Qualifying for the fall congressional mid-term elections starts tomorrow, and it appears that District 3 Congressman Clay Higgins will have a challenger. He’s Lafayette Republican prosecutor Holden Hoggatt, who has never run for political office before. “LAPoliticas.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says Hoggatt looks like a formidable challenger and Higgins will need to take him seriously…:

CUT 07(12)      “…this time.”

Hoggart’s financial resources are unclear at this time, while Higgins reported 258-thousand dollars on hand in his run for a 4^th term.

There’s an Excessive Heat Warning for north Louisiana today, C.S. Ross with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says conditions outside will be dangerous from Shreveport to Monroe and northward. Plus there’s a heat advisory for Natchitoches to Jena. Ross says if you feel this has been an unusually warm summer, you’re correct…:

CUT 04(05)      “…summer of 2011.”

There’s an effort underway to restore Pontchartrain Beach so the public can put their toes in the sand once again. Brooke Thorington explains…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

…and now today’s markets with Louisiana Farm Bureau’s Avery Davidson…

In Baton Rouge, 19^th JDC Judge Don Johnson extends the temporary order allowing abortion clinics to remain open; telling the state Attorney General’s office to provide him more information on the case, which he’ll review tomorrow. Loyola law professor Dane Ciolino says the judge has a big task ahead, and feels the judge will find for the state, but the case will eventually be decided by the state Supreme Court.

For a second straight month, COVID-19 infections and deaths are increasing among Louisianans living in nursing homes. Andrew Muhl is Policy Director for AARP Louisiana. He says the elderly are more at risk from COVID than anyone, so make sure they get their shots…:

CUT 04  (07)        “…fully vaccinated.”

He says nursing home workers need the shots up-to-date as well.

As of today, 988 has been designated as the new three-digit number to dial for suicide prevention. The number is now active in Louisiana and Karen Stubbs, Assistant Secretary with the Office of Behavioral Health at LDH says it’s vital to help those in crisis…:

CUT 09(12)      “…level of 911”

In 2020 more than 600 Louisianans took their own life. Stubbs says 988 hopes to change that.

The Food Network proclaims the best barbecue in Louisiana is found at Johnson’s Boucaniere in Lafayette. Proprietor Lori Johnson Walls says being named in the network’s “50 States of Barbecue” is a real honor, and their success is a real team effort…:

CUT 27(09)      “…to them as well.”

Originally founded in Eunice by Lori’s grandfather, Johnson’s Boucaniere has been around since 1937 but is now located on St. John Street, near downtown Lafayette.

Today in Baton Rouge, a judge will hear arguments for and against blocking the state’s abortion ban trigger law, which is currently on hold. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says the odds are Judge Don Johnson will rule for the state; allowing the law back into effect and closing abortion clinics. If the judge rules against the plaintiffs, Ciolino says they will undoubtedly file another challenge. However, he feels they are just delaying the inevitable…:

CUT 06(12)      “…not vague.”

The hearing is today in downtown Baton Rouge.

For a second straight month, COVID-19 infections and deaths are increasing among Louisianans living in nursing homes. Two deaths were reported for the month of May 2022, but that number jumped to seven for June. Andrew Muhl is Policy Director for AARP Louisiana. He says the elderly are more at risk from COVID than anyone…:

CUT 03(11)      “…in nursing homes.”

Muhl says nursing home staff NEED to assure they are up-to-date on COVID shots.

Qualifying for the federal elections in November will get underway on Wednesday at the Secretary of State’s office in Baton Rouge. Republican Senator John Kennedy and the state’s six U-S House members are up for re-election and expected to win. “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says that’s by design…:

CUT 07(11)      “…the incumbent.”

Alford says Senator Kennedy and all six congressional delegates are likely to win re-election.

A well-known Lafayette eatery is ranked by The Food Network as THE best barbecue in Louisiana. The TV network highlighted Johnson’s Boucaniere in downtown Lafayette. Proprietor Lori Johnson Walls says she cannot reveal the secret to their tasty barbecue; a special recipe rub made by her husband…:

CUT 10(09)      “11 to 12 hours.”

Johnson’s Boucaniere is on St. John Street near downtown Lafayette. By the way, “boucaniere” is Cajun French for “smokehouse.”

