This week, State Senator Blake Miguez announced his candidacy for U.S. Senate. The New Iberia Republican introduced himself to statewide voters in a nearly two-minute-long introductory video.

Cut 7 (14) “…hard work did.”

Miguez is the second prominent Republican to challenge Bill Cassidy for his Senate seat, after State Treasurer John Fleming.

The Louisiana State & U.S. Open Turkey Calling Championships take place this weekend at the Southern Boyz Outdoor Store in Hammond. Contest Manager Hunter Lemoine says the event invites both competitors and spectators to enjoy a weekend of entertainment.

Cut 4 (10) “…hunting and fishing trips.”

A former long-time sheriff of Terrebonne Parish has died. The sheriff’s office says Jerry Larpenter passed away peacefully yesterday. Larpenter was first elected in 1985 and served 21 years, he stepped away for one-term, and one was re-elected again in 2011 and 2015. He served as sheriff for about 30 years before current Sheriff Timothy Soignet replaced him in 2020…

Cut 13 (12)  “…Marine Corp.”

During his time as sheriff, Larpenter established a full-time K-9 team, purchased state of the art communications equipment, body cameras and bulletproof vests.

State Senator Blake Miguez is pulling no punches in telling voters how he feels about Senator Bill Cassidy in his video announcing his candidacy for U.S. Senate. He’s reminding voters of a certain vote Cassidy took four years ago in the second impeachment trial of then-former President Donald Trump.

Cut 6 (07) “…I won’t. (gunshot)”

While Miguez is painting Cassidy as someone who does not stand with President Trump, Cassidy says that simply is not true.

Cut 8 (12) “…gotten them approved.”

Cassidy says he welcomes both the challenge by Miguez and the attack ad, saying it’s not the first and won’t be the last. Miguez is the second prominent Republican to announce a primary challenge against Cassidy, after State Treasurer John Fleming. The primary election is next April.

It was a game for the ages last night as LSU stormed back to beat Arkansas, 6-5, and advance to the championship of the College World Series. Head coach Jay Johnson says it conjured up memories of two years ago, when Tommy White launched the Tigers into the final round with a walk-off home run against top-seeded Wake Forest.

Cut 12 (12) “…tied for first.”

Turkey callers from across the country flocked to Hammond this weekend for the Louisiana State & U.S. Open Turkey Calling Championships. Contest Manager Hunter Lemoine says whether you’re a seasoned turkey caller or just looking for a fun weekend activity, there’s something for everyone.

Cut 5 (12) “…it’s gonna be cool.”

The ongoing immigration crackdown has forced the cancellation of a major festival in the state’s largest Hispanic community. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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An Acadiana law firm files a class action lawsuit against CVS over its text blast in opposition to House Bill 358. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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LSU snatches victory from the jaws of defeat and advances to the national championship series at the College World Series. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The federal immigration crackdown has led to the cancellation of the Kenner Hispanic Festival, which had been slated for this September at the Kenner Boat Launch. Anamaria Bech (“beck”), the publisher of the bilingual magazine VIVA NOLA, says a big reason is Kenner’s cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Cut 4 (12) “…in that city.”

Bech says it’s a huge loss not to be able to hold the event, not only from a cultural standpoint, but also from an economic standpoint.

Cut 5 (11) “…Latino or not.”

Bech says it disheartens her that the ongoing immigration crackdown is putting a damper on cultural events, not only this one but ones like this all across the country.

Cut 6 (15) “…enjoy so much.”

Earlier this week, ICE agents raided a construction site in Kenner. It’s unknown at this time how many people were taken into custody.

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An Acadiana-based law firm has filed a class-action lawsuit against CVS over its text blast to its patients urging them to tell lawmakers to oppose House Bill 358 in the waning moments of the legislative session. Jerome Moroux with the law firm of Broussard, David and Moroux says the issue here is using patient information for political purposes.

Cut 7 (06) “…kill the bill.”

A provision was tacked onto that bill at the last minute, stipulating that pharmacy benefit managers could not own pharmacies. Supporters say that would bring down prescription costs, but CVS said that would have forced it to close all of its stores in the state. Moroux says CVS used private patient information in an illicit manner.

Cut 8 (06) “…across the state.”

Moroux says one thing he and his legal team wants to know is what information was used by CVS in distributing its message.

Cut 9 (10)  “…and very quickly.”

Ultimately, House Bill 358 died when the Senate failed to vote on the amended version before time ran out. In a statement, CVS says it had a responsibility to inform its customers of what it calls misguided legislation that sought to shutter its pharmacies, and it acted accordingly. It calls its communication with its customers consistent with the law.

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It was a game for the ages, as LSU snatches victory from the jaws of defeat! After giving up two runs in the top of the ninth to fall behind 5-to-3, LSU scores three in the bottom of the ninth – all with two outs – to beat Arkansas, 6-to-5, and advance to the best-of-three national championship series at the College World Series. Jared Jones was unquestionably the hero of the game, first hitting a two-out solo home run in the eighth to tie the game at three, then driving in the winning run the following inning. Talking about his clutch eighth inning home run, Jones says he was due for a big hit off Arkansas pitcher Gabe Gaeckle (GACK-el).

Cut 10 (15) “…second baseman’s head.”

