A woman claims in a civil suit field in Los Angeles that Pelicans star Zion Williamson raped her on two occasions in 2020. The woman also alleges Williamson choked her and was abusive towards her when she visited him at Beverly Hills home that Zion was renting. Williamson’s legal team says the allegations are categorically false and reckless and they claim this is an extortion scheme.

Hurricane season starts Sunday, and the National Weather Service and NOAA are both prepared to keep people informed at all times with the latest life-saving information. Acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm says personnel will be going to great lengths in this endeavor.

Cut 9 (16)  “…of storm processes.”

Grimm says NOAA is also improving its process in predicting how storms intensify.

Keep an eye on your “pick-a-nick baskets.” Black bears have been spotted in Baton Rouge and St. Tammany Parish. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Insurance Council of Louisiana is sounding the alarm on House Bill 148. The bill Governor Landry signed gives the insurance commissioner the ability to reject rate increases regardless of market conditions. Executive Director Rodney Braxton says this new law will keep insurance companies from expanding in Louisiana and will impact their desire to deploy new capital in the state.

Cut 7 (06) “…be less competition.”

The Insurance Council of Louisiana is concerned about House Bill 148 that Governor Landry just signed into law that gives the insurance commissioner the ability to reject rate increases regardless of market conditions. Executive Director Rodney Braxton says this law is reminiscent of when Louisiana had the now-abolished insurance rating commission, which he says injected politics into the process.

Cut 8 (10) “…on actuarial science.”

Black bears have been spotted roaming neighborhoods in Baton Rouge, and in Covington and Abita Spring. LDWF Large Carnivore Program Manager John Hanks says while not common, bear he confirmed that bears live in the area but are rarely seen. Hanks says the largest known bear in Louisiana was 698 pounds.

Cut 4 (09) “…400 pounds.”

Louisiana black bears, once considered threatened, were removed from the Endangered Species List in 2016, and bear hunting quotas have since increased.

Hurricane season begins this Sunday and Acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm says personnel will be going to great lengths to keep people informed. They’re improving their process in predicting how storms intensify and enhancing how they issue storm surge watches and warnings.

Cut 11 (14) “…caused by storms.”

In addition, the National Hurricane Center will provide a rip current risk map.

LSU-Shreveport looks to make history again tonight. The Pilots won their 58^th straight game in the semifinals of the NAIA World Series last night giving LSU-S the longest winning streak in college baseball at any level. Right fielder Ryan Davenport says at the beginning of the season, they knew they were a good team…

Cut 13 (11)  “…that happen.”

Tonight in Lewiston, Idaho, LSU-Shreveport can win the school’s first NAIA World Series and complete a perfect 59-0 season.

The NCAA Baseball Regionals get underway today and the LSU Tigers host Little Rock. The game that was scheduled for 2 PM is currently in a weather delay but the Tigers are one of the favorites to win their eighth national championship because of their pitching. Coach Jay Johnson…

Cut 26 (08) “…great job”

LSU-Shreveport made history last night and they can make more history tonight. The Pilots won their 58^th straight game in the semifinals of the NAIA World Series. The 14-4 victory over Hope International gives LSU-S the longest winning streak in college baseball at any level. Right fielder Ryan Davenport credits team chemistry…

Cut 12 (10) “…we are” 

The 2025 Hurricane season begins this Sunday. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Not exactly the neighbors one would expect but Black bears have been seen in neighborhoods in Baton Rouge, Covington, and Abita Springs. Louisiana black bears were removed from the Endangered Species List in 2016. LDWF Large Carnivore Program Manager John Hanks says if you encounter a bear, don’t run and back away slowly. Don’t yell at the bear but be loud and calm.

Cut 5 (07) “…not something to eat.”

Last year for the first time in decades a very limited bear hunting season opened briefly for a handful of hunters who were picked by lottery.

