The U.S. Attorney’s Office has charged former state senator and chairwoman of the Louisiana Democratic Party, Karen Carter Peterson, with wire fraud. Peterson allegedly used tens of thousands of dollars in campaign and party funds for personal use, including gambling-related expenses. Peterson is expected to enter a guilty plea and legal analyst Tim Meche says that’s really her only option…:

CUT 06(07)      “…personal like that.”

The often fiery and outspoken Peterson’s lawyer says she is being treated for gambling addiction.

Opelousas Police say a local arborist died Wednesday, when he fell during a job. 50-year-old Kevin Thomas sustained serious injuries and died later at a local hospital.

A man was last night on I-12 in Baton Rouge, when a pickup slammed into his disabled vehicle. The car was on the left shoulder; not in the traffic lane. The crash is under investigation.

Inflation has surged again, with June figures showing a 9-percent increase over this time last year; reflecting a 40-year high. As prices rise higher, are we nearing some kind of breaking point? A top Louisiana economist says “yes.” LSU Professor Jim Richardson says prices are rising faster than wages, and that can’t sustain. Should such an economic breaking point occur, Richardson says it probably will be felt worst by lower income earners…:

CUT 04(15)      “…for that to happen.”

He says as more people are forced to cut spending, decreased demand will cause inflation to eventually retreat.

…here’s Neil Melancon with today’s markets…