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.”

One is dead and five others are hurt in a mass shooting in Natchitoches over the weekend. The man who died has been identified as 18-year-old Latravion Stallworth of Natchitoches. Of the other five victims, three were released from the hospital, and two are in stable condition. Police Sergeant John Greely says this happened early yesterday morning on Keyser (KYE-zer) Avenue.

Cut 4 (05) “…late night eateries.”

Greely says at this time, it’s unknown what led up to the shooting.

President Trump signed the Big Beautiful Bill on the Fourth of July. So when will people start seeing effects? Senator Bill Cassidy says some Louisiana taxpayers will feel them right away.

Cut 6 (11) “…of this year.”

12 firefighters from Louisiana are in Texas to support ongoing efforts in response to the catastrophic flooding that’s left at least 80 dead. This team brings specialized training and equipment to conduct swift water rescue and Urban Search and Rescue operations under the most challenging conditions.

Governor Landry recently signed the App Store Accountability Act, requiring app stores to verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The next big statewide election is in April, and there will be five constitutional amendments on the ballot. Among them – one giving the Legislature the ability to remove positions from civil service protection, raising the mandatory retirement age for judges from 70 to 75, and one that would give the newly created city of St. George in East Baton Rouge Parish its own school system.

Governor Landry recently signed the App Store Accountability Act, requiring app stores to verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent before allowing minors to download apps or make in-app purchases. Louisiana Family Forum Director Gene Mills says many don’t realize that when minors download apps, they are entering into contractual terms of service.

Cut 7 (10) “…download that app.”

Louisiana public schools are waiting for more information after the U-S Department of Education told individual states it’s withholding nearly seven-billion dollars in education grants. Michael Faulk, the Executive director of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents, says this caught school systems off guard.

Cut 12 (12) “…for this.”

Remnants of Constitutional Amendment Two that failed to pass voter approval last November will re-appear on the April 18th ballot. Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana President Steven Procopio says this time around, the issue of teacher pay is its own standalone measure.

Cut 13 (13)  “…bit of a raise.”

Three sea turtles have been released into the Gulf of Mexico after rehabilitation by Audubon Aquarium Rescue in New Orleans. Stranding and Rehab Coordinator Gabriela Harlamert says two critically endangered Kemp’s ridley turtles, Libra and Dorado, were rescued after cold-stunning in New England.

Cut 4 (11) “…into the Gulf.”

A two-year-old boy was run over in a driveway and killed earlier this week in Baton Rouge. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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After months of fierce debate, Congress has sent the Big, Beautiful Bill to President Trump’s desk. Andrew Greenstein explains.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Law enforcement will be out in numbers this weekend looking for impaired drivers for the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. Colleen Crain has the story.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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A tragic accident claimed the life of a two-year-old boy in Baton Rouge earlier this week.  According to investigators, the child ran in front of a moving car, leading to the collision. Amber Rollins, the director of kids and car safety, says it’s called a front-over that happens in driveways and parking lots.

Cut 4 (11) “…of the vehicle.”

Rollins says there has been an increase in front-overs injuries and fatalities in children.

Cut 5 (07) “…trucks and SUV’s.”

Rollins says parking lots and driveways are extremely dangerous and people can get in a habit of losing situational awareness when entering and exiting parking spots. She urges drivers to stay aware and be mindful going into this busy holiday weekend.

Cut 6 (08) “…take extra precautions.”

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After months of fierce debate, Congress has passed the Big, Beautiful Bill by the July 4th deadline that President Trump had set. One of the biggest points of contention related to Medicaid. Congressman Steve Scalise noted that under the new requirements, those who are able to work will now be required to do so in order to receive Medicaid benefits.

Cut 7 (09) “…playing video games.”

Scalise says those people have been crowding disabled people out of the Medicaid program.

Cut 8 (08) “…jobs, Mr. Speaker.”

However, Democrats point out that the bill strips 900-billion dollars from Medicaid and will ultimately strip health care coverage from 17-million Americans. Reagan Carter, the director of health and policy and governmental affairs at the Louisiana Primary Care Association, says that will have a ripple effect on health care centers.

Cut 9 (08)  “…end up closing.”

Jeff Reynolds, the executive director of the Louisiana Rural Hospital Coalition, says if medical centers close, that will have a negative effect on the overall economy of rural communities.

Cut 10 (09) “…receive those services?”

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Louisiana law enforcement is participating in “The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, targeting impaired driving during the Fourth of July holiday. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says the campaign promotes safety on the roadway.

Cut 11 (10) “…drinking and driving.”

Fischer says between 2019 to 2023, 339 people were injured or killed in car crashes across the state during the Fourth of July holiday involving impaired drivers, and with the extra law enforcement out it adds an extra incentive to not drink and drive.

Cut 12 (09) “…few to many.”

From the roadway to the waterway — LDWF agents will participate in Operation Dry Water this weekend, targeting impaired boating. Lieutenant Garrett Kimbal says the campaign is part of a national effort, and it aims to reduce boating under the influence during the busy Fourth of July weekend.

Cut 13 (11)  “…last year.”

Between 2020 and 2024, there were 96 boating fatalities in Louisiana, with alcohol being a factor in 21 of those. A DWI on the water in Louisiana carries the same penalties as on the road. Kimbal encourages people to practice responsible boating this weekend.

Cut 14 (09) “…boating class.”

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Police in Lake Charles shoot and kill a man who they say opened fire on them. Police Chief Shawn Caldwell says officers responded after a driver called 911 to say that someone was pointing a gun at traffic.

