LSU Eunice Baseball has officially kicked off the construction of a new stadium with a groundbreaking celebration. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (31) …I’m Mel Bridges.”

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New weekly polling averages show former President Trump’s lead over Vice President Kamala Harris continues to decrease. Mel Bridges has the numbers.

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

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LSU Eunice Baseball has officially kicked off the construction of a new stadium with a groundbreaking celebration. LSUE Chancellor Dr. Nancee Sorenson says the stadium represents exciting new things for the Baseball Bengals and the school.

Cut 3 (11) “…building the future.”

The new stadium will feature removable, artificial turf that allows the stadium to serve as a multi-purpose facility. However, Sorenson says they didn’t forget about the stadium part and says fans and players can look forward to…

Cut 4 (09) “…our opponents deserve.”

The new stadium will be a state-of-the-art facility that Sorenson says the 8-time National Champion team deserves. However, it’s also designed to be a multi-purpose facility that Sorenson says will help draw events to Acadiana.

Cut 5 (12)  “…sporting tournaments.”

The first phase of the stadium is expected to be completed in time for the 2025 baseball season.

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There’s an over 50% chance a cyclone will form in the Atlantic over this weekend. Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says the storm, which is a tropical wave over the southwestern Atlantic and Caribbean seas right now, is gathering some power as it moves west-northwest.

Cut 6 (07) “…Saturday.”

Jacquemin says the storm is likely to strengthen into a tropical storm as it heads towards the U.S. Current models show the storm hitting Cuba, then curving east towards Florida, but it’s too early to accurately predict exactly where in the States the storm will make landfall.

Cut 7 (10) “…potential threat.”

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New weekly polling averages show Trump’s lead over Harris decreasing by at least one point for a third straight week. John Couvillon of JMC Analytics suggests if the Trump campaign can’t reverse this decline…

Cut 8 (10)  “…change.”

Couvillon says the shift in campaign momentum could be due to the Harris campaign rolling out smoothly compared to a number of recent blunders from the Trump campaign. While Trump is still technically up in the polls, Couvillon says his campaign should be careful to avoid any further slides.

Cut 9 (12) “…Democratic convention.”

Last week, Trump was 2 points ahead of Harris, and he was up 3.2 points against Biden the week before. Currently, Trump and Harris are separated in the polls by just one point. Though we’re months away from the election, Couvillon suggests the actual deadline to reverse poll sliding is much closer.

Cut 10 (11) “…in October.”

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School is about to be starting back and with that comes challenges for educators and administrators. Louisiana Association of School Superintendents Executive Director Mike Faulk says preparation for the new school year has already started for teachers and administrators…

Cut 11 (12) ” …going on right now.”

Faulk says there are many challenge that schools are facing and one is looking at school performance scores from last year and how to address the issues for the upcoming year…

Cut 12 (08) “…individual schools.”

Another challenge for schools is staffing shortages with many schools still trying to fill open position with certified teachers and administration openings as well. Faulk says finding teachers now is difficult, but when principals are retiring and that position is filled with a teacher…

Cut  13 (05) “…all the way down.” 

According to the National Education Association, 80% of teachers report having to take on extra tasks to make up for staffing shortages.

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Cut  14 (08) “…those things.”

Cut 15 (12) “…really important.”

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Cut  16 (10)   “…Thursday.”

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is co-leading a field hearing for Republicans in the House Natural Resources Committee on drilling and restoration in the Gulf later today in Thibodeaux. He says though some members of Congress from coastal states may share some issues with Louisiana, our state’s shoreline is different from any other because of…

Cut 4 (10) “…United States.”

New laws concerning voter registration drives are in effect in Louisiana. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s Office says those wishing to hold one must be registered with their office or the Registrar of Voters in their parish. Watson points out that doing so is not their office giving clearance to conduct one.

Cut 13 (08)  “…contact you.”

LSU Eunice Baseball has officially kicked off the construction of a new stadium with a groundbreaking celebration. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (32) …I’m Mel Bridges.”

