The closed party primaries are over; and thus, the race for the U.S. Senate moves to the general election phase. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Baton Rouge officials are planning a massive search of the Baton Rouge North landfill to recover the remains of a missing 15-year-old. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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The historic rain event on June 18th may be long gone in Avoyelles Parish, but the painstaking task of recovery is just getting underway. Joey Frank, the director of the Avoyelles Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, says many people in the parish lost everything.

Cut 3 (08) “…just thrown away.”

Frank says more than 15-hundred households in the parish have reported flood damage. He says 120 displaced residents are staying in hotel rooms or in RVs at the Paragon Casino, with the state picking up the tab.

Cut 4 (10) “…just so sad.”

Frank says they’re winding down the emergency supply distribution centers.

Cut 5 (10) “…and in Dupont.”

Those with damage are strongly encouraged to document all of it at damage.la.gov, in order to bolster the state’s quest to secure a federal disaster declaration.

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Political analysts say the hard part is over for Julia Letlow. Nearly all of them say Letlow is all but certain to beat Jamie Davis and be elected to the U.S. Senate. But after beating John Fleming Saturday night, Letlow says she’s not taking anything for granted.

Cut 6 (11) “…House of Representatives.”

During the closed party primaries, Letlow and the other candidates only had to gear their messaging towards their fellow Republicans. Now that the race has shifted to the general election phase, Letlow says her strategy will remain consistent with her approach ever since she entered the race in January.

Cut 7 (10) “…earn their vote.”

Letlow was the last to enter the race, only doing so after President Trump endorsed her. That proved to be the game-changer, as her entry thinned the field, allowing her to easily beat Fleming and incumbent Bill Cassidy. Letlow says Trump reached out to her after she was projected to be the winner.

Cut 8 (07) “…the Senate side.”

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Baton Rouge officials are partnering with the FBI to recover the remains of missing 15-year-old Ja’Derrius Minnieweather, believed to be in the Baton Rouge North Landfill. Police Chief T.J. Morse says it is an active solid waste landfill covering over 400 acres that receives around 16-hundred tons of waste each day.

Cut 9 (08)  “…half an acre.”

Officials searching will wear fully insulated suits due to the threat of hazardous gases. Fire Chief Michael Kimble says the safety of the men and women conducting the search is a top priority.

Cut 10 (10) “…the search.” 

The physical search is expected to begin July 13 after extensive planning. Kimbell says the search will be conducted entirely by hand and compares the process to combing through the wreckage of 9/11. He says it could take several weeks.

Cut 11 (11) “…no more.”

Police believe Minnieweather was beaten to death and picked up on a routine collection route to the landfill. 51-year-old Maurice Parms was arrested and faces a first-degree murder charge. He has not provided any information on the location of the remains.

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So, what is next for John Fleming following his loss to Julia Letlow in the U-S Senate Republican Primary runoff? LSU Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow says the 74-year-old Fleming will continue working as State Treasurer and will likely seek re-election next year…

Cut 12 (05) “…stature.”

There were reports the Senate Republican Primary runoff could be a nailbiter, but Letlow won by 14-percentage points. Fleming’s campaign strategist, Roy Fletcher, told Talk Louisiana on WRKF, the Letlow campaign spent a lot on advertising in the days leading up to the run-off election…

Cut 13 (09) “…never heard of.”

Despite the defeat, Fletcher says Fleming ran a good campaign, nearly hitting a home run…

Cut 14 (04) “..of people.”

A state park in Calcasieu Parish will undergo a multi-year restoration. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The U.S. Senate nominations will be decided Saturday night. Jeff Palermo has a look at the two candidates on the Republican side.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Jefferson Parish officials and Loop Linen Service broke ground on a 25-million-dollar project to keep the family-owned company in the parish. Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission Executive Director Jerry Bologna says Loop Linen had outgrown their previous facilities and was looking to move. He says retaining these businesses is key to economic development.

Cut 3 (11) “…support them.”

Loop Linen serves nearly 17-hundred customers across Louisiana and Mississippi. Bologna says the new 16-million-dollar, 62-thousand-square-foot facility will retain 125 jobs from its current operation.

Cut 4 (11) “…supported them.”

The location near the intersection of U.S. 90 and Louisiana Highway 18 had lots of green space but lacked required infrastructure. Bologna says the project also includes a half-million dollars from the state and 350-thousand-dollas from the parish council.

Cut 5 (07) “…future development.”

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Sam Houston Jones State Park in Calcasieu Parish will be undergoing a major restoration after sustaining significant damage from Hurricane Laura and other storms. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says the project will cover more than 800 acres of forest habitat over the course of six years.

