LSU baseball is not projected to make the NCAA tournament after the initial D-1 Baseball and Baseball America projections have come out. The Tigers need to win four of their next six games in order to have a good chance at making the NCAA tournament and LSU Head Coach Jay Johnson says that his team is excited to take on Alabama this weekend, no matter what the projections say.

Cut 30 (17) “… going for it.”

First pitch between the Tigers and Tide will be on Friday at 6 pm and broadcast on the SEC Network +.

D1 Baseball and Baseball America’s projections also have UL-Lafayette and Louisiana Tech making the tournament with the Ragin Cajuns as a two seed in College Station regional and the Bulldogs as a three seed in the Starkville regional.

And in baseball news across the state, ULM will travel to South Alabama this weekend and LA Tech will have their hands full against Western Kentucky in a battle for first place in the Conference USA baseball standings.

The New Orleans Saints cut former Texas A&M, Minnesota Vikings, and Cleveland Browns quarterback Kellen Mond. The Saints quarterback room was crowded after the addition of South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler through the draft and the solution was for the Saints to cut Mond. The Saints quarterback room will now include starting quarterback Derek Carr, second year quarterback Jake Haener, NFL veteran Nathan Peterman, and Rattler.

UL-Lafayette softball looked dominant today when they defeated James Madison in five innings. The Ragin Cajuns demonstrated why they were the number one overall seed in the SunBelt tournament, recording 8 runs on seven hits and Cajuns pitcher Sam Landry went four and a third innings, striking out 4 batters, and only allowing 3 hits.

And in the Non-select Division I baseball playoffs, third seeded Sam Houston will take on second seeded West Monroe at 5:30 and thirteenth ranked Benton will take on first seed Barbe at 5:30.

And UL-Lafayette will look to bounce back from a tough series loss against Troy when the Ragin Cajuns take on Georgia Southern this weekend with first pitch on Friday at 5:30 pm.

Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, Ronnie Johns is stepping down as Chairman effective June 30th. During his time as chair, he’s seen two riverboat properties become first-class land-based properties with another three under construction, as well as bringing sports betting to the state. Those are only a few of the milestones of Johns’s time as Chairman. He says that wasn’t a small task.

Cut 7 (11) “…was done properly .”  

Steward Health Care has announced its selling Glenwood Regional Medical Center in West Monroe. Steward has filed for bankruptcy and is looking to sell several of its 31 hospitals in eight states. The Glenwood hospital has been struggling with staffing and supply issues and State Representative Mike Echols says it’s time for Glenwood to have a new owner…

cut 7 (11) “…Steward Health Group”
A Federal three-judge panel told Louisiana Lawmakers they have until June 3^rd to create a new congressional map, or the panel will create one. But multiple attempts to draw maps have all been rejected by federal judges in different districts. Senate President Cameron Henry says it’s all part of the legal process…

Cut 5 (12)  “…outcome is.” 

According to the Violence Policy Center, Louisiana ranks second in the nation for gun deaths. Kristen Rand with VPC says states with weak firearm laws and higher gun ownership consistently have higher gun death rates.
Cut 13 (12) “…of gun deaths.”
Mississippi ranks first for the highest gun death rate followed by Louisiana, New Mexico, Alabama, and Missouri.

Senator Patrick McMath’s bill to make using a handheld cellphone while driving in Louisiana a criminal offense passed overwhelmingly in the Senate, but his yearly attempt failed in the House overwhelming by a 21-72 vote. Denham Springs Representative, Roger Wilder, is concerned about court issues that would come with the violation.

Cut 11 (11) ” …concerned about the bill, thank you.”

A panel of 3 federal judges has given the state a June 3^rd deadline to draw a new congressional map. While the legislature is in session Senate President Cameron Henry says it’s impossible for to even file a bill for a new map because the deadline has already passed. He says it’s time to let State Attorney General Liz Murrill handle the congressional map with an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Cut 4 (08) “…this time.” 

The NAACP has also filed an appeal for the U.S. Supreme Court to settle the congressional map for the fall election.

Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, Ronnie Johns is set to retire June 30th of this year. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Sean Richardson”

For the second year in a row, U-S News and World Report ranks Louisiana as the worst state in the country. The ranking is based on several categories that Louisiana did not perform well in, like crime, the economy and its roads. Are there any positives? U-S News and World Report’s Gary Emerling says Louisiana ranked 21st for healthcare access and more children under the age of five are spending time in an education setting…

cut 6 (03) “…pre-school enrollment.”

Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, Ronnie Johns is set to retire June 30th of this year. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (00)  “…I’m Sean Richardson”

______________________________________

A bill to make holding  a cellphone while driving a crime failed to pass in the House with a 21-72. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

______________________________________

The three-panel court has given the state a June 3^rd deadline to draw a new congressional map. The legislature is in session, and they are scheduled to end June 3rd as well. But with the budget yet to be heard in Senate Finance, Senate President Cameron Henry says it’s impossible for them to even file a bill for a new map because the deadline has already passed.

Cut 3 (08) “…to do it.” 

Henry says it’s time to let State Attorney General Liz Murrill handle the congressional map at this point with an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court in the works.

Cut 4 (08) “…this time.” 

After multiple attempts to draw maps, that have been rejected by federal judges in different districts, Henry says it’s all part of the legal process…

Cut 5 (11)  “…outcome is.” 

The NAACP has also filed an appeal for the U.S. Supreme Court to settle the congressional map for the fall election.

____________________________________________________________________

Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, Ronnie Johns told Governor Jeff Landry that he will be stepping down as Chairman effective June 30th.

Cut 6  (09) “…gaming control board.” 

During his time as chair, he’s seen two riverboat properties become first-class land-based properties with another three under construction, as well as bringing sports betting to the state. Those are only a few of the milestones of Johns’s time as Chairman. He says that wasn’t a small task.

Cut 7 (11) “…was done properly .”  

Johns says “It’s been an incredible honor to serve in this very important position to regulate such a large industry in our state,” and the future looks bright.

Cut 8 (10  “…the next chairman.” 

_________________________________________________________

Senator Patrick McMath’s bill to make using a handheld cellphone while driving in Louisiana a criminal offense passed overwhelmingly in the Senate, but his yearly attempt failed in the House overwhelming by a 21-72 vote. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick questions what else would be considered a crime in McMath’s bill.

Cut 9 (11) “…still out there, yes.” 

Bossier City Representative, Raymond Crews asked are they chasing an issue that will solve itself in the near future.

Cut 10 (10) “…getting fines for it.” 

Denham Springs Representative, Roger Wilder is concerned about court issues that would come with the violation.

Cut 11 (11) ” …concerned about the bill, thank you.”

Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, Ronnie Johns told Governor Jeff Landry that he will be stepping down as Chairman effective June 30th.

Cut 6  (09) “…gaming control board.” 

During his time as the chair he’s seen two riverboat properties become first-class land based properties with another three under construction, as well as bringing sports betting to the state.

Senator Patrick McMath’s bill to make using a handheld cellphone while driving in Louisiana a criminal offense passed overwhelmingly in the Senate but failed in the House. Bossier City Representative, Raymond Crews fears chasing an issue that he says will solve itself soon.

Cut 10 (10) “…getting fines for it” 

The fate of Glenwood Regional Medical Center in West Monroe is unclear as the hospital’s owner Steward Health Care has filed for bankruptcy. Brooke Thorington has more from State Representative Michael Echols.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Federal three-judge-panel has given the state a June 3^rd deadline to draw a new congressional map. The current legislative session is scheduled to end June 3rd. But with the budget yet to be heard in Senate Finance, Senate President Cameron Henry says it’s impossible for them to even file a bill for a new map because the deadline has already passed.

Cut 3 (08) “…to do it.” 

A Federal three-judge panel told Louisiana Lawmakers they have until June 3^rd to create a new congressional map, or the panel will create one. But multiple attempts to draw maps have all been rejected by federal judges in different districts. Senate President Cameron Henry says it’s all part of the legal process…

Cut 5 (12)  “…outcome is.” 

A bill moving along at the state capitol would end the requirement that employers have to give minors a 20-minute meal break if they’ve worked five consecutive hours. Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder says hard working teenagers would rather make money than take a break…

cut 11 (09) “…of pay”
The bill is heading to the Senate floor for final legislative passage.

A bill to make holding a cellphone while driving a crime failed to pass in the House with a 21-72. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (28)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

The Violence Policy Center says in 2022, Louisiana ranked second in the country for gun deaths. Kristen Rand with VPC says while the number of firearm homicides decreased by six percent from 2021 to 2022, the number of gun-related suicide attempts increased by almost three percent across the country in 2022.

Cut 15 (06)  “…suicide rates”

A panel of 3 federal judges has given the state a June 3^rd deadline to draw a new congressional map. While the legislature is in session Senate President Cameron Henry says it’s impossible for to even file a bill for a new map because the deadline has already passed. He says it’s time to let State Attorney General Liz Murrill handle the congressional map with an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Cut 4 (08) “…this time.” 

The NAACP has also filed an appeal for the U.S. Supreme Court to settle the congressional map for the fall election.

Senator Patrick McMath’s bill to make using a handheld cellphone while driving in Louisiana a criminal offense passed overwhelmingly in the Senate, but his yearly attempt failed in the House overwhelming by a 21-72 vote. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick questions what else would be considered a crime in McMath’s bill.

