The U.S. Senate primary in Louisiana is not until next April, but the gloves are already off. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A 6-year-old child died, and two others, aged 12 and 10, are critically injured after a four-wheeler they were on collided with a car at Culpepper Road and North Boulevard in Alexandria on June 18. The four-wheeler, driven by the 12-year-old, failed to stop at a stop sign. A 4-year-old passenger had minor injuries. None wore helmets. The crash is under investigation.

Turkey callers from across the nation have flocked to Hammond for the Louisiana State & U.S. Open Turkey Calling Championships at the Southern Boyz Outdoor Store.  On Saturday, Southern Boyz will also host its first annual cookoff to benefit TARC, a nonprofit supporting children and adults with disabilities. Contest Manager Hunter Lemoine says that whether you’re a seasoned turkey caller or just looking for a fun weekend activity, there’s something for everyone at this unique and lively outdoor event.

Cut 5 (12) “…it’s gonna be cool.”

President Donald Trump signed an executive order extending TikTok’s operation in the U.S.  Originally banned by Congress and upheld by the Supreme Court, TikTok briefly went dark in January before Trump’s first order revived it. Negotiations for a U.S.-based spinoff stalled after China withdrew due to Trump’s tariffs on China. Tech Gumbo Host Haggai Davis says its unlikely China would want to sell.

Cut 14 (09) “…beyond me.”

Cleco has begun the process of finding a new owner, notifying the Louisiana Public Service Commission as required. This move was expected, as Cleco’s 2016 private equity buyout included plans for a future sale. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson reaffirmed support for local jobs and services, urging the PSC to require job protections, and says it’s critical to the local economy.

Cut 8 (09) “…for our folks.”

Cleco serves 300-thousand customers across 24 parishes and remains under regulatory oversight.

Louisiana lawmakers approved a 53-billion dollar budget and only one lawmaker voted against it. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick voted no. McCormick says he’s also disappointed the Legislature did not fund the LA Gator Program, the state’s new voucher program, to the amount Governor Jeff Landry was seeking. McCormick says politics got involved…

Cut 11 (09) “…harms families.”

The legislature passed a series of bills aimed at strengthening elections in Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault, and stalking now have added protections, thanks to a new law signed by Governor Landry. The new law requires car manufacturers to disable remote access technology, such as tracking and control features, within two days of receiving a certified protective or restraining order. Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Detective Kelly Downey collaborated closely with lawmakers and survivors says 80 percent of all domestic homicide victims were stalked.

Cut 4 (12) “…helps both sides”

A Medicare advocacy group is urging Congress to protect the Medicare Advantage program. When the One Big Beautiful Bill made it out of the House, the program was left intact. However, Darren Grubb with Medicare Advantage Majority says provisions may be added that would have a devastating effect on Louisiana’s 540-thousand seniors.

Cut 7 (10) “…services they need.”

After an infant in St. Tammany Parish died last weekend while sharing a bed with his mother and a sibling, Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape has re-released a PSA warning people of the dangers of babies sleeping in the same bed with others. Coroner’s spokesman James Hartman says it’s a very important message.

Cut 9 (14)  “…out there again.”

Lawmakers have passed a bill expanding abortion restrictions by allowing lawsuits against out-of-state doctors and others who provide or facilitate abortion pills to Louisiana residents, even by mail. Louisiana Right to Life Policy Director Erica Inzina says the bill is needed to close legal loopholes and to deter illegal abortions.

Cut 11 (07) “…abortion pill.”

Online sports gambling companies will soon be paying more tax to the state on all wagers originating from Louisiana. The Senate has approved House Bill 639 by Columbia Republican Neil Riser, who says the amount of the tax that the legislature zeroed in on was a little lower than what he had originally proposed.

Cut 9 (11)  “…we agreed to.”

Mississippi’s first-ever Buc-ee’s opened today at 6 AM. Located off I-10 at the Menge Avenue exit in Pass Christian, the massive 74,000-square-foot convenience store includes 126 gas pumps, 24 EV charging stations, and 165 toilets.  To get to Buc-ee’s from downtown New Orleans, drivers can take I-10 east through Slidell and across the Mississippi border, exiting at Menge Avenue. Harrison County Economic Commission Executive Director Bill Lavers says a newly expanded five-lane bridge is expected to reduce traffic congestion around the site.

Cut 4 (12) “…just the beginning.”

Louisiana voters might have the opportunity to decide in April whether the retirement age of judges should be raised from 70 to 75 years old. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

On a 10-5 vote, the House Health and Welfare committee rejected a bill by Houma Sen. Mike Fesi that sought to ban fluoride in public drinking water systems. Fesi says natural fluoride is different from the fluoride being put in the drinking water.

Cut 10 (11) “…poison in our water.”

Opponents, including 9-year-old  Toby Ramen from Monroe, defended fluoride as safe, effective, and essential for public health, saying if fluoride is taken out of drinking water, then every child should be able to see a dentist at no cost

Cut 12 (12) “…thank you (applause)”

Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans is boosting its reward for information leading to the capture of the two remaining escapees from the Orleans Justice Center. President Darlene Cusanza made the announcement in a news conference this morning.

