As the crawfish season is coming to an end, just how bad was it? Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (28)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Governor Landry has signed legislation that prohibits transgender individuals from using restrooms, locker rooms and sleeping quarters at public schools and jails that do not match their biological sex. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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The Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office has been featured on the A&E show “Murder at the Motel”. The episode tells the story of twenty-eight-year-old Sonya Ortego’s (or-ta-go) murder at the Dees Motel by Jackie Pruitt on March 24, 2016. Chief Deputy Jared Morton describes the scene.

Cut 3 (11) “…all over the walls.” 

Pruitt was traveling through town for a court date the following day and rented a room for the night. Morton says the motive for the murder remains unknown.

Cut 4 (06) “…at all.” 

Deputies found Pruitt at the courthouse where they questioned him and acquired a search warrant for his car and found the victims cellphone covered in blood. Morton noticed blood on his vehicle and scratches on his body. He was arrested and DNA obtained matched the victim.

Cut 5 (11)  “… at the hotel.”

Pruitt was convicted of first-degree murder in 2017.

You can watch “Murder at the Motel” on A&E or stream online now.

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Crawfish season is winding down, and to say it was an unpredictable one is an understatement.  LSU Ag Center Crawfish specialist Mark Shirley says towards the end of the season, April and May, supply increased in some fields, but that wasn’t the case for every crawfish farmer.

Cut 6  (11) “…those fields. ” 

At the start of the season, things looked extremely dire due to the summer drought and extreme heat. December through February Shirley says supply was down around 90 percent. In May supply increased, but Shirley says it was only 40 to 50 percent compared to other Mays.

Cut 7 (11) “…production year.”  

As for the outlook for the next mudbug season, Shirley says farmers are cautiously optimistic.

Cut 8 (11)  “… next year.” 

Shirley says even though supply increased in April and May, for the most part, folks in south Louisiana were able to enjoy them. Out-of-state eateries went without mudbugs this season.

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Governor Jeff Landry has signed what has been called the bathroom bill. The legislation prohibits a transgender individual from using a bathroom or locker room at a school that does not match their biological sex. Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder says his legislation is designed to protect females, especially young girls…

Cut 9 (10) “…uh oh” 

Director of the Louisiana Trans Advocates, Peyton Rose Michelle, says this law will  only create more fear in the transgender community about bathrooms.

But Wilder says women should not have to worry about a biological man, who is now a transgender woman entering a bathroom

Cut 10 (05) “…their gender.”

The legislation also extends to bathrooms and sleeping areas at prisons and domestic violence shelters. It passed in the Houston on an 80-17 vote and in the Senate the vote was 29 to 10 in favor. Wilder says there was strong support for this measure

Cut 11 (04) ” …guidelines.”

After signing the bill, Governor Landry said in a statement that he’s proud to sign House Bill 608 which protects women’s safety and reinforces the very definition of what it means to be a woman.

A 2022 law to put speed cameras on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge to prevent crashes was repealed by the legislature this session. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Lake Charles remains the Youth Sports Capital of Louisiana after they secured hosting rights with LHSAA for an additional two years.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

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A bill to repeal a law that would have put speed cameras on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge is welcome news to St. Martin Parish Sheriff Becket Breaux.  In 2022 when lawmakers were discussing the option of speed cameras to reduce speeding and prevent crashes, he responded by…

Cut 3 (07) “…by 25-percent.” 

Breaux, who also worked as a state trooper, says in his experience speeding is not the main cause of crashes. He says it’s motorists driving slower in the left lane, distracted drivers…

Cut 4 (10) “…on the bridge.” 

Among the problems speed cameras present is that they cite the owner of the vehicle, not the person driving, Breaux says. And they can’t detect human and drug trafficking or give motorists discretion for speeding.

Breaux says monies collected from speeding fines also help fund things like the Indigent Defense Board and Crimestoppers. When a speed camera issues a fine those monies aren’t distributed to other agencies…

Cut 5 (11)  “… goes on.”

When the original legislation passed two years ago, Breaux says the process moved too fast and the opinions of others were not considered.

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Lake Charles has secured hosting rights for boys basketball, swimming, softball and baseball high school championships for an additional two years. Senior Vice President of Sports at Visit Lake Charles Erick Zartler says they couldn’t be happier…

Cut 6  (07) “…staple here. ” 

The 2025 state high school baseball tournament will have a new format as the top three divisions in select and non-select will move to a best out of three championship series, instead of winner take all…

Cut 7 (12) “…Lake Charles.”  

Over the course of the year around 45 to 50 thousand people head to Lake Charles for high school championship events and Zartler says that brings a huge economic impact

Cut 8 (06)  “…hotels full.” 

