A bill making its way through the Louisiana House will increase the cost of a driver’s license by six dollars and that extra money will go towards litter abatement. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the cost to clean up the litter on the side of Louisiana roads is costly…
cut 10 (08) “….that mess”
The proposal is heading to the House floor. It would raise the cost of a driver’s license from $42.75 to $48.75.

Construction on the state’s first ever Buc-ees has moved a step closer after a memorandum of understanding has been signed between Ruston, the state DOTD and the federal highway administration on the roads needed for access to the store off of I-20 in Lincoln Parish. Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker can’t wait until Buc-ees opens in 2025…
cut 11 (09) “…huge”

We know Louisiana is the Sportsman’s Paradise but it’s also ideal for bird watchers. Brooke Thorington has more on a new website, especially for them.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Opelousas High School has its state championship in football back. An agreement has been reached between the school and the LHSAA that led to the reinstatement of Opelousas High as Division Two non-select state football champions. The LHSAA stripped Opelousas of its title in February, because they allegedly used an ineligible player.

Louisiana is suing the Biden Administration over revised Title IX rules that prohibit discrimination based on a student’s sexual and gender identity. Governor Jeff Landry says the state department of education has already told public schools not to follow these new rules…
cut 6 (12) “…set forth”
State officials say the new rules will result in biological girls sharing bathroom and locker room space with biological boys who are transgender girls.

Director of Louisiana Trans Advocates, Peyton Rose Michelle, says Louisiana’s government leaders continue to try and erase trans individuals…
Cut 7 (12) “…queer kids.”

The city of Ruston, the state DOTD and the federal highway administration have signed a memorandum of understanding that acknowledges the type of infrastructure needed to build the first Buc-ees off of I-20 in Lincoln Parish. Construction is expected to begin later this year and the store will open next year. Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker is excited about the economic impact Buc-ees will have on the region…
cut 12 (11) “…at Buccees”

In an effort to bring more bird watchers to Louisiana, the state office of tourism has launched a new website called birding-louisiana-dot-com. Assistant secretary for the state office of tourism, Doug Bouregois, says bird watchers means international visitors, which the state already experiences with the Yellows Rails and Rice Festival in Jefferson Davis Parish in October…
cut 16 (09) “…Yellow Rails”
The website is briding-louisiana-dot-com.

Louisiana has filed suit against the federal government for changing its Title Nine rules to protect LGBTQ students from discrimination. State Attorney General Liz Murrill says the new rules disregard the concept of a person’s biological sex and provide protections based on gender identity
Cut 4 (13) “…an administration.”
Murrill says the new Title Nine rules could result in boys and girls sharing locker rooms, bathrooms and perhaps lodging on overnight field trips with members of the opposite sex.

The Louisiana House has approved a bill that would prevent transgender children from using the bathroom that does not align with their biological sex. Director of Forum for Equality Sarah Jane Guidry calls it harmful legislation and it’s why the U-S Department of Education needs to protect transgender students
Cut 5 (10) “…their identity.”

Louisiana is a step closer to its first Buc-ees as the City of Ruston, the state department of transportation and the Federal Highway Administration sign a memorandum of understanding for the design concept of the I-20 interchange and service road to allow easy access to the future store…
Cut 2 (28 “I’m Colleen Crain.”

The Pelicans season ended last night with a 97-89 loss to Oklahoma City. The Thunder swept New Orleans four games to nothing.

Tonight in college baseball action…LSU hosts Grambling and ULM hosts La Tech.

Louisiana has filed suit against the U-S Department of Education’s new Title Nine regulations that protect transgender students. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (40) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Louisiana is a step closer to getting her first Bucees as the City of Ruston and State and Federal Highway Administration sign a memorandum of understanding.

Cut 2 (34)  “I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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We know Louisiana is the Sportsman’s Paradise but it’s also ideal for bird watchers. Brooke Thorington has more on a new website, especially for them.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Louisiana has filed suit against the federal government for changing its Title Nine rules to protect LGBTQ students from discrimination. State Attorney General Liz Murrill says the new rules disregard the concept of a person’s biological sex and provide protections based on gender identity

Cut 4 (13) “…an administration.”

Murrill says the new Title Nine rules could result in boys and girls sharing locker rooms, bathrooms and perhaps lodging on overnight field trips with members of the opposite sex.

The Louisiana House has approved a bill that would prevent transgender children from using the bathroom that does not align with their biological sex. Director of Forum for Equality Sarah Jane Guidry calls it harmful legislation and it’s why the U-S Department of Education needs to protect transgender students

Cut 5 (10) “…their identity.” 

Several other states led by Republicans are also suing the U-S Department of Education in trying to prevent these new Title Rules from going into effect. Governor Jeff Landry fully supports Louisiana’s legal effort…

Cut 6 (12) “…set forth.”

Director of Louisiana Trans Advocates, Peyton Rose Michelle, says Louisiana’s government leaders continue to try and erase trans individuals and it’s hurtful…

Cut 7 (12) “…queer kids.”

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A bill to raise a driver’s license fee by $6.00 to fund litter abatement advances from House Appropriations. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, whose office oversees Keep Louisiana Beautiful, says they need more funds to clean up.

Cut 8 (06) “…(x2) paradise.” 

Currently, $1.50 from license fees goes towards cleaning up the state, but the increase would send $7.50 from your driver’s license to fund litter abatement.

Cut 9 (11)  “…way of grants.”

Nungesser says last year they gave out $1.9 million in grants, and the increase will allow his office to distribute $3.5 to $4 million to parishes.

