State Police is putting an emphasis this week on enforcing the state’s Move Over Law. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The House Appropriations Committee approves a bill that would create a new TOPS award called the TOPS Excellence Award, and it would go to high-performing students. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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State Police is putting an emphasis this week on enforcing the state’s Move Over Law. Trooper Ryan Davis says several L-S-P Troops will participate in a special enforcement day tomorrow…

Cut 3 (12) “…come from this.” 

The “Move Over Law” requires motorists to slow down and change lanes, if safe, when approaching emergency vehicles with flashing lights that are stopped on the side of the road. Davis stressed that drivers must move away from stopped emergency vehicles and reduce speed.

Cut 4 (11) “…from the roadside”

Davis reminds drivers to stay alert, avoid distractions, and respect roadside responders’ safety.

Cut 5 (07) “…if the need arises.”

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The House Ways and Means Committee advanced a pair of bills aimed at lowering homeowners insurance premiums by strengthening the state’s fortified roof program. One of them is House Bill 145, proposed by Denham Springs Republican Roger Wilder 

Cut 6 (08) “…a fortified roof.” (Doubles deduction from $5,000 to $10,000)

The bill has the support of Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple, who says it would encourage people to get a fortified roof put on their homes and not wait for a grant program to open up to do so.

Cut 7 (07) “…fortified roof on.”

Also, House Bill 663 would create the Fortify Coastal Homes Fund. It’s proposed by Pollock Republican Gabe Firment, who says it would direct a portion of sales and use taxes in coastal areas following a natural disaster to the fund.

Cut 8 (11) “…into the fund.”

Firment says that amount would be capped at 60-million dollars. Both bills advanced to the full House without objection.

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St. Tammany Parish deputies arrested a 23-year-old Folsom man and his 45-year-old mother yesterday after a concerned resident reported them for a possible dog-fighting operation on their property. Lt. Suzanne Carboni says STP Animal Control investigated and seized 28 pit bulls.

Cut 9 (08)  “…dog fighting.”

Austin Alexander faces 28 counts of dogfighting, while Natia Alexander faces 28 counts as a principal to dogfighting. Carboni says deputies found other items on the property that are normally associated with dog fighting on the property.

Cut 10 (11) “…machine pistol.”

Both suspects were booked into the parish correctional center. Carboni reminds residents that if they see something, say something.

Cut 11 (06) “…will be arrested.”

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A Rapides Parish man is under arrest for stealing hundreds of pounds of crawfish from a farmer’s traps. Chief of Staff Tommy Carnline with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says a crawfish farmer told investigators late last month that someone had emptied his traps, and it happened again a few days later. He says deputies launched what they dubbed “Operation Tail Chaser,” and they caught the suspect, 47-year-old Tony Hicks, red-handed.

Cut 12 (11) “…on May 10th.”

Hicks is facing several charges, including theft and criminal trespass. Carnline says Hicks stole a boatload of crawfish from the farmer.

Cut 13 (05)  “…and 500 pounds.”

Given the wholesale price of live crawfish, that cost the farmer about 12-hundred dollars in lost sales. Carnline says what’s worse is that the thief used some of the farmer’s own property to steal the crawfish.

Cut 14 (07) “…that’s pretty bad.”

Carnline says this is still an active investigation, and more arrests are possible.

Louisiana’s education comeback continues with another increase in a national ranking. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Could US Representative Julia Letlow run for U-S Senate next year? Jeff Palermo reports President Trump and Governor Landry have reportedly discussed it…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The House Appropriations Committee approves a budget for next fiscal year that keeps teacher salaries at their current level. There’s been a concern that a two-thousand dollar stipend that teachers have received the last couple of school years would go away, but House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland announced today they have moved money around to make sure teachers do not see a drop in pay…

Cut 3 (10) “…charter school systems.” 

The two-thousand dollar stipend for teachers and one-thousand dollars for school support workers costs the state nearly 200-million dollars. The teacher stipend money was not included in the governor’s proposed budget. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle says the committee amended the budget proposal so  teachers will not receive a pay cut.

