Congresswoman Julia Letlow announced last week she’d be co-sponsoring a constitutional amendment to ban the burning of the U.S. flag with Arkansas Republican Steve Womack. Letlow says this amendment is about protecting the flag and what it represents.

Cut 13 (11)  “…from desecration.”

A proposed amendment must be approved by two-thirds of both the House and Senate and then ratified by three-fourths of the states.

The leader of a local rap label has been arrested as part of a drug bust in East Baton Rouge Parish, along with several others.   Authorities say the rap leader is 31 year old Jornell Keelen, who’s facing several charges.  East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says more than 2,200 lethal doses of fentanyl, along with other drugs and items, were seized during the drug bust.

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After 21 years, Louisiana Tech is headed back to the Sun Belt. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The Pennington Biomedical Research Center has launched the Pennington Generation research study to study childhood obesity. Dr. Peter Katzmarzyk, an associate executive director for population and public health science at Pennington says the study looks at lifestyle factors.

Cut 10 (08) “…treat childhood obesity.”

Congresswoman Julia Letlow is cosponsoring a constitutional amendment banning the burning of the American flag. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

A Flood Watch has been issued for all of Southeast Louisiana through Saturday due to the threat of tropical rain.  That, as the National Hurricane Center monitors a tropical disturbance that models indicate could form a tropical depression or storm.  Regardless of development, experts say Louisiana should prepare for multiple days of rain. Latest forecasts show some areas of Southeast Louisiana could get see more than five inches of rain.

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The Pennington Biomedical Research Center has launched the Pennington Generation research study to study childhood obesity. Dr. Peter Katzmarzyk, an associate executive director for population and public health science at Pennington Biomedical, says the study is designed to examine the influence of lifestyle factors in Louisiana as they relate to childhood obesity.

Cut 10 (08) “…treat childhood obesity.”

If you hold a library card at the state library or at the library systems in Iberville, Livingston, Tangipahoa or Rapides parishes, you can now use your card to get into a museum! State Librarian Meg Placke (PLACK-ee) says a limited number of passes are available.

Cut 7 (12) “…World War Two Museum.”

Senator Bill Cassidy keeps adding to his campaign warchest. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The funeral service for Reverend Jimmy Swaggart will be held at Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge beginning this morning at 10. Swaggart family spokesperson Megan Kelly

Cut 10 (13) “…not in..”

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Naming rights for LSU’s new on campus arena appear to be nearly done. The university and Our Lady of the Lake Health are in negotiations could be finalized in the coming months.  The question is who will build the arena after the CEO of the firm, which was the sole finalist to build it, was indicted for allegedly rigging the bid process for a similar project at UT Austin. Tiger Rag Executive Editor Todd Horne says there’s a lot of unknown.

Cut 12 (11) “…right now reeling.”

A Louisiana State Trooper was arrested yesterday, following a domestic violence investigation.  Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s officials say 28 year old Brent Crochet of Gray is facing felony counts of domestic abuse, aggravated assault, and simple criminal damage to property after he hit a woman in the face, threatened her with a firearm, and damaged her cellphone.  Crochet turned himself in yesterday and was released after posting $45-thousand dollar bail.

LSU’s  new arena project is facing another delay after the CEO of the firm, who was the sole finalist to build the facility, was indicted for allegedly rigging the bid process for a similar project. The arena was originally scheduled to break ground in July of last year. But plans to award the bid to Oak View Group weren’t announced until May of this year. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne said the arena was expected to be finished in 2029.

Cut 14 (12) “…of this year.”

There is word that Our Lady of the Lake and the University are in talks about naming rights for the new facility.  We’re told that could be finalized in the coming months.

Latest reports suggest Louisiana Tech now has the votes to become the newest member of the Sun Belt Conference. Earlier this week, rumors began swirling that Louisiana Tech was the favorite to join the conference, which would make it the third Louisiana team in the Sun Belt.  We’re told the vote is slated for Monday.

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Funeral services for world-renowned televangelist Jimmy Swaggart will be held in Baton Rouge this weekend.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

They made it official in Vernon Parish Friday morning – Fort Johnson is now Fort Polk once again. But instead of being named for Confederate General Leonidas Polk, it’s now named for General James H. Polk. His son, James H. Polk the Third says his father was a true hero.

Cut 7 (10) “…who knew him.”

Republican Bill Cassidy’s re-election campaign announces the US Senator from Baton Rouge raised a little more than two-million dollars during the second quarter of this year and he now has nine million in cash on hand. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Cassidy needs to be well-funded with two well-known Republican candidates challenging him in an April primary

Cut 3 (10) “…to spend.”

The funeral service for Reverend Jimmy Swaggart will be held at Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge this weekend. Swaggart family spokesperson Megan Kelly says the public viewing and wake will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and a celebration of life service will be held at 6:00 Sunday evening. Hours of the wake had to be extended due to the overwhelming support.

Cut 9 (09)  “…big attendance.”

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LSU’s proposed new arena project is facing yet another delay after the CEO of the firm, who was the sole finalist to build the facility, was indicted for allegedly rigging the bid process for a similar project at UT Austin. Timothy Leiweke has already agreed to pay a $15 million fine, hoping to mitigate criminal imprisonment. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne.

Cut 13 (14)  “…fully investigated.”

There is some good news,  LSUsports.net reports LSU and Our Lady of the Lake Health are in negotiations for naming rights of the new facility…saying that could be finalized in the next few months.

In Vernon Parish, Fort Johnson is now Fort Polk once again. But, it’s no longer named for Confederate General Leonidas Polk. Instead, it is now named for General James H. Polk. His son, James H. Polk the Third, on the tremendous honor..

