Have you seen the size of the jackpot for tonight’s megaMillion drawing? Kevin Gallagher reports someone could be a multi-millionaire tomorrow morning…:

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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The FastStart incentive program at Louisiana Economic Development takes top honors for the 13^th time. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32) “….I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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In to providing broadband access to rural areas of the state, now there’s a pilot program to teach individuals how to best use the internet. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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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.”

A single Mega Million winner tonight will rake in $810 million before taxes. Annison says that the jackpot has been building since late April. He says, when winnings grow this high, there is always a big spike in ticket sales…:

Cut 5 (09) “…three-point-five-million.”

Annison says a winner could also select a lump sum of $470-million (minus taxes). He has good advice for anyone who plays the Lottery; no matter which game…:

Cut 6 (09)  “…you can claim it.”

If there is NO winner in tonight’s drawing, the Mega Million jackpot could easily grow to over a billion dollars.

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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 program which assists businesses moving into or expanding in Louisiana, has quite a history of assisting with workforce development.

Cut 7 (05) “…in the list.”

Louisiana’s workforce program has dominated the Business Facilities ranking for 13 years. Helton says the FastStart 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.”

Helton says FastStart then also has job postings on their website and in some cases, they hold job fairs. And to ensure these companies have trained workers in the future, FastStart works with educational partners like the Louisiana Community and Technical College System also.

Cut 9 (03)  “…is needing.”

Business Facilities will reveal the state’s other 2022 Top 10 rankings later this week.

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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 they hope to increase the digital literacy rate by 50 percent in five years.

Cut 10 (08) “…forward in Louisiana.”

Reed says they want to be sure that those who will soon have access to the internet know how to best use it safely and successfully The pilot will start in five parishes.

Cut  11 (11)  “…the internet.” 

Reed says providing affordable access to close the digital divide is only part of the equation for broadband success.

Cut 12 (07) “…successfully.” 

Each pilot site will receive $20,000 to assess its community’s need for digital literacy and provide instructional opportunities over a 12-month period.

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With the next election for a Louisiana governor a little over a year away, many ask will U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy enter the race? Appearing on Jim Engster’s Talk Louisiana radio program, Cassidy’s wife, Dr. Laura Cassidy, says the senator is more focused on the job he has at the moment…:

Cut 13 (11) “…big things right now.”

Attorney General Jeff Landry, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, and State Treasurer John Schroder have all voiced plans to run for governor. Senator Cassidy has expressed interest but remained non-committal. Dr. Cassidy says her spouse’s work in Congress takes priority, and any announcement he may make is still months off…:

Cut 14 (07)  “…end of the year.”

Dr. Cassidy 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.”

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The Saints veterans report for training camp today and one of the big issues surrounding the team is health. New Orleans went through a rash of injuries last season including a season-ending injury to starting quarterback Jameis Winston. Saints analyst Mike Detillier says the team also suffered through numerous injuries on the offensive and defensive lines…

Cut 16 (13)  “…incurred”

A dark cloud hanging over the team is a potential suspension for running back Alvin Kamara, who is facing a felony battery charge in Las Vegas. Kamara’s next court hearing is August 1st and Detillier says NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell doesn’t hand down discipline until a legal judgment is made…

Cut 17 (12) “…2023.” 

The Saints had one of the top defenses in the NFL last season, allowing 20 points a game, which was fourth best in the league. They were also really good against the run, holding teams to 94 yards on the ground. Detillier says the Black and Gold should be good on defense again this season…

Cut 18 (13) “ …stay healthy.” 

Detillier says the Saints should also be improved at wide receiver, especially if Michael Thomas is healthy after missing all of last season because of ankle injuries…

Cut 19 (19) _“…the team.” 

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Cut 20 (12) “ …in high school” 

District 4 Congressman Mike Johnson wins another term unopposed. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”  

According to Triple-A, the statewide average for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana drops to $3.94. That’s down ten cents from a week ago and 52 cents from a month ago. The nationwide average for a gallon of regular gas is $4.36.

Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory announces that he has voluntarily checked himself into an in-patient rehabilitation facility for 21 days. The military vet entered treatment for alcohol and post-traumatic stress disorder. K-L-A-F and K-A-D-N TV news anchor Jeff Horchak says this is Guillory’s first job in politics…:

Cut 4  (12) “…was an issue”

Arrangements have been made for him to remain in contact with city leaders while in treatment.

To date 25 cases of monkeypox have been reported in Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards says they want to educate residents and visitors about monkeypox especially ahead of Southern Decadence in New Orleans Labor Day weekend.

Cut 7 (13) “…disease.” 

Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory has checked himself into a 21-day in-patient rehabilitation facility to help him overcome an addiction to alcohol and untreated Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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District 4 Congressman Mike Johnson wins another term unopposed. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”  

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Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory announces that he has voluntarily checked himself into an in-patient rehabilition facility for 21 days. Guillory says he never drank before or during working hours but he believes he’s addicted to alcohol and has untreated Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. K-L-A-F and K-A-D-N TV news anchor Jeff Horchak

Cut 3 (10) “…back on track” 

Guillory is a combat veteran and served as a Platoon Leader in the U-S Cavalry during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005. He began his term as Lafayette Mayor-President in 2020 and one of his first challenges was the COVID-19 pandemic. Horchak says this is Guillory’s first job in politics…

Cut 4  (12) “…was an issue”

Horchak says because of his elected position, special arrangements have been made allowing him to remain available and in daily communication with Lafayette City-Parish Attorney Greg Logan and Chief Administrative Officer Cydra Wingerter…

Cut 5  (08) “…that goes”

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The World Health Organization declares monkeypox a global health emergency, and state leaders are asking for more vaccine doses. So far 25 monkeypox cases have been reported and State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says they need more than a thousand vaccine doses to curb a potential outbreak.

Cut 6 (10) “…anonymous sexual partners.” 

In addition to more vaccines, Governor John Bel Edwards says they want to educate residents and visitors about monkeypox especially ahead of Southern Decadence in New Orleans Labor Day weekend.

Cut 7 (13) “…disease.” 

Kanter says testing is much easier now for monkeypox and clinicians can send samples to the state lab and other reference labs. And with more testing, he says case numbers will increase.  In the US there are just under 3,000 cases of monkeypox.

Cut 8 (10) “..rather fresh”

For more information concerning Monkeypox and the state dashboard of cases, you can visit the Louisiana Department of Health’s website.

The state reported 4 new cases today bringing the statewide total to 25.

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Louisiana District 4 Congressman Mike Johnson celebrates winning re-election unopposed and the next two years in office. Johnson qualified last week to run for re-election and, when qualifying was over he had no challenger. Johnson says he’s humbled and grateful…:

Cut 9 (13) “…unnecessarily.”

Johnson says he and fellow House republicans hope to regain Majority this fall, and if that happens they have plans ahead to, as he says, “fix a lot of problems”…:

Cut 10 (13) “…the American people.” 

Johnson says, in the next  term, there should be an opportunity for upward mobility in the U.S. House and the GOP; for him and fellow Louisiana delegates…:

Cut 11 (12)  “…the next two years.”

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Three arrests have been made in connection with a burglary and arson that occurred early Sunday morning at Lutcher High School. St. James Parish Sheriff Willy Martin says security camera footage that was shared on social media helped them crack the case.

Cut 12 (08) “…may be.”   

The suspects have been identified as 19-year-old Justin Kruger, 18-year-old Mason Ainsworth, both of Paulina, and a 17-year-old male from Gramercy. All three are former Lutcher High students

After photos of the suspects were shared on social media, Martin says with the public’s help they were quickly able to arrest two of the suspects.

Cut 13 (09) “…police station.”

The suspects face simple burglary and arson charges. They also face attempted simple burglary charges after allegedly trying to break into homes and cars in a nearby neighborhood after leaving the school.

