A slew of new laws will go into effect August 1st. Among them is one that makes kratom illegal. Grant Parish Sheriff Steven McCain was with Governor Landry when he signed the bill into law last week; he recalled when he testified in favor of the bill, he came face-to-face with powerful lobbyists within the kratom industry.

Cut 8 (12) “…it in Louisiana.”

Another law going into effect that day is one that criminalizes grooming – the act of building trust with minors to enable sexual abuse. What’s different here is the new law allows authorities to intervene even if abuse hasn’t happened yet. Marrero Senator Patrick Connick says in the case of his son in law, authorities had to wait until a priest molested him before taking action.

Cut 11 (09) “…then and stopped.”

While you might be able to order tilapia at your favorite seafood restaurant, you might not know that it is actually an invasive species, and it is reemerging in canals near Port Sulphur. LDWF Deputy Assistant Secretary of Fisheries Chris Schieble says if you catch tilapia, do not release it back into the water.

Cut 6 (09) “…you got it.”

The addition of State Senator Blake Miguez in the U.S. Senate race is bad news for Senator Bill Cassidy. That’s the opinion of LSU-Shreveport Assistant Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow, who says Miguez’s entry in the U.S. Senate race greatly increases Cassidy’s vulnerability.

Cut 14 (08) “…chances of re-election.”

Miguez joins State Treasurer John Fleming in challenging Cassidy for the G-O-P nomination in the newly-closed primary.

Cleco has begun the process of finding a new owner, notifying the Louisiana Public Service Commission as required. This move was expected, as Cleco’s 2016 private equity buyout included plans for a future sale.  Pineville Representative Mike Johnson says the announcement didn’t come as a surprise.

Cut 6 (09) “…was an investment.”

The legislature passed several bills this session aimed at strengthening elections in Louisiana. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s Office says among them is one that calls for a procedural election audit by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor every four years.

Cut 4 (14) “…in the state.”

State Senator Blake Miguez has announced that he, too, is launching a primary challenge against Senator Bill Cassidy. Pearson Cross, who teaches political science at ULM, says while State Treasurer John Fleming is more conservative than Cassidy, that’s nothing compared to Miguez – and that could come into play in the newly-closed U.S. Senate primary.

Cut 13 (14)  “…very interesting primary.”

LSU now has two chances to advance to the best-of-three national championship series at the College World Series after beating UCLA, 9-5. Before play was suspended yesterday, LSU came back from an early 3-0 hole with a four-run first inning, capped by a three-run home run by Jared Jones.

Cut 15 (07) “…on the board.”

Only one lawmaker voted against the 53-billion dollar budget that the legislature approved in the session. That “no” vote was Danny McCormick; the Oil City Republican representative explained his decision during an interview on KEEL Radio in Shreveport…

Cut 9 (13)  …concern of mine.”

The legislature passed several bills aimed at strengthening elections in Louisiana. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s Office says among them is one that calls for a procedural election audit by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor every four years.

Cut 4 (14) “…in the state.”

Cleco has begun the process of finding a new owner, notifying the Louisiana Public Service Commission as required. This move was expected, as Cleco’s 2016 private equity buyout included plans for a future sale.  Pineville Representative Mike Johnson says the announcement didn’t come as a surprise.

Cut 6 (09) “…was an investment.”

LSU’s vice president for agriculture is settling into his role as interim president of the university. Matt Lee says there is real clarity in the five focal areas that include agriculture, biomedical research, coastal research, defense and cybersecurity, and energy.

Cut 14 (10) “…differentiator for us.”

Lee is filling the role as LSU conducts a national search to replace former President William Tate.

Wanna bet that Jeff Landry will be re-elected governor in 2027? I wouldn’t take that bet, because it’s now illegal. Outlawing wagering on election results is one of several election-related bills passed by the legislature this past session. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s Office says another one assesses attorney’s fees and court costs for knowingly providing false information on a notice of candidacy.

Cut 3 (14) “…qualify for office.”

