Fort Johnson in Vernon Parish could be named Fort Polk again based on comments made by President Trump who said his administration plans to restore the names of several military bases that were renamed during the Biden administration. Jim Tuck, the president of the Louisiana Armed Services Alliance, says it’s a change that the community welcomes.

Cut 12 (06) “…be changed back.”

The Congressional Naming Commission in 2023 named the state’s largest military base in honor of Sergeant William Henry Johnson, a Black soldier who was a World War One hero. The Leesville Army Base was previously named for Confederate General Leonidis Polk; it will now be named for World War Two General James Polk.

Louisiana lawmakers have approved legislation that gives state agencies the ability to track the immigration status of individuals using public services. State Senator Blake Miguez says the law would require annual reporting to the state legislature…

Cut 7 (12) “…in our state”

Lights, camera, action! The Louisiana film industry could see a comeback after the passage of SB 232. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The hurricane forecast team at Colorado State continues to predict 17 named storms and nine hurricanes in 2025. Researchers say warm sea surface temperatures is the main reason for the above-average season. It’s been a slow start to the season and the National Hurricane Center is not expecting any tropical activity over the next seven days.

LSU fans send the baseball team off to Omaha for the College World Series. Andrew Greenstein is at Alex Box Stadium.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The future of horse racing at the historic Fairgrounds Racetrack in New Orleans is in jeopardy because the state legislature is not willing to provide a 20-million-dollar subsidy to the track’s owner. Churchill Downs says they need state assistance or they will shut down operations, because Louisiana’s Supreme Court has told the track they can no longer operate their historical horse racing slot machines, because it requires voter approval.

The Louisiana Legislature has passed Senate Bill 100, requiring state agencies to track the immigration status of individuals receiving public services. New Iberia Republican Blake Miguez says his legislation mandates reporting by agencies such as the Department of Education, Corrections, and DCFS…

Cut 6 (11) “…taxpayer dollars.”

Miguez says the legislation can make sure Louisiana residents are prioritized for state funded services over non-citizens.

The state’s film industry is hopeful a bill approved in the legislative session will lead to larger movie productions. Film Louisiana President Jason Waggenspack says Senate Bill 232 makes important changes to the state’s film incentive tax program, by eliminating a 20-million-dollar cap on production costs and a three-million-dollar cap per individual in payroll expenses. Waggenspack says this should help an industry that generates one-billion dollars for the state…

Cut 10 (12) “…local residents”

Louisiana’s film industry could see a revival following the passage of Senate Bill 232, which updates the state’s film incentive program. Film Louisiana President Jason Waggenspack says the new law removes outdated caps, including a $20 million limit on production costs and a $3 million per-person payroll cap, aiming to make the state more competitive with international filming locations.

Cut 9 (12)  “…talk to LED.”

Waggenspack says the reforms could attract larger productions and talent.

The LSU baseball team is on its way to Omaha for the College World Series. Hundreds of fans gathered at Alex Box Stadium to wish the team luck…

Cut 4 (09) “…for Omaha”

LSU is seeking its eighth national championship. The Tigers first game is Saturday night at 6 PM.

Small business optimism was up in May, according to the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Small businesses are optimistic, yet cautious. That’s the big takeaway of the latest NFIB Small Business Optimism Index, which rose slightly last month. NFIB State Director Leah Long says one reason is Governor Landry attempting to make the state more business-friendly with tax breaks.

Cut 9 (12)  “…optimism increases.”

Tourism in New Orleans is just about back to pre-pandemic levels. Walt Leger (luh-ZHAY), the president and CEO of New Orleans and Company, says last year, the city welcomed more than 19-million visitors – the highest number since 2019. Leger says they’re expecting 2025 to be another great year, buoyed by the Super Bowl.

Cut 13 (13)  “…to bring in.”

The LSU baseball team is off to Omaha for the College World Series. Fans gathered outside Alex Box Stadium to see the team off this morning as they boarded three buses bound for the airport. The Tigers won it all two years ago; these fans say they can do it again.

Cut 3 (07) “…Tigers win!!!”

LSU opens play Saturday against Arkansas, a team they beat two out of three times this season at Alex Box Stadium. The two teams are the betting favorites to win it all.

And the Tigers have a secret weapon – seven-year-old Caden Templet of Covington, who’s battling Burkitt’s lymphoma. He was paired with the LSU baseball team through Team IMPACT. Senior Case Manager Lynn LaRocca (la-ROCK-uh) says when pairing kids with college teams, they take several things into consideration, including their favorite sports and the closest schools to where they live.

Cut 12 (09) “…times per month.”

A bill allowing pharmacies to sell ivermectin without a prescription is on its way to Gov. Jeff Landry for his signature.  Though approved by the FDA to treat certain parasitic conditions, ivermectin is not authorized for COVID-19 treatment, and experts warn that misuse can lead to severe health issues. But the bill’s sponsor Senator Mike Fesi says he personally used the drug for COVID-19 treatment successfully.

Cut 5 (09) “…got better quickly.”

Small businesses are optimistic, yet cautious. That’s the big takeaway of the latest NFIB Small Business Optimism Index, which rose slightly last month. NFIB State Director Leah Long says labor and inflation remain pressing issues.  In May, 34-percent of owners reported unfilled job openings, and 86-percent of those hiring said qualified applicants were scarce.

