It’s the first inpatient mental health unit for pregnant and postpartum women in the state, and it will start accepting patients from across Louisiana one week from today. Today, Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge takes the wraps off its new Perinatal Mental Health Unit.

Cut 3 (12) “…require inpatient care.”

The eight-million-dollar investment will create nearly 40 new jobs. Not only will this unit be the first in Louisiana, but it will also be among a very small handful of its kind in the country.

Louisiana homeowners could see significant savings on property insurance through wind mitigation inspections, especially in the wake of increased premiums caused by recent hurricanes. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says these inspections assess a home’s resilience against wind damage, looking at features like roof shape, window protection, and how well the roof is attached to the walls.

Cut 7 (08) “…more resilient.”

The importance of these inspections has grown as insurance companies have been raising rates or withdrawing from the Louisiana market due to the high risk of hurricane damage.

If you want to participate in Louisiana’s first black bear hunt in 37 years, you’ll have your chance starting Thursday. That’s when the lottery will open to all licensed hunters. The state banned black bear hunting in 1988; and four years later, black bears were added to the endangered species list. Louisiana Secretary of Wildlife and Fisheries Madison Sheahan notes that black bears were removed from the list in 2016.

Cut 10 (12) “…a hunting season.”

A Sabine Parish man is behind bars for allegedly sexually abusing underage girls. 60-year-old Jerry Bryant Vines Junior of Converse was arrested earlier this month on charges of sexually touching an 11-year-old girl. Sheriff’s Detective Wade Seegers says this apparently is a pattern that goes way back.

Cut 9 (13) “…to age 13 .”

Detective Seegers says Vines is facing several charges, with more likely to follow.

AAA reports that the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Louisiana is $2.98.  Nearly 40-cents a gallon cheaper than this time last year.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (32) …I’m Sean Richardson.”

______________________________________

Governor Jeff Landry signs an executive order that puts an extra protection in place to prevent non-citizens from voting in Louisiana elections. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (35)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

____________________________________

AAA reports that the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Louisiana is $2.98. Fuel Analyst Don Redman says this reflects a slight decrease in fuel costs compared to previous weeks, offering some relief to drivers amid a fluctuating fuel market…

Cut 3 (12) “…break at the pump.”

The downward trend in gas prices is attributed to a combination of factors, including a decrease in crude oil prices, seasonal changes in demand, and an increase in fuel supply. However, despite this dip, fuel prices remain a concern for many residents, especially as the state braces for potential disruptions during hurricane season, which Redman says could impact both supply and prices.

Cut 4 (06) “…few weeks.”

Redman cautioned that while prices may stabilize or decrease slightly in the short term, the overall trend remains unpredictable, with potential spikes depending on global conflicts in the Middle East and domestic production levels. Drivers are advised to stay informed about fuel prices and consider strategies to conserve fuel as they navigate these fluctuations.

Cut 5 (10)  “…continue to fly”

Louisiana’s gas prices are typically lower than the national average due to the state’s proximity to Gulf Coast refineries and lower state taxes on fuel.

__________________________________________________________

Soon, automakers may be required to keep AM radio in their vehicles, as Congress continues debating the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. Mike Steele with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, or GOHSEP, says AM radio is an invaluable source for information during emergencies.

Cut 6 (10) “…out for everyone.”

Steele says in many areas, AM radio is the only resource available during emergencies.

Cut 7 (6) “…that people need.”

Steele says AM radio can do things that other media, including TV stations, are unable to do during emergencies.

Cut 8 (07)  “…the public informed.”

The bill comes as some automakers, including Tesla, are starting to omit AM radio from their vehicles.

____________________________________________________

Governor Jeff Landry signed an executive order today that seeks to protect election integrity by preventing non-citizens from voting. Landry says the constitution is clear

Cut 9 (09) “…mean something .”

The executive order instructs federal and state agencies who offer individuals the ability to register to vote, to also provide a disclaimer that tells a person that he or she can not vote if they are not a U-S Citizen. Secretary of State Nancy Landry…

Cut 10 (11) “…not a citizen.”

