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.”

An historic plantation in Iberville Parish is destroyed by fire. Nottoway Plantation was built in 1859 and was the largest remaining antebellum mansion in the south. The plantation has welcomed visitors from around the world since the 1980s. No one was hurt in the blaze.

Immigration raids 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.”

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.”

The House unanimously passed the state budget with almost no drama. It includes, among many other things, a one-time renewal of the teacher and school support staff stipend. Steven Procopio, the president of the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, says as it 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.”

Governor Landry issues an executive order paving the way for immigration raids. Attorney General Liz Murrill says that includes Orleans Parish, where she says the sheriff’s department blocks and interferes with state and federal immigration enforcement.

Cut 12 (11) “…can do that.”

Construction gets underway today on the North Oaks Health System Academic and Athletic Complex at Southeastern Louisiana University. SLU President William 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.”

The 30-thousand-square-foot 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.

American Idol finalist John Foster’s star has skyrocketed in a very short period of time. It was just last October when he played his first gig at Floyd’s Morley Marina in Brusly. Owner Jeremy Prejean says Foster’s journey reflects the power of persistence and community support in launching a successful music career.

Cut 9 (03)  “…in his journey.”

Will Foster be the next American Idol? Tune in to ABC at seven Sunday evening to find out.

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.”

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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.

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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..

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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

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.

John Foster took a break from his preparations for Sunday’s season finale of American Idol to visit his hometown of Addis. Foster was also honored at the State Capitol, telling lawmakers he hopes to bring an American Idol title back to Louisiana.

Cut 10 (08) “…bring it honor.”

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.”

The House will debate the state budget today. Governor Landry is looking to put 94-million dollars into the LA GATOR scholarship program, and House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says the House was able to keep that intact.

Cut 23 (08)  “…early childhood education.”

LA GATOR funding, however, could run into some resistance in the Senate. The budget also keeps teacher salaries at their current level, which was thrown into question following the failure of Amendment 2 back in March.

The House Education Committee yesterday revised a bill to prevent hazing, initially requiring a semester-long course for students joining campus groups. It was replaced with a two-hour annual training due to cost concerns. The bill was filed 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 Louisiana Department of Health is sounding the alarm on whooping cough. Secretary Bruce Greenstein says the number of cases so far this year has already exceeded those from all of last year.

Cut 5 (14) “…whole of 2024.”

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)

A bill that would ban kratom in Louisiana advances to the full House. The Senate has already passed it; and yesterday, the House Criminal Justice Committee followed suit. Supporters of the ban say kratom can lead to several health issues and even death. But opponents say when taken in its pure form, kratom has its benefits.

Cut 16 (07) “…opioids.”

The Louisiana Department of Health is sounding the alarm on whooping cough. Secretary Bruce Greenstein says so far this year, the state has confirmed 170 whooping cough cases; there were 154 all of last year. Greenstein says what’s especially concerning is that whooping cough is especially dangerous for infants who are too young to be fully vaccinated.

Cut 6 (12) “…help protect them.”

Governor Jeff Landry’s push for a new law that would give the insurance commissioner more authority to reject excessive rates without actuarial data cleared another legislative hurdle. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Saints have released their 2025 schedule; and for the first time in 25 years, they will not be on primetime television. 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.

Big day today at the legislature as the House debates the state budget. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Governor Jeff Landry’s push for a new law that would give the insurance commissioner more authority to reject excessive rates without actuarial data cleared another legislative hurdle. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The House Criminal Justice Committee agrees with the Senate, kratom should be banned in Louisiana. Sean Richardson has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health gave updates on measles and whooping cough cases throughout the state. Secretary Bruce Greenstein (“green-steen”) says the state epidemiology team launched an investigation into potential measles exposures after the department confirmed two cases in the state.

Cut 4 (06) “…cases were identified.” (No new cases identified)

Greenstein says while they may have gotten the upper hand on measles, the same cannot be said for whooping cough.

