Saturday is the day when we will find out who will be advancing to the general election for U.S. Senate. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

U-S Senator Bill Cassidy has switched his position on Iran after meeting with Vice President J-D Vance. In a post on X, Cassidy thanked Vance and Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff, for addressing his concerns. Cassidy then voted against a resolution urging an end to the war, after voting for a similar resolution the day before.

East Baton Rouge Parish Pastor Tony Spell faces a second-degree battery charge after video shows him punching his neighbor’s 20-year-old son. Spell claims the 20-year-old threatened to rape and kill his family and Spell’s attorney alleges the Central Police Department is working with the neighbors against the Reverend. Central Police Chief Roger Corcoran denies the allegation…

Cut 14 (11) “…out here”

The criminal charge against Spell was filed by the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office.

The massive rainfall in Avoyelles Parish one week ago is one step closer to being an official state record. A volunteer observer measured 29.06 inches of rain within a 12-hour period three miles southeast of Cottonport. Jonathan Brazzell (“Brazil”) with the National Weather Service is among a team of meteorologists who have verified that reading.

Cut 10 (10) “…will become official.”

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

Cut 11 (07) “…around 30 inches.”

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

Cut 12 (11) “…back and look.”

A bipartisan trio of Louisiana congressmen is supporting a bill that would reclassify crawfish processors .By reclassifying them as agricultural workers, they would be eligible for the uncapped H-2A visa program instead of having to secure a capped H-2B visa. Andy Brown with the Louisiana Farm Bureau says the current arrangement led to a shortage of crawfish peelers this year.

Cut 4 (11) “…within that cap.”

The Shrine on Airline is getting a 30-million-dollar renovation to convert the former baseball stadium into a multi-use venue. Jerry Bologna, the executive director of the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission, says it will add visitor sideline seating, which is a must for high school football.

Cut 7 (11) “…view the games.”

Last Thursday’s torrential rainfall in Avoyelles Parish is one step closer to being an official state record. A volunteer observer measured 29.06 inches of rain within a 12-hour period three miles southeast of Cottonport. Jonathan Brazzell (“Brazil”) is with the National Weather Service.

Cut 9 (07)  “…on the gauge.”

The previous state record for highest rainfall total in a 24-hour period was set in the Cameron Parish town of Hackberry in 1962.

The other big story in the state is Reverend Tony Spell. The controversial pastor in Central near Baton Rouge faces second-degree battery charge after a fistfight caught on video with his neighbor’s 20-year-son son. Spell says he’s reported his neighbors to the Central Police Department on numerous occasions, but Central Police Chief Roger Corcoran says they only have one complaint on file…

Cut 13 (10) “…responds to that”

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

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The Lott Oil Company has been named the 2026 NFIB Small Business Champion for Louisiana. The NFIB says Lott Oil began as a small fuel distributor with a single truck and two employees and it has grown into one of Louisiana’s largest family-owned fuel and lubricant providers.

East Baton Rouge Parish Pastor Tony Spell faces a second-degree battery charge after video shows him punching his neighbor’s 20-year-old son. Spell claims the 20-year-old threatened to rape and kill his family and Spell’s attorney alleges the Central Police Department is working with the neighbors against the Reverend. Central Police Chief Roger Corcoran denies the allegation…

Cut 14 (11) “…out here”

The criminal charge against Spell was filed by the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office.

Construction is underway to transform the Shrine on Airline from a baseball park to a venue that will have better seating for high school football games and also have the ability to host concerts and festivals. Director of the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission Jerry Bologna says an entertainment venue in the area has proven to be successful…

Cut 8 (08) “…help that”

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

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

U-S Senator Bill Cassidy has changed his position on Iran after meeting with Vice President J-D Vance. In a post on X, Cassidy thanked Vance and Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, for addressing his concerns. Cassidy also voted against a resolution urging an end to the war, after voting for a similar resolution the day before.

The massive rainfall in Avoyelles Parish one week ago is one step closer to being an official state record. A volunteer observer measured 29.06 inches of rain within a 12-hour period three miles southeast of Cottonport. Jonathan Brazzell (“Brazil”) with the National Weather Service is among a team of meteorologists who have verified that reading.

Cut 10 (10) “…will become official.” 

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

Cut 12 (11) “…back and look.”

Those looking to come to the U.S. to work as seasonal crawfish peelers could soon be eligible for the uncapped H-2A visas, under legislation sponsored by a bipartisan trio of Louisiana congressmen. Andy Brown with the Louisiana Farm Bureau says these workers are not taking any jobs away from Americans, who he says on a whole simply do not find that work very a-peel-ing.

Cut 5 (14) “…off the job.”

The Shrine on Airline is getting a 30-million-dollar renovation to convert the former baseball stadium into a multi-use venue. Jerry Bologna, the executive director of the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission, says it will add visitor sideline seating, which is a must for high school football.

Cut 7 (07) “…first class facility.”

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

Cut 11 (07) “…around 30 inches.”

