The Louisiana Senate has approved a bill that would make it illegal to touch your cell phone while driving. Jeff Palermo reports the measure is one more vote from reaching the governor’s desk..

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

___________________________________________________

We’re getting some raw numbers on the Super Bowl’s economic impact to Greater New Orleans and the State of Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein is at the Capitol, where the announcement was made.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

A Sulphur high school teacher and coach is facing charges for his alleged role in the stabbing of a six-year-old child. Major Mark Leblanc with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office says their deputies went to a home in the Leonville area to investigate a domestic disturbance and walked into a chaotic scene

Cut 3 (08) “…stab wounds.”

Leblanc says 37-year-old Patrick Greene was combative with deputies, but was eventually arrested and charged with domestic abuse battery with child endangerment, two counts of aggravated assault and resisting an officer. Leblanc says the child is at a Baton Rouge hospital with life-threatening injuries….

Cut 4 (09) “…critical condition.”

KLFY-TV is reporting that the child previously had a brain tumor and was a patient at St. Jude. Leblanc says there were a total of seven children inside the home when the violence broke out…

Cut 5 (08) “…conjure up.”

Leblanc says some of the children belonged to Greene, the others belonged to Greene’s wife. The Calcasieu Parish School Board say Greene is now on administrative leave.

________________________________________________

It may soon be illegal to handle your cellphone while behind the wheel as a handheld cellphone bill is nearing final legislative approval. Covington Republican Patrick McMath explained it is illegal in the state to text and drive, but that law is unenforceable…

Cut 6 (06) “…against the law.”

The legislation means that your cell phone cannot be in your hand while driving. McMath told the Senate that handling a cell phone while driving would be a secondary offense and explained to the Senate what that means…

Cut 7 (12) “…this law.”

The Senate approved the House Bill 33 to 5. Similar bills have failed in previous years, but supporters like McMath says this legislation can help lower auto insurance rates…

Cut 8 (10) “…so yes.”

The measure heads back to the House for approval of Senate amendments and then it will head to the governor’s desk and Jeff Landry is expected to sign it.

________________________________________________

Two cyclists were killed Sunday night in overnight crashes in Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes. 75-year-old Jerry Francis of Houma was rear ended while traveling south on LA Hwy 57. State Trooper Peggy Bourque says Francis’ bike had no lights or reflective material…

Cut 9 (07)  “…stay visible.”

28-year-old Jonathon Bourg of Golden Meadow suffered a fatal crash while riding a motorized bicycle in Larose. Bourque says Bourg was struck at the intersection of LA Hwy 308 and LA Hwy 657 after running a red light…

Cut 10 (09) “…as drivers.”

Bourque says the other two drivers involved in the crashes were properly restrained and uninjured. Neither were suspected of being impaired, and standard toxicology samples from Francis and Bourg are pending analysis as investigations are ongoing. Bourque reminds drivers to stay vigilant…

Cut 11 (10) “…saving lives.”

_________________________________________________________

It goes without saying that Super Bowl 59 was an economic boom for Louisiana. And now, we have some of the numbers. A new study from LSU’s Business school finds that Super Bowl 59 generated 1.25-billion dollars in economic output — that’s the second most among the last ten Super Bowls. Saints Owner Gayle Benson also noted that visitors and vendors spent more than 650-million dollars while in Louisiana

Cut 12 (08) “…the game” 

The state also rolled out the welcome mat for business leaders, investors and innovators through its Louisiana Now pavilion; and Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois said more than four-thousand of them stopped by.

Cut 13 (12)  “…saw our potential”

New Orleans has hosted 11 Super Bowls, tied with Miami for the most in history. And Benson says work is already underway for New Orleans to secure its 12th.

Cut 14 (14) “…than New Orleans.”

The soonest the Super Bowl can return to New Orleans is 2030.

