This year’s public school third graders will be the first class that must demonstrate proficiency in reading to graduate to the fourth grade. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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It’s that time of year when school buses taking students back and forth from school are on the road. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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We might see more mugshots released to the public as a result of a new law. Mel Bridges has the details.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

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A new law goes into effect this school year that will hold children back in the third grade if they are not meeting reading requirements to help bring up Louisiana’s literacy rates. Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says this year’s third graders will be the first class that must demonstrate proficiency in reading to graduate to the fourth grade…

Cut 4 (10) “…and shared with teachers.”

If third graders score in the “well below” category, which about 30 percent of the third-grade students did last year, they will be put into extra tutoring and support programs in hopes of later testing high enough to advance to fourth grade.

Cut 5 (12) “…beyond the third.”

If a student gets a “well below” score after three tests, additional tutoring, and doesn’t meet any of the excused reasons Brumley says they have additional options throughout the summer leading up to the start of the fourth-grade school year…

Cut 6 (08) “…classroom.”

The legislature invested $30 million into intensive tutoring programs during the school day and increased the cap of potential scholarships through the Steve Carter Literacy Program for after-school help.

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According to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, there are almost 78-thousand illegal school bus passes annually in Louisiana. State Trooper Eddie Thomas wants to remind motorists to halt when the stop sign on a school bus is out because children are either entering or exiting the bus.

Cut 7 (07) “…need to stop.”

Thomas says when there’s a divided highway with a center turning lane with two travel lanes on either side the rule is different when it comes to a school bus…

Cut 8 (09) “…with caution.”

And if you’re driving your children to school remember to have them properly restrained anytime they are in a vehicle. Thomas says children under the age of 13 need to drive in the back seat whenever possible…

Cut 9 (09)  “…car seat.

If you have any questions about properly restraining your child and the proper use of a child seat, Thomas says you can contact your local State Police Troop and they will be happy to assist you.

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As a result of a new law, we might see more mugshots released to the public. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh’s law repeals a law from 2022 that set parameters for what mugshots could be released. Seabaugh says the 2022 law had good intentions….

Cut 10 (12) “…put it back.”

The 2022 law only allowed law enforcement to release mugshots of suspects booked for violent offenses. Seabaugh says sheriffs were often confused by the vague language of the law, so they usually ended up not releasing any mugshots.

Cut 11 (11) “…which couldn’t.”

The new law reinstates rules that were in place before the 2022 law. Seabaugh says after multiple texts and calls from confused sheriffs, he was happy to author legislature to restore their ability to make the call on whether or not to release a mugshot.

Cut 12 (11) “…parameters on it.”

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The Humor & Harmony Weekend kicks off today, hosted by rapper Curtis Jackson, better known as 50 Cent, in downtown Shreveport. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says this festival is exactly what’s needed to bring tourists to smaller Louisiana towns.

Cut 13 (12)  “…slow time.”

Humor & Harmony will feature concerts, a comedy show, a car show, and a 3-on-3 pro basketball game, plus after-parties hosted by 50 Cent. Nungesser says this festival, which runs until Sunday, comes at the perfect time to help Louisiana’s smaller cities.

Cut 14 (12)  “…to the area.”

The G-Dome, a temporary dome where a majority of this weekend’s events will be held, went up earlier this week. It can hold around 4,000 people, which is around the number of expected festival-goers. Nungesser says this will help prove that small cities can host tourists just as well as big cities, and provide Shreveport with tourism money.

Cut 15 (12)  “…spending money.”

Humor & Harmony tickets are sold out, but you can still catch the festival via a live simulcast.

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Joe Sloan takes over play-calling duties for the LSU Tigers after serving the last two seasons as the quarterbacks coach. Sloan was promoted to co-offensive coordinator along with Cortez Hankton, when last year’s O-C, Mike Denbrock, went back to Notre Dame. Sloan says it’s a group effort when it comes to running the offense

Cut 16 (19) “… they can execute.” 

LSU returns four starters on its offensive line and Sloan plans to use that to his advantage…

Cut 17 (21) “…we’re gonna do it.”

A focus for the offense is a developing a rushing attack with the running backs getting most of the yards on the ground. It could be a break out season for sophomore running back Kaleb Jackson, who has added muscle and Sloan says he’s also a smarter back…

Cut 18 (18)  “…complete running back.”

