Another jail break – this one in Tangipahoa Parish. 19-year-old Tra’Von Johnson escaped Thursday afternoon as jail workers were cleaning a flooded jail cell. He apparently got out during the very short time that a cell door and an outside door were open simultaneously. Sheriff Gerald Sticker says deputies thought they spotted him Thursday night, but an hours-long search came up empty.

Cut 13 (08)  “…on the loose.”

The House has passed a resolution asking the SEC not to schedule LSU home football games before six p-m in the month of September. Harahan Republican John Illg drafted the resolution after ESPN scheduled LSU’s September 21st home game against UCLA last season for 2:30 in the afternoon – and the heat got the best of many fans. 

Cut 4 (11) “…here in Louisiana.”

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is holding another Click It or Ticket it campaign.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

In St. Martin Parish, sheriff’s investigators are looking for an LSU SEC championship ring that was stolen earlier this month. Major Ginny Higgins says the ring was among many items stolen from a home on May 13th.

Cut 9 (06)  “…of this ring.”

Two juveniles have been arrested in the case. They are not believed to be behind any similar burglaries.

Memorial Day weekend is officially underway, and Triple-A says more than 45-million Americans will be traveling domestically. Don Redman with Triple A says the vast majority of people will be traveling by car, with gas prices 45 cents cheaper than last year. He says, however, that gas prices alone usually don’t determine whether people travel.

Cut 9 (12)  “…industry this summer.”

The “Click It or Ticket” campaign ramps up seat belt law enforcement, increasing the likelihood of tickets for unbuckled drivers and passengers. LHSC spokesman Mark Lambert says this high-visibility initiative stresses buckling up to avoid fines and reminds drivers of seat belt safety to reduce crash fatalities.

Cut 6 (06) “…event of a crash.”

The House has passed a resolution asking the SEC not to schedule LSU home football games before six p-m in the month of September. Harahan Republican John Illg drafted the resolution after ESPN scheduled LSU’s September 21st home game against UCLA for 2:30 in the afternoon. The temperature at kickoff was 94 degrees with a heat index of 100, and Illg says that was too much for many fans to overcome. 

Cut 4 (11) “…here in Louisiana.”

The NAIA World Series begins today; and while all the talk is about the 54-and-0 Pilots of LSU Shreveport, they’re not the only Louisiana team playing. Loyola New Orleans is in the NAIA World Series for the first time in program history. The eighth seed faces third-seeded Tennessee Wesleyan. Wolfpack Coach Jeremy Kennedy says his team will have its work cut out for itself.

Cut 12 (06) “…juggernaut as well.”

It’s Memorial Day weekend, and Triple-A is projecting a busy one. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

On the heels of a 139-million-dollar increase in available funds for fiscal year 2026, an effort is now underway to restore 30-million dollars for high-dosage tutoring. Barry Erwin with Leaders for a Better Louisiana says it’s important for student success.

Cut 5 (07) “…those results continue.”

As LSU continues its march towards Omaha and the College World Series, two Louisiana teams will be competing in the NAIA World Series, which starts today in Lewiston, Idaho. The big story has been LSU Shreveport – 54 games, 54 wins. That’s the longest winning streak in all levels of college baseball among four-year schools. The Pilots take on Grand View, out of Iowa, at 11:30 this morning. Head Coach Brad Neffendorf says the way to beat them is not to worry about their opponent’s game, but rather to play their own game.

Cut 11 (07) “…done all year.”

Loyola New Orleans, meanwhile, is in the NAIA World Series for the first time in program history and is the eighth seed. They face Tennessee Wesleyan at three this afternoon, and Coach Jeremy Kennedy says his team will have its work cut out for itself.

Cut 12 (06) “…juggernaut as well.”

Memorial Day weekend is here! And more than 45-million Americans will be heading out of town. Don Redman with Triple-A says the vast majority will be traveling by car, with gas prices 45 cents cheaper than last year. He says, however, that gas prices alone usually don’t determine whether people travel.

Cut 9 (12)  “…industry this summer.”

Leaders for a Better Louisiana is looking to restore 30-million-dollars to fund high-dose tutoring after the discovery of an additional 139-million-dollars in available funds for next year’s budget. That’s a top priority for advocates like Chief Policy Officer Barry Erwin to maintain academic progress.

Cut 6 (10) “…a good investment.”

More good news in Louisiana education as the latest Reading Screener shows that grade-level reading proficiency among kids kindergarten through third grade increased by 17-percent. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says this is further testament that the state’s reading strategy is working; and by staying the course, the state can continue to improve.

