The House Appropriations Committee has approved a proposal that would provide thousands of dollars to a family to pay for private school tuition or other education expenses.  Once the program gets fully implemented it will cost the state an estimated 500-million dollars annually. Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley is hearing concerns about taking money away from public schools…

Cut 9 (10) “…this bill” 

The measure passed on a 13 to 8 vote.

Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell has filed a bill that would mandate a five-day school week. Nine school systems have some or all their schools with four-day weeks. And supporters of a four-day week sayit helps with teacher recruitment. Mizell questions what happens if more schools go to a four-day week.

Cut 11 (11) “…teacher recruitment.”

After last night’s season ending loss, LSU’s Angel Reese opens up about the hate she’s received since winning the national championship. Beau Gaspard has more…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Beau Gaspard” 

For only the fourth time ever Southern beat LSU in baseball 12-7 last night.

The LSU Lady Tigers NCAA tournament run has come to an end this season with their loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes last night 94 to 87. The game saw Iowa’s Catlin Clark score 41 points, 7 rebounds, and 12 assists and LSU’s Angel Reese score 20 rebounds, 4 assists, and 17 points. Reese says that she’s proud of how she has stayed strong while handling off the court issues after winning the national championship last season.

Cut 15 (12) “… single time.”

The game is likely to be Angel Reese’s last game as a Lady Tiger as she is predicted to be a top 10 pick in the WNBA Draft.

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And the New Orleans Pelicans lost to the Phoenix Suns last night 124 to 111. The game feature Phoenix’s star guard Devin Booker scoring 52 points for the second time this season against the Pelicans. New Orleans will host Orlando tomorrow at 7 pm.

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LSU Baseball is now on a 4 game losing streak after the Tigers were swept by Arkansas and lost to Southern last night 12 to 7. The game featured 11 hits given up by Tiger pitching and LSU Head Coach Jay Johson says that last night’s pitching was not up to the Purple and Gold standard.

Cut 21 (09) “…. at hard.”

LSU will host Vanderbilt this weekend.

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The Ragin Cajuns baseball team now owns the nation’s longest win streak at 11 games after they swept Texas State this weekend. UL-Lafayette got off to a slow start this season after going 9 and 8, but have seemingly found their footing after starting SunBelt play with an 8 and 1 record. The Ragin Cajuns will host Nicholls tonight at 6 pm as they try to improve their win streak to 12 games.

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And in more baseball across the state today, Grambling will host Northwestern tonight at 6 pm, Southeastern will host Southern Miss tonight at 6 pm, McNeese will host Alcorn state in a two game midweek series with first pitch tonight at 6 pm, and Louisiana Tech will host Little Rock tonight at 6pm.

The LSU women’s basketball team’s season ended last night as the Lady Tigers lost to Iowa. Following the game, LSU All-American Angel Reese opened up about the abuse she’s received through social media…
cut 15 (13) “…every single time”
Reese says the hate messages began after they won the national championship last year.

Governor Landry is displeased the LSU Lady Tigers were not on the court for the national anthem prior to the game against Iowa. Landry says he respects coach Kim Mulkey, but there should be a deep respect for those who serve to protect and unite us under one flag. Mulkey says she didn’t know when the anthem was played….
Cut 13 (13) “..intentionally done.”
Landry says student athletes should lose their scholarship if they are not present for the national anthem.

There is pushback to ending the regular session early so a constitutional convention can be held. A bill has been filed to begin the constitutional convention on May 20th, but the regular session is not scheduled to end until June 3rd. Senate President Cameron Henry says there are a lot of unknowns on how this will work…
cut 6 (10) “…before the horse”
Henry says Governor Jeff Landry wants a streamlined state constitution that can be approved by voters in November.

A new 20-foot by 30-foot pavilion at Jimmie Davis State Park in Jackson Parish has opened. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the North Central Baptist Association paid for and constructed the new facility.
Cut 3 (08) “…church services.”
The pavilion accommodates around 50 people.

