A new poll shows Julia Letlow with a significant lead in the Republican runoff for U.S. Senate. The poll by Kaplan Strategies shows Letlow with a 15-point lead over John Fleming, 52 to 37-percent, with ten-percent undecided. Pollster Doug Kaplan says two questions in particular separated Letlow from Fleming.

Cut 11 (08) “…and hurt Fleming.”

Lawmakers passed several bills this session cracking down on imported seafood. It comes as genetic testing continues to uncover the presence of imported shrimp at restaurants, including restaurants which claim that their shrimp originates from Louisiana waters. Houma Representative Jessica Domangue, who authored many of these bills, says that doesn’t necessarily mean those restaurants are being deceitful.

Cut 9 (08)  “…it’s Louisiana seafood.”

One bill Governor Landry is considering whether to sign is one that makes camping on public property a misdemeanor. House Bill 211 would make it punishable by up to six months in jail and a 500-dollar fine. Advocates for the homeless say it would essentially make being homeless a crime and does not solve the issue.

Louisiana voters keep rejecting constitutional amendments, but lawmakers keep putting them on the ballot. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

More legislation was approved by lawmakers in the recently completed legislative session to help protect the local shrimping industry from cheap foreign imports. Houma Representative Jessica Domangue authored a package of bills that were approved…

Cut 8 (07) “…legislation”

The State Ag Department now has the authority to destroy imported seafood that does not meet the state’s testing requirements.

Voters recently rejected all five constitutional amendments on the May 16^th ballot. Voters will be asked to approve nine more constitutional amendments in November. The highest-profile amendment is the proposal to limit governors to two elected terms during their lifetime. Melinda Deslatte with the Public Affairs Research Council says the other amendments run the gamut.

Cut 6 (10) “…over the place.”

A Kaplan strategies poll shows Julia Letlow with a commanding 15-point lead over John Fleming in the June 27^th Republican U-S Senate primary. Pollstar Doug Kaplan says this race has a clearfront runner and that’s Letlow, while Fleming has a lot of ground to make up…

Cut 12 (05) “…a runoff election”

Kaplan says Fleming is not winning the argument over who is closer to President Trump.

Veteran Saints running back Alvin Kamara made a surprise appearance at OTAs. It remains to be seen if Kamara will be a part of the Black and Gold in 2026 after New Orlans signed running back Travis Etienne (AY-chan) to a big free agent deal. Kamara says he’s fine with sharing carries, he did it before when Mark Ingram and Latavius Murray were on the team…

Cut 15 (11) “…I know”

Houma Representative Jessica Domangue authored a package of bills approved by lawmakers that support local shrimpers against the threat of foreign seafood…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

As a result of a new state law that eliminates the vehicle inspection sticker, law enforcement will stop issuing tickets for an unexpired inspection sticker starting July 1st. New Orleans, Kenner, and Westwego have their own local vehicle inspection programs, and the new state law does not impact those local programs. Also, drivers in the Baton Rouge area still must get their vehicles tested for emission standards to comply with federal regulations.

A new poll shows Julia Letlow with a very clear path to the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate. The poll by Kaplan Strategies shows Letlow with a 15-point lead over John Fleming, 52 to 37-percent, with ten-percent undecided. Pollster Doug Kaplan says Letlow has consolidated support among all factions of the Republican coalition.

Cut 10 (05) “…more moderate Republicans.”

Letlow is also doing very well with women voters.

Saints star running back Alvin Kamara made a surprise return to the facility for voluntary OTAs yesterday. Kamara typically opts to prep for the season away from New Orleans, but he arrived amidst questions about his future with the team….

Cut 13 (10)  “…I’m good.”

If Kamara is on the roster, he’ll be sharing carries with veteran running back Travis Etienne, who was signed during free agency.

A new poll paints a very clear picture of where things stand in the race for the Republican nomination in the U.S. Senate race. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Later this month, a three-judge federal panel from the Western District of Louisiana will review the state’s newly-enacted congressional map. A group contesting the map is taking exception to District 2, which stretches from New Orleans into North Baton Rouge, potentially creating a racial gerrymander similar to the last map that the Supreme Court struck down.

Since March of 2025, Louisiana voters have rejected nine constitutional amendment proposals that appeared on two different ballots and nine more will be on the ballot in November. Melinda Deslatte with the Public Affairs Research Council says state lawmakers are not fazed by the voters’ recent lack of support for the amendments.

