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.

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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.” 

The abuse of nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is no laughing matter, as a bill to ban public sale of the drug in Louisiana is headed to Governor Jeff Landry for his signature. Mel Bridges has more…

Cut 1 (43) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

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Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser is in France this week at the Canne International Film Festival to promote Louisiana film production to an international market. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

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The U-S Supreme Court orders Louisiana to use the Congressional map that has two majority black districts. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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A bill banning general sale of nitrous oxide, better known as laughing gas, is headed to the Governor’s desk after being unanimously passed by the Louisiana Legislature. Doctor Mark Ryan, longtime director of Louisiana’s Poison Control center, says the seemingly harmless drug poses a big threat.

Cut 4 (14) “…times a day.”

Nitrous oxide is available to the general public for usages such as making homemade whipped cream. But Dr. Ryan says it is that availability, combined with the drug’s high abuse potential, that makes it so dangerous.

Cut 5 (15) “…including Amazon.” 

Because of the way the drug affects the body, Dr. Ryan says there is no easy and quick cure for an overdose of nitrous oxide. In fact, he notes that nitrous oxide overdoses are particularly scary to treat.

Cut 6 (11) “…potentially very dangerous.”

If Governor Jeff Landry signs this bill, Louisiana would become the first state to completely ban public sale of nitrous oxide with exemptions for industries reliant on the drug, such as dentistry.

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser along with officials from Louisiana Economic Development and the Department of Tourism are In France this week to promote the Louisiana film industry at the Cannes International Film Festival.

Cut 7 (08) “…film in Louisiana.”

Representatives from Celtic Studios in Baton Rouge and The Ranch Studios in St. Bernard Parish are with the Louisiana delegation. Nungesser says he wants to show the world what Louisiana brings to the table in the form of tax incentives.

Cut 8 (12) “…get out of those strikes” 

But the trip isn’t just about film and it doesn’t just stop in France.  Nungesser will also head to Milan, Italy and then Madrid, Spain to promote Louisiana tourism and the film industry.

Cut 9 (10)  “…overseas here.”

Chef Samantha Carroll will prepare Louisiana seafood dishes while in Madrid to bring a taste of Louisiana to an international audience.

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President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have announced they will hold two campaign debates ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

Cut 10 (05) “…taking place.”

That’s U-L-M Political Science Professor Pearson Cross, referencing how the announcement went against Biden’s previous statement that he would not attend any presidential debates. Cross believes these debates could be opportunities for both candidates to impress voters and dispel rumors before the election.

Cut 11 (16) “…something to lose.”

The two debates are set for June 27th on C-N-N and September 10th on A-B-C. The first debate is before either Biden or Trump could formally accept any nomination from their respective parties. In spite of how unusually early the debates are, Cross is encouraging voters to tune in.

Cut 12 (04) “…make a difference.” 

The presidential elections will be held Tuesday, November 5th, with Biden expected to be the Democratic nominee and Trump expected to be the Republican nominee.

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The Congressional map with two Black majority districts will be the map used for this fall’s federal election. That’s the result of a ruling from the U-S Supreme Court that blocks a previous ruling by a panel of three federal judges that said the map approved by lawmakers this year was illegal. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the state finally has closure

Cut 13 (10)  “..be using”

The ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court  means the current sixth Congressional district occupied by Republican Garret Graves has a political boundary that favors a minority to win. But Pinsonat says Graves will not go down without a fight

Cut 14 (10)  “..certainly run.”

Black Democrat Cleo Fields, a state senator from Baton Rouge, plans to challenge Graves, if he runs for re-lection in the sixth district.

The order from the Supreme Court came on the day Secretary of State Nancy Landry said she needed a finalized map to adequately prepare for the fall election.

Pinsonat says the map that will be used stretches the Sixth Congressional District from Baton Rouge to Shreveport, despite concerns this is racial gerrymandering

Cut 15 (12)  “…over.”

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LSU baseball’s series against the Ole Miss Rebels this weekend will most likely decide whether or not LSU makes it to the postseason tournament and gets a shot at defending their national title. LSU pitcher Gage Jump says that a key factor in this weekend’s series will be the type of play he and LSU pitcher Luke Holman can produce tonight and Friday night as the Tigers are just 1 and 8 in the final games of SEC series this season.

Cut 16 (14) “….that Sunday game.” 

LSU enters the series with a 10-and-17 SEC record. It’s believed the Tigers need 13 conference wins in order to get into the NCAA Tournament. Tigers coach Jay Johnson hopes the NCAA Tournament selection committee looks at other aspects of their resume…

Cut 17 (18) “…have a chance.”

