Governor Jeff Landry’s plan to fund a two-thousand-dollar teacher stipend will move forward after a state judge lifted his order that temporarily blocked it. Jeff Palermo has more.
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Is it a forgone conclusion that Republican Congresswoman Julia Letlow will be elected as Louisiana’s next U.S. Senator? Andrew Greenstein has more.
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Lincoln Parish coaches are concerned the NCAA’s new five-for-five eligibility model could leave some high school athletes behind. Kace Kieschnick has more.
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A plume of Saharan dust has made its way across the Atlantic and is now over Louisiana. The dry, hot dust and the wind that carries it will help to disrupt storms and hurricane formation. LSU Health climatologist Barry Keim says don’t put away your umbrellas just yet.
Cut 4 (10) “…back as usual.”
The dust will also bring a milky haze to the sky, and you can expect a vibrant sunset. Keim says high temperatures across the state are expected to stay in the mid 90s throughout the week.
Cut 5 (12) “…temperatures very warm.”
The atmospheric dust particles can raise concerns for people with asthma or other respiratory illnesses. Keim says this plume, though, is not expected to cause as many issues as in past years.
Cut 6 (08) “…of an impact.”
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A Baton Rouge judge is allowing Governor Landry’s plan to fund a two-thousand-dollar teacher stipend to move forward. Judge Chip Moore lifted the temporary restraining order he set after disqualifying the law firm representing the plaintiffs. Patrick Wall, an education reporter for The Advocate, says the state argued that the law firm, Baker Donelson, could not be involved in a lawsuit against Louisiana while also representing the state in a separate case on the federal level.
Cut 7 (07) “…temporary restraining order.”
Landry’s plan reduces funding for public schools by 168-million dollars. Instead, the money will be used to give teachers a two-thousand-dollar stipend and support staff a one-thousand dollar stipend. Wall says the plan results in a reduction of four-percent or more in state funding for local school systems.
Cut 8 (03) “…for that money.”
Wall says the plaintiffs went to court on Monday ready to argue the Legislature and the state board of education have jurisdiction over public school funding, not the governor. Landry’s plan is set to effect on July first. Wall says the plaintiffs have a short time to react to Monday’s court ruling.
Cut 9 (07) “…clock right now.”
Judge Moore did not rule on whether Landry has the legal authority to reallocate public school education funding. The lawsuit was basically dismissed after it was determining the law firm the plaintiffs hired can not be involved in litigation against the state when they are representing Louisiana in another case.
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Nearly 180-thousand people voted for Congresswoman Julia Letlow in the U.S. Senate Republican Party primary runoff, while 156-thousand people nominated Tensas Parish farmer Jamie Davis in the Democratic Party primary runoff. Davis believes he can make it a competitive election on November 3rd. Professor Pearson Cross teaches political science at ULM and doesn’t give Davis much of a chance.
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There are still four months before we get to the November general election. Cross says Letlow will spend this time making sure Republican voters are fully behind her.
Cut 11 (07) “…voted against her.”
Letlow defeated John Fleming 57 to 43-percent in the Republican Party primary runoff. President Trump’s endorsement of Letlow was a key factor in her getting the Republican nomination, and Cross expects the President will be involved in the general election race.
Cut 12 (13) “…get her launched.”
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The NCAA’s new age-based eligibility model will end the days of 25 and 26-year-olds playing college athletics. The system does, however, still grant up to five seasons of eligibility. Lincoln Parish Journal Publisher Malcolm Butler says it could have a similar effect to COVID eligibility, oversaturating college sports with older athletes.
Cut 13 (08) “…just weren’t there.”
While it likely won’t affect the nation’s top recruits, low-star and zero-star prospects may lose their spots on top programs to older athletes as a result. Butler says modern coaches value collegiate experience and immediate impact over player development.
Cut 14 (11) “…going to lean.”
Recent cuts to NCAA roster limits won’t help high school athletes either. Butler spoke with Louisiana Tech football coach Sonny Cumbie and Ruston High School coach Jerrod Baugh, who both agreed the new rules will put a strain on the next few years of recruiting. Butler says impacts are already being felt.
Cut 15 (09) “…for you anymore.”
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SMU guard Jaron Pierre became the first New Orleans native to be drafted by the Pelicans last week. The St. Augustine alum was taken with the 58th overall pick after averaging over 17 points and four rebounds a game with the Mustangs. The 6-6 scorer says he can do it all.
Cut 16 (19) “…at showing it.”
Pierre shot 46-percent from the floor and 37-percent from three last season.
He was also the Conference USA Player of the Year in 2025 with Jacksonville State. Pierre turns 24 in July and made 121 college starts over five seasons with Southern Miss, Wichita State, Jax State and SMU. He says that experience will help him transition to the NBA.
Cut 17 (16) “…the long run.”