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.”

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

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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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.”

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

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

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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.”\

Baton Rouge State Senator Larry Selders died at the age of 44 after a suspected heart attack last night. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Federal assistance is now available to homeowners and renters in four parishes who suffered damage from Tropical Storm Arthur. Andrew Greenstein reports. 

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.

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State Senator Larry Selders passed away unexpectedly of a suspected heart attack suffered at an event last night. The Baton Rouge Democrat was 44 years old. Fellow Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says she is still in disbelief.

Cut 3 (10) “…serving the people.”

Selders had surgery for a heart aneurysm in May.

Barrow says Selders served in the heart of Baton Rouge and always cared about doing what was best for the people he served. Selders is survived by his wife and two sons. Barrow says he was a family man.

Cut 4 (11) “…in the legislature.”

Selders served as a State Representative before filling the Senate seat vacated by Congressman Cleo Fields. Barrow says he was a social worker by trade and truly cared about others.

Cut 5 (11) “…behavior and outcomes.”

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Federal assistance is now available to homeowners and renters in four parishes who suffered damage from Tropical Storm Arthur. Nate Custer with FEMA says those parishes are Avoyelles, St. Landry, St. Tammany and Terrebonne. 

Cut 6 (10) “…considered for that.”

Custer says people will be considered on a case-by-case basis based on an inspection of the damage to their homes.

Cut 7 (09) “…personal property losses.”

Custer says you may be eligible for federal assistance if either your flood insurance policy does not cover all of your damage or you don’t have a flood policy at all.

Cut 8 (07) “…provided by FEMA.”

To apply, either download the FEMA app, go to disaster assistance-dot-gov, or call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-FEMA.

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Colorado State University is once again lowering its hurricane forecast for 2026. Senior Research Scientist Phil Klotzbach says the forecast now calls for nine named storms, including Arthur, including four hurricanes, with one of them being a major hurricane.

Cut 9 (09)  “…normal hurricane season.”

Klotzbach says the main driver behind the well-below-normal hurricane forecast is a strong El Nino event for the peak of hurricane season.

Cut 10 (15) “…apart the storms.” 

Klotzbach says revising the hurricane forecast is something that they routinely do, doing so in early June, early July and early August.

Cut 11 (12) “…ocean look like.”

Facing a major blood shortage, Vitalant (vy-TALENT) is holding blood drives throughout the summer in Morgan City, Lafayette and the Baton Rouge area. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says this year’s legislative session was a very productive one for his department. Andrew Greenstein reports. 

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Blood services provider Vitalant (vy-TALENT) is experiencing a critical shortage of type “O” blood that it has not seen in two years. Barley Juarez with Vitalant Blood Banking says they usually experience blood shortages this time of year.

Cut 3 (10) “…in to donate.”

Juarez says they especially need type “O” blood, especially “O”-negative.

Cut 4 (09) “…can take it.”

“O”-positive donations will also come in very handy, since Juarez says that can be given to anyone with any positive blood type, and 85-percent of all Americans have a positive blood type.

There are several blood drives taking place this summer in the Morgan City, Lafayette and Baton Rouge areas, and Juarez says for a limited time, there are thank you gifts for everyone who donates blood at these blood drives.

Cut 5 (11) “…to pick from.”

Furthermore, from July 9th through August 8th, donors will be automatically entered to win a car, valued at up to 30-thousand dollars.

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For 100 dollars, you can purchase a one-in-two-thousand chance to win the sports fan’s ultimate dream-come-true – season tickets to nearly every major sporting event in South Louisiana for an entire year! New Orleans Sports Foundation President and CEO Jay Cicero says the money raised goes to a very important cause.

Cut 6 (10) “…of New Orleans.”

Cicero says this comes at a time when New Orleans faces increasing competition from more cities across the country.

Cut 7 (14) “…seek to host.”

Cicero says only two-thousand raffle tickets will be sold, and the one winning ticket drawn will receive more than 500 tickets to some of the biggest sporting events in the state.

Cut 8 (08) “…men’s and women’s.”

Also included are tickets to the Sugar Bowl, the New Orleans Bowl, the Zurich Classic and more. To enter, visit gnosports.com/win.

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Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says this year’s legislative session was a very productive one for the Department of Insurance. For starters, Temple is hailing a new law that allows the department to take action against people who are working without a license.