The state swim meet will be in November with basketball state championships taking place in March, followed by softball and baseball tournaments in May.

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Governor Jeff Landry has declared today as “Secure Your Load for Road Safety Day.” Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Greg Fischer says it’s important for motorists to properly secure items to prevent them from becoming traffic hazards.

Cut 9 (10) “…their loads.” 

Objects as common as two-by-four pieces of wood or a suitcase can create a lethal problem on the road. Fischer urges contractors and landscapers to take that extra time to make sure everything is secure.

And before you hitch that boat to your vehicle, Fischer says you need to secure objects in your vessel.

Cut 10 (12) “…or death.”

Fischer says you might not think a suitcase can do a lot of damage if falls from your car while you’re driving on the interstate, but it can…

Cut 11 (11) ” …on impact.”

He says taking the time to secure your load is the safe, legal, and considerate thing to do.

Today is the 80^th anniversary of D-Day. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Legislation awaiting the governor’s signature would lift the requirement every high school student has to take the A-C-T test. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (35)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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The Kenny Wayne Shepard band is performing at the Raising Canes River Center on July 13^th, and they are looking for a local band to open their show. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

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It was 80 years ago today when more than 156,000 Allied ground troops stormed the beaches of Normandy, a turning point in WWII, what’s referred to as D-Day. Of the 2,500 Americans who were killed, 33 were from Louisiana. Colonel Jerome Butler with the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs says this anniversary is notable because…

Cut 4 (10) “…operation.”

Of the Louisianans killed in action 12 are buried in state, 17 in American cemeteries in France, one in England, and three were never found.

Buller says while D-Day was a successful operation, it’s also a somber day because of the 4,500 Allied forces who died…

Cut 5 (10) “…be remembered.” 

In the regular legislative session, Buller says a House Concurrent Resolution 127 was submitted paying honor to the 33 Louisianans who died on D-Day.

Cut 6 (06) “…their sacrifice.”

To learn more about Louisianas or other Americans who fought on D-Day you can visit dday.org/learn/necrology-project/

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Taking the A-C-T would no longer be a requirement for some high school students under legislation awaiting the governor’s signature. On the final day of the legislative session, state lawmakers gave approval to Bossier City Representative Dennis Bamburg’s bill that says if a student is seeking a career-path diploma they could take a job skills test or a military readiness test. Bamburg says it’s about giving parents options…

Cut 7 (07) “…daily basis.”

The vote for this bill in the House was close, 55 in favor, 46 opposed. New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes voted against it. He says there’s a purpose for the ACT and he believes requiring every student to take the ACT has improved the state’s rankings in public education…

Cut 8 (08) “…move backward.” 

Since 2013 Louisiana has required every high school student to take the ACT. Supporters of this legislation say Louisiana’s average ACT score has been dragged down, because there are students not taking the A-C-T seriously, if they are going to a four-year college. Bamburg made that point on the House floor…

Cut 9 (09)  “…the ACT.”

Louisiana’s ACT score has been trending downward. Last year the state average was 18, while the national average is 19.5.

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The Treasure Chest Casino in Kenner will open its doors today for its new land-based casino in Kenner. David Strow (rhymes with how) with Boyd Gaming Corporation says it will be quite a change from their riverboat casino and he’s betting visitors will be impressed.

Cut 10 (12) “…before.”

The new facility has a gambling hall that’s 47,000 square feet, twice the size of the previous casino, and 8,000 square of convention space.

Strow says in addition to gambling they’ll have four dining options, including a high-end steak house and a state-of-the-art sports bar next to a Fan Duel Sportsbook.

Cut 11 (11) “…expand the appeal.”

At the riverboat property, visitors had to park off-site and take a shuttle to the casino. Strow believes guests will appreciate the parking lot at the new land-based casino.

Cut 12 (12) “…before.” 

Strow says of all their properties the one in Kenner is among their most successful ones and believes that will continue to grow with the new facility.

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The Kenny Wayne Shepard band is performing at the Raising Canes River Center on July 13^th in Baton Rouge, and they want a band from Louisiana to open up for them. They plan to hold a Battle of the Bands competition at the Texas Club in Baton Rouge on June 21 and they are taking submissions now. Kenny Wayne Shepard says this is a great opportunity for an aspiring Louisiana band.

Cut 13 (10)  “…touring act.”

Shepard says just about any band that does a great show will fit the bill and they are not limiting the search to blues and rock bands.

Cut 14 (07)  “…our crowd.”

Opening for an international touring act is a huge opportunity for a local band to be able to use this platform and b grow their audience base, says Shepard.

