A long overdue honor for a Louisiana military hero killed in action eight decades ago. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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President Trump has threatened to phase out FEMA following the current hurricane season. Governor Landry was asked if that would really happen. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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An Iranian woman taken by ICE from her New Orleans home last month is back home. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A long overdue honor for a Louisiana military hero who was killed in action more than eight decades ago. Marine Private First Class Harry LeBert was killed in June of 1944 during World War Two. However, Louisiana V-A Secretary Charlton Meginley says his remains went unidentified for many years.

Cut 4 (08) “…World War Two.”

LeBert’s remains were transferred to the Philippines in the 1950s; and three years ago, they were transferred again to Hawaii, where forensic scientists conducted DNA testing. With 95-percent of LeBert’s remains intact, that helped scientists conclusively put LeBert’s name with the body. Meginley says LeBert was interred July 2nd at Southwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery.

Cut 5 (10) “…was finally home.”

Meginley says while the LeBert family finally got the closure that it had been waiting for, countless others are still waiting.

Cut 6 (09) “…to be identified.”

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The FEMA Review Council, which is looking to make major reforms to the federal disaster response agency, held its second meeting in New Orleans. Last month, President Trump said he wants to phase out FEMA after the current hurricane season. Governor Jeff Landry, who attended yesterday’s meeting, says the President’s goal is to have a competent and functional agency whether that’s FEMA or something else.

Cut 7 (10) “…that need”

Reforms were made to FEMA following hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. But Landry says the agency still requires too much red tape when it comes to providing financial relief following a natural disaster.

Cut 8 (12) “…in 2020.”

Landry says local governments and residents should not have to wait years for FEMA to distribute disaster aid.

Cut 9 (11)  “…implement it.”

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Colorado State University researchers have decreased their hurricane season forecast. Experts are now predicting 16 named storms, including eight hurricanes and three major hurricanes, one less than the school’s initial prediction for each category. C-S-U lead researcher Phil Klotzbach credits wind shear in the Caribbean.

Cut 10 (10) “…the reduction.”

Researchers still predict slightly above average activity due to warm Atlantic temperatures and other conditions conducive to hurricane formation and intensification. Klotzbach says the wind shear and Saharan dust have deterred tropical formation so far this summer.

Cut 11 (11) “..potentially substantially.”

Researchers now say there’s a 31-percent chance of a major hurricane making landfall along the Gulf Coast. Klotzbach says Colorado State will release its final forecast August 6th, when activity historically ramps up.

Cut 12 (13) “…hurricane season.”

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A 64-year-old Iranian woman taken from her New Orleans home by ICE agents last month is back home. Masked men wearing tactical gear took Donna Kashanian (ka-SHAHN-ee-in) from her home on June 22nd while she was gardening. It happened in the wake of the U.S. bombing Iranian targets. Kashanian was set to be deported to Iran; but on Monday, she was released following national outcry and outreach from elected officials from both parties, including New Orleans Republican State Representative Stephanie Hilferty.

Cut 13 (11)  “…to the administration.”

Hilferty says those letters of support described how much of an upstanding member of the community Kashanian is.

Cut 14 (12) “…teacher organization there.”

Kashanian first came to the U.S. in 1978 on a student visa and applied for asylum after the shah was overthrown a year later. She eventually was allowed to remain in the U.S. as long as she checked in with immigration authorities, which she never failed to do. She married her husband in 1990, and the couple raised a daughter. Hilferty says now that Kashanian is back home, she wants to make sure she stays home.

Cut 15 (06) “…attorney on that.”

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The Pelicans tip off Summer League action in Las Vegas today at 2:30 against the Timberwolves. The New Orleans summer league roster is headlined by first-round duo Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen, and last year’s first-rounder Yves Missi. McNeese forward Christian Shumate played against Fears in high school.

Cut 16 (15) “…in the future.”

Shumate, a Chicago native, spent four years in Lake Charles, where he helped revitalize the Cowboys program along with coach Will Wade. Shumate helped McNeese to back-to-back tournament appearances and signed to the Pels Summer League roster after graduating.

Cut 17 (19)  “…back here.”

The Pelicans also signed former LSU center Will Baker to the Summer League squad.

