With the general election three months from today, the Secretary of State’s office is out with its inactive voter list. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A Tulane University study made a one-of-a-kind discovery about how bats fight off diseases so effectively. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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The calendar has flipped to August, and that means it’s just about time for back-to-school shopping! Jeanne Burns reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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The general election is three months from today, and the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office has put out its inactive voter list. That number is currently at about 447-thousand, accounting for 15-percent of all registered voters. Trey Williams with the Secretary of State’s Office says there are two main reasons voters are moved to the inactive voter list.

Cut 4 (11) “…past ten years.”

One common misconception is that being on the inactive voter list means you can’t vote. That’s not true. And Williams says coming off that inactive voter list is actually very easy, and Secretary Nancy Landry won’t even make you write a three-page essay explaining why you failed to do your civic duty for more than a decade.

Cut 5 (08) “…in and vote.”

You can check to see whether you’re on the inactive voter list on Geaux Vote-dot-com. Williams says when you’re added to the list, the clock starts running towards being removed from the voter roll altogether.

Cut 6 (11) “…registration is cancelled.”

If that happens and you still live in Louisiana, you would simply need to re-register to vote.

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Researchers at Tulane University might have discovered how bats are able to carry so many viral diseases without getting sick themselves. Associate Professor Hannah Frank led the study and says the largest family of bats has special genes to produce antibodies that fight off pathogens.

Cut 7 (11) “…is pretty nifty.”

She says one gene system develops generally effective antibodies while the other recognizes and targets specific pathogens.

Cut 8 (08) “…not getting sick.”

Frank says understanding how bats coexist with viruses can help scientists understand immune systems in other species as well as viral development. She says numerous advancements could be made, thanks to this discovery.

Cut 9 (13)  “…they’re most dangerous.”

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The calendar has flipped to August, and that means attention will soon turn to back-to-school shopping. But the National Retail Federation says for many, back-to-school shopping has already begun. Allison Zeller, the vice president of industry and consumer insights, says this year, 62-percent already got their back-to-school shopping underway, with a record-breaking 32-percent having done so all the way back in early June.

Cut 10 (13) “…back-to-school.”

In all, Americans are expected to spend almost 147-billion dollars in back-to-school shopping this year, from kindergarten all the way through college. NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews says this comes as families’ budgets are a lot tighter due to zero wage growth caused by inflation and tariffs.

Cut 11 (12) “…to the pandemic.”

Mathews says despite that, consumers have shown that they are willing to make sacrifices to spend on things that matter to their loved ones.

Cut 12 (12) “…hours if needed.”

NRF says it expects consumers to spend 40-billion dollars on electronics, 26-billion dollars on clothing, 18-billion dollars on shoes and 14-billion dollars on school supplies.

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***Mandatory credit to NBC’s “Meet The Press” with each air use***

Senator John Kennedy says U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro did the right thing by dropping the charges against former Olympic canoeist Davey Hearn after it was determined that damage to the reflecting pool was caused by botched installation and not vandalism on Hearn’s part. On NBC’s “Meet The Press,” Senator Kennedy said President Trump coming up with his theories as part of his political messaging is one thing; making those claims in a court of law is something else entirely.

Cut 13 (10)  “…will find out.”

On avoiding another government shutdown, Kennedy expressed opposition on “Meet The Press” to a bipartisan deal which would, in part, take away President Trump’s authority to review government grants.

Cut 14 (13) “…is hell no.”

On the ongoing talks with Iran, amid the news that Trump will halt planned attacks to allow talks to continue, Kennedy told “Meet The Press” that President Trump cannot take Iran for its word under any circumstances.

Cut 15 (15) “…or Charles Manson.”

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Saints eighth overall pick Jordyn Tyson says he’s been excited to get involved during training camp. The Arizona State wide receiver has been limited since the draft as he recovers from a hamstring injury. Now good to go, he says he’s loved playing with second-year quarterback Tyler Shough.

Cut 16 (11) “…I’m loving it.”

The Saints drafted Tyson to create a dynamic pass-catching duo with top receiver Chris Olave. Tyson says Olave is a quiet guy; but every time he speaks, he tries to listen, because he knows it’s the truth.

Cut 17 (11) “…so that’s amazing.”

Tyson is known for his explosive playmaking after the catch and twitchy route running. He says he’s always had those skills.

