Louisiana’s restaurant industry is on a slow mend after COVID. Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris says recovery hasn’t been linear, as full-service restaurants are taking more time to bounce back than quick-service and fast casual restaurants.

Cut 3 (09) “…in the market.”

Harris says the best way to support Louisiana restaurants is to eat local.

As investigations into the assassination attempt on former President Trump’s life continue, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise says there are even more concerning details in the case that the Secret Service wasn’t forthcoming about.

Cut 7 (13) “…important jobs.”

Scalise says the job of the Secret Service is to protect the President, Vice President, former Presidents, and visiting Heads of State.

LSU is the first college sports program to use AI-enabled digital stethoscopes for their student-athletes. Joseph Authement (Aw-theh-ment) with Eko (Echo) Health says their CORE 500 digital stethoscopes are equipped with tech that sends heart sounds and electrical impulses to the cloud.

Cut 10 (11) “…detection.”

LSU Athletics will start using the stethoscopes this school year.

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. Child Support Enforcement Director Konitra Jack says their goal is to give parents the opportunity to engage with DCFS and…

Cut 13 (12)  “…that they owe.”

On the Road Again will run from September 1 to October 31.

Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) has partnered with the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association (LADA) to launch the “Put the Brakes on Litter” campaign. KLB Director Susan Russel says participating dealers will distribute litter kits to customers and encourage responsible disposal habits, they can make a significant impact on keeping Louisiana’s roads and communities clean.

Cut 5 (07)  “…intentional and unintentional littering.”

Two new laws are in effect this school year, emphasizing a parent’s right to have their children opt out of vaccine requirements and preventing schools from requiring COVID vaccinations. Gonzales Representative Kathy Edmonston says now when schools send out information about required immunizations….

Cut 7 (08) “…child out.”

Starting May 7, 2025, U.S. residents will need a REAL ID-compliant identification to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. Louisiana OMV Commissioner Dan Casey says REAL ID is marked with a star at the top of the card, indicating that it meets these federal requirements.

Cut 9 (12) “…issued.”

The Saints preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals kicks off tomorrow at 7 P.M. Ross Jackson, host of the Locked On Saints Podcast, says he’s unsure if the Saints will play their starters like they did last preseason.

Cut 12 (15) “…preseason.”

The Humane Society of Louisiana is urging pet and livestock owners to keep their animals cool as the heat index moves upwards of 100 degrees. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

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.

Construction has begun on phase 2 of the Houma Navigational Canal Lock Complex. Terrebonne Levee and Conservation District President Tony Alford says the project will bring a number of benefits to southeast Louisiana, including limiting saltwater intrusion that’s killing cypress trees. He says if you go to Houma…

Cut 13 (12)  “…go look at that.”

This school year two new laws are in effect emphasizing a parent’s existing right to have their children opt out of vaccine requirements and prevent schools from requiring COVID vaccinations. Gonzales Representative Kathy Edmonston authored the legislation…

Cut 6 (13) “..no mandate.”

Edmonston says the laws stop mandates, it’s not a debate about vaccines it’s merely allowing parents to have their child opt out of immunizations.

As a result of a new law, we might see more mugshots released to the public. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh’s law repeals a law from 2022 that set parameters for what mugshots could be released. Seabaugh says the 2022 law had good intentions….

Cut 10 (12) “…put it back.”

The 2022 law only allowed law enforcement to release mugshots of suspects booked for violent offenses.

The Louisiana Blood Center issued an urgent appeal for blood donations, stating that at least 200 donors are needed daily to meet the demand. Donating blood is essential for a variety of medical treatments, including surgeries, cancer care, and emergencies. With demand often outpacing supply, Blood Center Medical Director Tim Peterson is urging Louisianans to roll up their sleeves and donate.

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

It’s that time of year when school buses taking students back and forth from school are on the road. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 30 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

And here’s a look at today’s commodities

Governor Landry’s statement to parents who disagree with the Ten Commandments law prompts a response from a plaintiff in a lawsuit against it. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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An updated August hurricane forecast continues to predict a well above-average Atlantic Hurricane season. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

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 A $12,500 reward is being offered for information about the shooting of an endangered Whooping Crane this past January. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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While State Attorney General Liz Murrill and Governor Jeff Landry updated the public on a lawsuit filed against the state law requiring classrooms to display the Ten Commandments, Landry was asked what if parents disagree with the law…

Cut 4 (09) “…look at it.”

