A warning from the Department of Health about a potentially deadly bacteria. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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A new cell phone law is now in effect. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The LSU Veterinary School has seen an increase in Mississippi kites with bullet fragments. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health is warning you of a growing presence of Vibrio vulnificus. It’s a bacteria that naturally lives in coastal waters; it does not live in freshwater. The bacteria can cause illness or death through contact with an open wound or through consumption of raw seafood, especially oysters. State epidemiologist Teresa Sokol says the danger becomes greater when the water gets warm.

Cut 4 (12) “…in those temperatures.”

So far this year, 17 people have been hospitalized after becoming infected with Vibrio, and four of them have died. Sokol says if you start experiencing symptoms, time is of the essence – contact your doctor or get to an emergency room.

Cut 5 (15) “…to two days.”

Sokol says if you’re at risk of Vibrio infection, you’ll want to take extra precautions.

Cut 6 (10) “…a waterproof bandage.”

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Starting today, if you’re driving, keep your hands off your cell phone. That’s because handling your cell phone while driving is now illegal in Louisiana. This is something that Triple-A Louisiana has been pushing for for a while. Don Redman with Triple-A says while it’s already illegal to be texting while driving in Louisiana, that law was unenforceable – and people were doing many other crazy things with their phones.

Cut 7 (08) “…on the phone.”

Redman says under the new law, police will not pull you over just for handling your cell phone while driving – in most instances.

Cut 8 (08) “…traffic infraction first.”

And that would lead to up to 100 dollars tacked onto your fine for the moving violation you were pulled over for. Redman says there are certain instances where police WILL pull you over just for handling your cell phone while driving.

Cut 9 (10)  “…active work zones.”

That would yield a fine of up to 250 dollars.

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The LSU Veterinary School’s Wildlife Hospital has seen an increase in birds with gunshot wounds. It’s a specific bird that is being shot at it, called the Mississippi kite. Dr. Kimberly Boykin says last year they treated just two Mississippi kite birds for bullet fragments; this year, they’ve treated eleven.

Cut 10 (09) “…hunting purposes.”

The LSU vet school says the Mississippi kite is a small bird of pretty that plays an important role in controlling insect populations and they are no danger to people. Boykin says it’s also a violation of federal to shoot them.

Cut 11 (10) “…kills them.”

Boykin says if you see someone shooting at the Mississippi kite, you can report the crime to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. She says if these birds are shot and not brought to the LSU vet school, there chances of surviving are slim.

Cut 12 (11) “…anymore.”

The Mississippi kite migrates from the Gulf Coast and Brazil.

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If you were registered as an Independent, your party affiliation automatically changes to “No Party” in the state’s voter registration system. That’s the result of a new law that went into effect today. John Couvillon with JMC Analytics and Polling says lawmakers eliminated the Independent Party, so they could vote in the upcoming party primaries.

Cut 13 (12)  “…of luck.”

The state moves to a party primary system for U-S Senate, U-S House, Supreme Court, Public Service Commission, and BESE contests, starting with the federal elections in April. Couvillon says the elimination of the Independent Party, means these independent voters will now be considered no party and participate in either the Republican or Democratic party primary.

Cut 14 (08) “…they can.”

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Louisiana Tech kicked off fall camp yesterday in head coach Sonny Cumbie’s 4th season in Ruston. The Bulldogs welcomed new defensive coordinator Luke Olsen after Jeremiah Johnson departed after just one season with the team. Linebacker Kolbe Fields says the Dogs have adjusted to the new scheme.

Cut 15 (13) “…way smoother.”

The Bulldogs are also led by new offensive coordinator Tony Franklin. Franklin served as the LA Tech offensive coordinator under head coach Sonny Dykes from 2010 to 2012. Redshirt senior offensive lineman Landon Nelson says Franklin brings a winning mentality back to Ruston.

Cut 16 (18) “…good job.”

Louisiana Tech is led by redshirt sophomore quarterback Evan Bullock. His top weapon will be junior tight end Eli Finley. Finley was an All-CUSA honorable mention last season, and head coach Sonny Cumbie has high expectations in year three.