Cut 18 (10) “…obtain that ability.”

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Saints head coach Kellen Moore confirmed defensive tackle Bryan Bresee will be undergoing season-ending ACL surgery. Bresee suffered the knee injury on the first day of training camp. Veteran interior defensive lineman Davon Godchaux says it was a freak accident, but he’s still determined to bring the best out of the unit.

Cut 19 (13) “…dominating this season.”

Godchaux is entering his tenth NFL season and second in New Orleans. The former LSU tackle will lead the way in the middle of the defensive front without Bresee, but he says it’s a group effort.

Cut 20 (17) “…you’ll be okay.”

Bresee was entering his fourth NFL season after being taken by New Orleans out of Clemson in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He’s under contract through 2027.

One of several new laws going into effect today allows retired teachers to return to the classroom without having their retirement benefits reduced.  It also allows retirees to suspend their benefits and regain membership in the retirement system and allows for a new supplemental benefit. by Gonzales Senator Ed Price, who authored the bill says the new should benefit everyone.

Cut 9 (09)  “…retirement system.”

Navy Seaman Joseph Ucline Conner is being laid to rest in Lake Charles today, more than 85 years after he was killed in Pearl Harbor thanks to anthropological and mitochondrial DNA. Connor was 24 years old when he joined the military and rose to the rank of Fireman 1st Class when he was aboard the USS Utah on that fateful day in 1941.

Cut 4 (11) “…including Joseph Conner.”

Conner was decorated with several service medals, including the Purple Heart.

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Participants in the Louisiana Women, Infants and Children program may begin using their new EBT cards today. Leslie Lewis, the nutrition operations manager at the Louisiana Department of Health, says in most cases it’ll mean fewer clinic visits for participants.

Cut 11 (07) “…just about yearly.”

Saints wide receiver Chris Olave spoke yesterday, just a day after signing a four-year, 132-million-dollar contract extension. Kace Kieschnick has details.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschncik.”

Participants in the Louisiana Women, Infants and Children program may begin using their new EBT cards today. Leslie Lewis, the nutrition operations manager at the Louisiana Department of Health, says the new cards help modernize the whole system.

Cut 12 (08) “…a federal requirement.”

Participants will need to call the number on the back of the card or use the MyWIC app to choose a PIN before using their new cards.

Chris Olave spoke at training camp yesterday after signing a four-year, 132-million-dollar extension. Olave had the best season of his career last year with 100 catches, over one-thousand yards and nine touchdowns. He says this is the most momentum there has been in New Orleans since he’s been there, and it means a lot to stay long-term.

Cut 15 (11) “…that every day.”

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After 85 years, a Cameron Parish seaman will finally get a proper funeral here in Louisiana today.  Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (42) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Visitation is being held today from 5 to 8 p.m. and 9 to 11 tomorrow morning before the service. All veterans are invited to the visitation.

Quite a few new laws go into effect today. Among them is one that allows retired teachers to return to the classroom without having their retirement benefits reduced. It was authored by Gonzales Senator Ed Price, who says it will help support teachers and the school systems.

Cut 8 (10) “…agreed to.”

Another one toughens penalties for those who assault teachers and other school personnel. Among other things, it subjects students who assault teachers to expulsion, and it allows up to a year of paid medical leave for teachers and other school personnel injured on the job by an unruly student. Author of the bill, New Orleans Representative Candace Newell says her bill gives them peace of mind.

Cut 7 (12) “…of their administration.”

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WIC participants may begin using their new EBT cards today. LDH Nutrition Operations Manager Leslie Lewis says these cards are different from the old cards that had to have benefits loaded in person every three months.

Cut 10 (08) “…be loaded remotely.”

More than 85 years after he was killed in Pearl Harbor, Navy seaman Joseph Ucline Connor will be laid to rest at his home in Lake Charles today. Louisiana Veterans Affairs Secretary Charlton Meginley says the Defense Accounting Agency and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used anthropological and mitochondrial DNA analysis to identify him.

Cut 3 (12) “…from family members.”

More than 85 years after he was killed in Pearl Harbor, a Cameron Parish Navy seaman will be laid to rest in Lake Charles Saturday. Louisiana Veterans Affairs Secretary Charlton Meginley says using anthropological and mitochondrial DNA analysis, the Defense Accounting Agency and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System positively identified the remains of Joseph Conner.

