It’s blistering hot, so hot that the National Weather Service has extended it’s excessive heat warning all the way up to the northern portions of the state. Meteorologist Gary Chatelain says it’s going to stay that way for the next 48 hours, so stay safe, and keep some H2O handy…

Cut 4

99-degrees is the forecasted high for Shreveport and Monroe. Tomorrow, Alexandria could see a heat index of 110-degrees.

Louisiana is one of only three states in the nation where drivers can buy gas for under $2 a gallon.  The statewide average for a gallon of gasoline has dipped 8 cents over the last week to $2.24, and GasBuddy.com spokesperson Patrick Dehaan says it’s gas stations around the capital city in particular dragging down the state average.

Cut 6 (09) “…at one station.”

Texas and Oklahoma are the other two states where gas can be purchased for under $2.

The American Hotel and Lodging Association is cracking down on human trafficking at hotels across the country, and honing in Louisiana, where 19 cases of human trafficking were reported at state hotels last year. AHLA President and CEO Chip Rodgers says guests should keep a lookout for the signs of trafficking.

Cut 14AM

Louisiana sees a 59 percent decrease in the number of wildfires when comparing 2018 to 2008. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says Louisiana had 1,638 wildfires in 2008, but only 676 wildfires last year. He credits the substantial decrease in the potentially deadly events to a successful public education campaign.

Cut 12, 11 seconds, their lives

Strain also credits a crackdown on arsonists, and an effective controlled burning effort last year.

President Trump announces he’s backing stronger background checks for gun purchases and red flag laws allowing authorities to remove firearms from those who are a danger to themselves or others.  Despite the White House’s shift in policy many Congressional Republicans are still strongly against the proposals. Congressman Ralph Abraham says the President’s shift hasn’t changed his mind.

Cut 7 (08) “…tragedies.”

Abraham voted against recent background check and red flag laws that cleared the House on a party-line vote.

The US Small Business Administration is opening tomorrow a disaster loan outreach center in the Ruston City Hall in an effort to issue low-interest loans to those impacted by a tornado outbreak in April.  SBA spokesperson Louise Porter says the SBA issues loans to communities following a disastrous event.

Cut 4 (09) “…Small Business Administration.”

A Monroe woman has been arrested for allegedly shooting at a mosquito abatement aircraft that she says she thought was a drone circling her home.  Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s spokesman Glenn Springfield says they received a call from a woman who said a drone had been circling her home, taunting her, so she shot at it three times with her revolver to knock it out of the sky.
Cut 10 (12) “…control.”
After deputies determined what had actually happened, 40-year-old Stacy Rodgers was arrested on illegal use of weapons.

The American Hotel and Lodging Association announces the “No Room for Trafficking” campaign aimed at helping hotel workers recognize the warning signs to look for when dealing with potential human trafficking situations. Since 2007, the National Human Trafficking Hotline reported that 756 total cases and over 2,700 contacts came from Louisiana.  AHLA President and CEO Chip Rodgers suggests that other aspects of the tourism industry should as well.

Cut 15 (09) “…and report it.”

President Donald Trump plans to rally Republicans on Capitol Hill behind the idea that the country needs stronger federal background check laws for all gun purchases. But U-S Representative Ralph Abraham says none of the proposals coming from Democrats or the White House would have stopped the recent mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton…
cut 8 (09) “…to go”
The biggest fight over background checks will likely be in the Senate, where Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has indicated he’d allow discussion of the issue.

The American Hotel and Lodging Association announces the “No Room for Trafficking” campaign aimed at helping hotel workers recognize the warning signs to look for when dealing with potential human trafficking situations. AHLA President and CEO Chip Rodgers says in 2018, Louisiana had 149 cases with 19 of those in hotels.
Cut 13 (09) “…human trafficking spike.”

40-year-old Stacy Rogers faces a charge of illegal use of weapons after she allegedly fired her a gun at a mosquito abatement aircraft. Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson Glenn Springfield says Rodgers thought it was a drone that was invading her privacy. Springfield says there are laws against illegal drone use and harassment, so if you think your neighbor has crossed the line, keep you r gun holstered and call police…
cut 12 (10) “…at it”

The US Small Business Administration will open a disaster loan outreach center at Ruston City Hall tomorrow to assist those who seek a low-interest loan to help rebuild from the April tornadoes. Anyone who received damage is eligible to apply. S-B-A spokesperson Louise Porter says S-B-A loans are flexible when it comes to paying it back…
cut 5 (09) “…an official determination”