Cut 4 (11) “…new constitutional amendments.”

Veteran Saints running back Alvin Kamara usually does not attend the voluntary OTAs, but he surprised everyone and showed up yesterday. It does not seem like Kamara’s spot on the roster is guaranteed and A-K says he does not get involved in those type of discussions between G-M Mickey Loomis and head coach Kellen Moore…

Cut 14 (12) “…to be here”

Louisiana voters keep rejecting constitutional amendments, but lawmakers keep putting them on the ballot. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

Houma Representative Jessica Domangue helped pass legislation supporting local shrimpers against the threat of foreign seafood in Louisiana. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

A new poll paints a very clear picture of where things stand in the race for the Republican nomination the U.S. Senate race. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_________________________________________________________

Since March of 2025, Louisiana voters have rejected nine constitutional amendment proposals that appeared on two different ballots and nine more will be on the ballot in November. Melinda Deslatte with the Public Affairs Research Council says state lawmakers are not fazed by the voters’ recent lack of support for the amendments.

Cut 4 (11) “…new constitutional amendments.”

Louisiana’s constitution was approved in 1974; and since then, voters have been asked to amend the constitution 330 times. Voters have approved 221 changes. There was a grassroots effort to vote down all five constitutional amendments on the May 16th ballot. Deslatte says voters are suffering from constitutional amendment fatigue.

Cut 5 (07) “…were horribly mistaken.”

The most high-profile constitutional amendment on the November 3rd ballot is the proposal to limit governors to two elected terms as governor during their lifetimes. Deslatte says the other amendments run the gamut.

Cut 6 (10) “…over the place.”

____________________________________________________

The legislature continued its crackdown on imported seafood in this session, passing several bills aimed at protecting Louisiana shrimpers. Houma Representative Jessica Domangue carried a bill by Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, giving the agency the authority to seize and destroy seafood at ports that fail to meet the state’s testing requirements.

Cut 7 (07) “…to do that.”

In all, Domangue authored six seafood bills which gained Landry’s signature. In addition, a bill by Lafitte Representative Tim Kerner to crack down on mixing imported shrimp with domestic shrimp was signed into law last month. Domangue says these news laws go far beyond protecting local shrimpers.

Cut 8 (07) “…piece of legislation.”

All these bills come as genetic testing continues to uncover the presence of imported shrimp at restaurants, including restaurants which claim that their shrimp originates from Louisiana waters. Domangue says that doesn’t necessarily mean those restaurants are intentionally being deceitful.

Cut 9 (08)  “…it’s Louisiana seafood.”

____________________________________________________

A new poll shows Julia Letlow with a very clear path to the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate. The poll by Kaplan Strategies shows Letlow with a 15-point lead over John Fleming, 52 to 37-percent, with ten-percent undecided. Pollster Doug Kaplan says Letlow has consolidated support among all factions of the Republican coalition.

Cut 10 (05) “…more moderate Republicans.”

Kaplan says two questions in particular separated Letlow from Fleming.

Cut 11 (08) “…and hurt Fleming.”

Kaplan says with this margin closely mirroring Letlow’s margin over Fleming in last month’s primary, Fleming has a very tall task ahead of him if he expects to close the gap between now and June 27th.

Cut 12 (05) “…a runoff election.”

___________________________________________________

Saints star running back Alvin Kamara made a surprise return to the facility for voluntary OTAs yesterday. Kamara typically opts to prep for the season away from New Orleans, but he arrived amidst questions about his future with the team. He says he came back this year because teammates kept reaching out to him.

Cut 13 (10)  “…I’m good.”

New Orleans made a splash in free agency, signing veteran running back Travis Etienne to revamp a run game that struggled to find its footing last season. Head coach Kellen Moore and GM Mickey Loomis have repeatedly said they are still evaluating the roster, and Kamara says he’s not a part of those decisions.

Cut 14 (12) “…to be here.”

The Saints are second in the NFL, spending over 21-million-dollars on the running back room after finishing bottom five in the league in both rushing yards and touchdowns last season. Kamara says he shared carries with Mark Ingram and Latavius Murray and thinks a two-back system can be beneficial.

Cut 15 (11) “…I know.”

