At the top of the hour, the 2025 legislative session will be over, 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, with the hopes it will bring down insurance rates.

Cut 4 (11) “…investment pay off.”

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.”

Victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault and stalking can now have remote access technology on their vehicles disabled, thanks to a new law signed by Governor Landry. Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Detective Kelly Downey collaborated closely with lawmakers and survivors, saying 80-percent of all domestic homicide victims were stalked.

Cut 4 (12) “…helps both sides”

Victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault and stalking now have added protections, thanks to a new law signed by Governor Landry. The new law requires car manufacturers to disable remote access technology, such as tracking and control features, within two days of receiving a certified protective or restraining order. Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Detective Kelly Downey was instrumental in getting House Bill 74 passed.

Cut 3 (11) “…track or monitor.”

A Medicare advocacy group is urging Congress to protect the Medicare Advantage program. When the One Big Beautiful Bill made it out of the House, the program was left intact. However, Darren Grubb with Medicare Advantage Majority says the Senate has the program in its crosshairs.

Cut 6 (08) “…essentially cut funding.”

Omaha is getting ready for an onslaught of LSU fans. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

Churchill Downs has announced plans to surrender its racing license for the New Orleans Fair Grounds due to a recent Louisiana Supreme Court ruling banning historical horse racing machines without local voter approval. HHR machines, which are a major source of off-track betting revenue, were deemed a new form of gambling.

President Trump is looking to revert military bases renamed in 2023 back to their original names, including the base currently known as Fort Johnson in Vernon Parish. However, State Representative Chuck Owen, whose district includes the base, says while the name would change back to Fort Polk, it would not be in honor of the Confederate soldier.

Cut 5 (07) “…Leonidas Polk again.”

Instead, the base would now be named for General James H. Polk, who served in combat during three wars.

Lawmakers pass a bill allowing lawsuits against out-of-state doctors and others who provide or facilitate abortion pills to Louisiana residents, even by mail. Louisiana Right to Life Policy Director Erica Inzina says the bill is needed to close legal loopholes and to deter illegal abortions.

Cut 11 (07) “…abortion pill.”

The bill awaits Governor Landry’s signature.

Churchill Downs says it plans to surrender its racing license for the New Orleans Fairgrounds due to a recent Louisiana Supreme Court ruling banning historical horse racing machines without local voter approval. Tyler Bridges with the Times-Picayune says there’s no appetite among state officials to give Churchill Downs what it wants.

Cut 14 (09) “…Churchill Downs’ bluff.”

Omaha is getting ready for an onslaught of LSU fans for the College World Series. Not that we led her or anything, but Deborah Ward, the executive director of Visit Omaha, tells us that LSU fans are among her most favorite fans.

Cut 8 (10) “…travel so well.”

This is LSU’s 20th time in the College World Series, and the Tigers are seeking their eighth national championship.

The legislator who represents Fort Polk is hailing the changing of the military base back to its original name. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Omaha is getting ready for an onslaught of LSU fans. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

____________________________________________

A bill is heading to the governor’s desk that would expand abortion restrictions by allowing lawsuits against out-of-state doctors and medical providers sending abortion pills by mail. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

____________________________________________

The member of the Louisiana legislature that represents Fort Polk is hailing the renaming of the military base back to its original name. Rosepine Republican Chuck Owen says there was a lot of ill will when the Congressional Naming Commission changed the name to Fort Johnson in 2023.

Cut 4 (14) “…name was changed.”

The base was originally named for Confederate soldier Leonidas Polk. But following the creation of the Congressional Naming Commission in the wake of the George Floyd protests of 2020, the name was changed to honor William Henry Johnson, a World War One veteran from the New York National Guard unit known as the “Harlem Hellfighters.” Representative Owen says it’s important to note that while the name is reverting back to Fort Polk, it is not reverting back to the original person it was named for.

Cut 5 (07) “…Leonidas Polk again.”

Instead, Owen says the base is now being named for General James H. Polk, who served in combat during three wars.

Cut 6 (09) “…James K. Polk.”

Fort Polk is one of seven military bases that have had their original names restored by President Trump, albeit not for their original Confederate namesakes. Still, the Southern Poverty Law Center has come out against the move, saying Trump is seeking to honor insurrectionists who went to war against their own countrymen to preserve white supremacy and protect slavery.