Cut 4 (12) “…support staff”

The House Appropriations Committee found money to pay for the teachers stipend by blocking 91-million dollars in funding for new vehicle and heavy equipment purchases for state agencies. The panel also cut 26-million dollars in benefits for ineligible Medicaid recipients. Louisiana has also saved 20-million dollars because of a hiring freeze and the state has also paid down debt early, saving 25-million dollars in interest.

New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes says the budget bill heading to the House floor is balanced and contains no new taxes

Cut 5 (06) “…pledged to do.”

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Louisiana continues moving up the national rankings in education. U.S. News and World Report now ranks Louisiana 37th in K-through-12 education – that’s up from number 40 last year and 46 two years ago. Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says there are two main catalysts behind the increase in ranking. 

Cut 6 (08) “…additional support.”

Dr. Brumley says while innovation in education is important, this is a time when going back to the basics is what the state needs right now.

Cut 7 (11) “…little extra help.”

Brumley says while the state can certainly be proud of moving up nine notches in the education ranking by U.S. News and World Report, the number-37 ranking means that the job is nowhere close to being done yet.

Cut 8 (07) “…left to do.”

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The Derek Carr era in New Orleans, as brief as it was, is over. The Saints quarterback announced his retirement over the weekend, saying his right shoulder developed a degenerative condition that will prevent him from continuing his NFL career. Luke Jackson, who covers the Saints for NOLA-dot-com and The Advocate, says it’s a crushing blow for Carr.

Cut 9 (12)  “…it a career.”

Carr’s retirement leaves a trio of youngsters in the Saints’ quarterback room – Jake Haener, Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough (“shuck”). Shough is a rookie, and Haener and Rattler have a combined total of zero wins as starting quarterback. Jackson says the quarterback competition is on.

Cut 10 (08) “…leg up already.”

The Saints have taken a quarterback in the last two drafts – Rattler in the fifth round last year and Shough in the second round this year. Jackson says depending on what happens this season, they may do so again next year.

Cut 11 (08) “…next year’s draft.”

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The Associated Press is reporting that President Trump and Governor Jeff Landry have discussed Congresswoman Julia Letlow challenging Senator Bill Cassidy in next year’s Republican primary. Cassidy is seeking a third term, but ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says Cassidy’s vote in 2021 to convict Trump in his impeachment trial still has many Republicans upset…

Cut 12 (11) “…for this state.”

A spokesperson for the Cassidy Senate campaign says Senator Cassidy delivers conservative results for the people of Louisiana and he works hard to support the President’s agenda.

Letlow has served in the U-S House Representatives since 2021 and already has a seat on the powerful House Appropriations Committee. She’s well respected among the Louisiana Congressional delegation and Republicans. But Stockley says it’s not easy to defeat an incumbent U-S Senator…

Cut 13 (11)  “…chooses to do.”

Cassidy is already well-funded. Last month, Louisiana’s senior senator announced he has seven-point-five million dollars in campaign donations.

Stockley says he’s not surprised President Trump is getting involved in Louisiana’s 2026 U.S. Senate race, especially considering Cassidy voted to convict Trump in 2021. And Cassidy had concerns about the President’s pick for U-S Health Secretary, before eventually voting to confirm Robert F Kennedy…

Cut 14 (14) “…to him.”

Cassidy is already facing one well-known challenger, former Congressman and now State Treasurer John Fleming.

Catholics in Louisiana are abuzz over the election of the first U.S.-born pope in the history of the church. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.

Franklin Parish’s own Lainey Wilson was the big winner at last night’s Academy of Country Music Awards as she was named the entertainer of the year for a second consecutive year. Wilson also added to her trophy collection by winning female artist and album of the year.

The Louisiana Lawsuit Abuse Watch has released a study that finds excessive litigation has led to nearly 40-thousand jobs lost, two-point-nine billion dollars in lost personal income and over 240-million dollars in annual state revenue losses. The study urges comprehensive tort reform, citing other states’ successes in boosting economic performance and job creation through such measures. Louisiana Lawsuit Abuse Watch director Lana Venable says without reform, Louisiana risks continued economic decline.

Cut 6 (11) “…these numbers change.”

