Rising tensions in the Middle East are creating rising gas prices in the U.S.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Online gambling in Louisiana for the most part is illegal in Louisiana, and the attorney general says it’s a growing problem. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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LSU is once again at the top of the college baseball world. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Gas prices, which were recently at a four-year low before Memorial Day, may soon surge due to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. GasBuddy Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan says for now gas prices are in a solid upward trend for the next few weeks..

Cut 4 (10) “…more substantially.”

Diesel prices are going up more than gasoline prices.  DeHaan says the reason for that is diesel inventory is nearly 20-percent below the 20-year average.

Cut 5 (08) “…10 to 20 cents.”

DeHaan says gas prices are still cheaper than they were a year ago, but expect gas to continue to climb as we head into the summer

Cut 6 (05) “…anticipated yet.”

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State Attorney General Liz Murrill is putting out an urgent warning about the growing presence of online gambling websites and apps in Louisiana. Online casinos that offer gaming for real money, like slots and poker, are illegal in Louisiana. But Murrill says despite that, it is still very easy for someone to get their hands on a real-money gambling app.

Cut 7 (13) “…State of Louisiana.”

Murrill says in order to be licensed in Louisiana, there is a process that gaming operators have to go through.

Cut 8 (10) “…or money laundering.”

While casino gaming like slots and poker are illegal, other forms of gambling like sweepstakes, sports betting and daily fantasy sports are legal. Murrill says if someone places a wager on an unlicensed online casino app, that person has no recourse.

Cut 9 (07)  “…illegal gambling site.”

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board issued more than 40 cease-and-desist letters to unlicensed operators doing business in the state.

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A three-judge panel at the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upholds a lower court’s ruling that Louisiana’s law requiring the Ten Commandments be posted in every public school classroom is unconstitutional. Loyola University New Orleans law professor Dane Ciolino says the ruling was not unexpected.

Cut 10 (15) “…the First Amendment.”

Ciolino says while analysis of that 1980 ruling has evolved since then, the overall essence of the opinion has held steady, as evidenced by the panel’s ruling that stated that the law is, in its words, “plainly unconstitutional.”

Cut 11 (13) “…pass constitutional muster.”

Attorney General Liz Murrill says she strongly disagrees with the panel’s ruling and will seek immediate relief from the full Fifth Circuit and, if necessary, the U.S. Supreme Court. Ciolino says there’s no guarantee that the Supreme Court will even take up the case.

Cut 12 (08) “…this statute’s unconstitutional.”

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As LSU was winning its eighth national championship in Omaha, fans were gathered at sports bars throughout the Baton Rouge area some 900 miles away to watch the crowning moment. This fan says the Tigers made the plays they had to make, and that’s why they’re the champions.

Cut 13 (09)  “…they made ’em.”

This fan says LSU’s two aces were the difference as they neutralized Coastal Carolina’s hitters.

Cut 14 (09) “…let’s rock.”

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The LSU baseball team is national champions for an eighth time as the Tigers took down Coastal Carolina two games to none with a five to three win on Sunday afternoon in Omaha. Jay Johnson becomes the first college baseball coach to win two national championships in his first four seasons at a school.

Cut 15 (09) “…some ways.”

Johnson built a very a talented team after the Tigers were eliminated in the Chapel Hill Regional last June. He says once he put all of the pieces in place, the team came together quickly.

Cut 16 (18) “…the season.”

This team featured veterans, impact freshmen and a dozen transfer players, many of them were major pieces to this national championship team. Centerfielder Chris Stanfield, a transfer form Auburn, says Johnson sold him on the vision.

Cut 17 (16)  “…LSU is.”

Stanfield’s two-run single in the fourth inning snapped a one-one tie.

Coastal Carolina coach Kevin Schnall wanted most of this game from the locker room. He was ejected in the first inning for arguing balls and strikes. Schnall thought it was a quick hook after not hearing he was warned because it was so loud in the stadium.

