Louisiana is awaiting the arrival of Tropical Storm Bertha this morning. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

New Orleans city leaders are looking to have the criminal case against Attorney General Liz Murril dismissed.  Mayor Helena Moreno and council members sent letters to the special prosecutor in charge late yesterday saying while they appreciate the service of the grand jury in this case, they feel now’s the time to bring this matter to a close.

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The 2026 fiscal year was a record-breaker for the Louisiana Department of Treasury, as it returned more unclaimed funds than ever before. State Treasurer John Fleming says he and his staff returned 70.9-million dollars to their rightful owners in the last fiscal year.

Cut 4 (07) “…dollars per individual.”

Advocacy group Leaders for a Better Louisiana says there are encouraging signs the state is making strides in ending years of out-migration. Better Louisiana CEO Adam Knapp says the most positive sign is that in 2024, the state grew by 24-thousand people. Knapp says Louisiana’s population grew for the first time since 2017 because fewer people moved away.

Cut 10 (12) “…was most interesting.”

Major impacts are not expected from Tropical Storm Bertha. St. Bernard Parish Emergency Preparedness Director John Rahaim (“ram”) says the strong east wind will likely cause some minor coastal flooding. He says if they don’t get a heavy downpour that lasts for more than a couple of hours, they should be okay.

Cut 10 (10) “…couldn’t handle it.”

The American Red Cross of Louisiana is ready to respond, whatever Bertha brings.   Kenneth St. Charles, the CEO of the American Red Cross Louisiana Region, says you never know what area of the state will get hit the hardest, so pre-planning is very important.

Cut 12 (11) “…ready to go.”

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There’s an open house in Lake Charles this evening concerning the new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge.   Andrew Greenstein has details on what we can expect.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Louisiana Department of Health confirmed its first case of West Nile virus this year in Ouachita Parish. Last year, the state saw 86 confirmed human cases and four deaths. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says it’s important to our part to keep mosquitos from multiplying.

Cut 14 (11) “…that stagnant water.”

All eyes are on Tropical Storm Bertha as it makes its way toward the Louisiana Coast. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says those of you in South Louisiana need to pay attention to this storm’s so-called “cone of uncertainty.”

Cut 8 (10) “…track is showing.”

Preparations are underway for whatever Tropical Storm Bertha bring our way.  Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health confirmed its first case of West Nile virus this year in Ouachita Parish. Last year, the state saw 86 confirmed human cases and four deaths. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says there is no human vaccine or specific treatment for West Nile, so it’s important to protect yourself from mosquitoes.

Cut 13 (13)  “…to make sure.”

Sokol says most people infected with West Nile virus do not show symptoms. Around 20-percent develop flu-like West Nile fever, and a very small percentage develop a severe neuroinvasive disease.

Cut 15 (12) “…received organ transplant.”

The first human case of West Nile virus of the 2026 mosquito season has been confirmed in Ouachita Parish. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

All eyes are on Tropical Storm Bertha as it makes its way to the Louisiana Coast. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says while Bertha is currently forecast to make landfall in Plaquemines Parish tomorrow morning, it could happen as early as late tonight.

Cut 7 (08) “…along the coast.”

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The American Red Cross of Louisiana is ready to respond to what Bertha might bring to the Bayou State. Kenneth St. Charles, the CEO of the American Red Cross Louisiana Region, says if your family needs to evacuate because of flash flooding and you have nowhere else to go, call the Red Cross.

Cut 11 (11) “…residents of Louisiana.”

With construction of the new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge underway, many people have questions about how that’s going to affect them. John Guidroz with DOTD in Lake Charles says there’s an open house in Lake Charles this evening that you can attend.

Cut 4 (11) “…term as well.”

The open house is this evening from 5:30 to seven in the contraband room at the Lake Charles Event Center.

A new state law will allow victims of stalking and cyberstalking to break their apartment leases without penalty. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry says she worked with the Louisiana Apartment Association and the Louisiana Realtors Association, and both supported expanding an existing law to include victims of stalking and cyberstalking.

Cut 11 (08) “…this was passed.”
The new law goes into effect August 1^st.

After a weekend of record-breaking heat in Louisiana, more heat is on the way.  Louisiana Department of Health officials are warning us all to take precautions. Secretary Bruce Greenstein (green-steen)…

Cut 5 (08) “…shade and rest.”
Meantime, Tropical Depression 2 is expected to be upgraded to Tropical Storm Bertha later today and current projections show the storm could be a coastal threat all the way from Texas to Florida.

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LSU Health New Orleans is getting a major upgrade to its School of Dentistry. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

An early morning housefire had firefighters in the capitol city busy this morning.  Initial reports show Baton Rouge Firefighters  Department responding to an active fire involving not one, but two homes…and at one point the fire had started to spread to an apartment complex nearby.  We’re told crews were able to get the fire under control, and no injuries were reported.

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.”