Schools are opening around the state as early as today; and as such, you should especially be on the lookout for kids making their way to school. Andre Champagne (SHOM-pine) reports.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”
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Statistics show a significant drop in the birth rate in Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
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A program that gives money back to SNAP recipients for purchasing fresh produce with their government assistance is expanding. Jeff Palermo has the story.
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”
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Schools are opening as early as today throughout the state, so Louisiana State Police are urging you to take all precautions necessary to keep your kids safe as they go back to school. Trooper Eddie Thomas says when a crossing guard tells you to do something, you do it.
Cut 4 (13) “…for everyone’s safety.”
Trooper Thomas says when the red lights on a school bus start flashing and the red stop sign swings out on the driver’s side of the bus, that’s not for decoration – that means that traffic coming from both directions needs to come to a full stop.
Cut 5 (08) “…bus moves again.”
Thomas says always use extra caution when approaching a school bus stop.
Cut 6 (10) “…the bus safely.”
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Statistics show that the birth rate in Louisiana is on the decline. Preliminary data shows that just over 52-thousand babies were born in Louisiana last year. That’s down from more than 63-thousand in 2013. Allison Plyer, the chief demographer at The Data Center in New Orleans, says the trend in birth rates and population goes hand-in-hand.
Cut 7 (12) “…lot fewer babies.”
Plyer says with fewer women of child-bearing age living in Louisiana, there will naturally be fewer babies born in the state.
Cut 8 (08) “…child-bearing age population.”
Plyer says a declining birth rate will have a ripple effect in just about every aspect of life in the state.
Cut 9 (08) “…across the state.”
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The state is expanding a program that puts money back on a SNAP recipients EBT card when they buy fresh produce. Tim Jenkins with the Department of Children and Family Services says SNAP recipients can now receive a 30-cent bonus for purchasing fruits and vegetables at Walmart stores in Calcasieu, Jackson, Lafayette, Rapides and Terrebonne parishes.
Cut 10 (09) “…eat healthy.”
Jenkins says these five parishes join Ascension, LaSalle, Sabine, Tangipahoa, Webster and West Carroll parishes already taking part in the Electronic Healthy Incentives Project. He says the program started in Louisiana last April and they are already seeing SNAP shoppers take advantage of it.
Cut 11 (08) “…been earned.”
No enrollment is required, and Jenkins says the program is open to all Louisiana SNAP recipients who shop at a Walmart in the eleven parishes.
Cut 12 (09) “…incentive.”
The 30-cent bonus is automatically added to EBT cards at checkout and can be used as soon as the next purchase. A SNAP shopper can receive up to 25 dollars per month.
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The Colorado State University hurricane forecast team continues to call for a slightly above-average 2025 hurricane season. There have been four named storms so far this year, but none of them have grown to hurricane strength. Dr. Phil Klotzbach says they predict a dozen more named storms, eight of which will strengthen into hurricanes.
Cut 13 (12) “…three major hurricanes.”
Klotzbach says two weeks from now, we’ll be entering the peak of the hurricane season.
Cut 14 (10) “…couple of weeks.”
Klotzbach says in a sign that the season will soon become more active, the tropical Atlantic has warmed faster than normal over the past few weeks, due to relatively weak winds blowing across the area.
Cut 15 (07) “…well above average.”
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LSU football is nearing its date with Clemson. As time ticks, LSU is still figuring out who will fit in the rotation, especially at the defensive back position. Cornerback PJ Woodland gained around 15 pounds during the offseason to be better suited for the position. Head coach Brian Kelly says that Woodland brings a special versatility to the defense.
Cut 16 (16) “…he brings that.”
LSU brought in several new defensive linemen to contribute to defensive coordinator Blake Baker’s disruptive scheme. With the abundance and depth of defensive linemen, head coach Brian Kelly says that the coaching staff has the creative options to put certain players in certain situations.
Cut 17 (20) “…pass rush now.”
Although LSU has a great leader behind center with Garrett Nussmeier, The Tigers are looking for development from its backup quarterbacks. Kelly says that Mississippi State transfer Michael Van Buren and 17-year-old Collin Hurley have the potential to be stars, but improvement is needed.
Cut 18 (18) “…big mistakes.”
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The New Orleans Saints offense looks to put out a dangerous product on the field with new head coach Kellen Moore. Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (EE-lair) says Moore’s new system allows him to be the shifty back he knows he can be.
Cut 19 (19) “…is endless.”
The Saints are practicing in Irvine, California, ahead of its game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. With the team being in a different environment, Moore still wants to see his team get the most out of practices.
Cut 20 (17) “…work for us.”