The hearing that was scheduled for today on the possible sale of Steward Health Care, the operator of Glenwood Regional Medical Center in West Monroe to American Healthcare Systems has been postponed to August 13th. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Newsweek ranked St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington as the 104th best cancer hospital in the U.S. and the best cancer hospital in Louisiana. Mel Bridges has the details.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

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The Senate overwhelmingly approved legislation to update online data privacy rules for children. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

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The Louisiana Department of Education has named Dr. Amanda Austin from Iberville Math, Science, and Arts (MSA) Academy East in St. Gabriel as Principal of the Year.

Cut 4 (04) “…smiling faces.”

Austin started as an elementary school teacher fifteen years ago and became Assistant Principal at Plaquemine High School and now is the Principal at Iberville MSA Academy East.

Cut 5 (09) “…this school year.”

Austin says throughout her career she has worked with amazing principals who mentored her when she was teaching and now, she can become a mentor for her teachers.

Cut 6 (07) “…those opportunities.”

She’s also credited with reopening North Iberville High School after the school had been shuttered for more than a decade and created a thriving school with a STEM magnet program.

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A judge was expected to certify the transfer and bankruptcy proceedings of Steward Health Care, the operator of West Monroe’s Glenwood Regional Medical Center, today but it’s been pushed to August 13th. Because the actual property is owned by Medical Properties Trust, Monroe Representative Michael Echols says American Healthcare Systems should be buying the asset, not the operator.

Cut 7 (11) “…Ponzi schemes.”

Echols says he doesn’t believe American Healthcare Systems’ bid of a half-million to purchase the operator is the best option for Glenwood.

Cut 8 (09) “…operator.”

Echols says there needs to be fail safes in place to avoid disruption in care for medical facilities in Louisiana.

Cut 9 (12)  “…to light.

Since being forced by the Louisiana Department of Health to reduce patient load because of Steward’s financial problems, Monroe area hospitals have had to accept more patients.

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A Newsweek ranking found St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington to be the 104th best cancer hospital in the U.S. and the best in Louisiana. St. Tammany Health System President Joan Coffman says the ranking, which was determined in part through patient surveys, is an honor.

Cut 10 (12) “…broader community.”

Newsweek used professional surveys, hospital quality metrics, and patient experience surveys to rank each hospital. Coffman says while St. Tammany has partnerships with other hospital networks across the state, the secret to St. Tammany’s success is their staff.

Cut 11 (09) “…in partnership with so many.”

Market research firm Statista reported there were about 2 million new cases of cancer last year and 609,000 cancer-related deaths. Coffman says she and her team prioritize screening education and early detection to try and stop cancer before it’s a problem.

Cut 12 (09) “…focus on.”

Additionally, Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge came in 110th and Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge came in 140th in the rankings.

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The Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act is heading to the House after passing the Senate on a 91-3 vote. Senator Bill Cassidy says his legislation, nicknamed COPPA 2.0, updates online data privacy rules for children, like banning data collection on users under 17 instead of just those under 13.

Cut 13 (08)  “…peer pressure.”

COPPA 2.0 expands on the original COPPA from 1998 by adding modern updates like requiring companies to create an “Eraser Button” which would let users remove a minor’s personal online information. Cassidy says COPPA 2.0 is about protecting online users when they’re most vulnerable.

Cut 14 (10)  “…those laws,”

Cassidy disagrees that COPPA 2.0 borders on censorship or violates internet companies’ First Amendment rights, saying it’s no different than banning cigarette ads towards minors. He thinks internet companies haven’t been respectful of children’s online privacy since…

Cut 15 (12)  “…harmful behavior.”

The Senate also passed the Kids Online Safety Act, which Cassidy cosponsored.

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New Saints defensive end Chase Young has looked good in his limited reps during team drills at training camp. New Orleans is bringing Young along slowly after undergoing offseason neck surgery. Cam Jordan and Carl Granderson are penciled in as the starters at defensive end, but Coach Dennis Allen was asked if Young could play himself into the starting lineup…

Cut 16 (22) “…starting lineup.” 

2024 first round pick is Taliese Fuaga (Tall-ee-s-a Foo-ah-gah) is getting reps with the first team at left tackle. Fuaga played right tackle at Oregon State and Allen likes what he’s seen from the former All-American…

Cut 17 (20) “…left tackle position.”

