7:30 LRN Newscast July 18th

A three-day qualifying period for the November election begins today, and Secretary of State candidates can officially get into the race. Becca Dill has more.
Voicer 2 (30) ”I’m Becca Dill”

Two Jefferson Parish deputies were injured and five teens arrested after a chase and shootout with cops that started in Metairie and ended at the Kenner-St. Charles Parish line. Deputies responded to a call about a group of people pulling vehicle door handles. The injured deputies were hurt when the teens allegedly rammed their cars.

The National Institutes of Health awards the Tulane National Primate Research Center with a 42-million dollar grant so that it can continue its research efforts for the next five years. Research Center Director Jay Rappaport says the funding keeps 300 scientists, staff and animal care workers employed on their 500-acre campus in Covington…
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The center’s research focuses on finding cures, treatments and preventions for infectious diseases.

Air quality warnings, and a call for an Action Day is in effect for much of the state as a cloud of dust descends on Texas and the Bayou State. Air Quality Forecaster Patrick Zahn says its dust from over 5,000 miles away.
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High concentrations of Sharan dust are causing air quality concerns in northwest and southwest Louisiana.