________________________________________________________

Omaha is getting ready for an onslaught of LSU fans for the College World Series. Deborah Ward, the executive director of Visit Omaha, says the city’s arms are wider when LSU fans show up.

Cut 7 (12) “…you last year.”

Not that we led her or anything, but Ward tells us that LSU fans are among her most favorite fans.

Cut 8 (10) “…travel so well.”

And Ward says LSU is bringing a piece of Baton Rouge with it to Omaha.

Cut 9 (11)  “…fans in general.”

This is LSU’s 20th time in the College World Series, and the Tigers are seeking their eighth national championship.

________________________________________________________

Lawmakers have passed a bill expanding abortion restrictions by allowing lawsuits against out-of-state doctors and others who provide or facilitate abortion pills to Louisiana residents, even by mail. Louisiana Right to Life Policy Director Erica Inzina says the legislation responds to a case involving a New York doctor accused of sending such pills to a Louisiana minor.

Cut 10 (11) “…made that possible.”

Inzina says the bill is needed to close legal loopholes and to deter illegal abortions.

Cut 11 (07) “…abortion pill.”

Opponents, including New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis, argue the law is unnecessary and could further limit women’s healthcare.

Cut 12 (08) “…be more restrictive.”

The bill exempts licensed Louisiana providers and pharmacists and now awaits Governor Jeff Landry’s signature.

________________________________________________________

Churchill Downs has announced plans to surrender its racing license for the New Orleans Fair Grounds due to a recent Louisiana Supreme Court ruling banning historical horse racing machines without local voter approval. HHR machines, which are a major source of off-track betting revenue, were deemed a new form of gambling. Tyler Bridges with the Times-Picayune says Churchill sent a letter to the Louisiana Racing Commission saying they are serious about pulling out.

Cut 13 (12)  “…go through March.”

Churchill representatives criticized state officials for failing to engage in productive dialogue and cited recent legislation expanding video poker elsewhere as further harm. Bridges says there is no appetite to give Churchill Downs what they want.

Cut 14 (09) “…Churchill Downs’ bluff.”

Officials warn closure would harm the local economy and equine industry. A special Racing Commission meeting is expected soon. Bridges says its possible the state could come up with some money to help.

Cut 15 (13) “…racing season going.”

_____________________________________________________________

The LSU Tigers are back in Omaha after missing out on the College World Series last season. Right-handed pitcher Chase Shores was a member of the 2023 national championship team and believes LSU can win it all again.

Cut 16 (11) “…national championship.”

Shores started the season as LSU’s Sunday starter. In April he was moved to the bullpen and has become a dependable reliver. Shores got the final out in the Super Regional series against West Virginia. The six-foot-eight flame thrower on why he’s succeeded in his new role.

Cut 17 (12)  “…better too.”

Shores is also hitting 100 miles per hour on the radar gun. He’s trying not to look at the scoreboard to see how fast he’s throwing.

Cut 18 (12)  “…(laughs).”

_____________________________________________________________

Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu is heading into his 13^th season in the NFL and his fifth season with the Saints. Kellen Moore is the third head coach he’s had in New Orleans, and the Honey Badger likes that Moore is a bright offensive mind…

Cut 19 (17) “…offensive league.”

Today is the final day of Saints minicamp, and the starting quarterback battle will continue into training camp. Tyler Shough (“shuck”) on how he’s handling the competition.

Cut 20 (18) “…coach’s perspective.”

On the penultimate day of the legislative session, a bill came out of a conference committee with a major change that has led to a massive lobbying campaign from CVS. The change to House Bill 358 would ban pharmacy benefit managers from owning pharmacies. Supporters say that would stop big companies from using their buying power to squeeze out local independent pharmacies. CVS, on the other hand, says it would force it to close all 119 of its pharmacies in the state and put some 27-hundred employees out of work. The House passed it on a vote of 88-to-4. It’s a Senate vote away from reaching Governor Landry’s desk.

The legislature has passed a bill requiring state agencies to track the immigration status of those receiving public services. New Iberia Republican Blake Miguez:

Cut 6 (11) “…taxpayer dollars.”

