The new national defense spending bill passed Thursday by the U.S. House will mean hundreds of millions flowing to Louisiana military bases. Louisiana District 4 Congressman Mike Johnson is on a House Armed services sub-committee. He says it’s pleasing to see substantial investments at bases so important to the state’s fiscal picture…:

CUT 06(14)      “…our state’s economy”

Johnson expects the Senate to pass the bill as well.

The Department of Health says more cases of monkeypox are turning up. Another three persons from the Greater New Orleans area have the viral disease. That’s a total of six cases; all in the toe of The Boot. Monkeypox is transmitted through direct contact with a sick person’s rashes or sores, plus kissing, cuddling and sex. LDH says more cases are certainly out there, yet undetected.

State Police seek the public’s help in finding a gunman who fatally shot one person and injured two others in Richland Parish, in an ambush attack. Master Trooper Javier Leija says the fatal shooting took place late Wednesday afternoon in Delhi. 22-year-old Quattrous Jones of Delhi was pronounced dead at the scene. The other two victims suffered non-life threatening injuries and were treated at a local hospital. Trooper Leija says if anyone has information they should contact the North Delta Crime Stoppers…:

CUT 05(11)      “zero-zero-zero-zero.”

He says they’re looking for a Chevy Tahoe SUV used in the attack.

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

People with troubles and considering ending it all will have fast help & support via telephone, as the National Suicide Hotline goes into effect in Louisiana and every other state tomorrow. A quick call to 9-8-8 will reach a crisis counselor in good time.

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.”

State Troopers say a single-vehicle crash, early this morning on state Highway 28 in Rapides Parish took the life of a Bastrop man. LSP says 62-year-old Byron Williams Jr’s big rig left the roadway, slammed into a culvert and burst into flame. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash is under investigation.

State Police seek the public’s help in finding a gunman who exited a vehicle and shot three persons in Richland Parish. Master Trooper Javier Leija says the man killed one and wounded the other two late Wednesday afternoon in Delhi. 22-year-old Quattrous Jones was pronounced dead at the scene. The other two victims got treatment and will recover. Trooper Leija says they’re looking the Chevy Tahoe used in the ambush…:

CUT 04(12)      “…with Quattrous.”

…and now today’s markets with Don Molino…

State Police seek the public’s help in finding a gunman who exited a vehicle and fatally shot one person and injured two others in Richland Parish. Master Trooper Javier Leija says the fatal shooting took place late Wednesday afternoon in Delhi…:

CUT 03(10)      “…black male.”

Leija says they are searching for a Chevrolet Tahoe that was involved in the shooting. If you know anything, call North Delta Crimestoppers.

A Lake Charles aviation company has completed a big makeover of former President Donald Trump’s private jet. When Trump One, as the custom Boeing 757 is called, needed a fresh paint job, they turned to Chennault Air Park’s LandLocked Aviation, and company president Tyson Grenzebach says they were determine that such a high profile client would get a top notch paint job…:

CUT 10(11)      “…ever leave Chennault”

Search “Trump One” to see their work.

A new kind of COVID vaccine should be available soon for people 18 and older. More from Don Molino…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Don Molino.”

How dangerous is the drug fentanyl? Especially the illicitly sold stuff? The coroner in St. Tammany Parish says a 22-year-old man died this week from taking one pill. Police say be cautious of taking any pills that look like prescription, but you didn’t get from a pharmacy. They’re often laced with fentanyl from a rogue lab.

A new type of COVID vaccine could soon be available for those 18-years-old and up. Don Molino has the details…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Don Molino”

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Should child support payments be made to expectant mothers? Shreveport Congressman Mike Johnson says they should, and he’s filed a bill to make it so. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (28) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Landlocked Aviation, in Lake Charles’ Chennault Park, just finished repainting the exterior of former President Donald Trump’s private jet. Kevin Gallagher reports on the high profile job…:

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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An additional COVID vaccine could be available to take soon as The Food and Drug Administration has granted emergency use authorization for the Novavax vaccine for individuals 18 years of ago and up. Director of the Vaccine Center at LSU Health New Orleans, Doctor Alistair Ramsay says Novavak is more of a traditional vaccine…

Cut 4 (12)  “…this technology”

The Pfizer and Moderna shots use mRNA technology and that’s a reason why many people have refused to get the vaccine. Ramsay says the two-dose Novavax vaccine could encourage some to finally get vaccinated against COVID…

Cut 5 (11) “…get done.”

