A Calcasieu Parish jury gives convicted cop killer Kevin Daigle a death sentence. Daigle shot and killed State Police Trooper Steven Vincent in August of 2015. He was found guilty in 2019. Calcasieu D.A. Stephen Dwight says Daigle showed no remorse at any point during court proceedings, and it’s better he never walks free again. Dwight says he and others are glad the whole ordeal is over…:

Cut 6 (08)  “…State Police community.”

Official sentencing is coming up in early September.

St. Tammany Parish Coroner, Dr. Charles Preston warns of the dangers of taking illegal pills that could contain the drug fentanyl. He says many are buying illegal meds that may look like something simple, like Percocet, but have varying amounts of fentanyl. He says the overdose rescue drug Narcan should be in every first aid kit…:

Cut 8 (07)  “…that dispense it.”

Lafayette prosecutor Holden Hoggatt has qualified to run against Congressman Clay Higgins. Hoggatt says Higgins has never has a run against a proper, well-funded Republican candidate and that Higgins first win was a fluke. Hoggatt believes he’s the candidate to represent the district and help those who are still suffering from the 2020 hurricanes.

Cut  11 (11)  “…my race to lose.” 

Qualifying ends on Friday.

Animal shelters across the state and the country are overwhelmed with pets that have been surrendered. Director of the Humane Society of Louisiana Jeff Dorson says numerous pet owners are unable to care for their animals due to inflation and many people who adopted a pet during the pandemic have returned to work full-time.

Cut 13 (07) “…to shelters.”

To assist an animal in need you can donate at humaneLA.org

The man who murdered State Trooper Steven Vincent seven years ago in Calcasieu Parish gets the death penalty. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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The coroner in St. Tammany Parish warns of the dangers of illegal drugs, after a local man died from taking one pill. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Lafayette prosecutor Holden Hoggatt says he’s the first well-funded Republican to challenge Congressman Clay Higgins. Brooke Thorington has more the political newcomer.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A Calcasieu Parish jury gives convicted cop killer Kevin Daigle a death sentence. Daigle shot and killed State Police Trooper Steven Vincent in August of 2015. He was found guilty in 2019. Calcasieu D.A. Stephen Dwight says Daigle was cold and unrepentant, and the death penalty is appropriate…:

Cut 4 (07)  “…justice was served.”

Trooper Vincent was shot in the face when he stopped to render roadside aid to Daigle. Patrol unit dash cam video captured everything. Dwight says he stands by the decision to ask for capital punishment…:

Cut 5 (07) “…in cold blood…on video.”

In Louisiana, a death sentence means an automatic appeal.

Official sentencing is coming up in early September. Dwight says Daigle showed no remorse at any point during court proceedings, and it’s better he never walk free again. He says he and many others are glad the whole ordeal is over…:

Cut 6 (08)  “…State Police community.”

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The coroner in St. Tammany Parish warns of the dangers of taking illegal pills that could contain the drug fentanyl. Dr. Charles Preston says the recent death of healthy 22-year-old Cameron Landry was alarming because he apparently overdosed on a single pill. Dr. Preston says lab results are pending, but he’s fairly certain that pill contained fentanyl…:

Cut 7 (11) “…than morphine.”

Preston says having an adult man weighing over 250 pounds O.D. on a single pill is unusual, but testament to how dangerous fentanyl can be. He says many are buying illegal meds that may look like something simple, like Percocet, but have varying amounts of fentanyl. He says the overdose rescue drug Narcan should be in every first aid kit…:

Cut 8 (07)  “…that dispense it.”

Preston says in the case of Landry’s death, the pill did look like Percocet. He says there is even a street name for it; “Fentperc.” Preston says, if you’re addicted, seek readily available help…and more importantly…:

Cut 9 (08)  “…in your body.”

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Republican Lafayette prosecutor Holden Hoggatt has qualified to run against Congressman Clay Higgins. Hoggatt says he felt the need to run for office because he says Higgins has failed to help the third congressional district after Hurricanes Laura and Delta devastated southwest Louisiana.

Cut 10 (12) “…the need.”

