The National Weather Service has confirmed that 19 tornadoes in the Ark-La-Tex were a result of Hurricane Beryl. Shreveport National Weather Service Meteorologist Michael Berry says sixteen of the 19 tornadoes touched down in northwest Louisiana.

Cut 3 (11) “…onto cars.”

The Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office has partnered with the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office to share data to prevent voter fraud and ensure the accuracy of their voter registration lists. Joel Watson with the office in Louisiana says this will allow the states to share specific information.

Cut 6 (12) “…(x2) and Louisiana.”

It’s a crime to vote in two states simultaneously.

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy has introduced a bill that would require the Department of Education to make the FAFSA form available each year on October 1st. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

The National Weather Service office in Shreveport has updated their confirmation of tornadoes from Hurricane Beryl that impacted Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana. The number increased from 5 to 19. They expect to add to the list of confirmed tornadoes in the coming days. There was one fatality in Bossier Parish.

As insurance rates continue to climb, CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of Louisiana Ben Albright urges residents not to drop their homeowner’s insurance.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

An influential Republican donor has sent a letter to lawmakers pushing them to quickly vote on a constitutional convention to make changes to things like public school funding, the homestead exemption on property taxes, and more. LA-Politics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says this would mean lawmakers would have to return to the capitol for a 4th time this year…

Cut 12 (09) “…lukewarm” 
Such a convention would have to be completed by September for changes to make it to the fall ballot.

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy has introduced a bill requiring the Department of Education to make the FAFSA forms available on October 1st annually. Cassidy expects the bill to be received well by both parties. He says the bill is more common sense than political.

Cut 9 (11)  “…government.”

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana has introduced a bill that would require the Department of Education to make the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form available each year on October 1st. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

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It appears proponents of a constitutional convention are throwing hail Mary to have one before the fall election. Brooke Thorington has more

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

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As insurance rates continue to climb, CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of Louisiana Ben Albright urges residents not to drop their homeowners insurance. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

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Lafourche Parish native Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who gained national fame through the 2019 Hulu series “The Act” and the HBO true crime documentary “Mommy Dead and Dearest,” has announced her pregnancy.

Cut 4 (04) “…give to this baby.”

The father is Ken Urker, a prison pen pal. The announcement has elicited mixed reactions, with some expressing concern about her ability to parent given her traumatic past, while others offer support and hope for her new beginning.

Cut 5 (09) “…to become a mother.”

The 32-year-old Blanchard served more than eight years of a ten year sentence a Missouri prison for her role in the murder of her mother, “Dee Dee” Blanchard. “Dee Dee” subjected Gypsy to years of medical abuse, falsely claiming she had various illnesses, including muscular dystrophy, to gain sympathy and financial benefits.

Cut 6 (10) “…everything my mother wasn’t.”

Gypsy’s due in January 2025. Gypsy Rose Blanchard was born in Golden Meadow, she and her mother moved to Missouri after Hurricane Katrina destroyed her home.

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Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana has introduced a bill requiring the Department of Education to make the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form available on October 1st annually. He believes the Department of Education points fingers instead of getting the FAFSA out.

Cut 7 (09) “…October the first.”

Previous FAFSA forms faced significant delays, which also pushed back when colleges can make financial aid offers, as they make offers once they receive the form. Cassidy says when it comes to the FAFSA, the Department of Education has been…

Cut 8 (11) “…for their future.”

Though the bill calls for a change to the FAFSA program put in place by the Biden administration, Cassidy expects the bill to be received well by both parties. In fact, he thinks the bill is more common sense than political.

Cut 9 (11)  “…government.”

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In what seems like a last swing at bat Republican megadonor Lane Grigsby sent lawmakers a letter trying to persuade them to hold a Constitutional Convention this year.  LA-Politics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says letter cites changes to the public-school funding formula, and…

Cut 10 (12) “…the constitution.”

During the regular session, Governor Jeff Landry had the full support of the House for a convention but when the proposal went to the higher chamber, Alford says they put on the breaks…

Cut 11 (11) “…that posture.”

One reason for the rush Alford says is the expected high Republican voter turnout for the presidential election. He says architects of the convention feel strong conservative support will ensure their initiatives will be approved.

