A Senate committee approves legislation to give Louisiana police officers the power to arrest people who are in the United States illegally. Denham Springs Senator Valarie Hodges says the federal government is doing a poor job of keeping migrants from coming over the southern border, and the U-S constitution gives states the ability to protect themselves…

Cut 6  (13) “…an invasion.” 

Huey Fischer Garcia, a staff attorney at the Southern Poverty Law Center, says this law would clog up the state’s legal system as state judges are not up to speed on immigration law.

Cut 8 (07) “…that system.” 

Texas passed similar legislation that’s being challenged in the courts.

After the horrific collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, many in Louisiana are concerned if it could happen here. State Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallet says similar bridges here are protected by a fender system.

Cut 4 (12) “…the pier.” 

The fenders are designed to deflect boats from the piers, like a guardrail.

AccuWeather’s 2024 early hurricane season forecast is grim. They’re predicting between 20 and 25 named storms;8-12 hurricanes and 4 to 7 those major hurricanes. Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s due to above average sea surface temps and a transition to La Nina that means more rain and less wind shear to diminish the threat of hurricanes.

Cut 12 (11) “…form in.” 

House Education approves the Gator Scholarship Program which in a few years would allow families of any income level to receive state dollars to attend a private school. Governor Landry’s deputy chief of staff Andree’ Miller says the legislation will give every child the chance to receive a quality education.

Cut 13 (08)  “…much better”

The Gator Scholarship Program will replace the state’s current voucher system.

House Criminal Justice approves legislation to make it a crime to be within 25-feet of a working law enforcement officer who told the person to stop or retreat. The bill was approved last year but vetoed by then Governor John Bel Edwards. Policy Strategist for the Louisiana ACLU, Stephanie Willis, believes this law will be difficult to enforce…

Cut 12 (08) “…25ft away” 

A bill to give judges the discretion to punish individuals who sexually assault a child with surgical castration advances from Senate Judiciary C. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow’s bill allows for the sentencing of surgical castration if the victim is under the age of 13.

Cut 10 (12) “…from prison.”

Lake Charles Senator Mark Abraham says he has a problem with castration if it’s a first offense and that he believes in second chances.

Cut 11 (13) “…I agree.”

The bill also allows a female offender to be castrated.

It was a reporter’s investigative piece that revealed St. Tammany Parish Coroner Christopher Tape was accused but never tried on a technicality for child sexual abuse in 2002 in New Mexico. Dillard University Political Science Professor Dr. Robert Collins says because Tape was unopposed there wasn’t any opposition research that could have informed voters.

Cut 8 (08) “…to the public.” 

St. Tammany Parish leaders are organizing a recall to remove Tape from office.

Authorities continue to investigate the death of 26-year-old Devin Repath of Westwego who died following a large fight at Fred’s Bar near LSU. Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas Morse says his investigators are working with LSU police and reviewing videos to identify those involved.

Cut 9 (08) “…near future.” 

State Police says a 14-year-old driver was in a fatal single-vehicle crash Sunday night in Richland Parish. Don Molino has the story.

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Don Molino.”

The House Criminal Justice Committee approved a bill this morning that would make it illegal to panhandle on a public street. Also at the capitol, a Senate committee will consider legislation that would give state and local authorities the power to arrest a person who could be in the country illegally.

St. Tammany Parish leaders say they plan to file for a recall campaign to remove Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape. Tape was accused but never tried on a technicality for child sexual abuse in New Mexico. Dillard University Political Science Professor Dr. Robert Collins says this is a classic case of why you should research a candidate.

Cut 7 (12) “…competitive election.”  

Because Tape refuses to resign, St. Tammany Parish leaders are calling for a recall.

State Police says a single-vehicle crash on Sunday night in Richland Parish claimed the life of 14-year-old driver and several others were injured. Trooper Ryan Davis says 14-year-old Suh’ renity Butler veered off the roadway and slammed into a tree. Davis has a message for underage drivers…

Cut 5 (12)  “…to crashes.”

The House Civil Law Committee has voted against a proposal to give residents a chance to vote on whether abortion should be legal in Louisiana. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 26 (36)  “I’m Colleen Crain” 

Embattled St. Tammany Parish Coroner, Christopher Tape, who was accused of child sexual assault, but never tried on a technicality in New Mexico, says he was greeted with a suspicious package on his first day.  Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (25) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The House Civil Law Committee has voted against a proposal to give residents a chance to vote on whether abortion should be legal in Louisiana. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 2 (36)  “I’m Colleen Crain” 

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It’s Stress Awareness Month and a new study by WalletHub.com names the Bayou State as the most stressed-out state in the country this year. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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St. Tammany Parish Coroner Christopher Tape says he’s received death threats after it was revealed by an investigative reporter that Tape was accused but never tried for child sexual abuse in New Mexico. Parish leaders have started a recall campaign to remove him. At a press conference Monday, he talked about his first day as coroner.

Cut 4 (08) “…death threat.”

Tape is also under fire for cutting the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program in the parish that also serves, four other parishes (Livingston, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, and Washington).

Top elected officials in St. Tammany Parish have begun a recall campaign to remove Tate, and the new coroner clapped back.

