With people hitting the road for their Fourth of July vacations all week long, the roadways are going to be quite busy. In fact, Triple-A is expecting 12-million people to hit the road in the Gulf region alone. As such, Don Redman with Triple-A says one thing you will not want to do when traveling over the next two weeks is procrastinate.

Cut 6 (11) “…smooth for you.”

The Louisiana Supreme Court ruled Kelly Orgeron, the ex-wife of former LSU football coach Ed Orgeron, is entitled to more than eight-million of the coach’s 17-million-dollar buyout. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says the couple filed for divorce just 43 days after Coach O signed what proved to be his final LSU contract.

Cut 7 (07) “…is income.”

The search continues for the last remaining fugitive who escaped from the Orleans Parish Jail back in May. A 50-thousand-dollar reward is still on the table for information leading to the capture of Derrick Groves. Friday afternoon, the ninth escapee, Antoine Massey, was captured in New Orleans.

Hurricane season is a month old; and so far, we’ve had two short-lived tropical storms – including Tropical Storm Barry, which made landfall south of Tampico, Mexico, last night. LSU Climatologist Dr. Jill Trepanier (tre-PAN-yer) explains why.

Cut 10 (15) “…of the Atlantic.”

If you’re hoping that it stays this way for the rest of hurricane season, Trepanier says don’t hold your breath. Activity in the tropics will certainly ramp up in September.

Triple-A says it expects more than 72-million people to head out of town for the Fourth of July holiday. Don Redman with Triple-A says you can expect heavy traffic – not just this week, but next week as well.

Cut 5 (12) “…on the roadway.”

With hurricane season now a month old, we’ve now had two short-lived tropical storms and no hurricanes. LSU Climatologist Dr. Jill Trepanier (tre-PAN-yer) notes that at this time last year, a major hurricane was taking aim at the Texas coast, and it was more than a month before we had another named storm.

Cut 12 (14) “…that it works.”

The Louisiana Supreme Court ruled former LSU football coach Ed Orgeron’s ex-wife is entitled to half of his 17-million-dollar buyout. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

LSU, meanwhile, is seeing a record freshman enrollment; and as such, it needs to find places to house those students. The school, therefore, is moving forward with plans to build a 215-million-dollar dorm complex that will house an additional 12-hundred students. The dorms are expected to open in the fall of 2027.

Nine down, one to go. After six weeks on the run, Orleans Parish Jail escapee Antoine Massey was captured Friday afternoon in New Orleans. With his capture, that leaves Derrick Groves as the last remaining escapee still on the loose. A 50-thousand-dollar reward for information leading to Groves’   capture is still on the table.

Another holiday weekend is approaching – in fact, some are saying it’s already here. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The Louisiana Supreme Court rules that the ex-wife of former LSU football coach Ed Orgeron is entitled to more than eight-million of his 17-million-dollar buyout. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says barring any unexpected loopholes or reasoning, this ruling in favor of Kelly Orgeron will likely be final.

Cut 9 (08)  “…family law.”

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025 was inducted in a ceremony in Natchitoches Saturday night. Among the inductees was former LSU offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth, who played in the NFL for 16 seasons, culminating his career with a win in Super Bowl 56. Whitworth says he shared the support he grew up with in Louisiana in his career.

Cut 15 (14) “…be successful.”

Another holiday weekend is approaching – in fact, some are saying it’s already here. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

____________________________________________

The Louisiana Supreme Court ruled former LSU football coach Ed Orgeron’s ex-wife is entitled to half of his 17-million-dollar buyout. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

Hurricane season is off to a slow start this year. Will it stay that way? Andrew Greenstein says don’t count on it.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

We’re coming up on yet another holiday weekend. In fact, Triple-A Louisiana says it’s already here. The Fourth of July is this Friday, and Triple-A says it expects more than 72-million people to head out of town for the holiday, the vast majority by car. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says the calendar this year makes for a prolonged 4th of July holiday.

Cut 4 (12) “…we speak now.”