Congressman Clay Higgins is among the 13-member House task force investigating the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Governor Jeff Landry spoke with Jim Engster on Talk Louisiana today about the pushback the newly signed ten Commandments law is receiving from civil liberty groups and faith leaders in the state. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

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A groundbreaking ceremony for the new nursing Annex Building at Nicholls State University, home of the Thibodaux Regional Health System School of Nursing was held today. Dean Raquel Engolio says this marks the beginning of a project aimed at enhancing the university’s nursing education facilities.

Cut 3 (07) “…enter the field.”

The annex will provide state-of-the-art classrooms, simulation labs, and collaborative spaces designed to support the growing needs of the nursing program and its students. Engolio says currently the program enrolls 80 students per semester …

Cut 4 (10) “…the end goal.”

The project is seen as a critical investment in the future of healthcare in the region with the $27 million in funding from state-appropriated funds

Cut 5 (12)  “…workforce.”

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Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins will serve on the bipartisan House task force investigating the assassination attempt of former President Trump. ULM political science professor Pearson Cross says because Higgins is among the most conservative members of Congress…

Cut 6 (12) “…meant to do.”

With several conspiracy theories circulating about the shooting, Cross believes Higgins will most likely bring a skeptical view to the panel which he believes is an asset if Higgins says it was a thorough investigation and he agrees with their findings.

Cut 7 (10) “…way quickly.”

The task force is composed of seven Republicans and six Democrats. Cross says it will be interesting to see the extent to which each member comes in with a set agenda. Are they there in a fact-finding role or will they bring in a preset view of what they think occurred?

Cut 8 (12)  “…doesn’t happen.”

Higgins released a statement that he’s looking forward to working with bipartisan colleagues to deliver the truth.

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Governor Jeff Landry spoke with Jim Engster on Talk Louisiana about the pushback against the passage of the Ten Commandments Law which requires all state-funded schools and universities to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom. The law is set to go into effect on January 1st. Landry signed the controversial measure into law last month.

Cut 9 (09) “…if you would.”

The law is facing litigation from several families and advocacy groups, who say it violates the separation of church and state.

But Landry argues that the Ten Commandments are the foundation for our rule of law and they are woven into the fabric of America’s laws…

Cut 10 (05) “…believe in America.”

The Ten Commandments law has been widely shunned by civil liberty groups and faith leaders as being a gross infringement on the rights of students and a violation of the separation of church and state under the Constitution. Landry disagrees with the plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the law..

Cut 11 (12) ” …First Amendment.”

Landry and Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill support the new law, and Murrill says she is looking forward to defending it. A hearing in a federal courtroom is scheduled for September 30th.

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Louisiana Senator John Kennedy had a chance to grill U-S Secret Service Acting Director Ronald Rowe on Capitol Hill today about the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Kennedy questioned Rowe on why Secret Service snipers didn’t see Thomas Crooks laying on a roof 150 feet away from were Trump was speaking

Cut 12 (11) “…neutralized.”

Rowe testified before the Senate Judiciary and Homeland Security committees. Kennedy is a member of Senate Judiciary. Kennedy says the Secret Service snipers were in an elevated position above the roof and he doesn’t understand why they didn’t see Crooks…

Cut  13 (05) “…see the guy.” 

Kennedy says he’s heard reports Secret Service snipers saw Crooks 20 minutes before he fired his AR-style rifle. Rowe says that report is inaccurate

Cut  14 (06) “…threat to the president.”

Passenger rail service could be soon available for a route that connects New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama. Brooke Thorington reports Mobile officials have to sign off on the deal…

Cut 1 (33) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson (shasson) says cleanup efforts are going well following a Bayou Lafourche oil spill Saturday. Kace Kieschnick has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.” 

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Rain chances are down this week compared to the last couple of weeks and all of the rain that has fallen in south Louisiana this month has helped the state’s sugarcane crop. South Louisiana crop consultant Blane Viator says rainfall totals are way above normal…

Cut 3 (15) “…in maturity.”

St. James Parish sugarcane farmer Bryce Gautreau says rainfall totals are way up over last year when the sugarcane struggled to grow because of drought conditions….

Cut 4 (11) “…last year.”

LSU Ag Center sugarcane specialist Doctor Kenneth Gravois says sugarcane production has been increasing in Louisiana and that trend will continue this year…

Cut 5 (07)  “…this year.”

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Passenger rail service from New Orleans to Mobile is closer to getting on track, as soon as February 2025. Chair of the Southern Rail Commission Knox Ross says Amtrak and the City of Mobile will begin finalizing the paperwork over the next week so platform work can start in Mobile.