Cut 15 (16) “…the right direction.”

The number-one ranked LSU baseball team begins play tonight in the SEC Tournament as the Tigers will face 13th seeded Texas A&M. Right fielder Jake Brown says they’ve been waiting for this all year long.

Cut 19 (11) “…this year.”

On the heels of a 139-million-dollar increase in available funds for fiscal year 2026, an effort is now underway to restore 30-million dollars for high-dosage tutoring.  Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Triple-A is projecting a busy travel weekend with more than 45-million Americans traveling domestically for Memorial Day. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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LSU may be the talk of the college baseball world here in Louisiana, but they’re not the only ones playing for a championship. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Leaders for a Better Louisiana is looking to restore 30-million-dollars to fund high-dose tutoring after the discovery of an increase of 139-million-dollars in available funds for next year’s budget. Chief Policy Officer Barry Erwin says its crucial to restoring those funds for high-dosage tutoring, previously cut from the budget by the House.

Cut 4 (08) “…for our kids.”

Erwin questioned changing this effective strategy midstream, highlighting its importance for student success.

Cut 5 (07) “…those results continue.”

Lawmakers now face decisions on allocating extra revenue, with tutoring restoration being a top priority for advocates like Erwin to maintain academic progress.

Cut 6 (10) “…a good investment.”

______________________________________________________

Memorial Day weekend officially begins today, and Don Redman with Triple-A says more than 45-million Americans will be traveling domestically.

Cut 7 (06) “…traveling for the holidays.”

Triple-A says air travel had a slight two-percent increase from last year, but Redman says the big uptick was in the cruise industry.

Cut 8 (12) “…that’s very popular.”

Redman says the vast majority of people will be traveling by car, with gas prices 45 cents cheaper than last year. Redman says, however, that gas prices alone usually don’t determine whether people travel.

Cut 9 (12)  “…industry this summer.”

In the southern region alone, Triple-A projects nearly 10-million travelers, so drive safely and expect traffic.

______________________________________________________

As LSU continues its march towards Omaha and the College World Series, two Louisiana teams will be competing in the NAIA World Series, which starts today in Lewiston, Idaho. The big story has been LSU Shreveport – 54 games, 54 wins. That’s the longest winning streak in all levels of college baseball among four-year schools. Head Coach Brad Neffendorf says it’s an incredible accomplishment, but the job is not done yet.

Cut 10 (06) “…and win one.”

The Pilots can take that first step towards their ultimate goal this morning by beating Grand View, out of Iowa. Coach Neffendorf says the way to beat them is not to worry about their opponent’s game, but rather to play their own game.

Cut 11 (07) “…done all year.”

LSU Shreveport is not the only Louisiana team playing in the World Series. Loyola New Orleans is the tournament’s eighth seed, and they face Tennessee Wesleyan at three this afternoon. Coach Jeremy Kennedy says his team will have its work cut out for itself.

Cut 12 (06) “…juggernaut as well.”

This is the first ever NAIA World Series appearance for the Wolfpack, and Coach Kennedy says the team has persevered all season long.

Cut 13 (07)  “…the job done.”

Like the big one in Omaha, the NAIA World Series is a double-elimination tournament. The champion will be crowned either on May 30th or May 31st.

______________________________________________________

More good news in Louisiana education as the school year wraps up. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says the latest Reading Screener shows that grade-level reading proficiency among kids kindergarten through third grade increased by 17-percent.

Cut 14 (07) “…at 64-percent.”

Brumley says this is further testament that the state’s reading strategy is working; and by staying the course, the state can continue to improve.

Cut 15 (16) “…the right direction.”

Brumley says a great deal of the credit goes to the teachers.

Cut 16 (06) “…the great state”

___________________________________________

The media had a chance to watch the Saints OTA practice on Thursday and the first-string offensive line looked like this….first round pick Kelvin Banks at left tackle, Trevor Penning at left guard, Erik McCoy at center, Cesar Ruiz at right guard and last year’s starting left tackle, Taliese Fuaga playing right tackle. Coach Kellen Moore says it should be a seamless transition to Fuaga…

Cut 17 (20)  “…easy as it can be”

Saints quarterback Jake Haener will miss the rest of the OTA sessions after suffering an oblique strain.  ESPN’s Adam Schefter says the injury will sideline Haener for multiple weeks, but he should be available for the start of training camp. Moore was asked if the injury is a significant setback for Haener, who is competing for starting quarterback…

Cut 18 (17)  “…continue to build.”

