Nearly 71 million Americans are expected to travel during the Fourth of July holiday marking the highest travel volume for this period on record according to AAA.  Sean Richardson has more. 

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

_______________________________________________

The University Medical Center New Orleans has launched its Healthy Brain Aging Initiative to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

____________________________________________

This year in Louisiana the 4^th of July marks the first day those 18 and older can conceal carry. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

___________________________________________

AAA predicts that nearly 71 million Americans will travel during the Fourth of July holiday marking the highest travel volume for this period on record. This figure includes road trips, air travel, and other forms of transportation. Road trips are expected to be especially popular.  AAA spokesperson Nick Chabberia…

Cut 4 (07) “…July 7th.”

Chabberia says that the pandemic shutdown is not on people’s minds and they are not putting trips off anymore and with lower gas prices compared to last year, people are finding ways to travel this Fourth of July…

Cut 5 (08) “…the country.”

Air travel is also seeing significant demand despite high ticket prices, with bookings remaining strong.

Cut 6 (12) “…year over year.”

AAA recommends using traffic apps and checking local Department of Transportation notifications. The best travel times are projected to be before noon on July 3 and July 4 to avoid peak congestion.

___________________________________

The University Medical Center New Orleans has launched its Healthy Brain Aging Initiative. Dr. Demetrius Maraganore (mare-a-gan-or-ee) with the Tulane Department of Neurology says the initiative will help reduce the number of people living with Alzheimer’s in the U.S., which is predicted to triple by 2050.

Cut 7 (12) “…specifically.”

The initiative has three centers — Alzheimer’s prevention, memory disorders and movement disorders — that focus on prevention, treatment, support and research. Maraganore says the centers are helpful for those at risk of cognitive decline too, as the centers can help answer several important questions such as…

Cut 8 (11) “…Alzheimer’s?”

Though the initiative’s focus is improving cognitive health in aging patients in Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas, the program is available to anyone anywhere, whether they know they’re at risk of cognitive decline or not. Maraganore says the program is especially useful for those with Alzheimer’s, as they can…

Cut 9 (10)  “…dementia.”

More information can be found under the About tab on the UMCNO website.

___________________________________

Beginning tomorrow non-felons over the age of 18 can carry a concealed handgun without a permit in Louisiana. New Iberia Senator Blake Miquez who authored the legislation says it’s a historic moment in Louisiana.

Cut 10 (08) “…violent criminals.”

Miquez, a world champion competitive pistol shooter, says all the same restrictions, obligations, and responsibilities under constitutional carry still apply as they do with a concealed carry permit.

Cut 11 (12) “…official stop”

Miquez says you can find those rules and regulations at LSP.org and other gun safety tips. Miquez says the new law, which goes into effect on Independence Day, empowers law-abiding citizens with the right to defend themselves.

Cut 12 (07) “…their actions.” 

If you aren’t trained in how to use a firearm, Miguez urges you to take a course for your own safety and the safety of others. You can find more information on LSP’s website. Louisiana will become the 29th state to allow permitless carry. 

______________________________________________

Recreational red snapper season will be weekends-only after a brief close in the season from July 7 to 12. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Director of Marine Fisheries Chris Schieble (shee-ble) says these changes are an attempt to slow an above-average catching season.

Cut 13 (08)  “…Labor Day weekend.”

55% of allocated red snapper have been caught since the season opened on April 15th. Schieble says LDWF is empowered to close the red snapper season mid-season like this, but they only do it to make sure anglers have enough to catch.

Cut 14 (08)  “…like this.”

The current bag limit of four per person and size limit of 16 inches minimum won’t change. Schieble says LDWF has had similar pauses in the red snapper season over the past couple of years and urges anglers to remember this is nothing new or drastic.

Cut 15 (11)  “…adjustments.”

Red snapper season runs until Labor Day, which is Monday, September 2nd.

____________________________________________________________

Cut 16 (14) “…I’m really honored.” 

Cut 17 (12) “…everyone involved.”

Cut 18 (11)  “…and as the host.”

___________________________________________________________________

Cut 19 (19) “…adversity.” 

Cut 20 (22) “…overcome that.”

Yes, it’s hot out there but LSU climatologist Barry Keim says this dome of high pressure is helping keep Hurricane Beryl from making a turn towards Louisiana.

Cut 12 (11) “… hope not.” 

The State Police Crime Lab launches a statewide sexual assault kit tracking program. Mel Bridges has the details.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

State Wildlife has cited six fishermen for illegally catching 120 red snapper of which 97 were undersized in Plaquemines Parish. Captain Tim Fox says Red snapper fishing is tightly regulated to ensure sustainable populations, and each angler is allowed to only catch four a day and the fish must be over 16 inches.

Cut 4 (06) “…24 snapper.”

The men face thousands of dollars in fines.

Congressman Troy Carter is upset the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has granted Denka, a chemical plant in St. John Parish, a two-year extension to reduce chloroprene emissions by 98-percent. Originally, they had until October 15^thbut Denka says it’s an unrealistic timeline and will result in the plant closing. Carter says the health of the area residents should be the top priority…

Cut 7 (10) “…anti-violator move..”

