One lawmaker is calling for a veto session after his tort reform bill that attempted to address the state’s high auto insurance rates was vetoed. Jeanne Burns has the story…
Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

A body found yesterday in Bastrop in a wooded area near Vesta Street has been sent to Little Rock, Arkansas for an autopsy. Bastrop Police Leondrio Reed says they’ve identified the body, but they are not releasing the person’s identity. Cheif Reed says they will work hard until the case is resolved.

Donald Trump will be in New Orleans later today for a fundraiser for his presidential campaign. Trump is also preparing for Thursday’s televised debate versus President Joe Biden. John Couvillon of JMC Analytics and Polling says the televised debate is probably more important for the President, as there are concerns of a cognitive decline for the 81-year-old Biden…
cut 6 (09) “….the office”
The first 2024 presidential debate will be held Thursday at 8 P.M. CST on CNN.

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is providing five million dollars in grant money that schools can use to make their campuses safer. GOHSEP Director of Strategic Engagement Rubby Douglas says 126 projects in 40 parishes will receive up to 50-thousand dollars…
cut 11 (10) “…those schools”

Former President Donald Trump will be in New Orleans today for a big money campaign fundraiser for his presidential campaign. JMC Analytics and Polling’s John Couvillon says Trump is in great shape to win Louisiana in November, but the money his campaign will gain from today’s fundraiser can be spent anywhere.
Cut 4 (10) “…here in New Orleans.”
Tickets to attend the fundraiser cost 33-hundred dollars a person.

Louisiana Lawmakers have approved a law that no longer makes taking the ACT test a requirement for high school students pursuing a career diploma, starting with the 2025-26 school year. Board of Elementary Secondary Education President Ronnie Morris says BESE urged the Louisiana legislature not to pass this law…
cut 9 (09) “….conversation again”
Proponents of the legislation say the state should not mandate for a student to take a test when they do not plan on attending college.

Governor Jeff Landry issued a controversial veto last week and the debate over the bill continues into this week. Landry vetoed 27 bills from the recently completed regular session and the veto of House Bill 423 is getting the most attention because Shreveport Representative Michael Melerine says it’s part of a package of bills that would have improved the legal climate for auto insurance companies…
Cut 14 (07) “…more friendly.”
Landry says the proposed change to the Collateral Source Doctrine would result in car crash victims not receiving the payouts they deserved following a car crash. He says he’s trying to protect the working class…
Cut 15 (06) “…(x2) working class.”
Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple is calling for a special session to pass tort reform legislation that would result in an improved auto insurance market.

Former President Donald Trump will visit New Orleans today for a big money campaign fundraiser. Mel Bridges has more.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

The former President agrees the Ten Commandments should be displayed in public classrooms. Louisiana passed a law to do so, but it faces legal challenges. Trump said on his social media network how can the nation go wrong by displaying the Ten Commandments in public schools. Opponents of the effort says it’s a violation of church-state separation.

High School students in Louisiana will no longer be required to take the ACT, even though ten out of 11 BESE members asked lawmakers to reject the legislation. BESE President Ronnie Morris worries it could be a missed opportunity for students who aren’t initially college-bound…
Cut 7 (10) “…light bulb moment.”
Proponents say this will allow the state’s test average to improve because it will be more reflective of education in Louisiana and college-bound students.

Shreveport Representative Michael Melerine would like to see a veto session after his bill to reform the state’s current collateral source rule was vetoed by the governor. Melerine says his House Bill 423 could have helped lower auto insurance premiums by awarding payouts that match the cost of a person’s medical bills following a car crash
Cut 13 (09) “…override it.”
A veto session would take place in the middle of July if lawmakers elected to hold a veto session.

Former President Donald Trump will visit New Orleans today for a big money campaign fundraiser. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

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Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year high school students won’t be required to take the ACT. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

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One lawmaker is calling for a veto session after his tort reform bill that attempted to address the state’s high auto insurance rates was vetoed. Jeanne Burns has the story…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.” 