Cut 5 (04) “…proven guilty.” 

Tate also accused his predecessor, Dr. Charles Preston, of a smear campaign against him along with planting listening devices in the office and the suspicious package.

Cut 6 (11) “…last night.”

Tape, who was unopposed in the election, has refused requests to resign and the only way he can be removed from office is a successful recall campaign.

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A bill to allow judges to sentence sex offenders whose victims are younger than 13, to surgical castration will be heard in Senate Judiciary C today. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says when a child is involved the offender is usually someone they know and a repeat offender.

 Cut 7 (09) “…men and women.”

The last time she filed the bill she says there was large opposition claiming castration is inhumane, but she says when the victim is a child…

Cut 8 (10) “…period.” 

Barrow says the more she’s learned about the lifelong impact sexual assault has on children she’s grown more adamant about her bill.

Cut 9 (12)  “…of doing.”

She says the state would be responsible for surgical costs.

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A House committee has voted down a proposal to give Louisiana residents the ability to vote on whether abortion should be legal. A nine-year-old boy from Lafayette came to the state capitol to testify against the measure. Hopkins Inzina says his grandmother was a teenager when she was pregnant with his mom and could have decided on an abortion…

Cut 10 (14) “…including me.”

Louisiana has one of the strictest abortion bans in the nation as a result of a constitutional amendment in 2020. But New Orleans Democrat Aimee Freeman says a recent LSU poll shows 52-percent of Louisiana voters believe abortion should be legal…

Cut 11 (08) “…families”

But Washington Parish Republican John Wyble says he’s not finding any support for Freeman’s proposal…

Cut 12 (13) “…falls on it.” 

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Louisianans are stressed out according to a new study. Personal finance website Wallethub.com has ranked the Bayou State number one among the most stressed states. Analyst Cassie Happe says the survey compares several factors like work, health, and crime-related stress among the 50 states.

Cut 13 (10)  “…particular categories.”

Louisiana ranks fourth worst in hours worked, fifth in the percentage of adults in poor health, second in people living in poverty, and ninth in job security. Happe says Louisianans have the second lowest median credit scores which also contribute to stress levels.

Cut 14 (12)  “…their credit.”

Compounding the issue for Louisianans dealing with stress is the tremendous lack of sleep and high divorce rates. Happe suggests participating in activities that are not cost-related to relieve stress. And when it comes to money problems…

Cut 15 (12)  “…your bills.”

Mississippi also topped the list as the second most stressed state followed by Nevada, New Mexico, and Arkansas.

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Cut 16 (24)  “…team today.” 

Cut 17 (17) “…answer the bell.” 

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Cut 18 (18)  “…I need” 

Cut 19 (17) “…third and fourth quarter”  

.Cut 20 (20) “…everybody in Albany”

Democrat Henry Whitehorn has made history by becoming the first black man elected as Caddo Parish Sheriff after his contested second runoff election. Political analyst Scott Hughes…

Cut 5 (11)  “…Caddo Parish.”

Whitehorn will be sworn in on July 1st.

A recall effort begins today to remove St. Tammany Parish Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape, after it was revealed, he was charged with six counts of child sexual assault in New Mexico but was never tried on a technicality. Senator Beth Mizell says Tape has also eliminated the sexual assault nurse program which also impacts Livingston, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes as well.

Cut 7 (07) “…nurse program.”  

Mizell says they couldn’t begin the recall until Tape was sworn in.

The LSU Lady Tigers are heading to the Sweet 16 after beating Middle Tennessee 83 to 56. Over the weekend Mulkey threatened legal action against the Washington Post over an anticipated article that she says is a hit piece.

Cut  14 (10) “…about me”

She says reporter Kent Babb has not been transparent in his intentions and it’s this type of journalism that makes the public no longer trust the media.

House Transportation approves a bill to do away with the required inspection stickers on vehicles. State Police Captain Bryan Lee opposes the bill and says law enforcement can’t tell if a vehicle’s tires are worn, which is something that can be spotted during a vehicle inspection. He says bald tires are a safety threat…

Cut 10 (07) “…bad tires. “

Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has filed a motion to remove US Speaker Mike Johnson. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (34)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

LSU Lady Tiger guard Mikaylah Williams has signed a name image and likeness deal with the Jordan Brand. The SEC Freshman of the Year becomes the second women’s college basketball player to sign with the Jumpman brand UCLA freshman Kiki Rice also has an NIL with the Jordan Brand.

Voters in Caddo Parish will try for a third time to elect a new Sheriff after the runoff ended in a one-vote margin that was contested last year. Political Analyst Scott Hughes because the validity of mail-in votes was scrutinized in lawsuits over the sheriff’s race the process will be reviewed publicly this time.

Cut 13 (09) “…and watch.”  

Hogan says it’s widely anticipated that Democrat, Henry Whitehorn will likely have the lead from early voting with about 25,000 ballots.

Cut  14 (09) “…vote margin.”

Hogan says this is the largest early voting turnout for a March election ever seen in Caddo Parish.

Polls open Saturday at 7am across the state and close at 8 pm. For a sample ballot and directions to your voting location download the Geaux Vote app, that’s g-e-a-u-x vote.

