Mike the Tiger could soon be coming to a theatre near you. Brooke Thorington has more about the feature film that’s in the works.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

________________________________________________

Starting Monday, August 1^st, military veterans will have the right to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (28) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

________________________________________________

The Governor’s Office of Community Programs will distribute school supplies across the state, beginning this weekend. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

___________________________________________________

A feature film is in the works starring LSU’s beloved mascot Mike the Tiger. It’s titled The Mascot and is loosely based on writer/director Matthew Perkins’ life when he donned the Uga costume at the University of Georgia. He approached his alma mater about the film first but their loss is now LSU’s gain.

Cut 4 (09)  “…Tiger movie.”

Perkins says it’s a heartfelt, coming of age, sports comedy about a quarterback who loses his scholarship to LSU, and then sort of reinvents himself as the mascot. Perkins says it’s more of a parable about identity, and how we all wear masks metaphorically, especially in our formative years in college.

Cut 5 (04) “…really is.”

And with the university’s name image and likeness deals chances are you’ll see some LSU student-athletes cast in the film. But Perkins there’s one thing for sure, you’ll see a film crew on the sidelines during football season.

Cut 6 (11)  “…sports movie.”

Casey Cott who’s known for his role in Riverdale has been cast as the lead character in The Mascot.

_______________________________________________

Beginning Monday, military veterans will have the right to carry a concealed weapon without obtaining a permit. The new law was authored in the legislature by Monroe area Senator Jay Morris, who says he was happy to pass legislation to aid those who’ve served their country…:

Cut 7 (07) “…and their property.”

Under the new law, military veterans may carry a hidden gun without getting a permit; provided they are over 21 and have no criminal felony record. Some object to permitless concealed carry (sometimes called Constitutional Carry) because the current system requires weapons training and proficiency tests. Morris says anyone who’s served in the military has already had such training…:

Cut 8 (11)  “…getting a permit.”

A vet who encounters police while carrying without a permit might want to also carry some proof of his or her military service. In a recent mass shooter incident in Indiana, the killer was put down by an armed citizen before he could slay more people. Morris says murderers and criminals don’t observe gun laws; good people do…:

Cut 9 (08)  “…to protect themselves.”

________________________________________________

Thousands of people will be buying lottery tickets for tonight’s Mega Millions drawing which has a grand prize of one-point-one billion dollars. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says it’s one of the largest jackpots in U-S lottery history

Cut 10 (08) “…lottery jackpot.”

Annison says lottery players love big jackpots, including individuals who might buy a lottery ticket only once or twice a year

Cut  11 (12)  “…Mega Million sales.” 

Annison says they ask individuals to play responsibly and if you are going in with a large group, make sure you decide beforehand how you would split up the winnings. He says billion dollar jackpots result in a frenzy in individuals buying tickets, which is good for the state

Cut 12 (08) “..our state” 

_________________________________________________

The Governor’s Office of Community Programs is hosting several back-to-school community fairs across the state, beginning tomorrow. Director, Katina Semien-Smothers says because they understand that for families, and especially this year with inflation, it’s difficult to purchase school supplies and they wanted to make it a fun event.

Cut 13 (08) “…the state.”

Semien-Smothers says in the past they’ve donated school supplies or resources for agencies to purchase school supplies…

Cut 14 (09)  “…the community.”

The first of four back-to-school community fairs will be at City Park in Natchitoches from 10 until 2. Semien-Smothers says the remaining fairs are in August.

Cut 15 (10)  “…the 20th.”

Supplies to be distributed include notebooks, pens, pencils, paper, and more.

_______________________________________________

Jameis Winston is getting ready for his second season as the starting quarterback for the Saints. Winston recognizes he has more weapons around him this season

Cut 16 (15)  “….beautiful thing“.