Wind and solar power tax credits created during the Biden Administration are being phased out, thanks to the budget bill signed by President Trump. These tax credits help energy companies pay for projects that produce solar and wind energy. Dr. Greg Upton, the director of LSU’s Center for Energy Studies, says without this federal subsidy, ratepayers will have to pay for these investments, but the impact to the consumer is several years away.

Cut 3 (09) “…the facility.”

Louisiana Democrats say they plan on making inroads ahead of the midterm elections by launching what they call the “Fight For Our Lives.” State Party Executive Director Dadrius (“Darius”) Lanus says that involves reaching out to people from outside the party.

Cut 9 (09)  “…that we build.”

The Saints trade in black for white with their new alternate helmet. Kace Kieschnick has more

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

University High-Baton Rouge two-way lineman Lamar Brown is set to make his college commitment at 12:15 p.m. tomorrow. Most outlets have Brown a top ten recruit, and ESPN has him as its top overall prospect. While LSU is the odds-on favorite to land Brown, given that his high school’s stadium is in Tiger Stadium’s shadow, Texas A-and-M is also very much in the mix.

A 64-year-old Iranian woman taken from her New Orleans home by ICE agents last month is back home. With the help of Congressman Steve Scalise and others, Donna Kashanian (ka-SHAHN-ee-in) was released from ICE custody this week. She had been living in the U.S. legally since 1978. After U.S. military planes bombed targets in Iran, Kashanian was taken from her home June 22nd by masked ICE agents wearing tactical gear as she was tending to her garden. Following national outcry and outreach from elected officials from both parties, Kashanian was allowed to return home as her case plays out.

Louisiana Democrats say they plan on making inroads ahead of the midterm elections by launching what they call the “Fight For Our Lives.” State Party Executive Director Dadrius (“Darius”) Lanus says the party can become a better party by Louisiana becoming a better state.

Cut 11 (10) “…collectively.”

For decades cotton was king. But this year the Louisiana cotton crop is expected to be the smallest in history. State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says farmers will not spend time growing a crop that’s hard to turn a profit.

Cut 13 (05)  “…other crops.”

The number of cotton gins has also declined from 56 in 2001 to 15 today. 

University High in Baton Rouge two-way lineman Lamar Brown is set to make his commitment at 12:15 p.m. tomorrow. Zach Nagy of SI on LSU says he’s been a top priority for LSU’s staff, who currently have two D-line commits in the 2026 class.

Cut 8 (14) “…and he knows it.”

Qualifying begins today for the October 11th election, and the biggest race in the state is the mayor’s race in New Orleans. The current mayor, LaToya Cantrell, is term-limited and cannot seek a third term. UNO pollster Ed Chervenak expects several candidates will sign up to qualify over the next three days; and as it stands now, four of them have a shot.

Cut 10 (07) “…from running.”

Bill Cassidy may be in for the fight of his political life next April with two prominent Republicans running against him for the party’s nomination in the state’s newly-closed primary election. But Louisiana Democratic Party Executive Director Dadrius (“Darius”) Lanus says if Cassidy survives, that won’t be his only fight next year.

Cut 7 (08) “…run against him.”

And Lanus says Democrats will also field strong candidates to run for the four Congressional seats currently held by Republicans.

Wind and solar power tax credits created during the Biden Administration are being phased out, thanks to the budget bill signed by President Trump. These tax credits help energy companies pay for projects that produce solar and wind energy. Dr. Greg Upton, the director of LSU’s Center for Energy Studies, says without this federal subsidy, ratepayers will have to pay for these investments, but the impact to the consumer is several years away.

Cut 3 (09) “…the facility.”

A delegation from the Saints, including owner Gayle Benson and linebacker Demario Davis, is on a relationship-building mission in France this week. Also among the delegation is Senior Vice President of Communications Greg Bensel; he says they will be launching flag football this Sunday with their European League of Football counterparts, the Paris Musketeers.

Cut 13 (07)  “…in the NFL.”

Louisiana Democrats say the gloves are off for the midterms. State Party Executive Director Dadrius (“Darius”) Lanus says with the passage of what Republicans call the Big Beautiful Bill and what Democrats call the Big Ugly Bill, Democrats are coming after Republicans, especially Senator Bill Cassidy.

Cut 9 (08)  “…House Speaker Johnson.”