A bill is making its way through the legislature that would require insurance companies to allow homeowners to insure their homes for their stated market values. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

A new poll finds the sheriff of Orleans Parish has abysmal approval numbers, and Helena Moreno is the clear favorite to become the new mayor of New Orleans. Sean Richardson has more on the survey paid for by a PAC that is not affiliated with any candidate.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

____________________________________________

A Senate approved bill that would provide low-income homeowners with a tax credit of up to two-thousand dollars to help defray the cost of high insurance premiums has cleared its first hurdle in the House. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

A bill is making its way through the legislature that would require insurance companies to allow homeowners to purchase “stated value” policies. The bill was written by Belle Chasse Republican Representative Jacob Braud (“bro”), who says it would essentially allow homeowners to purchase coverage that matches the value of their homes.

Cut 4 (09) “…dollars of insurance.”

Braud says his bill would apply to those who have mortgages on their homes; those with homes that are paid off can insure them for any amount.

Cut 5 (13) “…fair market value.”

Braud acknowledges that there is risk involved in buying too little insurance under his bill. That’s why he included an educational component to it.

Cut 6 (11) “…risk of this.”

The bill passed in the House last week on a vote of 79-to-20. It now heads to a Senate committee before it’s heard on the Senate floor, should the committee approve it.

________________________________________________________

JMC Analytics and Polling surveyed Orleans Parish voters to find out how elected officials are viewed by the public ahead of this fall’s election. Pollster John Couvillon says it’s not a surprise to see Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson with a 63-percent disapproval rating following last month’s jail break where ten inmates escaped…

Cut 7 (13) “…political viability.”

The poll also surveyed the upcoming Orleans Sheriff’s race, Hutson is receiving 12 percent of the vote, while former New Orleans police chief Michelle Woodfork is polling at 35-percent.

New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter has a 66-percent favorable rating. Couvillon says Carter has not ruffled many feathers during his time as a state legislator and now as a U.S. Representative.

Cut 8 (10) “…most people like him.”

For the New Orleans mayoral race, Couvillon says city councilwoman Helena Moreno is the clear favorite with 52-percent of the respondents in the survey supporting her, but can she keep up the momentum until election day in October…

Cut 9 (10)  “…four and a half months to go”

The polls surveyed 500 likely voters in Orleans Parish on May 27th and 28th. A political action committee not affiliated with any candidate paid for the poll.

________________________________________________________

Louisiana Senators have shelved a proposal to lower income and sales taxes. The House-approved bills stalled after a report revealed that the tax cuts would result in a 142-million-dollar shortfall in fiscal year 2027 and a 590-million-dollar shortfall in 2028. Invest in Louisiana Executive Director Jan (“yahn”) Moller says the Senate Revenue & Fiscal Affairs Committee was wise to put the brakes on these tax cuts, since the state income tax was just lowered earlier this year…

Cut 10 (08) “…schools and hospitals.”

The bills looked to cut the state sales tax from six percent to 5.75 percent and the individual income tax from three percent to 2.75 percent. The tax cut plan also sought to double the standard deduction for senior citizens. Moller says legislators always want to cut taxes, but they also have to pass a balanced budget every year.

Cut 11 (13) “..families and communities .”

On another note, the budget lawmakers are getting ready to approve is not a perfect spending plan, according to Moeller, but lawmakers are spending the available dollars they have wisely.

Cut 12 (09) “…Senate did that.”

The Louisiana Senate is expected to approve its version of the budget later this week.

_______________________________________________________________

On a narrow eight-to-seven vote, the House Ways and Means Committee approves a Senate bill that would allow low-income homeowners to receive up to a two-thousand-dollar income tax credit to help them pay homeowner property insurance costs. New Orleans Democratic Senator Royce Duplessis is the author of the legislation.

Cut 13 (08)  “…insurance premiums.”

Under Duplessis’ bill, the state would not issue more than 10-million dollars in tax credits each year and the credits would be handed out on a first-come, first-serve basis. Homeowners who make less than 200-percent of the poverty level would be eligible. There was no way Chalmette Republican Michael Bayham would vote against this bill.

Cut 14 (11) “…about it.”

The bill has already received Senate approval, and SB 235 is expected to go before House Appropriations before floor debate.

But Republicans on the panel opposed the measure, because only households with less than 200-percent of the poverty level would be eligible. Sulphur Republican Les Farnum questioned Duplessis about the income limit…

Cut 15 (12) “…it the most.”