Cut 6 (11) “…downtown New Orleans.”

Ross says the goal is to have service up and running in time for the 2025 Superbowl in the Big Easy

Cut 7 (10) “…Super Bowl.”

At one time there was passenger rail service from New Orleans to Jacksonville, Florida. But it ended with Hurricane Katrina’s devastation in 2005. Ross says they’ve been working on reinstating it ever since. Ross says rail service between New Orleans and Mobile would be twice daily, morning and night.

Cut 8 (10)  “…back home.”

Stops in between New Orleans and Mobile will include Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula, Mississippi.

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Cleanup efforts are underway after a large oil spill in Bayou Lafourche Saturday. The spill was traced to a leaking fuel tank and valve failure at the Crescent Midstream pumping station in Raceland. Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson (shasson) says response has been immediate and effective…

Cut 9 (12) “…been contained.”

Public water sourced from the bayou is safe to drink while residents are still advised to conserve water out of an abundance of caution. Chaisson says containment efforts were focused around water intakes, secondary precautions are in place within the plant, and the Louisiana Department of Health is on-site for additional sampling…

Cut 10 (09) “…huge issue.”

17 aquatic salamanders, two turtles, and one crawfish were found dead because of the spill. Officials are searching for three alligators and four ducks covered with oil. Chaisson says most of the deceased wildlife was found in the stormwater drainage ditch before the leak entered the bayou…

Cut 11 (08) ” …after the fact.”

Residents can report oiled wildlife to (832) 514-9663 and are advised not to try to capture or treat oiled wildlife themselves.

LEAP scores show Louisiana hasn’t fallen behind other states, but it’s also not time to let our foot off the gas. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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 The Lafayette Police Department is mourning the death of Senior Corporal Segus Jolivette (See-guss Jah lu-vette) who was killed in the line of duty. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 2 (35)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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The tropics are showing signs of getting active again. Bill Jacquemin has more on a disturbance in the Atlantic that’s showing signs of development…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Bill Jacquemin” 

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The Tiger Athletic Foundation has created a new subsidiary that will help LSU’s NIL Collective Bayou Traditions raise money so it can provide enhanced NIL opportunities for student athletes. TAF President Matt Borman says the Tiger Athletic Foundation has been raising money since 1987 for capital projects for LSU athletics now they’ll assist with NIL efforts…

Cut 4 (12) “…database management.”

Borman says this innovative agreement will ensure that contributors to Bayou Traditions will allow supporters receive T-A-F priority points…

Cut 5 (10) “…to T-A-F.”

Borman says the new partnership will help LSU Athletics keep up in the ever-competitive NIL space. He says many past collective donations were from a few large historic donors but hopes the agreement will make supporting student-athletes more accessible to all Tiger Fans…

Cut 6 (13) “…numbers here.”

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Standardized test scores from other states indicate students are behind due to the pandemic, but the latest LEAP scores show Louisiana public schools students are performing at pre-COVID levels. However, Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says it’s still not a cause for celebration.

Cut 7 (12) “…big challenge.”

2024 LEAP scores show a slight improvement in English scores. Erwin says it’s an indication early literacy policies are working and now the state department of education will put more of an emphasis on improving math scores

Cut 8 (12) “…make up.”

Math scores are a challenge across the country and in Louisiana students have historically performed below par. Erwin says new policies focusing on early intervention with math will hopefully prove positive results.

Cut 9 (12)  “…able to read.”

Erwin says Louisiana couldn’t afford to let students get further behind because of the pandemic and we also can’t afford to let them remain stagnant either.

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The investigation continues into the Thursday’s fatal shooting of a Lafayette Police Officer. Senior Corporal Segus Jolivette was gunned down while trying to end a hostage situation in Jeanerette. The 35-year-old was one of four officers shot, but his wounds were fatal. State Police Trooper Peggy Bourque says L-S-P is leading the investigation…

Cut 10 (12) “…available.”

Media outlets in Lafayette have identified the shooter as 31-year-old Nyjal Hurst. He was taken into custody after an hours long standoff with law enforcement. Hurst has a long criminal history and officers went to the home he was staying at on Thursday morning to arrest him on multiple charges. Bourque says they are asking the public to assist in the investigation…

Cut 11 (12) “…hotline.”

Jolivette leaves behind a wife and five children. He also once served on the Opelousas Police Department. Interim Lafayette Police Chief Paul Trouard is appreciative of the support his department has received since Thursday’s shooting…

Cut 12 (10) “…greater Acadiana community.”

