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.”

The State House gave final passage to a measure that eliminates the regulation requiring employers to give 16 and 17 year old employees at least a 20-minute meal break. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Sean Richardson .”

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If you’re out on the water this summer and spot some dead fish LDWF is asking you to let them know. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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The State House, in a 63-28 vote, gave final passage to a measure that eliminates the regulation requiring employers to give 16 and 17 year old employees at least a 20-minute meal break if they work at least five hours.

The bill goes to the Governor’s desk to be signed. Denham Springs Republican Representative Roger Wilder says this legislation is good for teenagers that are looking for work.

Cut 3 (05) “…get employment.” 

Wilder says this bill will result in less red tape for employers hiring minors that make the hiring process more productive.

Cut 4 (13) “…with paperwork.” 

Wilder went on to say it can be hard finding minors with a good work ethic in today’s market.

Cut 5 (12)  “…seven or eight dollars.”

Wilder owns 19 Smoothie King franchises, including multiple in his home district of Denman Springs.

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Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is asking for help if you are on or around bodies of water this summer and see fish kills to give them a call.

LDWF Inland Fisheries Technical Advisor Robby Maxwell…

Cut 6  (11) “…appropriate manner. ” 

Maxwell says there could be multiple reasons for fish kills this summer.

Cut 7 (09) “…follow up on it.”  

Fish kills are typical this time of year. Causes have been from droughts to hurricanes, but mainly it’s due to temperature and low oxygen in the water.

Maxwell says typically after a fish kills they see very good recovery of the fisheries resources.

Cut 8 (10)  “…fish kill.” 

Neighborhood ponds are prone to fish kills due to the small size and depth and while LDWF doesn’t investigate neighborhood ponds they do keep records.

If you see any fish kills natural and non-natural this summer, report them to the LDWF as soon as possible.

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The 74^th annual Peach Festival is this Saturday in downtown Ruston, an opportunity to enjoy 12 hours of live music, an art market and it’s Louisiana so of course there’s a plethora of peachy good food. Tori Davis with Experience Ruston…

Cut 9 (12) “…in Lincoln Parish.” 

Davis says Lincoln Parish is home to the largest peach orchard in the state and the event which honors their farming heritage is the longest-running agricultural festival in Louisiana.

Cut 10 (12) “…of course.” 

It’s a day full of family-friendly activities and Davis says it’s easy on your wallet too.

Cut 11 (10) ” …all day.”

The festival begins at 9 am and the last call for peaches is 11 pm.

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Police in Zachary arrested two teenagers this morning after an attempted car burglary that ended with a woman being shot three times when she tried to intervene.  Chief Darryl Lawerence says the two suspects are 17 and 15 years old were in the Baton Rouge area.

Cut 12 (13) “…Parish Prison.” 

Because this is considered a violent crime, Lawerence says the 17-year-old is one of their first arrests that the suspect can be charged as an adult due to a recent law passed to curb juvenile crime.

The female victim has been released from the hospital.

Lawrence says detectives got some good leads on the getaway vehicle the suspects used Tuesday at 3 am and within two days they were able to make the arrests.

Lawrence says while they commend the victim’s bravery, he urges citizens to let law enforcement handle matters.

Cut 13 (09) “…a crime.” 

Instead of confronting criminals, Lawerence says to collect as much information as possible like the color, make, and model of a vehicle and a description of the suspects.

The St. Augustine Marching 1000 will head to Normandy, France next week for a special performance for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. Sean Richardson has more…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Sean Richardson .”

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While Governor Jeff Landry can claim some legislative victories in his first regular session, a few key pieces remain to be decided. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The St. Augustine Marching 100 is heading to Normandy, France. to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-day. School President Aulston Taylor says the students are excited and ready for this incredible journey.

Cut 3 (12) “…over on Monday.” 

Taylor says while St. Augustine looks at themselves as ambassador for the school but this brings new opportunities.

Cut 4 (11) “…soil of France.” 

With fundraising efforts of $702,000 and the historical importance of the event, Taylor says the students aspire to be instruments of healing and honor the brave individuals that risked everything for their country.

Cut 5 (12)  “…young leadership.”

The students will head out June 3rd and return home on June 11th.

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We’re in what could be the final week of Governor Jeff Landry’s first regular legislative session. While lawmakers are hoping to wrap up business on Friday, they must adjourn by 6 PM on June 3^rd. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says there are still some big items left to tackle.

Cut 6  (09) “…this Friday. ” 

Among those key pieces of legislation are the Gator Scholarship Program, the budget, and a bill to hold a Constitutional Convention in August. Pinsonat says the Senate had decided not to take up the Convention bill.