Sunday is Mother’s Day and hopefully it will be a stress free day for all of the Moms out there. Louisiana Healthcare Connections says unfortunately one in five women experience a mental health crisis and Doctor Dana Lawson says just being there to lend a sympathetic ear can make a women’s day…

Cut 14 (09) “…to be heard”

The National Weather Service is facing serious staffing challenges with over 1000 employees leaving due to Trump budget cuts, which could affect forecast accuracy heading into hurricane season.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Louisiana residents might have a chance at voting for a lower state income tax. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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History was made at the Vatican as for the first time in the history of the Catholic church, the college of cardinals has elected a U.S.-born pope. Robert Prevost has taken the papal name Leo the 14th. Loyola University New Orleans Chaplain and professor of theology Dr. Tom Ryan says the election of the Chicago-born Prevost was a bit of a surprise for him.

Cut 3 (11) “…American pope.” 

Dr. Ryan says Pope Leo the 14th has spent a considerable amount of time away from the United States.

Cut 4 (11) “…he’s international himself.”

The college of cardinals reached a consensus on a new pope on the second day of conclave. Ryan says given recent history, that length of time was pretty much par for the course, and the cardinals gave a lot of thought into who the new leader of the Catholic church should be.

Cut 5 (09) “…out the field.”

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Hurricane season begins June 1, but the National Weather Service face serious staffing challenges. Since the start of President Trump’s second term, over 1000 employees have left, leaving key offices in cities like Lake Charles, Houston, and Tampa understaffed. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim warns that this could delay critical weather alerts or spread inaccurate information.

Cut 6 (12) “…inform those models.”

Keim warns that reduced staffing threatens accurate forecasting and the delivery of essential data. This could result in less accurate hurricane forecasts and increased danger for Americans.

Cut 7 (11) “…real impacts here.”

Keim warns that reduced staffing threatens accurate forecasting and the delivery of essential data. This could result in less accurate hurricane forecasts and increased danger for Americans.

Cut 8 (09) “…get turned around.”

Despite these concerns, the Trump administration continues its push to cut non-discretionary government spending.

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If you want to see how good we have it in Louisiana, go to another state and stop at a gas station. Gas prices in Louisiana are among the cheapest in the nation. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says gas prices are about 50 cents lower today than they were at this time last year. 

Cut 9 (07)  “…$3.20 a gallon.” (Statewide price for regular unleaded is $2.70 a gallon)

Redman says one big reason for the relatively low gas prices is a drop in the price of crude.

Cut 10 (05) “…barrel right now.”

Gas prices tend to be lower along the Gulf Coast, since we’re a lot closer to oil refineries than the rest of the country. Redman says gas prices are expected to remain stable through the Memorial Day holiday and well into the summer. If you’re planning to drive to the West Coast and you’re looking for cheap gas out there, forget it.

Cut 11 (07) “…$4.82 a gallon.”

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Louisiana’s state income tax was lowered to three percent at the beginning of the year and House Republicans would like to lower it again. The lower chamber has approved a proposed constitutional amendment that seeks to lower the state income tax from 3-percent to 2.75 percent beginning January 1^st, 2027. The author of the bill is Carencro Representative Julie Emerson…

Cut 12 (10) “…some relief.”

The House approved the measure on an 86-13 vote. It will need two-thirds approval in the Senate and then it will go to the voters for approval.

The legislation would also double the standard deduction for residents 65 and older. Emerson says lowering the state’s income tax again would make Louisiana more competitive in attracting business and residents….

Cut 13 (11)  “…to grow.”

The “No” votes came from Democrats in the House. New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard expressed concern about budget cuts because of a decline in state revenues especially since the state just lowered the state income tax five months ago…

Cut 14 (11) “…state’s revenue.”

But Emerson says she knows Louisiana residents are begging for more tax relief.

According to The New York Times, national Democrats are encouraging former Gov. John Bel Edwards to run for Senate in 2026 against Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A ban on hand-held cell phone use while driving moves to the Senate. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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During Love the Boot Week in April, Keep Louisiana Beautiful supported recycling efforts in 27 parishes, picking up over 16-thousand bottles and cans, a 23-percent increase from last year. Keep Louisiana Beautiful Executive Director Susan Russell says this was part of a broader statewide effort involving nearly 27-thousand volunteers

Cut 3 (12) “…was just amazing.” 