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State Wildlife & Fisheries agents charge a Folsum man with DWI and vehicular homicide for a weekend fatal boating accident. LDWF spokesman Adam Einck says it happened Saturday afternoon on Lake Ponchartrain, and the victim is identified as 21-year-old Hunter Prevost, of Loranger (lo-RAHN-jer)…:

Cut 14 (11)  “…back of the boat.” 

Einck says investigating agents soon determined the boat’s operator, 22-year-old Lane Keenan, was alcohol-impaired. He’s charged with driving a vessel while impaired, reckless operation and vehicular homicide, and faces stiff fines and possible jail time…:

Cut 15 (09) “…under the influence.” 

Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory announces that he has voluntarily checked himself into an in-patient rehabilitation facility for 21 days. The military vet entered treatment for alcohol and post-traumatic stress disorder. K-L-A-F and K-A-D-N TV news anchor Jeff Horchak says this is Guillory’s first job in politics…:

Cut 4  (12) “…was an issue”

Arrangements have been made for him to remain in contact with city leaders while in treatment.

So far 21 cases of monkeypox have been reported in Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards says they want to educate residents and visitors about monkeypox especially ahead of Southern Decadence in New Orleans Labor Day weekend.

Cut 7 (13) “…disease.” 

State Wildlife & Fisheries agents charge 22-year old Lane Keenan of Folsum with DWI and vehicular homicide for a weekend fatal boating accident. LDWF spokesman Adam Einck says it happened Saturday afternoon on Lake Ponchartrain, and the victim is identified as 21-year-old Hunter Prevost,

Cut 14 (11)  “…back of the boat.” 

Three arrests have been made in connection with a burglary and arson that occurred early Sunday morning at Lutcher High School. St. James Parish Sheriff Willy Martin says security camera footage that was shared on social media helped them crack the case.

Cut 12 (08) “…may be.”   

The suspects have been identified as 19-year-old Justin Kruger, 18-year-old Mason Ainsworth, and a 17-year-old male. All three are former Lutcher High students.

Though he has two challengers for his next term in office, District 1 Congressman Steve Scalise says he’s focused on what comes AFTER Election Day…:

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory enters an in-patient rehab facility due to alcohol dependency and untreated post-traumatic stress disorder. The former military vet has made arrangements to stay in contact with city leaders during his 21 days in treatment and plans to return to his position once completed.

Entergy says 2020 hurricane restoration efforts in Louisiana totaled $4.1 billion and that cost will be paid for by customers over a 15-year period. PSC Commissioner Mike Francis who’s running for her second term says the commission has asked the utility provider to pay for even a portion of those charges.

Cut 9 (08)  “…like that.”

Francis will face two other candidates in his re-election bid in November for District 4 on the PSC.

LSU will unveil a statue of Pete Maravich tonight that will stand next to the statutes of two former Tiger legends, Shaquille O’ Neal and Bob Petit. LSU’s Chief Brand Officer Cody Worsham says members of Maravich’s family will attend, along with some of the great players of LSU’s basketball past…

Cut 15 (13)  “… of that program”

The ceremony will take place at 6:30.

Congresswoman Julia Letlow qualified Friday to run for re-election. The first Republican female to represent the state in Congress touted her accomplishments in her first term and also spoke of the importance of her appointment to the House Appropriations Committee and what it means to the 5^th Congressional District.

Cut 12 (12) “…next year.”   

Hunter Pullen who served in the Marines is Letlow’s challenger. The West Monroe Republican says after having to wait months for medical care from the VA, he was inspired to continue his service to the country.

Cut 13 (11) “…concerns are.”

They will face three other candidates on the November ballot.

There are concerns that the decision to move youth inmates from Bridge City in Jefferson Parish to Angola might violate federal law. Governor John Bel Edwards and the state Department of Corrections say the juvenile inmates will be segregated from the adult population at Angola. Loyola University professor of law Hector Linares says federal law dictates under those circumstances juveniles and adults must not see or hear each other…:
Cut 4 (09) “…also be illegal.”

