The ACLU has officially filed suit against the Ten Commandments law which requires public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

_______________________________________________

Heirloom Carbon Technology is investing $475 million in a decarbonization project that will result in the construction of two direct air capture facilities at the Port of Caddo-Bossier. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Sean Richardson” 

____________________________________________

As the insurance crisis continues to financially cripple Louisiana homeowners, some are being faced with the reality of selling their homes. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

___________________________________________

The ACLU has filed suit against the Ten Commandments law that required public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom. Plaintiffs include nine multi-faith families with children in public schools. Plaintiff, Reverend Jeff Sims

Cut 4 (07) “…tramples on it.”

Sims says the separation of church and state means that families get to decide if, when, and how their children are introduced to religion, not the state.

Cut 5 (12) “…chosen religion.”

Plaintiff Joshua Harlands says as a parent, an American and a Jew he is appalled that the state lawmakers are forcing public schools to post a specific version of the Ten Commandments in every classroom.

Cut 6 (12) “…religious text.”

Harlands says the state is dividing children on religious lines and that the new law has no education benefit.

Cut 7 (12) “…religious text.”

___________________________________

Heirloom Carbon Technologies announces a $475 million decarbonization project that will result in the construction of two direct air capture facilities at the Port of Caddo-Bossier. Heirloom Carbon Technologies Community Liaison Caitlyn Cain.

Cut 8 (12) “…accelerated the process.”

Construction of the first facility is set to begin by the end of this year, and they estimate 17,000 tons of CO2 will be removed from the atmosphere annually starting in 2026. Heirloom will partner with CapturePoint for permanent CO2 storage.

Cut 9 (06)  “…central louisiana.”

This is a public and private investment with up to 550-million dollars in funding from the federal government. Cain says they chose the Port of Caddo-Bossier because Louisiana is the energy capital of the United States…

Cut 10 (05) “…that we need.”

This will be the first commercial DAC facility in Louisiana and the second in North America and will bring over a thousand construction jobs and 81 permanent jobs with an average salary of $56,000.

________________________________________________________________

The situation New Orleans homeowner Cheron (Sharon) Brylski (Brill-ski) is facing is not unique in Louisiana. After her previous property insurance carriers left the state, she’s been forced to use Citizens and says now she has no other choice but to sell the home she and her husband, who died 9 years ago, lovingly restored.

Cut 11 (13) “…realistic.”

Brylski, who owns her own public relations company, has been downsizing her business as she prepares to retire but says the increase in property taxes and insurance has forced her to spend what would be her retirement savings to stay in her home.

Cut 12 (12) “…increase again.” 

She says she’s tried to find another carrier instead of Citizens, but no one is willing to write her policy, even though she owns her home outright and her neighborhood didn’t flood after Katrina. Since she put the for sale sign up in her yard, Brylski says others have shared similar stories.

Cut 13 (09)  “…by myself.”

Brylski says it costs nearly $15,000 annually to insure her home.

______________________________________________

Daniel Callihan, the man charged with the murders of Callie Brunett and her daughter Erin of Loranger, says he won’t fight extradition charges and he’s requested to be transferred back to Louisiana.  At a press conference Monday, Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade says he’ll never forget when he saw four-year-old Erin’s body…

Cut 14 (11)  “…accountable.”

Victoria Cox has also been charged with the murders, and the pair also face sexual battery charges in Mississippi. In Louisiana, they face first-degree murder and kidnapping charges.

Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch says they are working collaboratively with investigators and prosecutors in Louisiana.

Cut 15 (09)  “…working together.”

Callihan confessed to the media on July 14^th, the day after he led authorities to the body of Erin and her six-year-old sister Jalie who was still alive. Wade says while the investigation is ongoing, they feel they have a strong case against him and Cox.

Cut 16 (06) “…(x2) what he did.” 

Federal charges are also expected to be issued against Callihan and Cox.

____________________________________________________________

One of the top pitchers in the Southland is heading to LSU. Jacob Mayers had two standout seasons at Nicholls, his freshman season was particularly good as he had an ERA of 2.02 and was named the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Freshman Pitcher of the Year. Mayers gives a lot of credit to former Colonels Coach Mike Silva

Cut 17 (21) “…crazy.”

Mayers had just one scholarship offer coming out of St. Amant High School in Ascension Parish and ended up being a Friday night starter for Nicholls. Mayers is looking forward to wearing the Purple and Gold…

Cut 18 (17)  “…to Omaha.”

Mayers didn’t make the team as a freshman at St. Amant, but the six-foot-five right-hander says that only motivated him…..

Cut 19 (19) “…adversity.” 

___________________________________________________________________

Cut 20 (22) “…overcome that.”

Beginning January 1^st to receive their certification, teachers must undergo a criminal background check with the state. Currently, it’s up to local school systems to require those checks, but now Arthur Joffrion (Joe-free-on) with the Louisiana Department of Education says it’s a state requirement.

Cut 3 (09) “…our educators.”

The new policy is a result of legislation passed in 2023.

