A bill that would prohibit the public from seeing how much student athletes receive from public universities has passed out of committee and is headed to the house floor. Many lawmakers believe shielding the financials of a revenue sharing deal between a student and the university is best for student safety. Alexandria Representative Ed Larvadain…

Cut 11 (07) “…stalked”

The Public Affairs Research Council spoke in opposition to the bill. PAR president Steven Procopio says athletic departments now receive tax revenue from online gambling, so the taxpayer should have the right to know how the school spends it…

Cut 12 (09) “…to know.”

A father was shot by his 13-year-old son in front of the Tangipahoa Alternative School in Hammond this morning. Hammond Police Chief Edwin Bergeron says the father was dropping his son off at school, when his son refused to leave the vehicle, so the father decided to take him back home and that’s when he was shot. The car traveled across the street and struck a home. The armed teen, then started walking toward the school. Fortunately, a school resource officer was able to disarm him and he was taken to a juvenile facility.

Cut 15 (12) “…may hold.”

The father is in stable condition at a local hospital.

State Police are investigating a weekend hit and run that claimed the life of a 24-year-old Cyclist in St. Tammany Parish. It happened after midnight Sunday morning on a poorly lit stretch of Highway 40 in the Folsom area. Troopers say Rodrigo Ornelas Jr was riding a bicycle east when a dark colored sedan or small SUV hit struck him and fled the scene. Ornelas succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.

The father of a student was shot by his 13-year-old son in front of the Tangipahoa Alternative School in Hammond this morning. Hammond Police Chief Edwin Bergeron says the father was dropping his son off at school, when his son refused to leave the vehicle. The father decided to take his son back home and that’s when he was shot…

Cut 13 (08) “…living room.”

After the vehicle hit the home, the armed 13-year-old started walking to the school. The school resource officer acted quickly to disarm the teen, and he was taken to a juvenile facility. The victim is in stable condition at a local hospital.

A Chicago man is facing fines and even jail time for shooting and killing a rare Whooping Crane in Evangeline Parish in March. The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says a tracking signal on the crane’s collar was lost in mid-March. The bird was later found on a private crawfish farm and Michael Alaniz (ah-lah-NEEZ) reached out and admitted to shooting the bird. Another Whooping Crane was shot and killed just two weeks prior on another nearby crawfish farm. LDWF says they are the state’s tallest birds and there are only 80 of them in Louisiana.

The House Governmental Affairs Committee votes in favor of legislation that would shield the dollar amounts student athletes receive from public universities. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The House Transportation Committee rejected a bill that would have required drivers to take a driver’s knowledge test when they renew their driver’s license. Baton Rouge Representative Dixon McMakin says the test could be a refresher on the rules of the road…

Cut 3 (09) “…who goes first.”

Several committee members had reservations. Monroe Representative Pat Moore suggested having drivers watch a video with rules and tips instead. McMakin may revise his bill and reintroduce it.

The House Governmental Affairs Committee has approved legislation that would prohibit the public from seeing how much student-athletes receive from a public university as part of a revenue sharing deal. New Orleans Representative Candace Newell, who has a nephew on the LSU football team, supports the legislation…

Cut 9 (08)  “…maturued.”

Attorney Scott Sternberg spoke in opposition to the legislation. He’s representing three media members in a lawsuit against LSU seeking information on the revenue share deals.

Cut 10 (09) “… might be interesting .”

Amazon plans to buy Covington-based Globalstar for over eleven and a half billion dollars to expand their satellite phone and data service. The company says they want to provide reliable service to those in remote areas underserved by current networks. Amazon says they will use Globalstar’s expertise, satellite network, and radio spectrum to provide that service to the millions that are outside available service.

In an effort to reduce traffic crashes, a Louisiana lawmaker is proposing that drivers take a short test when they renew their driver’s license. Jeanne Burns has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

Former LSU star Flau’jae Johnson was the eighth overall selection by the Golden State Valkyries in Monday night’s WNBA draft. Shortly after, Johnson was traded to the Seattle Storm where she immediately became a key player and is expected to see significant playing time.

Cut 8 (10) “…is going to elevate.”

A poll paid for and conducted by the Rainey Center Freedom Project shows that the 5^th District Congressional Republican Primary is a two-person race between state representative Michael Echols and state senator Blake Miguez. Rainey Freedom Project director Russ Walker says the survey of nearly 900 likely voters, has Miguez receiving 23-percent of the vote and Echols getting 20-percent…

Cut 3 (11) “…Echols has.”

