Senator Bill Cassidy is working on bipartisan legislation to give relief to property owners who are being priced out of their homes with flood insurance hikes. Brooke Thorington explains…:

CUT 01 (31)      “…Thorington.”

Garth Brooks will be the headliner for the announced “Sugar Bowl Country Kickoff”…September 2^nd in the Superdome. The show also features Lainey Wilson and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Tickets go on sale Friday.

A six-week archaeological dig in Vernon Parish turns up artifacts dating back to the Ice age. U.L.-Lafayette Anthropology Professor Mark Rees says the finds will help shed a lot of light on Louisiana’s earliest residents…:

CUT 08 (12)      “…of dating.”

Students from ULL, LSU and Tulane took part in the dig.

Tonight’s Powerball jackpot sits at just over $750-million; among the highest in the game’s history. Louisiana Lottery’s Dustin Annison says most winner choose the lump-sum cash out option, which would be about $379-million, versus the $750-million annuity…:

CUT 09 (10)      “…full jackpot.”

Get tickets until 9 tonight.

Senator Bill Cassidy is working on bipartisan legislation to cap flood insurance costs and reform the national program. Cassidy says, under his bill, annual increases in flood insurance premiums would be capped at 9-percent…:

CUT 04(06)      “…even that.”

FEMA has yet to explain the 18-percent hike in flood insurance, OR their Risk Rating 2.0 pricing structure.

In a new ad campaign, candidate for Governor Jeff Landry tells voters he feels the pain of the working person because he also came from blue collar roots…:

CUT 11(11)      “…and delivers solutions.”

The 30-second ad is airing statewide. Landry leads the field of candidate for governor by a double-digit margin.

Deep-pocketed Louisiana Republicans are expected to attend a big fundraiser for former President Donald Trump’s bid for another term in the White House. The July 25^th event in Metairie is hosted by shipbuilder Boyse Bollinger and banker Joe Canizaro. Space at the table will cost over $23-thousand per person.

A team of researchers and students led by Lafayette researchers has uprooted thousands of artifacts from Kisatchie National Forest in Vernon Parish. Teiko Foxx reports the findings…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Teiko Foxx.”

Senator Bill Cassidy is working on bipartisan legislation to give relief to property owners who are being priced out of their homes with flood insurance hikes. Brooke Thorington explains…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Thorington.”

Police in Natchitoches seek the public’s help in catching the man suspected of a murder early yesterday morning at the Motel 6 on Highway 1. A warrant is out for 19-year-old Matthew Robinson for the death of 35-year-old Mike Porter. Call NPD at 318-352-8101 with tips.

In a new million dollar ad buy, Attorney General and the Republican frontrunner in the governor’s race, Jeff Landry, tells voters he understands the struggles of working class families, because he was once one of them. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s a good ad, and Landry’s huge resources allow him such targeted messages…:

CUT 13(11)      “…you’re the frontrunner.”

The primary election is 3 months away; October 14^th.

Tonight’s Powerball jackpot has grown to just over $750-million; the 7^th-largest in game history. Louisiana Lottery’s Dustin Annison says be sure to sign your ticket and check the numbers before you toss it away, because – even if you don’t win the big jackpot – you can still score some cash…:

CUT 10(05)      “…prizes you can win.”

Tickets are on sale until 9 tonight.

Two former state troopers are potentially cleared of wrongdoing in the 2019 roadside death of Ronald Greene, after a judge tosses Obstruction of Justice charges against them. Judge Thomas Rogers says Dakota DeMoss didn’t when he was heard saying details would be “buried in the report” and John Peters didn’t when he turned off his body cam microphone. Baton Rouge defense lawyer Franz Borghardt says that last one surprised him…:

CUT 04  (10)        “…of justice.”

Union Parish D.A. John Belton can appeal the ruling.

The first cases of West Nile have turned up in Louisiana. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says it only takes one bite, so take care…:

CUT 06  (09)        “…severe complications.”

Seven Louisianans died from West Nile in 2022.