Redman says with some 12-million people hitting the road throughout the Gulf South region, you can expect heavy traffic – not just this week, but next week as well.

Cut 5 (12) “…on the roadway.”

Just like anything else in life, there are “dos” and “don’ts.” And Redman says one big “don’t” when traveling over the next two weeks is don’t procrastinate.

Cut 6 (11) “…smooth for you.”

________________________________________________________

The Louisiana Supreme Court ruled Kelly Orgeron, the ex-wife of former LSU football coach Ed Orgeron, is entitled to more than eight-million of the coach’s 17-million-dollar buyout. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says the couple filed for divorce just 43 days after Coach O signed his LSU contract.

Cut 7 (07) “…is income.”

The Supreme Court reversed the lower courts’ former decisions with a 5-to-2 majority. Borghardt says he’d certainly understand an attempted appeal from Orgeron, but he’s not sure how successful that would be.

Cut 8 (07) “…taking this.”

Borghardt says, barring any unexpected loopholes or reasoning, this ruling will likely be final.

Cut 9 (08)  “…family law.”

________________________________________________________

Hurricane season is nearly a month old; and so far, we’ve had two short-lived tropical storms – including Tropical Storm Barry, which made landfall south of Tampico, Mexico, last night. LSU Climatologist Dr. Jill Trepanier (tre-PAN-yer) says we haven’t had any hurricanes yet, because we haven’t gotten to the stage where we have that high sea surface temperature, low shear environment just yet.

Cut 10 (15) “…of the Atlantic.”

Trepanier says if you’re hoping that it stays this way for the remaining five months of hurricane season, forget about it.

Cut 11 (12) “…late into August.”

At this time last year, Hurricane Beryl was gaining strength in becoming a Category Five hurricane – the highest on the scale – as it took aim on the Texas coast. It eventually weakened to a Category One storm the time it made landfall in Matagorda Bay. Trepanier notes that after Tropical Storm Chris briefly formed during that time, the next named storm, Hurricane Debby, didn’t form until more than a month later.

Cut 12 (14) “…that it works.”

________________________________________________________

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame inducted the class of 2025 Saturday night. Headlining the class was former LSU coach Nick Saban. Saban says when he arrived in Baton Rouge, he knew there would be work to do, but his new school, players and fans bought in to something great.

Cut 13 (14)  “…state proud.”

Saban arrived in Baton Rouge in 2000 and took a Tigers program that had gone 3-and-8 the year before to a national championship three years later. LSU, of course, would go on to be a perennial competitor in the SEC.

Cut 14 (12) “…ever since (applause).”

One of the leaders of Saban’s 2003 national championship team was offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth, who was also inducted Saturday. The West Monroe product was drafted by the Bengals in 2006 and, after 15 years in the NFL, won a Super Bowl with the Rams in his final career game — ironically, against the Bengals. Whitworth says he shared the support he grew up with in Louisiana in his career.

Cut 15 (14) “…be successful.”

_____________________________________________________________

LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson is already hard at work building next year’s roster. He, like many fans, will be anxiously awaiting the July 13 MLB draft and the decisions from some LSU veterans who could be selected. Johnson says he expects center fielder Chris Stanfield to take the step to pro ball but is hoping pitcher Zac Cowan and D-H Ethan Frey consider staying in Baton Rouge.

Cut 16 (18) “…came back.”

LSU has already made some additions in the transfer portal, including two lefty relief pitchers who committed last week. Danny Lachenmayer was elite as a freshman for North Dakota State while Ryler Smart redshirted his freshman year with Tennessee. Johnson says they’ll join a talented bullpen with arms like Casan Evans, Cooper Williams and more.

Cut 17 (12)  “…pitching staff”

The Tigers defensively will only return shortstop Steven Milam in the infield. Johnson has already added High Point infielder Brayden Simpson and Kansas State infielder Seth Darder in the portal. He says he feels good about his returning core roster.

Cut 18 (09)  “…those three.”

