Senator Bill Cassidy could be facing another opponent in next year’s Republican primary, and the first challenger is not happy about it at all. There are reports that President Trump and Governor Landry are trying to urge Congresswoman Julia Letlow to enter the 2026 race for Cassidy’s seat. State Treasurer John Fleming is alleging that the three could be behind a backdoor deal.

Cut 3 (14) “…an educator herself.” 

Cassidy is seen as being vulnerable, in large part because of his vote to convict then-former President Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial in 2021. Cassidy says while he stands by his vote, all that is in the past, and he has patched things up with the now-current President.

Cut 5 (08) “…working with him.”

The small West Baton Rouge Parish town of Addis is ready to roll out the welcome mat for its newest hometown hero, John Foster. The 18-year-old LSU freshman is paying a visit to his hometown tonight after making it to the season finale of American Idol. Mayor David Toups (“toops”) says the town will throw a parade for Foster along First Street at five this evening, followed by a ceremony and mini-concert at 7:30 at Bayou Plaquemine Waterfront Park.

Cut 8 (13) “…by American Idol.”

Former East Baton Rouge Mayor-President and reporter Kip Holden died today at age 72 after a lengthy illness. Former Lieutenant Governor and state lawmaker Jay Dardenne remembers serving in the legislature with Holden.

Cut 6 (11) “…work with everybody.” 

Holden started as a reporter before serving on the Metro Council, in the State House, and Senate.

Senator Bill Cassidy could be in for the fight of his political life next year. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Governor Landry is urging the Legislature to spend 93-million dollars on LA Gator, which is the state’s new voucher program that will provide tax dollars to families to pay for tuition at private schools and other expenses. Senate President Cameron Henry has said he doesn’t want the state to spend no more than 50-million dollars on the program next school year.

A Senate committee has approved three tort reform bills that supporters say will help bring down the state’s escalating auto insurance rates. House Insurance Chairman Gabe Firment says the legislation attempts to correct a big problem in Louisiana…

Cut 16 (11) “….excessive payouts”

But Democrats say tort reform was done in the past and it has not lowered rates.

Spirits are high in West Baton Rouge Parish as folks their welcome home American Idol finalist John Foster. The 18-year-old LSU student is one of three contestants vying to be next American Idol and a winner will be chosen on Sunday night. Today at 5 PM, there will be a parade in Foster’s hometown of Addis. Addis Mayor David Toups says something like this brings the community together…

Cut 9 (14) “….planned for him”

A Senate committee approves two tort reform bills that supporters say could lower auto insurance rates – reducing the payout an uninsured driver would get if injured in a crash and limiting the payout for an injured driver more than 50-percent at fault. Alexandria Democrat Jay Luneau says the legislature has previously passed tort reform with hopes of lowering rates, but it never came to be…

Cut 15 (11) “…going to fix it.”

Senator Bill Cassidy could be fighting for his political life next year, with the possibility of not only having to face several challengers in the Republican primary, but also a formidable opponent in the general election. National Democrats are urging former Governor John Bel Edwards to run for Senate. Cassidy says he doubts that voters as a whole would send him to Washington.

Cut 6 (12) “…for President Trump.”

Newlab has launched Newlab New Orleans, an innovation hub focused on transforming Louisiana’s energy sector through technology commercialization. LED CIO Josh Fleig (“fleg”) says this reinforces Louisiana’s role in sustainable energy leadership and economic reindustrialization.

Cut 12 (07) “…state as well.”

The small West Baton Rouge Parish town of Addis is ready to roll out the welcome mat for its newest hometown hero, John Foster. The 18-year-old LSU freshman is paying a visit to his hometown tonight after making it to the season finale of American Idol. Mayor David Toups (“toops”) says the town will throw a parade for Foster along First Street at five this evening.

Cut 7 (12) “…the parade route.”

That’s followed by a  mini-concert at 7:30.

John Foster’s hometown is ready to roll out the welcome mat for the American Idol finalist.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed an executive order yesterday that supports student-athletes in Louisiana receiving fair compensation when it comes to the use of their name, image, and likeness that as national legal proceedings continue around the issue. The NCAA and several athletic conferences have entered into a proposed settlement agreement that would permit colleges to pay student-athletes directly for NIL use.

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Senator Bill Cassidy could face a new challenger in his bid for reelection as news spreads that Governor Landry may be working to recruit Congresswoman Julia Letlow to run for that senate seat,  joining State Treasurer John Fleming. Cassidy is believed to be vulnerable due to his vote in 2021 to convict then-former President Donald Trump for his role in the January 6th riot at the Capitol. And though Cassidy says he stands by his vote, he says he’spatched things up with the now-current President.

Cut 5 (08) “…working with him.”