The recycling program used a mix of pick-up and drop-off services, with 21 Louisiana Department of Transportation offices serving as collection sites.  Russell says people want to live in clean communities and they deserve just that.

Cut 4 (10) “…they are proud of.”

Love the Boot Week took place during the week of April 5th to the 13th. Bur Russell says the fight against littering is year round…

Cut 5 (09) “…in our state.”

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More and more people are getting scam text messages claiming that they have an unpaid toll road charge. Rodney Mallett with DOTD says that’s something that the department simply does not do. 

Cut 6 (08) “…asking for fines”

Mallett says the scammers are getting more and more sophisticated in how they trick unsuspecting people into following a link and paying what seems to be a small amount of money.

Cut 7 (10) “…geauxpass-dot-com.”

Also, watch out for subtle misspellings, such as dropping the “x” in “geaux.” Mallett says there’s only one way in which DOTD will ever contact you over an unpaid toll charge.

Cut 8 (07) “…your license plate.” (DOTD will only send notifications through snail mail)

Bottom line – if it seems suspicious, ignore it.

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National Democrats are encouraging former Gov. John Bel Edwards to run for Senate in 2026 against Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, according to The New York Times. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has spoken with Edwards about the race, but Edwards has not confirmed his interest. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Edwards could say he’s ready to get out of private practice and back into politics.

Cut 9 (11)  “…for doing that.”

The 2026 election will use closed primaries for the first time, with party winners advancing to the general election. Edwards would likely dominate the Democratic primary but face tough odds in the general election. Pinsonat says the big question will be how the closed primary will affect Cassidy

Cut 10 (12) “…especially the Republicans.”

Cassidy is considered vulnerable among Trump loyalists due to his vote to convict the current President in his 2021 impeachment trial. Pinsonat says there’s no guarantee Cassidy will be re-elected, even though he has a war chest of over seven million dollars…

Cut 11 (11) “…another Democrat.”

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The House has advanced a bill that would ban the use of handheld cell phones while driving, except in emergencies. Slidell Republican Brian Glorioso wrote the bill; he says distracted driving is a huge problem in the state, and it’s one of the reasons that auto insurance rates in Louisiana are so high.

Cut 12 (11) “…distracted driving.”

Glorioso’s bill also has the support of several Democrats, including Jason Hughes of New Orleans.

Cut 13 (09)  “…they were distracted.”

Not all of Glorioso’s fellow Republicans are on board with his bill. Mike Bayham of Chalmette says a hand-held cell phone ban will disproportionately affect a certain group of people.

Cut 14 (12) “…don’t have Bluetooth.”

Bayham says a hand-held cell phone ban would not instantly make bad drivers better.

Cut 15 (06) “…car or not.”

A similar bill last year failed in the House, 71-to-22. It was almost the complete opposite this year, with the House passing it by a vote of 71-to-28. It now moves to the Senate.

Brusly High graduate, and now LSU freshman John Foster, is in the Top 7 on American Idol and continues to make Louisiana proud. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A substance sometimes referred to as “gas station heroin” is one step closer to being banned in Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Legislation that would give parishes the option to increase the homestead exemption for property owners clears its first legislative hurdle. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Addis native and Brusly High graduate John Foster has made it to the Top 7 of American Idol. Brusly High Principal Walt Lemoine says the world is seeing the real John Foster.

Cut 4 (08) “…model human being.”

Lemoine says Foster, who’s now a freshman at LSU and was co-valedictorian last year, was a quiet, humble role model for the other students at Brusly High, and Foster’s success is no shock to him.

Cut 5 (12) “…Addis, Louisiana.”

Lemoine says he’s an unassuming star; and the first time he heard Foster perform, he says he never expected that voice from one of his students.

Cut 6 (10) “…out of him?”

Watch Foster perform this Sunday on ABC.

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A bill that would make kratom illegal in Louisiana moves to the House. The Senate passed S-B 154 yesterday on a vote of 26-to-11, split right down party lines. The author, West Monroe Republican Jay Morris, says kratom – sometimes known as “gas station heroin” – has already been banned in several places.

