The fifth district race now has its fourth Republican contender, with Stewart Cathey joining Gabe Firment, Michael Echols and Misti Cordell. The big question is what Blake Miguez will do, whether he will run in the fifth or the sixth district. As for that sixth district, Greg Hilburn, a political reporter with the USA Today Network, says the field there so far is very thin.

Cut 8 (09) “…he would prefer.”

Not only is this prime mosquito season, but it’s also prime encephalitis season. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says because of that, you need to protect any animals on your property.

Cut 10 (08) “…for your horses.” 

Strain says when you go outside, especially at night, wear long sleeves, wear a hat, and wear mosquito repellent with DEET.

You are no longer required to get an inspection sticker for your vehicle in Louisiana. Kace Kieschnick has the new process.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The Louisiana Department of Health has so far reported 23 cases of Cyclospora this year. Over the last five years, the state has averaged 20 cases in the first six months of the year. Louisiana is one of 29 states which have reported outbreaks of Cyclospora, which is a parasitic infection that can cause weeks of explosive diarrhea.

You can add Stewart Cathey’s name to the list of district five U.S. House Republican candidates that also includes Gabe Firment, Michael Echols and Misti Cordell. Greg Hilburn with the USA Today Network says there’s one big question surrounding the race.

Cut 7 (12) “…Baton Rouge-based.”

So far, Rick Edmonds is the only declared candidate in district six.

The North Louisiana Criminalistic Laboratory says nearly one in three tablets with legitimate drug imprints bought on the streets it tested were counterfeit. Kenton Leigh (“lee”), the lab’s deputy director of toxicology and chemistry, says the most commonly counterfeited pills were blue M-30 tablets.

Cut 19 (11) “…it’s fentanyl.”

Soon, you will be replacing your brake tag on your windshield with a QR code. If you’re worried about your privacy, no need to. State Senator Alan Seabaugh says those who try to scan it with their cell phones will only see the VIN – the same number that one can see by looking through the windshield. Seabaugh says law enforcement, however, will have special equipment.

Cut 4 (12) “…law to have.” 

A new state law requires agents to register with Louisiana if they are representing college or high school athletes in negotiating NIL deals. Attorney General Liz Murrill says the Athlete Agent Registration portal went live on July 1st.

Cut 10 (09) “…through some training.”

You can get to the portal by logging on to the Attorney General’s website.

The North Louisiana Criminalistic Laboratory is urging Louisianians only to take medications dispensed by a licensed pharmacy. Kace Kieschnick explains why.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Volunteers from Minuteman Disaster Response are in St. Landry Parish helping flood victims get back on their feet. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Governor Jeff Landry is encouraging athletes between the ages of 14 and 17 to participate in the 2026 Patriot Games. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The North Louisiana Criminalistic Laboratory found that nearly one in three tablets with legitimate drug imprints bought on the street were counterfeit. Kenton Leigh (“lee”), the lab’s deputy director of toxicology and chemistry, says it is impossible to tell what a pill contains just by looking at it.

Cut 4 (11) “…tell the difference.”

Leigh says the only way to be certain about the medication is by getting it from a licensed pharmacy with a valid prescription.

Leigh says the most commonly counterfeited pills were blue M-30 tablets.

Cut 5 (11) “…it’s fentanyl.”

Counterfeit pills have been found throughout the 29 parishes the lab services in North Louisiana. Fentanyl was the most common substance found in the fake pills. Leigh says any pill obtained outside of a pharmacy should be considered lethal.

Cut 6 (09) “…overdose and worse.”

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Flood victims in and around St. Landry Parish are getting a helping hand from the volunteers with Minuteman Disaster Response as they begin the gut-wrenching process of putting their lives back together. One of those volunteers, Eric Burkes, says the hardest part is handling their personal possessions.

Cut 7 (11) “…can be removed.”

Burnes says as mold starts to grow, items become more unsalvageable, so time is of the essence.

Cut 8 (12) “…really takes over.”

Burnes says the fact that it’s been raining nearly every day has made the recovery process a lot more difficult, mainly on two fronts.

Cut 9 (15)  “…high-humidity environment.”

Volunteers from eight different states will be assisting as many as 12-hundred homeowners, and they will be in St. Landry Parish through July 18th.

