The State House of Representatives has unanimously passed the state budget. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Flames tore through the second floor of the historic Nottoway Plantation in Iberville Parish on Thursday. The blaze began around two yesterday afternoon around two on the second floor of the causing extensive damage. According to reports, no guests were present at the time of the fire, and no injuries have been reported.

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Immigration raids could be coming to Louisiana. Governor Landry has issued an executive order launching Operation GEAUX, which partners  local law enforcement with federal agencies to pick up what Landry calls “dangerous illegal criminals”.  The plan has the full support of Attorney General Liz Murrill.

Cut 10 (09) “…should be removed.”

Did you know American Idol finalist John Foster played his first gig at Floyd’s Morley Marina in Brusly last October?  Though the initial crowd was small compared to now, seeing how far Foster has come in so little time is remarkable.

Cut 8 (09) “…for sure.”

Immigration raids may be coming to Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The State House of unanimously passed the state’s budget which includes 200 million dollars to renew stipends for teachers and support staff. Lawmakers made cuts to equipment purchases, the Health Department’s budget and intensive tutoring. That last part was a difficult decision according to Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio,

Cut 4 (10) “…its funding restored.”

—————

Southeastern Louisiana University will break ground on the North Oaks Health System Academic and Athletic Complex today. SLU President William Wainwright says the  state-of-the-art complex will serve as the new home for the university’s Master of Science in Athletic Training program and will provide advanced training spaces for student-athletes.

Cut 14 (10) “…supporting the curriculum.”

Before taking his talents to Hollywood and the American Idol stage, John Foster played his first gig at Floyd’s Morley Marina in Brusly last October. Though the initial crowd was small compared to now, Foster’s music career has rapidly gained momentum. Owner Jeremy Prejean says watching Foster for the first time was impressive.

Cut 7 (12) “…rolling after that.”

Little drama in the State House of Representatives as it unanimously passed the state budget. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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We’ll find out if Addis native John Foster becomes the next American Idol on Sunday, but his musical journey started last October at a marina in Brusly. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Immigrant raids could be coming to Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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There was little drama in the State House of Representatives as it unanimously passed the state’s budget. It renews stipends for teachers and support staff – two-thousand dollars and one-thousand dollars, respectively. That will cost almost 200-million dollars, and the House found that money by making cuts to equipment purchases, the Health Department’s budget and intensive tutoring. Steven Procopio, the president of the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, says House members were very reluctant in slashing funds for tutoring.

Cut 4 (10) “…its funding restored.”

The House also devoted all 93-million dollars to the L-A GATOR Program that Governor Landry had sought. Procopio says that might be a hard sell in the Senate.

Cut 5 (12) “…Senate Finance Committee.”

Procopio says as the budget makes its way through the Senate, the only changes he would anticipate would actually be finding more money to allocate to essential programs.

Cut 6 (11) “…definitely see changes.”

______________________________________________________

Before taking his talents to Hollywood and the American Idol stage, John Foster played his first gig at Floyd’s Morley Marina in Brusly last October. Though the initial crowd was small compared to now, Foster’s music career has rapidly gained momentum. Owner Jeremy Prejean says watching Foster for the first time was impressive.

Cut 7 (12) “…rolling after that.”

Prejean says seeing Foster performing for a national audience and competing to become the next American in just seven months after performing at the marina was the last thing he would have expected.

Cut 8 (09) “…for sure.”

Prejean says Foster’s journey reflects the power of persistence and community support in launching a successful music career after a high-profile national appearance.

Cut 9 (03)  “…in his journey.”

The finale airs Sunday at 7 p.m. on ABC.

______________________________________________________

Immigration raids that have been sweeping the country since the start of the second Trump administration could be coming to Louisiana. Governor Landry has issued an executive order launching Operation GEAUX, in which local law enforcement would team with federal partners in removing, in Landry’s words, “dangerous illegal criminals” from the streets. It has the full support of Attorney General Liz Murrill.

Cut 10 (09) “…should be removed.”

The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office says it does not have enough room in its jails to house those arrested for immigration violations. Murrill says where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Cut 11 (10) “…should do that.”

Murrill says the sheriff’s department in Orleans Parish has policies that she says blocks and interferes with state and federal immigration enforcement, and she says that’s wrong.

Cut 12 (11) “…can do that.”

Governor Landry says the operation includes enhanced screening, aggressive identification and a public awareness campaign.

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Southeastern Louisiana University will break ground on the North Oaks Health System Academic and Athletic Complex today. SLU President William Wainwright says it’s a 30-thousand-square-foot facility designed to enhance both academic and athletic programs.

Cut 13 (12)  “…athletic training.”

