A measure to expand the state’s voucher program so parents of all income levels could be eligible to use public dollars to pay for private school tuition receives approval from another legislative committee. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (28)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Despite appeals from the Jewish community, the House Criminal Justice Committee members failed to pass a bill to remove gassing as a form of execution. Former CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans, Arnie Fielkow (Fill-co) urged the committee to support the bill because there are other methods of execution for death row inmates in Louisiana.

Cut 12 (09) “…light of day.” 

The bill failed in committee on a 3 to 8 vote and will not advance to the House floor.

State Police says an investigation prompted by video on social media of individuals driving ATVs recklessly through New Orleans resulted in the arrest of the three suspects, who were booked into St. James Parish jail. Though ATV and dirt bike takeovers pose a problem for New Orleans, Troop Nola Major Donovan Archote (R sho t) says the problem isn’t indicative of organized crime.

Cut 5 (05)  “…culture.”

The incident is still under investigation with more suspects and charges expected to come later.

State Police is offering an accelerated training program for Louisiana POST certified officers. The 14-week program begins in October and Trooper William Huggins says for those local officers that are interested in applying, the deadline is July 24^th

Cut 15 (10) “…State Police Commission.”

Applicants for Cadet Class 105 must have a Louisiana Level 1 POST certification at the time they apply.

State Police says thanks to video on social media they’ve arrested three people and recovered several stolen items as part of an investigation into lawless street takeovers by off road vehicles like ATVs. Troop Nola Major Donovan Archote says these individuals blatantly broke traffic laws…

Cut 3 (11) “…public safety.” 

State Police is offering an accelerated training program for POST certified police Officers. Trooper William Huggins says during the 14-week program, cadets receive advanced State Police training in firearm proficiency, de-escalation techniques, lawful use of force and LSP Core Values.

Cut  14 (12) “…shorter academy.” 

The deadline to apply for this October class is July 24^th.

House Criminal Justice Committee members voted against a bill to remove gassing as a means of execution despite pleas from the Jewish community. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

On an eight to four vote, the House Education Committee approves the legislation that creates the Gator Scholarship Program that one day would allow parents of all income levels to receive taxpayer dollars to pay for private school tuition. Baton Rouge Senator Rick Edmonds is the author of the legislation…

Cut 6  (11) “…education. ” 

State Police says an investigation prompted by video on social media of individuals driving ATVs recklessly through New Orleans resulted in the arrest of the three suspects, who were booked into St. James Parish jail. Though ATV and dirt bike takeovers pose a problem for New Orleans, Troop Nola Major Donovan Archote (R sho t) says the problem isn’t indicative of organized crime.

Cut 5 (05)  “…culture.”

The incident is still under investigation with more suspects and charges expected to come later.

The House Education Committee approves the legislation that creates the Gator Scholarship Program that eventually provides taxpayer dollars to pay for private school tuition. There are concerns about the cost of the Program. One estimate has it as much as 500-million dollars. Bill author, Senator Rick Edmonds says there are safeguards in the legislation to make sure the expenses of the program do outgrow available state dollars…

Cut 8 (11)  “…responsibility” 

The measure has already received Senate approval.

In the House Criminal Justice Committee members failed to pass a bill to remove gassing as a form of execution. They heard from John Sinquefield (Sink-field) with the AG’s office who spoke in opposition. He says nitrogen hypoxia differs from what was used during the Holocaust.

Cut 9 (10) “…to death.” 

Aaron Bloch Director of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans says execution by gas is extremely triggering for the Jewish community.

State Police is looking for local police officers that want to participate in an accelerated training program that will begin in October. Trooper William Huggins says this program is designed specifically for Louisiana POST certified applicants.

Cut 13 (09) “..Louisiana State Trooper.” 

The deadline to apply is July 24^th.

The fate of a Constitutional Convention this fall is in the hands of the Senate as it awaits a hearing in Governmental Affairs after clearing the lower chamber. La Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says there are many questions over Governor Jeff Landry’s appointment of delegates and how they could sway constitutional changes.

