A ban on hand-held cell phone use while driving is headed to Governor Landry’s desk. This, after the House gave its final approval on a vote of 94-to-1. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says this is something that the auto club has been pushing for for years. He says making phone calls has practically become a secondary use of cell phones while in vehicles.

Cut 4 (10) “…conference calls, shopping.”

The House Education Committee advances a bill that would pave the way for public schools to give mental health screenings to K-through-12 students, but not without concern. Gray Republican Beryl Amedee says she’s concerned that schools would have too much authority over students’ sensitive health data.

Cut 10 (14) “…can’t unsee it.”

Despite those concerns, the committee passed it on a vote of 10-to-one.

The House Criminal Justice Committee votes against legislation that would have allowed a girl under 17 to seek an abortion if her pregnancy was the result of rape or incest. Republicans and Democrats voted “no” on the bill, including Monroe Democrat Patricia Moore….

Cut 13 (08)  “…good”

Moore says this issue weighs heavily on her, because her own mother was 14 when she gave birth to her and the pregnancy was the result of a rape. That was also the case with the bill’s author, New Orleans Democrat Delisha Boyd – her mother was raped as a minor and gave birth to her.

Cut 15 (10) “…that choice.”

The bill was defeated in committee on a vote of eight to three.

A man acting as a police officer in Webster Parish is arrested for shooting a dog over the weekend. A video posted onto social media shows 54-year-old Reginald Ferguson wearing a Cullen Police Department uniform and badge as he shot the dog. Sheriff Jason Parker says Ferguson was not dispatched to the scene; he went on his own.

Cut 4 (14) “…answered the door.”

The House Education Committee advances a bill that would pave the way for public schools to give mental health screenings to K-through-12 students. Baton Rouge Democratic Senator Larry Selders says the screenings give schools a way to identify students who are struggling so that they can get them help.

Cut 9 (05)  “…get the resources.”

Some, however, expressed concerns that the students’ privacy could be jeopardized.

LSU Designated Hitter Ethan Frey has had a breakout junior season, but not all fans are surprised. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

A Bossier Parish woman is living proof that it’s never too late to fulfill your dreams. Loretta Wiley walked across the stage at Louisiana Tech to receive her master’s degree in counseling and guidance – at the age of 75. Wiley started the program back in 2006, but life circumstances forced her away from the classroom. Her desire to complete the program never wavered.

With hurricane season now here, the state is urging you to begin making your preparations now instead of waiting until the last minute before a storm approaches. Brigadier General Jason Mahfouz says don’t be dismissive of a storm if it doesn’t rise to the level of a Category One hurricane; even tropical storms can have devastating effects.

Cut 6 (11) “…high-intensity winds.”

The search continues for the last two inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish Jail last month. One of them is 32-year-old Antoine Massey, who posted a video onto social media proclaiming his innocence on domestic abuse charges. State Police Superintendent Colonel Robert Hodges says there’s a proper forum where Massey could plead his innocence – the courtroom.

Cut 8 (07) “…you’re an escape.”

Pelicans owner Gayle Benson addresses the lawsuit filed against Zion Williamson. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Just over a week left in the legislative session, and several bills are nearing the finish line. Among them is one that would ban hand-held cell phone use while driving. That’s now one House vote away from landing on Governor Landry’s desk. It comes after several previous attempts to pass similar legislation; this time, supporters say it could contribute to lower auto insurance rates.

The Louisiana House passes legislation that would result in a long prison sentence for anyone convicted of intentionally infecting another person with an incurable sexually transmitted disease. The vote was 68-to-18. Monroe Democrat Pat Moore’s measure calls for a person to serve at least ten years in prison if convicted of this crime and serve at least 25 years of hard labor if the victim is a juvenile or a senior citizen…

Cut 12 (10) “…incurable disease.”

Moore’s bill received pushback from fellow Democrat Jason Hughes of New Orleans. He asked unless there’s a written contract, how can a prosecutor prove someone did not verbally disclose they have an incurable sexually transmitted disease?

