Despite backing from donors, and Republicans in the Louisiana House, Governor Jeff Landry’s bill calling for a constitutional convention in August is unlikely to pass this session. LAPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says it’s pretty much out of the question.

Cut 7 (06) “…week or so.”
The LSU Baseball Tigers will play their first regional game this Friday in Chappel Hill, North Carolina as they take on Wofford. Coach Jay Johnson’s team is one of the hottest in all of college baseball as they’ve won 18 of their last 24, Shortstop Michael Braswell says they believe they can win every game…

Cut 14 (12)  “…any time.”

First pitch is set for Friday morning at 11.

A bill that will ban all THC products from being sold or manufactured in Louisiana is pending final House passage today. Veterans Action Council member Tony Landry is against the measure and he has a message for lawmakers making the final decision.

Cut 6 (11) “…any safer.”

Reversing an earlier decision, Louisiana will be partnering with a federal program to provide Summer grocery-buying benefits through SUN Bucks also known as Summer EBT to eligible low-income school age children. Secretary of Children and Family Services, David Matlock says if a school-aged child received SNAP Benefits during the school year, there should be no need to apply but you will need your SNAP card.

Cut 11 (10) “..need it.”

The chance of a constitutional convention is pretty slim but it’s still a possibility. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 
A bill that will ban all THC products from being sold or manufactured in Louisiana if signed into law by Governor Jeff Landy is pending final House passage today. Veterans Action Council member Tony Landry says the bill is dangerous.

Cut 4 (08) “…beneficial cannabinoids..”

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Reversing an earlier decision, Louisiana will be partnering with a federal program to provide Summer grocery-buying benefits through SUN Bucks also known as Summer EBT to eligible low-income school age children. Secretary of Children and Family Services, David Matlock says the funds will be made available automatically…

Cut 10 (11) “…late June.”
The LSU Baseball team is headed to North Carolina for the Regionals. The Tigers will play Wofford Friday morning at 11. Coach Jay Johnson’s team is one of the hottest in all of college baseball as they’ve won 18 of their last 24, so he likes his team’s chances of winning on the road….

Cut 13 (10)  “…tough to play.”

More than 40 Louisiana National Guardsmen leave this weekend for Asia where they’ll help with construction projects there. Sean Richardson has details on Operation Spartan Shield.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Sean Richardson .”
Governor Jeff Landry signed first-of-its-kind legislation that classifies two abortion-inducing drugs as controlled and dangerous substances into law yesterday, just a day after it gained final legislative passage. It’s a move opposed by many physicians who say the drugs have other critical reproductive health care uses, and worry the change could make them harder to prescribe.
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A Bossier Parish couple arrested in March in connection with the shooting death of a Bossier City man was indicted Friday by a Bossier Parish grand jury. 30 year old Roman Fudge and 23 year old Shandrea Francis both now face second-degree murder charges. They’re accused in the February shooting death of Frankie Gatlin, who was found shot to death inside his own home.

Meanwhile, 38 year old Pollock man is facing up to three thousand dollars in fines and up to a year in jail after officials say he tried to cheat his way to a winning purse at the Big Bass Splash Tournament in Toledo Bend. Wildlife and Fishery Agent Dustin Nash says this is the first time he’s seen anything like this in four years.

Cut 12 (05) “…in the tournament.” 

The drama between the Saints and the Louisiana Sports and Exposition Distirct appears to be over after the Saints made an $11.4 million payment on Friday for the team’s ongoing renovations to the Caesar’s Superdome. For two days, the Benson organization and the Superdome Commission went back and forth over the payments, later saying the real dispute was over terms of a new long-term lease that would keep the team in the Dome until at least 2035.

Instead of winning a big purse, a 38 year old Pollock man is facing up to three thousand dollars in fines and up to a year in jail. This after officials say Aaron Moreau put more than two and a half pounds of lead weights into a fish at Toledo Bend’s Big Bass Splash Tournament. Wildlife and Fishery Agent Dustin Nash…

Cut  14 (06) “…locally.” 

