Qualifying for the statewide races got underway this morning at the Secretary of State’s Office in Baton Rouge. The first candidate for governor to sign up was Independent Hunter Lundy, an attorney from Lake Charles. Lundy says in order to improve Louisiana, more funding needs to go towards early childhood education…
cut 3 (12) “…change that”

John Schroder is one of five main Republican candidates expected to qualify between now and Thursday afternoon. Schroder has served as the State Treasurer since 2017 and before that he served in the Louisiana House for over ten years. The Covington resident wants to make fundamental changes to state government…
cut 5 (12) “…get the benefits”
Also qualifying, the lone major Democrat in the race Shawn Wilson.

Just when you thought it was safe, the Louisiana Department of Health’s recent report shows COVID hospitalizations more than doubled since mid-June from about 50 to over 100. Teiko Foxx has more.
Cut 2 (30) “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”

State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain qualified today for re-election as he’s seeking a fifth term. Strain says Louisiana farmers are responsible for helping to feed the world and he says he has a plan to help producers make that happen
Cut 9 (10) “…to export.”

It’s the first day of qualifying for the governor’s race and three of the major candidates signed up at the Secretary of State’s Office today to have their name on the October 14th ballot. Independent Hunter Lundy says he would like to raise the state’s minimum wage…
cut 4 (11) “…an hour”
Lundy and Democrat Shawn Wilson both said they would like to keep a temporary state sales tax on the books. Wilson says it’s needed to pay for vital services…
cut 8 (12) “…crime issue”
Republican John Schroder also qualified and was asked about trailing front-runner Jeff Landry in the polls…
cut 6 (08) “…do that”
Louisiana’s Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain qualified for re-election today as he seeks a fifth term. Strain says since he took over in 2008, he’s saved taxpayers 350-million dollars in salaries, interest payments and other costs by streamlining the department…
cut 11 (11) “…616”
Strain says the department has also paid off debts and liabilities of over $120 million and also significantly decreased the department’s automotive and aviation fleets.

There has been an increase in COVID hospitalizations since the week of June 22nd. Director of Infectious Diseases at LSU Health New Orleans, Doctor Julio Figueroa, says COVID is still part of our present and future…
cut 14 (10) “….controlled measures”
The number of people hospitalized due to COVID is 108 according to the last report by L-D-H. Over 19-thousand people have died from the virus.

Qualifying began today for the governor’s race and we heard from three of the candidates seeking to replace Governor John Bel Edwards. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (34)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

And in the State Treasurer’s race Democrat Dustin Granger qualified this morning. He’s a Democrat from Lake Charles and former Congressman John Flemming, who worked in the Trump Administration, along with Scott McKnight, another Republican, is also running for state treasurer.

State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain qualified today seeking a fifth term. He says the state has to double food production by 2050. He believes it’s possible because food production in the state has increased fourfold since 1960. But he says it must be streamlined and protect the environment at the same time.

Cut 10 environment. :11

The state COVID dashboard shows hospitalizations have doubled since June, and positive tests up 19-percent. Director of Infectious Diseases at LSU Health New Orleans, Doctor Julio Figueroa Figueroa says people with chronic health conditions, older adults, and underlying health conditions should minimize possible exposure.

Cut 13 (12) “…large gatherings.”

The race for governor officially got underway today with the first day of qualifying. Out of the seven major candidates, three of them qualified today. The first was Lake Charles attorney Hunter Lundy, a pro-life Independent, who wants to raise the minimum wage and renew a state sales tax that’s set to expire in 2025. Republican John Schroder also qualified. Schroder on the polls that show he’s trailing front-runner Jeff Landry by a wide margin…
cut 6 (08) “…do that”
Former state transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson also qualified. He’s the lone major Democrat in the race…
cut 7 (12) “…many sorts”
Wilson has received the endorsement of current Governor John Bel Edwards.

State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain qualified today as he’s seeking a fifth term. Strain says Louisiana farmers are responsible for helping to feed the world and he says he has a plan to help producers make that happen…
cut 9 (10) “….to export”
Strain is not expected to pick up a major challenger.

Four people have signed up for Secretary of State, three Republicans, Nancy Landry, Clay Schexnayder and Brandon Trosclair. Gwen Collins-Greenup is the lone Democrat. She previously ran unsuccessfully for the post in past.

As of now we have three candidates for state treasurer, Republicans John Fleming and Scott McKnight and Democrat Dustin Granger.

The college football preseason coach’s poll was recently unveiled and LSU comes in ranked at #5. LSU 2023 opponents that also got ranked in the poll were Alabama at #3, Ole Miss at #22, Texas A&M at #25, and their week one matchup, Florida State, at #8.

The coach’s poll reflects the high expectations for this year’s LSU team, and defensive end Sai’vion Jones says that the entire defensive line shares that similar idea.

Cut 16 (14) “…for all of us.”

LSU has been in the college football spotlight all offseason as a title contender, and Jones says they can play with anyone in the country.

Cut 18 (18) “…passionate we is.”

The New Orleans Saints have a day off today and will resume practice on Wednesday, and they have their first preseason game scheduled for noon on Sunday the 13^th against the Kansas City Chiefs.

What group of players competing in the each preseason game varies for each team, but Allen cleared up who he expects to play on Sunday.

Cut 26 (7) “…and the third.”

Tight end Juwan Johnson has been in the rotation for first team reps in the past mostly as a pass catcher, but this year he expects to play as a blocker as well. He says that tight end Jimmy Graham joining the team helped him learn that roll.

Cut 20 (16) “…I can be”

The Saints unofficial depth chart is expected to be released soon, and their first regular season game in Sunday Sept. 10 against Tennessee.