ULM receives the final nine million dollars in state funding required to complete the renovation of Sugar Hall. It opened in 1971 to house its College of Pharmacy before it moved to the Bienville Campus in 2005. University President Dr. Carrie Castille says Sugar Hall is ingrained in Louisiana healthcare.

Cut 4 (12) “…sciences programs.”

Sugar Hall is expected to reopen next year.

Candidates seeking to replace term-limited New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell can officially qualify today for the October 11th primary. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Saints have just unveiled their new alternate helmets. They’re white with tiny black specks, a gold fleur-de-lis logo on the side and a gold facemask. The stripe down the middle consists of a wide gold stripe dotted with tiny fleur-de-lis, flanked with black stripes with a thin white gap in between.

The United Cajun Navy is helping with the search and rescue operation in the Texas Hill Country, where at least 110 people have been killed in flash floods. Vice President Brian Trascher says they will remain there until officials say they have everything under control.

Cut 8 (15) “…easier on us.”

As of this morning, United Cajun Navy searchers have recovered 11 bodies.

The United Way of Southwest Louisiana is responding to the disaster through its UnitedGulf disaster relief campaign. Volunteer Coordinator Ashley Norman says they don’t need any supplies there; the very best thing you can donate right now is money. By doing so, you’re not creating additional logistical headaches.

Cut 10 (06) “…of the area.”

Iberville Parish Sheriff Brett Stassi says St. Gabriel police officer Devin Boutte was under investigation and had a relationship with his suspected killer. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Get ready for a new look for the Saints tomorrow, as the team will be unveiling a new alternate helmet. Will it be white? Will it be the original shade of old gold? Or will it be something completely zany? Well, likely not the latter, but we’ll all find out tomorrow. A new alternate uniform will also be unveiled sometime before training camp.

The United Cajun Navy is helping with the search and rescue operation in the Texas Hill Country, where more than 100 people have been killed in flash floods. So far, United Cajun Navy searchers have found 11 bodies. Vice President Brian Trascher says they have sent people with very specific backgrounds to the scene.

Cut 6 (14) “…kind of experience.”

The United Way of Southwest Louisiana is responding to the disaster through its UnitedGulf disaster relief campaign. Volunteer Coordinator Ashley Norman says the very best thing you can donate right now is money.

Cut 9 (09)  “…of logistical work.”

Text UNITEDGULF to 40403.

Iberville Parish Sheriff Brett Stassi says St. Gabriel police officer Devin Boutte was under investigation and had a relationship with his suspected killer. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

LSU head baseball coach Jay Johnson was named D1 Baseball Coach of the Year after winning his second national title in Baton Rouge. It is his second time receiving the honor after earning the same award from the American Baseball Coaches Association in June. Johnson is the fastest coach to win two national titles with a program after taking home two trophies in four years at LSU.

A St. Gabriel police captain is stabbed to death inside his home. Captain Devin Boutte (BOO-tee) allegedly had an on-and-off domestic relationship with 25-year-old Warren Mitchell and was under investigation for corruption. Iberville Parish Sheriff Brett Stassi (STASS-ee) says Mitchell sold drugs for Boutte and admitted to stabbing him multiple times.

Cut 3 (11) “…doing together.”

The United Cajun Navy is helping with the search and rescue operation in the Texas Hill Country, where more than 100 people have been killed in flash floods. Vice President Brian Trascher says they will remain there until officials say they have everything under control.

Cut 8 (15) “…easier on us.”

So far, United Cajun Navy searchers have recovered 11 bodies.

A Louisiana Tech senior is being hailed a hero after helping lead 14 young campers to safety during deadly flash floods in central Texas. Sean Richardson has more on the heroism of Emma Foltz.

Cut 1 (22) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The United Way is responding to the disaster through its UnitedGulf disaster relief campaign. If you’d like to help, Text UNITEDGULF to 40403.

And now, a look at today’s commodities.

A Louisiana Tech senior is being hailed a hero after helping lead 14 young campers to safety during deadly flash floods in central Texas. Sean Richardson has more on the heroism of Emma Foltz.

Cut 1 (22) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Bickering between the political parties over the budget bill’s effects on Medicaid continues. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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An invasive ant species not native to the U.S. has been found in Louisiana. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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A Louisiana Tech student is being hailed a hero after helping lead 14 young campers to safety during deadly flash floods in central Texas. student Emma Foltz, a counselor at Camp Mystic near Kerrville, acted quickly as rising waters flooded cabins early Friday. Louisiana Tech President Jim Henderson says he couldn’t be prouder.