Wainwright says this state-of-the-art complex will serve as the new home for the university’s Master of Science in Athletic Training program and will provide advanced training spaces for student-athletes.

Cut 14 (10) “…supporting the curriculum.”

The project is a collaborative effort between Southeastern and North Oaks Health System, the official healthcare provider for Southeastern athletics. Wainwright says it will be a multi-year construction project, building the new addition first and concluding with the renovation of the existing facility.

Cut 15 (08) “…early 2027.”

There was little drama in the State House as it unanimously passed the state’s budget. It renews stipends for teachers and support staff – two-thousand dollars and one-thousand dollars, respectively. That will cost almost 200-million dollars, and the House found that money by making cuts to equipment purchases, the Health Department’s budget and intensive tutoring. Steven Procopio, the president of the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, says House members were very reluctant in slashing funds for tutoring.

Cut 4 (10) “…its funding restored.”

The House also devoted all 93-million dollars to the L-A GATOR Program that Governor Landry had sought. Procopio says that might be a hard sell in the Senate.

Cut 5 (12) “…Senate Finance Committee.”

The House Education Committee revised a bill to prevent hazing, initially requiring a semester-long course for students joining campus groups. University officials estimated millions in expenses to implement the course. Vacherie Democrat Ken Brass amended the bill to update current law, doubling required training time and adding penalties for non-compliant student groups.

Cut 7 (11) “…get money allocated.”

Although she was disappointed, the bill’s author, New Orleans Democrat Delisha Boyd, called the change a starting point. She emphasized educating students on hazing’s legal consequences, as many remain unaware it’s a felony.

Cut 8 (06) “…across our state.”

Boyd filed the bill in the wake of Southern University student Caleb Wilson’s hazing-related death. It now heads to House Appropriations for debate.

If you want to see the Saints in primetime this season, don’t hold your breath. The Saints released their 2025 schedule last night; and for the first time in 25 years, they will not be on primetime television. WWL Saints Analyst Mike Detillier notes that the Saints made three primetime appearances last season and stunk up the field in each and every one of them, and the NFL doesn’t want to risk losing its audience in the latter stages of its primetime games.

Cut 13 (13)  “…prime doing this.”

That doesn’t necessarily mean that the Saints won’t be on primetime later in the season; with flex scheduling, NBC, ESPN or Amazon Prime can flex them into a primetime slot if they surprise the naysayers and play into playoff contention.

It’s the final SEC series of the season for the number-one team in college baseball, and it begins tonight. LSU is in Columbia to take on the South Carolina Gamecocks. South Carolina may be only 5-and-22 in SEC play, but LSU Coach Jay Johnson says he sees talent on the Gamecocks’ roster.

Cut 18 (18)  “…another weekend.”

As of late this afternoon, LSU had yet to name a starter for tonight’s game. We won’t know until just before first pitch at six this evening. Kade Anderson will start tomorrow night, and Anthony Eyanson will start Saturday; both on regular rest.

The high school state baseball championships are underway at McMurry Park in Sulphur. University Lab, Sterlington and Teurlings Catholic have all taken the first game in their respective best of three series..

The House Education Committee revised a bill to prevent hazing, initially requiring a semester-long course for students joining campus groups. Due to cost concerns, it was replaced with a two-hour annual training. The bill was proposed by New Orleans Democrat Delisha Boyd after Southern University student Caleb Wilson’s hazing-related death.

Cut 6 (07) “…don’t have to deal with.”

The summer heat has officially arrived in Louisiana. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim forecast temperatures expected to soar this weekend.

Cut 3 (12) “…high 80’s.”

If you want to catch the Saints on primetime television this season, don’t hold your breath. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Addis native John Foster is back in LA, preparing for Sunday’s season finale of American Idol after a whirlwind day in his hometown, which included a parade and a mini-concert and a stop by the State Capitol, where lawmakers issued a proclamation in his honor. Livonia Republican Jeremy LaCombe urged his members – and all Louisianans – to vote for Foster on Sunday, as many times as the show allows.

Cut 11 (11) “…take it home.”

American Idol Finalist and Addis native, John Foster was home for a quick visit yesterday. He was honored with a parade and by Lawmakers at the State Capitol. He told the crowd he hopes to bring an American Idol title back to Louisiana.

Cut 10 (08) “…bring it honor.”

The Saints have released their 2025 schedule; and for the first time in 25 years, they will be no primetime games. WWL Saints Analyst Mike Detillier says later in the season, NBC, ESPN or Amazon Prime can flex them into a primetime slot if the Saints surprise the naysayers. He says they will need to take advantage of their early season home games, since seven of their last 11 games will be away from the Superdome.

Cut 14 (08) “…towards the end.”

