Tony Hemker was among those in attendance at the rally when an assassination attempt was made on former President Trump’s life. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (35)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Former President Donald J. Trump has chosen Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio to be his running mate, betting the young senator will bring fresh energy to the Republican ticket and ensure that the movement Trump began nearly a decade ago can live on after him.

Redshirt Junior Garrett Nussmeier will get his chance to lead the offense this season after the past three years as a backup. The 22-year-old gunslinger provides a different skillset to Heisman-winner Jayden Daniels who led the Tigers with over 1,000 yards on the ground last season, but LSU football coach Brian Kelly says they share the same essential traits above the shoulders…

Cut 10 (14) “…that as well.”

Fitness guru and New Orleans native Richard Simmons passed away on Saturday at 76. Simmons was born in New Orleans in 1948 and was an overweight child, but he became a cultural phenomenon because of his energetic personality displayed in his exercise videos. Tulane Sports Performance Manager Mackie Shilstone…

Cut 12 (08) “…could do it.”

One of the biggest questions left for the Trump campaign is who will serve as Trump’s running mate. Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham speculates that the assassination attempt may have changed Trump’s choice for vice president. He says whereas before, Trump might have chosen the most likely candidate to help him win the election…

Cut 5 (10)  “…any given time.”

Trump was not seriously hurt in the assassination attempt, but two people were and one person was killed. The shooter was killed by the Secret Service. A motive has not yet been determined.

During the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump Saturday, 50-year-old Tony Hemker of Virginia was in the crowd. He went with his wife’s uncle, who had removed his hearing aids because they were near an overhead speaker, about 45 yards from the stage. While Hemker said it won’t deter him from ever attending a Trump rally again, the experience has changed him.

LSU football coach Brian Kelly spoke at SEC Media Days in Dallas this morning. The Tigers will look to replace quarterback and leading rusher Jayden Daniels as well as top two receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. Senior Kyren Lacy is expected to lead the Tigers receiving corps but Kelly says he expects a group effort…

Cut 9 (15) “…is the depth.”

The Tigers kick off the season September 1st in Las Vegas versus USC.

Fitness guru and New Orleans native Richard Simmons passed away on Saturday at 76. Simmons was born in New Orleans in 1948 and was an overweight child, but he became a cultural phenomenon because of his energetic personality displayed in his exercise videos. Tulane Sports Performance Manager Mackie Shilstone says Simmons helped people lose weight for 35 years and there will never be anyone like him again…

Cut  14 (05) “…made it fun.” 

Cut 8 (13)  “…never know.”

Thursday night, Steve Gleason was honored with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPY’s. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Former LSU safety Jamal Adams is now a Tennessee Titan. The seven-year vet and former all-pro and pro bowler was the sixth overall pick by the Jets in 2017 and spent the last five seasons in Seattle. The 28-year-old has an NFL record of 9.5 sacks in his debut season with the Seahawks but struggled with injuries and setbacks. He will reunite with Jets defensive back coach Dennard Wilson who is now the Titan’s defensive coordinator

President Joe Biden held a press conference Thursday night to dispel rumors about alleged cognitive decline, but whether he accomplished that is debatable. LSU Political Science Professor Dr. Robert Hogan says during the press conference, Biden got some details wrong…

Cut 6 (11) “…that’s to be seen.”

The Democratic presidential nominee will be announced at their National Convention in August.

The Lake Charles mother who abandoned her four-year-old son who was found dead behind a Welcome Center in Vinton Monday, and her infant son found crawling from a ditch along I-10 on Tuesday, Aaliyah (ah-lee-ah) Jack, has also been charged with second-degree murder and cruelty to a juvenile. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Stitch Guillory says the case moved swiftly when they found the 4-year-old in the water and sent out a release asking local media to help them identify the child.

Cut 10 (09) “…kid was.”

President Joe Biden held a press conference Thursday night to try and disprove rumors about alleged cognitive decline, but whether he accomplished that is debatable. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 2 (28)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

LSU announced upgraded coming to Death Valley as part of thir 100 Years of Tiger Stadium Celebration. New video boards in the north endzone that are double in size and in the corners of the south endzone are a few upgrades. The full 100th-anniversary celebration will take place October 12^th when the Tigers host Ole Miss.

