Small business optimism was up in May, according to the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

President Donald Trump said during a speech Tuesday in Fort Bragg that he would restore the names for military bases that had their names changed under former President Joe Biden. That includes Fort Polk which was changed to Fort Johnson for medal of Honor recipient Sergeant William Henry Johnson who served in World War One.  It will now go back to being named for Silver Star recipient General James H. Polk.

———————

Tourism in New Orleans is just about back to pre-pandemic levels, with more than 19-million visitors. But Walt Leger (luh-ZHAY), the president and CEO of New Orleans and Company, there some outside forces creating headwinds in international travel.

Cut 14 (10) “…economy right now.”

A bill allowing pharmacies to sell ivermectin without a prescription is on its way to Gov. Jeff Landry for signature.  Though approved by the FDA to treat certain parasitic conditions, ivermectin is not authorized for COVID-19 treatment, and experts warn that misuse can lead to severe health issues. But the bill’s sponsor Senator Mike Fesi says he personally used the drug for COVID-19 treatment successfully.

Cut 5 (09) “…got better quickly.”

LSU has had a secret weapon in its run to Omaha and the College World Series. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A bill allowing pharmacies to sell ivermectin without a prescription is on its way to Gov. Jeff Landry for signature. SB19, sponsored by Senator Mike Fesi, permits adults to purchase the drug under a standing order from the Louisiana Department of Health.

Cut 4 (06) “…over the counter.”

Under the new law, pharmacists must screen for risks and inform patients about proper use.

________________________________________

Tourism in New Orleans has bounced back to from Covid-19. The city welcomed more than 19-million visitors last year, the highest number since 2019. But a new problem is emerging in that  many visitors to the Crescent City are from Canada…and with the White House rhetoric of making Canada a state, some Canadians are rethinking their travel plans.

Cut 15 (09) “…they’ll be back.”

Small businesses are optimistic, yet cautious. That’s the big takeaway of the latest NFIB Small Business Optimism Index, which rose slightly last month. NFIB State Director Leah Long says labor and inflation remain pressing issues.  In May, 34-percent of owners reported unfilled job openings, and 86-percent of those hiring said qualified applicants were scarce.

Cut 8 (09) “…is super important.”

A bill allowing pharmacies to sell ivermectin without a prescription is on its way to Gov. Jeff Landry for signature. Though approved by the FDA to treat certain parasitic conditions, ivermectin is not authorized for COVID-19 treatment, and experts warn that misuse can lead to severe health issues. Under the new law, pharmacists must screen for risks and inform patients about proper use.

Cut 6 (05) “…over the counter.”

Small businesses are feeling cautiously optimistic…at least according to the latest NFIB Small Business Optimism Index. NFIB State Director Leah Long says one reason for the optimism is the administration change with Governor Landry’s sweeping tax reform and attempting to make the state more business-friendly with tax breaks to business owners.

Cut 9 (12)  “…optimism increases.”

——————————–

President Donald Trump plans to restore the names of seven military bases whose names were changed under the former administration, that includes Louisiana’s own Fort Polk.  The name was changed to Fort Johnson to recognize medal of Honor recipient Sergeant William Henry Johnson who served in World War One.  It will now go back to being named for Silver Star recipient General James H. Polk.

It turns out that LSU has had a secret weapon in their march to Omaha and the College World Series. Seven-year-old Caden Templet of Covington is battling Burkitt’s lymphoma and was paired with the Tigers baseball team through Team IMPACT, which matches children facing serious illnesses with college sports teams. Senior Case Manager Lynn LaRocca (la-ROCK-uh) says Caden has been with the team throughout the season, but isn’t going to Omaha, at least not yet.

Cut 11 (13) “…the World Series.”

The Tigers are set to play Arkansas in the opening round of the College World Series Saturday night.