According to the Greater New Orleans Housing Alliance, 193-thousand households would be eligible for the tax credit. The group says the tax credit would help those homeowners who make about 12 dollars an hour or retirees, who receive a little over two-thousand dollars in social security and retirement benefits a month.

_______________________________________________________

The LSU baseball team is headed to the Super Regionals but it was not easy as the Tigers had to rally back from a four run deficit against a hot hitting Little Rock team. But LSU got the bats going and freshman right-hander Casan Evans delivered a special performance in a 10-6 win. Evans struck out 12 over six innings, including nine in a row at one point…

Cut 16 (16) “…get themselves out.”

Little Rock could not get Ethan Frey out. The designated hitter from Rosepine went four-for-four with four runs driven in. His three-run double got LSU back in the game and it got the crowd at Alex Box Stadium believing again…

Cut 17 (17)  “…unbelieveable”

It was Jay Johnson’s 500th career as he leads the Tigers to the Super Regionals for the second time in three years. He gives a lot of credit to Little Rock for battling, but also he’s proud of the performances by Evans, Frey and Luis Hernandez who hit two home runs…

Cut 18 (16)  “…of characther.”

LSU will host West Virginia in a best out of three Super Regional series. Dates and times will be announced at 9 AM.

It was another great year for turkey hunters in Louisiana.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

___________________________________________________

LSU Shreveport celebrated a perfect 59-and-0 season and a NAIA World Series championship in downtown Shreveport today. Kace Kieschnick has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kace Kiechnick.”

___________________________________________________

Louisiana turkey hunters had another successful season in 2025, harvesting 3,576 birds, the second-highest total since harvest reporting began in 2009, just behind 2024’s 3,695. LDWF Small Game and Wild Turkey Program Manager Cody Cedotal says the past four years have seen the highest reported harvests.

Cut 3 (12) “…jumped up pretty good.”

Cedotal says the 2018 decision to delay the season’s start appears to be supporting turkey population growth. Adult male harvest in 2025 exceeded 2024 by 204.

Cut 4 (07) “…areas of the state.”

Survey data and hunter feedback will help assess the season, and Cedotal says will help prepare for next year’s sprin season.

Cut 5 (10) “…to the hunt.”

Next year wild turkey season will open on Good Friday, April 3 and run through May 3, 2026

________________________________________________

Applications for the M.J. Foster Promise Program opened yesterday with a newly lowered age requirement of 19. Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) Scholarship and Grant Director Deborah (Deb-OH-ruh) Paul says the program allows adult students…

Cut 6 (12) “…workforce priorities.”

Recipients are awarded $3,200 per year or up to $6,400 over a three-year period. Full-time students pursuing an associate’s degree typically receive $1,600 per semester, and Paul says funding is differs depending on the program…

Cut 7 (13) “…one disbursement.”

Credentials in industry sectors such as construction, healthcare, information technology, manufacturing and training and logistics could be eligible. Paul says the program has a budget of up to $10.5 million each year…

Cut 8 (10) “…enrolling in.”

Students interested in applying should complete the 2025-2026 free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®).

________________________________________________

The Senate Finance Committee has restored 30-million dollars in high-dose tutoring for K-12 students in the proposed budget for next fiscal year. Senate President Cameron Henry says Senate Finance was able to add the money, because the Revenue Estimating Conference has recognized an additional 60-million dollars in state general funds that can be spent next fiscal year. Henry says the high-dose tutoring program is showing results…

Cut 9 (08)  “…utilization rate.”

The budget heading to the Senate floor also includes the 199-million dollars for teacher stipends, which means teachers will not receive a drop in pay.

But the Senate Finance Chairman has reduced the amount of funding for the state’s new voucher program, L-A Gator. Governor Jeff Landry had sought 93.5 million for L-A Gator, but Senate Finance decided to dedicate only 43-million dollars. Henry says most of the students who are applying for L-A Gator already attend a private or parochial school…

Cut 10 (10) “…support this.”

L-A Gator in its initial stages is supposed to help those students at a struggling public school attend a private school.

