Responding to a hostage situation Thursday, 35-year-old Lafayette SWAT negotiator Senior Corporal Segus Jolivette (See-guss Joe-vee-ette) died in the line of duty. He is survived by his wife and five children. There will be a candlelight vigil at Jenerette City Hall tonight in his memory at 7 o’clock.

Legislative leaders have announced no special session on tax reform this year, but they want to take a crack at it before their term is up. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama have officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan…

Cut 9 (12) “…this process.”

Harris has received enough votes to win the nomination that she’ll formally accept at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month.

There’s a new list of what you can’t bring to New Orleans Mardi Gras next year. Mardi Gras Guide publisher Arthur Hardy says to leave your tents, canopies, and portable toilets at home. And he says grills, BBQ pits, and generators are prohibited on parade routes.

Cut 4 (07) “…anymore.

Throw guidelines have also changed, among the banned throws are confetti, silly string, and anything with a sharp point.

The Lafayette police officer who was killed yesterday after an hours-long standoff has been identified as Corporal Segus Jolivette. He was a SWAT officer who responded to a hostage situation when Jeanette Marshals tried to issue an arrest warrant Thursday morning. He is survived by his wife and five children.

31 LSU athletes will represent the Tigers at this year’s Paris Olympics competing in basketball, beach volleyball, gymnastics, swimming, diving, tennis, and track and field.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.” 

There will not be a tax reform special session this year, but House Speaker Phillip DeVillier says before lawmakers hold one, they would like to get more input from business leaders and state agencies to find out what’s keeping businesses from locating and growing in Louisiana.

Cut 7 (11) “…don’t know.”

He wants to hold meetings to get a better idea of needed changes

There are new rules for New Orleans Mardi Gras on what you can’t bring to parade routes next year. Mardi Gras Guide publisher Arthur Hardy says the devil isn’t just in the details it’s also in enforcement. He says it will be interesting to see how it’s carried out. Among the banned items are…

Cut 3 (10) “…now banned.”

And New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell faces a federal civil rights lawsuit from the woman she accused of stalking her.

Lafayette police officer Segue Jolivette is dead after being fatally shot during an hours-long standoff with an armed suspect in Jeanerette Thursday. The Officer was a father of five.

Three arrests have been made in the shooting death of 20-year-old Steven Harris, the Southern student who was reported missing on July 17^th when he didn’t return for a custody hearing for his son His body was found in Mississippi days later. West Feliciana Parish Sheriff Brian Spillman says among the suspects is the mother of his child. He says it’s a heartbreaking case and Spillman recalls when he had to make the death notification to Harris’ parents…

Cut 15 (06)  “…very difficult.”

21-year-old Allyah Martin is among the suspects charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder.

It’s been nearly a year since Lafayette Police Officer Hali Bradford was shot while responding to a domestic disturbance call. Her injury has left her with severe nerve damage and partial paralysis in her left foot. Bradford’s recovery has been challenging, physically, emotionally, and financially. The cost of continued therapy is 140 thousand dollars.

Cut 5 (04) “…kind of money.”

The community is rallying with fundraisers to defer the costs.

The Summer Olympics get underway in Paris today and there are 35 athletes in the Games that have ties to Louisiana, 31 of them are either current or former LSU athletes. One of those star athletes is former LSU pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis, a big favorite to defend the Gold Medal he won for Sweden in the 2021 Tokyo Games….
cut 11 (12) “….these games”
That’s LSU Senior Associate Sports Information Director Kent Lowe.

One Lafayette police officer is dead after a hostage standoff in Jeanerette. Three other officers were injured, and the suspect has been arrested. The hours-long standoff began at 9 am Thursday. The incident reportedly began when a Jeanerette City Marshal attempted to serve an arrest warrant. After deputies arrived two people exited, and then the suspect barricaded himself with two others inside the home. Shots were reportedly fired when authorities tried to extract the suspect and hostages from the residence. State Police is investigating the shooting.

Last August Lafayette Police Officer Hali Bradford was shot leaving her with severe nerve damage and partial paralysis in her left foot.  Bradford says the rehab has been grueling.

Cut 4 (11) “…progress but its progress.”

The community is holding fundraisers to pay for her treatments not covered by workers comp.

The Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association is now Film Louisiana. President Jason Waguespack says Louisiana is a fantastic place to film, with a variety of locations and scenery…

Cut 9 (10)  “…production here.”

Being known as Hollywood South, Waguespack says Louisiana was one of the first states to adopt a film incentive program, and ever since 38 others have followed.

The 2024 Paris Olympics open today, and among the 14 track and field Olympic athletes with ties to LSU is Team USA world-champion sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson. LSU Senior Associate Sports Information Director Kent Lowe says there’s no doubt Richardson could bring home gold…

Cut 12 (11) “…100 meters.”

31 current and former LSU athletes will represent 20 countries at the Paris games.

On August 5, 2023, a Lafayette Police Officer was shot in the line of duty and now is sharing her story about the long road to recovery she has been on since that night. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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31 LSU athletes will represent the Tigers at this year’s Paris Olympics competing in basketball, beach volleyball, gymnastics, swimming, diving, tennis, and track and field. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.” 

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Three have been arrested and charged with conspiracy to murder after former Southern Student Steven Harris was reported missing when he missed a July 17^th child custody hearing.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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It’s been nearly a year since Lafayette Police Officer Hali Bradford was shot while responding to a domestic disturbance call. The suspect 31-year-old John Nicholas opened fire on officers, hitting Bradford in the right buttock, which caused severe nerve damage and partial paralysis in her left foot.  The shooting also killed 19-month-old Kaci Cyprian and injured her older brother, Kaisyn Cyprian, and an elderly woman. Bradford says the rehabilitation has been grueling.

Cut 4 (11) “…progress but its progress.”

Bradford says her journey has been challenging both physically and emotionally. Initially, a CrossFit athlete, adapting to her new physical limitations has been difficult. However, she has made significant strides in her recovery. Despite these advancements, the cost of continued therapy will cost 140 thousand dollars.

Cut 5 (04) “…kind of money.”

The community has rallied to support her through a GoFundMe campaign to cover her medical expenses not covered by worker’s compensation. Bradford remains hopeful about her future, aiming to return to full duty and resume her active lifestyle.

Cut 6 (09) “…in life.”

Nicholas was arrested on first-degree murder, five counts of attempted first-degree murder

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The Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association is now Film Louisiana. President Jason Waguespack says because movies have been made in Louisiana for over a century and the association represents over 1,000 people in the state…

Cut 7 (12) “…in Film Louisiana.”

As a result of the name change, they’ve created a new logo and website which Waguespack says is more functional for clients and productions choosing to film in the Bayou State.

Cut 8 (08) “…we bring.”

Being known as Hollywood South, Waguespack says Louisiana was one of the first states to adopt a film incentive program, and ever since 38 others have followed. He says Louisiana is generally just a fantastic place to film, with the variety of locations and scenery…

Cut 9 (10)  “…production here.”

In the last two decades thanks to incentives, Waguespack says Louisiana’s film industry has attracted more business, created more jobs, and helped create school curriculums to support the industry.

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The 2024 Paris Olympics open today, and 31 current and former LSU athletes will represent 20 countries at the Paris games. Former Tigers beach volleyball duo Kristen Nuss and Taryn Kloth have made headlines as the second-ranked team in the world and will make their Olympics debut at the base of the Eifel Tower tomorrow at 3 P.M. LSU Senior Associate Sports Information Director Kent Lowe says most of their matches will take place in the afternoon our time…

Cut 10 (08) “…medal rounds.”

Many Tigers will represent countries around the world. LSU gymnastics national champion Aleeah Finnegan will compete for the Philippines. Associate basketball head coach David Patrick will coach the Australia squad and former player Duop Reath. Lowe says former LSU pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis is a big favorite to defend his 2020 gold for Sweden…

Cut 11 (12) “…these games.”

14 LSU track and field athletes will compete for 8 different countries. Headlining the US team is world-champion sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson. Richardson set an NCAA record for the 100 meter in her only season at LSU, becoming one of the 10 fastest women in history as a 19-year-old. She qualified for the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 but was unable to compete after a failed drug-test. Lowe says there’s no doubt Richardson could bring home gold…

Cut 12 (11) “…100 meters.”

The Olympic Opening Ceremony is set for 12:30 central time.

