Attorney General Liz Murrill says Louisiana will join Florida and Alabama in investigating whether Dr. Anthony Fauci lied about things related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the need for masks and distancing and the origins of the virus. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says it’s important to note that Murrill typically does not have the authority to initiate a prosecution. 

Cut 4 (10) “…to bring prosecutions.”

Furthermore, Ciolino says convicting Fauci would be a very tall task.

A suspect is in critical condition after being shot by a Livingston Parish deputy. It happened on I-55 in Tangipahoa Parish at the end of a chase that started in Livingston Parish. Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard says the deputy gave chase after the suspect ran off.

Cut 7 (10) “…a physical altercation.”

The calendar has flipped to August, and that means it’s just about time for back-to-school shopping! Jeanne Burns reports.

Cut 23 (35) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

To say that they fell short of their goal is a gargantuan understatement. Organizers in the effort to recall East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards needed 47,297 signatures to get the issue before voters. They were only able to muster 2,193 – less than five-percent of what they needed.

Attorney General Liz Murrill says Louisiana will join Florida and Alabama in investigating Dr. Anthony Fauci. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says Murrill is alleging that Fauci lied about things like the need for masks and lockdowns.

Cut 3 (13) “…some years ago.”

Ciolino says convicting Fauci on those allegations would be very difficult.

A suspect is injured in an officer-involved shooting in Tangipahoa Parish this morning. It started when a deputy in neighboring Livingston Parish tried pulling the driver over in Albany. Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard says the driver drove off.

Cut 6 (08) “…ran on foot.”

The deputy tried to use his Taser on the suspect, but he fought the Taser and turned it on the deputy, and that’s when he shot the suspect. The suspect is in critical condition; the deputy is not hurt.

A Tulane University study made a one-of-a-kind discovery about how bats fight off diseases so effectively. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Some bad news from Saints training camp over the weekend as Head Coach Kellen Moore confirmed that defensive tackle Brian Bresee will need season-ending surgery for a torn ACL. The fourth-year player suffered the injury on the first day of training camp. The Saints selected Bresee in the first round in 2023; he’s under contract through next season.

With the school year right around the corner, the National Retail Federation says for many, back-to-school shopping has already begun. Allison Zeller, the vice president of industry and consumer insights, says this year, 62-percent already got their back-to-school shopping underway, with a record-breaking 32-percent having done so all the way back in early June.

Cut 10 (13) “…back-to-school.”

Amid the news that President Trump will halt planned attacks to allow talks with Iran to continue, Senator John Kennedy told NBC’s “Meet The Press” that Trump cannot take Iran for its word under any circumstances.

Cut 15 (15) “…or Charles Manson.”

With the general election three months from today, the Secretary of State’s office is out with its inactive voter list. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Louisiana is in the final stages of a deal to bring a SpaceX rocket launching pad to Pecan Island in Vermilion Parish. The state legislature recently passed incentives to attract the aerospace industry. The project could provide thousands of jobs in the region, but it raises concerns of coastal erosion and loss of popular hunting and fishing areas.

About 15-percent of all registered voters in Louisiana are on the inactive voter list. They have either not voted in the last ten years or they’ve had mail addressed to them returned. Trey Williams with the Secretary of State’s Office says once added to that list, the clock starts running for them towards being removed from the voter roll altogether.

Cut 6 (11) “…registration is cancelled.”

Senator John Kennedy says U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro did the right thing by dropping the charges against the former Olympic canoeist in connection with the paint peeling on the reflecting pool. On NBC’s “Meet The Press,” Kennedy said peddling President Trump talking points is one thing; repeating them in a court of law is something else entirely.

Cut 13 (10)  “…will find out.”

Despite high inflation, Americans are expected to spend almost 147-billion dollars in back-to-school shopping this year. National Retail Federation Chief Economist Mark Mathews says consumers have shown that they are willing to make sacrifices to spend on things that matter to their loved ones.

Cut 12 (12) “…hours if needed.”

Researchers at Tulane University say the largest species of bats are able to carry so many viral diseases without getting sick themselves because they have two antibody gene systems, unlike all other mammals who have only one. Associate Professor Hannah Frank says thanks to this discovery, numerous advancements can be made.

Cut 9 (13)  “…they’re most dangerous.”

With three months to go before the general election, the Secretary of State’s Office says there are about 447-thousand voters on the inactive voter list. Trey Williams with the Secretary of State’s Office says that doesn’t mean those people can’t vote, and coming off that list is easy – and they don’t even have to write a three-page essay to do so!

Cut 5 (08) “…in and vote.” 

Americans are expected to spend almost 147-billion dollars in back-to-school shopping this year. National Retail Federation Chief Economist Mark Mathews says this comes as families’ budgets are a lot tighter due to inflation and tariffs.

Cut 11 (12) “…to the pandemic.”

