The White House says we’re not in a recession, but do economists agree? Kevin Gallagher asks one…:

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The state has dropped its case against Aaron Bowman, a black man who faced traffic violation and resisting an officer charges for two years. However, the former state trooper, Jacob Brown, who arrested Bowman faces a civil rights violation charge in connection with the May 2019 beating. Video shows Bowman was struck with a flashlight 18 times.

One of the seven people challenging Congressman Clay Higgins for re-election discussed his reasons for running, while appearing on Jim Engster’s “Talk Louisiana” radio show. Lafayette city prosecutor Holden Hoggatt says he was disappointed at Higgins’ lack of leadership after the 2020 hurricanes…:

Cut 12 (14) “…the final straw.”   

Higgins issued a detailed press release this week, on his work securing funding for the district.

A new political party has emerged in the US calling themselves the Forward Party. LSU Political Science professor Robert Hogan says third parties have a history of fizzling out but with a growing political divide in the country…

Cut 9 (09)  “…some support.”

The Forward party’s slogan is “Not left. Not right. FORWARD”

Louisiana District 3 Congressman Clay Higgins sets the record straight on criticism of his work to help southwest Louisiana’s ongoing hurricane recovery. Higgins says he has worked with House colleagues to deliver nearly $3.5-billion in recovery aid to southwest Louisiana. He says he’ll continue on that course in a third term in office…:

Cut 5 (12) “…since then every day.”

Higgins will face seven opponents in his re-election bid in November.

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy announces infrastructure dollars are making their way to Louisiana….:
Cut 7 (13) “months ahead”
The state’s senior senator was among the group of ten bipartisan lawmakers who guided the infrastructure bill through congress last year.

Senator John Kennedy says the US has the potential to return to the days of a better economy including the low cost of fuel and utilities that we had two years ago. But not if President Biden continues to quote double down on his foolish energy policy, which he sums up like this…:

Cut  11 (12)  “…with wishful thinking.” 

LSU Coach Brian Kelly Spoke at the Baton Rouge Rotary Club Wednesday and said he can’t wait for his first night in Death Valley. He says his purpose is to develop 18 to 21 one-year-olds on a day-to-day basis…:

Cut 14 (12) “(laughter)”

Kelly’s first game with the Tigers will be in the Superdome against Florida State on September 4^th.

Louisiana District 3 Congressman Clay Higgins sets the record straight on criticism of his work to help southwest Louisiana’s ongoing hurricane recovery….:

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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FEMA expects to lose more than a million policyholders due to an increase in flood insurance. U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says lawmakers are hoping to address the issue Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (28) “….I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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LSU head football Brian Kelly says he is adjusting rather well to life in the south. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Louisiana District 3 Congressman Clay Higgins sets the record straight on criticism of his work to help southwest Louisiana’s ongoing hurricane recovery. Higgins’ district was hit by Hurricane Laura on August 24^th, 2020…then took another hit from Hurricane Delta just three weeks later. Higgins says coming back from that – even over two years – is no easy task…:

Cut 4 (11)  “…takes time.”

Higgins says he has worked with House colleagues to deliver nearly $3.5-billion in recovery aid to southwest Louisiana. He says he’ll continue on that course in a third term in office…:

Cut 5 (12) “…since then every day.”

Some of Higgins’ seven challengers in the fall election have attacked what they call his inactivity in responding to his district’s storm response and recovery. He issued a multi-page press release this week; detailing the assistance he helped secure for cities and individuals affected by the 2020 hurricanes, and giving a chronological chain of events of every action taken before the storms hit, and afterward…:

Cut 6 (09)  “…set the record straight.”

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U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says infrastructure dollars are making their way to Louisiana. Cassidy says over the last several months it’s been announced that millions of dollars are coming to the Bayou State for a variety of infrastructure projects.

Cut 7 (13) “…months ahead.”

The state’s senior senator was among the group of ten bipartisan lawmakers who guided the infrastructure bill through congress last year.

Cassidy says the Baton Rouge Airport will receive $5.2-million and the Lake Charles Airport will receive $2.5 million from the American Rescue Plan.

Cut 8 (08)  “…year 2022.”

Another issue Cassidy says he plans to support is legislation concerning the duplication of benefits from the 2016 flood. The bill has passed in the House and the new legislation will provide aid for remaining flood victims who were not previously helped.

Cut 9 (12)  “…back home.”

The bill passed in the House and goes before the Senate for consideration.

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Louisiana U.S. Senator John Kennedy rails on record-high energy costs and the White House policies that he says got us there. Kennedy says there has been a drastic turnaround in America’s energy sector and the economy in general under the current administration in Washington D.C….:

Cut 10 (13) “…have that again.”

Kennedy says the relative prosperity and low costs of fuel and utilities from just two years ago can return, but not if President Biden continues to (quoting) “double down on his bone-deep, down-to-the-marrow foolish energy policy”, which he sums up like this…:

Cut  11 (12)  “…with wishful thinking.” 

