 and will be decorative, not used for postage. The Humane Society of Louisiana says the obvious selling point is that the proceeds go to programs that reduce the burgeoning pet overpopulation.

As the crawfish season is coming to an end, just how bad was it? Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (28)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Two Deputies in Richland Parish were stabbed multiple times after catching up to a fleeing suspect Thursday. 23-year-old Colby Bazan answered RPSO’s request to appear at the sheriff’s office regarding a simple assault and criminal trespass warrant for him involving alleged threats against his family members. When Bazan realized he was under arrest authorities say he fled and when deputies caught up to him, he stabbed two of them with a knife in his possession. Both Deputies were treated and released from the hospital. Bazan is charged with attempted first-degree murder of a police officer and is being held on a one-million-dollar bond.

The A&E show “Murder at the Motel” featured Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s office. The episode tells the story of twenty-eight-year-old Sonya Ortego’s (or-ta-go) murder at the Dees Motel by Jackie Pruitt on March 24, 2016. Chief Deputy Jared Morton…

Cut 4 (06) “…at all.” 

Pruitt was convicted of first-degree murder in 2017.

You can watch “Murder at the Motel” on A&E or stream online now.

Governor Jeff Landry has signed what has been called the bathroom bill. The legislation prohibits a transgender individual from using a bathroom or locker room at a school that does not match their biological sex. Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder says his legislation is designed to protect females, especially young girls…

Cut 9 (10) “…uh oh” 

After signing the bill, Governor Landry said in a statement that he’s proud to sign House Bill 608 which protects women’s safety and reinforces the very definition of what it means to be a woman.

Crawfish season is winding down, to say it was an unpredictable one is an understatement.  LSU Ag Center Crawfish specialist Mark Shirley says towards the end of the season April and May, supply increased in some fields, but that wasn’t the case for every crawfish farmer.

Cut 6  (11) “…those fields. ” 

At the start of the season, things looked extremely dire due to the summer drought and extreme heat. December through February Shirley says supply was down around 90 percent.

Governor Jeff Landry has signed what has been called the bathroom bill. The legislation prohibits a transgender individual from using a bathroom or locker room at a school that does not match their biological sex. Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder says his legislation is designed to protect females, especially young girls…

Cut 9 (10) “…uh oh” 

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 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

The Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office has been featured on the A&E show “Murder at the Motel”. The episode tells the story of twenty-eight-year-old Sonya Ortego’s (or-ta-go) murder at the Dees Motel by Jackie Pruitt on March 24, 2016. Chief Deputy Jared Morton describes the scene.

Cut 3 (11) “…all over the walls.” 

You can watch “Murder at the Motel” on A&E or stream online now.

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 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.

The Covington Police Department arrested a teacher and a paraprofessional on charges of cruelty to a juvenile with disabilities.

Forty-four-year-old, Catherine Mumphrey and 71-year-old Lauren Brenckle are facing felony charges after being caught on camera. The nature of the victims communication ability made the classroom video crucial role in capture in incident and expediting the investigations.

Mumphey and Brenckle are no longer employees of the school system and presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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.

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 15 (08)  “…stocked was.”

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

Today is the 80^th anniversary of D-Day. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Treasure Chest Casino in Kenner will open its doors today for its new land-based casino in Kenner. David Strow (rhymes with how) with Boyd Gaming Corporation says it will be quite a change from their riverboat casino and he’s betting visitors will be impressed.

Cut 11 (11) “…expand the appeal.”

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­The Kenny Wayne Shepard band is performing at the Raising Canes River Center on July 13^th in Baton Rouge, and they plan to hold a Battle of the Bands competition at the Texas Club in Baton Rouge on June 21 to feature a local band as their opening act. Kenny Wayne Shepard says this is a great opportunity for an aspiring Louisiana band.

Cut 15 (11)  “…own audience.”

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Bands can submit through June 12^th.

Go to Eagle981.com and click on “Battle of the Louisiana Bands” for more info.

Vincent LaFrance of Pearl River has been arrested in connection with the murder of Douglas LaFrance, his 74-year-old father.