Former President Donald Trump is in New Orleans today for a fundraiser hosted by two of Louisiana’s biggest Republican donors, Boysie Bollinger and Joe Canizaro. Bollinger says Trump is confident he will win Louisiana as he did in 2020, so he’s stopping by to raise campaign funds, not to campaign.

Cut  14 (10) “…expect to have.” 

Bollinger says every ticket has been sold.

Cleco customers will see a rate increase next month of around five dollars, which will jump to 13 dollars in October. Spokesperson Fran Phoenix says while she understands the rise may come as a shock, it’s necessary to curb inflation and increased operating and maintenance costs.

Cut 6 (09) “…customer.”

PSC Davante Lewis, who voted against the increase, says Cleco recently lost a contract selling power to another Louisiana power company…

Cut 8 (07)  “…ratepayers.”

The price increase passed the Louisiana Public Service Commission on a 4 to 1 vote.

Cleco customers will see a rate increase next month of around five dollars jumping to 13 dollars in October. The Louisiana Public Service Commission voted four to one to allow the increase. PSC Davante Lewis, who voted against the increase, says the way Cleco is framing the price jump is misleading at best and predatory at worst.

Cut 9 (10) “…acquiring them.”

Their last rate hike was in 2021.

Former President Donald Trump is in New Orleans today for a fundraiser hosted by two of Louisiana’s biggest Republican donors, Boysie Bollinger and Joe Canizaro. Bollinger says Trump is confident he will win Louisiana like he did in 2020, so he’s stopping by to raise campaign funds, not to campaign.

Cut 13 (08) “…doing that.” 

Beginning next year, to receive their certification, teachers will have to pass a criminal background check. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Former LSU sprinter Sha’Carri Richarson is heading to the Paris Olympics as a favorite to win a Gold Medal after a 10.71 second sprint in the 100-meters at the U.S. track trials in Oregon. Richardson, who was banned from competing in the 2021 Tokyo Games because of a positive marijuana test, was emotional when she crossed the finish line on Saturday

Cut 10 (10) “…today.”

Beginning January 1^st teachers seeking certification in Louisiana will have to undergo a criminal background check with the state. Such requirements had previously been left to local school systems. Louisiana State Police will conduct the checks and teachers that are currently certified will also have to under got the background check says Arthur Joffrion (Joe-free-on) with the Louisiana Department of Education.

Cut 5 (03)  “…securing those.”

Crimes of violence and crimes against children will automatically keep a certified teacher out of the classroom.

Former President Donald Trump is in New Orleans for a fundraising event today hosted by Boysie Bollinger and Joe Canizaro. Bollinger believes Louisiana voters are frustrated with the way Trump has been treated as he navigates several legal challenges and want to support his campaign financially. He says, this fundraiser alone has raised millions of dollars.

Cut 15 (09) “…financially.”

Cleco customers will see a rate increase next month, but the reason why depends on who you ask. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

New Roads native, Christoper Hebert has been named Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. He is the first African American to serve as Chairman. Governor Jeff Landry made the appointment saying Hebert has the experience and background needed to properly regulate such a large industry. During Hebert’s time as Assistant Attorney General, he was instrumental in creating the Problem Gambling Resource Services Program.

Former President Donald Trump is raising campaign funds in New Orleans today. The event hosted by two of Louisiana’s biggest Republican donors, Boysie Bollinger and Joe Canizaro features three tiers of entry: thirty-three hundred dollars for a basic ticket, twenty-five thousand for a picture and one hundred thousand dollars to eat with Trump at dinner. Bollinger says every ticket has been sold.

Cut  14 (10) “…expect to have.” 

A rate increase is coming for Cleco customers next month. Spokesperson Fran Phoenix says bills will increase around five dollars next month and by October they will increase by thirteen dollars. Cleco’s last price raise was in 2021…

Cut 7 (09) “…adjustment.”  

Beginning next year, to receive their certification, teachers will have to pass a criminal background check. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Former LSU sprinter Sha’Carri Richarson is heading to the Paris Olympics as a favorite to win a Gold Medal after a 10.71 second sprint in the 100-meters at the U.S. track trials in Oregon thats the fastest time from any woman in the world.

Cut 12 (11) “…well executed race.” 

Former President Donald Trump will be in New Orleans today for a fundraiser hosted by two of Louisiana’s biggest Republican donors, Boysie Bollinger and Joe Canizaro. Bollinger says Trump is confident he will win Louisiana like he did in 2020, so he’s stopping by to raise campaign funds, not to campaign.
cut 13 (08) “…doing that.”

 
Beginning January 1st, teachers must undergo a criminal background check with the state to receive certification. If a certified teacher is convicted of a crime, like violence or harm against children, after they are employed, Arthur Joffrion (Joe-free-on) with the Louisiana Department of Education says the Louisiana State Police, who conduct the background checks, would notify the department and the teacher’s employer, which would automatically keep a certified teacher out of the classroom.
cut 4 (09) “…agency.”
The new policy is a result of legislation passed in 2023.