There’s an over 50% chance a cyclone will form in the Atlantic over this weekend. Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says the storm, which is a tropical wave over the southwestern Atlantic and Caribbean seas right now, is gathering some power as it moves west-northwest.

Cut 6 (07) “…Saturday.”

At this time the storm does not appear to be a threat to Louisiana

If you are a parent of a homeschooled student your child is eligible to participate in your local school systems athletics and extracurricular activities. Private school homeschoolers had been barred from public school athletics since 1970. But that changed with a new law that went into effect this month. The law allows a student who is enrolled in an approved home study program to try out or apply for extracurricular activities or athletics at the public school they would otherwise attend.

LSU Eunice Baseball has officially kicked off construction of a new stadium with a groundbreaking celebration. LSUE Chancellor Dr. Nancee Sorenson says the stadium represents exciting new things for the Baseball Bengals and the school as a whole.

Cut 3 (12) “…building the future.”

The first phase of the stadium is expected to be completed in time for the 2025 baseball season.

A new Louisiana law requires anyone wanting to hold a voter registration drive to be registered with the Secretary of State’s office. But if your drive is fully electronic and done through the state’s voter portal, that’s not necessary. When it comes to voting information in Louisiana, Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s Office says…

Cut 14 (04)  “…more information,”

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves will lead a field hearing at Nicholls State for Republicans in the House Natural Resources Committee on drilling and restoration in the Gulf. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

A child was abducted from New Orleans Wednesday and authorities are asking for help from the public. 8-year-old Alessandra Leonor Bruno was last seen at the Rock-n-Sake sushi bar on Fulton Street. Police say she was taken by her biological mother who’s believed to have Alessandra’s sister Sofia with her as well.

82 years after U.S. Army Private First-Class Joseph C. Murphy died as a prisoner of war in the Philippines during WWII, he’ll be laid to rest in Bogalusa. Louisiana Secretary of Veterans Affairs Col. Charleton Meginley says Murphy’s surviving family will be at the burial at Pounds Pool Cemetery in Bogalusa tomorrow…

Cut 10 (09) “…of Bogalusa.”

Murphy was just 20 years old when he died in a prisoner-of-war camp in the Philippines in 1942.

The 20^th Annual Great American Seafood Cookoff is Saturday in New Orleans. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says Chase Woodward of Parish Restaurant in Monroe will be representing Louisiana as he competes against 13 other chefs trying to bring the title back home to Louisiana

Cut 8 (08) “…to Louisiana.”

At the National Lt. Governor’s Conference, they’re learning how to prepare if they suddenly must become governor. Brooke Thorington has more from Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser.

Cut 1 (33) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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August is set to be the second-busiest month in an above-average Atlantic hurricane season. Mel Bridges has the details.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

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Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins has been appointed to the bipartisan task force investigating the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Congressman Garret Graves says Higgins, a fellow Republican, is known for his strong conservative views and that he’ll play a key role in the inquiry and it’s vital the task force is bipartisan.

Cut 3 (05) “…Democrat lens.”

While details of the case remain limited, Graves says the task force is expected to work closely with law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and provide comprehensive findings.

Cut 4 (07) “…Senate.”

The outcome of this probe could have significant implications for security measures surrounding former presidents and high-profile political figures in the future. Graves says this can’t happen again…

Cut 5 (05)  “…the United States.”

The task force will release its final report by December 31.

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has been in Detroit this week sharing ideas with his counterparts from other states at the National Lt Governor’s Conference. He says he looks forward to catching up with old friends and making new ones at the bipartisan gathering, And while they might differ when it comes to politics…

Cut 6 (07) “…everyone else.”

Among the ideas they share are how to improve education, cyber security, and healthcare. Nungesser says the idea to move Keep Louisiana Beautiful under the umbrella of his office came from Tennessee and other states who’ve been successful in cleaning up their roadways.

Cut 7 (10) “…profitable.”

