A 12-member team, including firefighters from Baton Rouge, Zachary, West Feliciana, and Shreveport Fire Departments, deployed to Texas to aid in the catastrophic flood response, particularly in Kerr County.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Congratulations to Garrett Nussmeier, he got down on one knee over the holiday weekend to propose to his longtime girlfriend. Jeff Palermo has the happy story…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Crime continues to plague Natchitoches, with the latest incident happening early yesterday morning. Police Sergeant John Greely says there was a deadly mass shooting shortly after 1:30.

Cut 3 (08) “…was pronounced deceased.” (six shot, one fatally)

The man who died has been identified as 18-year-old Latravion Stallworth of Natchitoches. Of the other five victims, three were released from the hospital, and two are in stable condition. Sergeant Greely says this happened on Keyser (KYE-zer) Avenue.

Cut 4 (05) “…late night eateries.”

Greely says at this time, it’s unknown what led up to the shooting.

Cut 5 (05) “…towards this case.”

So far, no one is in custody.

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President Donald Trump signed the Big Beautiful Bill on the Fourth of July.  So when will people start seeing effects? Senator Bill Cassidy says that for some Louisiana taxpayers, will feel it right away.

Cut 6 (05) “…overtime begin.”

Cassidy says the One Big Beautiful Bill expands business incentives…

Cut 7 (12) “…create those jobs.”

The legislation extends tax cuts approved in 2017 and creates new ones like for workers who receive tips or overtime compensation. Cassidy says the legislation also ends several consumer tax credits connected to clean energy

Cut 8 (10) “…six weeks, six months.”

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A 12-member task force comprised of firefighters from Baton Rouge, Zachary, West Feliciana, and Shreveport are in Texas to aid in catastrophic flood response, particularly in Kerr County.  Baton Rouge Fire Chief Michael Kimble says swift water operations are still ongoing and they are there as a back-up to a team that’s already conducting them…

Cut 9 (08)  “…by another team.”

Trained in swift water rescue and urban search and rescue, the firefighters are equipped with advanced rescue boats and specialized gear to save lives in flood emergencies. Kimble says they are some of the most qualified and dedicated individuals around.

Cut 10 (10) “…go help somebody.”

Their mission supports overwhelmed local crews, with deployment duration based on ongoing needs. Kimble commended the rapid response of Governor Jeff Landry to approve the 14-day deployment.

Cut 11 (12) “…continue the operation.” 

LEAP test results show progress among younger learners, but a slight decline in those closer to graduation. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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It is Fourth of July weekend, and the State Fire Marshal’s office is urging those who plan to light up the sky to do so safely. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The latest LEAP test results show that overall student proficiency among students in grades three through eight is up a percentage point, with 35-percent achieving Mastery or above. Erin Bendily, the senior vice president of the Pelican Institute, says the state has come a long way, but the job is not done yet. She notes that when students through high school are factored in, the results are flat. 

Cut 3 (14) “…the last year.”

Bendily says while it’s important to get younger students off to a good start in their education, it’s also important not to neglect high school students. She says in some regards, it’s even more important for those students to be performing at grade level.

Cut 4 (10) “…in the workplace.”

Bendily says while the state has certainly come a long way in the last few years, the state still has a ways to go to get to where it needs to be.

Cut 5 (14) “…will soon face.”

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Tragedy in West Baton Rouge Parish as a little Port Allen girl drowns in a neighbor’s swimming pool. The sheriff’s office says three-year-old Jacie Lee walked out of the garage of her home at around four yesterday afternoon while her family was inside. Sergeant Landon Groger says following an intense search, a deputy found the nonverbal girl unresponsive in her neighbor’s pool.

Cut 6 (11) “…apparent drowning.”

The Sheriff’s Office considers the drowning an accident, and the incident remains under investigation.  Groger urges parents to be aware of where their children are a all times.

Cut 7 (10) “…of the garage.”

The loss has deeply affected the family and community, including responding deputies. Groger reminds everyone to be safe and have a designated person watching children this Fourth of July weekend.

Cut 8 (12) “…in your prayers.”

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Fireworks will be popping tonight and tomorrow as America celebrates its 249th birthday. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ken Pastorick says if you plan to shoot fireworks, make sure you are 200 feet away from buildings and vehicles, never let children handle fireworks, light one firework at a time and do not use fireworks impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Cut 9 (10)  “…eleven deaths.”

Pastorick says there are more than 600 retail fireworks stands that are permitted statewide. He says Louisiana law requires all wholesale and retail fireworks sellers to be properly licensed by the State Fire Marshal’s office…

Cut 10 (07) “…fireworks stand.”