A Senate committee approves two tort reform bills that supporters say will help in the effort to lower auto insurance rates…reducing the payouts for injured drivers in and limiting payouts for drivers found to be majority at fault in an accident. The legislation has the support of Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple.

Cut 14 (07) “…injury claims.”

Both tort reform bills approved by Senate Judiciary A have already passed the House.

Senator Bill Cassidy could be in for the fight of his political life next year. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The small West Baton Rouge Parish town of Addis welcomes home 18-year-old John Foster tonight. Mayor David Toups says they’re throwing a parade for the American Idol finalist, followed by a special ceremony and mini-concert.

Cut 8 (13) “…by American Idol.”

Foster heads back to Los Angeles after it all to start preparing for Sunday’s season finale.

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A Senate committee approves two tort reform bills that some say will help lower auto insurance rates. One of the bills would reduce the payout an uninsured driver would receive if injured in a crash. The other would limit the payout for an injured driver that has been found to be 51-percent or more at fault in an accident. Bur New Orleans Senator Gary Carter says…

Cut 13 (13)  “…any sort.”

Newlab has launched Newlab New Orleans, an innovation hub focused on transforming Louisiana’s energy sector through technology commercialization. LED CIO Josh Fleig (“fleg”) says the initiative will provide startups from Louisiana and around the globe with scale-up space and access to a statewide network of test sites.

Cut 11 (06) “…from our borders.”

Auto insurance reform legislation has cleared another legislative hurdle as a Senate Committee approves changes to how the legal system handles car crash cases with injuries. Here’s Jeff Palermo.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The town of Addis is rolling out the welcome mat for hometown hero, John Foster. The 18-year-old LSU freshman is coming home tonight after making it to the season finale of American Idol. There’s a parate in Foster’s honor set for five followed by a special ceremony and mini concert at 7:30.

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Senator Bill Cassidy could face a new challenger in his bid for reelection as news spreads that Governor Landry may be working to recruit Congresswoman Julia Letlow to run for that senate seat,  joining State Treasurer John Fleming. Cassidy is believed to be vulnerable due to his vote in 2021 to convict then-former President Donald Trump for his role in the January 6th riot at the Capitol. Cassidy says he stands by his vote.

Cut 4 (09) “…I would not.”

Newlab has launched Newlab New Orleans, an innovation hub focused on transforming Louisiana’s energy sector through technology commercialization. LED CIO Josh Fleig (“fleg”) says the initiative is backed by public-private partnerships, which will advance innovation in industrial power, carbon management, and maritime shipping.

Cut 10 (08) “…test those products.”

Senator Bill Cassidy could be in for the fight of his political life next year. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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John Foster’s hometown is ready to roll out the welcome mat for its newest hometown hero. Colleen Crain reports

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Auto insurance reform legislation has cleared another legislative hurdle as a Senate Committee approves changes to Louisiana’s legal system in cases where people are injured in crash crashes. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Senator Bill Cassidy could be fighting for his political life next year, with the possibility of having to face several challengers in the Republican primary and a potentially formidable opponent in the general election. News broke this week that Governor Landry may be working to recruit Congresswoman Julia Letlow to mount a primary challenge against Cassidy, joining State Treasurer John Fleming. Cassidy is believed to be vulnerable due to his vote in 2021 to convict then-former President Donald Trump for his role in the January 6th riot at the Capitol. Cassidy says he stands by his vote.

Cut 4 (09) “…I would not.”

Cassidy says all that is in the past, and he has patched things up with the now-current President.

Cut 5 (08) “…working with him.”

National Democrats are urging former Governor John Bel Edwards to seek the Democratic nomination in next year’s Senate race. Cassidy says even though Edwards was elected governor twice, he doubts that voters as a whole would vote to put him in the U.S. Senate.

Cut 6 (12) “…for President Trump.”

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The small West Baton Rouge Parish town of Addis is ready to roll out the welcome mat for its newest hometown hero, John Foster. The 18-year-old LSU freshman is paying a visit to his hometown tonight after making it to the season finale of American Idol. Mayor David Toups (“toops”) says the town will throw a parade for Foster along First Street at five this evening.

Cut 7 (12) “…the parade route.”

Then at 7:30, Mayor Toups says Foster will take the stage at Bayou Plaquemine Waterfront Park for a special ceremony and mini-concert.

Cut 8 (13) “…by American Idol.”

Then immediately afterwards, it’s back to Los Angeles for Foster to prepare for Sunday’s season finale, in which he will go up against 27-year-old Jamal Roberts of Meridian, Mississippi; and 25-year-old Breanna Nix of Denton, Texas. Toups says something like this really brings the community together.

Cut 9 (14)  “…planned for him.”