Senate Finance Chairman Greg Womack went over the amendments during a committee hearing yesterday and they include money to transfer UNO from the U-L System to the LSU System and an increase in dollars for sheriffs to house state inmates

Cut 11 (11) “…offered up.”

The legislative session must conclude June 12th.

_________________________________________________________

The LSU Shreveport baseball team capped off their perfect season with a celebration in downtown Shreveport today. The Pilots went 59-and-0 on their way to an NAIA World Series title, a first in the history of college baseball. Head Coach Brad Neffendorf says this team is in a league of their own…

Cut 12 (13) “…college baseball” 

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson interrupted the Pilots’ celebration to invite the champions to visit President Trump at the White House. Neffendorf says this is the most impressive thing he’ll ever be apart of and its much bigger than just his team…

Cut 13 (11)  “…(applause).”

Neffendorf credited the alumni of LSU Shreveport’s baseball program over the last 35 years for paving the way and continuing to support LSU-S baseball…

Cut 14 (17) “…are today.”

This is the Louisiana Radio Network legislative report I’m Jeanne Burns.

There are ten days left in the legislative session and lawmakers still have a lot work to do. They need to approve a budget, but one of the biggest non-fiscal bills left is a measure that would reorganize the state Department of Transportation. Senate President Cameron Henry says it’s needed to help DOTD allocate its money more efficiently to improve the state’s roads…

Cut 11 (08) “..work anymore.”

Most of the heavy lifting is done when it comes to insurance reform legislation as the governor has already signed six bills.

A Senate bill to make the insurance commissioner an appointed position rather than elected did not pass. Henry says it’s an idea the legislature may have to revisit…

Cut 12 (06) “…different direction.”

The bill that gives the insurance commissioner more authority to reject rate increases is the most controversial bill to be approved.  Executive Director of the Insurance Council of Louisiana Rodney Braxton says the new law makes insurance companies uneasy about what the future looks like.

Cut 6 (09) “…in the future.”

It’s been a year since the legislature passed a series of tort reform laws aimed at driving down the cost of property insurance. Are premiums starting to go down???

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

It’s been a year since the legislature passed a series of tort reform laws aimed at driving down the cost of property insurance. Are premiums starting to go down? Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season has officially begun, and forecasts are predicting another above-average season.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

____________________________________________

Ten days left in the legislative session and lawmakers still have a lot of work to do. Jeanne Burns has the story…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

____________________________________________

It’s been a year since the legislature passed a sweeping series of laws that took on the rising cost of property insurance. Are homeowners feeling the effects of it yet? Ben Albright, the president of Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Louisiana, says it might be a little longer before property insurance premiums turn the corner and start going down.

Cut 4 (08) “…gone into effect.”

Albright says while premiums have not started coming down quite yet, the increases are slowing down.

Cut 5 (13) “…very marginal increase.”

Albright says the new laws have led to more companies coming into Louisiana, and that added competition will lead to premiums going down – and that will have a residual effect.

Cut 6 (08) “…cut their rates.”

________________________________________________________

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season has officially and will last through November 30th. Forecasters, including NOAA, predict an above-average season with more storms and hurricanes than usual. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says warmer sea surface temperature is one factor indicating an above average season.

Cut 7 (12) “…form a hurricane.”

Keim says NOAA’s forecast calls for 13 to 19 named storms and 6-10 hurricanes and 3-5 major hurricanes.

Cut 8 (11) “…kind of a season.”

Keim says with conditions ripe for significant storm activity, early and thorough preparation is essential for safety throughout the 2025 hurricane season.

Cut 9 (08)  “…just be prepared.”

________________________________________________________

Ten days left in the legislative session so what is left to do? The Louisiana Legislature still has to approve a budget. Senate President Cameron Henry says they are making good progress and it helps the Revenue Estimating Conference recognized additional dollars to spend. Henry says some of that additional revenue will go to roads and bridges…

Cut 10 (08) “…up there.”

A bill to reorganize the state Department of Transportation still needs final legislative approval before the session ends on June 12^th. It’s a bill Governor Jeff Landry supports. Henry says it’s needed because DOTD is having a hard time spending money efficiently to improve the state’s roads…

Cut 11 (08) “..work anymore.”