Pastorick says suspicious or illegal sales can be reported to the state…

Cut 11 (10) “…5452.” (2nd time)

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Planning a 4th of July barbecue? Expect higher prices for some staples, with beef up seven-percent, ground beef up ten-percent and potatoes and pork n beans also costing more, according to Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain.

Cut 12 (11) “…over a year ago.”

Strain urges consumers to focus on local, in-season options like fresh corn, Creole tomatoes, and Louisiana watermelon, which are abundant. He says other meat prices have been up year over year.

Cut 13 (06)  “…ham over 4-percent.”

Strain says the American Farm Bureau Federation estimates that an average cookout for ten people will cost about 70-dollars. Strain says for grocery prices to drop, more stability is needed in the market.

Cut 14 (10) “…input cost.”

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The U-S House gave final legislative passage today to President Trump’s sweeping tax cut and spending bill. House Speaker Mike Johnson says the One Big Beautiful Bill will permanently lower taxes for families and businesses, secures the border and unleashes American energy dominance…

Cut 15 (10) “…you vote today.”

The vote was 218 to 214, with two Republicans breaking party-lines to vote against the legislation. Every single Democrat in the House voted against the measure. New Orleans Democratic Congressman Troy Carter says Trump’s Big Ugly Bill will increase energy costs by 400-dollars per household, give tax breaks to the rich, rips away health coverage from 17 million Americans.

Johnson says the One Big Beautiful Bill will provide tax relief for the middle class and save every American from a tax increase…

Cut 16 (10) “…on the bill.”

A Facebook scam rears its ugly head in Louisiana, and at least one person is out a lot of money. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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The attorney general of Louisiana files a trio of lawsuits against CVS. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Glen West of 247Sports says LSU has the talent to make another run to Omaha next season. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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As the old adage goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. That’s what the Better Business Bureau is saying as it warns you of a scam involving mobile home sales. Carmen Million, the president of the Better Business Bureau serving South Central Louisiana, says a seller going by the name Rose Harvey Mobile Homes created a fake Facebook listing using real mobile home photos, luring real would-be buyers.

Cut 4 (13) “…even in existence.”

The Better Business Bureau has received several complaints about this company, with one person reporting a loss of 35-hundred dollars. Million says when conducting any business, there are many red flags to watch out for.

Cut 5 (12) “…a red flag.”

Million says the shipping cost that the so-called company quoted should have set off alarm bells too.

Cut 6 (12) “…15-hundred dollars anywhere.”

And Million says whenever possible, pay with a credit card. Otherwise, if there’s an issue, the money is as good as gone.

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Attorney General Liz Murrill has filed three lawsuits against CVS. One of them stems from the text message CVS sent to people on June 11th, urging them to contact their legislator and oppose House Bill 358. Murrill said CVS used private patient information to send the text messages.

Cut 7 (17) “…your health care.”

HB 358, which ultimately died when time ran out on the session, had a provision tacked on at the last minute that would have banned pharmacy benefit managers from owning pharmacies. CVS said in the text blast would have forced it to close all stores statewide. Murrill said CVS’ texts were full of misinformation.

Cut 8 (14) “…to pay more.”

The other two lawsuits Murrill filed allege that CVS’ abuse of pharmacy benefit managers manipulates drug prices, and CVS’ business practices drives independent pharmacies out of business.

Cut 9 (10)  “…out of business.”

In a statement, CVS says it sent the text messages in accordance with the law and because it was important for people to know about a potential disruption to its operations. It says Murrill’s allegations of manipulation of drug prices have no merit, and its business model delivers value to its customers.

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U-S Senator Bill Cassidy says he prefers the House version of the Big Beautiful Bill over the Senate’s version because the Senate is looking at cutting Medicaid to the point that it threatens rural hospitals, and some people could lose their insurance. Cassidy says the House version freezes the Medicaid provider tax…

Cut 10 (12) “…understand that.”

Cassidy says the Senate bill is a starting point and negotiations will continue between Republican lawmakers.  The Big Beautiful Bill will make the president’s 217 tax cuts permanent and Cassidy its passage will deliver the largest tax cut for working families in the nation’s history…

Cut 11 (07) “…of this magnitude.”

Cassidy says the Big, Beautiful Bill also reduces taxes on tips and overtime…

Cut 12 (13) “…on overtime.”

The President has asked Congress to pass the Big, Beautiful Bill by July 4^th.

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LSU may have won its eighth national championship just a few days ago, but head coach Jay Johnson and his staff are already hard at work putting together next year’s roster to defend their title. Glen West of 247Sports says the Tigers are still loaded with enough talent to make another run. The centerpiece will be freshman pitcher Casan Evans.