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Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) confirmed four human cases of West Nile neuroinvasive disease in Winnsboro. LDH Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says West Nile in the sate isn’t unusual…

Cut 13 (11)  “…in Winnsboro.”

Sokol says West Nile can result in a range of diseases with 80-percent showing no symptoms, around 20 percent showing flu-like symptoms called West Nile fever, and only 1 percent experiencing neuroinvasive disease which can kill 1 out of 10 people who develop the disease.

Cut 14 (07)  “…of the disease,”

Sokol says to remember there’s no vaccine for West Nile so practice preventative measures like…

Cut 15 (12)  “…really important.”

LDH has reported a total of eight West Nile neuroinvasive disease cases in the state in 2024.

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The Saints begin their first full week of training camp today in Irvine, California. One of the questions heading into the season is the role versatile Taysom Hill will play in new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s offense. Hill admits it’s tough to tell until you get to game week…

Cut 16 (23) “…look like.” 

Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu is entering his 12th year in the NFL. Mathieu says he’s been able to last this long in the NFL because he takes his job seriously…

Cut 17 (20) “…plays too.”

The 32-year-old signed a new two-year contract in May and winning a Super Bowl for his hometown team remains his number one goal…

Cut 18 (22)  “…let it loose.”

Responding to a hostage situation Thursday, a Lafayette SWAT negotiator was killed in the line of duty.  Brooke Thorington

Cut 1 (27) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A candlelight vigil will be held in his memory tonight (Friday July 26th) at Jeanerette City Hall at 7 pm.

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Legislative leaders have announced no special session on tax reform this year, but they want to take a crack at it before their term is up. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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There are new rules for New Orleans Mardi Gras on what you can’t bring to parade routes. Mardi Gras Guide publisher Arthur Hardy says the devil isn’t just in the details it’s also in enforcement. He says it will be interesting to see how that’s carried out. Among the banned items are…

Cut 3 (10) “…now banned.”

In addition to portable toilets, tents, and canopies on public property; Hardy says grills, BBQ pits, and generators are prohibited.

Cut 4 (07) “…anymore.”

Reptiles and horses are also prohibited within 200 feet of a parade route, except for horses participating in the parade.

Many revelers are used to bringing many of the banned items for decades, so Hardy believes the new rules will be
hard to enforce especially the closer you get to Fat Tuesday when the crowd sizes increase.

Cut 5 (06)  “…buy in.”

Throw guidelines have also changed, among the banned throws are confetti, silly string, and anything with a sharp point.

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There will not be a tax reform special session this year, but House Speaker Phillip DeVillier says the goal for this Legislature is to pass some meaningful reforms in the near future to bring more businesses to the state. DeVillier says he would like to get suggestions from the Louisiana Department of Economic Development

Cut 6 (12) “…and why?”

DeVillier says before legislators hold a special session on tax reform, they would like to get more input from business leaders and state agencies to find out what’s keeping businesses from locating and growing in Louisiana

Cut 7 (11) “…don’t know.”

DeVillier says instead of holding a tax reform special session this year, he’s asked the House Ways and Means and Commerce committees to hold meetings over the next several months to get an idea on what changes need to be made

Cut 8 (11)  “…our state.”

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Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama have officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan…

Cut 9 (12) “…this process.”

Obama pledged to support her campaign against the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump. This endorsement follows President Joe Biden’s recent withdrawal from the race and his endorsement of Harris, signaling strong party support for her candidacy.

Cut 10 (08) “…route to doing that.”

The backing from the Obamas is expected to significantly boost Harris’s campaign and solidify her position as the Democratic nominee t o run against Trump.

Lt. Billy Nungesser says if the election were held today Trump would win but Trump could get in his own way if he’s not careful.

Cut 11 (08) ” …trashing the opponent.”

Harris and Trump have yet to agree to debate each other, but it’s possible they could face off in September. Nungesser says Trump’s attacks against a female candidate will be watched closely…

Cut 12 (11) “…he takes it.”

A US Senate health committee is investigating Steward Health’s financial mismanagement, a committee co-chaired by Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (34) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Legislative leaders announce there will not be a special session on tax reform this year. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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The US Senate Health Committee has voted 16-4 to subpoena the CEO of Steward Health, Dr. Richard de la Torra. Committee Co-Chair Senator Bill Cassidy says they are investigating what led to Steward’s bankruptcy which is severely impacting care at hospitals across the country including West Monroe’s Glenwood Regional Medical Center.