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Three arrests have been made in the shooting death of 20-year-old Steven Harris, the former Southern student who was reported missing on July 17^th when he didn’t return for a custody hearing for his one-year-old son. His body was found in Mississippi days later. West Feliciana Parish Sheriff Brian Spillman says they believe the hearing played a role in his murder.

Cut 13 (09)  “…their child.”

21-year-old Martin, along with 20-year-old Calajia (Cah-lie-ah) Jack (Female), and 21-year-old Derek Terrell Hollins are also charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. Hollins is also charged with possession of a machine gun. The three were arrested Thursday and are being held in the West Feliciana Parish Detention Center.

Spillman says they believe the three lured Harris under the pretense they were going to attend a party or meet friends.

Cut 14 (09)  “…disposed of in Mississippi,”

Spillman says they received information about where Harris’s body was possibly located and West Feliciana detectives traveled to Wilkinson County and found the body. He says the Wilkinson County Sheriff’s Office is the lead agency and Harris’ body was sent to Jackson for an autopsy.

He says it’s a heartbreaking case and Spillman recalls when he had to make the death notification to Harris’ parents…

Cut 15 (06)  “…very difficult.”

Spillman expects the three will soon face charges in Mississippi also.

Harris, who lived in St. Francisville with his parents, was a former member of Southern’s marching band, the Human Jukebox.

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Saints training camp is underway in Irvine, California as Dennis Allen’s squad prepares for the 2024 season. The black and gold defense has been a strength under Allen, but some fans are worried about holes on the d-line and aging veteran stars. 35-year-old linebacker Demario Davis has anchored the unit since 2017, and says last year’s effort was effective but not up to standard…

Cut 16 (18) “…be dominant.” 

The Saints have missed the playoffs the last two seasons under Dennis Allen. The front office brought in new Offensive Coordinator Klint Kubiak to hopefully spark some change in the franchise, but if nothing changes this season, Allen could find himself on the hot seat. Davis says he has confidence in his head coach…

Cut 17 (19) “…from a coach.”

Despite a winning season last year, many fans have been disappointed in the Saints performance in the post-Drew Brees era. The roster has talent and it’s clear the front office is trying to win, but the results aren’t matching. Davis says the elephant in the locker room is the team is underperforming, but they’re working to give Saints fans something to cheer about…

Cut 18 (18)  “…can show.”

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Cut 19 (11) “…four or five more years”

Cut 20 (13) “…higher results.”

One Lafayette police officer is dead after a hostage standoff in Jeanerette. Three other officers were injured, and the suspect 31-year-old Nyjal Hurst has been arrested. The hours-long standoff began at 9 am Thursday. The incident reportedly began when a Jeanerette City Marshal attempted to serve an arrest warrant at a home in the 2500 block of Martin Luther King Drive. After deputies arrived two people exited, and then Hurst barricaded himself with two others, one was a juvenile in the home. Shots were reportedly fired when authorities tried to extract the suspect and hostages from the residence. State Police is investigating the shooting.

Last August Lafayette Police Officer Hali Bradford was shot responding leaving her with severe nerve damage and partial paralysis in her left foot.  Bradford says the rehab has been grueling.

Cut 4 (11) “…progress but its progress.”

Three arrests have been made in the shooting death of 20-year-old Steven Harris, the former Southern student who was reported missing on July 17^th when he didn’t return for a custody hearing for his one-year-old son. His body was found in Mississippi days later. West Feliciana Parish Sheriff Brian Spillman says they believe the hearing played a role in his murder.

Cut 13 (10)  “…their child”

Charges in Mississippi are also expected to be filed against the three suspects.

The 2024 Paris Olympics open Friday, and 31 current and former LSU athletes will represent 20 countries at the Paris games. Former Tigers beach volleyball duo Kristen Nuss and Taryn Kloth have made headlines as the second-ranked team in the world and will make their Olympics debut at the base of the Eifel Tower Saturday afternoon. The Olympic Opening Ceremony is set for 12:30 central standard time Friday afternoon.

Three arrests have been made in the shooting death of 20-year-old Steven Harris, the former Southern University student who was reported missing on July 17^th when he didn’t return for a custody hearing for his one-and-a-half-year-old son. His body was found in Mississippi days later. West Feliciana Parish Sheriff Brian Spillman says they’ve arrested the mother of his son, 21-year-old Allyah Martin, along with 20-year-old Calajia (Cah-lie-ah) Jack (F)  and 21-year-old Derek Terrell Hollins, charged with conspiracy to commit murder. Spillman says the three are accused of luring him to a party but taking him to Wilkinson County, where he expects the three will soon be charged with Harris’s murder.