Cut 13 (09)  “…next year.”

The biggest question mark will be what the infield looks like around shortstop Stephen Milam. Incoming transfers Brayden Simpson out of High Point and Kansas State’s Seth Darder will compete with LSU’s always-talented freshman class. West says some returning bench pieces could be in the mix as well.

Cut 14 (13) “…and third.”

Priority one will be keeping names out of next month’s MLB Draft. Center fielder Chris Stanfield and right-handed pitcher Zac Cowan would be key contributors next season if they choose to stay in Baton Rouge. West identified D-H Ethan Frey as another target.

Cut 15 (13) “…little bit.”

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The Pelicans hold the seventh and twenty-third overall picks in tonight’s NBA draft. New Orleans and new Head of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars made a splash yesterday, trading veterans C-J McCollum and Kelly Olynyk to the Wizards for young guard Jordan Poole and wing Saddiq Bey. With room for improvement across the roster, Jake Madison of the Locked On Pelicans Podcast thinks the team will go best available at No. 7.

Cut 16 (17) “…direction I think.”

One target for the Pelicans that could bolster an undersized frontcourt is 18-year-old Duke center Khaman Maluach. Madison says the South Sudanese seven-footer offers rim protection last year’s first-round pick Yves Missi can’t.

Cut 17 (13)  “…high on.”

Another prospect linked to New Orleans has been freshman Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Fears. With starting point guard Dejounte Murray expected to be out with a torn Achilles until January, Madison says the Pelicans need a true playmaking guard.

Cut 18 (16)  “…exceptionally well.”

Madison says some names to watch for New Orleans at pick 23 are Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. Colorado State guard Nique Clifford and Stanford center Maxime Raynaud.

Shoplifters, beware, the Tangipahoa Sheriff’s Office has two more heroic deputies. They weigh over one ton and pursue at over 25 miles per hour. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Legendary Louisiana Tech sports broadcaster Dave Nitz passed away at the age of 82 this morning. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Tangipahoa Sheriff’s Office assisted in an unusual shoplifting arrest Saturday at the grand opening of a new Tractor Supply store in Ponchatoula. Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says 35-year-old Theresa Prine was confronted by the store owner for trying to leave without paying when hooved heroes Caddy and Yella took notice..

Cut 3 (11) “…detain her.”

The shoplifter was detained until the Ponchatoula Police Department arrived. The woman was issued a summons for Felony Theft after determining her cart contained over 12-hundred-dollars’ worth of merchandise. Rodrigue says the pursuit was over as soon as it began.

Cut 4 (08) “…large animals.”

Rodrigue says the Mounted Division was stationed at the opening to be a positive presence, as they are at many public events, but these officers are more than just a long, pretty face. She says they specialize in crowd control and pursuit.

Cut 5 (11) “…is effective.”

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The longtime voice of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, Dave Nitz passed away at the age of 82 this morning. A master storyteller, Nitz called over 45-hundred Tech games over 50 years. LA Tech broadcaster Malcolm Butler says the Loyal Blue lost an icon.

Cut 6 (07) “…Tech nation.”

A native of West Virginia, Nitz arrived in Ruston in the spring of 1974 when he called his first Bulldog baseball game, an NCAA Regional matchup at old Arlington Stadium. Butler says Nitz was a professional in every sport, but baseball was his passion…

Cut 7 (07) “…their households.”

Nitz called his final Louisiana Tech game last year- a Bulldog baseball home game. He’d relinquished football and men’s basketball duties to Butler years before. Butler says Nitz and his signature call were a tough act to follow…

Cut 8 (13) “…Dave Nitz.”

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Governor Landry signs a series of bills aimed at unleashing Louisiana’s coastal energy production. Among the bills Landry signed during a ceremony at Moncla Well Services in Lafayette was one that addressed legacy lawsuits by encouraging parties to admit responsibility in damaging the state’s coastline and work towards remediation. 

Cut 9 (10)  “…address this issue.”

Another bill Landry signed is the Affordable, Reliable, Clean Energy Security Act.

Cut 10 (15) “…reliability and resiliency.”

Landry also signed a bill that reduced the severance tax on all new oil drilling projects in the state, continuing his work on reducing taxes throughout the state.

Cut 11 (06) “…a half percent.”

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Louisiana Congresswoman Julia Letlow has filed legislation that would help agricultural producers impacted by disruptions to the global trade market. Letlow says the bill would create a dedicated fund that would allow the Trump Administration to respond swiftly to trade-related losses

Cut 12 (13) “…of the tariffs.”

