Have you seen the size of the jackpot for tonight’s megaMillion drawing? Kevin Gallagher reports someone could be a multi-millionaire tomorrow morning…:

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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The FastStart incentive program at Louisiana Economic Development takes top honors for the 13^th time. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32) “….I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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In to providing broadband access to rural areas of the state, now there’s a pilot program to teach individuals how to best use the internet. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The multi-state Mega Millions lottery jackpot has grown to a near-record amount for tonight’s drawing. Louisiana Lottery spokesman Dustin Annison says it is the 3^rdlargest jackpot for Mega Millions and the 4^th largest in U.S. lottery history…:

Cut 4 (07)  “…that kind of money.”

A single Mega Million winner tonight will rake in $810 million before taxes. Annison says that the jackpot has been building since late April. He says, when winnings grow this high, there is always a big spike in ticket sales…:

Cut 5 (09) “…three-point-five-million.”

Annison says a winner could also select a lump sum of $470-million (minus taxes). He has good advice for anyone who plays the Lottery; no matter which game…:

Cut 6 (09)  “…you can claim it.”

If there is NO winner in tonight’s drawing, the Mega Million jackpot could easily grow to over a billion dollars.

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Louisiana’s FastStart program at the Louisiana Economic Development office is the best in the nation according to the magazine Business Facilities. Executive Director of LED FastStart, Paul Helton says the program which assists businesses moving into or expanding in Louisiana, has quite a history of assisting with workforce development.

Cut 7 (05) “…in the list.”

Louisiana’s workforce program has dominated the Business Facilities ranking for 13 years. Helton says the FastStart incentive program provides recruitment, training, and workforce pipeline services for businesses at no cost in exchange for creating jobs in the Bayou State.

Cut 8 (11)  “…that company recruit.”

Helton says FastStart then also has job postings on their website and in some cases, they hold job fairs. And to ensure these companies have trained workers in the future, FastStart works with educational partners like the Louisiana Community and Technical College System also.

Cut 9 (03)  “…is needing.”

Business Facilities will reveal the state’s other 2022 Top 10 rankings later this week.

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In addition to the $130 million Louisiana is receiving to expand broadband access in its first phase from the American Rescue Plan, the state is also piloting a program to improve the state’s digital literacy rate. Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Kim Hunter Reed says they hope to increase the digital literacy rate by 50 percent in five years.

Cut 10 (08) “…forward in Louisiana.”

Reed says they want to be sure that those who will soon have access to the internet know how to best use it safely and successfully The pilot will start in five parishes.

Cut  11 (11)  “…the internet.” 

Reed says providing affordable access to close the digital divide is only part of the equation for broadband success.

Cut 12 (07) “…successfully.” 

Each pilot site will receive $20,000 to assess its community’s need for digital literacy and provide instructional opportunities over a 12-month period.

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With the next election for a Louisiana governor a little over a year away, many ask will U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy enter the race? Appearing on Jim Engster’s Talk Louisiana radio program, Cassidy’s wife, Dr. Laura Cassidy, says the senator is more focused on the job he has at the moment…:

Cut 13 (11) “…big things right now.”

Attorney General Jeff Landry, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, and State Treasurer John Schroder have all voiced plans to run for governor. Senator Cassidy has expressed interest but remained non-committal. Dr. Cassidy says her spouse’s work in Congress takes priority, and any announcement he may make is still months off…:

Cut 14 (07)  “…end of the year.”

Dr. Cassidy says it will be year’s end before Senator Cassidy announces his decision, and he’ll be weighing things heavily until then…:

Cut 15 (09)  “… best fits the ability.”

