The State House gave final passage to a measure that eliminates the regulation requiring employers to give 16 and 17 year old employees at least a 20-minute meal break. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Sean Richardson .”

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If you’re out on the water this summer and spot some dead fish LDWF is asking you to let them know. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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The State House, in a 63-28 vote, gave final passage to a measure that eliminates the regulation requiring employers to give 16 and 17 year old employees at least a 20-minute meal break if they work at least five hours.

The bill goes to the Governor’s desk to be signed. Denham Springs Republican Representative Roger Wilder says this legislation is good for teenagers that are looking for work.

Cut 3 (05) “…get employment.” 

Wilder says this bill will result in less red tape for employers hiring minors that make the hiring process more productive.

Cut 4 (13) “…with paperwork.” 

Wilder went on to say it can be hard finding minors with a good work ethic in today’s market.

Cut 5 (12)  “…seven or eight dollars.”

Wilder owns 19 Smoothie King franchises, including multiple in his home district of Denman Springs.

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Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is asking for help if you are on or around bodies of water this summer and see fish kills to give them a call.

LDWF Inland Fisheries Technical Advisor Robby Maxwell…

Cut 6  (11) “…appropriate manner. ” 

Maxwell says there could be multiple reasons for fish kills this summer.

Cut 7 (09) “…follow up on it.”  

Fish kills are typical this time of year. Causes have been from droughts to hurricanes, but mainly it’s due to temperature and low oxygen in the water.

Maxwell says typically after a fish kills they see very good recovery of the fisheries resources.

Cut 8 (10)  “…fish kill.” 

Neighborhood ponds are prone to fish kills due to the small size and depth and while LDWF doesn’t investigate neighborhood ponds they do keep records.

If you see any fish kills natural and non-natural this summer, report them to the LDWF as soon as possible.

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The 74^th annual Peach Festival is this Saturday in downtown Ruston, an opportunity to enjoy 12 hours of live music, an art market and it’s Louisiana so of course there’s a plethora of peachy good food. Tori Davis with Experience Ruston…

Cut 9 (12) “…in Lincoln Parish.” 

Davis says Lincoln Parish is home to the largest peach orchard in the state and the event which honors their farming heritage is the longest-running agricultural festival in Louisiana.

Cut 10 (12) “…of course.” 

It’s a day full of family-friendly activities and Davis says it’s easy on your wallet too.

Cut 11 (10) ” …all day.”

The festival begins at 9 am and the last call for peaches is 11 pm.

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Police in Zachary arrested two teenagers this morning after an attempted car burglary that ended with a woman being shot three times when she tried to intervene.  Chief Darryl Lawerence says the two suspects are 17 and 15 years old were in the Baton Rouge area.

Cut 12 (13) “…Parish Prison.” 

Because this is considered a violent crime, Lawerence says the 17-year-old is one of their first arrests that the suspect can be charged as an adult due to a recent law passed to curb juvenile crime.

The female victim has been released from the hospital.

Lawrence says detectives got some good leads on the getaway vehicle the suspects used Tuesday at 3 am and within two days they were able to make the arrests.

Lawrence says while they commend the victim’s bravery, he urges citizens to let law enforcement handle matters.

Cut 13 (09) “…a crime.” 

Instead of confronting criminals, Lawerence says to collect as much information as possible like the color, make, and model of a vehicle and a description of the suspects.

The St. Augustine Marching 1000 will head to Normandy, France next week for a special performance for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. Sean Richardson has more…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Sean Richardson .”

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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.” 

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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 3 (12) “…over on Monday.” 

Taylor says while St. Augustine looks at themselves as ambassador for the school but this brings new opportunities.

Cut 4 (11) “…soil of France.” 

With fundraising efforts of $702,000 and the historical importance of the event, Taylor says the students aspire to be instruments of healing and honor the brave individuals that risked everything for their country.

Cut 5 (12)  “…young leadership.”

The students will head out June 3rd and return home on June 11th.

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We’re in what could be the final week of Governor Jeff Landry’s first regular legislative session. While lawmakers are hoping to wrap up business on Friday, they must adjourn by 6 PM on June 3^rd. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says there are still some big items left to tackle.

