Congressman Troy Carter is upset the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has granted the Denka chemical plant in St. John Parish, a two-year extension to reduce emissions. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (31) …I’m Sean Richardson.”

A fire broke out at the BioLab Plant in Westlake this morning, prompting a shelter in place. The fire has since been contained and the blaze is under investigation. State DEQ issued a news release that air monitors have not detected unsafe chlorine levels.

The state Crime Lab has launched a statewide sexual assault kit tracking program because of a law approved in 2023. LSP Captain Chad Guidry says the program is helpful not only for survivors, as it ensures they know where their kit is in the process, but for law enforcement too.

Cut 10 (08) “…the kits.”

You can find out more about the Tracking System and Survivor Portal under the Services tab at LSP.org.

State Wildlife has cited six fishermen for illegally catching 120 red snapper of which 97 were undersized in Plaquemines Parish. Captain Tim Fox says Red snapper fishing is tightly regulated to ensure sustainable populations, and each angler is allowed to only catch four a day and the fish must be over 16 inches.

Cut 4 (06) “…24 snapper.”

The men face thousands of dollars in fines.

Two adults and an 8-year-old child were found dead in a home near Albany Monday morning. Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard says 49-year-old Ginny Williamson, 49-year-old Steven Williamson and the child in their custody died in what appears to be a murder/suicide. Ard says the bodies were discovered by a family member this morning who then called authorities around 8:00 a.m.

Cut 14 (11)  “…crime scene.”

Hurricane Beryl is a Category 4 storm as it moves into the Caribbean. LSU climatologist Barry Keim says Beryl is likely to miss Louisiana. The National Hurricane Center’s official forecast has Beryl hitting the Yucatan peninsula later this week, but Keim says there are a couple of models showing a turn toward the Gulf Coast.

Cut 5 (06)  “…(x2) problem.”

After a unanimous vote, Dr. Wade Rousse (rhymes with moose) will serve as the next president of McNeese State University. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

Ville Platte Farmer Richard Fontenot has been elected the 13^th president of the Louisiana Farm Bureau. Among the biggest issues Fontenot says the industry is facing is the lack of a current Farm Bill.

Cut 10 (07) “…next spring.”

He says farmers need that safety net to receive the financial lending they need to put their crops in

Hurricane Beryl, the first hurricane in what is expected to be a very busy season, is Category 4 storm. LSU climatologist Barry Keim says Beryl has already set a record for the earliest Category 4 to form in a season. Most hurricanes of this strength occur in August.

Cut 4 (06) “…rest of season.”

Two adults and an 8-year-old child were found dead in a home near Albany this  morning. Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard says 49-year-old Ginny Williamson, 49-year-old Steven Williamson and the child in their custody died in what appears to be a murder/suicide.

Cut 13 (09)  “…shot herself.”

Investigators believe the shooting happened over the weekend and they were found by a relative this morning.

After a unanimous vote by the University of Louisiana System, Dr. Wade Rousse (rhymes with moose) will serve as the next president of McNeese State University. Rousse says he wants to make sure every student knows how their time at the school will help them in the workforce. He thinks this should help curb declining enrollment.

Cut 7 (10) “…(x2) enrollment.”  

Ville Platte Farmer Richard Fontenot has been elected the 13^th president of the Louisiana Farm Bureau. Fontenot, a rice, soybean, and crawfish farmer was elected Sunday at the organization’s 102nd convention. He says the honor is humbling.

Cut 9 (11) “…of words.”

Hurricane Beryl is a Category 4 storm as it moves into the Caribbean. LSU climatologist Barry Keim says Beryl is likely to miss Louisiana. The National Hurricane Center’s official forecast has Beryl hitting the Yucatan peninsula later this week, but Keim says there are a couple of models showing a turn towards the Gulf Coast.

Cut 5 (06)  “…(x2) problem.”

Whether Beryl threatens Louisiana or not, Keim encourages residents to start hurricane prepping if they haven’t already.