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The Saints veterans report for training camp today and one of the big issues surrounding the team is health. New Orleans went through a rash of injuries last season including a season-ending injury to starting quarterback Jameis Winston. Saints analyst Mike Detillier says the team also suffered through numerous injuries on the offensive and defensive lines…

Cut 16 (13)  “…incurred”

A dark cloud hanging over the team is a potential suspension for running back Alvin Kamara, who is facing a felony battery charge in Las Vegas. Kamara’s next court hearing is August 1st and Detillier says NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell doesn’t hand down discipline until a legal judgment is made…

Cut 17 (12) “…2023.” 

The Saints had one of the top defenses in the NFL last season, allowing 20 points a game, which was fourth best in the league. They were also really good against the run, holding teams to 94 yards on the ground. Detillier says the Black and Gold should be good on defense again this season…

Cut 18 (13) “ …stay healthy.” 

Detillier says the Saints should also be improved at wide receiver, especially if Michael Thomas is healthy after missing all of last season because of ankle injuries…

Cut 19 (19) _“…the team.” 

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Cut 20 (12) “ …in high school” 

District 4 Congressman Mike Johnson wins another term unopposed. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”  

According to Triple-A, the statewide average for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana drops to $3.94. That’s down ten cents from a week ago and 52 cents from a month ago. The nationwide average for a gallon of regular gas is $4.36.

Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory announces that he has voluntarily checked himself into an in-patient rehabilitation facility for 21 days. The military vet entered treatment for alcohol and post-traumatic stress disorder. K-L-A-F and K-A-D-N TV news anchor Jeff Horchak says this is Guillory’s first job in politics…:

Cut 4  (12) “…was an issue”

Arrangements have been made for him to remain in contact with city leaders while in treatment.

To date 25 cases of monkeypox have been reported in Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards says they want to educate residents and visitors about monkeypox especially ahead of Southern Decadence in New Orleans Labor Day weekend.

Cut 7 (13) “…disease.” 

Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory announces that he has voluntarily checked himself into an in-patient rehab facility for 21 days. Guillory says he never drank before or during working hours but he believes he’s addicted to alcohol and has untreated Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. KLAF and KADN TV news anchor Jeff Horchak..:

CUT 03(10)      “…back on track.”

Guillory is a combat veteran. He is in his second year of his first term in public office.

The World Health Organization declares monkeypox a global health emergency, and state leaders are asking for more vaccine doses. So far 25 monkeypox cases have been reported and State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says they need more than a thousand vaccine doses to curb a potential outbreak…:

CUT 06(10)      “…sexual partners.”

Louisiana District 4 Congressman Mike Johnson celebrates winning re-election unopposed and the next two years in office. Johnson qualified last week to run for re-election and, when qualifying was over he had no challenger. Johnson says he’s humbled and grateful…:

CUT 09(13)      “…unnecessarily.”

Johnson says he and fellow House republicans hope to regain Majority this fall, and if that happens they have plans ahead to, as he says, “fix a lot of problems.”

A pair of teens in West Baton Rouge Parish used sex to lure a potential robbery victim, but it didn’t work out their way. Deputies say the 16-year-old girl got the man to the motel, where her 15-year-old boyfriend attempted to rob him. A struggle ensued and the girl accidentally shot her accomplice. He will survive. The teens face armed robbery charges. The man is charged with soliciting prostitution.

Deputies in St. James parish arrest three people for burgling and vandalizing Lutcher High School early Sunday morning. Sheriff Willy Martin says the suspects also set some small fires in the school. He says the three men – ages 19, 18 and 17 – are all former LHS students. He says posting security camera images of them on Facebook triggered the tips needed to arrest them…:

CUT 13(09)      “…police station.”

Shreveport area Congressman Mike Johnson ran unopposed and so he’s been elected to another term in the U.S. House, for which he says he is grateful. Johnson says, in the next term, there should be an opportunity for upward mobility in the U.S. House and the GOP; for him and fellow Louisiana delegates…:

CUT 11(12)      “…next two years.”

Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory has checked himself into rehab for help with an addition to alcohol and PTSD. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Palermo.”

