In Lafayette Parish State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (28)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

The Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office is partnering with the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office to share data to prevent intentional and unintentional duplication of voter registration lists which could lead to individuals voting in both states. Joel Watson with the Louisiana Secretary of State says voters can be assured the office is taking painstaking measures to ensure their data is safe.

Cut 7 (10) “…data safe.”

The National Weather Service has confirmed that 19 tornadoes in the Ark-La-Tex were a result of Hurricane Beryl. Shreveport National Weather Service Meteorologist Michael Berry says The most severe damage was reported in rural areas, where several homes were destroyed and several people sustained injuries. A 30-year-old woman was killed by an EF 1 tornado that originated in Bossier Parish.

Cut 4 (07) “…single-wide mobile home.”

Forty-two Louisiana restaurants made Wine Spectator’s Restaurant Awards for 2024. Awards in three categories are given to restaurants with a wide, unique selection of wine. The wine selection must also pair well with the restaurant’s cuisine and appeal to all wine lovers. 3,700 restaurants across the globe earned awards. Twenty-seven of them in New Orleans, up from twenty-2 last year, six in Baton Rouge, two in Lafayette, one in Shreveport and one in Bossier City.

The four-year-old child found floating in the water behind the Vinton Welcome Center Monday afternoon has been identified and his mother has been arrested in Mississippi. His one-year-old brother, being called “our miracle baby” by Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Stitch Guillory was found alive crawling in a ditch near I-10. He was spotted by a trucker. Authorities say the one-year-old seemed to be okay after being examined at a hospital. The four-year-old’s body was sent to Beaumont for an autopsy. CPSO says there were no obvious signs of injuries, but the investigation continues.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced 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 and trucks will still be restricted to the right lane.

Louisiana’s only Democrat in Congress, Troy Carter, says despite the bad performance in the debate, he still supports President Biden’s re-election bid.
Cut 1 (32) …I’m Sean Richardson.”

But Republican U-S Senator Bill Cassidy said today, Mr. Biden should step down. Cassidy, who is also a medical doctor, says patients who present similar cognitive issues, it usually continues and accelerates…
cut 14 (08) “….of the United States” .

Physician and Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy had some strong words about President Biden’s health and rumored cognitive issues. Cassidy was asked if he believes the 25^th Amendment should be invoked…

Cut 15 (13) “…not true.”

The 25th Amendment is invoked when a president is unable to perform their duties and the vice president becomes president.

Louisiana’s only Democratic Congressman, Troy Carter, says the President had a bad night, but Trump has had bad days too.

Cut 4 (09) “…get out of the race.”

The second presidential debate is scheduled for September 10^th.

Tropical Storm Beryl claimed the life of a 31-year-old Benton woman Monday after a tree fell on her home. Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office Lt. Matt Gaydos (gay-dess) says the fatality happened in northeast Benton.

Cut 6 (12) “…almost immediately.”

In Desoto Parish, Mark Pierce with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s office says they also received storm damage from Beryl. He says there was notable damage in the Lula community where Beulah Baptist Church appears to be destroyed.

Cut 8 (12)  “…foundation.”

Pierce says at one time yesterday he was monitoring four twisters moving through the parish.

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.”