A former LSU running back is arrested for allegedly causing a crash that killed two people. Baton Rouge Police Corporal Sondra Watts says 39-year-old Richard Murphy was driving recklessly back on June 14th when he ran a red light and killed 94-year-old Robert Tarver and his daughter-in-law, 69-year-old Carla Tarver.

Cut 12 (10) “…miles per hour.” 

The Rayville native played at LSU from 2007 until 2010.

More than 512-thousand people voted in the Republican and Democratic Senate runoff elections. While that may seem like a big number, that only represents 17-percent of all registered voters in Louisiana. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat has been around Louisiana politics for decades and the low voter turnout number is concerning.

Cut 8 (08) “…pathetically low.”

Louisiana Tech officially joins the Sun Belt tomorrow, and Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker says the city is just as excited as the Bulldogs. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The residents spoke, and the company backed down. After months of pushback from residents, Air Products abandons plans for a carbon capture facility in Ascension Parish. The facility would have stored carbon dioxide underground in order to eliminate emissions.

A former LSU running back is arrested on vehicular homicide charges for allegedly causing a crash that killed two people earlier this month….

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A federal judge has sentenced former Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet to 27 months in prison for his role in a kickback scheme that led to his resignation in 2023. Before he was sentenced, an emotional Montoucet told the court that the crime he committed is the biggest regret of his life.

Voter turnout for Saturday’s U-S party primary run-offs was just 17-percent. More than 512-thousand people voted in Saturday’s election. Political consultant Greg Rigamer says historically Louisiana will have at least one-million people vote in the mid-term elections and he says it will be interesting to see if the state can achieve that number in November with all of the bickering between the two national parties…

Cut 7 (12) “..locally.”

Louisiana Tech fans are excited about the school’s move to the Sun Belt Conference, which officially happens tomorrow. Athletic Director Ryan Ivey said the school has already seen a 150-thousand-dollar increase in season ticket sales year-to-date, and Ruston Mayor Ronnie Walker expects the city to feel a similar effect.

Cut 11 (10) “…with the move.”

Tech will join the Sun Belt West division with historic rivals ULM, UL Lafayette and Southern Miss.

Out-of-state vehicles without insurance now face the same consequences as Louisiana uninsured vehicles, thanks to a new law that went into effect earlier this month. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment authored Act 861 and says uninsured vehicles is a problem in Louisiana.

Cut 4 (13) “…their states require.”

Louisiana Tech officially joins the Sun Belt Conference tomorrow after 13 years in Conference USA. Many of the Bulldogs’ conference football games the past three seasons have been on Tuesday and Thursday nights as part of the Weekday CUSA TV deal. Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker says the city is thrilled to welcome fans for six Saturday home football games.

Cut 9 (12)  “…part of it.”

Nearly 180-thousand people voted for Congresswoman Julia Letlow in the U.S. Senate Republican Party primary runoff, while 156-thousand people nominated Tensas Parish farmer Jamie Davis in the Democratic Party primary runoff. Davis believes he can make it a competitive election on November 3^rd, but ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross doesn’t give Davis much of a chance.

Cut 26 (11) “…on past performance.”

The NCAA’s new age-based eligibility model could decrease the number of available scholarships for high schoolers thanks to its guaranteed five years of eligibility. While it likely won’t affect the nation’s top recruits, low-star and zero-star prospects may lose their spots on top programs to older athletes. Lincoln Parish Journal Publisher Butler says modern coaches value collegiate experience and immediate impact over player development.

Cut 14 (11) “…going to lean.” 

Is it a forgone conclusion that Republican Congresswoman Julia Letlow will be elected as Louisiana’s next U.S. Senator? Andrew Greenstein has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Industrial gas supplier Air Products has scrapped plans to build a four-point-five-billion-dollar clean energy facility in Ascension Parish. Air Products says the project, which was announced in October of 2021, would not be profitable. At the time of the announcement, Air Products said this would have the world’s largest low-carbon energy complex and it would produce blue ammonia for international buyers.

