The Louisiana Department of Education announced a 10-percent improvement in reading scores on the state’s first universal literacy screener for K-3 students. Sean Richardson has more…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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After her four-year-old son was found dead behind a Welcome Center in Vinton, and her one-year-old alive in a ditch along Interstate 10, a Lake Charles woman has been arrested in Mississippi. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Brooke Throington.” 

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Colorado State University has updated its 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook; now they’re calling for an even busier season. Mel Bridges has the details.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

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Louisiana K-3 public school students showed improvement in reading scores on the state’s first universal literacy screener. The results show significant gains, particularly in K-1st grade. Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jenna Chaisson…

Cut 4 (12) “…end of the school year.”

The screener assesses reading abilities to identify areas needing improvement and progress with literacy screeners throughout the school year.

Cut 5 (10) “…achievement level.”

The overall improvement reflects the effectiveness of the state’s literacy plan, which includes phonics instruction and teacher training. Chaisson emphasized the need for continued efforts to ensure all students reach grade-level reading proficiency.

Cut 6 (09) “…keep up that work.”

The areas with a decline in scores are attributed to pandemic-related disruptions, including closures of early care centers and potential impacts from mask-wearing on speech development.

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A recent nationwide survey of small business owners finds inflation remains the top problem for Main Street, but the optimism is at the highest point since December 2023. NFIB’s Todd Pack says their Small Business Optimism Index is up to 91.5 but that’s not all that optimistic…

Cut 7 (06) “…ninety-eight.”

The survey found 21% of owners reporting inflation as the most important problem for their businesses. Pack says inflation is tricky for small businesses to navigate because though inflation isn’t rising as fast as it did a few months ago, it’s still increasing…

Cut 8 (10) “…as it did.”

Another issue the survey found was hiring. Even though 22% of small business owners plan to raise compensation in the next three months, Pack says many small businesses had serious trouble filling job openings, especially construction, transportation and retail.

Cut 9 (11)  “…hiring for.”

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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 10 (07) “…reveal that.”

Jack is charged with failure to report a missing child and is being held on a $300,000 bond. Guillory says detectives will interview Jack in Meridian, Mississippi and a motive has not been released.

Family members told authorities the children were last seen on Saturday and investigators believe the children were abandoned on Sunday. Guillory says this means the infant survived on his own for two days.

Cut 11 (11) “…out there.”

When news that a child’s body was found Monday at the Welcome Center on the Texas-Louisiana state line, Guillory says they received a call from a relative who believed the child could be Jack’s son. They also told investigators about the infant, so they returned to search for the one-year-old.

Miraculously Tuesday morning Guillory says a truck driver spotted the infant.

Cut 12 (11) “…immediately.” 

Guillory says the infant was taken to the hospital and appears to be ok and is in the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services.

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Colorado State University has updated its 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook to predict an even busier season. They’re now calling for 25 named storms, 12 hurricanes, and six major hurricanes. Nick Mesa (may-sa) with the Colorado State Hurricane Forecast Team says the above-average season is due to two factors…

Cut 13 (08)  “…forecast.”

So far, we’ve seen three named storms, one of which was a major hurricane. In fact, Mesa says Beryl, which turned into a major hurricane faster than any other storm, harkens back to Hurricane Emily in 2005 because in both cases…

Cut 14 (09)  “…hyperactive season.”

Mesa stresses that these numbers are a prediction, not a guarantee of how many storms we’ll see this year. Still, he says, this outlook should encourage residents, especially coastal residents…

Cut 15 (10)  “…officials.”

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The Pelicans have officially introduced point guard Dejounte Murray after they got him from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for five players and two future first-round picks. Murray says he’s excited to help better a team that he believes is on the up-and-up

Cut 16 (19) “…get better.” 

Murray was one of only two players in the league to finish last season with at least 1,500 points, 500 assists, and 100 steals, the other being MVP Nikola Jokic. Murray says he feels at home with the Pelicans because he believes everyone on the team matches that level of competitiveness.

Cut 17 (18) “…as a person.”

Head Coach Willie Green says he’s always admired Murray’s performance on- and off-court. He believes Murray has a role to play for the Pels as a point guard and as a mentor, and he says what Murray brings is good for the team’s play, conduct, and bond.

Cut 18 (10)  “…whole career.”