Steve Gleason was honored with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award Thursday night at the ESPYs. Former teammate Drew Brees presented Gleason with the award and Gleason’s son held it beside him during his acceptance speech. Brees told the audience it would be a lie to say life for Gleason hasn’t been difficult since his diagnosis.

Cut 4 (11) “…his own story.”

Aaliyah (ah-lee-ah) Jack, the Lake Charles mother who abandoned her four-year-old son who was found dead behind a Welcome Center in Vinton Monday has been charged with second-degree murder and cruelty to a juvenile. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Stitch Guillory says  after she was located in Mississippi…

Cut 9 (13) “…in Calcasieu.”

President Joe Biden held a press conference Thursday night to dispel rumors about alleged cognitive decline. Some Democratic lawmakers are calling for Biden to step aside and let someone younger run after a dismal presidential debate performance left many wondering if Biden is suffering from some sort of memory-related illness. LSU Political Science Professor Dr. Robert Hogan says yesterday’s press conference went well for Biden…

Cut 7 (11) “…three and a half years.”

Aaliyah (ah-lee-ah) Jack, the Lake Charles mother who abandoned her four-year-old son who was found dead behind a Welcome Center in Vinton Monday, and her infant that son found crawling from a ditch along I-10 Tuesday has also been charged with second-degree murder and cruelty to a juvenile. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Stitch Guillory says it’s been an emotional week and case.

Cut 11 (04) ” …forget.”

Thursday night, Steve Gleason was honored with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPY’s. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Louisiana lawmakers are being urged to convene a special session to address the state’s tax policy. Governor Jeff Landry has called for the session, highlighting the need to overhaul the current tax system to foster economic growth and improve fiscal stability. This session would be the latest in a series of special sessions under Landry’s administration, aiming to tackle various pressing issues, including crime and redistricting. The proposed tax reforms are expected to include changes to income, sales, and property taxes, aiming to simplify the tax code and make Louisiana more competitive for businesses and residents

Republican megadonor Lane Grigsby sent lawmakers a letter trying to persuade them to hold a Constitutional Convention this year.  LA-Politics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says letter cites changes to the public-school funding formula, and…

Cut 10 (12) “…the constitution.”

This year alone lawmakers were in Baton Rouge for an organizational session, two special sessions, and a regular session that wrapped in June. Alford believes legislators aren’t keen on returning to the capitol for a fourth time.

insurance rates continue to climb, more and more residents are choosing to drop their homeowners insurance if they can. CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of Louisiana Ben Albright says you shouldn’t drop your homeowners insurance and rely on FEMA funds because unlike FEMA, insurance is a reliable source of money to cover damages after a disaster. Some insurance relief measures are set to go into effect early next year, but Albright thinks real relief could come even later…

Cut 15 (09)  “…another storm.”

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana has introduced a bill requiring the Department of Education to make the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form available on October 1st annually. He believes the Department of Education points fingers instead of getting the FAFSA out. Cassidy says when it comes to the FAFSA, the Department of Education has been…

Cut 8 (11) “…for their future.”

Cassidy expects the bill to be received well by both parties. In fact, he thinks the bill is more common sense than political.

Gypsy Rose Blanchard, a Lafourche Parish native who served more than eight years of a ten year sentence a Missouri prison for her role in the murder of her mother, “Dee Dee” Blanchard has announced her pregnancy.

Cut 4 (04) “…give to this baby.”

The announcement has elicited mixed reactions, with some expressing concern about her ability to parent given her traumatic past, while others offer support and hope for her new beginning.

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana has introduced a bill requiring the Department of Education to make the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form available on October 1st annually. He believes the Department of Education points fingers instead of getting the FAFSA out.

Cut 7 (09) “…October the first.”

As insurance rates continue to climb, more and more residents are choosing to drop their homeowners insurance if they can. CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of Louisiana Ben Albright says homeowners insurance rates were low before multiple hurricanes hit Louisiana in 2020 and 2021, and insurance companies started overcorrecting and overcharging as a result.

Cut 14 (09)  “…insurance companies.”

Only people who fully own their homes and don’t have a mortgage can drop their homeowners insurance.

Lafourche Parish native Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who gained national fame through the 2019 Hulu series “The Act” and the HBO true crime documentary “Mommy Dead and Dearest,” has announced her pregnancy.

Cut 6 (10) “…everything my mother wasn’t.”

