A tragic story out of Jennings: a ten-month-old baby girl has died after being left in a hot car Tuesday. Jennings Police Chief Danny Semmes (Simms) says the baby’s mother was unexpectedly called into work at a local restaurant and accidentally left the child in the car during her hour-and-a-half long shift…

cut 9 (12) “…emergency room.”

26-year-old Trystan McMillon of Hammond was arrested on charges of second-degree murder after allegedly selling fentanyl that led to a fatal overdose. The Fentanyl Overdose Response Team has seized 8 pounds of fentanyl since January as the drug has contributed to a surge of overdose deaths in Louisiana. Hammond Police Chief Edwin Bergeron stresses that those who sell drugs that result in death can face several charges, including murder…

cut 4 (05) “…member of our community.”

DOTD has completed financing for the new Calcasieu River Bridge project. State and federal funding cover 1.2 billion dollars of the 2.3 billion total cost, and the rest will come from tolls collected at the bridge. Once the bridge is open, it will cost those outside the five-parish area $2.50 with a toll tag and $3.75 without. Project Manager Paul Vaught says the state will retain around 15 percent of the tolls’ net profit…

cut 15 (12) “…five-parish area.”

Construction will start early 2026 and finish by 2031.

 
Raising Cane’s founder Todd Graves donated 10 thousand dollars to fund a 3D-printed artificial reef off the coast of Grand Isle.  He expressed his commitment to preserving Louisiana’s natural resources with plans to build four more artificial reefs in the Gulf.

cut 8 (07) “…great fishing again.”

A tragic story out of Jennings: a 10-month-old baby girl has died after being left in a hot car Tuesday. According to Jennings Police Chief Danny Semmes (Simms), the mother says she left her child in the hot car for an hour and a half by accident, and took the baby to the hospital as soon as she realized.

cut 10 (11) “…we all are.”

DOTD has completed financing for the new Calcasieu River Bridge project. The project to replace the current I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge, which is over 70 years old, has been discussed for years, and project manager Paul Vaught says a joint committee voted against it as late as last October. However, Vaught says Governor Landry’s administration is keen on the project…

cut 14 (11) “…that were made.”

Construction is expected to start early 2026 and finish by 2031.

 
26-year-old Trystan McMillon of Hammond was arrested on charges of second-degree murder after allegedly selling fentanyl that led to a fatal overdose. Jay Platt, father of the victim, 27-year-old Nicholas Platt, says he hopes this leads to more related arrests and spares other families from losing loved ones.

cut 5 (10) “…thank you.”

Todd Graves, founder of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, donated 100 thousand dollars to fund a 3D-printed artificial reef off the coast of Grand Isle. The donation supports the efforts of the Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana, and LDWF Secretary Madison Sheahan says this is a huge opportunity to show what a public-private partnership can do in the state…

cut 7 (08) “…anglers across the state.”

This school year, some of Louisiana’s educators will be evaluated under a new system: Louisiana’s Educator Advancement and Development System, or LEADS. Under LEADS, teachers with at least three years of experience who score highly on their first observation can opt out of remaining observations that school year. Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jenna Chiasson (sha-son)…

cut 14 (10) “…rewarded.”

Louisiana Treasurer Dr. John Fleming has advised against approving Bank of America as an authorized fiscal agent for the state based on concerns that the bank denied services to customers and potential customers based on their political perspectives, including Christian organizations, gun manufacturers and fossil fuel producers…

cut 9 (10) “…with their vocation.”

President Joe and First Lady Jill Biden announced 23 million dollars in funding for Tulane University to secret an imaging system that can scan a tumor during surgery and determine if any cancer tissue was left behind. Lead Researcher Dr. J. Quincy Brown says this project embodies the goals of cancer research…

cut 7 (12) “…has stalled.”

High school athletics season is coming up, and the Louisiana High School Athletic Association is looking to rectify a shortage of referees. LHAA Director Lee Sanders says of the roughly one thousand state football officials, 60% of them are over the age of 50. He says they want to recruit younger officials before the more senior ones hang up their whistles.

cut 30 (11) “…the sports.”