Motorists driving uninsured out-of-state vehicles in Louisiana risk getting them impounded. This is thanks to a new law signed by Governor Jeff Landry. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment authored Act 861, which holds out-of-state vehicles to the same standard as those registered in Louisiana.

Cut 3 (12) “…out-of-state drivers.”

Firment says this law is intended to help lower auto insurance rates.

Politicos are concerned about the low turnout in Saturday’s closed party primary runoffs in the U-S Senate race. Voter turnout was just 17-percent. Political consultant Roy Fletcher, who worked on John Fleming’s campaign, suspects the toxic environment surrounding national politics is a factor…

Cut 6 (06) “….understand it”

Another factor is the closed party primaries, which is something Louisiana voters are not used to and that the election was held a weekend before the fourth of July holiday.

President Trump’s endorsement was a key factor to Congresswoman Julia Letlow winning the Senate Republican Party primary. ULM political science professor Pearson Cross expects the president to remain involved…

Cut 12 (14) “…launched”

Letlow is expected to win easily on November 3^rd when she faces the Democratic nominee Jamie Davis, who lacks the name recognition and the financial resources that Letlow has. Letlow says she is not taking this election for granted…

Cut 19 (11) “….in the House of Representatives”

Letlow has served in the U-S House of Representatives since 2021.

Governor Jeff Landry’s plan to pay for a two-thousand-dollar stipend for teachers and a one-thousand dollar stipend for school support workers can move forward now that a Baton Rouge judge has lifted his order that blocked the plan. Patrick Wall who covers education for the Advocate, says Landry’s plan is set to take effect tomorrow so the plaintiffs have a short time to react to Monday’s court ruling.

Cut 9 (07)  “…clock right now.”

Judge Chip Moore did not rule on whether Landry has the legal authority to reallocate public school education funding. The lawsuit was dismissed after it was determined the law firm the plaintiffs hired cannot be involved in litigation against the state when they also represent Louisiana in a separate case.

A plume of Saharan dust is over Louisiana. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the dust will help produce another hot and dry day….

Cut 4 (10) “…back as usual.”

The general election phase of the U.S. Senate race is underway, with Julia Letlow and Jamie Davis expanding their messaging beyond their party voters. They have four months to make their cases to voters of all political leanings. ULM political science professor Pearson Cross says job number one for Letlow is to make sure Republican voters are fully behind her.

Cut 11 (07) “…voted against her.”

The NCAA’s new age-based eligibility model will end the days of 25 and 26-year-olds playing college athletics. The system does, however, still grant up to five seasons of eligibility. Lincoln Parish Journal Publisher Malcolm Butler says it could have a similar effect to COVID eligibility, oversaturating college sports with older athletes.

Cut 13 (08)  “…just weren’t there.”

As a result, low-star and zero-star prospects may lose their spots on top programs. 

Governor Landry’s plan to fund a two-thousand-dollar teacher stipend will move forward after a state judge lifted his order that temporarily blocked it. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A New Orleans criminal court judge is suing the state and Governor Landry over a bill awaiting his signature that would eliminate three judgeships on the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court. John John T. Fuller claims that it required a vote of two-thirds of the entire House and Senate membership, and it failed to reach that mark in each house.

The Louisiana Supreme Court agrees with a lower court’s decision that tossed out the first-degree murder conviction against a West Monroe man who spent 27 years on Death Row.  Jimmie Duncan was accused of sexually assaulting a 23-month-old child who died in a bathtub. Evidence submitted during the post-conviction process discredited the sexual abuse evidence and that the child likely died from a seizure while in the tub.

President Trump’s endorsement was a key factor to Congresswoman Julia Letlow winning the Senate Republican Party primary. ULM political science professor Pearson Cross expects the president to remain involved…

Cut 12 (14) “…launched”

Governor Jeff Landry’s plan to use 168-million dollars in public school funding to make sure teachers continue to receive a two-thousand-dollar stipend will likely happen now that a Baton Rouge judge has lifted a temporary injunction against the plan. Judge Chip Moore dissolved his own order after ruling that the plantiffs in the case cannot use the law firm they hired, because that same law firm represents the state in a separate case.

