After months of fierce debate, Congress has passed the Big, Beautiful Bill by the July 4th deadline that President Trump had set. One of the biggest points of contention related to Medicaid. Congressman Steve Scalise noted that under the new requirements, those who can work will now be required to do so to receive Medicaid benefits.

Cut 7 (09) “…playing video games.”

Democratic Louisiana Congressman Cleo Fields says about 260-thousand people in our state will lose health insurance as a direct result of this bill. Fields says the bill also puts over 30 of Louisiana’s rural hospitals at risk of closure. Jeff Reynolds, the executive director of the Louisiana Rural Hospital Coalition, says if medical centers close, that will have a negative effect on the overall economy of rural communities.

Cut 10 (09) “…receive those services?”

Police in Lake Charles shoot and kill a man who they say opened fire on them in a neighborhood. Police Chief Shawn Caldwell says officers responded after a driver called 911 to say that someone was pointing a gun at traffic.

Cut 15 (07) “…shot at her.”

Caldwell says as more officers arrived, the suspect shot at another officer and then ran into a nearby shed. The chief says the man eventually came out of the shed running towards SWAT officers and firing at them. An officer returned fire, shooting the suspect, who died at a local hospital.

This week in East Baton Rouge Parish a two-year-old boy died after he ran in front of a car pulling into a driveway. The director of Kids and car safety Amber Rollins says 60 children are run over by slow, forward moving vehicles in parking lots and driveways every week…

Cut 5 (07) “…trucks and SUVs”

A two-year-old boy was run over in a driveway and killed earlier this week in Baton Rouge. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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After months of fierce debate, Congress has sent the Big, Beautiful Bill to President Trump’s desk. Andrew Greenstein explains.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Law enforcement will be out in numbers this weekend looking for impaired drivers for the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. Colleen Crain has the story.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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A tragic accident claimed the life of a two-year-old boy in Baton Rouge earlier this week.  According to investigators, the child ran in front of a moving car, leading to the collision. Amber Rollins, the director of kids and car safety, says it’s called a front-over that happens in driveways and parking lots.

Cut 4 (11) “…of the vehicle.”

Rollins says there has been an increase in front-overs injuries and fatalities in children.

Cut 5 (07) “…trucks and SUV’s.”

Rollins says parking lots and driveways are extremely dangerous and people can get in a habit of losing situational awareness when entering and exiting parking spots. She urges drivers to stay aware and be mindful going into this busy holiday weekend.

Cut 6 (08) “…take extra precautions.”

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After months of fierce debate, Congress has passed the Big, Beautiful Bill by the July 4th deadline that President Trump had set. One of the biggest points of contention related to Medicaid. Congressman Steve Scalise noted that under the new requirements, those who are able to work will now be required to do so in order to receive Medicaid benefits.

Cut 7 (09) “…playing video games.”

Scalise says those people have been crowding disabled people out of the Medicaid program.

Cut 8 (08) “…jobs, Mr. Speaker.”

However, Democrats point out that the bill strips 900-billion dollars from Medicaid and will ultimately strip health care coverage from 17-million Americans. Reagan Carter, the director of health and policy and governmental affairs at the Louisiana Primary Care Association, says that will have a ripple effect on health care centers.

Cut 9 (08)  “…end up closing.”

Jeff Reynolds, the executive director of the Louisiana Rural Hospital Coalition, says if medical centers close, that will have a negative effect on the overall economy of rural communities.

Cut 10 (09) “…receive those services?”

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Louisiana law enforcement is participating in “The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, targeting impaired driving during the Fourth of July holiday. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says the campaign promotes safety on the roadway.

Cut 11 (10) “…drinking and driving.”

Fischer says between 2019 to 2023, 339 people were injured or killed in car crashes across the state during the Fourth of July holiday involving impaired drivers, and with the extra law enforcement out it adds an extra incentive to not drink and drive.

Cut 12 (09) “…few to many.”

From the roadway to the waterway — LDWF agents will participate in Operation Dry Water this weekend, targeting impaired boating. Lieutenant Garrett Kimbal says the campaign is part of a national effort, and it aims to reduce boating under the influence during the busy Fourth of July weekend.

Cut 13 (11)  “…last year.”

Between 2020 and 2024, there were 96 boating fatalities in Louisiana, with alcohol being a factor in 21 of those. A DWI on the water in Louisiana carries the same penalties as on the road. Kimbal encourages people to practice responsible boating this weekend.

Cut 14 (09) “…boating class.”

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Police in Lake Charles shoot and kill a man who they say opened fire on them. Police Chief Shawn Caldwell says officers responded after a driver called 911 to say that someone was pointing a gun at traffic.

Cut 15 (07) “…shot at her.”

Chief Caldwell says after shooting at a second officer, the man ran into a residential neighborhood and barricaded himself inside a shed. A standoff ensued.

Cut 16 (10) “…firing at them.”

Caldwell says a short time later, it all came to an end.

