The Louisiana Legislative Auditor believes the funds are available for school systems to pay teachers their stipends so they do not receive pay cuts. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

The next time you go to a fast food restaurant, be nice to the employees, or else. Andrew Greenstein explains why.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Franklin Parish running back Trey Martin has committed to LSU. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

_________________________________________________________

Louisiana Legislative Auditor Mike Waguespack has reviewed the financials of the state’s public-school districts, and he says most of them have the funds to support Governor Landry’s plan to cover the cost of a two-thousand-dollar stipend for teachers and a one-thousand-dollar stipend for school support workers.

Cut 4 (04) “…to do this.”

Landry is proposing a 168-million-dollar cut in public school funding and redirecting that money to pay the stipends teachers and school support workers have received the last three years. Waguespack says school districts have 1.8-billion dollars in their unassigned fund balances that can help pay for the loss in state aid for operation expenses.

Cut 5 (11) “…one time ask.”

The governor’s plan needs legislative support. Two-thirds of the state lawmakers have to approve, and mail-in ballots are due by 5 p-m on June 23rd.

Landry has also a created a task force to study how the state can use its resources better to fund teacher salaries and get their pay closer to the Southern Regional Average. Waguespack says this reduction in state funding is just for one year.

Cut 6 (07) “…need.”

Local school officials say Landry’s plan cuts state funding by about five-percent.

___________________________________________________

LSU and Hyundai Steel inked a Master Research Agreement in collaboration with its 5.8-billion-dollar steel mill scheduled to open in Ascension Parish in 2029. LSU Assistant Vice Chancellor of Research Partnerships Greg Trahan (truh-HAHN) says the agreement isn’t just for one project; it’s for all of them.

Cut 7 (10) “…these research projects.”

The agreement will allow Hyundai Steel and LSU to collaborate on whatever research opportunities the company may encounter. Trahan says the agreement gives Hyundai access to LSU’s research personnel and resources.

Cut 8 (14) “…every academic discipline.”

Trahan says the research agreement is unlike any LSU has ever signed. It clears up any potential patent disputes upfront and allows for quick action and scientific advancement. He says it’s not just about a single investment or project, but a new way to work with a company.

Cut 9 (14)  “…of talent development.”

___________________________________________________

Tropical Storm Arthur is dissipating as it moves over land in Texas and into Louisiana. The storm made landfall in Texas about halfway between Corpus Christi and Galveston and started its northward turn from there. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says with that unexpected turn to the north, Louisiana won’t be as hard hit as originally forecast.

Cut 10 (07) “…eight or so.”

Keim says once Arthur moves out of the region, another frontal system will be coming through the state.

Cut 11 (08) “…afternoon convective showers.”

Keim says Tropical Storm Arthur is proof that even with a lower than normal hurricane forecast for the season, you should not let your guard down under any circumstances.

Cut 12 (07) “…just be vigilant.”

___________________________________________________

The next time you go to a fast food restaurant in Louisiana, be on your best behavior towards the employees, or else. Governor Landry signed the Behind The Counter Protection Act, which toughens penalties for those convicted of assaulting retail and service employees. Landry signed the bill in a ceremony at a Baton Rouge McDonald’s.

Cut 13 (07)  “…lost their civility.”

The bill was authored by Baton Rouge Representative Dixon McMakin, who noted that while there have been no notable incidents in Louisiana, employees should not have to deal with out-of-control customers.

Cut 14 (10) “…behind the counters.”

John Valluzzo, whose family operates McDonald’s locations in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi, says this law is needed to protect his employees

Cut 15 (09) “…be treated respectfully.”

The law goes into effect August 1st.

___________________________________________________

Franklin Parish four-star running back Trey Martin gave his verbal pledge to join LSU’s 2027 recruiting class. The rising senior is the number one running back in the state, and 247Sports ranks him as the 14th back nationwide. The Voice of the Patriots, Matt Reynolds, says even as a freshman, you could tell Martin could be the best player to ever wear a Patriots uniform.

Cut 16 (16) “…a threat offensively.”

Martin racked up over 13-hundred rushing yards and 31 touchdowns his junior season. He also runs track for Franklin Parish with an 11.31-second 100-meter sprint time. Reynolds says the six-foot, 200-pound back can beat you any way you like.

Cut 17 (18)  “…got breakaway speed.”

Martin is the third running back to commit to LSU’s 2027 class, alongside four-star Tre Segarra and three-star Brennan Lacey. Reynolds says Martin is all business off the field. He takes care of himself and is obsessed with getting better.