Cut 7 (09) “…grown in Asia.”

Senator Morris says while kratom can easily be purchased online or in many gas stations throughout the state, the FDA has not approved it and discourages its use.

Cut 8 (11) “…substance abuse disorder.”

Morris says he has heard many horror stories stemming from the use of kratom.

Cut 9 (12)  “…a legal substance.”

Morris says Deputy Health Secretary Dr. Pete Croughan (CROW-ghin) says he has treated more people for kratom overdose than those who have taken crack cocaine.

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SkyWest Airlines, the largest regional airline in the U.S., has chosen Shreveport Regional Airport as its 13th maintenance base, supporting its fleet of nearly 500 aircraft.  North Louisiana Economic Partnership CEO Justyn Dixon says the new facility is expected to create 150 direct jobs, averaging 70-thousand-dollars annually; and 375 indirect jobs, for a total of 525 new positions in Northwest Louisiana.

Cut 10 (12) “…power plant.”

Dixon says the project supports Louisiana Economic Development’s focus on aerospace and logistics, sectors in which the state has long-standing strengths, including underutilized space, low operational costs and port access.

Cut 11 (09) “…make their money.”

Dixon hopes that not only will the base keep skilled workers in the state but also believes that this project will draw talented workers to move to the region.

Cut 12 (10) “…great opportunities.”

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The House Ways and Means Committee has approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would give voters the opportunity to decide whether parishes should have the option to increase the homestead exemption from 75-hundred dollars 12-thousand-500 dollars in assessed value. The vote was 9-to-5. The bill’s author, New Orleans Democrat Matthew Willard, says since the homestead exemption has not increased since 1980, people are getting priced out of their homes.

Cut 13 (10)  “…it’s not affordable.”

Willard says if people can’t afford their homes, they’ll move to a state where they can, and Louisiana cannot afford that.

Cut 14 (11) “…their roots down.”

Jim Patterson with the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry spoke out against Willard’s bill. He says if you increase the homestead exemption to lower property taxes, the government will need to make up that tax revenue somehow.

Cut 15 (09) “…taxes to others.”

Patterson says Louisiana already generates a disproportionately low amount of property tax revenue relative to other states.

Cut 16 (15) “…44-percent.”

The bill now advances to the House Civil Law for a review of the ballot language. Because this would be a constitutional amendment, it will need to pass in both houses of legislature by a two-thirds majority before it goes to the voters.

OMV offices across the state are jammed with people getting their REAL IDs on this deadline day. Andrew Greenstein is at the Express OMV office in Denham Springs.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Rayne Police Department is grieving over the loss of one of its officers who was killed by friendly fire. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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OMV offices across the state are jammed with people getting their REAL IDs, as regular driver’s licenses will no longer be adequate to board commercial flights starting tomorrow. As such, people are waiting a long time, even those who are there for something other than REAL ID.

Cut 3 (09) “…minutes at best.” 

One woman who showed up at the Express OMV office in Denham Springs has no immediate travel plans but needs a REAL ID for work. She says if you don’t have immediate travel plans, you can wait.

Cut 4 (08) “…at the moment.”

One woman says the Denham Springs Express OMV was so busy that their computers couldn’t handle it.

Cut 5 (07) “…say that yet.”

Last month, the OMV and Public Tag Agents processed more than 97-thousand REAL ID applications.

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Bogue Chitto State Park near Franklinton is undergoing a significant expansion with the acquisition of over 800 adjacent acres, increasing the park’s total area by 45-percent to nearly 2,600 acres. Office of State Parks Assistant Secretary Brandon Burris…

Cut 6 (07) “…has to offer.”

Burris says preliminary plans for the expanded portion of Bogue Chitto State Park include additional equestrian trails, mountain biking trails, and hiking trails.

Cut 7 (10) “…utilization we can.”

Burris says the newly acquired acres will need some restoration projects in the future to maintain the quality and standards for Louisiana State Parks.

Cut 8 (10) “…studying the ecosystem.”

