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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

Governor Landry could call a special session so lawmakers can approve legislation to prohibit pharmacy benefit managers from owning drug stores, which he says would lower prescription drug costs. But Monroe Representative Michael Echols believes his PBM Reform bill approved on the final day of the session will accomplish just that…

Cut 7 (13) “…entire nation.”

The NFIB is praising the legislature for passing a series of bills this session to improve the small business climate in Louisiana. State Director Leah Long says a pair of them will streamline workforce development by reorganizing the Department of Children and Family Services under the new Louisiana Works agency.

Cut 5 (07) “…to small businesses.”

It’s a new day in collegiate athletics following the House settlement allowing universities to pay their student athletes directly. All schools will be allowed to share up to 20 and a half million dollars of their annual athletic revenue, with that cap increasing four-percent each year over the next decade. Sports attorney Fritz Metzinger of Stone Pigman says many schools will follow the back pay formula devised in the settlement.

Cut 13 (13)  “…this money.”

LSU takes on UCLA in a winner’s bracket game at the College World Series tonight. Jared Jones is looking to bounce back from an 0-for-5 performance against Arkansas Saturday night. Head Coach Jay Johnson says it’s about getting ready for the next game.

Cut 11 (11) “..the box.”

One state representative says his pharmacy benefit manager reform bill that passed this session will lower prescription drug costs over time. Monroe Republican Michael Echols says his legislation is a simple idea – if there’s a deal on your medicine, the savings go to you, not the corporate middlemen.

Cut 9 (13)  “…PBMs.”

The NCAA announces a new N-I-L Go program to review payments over 600 dollars. Sports attorney Fritz Metzinger of Stone Pigman says the Deloitte review board can determine whether they are valid business opportunities or masked booster payments.

Cut 15 (13) “…N-I-L payments.”

Big game for LSU tonight as they face UCLA in a winner’s bracket game in the College World Series. UCLA is 48-and-16 and entered the NCAA baseball tournament as the 15 seed. Head Coach Jay Johnson on the Bruins:

Cut 12 (10) “…awesome night”

If LSU wins, that gives them a huge advantage – they would then have two chances to advance to the best-of-three national championship series. First pitch from Omaha tonight is six p-m.

Scottish native Robert MacIntyre, who spent a year at McNeese before turning pro, finished second at the U.S. Open, two strokes behind J.J. Spaun at one over par. MacIntyre said it’s a matter of so close, yet so far away.

Cut 18 (10)  “…work to do.”

This year’s legislative session had some big wins for small businesses.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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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 2 (32) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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A new era of college athletics will begin July 1 after the NCAA House settlement approved revenue sharing. Kace Kieschnick spoke with Stone Pigman sports attorney Fritz Metzingier.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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NFIB State Director Leah Long praised Louisiana lawmakers for passing several bills that benefit small businesses during the 2025 regular legislative session. Key victories include legal reforms to reduce insurance costs through limits on damage awards, changes to injury assumptions, and revised rules for recovering medical costs.

Cut 4 (11) “…small business owners.”

Long says lawmakers also passed HB 624 and HB 617 to streamline workforce development by reorganizing the Department of Children and Family Services under the new Louisiana Works agency.

Cut 5 (07) “…to small businesses.”

Additionally, NFIB helped defeat SB 223, which would have imposed costly security mandates on small retailers. Long said the session delivered practical solutions to help small businesses grow, hire, and thrive.

Cut 6 (08) “…do nothing anymore.”

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Governor Landry could call a special session so lawmakers can approve legislation to prohibit pharmacy benefit managers from owning drug stores. Landry says this measure would lower prescription drug costs. But Monroe Representative Michael Echols believes his PBM Reform bill approved on the final day of the regular session will lower drug costs over time…

Cut 7 (13) “…entire nation.”

Echols says his legislation ensures that prescription drug rebates and discounts flow directly to the patients or their health plans, instead of pharmacy benefit managers who are considered the middlemen

Cut 8 (08) “…national level.”

Echols says his PBM reform bill is a simple idea, if there’s a deal on your medicine, those savings should go to you….not a corporate company in the middle…

Cut 9 (13)  “…PBMs.”

Governor Landy is expected to sign the legislation.

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The LSU Tigers will take on UCLA tonight in a winner’s bracket game at the College World Series. LSU won its first game in Omaha on Saturday, four to one. Left-hander Kade Anderson allowed one run over seven innings versus Arkansas, and tonight Anthony Eyanson will try to follow up that performance…

Cut 10 (10) “…settle in.”