Another bill passed is one that creates a “One Door” system to streamline Louisiana’s job training and public assistance programs. Representative Stephanie Berault says it shifts benefit access to a single case-managed platform led by the Louisiana Workforce Commission.

Cut 23 (12) “…really well.”

Ten people are arrested and more than one-million dollars worth of illegal vape products are seized in a statewide multi-agency vape crackdown. Ernest Legier, the commissioner of the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, says the operation involved 64 full-time employees, including 30 agents statewide.

Cut 10 (11) “…really, really hot.”

The products seized include 34-thousand pens, pods and juices; 16-thousand CBD gummies, liquids and pre-rolled cigarettes and 65-hundred containers of nitrous oxide.

The Louisiana Oil and Gas Association says this year’s legislative session was a big one for the organization. President Mike Moncla praised legislation from Erath Representative Jacob Landry that will reform legacy lawsuits.

Cut 8 (11) “…an unlimited number.”

A huge statewide multi-agency vape crackdown. Ernest Legier, the commissioner of the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, says agents arrested ten people, and his office has suspended the permits of six businesses – three in Shreveport, two in Lafayette and one in Baton Rouge.

Cut 11 (15) “…in this situation.”

The Louisiana Oil and Gas Association says this year’s legislative session was a big one for the organization. President Mike Moncla says the session was highlighted by a six-point drop in the oil severance tax rate for all new drilling projects in the state, thanks to a bill by Monroe Representative Brett Geymann.

Cut 7 (07) “…excited about that.”

Thanks to the unanimous passage of House Bill 624, Louisiana will now have a “one door” system that will streamline job training and public assistance programs. Representative Stephanie Berault, who authored the bill, says training the workforce for high-demand, high-paying jobs is critical.

Cut 6 (11) “…on all sides.”

LSU’s vice president for agriculture and dean of its agriculture college is settling into his role as interim president of the university. Matt Lee says there is real clarity in the five focal areas that include agriculture, biomedical research, coastal research, defense and cybersecurity, and energy.

Cut 14 (10) “…differentiator for us.”

The LSU-UCLA winner’s bracket game at the College World Series resumes at the top of the hour with LSU leading 5-3 in the top of the fourth inning.

House Bill 624, passed unanimously by lawmakers, creates a “One Door” system to streamline Louisiana’s job training and public assistance programs. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The Louisiana Oil and Gas Association is hailing a couple of significant wins in this year’s legislative session. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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If you went to bed last night not knowing who won the LSU game – don’t worry, none of us know either. Andrew Greenstein reports that’s because the game’s not over yet.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Lawmakers passed House Bill 624, creating a “One Door” system to streamline Louisiana’s job training and public assistance programs. Representative Stephanie Berault says the bill shifts benefit access to a single case-managed platform led by the Louisiana Workforce Commission.

Cut 4 (12) “…really well.”

Programs like SNAP and disability services will move from the Department of Children and Family Services to the Louisiana Department of Health. Beraut says that’s because those eligible for Medicaid and SNAP benefits have an 80-percent overlap.

Cut 5 (06) “…little bit easier.”

Online tools and coordinated services will help recipients access benefits and job training efficiently. Berault says training the workforce for high-demand, high-paying jobs is critical.

Cut 6 (11) “…on all sides.”

________________________________________________________

The Louisiana Oil and Gas Association says this year’s legislative session was a big one for the organization. President Mike Moncla says the session was highlighted by a six-point drop in the drop in the oil severance tax rate for all new drilling projects in the state, thanks to a bill by Monroe Representative Brett Geymann.

Cut 7 (07) “…excited about that.”

Moncla also praised legislation from Erath Representative Jacob Landry that will reform legacy lawsuits.

Cut 8 (11) “…an unlimited number.”

Moncla says while LOGA got some key wins in this session, the work is by no means done.

Cut 9 (14)  “…one after that.”