Jump will get the start on the mound tonight as he looks to get the Tigers off to a good start in the series.

Cut 18 (17)  “… at a time.”

First pitch between the Tigers and Rebels will be on tonight at 6 pm and broadcast on the SEC Network.

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The twenty first ranked UL-Lafayette baseball team is now only one win away from taking the SunBelt regular season title outright. The Ragin Cajuns are 21 and 6 in SunBelt play and their next closest competition is Southern Miss who are 18 and 9. After winning a share of the title when the Cajuns beat Southern Miss earlier this season, UL-Lafayette Head Coach Matt Deggs says that the Ragin Cajuns job is not finished whenever his team wins the title, but that UL-Lafayette has many goals still in place this season.

Cut 19 (17) “… for a championship.” 

The Cajuns have been led this season by the play of Junior Shortstop Kyle Debarge who is expected to be a high draft pick in this season’s draft. DeBarge has 73 hits, 63 RBIs, and 19 home runs this season and has averaged .339 over his career with the Cajuns. Deggs says that the former Barbe high school standout will be missed and leaves as a legendary figure in UL-Lafayette baseball.

Cut 20 (18) “….over that one.”

First pitch between the Cajuns and Jaguars will be at 6 pm tonight.

A judge has sentenced Christopher McCoy of Bunkie to six years in prison after he pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide.  Authorities say McCoy was drunk when he drove off the road and struck a tree killing his passenger Lauren Vaughn. Sean Richardson has more..

Cut 1 (34)  “…I’m Sean Richardson”

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A national survey of small businesses finds optimism increased slightly in April, but the small business optimism index remains below the 50-year average. Joe Gallinaro has more

Cut 2 (28)  “…I’m Joe Galinaro” 

______________________________________

Christopher McCoy of Bunkie has pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide in the death of Lauren Vaughn. She was a 22 year-old nursing student from Alexandria and was a passenger in McCoy’s vehicle when it ran off the road and hit a tree in Avoyelles Parish. The incident happened on Good Friday in 2023. Bridgette Vaughn, Lauren’s mother, says McCoy was sentenced to six years in prison.

Cut 3 (12) “…grieving process” 

State Police says McCoy’s blood alcohol level was .15 at the time of the fatal crash.

Vaughn says her daughter’s death is a sobering lesson to make plans ahead of time for a safe drive home.

Cut 4 (06) “…drink that night.” 

With apps and ride share platforms available Vaughn asks all drivers to be responsible when getting behind the wheel and if your not sober to not drive.

Cut 5 (10)  “…drink and drive.”

Lauren Vaughn was a graduate of Louisiana Tech and three months away from receiving a nursing degree from Northwestern State’s Shreveport campus.

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A national survey finds small business optimism increased slightly in April, but NFIB’s small business optimism index remains below a 50-year average for a 28th consecutive month. NFIB state director Leah Long says there’s a lot of discouraging news about the economy

Cut 6  (11) “..right now. ” 

Long says 22-percent of owners reported that inflation was their single most important problem….

Cut 7 (06) “…make it all work.”  

Long says a staggering 91-percent of owners who either hired or tried to hire workers last month, reported they had few or no qualified applicants…

Cut 8 (06)  “…jobs out there.” 

Forty-percent of all owners reported job openings they could not fill in April.

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With crawfish season winding down, we are getting a better idea of the effects still being felt from last summer’s historic drought. LSU Ag Center Economist Kurt Guidry says the number of harvested mudbugs has been way down…

Cut 9 (09) “..Normal catch.” 

Guidry says estimates in November had production loss at around 40%, but it actually ended up being 50-60%.

Cut 10 (13) “…fish those ponds” 

Crawfish farmers got some good news last week. The USDA is changing its rules so crawfish producers can take advantage of federal disaster grants. Guidry says those dollars can be used to help reseed their ponds for next year.

Cut 11 (10) ” …tend to seed.”

Guidry says despite the efforts to reseed, production is expected to be down again next year.

Today is the deadline for Louisiana state income tax. If you haven’t filed yet don’t worry. You’ve got a little more time. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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For the past four years, driving past the Hertz building in Lake Charles has been a sad reminder of Hurricane Laura’s destruction but that is about to change. Colleen Crain explains…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

____________________________________________

A Senate approved bill that would make the sale of consumable hemp products containing THC illegal has passed the House Criminal Justice Committee with a 7 to 5 vote and now moves onto the House floor.  Sean Richardson has more on the debate.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

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Today is the deadline to file your state income taxes. But don’t worry if you need more time. Louisiana has an automatic six-month extension to November 15, 2024. Connor Brown is a certified tax preparer for LaPorte CPAs and Business Advisors

Cut 4 (10) “…taxes that are due.”

