A tropical depression is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Bertha on Monday and could impact every Gulf Coast state from Florida to Texas. Early forecasts show this storm could potentially bring up to eight inches of rain, and the impacts stretch all the way to the middle of the Texas coast.

And that’s not all.  More hot weather is on tap after another weekend scorcher in Louisiana.  And state Department of Health officials are urging us all to take extra precautions. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A new state law taking effect August 1st will allow victims of stalking and cyberstalking to break their apartment leases without penalty. Current Louisiana law already gives that option to victims of domestic abuse. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry says the change came after hearing about a real-life case where a stalking victim had no legal way to leave a dangerous situation.

Cut 10 (10) “…that already existed.”

The LSU Health New Orleans School of Dentistry is getting a 100-million-dollar renovation.  Built more than half a century ago, the LSU dental school serves more than 450 students, from advanced education students to dental hygienists. With the renovation, Dean of the school, John Gallo says these students will enjoy state-of-the-art classrooms.

Cut 8 (11) “…enhances their education.”

Victims of stalking and cyberstalking will soon be able to end their rental leases without penalty under a new Louisiana law. Here’s Jeff Palermo.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Louisiana faces a double-weather threat this week as Tropical Depression Two is expected to become Tropical Storm Bertha today and could threaten the coast all the way from Texas to Florida. And Louisiana’s facing more record-breaking heat this week.  LDH Secretary Bruce Greenstein.

Cut 4 (09) “…and use it.”

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The LSU Health New Orleans School of Dentistry is receiving a 100-million-dollar renovation. Dean of the school, John Gallo, says the project will modernize a facility built over 50 years ago.

Cut 7 (12) “…the best environment.”

SEC Media Days kick off in Tampa today. Lane Kiffin and the Tigers will take the stage on Thursday. Somewhat surprisingly, Kiffin will not be joined by his new quarterback Sam Leavitt in Tampa. LSU Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette says they didn’t want the day to be taken over by questions about Leavitt’s foot injury.

Cut 13 (10)  “…that fourth player.”

Baton Rouge is pausing to mark the 10^th anniversary of the tragic 2016 law enforcement ambush.  Six officers were shot. Four later died from their injuries.  The attack began just after 8:40 that Sunday morning and lasted less than 10 minutes. Investigators say Gavin Long fired 43 rounds before a Baton Rouge SWAT officer shot and killed him. Then-State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson says ending the attack required extraordinary courage.

Cut 10 (10) “…lot more harm.”

Matthew Gerald and Montrell Jackson, and East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s deputies Brad Garafola all died the day of the attack.  Deputy Nick Tullier survived for nearly six years before dying from complications related to his injuries. East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says Tullier’s determination inspired everyone around him.

Cut 9 (08)  “…his grit.”

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Louisiana’s new Workforce Pell program will make workforce training more accessible for Louisianians. Kace Kieschnick has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Keischnick.”

Four people have been killed in crashes involving e-bikes in New Orleans this year.  So NOPD are sending out a warning for those using them to do so with extreme caution. NOPD traffic unit captain Buddy Micheu…

Cut 14 (13) “…his injuries later.”

Ten years ago today, Louisiana experienced one of its darkest days when a lone gunman ambushed law enforcement officers in Baton Rouge. Six officers were shot. Four later died from their injuries: Baton Rouge Police officers Matthew Gerald and Montrell Jackson, and East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s deputies Brad Garafola and Nicholas Tullier. East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says officers continue to honor their sacrifice.

Cut 7 (07) “…stand behind them.”

New Orleans Police and safety advocates are issuing an urgent warning to those who ride e-bikes to use extra care when riding them. This as four people have been killed in crashes involving e-bikes in the city so far this year. Buddy Micheu (MEE-shoo), the captain of the NOPD’s traffic unit, says riding an e-bike requires a lot more skill than riding a regular bike and…

Cut 13 (14)  “…even more substantial.”

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Louisiana launches a new Workforce Pell initiative to provide Pell Grants to short-term workforce training programs.  Many of the eligible programs deal with skilled A-I and energy infrastructure job training, which have been a major driver in Louisiana job growth. Louisiana Works Secretary Susie Schowen (SHAU-in) says this is a magic moment in the Louisiana economy.

Cut 5 (11) “…these great jobs.”

After weeks of declines, gasoline prices are on their way back up. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded has risen up almost five cents in just a few days.  Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says that’s pretty unusual for this time of year.

Cut 12 (15) “…type of gasoline.”

Today’s the sixth anniversary of one of the darkest days in Louisiana history…the day six police officers were shot in an ambush, four of them fatally. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (44) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The state is launching a new Workforce Pell initiative to provide Pell Grants to short-term workforce training programs. Most grants will be for 22-hundred dollars per program, but up to 43-hundred dollars may be awarded depending on program duration. Louisiana Works Secretary Susie Schowen (SHAU-in) says the Workforce Pell Grants work the same as traditional ones, but not every short-term program is eligible.

Cut 4 (09) “…primarily skilled trades.”

After weeks of declines, gasoline prices are on their way back up. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is now back over $3.50 a gallon.

Cut 11 (12) “…the gas pump.”