Cut 9 (12)  “…type of thing.”

Temple says the new law gives the department more leeway to start investigations on people in the business of insurance who are accused of committing insurance fraud.

Temple says another new law increases the annual aggregate limit of fines his office can issue, noting that the old caps were ten-thousand dollars for insurance professionals and 100-thousand dollars for insurance companies and PBMs.

Cut 10 (11) “…it can multiply.” 

Temple says another law that the legislature passed is more or less a pre-emptive one which protects those who “bundle and save.”

Cut 11 (14) “…happen to them.”

A shooting in downtown Shreveport early Sunday morning left one dead and an officer injured. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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The lawyer representing Attorney General Liz Murrill calls the 16-count Orleans Parish grand jury indictment against her client a political witch hunt. Andrew Greenstein reports. 

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development is taking the next steps in building the I-49 Lafayette Connector. Officials signed a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement. Deidra Druilhet with the DOTD says it is a required document evaluating the environmental impacts of a project.

Cut 3 (09) “…next phase.”

The Lafayette I-49 Connector project would extend the interstate five-and-a-half miles from I-10 to the Lafayette Regional Airport. Druilhet says the raised roadway will significantly improve the lives of residents in the region.

Cut 4 (10) “…to grow.”

The connector is part of a larger I-49 project to upgrade U.S. Highway 90 to interstate standards and improve the commute between Lafayette and the Gulf Coast and eventually New Orleans. Druilhet says Lafayette is part of one of the fastest-growing regions in the state.

Cut 5 (12) “…that matter.”

Druilhet says officials hope to conclude the environmental review process in January of 2027.

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A person was killed in the shooting of a Shreveport officer early Sunday morning. Police responded to a call about an altercation outside a downtown bar. Tim Huck is the business owner who alerted police and witnessed the event. He says four people were fighting in an alley next to the business when the officer stepped in.

Cut 6 (11) “…wrong time.”

Huck says the officer’s bulletproof vest did its job, and her injuries are non-life-threatening. He says the shooter continued firing wildly after hitting the officer.

Cut 7 (12) “..was phenomenal.”

The armed subject has been pronounced dead. Huck says two of the three others involved in the fight were arrested and the officer should be commended.

Cut 8 (08) “…saved lives.”

Huck says he was involved in another fight earlier that night near a separate business.

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The lawyer for Attorney General Liz Murrill calls the 16-count Orleans Parish grand jury indictment against her client a political witch hunt. Laura Rodrigue says Murrill was simply doing her job in enforcing a law that the legislature had passed in consolidating the Orleans Parish clerks of court, noting that it was the only parish that had separate clerks for criminal and civil courts.

Cut 9 (13)  “…of the state.”

Rodrigue says the way the grand jury went about its business in indicting Murrill is also very troubling.

Cut 10 (13) “…the grand jury.” 

Rodrigue says if those allegations against the grand jury are corroborated, those are very illegal, since the grand jury is supposed to be operating in secret. And she says that would give Murrill great concern about Orleans Parish grand juries as a whole.

Cut 11 (09) “…in New Orleans?”

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Public and charter students in grades three through 12 are making record-breaking achievements in the classroom. State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley says this year’s LEAP scores set new standards for the state.

Cut 12 (12) “…36-percent.” 

That 36-percent of students who achieved Mastery or Advanced is the highest overall performance in the state’s history. Brumley says that’s especially notable, especially given what the state has been through in the seven years that he’s been the education superintendent.

Cut 13 (12) “…educators had prevailed.”

Brumley notes that these are the first LEAP results under the state’s Grow, Achieve and Thrive initiative.

Cut 14 (09) “…new revised model.”

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is offering a program that will provide evidence-based obesity treatments to families throughout the state. Andrew Greenstein has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The criminal case against Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has been put on hold after the Louisiana State Supreme Court issues an emergency stay against the 16-count indictment. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (40) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The U.S. Men’s National Team takes on Belgium in the round of 16 of the World Cup Monday night. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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A recent audit of New Orleans restaurants has discovered that the rate of shrimp authenticity has declined over the last year. SeaD (“seed”) Consulting diners ordered shrimp dishes at 44 restaurants, and of those, 11 served imported shrimp. Chief Operating Officer Erin Williams says of those 11, nine of them misrepresented the origins of their shrimp.