One of the advocacy groups representing plaintiffs in the case is the Freedom of Religion Foundation. Co-founder of that group, Annie Laurie Gaylor says his response was inappropriate.

Cut 5 (12) “…unconstitutional law.”

A brief was filed Monday in response to the lawsuit, saying it’s premature because the Commandments haven’t been posted in the classroom, therefore they can’t claim injury of children being exposed to them.

Murrill says among the reasons legislators passed the law was because of the uptick in juvenile crime and they felt this was one way to address it.

Cut 6 (13) “…rules matter.”

Gaylor says the First Commandment violates the First Amendment and lawmakers wanting the Commandments to start a conversation about the rule of law in the classroom also opens the door for a discussion about adultery.

Cut 7 (10) “…(x2) what’s adultery.”

After the law was signed by Governor Landry in June, he was asked about it at the Republican National Convention and he stated if the Ten Commandments had been in the classroom for Thomas Michael Crooks, he might not have attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump.

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Colorado State University (CSU) has updated its Atlantic hurricane forecast for August, maintaining its prediction of a well above-average season. CSU Hurricane Forecast Team Researcher Levi Silvers says the revised forecast anticipates 23 named storms, including 12 hurricanes and six major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher.

Cut 8 (06) “…relative to the average.”

This outlook is influenced by the unusually warm sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic, which fuel storm development, and the current El Niño conditions. While El Niño typically suppresses hurricane activity, the impact is expected to be offset by the warmer waters.

Cut 9 (07)  “…overly active season.

The season has already seen several named storms, reinforcing the forecast’s accuracy. The CSU team emphasizes the importance of preparedness for coastal residents, given the heightened risk.

Cut 10 (10) “…hurricane in Louisiana is 51-percent.”

This forecast aligns with similar predictions from other meteorological agencies, all still pointing to a highly active hurricane season.

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The Gulf of Mexico’s dead zone, an area with critically low oxygen levels, is significantly larger this year, covering about 6,700 square miles making this the 12^th largest dead zone in the 38 years of recorded measurements. LSU Oceanography Professor Nancy Rabalais says this hypoxic zone, is mainly caused by nutrient pollution from agriculture and wastewater, and severely affects marine life.

Cut 11 (06) “…into the Mississippi River.”

The 2024 measurement by NOAA is nearly double the target size set by environmental agencies. Excess nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, lead to algal blooms that deplete oxygen when they decompose, creating inhospitable conditions for fish and other aquatic species.

Cut 12 (10) “…dead zone in the Gulf.”

The state and federal partnerships aim to reduce the dead zone’s average size to fewer than 1,900 square miles by 2035. The current five-year average, however, stands at 4,289 square miles.

Cut 13 (05)  “…not going to happen”

This year’s expansion underscores the persistent challenge of managing agricultural runoff and protecting marine ecosystems.

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries along with other organizations are offering a reward of $12,500 to anyone who can help them with information to find and convict the person responsible for killing an endangered Whooping Crane earlier this year. LDWF District 5-A Supervisor, Lt. Wendell Vaughn…

Cut 14 (10)  “…of Mamou.”

Whooping Cranes had not been seen in Louisiana since 1950 until an effort to reintroduce them began in 2011. Repopulating the Bayou State is a difficult task, and Vaughn says, LDWF and their partners want to know who is responsible for killing this rare juvenile bird…

Cut 15 (11)  “…shot it.”

Vaughn says the birds are very rare. The Louisiana flock of Whooping Cranes is estimated to number around 80 and is protected under state law.

Cut 16 (09) “… these birds.” 

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the USFWS at 985-882-3756 or LDWF Lake Charles Office at 337-491-2588.

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After five days of preseason camp for LSU, three guys have emerged as the Tigers top receivers. They are Kyren Lacy, Chris Hilton and CJ Daniels, the transfer from Liberty University. At practice, the coaching staff is rotating in several other receivers with the first team and Coach Brian Kelly explains why…

Cut 17 (24) “…some time.”

