The National Weather Service office in Shreveport has updated their confirmation of tornadoes from Hurricane Beryl that impacted Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana. The number increased from 5 to 19. They expect to add to the list of confirmed tornadoes in the coming days. There was one fatality in Bossier Parish.

As insurance rates continue to climb, CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of Louisiana Ben Albright urges residents not to drop their homeowner’s insurance.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

An influential Republican donor has sent a letter to lawmakers pushing them to quickly vote on a constitutional convention to make changes to things like public school funding, the homestead exemption on property taxes, and more. LA-Politics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says this would mean lawmakers would have to return to the capitol for a 4th time this year…

Cut 12 (09) “…lukewarm” 
Such a convention would have to be completed by September for changes to make it to the fall ballot.

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy has introduced a bill requiring the Department of Education to make the FAFSA forms available on October 1st annually. Cassidy expects the bill to be received well by both parties. He says the bill is more common sense than political.

Cut 9 (11)  “…government.”

Republican megadonor Lane Grigsby sent lawmakers a letter trying to persuade them to hold a Constitutional Convention this year.  LA-Politics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says letter cites changes to the public-school funding formula, and…

Cut 10 (12) “…the constitution.”

This year alone lawmakers were in Baton Rouge for an organizational session, two special sessions, and a regular session that wrapped in June. Alford believes legislators aren’t keen on returning to the capitol for a fourth time.

insurance rates continue to climb, more and more residents are choosing to drop their homeowners insurance if they can. CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of Louisiana Ben Albright says you shouldn’t drop your homeowners insurance and rely on FEMA funds because unlike FEMA, insurance is a reliable source of money to cover damages after a disaster. Some insurance relief measures are set to go into effect early next year, but Albright thinks real relief could come even later…

Cut 15 (09)  “…another storm.”

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana has introduced a bill requiring the Department of Education to make the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form available on October 1st annually. He believes the Department of Education points fingers instead of getting the FAFSA out. Cassidy says when it comes to the FAFSA, the Department of Education has been…

Cut 8 (11) “…for their future.”

Cassidy expects the bill to be received well by both parties. In fact, he thinks the bill is more common sense than political.

Gypsy Rose Blanchard, a Lafourche Parish native who served more than eight years of a ten year sentence a Missouri prison for her role in the murder of her mother, “Dee Dee” Blanchard has announced her pregnancy.

Cut 4 (04) “…give to this baby.”

The announcement has elicited mixed reactions, with some expressing concern about her ability to parent given her traumatic past, while others offer support and hope for her new beginning.

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana has introduced a bill requiring the Department of Education to make the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form available on October 1st annually. He believes the Department of Education points fingers instead of getting the FAFSA out.

Cut 7 (09) “…October the first.”

As insurance rates continue to climb, more and more residents are choosing to drop their homeowners insurance if they can. CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of Louisiana Ben Albright says homeowners insurance rates were low before multiple hurricanes hit Louisiana in 2020 and 2021, and insurance companies started overcorrecting and overcharging as a result.

Cut 14 (09)  “…insurance companies.”

Only people who fully own their homes and don’t have a mortgage can drop their homeowners insurance.

Lafourche Parish native Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who gained national fame through the 2019 Hulu series “The Act” and the HBO true crime documentary “Mommy Dead and Dearest,” has announced her pregnancy.

Cut 6 (10) “…everything my mother wasn’t.”

Her mother, “Dee Dee” subjected Gypsy to years of medical abuse, falsely claiming she had various illnesses, including muscular dystrophy, to gain sympathy and financial benefits.

In what seems like a last swing at bat Republican megadonor Lane Grigsby sent lawmakers a letter trying to persuade them to hold a Constitutional Convention this year.  LA-Politics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says during the regular session, Governor Jeff Landry had the full support of the House for a convention, but when the proposal went to the higher chamber, they put on the breaks…

Cut 11 (11) “…that posture.”

A Secretary of State’s Office spokesperson says for the changes to be voted on in the fall election a convention must be completed by early September.

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy has introduced a bill that would require the Department of Education to make the FAFSA form available by October 1st. Mel Bridges has more…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Mel Bridges”

State Police is investigating an officer involved shooting in Lafayette Parish. They say Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Deputies were trying to apprehend a suspect, Tony Pollard, who refused to comply with orders and moved in a threatening manner driving the cops to respond with deadly force. LSP said no deputies were injured.