This school year, some of Louisiana’s educators will be evaluated under a new system. Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jenna Chiasson (sha-son) says the old system lacked a comprehensive rubric, so they developed Louisiana’s Educator Advancement and Development System, or LEADS…

cut 13 (09) “…one-time event.”

The LSU film program has received a 200 thousand dollar grant from Louisiana Economic Development, which will allow them to hire another faculty member in film and digital media production. Executive Associate Dean of the LSU College of Music and Dramatic Arts Kristen Sosnowsky says another professor will allow them to expand enrollment of the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Television program…

cut 3 (11) “…significant growth.”

Louisiana Treasurer Dr. John Fleming has advised against approving Bank of America as an authorized fiscal agent for the state based on concerns that the bank denied service to customers based on political perspectives. Fleming’s stance reflects a pushback against financial institutions perceived as prioritizing progressive agendas over traditional economic considerations,

cut 10 (12) “…in Louisiana.”

President Joe and First Lady Jill Biden announced 23 million dollars in funding for Tulane University to create an imaging system that can scan a tumor during surgery and determine in minutes if any cancer tissue was left behind. Lead researcher Dr. J. Quincy Brown…

cut 8 (10) “…for every American.”

After receiving $172 million for rural areas to have broadband, another grant of $1.36 billion will complete the project. Brooke Thorington has more.

cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain estimates it will take years for the state crawfish industry to recover from last year’s historic drought that so many were unprepared for.

cut 5 (12) “…such a drought.”

Over 1200 farmers in Louisiana who experienced documented discrimination in federal farm lending programs prior to January 2021 will receive a combined 77 million dollars in financial assistance from the USDA. New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says the money is going to some of Louisiana’s Black farmers.

cut 9 (08) “…end-all be-all.”

A man who allegedly shot into a crowd of a thousand people in Many (Manny) has been arrested after an overnight manhunt. Detective Wade Seegers with the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Department says police caught 21-year-old Julius Winfield IV walking along a road in Natchitoches Parish earlier today.

cut 12 (10) “…finally.”

Winfield was booked into the Sabine Parish Detention Center on several charges, including attempted first-degree murder and terrorizing.

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden are in New Orleans today highlighting the Biden Cancer Moonshot Initiative. Last year, the First Lady toured the Louisiana Cancer Research Center on Tulane Avenue, joined by New Orleans U.S. Congressman Troy Carter…

cut 22 (11) “…the year 2047.”

Tulane says that significant amount is up to 23-million dollars in funding for  an imaging system that will give doctors the ability to scan a tumor during surgery and determine within minutes whether any cancer tissue has been left behind.

 
While crops like corn and rice are seeing a good harvest this year, Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain estimates it will take years for the state crawfish industry to bounce back from last year’s historic drought. Strain says the effects of the drought won’t be fixed in a day…

cut 3 (06) “…years.”
Several petitions against the statewide ban of cell phones in schools have popped up around the internet. One is from a Walker High freshman. Emma Grace Hodge says the fact that there are no exceptions to the cell phone ban creates an unnecessarily complicated system, as anyone who needs to contact a student during school hours would have to go through the school…

cut 9 (10) “…ahold of you.”

Proponents of the ban say phones distract students in the classroom.

 
Louisianians purchasing hunting and fishing licenses can now register as organ donors thanks to an act passed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. LDWF Undersecretary Brian McClinton says by integrating the option into the license purchasing process, it becomes more convenient for people to sign up, potentially saving lives.

cut 11 (06) “…results are gonna be.”

LSU is the first college sports program to use AI-enabled digital stethoscopes that can detect potential cardiac disease in around 15 seconds for their student-athletes. Joseph Authement (Aw-theh-ment) with Eko (Echo) Health, a Louisiana resident and LSU grad, says this project is near and dear to him not only to ensure the community he lives in stays heart-healthy, but also that…

cut 12 (12) “…and then some.”

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is in Canada this week for the Acadian World Congress. Nungesser says the Acadian World Congress is a great opportunity to highlight Canadians’ unique relationship with the Bayou State.

cut 6 (10) “…to Louisiana.”

A new pill for mothers suffering from postpartum depression is showing success. According to Chief Medical Officer for United Health Care Dr. Kevin Stephens, one in five women experience pregnancy related mental health conditions, and he says there wasn’t much treatment success before Zurzuvae (zur-ZOO-vay), which is now available in pill form.

cut 7 (10) “…tremendous job.”

