Prostate cancer is on the minds of millions of Americans in light of former President Joe Biden’s diagnosis. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Louisiana State Police have recaptured the fifth of 10 escapees from the Orleans Justice Center jail. The latest fugitive caught is Corey Boyd, an escapee who had briefly been spotted last Friday on a French Quarter surveillance camera just hours after the jailbreak. Boyd is accused of killing Brandon Fees during a car burglary in 2024.

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After almost 25 minutes of spirited debate, the Senate did not vote on a bill that would make the position of insurance commissioner an appointed position instead of an elected position. That’s something that 39 other states currently do. It was written by New Orleans Democrat Royce Duplessis, who wants to take politics out of the role.

Cut 13 (12)  “…of the people.”

The notion of removing citizens’ ability to choose their insurance commissioner did not sit well with Bossier City Republican Adam Bass, and he confronted Duplessis about it.

Cut 14 (15) “…finding another solution.”

When Duplessis closed on his bill, he acknowledged that the votes to pass it likely were not there, so he returned it to the calendar.

We’ll find out if Addis native John Foster becomes the next American Idol on Sunday, but his musical journey started last October at a marina in Brusly. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Southeastern Louisiana University will break ground on the North Oaks Health System Academic and Athletic Complex today. SLU President William Wainwright says it’s a 30-thousand-square-foot facility designed to enhance both academic and athletic programs.

Cut 13 (12)  “…athletic training.”

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Immigration raids that have been sweeping the country seem to be headed to Louisiana. Governor Landry has issued an executive order launching Operation GEAUX, which will team local law enforcement with federal partners to remove, in Landry’s words, “dangerous illegal criminals” from the streets. The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office says it does not have enough room for immigration violators in its jails. But, Attorney General Liz Murrill says where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Cut 11 (10) “…should do that.”

The State House has unanimously passed the state’s budget, which renews stipends for teachers and support staff – two-thousand dollars and one-thousand dollars, respectively at a price tag of 200-million dollars. The House also devoted all 93-million dollars to the L-A GATOR Program that Governor Landry had sought. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says that might be a hard sell in the Senate.

Cut 5 (12) “…Senate Finance Committee.”

The State House of Representatives has unanimously passed the state budget. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Flames tore through the second floor of the historic Nottoway Plantation in Iberville Parish on Thursday. The blaze began around two yesterday afternoon around two on the second floor of the causing extensive damage. According to reports, no guests were present at the time of the fire, and no injuries have been reported.

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Immigration raids could be coming to Louisiana. Governor Landry has issued an executive order launching Operation GEAUX, which partners  local law enforcement with federal agencies to pick up what Landry calls “dangerous illegal criminals”.  The plan has the full support of Attorney General Liz Murrill.

Cut 10 (09) “…should be removed.”

Did you know American Idol finalist John Foster played his first gig at Floyd’s Morley Marina in Brusly last October?  Though the initial crowd was small compared to now, seeing how far Foster has come in so little time is remarkable.

Cut 8 (09) “…for sure.”

Immigration raids may be coming to Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The State House of unanimously passed the state’s budget which includes 200 million dollars to renew stipends for teachers and support staff. Lawmakers made cuts to equipment purchases, the Health Department’s budget and intensive tutoring. That last part was a difficult decision according to Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio,

Cut 4 (10) “…its funding restored.”

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Southeastern Louisiana University will break ground on the North Oaks Health System Academic and Athletic Complex today. SLU President William Wainwright says the  state-of-the-art complex will serve as the new home for the university’s Master of Science in Athletic Training program and will provide advanced training spaces for student-athletes.

Cut 14 (10) “…supporting the curriculum.”

Before taking his talents to Hollywood and the American Idol stage, John Foster played his first gig at Floyd’s Morley Marina in Brusly last October. Though the initial crowd was small compared to now, Foster’s music career has rapidly gained momentum. Owner Jeremy Prejean says watching Foster for the first time was impressive.

Cut 7 (12) “…rolling after that.”

John Foster’s hometown is ready to roll out the welcome mat for the American Idol finalist.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed an executive order yesterday that supports student-athletes in Louisiana receiving fair compensation when it comes to the use of their name, image, and likeness that as national legal proceedings continue around the issue. The NCAA and several athletic conferences have entered into a proposed settlement agreement that would permit colleges to pay student-athletes directly for NIL use.

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Senator Bill Cassidy could face a new challenger in his bid for reelection as news spreads that Governor Landry may be working to recruit Congresswoman Julia Letlow to run for that senate seat,  joining State Treasurer John Fleming. Cassidy is believed to be vulnerable due to his vote in 2021 to convict then-former President Donald Trump for his role in the January 6th riot at the Capitol. And though Cassidy says he stands by his vote, he says he’spatched things up with the now-current President.

Cut 5 (08) “…working with him.”

A Senate committee approves two tort reform bills that supporters say will help in the effort to lower auto insurance rates…reducing the payouts for injured drivers in and limiting payouts for drivers found to be majority at fault in an accident. The legislation has the support of Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple.

Cut 14 (07) “…injury claims.”

Both tort reform bills approved by Senate Judiciary A have already passed the House.