Cut 18 (16)  “…tolerance.”

Anthony Eyanson was the winning pitcher. He earned his 12th win of the year by striking out nine over six and a third innings and allowing just three runs on a hot afternoon. Eyanson transferred in from UC Davis with the goal of winning a national championship.

Cut 19 (19) “…obviously.”

Gas prices throughout Louisiana are creeping up. They’ve climbed to $2.83 a gallon for regular, up from $2.74 last week. Don Redman with Triple-A says the nearly 10-cent increase is driven by rising crude oil prices and uncertainty fueled by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.

Cut 9 (09)  “…of this war.”

It’s going to be a scorcher as summer officially gets underway this weekend. LSU public health climatologist Barry Keim says so far the tropics have been quiet thanks to the Saharan Air acting as a protective layer for the last few weeks, but don’t expect that to last long.

Cut 13 (07)  “…above normal.”

It was nearly a year ago that Hurricane Beryl formed in the Gulf of Mexico and made landfall in Texas in early July.

The last two teams left standing in the College World Series, LSU and Coastal Carolina, get set to begin their championship series. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A three-judge panel at the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upholds a lower court’s ruling that Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law is unconstitutional. Attorney General Liz Murrill says she disagrees with the decision and says she will seek immediate relief from the full Fifth Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court, if necessary.

It’s going to be a scorcher as summer officially gets underway this weekend. LSU public health climatologist Barry Keim says so far the tropics have been quiet thanks to the Saharan Air acting as a protective layer for the last few weeks, but don’t expect that to last long.

Cut 13 (07)  “…above normal.”

It was nearly a year ago that Hurricane Beryl formed in the Gulf of Mexico and made landfall in Texas in early July.

The issue of lawmaker safety is now at the forefront following the shootings last weekend of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses. Louisiana House Speaker Phillip DeVillier says with the legislative session over, there are currently no plans to beef up security for lawmakers.

Cut 5 (04) “…in other areas.”

DeVillier says the shootings should serve as a reminder that public officials – elected or otherwise – should moderate their messaging.

During LSU’s run through the College World Series, Mardi Gras Mike has been taking the City of Omaha by storm. Mardi Gras Mike is a 30-foot-long tiger sculpture created by Kern Studios of New Orleans. Barry Kern, the CEO of Kern Studios, says he got the inspiration to create the sculpture when he saw how much fun LSU fans were having during the Tiger Walk before their home football game against Ole Miss last season.

Cut 7 (11) “…just built it.”

Kern says Mardi Gras Mike will be a part of the greater LSU community – not just athletics – for many years to come.

And now, a look at today’s commodities.

A new report from WalletHub shows financial problems loom large in Louisiana. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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As LSU gets ready to take on Coastal Carolina for the national championship at the College World Series, their fans are blowing out the competition in the Jello Shot Challenge across the street. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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ULM discontinued its women’s tennis program as it works to balance its athletic budget. Kace Kieschnick has the story.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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A new report from WalletHub shows financial hardships loom large in this state. Its first quarter report shows Louisiana with the second highest percentage of delinquent accounts, with 13-percent of tradelines and nearly 12-percent of loan balances delinquent. WalletHub Analyst Chip Lupo says this signals risks to credit scores and financial stability.

Cut 4 (11) “…to be damaged.”

Lupo says it’s a statewide issue, but he says with investments from Meta and restrictions being lifted in the petroleum industry, the economic forecast looks promising.

Cut 5 (05) “…which is key.”

Delinquency can trigger fees, higher interest rates, and credit damage; but hardship programs and a 30-day grace period may offer relief. Lupo says the best course of action is to reach out to your lender and make a payment to become current on your account.

Cut 6 (10) “…several years.”

The only state with a higher percentage of delinquent accounts, according to the report, is Mississippi.