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A new state law requires agents to register with Louisiana if they are representing college or high school athletes in negotiating NIL deals. Attorney General Liz Murrill says the Athlete Agent Registration portal went live on July 1st.

Cut 10 (09) “…through some training.”

You can get to the portal by logging on to the Attorney General’s website.

Cut 11 (11) “…require this registration.”

Universities and high schools are encouraged to share information about agent registration requirements and athlete rights as a result of Senate Bill 389 that was approved earlier this year.

Murrill says that legislation gives her office the tools to ensure those who seek to profit from athletes are held to rigorous standards of conduct.

Cut 12 (09) “…in this state.”

Murrill plans to have more on this new legislation as we get closer to the college and high school football seasons.

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Those of you who drive U.S. 167 in Rapides Parish can now legally drive a little faster. That’s because DOTD has raised the speed limit along that stretch of roadway between I-49 and just north of the State Highway 28 East interchange from 50 to 60 miles an hour. Erin Buchanan with DOTD says the change is a result of a routine review.

Cut 13 (11)  “…made some adjustments.”

Buchanan says the result of that review found that most drivers were comfortable driving 60 miles an hour along that stretch of the Pineville Expressway.

Cut 14 (14) “…that’s occurring already.”

Buchanan says not only will raising the speed limit along that stretch of 167 not result in more crashes; but if anything, it should result in fewer crashes.

Cut 15 (13) “…risk for crashes.”

The new speed limit is in effect right now.

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LSU welcomed its third transfer outfielder commit in Oregon freshman Angel Laya last weekend. Laya hit .296 with 14 homers this season, but LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson told Tiger Rag Radio all three of the newcomers can do more than just swing the bat.

Cut 16 (17) “…high-end hitters.”

The MLB Draft is this weekend. Johnson says up to 13 players in his incoming freshman class of 23 commits could head to professional baseball, but he hopes as few as six decide not to come to campus.

Cut 17 (17) “…high school ranks.”

LSU unexpectedly lost freshman righty pitcher Marcos Paz to the transfer portal. Paz posted a 9.20 ERA and 40 strikeouts in 17 appearances, including six starts, but Johnson believed he had the tools to be a weekend starter next year. He says he was surprised when Paz decided to leave.

Cut 18 (17) “…entitled to that.”

Baton Rouge State Senator Larry Selders died at the age of 44 after a suspected heart attack last night. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

We’re getting reaction to the death of Senator Selders from those on the other side of the political aisle. Governor Landry said Selders was respected by all. Senate President Cameron Henry said Selders’ light and his heart will be missed in the Senate

Federal assistance is now available to homeowners and renters in four parishes who suffered damage from Tropical Storm Arthur. Nate Custer with FEMA says people will be considered on a case-by-case basis based on an inspection of the damage to their homes.

Cut 7 (09) “…personal property losses.”

Colorado State University is once again lowering its hurricane forecast for 2026, now predicting eight additional named storms, including four hurricanes, with one of them being a major hurricane. Senior Research Scientist Phil Klotzbach says the main driver is a strong El Nino event for the peak of the season.

Cut 10 (15) “…apart the storms.”

Very sad news out of the state legislature as Baton Rouge State Senator Larry Selders passed away unexpectedly of a suspected heart attack at an event last night. The Baton Rouge Democrat was 44 years old. Fellow Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says Selders served in the heart of Baton Rouge and always cared about doing what was best for the people he served. Selders is survived by his wife and two sons. Barrow says he was a family man.

Cut 4 (11) “…in the legislature.”

We’re getting reaction to the death of Senator Selders’ from those on the other side of the political aisle. Governor Landry said he’s deeply saddened by Selders’ death and that he was respected by all. Senate President Cameron Henry said Selders’ light and his heart will be missed in the Senate. 

Federal assistance is now available to homeowners and renters in four parishes who suffered damage from Tropical Storm Arthur. Those four parishes are Avoyelles, St. Landry, St. Tammany and Terrebonne. Nate Custer with FEMA says people in those parishes will be considered on a case-by-case basis based on an inspection of the damage to their homes.

Cut 7 (09) “…personal property losses.”

When it comes to the burden of car ownership, nowhere do drivers have it worse than here in Louisiana. Rob Bhatt (“bot”), an insurance analyst with LendingTree, says Louisiana drivers spend on average 6.1-percent of their gross income on auto insurance – the highest rate in the nation.