____________________________________________________

LSU made headway with some of the nation’s top recruits over the weekend. Brother Martin five-star Easton Royal is the number one receiver prospect in the country. He’s committed to Texas, but Andre Champagne of 247Sports told Tiger Rag Radio LSU is all in on flipping him, and it won’t just come down to money.

Cut 16 (18) “…in his heart.”

Top national prospect Jalen Brewster is a dominant edge rusher out of Cedar Hill, Texas. He’s been committed to Texas Tech since October, but Champagne says his visit to campus is a sign it might not be a done deal.

Cut 17 (17)  “…away this weekend.”

LSU also hosted five-star athlete Xavier Sabb, four-star edge Abraham Sesay, and three-stars Adryan Cole and Markez Davis. While Lane Kiffin’s staff certainly has the money to compete for the nation’s top recruits, Champagne says it’s the culture at LSU and the connection with the staff recruits have raved about.

Cut 18 (15) “…him this weekend.”

Drivers are starting to feel some relief at the gas pumps. The big question is, how long will this downward trend continue? Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says gasoline prices have dropped about 17 cents over the last week.

Cut 12 (06) “…$3.81 a gallon.” 

Redman says that trend could be short-lived, however, with the price of oil on the rise, a lack of deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and any potential tropical activity in the Gulf of Mexico.

Changes are coming to DCFS as a result of the legislative session. A bill by Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow awaiting Governor Landry’s signature adds a law enforcement liaison to the department. Barrow says the end goal of her bill is to improve communication within the stakeholders of the agency to better protect children.

Cut 5 (08) “…definitely be narrowed.”

The U.S. Senate held a hearing today on the Protect College Sports Act. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Later this month, a three-judge federal panel from the Western District of Louisiana will review the state’s newly-enacted congressional map. A group contesting the map is taking exception to District 2, which stretches from New Orleans into North Baton Rouge, potentially creating a racial gerrymander similar to the last map that the Supreme Court struck down.

Changes are coming to DCFS, thanks to the just-completed legislative session.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Good news for your pocketbook as the price for a gallon of regular gasoline has dropped 17-cents in the last week. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says the drop coincides with a drop in crude oil prices….

Cut 13 (12) “….price of gasoline”

Governor Landry has vetoed his first bill from the 2026 legislative session. Lafayette Senator Gerald Boudreaux received legislative approval on his proposal to raise the cap by 50-percent on compensation someone can receive from the state for being wrongfully convicted. Landry says the Legislature just raised the cap four years ago and before increasing payouts again, the state should ensure that the process is fair, accountable, and protected against abuse.

The state boys basketball championships are returning to Lafayette. They’ve been held in Lake Charles since 2014, but before that, Lafayette hosted the boys championship for 15 years. LHSAA Assistant Executive Director Karen Hoyt says basketball coaches have been asking to bring the tournament back to Lafayette for years…

Cut 7 (12) “…come to fruition”

Gasoline prices continue going down – the big question is, how long will that trend continue? Currently, regular unleaded is averaging $3.81 in Louisiana – that’s down 17 cents from a week ago. Don Redman with Triple-A says one factor which could cause those prices to, as we say back in Boston, “bang a U-ey,” could be tropical activity in the Gulf of Mexico.

Cut 14 (11) “…prices up higher.”

There will be several changes within DCFS as a result of the legislative session. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow got a bill onto Governor Landry’s desk that adds a law enforcement liaison within the department.

Cut 3 (12) “…and Family Services.”

The U.S. Senate heard arguments on the Protect College Sports Act this morning. The bill preserves NIL and revenue sharing for student-athletes, but it adds regulations to snuff out illegitimate deals and cap-evading loopholes. It also provides medical insurance for athletes, but USA Today’s Blake Toppmeyer says the bill limits the earnings of athletes and their representation.

Cut 11 (12) “…five percent.”

The LHSAA is bringing the Boys’ Basketball State Championships back to the CAJUNDOME. Marsh Madness has been held at the Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles since 2014 and previously spent 15 years in Lafayette. LHSAA Assistant Executive Director Karen Hoyt says she’s excited to work with the community.

Cut 6 (07) “…something new.”

Changes are coming to DCFS, thanks to the just-completed legislative session. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

The Senate is holding a hearing today on the Protect College Sports Act. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

There will be several changes within the Department of Children and Family Services as a result of the just-completed legislative session. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow initially sought to abolish the agency altogether. While that quest went nowhere, she was able to get other legislation to the governor’s desk, including one that adds a law enforcement liaison within the department.

