According to the CDC Louisiana has twice the national average of COVID. LSU-Health New Orleans Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says an uptick in cases has been found via wastewater detection.

Cut 3 (13) “…with COVID.”

Lopez says there’s a surge in COVID cases nationwide, including emergency room admissions and wastewater detection in other states.

The Louisiana Blood Center issues an urgent appeal for blood donations, stating at least 200 donors are needed daily to meet the demand. Blood Center Medical Director Tim Peterson says donations have been declining for a decade…

Cut 6 (12) “…7 million people.”

A new law goes into effect this school year to hold third-grade students back if they’re not meeting reading requirements to help bring up the state’s literacy rate. Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says they have additional options leading up to the start of fourth grade should students have problems

Cut 24 (08) “…classroom.”

The Humor & Harmony Weekend kicks off today, hosted by rapper Curtis Jackson, better known as 50 Cent, in downtown Shreveport. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says this festival, which runs until Sunday, comes at the perfect time to help Louisiana’s smaller cities.

Cut 14 (12)  “…to the area.”

Tickets are sold out but you can catch the event via a live simulcast.

This year’s public school third graders will be the first class that must demonstrate proficiency in reading to graduate to the fourth grade.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The parents of a 19-month-old killed in a police shooting have filed a lawsuit that names Lafayette Police, the city, and others as defendants. The toddler died in the crossfire when officers responded to a domestic violence complaint last August. The lawsuit says police were notified children were present before the shooting started.

If you’re driving your children to school remember to have them properly restrained in the vehicle and Trooper Eddie Thomas says children under the age of 13 need to ride in the back seat whenever possible…

Cut 9 (09)  “…car seat.

Also remember traffic in both lanes needs to stop when a school bus has their stop sign out, unless there’s a barrier dividing the roadway.

A 2022 law that limited the release of mugshots was overturned in the past session and it went into effect August 1^st. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh sponsored the reversal because he says sheriffs were often confused by the vague language of the law, so they usually ended up not releasing any mugshots.

Cut 11 (11) “…which couldn’t.” The previous law only allowed mugshots to be released if they were suspected of violent offenses.

We might see more mugshots released to the public as a result of a new law. Mel Bridges has the details.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

Retired New Orleans Police officer Jeffrey Vappie, who once served as Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s bodyguard, has pleaded not guilty in federal court to wire fraud and making false statements. Vappie is accused of lying about his relationship with Cantrell and getting paid while performing recreational activities which include an alleged romantic relationship with the mayor. Vappie’s attorneys say the former officer is innocent of the charges.

Today is the first day of school for many and State Police is urging motorists to stop when a school bus has stopped and flashing red lights. Trooper Eddie Thomas says if a bus stops to let kids on and off and it’s a four-lane road with a physical barrier, a raised median, or a continuous lane, than oncoming traffic does not have to stop….
cut 8 (-09) “…with caution”

The first ever Humor and Harmony weekend gets underway today in Shreveport. Media mogul and award winning artist, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is putting on the event that’s expected to attract 30-thousand people. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says New Orleans is the big driver of tourism to Louisiana, but is excited to see other cities try different events to bring tourists in…
cut 15 (12) “….spending money”

Starting this school year, third graders will not be promoted to the fourth grade if they score “well below” at least three times on a literacy screener test….
cut 5 (12) “…beyond the third”
That’s Superintendent of Education Doctor Cade Brumley, who says tutoring and other services will be available for third graders who are struggling to read at grade level.

Mugshots are more accessible as a result of a new law that went into effect this month…
cut 12 (11) “…parameters on it”
. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh authored legislation that reversed a 2022 law that made most mugshots unavailable depending on the crime that person was accused of.

It’s the first day of school for many students, which means yellow school buses are once again populating our roads. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

State Police is investigating a fatal bicycle crash that claimed the life of 39-year-old Lawrence Hebert of New Iberia. It happened Tuesday night in Lafayette Parish on Louisiana Highway 343 near Landry Road in Duson. L-S-P says Hebert was hit from behind by a GM Sierra and died from his injuries. He was not wearing helmet and his bicycle had no lights or reflectors.

This year’s public school third graders will be the first class that must demonstrate proficiency in reading to graduate to the fourth grade. Sean Richardson has the story.
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

There were several legislative hearings at the state capitol yesterday and the focus was on the state’s high auto insurance rates. It’s possible we could see a special session early next year on insurance that will be filled with tort reform proposals.