Cut 15 (11)  “…illegally.”

The band’s original opener, Blues legend, Jimmie Vaugh had to step down due to a cancer diagnosis.

Eagle 98.1 is taking submissions through the 12^th.

Go to Eagle981.com and click on “Battle of the Louisiana Bands” for more info.

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Saints defensive end Isaiah Foskey did not make an impact in his rookie season last year after he was drafted in the second round out of Notre Dame. Foskey appeared in ten games last year and had nine tackles. The 23-year-old says he feels much more comfortable this year…

Cut 16 (16) “…helps a lot.” 

Wide receiver Chris Olave is entering his third season. He caught 87 passes for 1,123 yards and had five touchdowns last year. Olave averaged 13 yards a reception last year. He hopes to produce more big plays this year in new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s system…

Cut 17 (17) “…the system.”

Saints defensive end Carl Granderson had a career-high 8.5 sacks last season. Granderson believes the defensive line will be really good with the addition of Chase Young…

Cut 18 (18)  “…get after it.”

The founder and president of Acadian Ambulance Richard Zuschlag has passed away at 76. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (34)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Professional hockey is coming back to the Monroe Civic Center this October. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

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The founder and President of Acadian Ambulance Richard Zuschlag has passed away at 76 after a battle with cancer. The Pennsylvania native moved to Lafayette in 1970 and a year later started Acadian Ambulance with two ambulances. Zuschlag appeared on WRKF’s Talk Louisiana in 2022 and talked about growing Acadian Ambulance into one of the country’s largest privately held medical transportation companies

Cut 3 (13) “..successful” 

Acadian Ambulance is based in Lafayette and has 52-hundred employees, operating in four states. Zuschlag said he could not have grown this company without the help of Acadiana…

Cut 4 (14) “…working people.” 

Acadian Ambulance started out by providing private ambulance service to funeral homes in Lafayette. Zuschlag said it began to grow when they hired several Vietnam War veterans as medics to cover Lafayette Parish…

Cut 5 (14)  “… save lives.”

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Louisiana started sending a rotation of 50 Louisiana Army National Guardsmen to the Texas border last March to help secure the border against illegal crossings. The three-month deployment is coming to an end and Landry says he is in talks with Texas Governor Greg Abbott about keeping Louisiana soldiers at the border.

Cut 6  (11) “…around this time. ” 

Landry says it is important to have a presence of National Guard troops from Louisiana and they are helping to secure the border

Cut 7 (07) “…state of Texas.”  

Louisiana’s deployment due to wrap up this month has cost around $3 million.

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Secretary of State Nancy Landry says she’s extremely pleased with the 11 bills passed in the session to improve Louisiana’s election system. Even though the Bayou State is in the ranked in top ten for election integrity by the Heritage Foundation and number one in the south by the Electoral Integrity Project

Cut 8 (11)  “…(x2) number one.” 

Landry says even the Louisiana Legislative State Auditor gives the state’s election high marks.

Governor Jeff Landry is expected to sign all of the bills, including one that passed three times before, but former Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed them each time. She says the legislation allows them to further clean up the voter rolls when someone has been inactive for 10 years. It’s estimated that 160,000 people fall into that category.

Cut 9 (13) “…inactive voter list.” 

Inactive voters will still be able to vote and when they do they’ll return to active status unless they fail to vote in two consecutive federal elections, then they are removed and will have to register to vote again.

When asked if the 11 bills would make it more difficult to vote, Landry believes the changes won’t create any burdens for voters.

Cut 10 (12) “…our elections.”

Landry says one of the bills allows them to check for citizenship when individuals register to vote in Louisiana.

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Its official, professional hockey is back in Monroe, Louisiana. The managing partner and president, Parker Moskal announced the newest team in the Federal Prospects Hockey League.

Cut 11 (10) ” …Monroe Moccasin’s.”

Moccasin’s Owner Nick Perkins says he knows Louisiana is passionate about their sports teams.

Cut 12 (11) “…the first year.” 

It’s been over two decades since Monroe had a professional hockey team and some say history will repeat itself and the new Monroe Moccasin’s won’t last, but Perkins has a message for the doubters saying, “That will not happen.” And are in talks with the Governors office to bring an NHL team to New Orleans.

Cut 13 (09) “…pretty notable.” 

The Moccasins return to the Monroe Civic Center October 11^th

Several governors including Louisiana’s Jeff Landry spoke at a diesel refinery in Chalmette to criticize the Biden administration’s energy policy. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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When it comes to how education fared in the most recent legislative session, one advocacy group says it’s a mixed-bag. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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President Joe Biden is enacting new migrant restrictions at the southern border. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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Governor Jeff Landry and several of other Republican governors spoke at a diesel refinery in Chalmette to hammer the Biden administration’s energy policy and called on the president “to pursue an all-of-the-above energy approach” that will promote homegrown energy that benefits all Americans.

