The legislator who represents the Fort Johnson area is hailing the changing of the military base back to its original name, Fort Polk….

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

President Trump also says he wants to phase out FEMA. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise from Jefferson Parish says FEMA needs serious reform and they are looking at ways to further empower local and state leaders who are in a better position to react faster when disaster strikes. Congressman Troy Carter agrees reform is needed but says dismantling FEMA is dumb, shortsighted and cruel.

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.”

Opponents of the legislation say it further limits women’s healthcare.

Churchill Downs is threatening to surrender its racing license at the New Orleans Fair Grounds if does not receive a subsidy from the state. Times-Picayune reporter Tyler Bridges …

Cut 14 (09) “…Churchill Downs”

Churchill Downs says it needs the money, because the Louisiana Supreme Court has ruled that the Fairgrounds can not have historical horse racing slot machines, because voter approval is needed.

The legislator who represents Fort Polk is hailing the changing of the military base back to its original name. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Omaha is getting ready for an onslaught of LSU fans. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

____________________________________________

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.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

____________________________________________

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.

Cut 6 (09) “…James K. Polk.”

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.

________________________________________________________

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.

Cut 7 (12) “…you last year.”

Not that we led her or anything, but Ward tells us that LSU fans are among her most favorite fans.

Cut 8 (10) “…travel so well.”

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.

________________________________________________________

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.

Cut 11 (07) “…abortion pill.”

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.

________________________________________________________

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.”

_____________________________________________________________

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.

Cut 17 (12)  “…better too.”

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.

Cut 18 (12)  “…(laughs).”

_____________________________________________________________

Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu is heading into his 13^th 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.

Cut 20 (18) “…coach’s perspective.”

On the penultimate day of the legislative session, a bill came out of a conference committee with a major change that has led to a massive lobbying campaign from CVS. The change to House Bill 358 would ban pharmacy benefit managers from owning pharmacies. Supporters say that would stop big companies from using their buying power to squeeze out local independent pharmacies. CVS, on the other hand, says it would force it to close all 119 of its pharmacies in the state and put some 27-hundred employees out of work. The House passed it on a vote of 88-to-4. It’s a Senate vote away from reaching Governor Landry’s desk.

The legislature has passed a bill requiring state agencies to track the immigration status of those receiving public services. New Iberia Republican Blake Miguez:

Cut 6 (11) “…taxpayer dollars.”

Lawmakers pass a bill 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 it responds to a case involving a New York doctor accused of sending such pills to a Louisiana minor.

Cut 10 (12) “…made that possible.”

Louisiana’s film industry could see a revival following the passage of Senate Bill 232, which updates the state’s film tax incentive program. Film Louisiana President Jason Waggenspack says the new law removes outdated caps, including a 20-million-dollar limit on production costs and a three-million-dollar-per-person payroll cap.

Cut 9 (12)  “…talk to LED.”

Another name change is likely for the state’s largest military base. In 2023, the army base in Leesville was changed to Fort Johnson, because the military installation was named after a Confederate General. President Trump says the military bases that recently had name changes will go back to their old names, but this time Fort Polk would be named after World War Two General James Polk. Louisiana Armed Services Alliance president Jim Tuck says going back to Fort Polk will be popular locally…

Cut 14 (17) “…the people”

The Louisiana Legislature has approved a bill that would require state departments like Health, Education, OMV and others to report to the state legislature how many undocumented immigrants are receiving state services. New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez says the legislation can make sure Louisiana residents receive state funded services over non-citizens.

Cut 8 (05) “…not actually citizens.”

The state’s film industry is hopeful a bill approved in the legislative session will lead to larger movie productions. Film Louisiana President Jason Waggenspack says Senate Bill 232 makes important changes to the state’s film incentive tax program, by eliminating a 20-million-dollar cap on production costs and a three-million-dollar cap per individual in payroll expenses. Waggenspack says this should help an industry that generates one-billion dollars for the state…

Cut 10 (12) “…local residents”

The LSU baseball team is in Omaha for the College World Series. Fans gathered at Alex Box Stadium to wish the team luck when they left…

Cut 4 (09) “…for Omaha”

The Tigers first game is Saturday night at 6 PM against Arkansas.

During a speech at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, President Donald Trump announced he will restore the names of several military bases including Fort Johnson in Vernon Parish. That means Fort Johnson would be named Fort Polk again. Jim Tuck, president of the Louisiana Armed Services Alliance, says most people in Vernon Parish will support changing the name back…

Cut 13 (11) “…Fort Polk”

The Leesville military base was originally named after a Confederate commander. In 2023, it was changed to Fort Johnson as it was named after a Black soldier who was a hero in World War one. This time Fort Polk would be named after a World War Two Army General.

