Congress is expected to vote final passage of the $359-billion Inflation Reduction Act, but District 6 Congressman Garret Graves says it’ll be a “no” vote for him. On WBRP radio in Baton Rouge today, Graves said Americans are being asked to trust Congress and the White House to solve a problem that didn’t exist until they took power…:

CUT 04(08)      “…of their policies.”

He says Republican amendments are proposed to ease the pain on taxpayers, but he’s not sure they will even be allowed for debate or vote.

Some stormy days are ahead for our state, as a tropical wave interacts with a cold front over the area leading to some showers and thunderstorms through the weekend. Expect good chances of showers Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with rain tapering a bit Sunday. Meanwhile the tropical disturbance in the Atlantic is showing less chances of becoming a named storm.

Louisiana shrimpers are struggling to make ends meet. After calculating gas prices and what they charge per pound it’s just not feasible. Shrimper Anthony Theriot says for example if he catches 1,000 pounds of shrimp one day, he’s looking at $650, but…:

CUT 12(10)      “…nothing there.”

He says, to make a profit, many shrimpers are selling their catch themselves.

What to do about kids cutting school? Truancy is at 40-percent statewide; a jump of over 20-percent in a year. BESE member Ronnie Morris, of Baton Rouge, says it was a big problem even before the pandemic…:

CUT 09(07)      “…where are they?”

A truancy task force has set a goal of reducing truancy to 28-percent by 2024.

Twelve years after the worst oil spill in modern U.S. history a new report by LSU coastal ecologists says fingerprints of the damage from the Deepwater Horizon spill are still in evidence. Coastal expert Dr. Ed Overton says an asphalt-like residue turns up on coastal beaches and marsh grasses. But, he says, it’s not hurting the land or wildlife because it’s largely inert…:

CUT 08(04)      “…environmental damage.”

Congressman Garret Graves says he’s a big “no” vote on the $359-billion Inflation Reduction Act, largely because – he say – it won’t reduce inflation. Graves, this morning on WBRP radio in Baton Rouge…:

CUT 03(11)      “…just a farce.”

He asks why trust congress and the white House to fix a problem that they created?

The truancy rate in Louisiana is 40 percent, and one BESE member wants to change that. Brooke Thorington has more..:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has gone ahead and declared his intent to run for Governor in 2023. Nungesser says he will likely start actively campaigning in January. Attorney general Jeff Landry and state Treasurer John Schroder are also expected to run. No Democrats have solidly mentioned interest in running as yet.

Congress is poised for a final vote on the $359-Billion Inflation Reduction Act, but Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says his vote will be “no.” Graves says the bill will only succeed in raising taxes for a great many Louisianans, but most likely will NOT ease inflation. He says Republican amendments are proposed to ease the pain on taxpayers, but he’s not sure they will even be allowed for debate or vote. He says Democrat policies got the country into this state…:

CUT 05(06)      “un-forced errors.”

Graves says giving House members only 4 days to review the bill before a vote, is a sign the bill is not good.

Louisiana shrimpers are struggling to make ends meet. After calculating gas prices and what they charge per pound it’s just not feasible. Shrimper Anthony Theriot says the pandemic hit shrimpers hard; causing retailers to go elsewhere for product…and now there’s an overflow, and no one to sell to unless it’s at plummeting prices…:

CUT 14(07)      “…is crazy.”

He sells selling dockside is shrimpers’ best option for now.

School is in, but a lot of Louisiana kids aren’t showing up. Truancy – 5 or more un-excused absences in a semester – is up 22-percent over last year. Board of Elementary & Secondary Education member Ronnie Morris says lack of parental engagement is a big part of that, but that’s not all…:

CUT 11(12)      “…in society today.”

He says a solution is going to take collaborative effort by education stakeholders.

Evidence of the 2010 BP oil spill still linger some 12 years later. Coastal researcher Dr. Ed Overton says crude oil residue was found in several places, but not ALL areas affected by the spill. Why…?

