Houma police caught a 12-and-a-half-foot python over the weekend after a resident discovered it curled up in a flowerpot. Police Chief Travis Theriot explains…

Cut 3 (11) “…Wildlife and Fisheries.” 

The snake is believed to be a former pet released into the wild. No humans were injured but the python did eat two pet geese.

It looks like the chances of holding a Constitutional Convention are slim, the convention bill is unlikely to reach the Senate this session. LAPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says lawmakers are running out of time, but a convention could orchestrated through a special session or House intervention.

Cut 9 (09)  “…hostage.”

Louisiana will be partnering with a federal program to provide Summer grocery-benefits through SUN Bucks this year, despite an earlier decision against it. DCFS Secretary David Matlock says Sun Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, should be added automatically to eligible SNAP card.

Cut 12 (10) “…now applying.” 

Visit sunbucks.la.gov for more info.

The LSU Baseball team is headed to North Carolina for the Regionals. LSU’s bullpen got some big outs during the SEC Tournament and the Tigers scored 46 runs in five games. Third baseman Tommy White says they are putting barrels on balls…

Cut 15 (13)  “…help too.”

The chance of a constitutional convention is pretty slim but it’s still a possibility. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

Two out of the four inmates who escaped from the Tangipahoa Parish Jail over the weekend have been apprehended. At a news conference authorities says jail officials didn’t know they had escaped until a family member called about one of the escapees, that call came after one visited a relative seeking shelter.

A bill to ban all THC products from being sold or manufactured in Louisiana is pending final House passage today. Veterans Action Council member Tony Landry says the bill is dangerous.

Cut 4 (08) “…beneficial cannabinoids..”

The veteran says he feels Senator Thomas , who authored the bill, doesn’t understand the full benefits of cannabis and how other states are embracing this industry.

Reversing an earlier decision, Louisiana will be partnering with a federal program to provide Summer grocery-buying benefits through SUN Bucks also known as Summer EBT for low-income school age children. DCFS Secretary David Matlock says the funds will be made available automatically…

Cut 10 (11) “…late June.”

A bill that will criminalize all THC products in Louisiana if signed into law by Governor Jeff Landy is pending final House passage today. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The chance of a constitutional convention is pretty slim but it’s still a possibility. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

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Louisiana is participating in Sun Bucks to provide summer nutrition to low-income school-aged children.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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A bill that will ban all THC products from being sold or manufactured in Louisiana if signed into law by Governor Jeff Landy is pending final House passage today. Veterans Action Council member Tony Landry says the bill by Senator Thomas Pressly is dangerous.

Cut 4 (08) “…beneficial cannabinoids..”

The veteran says he feels Senator Pressly doesn’t understand the full benefits of Cannabis and how other states are embracing this industry.

Cut 5 (12) “…the product.” 

The veteran has a message for lawmakers as they make their final decisions on this issue.

Cut 6 (11) “…any safer.”

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Despite backing from donors, and Republicans in the Louisiana House, Governor Jeff Landry’s bill calling for a constitutional convention in August is unlikely to pass this session. LAPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says it’s pretty much out of the question.

Cut 7 (06) “…week or so.”

The biggest holdup is the Senate, which is concerned about how much a convention is actually needed. However, Alford says even if the Senate was on board, legislators are simply running out of time.

Cut 8 (05) “…last minute.” 

Despite this, a constitutional convention could be possible after this session through a special session or House intervention.

Cut 9 (09)  “…hostage.”

The session is set to end June 3rd but could wrap by the end of the week.

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Reversing an earlier decision, Louisiana will be partnering with a federal program to provide Summer grocery-buying benefits through SUN Bucks also known as Summer EBT to eligible low-income school age children. Secretary of Children and Family Services, David Matlock says the funds will be made available automatically…

Cut 10 (11) “…late June.”

If a school-aged child received SNAP Benefits during the school year, Matlock says there should be no need to apply for the Sun Bucks but you will need your SNAP card…

Cut 11 (10) “..need it.”

Sun Bucks should be added automatically to eligible SNAP cards but if you’re not sure about your child’s eligibility, check with DCFS or visit sunbucks.la.gov and Matlock says be sure DCFS has your correct contact information.

Cut 12 (10) “…now applying.” 

If you received a Pandemic SNAP card and believe your child is eligible, you’ll need to check with DCFS. 