President Donald Trump says he’ll take a more active role when it comes to Congress passing legislation that results in meaningful background checks for gun purchases. But Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abrahan is not confident about finding middle ground…
cut 9 (10) “…with that”

The hotel industry is trying to do something about human trafficking. They’ve started a “No Room for Trafficking” campaign which will train hotel workers so they can recognize the signs of human trafficking. American Hotel and Lodging Association president Chip Rodgers says there are signs hotel guests can be on the lookout for as well…
cut 14 (12) “….neglect or abuse”

The National weather service has issued an excessive heat warning for the northern half of the state until Tuesday night. National Weather Service Meteorologist Gary Chatelain says that means heat indices over 110-degrees…
cut 3 (09) “…gets soaked”
Chatelain says know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, such as a sudden lack of sweat.

The U-S Small Business Administration will open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center tomorrow in Ruston to answer questions from the public and business owners who are seeking a low-interest federal disaster loan to help rebuild from the tornado outbreak that hit the area in late April…
cut 6 (08) “….as low as 4-percent”
That’s S-B-A spokesperson Louise Porter who says the disaster loan outreach center will open tomorrow morning at 8 AM at Ruston City Hall.

President Donald Trump plans to push Republicans to pass stronger federal background check laws for guns. Despite the White House’s shift in policy, many Congressional Republicans still strongly oppose it. U-S Representative Ralph Abraham is one…
cut 7 (08) “…tragedies”
Abraham voted against recent background check and red flag laws that cleared the House on a party-line vote.

The American Hotel and Lodging Association has a new campaign called “No Room for Trafficking.” It’s an initiative where the hotel industry is training workers to recognize the warning signs of human trafficking that occurs in hotels. A-H-L-A President and CEO Chip Rodgers…
cut 15 (09) “…report it”
In 2018, there were 19 reported cases of human trafficking in Louisiana hotels.

A 40-year-old Monroe woman is arrested after mistaking a mosquito abatement plane for a drone and opening fire from her yard. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Gas prices continue to drop at the pump. According to Triple-A, the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $2.27. That’s six-cents cheaper than a week ago and 14-cents lower than a month ago. And the average price in Louisiana is 35-cents cheaper than a year ago.

The President has signaled his support for expanded background check legislation, but many Congressional Republicans say they still oppose the effort. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle ”

The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s office says a homeowner in Zachary shot a naked man who tried to gain entry into his home early Sunday morning. The homeowner was alerted by his dog barking on the back porch. Authorities say the alleged intruder is in critical but stable condition. No charges have been filed.

A Monroe woman faces charges after she allegedly shot at a mosquito abatement aircraft that she thought was a drone flying over her home. Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s spokesman Glenn Springfield says you can’t just shoot at a drone, even if it’s on your property. He adds there’s still some debate about who owns the airspace around your home…
Cut 11 (05) “…into it.”
Springfield says if you think a drone is invading your privacy, call the police, don’t just fire your gun.

The American Hotel and Lodging Association announces the “No Room for Trafficking” campaign aimed at helping hotel workers recognize the warning signs to look for when dealing with potential human trafficking situations. AHLA President and CEO Chip Rodgers says in 2018, Louisiana had 149 cases with 19 of those in hotels.
Cut 13 (09) “…human trafficking spike.”

The President has signaled his support for expanded background check legislation, but many Congressional Republicans say they still oppose the effort. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle ”

_______________________________

 A 40-year-old Monroe woman is arrested after mistaking a misquito abatment plane for a drone and opening fire from her yard. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

___________________________________

Friday night was the time to shine for Saints backup QB Teddy Bridgewater.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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The US Small Business Administration is opening a disaster loan outreach center in the Ruston City Hall in an effort to issue low-interest loans to those impacted by a tornado outbreak in April.  SBA spokesperson Louise Porter says the SBA issues loans to communities following a disastrous event.

Cut 4 (09) “…Small Business Administration.”

Anyone who has received damage is eligible to apply.  Porter says while there is consideration put into a person’s ability to handle repayment, the SBA is a bit more flexible than a conventional lender.

Cut 5 (09) “…an official determination.”

Porter says another feature that makes the SBA loans stand out from conventional loans is a lower interest rate.

Cut 6 (08) “…as low as 4%.”

_______________________

President Trump announces he’s backing stronger background checks for gun purchases and red flag laws allowing authorities to remove firearms from those who are a danger to themselves or others.

Despite the White House’s shift in policy many Congressional Republicans say they’re still strongly against the proposals. Congressman Ralph Abraham says the President’s shift hasn’t changed his mind.