A Baton Rouge judge is scheduled today to hear arguments both for and against blocking the state’s abortion ban trigger law. The law was triggered by the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe vs. Wade, but is temporarily on hold pending the hearing. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says plaintiffs argue the law’s language is too vague and therefore unenforceable, but he think today’s hearing in Don Johnson’s 19^th JDC court will not go their way…:

CUT 05(09)      “…illegal in Louisiana”

Qualifying for the fall mid-term congressional elections starts this week in Baton Rouge. “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says most will be easy wins for the incumbents, but Senator John Kennedy has three Democrat challengers announced. One potential Republican challenger was Baton Rouge Reverend Tony Spell, but…

CUT 09(08)      “…through with that.”

The Food Network names a popular Lafayette eatery as the Best Barbecue in Louisiana, according to its “50 States of Barbecue” poll. It’s Johnson Boucaniere, on St. John Street downtown. Lori Johnson Walls is the proprietor. She says the secret to their success is “Make it great. Make it consistent and make it with love”…”

CUT 12(11)      “…barbecued at home.”

SEC Football Media Days kick-off today in Atlanta, the unofficial start of the college football season. LSU Football Coach Brian Kelly speaks today and Tiger Rag Editor Tim Buckley says Kelly will get a bunch of questions about his three-way battle for starting quarterback…:

CUT 13(11)      “…to start.”

Buckley says Kelly was averse to having multiple quarterbacks before, but may be warming up to the idea.

Six juvenile inmates escaped from the troubled Bridge City Center for Youth in the overnight hours of Sunday morning. Five were captured in relatively short order, but a fifth – who had an adult accomplice – carjacked a vehicle & shot the car’s owner. That man is now in critical condition. Police apprehended him later during a high speed chase.

Qualifying for the federal elections in November will get underway on Wednesday at the Secretary of State’s office in Baton Rouge. Senator John Kennedy and the state’s six congressmen (and woman) are running for re-election. “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says the one race that may be in question is District 3, where incumbent Clay Higgins could face a well-funded challenger…:

CUT 08(10)      “…community leaders.”

Alford says Higgins has less than a half-million in available campaign money.

SEC Football Media Days begin today in Atlanta. Many fans consider it the start of the college football season…:

CUT 03(29)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

The Food Network recently named Johnson’s Boucaniere in Lafayette Louisiana’s best barbecue; listing them in their “50 States of Barbecue” poll. Owner Lori Walls appreciates the honor, and says it IS a team effort…:

CUT 11(09)      “…them as well.”

42-thousand homeowners are looking for a new insurance policy today, after their coverage was dropped by Southern Fidelity Friday. Now those property owners have 60 days to find a new policy.

Qualifying for the federal elections in November begins Wednesday, but Louisiana is looking at a quiet election season. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

Today in Baton Rouge, a judge will hear arguments on a petition to block the state’s abortion trigger law from taking effect. A New Orleans judge punted the case back to the Capital City. Last week, 19^th JDC Judge Don Johnson order the law on hold, pending the outcome of this morning’s hearing. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says the judge has an important task to decide…:

CUT 04(13)      “…indeterminate.”

Ciolino says, even if plaintiffs lose they will file something else to keep abortion clinics open. He says the case will eventually be decided by the state Supreme Court.

Six incarcerated juveniles escaped from the troubled Bridge City Center for Youth in the Sunday morning overnight hours. Five were recaptured in short order, but a 5^th escape, who had an accomplice, carjacked a man and shot him; leaving the victim in critical condition. That youth was later captured during a high speed chase.

A Baton Rouge judge will hear arguments for and against blocking the state’s abortion ban trigger law, which is currently on hold. More from Don Molino on today’s hearing…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Don Molino.”

Police in Natchitoches mourn one of their own. While working a shift in the downtown area Sunday, Officer Brian Olliff suddenly suffered some kind of medical event and collapsed and died. The cause of his death has not been determined and funeral arrangements haven’t yet been made.

Qualifying for the federal elections in November will get underway on Wednesday at the Secretary of State’s office in Baton Rouge. Republican Senator John Kennedy and the state’s six U-S House members are up for re-election and expected to win. “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says that’s by design…:

CUT 07(11)      “…the incumbent.”

Alfords say all congressional races are shoe-ins except possibly for District 3, where Clay Higgins may face a well-funded challenger.

A well-known Lafayette eatery is ranked by The Food Network as one of America’s finest barbecue joints and THE best barbecue in Louisiana. The TV network highlighted the brisket and pulled pork at Johnson’s Boucaniere in downtown Lafayette. Proprietor Lori Johnson Walls says she cannot reveal the secret to their tasty barbecue; a special recipe rub made by her husband…:

CUT 10(09)      “…eleven to twelve hours.”