Cut 10 (09) “…in other states.”

Nationally, drivers spend less than three-percent of their gross income on auto insurance.

A 528-bed holding facility for migrant families and unaccompanied children is going up at England Airpark in Alexandria. Jeff Palermo has the details.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The percentage of working-age people in Louisiana employed or actively seeking work grew more than in any other state. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Last week, we heard from Julia Letlow after she clinched the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate. Now, we’re hearing from her Democratic opponent. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A 528-bed holding facility for migrant families and unaccompanied children is under construction at England Airpark, a former military base in Alexandria. Ralph Hennessy, the executive director of the England Airpark Authority, says the people that will stay at this ICE facility are individuals volunteering to go back home and those who are going back as a family unit.

Cut 4 (06) “…in other ways.”

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is calling the Alexandria facility a staging area, not a detention center. Hennessy says migrants awaiting deportation on a chartered flight will only be there a few days.

Cut 5 (09) “…to four days.”

Several immigration advocates have raised the possibility that children could be at the Alexandria facility for weeks or months. The nonprofit group Children’s Rights says it’s an expansion of the deportation system in ways we have not seen before.

Hennessy says the LaSalle Family Foundation will run the facility. He says for the England Airpark Authority, one of its missions is to use the England Air Force Base in producing economic development.

Cut 6 (07) “…thousand a year.”

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Louisiana’s workforce participation growth tied for the most in the nation with 58.8-percent of the working-age population in the labor force. That’s nearly a one-percent increase from last year, accounting for almost 33-thousand new workers. Louisiana Works Secretary Susie Schowen (SHAU-in) says workforce participation is a key economic indicator.

Cut 7 (10) “…things like that.”

The national labor force participation rate declined by six tenths of a percent. Louisiana was one of five states to see an increase.

Schowen says her agency suspects many of the new workers are people who previously were not pursuing employment that now are. She says it’s hard to pin down, but it could also be credited to more Louisiana graduates staying in-state.

Cut 8 (10) “…rolls are shrinking.”

Louisiana was number-one in the country for construction employment growth, thanks largely to the recent investments in data center and manufacturing projects across the state. Over nine-thousand new construction jobs came to the state in the last year. Schowen says Louisiana can’t entice new workers without having good jobs available.

Cut 9 (12) “…things happened together.”

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When it comes to the burden of car ownership, nowhere do drivers have it worse than here in Louisiana. Rob Bhatt (“bot”), an insurance analyst with LendingTree, says Louisiana drivers spend on average 6.1-percent of their gross income on auto insurance – the highest rate in the nation.

Cut 10 (09) “…in other states.”

The LendingTree study found that the average Louisiana driver spends 327 dollars a month on auto insurance, compared to a median gross monthly income of 5,350 dollars.

Bhatt says nationally, drivers spend less than three-percent of their gross income on auto insurance.

Cut 11 (11) “…have low rates.”

Bhatt says there are things you can do to make auto insurance more affordable.

Cut 12 (13) “…in an accident.”

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Last week, we heard from Julia Letlow after she officially became the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate. Today, we’re hearing from her Democratic opponent. Jamie Davis notes that in both the primary and the runoff, nearly as many Democrats voted for him as the number of Republicans who voted for Letlow – despite Letlow spending more money by far.

Cut 13 (14)  “…tremendous amount different.”

As such, Davis rejects the notion from political analysts that Letlow will run away with the general election.

Cut 14 (12) “…wins this election.”

Davis is a farmer and former Tensas Parish police juror, and he says he’s putting together a campaign that will resonate with Louisianans of all backgrounds.

Cut 15 (13) “…Louisiana that’s white.”

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LSU received its 16th football recruiting commitment for 2027 in Ruston four-star safety Jayden Anding. Anding announced his decision between LSU and Ole Miss yesterday after postponing his pledge date last week. Matt Belinson with the Ruston Daily Leader says he was always going to be a Tiger.

Cut 16 (13) “…choice for him.”

Jayden’s brother, Aiden Anding, is a sophomore cornerback at LSU.