Cut 18 (14) “…on the field.”

____________________________________________________

The Saints finished veteran minicamp yesterday and are out for the summer until training camp begins in late July. Quarterback Tyler Shough says he’s spent the entire offseason in New Orleans, and he says it will make a big difference heading into year two.

Cut 19 (14) “…these new guys?”

Shough has plans to set up a passing retreat with the Saints receivers and Saints legend Drew Brees in San Diego. New Orleans has prioritized building chemistry this offseason, placing players into SWAT teams with teammates they may not usually be around. Shough says the offseason prep has helped on and off the field.

Cut 20 (18) “…have been around.”

Tropical Storm Arthur made landfall in Texas about halfway between Corpus Christi and Galveston and started its northward turn from there. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says with that unexpected turn to the north, Louisiana won’t be as hard hit as originally forecast.

Cut 10 (07) “…eight or so.”

Senator Bill Cassidy is speaking out against the proposed deal with Iran to end the war and re-open the Strait of Hormuz. Cassidy says if it goes through, the deal makes the entire U.S.-led operation in vain.

Cut 6 (14) “…everyone failed.”

Cassidy says the deal strikes him as what he terms “JCPOA 2.0,” which was the deal that President Obama struck with Iran, which he also opposed.

An Australian woman in Franklinton faces voter fraud charges for allegedly illegally voting in the last two federal elections. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Tropical Storm Arthur has forced some adjustments to early voting in Cameron Parish. Governor Landry has issued an executive order suspending early voting tomorrow. There’s no early voting Friday because of the Juneteenth holiday. Early voting will proceed as normal in all other parishes.

We’re keeping a close eye on Tropical Storm Arthur, as it’s expected to bring flash flooding conditions to south and central Louisiana. The system was upgraded to a tropical storm this morning with sustained winds of 40 miles per hour. Andy Tingler with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says Arthur could bring eight or more inches of rain to some areas.

Cut 9 (07)  “…urban flooding.”

With flash flooding possible for the rest of this week, DOTD is urging you to be extra careful when venturing out onto the roadways. Spokesman Rodney Mallett says it’s called “flash flood” for a reason – it happens so fast, before crews have time to respond.

Cut 19 (10) “…they’re going safely.”

Mallett says if it’s raining hard, the very best thing you can do is to stay off the roads altogether if at all possible.

A 51-year-old Australian woman is facing up to five years in prison for allegedly illegally voting in the 2022 and 2024 federal elections. Nataly Migliore (Mil-ee-yor-ay) is a legal permanent resident of Franklinton who allegedly registered to vote despite not being a U.S. citizen. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says she’s just one of numerous noncitizens found in Louisiana’s voter registration.

Cut 3 (12) “…since the 1980s.”

Franklin Parish four-star running back Trey Martin says he’s going to LSU. Martin is the state’s top back in the 2027 class, and Franklin Parish Coach Adrian Burnette says Martin is a special athlete.

Cut 13 (12) “…out of it.”

Tropical Storm Arthur is expected to make landfall in Southwest Louisiana tonight. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The severe weather is leading to many cancellations of summer schools and other programs. School districts across South Louisiana, extending to the Capital region and beyond, have announced the closure of their campuses tomorrow in anticipation of the storms. More cancellations will likely be announced throughout the day today.

An Australian woman who’s living legally in Franklinton but is not a U.S. citizen is charged with illegally voting in a pair of federal elections. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says there are open investigations into other cases of illegal voting thanks to the information found with the SAVE database; and as such she expects more indictments similar to that of Nataly Migliore.

Cut 5 (11) “…our elections.”

Senator Bill Cassidy says he opposes the proposed deal the Trump administration made with Iran to end the war there and to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Cassidy says along with not meeting any of its goals, the U.S. just gave Iran a massive amount of ammunition for future negotiations that it cannot undo.

Cut 8 (10) “…in the future.”

We have our first named storm of the season, and it’s expected to bring flash flooding conditions to south and central Louisiana. Andy Tingler with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says while Tropical Storm Arthur is expected to weaken by the time it makes landfall just west of the Texas state line, the biggest threat from the disorganized storm is heavy rainfall in a short amount of time.

Cut 10 (08) “…not anticipated.” 

An Australian woman who’s a legal permanent U.S. resident but not a citizen faces up to five years in prison for allegedly voting in the 2022 and 2024 federal elections, when she wasn’t allowed to. Secretary of State Nancy Landry’s office found Nataly Migliore’s name by using the federal SAVE database, which compares registered voter lists to federal databases to check citizenship status.