Cut 8 (09) “…is super important.”

LSU has had a secret weapon in its run to Omaha and the College World Series. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

There might not be a 2025-26 racing season at the Fairgrounds in New Orleans, as the owner of the track, Churchhill Downs, has informed the state racing commission of its plans to relinquish its licenses because the state will not provide any subsidy, after the supreme court ruled the track can no longer operate a slot machine called Historic Horse Racing.

Governor Jeff Landry’s signature will make Ivermectin available over the counter at Louisiana pharmacies. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The latest NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose slightly last month. The improvement was primarily driven by stronger expectations for sales and better business conditions. But, the Uncertainty Index also increased. NFIB State Director Leah Long says taxes were the main concern for business owners.

Cut 7 (10) “…it is uncertain.”

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It turns out that LSU has had a secret weapon in their march to Omaha and the College World Series. Seven-year-old Caden Templet of Covington is battling Burkitt’s lymphoma and was paired with the Tigers baseball team through Team IMPACT, which matches children facing serious illnesses with college sports teams. Senior Case Manager Lynn LaRocca (la-ROCK-uh) says Caden has been with the team throughout the season.

Cut 10 (09) “…in the stands.”

Tourism in New Orleans is just about back to pre-pandemic levels. Walt Leger (luh-ZHAY), the president and CEO of New Orleans and Company, says last year, the city welcomed more than 19-million visitors – the highest number since 2019. And says 2025 should be another great year. says they’re expecting 2025 to be another great year after kicking it off with the Super Bowl.

Cut 13 (13)  “…to bring in.”

Small business optimism was up in May, according to the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

President Donald Trump said during a speech Tuesday in Fort Bragg that he would restore the names for military bases that had their names changed under former President Joe Biden. That includes Fort Polk which was changed to Fort Johnson for medal of Honor recipient Sergeant William Henry Johnson who served in World War One.  It will now go back to being named for Silver Star recipient General James H. Polk.

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Tourism in New Orleans is just about back to pre-pandemic levels, with more than 19-million visitors. But Walt Leger (luh-ZHAY), the president and CEO of New Orleans and Company, there some outside forces creating headwinds in international travel.

Cut 14 (10) “…economy right now.”

A bill allowing pharmacies to sell ivermectin without a prescription is on its way to Gov. Jeff Landry for signature.  Though approved by the FDA to treat certain parasitic conditions, ivermectin is not authorized for COVID-19 treatment, and experts warn that misuse can lead to severe health issues. But the bill’s sponsor Senator Mike Fesi says he personally used the drug for COVID-19 treatment successfully.

Cut 5 (09) “…got better quickly.”

LSU has had a secret weapon in its run to Omaha and the College World Series. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A bill allowing pharmacies to sell ivermectin without a prescription is on its way to Gov. Jeff Landry for signature. SB19, sponsored by Senator Mike Fesi, permits adults to purchase the drug under a standing order from the Louisiana Department of Health.

Cut 4 (06) “…over the counter.”

Under the new law, pharmacists must screen for risks and inform patients about proper use.

________________________________________

Tourism in New Orleans has bounced back to from Covid-19. The city welcomed more than 19-million visitors last year, the highest number since 2019. But a new problem is emerging in that  many visitors to the Crescent City are from Canada…and with the White House rhetoric of making Canada a state, some Canadians are rethinking their travel plans.

Cut 15 (09) “…they’ll be back.”

Small businesses are optimistic, yet cautious. That’s the big takeaway of the latest NFIB Small Business Optimism Index, which rose slightly last month. NFIB State Director Leah Long says labor and inflation remain pressing issues.  In May, 34-percent of owners reported unfilled job openings, and 86-percent of those hiring said qualified applicants were scarce.

Cut 8 (09) “…is super important.”

A bill allowing pharmacies to sell ivermectin without a prescription is on its way to Gov. Jeff Landry for signature. Though approved by the FDA to treat certain parasitic conditions, ivermectin is not authorized for COVID-19 treatment, and experts warn that misuse can lead to severe health issues. Under the new law, pharmacists must screen for risks and inform patients about proper use.

Cut 6 (05) “…over the counter.”

Small businesses are feeling cautiously optimistic…at least according to the latest NFIB Small Business Optimism Index. NFIB State Director Leah Long says one reason for the optimism is the administration change with Governor Landry’s sweeping tax reform and attempting to make the state more business-friendly with tax breaks to business owners.

Cut 9 (12)  “…optimism increases.”

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President Donald Trump plans to restore the names of seven military bases whose names were changed under the former administration, that includes Louisiana’s own Fort Polk.  The name was changed to Fort Johnson to recognize medal of Honor recipient Sergeant William Henry Johnson who served in World War One.  It will now go back to being named for Silver Star recipient General James H. Polk.

It turns out that LSU has had a secret weapon in their march to Omaha and the College World Series. Seven-year-old Caden Templet of Covington is battling Burkitt’s lymphoma and was paired with the Tigers baseball team through Team IMPACT, which matches children facing serious illnesses with college sports teams. Senior Case Manager Lynn LaRocca (la-ROCK-uh) says Caden has been with the team throughout the season, but isn’t going to Omaha, at least not yet.

Cut 11 (13) “…the World Series.”

The Tigers are set to play Arkansas in the opening round of the College World Series Saturday night.