Former President Donald Trump will be in New Orleans today for a fundraiser hosted by two of Louisiana’s biggest Republican donors, Boysie Bollinger and Joe Canizaro. Bollinger says Trump is confident he will win Louisiana like he did in 2020, so he’s stopping by to raise campaign funds, not to campaign.
cut 13 (08) “…doing that.”

 
Beginning January 1st, teachers must undergo a criminal background check with the state to receive certification. If a certified teacher is convicted of a crime, like violence or harm against children, after they are employed, Arthur Joffrion (Joe-free-on) with the Louisiana Department of Education says the Louisiana State Police, who conduct the background checks, would notify the department and the teacher’s employer, which would automatically keep a certified teacher out of the classroom.
cut 4 (09) “…agency.”
The new policy is a result of legislation passed in 2023.

 
Cleco customers will see a rate increase next month of around five dollars, which will jump to 13 dollars in October. Spokesperson Fran Phoenix says the rise is necessary to curb inflation and increased operating and maintenance costs. However, PSC Davante Lewis, who voted against the increase, says Cleco recently lost a contract selling power to another Louisiana power company…
cut 8 (07) “…ratepayers.”

 
Former LSU sprinter Sha’Carri Richarson is heading to the Paris Olympics as a favorite to win a Gold Medal after a 10.71 second sprint in the 100-meters at the U.S. track trials in Oregon. Richardson is one of the biggest track stars in the world, and her one-month suspension for testing positive for cannabis was a huge story in 2021. Richardson says she never stopped believing in herself.
cut 11 (11) “…your last.”

Beginning January 1^st to receive their certification, teachers must undergo a criminal background check with the state. Currently, it’s up to local school systems to require those checks, but now Arthur Joffrion with the Louisiana Department of Education says it’s a state requirement.

Cut 3 (10) “…our educators.”

The new policy is a result of legislation passed in 2023.

Former LSU sprinter Sha’Carri Richarson is heading to the Paris Olympics as a favorite to win a Gold Medal after a 10.71 second sprint in the 100-meters at the U.S. track trials in Oregon. Richardson, who was banned from competing in the 2021 Tokyo Games because of a positive marijuana test, was emotional when she crossed the finish line on Saturday

Cut 10 (10) “…today.”

Richardson competed at LSU in 2019.

Cleco customers will see a rate increase next month, but the reason why depends on who you ask. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

Former President Donald Trump will be in 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. Trump said on his social media network how can the nation go wrong by displaying the Ten Commandments in public schools. The Louisiana ACLU of will file a federal lawsuit this afternoon to block the law from taking effect.

Cleco customers will see a rate increase next month of around five dollars, which will jump to 13 dollars in October. Spokesperson Fran Phoenix says while she understands that the rise may come as a shock, it was needed due to inflation and increased operating and maintenance costs.
Cut 6 (09) “…customer.”
PSC Commissioner Davante Lewis, who voted against the rate increase, says Cleco is actually raising prices to force consumers to pay for lost revenue due to a failed contract deal.

Former LSU sprinter Sha’Carri Richarson is heading to the Paris Olympics as a favorite to win a Gold Medal after a 10.71 second sprint in the 100-meters at the U.S. track trials in Oregon. Richardson, who was banned from competing in the 2021 Tokyo Games because of a positive marijuana test, was emotional when she crossed the finish line on Saturday
Cut 10 (10) “…today.”
Richardson is one of the biggest track stars in the world and her one-month suspension for testing positive for cannabis was a huge story in 2021. The Texas native admitted to smoking pot to cope with the unexpected death of her biological mother.

Former President Donald Trump will visit New Orleans today for a campaign fundraiser, days before his debate with President Biden. JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon says he expects Trump will use the debate to prove his candidacy and attack Biden.

Cut 5 (08) “…easy examples.”

That debate will be held Thursday at 8 o’clock on CNN.

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 result in missed opportunities for some students.

Cut 8 (12) “…scholarship programs.” 

It will go into effect for the 2025-26 school year.

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

Cut 16 (05) “…Ferrari.” 

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.

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 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 the current Collateral Source Doctrine produces windfall payments that result in accident victims getting more than they deserve.

Beginning in the 2025-26 school year high school students pursuing a career diploma will not be required to take the ACT. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

Over 100 schools in 40 parishes this summer is receiving up to 50-thousand dollars to make their schools safer. Rubby Douglas with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says this money should help boost preventive and protective measures on school campuses…
cut 12 (05) “…for students”

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.”

_______________________________________________

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” 

____________________________________________

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.” 

___________________________________________

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.

___________________________________

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.

________________________________________________________________

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.

______________________________________________

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.” 

____________________________________________________________

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.” 

___________________________________________________________________

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.”