Governor Jeff Landry said this week that New Orleans is no longer important to Louisiana as it once was. But Stephen Barnes, the director of the Kathleen Blanco Public Policy Center at UL Lafayette, says the New Orleans region has more influence on the state’s economy than any other metro area in the state.

Cut 4 (12) “…state tax revenues.”

A man and woman from Houma have been arrested, accused of physically and sexually abusing children. Investigators with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office say 57-year-old Thomas Tucker the Third is behind bars facing multiple charges. Deputy Blake Tabor says  Tucker has passed himself off as someone who children could trust and confide in.

Cut 14 (10) “…of Society Ministries.”

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Veteran running back Alvin Kamara will indeed be a Saint this season. Kace Kieschnick has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make Daylight Saving Time permanent. Year-round Daylight Saving Time would result in more sunlight in the winter evening hours but later sunrise times. Supporters argue evening sunlight will be good for local economies, while opponents raise concerns about dark commutes for students and workers.

As the size of the Meta data center in Richland Parish grows, so do concerns over how much it could cost utility ratepayers. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

At Meta’s expansion announcement earlier in the week, Governor Jeff Landry made it a point to say that New Orleans isn’t as important as it once was to Louisiana.

At Meta’s expansion announcement, Governor Jeff Landry made it a point to say that New Orleans isn’t as important as it once was to Louisiana.  But Stephen Barnes, the director of the Kathleen Blanco Public Policy Center at UL Lafayette says…

Cut 6 (11) “…the state economy.”

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A man and woman from Houma have been arrested on allegations of physically and sexually abusing children. Investigators with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office say 57-year-old Thomas Tucker the Third is the perpetrator and is behind bars on more than 600-thousand dollars bond. Deputy Blake Tabor says Tucker is facing a slew of charges.

Cut 13 (09)  “…two counts.”

Saints running back Alvin Kamara is finalizing a restructured deal to take a pay cut to stay in New Orleans. The 30-year-old had jaded back-and-forth with the front office regarding his future after the Saints signed free-agent running back Travis Etienne (AY-chan). Nola.com’s Matt Paras (“Paris”) says in an offseason where the Saints lost Taysom Hill and Demario Davis, it’s good to see a veteran star return.

Cut 11 (10) “…people are happy.”

A man and a woman from Houma are behind bars, charged with sexually assaulting children.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A Shreveport man is accused of shooting and killing his mother at a condominium complex in Metairie Wednesday morning.  Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Officials say 21-year-old  Nakee Collins shot his 48-year-old mother multiple times.  Though detectives are still working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including a motive Collins is in the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center charged with second degree murder.

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As that Meta data center in Richland Parish grows, so do concerns over whether utility ratepayers will be stuck with the bill. Alaina DiLaura with the group Alliance for Affordable Energy says she doesn’t exactly trust Meta and Entergy when they say they will cover all the costs of the electricity needed to power the massive facility.

Cut 7 (10) “…shifted to residents.”

Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis, whose city is one parish to the west of the data center, says he’s confident that Meta and Entergy will keep their end of the bargain and not stick ratepayers with the bill.

Cut 9 (08)  “…State of Louisiana.”

The number of non-farm jobs in Louisiana has topped 2.01 million for the first time in state history. That’s according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Adam Knapp, the CEO of Leaders for a Better Louisiana, says Monroe posted the fastest job growth of any metro area, fueled by construction of Meta’s 50-billion-dollar data center in Richland Parish. He says six of the state’s ten metro areas added jobs, while Houma and Shreveport lost jobs.

Cut 11 (10) “…the coming year”

Teachers in Richland Parish say the Meta data center is already providing benefits for students there. Sarah Morris, who teaches third and fourth grade at Holly Ridge Elementary School, says the data center is allowing students to learn valuable skills that many adults couldn’t even think of grasping.

Cut 8 (11) “…learn about it.”

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SWAC Media Day kicks off in Birmingham, Alabama, today. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The Sun Belt kicks off media days in New Orleans today.  UL Lafayette was picked to finish second in the West division in the preseason coaches’ poll.  We’ll hear from the Cajuns, , La Tech and ULM during today’s events.

A deputy U.S. marshal was killed in a shooting in Alexandria this week. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A federal appeals court on Tuesday ended more than 60 years of federal oversight of a Louisiana school system that had been ordered to eradicate all vestiges of segregation. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals lifted the mandate for the Concordia Parish School Board.  It’s a victory for President Donald Trump’s administration, which had made the school system a focal point in its attempt to end legal cases dating back to the Civil Rights era.

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If you live in Avoyelles, St. Landry, St. Tammany or Terrebonne parishes and your property sustained damage from Tropical Storm Arthur, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance. Nate Custer with FEMA says once you register, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment.

Cut 5 (11) “…to your property.”
To register, either download the FEMA app, go to disaster assistance-dot-gov or call 800-621-3362.

The number of non-farm jobs in Louisiana has topped 2.01 million for the first time in state history. That’s according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Adam Knapp, the CEO of Leaders for a Better Louisiana, says it’s a major milestone, driven largely by growth in the construction industry.

Cut 10 (12) “…the capital region.”