Cut 6  (11) “…they want. ” 

Target announces its lowering prices on about five-thousand items in its store. UNO Business Professor Mark Rosa says Target is hoping the lower prices will result in more customers who end up buying more items….

Cut 9 (11) “…first in line.” 

LSU women’s basketball has a new assistant coach in a familiar face, as Hall of Famer Seimone Augustus is returning as an assistant coach. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (35)  “…I’m Mel Bridges”

LSU Softball is moving on to the Super Regionals after blanking Southern Illinois nine to nothing in five innings. Coach Beth Torina’s team will play at Stanford in a best out of three series starting on Friday

Cut 13 (12) “..next weekend.” 

Senate Governmental Affairs is discussing the fate of a Constitutional Convention this fall.  La Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says there’s already been opposition from Senate leadership over the governor’s appointment of 27 delegates to the convention and he believes the debate over delegates will be significant if the bill advances to the Senate floor.

Cut 8 (12)  “…state government.” 

The bill passed in the House on a 75 to 27 vote.

Target announces its lowering prices on about five-thousand items in its store. Earlier this year, they reported their first annual decline in sales in seven years due to factors like inflation and a seedy economic outlook. However, UNO Business Professor Mark Rosa says Target is proving they won’t just watch profits dip again.

Cut 11 (07) ” …ahead of that.”

Target says the lower prices will start over summer on both national and in-house brands.

Hall of Famer Seimone Augustus is returning to LSU to join the staff as an assistant coach. As a player at LSU, Augustus led the team to their first three Final Four appearances and was the first woman in school history to have her jersey retired. After 16 years in the WNBA and three Olympics appearances, Voice of the Lady Tigers, Patrick Wright says Augustus is the perfect candidate for the role.

Cut 5 (05)  “…the floor.”

This is Augustus’ second assistant coaching job after one season with the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA.

The Ragin Cajuns softball season ended on Sunday with a four to three loss to the Baylor Bears. A disappointing end for a team that won 45 games this season. Brooke Ellestad couldn’t hold back the tears in the postgame press conference.

Cut 12 (10) “…all year.” 

Congratulations on a strong season.

The fate of a Constitutional Convention this fall is in the hands of the Senate as it awaits a hearing in Governmental Affairs after clearing the lower chamber. La Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says there are many questions over Governor Jeff Landry’s appointment of delegates there’s already been opposition from Senate leadership over the governor’s appointment of 27 delegates to the convention.

Cut 7 (11) “…that up.”  

Assumption parish Authorities say a Belle Rose man collected significant amounts of money from friends and told them he was investing their money, but Assumption Parish sheriff’s deputies say 44-year-old John Michael Thibodeaux was running a Ponzi scheme. Thibodeaux was arrested Friday after a 5-month investigation prompted by complaints filed by his victims. Thibodeaux faces charges of: Theft – $5,000 to $25,000 and Promoting Pyramid Promotional Scheme Unlawful.

Target says it’s cutting prices on five-thousand items in its store. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

Hall of Famer Seimone Augustus is coming back to LSU to join the staff as an assistant coach. Patrick Wright, voice of the Lady Tigers, says, besides coming in with an impressive resume, both at LSU and in the WNBA, Augustus also has a hometown advantage.

Cut 4 (10) “…great player.” 

Since the Supreme Court says the most recent congressional map approved by lawmakers with two Black majority districts will be the one used in upcoming federal elections. Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry says anyone within the changed districts will know it long before it’s time to cast a vote.

Cut 5 (12)  “…that seat.”

Qualifying for the Congressional races is from July 17th to 19th.

Organizers say they are off to a strong start in the first month of the recall effort to oust embattled St. Tammany Parish Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape. Noble-Bates Young with Family First St. Tammany says they’ve collected about 6,000 signatures but they’ll need to have 36,000 by October.

Cut 12 (08) “…what not.” 

Tape ran unopposed and a recall effort began after criminal accusations of child sexual abuse more than two decades ago in New Mexico came to light.

The Louisiana Senate has approved the bill that creates the Gator Scholarship Program. The program would start by offering grants to families who are currently involved in the voucher program. It will eventually be open to all families. Senate President Cameron Henry says the E-S-A bill was amended so the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education will determine how fast the program will grow and who will be eligible…

Cut 8 (11)  “…here.” 