Gas prices are actually a few pennies cheaper compared to last week. According to Triple-A, the statewide average for regular gasoline is $3.76 a gallon, which is three cents cheaper than a week ago. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says despite the slight break, drivers are paying way more than they did last year…

Cut 9 (04)  “…last year.”

Three people died and one person was injured in separate ATV and UTV crashes Saturday. In Bossier Parish 10-year-old Bella Cassell and 31-year-old Callie Durbin, both of Benton died with their UTV left the road, overturned and ejected them and another individual. In Acadia Parish 17-year-old Hayden Castille was killed when he was ejected from his ATV after being hit by another vehicle. No one in either crash was wearing seat belts or DOT-approved helmets. Especially after these tragedies, State police want to remind the public about safety measures. Trooper Eddie Thomas…

Cut 8 (13) “…on your four-wheelers.”

Both Crashes are still under investigation.

Pop Superstar and Kentwood Native, Britney Spears has reportedly entered rehab for substance use.  Last month Spears was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. A representative for the 44-year-old pop superstar says she voluntarily checked herself into the facility.

It has been close to eight years since Spears has toured and longer since she’s released new music.

Looks like the race for the Republican Congressional seat in the 5^th district is a two-man race according to a poll by the Rainey Center Freedom Project. 23-percent of likely voters polled are choosing State Senator Blake Miguez and 20-percent are favoring State Representative Michael Echols. Baton Rouge Senator Rick Edmonds is polling at 10 percent and Board of Regents Chairperson Misti Cordell, 3 percent.  Rainey Freedom Project director Russ Walker says Miguez has the endorsement of President Trump, but…

Cut 5 (06) “…as well.”

Three people were killed in UTV and ATV crashes over the weekend. In Bossier Parish 31-year-old Callie Durbin and 10-year-old Bella Cassell were killed, and another person injured when their UTV left the roadway, overturned, and ejected all three. In Acadia Parish 17-year-old Hayden Castille was killed when the ATV he was driving was hit from behind causing it to overturn and eject him. No one in either crash was restrained or wearing helmets. Trooper Monique Laverne says State Police want to remind the public that wearing safety gear can save lives.

Cut 15 (05) “…proper safety gear.”

Finally, some good news when it comes to gasoline prices. Jeff Palermo reports the price at the pump has dropped a few pennies since last week.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

After the New Orleans Pelicans closed out the 2025-26 season with a a 24-46 record, the third-worst mark in franchise history over an 82-game season, The Pelicans begin the formal process of finding a new head coach. Interim head coach James Borrego, who took over in November, believes one of the reasons he believes he’s a strong fit for the job is his ability to connect with players.

Cut 13 (10) “…moving forward.”

An adult and a child were killed, and a juvenile was injured in a UTV crash Saturday in Benton when State police say the UTV traveling on Merritt Road left the roadway and overturned, ejecting all three occupants. 31-year-old Callie Durbin was pronounced dead at the scene. 10-year-old Bella Cassell was transported to a hospital where she died. State Trooper Eddie Thomas says State Police are still investigating crash.

Cut 7 (12) “…under investigation.”

In Acadia Parish a seventeen-year-old lost his life when the ATV he was driving on Hwy 95 near Wikoff Cove Drive was struck from behind by an Audi Q7 Saturday around 8:00 pm.

Cut 14 (10) “…in the crash”

Impairment is not suspected but the accident is under investigation.

A poll on the 5^th District Republican Primary Congressional shows it’s a two-person race. Andre Champagne has the story…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Gas prices are down 3 cents per gallon compared to last week according to Triple-A. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says it’s good to see prices have leveled off for the first time since the war with Iran began on February 28^th. There is currently a two-week ceasefire, but a deal to end the war is not yet in place.  Redman says even if a long-term peace deal is reached soon, expect to pay high gas prices for the next several months…

Cut 11 (07) “…of the summer”

A UTV crash in Benton claimed the lives of two. 10-year-old Bella Cassell and 31-year-old Callie Durbin, of Benton, were killed and another person juvenile was injured on Saturday. State Trooper Eddie Thomas said the three were traveling east on Merritt Road in a UTV driven by Cassell when the incident occurred.

Cut 6 (12) “..from the ranger..”