Cut 3 (11) “…20-thousand dollars.” (increases reward to $20K)

As the legislature continues considering Monroe Republican Senator Stewart Cathey’s bill to do away with the speed cameras, the House passed an amendment by a single vote to exempt Opelousas from any such rule. Cathey is clearly unhappy.  It was proposed by Democrat Dustin Miller, who says Opelousas is short-staffed and doesn’t have enough manpower to conduct speed enforcement the traditional way. Cathey says the people of Opelousas should fight back.

Cut 7 (10) “…these speed cameras.”

In a ceremony in the governor’s mansion. Governor Landry signed six auto insurance reform bills into law. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Shreveport Police Department is investigating a premature stillborn baby found in linens at Alsco Uniforms. The heavily decomposed infant was discovered by an employee unloading a delivery truck from Dallas. The baby was described as very small and nearly mummified. Authorities are working to determine the circumstances.

A statewide poll shows strong support for the App Store Accountability Act which requires parental approval for minors to download apps on their smart devices. Louisiana Family Forum CEO Gene Mills says the legislation seeks to protect children from harmful content, misleading ratings and exploitative contracts…

Cut 6 (12) “…40 apps a week.”

A Senate bill that restricts exit polling outside of voting locations to “bona fide news gathering organizations” received approval from the House on a 57-38 vote. It returns to the Senate for final approval of House changes.  Destrehan Representative Beth Anne Billings says organizations will have to get approval from the Secretary of State’s Office…

Cut 15 (12) “…collect information

It’s been one year since construction began on a new 360-million-dollar Jimmie Davis Bridge in Bossier and Caddo parishes. Construction of the bridge’s foundations is advancing, aided by two temporary trestle bridges. DOTD Spokesperson Erin Buchanan says significant work is also underway to realign and widen LA 511, including a raised median to enhance traffic flow.

Cut 4 (08) “…things like that.”

A state representative is charged with DWI and child endangerment after he was involved in a single vehicle wreck early this morning. Three children in the vehicle. State Police Trooper Jacob Pucheu (POO-show) says troopers arrested Marrero Democrat Kyle Green.

Cut 10 (07) “…placed under arrest.”

Five down, five to go – Five inmates who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center last Friday have been recaptured, and five remain on the loose. As the search for the remaining at-large escapees continues, Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson continues to come under fire – so much so that she has temporarily suspended her re-election bid. Hutson told the New Orleans City Council that the jailbreak is very troubling.

Cut 6 (09) “…urgency and transparency.”

A pair of House Democrats who represent New Orleans are calling for Hutson not only to drop her re-election bid, but also to step down immediately. Among them is Jason Hughes.

Cut 8 (08) “…down to leadership.”

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. Governor Landry’s office had no comment on Fleming’s claim. As always, anytime a governor appoints a replacement to fill a U.S. Senate vacancy, there would be a special election to fill the remainder of the unexpired term, unless the vacancy occurs close to the next regular election. Fleming says any governor who appoints themself to fill a vacancy would instantly give themself an advantage.

Cut 5 (09) “…everything for re-election.”

Former Baton Rouge Mayor-President, lawmaker and reporter Kip Holden died today at age 72 after a lengthy illness.In 2005, he became the first African American Mayor-President of East Baton Rouge Parish, holding the position for three terms until 2016. Dardenne says Holden loved people and was passionate about what he believed in…

Cut 7 (10) “…as a person.”

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee approves legislation that would make the Insurance Commissioner an appointed position rather than an elected position.This is not the first time a state lawmaker has proposed that the insurance commissioner should be appointed by the governor. But with legislators looking for solutions to sky-high insurance premiums, they seem more open to the idea. New Orleans Senator Gary Carter

Cut 10 (08) “…to be done.”

The measure advances to the Senate floor.

New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez’s bill to ban schools from serving “ultra-processed” foods, targeting items containing ingredients such as food dyes and seed oils, passed the House Education Committee on an 8 to 1 vote.  Miguez says this is sending a message to D.C   These ingredients have come under scrutiny from health food influencers and political figures like US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The bill aligns with a growing push for healthier food options in public institutions. Miguez says its time to get the junk out of our children’s food…

Cut 14 (09) “…to do so.”

The Senate-approved bill goes to the House Floor for more discussion.

Governor Jeff Landry signed an executive order allowing Louisiana universities to pay their athletes. Jeanne Burns explains why the governor issued the order….

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeanne Burns”

The 2025 NFL Schedule will be released tonight and the Saints will reportedly open the season at home by hosting the Arizona Cardinals. The entire schedule will be unveiled at 7 PM. On paper, New Orleans has one of the easiest schedules, facing just three playoff teams. Tampa Bay twice, the Rams and the Bills.

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee approves legislation that would make the Insurance Commissioner an appointed position rather than an elected position.  Tim Temple, who was elected as insurance commissioner in 2023, testified in opposition to the bill…

Cut 11 (08) “…one person.”

The bill advances after no one on Senate and Governmental Affairs objected to advancing the measure to the Senate floor.

New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez’s bill to ban schools from serving “ultra-processed” foods, targeting items containing ingredients such as food dyes and seed oils, passed the House Education Committee on an 8 to 1 vote.  Miguez says this is sending a message to D.C and the MAHA movement.

Cut 13 (12)  “…message here today.”