An influential Republican donor has sent a letter to lawmakers pushing them to quickly vote on a constitutional convention to make changes to things like public school funding, the homestead exemption on property taxes and more. LA-Politics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says this would mean lawmakers would have to return to the capitol for a 4th time this year…;
CUT 12 (09) “lukewarm”
Such a convention would have to be completed by September for changes to make it to the fall ballot.

Gypsy Rose Blanchard, the Lafourche Parish native who served jail time for her role in killing her abusive mother, has announced she’s pregnant. Gypsy says some have questioned her ability to parent given the years of medical mistreatment by her mom, “Dee Dee” Blanchard…:
CUT 5 (09) “to become a mother”
Gypsy says she plans to be everything her mother wasn’t.

If you don’t have a mortgage and fully own your home, you might not have to carry homeowners’ insurance, but that’s not a good idea. More people are taking this route because rates are ridiculously high. CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of Louisiana Ben Albright says in this state, you need insurance:
CUT 13 (05) “there for”
He says we could start to see costs come down next June.

Following months of delays and issues with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy has introduced a bill that would establish an October 1st deadline for FAFSA availability. He says the Department of Education should be held accountable…:
Cut 7 (09) “October the first”
He says timely access to FAFSA is essential to making higher education affordable.

Proponents of a constitutional convention are making a last ditch effort to push for one before the fall election…:
CUT 2 (31) “I’m Brooke Torrington”

Lafourche Parish native Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who gained national fame through the 2019 Hulu series “The Act” and the HBO true crime documentary “Mommy Dead and Dearest,” has announced her pregnancy:
Cut 4 (04) “…give to this baby.”
The 32-year-old Blanchard served more than eight years in prison for her role in the murder of her abusive mother, “Dee Dee” Blanchard.

Republican donor Lane Grigsby is making a last-minute push for a constitutional convention. LA-Politics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says the letter Grigsby sent to lawmakers cites changes to the public-school funding formula, and…:
Cut 10 (12) “the constitution”
The Secretary of State’s Office says for any changes to make it on the fall ballot, a convention must be completed by early September.

A Baton Rouge man is under arrest accused of beating and raping a woman he allegedly kidnapped from a domestic abuse crisis center. According to BRPD, 45-year-old Robert Lee Cole broke a perimeter fence at the Iris Center and forcibly removed the victim from the facility. Cole was booked on charges including first degree rape, false imprisonment, simple kidnapping and domestic abuse strangulation.

As insurance rates continue to climb, CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of Louisiana Ben Albright urges residents not to drop their homeowners insurance. Mel Bridges has more…:
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana has introduced a bill that would require the Department of Education to make the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form available each year on October 1st. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

_______________________________________________

It appears proponents of a constitutional convention are throwing hail Mary to have one before the fall election. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Throington.” 

____________________________________________

As insurance rates continue to climb, CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of Louisiana Ben Albright urges residents not to drop their homeowners insurance. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

______________________________________________

Lafourche Parish native Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who gained national fame through the 2019 Hulu series “The Act” and the HBO true crime documentary “Mommy Dead and Dearest,” has announced her pregnancy.

Cut 4 (04) “…give to this baby.”

The father is Ken Urker, a prison pen pal. The announcement has elicited mixed reactions, with some expressing concern about her ability to parent given her traumatic past, while others offer support and hope for her new beginning.

Cut 5 (09) “…to become a mother.”

The 32-year-old Blanchard served more than eight years of a ten year sentence a Missouri prison for her role in the murder of her mother, “Dee Dee” Blanchard. “Dee Dee” subjected Gypsy to years of medical abuse, falsely claiming she had various illnesses, including muscular dystrophy, to gain sympathy and financial benefits.

Cut 6 (10) “…everything my mother wasn’t.”

Gypsy’s due in January 2025. Gypsy Rose Blanchard was born in Golden Meadow, she and her mother moved to Missouri after Hurricane Katrina destroyed her home.

_________________________________________________________

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana has introduced a bill requiring the Department of Education to make the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form available on October 1st annually. He believes the Department of Education points fingers instead of getting the FAFSA out.

Cut 7 (09) “…October the first.”

Previous FAFSA forms faced significant delays, which also pushed back when colleges can make financial aid offers, as they make offers once they receive the form. Cassidy says when it comes to the FAFSA, the Department of Education has been…

Cut 8 (11) “…for their future.”

Though the bill calls for a change to the FAFSA program put in place by the Biden administration, Cassidy expects the bill to be received well by both parties. In fact, he thinks the bill is more common sense than political.

Cut 9 (11)  “…government.”