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One of the bills in the legislature getting the most attention is the one that would give the insurance commissioner the authority to reject rates he or she deems to be excessive, regardless of market conditions. It has passed in the full House and is now awaiting debate in a Senate committee. Governor Landry supports it, but Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple – also a Republican – opposed it. Temple says he has rejected rates because they’re either too low or too high.

Cut 9 (06)  “…the drawing board.”

Temple says he has already rejected insurance rates that he has deemed to be too high – several times, in fact.

Cut 10 (09) “…I exercise it.”

Temple says the biggest reason he opposes the bill is because he already has the authority to reject excessive rates – and he has.

Cut 11 (11) “…we exercise it.”

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A large portion of Louisiana is under a tornado watch until 9 PM tonight. The watch area covers Shreveport, Monroe, Natchitoches, Alexandria, Opelousas, DeRidder, Lake Charles and Lafayette. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says a few tornadoes are possible, plus there are other severe weather threats…

Cut 12 (06) “…large hail”  

Jacquemin says a flood watch also remains in effect for the entire state…

Cut 13 (09)  “…and evening”

Jacquemin says weather event features slow moving thunderstorms capable of dumping a lot of rain at once…

Cut 14 (15) “…into tomorrow.”

State Climatologist Jay Grymes says the heaviest rains will begin later tonight and extend into tomorrow morning before slowly subsiding. The flood threat remains a concern for Acadiana and portions of the Florida Parishes.

The 2026 U.S. Senate Republican primary appears to be neck and neck, with two polls showing conflicting results. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Lake Charles will soon have a new mayor. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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If you expect to keep collecting unemployment benefits, you may soon be required to up your weekly job searches and keep your job interview appointments. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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In the lead-up to the 2026 U.S. Senate race, Senator Bill Cassidy and State Treasurer John Fleming have polling data showing two different stories. Cassidy’s poll shows him with a double-digit lead over his Republican challengers, according to a Ragnar Research poll. Pearson Cross teaches political science at ULM and says it may be a closer race.

Cut 4 (08) “…support too.”

Cross says that a more recent poll conducted by JMC Analytics shows a much tighter race, with Fleming having a slight lead in some cases.

Cut 5 (11) “…please invest.”

The latest campaign finance report shows Cassidy with 2.2 million dollars in cash on hand, while Cassidy has 7.5 million.

Cross says if Fleming has the money to compete with Cassidy on ads, then it will be a tight race…

Cut 6 (04) “…has an advantage.”

Cassidy just picked up an endorsement from Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker.

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The entire state is under a flood watch. The watch starts for today and it continues for south Louisiana through Thursday. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says some severe weather is possible, but the major threat is heavy rain.

Cut 7 (08) “…higher than that.”

Grymes says the highest rainfall projections are for the Acadiana area…

Cut 8 (12) “…to four days.”

Grymes says the flood watch means that excessive rainfall is possible, which could lead to flooding in low-lying areas, that includes rivers and creeks and we could see street flooding…

Cut 9 (12)  “…forth to work.”

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On July 1st, Lake Charles will have a new mayor, as Marshall Semien unseated two-term incumbent Nic Hunter over the weekend. Mayor-elect Semien says it was a hard-fought campaign, but Mayor Hunter was very gracious in defeat.

Cut 10 (12) “…without my input.”

In all hard-fought political campaigns, one of the first jobs after an election is to bring people together. Semien says this is no different.

Cut 11 (11) “…tent for everybody.”

Semien will begin his four-year term on July 1st, and one of his top priorities is to lead Lake Charles in a period of tremendous growth.

Cut 12 (14) “…to stay here.”

Semien will be the first Black mayor in Lake Charles’ history.

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If you’re collecting unemployment, you might soon be required to increase your work searches and keep your job interview appointments in order to keep your benefits. The House has passed House Bill 153 by a vote of 73 to 24, with all but one of the “no” votes coming from Democrats. It’s written by Lafayette Republican Troy Hebert, who says he’d heard from employers who have been stood up for job interviews.

Cut 13 (13)  “…there with unemployment.”

Hebert says his bill is not creating anything new; instead, it would be codifying a system that has been in place for a year. He did, however, say that the number of weekly job searches would increase on the advice of the Louisiana Workforce Commission.