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services is rolling out the On The Road Again Initiative to help noncustodial parents get their driver’s license back if it’s been suspended due to unpaid child support. Though it doesn’t start until September 1, Konitra Jack with DCFS encourages anyone who thinks they could be eligible to reach out to DCFS, since even if they aren’t eligible for this exact initiative, there’s likely another DCFS initiative that they do qualify for.

Cut 15 (08) “…opportunity to help.”

On the Road Again will run until October 31.

Two new laws emphasizing a parent’s existing right to have their children opt out of vaccine requirements and prevent schools from requiring COVID vaccinations go into effect this school year. Gonzales Representative Kathy Edmonston, who authored the legislation, says now when schools send out information about required immunizations…

cut 7 (08) “…child out.”

She says the laws merely allow parents to have their child opt out of immunizations, not start a debate about vaccines.

 
Keep Louisiana Beautiful has partnered with the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association to launch the “Put the Brakes on Litter” campaign. KLB Director Susan Russel says the collaboration highlights the importance of community involvement and shared responsibility in tackling environmental issues.

cut 5 (07) “…unintentional littering.”

Starting May 7, 2025, U.S. residents will need a REAL ID-compliant ID to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. Louisiana OMV Commissioner Dan Casey encourages travelers to check their current ID and, if necessary, visit their state’s DMV to get a REAL ID before the deadline and avoid travel disruptions.

cut 11 (12) “…one of our offices.”

Currently only 25% of Louisianians have a REAL ID.

 
The Saints preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals kicks off Saturday at 7 PM. Ross Jackson, host of the Locked On Saints podcast, recommends you watch the black and gold D-line.

cut 14 (13) “…as well.”

The Louisiana Blood Center issued an urgent appeal for blood donations, stating that at least 200 donors are needed daily to meet the demand. With demand often outpacing supply, Blood Center Medical Director Tim Peterson is urging Louisianians to donate, especially those with O-negative blood, which is universally compatible and in high demand.

cut 8 (06) “…patient who needs blood.”

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is hosting a cybersecurity training session for law enforcement at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette this week. The session aims to equip law enforcement officers with the skills and knowledge needed to respond to and mitigate cyberattacks, which can target a wide range of critical infrastructures including government agencies and businesses. GOHSEP Director Jacques Thibodeaux…

cut 10 (07) “…GOHSEP Academy.”

The CDC says Louisiana has twice the national average of COVID cases. Brooke Thorington has more.

cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A state trooper has been released from the hospital with minor injuries after being hit head-on by a drunk driver going the wrong way along Louisiana Highway 24 North last night. The trooper attempted to stop 63-year-old Deak Matteson Jr of Guin, Alabama as he went the wrong way down the highway, but was struck head-on when Matteson did not stop.

According to the CDC, Louisiana has twice the national average of COVID. LSU-Health New Orleans Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez points out that individuals with co-morbidities or who are more vulnerable to the virus should still take precautions.

cut 5 (12) “…threatening illness.”

The Louisiana Blood Center issued an urgent appeal for blood donations, stating that at least 200 donors are needed daily to meet the demand. Blood Center Medical Director Tim Peterson emphasizes that the supply has reached a dangerously low level, threatening the ability to provide life-saving blood products to hospitals and patients.

cut 7 (12) “…that is needed.”

The Blood Center is also encouraging first-time donors to participate, stressing that each donation can save multiple lives.

 
The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) is hosting a cybersecurity training session for law enforcement at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette this week. GOHSEP Director Jacques Thibodeaux says this training is part of a broader effort to bolster the state’s defenses against cyber threats.

cut 9 (12) “…in the spring.”

The training is designed to enhance the capabilities of local law enforcement in handling cyber incidents, making them better prepared to protect their communities from digital threats.

A state trooper has been released from the hospital with minor injuries after being hit head-on by a drunk driver going the wrong way along Louisiana Highway 24 North last night. The trooper attempted to stop 63-year-old Deak Matteson Jr of Guin, Alabama as he went the wrong way down the highway, but was struck head-on when Matteson did not stop.