Louisiana is receiving 134 million dollars in federal money to offset the effects of climate change and reduce chronic flooding. Louisiana Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says projects that will receive this funding are currently being identified…

Cut 3 (07) “…harden infrastructure.” 

Wilson says the 134 million dollars will be spread out over the next five years

Adopted persons who are 24 years of age or older can obtain a copy of their original birth certificate as a result of a new law that went into effect yesterday. Elise Lewis is a co-founder of Louisiana Coalition for Adoption and says they’ve lobbied for years at the state legislature for this law and she credits the bill’s author Rosepine Representative Chuck Owens who shared his personal story of adoption…
cut 11 (11) “….from their families”
A birth certificate can be requested through the Louisiana Department of Health’s vital statistics website.

A new law that took effect Monday paves the way for Louisiana’s growing wind energy industry. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Adoptees who are 24 and older can now request a copy of their original birth certificate thanks to a state law that went into effect Monday. Elise Lewis, co-founder of the Louisiana Coalition for Adoption Reform says they’ve received positive feedback from adoptees…

Cut 10 (12) “…to know.”
Lewis credits Rosepine Representative Chuck Owens for sharing his personal story of adoption for the bill finally becoming law.

We are moving closer to primetime when it comes to the hurricane season. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says use the time now to take photos or a shoot video of the contents of your home…

Cut 14 (13)  “…your claim processed.”
As of today the tropics are quiet.

A another that took effect Monday helps pave the way for Louisiana’s developing wind energy industry. Authored in the legislature by Houma Representative Jerome Zeringue (zer-ANG), the new law increases a previously set limit of just 5000 acres for the development of wind farms to 25-thousand acres.

Cut 4 (11)  “…particular wind farm.”

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is embarking on two studies that will look at female athletes’ mental and physical resilience. Pennington’s Director of the Behavior Technology Laboratory Doctor Tiffany Stewart says one project will recruit 500 female athletes nationwide to assess overall mental health and resilience while a second study will focus on 50 female athletes at LSU…

Cut 8 (12)  “…with that”

Former Chairwoman of the Louisiana Democratic Party and state senator Karen Carter Peterson enters a guilty plea to a wire fraud charge. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (27) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

The Louisiana Department of Health has released a list of exemptions of when an abortion can take place because the pregnancy is medically futile. The list contains 24 conditions that would affect parts of the fetus. The absence of a heart is one condition. The law also calls for two Louisiana physicians to sign off on an abortion before it can happen.

If you’re adopted and 24 or older you can now request a copy of your original birth certificate. Elise Lewis, one of the founders of the Louisiana Coalition for Adoption Reform says can make the request online at the department of health’s vital statistics website.

Cut 12 (11) “…pre-adoption birth certificate.” 

A law was passed in the most recent legislative session give adoptees the right to their pre-adoption birth certificate.

August is when hurricane season starts to really heat up, and Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says prepare now for a possible storm damage claim. Donelon says read your property insurance declaration page thoroughly…:

Cut 13 (11) “…Named Storm Deductible.”
Donelon says the Named Storm Deductible applies for hurricanes and tropical storms and requires you to put up 5-percent of your property’s value before insurance kicks in.

The First Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on Friday that Baton Rouge Judge Don Johnson must sign off on the state’s trigger’s law that bans abortion must go back into effect. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino is surprised the state’s appeals court took this long to get involved in the case…

Cut 6 (11) “…district court ruling” 

Judge Johnson had issued a restraining order against the law from going into effect while he studies the merits of the law.

An accelerated cadet academy for Louisiana State troopers is underway. Sergeant Monroe Dillion says in their 86 years of cadet classes this is their first ever accelerated academy with 28 men and women embarking on their future as a state trooper.

Cut 3 (10) “…14 weeks.” 

A law to train law enforcement officers on how to detect human trafficking goes into effect today. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says human trafficking can easily go unnoticed, especially in places or events with large crowds, but the problem is also very bad in Louisiana’s small towns. She says it coincides with the illegal drug trade…:

Cut 14 (12)  “…dirty, dirty thing.”

A new study conducted by the LSU Department of Marketing along with researchers from other Universities has found that caffeine could lead to greater consumer spending. Associate Professor Courtney Szocs says drinks like espressos, coffee and tea impacted not only the degree of spending but also the types of products…

Cut 10 (09) “…products”

Entergy Louisiana President Phillip May says electricity costs have risen sharply all over the U.S., and Entergy is not “gouging” its customers. Still, many customers are angry with storm assessments Entergy has added to their bills. May says they have little choice if they hope to recoup their storm-related losses…:

Cut 9 (14)  “…present our bills.”

An LSU Department of Marketing study shows caffeine use can cause you to spend more money. Associate Professor Courtney Szocs says that one should be mindful of what time they consume that caffeinated beverage in order to avoid making that unnecessary purchase…

Cut  11 (12)  “…trying to say” 

Starting today the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin is officially designated as a highway safety corridor. Jeff Palermo on what that means….

