9:30 LRN Newscast

The House Education Committee has approved the Gator Scholarship Program which in a few years would allow families of any income level to receive state dollars to attend a private school. But not everyone is for it. Opponents say the Gator Scholarship Program will take millions of dollars away from public schools. LaPlace Representative Slyvia Elanie Taylor is concerned about state dollars going to a school that doesn’t have to be held to the same standards as a public school

Cut 15 (10)  “..accountability.”
A bill to make panhandling a state crime in Louisiana advances from House Criminal Justice. State law already prohibits panhandling on interstates, including off and on ramps and this bill expands. Advocacy director of the Justice Accountability Center of Louisiana, Sarah Whittington opposes the bill because it’s something that local municipalities already cite.

Cut 9 (11)  “…local level.”

A bill to allow judges the option of sentencing a sex offender of a child to surgical castration advances from Senate Judiciary C. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The line up of food for the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival has been announced. And some favorites that were gone for a time, are back, including Panorama Foods’ longtime favorite Crawfish Bread. It’s making a comeback along with favorites from Marie’s Sugar Dumplings, Jamila’s Café, and African restaurant Bennachin