After losing to the Lady Tigers last year in the national championship game, Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes got the best of the LSU Lady Tigers last night in a rematch. Jeff Palermo has a recap…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

There’s more controversy with the LSU women’s basketball team. It was noted that the Lady Tigers and coaches were not present during the national anthem before the game started. Coach Kim Mulkey says the team has a pre-game routine and she did not know when the anthem would be played. She says it was not intentional.

The Louisiana Gator Scholarship Program bill goes before House Appropriations today. The proposed legislation would give tax dollars directly to families, allowing them to use the money for private school tuition, online learning, and tutoring. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio estimates it will eventually cost $520 million annually.

 Cut 7 (08) “…up too.”

Procopio says lawmakers need to consider a temporary sales tax that will expire in 2025, which is estimated to create a $400 to $500 million fiscal cliff as they consider funding the ESA program.

Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell has filed a bill that would mandate a five-day school week. Mizell says she is listening to opposition to her bill and considering amending the bill. She says one option is to mandate schools provide additional assistance to struggling students on non-class days. The second option…

Cut 12 (10) “…(x2) school week.” 

The bill is scheduled to be heard in Senate Education.

The Louisiana Gator Scholarship Program bill, also known as Education Savings Accounts, goes before House Appropriations today. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has launched the “Buckle Up, Phone Down,” campaign. Spokesperson Greg Fisher says almost a third of drivers in Louisiana engage in some sort of distracted driving, so he’s urging motorists to make a pledge…

Cut 6 (07) “…phone down.”

The LSU lady tigers will not repeat as National champs after losing to Iowa last night 94 to 87 last night. Caitlin Clark was sensational, scoring 41 points. LSU’s Angel Reese had 20 points and 17 rebounds. This past year hasn’t been easy for Reese whose faced a lot of negativity. After last night’s loss, she addressed what it’s been like for her.

Cut 15 (13)  “…every single time.”

This was likely Reese’s final game at LSU. She says she’ll make a decision on her future when she’s ready. Reese is expected to be a top ten pick in the WNBA draft.

Louisiana State Police are investigating a deadly officer involved shooting involving a Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s deputy yesterday. Troopers say the sheriff’s office requested their assistance after the shooting on Madison Land in Ponchatoula. Troopes say one person was shot and died on the scene. No deputies were injured, but the incident remains under investigation this morning.

Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes got the best of the LSU Lady Tigers last night in a rematch of last year’s national championship game. Jeff Palermo has a recap…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”
Ten former students who sued LSU over alleged mishandling of sexual assault and domestic violence complaints against football players and others have settled their case with the university. The lawsuit centered on federal Title IX laws which ban gender-based discrimination, harassment or violence. The terms of the settlement have not been disclosed.

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A south Louisiana lawmaker believes students should attend school five days a week. Nine school systems in Louisiana have some or all their schools with four-day weeks. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell has filed a bill that would mandate a five-day school week because she’s concerned about children at home without adult supervision one day a week.

Cut 10 (09) “…the homes.”
It will go before House Appropriations today…It’s The Louisiana Gator Scholarship Program bill that some estimate could eventually cost the state $520 million dollars a year. While the program has plenty of Republican support, Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says lawmakers need to consider a temporary sales tax that will expire in 2025, which is estimated to create a $400 to $500 million fiscal cliff.

Cut 8 (09) “…bill is.” 

If you’re getting behind the wheel this morning, be aware that April is National Distracted Driving Week and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission’s “Buckle Up, Phone Down” campaign is in full swing. Right now, Louisiana law prohibits writing, sending, or reading text messages on hand-held devices while driving. But Spokesperson Greg Fisher reminds us all that eating, drinking, and even talking with passengers can also be big distractions behind the wheel.

Cut 5 (11) “…to drive.” 

The Louisiana Gator Scholarship Program bill, also known as Education Savings Accounts, goes before House Appropriations today. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says even if the bill passes in the legislature in its current form, there would be a year of planning before it’s implemented.

Cut 9 (06)  “…aren’t acceptable.”