Cut 3 (11) “…West Monroe.”

Due to limited resources at Glenwood, the state forced the facility to operate at one-third of its capacity, which has put a strain on hospitals across the river in Monroe. Cassidy says Steward’s financial mismanagement has had deadly consequences.

Cut 4 (06) “…to treat.”

What happened at Glenwood is not unique. Cassidy says at a Steward-owned hospital in Massachusetts, a woman died after giving birth…

Cut 5 (11)  “…Steward’s hospitals”

In June the committee asked de la Torre to testify, but he refused, didn’t offer another date, or have another Steward Health representative appear. Cassidy says this has forced the committee to subpoena him.

Glenwood is one of 31 Steward hospitals across the country.

A hearing is set for July 31^st for Steward’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings and American Healthcare Systems’ bid to be the new owner of Glenwood.

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Talk of a special session next month so that lawmakers can vote to hold a constitutional convention…is dead. Lapolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says legislative leaders announced today there are no plans to reconvene in Baton Rouge anytime soon.

Cut 6 (12) “…this fall.”

Alford says Senate leaders have shown no interest in holding a constitutional convention this year.

Governor Jeff Landry pushed for a constitutional convention this year. Landry says the convention could lead to positive tax reform that would give state lawmakers more flexibility during tough financial times. But Alford says making major changes to a state constitution is a huge endeavor.

Cut 7 (10) “…a constitution.”

The state will see a reduction of 600-million dollars in state revenue starting next fiscal year when a temporary state sales tax expires on July 1st, 2025. Alford says changes to the constitution could be needed to respond to this potential budget deficit, but legislative leaders are not ready to hold a constitutional convention…

Cut 8 (06)  “…could see that.”

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Phase 2 of the state’s SUN Bucks program begins this week. It’s a program that provides a one-time payment of 120-dollars to low-income families who can use the money to help pay for groceries when children are out of school for the summer months. DCFS Economic Stability Director Timothy Jenkins says EBT cards will be sent in waves over the next few weeks…

Cut 9 (07) “…students.”

Phase 2 recipients include children who have Medicaid insurance, or are part of the FITAP or Kinship Care Subsidy Program.

Cut 10 (07) “…Phase 2 benefits.”

75-thousand EBT cards will go out each week and children will receive a one-time payment of $120. Jenkins says the clock starts as soon as the SUN Bucks are issued…

Cut 11 (05) ” …expunged.”

Phase 2 of SUN Bucks will issue close to $38 million in benefits to more than 320 thousand children around the state.

Phase 3 application period for children not automatically certified in Phases 1 and 2 will open in late August.

The state department of education released LEAP scores from the last school year and the results show progress has stalled after a couple of years of improvement. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) …I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Some say the value of a solid educational foundation is priceless but certified early childhood educators in Louisiana are getting $15 an hour or less. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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State education officials say LEAP scores from the last school year show third through eighth graders improved their overall mastery rate by one percent in English. But Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says math and science scores held steady after consecutive years of improvement

Cut 3 (11) “…those gains..”

Brumley says in an effort to increase outcomes, the state will make high-dosage tutoring more available…

Cut 4 (10) “…relatively quickly.”

Mastery rates declined in math for third and eighth grades. Brumley says falling math scores is an issue across the country. He says some of the methods used to improve English scores, they will now try in the area of math…

Cut 5 (10)  “…math as well.”

Brumley says he is pleased to see the overall mastery rate for students with disabilities improved in third through eighth graders for a third consecutive year.

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A survey of 700 childcare workers by the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children says the majority make around $15 an hour or less, about $28,000 annually. Executive Director Libbie Sonnier says retaining credentialed workers is hard because of the low pay. Still, it’s so important for building a solid foundation for children.

Cut 6 (12) “…to benefits.”

Sonnier refers to certified early childhood educators as brain architects because in the first four years of a child’s life 90-percent of their brain develops. She says they’ve received a grant to see how they can retrain these workers who are much more than babysitters…

Cut 7 (11) “…heart of quality.”

She says it’s a situation of pay now or pay later if Louisiana continues to lose these credentialed workers. Sonnier says childcare breakdowns cost Louisiana businesses $762 million annually and the state’s economy loses $1.3 billion annually. She says not only does it put children at a learning disadvantage…

Cut 8 (10)  “…our economy.”

The survey indicated public school pre-K teachers average $20 an hour in Louisiana. And according to the institute, a living household wage with two adults and two children is $23 an hour for each adult.

