The House Transportation Committee approved a bill this morning that would prohibit drivers from using a handheld cell phone while driving. Slidell Representative Brian Glorioso says a person behind the wheel who is more focused on his phone than the road is a threat to other motorists…

Cut 11 (06) “…drunk driving”

The Louisiana Legislature has rejected similar proposals to the past, but supporters of a ban on handling cell phone use while driving say the proposed legislation can help reduce auto insurance rates, by reducing crashes. Alexandria defense attorney Ed Tarpley, however, doubts this proposed law can reduce auto insurance rates…

Cut 12 (11) “…moving violation.”

Highway safety advocates say a ban on handheld cell phones while driving in Louisiana is really needed.

Over 30-thousand Caddo and Bossier Parish SWEPCO customers lost power Saturday because of grid instability, and PSC Commissioner Foster Campbell wants answers. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

If you’re a state worker, get ready to start schlepping to the office again. That’s because Governor Landry is ordering you back to the office by July 1st. State employees were sent home to work remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Landry said remote work was one of the biggest negative effects of the pandemic.

Cut 7 (05) “…are more productive.”

Landry is also strongly encouraging employees of agencies that don’t fall within his authority to return to the office by that date.

PSC Commissioner Foster Campbell wants to know why there was a six-hour unplanned power outage on Saturday, affecting more than 30-thousand SWEPCO customers in Bossier and Caddo Parishes. SWEPCO Spokesperson Michael Corbin says that due to a directive from the Southwest Power Pool, the regional transmission organization. SPP identified grid instability and required SWEPCO to implement emergency outages to prevent widespread damage to power lines and equipment.

Cut 3 (12) “…their homes or businesses.” 

If you’ve ever said you could do a better job balancing the budget than the elected officials you repeatedly insult on social media, you’re now invited to put your money — make that the state’s money — where your mouth is. PAR, LSU and The Advocate have all teamed up to launch the online game, “Solve The Budget.” PAR President Steven Procopio says for example, you can decide which facets of education to spend money on and which ones to cut.

Cut 11 (10) “…and university spending.”

For the first time, Saints quarterback Derek Carr is speaking out about his injury to his right shoulder. Carr opened up about his injury while leading a service as a guest pastor at ChurchLV in Las Vegas, saying he has an MRI to prove that he has an injured shoulder.

Cut 9 (05)  “…forward with that.”

Carr’s comments come as NFL Network’s Ian Rappoport has reported that Carr’s shoulder injury may sideline him for the entire 2025 season.

Governor Landry is ordering state workers back to the office. He issued an executive order requiring workers to return to their offices by July 1st.

Cut 6 (06) “…their other colleagues.”

State employees were sent home to work remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Landry said remote work was one of the biggest negative effects of the pandemic. Landry is also strongly encouraging employees of agencies that don’t fall within his authority to return to the office by that date.

Two new buildings are under construction at Louisiana Tech, including the Forest Products Innovation Center on the south campus that houses ag and forestry. University President Jim Henderson says it will expand the school’s research capacity.

Cut 9 (07)  “…in the country.”

The other one is the Origin Bank Academic Center for Student Athlete Success, which will be located adjacent to Joe Aillet Stadium. Both buildings are expected to open in the fall of 2026.

State lawmakers are attempting to ban the sale of kratom at gas stations and smoke shops. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

At the TPC Louisiana, Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin are your 2025 Zurich Classic champions. The two finished at 28 under par, one stroke better than brothers Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard (HOE-guard). The pivotal hole was the 17th, when Novak and Griffin birdied while Frank Capan the third’s tee shot went into the water. With the win, Novak and Griffin each take home more than 1.3-million dollars.

Saturday is national drug take-back day. The DEA will be at several collection sites throughout the country, including Louisiana, collecting expired or unwanted medications. Keith Bakewell, the assistant special agent in charge of the Baton Rouge field office of the DEA, says there are reasons for turning in your unwanted medications to the DEA instead of simply throwing them out.

Cut 3 (10) “…hands into everything.” 

A bill passed the House unanimously could end the unregulated buying and selling of restaurant reservations through platforms like Appointment Trader. Republican Troy Hebert (AY-bear) emphasized that the legislation targets elite restaurants being exploited without consent and says the penalty without written consent would be one thousand dollars a day.

Cut 10 (07) “…education fund”

About 700 soldiers from the Louisiana National Guard’s 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, the “Tiger Brigade,” are deploying to support Operation Joint Guardian in Kosovo and Operation Enduring Freedom – Horn of Africa, providing security and support to U.S. and partner forces. Commander Jonathan Lloyd says the 256th will conduct pre-mobilization training at their home base…

Cut 6 (11) “…we’re mobilizing for.”