_______________________________________________________

The number one ranked LSU baseball team begins play tonight in the SEC Tournament as the Tigers will face 13th seeded Texas A&M. Right fielder Jake Brown says they’ve been waiting all year for this event…

Cut 19 (11) “…this year”

LSU will need to win three games to win the SEC Tournament. Coach Jay Johnson wants to make it a memorable weekend…

Cut 20 (19) “…what’s ahead.”

Now that state lawmakers have discovered an additional 139-million dollars in available funds for the next fiscal year, there are calls to restore 30-million dollars for high-dosage tutoring that was previously cut from the budget. Barry Erwin is the chief policy officer for Leaders for a Better Louisiana.

Cut 4 (08) “…going for our kids.”

Erwin questioned changing this effective strategy midstream, highlighting its importance for student success.

Cut 5 (07) “…see those results continue.”

Lawmakers now face decisions on allocating extra revenue, with tutoring restoration being a top priority for advocates like Erwin to maintain academic progress.

Cut 6 (10) “…a good investment.”

High-dosage tutoring may be credited in part with a significant improvement in reading proficiency. In fact, State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says the latest Reading Screener shows that grade-level reading proficiency among kids kindergarten through third grade increased by 17-percent.

Cut 14 (07) “…at 64-percent.”

We now know the price tag for moving the University of New Orleans back to the LSU system from the U-L system – 80-million dollars over five years. Whether the legislature can come up with that money remains to be seen. New Orleans Democratic Senator Jimmy Harris’ bill to implement the move has made it through two Senate committees and is expected to come up for a vote in the full Senate next week.

The House has passed a resolution asking the SEC not to schedule LSU home football games before six p-m in the month of September. It comes after several fans were overcome by brutal afternoon heat in their game against UCLA last September 21st.

State Treasurer John Fleming announced that approximately 143-thousand unclaimed property checks, totaling over 34-million dollars, will be mailed next Friday. This follows a data match with the Louisiana Department of Revenue with updated addresses.

Cut 7 (09) “…land next month.”

The Revenue Estimating Conference has recognized an additional 139-million-dollars in funding, which means the state will have more available dollars to plug into next fiscal year’s budget.  Louisiana Policy Institute for Children CEO Libbie Sonnier is urging legislators to use some of the additional revenue to increase funding for early childhood education…

Cut 4 (11) “…child care assistance.”

Livingston Parish once again teamed up with former Dateline NBC correspondent Chris Hansen in an online sex sting. This time, nine men were arrested, including two registered sex offenders and one man who brought a loaded gun to the sting house. Sheriff Jason Ard says the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force set up the operation in March and April, creating a fake social media profile.

Cut 13 (11)  “…an undercover deputy.”

A 15-year-old girl drowns in the Ouachita (wash-uh-TAW) River. The Monroe Police Department says the girl went swimming in the river with her friends when she failed to resurface shortly before seven last night. The department’s dive team responded and pulled her body out of the water. M-P-D is urging you to stay out of the Ouachita River at this time, because water levels are too high to make any activity in the water safe.

A Senate bill that would prohibit schools that receive state funding from serving ultra-processed foods at lunch is now heading to the House floor after no one voted against it in House Health and Welfare. This is part of the Make America Healthy Again initiative. Committee member and Slidell Representative Stephanie Berault (buh-RAHLT):

Cut 11 (11) “…have it now.”

During testimony of the bill, opposition came from those who do not like that artificial sweeteners would be banned from being served in school lunches. Lobbyist Alton Ashy represents the Calorie Control Council and he says artificial sweeteners can help with weight management

Cut 12 (13) “…in their diet.”

Louisiana is one of several states considering such legislation.

The Revenue Estimating Conference has recognized an additional 139-million dollars in funding, and some advocates are urging the legislature to use some of that additional money for early childhood initiatives. The House-approved  budget contains almost 78-million-dollars for the Child Care Assistance Program. Louisiana Policy Institute for Children CEO Libbie Sonnier says they would like to see funding return to the previous level.

Cut 5 (10) “…young children thrive.”

Livingston Parish once again teamed up with former Dateline NBC correspondent Chris Hansen in an online sex sting. This time, nine men were arrested, including two registered sex offenders and one man who brought a loaded gun to the sting house. Sheriff Jason Ard says this underscores the importance of monitoring your kids’ online activities at all times.

Cut 15 (11) “…prey right then.”

