The legislator who represents Fort Polk is hailing the changing of the military base back to its original name. Andrew Greenstein reports.
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Omaha is getting ready for an onslaught of LSU fans. Michelle Southern reports.
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A bill is heading to the governor’s desk that would expand abortion restrictions by allowing lawsuits against out-of-state doctors and medical providers sending abortion pills by mail. Sean Richardson reports.
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The member of the Louisiana legislature that represents Fort Polk is hailing the renaming of the military base back to its original name. Rosepine Republican Chuck Owen says there was a lot of ill will when the Congressional Naming Commission changed the name to Fort Johnson in 2023.
Cut 4 (14) “…name was changed.”
The base was originally named for Confederate soldier Leonidas Polk. But following the creation of the Congressional Naming Commission in the wake of the George Floyd protests of 2020, the name was changed to honor William Henry Johnson, a World War One veteran from the New York National Guard unit known as the “Harlem Hellfighters.” Representative Owen says it’s important to note that while the name is reverting back to Fort Polk, it is not reverting back to the original person it was named for.
Cut 5 (07) “…Leonidas Polk again.”
Instead, Owen says the base is now being named for General James H. Polk, who served in combat during three wars.
Fort Polk is one of seven military bases that have had their original names restored by President Trump, albeit not for their original Confederate namesakes. Still, the Southern Poverty Law Center has come out against the move, saying Trump is seeking to honor insurrectionists who went to war against their own countrymen to preserve white supremacy and protect slavery.
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Omaha is getting ready for an onslaught of LSU fans for the College World Series. Deborah Ward, the executive director of Visit Omaha, says the city’s arms are wider when LSU fans show up.
Not that we led her or anything, but Ward tells us that LSU fans are among her most favorite fans.
And Ward says LSU is bringing a piece of Baton Rouge with it to Omaha.
Cut 9 (11) “…fans in general.”
This is LSU’s 20th time in the College World Series, and the Tigers are seeking their eighth national championship.
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Lawmakers have passed a bill expanding abortion restrictions by allowing lawsuits against out-of-state doctors and others who provide or facilitate abortion pills to Louisiana residents, even by mail. Louisiana Right to Life Policy Director Erica Inzina says the legislation responds to a case involving a New York doctor accused of sending such pills to a Louisiana minor.
Cut 10 (11) “…made that possible.”
Inzina says the bill is needed to close legal loopholes and to deter illegal abortions.
Opponents, including New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis, argue the law is unnecessary and could further limit women’s healthcare.
Cut 12 (08) “…be more restrictive.”
The bill exempts licensed Louisiana providers and pharmacists and now awaits Governor Jeff Landry’s signature.
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Churchill Downs has announced plans to surrender its racing license for the New Orleans Fair Grounds due to a recent Louisiana Supreme Court ruling banning historical horse racing machines without local voter approval. HHR machines, which are a major source of off-track betting revenue, were deemed a new form of gambling. Tyler Bridges with the Times-Picayune says Churchill sent a letter to the Louisiana Racing Commission saying they are serious about pulling out.
Cut 13 (12) “…go through March.”
Churchill representatives criticized state officials for failing to engage in productive dialogue and cited recent legislation expanding video poker elsewhere as further harm. Bridges says there is no appetite to give Churchill Downs what they want.
Cut 14 (09) “…Churchill Downs’ bluff.”
Officials warn closure would harm the local economy and equine industry. A special Racing Commission meeting is expected soon. Bridges says its possible the state could come up with some money to help.
Cut 15 (13) “…racing season going.”
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The LSU Tigers are back in Omaha after missing out on the College World Series last season. Right-handed pitcher Chase Shores was a member of the 2023 national championship team and believes LSU can win it all again.
Cut 16 (11) “…national championship.”
Shores started the season as LSU’s Sunday starter. In April he was moved to the bullpen and has become a dependable reliver. Shores got the final out in the Super Regional series against West Virginia. The six-foot-eight flame thrower on why he’s succeeded in his new role.
Shores is also hitting 100 miles per hour on the radar gun. He’s trying not to look at the scoreboard to see how fast he’s throwing.
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Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu is heading into his 13th season in the NFL and his fifth season with the Saints. Kellen Moore is the third head coach he’s had in New Orleans, and the Honey Badger likes that Moore is a bright offensive mind…
Cut 19 (17) “…offensive league.”
Today is the final day of Saints minicamp, and the starting quarterback battle will continue into training camp. Tyler Shough (“shuck”) on how he’s handling the competition.