23-year-old Colby Stokes from Mount Hermon has been charged with the murders of his grandparents, Beverly and Carley Stokes. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) …I’m Sean Richardson.”

Concrete has been poured for new lanes on the 1-20 rehab project in Bossier City. DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan says it’s an important milestone for the project.

cut 4 (08) “…Old Minden road interchange”

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office says 31-year-old Sarah Folse and 52-year-old Deanna Witten, both of Amite, turned themselves in Thursday after they allegedly stole three German Shepherd puppies last weekend from a home in the Loranger area. TPSO spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue…
cut 6 (09) “…those puppies”
Surveillance video shows two women taking the dogs off their leashes from the homeowner’s back porch.

As of July 4^th, non-felon Louisiana residents over the age of 18 can carry a concealed handgun, without a permit but only in-state. However, Louisiana State Police spokesperson Shelby Mayfield says if you have a permit purchasing a firearm is easier as opposed to not having one.

Cut  14 (12) “…a permit.” 

Visit LSP’s website for more information.

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office says 31-year-old Sarah Folse and 52-year-old Deanna Witten, both of Amite, turned themselves in yesterday after they allegedly stole three German Shepherd puppies from a home in the Loranger area. TPSO spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the homeowner has no connection with the suspects…

Cut 8 (11)  “…this time.”

Deputies are still searching for the puppies.

As of July 4^th, non-felons Louisiana residents over the age of 18 can carry a concealed handgun, without a permit but only in-state. However, Louisiana State Police spokesperson Shelby Mayfield says if you have a permit purchasing a firearm is easier as opposed to not having one.

Cut  14 (12) “…a permit.” 

Beryl will move across the southern Gulf of Mexico this weekend and is headed towards the Texas-Mexico border. Meteorologist Jonathan Brazzell (bra-ZEL) with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says current forecasts are…

Cut 15 (08) “…landfall.”

Beryl is expected to weaken as it moves over land; though it might hit northern Mexico and southern Texas as a hurricane on Monday, it should weaken to a tropical storm by Tuesday. Louisiana can expect minor coastal flooding and heavy rainfall as Beryl moves through Texas

The I-20 major rehabilitation project in Bossier City reaches a significant milestone with the pouring of concrete for new travel lanes. DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan says it was long overdue.

Cut 3 (12) “…through the area.”

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office says 31-year-old Sarah Folse and 52-year-old Deanna Witten, both of Amite, turned themselves in yesterday after they allegedly stole three German Shepherd puppies last weekend from a home in the Loranger area. TPSO spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says surveillance video shows two women taking the dogs off their leashes from the homeowner’s back porch.

Cut 7 (09) “…jail.”

As of July 4^th, non-felons over the age of 18 can carry a concealed handgun, without a permit but only in-state. Louisiana State Police spokesperson Shelby Mayfield says if you have a permit, you can carry concealed in 37 other states that allow reciprocity.

Cut  13 (07) “…website.” 

23-year-old Colby Stokes from Mount Hermon has been charged with the murders of his grandparents, Beverly and Carley Stokes. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) …I’m Sean Richardson.”

23-year-old Colby Stokes from Washington Parish has been charged with the murders of his grandparents, Beverly and Carley Stokes. The incident happened Wednesday in Mount Hermon where Stoke’s grandparents were shot in their home. Washington Parish Sheriff Jason Smith…

Cut 9 (10) “…of this issue.”

A motive has not been determined but authorities say the suspect, who confessed to the shooting, has had previous mental health and drug issues.

For the first time, the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested three people on charges of second-degree murder for their roles in three overdose deaths from methamphetamine and fentanyl. Sheriff Jason Ard says murder charges related to overdose deaths are rare since detectives must prove that someone gave out a particular controlled dangerous substance that led to death.

Cut 4 (06) “…move forward.”

We are four months away from the election, will President Joe Biden be on the November 5th ballot? Pollster Ron Faucheux says it’s possible Mr. Biden will step aside so another Democrat can face the presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump

Cut 10 (09) “…days ago.”

The Democratic National Convention is August 19th through the 22nd in Chicago.