________________________________________________________

Ten people are arrested and more than one-million dollars worth of illegal vape products are seized in a statewide multi-agency vape crackdown. Ernest Legier, the commissioner of the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, says the operation involved 64 full-time employees, including 30 agents statewide.

Cut 10 (11) “…really, really hot.”

Legier says in addition to the ten arrests, his office has suspended the permits of six businesses – three in Shreveport, two in Lafayette and one in Baton Rouge.

Cut 11 (15) “…in this situation.”

Legier says the products seized include 34-thousand pens, pods and juices; 16-thousand CBD gummies, liquids and pre-rolled cigarettes and 65-hundred containers of nitrous oxide.

Cut 12 (15) “…in these locations.”

________________________________________________________

LSU’s vice president for agriculture and dean of its agriculture college is settling into his role as interim president of the university. Matt Lee is filling the role as LSU conducts a national search to replace former President William Tate. Lee says even though in transition, he assures that there’s stability and continuity at the university.

Cut 13 (10)  “…prior president.”

Lee says there is real clarity in the five focal areas that include agriculture, biomedical research, coastal research, defense and cybersecurity, and energy.

Cut 14 (10) “…differentiator for us.”

Lee says that as an institution of higher education, student success is always at the forefront of everything they do, and a key factor in that is largely driven by the quality of facilities.

Cut 15 (08) “…be more restrictive.”

Lee has held several key leadership roles at LSU, including interim executive vice president and provost.

Before the legislative session ended, lawmakers approved a 46-billion dollar budget for the next fiscal year. The biggest battle was over funding for L-A GATOR, the state’s new voucher program. Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana president Steven Procopio says lawmakers left out 50-million dollars that Governor Landry requested for the program.

Cut 13 (09)  “…private schools”

Louisiana’s House Democratic caucus is reflecting on the just-completed session. Chairman Matthew Willard says despite being greatly outnumbered, Democrats had some significant wins this session, including helping defeat a bill targeting teachers unions.

Cut 4 (11) “…the teacher unions.”

Willard says Democrats also helped defeat a bill that targeted DEI efforts.

Lawmakers have approved a plan that would create a one stop shop for Louisiana residents to access most of the state’s benefit programs. Sean Richardson has more the Louisiana Workforce Commission will oversee those programs.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

I bet LSU is glad they didn’t have to face Gage Wood on Saturday! With Arkansas’ backs to the wall after losing to the Tigers Saturday, Wood went out and threw the third no-hitter in College World Series history this afternoon, stifling the bats of upstart Murray State in a three-to-nothing win.

World-renowned evangelist Jimmy Swaggart is fighting for his life after suffering a heart attack at his home yesterday. The 90-year-old from Ferriday is in intensive care at a Baton Rouge hospital, and spokeswoman Megan Kelly says his family is by his side.

Cut 8 (08) “…praying right now.”

Kelly says right now, Swaggart’s fate is in God’s hands.

Louisiana’s House Democratic caucus is reflecting on the just-completed legislative session. Chairman Matthew Willard says despite being greatly outnumbered, Democrats had some significant wins this session, including helping defeat a bill targeting teachers unions.

Cut 4 (11) “…the teacher unions.”

Willard says Democrats also helped defeat a bill that targeted DEI efforts.

Lawmakers have approved a plan that would create a one stop shop for Louisiana residents to access most of the state’s benefit programs. Sean Richardson has more the Louisiana Workforce Commission will oversee those programs.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

As LSU looks to gain a huge advantage in the College World Series, the Tigers are cleaning up in the Jello Shot Challenge across the street. At Rocco’s Pizza and Cantina, they’re selling Jello shots in the colors of the eight participating teams, and let’s just say that LSU is running away with it. Seriously, it’s not even close.

