Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy believes calls for President Biden to step aside as the Democratic nominee and even step down from office should be heard. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Louisiana’s only Democratic Congressman, Troy Carter, says even though the President had a bad night that doesn’t mean he’s not fit for office…

Cut 3 (10) “…debate performance.”

The President sent a letter to Congressional Democrats telling them he’s firmly committed to staying in the race and beating Donald Trump.

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating the discovery of a child’s body found floating in the water behind the Vinton Welcome Center on Monday afternoon. The CPSO Marine Division recovered the body of an African American Child after a witness reported seeing the body. Investigators checked with local agencies in the area and in Texas but no one matching the description has been reported missing. CPSO says there were no obvious signs of injuries, but the investigation continues and the coroner with determine the cause of death.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announces new measures to improve safety on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. This includes the installation of new speed limit signs and “your speed” feedback signs. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett…

Cut 10 (11) “…speeding and tailgating.”

The speed limit will be 60 mph for all vehicles, replacing the previous limits of 55 mph for trucks. Trucks will still be restricted to the right lane.

A Shreveport woman whose body was found in a neighbor’s home Sunday, is believed to have been killed in a dog attack. 59-year-old Joni Hatcher had been caring from her neighbor’s dog in his absence and authorities say her injuries are consistent with an attack by an animal like a dog or dogs. Her death is under investigation and an autopsy is pending.

President Joe Biden has announced he has no plans to step aside as the Democratic presidential nominee after a lackluster debate performance. Biden says his poor showing was due to nerves and difficulty combatting former President Trump’s false claims, not a sign of any mental issues. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan believes Biden should still submit to a neurological exam to assure voters and world leaders…

Cut 11 (12) ” …in the world.”

Louisiana was spared the brunt of Beryl, but the Bayou State is getting rain, and the western half of the state is under a tornado watch until 10 PM. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Louisiana’s 2024 I Voted Stickers have been unveiled, featuring a crawfish sporting a suit and top hat named Mark D’Ballot. This year’s sticker was designed by Shreveport artist William Joyce…

Cut 3 (12) “…ends up mattering.”

A group of teenagers from Terrebonne Parish are accused of targeting, beating, and robbing homeless people in the French Quarter. New Orleans Police say the attacks were reported about 2:35 Sunday morning after the teens allegedly pistol-whipped the first victim in the head. A second victim was also beaten with a gun and had his backpack and bicycle stolen. The suspects then allegedly threw the man’s belongings into the Mississippi River. One victim was transported to a hospital for treatment.  Officers arrested Keith Morvant, Leland Fitch and Jaden LeBeouf, all 18, as well as a 15-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy.

Beryl made landfall early this morning as a category 1 hurricane along the Texas coast and has since been downgraded to a tropical storm. While Louisiana was spared the brunt of the storm LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says…

Cut 6 (11) “…out of this.”

The western half of the state is under a tornado watch until 10 pm.

Northwestern State University has narrowed their search for a new president to 3 finalist including Northwestern Alum, Associate Justice for the Louisiana Supreme Court District 3 James Genovese who according to NOLA DOT Com reporter Tyler Bridges is Governor Landry’s choice for the job. Genovese has reportedly ruled against some tough on crime cases and if he leaves the court for NSU, there will be an opening that could be filled by a more conservative judge.

This year’s I Voted Stickers have been unveiled and they feature a crawfish in a suit and top hat named Mark D’Ballot. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (29) …I’m Mel Bridges.”

Louisiana was spared the brunt of Beryl, but the Bayou State will experience rain, and the western half of the state is under a tornado watch until 10 PM. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Olivia “Livvy” Dunne says she’s not Dunne yet. In a video post to X she announced she is returning to LSU for another season with the National Champion Tigers’ Gymnastics team! Her post included clips of the Tigers and LSU and she says”there’s just something about LSU.”

Some Democratic lawmakers have called on President Joe Biden to drop out of the presidential race, though they didn’t offer up any nominees. Despite Biden saying he won’t step aside, LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan thinks it would be beneficial for the Democrats to explore the possibility of having someone else run.

Cut 10 (12) “…all there.”

Shreveport artist William Joyce created Louisiana’s 2024 I Voted Stickers featuring a top hat wearing crawfish named Mark D’Ballot. Though Joyce has created and worked on several children’s books, TV shows and movies, including multiple Academy Award winners, he thinks these stickers are the most important thing he’s ever worked on because the impact is immediate and far-reaching.

Cut 5 (08)  “…what’s the downside?”

The stickers will be handed out to people who vote in the fall election.

Angola has been ordered to improve conditions for inmates who are required to work on the farm line. Louisiana Middle District Court Judge Brian Jackson told the the prison to quickly correct what he called “glaring deficiencies of their heat-related policies.” Promise of Justice Initiative Legal Director Colin Reingold…

Cut 9 (10) “…the farm line.”