Among the ideas, he’s sharing with other states is to get them on board with supporting an inspection fee on imported seafood. And he’s also lobbying to bring the conference to New Orleans in the future.

Cut 8 (10)  “…from each other.”

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Colorado State University meteorologists predict 22 more named storms, 11 more hurricanes, and 5 more major hurricanes in the Atlantic, and LSU climatologist Barry Keim says Louisiana could easily see at least one of those storms as we head into the peak of hurricane season.

Cut 9 (12) “…hit later.”

Keim says June was an incredibly busy month for hurricanes, including the earliest ever Category 5. However, July saw no storms until the very end of the month, which Keim says is due to the Saharan Air Layer passing through.

Cut 10 (11) “…storms form.”

Though the Atlantic hurricane season doesn’t account for individual regions, chances are Louisiana will be hit with at least one other named storm this season. Keim encourages coastal residents to follow evacuation instructions and inland residents to plan for power outages. Above all, he says, start preparing now.

Cut 11 (12) ” …chips are down.”

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After resigning last week as Mayor of Deridder, 42-year-old Misty Roberts was arrested today and charged with 3^rd Degree Rape and Contributing to the delinquency of juveniles.  State Police Sgt Ross Brennan says when the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office received the complaint, they were asked to take over the investigation.

Cut 12 (11) “…as Mayor.”

The LSP Special Victim’s Unit is investigating the case and Brennan says if you believe someone or a child is being victimized to speak up and notify law enforcement.

Cut  13 (12) “…investigating.” 

Roberts was booked into the Beauregard Parish Detention Center; her bond is $75,000.

Adam Johnson, Roberts’ attorney, released a statement that his client maintains her innocence, she’s grateful for the support she’s receiving from family and friends and she looks forward to putting this unfortunate situation behind her.

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Cut  14 (08) “…those things.”

Cut 15 (12) “…really important.”

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Cut  16 (10)   “…Thursday.”

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins has been appointed to the bipartisan task force investigating the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Congressman Garret Graves says Higgins, a fellow Republican, will play a key role in the inquiry and it’s vital the task force is bipartisan.

Cut 3 (05) “…Democrat lens.”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has been in Detroit this week sharing ideas with his counterparts from other states at the National Lt Governor’s Conference. Among the ideas they share are how to improve education, cyber security, and healthcare. Nungesser says the idea to move Keep Louisiana Beautiful under the umbrella of his office came from Tennessee and other states who’ve been successful in cleaning up their roadways.

Cut 7 (10) “…profitable.”

Two LSU alumni are going for gold in Paris in beach volleyball. Russell Brock, who coached Team USA’s Kristen Nuss and Taryn Kloth when they played beach volleyball at LSU, says anyone who knows the pair isn’t surprised they’re doing well on and off the court.

Cut 10 (09) “…last few years.”

Nuss and Kloth are 2-0 entering their final match of pool play against China with a win securing 1st in their pool. The match starts at 3pm.

At 1pm the Greater New Orleans Little League team will take to the diamond in Waco, Texas in the Southwest Region of the Little League World Series. Coach Derek Anderson says since they’re facing teams, they haven’t played in the regular season he has this advice for his players…

Cut 15 (08)  “…chances.

They’ll play Oklahoma today at 1 pm and you can watch that game on ESPN+

An infant died in Baton Rouge this week after being accidentally left in a hot car. Director of child safety group Kids & Car Safety Amber Rollins reminds parents to take hot car safety seriously because some believe they could never forget their child…

Cut 7 (07) “…seriously.”

You can find more information about how to keep your child safe in cars at kidsandcars.org.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has been in Detroit this week sharing ideas with his counterparts from other states at the National Lt Governor’s Conference. He says he looks forward to catching up with old friends and making new ones at the bipartisan gathering, And while they might differ when it comes to politics…

Cut 6 (08) “…everyone else.”

He’s also trying to bring the conference back to New Orleans.