Cut 6  (09) “…this Friday. ” 

Among those key pieces of legislation are the Gator Scholarship Program, the budget, and a bill to hold a Constitutional Convention in August. Pinsonat says the Senate had decided not to take up the Convention bill.

Cut 7 (10) “…unanswered questions.”  

Pinsonat says the next few days will determine the final tally on Landry’s overall accomplishments with his first legislative session…

Cut 8 (08)  “…Jeff Landry.” 

The Senate still must vote on the state budget and any changes must be approved by the House before final passage.

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The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee met today for what was likely the final time during this legislative session and the panel never took up the House-approved constitutional convention bill. Chairman and Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields says Senators disagree on the need for a constitutional convention…

Cut 9 (04) “…uncertain.” 

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.

Fields believes it’s wise not to hear the bill because there is not a consensus among state senators…

Cut 10 (04) “…is done.” 

Lawmakers must conclude their work in this legislative session on Monday, but there is a push among legislators to end the session on Friday. Fields says there are bigger priorities for the Senate than a constitutional convention

Cut 11 (04) ” …that now.”

Governor Landry was pushing a constitutional convention so lawmakers and a group of appointed delegates can remove items out of the constitution and put into state law to provide more flexibility when there are budget deficits.

This Memorial Day, take a second to remember those who fought for our country. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

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If you’re in Thibodaux or Shreveport on Friday, you might experience a 70s flashback when hundreds of Mrs. Ropers invade downtown. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (35)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The NCAA and the five biggest conferences, including the SEC, have reached a settlement that will result in all college athletes being paid. Jeanne Burns has more.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.” 

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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 4 (13) “…reflect upon that.”

Meginley says it is important every day, but especially today, to honor the 11 thousand Louisiana veterans who have died in combat.

Cut 5 (12) “…every day.” 

Though Meginley thinks there’s nothing wrong with going to the beach or having a barbeque, he says there are other ways to celebrate veterans.

Cut 6 (13) “…really means.”

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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 Lottery transfers profits to the state quarterly. In addition to uptick in ticket sales thanks to five-billion-dollar jackpots Powerball and Mega Millions produced this year…

Cut 8 (12) “…for players.” 

Lottery retailers in Louisiana also earn a five-percent commission, plus incentives for cashing winning tickets and bonuses for selling big winning tickets. Annison says it was a good quarter for them as well.

Cut 9 (12)  “…as well.”

To date, the Louisiana Lottery has transferred more than $4.7 billion to the state for K-12 public education.

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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.”

And there’s also a Mrs. Roper Romp Pub Crawl in downtown Shreveport this Friday. Both begin at 6 pm.

Cassel says now is the time to get your curly red wig and kaftan ready to romp.

Cut 11 (12) “…fun and free.”

Last year Cassel held her own Mrs. Roper Romp with friends and played Bingo. Then Amplify Events asked her to help organize Friday’s Pub Crawl. She’s hoping in the future they can combine annual Romps with fundraisers for charity.

Cut 12 (07) “…momentum.” 

In January a Krewe of Mrs. Ropers paraded in Lafayette and in April there was a romp in Lake Charles.

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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 13 (11)  “…spread this out.”

Wallace estimates that the settlement will result in each school paying about 20-million to athletes in every sport. Though some of the money will come from traditional means such as ticket and food sales, Wallace says most of the money won’t be generated from inside stadiums.

Cut 14 (13)  “…media rights deal.”

The settlement, which involves the NCAA and the five biggest conferences — including the SEC — might also result in some changes in athletic departments.

Cut 15 (10)  “…revenue sharing.”

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

Over 40 Louisiana National Guardsmen leave this weekend for about a one year long deployment to Asia where they’ll assist with the construction of buildings through Operation Spartan Shield. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Sean Richardson .”

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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.” 

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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 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.” 

This is the 1021st Vertical Engineer Company’s second deployment since 9/11 and the last time they were deployed overseas was to Kuwait in 2013. But Anthony says they’ve had several missions in Louisiana following hurricanes and other weather events…

Cut 4 (12) “…very busy.” 