A healthy Michael Thomas would be huge for the Saints offense. He’s caught over 500 passes in his career and the last season he was healthy, Thomas was named the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year. Winston is looking forward to working with Can’t Guard Mike…

Cut 17 (14) “…gonna happen” 

So far much of the attention on Saints training camp has been on the offense, who now have a healthy Jameis Winston and Michael Thomas, plus the additions of receivers Chris Olave and Jarvis Landry. But Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan says the defense is working to be a top tier defense…

Cut 18 (23) “   …championship defense”

_____________________________________________________

 cut 19 (16) _“…and defensively” 

__________________________________________________________________________________

Cut 20 (16) “ …practice one” 

The White House says we’re not in a recession, but do economists agree? Kevin Gallagher asks one…:

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The state has dropped its case against Aaron Bowman, a black man who faced traffic violation and resisting an officer charges for two years. However, the former state trooper, Jacob Brown, who arrested Bowman faces a civil rights violation charge in connection with the May 2019 beating. Video shows Bowman was struck with a flashlight 18 times.

One of the seven people challenging Congressman Clay Higgins for re-election discussed his reasons for running, while appearing on Jim Engster’s “Talk Louisiana” radio show. Lafayette city prosecutor Holden Hoggatt says he was disappointed at Higgins’ lack of leadership after the 2020 hurricanes…:

Cut 12 (14) “…the final straw.”   

Higgins issued a detailed press release this week, on his work securing funding for the district.

A new political party has emerged in the US calling themselves the Forward Party. LSU Political Science professor Robert Hogan says third parties have a history of fizzling out but with a growing political divide in the country…

Cut 9 (09)  “…some support.”

The Forward party’s slogan is “Not left. Not right. FORWARD”

The U.S. has now seen two consecutive quarters of decline in the Gross Domestic Product, which is the frequent definition of what makes an economic recession. U.L. Lafayette economics professor Gary Wagner says he think we are already in one. Wagner says it’s been 70 years since there were two straight quarters of GDP shrinkage that did NOT create a recession. He says the only positive indicators are the still healthy labor and jobs pictures, which he says are distorted by the pandemic…:

CUT 08(10)      “…the economy is doing.”

He says if unemployment statistics included those who lost work during the pandemic…drew all their benefits since and have quit looking for work, they’d be considerably higher.

A jury in Shreveport returns a guilty verdict for 36-year-old Jeremy Walker for child rape. Walker abused two young children over a period of several years. He’ll return to court in early August for a mandatory sentencing to life in prison without parole.

Popular Louisiana rap artist JayDaYoungan was shot and killed Wednesday, while sitting on a porch with relatives in Bogalusa. The 24-year-old rapper’s real name is Javorius Scott. Bogalusa Police have made one arrest and say more suspects will be in custody soon.

A new political party known as the Forward Party emerges in the U.S. But will they be able to compete with the left or the right? Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

Popular Louisiana rapper JayDaYoungan was fatally shot in a double shooting late yesterday afternoon in Bogalusa. The artist, whose real name is Javorius Scott, died at the scene. A relative was shot and wounded. Bogalusa Police Chief Kendall Bullen says the murder of JayDaYoungan has sparked other violence in his town…:

CUT 05(08)      “…was related.”

JayDaYoungan has a big social media following and is known for his singles, “23 Island,” “Elimination” and “Opps.”

A jury in federal court in New Orleans returns a Not Guilty verdict for Orleans Parish D.A. Jason Williams. Williams was accused of filing false tax returns that helped him dodge hundreds of thousands in taxes over five years. His defense blamed Williams’ tax accountant for everything. Prosecutors said Williams HAD to have known what was going on.

One of the seven people challenging Congressman Clay Higgins for re-election discussed his reasons for running, while appearing on Jim Engster’s “Talk Louisiana” radio show. Lafayette city prosecutor Holden Hoggatt, a Republican, and six others are running to replace Higgins in D.C. He says that number of candidates is indicative of the dissatisfaction with the man once known as the “Cajun John Wayne” and his service to and for District 3…:

CUT 14(11)      “…some Louisiana folks.”