Cut 7 (08) “…tragedies.”

Abraham voted against recent background check and red flag laws that cleared the House on a party-line vote.

The gubernatorial candidate says none of the proposals coming from Democrats or the White House would have stopped the recent shootings in El Paso or Dayton.

Cut 8 (09) “…to go.”

The biggest fight over background checks will likely be in the Senate, where Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has indicated he’d allow discussion of the issue.

The President says he’ll take a more active roll in bringing warring Congressional delegations to the table over the issue, but Abraham says he’s not confident about the parties finding a middle ground.

Cut 9 (10) “with that.”

_______________________

A Monroe woman has been arrested for allegedly shooting at a mosquito abatement aircraft that she says she thought was a drone circling her home.

Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s spokesman Glenn Springfield says they received a call from a woman who said a drone had been circling her home, taunting her, so she shot at it three times with her revolver to knock it out of the sky.

Cut 10 (12) “…control.”

After deputies determined what had actually happened, 40-year-old Stacy Rodgers was arrested on illegal use of weapons.

Springfield says you can’t just shoot at a drone, even if it’s on your property. He adds there’s still some debate about who owns the airspace around your home…

Cut 11 (05) “…into it.”

Springfield says there are laws on the books against illegal drone use and harassment, so if you think one of your neighbors has crossed a line, keep your gun holstered and dial 9-1-1.

Cut 12 (10) “…at it”

_____________________________

The American Hotel and Lodging Association announces the “No Room for Trafficking” campaign aimed at helping hotel workers recognize the warning signs to look for when dealing with potential human trafficking situations.  AHLA President and CEO Chip Rodgers says in 2018, Louisiana had 149 cases with 19 of those in hotels.

Cut 13 (09) “…human trafficking spike.”

Louisiana has a voluntary training law that creates a general plan and overview for the hotel industry.  Rodgers says there are signs hotel guests can be on the lookout for as well.

Cut 14 (12) “…neglect or abuse.”

Since 2007, the National Human Trafficking Hotline reported that 756 total cases and over 2,700 contacts came from Louisiana.  Rodgers says the hotel industry is doing it trying to combat the crime and suggests that other aspects of the tourism industry should as well.

Cut 15 (09) “…and report it.”

_______________________________________________________________

The Saints first preseason game of 2019 saw the Black and Gold coming up short against the Minnesota Vikings with a final score of 34-25 on Friday night.  The spotlight was placed firmly on backup QB Teddy Bridgewater, who took plenty of snaps throughout the first half.  Bridgewater spoke after the game, calling it a learning experience.

Cut 16  (09) “…guys did a great job.”   

Bridgwater threw for 14 completions and had the Saints just 2 points behind the Vikings going into the half.  Bridgewater says he feels confident about his performance.

cut 17 (07) “…of doing that.” 

The Vikings were a familiar foe to Bridgewater who says Friday night’s game brought back memories of his own time on the Minnesota roster.

Cut 18 (08) “…the old practice days.” 

The New Orleans Saints set foot back on the field at the Mercedes Benz Superdome last night to take on the Minnesota Vikings in their preseason opener.  While the Saints came up short with a final score of 34-25, the game exhibited the talents of back up QB Teddy Bridgewater.  As expected, Bridgewater got plenty of snaps throughout the first half.  Bridgewater spoke in last night’s postgame press conference and says the game was a great learning experience.

Cut 26 (07) and move forward

Statewide incumbents appear to have gotten off pretty easy this year with few high profile, or well-funded challengers signing up to run for their seats. Prominent Republicans sat out this cycle with all statewide offices except for Governor controlled by the party. UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says challengers are rare in states with one-party rule.

Cut 3 (11) “…party”

New Orleans city council unanimously bans property owners from renting out homes for Airbnb use unless the home itself is the owner’s primary residence. Supporters say real estate speculators have been buying up historic residential neighborhoods, pricing locals out of owning homes, and drastically cutting the supply of rental units. One man who spoke at the council meeting says it could have unintended consequences.

Cut 14 (6) “…neighborhoods”‘

The ruling also caps the percentage commercial “short term rentals” to 25 percent of the units in a single property, a substantial limit on private business use of Airbnb as well.

A Shreveport woman is accused of intentionally slamming the head of her 23-month old child following a bus accident in an effort to collect an insurance pay day.  State Police Trooper Brent Hardy says the arrest of 38-year-old Deidra Lee comes after an investigation into the incident that took place on a city bus.

Cut 6 (07) “…of the child.”