The Department of Children and Family Services has changed its customer service number saying the change will make it easier to get help for such issues as child support, child welfare, and other DCFS issues. Residents can call 877-7LADCFS Weekdays between 7:30 am and 6:00 pm.  The number for the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline has not changed and reports can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days per week to 855-4LA-KIDS.

According to a poll paid for and conducted by the Rainey Center Freedom Project, the 5^th District Congressional Republican Primary looks to be a two-person race between state representative Michael Echols and state senator Blake Miguez. Rainey Freedom Project director Russ Walker says

Echols had the highest favorability rating with 10-percent unfavorable. Miguez had a twenty-two-percent unfavorable rating, and he says living outside of the district hurts his campaign.

Cut 4 (12) “…single fact.”

Gas prices are a few cents cheaper than last week. According to Triple-A, the statewide average for regular gasoline is $3.76 a gallon, which is three cents cheaper than a week ago. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says the statewide average a year ago was $2.79. But he says it’s good to see that prices at the pump have leveled off for the first time since the war with Iran began on February 28th…

Cut 10 (06) “… that lasts .”

The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana has released their 2026 Constitutional Amendment Guide. Amendment 3, that would make a two-thousand-dollar pay raise for teachers permanent with funds from the retirement of three trust funds is getting attention. PAR President Steven Procopio says based on data by the Department of Revenue and the Teachers Retirement System, schools will largely come out on top.

Cut 6 (11) “…is to spend.”

A bill that would add an opportunity for incarcerated people to shorten their prison sentences is heading to the full Senate after unanimously passing out of committee. Mandie Landry’s bill would shorten a sentence by 90 days when an inmate completes an associate’s degree.

Landry especially took note when Committee Chairman Jay Morris listed some of the spectrum of organizations that support the bill.

Cut 9 (02)  “…there you go.”

A bill that would replace 18-dollar inspection stickers on most passenger vehicles with 6-dollar QR codes easily passed the Louisiana House. The Q-R code would contain the VIN, the color, the make and model and that gives New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman pause.

Cut 12 (11) “…bad actors here.”

Agents who negotiate NIL deals for college and high school athletes would have to be registered with the state under legislation approved by the Senate Commerce Committee. The measure also creates civil remedies for athletes harmed by unethical individuals who negotiate an NIL deal.  Legendary high school football coach J.T. Curtis of John Curtis High School says he’s seen athletes who were taken advantage of by people they thought were looking out for their best interests.

Cut 15 (11) “…with understanding contract.”

The measure heads to the Senate floor for more discussion.

The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana’s 2026 Constitutional Amendments guide is out and Amendment 3 is getting a lot of attention. It would make a two-thousand-dollar teacher pay raise permanent using funds made available by retiring three trust funds. PAR President Steven Procopio…

Cut 5 (10) “…teacher pay raise.”

A bill that would give incarcerated people another mechanism to shorten their prison sentences was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Mandie Landry says her bill isn’t groundbreaking, it simply adds on to an existing law giving inmates an opportunity to shorten their sentences by 90 days when they earn an associate’s degree.

Cut 8 (05) “…degree to it.”

The Senate Commerce Committee passes legislation that would require representative or agent to be registered with the state before negotiating an NIL deal on behalf of a college or high school athlete. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A bill that would replace 18-dollar inspection stickers on most passenger vehicles with 6 dollar QR codes easily passed the Louisiana House. DeSoto Parish Representative Larry Bagley has been pushing for the elimination of inspection stickers for years.

Cut 11 (08) “…ticket for that.”

A subject was shot and killed in LaSalle Parish following a multi-parish pursuit that involved State police and multiple other agencies. It happened on Wednesday afternoon on Highway 28 near Dewy Willis WMA Road. No law enforcement personnel were injured. The name of the deceased has not been released. Anyone with information, pictures, or video is asked to contact Louisiana State Police as the investigation is ongoing.

The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana is out with its guide to the 2026 Constitutional Amendments. The one getting the most attention is Amendment 3 that would make a two-thousand-dollar pay raise for teachers permanent by using money from retiring three trusts funds. PAR President Steven Procopio says

Cut 4 (11) “…the pay raises.”

The effort to eliminate the need for an inspection for most passenger vehicles receives overwhelming support in the Louisiana House. Andrew Greenstein has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A proposed bill would require people who negotiate NIL deals for college and high school athletes to register with the state. It would also require background checks and full disclosure of fees and compensation. Legendary high school football coach J.T. Curtis of John Curtis High School agrees those acting as agents should be registered.

Cut 14 (09) “…has some qualification.”