Governor Jeff Landry’s signature will make Ivermectin available over the counter at Louisiana pharmacies. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

Small business optimism was up in May, according to the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

____________________________________________

LSU has had a secret weapon in its run to Omaha and the College World Series. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

A bill allowing pharmacies to sell ivermectin without a prescription is on its way to Gov. Jeff Landry for signature. SB19, sponsored by Senator Mike Fesi, permits adults to purchase the drug under a standing order from the Louisiana Department of Health.

Cut 4 (06) “…over the counter.”

Though approved by the FDA to treat certain parasitic conditions, ivermectin is not authorized for COVID-19 treatment, and experts warn that misuse can lead to severe health issues, including liver damage, seizures, and even death. However, Fesi says he personally used the drug for COVID-19 treatment successfully.

Cut 5 (09) “…got better quickly.”

Under the new law, pharmacists must screen for risks and inform patients about proper use. They are shielded from liability if they act in good faith, although insurers aren’t required to cover the drug. The bill passed both chambers with strong Republican support, aligning Louisiana with other GOP-led states.

Cut 6 (05) “…over the counter.”

The law will take effect once signed by the governor.

________________________________________________________

Small businesses are optimistic, yet cautious. That’s the big takeaway of the latest NFIB Small Business Optimism Index, which rose slightly last month. The improvement was primarily driven by stronger expectations for sales and better business conditions. However, the Uncertainty Index also increased, indicating that small business owners remain cautious. NFIB State Director Leah Long says taxes were the main concern for business owners.

Cut 7 (10) “…it is uncertain.”

Long says labor and inflation remained pressing issues, though concerns over labor quality fell. In May, 34-percent of owners reported unfilled job openings, and 86-percent of those hiring said qualified applicants were scarce.

Cut 8 (09) “…is super important.”

Long says one reason for the optimism is the administration change with Governor Landry’s sweeping tax reform and attempting to make the state more business-friendly with tax breaks to business owners.

Cut 9 (12)  “…optimism increases.”

________________________________________________________

It turns out that LSU has had a secret weapon in their march to Omaha and the College World Series. Seven-year-old Caden Templet of Covington is battling Burkitt’s lymphoma and was paired with the Tigers baseball team through Team IMPACT, which matches children facing serious illnesses with college sports teams. Senior Case Manager Lynn LaRocca (la-ROCK-uh) says Caden has been with the team throughout the season.

Cut 10 (09) “…in the stands.”

LaRocca says Caden, however, will not be joining the team in Omaha – not yet, at least.

Cut 11 (13) “…the World Series.”

LaRocca says Team IMPACT has matched more than four-thousand kids battling serious medical issues with college sports teams, and they take several things into consideration, including the kids’ favorite sports and the closest schools to where they live.

Cut 12 (09) “…times per month.”

________________________________________________________

Tourism in New Orleans is just about back to pre-pandemic levels. Walt Leger (luh-ZHAY), the president and CEO of New Orleans and Company, says last year, the city welcomed more than 19-million visitors – the highest number since 2019, the year before COVID-19 shut the world down. Leger says they’re expecting 2025 to be another great year, buoyed by the city hosting the Super Bowl.

Cut 13 (13)  “…to bring in.”

However, Leger says outside forces are creating some headwinds in international travel.

Cut 14 (10) “…economy right now.”

Leger says what’s especially tough is that many visitors to New Orleans are from Canada, and the rhetoric emerging from the White House, including comments about wanting to make Canada a U.S. state, is forcing Canadians to rethink their travel plans to the U.S.

Cut 15 (09) “…they’ll be back.”

_____________________________________________________________

The LSU baseball team leaves for Omaha this morning where they’ll play Arkansas on Saturday night in the opening round of the College World Series. Coach Jay Johnson says fine tuning their mental preparation is the biggest priority for the players at this moment…

Cut 16 (16) “…in Omaha.”

LSU second baseman Daniel Dickinson has been one of the most consistent players on this Tigers team. Johnson knew when he signed Dickinson out of the transfer portal that he would have a major impact on the program…

Cut 17 (20)  “…the statistics.”