House Democrats are reflecting on the just-completed legislative session. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Lawmakers have approved a plan that would create a one stop shop for Louisiana residents to access most of state’s benefit programs. Sean Richardson has more the Louisiana Workforce Commission will oversee those programs.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

___________________________________________________

Louisiana’s House Democratic caucus is reflecting on the just-completed legislative session. Chairman Matthew Willard says despite being greatly outnumbered, Democrats had some significant wins this session – among them is a bill they helped defeat that targeted diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in state government and at public colleges and universities.

Cut 3 (16) “…and what’s right.”

Willard says another bill Democrats helped defeat was one that targeted teacher unions.

Cut 4 (11) “…the teacher unions.”

However, Willard acknowledges that Democrats didn’t get everything that they wanted. One of the battles that they lost was one that stipulates that a driver at least 51-percent at-fault in a crash collects no damages.

Cut 5 (10) “…with that policy.”

________________________________________________

Evangelist Jimmy Swaggart is fighting for his life after suffering a heart attack at his home yesterday. The 90-year-old from Ferriday is in intensive care at a Baton Rouge hospital. Swaggart is one of the most well-known televangelists and is the founder of Jimmy Swaggart Ministries in Baton Rouge. Spokeswoman Megan Kelly says Sunday was a difficult day.

Cut 6 (11) “…right now.”

Reverend Swaggart’s son, Pastor Donnie Swaggart, said in a statement that without a miracle, his time will be short. Megan Kelly says Reverend Swaggart is in God’s hands.

Cut 7 (09) “…for healing.”

Reverend Swaggart turned 90 in March. He’s been a huge figure in Christian ministry for nearly seven decades. Reverend Swaggart has been able to reach millions of Christians through television, radio, gospel music and Bible distribution efforts. Kelly says Reverend Swaggart has his family by his side.

Cut 8 (08) “…praying right now.”

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State lawmakers have approved legislation to support a “One Door” approach, one place where Louisianians can can access the most of the assistance they need. Mandeville Representative Kim Carver says one of the biggest changes is that Department of Children and Family Services will no longer administer the state’s food stamp program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds.

Cut 9 (09)  …child welfare system.”

Carver says the Louisiana Workforce Commission, which will be renamed Louisiana Works would become the main public-facing agency for benefit access.

Cut 10 (11) “…of work.”

Carver says the Department of Health would manage SNAP processing, and DCFS would shift to focus on child welfare. He says the overhaul will improve service delivery, reduce duplication, and help more residents re-enter the workforce.

Cut 11 (12) “…benefits that they need.”

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Before the legislative session ended, lawmakers approved a 46-billion dollar state operating budget for the next fiscal year that begins July first. Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, president Steven Procopio, calls it a prudent budget.

Cut 12 (10) “…standstill budget.”

The biggest budget battle was over funding for L-A GATOR, the state’s new voucher program.  Procopio says lawmakers left out 50-million dollars that Governor Landry requested for L-A GATOR.

Cut 13 (09)  “…private schools”

Governor Landry says the legislative session resulted in the largest tort reform effort in the state’s history, holding both trial lawyers and insurance companies accountable. Procopio says the verdict is still out on whether changes will reduce insurance rates.

Cut 14 (09) “…to that.”

House Democrats are reflecting on the session, saying while they were greatly outnumbered, they did score some significant wins. Chairman Matthew Willard says a battle they didn’t win was one that stipulates that a driver at least 51-percent at-fault in a crash collects no damages.

Cut 5 (10) “…with that policy.”

Willard says some wins include defeating bills that targeted DEI initiatives and teachers unions.

Evangelist Jimmy Swaggart is fighting for his life after suffering a heart attack at his home yesterday. The 90-year-old from Ferriday is in intensive care at a Baton Rouge hospital; and his son says barring a miracle, his time will be short. Spokeswoman Megan Kelly says Reverend Swaggart is now in God’s hands…

Cut 7 (09) “…for healing.”

A pharmacy benefit managers bill sought by Governor Landry did not pass, but Jeanne Burns reports he will have the chance to sign a P-B-M reform bill that did receive final legislative approval…

Cut 23 (32) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

And now, a look at today’s commodities.