Cut 17 (07)  “…from his injuries.”

Louisiana State Police has taken over the investigation. No officers were hurt; all officers who opened fire are placed on paid administrative leave, as per standard operating procedure, during the investigation.

The latest LEAP test results show that overall student proficiency among students in grades three through eight is up a percentage point, with 35-percent achieving Mastery or above. Erin Bendily, the senior vice president of the Pelican Institute, notes, however, that when students through high school are factored in, the results are flat. 

Cut 3 (14) “…the last year.”

Fireworks will be popping tonight and tomorrow as America celebrates its 249th birthday. State Fire Marshal spokesman Ken Pastorick says there are more than 600 fireworks stands, with all needing to be properly licensed by the State Fire Marshal’s office.

Cut 10 (07) “…fireworks stand.”

Pastorick says you can report suspicious or illegal fireworks sales to the state.

A three-year-old West Baton Rouge Parish girl drowns in a neighbor’s swimming pool. The sheriff’s office says Jacie Lee walked out of the garage of her Port Allen home yesterday afternoon while her family was inside. Sergeant Landon Groger says this is why it’s so important for parents to be aware of where their kids are at all times.

Cut 7 (10) “…of the garage.”

This year’s Fourth of July barbecue is going to cost you a little more money. State Agriculture Secretary Mike Strain says beef is up seven-percent and ground beef is up ten-percent. And he says other meat prices have been up year over year as well.

Cut 13 (06)  “…ham over 4-percent.”

The American Farm Bureau Federation estimates that this year, an average cookout for ten people will cost about 70 dollars.

Today in a 218 to 214 vote, the U. S. House gave final legislative passage for President Trump’s sweeping tax cut and spending bill. Two Republicans and every Democrat in the House voted against the measure. New Orleans Democratic Congressman Troy Carter says Trump’s Big Ugly Bill will increase energy costs by 400-dollars per household, give tax breaks to the rich, and rip away health coverage from 17 million Americans. House Speaker Mike Johnson says the One Big Beautiful Bill will provide tax relief for the middle class and save every American from a tax increase…

Cut 16 (10) “…on the bill.”

With the latest LEAP test results showing overall student proficiency up a percentage point for third to eighter graders but down a point for high schoolers. Erin Bendily with the Pelican Institute, says while the state has certainly come a long way in the last few years, we still has a way to go.

Cut 5 (14) “…will soon face.”

Fireworks will be popping tonight and tomorrow as America celebrates its 249th birthday. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ken Pastorick says if you plan to shoot fireworks, make sure you are 200 feet away from buildings and vehicles, never let children handle fireworks, light one firework at a time and do not use fireworks impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Cut 9 (10)  “…eleven deaths.”

And Planning a 4th of July barbecue expect higher prices for some staples, with beef up seven-percent, ground beef up ten-percent and potatoes and pork n beans also costing more, according to Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain.

Cut 12 (11) “…over a year ago.”

The U-S House gave final legislative passage today to President Trump’s sweeping tax cut and spending bill. House Speaker Mike Johnson says the One Big Beautiful Bill will permanently lower taxes for families and businesses, secures the border and unleashes American energy dominance…

Cut 15 (10) “…you vote today.”

The vote was 218 to 214, with two Republicans breaking party-lines to vote against the legislation. Every single Democrat in the House voted against the measure.

Heartbreaking tragedy in West Baton Rouge Parish as a Port Allen 3 year old drowns in a neighbor’s swimming pool. The sheriff’s office says while her family was inside, Jacie Lee walked out of the garage of her home yesterday afternoon. Sergeant Landon Groger says following an intense search, a deputy found the little girl unresponsive in a neighbor’s pool.

Cut 6 (11) “…apparent drowning.”

It is Fourth of July weekend, and the State Fire Marshal’s office is urging those who plan to light up the sky to do so safely. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The latest LEAP test results are in and overall student proficiency for students in third through eighth grade is up a percentage point while highschoolers declined a point. Erin Bendily, the senior vice president of the Pelican Institute, says while it’s important to get younger students off to a good start, it’s also important for high school students.

Cut 4 (10) “…in the workplace.”

LEAP test results show progress among younger learners, but a slight decline in those closer to graduation. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A man who reportedly opened fire on Lake Charles Police was shot and killed in a Lake Charles neighborhood Thursday morning. Lake Charles Police SWAT officers, were reportedly conducting an investigation when the man opened fire then retreated to a backyard then shot at officers again when asked to come out. Officers then shot the man who was transported to a hospital where he died. No officers were hurt. State police have been called in to investigate the incident.

Fireworks have become a big part of the nation’s birthday celebration and State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ken Pastorick says they are beautiful but dangerous. He adds, state law requires fireworks sellers to be properly licensed  by the State Fire Marshall’s office.  There are more than 600 retail fireworks stands that are permitted statewide. They should have their permit posted where you can see it.

