Colorado State University researchers have decreased their hurricane season forecast. Experts are now predicting 16 named storms, including eight hurricanes and three major hurricanes, one less than the school’s initial prediction for each category. C-S-U lead researcher Phil Klotzbach credits wind shear in the Caribbean

Cut 10 (10) “…the reduction.”

Researchers still predict slightly above average activity due to warm Atlantic temperatures and other factors

This may be FEMA’s last hurricane season as President Trump talks of doing away with the agency. The FEMA Review Council met in New Orleans yesterday. Governor Jeff Landry says the panel was set up by President Trump to create an agency that prioritizes efficiency over bureaucracy when a natural disaster strikes.

Cut 8 (12) “…in 2020.”

Music legend Paul McCartney is coming back to New Orleans as his “Get Back Tour” makes a stop at the Smoothie King Center on October 29^th. NOLA-dot-com entertainment reporter Keith Spera says

83-year-old Sir Paul is still and elite performer and has a long history with the city…

Cut 5 (14) “…studio.”

The presale for tickets will begin next Tuesday and tickets for the general public will be available a week from Friday.

A long overdue honor for a Louisiana military hero who was killed in action more than eight decades ago. Marine Private First Class Harry LeBert was killed in June of 1944 during World War Two. His then unidentified remains were transferred to the Philippines in the 1950s then to Hawaii three years ago where DNA testing conclusively put LeBert’s name with his body.  Louisiana V-A Secretary Charlton Meginley says LeBert was interred July 2nd at Southwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery.

Cut 26 (10) “…was finally home.”

The FEMA Review Council, which is looking to make major reforms to the federal disaster response agency, held its second meeting in New Orleans. Last month, President Trump said he wants to phase out FEMA after the current hurricane season. Governor Jeff Landry, who attended yesterday’s meeting, says the President’s goal is to have a competent and functional agency whether that’s FEMA or something else.

Cut 7 (10) “…that need”

An Iranian woman taken by ICE from her New Orleans home last month is back home. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 27 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Legendary musician Paul McCartney is returning to New Orleans as his “Get Back Tour” will make a stop at the Smoothie King Center on October 29^th. NOLA-dot-com entertainment reporter Keith Spera says McCartney is 83-years-old, but he is still an elite performer, and he put in a Hard Day’s Night at his last New Orleans performance in 2019…

Cut 3 (08) “…any performer.”

The presale for tickets will begin next Tuesday and tickets for the general public will be available a week from Friday.

St. Gabriel police captain Devin Boutte was found stabbed to death in his home Sunday morning. Authorities report the officer had an on-and-off domestic relationship with the suspect and was under investigation for corruption. 25-year-old Warren Mitchell III admitted to stabbing Boutte multiple times. Iberville Parish Sheriff Brett Stassi says the suspect sold drugs for Boutte.

LSU head coach Jay Johnson was named D! Baseball Coach of the Year after winning his second national championship in Baton Rouge. It is his second time receiving the honor after earning the same award from the American Baseball Coaches Association in June. Johnson is the fastest coach to win two national titles with a program after taking home two trophies in four years at LSU.

Cut 3 (11) “…doing together.”

The United Cajun Navy is in the Texas Hill Country helping with search and rescue efforts following the catastrophic flash flooding that has so far killed 108 people. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The United Way of Southwest Louisiana is responding to the disaster through its UnitedGulf disaster relief campaign. Volunteer Coordinator Ashley Norman says the very best thing you can donate right now is money.

Cut 9 (09)  “…of logistical work.”

To donate, text UNITEDGULF to 40403 or visit unitedwayswla.org/unitedgulf

The United Cajun Navy is in Texas helping with the search and rescue operation in the Texas Hill Country, where more than 100 people have been killed in flash floods. So far, United Cajun Navy searchers have found 11 bodies. Vice President Brian Trascher…

Cut 7 (12) “…to be there”

The United Way of Southwest Louisiana Volunteer Coordinator Ashley Norman says the best way to help is to give cash and it’s easy with their UnitedGulf disaster relief campaign.

Cut 11 (10) “…slash-united-gulf.”

