We might see more mugshots released to the public as a result of a new law. Mel Bridges has the details.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

Retired New Orleans Police officer Jeffrey Vappie, who once served as Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s bodyguard, has pleaded not guilty in federal court to wire fraud and making false statements. Vappie is accused of lying about his relationship with Cantrell and getting paid while performing recreational activities which include an alleged romantic relationship with the mayor. Vappie’s attorneys say the former officer is innocent of the charges.

Today is the first day of school for many and State Police is urging motorists to stop when a school bus has stopped and flashing red lights. Trooper Eddie Thomas says if a bus stops to let kids on and off and it’s a four-lane road with a physical barrier, a raised median, or a continuous lane, than oncoming traffic does not have to stop….
cut 8 (-09) “…with caution”

The first ever Humor and Harmony weekend gets underway today in Shreveport. Media mogul and award winning artist, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is putting on the event that’s expected to attract 30-thousand people. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says New Orleans is the big driver of tourism to Louisiana, but is excited to see other cities try different events to bring tourists in…
cut 15 (12) “….spending money”

Starting this school year, third graders will not be promoted to the fourth grade if they score “well below” at least three times on a literacy screener test….
cut 5 (12) “…beyond the third”
That’s Superintendent of Education Doctor Cade Brumley, who says tutoring and other services will be available for third graders who are struggling to read at grade level.

Mugshots are more accessible as a result of a new law that went into effect this month…
cut 12 (11) “…parameters on it”
. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh authored legislation that reversed a 2022 law that made most mugshots unavailable depending on the crime that person was accused of.

It’s the first day of school for many students, which means yellow school buses are once again populating our roads. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

State Police is investigating a fatal bicycle crash that claimed the life of 39-year-old Lawrence Hebert of New Iberia. It happened Tuesday night in Lafayette Parish on Louisiana Highway 343 near Landry Road in Duson. L-S-P says Hebert was hit from behind by a GM Sierra and died from his injuries. He was not wearing helmet and his bicycle had no lights or reflectors.

This year’s public school third graders will be the first class that must demonstrate proficiency in reading to graduate to the fourth grade. Sean Richardson has the story.
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

There were several legislative hearings at the state capitol yesterday and the focus was on the state’s high auto insurance rates. It’s possible we could see a special session early next year on insurance that will be filled with tort reform proposals.

As a result of a new law, we might see more mugshots released to the public. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh authored a measure that repeals a law from 2022 that set parameters for what mugshots could be released. Seabaugh says the 2022 law had good intentions, but it became costly and time consuming for sheriff departments to determine which mugshots could be released based on the 2022 law that sought to restrict the release of mugshots….
Cut 10 (12) “…put it back.”

The Humor & Harmony Weekend kicks off today, hosted by rapper Curtis Jackson, better known as 50 Cent, in downtown Shreveport. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says this festival is exactly what’s needed to bring tourists to Louisiana during the summer months.
Cut 13 (12) “…slow time.”
The Humor and Harmony is a four-day event that features musical performances, comedy shows, classic car shows, plus after parties.

According to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, there are almost 78-thousand illegal school bus passes annually in Louisiana. State Trooper Eddie Thomas wants to remind motorists to halt when the stop sign on a school bus is out
Cut 7 (07) “…need to stop.”
Thomas says all traffic must come to a complete stop at least 30 feet away from the bus, but motorists heading in the opposite direction do not have to stop when it’s a four-lane road, with a physical barrier, a raised median or a continuous turn lane.

A new law goes into effect this school year that will hold children back in the third grade if they are not meeting reading requirements. Superintendent of Education Doctor Cade Brumley says this year’s third graders will be the first class that must demonstrate proficiency in reading to graduate to the fourth grade…
Cut 4 (10) “…and shared with teachers.”
If a student gets a “well below” score after three tests, additional tutoring will be available.

We might see more mugshots released to the public as a result of a new state law. Mel Bridges has the details.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

The parents of a 19-month old killed in a police shooting has filed a lawsuit that names Lafayette Police, the city and others as defendants. The toddler died in the cross fire when officers responded to a domestic violence complaint last August. The lawsuit says police were notified children were present before the shooting started. Authorities say two officers were shot when John Nicholas opened fire on law enforcement and he’s been indicted on second-degree murder, five counts of attempted first degree murder and other charges.

Ponchatoula Police have arrested a 16-year-old boy for terrorizing two girls. Ponchatoula Police Chief Bry Layrisson says the 16-year-old had been contacting the victims through social media and phone calls, making threats such as…
Cut 12 (12) “…first day of school.”
The 16-year-old is now in the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center.

A new school year begins this week. State Police Trooper Eddie Thomas reminds motorists school zones are cellphone free zones…
cut 11 (11) “….free-zone”
Thomas says in school zones, motorists should make a concerted effort to minimize distractions, maintain an elevated level of alertness, and be mindful of children in the area.

With a 6-0 vote, the Mobile City Council approved funding for the Amtrack train service for two trains that will run round trip from New Orleans to Mobile with stops in Bay St. Louis, Gulfport Biloxi, and Pascagoula. Sean Richardson has the story.
Cut 1 (32) …I’m Sean Richardson.”

Greenfield Louisiana will not build an 800-million dollar grain export facility in St. John the Baptist Parish because of multiple delays in getting permits approved by the U-S Army Corps of Engineers. There are local residents who opposed the building of the facility.

It’s time for motorists to pay extra attention as kids return to school. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Ponchatoula Police Department has arrested a 16-year-old boy after he threatened to kill two female school mates. Police Chief Bry Layrisson says the suspect told other students that the two girls would not make it past the first day of school….
cut 13 (08) “…or not”
Layrisson says it’s the first time his department acted on a school threat before the school year began.

The Mobile, Alabama City Council has unanimously signed off on the return of passenger rail service that will connect Mobile to New Orleans with multiple Amtrak stops along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Southern Rail Commission Chairman Knox Ross expects service to begin early next year and funding will go towards making sure the train can move quickly between New Orleans and Mobile.,…
cut 7 (08) “….speed up substantially”
Ross expects a lot of passengers will use this service for weekend getaways.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries continues to seek the public’s assistance in the fatal shooting of whooping crane in south Louisiana. The large…endangered bird was shot down in Evangeline Parish near Mamou last January….
cut 16 (09) “…these birds
L-D-W-F’s Lt. Wendell Vaughn says there are around 80 whooping cranes in Louisiana. There’s a 12,500 dollar reward for anyone who can provide information that leads to an arrest and a conviction.