In exchange for Murray, the Pelicans gave Atlanta Dyson Daniels, E.J. Liddell, Larry Nance Jr., Cody Zeller, and two future first-round picks.

Louisiana’s only Democrat in Congress, Troy Carter, says despite the bad performance in the debate, he still supports President Biden’s re-election bid.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (32) …I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy believes calls for President Biden to step aside as the Democratic nominee and even step down from office should be heard. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

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After a disappointing first debate, several Democrats have called for President Joe Biden to step aside for the November presidential election. But Louisiana’s only Democratic Congressman, Troy Carter, says even though the President had a bad night but that doesn’t mean he’s not fit for office…

Cut 3 (10) “…debate performance.”

The President sent a letter to Congressional Democrats telling them he’s firmly committed to staying in the race and beating Donald Trump.

Carter and other Democrats participated in a Zoom call with Biden on Monday night. Carter says the President was strong, clear and energized when speaking.

Carter says the President had a bad night, but Trump has had bad days too.

Cut 4 (09) “…get out of the race.”

Carter says the American people should look at 3.5 years of the Biden Administration, no just one night.

Cut 5 (11)  “…promises kept

The second presidential debate is scheduled for September 10^th.

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Tropical Storm Beryl claimed the life of a 31-year-old Benton woman Monday after a tree fell on her home. Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office Lt. Matt Gaydos (gay-dess) says the damage included downed trees on powerlines, roads, and other structures. The fatality happened in northeast Benton.

Cut 6 (12) “…almost immediately.”

No other details were released about the fatality.

Gaydos says Bossier Parish took the brunt of Beryl in Louisiana and says there are about 55-hundred homes without power as of this afternoon. He says crews are working to clear roads and restore power. Gaydos says deputies responded to 72 calls during the storm.

Cut 7 (10) “…rolls through here.”

No roads are closed in Bossier Parish, but Gaydos says many are single-lane traffic. They are urging people not to go sightseeing to avoid any future accidents or to hinder crews working. For power restoration times customers should contact SWEPCO

In Desoto Parish, Mark Pierce with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s office says they also received storm damage from Beryl. He says there was notable damage in the Lula community where Beulah Baptist Church appears to be destroyed and damage to several homes.

Cut 8 (12)  “…foundation.”

Pierce says at one time yesterday he was monitoring four twisters moving through the parish…

Cut 9 (12) “…of Mansfield.”

While the number of tornadoes has yet to be confirmed by the National Weather Service, Pierce says they had as many as four being active at the same time Monday.

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced new measures to improve safety on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. This includes the installation of new speed limit signs and “your speed” feedback signs. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett…

Cut 10 (11) “…speeding and tailgating.”

The speed limit will be 60 mph for all vehicles, replacing the previous limits of 55 mph for trucks with trucks still restricted to the right lane.

Cut 11 (09) ” …18-mile stretch.”

The installation of “your speed” feedback signs to alert speeding drivers and warn them to slow down when traveling too fast aim to reduce fatal and injury crashes that often keep the basin bridge closed for hours at a time.

Cut 12 (06) “…basin bridge.”

DOTD will closely monitor speed, crash and incident-related date to determine the effectiveness of the speed limit and feedback signs.

2021 saw the highest number of incidents on the Basin Bridge with 278 crashes, 91 injuries and 2 fatalities.

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Republican Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy had some strong words about President Biden’s health and rumored cognitive issues after his dismal performance in the June 27th debate. Cassidy says it’s best for the country if Biden isn’t re-elected.

Cut  13 (13) “…absurd.” 

Cassidy, who’s also a medical doctor, says he’s had patients who present with similar cognitive issues and once you begin this decline, it continues and often accelerates.

Cut  14 (08) “…of the United States.” 

When asked if he believes the 25^th Amendment, should be invoked Cassidy says…

Cut 15 (13) “…not true.”

This year’s I Voted Stickers have been unveiled and they feature a crawfish in a suit and top hat named Mark D’Ballot. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (29) …I’m Mel Bridges.”

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Louisiana was spared the brunt of Beryl, but the Bayou State will experience rain, and the western half of the state is under a tornado watch until 10 PM. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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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 the sticker is an important and fun project to be part of.

Cut 3 (12) “…ends up mattering.”

Joyce 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.”

