Get ready for a wet start to the week next week. National Weather Service Meteorologist Carly Kovacik (ko-VAH-chick) says a front will be moving into the state starting Sunday.

Cut 12 (08) “…also pushing south.” 

And that’s going to bring about one to two inches of rainfall, possibly more in some areas.

The Gulf of Mexico is seeing an increase in its shark population. Dr. Dean Grubbs, the associate director of research at the Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory, says while shark populations are in bad shape in most of the world, it’s a different story in the U.S., with the country having managed shark populations since 1993.

Cut 4 (11) “…the populations recovering.”

Cash-strapped New Orleans has withdrawn its 110-million-dollar bond and loan request from the State Bond Commission. Mayor Helena Moreno says the city pulled the application because it would have been denied amid the ongoing political dispute. Tulane political science professor Mike Sherman says the relationship between New Orleans and the Landry administration is not good.

Cut 9 (13)  “…is expanding.”

The MLB Draft is this weekend, and a few Tigers will definitely hear their names called. Koki Riley covers LSU baseball for The Advocate and says this year’s LSU group is not as deep as in past years.

Cut 6 (07) “…tenth round.”

Outfielders Derek Curiel and Jake Brown are projected to go in the first and second rounds.

Those of you in north and southeast Louisiana, get ready for a wet start to the week next week. National Weather Service Meteorologist Carly Kovacik (ko-VAH-chick) says a front will be moving into the state starting Sunday.

Cut 12 (08) “…also pushing south.” 

And that’s going to bring about one to two inches of rainfall, possibly more in some areas.

Cash-strapped New Orleans has withdrawn its 110-million-dollar bond and loan request from the State Bond Commission. Mayor Helena Moreno says the city pulled the application because it would have been denied amid the ongoing political dispute. Tulane political science professor Mike Sherman says the relationship between New Orleans and the Landry administration is not good.

Cut 9 (13)  “…is expanding.”

The Gulf of Mexico is seeing an increase in its shark population. Dr. Dean Grubbs, the associate director of research at the Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory, says while some species continue to decline in population, others are recovering due to warming water temperatures.

Cut 3 (12) “…for bull sharks.”

The MLB Draft is this weekend, and LSU outfielders Derek Curiel and Jake Brown are projected to go in the first and second rounds. Koki Riley covers LSU baseball for The Advocate and says most of the other players who have a chance to leave Baton Rouge for pro ball are older right-handed relief pitchers.

Cut 7 (09) “…definitely go.”

Head Coach Jay Johnson and his staff will keep an eye on the draft to see where the top LSU prep signees end up.

The shark population is on the rise in the Gulf of Mexico; and with that comes an increase in the likelihood of a beachgoer encountering one. Dr. Dean Grubbs, the associate director of research at the Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory, points out, however, that sharks aren’t the only ones increasing in number.

Cut 5 (07) “…30 years ago.”

A St. Landry Parish woman is cited for allegedly selling native turtles online. LDWF agents say 32-year-old Sydney Broussard of Eunice was selling red eared slider turtles for eight dollars apiece and an alligator snapping turtle for 30 dollars. Captain Scott Dupre says Broussard faces a 350-dollar fine for each turtle she was selling.

Cut 11 (10) “…responsible for restitution.”

Initial findings from LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center’s RURAL Health study show that Franklin Parish has elevated rates of obesity and high blood pressure. Lead researcher Dr. Stephanie Broyles says the findings underscore the importance of having strong health care in all communities, including in rural areas.

Cut 14 (13) “…address these conditions.”

The MLB Draft is this weekend, and a few Tigers will definitely hear their names called. Koki Riley covers LSU baseball for The Advocate and says this year’s LSU group is not as deep as past years.

Cut 6 (07) “…tenth round.”

Outfielders Derek Curiel and Jake Brown are projected to go in the first and second rounds.

The Gulf of Mexico is seeing an increase in its shark population. Dr. Dean Grubbs, the associate director of research at the Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory, says while some species continue to decline in population, others are recovering due to warming water temperatures.

Cut 3 (12) “…for bull sharks.”

Viral McNeese basketball student manager Amir Khan is following Will Wade to LSU. Khan became the first student manager to sign an NIL deal, and his goal for his senior year is to help other managers at LSU, McNeese and elsewhere land deals of their own. As for the boombox, we’ll have to wait and see.

Cut 9 (11)  “…the other stuff.”

The Louisiana Wildlife Federation says the Atlantic tarpon is a declining species, but that didn’t stop the governor from vetoing the bill that would have put some protections on it. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Funeral arrangements for Baton Rouge Senator Larry Selders have been announced. His funeral will take place Tuesday at Mount Zion First Baptist Church in Baton Rouge. A viewing will be held from nine to 11 that morning, with the service following shortly thereafter.