Cut 15 (07) “…shot at her.”

Chief Caldwell says after shooting at a second officer, the man ran into a residential neighborhood and barricaded himself inside a shed. A standoff ensued.

Cut 16 (10) “…firing at them.”

Caldwell says a short time later, it all came to an end.

Cut 17 (07)  “…from his injuries.”

Louisiana State Police has taken over the investigation. No officers were hurt; all officers who opened fire are placed on paid administrative leave, as per standard operating procedure, during the investigation.

The latest LEAP test results show that overall student proficiency among students in grades three through eight is up a percentage point, with 35-percent achieving Mastery or above. Erin Bendily, the senior vice president of the Pelican Institute, notes, however, that when students through high school are factored in, the results are flat. 

Cut 3 (14) “…the last year.”

Fireworks will be popping tonight and tomorrow as America celebrates its 249th birthday. State Fire Marshal spokesman Ken Pastorick says there are more than 600 fireworks stands, with all needing to be properly licensed by the State Fire Marshal’s office.

Cut 10 (07) “…fireworks stand.”

Pastorick says you can report suspicious or illegal fireworks sales to the state.

A three-year-old West Baton Rouge Parish girl drowns in a neighbor’s swimming pool. The sheriff’s office says Jacie Lee walked out of the garage of her Port Allen home yesterday afternoon while her family was inside. Sergeant Landon Groger says this is why it’s so important for parents to be aware of where their kids are at all times.

Cut 7 (10) “…of the garage.”

This year’s Fourth of July barbecue is going to cost you a little more money. State Agriculture Secretary Mike Strain says beef is up seven-percent and ground beef is up ten-percent. And he says other meat prices have been up year over year as well.

Cut 13 (06)  “…ham over 4-percent.”

The American Farm Bureau Federation estimates that this year, an average cookout for ten people will cost about 70 dollars.

The latest LEAP test results show that overall student proficiency among students in grades three through eight is up a percentage point, with 35-percent achieving Mastery or above. Erin Bendily, the senior vice president of the Pelican Institute, notes, however, that when students through high school are factored in, the results are flat. 

Cut 3 (14) “…the last year.”

Fireworks will be popping tonight and tomorrow as America celebrates its 249th birthday. State Fire Marshal spokesman Ken Pastorick says there are more than 600 fireworks stands, with all needing to be properly licensed by the State Fire Marshal’s office.

Cut 10 (07) “…fireworks stand.”

Pastorick says you can report suspicious or illegal fireworks sales to the state.

A three-year-old West Baton Rouge Parish girl drowns in a neighbor’s swimming pool. The sheriff’s office says Jacie Lee walked out of the garage of her home while her family was inside, and a deputy found her in the pool unresponsive. Sergeant Landon Groger reminds you to always have a designated person watching children at all times.

Cut 8 (12) “…in your prayers.”

This year’s Fourth of July barbecue is going to cost you a little more money. State Agriculture Secretary Mike Strain says beef is up seven-percent and ground beef is up ten-percent. And he says other meat prices have been up year over year as well.

Cut 13 (06)  “…ham over 4-percent.”

The American Farm Bureau Federation estimates that an average cookout for ten people will cost about 70 dollars.

Tragedy in West Baton Rouge Parish as a little Port Allen girl drowns in a neighbor’s swimming pool. The sheriff’s office says three-year-old Jacie Lee walked out of the garage of her home at around four yesterday afternoon while her family was inside. Sergeant Landon Groger says following an intense search, a deputy found the nonverbal girl unresponsive in her neighbor’s pool.

Cut 6 (11) “…apparent drowning.”

The drowning is being investigated as an accident.

Grambling State University launches the Grambling Research and Resource Foundation. University President Dr. Martin Lemelle (leh-MELL) says the foundation has several components to it.

Cut 15 (15) “…support faculty innovation.”

The National Federation of Independent Business says 36-percent of small business owners reported openings they could not fill last month. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

At this point, Rocco’s Pizza and Cantina might as well open a location in Baton Rouge. LSU fans practically took over the joint in Omaha during the College World Series, scarfing down more than 52-thousand Jello shots. And now, Rocco’s is selling commemorative T-shirts to celebrate the occasion. They’re purple and gold, and the word jello is spelled j-e-l-l-e-a-u-x.

At this hour, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries continues speaking on the floor against the Big, Beautiful Bill. It’s called the Magic Minute, designed to delay a final vote. The final vote was made possible overnight after House Speaker Mike Johnson and President Trump were able to get nearly all Republicans to agree to debate rules, when at one point there were enough “no” votes to throw the whole process into turmoil. Yesterday, Johnson said there are a lot of good things in the bill.

Cut 10 (07) “…around the world.”

But Democrat Cleo Fields doesn’t see it that way. He says there are a lot of bad things about the bill.

Cut 11 (08) “…left the house.”

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill will also add three-point-three trillion dollars to the deficit.

Of the 17 line-item vetoes that Governor Landry issued on the budget, 16 were put forth by fellow Republicans who voted against his most prized bill, HB 148. Tyler Bridges, the chief political reporter for The Advocate who made the connection, says word at the Capitol is that HB 148 will allow Landry to use Tim Temple as a scapegoat if premiums don’t start coming down.

Cut 9 (08)  “…insurance rates.”

The National Federation of Independent Business’ June jobs report found that 36-percent of small business owners are having trouble filling openings. State Director Leah Long says Louisiana’s new “One Door” policy will eventually help consolidate public assistance and job training programs.

Cut 4 (11) “…qualified workforce.”