Letlow says its important farmers receive financial assistance if they lose revenue, because of a decrease in exports, higher input costs and retaliatory trade barriers imposed by foreign countries. She this measure would make sure farmers receive the support they need, while President Trump works to fix unfair trade practices…

Cut 13 (06)  “…farmers whole.”

The Republican who serves Louisiana’s 5^th Congressional District says her legislation already has the support of the House Agriculture Committee…

Cut 14 (06) “…for a vote.”

Letlow says an exact time on when the legislation could receive a vote on the House floor is not known.

Louisiana State and U-S Open Turkey Calling competition starts Friday in Hammond.  Sean Richardosn has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The U.S. Senate primary in Louisiana is not until next April, but the gloves are already off. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Turkey callers from across the nation have flocked to Hammond for the Louisiana State & U.S. Open Turkey Calling Championships at the Southern Boyz Outdoor Store. Contest Manager Hunter Lemoine says the competition is open to all ages, with preliminary events starting tomorrow, and 12 gobblers from each division will compete in the finals on Saturday.

Cut 3 (07) “…compete.”

Lemoine says the event invites both competitors and spectators to enjoy a weekend of entertainment, including a gun raffle, live music, banquets, and food.

Cut 4 (10) “…hunting and fishing trips.”

On Saturday, Southern Boyz will also host its first annual cookoff to benefit TARC, a nonprofit supporting children and adults with disabilities. Lemoine says that Whether you’re a seasoned turkey caller or just looking for a fun weekend activity, there’s something for everyone at this unique and lively outdoor event.

Cut 5 (12) “…it’s gonna be cool.”

First Place for both Friction and Open divisions wins eight-thousand-dollars

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State Senator Blake Miguez is pulling no punches in telling voters how he feels about Senator Bill Cassidy in his video announcing his candidacy for U.S. Senate. He’s reminding voters of a certain vote Cassidy took four years ago in the second impeachment trial of then-former President Donald Trump.

Cut 6 (07) “…I won’t. (gunshot)”

The New Iberia Republican did take time to introduce himself to statewide voters in his nearly two-minute-long video.

Cut 7 (14) “…hard work did.”

While Miguez is painting Cassidy as someone who does not stand with President Trump, Cassidy says that simply is not true.

Cut 8 (12) “…gotten them approved.”

And Cassidy defended his record in his two terms in the U.S. Senate representing the people of Louisiana.

Cut 9 (08)  “…ever gotten before.”

Cassidy says he welcomes the primary challenges and the attack ad, saying it’s not the first one and likely won’t be the last one. Miguez joins State Treasurer John Fleming as notable candidates challenging Cassidy for the Republican Senate nomination.

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On Saturday, LSU first baseman Jared Jones went 0-for-5 with five strikeouts. Today he’s a hero. Jones hit a game tying home run in the eighth inning and then singled off the second baseman’s glove in the ninth inning for the game winning hit in a dramatic six to five win over Arkansas

Cut 10 (10) “…any other way.”

LSU trailed 5-to-3 heading into the bottom of the ninth inning but found a way to win. Coach Jay Johnson says his guys play with a togetherness that helps them win close ball games…

Cut 11 (10) “…about this.”

It was LSU’s third walk-off win of the year and the Tigers have rallied several times this year after trailing by multiple runs. Jones says this team never gives up….

Cut 12 (09) “…drive him in.”

Luis Hernandez hit a two-run double to tie the game before Jones won it with his single.

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President Donald Trump signed an executive order extending TikTok’s operation in the U.S. for 90 days, marking the third extension as his administration seeks to transfer the app to American ownership.  Tech Gumbo Host Haggai Davis says at some point these executive orders will wear thin.

Cut 13 (08)  “…somethings got to give.”

Originally banned by Congress and upheld by the Supreme Court, TikTok briefly went dark in January before Trump’s first order revived it. Negotiations for a U.S.-based spinoff stalled after China withdrew due to Trumps tariffs on China. Davis says its unlikely China would want to sell.

Cut 14 (09) “…beyond me.”

Concerns are with content algorithms and data protections used to collet information on its users.  Davis says with Trump benefiting politically from TikTok and if the app is banned from the U-S market many small business owners will suffer.

Cut 15 (12) “…TikTok doesn’t have to go away.”

Potential federal cuts in Medicaid could have devastating effects here in Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Federal and state authorities arrested 84 undocumented immigrants yesterday at Delta Downs Racetrack in Calcasieu Parish during a worksite enforcement operation. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The Louisiana Motor Transport Association says progress on legal reform was made in the legislative session, but more work needs to be done. Executive Director Renee Amar (AY-mar) says she hopes in future sessions lawmakers address outstanding issues, including transparency in medical billing.

Cut 3 (11) “…the insurance market.”

