The lawyer representing Attorney General Liz Murrill says the Orleans Parish grand jury which indicted her client on 16 felony counts had leaked information, in violation of the law. Laura Rodrigue says that would give Murrill great concern about Orleans Parish grand juries as a whole.

Cut 11 (09) “…in New Orleans?”

Students in grades three through 12 achieve the highest statewide performance ever on the LEAP test, with 36-percent scoring Mastery or Advanced. State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley says that’s especially notable, especially given what the state has been through in the seven years that he’s been the education superintendent.

Cut 13 (12) “…educators had prevailed.”

A person was killed in the shooting of a Shreveport officer outside a downtown bar early yesterday morning. Bar owner Tim Huck says four people were fighting in an alley next to the business when the officer stepped in.

Cut 6 (11) “…wrong time.”

Huck says the officer’s bulletproof vest did its job, and her injuries are non-life-threatening. 

DOTD is taking the next steps in building the I-49 Lafayette Connector by signing a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement. The connector is part of a larger I-49 project to upgrade U.S. Highway 90 to Interstate standards and improve the commute between Lafayette and the Gulf Coast and eventually New Orleans. Deidra Druilhet with DOTD says Lafayette is part of one of the fastest-growing regions in the state.

Cut 5 (12) “…that matter.”

The lawyer for Attorney General Liz Murrill is expressing concern about how the Orleans Parish grand jury conducted its business in handing down its 16-count indictment against her client. Laura Rodrigue says if reports are corroborated, the grand jury went about its approach in an illegal manner.

Cut 10 (13) “…the grand jury.” 

A recent audit of New Orleans restaurants has discovered that 11 of the 44 restaurants its diners ate at served imported shrimp. Chief Operating Officer Erin Williams says she’s taken aback by that relatively high number of restaurants serving imported shrimp, including the two that were up front about it.

Cut 25 (09) “…good Louisiana seafood.”

A shooting in downtown Shreveport early Sunday morning left one dead and an officer injured. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

A close call for legendary LSU baseball coach Skip Bertman, as a tree fell on top of his home during severe thunderstorms yesterday. Sustained winds at the time were 44 miles an hour, with wind gusts at 57 miles an hour. Coach Bertman was home at the time, but he was not injured.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has been indicted on 16 felony counts accused of threatening New Orleans elected officials. Andrew Greenstein has the story.

Cut 1 (43) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU is just a few weeks away from the start of fall football practices under new head coach Lane Kiffin. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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An Orleans Parish grand jury has handed down a 16-count felony indictment against Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill stemming from letters she sent to New Orleans officials in May over the consolidation of the Orleans Parish civil and criminal district courts. In the letters, Murrill said Mayor Helena Moreno and other elected individuals could be removed from office if they continued to push for a special election to name an interim clerk, which the state argued was not needed. Special Prosecutor Laurie White says Murrill broke Louisiana’s law that prohibits public intimidation and retaliation.

Cut 3 (08) “…any other way.”

Murrill faces eight counts of public intimidation and eight counts of malfeasance in office. The attorney representing Murrill, Laura Cannizzaro Rodrigue, says the elected officials who received the letters violated the state’s usurper laws by defying a newly-passed law approved by state lawmakers, and the state’s highest court backed her position.

Cut 4 (09) “…that was accurate”

The Louisiana Supreme Court blocked the special election and ordered Chelsey Richard Napoleon to serve as consolidated clerk as required by state law.

The indictment of Murrill is the latest in a growing rift between leaders in New Orleans and Governor Landry and his attorney general.

White says Murrill was trying to intimidate the public officials with her letters.

Cut 5 (11) “…to be intimidated.”

Murrill’s bond was set at 400-thousand dollars — 25-thousand dollars for each felony count. Rodrigue believes that’s excessive.

Cut 6 (14) “…of criminal justice?”

Governor Jeff Landry said Murrill was indicted by a kangaroo grand jury and added that the criminal justice system is a circus at its finest in Orleans. He says he’ll pardon her as fast the law allows.

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The LSU Tigers are a month away from their first fall camp under new head coach Lane Kiffin. Kiffin has welcomed 39 new players from the transfer portal, including three of the top ten-rated portal prospects. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says expectations are high given the talent in Baton Rouge.

Cut 7 (08) “…playoffs for sure.”

Top transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt will lead the offense. The LSU offense ranked last in the SEC in total yards and rushing yards last season. Guilbeau credits the struggle to an underperforming offensive line, which Kiffin has revamped this offseason.