That means if you think or know you will owe some taxes that still need to be paid by today. Otherwise, you will start accruing interest and penalties.

Brown with some methods to pay the tax man.

Cut 5 (12) “…third party provider.” 

A possible reason for making the extension automatic was a way to easy administration and the taxpayers.

Cut 6 (12) “…get the extensions.”

There is no added step for Louisiana Taxpayers, but even with the November 15^th extension 6 months away it’s no time to waste.

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The National Weather Service says multiple tornadoes touched down in southwest Louisiana on Monday. Meteorologist Jeremy Michael says two tornadoes touched down in the Lake Charles area and the other in St. Martin Parish

Cut 7 (16) “…Sulphur tornado.”

Several businesses and homes were damaged in Sulphur and its estimated peak winds were 120-miles per hours. Michael says an EF two tornado also hit Henderson in St. Martin Parish and it caused significant damage…

Cut 8 (08) “…rolled over” 

Another storm system will move into the state tomorrow. Michael says this system looks to be more of a heavy rain event than severe storms, but southwest and central Louisiana have already received enough rain for the week as rivers and bayous are at flood stage…

Cut 9 (08)  “…flash flooding.”

The highest risk for widespread heavy rainfall is north of the I-10 corridor. State health department confirms three storm related deaths from Monday’s severe weather, one woman in St. Martin Parish, a pregnant women and her fetus were also killed in Port Allen.

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The Skyline of Lake Charles is changing as the tall, mirrored Hertz building is finally coming down. It has been four years since the building sustained significant damage in Hurricane Laura leaving multiple broken glass panes to greet travelers on I-10. Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter says they are making sure the taxpayers are not footing the bill for the demolition…

Cut 10 (12) “…not own.”

Hunter says the city does not own the Hertz Building but he is among many who wanted to save it. He and city officials met with a least a dozen private developers in hopes of finding a way…

Cut 11 (09) “…this building.”

Staging for demolition will begin around May 20^th and the building is expected to come down in Late August to Early September. Hunter says city consultants are there to ensure a safe event and he promised that whatever replaces the structure will be better than the current view.

Cut 12 (12) “…Lake Charles.” 

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A Senate approved bill that would make sale of any hemp product containing THC illegal statewide has passed the House Criminal Justice Committee with a 7 to 5 vote and moves to the House floor for final legislative passage. Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressley says there are dozens of THC products available to buy that can get you high and some of them are marketed towards children…

Cut 13 (11)  “..gets you high.”

Currently, point-three-percent THC is allowed in a consumable hemp product. Pressly’s bill says none at all if it becomes law.

Joe Gerrity, CEO of Crescent Canna makes that product and disputed Senator Pressly’s testimony…

Cut 14 (11)  “..entire country.”

Gerrity says prohibiting the sale of THC in a regulated, licensed, and taxable market will only drive people back to the black market.

Joseph Jones, System Director for North Louisiana Crime Lab said a huge factor for dealing with THC products in Louisiana are the standards of dosages from one product to another.

Cut 15 (05)  “…of this industry.”

Darrell Schweiss – Executive Director of the Hemp Association of Louisiana says that he believes that this industry can be regulated and protect the thousand of Louisiana business owners that have invested in Hemp Market.

Cut 16 (10) “….3300 Louisiana businesses” 

The bill moves onto the House and if signed into law will take effect August 1.

The Louisiana Department of Health says Monday’s severe weather resulted in three storm-related deaths. Mel Bridges reports two of the fatalities occurred in West Baton Rouge Parish…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Mel Bridges”

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A bill that sought to dramatically restrict the public’s access to records within Governor Jeff Landry’s office is dead for the session. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed three-storm related deaths from yesterday’s severe weather, including a woman who was nine months pregnant. The fetus did not survive and is counted as the third storm related death.  West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s office Sergeant Landon Groger says the double fatality occurred in Port Allen when a tree fell on a trailer in which she resided…

Cut 3 (10) “…did not survive” 

The woman has been identified as 31-year-old Kristin Brown of Port Allen.

Groger says there are multiple reports of trees and powerlines down…

Cut 4 (14) “…machinery” 

A wind gust of 83 miles per hour was reportedly recorded at the nearby Erwinville Community Center at that time. Groger says they are asking the public to stay off the roads in storm damaged areas…

Cut 5 (08)  “…everyone”

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A 24-year-old woman from Texas died in St. Martin Parish from a suspected tornado. Major Ginny Higgins with the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office says the woman was in a camper…

Cut 6  (13) “..deceased. ” 

One of the St. Martin Parish’s most famous restaurants, Pat’s Fisherman’s Wharf Restaurant in Henderson sustained some damage. Higgins says the restaurant is not a total loss, but repairs will be needed…

Cut 7 (11) “…during the storm.”  