Cut 3 (12) “…from family members.”

A slew of new laws goes into effect tomorrow, including one that allows retired teachers to return to the classroom without a reduction in their benefits. The author of the bill, Gonzales Senator Ed Price, says it’s a win for everyone.

Cut 9 (09)  “…retirement system.”

Participants in Louisiana’s WIC program can use their new EBT cards starting tomorrow. LDH Nutrition Operations Manager Leslie Lewis says benefits will be loaded onto those cards remotely, meaning most participants will no longer have to visit a clinic every three months.

Cut 11 (07) “…just about yearly.”

We’re hearing from Saints wide receiver Chris Olave one day after he signed a four-year, 132-million dollar contract extension. While he’s had three one-thousand-yard seasons, his four concussions since entering the league were a major concern. That said, Olave says this deal is fair for both sides.

Cut 13 (11) “…communicating that.”

The contract makes Olave the highest paid Saint and sixth-highest paid receiver in the league.

A slew of new laws goes into effect Saturday. Among them is one that allows retired teachers to return to the classroom without having their retirement benefits reduced. It was authored by Gonzales Senator Ed Price, who says it will help support teachers and the school systems.

Cut 8 (10) “…agreed to.”

Another one toughens penalties for those who assault teachers and other school personnel. That was authored by New Orleans Representative Candace Newell. Among other things, it subjects students who assault teachers to expulsion, and it allows up to a year of paid medical leave for teachers and other school personnel who are injured on the job by an unruly student. Newell says her bill gives them peace of mind.

Cut 7 (12) “…of their administration.”

WIC participants may begin using their new EBT cards tomorrow. LDH Nutrition Operations Manager Leslie Lewis says these cards are different from the old cards that had to have benefits loaded in person every three months.

Cut 10 (08) “…be loaded remotely.” 

Saints wide receiver Chris Olave speaks one day after signing a four-year, 132-million-dollar contract extension. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Participants in the Louisiana Women, Infants and Children program may begin using their new EBT cards tomorrow. Leslie Lewis, the nutrition operations manager at the Louisiana Department of Health, says the new cards help modernize the whole system.

Cut 12 (08) “…a federal requirement.”

Participants will need to choose a PIN before using their new cards; they may do so by calling the number on the back of the card or by using the myWIC app.

Chris Olave spoke at training camp today after signing a four-year, 132-million-dollar extension. Olave had the best season of his career last year with 100 catches, over one-thousand yards and nine touchdowns. He says this is the most momentum there has been in New Orleans since he’s been there, and it means a lot to stay long-term.

Cut 15 (11) “…that every day.”

After 85 years, a Cameron Parish seaman will finally get a proper funeral in his home state Saturday. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (42) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Visitation is being held today from 5 to 8 p.m. and 9 to 11 tomorrow morning before the service. All veterans are invited to the visitation.

A Cameron Parish seaman who was killed during World War Two 85 years ago will finally have a proper funeral tomorrow. Joseph Connor was aboard the USS Utah on December 7th, 1941, when it was attacked in Pearl Harbor. His remains went unidentified until this past May. Louisiana V-A Secretary Charlton Meginley says Conner’s name was listed on what’s commonly known as The Punchbowl. 

Cut 5 (12) “…finally found him.”

Participants in Louisiana’s WIC program can use their new EBT cards starting tomorrow. LDH Nutrition Operations Manager Leslie Lewis says benefits will be loaded onto those cards remotely, meaning most participants will no longer have to visit a clinic every three months.

Cut 11 (07) “…just about yearly.”

A slew of new laws goes into effect tomorrow. One of them, authored by New Orleans Representative Candace Newell (new-WELL), toughens penalties for those who assault teachers and other school personnel. Newell says unruly students have been pushing teachers out of the profession.

Cut 6 (07) “…in the classroom.”

We’re hearing from Chris Olave, one day after he signed a four-year, 132-million-dollar contract extension with the Saints. Olave said he’s glad to get back onto the field and didn’t want to bring any negativity to the team.

Cut 14 (08) “…be a leader.”

New Orleans traded up to draft Olave 11th overall in 2022. He had the best season of his career last season with 100 catches, over one-thousand yards receiving and nine touchdowns.