The House Health and Welfare committee rejected a bill by Houma Sen. Mike Fesi that sought to ban fluoride in public drinking water systems. Fesi says natural fluoride is different from the fluoride being put in the drinking water.

Cut 10 (11) “…poison in our water.”

9-year-old Toby Ramen from Monroe testified saying he believes the American Dental Association that fluoride is safe, effective, and essential for public health.

Cut 12 (12) “…thank you (applause)”

Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans is boosting its reward for information leading to the capture of the two remaining escapees from the Orleans Justice Center to 20 thousand dollars bringing combined reward money to 50 thousand dollars per escapee. Louisiana State Police Superintendent Colonel Robert Hodges says he’s confident that Antoine Massey and Derrick Groves will soon be back in custody and he stresses that anyone who helps either of them will be held criminally responsible.

Cut 4 (11) “…potentially high bond.”

LSU-Shreveport won a record-tying 57^th straight game last night, leaving them two more victories away from winning an NAIA national championship. The Pilots defeated Southeastern from Florida ten to nothing. LSU-S pitcher Isaac Rohde struck out ten and benefited from his teammates scoring five runs in the first inning…

Cut 13 (07)  “…it was awesome”

LSU plays defending national champion Hope International out of California tonight.

A disturbing discovery in Shreveport. A deceased one-day old infant was found mixed in with linens at a cleaning facility. What the ALSCO Uniforms employee who found the baby initially believed was a doll, turned out to be a child that was supposed to have been cremated at a Dallas Funeral Home. Alsco was able to determine that the laundry came from that funeral home. The baby’s body is now in the custody of the Caddo Parish Coroner and the Texas Funeral Service Commission has been notified.

Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans is boosting its reward for information leading to the capture of the two remaining escapees from the Orleans Justice Center to 20 thousand dollars bringing the combined reward to 50-thousand dollars per fugitive. President Darlene Cusanza says Crimestoppers has gotten so many tips that it had to increase staffing to handle the calls. And she says they have been very beneficial.

Cut 3 (11) “…within 30 minutes.”

She says each of those tipsters will be paid their reward money.

There’s been a major monkey wrench thrown into the battle to restrict speed cameras throughout the state. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

On a 10-5 vote, the House Health and Welfare committee rejected a bill by Houma Sen. Mike Fesi that sought to ban fluoride in public drinking water systems.  Dentist testified against the bill saying it would increase tooth decay, Fesi fought back against that argument.

Cut 9 (11)  “…saving our teeth.”

The bill, which received Senate approval, would have allowed parishes to reintroduce fluoride only through a petition and special election.

Anyone with information leading to the capture of the two remaining escapees from the Orleans Justice Center could earn a reward of 50 thousand dollars per fugitive since Greater New Orleans upped their share of the reward to 20-thousand dollars. On the other hand, Louisiana State Police Superintendent Colonel Robert Hodges says assist the escapees and go to jail and he says he’s very confident that Antoine Massey and Derrick Groves will soon be back in custody.

Cut 5 (12) “…them in custody.”

LSU-Shreveport won a record-tying 57^th straight game last night. The win ties the all time college baseball record for longest winning streak. Howard College in Texas won 57 in a row in 2009.  Senior shortstop Jose Sallorin drove in three runs last night and says they are not thinking about the winning streak…

Cut 14 (06) “…0-and-0.”

The House Health and Welfare committee rejected a bill that would ban fluoride in drinking water.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A major monkey wrench in the fight to restrict speed cameras throughout the state. As the legislature continues considering Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey’s bill to do away with the speed cameras, the House passed an amendment by a single vote to exempt Opelousas from any such rule.

Cut 6 (14) “…of this amendment.”

Governor Landry signed six auto insurance reform bills into law this morning. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A person who infects another person with a sexually transmitted disease could be charged criminally under a bill approved by the House Criminal Justice Committee. Monroe Representative Pat Moore has spent the last six weeks trying to get this proposal out of committee…

Cut 9 (08)  “…incurable diseases.”