Cut 6 (10) “…James H. Polk.”

Naming rights for LSU’s new on campus arena appear to be nearly done. The university and Our Lady of the Lake Health are in negotiations could be finalized in the coming months.  The question is who will build the arena after the CEO of the firm, which was the sole finalist to build it, was indicted for allegedly rigging the bid process for a similar project at UT Austin. Tiger Rag Executive Editor Todd Horne says there’s a lot of unknown.

Cut 12 (11) “…right now reeling.”

A Louisiana State Trooper was arrested yesterday, following a domestic violence investigation.  Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s officials say 28 year old Brent Crochet of Gray is facing felony counts of domestic abuse, aggravated assault, and simple criminal damage to property after he hit a woman in the face, threatened her with a firearm, and damaged her cellphone.  Crochet turned himself in yesterday and was released after posting $45-thousand dollar bail.

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Senator Bill Cassidy keeps adding to his campaign warchest. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The funeral service for Reverend Jimmy Swaggart will be held at Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge beginning this morning at 10. Swaggart family spokesperson Megan Kelly Kelly says the Swaggart family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support.

Cut 10 (13) “…not in..”

The Louisiana Democratic Party says it will make sure the primary will not be Bill Cassidy’s only political fight next year, should he survive it. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

A delegation from the Saints, including owner Gayle Benson and linebacker Demario Davis, is on a relationship-building mission in France this week. Also among the delegation is Senior Vice President of Communications Greg Bensel who says the Saints are using this trip to grow the game of American football in France.

Cut 15 (10) “…it more popular.”

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The race to see who will be New Orleans next mayor starts today as qualifying  for the October 11^th election begins today. Current mayor LaToya Cantrell is term limited and cannot seek a third term. UNO pollster Ed Chervenak says though City Council president Helena Moreno has been the favorite in polls so far, UNO pollster Ed Chervenak says state senator Royce Duplessis can use his experience as a lawmaker to his advantage.

Cut 12 (12) “…right now.”

ULM has received the final nine million dollars from the state to finish thr renovation of Sugar Hall, a fixture in Louisiana Healthcare since 1971. President Dr. Carrie Castille says  once complete, Sugar Hall will be home to several important College of Health Science programs.

Cut 5 (12) “…workforce development.”

Senator Bill Cassidy may be in for the fight of his political life next April with two prominent Republicans running against him for the party’s nomination in the state’s newly-closed primary election. State Treasurer John Fleming and State Senator Blake Miguez have both cited Cassidy’s vote to convict then-former President Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial. Louisiana Democratic Party Executive Director Dadrius (“Darius”)

Cut 8 (09) “…it didn’t work.”

Qualifying begins today for the October 11^th election and the biggest race in the state is the mayor’s race in New Orleans. Current mayor LaToya Cantrell is term limited and cannot seek a third term. UNO pollster Ed Chervenak says there are four candidates with a shot, including New Orleans City Council president Helena Moreno, who’s been the favorite in two polls so far.

Cut 11 (13) “..through the campaign.”

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A delegation representing the Saints is visiting France this week. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Baton Rouge based says it has reached a $79.9 million deal to acquire north Louisiana-based Progressive Bank.  B1Bank will issue more than 3 million shares of stock to Progressive shareholders, giving them a 9.3% stake in the business.  The deal, which would close early next year, still  needs approval from regulators and Progressive shareholders.

Candidates seeking to replace term-limited New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell can officially qualify today for the October 11^th primary. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

ULM has received the final nine million dollars in state funding required to complete the renovation of its Sugar Hall. President Dr. Carrie Castille says once complete Sugar Hall will not only be home to students in many areas of health care, but to community clinics as well.

Cut 6 (10) “…northeast Louisiana.”

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Bill Cassidy may be in for the fight of his political life next April with two prominent Republicans running against him for the party’s nomination in the state’s newly-closed primary election. But Louisiana Democratic Party Executive Director Dadrius (“Darius”) Lanus says if Cassidy survives, that won’t be his only fight next year.

Cut 7 (08) “…run against him.”

Saints owner Gayle Benson and linebacker Demario Davis are part of a delegation in France this week on a relationship-building mission. Senior Vice President of Communications Greg Bensel, who also made the trip, says team execs have taken several trips to France over the years and are making valuable connections.

Cut 14 (14) “…business in Louisiana.”

The Louisiana Democratic Party says it will make sure the primary will not be Bill Cassidy’s only political fight next year, should he survive it. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Qualifying begins today for the October 11^th election and the biggest race in the state is the mayor’s race in New Orleans. Current mayor LaToya Cantrell is term limited and cannot seek a third term. UNO pollster Ed Chervenak expects several candidates will sign up to qualify over the next three days and as it stands now, four of them have a shot.

Cut 10 (07) “…from running.”

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ULM has received the final nine million dollars in state funding required to complete the renovation of its Sugar Hall. Sugar Hall was opened in 1971 to house ULM’s College of Pharmacy before moving to the Bienville Campus in 2005. President Dr. Carrie Castille says Sugar Hall is ingrained in Louisiana healthcare.

Cut 4 (12) “…sciences programs.”

A delegation from the Saints, including owner Gayle Benson and linebacker Demario Davis, is on a relationship-building mission in France this week. Also among the delegation is Senior Vice President of Communications Greg Bensel; he says they will be launching flag football this Sunday with their European League of Football counterparts, the Paris Musketeers.

Cut 13 (07)  “…in the NFL.”