The state House has overwhelmingly voted for a measure that would remove the current restrictions on the state’s Name, Image, and Likeness law. Crowley Representative John Stefanski says the bill just puts Louisiana in the same posture as other states…:

CUT 11(12)      “…like you said.”

The bill started in the Senate and must go back there for concurrence on House amendments and what could be final passage.

Senate Transportation made the decision to defer Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s bill to ban handheld cellphone use while driving. New Orleans Senator Gary Carter continued to hit on the point made by several lawmakers; that Huval’s bill would lead to law enforcement profiling drivers who may or may not be using their cell phones in order to look for larger offenses.

Cut 8 (12) “…unfortunate consequences.”

Louisiana State Treasurer John Schroder says the check is in the mail. On Thursday almost 30-thousand unclaimed property checks were mailed out after a data match with the Department of Revenue to update addresses. The checks total $4.8 million in unclaimed property. Schroder says his staff works diligently to find the rightful owners.

Cut 4  (09) “…our program.”

Visit LaCashClaim-dot org to see if you have any unclaimed funds.

If you don’t have plans for Memorial Day weekend why not a visit to the World War II Museum in New Orleans. The museum’s director of education Dr. Maggie Hartley says their world-class exhibits will immerse you in the history…:

CUT 13(10)      “…arsenal of democracy.”

Active military and reservists get in free now through Labor Day.

The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs announces a new way to honor a fallen loved one online. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

____________________________________

A bill making “noodling” legal in Louisiana has been sent to Governor Edwards’ desk. Kevin Gallagher reports it’s not about making pasta…:

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

_____________________________________

Louisiana’s bond rating – a main barometer of how much the state pays in interest on money borrowed – has been upgraded for the first time in nearly seven years. Moody’s Investor Service last week upgraded the state from an Aa2 rating, to Aa3. State Treasurer John Schroder says that upgrade will mean significant savings to the state (and taxpayers) in interest paid…:

Cut 3 (07) “…pretty big deal.” 

Louisiana had been ranked among the five lowest-rated states by Moody’s. It should easier financing and lower interest rates. Schroder says this upgrade shows that Moody’s sees Louisiana’s credit is good and the state is a responsible borrower…:

Cut 4 (07)  “…the bottom five.”

Schroder says the average person may not be affected, but a better bond rating does work its way right down to the taxpayer, by saving the state money when it needs to finance projects and initiatives…:

Cut 5 (12) “…uhhh for the state.”

____________________________________

To honor those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice, Louisiana’s five-state cemeteries and five veterans homes are each holding ceremonies. Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, Colonel Joey Strickland says it’s a solemn occasion for remembrance to honor those who’ve died and served in the military.

Cut 6 (07)  “…our state.”

More than 7,500 veterans are interred at LDVA cemeteries.

This year the Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a digital platform where you can honor fallen soldiers in your family. Strickland says it’s called the Veterans’ Legacy Memorial.

Cut 7 (08) “…ever dies.”

The online memorial site can be found at VA.gov/remember. Strickland says every veteran that’s interred at the state-run veterans’ cemeteries has a profile page that is automatically populated with their military service and cemetery information.

Cut 8 (10)  “…forever.”

The website also allows you to share the information you’ve added to the profile page on social media.

________________________________________

A bill making it legal for Louisiana sportsmen (and women) to catch catfish with their hands has been sent to Governor Edwards’ desk. The bill is authored by Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland, who says the sport – called “noodling” – is catching on in Louisiana, and his legislation assures folks can do it without running afoul of Wildlife & Fisheries agents…:

Cut 9 (08)  “…and noodle a catfish.”

McFarland’s bill was passed with little objection in both the House and Senate, and there is little reason to think the Governor will veto it. McFarland explains exactly HOW one goes about “noodling”…:

Cut 10 (08) “…and pull it out.”

McFarland says “noodling” has become a big sensation in the Bayou State, thanks in no small part to a series of YouTube videos…:

Cut  11 (06)  “…quite popular now.” 

To see “noodling” in action and decide it it’s for you, search YouTube for “Hannah Barron.”