Most of the heavy lifting is done when it comes to insurance reform legislation as the governor has already signed six bills. Landry still wants an enhanced medical transparency bill approved. It would give judges and juries more clarity on the dollar figure for medical bills from a car crash.

A Senate bill to make the insurance commissioner an appointed position rather than elected did not pass. Henry says it’s an idea the legislature may have to revisit…

Cut 12 (06) “…different direction.”

The legislative session must conclude June 12th.

__________________________________________________________________________

LSU has been forced into a winner-take-all contest with Little Rock. Two days after shutting out the Trojans in the opening game of the Baton Rouge regional, they came back in a big way, beating the Tigers, 10-4. The same two teams play at eight tonight, with the winner advancing to the Super Regional. Tigers Coach Jay Johnson says credit Little Rock, who beat Dallas Baptist, 8-6, earlier in the day.

Cut 13 (13)  “…performance by them.”

Johnson says LSU gave the 27-and-33 Little Rock Trojans several opportunities, and they took full advantage of them as the Tiger pitchers walked eleven and LSU hitters left ten men on base…

Cut 14 (17) “…a tough spot.”

Jaden Noot got the start for LSU and couldn’t get out of the second inning, giving up three hits and two runs in an inning and a third. Johnson says Noot may need to be ready today for the rubber match.

Cut 15 (13) “…to do that.”

Johnson says despite his team’s backs now against the wall, he’s confident that they will bounce back and beat Little Rock to advance to the super regional, which would be played at Alex Box Stadium should LSU win.

Cut 16 (09) “…can do tomorrow.”

The championship game of the Baton Rouge Regional will start at 8 PM tonight.

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

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

___________________________________________________

Get ready for another hurricane season – it starts Sunday. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

Black bears have been spotted roaming neighborhoods in Baton Rouge, and the Covington and Abita Springs areas of St. Tammany Parish. LDWF Large Carnivore Program Manager John Hanks says while not common, bear sightings in the parish aren’t unusual.

Cut 3 (12) “…place to live.”

Hanks confirmed that bears live in the area but are rarely seen and says the biggest bear in Louisiana was 698 pounds.

Cut 4 (09) “…400 pounds.”

Hanks says if you encounter a bear, don’t run and back away slowly. Don’t yell at the bear, but be loud and calm.

Cut 5 (07) “…not something to eat.”

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

________________________________________________

The Insurance Council of Louisiana is sounding the alarm on House Bill 148. That’s the bill that Governor Landry signed into law that gives the insurance commissioner the ability to reject rate increases regardless of market conditions. Executive Director Rodney Braxton says the new law makes insurance companies uneasy about what the future looks like.

Cut 6 (09) “…in the future.”

Braxton says this new law will cause insurance companies not to expand in Louisiana and will impact their desire to deploy new capital in the state.

Cut 7 (06) “…be less competition.”

Braxton says this law is reminiscent of when Louisiana had the now-abolished insurance rating commission, which injected politics into the process.

Cut 8 (10) “…on actuarial science.”

________________________________________________

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

Cut 9 (16)  “…of storm processes.”

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

Cut 10 (13) “…and underwater gliders.”

High winds are not the only deadly hazard when it comes to hurricanes and tropical storms; storm surge is also blamed for countless deaths in each storm. Grimm says NOAA is also enhancing how it issues storm surge watches and warnings.

Cut 11 (14) “…caused by storms.”

In addition, the National Hurricane Center will provide a rip current risk map. Also, NOAA’s global tropical hazards outlook is also being extended from two weeks to three weeks, to provide additional time for preparation and response.

_________________________________________________________

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

Cut 12 (10) “…we are” 

Davenport says at the beginning of the season, they knew they were a good team…

Cut 13 (11)  “…that happen.”

Tonight in Lewiston, Idaho, LSU-Shreveport can win the school’s first NAIA World Series and complete a perfect 59-0 season. Davenport says it’s time to finish season off right…

Cut 14 (10) “…just proud.”

