The House Education Committee passes a bill that would require universities to offer a privacy waiver to students that would allow the schools to contact their parents during a mental health crisis. Sean Richardson has testimony from the bill’s author, New Orleans Democrat Delisha Boyd.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The House Education Committee advances a resolution discouraging LSU home football games in September before six p-m. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A proposal to prohibit insurance companies from using a person’s credit score to determine their auto insurance rate fails to get out of the House Insurance Committee. Andrew Greenstein has more.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The House Education Committee approves a bill that would allow colleges and universities to contact parents or designated individuals if a student experiences a mental health crisis. New Orleans Democrat Delisha Boyd says currently schools are not allowed to contact parents about their child’s mental health.

Cut 4 (10) “…paying for it all.”

The bill requires schools to offer students an optional privacy waiver, enabling communication with a trusted contact in emergencies. Boyd says there’s a need for this measure, citing a recent suicide at Xavier University.

Cut 5 (07) “…a different way.”

Legislators on the committee supported the bill as a “fail safe.” Boyd noted that early intervention, prompted by behavioral changes, might prevent tragic outcomes.

Cut 6 (12) “…it’s too late.”

The bill advances to the full House.

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The House Education Committee advances a resolution asking the SEC not to schedule LSU home football games in September before six p-m. It’s being proposed by Harahan Republican John Illg, who noted that last season, they made LSU play a game at 2:30 in the afternoon last September 21st, with a gametime temperature of 90 degrees.

Cut 7 (05) “…be treated medically.”

Illg noted that many fans in the east stands, which get the most direct sunlight that time of day, were not around to see LSU pull away for the 34-to-17 win.

Cut 8 (06) “…it to halftime.”

While Illg’s resolution singles out LSU, he would hope that other schools in Louisiana would follow suit in asking that their home games in September not be scheduled for afternoons.

Cut 9 (10)  “…month of September.”

Last year, a new TV contract began between the SEC and ESPN that’s worth three-billion dollars. Ultimately, it’s up to ESPN to decide when kickoff times are scheduled.

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A bill that would prohibit insurance companies from using credit score as a factor in determining insurance rates fails to get out of the House Insurance Committee by one vote. In Louisiana, drivers who have a poor or fair credit score pay higher premiums than drivers with very good or excellent credit scores. Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan says a credit score doesn’t determine a person’s driving ability…

Cut 10 (07) “…bad credit.”

The vote on Jordan’s bill was nine to nine, which means it does not advance to the House floor, unless another vote is taken, which is unlikely. House Insurance Chairman Gabe Firment raised concerns that by reducing the insurance premiums for drivers with low credit scores, it will raise premiums for drivers with a high credit rating…

Cut 11 (14) “…make that projection”

Firment asked that question to Peter Robins-Brown, the executive director of the Louisiana Progress.

Firment asked Jordan if his bill passed, when would drivers with poor credit actually see lower auto insurance rates.

Cut 12 (07) “…40 years.”

Opponents of the legislation also say drivers with low credit scores are more likely to sue in the hopes of getting a big settlement because of their financial situation.

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If you use your driver’s license as your main form of identification to board a commercial flight, it now has to be REAL ID compliant. But if you haven’t gotten your REAL ID yet, there’s no need to worry. Matt Boudreaux with the Office of Motor Vehicles says you have alternatives at the TSA checkpoint.

Cut 13 (13)  “…REAL ID compliant.”

Boudreaux says while a driver’s license without the gold star in the upper right-hand corner will no longer be enough to seamlessly get through TSA, you can use it for just about everything else.

Cut 14 (06) “…changes on that.”

Boudreaux says certain federal offices will also require REAL IDs.

Cut 15 (12) “…before you visit.”

Boudreaux says for the time being, you can actually still get through TSA with a driver’s license that’s not REAL ID compliant; you’ll be subjected to a lot more scrutiny.

The House has passed a bill that would ban the use of handheld cell phones while driving, except in emergencies. The vote on Slidell Republican Brian Glorioso’s bill was 71-to-28. Glorioso’s bill has the support of several Democrats, including Jason Hughes of New Orleans.

Cut 13 (09)  “…they were distracted.”