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Cut 19 (11) “…championship level play.”

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Cut 20 (19) “…bar none.”

The Ponchatoula Police Department has arrested a 16-year-old boy after he threatened to kill two female school mates. Police Chief Bry Layrisson says the suspect told other students that the two girls would not make it past the first day of school….
cut 13 (08) “…or not”
Layrisson says it’s the first time his department acted on a school threat before the school year begins.

State Police are urging motorists to slow down as kids head back to the classroom. Trooper Eddie Thomas says to be mindful of school zones along your commute and to pay extra attention to your surroundings.

Cut 9 (09) “…school season.”

School zones are also cellphone-free zones.

The Mobile City Council approved funding for the Gulf Coast Amtrak Train Service running from New Orleans to Mobile with a 6-0 vote. Southern Rail Commission Chairman Knox Ross says with platforms ready in New Orleans and the Mississippi cities the next steps are getting the platform and station track completed in Mobile…

Cut 6 (06) “..start date.”

Ross says the service is projected to begin in the spring of 2025

Today was Purple Heart Day, and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs encouraged the public to wear purple. LDVA Program Manager and Purple Heart recipient William McInnis says…

Cut 3 (07) “…keep the country free.”

Purple Heart Day is a time to pay tribute to those who have shown extraordinary bravery and selflessness in the line of duty.

The Mobile City Council unanimously approved funding for a passenger rail service going round trip between New Orleans and Mobile, with stops in Bay St.Louis, Gulfport Biloxi and Pascagoula. Southern Rail Commission Chairman Knox Ross believes this will become a great weekend getaway for South Louisianians, as all the cities along the route are pedestrian-friendly.

cut 8 (08) “…get on the train.”
Today was Purple Heart Day, and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs encouraged the public to wear purple. LDVA Program Manager and Purple Heart recipient William McInnis says the department’s initiative aims to foster greater public awareness and respect for veterans awarded with the Purple Heart, reinforcing the message that their sacrifices are not forgotten.

cut 4 (07) “…lift their spirit.”

We’re nine weeks into the 2024 hurricane season and there have been four named storms. The Colorado State Hurricane forecast team predicts this season will produce around two dozen storms. CSU Hurricane Forecast Team researcher Levi Silvers says sea surface temperatures are running well above average…

cut 18 (07) “…active season”

Silvers says there’s a 20-percent chance Louisiana will see a major hurricane this year.
State Police are urging motorists to slow down as kids head back to school. Trooper Eddie Thomas reminds you to be mindful of cross-guards when in a school zone, saying they have the authority to control traffic flow at intersections and ensure student safety. Thomas also says to pay attention to speed limits in school zones.

cut 10 (11) “…picking up children.”

Ponchatoula Police have arrested a 16-year-old boy for terrorizing two girls. Ponchatoula Police Chief Bry Layrisson says the 16-year-old had been contacting the victims through social media and phone calls, making threats such as…
Cut 12 (12) “…first day of school.”
The 16-year-old is now in the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center.

A new school year begins this week. State Police Trooper Eddie Thomas reminds motorists school zones are cellphone free zones…
cut 11 (11) “….free-zone”
Thomas says in school zones, motorists should make a concerted effort to minimize distractions, maintain an elevated level of alertness, and be mindful of children in the area.

With a 6-0 vote, the Mobile City Council approved funding for the Amtrack train service for two trains that will run round trip from New Orleans to Mobile with stops in Bay St. Louis, Gulfport Biloxi, and Pascagoula. Sean Richardson has the story.
Cut 1 (32) …I’m Sean Richardson.”

Greenfield Louisiana will not build an 800-million dollar grain export facility in St. John the Baptist Parish because of multiple delays in getting permits approved by the U-S Army Corps of Engineers. There are local residents who opposed the building of the facility.

It’s time for motorists to pay extra attention as kids return to school. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Ponchatoula Police Department has arrested a 16-year-old boy after he threatened to kill two female school mates. Police Chief Bry Layrisson says the suspect told other students that the two girls would not make it past the first day of school….
cut 13 (08) “…or not”
Layrisson says it’s the first time his department acted on a school threat before the school year began.