Joyce has created and worked on several children’s books, TV shows and movies, including multiple Academy Award winners. Despite his impressive resume, he thinks the I Voted stickers are the most important thing he’s ever worked on because the impact is immediate and far-reaching.

Cut 5 (08)  “…what’s the downside?”

The stickers will be handed out to people who vote in the fall election.

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Beryl made landfall early this morning as a category 1 hurricane along the Texas coast and has since been downgraded to a tropical storm. While Louisiana was spared the brunt of the storm LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says the Bayou State will have precipitation today as Beryl moves north-northeast.

Cut 6 (11) “…out of this.”

The western half of the state is under a tornado watch until 10 pm.

Keim says a few days ago Beryl’s project path was northeastern Mexico, but the track began to take a turn to the east.

Cut 7 (12) “…days ago.”

Storm surge values are predicted to be less than three feet along Louisiana’s southwestern coast. Keim says that will cause some issues because a three-foot surge is not insignificant.

Cut 8 (11)  “…all that.”

More than two million businesses and homes in Texas are without power.

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President Joe Biden has announced he has no plans to step aside as the Democratic presidential nominee after a lackluster debate performance that did little to dispel rumors about alleged cognitive decline. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says despite this, some Democrats are hesitant to rally behind Biden.

Cut 9 (10) “…territory.”

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, Hogan thinks it would be beneficial for the Democrats to explore the possibility of having someone else run.

Cut 10 (12) “…all there.”

Biden says his poor debate showing was due to nerves and difficulty combatting former President Trump’s false claims, not a sign of any mental issues. However, Hogan thinks Biden should still submit to a neurological exam to assure voters and world leaders…

Cut 11 (12) ” …in the world.”

Democrats will announce a formal presidential nominee at their National Convention in August.

The Louisiana America 250 State Commission is preparing for the 250^th birthday of the United States. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A proposed liquified natural gas export terminal in southwest Louisiana is in limbo due to delays from the U-S Department of Energy, even after approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

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Today marks Governor Jeff Landry’s first six months in office. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Louisiana’s America 250 State Commission is part of a national initiative to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States’ independence, which will occur on July 4, 2026. Chalmette Representative Mike Bayham says Louisiana has a unique place in the national narrative…

Cut 4 (12) “…national needle.”

Bayham says to accomplish this the Louisiana America 250 Commission will host events, educational programs, and public engagements that reflect the state’s unique history and contributions to the nation.

Cut 5 (09) “…our economy.”

The commission unveiled the new standardized Louisiana license plate with the America 250 Commission.

Cut 6 (12) “…state in the union.”

The Louisiana America 250 commission standardized license plate will be available starting January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026.

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Dr. Stephanie Compton with LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Center has been awarded 217-thousand dollars from the American Cancer Society to study the impact of aerobic exercise on colorectal cancer survivors. Survivors are at a higher risk of developing health conditions like type 2 diabetes following cancer treatment. Compton says she hopes her study…

Cut 7 (07) “…completed.”

High blood sugar from type 2 diabetes following cancer treatment could then contribute to other health conditions like heart disease. Compton’s study looks to improve the lives of cancer survivors by finding ways to help them get back to their old selves…

Cut 8 (12) “…cancer treatment.”

Compton says she hopes a better understanding of how aerobic exercises may reduce the risk of health conditions after cancer treatments will improve survivor’s lives. If you’re a colorectal cancer survivor who’s done with treatment, Compton encourages you to participate in the study. Participants will receive a treadmill that you keep once the study is over.

Cut 9 (09)  “…Restore study.”

Compton is conducting her study from July 2024 to June 2027.

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A proposed export terminal for liquified natural gas in southwest Louisiana continues to be on hold, waiting for Department of Energy approval. Kim Montie (Mon-tay) with Cameron Parish Port, Harbor and Terminal District says she doesn’t understand the holdup since Calcasieu Pass 2, or CP2, just received approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Cut 10 (08) “…looking for.”

The Biden administration put a pause on liquified natural gas projects earlier this year, citing environmental and economic concerns. However, Montie says CP2 would be beneficial not just to local interests, as it would add at least 500 jobs to Cameron Parish, but to national interests as well.

Cut 11 (08) “…allies.”

