NOAA will provide an update this morning to its Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook. Back in May they predicted between 14 and 21 named storms and so far there have only been three named storms and no hurricanes through June and July for the first time since 2017. But State Climatologist Barry Keim says there’s every expectation 2022 will still be an above-average hurricane season…
cut 5 (10) “….this year”
Keim says above average sea temperatures coupled with a La Nina, tend to create a busy hurricane season and both are in place.

The dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico is smaller than last year…
cut 10 (03) “…..3,300 square miles”
That’s LSU marine ecologist Nancy Rabalais who says that’s less than half the size of last year. The dead zone is an area of low oxygen and Rabalais says a combination of weather events led to the smaller size this year.

Today in Baton Rouge, the first-ever Louisiana School Safety Summit. Kevin Gallagher on what it’s all about…:
Cut 2 (33) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The SafeSchools Louisiana app has been deployed to more than 500 schools across the state. New Orleans Crimestoppers President Darlene Cusanza says the app gives students and parents a way to anonymously report on-campus concerns, like guns, fights, drugs, or even potential self-harm.
Cut 13 (09) “…whatever it is.”
Anonymous tips are monitored and once vetted, assigned representatives are immediately notified for engagement.

NOAA will give an update this morning on the current Atlantic Hurricane Season and if their earlier predictions remain on track. Brooke Thorington has more from a local climatologist.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Today in Baton Rouge, the first-ever Louisiana School Safety Summit. Kevin Gallagher has more on what it’s all about…:

Cut 2 (33) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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The Gulf of Mexico’s infamous dead zone is much smaller than usual this year, that ought to be good news for shrimpers but is it? Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

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This morning NOAA will issue its yearly August update to the Atlantic Hurricane season and even though it’s been quiet so far, State Climatologist Barry Keim says he doesn’t expect their update to differ greatly from the original of 14 to 21 named storms, in which six to 10 would be major hurricanes.

Cut 4 (11)  “…teeth of the season.”

Keim believes there’s every expectation that 2022 will still be an above-average hurricane season despite how quiet it’s been so far.

Cut 5 (10) “…this year.”

Above average sea temperatures coupled with a La Nina, tend to create a busy hurricane season. Keim says both are in place and it’s too early to let our guard down just yet. He says traditionally the busiest part of the season runs from mid-August until the first week of October.

Cut 6 (09)  “…of the season.”

NOAA will give their update at 10 AM.

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State Education leaders and the Louisiana State Police will host the state’s first-ever School Safety Summit in Baton Rouge today. Education superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley says this is an important event about a very serious topic: keeping kids safe while at school…:

Cut 7 (08) “…for all of us.”

The summit will bring together school system leaders from all over the state…plus state and local law enforcement, government agencies, mental health providers, and more to discuss best practices for school safety and dealing with emergencies. Brumley says in over 70 percent of school violence incidents, a student knew something was amiss but told no one…:

Cut 8 (10)  “…and reporting that.”

Brumley says there needs to be talk of how to best control who gets in during school hours…:

Cut 9 (07)  “…in one door.”

The School Safety Summit is today at the Baton Rouge River Center.

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Surprising news about the Gulf of Mexico’s infamous dead zone. It’s much smaller than usual. LSU ecologist Nancy Rabalais:

Cut 10 (03) “…3,300 square miles.”

She says it’s smaller because the Mississippi River’s flow rate is slower than usual. The river carries agricultural runoff that smothers the oxygen that fish need.

Rabalais says the key to reducing the Gulf’s dead zone is to reduce runoff from upstream farms:

Cut  11 (09)  “…right now.” 

Rabalais says the dead zone makes it harder for shrimpers:

Cut 12 (06) “…natural shrimp.” 

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The SafeSchools Louisiana app has been deployed to more than 500 schools across the state. Crimestoppers President Darlene Cusanza says the app gives students and parents a way to anonymously report on-campus concerns, like guns, fights, drugs, or even potential self-harm. She says the whole idea is to be preventative.

Cut 13 (09) “…whatever it is.”

Cusanza says when a threat is reported it’s a team approach with local law enforcement and school leaders.

Cut 14 (11)  “…done properly.”

When using the SafeSchools Louisiana app, which is free to download, you look up the city where the school is located and follow the prompts. Cusanza says it asks you what you need to report and how you know the information.

Cut 15 (10)  “…anonymous.”

If your school isn’t partnered with the app, Cusanza says school leaders should reach out to Crimestoppers to have their school trained and added to the system.

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After missing the first six days of training camp, Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu has finally joined his teammates at training camp. Mathieu attending to a family matter and head coach Dennis Allen says his time away shouldn’t hurt his ability to pick up the defense…

Cut 16 (23)  “….football conditioning” .