Saturday night was a tough night for LSU first baseman Jared Jones. He went 0-for-5 with five strikeouts. Following yesterday’s workout, Coach Jay Johnson worked with Jones in the batting cage. Johnson says it’s all about getting ready for the next game…

Cut 11 (11) “..the box.”

UCLA enters tonight’s game with a 48-16 record after holding off Murray State on Saturday. The Bruins were co-regular season champs in the Big 10. They are the 15-seed and have not lost a game in the NCAA Tournament. Johnson on the Bruins…

Cut 12 (10) “…awesome night”

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College athletics may never be the same after the NCAA House settlement allowing universities to pay their student athletes directly. All power schools and any other division one schools who elect to do so will be allowed to share up to $20.5 million of their annual athletic revenue with that cap increasing 4% each year over the next decade. Sports attorney Fritz Metzinger of Stone Pigman says many schools will follow the back pay formula devised in the settlement.

Cut 13 (13)  “…this money.”

The back pay formula allocates 75% of the funds to football, 15% to men’s basketball, 5% to women’s basketball and the remaining 5% for other sports.

Metzinger says this formula will be used to award the $2.8 billion the settlement included in damages.

Cut 14 (11) “…two-thousand-twenty-four.”

The NCAA also announced a new N-I-L Go program to review N-I-L payments over $600. Metzinger says the Deloitte review board can determine whether they are valid business opportunities or masked booster payments.

Cut 15 (13) “…N-I-L payments.”

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A pair of golfers with Louisiana ties had a chance to claim the crown at the U.S. Open in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. But it was not meant to be, as J.J. Spaun came away with the title. The course was so tough that he was the only one who finished under par for the tournament at minus-one. Shreveport’s own Sam Burns, who competed at LSU, entered the final round atop the leaderboard, but he could not hold on. He had two double-bogeys on the back nine, including on the 15th hole, when his tee shot landed in highly saturated water in the fairway. He tried to get relief from the rules officials from the temporary standing water, but they said no. Afterwards, Burns said it was a tough break.

Cut 16 (19) “…kind of that.”

Burns finished tied for seventh at four over par. He said overall, he’s proud of the way he played.

Cut 17 (07)  “…was a blast.”

Another golfer with Louisiana ties who was in contention late was Robert MacIntyre. The native of Scotland spent a year at McNeese before turning pro. He finished second, two strokes back at one over par. MacIntyre said it’s a matter of so close, yet so far away.

Cut 18 (10)  “…work to do.”

MacIntyre said he knew going in that the course at Oakmont was going to be a tough one, weather conditions notwithstanding.

Cut 19 (12) “…that doesn’t change.”

The 2025 Legislative session wrapped up with some sweeping changes made to state government, and state law. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Attorney General Liz Murrill is hailing the passage of a bill aimed at speeding up the post-conviction relief process, with an emphasis on death penalty cases. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Bill Pearson will be one of many hoping for an extra special Father’s Day present in Omaha this weekend, but as the father of two LSU Tigers, his gift may be a cut above the rest. Kace Kieschnick has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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The 2025 Legislative session is in the books, and Leaders for a Better Louisiana Chief Policy Officer Barry Erwin calls it a significant session. Erwin says the highlight is legal changes to how car crashes are handled in court, hoping it will bring down insurance rates.

Cut 4 (09) “…we go forward.”

One of the last acts of the legislature was the decision to take 1.2 billion dollars from the Revenue Stabilization Fund, which is a savings account for the state and allocate hundreds of millions of dollars for road improvement, economic development initiatives and improving local water systems.

Erwin says legislation was also approved to reorganize the state Department of Transportation.

Cut 5 (09) “…more effectively.”

On the final day of the session, the legislature approved a bill that expands the TOPS scholarship program, creating a new “excellence” level. Erwin says students with an ACT of 31 or higher will receive higher scholarship amounts in an effort to combat the brain drain…

Cut 6 (09) “…places in Mississippi.”

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Attorney General Liz Murrill is hailing the passage of House Bill 675. That’s the bill by Slidell Republican Brian Glorioso that speeds up the post-conviction relief process in which inmates seek to have their sentences shortened or overturned. It accomplishes this by setting tighter deadlines for judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys handling post-conviction relief petitions. Murrill says this is a huge win for the families of the victims of heinous crimes.

Cut 7 (10) “…in our state.”

While its main focus is on death penalty cases, Glorioso’s bill is much more encompassing. Murrill says it ends the process of drawing out the appeals process for years and even decades.

Cut 8 (09) “…that from happening.”

