Louis Armstrong International is getting ready to expand. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Come Friday, the Independent Party will officially cease to exist as a recognized political party in Louisiana. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s office says the Independent Party will be short-lived in the state.

Cut 7 (11) “…law this year.”

On that day, people who registered as “Independent” will have their affiliations changed to “No Party,”
——————————-

The numbers are out, and it looks like the number of Louisianans on Medicaid has fallen to pre-pandemic levels.  The Louisiana Department of Health reports as of June, that number is down twenty percent…from two million just two years ago to 1.6 million last month. Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana President Steven Procopio says the expansion started in earnest nine years ago.

Cut 13 (08)  “…you had COVID.”

The LSU football team reports for fall camp today. There are high hopes for Brian Kelly’s fourth campaign in Baton Rouge, led by returning quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. WWL’s Mike Detillier says Nussmeier is the only sure first-round draft pick on the roster right now, but he has another breakout candidate.

Cut 10 (10) “…in his life.”

Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans is getting ready to expand. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Come Friday, one political party in Louisiana will be extinct. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

____________________________________________

The LSU Tigers report for fall camp today, and WWL’s Mike Detillier broke down the roster on Tiger Rag Radio. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

A second terminal is in the works for Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans. The city’s aviation director, Kevin Dolliole (DOE-lee-ohl), outlined the master plan to the city’s transportation committee last week, saying a steady increase in passengers necessitates the expansion.

Cut 4 (06) “…more baggage claim.”

Dolliole says to accommodate those added gates, they would need additional parking – and that’s included in phase one of the expansion plan.

Cut 5 (08) “…in that demand.”

The plan would be for that to be completed by 2031. But Dolliole says the city can’t stop there – they’re planning on growing even more.

Cut 6 (10) “…expand beyond that.”

________________________________________________________

Come Friday, the Independent Party will officially cease to exist as a recognized political party in Louisiana. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s office says the Independent Party will be short-lived in the state.

Cut 7 (11) “…law this year.”

On that day, people who registered as “Independent” will have their affiliations changed to “No Party,” and Watson says there’s a practical reason behind the change.

Cut 8 (10) “…the Independent Party.”

Watson says with the change, those registered as “No Party” will be allowed to vote in a closed primary of either the Democratic or the Republican party.

Cut 9 (11)  “…through that runoff.”

In other words, you cannot vote in one party’s primary and the other party’s runoff. Also, if you do not vote in either party’s primary, you CAN vote in either party’s runoff.

________________________________________________________

The LSU football team reports for fall camp today. There are high hopes for Brian Kelly’s fourth campaign in Baton Rouge, led by returning quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. WWL’s Mike Detillier says Nussmeier is the only sure first-round draft pick on the roster right now, but he has another breakout candidate.

Cut 10 (10) “…in his life.”

Hilton has struggled with injuries since coming to LSU as a four-star in 2021. He brought in six catches for 298 yards and three touchdowns in the final two games of last season.

Detillier says his biggest question mark is on the offensive line. Four of last year’s five starters left in the NFL Draft, with only center DJ Chester returning. Chester will likely move to the guard spot, where Detillier has questions on the interior. He is confident in young tackles Tyree Adams and Weston Davis.

Cut 11 (12) “…pick it up.”

Detillier expects the Tigers’ defensive front to be improved, and he hopes to see linebacker Harold Perkins return to his role as a pass rusher. He has questions about the LSU secondary but was wowed by six-four freshman cornerback DJ Pickett. He says he hasn’t heard as much buzz about a freshman corner since Patrick Peterson.

Cut 12 (13) “…very intriguing.”

________________________________________________________

According to the latest numbers from the Louisiana Department of Health, the number of Louisianans on Medicaid has fallen to pre-pandemic levels. As of June, about 1.6-million people in Louisiana receive their health care coverage from Medicaid – that’s down more than 20-percent from the 2023 peak of two-million. Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana President Steven Procopio says the expansion started in earnest nine years ago.

Cut 13 (08)  “…you had COVID.”

And for the next three years following the start of the COVID pandemic, the number of people on Medicaid spiked to its peak. Procopio says that was driven in large part because while people were being added, no one was being taken off the rolls during that time.

Cut 14 (10) “…disenrolled from Medicaid.”

Procopio says when eligibility checks resumed two years ago, that’s when the enrollment numbers took a huge nosedive.

Cut 15 (08) “…call the unwinding.”

Still, with almost one-third of its population on Medicaid, Louisiana has one of the highest percentages of its population on Medicaid, trailing only four states and the District of Columbia.

________________________________________________________

The Saints put on pads for the first time yesterday, giving the team and fans a first look at the trenches. Defensive end Carl Granderson had a solid performance and said the offensive line looked fast and confident. He was most impressed by his edge rushing partner, Chase Young.

Cut 16 (15) “…be special.”

It will be the second time through the quarterback rotation as Jake Haener gets his second crack at the starting reps today. Each young Q-B has shown flashes, but there’s no clear favorite yet. Veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks says they all have the right approach.

Cut 17 (15)  “…young guys.”