Cut 4 (15) “…wild caught shrimp”

Williams says she’s taken aback by the relatively high number of New Orleans restaurants serving imported shrimp, including the two that were up front about it.

Cut 5 (09) “…good Louisiana seafood.”

Williams says that contrasts to an audit SeaD Consulting did in February 2025, which found that three of the 24 restaurants it dined at misrepresented the origins of their shrimp.

Cut 6 (07) “…were misrepresented”

Williams says among the restaurants misrepresenting the origins of their shrimp, it’s possible that the imported shrimp may have been mixed in with domestic shrimp – which is now against the law in Louisiana.

SeaD Consulting uses what it calls the RIGHTTest, which uses genetic testing to determine whether the shrimp is of a species that is not native to U.S. waters.

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LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research has launched a research study to test different ways to treat childhood obesity. It’s called the COACH trial and children five to 17 who are obese can visit a health clinic near them and receive weight management treatment. Doctor Amanda Staiano (stahy-AH-no) is the director of Pediatric Obesity and Health Behavior Laboratory at Pennington…

Cut 7 (09) “…healthier weight.”

Pennington is working with the Vanderbilt University Medical Center to enroll 900 children in Tennessee and Louisiana. Staiano says health clinics around the state are participating….

Cut 8 (09) “…and help.”

Those interested in participating can visit joincoach.org. Staiano says COACH is designed to help families improve their health through personalized nutrition counseling…

Cut 9 (08)  “…sleep.”

Staiano says families will also have the option to explore community resources and access online interactive lessons about healthy habits.

Health experts say over one-five-children are affected by obesity. Childhood obesity can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea and other health problems.

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One legal analyst says the 16-count indictment against Attorney General Liz Murrill is going nowhere. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino who says the best evidence to support his legal opinion is that the Louisiana State Supreme Court issued a stay in the indictment less than 24 hours an Orleans Parish Grand Jury accused the A-G of malfeasance and intimidation…

Cut 10 (11) “…over.”

The stay puts the case on hold, but Ciolino says the state supreme court is allowing Murrill’s to file motions to quash the indictment. Ciolino says it’s possible a lower court will rule in the Attorney General’s favor, because the grand jury violated several laws in the handling of this case…

Cut 11 (10) “…behind closed doors.”

The indictment stems from letters that Murrill sent to New Orleans elected officials in May where she threatened, they could be removed from office if they didn’t stop interfering with a new state law that combined the city’s criminal and district clears of courts. Ciolino says most legal observers would agree, Murrill’s letters did not violate state law….

Cut 12 (11) “…let this pass”

Murrill calls the indictment a political witch hunt.

State Supreme Court Justice John Guidry was the lone justice to dissent to the ruling to stay indictment. Judge Guidry said Murrill is receiving preferential treatment and this matter should be allowed to be vetted through the normal legal process.

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The funeral of legendary former Southern baseball coach Roger Cador will be held on campus Monday. Cador passed away at the age of 74 last week after fighting brain cancer. Dan Canevari coached with Cador for three years and says he became an instant friend.

Cut 13 (14)  “…human being.”

Cador led the Jaguars for 33 years and won two HBCU national championships and 14 SWAC championships. Canevari says Cador brought the most out of his players because they knew he cared about them on and off the field.

Cut 14 (13) “…adore him.”

Cador also played at Southern from 1970 to 1973 and professionally with the Braves. Canevari says Cador endured racial prejudice during his time in the minors, but he was always positive. He says Cador never had a bad day.

Cut 15 (11) “…every single day.”

The funeral will be held in the F.G. Clark Activity Center at 6 p.m. Public viewing will be available from 3:00 to 6:00.

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The U.S. Men’s National Team has a World Cup round-of-16 showdown with Belgium Monday night. The Stars and Stripes have already made it a tournament to remember, winning consecutive games for the first time and earning a knockout round victory for the first time since 2002. Louisiana Soccer Association reporter Paul Boron says this team is different than prior U.S. squads.

Cut 16 (16) “…here in America.”

U.S. star striker Folarin Balogun will be available after FIFA suspended the red card ban he received in a controversial call in the team’s 2-0 win over Bosnia. Balogun leads the team with three goals in three in as many games. Boron says fans and analysts around the world disagreed with the red card.