Two LSU alumni are going for gold today in beach volleyball.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

The Greater New Orleans Little League team plays at 1pm in the Southwest Region of the Little League World Series and Coach Derek Anderson says his players are looking forward to getting some screen time.

Cut 14 (10)  “…biggest thing,”

This will also be the first-year managers will have microphones in the dugout.

Amber Rollins, director of the advocacy group Kids & Car Safety, says hot car safety should be on everyone’s minds after a Baton Rouge infant died when he was left in a hot car all day. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Two LSU alumni are going for gold today in beach volleyball. Mel Bridges has the details.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

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The Greater New Orleans Little League team plays in the Southwest Region for the Little League World Series today at 1 PM. Brooke Thorington has more from their coach.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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New Absentee Voting laws for Louisiana go into effect today. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State Office says the first of three new laws (Act 380) is to deter ballot harvesting and close a loophole in a previous law. He says a person can’t take more than one absentee ballot to the registrar’s office, by any means except if it’s for immediate family members.

Cut 4 (08) “…voter’s office.”

This keeps an individual from possibly filling out multiple ballots and submitting a large number at one time.

The second law (Act 302) pertains to assisting voters, Watson says you can’t assist more than one person, who isn’t an immediate family member, with their absentee ballot. That’s because he says when you’re assisting a voter you could have undue influence on the individual.

Cut 5 (08) “…our elections”

The third law (Act 317) also prevents the harvesting of ballots. Watson says no person, except for an immediate family member can distribute an absentee application to any person who has not requested one. He says if an individual submits multiple requests for ballots, they know who will be receiving them…

Cut 6 (13) “…ballot out.”

Watson says the new laws are ways to protect the most vulnerable voters and common sense ways to ensure Louisiana elections remain in the Top Ten in the country for election integrity.

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A Baton Rouge infant has died after being left in a hot car all day Tuesday when his parents forgot to drop him off at daycare. Director of child safety group Kids & Car Safety Amber Rollins says many parents don’t take hot car safety seriously enough because they believe they could never forget their child.

Cut 7 (07) “…seriously.”

According to the National Safety Council, this is the 17th infant who has died after being left in a hot car this year. Rollins expects that number to increase as summer continues. She encourages parents to take hot car safety seriously even if they don’t think they need to.

Cut 8 (10) “…forget them?”

Rollins says changes in routine are the number one contributor to forgetting kids in cars and encourages parents to always take steps to remind themselves about children in the backseat, such as putting a stuffed animal in the passenger seat after buckling a child in.

Cut 9 (09)  “…in the backseat.

You can find more information about how to keep your child safe in cars at kidsandcars.org.

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Two LSU alumni are going for gold today in beach volleyball. Russell Brock, who coached Team USA’s Kristen Nuss and Taryn Kloth when they played beach volleyball at LSU, says anyone who knows the pair isn’t surprised they’re doing well on and off the court.

Cut 10 (09) “…last few years.”

Nuss and Kloth, the 2 seed, have gained notoriety on and off the Olympic court as a duo perfectly balancing confidence and humility. Brock says he expects them to carry this grace and momentum into the finals.

Cut 11 (12) “…just fun to watch.”

Though Nuss, a New Orleans native, and Kloth, a South Dakota native, graduated from LSU in 2021, they opted to continue their beach volleyball careers in Baton Rouge. Ross says the influx of support for the sport is welcome, and that watching a local pair dominate in the Olympics makes it a little more special.

Cut 12 (10) “…just a lot of fun.”

Nuss and Kloth are 2-0 entering their final match against China.

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This afternoon the Greater New Orleans Little League team will take to the diamond in Waco, Texas in the Southwest Region of the Little League World Series. Coach Derek Anderson says it’s the first time GNO Little League has partnered with Jefferson Parish Parks and Rec, and he admires how his players play for each other.

Cut 13 (11)  “…something special.”