Any state agency that provides assistance to an individual are also required to offer a person the opportunity to register to vote, if they are not registered. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says this executive order says the agency must also inform the person they can’t vote if they are not a legal citizen

Cut 11 (11) ” ….other benefits”

____________________________________________________

Former LSU baseball star Dylan Crews will make his major league baseball debut tonight when he suits up for the Washington Nationals as they host the New York Yankees tonight. Washington selected Crews with the number two overall pick last year and the centerfielder quickly made it through the minor leagues to the bigs…

Cut 12 (10) “…here.”

Crews hit .270 in the minor leagues this season with 13 home runs and 68 RBIs.

________________________________________________

It’s finally game week for the 13th ranked LSU football team and they have one major injury concern heading into Sunday’s season opener against 23rd ranked USC. Starting wide receiver Chris Hilton is suffering from a bone bruise and is listed as questionable for the season opener. Coach Brian Kelly says if Hilton can’t play, they have options…

Cut 13 (14) “..what we are doing.” 

Kick-off is on Sunday at 6:30 on ABC.

AAA reports that the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Louisiana is $2.98. Fuel analyst Don Redman says this reflects a slight decrease in fuel costs compared to previous weeks, offering some relief to drivers amid a fluctuating fuel market…

Cut 3 (12) “…break at the pump.”

Louisiana’s gas prices are typically lower than the national average due to the state’s proximity to Gulf Coast refineries and lower state taxes on fuel.

Soon, automakers may be required to keep AM radio in their vehicles, as Congress continues debating the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. Mike Steele with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, or GOHSEP, says AM radio is an invaluable source for information during emergencies.

Cut 6 (10) “…out for everyone.”

The man who has run the state’s prison system for the last 16 years is resigning. Louisiana Department of Corrections Secretary Jimmy Leblanc says health reasons are forcing him to step down. Former state lawmaker and House Criminal Chairman Joe Marino says Leblanc did an excellent job despite limited resources…

Cut 10 (10) “…long time.”

Thursday will be Leblanc’s last day.

Governor Jeff Landry asked State Police to investigate the Department of Corrections following reports of poor prison conditions and deadly drug access in the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center in St. Gabriel.  Landry says it’s too early to comment but is confident that State Police “will get to the bottom of it.”

Here’s a look at commodities…

The Democratic National Convention has wrapped up with national polls showing Vice President Kamala Harris slightly ahead of former President Donald Trump. LSU Political Science Professor Dr. Robert Hogan says the D-N-C went smoothly and reflects well on Democrats…

Cut 3 (12) “…two parties.”

Officials have arrested 34-year-old Jason Chiasson Jr. of Holden in connection with a boating accident that caused two deaths and several injuries. In addition to the two deaths, several passengers on both boats were severely injured in the crash. LDWF Sgt. Randy Lanoux says there’s evidence not only that Chiasson Jr. was impaired at the time of the crash, but also that he wasn’t following basic boating safety rules…

Cut 7 (12) “…basically.”

This is an ongoing investigation.

A tragic story out of Terrebonne Parish, as State Police are investigating a school bus crash that led to the death of 7-year-old Jeremiah Falgout (Fal-goo). Trooper Tiah Larvadain says the bus hit the child Thursday afternoon after dropping him off on LA Highway 665 in Montegut….

Cut 12 (11) “…critical injuries.”

The crash is still under investigation.

LSU football will have two players wearing number 18 this year.  Running back Josh Williams and linebacker Greg Penn will each wear 18, which goes to the player who is a great representative of LSU football on and off the field. West says Williams arrived on LSU’s campus as a walk-on in 2019 and now he is a starter…

Cut 15 (10) “…of the ball.”

State police are investigating a school bus crash that led to the death of seven-year-old Jeremaih Falgout (fal-goo) out of Montegut (Montague). Falgout later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. The bus driver was restrained and uninjured in the crash. Trooper Tiah  Larvadain says the bus driver wasn’t under the influence…

Cut 13 (11) “…to buy drugs.” 