CUT 07(07)      “…isn’t there anymore.”

Thirty to forty percent of the spill evaporated and more dissolved in the water and was consumed by marine organisms.

The school year is now up and running, but Louisiana’s truancy rate is high; about 40 percent. One BESE member wants to change that…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Thorington.”

The Department of Health urges folks to stay safe in and around the Terrebonne Bay area, where a moderate oil spill took place this week. LDH says stay out of the water, do not take fish from those waters, and keep kids and pets out as well. The Coast Guard is overseeing cleanup of the spill.

With wind energy emerging in Louisiana, The University of New Orleans launches an endeavor to help support and serve that industry. UNO Research & Technology Foundation director Shafin Khan says the Wind Energy Hub at UNO will – among many other things – aid in developing the support industries that help keep wind farms up and running, via seed technology commercialization grants…:

CUT 12(11)      “…that industry has.”

Because Louisiana has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the country, state officials are working with hospitals to encourage and instruct more mothers to breastfeed. It’s called The Gift and Medical Director of the Perinatal Quality Collaborative, Dr. Veronica Gillispie -Bell says it’s important that mothers breastfeed as soon as possible after birth…:

CUT 13(08)      “…facilities.”

Louisiana Tech University has set a record increase in licensing revenue from their trademarked merchandise. It’s a matter of school pride and it helps students directly. Tonya Oaks Smith is Tech’s communications director…:

CUT 07(07)      “…for scholarships.”

Smith says revenues are up by sixty-one percent over last year, and the school’s Amazon store sales are up a whopping eighty-two percent.

Truancy is a growing problem in Louisiana. According to the State Department of Education in the last five years, student absences have risen 22 percent. Truancy is defined as five or more unexcused absences in one semester. Baton Rouge Area BESE member says it was even an issue before the pandemic…:

CUT 09(07)      “…where are they?”

As kids return to the classroom the looming teacher shortage is a top concern. Brooke Thorington has more from the president of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Thorington.”

The Baton Rouge to New Orleans rail receives $20 million in federal funding, but District 6 Congressman Garret Graves says the money would be better spent elsewhere. He feels a new bridge crossing the Mississippi River and upgrades to Highway 30 and LA1 need to be built ASAP.

With the school year beginning again, there is lots of concern for the shortage of qualified teachers in Louisiana. Louisiana Federation of Teachers President Larry Carter says some districts need 100 or more instructors. He says it comes down to respect and support. Respect for the profession and support which includes more pay, so they can recruit more instructors and retain the ones they have…:

CUT 06(08)      “…be competitive.”

Police in Bossier City arrest a Haughton man for a Tuesday afternoon shooting that left one man dead and another wounded. 45-year-old Dawson Lee Driskill is charged with murder, attempted murder and more. His bond is set at over a half-million dollars. The shooting happened within yards of R.V. Karr Elementary School, but no kids were present at the time.

With wind energy emerging in Louisiana, The University of New Orleans launches an endeavor to help support and serve that industry.  A new state law provides for offshore wind farm lease sales and increases the maximum wind farm size five-fold. UNO Research & Technology Foundation director Shafin Khan says UNO’s Louisiana Wind Energy Hub will be a big part of expanding the wind industry…:

CUT 11(14)      “…to educate students.”

Shafin says the Hub will aid in developing the support industries that help keep wind farms up and running, via seed technology commercialization grants. More information is online at “lawindhub.com”

COVID. The state Department of Health reports 1505 new cases of COVID-19, with just over 600 hospitalized with symptoms statewide. They also report 30 more COVID-related deaths. LDH says about 60-percent of cases have had no COVID shots.

This week most students and teachers are returning to the classroom and in addition to the excitement of beginning a new school year, the teacher shortage remains a looming issue. Louisiana Federation of Teachers president Larry Carter says the shortage of instructors is extremely worrisome and he’s seen as many as 150 vacancies in some districts…:

CUT 05(07)      “…start the school year with.”

