President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden are in New Orleans today highlighting the Biden Cancer Moonshot initiative. Congressman Troy Carter says the aim of the initiative is to reduce cancer by at least 50% before 2047 and Louisiana’s institutions are receiving a $23 million grant to help make that possible…

Cut 6 (05) “…and schools.”

The Louisiana Cancer Research Center is a collaboration between LSU, Tulane, Xavier Universities and the Ochsner Health System.

Several petitions are posted on the website change-dot-org that oppose the ban of cell phones in Louisiana classrooms this year. Walker High School freshman Emma Grace Hodge says her petition is calling for cell phone use during free time, not class time.

Cut 7 (11) “…learning time away.”
Former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow has partnered with the Three O’clock Project to donate 9,999 meals to schools in Baton Rouge. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

Tropical Storm Ernesto has grown a bit stronger as it passes southern of St. Kitte and Nevis. A hurricane watch has been issued for the Virgin Islands and the storm is expected make a turn to the north, northeast and not be a threat to the gulf states whatsoever.

Louisiana’s restaurant industry is improving post-pandemic in areas around the state. Mel Bridges has the details.

Cut 1 (32) …I’m Mel Bridges.”

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House Majority Leader Steve Scalise says multiple questions remain unanswered regarding the assassination attempt on former President Trump’s life. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Louisiana’s restaurant industry is on a slow mend after COVID. Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris says recovery hasn’t been linear, as full-service restaurants are taking more time to bounce back than quick-service and fast-casual restaurants.

Cut 3 (09) “…in the market.”

Harris says restaurant expenses have only continued to climb, especially insurance, and more and more restaurants are opting to remove certain coverage to save money. Harris estimates 15 to 20 percent of Louisiana restaurants closed their doors during the pandemic…

Cut 4 (11) “…particular time.”

Harris says labor has improved in pockets around the state, such as Baton Rouge, Shreveport-Bossier, and Lafayette. However, restaurants in places like Lake Charles and New Orleans are still recovering from hurricanes as well as the pandemic.

Cut 5 (12)  “…during the week.”

Harris says the best way to support Louisiana restaurants is to eat local.

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As investigations into the assassination attempt on former President Trump’s life continue, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise says the truth is coming to light over statements that Trump’s security detail was denied extra personnel from the Biden Administration.

Cut 6 (13) “…about that?”

Scalise says there are even more concerning details in the case that the Secret Service wasn’t forthcoming about.

Cut 7 (13) “…important jobs.”

Scalise says there’s been plenty of finger-pointing going on from different agencies and he was even alerted from his own sources about local law enforcement’s concerns.

Cut 8 (12)  “…that point.”

Scalise says the job of the Secret Service is to protect the President, Vice President, former Presidents, and visiting Heads of State.

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AP’s preseason top 25 is out, and LSU football ranks 13th. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says the AP has Tigers ranked out of the Top 10 because of concerns over the defense that ranked at the bottom last year…

Cut 9 (11) “…last year.”

LSU is the sixth-highest-rated SEC team in the top 25, behind Georgia, Texas, Alabama, Ole Miss, and Missouri. However, Horne says LSU has a lot of potential to move up the ranks and even make the playoffs.

Cut 10 (11) “…playoff contention.”

Horne says AP’s rank shouldn’t come as a surprise, since LSU ranked 12th in the preseason AFCA Coaches Poll a week ago. However, he thinks the top 25 rankings usually don’t accurately reflect how the Tigers will do in the coming weeks, adding the AP lists are…

Cut 11 (12) ” …season opener.”

The Tigers will start their season by playing USC on September 1st in Las Vegas.

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Cut 12 (15) “…preseason.”

Cut  13 (15) “…this offseason.” 

Cut  14 (13) “…as well.”

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Cut 15 (12) “…really important.”

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Cut  16 (10)   “…Thursday.”

Louisiana’s restaurant industry is on a slow mend after COVID. Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris estimates 15 to 20 percent of Louisiana restaurants closed their doors during the pandemic…

Cut 4 (11) “…particular time.”

Harris says restaurant expenses continue to climb, especially insurance, and more and more restaurants are opting to reduce their hours of operation.

As the investigations into the assassination attempt on former President Trump’s life continue, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise says the truth is coming to light over statements that Trump’s security detail was denied extra personnel from the Biden Administration.