Not all of Glorioso’s fellow Republicans are on board with his bill, however. Mike Bayham of Chalmette says a hand-held cell phone ban will disproportionately affect a certain group of people.

Cut 14 (12) “…don’t have Bluetooth.”

Last year, a similar bill failed by almost the exact same margin, 71-to-22. The bill now moves to the Senate.

The House Education Committee advances a bill to allow colleges and universities to contact parents or designated individuals if a student experiences a mental health crisis or poses a risk to themselves or others. New Orleans Democrat Delisha Boyd says currently schools are not allowed to contact parents about their child’s mental health.

Cut 4 (10) “…paying for it all.”

Earlier in the meeting, the committee advanced a resolution asking the SEC not to schedule LSU home football games in September before six p-m. It’s being proposed by Harahan Republican John Illg, who noted that last September 21st, LSU had to play a home game at 2:30 in the afternoon, with a gametime temperature of 90 degrees.

Cut 7 (05) “…be treated medically.”

If your car does not have Bluetooth, you might want to invest in an FM transmitter soon. The House has advanced a bill that would make hand-held cell phone use while driving illegal except in emergencies. The bill’s author, Slidell Republican Brian Glorioso, says distracted driving is a huge problem in the state, and it’s one of the reasons that auto insurance rates in Louisiana are so high.

Cut 12 (11) “…distracted driving.”

Fellow Republican Mike Bayham of Chalmette is against it. He says a hand-held cell phone ban would not instantly make bad drivers better.

Cut 15 (06) “…car or not.”

A similar bill last year failed in the House, 71-to-22. It was almost the complete opposite this year, with the House passing it by a vote of 71-to-28. It now moves to the Senate.

National Democrats are encouraging former Governor John Bel Edwards to run for Senate in 2026. The New York Times reports Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has spoken with Edwards about the race, but Edwards has not confirmed his interest. Even though Republican incumbent Bill Cassidy is facing a challenge in the state’s newly-closed primary, Democrats expect him to survive. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the big question will be how the closed primary will affect Cassidy.

Cut 10 (12) “…especially the Republicans.”

More and more people are getting scam text messages claiming that they have an unpaid toll road charge. Rodney Mallett with DOTD says that’s something that the department simply does not do. 

Cut 6 (08) “…asking for fines”

The House has passed a bill that would ban the use of handheld cell phones while driving, except in emergencies. The vote on Slidell Republican Brian Glorioso’s bill was 71-to-28. Glorioso’s bill has the support of several Democrats, including Jason Hughes of New Orleans.

Cut 13 (09)  “…they were distracted.”

Not all of Glorioso’s fellow Republicans are on board with his bill, however. Mike Bayham of Chalmette says a hand-held cell phone ban will disproportionately affect a certain group of people.

Cut 14 (12) “…don’t have Bluetooth.”

Last year, a similar bill failed by almost the exact same margin, 71-to-22. The bill now moves to the Senate

National Democrats are reportedly urging former Governor John Bel Edwards to run for Senate in 2026.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

South Louisiana is not out of the woods yet with heavy rains. A flood watch remains in effect for South Louisiana through tomorrow. Some areas got pummeled over the last 24 hours; parts of Beauregard Parish got upwards of nine inches of rain.

The House Ways and Means Committee advances a proposed constitutional amendment that would give voters the opportunity to decide whether parishes should have the option to increase the homestead exemption by five-thousand dollars in assessed value. The bill’s author, New Orleans Democrat Matthew Willard, says since the homestead exemption has not increased since 1980, people are getting priced out of their homes.

Cut 13 (10)  “…it’s not affordable.”

Jim Patterson with the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry spoke out against Willard’s bill. He says Louisiana already generates a disproportionately low amount of property tax revenue relative to other states.

Cut 16 (15) “…44-percent.”

A bill that would make kratom illegal in Louisiana moves to the House. The Senate passed S-B 154 yesterday on a vote of 26-to-11, split right down party lines. The author, West Monroe Republican Jay Morris, says kratom – sometimes known as “gas station heroin” – has already been banned in several places.

Cut 7 (09) “…grown in Asia.”