Cut 6 (12) “…help that park.”

Lieutenant Governor Nungesser says the planting of the native trees will help the park withstand future natural disasters.

Cut 7 (06) “…support to wildlife.”

Nungesser says Woodside Energy is exclusively funding the project, committing five-million dollars for the restoration.

Cut 8 (13) “…State of Louisiana.”

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The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame 2026 induction ceremony is Saturday night in Natchitoches. Former LSU second baseman Warren Morris is one of the inductees. Morris, of course, blasted the iconic walk-off homer to win the 1996 College World Series. He says he spent most of the season injured in the dugout supporting his teammates.

Cut 9 (07)  “…that championship.”

Former Northwestern State and Bossier Parish Community College coach Mike McConathy is the winningest college basketball coach in state history. He was also a standout point guard at Louisiana Tech. In 2006, he led the Demons to an NCAA tournament upset win over 15th-ranked Iowa. He says that team was built on the ones that came before it.

Cut 10 (10) “…how to win.” 

Former Florien coach Dewain Strother is the second-winningest high school girls basketball coach in the nation. He led the Lady Black Cats to six state championships and 21 Final Fours. Strother says he was blessed by talented players.

Cut 11 (13) “…that I love.”

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The race to represent the Republican Party in the 2026 U.S. Senate election comes to an end Saturday night, as the primary runoff between Julia Letlow and John Fleming will be decided. Negative ads have been prominent in this campaign as the two sides try to distinguish themselves as the more conservative candidate. Letlow has continuously pointed out that she has the endorsement of President Trump.

Cut 12 (12) “…desperate ads.”

The Fleming campaign has portrayed Letlow as a liberal. Fleming accused Letlow of supporting a liberal environmental agenda when it comes to carbon capture and sequestration, and he says Letlow supported DEI initiatives when she interviewed to be the president at ULM. Letlow says she’s anti-DEI, and that’s why she authored the Parents Bill of Rights Act.

Cut 13 (12) “…DEI.”

Fleming says Letlow’s Parents Bill of Rights Act did not pass, and there’s very little she can point to as far as accomplishments since she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2021.

Cut 14 (10) “..into law.”

Fleming says his resume is much more robust. Fleming has previously served in the U.S. House, and he was part of the Trump Administration during the President’s first term. The 74-year-old Minden native also says voters value his experience in the military, as a doctor and a business owner.

Cut 15 (07) “…no comparison”

Polls are open Saturday from 7 a-m to 8 p-m.

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are joining forces on national legislation aimed at reclassifying crawfish processors. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Construction is underway on a 30-million-dollar renovation to the Shrine on Airline. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Louisiana lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are sponsoring legislation that would reclassify those who work on crawfish farms. Congressmen Troy Carter, Cleo Fields and Clay Higgins are joining forces in proposing what’s known as the CRAW Act. Andy Brown with the Louisiana Farm Bureau says Congress had gotten it wrong by not classifying crawfish processors as agricultural workers.

Cut 3 (11) “…of the programs.”

By reclassifying them as agricultural workers, crawfish processors would be eligible for the uncapped H-2A visa program instead of having to secure a capped H-2B visa. Brown says the current arrangement could be detrimental to food security, as evidenced this year by the shortage of crawfish peelers.

Cut 4 (11) “…within that cap.”

Brown says these workers are not taking any jobs away from Americans, who he says on a whole simply do not find that work very a-peel-ing.

Cut 5 (14) “…off the job.”

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The Shrine on Airline is receiving a 30-million-dollar renovation to convert the baseball stadium into a multi-use venue hosting football, soccer, concerts and more. Jefferson Parish is putting 15-million-dollars in pandemic relief funding towards the project. Executive Director of the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission Jerry Bologna says it’s an investment in the community.

Cut 6 (12) “…events like this.”

Construction is scheduled to be completed June of next year.

While the stadium has already received interest from minor league football and soccer teams, its primary function will be a home for high school sports. Bologna says the renovation will add visitor sideline seating for the first time, a must for high school football in the area.

Cut 7 (11) “…view the game.”

The transformation will also add a stage to host concerts and festivals. Bologna says an entertainment venue in the area has proven to be successful.

Cut 8 (08) “…help that.”

He hopes the investment in the Shrine will spur development along the Airline corridor.

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Last Thursday’s torrential rainfall in Avoyelles Parish is one step closer to being an official state record. A volunteer observer with the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network measured 29.06 inches of rain within a 12-hour period three miles southeast of Cottonport. Jonathan Brazzell (“Brazil”) with the National Weather Service is among a team of meteorologists who are now verifying that measurement.

Cut 9 (07)  “…on the gauge.”

