Should the mandatory retirement age of judges be raised from 70 to 75? Looks like you’ll get to decide that next April. This after the Senate approved the proposed constitutional amendment by exactly the requisite two-thirds majority. Norco Republican Gregory Miller says Louisiana is an outlier when it comes to this issue.

Cut 8 (09) “…retirement age.”

Online sports gambling companies will soon be paying more tax to the state on all wagers originating from Louisiana. The Senate has approved House Bill 639 by Columbia Republican Neil Riser, which will raise the tax from 15-percent to 21 and a half percent. One-quarter of the revenue generated will be divided evenly among all NCAA Division One athletic programs in the state, and Riser says that’s a big reason why his bill made it across the finish line.

Cut 11 (03) “…getting this passed.”

Those of you coming back to Louisiana from Mississippi can now stop at a Buc-ee’s on the way back. Mississippi’s first-ever Buc-ee’s opened this morning off I-10. Harrison County Development Commission Executive Director Bill Lavers says  the 80-million-dollar project will provide a major economic boost to the region.

Cut 5 (08) “…for the future.”

The LSU Tigers are headed to the College World Series again after sweeping their Super Regional series over West Virginia. Josh Pearson was one of the heroes in game one as he hit a grand slam. The senior from West Monroe says it’s the most unselfish team he’s ever been a part of.

Cut 12 (12) “…they are doing.” 

LSU plays its first game Saturday against Arkansas, who it beat two out of three times at Alex Box Stadium this season.

The first-ever Mississippi Gulf Coast Buc-ee’s is open off I-10 at the Menge (MEN-jee) Avenue exit in Pass Christian. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Louisiana voters might have the opportunity to decide in April whether the retirement age of judges should be raised from 70 to 75 years old. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Mississippi’s first-ever Buc-ee’s opened today at 6 AM. Located off I-10 at the Menge (MEN-jee) Avenue exit in Pass Christian, the massive 74-thousand-square-foot convenience store includes 126 gas pumps, 24 EV charging stations, and 165 toilets. Harrison County Development Commission Executive Director Bill Lavers says this new location will draw visitors from nearby states, especially Louisiana

Cut 3 (08) “…New Orleans and Mobile.”

To get to Buc-ee’s from downtown New Orleans, drivers can take I-10 east through Slidell and across the Mississippi border, exiting at Menge Avenue. Lavers says a newly expanded five-lane bridge is expected to reduce traffic congestion around the site.

Cut 4 (12) “…just the beginning.”

Lavers says the 80-million-dollar project is expected to create over 200 jobs, offering 20 dollars per hour pay, benefits, and 401(k) matching, while providing a major economic boost to the region with Buc-ee’s visitors.

Cut 5 (08) “…for the future.”

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Louisiana voters will likely have the opportunity in April to decide whether the mandatory retirement age of judges should be raised from 70 to 75 years old. The Louisiana Senate has approved the proposed constitutional amendment. Norco Senator Gregory Miller says 70 years old is too young to force a judge into retirement.

Cut 6 (08) “…of Louisiana.”

The measure needed a two-thirds vote to pass and it got exactly that as it passed on a 26-13 vote. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh questioned why put this measure on the ballot again, when voters recently rejected a similar constitutional amendment.

Cut 7 (12) “…you are correct.”

Miller says Louisiana is an outlier when it comes to this issue.

Cut 8 (09) “…retirement age.”

Under Louisiana law, a judge can serve after the age of 70 if their term extends past their 70^th birthday or if they are appointed as an ad hoc judge by the Louisiana Supreme Court. The House and Senate have not agreed on the exact language of the proposal, so it is in a conference committee. Details still have to be ironed before it ends up on the ballot in April of 2026.

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Online sports gambling companies will soon be paying more tax to the state on all wagers originating from Louisiana. The Senate has approved House Bill 639 by Columbia Republican Neil Riser, who says the amount of the tax that the legislature zeroed in on was a little lower than what he had originally proposed.

Cut 9 (11)  “…we agreed to.”

That 21 and a half percent is an increase from the current 15-percent, and Riser says one-quarter of the tax revenue generated from online betting will be divided evenly among all NCAA Division One athletic programs in the state. While that represents a drop in the bucket for LSU, it will go a long way at other schools.

Cut 10 (07) “…year from this.”

Riser says the money that goes to the schools is a big reason why his bill made it across the finish line.

Cut 11 (03) “…getting this passed.”

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The LSU Tigers are headed to the College World Series again after sweeping their Super Regional series over West Virginia. Josh Pearson was one of the heroes in game one as he hit a grand slam. The senior from West Monroe says it’s the most unselfish team he’s ever been a part of.