Amar says legislation is also needed to eliminate phantom damages, and pervasive fraud that distorts claims and inflates costs.

Amar says one bill that passed that she wishes that didn’t was the one that gives the insurance commissioner the authority to reject insurance rate increases regardless of market conditions. She says that could drive insurance companies out of the state altogether – and trucking companies could follow suit.

Cut 4 (12) “…rates in half.”

Amar says the LMTA will continue to push for a cap on damages in an effort to lower insurance rates.

Cut 5 (14) “…State of Louisiana.”

Among the bills Amar says she’s glad were passed were one that stipulates that a driver at least 51-percent at fault in a crash cannot collect any damages and one that limits damages that an uninsured driver can collect.

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A recent study shows that if you want Gulf Shrimp in Alexandria its about a 50/50 chance.  SeaD (“seed”) Consulting Co-Founder Erin Williams says 24 restaurants were tested that advertised Authentic Gulf Coast Shrimp and 13 of those were serving imported shrimp.

Cut 6 (11) “…Gulf Shrimp.”

Williams says SeaD Consulting partnered with Florida State University to develop the Rapid ID Genetic High-Accuracy Test that delivers species results from raw, cooked, or frozen shrimp in two hours.

Cut 7 (08) “…and reliable test.”

It’s illegal in Louisiana to mislabel the origin of seafood. Violators face significant financial penalties. Founder Dave Williams says even with Louisiana’s strict mislabeling laws there still needs to be more enforcement.

Cut 8 (08) “…what we do.”

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Governor Jeff Landry signed a bill into law that authorizes state and local law enforcement to actively intercept and disable drones that pose credible threats to public safety. GOHSEP Executive Officer of Security and Interoperability Thomas Mule (MUE-lay) says this is a public safety and homeland security issue.

Cut 9 (12)  …nefarious drones.”

The law empowers specifically trained officers to deploy both kinetic and non-kinetic technology to neutralize drones operating unlawfully near high-risk areas such as schools, public events, and critical infrastructure.

The legislation comes amid rising national concern over unauthorized drone activity near sensitive locations. Mule says there are more than two-thousand critical infrastructure facilities in the state, including two nuclear power plants.

Cut 10 (07) “…those facilities.”

Governor Jeff Landry says recently law enforcement arrested several people for using drones to drop drugs and cell phones into a federal prison in Grant Parish.

Cut 11 (06) “…action against it.”

Penalties for violators include fines of up to five-thousand-dollars, up to one year in jail, and mandatory forfeiture of the drone used in the offense.

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A stark warning from Senate President Cameron Henry on federal Medicaid funding. During a webinar hosted by the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, the Republican from Metairie says due to changes the Senate is considering on President Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” Louisiana could be in for a huge loss.

Cut 12 (09) “…to the state.”

Speaker Henry says if that happens, it would be back to the drawing board for state lawmakers who just got done hashing out a budget for the 2026 fiscal year.

Cut 13 (07)  “…to do it.”

Henry says he has been in close contact with Senator Bill Cassidy and Congressman Steve Scalise, and he says he hopes cooler heads will ultimately prevail in Washington.

Cut 14 (08) “…our delegation for.”

About 35-percent of Louisiana residents rely on Medicaid for health insurance. Louisiana spends about 15-billion dollars a year on Medicaid, with federal money accounting for more than two-thirds of that amount.

An invasive fish species thought to be eradicated has been discovered in Port Sulphur. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Come August 1st, kratom will be illegal in Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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In an unanimous vote, Louisiana lawmakers passed a new law criminalizing grooming of minors to enable sexual abuse. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Tilapia, a hardy invasive fish, has reemerged in canals near Port Sulphur, two decades after escaping a pond during Hurricane Katrina. LDWF Deputy Assistant Secretary of Fisheries Chris Schieble says they thought Tilapia was eradicated in 2009 through a costly rotenone treatment, and recent findings of juvenile tilapia suggest some survived.

Cut 4 (12) “…many are there.”

Schieble says the fish pose a major ecological threat if they spread into nearby estuaries, where they could displace native species.

Cut 5 (10) “…habitat competition.”

The discovery has renewed concern over invasive species management and the potential long-term consequences of introducing non-native fish into the wild.  Schieble encourages anyone that catches tilapia to not release it back into the water.

Cut 6 (09) “…you got it.”

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Come August 1st, Kratom will be illegal in Louisiana. Last week, Governor Landry signed Senate Bill 154 into law, making the possession, sale and distribution of kratom illegal in the state. Grant Parish Sheriff Steven McCain was on hand when Landry signed the bill. He witnessed first-hand the impact of kratom in his community.