Several guys have stood out during the first few days of training camp. One guy that keeps getting compliments is guard Cesar Ruiz the latest came from veteran guard Andrus Peat…

Cut 17 (23) “…getting better ” 

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The battle for starting quarterback at Louisiana Tech is officially underway as the Bulldogs held their first practice of preseason camp yesterday. First-year head coach Sonny Cumbie says Matthew Downing and Parker McNeil are the two with the most experience, but that doesn’t mean others can’t get into it…

cut  18 (12) “   they execute”

Cumbie says as he watches the quarterback battle unfold it’s important that the Q-Bs just focus on their performance…

 cut 19 (27) _“…do get” 

Cumbie says the linebackers moved around well during the first practice…

Cut 20 (12) “ …dig route 

Legislation to enhance and change oversite of the state’s medical marijuana program went into effect this month. Houma Representative Tanner Magee’s bill allows existing marijuana licensed pharmacies to have satellite pharmacies, so the product is more accessible and oversite is transferred the Department of Health, which has more labs to assure speedy supply.

CUT 04  (07)        “…lot of delays.”

The law doesn’t increase the number of licensed growers; just the places where medical cannabis is available.

New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter is a co-chair of a new Bipartisan Congressional Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Caucus. Carter says they will work to improve the federal government’s response to natural disasters.

Cut 6 (10) “…the storm.” 

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins says he’s appealing the court’s decision to disqualify him from re-election. A lawsuit filed by a Shreveport resident alleged Perkins did not live at the address he listed on qualifying papers. Perkins says there are those who seek to block him from another term in office, by preventing supporters from voting for him…:

CUT 11(06)      “…of your rights.”

The Louisiana Department of Education says public school students performed better on LEAP tests during the 2021-22 school year compared to the previous year due to the pandemic. Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says mastery rates for students in grades three through eighth improved three points in both math and English

Cut 12 (07) “..back north”  

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins has filed an appeal of a local judge’s decision disqualifying him from running for re-election in the fall. The judge agreed with plaintiffs that Perkins provided an incorrect address when qualifying to run; a breach of state election law. Perkins says he is being targeted by a political foe…:

CUT 10(10)      “…to steal your vote.”

The 2^nd Circuit Appeals Court will hear Perkins’ case.

Good education news: Louisiana kids did better on LEAP tests in the 2021-22 school year. Education superintendent Cade Brumley says the increase in math and English scores can be linked with getting kids back into the classroom, despite COVID concerns…:

CUT 14(09)      “…upcoming year”

He says LEAP numbers were up in 80-percent of school systems.

A law that changes oversite and the number of pharmacies for the state’s medical marijuana program is now in effect. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Thorington.”

Baton Rouge area state Senator Mack “Bodi” White has been hospitalized with COVID-19. White recently had spinal surgery, so this just adds to his discomfort. A spokesman for the senator says he is recovering well and in good spirits. White is 66 years old.

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins has filed an appeal of a local judge’s decision that he was disqualified from running for re-election this fall. A lawsuit filed by a Shreveport resident alleged Perkins did not live at the address he listed on qualifying papers, and the judge agreed. Perkins says he is not out of the race yet…:

CUT 09(08)      “…fight for our democracy.”

Perkins says polling shows him as a sure thing for re-election, and there are those who seek to block him from another term in office, by preventing supporters from voting for him.

New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter is a co-chair of a new Bipartisan Congressional Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Caucus. Carter says with natural disasters increasing all over the country, it’s time to hold federal agency heads more accountable…:

CUT 08(09)      “…major storm.”

The Louisiana Department of Education says public school students performed better on LEAP tests last school year. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Palermo.”

A Baton Rouge woman is under arrest after her 2-year-old overdosed on fentanyl and died. This happened in late June. The boy’s sister reportedly told deputies he (quote) ate mom’s pills. Whitney Ard is charged with negligent homicide.

A law that changes oversite and the number of pharmacies for the state’s medical marijuana program is now in effect. More from Brooke Thorington…”

CUT 01(32)      “…Thorington.”

The widening of Interstate 12 through St. Tammany Parish will be delayed slightly. Contractors says they’ve had some troubles with driving pilings into the Tchefuncte River bed, for a widened bridge there. Now this phase of the project is expected to be done by next summer.

New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter is a co-chair of a new Bipartisan Congressional Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Caucus. Carter says the goal is to be more proactive in the response to natural disasters…:

CUT 07(06)      “…a rapid recovery”

Carter says with natural disasters increasing all over the country, it’s time to hold federal agency heads more accountable.