The Louisiana State Police Crime Lab has launched a statewide sexual assault kit tracking program as a result of a law approved in 2023. Captain Chad Guidry with the crime lab says this will make the tracking process more transparent for survivors.

Cut 9 (12) “…prosecution time.”

LSU climatologist Barry Keim says the dome of high pressure that’s helping to bake Louisiana is also keeping Hurricane Beryl from making a turn towards the northern Gulf Coast. Tomorrow, Jamacia is expected take a big hit from the Cat 4 storm and Friday Beryl is expected to make landfall on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Keim says most of the model runs have Beryl making a final landfall near the Texas-Mexico border…

Cut  14 (09) “..forecast.” 

Congressman Troy Carter is upset the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has granted Denka Performance Elastomer a two-year extension to reduce emissions. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (31) …I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has cited six fishermen for illegally catching 120 red snapper of which 97 were undersized in Plaquemines Parish. The men face thousands of dollars in fines. LDWF Captain Tim Fox says 33-year-old Encarnacion Lopez of Chalmette and five illegal immigrants were issued citations.

Cut 3 (12) “…fishing that day.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has cited six fishermen for illegally catching 120 red snapper of which 97 were undersized in Plaquemines Parish. Captain Tim Fox says 33-year-old Encarnacion Lopez of Chalmette and five illegal immigrants were issued citations. He emphasizes the importance of following fishing rules to protect marine ecosystems and ensure the long-term viability of fish species.

Cut 5 (05)  “…state alike.”

Congressman Troy Carter says the two-year extension Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has granted Denka Performance Elastomer in St. John Parish; to reduce emissions undermines efforts to protect the health of nearby communities and he reaffirmed his commitment to working with the EPA and community advocates to improve air quality in affected areas

Cut 8 (06)  “…for justice.”

The Louisiana State Police Crime Lab now has a statewide tracking program for sexual assault kits. Captain Chad Guidry with the crime lab says this will make the tracking process more transparent for survivors. For assault survivors, a portal on the LSP website allows users to put a kit number into to see where it is. For law enforcement, the portal shows where the kit is and which departments have already handled it. Guidry says Personal information is protected.

Cut 11 (12) ” …survivor’s side.”

LSU climatologist Barry Keim says this dome of high pressure that’s helping to bake Louisiana is also keeping Hurricane Beryl from making a turn towards the Gulf Coast but the Cat 4 is expected to bring life-threatening winds and storm surge to Jamaica tomorrow. A landfall on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is expected Friday.

cut  13 (07) “…problem here.” 

Most of the state is under a excessive heat warning today, but LSU climatologist Barry Keim says this dome of high pressure that’s helping to bake Louisiana is also keeping Hurricane Beryl from making a turn towards the Gulf Coast…

Cut 12 (11) “… hope not.” 

Congressman Troy Carter is upset the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has granted Denka Performance Elastomer, a chemical plant in St. John Parish, a two-year extension to reduce emissions. Originally they had until October 15^th to cut 98-percent of its chloroprene emissions. But Denka says it’s an unrealistic timeline and will result in the plant closing. Carter says the health of the area residents should be the top priority…

Cut 7 (10) “…anti-violator move..”

Louisiana State Police Crime Lab has launched a statewide sexual assault kit tracking program. Mel Bridges has the details.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

Police have arrested three teenagers in connection with the murder of 43-year-old Kristie Thibodeaux in the French Quarter early Sunday morning. NOPD says 17-year-old Jerben Albarec, 19-year-old Joshua Aviala-Bonifacio, and a 15-year-old boy were booked on charges of second-degree murder and attempted armed robbery. Around 4:40 Sunday morning Police responded to reports of a shooting at the intersection of Royal and St. Peter. Kristie Thibodeaux of Slidell was found seated in a vehicle and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The arrests were the result of the collaborative efforts of NOPD, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, State Police, and FBI.

Congressman Troy Carter is upset the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has granted the Denka chemical plant in St. John Parish, a two-year extension to reduce emissions. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (31) …I’m Sean Richardson.”

A fire broke out at the BioLab Plant in Westlake this morning, prompting a shelter in place. The fire has since been contained and the blaze is under investigation. State DEQ issued a news release that air monitors have not detected unsafe chlorine levels.

The state Crime Lab has launched a statewide sexual assault kit tracking program because of a law approved in 2023. LSP Captain Chad Guidry says the program is helpful not only for survivors, as it ensures they know where their kit is in the process, but for law enforcement too.

Cut 10 (08) “…the kits.”

You can find out more about the Tracking System and Survivor Portal under the Services tab at LSP.org.

State Wildlife has cited six fishermen for illegally catching 120 red snapper of which 97 were undersized in Plaquemines Parish. Captain Tim Fox says Red snapper fishing is tightly regulated to ensure sustainable populations, and each angler is allowed to only catch four a day and the fish must be over 16 inches.

Cut 4 (06) “…24 snapper.”