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Democrat Congressman Troy Carter announces new EPA funding for the City of New Orleans for $50-million through the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program to support greenhouse gas reduction measures over the next five years.

Cut 9 (11) “…metropolitan area.”

Initiatives include constructing six miles of protected bikeways, a blue bike fleet expansion from 800 to 2,000 bikes, the planting of 75-hundred trees in underserved neighborhoods, an e-bike rebate program for low-to-moderate income residents, and subsidies for solar installations.

Cut 10 (07) “…safer environment.”

Carter says the initiative will significantly reduce the city’s carbon footprint, promote green job growth, and create a healthier environment.

Cut 11 (09) ” …cleaner community.”

This program was made possible because of the Inflation Reduction Act which Carter helped craft and voted for.

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The Saints held their first training camp practice today in Irvine, California, and running back Alvin Kamara participated, even though he’s looking for a new contract. There was speculation Kamara would not practice until he got a new deal, but the veteran says he did not want to get fined for missing practices

Cut 12 (05) “…be here.”

Kamara is hopeful he’ll sign a new contract before the regular season starts in September….

Cut  13 (05) “…I do.” 

Kamara turns 29-years-old tomorrow and this is his eighth season in the NFL. He’s under contract for next season, but the money is not guaranteed and he would like to retire as a Saint…

Cut  14 (06) “…means.”

Kamara rushed for a career 694 yards last season.

With Vice President Kamala Harris stepping into the Presidential race after President Biden drops out, polls are not showing a big shift quite yet. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The Boston Consulting Group has been hired to review Louisiana’s Department of Transportation to find ways to make it more efficient. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Tulane University has received a grant to continue a study to see if estrogen use can protect women’s brain health later in life. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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After President Joe Biden dropped out of the Presidential race and Vice President Kamala Harris stepped in, polls are not showing a big shift due to the substitution. John Couvillon of JMC Analytics and Polling says the most recent Trump-Harris polls…

Cut 4 (09) “…for Donald Trump.”

270 elector voters are needed to be elected president.

Couvillon says not much will change with Harris’ V-P selection either. Usually, V-P nominees don’t help but could certainly hurt the ticket…

Cut 5 (10) “…to debate.”

Couvillon says because of the candidate’s polarization not much is expected to change with the electorate either and the Electoral College is where you can expect the most change…

Cut 6 (07) “…Minnesota or New Hampshire.”

Couvillon says by the end of the week, we should begin seeing more accurate polling data reflecting a Trump-Harris Presidential race.

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The Boston Consulting Group is reviewing State Department Transportation to find ways to make it more efficient. This is after Governor Landry ordered DOTD to optimize operations. DOTD Secretary Joe Donahue says once the review is complete, he’ll prepare a plan for the governor by January 15^th.

Cut 7 (11) “…other states.”

The legislature contracted BCG to conduct the review.

Also, under the executive order issued by the governor, Donahue will create an initiative called “Rebuild Louisiana,” meant to find additional revenue for the department. Donahue says then he’ll meet with the Commissioner of Administration and Revenue Secretary.

Cut 8 (09)  “…responsibilities.”

Donahue says the plan he submits will detail ways to rehabilitate the department, how to address current issues, and future infrastructure reform

Cut 9 (11) “…the better.”

The review is a collaboration between private industry, the legislature, and the governor’s office.

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Kamala Harris is looking at former Louisiana Congressman and state representative Cedric Richmond as a potential running mate. Richmond is one of several Democrats she’s looking at to run against Donald Trump and JD Vance. UNO Political Science professor Ed Chervenak says Richmond would be an interesting choice…

Cut 10 (10) “…experience.”

Harris has requested vetting materials on the New Orleans native, but Chervenak says Richmond won’t do enough for the Democratic ticket and will not likely be the V-P nominee.

Cut 11 (06) “…election.”

Richmond previously worked in the Biden Administration and Chervenak says he will likely work in the Harris administration if elected.

Cut 12 (08) “…levers.”

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A Tulane University study is researching to see if estrogen can help women overcome cognitive issues later in life. Professor of Brain Science Dr. Jill Daniel says they are using rodents to test the theory and so far, it appears that short-term estrogen use in middle age leads to improved brain health long after use.

Cut 13 (08)  “…brain health.”

Estrogen use, also known as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is usually given to women to treat menopausal systems like hot flashes on a short-term basis.

Because women are almost twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s compared to men, and Daniel says they are investigating to see if the typical drop in estrogen due to menopause is a factor.

Cut 14 (11)  “…to men.”