Cut 4 (09) “…cost to Americans.”

Landry says the Biden administration’s enhanced energy regulations have cost taxpayers almost $1.4 trillion since he took office.

Cut 5 (10) “…domestic energy.” 

The U.S. has been producing more oil than any country in history, but Landry says that should be increased further to help with consumer costs.

Cut 6 (09) “…pockets of Americans.”

The request is for Biden to ease regulatory pressure on the fossil fuel industry, prioritizing technology and to end his moratorium on permits for liquid natural gas export facilities.

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Besides the Gator Scholarship Program, several education bills were passed in the session. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says interventions to improve literacy in Louisiana have led to improved reading scores and now there will also be a focus on math.

Cut 7 (12) “…numbers up.”

Higher Education also chalked up a win. More than 70 percent of state buildings are on college campuses, and they need an estimated $2 billion to fund deferred maintenance. Erwin says lawmakers dedicated $75 million to help with those projects.

Cut 8 (08) “…higher ed.” 

But Erwin points out that lawmakers sent a mixed message on education this session with another round of teacher pay stipends instead of raises and a $9 million cut to early childhood education.

Cut 9 (07)  “…a difference.”

Erwin says while lawmakers did address policy changes to improve education they failed to dedicate enough monies towards early childhood education.

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The Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo in Monroe celebrates its 100^th year birthday this June. City of Monroe spokesperson Emily Stogner…

Cut 10 (12) “…fresh new look.”

Part of the rebranding was reaching out to the community with surveys and getting an idea of what the zoo means to them.

Cut 11 (10) “…100 years.”

The newest addition is the Louisiana Purchase exhibit where visitors can feed animals and get a sense of what it was like during the time of the Louisiana Purchase.

Cut 12 (07) “…better than ever.” 

The zoo is home to over 300 animals representing 150 species of animals from around the world.

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President Joe Biden revealed plans Tuesday to immediately enact significant restrictions on migrants seeking asylum at the southern border. His plan becomes active when border encounters reach 2,500 per day, then any migrant without a reason to fear return to their country will be removed from the US within days or hours. Many Republicans including Senator Bill Cassidy question the president’s timing.

Cut 13 (10)  “… illegal immigration.”

Biden says “the border is not a political issue to be weaponized” and he would have preferred more lasting legislation, but Republicans left him no choice.

The president’s plan will only be active until migrant encounters drop below 1,500 per day for two weeks. Asylum seekers will also be held to a higher screening standard than previously used but Cassidy isn’t sure it’s enough.

Cut 14 (10)  “…under Biden.”

Biden says his plan will help gain control of the border and restore order to the process while Cassidy compared the number of border crossings of the previous two administrations with an eight-fold increase during the first three years of Biden’s term. Republican Senator John Kennedy blames the president’s policies.

Cut 15 (11)  “…illegally.”

In the final hours of the legislative session, lawmakers approve a bill that only allows Louisiana residents to make a public records request with the governor’s office. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (34)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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LSU baseball comes up short in its bid to repeat as national champions. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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A bill heading to the governor’s desk would prohibit out-of-state journalists from requesting public records from the governor’s office. Gonzales Senator Ed Price questioned River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot who said  reporters outside of Louisiana can work with in-state media to make the request

Cut 3 (15) “..that information.” 

Talbot says other states also have a similar law and he carried this bill for the governor on the Senate floor…

Cut 4 (12) “…seen it.” 

During discussion on the Senate floor, it was pointed out that the governor’s office is receiving an additional one million dollars to hire more lawyers to work on public records requests. Talbot says the office is getting inundated with public records requests and many ask for an enormous amount of detail…

Cut 5 (13)  “… Louisiana citizens.”

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Governor Jeff Landry was in New Orleans today with Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser to talk about getting the state ready for Super Bowl LIX (59) on February 9, 2025 for a record tying 11th time with Miami, Florida.  Landry says New Orleans is ready.

Cut 6  (07) “…city of New Orleans. ” 

Landry says that one focus for this event will be improving infrastructure that will have benefits for New Orleans reaching years into the future.

Cut 7 (11) “…post Superbowl.”  

Some other projects include the relighting of the Crescent City Connection, cleaning and power washing of roads in the downtown area and Verizon, AT&T and Cox working together to bring 5G to downtown New Orleans.