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Former President Donald Trump will visit New Orleans today for a campaign fundraiser. JMC Analytics and Polling’s John Couvillon says Trump certainly doesn’t need to stop in Louisiana for campaigning.

Cut 4 (10) “…here in New Orleans.”

The fundraiser is being hosted by two of Louisiana’s biggest Republican donors and comes three days before the first presidential campaign debate of the year. Couvillon says he expects Trump to use the debate to prove his candidacy and attack President Joe Biden.

Cut 5 (08) “…easy examples.”

On the other hand, Biden’s approval rate has yet to rise above 40% even with Trump’s felony fraud convictions last month. Couvillon says this may make the debates an uphill battle for the current president.

Cut 6 (09) “…the office.”

The first 2024 presidential debate will be held Thursday at 8 P.M. CST on CNN.

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High School students in Louisiana will no longer be required to take the ACT, even though ten out of 11 BESE members asked lawmakers to reject the legislation. BESE President Ronnie Morris worries it could be a missed opportunity for students who aren’t initially college-bound…

Cut 7 (10) “…light bulb moment.”

Proponents say this will allow the state’s test average to improve because it will be more reflective of education in Louisiana and college-bound students. However, Morris believes it could result in missed opportunities for some students.

Cut 8 (12) “…scholarship programs.” 

Only 10 states require the ACT to be taken; the average score for those states is 19, while the national average is 19.2. Louisiana’s average score is 18.2. Morris says while he’s disappointed lawmakers chose to go against the request of BESE members…

Cut 9 (09)  “…conversation again.”

Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, students will no longer be required to take the ACT or the Armed Services Vocation Aptitude Battery.

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GOHSEP and the Louisiana Safe School Center announce the new School Safety Grant of $5 million in funding for schools across the state.  GOHSEP Director of Strategic Engagement Rubby Douglas.

Cut 10 (12) “…local level.”

The grants were awarded for 126 projects in 40 parishes. Each project will receive up to fifty thousand dollars. Douglas says the funds will be used in a variety of ways.

Cut 11 (10) “…those schools.”

Douglas says the funds should be available July 1^st and schools will begin projects this summer to be in place for the upcoming school year.

Cut 12 (11) “…students.” 

The funds were awarded to both public and private schools.

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Shreveport Representative Michael Melerine would like to see a veto session after his bill to reform the state’s current collateral source rule was vetoed by the governor. Melerine says his House Bill 423 could have helped lower auto insurance premiums by awarding payouts that match the cost of a person’s medical bills following a car crash

Cut 13 (09)  “…override it.”

Governor Landry vetoed 27 bills from the recently completed regular session and the veto of House Bill 423 is getting the most attention because Melerine says it is part of a package of bills that would have improved the legal climate for auto insurance companies…

Cut 14 (07)  “…more friendly.”

Landry says the proposed change to the Collateral Source Doctrine would result in car crash victims not receiving the payouts they deserved following a car crash. He says he’s trying to protect the working class…

Cut 15 (06)  “…(x2) working class.”

But Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple the current Collateral Source Doctrine produces windfall payments that result in accident victims getting more than they deserve….

Cut 16 (05) “…Ferrari.” 

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Louisiana Tech baseball coach Lane Burroughs signed a five-year extension with the school following his seventh season in Ruston. Burroughs has led the Bulldogs to NCAA Regional appearances in 3 of the last 4 seasons and three Conference-USA championships. Burroughs says he’s happy to confirm five more years in Ruston…

Cut 17 (18) “…but our family.”

The Bulldogs finished with a 45-and-19 record behind Burrough’s CUSA Co-Coach of the Year earning a conference regular season title and tournament appearance. Burroughs says it’s difficult to succeed as a smaller program in the NIL era, but his Bulldogs can compete with anybody…

Cut 18 (17)  “…way we can.”

The Bulldogs will look a lot different next year as eight of the nine offensive starters last season were seniors. Burroughs will also lose out on the team’s two best relief pitchers Sam Broderson and All-American Ethan Bates. Burroughs says they’ve brought in 4 to 6 new transfers, and he feels his roster for next season is 98% ready…

Cut 19 (17) “…for the spring.” 