The deployment is set for almost a year and the platoon will have  pre-deployment training at Fort Bliss, Texas.

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

The primary objection while overseas will be to provide construction engineering expertise to work on critical infrastructure.

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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. ” 

Click it or Ticket is a national campaign so if your travels take you across stateliness you’ll want to stay buckled up. Fischer says a first-offense ticket for not using your seat belt in Louisiana is $50.

Cut 7 (11) “…Commission.”  

In Louisiana, the driver and all passengers are required to wear seat restraints.

Fischer says surveys show if you drive a truck and live in rural Louisiana, you’re least likely to wear your seatbelt. Campaigns like Click It and Ticket hope to change that statistic. He says if you get into a crash on a rural  road…

Cut 8 (11)  “…of danger.” 

During the Memorial Day holiday period from 2018 to 2022, 52 people were killed on Louisiana roads.

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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.” 

A big reason for a solid beef market can be contributed to what the grain market is doing and when grain prices are cheaper the beef is cheaper too.

Along with favorable grain price, Thompson says that cattle on average are larger than they have been in the past coming through the feed yard.

Cut 10 (04) “…American rancher.” 

Thompson also gave a recommendation for what you should throw on the grill this weekend…

Cut 11 (14) ” …tender piece of meat.”

Beef…its what’s for dinner.

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38 year old, Aaron Moreau of Pollock was arrested for alleged fishing contest fraud by placing over 2.5 lbs of led weights into a fish and used for weighing in at the Big Bass Splash tournament in Toledo Bend. Wildlife and Fishery agent Dustin Nash.

Cut 12 (05) “…in the tournament.” 

Tournament officials held the fish and notified Wildlife and Fishery. Once they arrived, Moreau fled the scene and shortly after an arrest warrant was issued.

Moreau turned himself in with no incidents.

The tournament was an hourly weigh in with the top 15 getting paid out.

Cut 13 (07) “..certain amount of money” 

Fishing contest fraud brings up to a $3,000 fine and up to one year in jail.

Cut  14 (14) “…this country.” 

Louisiana could soon become the first state to classify two drugs used to induce an abortion as controlled substances. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (36)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Amended legislation to remove the required 20-minute break for minors who work five or more hours passes in the Senate. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The Louisiana House has approved legislation making it a crime to possess two abortion-inducing drugs without a prescription. But doctors are concerned reclassifying mifepristone and misoprostol as controlled dangerous substances could delay reproductive care. New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman expressed her frustration…

Cut 3 (10) “…in everything.” 

Louisiana would be the first state to classify these abortion inducing pills as controlled dangerous substances. Carrencro Representative Julie Emerson explains why it’s necessary..

Cut 4 (10) “…cause death.” 

More than 200 doctors have expressed their opposition to the bill because they say the drugs are needed to treat miscarriages or stop hemorrhaging after childbirth. Freeman accused supporters of putting the interests of the anti-abortion group Louisiana Right to Life over medical experts. 

Cut 5 (11)  “…of this state.”

But the bill’s author, Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly, says the drugs are still available, but a prescription will now be required to use them for legitimate medical uses, except for abortions.

Emerson made that point during debate on the House floor…

Cut 6  (09) “…elected abortions. ” 

The bill was filed because Pressly’s former brother-in-law in Texas received a light sentence when he was convicted for trying to end his sister’s pregnancy by slipping the abortion inducing drugs into her drinks.

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Legislation to remove the required 20-minute break for minors who work five or more hours passed in the Senate after it was amended and it heads back to the House. Lafayette Republican Senator Jean-Paul Coussan’s amendment changed the bill to keep the required break for fourteen- and fifteen-year-olds.

Cut 7 (13) “…my vote.”  

New Orleans Democrat Senator Gary Carter asked Coussan to clarify that the amendment would change the bill to only repeal required breaks for teens sixteen and older.

Cut 8 (08)  “…thank you.” 

Many Republican Senator Alan Seabaugh, who supports the bill, objected to the amendment and says it will only deter employers from hiring those who are 15-year-olds and younger.