Landry’s plan results in a four-percent reduction in funding for local school systems that would otherwise be spent on operational costs….

Cut 8 (04) “…that money”

That’s Education reporter Patrick Wall, who is covering the story for the Advocate and Nola-dot-com.

Another hot and dry day and there’s Saharan dust in the air. LSU health climatologist Barry Keim…

Cut 5 (12) “…very warm”

Nearly 180-thousand people voted for Congresswoman Julia Letlow in the U.S. Senate Republican Party primary runoff, while 156-thousand people nominated Tensas Parish farmer Jamie Davis in the Democratic Party primary runoff. Davis believes he can make it a competitive election on November 3rd. Professor Pearson Cross teaches political science at ULM and doesn’t give Davis much of a chance.

Cut 10 (11) “…on past performance.”

Dust from the Saharan desert has made its way to the Gulf South again and LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says it can cause breathing issues for some. But Keim says this summer’s Sharan dust cloud is not as bad as previous years…

Cut 6 (08) “…of an impact”

The NCAA’s new five-for-five age based eligibility model could leave some high school athletes behind. Kace Kieschnick explains…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick”

Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Tyler Bosworth has signed a declaration to increase the Red Snapper bag limit to five fish per person per day, this Thursday through Sunday. Bosworth saysincreasing the Red Snapper limit to five fish is a way to thank the anglers as they enjoy America’s 250^th birthday.

A Baton Rouge judge is allowing Governor Landry’s plan to fund a two-thousand-dollar teacher stipend to move forward. Judge Chip Moore lifted the temporary restraining order he set after disqualifying the law firm representing the plaintiffs. Patrick Wall, an education reporter for The Advocate, says the state argued that the law firm, Baker Donelson, could not be involved in a lawsuit against Louisiana while also representing the state in a separate case on the federal level.

Cut 7 (07) “…temporary restraining order.”

Landry’s plan reduces funding for public schools by 168-million dollars. Instead, the money will be used to give teachers a two-thousand-dollar stipend and support staff a one-thousand-dollar stipend.

There are 126 days between now and the general election on November 3^rd. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says the favorite to win the U-S Senate race, Republican Julia Letlow will spend this time making sure Republican voters are fully behind her…

Cut 11 (07) “…voted against her”

The NCAA’s new age-based eligibility model will put an end to red-shirting and once fully implemented prevent athletes 24 and older from competing in college athletics. But it will also give an athlete the ability to play five full seasons of college athletics. Malcolm Butler of the Lincoln Parish Journal says 2027 high school graduates will see fewer opportunities to play Division One college athletics…

Cut 15 (09) “…you anymore”

You can read more of Butler’s article at the Lincoln Parish Journal.

A plume of Saharan dust has made its way across the Atlantic and is now over Louisiana. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the dust will help produce another hot and dry day….

Cut 4 (10) “…back as usual.”

Governor Jeff Landry’s plan to fund a two-thousand-dollar teacher stipend will move forward after a state judge lifted his order that temporarily blocked it.  Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

Is it a forgone conclusion that Republican Congresswoman Julia Letlow will be elected as Louisiana’s next U.S. Senator? Andrew Greenstein has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Lincoln Parish coaches are concerned the NCAA’s new five-for-five eligibility model could leave some high school athletes behind. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

_________________________________________________________

A plume of Saharan dust has made its way across the Atlantic and is now over Louisiana. The dry, hot dust and the wind that carries it will help to disrupt storms and hurricane formation. LSU Health climatologist Barry Keim says don’t put away your umbrellas just yet.

Cut 4 (10) “…back as usual.”

The dust will also bring a milky haze to the sky, and you can expect a vibrant sunset. Keim says high temperatures across the state are expected to stay in the mid 90s throughout the week.

