The state House has overwhelmingly voted for a measure that would remove the current restrictions on the state’s name, image, and likeness law. Crowley Representative John Stefanski says the measures would allow universities and their employees to participate in NIL deals, which allows student-athletes to receive endorsement money

Cut 9 (10) “…to do”

Senate Transportation made the decision to defer Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s bill to ban handheld cellphone use while driving. New Orleans Senator Gary Carter continued to hit on the point made by several lawmakers; that Huval’s bill would lead to law enforcement profiling drivers who may or may not be using their cell phones in order to look for larger offenses.

Cut 8 (12) “…unfortunate consequences.”

For Memorial Day, the National World War II museum in New Orleans will have a number of events honoring fallen soldiers. Museum Director of Education, Dr. Maggie Hartley says they will hold a commemoration ceremony featuring a gold star spouse.

Cut 12 (11) “…this holiday.”

Louisiana State Treasurer John Schroder says the check is in the mail. On Thursday almost 30-thousand unclaimed property checks were mailed out after a data match to update addresses. The checks total $4.8 million in unclaimed property.

Cut 3 (04) “..the bank.”

And if you don’t receive a check, it doesn’t mean you don’t have unclaimed property with the state, visit LaCashClaim.org to see if your name is listed and file a claim.

The House overwhelmingly voted for a measure that would remove the current restrictions on the state’s name, image, and likeness law. Crowley Representative John Stefanski says the measures would allow universities and their employees to participate in NIL deals, which allows student-athletes to receive endorsement money

Cut 9 (10) “…to do” PM

It’s one vote in the Senate away from reaching the governor’s desk

Senate Transportation made the decision to defer Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s bill to ban handheld cellphone use while driving. The greatest concern for lawmakers continues to be the possible overreach by law enforcement that the ban could enable. Huval tried to allay that concern.

Cut 6  (08) “…to stop people.” PM

The vote to defer was a close one at 4 to 3.

Louisiana’s bond rating – a main barometer of how much the state pays in interest on money borrowed – has been upgraded for the first time in nearly seven years. Moody’s Investor Service last week upgraded the state from an Aa2 rating to Aa3. State Treasurer John Schroder says that upgrade will mean significant savings to the state (and taxpayers) in interest paid…:

Cut 3 (08) “…pretty big deal.” AM

A bill making it legal for Louisiana sportsmen (and women) to catch a catfish with their bare hands has been sent to Governor Edwards’ desk. The bill is authored by Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland. He says the sport is catching on in Louisiana and his legislation assures folks can do it without running afoul of Wildlife & Fisheries agents…

Cut 9 and noodle a catfish. AM

Louisiana State Treasurer John Schroder says the check is in the mail. On Thursday almost 30-thousand unclaimed property checks were mailed out after a data match with the Department of Revenue to update addresses. The checks total $4.8 million in unclaimed property. Schroder says his staff works diligently to find the rightful owners.

Cut 4  (09) “…our program.”

Senator Bill Cassidy has made a recent statement that expanded background checks and red flag laws would not have prevented the tragic school shooting in Texas. But Senate candidate Luke Mixon says a large majority of Americans support universal background checks.

Cut 14 (08)  “…right thing.”

Mixon is one of three announced candidates running against incumbent Senator John Kennedy.

Most Louisiana lawmakers are on board with loosening the restrictions that are currently in place for name, image, and likeness deals for college athletes. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

After numerous rain delays, college baseball tournaments were able to play some innings last night. LSU trounced Kentucky 11 to 6. The Tigers play Tennessee tonight at 8 o’clock. LaTech beat Old Dominion 7 to 2 and they are 2-and-0 in the Conference USA Tournament. And McNeese wrangled Southeastern Louisiana six to five in 12 innings.

A research website ranks Louisiana the worst for mass shooting incidents, per capita. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

U-S Senate candidate Democrat Luke Mixon says it’s time for Congress to enact universal background checks on firearm sales. Mixon calls for his Republican opponent Senator John Kennedy to vote for such legislation because he says current gun laws are not working.
Cut 13 (04) “…control.”

More details have been released in the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy-involved shooting that happened in Winn Parish Wednesday night. State Police are investigating the incident that involved suspect 53-year-old Abe Banks of Jonesboro. State Police say Banks left the scene in his vehicle of a reported disturbance at a nursing home in Jonesboro and a pursuit ensued that crossed into Winn Parish. LSP says Banks failed to comply with JPSO deputy commands after his vehicle stopped in the roadway on US Highway 167 near Dodson. Banks was shot by deputies and later died at a hospital.

Louisiana State Treasurer John Schroder says the check is in the mail. On Thursday almost 30-thousand unclaimed property checks were mailed out after a data match to update addresses. The checks total $4.8 million in unclaimed property.

Cut 3 (05) “…the bank.”

And if you don’t receive a check, it doesn’t mean you don’t have unclaimed property with the state, visit LaCashClaim.org to see if your name is listed and file a claim.

Senator Bill Cassidy has made a recent statement that expanded background checks and red flag laws would not have prevented the tragedy in Texas. But Senate candidate Luke Mixon says a large majority of Americans support universal background checks.

Cut 14 (08)  “…right thing.”

Mixon Is one of three announced candidates running against incumbent Senator John Kennedy.

Research website “GunViolenceArchive.org” reports Louisiana leads the nation in mass shooting per capita. This year alone Louisiana has had 16 mass shootings. So what can be done about it? New Orleans Metropolitan Crime Commission director Rafael Goyeneche says more law enforcement officers on the street would help…:

Cut 9 (11)  “…lost 65 officers.”