The crash is still under investigation.

Officials have arrested 34-year-old Jason Chiasson Jr. of Holden in connection with a boating accident that caused two deaths and several injuries.  LDWF Sgt. Randy Lanoux says there’s evidence not only that Chiasson Jr. was impaired at the time of the crash, but also that he wasn’t following basic boating safety rules…

Cut 7 (12) “…basically.”

The Democratic National Convention has wrapped up with national polls showing Vice President Kamala Harris slightly ahead of former President Donald Trump. The D-N-C featured many emotional moments, including Harris re-introducing herself to the nation. Both campaigns have used emotion, especially fear of what could happen if the other was elected, to appeal to voters. LSU Political Science Professor Dr. RobertHogan says this type of appeal is normal…

Cut 5 (11)  “…this sort of rhetoric”

LSU football will have two players wearing the number 18 this year. Running back Josh Williams and linebacker Greg Penn will each wear 18, which goes to the player , or players who is a great representative of LSU football on and off the field. West says Williams arrived on LSU’s campus as a walk-on in 2019 and now he is a starter…

Cut 15 (10) “…of the ball.”

Grambling State University made state history by opening Louisiana’s first digital library building earlier today. The digital library has no physical material. Instead, it provides access to more than one-point-six million digital books and pieces of research material. Dean of the Digital Library and Learning Commons Adrienne Webber says this ensures students are prepared not only for research in higher education, but also for the tech-forward workforce.

Cut 4 (09) “…this information.”

The seventeen-million-dollar facility is also the only one of its kind at an HBCU.

Baton Rouge Police have seized approximately 181 pounds of fentanyl as part of an investigation into the alleged drug trafficking operations involving 42-year-old Cendy Keophimanh (sen-dee kee-oh-fe-men). Keophimanh was arrested last week following another large drug seizure including around 150 pounds of methamphetamine. Detectives conducted another search warrant at a house on Vermillion Drive connected to the suspect. Lt. L’JeanMcKneely says Baton Rouge was being used as a midpoint distribution center…

Cut 7 (08) “…and then distributed.”

The power in a premium office building in downtown Shreveport is set to be shut off Monday afternoon because the owners haven’t paid the electric bill for months. Regions Tower is over 90 days overdue on a building-wide electricity bill totaling around half a million dollars. SWEPCO says they’ve been in contact with the California-based company that owns the building to keep the lights on, and Campbell says the tenants are also trying to make a deal…

Cut 10 (12) “…out in California.”

32-year-old Precious Hicks of Virginia was sentenced to 35 years in prison after being found guilty of drug trafficking charges in Louisiana. Hicks’s boyfriend pleaded guilty prior to the trial and without a criminal history, received a probation sentence. St. Tammany Parish Assistant District Attorney Tiffany Dover says the judge considered Hicks’s criminal history of firearm, assault, larceny, fraud, forgery, drug, ad prostitution convictions when passing down the 35-year sentence…

Cut  14 (10) “…state of Florida.”

Former Lt Governor and New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu is serving as a platform committee co-chair at the Democratic National Convention. The platform features common themes used by Democrats since Donald Trump became the favorite to be the Republican Presidential nominee…

Cut 11 (08) ” ..be higher.”

But Louisiana Republican US Senator Bill Cassidy says the Biden-Harris administration’s economic plan led to historic inflation and prices could rise again if the federal government decides to forgive one-point-four trillion dollars in student loans.

Cut 10 (08) “…this election.”

The death of an Infant left in a hot car last month was ruled an accident by authorities. Kids and Car Safety Director Amber Rollins says these accidents often result from a combination of stress, fatigue, and changes in routine, which can disrupt normal memory processes.

Cut 7 (11) “…dropped off in the first place.”

Governor Jeff Landry expects Louisiana will continue to rise in the national rankings for K-through-12th grade public education. Landry is also excited about the state’s “Let Teachers Teach initiative”. He thinks that with new laws approved by the legislature and finalized by BESE, teachers will no longer be subjected to state-mandated training on issues that do not need to be addressed and teachers are also getting more freedom over lesson plans…

Cut 5 (08)  “…social workers.”

