Louisiana is one of 29 states to report cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection causing severe diarrhea. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

Those using artificial intelligence in political ads must now clearly disclose that fact. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Three former LSU Tigers were taken on the opening day of the Major League Baseball Draft. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

___________________________________________________

Over 20 cases of the parasitic infection cyclosporiasis have been reported in Louisiana; that’s above average for this time of year. State epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says typically those cases come from those who become infected when traveling abroad, but this year’s outbreak is domestic.

Cut 4 (09) “…the parasite.”

Previous outbreaks have been linked to bagged salads, fresh cilantro and basil, raspberries, snow peas, and green onions.

Louisiana is one of 29 states reporting cases of the parasitic infection. Sokol says dying from cyclosporiasis is extremely rare, but the infection is more than just your average upset stomach.

Cut 5 (12) “…loss of appetite.”

She says if you notice symptoms lasting more than a few days, you should contact a health professional. Sokol says cyclosporiasis can be treated with antibiotics.

Cut 6 (11) “…they can relapse.”

Sokol recommends you wash your hands before and after you eat and wash all fresh produce thoroughly to best reduce your risk of becoming infected.

___________________________________________________

From now on, groups releasing political ads using A-I technology must disclose that fact. That’s due to a bill authored by New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry and signed into law by Governor Jeff Landry. Representative Landry says her bill walks a fine line between protecting people’s right to free speech and holding people accountable for using deceptive means to hurt others.

Cut 7 (10) “…harm our reputation?”

Nowhere was that more evident than in the runup to the runoff election in the Republican U.S. Senate primary between Julia Letlow and John Fleming, both of whom had A-I attack ads made against them. Representative Landry says such A-I content is something that will likely be addressed next year.

Cut 8 (11) “…to push it.”

Mandie Landry says those who violate the new law face substantial penalties when it takes effect on August 1st.

Cut 9 (10)  “…years in jail.”

___________________________________________________

New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno asks for a face-to-face meeting with Governor Jeff Landry after exchanging letters and social media posts about the city’s finances. Knowing the State Bond Commission would have rejected it, Moreno withdrew the city’s request to seek a 110-million-dollar loan from a third party. Moreno says New Orleans will take a different approach, but it is a more painful path forward…

Cut 10 (08) “…as well.”

Moreno inherited a financial crisis left behind by her predecessor, LaToya Cantrell.

In Moreno’s latest social media post, she asked the governor to work with her administration to be successful so the state is successful…

Cut 11 (06) “…our conversation”

Landry has been critical of New Orleans’ spending and has accused the city of treating Louisiana as an ATM. Moreno responded by saying the bond request would not have resulted in New Orleans receiving more money in the state and that she’s more than happy to discuss the city’s finances in person…

Cut 12 (04) “…ATM machine.”

___________________________________________________

Thanks to a grant of more than 170-thousand dollars, LSU Health Shreveport is helping to address healthcare shortages in rural areas. Dr. Sharon Dunn, the dean of the School of Health Professions and Sciences, says the Louisiana Department of Health is offering scholarships after being awarded the Healthcare Employment Reinvestment Opportunity, or HERO, grant.

Cut 13 (10)  “…into rural communities.”

Up to six physician assistant students will receive scholarships covering tuition and fees in exchange for a two to three year commitment at participating rural hospitals upon graduation. Dr. Dunn says the longer the scholarship, the longer the hospital commitment will be. 

Cut 14 (11) “…August of 2029.”

Dunn says these grants are a win for everyone involved.

Cut 15 (14) “…these rural communities.”

Hospitals participating in this innovative partnership are matching the grant funding.

_______________________________________

The Pittsburgh Pirates selected LSU All-American outfielder Derek Curiel with the fifth overall pick in the Major League Baseball Draft. Curiel had two sensational seasons at LSU, and the California native says he would not be where he is now if it were not for Jay Johnson and the Tigers’ coaching staff…

Cut 16 (11) “…LSU.”

