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.”

It’s no longer necessary to have a permit to conceal carry a gun in most cases as a result of a new law that went into effect on the Fourth of July, but Louisiana State Police is recommending gun owners have a permit. The L-S-P says a permit holder receives valuable handgun safety training and without a permit you cannot conceal carry in most other states.

Louisiana residents can now report acts of litter to a hotline. That number is 8-5-5, L-A- Litter. Keep Louisiana Beautiful Director Susan Russell says When reporting the caller should give the violator’s license plate number, make and model of the vehicle along with the location of the incident. She says 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.”

It’s a Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over weekend which means the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has provided funds to local law enforcement officers to specifically look for impaired drivers. Greg Fisher says If a driver has a blood-alcohol concentration of point zero eight or higher, they are over the legal limit and subject to arrest. He says alcohol isn’t the only substance that could impair driving…
Cut 9 (11) “…to jail.”

If you see someone littering, there’s now a phone number you can call to report it. The new litter hotline number is 855-LA-Litter and it will be managed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Keep Louisiana Beautiful Director Susan Russell says the state spends 91-million dollars annually on litter and there are 144 million pieces of trash on Louisiana roadways…
cut 15 (07) “….together”
Russell says litter hurts the environment, the state’s economy and quality of life.

Three House Democrats are now calling for President Biden to end his re-election campaign. Pollster Ron Faucheux…
Cut 12 (11) “…election.”
The President says he’s running for a second-term and Democratic governors say they are supporting the Biden-Harris ticket.

The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested three people for their roles in the overdose of three different people from methamphetamine and fentanyl. This is the first time the parish has used a law that allows for a murder charge against the person who supplies a drug to an overside victim. District attorney Scott Perrilloux…
cut 5 (11) “…Russian Roulette”

Law enforcement are also upping patrols this weekend in an effort to keep drunk drivers off the roads. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Greg Fischer says they are in the middle of a Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over law enforcement campaign…
cut 8 (07) “….people safe”
If you plan to drink, make plans for a designated driver or use a ride share.

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 President says no one is pushing him out of the race.

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 deadly…
Cut 7 (12) “…seriously injured.
Two people were killed early Thursday morning in a head-on crash in Avoyelles Parish.

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.”

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. Surveillance video shows two women taking the dogs off their leashes from the homeowner’s back porch. The puppies whereabouts are still unknown.

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.”

________________________________________

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.

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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.

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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.”

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

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 for the state.

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”
According to the U-S Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were eight deaths and 97-hundred injuries involving fireworks nationwide in 2023.

The Essence Festival gets underway today 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.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has posted its 2024-25 hunting regulations pamphlet on the LDWF 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 at L-D-W-F offices.

A 23-year-old man is facing murder charges after he allegedly fatally shot his grandparents. The Washington Parish Sheriff’s office says they began investigating the shooting in the Mount Hermon area after Colby Stokes told a neighbor he shot his grandparents. The neighbor called 9-1-1 and Stokes was arrested without incident.

It’s the Fourth of July and the President of the Louisiana Fire Chiefs Association has a few safety tips if you decide to have your own light show…
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Former WAFB-TV chief meteorologist Jay Grymes has been named as the State Climatologist and he’ll report directly to Governor Jeff Landry and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. GOHSEP Director Jacques Thibodeaux says Grymes will help the state prepare for weather events…
cut 11 (11) “…what we’re facing”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has posted the 2024-25 hunting regulations pamphlet on the L-D-W-F website. LDWF administrator Tommy Tuma says 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 has the season schedule for the state’s ten deer hunting areas.