Improving the state’s insurance market and providing school choice are the main themes of this 2024 regular session. Jeanne Burns has the story…

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Jeanne Burns” 

Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields is planning to challenge Congressman Garret Graves for the 6^th Congressional District seal in November. The Baton Rouge Republican reported $3.8 million in cash on hand at the end of 2023. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says Graves might be able to out-fund raise Fields, but the sixth district is now a majority-minority district..

Cut 5 (11) “…Cleo Fields.” 

Today’s the big day for the highly anticipated total solar eclipse that will be visible in North America. Even though cloudy weather is expected to decrease the view in Louisiana, LSU Planetary Astrophysicist Dr. Natalie Hinkel says it’s definitely worth stepping outside to see how the moon blocking the sun affects the Earth.

Cut 7 (13) “…you are.”

Ophthalmologists remind you to never look directly at the eclipse, even a partial view of one without proper eclipse glasses. Doing so can cause permanent eye damage.

The probability of viewing the eclipse isn’t ideal in Louisiana thanks to cloud cover. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says conditions are very unstable right now, with a front to our north and west…

Cut 10 (11) “…the state.”

Suspended LSU running back Trey Holly no longer faces an attempted second-degree murder charge. A Union Parish Grand jury didn’t find enough evidence to indict him on attempted murder for a shooting in Farmerville on February 15th. Holly still faces a charge of illegal use of a weapon or dangerous instrumentality. Kelly says the case could be resolved soon.

Cut 17 (16) “…welcome back” 

Cloudy conditions will make it difficult to see the solar eclipse today. Meteorologist Ryan Gallagher has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…development”

A month into the regular session and legislation seeking to improve the state’s insurance market and giving parents more options to educate their children are moving through the process with few hiccups. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Governor Jeff Landry and GOP lawmakers ran on these issues in the fall…

Cut 13 (11)  “…Education Savings Accounts”

Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields’ campaign finance report shows he’s raised more than 600 thousand dollars since he announced in January he would run the newly created 6^th congressional district seat, which now stretches from Baton Rouge to Shreveport. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says Fields is off to a good start with finances…

Cut 4 (11) “…of money.”

Millions are excited for Monday’s total solar eclipse but mother nature may have other plans. Gary Chatelain (Shat-ta-lane) with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says they’re expecting cloudy skies on Monday before strong storms arrive.

Cut 9 (13) “…the day.” 

The odds of winning this Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292 million, but Dustin Annison with the Louisiana Lottery says while you might not win the $1.23 billion Powerball jackpot, there are eight ways total to win and those odds are 1 in 25.

Cut 5 (10)  “…the jackpot.”

The drawing is Saturday night, and the Louisiana Lottery reminds you to play responsibly and that it only takes one ticket to win.

LSU Athletics Director Scott Woodward has responded to Governor Landry’s call for college athletic teams to be present for the national anthem saying LSU will always be dedicated to the flag, the anthem and the country. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne believes this anthem controversy has been blown out of proportion…

Cut 8 (11) “…about nothing.” 

Landry is also calling on the NCAA to mandate that student athletes are present for the national anthem.

The Louisiana Political Hall of Fame will induct its 2024 class with a ceremony in Baton Rouge tomorrow (Saturday) night. Louisiana Radio Network President Jim Engster is one of the inductees. Louisiana Political Museum director Shonna Moss…

Cut 13 (13) “..Rag Magazine.”

The Louisiana Political Hall of Fame is located in Winnfield and has 243 members with the latest inductees.

Governor Jeff Landry has called on the state’s higher education boards to develop a policy for college athletic teams to be on the field or court when the national anthem is played and if not, they could lose their scholarship. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says it would be difficult to fit the football team on the field when the Golden Band from Tigerland plays the “Star Spangled Banner…

Cut 7 (12) “…is threatened.”  

The Louisiana Political Hall of Fame will induct its 2024 class with a ceremony in Baton Rouge Saturday night highlighted by two term Governor John Bel Edwards. Louisiana Political Museum director Shonna Moss says Edwards is being honored for his dedication of political service.

Cut 12 (13) “…justice reform.” 

Forecasters say the highly anticipated Great American Eclipse that starts around 12:30 on Monday in Louisiana could be eclipsed by clouds. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx” 

The Powerball Jackpot has reached $1.23 billion, that’s a billion with a B. The cash value for Saturday night’s drawing is $595 million. Dustin Annison with the Louisiana Lottery says the current jackpot has been rolling over since January 3^rd.

Cut 3 (11) “…out of it.”  

If you’re excited about the solar eclipse and you’re in Northwest Louisiana, you’ll have a 95% view. Lake Charles and Alexandria area, 90%, the Baton Rouge and Lafayette get 85%, and southeast Louisiana will have an 80% view but Gary Chatelain (Shat-ta-lane) with the National Weather in Shreveport says it will be mostly cloudy during the peak hours early Monday afternoon, but there is still a chance to see the moon block the sun.

Cut 10 (12) “…pretty limited. “

At $1.23 billion Saturday’s Drawing will be for the 4th largest Powerball Jackpot, and 8th largest jackpot in US Lottery history. Dustin Annison with the Louisiana Lottery says the Bayou State is overdue for a Powerball Jackpot winner and this would be one heck of a prize. Since Louisiana joined the multi-state lottery game in 1995…

Cut 4 (08) “…next one.” 

LSU athletics director Scott Woodward and Governor Jeff Landry exchanged statements on Friday over the national anthem controversy. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Louisiana Political Hall of Fame will induct its 2024 class with a ceremony in Baton Rouge tomorrow (Saturday) night. Louisiana Radio Network President Jim Engster is one of the inductees. Louisiana Political Museum director Shonna Moss…

Cut 13 (13) “..Rag Magazine.”