LSU will play Arkansas at 6 PM on Saturday. The other two teams on LSU’s half of the bracket are UCLA and Murray State, who has a four-seed in the Oxford Regional has made it to Omaha. Johnson gave a quick breakdown on the teams LSU will have to battle to get to the championship series…

Cut 18 (18)  “…what we do.”

_____________________________________________________________

Day one of Saints minicamp is in the books. Head Coach Kellen Moore says he’s impressed by the play of his young quarterbacks, Tyler Shough (“shuck”) and Spencer Rattler.

Cut 19 (16) “…ask for them.”

Moore says the quarterbacks worked on situational football yesterday.

Cut 20 (18) “…through this minicamp.”

A bill clarifying Louisiana’s concealed carry law that allows spectators at parades or demonstrations to carry concealed weapons, while maintaining the ban for participants in such events is awaiting Governor Landry’s signature. The legislation does not alter existing law, but rather clarifies it. New Orleans Representative Alonzo Knox had concerns about public safety due to the potential for armed bystanders, particularly in crowded or alcohol-involved settings.

Cut 10 (10) “…than be defenseless.”

The bill applies to all government-permitted parades or demonstrations, and Louisiana Shooting Association President Dan Zelenka noted the original concealed carry law already prohibits parade participants from carrying a gun.

Cut 11 (11) “…in a parade.”

The legislature is expected to withdraw about 1.2-billion dollars from the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund to pay for various projects. House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says some of that money will be used to update the severely outdated OMV computer system.

Cut 8 (09) “…to stop that.”

A bill allowing pharmacies to sell ivermectin without a prescription is on its way to Governor Landry for his signature. SB19, sponsored by Senator Mike Fesi, permits adults to purchase the drug under a standing order from the Louisiana Department of Health.

Cut 4 (06) “…over the counter.”

Though approved by the FDA to treat certain parasitic conditions, ivermectin is not authorized for COVID-19 treatment, and experts warn that misuse can lead to severe health issues, including liver damage, seizures, and even death.

A Leesville man is facing charges after a three-year-old accidentally shoots another three-year-old. The victim was shot in the shoulder and chest and is in stable condition. 35-year-old Fernando Mejia is the father of the shooter, who found the gun hidden under a pillow. Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft says that’s no place to keep a gun, especially with kids present.

Cut 5 (10) “…grab it easily.”

Mejia is charged with second-degree cruelty to a juvenile and failing to properly secure the firearm.

A new audit shows that DCFS workers continue to be overburdened with their caseloads, averaging about 19 per month. Julie Floyd, a senior performance auditor at the Louisiana legislator’s office, says despite the burden, there hasn’t been a big turnover rate at the agency.

Cut 14 (08) “…around 15-percent.”

The Louisiana Legislature is expected to withdraw about 1.2-billion dollars from the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund to pay for various projects. House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says that includes money for water sector improvements for local water systems.

Cut 7 (10) “…going to that.”

A bill clarifying Louisiana’s concealed carry law that allows spectators at parades or demonstrations to carry concealed weapons, while maintaining the ban for participants in such events is awaiting Governor Landry’s signature. Louisiana Shooting Association President Dan Zelenka on why the legislation is necessary.

Cut 9 (12)  “…cannot carry.”

DCFS workers continue to be overburdened with large caseloads and a new audit seems to confirm that and vacancies at the agency are growing. Julie Floyd, a senior performance auditor at the Louisiana legislator’s office says due to the vacancies, the workers at DCFS have seen their caseloads increase substantially.

Cut 13 (10)  “…cases each month.”

The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s office has arrested a 35-year-old Leesville father after a three-year-old shoots another three-year-old. Deputies say one of the children found a handgun beneath a pillow on the bed and accidentally fired the weapon, striking the other child in the shoulder and chest area. Chief Detective Rhonda Jordan says it appears the victim will recover…

Cut 4 (09) “..regular room”

But Fernando Mejia is facing one count of second-degree cruelty to a juvenile.