Ramsay says another difference is that Novavak does not need to be stored at very cold temperatures…

Cut 6 (12)  “…simple reasons”

The CDC still needs to approve use of this vaccine. The Biden Administration has already purchased over three-million doses to be distributed to state and federal partners.

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Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson introduces legislation to allow a woman to receive child support during her pregnancy. Johnson says he’s worked with North Dakota U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer to draft the bill. He says there are a lot of expenses for expectant mothers, and financial help from the father shouldn’t have to wait until after the baby is born…:

Cut 7 (09) “….to reflect that fact.”

Johnson & Cramer’s Unborn Child Support Act allows courts to – with the mother’s approval – mandate support payments while the baby is still in the womb. He says it’s an idea whose time has come, and it’s only fair…:

Cut 8 (14)  “…deserves and desires.”

Johnson says he’s hopeful that Democrats in the House & Senate will get behind the bicameral bill…:

Cut 9 (07)  “…good public policy.”

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A Lake Charles aviation company has completed a big makeover of former President Donald Trump’s private jet. When Trump One, as the custom Boeing 757 is called, needed a fresh paint job, they turned to LandLocked Aviation, and company founder Tyson Grenzebach (pronounce: GRENZ-bok) says they were determine that such a high profile client would get a top notch paint job…:

Cut 10 (11) “…to ever leave Chennault.”

Landlocked is located in Lake Charles’ Chennault Park aviation business complex. Grenzebach says his team worked for 26 days – 24 hours a day – to complete the project quickly. He says the N757AF didn’t need a full strip, prime and paint…and that made the job go a bit quicker…:

Cut  11 (11)  “..to work with. 

A YouTube video, posted by Mediapost Film & Video shows the entire process in a time lapse format; 26 days in about 4 minutes. Landlocked workers repainted the entire jet, redid the huge “TRUMP’ logo on each side and added an American flag to the plane’s tail. Grenzebach says his crew outdid themselves on Trump One…:

Cut 12 (06) “…on that project.” 

Here is a link to the YouTube video: https://youtu.be/fXfmvzsaTp0 … or just search YouTube for Mediapost Film & Video

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The state Department of Veterans Affairs is asking you to give this month to help remember Louisiana veterans at state cemeteries. LDVA spokesperson Brandee Patrick says donations to Wreaths Across America go to place commemorative wreaths on veterans’ graves every December. She says the fundraising effort is getting underway early this year…:

Cut 13 (10) “…in their honor.”

Patrick says wreaths are just $15, and persons who donate for two wreaths will get a third one in their name. Donations can be made to a veterans cemetery near you, and there’s a list (with web addresses) online at “vetaffairs.la.gov”. She says LDVA is partnering with the non-profit Wreath Across America group, and getting an early start this year seems wise…:

Cut 14 (11)  “…that they should be.”

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The Major League Baseball Draft begins on Sunday and Tigers Baseball Coach Jay Johnson will soon have a better idea how many players from his 2022 recruiting class will end up at LSU. Nine of Johnson’s recruits are ranked among the Top 100 MLB draft prospects. But LSU’s coach believes going to school before professional ball is a better path to the majors…

Cut 15 (23)  “…minor leagues”

Johnson says he’s made his best recruiting pitch to his signees that playing at LSU is better for their development, but he would not be surprised if a couple of guys end up signing with a Major League organization

Cut 16 (20)  “..what happens.”

Two players from the 2022 LSU team are expected to forgo their remaining college eligibility. Switch hitter Jacob Berry is expected to be a top ten pick and second baseman Cade Doughty could be drafted in the second round. Johnson is happy for both…

Cut 17 (15) “…very soon.” 

A former state senator is charged with wire fraud. New Orleans Democrat Karen Carter Peterson is accused of using campaign and Louisiana Democrat Party money for personal uses; including gambling. She is expected to plead guilty to the charges, and legal analyst Tim Meche says that’s really Peterson’s only option…:

CUT 06  (06)        “…like that.”