________________________________________________________

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier spoke about the upcoming season at the Manning Passing Academy this weekend. Tigers coach Brian Kelly has said this year’s team is his most talented since he’s been in Baton Rouge. Nussmeier says he agrees.

Cut 19 (18) “…from within.”

Nussmeier went 9-and-4 with over four-thousand yards and 29 touchdowns his first season as a starter. The last two LSU quarterbacks — Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels — made a leap in year two and put together historic Heisman seasons. Nussmeier says he’s ignoring any early speculation.

Cut 20 (07) “…LSU Tigers.”

And then, there was one. One of the two remaining New Orleans jail escapees has been captured. Detectives from several agencies caught 33-year-old Antoine Massey at a home in New Orleans. He will be taken to a jail facility outside the area. With Massey’s capture, that leaves 27-year-old Derrick Groves as the lone remaining escapee still on the run. A total of 50-thousand dollars in reward money is being offered for information leading to his capture. 

The Supreme Court postponed ruling on Louisiana’s congressional redistricting plan until next term.  The court will decide whether or not the state’s two majority-Black congressional districts violate the Voting Rights Act. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says it’s strange a matter like this would be prolonged.

Cut 6 (14) “…expedited basis.”

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was on hand as Governor Landry signed Louisiana’s Make America Healthy Again bill. During the session, Landry also signed an executive order banning SNAP recipients from using their benefits to buy junk food like soda and candy. Kennedy said it’s a bold move by the governor.

Cut 11 (15) “…in this state.”

LSU running back Trey Holly is facing another delay after his July 7th court date was cancelled due to a broken air conditioning system in the courtroom. Holly is facing charges stemming from a Union Parish shooting in February of last year. His attorney, Mike Small, says Holly was understandably upset by the unforeseen delay.

Cut 14 (13) “…degrees farenheit.”

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority’s Fiscal Year 2026 Plan has been approved, and it’s the largest in program history. Kace Kieschnick reports

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

___________________________________________________

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was in Louisiana to witness the signing of the state’s Make America Healthy Again bill. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

The Louisiana Legislature unanimously approved the Coastal Protection Restoration Authority’s $1.98 billion Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Plan. Coastal Resource Administrator Greg Grandy says the investment supports the implementation of 146 active restoration projects and the maintenance of 163 past projects…

Cut 3 (09) “…of Louisiana.”

The investment is the largest in CPRA history, and Grandy says it is entirely funded by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement. Grandy says each project results in numerous jobs across multiple sectors…

Cut 4 (09) “…labor income.”

Grandy highlighted the completion of the Lake Borgne Marsh Creation project, the largest marsh creation effort in Louisiana, and the launch of the Chandeleur Island Restoration Project, which will restore habitat for endangered sea turtles and over 300,000 coastal birds. Grandy says projects will restore coastal ecosystems and help protect against storm surge…

Cut 5 (11) “…in Louisiana.”

Grandy encouraged residents to find more information at coastal.la.gov and email any questions to coastal@la.gov.

________________________________________________

The Supreme Court postponed ruling on Louisiana’s congressional redistricting plan until next term.  The court will decide whether or not the state’s two majority-Black congressional districts violate the Voting Rights Act. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says it’s strange a matter like this would be prolonged.

Cut 6 (14) “…expedited basis.”

The move means the congressional map will remain unchanged for now. The Supreme Court hearing stems from a lawsuit from 12 “non-African-American voters” who alleged reconfigured majority-Black districts were racial gerrymandering, a stance Ciolino says Justice Clarence Thomas agreed with.

Cut 7 (13) “…States constitution.”

Ciolino says the issue will likely be reargued in October. He says the delay makes it unclear which way the court may be leaning. He says if a majority supports Justice Thomas’s viewpoint…

Cut 8 (12) “…congressional districts.”

________________________________________________

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. looked on with approval as Governor Landry signed Louisiana’s Make America Healthy Again bill into law. Secretary Kennedy says it affirms Landry’s commitment to turning Louisiana’s health around.

Cut 9 (10)  “…do just that.”