An LSU student is facing a manslaughter charge in the death of 26-year-old Devin Repath who died from a head injury following a fight outside of Fred’s Bar and Grill on March 23rd. Baton Rouge Police Corporal Saundra Watts says Matthew Marsiglia pushed Devin Repath to the ground….

Cut 6  (10) “…injuries.” 

Colorado State University hurricane researchers are expecting an extremely active 2024 hurricane season. Their initial forecast calls for 23 named storms, eleven hurricanes and five major storms. Isaac Schluesche is the on the research team and he says record warm sea surface temperatures and the return of La Nina is why they anticipate such a busy hurricane season.

Cut 4 (09) “…and hurricanes.” 

Starting August 1st, licensed Louisiana sports books will no longer offer prop bets involving a college athlete. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says prop bets on teams as a whole will still be legal. Johns says this new policy will protect the integrity of sports betting as well as the safety of college athletes…

Cut 12 (13) “…bettor” 

New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman is introducing legislation to require public schools to provide menstrual products. Sophia, a student at Willow School in New Orleans, timidly told lawmakers that young girls like herself are often riddled with anxiety and unable to focus on class instruction over their periods.

Cut 9 (09) “…sanitary product.” 

Senate Education Committee approves a bill to mandate a five-day school week. Two major amendments were added to Beth Mizell’s measure. One of them would allow school systems currently operating on a four-day school schedule to continue if this proposal becomes law. The other would allow A or B school systems to move to a four-day week if they wish. Mizell understands the concerns that some school systems have with her legislation…

Cut 14 (10)  “…about that.”

New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman hopes the third time is the charm for her legislation to require public schools to provide menstrual products. Tess, a 9^th grader at Willow School in New Orleans told House Education committee members, it’s not a matter of students forgetting to bring them to school.

Cut 8 (09) “…these products.” 

Colorado State University is calling for an extremely active 2024 hurricane season. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

An LSU student faces a manslaughter charge in the death of 26-year-old Devin Repath who died following a fight outside of Fred’s Bar and Grill on March 23rd. An affidavit shows the altercation started when Repath punched a friend of the accused, Matthew Marsiglia. Baton Rouge Police Corporal Saundra Watts says detectives have surveillance video of the incident…

Cut 7 (06) “…as well.”  

An LSU student faces a manslaughter charge in the death of 26-year-old Devin Repath who died from a head injury following a fight outside of Fred’s Bar and Grill. Baton Rouge Police Corporal Saundra Watts says Matthew Marsiglia pushed Devin Repath to the ground….

Cut 6  (10) “…the ground” 

Starting August 1st, licensed Louisiana sports books will no longer offer prop bets involving a college athlete. A prop bet is when gamblers place a bet on how many touchdowns a quarterback will throw or how many points a basketball player will score. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns…

Cut 11 (11) “…as a whole”

A bill has been filed that seeks to eliminate the state’s income tax. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

The Bayou Barbie is going pro. LSU forward, Angel Reese announcing her decision to declare for the WNBA draft late Wednesday morning in a Vogue profile piece, saying she’s done everything she wanted to in college and that her ultimate goal is to be a pro—and to be one of the greatest basketball players to play, ever. Reese says she feels ready. Last month LSU Women’s basketball Coach Kim Mulkey said whatever she decided to do, Angel Reese has left her mark on LSU.

After the LSU Women’s basketball team missed the National Anthem because they were in the locker room for pre-game preparation and prayer, Governor Jeff Landry is suggesting a policy to take scholarships away from student-athletes who are not present for the national anthem. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Landry has been flexing his political muscle during his four months in office, but taking scholarships away from collegiate athletes might be too much…

Cut 26 (09)  “…calm down.”

A bill to allow ivermectin, an anti-parasitic drug that made headlines during the pandemic, to be sold over the counter in Louisiana advances from House Health and Welfare. Schriever Representative Beryl Amedee says it’s safe, effective, and virtually harmless for humans.

Cut 6  (09) “…prescription.” 

The bill passed committee 7-4 vote and advances to the House.

Opponents of Legislation that would make it a crime to be within 25 feet of a working law enforcement officer who told the person to retreat or stop raised concerns about constitutional rights and whether onlookers can still get good video of potential police misconduct. Thibodaux Representative Bryan Fontenot, who is a former sheriff’s deputy, says 25 feet is a sufficient distance.

Cut 4 (10) “…good visual.” 

While the LSU Women’s Basketball team was in the locker room for pre-game preparation and prayer before the game against Iowa but Governor Landry believes the team should have been on the floor for the national anthem. The Governor is suggesting a policy to take scholarships away from student-athletes who are not present for the national anthem. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the proposal is unconstitutional.

Cut 7 (11) “…state power.”

The House Transportation Committee approves a bill that would require speed enforcement cameras to get a picture of the driver of a speeding vehicle, along with the license plate. Marksville Representative Daryl Deshotel, not a fan of the speed enforcement cameras, says a real-life police officer are the ones that should be issuing tickets…

Cut 28 (08)  “…drug dealers.”

In Evangeline Parish, one man is committed to sleeping outside with his rescue dogs until enough money is raised to build a shelter. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (29)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Legislation that would make it a crime to be within 25 feet of a working law enforcement officer who told the person to retreat or stop passed the full House in an 81-20 vote. Thibodaux Representative Bryan Fontenot, who is a former sheriff’s deputy, says he’s trying to protect officers with this bill…

Cut 3 (11) “…an arrest.”