Addis native and Brusly High graduate John Foster is still in the running to be the next American Idol. He is now in the Top 7. Brusly High Principal Walt Lemoine says Foster is an unassuming star; and the first time he heard Foster perform, he says he never expected that voice from one of his students.

Cut 6 (10) “…out of him?”

Watch Foster perform this Sunday on ABC.

One of the bills in the legislature getting the most attention is the one that would give the insurance commissioner the authority to reject rates he or she deems to be excessive, regardless of market conditions. It has passed in the full House and is now awaiting debate in a Senate committee. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple opposes it, saying he has already rejected insurance rates that he has deemed to be too high – several times, in fact.

Cut 10 (09) “…I exercise it.”

A bill that would make kratom illegal in Louisiana moves to the House. The Senate passed S-B 154 on a vote of 26-to-11, split right down party lines. The author, West Monroe Republican Jay Morris, says kratom – sometimes known as “gas station heroin” – has already been banned in several places.

Cut 7 (09) “…grown in Asia.”

Voters are one step closer to deciding whether to increase the homestead exemption. The House Ways and Means Committee Approved House Bill 271, which would place a constitutional amendment on the ballot for voters to decide whether to increase the homestead exemption from 75-hundred dollars to 12-thousand-500 dollars in assessed value. The vote was 9-to-5. The bill’s author, New Orleans Democrat Matthew Willard, says since the homestead exemption has not increased since 1980, people are getting priced out of their homes.

Cut 13 (10)  “…it’s not affordable.”

Jim Patterson with the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry spoke out against Willard’s bill. He says if you increase the homestead exemption to lower property taxes, the government will need to make up that tax revenue somehow.

Cut 15 (09) “…taxes to others.”

Starting tomorrow, your regular driver’s license won’t be enough to board a commercial flight – you will need a REAL ID. As such, OMV offices across the state are jammed with people trying to get one. One woman who showed up at the Express OMV office in Denham Springs has no immediate travel plans but needs a REAL ID for work. She says if you don’t have immediate travel plans, you can wait.

Cut 4 (08) “…at the moment.”

One of the bills in the legislature getting the most attention is the one that would give the insurance commissioner the authority to reject rates he or she deems to be excessive, regardless of market conditions. It has passed in the full House and is now awaiting debate in a Senate committee. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple opposes it, saying he has rejected rates because they’re either too low or too high.

Cut 9 (06)  “…the drawing board.”

The Rayne Police Department is grieving over the loss of one of its officers who was killed by friendly fire. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A horrific scene in Caddo Parish, as four people are dead in a murder-suicide in Keithville. Sheriff’s Deputies arrived at the home at around seven yesterday morning, and gunfire erupted in the house a few minutes later. At this time, it’s unclear what led to the shooting.

If you’re collecting unemployment, you might soon be required to increase your work searches and keep your job interview appointments in order to keep your benefits. The House has passed H-B 153 by a vote of 73 to 24. It’s written by Lafayette Republican Troy Hebert, who says he’d heard from employers who have been stood up for job interviews.

Cut 13 (13)  “…there with unemployment.”

Hebert says his bill is not creating anything new; instead, it would be codifying a system that has been in place for a year. He did, however, say that the number of weekly job searches would increase on the advice of the Louisiana Workforce Commission.

Cut 14 (10) “…a job quicker.”

All but one of the 24 “no” votes were cast by Democrats. Among them was Matthew Willard of New Orleans, who expressed concerns that this was a way to get the state out of paying unemployment benefits.

Cut 24 (12) “…not the case.”

Hebert pointed out that in the year that the system has been in place, only one-percent of those collecting unemployment benefits were subsequently deemed ineligible. The bill now moves to the Senate; and it comes at a time when small businesses are finding it harder to fill their vacancies. Leah Long is the state director of the National Federation of Independent Business.

Cut 25 (13) “…skilled work set.”

Tragedy in Acadia Parish as a Rayne police officer has been shot and killed in the line of duty. The officer had responded to a domestic incident, in which a family member was stabbed inside a home. A standoff ensued; and during that standoff, the officer was accidentally and fatally shot. The name of the police officer has not yet been released.