Cut 4 (11) “…citizen or not.”

Senator Bill Cassidy is speaking out against the proposed deal with Iran to end the war and re-open the Strait of Hormuz. He says the deal strikes him as what he terms “JCPOA 2.0,” which was the deal that President Obama struck with Iran, which he also opposed. He says this deal will cost the U.S. and the American people dearly.

Cut 7 (08) “…billions of dollars.”

A sting operation results in the arrests of ten people, including a St. Mary Parish corrections deputy. Investigators launched “Operation Bear Trap” after getting information that 49-year-old Earnest Ladday (luh-DAY) was bringing contraband into the jail and giving it to certain inmates. Sheriff Gary Driskell says all department employees are held to the same standards as everyone else.

Cut 15 (07) “…integrity than most.”

With heavy rain in the forecast, the state is urging you to use extra caution when venturing out onto the roadways. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

A north Louisiana school system tells state lawmakers why it can’t support Governor Landry’s plan to fund a two-thousand-dollar stipend for teachers. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan signed a one-year deal to return to the Saints for one final season. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

_________________________________________________________

With flash flooding possible for the rest of this week, DOTD is urging you to be extra careful when venturing out onto the roadways. Spokesman Rodney Mallett says it’s called “flash flood” for a reason – it happens so fast, before crews have time to respond.

Cut 4 (10) “…they’re going safely.”

Mallett says even if you know the streets intimately, flash floods can give you a very unpleasant surprise.

Cut 5 (09) “…a regular puddle.”

That’s why officials always stress that during heavy downpours, when you encounter a section that’s washed out, “turn around, don’t drown.” Mallett says the state will stay on top of any and all road closures in as close to real time as possible.

Cut 6 (14) “…the 511 app.”

Mallett says if it’s raining hard, the very best thing you can do is to stay off the roads altogether if at all possible.

___________________________________________________

While it wouldn’t be a record-breaker, Louisiana could see one of the earliest tropical storms in the state’s history by tonight. The National Hurricane Center has issued a tropical storm warning for the Louisiana coast from Morgan City westward. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the storm is moving directly up the Texas coast.

Cut 7 (12) “…a tropical storm.”

If it does become a tropical storm, it would be Tropical Storm Arthur. And Keim says it will make its unwelcome presence felt along the coast later today.

Cut 8 (11) “…moisture with it.”

Keim says the biggest threat with this storm is heavy rainfall.

Cut 9 (09)  “…inches or more.”

The earliest tropical storm to make landfall was Tropical Storm Christobal, which made landfall east of Grand Isle on June 7th, 2020.

___________________________________________________

State lawmakers heard from school districts yesterday who are concerned about Governor Landry’s plan for a two-thousand-dollar teacher stipend. Landry proposes using 168-million dollars originally allocated for district operations to prevent teachers from taking a pay cut. Caldwell Parish School Board president Gary Cassels told legislators he does not have the money to do it.

Cut 10 (10) “…to do it.”

Cassels appeared before the Legislative Audit Advisory Council. Landry’s plan would result in a five-percent cut for most districts.

Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau chaired Tuesday’s meeting and he says most school districts do have the reserve funds to pay the two-thousand dollar stipend, and the legislature will likely have to assist the school systems who do not.

Cut 11 (06) “…folks some money.”

Landry’s plan is just for the 2026-27 school year. He’s called for studies to determine how the state can better use its financial resources to pay teachers and at a higher salary. At Tuesday’s Legislative Audit Advisory Council meeting, Luneau asked Avoyelles School Board President Aimee Dupuy if they they can handle a reduction in what is known as the M-F-P to make sure teachers get their two-thousand-dollar stipend.

Cut 12 (12) “…made a plan.”

Lawmakers have to approve the governor’s plan, and a two-thirds vote is needed. Mail-in ballots are due by 5 p-m on June 23rd.

___________________________________________________

A sting operation results in the arrests of ten people, including a St. Mary Parish corrections deputy. Sheriff Gary Driskell says investigators launched “Operation Bear Trap” after getting information that 49-year-old Earnest Ladday (luh-DAY) was bringing contraband into the jail and giving it to certain inmates.

Cut 13 (09)  “…on several people.”

Ladday is charged with 13 counts of entering contraband and nine counts of malfeasance. The others arrested include two people who allegedly helped Ladday bring the contraband into the jail facility and seven inmates who received the contraband. Sheriff Driskell says all jail employees are fully trained in an effort to prevent situations like these.

Cut 14 (09) “…will be arrested.”

Driskell says all department employees are held to the same standards as everyone else.