Anderson says it’s been a fun road making it to districts, winning districts, and then fighting their way back from the loser’s bracket to win the state championship. And when asked what his players are looking forward to the most about making it to regionals in Waco…

Cut 14 (10)  “…biggest thing,”

This will also be the first-year managers will have microphones in the dugout.

Anderson, who’s coached in regular recreation in Jefferson Parish for 29 years, this is his first year as a little league skipper and his debut is impressive. Because they’ll face teams, they haven’t played in the regular season Anderson has this advice for his players…

Cut 15 (08)  “…chances.

They’ll play Oklahoma today at 1 pm and the southwest region championship is Tuesday at 6 pm. If they win the regional, they’ll head to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, for the Little League World Series.

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The LSU football team begins practice today. The Tigers were picked to finish 5^th in the SEC preseason poll, but Brian Kelly says this is one of the most accountable groups he’s coached in his career. He praised his offense led by what he thinks is the best o-line in the country…

Cut 16 (20) “…to watch.” 

The defense has been a big concern for LSU fans and staff alike. The Tigers overhauled the defensive coaching staff this offseason starting with new coordinator Blake Baker. Kelly says his young secondary has improved and expects new contributors on the defensive front…

Cut 17 (18) “…focused group.”

The Tigers defense will be led by former Freshman All-American linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. Perkins has been a dominant pass-rusher but struggled as an interior linebacker last season. Kelly says the 19-year-old has matured physically…

Cut 18 (18)  “…him play.”

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The Louisiana Tech football team began fall camp yesterday. The Bulldogs will look to improve after three straight 3-and-9 seasons. Junior quarterback Jack Turner will start this season after impressing in playing time as a backup last year. He says it takes practicing hard each and every day…

Cut 19 (16) “…eventually come.”

The Bulldogs welcomed new Defensive Coordinator Jeremiah Johnson in December to help improve the last-ranked defense in Conference USA last season. Defensive lineman Mykol Clark thinks LA Tech can have the best defense in the league next season, and the energy in the locker room feels different…

Cut 20 (15) “…you feel that.”

The oil spill in Bayou Lafourche from the Crescent Midstream pumping station in Raceland on Saturday has been successfully contained. The spill was traced to a leaking fuel tank and valve failure. Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson…

Cut 3 (08) “…against the bank.”

Funeral services begin tonight for Lafayette Senior Corporal Segus Jolivette who was killed in the line of duty last week in Jeanerette during a hostage standoff. Interim Lafayette Police Chief Paul Truard says Jolivette went above and beyond for his community…

Cut 9 (10) “…guy he was.”

Tonight’s wake is a private event and the funeral is tomorrow in Opelousas.

Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley urges school system leaders to quote “recommit to assertive discipline action,” as the new school year begins. Recent legislation allows teachers to remove disruptive students and mandatory expulsion for weapons and drug violations.

Cut 6 (13) “…materialize.”

Brumley says teachers deserve the right to teach in an environment free from disruption and students deserve the right to learn in one.

It’s report day for LSU football and head coach Brian Kelly says NIL is forcing him to diversity his staff with personnel to oversee the finances to manage NIL and revenue sharing when it arrives in college athletics next year…

Cut  14 (08) “…those things.”

The Tigers kickoff the season in Vegas against USC in Vegas on September 1^st.

Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley urges school system leaders to quote “recommit to assertive discipline action,” as the new school year begins. Recent legislation allows teachers to remove disruptive students and mandatory expulsion for weapons and drug violations.

Cut 6 (13) “…materialize.”

Tonight’s wake for fallen Lafayette SWAT officer Senior Corporal Segus Jolivette (Joe-le-vet) is a private event for family and members of the Lafayette Police Department and Opelousas Police Department. Lafayette Interim Police Chief Paul Truard says Jolivette went above and beyond for his community…

Cut 9 (10) “…guy he was.”

The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon in Opelousas.

The oil spill in Bayou Lafourche that happened on Saturday has been contained and clean-up is expected to be done by next week. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (29) …I’m Sean Richardson.”