(Text UNITEDGULF to 40403 or visit unitedwayswla.org/unitedgulf)

St. Gabriel police captain Devin Boutte was found stabbed to death in his home Sunday morning and reportedly had an on-and-off domestic relationship with his accused killer, 25-year-old Warren Mitchell III. Iberville Parish Sheriff Brett Stassi says the vicious attack occurred while Boutte was sleeping, and the entire situation is tragic.

Cut 5 (14) “…that person.”

Participating in Operation Dry Water, LDWF arrested 19 people for DWI over the Fourth of July weekend. Two of those arrested were involved in boating accidents. 40-year-old Sean Blanchard of White Castle is accused of DWI and reckless operation after authorities say he struck a dock and fled the scene in Lake Verret. When located, Blanchard required medical treatment.  Also in Lake Verret, 43-year-old Darrell Borne was arrested and charged when he allegedly lost control of his vessel, ejected himself and his passenger, leaving the vessel to ramp up on a barge.

Crystal meth and other drugs were found inside the home of St. Gabriel police captain Devin Boutte who was found stabbed to death in his home Sunday morning. Authorities report the officer had an on-and-off domestic relationship with his accused killer; 25-year-old Warren Mitchell III and Iberville Parish Sheriff Brett Stassi says Boutte was under investigation for corruption. The Attorney General’s Office began their investigation just ten days before the murder.  Stassi says the investigation was slowed.

Cut 4 (12) “…end result.”

In Slidell, a 6-year-old child had to be airlifted to a trauma New Orleans hospital after the family’s pit bull attacked the child Monday afternoon. The animal had been temporarily chained in the back yard at the time of the attack. Slidell police who responded to the incident are asking for prayers for the child. Slidell Animal Control has taken possession of the dog as the investigation continues.

The United Cajun Navy is in the Texas Hill Country helping with search and rescue efforts following the catastrophic flash flooding that has so far killed 108 people. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The United Way of Southwest Louisiana is also responding through its UnitedGulf disaster relief campaign. Volunteer Coordinator Ashley Norman says those wanting to help should donate cash rather than supplies that could create logistical challenges.

Cut 10 (06) “…of the area.”

A 12-member task force comprised of firefighters from Baton Rouge, Zachary, West Feliciana, and Shreveport are in Texas to aid in catastrophic flood response, particularly in Kerr County.  Baton Rouge Fire Chief Michael Kimble says swift water operations are still ongoing and they are there as a back-up to a team that’s already conducting them…

Cut 9 (08)  “…by another team.”

The Audubon Aquarium Rescue in New Orleans has released three sea turtles back into the Gulf of Mexico after undergoing extensive care. Stranding and Rehab coordinator Gabriela Harlamert says one of the sea turtles, named Francois, was found weak and dehydrated and spent two years at their facility…

Cut 5 (14) “…itself up”

Looking ahead to a full ballot for next April’s election, with five constitutional amendments and Congressional Primary races, including U.S. Senate.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

President Trump celebrated the Fourth of July by signing the One Big Beautiful Bill into Law. The legislation extends tax cuts approved in 2017 and creates new ones like one for workers who receive tips or overtime compensation. Senator Bill Cassidy says the legislation also ends several consumer tax credits connected to clean energy…

Cut 8 (10) “…six weeks, six months.”

A mass shooting in Natchitoches early yesterday morning claimed the life of an 18-year-old. Latravion Stallworth of Natchitoches was one of six people shot. Police Sergeant John Greely says the other five were taken to the hospital. Three of them have been released from the hospital, and two are in stable condition.

Cut 4 (05) “…late night eateries.”

It’s unknown what led up to the shooting and so far, no one is in custody.

And in Iberville Parish, the St. Gabriel Police Department is grieving one of their own. 12-year veteran, Captain Devin Boutte was found stabbed to death at a home Sunday morning after the alleged killer informed St. Gabriel police Chief of an incident. In an interview with WBRZ channel 2, Chief Kevin Ambeau called it a gruesome death. 25-year-old Warren Mitchell III has been arrested but no motive was given.

