The Louisiana House Transportation Committee says no to a proposal to fine pedestrians 25 dollars for looking at their cell phone while walking on a crosswalk. Chalmette Republican Michael Bayham says he did not write the bill as a way to generate revenue;  it’s an effort to reduce crashes involving pedestrians.

Cut 8 (12) “…expensive accidents happening.”

But the committee unanimously voted down the measure. One lawmaker said it’s an individual right to be able to look at their phone and it’s up to them to protect their own body.

The McNeese men’s basketball team leaves for Oklahoma City today as they will play Vanderbilt on Thursday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. It’s the Cowboys third straight invite to the Big Dance and athletics director Heath Schroyer says other teams in the Southland are trying to catch up to McNeese…

Cut 14 (10) “…men’s basketball program’

A mother and her adult son were found shot and killed at a home in Jennings. Police Chief Danny Semmes says it’s their belief the shooting is the result of a domestic dispute and there is no threat to the public. Semmes says both individuals were shot and had guns near them.

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.”

A bill that would have fined pedestrians for walking in crosswalks while looking at their phones was rejected in the House Transportation Committee. Representative Michael Bayham says his bill is an effort to reduce crashes involving pedestrians. Representative Rodney Schamerhorn says the legislation is government overreach.

Cut 9 (06)  “…their own body.”

56-hundred families benefit from the LA Gator Scholarship program and Governor Landry wants to double that. Currently funded at 44 million dollars, Senate President Cameron Henry is concerned the program could get too big to afford. U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon came out in support of the program. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says her endorsement is a big deal.

Cut 4 (07) “…this incredibly serious.”

Last year, Louisiana completed 94 projects using federal tax incentives for rehabilitating historic buildings. Andrea (AHN-dree-uh) McCarthy, with the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development says the money can be used for projects small and large, or extra-large like the 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. Athletic Director Heath Schroyer says with the three 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 Louisiana House Transportation Committee says not to a proposal to fine pedestrians 25 dollars for looking at their cell phone while walking on a crosswalk. Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham authored the legislation and says he did not create the legislation as a way to generate revenue;  it’s an effort to reduce crashes involving pedestrians.

Cut 8 (12) “…expensive accidents happening.”

Governor Jeff Landry wants to double the state funding of the L-A GATOR scholarship Program. He believes families should be able to choose a school that best fits their child’s needs, and U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon supports his effort but Senate President Cameron Henry is concerned about how the state can pay for it if you add another 56-hundred families to the program. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says it’s a debate to watch during this legislative session.

Cut 6 (09) “…wait and see.”

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.”

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. Andrea (AHN-dree-uh) McCarthy, the tax credit program director of the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development 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.”

U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon has come out in support of Governor Jeff Landry’s effort to double the state funding of the L-A GATOR scholarship Program. The state is spending 44-million dollars on the program this school year helping 56-hundred families with education expenses like private school tuition with many on a waiting list. Senate President Cameron Henry is concerned that the program could get too big to afford. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says L-A GATOR also has public backing.

Cut 5 (08) “…of the compromise.”

The Louisiana House Transportation Committee rejects a proposal to fine pedestrians 25 dollars for looking at their cell phone while walking on a crosswalk. Representative Michael Bayham says his bill is an effort to reduce crashes involving pedestrians. Chris Alexander with the Louisiana Citizen Advocacy Group testified against the legislation.

Cut 7 (07) “…this state make.”

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.”

Filmed in Louisiana, the movie Sinners received 16 Oscar nominations and took home four Academy Awards Sunday night including Michael B Jordan’s Best Actor award. Many Louisianans in the industry are encouraged because not only was the movie filmed in Louisiana across multiple locations including Donaldsonville, Bogalusa, Thibodaux, and St. Bernard but Louisiana artists and craftspeople including design, costume, and makeup teams were a significant part of the crew.

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.”

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.”

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.”

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 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.

Cut 25 (03) (fade and use as bed)

And when you’re walking to New Orleans, you can continue to stare at your phones while crossing crosswalks. That’s because the House Transportation Committee nixed a proposal to fine pedestrians 25 dollars for doing so. Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham authored the legislation. He told the committee he did not create it as a way to generate revenue; instead, it’s an effort to reduce crashes involving pedestrians.

Cut 8 (12) “…accidents happening.” (2x) 

Bayham’s argument fell on deaf ears, though – no one on the committee voted for the bill. Hornbeck Representative Rodney Schamerhorn says the legislation amounted to government overreach.

Cut 9 (06)  “…own body.”

U-S Education Secretary Linda McMahon supports Governor Landry’s effort to double the state funding of the LA GATOR program. The program provides low-income families with state dollars that can be used to pay for private school tuition. LA-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says McMahon’s endorsement is a big deal.

Cut 4 (08) “…incredibly serious”

Democrats in the legislature say their agenda in this year’s session will focus on affordability. House Democratic Caucus Chairman Kyle Green says while that includes things like prices we pay at the grocery stores and at the gas pumps, what it will not include in this session is a possible reduction in sales taxes.

Cut 4 (11) “…a budget shortfall.”

The LSU Tigers are hosting the first and second rounds of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament. LSU will face Jacksonville Friday at 5 p-m. If the Lady Tigers beat the Dolphins, Coach Kim Mulkey’s squad will play the winner of Texas Tech-Villanova.

Cut 13 (11)  “…the right time.”

After winning their third straight Southland Conference championship last Wednesday, the McNeese men’s basketball team learned its position in the bracket yesterday. They’re the number-12 seed in the South Region and will face the fifth-seeded Vanderbilt Commodores Thursday afternoon in Oklahoma City. Cowboys head coach Bill Armstrong says the team is going to enjoy the ride.

Cut 16 (12) “…get it again.”

Conference USA and the Sun Belt both included Louisiana Tech in their newly released 2026 football schedules. Tech has been working to negotiate a buyout with Conference USA to make its move to the Sun Belt official for the 2026 season, but the league hasn’t agreed to terms. Dave Schultz, the host of the “Locked On Sun Belt” podcast, says the dispute never should have reached this point.

Cut 12 (07) “…football is happening.”

The situation is now in the courts after the U-L system filed a lawsuit on Tech’s behalf earlier this month. A hearing is set for Thursday, and Schultz says he would be surprised if the outcome doesn’t clear the way for Tech to join the Sun Belt in 2026.

D-1 Baseball and Baseball America has dropped LSU out of their Top 25 polls after the Tigers their SEC opening series to Vanderbilt. It’s the first time since 2024 LSU will not be ranked. The Ragin’ Cajuns are ranked 25^th by D-1 baseball after beating South Alabama to begin Sun Belt play.