After a study in early 2002 linking HRT to an increase in breast cancer the use of HRT dropped dramatically. But Daniel says since the initial study there’s been more thorough research that indicates otherwise, depending on a woman’s overall health.

Cut 15 (08)  “…find out.”

Daniel has been awarded a $2.69 million grant from the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health to continue the study.

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The Saints begin training camp today, and first order of business will be implementing first-year Offensive Coordinator Klint Kubiak’s new scheme. The former 49ers assistant coach helped lead one of the most effective motion-heavy offenses in the NFL last season and is expected to bring big changes to the black and gold offense. Saints GM Mickey Loomis says he’s been impressed with Kubiak…

Cut 16 (16) “…game of football.” 

Running back Alvin Kamara reported for camp and is expected to make his return to the practice field after leaving during the final practice of mandatory minicamp due to contract disputes. The 28-year-old still hasn’t gotten the extension he’s hoping for, but Head coach Dennis Allen says he’s looking forward to getting to work…

Cut 17 (16) “…been impressed.”

The Saints made a splash signing defensive end Chase Young to shore up the team’s questionable pass rush in free agency this year, but the 2020 second-overall pick is still sidelined with a neck injury. Loomis says they’re careful not to rush Young back on the field, but his determination to get back has been commendable…

Cut 18 (19)  “…where he’s at.”

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Louisiana Tech coach Sonny Cumbie spoke at Conference USA Kickoff yesterday. Cumbie’s Bulldogs finished with a disappointing 3-and-9 record in his third-straight season in Ruston with 4 of those losses by just one score. Cumbie says his team’s ready to change the narrative…

Cut 19 (20) “…work every day”

The Bulldogs will be led by redshirt junior quarterback Jack Turner. Turner made a lasting impression in his playing time last year when starter Hank Bachmeier was sidelined 3 games with a shoulder injury. Turner says he learned a lot from backing up the Boise St. transfer, but with Bachmeier leaving for Wake Forest, he’s ready to take the reigns…

Cut 20 (20) “…play the game.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson of Benton announces a Bipartisan Task Force will investigate the assassination attempt of Donald Trump. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (33) …I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A PAR survey says nearly one in five Louisianans receive food stamps. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

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Director Kimberly Cheatle has resigned from the Secret Service after Speaker Mike Johnson continually called for her to step down after the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

Cut 3 (11) “…Republicans and Democrats.”

Johnson and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced a bipartisan House Task Force consisting of seven Republicans and 6 Democrats to investigate the assassination attempt and get answers to the American public.

Cut 4 (11) “…ever happening again.”

The task force will be empowered with all investigative authority of the House of Representatives including subpoena authority.

Cut 5 (07)  “…as an agency.”

The Task Force will make recommendations for reform to the relevant government agencies and recommend any necessary legislation to implement them.

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A Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana survey indicates nearly one in five Louisianans receive food stamps also known as SNAP. Of those recipients about 45 percent are children. Invest in Louisiana executive director Jan Moller says it shouldn’t be a surprise but should be disturbing.

Cut 6 (12) “…month to month.”

Based on household size and monthly income, the average SNAP benefit amount per household is $373 a month since July 2023.

Moller says even though nearly half of the households in Louisiana have trouble making ends meet, they don’t all necessarily qualify for assistance. He says SNAP, which stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is not meant to be a catchall, its purpose is to provide supplemental aid to help with food insecurity.

Cut 7 (11) “…sell food.”

During the legislative session when Governor Landry wanted to cut the Summer EBT program for school-aged children to receive meals when they were out of school, it was met with bipartisan resistance. Moller says the state only pays $3-million in administrative costs for the federally funded program.

Cut 8 (12)  “…go hungry.”

The decision was overturned and Louisiana did participate in the Summer EBT program.

PAR says compared to other southern states, Louisiana had the most SNAP recipients relative to total population last year.

Parishes with the highest number of SNAP recipients, in May of 2024 are East Baton Rouge, Orleans, Jefferson, Caddo, and Lafayette.

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Jimmy Genovese (Gen-o-vez) was introduced today as the 21st president of Northwestern State. Genovese was the lone finalist for the job to replace Doctor Marcus Jones. Genovese left the Supreme Court as a judge to lead his alma mater and he’s amazed at the support he’s received

Cut 9 (08) “…sleeping at night.”

Genovese has been an attorney or a judge during his adult life, but he believes he has the experience to run a university. The 74-year-old plans to sell Northwestern State as a great place to continue their education…

Cut 10 (10) “…on Broadway.”