CP2 would be the nation’s largest export terminal for LNG. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission had approved CP2 with little discussion, albeit with more conditions than normal, before the DOE paused the project. Montie says though the commission’s approval wasn’t the go-ahead the parish was hoping for…

Cut 12 (07) “…the parish.” 

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It was six months ago today when Governor Jeff Landry took office, and the Republican hasn’t taken his foot off the gas with two special sessions and a regular one. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat counts the crime session among Landry’s highest achievements and says then he began revamping state government.

Cut 13 (12)  “…six months.”

Pinsonat says the conservative Republican is going about his job like many expected him to, appealing to his base. For example, his support of the Ten Commandments being displayed in the classroom.

Cut 14 (12)  “…those things.”

Pinsonat says the St. Martinville native who’s been in public service for most of his adult life, is somewhat of an enigma to politicos over where he’s coming from and how he makes decisions.

Cut 15 (12)  “…very complicated.”

And while many Democrats say Landry was railroading legislation through the Republican majority legislature, Pinsonat says he did meet resistance in the Senate, who opted to forgo a Constitutional Convention due to lack of evidence for the need for one.

23-year-old Colby Stokes from Mount Hermon has been charged with the murders of his grandparents, Beverly and Carley Stokes on Wednesday. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) …I’m Sean Richardson.”

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State Police says there are multiple benefits to having a concealed handgun permit, even though Louisiana law now allows adults who are not felons to conceal carry without a permit. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The I-20 major rehabilitation project in Bossier City has reached a significant milestone with the pouring of concrete for new travel lanes. DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan…

Cut 3 (12) “…through the area.”

This project, managed by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), aims to improve I-20 but also the heavily trafficked interchanges.

Cut 4 (08) “…Old Minden road interchange.”

The $120 million project includes full reconstruction of both eastbound and westbound lanes. This development is expected to enhance traffic flow and safety for the approximately 86,000 vehicles that use this section daily.  Buchanan says the project was long overdue.

Cut 5 (08)  “…here today .”

DOTD says work should be completed late next year.

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The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office says 31-year-old Sarah Folse and 52-year-old Deanna Witten, both of Amite, turned themselves in yesterday after they allegedly stole three German Shepherd puppies last weekend from a home in the Loranger area. TPSO spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue

Cut 6 (09) “…those puppies.”

Surveillance video shows two women taking the dogs off their leashes from the homeowner’s back porch.

Cut 7 (09) “…jail.”

Rodrigue says the homeowner has no connection with the two women arrested…

Cut 8 (11)  “…this time.”

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23-year-old Colby Stokes from Washington Parish has been charged with the murders of his grandparents, Beverly and Carley Stokes. The incident occurred on July 3rd at the family’s home in Mount Hermon where Stoke’s grandparents were shot in their home. Washington Parish Sheriff Jason Smith.

Cut 9 (08) “…of this issue.”

Smith says after shooting his grandparents Stokes went to a neighbor’s home and told them what happened. Authorities responded to a 9-1-1 call from the neighbor. The sheriff says Carley was dead at the scene and Beverly died at a local hospital.

Cut 10 (10) “…long time.”

Stokes was arrested at the scene and is charged with two counts of 2nd-degree murder. Smith referenced Stokes’ past mental health struggles along with drug and alcohol abuse, and the circumstances that led to the murders aren’t uncommon in Washington Parish.

Cut 11 (05) ” …mental health issues.”

Smith says the investigation is ongoing, and the motive behind the killings has not been disclosed.

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As of July 4^th, non-felons over the age of 18 can carry a concealed handgun, also known as Constitutional Carry without a permit. However, Louisiana State Police spokesperson Shelby Mayfield reminds residents there are benefits to having a Concealed Handgun Permit, for example, training from certified instructors.

Cut 12 (10) “…procedures.” 

Mayfield says those skills allow gun owners to carry confidentially and safely.

Mayfield says Constitutional Carry is only applicable to residents when they are in Louisiana. If you have a permit, you can carry concealed in 37 other states that provide reciprocity of a Louisiana Concealed Handgun Permit.

Cut  13 (07) “…website.” 

Permitted holders are also not liable for damages, any injury, death, or loss suffered by a perpetrator if the discharge of a firearm is justified by the use of force or self-defense.

Mayfield says purchasing a firearm is also easier for permit holders.

Cut  14 (12) “…a permit.” 