Dry weather has triggered open burn bans in the following parishes: Caldwell, Lincoln, Jackson, Union, Winn and West Carroll. The bans are in place until further notice. Failure to comply could mean a $500 fine and possible jail time.

Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory has checked himself into a 21-day in-patient rehabilitation facility to help him overcome an addiction to alcohol and untreated Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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District 4 Congressman Mike Johnson wins another term unopposed. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”  

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Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory announces that he has voluntarily checked himself into an in-patient rehabilition facility for 21 days. Guillory says he never drank before or during working hours but he believes he’s addicted to alcohol and has untreated Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. K-L-A-F and K-A-D-N TV news anchor Jeff Horchak

Cut 3 (10) “…back on track” 

Guillory is a combat veteran and served as a Platoon Leader in the U-S Cavalry during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005. He began his term as Lafayette Mayor-President in 2020 and one of his first challenges was the COVID-19 pandemic. Horchak says this is Guillory’s first job in politics…

Cut 4  (12) “…was an issue”

Horchak says because of his elected position, special arrangements have been made allowing him to remain available and in daily communication with Lafayette City-Parish Attorney Greg Logan and Chief Administrative Officer Cydra Wingerter…

Cut 5  (08) “…that goes”

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The World Health Organization declares monkeypox a global health emergency, and state leaders are asking for more vaccine doses. So far 25 monkeypox cases have been reported and State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says they need more than a thousand vaccine doses to curb a potential outbreak.

Cut 6 (10) “…anonymous sexual partners.” 

In addition to more vaccines, Governor John Bel Edwards says they want to educate residents and visitors about monkeypox especially ahead of Southern Decadence in New Orleans Labor Day weekend.

Cut 7 (13) “…disease.” 

Kanter says testing is much easier now for monkeypox and clinicians can send samples to the state lab and other reference labs. And with more testing, he says case numbers will increase.  In the US there are just under 3,000 cases of monkeypox.

Cut 8 (10) “..rather fresh”

For more information concerning Monkeypox and the state dashboard of cases, you can visit the Louisiana Department of Health’s website.

The state reported 4 new cases today bringing the statewide total to 25.

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Louisiana District 4 Congressman Mike Johnson celebrates winning re-election unopposed and the next two years in office. Johnson qualified last week to run for re-election and, when qualifying was over he had no challenger. Johnson says he’s humbled and grateful…:

Cut 9 (13) “…unnecessarily.”

Johnson says he and fellow House republicans hope to regain Majority this fall, and if that happens they have plans ahead to, as he says, “fix a lot of problems”…:

Cut 10 (13) “…the American people.” 

Johnson says, in the next  term, there should be an opportunity for upward mobility in the U.S. House and the GOP; for him and fellow Louisiana delegates…:

Cut 11 (12)  “…the next two years.”

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Three arrests have been made in connection with a burglary and arson that occurred early Sunday morning at Lutcher High School. St. James Parish Sheriff Willy Martin says security camera footage that was shared on social media helped them crack the case.

Cut 12 (08) “…may be.”   

The suspects have been identified as 19-year-old Justin Kruger, 18-year-old Mason Ainsworth, both of Paulina, and a 17-year-old male from Gramercy. All three are former Lutcher High students

After photos of the suspects were shared on social media, Martin says with the public’s help they were quickly able to arrest two of the suspects.

Cut 13 (09) “…police station.”

The suspects face simple burglary and arson charges. They also face attempted simple burglary charges after allegedly trying to break into homes and cars in a nearby neighborhood after leaving the school.

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State Wildlife & Fisheries agents charge a Folsum man with DWI and vehicular homicide for a weekend fatal boating accident. LDWF spokesman Adam Einck says it happened Saturday afternoon on Lake Ponchartrain, and the victim is identified as 21-year-old Hunter Prevost, of Loranger (lo-RAHN-jer)…:

Cut 14 (11)  “…back of the boat.” 