Initial findings from LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center’s RURAL Health study shows that Franklin Parish has elevated rates of obesity and high blood pressure. Lead researcher Dr. Stephanie Broyles says the findings underscore the importance of having strong health care in all communities, including in rural areas.

Cut 14 (13) “…address these conditions.”

We’re now in the time of year when something outside is really bugging you – mosquitoes. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says this is prime mosquito season; and as such, you need to take every precaution possible when venturing outside, especially at night.

Cut 9 (08)  “…sort of thing.”

You are no longer required to get an inspection sticker for your vehicle in Louisiana. Kace Kieschnick has the new process.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The Louisiana Supreme Court says retired Judge Robert Chaisson will preside over the criminal case against Attorney General Liz Murrill. All 12 New Orleans Criminal District Court judges recused themselves. The state supreme court has issued a stay on the case and it remains to be seen if it will allow the case to move forward.

The fifth district race now has its fourth Republican contender, with Stewart Cathey joining Gabe Firment, Michael Echols and Misti Cordell. The big question is what Blake Miguez will do, whether he will run in the fifth or the sixth district. As for that sixth district, Greg Hilburn, a political reporter with the USA Today Network, says the field there so far is very thin.

Cut 8 (09) “…he would prefer.”

Not only is this prime mosquito season, but it’s also prime encephalitis season. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says because of that, you need to protect any animals on your property.

Cut 10 (08) “…for your horses.” 

Strain says when you go outside, especially at night, wear long sleeves, wear a hat, and wear mosquito repellent with DEET.

You are no longer required to get an inspection sticker for your vehicle in Louisiana. Kace Kieschnick has the new process.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The Louisiana Department of Health has so far reported 23 cases of Cyclospora this year. Over the last five years, the state has averaged 20 cases in the first six months of the year. Louisiana is one of 29 states which have reported outbreaks of Cyclospora, which is a parasitic infection that can cause weeks of explosive diarrhea.

You can add Stewart Cathey’s name to the list of district five U.S. House Republican candidates that also includes Gabe Firment, Michael Echols and Misti Cordell. Greg Hilburn with the USA Today Network says there’s one big question surrounding the race.

Cut 7 (12) “…Baton Rouge-based.”

So far, Rick Edmonds is the only declared candidate in district six.

The North Louisiana Criminalistic Laboratory says nearly one in three tablets with legitimate drug imprints bought on the streets it tested were counterfeit. Kenton Leigh (“lee”), the lab’s deputy director of toxicology and chemistry, says the most commonly counterfeited pills were blue M-30 tablets.

Cut 19 (11) “…it’s fentanyl.”

Soon, you will be replacing your brake tag on your windshield with a QR code. If you’re worried about your privacy, no need to. State Senator Alan Seabaugh says those who try to scan it with their cell phones will only see the VIN – the same number that one can see by looking through the windshield. Seabaugh says law enforcement, however, will have special equipment.

Cut 4 (12) “…law to have.” 

A new state law requires agents to register with Louisiana if they are representing college or high school athletes in negotiating NIL deals. Attorney General Liz Murrill says the Athlete Agent Registration portal went live on July 1st.

Cut 10 (09) “…through some training.”

You can get to the portal by logging on to the Attorney General’s website.

The North Louisiana Criminalistic Laboratory is urging Louisianians only to take medications dispensed by a licensed pharmacy. Kace Kieschnick explains why.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Volunteers from Minuteman Disaster Response are in St. Landry Parish helping flood victims get back on their feet. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Governor Jeff Landry is encouraging athletes between the ages of 14 and 17 to participate in the 2026 Patriot Games. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The North Louisiana Criminalistic Laboratory found that nearly one in three tablets with legitimate drug imprints bought on the street were counterfeit. Kenton Leigh (“lee”), the lab’s deputy director of toxicology and chemistry, says it is impossible to tell what a pill contains just by looking at it.

Cut 4 (11) “…tell the difference.”

Leigh says the only way to be certain about the medication is by getting it from a licensed pharmacy with a valid prescription.

Leigh says the most commonly counterfeited pills were blue M-30 tablets.

Cut 5 (11) “…it’s fentanyl.”

Counterfeit pills have been found throughout the 29 parishes the lab services in North Louisiana. Fentanyl was the most common substance found in the fake pills. Leigh says any pill obtained outside of a pharmacy should be considered lethal.

Cut 6 (09) “…overdose and worse.”

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Flood victims in and around St. Landry Parish are getting a helping hand from the volunteers with Minuteman Disaster Response as they begin the gut-wrenching process of putting their lives back together. One of those volunteers, Eric Burkes, says the hardest part is handling their personal possessions.

Cut 7 (11) “…can be removed.”

Burnes says as mold starts to grow, items become more unsalvageable, so time is of the essence.

Cut 8 (12) “…really takes over.”