________________________________________

In what seems like a last swing at bat Republican megadonor Lane Grigsby sent lawmakers a letter trying to persuade them to hold a Constitutional Convention this year.  LA-Politics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says letter cites changes to the public-school funding formula, and…

Cut 10 (12) “…the constitution.”

During the regular session, Governor Jeff Landry had the full support of the House for a convention but when the proposal went to the higher chamber, Alford says they put on the breaks…

Cut 11 (11) “…that posture.”

One reason for the rush Alford says is the expected high Republican voter turnout for the presidential election. He says architects of the convention feel strong conservative support will ensure their initiatives will be approved.

This year alone lawmakers were in Baton Rouge for an organizational session, two special sessions, and a regular session that wrapped in June. Alford believes legislators aren’t keen on returning to the capitol for a fourth time.

Cut 12 (09) “…lukewarm” 

A Secretary of State’s Office spokesperson says for the changes to be voted on in the fall election a convention must be completed by early September.

________________________________________________________________

As insurance rates continue to climb, more and more residents are choosing to drop their homeowners insurance if they can. CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of Louisiana Ben Albright recommends keeping your home insured, especially in such a disaster-prone state.

Cut 13 (05)  “…there for.”

Albright says homeowners insurance rates were low before multiple hurricanes hit Louisiana in 2020 and 2021, and insurance companies started overcorrecting and overcharging as a result.

Cut 14 (09)  “…insurance companies.”

Albright says you shouldn’t drop your homeowners insurance and rely on FEMA funds because unlike FEMA, insurance is a reliable source of money to cover damages after a disaster. Some insurance relief measures are set to go into effect early next year, but Albright thinks real relief could come even later…

Cut 15 (09)  “…another storm.”

Only people who fully own their homes and don’t have a mortgage can drop their homeowners insurance.

___________________________________________________________________

Cut 16 (19) “…get better.” 

Cut 17 (18) “…as a person.”

Cut 18 (10)  “…whole career.”

___________________________________________________________________

Cut 19 (19) “…adversity.” 

Cut 20 (22) “…overcome that.”

The National Weather Service in Shreveport issued a record 67 tornado warnings across the ArkLaTex Monday due to the impact of Hurricane Beryl. NWS Meteorologist Ryan Knapp says Beryl is an example of how hurricanes and tropical storms can impact communities far away from the coastline…

Cut 5 (10)  “..flooding rainfall threat.”

18 of the tornado warnings were in Louisiana.

State Attorney General Liz Murrill says her criminal division is investigating why a judge released 15-year-old Kevin Nunez from custody in May after several violent offenses. He’s also accused in the June 30^th death of a New Orleans tour guide. Murrill is calling on the state Supreme Court to make sure judges are not allowing violent offenders back on the street

Cut  13 (08) “…happens.” 

The Democratic National Convention will be held next month, and Louisiana will have 53 delegates present. According to one of them, he believes the vast majority will support President Biden. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

A temporary alternate child abuse hotline number has been set up due to Hurricane Beryl-related technical issues preventing AT&T phones from reaching regular toll-free numbers across Louisiana. The alternate number for reporting child abuse or neglect is 206-792-7510.

The National Weather Service in Shreveport issued a record for their office 67 tornado warnings on Monday. So far, they’ve been able to confirm at least five tornadoes touched down in northwest Louisiana. Meteorologist Ryan Knapp…

Cut 4 (09) “…next week.”
At least two of the five tornadoes confirmed touched down in Sabine and crossed into DeSoto parishes.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says her criminal division has started an investigation into the ankle monitoring contract with the Juvenile Court system in New Orleans. It’s in response to a Fox 8 TV report that said a 15-year-old, who allegedly fatally shot New Orleans tour guide Kristie Thibodaux, was wearing a deactivated court-ordered ankle monitor…

Cut 12 (04) “…happened.”

Kevin Nunez is accused of killing Thibodeaux as she sat in her car near Jackson Square on June 30th. Nunez is one of three teens arrested and charged in the 43-year-old’s death.

Of the 53 Louisiana delegates attending the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month, delegate and Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis believes the hysteria over Biden’s health will calm down and by mid-August delegates will be…

Cut 8 (11)  “…of America.”

The convention will be held August 19^th – 22^nd.

The deadline for Walmart’s 11th Annual Open Call, which allows entrepreneurs to pitch their products to the superstore, is July 15th. Spokesperson Mark Espinosa says selected applicants gain access to their extensive distribution network, which can significantly boost their business.

Cut 10 (07) “… company-wide.”

Visit Walmart-dot-com slash OpenCall for more information.