A bill to prevent hazing that initially required a semester-long course for students joining campus groups was revised in the House Education Committee. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Most of the state will see temperatures in the 90s this weekend LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim warns that heat-related illnesses can escalate quickly. He urges residents to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure.

Cut 5 (11) “…be careful out there.”

A bill to prevent hazing that initially required a semester-long course for students joining campus groups was revised in the House Education Committee. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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If you want to catch the Saints on primetime television this season, don’t hold your breath. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

The summer heat has officially arrived in Louisiana. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says temperatures are expected to soar this weekend.

Cut 3 (12) “…high 80’s.”

Keim noted that the shift marks a turning point from the unusually mild spring, as locals brace for the intense Louisiana summer months.

Cut 4 (09) “…brace yourselves.”

Keim warns that heat-related illnesses can escalate quickly and urges residents to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure.

Cut 5 (11) “…be careful out there.”

________________________________________________

The House Education Committee revised a bill to prevent hazing, initially requiring a semester-long course for students joining campus groups. Due to cost concerns, it was replaced with a two-hour annual training. The bill was proposed by New Orleans Democrat Delisha Boyd after Southern University student Caleb Wilson’s hazing-related death.

Cut 6 (07) “…don’t have to deal with.”

University officials estimated millions in expenses to implement the course. Some legislators suggested delaying major changes until a new anti-hazing task force reports in 2026. Vacherie Democrat Ken Brass amended the bill to update current law, doubling required training time and adding penalties for non-compliant student groups.

Cut 7 (11) “…get money allocated.”

Boyd, though disappointed, called the change a starting point. She emphasized educating students on hazing’s legal consequences, as many remain unaware it’s a felony.

Cut 8 (06) “…across our state.”

The bill heads to House Appropriations fore debate.

________________________________________________

Addis native John Foster is back in Los Angeles, preparing for Sunday’s season finale of American Idol. He returned after a whirlwind day in his hometown, which included a parade and a mini-concert. Earlier in the day, the 18-year-old LSU pre-med student stopped by the State Capitol, where lawmakers issued a proclamation in his honor. Foster said he makes it a point on American Idol to mention that he’s proud to be from Louisiana.

Cut 9 (08)  “…I am, absolutely.” (applause fades)

Foster said he hopes to bring an American Idol title back to Louisiana.

Cut 10 (08) “…bring it honor.”

Livonia Republican Jeremy LaCombe urged his members – and all Louisianans – to vote for Foster on Sunday, as many times as the show allows.

Cut 11 (11) “…take it home.”

________________________________________________

The Saints have released their 2025 schedule; and for the first time in 25 years, they will not be on primetime television. WWL Saints Analyst Mike Detillier says it’s not exactly surprising, with the team not making the playoffs for four years in a row and in a total rebuild mode.

Cut 12 (08) “…a major surprise.”

Detillier notes that the Saints made three primetime appearances last season and stunk up the field in each and every one of them, and the NFL doesn’t want to risk losing its audience in the latter stages of its primetime games.

Cut 13 (13)  “…prime doing this.”

That doesn’t mean that they won’t later in the season; with flex scheduling, NBC, ESPN or Amazon Prime can flex them into a primetime slot if they surprise the naysayers. Detillier says in order for that to happen, they will need to take advantage of their early season home games, since seven of their last 11 games will be away from the Superdome.

Cut 14 (08) “…towards the end.”

Most of the state will see temperatures in the 90s this weekend LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim noted, the shift marks a turning point from the unusually mild spring, as locals brace for the intense Louisiana summer months.

Cut 4 (09) “…brace yourselves.”

The House Education Committee revised a bill to prevent hazing, initially requiring a semester-long course for students joining campus groups. Due to cost concerns, it was replaced with a two-hour annual training. The bill was proposed by New Orleans Democrat Delisha Boyd after Southern University student Caleb Wilson’s hazing-related death. She was disappointed but called the change a starting point and emphasized educating students on hazing’s legal consequences.

Cut 8 (06) “…across our state.”

Addis native John Foster is back in Los Angeles, preparing for Sunday’s season finale of American Idol. He returned after a whirlwind day in his hometown, which included a parade and a mini-concert. Earlier in the day, the 18-year-old LSU pre-med student stopped by the State Capitol, where lawmakers issued a proclamation in his honor. Foster said he makes it a point on American Idol to mention that he’s proud to be from Louisiana.

Cut 9 (08)  “…I am, absolutely.” (applause fades)

For the first time in 25 years, there will be no Saints Games on primetime television this season. WWL Saints Analyst Mike Detillier isn’t surprised. He says the Saints made three primetime appearances last season and stunk up the field in every one of them.

Cut 13 (13)  “…prime doing this.”