Anding said he chose LSU because he wants to develop under secondary coach Corey Raymond. Belinson says he was also the latest in a growing line of LSU commits who credited their recruitment to Coach O.

Cut 17 (14) “…have been happening.”

Anding is a 5-10, 165-pound safety rated as a top ten prospect in the state and the number-21 safety nationwide by 247Sports. Belinson says he does it all for the Bearcats.

Cut 18 (15) “…front line.”

Anding is the second Ruston High product to commit to LSU this cycle, joining five-star tight end Ahmad Hudson.

For 100 dollars, you can purchase a chance to win season tickets to every major team in South Louisiana for an entire year! New Orleans Sports Foundation President and CEO Jay Cicero says money raised by the Premier Season Ticket Raffle will help it bid on major sporting events at a time when New Orleans faces increasing competition.

Cut 7 (14) “…seek to host.”

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the legislative session was a good one for his department. He says one new law passed by lawmakers increases the annual aggregate limit of fines his office can issue, noting that the old caps were ten-thousand dollars for insurance professionals and 100-thousand dollars for insurance companies.

Cut 10 (11) “…it can multiply.” 

Facing a major blood shortage, Vitalant (vy-TALENT) is holding blood drives throughout the summer in Morgan City, Lafayette and the Baton Rouge area. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

The man shot dead by Shreveport Police early Sunday morning was from Baton Rouge. He’s been identified as 27-year-old Timothy Christian. Investigators say Christian was involved in an altercation outside a bar and was wildly firing a gun. One shot hit an officer; the officer returned fire, hitting and killing Christian. The officer’s bulletproof vest saved her life.

The State Office of Tourism is encouraging you to enjoy a Louisiana Staycation this summer. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Public and charter students in grades three through 12 achieve the highest overall Mastery-plus rate on the LEAP test in history. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The head of the New Orleans Metropolitan Crime Commission says the indictment of Attorney General Liz Murrill is a bad look for the criminal justice system. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Louisiana Office of Tourism is encouraging residents not to forget the Bayou State when planning their summer vacations this year. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says the Louisiana Staycation campaign reminds Louisianians of the destinations, attractions, festivals, food and culture their state has to offer.

Cut 4 (12) “…of our state.”

Nungesser says Louisiana offers getaways of every kind, from the natural beauty of North Louisiana to the flavor and culture of Acadiana, and everything in between. He says after your staycation, share your experience with others.

Cut 5 (08) “…tourism industry statewide.”

The campaign comes at a time when researchers found 40-percent of travelers are looking for destinations closer to home. Nungesser says the campaign will also target travelers in neighboring states just a quick drive away.

Cut 6 (13) “…haven’t seen before.”

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Public and charter school students in grades three through 12 achieved the highest overall Mastery-plus rate in state history, according to results from the 2026 LEAP tests. The Department of Education says 36-percent of those students achieved an overall score of Mastery or Advanced. State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley says for example, Math Mastery-plus in grades three through eight increased by one point overall, as the state expands its comprehensive numeracy strategy.

Cut 7 (14) “…calculus and trigonometry.”

Brumley says thanks to the new Freedom Framework social studies standards, Mastery-plus increased among high school students by five points in civics and three points in U.S. history.

Cut 8 (08) “…last few years.”

Brumley says nine out of ten school systems improved or maintained their Mastery-plus rate, with 75-percent improving, ten-percent maintaining and 15-percent declining.

Cut 9 (09)  “…improvements as well.”

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The 2026 Louisiana State Pickleball Championship will be held in Bossier City for the first time in the event’s history. Emma Boone with Visit Shreveport-Bossier says it will be a huge boost for tourism when the tournament is held October 9th through the 11th.

Cut 10 (14) “…in this tournament.”

Boone says the event will be held at The Picklr Bossier City, which opened in February and features 11 indoor courts, so weather will not be a factor.

Cut 11 (12) “…into Shreveport-Bossier.”

Boone says sports tourism is becoming a big business throughout northwest Louisiana.

Cut 12 (13) “…the first time.”

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An anti-corruption watchdog group calls the indictment of Attorney General Liz Murrill on malfeasance and public intimidation charges a black eye for the city of New Orleans and its criminal justice system. New Orleans Metropolitan Crime Commission President and CEO Raphael Goyeneche says Murrill did not do anything wrong when she warned New Orleans elected officials about the consequences of not following state law.