Cut 3 (12) “…and Family Services.”

Barrow had tried to get nine liaisons, one for each region in the state, but she noted the state did not have money in the budget for that.

Barrow says one of the main purposes of her bill is to strengthen communication within the department. She says currently, the stakeholders which investigate child abuse cases haven’t always worked closely together.

Cut 4 (09) “…all the time.”

Barrow says the end goal of her bill is to improve communication within the stakeholders of the agency to better protect children.

Cut 5 (08) “…definitely be narrowed.”

Last year, 53 children with cases being investigated by DCFS died; and 30 have died this year so far.

__________________________________________

The LHSAA is bringing the Boys’ Basketball State Championships back to the CAJUNDOME. Marsh Madness has been held at the Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles since 2014 and previously spent 15 years in Lafayette. LHSAA Assistant Executive Director Karen Hoyt says she’s excited to work with the community.

Cut 6 (07) “…something new.”

The CAJUNDOME will host the championships for the next two seasons before bidding reopens in 2028.  Hoyt says basketball coaches have been asking to bring the tournament back to Lafayette for years.

Cut 7 (12) “…to fruition.”

The CAJUNDOME underwent a 21-million-dollar renovation in 2016 that included improved seating, improved lighting and a new court. Hoyt says the community has history and experience hosting boys’ basketball, and the arena has been home to the state volleyball tournament since 2021.

Cut 8 (11) “…the renovation.”

_____________________________________________________________

The U.S. Senate heard arguments today on the Protect College Sports Act this morning. The bill provides a framework of antitrust exemption and athlete protections to give control back to the NCAA in the NIL era. USA Today’s Blake Toppmeyer says SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has begged Congress to step in but has now released a joint statement with the Big Ten against the bill.

Cut 9 (10)  “…very much”

The conference’s primary grievance against the bill is the proposed pooling of media rights. Toppmeyer says smaller schools would love to get a piece of the revenue, but it doesn’t make sense for the two richest conferences.

Cut 10 (12) “…media rights.”

The SEC and Big Ten, of course, can’t stop the bill from moving ahead, but there has been speculation it could push them to break off from the current NCAA structure.

The bill preserves NIL and revenue sharing for student-athletes, but adds regulations to snuff out illegitimate deals and cap-evading loopholes. It also provides medical insurance for athletes, but Toppmeyer says the bill limits the earnings of athletes and their representation.

Cut 11 (12) “…five percent.”

______________________________________________________

Drivers are starting to feel some relief at the gas pumps. The big question is, how long will this downward trend continue? Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says gasoline prices have dropped about 17 cents over the last week.

Cut 12 (06) “…$3.81 a gallon.”

Redman says even though a deal between the U.S. and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is still pending, there’s something else that’s causing gas prices to fall – but that drop could be short-lived.

Cut 13 (12) “…price of gasoline.”

Redman says now that the calendar has flipped to June, tropical activity in the Gulf of Mexico could have a profound impact on gasoline prices.

Cut 14 (11) “…prices up higher.”

Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow pushed for several changes to the Department of Children and Family Services in the legislative session. Barrow says one of the main purposes of her bill is to strengthen communication within the department. She says currently, the stakeholders which investigate child abuse cases haven’t always worked closely together.

Cut 4 (09) “…all the time.”

The LHSAA is bringing the Boys’ Basketball State Championships back to Lafayette. The CAJUNDOME will host the championships for the next two seasons before bidding reopens in 2028. LHSAA Assistant Executive Director Karen Hoyt says basketball coaches have been asking to bring the tournament back to Lafayette for years.

Cut 7 (12) “…to fruition.”

The U.S. Senate heard arguments on the Protect College Sports Act this morning. The bill provides a framework of antitrust exemption, athlete protections and eligibility clarity to give control back to the NCAA in the NIL era. USA Today’s Blake Toppmeyer says SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has begged Congress to step in, but is now changing his tune in a joint statement with the Big Ten against the bill.

Cut 9 (10)  “…very much”

The conferences are against pooling media rights with other leagues as proposed in the bill.

Drivers are starting to feel some relief at the gas pumps. The big question is, how long will this downward trend continue? Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says gasoline prices have dropped about 17 cents over the last week.

Cut 12 (06) “…$3.81 a gallon.”