Cut 9 (14) “…do object.” 

The amendment passed on a 25 to 11 vote.

Monroe Democrat Senator Katrina Jackson-Andrews says the minors she sees working in her district are using their break to study or finish homework. After hearing proponents say ‘kids want to work’ she felt moved to speak against the bill.

Cut 10 (12) “…the bill.” 

House Bill 156, in its amended form, passed on a 26 to 11 vote in the Senate and it now returns to the House for a vote.

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Governor Landry and State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley unveiled recommendations today to support public school teachers and students. The “Let Teachers, teach” workgroup focused on identifying classroom disruptions and ways to unburden teachers with unrealistic expectations, and putting practical solutions in place to allow teachers to focus on teaching. Governor Landry…

Cut 11 (06) ” …not what to think.”

Landry says classrooms should be learning environments not babysitting environmnet.
Brumley says help is on the way to restore common sense policies, protect teachers time and bring law and order back to school campuses. Brumley shared a few recommendations, from removing cell phones from the classroom and students who misbehave

Cut 12 (11) “…from learning.” 

Brumley says they also want to support student mental health challenges through trained professionals…

Cut 13 (08) “…mental health professionals” 

A state Department of Education spokesperson says some recommendations will require state action others can be addressed at the school or school system level.

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Congressman Garret Graves says U-S Supreme Court was lazy with its decision on ordering the state to use the Congressional map with two majority Black districts for this year’s federal elections. Graves still believes the political boundaries for this map are racially gerry mandered…

Cut  14 (12) “…figure it out later.” 

Graves will seek another term in Congress, but may not run in his sixth district, which has been redrawn to represent areas in Baton Rouge, Alexandria and Shreveport. He says there are another districts he could represent…

Cut 15 (13) “…South Louisiana.”

Two species of Cicadas are emerging together for the first time since 1803. But one species might not make an appearance. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Legislation requiring all public school buses to have heating and air conditioning by 2032 fails to receive the support of the Louisiana House. Brooke Thorington has the story…

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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LSU Tigers improved its NCAA Tournament resume with a solid nine-to-one win over Georgia in the opening game of the SEC Tournament. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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For the first time since 1803 two species of cicadas are emerging at the same time. One species every 17 years and another called, the Great Brood every 13 years. The problem is in 2011 there were no sightings for the Great Southern Brood in Louisiana. LSU Ag Center Insect Diagnostician, Christopher Carlton says that could be due to a few reasons from migration to extinction in the area.

Cut 4 (07) “…reliable emergence.”

The Ag Center is asking for help to document the emergence of individual cicadas but also to see if there are any chorusing activities in the trees.

Cut 5 (11) “…in the field.” 

Carlton says, “Once they are gone they never recover.” And with peak emergence passed there’s still time to get out and help.

Cut 6 (14) “…all be gone.”

Emergence areas can be as small as acre or less.” says Carlton.

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Members of the Jewish community were stunned after House Governmental Affairs voted against a bill to remove gassing as a form of execution in Louisiana. Jacquelyn Stern with Jews Against Gassing says it was as if the committee ignored their testimony altogether.

Cut 7 (13) “…and listening.”

The bill passed in the Senate and Stern was hopeful House members would have also been allowed to hear the legislation but in a 22-16 vote the committee failed to advance the bill.

Committee testimony against the bill included John Sinquefield (Sink-field) with the State Attorney General’s Office who said the use of nitrogen hypoxia is not comparable to the poisonous gas used during the Holocaust. Stern says he completely missed the point…

Cut 8 (12) “…as Jews.” 

During the crime session, Governor Jeff Landry championed adding different methods to carry out executions that included nitrogen hypoxia.

Stern says she and other members of Jews Against Gassing plan to continue to fight for their cause even though requests to meet with the governor have been ignored.

Cut 9 (11)  “…our testimony.”

In addition to Louisiana, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Mississippi have approved the use of nitrogen hypoxia for executions.

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The Louisiana House has put the brakes on a bill requiring all public school buses to have heating and air conditioning by 2032. The proposal would also mandate all buses bought after August 1st would be equipped with heat and air. Amite Representative Robby Carter doesn’t see how anyone would vote against a safety measure…

Cut 10 (10) “…in the afternoon.”