In DC Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has filed a motion to remove US Speaker Mike Johnson accusing him of betraying the House Republican party because he sided with President Biden on the $1.2 trillion government funding bill. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan…

Cut 9 (14) “…Kevin McCarthy.” 

Voters in Caddo Parish will try for a third time to elect a new Sheriff after the runoff ended in a one-vote margin that was contested last year. Political Analyst Scott Hughes says in-person voting jumped to 10,000.

Cut 12 (12) “…March election.” 

Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has filed a motion to remove US Speaker Mike Johnson. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (34)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Voters in Caddo Parish will try for a third time to elect a new Sheriff after the runoff ended in a one-vote margin that was contested last year. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The Port Hudson State Historic Site will host its annual reenactment of the Siege of Port Hudson Saturday, and Sunday. Park manager, Daniel Goyer says volunteers will stage the Battle of Port Hudson.

Cut 3 (08) “…war battle.”  

Goyer says actors dressed in Union and Confederate military uniforms will act out the 1863 battle. He says visitors can view a portion of Louisiana’s history – the siege.

Cut 4 (12) “…in two.” 

In addition to the battle re-enactments, there are living history demonstrations, a Civil War-era dance class, and other activities. He suggests bringing ear plugs…

Cut 5 (05)  “…as well.”

Visit LaStateParks.com for a detailed schedule.

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Tonight’s MegaMillions drawing is up to nearly $1 billion dollars and Powerball is at $750 million for Saturday. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Dustin Annison says the Mega Millions jackpot is one of the largest jackpots in U.S. lottery history.

Cut 6  (11) “…lottery jackpot.” 

Annison says no one nationwide has won the MegaMillions jackpot since December 12th last year. He says the odds of winning are low but if you purchase the golden ticket…

Cut 7 (12) “…annual payments.”  

And the Powerball of $750 million, the cash payout is  $357.3 million.

Annison says skyrocketing jackpots have more players in Louisiana buying tickets which is good for the state. He says sales pick up when you have a large jackpot because of people’s curiosity and excitement.

Cut 8 (07) “…seven million.” 

MegaMillions drawing is tonight at 10 pm time. The Powerball drawing is on Saturday at 10 pm.

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In DC Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has filed a motion to remove US Speaker Mike Johnson accusing him of betraying the House Republican party because he sided with President Biden on the $1.2 trillion government funding bill. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan…

Cut 9 (14) “…Kevin McCarthy.” 

And because Republicans hold a razor-thin margin in the House, Hogan says we could see a repeat of what last October when the lower chamber was paralyzed for three weeks without a Speaker.

Hogan says to pass legislation Johnson, like McCarthy, has had to reach out to Democrats for bipartisan support and a far right-group of Republicans aren’t pleased.

Cut 10 (11) “…against things. “

Whether or not Greene will be able to get others on board to oust Speaker Johnson, Hogan says remains to be seen.

Cut 11 (07) “…his ousting.”

Johnson’s spokesperson says the Louisiana Republican always listens to the concerns of members but is also focusing on governing.

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Voters in Caddo Parish will try for a third time to elect a new Sheriff after the runoff ended in a one-vote margin that was contested last year. Political Analyst Scott Hughes says in-person voting jumped to 10,000.

Cut 12 (12) “…March election.” 

As for mail-in votes compared to the last runoff for Republican John Nickelson and Democrat Henry Whitehorn, it was about the same amount at 7,700.

And because the validity of mail-in votes was scrutinized in lawsuits over the sheriff’s race, Hughes says the process will be reviewed publicly.

Cut 13 (09) “…and watch.”  

Hogan says it’s widely anticipated that Democrat, Henry Whitehorn will likely have the lead from early voting with about 25,000 ballots.

Cut  14 (09) “…vote margin.”

Hogan says this is the largest early voting turnout for a March election ever seen in Caddo Parish

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Cut 15 (09) “…Pittsburgh”

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Cut  16 (14)   “…tell his story.”

Senate Education approves legislation to allow every family to apply for state dollars to pay for private school tuition or other education-related expenses. Bill co-author Carencro Representative Julie Emerson says parents should have options on how their child should be educated…

Cut 6  (12) “…is educated.” 

The Louisiana School Boards Association strongly opposes the creation of education savings accounts. Dannie Garrett, who handles government relations for the association and says E-S-As spend taxpayer dollars without the accountability that demanded for public schools and there’s no evidence it will improve a child’s education.

Cut 8 (07) “…better” 

The Public Affairs Research Council says the L-A Gator Scholarship Program would cost 650-million dollars annually in five to seven years.

House Education approves a bill to repeal state laws requiring educators to take certain training courses like CPR and dating violence and allow BESE to decide the requirements. Rosepine Representative Charles Owens wants BESE to govern which educational courses teachers must take and take it out of state law.

Cut 13 (08)  “…our classroom.”

The proposed legislation repeals requirement and authorizes BESE to adopt policies that require inclusion of certain topics in student instruction and in the training of teachers.

Cut 14 (10) “…our schools.” 

The bill now advances to the House.