The bill was written by Covington Republican Senator Patrick McMath. Among other things, it bans artificial colors and additives in meals served in schools. During the bill signing ceremony at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, Secretary Kennedy noted that in the last six decades, juvenile diabetes has skyrocketed, due in large part to the foods that kids eat.

Cut 10 (12) “…pre-diabetic or diabetic.”

During the session, Landry also signed an executive order banning SNAP recipients from using their benefits to buy junk food like soda and candy. Kennedy said it’s a bold move by the governor.

Cut 11 (15) “…in this state.”

_____________________________________________

LSU running back Trey Holly is facing another delay after his July 7 court date was cancelled due to a broken air conditioning system in the courtroom. Holly faces charges of illegal use of a weapon and criminal damage to property stemming from a Union Parish shooting in February of last year. His attorney, Mike Small, says it was determined the AC system could not be repaired and needs to be replaced…

Cut 12 (11) “…unbearable situation .”

A pre-trial conference has been set for July 16 in order to reschedule. Holly was suspended from the LSU football team after his arrest, and Small says he hopes to go to trial as soon as possible to prove his innocence. Small says the Judge is considering every option to make the trial happen…

Cut 13 (14)  “…Lincoln Parish.”

Small was doubtful the trial would be rescheduled before the fall. He says Holly, who has been steadfast in his innocence and awaiting trial, was understandably upset by the unforeseen delay…

Cut 14 (13) “…degrees farenheit.”

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. looked on with approval as Governor Landry signed Louisiana’s Make America Healthy Again bill into law. Secretary Kennedy said it affirms Landry’s commitment to turning the health of Louisiana around.

Cut 9 (10)  “…do just that.”

The Calorie Control Council says while the effort to improve school nutrition is commendable, banning the availability of FDA-approved low-calorie or no-calorie sweeteners could harm students with diabetes. President Carla Saunders says removing the option could impact diabetic kids’ ability to manage their blood-sugar glucose. 

Not everyone in Baton Rouge was willing to roll out the welcome mat for Secretary Kennedy. Several dozen protestors gathered outside the Pennington Biomedical Research Center to let him know how they felt about his policies.

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority’s Fiscal Year 2026 Plan has been approved, and it’s the largest in program history. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

While Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says he would like lawmakers to be called into a special session to continue work on insurance reform, he says significant progress was made in the recently-concluded regular session. He points to the passage of House Bill  431, which moves Louisiana from a pure to a modified comparative fault.

Cut 9 (07)  “…common sense bill.”

Fifty-one men and women of Cadet Class 107 began their journey today toward becoming Louisiana State Police Troopers. The class is scheduled to graduate in December, and Trooper Shelby Mayfield says Cadet Class 108 will begin next January. If you are interested in becoming a State Trooper, visit lsp-dot-org.

Cut 15 (12) “…last minute.”

Members of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame class of 2025 shared their thoughts before the induction ceremony tomorrow night. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The Pelicans wrap up their 2025 draft by taking Georgetown’s Micah Peavy with the 40th pick. The 23-year-old averaged 17 points a game for the Hoyas last season. Peavy joins Jeremiah Fears of Oklahoma and Derik Queen of Maryland in the Pels’ rookie class of 2025.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will be on hand as Governor Landry signs Louisiana’s Make America Healthy Again bill. Among other things, it bans artificial colors and additives in meals served in schools. The author, Covington Senator Patrick McMath, says the movement transcends ideological lines.

Cut 6 (12) “…York and California.”

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame will be inducting their 2025 class in Natchitoches tomorrow night. Among the honorees is longtime St. Thomas More basketball coach Danny Broussard, who says he learned early in his career how to make an average player great.

Cut 12 (13) “…of basketball.”

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple pushes for lawmakers to return for a special session on insurance reform. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A scary moment for a DOTD worker in Denham Springs, and it was captured on video. He was working on a traffic signal when the top of an 18-wheeler clipped the bucket he was in, flipping it and leaving him dangling. Had it not been for the harness he was wearing, he would have fallen onto the pavement. Instead, he only suffered minor injuries and was not taken to a hospital. Police and DOTD are investigating.