Phase 2 of the state’s SUN Bucks program begins this week. It’s a program that provides a one-time payment of 120-dollars to low-income families who can use the money to help pay for groceries when children are out of school for the summer months. DCFS Economic Stability Director Timothy Jenkins says EBT cards will be sent in waves over the next few weeks…

Cut 9 (07) “…students.”

The US Senate Health Committee has voted 16-4 to subpoena the CEO of Steward Health, Dr. Richard de la Torra. Committee Co-Chair Senator Bill Cassidy says they are investigating what led to Steward’s bankruptcy which is severely impacting care at hospitals across the country including West Monroe’s Glenwood Regional Medical Center.

Cut 3 (11) “…West Monroe.”

Talk of a special session next month so that lawmakers can vote to hold a constitutional convention…is dead. Lapolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says legislative leaders announced today there are no plans to reconvene in Baton Rouge anytime soon.

Cut 6 (12) “…this fall.”

Alford says Senate leaders have shown no interest in holding a constitutional convention this year.

A new study finds that construction of the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion Project will produce a huge economic impact to the New Orleans region. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Council for the Development of French in Louisiana welcomes 81 teachers from seven different countries to the Bayou State. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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A Northshore physician has been found guilty of conspiring to illegally distribute 1.8 million doses of controlled substances, including oxycodone and morphine. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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A new study shows the construction of the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project will produce $1.9 billion in new sales for Plaquemines Parish alone and more than three thousand jobs for the New Orleans region. Campaign Director of Restore the Mississippi River Delta Simone Maloz (ma-laz)…

Cut 4 (12) “…land-loss crisis.”

Maloz says they are looking at the direct environmental benefits of the construction but also the economic impact on how money will be spent in and around the parishes. Estimates show sales will increase by more than $2.8 billion for the New Orleans region.

Cut 5 (09) “…work as well.”

However, the Louisiana Oyster Task Force says the project will damage the oyster, fishing, and tourism industries. The region is home to 70 percent of all commercial oyster, crab, and shrimp landings.

Maloz says that it’s been one year since the project broke ground and once completed it will deliver sediment, freshwater, and nutrients from eh Mississippi River into the Mid-Barataria Basin to build and nourish wetlands for the next 50 years.

Cut 6 (11) “…state and parish.”

Statewide, the oyster industry alone earns around $317 million annually and provides nearly 4,000 direct jobs, according to the Task Force.

The study did not analyze the economic benefits of the project once it begins operating. However, it states around $54 million within this budget has been earmarked for building new oyster beds and expanding old ones, along with gear improvements and marketing for the seafood industry.

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Council for the Development of French in Louisiana welcomes 81 teachers from seven different countries. Theses native language educators will teach French or Spanish in public schools for the upcoming school year. Spokesperson Matt Mick says the teachers are from France, Belgium, Canada, Senegal, Cameroon, Spain, and Mexico.

Cut 7 (11) “…the classroom.”

Immersion education is a teaching method where students learn all subjects in a foreign language. Mick says the immersion programs began in communities that requested them and some have been around for more than three decades.

Cut 8 (1) “…all over.”

Mick says because the French language and culture play such an important role in our state’s history, that’s the motivation for French immersion programs.

Cut 9 (06)  “…next generation.”

The Council for the Development of French in Louisiana is part of the Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism task to promote the French language in Louisiana.

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U.S. District Judge John deGravelles has set a hearing for September 30th on Louisiana’s law that requires the Ten Commandments to be placed in every public school classroom. Nine Louisiana families of different faiths filed a lawsuit claiming the law is unconstitutional because it violates the separation of church and state. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill disagrees

Cut 10 (09) “…illustrate that.”

Murrill believes the lawsuit filed that seeks the block the implementation of the law was filed prematurely, because the Ten Commandments have not been displayed in any of the classrooms yet…

Cut 11 (12) “…constitutionally applied.”

Murrill says the Ten Commandments represent the foundation of our laws and that’s case she’ll make to Judge deGravelles…

Cut 12 (12) “…historical context.”