Peterson resigned her senate seat in April, saying she needed treatment for a gambling addiction. A conviction could mean up to 20 years, but Meche believes a judge will take her illness into account.

As the cost of everything keeps rising, are we headed for some kind of economic tipping point? A top Louisiana economist, LSU’s Dr. Jim Richardson, says “yes.” He says a recession is unavoidable and lower-income households are being hardest-hit. He says inflation could slow or even reverse if enough consumers are forced to cut their spending…:

CUT 05  (08)        “…right there.”

He expects the economy to get worse before it gets any better.

Police in Hammond, in Tangipahoa Parish, seek a couple who worked a double team to steal a large amount of merchandise from a local store. Hammond cops say the pair entered an Ulta Beauty Supply store, the man created a big disturbance which distracted employees, while his female accomplice helped herself to the goods. Security cameras caught good images and they hope to identify them and make arrests soon.

A Netflix series telling the story of a Baton Rouge teenager who killed his abusive father in 2019 will debut next month. The series is called I Just killed my Dad, and tells the story of Anthony Templet, who is currently serving 5 years supervised probation.

New Iberia’s Kayshon Boutte will wear number seven for the LSU Football Tigers. It’s tradition for the team’s most dynamic player to wear the jersey number seven. Tiger Rag Editor Tim Buckley says there were concerns after Brian Kelly was hired as a head coach that the talented wide receiver may transfer to another school…:

CUT 12(09)      “…the program.”

Former New Orleans senator and Louisiana Democratic Party Chairwoman, Karen Carter Peterson, is expected to enter a guilty plea in federal court on allegations she used campaign and party dollars on gambling. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

More is known about the alleged abuse that led to a Houma 2-year-old being killed and dumped in trash can. Fox 8 TV in New Orleans reports neighbors of Maya Jones and Jermaine Robinson knew bad things were happening in the home and had alerted police before. Jones covered for Robinson. They were charged this week with 1^st-deghree murder in the boys’ death.

As inflation hits 40-year high in America, a top Louisiana economist says a breaking point looms for many households. LSU’s Dr. Jim Richardson says prices keep climbing, but wages cannot match pace…and something will eventually have to give…:

CUT 03(07)      “…will not be forever.”

He says this will lead to people cutting their spending, and with few products being sold, companies will be motivated to reduce prices. As for when this could all happen, he says he doesn’t know.

The Louisiana Motor Transport Association is calling on more women to seek a career in professional truck driving. There is a shortage of truckers both statewide and across America. LMTA’s executive director Renee Amar says females are only about 10-percent of the trucking workforce and it’s time to change that…:

CUT 11(11)      “…jobs out there.”

She says pay is good and hours can be very flexible.

Former New Orleans senator and Louisiana Democratic Party Chairwoman, Karen Carter Peterson, is expected to enter a guilty plea in federal court on allegations she used campaign and party dollars on gambling. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

Here’s one to hopefully make you smile. Chimps at Keithville’s Chimp Haven sanctuary got to beat the summer heat Wednesday with some icy, refreshing popsicles. Supporter dollars were used to buy the sweet treats for about 300 resident primates, which they clearly enjoyed.

Like the rest of American, Louisiana has a shortage of professional truck drivers, and women are encouraged to take up a career on the road. Louisiana Motor Transport Association executive director Renee Amar says females make up a little over half the U.S. workforce, yet they are under-represented in trucking…:

CUT 09(10)      “…being female truck drivers.”

Amar says driving a truck pays good money, the hours can be pretty flexible and there’s no reason why a woman cannot do it.

New Iberia’s Kayshon Boutte will wear number seven for the LSU Football Tigers. That number is usually given to the most dynamic player on the team. After catching 45 passes in his freshman season, Boutte played in six games last season and caught nine touchdown passes before suffering a season-ending ankle injury. Tiger Rage magazine Editor Tim Buckley says LSU can expect big things…:

CUT 13(10)      “…for them.”