If you’ve ever been discouraged after seeing someone throw trash out of their car, or rubbish flying out of the back of someone’s truck, now there’s something you can do about it. Susan Russell with Keep Louisiana Beautiful says you can report them by calling 855-LA-Litter.

Cut 13 (10)  “…litter problem.”

That number again is 855-LA-Litter

For the first time, the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested three people on charges of second-degree murder for their roles in overdose deaths from methamphetamine and fentanyl. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

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The Presidential election is four months away, could we see a Democratic candidate other than President Joe Biden on the ballot? Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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There’s a new way to help Keep Louisiana Beautiful by calling the state’s litter hotline at 855-LA-litter. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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For the first time, the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested three people on charges of second-degree murder for their roles in three overdose deaths from methamphetamine and fentanyl. Sheriff Jason Ard says murder charges related to overdose deaths are rare since detectives must prove that someone gave out a particular controlled dangerous substance that led to death.

Cut 4 (06) “…move forward.”

District attorney Scott Perrilloux says Livingston Parish struggles with drug addiction and overdoses; overdose deaths averaged 87 deaths a year from 2019 to 2023 and there have been 43 deaths so far in 2024. He stresses that using drugs is always a gamble.

Cut 5 (11) “…Russian Roulette.”

Ard says officers have taken over 5 million dollars in illegal drugs off the streets, and narcotic detectives seized enough fentanyl to jeopardize the entire Livingston Parish School system. He says his message for the people of Livingston Parish is clear:

Cut 6 (09) “…age is.”

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The Statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is underway through Sunday and extra officers will work overtime looking for impaired drivers. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Spokesperson, Greg Fischer, says the Fourth of July weekend has historically been dangerous during this holiday…

Cut 7 (12) “…seriously injured.

Contrary to popular opinion, Fischer says, most Louisianans are not drinking and driving. He says it’s actually a small percentage of people, but officers are trained to spot them.

Cut 8 (07) “…people safe.”

If you plan to drink, make plans for a designated driver or ride share.

If a driver has a blood-alcohol concentration of Point zero eight or higher, they are over the legal limit and subject to arrest. Fischer says, Alcohol isn’t the only substance that could impair your driving ability…

Cut 9 (11)  “…to jail.”

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We are four months away from the election, will President Joe Biden be on the November 5th ballot? Pollster Ron Faucheux says it’s possible Mr. Biden will step aside so another Democrat can face the presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump

Cut 10 (09) “…days ago.”

President Biden’s poor performance in last week’s presidential debate has led to questions if he’s mentally fit to handle another four years in the Oval office. Faucheux says polling will play a big role in the decision on whether Biden will be the Democrat’s candidate

Cut 11 (10) “…positive ratings.”

Earlier this week, Texas Congressman Lloyd Doggett became the first House Democrat to publicly urge President Biden to remove himself from the 2024 Presidential debate.  Faucheux says many Democrats believe they need to put forward the best candidate to beat Trump and secure a majority in the U-S House and Senate

Cut 12 (11) “…election.” 

The President says he’s running for a second-term and Democratic governors have come out in support of the Biden-Harris ticket. The Democratic National Convention is August 19th through the 22nd in Chicago.

________________________________________________________________

If you’ve ever been discouraged after seeing someone throw trash out of their car, or rubbish flying out of the back of someone’s truck, now there’s something you can do about it. Susan Russell with Keep Louisiana Beautiful says you can report them by calling 855-LA-Litter.

Cut 13 (10)  “…litter problem.”

When reporting the caller should give the violator’s license tag number, make and model of the vehicle along with the location of the incident. Russell if it’s safe to do so take a photo. The call will be routed to the local Wildlife Enforcement Agent.

Cut 14 (09)  “…information.”

Russell says the state spends $94 million annually on litter and there are 144 million pieces of trash on Louisiana roadways.

Cut 15 (07)  “…together.”

Russell says there are other ways you can help, keep your truck bed free of litter, secure your load, use a portable ashtray for cigarette butts, and keep a trash bag in your vehicle for garbage.

___________________________________________________________________

Cut 16 (14) “…I’m really honored.” 

Cut 17 (12) “…everyone involved.”

Cut 18 (11)  “…and as the host.”