Cut 14 (10) “…a job quicker.”

Hebert says this process has worked well in the year since it was implemented.

Cut 15 (15) “…doing bad things.”

Hebert says the purpose of codifying the bill is so that it remains in place regardless of any future administration that enters office. Opponents of the bill say it’s a way to make it easier for people to be pushed off unemployment benefits. Hebert pointed out that in the year that the system has been in place, only one-percent of those collecting unemployment benefits were subsequently deemed ineligible. The bill now moves to the Senate.

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The LSU Tigers are ranked in the top five in the major college baseball polls, but there are questions about the offense after scoring a total of seven runs in a series loss to Texas A-and-M. LSU’s bats also struggled the previous SEC road series, just eight runs against Auburn. Geaux 247 sports writer Glen West says there are several players who can perform better and the player on top of the list is shortstop Steven Milam, who is hitting .205.

Cut 16 (13) “…bit more.”

It was a tough weekend for right-hander Zac Cowan in College Station. The Tigers most consistent bullpen arm was tagged with the loss in games one and three of the series. That included a three-run homer he gave up in the eighth inning. West says Cowan has been nearly perfect and eventually he would hit a rough patch.

Cut 17 (13)  “…quite yet.”

LSU is 15-9 in the SEC and there are two more series left. The Tigers host Arkansas this weekend and then they travel to South Carolina. West says if LSU wins both series, they will likely wrap up a Top eight national seed.

Cut 18 (19)  “…national seed.”

Before LSU hosts Arkansas, they face Grambling State tonight, weather permitting.

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The top safety in the spring transfer portal window has committed to LSU. A.J. Haulcy made his commitment public after visiting LSU this past weekend. The first-team All-Big 12 performer at Houston chose the Tigers over Miami, Ole Miss and SMU. On-3 sports-dot-com’s Matthew Brune says Haulcy is a senior, who has played a lot of football…

Cut 19 (19) “…high floor.”

Haulcy is the 18^th player that LSU has added through the transfer portal as the Tigers are in win now mode. LSU’s transfer class is ranked as high as number one as Brune says not only is there quantity, but there’s also quality…

Cut 20 (18) “…Monsoor Delane.”

Louisiana’s honeybee populations are experiencing their worst decline on record this year, with beekeepers reporting a staggering 60-percent loss in colonies. Sean Richardson has more…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Small businesses in Louisiana and across the country are having trouble filling job openings. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.

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Whooping cough cases are on the rise in Louisiana. Jeanne (ZHAHN) Burns reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles has made significant progress in helping residents prepare for the May 7th REAL ID enforcement date. Acting Deputy Commissioner Matthew Boudreaux says over 1.2 million Louisianans have received a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card through outreach efforts, expanded services, and public engagement.

Cut 4 (09) “…REL ID credentials.”

Boudreaux says  OMV offices will continue issuing REAL IDs after the enforcement date.

Cut 5 (15) “…process those transactions.”

Boudreaux encourages all residents to visit express-lane-dog-org to schedule an appointment and has a REAL ID checklist.

Cut 6 (09) “…express-lane-dot-org.”

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In 2025, Louisiana’s honeybee populations are experiencing their worst decline on record, with beekeepers reporting a staggering 60-percent loss in colonies. Louisiana Beekeepers Association VP Kevin Langley says this collapse threatens not only local ecosystems but also national food supplies, as bees play a crucial role in pollinating crops.

Cut 7 (12) “…in California.”

Langley attributes the decline to pesticide use, habitat loss, and disease—all of which weaken bee immune systems.

Cut 8 (06) “…pesticides.”

Langley says  there is hope. Farmers, researchers, and environmentalists are raising awareness and promoting bee-friendly practices such as pollinator gardens, limiting pesticide use during blooms, and preserving green spaces by cutting back on cutting your grass.

Cut 9 (12)  “…to the bees.”

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Small businesses are finding it harder to find quality workers to fill their job openings. The National Federation of Independent Business’ April jobs report showed that 34-percent of small businesses reported job openings that they could not fill. State Director Leah Long says this has been an issue that’s been going on for about a year.