Kennedy says the run-up of gasoline, diesel fuel, and utility costs – and hence the costs of everything else – started after Biden entered office and enacted executive orders to impede domestic oil & gas production. He says the President could fix it by relenting on his policies. Kennedy says the American people cannot go on much longer with 40-year-high inflation and very high fuel costs…:

Cut 12 (10) “…would just listen.” 

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LSU head football coach Brian Kelly was able to show a bit of his personality when he addressed the Baton Rouge Rotary Club Wednesday. The Massachusetts native who’s spent the majority of his 32 years as a head coach in the Midwest says it’s been an easy adjustment for him and his family in the south.

Cut 13 (11) “…down here.”

Kelly says it doesn’t matter where you’re from to coach football, he says you just have to focus on your players. He says his purpose is to develop 18 to 21 one-year-olds on a day-to-day basis.

Cut 14 (12)  “…(laughter).”

And while the new coach knows there are high expectations of him from such a passionate fan base Kelly says he’s going to use his tried-and-true methods of coaching the Tigers.

Cut 15 (12)  “…(laughter).”

Kelly also praised LSU’s facilities and says he’s looking forward to his first Saturday Night in Death Valley.

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Saints do not have to worry about wide receiver Michael Thomas being on the physically unable to perform list as he was on the practice field for the first day of training camp. Thomas who missed all of last season says it was great to be out on the field with his teammates…

Cut 16 (16)  “…D-A win some games”

After batting an ankle injury for the last two seasons, can Thomas return to the level in 2019 that won him Offensive Player of the Year honors.  Thomas says he’s ready to win some games for new head coach Dennis Allen…

Cut 17 (16) “…front of me.” 

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At Sun Belt Media Days, First year Ragin Cajuns Coach Michael Desormeaux is excited about the quarterback battle that will play out during preseason camp. Desormeaux says Chandler Fields and Ben Woolridge are looking to replace Levi Lewis…

Cut 18 (20) “   want to compete”  …

ULM Coach Terry Bowden is entering his second season as head coach after a 4-and-8 season a year ago. Bowden says he has a more mature football team this year and better idea who will start against Texas in the season opener…

 cut 19 (16) _“…and defensively” 

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At Conference USA Media Days, Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Coach Sonny Cumbie is looking to get the program back on track again after a three and nine campaign last season…

Cut 20 (16) “ …practice one” 

Entergy Louisiana officials tell PSC members the company has made a $10-million donation to an organization that helps pay utilities for low-income individuals. But as power prices soar, PSC member Foster Campbell criticized the utility provider for giving its chairman a one-million dollar raise.

Cut 10 (13) “…whole year.” 

Entergy CEO Phillip May defended Leo Denault’s salary by saying its consistent with his peers around the nation. May says Entergy gets about 80-percent of its electricity from natural gas-fired plants, but has plans to use more solar power

Cut 11 (10)  “…even five years ago.”

The founders of the WAITR food delivery app develop a new mobile app for skilled tradesmen. Chris Meaux, who founded WAITR in 2013, is Chairman and co-founder of BoomNation. He says people trained as carpenters, pipe fitters, plumbers, welders, and more need to check into the BoomNation app…:

Cut 6 (14) “…that they have.” 

An agreement with American Cruise Lines will soon make stops in Vacherie. Executive Director of the River Parishes Tourist Commission Jay Robichaux says they already have tours lined up for passengers to visit Oak Alley plantation and they’ll have even more excursion options in the future.

Cut 4  (11) “…in the river parishes.”

They expect to have paperwork finalized in the next few weeks to begin stops in Vacherie.

Entergy Louisiana officials tell PSC members the company has made a $10-million donation to an organization that helps pay utilities for low-income individuals. But as power prices soar, PSC member Foster Campbell criticized the utility provider for giving its chairman a one-million dollar raise.

Cut 10 (13) “…whole year.” 

A 65-year-old Golden Meadow man faces video voyeurism charges after a woman discovered a camera in her bedroom. Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Captain Brennan Matherne says Golden Meadow Police asked them to assist and when they looked at the camera’s memory card, they found nude photos of the victim.

Cut 13 (08) “…the time.”

When questioned about the cameras, Matherne says Cheramie confessed.

The creator of WAITR Chris Meaux has also developed an app to help skilled tradesmen get jobs. While there are other apps and websites available…like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and even LinkedIn. Meaux says those are fine, but they focus mostly on office-oriented jobs…:

Cut 7 (12) “…to hire them.” 

Visit BoomNation-dot com for more info.

American Cruise lines will soon make stops in Vacherie as their ships roll along the Mississippi River. Executive Director of the River Parishes Tourist Commission Jay Robichaux says after Hurricane Ida they are ready to welcome tourists ashore.

Cut 5  (11) “…the river parishes.”

They expect paperwork to be finalized in the next few weeks for ships to dock in Vacherie.

Entergy Louisiana CEO Phillip May tells the Public Service Commission that the utility company is doing more to help customers experiencing higher than normal energy bills. May says they are waiving late payment fees for eligible customers and credit card payment fees and…:

Cut 9 (09)  “…customers.”

He says high natural gas prices have led to higher electric bills.

