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.”  

Governor Landry is displeased the LSU Lady Tigers were not on the court for the national anthem prior to the game against Iowa. Landry says he respects coach Kim Mulkey, but there should be a deep respect for those who serve to protect and unite us under one flag. Mulkey says she didn’t know when the anthem was played….

Cut 13 (13) “..intentionally done.”

In a post on social media, Landry says he wants the Board of Regents to put a policy in place that requires student athletes be present for the national anthem or risk their athletic scholarship. 

A new 20-foot by 30-foot pavilion at Jimmie Davis State Park in Jackson Parish has opened. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the North Central Baptist Association paid for and constructed the new facility.

Cut 3 (08) “…church services.”  

The idea of holding a constitutional convention before the current session ends isn’t gaining much traction among some lawmakers. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The House Appropriations Committee has approved a proposal that would provide thousands of dollars to a family to pay for private school tuition or other education expenses.  Once the program gets fully implemented it will cost the state an estimated 500-million dollars annually. Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley is hearing concerns about taking money away from public schools…

Cut 9 (10) “…this bill” 

There is pushback to ending the regular session early so a constitutional convention can be held. A bill has been filed to begin the constitutional convention on May 20th, but the regular session is not scheduled to end until June 3rd. Senate President Cameron Henry says there are a lot of unknowns.

Cut 6  (10) “…the horse.” 

A bill that would provide thousands of dollars to a family to pay for private school tuition or other education expenses has passed the House Appropriations Committee. 14 other states have similar education savings accounts and bill author Julie Emerson says they’ve learned from other states’ mistakes and there are provisions in the proposed legislation that makes sure the dollars made available through the Gator Scholarship Program goes to education…

Cut 12 (08) “…implemented this” 

After last night’s season ending loss, LSU’s Angel Reese opens up about the hate she’s received since winning the national championship. Beau Gaspard has more…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Beau Gaspard” 

The North Central Baptist Association paid for and constructed a new 20-foot by 30-foot pavilion at Jimmie Davis State Park in Jackson Parish. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says its local partnerships that benefit state parks and the local community. He hopes community events attract Louisianans of all ages to state parks especially the youth.

Cut 5 (09)  “…great outdoors.”

Louisiana State police are investigating the death of a 20-year-old man shot by a Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s deputy in Ponchatoula Monday afternoon after police say, Warren Burton pointed a gun at the deputies who were at a residence to serve an order of protective custody. State Police says deputies tried to negotiate with Burton to put the firearm away when Burton pointed it at the deputies. Burton died on the scene. The investigation is ongoing.

A new 20-foot by 30-foot pavilion at Jimmie Davis State Park in Jackson Parish has opened. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the North Central Baptist Association paid for and constructed the new facility. The NCBA has used the smaller pavilion for other activities including summer day camps. Nungesser hopes this project sparks interest among other church organizations to partner with state parks.

Cut 4 (12) “…around Louisiana.” 

The idea of holding a constitutional convention before the current session ends isn’t gaining much traction among some lawmakers. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The House Appropriations Committee has approved a proposal that would provide thousands of dollars to a family to pay for private school tuition or other education expenses. Fourteen other states have implemented education savings account programs like the one this bill proposes to create. Louisiana Federation of Teachers president Larry Carter says the E-S-A program in Arizona has turned out to be more costly than projected and there’s fraud too…

Cut 11 (10) “…beauty supplies”

State Police are investigating a foot pursuit that ended when a Lafayette Police officer shot a suspect who was armed with a rifle Late Sunday evening. Investigators say a foot pursuit began after police responded to a disturbance on Lilly Street. Authorities say the officer shot at the armed suspect as he neared a crowd in a public park. The suspect was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. No officers were injured.

The Louisiana House approves a bill to fine large businesses up to $50,000 for mandating COVID vaccines. Small businesses could be fined up to $10 thousand. Monroe Representative Michael Echols says his bill would empower the state Attorney General’s Office to investigate complaints against employers.

Cut 7 (11) “…mandate that.”  

The bill now goes to the Senate for discussion.

The Louisiana-based food delivery service ASAP has ceased operations. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Last week a $1.13 billion MegaMillions jackpot was won with a ticket purchased in New Jersey. And another huge jackpot is up for grabs as the Powerball tally reaches one billion dollars. Dustin Annison with the Louisiana Lottery says it has a cash value of $484 million. Annison says if you want a chance at becoming a billionaire, be sure to purchase your tickets by 9pm…

Cut 11 (04) “…to win.”

A former Louisiana State Trooper was arrested Monday morning for malfeasance in office and filing false public records. 56- year-old Brett Dupre retired last August while on leave for an investigation into two crashes that occurred in April of 2023 in St. Tammany Parish. LSP says Dupre intentionally failed to properly investigate the crashes involving impaired drivers and did not take the drivers into custody. Troop L Supervisors re-examined the incidents and the alleged impaired drivers were charged. Dupre faces 2 counts of malfeasance in office and one count of filing false public records.

The Louisiana House approves a bill that could result in fines of up to $50,000 on hospitals, public agencies, and other employers for mandating the COVID-19 vaccine. Bill sponsor, Monroe Representative Michael Echols…

Cut 6  (12) “…the bill.” 

ASAP, the Louisiana-based food delivery company formally known as Waitr, is closing, making their announcement over the weekend. UNO business professor Mark Rosa says a combination of COVID, rising inflation, and interest rates is creating more failing businesses.

Cut 3 (11) “…out of business.”  

Waitr originated in Lake Charles, then moved operations to Lafayette in 2016. In 2022 Waitr changed its name to ASAP after a copyright infringement lawsuit.

LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey has blasted Los Angeles Times writer Ben Bolch for describing the Lady Tigers as villains and dirty debutantes. Coach Kim Mulkey called the column sexist.

Cut 12 (12) “…say that” 

Hospitals, public agencies, and other employers that mandate the COVID-19 vaccine for their employees could face fines of up to $50,000 if a bill that passed the Louisiana House becomes law. Sponsor, Monroe Representative Michael Echols says the bill’s provisions reflect ongoing debates among his constituents. He says opponents advocate for public health measures. But he believes it’s about individual freedom.

Cut 8 (09) “…do it.” 

The bill heads to the Senate for discussion.

ASAP, the Louisiana-based food delivery company formally known as Waitr, announced its closure over the weekend. UNO business professor Mark Rosa says in the business world there are winners and losers. He says you always cheer for the home team, but the odds are usually against a small company, especially in the early stages.

Cut 5 (12)  “…longer possible.”

LSU women’s basketball player Hailey Van Lith calls an L-A Times column racist after it describes her team as villains and dirty debutantes. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

Just last week a $1.13 billion MegaMillions jackpot was won and now the Powerball is up to a billion dollars. If you choose to play, Dustin Annison with the Louisiana Lottery reminds you to sign the back of your ticket and always check your ticket after the drawing because…

Cut 10 (09) “…outlet. “