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The LSU Baseball team is headed to North Carolina for the Regionals. The Tigers will play Wofford at 11 AM. Coach Jay Johnson’s team is one of the hottest in all of college baseball as they’ve won 18 of their last 24, so he likes his team’s chances of winning on the road….

Cut 13 (10)  “…tough to play.”

The Tigers won four in a row in the SEC Tournament, before losing to the top national seed, Tennessee, in the championship game. Shortstop Michael Braswell says they believe they can win every game…

Cut 14 (12)  “…any time.”

LSU’s bullpen got some big outs during the SEC Tournament and the Tigers scored 46 runs in five games. Third baseman Tommy White says they are putting barrels on balls…

Cut 15 (13)  “…help too.”

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The Ragin Cajuns are in the NCAA Tournament for the 19th time and for the second time in three years they’ll play in the College Station Regional as they will take on Texas at 5 PM. Coach Matt Deggs’ team won the Sun Belt Regular season championship, but went 0-and-2 in the conference tournament

Cut 16 (14) “…we’re facing.” 

U-L Lafayette and Texas met in the opening game of the NCAA Tournament last year and the Longhorns won four to two. Deggs believes his team can compete with U-T and A-and-M…

Cut 17 (14) “…of years.”

This is the third consecutive year U-L Lafayette has made the NCAA Tournament. Deggs’ team won 40 games this year…

Cut 18 (20)  “…the course.”

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Grambling State is in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2010 after winning the SWAC Title. The Tigers had to overcome a loss to Florida-A-and-M and had to rally to beat Jackson State in the SWAC Title game to receive an automatic bid. Longtime coach Davin Pierre…

Cut 19 (15) “…Tiger toughness.” 

Grambling will join U-L Lafayette in the College Station Regional. The Tigers will play Texas A-and-M at noon on Friday. Pierre says they will not back down from the Aggies who are a national three seed…

Cut 20 (20) “…our brand.”

Governor Jeff Landry has vetoed a bill that would have provided healthy food to areas where it’s more difficult to find, for example when a population lives farther than 10 miles from a large grocery store. Bill author New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis says Landry’s rejection of the Healthy Food Retail Act is surprising and troubling. The bill passed overwhelmingly in both the House and Senate.

Reversing an earlier decision, Louisiana will be partnering with a federal program to provide Summer grocery-buying benefits through SUN Bucks also known as Summer EBT to eligible low-income school-age children. Secretary of Children and Family Services, David Matlock says the funds will be made available automatically…

Cut 10 (11) “…late June.”

Despite backing from donors, and Republicans in the Louisiana House, Governor Jeff Landry’s bill calling for a constitutional convention in August is unlikely to pass this session. LAPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says it’s pretty much out of the question.

Cut 7 (06) “…week or so.”

The biggest holdup is the Senate, which is concerned about how much a convention is actually needed. However, Alford says even if the Senate was on board, legislators are simply running out of time.

A bill that will ban all THC products from being sold or manufactured in Louisiana if signed into law by Governor Jeff Landy is pending final House passage today. Veterans Action Council member Tony Landry says the bill by Senator Thomas Pressley is dangerous.

Cut 4 (07) “…beneficial cannabinoids..”

The veteran says he feels Senator Pressley doesn’t understand the full benefits of Cannabis and how other states are embracing this industry.

This Memorial Day, take a second to remember those who fought for our country. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

Governor Jeff Landry has vetoed a bill that would have provided healthy food to areas where a population lives farther than 10 miles from a large grocery store. Bill author New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis says Landry’s rejection of the Healthy Food Retail Act is surprising and troubling. The bill passed overwhelmingly in both the House and Senate.

Large jackpots have proved to be profitable with the Louisiana Lottery transferring almost $48 million to the state treasury. Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says they also moved close to $16 million to the state coffers in April.

Cut 8 (12) “…for players.” 

The Louisiana Lottery transfers profits to the state quarterly. In addition to uptick in ticket sales thanks to five-billion-dollar jackpots Powerball and Mega Millions produced this year…

An antitrust settlement has been finalized that will result in all college athletes being paid directly by the school. Outkick college reporter Trey Wallace says schools will have a hard time deciding how to divvy up the money.

Cut 13 (11)  “…spread this out.”

Friday afternoon Governor Jeff Landry signed Senate Bill 276 into law making Louisiana the first state to classify misoprostol (Mice-oh-pro-stall) and mifepristone (Miff-ah-priss-stone) as controlled dangerous substances. While the two medications have multiple uses, the combination of the two can induce an abortion.