Safety Julian Blackmon has already made an impact after signing with the Saints at the start of camp. The five-year vet says Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley has been trying to get ahold of him since the 2020 draft, and he was looking to come to New Orleans even before Tyrann Mathieu’s retirement. He’s ready to show what he can do.

Cut 18 (14) “…what I’m seeing.”

Blackmon says there’s no replacing the Honey Badger, but he wants to uphold the standard he’s set.

Louisiana is due for yet another hot and muggy week, and LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s not just your imagination; according to a study from the Southern Climate Impacts Planning Program, it’s getting more humid.

Cut 3 (10) “…50 years ago.”

If you have a state tax refund owed to you, you have until September 6th to claim it before the money goes into unclaimed property. Byron Henderson with the Department of Revenue says it has almost 17-million dollars in uncashed tax refunds, and notices went out today. 

Cut 6 (11) “…and business taxpayers.”

Henderson says if the money is not claimed by the deadline, it is NOT forfeited.

With hot weather upon us, many will be cooling off in the pool. With kids, it’s extremely important to keep a close eye on them at all times. Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham says drowning is the third leading cause of death among kids ages one to 14 in the state.

Cut 9 (09)  “…in swimming pools.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson opened up on why he sent the House home for its summer recess three days early to avoid voting on a petition to release the Jeffrey Epstein files. On NBC’s “Meet The Press,” Johnson says the discharge petition would have required the release of grand jury testimony.

Cut 14 (10) “…the court proceedings.”

Johnson said House Republicans insist on the release of all credible evidence – however, they also insist on protecting the identities of all victims.

House Speaker Mike Johnson adjourned the House a few days early and On NBC’s “Meet the Press,” yesterday, the Louisiana Republican said the purpose of adjourning early was ending the chaos in the House Rules Committee over releasing Jeffery Epstein files.

Cut 13 (11)  “…Committee is about.”

Johnson says the discharge petition would have required the release of grand jury testimony.

Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham says drowning is the third leading cause of death among kids ages one to 14. He says always watch your children near water and be prepared.

Cut 11 (08) “…of an emergency.”

Abraham also urges you to enroll your kids in swim classes at an early age and to surround your pools with high fences and protective barriers, including self-closing and self-latching gates.

If you’re expecting a tax refund but you haven’t received it yet, now is the time to act. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Feel like summers are hotter? There’s a reason. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says a study from the Southern Climate Impacts Planning Program shows it’s getting more humid and higher humidity prevents sweat from evaporating off your skin as easily, which helps cool you off.  And he says there are other consequences.

Cut 5 (13) “…also increasing.”

More trouble for the Orleans Parish Jail as an inmate is mistakenly released on Friday. Jail staff released 30-year-old Khalil Bryan, who was being held for possession of stolen property and drug paraphernalia, as well as resisting an officer. Sheriff Susan Hutson addressed the incident in a news conference.

Cut 7 (05) “…take full responsibility.”

Hutson says Bryan was released instead of an inmate with the same last name and a similar first name. Bryan remains on the loose.

17 million dollars in hazard mitigation funding was approved for nine parishes affected by Hurricane Francine in September of 2024. GOHSEP Assistant Director Sandra Gaspard says these aren’t just relief funds. They’ll go towards fortification projects to protect from future storms.

Cut 10 (12) “…critical facilities.”

The Republican field for U.S. Senate in Louisiana is getting crowded. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The reason independents can vote in the primary is that come Friday, the Independent Party will officially cease to exist as a recognized political party in Louisiana. On that day, people who registered as “Independent” will have their affiliations changed to “No Party,” which will allow them to vote in a closed primary of either the Democratic or the Republican party.

In a disturbing story, Union Parish Sheriff’s deputies have arrested four people in connection with the death of a newborn infant found in a toilet in the February 2025 when Emergency personnel reportedly responded to a call to a Farmerville home where a someone had given birth in a bathroom. Investigators say the newborn was left submerged for several minutes before help was called and no one attempted to remove the child before paramedics arrived. 21-year-old Lindsey Nicole Washington and 69-year-old Lee Dell “Pop” Nation, Jr. are facing second degree murder charges. 74-year-old Evelyn Nation and 60-year-old Elaine Nation are facing negligent homicide charges.

House Speaker Mike Johnson adjourned the House until September a few days early, avoiding a vote to release files related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. On NBC’s “Meet The Press,” the Louisiana Republican said House Republicans insist on the release of all credible evidence – however:

Cut 12 (15) “…include those protections.”

The Southern Climate Impacts Planning Program has proven what Louisianians have felt for years: humidity levels are rising. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

If you haven’t cashed a state tax refund check, you have until September 6th to claim it before the money goes into unclaimed property. Byron Henderson with the Department of Revenue says

the unclaimed tax refunds were sent out in the form of paper checks.

Cut 8 (11) “…not been redeemed.”

If you miss the deadline, you can claim your refund by going to revenue.louisiana.gov/unclaimed refund.

It’s feeling hotter in Louisiana and our weather is more humid. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says researchers have measured dew point levels across the eastern U.S. and dew points that rarely reached the upper 70s 50 years ago are now routinely cracking the 80s. Several factors contribute to South Louisiana’s climate.

