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

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Governor Landry says the legislative session was a huge success.  He says a lot was accomplished in just sixty days, including…

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

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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.”

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.”

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

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The latest NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose slightly last month. The improvement was primarily driven by stronger expectations for sales and better business conditions. But, the Uncertainty Index also increased. NFIB State Director Leah Long says taxes were the main concern for business owners.

Cut 7 (10) “…it is uncertain.”

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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.”

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. And says 2025 should be another great year. says they’re expecting 2025 to be another great year after kicking it off with the Super Bowl.

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

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President Donald Trump said during a speech Tuesday in Fort Bragg that he would restore the names for military bases that had their names changed under former President Joe Biden. That includes Fort Polk which was changed to Fort Johnson for medal of Honor recipient Sergeant William Henry Johnson who served in World War One.  It will now go back to being named for Silver Star recipient General James H. Polk.

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Tourism in New Orleans is just about back to pre-pandemic levels, with more than 19-million visitors. But Walt Leger (luh-ZHAY), the president and CEO of New Orleans and Company, there some outside forces creating headwinds in international travel.

Cut 14 (10) “…economy right now.”

A bill allowing pharmacies to sell ivermectin without a prescription is on its way to Gov. Jeff Landry for signature.  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. But the bill’s sponsor Senator Mike Fesi says he personally used the drug for COVID-19 treatment successfully.

Cut 5 (09) “…got better quickly.”

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

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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.”

Under the new law, pharmacists must screen for risks and inform patients about proper use.

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Tourism in New Orleans has bounced back to from Covid-19. The city welcomed more than 19-million visitors last year, the highest number since 2019. But a new problem is emerging in that  many visitors to the Crescent City are from Canada…and with the White House rhetoric of making Canada a state, some Canadians are rethinking their travel plans.

Cut 15 (09) “…they’ll be back.”

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 labor and inflation remain pressing issues.  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.”

A bill allowing pharmacies to sell ivermectin without a prescription is on its way to Gov. Jeff Landry for signature. 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. Under the new law, pharmacists must screen for risks and inform patients about proper use.

Cut 6 (05) “…over the counter.”

Small businesses are feeling cautiously optimistic…at least according to the latest NFIB Small Business Optimism Index. NFIB State Director Leah 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.”

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President Donald Trump plans to restore the names of seven military bases whose names were changed under the former administration, that includes Louisiana’s own Fort Polk.  The name was changed to Fort Johnson to recognize medal of Honor recipient Sergeant William Henry Johnson who served in World War One.  It will now go back to being named for Silver Star recipient General James H. Polk.

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, but isn’t going to Omaha, at least not yet.

Cut 11 (13) “…the World Series.”

The Tigers are set to play Arkansas in the opening round of the College World Series Saturday night.

Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee met with President Trump this week to find common ground on his “Big, Beautiful Bill.” Among them was Bill Cassidy, who says the two-hour meeting was very productive. Cassidy says the bill will need some changes to pass the Senate.

Cut 3 (17) “…people do better.”

LSU hosts West Virginia in the Super Regional round of the NCAA tournament beginning today. 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…

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The series kicks off this afternoon at one.

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With warmer temperatures here, now is the time to take steps to protect yourself from West Nile Virus. Kace Kieschnick reports.

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The 75th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival is happening today in Ruston. Tori Davis with Experience Ruston says the event has grown into a music and arts festival. Admission is Free.

Cut 9 (15)  “…huge arts market.”

The heat will be on today at Alex Box Stadium in more ways than one as the high temperature in Baton Rouge is predicted to be 95-degrees. It’s already been a crazy NCAA Tournament with a lot of upsets and LSU goes into this Super Regional Series as a big favorite in today’s 1 pm game. But second baseman Daniel Dickinson knows West Virginia will be a tough team to beat…

Cut 18 (09)  “…their season.”

The 75th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival is happening in Ruston today with music, food, and fun for all ages.  Tori Davis with Experience Ruston says peaches are a huge crop in northwest Louisiana – so much so that Ruston is known as the peach capital of Louisiana.

Cut 11 (14) “…you’ll ever eat.”

So if you’re in the area, be sure to check it out. Admission is free.

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Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee met with President Trump this week to find common ground on his “Big, Beautiful Bill.” Among them was Bill Cassidy, who says the two-hour meeting was very productive. Cassidy says the president laid out his main objectives that he wants to achieve with his “Big, Beautiful Bill.”

Cut 4 (17) “…the American people.”

Mosquito season is upon us, so now is the time to take steps to protect yourself from West Nile Virus. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says when you go outside, apply EPA-approved mosquito repellent containing DEET and…

Cut 7 (12) “…windows and doors.”

It will be hot for today’s Super Regional as the high temperature in Baton Rouge is predicted to be 95-degrees. LSU is the favorite in the series but the Tigers know the Mountaineers will be tough to beat.  Coach Jay Johnson says the adversity his team has already faced should be a benefit as they try to win an eight national championship.

Cut 19 (14) “…they play”

Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee met with President Trump this week to find common ground on his “Big, Beautiful Bill.” Among them was Bill Cassidy, who says the two-hour meeting was very productive. Cassidy says the bill will need some changes to pass the Senate.

Cut 3 (17) “…people do better.”

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With warmer temperatures here, now is the time to take steps to protect yourself from West Nile Virus. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The 75th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival is happening today in Ruston. Tori Davis with Experience Ruston says the event has grown into a music and arts festival. Admission is Free.

Cut 9 (15)  “…huge arts market.”

Mosquito season is upon us, so now is the time to take steps to protect yourself from West Nile Virus. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says when you go outside, apply EPA-approved mosquito repellent containing DEET, and take other steps as well.

Cut 6 (09) “…hours or so.”

Sokol says every year, people get infected with West Nile in every part of the state, so everyone is at risk for West Nile.

Mosquitos probably won’t be a problem so early, but it will be hot for today’s Super Regional as the high temperature in Baton Rouge is predicted to be 95-degrees. Shortstop Stevan Milam says they are prepared for the heat…

Cut 17 (13)  “…this weekend.”

First pitch is set for one this afternoon.
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Senator Bill Cassidy and other Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee met with President Trump this week to discuss the “Big, Beautiful Bill.” Andrew Greenstein reports.

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The 75th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival is happening today in Ruston. Tori Davis with Experience Ruston says the free music and arts festival offers entertainment for visitors of all ages.

Cut 10 (11) “…until 10:30 p.m..”

A sweeping bill that mandates a series of nutritional reforms is awaiting Governor Landry’s signature. Andrew Greenstein reports.

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If you’re looking for something else to do over the weekend, how about some fishing?  Rene LeBreton with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says this is free fishing weekend.

Cut 10 (09) “…sport of fishing.”

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The Super Regional between LSU and West Virginia kicks off at Alex Box Stadium tomorrow.  Tiger Rag editor Glen Guilbeau expects Anthany Eyanson to start game one to be available to close out game three if necessary. As for the lineup, he believes Johnson will stick with the one that secured a Regional championship versus Little Rock.

Cut 15 (14) “…fifth or sixth.”

Whether you’re fishing or taking in some baseball, you may notice a haze in the sky this weekend… the result of dust particles from the Sahara Desert. Associate professor of coastal meteorology at LSU, Paul Miller, says it will affect air quality so if you’re at risk be aware.  Miller says the dust is brought across the Atlantic by hot, dry desert winds.

Cut 6 (10) “…cyclone development.”

Miller says weather systems off the coast of Florida should disperse the dust by Monday.