2:30 PM Newscast August 12

As investigations into the assassination attempt on former President Trump’s life continue, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise says there’s been plenty of finger-pointing going on from different agencies and he was even alerted from his own sources about local law enforcement’s concerns.

Cut 8 (12)  “…that point.”

Scalise says the job of the Secret Service is to protect the President, Vice President, former Presidents, and visiting Heads of State.

State Police are investigating an officer-related shooting at the request of the Delhi Police Department.  The incident happened just before 11 o-clock Sunday night in the 7200 Block of Highway 17 in Delhi. The subject was pronounced dead on the scene and no officers were harmed. Few details have been released but LSP asks anyone with information to share it with them by visiting LSP.org.

Louisiana’s restaurant industry is improving post-pandemic in areas around the state. Mel Bridges has the details.

Cut 1 (32) …I’m Mel Bridges.”

 

AP’s preseason top 25 is out, and LSU football ranks 13th. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says it shouldn’t come as a surprise, since LSU ranked 12th in the preseason AFCA Coaches Poll a week ago. However, he thinks the top 25 rankings usually don’t accurately reflect how the Tigers will do in the coming weeks…

Cut 11 (12) ” …season opener.”

The Tigers will start their season by playing USC on September 1st in Las Vegas.

4:30 PM Newscast August 9

This school year two new laws are in effect emphasizing a parent’s existing right to have their children opt out of vaccine requirements and prevent schools from requiring COVID vaccinations. Gonzales Representative Kathy Edmonston authored the legislation…

Cut 6 (13) “..no mandate.”

Edmonston says the laws stop mandates, it’s not a debate about vaccines it’s merely allowing parents to have their child opt out of immunizations.

LSU track star Sha’Carri Richardson let out a yell as she crossed the finish line to bring home the gold for the women’s relay team. Richardson captured her 2nd Olympic medal and her first gold medal with a come-from-behind anchor leg in the Olympic 4×100 Friday. The rain proved challenging for some, but the USA Women’s relay team handled a rain-slickened baton with smooth passes. Richardson ran her leg of the relay in 10.09 seconds to overcome runners from Britain and Germany beating Britain by 0.07 of a second.

May 7, 2025, is now the final deadline for U-S residents to obtain a REAL ID-compliant identification to board domestic flights. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (35)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) has partnered with the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association (LADA) to launch the “Put the Brakes on Litter” campaign. KLB Director Susan Russel says the initiative is designed to address the state’s litter problem by leveraging the influence of car dealerships.

Cut 4 (10) “…expand it to other dealerships.”

3:30 PM newscast August 9

The Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested three people in connection with the Hardwater Lake community burglary of the home of nursing home patients.  According to GPSO two Rapides Parish nursing home employees stole patients’ driver’s licenses and house keys and gave them to accomplices to perform the burglary. Kameron King, of Boyce, Tevin Landers, of Pineville, and Arnesia Burns of Alexandria, were arrested. A fourth arrest is pending for Lakita Landers.

Without a REAL ID, travelers boarding a plane must present an alternative form of acceptable identification, such as a U.S. passport, to board flights or enter secure federal buildings. The Department of Homeland Security has extended the deadline multiple times to give states and residents more time to comply, but Louisiana OMV Commissioner Dan Casey says May 7, 2025, is now the final deadline.

Cut 10 (06) “…another extension.”

Currently, only 25 percent of Louisiana residents have obtained a REAL ID.

New laws pertaining to immunization requirements for students are in effect. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Saints preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals kicks off tomorrow at 7 P.M. Ross Jackson, host of the Locked On Saints Podcast, says there are still a number of lingering questions for the Saints after finishing 9 and 8 last season and missing the playoffs. Jackson thinks preseason could provide some answers, especially about the offensive line.

Cut  13 (15) “…this offseason.” 