This year alone lawmakers were in Baton Rouge for an organizational session, two special sessions, and a regular session that wrapped in June. Alford believes legislators aren’t keen on returning to the capitol for a fourth time.

Cut 12 (09) “…lukewarm” 

A Secretary of State’s Office spokesperson says for the changes to be voted on in the fall election a convention must be completed by early September.

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As insurance rates continue to climb, more and more residents are choosing to drop their homeowners insurance if they can. CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of Louisiana Ben Albright recommends keeping your home insured, especially in such a disaster-prone state.

Cut 13 (05)  “…there for.”

Albright says homeowners insurance rates were low before multiple hurricanes hit Louisiana in 2020 and 2021, and insurance companies started overcorrecting and overcharging as a result.

Cut 14 (09)  “…insurance companies.”

Albright says you shouldn’t drop your homeowners insurance and rely on FEMA funds because unlike FEMA, insurance is a reliable source of money to cover damages after a disaster. Some insurance relief measures are set to go into effect early next year, but Albright thinks real relief could come even later…

Cut 15 (09)  “…another storm.”

Only people who fully own their homes and don’t have a mortgage can drop their homeowners insurance.

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Cut 16 (19) “…get better.” 

Cut 17 (18) “…as a person.”

Cut 18 (10)  “…whole career.”

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Cut 19 (19) “…adversity.” 

Cut 20 (22) “…overcome that.”

The National Weather Service in Shreveport issued a record 67 tornado warnings across the ArkLaTex Monday due to the impact of Hurricane Beryl. NWS Meteorologist Ryan Knapp says Beryl is an example of how hurricanes and tropical storms can impact communities far away from the coastline…

Cut 5 (10)  “..flooding rainfall threat.”

18 of the tornado warnings were in Louisiana.

State Attorney General Liz Murrill says her criminal division is investigating why a judge released 15-year-old Kevin Nunez from custody in May after several violent offenses. He’s also accused in the June 30^th death of a New Orleans tour guide. Murrill is calling on the state Supreme Court to make sure judges are not allowing violent offenders back on the street

Cut  13 (08) “…happens.” 

The Democratic National Convention will be held next month, and Louisiana will have 53 delegates present. According to one of them, he believes the vast majority will support President Biden. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

A temporary alternate child abuse hotline number has been set up due to Hurricane Beryl-related technical issues preventing AT&T phones from reaching regular toll-free numbers across Louisiana. The alternate number for reporting child abuse or neglect is 206-792-7510.

The National Weather Service in Shreveport issued a record for their office 67 tornado warnings on Monday. So far, they’ve been able to confirm at least five tornadoes touched down in northwest Louisiana. Meteorologist Ryan Knapp…

Cut 4 (09) “…next week.”
At least two of the five tornadoes confirmed touched down in Sabine and crossed into DeSoto parishes.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says her criminal division has started an investigation into the ankle monitoring contract with the Juvenile Court system in New Orleans. It’s in response to a Fox 8 TV report that said a 15-year-old, who allegedly fatally shot New Orleans tour guide Kristie Thibodaux, was wearing a deactivated court-ordered ankle monitor…

Cut 12 (04) “…happened.”

Kevin Nunez is accused of killing Thibodeaux as she sat in her car near Jackson Square on June 30th. Nunez is one of three teens arrested and charged in the 43-year-old’s death.

Of the 53 Louisiana delegates attending the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month, delegate and Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis believes the hysteria over Biden’s health will calm down and by mid-August delegates will be…

Cut 8 (11)  “…of America.”

The convention will be held August 19^th – 22^nd.

The deadline for Walmart’s 11th Annual Open Call, which allows entrepreneurs to pitch their products to the superstore, is July 15th. Spokesperson Mark Espinosa says selected applicants gain access to their extensive distribution network, which can significantly boost their business.

Cut 10 (07) “… company-wide.”

Visit Walmart-dot-com slash OpenCall for more information.

The National Weather Service in Shreveport issued a record 67 tornado warnings across the Arkansas Louisiana, and Texas region Monday as Beryl made its way through the area. Meteorologist Ryan Knapp…

Cut 3 (10) “…from 2005.”

