The Louisiana House has approved requiring residents on unemployment to perform at least five work search actions a week, instead of three to keep their unemployment. A work action would be participating in an interview, filling out an application or attending job fairs or networking events.  Lafayette Representative Troy Hebert says the legislation would also result in disqualification for unemployment if they miss a scheduled job interview or do not accept a suitable job offer…

Cut 15 (15) “…..doing bad things”

The bill passed on a 73-24 vote. Opponents of the legislation say the measure is designed to make it easier to kick out of work individuals off of unemployment. Hebert says his goal is help the unemployed find a job quicker.

Lake Charles will soon have a new mayor. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The entire state is under a flood watch. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says the flood watch means that excessive rainfall is possible, which could lead to flooding in low-lying areas, that includes rivers and creeks and we could see street flooding…

Cut 9 (12)  “…forth to work.”

We are expecting a lot of rain over the next few days. The entire state is under a flood watch. State Climatologist Jay Grymes…

Cut 7 (08) “..higher than that”

The Lafayette area could see six to eight inches of rain and the National Weather Service says a foot of rain over the next three days is possible.

At the state capitol, The Louisiana House approved a bill that would require those on unemployment to do more work search actions in order to keep their unemployment benefits….

Cut 14 (10) “…a job quicker”

That’s Lafayette Republican Troy Hebert. The bill passed on a 73-24 vote and heads to the Senate for further discussion.

A year from now we could be experiencing a runoff in the Republican U-S Senate primary. Incumbent Bill Cassidy and challenger John Fleming each have released their own polls which show different results. Sean Richardson spoke with a ULM professor that teaches political science…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson”

Ruston police have arrested a Louisiana Tech defensive back and charged him with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Investigators say 20-year-old Jacob Fields was chaperoning a 15-year-old and 17-year-old who were visiting Tech for a recruiting event. At an apartment, Fields allegedly smoked marijuana with them and one of the teens had an adverse reaction to it. According to police, Fields then dropped the brothers off at a hotel where their mother was staying and the mother called police. Fields appeared in 12 games last season and had two interceptions.

If you’re unemployed, you might soon be required to increase your work searches and keep your job interview appointments to keep your benefits. The House has passed House Bill 153 by a vote of 73 to 24, with all but one of the “no” votes coming from Democrats. It’s written by Lafayette Republican Troy Hebert, who says he’d heard from employers who have been stood up for job interviews.

Cut 13 (13)  “…there with unemployment.”

Hebert’s legislation would require those on unemployment to perform five work search actions a week, up from the current three. Opponents of the bill say it maybe difficult in rural areas to do five work search actions a week, because employment opportunities are limited.

The entire state is under a flood watch. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says the highest rainfall totals are projected for the Acadiana area…

Cut 8 (12) “….to four days’

The flood watch for south Louisiana extends into Thursday. Most of the state is expected to see two inches, four to six inches for the Baton Rouge area.

On July 1st, Lake Charles will have a new mayor, as Marshall Semien unseated two-term incumbent Nic Hunter over the weekend. Mayor-elect Semien says it was a hard-fought campaign, but Mayor Hunter was very gracious in defeat.

Cut 10 (12) “…without my input.”

Semien says one of his biggest priorities is managing the economic boom Lake Charles is expected to see as a result of a growing energy sector.

Dueling polls are out in the 2026 Senate race. Republican challenger John Fleming has released a poll that shows next year’s Republican Senate primary is neck and neck, while Republican incumbent Bill Cassidy has a poll that shows he has a comfortable lead over Fleming. Pearson Cross teaches political science at ULM and says Fleming must make up ground in fundraising and his poll showing the race is a statistical tie is an effort to drum up financial support…

Cut 5 (11) “….please invest”

The latest campaign finance report shows Cassidy with 2.2 million dollars in cash on hand, while Cassidy has 7.5 million.

If you’re collecting unemployment, you might soon be required to increase your work searches and keep your job interview appointments in order to keep your benefits. The House has passed H-B 153 by a vote of 73 to 24. It’s written by Lafayette Republican Troy Hebert, who says he’d heard from employers who have been stood up for job interviews.

Cut 13 (13)  “…there with unemployment.”

Hebert says his bill is not creating anything new; instead, it would be codifying a system that has been in place for a year. He did, however, say that the number of weekly job searches would increase on the advice of the Louisiana Workforce Commission.

Cut 14 (10) “…a job quicker.”

All but one of the 24 “no” votes were cast by Democrats. Among them was Matthew Willard of New Orleans, who expressed concerns that this was a way to get the state out of paying unemployment benefits.

Cut 24 (12) “…not the case.”

Hebert pointed out that in the year that the system has been in place, only one-percent of those collecting unemployment benefits were subsequently deemed ineligible. The bill now moves to the Senate; and it comes at a time when small businesses are finding it harder to fill their vacancies. Leah Long is the state director of the National Federation of Independent Business.