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As LSU gets set to do battle with Coastal Carolina for the national championship at the College World Series, there’s no doubt as to who’s running away with the title in the Jello Shot Challenge at Rocco’s Pizza and Cantina across the street. Of the eight teams represented, Rocco’s has sold more than three times the number of LSU Jello Shots than the second place team. Manager Pat McAvoy says LSU has been bolstered by a few heavy hitters, including Raising Cane’s CEO Todd Graves.

Cut 7 (10) “…we did that.”

There seems to be a few people taking aim at Graves, including Baton Rouge injury lawyer Gordon McKernan, who’s buying 888 Jello Shots every day LSU remains in the tournament – yes, there’s a reason for that number; and, no, we’re not saying what that reason is (he can take it up with our sales department). McAvoy says that friendly rivalry is boosting LSU’s – and Rocco’s – numbers.

Cut 8 (14) “…Todd did it.”

One dollar of every Jello Shot sold in the Jello Shot Challenge goes to the local food bank in each school’s local area, and 50 cents of each Jello Shot sold goes to the Food Bank of Omaha. For that reason, McAvoy says Graves, McKernan and Morrison are more than happy to part ways with their money, even if the Jello Shots they buy end up unconsumed.

Cut 9 (15)  “…they cared about.”

McAvoy says since they started the Jello Shot Challenge, they have raised more than 350-thousand dollars for food banks across the country.

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A milestone for East Jefferson General Hospital in Metairie, as it has successfully completed its first heart transplant. It was performed on a woman in her early 60s by Dr. Jamil Borgi (BORE-jee) and Dr. Sasha Vukelic (voo-KELL-itch). Dr. Vukelic says the patient is recovering well at home.

Cut 10 (13) “…it becomes stable.”

Dr. Vukelic says while the procedure took about two hours, recovery time is considerably longer.

Cut 11 (11) “…around two months.”

The surgery was done through a partnership with the Tulane Transplant Institute and LCMC Health. Vukelic says a new heart will add several years to a patient’s life.

Cut 12 (10) “…is 14 years.”

With this initial heart transplant under its belt, that will create additional opportunities for additional cardiovascular care in a state that ranks among the highest for heart disease.

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ULM announced its women’s tennis program would be discontinued due to increased operating and infrastructure costs. The Warhawks now sponsor the NCAA minimum 16 sports as required for an FBS program. ULM Athletic Director John Hartwell says this was an unfortunate fiscal necessity.

Cut 13 (09)  “…and expenditures.”

The program consisted of eight scholarship athletes, a head coach and an assistant coach. Hartwell says ULM will honor the undergraduate scholarships awarded to its tennis student athletes if they choose to stay in Monroe. As the students graduate or transfer, he says the scholarships will be reallocated to other women’s sports.

Cut 14 (09) “…ratio is.”

Hartwell says the cut was not motivated by the upcoming introduction of revenue sharing to college athletics. He says ULM will continue to offer its athletes N-I-L opportunities and has investigated individual-supported revenue sharing options.

Cut 15 (08) “…revenue share.”

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LSU will face Coastal Carolina in a best-of-three championship series for the College World Series title. The Chanticleers have won 26-straight and have only lost one three-game series all year. A Cinderella to some, LSU coach Jay Johnson knows not to underestimate this Coastal program.

Cut 16 (20) “…program traits.”

Unlike Coastal Carolina’s dominant run, the Tigers have overcome adversity on their path to the championship series. After surviving a scare from Little Rock in the Baton Rouge Regional and dominating West Virginia in Super Regional, LSU has trailed in the last two games they’ve played in Omaha, but they’re still undefeated at Charles Schwab. Johnson says this team is built for anything.

Cut 17 (15)  “…on Saturday.”

LSU will have both of their ace pitchers, Kade Anderson and Anthony Eyanson, available for the series — a luxury the 2023 championship team didn’t enjoy due to their path through the loser’s bracket. Johnson says avoiding a winner-take-all rematch with Arkansas was crucial.

Cut 18 (16)  “…got me now. (laughter)”

Game one is set for 6:00 tomorrow night.