Cut 8 (11) “…to see that.”

The Tigers welcomed Ole Miss interior lineman Devin Harper and Colorado tackle Jordan Seaton, who was named a Walter Camp Preseason All-American.

Third-year defensive coordinator Blake Baker returns four starters from a unit that ranked in the top half of the SEC in total and scoring defense. Former All-SEC linebacker Whit Weeks will hold down the middle of the field, while corners D.J. Pickett and P.J. Woodland join safety Tamarcus Cooley on the backend. With the addition of Boise State safety Ty Benefield, a no-fly zone is brewing in Baton Rouge.

Cut 9 (08)  “…lot of talent.”

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Law enforcement is urging you to be responsible this Fourth of July weekend if you’ve had too much to drink. Another “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is underway and runs through Monday. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says law enforcement is out in full force looking for impaired drivers.

Cut 10 (14) “…for impaired drivers.”

Fischer says Louisiana averages between five and ten fatalities during the Fourth of July holiday period due to impaired driving.

Cut 11 (10) “…behind the wheel.”

Fischer says the message that the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission wants to drive home is, “Designate before you celebrate.”

Cut 12 (14) “…sober ride home.”

Any driver found to be impaired by drugs or alcohol will be arrested and taken to jail.

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LSU-Alexandria breaks ground on its new 43-million-dollar Health Education Campus. Dr. Ryan Riche (REE-shay), the dean of the College of Health and Human Services at LSU-A, says the 78-thousand-square-foot facility will include active-learning classrooms, advanced simulation laboratories and a 240-seat auditorium.

Cut 13 (08)  “…to be successful.”

Dr. Riche says the new facility is designed to address the shortage of nurses throughout central Louisiana.

Cut 14 (11) “…alleviate that problem.”

Riche says the new campus will support about 700 additional healthcare positions throughout central Louisiana while providing a huge economic boost to the region.

Cut 15 (06) “…annual economic activity.”

Construction is beginning immediately, and the facility will welcome students in the fall of 2028.

An Orleans Parish Grand Jury has handed down a 16-count felony indictment against Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill stemming from letters she sent to New Orleans officials in May over the consolidation of the Orleans Parish civil and criminal district courts. In the letters, Murrill said Mayor Helena Moreno and other elected individuals could be removed from office if they continued to push for a special election to name an interim clerk, which the state argued was not needed. Special Prosecutor Laurie White says Murrill broke Louisiana’s law that prohibits public intimidation and retaliation.

Cut 3 (08) “…any other way.”

The attorney representing Murrill, Laura Cannizaro Rodrigue, says the elected officials who received the letters violated the state’s usurper laws by defying a newly-passed law.

Cut 4 (09) “…that was accurate”

Your Fourth of July cookout may be slightly more expensive this year. A survey done by the American Farm Bureau Federation found the average cookout for ten this year will cost around $73.82 – that’s up about four-percent from last year. Federation Economist Faith Parum says the most expensive items are the meats – two pounds of beef will run you around 14 dollars.

Cut 7 (11) “..beef high.”

Many families will be spending time at the pool this Fourth of July weekend. The Louisiana Department of Health is urging you to make an extra effort in keeping everyone safe. Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein (green-steen) says you can never take too many precautions with kids.

Cut 9 (09)  “…kids every minute.”

A New Orleans grand jury indicts Attorney General Liz Murrill on 16 counts, including intimidation and malfeasance, stemming from the letters she sent to Mayor Helena Moreno and others, threatening to remove them from their posts. Governor Landry said he would pardon Murrill as fast as the law allows.

The American Farm Bureau Federation found the average ten-person Independence Day Cookout will cost almost 74 dollars this year. Kace Kieschnick reports…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

New Orleans is gearing up for a big Fourth of July weekend. The Essence Festival of Culture begins tomorrow, and Mary Beth Romig with New Orleans and Company says it will kick off in a most historic way.

Cut 12 (09) “…of the festival.” 

And of course, Saturday is the Fourth of July, and Romig says a city that knows how to throw a party has a spectacular fireworks show on the riverfront planned to celebrate the country’s 250th birthday. 

The Louisiana Department of Health is urging you to make sure that all kids are safe at pool parties this Fourth of July weekend. Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein says swimming pools need to be supervised at all times.

Cut 10 (07) “…pool every minute.” 

And whoever is in charge needs to give the people in the pool his or her undivided attention – that means no scrolling through Facebook on the cell phone.