Along with infrastructure, Landry wants to tackle public safety for the city and says when its game time the NFL can rest easy.

Cut 8 (06)  “…in the country.” 

Landry says this is a great opportunity to bring Louisianans together and not just highlight the city of New Orleans but the state of Louisiana.

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Severe weather looks to continue in Northwest Louisiana causing additional damage to SWEPCO’s energy delivery system, which resulted in additional outages bringing the total number of residents without power to over 13,000. SWEPCO spokesperson Michelle Marcotte…

Cut 9 (12) “…flooding.” 

Marcotte says they have been hit with severe storms since Friday and heavy rainfall has weakened trees.

Cut 10 (10) “…with our lines.”

Crews are trying to restore the power but more storms are in the forecast for northwest Louisiana.

Estimated restoration times have changed due to the latest weather with some areas expected to be restored today, weather permitting.

Cut 11 (12) ” …here in Louisiana.”

Residents are urged to stay away from downed wires and anything they may be touching. Call 911 to report any hazards.

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The 2024 legislative session yielded some big wins for social conservatives. Legislation requiring classrooms to post the Ten Commandments and reclassifying two abortion pills as dangerous controlled substances are among the major bills to pass. But political consultant Mary Patricia Wray says both measures will likely face court challenges

Cut 12 (02) “…litigated.” 

Wray says this was a successful session for Governor Landry, despite some of his bills being watered down or not passing.  Education Savings Accounts and constitutional convention measures are two examples. Wray gives the governor credit for taking on several big issues

Cut 13 (09) “…pretty notable.” 

One of Landy’s biggest political victories is the passage of a bill that allows him to appoint the chairs of more than 150 boards and commissions. And the governor can now appoint 11 of the 15 members of the state ethics board.

Wray says Landry did a lot of personal lobbying as he was seen in the Senate chambers on a couple of occasions

Cut  14 (12) “..already won.” 

With the 2024 regular legislative session in the books, Colleen Crain has a review from Council for a Better Louisiana President…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell’s bill banning unauthorized cell phones on school grounds heads to Governor Jeff Landry’s desk to be signed after unanimous approval by the State Senate. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

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Judges in Louisiana will soon have the option to sentence those who commit sexual crimes against a child under the age of 13 to surgical castration in addition to prison time. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Governor Jeff Landry’s first regular legislative session ended Monday night. Council for a Better Louisiana President, Barry Erwin says there were several anticipated important issues that lawmakers addressed and others that popped up in the session…

Cut 4 (12) “…going anywhere.”

Erwin says it’s possible that a Constitutional Convention could still be held, for example, if Governor Landry called for what would be his third special session this year.

Among the biggest issues lawmakers passed, Erwin says was a package of bills to lower insurance rates.

Cut 5 (11) “…pretty significant.” 

Erwin says a big win for the governor was the passage of the Gator Scholarship Program. The Education Savings Account bill that passed wasn’t what was proposed initially. Erwin says the program will be smaller in scale and…

Cut 6 (11) “…accounts.”

The Gator Scholarship Program is set to begin for the 2025-26 school year.

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the state will not renew a contract for a Louisiana float to appear in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Nungesser says they didn’t see a boost in tourism inquiries last year.

Cut 7 (10) “…come close.”

Instead, they will continue participating in the New Year’s Day Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, and they are looking for some helping hands.

Cut 8 (12) “…all volunteers.” 

Nungesser says that compared to Macy’s Parade the return on investment is night and day.

Cut 9 (05)  “…for this float.”

If you’re interested in volunteering, visit EXPLORELOUISIANA.COM for more information

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Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell’s bill that would ban cell phones from classrooms heads to Governor Jeff Landry’s desk to be signed. Mizell says there are options for schools to determine how phones will be stored but no matter what method used, positive results will be achieved.

Cut 10 (07) “…in their hand.”

One area of pushback was the possible cost that could have been incurred but Mizell says more solutions have been suggested that wouldn’t add any additional cost to schools.

Cut 11 (12) “…really cool system.”

Feedback from the Teacher Workforce Commission says the number one issue was the lack of attention in classrooms while competing with students using cell phones. Mizell says with this bill teachers should be getting some help.

Cut 12 (06) “…their phone.” 

If signed the bill would go into effect in the 2024-2025 school year.

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Judges in Louisiana will have the option to sentence those who commit sex crimes against children to surgical castration, in addition to prison time. Bill Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow told Denham Spring Senator Valerie Hodges that far too often perpetrators are repeat offenders.

Cut 13 (10)  “…doing it again.”

The surgical castration option would apply if the victim is under the age of 13. Judges already have the discretion to order chemical castration, which is less invasive, as a sentencing option for aggravated sex crimes.

