The center of Beryl is just north of Shreveport and it’s now a tropical depression, but it left a lot of damage across the Ark-La-Tex and power out is for 22-thousand customers in northwest Louisiana. The Louisiana Department of Health reports one storm fatality. A tree fell on a home in Benton, killing a 31-year-old woman.

A group of teenagers from Terrebonne Parish have been arrested, accused of beating up homeless people in New Orleans’ historic French Quarter. Colleen Crain has the details.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

A meeting will be held at the state capitol today to discuss a beetle infestation that’s resulted in damage to thousands of pine trees. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson says the beetles weaken trees. He says last April a 60-year-old Pineville woman was killed when a tree fell on her home.
Cut 14 (09) “…tree falling.”
Johnson says the House Emergency Beetle Subcommittee will hear from several entities today, including agriculture officials on how to stop the spread.

Louisiana Tech has launched a new doctoral program in engineering, which will begin accepting students in September. This interdisciplinary Ph.D. program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in academia and industry, emphasizing strong research capabilities across various engineering disciplines. DETM Program Coordinator Beth Hegab says it was time to expand.
Cut 4 (12) “…starting in 2010.”
The program offers flexible scheduling including online classes for working professionals

Sean Richardson tells us about Frederick Burgess’s after-school programs which offer a range of activities from educational support to physical education to keep young people away from crime and violence.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Due to the state’s infestation of Ips (I.P.S) beetles the House Emergency Beetle Subcommittee is meeting at the capitol today. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

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A group of teenagers from Terrebonne Parish have been arrested, accused of targeting homeless people in the French Quarter. Colleen Crain has the details.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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Louisiana Tech University has announced the launch of a new doctoral program in engineering, which will begin accepting students in the upcoming academic year. This interdisciplinary Ph.D. program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in both academia and industry, emphasizing strong research capabilities across various engineering disciplines. DETM Program Coordinator Beth Hegab says it was time to expand.

Cut 4 (12) “…starting in 2010.”

The program offers flexible scheduling including online classes for working professionals and Hagab says the program is open to anyone with a bachelor’s degree to apply.

Cut 5 (09) “…doctorial program.”

This new initiative aligns with Louisiana Tech’s commitment to fostering innovation and leadership in engineering, providing students with the skills needed to tackle real-world problems through research and collaboration with industry partners.

Cut 6 (12) “…be the expert.”

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Stop the Violence in Alexandria CEO Frederick Burgess has been actively creating safe spaces for young people as part of his mission to combat crime and gun violence. Now he is asking for help to keep the program alive.

Cut 7 (07) “…school clothes.”

Burgess started getting sponsors to help with the added cost and a major one was Hixon Ford Dealership where Burgess works, and 3-4 kids received jobs at the dealership.

Currently, the after-school sports program is not active. The Charles Hayward Activity Center where basketball was hosted is requesting more funds for Burgess to continue to host the program at their facility.

Cut 8 (05) “…off the streets.”

By focusing on these safe spaces, Burgess aims to build resilience and empowerment among the youth, helping them to navigate their challenges and avoid the pitfalls of violence and crime.

Cut 9 (06)  “…get in trouble.”

Stop the Violence in Alexandria hosts around 400 students a month in the after-school program and has helped over a thousand youths in the city with life skills and education.

To donate visit StopTheViolence.us

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Opponents of Louisiana Ten Commandments law are asking a federal judge to block the legislation before a new school year starts. Associate VP with Americans United for the Separation of Church and State Alex Luchenitser (looch-ah-nitz-er) says until the case is decided they want to keep them from going up.

Cut 10 (06) “…the litigation.”

Even though the law says schools must comply by January 1^st teachers could choose to display them before that date and Luchenister wants to keep students from being subjected to the religious display. He says they’ve asked for an expedited ruling on the preliminary injunction the week of July 29^th.

Cut 11 (12) “…right of parents.”

More than four decades ago the US Supreme Court overturned a similar law in Kentucky. Luchenister says that the case set a precedent and he’s confident the Louisiana law will be overturned also.

Cut 12 (07) “…case here.” 

Governor Jeff Landry says if you want to respect the rule of law you have to start from the original law which was Moses.

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The House Emergency Beetle Subcommittee is meeting in Baton Rouge today. The drought last summer made pine trees extremely susceptible to beetle infestations. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson says they are holding the hearing to discuss ways to combat the issue because pesticides won’t work.

Cut 13 (11)  “…undertaking.”

Johnson says the Ips (I.P.S) beetles move from treetop to treetop and within a short amount of time can and have killed many pine trees.