Cut 13 (11)  “…safe place.”

Handling a cell phone while driving is just one House vote and one governor’s signature away from becoming illegal in Louisiana. Similar bills have failed in previous years, but supporters like Covington Republican Senator Patrick McMath says this can help lower auto insurance rates.

Cut 8 (10) “…so yes.”

Senators slam the breaks on a plan to lower income and sales taxes. The House-approved bills stalled after a report revealed that the tax cuts would result in a 142-million-dollar shortfall in fiscal year 2027 and a 590-million-dollar shortfall in 2028. Invest in Louisiana Executive Director Jan (“yahn”) Moller says it was a wise move given the recent income tax cuts.

Cut 23 (08) “…schools and hospitals.”

With more money in the general fund than originally anticipated, the Senate Finance Committee restores 30-million dollars in high-dosage tutoring for K-12 students in the proposed budget for next fiscal year. Senate President Cameron Henry says the high-dosage tutoring program is showing results…

Cut 9 (08)  “…utilization rate.”

The budget heading to the Senate floor also includes the 199-million dollars for teacher stipends, which means teachers will not receive a drop in pay.

Senate Finance Chairman Greg Womack went over the amendments during a committee hearing last week, and they include money to transfer UNO from the U-L System to the LSU System and an increase in dollars for sheriffs to house state inmates

Cut 11 (11) “…offered up.”

A bill is making its way through the legislature that would require insurance companies to allow homeowners to purchase “stated value” policies. The bill was written by Belle Chasse Republican Representative Jacob Braud (“bro”), who says it would essentially allow homeowners to purchase coverage that matches the value of their homes.

Cut 4 (09) “…dollars of insurance.”

Braud acknowledges that there is risk involved in buying too little insurance under his bill. That’s why he included an educational component to it.

On a narrow eight to seven vote, the House Ways and Means Committee approves a Senate bill that would allow low-income homeowners to receive up to a two-thousand-dollar income tax credit to help them pay homeowner property insurance costs. New Orleans Democratic Senator Royce Duplessis is the author.

Cut 13 (10)  “…insurance premiums.”

Louisiana turkey hunters had another successful season in 2025, harvesting nearly 36-hundred birds. It’s the second-highest total since harvest reporting began in 2009, just behind last year’s pace. Survey data and hunter feedback will help assess the season, and LDWF Small Game and Wild Turkey Program Manager Cody Cedotal says that will help prepare for next year’s spring season.

Cut 5 (10) “…to the hunt.”

The M.J. Foster Promise Program’s application period is now open. Credentials in industry sectors such as construction, healthcare, information technology, manufacturing and training and logistics could be eligible. LOSFA Scholarship and Grant Director Deborah (Deb-OH-ruh) Paul says the program has a budget of up to $10.5 million each year…

Cut 8 (10) “…enrolling in.”

It’s now do or die time for the LSU Tigers baseball team. With their 10-4 loss to Little Rock last night, the two teams play in a winner-take-all game for the right to advance to the super regionals. First pitch at Alex Box Stadium is eight p-m. Despite playing in their home ballpark, the Tigers are the designated visiting team.

No losing for the LSU-Shreveport Pilots. Friday night, they wrapped up a perfect 59-and-0 season, becoming the first college baseball team ever at any level to go through an entire season undefeated. The Pilots were feted with a party in downtown Shreveport today, and Head Coach Brad Neffendorf credited the alumni over the last 35 years for paving the way.

Cut 14 (17) “…are today.”

The L-A GATOR program is getting much less money than what Governor Landry had asked for. Landry had sought 93.5 million, but Senate Finance decided to dedicate only 43-million dollars. Senate President Cameron Henry says most of the students who are applying for L-A GATOR already attend a private or parochial school…

Cut 10 (10) “…support this.”