The NFL Draft continues through Saturday, culminating with the selection of Mr. Irrelevant. Thursday night, the Saints used their first round draft choice to select offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. from Texas. First year head coach Kellen Moore says he chose Banks to fortify the team’s offensive line.

Cut 13 (10)  “…to do that.”

One down, six to go. The NFL Draft continues tonight and wraps up tomorrow, culminating with the selection of Mr. Irrelevant. Last night, the Saints took Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. with the ninth overall pick. First-year head coach Kellen Moore says it feels great to get the first pick out of the way.

Cut 12 (12) “…lot of fun.”

As for the selection of Banks, Moore says he wanted to fortify the team’s offensive line.

Cut 13 (10)  “…to do that.”

Prior to the draft, several draft experts had the Saints taking Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders with the ninth pick. The Saints passed on him – and so did everyone else. The second round opens with Deion’s son’s name still on the board.

It’s the most anticipated series of the college baseball season: Number-seven LSU against number-six Tennessee – the last two College World Series champions. LSU will start Kade Anderson on the mound tonight and Anthony Eyanson will start on Saturday. Sunday’s starter is to be announced. Tigers left hander Connor Ware is a possibility; he started the final game of the Alabama series. Ware was asked about the LSU-Tennessee rivalry…

Cut 20 (14) “….they’re not.”

LSU enter the series on a two game losing streak, as they lost in the final game of the Alabama series and suffered an ugly 13-3 defeat to in-state foe Northwestern State.

LSU’s women’s basketball team just scored a big name in the transfer portal as MiLaysia Fulwiley has announced that she will be playing for Kim Mulkey next season. The guard joins the Tigers from South Carolina.

Saturday is the DEA’s National Drug Take Back Day, with agents at several sights throughout Louisiana collecting unwanted medications. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Louisiana National Guards 256^th Tiger Brigade will deploy nearly 700 guardsmen overseas to the Horn of Africa and Kosovo to support operations. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Saturday is national drug take-back day. The DEA will be at several collection sites throughout the country, including Louisiana, collecting expired or unwanted medications. Keith Bakewell, the assistant special agent in charge of the Baton Rouge field office of the DEA, says there are reasons for turning in your unwanted medications to the DEA instead of simply throwing them out.

Cut 3 (10) “…hands into everything.”

Bakewell says this way, the drugs can’t be used for illicit purposes.

Cut 4 (15) “…or whatever else.”

Bakewell says the DEA has been holding drug take-back events for 15 years, and they’ve been very successful.

Cut 5 (10) “…or unwanted medication.”

The process is completely anonymous; agents will not be asking any questions as they take back the medications. The turned-in medications will then be disposed of in an environmentally-friendly manner.

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About 700 soldiers from the mission of the Louisiana National Guard’s 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, the “Tiger Brigade,” are deploying to support Operation Joint Guardian in Kosovo and Operation Enduring Freedom – Horn of Africa, providing security and support to U.S. and partner forces. Commander Jonathan Lloyd says the 256th will conduct pre-mobilization training at their home base…

Cut 6 (11) “…we’re mobilizing for.”

Lloyd says both deployments to Kosovo and the Horn of Africa are to contribute to a safe and secure environment in those areas.

Cut 7 (11) “…and peaceful area.”

This marks the brigade’s fourth overseas deployment since 9/11, and it continues to play a vital role in both global operations and state disaster relief efforts.  Lloyd believes its going to be a very fulfilling deployment.

Cut 8 (11) “…Horn of Africa mission.”

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A  bill passed the House unanimously could end the unregulated buying and selling of restaurant reservations through platforms like Appointment Trader, Dorsia, and ResX. Sponsored by Republican Troy Hebert (AY-bear), the bill aims to protect restaurants unaware that their tables are being auctioned, often at high prices, such as a 2,138-dollar reservation at Antoine’s during Super Bowl weekend.

Cut 9 (09)  “…without their consent.”

Hebert emphasized that the legislation targets elite restaurants being exploited without consent and says the penalty without written consent would be one thousand dollars a day.

Cut 10 (07) “…education fund”

The bill also allows the state attorney general to seek restitution for misled consumers. Traditional platforms like OpenTable charge restaurants per reservation, while trading apps profit from bid percentages. Hebert says they are not preventing this business model from existing…

Cut 11 (10) “…with your company.”

The bill now moves to the Senate, as debate continues over the ethics and sustainability of reservation trading.