Cut 4 (10) “…Louisiana Tech students.”

Governor Jeff Landry praised the Louisiana Tech senior for her courage under pressure. The flooding, which has killed more than 100 people with ten campers still unaccounted for, devastated the camp and surrounding areas. Henderson says Foltz and others moved campers to higher ground.

Cut 5 (08) “…what’s going on.”

Henderson says as the semester is set to start soon, Louisiana Tech will support her and learn from her example. He says she and exhibits the 12 tenets that define Louisiana Tech students.

Cut 6 (10) “…adversity strikes.”

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The bickering over the budget bill’s effects on Medicaid continues between the political parties. Louisiana Democratic Party Executive Director Dadrius Lanus says the bill will destroy families who depend on Medicaid for health care coverage.

Cut 7 (14) “…and big corporations.”

Lanus says the cuts to Medicaid will hit Louisiana very hard.

Cut 8 (11) “…access basic care.”

Lanus says 33 rural hospitals across the state are projected to close, including 11 in Speaker Mike Johnson’s district. Johnson says the alarm bells that Democrats are sounding are completely overblown. He says what they fail to mention is that those who are able to will now be required to work or volunteer for 20 hours a week in order to receive Medicaid benefits.

Cut 9 (11)  “…help pull it.”

Johnson says when those people go to work, their Medicare taxes will help ensure that anyone who needs the benefit can get it.

Cut 10 (08) “…desperately need it.”

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Ascension Public Schools retained the top spot in Louisiana for the percentage of students in grades 3 through 12 achieving mastery or advanced levels on the 2024-25 LEAP state tests, with 53-percent meeting those benchmarks. Superintendent Edith Walker praised the achievement while reaffirming the district’s commitment to every student’s success.

Cut 11 (09) “…as well.”

The district also ranked in the top three for performance among economically disadvantaged students, African American students, and students with disabilities. Walker says Ascension Public School focuses on all students.

Cut 12 (13) “…comes to us.”

Walker says this is the second year Ascension has taken the top spot, but says she its ultimately about Louisiana students and having communication with other districts, parents and superintendents is crucial for continued growth throughout the state.

Cut 13 (13)  “…them as well.”

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An invasive species of ants not native to the U.S. has been detected in Louisiana. A colony of the Asian needle ant was detected in East Baton Rouge Parish last month. Aaron Ashbrook, an entomology professor at LSU, says as the name implies, the species is native to Japan and China, although it’s been in the U.S. since the 1930s; and it was recently found in the South.

Cut 14 (15) “…given its proximity.”

Ashbrook says unlike fire ants, the Asian needle ant is not a mound-forming ant.

Cut 15 (12) “…feed upon termites.”

Ashbrook says you should protect yourself by wearing gloves, especially after a good rain storm.

Cut 16 (12) “…sting the individual.”

And the Asian needle ant’s sting is much more painful than that of the fire ant. Ashbrook says the best way to control Asian needle ants is to apply scatter baits in areas where you see them foraging. They would then take that bait back to their nests and share it with their colony-mates.

12 firefighters from various Louisiana fire departments are in Texas to help in the response in the catastrophic flooding that has so far killed 95 people. Baton Rouge Fire Chief Michael Kimble says they are some of the most qualified and dedicated individuals around.

Cut 10 (10) “…go help somebody.”

Trained in swift water rescue and urban search and rescue, the firefighters are equipped with advanced rescue boats and specialized gear to save lives in flood emergencies.

One man is dead and five others are hurt in a shooting in Natchitoches early Sunday morning. Police Sergeant John Greely says at this time, it’s unclear what led up to the shooting.

Cut 5 (05) “…towards this case.”

18-year-old Latravion Stallworth was killed. The other five were taken to hospitals. As of earlier today, three had been released, and two were listed in stable condition. 

Congratulations to Garrett Nussmeier, he got down on one knee over the holiday weekend to propose to his longtime girlfriend. Jeff Palermo has the happy story…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

President Trump signed the big budget bill on the Fourth of July. Senator Bill Cassidy says it expands business incentives.

Cut 7 (12) “…create those jobs.”