As a result of a new law, we might see more mugshots released to the public. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh authored a measure that repeals a law from 2022 that set parameters for what mugshots could be released. Seabaugh says the 2022 law had good intentions, but it became costly and time consuming for sheriff departments to determine which mugshots could be released based on the 2022 law that sought to restrict the release of mugshots….
Cut 10 (12) “…put it back.”

The Humor & Harmony Weekend kicks off today, hosted by rapper Curtis Jackson, better known as 50 Cent, in downtown Shreveport. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says this festival is exactly what’s needed to bring tourists to Louisiana during the summer months.
Cut 13 (12) “…slow time.”
The Humor and Harmony is a four-day event that features musical performances, comedy shows, classic car shows, plus after parties.

According to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, there are almost 78-thousand illegal school bus passes annually in Louisiana. State Trooper Eddie Thomas wants to remind motorists to halt when the stop sign on a school bus is out
Cut 7 (07) “…need to stop.”
Thomas says all traffic must come to a complete stop at least 30 feet away from the bus, but motorists heading in the opposite direction do not have to stop when it’s a four-lane road, with a physical barrier, a raised median or a continuous turn lane.

A new law goes into effect this school year that will hold children back in the third grade if they are not meeting reading requirements. Superintendent of Education Doctor Cade Brumley says this year’s third graders will be the first class that must demonstrate proficiency in reading to graduate to the fourth grade…
Cut 4 (10) “…and shared with teachers.”
If a student gets a “well below” score after three tests, additional tutoring will be available.

We might see more mugshots released to the public as a result of a new state law. Mel Bridges has the details.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

The parents of a 19-month old killed in a police shooting has filed a lawsuit that names Lafayette Police, the city and others as defendants. The toddler died in the cross fire when officers responded to a domestic violence complaint last August. The lawsuit says police were notified children were present before the shooting started. Authorities say two officers were shot when John Nicholas opened fire on law enforcement and he’s been indicted on second-degree murder, five counts of attempted first degree murder and other charges.

This year’s public school third graders will be the first class that must demonstrate proficiency in reading to graduate to the fourth grade. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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It’s that time of year when school buses taking students back and forth from school are on the road. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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We might see more mugshots released to the public as a result of a new law. Mel Bridges has the details.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

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A new law goes into effect this school year that will hold children back in the third grade if they are not meeting reading requirements to help bring up Louisiana’s literacy rates. Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says this year’s third graders will be the first class that must demonstrate proficiency in reading to graduate to the fourth grade…

Cut 4 (10) “…and shared with teachers.”

If third graders score in the “well below” category, which about 30 percent of the third-grade students did last year, they will be put into extra tutoring and support programs in hopes of later testing high enough to advance to fourth grade.

Cut 5 (12) “…beyond the third.”

If a student gets a “well below” score after three tests, additional tutoring, and doesn’t meet any of the excused reasons Brumley says they have additional options throughout the summer leading up to the start of the fourth-grade school year…

Cut 6 (08) “…classroom.”

The legislature invested $30 million into intensive tutoring programs during the school day and increased the cap of potential scholarships through the Steve Carter Literacy Program for after-school help.

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According to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, there are almost 78-thousand illegal school bus passes annually in Louisiana. State Trooper Eddie Thomas wants to remind motorists to halt when the stop sign on a school bus is out because children are either entering or exiting the bus.

Cut 7 (07) “…need to stop.”

Thomas says when there’s a divided highway with a center turning lane with two travel lanes on either side the rule is different when it comes to a school bus…

Cut 8 (09) “…with caution.”

And if you’re driving your children to school remember to have them properly restrained anytime they are in a vehicle. Thomas says children under the age of 13 need to drive in the back seat whenever possible…

Cut 9 (09)  “…car seat.

If you have any questions about properly restraining your child and the proper use of a child seat, Thomas says you can contact your local State Police Troop and they will be happy to assist you.

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As a result of a new law, we might see more mugshots released to the public. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh’s law repeals a law from 2022 that set parameters for what mugshots could be released. Seabaugh says the 2022 law had good intentions….

Cut 10 (12) “…put it back.”

The 2022 law only allowed law enforcement to release mugshots of suspects booked for violent offenses. Seabaugh says sheriffs were often confused by the vague language of the law, so they usually ended up not releasing any mugshots.

Cut 11 (11) “…which couldn’t.”

The new law reinstates rules that were in place before the 2022 law. Seabaugh says after multiple texts and calls from confused sheriffs, he was happy to author legislature to restore their ability to make the call on whether or not to release a mugshot.