LSP has created a user-friendly portal making the application process for residents as quick and as easy as possible.

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After hitting Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Tropical Storm Beryl will move across the southern Gulf of Mexico this weekend and is headed towards the Texas-Mexico border. Meteorologist Jonathan Brazzell (bra-ZEL) with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says Beryl is expected to re-strengthen into a hurricane…

Cut 15 (08) “…landfall.”

Beryl is expected to weaken as it moves over southern Texas Monday into Tuesday. Brazzell says southwest Louisiana can expect minor coastal flooding and heavy rainfall as Beryl moves through Texas.

Cut  16 (10)   “…Thursday.”

Current forecasts have Beryl weakening to a tropical depression over the eastern half of Texas by Wednesday.

Governor Jeff Landry announces an extension to Operation Lone Star which means engineers from the Louisiana National Guard will deploy to the Texas-Mexico border on July 15^th. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (30) …I’m Sean Richardson.”

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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.” 

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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.”

Operation Lone Star began in March when the state sent 50 Louisiana National Guard soldiers for 30 days at a time to the Texas border.

Collins says the engineers will assist in constructing barriers, roads, and other critical infrastructure to enhance border security.

Cut 4 (08) “…able to do.”

Collins says this move reflects the state’s commitment to collaborating with Texas in addressing border security issues and highlights the growing scope of Operation Lone Star.

Cut 5 (08)  “…respond to that.”

The Landy Administration says it will cost the state 800-thousand dollars to deploy the National Guard engineers to Texas and that’s how much money is left from the initial allocation for the operation.

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Fourth of July means BBQs and fireworks but its not always great time for pets. LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Communication Manager Ginger Gutner has some advice for what you can do for your pets.

Cut 6 (09) “…good idea.”

Gutner says if you know your pet will be anxious because of fireworks contact your vet and discuss what you can do to help alleviate that…

Cut 7 (09) “…muffled..”

Another reminder is if you have a dog that isn’t afraid of fireworks they can think it’s a toy and could get injured from getting too close. Gutner says if they are outside keep them on a leash and…

Cut 8 (08)  “…they recommend.”

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Angola has been ordered to improve conditions for inmates who are required to work on the farm line. Federal Judge Brian Jackson told the prison to quickly correct what he called “glaring deficiencies of their heat-related policies.” Promise of Justice Initiative Legal Director Colin Reingold…

Cut 9 (10) “…the farm line.”

The ruling stopped short of granting a request to stop the farm line entirely, but Reingold says the state has been given a seven-day deadline to submit proposed remedies due to the inhumane conditions.

Cut 10 (12) “…extremely dangerous.”

The ruling comes after eight incarcerated men requested a preliminary injunction and a temporary restraining order to stop the farm line when the heat index reaches or exceeds 88 degrees. Reingold says a trial date is scheduled for late September.

Cut 11 (06) ” …to end.”

Reingold says as many as 50 inmates work on the farm line at one time and the farm line is separate from other agriculture work programs at the penitentiary.

The State Department of Corrections says the work conducted on the farm line is in accordance with constitutional and industrial standards and they plan to appeal the ruling to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

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Hurricane Beryl remains a Category 4 as it barrels towards Jamaica and Central America. Newly appointed state climatologist Jay Grymes says Beryl is expected to turn towards the Gulf early next week, but tells Louisianans not to worry.

Cut 12 (11) “… (x2) Louisiana.” 

Beryl 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, Grymes says it’s better to start preparing for a storm that does hit us instead of worrying about one that won’t.

cut  13 (12) “…season.” 

Though Louisiana shouldn’t be battered by a hurricane this time, Beryl is the earliest major hurricane ever to form and the only one in June, well ahead of peak hurricane season. Grymes says we’re not nearly out of the woods yet.

Cut  14 (12) “…named storm.” 

Congressman Troy Carter is upset the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality as granted Denka Performance Elastomer, a chemical plant in St. John Parish, a two-year extension to reduce emissions. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (31) …I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Louisiana State Police Crime Lab has launched a statewide sexual assault kit tracking program. Mel Bridges has the details.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has cited six fishermen for illegally catching 120 red snapper of which 97 were undersized in Plaquemines Parish. The men face thousands of dollars in fines. LDWF Captain Tim Fox says 33-year-old Encarnacion Lopez of Chalmette and five illegal immigrants were issued citations.