During the session, Johnson sponsored legislation to create the subcommittee because the timber industry is one of the largest in the state.

Johnson says infested trees present multiple dangers, like falling on powerlines and roadways which create infrastructure issues. In April a 60-year-old Pineville woman was killed when a tree fell on her home.

Cut 14 (09)  “…tree falling.”

The subcommittee will hear from several entities including agriculture on how to stop the spread, the Public Service Commission on how our utilities are negatively impacted along with the Insurance Commissioner. Johnson says insurance does not cover the removal of dead trees.

Cut 15 (12)  “…statewide.”

Johnson says the cost of removing dead trees from one’s yard can be thousands of dollars.

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Cut 16 (14) “…I’m really honored.” 

Cut 17 (12) “…everyone involved.”

Cut 18 (11)  “…and as the host.”

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Cut 19 (19) “…adversity.” 

Cut 20 (22) “…overcome that.”

Some Democratic lawmakers have called on Biden to drop out of the presidential race, though they didn’t offer up any nominees. Despite Biden saying he won’t step aside, LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan thinks it would be beneficial for the Democrats to explore the possibility of having someone else run.

Cut 10 (12) “…all there.”

Louisiana’s 2024 I Voted Stickers have been unveiled, featuring a crawfish sporting a suit and top hat named Mark D’Ballot. This year’s sticker was designed by Shreveport artist William Joyce, who says he wanted to create a sticker that appeals to the satisfaction people feel when they vote, regardless of politics. He even went back and made the crawfish look happier in the final design to ensure people are enticed to vote and feel proud once they do.

Cut 4 (08) “…and I want to, too.”

A group of teenagers from Terrebonne Parish have been arrested, accused of targeting homeless people in the French Quarter. Colleen Crain has the details.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

A Shreveport woman’s body was discovered inside a neighbor’s home Sunday and has been identified as 59-year-old Joni Hatcher. Hatcher was found in the home where she was dog-sitting for the homeowner just after 11:30 am. Investigators say injuries we consistent with an attack by an animal, possibly a dog or dogs.

The death is under investigation by the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s office.

A Shreveport woman whose body was found in a neighbor’s home Sunday, is believed to have been killed in a dog attack. 59-year-old Joni Hatcher had been caring from her neighbor’s dog in his absence and authorities say her injuries are consistent with an attack by an animal like a dog or dogs. Her death is under investigation and an autopsy is pending.

President Joe Biden has announced he has no plans to step aside as the Democratic presidential nominee after a lackluster debate performance. Biden says his poor showing was due to nerves and difficulty combatting former President Trump’s false claims, not a sign of any mental issues. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan believes Biden should still submit to a neurological exam to assure voters and world leaders…

Cut 11 (12) ” …in the world.”

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

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

Louisiana’s 2024 I Voted Stickers have been unveiled, featuring a crawfish sporting a suit and top hat named Mark D’Ballot. This year’s sticker was designed by Shreveport artist William Joyce…

Cut 3 (12) “…ends up mattering.”

A group of teenagers from Terrebonne Parish are accused of targeting, beating, and robbing homeless people in the French Quarter. New Orleans Police say the attacks were reported about 2:35 Sunday morning after the teens allegedly pistol-whipped the first victim in the head. A second victim was also beaten with a gun and had his backpack and bicycle stolen. The suspects then allegedly threw the man’s belongings into the Mississippi River. One victim was transported to a hospital for treatment.  Officers arrested Keith Morvant, Leland Fitch and Jaden LeBeouf, all 18, as well as a 15-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy.

Beryl made landfall early this morning as a category 1 hurricane along the Texas coast and has since been downgraded to a tropical storm. While Louisiana was spared the brunt of the storm LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says…

Cut 6 (11) “…out of this.”

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

Northwestern State University has narrowed their search for a new president to 3 finalist including Northwestern Alum, Associate Justice for the Louisiana Supreme Court District 3 James Genovese who according to NOLA DOT Com reporter Tyler Bridges is Governor Landry’s choice for the job. Genovese has reportedly ruled against some tough on crime cases and if he leaves the court for NSU, there will be an opening that could be filled by a more conservative judge.

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

Cut 1 (29) …I’m Mel Bridges.”

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

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

Olivia “Livvy” Dunne says she’s not Dunne yet. In a video post to X she announced she is returning to LSU for another season with the National Champion Tigers’ Gymnastics team! Her post included clips of the Tigers and LSU and she says”there’s just something about LSU.”

Some Democratic lawmakers have called on President Joe Biden to drop out of the presidential race, though they didn’t offer up any nominees. Despite Biden saying he won’t step aside, LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan thinks it would be beneficial for the Democrats to explore the possibility of having someone else run.

