The OMV is warning Louisianians about a scam text message claiming to be from them, contacting you to collect an outstanding traffic ticket. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

___________________________________________________

A disturbing story out of Beauregard Parish as the headstone of the mother of the first Black mayor in DeRidder’s history is vandalized. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Scammers are trying to exploit Louisiana residents yet again for their personal information and unnecessary fees through a fraudulent text message. OMV Deputy Commissioner Matt Boudreaux says the text claims it comes from the OMV trying to collect a fee for an outstanding traffic ticket.

Cut 3 (12) “…through the mail.”

He says if you’re unsure whether or not you have an outstanding ticket, contact the OMV directly or visit their website, expresslane.org, to view your license status anytime.

Cut 4 (10) “…report it.”

The OMV is encouraging users to report suspicious texts and emails to reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Boudreaux says the only way to ever receive a text message from the OMV is by opting in for alerts when scheduling an appointment online. He encourages people to inform others about potential scams, especially those who could be more vulnerable.

Cut 5 (13) “…information stolen.”

________________________________________________

***Note: Must credit KALB-TV in Alexandria***

A disturbing story out of Beauregard Parish as the headstone of the mother of the first Black mayor in DeRidder’s history has been vandalized. Someone had knocked down the heart-shaped stone marking the final resting place of Ceola Harris at Beauregard Cemetery. Speaking exclusively to KALB-TV in Alexandria, Mayor Michael D. Harris says he has been in close contact with DeRidder Police Chief Craig Richard (REE-shard).

Cut 6 (08) “…that’s knocked over.”

Mayor Harris tells KALB-TV in Alexandria says breaking the news to his family was very difficult.

Cut 7 (11) “…very, very hurtful.”

Harris is stopping short of calling this act of vandalism racially motivated. He tells KALB-TV that he’s leaning on his faith to get him through this.

Cut 8 (08) “…and keep going.”

The police department is actively investigating. The cemetery, however, does not have any security cameras, which will make the investigation much more difficult.

________________________________________________

Plenty of reaction to President Trump’s recent proclamation giving 25 chemical companies, including 12 in Louisiana, a two-year exemption from new federal EPA emissions rules. David Cresson (cress-AWN), the president and CEO of the Louisiana Chemical Association, says the two-year exemption is necessary because there’s a lot involved in meeting these new rules.

Cut 9 (08)  “…it as well.”

But Anne Rolfes (RAWL-fiss), the director of the environmental group Louisiana Bucket Brigade, says people’s health are too important to take two years for these companies to meet these new standards.

Cut 10 (13) “…cancer-causing emissions.”

Cresson disputes Rolfe’s notion that there’s a correlation between people’s overall health and proximity to a chemical plant.

Cut 11 (15) “…in the state.”

Cresson says the chemical industry is one of the most regulated industries in the country, but Rolfes says it seems that those regulations are doing little good.

Cut 12 (13) “…oversight, not less.”

________________________________________________

A recent study from Bankrate found nearly half of Americans working full-time or searching for full-time employment say they are looking for a new job in the next year. Bankrate senior economic analyst Mark Hamrick says 44-percent said they planned on asking for a raise.

Cut 13 (14)  “…more than that.”

Another leading cause for the potential turnover, Hamrick says, is in the pursuit of an improved work-life balance. The study also found that Gen Z and Millennial workers were more likely to ask for a raise or flexibility than their Gen X counterparts.

Cut 14 (13) “…next year.”

Bankrate found that a quarter of workers plan to start their own business in the next year, and that percentage is larger among younger Americans. Hamrick says independent businesses are essential to the U.S. economy

Cut 15 (13) “…giant business.”

The headstone of the mother of the first Black mayor in DeRidder’s history has been vandalized. Someone had knocked down the heart-shaped stone marking the final resting place of Ceola Harris at Beauregard Cemetery. Speaking exclusively to KALB-TV in Alexandria, Mayor Michael D. Harris says breaking the news to his family was very difficult.

Cut 7 (11) “…very, very hurtful.”

Mayor Harris says while there’s every indication that the act was intentional, he stopped short in saying it was racially motivated.

Scammers are trying to exploit Louisiana residents yet again for their personal information and unnecessary fees through a fraudulent text message. OMV Deputy Commissioner Matt Boudreaux says the text claims it comes from the OMV trying to collect a fee for an outstanding traffic ticket.

Cut 3 (12) “…through the mail.”

Plenty of reaction to President Trump’s recent proclamation giving 25 chemical companies, including 12 in Louisiana, a two-year exemption from new federal EPA emissions rules. David Cresson (cress-AWN), the president and CEO of the Louisiana Chemical Association, says the two-year exemption is necessary because there’s a lot involved in meeting these new rules.

Cut 9 (08)  “…it as well.”

But Anne Rolfes (RAWL-fiss), the director of the environmental group Louisiana Bucket Brigade, says people’s health are too important to take two years for these companies to meet these new standards.

Cut 10 (13) “…cancer-causing emissions.”

Cresson disputes Rolfe’s notion that there’s a correlation between people’s overall health and proximity to a chemical plant.

A disturbing story out of Beauregard Parish as the headstone of the mother of the first Black mayor in DeRidder’s history has been vandalized. Someone had knocked down the heart-shaped stone marking the final resting place of Ceola Harris at Beauregard Cemetery. Speaking exclusively to KALB-TV in Alexandria, Mayor Michael D. Harris says he has been in close contact with DeRidder Police Chief Craig Richard (REE-shard).

Cut 6 (08) “…that’s knocked over.”

Harris is stopping short of calling this act of vandalism racially motivated.

A recent study from Bankrate found nearly half of Americans working full-time or searching for full-time employment say they are looking for a new job in the next year. Analyst Mark Hamrick says 44% said they planned on asking for a raise.

Cut 13 (14)  “…more than that.”

The OMV is warning you about a scam text message claiming to be from them, saying you have an outstanding traffic ticket. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Come Friday, the Independent Party will officially cease to exist as a recognized political party in Louisiana.

Cut 7 (11) “…law this year.”

Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s office says on Friday, people who registered as “Independent” will have their affiliations changed to “No Party.” This way, they’ll be able to vote in either a Republican or a Democratic closed primary of their choice.

Medicaid enrollment in Louisiana is back to pre-pandemic levels. Enrollment peaked at about two-million in 2023 when states were prohibited from removing people during the COVID pandemic. PAR President Steven Procopio says the numbers took a U-turn when eligibility checks resumed two years ago.

Cut 15 (08) “…call the unwinding.”

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.”

With dangerously hot temperatures choking the state this week, electric providers say they’re ready. In the New Orleans area, the Mid-Continent Independent System Operator says it has enough capacity to meet the demand. MISO took heat back in May for a surprise blackout that left about 100-thousand Entergy customers in the dark.

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.”

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. PAR President Steven Procopio says the reason Medicad rolls spiked during COVID is because by rule, no one was being taken off the rolls during that time.

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

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

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Tragedy in Iberia Parish, as an 11-year-old girl is hit by a car and killed. State Police say Nahelie Sinitiere was trying to cross Highway 674, East Admiral Doyle Drive, near the intersection of Whitney Drive when she was hit by a car. She died from her injuries at a hospital. The driver stopped and cooperated; a voluntary breath sample showed no signs of impairment.

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.”

____________________________________________

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.”

________________________________________________________

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.”

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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.

________________________________________________________

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.”

___________________________________________________

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.”

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.”