If it seems that summers here in Louisiana and across the country are getting hotter and hotter – well, you’re right. Shel Winkley, the chief meteorologist at Climate Central, says Louisiana’s average summer temperatures have been steadily rising ever since records have been kept.

Cut 24 (13) “…of about 82.4.”

State Representative Gabe Firment of Pollock is running for Congress. He joins at least two other Republicans — Monroe Representative Michael Echols and State Board of Regents chair Misti Cordell — in the race for the 5th Congressional District seat being vacated by Julia Letlow. Firment says voters can trust him.

Cut 13 (10)  “…get to Congress.”

More than 72-million Americans are expected to travel this Fourth of July weekend. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

An 18-year-old is arrested for allegedly shooting at a Caddo Parish deputy sheriff during a traffic stop early yesterday morning. Investigators say 18-year-old Daraylan Ray pulled into a Shreveport apartment complex, ran from the vehicle and fired a long rifle toward the deputy but did not hit him. Ray is charged with attempted second-degree murder.

If it seems like summers here in Louisiana are getting hotter and hotter – well, you’re right. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Over 72-million Americans are expected to travel this Fourth of July weekend. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Attorney General Liz Murrill announces scores of arrests in connection with a nationwide Medicaid fraud crackdown. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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If it seems that summers here in Louisiana and across the country are getting hotter and hotter – well, you’re right. Shel Winkley, the chief meteorologist at Climate Central, says Louisiana’s average summer temperatures – accounting for both the daytime highs and overnight lows in June, July and August – have been steadily rising ever since records have been kept.

Cut 4 (13) “…of about 82.4.”

Winkley says nationally, since 1970, the average summer temperature has risen two and a half degrees; and while that might not seem like a significant difference, it really is.

Cut 5 (06) “…wouldn’t feel well.”

Winkley says humans have only themselves to blame for this, with all the coal, oil and methane gas that we burn.

Cut 6 (07) “…heat in more.”

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Triple-A projects more than 72-million Americans will travel at least 50 miles for the Fourth of July weekend, a slight increase over last year’s record. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says many are taking advantage of the holiday falling on a Saturday and extending vacations through next week.

Cut 7 (12) “…who are cruising.”

More than 61-million travelers are projected to hit the road, while nearly six-million are expected to board planes. Gas prices are at a four-year high for this time of year, but Redman says that won’t deter travelers.

Cut 8 (09) “…it’s still high.”

Triple-A says if you’re hitting the road today or tomorrow, it’s best to try to leave before noon. The most congestion on the roads is expected in the afternoon and early evening.

Before you leave, check battery conditions, tire pressure and oil status. Triple-A responded to more than 687-thousand roadside assistance calls last year. Redman says if you are driving a long distance, it’s best to take breaks every two hours.

Cut 9 (11)  “…you are impaired.”

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Attorney General Liz Murrill announces that 21 people have been arrested as part of a nationwide crackdown on Medicaid fraud. During a news conference at the Capitol, Murrill said some of those charged are accused of stealing huge amounts of money from the program.

Cut 10 (11) “…from the program (2x).”

Murrill says Medicaid fraud is by no means a victimless crime.

Cut 11 (10) “…services and support.”

Murrill says she has made fighting Medicaid fraud a top priority ever since she was elected.

Cut 12 (13) “…residential care facilities.”

Murrill says her office has also secured 105 convictions and 73-million dollars in restitution orders.

Murrill also announced that the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has been elevated to a standalone division within the Louisiana Department of Justice, and that Matt Stafford has been promoted to lead the newly-created division.

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State Representative Gabe Firment of Pollock is running for Congress. Firment joins at least two fellow Republicans — Monroe Representative Michael Echols and State Board of Regents chair Misti Cordell — in the race for the 5th Congressional District seat being vacated by U.S. Senate nominee Julia Letlow. Firment says voters can trust him.

Cut 13 (10)  “…get to Congress.”

Republican State Senator Stewart Cathey is also expected to join the race.

The Grant Parish representative has served in the House since 2019. He describes himself as a true conservative who can represent the rural district well. His opponents have a head start after beginning their campaigns months ago, but Firment believes he has an advantage as the southernmost candidate.

Cut 14 (08) “…of this district.”

The reshaped district covers all or parts of 24 parishes, stretching from Monroe south to Avoyelles and Rapides parishes and into southeast Louisiana. The November 3rd party primary will be an open ballot due to the late redistricting caused by the Supreme Court’s ruling on the state’s previous congressional map. Firment says voters will be able to hear from all candidates.

Cut 15 (12) “…really well there.”