But Republicans fought against the bill over concerns that it’s an unfunded mandate for local school systems. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment…

Cut 11 (11) “…thank you.”

The bill failed on a 57-42 vote. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson was one of the no “votes…”

Cut 12 (06) “…local school.” 

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Today starts the Southland Conference Baseball Tournament, hosted on the Southeastern University campus in Hammond.   Athletic Director, Jay Artigues says going from a four-team tournament in 2021 to an eight-team will bring not just a good time but a huge economic impact as well.

Cut 13 (14)  “…Hammond America.”

Artigues says that the Southland Conference sees what Southeastern has been able to create and it’s not just hosting baseball, it’s creating an event where visiting teams and fans want to come out.

Cut 14 (10)  “…for the fans.”

Also starting today is the Conference USA Tournament, which Louisiana Tech is hosting for the first time since 2021. Director of Marketing and Communications for Experience Ruston, Tori Davis, says it’s great for local businesses as seven visiting teams along with families and fans are in the town for the tournament. The Bulldogs are also the top seed so that means a surge in local fans.

Cut 15 (09)  “…here in Rust0n.”

While the past has shown that when the temperature gets hotter going into the summer months, tourism can start to slow, but Davis said that hasn’t been the case.

That is because of other events going on in Ruston. From travel ball to festivals starting June 1st.

Cut 16 (10) “…Louisiana Peach Festival.” 

The Bulldogs open against MTSU today at 4 pm.

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LSU’s nine to one win over Georgia in the first game of the SEC Tournament possibly locked up an invite to the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers entered the league tourney, winners of four of their last five SEC series. D-1 Baseball’s Kendall Rogers says LSU’s solid play of late has been impressive…

Cut 17 (12) “…realizes that.”

Louisiana Tech begins postseason as the top seed in the Conference USA Tournament in Ruston. The Bulldogs will face Middle Tennessee in their first game today. Rogers says Tech is a dangerous team in the postseason, because of their experienced hitters

Cut 18 (12)  “…La Tech.”

The Ragin Cajuns will begin play in the Sun Belt Tournament as the top seed. Rogers says Cajuns have been strong on the mound all year, and now their bats are cooking…

Cut 19 (20) “…as well.” 

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LSU baseball opened the SEC Tournament yesterday morning with an impressive nine-to-one win over Georgia. The Tigers began today on the bubble for receiving an NCAA Tournament bid, but Coach Jay Johnson says he knew a win over Georgia would solidify their chances of making a Regional

Cut 20 (13) “….else does that.”

LSU women’s basketball has a new assistant coach in a familiar face, as Hall of Famer Seimone Augustus is returning as an assistant coach. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (35)  “…I’m Mel Bridges”

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Target says it’s cutting prices on five-thousand items in its store. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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LSU women’s basketball announces Hall of Famer Seimone Augustus is joining the staff as an assistant coach. According to Patrick Wright, voice of the Lady Tigers, though Augustus is replacing Johnny Derrick due to his retirement, she is set to fill a much different role.

Cut 3 (08) “…that stuff.” 

Besides coming in with an impressive resume, both at LSU and in the WNBA, Wright says Augustus also has a hometown advantage.

Cut 4 (10) “…great player.” 

As a player at LSU, Augustus led the team to their first three Final Four appearances and was the first woman in school history to have her jersey retired. After 16 years in the WNBA and three Olympics appearances, Wright says Augustus is the perfect candidate for the role.

Cut 5 (05)  “…the floor.”

This is Augustus’ second assistant coaching job after one season with the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA.

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The fate of a Constitutional Convention this fall is in the hands of the Senate as it awaits a hearing in Governmental Affairs after clearing the lower chamber. La Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says there are many questions over Governor Jeff Landry’s appointment of delegates and how they could sway constitutional changes.

Cut 6  (11) “…they want. ” 

Alford says there’s already been opposition from Senate leadership over the governor’s appointment of 27 delegates to the convention.

Cut 7 (11) “…that up.”  

