A warning from the Department of Health about a potentially deadly bacteria. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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A new cell phone law is now in effect. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The LSU Veterinary School has seen an increase in Mississippi kites with bullet fragments. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health is warning you of a growing presence of Vibrio vulnificus. It’s a bacteria that naturally lives in coastal waters; it does not live in freshwater. The bacteria can cause illness or death through contact with an open wound or through consumption of raw seafood, especially oysters. State epidemiologist Teresa Sokol says the danger becomes greater when the water gets warm.

Cut 4 (12) “…in those temperatures.”

So far this year, 17 people have been hospitalized after becoming infected with Vibrio, and four of them have died. Sokol says if you start experiencing symptoms, time is of the essence – contact your doctor or get to an emergency room.

Cut 5 (15) “…to two days.”

Sokol says if you’re at risk of Vibrio infection, you’ll want to take extra precautions.

Cut 6 (10) “…a waterproof bandage.”

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Starting today, if you’re driving, keep your hands off your cell phone. That’s because handling your cell phone while driving is now illegal in Louisiana. This is something that Triple-A Louisiana has been pushing for for a while. Don Redman with Triple-A says while it’s already illegal to be texting while driving in Louisiana, that law was unenforceable – and people were doing many other crazy things with their phones.

Cut 7 (08) “…on the phone.”

Redman says under the new law, police will not pull you over just for handling your cell phone while driving – in most instances.

Cut 8 (08) “…traffic infraction first.”

And that would lead to up to 100 dollars tacked onto your fine for the moving violation you were pulled over for. Redman says there are certain instances where police WILL pull you over just for handling your cell phone while driving.

Cut 9 (10)  “…active work zones.”

That would yield a fine of up to 250 dollars.

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The LSU Veterinary School’s Wildlife Hospital has seen an increase in birds with gunshot wounds. It’s a specific bird that is being shot at it, called the Mississippi kite. Dr. Kimberly Boykin says last year they treated just two Mississippi kite birds for bullet fragments; this year, they’ve treated eleven.

Cut 10 (09) “…hunting purposes.”

The LSU vet school says the Mississippi kite is a small bird of pretty that plays an important role in controlling insect populations and they are no danger to people. Boykin says it’s also a violation of federal to shoot them.

Cut 11 (10) “…kills them.”

Boykin says if you see someone shooting at the Mississippi kite, you can report the crime to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. She says if these birds are shot and not brought to the LSU vet school, there chances of surviving are slim.

Cut 12 (11) “…anymore.”

The Mississippi kite migrates from the Gulf Coast and Brazil.

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If you were registered as an Independent, your party affiliation automatically changes to “No Party” in the state’s voter registration system. That’s the result of a new law that went into effect today. John Couvillon with JMC Analytics and Polling says lawmakers eliminated the Independent Party, so they could vote in the upcoming party primaries.

Cut 13 (12)  “…of luck.”

The state moves to a party primary system for U-S Senate, U-S House, Supreme Court, Public Service Commission, and BESE contests, starting with the federal elections in April. Couvillon says the elimination of the Independent Party, means these independent voters will now be considered no party and participate in either the Republican or Democratic party primary.

Cut 14 (08) “…they can.”

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Louisiana Tech kicked off fall camp yesterday in head coach Sonny Cumbie’s 4th season in Ruston. The Bulldogs welcomed new defensive coordinator Luke Olsen after Jeremiah Johnson departed after just one season with the team. Linebacker Kolbe Fields says the Dogs have adjusted to the new scheme.

Cut 15 (13) “…way smoother.”

The Bulldogs are also led by new offensive coordinator Tony Franklin. Franklin served as the LA Tech offensive coordinator under head coach Sonny Dykes from 2010 to 2012. Redshirt senior offensive lineman Landon Nelson says Franklin brings a winning mentality back to Ruston.

Cut 16 (18) “…good job.”

Louisiana Tech is led by redshirt sophomore quarterback Evan Bullock. His top weapon will be junior tight end Eli Finley. Finley was an All-CUSA honorable mention last season, and head coach Sonny Cumbie has high expectations in year three.

Cut 17 (18)  “…his play.”

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LSU fall camp is fully underway and one name in particular has stood out. Defensive tackle Dominick McKinley came to Baton Rouge as a five-star last year and bulked up to 308 pounds for this upcoming season. His strength has put head coach Brian Kelly on notice.

Cut 18 (16) “…every single day.”

LSU has multiple ongoing position battles, the most important being the offensive line unit. the Tigers are hoping to fill the holes of replacing four starters on the line to the NFL Draft, and Kelly says he expects great things from Marrero native Tyree Adams.

Cut 19 (16) “…from him.”

One of the early trending topics of the LSU football team is how fast the receiving room is. Senior receiver Chris Hilton Jr. and senior Kentucky transfer Barion Brown are two guys Kelly can see taking the tops off of defenses. He says Hilton has come out of his shell this offseason.