The personal finance website WalletHub has found Louisiana residents are least diligent with their credit. WalletHub’s Cassandra Happe says there is a large percentage of Louisiana adults who have collection agencies going after them for money that is past due…

Cut 8 (09) “…payment.”
The SEC officially welcomes Texas and Oklahoma to the Southeastern Conference today, making it sixteen schools starting the 2024 season. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

Hurricane Beryl is a Category 4 storm as it moves into the Caribbean. Beryl is the first hurricane in what is expected to be a very busy season. LSU climatologist Barry Keim says this early start is due to factors such as abnormally warm sea surface temperatures.

Cut 3 (07) “…August.”

Whether Beryl threatens Louisiana or not, Keim encourages residents to start hurricane prepping if they haven’t already.

Among the new laws that go into effect today is one the Louisiana Department of Insurance says establishes a simple, clear timeline for when a claim should be paid. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot says the measure also gives insurance companies an additional 30 days to pay a claim following a natural disaster…

Cut 14 (12)  “…30 days.”
Talbot says this legislation seeks to reduce unnecessary litigation.

Beginning August 1st both Medicaid and private insurers are required to cover for the care or treatment of menopause and perimenopause because of a new law approved by Louisiana lawmakers. New Orleans Democratic Representative Aimee Freeman says insurers opposed this new law…

Cut 5 (10) “…along the way.”
Freeman says there’s been more research on how to treat menopausal side effects and women deserve to have that coverage.

Texas and Oklahoma officially join the Southeastern Conference today. SEC Associate Commissioner Herb Vincent says one of the challenges of increasing their membership to 16 schools is football scheduling…

Cut 11 (12) “…finalized.”

Several new laws go into effect today and the Fair Claims Processing bill is one of them. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot says the new law establishes a simple, clear timeline for the claims process that makes it easier for policyholders and property insurers to understand when a claim should be paid.

Cut 13 (12)  “…clock starts.”
The law gives insurance companies 30 days for residential and 60 days for commercial.

Texas and Oklahoma officially join the Southeastern Conference today. SEC Associate Commissioner Herb Vincent says the NCAA’s best conference just got better…

Cut 12 (10) “…coming in.” 

Beginning August 1st both Medicaid and private insurers are required to cover for the care or treatment of menopause and perimenopause. New Orleans Democrat Representative Aimee Freeman says she received bipartisan support. In committee, it was recommended that the requirement for private insurers be removed but when it reached the House floor, Republican Representative Peter Egan added it back in.

Cut 6 (12) “…Republican colleagues.”

A new survey from WalletHub shows Louisiana residents rank the worst in managing their debt and credit score. WalletHub Analyst Cassandra Happe (happy) says this is likely because Louisianians have high debt overall and may be unable to make payments…

Cut 7 (09) “…recently.”

The ranking for was the first quarter of the year.

Congressman Troy Carter introduces legislation to empower the FDA to destroy imported seafood that’s contaminated so it doesn’t make it back into the food chain. He says the bill protects consumers and the state’s seafood industry. Because of the safety guideline Louisiana Seafood farmers adhere to.

Cut 7 (08) “… the right thing.”  

The Louisiana Farm Bureau’s 102^nd Annual Convention is in New Orleans this weekend. Where more than 15 hundred farmers and their families are gathered. Spokesperson Avery Davidson says the Bureau advocates for farmers, ranchers, and rural residents and ensures that policies are in place for those…

Cut 24 (10) “…practices.”

Last night was the first presidential debate of the 2024 campaign season. Mel Bridges has the details from Tulane Associate Professor of Political Science Brian Brox.

Cut 1 (31) …I’m Mel Bridges.”

The first presidential debate of the 2024 campaign season was last night, leaving Americans with a wide array of feelings about the two likely presidential nominees. Tulane Associate Professor of Political Science Brian Brox says former President Trump delivered about what was expected from him…

Cut 3 (09) “…rallies.”

Former New Orleans Saints Safety, Steve Gleason will be honored with the 2024 Authur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPYS.  The award is given to those whose contributions transcend sports. Gleason, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2011, founded Team Gleason to improve life for those living with the disease.  Gleason’s publicist, Clare Durrett …

Cut 7 (10) “…able to do.”
This year’s ESPYS will air live on Thursday, July 11 at 7 PM.