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College sports will be on the agenda for many in Louisiana as Louisiana Tech get another shot at Liberty today after losing to the Flames six to two yesterday and then beating Sam Houston five to three last night. First pitch today in Ruston is at 12:30.

The LSU Tigers will play a rematch with the South Carolina Gamecocks today as the purple and gold look to win their 13^th SEC Tournament title and secure a two-seed in an NC-double-A regional. First pitch in that one is set for noon.

And the LSU softball Tigers are just a win away from returning to the Women’s College World Series after trouncing Stanford 11 to 1 last night. They’ll play for all the marbles tonight at 8.

If beef is what’s for dinner or lunch this holiday weekend, you’ll find prices will cooperate with your budget. Chairman of the Louisiana Beef Industry Council John Thompson says that’s thanks to lower grain prices, bigger cattle and…

Cut 10 (04) “…American rancher.” 

Thirty-eight-year-old Aaron Moreau of Pollock was arrested after he allegedly placed 2.59 pounds of led weights into a fish a the Big Bass Splash tournament at Toledo Bend. Jeff Palermo with the story.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 
First-of-its-kind legislation that classifies two abortion-inducing drugs as controlled and dangerous substances was signed into law Friday by Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry. Many physicians opposed the bill saying the drugs have other critical reproductive health care uses, and the change could make it harder to prescribe them.

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The Louisiana National Guard’s 1021st Vertical Engineer Company will deploy to Asia with more than 40 guardsmen who will assist with construction operations. Captain Emily Anthony says the platoon will have  pre-deployment training at Fort Bliss, Texas and…

Cut 5 (09)  “…represent Louisiana well.”
If Beef is what’s on the menu for you this Memorial Day weekend, you’re in luck. The solid beef market means lower prices thanks to lower grain prices and Chairman of Louisiana Beef Industry Council John Thompson says cattle are larger than they have been in the past. His recommendation for what you should throw on the grill this weekend…

Cut 11 (14) ” …tender piece of meat.”

Big day in college sports for Louisiana fans today…as LSU and South Carolina will play an SEC Tournament re-match today after the Gamecocks eliminated Kentucky six to five. LSU beat South Carolina Thursday 11 to 1. First pitch today is set for noon.

Louisiana Tech will get another shot at Liberty today after losing to the Flames six to two in a winner’s bracket game during the day on Friday. First pitch today in Ruston is at 12:30.

LSU softball is one win away from returning to the Women’s College World Series after stomping Stanford 11 to 1 last night.  Tonight’s game is at 8 PM.

The Louisiana National Guard’s 1021st Vertical Engineer Company will deploy to Asia with more than 40 guardsmen who will assist with construction operations. Captain Emily Anthony says for most of the unit this is their first overseas deployment and their occupations range from crane operator, correctional officer to electricians.

Cut 3 (10) “…construction projects.” 

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The New Orleans Saints made an $11.4 million payment on Friday for the team’s ongoing renovations to the Caesar’s Superdome, a team spokesperson confirmed with WWL Louisiana. For two days, the Benson organization and the Superdome Commission went back and forth over the payments. Later, they said the “real dispute was over terms of a new long-term lease that would keep the team in the Dome until at least 2035.

This Memorial Day weekend many people will gather around the grill with family and friends. Luckly, it doesn’t look like the meat is going to break the bank this year. Chairman of Louisiana Beef Industry Council John Thompson says going into Memorial Day weekend beef prices are looking good for grillers.

Cut 9 (06) “…holding pretty steady.” 

The Louisiana Department of Health is set to greatly increase the availability of mental health providers by expanding Medicaid reimbursement eligibility to provisionally licensed mental health professionals. Deputy Assistant Secretary for the state Office of Behavioral Health Robyn McDermott says under the new plan, provisionally licensed professionals can help the 74% of people in Louisiana who have not yet had their mental health needs met.