Guest workers could soon be eligible for H-2A visas to work as crawfish processors. Congressmen Troy Carter, Cleo Fields and Clay Higgins are joining forces in legislation that would make them eligible for the uncapped visas. Andy Brown with the Louisiana Farm Bureau says Congress had gotten it wrong by not classifying them as agricultural workers.

Cut 3 (11) “…of the programs.”

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

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

With the 58th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the New Orleans Pelicans select Jaron Pierre Jr. from SMU. Pierre averaged 17.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists during his lone season with the Mustangs. Pierre was the Pelicans’ one and only selection in the draft.

An East Baton Rouge Parish pastor who is seen on video physically fighting the 20-year-old son of his neighbor defends the attack by saying the young man threatened to rape and kill his family. Those accusations have been denied by the Sherwin family. But Reverend Tony Spell says he crossed the four-lane highway in front of his church in Central to protect his family.

Cut 26 (05) “…when I’m gone.”

Spell is facing a felony battery charge, the 20-year-old suffered bruises to his face and needed stitches.

Last Thursday’s torrential rainfall in Avoyelles Parish is one step closer to being an official state record. A volunteer observer measured 29.06 inches of rain within a 12-hour period three miles southeast of Cottonport. Jonathan Brazzell (“Brazil”) is with the National Weather Service.

Cut 9 (07)  “…on the gauge.”

The previous state record for highest rainfall total in a 24-hour period was set in the Cameron Parish town of Hackberry in 1962.

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

Cut 6 (12) “…events like this.”

Construction is scheduled to be completed in June of next year, so there are no football games at the Shrine on Airline this season.

And Tulane University says it’s transforming the iconic former Charity Hospital building in New Orleans and making it a national hub of bioscience discovery and medical advancements. Tulane President Michael Fitts says construction is expected to be completed in 2029…

Cut 15 (06) “….when its complete”

East Baton Rouge Pastor Tony Spell has laid out his reasoning on why he attacked his neighbor’s 20-year-old son, which led to a felony battery charge against Spell. Spell says the 20-year-old threatened to rape and kill his family…

Cut 12 (09) “….shepherds his flock”

Spell describes the Sherwin family as domestic terrorists, but the Sherwins say Spell’s claims are untrue.

Tulane University is moving forward with a plan to renovate the Old Charity Hospital in New Orleans and turn it into a national hub for bioscience discovery and medical advancements. University president Michael Fitts says  the concentration of scientists, students and entrepreneurs in this revitalized space will result in cures and new treatments for diseases…

Cut 14 (08) “…people to live”

We’re getting reaction to the resignation of Randy Smith as sheriff of St. Tammany Parish. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 30 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Reports out of Washington D-C say President Trump and Senator Bill Cassidy had a shouting match over the Iran war. It’s the first time the two men were in the same room since Cassidy finished third in the Republican Senate primary ending his re-election chances. Trump is supporting Julia Letlow in the race. Cassidy told the President he’s not been transparent enough with the American people about the Iran war.

Randy Smith’s tenure as sheriff of St. Tammany Parish is over after pleading guilty to attacking podcaster Bobby Couvillion at a Madisonville Restaurant. Smith pleaded guilty to felony battery and disturbing the peace by public intoxication. As part of the plea deal, he can reduce the felony battery conviction to a misdemeanor if he completes an 18-month treatment program that will address his alcohol issues. Rafael Goyeneche, the president of the Metropolitan Crime Commission, says Smith did not receive preferential treatment..

Cut 5 (14) “…it as well.”

In Kenner, 50-year-old Shawn Bell was arrested after authorities found 54 dogs in his home. Cops say they the dogs were living in crowded, unsanitary and unsafe conditions. Bell is accused of illegally breeding Australian Shepherds.

A Baton Rouge area pastor charged with second-degree battery explains why beat up his neighbor’s 20-year-old son.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Governor Landry’s plan to keep paying a two-thousand dollar stipend that teachers have received for the last three years has been approved by lawmakers. But former Central School System Superintendent Michael Faulk says the plan is illegal, because it’s taking money away from the public school funding formula…

Cut  9 (10) “…MFP hearing”

A court hearing on the teacher pay plan is scheduled for Monday.

State lawmakers have approved Governor Jeff Landry’s plan to reallocate 168-million dollars from the public school operations budget to fund stipends for teachers and school support workers. But a state judge has temporarily blocked the plan from taking effect. . One of the plaintiffs in the case, former Central School Superintendent Michael Faulk, says state law requires the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to recommend the amount of funding that goes to public schools.

Cut 8 (12) “…last approved MFP.”

An East Baton Rouge Parish pastor who is seen on video physical fighting the 20-year-old son of his neighbor defends says he did it because the young man threated to rape and kill his family. Those accusations have been denied.  But Reverend Tony Spell says he crossed the four-lane highway in front of his church to protect his family.

Cut 11 (05) “…when I’m gone.”

——————–
We’re getting reaction to the resignation of Randy Smith as sheriff of St. Tammany Parish. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

It’s official now. Last Thursday’s catastrophic weather event has shattered Louisiana’s all-time 24-hour rainfall record.  According to data released by the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, the slow-moving remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur dumped 29.6 inches of rain in just twelve hours in some areas.