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After a red-hot June for LSU recruiting, Lane Kiffin’s staff will look to keep the momentum going. Ruston High School four-star safety Jayden Anding was scheduled to announce his commitment between LSU and Ole Miss yesterday, but he pushed it back at the last minute. Geaux247’s Andre Champagne says he can do it all in the secondary.

Cut 16 (11) “…pretty much anywhere.”

Anding is the brother of current Tigers corner Aiden Anding.

Brother Martin five-star wideout Easton Royal is still committed to Texas, but he hasn’t shut the door on his recruitment. LSU is trying hard to flip the nation’s top receiver. Champagne says his final decision will go down to the wire and will consider more than just who offers the most money.

Cut 17 (17) “…the entire class.”

Five-star defensive lineman Jalen Brewster is the top-rated prospect in the class, and he’s been committed to Texas Tech since October. The 6-3, 300-pound athletic freak can have an immediate impact wherever he ends up. Champagne says LSU is all-in on trying to flip him, and it may even be a higher priority than landing Royal.

Cut 18 (13) “…or no one.”

Attorney General Liz Murrill’s threats to New Orleans officials is now the subject of an investigation by an Orleans Parish grand jury. During a news conference this morning, Murrill said she knew nothing beyond what had been reported by the media.

Cut 12 (09) “…I said, ‘No.’” 

Murrill had threatened to remove Mayor Helena Moreno and others from their offices over a special election for a newly-merged clerk of criminal and civil courts.

Starting tomorrow, the red snapper bag limit will be increased to five fish per person for the Fourth of July weekend. LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth says he hopes it will encourage families to get out on the water and enjoy America’s 250th birthday.

Cut 6 (12) “…that we have.”

The Secretary of State’s voter registration report for July shows that for the first time in Louisiana’s modern history there are more registered Republican voters than Democratic voters. Joe Gallinaro has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

The fourth and final Central Louisiana law enforcement officer charged in connection with an immigration fraud case pleads guilty. Former Forest Hill Police Chief Glynn Dixon pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud. It was part of a years-long scheme in which the officers prepared bogus violent crime reports for immigrants to help them obtain U-visas.

Just over 512-thousand people showed up to vote in the U.S. Senate runoff elections. Political consultant and pollster Greg Rigamer says historically, Louisiana will have at least one-million people vote in the mid-term elections, and it will be interesting to see if the state can achieve that number in November with all of the bickering between the two national parties.

Cut 7 (12) “..locally.”

A former LSU running back is arrested for allegedly causing a crash that killed a 94-year-old man and his 69-year-old daughter-in-law. Investigators say 39-year-old Richard Murphy was driving 58 miles an hour in a 30 mile-an-hour zone when he ran a red light back on June 14th and caused the wreck. Corporal Sondra Watts says Murphy is facing several charges, including driving with a suspended license.

Cut 14 (08) “…degree vehicular injuring.”

Louisiana Tech officially joins the Sun Belt tomorrow, and Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker says the city is just as excited as the Bulldogs. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Check your mailboxes in the next few days, because you might have money coming to you. The state treasurer’s office says it has mailed out an additional 1.7-million dollars in unclaimed money. The office used a data match to update addresses to find people who that money belongs to.

Politicos are concerned about the low turnout in the closed party primary runoffs in the U-S Senate races. Voter turnout was just 17-percent. Political consultant Roy Fletcher, who worked on John Fleming’s campaign, suspects the toxic environment surrounding national politics is a factor.

Cut 6 (06) “…understand it.”

Motorists driving uninsured out-of-state vehicles in Louisiana risk getting them impounded. This is thanks to a new law signed by Governor Landry that went into effect earlier this month. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment authored Act 861, which holds out-of-state vehicles to the same standard as those registered in Louisiana.

Cut 3 (12) “…out-of-state drivers.”

Firment says this law is also intended to lower auto insurance rates. 

A former LSU running back is arrested for allegedly causing a crash that killed two people. Investigators say 39-year-old Richard Murphy was driving 58 miles an hour in a 30-mile-an-hour zone when he ran a red light and killed a 94-year-old man and his 69-year-old daughter in law. Corporal Sondra Watts says evidence shows that Murphy was not sober at the time.

Cut 13 (10) “…driving while intoxicated.”

Louisiana Tech officially joins the Sun Belt Conference tomorrow after 13 years in Conference USA. Many of the Bulldogs’ conference football games the past three seasons have been on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker says the city is thrilled to welcome fans for six Saturday home football games.

Cut 9 (12)  “…part of it.”