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.”

President Trump has signed the Big, Beautiful Bill into law.  Andrew Greenstein explains why it’s still so controversial.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Emergency crews responded to reports of a shooting in Shreveport yesterday. It happened just before 230 yesterday. Shreveport Police say a 32-year-old woman was shot while driving on I-20 near the I-220 ramp. We’re told the woman was taken to the hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries. So far there’s no word on a suspect.
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Police in Lake Charles shoot and kill a man who they say opened fire on them. Police Chief Shawn Caldwell says officers responded after a driver called 911 to say that someone was pointing a gun at traffic.

Cut 15 (07) “…shot at her.”

Chief Caldwell says the suspect fired on several other officers, who returned fire.  Louisiana State Police have taken over the investigation.

Louisiana law enforcement is participating in “The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says the campaign promotes safety on the roadway.

Cut 11 (10) “…drinking and driving.”

Law enforcement will be out in numbers this weekend looking for impaired drivers for the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. Colleen Crain has the story.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

A tragic accident claimed the life of a two-year-old boy in Baton Rouge this week, when he ran in front of a moving car.  Amber Rollins, the director of kids and car safety, says there’s been an increase in these kinds of tragedies.

Cut 5 (07) “…trucks and SUV’s.”

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President Trump signed the Big, Beautiful Bill into law yesterday.  Congress debated the bill for months, with a new requirement to Medicaid being a big point of contention. It requires those who are able to work to do so in order to receive benefits. Congressman Steve Scalise.

Cut 8 (08) “…jobs, Mr. Speaker.”

But Democrats say the 900-billion dollars Medicaid will lose will leave 17 million Americans without health care coverage.  Reagan Carter, the director of health and policy and governmental affairs at the Louisiana Primary Care Association, says that will have a ripple effect on health care centers.

Cut 9 (08)  “…end up closing.”

A two-year-old boy was run over in a driveway and killed earlier this week in Baton Rouge. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Emergency crews responded to reports of a shooting in Shreveport yesterday. It happened just before 230 yesterday. Shreveport Police say a 32-year-old woman was shot while driving on I-20 near the I-220 ramp. We’re told the woman was taken to the hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries. So far there’s no word on a suspect.

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President Donald Trump took part of his July 4^th holiday to sign the Big, Beautiful Bill into law. That, after months of debate in congress.  One of the biggest points of contention related to Medicaid. Congressman Steve Scalise noted that under the new requirements, those who are able to work will now be required to do so in order to receive Medicaid benefits.

Cut 7 (09) “…playing video games.”

LDWF agents are participating in Operation Dry Water this weekend, targeting impaired boating. Lieutenant Garrett Kimbal says the campaign is part of a national effort, and it aims to reduce boating under the influence during the busy Fourth of July weekend.

Cut 13 (11)  “…last year.”

After months of fierce debate, President Trump has signed the Big, Beautiful Bill.  Andrew Greenstein explains.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A tragic accident claimed the life of a two-year-old boy in Baton Rouge earlier this week.  According to investigators, the child ran in front of a moving car, leading to the collision. Amber Rollins, the director of kids and car safety, says it’s called a front-over that happens in driveways and parking lots.

Cut 4 (11) “…of the vehicle.”

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Louisiana law enforcement is participating in “The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, targeting impaired driving during the Fourth of July holiday. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says the campaign promotes safety on the roadway.

Cut 11 (10) “…drinking and driving.”

Police in Lake Charles shoot and kill a man who they say opened fire on them. Police Chief Shawn Caldwell says officers responded after a driver called 911 to say that someone was pointing a gun at traffic.

Cut 15 (07) “…shot at her.”

Chief Caldwell says the suspect fired on several other officers, who returned fire.  Louisiana State Police have taken over the investigation

The Big, Beautiful Bill is headed to the House after Vice President J.D. Vance cast the tie-breaking vote in the Senate. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says passing the bill as-is in the House is far from a slam-dunk.

Cut 6 (16) “…to accept it.”

If the House makes any changes, it would then have to go back to the Senate.

Beginning next month, you’ll want to keep your hands and eyes off your cell phone at all times while you’re driving.  The new law means no texting, social media, or shopping, and you can only talk on your phone hands free. State lawmakers approved the bill since distracted driving has led to more fatalities and severe injuries.  The fine will be $100 or $250 in school or construction zones.  But officials say it’s not really about fines, but educating drivers and keeping the roads safe.

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The Christian world is mourning the passing of Jimmy Swaggart, who died yesterday at the age of 90. Swaggart began his ministry in 1973, televising and broadcasting the gospel to the world. After a prostitution scandal in 1988, Swaggart Ministries Spokesperson Megan Kelly says he got on his knees and asked God for forgiveness and to change his life.

Cut 9 (11)  “…is just tremendous.”

The public viewing and wake will be held Saturday, July 12^th.  A celebration of life service will be Sunday, July 13^th.

New Orleans-based Delta Utilities has completed its purchase of Entergy’s natural gas business. Delta Utilities CEO Tim Poche (poe-SHAY) says for those customers, the transition from Entergy will be seamless. The main difference they’ll see is getting two separate bills instead of one.

Cut 11 (09) “…will continue seamlessly.”

New Orleans-based Delta Utilities has completed its purchase of Entergy’s natural gas business, adding more than 200-thousand customers in New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Delta Utilities CEO Tim Poche (poe-SHAY) says for those customers, the transition from Entergy will be seamless.

Cut 10 (06) “…will continue unaffected.”

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says CVS was being deceptive when sending text messages opposing legislation that would ban pharmacy benefit managers from owning pharmacies.  It its text blast, CVS said if the bill were to pass, it would have to close all of its pharmacies in Louisiana. The AG has filed three lawsuits against the company.

Cut 15 (10) “…out of business.”

CVS has previously issued a statement denying all allegations.

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People are looking back at the life and ministry of the Reverend Jimmy Swaggart, who passed away yesterday at the age of 90. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Big, Beautiful Bill now heads to the House after Vice President J.D. Vance cast the tie-breaking vote in the Senate.  One of the most contentious issues was the cuts to Medicaid and how many people would lose coverage as a result. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan

Cut 5 (08) “…ultimately receive it.”