Lawmakers pass a bill allowing lawsuits against out-of-state doctors and others who provide or facilitate abortion pills to Louisiana residents, even by mail. Louisiana Right to Life Policy Director Erica Inzina says it responds to a case involving a New York doctor accused of sending such pills to a Louisiana minor.

Cut 10 (12) “…made that possible.”

Louisiana’s film industry could see a revival following the passage of Senate Bill 232, which updates the state’s film tax incentive program. Film Louisiana President Jason Waggenspack says the new law removes outdated caps, including a 20-million-dollar limit on production costs and a three-million-dollar-per-person payroll cap.

Cut 9 (12)  “…talk to LED.”

Small businesses are optimistic, yet cautious. That’s the big takeaway of the latest NFIB Small Business Optimism Index, which rose slightly last month. NFIB State Director Leah Long says one reason is Governor Landry attempting to make the state more business-friendly with tax breaks.

Cut 9 (12)  “…optimism increases.”

Tourism in New Orleans is just about back to pre-pandemic levels. Walt Leger (luh-ZHAY), the president and CEO of New Orleans and Company, says last year, the city welcomed more than 19-million visitors – the highest number since 2019. Leger says they’re expecting 2025 to be another great year, buoyed by the Super Bowl.

Cut 13 (13)  “…to bring in.”

The LSU baseball team is off to Omaha for the College World Series. Fans gathered outside Alex Box Stadium to see the team off this morning as they boarded three buses bound for the airport. The Tigers won it all two years ago; these fans say they can do it again.

Cut 3 (07) “…Tigers win!!!”

LSU opens play Saturday against Arkansas, a team they beat two out of three times this season at Alex Box Stadium. The two teams are the betting favorites to win it all.

And the Tigers have a secret weapon – seven-year-old Caden Templet of Covington, who’s battling Burkitt’s lymphoma. He was paired with the LSU baseball team through Team IMPACT. Senior Case Manager Lynn LaRocca (la-ROCK-uh) says when pairing kids with college teams, they take several things into consideration, including their favorite sports and the closest schools to where they live.

Cut 12 (09) “…times per month.”

Governor Jeff Landry’s signature will make Ivermectin available over the counter at Louisiana pharmacies. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

Small business optimism was up in May, according to the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

____________________________________________

LSU has had a secret weapon in its run to Omaha and the College World Series. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

A bill allowing pharmacies to sell ivermectin without a prescription is on its way to Gov. Jeff Landry for signature. SB19, sponsored by Senator Mike Fesi, permits adults to purchase the drug under a standing order from the Louisiana Department of Health.

Cut 4 (06) “…over the counter.”

Though approved by the FDA to treat certain parasitic conditions, ivermectin is not authorized for COVID-19 treatment, and experts warn that misuse can lead to severe health issues, including liver damage, seizures, and even death. However, Fesi says he personally used the drug for COVID-19 treatment successfully.

Cut 5 (09) “…got better quickly.”

Under the new law, pharmacists must screen for risks and inform patients about proper use. They are shielded from liability if they act in good faith, although insurers aren’t required to cover the drug. The bill passed both chambers with strong Republican support, aligning Louisiana with other GOP-led states.

Cut 6 (05) “…over the counter.”

The law will take effect once signed by the governor.

________________________________________________________

Small businesses are optimistic, yet cautious. That’s the big takeaway of the latest NFIB Small Business Optimism Index, which rose slightly last month. The improvement was primarily driven by stronger expectations for sales and better business conditions. However, the Uncertainty Index also increased, indicating that small business owners remain cautious. NFIB State Director Leah Long says taxes were the main concern for business owners.

Cut 7 (10) “…it is uncertain.”

Long says labor and inflation remained pressing issues, though concerns over labor quality fell. In May, 34-percent of owners reported unfilled job openings, and 86-percent of those hiring said qualified applicants were scarce.

Cut 8 (09) “…is super important.”

Long says one reason for the optimism is the administration change with Governor Landry’s sweeping tax reform and attempting to make the state more business-friendly with tax breaks to business owners.

Cut 9 (12)  “…optimism increases.”