Cut 17 (18)  “…his play.”

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LSU fall camp is fully underway and one name in particular has stood out. Defensive tackle Dominick McKinley came to Baton Rouge as a five-star last year and bulked up to 308 pounds for this upcoming season. His strength has put head coach Brian Kelly on notice.

Cut 18 (16) “…every single day.”

LSU has multiple ongoing position battles, the most important being the offensive line unit. the Tigers are hoping to fill the holes of replacing four starters on the line to the NFL Draft, and Kelly says he expects great things from Marrero native Tyree Adams.

Cut 19 (16) “…from him.”

One of the early trending topics of the LSU football team is how fast the receiving room is. Senior receiver Chris Hilton Jr. and senior Kentucky transfer Barion Brown are two guys Kelly can see taking the tops off of defenses. He says Hilton has come out of his shell this offseason.

Cut 20 (18) “…past anybody.”

Condolences to Governor Landry on the death of his father Al, who passed away yesterday. On social media, the governor said his father is now reunited with his mother Edna, who passed away in 2019. Al Landry was an architect, and former State Senator Fred Mills says his fingerprints are on many public buildings in St. Martin Parish.

Cut 4 (08) “…was building.”

The LSU Student Food Pantry has received a check from Rocco’s Pizza and Cantina for $52,390 – one dollar for each Jello shot LSU fans scarfed down in their Jello Shot Challenge during the College World Series. Campus Life Manager Jennifer Cristina says the money will come in very handy.

Cut 7 (11) “…all of us”

Several new laws go into effect tomorrow, including a statewide ban on the herbal supplement kratom. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Also tomorrow, you can tint your windows darker, down to 25-percent light transmission. Representative Daryl Deshotel says before, only certain people were permitted to do so, and that caused great confusion among people, especially law enforcement..

Cut 13 (05)  “…get those exemptions.”

Several new laws go into effect tomorrow. One of them makes kratom illegal. Kratom comes from a plant native to Southeast Asia and can cause psychosis at high doses. The bill’s author, West Monroe Republican Senator Jay Morris, says Kratom has the addictive qualities of opioids.

Cut 9 (10)  “…in the brain.”

Also starting tomorrow, you can show off more of a dark side as you cruise down the highway. That’s because a new law goes into effect allowing for your front windows to be tinted darker – 25-percent light transmission, down from the previous standard of 40-percent. The bill was written by Marksville Republican Representative Daryl Deshotel, who says tinted windows are needed for Louisiana’s climate.

Cut 12 (07) “…us stay cooler.”

The LSU Student Food Pantry is now $52,390 richer, thanks to LSU fans scarfing down that many Jello shots in Rocco’s Jello Shot Challenge during the College World Series. Campus Life Manager Jennifer Cristina says you may not realize this, but the need for food pantries at college campuses is tremendous during these times.

Cut 8 (14) “…that many students.”

Condolences to Governor Landry, as he mourns the passing of his father, Al. Former state senator Fred Mills says many people in St. Martin Parish loved Al Landry and he loved his family…

Cut 3 (10) “…so proud.”

Sincerest condolences to Governor Landry over the death of his father, Al. In a statement on social media, the governor said his father is now reunited with his mother Edna, who passed away in 2019. Former state senator Fred Mills says Al and Edna had great chemistry.

Cut 5 (07) “…back of everything.”

To the victors went the spoils – the LSU Student Food Pantry has received a check from Rocco’s Pizza and Cantina for $52,390 – one dollar for each Jello shot LSU fans scarfed down during their Jello Shot Challenge during the College World Series – which, as you know by now, LSU won. Campus Life Manager Jennifer Cristina says the money will come in very handy.

Cut 7 (11) “…all of us”

The statewide ban on the herbal supplement kratom goes into effect tomorrow. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Attorney General Liz Murrill is one of 14 attorneys general who signed a letter asking congress to pass legislation making it illegal to mail abortion pills to states where the procedure is illegal. The letter says shield laws that protect abortion providers from liability and prosecution for aiding in abortions in other states interfere with states’ ability to enforce their laws.