Brazzell says the team, which also includes State Climatologist Jay Grymes, has verified the volunteer’s rain reading from that day.

Cut 10 (10) “…will become official.” 

And once it becomes official, it would annihilate the previous record of 22 inches, set in Hackberry on August 29th, 1962. Brazzell says there are indications that some areas got even more than 29.06 inches.

Cut 11 (07) “…around 30 inches.”

To put those numbers in perspective – those areas of Avoyelles Parish got seven times more rainfall in 12 hours than what the Las Vegas metropolitan area gets in one year.

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East Baton Rouge Parish Pastor Tony Spell said he had a right to defend his family and church by fighting a neighbor who he claims threatened to kill and rape his family. Spell and his attorney blamed the Central Police Department for a failure to respond to numerous complaints made about the family, but Police Chief Roger Corcoran refutes the claim.

Cut 12 (11) “…back and look.”

Corcoran says his department has record of only five incidents involving the Spells in the last four years, and only one of those was a complaint, which a detective followed up with.

Cut 13 (10) “…responds to that.”

Corcoran says even if the department had received several complaints, the Spells would have been redirected to the sheriff’s office.

The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office has charged Spell with second-degree battery, and Corcoran says he will not interfere with their investigation. Spell’s attorney alleged that Central Police were working with the neighbors against Spell. Corcoran denies the allegation.

Cut 14 (11) “…out here.”

Former LSU and Falcons center Todd McClure will be inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame this weekend. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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In St. Tammany, Randy Smith pleads guilty to attacking a critic of his at a Madisonville restaurant and he also resigns as sheriff. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The massive flooding in Avoyelles Parish kept LDWF enforcement agents busy. They rescued 86 people and 20 pets from the raging floodwaters last week. Captain John Volentine, who’s the region commander for the affected area, says the rescue mission was unlike any ever undertaken in Avoyelles Parish.

Cut 3 (07) “…the 1927 flood.”

Captain Volentine says along with trucks and vessels, agents used the department’s two amphibious vehicles to rescue people stranded by the floodwaters.

Cut 4 (12) “…parish like Avoyelles.”

Volentine says the cleanup process has already been a tedious one and will become even more so as time goes by.

Cut 5 (06) “…and the water.”

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The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame will welcome a new class of 12 Louisiana sports icons. Former LSU and Atlanta Falcons center Todd McClure is one of the four Tigers to be honored. A Baton Rouge native, McClure says he’s honored to join such a special group.

Cut 6 (11) “…truly humbled.”

In 1995, McClure arrived at an LSU program coming off six straight losing seasons. He took over the starting center job midway through his freshman year and never looked back, earning two All-SEC and an All-American first-team selection. He says playing for the Tigers was a dream come true.

Cut 7 (12) “…anywhere else.”

McClure was taken by the Falcons in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft. After an ACL injury his rookie season, McClure started 195 games over 14 years in Atlanta and was added to their Ring of Honor in 2022. He says Atlanta was a second home for him.

Cut 8 (11) “…see it now.”

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St. Tammany Sheriff Randy Smith pleaded guilty today to one count of second degree battery for attacking a critic of his at a restaurant near Madisonville on May 29^th. District Attorney Collin Sims as part of the plea deal, Smith is no longer the sheriff…

Cut 9 (13)  “…protecting the public.”

Sims says the former sheriff can reduce the felony battery conviction to a misdemeanor if he completes an 18-month treatment program that will address his alcohol issues…

Cut 10 (08) “…that caused it.” 

Smith also pleaded guilty to disturbing the peace by public intoxication. Last month, the former sheriff attacked from behind Robert Couvillon, a blogger and social media personality. Couvillon suffered a concussion and dental injuries and was hospitalized.

Sims says the victim and the the investigating agency, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, are satisfied with this case’s resolution…

Cut 11 (12) “…held accountable.”

Smith served as the sheriff of St. Tammany for nearly a decade and was serving in his third term. Prior to his time as sheriff, Smith was the Slidell police chief from 2010 to 2016. He has spent 40 years in law enforcement.

Smith says it’s been the honor of a lifetime to serve the St. Tammany Parish community, but retiring at this time is in the best interest of the agency, his family and the public. Bret Ibert will take over as Interim Sheriff until a new Sheriff is elected.

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Planned Parenthood is coming back to Louisiana, with the first reopening happening this fall in New Orleans. Emily Wales, the president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, says her network took over Louisiana following the closure of the last clinic in the state last September.

Cut 12 (07) “…make that happen.” 

Wales says the New Orleans clinic will offer several services for women.

Cut 13 (08) “…and well visits.”