The U.S. House has passed a new National Defense Authorization Act; a spending bill containing hundreds-of-millions for projects Louisiana military facilities. Louisiana District 4 Congressman Mike Johnson says Fort Polk will get an additional $61-million to build a new Joint Operations Center, and Barksdale with get $125-million to facilitate weapons. The bill must also pass the Senate but Johnson doesn’t expect a partisan fight…:

CUT 08(08)      “…funding the military”

Add Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell to the list of folks angry with Entergy over huge power bill increases. Entergy asked permission to tack on charges for their 2021 & 22 storm damage AND for higher natural gas costs, which Campbell voted against. He says they have a monopoly which is never good…:

CUT 10(12)      “…do something”

Senator Bill Cassidy is angry that the President is in Saudi Arabia, asking for increased oil production there, while he stifles production here. The Biden White House curtailed domestic oil & gas to fight climate change, but Cassidy says we are the LEAST to blame…:

CUT 14(09)      “…and oil.”

National media reports say it’s unlikely Saudi Arabia will comply with Biden’s request.

More trouble for former state Senator Troy Brown, of Geismar. When stopped for doing 78 in a 55 zone recently, Brown grew belligerent with an Assumption Parish deputy when the officer brought up his five speeding stops over 3 years. Brown was cuffed and loaded in the squad car. It’s not his first run-in with the law. He had two well-published domestic violence incidents a few years ago. Brown left the state Senate before members could debate whether or not to kick him out.

While President Biden visits with Saudi Arabian leaders, to try to convince them to step up oil production…back at home Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says a much simpler answer is for the White House to stop hindering domestic oil & gas production…:

CUT 13  (12)        “…Louisiana jobs.”

The Biden administration has placed restrictions on fossil fuel development in the United States as a way to combat climate change. But Cassidy asks would you rather get oil from the Saudis? Or Americans?

State Police ask for public help in catching the persons responsible for a triple shooting in Delhi Wednesday that left a man dead and two wounded. 22-year-old Quattrous Jones was pronounced dead the scene and now Trooper Javier Leija say they seek a Chevy Tahoe used in the ambush…:

CUT 04  (12)        “…with Quattrous”

The U.S. House passes a new defense spending bill containing a LOT of money for Louisiana military bases. More from Don Molino…:

CUT 01(28)      “…don Molino.”

Police in Zachary say a jealous ex placed a tracking device on his former girlfriend’s car and used it to follow and harrass her. 32-year-old Roger Shoemaker is charged with Stalking, Prohibited Usage of a Tracking Device and more.

LDH reports over 2500 new cases of COVID statewide, with nearly 700 currently under hospital care for it. They also report 2 new COVID-related deaths since Wednesday.

Many Louisiana Entergy customers are upset to see substantially higher utility bills this summer, despite being warned of as much by Entergy. The increases are due to additional charges for storm, repairs and higher natural gas costs. Public Service Commission member Foster Campbell says, nevertheless, the power company is charging too much…:

CUT 09  (11)        “…a lot of sympathy”

Campbell voted “no” to Entergy’s request for the added charges. He says rates would go down, if power companies had to compete with other power companies to get your business.

President Joe Biden is in Saudi Arabi where he’ll urge the Middle Eastern country to produce more oil. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says the President doesn’t have to travel halfway across the globe in order to increase the supply of oil…:

CUT 12(12)      “…energy production.”

But Cassidy asks would you rather want the Saudis to produce the oil or America?

State Police seek public help in catching the man who ambushed and shot three people in Richland Parish; killing one and wounding two others. State Police Trooper Javier Leija says the shooting took place Wednesday afternoon in Delhi…:

CUT 03  (10)        “…black male.”

They’re looking for a Chevy Tahoe used in the crime. Call in tips to North Delta Crimestoppers.

A real case of amnesia in New Orleans. University medical Center says a man hit by traffic on Canal Street last month has NO memory of who he is, or where he is from. He’s a white male, 5-foot-9, about 240 pounds with reddish hair & a receding hairline. WWL-TV has a phot on their website. If you know him please call the UMC at 504-702-3000.

LDH reports another three persons with monkeypox, for a total of six. Monkeypox is not fatal, but very uncomfortable…with pain, headaches, fever and pimple-like sores. If you think you may have it avoid contact with people and see a doctor.