Thirty-eight-year-old Aaron Moreau of Pollock was arrested after he allegedly placed two and a half pounds of lead weights into a fish at the Big Bass Splash tournament at Toledo Bend.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

Click It or Ticket is underway for Memorial Day weekend. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says while the seatbelt usage rate in the state is 85% it’s the 15% in rural areas and usually those who drive pick-up trucks who don’t buckle up and if they are in a crash…

Cut 8 (11)  “…of danger.” 

The first offense is $50 for not wearing a seatbelt in Louisiana.

The Louisiana National Guard’s 1021st Vertical Engineer Company is deploying to Asia with more than 40 guardsmen to assist with construction. Captain Emily Anthony says for most of the unit it’s their first overseas deployment.

Cut 5 (09) “…represent Louisiana well.”

They will be overseas for almost a year.

Click It or Ticket is underway for Memorial Day weekend. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says while the seatbelt usage rate in the state is 85% it’s the15% in rural areas, usually those who drive a truck who don’t buckle up and if they are in a crash…

Cut 8 (11)  “…of danger.” 

The first offense is $50 for not wearing a seatbelt in Louisiana.

The Louisiana National Guard’s 1021st Vertical Engineer Company will deploy to Asia with more than 40 guardsmen to assist with construction operations. Captain Emily Anthony says the last time this unit was deployed overseas was 2013, but they’ve had several in-state missions…

Cut 4 (12) “…very busy.” 

This Memorial Day weekend many people will gather around the grill and fortunately, it doesn’t look like the meat isn’t going to break the bank this year. Chairman of Louisiana Beef Industry Council John Thompson

Cut 9 (06) “…holding pretty steady.” 

38-year-old Aaron Moreau of Pollock was arrested Thursday for alleged fishing contest fraud by placing over two and a half pounds of led weights into a fish used for weighing at the Big Bass Splash tournament. Wildlife and Fishery agent Dustin Nash.

Cut 12 (05) “…in the tournament.” 

Tournament officials notified state wildlife officials and when they arrived, Moreau fled the scene. Fishing contest fraud brings up to a $3,000 fine and up to one year in jail.

Hurricane season begins June 1^st and NOAA is forecasting 17 to 25 named storms, 8 to 13 hurricanes, and 4 to 7 major hurricanes. NOAA’s Matt Rosencrans says the increased number of storms is due to several factors, including…

cut 21 (09) “…La Nina”

And you’ll want to be sure everyone is buckled up when you’re on the road this Memorial Day weekend, for Click It or Ticket. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says a first-offense ticket for not using your seat belt in Louisiana is $50.

Cut 7 (11) “…Commission.”  

He says 45% of individuals killed in fatal crashes weren’t wearing seatbelts.

Over 40 Louisiana National Guardsmen leave this weekend for about a yearlong deployment to Asia where they’ll assist with the construction of buildings through Operation Spartan Shield. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Sean Richardson .”

NOAA is forecasting 17 to 25 named storms, 8 to 13 hurricanes, and 4 to 7 major hurricanes to form in the Atlantic this year. A La Niña atmosphere, which means less wind shear to weaken storms is one reason for the dire forecast and warmer than average sea surface temperatures. NOAA’s Matt Rosencrans…

Cut 9 (11)  “…August.”

The Louisiana National Guard’s 1021st Vertical Engineer Company is deploying to Asia with more than 40 guardsmen to assist with construction. Captain Emily Anthony says for most of the unit it’s their first overseas deployment.

Cut 3 (10) “…construction projects.” 

They will be overseas for almost a year.

Senate Finance has restored 24-million dollars for early childhood education previously cut by the House. The Revenue Estimating Conference recognized additional revenue the state can spend. Louisiana Policy Institute for Children Executive Director Libbie Sonnier says this means an additional two-thousand kids will receive assistance to attend pre-k education classes, which have proven to help kids in K-through-12 education and into college…

Cut 11 (12) “…society.”
It’s Foster Care Awareness Month and the Department of Children and Family Services is asking Louisianans to be there for children by becoming a foster caregiver. Children in need of homes could be infants, teenagers or even part of a sibling group. Secretary of DCFS, David Matlock…

Cut 13 (06)  “…our children.”

Contact DCFS for more information.