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The first draft pick of Kellen Moore’s head coaching career is in the books, as the Saints selected Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. with the ninth overall pick. Moore says it feels great to get the first one nailed down.

Cut 12 (12) “…lot of fun.”

As for the selection of Banks, Moore says he wanted to fortify the team’s offensive line.

Cut 13 (10)  “…to do that.”

Moore says he’s excited to have Moore wearing the black and gold.

Cut 14 (16) “…an excellent job.”

The first draft pick of Kellen Moore’s head coaching career is in the books, as the Saints selected Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. with the ninth overall pick. Moore says it feels great to get the first one nailed down.

Cut 12 (12) “…lot of fun.”

Tomorrow is national drug take-back day. The DEA will be at several collection sites throughout the country, including Louisiana, collecting expired or unwanted medications. Keith Bakewell, the assistant special agent in charge of the Baton Rouge field office of the DEA, says there are reasons for turning in your unwanted medications to the DEA instead of simply throwing them out.

Cut 3 (10) “…hands into everything.” 

The Louisiana National Guard’s 256th Tiger Brigade will deploy nearly 700 guardsmen overseas to the Horn of Africa and Kosovo to support operations. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A bill to repeal the state statute that allows for financially compensating people who served time in prison for crimes that they did not commit heads to the full house. The vote in the House Criminal Justice Committee was 7-to-4. Meredith Angelson testified against it, saying most wrongfully convicted people aren’t being fully compensated right now as it is.

Cut 11 (12) “…at ten years.”

About 200-thousand people are expected at the Vatican tomorrow for the funeral of Pope Francis. The funeral service will be held at Saint Peter’s Square, and he will be buried in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome. Bishop Michael Duca of the Diocese of Baton Rouge got to meet Pope Francis in 2019 and says the pontiff was genuine.

Cut 4 (08) “…our questions directly.”

LSU will open a new instructional site in Baton Rouge for its top-ranked Bachelor of Science in Nursing program to help address Louisiana’s critical nursing shortage. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Heavy rains have caused flooding in some areas, and one company is stepping up to help those affected. The two U-Haul stores in Lafayette are offering 30 days of free self-storage and U-box container usage for those impacted. The U-Box offer is for on-site storage at company centers.

The House Criminal Justice Committee votes to advance a bill that would repeal the state statute that allows for financially compensating people who served time in prison for crimes that they did not commit. Attorney General Liz Murrill testified in support of the bill, saying that the burden to compensate wrongfully-convicted people should be at the local level and not the state level.

Cut 10 (07) “…attorney in Orleans.”

This fall, LSU opens a new instructional site in Baton Rouge for its top-ranked Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. School of Nursing Associate Dean Jennifer Manning says the addition of the Baton Rouge campus will keep more students in Louisiana instead of applying to other SEC schools in other states.

Cut 9 (11)  “…remain in the state.”

Pope Francis will be laid to rest tomorrow. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

An improperly installed child safety seat is being blamed for the death of a two-year-old Slidell boy. Preston Odone was killed when the pickup truck he was riding in veered off the roadway along eastbound I-12 in Covington. State Police say while Preston was in a car seat, he was not properly restrained.

The House Criminal Justice Committee advances a bill that would repeal the state statute that allows for financial compensation for people who served time in prison for crimes that they did not commit. Kenner Republican Debbie Villio proposed the bill to strike the current law, arguing that exonerees can still seek relief through the federal courts. Jarvis Ballard, who served 23 years of a life prison sentence for a sex crime that he did not commit, says that avenue would not have been an option in his instance.

Cut 12 (11) “…make any sense.”

About 200-thousand people are expected at the Vatican tomorrow for the funeral of Pope Francis. Bishop Michael Duca of the Diocese of Baton Rouge says Francis continued the work of his two immediate predecessors, popes John Paul the Second and Benedict the 16th.

Cut 5 (10) “…of the church.”

LSU opens a new instructional site in Baton Rouge this fall for its top-ranked Bachelor of Science in Nursing  program. School of Nursing Associate Dean Jennifer Manning says students will receive the same rigorous curriculum as at LSU Health New Orleans.

Cut 8 (10) “…Baton Rouge area hospitals.”

One big goal behind the new Baton Rouge site is to help address the state’s critical nursing shortage.

As widely expected, LSU tackle Will Campbell was taken fourth overall in the NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. Campbell says he’s looking forward to playing with second-year quarterback – and fellow first round pick – Drake Maye.

Cut 14 (13) “…special season coming.”

Campbell is the second LSU offensive lineman ever to be taken in the first round.