 
Cleco customers will see a rate increase next month of around five dollars, which will jump to 13 dollars in October. Spokesperson Fran Phoenix says the rise is necessary to curb inflation and increased operating and maintenance costs. However, PSC Davante Lewis, who voted against the increase, says Cleco recently lost a contract selling power to another Louisiana power company…
cut 8 (07) “…ratepayers.”

 
Former LSU sprinter Sha’Carri Richarson is heading to the Paris Olympics as a favorite to win a Gold Medal after a 10.71 second sprint in the 100-meters at the U.S. track trials in Oregon. Richardson is one of the biggest track stars in the world, and her one-month suspension for testing positive for cannabis was a huge story in 2021. Richardson says she never stopped believing in herself.
cut 11 (11) “…your last.”

Beginning January 1^st to receive their certification, teachers must undergo a criminal background check with the state. Currently, it’s up to local school systems to require those checks, but now Arthur Joffrion with the Louisiana Department of Education says it’s a state requirement.

Cut 3 (10) “…our educators.”

The new policy is a result of legislation passed in 2023.

Former LSU sprinter Sha’Carri Richarson is heading to the Paris Olympics as a favorite to win a Gold Medal after a 10.71 second sprint in the 100-meters at the U.S. track trials in Oregon. Richardson, who was banned from competing in the 2021 Tokyo Games because of a positive marijuana test, was emotional when she crossed the finish line on Saturday

Cut 10 (10) “…today.”

Richardson competed at LSU in 2019.

Cleco customers will see a rate increase next month, but the reason why depends on who you ask. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

Former President Donald Trump will be in New Orleans today for a big money campaign fundraiser. Mel Bridges has more.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

The former President agrees the Ten Commandments should be displayed in public classrooms. Louisiana passed a law to do so. Trump said on his social media network how can the nation go wrong by displaying the Ten Commandments in public schools. The Louisiana ACLU of will file a federal lawsuit this afternoon to block the law from taking effect.

Cleco customers will see a rate increase next month of around five dollars, which will jump to 13 dollars in October. Spokesperson Fran Phoenix says while she understands that the rise may come as a shock, it was needed due to inflation and increased operating and maintenance costs.
Cut 6 (09) “…customer.”
PSC Commissioner Davante Lewis, who voted against the rate increase, says Cleco is actually raising prices to force consumers to pay for lost revenue due to a failed contract deal.

Former LSU sprinter Sha’Carri Richarson is heading to the Paris Olympics as a favorite to win a Gold Medal after a 10.71 second sprint in the 100-meters at the U.S. track trials in Oregon. Richardson, who was banned from competing in the 2021 Tokyo Games because of a positive marijuana test, was emotional when she crossed the finish line on Saturday
Cut 10 (10) “…today.”
Richardson is one of the biggest track stars in the world and her one-month suspension for testing positive for cannabis was a huge story in 2021. The Texas native admitted to smoking pot to cope with the unexpected death of her biological mother.

Former President Donald Trump will visit New Orleans today for a campaign fundraiser, days before his debate with President Biden. JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon says he expects Trump will use the debate to prove his candidacy and attack Biden.

Cut 5 (08) “…easy examples.”

That debate will be held Thursday at 8 o’clock on CNN.

High School students in Louisiana will no longer be required to take the ACT, even though ten out of 11 BESE members asked lawmakers to reject the legislation. BESE President Ronnie Morris worries it could result in missed opportunities for some students.

Cut 8 (12) “…scholarship programs.” 

It will go into effect for the 2025-26 school year.

Governor Jeff Landry issued a controversial veto last week and the debate over the bill continues into this week. Landry vetoed 27 bills from the recently completed regular session and the veto of House Bill 423 is getting the most attention because Shreveport Representative Michael Melerine says it’s part of a package of bills that would have improved the legal climate for auto insurance companies…

Cut 14 (07)  “…more friendly.”
Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the current Collateral Source Doctrine produces windfall payments that result in accident victims getting more than they deserve….

Cut 16 (05) “…Ferrari.” 

Landry says the proposed change to the Collateral Source Doctrine would result in car crash victims not receiving the payouts they deserved following a car crash.

Shreveport Representative Michael Melerine would like to see a veto session after his bill to reform the state’s current collateral source rule was vetoed by the governor. Melerine says his House Bill 423 could have helped lower auto insurance premiums by awarding payouts that match the cost of a person’s medical bills following a car crash
Cut 13 (09) “…override it.”
Governor Landry says the proposed change to the Collateral Source Doctrine would result in car crash victims not receiving the payouts they deserved following a car crash. He says he’s trying to protect the working class…
Cut 15 (06) “…(x2) working class.”
Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple the current Collateral Source Doctrine produces windfall payments that result in accident victims getting more than they deserve.

Beginning in the 2025-26 school year high school students pursuing a career diploma will not be required to take the ACT. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

Over 100 schools in 40 parishes this summer is receiving up to 50-thousand dollars to make their schools safer. Rubby Douglas with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says this money should help boost preventive and protective measures on school campuses…
cut 12 (05) “…for students”