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Another law that goes into effect today is required training for law enforcement officers on how to recognize signs of human trafficking. The new law also requires state and local law enforcement agencies to regularly report on training compliance and progress. The I-10/I-12 corridor is a known pipeline for human sex trafficking.

Entergy Louisiana President Phillip May says an increase in natural gas prices are responsible for high power bills along with high customer usage in the summer heat.  He says Entergy understands how burdensome it can be for some folks to afford their utility bill…:

Cut 8 (13)  “…who need assistance.”

A law to train law enforcement officers on how to detect human trafficking goes into effect today. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell’s legislation says in addition to recognizing the crime it also requires state and local law enforcement agencies to regularly report on training compliance and progress…:

Cut 15 (11)  “…the numbers on that.”

Looking to save money on back-to-school shopping? Research says putting down that coffee could help you save a buck. Erik Piccoli has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.”

Former State Senator Karen Carter Peterson is expected to plead guilty in federal court today to illegally spending campaign funds and Democratic Party money on personal needs, including gambling. In April she resigned from the Louisiana Senate to address with her struggles with depression and gambling.

For the LRN I’m Erik Piccoli
Northwestern State men’s basketball is adding Hansel Enmanuel to its 2022 recruiting class. Enmanuel is from the Dominican Republic and he had his left arm amputated at the age of 6 after a wall collapsed on it. Demons Coach Corey Gipson says it’s clear that life challenges have made the three-star recruit even more determined…
Cut 4 (08) “…that guy”
Gipson says the Enmanuel family showed the program the type of passion and love for the game that they look for at NSU.
And A new law goes into effect Monday that makes stealing a catalytic converter a crime. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot says his legislation makes it easier to prosecute thieves who swipe a catalytic converter from a vehicle and the punishment is severe
Cut 6 (10) “…50-grand”
Talbot says some criminals steal dozens of catalytic converters and sell them in bulk.
Cut 7 (10) “…catalytic converters.”
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A lot of new state laws go into effect Monday, August 1st, and one of them will forbid police from using the smell of marijuana as probable cause to search one’s home. The bill was authored by New Iberia Representative Marcus Bryant, who says there are still warrantless searches and arrests being made, simply because an LEO smelled weed. He says the new law makes it clear for police…
Cut 9 (07) “…warrantless arrests.”
Again, the new law takes effect on August 1st.
And Deputies in St. Martin Parish arrest a woman for stabbing an officer during an arrest. Sheriff’s Captain GinnyHiggins says, when Burton fled the vehicle and the deputy, she left something very important in the car…
Cut 13 (10) “…took over after that..”
Burton, who is from Las Vegas, is now charged with attempted murder of a police officer, resisting arrest, simple escape, possession of narcotics, and more.

For the LRN I’m Erik Piccoli
A new law that goes into effect Monday makes the theft of a catalytic converter a crime. Jeff Palermo has the story…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”
And Northwestern State men’s basketball is excited about the addition of Hansel Enmanuel to its 2022 recruiting class. You may have seen him in a Gatorade commercial. The Florida prep star dominated the hardwood in high school with one arm. Demons Coach Corey Gipson says it doesn’t even dawn on him that Enmanuel has a disability
Cut 3 (11) “..University”
Enmanuel is 6’4″ and in his senior season, he averaged 26 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 blocks a game.
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Starting in August officers will be forbidden by law from using the smell of marijuana as probable cause to search one’s house. NewIberia Representative Marcus Bryant says legalizing smokable marijuana as medicine makes this new law necessary to protect individuals’ rights. He feels there will be more bills filed in the future to de-criminalize using marijuana…
Cut 11 (14) “…prescriptions for marijuana.”
Again, the new law takes effect on August 1st.
And deputies in St. Martin Parish arrest a woman for stabbing an officer during an arrest. Sheriff’s Captain Ginny Higgins says some St. Martinville residents called them to report a suspicious woman, knocking on doors and asking to be given a gun. When a deputy stopped 26-year-old Ashley Burton to question her, she tried to flee on foot…
Cut 12 (09) “…stabbed out deputy.”
After fleeing the vehicle, the suspect left two children in the vehicle who are now under the care of the Department of Children and Family Services.
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For the LRN I’m Erik Piccoli
Northwestern State is thrilled about the signing of Hansel Enmanuel – the high school basketball star with one arm. Michelle Southern reports…
Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Michelle Southern”
And Monday a new law goes into effect that makes stealing catalytic converters a crime. River Ridge Senator KirkTalbot says SUVs and pick-up trucks are the biggest victims of this crime.
Cut 8 (08) “…in seconds.”
If the value of the catalytic converters stolen is greater than $25,000, jail time would be 10 to 20 years.
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On August 1st a new law forbidding officers from using the smell of marijuana as probable cause to search one’s house goes into effect. New Iberia Representative Marcus Bryant’s House Bill 629 won final passage and was signed into law by the governor. He says his bill codified federal statute into state law. Bryant says it is needed, now that a growing number of citizens are using legal medical marijuana. He says those patients shouldn’t have to worry about what happens if a police officer shows up at their door…
Cut 10 (12) “…making them uncomfortable.”
A woman has been arrested in St. Martin Parish for stabbing an officer. Sheriff’s Captain Ginny Higgins said 26-year-old Ashley Burton, who is from Las Vegas, is now charged with attempted murder of a police officer, resisting arrest, simple escape, possession of narcotics, and more. Higgins says the deputy Burton stabbed has been treated and released from medical care…:
Cut 14 (06) “…extremely lucky.”
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Mike the Tiger could soon be coming to a theatre near you. Brooke Thorington has more about the feature film that’s in the works.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Starting Monday, August 1^st, military veterans will have the right to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (28) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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The Governor’s Office of Community Programs will distribute school supplies across the state, beginning this weekend. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A feature film is in the works starring LSU’s beloved mascot Mike the Tiger. It’s titled The Mascot and is loosely based on writer/director Matthew Perkins’ life when he donned the Uga costume at the University of Georgia. He approached his alma mater about the film first but their loss is now LSU’s gain.