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The LSU lady tigers will not repeat as National champs after losing to Iowa last night 94 to 87 last night. Caitlin Clark was sensational, scoring 41 points. LSU’s Angel Reese had 20 points and 17 rebounds. And Flau’Jau Johnson had 23 points and six rebounds. During the postgame press conference, Johnson spoke out against the people who have shown hate towards Reese…

Cut 14 (11)  “…heavy bro”

This was likely Reese’s final game at LSU.  Reese is expected to be a top ten pick in the WNBA draft.

Louisiana State Police are investigating a deadly officer involved shooting involving a Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s deputy yesterday. Troopers say the sheriff’s office requested their assistance after the shooting on Madison Land in Ponchatoula. Troopers say one person was shot and died on the scene. No deputies were injured, but the incident remains under investigation this morning.

Iowa got the best of LSU this time. After losing to the Lady Tigers last year in the national championship game, the Hawkeyes defeated LSU 94 to 87 last night. Caitlin Clark was sensational, scoring 41 points. LSU’s Angel Reese had 20 points and 17 rebounds. Reese says it was a great run, despite not getting back to the Final Four

Cut 13 (12)  “…9ur heads up.”

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has launched the “Buckle Up, Phone Down,” campaign. Spokesperson Greg Fisher…

Cut 4 (10) “…your phone.”

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A south Louisiana lawmaker believes students should attend school five days a week. Nine school systems in Louisiana have some or all their schools with four-day weeks. Supporters of a four-day week say a condensed schedule helps with teacher recruitment, and retention, and doesn’t impede student learning. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell questions what happens when more schools attract teachers with a four-day week.

Cut 11 (11) “…teacher recruitment.”

The Louisiana Gator Scholarship Program bill, also known as Education Savings Accounts, goes before House Appropriations today. How much it will cost the state to fund and implement the program is a concern. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio estimates it will eventually cost $520-million annually.

Cut 7 (08) “…up too.”

Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell has proposed legislation to mandate all public schools in Louisiana adopt a traditional five-day school week. Nine school districts in the state have some or all schools with four-day weeks. Mizell has concerns about childcare and student welfare.

Cut 10 (09) “…the homes.”

The bill has been referred to Senate Education.

Hospitals, public agencies, and other employers that mandate the COVID-19 vaccine for their employees could face fines of up to $50,000 if Monroe Representative Michael Echols’ bill is enacted. He believes it’s about individual freedom.

PM Cut 26 (09) “…do it.” 

The bill heads to the Senate for discussion.

The Louisiana Gator Scholarship Program bill, also known as Education Savings Accounts, goes before House Appropriations Tuesday. How much it will cost the state to fund and implement the program is a concern. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio estimates it will eventually cost $520-million annually.

Cut 7 (09) “…up too.”

While the program has plenty of Republican support, Procopio says lawmakers need to consider a sales tax that’s rolling off, which is estimated to create a $400 to $500 million fiscal cliff as they consider funding the ESA program.

Cut 8 (09) “…bill is.” 

He says even if the bill passes in the legislature in its current form there’s a year of planning before it’s implemented.

State Police are investigating a foot pursuit that ended when a Lafayette Police officer shot a suspect who was armed with a rifle Late Sunday evening. Investigators say a foot pursuit began after police responded to a disturbance on Lilly Street. Authorities say the officer shot at the armed suspect as he neared a crowd in a public park. The suspect was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. No officers were injured.

The Louisiana House approves a bill to fine large businesses up to $50,000 for mandating COVID vaccines. Small businesses could be fined up to $10 thousand. Monroe Representative Michael Echols says his bill would empower the state Attorney General’s Office to investigate complaints against employers.

Cut 7 (11) “…mandate that.”  

The bill now goes to the Senate for discussion.

The Louisiana-based food delivery service ASAP has ceased operations. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Last week a $1.13 billion MegaMillions jackpot was won with a ticket purchased in New Jersey. And another huge jackpot is up for grabs as the Powerball tally reaches one billion dollars. Dustin Annison with the Louisiana Lottery says it has a cash value of $484 million. Annison says if you want a chance at becoming a billionaire, be sure to purchase your tickets by 9pm…

Cut 11 (04) “…to win.”