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.”

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.”

In a rare move, the Louisiana Supreme Court has temporarily removed a 19^th 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.”

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.

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

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.

An arrest has been made in connection to the July 22nd murder of a Marksville man. Tim Ryan with the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Department says officers responded to a call of a deceased person near LA Highway 1192 and found Gary P. Normand of Marksville deceased.

Cut 12 (11) “…suspects involved.”

19-year-old Jacob E. Michot, also of Marksville, Michot is in custody of APSO with a 1.1-million-dollar bond charged with principal to second degree murder and Possession of Stolen Things related to Normand’s murder. More arrests are expected.

Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. John Couvillon of JMC Analytics says Walz spent his first term as governor working successfully with a divided state Congress. However, Couvillon says Walz has proved himself to be quite progressive since getting re-elected.

Cut 10 (12) “…re-elected.”

Former LSU pole vaulter and Louisiana native Mondo Duplantis set another world record at the Paris Olympics. Mel Bridges has the story.

Cut 1 (31) …I’m Mel Bridges.”

Triple-digit high temperatures are expected across the state this week. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says we will probably see more people suffering from heat related illnesses. He says if you are going to be outside for long periods, where loose fitting clothing…

 Cut 7 (12) “…little bit.”

The nation’s unemployment rate increased last week. Economist Dr. Loren Scott says a change in the unemployment rate might mean more people are filing for unemployment versus more people losing jobs. It is not necessarily all doom and gloom.

Cut 11 (11) ” …this point.”

President of Public Affairs Research Council Dr. Steven Procopio says that the governor has legal avenues to refuse information, but Louisiana residents have a right to request information under the state constitution and that Landry’s office can’t try to invoke just anything to keep records out of the public eye. Procopio says freedom of information is important since…

Cut 9 (12) “…in our constitution.”

State Attorney General Liz Murrill is filing a brief against the lawsuit filed against the state’s Ten Commandments law requiring them to be displayed in classrooms. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

One highlight of Saints training camp has been the battle for backup quarterback between Jake Haener and rookie Spencer Rattler. Rattler says he’s fit into Offensive Coordinator Klint Kubiak’s system well after his time at South Carolina…

Cut 18 (15) “…get rolling.”

State Attorney General Liz Murrill is filing a brief against the lawsuit filed against the state’s Ten Commandments law requiring a poster of the biblical text to be posted in all public-school classrooms. Murrill says the high-profile case is being handled internally through her solicitor general.

Cut 5 (05)  “…outside counsel.”

Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says it’s a political move by the Governor and the State Attorney General for the Ten Commandments law to go before the now extremely conservative US Supreme Court.

Cut 6 (09) “…possibility.”

After the law was signed in June, lawsuits were filed, and a federal judge ruled classrooms could not display the Ten Commandments until at least November 15th.

A public affairs research official says he just doesn’t understand some of the reasons why Governor Jeff Landry’s office withholds certain records from the public. Mel Bridges has the story.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

The nation’s unemployment rate increased last week. Economist Dr. Loren Scott says though history indicates, according to the Sahm (pronounced Sham) Rule, that we’re in a recession anytime the unemployment rate increases a half percentage point more than the last 12-month average, we shouldn’t panic. He doesn’t believe it will be a deep recession.

Cut 12 (12) “…long recession.”

Wall Street is reacting today after last week’s news that the unemployment rate increased. Economist Dr. Loren Scott says history indicates, according to the Sahm (pronounced Sham) Rule, that we’re in a recession anytime the unemployment rate increases a half percentage point more than the last 12-month average.

Cut 10 (13) “…problem here.”

Some of the denials of Louisiana residents’ requests for information from Governor Jeff Landry’s office either don’t apply or aren’t legal says President of Public Affairs Research Council Dr. Steven Procopio. For example, he says, legislative privilege isn’t applicable to the governor and the deliberative process exemption was revoked under former governor Bobby Jindall. Procopio adds Landry’s office only had 65 information requests in his first few months in office and should have been able to respond to all of them.

Cut 8 (11)  “…to those records.”

State Attorney General Liz Murrill is filing a brief against the lawsuit filed against the state’s Ten Commandments law requiring a poster of the biblical text to be displayed in all public-school classrooms. Murrill says the suit that’s been filed by several advocacy groups is premature.

Cut 3 (14) “…constitutional rights.”

Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the law is patently unconstitutional and he expects the state will lose the case at the district and appellate court levels. He says it will be really interesting to see what happens in two or three years when the case makes it to the US Supreme Court.

Cut 4 (08) “…will happen”

Murrill says the high-profile case is being handled internally through her solicitor general.