Louisiana sets records for its unemployment rate and the number of folks employed in the latest jobs report. Kevin Gallagher has the story…
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Baton Rouge Judge Don Johnson denies Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry’s request to allow a law that bans most abortions to go into effect while he appeals Johnson’s previous ruling that blocked the abortion ban. That means the state’s three licensed abortion clinics remain open for now.

A researcher at Tulane University co-authors two studies that pinpoints the Wuhan Market as the origin of COVID-19 cases in humans. Tulane professor of microbiology & immunology Dr. Robert Garry says the conclusion came after extensive examination of thousands of DNA samples collected. He says they were able to identify some of the very first persons to contract the deadly virus…:
Cut 7 (10) “…this uhhh Wuhan Market.”
Specifically the southwest corner of the market, which is the same section where vendors were selling live mammals known to be susceptible to SARS-related coronaviruses.

Lafourche Parish Sheriff deputies have charged 65-year-old Rickey Cheramie with video voyeurism after he allegedly installed a camera in a woman’s bathroom of her home. Captain Brennan Matherne…
cut 14 (10) “…his phone”
Matherne says Cheramie initially told investigators the cameras were to monitor who was going in and out of rooms in the home.

Louisiana has more people working than ever. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in June was a record low 3.8 percent and the number of employed, which was just over two-million, also set an all-time record. Louisiana Workforce Commission Secretary Ava Cates says the state’s workforce continues to grow….
Cut 4 (09) “…good news”
But Cates says the state still has over 25-thousand jobs available on their Louisiana Works website.

Renowned cancer researcher Dr. Joe Ramos is the new director of the Louisiana Cancer Research Center in New Orleans. Ramos who is currently the interim director of the University of Hawaii Cancer Center says he’s looking forward to making an impact in Louisiana with his 30 years of experience.
Cut 10 (09) “…very attractive.”
Ramos says his goal is to reduce the number of cancer deaths in Louisiana.

A Tulane researcher co-authors studies that pinpoints the Wuhan Market in China as the starting place for COVID-19. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 2 (33) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

No one won last night’s 830-million dollar Mega Millions jackpot and the grand prize for Friday night’s drawing tops one billion dollars.

Two-thirds of motorists have been making significant changes in their driving habits to combat high gas prices, that’s according to a Triple-A survey. Spokesperson Don Redman says even though the statewide average for a gallon of regular gas has dropped to $3.92, the changes in driving habits will most likely continue.

Cut 4  (10) “…the winter.”

The Department of Children and Family Services is expanding pandemic benefits for eligible K-12 students this summer. Assistant Secretary for Family Support Shavana Howard the benefits will be added automatically. And the website is p-ebtla-dot-org. has information about the program and what can be purchased.

Cut 11 (05)  “…p-ebt card.”

When qualifying for fall elections was over last week, two U.S. House district races had no Democrat entered. Kevin Gallagher looks at why…?

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”  

Raising Canes CEO Todd Graves has bought 50-thousand tickets for tonight’s massive Mega Millions drawing. Graves says if any of the tickets wins the big jackpot, he will split it evenly among his company’s employees. The jackpot is now roughly $830-million.

According to AAA close to two-thirds of motorists have made lifestyle changes due to prices at the pump…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Thorington.”

Morehouse Parish deputies are investigating three separate shooting incidents in the small town of Bastrop in just eight days; all outside one local convenience store. LEO’s believe all are the result of disputes that are drug-related. Tipsters are asked to call the MPSO and share what they know.

The state Department of Children and Family Services has received approval to expand pandemic benefits for eligible K-12 students to help cover the cost of food for the summer. Assistant Secretary for Family Support Shavana Howard says students who received free or reduced-price meals and were in school in May of 2022, won’t have to apply for summer P-EBT benefits…:

CUT 10(06)      “…the benefits.”

Sign up or get more information at “PEBT.la.org”

In New Orleans, the federal tax fraud trial of Orleans D.A. Jason Williams has gone to the jury. Prosecutors say Williams and a business partner willingly filed false returns to get out of paying thousand in taxes. Williams’ defense attorneys blame it all on his accountant, but called no witnesses. A verdict is expected soon.

Federal money flows into Louisiana to establish broadband internet service to some 66-thousand homes & businesses in 50 parishes. Veneeth Iyengar is Director of the Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity. He says the money comes from the America Rescue Plan, and using it they have a goal to eliminate the digital divide in Louisiana by 2029…:

CUT 14(07)      “…spent wisely.”

See if your parish will benefit. Visit “connect. La.gov”

According to a survey by AAA, motorists are making significant changes in their driving habits to combat high gas prices. Louisiana AAA’s Don Redman says that’s true, and these are the three behaviors they’re changing…:

CUT 03(09)      “…the economy.”

Gas IS in retreat. The statewide average for regular is now $3.92; down 53-cents from a month ago.

When qualifying for fall elections ended last week, it was clear that NO Democrat candidates were running in TWO congressional races. Shreveport Congressman Mike Johnson had no challenger at all – winning re-election unopposed. Baton Rouge area Congressman Garret Graves has two contenders, but neither are Democrats. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says both are strong “red” districts with little hope for a Democrat to win. Nevertheless, he says, the absence of any well-known Dems in those races isn’t a good sign for future Democrat electoral endeavors…:

CUT 08(09)      “…in the 2023 elections.”

Deputies in Lafourche Parish arrest a Golden Meadow man for allegedly planting a camera in a woman’s home and capturing photos of her nude. The victim called deputies who found images of 65-year-old Ricky Cheramie also on the camera, installing the device. He’s been booked with video voyeurism and further charges may be coming.