Today is Dr. Joseph Savoie’s last day as president of U-L Lafayette. He announced yesterday that he is stepping down after 17 years at the helm. Communications Professor Philip Auter, the former faculty senate president, says Dr. Savoie was a very effective president.

Cut 10 (09) “…that work here.”

A legislative committee formed to review LHSAA policies and practices held its first meeting this week. Among the lawmakers on the committee is Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh. He told LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonine that the split playoffs – select and non-select – are bad, because they reward too many teams and water down the value of a state title.

Cut 14 (10) “…itself.”

The federal government is nixing a plan to end the distribution of critical hurricane forecasting data. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Condolences to Governor Landry after the passing of his father. The governor said in a social media post that his father, Al, died yesterday and is now reunited with his mother Edna, who died in 2019. Governor Landry described his father as an introvert and as a small-town architect in his social media post announcing his father’s passing.

The federal government announced it’s nixing a plan to end the distribution of critical hurricane forecasting data. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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The president of U-L Lafayette is stepping down. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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State lawmakers make it known what changes they want to see with high school sports. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The U.S. Department of Defense announced it will not go through with a plan to cut hurricane forecasting satellite data. The information is used in both weather forecasting and U.S. Military operations but was facing termination due to cybersecurity concerns. LSU Public Health climatologist Barry Keim says this decision will save lives.

Cut 4 (09) “…this news.”

The data is collected by the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program which has capabilities other satellites do not. Keim says their most important feature is the ability to monitor storms at night.

Cut 5 (12) “…our hands.”

The crucial forecasting data will continue to be distributed for the foreseeable future. Keim says another significant advantage of these satellites is their ability to spot signs of rapid intensification.

Cut 6 (10) “…or strengthening.”

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A new effort is underway to develop drugs to treat ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases through the use of A-I. It’s being led by Dr. Jeff Keller with the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge.

Cut 7 (09) “…in the past.”

Dr. Keller says the ultimate goal is to use A-I driven insights to identify and prioritize therapeutic targets to treat ALS and other similar diseases. Dr. Keller says one well-known ALS patient was instrumental in securing the necessary funding.

Cut 8 (09) “…this effort happened.”

Keller says this effort will set Louisiana apart when it comes to using A-I for innovative research like this.

Cut 9 (12)  “…be materials management.”

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Au revoir, President Savoie – after 17 years, U-L Lafayette President Dr. Joseph Savoie is stepping down, with today being his last day. Communications Professor Philip Auter, the former faculty senate president, says Dr. Savoie was a very effective president.

Cut 10 (09) “…that work here.”

Auter says one thing that struck him about Dr. Savoie is that despite the size of the school, he had an open door policy.

Cut 11 (15) “…through your door.”

Dr. Jamie Hebert, the university’s provost and vice president for academic affairs, will take over as interim president while the school conducts a nationwide search for its next full-time president. Starting Friday, Savoie will assume the role as president emeritus.

Cut 12 (11) “…an emeritus president.”

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State lawmakers told LHSAA officials they are not fans of the public-private school split playoffs in high school sports and they would like to see a one-time transfer rule adopted. In many cases, a high school student that transfers to another school must sit out for a year to regain eligibility. Thibodaux Representative Bryan Fontenot says with school choice options expanding, students should not be penalized.

Cut 13 (13)  “…across town.”

Thibodaux made the comments at the first meeting of a legislative committee formed to review LHSAA policies and practices. LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonine told the panel high school principals recently overwhelmingly voted down a one-time transfer rule.

Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh told Bonine the split playoffs are bad for high school sports, because it awards too many championship teams and waters down the value of a state title.

Cut 14 (10) “…itself.”

Bonine says he’s not a favor the split either, but it’s the high school principals who voted for the split several years ago and there’s not enough support to have private and public schools compete for the same championship.

Cut 15 (11) “…2015.”