Cut 6 about that. :13

Scalise says the Secret Service is there to protect the President, Vice President, former Presidents, and visiting Heads of State.

This week Acadians from all over the world are reuniting for The Acadian World Congress in Canada and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is there. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

State Police are investigating an officer-related shooting at the request of the Delhi Police Department.  The incident happened just before 11 o-clock Sunday night in the 7200 Block of Highway 17 in Delhi. Very few details have been released only that the subject was pronounced dead on the scene and no officers were harmed.

Postpartum depression is a serious issue affecting up to 20% of mothers of newborns but there is a promising new treatment.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

LSU is the first college sports program to use AI-enabled digital stethoscopes for their student-athletes. Joseph Authement (Aw-theh-ment) with Eko (Echo) Health says their CORE 500 digital stethoscopes are equipped with tech that sends heart sounds and electrical impulses to the cloud.

Cut 10 (11) “…detection.”

Louisiana’s restaurant industry is on a slow mend after COVID. Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris says recovery hasn’t been linear, as full-service restaurants are taking more time to bounce back than quick-service and fast casual restaurants.

Cut 3 (09) “…in the market.”

Harris estimates 15 to 20 percent of Louisiana restaurants closed their doors during the pandemic.

Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) has partnered with the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association (LADA) to launch the “Put the Brakes on Litter” campaign. KLB Director Susan Russel says the initiative is designed to address the state’s litter problem by leveraging the influence of car dealerships.

Cut 4 (10) “…expand it to other dealerships.”

Those looking to buy a new home are seeing mortgage rates fall, in fact they dropped to a 15-month low this week. The Federal Reserve could cut its benchmark interest rate next month, but Guild Mortgage Company Area Manager, Richard Allen, says that doesn’t guarantee a further decline in interest rates…
cut 12 (07) “….that day”
Allen says, If the Fed makes a larger-than-expected rate cut, then mortgage rates could possibly drop further.

New laws pertaining to immunization requirements for students are in effect. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says he’s hopeful after four legislative committees met this week to address the state’s auto insurance crisis.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Humane Society of Louisiana is urging pet and livestock owners to keep their animals cool as the heat index moves upwards of 100 degrees. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

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Mortgage rates have dropped to a 15-month low. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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To address the state’s auto insurance crisis four legislative committees met this week. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the industry is simple at its core in the sense that it’s dollar in, dollar out and if they pay more than a dollar going out, rates must increase.

Cut 4 (08) “…injuries.”

Temple says the committees are collectively looking at what the cost drivers are and then they’ll examine the best ways to address those factors. He says it’s a matter of bringing all the interested parties together to find answers.

Cut 5 (10) “…solutions.”

Compared to other states Louisiana is twice the national average when it comes to bodily injury claims. Temple says there needs to be tort reform for both auto and property insurance. He expressed his disappointment over Governor Landry’s veto of property insurance tort reform in the last session on the grounds of providing consumer protection.

Cut 6 (11) “…the consumer?”

Temple says he plans to meet with Landry to discuss the possibility of a special session for auto insurance

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As temperatures in the high 90s sweep through the state, the Humane Society of Louisiana is urging pet and livestock owners to provide extra care to keep their animals from getting heat stroke. HSLA Director Jeff Dorson says you should be mindful of your furry friends in the heat even as you relax in the AC.

Cut 7 (07) “…bring them in?”

Heat stroke in animals can happen in five to ten minutes. Dorson says animals will let you know if they’re too hot by panting and whining, among other symptoms. If one of your animals is suffering from heat stroke, Dorson says time is of the essence.

Cut 8 (10) “…necessarily.”

HSLA is reminding people not to walk their pets on hot cement or sidewalks. Additionally, Dorson says you should never leave pets in cars or in crates outside, as that basically amounts to a death sentence for the animal.

Cut 9 (10)  “…110-20 degrees.

Failure to properly take care of an animal could result in legal consequences.

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Mortgage rates have dropped to a 15-month low and that’s not just good news for today’s house hunters, it could bring significant savings to homeowners who bought at the higher rates of the last year and a half. Guild Mortgage Company Area Manager, Richard Allen says homeowners are taking advantage of the rate drop, and depending on the loan type, saving goes beyond interest rates…

Cut 10 (11) “…to pay.”