The Louisiana Farm Bureau’s 102^nd Annual Convention is in New Orleans this weekend. Spokesperson Avery Davidson says because Jim Harper is not seeking another term members will choose a new president.

Cut 11 (11) “…numbered.”

Disney is bringing New Orleans to Orlando with its’ newest ride, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Mark Romig (Roh-mig) with New Orleans and Company says the ride is based on “The Princess and the Frog” movie and legendary chef Leah Chase inspired the character of Tiana. He hopes the ride inspires people to come see the real place.

Cut 6 (11) “…come visit.”

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens at Disney World today and Disneyland later this year.

Disney is bringing New Orleans to Disney World with its’ newest ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which opens today. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

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Former New Orleans Saints Safety Steve Gleason who founded Team Gleason after he was diagnosed with ALS in 2011 is being honored with the 2024 Authur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPYS. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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The Louisiana Farm Bureau is holding its 102^nd Annual Convention this weekend in New Orleans. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Disney is bringing New Orleans to Disney World with its’ newest ride, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Mark Romig (Roh-mig) with New Orleans and Company says the ride is a way for people to experience the best of New Orleans and the surrounding areas…

Cut 4 (03) “…Leah Chase.”

The ride, which replaces Splash Mountain, is based on the 2009 film “The Princess and the Frog.” It takes place after the movie and follows Princess Tiana as she gathers musicians for a Mardi Gras party. Romig thinks the ride, like the movie, highlights the best of Louisiana.

Cut 5 (10) “…our people.”

Several notable Louisianians previewed the ride, including Saints’ quarterback Drew Brees and defensive end Cameron Jordan, as well as the family of legendary chef Leah Chase, who was the inspiration for Tiana. Romig says he hopes the ride inspires people to come see the real place.

Cut 6 (11) “…come visit.”

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens at Disney World today and Disneyland later this year.

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Former New Orleans Saints Safety, Steve Gleason will be honored with the 2024 Authur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPYS.  The award is granted to those whose contributions transcend sports.  Like Ashe whose work to improve the lives of people with HIV began after his own diagnosis, Gleason, diagnosed with ALS in 2011, founded Team Gleason to improve life for those living with ALS.  Gleason’s publicist, Clare Durrett …

Cut 7 (10) “…able to do.”

After learning he was being honored, Gleason wrote, “My aim has always been to see if we can discover peace and freedom with a love of Life, in the midst of extreme adversity.” Durrett says Gleason’s memoir, “A Life Impossible” released in April provides a glimpse into his life.

Cut 8 (07) “…he’s done.”

The mission of Team Gleason, founded by Steve Gleason and his wife Michel is to improve life for others living with ALS by providing technology, equipment, and support services. Durett believes through this award others will be encouraged by Gleason’s ability to be purposeful and productive.

Cut 9 (10)  “…this region.”

This year’s ESPYS will air live on Thursday, July 11 at 7 PM.

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The Louisiana Farm Bureau’s 102^nd Annual Convention is in New Orleans this weekend. Where more than 15 hundred farmers and their families are gathered. Spokesperson Avery Davidson says the Bureau advocates for farmers, ranchers, and rural residents and ensures that policies are in place for those…

Cut 10 (10) “…practices.”

Friday evening members will hold a talent show which Davidson says is one of the highlights of the weekend for members and their families. And Saturday evening a new Farm Bureau Queen will be crowned and on Sunday members will hold elections.

Because bureau President Jim Harper, a Rapides Parish producer, who’s led the organization for four years is not seeking another term, Davidson says members will choose a new president to lead the organization.

Cut 11 (11) “…numbered.”

Davidson says they are also holding commodity conferences that allow farmers who grow rice and sugarcane to discuss things that are impacting their crops specifically and bring those issues before the voting delegates.

Cut 12 (11) “…is led.” 

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LSU fans who donated to the College World Series Jell-o Shot Challenge helped the Tigers place third in the overall competition money-wise this year even though they weren’t in Omaha. Mike Manning with the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank says LSU fans donated almost 93-hundred dollars.