Schools and athletic events in Louisiana will be required to have AEDs (automated external defibrillators) and trained individuals to use them in case something goes terribly wrong. Brooke Thorington explains…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

Saints running back Alvin Kamara has reached a plea deal for his part in the severe beating of a man outside a Las Vegas nightclub. Kamara pleads guilty to Breach of Peace and will do 30 hours community service, plus pay the victim $100k, in order to avoid jail.

A state judge has thrown out obstruction of justice charges against two former state troopers indicted in the 2019 fatal arrest of Ronald Greene. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Palermo.”

Police in Hammond arrest a 14-year-old boy for the accidental shooting of a 13-year-old girl over the weekend. Officers say the teen was handling a pistol when it went off; hitting the victim. The boy is charged with negligent homicide.

Did you know police pay in Louisiana is the 3^rd-lowest in the USA? Rank & file cops, on the average, make about $45k per year, as opposed to the national average of $71k. Steven Procopio, with the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana says if we want to keep boots on the ground, salaries need to go up…:

CUT 11(12)      “…make priorities.”

It’s summertime, and once again time to Fight the Bite. State health officials report two confirmed cases of the mosquito-borne West Nile virus, so take care. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says, as transmission vectors go, Louisiana is like Grand Central Station for the virus…:

CUT 08(12)      “…the summer.”

There were 41 confirmed cases of the serious neuro-invasive for of West Nile last year; resulting in seven deaths.

Two former state troopers could be cleared of wrongdoing in the Ronald Greene case.  Judge Thomas Rogers has quashed the obstruction of justice charges against John Peters and Dakota DeMoss. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says the judge determined Peters’ actions did not meet the level of obstruction of justice by saying “bury it in the report” when discussing Greene’s in-custody death…:

CUT 03(08)      “…in the report, right?”

Union Parish DA John Belton can appeal the judge’s ruling.

New data shows rank & file Louisiana law officers are paid more than $20-thousand less than the national average; $45k as opposed to about $70k nationally. Steven Procopio, with the Public Affairs Research Council, says that may not include supplemental pay passed by the legislature though…:

CUT 10(09)      “…in money.”

Louisiana has the 3^rd-lowest police pay in America.

Police in Natchitoches are investigating a murder at a local motel. NPD arrived at the Motel 6 on Highway 1 to find 35-year-old Michael Porter dead from multiple gunshots. They ask anyone with tips to call Natchitoches Crime stoppers; 318-238-2388.

Schools and athletic events in Louisiana will be required to have emergency AEDs (automatic external defibrillators) and trained individuals to use them in case something goes terribly wrong. Brooke Thorington explains…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

A Memphis, Tennessee man is under arrest in St. Tammany Parish; accused of multiple restaurant burglaries in the Covington area. St. Tammany Sheriff’s spokesperson Suzanne Carboni says officers tried to pull 25-year-old Malik Morris over, but he bailed out and was nabbed after a foot chase. She says Morris may also be linked to other burglaries in the parish…:

CUT 08  (12)        “…those agencies.”

Morris is behind bars.

The Governor signs into law a bill giving parents who pay private school tuition a larger state tax break; increasing from $5k per kid, per year…to $6-thousand. The bill was authored by Metairie Representative Laurie Schegel…:

CUT 09  (09)        “…their taxes.”

That increase takes effect for the 2024 tax year.

A street racing sting by multiple Baton Rouge law enforcement agencies resulted in 26 vehicles impounded and a total of 30 citations over the weekend. BRPD’s Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says they did some detective work, learned where the street drivers were getting together next and took action…:

CUT 12(13)      “…in play.”

He says more such stings and possible arrests are coming.

Paul Skenes is the first LSU player to be selected number one in the Major League Baseball draft since Ben McDonald in 1989. The Pittsburgh Pirates used their top overall pick on Skenes, who features a 100-mile per hour fastball and a wipe-out slider…:

CUT 03(11)      “…this position.”

Fellow Tiger Dylan Crews was the 2^nd pick. He goes to the Washington Nationals.