The men face thousands of dollars in fines.

Two adults and an 8-year-old child were found dead in a home near Albany Monday morning. Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard says 49-year-old Ginny Williamson, 49-year-old Steven Williamson, and the child in their custody died in what appears to be a murder/suicide.

Cut 15 (11)  “…to that.”

Ard says the bodies were discovered Monday morning by a family member who then called authorities around 8:00 a.m.

The Louisiana State Police Crime Lab has launched a statewide sexual assault kit tracking program as a result of a law approved in 2023. Captain Chad Guidry with the crime lab says this will make the tracking process more transparent for survivors.

Cut 9 (12) “…prosecution time.”

The Tracking System and Survivor Portal can be found under the Services tab at LSP.org.

Congressman Troy Carter is upset the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has granted Denka Performance Elastomer, a chemical plant in St. John Parish, a two-year extension to reduce emissions. Carter says the extension undermines efforts to protect the health of nearby communities, who have been exposed to harmful emissions from the plant.

Cut 6 (12) “…from the plant.”

Denka has criticized the new regulations as politically motivated and based on flawed science.

Here is a look at commodities…

A new law will go into effect on January first that says commercial insurers must cover the cost of Bariatric surgery. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 20 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Governor Landry plans to send Louisiana National Guard soldiers back to the U-S Mexico border. Louisiana National Guard soldiers spent three months helping with border patrols, but the mission ended earlier this month. Landry says Texas has asked the state to send engineer soldiers so Louisiana will spend 800-thousand dollars to have Louisiana National Guard there until mid-November.

The Denka Performance Elastomer plant in St. John the Baptist Parish is facing a 90-day deadline from the federal EPA to lower its emissions that community activists say is leading to higher cancer rates. But Louisiana DEQ Secretary Aurelia Giacometto says the state will give Denka two years to lower its emissions…
cut 12 (09) “….monitoring”
Denka says the plant does not pose a public health threat and they’ve already spent 35-million dollars on emission controls.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has cited six fishermen for illegally catching 120 red snapper of which 97 were undersized in Plaquemines Parish. The men face thousands of dollars in fines. LDWF Captain Tim Fox says 33-year-old Encarnacion Lopez of Chalmette along with five others who were illegal immigrants were issued citations.
Cut 3 (12) “…fishing that day.”
Fox says Red snapper fishing is tightly regulated to ensure sustainable populations, and each angler is allowed to only catch four a day and must be over 16 inches.

Two adults and an 8-year-old child were found dead in a home near Albany Monday morning. Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard says 49-year-old Ginny Williamson, 49-year-old Steven Williamson, and the child in their custody died in what appears to be a murder/suicide.
Cut 13 (09) “…shot herself.”
Ard says his office had not received any calls out to this family’ home and never received any reports of domestic violence involving this family.

Baton Rouge Senator Rick Edmonds’ new DWI law, approved during the crime special session went into effect on Monday. The law reforms Louisiana’s approach to driving while intoxicated offenses. An ignition interlock device will be required for six months upon first conviction, if the offender had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 percent or greater, the person’s driver’s license shall be suspended for two years.,,,
cut 7 (10) “…other states”
The law aims to reduce the state’s high rate of repeat DWI offenders.

The Denka plant in St. John Parish has received a two-year extension from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality to meet the EPA’s order to reduce emissions that residents in the area claim is causing higher cancer rates. Denka says EPA’s 90-day compliance period is unworkable and it will result in the chemical plant closing. DEQ Secretary Aurelia Giacometto agrees…
Cut 10 (07) “…90-days.”
It’s unclear if the state’s two year extension supersedes EPA’s 90-day order that will come to an end in October.

On January 1st, a new law goes into effect requiring commercial insurers to cover bariatric surgery for those who have a BMI over 40 and it will cover those with a BMI of 35 and up if they have another disease. Baton Rouge Senator Barrow says bariatric surgery is a game changer for many obese people,,,
cut 6 (12) “…all fo that”

The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating an apparent triple homicide-involving a man, a woman and an eight year child. Sheriff Jason Ard says they were found dead Monday morning…
cut 14 (11) “…crime scene”
Ard says his office does not have any history of violence involving this family. And they believe it was 49-year-old Giny Williamson killed her husband and the child and turned the gun hon himself.

A new law went into effect this week that results in tougher punishment for first-offense D-W-I offenders, including the installation of ignition locking devices in order to drive….
cut 8 (08) “….driver’s license’
That’s Baton Rouge Senator Rick Edmonds, who authored the legislation. He hopes the law can reduce the number of alcohol-related traffic fatalities.

The Biden Administration gave the Denka plant in Reserve 90 days to reduce emissions that some say increase the risk of cancer in St. John Parish. But the state Department of Environmental Quality is giving the controversial chemical plant two years to meet the EPA’s new emissions standards.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Authorities have identified the deceased body that was pulled out of the Ouachita River last week. Monroe Police say DNA analysis has confirmed the identity as 32-year-old Christopher Muse. Officials ask that you keep the Muse family in your prayers.