Cut 3 (12) “…fishing that day.”

Fox says Red snapper fishing is tightly regulated to ensure sustainable populations, and each angler is allowed to only catch four a day and must be over 16 inches.

Cut 4 (06) “…24 snapper.”

The LDWF emphasizes the importance of following fishing rules to protect marine ecosystems and ensure the long-term viability of fish species.

Cut 5 (05)  “…state alike.”

The agents seized the fish and donated them to Second Harvest Food Bank on behalf of the Hunters for the Hungry Louisiana.

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Congressman Troy Carter is upset the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has granted Denka Performance Elastomer, a chemical plant in St. John Parish, a two-year extension to reduce emissions. Carter says the extension undermines efforts to protect the health of nearby communities, who have been exposed to harmful emissions from the plant.

Cut 6 (12) “…from the plant.”

Denka has criticized the new regulations as politically motivated and based on flawed science.

The EPA gave Denka until October 15^th to cut 98-percent of its chloroprene emissions. But Denka says it’s an unrealistic timeline and will result in the plant closing. Carter says the health of the area residents should be the top priority…

Cut 7 (10) “…anti-violator move..”

He reaffirmed his commitment to working with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and community advocates to ensure strong environmental oversight and improve air quality in affected areas

Cut 8 (06)  “…for justice.”

Denka says the plant does not pose a public health threat and they’ve already spent 35-million dollars on emission controls.

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The Louisiana State Police Crime Lab has launched a statewide sexual assault kit tracking program as a result of a law approved in 2023. Captain Chad Guidry with the crime lab says this will make the tracking process more transparent for survivors.

Cut 9 (12) “…prosecution time.”

Louisiana law now requires law enforcement to take a kit within 72 hours of collection at a medical facility, and submit the reported kit to crime labs within 30 days. Guidry says the program is helpful not only for survivors, as it ensures they know where their kit is in that process, but for law enforcement too.

Cut 10 (08) “…the kits.”

For survivors, the program looks like a portal on the LSP website they can put their kit number into and see where it is. For law enforcement, the portal shows where the kit is and which departments have already handled it. What the portal does not show, Guidry says, is personal information.

Cut 11 (12) ” …survivor’s side.”

The Tracking System and Survivor Portal can be found under the Services tab at LSP.org.

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Most of the state is under an excessive heat warning today, but LSU climatologist Barry Keim says this dome of high pressure that’s helping to bake Louisiana is also keeping Hurricane Beryl from making a turn towards the Gulf Coast…

Cut 12 (11) “… hope not.” 

Beryl is a Category Four hurricane that’s expected to bring life-threatening winds and storm surge to Jamaica tomorrow. A landfall on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is expected Friday and Keim says Beryl is expected to re-emerge in the southern Gulf of Mexico as a tropical storm over the weekend…

cut  13 (07) “…problem here.” 

Keim says most of the model runs have Beryl making a final landfall near the Texas-Mexico border…

Cut  14 (09) “..forecast.” 

Hurricane Beryl is a life threatening Category 4 storm as it enters the Caribbean. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (28) …I’m Mel Bridges.”

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After a unanimous vote, Dr. Wade Rousse (rhymes with moose) will serve as the next president of McNeese State University. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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Hurricane Beryl is a Category 4 storm as it moves into the Caribbean. Beryl is the first hurricane in what is expected to be a very busy season. LSU climatologist Barry Keim says this early start is due to factors such as abnormally warm sea surface temperatures.

Cut 3 (07) “…August.”

Keim says Beryl has already set a record for the earliest Category 4 hurricane to form in a season, as most category 4 hurricanes occur in August.

Cut 4 (06) “…rest of season.”

Keim says Beryl is likely to miss Louisiana. The National Hurricane Center’s official forecast has Beryl hitting the Yucatan peninsula later this week, but Keim says there are a couple of models showing a turn towards the Gulf Coast.

Cut 5 (06)  “…(x2) problem.”

Whether Beryl threatens Louisiana or not, Keim encourages residents to start hurricane prepping if they haven’t already.

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After a unanimous vote by the University of Louisiana System, Dr. Wade Rousse (rhymes with moose) will serve as the next president of McNeese State University. Rousse says he could hardly sleep the night prior, as he was so excited to get to work as university president.