The Terrebonne Basin Barrier Islands have been restored and according to the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority it’s the state’s largest barrier island restoration project at one-thousand acres. Project manager April Newman says nearly nine million cubic yards of dredged sediment were used…
cut 8 (12) “….persevered”

Governor John Bel Edwards’ plan to send the most violent inmates from the troubled Bridge City Center for Youth to Angola state prison comes under fire. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Two officials from Amite will be sentenced in November after pleading guilty in a federal court in a vote-buying case. Former police chief Jerry Trabona and current City Council member Kristian Hart pleaded guilty to charges that they offered to pay people to vote for them.

The Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority has finished its largest barrier island restoration project, with the completion of the Terrebonne Basin Barrier Islands. The project restored one-thousand acres of barrier island habitat. Project manager April Newman.

CUT 06(10)      “…barrier islands.”

The $166-million project used funds from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

The media picks LSU football to finish in fifth place in the highly competitive SEC West. As expected, Alabama is the preseason favorite. The projected order following the Crimson Tide is Texas A-and-M, Arkansas, Ole Miss, and LSU. Tiger Rag Editor Tim Buckley says the media that covers the SEC looks at LSU as being a year or two away from really competing in college football’s toughest division.

Cut 11 (06)  “…get it done”

Governor John Bel Edwards’ plan to send the most violent inmates from the troubled Bridge City Center for Youth to Angola state prison is coming under fire. The juvenile jail has had four violent escapes so far this year. Among critics of the plan is Loyola University professor of law Hector Linares (lih-NAR es)he  says it seems like a bad decision, and a possible violation of federal law…:

Cut 3 (12) “…with adult prisons.” 

The media picks LSU football to finish in fifth place in the highly competitive SEC West. As expected, Alabama is the preseason favorite. The projected order following the Crimson Tide is Texas A-and-M, Arkansas, Ole Miss and LSU. Tiger Rag Editor Tim Buckley says there are a lot of question marks with this group of Tigers…

Cut 9 (10) “…question marks.”

Congresswoman Julia Letlow qualified this morning to run for re-election for the 5^th congressional district. She touted of her Parent’s Bill of Rights legislation which gives parents the ability to be more informed of their child’s curriculum and notification of violent activity at school. Letlow was asked about her feelings on gun reform efforts after recent school shootings.

Cut 14 (07)  “…to bear arms.” 

West Monroe Republican Hunter Pullen is running against Letlow. He says it was his poor medical experiences with the VA that inspired him to continue his service to the country. Pullen says vets are forced to depend on the government for medical care and he experienced a significant delay for his cancer treatments.

Cut 15 (09) “…operation.” 

The two will face off on the November ballot.

After raising over $29-million for his re-election, Senator John Kennedy says he wants to hit the $40-million mark before Election Day. Brooke Thorington has more…:

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Bayou State ranks at the top of the list, but it’s not necessarily the first place ranking consumers are pleased about. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (34) “….I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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If you are paying more than four-dollars a gallon for regular gasoline, you are paying more than the statewide average. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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U.S. Senator John Kennedy has already raised about $29-million in campaign cash, but says he’d like to break the $40-million mark before Election Day. His on-hand funds far outstrip any of his announced challengers, so why would he want to raise even more? U.L.-Lafayette political science professor Pearson Cross says a standard rule in politics is “more money is always better”…:

Cut 4 (07)  “…get rid of him.”

Cross says there’s no reason Kennedy should stop raising campaign donations, because unused funds for this election can be saved and used in a future re-election bid, but only for the Senate. That money could not be used if he decides to run for Governor next year…:

Cut 5 (04) “…in the Senate.”

Cross says that’s a good way to curry favors or support with fellow U.S. Senators.

Kennedy now has a sizeable list of challengers qualified, but his campaign cash far outpaces all of them combined. When asked during qualifying if he’d debate opponents, Kennedy said he has a busy schedule. Cross says there’s no “upside” to him doing that…:

Cut 6 (11)  “…bad in a debate.”

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Among states with combined state and local sales tax Louisiana ranks at the top of the list at 9-point-55-percent. That’s according to Tax Foundation’s state and average local sales tax rates for July 2022. Tax Foundation’s Janelle Fritts says it’s a distinction that most people do not find flattering.