First pitch against Southeastern of Florida is at 8:30. LSU-S beat Southeastern 10-0 earlier in the week.

In the battle to restrict speed cameras throughout the state, a major monkey wrench. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

The House Health and Welfare committee rejected a bill that would ban fluoride in drinking water in a 10-5 vote.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

___________________________________________________

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

Cut 3 (11) “…within 30 minutes.”

Cusanza says each of those tipsters will be paid their reward money. Louisiana State Police Superintendent Colonel Robert Hodges stresses that anyone who helps either of the two remaining escapees will be held criminally responsible.

Cut 4 (11) “…potentially high bond.”

Colonel Hodges says he’s very confident that Antoine Massey and Derrick Groves will soon be back in custody.

Cut 5 (12) “…them in custody.”

________________________________________________

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

Cut 6 (14) “…of this amendment.”

It was proposed by Democrat Dustin Miller, who says Opelousas is short-staffed and doesn’t have enough manpower to conduct speed enforcement the traditional way. Cathey says the people of Opelousas should fight back.

Cut 7 (10) “…these speed cameras.”

Cathey says the Opelousas carveout creates a slippery slope – if Opelousas is exempt from these bills, Cathey fears other communities could seek the same exemptions. The overall bill passed in the House 72-to-23 and now goes back to the Senate to consider the House changes. Cathey says he’s completely unsure how to proceed, especially since he says he got 99-percent of what he wanted.

Cut 8 (08) “…one little fight.”

Cathey already agreed to exempt school zones – two hours in the morning and two hours during after school hours. He says without the school zone exemption, his bill likely would not have passed.

________________________________________________

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

Cut 9 (11)  “…saving our teeth.”

Fesi says natural fluoride is different from the fluoride being put in the drinking water.

Cut 10 (11) “…poison in our water.”

Opponents, including 9-year-old  Toby Ramen from Monroe, defended fluoride as safe, effective, and essential for public health as well as helping fight chronic diseases.

Cut 11 (13) “…than asthma.”  

Ramen ended his testimony saying if fluoride is taken out of drinking water then every child should be able to see a dentist at no cost

Cut 12 (12) “…thank you (applause)”

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

__________________________________________________

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

Cut 13 (07)  “…it was awesome”

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

Cut 14 (06) “…0-and-0.”

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

In a ceremony in the governor’s mansion. Governor Landry signed six auto insurance reform bills into law. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

A poll shows strong support for the App Store Accountability Act which requires approval from parents for minors to download apps.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

___________________________________________________

With just over two weeks left in the legislative session, several bills dealing with the soaring cost of auto insurance in Louisiana have made their way to Governor Landry’s desk; and this morning, he signed six of them into law in a ceremony in the governor’s mansion. Landry said insurance companies make more money in Louisiana than in other states.

Cut 3 (13) “…in the country.” 

So to help rein in those costs, one bill that Landry signed is the one that grants the insurance commissioner the authority to reject rate increases regardless of market conditions. It’s a bill that the state’s current insurance commissioner, Tim Temple, opposed.

Cut 4 (12) “…break their promises.”

Another bill that Landry signed is the one that bars drivers who are at least 51-percent at fault for a crash from collecting damages to cover the cost of their injuries. It’s something that the business community has been screaming for for years.

Cut 5 (09) “…fulfill that promise.”

Landry also signed a bill barring undocumented immigrants who are injured in crashes from collecting damages.

________________________________________________

A statewide poll shows strong support for the App Store Accountability Act which requires parental approval for minors to download apps on their smart devices. Louisiana Family Forum CEO Gene Mills says the legislation seeks to protect children from harmful content, misleading ratings and exploitative contracts…

Cut 6 (12) “…40 apps a week.”

The App Store Accountability Act is House Bill 570, authored by Mandeville Representative Kim Carver. The House voted 99-0 on the bill and it still needs Senate approval before the legislative session ends June 12.

Mills says passing HB 570 will hold app stores accountable and prioritize family safety.

Cut 7 (11) “…parental consent.”

Mills says 88-percent of the parents polled by JMC Analytics supported the App Store Accountability Act.