What the clinic will not provide, however, is abortion services, since those services are illegal in the state. But Wales says like all other clinics in states where the procedure is outlawed, they can facilitate travel to a Planned Parenthood in a state where the procedure is allowed.

Cut 14 (09) “…of the state.”

The Louisiana Right To Life is not happy that Planned Parenthood is returning to Louisiana to send women outside the state to have abortions. The pro-life group is also concerned that Planned Parenthood’s telehealth services may be violating Louisiana law if their medical providers are not licensed to practice medicine in Louisiana. The Louisiana Right to Life says state law also prohibits health care providers from prescribing the abortion pill for elective abortion.

One rain gauge in Avoyelles Parish measured 29 inches of rain in 12 hours during Tropical Storm Arthur. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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The race for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate is coming down to the wire. Andrew Greenstein reports. 

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Animal advocates are hailing the signing of a bill aimed at protecting Louisiana white-tailed deer. Humane Society of Louisiana Director Jeff Dorson says House Bill 1248 was spawned by a pair of high-profile incidents, in which LDWF agents seized deer from those caring for them and killed them.

Cut 3 (09) “…by good Samaritans.”

So Greenwell Springs Representative Lauren Ventrella, who’s an animal advocate, drafted the bill that sailed through the legislature without a single dissenting vote. Dorson says it gives licensed rehabbers the green light to care for white-tailed deer who need help.

Cut 4 (12) “…neurological disorders.”

Dorson says there are certain procedures licensed rehabbers will need to adhere to when taking in one of these deer.

Cut 5 (08) “…Wildlife and Fisheries.”

The new law takes effect August 1st.

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A rain gauge between Cottonport and Plaucheville measured 29 inches of rain during the downpours caused by Tropical Storm Arthur. State climatologist Jay Grymes is meeting with the National Weather Service in Avoyelles Parish to check and verify the rain gauges in the area. Grymes says if it’s made official, the total would be a new state record.

Cut 6 (08) “…the record.”

Grymes says he expects the measurement to be validated. There have been numerous gauges in the area reporting 20 or more inches of rain across the same time period. He says officials just need to make sure the rain was collected properly.

Cut 7 (09) “…multiple times.”

Grymes says the massive rain was possible due to numerous thunderstorms forming over the same area. The rainfall will likely be deemed a thousand-year event, and Grymes says it’s similar to the 2016 thunderstorms that caused flooding in south Louisiana with the same designation.

Cut 8 (10) “…a thousand years.”

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Just four days to go until the runoff elections. Ron Faucheux with Lunchtime Politics says polls in the Republican U.S. Senate race between Julia Letlow and John Fleming indicate that it’s anyone’s contest.

Cut 9 (10)  “…the Republican primary.”

Faucheux says the Republican runoff has the ability to break all norms in national Republican contests this year.

Cut 10 (11) “…in the lead.” 

Faucheux says Letlow has only one path to secure the Republican nomination.

Cut 11 (14) “…done that yet.”

Faucheux says with a low turnout expected, the Republican race will come down to whether Letlow or Fleming does a better job in getting the vote out.

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Louisiana officials are urging those impacted by Tropical Storm Arthur to report damages and losses to damage-dot-la-dot-gov. Governor Jeff Landry says the data collected on the website will help the state appeal for federal disaster assistance.

Cut 12 (09) “…methodic way.” 

The website has a survey for flood victims to provide photos and descriptions of the damage to their homes. The survey is not for reporting damages to businesses, and multiple reports should not be submitted for the same residence. Landry says these pictures can also be used to make FEMA claims if assistance is received.

Cut 13 (11) “…la-dot-gov website”

Some residents experienced issues with the website Sunday. Landry says those problems have been fixed and the survey is ready to receive more reports.

Cut 14 (09) “..those issues.”

There are two types of federal declarations, each with a different threshold: public assistance and individual assistance. The individual assistance threshold is the one Landry says he is targeting, and the declaration will provide aid to secure temporary housing and basic home repair for flood victims.

Shreveport golfer Sam Burns finished just one stroke short of his first major championship at the U.S. Open yesterday. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Governor Jeff Landry was back in Avoyelles Parish today to assist with the relief efforts from Thursday’s historic flooding. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Former LSU golfer and Shreveport native Sam Burns came up one stroke shy at the U.S. Open yesterday. Burns entered the final round trailing the leader Wyndham Clark by seven shots. He finished his day three under while Clark shot three over, but Burns says he knew it would have taken something special.

Cut 3 (12) “…cap to him.”

The win would have been Burns’s first major title. At last year’s Open, he was the sole leader heading into the final round at four under par but shot eight over on his final 18 and finished 7th. Burns says this year’s championship had a different feeling.