Cut 13 (10)  “…everyone else.”

Manning says it’s greatly needed because he says they are seeing people who typically didn’t need assistance but due to inflation, they are having to turn to the food bank for help.

Cut 14 (11)  “…working poor.”

Because Louisiana is number one in childhood and senior food insecurity…

Cut 15 (06)  “…situation.”

To find a food bank near you visit. FeedingAmerica.org

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Nicholls introduced new head baseball coach Brent Haring yesterday. Haring spent the 2024 season as the Director of Baseball Operations for LSU and has spent more than 22 years in baseball. 10 of those seasons were as an assistant coach at BYU where he was named assistant head coach in 2022. Haring says Nicholls has stood out to him since a 2014 visit the Cougars made to Thibodaux…

Cut 16 (21) “…(laughter).” 

Haring helped develop 34 All-West Coast Conference players, 5 Freshman All-Americans, and 3 All-Americans in his time at BYU. Haring said he tried hard to get the Colonels coaching job in 2021 before the school hired Mike Silva. He says he’s glad he’ll have the opportunity to lead the Red and Gray after three successful seasons under Silva…

Cut 17 (20) “…with you.”

Silva helped the Colonels to back-to-back NCAA Regionals and Southland Conference Tournament titles. Haring hopes to bring the same success to Thibodaux and believes he has the competitive spirit to do it…

Cut 18 (19)  “…I’m here.”

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Cut 19 (19) “…adversity.” 

Cut 20 (22) “…overcome that.”

Former Congressman Ralph Abraham has been named the state’s first Surgeon General and says he wants to focus first on mental health.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (29) …I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Tonight’s the first presidential debate for the 2024 election but the candidates are the same from 2020. Brooke Thorington has more from political strategist James Carville.

Cut 2 (26)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Governor Jeff Landry appoints Doctor Ralph Abraham to be the state’s first Surgeon General. Abraham says Louisiana spends on average the same as other states do in the country per patient…

Cut 3 (12) “…person’s health.”

Currently, there are 1.7 million Louisianans enrolled in Medicaid. Abraham says their goal at LDH is to give citizens help so they can continue to work and have healthcare…

Cut 4 (10) “…insurance.”

Abraham says mental health will be first on his list to tackle as Surgeon General. Following the pandemic and the state’s numerous natural disasters, residents are feeling the impacts emotionally.

Cut 5 (12)  “…deal with.”

Ultimately, Abraham says he wants to change policies that have been holding the state back from providing better healthcare.

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Ascension Parish deputies are investigating the murder of a Gonzales woman and have arrested her husband 50-year-old Sean Morris. Col. Donald Cappello with the APSO says they received multiple 9-1-1 calls of shots being fired around 7:30 last night and when they arrived, they found 44-year-old-Brenda Morris deceased.

Cut 6 (10) “…taken place.”

Sean Morris has been charged with second-degree murder and Cappello says he’s no stranger to law enforcement.

Cut 7 (11) “…some time.”  

Cappello says Ascension Parish is fairly blessed with a low crime rate but sadly this is the second domestic homicide they’ve investigated in the last few weeks.

Cut 8 (11)  “…call 9-1-1.”

You can also call the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence hotline for help at 1-888-411-1333.

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Tonight’s the first debate for the 2024 presidential election and political strategist James Carville believes President Biden and former President Trump will have to bring new information to sway any decided and undecided voters.

Cut 9 (10) “…new information.”

Carville says the MAGA voting base isn’t enough to help Trump return to the White House. He says in state primaries there are still Republicans voting for Niki Haley, for example in Colorado she received 33 percent of the vote, 22 percent in Indiana, and 18 percent in Nebraska.

Cut 10 (12) “…with that.”

Carville’s advice for any candidate in a debate, he says you have to tell the audience three things about yourself including two new things, and tell them two new things about your opponent, and remain stay focused.

Cut 11 (05) ” …that debate.”

The debate airs on CNN at 8 PM.

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Cut 12 (07) “… remarks.” 

cut  13 (08) “…their parents.” 

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Cut  14 (10) “…expect to have.” 

Cut 15 (09) “…financially.“