The fifth Congressional district race now has its fourth Republican contender, with Stewart Cathey joining Gabe Firment, Michael Echols and Misti Cordell. The big question is what Blake Miguez will do, whether he will run in the fifth or the sixth district. As for that sixth district, Greg Hilburn, a political reporter with the USA Today Network, says the field there so far is very thin.

Cut 8 (09) “…he would prefer.”

Current Sixth district Congressman Cleo Fields has not decided if he’ll run for re-election in the newly drawn district that favors a Republican to win.

Louisianians no longer need to get a vehicle inspection sticker, but how does the new QR code work? Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh says the QR code sticker will go in the same spot as your current inspection sticker.

Cut 3 (12) “…displayed anyway.”

Individuals who are acting as agents and representing college and high school athletes with their NIL deals must now register with the state. Attorney General Liz Murrill says recently approved legislation gives her office the tools to ensure those who seek to profit from athletes are held to rigorous standards of conduct.

Cut 12 (09) “…in this state.”

Researchers at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center have released their initial findings from their RURAL Health study in Franklin Parish. Lead researcher Dr. Stephanie Broyles says some of the more notable findings include elevated rates of two key health factors.

Cut 13 (13)  “…others like diabetes.”

Dr. Broyles says these findings underscore the importance of having strong health care in all communities, including in rural areas.

You can add Stewart Cathey’s name to the list of district five U.S. House Republican candidates that also includes Gabe Firment, Michael Echols and Misti Cordell. Greg Hilburn with the USA Today Network says there’s one big question surrounding the race.

Cut 7 (12) “…Baton Rouge-based.”

So far, Rick Edmonds is the only declared candidate in district six.

One of the big pieces of legislation approved in the 2026 session was the bill that eliminates the inspection sticker and it will be replaced with by a QR code that will cost motorists six dollars every year, starting January 1^st. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh says the OMV will send you the sticker in the mail…

Cut 5 (10) “….vehicle registration”

And law enforcement is not longer writing tickets for not having an up to date vehicle inspection sticker.

The state department of transportation has raised the speed limit by 10 miles per hour on the Pineville Expressway. Motorists are now allowed to go up to 60-miles per hour. DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan on why it was raised…

Cut 14 (14) “…that’s occurring already”

The new speed limit is in effect right now.

Much of Louisiana has been seeing daily rain showers, which is leaving standing water. Agricultural Commissioner Mike Strain says if you have standing water on your property, get rid of it at all costs…

Cut 11 (14) “….where mostquitos breed”

The fifth district race now has its fourth Republican contender, with Stewart Cathey joining Gabe Firment, Michael Echols and Misti Cordell. The big question is what Blake Miguez will do, whether he will run in the fifth or the sixth district. As for that sixth district, Greg Hilburn, a political reporter with the USA Today Network, says the field there so far is very thin.

Cut 8 (09) “…he would prefer.”

Not only is this prime mosquito season, but it’s also prime encephalitis season. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says because of that, you need to protect any animals on your property.

Cut 10 (08) “…for your horses.” 

Strain says when you go outside, especially at night, wear long sleeves, wear a hat, and wear mosquito repellent with DEET.

You are no longer required to get an inspection sticker for your vehicle in Louisiana. Kace Kieschnick has the new process.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The Louisiana Department of Health has so far reported 23 cases of Cyclospora this year. Over the last five years, the state has averaged 20 cases in the first six months of the year. Louisiana is one of 29 states which have reported outbreaks of Cyclospora, which is a parasitic infection that can cause weeks of explosive diarrhea.

One U.S. House district’s race is getting crowded, while potential candidates in another are waiting to see what a certain someone does. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Louisiana Supreme Court says retired Judge Robert Chaisson will preside over the criminal case against Attorney General Liz Murrill. All 12 New Orleans Criminal District Court judges recused themselves. The state supreme court has issued a stay on the case and it remains to be seen if they will allow the case to move forward.

There’s a new Louisiana law that requires agents who represent college or high school athletes in negotiating NIL deals, to register with the state.  And there’s a portal on the Attorney General’s website where they can register.  AG Liz Murril…

Cut 22 (11) “…require this registration.”

A key requirement of the new law is mandatory background check and pre-registration education. Every agent applying for registration must complete the program before an application can be approved.

We’re now in the time of year when something outside is really bugging you – mosquitoes. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says this is prime mosquito season; and as such, you need to take every precaution possible when venturing outside, especially at night.

Cut 9 (08)  “…sort of thing.”

You can add Stewart Cathey’s name to the list of district five U.S. House Republican candidates that also includes Gabe Firment, Michael Echols and Misti Cordell. Greg Hilburn with the USA Today Network says there’s one big question surrounding the race.

Cut 7 (12) “…Baton Rouge-based.”

