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.”

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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” 

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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.”  

Located near the park’s campground, the pavilion accommodates around 50 people.

Nungesser says the NCBA has used the smaller pavilion for other activities including summer day camps. He hopes this project sparks interest among other church organizations to partner with state parks.

Cut 4 (12) “…around Louisiana.” 

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.”

To learn more about Louisiana State Parks, visit LaStateParks.com.

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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.” 

Henry says Governor Jeff Landry wants a streamlined state constitution that can be approved by voters in November. Henry says ending the current session early will be difficult because there are significant budget problems.

Cut 7 (07) “…we take.”  

Lawmakers have been in Baton Rouge since January, with two back-to-back special sessions and the regular one that began on March 11^th and is scheduled to end on June 3^rd. Henry says the idea of extending that to mid-July is a bit daunting.

Cut 8 (12) “…their districts.” 

House Bill 800 to hold a constitutional convention is pending House referral in the legislature.

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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” 

The measure passed on a 13 to 8 vote, Bagley was one of two Republicans to vote against it.

There’s also a concern the Louisiana Gator Scholarship Program will result in students leaving high performing schools so they can attend a private school, further lowering the amount of money public schools receive. The bill author’s Julie Emerson pushes back against that idea…

Cut 10 (10) “…paying to educate “

Fourteen other states have implemented education savings account programs like the one her 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”

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” 

The Educational saving account would award families from higher incomes with 51-hundred dollars a year, 75-hundred dollars for lower income families and 15-thousand dollars for students with special needs.

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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. The governor says it’s a matter of respect that all collegiate coaches should instill.

During home LSU women’s basketball games, both teams are in the locker room during the national anthem.

The Louisiana Gator Scholarship Program bill, also known as Education Savings Accounts, goes before House Appropriations today. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell filed proposed legislation that aims at regulating five-day school weeks statewide. After receiving pushback, Mizell intends to explore amendments to the bill. Teiko Foxx explains….

Cut 2 (30)  “I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes got the best of the LSU Lady Tigers last night in a rematch of last year’s national championship game. Jeff Palermo has a recap…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has launched the “Buckle Up, Phone Down,” campaign. Spokesperson Greg Fisher says when you reach for your phone you take your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel and your mind off driving.

Cut 4 (10) “…your phone.”

Louisiana’s current law prohibits writing, sending, or reading text messages on a hand-held device while driving and in an active school zone you’re also not allowed to talk on a hand-held phone.

And distractions are not limited to just cell phones. Fischer says activities such as eating, drinking, using a GPS, and even talking with passengers can divert a driver’s attention.

Cut 5 (11) “…to drive.” 

Fisher says their latest research finds that almost a third of drivers in Louisiana engage in some sort of distracted driving, so he’s urging motorists to make a pledge…

Cut 6 (07) “…phone down.”

According to the Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety at LSU, in 2022, distracted drivers in the state were involved in more than two-thousand crashes that hurt or killed someone.

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The Louisiana Gator Scholarship Program bill, also known as Education Savings Accounts, goes before House Appropriations today. How much it will cost the state to fund and implement the program is a concern. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio estimates it will eventually cost $520-million annually.

 Cut 7 (08) “…up too.”

While the program has plenty of Republican support, Procopio says lawmakers need to consider a temporary sales tax that will expire in 2025, which is estimated to create a $400 to $500 million fiscal cliff as they consider funding the ESA program.

Cut 8 (09) “…bill is.” 

He says even if the bill passes in the legislature in its current form there’s a year of planning before it’s implemented.

Cut 9 (06)  “…aren’t acceptable.”

Thirteen other states have some form ESAs, which include the neighboring states of Arkansas and Mississippi.

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A south Louisiana lawmaker believes students should attend school five days a week. Nine school systems in Louisiana have some or all their schools with four-day weeks. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell has filed a bill that would mandate a five-day school week because she’s concerned about children at home without adult supervision one day a week

Cut 10 (09) “…the homes.”

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Iowa got the best of LSU this time. After losing to the Lady Tigers last year in the national championship game, the Hawkeyes defeated LSU 94 to 87 last night. Caitlin Clark was sensational, scoring 41 points. LSU’s Angel Reese had 20 points and 17 rebounds. Reese says it was a great run, despite not getting back to the Final Four

Cut 13 (12)  “…9ur heads up.”

Flau’jae Johnson was outstanding during the NCAA Tournament and had another great game last night, scoring 23 points and six rebounds. During the postgame press conference, Johnson spoke out against the people who have shown hate towards Reese…

Cut 14 (11)  “…heavy bro”

Reese says her life has not been easy since winning the national championship…

Cut 15 (13)  “…every single time.”

This was likely Reese’s final game at LSU. She says she’ll make a decision on her future when she’s ready. Reese is expected to be a top ten pick in the WNBA draft.

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The Ragin Cajuns win streak is now up to 11 after sweeping Texas State. At his weekly Monday press conference, Coach Matt Deggs talked about what’s led to the team’s best start in Sun Belt play since 2014

Cut 16 (13)  “…that stretch.” 

The Cajuns open a nine-game homestand tonight against Nicholls. Deggs can feel the community getting behind this team…

Cut 17 (21) “…gets fun.” 

Deggs says the winning streak is a reward for the team’s hard work…

Cut 18 (14)  “…in our favor.”  

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

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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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.” 

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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 and the combination of COVID, rising inflation, and interest rates is creating more losers.

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.

Rosa says the rising cost of food, coupled with delivery fees made it cost-prohibited for many consumers.

Cut 4 (06) “…as well.” 

Rosa says with ASAP being a Louisiana-based company, 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.”

A statement on ASAP’s website said after 15 -years of dedicated service they made the tough decision to cease operations and thanked customers for their unwavering support and loyalty throughout the company’s journey.

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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.” 

Small businesses, defined by the SBA of 500 employees or less, who violate the ban would be fined $10 thousand dollars. Large businesses would face a $50 thousand fine.

If passed, Echols said the bill would empower the state Attorney General’s Office to investigate complaints about employers.

Cut 7 (11) “…mandate that.”  

The bill also includes restrictions on mask mandates, prohibiting employers from enforcing them as a preventive measure against COVID-19.

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.

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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 and that’s no April Fool’s joke.

Cut 9 (08) “…Louisiana winner.” 

Annison reminds you to sign the back of your ticket after and always check your ticket after the drawing because…

Cut 10 (09) “…outlet. “

You can also scan your ticket with the Louisiana Lottery app on your smartphone to see if you’re a winner.

It was just last week when a $1.13 billion MegaMillions jackpot was won with a ticket purchased in New Jersey and now Powerball is up to a billion dollars.

So, if you think this April Fools could be the one that turns you into a billionaire overnight, Annison says be sure to purchase your tickets by 9pm…

Cut 11 (04) “…to win.”

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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” 

Bolch made the bold statements because of Mulkey’s rant against the Washington Post and Angel Reese’s history of trash-talking. The L-A Times edited the column after it was published saying it did not meet the Times editorial standards.

LSU guard Hailey Van Lith says the article was extremely hurtful.

Cut 13 (13) “…not right.”

Van Lith also believes the comments made by the L-A Times reporter were racist…

Cut  14 (05) “…our team”