Allen says calls have increased from homeowners seeking to refinance because they may be able to drop their rate by one percent or more. And when rates go down, those looking to buy a home have increased purchasing power.

Cut 11 (07) “…and purchase.”

Allen says interest rates rise and fall based on future speculation influenced by current conditions. An unexpected rise in unemployment figures caused investors to seek safety outside the stock market and talk of a September decrease by the Federal Reserve caused the lenders to lower rates. But he says that doesn’t mean September will bring further rate drops.

Cut 12 (07) “…that day.”

Allen says, If the Fed makes a larger-than-expected rate cut, then mortgage rates could possibly drop further.

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Construction has begun on phase 2 of the Houma Navigational Canal Lock Complex. Terrebonne Levee and Conservation District President Tony Alford says the project will bring a number of benefits to southeast Louisiana, including limiting saltwater intrusion that’s killing cypress trees. He says if you go to Houma…

Cut 13 (12)  “…go look at that.”

Along with limiting saltwater intrusion, the HNC Lock Complex will also distribute freshwater within the Terrebonne Basin, which will help foster thousands of acres of wetlands and fisheries.

Cut 14 (08)  “…tributaries.”

The HNC Lock Complex will also close one of the remaining gaps of the Morganza to the Gulf Hurricane Protection System, which Alford says should help protect southeastern Louisianians from flooding on their property.

Cut 15 (10)  “…as well.”

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The Saints will play their first preseason game Saturday night against the Arizona Cardinals. These next three exhibition games are huge for guys trying to make the team, like undrafted free-agent guard Kyle Hergel. The former Boston College lineman from Toronto will attend his first NFL game on Saturday…

Cut 16 (10) “… to it.” 

Saturday will also mark the Saints first game with the new kick-off rules. The alignment is much different as the kick-off team will no longer have a long-running start before they take on their first blocker. Coach Dennis Allen is interested to see how it works in a game setting…

Cut 17 (17) “…of it.”

Allen did not say on Thursday whether Derek Carr and the other starters will play. Even if Carr plays, it will only be a few snaps, which means a lot more snaps for Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler, who are battling to be Carr’s back-up. Allen on what he’s looking for from Haener and Rattler…

Cut 18 (16)  “…operated.”

Carr says he hopes to play against the Cardinals to help knock off some rust and to get the feel of how new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak will call plays. He says his favorite part of the new offense is what they do in the running game…

Cut 19 (27) “…really cool.”

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Cut 20 (19) “…bar none.”

According to the CDC Louisiana has twice the national average of COVID. LSU-Health New Orleans Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says an uptick in cases has been found via wastewater detection.

Cut 3 (13) “…with COVID.”

Lopez says there’s a surge in COVID cases nationwide, including emergency room admissions and wastewater detection in other states.

The Louisiana Blood Center issues an urgent appeal for blood donations, stating at least 200 donors are needed daily to meet the demand. Blood Center Medical Director Tim Peterson says donations have been declining for a decade…

Cut 6 (12) “…7 million people.”

A new law goes into effect this school year to hold third-grade students back if they’re not meeting reading requirements to help bring up the state’s literacy rate. Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says they have additional options leading up to the start of fourth grade should students have problems

Cut 24 (08) “…classroom.”

The Humor & Harmony Weekend kicks off today, hosted by rapper Curtis Jackson, better known as 50 Cent, in downtown Shreveport. Lt. Governor Billy 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.”

Tickets are sold out but you can catch the event via a live simulcast.

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

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The parents of a 19-month-old killed in a police shooting have filed a lawsuit that names Lafayette Police, the city, and others as defendants. The toddler died in the crossfire when officers responded to a domestic violence complaint last August. The lawsuit says police were notified children were present before the shooting started.

If you’re driving your children to school remember to have them properly restrained in the vehicle and Trooper Eddie Thomas says children under the age of 13 need to ride in the back seat whenever possible…

Cut 9 (09)  “…car seat.

Also remember traffic in both lanes needs to stop when a school bus has their stop sign out, unless there’s a barrier dividing the roadway.

A 2022 law that limited the release of mugshots was overturned in the past session and it went into effect August 1^st. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh sponsored the reversal because he 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 previous law only allowed mugshots to be released if they were suspected of violent offenses.

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.”