Opponents of the legislation say the bill creates new data privacy and security problems and it doesn’t address the fact that children can access harmful content on websites as well as apps. But Mills says parents want Big Tech to put technology in place to make sure they approve their kids app store downloads…

Cut 8 (11) “…not with my child.”

The Senate Commerce Committee is set to hear the App Store Accountability Act this afternoon.

________________________________________________

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

Cut 9 (08)  “…incurable diseases.”

Moore’s measure calls for a person to be charged with a felony if one person infects another with an incurable STD without that person’s knowledge of the disease. Moore says current Louisiana law only addresses HIV and her bill would include all sexually transmitted disease that are incurable and a prison sentence of six months or more is possible

Cut 10 (10) “…want to.”

The charge would be a misdemeanor in cases where the STD is curable. The bill passed on a seven to five vote. Meghan Garvey from the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers testified against the proposal…

Cut 11 (11) “…someone’s word.”  

Garvey doesn’t see how you can prosecute Moore’s proposed law…

Cut 12 (12) “…what first”

Moore’s bill heads to the House floor. But with the legislative session set to end on June 12^th, there’s not a lot of time for this bill to get both House and Senate approval.

__________________________________________________

A Senate bill that restricts exit polling outside of voting locations to “bona fide news gathering organizations” received approval from the House on a 57-38 vote. It returns to the Senate for final approval of House changes.  Destrehan Representative Beth Anne Billings says the bill creates clear boundaries…

Cut 13 (09)  “…nondestructive manner.”

Billings says this means a college student, blogger, or influencer would not be able to conduct their own exit polling

Cut 14 (04) “…in this bill.”

Billings says organizations will have to get approval from the Secretary of State’s Office…

Cut 15 (12) “…collect information.”

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

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

Nearly 100-thousand  customers in New Orleans and Southeast Louisiana lost power for hours due to a “load-shed” event ordered by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator on Sunday.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

___________________________________________________

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

Cut 3 (12) “…people complain.” 

Gingrich was a guest on Mornings with Brian Haldane. He said Johnson has been a steady hand in a deeply divided Congress. Gingrich says Johnson did a magnificent job in getting President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” approved in the House…

Cut 4 (09) “…and doing this.”

The “Big Beautiful Bill,” extends and expands existing tax cuts, particularly those enacted in 2017, and includes provisions related to border security, military spending, and social programs.

Johnson was elected in 2016 and became Speaker of the House in 2023. Gingrich is impressed with Johnson’s ability to unify factions within the GOP, something past leaders struggled with.

Cut 5 (11) “…remarkably smart.”

Gingrich does not think Johnson will be a presidential candidate in 2028, because he’s too humble.

________________________________________________

Monroe tourism officials say Phil Robertson and his family provided a huge boost in visitorship to the area. Sheila Snow with Discover Monroe-West Monroe says that was spurred in large part to “Duck Dynasty.”

Cut 6 (11) “…family called home.”

“Duck Dynasty” aired on A-and-E for 11 years, but Snow says the show’s impact on the community has lasted a lot longer.

Cut 7 (09) “…their offerings there.”

Snow says the region took full advantage of its new-found fame that came with the launch of the “Duck Dynasty” TV show.

Cut 8 (13) “…in West Monroe.”

Phil Robertson passed away Sunday at the age of 79 following a battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

________________________________________________

On Sunday, nearly 100-thousand  customers in New Orleans and Southeast Louisiana lost power for hours due to a “load-shed” event ordered by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator. The outages, affecting 75-thousand Entergy and 25-thousand Cleco customers, were triggered when an Entergy nuclear plant unexpectedly went offline.  Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta says MISO would not give specifics more than that.

Cut 9 (10)  “…that you can’t tell me.”

CLECO says they will investigate the outage and Entergy says they want to understand the directive from MISO.  Skrmetta demands transparency from MISO on why the outages occurred without warning.

Cut 10 (12) “…within 30-minutes.”

Skrmetta calls for better communication, energy efficiency programs, and regional transmission planning to prevent future outages, and says MISO’s lack of transparency is unacceptable…

Cut 11 (07) “…explain everything.”  