Qualifying for the statewide races got underway this morning at the Secretary of State’s Office in Baton Rouge. The first candidate for governor to sign up was Independent Hunter Lundy, an attorney from Lake Charles. Lundy says in order to improve Louisiana, more funding needs to go towards early childhood education…
cut 3 (12) “…change that”

John Schroder is one of five main Republican candidates expected to qualify between now and Thursday afternoon. Schroder has served as the State Treasurer since 2017 and before that he served in the Louisiana House for over ten years. The Covington resident wants to make fundamental changes to state government…
cut 5 (12) “…get the benefits”
Also qualifying in the race, the lone major Democrat in the race Shawn Wilson.

Louisiana’s heat-related deaths in June and July soared to 16 people passing the state’s average of 10.
Cut 1 (32) “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”

The state department of health’s COVID dashboard shows hospitalizations have doubled since June 22nd and the percent positivity rate for COVID tests has climbed to 19-percent. Director of Infectious Diseases at LSU Health New Orleans, Doctor Julio Figueroa says the uptick is related to a cycle that will probably reoccur every six months or so…
Cut 12 (11) “…the fall.”

Qualifying for the October 14^th primary is underway and LA Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says he isn’t expecting any surprises when it comes to the governor’s race. He says if there are any surprises, it will be in the legislative races. He expects several incumbents will find themselves challenged by substantial candidates.

Cut 11 (06) “…coming year.”

Telehealth services will be offered in 16 Louisiana library systems thanks to $50 thousand in grants from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation.  State Library of Louisiana Spokesperson Danny Monteverde says when people have access to a doctor virtually, they are more likely to access care.”

Cut 9 (10)  “…than later.”

Library systems with telehealth services can be found at state.lib.la.us.

16 Louisiana residents died from heat-related causes during the months of June and July, according to the Louisiana Department of Health.  Climate and Preventative Medicine Physician Dr. Alicia Van Doren says from April 1st to July 29th, there were 3,305 heat-caused emergency room visits, compared to an average of 2,700 over the last ten years. She says the burden of heat is not shared equally.

Cut 5 (11)   “…same findings.”

The State Fire Marshal and Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner have issued a statewide burn ban in response to concerning dry conditions.  Violation of the order could result in criminal and/or civil penalties, but Fire Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue assures residents the rules of the ban are easy to follow and shouldn’t inhibit daily life…

Cut 15 (11)  “…simple practice.”

Private burning will only be allowed with permission from local fire departments or the government.

Qualifying for the 2023 election begins today and Brooke Thorington talks to a political insider about what we can expect.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Authorities are searching for a teenage male they believe fatally injured his girlfriend in a jealous rage in Gonzales Friday. Deputies were called to a home on Bourque Road after 15-year-old Gracie Limas was found dead from a gunshot wound. 16-year-old Jaquin Stephens is wanted on second-degree murder, illegal use of weapons, and illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile.

Eleven libraries across Louisiana will soon offer access to free telehealth services as part of $50,000 worth of grants from The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation. People will be able to access telehealth solutions in Beauregard, Cameron, Concordia, East Carroll, Franklin, St. John the Baptist, Ouachita, Union, Vermillion, Washington, and West Baton Rouge parishes. State Library of Louisiana Spokesperson Danny Monteverde says this is the first step in closing barriers in the digital divide and healthcare for people who may not be able to afford it…

Cut 8 (11) “…people need.”

A statewide burn ban has been issued by the State Fire Marshal and Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner has issued a statewide burn ban due to extreme heat and dry conditions. Private burning will only be allowed with permission from local fire departments. Fire Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the decision was made out of consideration for their firefighters and their staff.”

Cut 13 (12) “…fire departments.”

Qualifying gets underway at 8 AM as candidates who want to be on the October 14th ballot sign up at the Secretary of State’s office if they are running for a statewide elected position. Three candidates for governor are expected to sign up today, Hunter Lundy, John Schroder and Shawn Wilson.

Louisiana’s heat-related deaths in June and July soared to 16 people passing the state’s average of 10. Teiko Foxx has more…
Cut 1 (32) “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”

The Louisiana Fire Marshal’s Office has issued a statewide burn ban due to the dry and hot conditions. The burn ban primarily addresses the open burning of brush piles for cleanup on private property. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says they typically recommend burners keep a close watch on burn piles, so they do not result in brush fires…
Cut 14 (11) “…better handle.”
According to the state’s drought monitor, southwest Louisiana and areas below I-10 and I-12 are the driest in the state.

Eleven Louisiana library systems will soon offer access to telehealth services thanks to grant dollars from The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation. State Library of Louisiana Spokesperson Danny Monteverde says these grants will help bridge the gap with healthcare and technology in rural cities…
Cut 7 (11) “…their provider.”

Qualifying begins today for the October 14th primary and LA Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford is not expecting any surprises when it comes to the governor’s race. He says it looks like all seven of the major players will qualify, five republicans, one democrat and one independent. He says so far this governor’s race has not generated much buzz which could impact turnout….
Cut 10 (04) “…the ticket.”
Qualifying will run through Thursday.

At least 16 people in Louisiana died in June and July from heat-related causes, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. Climate and Preventative Medicine Physician Dr. Alicia Van Doren says the heat is a concerning health problem that could get worse over the years because of climate change….
Cut 4 (11) “…dangerous levels.”

The State Fire Marshal has issued a statewide burn ban due to concerns about dry conditions. Kace Kieschnick has the story…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

And there’s no relief in sight from this excessive heat. At least the tropics are quiet.