___________________________________________________________________

Cut 19 (19) “…adversity.” 

Cut 20 (22) “…overcome that.”

Former WAFB-TV Chief Meteorologist Jay Grymes has been named as the State Climatologist and he’ll report to Governor Jeff Landry and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. Grymes says he’ll also continue to teach at LSU…

Cut 10 (12) “…Louisiana.”
Unfortunately, we might hear from Grymes quite a bit over the next few months as he’s predicting a hyper-hurricane season.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has posted the 24-25 hunting regulations pamphlet on their website. LDWF administrator Tommy Tuma says printed copies of the pamphlets will be available in August at their offices and at vendors where hunting and fishing licenses are sold.

Cut 5 (09) “…Labor Day weekend.”
This season’s pamphlet has the season schedule for the state’s ten deer hunting areas.

Essence Fest is underway in the Big Easy and Kelly Schulz with New Orleans & Company says the four-day event produces a 316 million dollar economic impact for the city and state…

Cut 12 (12) “…to COVID.” 
The headline performers this weekend are Usher and Janet Jackson. Vice President Kamala Harris will moderate a conversation at ESSENCE on Saturday.

If you plan on lighting your own fireworks tonight, the President of the Louisiana Fire Chiefs Association, Tracey Normand, says don’t light fireworks if you’ve been drinking, make sure they are lit 200 feet away from homes and vehicles and never let kids light or handle fireworks…

Cut 7 (11) “…the fire department.”

Former WAFB-TV chief meteorologist Jay Grymes will be the first State Climatologist under GOHSEP. Governor Jeff Landry says though the position existed prior, it was always independent from state government, so implementing a state climatologist under GOHSEP was a priority for him since day one.

Cut 9 (11)  “…weather events.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has posted its 2024-25 hunting regulations pamphlet on their website. Tommy Tuma says the pamphlet contains hunting rules, regulations, and season dates.

Cut 3 (11) “…to look at.” 
Printed copies of the pamphlets will be available in August.

It’s the Fourth of July and that means a lot of people popping off their own fireworks tonight. President of the Louisiana Fire Chiefs Association Tracey Normand says be sure you are not violating any local ordinances. Normand says drinking and driving is not a good idea; drinking and lighting an explosive is a worse idea.

Cut 6 (10) “…our digits.”
The 30^th Anniversary of the Essence Festival of Culture is underway in the Big Easy and among the headliners are Usher and Janet Jackson.  But Kelly Schulz with New Orleans & Company says the event also draws celebrities, influencers, and corporate leaders. She says it’s more than musical performances, it’s all about empowering future leaders.

Cut 13 (10)  “…the community.”

The four-day event has a $316 million economic impact on the city and state.

Governor Jeff Landry has announced Jay Grymes as the first State Climatologist to serve under GOHSEP. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

The first major hurricane of the season Beryl continues to move west-northwest and is forecast to cross the Yucatan Peninsula Friday morning then enter the Gulf of Mexico. Beryl is the first of the predicted four to seven major hurricanes of the season. The highest number of major storms NOAA has ever predicted.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries releases its 2024-25 hunting regulations pamphlet online. LDWF Administrator Tommy Tuma says the pamphlet also defines the gear hunters can use during the season and Wildlife Management rules and regulations.

Cut 4 (09) “…private lands.”

Printed copies will be available in August.

Before you attempt to host your own fireworks show, President of the Louisiana Fire Chiefs Association Tracey Normand says first be sure you aren’t violating any local ordinance. And after you’ve lit your last firecracker, he says you need to properly clean up to avoid an encore light show

Cut 8 (11) “…their obstacle”

According to the Consumer Protection Agency on average 200 people will go to the emergency room for fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4^th

It wouldn’t be Independence Day without fireworks and the President of the Louisiana Fire Chiefs Association has a few safety tips if you decide to put on your own light show.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

Governor Jeff Landry has announced Jay Grymes as the first State Climatologist to serve under GOHSEP. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

____________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries releases its 2024-25 hunting regulations pamphlet online at the LDWF website. The pamphlet contains hunting rules, regulations, and season dates. LDWF Administrator Tommy Tuma…

Cut 3 (11) “…to look at.” 

