Inflation has surged again, with June figures showing a 9-percent increase over this time last year. As prices rise higher, are we nearing a breaking point? A top Louisiana economist says “yes.” On WWL Radio, LSU Professor Jim Richardson says he cannot say when, but something will have to give eventually…:

CUT 03(07)      “…will not be forever.”

Poultry is up 25-percent. Milk up 17-percent. Paper products up 30-percent or more. The Federal Reserve uis expected to hike interest rates by 1-percent; hoping to avoid sharp market declines.

Thousands were left without power in northwestern Louisiana last night, after strong storms came through. SWEPCO reports over 16-thousand outages. By earlier this morning they had power back for about 7000, and say crews are working quickly to restore power for everyone else.

Many Louisianans are mourning the death of former state lawmaker and former Natural Resources Secretary Ron Gomez, who passed away this week. Gomez served in the state legislature from 1980 through 1989, and headed up DNR under Governor Buddy Roemer. New Orleans political analyst Ron Faucheux (pronounce: FO-shay) served with Gomez at the State Capitol. He says Gomez also steered legislation that led to the building of the Cajundome on the UL-Lafayette campus…:

CUT 07(09)      “…legislative career.”

Ron Gomez was 87 years old. Funeral arrangements are pending.

The number of people in the hospital with COVID statewide increased by 139 over the last week to 678. LDH reports 35-hundred more new cases yesterday and State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says getting shots and boosters is still one of the best ways to prevent getting seriously sick…:

CUT 11(12)      “…so choose.”