Cut 7 (10) “…unanswered questions.”  

Pinsonat says the next few days will determine the final tally on Landry’s overall accomplishments with his first legislative session…

Cut 8 (08)  “…Jeff Landry.” 

The Senate still must vote on the state budget and any changes must be approved by the House before final passage.

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The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee met today for what was likely the final time during this legislative session and the panel never took up the House-approved constitutional convention bill. Chairman and Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields says Senators disagree on the need for a constitutional convention…

Cut 9 (04) “…uncertain.” 

Earlier this month, the Louisiana House approved a bill that called for a constitutional convention to take place in August. But several lawmakers were concerned over the lack of specifics on how the convention would be held and what would exactly be changed in the constitution.

Fields believes it’s wise not to hear the bill because there is not a consensus among state senators…

Cut 10 (04) “…is done.” 

Lawmakers must conclude their work in this legislative session on Monday, but there is a push among legislators to end the session on Friday. Fields says there are bigger priorities for the Senate than a constitutional convention

Cut 11 (04) ” …that now.”

Governor Landry was pushing a constitutional convention so lawmakers and a group of appointed delegates can remove items out of the constitution and put into state law to provide more flexibility when there are budget deficits.

This Memorial Day, take a second to remember those who fought for our country. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

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If you’re in Thibodaux or Shreveport on Friday, you might experience a 70s flashback when hundreds of Mrs. Ropers invade downtown. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (35)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The NCAA and the five biggest conferences, including the SEC, have reached a settlement that will result in all college athletes being paid. Jeanne Burns has more.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.” 

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Today is Memorial Day, a day to honor those who fought for our country, and, according to Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Col. Charlton Meginley (mah-ghen-lee), one of the most significant.

Cut 4 (13) “…reflect upon that.”

Meginley says it is important every day, but especially today, to honor the 11 thousand Louisiana veterans who have died in combat.

Cut 5 (12) “…every day.” 

Though Meginley thinks there’s nothing wrong with going to the beach or having a barbeque, he says there are other ways to celebrate veterans.

Cut 6 (13) “…really means.”

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Large jackpots have proved to be profitable with the Louisiana Lottery transferring almost $48 million to the state treasury. Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says they also moved close to $16 million to the state coffers in April.

Cut 7 (12) “…2023.”

The Louisiana Lottery transfers profits to the state quarterly. In addition to uptick in ticket sales thanks to five-billion-dollar jackpots Powerball and Mega Millions produced this year…

Cut 8 (12) “…for players.” 

Lottery retailers in Louisiana also earn a five-percent commission, plus incentives for cashing winning tickets and bonuses for selling big winning tickets. Annison says it was a good quarter for them as well.

Cut 9 (12)  “…as well.”

To date, the Louisiana Lottery has transferred more than $4.7 billion to the state for K-12 public education.

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It was eleven years ago when the first Mrs. Roper Romp took place as a parade theme at Decadence in New Orleans. Ever since it’s turned into the reason for millions to gather all over the globe to impersonate the beloved “Three’s Company” character Helen Roper. Jessica Cassel (Castle) is one of the organizers for Friday’s Romp in downtown Thibodaux.

Cut 10 (10) “…get together.”

And there’s also a Mrs. Roper Romp Pub Crawl in downtown Shreveport this Friday. Both begin at 6 pm.

Cassel says now is the time to get your curly red wig and kaftan ready to romp.

Cut 11 (12) “…fun and free.”

Last year Cassel held her own Mrs. Roper Romp with friends and played Bingo. Then Amplify Events asked her to help organize Friday’s Pub Crawl. She’s hoping in the future they can combine annual Romps with fundraisers for charity.

Cut 12 (07) “…momentum.” 

In January a Krewe of Mrs. Ropers paraded in Lafayette and in April there was a romp in Lake Charles.

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An antitrust settlement has been finalized that will result in all college athletes being paid directly by the school. Outkick college reporter Trey Wallace says schools will have a hard time deciding how to divvy up the money.

Cut 13 (11)  “…spread this out.”

Wallace estimates that the settlement will result in each school paying about 20-million to athletes in every sport. Though some of the money will come from traditional means such as ticket and food sales, Wallace says most of the money won’t be generated from inside stadiums.

Cut 14 (13)  “…media rights deal.”

The settlement, which involves the NCAA and the five biggest conferences — including the SEC — might also result in some changes in athletic departments.

Cut 15 (10)  “…revenue sharing.”

Revenue sharing is set to start for the 2025-26 season.