Curiel was named freshman of the year in 2025 as the Tigers won the national championship. He led LSU in hitting this past season and was named a Third-Team All-American. Curiel on what he plans to bring to the Pittsburgh organization…

Cut 17 (20) “…do that.”

The Pirates are an improving team led by former LSU star Paul Skenes. Last year, Pittsburgh drafted former LSU slugger Jared Jones, and he’s been doing well in High A-Ball. Curiel is looking forward to being teammates again with “The Bear”…

Cut 18 (25) remember him a lot.”

In the second round, Seattle selected former LSU right fielder Jake Brown from Sulphur.

The Gulf of Mexico is seeing an increase in its shark population. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

The political dispute between the city of New Orleans and Louisiana continues to intensify as the city withdraws a loan request to the State Bond Commission for 110-million dollars. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

The Gulf of Mexico is seeing an increase in its shark population. Dr. Dean Grubbs, the associate director of research at the Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory, says while some species continue to decline in population, others are recovering due to warming water temperatures.

Cut 3 (12) “…for bull sharks.”

Dr. Grubbs says while shark populations are in bad shape in most of the world, it’s a different story in the U.S., with the country starting to manage shark populations back in 1993.

Cut 4 (11) “…the populations recovering.”

With an increase in shark population comes an increase in the likelihood of a beachgoer encountering a shark. Grubbs points out, however, that sharks aren’t the only ones increasing in number.

Cut 5 (07) “…30 years ago.”

Grubbs says if you encounter a shark, the best thing to do is not to panic as you make your way back to the beach, because the species which populate the Gulf want nothing to do with humans, just as humans want nothing to do with sharks.

________________________________________

The MLB Draft is this weekend, and a few Tigers will definitely hear their names called. Koki Riley covers LSU baseball for The Advocate and says this year’s LSU group is not as deep as past years.

Cut 6 (07) “…tenth round.”

Outfielders Derek Curiel and Jake Brown are projected to go in the first and second rounds.

Riley says most of the other players who have a chance to leave Baton Rouge for pro ball are older right-handed relief pitchers.

Cut 7 (09) “…definitely go.”

Jay Johnson and his staff will keep an eye on the draft to see where the top LSU prep signees end up. Riley says there are reports that six-foot-seven right-handed pitcher Jensen Hirschkorn of California would need a big-time signing bonus to go pro.

Cut 8 (12) “…with his fastball.”

_____________________________________________________________

Cash-strapped New Orleans has withdrawn its 110-million-dollar bond and loan request from the State Bond Commission. Mayor Helena Moreno says the city pulled the application because it would have been denied amid the ongoing political dispute. Tulane political science professor Mike Sherman says the relationship between New Orleans and the Landry Administration is not good…

Cut 9 (13)  “…is expanding.”

In a statement, Mayor Moreno says the city has found another path to fund city services, but warned there will be cuts and delays. She went on to say the state of Louisiana needs New Orleans just as much as New Orleans needs the state.

Landry responded by saying no one has done more for the city of New Orleans than him, but he will not allow New Orleans to utilize the state as an ATM.

Sherman says eventually the political war of words will come to an end…

Cut 10 (09) “…off ramp.” 

In May, Governor Landry and New Orleans officials did not see eye-to-eye on a new state law that combined the city’s criminal and civil courts. The conflict grew last week when an Orleans Parish Grand Jury indicted Attorney General Liz Murrill on accusations she violated state law by publicly threatening the mayor, city council members and district attorney Jason Williams.

The Louisiana Supreme Court issued an emergency stay on the indictment and it’s possible the indictment will eventually be dismissed. The governor has ordered State Police to investigate to see the grand jury committed any improprieties in handing down an indictment against Murrill.

Sherman says the state’s dispute with New Orleans will likely not end until Murrill is exonerated and someone takes the fall for the indictment of Murrill..

Cut 11 (10) “…coming together.”

Moreno says she would like to meet with Governor Landry face to face to talk about the city’s finances.