Cut 15 (07) “…integrity than most.”

No bail has been set for Ladday or his alleged co-conspirators at this time.

___________________________________________________

Defensive end Cameron Jordan will be a lifelong Saint. The 15-year vet signed a deal to return for what he called one final season in New Orleans. Jordan’s 132 sacks are the most by a player in Saints history and rank 17th in the NFL all-time. Jordan explored free agency for the first time in his career, but he says it was his kids who finally convinced him to come back home.

Cut 16 (11) “…get this done.”

New Orleans drafted Jordan in the first round of the 2011 draft. Since then, he’s played 15 seasons in the black and gold without missing a game. He says he’s always valued the idea of playing his whole career with one team, like his father Steve Jordan did in Minnesota. Jordan says GM Mickey Loomis told him he’d always have a job in New Orleans, and former teammates like Mark Ingram, Michael Thomas and Demario Davis all told him what he needed to do.

Cut 17 (10)  “…in my corner.”

Jordan says he plans on playing each game this season like it’s his last, and he’ll contribute as a leader on and off the field to get the most out of his teammates. Jordan will provide veteran leadership to a young team that he says is as talented as any in the league.

Cut 18 (13) “…did last year.”

Within the last hour, the National Hurricane Center has upgraded its tropical storm watch to a warning for the Louisiana coast from Morgan City westward. Jeff Palermo has more on what could be our first named storm of the season.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

With heavy rain expected throughout much of South Louisiana for the rest of this week, several parishes are making sandbags available. They’ll give you both the sand and the bags; but in most cases, you’ll be required to bring your own shovel. Locations may also have quantity limits. 

Gas prices continue falling in Louisiana, with the statewide average price of regular unleaded now below $3.60 a gallon. Gas Buddy Petroleum analyst Patrick De Haan says the pending deal with Iran has caused oil prices to fall below 80 dollars a barrel. He says what oil prices do from here depends on whether the deal to end the war between the U.S. and Iran can be finalized.

Cut 5 (09) “…right back up.”

Cam Jordan has some gas left in the tank. As such, he’s returning for a 16th season with the Saints, signing a one-year incentive-laden deal with the team that drafted him in 2011. Saints sideline reporter Jeff Nowak says Jordan will be in a position to produce.

Cut 13 (09) “…could get there.”

Cut 23 (fade after 3 seconds and use as bed)

If you can’t stand the rain, you’re unfortunately in the wrong state, as ten inches or more of it are possible this week for much of south Louisiana as a result of an approaching tropical disturbance expected to reach southwest Louisiana tomorrow night. National Weather Service Meteorologist Donald Jones says a tropical wave moving up the Texas coastline is the main contributor, and it’s moving slowly.

Cut 9 (08)  “…Friday evening.”

Gas prices continue to fall throughout Louisiana. According to GasBuddy-dot-com, the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded is now below $3.60 a gallon. Gas Buddy petroleum analyst Patrick De Haan says there’s one factor more than any other that’s impacting gasoline prices.

Cut 3 (09) “…move us forward.”

SNAP recipients can now earn bonus benefits when they purchase fresh fruits and vegetables with their EBT cards at Walmart and Walmart Neighborhood Market locations. Louisiana Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein (green-steen) says participants can earn up to 25 dollars in bonus benefits each month.

Cut 6 (09) “…on your card.”

On the heels of a record-breaking Love The Boot Week, the state is launching a brand new beautification initiative called Love Our Waterways, which will take place throughout the month of September. Colonel Stephen Clark, the superintendent of law enforcement for the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, says cleaning up litter from Louisiana’s waterways is vital to the state.

Cut 11 (12) “…State of Louisiana.”

It will soon be much more difficult to sue the oil and gas industry, now that Governor Landry has signed the Louisiana Energy Protection Act. The legislation prohibits lawsuits related to climate change; and Tommy Faucheux, the president of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, says it’s strictly limited to that.

Cut 14 (14) “…they’ve been harmed.”

This is Elder Abuse Awareness month, and Louisiana Elderly Protective Services is reminding you to look for signs of elder abuse. Program Manager Ebony Thomas-Phillips says since the elderly are often the targets of scams, it’s important to educate them on how to protect themselves from scams and look out for their well-being.

Cut 9 (09)  “…say something.”

SNAP recipients can now receive a 30-cent bonus for every dollar spent with their EBT card on fresh fruits and vegetables at a Louisiana Walmart and Walmart Neighborhood Market location. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Keep an eye on your mailbox; you might soon have money coming to you. The State Treasurer’s Office says it has mailed out almost 45-thousand unclaimed property checks totaling 6.5-million dollars, following a data match to update addresses with the Louisiana Department of Revenue. Recipients represent all 64 parishes and beyond.