Cut 25 (13) “…skilled work set.”

Tragedy in Acadia Parish as a Rayne police officer has been shot and killed in the line of duty. The officer had responded to a domestic incident, in which a family member was stabbed inside a home. A standoff ensued; and during that standoff, the officer was accidentally and fatally shot. The name of the police officer has not yet been released.

A flood watch will be in effect starting tomorrow for the majority of the state.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Coast Guard says it has gained the upper hand on an oil spill off Plaquemines Parish. Coast Guard Lieutenant Phillip VanderWeit says the well intervention team did so at around noon yesterday.

Cut 6 (15) “…source of discharge.”

VanderWeit says so far, crews have collected almost 80-thousand gallons of oily water, with an untold amount still to go.

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, so the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is urging you to be on an extra lookout for motorcyclists on the roadways. Greg Fischer with the LHSC says that includes not driving aggressively or impaired.

Cut 4 (11) “…to do this.”

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for most of Louisiana tomorrow through Thursday night. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says some areas will see three to eight inches of rain and some areas could get 12-inches. He says residents should monitor conditions closely and have a safety plan in place.

Cut 11 (12) “…be smart.”

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says while overall deaths on Louisiana roadways are down, the same cannot be said for motorcycle deaths.

Cut 3 (12) “…in motorcycle fatalities.”

In 2023, 97 motorcyclists died in crashes in Louisiana.

The Coast Guard gains the upper hand in the oil spill off Plaquemines Parish. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The state softball championships concluded yesterday and North Desoto had a walk off victory over Assumption to claim its seventh state title. Griffins head coach Tim Whitman called for a suicide squeeze to drive in the winning run, but he gives the credit to his seniors…

Cut 13 (08)  “…they fought” (Sound courtesy of LHSAA Network)

Charges have been upgraded for an accused accomplice in the February death of Adan Manzano, the reporter in town covering the Super Bowl who was found unresponsive in his Kenner hotel. Rickey White who has been in police custody originally facing fraud and theft related charges is now facing second degree murder charges for his alleged involvement along with Danette Colbert who was first arrested in February after she was seen on surveillance leaving Manzano’s hotel room. Upon her arrest, she was found to be in possession of his phone and credit cards.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for most of the state starting tomorrow through Thursday night. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says slow moving thunderstorms will produce three to eight inches of rain and some areas could get 12-inches potentially causing flash flooding in rivers, creeks, streams, urban areas, and other flood-prone spots.

Cut 10 (11) “…prepared for this.”

Stay alert to weather updates and potential warnings.

The Coast Guard says they’ve gained the upper hand on a oil spill off Plaquemines Parish but Environmentalists fear the oil could threaten marine wildlife and further erode Louisiana’s coastline. Lieutenant Phillip VanderWeit says Coast Guard crews are working to protect as much marine wildlife as they can.

Cut 8 (13) “…to capture it.”

The Coast Guard has 20 skimmers, 220 responders, and more than 20-thousand feet of containment boom on site. While Well 59 has not been abandoned, it has not had any measurable oil pressure since the 1990s.

Vandebilt Catholic won a Louisiana record 16^th state championship in softball on Sunday in Sulphur with a seven to five win over St. Charles Catholic. Terriers Coach James Spearman says his girls have been resilient all year and it was on display after falling behind two to nothing in the first inning…

Cut 12 (12) “…good job”

The Coast Guard gains the upper hand on a huge oil spill off Plaquemines Parish. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A flood watch will be in effect for the majority of the state by the National Weather Service starting tomorrow.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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When you’re out on the roadways this month, make a special effort to look out for motorcycles. May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says while overall deaths on Louisiana roadways are down, the same cannot be said for motorcycle deaths.

Cut 3 (12) “…in motorcycle fatalities.” (13% increase in motorcycle deaths from 2021 to 2023)

Fischer says, however, that the increase may be in part attributed to the fact that the state has started including e-bike deaths into its statistics. Still, Fischer says it’s up to all drivers to make every effort to watch for motorcycles, and that includes not driving aggressively or impaired.

Cut 4 (11) “…to do this.”

Fischer says motorcyclists also need to do their part as well – obey the same traffic laws as those driving cars, and always wear a helmet – especially since it’s required by law in Louisiana. The minimum requirements are that the helmet must include a visor. But Fischer says you should always opt for a full-face helmet.

Cut 5 (09) “…my tooth out.”

In 2023, 97 motorcyclists died in crashes in Louisiana, accounting for more than 15-percent of all deaths in the state.

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The Coast Guard says it has gained the upper hand on a major oil spill off Plaquemines Parish. Coast Guard Lieutenant Phillip VanderWeit says the well intervention team did so at around noon yesterday.