A flood watch will be in effect starting tomorrow for the majority of the state.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Coast Guard says it has gained the upper hand on an oil spill off Plaquemines Parish. Coast Guard Lieutenant Phillip VanderWeit says the well intervention team did so at around noon yesterday.

Cut 6 (15) “…source of discharge.”

VanderWeit says so far, crews have collected almost 80-thousand gallons of oily water, with an untold amount still to go.

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, so the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is urging you to be on an extra lookout for motorcyclists on the roadways. Greg Fischer with the LHSC says that includes not driving aggressively or impaired.

Cut 4 (11) “…to do this.”

The Coast Guard gains the upper hand on a huge oil spill off Plaquemines Parish. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A flood watch will be in effect for the majority of the state by the National Weather Service starting tomorrow.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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When you’re out on the roadways this month, make a special effort to look out for motorcycles. May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says while overall deaths on Louisiana roadways are down, the same cannot be said for motorcycle deaths.

Cut 3 (12) “…in motorcycle fatalities.” (13% increase in motorcycle deaths from 2021 to 2023)

Fischer says, however, that the increase may be in part attributed to the fact that the state has started including e-bike deaths into its statistics. Still, Fischer says it’s up to all drivers to make every effort to watch for motorcycles, and that includes not driving aggressively or impaired.

Cut 4 (11) “…to do this.”

Fischer says motorcyclists also need to do their part as well – obey the same traffic laws as those driving cars, and always wear a helmet – especially since it’s required by law in Louisiana. The minimum requirements are that the helmet must include a visor. But Fischer says you should always opt for a full-face helmet.

Cut 5 (09) “…my tooth out.”

In 2023, 97 motorcyclists died in crashes in Louisiana, accounting for more than 15-percent of all deaths in the state.

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The Coast Guard says it has gained the upper hand on a major oil spill off Plaquemines Parish. Coast Guard Lieutenant Phillip VanderWeit says the well intervention team did so at around noon yesterday.

Cut 6 (15) “…source of discharge.”

Well 59, located near Garden Island Bay, sprung a leak more than a week ago, spewing tens of thousands of gallons of oil into gulf waters. VanderWeit says so far, crews have collected almost 80-thousand gallons of oily water, with an untold amount still to go.

Cut 7 (12) “…safely as possible.”

Environmentalists fear the oil that seeped through the well and into the water could threaten marine wildlife and further erode Louisiana’s coastline. VanderWeit says Coast Guard crews are working to protect as much marine wildlife as they can.

Cut 8 (13) “…to capture it.”

The Coast Guard has 20 skimmers, 220 responders, more than 20-thousand feet of containment boom on site. While Well 59 has not been abandoned, it has not had any measurable oil pressure since the 1990s.

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The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for most of the state starting tomorrow and lasting through Thursday night. The watch area covers all of south Louisiana, northeast Louisiana and most of central Louisiana. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the National Weather Service in Lake Charles is reporting slow moving thunderstorms will produce three to eight inches of rain and some areas could get 12-inches…

Cut 9 (10)  “…pumped into Louisiana.”

This weather event could cause flash flooding in rivers, creeks, streams, urban areas, and other flood-prone spots. Keim urges all residents to be prepared.

Cut 10 (11) “…prepared for this.”

Flash flooding is dangerous—stay alert to weather updates and potential warnings. Keim says residents should monitor conditions closely and have a safety plan in place.

Cut 11 (12) “…be smart.”

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Vandebilt Catholic won a Louisiana record 16^th state championship in softball on Sunday in Sulphur with a seven to five win over St. Charles Catholic. Terriers Coach James Spearman says his girls have been resilient all year and it was on display after falling behind two to nothing in the first inning…

Cut 12 (12) “…good job”  (Sound courtesy of LHSAA Network

North Desoto had a walk off victory over Assumption to claim its seventh state title. Griffins head coach Tim Whitman called for a suicide squeeze to drive in the winning run, but he gives the credit to his seniors…

Cut 13 (08)  “…they fought” (Sound courtesy of LHSAA Network)

Calvary Baptist won its fifth state championship in a row, John Curtis won its 13th overall. Other winners include Sam Houston, Doyle, LaSalle, Menard, Quitman and Calvin.

Cut 14 (09) “…to the environment.”