The U.S. Senate runoffs are rapidly approaching, and a key deadline is right around the corner. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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You won’t need a license to fish in Louisiana this weekend, thanks to LDWF’s Free Fishing Weekend. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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The closed party U.S. Senate runoff elections aren’t until June 27th, but Secretary of State Nancy Landry says there’s an important deadline Saturday.

Cut 3 (12) “…June 27th election.”

(Saturday is the deadline to register for the first time or to make changes to registration.) Those changes could potentially include party affiliation, which is the only way one could cast the opposite party’s ballot in the runoff than the one cast in the May 16th primary. Landry says otherwise, voters will cast the same party’s ballot on June 27th.

Cut 4 (10) “…party primary races.”

If no-party voters either cast a no-party ballot on May 16th or didn’t cast a ballot at all, they will still have the option on June 27th. And Landry says while early voting normally starts on a Saturday, this time around it’s a little different.

Cut 5 (11) “…the Juneteenth holiday.”

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It’s free fishing weekend in Louisiana. This Saturday and Sunday, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is not requiring a fishing license for anglers in Sportsman’s Paradise. LDWF Fisheries Outreach Biologist Joshua Porter says it’s a great opportunity to find a new summer hobby or spend time with the family.

Cut 6 (07) “…a fishing license.”

Just because you don’t have a license, though, doesn’t mean you don’t still have to follow the rules. Porter says you can find all the information you need before you cast on the LDWF website.

Cut 7 (09) “…still all apply.”

If you’re not sure where to go, LDWF has stocked ponds across the state that are freshly filled. Porter encourages new anglers and families to visit one of these sites for the best chance of bringing home something to fry.

Cut 8 (06) “…adult channel catfish.”

A full list of all 17 sites, as well as fishing tips and recipes, can be found on the LDWF website.

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The 76th Louisiana Peach Festival is this weekend in Ruston. Experience Ruston President Tori Davis says festivities have already started throughout the week, and the peach parade kicks off the weekend tonight at 6:00. The real spectacle, though, begins Saturday.

Cut 9 (13)  “…in downtown Ruston.”

The Peach Festival is one of the oldest agricultural festivals in the state, and Davis says Ruston has gotten pretty good at doing all things peach. She says if you can think of a food, they can find a way to put a peach in it.

Cut 10 (11) “…of peach dishes.”

This year’s peach fest was jeopardized after a mid-march freeze dropped lows to 22 degrees, killing a significant amount of local farmers’ peach crops. Davis says the vendors worked to bring in extra peaches from South Carolina to make sure there would be enough for the festivities.

Cut 11 (11) “…our local farmers.”

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The first bill Governor Landry has vetoed this year is Senate Bill 125 by Lafayette Democrat Gerald Boudreaux. It’s a bill that would have increased the maximum compensation to those who had been wrongfully incarcerated.

Cut 12 (11) “…to 600-thousand.”

Senator Boudreaux says his bill got the support of every single lawmaker – except for the one that mattered.

Cut 13 (08) “…not become law.”

In his veto letter, Landry stated, among other things, that the bill fails to ensure that the process is fair, accountable and protected against abuse, especially in light of rising costs and fewer dollars for the state to work with. Boudreaux says while he accepts the governor’s explanation and the bill’s fate, he’s nonetheless disappointed.

Cut 14 (12) “…were wrongly convicted.”

The U.S. Senate runoffs are rapidly approaching, and Secretary of State Nancy Landry has some important information for you. She reminds no-party voters that whichever party’s ballot they cast in the May 16th primary will be the one they will cast in the runoff.

Cut 4 (10) “…party primary races.” 

Those wishing to cast the other party’s ballot will need to register with that party, but the deadline to change party affiliation is tomorrow.

The Louisiana Peach Festival is this weekend in Ruston.  The Peach Festival is one of the oldest agricultural festivals in the state, and Experience Ruston President Tori  Davis says Ruston has gotten pretty good at doing all things peach. She says if you can think of a food, they can find a way to put a peach in it.

Cut 10 (11) “…peach dishes.” 

The New World screwworm has been found in Texas, so what does that mean? Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 23 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

We’re getting word of another inmate who died in custody. This time, it’s an inmate in Morgan City. Police there say 43-year-old Hilton Hebert the Third suffered a medical emergency while in custody back on May 30th. Hebert’s death is in addition to two inmates who died at the state penitentiary in Angola within days of one another.