The legislature is expected to withdraw about 1.2-billion dollars from the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund to pay for various projects. House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says that includes about 709-million dollars for shovel-ready road projects that will be completed within one year.

Cut 6 (11) “…falling in line.”

McFarland says millions of dollars are also going to colleges, local water systems and OMV for a new computer system.

A bill waiting for Governor Landry’s signature clarifies a state law on who can carry a concealed handgun at a parade. Parade goers can, but a participant in the parade or a float rider cannot. New Orleans Representative Alonzo Knox is current law…

Cut 10 (10) “…defenseless”

The bill applies to all government-permitted parades or demonstrations.

The legislature is expected to withdraw about 1.2-billion dollars from the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund. Andrew Greenstein reports that represents a small overall portion of the fund.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

A new audit shows that DCFS workers continue to be overworked. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

___________________________________________________

A Leesville man has been charged with second-degree cruelty to a juvenile after a shooting incident involving young children. The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office received a report of a three-year-old being shot at 35-year-old Fernando Mejia’s home. Chief Detective Rhonda Jordan says once investigators arrived at the residence they found a 40-caliber gun in the bedroom….

Cut 3 (08) “…children were playing.”

Investigators determined that the injured child was playing with Mejia’s three-year-old, who found a loaded .40-caliber handgun hidden under a pillow. The gun discharged, striking the visiting child in the shoulder and chest.  Jordan says the child is in stable condition.

Cut 4 (09) “…regular room.”

Mejia was charged for failing to properly secure the firearm. He is currently being held in the Vernon Parish Jail and is also subject to a detainer from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Sheriff Sam Craft says gun safety should be practiced at all times.

Cut 5 (10) “…grab it easily.”

________________________________________________

The Louisiana Legislature is expected to withdraw about 1.2-billion dollars from the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund to pay for various projects. House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says that includes about 709-million dollars for shovel-ready road projects that will be completed within one year.

Cut 6 (11) “…falling in line.”

McFarland says it also includes money for water sector improvements for local water systems.

Cut 7 (10) “…going to that.”

McFarland says the legislature will be putting forth a significant portion of the 110-million dollars it will take to update the severely outdated OMV computer system.

Cut 8 (09) “…to stop that.”

That 1.2-billion represents less than a third of the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund. Even after the withdrawal, it will still have 2.7-billion dollars left in it.

________________________________________________

A bill clarifying Louisiana’s concealed carry law that allows spectators at parades or demonstrations to carry concealed weapons, while maintaining the ban for participants in such events is awaiting Governor Landry’s signature. Louisiana Shooting Association President Dan Zelenka on why the legislation is necessary.

Cut 9 (12)  “…cannot carry.”

The legislation does not alter existing law but enhances clarity for citizens and law enforcement. New Orleans Representative Alonzo Knox had concerns about public safety due to the potential for armed bystanders, particularly in crowded or alcohol-involved settings.

Cut 10 (10) “…than be defenseless.”

The bill applies to all government-permitted parades or demonstrations, and Zelenka noted the original concealed carry law already prohibits parade participants from carrying a gun.

Cut 11 (11) “…in a parade.”

_________________________________________________________

A new audit shows that DCFS workers continue to be overburdened with their caseloads. Julie Floyd, a senior performance auditor at the Louisiana legislator’s office, says there has been an increase in recent years in vacancies, especially in front-line case workers.

Cut 12 (08) “…to increase salaries.”

Floyd says due to these vacancies, the workers at DCFS have seen their caseloads increase substantially.

Cut 13 (10)  “…cases each month.”

Floyd says despite the added workload for the DCFS workers still with the agency, there hasn’t been a big turnover rate at the agency.

Cut 14 (08) “…around 15-percent.”

Floyd says DCFS and the state have implemented special pay mechanisms to encourage employees to stay. However, a staffing and salary analysis showed that it’s inconclusive as to whether those special mechanisms were leading employees to stay.