Kelly has announced tight end Mac Markway will not play for the Tigers after spending one season at LSU. The former four-star recruit from St. Louis is expected to enter the transfer portal. He caught 3 passes for 16 yards and a touchdown last season. Kelly says this will give back-up tight ends Ka’Morreun Pimpton and freshman Trey’Dez Green more opportunities…

Cut 18 (24)  “…expected.”

Young cornerbacks PJ Woodland and Ashton Stamps have been making plays, which is a good sign for a secondary that really struggled last season. Kelly says he’s still looking for more consistency…

Cut 19 (11) “…championship level play.”

At the Olympics, former LSU pole vaulter and Lafayette native Mondo Duplantis, who competed for his mother’s home country of Sweden, vaulted 20 and a half feet to break the world record for the ninth time and win a gold medal. After he won gold and set an Olympic record, Duplantis had the bar moved one centimeter higher than world record height. Though he missed his first two jumps, he made the third and sealed a world record. He says he’s so thrilled about winning, he can’t possibly think about what’s next.

Cut 5 (12)  “…except this.”

Duplantis is 24-years-old and the next Summer Olympics is in Los Angeles in 2028.

Triple-digit high temperatures are expected across the state this week, as highs will threaten to break records. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says when it’s this hot, visits to the emergency room increase with people suffering from heat related illnesses. He says if you are going to be outside for long periods, where loose fitting clothing…

Cut 7 (12) “…little bit.”

Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. John Couvillon of JMC Analytics says Walz is a safe pick for the Harris campaign, adding Walz is…

Cut 9 (10) “…Democratic Party.”

An arrest has been made in connection to the July 22nd murder of a Marksville man. Tim Ryan with the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Department says officers responded to a call of a deceased person near LA Highway 1192 and found Gary P. Normand of Marksville deceased.

Cut 12 (11) “…suspects involved.”

State Attorney General Liz Murrill is filing a brief against the lawsuit filed against the state’s Ten Commandments law requiring a poster of the biblical text to be displayed in all public school classrooms. Murrill says the suit that’s been filed by several advocacy groups is premature.

Cut 3 (13) “…constitutional rights.”

Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the law is patently unconstitutional and he expects the state will lose the case at the district and appellate court levels. He says the really interesting thing will be to see what happens in two or three years when the case makes it to the US Supreme Court.

Cut 4 (07) “…will happen”

Louisiana residents have a right to request information under the state constitution, and though the governor has legal avenues to deny those requests, President of Public Affairs Research Council Dr. Steven Procopio says some of the denials from Governor Jeff Landry’s office either don’t apply or aren’t legal.

Cut 7 (10) “…that they wanted.”

Wall Street is reacting today after last week’s news that the unemployment rate increased. Economist Dr. Loren Scott says history indicates, according to the Sahm (pronounced Sham) Rule, that we’re in a recession anytime the unemployment rate increases a half percentage point more than the last 12-month average.

Cut 10 (12) “…problem here.”

State Attorney General Liz Murrill is filing a brief against the lawsuit filed against the state’s Ten Commandments law requiring them to be displayed in classrooms. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Former LSU stars Taryn Kloth (clothe) and Kristen Nuss end their run at the Paris Olympics after a loss to Canada in the knockout round. Kloth and Nuss lost both sets to the Canadian duo of Brandie Wilkerson and Melissa Humana-Paredes. LSU Beach Volleyball congratulated the pair on social media.

Louisiana residents have a right to request information under the state constitution, and though the governor has legal avenues to deny those requests, President of Public Affairs Research Council Dr. Steven Procopio (pro-cop-io) says some of the denials from Governor Jeff Landry’s office either don’t apply or aren’t legal.

Cut 7 (10) “…that they wanted.”

Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell authored a bill to keep phones from becoming a distraction for both teachers and students. In her research, Mizell says many psychologists pointed out that students paying attention to a phone all the time instead of talking to each other was having detrimental effects on learning how to interact with other humans.

Cut 15 (11)  “…the phone.

Mizell says she’s interested to see if the cellphone ban will impact future LEAP scores.