DCFS workers continue to be overburdened with large caseloads and a new audit seems to confirm that and vacancies at the agency are growing. Julie Floyd, a senior performance auditor at the Louisiana legislator’s office says due to the vacancies, the workers at DCFS have seen their caseloads increase substantially.

Cut 13 (10)  “…cases each month.”

The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s office has arrested a 35-year-old Leesville father after a three-year-old shoots another three-year-old. Deputies say one of the children found a handgun beneath a pillow on the bed and accidentally fired the weapon, striking the other child in the shoulder and chest area. Chief Detective Rhonda Jordan says it appears the victim will recover…

Cut 4 (09) “..regular room”

But Fernando Mejia is facing one count of second-degree cruelty to a juvenile.

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 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 millions of dollars are also going to colleges, local water systems and OMV for a new computer system.

A bill waiting for Governor Landry’s signature clarifies a state law on who can carry a concealed handgun at a parade. Parade goers can, but a participant in the parade or a float rider cannot. New Orleans Representative Alonzo Knox is current law…

Cut 10 (10) “…defenseless”

The bill applies to all government-permitted parades or demonstrations.

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 3-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 3-year-old, who found a loaded .40 caliber handgun hidden under a pillow.

A bill awaiting the governor’s signature seeks to clarify Louisiana’s concealed carry law that allows spectators at parades or demonstrations to carry concealed weapons, doesn’t allow participants in a parade to carry. Louisiana Shooting Association President Dan Zelenka…

Cut 11 (11) “…in a parade.”

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

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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 a significant portion will be used to update the outdated OMV computer system. There will also be money for water sector improvements for local water systems.

Cut 7 (10) “…going to that.”

A Leesville man has been charged with second-degree cruelty to a juvenile after his 3-year-old found a .40 caliber handgun hidden under a pillow in the man’s bedroom and accidentally shot another 3-year-old visiting their home. The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to home of 35-year-old Fernando Mejia’s. Mejia is currently being held in the Vernon Parish Jail charged with failing to properly secure the firearm. He 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 child is reportedly hospitalized in stable condition and being released from intensive care.

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.”

She 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.

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

Cut 9 (12)  “…cannot carry.”

AARP Louisiana says Senate Bill 134 would effectively eliminate the ability to hold nursing homes accountable for malpractice with a cap on malpractice damage and they’re urging Governor Landry to veto it.  Bill author, Senator Thomas Pressly, says his bill clarifies the Medical Malpractice Act, which was always intended to include nursing homes. AARP Director of Advocacy Andrew Muhl (“mull”)….

Cut 11 (11) “…is held to.”

Lawmakers passed a bill to mostly outlaw speed cameras with exceptions for school zones and one town that says their police department doesn’t have the resources to run radar. The House amended Senator Stewart Cathey’s bill to exempt Opelousas. Cathey says it’s a slippery slope.

Cut 9 (12)  “…across our state.”

The LSU Baseball is heading to Omaha. It’s the Tigers 20^th trip to the College World Series. They punched their ticket by sweeping West Virginia in the Super Regional with last night’s 12 to 5 win. Shortstop Stevan Milam was the offensive star of the series with a grand slam in game one and four more runs on Sunday night. Milam struggled with the bat in SEC play, but he’s been a Monster at the plate in the NCAA Tournament….

Cut 16 (09) “…to LSU.”

Louisiana ranks 49^th in the country for overall child well-being according to the Kids Count Data Book Director of Data and Research at Agenda for Children, Tereasa Falgoust says s 30 percent of Louisiana children and teen deaths were due to homicide, double the national rate…

Cut 5 (14) “…the solution.”

According to the Kids Count Data Book, Louisiana ranks 49^th in the country for overall child well-being. Director of Data and Research at Agenda for Children, Tereasa Falgoust, says the state dropped a spot in the rankings despite gains in education. She says Louisiana ranks 35^th in education as reading scores improved thanks to high-dosage tutoring…

Cut 6 (09) “…transformative.”

For the 20^th time, the LSU baseball team is headed to the College World Series. The Tigers swept West Virginia in the Super Regional winning last night 12 to 5. LSU first baseman Jared Jones is one of two players who was on the 2023 national championship team. Jones understands what it will take to bring home an eighth national championship for the program…

Cut 17 (10)  “…get ready for Game 1.”

Game one will be Saturday against Arkansas, who swept its Super Regional series versus Tennessee.

AARP Louisiana is urging Governor Landry to veto a bill that would cap malpractice liability for nursing homes. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A bill awaiting Governor Landry’s signature will essentially ban speed cameras in Louisiana. There have been past efforts but this version allows the cameras in school zones. Bill author Senator Stewart Cathey…

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

One other exception was added by the House for the town of Opelousas.