Cut 8 (08) “…services.” 
Nationally, one in three people live in an area that doesn’t have any mental health providers. McDermott thinks this plan could help change that in Louisiana.

Cut 9 (12)  “…otherwise have.”

Publication of the final rule is expected by July 20th. If approved, the plan is expected to begin August 1st.

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Citizens Insurance policyholders may see some relief from high premiums as lawmakers are working on a bill that would suspend the 10% surcharge for coastal residents and reduce the surcharge for the rest of the state. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot says based on conversations with Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple, a temporary surcharge reduction is doable.

Cut 5 (13) “…pull the trigger.” 
Entergy Louisiana is set to make the largest renewable power expansion in state history…that’s after the Louisiana Public Service Commission gave the thumbs up to add up to three gigawatts of economic solar power to its generational portfolio. Entergy Louisiana Director of Resource Planning and Market Operations Laura Beauchamp says the increased economic solar power says a lot to companies looking to relocate

Cut 11 (12) “…(x3) renewable power.”

Memorial Day weekend officially kicks off summertime and Louisiana’s state parks are the place to be as pools and water playgrounds open across the state on Saturday. Parks Director Brandon Burris…

Cut 15 (06)  “…to offer.”

The LSU Tigers are on a roll of late, yesterday taking down one of the best teams in the country. Jared Jones and Tommy White each hit grand slams as the Tigers trounced Kentucky eleven to nothing. Luke Holman was the winning pitcher as he threw six hitless innings. Coach Jay Johnson…

Cut 17 (18) “…I’ve had.”
Next up for the tigers, South Carolina this afternoon around 4:30.

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The Louisiana Public Service Commission approves the largest renewable power expansion in state’s history. Mel Bridges has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 
Louisiana families facing high flood insurance premiums will be the focus in our nation’s capitol today at Senator Bill Cassidy plans to shine a light on a big problem, not just here but across the country and lawmakers are working on legislation to fix that with the  National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization Act  The goal is to make insurance premiums affordable for all.

The Louisiana Department of Health is set to greatly increase the availability of mental health providers by expanding Medicaid reimbursement eligibility to provisionally licensed mental health professionals. Deputy Assistant Secretary for the state Office of Behavioral Health Robyn McDermott says one of the only major differences between provisionally and fully licensed mental health professionals is supervision.

Cut 7 (09) “…clinical directors.”
Memorial Day weekend officially kicks off summer activities and if you’re looking for a way to beat the heat, look no further than a Louisiana State Park. Parks Director Brandon Burris says they’ll officially open their pools and water playgrounds on Saturday.

Cut 13 (11)  “…weekend day.”
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Citizens Insurance policyholders may get some financial relief when it comes to premiums. Sean Richardson has details on legislation that would temporarily eliminatethe ten-percent surcharge for coastal residents..

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”
The LSU Tigers took down one of the best teams in college baseball yesterday to advance into the winner’s bracket of the SEC Tournament. Jared Jones and Tommy White each hit grand slams as the Tigers blanked Kentucky eleven to nothing. LSU will play South Carolina at around 4:30 this evening in a winner’s bracket game.

Citizens Insurance policyholders may see some relief from high premiums as lawmakers are working on a bill that would suspend the 10% surcharge for coastal residents and reduce the surcharge from 10 to 5% for the rest of the state. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot is working on the legislation.

Cut 4 (06) “…we can do it.”
The Louisiana Public Service Commission has given 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 this is a big deal for some outside Louisiana as well.

Cut 10 (08) “…in the state.”

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If you want to avoid the holiday traffic but you’re itching to take a dip in the water, relief is as close as a Louisiana State Park pool. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 
The former Louisiana Tech student accused of stabbing four women, killing one of them outside the campus Sports and Wellness Center back in November has been ordered to mental health facility for evaluation. The court decision follows recent psychological assessments indicating that Jocoby Johnson may not be competent to stand trial. Another sanity review is set for July 16^th.