A Tulane University study made a one-of-a-kind discovery about how bats fight off diseases so effectively. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Attorney General Liz Murrill says Louisiana will join Florida and Alabama in investigating Dr. Anthony Fauci to see whether he could be brought up on state charges. Murrill says Fauci claimed not to recall many key details of his actions during the COVID-19 pandemic, and she and her counterparts are discovering contemporaneous records he kept. Fauci was pardoned by President Biden just before Biden left office in 2025.

The calendar has flipped to August, and that means it’s just about time for back-to-school shopping! Jeanne Burns reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

LSU freshman defensive lineman Deuce Geralds hosted a back-to-school drive over the weekend with the Geralds Foundation, giving away backpacks and school supplies to kids in the Baton Rouge community. The 18-year-old was born in Baton Rouge before moving to Georgia and says giving back to the community has always been an important part of his life.

The general election is three months from today, and the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office has put out its inactive voter list. That number is currently at about 447-thousand, accounting for 15-percent of all registered voters. Trey Williams with the Secretary of State’s Office says there are two main reasons voters are moved to the inactive voter list.

Cut 4 (11) “…past ten years.”

Saints head coach Kellen Moore confirmed defensive tackle Bryan Bresee will be undergoing season-ending ACL surgery. Bresee suffered the knee injury on the first day of training camp. Veteran interior defensive lineman Davon Godchaux says it was a freak accident, but he’s still determined to bring the best out of the unit.

Cut 19 (13) “…dominating this season.”

With the general election three months from today, the Secretary of State’s office is out with its inactive voter list. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

A Tulane University study made a one-of-a-kind discovery about how bats fight off diseases so effectively. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

The calendar has flipped to August, and that means it’s just about time for back-to-school shopping! Jeanne Burns reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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The general election is three months from today, and the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office has put out its inactive voter list. That number is currently at about 447-thousand, accounting for 15-percent of all registered voters. Trey Williams with the Secretary of State’s Office says there are two main reasons voters are moved to the inactive voter list.

Cut 4 (11) “…past ten years.”

One common misconception is that being on the inactive voter list means you can’t vote. That’s not true. And Williams says coming off that inactive voter list is actually very easy, and Secretary Nancy Landry won’t even make you write a three-page essay explaining why you failed to do your civic duty for more than a decade.

Cut 5 (08) “…in and vote.”

You can check to see whether you’re on the inactive voter list on Geaux Vote-dot-com. Williams says when you’re added to the list, the clock starts running towards being removed from the voter roll altogether.

Cut 6 (11) “…registration is cancelled.”

If that happens and you still live in Louisiana, you would simply need to re-register to vote.

_______________________________________________________

Researchers at Tulane University might have discovered how bats are able to carry so many viral diseases without getting sick themselves. Associate Professor Hannah Frank led the study and says the largest family of bats has special genes to produce antibodies that fight off pathogens.

Cut 7 (11) “…is pretty nifty.”

She says one gene system develops generally effective antibodies while the other recognizes and targets specific pathogens.

Cut 8 (08) “…not getting sick.”

Frank says understanding how bats coexist with viruses can help scientists understand immune systems in other species as well as viral development. She says numerous advancements could be made, thanks to this discovery.

Cut 9 (13)  “…they’re most dangerous.”

________________________________________________

The calendar has flipped to August, and that means attention will soon turn to back-to-school shopping. But the National Retail Federation says for many, back-to-school shopping has already begun. Allison Zeller, the vice president of industry and consumer insights, says this year, 62-percent already got their back-to-school shopping underway, with a record-breaking 32-percent having done so all the way back in early June.

Cut 10 (13) “…back-to-school.”

In all, Americans are expected to spend almost 147-billion dollars in back-to-school shopping this year, from kindergarten all the way through college. NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews says this comes as families’ budgets are a lot tighter due to zero wage growth caused by inflation and tariffs.

Cut 11 (12) “…to the pandemic.”

Mathews says despite that, consumers have shown that they are willing to make sacrifices to spend on things that matter to their loved ones.

Cut 12 (12) “…hours if needed.”

NRF says it expects consumers to spend 40-billion dollars on electronics, 26-billion dollars on clothing, 18-billion dollars on shoes and 14-billion dollars on school supplies.

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***Mandatory credit to NBC’s “Meet The Press” with each air use***

Senator John Kennedy says U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro did the right thing by dropping the charges against former Olympic canoeist Davey Hearn after it was determined that damage to the reflecting pool was caused by botched installation and not vandalism on Hearn’s part. On NBC’s “Meet The Press,” Senator Kennedy said President Trump coming up with his theories as part of his political messaging is one thing; making those claims in a court of law is something else entirely.

Cut 13 (10)  “…will find out.”

On avoiding another government shutdown, Kennedy expressed opposition on “Meet The Press” to a bipartisan deal which would, in part, take away President Trump’s authority to review government grants.

Cut 14 (13) “…is hell no.”