State Senator Blake Miguez is pulling no punches in telling voters how he feels about Senator Bill Cassidy in his video announcing his candidacy for U.S. Senate. He’s reminding voters of a certain vote Cassidy took four years ago in the second impeachment trial of then-former President Donald Trump.

Cut 6 (07) “…I won’t. (gunshot)”

While Miguez is painting Cassidy as someone who does not stand with President Trump, Cassidy says that simply is not true.

Cut 8 (12) “…gotten them approved.”

Cassidy says he welcomes both the challenge by Miguez and the attack ad, saying it’s not the first and won’t be the last. Miguez is the second prominent Republican to announce a primary challenge against Cassidy, after State Treasurer John Fleming. The primary election is next April.

The Louisiana State and U-S Open Turkey Calling competition starts tomorrow in Hammond.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

LSU is getting ready to face Coastal Carolina in the best-of-three national championship series at the College World Series. Game One is Saturday night. Even though the cast of characters is different, LSU actually has a score to settle with the Chanticleers; en route to their national title in 2016, Coastal eliminated the Tigers in the Baton Rouge Super Regional.

President Trump signed an executive order extending TikTok’s operation in the U.S. for 90 days, marking the third extension as his administration seeks to transfer the app to American ownership.  Tech Gumbo Host Haggai Davis says at some point these executive orders will wear thin.

Cut 13 (08)  “…somethings got to give.”

Amid primary challenges from State Treasurer John Fleming and now State Senator Blake Miguez, Senator Bill Cassidy defended his record in his two terms representing the people of Louisiana.

Cut 9 (08)  “…ever gotten before.”

Cassidy says he welcomes the primary challenges and Miguez’s attack ad, saying it’s not the first one and likely won’t be the last one. The campaign is getting off to a chippy start and it has a long way to go; the primary election is not until next April.

The Louisiana State and U-S Open Turkey Calling competition starts tomorrow in Hammond.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

LSU is getting ready to face Coastal Carolina in the best-of-three national championship series at the College World Series. Game One is Saturday night. Even though the cast of characters is different, LSU actually has a score to settle with the Chanticleers; en route to their national title in 2016, Coastal eliminated the Tigers in the Baton Rouge Super Regional.

This week, State Senator Blake Miguez announced his candidacy for U.S. Senate. The New Iberia Republican introduced himself to statewide voters in a nearly two-minute-long introductory video.

Cut 7 (14) “…hard work did.”

Miguez is the second prominent Republican to challenge Bill Cassidy for his Senate seat, after State Treasurer John Fleming.

The Louisiana State & U.S. Open Turkey Calling Championships take place this weekend at the Southern Boyz Outdoor Store in Hammond. Contest Manager Hunter Lemoine says the event invites both competitors and spectators to enjoy a weekend of entertainment.

Cut 4 (10) “…hunting and fishing trips.”

A former long-time sheriff of Terrebonne Parish has died. The sheriff’s office says Jerry Larpenter passed away peacefully yesterday. Larpenter was first elected in 1985 and served 21 years, he stepped away for one-term, and one was re-elected again in 2011 and 2015. He served as sheriff for about 30 years before current Sheriff Timothy Soignet replaced him in 2020…

Cut 13 (12)  “…Marine Corp.”

During his time as sheriff, Larpenter established a full-time K-9 team, purchased state of the art communications equipment, body cameras and bulletproof vests.

State Senator Blake Miguez is pulling no punches in telling voters how he feels about Senator Bill Cassidy in his video announcing his candidacy for U.S. Senate. He’s reminding voters of a certain vote Cassidy took four years ago in the second impeachment trial of then-former President Donald Trump.

Cut 6 (07) “…I won’t. (gunshot)”

While Miguez is painting Cassidy as someone who does not stand with President Trump, Cassidy says that simply is not true.

Cut 8 (12) “…gotten them approved.”

