A bill that creates the Gator Scholarship Program is headed to the governor’s desk. It will expand the state’s current voucher program, which allows parents to use public dollars to pay for private school tuition. The governor wants the Education Savings Account available for families of all income levels. But Council a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says under the bill headed to the governor’s desk, BESE will determine eligibility and how much money a family will receive and is the program resulting in students getting a better education…
cut 12 (08) “…the kids”

The hurricane season begins tomorrow and experts say the conditions are right for a season where we see 20 plus named storms. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says the sea surface temperatures are warm enough to start producing storms now…
cut 6 (09) “….even worse”

LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says yesterday’s historic verdict that found former President Donald Trump guilty of all 34 counts in his hush money case will not change the views of hardcore Republican and Democratic voters…
cut 14 (09) “….by that”
Sentencing for Trump is scheduled for July 11th, days before the Republican National Convention.

Tonight is the Louisiana Seafood Cookoff in Monroe as 12 chefs from around the state will battle for a chance to be crowned the King or Queen of Louisiana Seafood. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the winner sees a bump in business at their restaurant…
cut 8 (07) “…special dishes”
The event will take place at the Bayou Pointe Event Center on the ULM Campus. The cooking starts at 6:30.

The Gator Scholarship Program, an expanded use of the school voucher program received final passage in the Senate Thursday. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says while passage is a win for the governor, a watered-down version of the original bill is what he’ll have the opportunity to sign.
Cut 10 (11) “…a bit.”
The legislation calls for a study to take place over the next several months and BESE will use the results of that study to develop rules and regulations for the voucher program.

Former President Donald Trump was convicted on all 34 counts in his hush money case that involved Baton Rouge native and porn star Stormy Daniels who said the two had sex. A majority of Louisiana voters will likely vote for Trump in the NOvember 5th election and LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says yesterday’s historic verdict should not change that…
cut 15 (11) “…teflon like”

The 17th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off is tonight in Monroe. Mel Bridges has more…
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

The Gator Scholarship Program, an expanded use of the school voucher program received final passage in the Senate Thursday. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says while passage is a win for the governor, a watered-down version of the original bill is what he’ll have the opportunity to sign.

Cut 10 (12) “…a bit.”

Erwin says the Education Savings Account bill still offers opportunities for families to use tax dollars to pay for private school, but the program will be phased in slower than originally intended.

Cut 11 (11) “…long runway.”

In the final version of the legislation, Erwin says the amount of money each family could potentially receive remains to be determined. BESE will oversee the program.

A bill headed to the Governor’s desk will eliminate the requirement to give 16- and 17-year-old employees at least a 20-minute break when they work at least five hours. Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder says this legislation is less red tape for employers hiring minors which makes the hiring process more productive.

PM Cut 4 (13) “…with paperwork.” 

With the session scheduled to wrap up on Monday, there are several bills still trying to make it across the finish line. And one is to eliminate the 30-year statute of limitations where one can be prosecuted for child molestation. Representative Tim Kerner hopes the bill, which passed unanimously in the House, will reach the governor’s desk.

Cut 24  (09) “…out there (x2).”

The Senate is expected to take up the state budget Friday and the session must end by 6pm Monday June 3^rd.

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 earlier this week.  Chief Darryl Lawerence says the two suspects who 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.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is asking for help this summer. If you see a fish kill they’re asking you to give them a call. 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. Inland Fisheries Technical Advisor Robby Maxwell says typically after a fish kill they see very good recovery of the fisheries resources.

Cut 8 (10)  “…fish kill.” 

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 .”

The 74^th annual Peach Festival is this Saturday in downtown Ruston. Tori Davis with Experience Ruston 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.” 

Police in Zachary arrested a 17-year-old and a 15-year-old this morning after an attempted car burglary that ended with a woman being shot three times when she tried to intervene early Tuesday morning.  Chief Darryl Lawerence says detectives received good leads on the suspects’ getaway vehicle and within two days they were able to make the arrests. The victim was released from the hospital and while Lawrence commends her 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.

The House gives final passage to legislation that eliminates employer’s requirement to give 16- and 17-year-old employees at least a 20-minute meal break if they work at least five hours. Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder says this legislation is good for teenagers that are looking for work.

Cut 3 (05) “…get employment.” 

The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk.

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.” 

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

Cut 9 (12) “…in Lincoln Parish.” 

The festival begins at 9 am and for the first time in 30 years, admission is free.

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 earlier this week.  Chief Darryl Lawerence says the two suspects who 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.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is asking the public to report any fish kills they may see this summer and see fish kills to give them a call. Inland Fisheries Technical Advisor Robby Maxwell says there could be multiple reasons for fish kills.