Tuma says the pamphlet also defines the gear hunters can use during the season and Wildlife Management Area (WMA) rules and regulations.

Cut 4 (09) “…private lands.”

Printed copies of the pamphlets will be available in August at LDWF offices and at vendors where hunting and fishing licenses are sold.

Cut 5 (09) “…Labor Day weekend.”

This season’s pamphlet also has the season schedule for the state’s ten deer hunting areas.

___________________________________

Before you attempt to host your own fireworks show, President of the Louisiana Fire Chiefs Association Tracey Normand says first be sure you aren’t violating any local ordinances. He says drinking and driving isn’t a good idea; drinking and something explosive is a worse idea.

Cut 6 (10) “…our digits.”

The Gonzales Fire Chief says to set off fireworks at least 200 feet away from structures, vehicles, and trash and never to allow children to light or handle fireworks. And make sure you have either a fire extinguisher or water nearby.

Cut 7 (11) “…the fire department.”

And after you’ve lit your last firecracker, Normand says it’s imperative to clean up afterward to avoid an encore light show

Cut 8 (11) “…their obstacle”

According to the Consumer Protection Agency on average 200 people will go to the emergency room for fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4^th holiday.

___________________________________

Jay Grymes will be the first State Climatologist under GOHSEP. Governor Jeff Landry says though the position existed prior, it was always independent from state government, so implementing a state climatologist under GOHSEP was a priority for him since day one.

Cut 9 (11)  “…weather events.”

Grymes comes into the role with over 30 years of experience, including serving as state climatologist from 1991 to 2003. Grymes says he’s looking forward to being state climatologist again, this time in a partnership between GOHSEP and LSU, where he currently teaches.

Cut 10 (12) “…Louisiana.”

GOHSEP Director Jacques Thibodeaux says his department welcomes Grymes’ help in determining what weather events are approaching and how to prepare for them, as well as having a single, official voice from the state government on climate and weather.

Cut 11 (1) “…what we’re facing.”

Grymes will continue teaching at LSU while serving as state climatologist.

___________________________________

The 30^th Anniversary of the Essence Festival of Culture is underway in the Big Easy and Kelly Schulz with New Orleans & Company says the four-day event is a 4^th of July tradition. She says the economic impact for the city and state is as much as $316 million.

Cut 12 (12) “…to COVID.” 

The headliners this year are Usher and Janet Jackson. Schulz says the event also draws celebrities, influencers, and corporate leaders. She says it’s more than musical performances, it’s all about empowering future leaders.

Cut 13 (10)  “…the community.”

And in honor of the festival’s 30^th anniversary, Schulz says the July/August issue of Essence magazine is a love letter to New Orleans.

Cut 14 (12)  “…well beyond.”

She says Essence is devoting $45,000 to support local schools and organizations across New Orleans.  Vice President Kamala Harris is also attending the festival for a third year.

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Cut 15 (11)  “…adjustments.”

Cut 16 (14) “…I’m really honored.” 

Cut 17 (12) “…everyone involved.”

Cut 18 (11)  “…and as the host.”

___________________________________________________________________

Cut 19 (19) “…adversity.” 

Cut 20 (22) “…overcome that.”

Angola has been ordered to improve the conditions for inmates who are required to work farm labor at the state penitentiary. A Louisiana Middle District Court Judge ruled in favor of the plaintiff Tuesday ordering the prison to quickly correct what he called glaring deficiencies of their heat-related policies.

The University Medical Center New Orleans has launched its Healthy Brain Aging Initiative to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

Beginning tomorrow non-felons over the age of 18 can carry a concealed handgun without a permit in Louisiana. New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez who authored the legislation says it’s a historic moment in Louisiana.

Cut 10 (08) “…violent criminals.”

He says all the same restrictions, obligations, and responsibilities under constitutional carry still apply as they do with a concealed carry permit.
Recreational red snapper season will be weekends-only after a brief close in the season from July 7 to 12. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Director of Marine Fisheries Chris Schieble (shee-ble) there have been

similar pauses in the past couple of years and he urges anglers to remember this is nothing new or drastic.

Cut 15 (11)  “…adjustments.”

The season runs until Labor Day.