Cassidy says he welcomes both the challenge by Miguez and the attack ad, saying it’s not the first and won’t be the last. Miguez is the second prominent Republican to announce a primary challenge against Cassidy, after State Treasurer John Fleming. The primary election is next April.

It was a game for the ages last night as LSU stormed back to beat Arkansas, 6-5, and advance to the championship of the College World Series. Head coach Jay Johnson says it conjured up memories of two years ago, when Tommy White launched the Tigers into the final round with a walk-off home run against top-seeded Wake Forest.

Cut 12 (12) “…tied for first.”

Turkey callers from across the country flocked to Hammond this weekend for the Louisiana State & U.S. Open Turkey Calling Championships. Contest Manager Hunter Lemoine says whether you’re a seasoned turkey caller or just looking for a fun weekend activity, there’s something for everyone.

Cut 5 (12) “…it’s gonna be cool.”

The ongoing immigration crackdown has forced the cancellation of a major festival in the state’s largest Hispanic community. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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An Acadiana law firm files a class action lawsuit against CVS over its text blast in opposition to House Bill 358. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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LSU snatches victory from the jaws of defeat and advances to the national championship series at the College World Series. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The federal immigration crackdown has led to the cancellation of the Kenner Hispanic Festival, which had been slated for this September at the Kenner Boat Launch. Anamaria Bech (“beck”), the publisher of the bilingual magazine VIVA NOLA, says a big reason is Kenner’s cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Cut 4 (12) “…in that city.”

Bech says it’s a huge loss not to be able to hold the event, not only from a cultural standpoint, but also from an economic standpoint.

Cut 5 (11) “…Latino or not.”

Bech says it disheartens her that the ongoing immigration crackdown is putting a damper on cultural events, not only this one but ones like this all across the country.

Cut 6 (15) “…enjoy so much.”

Earlier this week, ICE agents raided a construction site in Kenner. It’s unknown at this time how many people were taken into custody.

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An Acadiana-based law firm has filed a class-action lawsuit against CVS over its text blast to its patients urging them to tell lawmakers to oppose House Bill 358 in the waning moments of the legislative session. Jerome Moroux with the law firm of Broussard, David and Moroux says the issue here is using patient information for political purposes.

Cut 7 (06) “…kill the bill.”

A provision was tacked onto that bill at the last minute, stipulating that pharmacy benefit managers could not own pharmacies. Supporters say that would bring down prescription costs, but CVS said that would have forced it to close all of its stores in the state. Moroux says CVS used private patient information in an illicit manner.

Cut 8 (06) “…across the state.”

Moroux says one thing he and his legal team wants to know is what information was used by CVS in distributing its message.

Cut 9 (10)  “…and very quickly.”

Ultimately, House Bill 358 died when the Senate failed to vote on the amended version before time ran out. In a statement, CVS says it had a responsibility to inform its customers of what it calls misguided legislation that sought to shutter its pharmacies, and it acted accordingly. It calls its communication with its customers consistent with the law.

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It was a game for the ages, as LSU snatches victory from the jaws of defeat! After giving up two runs in the top of the ninth to fall behind 5-to-3, LSU scores three in the bottom of the ninth – all with two outs – to beat Arkansas, 6-to-5, and advance to the best-of-three national championship series at the College World Series. Jared Jones was unquestionably the hero of the game, first hitting a two-out solo home run in the eighth to tie the game at three, then driving in the winning run the following inning. Talking about his clutch eighth inning home run, Jones says he was due for a big hit off Arkansas pitcher Gabe Gaeckle (GACK-el).

Cut 10 (15) “…second baseman’s head.”

Jones’ game-winning single came immediately after Luis Hernandez tied the game with a two-out double in left field that scored Ethan Frey and Steven Milam. Left fielder Charles Davalan appeared to be in a position to make the game-ending catch for Arkansas, but he slipped and the ball got away from him. Jones says games like these are par for the course for these LSU Tigers.

Cut 11 (09) “…no matter what.”