Bonine says the LHSAA looks forward to continued participation in the legislative study and will continue to clarify policies, share data and support efforts that benefit Louisiana’s student-athletes.

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LSU had its first practice of fall camp yesterday. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier threw for over four-thousand yards last season; but after a full season as the starter, head coach Brian Kelly expects him to improve this season. Kelly says his top priority is eliminating negative plays.

Cut 16 (17) “…that’s experience.”

Kelly says Nussmeier has been clocked running over 21 miles an hour and should rely on his legs more this season.

The Tigers will have no shortage of weapons with the returns of top receiver Aaron Anderson and a healthy Chris Hilton. LSU also welcomed top transfer wide receivers Barion Brown and Nic Anderson. Kelly says he has eight SEC-caliber receivers, and it’s his job to get the most out of them.

Cut 17 (19)  “…ever had.”

Nussmeier and the offense won’t be able to take advantage of any of their firepower if the trenches don’t do their job first. Questions have swirled around an offensive line that lost four starters to the NFL Draft last season. Kelly is confident in his mix of returning talent and proven transfers but says nothing is set in stone.

Cut 18 (14) “…couple of weeks.”

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Former Saints first round pick Trevor Penning has made the move from tackle to guard this offseason. Penning struggled to find consistency on the edge, and the bruiser says his aggressive skillset is better suited for the interior. He says the switch is going well but there’s still things to improve.

Cut 19 (14) “…going to happen.”

Saints cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry will be vital to the defense’s success as a year-two starter. Head coach Kellen Moore said he’s had a big-time camp, and McKinstry shares in his confidence.

Cut 20 (17) “…need to be.”

Fire-related deaths are on the rise in Louisiana. So far this year, 54 people have died in fires across the state, up from 41 at this time last year. Ken Pastorick of the State Fire Marshal’s Office says nearly all of them can be traced to the lack of working smoke detectors. He advises you to test smoke alarms monthly.

Cut 7 (14) “…once a year.”

A new study shows that Northwestern State is a major driver of economic growth in central and northwest Louisiana. President James Genovese (JEN-oh-vehz) says the study by labor market analytics firm Lightcast shows a total economic impact of almost 500-million dollars.

Cut 9 (08)  “…for by Northwestern.”

Governor Landry welcomes General Motors Insurance as a new auto insurer to the state, but Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says that’s not true. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The check is in the mail. After LSU fans practically took over Rocco’s Pizza and Cantina in Omaha during the College World Series, annihilating the field in the Jello shot challenge, Rocco’s has mailed the LSU Student Food Pantry a check for $52,390.

Governor Landry rolls out the welcome mat; Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says they’ve been here nearly two decades. In a recent announcement, Landry says General Motors Insurance uses in-vehicle technology already built into 2016 or newer GM vehicles to offer personalized rates based on safe driving habits. Temple says it’s technology that’s also offered by other insurers in Louisiana.

Cut 4 (07) “…with that.”

With fire-related deaths on the rise in Louisiana, the State Fire Marshal’s Office is urging you to make sure your home has working smoke detectors. Ken Pastorick with the State Fire Marshal’s Office says if you don’t have one or need help installing one, take advantage of Operation Save-A-Life.

Cut 8 (11) “…you anything.”

The president of Northwestern State says a new study proves that the university is a major driver of economic growth. James Genovese (JEN-oh-vehz) says it’s not just the taxpayers who benefit by investing in the university – the tuition-paying students greatly benefit as well.

Cut 11 (12) “…is 18.2-percent.”

LSU head football coach Brian Kelly hopes the fourth time is the charm. Kelly is 0-and-3 in season openers since arriving in Baton Rouge; and the task doesn’t get any easier this time around as they open the 2025 campaign at Clemson. Kelly hasn’t shied away from the big game, but he says they aren’t just empty words. His staff has been working since January.

Cut 13 (12)  “…one and oh.”

Fire-related deaths are on the rise in Louisiana. So far this year, 54 people have died in fires across the state, up from 41 at this time last year. Ken Pastorick of the State Fire Marshal’s Office says nearly all of them can be traced to the lack of working smoke detectors. He advises you to test smoke alarms monthly.