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Cut 20 (22) “…overcome that.”

Police in New Orleans are investigating a fatal shooting that happened early this morning in the French Quarter. It happened in the 600 block of Bourbon Street around four this morning. The man who’d been shot was taken to the hospital where he later died. So far neither the name of the victim nor a possible motive for the shooting has been released.

Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law is front and center across the country…and it could face legal challenges here. The ACLU has said it plans to fight the law in court. But author of the legislation, Haughton Representative Dodie Horton believes it will withstand the challenge. In the meantime…

Cut 8 (09)  “…in schools.”

Under the law, public schools, including colleges and universities that receive state funding, are required to post the Ten Commandments in the classroom no later than January 1, 2025.
——————

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame will induct its 2024 class tonight. Among those being honored, former Saints quarterback Drew Brees, LSU’s Seimone Augustus, and former McNeese star turned Canadian Football League MVP Kerry Joseph. There are also some great coaches being honored, including Tulane men’s basketball coach Perry Clark, former high school football coach Frank Monica and legendary Grambling Coach Wilbert Ellis, who won 701 games in 26 seasons as a head coach…

Cut  14 (11) “…win games.” 

Governor Landry has signed legislation giving the Louisiana Workforce Commission the responsibility of spearheading state workforce changes and solutions. Under the bill, LWC will also empower the Department of Education to expand access to high school and university internships and apprenticeships. LWC Secretary Susana Schowen says this bill is an important first step to fixing several issues in the state, not just economic ones.

Cut 11 (08) ” …get better.”

As Louisiana’s law requiring the Ten Commandments be posted in public classrooms continues to attract national attention, groups like the ACLU have said they plan to fight it in court. is receiving national attention and groups like the ACLU say they plan to fight it in court. Alanah Odoms with the ACLU of Louisiana says the law clearly violates the First Amendment and the law calls for a government-mandated version of the Ten Commandments.

Cut 7 (11) “…by this.”  
The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame will induct its 2024 class tonight. Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees and LSU women’s basketball star Seimone Augustus are the headliners. Brees is not the only former Q-B being inducted. Former McNeese star Kerry Joseph will also be inducted. The New Iberia native led the Cowboys to the 1995 Division One-Double-A semifinals and turned into an M-V-P performer in the Canadian Football League

Cut 13 (10) “…before me.”

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After a delay in request for two missing Loranger girls, a lawmaker is calling for an overhaul of Louisiana’s AMBER Alert system. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

The man accused of killing Callie Brunette and her four year old daughter Erin is expected to be extradited back to Louisiana to face charges here. A Tangipahoa jury indicted 36 year old Daniel Callihan and a second suspect 32 year old Victoria Cox on Thursday. The two are both in the custody of the U-S Marshall’s Service. Tangipahoa Parish District Attorney Scott Perrilloux says he hopes to have Callihan back in Louisiana as soon as possible.

A Baton Rouge Representative is calling for an overhaul of Louisiana’s AMBER Alert system after a three hour delay in a request for one on two missing Loranger girls. Baton Rouge Representative Dixon McMakin sent a letter to the governor saying the current system is tedious and overcomplicated.

Cut 3 (08) “…in Louisiana.”
Governor Landry has signed legislation giving the Louisiana Workforce Commission the responsibility of spearheading state workforce changes and solutions. LWC now has the power to align certain agencies and create a single point of contact in every region of the state to develop solutions to workforce needs. LWC Secretary Susana Schowen (sh-ow as in ouch-en) says these changes can only result in good things.

Cut 10 (12) “…workers are.”

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As Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law is making national headlines it also faces litigation. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame will induct its 2024 class on tonight.  Headliners are former Saints quarterback Drew Brees and LSU women’s basketball star Seimone Augustus.

Cut 12 (10) “…amazing people.” 