When you throw trash on Louisiana’s streets and roadways, Nungesser says it impacts tourism and industry recruitment and is also expensive to pick up.

Cut 10 (08) “…that mess.”

The bill advances to the House.

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Bucees is one step closer to reality in Louisiana. The State and Federal Highway administration and the City of Ruston signed a Memorandum of Understanding. Mayor Ronny Walker is excited about the impact the popular travel center will have on the area…

Cut 11 (09) “… huge.”

Walker expects the new Bucees to have a huge economic impact that extends the entire North Louisiana region.

Cut 12 (11) “…at Bucees.” 

Walker says, they’ve been making plans and preparations for Bucees for 14 months. There is still work to do but things are moving along and are on schedule for a 2024 groundbreaking and 2025 opening…

Cut 13 (11)  “…the whole works.”

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Because the Pelican State is located along two major migration routes in North America, state tourism has launched a new interactive website, it’s BirdingLouisiana-dot-com.  Doug Bourgeois with the Office of Tourism says it’s a one-stop shop for birdwatchers.

Cut 14 (12)  “…across Louisiana.”

Bourgeois says the website is a great way to cater to a unique market and entice them to swoop in for bird sightings. And another great thing about a large majority of birders, they’re retired so they tend to visit longer.

Cut 15 (08)  “…the state.”

And if you’re a novice spotting birds, the site provides photos and details about birds in your area of the state along with a checkoff list. And you can also listen to birds on the website.

Bourgeois says Jefferson Davis Parish is a popular site for birders to attend the Yellow Rails and Rice Festival.

Cut 16 (09)  “…(x2) Yellow Rails.”

This year’s festival in southwest Louisiana will be October 23^rd to the 27^th.

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Cut 17 (17) “…got me.”

Cut 18 (20)  “…I’m prepared.”

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Cut 19 (16) “…last eight.” 

Cut 20 (20) “…..constraints.”

Louisiana is joining several other states in a lawsuit against the federal government over new Title IX rules that expand protections to LGBTQ-plus students in a classroom setting. Attorney General Liz Murrill on what the new rules mean for every school that receives federal funding.

Cut 11 (11) ” …as well.”

The Louisiana House has approved a bill to prevent transgender children from using the bathroom that does not align with their biological sex. Director of Forum for Equality Sarah Jane Guidry calls it harmful legislation and it’s why the U-S Department of Education needs to protect transgender students.

Cut 5 (10) “…their identity.” 

Legislation to hold a constitutional convention beginning May 20^th advances from House Appropriations. Bill author New Iberia Representative Beau Beaullieu told committee members it would cost 63-thousand-dollars if it wraps by June 3^rd but could grow to 1.5 million if it concludes in mid-July. …

Cut 6  (11) “…our per diem.” 

The bill passed on a 14 to 6 vote, along party lines and advances to House.

A bill to raise a driver’s license fee by $6.00 to fund litter abatement advances from House Appropriations. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, whose office oversees Keep Louisiana Beautiful, says they need more funds to clean up.

Cut 8 (06) “…(x2) paradise.” 

Currently, $1.50 from license fees goes towards cleaning up the state, but the increase would send $7.50 from your driver’s license to fund litter abatement.

Legislation to hold a constitutional convention heads to the Full House, after costs were discussed in House Appropriations. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Louisiana is joining several other states in a lawsuit against the federal government over new Title IX rules that expand protections to LGBTQ-plus students in a classroom setting. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley has already told public schools not to follow the revised Title IX rules….

Cut 13 (06) “…across the country”

Three Kenner Police officers shot during a lengthy standoff with a gunman on Sunday have been released from the hospital. The gunman, Matthew Lathers, was killed after exchanging gunfire with both Kenner Police officers and Jefferson Parish deputies. Sheriff Joe Lopinto says it started when Lathers shot two people sitting in a vehicle outside of his home…

Cut 10 (06) “..fired upon them.” 

In Lincoln Parish, a Dubach police officer was killed while conducting a traffic stop on U-S 167 just south of Hamilton Road. State Police spokesperson Ryan Davis says officer Russell Croxton’s police vehicle was hit by a truck driver from Arkansas who didn’t see Croxton’s police vehicle in the right lane…

Cut 3 (05) “…flashing lights.” 

Davis says this is a reminder to obey the “Move Over” law.

A small town in north Louisiana is mourning the loss of a police officer, killed while on duty on Saturday. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Louisiana is a step closer to getting her first Bucees as the City of Ruston signed a memorandum of understanding Friday detailing the required infrastructure needed. Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker expressed excitement over movement on the project that has been in the planning stages for 14 months and is expected to bring 15,000 vehicle stops to the parish daily. Groundbreaking on schedule for this year with a 2025 opening planned.

Louisiana is among several states suing the federal government over new Title IX rules. Attorney General Liz Murrill says these new rules will result in transgender women sharing bathrooms, locker rooms and perhaps even lodging on overnight field trips with biological girls. She says the federal government is telling colleges and universities to disregard the concept of biological sex…

Cut 12 (07) “…biological women.” 

State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley has already told public schools not to follow the revised Title IX rules….

House Appropriations advances a bill to hold a constitutional convention beginning May 20^th  Bill author New Iberia Representative Beau Beaullieu depending on the how long it lasts, the convention could cost between 63-thousand-dollars and 1.5 million but he says donations could help cover the costs. Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley has concerns.

Cut 8 (10) “…on a fire.”