Early Childhood Education Advocates are urging the Louisiana Senate to spend more dollars on the Child Care Assistance Program. Sean Richardson reports the Louisiana House’s proposed budget keeps funding at the same level as this year…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Approximately 143-thousand unclaimed property checks, totaling over 34-million-dollars, will be mailed next Friday. Sean Richardson has more

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A Senate bill heading to the House floor would prohibit schools that receive state funding from serving lunches with ultra-processed foods. Andrew Greenstein has more…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

The Revenue Estimating Conference has recognized an additional 139-million-dollars in funding, which means the state will have more available dollars to plug into next fiscal year’s budget.  Louisiana Policy Institute for Children CEO Libbie Sonnier is urging legislators to use some of the additional revenue to increase funding for early childhood education…

Cut 4 (11) “…child care assistance.”

The Louisiana House approved a budget that contained nearly 78-million-dollars for the Child Care Assistance Program.  Sonnier says they would like to see funding return to the 2023-24 level, which was 87-million-dollars.

Cut 5 (08) “…young children thrive.”

Louisiana spends around one-percent of its state budget on early childhood education, and Sonnier says investing in early childhood education is a two generation approach with parents able to work and contribute to the state economy…

Cut 6 (12) “…learn and excel.”

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State Treasurer John Fleming announced that approximately 143-thousand unclaimed property checks, totaling over 34-million dollars, will be mailed next Friday. This follows a data match with the Louisiana Department of Revenue with updated addresses.

Cut 7 (09) “…land next month.”

This is the largest batch of checks mailed since 2018, reaching residents in every parish. Fleming says 25-hundred claims exceed the automatic check limit will receive claim forms with instructions on how to complete the process.

Cut 8 (11) “…verifying their identity.”

Fleming says the blue colored checks, featuring the Treasury’s logo, are legitimate and urged recipients to cash them and no one can cash these checks or deposit them but you…

Cut 9 (08)  “…will claim it.”

You can visit L-A-Cash-Claim-dot-org to see if you have any unclaimed property.

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A Senate bill that would prohibit schools that receive state funding from serving ultra-processed foods at lunch is now heading to the House floor after no one voted against the bill in House Health and Welfare. The bill’s author, Covington Senator Patrick McMath, says Louisiana is one of several states considering similar legislation and the goal is…

Cut 10 (10) “…alter the ingredients.”

The MAHA bill advanced to the House floor without objection. Committee member and Slidell Representative Stephanie Berault:

Cut 11 (11) “…have it now.”

McMath’s bill incentivizes food makers to eliminate toxins from school lunches. The legislation also requires a warning label on foods containing artificial colors, additives or banned chemicals. And it requires restaurants to notify customers if they cook or prepare foods using seed oils.

During testimony of the bill, opposition came from those who do not like that artificial sweeteners are banned from being served in school lunches. Lobbyist Alton Ashy represents the Calorie Control Council and he says artificial sweeteners can help with weight management

Cut 12 (13) “…in their diet.”

______________________________________________________

Livingston Parish once again teamed up with former Dateline NBC correspondent Chris Hansen in an online sex sting. This time, nine men were arrested, including two registered sex offenders and one man who brought a loaded gun to the sting house. Sheriff Jason Ard says the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force set up the operation in March and April, creating a fake social media profile.

Cut 13 (11)  “…an undercover deputy.”

Sheriff Ard reiterates that it’s always the suspect who initiates the conversation, and not the other way around.

Cut 14 (06) “…right through that.”

The conversation escalates to the point that the suspect is given an address to a house to meet up with who he thought was a 12-year-old girl or a 14-year-old boy. Also among the suspects are two foreign nationals – one who’s been studying at LSU for several years and one with ties to a human trafficking gang. Ard says this underscores the importance of monitoring your kids’ online activities at all times.

Cut 15 (11) “…prey right then.”

Some of the cases will be featured on “Takedown With Chris Hansen,” which is streaming on the TruBlu streaming network.

The Revenue Estimating Conference recognizes an additional 139-million-dollars in funding. Louisiana Policy Institute for Children CEO Libbie Sonnier is urging legislators to use some of that additional revenue to increase funding for early childhood education.

Cut 4 (12) “…child care assistance.”

A Senate bill that would prohibit schools that receive state funding from serving ultra-processed foods at lunch is now heading to the House floor after no one voted against it in House Health and Welfare. The bill’s author, Covington Senator Patrick McMath, says Louisiana is one of several states considering similar legislation and the goal is…

Cut 10 (10) “…alter the ingredients.”

Online sportsbooks could soon be paying additional state taxes if a certain bill makes it onto Governor Landry’s desk. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Marrero Representative Kyle Green is arrested following a single-vehicle crash early Wednesday morning. State Police Trooper Jacob Pucheu (POO-show):

Cut 11 (10) “…with him, though.”