Cut 5 (12) “…temperatures very warm.”

The atmospheric dust particles can raise concerns for people with asthma or other respiratory illnesses. Keim says this plume, though, is not expected to cause as many issues as in past years.

Cut 6 (08) “…of an impact.”

___________________________________________________

A Baton Rouge judge is allowing Governor Landry’s plan to fund a two-thousand-dollar teacher stipend to move forward. Judge Chip Moore lifted the temporary restraining order he set after disqualifying the law firm representing the plaintiffs. Patrick Wall, an education reporter for The Advocate, says the state argued that the law firm, Baker Donelson, could not be involved in a lawsuit against Louisiana while also representing the state in a separate case on the federal level.

Cut 7 (07) “…temporary restraining order.”

Landry’s plan reduces funding for public schools by 168-million dollars. Instead, the money will be used to give teachers a two-thousand-dollar stipend and support staff a one-thousand dollar stipend. Wall says the plan results in a reduction of four-percent or more in state funding for local school systems.

Cut 8 (03) “…for that money.”

Wall says the plaintiffs went to court on Monday ready to argue the Legislature and the state board of education have jurisdiction over public school funding, not the governor. Landry’s plan is set to effect on July first. Wall says the plaintiffs have a short time to react to Monday’s court ruling.

Cut 9 (07)  “…clock right now.”

Judge Moore did not rule on whether Landry has the legal authority to reallocate public school education funding. The lawsuit was basically dismissed after it was determining the law firm the plaintiffs hired can not be involved in litigation against the state when they are representing Louisiana in another case.

___________________________________________________

Nearly 180-thousand people voted for Congresswoman Julia Letlow in the U.S. Senate Republican Party primary runoff, while 156-thousand people nominated Tensas Parish farmer Jamie Davis in the Democratic Party primary runoff. Davis believes he can make it a competitive election on November 3rd. Professor Pearson Cross teaches political science at ULM and doesn’t give Davis much of a chance.

Cut 10 (11) “…on past performance.”

There are still four months before we get to the November general election. Cross says Letlow will spend this time making sure Republican voters are fully behind her.

Cut 11 (07) “…voted against her.”

Letlow defeated John Fleming 57 to 43-percent in the Republican Party primary runoff. President Trump’s endorsement of Letlow was a key factor in her getting the Republican nomination, and Cross expects the President will be involved in the general election race.

Cut 12 (13) “…get her launched.”

___________________________________________________

The NCAA’s new age-based eligibility model will end the days of 25 and 26-year-olds playing college athletics. The system does, however, still grant up to five seasons of eligibility. Lincoln Parish Journal Publisher Malcolm Butler says it could have a similar effect to COVID eligibility, oversaturating college sports with older athletes.

Cut 13 (08)  “…just weren’t there.”

While it likely won’t affect the nation’s top recruits, low-star and zero-star prospects may lose their spots on top programs to older athletes as a result. Butler says modern coaches value collegiate experience and immediate impact over player development.

Cut 14 (11) “…going to lean.” 

Recent cuts to NCAA roster limits won’t help high school athletes either. Butler spoke with Louisiana Tech football coach Sonny Cumbie and Ruston High School coach Jerrod Baugh, who both agreed the new rules will put a strain on the next few years of recruiting. Butler says impacts are already being felt.

Cut 15 (09) “…for you anymore.”

________________________________________

SMU guard Jaron Pierre became the first New Orleans native to be drafted by the Pelicans last week. The St. Augustine alum was taken with the 58th overall pick after averaging over 17 points and four rebounds a game with the Mustangs. The 6-6 scorer says he can do it all.

Cut 16 (19) “…at showing it.”

Pierre shot 46-percent from the floor and 37-percent from three last season.

He was also the Conference USA Player of the Year in 2025 with Jacksonville State. Pierre turns 24 in July and made 121 college starts over five seasons with Southern Miss, Wichita State, Jax State and SMU. He says that experience will help him transition to the NBA.

Cut 17 (16) “…the long run.”