So far, Rick Edmonds is the only declared candidate in district six.

The North Louisiana Criminalistic Laboratory says nearly one in three tablets with legitimate drug imprints bought on the streets it tested were counterfeit. Kenton Leigh (“lee”), the lab’s deputy director of toxicology and chemistry, says the most commonly counterfeited pills were blue M-30 tablets.

Cut 19 (11) “…it’s fentanyl.”

Soon, you will be replacing your brake tag on your windshield with a QR code. If you’re worried about your privacy, no need to. State Senator Alan Seabaugh says those who try to scan it with their cell phones will only see the VIN – the same number that one can see by looking through the windshield. Seabaugh says law enforcement, however, will have special equipment.

Cut 4 (12) “…law to have.” 

A new state law requires agents to register with Louisiana if they are representing college or high school athletes in negotiating NIL deals. Attorney General Liz Murrill says the Athlete Agent Registration portal went live on July 1st.

Cut 10 (09) “…through some training.”

You can get to the portal by logging on to the Attorney General’s website.

Louisianians no longer need to get a vehicle inspection sticker, but how does the new QR code work? Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh says the QR code sticker will go in the same spot as your current inspection sticker.

Cut 3 (12) “…displayed anyway.”

QR code stickers are not required until January 1, and Governor Jeff Landry has issued a grace period for the rest of this year, meaning you can no longer be ticketed for a missing or expired inspection sticker.

Another Republican announces his intention to run for the district five U.S. House seat. The latest is Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey. Greg Hilburn, a political reporter for the USA Today Network, says Cathey is the third Republican state legislator to enter the district five race.

Cut 6 (13) “…in the race.”

Qualifying is August 5^th to the 7 for the open primary that will be held November third.

Volunteers from Minuteman Disaster Response are in St. Landry Parish helping flood victims get back on their feet. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

FEMA has opened disaster recovery centers in St. Landry. St. Tammany and Terrebonne Parish. They are located at the Terrebonne Parish Main Library in Houma, the Towers Administration Building in Slidell and the Town of Washington Community Center in Washington.  The center in Masura at the LSU Ag Center will close on Friday.

The North Louisiana Criminalistic Laboratory found that nearly one in three tablets with legitimate drug imprints bought on the street were counterfeit. Fentanyl was the most common substance found in the fake pills. Kenton Leigh, the lab’s director of toxicology and chemistry, says any pill obtained outside of a pharmacy should be considered lethal.

Cut 6 (09) “…overdose and worse.”

Louisiana ranks among the top states in the nation for overdose deaths.

Minuteman Disaster Response is helping flood victims in St. Landry Parish. Tropical Storm Arthur reportedly flooded nearly 700 homes in Avoyelles and St. Landry parishes. One of the volunteers, Eric Burkes, says as mold starts to grow, items become more unsalvageable

Cut 8 (12) “…really takes over.”

Residents who experienced damage as a result of Arthur in St. Landry, Avoyelles, St. Tammany and Terrebonne parishes can apply for disaster assistance with FEMA.

Individuals who are acting as agents and representing college and high school athletes with their NIL deals must now register with the state. Attorney General Liz Murrill says the Athlete Agent Registration Portal is now active on the A-G’s website. It’s the result of a law passed this year and Murrill says the legislation gives her office the tools to ensure those who seek to profit from athletes are held to rigorous standards of conduct.

Cut 12 (09) “…in this state.”

Murrill will have more on this new legislation as we get closer to the college and high school football seasons.

There will not be a veto session. Enough ballots were submitted electronically by legislators that the veto session was cancelled. One was not expected. Governor Landry vetoed six bills including measures to increase the compensation the state gives to a person who is wrongfully imprisoned. Landry also vetoed a bill to allow for new regulations of Atlantic tarpon fishing.

The North Louisiana Criminalistic Laboratory is urging Louisianians only to take medications dispensed by a licensed pharmacy. Kace Kieschnick explains why.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The speed limit on parts of U.S 167 in Rapides Parish has gone from 50 to 60 miles an hour.  Erin Buchanan with DOTD says the increase should actually make the drive there safer.

Cut 15 (13) “…risk for crashes.”

———————

Flood victims in and around St. Landry Parish are getting a helping hand from the volunteers with Minuteman Disaster Response as they begin the gut-wrenching process of putting their lives back together. One of those volunteers, Eric Burkes, says the hardest part is handling their personal possessions.

Cut 7 (11) “…can be removed.”

Burkes says the fact that it’s been raining nearly every day has made the recovery process a lot more difficult, mainly on two fronts.

Cut 9 (15)  “…high-humidity environment.”

Volunteers from eight different states will be assisting as many as 12-hundred homeowners, and they will be in St. Landry Parish through July 18th.