On the 4^th of July, Louisiana becomes the 29^th state to allow non-felon adults to conceal carry a gun without a permit and without training. Some have expressed concerns that this law will result in more gun violence, but New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez believes his legislation will reduce the number of shootings…

cut 12 (07) “…their actions”
Miguez says Handgun Training is still being offered by Louisiana State Police.

Governor Jeff Landry announces Operation Lone Start extension that will Deploy LANG engineers to the Texas border on July 15^th. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (30) …I’m Sean Richardson.”

Governor Jeff Landry announces the extension of Operation Lone Star which will involve the deployment of Louisiana National Guard engineers on July 15^th to the southern border. LANG spokesperson Lt. Col. Noel Collins says they will support Texas with border security.

Cut 3 (09) …to the border

Operation Lone Star began in March when the state sent 50 Louisiana National Guard soldiers to the Texas border for 30 days at a time.

Recreational red snapper season will be weekends-only after a brief close in the season from July 7 to 12. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Director of Marine Fisheries Chris Schieble (shee-ble) says these changes are an attempt to slow an above-average catching season.

Cut 13 (08)  “…Labor Day weekend.”

This year in Louisiana the 4^th of July marks the first day those 18 and older can conceal carry. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 26 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Filling up your gas tank for Fourth of July weekend shouldn’t look much different than it did this time last year. AAA spokesperson Nick Chabberia says the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.05. Air travel on the other hand…

Cut 6 (06) … over year

The Louisiana State Police Crime Lab has launched a statewide sexual assault kit tracking program as a result of a law approved in 2023. Captain Chad Guidry with the crime lab says this will make the tracking process more transparent for survivors.

Cut 9 (12) “…prosecution time.”

LSU climatologist Barry Keim says the dome of high pressure that’s helping to bake Louisiana is also keeping Hurricane Beryl from making a turn towards the northern Gulf Coast. Tomorrow, Jamacia is expected take a big hit from the Cat 4 storm and Friday Beryl is expected to make landfall on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Keim says most of the model runs have Beryl making a final landfall near the Texas-Mexico border…

Cut  14 (09) “..forecast.” 

Congressman Troy Carter is upset the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has granted Denka Performance Elastomer a two-year extension to reduce emissions. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (31) …I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has cited six fishermen for illegally catching 120 red snapper of which 97 were undersized in Plaquemines Parish. The men face thousands of dollars in fines. LDWF Captain Tim Fox says 33-year-old Encarnacion Lopez of Chalmette and five illegal immigrants were issued citations.

Cut 3 (12) “…fishing that day.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has cited six fishermen for illegally catching 120 red snapper of which 97 were undersized in Plaquemines Parish. Captain Tim Fox says 33-year-old Encarnacion Lopez of Chalmette and five illegal immigrants were issued citations. He emphasizes the importance of following fishing rules to protect marine ecosystems and ensure the long-term viability of fish species.

Cut 5 (05)  “…state alike.”

Congressman Troy Carter says the two-year extension Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has granted Denka Performance Elastomer in St. John Parish; to reduce emissions undermines efforts to protect the health of nearby communities and he reaffirmed his commitment to working with the EPA and community advocates to improve air quality in affected areas

Cut 8 (06)  “…for justice.”

The Louisiana State Police Crime Lab now has a statewide tracking program for sexual assault kits. Captain Chad Guidry with the crime lab says this will make the tracking process more transparent for survivors. For assault survivors, a portal on the LSP website allows users to put a kit number into to see where it is. For law enforcement, the portal shows where the kit is and which departments have already handled it. Guidry says Personal information is protected.

Cut 11 (12) ” …survivor’s side.”

LSU climatologist Barry Keim says this dome of high pressure that’s helping to bake Louisiana is also keeping Hurricane Beryl from making a turn towards the Gulf Coast but the Cat 4 is expected to bring life-threatening winds and storm surge to Jamaica tomorrow. A landfall on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is expected Friday.

cut  13 (07) “…problem here.” 

Most of the state is under a excessive heat warning today, but LSU climatologist Barry Keim says this dome of high pressure that’s helping to bake Louisiana is also keeping Hurricane Beryl from making a turn towards the Gulf Coast…

Cut 12 (11) “… hope not.” 

Congressman Troy Carter is upset the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has granted Denka Performance Elastomer, a chemical plant in St. John Parish, a two-year extension to reduce emissions. Originally they had until October 15^th to cut 98-percent of its chloroprene emissions. But Denka says it’s an unrealistic timeline and will result in the plant closing. Carter says the health of the area residents should be the top priority…

Cut 7 (10) “…anti-violator move..”

Louisiana State Police Crime Lab has launched a statewide sexual assault kit tracking program. Mel Bridges has the details.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

Police have arrested three teenagers in connection with the murder of 43-year-old Kristie Thibodeaux in the French Quarter early Sunday morning. NOPD says 17-year-old Jerben Albarec, 19-year-old Joshua Aviala-Bonifacio, and a 15-year-old boy were booked on charges of second-degree murder and attempted armed robbery. Around 4:40 Sunday morning Police responded to reports of a shooting at the intersection of Royal and St. Peter. Kristie Thibodeaux of Slidell was found seated in a vehicle and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The arrests were the result of the collaborative efforts of NOPD, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, State Police, and FBI.