_______________________________________________________

Police in Monroe arrest six people, including an Arkansas man, in connection with a brawl over the Memorial Day weekend. Police Chief Vic Zordan (rhymes with Jordan) says Trace Castleberry is facing a second degree battery charge, and Monroe Police are working to bring him back to the city to face charges.

Cut 12 (07) “…lot in Monroe”

Zordan says investigators used surveillance video footage to arrest the six, and more arrests are expected.

Cut 13 (09)  “…on video there.”

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

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is holding another Click It or Ticket it campaign.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

___________________________________________________

Another jailbreak – this one in Tangipahoa Parish. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

The House has passed a resolution asking the SEC not to schedule LSU home football games before six p-m in the month of September. Harahan Republican John Illg drafted the resolution after ESPN scheduled LSU’s September 21st home game against UCLA for 2:30 in the afternoon.

Cut 3 (05) “…factor into it.” 

The temperature at kickoff was 94 degrees with a heat index of 100, and Illg says that was too much for many fans to overcome. 

Cut 4 (11) “…here in Louisiana.”

Shreveport Democrat Steven Jackson asked Illg whether he’d be open to including all schools in this non-binding resolution.

Cut 5 (07) “…for everybody else.”

The House passed Illg’s resolution unanimously. The resolution now goes to the Senate. It carries no official weight; it is merely a formal request to the SEC and to the TV networks which establish the kickoff times.

________________________________________________

The “Click It or Ticket” campaign ramps up seat belt law enforcement, increasing the likelihood of tickets for unbuckled drivers and passengers. LHSC spokesperson Mark Lambert says this high-visibility initiative stresses buckling up to avoid a 50-dollar fine and reminds driver’s seat belt safety to reduce crash fatalities.

Cut 6 (06) “…event of a crash.”

Lambert says data shows more than 88-percent of Louisiana drivers wear a seat belt, and nearly half of passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes were unbelted.

Cut 7 (12) “…getting seriously injured”

Lambert says by combining strict enforcement with public awareness, the campaign aims to wearing seat belts every trip, every time.

Cut 8 (12) “…happy Memorial Day.”

________________________________________________

In St. Martin Parish, sheriff’s investigators are looking for an LSU SEC championship ring that was stolen earlier this month. Major Ginny Higgins says the ring was among many items stolen from a home on May 13th.

Cut 9 (06)  “…of this ring.”

Major Higgins says there are things that you can be on the lookout for as deputies look for the stolen ring. 

Cut 10 (07) “…bragging about it.”

Higgins says investigators have made arrests in this case. 

Cut 11 (06) “…with anything else.” (suspects are juveniles)

If you have any information on the whereabouts of this ring, call St. Martin Parish Crime Stoppers.

_______________________________________________________

Another jail break – this one in Tangipahoa Parish. A manhunt is underway for 19-year-old Tra’Von Johnson, who escaped from the jail Thursday afternoon – and this is not the first time he’s escaped from that jail.  Sheriff Gerald Sticker says at around 4:15 p-m, inmates had flooded one of the cells. At some point when jail employees were pushing the water out of the jail, the cell door and the exterior door were open simultaneously for less than a minute – plenty of time for Johnson and another inmate to escape. Sticker says they didn’t realize that Johnson was missing for more than five hours.

Cut 12 (09) “…the back fence.”

Sheriff Sticker says a deputy found someone Thursday night who matched that description, but an hours-long search that involved several departments, drones and search dogs came up empty.

Cut 13 (08)  “…on the loose.”

Johnson was being held at the jail for his alleged role in a deadly home invasion in 2022. Sticker apologized to Johnson’s victims.

Cut 14 (13) “…back into custody.”

The inmate who helped Johnson scale the fence is charged with accessory and simple escape, even though he never left jail grounds. At least four jail employees have been placed on administrative leave. Johnson had previously escaped the jail with three other inmates in May of 2024. The sheriff’s office says Johnson may be in the Tickfaw or Hammond-Pumpkin Center areas, since those are the areas that he had frequented.