Cut 17 (14) “…on it.”

No player has ever received a suspension of this kind for a red card penalty in the World Cup. Players with red card bans in Cup qualifiers have received the same suspension to allow them to compete in the tournament.

The two teams squared off in a friendly match in March. After the U.S. scored the opener, Belgium dominated the game in a 5-2 win. Boron says this American squad is playing at another level now.

Cut 18 (16) “…U.S. team.”

Belgium, the 9th-ranked team in the world, has not lost in 17 games dating back to March of 2025. The U.S. is 19th in the FIFA rankings. Kickoff in Seattle is at 7 p.m. The U.S. is 7-and-0 in the stadium all-time.

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The LSU Tigers are two months away from their season opener against Clemson September 5. It’s the same matchup as the first game of last year’s campaign, but there will be a lot of new faces. The Tigers are, of course, now led by head coach Lane Kiffin, and Clemson brought back former coordinator Chad Morris to run the offense. The Advocate’s John Blau, who covered Clemson for six years, says two high-powered offenses will go head-to-head.

Cut 19 (16) “…these offenses.”

Clemson finished 7-and-6 last season with a 4-and-4 record in the ACC after starting the year ranked 4th in the nation. They added 11 new transfers and a 25th-ranked high school class this offseason. Blau says Clemson has talent, but he doesn’t know if they quite match up with LSU.

Cut 20 (19) “…at home.”

The American Farm Bureau Federation found the average ten-person Independence Day Cookout will cost almost 74-dollars this year. Kace Kieschnick reports…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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With the Fourth of July holiday upon us, the Louisiana Department of Health is urging you to make an extra effort to keep your kids safe in the water. Andrew Greenstein reports. 

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Lafayette chef Kris Allen was named the new King of Louisiana Seafood at this year’s Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off earlier this week. To win the crown, Allen used modern techniques to highlight a classic crab-stuffed flounder. Allen says seafood has always been part of his life.

Cut 3 (12) “…what I do.”

Allen is the executive chef at Pamplona Tapas Bar and Restaurant in Lafayette. His career began at New Orleans restaurant Stella!, and he says Louisiana seafood is the best to cook with.

Cut 4 (09) “…second to none.”

Allen will go on to represent the State in the Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans July 25. A Louisiana chef has not won the competition since 2019. Allen says he can’t wait to promote Louisiana seafood on the national stage.

Cut 5 (09) “…Louisiana seafood.”

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Your Fourth of July cookout may be slightly more expensive than last year, according to a survey done by the American Farm Bureau Federation. The study found the average cookout basket with summer staples like cheeseburgers, chicken breasts, strawberries, potato salad and dessert to feed 10 people costs around 73-dollars-and-82-cents, a four-percent increase from last year. Federation Economist Faith Parum says that’s a pretty standard rise.

Cut 6 (11) “…that inflation.”

The cost actually decreased from last year’s survey when adjusted for inflation. Parum says the most expensive items in the basket are the meats. Two pounds of beef will run you around 14-dollars.

Cut 7 (11) “..beef high.”

Strawberry prices rose over 12-percent from last year, thanks to a Florida freeze. She says refrigeration costs are driving up all fresh produce prices, but the biggest percentage increase was in canned goods.

Cut 8 (08) “…comes in.”

The only two items to fall in price were potato chips and potato salad ingredients. Egg prices have nearly halved as flocks recover from avian influenza.

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Many families will be spending time at the pool this Fourth of July weekend. The Louisiana Department of Health is urging you to make an extra effort in keeping everyone safe. Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein (green-steen) says you can never take too many precautions with kids.

Cut 9 (09)  “…kids every minute.”

Greenstein says swimming pools need to be supervised at all times.

Cut 10 (07) “…pool every minute.” 

And whoever is in charge needs to give the people in the pool his or her undivided attention – that means no scrolling through Facebook on the cell phone.

Greenstein says swim lessons are also very beneficial – and not just for children.

Cut 11 (06) “…go to work.”

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New Orleans is gearing up for a big Fourth of July weekend. The Essence Festival of Culture begins tomorrow, and Mary Beth Romig with New Orleans and Company says it will kick off in a most historic way.

Cut 12 (09) “…of the festival.” 

