The senate gave final approval to a bill that would classify two abortion-inducing drugs as controlled and dangerous substances. New Orleans Democratic Senator Royce Duplessis voted against the measure because mifepristone and misoprostol are also used for other reproductive health care needs. Bill author, Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly argued the drugs will still be available for persons with a valid prescription. Duplessis had some direct questions for Pressly.

Cut 13 (13) “..able to be  (2x)” 

Louisiana residents flying out of Louis Armstrong International Airport can now show their mobile drivers’ licenses or ID cards in L-A Wallet to pass through TSA. Governor Jeff Landry says this is just the beginning.

Cut 6  (12) “…follow suit. ” 

NOAA is forecasting an above-average Atlantic Hurricane season with 17 to 25 named storms. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Folks in Acadiana have something to brag about, as U.S. News & World Report names Lafayette as Louisiana’s best place to live. Mayor Monique Boulet says the secret is out about what a great place the Hub City is to live.

Cut 3 (11) “…invited to.” 

An 18-year-old male student at West Jefferson High School in Harvey was shot during dismissal from school today on the last day of the school year. The shooting took place across the street, but the school was immediately placed on Lockdown and the students all gathered in the gym for safe dismissal. According to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the shooting victim was transported to a hospital and is in stable condition. The investigation is ongoing. No arrests have yet been made.

A bill that would classify two abortion-inducing drugs as controlled and dangerous substances is headed to the governor’s desk after receiving final legislative passage today in the Louisiana Senate. New Orleans Democratic Senator Royce Duplessis voted against the measure because mifepristone and misoprostol are also used for other reproductive health care needs.

Cut 12 (08) “…this is why.” 

But the bill’s author, Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly argued the drugs will still be available with a valid prescription.

Travelers can avoid a bit of stress at the airport, as TSA at Louis Armstrong International now accepts LA Wallet. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Mel Bridges .”

Hurricane season begins a week from Saturday on June 1^st. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says last year proved to be an above-average hurricane season with 20 named storms, but Louisiana was extremely fortunate.  As to how we’ll fare this season…

Cut 11 (09) ” …of Mexico.”

A tragic auto accident on the I-210 Lake Charles Loop claimed the lives of three people yesterday. Lake Charles Police say a Chevrolet Malibu traveling west struck the rear of a Volkswagen Taos then continued through the median and struck another Volkswagen Taos traveling east. The driver of the Malibu, James Labove died at the scene. The driver of the eastbound Volkswagen, Derrick Dupre, and his passenger, Lisa Burnworth were transported to an area hospital where both succumbed to their injuries.

2024 Atlantic Hurricane season is looking grim according to NOAA’s prediction. LSU Climatologist, Barry Keim says a combination of record-warm sea surface temperatures and a La Nina atmosphere, which produces less wind shear, is why NOAA is upping the ante this season…

Cut 10 (12) “…weaken them.” 

U.S. News & World Report has named Lafayette Louisiana’s best place to live. Lafayette Mayor, Monique Boulet says it’s the culture, food, and entertainment in a family-friendly environment and she credits the investment of broadband more than two decades ago for the economic diversity that’s attracted new industries to the city.

Cut 5 (12)  “…different sectors.”

Shreveport came in second, followed by Baton Rouge and New Orleans as the best places to live in Louisiana.

LSU Baseball will play South Carolina at around 4:30 PM today. Yesterday, the Tigers took down one of the best teams in college baseball to advance into the winner’s bracket of the SEC Tournament. The Tigers blanked Kentucky eleven to nothing. Michael Braswell started the scoring with a solo home run on the second pitch of the game. Coach Jay Johnson says Braswell is playing to his potential…

Cut 16 (08) “…under his belt.” 

The Louisiana Public Service Commission gave Entergy Louisiana the go-ahead to add up to three gigawatts of economic solar power to its generational portfolio, which is the largest renewable power expansion in state history. Entergy Louisiana Director of Resource Planning and Market Operations Laura Beauchamp says the expansion is for business and should attract them to the Bayou State. Residential households are not eligible for this power and won’t see any upcharges.

Cut 12 (12) “…decarbonize.” 

NOAA’s prediction for the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane season in a word is grim. They are forecasting an above-average season.  LSU Climatologist Barry Keim…

Cut 9 (10) “…seven majors.” 

Folks in Acadiana have something to brag about, as U.S. News & World Report names Lafayette as Louisiana’s best place to live. Mayor Monique Boulet says Lafayette offers the culture, food, and entertainment that Louisiana is known for, along with a family-friendly environment. She says their population has steadily increased because they have a good education and healthcare system and diversified their economy.

Cut 4 (11) “…interesting careers.” 

Boulet says there’s a lot of new energy in the city with an increase of young people choosing to settle in Lafayette and plenty of homegrown Grammy award-winning entertainment.

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.”