Burnes says the fact that it’s been raining nearly every day has made the recovery process a lot more difficult, mainly on two fronts.

Cut 9 (15)  “…high-humidity environment.”

Volunteers from eight different states will be assisting as many as 12-hundred homeowners, and they will be in St. Landry Parish through July 18th.

___________________________________________________

A new state law requires agents to register with Louisiana if they are representing college or high school athletes in negotiating NIL deals. Attorney General Liz Murrill says the Athlete Agent Registration portal went live on July 1st.

Cut 10 (09) “…through some training.”

You can get to the portal by logging on to the Attorney General’s website.

Cut 11 (11) “…require this registration.”

Universities and high schools are encouraged to share information about agent registration requirements and athlete rights as a result of Senate Bill 389 that was approved earlier this year.

Murrill says that legislation gives her office the tools to ensure those who seek to profit from athletes are held to rigorous standards of conduct.

Cut 12 (09) “…in this state.”

Murrill plans to have more on this new legislation as we get closer to the college and high school football seasons.

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Those of you who drive U.S. 167 in Rapides Parish can now legally drive a little faster. That’s because DOTD has raised the speed limit along that stretch of roadway between I-49 and just north of the State Highway 28 East interchange from 50 to 60 miles an hour. Erin Buchanan with DOTD says the change is a result of a routine review.

Cut 13 (11)  “…made some adjustments.”

Buchanan says the result of that review found that most drivers were comfortable driving 60 miles an hour along that stretch of the Pineville Expressway.

Cut 14 (14) “…that’s occurring already.”

Buchanan says not only will raising the speed limit along that stretch of 167 not result in more crashes; but if anything, it should result in fewer crashes.

Cut 15 (13) “…risk for crashes.”

The new speed limit is in effect right now.

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LSU welcomed its third transfer outfielder commit in Oregon freshman Angel Laya last weekend. Laya hit .296 with 14 homers this season, but LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson told Tiger Rag Radio all three of the newcomers can do more than just swing the bat.

Cut 16 (17) “…high-end hitters.”

The MLB Draft is this weekend. Johnson says up to 13 players in his incoming freshman class of 23 commits could head to professional baseball, but he hopes as few as six decide not to come to campus.

Cut 17 (17) “…high school ranks.”

LSU unexpectedly lost freshman righty pitcher Marcos Paz to the transfer portal. Paz posted a 9.20 ERA and 40 strikeouts in 17 appearances, including six starts, but Johnson believed he had the tools to be a weekend starter next year. He says he was surprised when Paz decided to leave.

Cut 18 (17) “…entitled to that.”

Baton Rouge State Senator Larry Selders died at the age of 44 after a suspected heart attack last night. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

We’re getting reaction to the death of Senator Selders from those on the other side of the political aisle. Governor Landry said Selders was respected by all. Senate President Cameron Henry said Selders’ light and his heart will be missed in the Senate

Federal assistance is now available to homeowners and renters in four parishes who suffered damage from Tropical Storm Arthur. Nate Custer with FEMA says people will be considered on a case-by-case basis based on an inspection of the damage to their homes.

Cut 7 (09) “…personal property losses.”

Colorado State University is once again lowering its hurricane forecast for 2026, now predicting eight additional named storms, including four hurricanes, with one of them being a major hurricane. Senior Research Scientist Phil Klotzbach says the main driver is a strong El Nino event for the peak of the season.

Cut 10 (15) “…apart the storms.”

Very sad news out of the state legislature as Baton Rouge State Senator Larry Selders passed away unexpectedly of a suspected heart attack at an event last night. The Baton Rouge Democrat was 44 years old. Fellow Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says Selders served in the heart of Baton Rouge and always cared about doing what was best for the people he served. Selders is survived by his wife and two sons. Barrow says he was a family man.

Cut 4 (11) “…in the legislature.”

We’re getting reaction to the death of Senator Selders’ from those on the other side of the political aisle. Governor Landry said he’s deeply saddened by Selders’ death and that he was respected by all. Senate President Cameron Henry said Selders’ light and his heart will be missed in the Senate. 

Federal assistance is now available to homeowners and renters in four parishes who suffered damage from Tropical Storm Arthur. Those four parishes are Avoyelles, St. Landry, St. Tammany and Terrebonne. Nate Custer with FEMA says people in those parishes will be considered on a case-by-case basis based on an inspection of the damage to their homes.

Cut 7 (09) “…personal property losses.”

When it comes to the burden of car ownership, nowhere do drivers have it worse than here in Louisiana. Rob Bhatt (“bot”), an insurance analyst with LendingTree, says Louisiana drivers spend on average 6.1-percent of their gross income on auto insurance – the highest rate in the nation.

Cut 10 (09) “…in other states.”

Nationally, drivers spend less than three-percent of their gross income on auto insurance.