While Governor Jeff Landry can claim some legislative victories in his first regular session, a few key pieces remain to be decided. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The St. Augustine Marching 100 is heading to Normandy, France. to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-day. School President Aulston Taylor says the students are excited and ready for this incredible journey.

Cut 5 (12) “…young leadership.”

The Marching 100 will head out Monday and return home on June 11th.

Earlier this month, the Louisiana House approved a bill that called for a constitutional convention to take place in August. But several lawmakers were concerned over the lack of specifics on how the convention would be held and what would exactly be changed in the constitution. Senate Governmental Affairs Chairman Cleo Fields says his committee will no hear the because there is not a consensus among state senators on holding a constitutional convection…

Cut 10 (04) “…is done.”

Governor Jeff Landry signed a bill into law that would make it a crime to stand within 25 feet of a police officer after they order you to stand back. ACLU Policy Strategist Stephanie Willis says this is a violation of our first amendment.
Cut 15 (10) “…enforcement accountable.”
Anyone who fails to stay at least 25 feet from law enforcement could face up to 60 days in prison or a $500 fine.

The Gator Scholarship program, an expanded version of school vouchers, is nearing final passage. The amended bill passed in the House on a 67-29 vote. Carencro Representative Julie Emerson says the bill amended the list of approved items of how the money can be spent on school-related expenses.

Cut 11 (08) “..things arise.”

The amended bill returns to the Senate for final passage. Governor Jeff Landry, who’s expressed his support of the bill, is expected to sign the legislation.

Governor Jeff Landry signed a bill into law that would make it a crime to stand within 25 feet of a police officer after they order you to stand back. Bill author, Representative Bryonn Fontenot of Thibodaux.

Cut 13 (09)  “…protect us.”

Fontenot says that violence against police officers is on the rise.

Two of the four inmates who escaped the Tangipahoa Parish jail this weekend are still at large.  19-year-old Omarion Hookfin and 20-year-old Jamarcus Cyprian remain on the run.   Chief Jimmy Travis says Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s offices takes responsibility.

Cut 4 (10) “…strand of wire.”

Travis also says inadequate head counts, manpower shortages, and insufficient experience and training as factors contributing to the escape.

Nicholls is in an NCAA Regional for a second consecutive season. Pitcher Jacob Mayers says seeing their name re-appear on the selection show was a thrill…

Cut 18 (11)  “…this year.”

Nicholls will play UC Irvine at 3pm in Corvallis, Organ.

Today is Memorial Day, a day to honor those who fought for our country, and, according to Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Col. Charlton Meginley (mah-ghen-lee), one of the most significant.

Cut 6 (13) “…really means.”

An antitrust settlement has been finalized that will result in all college athletes being paid directly by the school. Outkick college reporter Trey Wallace says schools will have a hard time deciding how to divvy up the money.

Cut 15 (10) “…revenue sharing.”

Revenue sharing is set to start for the 2025-26 season.

It was eleven years ago when the first Mrs. Roper Romp took place as a parade theme at Decadence in New Orleans. Ever since it’s turned into the reason for millions to gather all over the globe to impersonate the beloved “Three’s Company” character Helen Roper. Jessica Cassel (Castle) is one of the organizers for Friday’s Romp in downtown Thibodaux.

Cut 10 (10) “…get together.”

Large jackpots have proved to be profitable with the Louisiana Lottery transferring almost $48 million to the state treasury. Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says they also moved close to $16 million to the state coffers in April.
Cut 7 (12) “…2023.”

The Louisiana National Guard’s 1021st Vertical Engineer Company is deploying to Asia with more than 40 guardsmen to assist with construction. Captain Emily Anthony says for most of the unit it’s their first overseas deployment.

Cut 5 (09) “…represent Louisiana well.”

They will be overseas for almost a year.

The Click it or Ticket campaign is underway to encourage motorists to buckle up, for Memorial Day weekend. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says 15% of drivers, mainly in rural areas do not wear seatbelts.

Cut 6  (13) “…car crash. ” 

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.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

This Memorial Day weekend many people will gather around the grill and fortunately, it doesn’t look like the meat isn’t going to break the bank this year. Chairman of Louisiana Beef Industry Council John Thompson

Cut 10 “…American Ranchers.”

LRN

A bill to ban transgender people from using school restrooms that match their gender identity, not their biological gender passed the Senate in a 29 to 10 vote. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell, believes the bill is needed and it protects women and girls…

Cut 11 (12) ” …that bathroom.”

Mizell says an incident that happened at a Louisiana park bathroom, prompted the legislation.  New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis believes the bill isn’t necessary, it’s merely cultural war issue…

Cut 10 (08) “…protect children.” 

­­­The bill would also separate restrooms in prisons and domestic violence shelters. The bill goes Governor Landry’s desk to be signed into law.

Since the Supreme Court says the most recent congressional map approved by lawmakers with two Black majority districts will be the one used in upcoming federal elections, Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry says anyone within the changed districts will know long before it’s time to cast a vote.

Cut 3 (10) fall elections.

Qualifying for the Congressional races is from July 17^th to 19^th.

The Louisiana Senate has approved the bill that creates the Gator Scholarship Program which will provide parents public dollars to pay for private school tuition.

New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis says Education Savings Accounts are an abandonment of public education and its teachers…

Cut 7 (13) “…in the program.”  

The bill awaits the governor’s signature.