A member of President Trump’s cabinet will be in the capital city for a bill signing this morning. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple pushes for lawmakers to return for a special session on insurance reform. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

____________________________________________

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame class of 2025 shared their thoughts before the induction ceremony tomorrow night. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

Another bill signing in Baton Rouge this morning, and this one will have a big name in attendance. Governor Landry will sign Senate Bill 14 late this morning – the so-called “Make America Healthy Again” bill – and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will be on hand to witness the moment. The bill’s author, Covington Secretary Patrick McMath, says Kennedy’s attendance shows that Louisiana is a leader in the Make America Healthy Again movement.

Cut 4 (11) “…this bill is.”

Among other things, it will ban certain artificial colors and additives in meals served in schools, and it would require restaurants to disclose whether their food is cooked in seed oil. McMath says this bill goes farther than any other bill in the country, and that’s what’s bringing Secretary Kennedy here.

Cut 5 (14) “…to celebrate that.”

McMath says the fact that the bill passed unanimously in both houses of the legislature shows that the Make America Healthy Again movement transcends ideological lines.

Cut 6 (12) “…York and California.”

________________________________________________________

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple addresses the need for a special session to tackle what he calls the “deepest insurance crisis” in state history, and he still supports calling lawmakers back.

Cut 7 (09) “…a special session.”

Temple says some key legislation signed by Governor Landry which go into effect down the road includes consumer-transparency bills like HB 345, which calls for a 60‑day notice before cancellation, and SB 136, which calls for rate transparency — alongside tort-reform measures targeting frivolous lawsuits.

Cut 8 (05) “…that can help.”

HB 345 goes into effect July 1st, 2026, while SB 136 doesn’t take effect until the outset of 2027. Reflecting on the past legislative session, Temple says he’s most excited about the passage of House Bill  431, which moves Louisiana from a pure to a modified comparative fault.

Cut 9 (07)  “…common sense bill.”

________________________________________________________

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame will be inducting their 2025 class in Natchitoches tomorrow night. This year’s class features football coaching greats like LSU’s Nick Saban and Catholic’s Dale Weiner (WY-ner). Delgado’s Joe Scheuermann is the winningest baseball coach in state history.

Cut 10 (11) “…famers too.”

Two former pro basketball All-Stars Danny Granger and Vickie Johnson also join the class. Johnson helped Louisiana Tech to the Final Four as a freshman and was a two-time Sun Belt Conference MVP. A player in the WNBA’s inaugural season, Johnson says she learned a lot from hall of fame coaches Leon Barmore and Kim Mulkey.

Cut 11 (12) “…about learning.”

Longtime St. Thomas More basketball coach Danny Broussard will also be inducted. Broussard is the sixth all-time winningest high school basketball coach in the country after 42 years in Lafayette. He’s led the Cougars to 34-straight playoff appearances and won six state basketball championships. Broussard says he learned early in his career how to make an average player great…

Cut 12 (13) “…of basketball.”

Also headlining the class are former LSU offensive tackle and Super Bowl champ Andrew Whitworth, 14-time All-American LSU gymnast April Burkholder and former NCAA champion bower and Sacred Heart football coach George Soileau.

________________________________________________________

Fifty-one men and women of Cadet Class 107 began their journey today toward becoming Louisiana State Police Troopers. Trooper Shelby Mayfield says over the next 24 weeks, they will train in firearms, defensive tactics, civil rights, de-escalation and more to prepare for a life of public service.

Cut 13 (08)  “…themselves as well.”

Mayfield says Louisiana State Police offers competitive pay, benefits, a take-home vehicle and strong retirement options, and he says you start getting paid on your first day of training.

Cut 14 (07) “…training facility.”

Cadet Class 107 is scheduled to graduate in December. Mayfield says Cadet Class 108 will begin next January. If you are interested in becoming a Louisiana State Police Trooper, visit lsp-dot-org.

Cut 15 (12) “…last minute.”