Cut 12 (12) “…they are doing.” 

Pearson says a lot of work went into getting back to Omaha.

Cut 13 (11)  “…what we can do.”

LSU will play Arkansas on Saturday in its first game at the College World Series. Tigers left-handed pitcher Kade Anderson says how Jay Johnson prepares the team during the regular season, prepares them for what they’ll also experience at the College World Series.

Cut 14 (13) “…play there.”

Anderson will likely start LSU’s first game at the College World Series.

Voters will likely have the opportunity in April to decide whether the mandatory retirement age of judges should be raised from 70 to 75 years old. The measure needed a two-thirds vote to pass, and it got exactly that as it passed the Senate 26-13. Shreveport Republican Alan Seabaugh questioned why put this measure on the ballot again, when voters recently rejected a similar amendment.

Cut 7 (12) “…you are correct.”

The Senate approves a bill to boost the online betting tax from 15-percent to 21 and a half percent. Columbia Republican Representative Neil Riser says one-quarter of the revenue generated will be divided evenly among all NCAA Division One athletic programs in the state.

Cut 10 (07) “…year from this.”

The first-ever Mississippi Gulf Coast Buc-ee’s is open off I-10 at the Menge (MEN-jee) Avenue exit in Pass Christian.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A new report by the Legislative Auditor’s Office finds that the Department of Children and Families is understaffed. The report says child welfare offices were short at least 129 workers in the 2024 fiscal year and reported almost 150-million dollars in personal expenditures.

Voters will likely have the opportunity in April to decide whether the mandatory retirement age of judges should be raised to 75 years old, after the Louisiana Senate approved the proposed constitutional amendment. Norco Senator Gregory Miller says 70 is too young to force a judge into retirement.

Cut 6 (08) “…of Louisiana.”

Mississippi’s first-ever Buc-ee’s opened this morning. Located off I-10 in Pass Christian, the massive 74-thousand-square-foot convenience store includes 126 gas pumps, 24 EV charging stations, and 165 toilets. Harrison County Development Commission Executive Director Bill Lavers says this new location will draw visitors from nearby states, especially Louisiana.

Cut 3 (08) “…New Orleans and Mobile.”

AARP Louisiana is urging Governor Landry to veto Senate Bill 134, which would cap malpractice damages against nursing homes at 500-thousand dollars. The organization says it would effectively eliminate people’s ability to hold nursing homes accountable for malpractice. Director of Advocacy Andrew Muhl (“mull”) says nursing homes in Louisiana rank among the nation’s worst. 

Cut 10 (12) “…them even worse.”

The bill’s author, Shreveport Republican Senator Thomas Pressly, says his bill clarifies the Medical Malpractice Act, which was always intended to include nursing homes.

Cut 12 (14) “…or on site.”

The LSU baseball team is headed to the College World Series for a 20th time. The Tigers swept the Super Regional series against West Virginia, winning last night 12 to 5 over the Mountaineers for their 48th win on the season. Coach Jay Johnson says the players put in the work to punch their ticket to Omaha…

Cut 14 (09) “…with them.”

A bill to largely ban speed cameras across the state – well, most of it, at least – is on Governor Landry’s desk. This is not the first effort of its kind. This version allows speed cameras to operate in school zones. Monroe Republican Senator Stewart Cathey says that’s a reasonable compromise.

Cut 8 (12) “…school zone’s operational.”

The House, however, added an amendment to exempt the City of Opelousas from the ban.

Louisiana ranks 49th in the country for overall child well-being according to the 2025 Kids Count Data Book. Jeanne Burns on why Louisiana ranks so low.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

Congressman Clay Higgins is making another push to subject members of Congress to random drug testing. The Southwest Louisiana Republican has reintroduced the Exposing Congressional Drug Abuse Act, which would require members of Congress to take a random drug test once per term. Higgins made a similar effort back in 2018.

AARP Louisiana is urging Governor Landry to veto Senate Bill 134, which would cap malpractice damages against nursing homes at 500-thousand dollars. The organization says it would effectively eliminate people’s ability to hold nursing homes accountable for malpractice. Director of Advocacy Andrew Muhl (“mull”) says nursing homes in Louisiana rank among the nation’s worst. 

Cut 25 (12) “…them even worse.”

The bill’s author, Shreveport Republican Senator Thomas Pressly, says his bill clarifies the Medical Malpractice Act, which was always intended to include nursing homes.

Cut 26 (14) “…or on site.”

A bill to largely ban speed cameras across the state – well, most of it, at least – is on Governor Landry’s desk. Monroe Republican Senator Stewart Cathey says he’s happy that he got his bill to the finish line. 