Moore says current Louisiana law only addresses HIV.

A statewide poll shows strong support for the App Store Accountability Act which would require parental consent before minors could download apps.  Louisiana Family Forum CEO Gene Mills says it would also ensure accurate age ratings and require the app stores to implement one-time age verification.

Cut 7 (11) “…parental consent.”

The bill, authored by Mandeville Representative Kim Carver heads to the Senate Commerce Committee.

LSU Baseball is hosting its 28^th Regional this weekend and its first since 2023. Designated Hitter Ethan Frey from Rosepine was a freshman on that team and is excited to experience postseason baseball at the Box once again….

Cut 17 (12)  “…every game.”

Several bills addressing the high cost of auto insurance in Louisiana have made their way to Governor Landry’s desk and at a ceremony in the governor’s mansion, he signed six of them into to law this morning. Landry said insurance companies make more money in Louisiana than in other states.

Cut 3 (13) “…in the country.”

These bills grant the insurance commissioner authority to reject rate increases regardless of market conditions, bar drivers 51-percent at fault or higher from collecting damages to cover their injuries and bar undocumented immigrants from collecting damages.

A bill that would require app stores to obtain parental consent before a minor could download an app passed the house. Louisiana Family Forum CEO Gene Mills supports  The App Store Accountability Act.

Cut 6 (12) “…40 apps a week.”

While at least fourteen people face charges for helping some of the ten inmates in their escape from the Orleans Parish Jail, two people are being charged for helping Tra’von Johnson escape the Tangipahoa Parish Jail last week. Johnson was recaptured last Friday and 37-year-old Dameon Booth who was reportedly with Johnson when he was recaptured has been arrested charged with principal to simple escape and aggravated escape. Another inmate, 28-year-old Trevon Wallace allegedly helped Johnson over the fence also faces charges for his role. More arrests may be coming as deputies are searching for others who may have been involved in this escape.

A statewide ban on kratom is now one signature from Governor Landry away from becoming reality. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

It’s been a historic season for LSU Shreveport and the Pilots can make more history today. If LSU S wins tonight, it will be their 57^th straight victory which will tie the all-time college win streak set by Howard College in Texas. LSU-S will play at 8:30 central time in Lewiston, Idaho.

The ULM School of Education earned an A+ rating from the National Council on Teacher Quality for its elementary math teacher preparation, one of only four Louisiana universities to achieve this distinction. This follows ULM’s prior A+ rating in Reading Foundations. School of Education Associate Director Dr. Shalanda Stanley

Cut 5 (10) “…student performance.”

She says the difference is shortening the gap between learning how and actually practicing with students getting hundreds of hours of field experience prior to full-time teaching.

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network held Cancer Action Day at the Capitol. Louisiana Government Relations Director for the ACS CAN Alice Kline says the rally was to advocate for increasing funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs.

Cut 10 (10) “…so heavily.”

Monroe Police have arrested six people, in connection with a brawl over the Memorial Day weekend. Police Chief Vic Zordan (rhymes with Jordan) says investigators used surveillance video footage to arrest the six, and more arrests are expected.

Cut 13 (09)  “…on video there.”

This incident comes months after a shooting outside a sporting goods store in which rival gangs went after one another.

After nearly 100-thousand Entergy and Cleco customers in Southeast Louisiana lost power for hours due to a “load-shed” event ordered by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator. CLECO says they will investigate the outage and Entergy says they want to understand the directive from MISO and Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta says is demanding transparency from MISO on why the outages occurred without warning.

Cut 10 (12) “…within 30-minutes.”

Monroe tourism officials say Phil Robertson brought a lot of attention to the region. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich gave high praise to current Speaker Mike Johnson during an appearance on a Baton Rouge radio morning show. The 81-year-old Gingrich says Johnson is the most remarkable Speaker of the House in his lifetime for how he has led a 435-member body with a slim Republican majority…

Cut 3 (12) “…people complain.”