Cut 12 (11) “…parameters on it.”

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The Humor & Harmony Weekend kicks off today, hosted by rapper Curtis Jackson, better known as 50 Cent, in downtown Shreveport. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says this festival is exactly what’s needed to bring tourists to smaller Louisiana towns.

Cut 13 (12)  “…slow time.”

Humor & Harmony will feature concerts, a comedy show, a car show, and a 3-on-3 pro basketball game, plus after-parties hosted by 50 Cent. Nungesser says this festival, which runs until Sunday, comes at the perfect time to help Louisiana’s smaller cities.

Cut 14 (12)  “…to the area.”

The G-Dome, a temporary dome where a majority of this weekend’s events will be held, went up earlier this week. It can hold around 4,000 people, which is around the number of expected festival-goers. Nungesser says this will help prove that small cities can host tourists just as well as big cities, and provide Shreveport with tourism money.

Cut 15 (12)  “…spending money.”

Humor & Harmony tickets are sold out, but you can still catch the festival via a live simulcast.

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Joe Sloan takes over play-calling duties for the LSU Tigers after serving the last two seasons as the quarterbacks coach. Sloan was promoted to co-offensive coordinator along with Cortez Hankton, when last year’s O-C, Mike Denbrock, went back to Notre Dame. Sloan says it’s a group effort when it comes to running the offense

Cut 16 (19) “… they can execute.” 

LSU returns four starters on its offensive line and Sloan plans to use that to his advantage…

Cut 17 (21) “…we’re gonna do it.”

A focus for the offense is a developing a rushing attack with the running backs getting most of the yards on the ground. It could be a break out season for sophomore running back Kaleb Jackson, who has added muscle and Sloan says he’s also a smarter back…

Cut 18 (18)  “…complete running back.”

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Cut 19 (11) “…championship level play.”

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Cut 20 (19) “…bar none.”

The Ponchatoula Police Department has arrested a 16-year-old boy after he threatened to kill two female school mates. Police Chief Bry Layrisson says the suspect told other students that the two girls would not make it past the first day of school….
cut 13 (08) “…or not”
Layrisson says it’s the first time his department acted on a school threat before the school year begins.

State Police are urging motorists to slow down as kids head back to the classroom. Trooper Eddie Thomas says to be mindful of school zones along your commute and to pay extra attention to your surroundings.

Cut 9 (09) “…school season.”

School zones are also cellphone-free zones.

The Mobile City Council approved funding for the Gulf Coast Amtrak Train Service running from New Orleans to Mobile with a 6-0 vote. Southern Rail Commission Chairman Knox Ross says with platforms ready in New Orleans and the Mississippi cities the next steps are getting the platform and station track completed in Mobile…

Cut 6 (06) “..start date.”

Ross says the service is projected to begin in the spring of 2025

Today was Purple Heart Day, and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs encouraged the public to wear purple. LDVA Program Manager and Purple Heart recipient William McInnis says…

Cut 3 (07) “…keep the country free.”

Purple Heart Day is a time to pay tribute to those who have shown extraordinary bravery and selflessness in the line of duty.

The Mobile City Council unanimously approved funding for a passenger rail service going round trip between New Orleans and Mobile, with stops in Bay St.Louis, Gulfport Biloxi and Pascagoula. Southern Rail Commission Chairman Knox Ross believes this will become a great weekend getaway for South Louisianians, as all the cities along the route are pedestrian-friendly.

cut 8 (08) “…get on the train.”
Today was Purple Heart Day, and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs encouraged the public to wear purple. LDVA Program Manager and Purple Heart recipient William McInnis says the department’s initiative aims to foster greater public awareness and respect for veterans awarded with the Purple Heart, reinforcing the message that their sacrifices are not forgotten.

cut 4 (07) “…lift their spirit.”

We’re nine weeks into the 2024 hurricane season and there have been four named storms. The Colorado State Hurricane forecast team predicts this season will produce around two dozen storms. CSU Hurricane Forecast Team researcher Levi Silvers says sea surface temperatures are running well above average…

cut 18 (07) “…active season”

Silvers says there’s a 20-percent chance Louisiana will see a major hurricane this year.
State Police are urging motorists to slow down as kids head back to school. Trooper Eddie Thomas reminds you to be mindful of cross-guards when in a school zone, saying they have the authority to control traffic flow at intersections and ensure student safety. Thomas also says to pay attention to speed limits in school zones.

cut 10 (11) “…picking up children.”