According to Triple-A, more than 38 million folks will take to the roadways for the Memorial Day weekend. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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NOAA is predicting its most severe hurricane outlook ever for the upcoming season. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

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The Department of Children and Family Services is encouraging Louisianans to be there for children by becoming foster caregivers. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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Chances are you’ve already seen an influx of drivers on the road for the Memorial Day weekend and according to Triple A, more than 38 million road travelers will be moving about for the holiday. Triple A spokesperson Nick Chabarria (Cha-bear-ree-ah) said it’s the highest prediction of road warriors in their 24-year history of forecasts.

Cut 4 (11) “…the pandemic.”

And more than five million will either be flying, catching a train, or boarding a cruise for Memorial Day weekend, for a total of close to 44 million travelers.

Regionally, which includes Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas, Chabarria estimates around four million people will be on the roadways. He says to pack some extra patience and give yourself plenty of travel time to reach your destination.

Cut 5 (10) “…the better.” 

And when you fill up your tank this Memorial Day weekend compared to last year, Chabarria says you shouldn’t experience any surprises at the pump price-wise.

Cut 6 (08) “…a difference.”

Chararria says if predictions hold expect more travelers vacationing this summer than last and to book your trip sooner than later.

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NOAA is forecasting 17 to 25 named storms, 8 to 13 hurricanes, and 4 to 7 major hurricanes to hit the Atlantic basin in 2024. Lead for Seasonal Hurricane Outlooks Matt Rosencrans says this is set to be a record season.

Cut 7 (10) “…2001.”

He says the increased number of storms is due to a number of factors, including…

Cut 8 (09) “…La Niña.” 

La Niña reduces wind shears, allowing bigger storms to build easier. Plus, Rosencrans says the Atlantic’s season surface temperatures are very warm already.

Cut 9 (11)  “…August.”

The NOAA recommends people in coastal areas start preparing for storms now before they happen.

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The Senate has restored $24 million to go towards Early Childhood Education after it was previously cut in the House to balance the state budget. Louisiana Policy Institute for Children Executive Director Libbie Sonnier…

Cut 10 (13) “…more revenue.”

Sonnier says this means there will be 2,000 additional spots for young children to get a head start on their education. She says it’s so important because those children are more likely to read on grade level by third grade, complete high school, and go to college.

Cut 11 (11) “…society.”

A lack of early childhood education programs can be costly. Sonnier says the state loses $1.3 billion annually when there are childcare breakdowns and businesses lose $762 million each year without a dependable workforce.

Cut 12 (12) “…in Louisiana.” 

Sonnier says there’s a 13% return on investment for every dollar spent on early childhood education.

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It’s Foster Care Awareness Month and the Department of Children and Family Services is asking Louisianans to be there for children by becoming a foster caregiver. Children in need of homes could be infants, teenagers or even part of a sibling group. Secretary of DCFS, David Matlock…

Cut 13 (06)  “…our children.”

DCFS says being a foster caregiver can be incredibly rewarding and you would not be alone because staff provide support and resources.

Children in foster care may need long-term or short-term care. Matlock says some foster caregivers have the opportunity to make a difference while biological parents gain the resources and help, they need to provide a good home for their children.

Cut 14 (10)  “…family members.”

Potential Foster Caregivers must be at least 21 years old, be able to support themselves, have space for a child, pass a criminal clearance, and be in good health, physically, emotionally, and mentally. Matlock praises the caregivers and encourages anyone interested to find out more…

Cut 15 (08)  “…email me.”

To learn more or attend an orientation visit dcfs.louisiana.gov/page/be-there-foster.

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LSU legend Seimone Augustus was introduced yesterday as the Lady Tigers newest assistant women’s basketball coach. Augustus led the Lady Tigers to three straight final-four appearances and won four WNBA championships. She’s been thinking about diving into the coaching profession and an opening on Kim Mulkey’s staff gave her an opportunity at home…

Cut 16 (22) “…coaches do.” 

Augustus will replace Johnny Derrick, who was more of a administrator than a coach. Mulkey expects Seimone will bring a lot to the LSU women’s basketball program…

Cut 17 (25) “…WNBA.”

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The LSU softball team begins a best out of three Super Regional Series tonight in California against Stanford. The Cardinal is 46-14 this season. Coach Beth Torina says they’ve played one of the toughest schedules in America for this exact situation

Cut 18 (11)  “..they’re prepared.”

Stanford has one of the best pitchers in the country. NiJaree Canady is 21-4 with a 0.52 ERA with 292 strikeouts. Outfielder Ali Newland on their approach against the Stanford ace…

Cut 19 (05) “…the lineup.” 

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Cut 20 (13) “….else does that.”