The bill, which a Democrat authored, received overwhelming support from GOP lawmakers. Barrow says such crimes against children are inexcusable.

Cut 14 (12)  “…a baby.”

When someone violates a child, Barrow says it’s something that child must deal with for the rest of their life and she believes surgical castration should be an option, because…

Cut 15 (03)  “…very severe.”

The bill would take effect August 1^st.

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LSU’s season ended last night with a crushing four-to-three loss in ten innings to North Carolina in the Chapel Hill Regional. The Tar Heels scored the tying run in the ninth inning off LSU ace pitcher Gage Jump and UNC took the lead in the tenth inning when freshman right fielder Jake Brown dropped a fly ball to let the go-ahead run get on second base. Coach Jay Johnson didn’t want to see the season end…

Cut 16 (11) “…Super Regional at home.” 

LSU took a 3-2 lead in the third inning when Jared Jones connected on his 28th home run. Tigers relief pitcher Will Hellmers had the best performance of his LSU career as he threw 5.2 innings of scoreless baseball. It was Hellmers last game in an LSU uniform

Cut 17 (17) “…absolutely.”

Hellmers appreciated the opportunity he was given…

Cut 18 (18)  “…I was trying to do.”

Louisiana lawmakers have approved a 48-billion dollar budget for next fiscal year. Jeff Palermo on what it contains…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The legislative session ends today and lawmakers failed to approve a bill that would ban all edible THC products. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

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Louisiana lawmakers have approved a 48-billion dollar budget that includes a two-thousand dollar stipend for teachers and hundreds of millions of dollars for infrastructure projects. House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says teachers can expect their two-thousand dollar stipend earlier next school year

Cut 3 (10) “…schools.” 

McFarland says the goal is to make that two-thousand dollar stipend a permanent raise, but they need to see what future projections look like first.

McFarland says another highlight of this budget is what they decided to do with 771-million dollars in extra money they had to spend. He says instead of putting it into the Rainy Day Fund, they will spend it now

Cut 4 (12) “…addressed.” 

Early childhood advocates are not happy with this budget as nine-million dollars in funding to assist low income families pay for pre-k classes was cut. McFarland says part of the reasoning behind this…federal dollars from the pandemic that went towards early childhood education has expired

Cut 5 (11)  “…back fill it.”

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The legislative session ends today with lawmakers failing to approve a bill that would ban edible THC products.  This is a win for businesses and cannabis aficionados. Crescent Canna CEO Joe Gerrity led the effort to kill a bill that sought to prohibit consumable hemp products…

Cut 6  (10) “…total ban. ” 

Lawmakers have approved new regulations, including age restrictions, limits on portion size and where these products can be sold.

Cut 7 (12) “…cans per package.”  

Gerrity says a lot of what he heard on the Senate and House floor is nonsense and the lawmakers that are working so hard to ban these products lack the basic fundamental understanding of them.

Cut 8 (05)  “…what they’re talking about.” 

Opponents of the THC industry says they’re still much too accessible and lack common-sense guardrails.

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In Reserve, a 16-year-old Aariah Henry was murdered early Sunday in what authorities believe was a targeted attack. St. John Parish Sheriff Mike Tregre says the victim was one of six in a Black Dodge Challenger and he’s shared video of the tragic incident in hopes of making an arrest.

Cut 9 (08) “…in Reserve.” 

You can see that video at LouisianaRadioNetwork.com

Tregre says they don’t believe Henry nor the other two females in the car were the intended victims…

Cut 10 (09) “…at all.”

Both cars from the incident have been recovered and are being processed for evidence.

The victim was a 10^th grader at East St. John High School, and Tregre says after talking to Henry’s homeroom teacher, there’s no evidence to believe she incited the violence.

Cut 11 (09) ” …accountable.”

If you have any information you’re asked to contact investigators.

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There were six teams from Louisiana that made the NCAA Baseball Tournament and only LSU is left. The Ragin Cajuns were eliminated last night by Texas A-and-M as the Aggies defeated U-L Lafayette nine to four. Catcher Jose Torres says they gave it their best…

Cut 12 (11) “…your way.” 

Deggs says Sunday night’s loss to the Aggies will motivate his team to go father next season

Cut 13 (09) “…won’t ever stop.” 

Louisiana Tech’s magical season had a disappointing ending as the Bulldogs lost to Kansas State 19 to 4 and then 9-to-3 to Southeast Missouri in the Fayetteville Regional. Bulldogs Coach Lane Burroughs on what he told his team…

Cut  14 (09) “..play good.” 