Cut 27 (11) “…State of Louisiana.”

However, Cathey’s bill was thrown a curveball as the House passed an amendment that exempts Opelousas from this ban. Cathey says he’ll work to eliminate that exception in a future session.

Another bill on Landry’s desk calls for a series of nutrition reforms. One major component involves banning certain artificial colors and additives in meals served in schools. Covington Republican Senator Patrick McMath says they’re part of the nationwide Make America Healthy Again movement.

Cut 30 (11) “…change their ingredients.”

Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee met with President Trump this week to find common ground on his “Big, Beautiful Bill.” Among them was Bill Cassidy, who says the two-hour meeting was very productive. Like other senators, Cassidy says the bill as passed by the House will not pass in the Senate without some changes.

Cut 3 (17) “…people do better.”

This weekend is free fishing weekend in Louisiana! Rene LeBreton with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the decades-old tradition has been a huge success both in Louisiana and across the country.

Cut 26 (08) “…license after that.”

The fishing license is good for 365 days.

The Louisiana High School Coaches Association named Franklinton native Jessica Barber as its new director. Barber says she hopes to be a resource for coaches across the state.

Cut 17 (11)  “…offering solutions”

Barber brings nearly two decades of coaching experience at the high school, college and AAU levels, and she was most recently an assistant women’s basketball coach at Southern Miss. 

The 75th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival is tomorrow in Ruston. Tori Davis with Experience Ruston says the event has grown into a music and arts festival.

Cut 9 (15)  “…huge arts market.”

The festivities begin at nine tomorrow morning, and admission is free.

The talk of the political world is the epic fallout between President Trump and Elon Musk over the Big Beautiful Bill, which Musk calls “an abomination” full of pork spending. While some say the relationship between Trump and Musk is damaged beyond repair, Senator Bill Cassidy says it’s more like a lover’s tiff.

Cut 5 (12) “…wish you hadn’t.”

The 75th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival is tomorrow in Ruston. Tori Davis with Experience Ruston says peaches are a huge crop in northwest Louisiana – so much so that Ruston is known as the peach capital of Louisiana.

Cut 11 (14) “…you’ll ever eat.”

With warmer temperatures here, now is the time to take steps to protect yourself from West Nile Virus. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Mosquito season is upon us, so now is the time to take steps to protect yourself from West Nile Virus. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says when you go outside, apply EPA-approved mosquito repellent containing DEET.

Cut 6 (09) “…hours or so.”

Sokol says it’s also important to eliminate any standing water on your property, since standing water is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitos.

Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee, including Bill Cassidy, met with President Trump this week to find common ground on his “Big, Beautiful Bill.” Cassidy says Trump laid out the main objectives that he wants to achieve.

Cut 4 (17) “…the American people.”

The 75th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival is tomorrow in Ruston. Tori Davis with Experience Ruston says there’s plenty of entertainment for visitors of all ages.

Cut 10 (11) “…until 10:30 p.m..”

Throughout the week, restaurants throughout Ruston have been participating in the Peach Culinary Crawl, offering special peach-inspired dishes.

If you’re not going to be around Ruston tomorrow, may I suggest going out fishing? This is free fishing weekend throughout the state. Rene LeBreton with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says most people who take advantage of the free fishing weekend eventually go out and get themselves a fishing license, and they’re very easy to obtain.

Cut 12 (09) “…top of that.”

And the fishing license is good for 365 days following the date of issuance.

Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee met with President Trump this week to find common ground on his “Big, Beautiful Bill.” Among them was Bill Cassidy, who says the two-hour meeting was very productive. Like other senators, Cassidy says the bill as passed by the House will not pass in the Senate without some changes.

Cut 3 (17) “…people do better.”

This weekend is free fishing weekend in Louisiana! Rene LeBreton with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the decades-old tradition has been a huge success both in Louisiana and across the country.

Cut 26 (08) “…license after that.”

The fishing license is good for 365 days.

A sweeping bill calling for a series of nutrition reforms is on the governor’s desk. Senate Bill 14, authored by Covington Republican Patrick McMath, unanimously passed both houses of legislature. One thing that didn’t make it onto the final bill was banning the use of SNAP benefits to purchase soft drinks. McMath says that’s because Governor Landry made the issue moot.

Cut 25 (11)  “…for SNAP recipients.”

The 75th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival is tomorrow in Ruston. Tori Davis with Experience Ruston says the event has grown into a music and arts festival.

Cut 9 (15)  “…huge arts market.”

The festivities begin at nine tomorrow morning, and admission is free.