Teachers and support staff were given pay raises, but Carter says not enough to keep teachers from leaving their parish or even the state for “greener pastures.”

New Orleans Police say they’re looking into a late July 911 call, wherein a citizen reported a rape in progress in the French Quarter, but nearby officers – within the caller’s view – did nothing. A recording of the call has emerged, in which the citizen says “The police officer hasn’t even moved. He’s still just parked here.” NOPD is seeking security camera video that may give a clearer picture of what happened.

Louisiana Tech University has set a record increase in licensing revenue from their trademarked merchandise. More from Marsanne Golsby…:

CUT 02(29)      “…Golsby.”

Ouachita Parish public schools are getting a big influx of money to add air conditioning to school buses. The buses will ALL also be fitted with cameras to monitor student and driver behavior and route-tracking technology. The upgrades should be complete within a year.

As kids return to the classroom, the looming teacher shortage is a BIG concern. Brooke Thorington has more from the president of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Thorington.”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has made it official; he DOES intend to run for Governor a year from now. Nungesser made the announcement Monday during a visit to Lake Providence, in East Carroll Parish. He says he will likely begin campaigning in January.

With wind energy emerging in Louisiana, The University of New Orleans launches an endeavor to help support and serve that industry. UNO Research & Technology Foundation director Shafin Khan says there is increasing demand for training, talent development and research to take advantage of wind as an energy source…:

CUT 10(10)      “…work in the industry.”

The state’s Climate Action Plan calls for producing at least 5 gigawatts of offshore wind power yearly by 2035.

The renaming of Fort Polk, to something less invocative of a Civil War era figure, will cost taxpayers an estimated $1.3-million. So says the federal commission tasked with renaming numerous military bases nationwide. Fort Polk will become Fort Johnson – named for William Henry Johnson, a Black medal of honor recipient who served in the Army in World War I. That renaming is set to be finished by 2024.

A new national survey of small businesses shows “mom & pops” have little optimism amid the current inflation surge. National Federation of Independent Business state director Dawn McVea says high prices & costs, labor shortages, and supply chain disruptions means uncertainty is climbing again, and that leads to reluctance to spend or invest in expansion…:

CUT 05(06)      “…right now.”

She also says recent federal investment in beefing up IRS enforcement worries small business owners.

A Baton Rouge man faces murder charges after his 2-year-old son died Sunday in a hospital, and the coroner ruled the death the result of a beating. BRPD Lt. Don Coppola says 25-year-old Alexander King Jr. was arrested Monday…:

CUT 10(08)      “…cruelty charge”

King is now charged with first-degree murder.

August is National Breastfeeding Month, and the Louisiana Department of Health says more mothers are learning the practice through their Women, Infants & Children (or WIC) program…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

COVID. The state Department of Health reports 1505 new cases of COVID-19, with just over 600 hospitalized with symptoms statewide. They also report 30 more COVID-related deaths. LDH says about 60-percent of cases have had no COVID shots.

A new national survey of small business owners says inflation is still the number one worry facing them. Marsanne Golsby has more…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Golsby.”

Police in Bossier City responded to a shooting incident this morning, very close to the R.V. Karr Elementary School. No children were present, but school teachers and staff were. At least one shooting victim was taken to a hospital. That person’s condition is unknown. BCPD is investigating.

A Baton Rouge man faces murder charges, after his 2-year-old son died Sunday and a coroner’s preliminary report indicated a severe beating was the cause.  BRPD’s Lt. Don Coppola says 25-year-old-Anderson King Jr. was initially facing 2nd-degree cruelty to a juvenile, but now it’s first-degree murder…:

CUT 09(08)      “…a homicide.”

King reportedly first told officers the child fell down stairs, but later admitted to the beating.

Saints quarterback Jameis Winston did not practice today, but the injury to his foot is not serious, Head Coach Dennis Allen says he’s day-to-day with a sprained foot…:

CUT 12(09)      “…and then here we go.”

Winston will not play in Saturday’s preseason opener against the Houston Texans.