2:30 PM Newscast August 9

Two new laws greet the new school year. They emphasize a parent’s existing right to have their children opt out of vaccine requirements and prevent schools from requiring COVID vaccinations. Author of the legislation, Gonzales Representative Kathy Edmonston says if parents have any issues opting out with their child’s school to call the State Department of Education or her office…

Cut 8 (08)  “…correct it.”

LSU track star Sha’Carri Richardson takes the gold in the rain. Richardson captured her first Olympic gold medal with a come-from-behind anchor leg for the United States in the Olympic 4×100 on Friday. The relay team performed smooth safe passes of a rain-slickened baton, and capped off the win Richardson, America’s fastest 100-meter runner. Richardson overcame runners from Britain and Germany and let out a yell as she crossed the finish line – winning by 0.07 of a second.

May 7, 2025, is now the final deadline for U-S residents to obtain a REAL ID-compliant identification to board domestic flights. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (35)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) has partnered with the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association (LADA) to launch the “Put the Brakes on Litter” campaign. KLB Director Susan Russel says participating dealers will distribute litter kits to customers, aiming to raise awareness about the environmental impact of littering.

Cut 3 (11) “…all throughout Louisiana.”

3:30 PM Newscast August 8

New Orleans Police are searching for two missing girls. NOPD says 12-year-old Lo’Tre Williams and 13-year-old Micha Stewart were last their home in the 2200 block of North Miro Street on Wednesday, at 6 p.m. They have not been heard from since that time. 12-year-old Williams is African American 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs 90 pounds and Stewart is African American 5 feet 6 inches tall, and weighs 90 pounds. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the two juveniles is asked to call Fifth District detectives at 504-658-6050.

According to the CDC Louisiana has twice the national average of COVID. LSU-Health New Orleans Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says there’s a surge in cases nationwide, with growing emergency room admissions.

Cut 4 (1) “…so hot.”

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) is hosting a cybersecurity training session for law enforcement at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. GOHSEP Director Jaques Thibodeaux says public-private partnerships and private businesses donating to this training to strengthen its overall cyber resilience and ensure that law enforcement is equipped to tackle the evolving challenges of cybersecurity.

Cut 11 (07) ” …free of charge.”

The Louisiana Blood Center issued an urgent appeal for blood donations, stating that at least 200 donors are needed daily to meet the demand. The call for increased donations comes amid a critical shortage intensified by the summer months, when blood donations typically decrease. Blood Center Medical Director Tim Peterson says donations have been declining for a decade…

Cut 6 (12) “..7 million people.”

2:30 PM Newscast August 8

According to the CDC Louisiana has twice the national average of COVID. LSU-Health New Orleans Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says the uptick in cases has been found via wastewater detection.

Cut 3 (13) “…with COVID.”

ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting the Saints have signed 25-year-old linebacker Pete Werner to a three-year contract extension worth a maximum of 25-million dollars. 17.5 million dollars is guaranteed. Werner has looked good in training camp and is coming off a season in which he had a career high 93 tackles.

The Louisiana Blood Center is in urgent need of blood donations saying that at least 200 donors are needed daily to meet the demand. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (35)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

This week, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) is hosting a cybersecurity training session for law enforcement at the ULL. GOHSEP Director Jaques Thibodeaux says the aim is to equip officers with the skills and knowledge needed to respond to and mitigate cyberattacks, which can target a wide range of critical infrastructure, including government agencies, businesses, and public services.

Cut 10 (07) “…GOHSEP Academy.”

1:30 PM Newscast August 7

In a rare move, the Louisiana Supreme Court has temporarily removed a 19th Judicial District Judge saying there was probable cause that Judge Eboni Johnson Rose committed a violation of the Code of Judicial Conduct and poses a substantial threat of serious harm to the public and the administration of justice. They cited questionable decisions saying Rose convicted a police officer for a non-existent crime and convicted a former teacher moments after acquitting her. The investigation could take six months.

State Police are urging motorists to slow down as kids head back to the classroom. Trooper Eddie Thomas says to be mindful of school zones along your commute and to pay extra attention to your surroundings.

Cut 9 (09) “…school season.”

