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

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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.

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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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***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.”

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

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. On NBC’s “Meet The Press,” Johnson said 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.”

Two months after ten inmates escape from the Orleans Parish jail, an inmate is released by mistake. Sheriff Susan Hutson says the erroneous release of 30-year-old Khalil Bryan was the result of a clerical misidentification.

Cut 8 (11) “…the verification process.”

Hutson says there will be an investigation, and disciplinary action will be forthcoming. Bryan remains on the loose.

First, there was John Fleming. Then came Blake Miguez. Now, you can add Eric Skrmetta to the growing list of Republicans challenging Bill Cassidy for the Republican Senate nomination. The New Orleans-area public service commissioner announced his candidacy Friday. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says job number one for Skrmetta is to introduce himself to voters around the entire state.

Cut 4 (08) “…a viable candidate.”

Nine southeast Louisiana parishes were approved to receive 17 million dollars in hazard mitigation funding. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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. The Department of Revenue says it owes nearly 18-thousand taxpayers almost 17-million dollars. Just a reminder that money transferred to unclaimed property is not forfeited – it still belongs to the rightful owner and not the state.

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

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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The mistaken release of an inmate adds to the troubles of the Orleans Parish Jail. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Nine southeast Louisiana parishes were approved to receive 17 million dollars in hazard mitigation funding. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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First, there was John Fleming. Then came Blake Miguez. Now, you can add Eric Skrmetta to the growing list of Republicans challenging Bill Cassidy for the Republican Senate nomination. The New Orleans-area public service commissioner announced his candidacy Friday. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says job number one for Skrmetta is to introduce himself to voters around the entire state.

Cut 4 (08) “…a viable candidate.”

Pinsonat says given Cassidy’s cash on hand and the fact that he’s the incumbent, the addition of a third primary challenger will be inconsequential to Cassidy’s re-election bid, and neither would the addition of any additional challenger.

Cut 5 (08) “…point in time.”

Pinsonat says with four prominent Republicans now in the race, another big question is – who will the Democrats put forth?

Cut 6 (08) “…will do differently.”

So far, no Democrat has entered the race.

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***Stations: As of the posting of this newscall, the mistakenly-released inmate remains on the loose. If he turns himself in or is back in custody by the time you run this story, update it accordingly.***

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.”

Sheriff Hutson says Bryan’s mistaken release was the result of a clerical misidentification.

Cut 8 (11) “…the verification process.”

This comes two months after ten inmates escaped from the same facility. Hutson says she knows that she and jail staff have let the community down with this latest failure.

Cut 9 (05)  “…for our community.”

Hutson says an investigation is underway, and disciplinary action will be forthcoming. As of this morning, Bryan remains on the loose.

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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.”

Gaspard says the funding isn’t a lump sum of money for the parishes, but available reimbursement for approved projects.

Cut 11 (14) “…this December.”

Jefferson, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes will receive the most funding with over four, three and two million dollars in funding, respectively. Gaspard says hazard mitigation works to break the cycle of repeated damage.

Cut 12 (13) “…at this time.”

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President Trump excludes 25 chemical manufacturers, including 12 in Louisiana, from federal emissions rules. Vannetta Hayes with the air planning division of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality says these are fairly new rules.

Cut 13 (08)  “…is the HON.”

NESHAP stands for National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants. Hayes points out that the exemption extended to these chemical manufacturers is not permanent.

Cut 14 (05) “…that were approved.”

Hayes says eventually, all 25 plants will need to meet the new emissions rules.

Cut 15 (07) “…was too short.”

Environmental groups say the exemption is based on a false claim that there is already strict oversight of those facilities.

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The Saints are putting on the pads for the first time in training camp today. It will be the first glimpse for both players and coaches of what the team can really look like. Tight end Juwan Johnson says the team has the best energy he’s seen since they started 5-and-2 with Jameis Winston in 2021.

Cut 16 (18) “…be okay.”

Safety Justin Rid was the Saints’ biggest addition of the offseason. The Louisiana native is a seven-year vet and will be a leader in Staley’s new defense. He says the most important things right now are staying healthy and learning the playbook.

Cut 17 (18)  “…entire season.”

Wide receiver Rashid Shaheed has made a living as one of the NFL’s most explosive deep threats. The speedster added ten pounds of muscle this offseason, and he says he expects to expand his game in Moore’s offense.

Cut 18 (16) “…on Sundays.”

Seven teens, including six juveniles, are facing felony charges for causing damage to the Grand Ridge golf course in St. Charles Parish. All suspects are boys, and they range in age from 13 to 17. Sergeant Jenni Barrette (buh-REHT) says the 17-year-old, Hunter Graffia of Destrehan, is facing the most charges.

Cut 10 (09) “…that were underage.”

Louisiana Speaker Pro Tem Mike Johnson has established a committee to monitor and communicate with the LHSAA. Johnson says legislators regularly hear concerns from constituents on transfer, discipline and organization policies. He says he’s surprised by how emotional and frustrated numerous legislators are with the situation.

Cut 7 (12) “…biggest thing.”