Louisiana’s bigger cities, and some not-so-big ones, have been plagued recently with highly illegal and very dangerous street racing & stunt gatherings. Some people have been hurt as cars do burnouts and make smoking “donuts” on the pavement; often blocking big intersections. Baton Rouge lawmen cracked down on the street racers over the weekend. Impounding over two dozen muscle cars and issuing about 30 citations. Getting those vehicles back is going to put a sting in the street racers’ wallets. BRPD’s Sgt. L’Jean McKneely…:

CUT 14  (11)        “…be tolerated.”

He says they will continue to bust the events up.

Shreveport Police say two people have been shot and wounded in a hostage situation at a home on Crooked Creek Drive this morning. An adult male and a teen (gender unknown) were taken to the hospital. The suspect reportedly set the home on fire. Police have been fired upon from inside. At last report the house was fully engulfed in flame. More as it develops.

A lightning strike last night led to a massive fire at an oil tank, located near I-49 in Cheneyville. Multiple fire crews battled the blaze all night. At last report the fire had burnt out. Residents evacuated last night from a half-mile radius were allowed to return home. No one is reported seriously hurt.

Legislation to increase the tax break for parents whose children attend private school has been signed by the governor. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

Baton Rouge lawmen cracked down on street racers over the weekend; towing 26 vehicles and issuing about 30 citations. Participants in high-power muscle cars will take over a parking lot – or worse, an intersection – to do donuts, burnouts and other dangerous stunts. People have been hurt. Baton Rouge Police spokesman L’Jean McKneely says there will be legal consequences for the impromptu stunt rallies…:

CUT 13  (12)        “…cost you.”

Deputies in St. Tammany Parish arrest a Tennessee man for allegedly burglarizing restaurants in the Covington area. Sheriff’s spokesperson Suzanne Carboni says the chase started Saturday afternoon, when officers tried to pull over 25-year-old Malik Morris, who was driving a box truck…:

CUT 07  (11)        “…medical assistance.”

Beginning next year, private school parents will get a boost in their state tax break for tuition; from $5-thousand per kid, per year to $6-thousand. The average cost per kid of private school is a little over $7-thousand. In the legislative session, DeRidder Senator Mike Reese said he likes the bill’s intent, but questions its cost…:

CUT 11  (11)        “…them there.”

The tax break was created 15 years ago. This s the first time it has been increased for inflation.

Paul Skenes is the first LSU player to be selected number one in the Major League Baseball draft since Ben McDonald in 1989. The Pittsburgh Pirates used their top overall pick on Skenes and his 100-mile-an-hour fastball. Skenes is surprised and humbled…:

CUT 04(09)      “…in Pittsburgh.”

Skenes and teammate Dylan Crews are the first high school or college teammates to be selected 1 and 2 in the MLB draft.

Authorities in Richland Parish report a small aircraft, with two persons aboard, crashed into a cornfield Friday morning; not far from the John Hooks Airport in Rayville. We’re told both persons are dead. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will begin a joint investigation into what caused the crash.

Approval of the Alzheimer’s medication Leqembi (lah-kem’-bee) is a historic advancement in the treatment of the brain-robbing disease. Brooke Thorington talks with an expert about it…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

A jury in DeSoto parish took less than a half-hour to return a guilty verdict for 47-year-old Brian Horn for the 2010 murder of 12-year-old Justin Bloxom. His original 2014 conviction was overturned on a technicality. Desoto Parish DA Charlie Adams is pleased at the jury’s decision…:

CUT 04  (09)        “…we prevailed.”

Horn’s official sentencing comes up in September. He is expected to get the death penalty.

Fishermen get ready for reduced limits on redfish. It’s part of an effort to preserve the redfish populations in Louisiana waterways. The new limit would be 3 reds per day, per angler, instead of the current 5. Wildlife & Fisheries Commissioner Joe McPherson says that will speed up a 30-year rebuilding process big time…:

CUT 07  (10)        “…are in.”