In school zones, motorists should make a concerted effort to minimize distractions, maintain an elevated level of alertness, and be mindful of children in the area.

In a unanimous vote, the Mobile City Council approved funding for the Amtrack train service for two trains that will run round trip from New Orleans to Mobile with stops in Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (00) …I’m Sean Richardson.”

Purple Heart Day is a time to pay tribute to those who have shown extraordinary bravery and selflessness in the line of duty. The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs is encouraging the public to wear purple today to visibly show support and appreciation for these veterans, and LDVA Program Manager and Purple Heart recipient William McInnis says if you see a Vet wearing a Purple Heart…

Cut 5 (06)  “…tell you their story.”

12:30 PM Newscast August 7

In a unanimous vote, the Mobile City Council approved funding for the Gulf Coast Amtrak Train Service that will run from New Orleans to Mobile. Southern Rail Commission Chairman Knox Ross says with platforms ready in New Orleans and the Mississippi cities in between the next steps are getting the platform and station track completed in Mobile…

Cut 6 (06) “..start date.”

 

Today is Purple Heart Day and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs is encouraging the public to wear purple to recognize recipients of the oldest military honor in the United States awarded to U.S. Armed Forces members wounded or killed in the line of duty. LDVA Program Manager and Purple Heart recipient William McInnis says their aim is to foster greater public awareness and respect for these veterans, showing their sacrifices are not forgotten.

Cut 4 (07) “…lift their spirit.”

 

Phase 2 construction of the Houma Navigational Canal Lock complex breaks ground today. The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority says the navigation, flood protection, and hydrologic restoration project is designed to help limit saltwater intrusion pushing freshwater within the Terrebonne Basin which allows maintenance of thousands of acres of wetlands that serve wildlife and fisheries. When completed the HNC Lock Complex will span 110 feet across and 800 feet in length and will have sector gates on either side.

11:30 AM Newscast August 7

Governor Landry’s statement to parents who disagree with the Ten Commandments law prompts a response from a plaintiff in a lawsuit against it. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Colorado State University Hurricane Forecast Team has revised its long-term forecast and the researchers are now calling for 23 named storms for this year. Researcher Levi Silvers…

cut 10 (10) “…51-percent”

The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs is encouraging the public to wear purple today to mark Purple Heart Day. LDVA Program Manager and Purple Heart recipient William McInnis emphasizes the importance of acknowledging these brave individuals.

Cut 3 (07) “…keep the country free.”

and McInnis says if you see a Vet wearing a Purple Heart them ask them about it and honor them by listening to their story.

A juvenile Whooping Crane was found dead near Mamou in January and there’s a 12,500-dollar reward to find the person responsible. The rare birds had not been seen in Louisiana since 1950 until an effort to reintroduce them began in 2011. Lt Wendell Vaughn with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and fisheries…

Cut 15 (11)  “…shot it.”

There are an estimated 80 Whooping Cranes in Louisiana

3:30 PM Newscast August 6

19-year-old Jacob E. Michot, of Marksville, has been arrested in connection with the July 22nd murder of Gary P. Normand of Marksville. Michot is charged with Principle to 2nd Degree Murder and Possession of Stolen Things related to Normand’s murder Tim Ryan with the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Department says Michot isn’t the only suspect in this case.

Cut  13 (08) “…forthcoming.” 

Michot is being held on 1.1 million dollar bond.

This week’s triple digit high temperatures are expected to break records across Louisiana. LSU climatologist Barry Keim says even the early morning temperatures will be oppressive as Louisiana bakes under a heat dome…
cut 8 (07) “…above normal.”

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate as she campaigns for president. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

Former LSU pole vaulter and Lafayette native Mondo Duplantis vaulted 20 and a half feet to break the world record for the ninth time and win a gold medal at the Olympics. Duplantis says he didn’t think about setting a record, but it all hit him once he hit the ground.

Cut 4 (12) “…freaking out.”

Duplantis, who competed for his mother’s home country of Sweden, began pole vaulting as a child in his backyard in Lafayette.