Cut 5 (14) “…whole of 2024.” (170 whooping cough cases so far in 2025; 154 cases in all of 2024)

Greenstein says what’s especially concerning is that whooping cough is especially dangerous for infants who are too young to be fully vaccinated.

Cut 6 (12) “…help protect them.”

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The House will debate the state budget today. The biggest question going into the session is whether the legislature would be able to keep teacher pay at its current level in light of the failure of Amendment 2 at the ballot box in March. House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says they were able to do just that.

Cut 7 (11) “…in recurring revenue.”

McFarland says the budget sacrifices state funding for high-dosage tutoring.

Cut 8 (09) “…dollars are recognized.”

Governor Landry is looking to put 94-million dollars into the LA GATOR scholarship program, and McFarland says the House was able to keep that intact.

Cut 9 (08)  “…early childhood education.”

Whether the LA GATOR funding level remains intact in the Senate remains to be seen. Landry is expecting some pushback from Senators once the budget works its way into the upper chamber of the legislature. McFarland says the overall plan chops more than 100-million dollars off the budget, which he says is good because of a looming 86-million-dollar shortfall for the 2027 fiscal year.

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The Senate Insurance Committee approves legislation that would give the insurance commissioner more authority to reject rate increases without actuarial data. New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis strongly supports the House-approved bill. Duplessis says drastic steps need to be taken to address the insurance crisis…

Cut 10 (07) “…need this authority”

The bill also has the support of Governor Jeff Landry. But Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says his office already rejects rate increase proposals and the Executive Counsel for the Department of Insurance David Caldwell tried to make that point clear…

Cut 11 (11) “…done this.”

The meeting got contentious between Duplessis and Temple as the New Orleans Senator is frustrated Temple will not support this legislation

Cut 12 (14) “…red herring.”

Temple says this proposed legislation would be over-regulation of the insurance industry and would keep companies from wanting to write policies in Louisiana.

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A bill to ban kratom continues to make its way through the legislative process. The House Criminal Justice Committee voted for the legislation that’s already been approved by the Senate. The committee heard tearful testimony from David Lubrano Senior, who told lawmakers his son took his own life after he could not get over his addiction to kratom…

Cut 13 (10)  “…causing.”

The Mayo Clinic says kratom is an herbal extra that comes from tree in southeast Asia. It can be used a stimulant in low doses and as sedative at higher doses.

The bill’s author, Monroe Senator Jay Morris, says kratom use can lead to an elevated heart rate, seizures, psychosis, liver toxicity and even death. Lubrano says his son got hooked on kratom and decided to end his life…

Cut 14 (10) “…again.”

But there are those who say kratom is a better alternative than opioids when it comes to managing pain…

Cut 15 (09) “…to do?”

This man testified how kratom taken in its pure form has improved his life after suffering traumatic injuries from a fall…

Cut 16 (07) “…opioids.”

Opponents of the legislation are urging lawmakers to put more regulations on synthetic marijuana and allow people to buy and possess the pure form.

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Top ranked LSU baseball begins its final SEC series of the season tonight as the Tigers visit South Carolina. LSU has not named a starting pitcher for tonight, but plan to start Kade Anderson in game two on Friday and Anthony Eyanson on Saturday, allowing Anderson and Eyanson to pitch on regular rest. Eyanson has been terrific lately and Coach Jay Johnson says the right-hander has the qualities needed to be a great pitcher…

Cut 17 (22)  “…physical ability”

The Gamecocks are 5-22 in the SEC and in 15^th place. But Johnson sees talent on the South Carolina roster…

Cut 18 (18)  “…another weekend.”

South Carolina has struggled under first year head coach Paul Mainieri. The former LSU coach who came out of retirement last year to take the job in Columbia has faith he can build another winning baseball program, but admits this weekend will not be easy…

Cut 19 (19) “…beat the Tigers”

First pitch tonight is at 6 p.m.