Cut 20 (18) “…past anybody.”

Condolences to Governor Landry on the death of his father Al, who passed away yesterday. On social media, the governor said his father is now reunited with his mother Edna, who passed away in 2019. Al Landry was an architect, and former State Senator Fred Mills says his fingerprints are on many public buildings in St. Martin Parish.

Cut 4 (08) “…was building.”

The LSU Student Food Pantry has received a check from Rocco’s Pizza and Cantina for $52,390 – one dollar for each Jello shot LSU fans scarfed down in their Jello Shot Challenge during the College World Series. Campus Life Manager Jennifer Cristina says the money will come in very handy.

Cut 7 (11) “…all of us”

Several new laws go into effect tomorrow, including a statewide ban on the herbal supplement kratom. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Also tomorrow, you can tint your windows darker, down to 25-percent light transmission. Representative Daryl Deshotel says before, only certain people were permitted to do so, and that caused great confusion among people, especially law enforcement..

Cut 13 (05)  “…get those exemptions.”

Several new laws go into effect tomorrow. One of them makes kratom illegal. Kratom comes from a plant native to Southeast Asia and can cause psychosis at high doses. The bill’s author, West Monroe Republican Senator Jay Morris, says Kratom has the addictive qualities of opioids.

Cut 9 (10)  “…in the brain.”

Also starting tomorrow, you can show off more of a dark side as you cruise down the highway. That’s because a new law goes into effect allowing for your front windows to be tinted darker – 25-percent light transmission, down from the previous standard of 40-percent. The bill was written by Marksville Republican Representative Daryl Deshotel, who says tinted windows are needed for Louisiana’s climate.

Cut 12 (07) “…us stay cooler.”

The LSU Student Food Pantry is now $52,390 richer, thanks to LSU fans scarfing down that many Jello shots in Rocco’s Jello Shot Challenge during the College World Series. Campus Life Manager Jennifer Cristina says you may not realize this, but the need for food pantries at college campuses is tremendous during these times.

Cut 8 (14) “…that many students.”

Condolences to Governor Landry, as he mourns the passing of his father, Al. Former state senator Fred Mills says many people in St. Martin Parish loved Al Landry and he loved his family…

Cut 3 (10) “…so proud.”

Governor Jeff Landry announces his father, Al Landry, has passed away. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

St. Martinville Police arrest two men in connection with the death of 16-year-old Iris Davis. Authorities have charged 43-year-old Desmond Flugence and 33-year-old Darren Francis with carnal knowledge of juvenile. The two men lived on the same street and more charges could be forthcoming. Davis’s body was found dead in a field near her home last week.

Today is the last day you can possess or sell kratom as the herbal supplement will be illegal to have in Louisiana starting tomorrow. West Monroe Senator Jay Morris says gas stations and convenience stores can no longer have kratom on their shelves…

Cut 10 (07) “….does help”

Some use kratom to treat pain, anxiety or drug dependence and argue it has beneficial qualities. But Morris says many people can become addicted to kratom, which can cause psychosis at high doses and that could lead to suicide.

Another new law going into effect tomorrow is that window tinting can now be done a little darker. Marksville Republican Representative Daryl Deshotel says of all the bills he got passed in this session, this one was the most popular.

Cut 14 (08) “…to be done.”

Sincerest condolences to Governor Landry over the death of his father, Al. In a statement on social media, the governor said his father is now reunited with his mother Edna, who passed away in 2019. Former state senator Fred Mills says Al and Edna had great chemistry.

Cut 5 (07) “…back of everything.”

To the victors went the spoils – the LSU Student Food Pantry has received a check from Rocco’s Pizza and Cantina for $52,390 – one dollar for each Jello shot LSU fans scarfed down during their Jello Shot Challenge during the College World Series – which, as you know by now, LSU won. Campus Life Manager Jennifer Cristina says the money will come in very handy.

Cut 7 (11) “…all of us”

The statewide ban on the herbal supplement kratom goes into effect tomorrow. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Attorney General Liz Murrill is one of 14 attorneys general who signed a letter asking congress to pass legislation making it illegal to mail abortion pills to states where the procedure is illegal. The letter says shield laws that protect abortion providers from liability and prosecution for aiding in abortions in other states interfere with states’ ability to enforce their laws.

Governor Jeff Landry announced his father, Al Landry, passed away yesterday. Governor Landry says his father is reunited with his wife Edna, who passed away in 2019. Former state senator Fred Mills says Al Landry was a respected architect, and his fingerprints are all over St. Martin Parish.

Cut 4 (08) “…was building.”

LSU fans won Rocco’s Jello shot challenge at the College World Series this summer with an impressive 52,390 Jello shots, and the LSU Student Food Pantry is sharing in the success. The Omaha pizzeria sent the food pantry a check for one dollar for each Jello shot purchased. Campus Life Manager Jennifer Cristina says they watched LSU soar up the Rocco’s leaderboard.