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins addresses his disqualification from the fall election and says he will not take the Caddo Parish court’s decision lying down. A lawsuit filed by a Shreveport resident alleged Perkins did not live at the address he listed on qualifying papers, and the judge agreed. Perkins says there are those who seek to block him from another term in office, by preventing supporters from voting for him…:

CUT 11(06)      “…of your rights.”

Perkins has filed his appeal of the judge’s decision.

A law that changes oversite and the number of pharmacies for the state’s medical marijuana program is now in effect. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Louisiana Department of Education says public school students performed better on LEAP tests  last school year. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Legislation to enhance and change oversite of the state’s medical marijuana program went into effect this month. Houma Representative Tanner Magee’s legislation allows existing marijuana licensed pharmacies to have satellite pharmacies so the product is more accessible for those with cannabis prescriptions.

Cut 3 (07) “…access.” 

Instead of the State Department of Agriculture regulating medical marijuana, oversite is transferred to the Louisiana Department of Health. Magee says LDH has more labs which should speed up the process of getting the product to the pharmacies.

Cut 4  (07) “…a lot of delays.”

In addition, to the current nine licensed pharmacies, a tenth one will be added. Magee says it will be awarded in the greater New Orleans area. Magee says with more satellite pharmacies the hope is that it will increase competition and decrease prices so it’s more affordable for those who need it.

Cut 5  (11) “…same time”

The law doesn’t increase the number of licensed growers and pharmacy operators, but it does allow licensed pharmacy operators to open more than one location.

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New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter is a co-chair of a new Bipartisan Congressional Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Caucus. Carter says they will work to improve the federal government’s response to natural disasters.

Cut 6 (10) “…the storm.” 

Carter says the goal is to be more proactive in the response to natural disasters.

Cut 7 (06) “…recovery.” 

Carter says with natural disasters increasing all over the country, it’s time to hold federal agency heads more accountable.

Cut 8 (09) “…major storm.”

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Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins addresses his disqualification from the fall election and says he will not take the Caddo Parish court’s decision lying down. A lawsuit filed by a Shreveport resident alleged Perkins did not live at the address he listed on qualifying papers, and the judge agreed. Perkins says he is not out of the race yet…:

Cut 9 (08)  “…fight for our democracy.”

Louisiana law dictates that unless a candidate is in a nursing home, veterans’ home, or is running for the U. S. House or Senate, they must be registered to vote from the same address where they claim a homestead exemption. The lawsuit claims Perkins lives in a downtown condo; not the address he listed. Perkins says he is being targeted by a political foe…:

Cut 10 (10) “…to steal your vote.” 

Perkins says polling shows him as a sure thing for re-election, and there are those who seek to block him from another term in office, by preventing supporters from voting for him…:

Cut 11 (06)  “…of your rights.”

Perkins has filed his appeal of Judge Brady O’Callaghan’s decision with the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.

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The Louisiana Department of Education says public school students  performed better on LEAP tests during the 2021-22 school year after seeing test scores fall in the previous school year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says mastery rates for students in grades three through eighth improved three points in both math and English

Cut 12 (07) “..back north”  

Brumley says 80-percent of Louisiana school systems improved their mastery rate when compared to 2020-21. He says fewer Louisiana students scored unsatisfactory, including a three-point decrease in students scoring unsatisfactory in math…

Cut 13 (11) “…in math”

Brumley says K-12 education is on the rise in Louisiana because schools were mainly open last school year and kids are in the classroom despite COVID concerns…

Cut 14 (09)  “…upcoming year.” 

New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter is a co-chair of a new Bipartisan Congressional Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Caucus. Carter says they will work to improve the federal government’s response to natural disasters.

Cut 6 (10) “…the storm.” 

The Louisiana Department of Education says public school students performed better on LEAP tests during the 2021-22 school year after seeing test scores fall in the previous school year due to the pandemic. Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says fewer students scored unsatisfactory, including a three-point decrease in students scoring unsatisfactory in math…

Cut 13 (11) “…in math”

Legislation to enhance and change oversite of the state’s medical marijuana program went into effect this month. Houma Representative Tanner Magee’s bill allows existing marijuana licensed pharmacies to have satellite pharmacies, so the product is more accessible for those with cannabis prescriptions.

Cut 3 (07) “…access.” 
Instead of the State Department of Agriculture regulating medical marijuana, oversite is transferred to the Louisiana Department of Health.

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins addresses his disqualification from the fall election and says he will not take the Caddo Parish court’s decision lying down. A lawsuit filed by a Shreveport resident alleged Perkins did not live at the address he listed on qualifying papers, and the judge agreed. Perkins says he is being targeted by a political foe…:

Cut 10 (10) “…to steal your vote.” 

Perkins has filed an appeal to the ruling.