A 12-member team, including firefighters from Baton Rouge, Zachary, West Feliciana, and Shreveport Fire Departments, deployed to Texas to aid in the catastrophic flood response, particularly in Kerr County.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

President Donald Trump signed the Big Beautiful Bill on the Fourth of July and Senator Bill Cassidy says some Louisiana taxpayers will feel it right away.

Cut 6 (05) “…overtime begin.”

He says the legislation extends tax cuts approved in 2017 and ends several consumer tax credits connected to clean energy including those for electric vehicle charging stations.

In the devastating Texas flash flood tragedies, heroes and heroines emerge. Emma Foltz of Alexandria was instrumental in evacuating 14 of her campers to safety. She has served as Counselor at Camp Mystic for the last three years and is a rising star at Louisiana Tech. Governor Jeff Landry posted a heartfelt thanks to Emma on X.

A 12-member task force comprised of firefighters from Baton Rouge, Zachary, West Feliciana, and Shreveport are in Texas to aid in catastrophic flood response. Baton Rouge Fire Chief Michael Kimble says the firefighters trained in swift water rescue and urban search and rescue equipped with advanced rescue boats and specialized gear dropped everything to go help support overwhelmed local crews. Deployment duration is based on ongoing needs. Kimble commended the rapid response of Governor Jeff Landry to approve the 14-day deployment.

Cut 11 (12) “…continue the operation.” 

Crime continues to plague Natchitoches, with the latest incident happening early yesterday morning. Police Sergeant John Greely says there was a deadly mass shooting shortly after 1:30.

Cut 3 (08) “…was pronounced deceased.” (six shot, one fatally)

The man who died has been identified as 18-year-old Latravion Stallworth of Natchitoches. So far, no one is in custody

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.”

Today in a 218 to 214 vote, the U. S. House gave final legislative passage for President Trump’s sweeping tax cut and spending bill. Two Republicans and every Democrat in the House voted against the measure. New Orleans Democratic Congressman Troy Carter says Trump’s Big Ugly Bill will increase energy costs by 400-dollars per household, give tax breaks to the rich, and rip away health coverage from 17 million Americans. House Speaker Mike Johnson says the One Big Beautiful Bill will provide tax relief for the middle class and save every American from a tax increase…

Cut 16 (10) “…on the bill.”

With the latest LEAP test results showing overall student proficiency up a percentage point for third to eighter graders but down a point for high schoolers. Erin Bendily with the Pelican Institute, says while the state has certainly come a long way in the last few years, we still has a way to go.

Cut 5 (14) “…will soon face.”

Fireworks will be popping tonight and tomorrow as America celebrates its 249th birthday. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ken Pastorick says if you plan to shoot fireworks, make sure you are 200 feet away from buildings and vehicles, never let children handle fireworks, light one firework at a time and do not use fireworks impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Cut 9 (10)  “…eleven deaths.”

And Planning a 4th of July barbecue expect higher prices for some staples, with beef up seven-percent, ground beef up ten-percent and potatoes and pork n beans also costing more, according to Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain.

Cut 12 (11) “…over a year ago.”

The U-S House gave final legislative passage today to President Trump’s sweeping tax cut and spending bill. House Speaker Mike Johnson says the One Big Beautiful Bill will permanently lower taxes for families and businesses, secures the border and unleashes American energy dominance…

Cut 15 (10) “…you vote today.”

The vote was 218 to 214, with two Republicans breaking party-lines to vote against the legislation. Every single Democrat in the House voted against the measure.

Heartbreaking tragedy in West Baton Rouge Parish as a Port Allen 3 year old drowns in a neighbor’s swimming pool. The sheriff’s office says while her family was inside, Jacie Lee walked out of the garage of her home yesterday afternoon. Sergeant Landon Groger says following an intense search, a deputy found the little girl unresponsive in a neighbor’s pool.

Cut 6 (11) “…apparent drowning.”

It is Fourth of July weekend, and the State Fire Marshal’s office is urging those who plan to light up the sky to do so safely. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The latest LEAP test results are in and overall student proficiency for students in third through eighth grade is up a percentage point while highschoolers declined a point. Erin Bendily, the senior vice president of the Pelican Institute, says while it’s important to get younger students off to a good start, it’s also important for high school students.

Cut 4 (10) “…in the workplace.”