Hoggatt says he was disappointed at Higgins’ lack of leadership after the 2020 hurricanes.

Is there room for another so-called “third political party” on the national landscape? And would a new party fare any better than Libertarians? The Green Party? Or others? LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says they pose little threat to Democrats or the GOP, but those two will seek to dissuade voters from straying away…:

CUT 11(11)      “…from winning.”

NOT guilty. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams has been found not guilty of federal tax fraud charges, after a jury deliberated for 16 hours to decide the case. Williams was accused of cheating on his taxes to the tune of $200-thousand over five years. His lawyers argued that was the doing of his tax accountant. Prosecutors say Williams HAD to have known what was going on.

Are we or aren’t we in a recession? We have seen two straight quarters of negative growth in the Gross Domestic Product, which usually signifies recession, yet the White House and the Federal Reserve say we are not. U.L.-Lafayette economics professor Gary Wagner says the only positive indicators are a still vital labor and jobs picture…:

CUT 07  (09)        “…nail in the coffin.”

Wagner thinks we are already in a recession and have been for some time.

One of the seven people challenging Congressman Clay Higgins for re-election discussed his reasons for running, while appearing on Jim Engster’s “Talk Louisiana” radio show. Lafayette city prosecutor Holden Hoggatt says Higgins’ recent press release, detailing all he did to help before and after Hurricanes Laura and Delta and the billions he helped deliver for recovery is (quote) “absolutely false”…:

CUT 13(10)      “…uhhh efforts.”

Hoggatt is a Republican, like Higgins. This is his first-ever run for public office.

A new political party has emerged in the US calling themselves the Forward Party. LSU Political Science professor Robert Hogan says third parties have a history of fizzling out, and Forward’s viability will depend on its platform…:

CUT 10(10)      “…in the middle.”

The Forward party’s slogan is “Not left. Not right. FORWARD.”

Bogalusa police say popular Louisiana rapper JayDaYoungan was fatally shot Wednesday, while sitting on a porch with friends. Bogalusa Police Chief Kendall Bullen says they are seeking the suspect who drove up and attacked…:

CUT 04(06)      “…fired the shots.”

A second person was shot and wounded. The 24-year-old rapper’s real name is Javorius Scott.

One of the seven people challenging Congressman Clay Higgins for re-election discussed his reasons for running, while appearing on Jim Engster’s TalkLouisiana radio show. Lafayette prosecutor Holden Hoggatt says he was disappointed at Higgins’ lack of leadership after the 2020 hurricanes…:

CUT 12(14)      “…the final straw.”

Hoggatt, a Republican, and six others are running to replace Higgins in D.C.

A new political party known as the Forward Party emerges in the U.S. But will they be able to compete with the left or the right?

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

Attorney General Jeff Landry’s office drops all charges against Aaron Bowman, who was beaten by state troopers on a north Louisiana roadside back in 2019. Bowman HAD been charged with improper lane usage and resisting arrest. Another man that year, Ronald Greene, died after a roadside encounter with troopers.

FEMA expects to lose more than a million flood insurance policyholders due to an increase in cost. U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says lawmakers are hoping to address the issue…:

CUT 02(28)      “…Thorington.”

Lafayette Mayor President Josh Guillory has asked the state attorney general to issue an opinion on whether or not he can continue working while he is in rehab for alcohol addiction and PTSD. Guillory is a military veteran and has seen action. Members of the Lafayette council are looking at appointing an interim mayor. Guillory wants to keep working.

The U.S. has now seen two consecutive quarters of decline in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is the frequent definition of what makes an economic recession. U.L. Lafayette economics professor Gary Wagner says the true definition is more complicated than that, but…:

CUT 06  (11)        “…in a recession right now.”

Wagner says it’s been 70 years since there were two straight quarters of GDP shrinkage that did NOT create a recession.

…and now a look at today’s markets…