A bizarre story out of southwest Louisiana. A four-year-old was found dead Monday in a lake behind the Vinton Welcome Center, while her one-year-old brother was found alive in a ditch along I-10….
cut 2 (34) “….I’m Brooke Thorington”

U-S Senator Bill Cassidy says President Joe Biden should take a cognitive test and the results should be made public. Cassidy has concerns Mr. Biden would not perform well on that cognitive test…
cut 19 (08) “…of the United States”
Biden says he’s staying in the presidential race and expects to beat Donald Trump.

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 increasing…
Cut 8 (10) “…as it did.”
Pack says hiring also continues to be an issue for small business owners.

The state Department of Education says there was a ten-percent increase in reading on grade level for K-through-3rd graders during the last school year. That’s based on results of a literacy screener given at the beginning and end of the school year. Deputy Superintendent Doctor Jenna Chaisson says the screener assesses reading ability to identify areas needing improvement and progress….
cut 5 (10) “….achievement level”
The overall improvement reflects the effectiveness of the state’s literacy plan, which includes phonics instruction and teacher training.