Thanks to a new law that goes into effect next year more Louisianans will be able to have weight loss surgery covered by their insurance. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Denka plant in Reserve, Louisiana, has received an extension from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to meet the EPA’s new emissions standards. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

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Two adults and an 8-year-old child were found dead in a home near Albany Monday morning in what appears to be a murder/suicide. Colleen Crain has the story

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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Beginning next year more Louisianans will be eligible for insurance coverage for bariatric surgery. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow has been pushing for the change so more people can qualify for coverage for what she calls life-changing.

Cut 4 (08) “…Louisiana’s life.”

Barrow says obesity costs the state $32 billion annually in health-related costs and work productivity losses. Out-of-pocket costs for the surgery range between $15,000 and $,25,000.

Former New Orleans Senator Diana Bajoie began the initiative two decades ago for insurance coverage and Barrow has since led the charge.

Barrow says a pilot test was conducted among 300 state employees who are medically qualified to show the benefits of the surgery and how it reduced other obesity medical related issues. She says the pilot’s success helped justify the legislation.

Cut 5 (09) “…to everyone.”

For state employees, the law does not change, and the state cap of 300 patients annually for the surgery.

Barrow says Louisiana is among the last states in the country to receive insurance coverage for the surgery.

A patient who was part of the pilot program Barrow says approached her in the grocery store and shared with her how dramatically her life has improved because of the surgery.

Cut 6 (12) “…all of that.”

Barrow says in the future she plans to introduce legislation for more health insurance providers in the state to cover medications that have been proven to help with weight loss.

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Baton Rouge Senator Rick Edmonds’ new DWI bill, approved during a special session, aims to significantly reform Louisiana’s approach to driving while intoxicated (DWI) offenses. The law lowers the blood alcohol content from 0.20 to 0.15, which aligns Louisiana with most other states.

Cut 7 (10) “…other states.”

The aim is to reduce the state’s high rate of repeat DWI offenders.

Key requirements include the immediate reinstatement of driving privileges for DWI offenders who install electronic monitoring devices in their vehicles, eliminating the previous 30-45 day waiting period.

Cut 8 (08) “…driver’s license.”

The bill also introduces compliance-based removal for electronic monitoring devices, requiring offenders to demonstrate consistent sober driving before the devices can be removed.

The legislation has garnered broad support from various organizations, including Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Edmonds says the changes are expected to reduce the number of alcohol-related traffic fatalities in Louisiana

Cut 9 (06)  “…take you home.”

In 2021, the Louisiana Driving Commission reported that 40% of vehicle crashes were alcohol-related.

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The Denka plant in Reserve has received an extension from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to meet the EPA’s new emissions standards for chloroprene, a carcinogenic chemical used in neoprene production. Denka claims the initial 90-day compliance period is too short to achieve the necessary reductions without risking a shutdown of the facility, which employs around 250 people. DEQ Secretary Aurelia S. Giacometto…

Cut 10 (07) “…90-days.”

The EPA filed a complaint against Denka, citing the plant’s emissions as a substantial public health risk, particularly due to the increased cancer risk. Giacometto says…

Cut 11 (10) “…China.”

While activists view the EPA’s strict deadlines as a victory for public health, Denka has criticized the new regulations as politically motivated and based on flawed science, warning of economic repercussions if the plant is forced to shut down.

Cut 12 (11) “…monitoring.” 

The extension from the DEQ will provide Denka additional time to comply with the new standards without an immediate shutdown of operations.

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Two adults and an 8-year-old child were found dead in a home near Albany Monday morning. Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard says 49-year-old Ginny Williamson, 49-year-old Steven Williamson, and the child in their custody died in what appears to be a murder/suicide.

Cut 13 (09)  “…shot herself.”

Investigators believe the shooting occurred late Friday or early Saturday. Ard says the bodies were discovered Monday morning by a family member who then called authorities around 8:00 a.m.

Cut 14 (11)  “…crime scene.”

Ard says, LPSO had previously responded to calls at the West Bates residence for alarms and things of that nature but there was no history of calls related to violence.

Cut 15 (11)  “…to that.”

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Southeastern Louisiana University Athletics Director Jay Artigues (Ar-teegs) will serve as the chair of the 2025 NCAA Division 1 Baseball Committee. The former Lions head baseball coach has been a member on the committee for the last three years…

Cut 16 (14) “…I’m really honored.” 

Artigues can be a voice for the mid-major conferences. He says several conferences are represented on the selection committee

Cut 17 (12) “…everyone involved.”

The committee is responsible for selecting, seeding, and bracketing the entire 64-team NCAA Tournament field, as well as recommending rule changes. Artigues says it’s not an easy job, but rewarding…

Cut 18 (11)  “…and as the host.”