The Mobile, Alabama City Council has unanimously signed off on the return of passenger rail service that will connect Mobile to New Orleans with multiple Amtrak stops along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Southern Rail Commission Chairman Knox Ross expects service to begin early next year and funding will go towards making sure the train can move quickly between New Orleans and Mobile.,…
cut 7 (08) “….speed up substantially”
Ross expects a lot of passengers will use this service for weekend getaways.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries continues to seek the public’s assistance in the fatal shooting of whooping crane in south Louisiana. The large…endangered bird was shot down in Evangeline Parish near Mamou last January….
cut 16 (09) “…these birds
L-D-W-F’s Lt. Wendell Vaughn says there are around 80 whooping cranes in Louisiana. There’s a 12,500 dollar reward for anyone who can provide information that leads to an arrest and a conviction.

In a rare move, the Louisiana Supreme Court has temporarily removed a 19^th Judicial District Judge saying there was probable cause that Judge Eboni Johnson Rose committed a violation of the Code of Judicial Conduct and poses a substantial threat of serious harm to the public and the administration of justice. They cited questionable decisions saying Rose convicted a police officer for a non-existent crime and convicted a former teacher moments after acquitting her. The investigation could take six months.

State Police are urging motorists to slow down as kids head back to the classroom. Trooper Eddie Thomas says to be mindful of school zones along your commute and to pay extra attention to your surroundings.

Cut 9 (09) “…school season.”

In school zones, motorists should make a concerted effort to minimize distractions, maintain an elevated level of alertness, and be mindful of children in the area.

In a unanimous vote, the Mobile City Council approved funding for the Amtrack train service for two trains that will run round trip from New Orleans to Mobile with stops in Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (00) …I’m Sean Richardson.”

Purple Heart Day is a time to pay tribute to those who have shown extraordinary bravery and selflessness in the line of duty. The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs is encouraging the public to wear purple today to visibly show support and appreciation for these veterans, and LDVA Program Manager and Purple Heart recipient William McInnis says if you see a Vet wearing a Purple Heart…

Cut 5 (06)  “…tell you their story.”

In a unanimous vote, the Mobile City Council approved funding for the Gulf Coast Amtrak Train Service that will run from New Orleans to Mobile. Southern Rail Commission Chairman Knox Ross says with platforms ready in New Orleans and the Mississippi cities in between the next steps are getting the platform and station track completed in Mobile…

Cut 6 (06) “..start date.”

Today is Purple Heart Day and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs is encouraging the public to wear purple to recognize recipients of the oldest military honor in the United States awarded to U.S. Armed Forces members wounded or killed in the line of duty. LDVA Program Manager and Purple Heart recipient William McInnis says their aim is to foster greater public awareness and respect for these veterans, showing their sacrifices are not forgotten.

Cut 4 (07) “…lift their spirit.”

Phase 2 construction of the Houma Navigational Canal Lock complex breaks ground today. The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority says the navigation, flood protection, and hydrologic restoration project is designed to help limit saltwater intrusion pushing freshwater within the Terrebonne Basin which allows maintenance of thousands of acres of wetlands that serve wildlife and fisheries. When completed the HNC Lock Complex will span 110 feet across and 800 feet in length and will have sector gates on either side.

Governor Landry’s statement to parents who disagree with the Ten Commandments law prompts a response from a plaintiff in a lawsuit against it. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Colorado State University Hurricane Forecast Team has revised its long-term forecast and the researchers are now calling for 23 named storms for this year. Researcher Levi Silvers…

cut 10 (10) “…51-percent”

The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs is encouraging the public to wear purple today to mark Purple Heart Day. LDVA Program Manager and Purple Heart recipient William McInnis emphasizes the importance of acknowledging these brave individuals.

Cut 3 (07) “…keep the country free.”

and McInnis says if you see a Vet wearing a Purple Heart them ask them about it and honor them by listening to their story.

A juvenile Whooping Crane was found dead near Mamou in January and there’s a 12,500-dollar reward to find the person responsible. The rare birds had not been seen in Louisiana since 1950 until an effort to reintroduce them began in 2011. Lt Wendell Vaughn with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and fisheries…

Cut 15 (11)  “…shot it.”

There are an estimated 80 Whooping Cranes in Louisiana