Construction of north Louisiana’s first Buc-ee’s in Ruston is progressing daily with the gas mecca set to be completed by late 2026. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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As lawmakers consider a small handful of bills that would in effect increase the cost of healthcare, a new poll indicates that people believe the cost is already too high. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Construction of north Louisiana’s first Buc-ee’s is progressing, with the 74-thousand-square-foot travel center set to feature 120 gas pumps. Ruston Mayor Ronnie Walker says it involves eight-million dollars in infrastructure improvements.

Cut 3 (08) “…finished with that.”

Walker estimates completion by late 2026, delayed by roadwork expanding bridges to five lanes to handle 15-thousand daily vehicles.

Cut 4 (09) “…26 being open.”

Walker says the 60-million-dollar project will create over 250 full-time jobs, with starting pay at up to 20 dollars per hour, plus benefits like health insurance and 401k matching.

Cut 5 (07) “…that’s really big.”

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There’s a small handful of bills in the legislature that would effectively raise the cost of healthcare, including imposing a dispensing fee to support local pharmacies. A new poll shows that voters are not too keen on the idea. The poll was conducted by JMC Analytics and commissioned by the group Save Our Benefits. JMC founder John Couvillon says the vast majority says the price of healthcare is already too high.

Cut 6 (14) “…over additional options.”

Couvillon says two-thirds of people polled would not pay more for prescription drugs, even if it would support local pharmacies.

Cut 7 (10) “…over everything else.”

Couvillon says besides sending a clear message to lawmakers about the possibility of making healthcare more expensive, the poll does not bode well for local independent pharmacies, especially in smaller communities.

Cut 8 (13) “…was somewhat stronger.”

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“The Gardener of Alcatraz” and “Camp Scare” are among the books chosen for the Louisiana Readers’ Choice Awards for the 2024-25 school year. State Librarian Meg Placke (“plack-ee”) says more than 24-thousand K-through-12 students read more than 82-thousand books. That marked a surge in participation, especially among 6th through 8th graders, with an 88-percent voting increase.

Cut 9 (08)  “…difficult to do.”

Placke says each year, committees of teachers and librarians compile a list of fiction and nonfiction books.

Cut 10 (12) “…excited about reading.”

Since its inception 26 years ago, the program has engaged students with over 1.5 million books read and nearly 485-thousand votes cast. Placke says the program continues to grow…

Cut 11 (13) “…major increases.”

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Breaking news out of New Orleans as 11 inmates have escaped from the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s jail. Two have since been recaptured. Sheriff Susan Hutson says the inmates were discovered missing this morning.

Cut 12 (06) “…were unaccounted for.”

While the inmates were discovered missing at 8:30 this morning, it was at least an hour and a half before the sheriff’s office alerted the media and the public. The jail is on lockdown, and Hutson is urging people to stay vigilant.

Cut 13 (05)  “…approach these subjects.”

New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says even though the escape happened under the watch of the sheriff’s office, NOPD is involved in the search for the remaining escapees because it happened in the city. Kirkpatrick says many other agencies are also involved.

Cut 14 (14) “…NOLA troops involved.”

Kirkpatrick says police are reaching out to the victims of the escapees and the witnesses who helped put them behind bars.

Cut 15 (14) “…taken to safety.”

Kirkpatrick says the escapees very likely have changed out of their prison-issued jumpsuits.

Cut 16 (08) “…to stand out.”

Breaking news out of New Orleans as 11 inmates have escaped from the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s jail. Two have since been recaptured. Sheriff Susan Hutson says the inmates disappeared during the overnight hours and were discovered missing this morning.

Cut 12 (06) “…were unaccounted for.”

Even after the inmates were discovered missing at 8:30 this morning, it was at least an hour and a half before the sheriff’s office alerted the media and the public. People are being urged to stay vigilant and not to approach them under any circumstances.

Construction of North Louisiana’s first Buc-ee’s in Ruston is progressing, with the 74-thousand-square-foot travel center set to feature 120 gas pumps.  Ruston Mayor Ronnie Walker says it also involves eight-million dollars in infrastructure improvements.

Cut 3 (08) “…finished with thats.” 

There’s a small handful of bills in the legislature that would effectively raise the cost of healthcare, including imposing a dispensing fee to support local pharmacies. A new poll shows that voters are not too keen on the idea. The poll was conducted by JMC Analytics and was commissioned by the group Save Our Benefits. JMC founder John Couvillon says the vast majority says the price of healthcare is already too high.

Cut 6 (14) “…over additional options.”

Immigration raids could be coming to Louisiana, thanks to an executive order issued by Governor Landry. That would include Orleans Parish, where the sheriff’s office says it does not have enough room in its jails to house those arrested for immigration violations. Attorney General Liz Murrill says where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Cut 11 (10) “…should do that.”

The House unanimously passes the state budget which includes, among many other things, the more than 93-million dollars for the L-A GATOR scholarship program that Governor Landry had asked for. Steven Procopio, the president of the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, says that might be a hard sell in the Senate.

Cut 5 (12) “…Senate Finance Committee.”

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.”

If you’d like to indulge in some crawfish as you watch John Foster try to become the next American Idol, you can still do so without putting a huge dent into your bank account, even though we’re approaching the tail end of crawfish season. Boiled crawfish throughout the state is averaging about $4.75 a pound. If you’d like to boil it yourself, if you look hard enough, you can bring home live crawfish for under two dollars a pound.

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.”