Cut 9 (11) “…still out there, yes.” 

Legislation is moving closer to final passage to end the requirement for employers to give minor workers at least a 20-minute meal break if they work five or more hours. Denham Springs Republican Representative Roger Wilder says kids in school go for a long period of time, especially if they are involved in extracurricular activities…

Cut 12 (12) “…in a school.” 

The bill heads to the full Senate for final passage.

Last year’s number one MLB draft pick and former LSU pitching star Paul Skenes has been called up to the big leagues by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Skenes will face the Chicago Cubs after being one of the most dominant pitchers in Triple A baseball this season posting a 0.99 ERA and struck out 45 batters in 27 and a third innings.

LSU baseball is not projected to make the NCAA tournament after the initial D-1 Baseball and Baseball America projections. The Tigers need to win four of their next six games in order to have a good chance at making the NCAA tournament and LSU will travel to face Alabama this weekend.

The two projections do have UL-Lafayette and Louisiana Tech making the tournament with the Ragin Cajuns as a two seed in College Station and the Bulldogs as a three seed in the Starkville Regional.

And ULM was able to defeat Stephen F. Austin yesterday 11 to 6 after scoring 10 unanswered runs. The Warhawks tied the game in the fifth inning and then scored their remaining 5 runs in the sixth inning to go on and win 11 to 6.

The New Orleans Saints have cut former Texas A&M, Minnesota Vikings, and Cleveland Browns quarterback Kellen Mond yesterday. Their quarterback room was crowded after the addition of South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler through the draft and Saints solution was to cut Mond. The Saints quarterback room will now include starting quarterback Derek Carr, second year quarterback Jake Haener, NFL veteran Nathan Peterman, and Rattler.

ULM softball will try to keep their historic momentum going into the SunBelt softball tournament when the Warhawks take on the South Alabama Jaguars at 4 pm today. The Warhawks secured the number 6 overall seed after winning 12 games in conference play and finishing the season with a 31 and 23 record. The LA Tech Bulldogs will face the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers after defeating UTEP 2 to nothing yesterday. The Bulldogs took two out of three games when the teams met in the regular season.

And in the Non-select Division I baseball playoffs, third seeded Sam Houston will take on second seeded West Monroe at 5:30 today and thirteenth ranked Benton will take on first seed Barbe at 5:30.

The three-panel court has given the state a June 3^rd deadline to draw a new congressional map. But with the budget yet to be heard in Senate Finance, Senate President Cameron Henry says it’s impossible for them to even file a bill for a new map because the deadline has already passed.

Cut 3 (08) “…to do it.” 

Henry says it’s time to let State Attorney General Liz Murrill handle it with an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Since Glenwood Regional Medical Center in West Monroe has declared bankruptcy, Representative Michael Echols says Steward Health Care is to blame. As for a prospective buyer, he says he’s been told the medical community has reached out to Ochsner, Willis-Knighton, and other regional medical facilities.

Cut 25 (12)  “…our patients.”

Legislation is moving closer to final passage to end the requirement for employers to give minor workers at least a 20-minute meal break if they work five or more hours. Denham Springs Republican Representative Roger Wilder says the state should not hold back teen workers who want to put in the hours…

Cut 10 (10) “…wanna work.”

The bill heads to the full Senate for final passage.

Dead last is what Louisiana is ranked for the second year in a row in US News and World Report’s 2024 Best States report. Managing Editor for Government Rankings Gary Emerling says the ranking is based on several categories that Louisiana does not perform well in…
Cut 24 (11) “…beneficiaries.”
There are some positives, Louisiana ranks 21st in healthcare access.

Louisiana ranked 50th in the U.S. News and World Report’s 2024 Best States, and here’s Sean Richardson on why.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

North Louisiana is under an enhanced threat level of severe weather this afternoon and evening. Thunderstorms could be accompanied by large hail and damaging wind gusts as high as 75 miles per hour. Flooding rain is also possible so remain weather aware today.

Legislation is moving closer to final passage to end the requirement for employers to give minor workers at least a 20-minute meal break if they work five or more hours. Denham Springs Republican Representative Roger Wilder says kids in school go for a long period of time, especially if they are involved in extracurricular activities…

Cut 12 (12) “…in a school.” 

The bill heads to the full Senate for final passage.

The Violence Policy Center says in 2022, Louisiana ranked second in the country for gun deaths. Kristen Rand with VPC says the number of gun-related suicide attempts increased six percent across the country in 2022.

Cut 15 (06)  “…suicide rates”

53% of homes in Louisiana have firearms.