Cut 7 (10) “…and were hallucinating.”

Sheriff McCain testified before the Senate Judiciary “B” Committee about his experience facing the impacts of kratom in his community – and he came face-to-face with powerful lobbyists within the kratom industry.

Cut 8 (12) “…it in Louisiana.”

McCain says with kratom being readily available at places like smoke shops and gas stations, people were getting their hands on it – at times with tragic results

Cut 9 (13)  “…of our community.”

The bill passed in the House 89-to-5 and in the Senate 26-to-11. Landry signed it into law last Tuesday.

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Governor Jeff Landry has signed a bill criminalizing grooming, the act of building trust with minors to enable sexual abuse. Marrero Senator Patrick Connick says his legislation was inspired by his daughter, Sarah Gioe, and her husband, Tim Gioe, who was abused by a priest as a child.

Cut 10 (12) “…this bill passed.”

The new law allows authorities to intervene even if abuse hasn’t yet occurred, targeting manipulative behaviors by adults at least four years older than the child. Connick says authorities had to wait till molestation occurred before taking action.

Cut 11 (09) “…then and stopped.”

Connick says now its time for enforcement against sexual predators that attempt to groom children and to educate parents

Cut 12 (07) “…to be involved.”

The law takes effect August 1.

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The addition of State Senator Blake Miguez in the U.S. Senate race is bad news for Senator Bill Cassidy. That’s the opinion of LSU-Shreveport Assistant Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow, who says Republican primary voters now have another alternative to Cassidy and State Treasurer John Fleming.

Cut 13 (10)  “…have another choice.”

Sadow says Miguez’s entry in the U.S. Senate race greatly increases Cassidy’s vulnerability.

Cut 14 (08) “…chances of re-election.”

Sadow says while Miguez is certainly the most conservative among the three most prominent candidates who are seeking the Republican nomination, he does start out at a disadvantage.

Cut 15 (14) “…in national government.”

Miguez will have several months to garner some name recognition for himself. The primary election is next April.

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LSU is in the semifinal round of the College World Series after beating UCLA, nine-to-five. Freshman right-hander Casan Evans was the winning pitcher. He took the mound in the fourth inning after the game was halted on Monday night because of severe weather. Evans pitched four and one-third innings and held the Bruins to two runs on four hits, no walks and five strikeouts. Coach Jay Johnson knew he would get a great performance from Evans.

Cut 16 (15) “…has it.”

LSU needs one more victory to advance to the best-of-three championship series of the College World Series. The Tigers were one win away from winning the Baton Rouge Regional Championship and lost to Little Rock. Johnson says his team learned from that experience.

Cut 17 (13)  “…that team.”

It was disappointing LSU could not finish the game on Monday after lightning stopped the game after the third inning. But Johnson did not allow it to bother him.

Cut 18 (11)  “…make it a thing”

The legislature passed a series of bills aimed at strengthening elections in Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Pineville-based utility company CLECO has notified the Public Service Commission that its for sale. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Wanna bet that Jeff Landry will be re-elected governor in 2027? That’s not such a good idea, because it will now be against the law. Outlawing wagering on election outcomes is just one of several election-related bills passed by the legislature this past session. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s Office says another one assesses attorney’s fees and court costs for knowingly providing false information on a notice of candidacy.

Cut 3 (14) “…qualify for office.”

Watson says another bill on the governor’s desk calls for a procedural election audit by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor every four years.

Cut 4 (14) “…in the state.”

Watson says another bill closes a loophole that currently allows foreign funding of election contests and ballot measures.

Cut 5 (14) “…here in Louisiana.”

Another bill that the legislature passed requires legislative approval of election-related consent decrees, so that groups cannot force changes to election procedures through lawsuits.

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Cleco has begun the process of finding a new owner, notifying the Louisiana Public Service Commission as required. This move was expected, as Cleco’s 2016 private equity buyout included plans for a future sale. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson says the announcement didn’t come as a surprise.

Cut 6 (09) “…was an investment.”

Johnson emphasized that the process is in its early stages, and a sale is unlikely before December 2026. Any buyer must keep Cleco’s headquarters in Pineville and not increase its rates.

Cut 7 (12) “…across Louisiana.”

Johnson reaffirmed support for local jobs and services, urging the PSC to require job protections, and says it’s critical to the local economy.

Cut 8 (09) “…for our folks.”

Cleco serves 300-thousand customers across 24 parishes and remains under regulatory oversight.

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Louisiana lawmakers approved a 53-billion dollar budget and only one lawmaker voted against it. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick voted no. The Republican from Caddo Parish explained his decision during an interview on KEEL Radio in Shreveport…

Cut 9 (13)  …concern of mine.”