Toups could not confirm or deny that those plans include erecting road signs proclaiming Addis to be the home of John Foster.

______________________________________________________

Newlab has launched Newlab New Orleans, an innovation hub focused on transforming Louisiana’s energy sector through technology commercialization. LED CIO Josh Fleig (“fleg”) says the initiative is backed by public-private partnerships, which will advance innovation in industrial power, carbon management, and maritime shipping.

Cut 10 (08) “…test those products.”

Housed at the former NSA complex, the hub will provide startups with scale-up space and access to a statewide network of test sites. Fleig says not only will Newlab work with Louisiana-based startups, but also attract energy companies from around the globe.

Cut 11 (06) “…from our borders.”

Fleig says Newlab New Orleans joins other global Newlab hubs, reinforcing Louisiana’s role in sustainable energy leadership and economic reindustrialization.

Cut 12 (07) “…state as well.”

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A Senate committee approves two tort reform bills that supporters say will help in the effort to lower auto insurance rates. One of the bills would reduce the payout an uninsured driver would receive if injured in the crash. The other bill heading to the Senate floor would limit the payout for an injured driver that has been found to be 51-percent or more at fault in an accident. New Orleans Senator Gary Carter voted against the bill because he says there’s no guarantee this legislation will lower rates…

Cut 13 (13)  “…any sort.”

The legislation has the support of Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple. Temple says in Louisiana the number of bodily injured claims is twice the national average and that’s resulting in insurance companies paying more tin damages, which is contributing the state’s high auto insurance rates…

Cut 14 (07) “…injury claims.”

But Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau says the Louisiana Legislature has passed tort reform legislation in the past with the hopes it would lower rates, and it never came to be…

Cut 15 (11) “…going to fix it.”

Both tort reform bills approved by Senate Judiciary A have already passed the House. House Insurance Chairman Gabe Firment says the legislation attempts to correct a big problem in Louisiana…

Cut 16 (11) “…excessive payouts.”

The House Ways and Means Committee advanced a pair of bills aimed at lowering homeowners insurance premiums by strengthening the state’s fortified roof program. House Bill 145 would double the tax deduction for putting on a fortified roof from five-thousand dollars to 10-thousand dollars. It has the support of Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple, who says it would encourage people to get a fortified roof put on their homes and not wait for a grant program to open up to do so.

Cut 7 (07) “…fortified roof on.”

Also, House Bill 663 would create the Fortify Coastal Homes Fund. It’s proposed by Pollock Republican Gabe Firment, who says it would direct a portion of sales and use taxes in coastal areas following a natural disaster to the fund.

Cut 8 (11) “…into the fund.”

The amount would be capped at 60-million dollars.

A Senate committee approves two tort reform bills that supporters say will help in the effort to lower auto insurance rates. One would reduce the payout an uninsured driver would receive if injured in the crash. The other would limit the payout for an injured driver that has been found to be 51-percent or more at fault in an accident. Alexandria Democrat Jay Luneau says the legislature has passed tort reform legislation in the past with the hopes it would lower rates, and it never came to be…

Cut 15 (11) “…going to fix it.”

House Insurance Chairman Gabe Firment says the legislation attempts to correct a big problem in Louisiana…

Cut 16 (11) “…excessive payouts.”

Both bills have already passed the House.

A Rapides Parish man is under arrest for stealing hundreds of pounds of crawfish from a farmer’s traps. Chief of Staff Tommy Carnline with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says a crawfish farmer told investigators late last month that someone had emptied his traps, and it happened again a few days later.

Cut 13 (05)  “…and 500 pounds.”

He says deputies launched “Operation Tail Chaser,” and on May 10^th they caught the suspect, 47-year-old Tony Hicks, red-handed in the pond.

St. Tammany Parish deputies arrested a 23-year-old Folsom man and his 45-year-old mother yesterday after a concerned resident reported them for a possible dog-fighting operation on their property. Lt. Suzanne Carboni says STP Animal Control investigated and seized 28 pit bulls.

Cut 9 (08)  “…dog fighting.”

Austin Alexander faces 28 counts of dogfighting, while Natia Alexander faces 28 counts as a principal to dogfighting.

State Police is putting an emphasis this week on enforcing the state’s Move Over Law. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

a pair of bills aimed at lowering homeowners insurance premiums by strengthening the state’s fortified roof program advanced out of the House Ways and Means Committee advanced One of them is House Bill 145 has the support of Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple. House Bill 663 would create the Fortify Coastal Homes Fund. Pollock Republican Gabe Firment, says it would direct a portion of sales and use taxes in coastal areas following a natural disaster to the fund.

Cut 8 (11) “…into the fund.”

Firment says that amount would be capped at 60-million dollars. Both bills advanced to the full House without objection.