Cut 7 (12) “…that position.”

Fritts says the most likely reason Louisiana’s local sales taxes are higher than others is due to the fact that there isn’t as much control over the local tax structure compared to other states.

Cut 8 (11)  “…pretty high for states.”

But Fritts says consumption taxes, like a sales tax, tend to be less economically harmful than an income tax or a corporate income tax, but when a sales tax is high it still can be burdensome.

Cut 9 (08)  “…state lines.”

In July of 2025, the state sales tax will drop from 4-point45 percent to four percent.

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After hitting a record high of $4.55 a gallon for regular gasoline on June 15th, the statewide average has finally fallen back to four-dollars a gallon according to Triple-A. Fuel analyst Don Redman says the demand for gasoline has led to a drop in prices at the pump

Cut 10 (07) “…demand erode.”

Redman says travel on our roadways was brisk in June and for the fourth of July, despite record high gas prices. But he says reality has set in on how much it costs to fuel a vehicle when gas prices are above four-dollars a gallon…

Cut  11 (11)  “…that impact” 

The statewide average has fallen 50-cents over the last month. Redman says as long as the price of crude oil falls, gasoline prices will fall as well…

Cut 12 (09) “…in demand.” 

Redman says prices could kick back up if a tropical storm or hurricane slows oil and gas production in the Gulf of Mexico.

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Abortions remain legal in Louisiana due to a temporary injunction issued by state district judge Donald Johnson. A lawsuit challenging the state’s trigger abortion ban laws is at the center of the injunction. The order gives both sides 30 days to develop plans for a trial, however, Loyola University Law Professor Dan Ciolino believes abortions will stop sooner than later.

Cut 13 (12) “…district judge.”

Ciolino says Attorney General Jeff Landry, who’s defending the state’s abortion ban, most likely will file an appeal.

Cut 14 (09)  “…be illegal.”

The merits of the case will be heard in state district court, but Ciolino says due to the nature of the issue he believes it will move to the state’s highest court quicker than other matters.

Cut 15 (12)  “… than years.”

A ban on abortions in Louisiana has gone into effect twice and been blocked twice since the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade on June 24^th.

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The Southern Jaguars have been picked to win the SWAC Western division based on a preseason poll released by the conference. Center Dallas Black was named to the All-SWAC preseason first team…

Cut 16 (08)  “…of the season”

Southern has two all preseason SWAC performers on the defensive line, Jordan Lewis and Jason Dumas. Lewis was the SWAC defensive MVP last season and Dumas is a transfer from Prairie View. Southern defensive defensive tackle Cameron Peterson is excited about the addition of Dumas…

Cut 17 (20) “…very fortunate.” 

Grambling is picked to finish fourth in the SWAC West Division. Grambling offensive lineman Tyler Thomas says the Tigers are ready to surprise some folks this year…

Cut 18 (12) “ …be seen” 

Grambling only plays three games on its campus this year. First-year coach Hue Jackson hopes future schedules feature more games at Eddie Robinson Memorial Stadium…

Cut 19 (21) _“…our university” 

Cut 20 (12) “ …in high school” 

Abortions can continue in Louisiana as a lawsuit challenging the state’s trigger laws remains in litigation. State District Judge Donald Johnson preliminary injunction orders attorneys on both sides 30 days to develop plans for a trial.

The Louisiana Bond Commission withholds funding for the New Orleans water and sewerage board over the city’s threat not to enforce state laws that ban abortions. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the Bayou State is still in its sixth surge that started about two months ago and it’s on track to be one of the longest upticks in COVID cases. And after 28 months Kanter says COVID fatigue has definitely set in.

Cut 5  (11) “…get it again.”

News broke earlier today that President Biden tested positive for COVID and is experiencing mild symptoms.

While some parts of the state are under an excessive heat warning, State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says other parts of the state are seeing rain cooling showers, and thunderstorms in the afternoon. But the standing water attracts mosquitos…

Cut 14 (12)  “…eastern encephalitis.”