Cut 10 (13) “…skilled work set.”

Long says it’s not just skilled workers that small businesses are having trouble finding to fill their openings.

Cut 11 (07) “…unskilled labor.”

Long says there are two house bills making their way through the legislature that would address the need for small businesses to find qualified workers, including creating a one-door workforce policy.

Cut 12 (12) “…one-door policy.”

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Whooping cough cases continue their upward trend in Louisiana. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says there have been 164 cases of whooping cough so far this year, already eclipsing 2024’s total of 153.

Cut 13 (13)  “…one year old.”

And Sokol says two infants have died from the illness. She says the trend is similar across the country, but it’s especially alarming in Louisiana.

Cut 14 (13) “…each year pre-pandemic”

Sokol says there are vaccines to protect people from whooping cough, and she especially urges certain women to get vaccinated.

Cut 15 (16) “…during each pregnancy.”

Sokol says to take extra cautions when around newborns, because they cannot get a whooping cough vaccine until they’re two months old.

Police in Minden are investigating the death of a toddler inside a home. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Crawfish prices are the lowest they’ve been all season. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Two children were found locked in car seats inside a house in Webster Parish with no adult supervision, and one of them has died. Minden Police were called to the house mid-morning Thursday on a report of a two-year-old child being found unresponsive inside the house. The girl could not be resuscitated. Minden Police Chief Jared McIver says investigators are trying to determine exactly how the little girl died.

Cut 3 (12) “…off the airway.” 

Chief McIver says investigators also want to know who was supposed to be home supervising the children.

Cut 4 (10) “…that’s just negligence.”

McIver says this case is gut-wrenching to the entire community.

Cut 5 (09) “…that’s even tougher”

The second child who’s ten months old was uninjured.

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Voters in about half of Louisiana’s parishes will head to the polls Saturday to elect local officials and decide on various ballot proposals. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s office says several areas will hold runoff elections from earlier primaries, while others will vote on sales taxes, millages, bonds, and charter amendments.

Cut 6 (13) “…in your area.”

Voters in Lake Charles will decide whether to re-elect Nic Hunter as mayor. He’s being challenged by Democrat Marshall Simien. There’s also a mayoral race in DeRidder. Watson says New Orleans area voters also have items on their ballot..

Cut 7 (09) “…all over the state.”

Watson says polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.

Cut 8 (08) “…gonna be on there.”

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Advocates gathered outside the State Capitol this week to draw attention to food insecurity. Pat VanBurkleo, the executive director of Feeding Louisiana, says they especially wanted to let state lawmakers know that many things affect hunger

Cut 9 (10)  “…their hunger issues.”

VanBurkleo says one thing that doesn’t nearly get enough attention is hunger on college campuses.

Cut 10 (07) “…having more food.”

VanBurkleo says federal budget cuts are not helping matters.

Cut 11 (10) “…a regular basis.”

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Crawfish prices are at their lowest level of the season, according to the Crawfish-App. Co-founder of the Crawfish App, Laney King, says May is usually when we see the lowest prices…

Cut 12 (10) “…Mother’s Day.”

King says in the days following Easter, crawfish prices dropped 50-cents per pound and they’ve held steady entering the first weekend of May. She consumers can purchase a sack of crawfish for under 100-dollars…

Cut 13 (09)  “…$4.89 a pound” 

(Boiled crawfish is going for around 4.89 a pound.)

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The Coast Guard has been brought in to help control an oil spill off Plaquemines Parish. Tens of thousands of gallons of oil have uncontrollably gushed out of an old well off the coast. Coast Guard Lieutenant Phillip VanderWeit says crews are working non-stop to get the leak under control.

Cut 14 (09) “…to the environment.”

Lieutenant VanderWeit acknowledges that this is a serious spill.

Cut 15 (16) “…from the environment.”

VanderWeit says the two main jobs are to get the source of the spill under control and to mitigate the impacts to the environment.

Cut 16 (07) “…feet on standby.”

Tour guides in the area say oil spills like this will cause further loss of land and, in effect, further loss of hurricane protection. The cause of the break is unclear, and it’s also unknown how long it will take to plug the well and clean up the contamination.