Murrill says the longer these cases drag on, the longer the families of the victims are traumatized.

Cut 9 (09)  “…see this through.”

Opponents say the bill would place too many burdens on prisoners who usually have few resources to pursue post-conviction relief. Murrill rejects that notion, saying the opposition usually comes from those opposed to the death penalty. The bill is awaiting Governor Landry’s signature.

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Governor Landry hails the legislative session as a huge success.

Cut 10 (10) “…and insurance companies.”

In a video posted to social media immediately after the session adjourned sine die, Landry said the legislature accomplished a lot over the last 60 days.

Cut 11 (13) “…not against you.”

And Landry said the legislature put the people of the state on a path to live healthier lives.

Cut 12 (08) “…generations to come.”

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Bill Pearson will be just one of thousands of LSU fans descending on Omaha this weekend, but his perspective will be unlike any other. This Father’s Day weekend, he’ll get to watch his two sons, Josh and John in the College World Series. Senior outfielder Josh Pearson has been an outstanding outfielder and clutch hitter for the Tigers.

Cut 13 (08)  “…just so fast.”

Bill watched Josh’s heroics help LSU win a championship in 2023, but this will be the first time he’s seen two sons in Omaha. Freshman first baseman John hasn’t seen much diamond time this year, but Bill says Josh has helped his younger brother stay patient.

Cut 14 (09) “…him to do.”

Along with wife Anna and older son Jacob, who was selected in the third round of the 2017 MLB draft, the family operates the Pearson Baseball Academy in West Monroe. Bill says he loves watching young players achieve their dreams.

Cut 15 (11) “…kind of surreal.”

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LSU will face Arkansas in their first game of the College World series tomorrow. The Tigers bats have been alive this postseason, averaging over ten runs a game. The trip to Omaha, however, will be their first time leaving the comfort of the Box, where LSU has been a different team. Coach Jay Johnson says this offense can produce in many different ways.

Cut 16 (19) “…throughout the year.”

LSU won the regular season series at home against the Razorbacks two games to one, including a 5-to-4 10-inning win. Arkansas ace Zach Root will return to the mound for revenge against the Tigers tomorrow. Root has an 8-and-5 record with a 3.59 ERA and 119 strikeouts in 17 starts. LSU slugging first baseman Jared Jones says the Razorbacks have one of the best pitching staffs in the country.

Cut 17 (19)  “…to the plate.”

One of the many challenges of the College World Series is the possibility of having to battle back from the loser’s bracket and play four straight days of baseball. That’s exactly what LSU had to do on their 2023 championship run, and Johnson says the Tigers are ready for whatever Omaha has to offer.

Cut 18 (18)  “…for anything.”

First pitch between the Tigers and Razorbacks is set for 6:00.

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ULM announced it will be hiring Bossier City native Ford Pemberton as its new head baseball coach. Pemberton spent the last two seasons with Memphis as the Tigers’ hitting coach and recruiting coordinator. He previously served in the same roles at Southeastern Louisiana. Pemberton says he’ll start his tenure in Monroe by building a quality staff.

Cut 19 (18) “…of people.”

The Warhawks finished at the bottom of the Sun Belt this season with an 8-and-22 conference record. Pemberton says he wants to emphasize player recruitment and development, both physically and mentally. He believes, with the help of the Monroe community, he can turn a struggling ULM program around.

Cut 20 (19) “…get going.”

Cut 26 (12) (applause fades)

With that, the 2025 legislative session comes to an end. Governor Landry released a video immediately at the conclusion of the session, hailing it a success.

Cut 10 (10) “…and insurance companies.”

Leaders for a Better Louisiana Chief Policy Officer Barry Erwin says the big highlight of the session is legal changes to how car crashes are handled in court, hoping it will bring down insurance rates.

Cut 4 (11) “…we go forward.”

The legislature also approved a bill that expands the TOPS scholarship program, creating a new “excellence” level.

The legislature approved a 46-billion-dollar budget for next fiscal year, albeit only giving Governor Landry 43-million out of the 93-million dollars he was seeking for the L-A GATOR scholarship program. House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says this is the first year of the program, so it’s best to take a conservative approach when funding it.

Cut 14 (10) “…of this.” 

Attorney General Liz Murrill is hailing the passage of House Bill 675. That’s the bill by Slidell Republican Brian Glorioso that speeds up the post-conviction relief process by setting tighter deadlines for judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys. Murrill says this is a huge win for the families of the victims of heinous crimes.

Cut 7 (10) “…in our state.”