Senator Bill Cassidy could be in for the fight of his political life next year. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The small West Baton Rouge Parish town of Addis welcomes home 18-year-old John Foster tonight. Mayor David Toups says they’re throwing a parade for the American Idol finalist, followed by a special ceremony and mini-concert.

Cut 8 (13) “…by American Idol.”

Foster heads back to Los Angeles after it all to start preparing for Sunday’s season finale.

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A Senate committee approves two tort reform bills that some say will help lower auto insurance rates. One of the bills would reduce the payout an uninsured driver would receive if injured in a crash. The other would limit the payout for an injured driver that has been found to be 51-percent or more at fault in an accident. Bur New Orleans Senator Gary Carter says…

Cut 13 (13)  “…any sort.”

Newlab has launched Newlab New Orleans, an innovation hub focused on transforming Louisiana’s energy sector through technology commercialization. LED CIO Josh Fleig (“fleg”) says the initiative will provide startups from Louisiana and around the globe with scale-up space and access to a statewide network of test sites.

Cut 11 (06) “…from our borders.”

Auto insurance reform legislation has cleared another legislative hurdle as a Senate Committee approves changes to how the legal system handles car crash cases with injuries. Here’s Jeff Palermo.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The town of Addis is rolling out the welcome mat for hometown hero, John Foster. The 18-year-old LSU freshman is coming home tonight after making it to the season finale of American Idol. There’s a parate in Foster’s honor set for five followed by a special ceremony and mini concert at 7:30.

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Senator Bill Cassidy could face a new challenger in his bid for reelection as news spreads that Governor Landry may be working to recruit Congresswoman Julia Letlow to run for that senate seat,  joining State Treasurer John Fleming. Cassidy is believed to be vulnerable due to his vote in 2021 to convict then-former President Donald Trump for his role in the January 6th riot at the Capitol. Cassidy says he stands by his vote.

Cut 4 (09) “…I would not.”

Newlab has launched Newlab New Orleans, an innovation hub focused on transforming Louisiana’s energy sector through technology commercialization. LED CIO Josh Fleig (“fleg”) says the initiative is backed by public-private partnerships, which will advance innovation in industrial power, carbon management, and maritime shipping.

Cut 10 (08) “…test those products.”

The LSU Tigers are ranked number one in all of the major college baseball polls heading into in the final SEC regular season series of the year. Colleen Crain has the story.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

And the town of Addis is set to welcome home American Idol Finalist John Foster tomorrow with a parade or the Hometown hero.  The 18 year old pre-med major wowed the judges last night, punching his ticket to the final three.  The parade tomorrow is set for five with a concert to follow at 7:30.

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The House Ways and Means committee voted seven to four against New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry’s proposal to raise the individual income tax on tax filers who make more than 500-thousand dollars a year. Landry made this argument to the committee…

Cut 15 (10) “…worried about.”

Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder says he’s not interested in raising taxes…

Cut 16 (05) “…work for.”

And a bid by Oil City Representative Danny McCormick to eliminate the state and local sales tax on groceries isn’t going anywhere. Opponents have said the measure would have cost governments 600 to 700-million dollars a year statewide. No one on the committee made a motion to vote on McCormick’s proposal so the idea is dead for the session.

The Senate Judiciary “A” Committee hears several auto insurance bills today. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Louisiana’s own John Foster punched his ticket to the final three of American Idol last night wowing the judges.  The Addis native is being welcomed home tomorrow with a parade set for five pm, and a concert at 7:30.
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Organizers of several South Louisiana festivals, including Festival International de Louisiane in Lafayette, continue to report that many Canadian visitors have cancelled their trips this year amid the tensions between the two countries. New Orleans and Company CEO Walt Leger (luh-ZHAY) says South Louisiana welcomes everyone.

Cut 8 (15) “…welcoming and remarkable.”

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission reports from 2020 to 2023 148 cyclists died on Louisiana roadways.  Public Information Officer Greg Fisher says drivers and cyclists need to be aware and for cyclists, always ride on the right side of the road.

Cut 11 (07) “…flow of traffic.”

Addis’ very own John Foster had made it to the season finale of American Idol. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A Senate Judiciary Committee hears several auto insurance bills today, one of which could eliminate damages to those majority at fault in a crash. Committee Chairman Greg Miller.

Cut 4 (08) “…of the defendants.”

Miller says the purpose is to discourage people from filing frivolous lawsuits against big companies that carry lots of liability insurance.

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Amid tensions between Canada and the U.S., tourism groups are assuring visitors from north of the border and beyond that they are welcome in South Louisiana.Organizers of several South Louisiana festivals, including Festival International de Louisiane in Lafayette, say many Canadian visitors have cancelled trips already this year. New Orleans and Company CEO Wade Leger (luh-ZHAY)…

Cut 7 (11) “…really welcome here.”

Now that we’re well into the month of May and many more cyclists are out,  both cyclists and drivers need to make concerted efforts to share the  roadsand keep everyone safe. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says Louisiana roadways have proven to be deadly for cyclists in the past.

Cut 10 (10) “…age of 25.”