Tech won 45 games and a Conference USA Regular Season title. Burroughs says those are two great accomplishments, but the ultimate goal is a trip to the College World Series…

Cut 15 (10) “…keep working.

Tulane was eliminated on Sunday with a 17-7 loss to UC-Irvine. Nicholls and Grambling State had their seasons end on Saturday as they both failed to win a game at their respective regionals.

ULM received a $750 thousand grant over three years from the state’s Entertainment Development Fund. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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2023 was predicted to be the highest job growth in 25 years for Louisiana, it ended up just average. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The legislative session comes to an end today and it was a good one for Governor Jeff Landry. Colleen Crain explains…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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The University of Louisiana at Monroe received the state’s Entertainment Development Fund of $750 thousand grant over three years to create opportunities for students looking for a career in the film industry.  Associate Professor of Communication, Dr. Chris Mapp

Cut 4 (12) “…fill that void.”

The grant allows ULM to do several things by crating a film and media arts concentration, establishing an in-hour motion picture studio on the Clark M. Williams Innovation Campus and host filmmaking summer camps for high school students across the region.

Mapp says this grant will not just be beneficial for students.

Cut 5 (12) “…valuable access.” 

ULM will acquire state-of-the-art equipment that gives students hands-on experience from ADR editing suites, studio sound stages and professional office spaces.  All to support workforce training and help attract film projects. Mapp says when it comes to the potential of the new program, the skies the limit.

Cut 6 (12) “…tools that they need.”

Mapp says this is a rare opportunity to not just make movies but to make a difference.

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Last year it was predicted Louisiana would see a job growth of 40,000, the highest increase in 25 years. But ULL Acadiana Business Economist Gary Wagner says that the forecast has since been revised and the state only gained close to 10,000 jobs.

Cut 7 (13) “…our average.”

So, while the gains were only a fourth of what was predicted, Wagner says Louisiana had an average year for job growth, which is still better than job losses.

As to why the numbers were so far off, Wagner says the figures are derived from 160,000 businesses nationwide. When the more accurate data is gathered nine to 12 months later, Wagner says the actual numbers are from Louisiana businesses.

He says it’s a good lesson not to put too much stock into job forecasts.

Cut 8 (11) “…for Louisiana.” 

Wagner says seeing as Louisiana only experienced a fourth of the predicted job gain, it’s not necessarily a poor reflection of the state’s overall economy.

Cut 9 (08)  “…average year.”

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The 2024 regular legislative session ends today and La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says the biggest piece of legislation approved is the Gator Scholarship Program. Alford says it brings Education Savings Accounts to Louisiana, allowing families to access public dollars to pay for private school tuition….

Cut 10 (08) “…in government.”

The Gator Scholarship Program will not start until the 2025-26 school year and it still remains to be seen how much funding will be available for vouchers and who will be eligible and how much will families receive.

The biggest item not to pass is the bill that would have enabled a constitutional convention to take place in August. Alford says it’s a blow to the governor and because it was assumed there would be a convention, many big picture ideas were put on hold in this session.

Cut 11 (10) “…November ballot.”

Alford says an interesting dynamic developed during this session and that is the Louisiana Senate did not go along with everything the governor wants

Cut 12 (11) “…on the other.” 

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LSU Baseball won two games Sunday and they are one win away from hosting a Super Regional Series. The Tigers defeated Wofford 13-6 in an elimination game yesterday and defeated North Carolina eight to four last night to force a winner take all game today against the Tar Heels. Josh Pearson hit home runs in both games and says this team is always in the fight

Cut 13 (13)  “…keep at it.”

Johnson says you can never count out a team with talent and experience…

Cut 14 (11)  “…from that.”

Thatcher Hurd was the big story. The right-hander has struggled this season, but had his best outing of the year against the Tar Heels, giving up just two runs and striking out six. Hurd says Coach Johnson gave the entire team confidence they could win two games yesterday

Cut 15 (10)  “…off of.”

Johnson on the decision to start Hurd against U-N-C…

Cut 16 (13) “…certainly did.” 

It remains to be seen who will start tonight. The Regional Championship game is tonight at 5 PM.

The 17th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off is tonight in Monroe. Mel Bridges has more…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

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The Gator Scholarship Program is on its way to becoming a reality for the next school year. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The New Orleans Saints announce Beloved Quarterback Drew Brees will be inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame Class of 2024. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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The hurricane season begins tomorrow and the long-range forecasts are calling for an extremely active season. Usually the peak of the season arrives around the middle of August and lasts into mid-September. LSU climatologist Barry Keim wouldn’t be surprised if the tropics ramp up earlier than normal this year as a result of the conditions…

Cut 4 (06) “…between there.”