Cut 4 (10) “…win today.”

After the tournament, Burns shared an emotional embrace with his father. Burns is the father of a two-year-old boy with another child on the way. He teared up as he reflected on what could have been.

Cut 5 (12) “…really special.”

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The American Red Cross is intensifying its relief efforts amid the tornadoes and historic flooding. Melissa Duplantier (doo-PLAH-shay) with the Red Cross says they’ve opened shelters in Mansura and Opelousas.

Cut 6 (11) “…meal as well.”

Duplantier says the shelters will stay open as long as people need a place to go.

Cut 7 (11) “…as we’re needed.”

Duplantier says even those who have places to go, like friends’ or relatives’ homes, the Red Cross wants to hear from them.

Cut 8 (06) “…any additional assistance.”

The Red Cross could always use volunteers or donations. If you’d like to donate, the easiest way to do so is to text “REDCROSS” – one word – to 90999. You can also go to the Red Cross’ website, or you can call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

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One volunteer group lended a helping hand in Gulfport, Mississippi, amid the flooding caused by Tropical Storm Arthur. Trey Williams with Cajun Navy 2016 says they conducted several high water rescues.

Cut 9 (09)  “…World Series game.”

Williams says the Fort Worth-based baseball team was staying at an AirBNB when it became trapped inside by the floodwaters.

Cut 10 (12) “…when we did.” 

Williams says Cajun Navy 2016 volunteers also rescued a kayaker.

Cut 11 (11) “…individual as well.”

The Cajun Navy 2016 volunteers have since left the Gulfport area and will be focusing their efforts this week on Avoyelles Parish.

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Governor Jeff Landry and First Lady Sharon Landry were in Avoyelles Parish today to distribute food, bottled water and supplies to residents who have experienced flood damage to their homes. Landry says the First Lady’s Love One Foundation and Stine Lumber donated the supplies…

Cut 12 (10) “…clean it up.” 

It’s estimated that 800 to 850 homes and businesses Avoyelles Parish suffered flood damage as a result of the remnants from Tropical Storm Arthur. Plaucheville (Ploy-chay-ville), Dupont and Simmesport are among the hardest hit areas.

Residents who experienced flood damage are urged to report their losses to damage.la.gov. Landry says it’s important to know how many people are affected so the state can submit that information to the White House in the hopes of receiving federal aid for individuals.

Landry says in the meantime the state is doing what it can to help flood victims who need temporary shelter

Cut 13 (16) “…casino campground”

Landry says they are also focused on debris cleanup…

Cut 14 (08) “..as well.”

Governor Landry gets a first-hand look at the flooding in Avoyelles Parish. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Early voting is over, so this Saturday is the last chance for you to make your voice heard in the U.S. Senate runoffs. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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The 2026 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is this coming Saturday; and Hall President Ronnie Rantz says fans can stay busy all weekend. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Governor Landry took an aerial tour of the flooding in Avoyelles Parish Friday afternoon, and what he saw from the air took his breath away.

Cut 4 (10) “…was certainly impactful.”

Avoyelles is one of six parishes included in Landry’s disaster declaration following torrential rains both during and after Tropical Storm Arthur. Landry is also working to secure a federal disaster declaration for Avoyelles Parish, which would free up federal dollars for recovery efforts. Landry said those affected can help speed up the process by documenting their damage at damage.la.gov.

Cut 5 (11) “…up the chain.”

Landry also expressed frustration over the relatively low number of people in Avoyelles Parish who carry flood insurance.

Cut 6 (10) “…can’t afford it.”

Earlier, Joey Frank, the director of the Avoyelles Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, noted that most of Avoyelles Parish is not in a flood zone. He called this event a “one-thousand-year flood.”

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Early voting is over, so voters have one more chance this Saturday to head to the polls to make their voices heard in the U.S. Senate runoffs. The race getting the most attention has been on the Republican side, with Julia Letlow and John Fleming battling it out for the nomination. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says President Trump’s endorsement of Letlow could play an outsized role.

Cut 7 (11) “…of Donald Trump.”

In the primary, Letlow finished 15 points ahead of Fleming, and a poll showing Letlow ahead by that margin since advancing to the runoff appeared to indicate that she was pulling away. But a recent poll commissioned by the Letlow campaign actually showed her trailing Fleming. Hogan says that’s proof that this is anyone’s contest.

Cut 8 (08) “…their minds yet.”

Hogan says while neither campaign delivered the proverbial knockout blow, one campaign committed a potentially fatal unforced error.

Cut 9 (14)  “…the Fleming campaign.”