Cut 10 (12) “…all there.”

Shreveport artist William Joyce created Louisiana’s 2024 I Voted Stickers featuring a top hat wearing crawfish named Mark D’Ballot. Though Joyce has created and worked on several children’s books, TV shows and movies, including multiple Academy Award winners, he thinks these stickers are the most important thing he’s ever worked on because the impact is immediate and far-reaching.

Cut 5 (08)  “…what’s the downside?”

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

Beryl, who made landfall early this morning in Texas has been downgraded to a tropical storm. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says Louisiana will see some rain and storm surge values are predicted to be less than three feet along Louisiana’s southwestern coast, causing some issues because a three-foot surge is not insignificant.

Cut 8 (11)  “…all that.”

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

In Avoyelles Parish, 29-year-old Zachary Stephen Bullitt of Marksville has been arrested for the shooting death of his grandmother 76-year-old Nellie Whitstine Rousseau. The Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office says they responded to a reported homicide Saturday afternoon. Bullitt has been arrested and charged with First-Degree Murder and Obstruction of Justice. Bond has not been set and the investigation is ongoing.

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

Cut 9 (10) “…territory.”

Louisiana’s 2024 I Voted Stickers have been unveiled, featuring a crawfish named Mark D’Ballot. This year’s sticker was designed by Shreveport artist William Joyce who says he wanted Mark to look more cheerful about casting his ballot to ensure people are enticed to vote and feel proud once they do.

Cut 4 (08) “…and I want to, too.”

Beryl made landfall early this morning as a category 1 hurricane along the Texas coast and has since been downgraded to a tropical storm. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says a few days ago Beryl’s project path was northeastern Mexico, but the track began to take a turn to the east.

Cut 7 (12) “…days ago.”

Western Louisiana is under a tornado watch until 10 pm.

Today marks Governor Jeff Landry’s first six months in office, and Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the conservative Republican is going about his job like many expected him to, appealing to his base.

Cut 14 (12)  “…those things.”

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

Cut 1 (29) …I’m Mel Bridges.”

It was six months ago today when Governor Jeff Landry took office, and the Republican hasn’t taken his foot off the gas with two special sessions and an aggressive agenda in the regular session. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat counts the crime session among Landry’s highest achievements and in the regular session he backed bills to revamp state government.
Cut 13 (12) “…six months.”

Beryl made landfall early this morning as a category 1 hurricane along the Texas coast and is now tropical storm as its moves through eastern Texas. While Louisiana was spared the brunt of the storm LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says the Bayou State will have precipitation today as Beryl moves north-northeast.
Cut 6 (11) “…out of this.”
And there’s the potential for severe weather, the western half of the state is under a tornado watch until 10 pm.

Louisiana’s 2024 I Voted Stickers have been unveiled, featuring a crawfish sporting a suit and top hat named Mark D’Ballot. This year’s sticker was designed by Shreveport artist William Joyce, who says the sticker is an important and fun project to be part of.
Cut 3 (12) “…ends up mattering.”
Joyce says he wanted to create a sticker that appeals to the satisfaction people feel when they vote, regardless of politics.

Three baseball players with ties to Louisiana have been named Major League Baseball All-Stars. Former LSU All-America Paul Skenes has made just ten starts with the Pirates, but he’s been dominant in every one of them and is a National League All-Star team. Shreveport native Seth Lugo is also an All-Star. The veteran right-hander is having the best season of his career in Kansas City. Former Northwestern State All-American David Fry is also headed to the All-Star game. Fry is hitting .305 with eight home runs and 33 RBIs for the Cleveland Guardians.

A proposed export terminal for liquified natural gas in southwest Louisiana continues to be on hold, waiting for Department of Energy approval. Kim Montie (Mon-tay) with the Cameron Parish Port, Harbor, and Terminal District says even though the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s approval wasn’t the go-ahead they hoped for…

Cut 12 (07) “…the parish.” 

The Calcasieu Pass 2 would be the nation’s largest export terminal of LNG

Dr. Stephanie Compton with LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Center has been awarded a 217-thousand dollar grant to study the impact of aerobic exercise on colon cancer survivors. If you’re a survivor who’s done with treatment, you’re eligible to participate.

Cut 9 (09)  “…Restore study.”

Participants will receive a treadmill they can keep afterward

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

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Hurricane Beryl made landfall this morning as a Category 1 storm in Texas. Beryl has weakened to a depression and will continue to travel north-northeast. The western half of Louisiana is under a tornado watch until 10pm as a result.