________________________________________

Each year nearly 60 percent of Americans fire up the grill over Memorial Day weekend. However, this year the cost of cooking out is probably going to put a dent in a lot of wallets. Dave Foster, CEO of the Cattle Producers of Louisiana says there are a couple of things you should keep in mind before heading to the market.

Cut 12 (09) “…limited as well.” 

Since Memorial Day is a special occasion, people may want to splurge and go all out, regardless of price. Foster says the one thing you shouldn’t skimp on is the quality of the cut of meat that you choose.

Cut 13 (09) “…quality experience.”

Beef prices have been on the rise, reaching record numbers earlier this year…though Americans haven’t let that deter them from getting their favorite steaks or burgers onto the dinner table. Foster says the reason for the spike isn’t a lack of product, but a distribution issue that’s only been heightened by soaring gas prices.

Cut 14 (07)  “…retail market.”

________________________________________

Cut 15 (12)  “…background check.”

Cut 16 (17)  “…where we’re at.”

Cut 17 (11) “ …pushing for.” 

Cut 18 (20) “ …benefit us.” 

______________________________________________

Cut 19 (12) _“…and really improve.” 

Cut 20 (17) “ …outside of Omaha.” 

It seems every year a lawmaker attempts to pass a ban on using a hand-held cellphone while driving…and every year it fails to pass. This year is no different, as Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s proposed ban was squashed in the Senate Transportation Committee. Huval tells committee members he’s addressed concerns the bill could lead to racial profiling by law enforcement…:

CUT 07  (09)        “…who is stopped.”

The state House has overwhelmingly voted for a measure that would remove the current restrictions on the state’s name, image, and likeness law. Crowley Representative John Stefanski says it would allow universities and their employees to participate in NIL deals, which allows student-athletes to receive endorsement money

Cut 9 (10) “…to do”

Louisiana State Treasurer John Schroder says the check is in the mail. He mailed out almost 30-thousand unclaimed property checks totaling $4.8 million. Schroder says when the Louisiana Department of Revenue is able to provide Unclaimed Property with current addresses it allows them to unite those lost funds with their owner

CUT 05(08)      “…of Revenue.”

Visit LaCashClaim.org to see if you have any unclaimed funds.

This Memorial Day weekend why not visit the World War II Museum in New Orleans? The museum’s Director of Education, Dr. Maggie Hartley says active military and reservists get in free now through Labor Day…:

CUT 14  (08)        “…this summer.”

The museum will be holding events Monday for Memorial Day.

Most Louisiana lawmakers are on board with loosening the restrictions that are currently in place for name, image, and likeness deals for college athletes.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Louisiana State Treasurer John Schroder says the check is in the mail. On Thursday almost 30-thousand unclaimed property checks were mailed out after a data match to update addresses. The checks total $4.8 million in unclaimed property.

Cut 3 (04) “..the bank.”

Senate Transportation made the decision to defer Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s bill to ban handheld cellphone use while driving. The greatest concern for lawmakers continues to be the possible overreach by law enforcement that the ban could enable. Huval tried to allay those concerns.

Cut 6  (08) “…to stop people.” 

The vote to defer was close, going down 4-3.

For Memorial Day, the National World War II museum in New Orleans will have a number of events honoring fallen soldiers. Museum Director of Education, Dr. Maggie Hartley says on Monday they will hold a commemoration ceremony featuring a gold star spouse, that’s an individual who lost their military spouse in service.

Cut 12 (11) “…this holiday.”  

The state House has overwhelmingly voted for a measure that would remove the current restrictions on the state’s name, image, and likeness law. Crowley Representative John Stefanski says the measures would allow universities and their employees to participate in NIL deals, which allows student-athletes to receive endorsement money

Cut 9 (10) “…to do”

Senate Transportation made the decision to defer Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s bill to ban handheld cellphone use while driving. New Orleans Senator Gary Carter continued to hit on the point made by several lawmakers; that Huval’s bill would lead to law enforcement profiling drivers who may or may not be using their cell phones in order to look for larger offenses.

Cut 8 (12) “…unfortunate consequences.”

For Memorial Day, the National World War II museum in New Orleans will have a number of events honoring fallen soldiers. Museum Director of Education, Dr. Maggie Hartley says they will hold a commemoration ceremony featuring a gold star spouse.

Cut 12 (11) “…this holiday.”