Former state Senator and state Democrat party chair Karen Carter Peterson is charged with wire fraud. The U.S. Attorney’s office says she allegedly used money from her campaign fund and from the party for personal uses; including gambling. Peterson, of New Orleans, resigned her senate seat in April and said she needs to focus on her recovery from a gambling addiction. The fraud charges carry a sentence of up to 20 years, but legal analyst Tim Meche says in recent years judges have taken into account that a gambling addiction is a disease…:

CUT 07(10)      “…those situations.”

Peterson is expected to plead guilty, due to her illness.

Here’s one to hopefully make you smile. Chimps at Keithville’s Chimp Haven sanctuary got to beat the summer heat Wednesday with some icy, refreshing popsicles. Supporter dollars were used to buy the sweet treats for about 300 resident primates, which they clearly enjoyed.

Like the rest of American, Louisiana has a shortage of professional truck drivers, and women are encouraged to take up a career on the road. Louisiana Motor Transport Association executive director Renee Amar says females make up a little over half the U.S. workforce, yet they are under-represented in trucking…:

CUT 09(10)      being female drivers

Amar says, of course, men are most welcome to get the training and become truckers. But she’d also like to see a statewide and even national campaign encouraging women to sign up as well.

As inflation hits a 40-year high, a top Louisiana economist says a breaking point is coming. Dr. Jim Richardson of LSU says wages aren’t rising to match prices, and that’ll force people to curtail their spending in time. He feels that will affect demand and force consumer prices down…:

CUT 05(08)      buy less, right there.

As for when this could happen, he say it’s anyone’s guess.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office has charged former state senator and chairwoman of the Louisiana Democratic Party, Karen Carter Peterson, with wire fraud. Peterson allegedly used tens of thousands of dollars in campaign and party funds for personal use, including gambling-related expenses. Peterson is expected to enter a guilty plea and legal analyst Tim Meche says that’s really her only option…:

CUT 06(07)      “…personal like that.”

The often fiery and outspoken Peterson’s lawyer says she is being treated for gambling addiction.

Opelousas Police say a local arborist died Wednesday, when he fell during a job. 50-year-old Kevin Thomas sustained serious injuries and died later at a local hospital.

A man was last night on I-12 in Baton Rouge, when a pickup slammed into his disabled vehicle. The car was on the left shoulder; not in the traffic lane. The crash is under investigation.

Inflation has surged again, with June figures showing a 9-percent increase over this time last year; reflecting a 40-year high. As prices rise higher, are we nearing some kind of breaking point? A top Louisiana economist says “yes.” LSU Professor Jim Richardson says prices are rising faster than wages, and that can’t sustain. Should such an economic breaking point occur, Richardson says it probably will be felt worst by lower income earners…:

CUT 04(15)      “…for that to happen.”

He says as more people are forced to cut spending, decreased demand will cause inflation to eventually retreat.

…here’s Neil Melancon with today’s markets…

Inflation has surged again, with June figures showing a 9-percent increase over this time last year. As prices rise higher, are we nearing a breaking point? A top Louisiana economist says “yes.” On WWL Radio, LSU Professor Jim Richardson says he cannot say when, but something will have to give eventually…:

CUT 03(07)      “…will not be forever.”

Poultry is up 25-percent. Milk up 17-percent. Paper products up 30-percent or more. The Federal Reserve uis expected to hike interest rates by 1-percent; hoping to avoid sharp market declines.

Thousands were left without power in northwestern Louisiana last night, after strong storms came through. SWEPCO reports over 16-thousand outages. By earlier this morning they had power back for about 7000, and say crews are working quickly to restore power for everyone else.

Many Louisianans are mourning the death of former state lawmaker and former Natural Resources Secretary Ron Gomez, who passed away this week. Gomez served in the state legislature from 1980 through 1989, and headed up DNR under Governor Buddy Roemer. New Orleans political analyst Ron Faucheux (pronounce: FO-shay) served with Gomez at the State Capitol. He says Gomez also steered legislation that led to the building of the Cajundome on the UL-Lafayette campus…:

CUT 07(09)      “…legislative career.”

Ron Gomez was 87 years old. Funeral arrangements are pending.

The number of people in the hospital with COVID statewide increased by 139 over the last week to 678. LDH reports 35-hundred more new cases yesterday and State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says getting shots and boosters is still one of the best ways to prevent getting seriously sick…:

CUT 11(12)      “…so choose.”