On the Democratic side, former Tensas Parish police juror Jamie Davis is squaring off against Gary Crockett, who has never held elected office. Hogan says the winner of the Republican race will be the odds-on favorite to win the general election in November.

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One group is sounding the alarm over federal road funding, especially in light of the condition of America’s roads. Brian Turmail, the vice president of the Associated General Contractors of America, says 51-percent of Louisiana’s roads are in poor or mediocre condition, and that costs drivers almost 900 dollars a year.

Cut 10 (12) “…such rough pavement.”

Congress needs to pass a new transportation funding bill by September 30th to ensure that there will be enough money to pay for maintenance of roads, bridges and transit systems. Turmail says the solution his group is proposing is to add a federal EV and hybrid vehicle tax to compensate for the federal gasoline taxes they’re not paying. 

Cut 11 (10) “…federal fuel tax.”

Turmail says EV drivers in particular are getting a free ride, and they should be paying their fair share towards the funding used to maintain roads and bridges.

Cut 12 (10) “…a gas car.”

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The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026 will be inducted in Natchitoches this weekend. Hall President and CEO Ronnie Rantz says there will be events celebrating the inductees all weekend. He says his favorite day is Friday, kicked off by the Celebrity Bowling Bash at the Four Seasons Bowling Center in Alexandria.

Cut 13 (10)  “…the whole family.”

Headlining this year’s class are former LSU Tigers Warren Morris, Todd MccLure and Sylvia Fowles. Saints wide receiver Joe Horn and LSU basketball coach John Brady are also in the 12-person class. Friday evening is the Rockin’ River Fest with live music on the Natchitoches riverfront.

Cut 14 (09) “…bring the family.”

The induction ceremony will be Saturday night and will be broadcast on LPB across the state. Rantz says there will be even more opportunities for family fun during the day.

Cut 15 (09) “…a Cane’s lunch.”

And for the parents, there will be a round table luncheon and Q&A with the inductees.

Rantz says many events are free, but you can purchase VIP tickets and find more information about the 2026 class at L-A-sports-hall-dot-com.

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After missing the postseason for the first time since 2011, LSU is revamping its baseball roster. Coach Jay Johnson has added six new talents from the transfer portal, including top portal prospect Bino Watters. Johnson says the Notre Dame outfielder is a complete player.

Cut 16 (16) “…from Notre Dame.”

Johnson also added Tulane outfielder Jason Wachs, who’s been the Green Wave’s best hitter the last two seasons. The transfer duo is expected to slot into the corners of the outfield.

The Tigers also landed a duo of experienced infielders. Florida transfer Cade Kurland has 190 starts in four years with the Gators and will likely be the LSU starting second baseman. With Steven Milam returning, Johnson says Texas State sophomore shortstop Dawson Park can shift over to third.

Cut 17 (14) “…to move around.”

On the mound, Johnson welcomes two talented arms coming off their freshman seasons. Gonzaga righty Landon Hood was the number-one pitcher in the portal with a fastball that touches 97. USC’s Diego Velazquez showed great command both as a starter and in relief for the Trojans this year. Johnson says they’ll complement a young staff he has faith in.

Cut 18 (15) “…Cooper Moore back.”

An Australian woman in Franklinton faces voter fraud charges for allegedly illegally voting in the last two federal elections. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Tropical Storm Arthur is expected to make landfall in Southwest Louisiana tonight. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A 51-year-old Australian woman is facing up to five years in prison for allegedly illegally voting in the 2022 and 2024 federal elections. Nataly Migliore (Mil-ee-yor-ay) is a legal permanent resident of Franklinton who allegedly registered to vote despite not being a U.S. citizen. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says she is just one of what of numerous noncitizens found in Louisiana’s voter registration.

Cut 3 (12) “…since the 1980s.”

Landry’s office found the alleged illegal voters by using the federal SAVE database. A new law signed by Governor Jeff Landry will require all future Secretaries of State to also utilize the database. Landry says the tool compares registered voter lists to federal databases to check citizenship status.

Cut 4 (11) “…citizen or not.”

Landry says there are open investigations into other cases of illegal voting thanks to the information found with the SAVE database. She says she expects more indictments similar to Migliore’s in the near future.

Cut 5 (11) “…our elections.”

The U-S Attorney’s office says Migliore lied about being a U-S Citizen and that false claim led to her being able to register to vote. Migliore faces two counts each of fraudulent voting and false statement.

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Senator Bill Cassidy is speaking out against the proposed deal with Iran to end the war and re-open the Strait of Hormuz. Cassidy says if it goes through, the deal makes the entire U.S.-led operation in vain.

Cut 6 (14) “…everyone failed.”