The Congressional Naming Commission recommended Fort Polk be renamed for World War I legend Sgt. William Henry Johnson.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

A once-secret list naming hundreds of pastors and church leaders accused of sexual abuse has been released by Southern Baptist leaders. The decision to release the 205-page list was made last night after an independent report from Guidepost Solutions was released Sunday about the alleged past abuses within the Southern Baptist system.

Former State Police leader Colonel Kevin Reeves has agreed to turn over his personal journals by tomorrow afternoon if they remain sealed from public view in order to avoid a contempt charge.  Houma Representative Tanner Magee is seeking to hold Reeves in contempt after he withheld certain pages from the journals from a legislative committee investigating the state police custody death of Ronald Greene…

Cut 9 (12) “…for now.”

Reeves’ attorney Lewis Unglesby says his client has nothing to hide and that the pages lawmakers are seeking,  do not contain any new information about Greene’s death…

Cut 10 (10) ” …told you.” 

Reeves’ personal financial information contained in the journals will be redacted. The special House committee is looking into the May 2019 death of Greene in Union Parish.

A bill to require public schools to provide menstrual products for students advances in Senate Education. New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman says the bill was amended to remove the word restrooms and changed to an easily accessible location for female students.

Cut 3 (09) “..they need.”

The bill has been referred to Senate Finance for a source of funding to provide the feminine products.

Legislation to keep state or local governments from requiring proof of COVID vaccinations for entry into public places or private businesses fails on a 5 to 4 vote in Senate Health and Welfare. Shreveport Representative Thomas Pressly says his bill is a compromise keeping government from imposing vaccine mandates on private businesses. Last fall New Orleans began requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test for entry into bars, restaurants, or other public venues. The bill will not advance to the Senate.

Louisiana Congressmen react to Tuesday’s mass shooting at a grade school in Uvalde, Texas. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Triple-A predicts 39-million Americans will travel this Memorial Day weekend. Triple-A spokesperson Don Redman says nearly eight percent of travelers are choosing air travel…

cut 10 (07) “…right now”

A House bill to require public schools to provide menstrual products for students advances in Senate Education. New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman says the bill was amended to remove the word restrooms and changed to an easily accessible location for female students.

Cut 3 (09) “..they need.”

The bill was referred to Senate Finance for funding for the products.

A House Resolution for members to volunteer as substitute teachers passes in House Governmental Affairs. Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey supports the legislation and says while many lawmakers already volunteer in the community this is an ideal way to serve and have a better understanding of what teachers’ experience.

Cut 13 (09) “…our children.”

The resolution advances to the House floor.

Louisiana Congressman Troy Carter reacts to Tuesday’s tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. Carter says the massacre is “heartbreaking”, and mass shooters often have mental problems and there are steps we could take to screen them before they get a gun…:

Cut 4 (11)  “…should have been checked.”

A bill to ban corporal punishment in public schools finally gets House approval after it failed to get enough votes in the lower chamber on two previous tries this session. Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey says he’s voted against the legislation in the past but likes the opt-in language it contains…

Cut 16 (11)  “…on their child.”

The legislation still needs Senate approval, and the legislative session ends June 6th

State Police are investigating a deputy-involved shooting in Winn Parish that resulted in one death. LSP says shortly after 5 PM Wednesday they were asked by the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office to investigate a deputy-involved shooting involving the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office on US Highway 167 Dodson. No other details were available.

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and people are ready to hit the road. David Grubb has more…

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

New Orleans Representative Matthew Williard says he’s receiving death threats over his legislation to remove Robert E Lee Day and Confederate Memorial Day as legal holidays in Louisiana. Willard says authorities are investigating a voice mail his office received…

PM Cut 6  (07) “…executed” 

Williard made that statement minutes before a Senate committee approved his legislation, sending the House-backed measure to the Senate floor. Minden Senator Robert Mills says these Confederate holidays are part of the country’s history

PM Cut 7 (08) “…me a bit.” 

But Williard says the two holidays, Robert E Lee Day and Confederate Memorial Day, honor those who fought to maintain slavery in the United States. The measure now heads to the Senate floor.

A bill to ban corporal punishment in public schools receives House approval after it failed to get enough votes previously in this session. But it’s not a total ban. Metairie Representative Stephanie Hilferty amended her legislation giving parents the option to authorize a spanking of their child through written consent…

Cut 14 (10)  “…making that choice.”

The bill passed on a 70-28 vote.

A resolution for House members to volunteer as substitute teachers passes in House Governmental Affairs and advances to the House Floor. Homer Representative Patrick Jefferson who also serves as vice-chair of House Education says this is a way for members to gain firsthand experience and also assist with the ongoing teaching shortage.

Cut  11 (10)  “…is serve.” 

A St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s deputy was shot this morning and the suspect is 13-years old. In an interview with WWL TV, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith says Deputy Kenneth Doby was on patrol when he answered a call of a suspected burglary around 3 this morning.

Cut 3 (10) “..in the back.”

The suspect was apprehended.

Just after midnight, Monroe Police responded to the Swanson Correctional Center for Youth in reference to a disturbance. Sgt Mike Fendall with Monroe PD says a fight broke out among several inmates and they barricaded doors and even held a correction officer captive. Three of the inmates were over the age of 18.

Cut 10 (11) ” ….weapon.” 

The four other juveniles remain at the Swanson facility.

A New Orleans lawmaker tells a Senate Committee he’s receiving death threats over his legislation to remove Robert E Lee Day and Confederate Memorial Day as official holidays…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”