Alford believes the debate over delegates will be significant if the bill advances to the Senate floor.

Cut 8 (12)  “…state government.” 

The bill passed in the House on a 75 to 27 vote.

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Target announces its lowering prices on about five-thousand items in its store. UNO Business Professor Mark Rosa says Target is hoping the lower prices will result in more customers who end up buying more items….

Cut 9 (11) “…first in line.” 

Target says they’ve already cut prices to 15-hundred items and plan to slash prices on hundreds household basic items like food, drinks, diapers and pet foods, which Rosa says this is the logical way to go.

Cut 10 (13) “…routinely.” 

Earlier this year, Target reported its first annual decline in sales in seven years due to factors like inflation and a seedy economic outlook. However, Rosa says Target is proving they won’t just watch profits dip again.

Cut 11 (07) ” …ahead of that.”

Target says the lower prices will start over summer on both national and in-house brands.

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The Ragin Cajuns softball season ended on Sunday with a four to three loss to the Baylor Bears. A disappointing end for a team that won 45 games this season. Brooke Ellestad couldn’t hold back the tears in the postgame press conference

Cut 12 (10) “…all year.” 

Southeastern Louisiana was also eliminated yesterday with a 12 to 2 loss to Alabama. But LSU is moving on to the Super Regionals after blanking Southern Illinois nine to nothing in five innings. Coach Beth Torina’s team will play at Stanford in a best out of three series starting on Friday

Cut 13 (12) “..next weekend.” 

Governor Jeff Landry has appointed Dustin Yates, as the Interim Mayor of the newest City of St. George. Jeanne Burns has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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President Biden has signed legislation designed to improve air travel.  Sean Richardson spoke with Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves who helped write the bill that is designed to improve the flying experience.

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

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It’s conference tournament time in college baseball. Jeff Palermo looks at how Louisiana teams stand a week before the NCAA Regional pairings are announced…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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Governor Jeff Landry appoints Dustin Yates Interim Mayor for the City of Sta George. Yates says getting the call came as a surprise.

Cut 4 (05) “….things like this.”

The Governor also appointed Police Chief, Todd Morris but still needs to appoint the remaining members of the council. Yates says until then he’s got plenty of work in front of him.

Cut 5 (13) “…in this transition.” 

St. George will be the 5^th largest city in Louisiana and the transition of services and tax dollars will be a huge task.

For many St. George was seen as an attempt to create a majority white city, separate from EBR. Yates says it’s a very emotional issue and people on both sides have very passionate opinions on the issue, but race wasn’t the reason.

Cut 6 (13) “…for our residences.”

Yates is serving his 19^th year with the St. George Fire Department where he has held the position of Firefighter, Lieutenant, and Chief Administrative Officer.

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President Joe Biden has signed the FAA Reauthorization Bill. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves had a major part in crafting the legislation. He says it’s good news for Louisiana travelers. One focus of the bill is to improve the overall experience for airline customers. Graves says that means everything from the baggage claim to air traffic control.

Cut 7 (11) “..experience for the family.”

The bill has consumer protections in place that would offer the option for customers to get paid in cash instead of airline credits and that would be at the discretion of the customer..

Cut 8 (10) “…major delays or inconveniences.” 

One cause of those delays is not enough air traffic controllers to manage flights.  Graves says this bill also addresses that and looks to recruit and hire more Air Traffic Controllers and reduce the bottleneck of delays around the county.

Cut 9 (18)  “…mass retirements.”

The bill also has $24.9 million for funding the Airport Improvement Program to update not just runways but terminals and overall customer experience.

_________________________________________________________________

Congressman Garret Graves says he plans to run for re-election, but he hasn’t committed if it will be sixth District, his current seat that was reapportioned as the state’s second majority-Black district. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says Graves could run against fellow Republican Julia Letlow in District 5…

Cut 10 (10) “…Republican district.”

Democratic State Senator Cleo Fields has already announced he’ll run for the sixth district and Hogan says if Graves chooses to run against him, it will be extremely competitive…

Cut 11 (12) “…national contributors.”