So far five tornados have been confirmed in Louisiana but more could still be confirmed.

Colorado State University has updated its 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook to predict an even busier season. They’re now calling for 25 named storms, 12 hurricanes, and six major hurricanes. Nick Mesa (may-sa) with the CSU Hurricane Forecast Team says the above-average season is due to two factors…

Cut 13 (08)  “…period.”

So far, we’ve seen three named storms, one of which was a major hurricane.

A one-year-old child is miraculously still alive after spending two days outside alone, along I-10 in Calcasieu Parish, apparently abandoned by his mother. Sheriff Stitch Guillory says a truck driver spotted the child in a ditch…

Cut 11 (11) “…out there.”

But Guillory says the toddler’s four-year-old brother was found dead in a pond at the Vinton Welcome Center. An autopsy will determine if murder charges will come down on the children’s mother, who was arrested in Mississippi.

A recent nationwide survey of small business owners finds inflation remains the top problem. Louisiana NFIB spokesperson Todd Pack says inflation is not rising as fast as it did a few months ago, but it’s still a problem…

Cut 8 (10) “…as it did.”

Sean Richardson tells us about Frederick Burgess’s after-school programs which offer a range of activities from educational support to physical education to keep young people away from crime and violence.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Due to the state’s infestation of Ips (I.P.S) beetles the House Emergency Beetle Subcommittee is meeting at the capitol today. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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A group of teenagers from Terrebonne Parish have been arrested, accused of targeting homeless people in the French Quarter. Colleen Crain has the details.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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Louisiana Tech University has announced the launch of a new doctoral program in engineering, which will begin accepting students in the upcoming academic year. This interdisciplinary Ph.D. program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in both academia and industry, emphasizing strong research capabilities across various engineering disciplines. DETM Program Coordinator Beth Hegab says it was time to expand.

Cut 4 (12) “…starting in 2010.”

The program offers flexible scheduling including online classes for working professionals and Hagab says the program is open to anyone with a bachelor’s degree to apply.

Cut 5 (09) “…doctorial program.”

This new initiative aligns with Louisiana Tech’s commitment to fostering innovation and leadership in engineering, providing students with the skills needed to tackle real-world problems through research and collaboration with industry partners.

Cut 6 (12) “…be the expert.”

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Stop the Violence in Alexandria CEO Frederick Burgess has been actively creating safe spaces for young people as part of his mission to combat crime and gun violence. Now he is asking for help to keep the program alive.

Cut 7 (07) “…school clothes.”

Burgess started getting sponsors to help with the added cost and a major one was Hixon Ford Dealership where Burgess works, and 3-4 kids received jobs at the dealership.

Currently, the after-school sports program is not active. The Charles Hayward Activity Center where basketball was hosted is requesting more funds for Burgess to continue to host the program at their facility.

Cut 8 (05) “…off the streets.”

By focusing on these safe spaces, Burgess aims to build resilience and empowerment among the youth, helping them to navigate their challenges and avoid the pitfalls of violence and crime.

Cut 9 (06)  “…get in trouble.”

Stop the Violence in Alexandria hosts around 400 students a month in the after-school program and has helped over a thousand youths in the city with life skills and education.

To donate visit StopTheViolence.us

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Opponents of Louisiana Ten Commandments law are asking a federal judge to block the legislation before a new school year starts. Associate VP with Americans United for the Separation of Church and State Alex Luchenitser (looch-ah-nitz-er) says until the case is decided they want to keep them from going up.

Cut 10 (06) “…the litigation.”

Even though the law says schools must comply by January 1^st teachers could choose to display them before that date and Luchenister wants to keep students from being subjected to the religious display. He says they’ve asked for an expedited ruling on the preliminary injunction the week of July 29^th.

Cut 11 (12) “…right of parents.”

More than four decades ago the US Supreme Court overturned a similar law in Kentucky. Luchenister says that the case set a precedent and he’s confident the Louisiana law will be overturned also.

Cut 12 (07) “…case here.” 

Governor Jeff Landry says if you want to respect the rule of law you have to start from the original law which was Moses.