Governor Jeff Landry expects Louisiana will continue to rise in the national rankings for K-through-12th grade public education. Landry says the state is putting policies in place that puts the parents in charge of a child’s education. The governor says the best example of that is the Louisiana Gator Program, which will replace the state’s current voucher program. He says Louisiana Gator will expand over time allowing more students of all income levels to use taxpayer dollars to attend the school of their choice…

Cut 4 (08) “..mailing address.”

East Baton Rouge authorities have ruled the death of an infant left in a hot car all day last month an accident. Rollins says to create a visual reminder for when your child is in the car with you, which can break a parent out of autopilot. Rollins suggests keeping a large stuffed animal in the back seat…

Cut 8 (11)  “…child is with you.”

Halfway through the Democratic National Convention, several polls show Kamala Harris will small lead over Donald Trump. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

Grambling State is making history tomorrow with opening the first digital library building in Louisiana. The new library is a central academic information hub that aims to facilitate access to resources and connect users to community information. The 50 thousand square foot facility is designed as a space to connect, create, and collaborate. With over 150 computer stations, 17 thousand square feet of study space, and multipurpose spaces for events, meetings, and seminars.

East Baton Rouge authorities have ruled the death of an infant left in a hot car all day last month an accident. The parent told deputies they forgot to drop their six-month-old child at daycare in the morning and realized the terrible mistake when they went to the daycare facility after work. According to Rollins, these accidents often result from a combination of stress, fatigue, and changes in routine, which can disrupt normal memory processes.

Cut 7 (11) “…dropped off in the first place.”

Bienville Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrested two people in Jamestown and removed 33 dogs from poor living in poor conditions. 32-year-old Tanya Michelle Griffith and 29-year-old Allen Tyler Meylian face 32 counts of cruelty to Animals. Humane Society of Louisiana Director, Jeff Dorson says since Bienville Parish has no Animal Control Department, animal rescue is up to the Sheriff’s office…

Cut 13 (07)  “…rehome them.”

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and Ascension Parish signed a memorandum of understanding to deal with a red dust problem around a former aluminum plant. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

LDH is continuing a “do not use” water advisory for areas served by the Walnut Bayou Water System in Madison Parish after drinking water was exposed to the chemical paraquat last week. LDH continues to work closely with local officials throughout the sampling and testing process. Water can be picked up at the Walnut Bayou Water Association Office in Tallulah.

43-year-old Anthony Hughes is recovering after getting shot near Bossier High School’s football stadium as a Spirit Event was taking place last night. Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office Lt. Matt Gaydos sayslaw enforcement responded quickly and prevented anymore violence. Gaydos says this is highly unusual for Bossier and they want to make sure nothing like this happens again…

Cut 4 (09) “..for improvement.”

32-year-old Hannah Cormier of Jennings received a one-million-dollar bond after she was charged with second-degree murder for allegedly leaving her 10-month-old daughter in a car for two hours while she worked a shift at Wendy’s. Authorities say the mother claimed to have forgotten her child in the car, but given the situation, she was taken into custody. The charge of second-degree murder indicates there is intent. Police Chief Danny Semmes says this is not a simple case…

Cut 8 (10)  “…negligent homicide.”

On the first night of the Democratic National Convention, Kaitlyn Joshua from Baton Rouge told the crowd at the D-N-C about her inability to get medical treatment while miscarrying because of the state’s near-total abortion ban. Republican Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murril says there’s nothing in the state’s law that prohibits emergency care for someone having a miscarriage or any emergency during pregnancy.

Joshua says she’s not the only woman unable to get an abortion because of a medical emergency that threatens the mother’s health…

Cut 10 (09) “…their doctors.”

State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley’s Let Teachers Teach policy package is being considered by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education which meets today and tomorrow. Brumley says the policies also tighten student discipline, giving teachers the right to have a student removed from the classroom immediately.

Cut 15 (09)  “…return to the classroom.”