________________________________________________________

It turns out that LSU has had a secret weapon in their march to Omaha and the College World Series. Seven-year-old Caden Templet of Covington is battling Burkitt’s lymphoma and was paired with the Tigers baseball team through Team IMPACT, which matches children facing serious illnesses with college sports teams. Senior Case Manager Lynn LaRocca (la-ROCK-uh) says Caden has been with the team throughout the season.

Cut 10 (09) “…in the stands.”

LaRocca says Caden, however, will not be joining the team in Omaha – not yet, at least.

Cut 11 (13) “…the World Series.”

LaRocca says Team IMPACT has matched more than four-thousand kids battling serious medical issues with college sports teams, and they take several things into consideration, including the kids’ favorite sports and the closest schools to where they live.

Cut 12 (09) “…times per month.”

________________________________________________________

Tourism in New Orleans is just about back to pre-pandemic levels. Walt Leger (luh-ZHAY), the president and CEO of New Orleans and Company, says last year, the city welcomed more than 19-million visitors – the highest number since 2019, the year before COVID-19 shut the world down. Leger says they’re expecting 2025 to be another great year, buoyed by the city hosting the Super Bowl.

Cut 13 (13)  “…to bring in.”

However, Leger says outside forces are creating some headwinds in international travel.

Cut 14 (10) “…economy right now.”

Leger says what’s especially tough is that many visitors to New Orleans are from Canada, and the rhetoric emerging from the White House, including comments about wanting to make Canada a U.S. state, is forcing Canadians to rethink their travel plans to the U.S.

Cut 15 (09) “…they’ll be back.”

_____________________________________________________________

The LSU baseball team leaves for Omaha this morning where they’ll play Arkansas on Saturday night in the opening round of the College World Series. Coach Jay Johnson says fine tuning their mental preparation is the biggest priority for the players at this moment…

Cut 16 (16) “…in Omaha.”

LSU second baseman Daniel Dickinson has been one of the most consistent players on this Tigers team. Johnson knew when he signed Dickinson out of the transfer portal that he would have a major impact on the program…

Cut 17 (20)  “…the statistics.”

LSU will play Arkansas at 6 PM on Saturday. The other two teams on LSU’s half of the bracket are UCLA and Murray State, who has a four-seed in the Oxford Regional has made it to Omaha. Johnson gave a quick breakdown on the teams LSU will have to battle to get to the championship series…

Cut 18 (18)  “…what we do.”

_____________________________________________________________

Day one of Saints minicamp is in the books. Head Coach Kellen Moore says he’s impressed by the play of his young quarterbacks, Tyler Shough (“shuck”) and Spencer Rattler.

Cut 19 (16) “…ask for them.”

Moore says the quarterbacks worked on situational football yesterday.

Cut 20 (18) “…through this minicamp.”

A bill clarifying Louisiana’s concealed carry law that allows spectators at parades or demonstrations to carry concealed weapons, while maintaining the ban for participants in such events is awaiting Governor Landry’s signature. The legislation does not alter existing law, but rather clarifies it. New Orleans Representative Alonzo Knox had concerns about public safety due to the potential for armed bystanders, particularly in crowded or alcohol-involved settings.

Cut 10 (10) “…than be defenseless.”

The bill applies to all government-permitted parades or demonstrations, and Louisiana Shooting Association President Dan Zelenka noted the original concealed carry law already prohibits parade participants from carrying a gun.

Cut 11 (11) “…in a parade.”

The legislature is expected to withdraw about 1.2-billion dollars from the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund to pay for various projects. House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says some of that money will be used to update the severely outdated OMV computer system.

Cut 8 (09) “…to stop that.”

A bill allowing pharmacies to sell ivermectin without a prescription is on its way to Governor Landry for his signature. SB19, sponsored by Senator Mike Fesi, permits adults to purchase the drug under a standing order from the Louisiana Department of Health.

Cut 4 (06) “…over the counter.”

Though approved by the FDA to treat certain parasitic conditions, ivermectin is not authorized for COVID-19 treatment, and experts warn that misuse can lead to severe health issues, including liver damage, seizures, and even death.

A Leesville man is facing charges after a three-year-old accidentally shoots another three-year-old. The victim was shot in the shoulder and chest and is in stable condition. 35-year-old Fernando Mejia is the father of the shooter, who found the gun hidden under a pillow. Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft says that’s no place to keep a gun, especially with kids present.