Cassidy says the deal strikes him as what he terms “JCPOA 2.0,” which was the deal that President Obama struck with Iran, which he also opposed. He says this deal will cost the U.S. and the American people dearly.

Cut 7 (08) “…billions of dollars.”

The Trump administration says the deal mean Iran will not procure or develop nuclear weapons.

Cassidy says furthermore, the U.S. just gave Iran a massive amount of ammunition for future negotiations that it cannot undo.

Cut 8 (10) “…in the future.”

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Tropical Storm Arthur, located off the Texas coast, is expected to bring flash flooding conditions to south and central Louisiana. The system was upgraded to a tropical storm this morning with sustained winds of 40 miles per hour. Andy Tingler with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says Arthur could bring eight or more inches of rain to some areas.

Cut 9 (07)  “…urban flooding.”

In the one o’ clock advisory, Arthur’s maximum sustained winds were 45 miles per hour, but the wind speeds are expected to drop as Arthur makes landfall. Tingler says the biggest threat from the disorganized storm is heavy rainfall in a short amount of time.

Cut 10 (08) “…not anticipated.” 

The center of the storm is currently over the Texas coast, moving towards Louisiana at around nine miles per hour. Tingler says Southwest and Central Louisiana  will be right in the path of the heaviest rain.

Cut 11 (11) “…into tomorrow.”

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Franklin Parish four-star running back Trey Martin will be a Tiger. Martin is the state’s top back in the 2027 class and is ranked as the number 14 tailback in the nation by 247Sports. Franklin Parish football coach Adrian Burnette says having Martin in the backfield is a coach’s dream.

Cut 12 (09) “…to have him.” 

Martin started his high school career at safety before taking over as the Patriots’ lead back when starter DJ Neal went down with injury. As a track sprinter, Martin posted a season-best time of 11.31 seconds in the 100 meters and a six-foot high jump mark. Burnette says he’s a special athlete.

Cut 13 (12) “…out of it.”

Martin chose LSU over offers from Florida and Ole Miss. Burnette says he’s quiet off the field, but he’s always around his teammates.

Cut 14 (14) “…fit him.”

Starting August 1st, suppliers which mix imported seafood with domestic seafood must clearly disclose that fact. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The National Hurricane Center has issued a Tropical Storm watch for the Louisiana coast from Morgan City westward. Jeff Palermo has more on what could be our first named storm of the season…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Gas prices continue to fall throughout Louisiana. According to GasBuddy-dot-com, the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded is now below $3.60 a gallon. That’s down more than 40 cents a gallon from its May 20th peak. Gas Buddy petroleum analyst Patrick De Haan says there’s one factor more than any other that’s impacting gasoline prices.

Cut 3 (09) “…move us forward.”

The deal De Haan is referring to is the one that President Trump says he reached with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and get traffic flowing again. But De Haan cautions that even though Trump has said it’s a done deal, nothing has been signed as of yet.

Cut 4 (08) “…deal does unravel.”

De Haan says the pending deal with Iran has caused oil prices to fall below 80 dollars a barrel. He says what oil prices do from here, depends on whether the deal to end the war between the U-S and Iran can be finalized…

Cut 5 (09) “…right back up.”

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If your seafood dish, whether it be at a restaurant or from your grocer’s frozen food section, contains a mix of domestic and imported product, that will need to be clearly disclosed as of August 1st. This, after Governor Landry signs a bill cracking down on so-called “co-mingling” of seafood. The author, Lafitte Representative Timothy Kerner, says suppliers have been using this tactic for years to boost their profits.

Cut 6 (10) “…it that way.”

Representative Kerner says while the suppliers cash in, the local fishermen and the consumers are the ones who lose.

Cut 7 (07) “…catching the product.”

Kerner says what’s especially frustrating is that while many imported seafood slip past America’s ports with little to no inspection, local fishermen go to great lengths to abide by local laws to make sure their shrimp is safe for human consumption.

Cut 8 (10) “…the fishermen do.”

As of August 1st, violators face fines of 15-thousand dollars for a first offense, 25-thousand dollars for a second offense, and 50-thousand dollars for each subsequent offense.

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Six to ten inches or more of rain is possible this week for much of south and central Louisiana as a result of an approaching tropical disturbance expected to reach southwest Louisiana tomorrow night. Meteorologist Donald Jones with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says a tropical wave moving up the Texas coastline is main contributor for all of the rain and it’s moving slowly

Cut 9 (08)  “…Friday evening.”

Jones says there is the possibility this low pressure system could develop into a tropical storm before the center of the system reaches southwest Louisiana tomorrow night…

Cut 10 (08) “…act together.” 