Cut 13 (12)  “…to stand down.”

Less than 24 hours after the indictment was announced, the Louisiana Supreme Court issued a stay, which temporarily halted the case. A lower court or even the Louisiana Supreme Court could completely dismiss the charges.

Goyeneche says even if the indictment is tossed out, the saga is not over, because investigations will take place to see if Judge Leon Roche (RO-shay) handled the grand jury proceedings in accordance with state law. Goyeneche says there are also issues with special prosecutor Laurie White and a conflict of interest because the attorney general’s office represents White in a civil sexual harassment lawsuit.

Cut 14 (10) “…all of this.”

Those investigations could take a year or two to complete.

There’s been a long-running public feud between the Democratic leaders of New Orleans and Republican Governor Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill. Goyeneche says this indictment is an example of political weaponization, and it must stop.

Cut 15 (11) “…government in general.”

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The Saints are three weeks away from players reporting for training camp July 28th. The offense hopes to see improvement in year two under head coach Kellen Moore and quarterback Tyler Shough. Luke Johnson with the Times-Picayune says training camp will bring some answers to a fresh unit.

Cut 16 (14) “…under Kellen Moore.”

Shough led the Saints to a 5-and-4 record in nine starts last season. He averaged 265 passing yards a game and threw 10 touchdowns. Johnson says he is high on the sophomore gunslinger but says fans may need to temper expectations.

Cut 17 (13) “…good NFL quarterback.”

On the other side of the ball, coordinator Brandon Staley’s defense lost key players Demario Davis and Alontae Taylor. New Orleans welcomed back linebacker Kaden Ellis to replace Davis, and second-year safety Jonas Sanker is expected to fill Taylor’s nickel corner role. Johnson says he isn’t sure if they’ll make up for the loss of the veterans.

Cut 18 (12) “…a good team.”

The lawyer for Attorney General Liz Murrill is expressing concern about how the Orleans Parish grand jury conducted its business in handing down its 16-count indictment against her client. Laura Rodrigue says if reports are corroborated, the grand jury went about its approach in an illegal manner.

Cut 10 (13) “…the grand jury.” 

Public and charter students in grades three through 12 are making record-breaking achievements in the classroom. State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley says this year’s LEAP scores set new standards for the state.

Cut 12 (12) “…36-percent.” 

A person was killed in the shooting of a Shreveport officer outside a downtown bar early yesterday morning. Four people were fighting in an alley next to the business when the officer stepped in. The shooter fired wildly, hitting the officer. The officer’s bulletproof vest saved her life; she returned fire, killing the shooter. Two of the other three were arrested. Bar owner Tim Huck says the officer should be commended.

Cut 8 (08) “…saved lives.”   

DOTD is taking the next steps in building the I-49 Lafayette Connector by signing a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement. Deidra Druilhet with the DOTD says it’s a required document evaluating the environmental impacts of a project.

Cut 3 (09) “…next phase.”

The lawyer representing Attorney General Liz Murrill says the Orleans Parish grand jury which indicted her client on 16 felony counts had leaked information, in violation of the law. Laura Rodrigue says that would give Murrill great concern about Orleans Parish grand juries as a whole.

Cut 11 (09) “…in New Orleans?”

Students in grades three through 12 achieve the highest statewide performance ever on the LEAP test, with 36-percent scoring Mastery or Advanced. State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley says that’s especially notable, especially given what the state has been through in the seven years that he’s been the education superintendent.

Cut 13 (12) “…educators had prevailed.”

A person was killed in the shooting of a Shreveport officer outside a downtown bar early yesterday morning. Bar owner Tim Huck says four people were fighting in an alley next to the business when the officer stepped in.

Cut 6 (11) “…wrong time.”

Huck says the officer’s bulletproof vest did its job, and her injuries are non-life-threatening. 

DOTD is taking the next steps in building the I-49 Lafayette Connector by signing a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement. The connector is part of a larger I-49 project to upgrade U.S. Highway 90 to Interstate standards and improve the commute between Lafayette and the Gulf Coast and eventually New Orleans. Deidra Druilhet with DOTD says Lafayette is part of one of the fastest-growing regions in the state.

Cut 5 (12) “…that matter.”