The closed party U.S. Senate runoff elections aren’t until June 27th, but Secretary of State Nancy Landry says there’s an important deadline tomorrow.

Cut 3 (12) “…June 27th election.”

Those changes could potentially include party affiliation, which is the only way one could cast the opposite party’s ballot in the runoff than the one cast in the May 16th primary.

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith is arrested for allegedly attacking a man at a Madisonville restaurant without provocation. Police say Smith had been drinking, and Metropolitan Crime Commission President Rafael Goyeneche says Smith’s conduct would corroborate that.

Cut 23 (07) “…least three terms.”

Smith issued an apology in a statement, saying he will address his actions through the legal process.

A bill known as the “Streets to Success Act” is awaiting Governor Landry’s signature. The legislation attempts to address homelessness in the state, but Louisiana Advocacy Coalition on Homelessness Coordinator Joe Heeren-Mueller says the bill misses the mark. It establishes a new crime of unauthorized public camping.

Cut 7 (09) “…fined 500 dollars.”

The 76th Louisiana Peach Festival is this weekend in Ruston. Experience Ruston President Tori Davis says festivities have already started throughout the week, and the peach parade kicks off the weekend tonight at 6:00. The real spectacle, though, begins tomorrow.

Cut 9 (13)  “…downtown Ruston.”

The manhunt continues after an innocent woman is shot to death inside a vehicle at a Hammond gas station early yesterday morning. Police Chief Edwin Bergeron Jr. said while one car was at a gas pump, another car pulled up to an adjacent pump, and two people jumped out with AR-style pistols.

Cut 13 (08)  “…into this car.” 

Those shots killed 50-year-old Patricia Sheppard, who was not the intended target of a targeted shooting.

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith is arrested for allegedly attacking a man at a Madisonville restaurant late last month. The victim is 59-year-old Bobby Couvillon, who’s been one of Smith’s harshest critics. Metropolitan Crime Commission President Rafael Goyeneche says that’s no excuse, however – and getting out of this will be very hard for Smith to do.

Cut 5 (12) “…of what occurred.”

While Governor Landry continues to consider whether to sign the “Streets to Success Act,” advocates for the homeless are speaking out against it. Along with making public camping a misdemeanor, it provides court-supervised programs to connect them to housing, treatment and job services. Louisiana Advocacy Coalition on Homelessness Coordinator Joe Heeren-Mueller says it’s an empty solution.

Cut 8 (08) “…it will provide.”

The New World screwworm has been found in the United States for the first time in nearly 60 years. It’s a flesh-easting parasite that can kill animals including livestock. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the deadly bug was found in a calf in Texas, 30 miles north of the Mexican border. Strain says its discovery in the United States has already led to an increase in beef prices.

Cut 10 (08) “…affordability of beef.”

One man who took an oath to serve and protect is accused of doing the exact opposite. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The “Streets to Success Act” would make camping on public property a crime punishable by six months of jail time and a 500-dollar fine. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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The New World screwworm has been found in Texas, so what does that mean? Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The sheriff of St. Tammany Parish is discovering what it’s like on the other side of the law. Sheriff Randy Smith is arrested on three charges, including second-degree battery, in connection with an attack at a Madisonville restaurant late last month. Investigators say while in the bar area at Keith Young’s Steakhouse, Smith went up to 59-year-old Bobby Couvillon and, without provocation, attacked him. Couvillon told police Smith reeked of alcohol, and Metropolitan Crime Commission President Rafael Goyeneche says Smith’s conduct would corroborate that.

Cut 4 (07) “…least three terms.”

Couvillon has been one of Sheriff Smith’s harshest critics. Goyeneche says that’s no excuse, however, for Smith to do what he allegedly did – and getting out of this will be very hard for Smith to do.

Cut 5 (12) “…of what occurred.”

Smith’s bond was set at ten-thousand dollars. For now, he remains on the job – and Goyeneche says he will remain on the job until either his term expires or he’s proven guilty in a court of law, whichever comes first.

Cut 6 (10) “…for a felony.”

Sheriff Smith has released a statement, in which he apologized to his family, the diners and staff at the restaurant and the people of St. Tammany Parish. He also referenced what he called ten years of personal attacks against him and his family by a man hiding behind a computer screen, presumably referring to Couvillon. Smith said he will address his actions through the legal process and will continue serving the people of St. Tammany Parish in the meantime.