A tropical storm watch extends from Sargent, Texas to Morgan City. That means tropical storm conditions are possible in the area in the next 24 to 36 hours. If the Gulf disturbance develops into a named storm, it will be called Tropical Storm Arthur. Forecasters give it a medium chance of developing into a named storm.

Jones says even if this system does develop into a tropical storm, it can produce significant flooding…

Cut 11 (09) “…lot of rainfall.”

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Cameron Jordan is returning for a 16th season as a Saint. After meeting with the front office today, Jordan  finalizing a one-year, incentive-heavy deal with the Saints. Sideline reporter Jeff Nowak says bringing back the former All-Pro is not just ceremonial.

Cut 12 (09) “…when we get to you.” 

After Jordan’s first offseason as a free agent, he decided to return to New Orleans. Nowak says it would have taken a significant role on a contending team or a lucrative offer to pull him away from the franchise that drafted him in 2011. Nowak says he’ll be in a position to produce.

Cut 13 (09) “…could get there.”

Jordan will join an edge rusher room with returning starters Chase Young and Carl Granderson. Nowak says the Saints also traded a fifth-round draft pick for 2023 seventh overall pick Tyree Wilson and signed six-year veteran Anfernee Jennings in free agency.

Cut 14 (08) “…be productive.”

Jordan has also announced this will be his last season in the NFL.

Flooding is a possibility this week as excessive rainfall may produce flash flooding. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Researchers from LSU’s Pennington Biomedical found that despite increasing obesity rates, severely obese individuals are receiving fewer surgeries. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Nearly the entire state is under a flood watch as tropical moisture from a disturbance in the Gulf interacts with a stalled cold front, which is expected to produce between three to six inches of rain, with the possibility that some areas could see up to ten inches of rain fall over the next few days. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim…

Cut 3 (11) “…same location”

Keim says Louisiana residents should be prepared for heavy rains and the possibility of flooding.

Cut 4 (06) “…big time flooding.”

Keim says the chances for rain are high every day through Saturday. He says once this week ends, it’s likely the state will no longer be concerned with drought conditions…

Cut 5 (09) “…this fast.”

Keim says we could see the biggest rainfall totals on Tuesday going into Wednesday, but again a heavy downpour is possible every day this week, especially during the afternoon hours.

We’ve seen heavy rainfall across the I-20 corridor. In the Shreveport-Bossier area numerous cars had to be abandoned because they got stuck in flood waters.

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An LSU Pennington Biomedical study found that Americans with severe obesity are undergoing fewer surgical procedures. Senior author of the study, Dr. Vance Albaugh says extreme obesity can predispose patients to knee or hip replacements, heart disease and other health issues that require operation. Despite rising national obesity rates, these individuals are undergoing fewer operations.

Cut 6 (07) “…their obesity.”

Albaugh says one cause of this trend could be insurance coverage. He says many insurance plans do not cover bariatric surgeries or GLP-1 medications to help with extreme weight loss.

Cut 7 (09) “…first place.”

In 2024, the Louisiana Legislature and Governor Landry passed a law requiring commercial health insurance plans to include coverage for bariatric surgery. The law was supposed to go into effect in January of 2025, but Albaugh says it has yet to be enacted.

Cut 8 (11) “…liver disease.”

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Registration for the Fortified Roof Program lottery closes Friday at 5 p.m. 3,000 individuals will receive grants of up to ten-thousand-dollars for a new fortified roof. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says residents can create a profile and register at ldi.la.gov.

Cut 9 (10)  “…the grant.”

A new law signed last month allowed 50-million-dollars in Louisiana Citizens Insurance excess Katrina bonds to be allocated to the Fortified Roof Program. Temple says Louisiana is the fastest-growing state in the country for FORTIFIED.

Cut 10 (09) “…twelve months.” 

Temple says fortified roofs protect against extreme weather and extreme homeowners’ insurance prices. Resilient roofs limit claims, prevent damage and lower insurance rates.

Cut 11 (12) “…fortified roof on.”

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The creation of a Prescription Drug Affordability Board is just Governor Landry’s signature away from becoming a reality. Jason Young, the co-founder of Americans for Lower Drug Prices, says Senate Bill 401, which passed overwhelmingly in the legislature, is designed to address what lawmakers say is a lack of accountability.

Cut 12 (12) “…to respond to.” 

Young cautions that the bill does not impose any price controls or set reimbursement limits.

Cut 13 (06) “…put anything out.”

Young says Americans are paying through the roof for prescription drugs and are fed up.

Cut 14 (11) “…exact same factory?”

Young says prescription drug companies respond to that by saying transparency could hurt innovation or access to prescription drugs.