The man accused of killing a Loranger mother and child is expected to be extradited back to Louisiana to face charges here. 36 year old Daniel Callihan is accused of killing Callie Brunette and her 4 year old daughter Erin. A Tangipahoa jury indicted Callihan and a second suspect 32 year old Victoria Cox on Thursday. The two are both in the custody of the U-S Marshall’s Service. Tangipahoa Parish District Attorney Scott Perrilloux says he hopes to have Callihan back in Louisiana as soon as possible.

Baton Rouge Representative Dixon McMakin is calling for an overhaul of Louisiana’s AMBER Alert system after a delay in request for Callie Brunette’s two missing daughters. Police records showed it took 3 hours to issue an alert after Erin and Jalie Brunett were reported missing last week. McMakin says part of the rework would make sure alert requests always go through to a real person.

Cut 4 (12) “…hour or two.”
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Louisiana’s law requiring the Ten Commandments be posted in public classrooms is getting plenty of national attention and groups like the ACLU say they plan to fight it in court. Author of the legislation, Haughton Representative Dodie Horton believes it will withstand the challenge.

Cut 6 (09) “…the test.”

Public schools, including colleges and universities that receive state funding, are required to post the Ten Commandments in the classroom no later than January 1, 2025.

Governor Landry has signed legislation giving the Louisiana Workforce Commission the responsibility of spearheading state workforce changes and solutions. LWC Secretary Susana Schowen (sh-ow as in ouch-en) says Senate Bill 293…

Cut 9 (12) “…employers.”
 

Baton Rouge Representative Dixon McMakin is calling for an overhaul of Louisiana’s AMBER Alert system after a delay in request for two missing Loranger girls. Baton Rouge Representative Dixon McMakin sent a letter to the governor saying the current system is tedious and overcomplicated.

Cut 3 (08) “…in Louisiana.”

Police records showed it took 3 hours to issue an alert after Erin and Jalie Brunett were reported missing last week

Governor Landry has signed legislation giving the Louisiana Workforce Commission the responsibility of spearheading workforce changes and solutions. LWC Secretary Susana Schowen (sh-auh-on) says these changes can only result in good things.

Cut 10 (12) “…workers are.”

Saturday night’s induction of the 2024 class to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame featuring former Saints quarterback Drew Brees and LSU women’s basketball star Seimone Augustus will also feature great coaches. Among them, Tulane men’s basketball coach Perry Clark, former high school football coach Frank Monica and legendary Grambling Coach Wilbert Ellis, who won 701 games in 26 seasons as a head coach…

Cut  14 (11) “…win games.” 

Shoppers may soon be able to buy alcohol on Sundays in Bossier City. Currently, the city only allows the sale of lower alcohol content — wine and beer. This week the Bossier City Council voted six to one this week to allow grocery and liquor retailers to sell alcohol on Sundays during designated hours. Councilman Brian Hammonds proposed the bill siting an economic advantage for the city. Retailers in Shreveport already sell alcohol on Sundays.

Baton Rouge Representative Dixon McMakin is calling for an overhaul of Louisiana’s AMBER Alert system after Police records showed it took 3 hours to issue an alert after Erin and Jalie Brunett were reported missing last week. McMakin says part of the rework would make sure alert requests always go through to a real person.

cut 4 (12) “…hour or two.”

Tips from the public helped investigators determine a November fire that destroyed the Benoit Ford dealership on Johnnie B Hall Memorial Highway in Deridder was intentionally set. Now the State Fire Marshall’s office is asking the public’s help in identifying the person responsible. Deputies have photos of a young, 6 foot tall, male wearing a dark-colored hoodie and skinny jeans walking around the dealership property at 4:00 am on November 18^th, 30 minutes before the fire was reported. If you have any information, call the Arson Hotline at 844-954-1221.

As Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law is making national headlines it also faces litigation. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees is not the only former Q-B being honored in the 2024 Class of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Saturday night. Former McNeese star Kerry Joseph will also be enshrined. The New Iberia native led the Cowboys to the 1995 Division One-Double-A semifinals and turned into an M-V-P performer in the Canadian Football League

Cut 13 (05) “…home.”