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President Joe Biden addressed the nation last night about his decision to drop out of the 2024 Presidential Race. Biden talked about his plans for his final few months in office as well as a look back at his legacy. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley…

Cut 13 (08)  “…Kamala Harris”

The decision came after strong political pressure from Democrats and after Biden was diagnosed with COVID-19 for the third time in the past two years. Biden reiterated he believes it’s in the best interest of the democratic party and the country to focus solely on fulfilling his duties as President for the remainder of his term.

Cut 14 (10)  “…re-election”

Biden officially endorsed Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee and said that he will support Harris and be by her side now until November.

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U-L Lafayette football coach Michael Desormeaux is set to begin his third season as the head coach of the Ragin Cajuns. U-L is coming off back-to-back six and seven campaigns and Desormeaux wants to get back to having a powerful rushing attack…

Cut 15 (17)  “…those games.”

The Cajuns will enter preseason camp with a battle for a starting quarterback between Ben Woolridge and Chandler Fields. Fields finished as the starter last year and Desormeaux says the former Rummel standout seems determined to have a great senior season…

Cut 16 (16) “…the year.” 

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ULM has seven quarterbacks on its roster as it heads into fall camp, led by Oklahoma transfer General Booty. Warhawks coach Bryant Vincent is excited to see the competition for Q-B 1 play out

Cut 17 (17) “…show.”

Vincent takes over a program that won just two games this year and like most new coaches has a honeymoon period. But Vincent expects to win right away in Monroe…

Cut 18 (16)  “…year one.”

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Saints running back Alvin Kamara is seeking a new contract, but does not plan on holding during training camp. Kamara is signed through the 2025 season, but next year’s money is not guaranteed. The Saints could wait to see how Kamara performs this year after averaging less than four yards a carry last season.

Cut 19 (11) “…four or five more years”

Kamara turns 29 today.

The Saints have not made the playoffs the last three seasons. Quarterback Derek Carr says the level of urgency is high…

Cut 20 (13) “…higher results.”

A Slidell physician has been found guilty of conspiring to illegally distribute 1.8 million doses of Schedule II controlled substances that included oxycodone and morphine. Prosecutors say 58-year-old Adrian Dexter Talbot, who owned and operated Medex Clinical Consultants, also defrauded health care benefit programs more than $5.4 million. The U.S. Attorney’s Office says patients at the clinic were getting controlled substances without ever seeing the doctor or having an exam. Sentencing is set for October 23^rd.

Democrat Congressman Troy Carter announces new EPA funding for New Orleans of $50-million through the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program to support greenhouse gas reduction measures over the next five years.

Cut 9 (11) “…metropolitan area.”

Initiatives include constructing six miles of protected bikeways

Math LEAP scores for third and eighth grades declined in Louisiana. Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says low math scores is an issue across the country. He says methods used to improve English scores, they’ll now use with math…

Cut 5 (10)  “…math as well.”

A Louisiana Policy Institute for Children survey says because most childcare workers make around $15 an hour, it’s hard to retain them. Executive Director Libbie Sonnier says childcare breakdowns cost for Louisiana businesses is $762 million annually. She says not having certified workers puts children at a learning disadvantage and…

Cut 8 (10)  “…our economy.”

The state department of education released LEAP scores from the last school year and the results show progress has stalled after a couple of years of improvement.

Cut 1 (30) …I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Sheriff’s Office in Wilkinson County Mississippi believe they have found the body of missing Southern University student, Steven Harris. Harris went missing July 17^th and was supposed to be at a child custody hearing for his son in West Feliciana. His parents told authorities it was out of character for him not to be there for his son and to not communicate with them.

A survey of childcare workers by the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children says the majority make around $15 an hour or less. Executive Director Libbie Sonnier refers to certified early educators as brain architects because in the first four years of a child’s life 90-percent of their brain develops. She says they’ve received a grant to see study how to retrain these vital workers…

Cut 7 (11) “…heart of quality.”

She says they’re leaving for jobs at places like Target with better pay and benefits.

A Tulane University study is researching to see if estrogen can help women overcome cognitive issues later in life. Professor of Brain Science Dr. Jill Daniel says they are testing rodents and so far, it appears short-term estrogen use in middle age leads to improved brain health long after use.

Cut 13 (07)  “…benefits.”