Cut 7 (14) “…once a year.”

A new study shows that Northwestern State yields a total economic impact of almost a half-billion dollars to central and northwest Louisiana. President James Genovese (JEN-oh-vehz) says the study by labor market analytics firm Lightcast also shows how students benefit financially from their Northwestern bachelor’s degrees.

Cut 10 (09) “…high school diploma.”

Governor Landry recently announced General Motors Insurance as a new company that can provide auto insurance in Louisiana. But Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says G-M National Insurance is not new and has been doing business in the state in 2006. Temple says they do have a new product available for drivers of newer GM vehicles…

Cut 3 (07) “…safe driving habits.”

The LSU football team kicked off fall camp today. Head coach Brian Kelly has raved about his team ahead of his fourth season in Baton Rouge. He says he’s seen a tight-knit group doing the necessary things to win.

Cut 12 (12) “…on our team.”

Kelly has gone 0-and-3 in week one games at LSU, and he’ll have another tough test this time around as LSU opens the 2025 campaign at Clemson.

Governor Landry recently welcomed General Motors Insurance as a new auto insurer to the state, but Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says that’s not true. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A new study shows that Northwestern State is a major economic driver in northwest and central Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Governor Jeff Landry recently announced General Motors Insurance as a new company that can provide auto insurance in Louisiana. But Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says G-M National Insurance is not new and has been doing business in the state in 2006. Temple says they do have a new product available for drivers of newer GM vehicles.

Cut 3 (07) “…safe driving habits.”

Governor Landry says General Motors Insurance uses in-vehicle technology already built into Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles that are 2016 or newer to offer personalized rates based on safe driving habits. Temple says this type of technology is also offered by other insurers in Louisiana.

Cut 4 (07) “…with that.”

Shortly after Governor Landry issued a press release welcoming General Motors Insurance to the state, Temple issued a press release several hours later saying GM National Insurance is not a new company to Louisiana, but they have a new product.

Cut 5 (12) “…better pricing.”

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Fire-related deaths are up from 41 fatalities this time last year to 54 so far in 2025. Ken Pastorick of the State Fire Marshal’s Office says in 41 fatal fires, only 13 homes had smoke alarms and only 3 of those were known to be working.

Cut 6 (11) “…in your house.”

Pastorick says families should practice an escape plan with two exits and a meeting point outside to be best prepared for emergencies. Pastorick advises residents to test their smoke alarms monthly.

Cut 7 (14) “…once a year.”

Pastorick says if you don’t have a smoke alarm or need help installing one, take advantage of Operation Save-A-Life. The state initiative provides free fire alarms, which residents can apply for online or over the phone.

Cut 8 (11) “…you anything.”

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A new study shows that Northwestern State is a major driver of economic growth in central and northwest Louisiana. President James Genovese (JEN-oh-vehz) says the study by labor market analytics firm Lightcast shows a total economic impact of almost 500-million dollars.

Cut 9 (08)  “…for by Northwestern.”

Genovese says Northwestern has proven to be a great investment to the taxpayers in the region, saying for every dollar they spend, they get $1.60 back. He says the study also shows how students benefit financially from their Northwestern bachelor’s degrees.

Cut 10 (09) “…high school diploma.”

Genovese says it’s not just the taxpayers who benefit by investing in the university – the tuition-paying students greatly benefit as well.

Cut 11 (12) “…is 18.2-percent.”

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The LSU football team kicked off fall camp today. Head coach Brian Kelly has raved about his team ahead of his fourth season in Baton Rouge. He says he’s seen a tight-knit group doing the necessary things to win.

Cut 12 (12) “…on our team.”

Kelly has gone 0-and-3 in week one games at LSU, and he’ll have another tough test at Clemson this season. Kelly hasn’t shied away from the big game, but he says they aren’t just empty words. His staff has been working since January.

Cut 13 (12)  “…one and oh.”

LSU welcomed the nation’s top-ranked transfer class this offseason to build what Kelly has called his best roster yet.