A bill to ban transgender people from using school restrooms that match their gender identity but not their biological gender passed the Senate. New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis believes the bill is a cultural war…

Cut 10 (08) “…protect children.” 

Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell, believes the bill protects women and girls…

Cut 11 (12) ” …that bathroom.”

The bill would also separate restrooms in prisons and domestic violence shelters. The bill awaits Governor Landry’s signature.

The Supreme Court ruled the most recent congressional map approved by lawmakers with two Black majority districts will be the one used in upcoming federal elections this week. Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry said we needed the map by May 15^th for the November elections, but Some questioned the deadline when the election is not until November. Landry says it takes months to run a statewide election.

Cut 4 (10) “…doing that.” 

Recall efforts to oust embattled St. Tammany Parish Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape after criminal accusations of child sexual abuse more than two decades ago in New Mexico came to light are underway. Noble-Bates Young with Family First St. Tammany says they’ve collected about 6,000 signatures. As for who will run against Tape if the recall is successful, Young says they are focused on getting enough signatures right now.

Cut  14 (10) “…of office.” 

The Louisiana Senate has passed the Gator Scholarship Program which would give parents the ability to receive taxpayer dollars to pay for private school tuition. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

A bill to ban transgender people from using school restrooms and other facilities that match their gender identity passed in the Senate 29 to 10. New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis asked Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell, who presented it to the Senate, why it’s needed. She says because of an incident that happened at a Louisiana park restroom…

Cut 9 (12) “…nothing (x2).” 

The US Supreme Court says the most recent congressional map with two black-majority districts will be used for Louisiana’s fall election. NAACP Legal Defense Fund attorney Jared Evans believes the ruling came down to timing.

Cut 10 (06) “…a new map.” 

Qualifying for the fall election is mid-July.

Governor Jeff Landry is campaigning for the passage of the Gator Scholarship Program, which would give all families the ability to use taxpayer dollars to pay for private school education. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Landry is fighting opposition from public schools…

Cut  14 (10) “..as it is.” 

Authorities say a 15-year-old girl from Terrebonne Parish was sexually abused, set on fire and shot twice. Sean Richardson reports a car crash in Baytown, Texas likely saved her life

Cut 1 (35)  “…I’m Sean Richardson”

Most of Southwest Louisiana west of the Mississippi River is under a tornado watch until 10 PM. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says the entire state will get hit with bad weather and the most severe areas being from Baton Rouge to Alexandria….

Cut 3 (14) “…next 36 hours or so.” 

The US Supreme Court ruled Louisiana’s congressional map with two majority-Black districts will be used for the fall election. After several years and back and forth and multiple maps passed by the legislature, NAACP Legal Defense Fund Attorney Jared Evans says he’s pleased to finally tell his clients…

Cut 9 (12) “…joy today.” 

Opponents of Governor Jeff Landry’s Gator Scholarship Program are concerned about the cost, an estimated 500-million dollars by year three of the program. Landry says E-S-A’s empower parents, putting them in control of the type of education they want their child to receive. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says school choice was a campaign pledge from the governor and it’s important an E-S-A bill reaches his desk for signature…

Cut 13 (11) “….brag about achievements” 

Authorities say a 15-year-old girl from Terrebonne Parish was sexually abused, set on fire and shot twice and a car crash in Baytown, Texas likely saved her life. At the hospital, it was clear that the teen’s injuries were from abuse. When questioned 41 year old Terrence Washington of Thibodaux admitted to shooting and sexually abusing the teen and both Washington and the Mother who allegedly blamed the teen for the abuse and set her on fire have been arrested.

Cut 8 (08)  “…course of my career.” 

Tabor says the teens drive to survive and fight to get better are nothing short of heroic.
Washington and the child’s mother face child cruelty charges and attempted 1st degree murder.

Most of Southwest Louisiana west of the Mississippi River is under a tornado watch till 10PM. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says to batten down the hatches and get ready for a rough day of severe weather.

Cut 5 (12)  “…across Louisiana.”