Cut 6 (15) “…source of discharge.”

Well 59, located near Garden Island Bay, sprung a leak more than a week ago, spewing tens of thousands of gallons of oil into gulf waters. VanderWeit says so far, crews have collected almost 80-thousand gallons of oily water, with an untold amount still to go.

Cut 7 (12) “…safely as possible.”

Environmentalists fear the oil that seeped through the well and into the water could threaten marine wildlife and further erode Louisiana’s coastline. VanderWeit says Coast Guard crews are working to protect as much marine wildlife as they can.

Cut 8 (13) “…to capture it.”

The Coast Guard has 20 skimmers, 220 responders, more than 20-thousand feet of containment boom on site. While Well 59 has not been abandoned, it has not had any measurable oil pressure since the 1990s.

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The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for most of the state starting tomorrow and lasting through Thursday night. The watch area covers all of south Louisiana, northeast Louisiana and most of central Louisiana. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the National Weather Service in Lake Charles is reporting slow moving thunderstorms will produce three to eight inches of rain and some areas could get 12-inches…

Cut 9 (10)  “…pumped into Louisiana.”

This weather event could cause flash flooding in rivers, creeks, streams, urban areas, and other flood-prone spots. Keim urges all residents to be prepared.

Cut 10 (11) “…prepared for this.”

Flash flooding is dangerous—stay alert to weather updates and potential warnings. Keim says residents should monitor conditions closely and have a safety plan in place.

Cut 11 (12) “…be smart.”

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Vandebilt Catholic won a Louisiana record 16^th state championship in softball on Sunday in Sulphur with a seven to five win over St. Charles Catholic. Terriers Coach James Spearman says his girls have been resilient all year and it was on display after falling behind two to nothing in the first inning…

Cut 12 (12) “…good job”  (Sound courtesy of LHSAA Network

North Desoto had a walk off victory over Assumption to claim its seventh state title. Griffins head coach Tim Whitman called for a suicide squeeze to drive in the winning run, but he gives the credit to his seniors…

Cut 13 (08)  “…they fought” (Sound courtesy of LHSAA Network)

Calvary Baptist won its fifth state championship in a row, John Curtis won its 13th overall. Other winners include Sam Houston, Doyle, LaSalle, Menard, Quitman and Calvin.

Cut 14 (09) “…to the environment.”

As of noon Sunday, the Coast Guard says it has gained the upper hand on the oil spill off Plaquemines Parish. Coast Guard Lieutenant Phillip VanderWeit says Well 59 near Garden Island Bay began leaking more than a week ago, spewing tens of thousands of gallons of oil into gulf waters. He says so far, crews have collected almost 80-thousand gallons of oily water.

Cut 7 (12) “…safely as possible.”

Environmentalists fear the oil that seeped into the water could threaten marine wildlife and further erode Louisiana’s coastline. So far only one oiled bird has been observed.

Funds from the Lottery slipped in the third quarter of fiscal 2025. The Louisiana Lottery transferred close to $45.1 million to the state treasury but that’s down $1.4 million from last quarter and down $35.8 million when compared to the first three quarters of last fiscal year. Lottery President, Rose Hudson said, “Strong inflationary pressures and jackpot fatigue continue to have an adverse effect on sales this quarter.”   The Lottery Corporation is looking to add value with second-chance promotions and partnerships with popular brands like NASCAR.

A flood watch will be in effect for the majority of the state by the National Weather Service starting tomorrow.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says there’s been 13% increase in motorcycle deaths from 2021 to 2023. He says it’s up to all drivers to make every effort to watch for motorcycles, and Fischer says motorcyclists also need to do their part: obey the same traffic laws as motorists, and always wear a helmet and always opt for a full-face helmet.

Cut 5 (09) “…my tooth out.”

The Coast Guard gains the upper hand on an oil spill off Plaquemines Parish. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Louisiana Department of Health says the state has already surpassed last year’s total number for whooping cough cases. L-D-H has identified 164 cases in the first four months of 2025, last year there was a total of 153 cases. Two infants have also died from pertussis, the first reported deaths in Louisiana since 2018.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for most of the state starting tomorrow and lasting through Thursday night. The watch area covers all of south Louisiana, northeast Louisiana and most of central Louisiana. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the National Weather Service in Lake Charles is reporting slow moving thunderstorms will produce three to eight inches of rain and some areas could get 12-inches…

Cut 9 (10)  “…pumped into Louisiana.”

The state softball championships concluded yesterday and North Desoto had a walk off victory over Assumption to claim its seventh state title. Griffins head coach Tim Whitman called for a suicide squeeze to drive in the winning run, but he gives the credit to his seniors…

Cut 13 (08) “…they fought”

That sound is courtesy of the LHSAA Network.