The House Transportation Committee put the brakes on a bill that would have allowed law enforcement to fine pedestrians 25 dollars if they’re caught looking at their phones while walking in a crosswalk. Andre Champagne has the story.
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”
____________________________________________
When it comes to turning old buildings into new buildings, few states do it better than Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
____________________________________________
McNeese is in uncharted territory with its third straight NCAA men’s basketball tournament berth. Jeff Palermo reports.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”
______________________________________________
U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon supports Governor Jeff Landry’s effort to double the state funding of the L-A GATOR Program. The program provides low income families with state dollars that can be used to pay for private school tuition. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says McMahon’s endorsement is a big deal.
Cut 4 (07) “…this incredibly serious.”
The state is spending 44-million dollars on the program this school year, and the money is helping 56-hundred families. Landry has asked lawmakers to increase the funding to 88-million dollars, but Senate President Cameron Henry has expressed concern that the program could get too big to afford. Alford says L-A GATOR also has public backing.
Cut 5 (08) “…of the compromise.”
Landry believes families should pick a school that best fits their child’s needs, but Henry is concerned about how the state can pay for it if you add another 56-hundred families to the program. Alford says it’s a debate to watch during this legislative session.
Cut 6 (09) “…wait and see.”
____________________________________________________
The Louisiana House Transportation Committee rejects a proposal to fine pedestrians 25 dollars for looking at their cell phone while walking on a crosswalk. Chris Alexander with the Louisiana Citizen Advocacy Group testified against the legislation.
Cut 7 (07) “…this state make.”
Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham authored the legislation. Bayham says he did not create the legislation as a way to generate revenue; instead, it’s an effort to reduce crashes involving pedestrians.
Cut 8 (12) “…expensive accidents happening.”
No one on the House Transportation Committee voted for the bill. Hornbeck Representative Rodney Schamerhorn says the legislation is government overreach.
Cut 9 (06) “…their own body.”
________________________________________________________
When it comes to turning old buildings into new buildings, Louisiana sets the standard. Andrea (AHN-dree-uh) McCarthy, the tax credit program director of the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development, says since 2021, Louisiana has rehabilitated more than 400 historic buildings, including several in New Orleans.
Cut 10 (07) “…couple years ago.”
Last year, Louisiana completed 94 projects using federal tax incentives for rehabilitating historic buildings. That’s the second most in the country, ranking only behind New York. McCarthy says in order to qualify for the tax incentive, the rehabilitated building must produce income, like a hotel, and it has to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Cut 11 (06) “…Register Historic District.”
McCarthy says the money can be used for projects both small and large, as evidenced by a massive project happening in New Orleans’ Bywater neighborhood.
Cut 12 (11) “…of the country.”
___________________________________________________________
The McNeese Cowboys are preparing to play in their third straight NCAA men’s basketball tournament. The South Region’s 12 seed takes on Vanderbilt Thursday afternoon in Oklahoma City. McNeese Athletic Director Heath Schroyer says McNeese is setting the standard for programs of its stature.
Cut 13 (13) “…in the country.”
Schroyer says McNeese’s success is forcing everyone else in the Southland Conference to play catch-up.
Cut 14 (10) “…men’s basketball program.”
Schroyer says with three straight NCAA Tournament appearances, the men’s basketball team needs to keep it going, and it takes the support of the Lake Charles community to accomplish that.
Cut 15 (10) “…do it again.”
Last year, McNeese won its first-ever NCAA Tournament game when they upset Clemson in the First Round as a 12 seed.
_____________________________________________________________
The U-L baseball team is ranked in the top 25 for the first time since 2024. The Cajuns entered this week’s polls at number-25 in the D1Baseball rankings, number-22 in the Perfect Game rankings and number-25 in the National College Baseball Association rankings. Head Coach Matt Deggs says he’s happy for his players and the fans.
Cut 16 (19) “…to do more.”
The Cajuns will look to stay hot this week in Texas, beginning with a trip to Houston Wednesday before heading to Texas State for a weekend series.
Left-handed graduate student Andrew Hermann tossed his second complete game of the season in the Cajuns’ 4-3 win over South Alabama Saturday. Deggs says his unpredictability makes him extremely difficult for hitters.
Cut 17 (15) “…his work ethic.”
______________________________________________________________
The ULM baseball team completed a series sweep of Texas State this past weekend to open conference play. The Warhawks scored 36 runs in the series, and head coach Ford Pemberton says he was proud of the way his team battled at the plate.
Cut 18 (14) “…get caught once.”
ULM used only six pitchers against Texas State. Pemberton says the weekend was a step in the right direction for the pitching staff.
Cut 19 (08) “…improve even more.”
The Warhawks will host New Orleans tomorrow at 6 p-m.