Genovese says he left the as a Louisiana Supreme Court Judge to help out his alma mater, which has seen a reported 22-percent drop in enrollment over the past four years…

Cut 11 (13) ” …about that.”

Genovese says he plans to put more money towards marketing the university, faculty salaries and he would like to see Northwestern’s athletic teams be more competitive.  Northwestern State

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Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned today, one day after saying the agency failed in protecting former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally. Louisiana U-S Senator Bill Cassidy says it’s outrageous the public spotted the shooter before the Secret Service acted….

Cut 12 (10) “…did nothing.”

Cheatle testified in front of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee yesterday told members she was the right person to lead the Secret Service despite the assassination attempt. Cassidy is glad Cheatle changed her mind and decided to step down…

Cut  13 (12) “…resignation.” 

An LSU defensive back is facing video voyeurism charges. Jeff Palermo has the details…

Cut 1 (31) …I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The majority of delegates from the Louisiana Democratic Party have endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the party’s nominee for President. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

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Two 18-year-olds were killed in a head-on crash in Lafourche Parish involving an underage immigrant driver, who authorities say was impaired. State Police Trooper Ross Brennan says 18-year-old Axel Flores-Cordova of Honduras slammed head-on into a vehicle on Highway 3090 near the Fourchon area

Cut 3 (13) “…hospital.”

Brennan did not have any information on whether Flores-Cordova is in the United States legally. He has been booked into the Lafourche Parish detention center on multiple charges…

Cut 4 (10) “…driver’s license.”

The crash happened shortly after 1 AM and it claimed the lives of 18-year-old Rylan Oncale of Raceland and 18-year-old Taliyah Crochet of Houma. Brennan says Flores-Cordova’s blood alcohol concentration was nearly seven times over the underage legal limit

Cut 5 (12)  “…here.”

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Louisiana’s delegation to the Democratic National Convention has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Presidential nominee. State Democratic Party chairman Randal Gaines says a vote was taken virtually on Sunday night.

New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry says Biden and his family have sacrificed so much in the last few years and she’s glad he was the one to choose to step down as the party’s nominee.

Cut 6 (08) “…our country.”

PSC Commissioner Davante Lewis says Biden looked at the campaign to see if he could deliver for the American people and concluded it was in the best interest to step aside.

Cut 7 (09) “…Democratic Presidency.”

Both also fully support Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic nominee. Landry said Harris is competent and she was very excited to see her become Vice President and points out that she was also chosen by voters on the Biden-Harris ticket to take over the role of President should something happen.

Cut 8 (10)  “…usual politicians.”

Landry says Harris was her first choice for President in 2019.

Lewis says Harris has the experience and proper temperament to unite the party and is a viable candidate against former President Donald Trump. He says the Trump campaign message against Biden’s age and ability to carry out the job no longer works to the GOP’s advantage with Biden out of the race.

Cut 9 (10) “…trying to do.”

Democratic National Convention will be held in Chicago August 19-22. The next Presidential debate is scheduled for September 10^th.

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President Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the President’s race, doesn’t change Republican Governor Jeff Landry’s mind on who will be the next president. Landry remains confident it will be GOP nominee Donald Trump. Landry told the Moon Griffon Show it doesn’t matter who the Democrats nominate…

Cut 10 (12) “…open border”

Landry was a guest on the Moon Griffon show and said Mr. Biden’s policies over the last four years have failed America and he says whoever ends up as the Democratic nominee never did anything about the rising inflation or the increase of illegal immigrants across the southern border

Cut 11 (12) ” …failures”

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Southland Industrial Coating is investing $13-million dollars to construct a new fireproofing facility in the  St Landry Parish town of Washington.  Southland Industrial Coatings galvanizes, metalizes, sandblasts, paints, and fireproofs steel poles used in the utility, transportation, and renewable energy industries. Chief Strategy Officer Randy Ross…

Cut 12 (11) “…last 10 years.”

The project is expected to break ground in the coming weeks adding to the continued expansion of Southland to the Louisiana economy…

Cut  13 (07) “…our third facility.” 

Ross says the project will bring 120 new direct jobs to the Acadian Region, with more than $53,000 in salaries and 178 indirect new jobs.

Cut  14 (07) “…as well.”

LED offered a $2.5 million performance-based, forgivable loan to win the project and Southland is expected to participate in the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption and Quality Jobs program.

Southland expects construction to be completed by spring 2025.