Cut 7 (09) “…follow up on it.”  

A bill headed to the Governor’s desk will eliminate the requirement to give 16- and 17-year-old employees at least a 20-minute meal break when they work at least five hours. Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder says this legislation is good for teenagers that are looking for work because it results in less red tape for employers hiring minors that makes the hiring process more productive.

Cut 4 (13) “…with paperwork.” 

The 74^th annual Peach Festival is this Saturday in downtown Ruston. Tori Davis with Experience Ruston says 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. Last call for peaches is 11 pm.

The Louisiana House gave final passage to a bill to eliminate the employer-required 20-minute break for 16- and 17-year-old workers. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Sean Richardson .”

And the Senate is expected to vote on a bill to remove the 30-year statute of limitations to prosecute child molestation. The bill passed unanimously in the House. Lafitte Republican Representative Tim Kerner says victims deserve to have their cases heard no matter how long ago it occurred.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is asking for your help if you see any fish kills this summer. LDWF Inland Fisheries Technical Advisor Robby Maxwell…

Cut 6  (11) “…appropriate manner. ” 

Fish kills are typical this time of year due to droughts or hurricanes, but Maxwell says mainly it’s due to temperature and low oxygen in the water.

The 74^th annual Peach Festival is this Saturday in downtown Ruston. Tori Davis with Experience Ruston 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.” 

A bill heading to the governor’s desk would end the requirement for employers to give 16 and 17-year-old workers a 20 minute break once they reach five straight hours on the clock. Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder says we shouldn’t prevent teenagers with good work ethic from making money….
cut 5 (12) “…seven or eight dollars”
The bill received a vote of 63 to 28 for final passage in the House.

The 74th 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 to consume. Tori Davis with Experience Ruston…
Cut 9 (12) “…in Lincoln Parish.”
The festival begins at 9 am and the last call for peaches is 11 pm.

With just a few days left in the legislative session, the full Senate is expected to take up a bill today that would remove the 30-year statue of limitations one can be prosecuted for child molestation.
cut 2 (31) “….I’m Brooke Thorington”

With a 63-28 vote, the House gave final passage to a bill to remove the employer requirement to give 16-and 17-year-old employees at least a 20-minute break after working five hours. Denham Springs Republican Representative Roger Wilder says his legislation is good for teenagers looking for work.

Cut 3 (05) “…get employment.” 

The bill heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

Among the bills to be heard in the Senate this afternoon is one to eliminate the 30-year statute of limitations one can be prosecuted for child molestation. Lafitte Representative Tim Kerner hopes the bill, which passed unanimously in the House, will reach the governor’s desk.

Cut 7 (09) “…out there (x2).”

The Senate convenes at 1pm.

An autopsy shows Ponchatoula Police Corporal Pricilla Dean Pierson who was found dead in her patrol car Tuesday morning, died as a result of significant heart problems. She had 80-percent blockage in one of her arteries. Chief Bry Layrisson…

Cut 10 (14) “…arrangements.”
She’s survived by her husband and their five children.

Walker Police Chief David Addison was at the right place at the right time last Friday. He says it was divine intervention he took his daily walk an hour early, because three young girls ran towards him pleading for help because their father was unresponsive in their backyard pool.

Cut 13 (11)  “…babies’ daddy.”
The father of three is alive but remains hospitalized.

A bill set to be heard today in the Louisiana Senate would eliminate the 30-year statute of limitations one can be prosecuted for child molestation. Lafitte Representative Tim Kerner says far too often children are victimized and they repress those memories to survive.
cut 9 (10) “….that opportunity”
The House passed Kerner’s bill unanimously and he is hoping the Senate will approve the bill as well.

What’s predicted to be an above-average active hurricane season begins Saturday. GOHSEP Director Jacques Thibodeaux, says his biggest concern is the coastal residents who refuse to leave when mandatory evacuations are issued…
cut 6 (11) “…to draw”
Thibodeaux says now is the time to finalize evacuation plans.

Ponchatoula Police Corporal Pricilla Dean Pierson was found dead in her patrol car outside a Rouses in west Ponchatoula Tuesday morning. Chief Bry Layrisson says Pierson had several existing health issues and foul play is not suspected.  He says she was much more than an outstanding officer.

Cut 12 (11) “…Ponchatoula.” 

She’s survived by her husband and five children.

Walker Police Chief David Addison says it was divine intervention when he took his daily walk an hour earlier last Friday when three young girls pleaded with him for help because their father was unresponsive in their backyard swimming pool. He was able to get the man out of the water…

Cut 15 (12)  “…he’s alive.”

For the victim’s and the family’s privacy, his name is being withheld.