______________________________________________________

Get ready for a wet start to the week next week. National Weather Service Meteorologist Carly Kovacik (ko-VAH-chick) says a front will be moving into the state starting Sunday.

Cut 12 (08) “…also pushing south.” 

Kovacik says that’s going to bring some precipitation to areas throughout the state, particularly in the northern half.

Cut 13 (09) “…exist with that.”

But Kovacik says we shouldn’t see a whole lot in terms of rain accumulation like what we saw last month.

Cut 14 (08) “…up setting up.”

The Louisiana Wildlife Federation says the Atlantic tarpon is a declining species, but that didn’t stop the governor from vetoing the bill that would have put some protections on it. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

Amir “Aura” Khan is headed to LSU. The viral McNeese basketball student manager officially joined Will Wade’s staff. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

A St. Landry Parish woman is cited for allegedly illegally selling native turtles online. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

A conservation organization that represents sportsmen is disappointed Governor Landry vetoed legislation that would have designated Atlantic tarpon as a Louisiana saltwater gamefish. Rick Owens with the Louisiana Wildlife Federation says the purpose of the legislation is to preserve a piece of Louisiana’s recreational identity before it fades further.

Cut 4 (04) “…had decades ago.”

Owens says Louisiana waters once supported numerous tarpon clubs, tournaments and seasonal fisheries that attracted anglers from across the Gulf Coast.

In his veto message, Governor Landry said there is no real harvest pressure on tarpon and nothing in science suggests the state needs to put limits or restrictions to protect it, when it is primarily a catch-and-release fish.

But Owens says the LDWF lists the “silver king” as vulnerable and at a moderate risk of going extinct.

Cut 5 (09) “…fish to release.”

Landry says House Bill 688 is a solution in search of a problem. Owens says the legislation that was vetoed would have placed tarpon within the same general management framework Louisiana already uses for other recreational species, including red drum, speckled trout, and black bass.

Cut 6 (11) “…for the tarpon.”

The House and Senate approved the legislation unanimously; and since it did not become law, Louisiana is the only state that does not formally recognize tarpon as a recreational gamefish.

___________________________________________________

Viral McNeese basketball student manager Amir Khan is following Will Wade to LSU. He’ll join Wade’s LSU staff in the same role. Khan says he first became a student manager because he grew up as an LSU fan watching Wade.

Cut 7 (10) “…lot to me.”

The Lake Charles native gained massive popularity during the 2025 NCAA tournament, leading the Cowboys out of the tunnel with a boombox. He originally transferred to NC State when Wade took the job there last season but returned to McNeese when his class credits didn’t transfer over.

Cut 8 (08) “…season with McNeese.”

Khan became the first student manager to sign an NIL deal during McNeese’s 2024 tournament run. His goal for his senior year is to help other managers at LSU, McNeese and around the country land deals of their own. As for the boombox making an appearance, we’ll have to wait and see.

Cut 9 (11)  “…the other stuff.”

___________________________________________________

A St. Landry Parish woman is cited for allegedly selling native turtles online. Captain Scott Dupre with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the legislature recently passed a law making it illegal to sell native turtles in the state.

Cut 10 (08) “…to protect it.”

LDWF agents got a tip that 32-year-old Sydney Broussard of Eunice was selling turtles online. They found that she was selling red eared slider turtles for eight dollars apiece and an alligator snapping turtle for 30 dollars. Captain Dupre says Broussard faces a 350-dollar fine for each turtle she was selling.

Cut 11 (10) “…responsible for restitution.”

Agents seized the turtles and returned them to the water. Dupre says while it’s illegal to sell native turtles in Louisiana, it’s not illegal to possess them, but there are limits.

Cut 12 (08) “…alligator snapping turtle.”

There are also prohibited turtle species, which are illegal to possess at all.

___________________________________________________

Researchers at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center have released their initial findings from their RURAL Health study in Franklin Parish. Lead researcher Dr. Stephanie Broyles says some of the more notable findings include elevated rates of two key health factors.