Graves posted on social media “Because of the absurdity of the map, we are looking through these districts to determine where we can best represent the interests and the priorities of the people of Louisiana for the next two years until a reasonable map is restored.”

If Graves chooses to run against Fields versus another incumbent Republican, Hogan believes the GOP will be more likely to support him.

Cut 12 (07) “…the chamber.” 

Qualifying is July 17^th – 19^th for the November 5^th election.

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Two weeks are left in the legislative session and one of the biggest issues left undecided is whether lawmakers will pass a bill that will result in a Constitutional Convention in August. Details on how the convention will be held have yet to be decided. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the bill is awaiting a vote in the Senate.

Cut 13 (08)  “…politics.”

Pinsonat says Landry’s agenda on what will be revised in the constitution has not been made public and procedural matters, like will the proposed changes have to have a two-thirds majority before it’s placed on the ballot for voters to decide.

Cut 14 (06)  “…will happen.”

As for Landry’s first regular legislative session, Pinsonat says the governor for the most part is getting what he wanted.

Cut 15 (10)  “…he wanted.”

The session ends June 3rd.

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The LSU baseball team ended the regular season by sweeping Ole Miss to finish the season 13-and-17 in the SEC. Many believe the Tigers needed 13 wins in league play to have a chance at making the NCAA Tournament. Coach Jay Johnson says there’s no doubt in his mind that LSU should play in a regional…

Cut 16 (12) “….no brainer.” 

LSU can add to its resume on Tuesday morning when they face Georgia in the SEC Tournament in a single-elimination game. Johnson’s team finished the SEC by winning four of its last five series, which he believes is a great accomplishment…

Cut 17 (17) “…probably do that.”

The Supreme Court ruled the most recent state congressional map approved by lawmakers with two majority Black districts will be the one to use in the upcoming election. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Mel Bridges”

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The Louisiana Senate has passed the Gator Scholarship Program which would give parents the ability to receive taxpayer dollars to pay for private school tuition. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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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 the May 15th ruling came just in time…

Cut 3 (10) “…fall elections.” 

Some questioned why the Secretary of State’s office put a May 15th deadline on having a map in place when the election is not until November. Landry says it takes months to run a statewide election.

Cut 4 (10) “…doing that.” 

Landry says anyone within the changed districts will know long before they cast any votes…

Cut 5 (12)  “…that seat.”

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

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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. The bill’s author, Baton Rouge Senator Rick Edmonds, says this is a historic moment as the legislation will give parents options on where to send their child to school..

Cut 6  (11) “..of Louisiana. ” 

The E-S-A bill passed on a 24-15 vote. It still needs House approval. Opponents are concerned about the overall cost of the program which could be 500-million.

New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis voted against the legislation. He says Education Savings Accounts are an abandonment of public education and its teachers…

Cut 7 (13) “…in the program.”  

The Gator Scholarship program would replace the state’s current voucher program which provides state tax dollars to low income families to help pay for non-public school tuition. The voucher program also can help a family move their child from a C, D or F-graded school.

The Gator Scholarship program would start by offering grants to families who currently involved in the voucher program. It will eventually open up to all families. Senate President Cameron Henry says the E-S-A bill was amended so the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education will determine how fast the program will grow and who will be eligible…

Cut 8 (11)  “…here.” 

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A bill to ban transgender people from using school restrooms and other facilities that match their gender identity passed in the Senate 29 to 10. New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis asked Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell, who presented it to the Senate, why it’s needed. She says because of an incident that happened at a Louisiana park restroom…

Cut 9 (12) “…nothing (x2).” 

Duplessis believes this bill is a cultural war issue meant to drum up unnecessary fear…

Cut 10 (08) “…protect children.” 

Mizell, meanwhile, champions the bill as protecting women…

Cut 11 (12) ” …that bathroom.”

The bill would also separate restrooms in prisons and domestic violence shelters. The bill awaits Governor Landry’s signature.

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Organizers say they are off to a strong start in the first month of the recall effort to oust embattled St. Tammany Parish Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape. Noble-Bates Young with Family First St. Tammany says they’ve collected about 6,000 signatures but they’ll need to have 36,000 by October.