St. Tammany Parish Sheriffs detectives we called to the home and found LaFrance dead on the front porch of the home.

St. Tammany Corners office performed an autopsy and suspicions were confirmed and LaFrance’s death was ruled a homicide.

Vincent LaFrance was arrested Wednesday evening in connection with his fathers death and was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are still possible.

While legal experts say former President Donald Trump will most likely not serve jail time, LSU Law Professor Lisa Avalos says before Thursday it was a question if he would be convicted and now it’s a reality for the former reality TV star.

Cut 15 (10) “…the land.

A chemical plant in St. John the Baptist Parish is threatening to shut down if EPA restrictions aren’t relaxed. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Saturday is the official start of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane season, and NOAA has predicted it will be the most active on record with 17 to 25 named storms, eight to 13 hurricanes of which four to seven will be major hurricanes. Hurricane Center Director Michael Brennan emphasizes that it doesn’t necessarily take a major hurricane making landfall to have major impacts on both lives and property…

Cut 6  (09) “…hurricane season. ” 

A new bill would give Governor Jeff Landry the power to appoint almost 150 state board and commission chairs. Until now, the boards selected their chairs, and the most the governor could do was appoint a majority of board members and indirectly name the chair. New Orleans Representative Candace Newell expressed concern over someone outside the board choosing the chair.

Cut 11 (09) ” …the room (x2).”

The bill now heads to Landry’s desk for his signature.

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).”

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

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

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.” 

The bodies of 27-year-old Macy Richard and 57-year-old Jerilyn Hebert, both of Opelousas, were identified from a fatal boating incident at Toledo Bend Lake on Tuesday.

Survivors say a wave capsized their chartered fishing boat, and all six aboard went into the water. Three customers and the fishing guide clung to the boat until LDWF agents arrived. But Richard and Hebert both drowned.

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.

The Gator Scholarship program, an expanded version of school vouchers, is nearing final passage. The amended bill passed in the House on a 67-29 vote. Carencro Representative Julie Emerson says the bill amended the list of approved items of how the money can be spent on school-related expenses.

Cut 11 (08) “..things arise.”

The amended bill returns to the Senate for final passage. Governor Jeff Landry, who’s expressed his support of the bill, is expected to sign the legislation.

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. Bill author, Representative Bryonn Fontenot of Thibodaux.

Cut 13 (09)  “…protect us.”

Fontenot says that violence against police officers is on the rise.

Two of the four inmates who escaped the Tangipahoa Parish jail this weekend are still at large.  19-year-old Omarion Hookfin and 20-year-old Jamarcus Cyprian remain on the run.   Chief Jimmy Travis says Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s offices takes responsibility.

Cut 4 (10) “…strand of wire.”

Travis also says inadequate head counts, manpower shortages, and insufficient experience and training as factors contributing to the escape.

Nicholls is in an NCAA Regional for a second consecutive season. Pitcher Jacob Mayers says seeing their name re-appear on the selection show was a thrill…

Cut 18 (11)  “…this year.”

Nicholls will play UC Irvine at 3pm in Corvallis, Organ.

Today is Memorial Day, a day to honor those who fought for our country, and, according to Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Col. Charlton Meginley (mah-ghen-lee), one of the most significant.

Cut 6 (13) “…really means.”

An antitrust settlement has been finalized that will result in all college athletes being paid directly by the school. Outkick college reporter Trey Wallace says schools will have a hard time deciding how to divvy up the money.

Cut 15 (10) “…revenue sharing.”

Revenue sharing is set to start for the 2025-26 season.

It was eleven years ago when the first Mrs. Roper Romp took place as a parade theme at Decadence in New Orleans. Ever since it’s turned into the reason for millions to gather all over the globe to impersonate the beloved “Three’s Company” character Helen Roper. Jessica Cassel (Castle) is one of the organizers for Friday’s Romp in downtown Thibodaux.

Cut 10 (10) “…get together.”

Large jackpots have proved to be profitable with the Louisiana Lottery transferring almost $48 million to the state treasury. Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says they also moved close to $16 million to the state coffers in April.
Cut 7 (12) “…2023.”