Cut 4 (11) “…more moisture.”

Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham is reminding parents and caregivers to pay close attention to children while they’re swimming or around water and do so actively.

Cut 10 (08) “…within arm’s reach.”

Dr. Abraham says drowning is the third leading cause of death among kids ages one to 14 in the state. High fences and barriers with self-closing and self-latching gates are also recommended.

House Speaker Mike Johnson adjourned the House a few days early and On NBC’s “Meet The Press,” yesterday the Louisiana Republican said he did it to end the chaos caused when Democrats hijacked the House Rules Committee to turn it into an Epstein hearing. He said to release the files, the discharge petition would have required the release of grand jury testimony.

Cut 14 (10) “…the court proceedings.”

Notices from the Department of Revenue are going out to taxpayers who haven’t cashed their state refunds. They have until September 6th to claim the refund before the money goes into unclaimed property but if the money isn’t claimed by September 6^th deadline, Byron Henderson with the Department of Revenue says it is NOT forfeited.

Cut 7 (08) “…of the taxpayer.”

If you receive a letter of an unclaimed state tax refund, you can claim your money by either going to revenue.louisiana.gov/UnclaimedRefund.

If you’re expecting a tax refund but you haven’t received it yet, now is the time to act. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson adjourned the House a few days early and On NBC’s “Meet the Press,” yesterday, the Louisiana Republican said the purpose of adjourning early was ending the chaos in the House Rules Committee over releasing Jeffery Epstein files.

Cut 13 (11)  “…Committee is about.”

Johnson says the discharge petition would have required the release of grand jury testimony.

Louisiana is due for yet another hot and muggy week, and LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s not just your imagination; according to a study from the Southern Climate Impacts Planning Program, it’s getting more humid.

Cut 3 (10) “…50 years ago.”

With hot weather upon us, many will be cooling off in the pool and it’s important to remember to keep a close eye on children around water. Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham says drowning is the third leading cause of death in the state among children ages one to 14.

Cut 9 (09)  “…in swimming pools.”

He urges parents to enroll their children in swim classes at an early age and to surround your pools with high fences and protective barriers, including self-closing and self-latching gates.

The Southern Climate Impacts Planning Program has proven what Louisianians have felt for years: humidity levels are rising. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

___________________________________________________

If you’re expecting a tax refund but you haven’t received it yet, now is the time to act. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

Louisiana is due for yet another hot and muggy week, and LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s not just your imagination; according to a study from the Southern Climate Impacts Planning Program, it’s getting more humid.

Cut 3 (10) “…50 years ago.”

Researchers have measured dew point levels across the eastern U.S. Keim says dew points that rarely reached the upper 70s 50 years ago are now routinely cracking the 80s. Several factors contribute to South Louisiana’s oppressive climate.

Cut 4 (11) “…more moisture.”

Keim says higher humidity prevents sweat from evaporating off your skin as easily, which helps cool you off.  In addition to increased discomfort, there are more impactful consequences.

Cut 5 (13) “…also increasing.”

________________________________________________

If you have a state tax refund owed to you, you have until September 6th to claim it before the money goes into unclaimed property. Byron Henderson with the Department of Revenue says it has almost 17-million dollars in uncashed tax refunds, and notices are going out today.

Cut 6 (11) “…and business taxpayers.”

Henderson says it’s important to note that if the money is not claimed by the September 6th deadline, it is NOT forfeited.

Cut 7 (08) “…of the taxpayer.”

Henderson says the unclaimed tax refunds were sent out in the form of paper checks.

Cut 8 (11) “…not been redeemed.”

If you receive a letter of an unclaimed state tax refund, you can claim your money by either going to revenue.louisiana.gov/UnclaimedRefund, or you can complete and return the voucher attached to the letter.

________________________________________________

With hot weather upon us, many will be cooling off in the pool. With kids, it’s extremely important to keep a close eye on them at all times. Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham says drowning is the third leading cause of death among kids ages one to 14 in the state.

Cut 9 (09)  “…in swimming pools.”

Dr. Abraham says not only watch your kids while they’re swimming, but do so actively.

Cut 10 (08) “…within arm’s reach.”

Abraham urges you to always be prepared when it comes to kids and water.

Cut 11 (08) “…of an emergency.”

Abraham also urges you to enroll your kids in swim classes at an early age and to surround your pools with high fences and protective barriers, including self-closing and self-latching gates.

________________________________________________

***Note: Must credit NBC’s “Meet The Press”***

To avoid a vote on releasing files related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, House Speaker Mike Johnson adjourned the House until September a few days early. Why did he do that? On NBC’s “Meet The Press,” the Louisiana Republican said House Republicans insist on the release of all credible evidence – however:

Cut 12 (15) “…include those protections.”

On NBC’s “Meet The Press,” Speaker Johnson says the purpose of adjourning early was ending the chaos in the House Rules Committee.

Cut 13 (11)  “…Committee is about.”

On NBC’s “Meet The Press,” Johnson says the discharge petition would have required the release of grand jury testimony.

Cut 14 (10) “…the court proceedings.”