Louisiana State Treasurer John Schroder says the check is in the mail. On Thursday almost 30-thousand unclaimed property checks were mailed out after a data match to update addresses. The checks total $4.8 million in unclaimed property.

Cut 3 (04) “..the bank.”

And if you don’t receive a check, it doesn’t mean you don’t have unclaimed property with the state, visit LaCashClaim.org to see if your name is listed and file a claim.

Louisiana State Treasurer John Schroder says the check is in the mail. On Thursday almost 30-thousand unclaimed property checks were mailed out to persons claiming their Unclaimed Property. Those checks total nearly $5-million. Schroder says when the Louisiana Department of Revenue is able to provide Unclaimed Property with current addresses it allows them to unite those lost funds with the proper owner…:

CUT 05(08)      “…of Revenue.”

Visit LaCashClaim.org to check if there’s money waiting in your name.

A bill to make using a hand-held cellphone while driving is dead for the session. Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval told Senate Transportation committee members he’s addressed concerns the bill could result in possible overreach by law enforcement…:

CUT 06(08)      “…the stop people.”

The committee voted to defer; meaning the bill is dead.

The state House has overwhelmingly voted for a measure that would remove the current restrictions on the state’s Name, Image, and Likeness law. Crowley Representative John Stefanski says the bill just puts Louisiana in the same posture as other states…:

CUT 11(12)      “…like you said.”

The bill started in the Senate and must go back there for concurrence on House amendments and what could be final passage…:

A Livingston Parish couple are on the lam, after a home invasion robbery. Deputies says the woman – Alyssa Dennis – reportedly went home with the intended victim, and then let her accomplice – Robert Benson – into the house. They beat the man, held him at bay with his own guns and took his stuff. The pair are at large and considered dangerous.

The House overwhelmingly voted for a measure that would remove the current restrictions on the state’s name, image, and likeness law. Crowley Representative John Stefanski says the measures would allow universities and their employees to participate in NIL deals, which allows student-athletes to receive endorsement money

Cut 9 (10) “…to do” PM

It’s one vote in the Senate away from reaching the governor’s desk

Senate Transportation made the decision to defer Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s bill to ban handheld cellphone use while driving. The greatest concern for lawmakers continues to be the possible overreach by law enforcement that the ban could enable. Huval tried to allay that concern.

Cut 6  (08) “…to stop people.” PM

The vote to defer was a close one at 4 to 3.

Louisiana’s bond rating – a main barometer of how much the state pays in interest on money borrowed – has been upgraded for the first time in nearly seven years. Moody’s Investor Service last week upgraded the state from an Aa2 rating to Aa3. State Treasurer John Schroder says that upgrade will mean significant savings to the state (and taxpayers) in interest paid…:

Cut 3 (08) “…pretty big deal.” AM

A bill making it legal for Louisiana sportsmen (and women) to catch a catfish with their bare hands has been sent to Governor Edwards’ desk. The bill is authored by Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland. He says the sport is catching on in Louisiana and his legislation assures folks can do it without running afoul of Wildlife & Fisheries agents…

Cut 9 and noodle a catfish. AM

It seems every year a lawmaker attempts to pass a ban on using a hand-held cellphone while driving…and every year it fails to pass. This year is no different, as Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s proposed ban was squashed in the Senate Transportation Committee. Huval tells committee members he’s addressed concerns the bill could lead to racial profiling by law enforcement…:

CUT 07  (09)        “…who is stopped.”

By a close 4-3 vote, the committee deferred Huval’s bill; ending it for the session.

This Memorial Day weekend why not visit the World War II Museum in New Orleans? The museum’s Dr. Maggie Hartley says active military and reservists get in free now through Labor Day…:

CUT 14  (08)        “…this summer.”

She says be prepared to invest 2 or more hours in a visit, because there’s a lot to see.

Most Louisiana lawmakers are on board with loosening the restrictions that are currently in place for name, image, and likeness deals for college athletes. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

State Police say excessive speed led to the death of a motorcyclist Thursday night in Golden Meadow. Troopers say, after passing several vehicles, 43-year-old Ace Billiot lost control in a curve at high speed and went off the road and into a utility pole. He was pronounced dead at the scene.