A dispute over trash pickup and sanitation in the French Quarter is heating up. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is looking to terminate the contract with I-V Waste and award an emergency contract to Henry Consulting at a higher cost. That’s not sitting well with many who live and work in the French Quarter. Glade Bilby with the French Quarter Management District says even though a judge ruled that Mayor Cantrell can move forward with the emergency contract, the issue is far from over. 

Cut 3 (11) “…not quite settled.”

Speaking of New Orleans, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser told Jim Engster on Talk Louisiana that he’s pushing tourism throughout the state so that New Orleans doesn’t become overcrowded with tourists.

Cut 13 (09)  “…those tourism numbers.”

The battle over the French Quarter’s trash contractor is heating up. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Louisiana legislature is taking a hard look at the LHSAA, thanks to a new committee established by Speaker Pro Tem Mike Johnson. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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A dispute over trash pickup and sanitation in the French Quarter is heating up. Mayor LaToya Cantrell is looking to terminate the contract with I-V Waste and award an emergency contract to Henry Consulting at a higher cost. That’s not sitting well with many who live and work in the French Quarter. Glade Bilby with the French Quarter Management District says even though a judge ruled that Mayor Cantrell can move forward with the emergency contract, the issue is far from over.

Cut 3 (11) “…not quite settled.”

As such, Bilby says come next Friday, he feels that I-V Waste will continue to provide trash pickup and sanitation services in the French Quarter.

Cut 4 (10) “…process of doing.”

Bilby says he feels that I-V waste is better suited to serving the French Quarter than Henry Consulting, and members of city administration agree with him.

Cut 5 (08) “…know is working.”

This week, Attorney General Liz Murrill filed an amicus brief, saying Mayor Cantrell is blatantly abusing her emergency authority.

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Louisiana Speaker Pro Tem Mike Johnson has established a committee to monitor and communicate with the LHSAA. Johnson says the LHSAA is a private corporation with authority over student-athletes across the state.

Cut 6 (10) “…little involvement.”

Johnson says legislators regularly hear concerns from constituents on LHSAA transfer, discipline and organization policies. He says he was surprised by how emotional and frustrated numerous legislators were with the situation.

Cut 7 (12) “…biggest thing.”

While Johnson is looking for a better public-private relationship with the organization and more oversight, he’s also trying to protect the LHSAA from overreaching legislation. He says he wants the association and Louisiana schools to share in success.

Cut 8 (10) “…that we have.”

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Being grounded will be the least of these kids’ worries. Seven teens, including six juveniles, are facing felony charges for causing damage to a golf course in St. Charles Parish. Sergeant Jenni Barrette (buh-REHT) says this happened at the Grand Ridge Golf Club.

Cut 9 (06)  “…of the greens.”

Specifically, the areas around the 11th, 12th and 13th holes were damaged. All suspects are boys, and they range in age from 13 to 17. Sergeant Barrette says the 17-year-old, Hunter Graffia of Destrehan, is facing the most charges.

Cut 10 (09) “…that were underage.”

Barrette says these teens do not represent the kids of St. Charles Parish as a whole.

Cut 11 (08) “…cure their boredom.”

The charges are felonies because the damages exceed one-thousand dollars. The golf course is still playable, albeit with a few additional man-made – make that juvenile-made – hazards on the 11th through the 13th holes.

________________________________________________

When people think of tourism in Louisiana, naturally the one city that comes to mind is New Orleans. But in speaking to Jim Engster on Talk Louisiana, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says while New Orleans is certainly a fun place to visit, he’s trying to change that narrative.

Cut 12 (09) “…of the state.”

Nungesser says he doesn’t want to see New Orleans become overcrowded like what many European tourist destinations are becoming.

Cut 13 (09)  “…those tourism numbers.”

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Bill Cassidy’s Republican challenger list for his U.S. Senate seat has just gotten a little more crowded. Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta has announced today that he’s running for his seat. Skrmetta made the announcement in a video, in which he introduced himself to voters statewide.

Cut 14 (10) “…and engineering company.”

Later in the video, Skrmetta outlined some of his priorities, should he be elected to the U.S. Senate.

Cut 15 (09) “…and balanced trade.”

Skrmetta joins State Treasurer John Fleming and State Senator Blake Miguez among the prominent Republicans to challenge Cassidy for the seat that he has held for two terms.

Four people, including three kids, are killed in a house fire in Lafourche Parish early yesterday morning. Ken Pastorick with the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal says firefighters were called to the home in Raceland at around one yesterday morning.

Cut 4 (08) “…six-year-old male.”

A 46-year-old woman escaped and is hospitalized. Pastorick says the home had three smoke detectors, but firefighters believe none of them were working.

For only the second time ever, Louisiana can boast more than two-million non-farm jobs. The only other time that happened was 2014 going into 2015. Leaders for a Better Louisiana CEO Adam Knapp says while the job growth can be attributed to efforts to grow diverse, resilient industries, two of them are leading the way.

Cut 8 (10) “…across the U.S.”

More than one-thousand girls ages 5 to 19 will descend upon Ruston this weekend for the 50th Dixie Softball World Series. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

President Trump excludes 25 chemical manufacturers, including 12 in Louisiana, from new federal emissions rules. It’s a two-year exemption, intended to allow those companies that amount of time to meet EPA emissions standards. Environmental groups say the exemption is based on a false claim that there is already strict oversight of those facilities.