The City of Shreveport celebrates the perfect Pilots with a downtown party. House Speaker Mike Johnson interrupted LSU Shreveport’s celebration to invite the champions to visit President Trump at the White House. Head Coach Brad Neffendorf says this is the most impressive thing he’ll ever be a part of, and it’s much bigger than just his team…

Cut 13 (11)  “…(applause).”

It was another great year for turkey hunters in Louisiana. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Some tense moments during a worship service in Bossier City yesterday, as someone at the Bellaire Baptist Church was found to be armed. Bossier City Police responded quickly, and the situation was resolved without any further incident. Security at houses of worship has become a major concern following a series of religiously-motivated terror attacks, including one yesterday in Boulder, Colorado.

With more money in the general fund than originally anticipated, the Senate Finance Committee restores 30-million dollars in high-dosage tutoring for K-12 students in the proposed budget for next fiscal year. Senate President Cameron Henry says the high-dosage tutoring program is showing results…

Cut 9 (08)  “…utilization rate.”

The budget heading to the Senate floor also includes the 199-million dollars for teacher stipends, which means teachers will not receive a drop in pay.

The application period for the M.J. Foster Promise Program is now underway. Recipients are awarded $3,200 per year or up to $6,400 over a three-year period. Grant Director Deborah Paul says funding differs depending on the program…

Cut 7 (13) “…one disbursement.”

LSU Shreveport celebrated a perfect 59-and-0 season and a NAIA World Series championship in downtown Shreveport today. Kace Kieschnick has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kace Kiechnick.”

As for the other LSU baseball team, the Tigers are now in a win or go home scenario. After losing last night 10-4, LSU once again plays the sub-.500 Little Rock Trojans. First Pitch at Alex Box Stadium is eight tonight. The winner advances to the super regional; the loser’s season comes to an end.

Hurricane season starts Sunday, and the National Weather Service and NOAA are both prepared to keep people informed at all times with the latest life-saving information. Acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm says NOAA is also improving its process in predicting how storms intensify.

Cut 10 (13) “…and underwater gliders.”

The Insurance Council of Louisiana is sounding the alarm on House Bill 148. That’s the bill that Governor Landry signed into law that gives the insurance commissioner the ability to reject rate increases regardless of market conditions. Executive Director Rodney Braxton says the new law makes insurance companies uneasy about what the future looks like.

Cut 6 (09) “…in the future.”

Black bears have been spotted roaming neighborhoods in Baton Rouge, and the Covington and Abita Springs areas of St. Tammany Parish. LDWF Large Carnivore Program Manager John Hanks says while not common, bear sightings in the parish aren’t unusual.

Cut 3 (12) “…place to live.”

Hanks says if you encounter a bear, don’t run and back away slowly. Don’t yell at the bear, but be loud and calm.

Some major allegations levied against Zion Williamson. A woman has sued the Pelicans star, claiming that during their relationship from 2018 to 2023, he repeatedly subjected her to, according to the lawsuit, “sexual, physical, emotional and financial” abuse. Williamson’s legal team says it’s nothing more than an extortion scheme, calling the allegations categorically false.

Hurricane season starts Sunday, and the National Weather Service and NOAA are both prepared to keep people informed at all times with the latest life-saving information. Acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm says NOAA is also improving its process in predicting how storms intensify.

Cut 10 (13) “…and underwater gliders.”

The Insurance Council of Louisiana is sounding the alarm on House Bill 148. That’s the bill that Governor Landry signed into law that gives the insurance commissioner the ability to reject rate increases regardless of market conditions. Executive Director Rodney Braxton says the new law makes insurance companies uneasy about what the future looks like.

Cut 6 (09) “…in the future.”

Keep an eye on your “pick-a-nick baskets.” Black bears have been spotted in Baton Rouge and St. Tammany Parish. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Two LSU schools look to make history. The Tigers open their NCAA Baton Rouge regional this afternoon as they take on Little Rock at Alex Box Stadium. And the Pilots of LSU Shreveport can wrap up what is believed to be the first undefeated season at any level of college baseball with a win tonight over Southeastern University of Florida.