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The House Emergency Beetle Subcommittee is meeting in Baton Rouge today. The drought last summer made pine trees extremely susceptible to beetle infestations. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson says they are holding the hearing to discuss ways to combat the issue because pesticides won’t work.

Cut 13 (11)  “…undertaking.”

Johnson says the Ips (I.P.S) beetles move from treetop to treetop and within a short amount of time can and have killed many pine trees.

During the session, Johnson sponsored legislation to create the subcommittee because the timber industry is one of the largest in the state.

Johnson says infested trees present multiple dangers, like falling on powerlines and roadways which create infrastructure issues. In April a 60-year-old Pineville woman was killed when a tree fell on her home.

Cut 14 (09)  “…tree falling.”

The subcommittee will hear from several entities including agriculture on how to stop the spread, the Public Service Commission on how our utilities are negatively impacted along with the Insurance Commissioner. Johnson says insurance does not cover the removal of dead trees.

Cut 15 (12)  “…statewide.”

Johnson says the cost of removing dead trees from one’s yard can be thousands of dollars.

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Cut 16 (14) “…I’m really honored.” 

Cut 17 (12) “…everyone involved.”

Cut 18 (11)  “…and as the host.”

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Cut 19 (19) “…adversity.” 

Cut 20 (22) “…overcome that.”

Beryl, who made landfall early this morning in Texas has been downgraded to a tropical storm. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says Louisiana will see some rain and storm surge values are predicted to be less than three feet along Louisiana’s southwestern coast, causing some issues because a three-foot surge is not insignificant.

Cut 8 (11)  “…all that.”

The western half of the state is under a tornado watch until 10 pm.

In Avoyelles Parish, 29-year-old Zachary Stephen Bullitt of Marksville has been arrested for the shooting death of his grandmother 76-year-old Nellie Whitstine Rousseau. The Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office says they responded to a reported homicide Saturday afternoon. Bullitt has been arrested and charged with First-Degree Murder and Obstruction of Justice. Bond has not been set and the investigation is ongoing.

President Joe Biden has announced he has no plans to step aside as the Democratic presidential nominee after a lackluster debate performance that did little to dispel rumors about any declining cognitive abilities. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says despite this, some Democrats are hesitant to rally behind Biden.

Cut 9 (10) “…territory.”

Louisiana’s 2024 I Voted Stickers have been unveiled, featuring a crawfish named Mark D’Ballot. This year’s sticker was designed by Shreveport artist William Joyce who says he wanted Mark to look more cheerful about casting his ballot to ensure people are enticed to vote and feel proud once they do.

Cut 4 (08) “…and I want to, too.”

Beryl made landfall early this morning as a category 1 hurricane along the Texas coast and has since been downgraded to a tropical storm. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says a few days ago Beryl’s project path was northeastern Mexico, but the track began to take a turn to the east.

Cut 7 (12) “…days ago.”

Western Louisiana is under a tornado watch until 10 pm.

Today marks Governor Jeff Landry’s first six months in office, and Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the conservative Republican is going about his job like many expected him to, appealing to his base.

Cut 14 (12)  “…those things.”

This year’s I Voted Stickers have been unveiled and they feature a crawfish in a suit and top hat named Mark D’Ballot. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (29) …I’m Mel Bridges.”

A proposed export terminal for liquified natural gas in southwest Louisiana continues to be on hold, waiting for Department of Energy approval. Kim Montie (Mon-tay) with the Cameron Parish Port, Harbor, and Terminal District says even though the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s approval wasn’t the go-ahead they hoped for…

Cut 12 (07) “…the parish.” 

The Calcasieu Pass 2 would be the nation’s largest export terminal of LNG

Dr. Stephanie Compton with LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Center has been awarded a 217-thousand dollar grant to study the impact of aerobic exercise on colon cancer survivors. If you’re a survivor who’s done with treatment, you’re eligible to participate.

Cut 9 (09)  “…Restore study.”

Participants will receive a treadmill they can keep afterward

The Louisiana America 250 State Commission is preparing for the 250^th birthday of the United States. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Hurricane Beryl made landfall this morning as a Category 1 storm in Texas. Beryl has weakened to a depression and will continue to travel north-northeast. The western half of Louisiana is under a tornado watch until 10pm as a result.