And of course, Saturday is the Fourth of July, and Romig says a city that knows how to throw a party has something spectacular planned to celebrate the country’s 250th birthday.

Cut 13 (07) “…from the riverfront.”

The Essence Festival and the Fourth of July fireworks show are not the only things going on in New Orleans this weekend. The city is also hosting the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the National Association of Community and Restorative Justice. Romig says those two conferences are helping to contribute to a projected hotel occupancy of more than 80-percent tomorrow and Saturday night.

Cut 14 (06) “…the French Quarter.”

Former Southern baseball coach Roger Cador passed away yesterday at the age of 74. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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The Secretary of State’s voter registration report for July shows that for the first time in Louisiana’s modern history there are more registered Republican voters than Democratic. Joe Gallinaro has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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Legendary former Southern University Baseball coach Roger Cador passed away of brain cancer at the age of 74 yesterday. Cador led the Jaguars baseball team for 33 years after taking over in 1984. Chair of the Southern Board of Supervisors Tony Clayton says he was an ambassador for the school and the first line of defense between kids and the real world.

Cut 3 (09) “…young men.”

Cador led the Jags to two HBCU national championships and 14 SWAC championships and was inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2022. Clayton says Cador brought global attention to Southern, and he asked him one day how he could bring top recruits like Golden Spikes Award-winner Rickie Weeks to Baton Rouge.

Cut 4 (11) “…still is.”

The New Roads native was also a Jaguars student-athlete and played Triple-A baseball with the Braves organization. He earned 13 SWAC Coach of the Year honors and coached 10 All-Americans and 62 MLB Draft Picks. Clayton says the Southern community is mourning an icon and will open the Mini-Dome Monday to honor him.

Cut 5 (11) “…our children.”

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Starting tomorrow, the red snapper bag limit will be increased to five fish per person for the Fourth of July weekend. LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth says he hopes it will encourage families to get out on the water and enjoy America’s 250th birthday.

Cut 6 (12) “…that we have.”

The usual bag limit for red snapper is four, and the season lasts until November. Bosworth says fishing typically becomes less popular as we get into winter, so the red snapper population can support some extra harvesting now.

Cut 7 (12) “..bag numbers.”

The declaration of emergency will last through this Sunday before reverting back to the normal four-fish limit. Bosworth says he hopes fishing is on the agenda for your Independence Day weekend.

Cut 8 (12) “…out there.”

Those who’d like to fish offshore will need a recreational offshore landing permit, which you can get for free on the LDWF website.

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For the first time in the state’s modern history, there are more registered Republican voters than Democratic voters. That’s based on a report the Secretary of State’s office puts out at the beginning of every month. John Couvillon of JMC Analytics and Polling says Democrats were once the dominant party in Louisiana, but over time, they’ve been steadily losing party registrants…

Cut 9 (08)  “…to fall.”

Each party has just over one-million registered voters, with registered Republican voters outnumbering registered Democratic voters by 23-hundred.

Couvillon says the number of registered No Party voters is up to 820-thousand and growing

Cut 10 (08) “…Independents.” 

Couvillon says the decline in registered Democratic voters will make it hard for a Democrat to win a statewide office, unless they defy the odds like former two-term Governor John Bel Edwards…

Cut 11 (11) “…conservative voters.”

Couvillon says at the start of the Biden Administration, there were 225-thousand more registered Democratic voters in the state. That number was down to 55-thousand four years later when President Trump was sworn into office for his second term.

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Attorney General Liz Murrill’s threats to New Orleans officials is now the subject of an investigation by an Orleans Parish grand jury. During a news conference this morning, Murrill said she knew nothing beyond what had been reported by the media.

Cut 12 (09) “…I said, ‘No.’” 

Earlier this year, Murrill sent letters to Mayor Helena Moreno, five city council members and Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams, threatening to remove them from their offices over a special election for a newly-merged clerk of criminal and civil courts. Murrill said she stands by the letters she wrote.

Cut 13 (12) “…think is appropriate.”

The city called the special election, which was struck down by the State Supreme Court, after the legislature eliminated the office of Orleans Parish clerk of criminal court and merged that role with that of the clerk of civil court, dictating that the civil court clerk fill the newly-merged role. Murrill pointed out that her job is not to make the law, but rather to defend the law.

Cut 14 (08) “…the clerk’s office.”