Cut 6 (12) “…forward.”

Rousse says he and his team are focusing on seeing construction projects and building updates through, and making sure every student and faculty knows how their time at McNeese will help them in the workforce. He thinks all this should help curb McNeese’s declining enrollment rate.

Cut 7 (10) “…(x2) enrollment.”  

McNeese was hit hard by Hurricane Laura in 2020 and is facing around a 21% decline in enrollment. Rousse hopes that ongoing facility upgrades in addition to his focus on ensuring each part of the university has a clear goal will help bring McNeese back.

Cut 8 (12)  “…experiences.”

Rousse previously served various roles at McNeese, most recently as executive vice president.

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Ville Platte Farmer Richard Fontenot has been elected the 13^th president of the Louisiana Farm Bureau. Fontenot, a rice, soybean, and crawfish farmer was elected Sunday at the organization’s 102nd convention. He says the honor is humbling.

Cut 9 (11) “…of words.”

Among the biggest issues Fontenot says the industry is facing is the lack of a current Farm Bill. He says farmers need that safety net to receive the financial lending they need to put their crops in.

Cut 10 (07) “…next spring.”

The other issue he says farmers face is labor, the expectation of labor rates, and being able to remain sustainable with the price of commodities they currently receive.

Fontenot praised the staff and LFB and acknowledged the new generation of delegates who were also elected, and he vowed to work together to engage and motivate members in new ways.

Cut 11 (12) ” …behind us.”

Fontenot previously served as Third-Vice President of the LFB for nine years

Beginning next month treatments for menopause and perimenopause will be covered by insurance in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The SEC officially welcomes Texas and Oklahoma to the Southeastern Conference today, making it sixteen schools starting the 2024 season.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

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Several new laws go into effect today and the Fair Claims Processing bill is one of them. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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Beginning August 1st both Medicaid and private insurers are required to cover for the care or treatment of menopause and perimenopause in Louisiana. New Orlean Democrat Representative Aimee Freem says physicians asked her to sponsor the bill because even though many of the medications they prescribe are generic they were often rejected by Medicaid.

Cut 4 (12) “…as needed.”

So, medications to treat symptoms like hot flashes, bone loss, and night sweats will be covered, and patients won’t have to wait for prior approval from their insurer.

While in committee Freeman says private insurance companies testified against the legislation because it’s a mandate.

Cut 5 (10) “…along the way.”

Freeman says she received bipartisan support for the bill. In committee, it was recommended that that requirement for private insurers be removed but when it reached the House floor, she says Representative Peter Egan added it back in.

Cut 6 (12) “…Republican colleagues.”

Freeman says there’s been more research on how to treat menopausal side effects and women deserve to have that coverage.

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A new survey from WalletHub shows Louisiana residents are the least diligent with credit in the U.S. during the first quarter of this year, meaning they’re not managing debt or their credit score responsibly. WalletHub Analyst Cassandra Happe (happy) says this is likely because Louisianians have high debt overall and may be unable to make payments…

Cut 7 (09) “…recently.”

The study used six metrics to determine each state’s score for diligence in credit  such as percentage of customers who have collections tradelines, which Louisiana scored last in. Happe says they put double weight on that metric because letting your account go to collections makes things much harder to resolve.

Cut 8 (09) “…payment.”

Though state and local governments could make more of an effort to teach financial literacy, Happe says most of the responsibility to fix poor credit diligence falls on those who actually have it.

Cut 9 (12)  “…credit report.”

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Today Southeastern Conference officially welcomes Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC making it a 16 league team. SEC Associate Commissioner Herb Vincent says it’s been a long time coming, as Texas and O-U officially accepted invitations into the SEC in July of 2021. Vincent says the league has had plenty of time to prepare for this new era of the SEC…

Cut 10 (12) “…teams.”

One hurdle has been scheduling. With the SEC trying to preserve old rivalries and spark new ones.Vincent says for now the league is sticking to an eight game conference football schedule, but could add a ninth conference game in the future…

Cut 11 (08) “…do that.”

The 2024-25 athletic season also marks a new television deal for the Southeastern Conference as the league is no longer partners with CBS. The 2:30 Saturday afternoon games will now air on ABC. Vincent says it’s exciting time for the SEC…

Cut 12 (10) “…coming in.” 