Higgins says most of the damage that occurred in St. Martin Parish is in Henderson and Cecilia…

Cut 8 (10)  “…were affected” 

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The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is in contact with local emergency partners and receiving damage assessments. GOHSEP director Jacques Thibodaux says a squall line with hurricane force winds and possible tornadoes caused damage from southwest Louisiana through south central Louisiana…

Cut 9 (08) “..160-thousand.” 

As of 1 PM this afternoon, Entergy reported 39-thousand customers without power. Governor Jeff Landry says a storm out of Texas converged with another story system coming out of the Gulf of Mexico to produce the deadly results…

Cut 10 (08) “…size” 

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West Monroe Senator Jay Morris has withdrawn his legislation that would have restricted the public release of records and internal communications from Governor Jeff Landry’s office. Morris made the announcement on the Senate floor

Cut 11 (14) ” … hide anything”

There is pushback against Governor Landry’s efforts to restrict public access to certain government records. Morris says he agrees with the governor’s desire to keep certain records out of public view, but it’s hard to find a balance between transparency and keeping government information hidden

Cut 12 (09) “…of the Senate.” 

There are still two other bills alive in the legislative session that would limit public access to state government records, but it remains to be seen if they can get approval in the Senate.

The Revenue Estimating Conference has recognized an additional $88 million for the next fiscal year budget which is good news for teachers. Colleen Crain explains.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Legislation to hold a Constitutional Convention in August still has to clear the Senate. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

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The USDA has changed the rules so crawfisherman impacted by low production this year because of last year’s summer heat can apply for federal disaster grants. Sean Richardson has more from a local producer

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

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Louisiana lawmakers in the House reduced teacher stipends from $2,000 to $1,700 for the 2024-25 Fiscal Year. And while the budget has yet to be heard in Senate Finance, House Appropriations Chair Jack McFarland says the Revenue Estimating Conference figures could allow for those cuts to be restored.

Cut 4 (10) “…backfill.”

The REC found an additional $88 million that can be added to the next budget year which begins July 1^st.

McFarland says when the House received the budget, they were given X amount of dollars and had to make cuts accordingly. But he points out that they did that with the anticipation that the REC would find extra monies to restore those cuts and the originally proposed teacher stipends of $2,000.

Cut 5 (12) “…at all.” 

The original amount set aside in the Executive Budget was $198 million for teacher pay stipends. Governor Jeff Landry proposed a second round of teacher stipends instead of a permanent salary increase because of anticipated future budget shortfalls. McFarland says now with additional funding from the R-E-C for the next fiscal year…

Cut 6 (08) “…executive budget.”

The current legislative session is scheduled to end June 3rd.

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A bill to hold a Constitutional Convention, in August as opposed to May, still must pass in the Senate. While Senate President Cameron Henry says a new start date is more realistic, he says there are still several unknowns about the process that will be used in June and July before the convention.

Cut 7 (10) “…August 1st.”

Henry says proposed changes made at the convention will still have to go before voters in either the November or December elections.

Cut 8 (11) “…square one.” 

Henry says there are still too many unknowns about the convention and the delegate process that he says will have to be answered before he believes the upper chamber will approve a convention.

Cut 9 (07)  “…the Senate.”

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee has yet to schedule a hearing on the constitutional convention bill. Henry says the Senate also has to focus on approving a budget.

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The USDA has announced Louisiana crawfish farmers are now covered under the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program, allowing producers to apply for federal disaster grants. Last year’s historic drought and a late-season freeze reduced production by about 200 million pounds at 45 thousand ponds. Louisiana Crawfish Processors Board Chairman David Savoy says it will take money to get production back to normal levels….

Cut 10 (05) “…in there. .”

Savoy said the funding will make a major difference and help farmers with reseeding.

Cut 11 (12) “…already.”

Savoy says supply has improved in April and May, but prices are still about a dollar more this year for boiled crawfish…

Cut 12 (05) “…come back.” 

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It’s Motorcycle Awareness Month and Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has some advice for Louisiana drivers.

Cut 13 (10)  “…difficult to see.”

And Fischer says this month isn’t just a message to drivers of trucks and cars, he’s talking to motorcyclists as well. He reminds everyone to drive the speed limit and responsibly this month and every month.

Cut 14 (05)  “…hotdogging on motorcycles.”

Even with advances in technology like lane and driver assist, it’s still best to take the time to slow down and look before you go.

Cut 15 (07)  “…motorcycle safety awareness month.”