SNAP recipients can now receive a 30-cent bonus for every dollar spent with their EBT card on fresh fruits and vegetables at a Louisiana Walmart and Walmart Neighborhood Market location. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, and Louisiana Elderly Protective Services Program Manager Ebony Thomas-Phillips is reminding families to check in on any elderly relatives. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

On the heels of a record-breaking Love The Boot Week comes another Louisiana beautification initiative. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_________________________________________________________

SNAP recipients can now earn bonus benefits when they purchase fresh fruits and vegetables with their EBT cards at Walmart and Walmart Neighborhood Market locations. Louisiana Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein (green-steen) says it’s part of the Louisiana Carrot Initiative.

Cut 4 (08) “…more healthy foods.”

The Louisiana Carrot Initiative provides SNAP recipients with a 30-cent bonus for every dollar spent on fresh fruits and vegetables at participating retailers, which Greenstein says now includes Walmart.

Cut 5 (09)  “…fruits and vegetables.”

Greenstein says participants can earn up to 25 dollars in bonus benefits each month.

Cut 6 (09) “…on your card.”

Since launching in April of 2025, Louisiana SNAP recipients have earned more than 1.6-million dollars in bonus benefits through the Louisiana Carrot Initiative.

___________________________________________________

It’s Elder Abuse Awareness month, and Louisiana Elderly Protective Services is reminding you to look for signs of elder abuse. Program Manager Ebony Thomas-Phillips says abuse includes physical, sexual, financial, medical and even caretaker abuse.

Cut 7 (10) “…types of things.”

Thomas-Phillips says her office investigates over five thousand cases of elder abuse each year.  She says if you suspect elder abuse, call 833-577-6532.

Cut 8 (12) “…is actually occurring.”

Thomas-Phillips says elderly citizens are also often the targets of scams and can be exploited by those who abuse the power of attorney. She says it’s important to educate elderly family members on how to protect themselves from scams and look out for their well-being.

Cut 9 (09)  “…say something.”

___________________________________________________

On the heels of a record-breaking Love The Boot Week, the state is launching a brand new beautification initiative. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and Keep Louisiana Beautiful have officially launched Love Our Waterways, which as the name suggests, focuses on cleaning up litter and debris from the state’s waters and shorelines. Keep Louisiana Beautiful Executive Director Susan Russell says dirty waterways are a nationwide problem.

Cut 10 (16) “…in our waterways.”

Colonel Stephen Clark, the superintendent of law enforcement for the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, says cleaning up litter from Louisiana’s waterways is vital to the state.

Cut 11 (12) “…State of Louisiana.”

The Love Our Waterways will take place throughout the month of September; and already, there are 60 events registered. Russell says you don’t need to register for an event to make a difference.

Cut 12 (09) “…up a bayou.”

More information can be found at LoveLaWaterways-dot-org.

___________________________________________________

It will soon be much more difficult to sue the oil and gas industry. Governor Landry signed the Louisiana Energy Protection Act, which bans lawsuits over climate change. Tommy Faucheux, the president of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, says in his view, these lawsuits are frivolous.

Cut 13 (14)  “…the changing climate.”

Faucheux notes that this legislation is strictly limited to lawsuits related to climate change.

Cut 14 (14) “…they’ve been harmed.”

Faucheux also says that this by no means gives oil and gas companies the go-ahead to operate without fear of any repercussions.

Cut 15 (13) “…any of that.”

The bill was written in a way that does not affect the current pending lawsuits related to coastal erosion.

___________________________________________________

The Saints begin mandatory veteran minicamp today. It will be the last on-field action for the Black and Gold before training camp in July. The Advocate’s Matt Paras says the biggest question mark for the defense may come off the field.

Cut 16 (16) “…of step up.”

The Saints spent the offseason building around second year quarterback Tyler Shough. New Orleans added veteran guard David Edwards and running back Travis Etienne in free agency and stocked up on four new pass catchers in the draft. Paras says Shough has embraced his role as the face of the franchise.

Cut 17 (14)  “…kind of everywhere.”

With the addition of Etienne, questions have swirled around Alvin Kamara’s status with the team, and the Saints have yet to give a clear answer. Kamara’s 12-million-dollar contract would be pricy for a backup, but Paras says he’ll be there for minicamp.

Cut 18 (16) “…dragging this out.”