This expansion gets rid of divisional play so say goodbye to what has been considered the most difficult division in all of football, the SEC West.

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Several new laws go into effect today and the Fair Claims Processing bill is one of them. The new law establishes a simple, clear timeline for the claims process that makes it easier for policyholders and property insurers to understand what their responsibilities are during the claim. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot.

Cut 13 (12)  “…clock starts.”

The law gives insurance companies 30 days for residential and 60 days for commercial from when the “proof of loss” statement was submitted to pay the claims for non-declared catastrophes and an additional 30 days for name storms and declared catastrophes for residential and commercial properties.

Cut 14 (12)  “…30 days.”

Talbot says there is no one new law that can lower insurance rates, but this legislation along with others approved in the last legislative session are taking steps lure more property insurers into Louisiana…

Cut 15 (11)  “…policy.”

The Fair Claims Processing law aims to reduce unnecessary lawsuits and simplify the legal process with hopes of bringing back a competitive market for the Louisiana insurance market.

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It’s Garrett Nussmeier’s time. The Lake Charles native has been at LSU since 2021 and he heads into the 2024 season as the Tigers starting quarterback. LSU is coming off back-to-back ten win seasons and Nussmeier says the team is determined to get in the twelve team playoff this season…

Cut 16 (13 “…as well.” 

The defense’s improvement will be a big story line heading into the 2024 season. On offense, the Tigers have to replace two starting receivers that were selected in the first round, Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas. But Nussmeier says LSU’s receiver group still has a bunch of dogs…

Cut 17 (18) “…the ball.”

LSU will also have a new offensive coordinator this season as Joe Sloan and Cortez Hankton will serve as co-offensive coordinators. Sloan has been the Tigers quarterbacks coach since 2022. Nussmeier says he has a strong bond with Sloan, who will be the one calling plays on Saturday…

Cut 18 (19)  “…apart.”

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Louisiana is seeing an increase in the fall webworm population for this time of year. They could cause major damage to your fruit and nut trees.  Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31)… I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Congressman Garret Graves makes it clear he will not run for another political office this year, including dog catcher…or  commissioner. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

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Louisiana is seeing an increase this year in a fuzzy blondish caterpillar called fall webworms. LSU AgCenter urban entomologist Aaron Ashbrook says they do not bite humans, but they could do a number on trees and bushes in your yard

Cut 3 (09) “…defoliators.”

While in heavily wooded areas the damage caused by the caterpillars mainly goes unnoticed…

Cut 4 (10) “…environments.”

Ashbrook recommends using pesticides that don’t harm other, beneficial insects by using BT (bacillus thuringiensis). There are a few possibilities for the boom in population this year.

Cut 5 (12)  “…them less.”

Eventually, the fall webwork will head from the trees to the grass. Spin their cocoons and emerge as a small white moth. Ashbrook says not to worry the trees are not on the menu for moths.

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Governor Jeff Landry is making national headlines with the Ten Commandments law requiring them to be displayed in every Louisiana public classroom. Some might question if the Republican has political aspirations outside of the state, UL-Monroe Political science professor Pearson Cross believes Landry’s “end game” is without boundaries…

Cut 6 (09) “…this game.”

Cross says Landry is already on speed dial with Donald Trump, Junior, and has been endorsed by the former president, and if Trump wins in November…

Cut 7 (10) “…one term.”  

With the constitutionality of the Ten Commandments law in question, if Landry’s case reaches the U.S. Supreme Court and it’s ruled in his favor or not, Cross feels Landry wins politically either way.

Cut 8 (08)  “…him really.”

The ACLU and nine families have filed lawsuits against the Ten Commandments law.

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Congressman Garret Graves makes it clear he will not seek another political office this year, and that includes Baton Rouge Mayor, PSC Commissioner, or dog catcher. Graves says he’s not ready to jump into another political office after announcing earlier this month he will not seek re-election

Cut 9 (05) “…take a step back.”

Graves says he looks forward to being a normal citizen, reintroducing himself to friends and family and…

Cut 10 (11) “…prospective.”

The 52-year-old Graves says one of his main priorities is finishing out his fifth term in the U-S House…

Cut 11 (11) ” …huge wins.”

The Republican from Baton Rouge’s term ends in January. Graves says, “God has a plan, and he intends to listen.”