Cut 12 (08) “…what not.” 

Tape ran unopposed and a recall effort began after criminal accusations of child sexual abuse more than two decades ago in New Mexico came to light.

With festival season about to wind down, Young says they will rely heavily on business hubs to collect signatures.

Cut 13 (13) “…so far.” 

As for who will run against Tape if the recall is successful, Young says Family First St. Tammany is focused on getting enough signatures right now.

Cut  14 (10) “…of office.” 

Young says if they meet their goal it will most likely be on the Spring 2025 ballot for St. Tammany Parish voters.

Authorities say a 15-year-old girl from Terrebonne Parish was sexually abused, set on fire and shot twice. Sean Richardson reports a car crash in Baytown, Texas likely saved her life

Cut 1 (35)  “…I’m Sean Richardson”

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The US Supreme Court says the state’s most recent map with two majority Black districts will be used in the fall election. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Louisiana is in for some bad weather that is expected to start tonight and last into Saturday.  LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says the entire state will get hit and the most severe areas being from Baton Rouge to Alexandria….

Cut 3 (14) “…next 36 hours or so.” 

Keim says there is a chance for another round tornados and hail starting tonight.

Cut 4 (11) “…1 out of 5.” 

Keim says to batten down the hatches and get ready for a rough day of sever weather.

Cut 5 (12)  “…across Louisiana.”

And even though it’s a cold front bringing the storms, next week’s temperatures will be back in the 90s leading into the summer season.

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Authorities say 41 year old Terrence Washington of Thibodaux was sexually abusing a 15 year old and the teens mother blamed her daughter then set her on fire.  Cops also say on April 18th Washington  shot the 15-year old in the chest and the face. On April 20th they left Louisiana headed for Texas. Terrebonne Parish Sheriff  Lt. Blake Tabor…

Cut 6  (08) “..by law enforcement. ” 

Tabor says Baytown Police responded to the crash on an I-10 service road.

Cut 7 (11) “…service road area.”  

Once at the hospital, it was clear that the teen’s injuries were from abuse and contacted the Baytown Police Department. When questioned Washington admitted to shooting and sexually abusing the teen and both Washington and the Mother have been arrested.

Cut 8 (08)  “…course of my career.” 

Tabor says the teens drive to survive and fight to get better are nothing short of heroic.
Washington and the child’s mother face child cruelty charges and attempted 1st degree murder.

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The US Supreme Court ruled Louisiana’s congressional map with two majority-Black districts will be used for the fall election. After several years and back and forth and multiple maps passed by the legislature, NAACP Legal Defense Fund Attorney Jared Evans says he’s pleased to finally tell his clients…

Cut 9 (12) “…joy today.” 

But Edward Greim an attorney for Republican plaintiffs, which included Congressman Garret Graves, says the state has enacted a map of a brutal racial gerrymander that segregates voters based on race.

With the clock ticking and the Louisiana Secretary of State’s self-imposed deadline of May 15^th and qualifying for elections in mid-July Evans believes yesterday’s ruling came down to timing.

Cut 10 (06) “…a new map.” 

While opponents say the legislature’s most recent map was based on race, Evans says politics was the driving factor that altered Congressman Garett Grave’s district into a second majority-Black district.

Cut 11 (11) ” …for Speaker.”

The fall election is November 5th.

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Governor Jeff Landry held a pair of town hall meetings this morning in the New Orleans area to push for the passage of the Gator Scholarship Program, which would give all families the ability to use taxpayer dollars to pay for private school education. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Landry is having trouble building support for the proposed program in the state Senate…

Cut 12 (08) “…in the Senate.” 

Opponents are concerned about the cost of the Gator Scholarship Program, an estimated 500-million dollars by year three of the program. Landry says E-S-A’s empower parents, putting them in control of the type of education they want their child to receive. He says it will also improve schools.

Pinsonat says school choice was a campaign pledge from the governor and it’s important an E-S-A bill reaches his desk for signature…

Cut 13 (11) “….brag about achievements” 

Pinsonat says Landry is fighting opposition from public schools…

Cut  14 (10) “..as it is.”