There are lawmakers and organizations hailing the 2026 legislative session for the package of bills intended to improve workforce development. Monroe Representative Mike Echols, the chairman of the Legislative Republican Delegation, says they passed legislation that provides exposure to career opportunities for students as early as grade school.

Cut 15 (09) “…straight to work.” 

Adam Knapp, the CEO for Leaders for a Better Louisiana, says legislation was approved that expands eligibility requirements for the TOPS Tech scholarship program for students in community and technical colleges.

Cut 9 (10)  “…part-time student.” 

Knapp says legislators also approved the Learn and Earn Act, which authorizes specialized internships on high school campuses.

The LHSAA Boys’ Basketball Championships are returning to Lafayette for the first time since 2011. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.” 

The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee begins discussion on a bill intended to fix college athletics. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey asked Congress to pass a law that would bring much-needed regulations on NIL deals and reduce player movement from school to school. But the SEC and Big 10 issued a joint statement last night saying they oppose the legislation as it is written now.