The founders of the WAITR food delivery app develop a new mobile app for skilled tradesmen. Chris Meaux, who founded WAITR in 2013, is Chairman and co-founder of BoomNation. He says people trained as carpenters, pipe fitters, plumbers, welders, and more need to check into the BoomNation app…:

Cut 6 (14) “…that they have.” 

An agreement with American Cruise Lines will soon bring tourists via the Mississippi River to Vacherie. Cruises that run from New Orleans to Memphis and the Crescent City to Baton Rouge will make a stop along the way and visit the river parishes. Executive Director of the River Parishes Tourist Commission Jay Robichaux says they already have tours lined up for passengers to visit Oak Alley plantation and they’ll have even more excursion options in the future.

Cut 4  (11) “…in the river parishes.”

They expect to have paperwork finalized in the next few weeks to begin stops in Vacherie.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in June was a record low 3.8 percent and the number of employed, which was just over two-million, also set an all-time record. And Louisiana Workforce Commission Secretary Ava Cates says the state still has over 25-thousand jobs available on the Louisiana-works-dot-net-slash hire website

Cut 6 (10)  “…as well.”

A 65-year-old Golden Meadow man faces video voyeurism charges after a woman discovered a camera in her bedroom. Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Captain Brennan Matherne says Golden Meadow Police asked them to assist and when they looked at the camera’s memory card, they found nude photos of the victim.

Cut 13 (08) “…the time.”

Cheramie confessed to the crime

Researchers at Tulane University pinpoint the Wuhan Market in China as the starting place for COVID-19. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (33) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

It looks as if no one’s number hit the Mega Millions $830 million jackpot, including mine I’m here reading the news to you. So that means the jackpot will rollover once again and the grand prize for Friday night’s drawing tops one billion dollars.It’s grown to be the third largest MegaMillions jackpot but that could change before Friday’s drawing. No one has hit the Megamillions jackpot since April 15^th.

Two-thirds of motorists have been making significant changes in their driving habits to combat high gas prices, that’s according to a Triple-A survey. Spokesperson Don Redman says even though the statewide average for a gallon of regular gas has dropped to $3.92, the changes in driving habits will most likely continue.

Cut 4  (10) “…the winter.”

The Department of Children and Family Services is expanding pandemic benefits for eligible K-12 students this summer. Assistant Secretary for Family Support Shavana Howard the benefits will be added automatically. And the website is p-ebtla-dot-org. has information about the program and what can be purchased.

Cut 11 (05)  “…p-ebt card.”

When qualifying for fall elections was over last week, two U.S. House district races had no Democrat entered. Kevin Gallagher looks at why…?

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”  

Raising Canes CEO Todd Graves has bought 50-thousand tickets for tonight’s massive Mega Millions drawing. Graves says if any of the tickets wins the big jackpot, he will split it evenly among his company’s employees. The jackpot is now roughly $830-million.

Days after a state judge blocked enforcement of the state’s abortion ban, Judge Donald Johnson has also denied a motion from Attorney General Jeff Landry to suspend the ruling while they pursue an appeal. So, in the meantime abortions can continue, Landry expects the issue will eventually be decided by the state supreme court.

When qualifying for fall elections was over last week, two U.S. House district races had no Democrat entered in the race. Kevin Gallagher looks at why…?

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”  

130-million dollars will be used from the America Rescue Plan to bring more affordable and accessible internet to over 66-thousand households and small businesses in 50 parishes. Director of the Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity Veneeth Iyengar says internet service providers will use this federal money to boost high-speed internet in rural areas….

Cut 12 (12) “…throughout the state”   

Two-thirds of motorists have been making significant changes in their driving habits to combat high gas prices, that’s according to a Triple-A survey. Spokesperson Don Redman says even though the statewide average for a gallon of regular gas has dropped to $3.92, the changes in driving habits will most likely continue.

Cut 4  (10) “…the winter.”

Louisiana’s FastStart program at the Louisiana Economic Development office is the best in the nation according to the magazine Business Facilities. Executive Director of LED FastStart, Paul Helton says the incentive program provides recruitment, training, and workforce pipeline services for businesses at no cost in exchange for creating jobs in the Bayou State.

Cut 8 (11)  “…that company recruit.”

In addition to the $130 million Louisiana is receiving to expand broadband access in its first phase from the American Rescue Plan, the state is also piloting a program to improve the state’s digital literacy rate. Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Kim Hunter Reed says the pilot will start in five parishes.

Cut  11 (11)  “…the internet.” 

The next election for a Louisiana governor is a little over a year away and U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy is reportedly considering a run for the state’s highest office. His wife, Dr. Laura Cassidy was a guest on Jim Engster’s Talk Louisiana radio program, and she says it will be year’s end before Senator Cassidy announces his decision, and he’ll be weighing things heavily until then…:

Cut 15 (09)  “… best fits the ability.”

The multi-state Mega Millions lottery jackpot has grown to a near-record amount for tonight’s drawing. Louisiana Lottery spokesman Dustin Annison says it is the 3^rdlargest jackpot for Mega Millions and the 4^th largest in U.S. lottery history…:

Cut 4 (07)  “…that kind of money.”

You heard that right $810 million before taxes.