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A bill known as the “Streets to Success Act” is awaiting Governor Landry’s signature. The legislation attempts to address homelessness in the state, but Louisiana Advocacy Coalition on Homelessness Coordinator Joe Heeren-Mueller says the bill misses the mark. It establishes a new crime of unauthorized public camping.

Cut 7 (09) “…fined 500 dollars.”

The bill provides court-supervised programs to connect arrested homeless people to housing, treatment and job services, but those programs are optional and dependent on location. It also allows for the creation of designated public camping areas, which are also optional. Heeren-Mueller says the solution is empty.

Cut 8 (08) “…it will provide.”

Other states that have passed similar legislation have seen homelessness rates increase. Heeren-Meuller says it is not based on evidence and does not consider the reality of living through homelessness. He says it imagines there are people who would refuse assistance if not for the threat of jail time.

Cut 9 (11)  “…low-income people.”

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The New World screwworm has been found in the United States for the first time in nearly 60 years. It’s a flesh-easting parasite that can kill animals including livestock. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the deadly bug was found in a calf in Texas, 30 miles north of Mexican border. Strain says its discovery in the United States has already led to an increase in beef prices.

Cut 10 (08) “…affordability of beef.”

The New World screwworm had been eradicated from the United States since 1960s, but it has been moving closer to the U.S. through transmission between cattle in Mexico. Strain says they can stop the spread by unleashing sterile flies.

Cut 11 (11) “…and other protein.”

Strain says sterilized male flies are used, because they mate with the female screwworms and no offspring is produced.

Cut 12 (05) “…having viable reproduction.”

Strain says the New World screwworm is a low risk to humans.

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A manhunt is underway for at least two people who shot an innocent woman to death inside a vehicle at a Hammond gas station early yesterday morning. Police Chief Edwin Bergeron Jr. said while one car was at a gas pump, another car pulled up to an adjacent pump.

Cut 13 (08)  “…into this car.”

(Two masked men fired between 70 and 80 shots into the car with AR-style pistols.) Those shots killed 50-year-old Patricia Sheppard, who was sitting in the passenger seat. Chief Bergeron says this was a targeted shooting, but Sheppard was not the target – she was catching a ride home and was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Cut 14 (07) “…involved in it.”

Bergeron stresses to the public that there is no imminent threat.

Cut 15 (09) “…a targeted incident.”

Bergeron says the vehicle the shooters were in was carjacked in Macomb, Mississippi, Tuesday night.

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LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson is sure to revamp his roster in the transfer portal this summer after a disappointing 30-and-28 season this year. Johnson brought in a trio of sluggers with 67 career homers last offseason. That group hit just 13 this year. ESPN 104.5’s Hunt Palmer says Johnson won’t rely on the portal for slugging again.

Cut 16 (16) “…huge power bat.”

Palmer says the Tigers have a lot of holes to fill, and they’ll look to target young guys from proven power conference programs. Johnson has had success bringing in mid-major stars like Luis Hernandez and Hunter Dickinson, but Palmer says they’ll need to be versatile talents.

Cut 17 (16)  “…in the portal.”

As for pitching, the Tigers have four arms who saw real SEC starting action in Casan Evans, William Schmidt, Cooper Moore, and Marcos Paz returning. Palmer says he’d like to see more talent added to he bullpen. LSU brought in Northwestern State lefty Brody Trosclair for a visit earlier this week.

Cut 18 (18) “…of this season.”

Even though the new law doesn’t take effect until January 1st, the author of the bill that eliminates vehicle inspection stickers says you no longer have to get your inspection renewed, even if you’re currently past-due for renewal. Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley says if you recently paid for your two-year renewal, however, you’re out of luck.

Cut 7 (09) “…get a refund.”

Governor Landry signed a bill increasing the penalties for marijuana use on college campuses and near schools. Violators now face up to a year in jail and a one-thousand-dollar fine. Pollack Representative Gabe Firment says smoking marijuana within two-thousand feet of campuses and schools was already illegal in Louisiana.

Cut 4 (10) “…the penalties.”

Biologists with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries believe they’re making progress in restoring critical fish habitat on Toledo Bend. LDWF Biologist Manager Villis Dowden says over the past two weeks, crews have stocked 110 containers of native eelgrass which can provide critical habitat for juvenile fish.

Cut 12 (07) “…wildlife species.” 

The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office announced a new Drone as First Responder program. Sheriff Marc Mashaw says drones can drop off life jackets, tourniquets and other emergency equipment while deputies are on the way.

Cut 11 (13) “…we’re responding.”