Speed cameras are the governor’s signature away from being outlawed in the state — well, most of it, at least. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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 the bill would have essentially gotten Bob Dean off the hook for his role in the situation where eight of his nursing home residents died when they were moved to a warehouse during Hurricane Ida. The bill’s author, Shreveport Republican Senator Thomas Pressly says Dean’s liability would not have been capped under his bill.

Cut 13 (10)  “…Medical Malpractice Act.”

Louisiana ranks 49^th in the country for overall child well-being according to the Kids Count Data Book that’s put together by the Annie E Casey Foundation. Director of Data and Research at Agenda for Children, Tereasa Falgoust, says one of the main reasons for the poor ranking is that 20-percent of Louisiana children live in a high-poverty neighborhood ranking, compared to just eight percent nationwide…

Cut 4 (11) “…health care.”

It’s back to Omaha for the 20^th time for the LSU baseball team The Tigers swept the Super Regional series versus West Virginia, winning last night 12 to 5 to punch their ticket to the College World Series. Coach Jay Johnson says this team was built around 12 returning players from last year’s team, plus an outstanding freshman class and key pick-ups out the transfer portal. He says it all came together to form a championship worthy team…

Cut 15 (13) “…tonight.”

Game one will be Saturday against Arkansas, who swept its Super Regional series versus Tennessee.

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

Cut 7 (11) “…State of Louisiana.”

Cathey’s bill was thrown a curveball as the House passed – by one vote – an amendment that exempts Opelousas from this ban.

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.”

Louisiana ranks 49^th 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.”

The LSU baseball team is headed to the College World Series for a 20th time. The Tigers swept the Super Regional series versus 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.”

Warm weather means it’s time to protect yourself from West Nile Virus. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Senator Bill Cassidy was among Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee meeting with President Trump this week to find common ground on his “Big, Beautiful Bill.”

Cut 4 (17) “…the American people.”

Cassidy says the bill, as passed by the House, will not pass in the Senate without some changes.

LSU hosts West Virginia in the Super Regional Baseball tournament this weekend. The Tigers hope pitching duo Anthony Eyanson and Kade Anderson can win the series before Monday’s game three. Anderson and Eyanson rank second and third in the nation in strikeouts and have a combined 19-and-3 record. Tigers’ shortstop Steven Milam says it’ll be up to the offense to hold up their end…

Cut 13 (16)  “…how to play.”

The 75th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival is this weekend in Ruston, the peach capital of Louisiana. Tori Davis with Experience Ruston…

Cut 11 (14) “…you’ll ever eat.”

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

A Glenmora police officer is among three people arrested for allegedly shooting and killing two dogs. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says 33-year-old Glenmora Police Officer Steven Ware provided the rifle used to kill two dogs that 47-year-old Shyana Bordelon told a neighbor she would watch while the neighbor was out of town. Bordelon and her son, 26-year-old Murray Gros later reportedly called Glenmora police when Animal Control deemed it unnecessary to remove the dogs as the two requested. Officer Ware allegedly told Bordelon and Gros they could shoot the dogs. He then allegedly retrieved his personal rifle and Gros allegedly shot and buried the dogs.

Every year, people in every region of Louisiana become infected with West Nile says State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol and she advises protection during active mosquito season. She says wearing insect repellent is only one step.

Cut 7 (12) “…windows and doors.”

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

LSU will host West Virginia in the Super Regional round of the NCAA baseball tournament this weekend. The winner of the best-of-three series will head to Omaha for an appearance in the College World Series. Junior second baseman Daniel Dickinson says he played in Omaha on a summer travel team in high school…

Cut 14 (17) “…that picture.”

The first game is at 1:00 Saturday.

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.

Senator Bill Cassidy met with President Trump to discuss his “Big, Beautiful Bill.” Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Today is Secure Your Load for Road Safety Day. Governor Landry made the proclamation naming June 6^th the day “All Louisiana drivers must recognize their responsibility to make safe and considerate choices while driving and driving with an unsecured load presents danger to the traveling public.” Highway Safety Representative Lisa Freeman warns that a 20-pound object that falls off the back of a vehicle will strike with a half-ton (or 1000 pound) impact.

Mosquito season is upon us bringing the risk for West Nile Virus. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says it’s important to eliminate any standing water on your property to remove mosquito breeding grounds.

Cut 8 (13) “…could collect water.”

She says every year, people in every part of the state become infected with West Nile.

LSU is set to host West Virginia in the Super Regional round of the NCAA tournament this weekend. The Mountaineers have gone to back-to-back Super Regionals and were undefeated in Clemson last weekend. Tigers coach Jay Johnson says the Mountaineers will be ready…

Cut 12 (19) “…right now.” 

The series kicks off tomorrow at 1 p.m. Saturday.