Cut 5 (10) “…grab it easily.”

Mejia is charged with second-degree cruelty to a juvenile and failing to properly secure the firearm.

A new audit shows that DCFS workers continue to be overburdened with their caseloads, averaging about 19 per month. Julie Floyd, a senior performance auditor at the Louisiana legislator’s office, says despite the burden, there hasn’t been a big turnover rate at the agency.

Cut 14 (08) “…around 15-percent.”

The Louisiana Legislature is expected to withdraw about 1.2-billion dollars from the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund to pay for various projects. House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says that includes money for water sector improvements for local water systems.

Cut 7 (10) “…going to that.”

A bill clarifying Louisiana’s concealed carry law that allows spectators at parades or demonstrations to carry concealed weapons, while maintaining the ban for participants in such events is awaiting Governor Landry’s signature. Louisiana Shooting Association President Dan Zelenka on why the legislation is necessary.

Cut 9 (12)  “…cannot carry.”

The legislature is expected to withdraw about 1.2-billion dollars from the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund. Andrew Greenstein reports that represents a small overall portion of the fund.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

A new audit shows that DCFS workers continue to be overworked. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

___________________________________________________

A Leesville man has been charged with second-degree cruelty to a juvenile after a shooting incident involving young children. The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office received a report of a three-year-old being shot at 35-year-old Fernando Mejia’s home. Chief Detective Rhonda Jordan says once investigators arrived at the residence they found a 40-caliber gun in the bedroom….

Cut 3 (08) “…children were playing.”

Investigators determined that the injured child was playing with Mejia’s three-year-old, who found a loaded .40-caliber handgun hidden under a pillow. The gun discharged, striking the visiting child in the shoulder and chest.  Jordan says the child is in stable condition.

Cut 4 (09) “…regular room.”

Mejia was charged for failing to properly secure the firearm. He is currently being held in the Vernon Parish Jail and is also subject to a detainer from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Sheriff Sam Craft says gun safety should be practiced at all times.

Cut 5 (10) “…grab it easily.”

________________________________________________

The Louisiana Legislature is expected to withdraw about 1.2-billion dollars from the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund to pay for various projects. House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says that includes about 709-million dollars for shovel-ready road projects that will be completed within one year.

Cut 6 (11) “…falling in line.”

McFarland says it also includes money for water sector improvements for local water systems.

Cut 7 (10) “…going to that.”

McFarland says the legislature will be putting forth a significant portion of the 110-million dollars it will take to update the severely outdated OMV computer system.

Cut 8 (09) “…to stop that.”

That 1.2-billion represents less than a third of the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund. Even after the withdrawal, it will still have 2.7-billion dollars left in it.

________________________________________________

A bill clarifying Louisiana’s concealed carry law that allows spectators at parades or demonstrations to carry concealed weapons, while maintaining the ban for participants in such events is awaiting Governor Landry’s signature. Louisiana Shooting Association President Dan Zelenka on why the legislation is necessary.

Cut 9 (12)  “…cannot carry.”

The legislation does not alter existing law but enhances clarity for citizens and law enforcement. New Orleans Representative Alonzo Knox had concerns about public safety due to the potential for armed bystanders, particularly in crowded or alcohol-involved settings.

Cut 10 (10) “…than be defenseless.”

The bill applies to all government-permitted parades or demonstrations, and Zelenka noted the original concealed carry law already prohibits parade participants from carrying a gun.

Cut 11 (11) “…in a parade.”

_________________________________________________________

A new audit shows that DCFS workers continue to be overburdened with their caseloads. Julie Floyd, a senior performance auditor at the Louisiana legislator’s office, says there has been an increase in recent years in vacancies, especially in front-line case workers.

Cut 12 (08) “…to increase salaries.”

Floyd says due to these vacancies, the workers at DCFS have seen their caseloads increase substantially.

Cut 13 (10)  “…cases each month.”

Floyd says despite the added workload for the DCFS workers still with the agency, there hasn’t been a big turnover rate at the agency.

Cut 14 (08) “…around 15-percent.”

Floyd says DCFS and the state have implemented special pay mechanisms to encourage employees to stay. However, a staffing and salary analysis showed that it’s inconclusive as to whether those special mechanisms were leading employees to stay.