Cut 4 (09)  “…Tiger movie.”

Perkins says it’s a heartfelt, coming of age, sports comedy about a quarterback who loses his scholarship to LSU, and then sort of reinvents himself as the mascot. Perkins says it’s more of a parable about identity, and how we all wear masks metaphorically, especially in our formative years in college.

Cut 5 (04) “…really is.”

And with the university’s name image and likeness deals chances are you’ll see some LSU student-athletes cast in the film. But Perkins there’s one thing for sure, you’ll see a film crew on the sidelines during football season.

Cut 6 (11)  “…sports movie.”

Casey Cott who’s known for his role in Riverdale has been cast as the lead character in The Mascot.

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Beginning Monday, military veterans will have the right to carry a concealed weapon without obtaining a permit. The new law was authored in the legislature by Monroe area Senator Jay Morris, who says he was happy to pass legislation to aid those who’ve served their country…:

Cut 7 (07) “…and their property.”

Under the new law, military veterans may carry a hidden gun without getting a permit; provided they are over 21 and have no criminal felony record. Some object to permitless concealed carry (sometimes called Constitutional Carry) because the current system requires weapons training and proficiency tests. Morris says anyone who’s served in the military has already had such training…:

Cut 8 (11)  “…getting a permit.”

A vet who encounters police while carrying without a permit might want to also carry some proof of his or her military service. In a recent mass shooter incident in Indiana, the killer was put down by an armed citizen before he could slay more people. Morris says murderers and criminals don’t observe gun laws; good people do…:

Cut 9 (08)  “…to protect themselves.”

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Thousands of people will be buying lottery tickets for tonight’s Mega Millions drawing which has a grand prize of one-point-one billion dollars. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says it’s one of the largest jackpots in U-S lottery history

Cut 10 (08) “…lottery jackpot.”

Annison says lottery players love big jackpots, including individuals who might buy a lottery ticket only once or twice a year

Cut  11 (12)  “…Mega Million sales.” 

Annison says they ask individuals to play responsibly and if you are going in with a large group, make sure you decide beforehand how you would split up the winnings. He says billion dollar jackpots result in a frenzy in individuals buying tickets, which is good for the state

Cut 12 (08) “..our state” 

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The Governor’s Office of Community Programs is hosting several back-to-school community fairs across the state, beginning tomorrow. Director, Katina Semien-Smothers says because they understand that for families, and especially this year with inflation, it’s difficult to purchase school supplies and they wanted to make it a fun event.

Cut 13 (08) “…the state.”

Semien-Smothers says in the past they’ve donated school supplies or resources for agencies to purchase school supplies…

Cut 14 (09)  “…the community.”

The first of four back-to-school community fairs will be at City Park in Natchitoches from 10 until 2. Semien-Smothers says the remaining fairs are in August.

Cut 15 (10)  “…the 20th.”

Supplies to be distributed include notebooks, pens, pencils, paper, and more.

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Jameis Winston is getting ready for his second season as the starting quarterback for the Saints. Winston recognizes he has more weapons around him this season

Cut 16 (15)  “….beautiful thing“.

A healthy Michael Thomas would be huge for the Saints offense. He’s caught over 500 passes in his career and the last season he was healthy, Thomas was named the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year. Winston is looking forward to working with Can’t Guard Mike…

Cut 17 (14) “…gonna happen” 

So far much of the attention on Saints training camp has been on the offense, who now have a healthy Jameis Winston and Michael Thomas, plus the additions of receivers Chris Olave and Jarvis Landry. But Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan says the defense is working to be a top tier defense…

Cut 18 (23) “   …championship defense”

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 cut 19 (16) _“…and defensively” 

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Cut 20 (16) “ …practice one”