On the ongoing talks with Iran, amid the news that Trump will halt planned attacks to allow talks to continue, Kennedy told “Meet The Press” that President Trump cannot take Iran for its word under any circumstances.

Cut 15 (15) “…or Charles Manson.”

_______________________________________

Saints eighth overall pick Jordyn Tyson says he’s been excited to get involved during training camp. The Arizona State wide receiver has been limited since the draft as he recovers from a hamstring injury. Now good to go, he says he’s loved playing with second-year quarterback Tyler Shough.

Cut 16 (11) “…I’m loving it.”

The Saints drafted Tyson to create a dynamic pass-catching duo with top receiver Chris Olave. Tyson says Olave is a quiet guy; but every time he speaks, he tries to listen, because he knows it’s the truth.

Cut 17 (11) “…so that’s amazing.”

Tyson is known for his explosive playmaking after the catch and twitchy route running. He says he’s always had those skills.

Cut 18 (10) “…obtain that ability.”

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Saints head coach Kellen Moore confirmed defensive tackle Bryan Bresee will be undergoing season-ending ACL surgery. Bresee suffered the knee injury on the first day of training camp. Veteran interior defensive lineman Davon Godchaux says it was a freak accident, but he’s still determined to bring the best out of the unit.

Cut 19 (13) “…dominating this season.”

Godchaux is entering his tenth NFL season and second in New Orleans. The former LSU tackle will lead the way in the middle of the defensive front without Bresee, but he says it’s a group effort.

Cut 20 (17) “…you’ll be okay.”

Bresee was entering his fourth NFL season after being taken by New Orleans out of Clemson in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He’s under contract through 2027.

One of several new laws going into effect today allows retired teachers to return to the classroom without having their retirement benefits reduced.  It also allows retirees to suspend their benefits and regain membership in the retirement system and allows for a new supplemental benefit. by Gonzales Senator Ed Price, who authored the bill says the new should benefit everyone.

Cut 9 (09)  “…retirement system.”

Navy Seaman Joseph Ucline Conner is being laid to rest in Lake Charles today, more than 85 years after he was killed in Pearl Harbor thanks to anthropological and mitochondrial DNA. Connor was 24 years old when he joined the military and rose to the rank of Fireman 1st Class when he was aboard the USS Utah on that fateful day in 1941.

Cut 4 (11) “…including Joseph Conner.”

Conner was decorated with several service medals, including the Purple Heart.

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Participants in the Louisiana Women, Infants and Children program may begin using their new EBT cards today. Leslie Lewis, the nutrition operations manager at the Louisiana Department of Health, says in most cases it’ll mean fewer clinic visits for participants.

Cut 11 (07) “…just about yearly.”

Saints wide receiver Chris Olave spoke yesterday, just a day after signing a four-year, 132-million-dollar contract extension. Kace Kieschnick has details.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschncik.”

Participants in the Louisiana Women, Infants and Children program may begin using their new EBT cards today. Leslie Lewis, the nutrition operations manager at the Louisiana Department of Health, says the new cards help modernize the whole system.

Cut 12 (08) “…a federal requirement.”

Participants will need to call the number on the back of the card or use the MyWIC app to choose a PIN before using their new cards.

Chris Olave spoke at training camp yesterday after signing a four-year, 132-million-dollar extension. Olave had the best season of his career last year with 100 catches, over one-thousand yards and nine touchdowns. He says this is the most momentum there has been in New Orleans since he’s been there, and it means a lot to stay long-term.

Cut 15 (11) “…that every day.”

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After 85 years, a Cameron Parish seaman will finally get a proper funeral here in Louisiana today.  Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (42) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Visitation is being held today from 5 to 8 p.m. and 9 to 11 tomorrow morning before the service. All veterans are invited to the visitation.

Quite a few new laws go into effect today. Among them is one that allows retired teachers to return to the classroom without having their retirement benefits reduced. It was authored by Gonzales Senator Ed Price, who says it will help support teachers and the school systems.

Cut 8 (10) “…agreed to.”

Another one toughens penalties for those who assault teachers and other school personnel. Among other things, it subjects students who assault teachers to expulsion, and it allows up to a year of paid medical leave for teachers and other school personnel injured on the job by an unruly student. Author of the bill, New Orleans Representative Candace Newell says her bill gives them peace of mind.

Cut 7 (12) “…of their administration.”

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WIC participants may begin using their new EBT cards today. LDH Nutrition Operations Manager Leslie Lewis says these cards are different from the old cards that had to have benefits loaded in person every three months.

Cut 10 (08) “…be loaded remotely.”

More than 85 years after he was killed in Pearl Harbor, Navy seaman Joseph Ucline Connor will be laid to rest at his home in Lake Charles today. Louisiana Veterans Affairs Secretary Charlton Meginley says the Defense Accounting Agency and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used anthropological and mitochondrial DNA analysis to identify him.

Cut 3 (12) “…from family members.”