Motorists have been making significant changes in their driving habits to combat high gas prices, that’s according to a Triple-A survey. Spokesperson Don Redman says almost two-thirds of drivers are changing their driving and spending routines…even foregoing vacations…:

CUT 05(10)      “…reduce those expenditures.”

After qualifying for the fall midterm elections ended last week, it was evident there were no democrat candidates in two congressional races. Why? District 4’s Mike Johnson was just re-elected, having drawn NO opponent – democrat or otherwise. In District 6, Garret Graves has two challengers; a republican and a libertarian. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says those two worked hard for the folks back home…:

CUT 07(13)      “…constituents satisfied.”

He says those districts favor Republicans, but this still bodes ill for democrats in the 2023 elections.

The state Department of Children and Family Services receives approval to expand pandemic benefits for eligible K-12 students to help cover the cost of food for the summer. Assistant Secretary for Family Support Shavana Howard says it’s part of the USDA’s summer program…:

CUT 09(05)      “…separate installments.”

For those who did not receive benefits in May, Howard says they would need to apply by this Friday, July 29^th.

$130-million will be used from the America Rescue Plan to bring more affordable and accessible internet to over 66-thousand homes and small businesses in 50 parishes. Director of the Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity Veneeth Iyengar says to find out if your parish will benefit, go to “connect.la.gov”…:

CUT 13(12)      “…made yesterday.”

Days after a state judge blocked enforcement of the state’s abortion ban, Judge Donald Johnson has also denied a motion from Attorney General Jeff Landry to suspend the ruling while they pursue an appeal. So, in the meantime abortions can continue, Landry expects the issue will eventually be decided by the state supreme court.

When qualifying for fall elections was over last week, two U.S. House district races had no Democrat entered in the race. Kevin Gallagher looks at why…?

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”  

130-million dollars will be used from the America Rescue Plan to bring more affordable and accessible internet to over 66-thousand households and small businesses in 50 parishes. Director of the Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity Veneeth Iyengar says internet service providers will use this federal money to boost high-speed internet in rural areas….

Cut 12 (12) “…throughout the state”   

Two-thirds of motorists have been making significant changes in their driving habits to combat high gas prices, that’s according to a Triple-A survey. Spokesperson Don Redman says even though the statewide average for a gallon of regular gas has dropped to $3.92, the changes in driving habits will most likely continue.

Cut 4  (10) “…the winter.”

According to Triple-A close to two-thirds of motorists have made lifestyle changes due to prices at the pump…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Thorington.”

Raising Canes CEO Todd Graves has bought 50-thousand tickets for tonight’s massive Mega Millions drawing. Graves says if any of the tickets wins the big jackpot, he will split it evenly among his company’s employees. The jackpot is now roughly $810-million.

Qualifying for the fall federal midterm elections ended last week with no Democrat candidate in two congressional district races. Why? LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says District 4’s Mike Johnson was just re-elected, having drawn NO opponent; democrat or otherwise. In District 6, Garret Graves has two challengers; a republican and a libertarian. Hogan says those are both VERY conservative districts…:

CUT 06(07)      “…are very low.”

He says Johnson and Graves have also worked hard to assure constituents are happy with them. Hogan says the lack of well-known Democrats running this fall bodes ill for statewide eklections next fall.

…and now today’s markets…

Motorists have been making significant changes in their driving habits to combat high gas prices, that’s according to a AAA survey. Spokesman Don Redman says almost two-thirds of drivers are changing their driving routines and the top three behaviors they’ve altered are…:

CUT 03(10)      “…the economy.”

The statewide average price of regular gas $3.92; down 53-cents from a month ago.

$130-million in federal money has come to Louisiana to expand broadband access statewide. Coincidentally, the state is also piloting a program to improve the state’s digital literacy rate. Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Kim Hunter Reed says they hope to see a 50-percent increase within five years…:

CUT 10(08)      “…forward in Louisiana.

The FastStart incentive program at Louisiana Economic Development takes top honors for the 13^th time. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

Catahoula Parish deputies hope to identify the remains of a woman found last weekend by fishermen in Black River, near Jonesville. She is between 20 and 40 years of age, but due to advanced decomposition, the I.D. is hard. They ask if anyone thinks they can help identify the woman, call 318-744-5411; ask for Detective King.

Louisiana’s FastStart program at the Louisiana Economic Development office is the best in the nation according to the magazine Business Facilities. Executive Director of LED FastStart, Paul Helton says the incentive program provides recruitment, training, and workforce pipeline services for businesses at no cost in exchange for creating jobs in the Bayou State.

Cut 8 (11)  “…that company recruit.”

In addition to the $130 million Louisiana is receiving to expand broadband access in its first phase from the American Rescue Plan, the state is also piloting a program to improve the state’s digital literacy rate. Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Kim Hunter Reed says the pilot will start in five parishes.

Cut  11 (11)  “…the internet.” 

The next election for a Louisiana governor is a little over a year away and U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy is reportedly considering a run for the state’s highest office. His wife, Dr. Laura Cassidy was a guest on Jim Engster’s Talk Louisiana radio program, and she says it will be year’s end before Senator Cassidy announces his decision, and he’ll be weighing things heavily until then…:

Cut 15 (09)  “… best fits the ability.”

The multi-state Mega Millions lottery jackpot has grown to a near-record amount for tonight’s drawing. Louisiana Lottery spokesman Dustin Annison says it is the 3^rdlargest jackpot for Mega Millions and the 4^th largest in U.S. lottery history…:

Cut 4 (07)  “…that kind of money.”

You heard that right $810 million before taxes.