Cut 11 (10) “…5452.” (2nd time)

If a barbecue is part of your Independence Day celebration expect higher prices for some staples like beef, ground beef, potatoes, and pork n beans. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the American Farm Bureau Federation estimates that an average cookout for ten people will cost about 70-dollars. Strain says for grocery prices to drop, more stability is needed in the market.

Cut 14 (10) “…input cost.”

The latest LEAP test results show that overall student proficiency among students in grades three through eight is up a percentage point, with 35-percent achieving Mastery or above. Erin Bendily, the senior vice president of the Pelican Institute, notes, however, that when students through high school are factored in, the results are flat. 

Cut 3 (14) “…the last year.”

Fireworks will be popping tonight and tomorrow as America celebrates its 249th birthday. State Fire Marshal spokesman Ken Pastorick says there are more than 600 fireworks stands, with all needing to be properly licensed by the State Fire Marshal’s office.

Cut 10 (07) “…fireworks stand.”

Pastorick says you can report suspicious or illegal fireworks sales to the state.

A three-year-old West Baton Rouge Parish girl drowns in a neighbor’s swimming pool. The sheriff’s office says Jacie Lee walked out of the garage of her home while her family was inside, and a deputy found her in the pool unresponsive. Sergeant Landon Groger reminds you to always have a designated person watching children at all times.

Cut 8 (12) “…in your prayers.”

This year’s Fourth of July barbecue is going to cost you a little more money. State Agriculture Secretary Mike Strain says beef is up seven-percent and ground beef is up ten-percent. And he says other meat prices have been up year over year as well.

Cut 13 (06)  “…ham over 4-percent.”

The American Farm Bureau Federation estimates that an average cookout for ten people will cost about 70 dollars.

A little Port Allen girl drowns in a neighbor’s swimming pool. The sheriff’s office says three-year-old Jacie Lee walked out of the garage of her home at around four yesterday afternoon while her family was inside. The Sheriff’s Office considers the drowning an accident, and the incident remains under investigation.  WBGR  Parish Sheriff’s Sgt. Landon Groger urges parents to be aware of where their children are a all times.

Cut 7 (10) “…of the garage.”

Planning a 4th of July barbecue? Expect higher prices for some staples, with beef up seven-percent, ground beef up ten-percent and potatoes and pork for beans also costing more, according to Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain.

Cut 12 (11) “…over a year ago.”

Fireworks will be popping tonight and tomorrow as America celebrates its 249th birthday. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ken Pastorick says if you plan to shoot fireworks, make sure you are 200 feet away from buildings and vehicles, never let children handle fireworks, light one firework at a time and do not use fireworks impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Cut 9 (10)  “…eleven deaths.”

Tragedy in West Baton Rouge Parish as a little Port Allen girl drowns in a neighbor’s swimming pool. The sheriff’s office says three-year-old Jacie Lee walked out of the garage of her home at around four yesterday afternoon while her family was inside. Sergeant Landon Groger says following an intense search, a deputy found the nonverbal girl unresponsive in her neighbor’s pool.

Cut 6 (11) “…apparent drowning.”

The drowning is being investigated as an accident.

Grambling State University launches the Grambling Research and Resource Foundation. University President Dr. Martin Lemelle (leh-MELL) says the foundation has several components to it.

Cut 15 (15) “…support faculty innovation.”

The National Federation of Independent Business says 36-percent of small business owners reported openings they could not fill last month. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

At this point, Rocco’s Pizza and Cantina might as well open a location in Baton Rouge. LSU fans practically took over the joint in Omaha during the College World Series, scarfing down more than 52-thousand Jello shots. And now, Rocco’s is selling commemorative T-shirts to celebrate the occasion. They’re purple and gold, and the word jello is spelled j-e-l-l-e-a-u-x.

At this hour, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries continues speaking on the floor against the Big, Beautiful Bill. It’s called the Magic Minute, designed to delay a final vote. The final vote was made possible overnight after House Speaker Mike Johnson and President Trump were able to get nearly all Republicans to agree to debate rules, when at one point there were enough “no” votes to throw the whole process into turmoil. Yesterday, Johnson said there are a lot of good things in the bill.

Cut 10 (07) “…around the world.”

But Democrat Cleo Fields doesn’t see it that way. He says there are a lot of bad things about the bill.

Cut 11 (08) “…left the house.”

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill will also add three-point-three trillion dollars to the deficit.

Of the 17 line-item vetoes that Governor Landry issued on the budget, 16 were put forth by fellow Republicans who voted against his most prized bill, HB 148. Tyler Bridges, the chief political reporter for The Advocate who made the connection, says word at the Capitol is that HB 148 will allow Landry to use Tim Temple as a scapegoat if premiums don’t start coming down.

Cut 9 (08)  “…insurance rates.”

The National Federation of Independent Business’ June jobs report found that 36-percent of small business owners are having trouble filling openings. State Director Leah Long says Louisiana’s new “One Door” policy will eventually help consolidate public assistance and job training programs.

Cut 4 (11) “…qualified workforce.”