LSU head coach Jay Johnson says this game conjured up memories of two years ago, when Tommy White launched the Tigers into the national championship series – and ultimately the national title – with a walk-off home run against top-seeded Wake Forest.

Cut 12 (12) “…tied for first.”

LSU will take on Coastal Carolina in the best-of-three national championship series Saturday and Sunday night, and Monday night if necessary.

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The former long-time sheriff of Terrebonne Parish, Jerry Larpenter, has died. The sheriff’s office says Larpenter passed away peacefully on Wednesday. Larpenter was first elected in 1985 and served 21 years, he stepped away for one-term, and one was re-elected again in 2011 and 2015. He served as sheriff for about 30 years before current Sheriff Timothy Soignet replaced him in 2020…

Cut 13 (12)  “…Marine Corp.”

Following his service in the Air Force, Larpenter was hired as a patrolman in the 1970s by the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office. Soignet says Larpenter served the people of Terrebonne Parish with honor and dedication for close to 40 years….

Cut 14 (11) “…build upon.”

During his time as sheriff, Larpenter established a full-time K-9 team, purchased state of the art communications equipment, body cameras and bulletproof vests.  Soignet says Larpenter was known for his huge personality and his love of Terrebonne Parish…

Cut 15 (11) “…which you served.”

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The Saints Hall of Fame announced cornerback Tracy Porter and safety Brett Maxie have been selected for induction in 2025. They also honored former WGNO Sports Director Ed Daniels with the Joe Gemelli “Fleur de Lis” Award and Steve Gleason with the Saints Hall of Fame Courage Award. Porter recalled watching the second round of the 2008 draft with his mom.

Cut 16 (15) “…(laughter).”

Porter is of course known for one of the most iconic plays in Saints history with his 76-yard pick-six against Peyton Manning and the Colts to clinch Super Bowl XLIV (fourty-four). In four seasons in New Orleans, the Port Allen native recorded 227 tackles, seven interceptions and 37 pass break ups. He said it was a dream come true playing for his home team.

Cut 17 (11)  “…was unbelievable.”

Maxie signed with the Saints as an undrafted free agent out of Texas Southern in 1985. In nine seasons in the black and gold, Maxie recorded 438 tackles and 15 interceptions and is remembered as one of the best safeties in franchise history. He credited his family and his faith for where he is today and shared values they’ve instilled in him.

Cut 18 (19)  “…with love”

Maxie’s signature moment came in the form of a fourth down stop against the Steelers in 1987 to secure a winning record for the first time in the Saints’ 20-year history. New Orleans would go 12-and-3 that season earning their first playoff appearance which Maxie started in.

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Cut 19 (12) “…that doesn’t change.”

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Cut 20 (19) “…get going.”

An Acadiana-based law firm has filed a class-action lawsuit against CVS over its text blast to its patients urging them to tell lawmakers to oppose House Bill 358 in the waning moments of the legislative session. Jerome Moroux with the law firm of Broussard, David and Moroux says the issue here is using patient information for political purposes.

Cut 7 (06) “…kill the bill.”

A stark warning from Senate President Cameron Henry on federal Medicaid funding. During a webinar hosted by the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, the Republican from Metairie says due to changes the Senate is considering on President Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” Louisiana could be in for a huge loss.

Cut 12 (09) “…to the state.”

And Henry says that would certainly trigger a special session.

The Louisiana Motor Transport Association says progress on legal reform was made in the legislative session, but more work needs to be done. Executive Director Renee Amar (AY-mar) says the organization will continue to push for a cap on damages in an effort to lower insurance rates.

Cut 5 (14) “…State of Louisiana.”

A recent study shows that if you want Gulf Shrimp in Alexandria, it’s about a 50/50 chance. SeaD (“seed”) Consulting Co-Founder Erin Williams says 24 restaurants were tested that advertised Authentic Gulf Coast Shrimp and 13 of those were serving imported shrimp.

Cut 6 (11) “…Gulf Shrimp.”