McCormick says state spending only increased by one-percent which is less than inflation and that’s good. But he says using an additional one-point-six billion dollars in federal money to pay for Medicaid is not a good idea, when you consider the federal government is trillions of dollars in debt…

Cut 10 (06) “…federal money.”

McCormick says he’s also disappointed the Legislature did not fund the LA Gator Program, the state’s new voucher program, to the amount Governor Jeff Landry was seeking. McCormick says politics got involved…

Cut 11 (09) “…harms families.”

The Louisiana Legislature appropriated 43-million dollars to the LA Gator Scholarship program, Governor Landry was seeking 93-million dollars. The program provides taxpayer dollars to families to help pay for private school tuition and other school expenses.

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You can add another name to the list of Republican primary challengers for Bill Cassidy’s U.S. Senate seat. New Iberia State Senator Blake Miguez has announced that he is entering the race. The 43-year-old has been in the legislature since 2015, first as a state representative and, since last year, as a state senator. Miguez joins State Treasurer John Fleming in challenging Cassidy for his seat. Pearson Cross, who teaches political science at ULM, says that could create some headwinds for Cassidy’s re-election bid next year.

Cut 12 (12) “…race against him.”

Cross says while Fleming is more conservative than Cassidy, that’s nothing compared to Miguez – and that could come into play in the newly-closed U.S. Senate primary.

Cut 13 (14)  “…very interesting primary.”

In Miguez’s campaign announcement video, he hammered Cassidy for his vote to convict then-former President Donald Trump for his alleged role in the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, 2021. Cross says that will be a theme that will play out over and over again in the run-up to the primary.

Cut 14 (13) “…the Republican party.”

Cross says with two prominent Republican challengers, he believes the likely outcome will be a runoff between Cassidy and either Fleming or Miguez – or possibly some other prominent Republican who subsequently enters the race. The primary is next April.

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LSU is 2-and-0 in the College World Series and one win away from the C-W-S championship series after beating UCLA nine to five today. Before the game was suspended last night because of severe weather, LSU fell behind 3 to nothing in the first inning. The Tigers responded with four runs in the bottom of the first inning, capped off by a three-run home run by Jared Jones…

Cut 15 (07) “…on the board.”

Anthony Eyanson pitched the first three innings of the game. When the game resumed this morning at 10 AM in the fourth inning, Casan Evans pitched into the eighth inning allowing just two runs and striking out five…

Cut 16 (08) “…team win.”

LSU will play again tomorrow against the winner of tonight’s game between UCLA and Arkansas.

House Democrats are reflecting on the just-completed legislative session. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Lawmakers have approved a plan that would create a one stop shop for Louisiana residents to access most of state’s benefit programs. Sean Richardson has more the Louisiana Workforce Commission will oversee those programs.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Louisiana’s House Democratic caucus is reflecting on the just-completed legislative session. Chairman Matthew Willard says despite being greatly outnumbered, Democrats had some significant wins this session – among them is a bill they helped defeat that targeted diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in state government and at public colleges and universities.

Cut 3 (16) “…and what’s right.”

Willard says another bill Democrats helped defeat was one that targeted teacher unions.

Cut 4 (11) “…the teacher unions.”

However, Willard acknowledges that Democrats didn’t get everything that they wanted. One of the battles that they lost was one that stipulates that a driver at least 51-percent at-fault in a crash collects no damages.

Cut 5 (10) “…with that policy.”

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Evangelist Jimmy Swaggart is fighting for his life after suffering a heart attack at his home yesterday. The 90-year-old from Ferriday is in intensive care at a Baton Rouge hospital. Swaggart is one of the most well-known televangelists and is the founder of Jimmy Swaggart Ministries in Baton Rouge. Spokeswoman Megan Kelly says Sunday was a difficult day.

Cut 6 (11) “…right now.”

Reverend Swaggart’s son, Pastor Donnie Swaggart, said in a statement that without a miracle, his time will be short. Megan Kelly says Reverend Swaggart is in God’s hands.

Cut 7 (09) “…for healing.”

Reverend Swaggart turned 90 in March. He’s been a huge figure in Christian ministry for nearly seven decades. Reverend Swaggart has been able to reach millions of Christians through television, radio, gospel music and Bible distribution efforts. Kelly says Reverend Swaggart has his family by his side.

Cut 8 (08) “…praying right now.”

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State lawmakers have approved legislation to support a “One Door” approach, one place where Louisianians can can access the most of the assistance they need. Mandeville Representative Kim Carver says one of the biggest changes is that Department of Children and Family Services will no longer administer the state’s food stamp program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds.

Cut 9 (09)  …child welfare system.”