Jones’ game-winning single came immediately after Luis Hernandez tied the game with a two-out double in left field that scored Ethan Frey and Steven Milam. Left fielder Charles Davalan appeared to be in a position to make the game-ending catch for Arkansas, but he slipped and the ball got away from him. Jones says games like these are par for the course for these LSU Tigers.

Cut 11 (09) “…no matter what.”

LSU head coach Jay Johnson says this game conjured up memories of two years ago, when Tommy White launched the Tigers into the national championship series – and ultimately the national title – with a walk-off home run against top-seeded Wake Forest.

Cut 12 (12) “…tied for first.”

LSU will take on Coastal Carolina in the best-of-three national championship series Saturday and Sunday night, and Monday night if necessary.

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The former long-time sheriff of Terrebonne Parish, Jerry Larpenter, has died. The sheriff’s office says Larpenter passed away peacefully on Wednesday. Larpenter was first elected in 1985 and served 21 years, he stepped away for one-term, and one was re-elected again in 2011 and 2015. He served as sheriff for about 30 years before current Sheriff Timothy Soignet replaced him in 2020…

Cut 13 (12)  “…Marine Corp.”

Following his service in the Air Force, Larpenter was hired as a patrolman in the 1970s by the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office. Soignet says Larpenter served the people of Terrebonne Parish with honor and dedication for close to 40 years….

Cut 14 (11) “…build upon.”

During his time as sheriff, Larpenter established a full-time K-9 team, purchased state of the art communications equipment, body cameras and bulletproof vests.  Soignet says Larpenter was known for his huge personality and his love of Terrebonne Parish…

Cut 15 (11) “…which you served.”

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The Saints Hall of Fame announced cornerback Tracy Porter and safety Brett Maxie have been selected for induction in 2025. They also honored former WGNO Sports Director Ed Daniels with the Joe Gemelli “Fleur de Lis” Award and Steve Gleason with the Saints Hall of Fame Courage Award. Porter recalled watching the second round of the 2008 draft with his mom.

Cut 16 (15) “…(laughter).”

Porter is of course known for one of the most iconic plays in Saints history with his 76-yard pick-six against Peyton Manning and the Colts to clinch Super Bowl XLIV (fourty-four). In four seasons in New Orleans, the Port Allen native recorded 227 tackles, seven interceptions and 37 pass break ups. He said it was a dream come true playing for his home team.

Cut 17 (11)  “…was unbelievable.”

Maxie signed with the Saints as an undrafted free agent out of Texas Southern in 1985. In nine seasons in the black and gold, Maxie recorded 438 tackles and 15 interceptions and is remembered as one of the best safeties in franchise history. He credited his family and his faith for where he is today and shared values they’ve instilled in him.

Cut 18 (19)  “…with love”

Maxie’s signature moment came in the form of a fourth down stop against the Steelers in 1987 to secure a winning record for the first time in the Saints’ 20-year history. New Orleans would go 12-and-3 that season earning their first playoff appearance which Maxie started in.

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Cut 19 (12) “…that doesn’t change.”

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Cut 20 (19) “…get going.”

An Acadiana-based law firm has filed a class-action lawsuit against CVS over its text blast to its patients urging them to tell lawmakers to oppose House Bill 358 in the waning moments of the legislative session. Jerome Moroux with the law firm of Broussard, David and Moroux says the issue here is using patient information for political purposes.

Cut 7 (06) “…kill the bill.”

A stark warning from Senate President Cameron Henry on federal Medicaid funding. During a webinar hosted by the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, the Republican from Metairie says due to changes the Senate is considering on President Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” Louisiana could be in for a huge loss.

Cut 12 (09) “…to the state.”

And Henry says that would certainly trigger a special session.

The Louisiana Motor Transport Association says progress on legal reform was made in the legislative session, but more work needs to be done. Executive Director Renee Amar (AY-mar) says the organization will continue to push for a cap on damages in an effort to lower insurance rates.

Cut 5 (14) “…State of Louisiana.”

A recent study shows that if you want Gulf Shrimp in Alexandria, it’s about a 50/50 chance. SeaD (“seed”) Consulting Co-Founder Erin Williams says 24 restaurants were tested that advertised Authentic Gulf Coast Shrimp and 13 of those were serving imported shrimp.

Cut 6 (11) “…Gulf Shrimp.”

A stark warning from Senate President Cameron Henry on federal Medicaid funding. During a webinar hosted by the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, the Republican from Metairie says Louisiana could be in for a huge loss.

Cut 12 (09) “…to the state.”

Speaker Henry says if that happens, lawmakers would certainly be forced back into a special session to find ways to make up for the shortfall.

Governor Jeff Landry signed a bill into law that authorizes state and local law enforcement to actively intercept and disable drones that pose credible threats to public safety. GOHSEP Executive Officer of Security and Interoperability Thomas Mule (MUE-lay) says this is a public safety and homeland security issue.

Cut 9 (12)  …nefarious drones.”

Federal and state authorities arrested 84 undocumented immigrants yesterday at Delta Downs Racetrack in Calcasieu Parish during a worksite enforcement operation. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (00) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

LSU has two chances to win its way into the best-of-three national championship series at the College World Series. The Tigers face Arkansas at six this evening. If they win, they move on to the championship series. If they lose, same two teams tomorrow, with the winner advancing. LSU is looking to win its second national baseball championship in three years.

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.