This legislative session produced legislation that makes changes to the film tax incentive program. Film Louisiana President Jaason Waggenspack supports the changes. He believes they will help attract larger productions and talent…

Cut 11 (10) “….film industry”

The LSU baseball team has arrived in Omaha, the site of the College World Series. About 150 people were at Alex Box Stadium as the team’s buses headed for the airport. Two weekends ago, Little Rock pushed LSU to elimination and Coach Jay Johnson likes how his team has responded…

Cut 5 (17) “…ahead of us”

LSU opens play Saturday night against Arkansas.

Several parishes in northwest Louisiana are under a flood watch until tomorrow night. Rainfall of one to three inches is expected; some areas could see more than four inches. The National Weather Service says heavy rain may lead to flooding in low-lying areas, rivers/creeks and roads.

Fort Johnson in Vernon Parish could be named Fort Polk again based on comments made by President Trump who said his administration plans to restore the names of several military bases that were renamed during the Biden administration. Jim Tuck, the president of the Louisiana Armed Services Alliance, says it’s a change that the community welcomes.

Cut 12 (06) “…be changed back.”

The Congressional Naming Commission in 2023 named the state’s largest military base in honor of Sergeant William Henry Johnson, a Black soldier who was a World War One hero. The Leesville Army Base was previously named for Confederate General Leonidis Polk; it will now be named for World War Two General James Polk.

Louisiana lawmakers have approved legislation that gives state agencies the ability to track the immigration status of individuals using public services. State Senator Blake Miguez says the law would require annual reporting to the state legislature…

Cut 7 (12) “…in our state”

Lights, camera, action! The Louisiana film industry could see a comeback after the passage of SB 232. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The hurricane forecast team at Colorado State continues to predict 17 named storms and nine hurricanes in 2025. Researchers say warm sea surface temperatures is the main reason for the above-average season. It’s been a slow start to the season and the National Hurricane Center is not expecting any tropical activity over the next seven days.

LSU fans send the baseball team off to Omaha for the College World Series. Andrew Greenstein is at Alex Box Stadium.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The future of horse racing at the historic Fairgrounds Racetrack in New Orleans is in jeopardy because the state legislature is not willing to provide a 20-million-dollar subsidy to the track’s owner. Churchill Downs says they need state assistance or they will shut down operations, because Louisiana’s Supreme Court has told the track they can no longer operate their historical horse racing slot machines, because it requires voter approval.

The Louisiana Legislature has passed Senate Bill 100, requiring state agencies to track the immigration status of individuals receiving public services. New Iberia Republican Blake Miguez says his legislation mandates reporting by agencies such as the Department of Education, Corrections, and DCFS…

Cut 6 (11) “…taxpayer dollars.”

Miguez says the legislation can make sure Louisiana residents are prioritized for state funded services over non-citizens.

The state’s film industry is hopeful a bill approved in the legislative session will lead to larger movie productions. Film Louisiana President Jason Waggenspack says Senate Bill 232 makes important changes to the state’s film incentive tax program, by eliminating a 20-million-dollar cap on production costs and a three-million-dollar cap per individual in payroll expenses. Waggenspack says this should help an industry that generates one-billion dollars for the state…

Cut 10 (12) “…local residents”

Louisiana’s film industry could see a revival following the passage of Senate Bill 232, which updates the state’s film incentive program. Film Louisiana President Jason Waggenspack says the new law removes outdated caps, including a $20 million limit on production costs and a $3 million per-person payroll cap, aiming to make the state more competitive with international filming locations.

Cut 9 (12)  “…talk to LED.”

Waggenspack says the reforms could attract larger productions and talent.

The LSU baseball team is on its way to Omaha for the College World Series. Hundreds of fans gathered at Alex Box Stadium to wish the team luck…

Cut 4 (09) “…for Omaha”

LSU is seeking its eighth national championship. The Tigers first game is Saturday night at 6 PM.

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.”

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 one reason is Governor Landry attempting to make the state more business-friendly with tax breaks.

Cut 9 (12)  “…optimism increases.”

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. Leger says they’re expecting 2025 to be another great year, buoyed by the Super Bowl.

Cut 13 (13)  “…to bring in.”

The LSU baseball team is off to Omaha for the College World Series. Fans gathered outside Alex Box Stadium to see the team off this morning as they boarded three buses bound for the airport. The Tigers won it all two years ago; these fans say they can do it again.

Cut 3 (07) “…Tigers win!!!”

LSU opens play Saturday against Arkansas, a team they beat two out of three times this season at Alex Box Stadium. The two teams are the betting favorites to win it all.

And the Tigers have a secret weapon – seven-year-old Caden Templet of Covington, who’s battling Burkitt’s lymphoma. He was paired with the LSU baseball team through Team IMPACT. Senior Case Manager Lynn LaRocca (la-ROCK-uh) says when pairing kids with college teams, they take several things into consideration, including their favorite sports and the closest schools to where they live.

Cut 12 (09) “…times per month.”