The drones can even help first responders speak directly to the public during emergencies or take life-saving action.

The elimination of state inspection stickers doesn’t officially happen until January 1st; but for all intents and purposes, your days of schlepping to get your vehicle inspected are over. Governor Landry has told State Police not to issue citations for expired inspection stickers. And Larry Bagley, who authored House Bill 1085, says even if your inspection is due for renewal this month, just let it go.

Cut 6 (08) “…on all that.”

LDWF biologists say they’re making progress in restoring critical fish habitat on Toledo Bend by stocking 110 containers of native eelgrass. Biologist Manager Villis Dowden says the methods they’re doing now have worked in reservoirs in other southern states.

Cut 14 (11) “…goes on.”

A new law signed by Governor Landry looks to create a more family-friendly gameday atmosphere on college campuses in Louisiana. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

An inmate at the state penitentiary in Angola has died. The Department of Corrections says 33-year-old Patrick Jones died Tuesday. His cause of death is unclear at this time. Jones was nearly ten years into a 165-year sentence for armed robbery. He’s the second Angola inmate to die in less than a week, following last Thursday’s death of 57-year-old Ronald Williams.

Even though the new law doesn’t take effect until January 1st, the author of the bill that eliminates vehicle inspection stickers says you no longer have to get your inspection renewed, even if you’re currently past-due for renewal. Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley says if you recently paid for your two-year renewal, however, you’re out of luck.

Cut 7 (09) “…get a refund.”

The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office announced a new Drone as First Responder program. The drones are operated by a real-time crime center that monitors drone video and live body camera feeds to quickly respond to emergencies. Sheriff Marc Mashaw says drones can cover a wide area and arrive on scene in as little as 70 seconds.

Cut 9 (08)  “…speed matters.”

A new law signed by Governor Landry looks to create a more family-friendly gameday atmosphere on college campuses in Louisiana. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The sheriff of St. Tammany Parish is discovering what it’s like on the other side of the law. Sheriff Randy Smith has turned himself in to face charges stemming from an altercation at a Madisonville restaurant late last month. Investigators say he violently confronted a man who’s been one of his harshest critics; the victim says the assault was unprovoked.

The elimination of state inspection stickers doesn’t officially happen until January 1st; but for all intents and purposes, your days of schlepping to get your vehicle inspected are over. Governor Landry has told State Police not to issue citations for expired inspection stickers starting July 1st. Larry Bagley, who authored House Bill 1085, says even if your inspection is due for renewal this month, just let it go.

Cut 6 (08) “…on all that.”

Landry also signed a bill increasing the penalties for marijuana use on college campuses and near schools. While the new law affects all school zones across the state, Pollock Representative Gabe Firment says, to put it bluntly, it specifically aims to create a more family-friendly environment at on-campus tailgates on gamedays.

Cut 3 (09) “…good time.”

Louisiana voters keep rejecting constitutional amendments, but lawmakers keep putting them on the ballot. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 19 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

A Prairieville woman is arrested in connection with the drowning death of a three-year-old boy. Investigators with the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office say 37-year-old Joann Johnson was operating an in-home daycare, when two kids were playing near the backyard swimming pool without wearing any flotation gear. The boy fell into the water and remained in the water unconscious for 20 minutes before Johnson acted.

Houma Representative Jessica Domangue helped pass legislation supporting local shrimpers against the threat of foreign seafood in Louisiana. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Police in Hammond are investigating a murder at a gas station. Security video footage shows two people getting out of a car at one of the pumps, going to a vehicle at a neighboring pump and, seemingly unprovoked, firing several shots into the rear passenger side of that vehicle with AR-style pistols. The woman in the rear passenger seat was pronounced dead at the scene. The shooters drove off towards I-55.

In the last two constitutional amendment elections, Louisiana voters rejected all nine proposed amendments. On November 3rd, voters will weigh in on nine more. Melinda Deslatte with the Public Affairs Research Council says voters are suffering from constitutional amendment fatigue.

Cut 5 (07) “…were horribly mistaken.”

Louisiana’s constitution was approved in 1974; and since then, voters have been asked to amend the constitution 330 times, approving 221 changes.

Saints star running back Alvin Kamara made a surprise return to the facility for voluntary OTAs yesterday. Kamara typically opts to prep for the season away from New Orleans, but he arrived amidst questions about his future with the team. He says he came back this year because teammates kept reaching out to him.

Cut 13 (10)  “…I’m good.”