Her mother, “Dee Dee” subjected Gypsy to years of medical abuse, falsely claiming she had various illnesses, including muscular dystrophy, to gain sympathy and financial benefits.

In what seems like a last swing at bat Republican megadonor Lane Grigsby sent lawmakers a letter trying to persuade them to hold a Constitutional Convention this year.  LA-Politics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says during the regular session, Governor Jeff Landry had the full support of the House for a convention, but when the proposal went to the higher chamber, they put on the breaks…

Cut 11 (11) “…that posture.”

A Secretary of State’s Office spokesperson says for the changes to be voted on in the fall election a convention must be completed by early September.

Twenty-five-year-old Aaliyah (Ah-lee-ha) Jack of Lake Charles was arrested in Mississippi after the body of her four-year-old son was found Monday in a body of water behind the Vinton Welcome Center. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Stitch Guillory says but miraculously her one-year-old child was found alive about six miles away in a ditch. He says an autopsy will be performed on the four-year-old.

Cut 24 (07) “…reveal that.”

Of the 53 Louisiana delegates attending the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month, delegate and Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis says the vast majority will cast their ballot for President Biden. Since Biden’s debate performance, Lewis says it’s one thing for Biden to say he’s fit for office for a second term, but now he has to show it to American voters…

Cut 7 (11) “…four years.”

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Shreveport issued a record 67 tornado warnings across the ArkLaTex Monday due to the impact of Hurricane Beryl. NWS Meteorologist Ryan Knapp says Beryl is an example of how hurricanes and tropical storms can impact communities hundreds of miles away from the coastline…

Cut 5 (10)  “..flooding rainfall threat.”

Of the 67 tornado warnings across the region, 18 included Central Louisiana parishes.

Walmart’s 11th Annual Open Call, held virtually across the United States lets entrepreneurs pitch their products to Walmart buyers. Walmart spokesperson Mark Espinosa says the Open Call aligns with Walmart’s broader strategy to spend an additional $350 billion on items made, grown, or assembled in the U.S.

Cut 9 (09) “…our customers.”

The deadline is July 15.

Go to WALMART.COM/OPENCALL to apply

Some Democratic lawmakers have called on Biden to drop out of the presidential race, though they didn’t offer up any nominees. Despite Biden saying he won’t step aside, LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan thinks it would be beneficial for the Democrats to explore the possibility of having someone else run.

Cut 10 (12) “…all there.”

Louisiana’s 2024 I Voted Stickers have been unveiled, featuring a crawfish sporting a suit and top hat named Mark D’Ballot. This year’s sticker was designed by Shreveport artist William Joyce, who says he wanted to create a sticker that appeals to the satisfaction people feel when they vote, regardless of politics. He even went back and made the crawfish look happier in the final design to ensure people are enticed to vote and feel proud once they do.

Cut 4 (08) “…and I want to, too.”

A group of teenagers from Terrebonne Parish have been arrested, accused of targeting homeless people in the French Quarter. Colleen Crain has the details.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

A Shreveport woman’s body was discovered inside a neighbor’s home Sunday and has been identified as 59-year-old Joni Hatcher. Hatcher was found in the home where she was dog-sitting for the homeowner just after 11:30 am. Investigators say injuries we consistent with an attack by an animal, possibly a dog or dogs.

The death is under investigation by the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s office.

A federal judge has ordered Angola to quickly correct what they called “glaring deficiencies of their heat-related policies” for inmates who work on the Farm Line.  Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and development announces that the first pours of concrete are complete, creating a seconion of the new travel lanes as part of the I-20 major rehabilitation project in Bossier City. This marks a milestone for the $120 million project. The entire project is anticipated to be complete in late 2025.

Hurricane Beryl remains a Category 4 and is expected to hit the Texas-Mexico border as a tropical storm on Monday, far southwest of Louisiana. With such an active hurricane season ahead of us, state climatologist Jay Grymes says it’s better to start preparing for a storm that does hit us instead of worrying about one that won’t.

Cut  14 (12) “…named storm.” 

Governor Jeff Landry announces the extension of Operation Lone Star which will involve the deployment of Louisiana National Guard engineers on July 15^th to the southern border. LANG spokesperson Lt. Col. Noel Collins says they will support Texas with border security.

Cut 3 (09) “…on the border.”