Einck says investigating agents soon determined the boat’s operator, 22-year-old Lane Keenan, was alcohol-impaired. He’s charged with driving a vessel while impaired, reckless operation and vehicular homicide, and faces stiff fines and possible jail time…:

Cut 15 (09) “…under the influence.” 

Louisiana District 4 Congressman Mike Johnson celebrates winning re-election unopposed and the next two years in office. Johnson qualified last week to run for re-election and, when qualifying was over he had no challenger. Johnson says he and fellow House republicans hope to regain Majority this fall, and if that happens they have plans ahead to, as he says, “fix a lot of problems”…:

CUT 10(13)      “…the American people.”

State Wildlife & Fisheries agents charge a Folsum man with DWI and vehicular homicide for a weekend fatal boating accident. LDWF spokesman Adam Einck says it happened Saturday afternoon on Lake Ponchartrain, and the victim is identified as 21-year-old Hunter Prevost, of Loranger. Einck says agents soon determined the boat’s operator, 22-year-old Lane Keenan, was alcohol-impaired. He now faces stiff fines and possible jail time…:

CUT 15(09)      “…under the influence.”

Monkeypox has been declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization; triggering Louisiana health officials to seek a big stock of smallpox vaccine, which is effective against the virus. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says there are under 3000 cases nationwide, but that will increase…:

CUT 08(10)      “…rather fresh.”

Lafayette mayor-president, Josh Guillory checks himself into a rehab facility to get help with alcohol dependence and PTSD. KLAF & KADN news anchor Jeff Horchak says, despite rehab, Guillory is keeping in close touch with the city attorney, Greg Logan, and Lafayette CAO Cydra Wingerter, on city-parish matters…:

CUT 05(08)      “…that goes.”

Guillory is in his 2^nd year of office.

Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory announces that he has voluntarily checked himself into an in-patient rehabilitation facility for 21 days. The military vet entered treatment for alcohol and post-traumatic stress disorder. K-L-A-F and K-A-D-N TV news anchor Jeff Horchak says this is Guillory’s first job in politics…:

Cut 4  (12) “…was an issue”

Arrangements have been made for him to remain in contact with city leaders while in treatment.

So far 21 cases of monkeypox have been reported in Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards says they want to educate residents and visitors about monkeypox especially ahead of Southern Decadence in New Orleans Labor Day weekend.

Cut 7 (13) “…disease.” 

State Wildlife & Fisheries agents charge 22-year old Lane Keenan of Folsum with DWI and vehicular homicide for a weekend fatal boating accident. LDWF spokesman Adam Einck says it happened Saturday afternoon on Lake Ponchartrain, and the victim is identified as 21-year-old Hunter Prevost,

Cut 14 (11)  “…back of the boat.” 

Three arrests have been made in connection with a burglary and arson that occurred early Sunday morning at Lutcher High School. St. James Parish Sheriff Willy Martin says security camera footage that was shared on social media helped them crack the case.

Cut 12 (08) “…may be.”   

The suspects have been identified as 19-year-old Justin Kruger, 18-year-old Mason Ainsworth, and a 17-year-old male. All three are former Lutcher High students.

Louisiana District 4 Congressman Mike Johnson celebrates winning re-election unopposed and his next two years in office. Johnson qualified last week to run for re-election and, when qualifying was over he had no challenger. Johnson says he’s humbled and grateful…:

CUT 09  (08)        “…unnecessarily.”

Johnson looks forward to the GOP retaking House Majority this fall.

The World Health Organization declares monkeypox a global health emergency, and state leaders are asking for more vaccine doses. So far 21 monkeypox cases have been reported and State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says they need more than a thousand vaccine doses to curb a potential outbreak…:

CUT 06(10)      “…sexual partners”

Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory has checked himself into a 21-day in-patient rehabilitation facility to help him overcome an addition to alcohol and untreated Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

…and now today’s markets…