NOAA forecasts 17 to 25 named storms this season. Of those, 8 to 13 are predicted to become hurricanes, and 4 to 7 to become major hurricanes. Keim says this projected monster of a season is due to a number of factors.

Cut 5 (13) “…waves.” 

Keim says the warm sea surface temperatures could help produce storms in June and July…

Cut 6 (09) “…even worse.”

There were 20 named storms last year. 2021 was the last time a hurricane made landfall in Louisiana.

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The 17th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off kicks off this evening, and for the first time ever, it’s in Monroe instead of in south Louisiana. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says the change of location for the cook-off is long overdue.

Cut 7 (09) “…Louisiana (x3).”

The cook-off gives 12 of the best chefs in the state one hour to prepare their best dish using Louisiana seafood for the chance to be crowned the King or Queen of Louisiana Seafood. Nungesser says the publicity the cook-off brings is good for both the state and the chefs.

Cut 8 (07) “…special dishes.” 

While usually held in south Louisiana, this year, the cook-off is on ULM’s campus. However, Nungesser says seafood lovers can’t buy tickets anymore because, in a historic first…

Cut 9 (02)  “…excited.”

The winner of the cook-off will represent Louisiana in the Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans in August.

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The Gator Scholarship Program, an expanded use of the school voucher program received final passage in the Senate Thursday. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says while passage is a win for the governor, a watered-down version of the original bill is what he’ll have the opportunity to sign.

Cut 10 (11) “…a bit.”

Erwin says the Education Savings Account bill still offers opportunities for families to use tax dollars to pay for private school but the program will be phased in slower than originally intended.

Cut 11 (11) “…long runway.”

In the final version of the legislation, Erwin says the amount of money each family could potentially receive remains to be determined. He believes lawmakers wanted to proceed with caution due to an anticipated budget shortfall in the future.

The program will begin the next school year and Erwin says it will primarily focus on students currently enrolled and eligible for the school voucher program, then open to other students depending on their family’s income level.

Oversight and accountability of the program will fall under the purview of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and determine the mechanics of how the program will work.

Cut 12 (09) “…the kids.” 

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A New York jury found Donald Trump guilty on all 34 charges of falsifying business records to pay adult film actress and Baton Rouge native Stormy Daniels to keep their relationship quiet so it wouldn’t influence the 2016 election. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says Trump will most likely not serve jail time…

Cut 13 (12)  “…view him.”

According to Hogan, the outcome of this case is unlikely to sway Republicans or Democrats…

Cut 14 (09)  “…by that.”

Hogan says Trump is still expected to win the Republican nomination next month but as for how his conviction will affect the voters at the polls…

Cut 15 (06)  “…November.”

Trump, who’s expected to appeal the case, will be sentenced July 11th. He’s the first former president to be convicted of a felony.

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The New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame will soon include Beloved Quarterback Drew Brees the team announced Thursday. Brees who retired in 2021 after a 20-seasons, 15 with the Saints, 13-times a Pro Bowler; Super Bowl XLIV champion and MVP; two-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year talked about visiting New Orleans prior to joining the team with Katrina’s mark still fresh…

Cut 16 (16) “…greatest cities.” 

Brees credits his teammates for making his accomplishments possible, saying they inspired him every day. He led the NFL in passing seven times and broke the 5,000-yard passing barrier five times.He holds the NFL record for highest completion percentage in a season, highest completion percentage in a game, and is tied for the single game passing touchdown record. Just before joining the Saints, Brees suffered a potential career ending injury…

Cut 17 (16) “…secret weapon.”

The date of Brees induction into the Saints Hall of Fame has not been announced but some have suggested a thursday night in October when Sean Peyton returns to the Superdome as the coach of the Denver Broncos.

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Louisiana Tech takes on Kansas State tonight in the opening round of the Fayetteville Regionals. The Wildcats plan to start senior Owen Boerema on the mound. He’s six and three with a 4.91 ERA. Bulldogs Coach Lane Burroughs says Boerema is a tough left-handed pitcher

Cut 18 (17)  “…competitive kid.”

Louisiana Tech will start Luke Nichols, who is 4-and-3 on the season with a 3.74 ERA. Burroughs likes Nichols makeup…

Cut 19 (12) “…tomorrow.” 

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The Ragin Cajuns will start Carson Fluno on the mound toay against the Longhorns, while Texas will send Max Grubbs to the hill. Fluno is 4-0 with a 2.94 ERA and Coach Matt Deggs says the senior from Wisconsin has been solid for them all season long…

Cut 20 (19) “…really pitch.”