If it seems like summers here in Louisiana are getting hotter and hotter – well, you’re right. Andrew Greenstein reports.
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Over 72-million Americans are expected to travel this Fourth of July weekend. Kace Kieschnick has more.
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Attorney General Liz Murrill announces scores of arrests in connection with a nationwide Medicaid fraud crackdown. Jeff Palermo reports.
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If it seems that summers here in Louisiana and across the country are getting hotter and hotter – well, you’re right. Shel Winkley, the chief meteorologist at Climate Central, says Louisiana’s average summer temperatures – accounting for both the daytime highs and overnight lows in June, July and August – have been steadily rising ever since records have been kept.
Winkley says nationally, since 1970, the average summer temperature has risen two and a half degrees; and while that might not seem like a significant difference, it really is.
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Winkley says humans have only themselves to blame for this, with all the coal, oil and methane gas that we burn.
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Triple-A projects more than 72-million Americans will travel at least 50 miles for the Fourth of July weekend, a slight increase over last year’s record. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says many are taking advantage of the holiday falling on a Saturday and extending vacations through next week.
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More than 61-million travelers are projected to hit the road, while nearly six-million are expected to board planes. Gas prices are at a four-year high for this time of year, but Redman says that won’t deter travelers.
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Triple-A says if you’re hitting the road today or tomorrow, it’s best to try to leave before noon. The most congestion on the roads is expected in the afternoon and early evening.
Before you leave, check battery conditions, tire pressure and oil status. Triple-A responded to more than 687-thousand roadside assistance calls last year. Redman says if you are driving a long distance, it’s best to take breaks every two hours.
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Attorney General Liz Murrill announces that 21 people have been arrested as part of a nationwide crackdown on Medicaid fraud. During a news conference at the Capitol, Murrill said some of those charged are accused of stealing huge amounts of money from the program.
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Murrill says Medicaid fraud is by no means a victimless crime.
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Murrill says she has made fighting Medicaid fraud a top priority ever since she was elected.
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Murrill says her office has also secured 105 convictions and 73-million dollars in restitution orders.
Murrill also announced that the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has been elevated to a standalone division within the Louisiana Department of Justice, and that Matt Stafford has been promoted to lead the newly-created division.
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State Representative Gabe Firment of Pollock is running for Congress. Firment joins at least two fellow Republicans — Monroe Representative Michael Echols and State Board of Regents chair Misti Cordell — in the race for the 5th Congressional District seat being vacated by U.S. Senate nominee Julia Letlow. Firment says voters can trust him.
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Republican State Senator Stewart Cathey is also expected to join the race.
The Grant Parish representative has served in the House since 2019. He describes himself as a true conservative who can represent the rural district well. His opponents have a head start after beginning their campaigns months ago, but Firment believes he has an advantage as the southernmost candidate.
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The reshaped district covers all or parts of 24 parishes, stretching from Monroe south to Avoyelles and Rapides parishes and into southeast Louisiana. The November 3rd party primary will be an open ballot due to the late redistricting caused by the Supreme Court’s ruling on the state’s previous congressional map. Firment says voters will be able to hear from all candidates.
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After a red-hot June for LSU recruiting, Lane Kiffin’s staff will look to keep the momentum going. Ruston High School four-star safety Jayden Anding was scheduled to announce his commitment between LSU and Ole Miss yesterday, but he pushed it back at the last minute. Geaux247’s Andre Champagne says he can do it all in the secondary.
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Anding is the brother of current Tigers corner Aiden Anding.
Brother Martin five-star wideout Easton Royal is still committed to Texas, but he hasn’t shut the door on his recruitment. LSU is trying hard to flip the nation’s top receiver. Champagne says his final decision will go down to the wire and will consider more than just who offers the most money.
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Five-star defensive lineman Jalen Brewster is the top-rated prospect in the class, and he’s been committed to Texas Tech since October. The 6-3, 300-pound athletic freak can have an immediate impact wherever he ends up. Champagne says LSU is all-in on trying to flip him, and it may even be a higher priority than landing Royal.