Cut 6 (09) “…things like that.”

Starting tomorrow, Louisiana drivers can have darker-tinted front windows. A new law goes into effect, lowering the previous requirement of 40% light transmission to 25%. Marksville Republican Representative Daryl Deshotel says before, only certain people were permitted to have the dark tint.

Cut 13 (05)  “…get those exemptions.”

He says the new law will clear up confusion for law enforcement and protect vehicles in the Louisiana heat.

Another law banning the Southeast Asian herbal supplement kratom goes into effect tomorrow. Some use kratom to treat pain, anxiety or drug dependence and argue it has beneficial qualities. West Monroe senator Jay Morris says potential addiction and devastation outweigh any benefits.

Cut 11 (14) “…regulatory scheme.”

The herbal supplement kratom becomes illegal in Louisiana tomorrow, thanks to Act 41 approved in the last legislative session. Kratom comes from a plant native to Southeast Asia and can cause psychosis at high doses. The bill’s author, Republican West Monroe Senator Jay Morris, says Kratom has the addictive qualities of opioids.

Cut 9 (10)  “…in the brain.”

Also going into effect tomorrow is a new law allowing for your front windows to be tinted darker – 25-percent light transmission, down from the previous standard of 40-percent. The bill was written by Marksville Republican Representative Daryl Deshotel, who says tinted windows are needed for Louisiana’s climate.

Cut 12 (07) “…us stay cooler.”

Governor Jeff Landry announced his father, Al Landry, has passed away. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The president of U-L Lafayette is stepping down. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

St. Martinville Police arrest two men in connection with the death of 16-year-old Iris Davis. Authorities have charged 43-year-old Desmond Flugence and 33-year-old Darren Francis with carnal knowledge of juvenile. The two men lived on the same street and more charges could be forthcoming. Davis’s body was found dead in a field near her home last week.

Governor Jeff Landry is mourning the death of his father, Al Landry, who passed away Wednesday. In a social media post, Landry said “Go rest my weary servant your task on earth is done. The governor said his father was the silent foundation of their family. Former state senator Fred Mills says many people in St. Martin Parish loved Al Landry and he loved his family…

Cut 3 (10) “…so proud”

Governor Landry says his father is now re-united with his mother Edna, who passed away in 2019.

State lawmakers told LHSAA officials they are not fans of the public-private school split playoffs in high school sports, and they would like to see a one-time transfer rule adopted. In many cases, a high school student that transfers to another school must sit out for a year to regain eligibility. Thibodaux Representative Bryan Fontenot says with school choice options expanding, students should not be penalized.

Cut 13 (13)  “…across town.”

Thibodaux made the comments at the first meeting of a legislative committee formed to review LHSAA policies and practices.

Today is Dr. Joseph Savoie’s last day as president of U-L Lafayette. He announced yesterday that he is stepping down after 17 years at the helm. Communications Professor Philip Auter, the former faculty senate president, says Dr. Savoie was a very effective president.

Cut 10 (09) “…that work here.”

A legislative committee formed to review LHSAA policies and practices held its first meeting this week. Among the lawmakers on the committee is Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh. He told LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonine that the split playoffs – select and non-select – are bad, because they reward too many teams and water down the value of a state title.

Cut 14 (10) “…itself.”

The federal government is nixing a plan to end the distribution of critical hurricane forecasting data. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Condolences to Governor Landry after the passing of his father. The governor said in a social media post that his father, Al, died yesterday and is now reunited with his mother Edna, who died in 2019. Governor Landry described his father as an introvert and as a small-town architect in his social media post announcing his father’s passing.

A new effort is underway to develop drugs to treat ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases through the use of A-I. It’s being led by Dr. Jeff Keller with the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge.

Cut 7 (09) “…in the past.”

Keller says this effort will set Louisiana apart when it comes to using A-I for innovative research like this.

Defense Satellite information used in both weather forecasting and U.S. Military operations was facing termination due to cybersecurity concerns, but the Defense Department announced that the crucial forecasting data will continue to be distributed for the foreseeable future. LSU Public Health climatologist Barry Keim says one significant advantage of these satellites is their ability to spot signs of rapid intensification.

Cut 6 (10) “…or strengthening.”

After 17 years, U-L Lafayette President Dr. Joseph Savoie is stepping down. Communications Professor Philip Auter

says one thing that struck him about Dr. Savoie is that despite the size of the school, he had an open-door policy.

Cut 11 (15) “…through your door.”

State lawmakers told LHSAA officials they are not fans of the public-private school split playoffs in high school sports and they would like to see a one-time transfer rule adopted. LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonine says he’s not a favor the split either, but it’s the high school principals who voted for the split several years ago and there’s not enough support to have private and public schools compete for the same championship.

Cut 15 (11) “…2015.”