Cut 13 (13)  “…others like diabetes.”

(The study shows that Franklin Parish has elevated rates of obesity and high blood pressure.) The RURAL Health study compares rural communities to other rural communities, as opposed to urban communities. Dr. Broyles says these findings underscore the importance of having strong health care in all communities, including in rural areas.

Cut 14 (13) “…address these conditions.”

These findings come on the heels of the initial findings from an earlier study in Assumption Parish. Broyles says now that we know the what, now the job for the researchers is to figure out the why.

Cut 15 (13) “…do about it.”

_______________________________________

The 2026 Major League Baseball Draft is this weekend, and two LSU baseball stars should hear their names called on Saturday. Center fielder Derek Curiel is expected to be a top 15 pick in the first round, while right fielder Jake Brown is a potential second round pick as he’s ranked by ESPN.com as the 64th best player in the draft. Brown will spend draft day with his family in Sulphur.

Cut 16 (11) “…in my life.”

Brown’s junior season at LSU ended prematurely when he broke the hamate bone in his wrist on April 19th. Brown was one of the Tigers best hitters, hitting .309 with 16 home runs and 49 RBI. He was able to swing again a week after LSU’s season ended in the SEC Tournament.

Cut 17 (15) “…I’m feeling great.”

Brown loved being a Tiger and could have returned for his senior season, but he’s ready to play professional baseball.

Cut 18 (11) “…draft this year.”

Brown will likely receive a seven-figure signing bonus.

You are no longer required to get an inspection sticker for your vehicle in Louisiana. Kace Kieschnick has the new process.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

One U.S. House district’s race is getting crowded, while potential candidates in another are waiting to see what a certain someone does. Andrew Greenstein reports. 

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Louisianians no longer need to get a vehicle inspection sticker, but how does the new QR code work? State Senator Alan Seabaugh says the QR code sticker will go in the same spot as your current inspection sticker.

Cut 3 (12) “…displayed anyway.”

QR code stickers are not required until January 1, and Governor Jeff Landry has issued a grace period for the rest of this year, meaning you can no longer be ticketed for a missing or expired inspection sticker. Seabaugh says the QR code will work differently for law enforcement.

Cut 4 (12) “…by law to have.”

Instead of paying ten-dollars for an annual inspection, you will purchase the QR code for six-dollars as part of the cost of renewing your vehicle registration. Seabaugh says the OMV stickers will send you the sticker in the mail.

Cut 5 (10) “…vehicle registration.”

________________________________________

Another Republican announces his intention to run for the district five U.S. House seat. The latest is Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey. Greg Hilburn, a political reporter for the USA Today Network, says Cathey is the third Republican state legislator to enter the district five race.

Cut 6 (13) “…in the race.”

So far, no Democrats have announced their candidacies in the heavily Republican district. Hilburn says there is one big question surrounding the race.

Cut 7 (12) “…Baton Rouge-based.”

(The big question is whether Blake Miguez will run in the fifth or the sixth district). Hilburn notes that Miguez has moved to Baton Rouge, which is now in the sixth district. Speaking of the sixth district, Hilburn says the field there so far is very thin.

Cut 8 (09) “…he would prefer.”

Qualifying is August 5th through the 7th; and due to the late redrawing of the congressional map, the election will revert to the open primary, and it will be on November 3rd.

_____________________________________________________________

We’re now in the time of year when something outside is really bugging you – mosquitoes. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says this is prime mosquito season; and as such, you need to take every precaution possible when venturing outside, especially at night.

Cut 9 (08)  “…sort of thing.”

Not only is this prime mosquito season, but it’s also prime encephalitis season. Strain says because of that, you also need to protect any animals on your property.

Cut 10 (08) “…for your horses.” 

Strain says mosquitos breed in standing water; so especially with all the rain that we’ve been getting lately, if you have standing water on your property, get rid of it at all costs.

Cut 11 (14) “…where mosquitos breed.”\