Carver says the Louisiana Workforce Commission, which will be renamed Louisiana Works would become the main public-facing agency for benefit access.

Cut 10 (11) “…of work.”

Carver says the Department of Health would manage SNAP processing, and DCFS would shift to focus on child welfare. He says the overhaul will improve service delivery, reduce duplication, and help more residents re-enter the workforce.

Cut 11 (12) “…benefits that they need.”

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Before the legislative session ended, lawmakers approved a 46-billion dollar state operating budget for the next fiscal year that begins July first. Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, president Steven Procopio, calls it a prudent budget.

Cut 12 (10) “…standstill budget.”

The biggest budget battle was over funding for L-A GATOR, the state’s new voucher program.  Procopio says lawmakers left out 50-million dollars that Governor Landry requested for L-A GATOR.

Cut 13 (09)  “…private schools”

Governor Landry says the legislative session resulted in the largest tort reform effort in the state’s history, holding both trial lawyers and insurance companies accountable. Procopio says the verdict is still out on whether changes will reduce insurance rates.

Cut 14 (09) “…to that.”

Winn Parish District Attorney Chris Nevils has dropped the manslaughter charge against Andrew Camp who is accused of fatally shooting his father  Chad Camp in 2023.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A bill that supporters said would lower prescription drug prices caused quite a stir during the final couple days of the legislative session. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A state judge has dismissed a manslaughter charge against Andrew Camp who was accused of fatally shooting his 51-year-old father Chad Camp at their home in 2023. Andrew Camp was 17-years-old at the time of the shooting. Legal Analyst Franz Borghardt says Winn Parish District Attorney Chris Nevils cited the ethical obligation not to prosecute cases lacking evidence beyond a reasonable doubt.…

Cut 3 (12) “…not pursue that prosecution.”

Borghardt says charges remain against Jessica Shea, arrested for obstruction of justice and contributing to juvenile delinquency. Shea allegedly gave Andrew alcohol that night, with toxicology reports showing he was nearly unconscious from intoxication.

Cut 4 (05) “…for the victim.”

Borghardt says it’s a very complicated case involving child endangerment by Shea, but charges against Andrew have been dropped.

Cut 5 (07) “…accused individuals.”

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Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill issued a cease-and-desist letter to CVS over text messages the drug-store chain company sent to customers about House Bill 358, which would ban pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from owning pharmacies in the state.  Murrill says people didn’t sign up for this…

Cut 6 (11) “…Louisiana legislature.”

CVS Health, a major PBM, warned in the texts that the bill could force over 100 CVS locations in Louisiana to close, potentially increasing medication costs and causing job losses. Murrill accused CVS of sending unsolicited, politically motivated messages using sensitive personal data, calling the texts deceptive and inaccurate.

Cut 7 (10) “…including my own.”

Murrill argued the company violated Louisiana law by misusing customer information for lobbying. The House passed HB 358 on Wednesday, sparking controversy.

Cut 8 (07) “…reforms in this area.”

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LSU fans are gearing up for Saturday night’s big matchup between LSU and Arkansas in the opening round of the College World Series. The winner will have an excellent shot at making the championship series. Tiger Rag Executive Editor Todd Horne says LSU beating Arkansas and getting to the championship series…

Cut 9 (14)  “…LSU Tigers.”

ESPN college baseball analyst Kyle Peterson says LSU is one of the favorites because they have two of the best starting pitches in the C-W-S and they have quality relievers coming out of the bullpen…

Cut 10 (10) “…that point.”

LSU has scored 61 runs in six NCAA Tournament games. Shortstop Stevan Milam has driven in 11 runs over the last four games and Horne says Milam needs to keep swinging a hot bat…

Cut 11 (09) “…to .290.”

LSU-Arkansas game starts at 6 PM.

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The 2025 legislative session ended with drama over a pharmacy benefits managers bill and Governor Landry threatening a special session. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says PBMs are the middlemen who manage pharmacy benefits…

Cut 12 (15) “…pharmaceutical process.”

The bill prohibits companies from owning both pharmacy benefits managers and pharmacies. It died in the Senate after it was approved by the House on Wednesday. Landry says the legislation will lower prescription drugs and plans to call a special session so the bill can be approved this year. Pinsonat doesn’t see a special session happening…

Cut 13 (12)  “…with that”

Despite a social media push from Governor Landry and President Trump, Senate President Cameron Henry says the Senate didn’t feel the need to act on the pharmacy benefits manager bill, because it would not take effect until 2027. Landry is talking about a special session this year, but Pinsonat says lawmakers are ready for a break from the state capitol…

Cut 14 (12) “…doubtful of.”