Hoggatt says Higgins has never has a run against a proper, well-funded Republican and claims Higgins first win was a fluke. Hoggatt believes he’s the candidate to represent the district and help those who are still suffering from the 2020 hurricanes.

Cut  11 (11)  “…my race to lose.” 

Hoggatt says he’s the candidate best suited for conservative district and that Higgins extremist views are not reflective whatsoever of the people he’s supposed to represent.

Cut 12 (12) “…south Louisiana.” 

After the first day of qualifying Lane Payne Jr. and Jack Shaheen are also candidates for the Third Congressional District.

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Animal shelters across the state and the country are overwhelmed with pets that have been surrendered. Director of the Humane Society of Louisiana Jeff Dorson says numerous pet owners are unable to care for their animals due to inflation and many people who adopted a pet during the pandemic have returned to work fulltime.

Cut 13 (07) “…to shelters.”

Dorson says social media is flooded with stories of animals being abandoned and shelter personnel are also trying to do all they can to rescue them. He says some pets are being left to fend for themselves in the woods and on the streets.

Cut 14 (07)  “…as well.”

When asked what can be done to relieve the situation, Dorson says southerners need to spay and neuter their pets and for some reason they are resistant to the practice of proper maintenance for their pets.

Cut 15 (08)  “…shelters.”

To assist an animal in need you can donate at humaneLA.org

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Southeastern Louisiana is picked to win the Southland Conference in football this season. The Lions are coming off their second postseason appearance in the last three seasons, but they have to replace All-American quarterback Cole Kelley. Lions Coach Frank Scelfo says Cephus Johnson and Coby Suits are battling to be the starter this year

Cut 16 (13)  “…looking forward to it”

Last season’s Southland Champion UIW is picked to finish second and Nicholls finished third in the preseason poll. The Colonels missed the F-C-S playoffs last season with a six and five record. Coach Tim Rebowe says he likes the determination he’s seen from his team this offseason…

Cut 17 (18) “…to go.” 

McNeese is picked to finish fourth. The Cowboys haven’t been to the FCS playoffs since 2015 and they’ve gone through four head coaches over the last five season. First-year head coach Gary Goff is working on establishing a winning culture at McNeese

Cut 18 (20) “ …hoping to win” 

Northwestern State is picked to finish in fifth place. Brad Laird is entering his fifth season as the Demons head coach, but he says there is a renewed enthusiasm around the football program…

Cut 19 (11) _“…new day” 

Cut 20 (12) “ …in high school” 

Today was the first day of qualifying, eight people have signed up to run for U-S Senate, including the Republican incumbent, John Kennedy, who says he’ll fight against the Biden administration policies that are hurting the wallets of Americans. Two of his main Democratic challengers among the eight to qualify, include Baton Rouge activist Gary Chambers…

Cut 5  (16) “…lives in.”
Political newcomer Luke Mixon also filed to run as a Democrat for Senate. The former Top Gun Naval pilot called out Kennedy for not standing up for democracy when Trump supporters stormed the Capitol.

Cut 7 (12) “…to lie.” 
Governor Edwards and the state department of transportation have updated their Highway Safety Plan after nearly a thousand motorists were killed in car crashes last year, a 17-percent increase from 2020. State Police Superintendent Lamar Davis says they are committed to keeping motorists safe.

Cut 12 (12) “…negative behavior.”   
A 15-year-old girl died last night in a single vehicle crash in St. James Parish. State Police Trooper Ross Brennan says a 17-year-old was behind the wheel on LA Highway 18 when he lost control left the roadway and rolled over. The driver and his two juvenile passengers were not restrained and ejected from the vehicle. 15-year-old Ramiya Sowell of St. James was killed. Brenan says seat belts might have saved her life…:

Cut 15 (07) “…crash.” 

This afternoon Governor Edwards announced that some juvenile prisoners will be moved to Angola, due to multiple escapes at the Bridge City Center for Youth. The juveniles will be housed in a “secure, independent housing unit” once used as a reception center at Angola.

Lafayette prosecutor Holden Hoggatt announces he will challenge Third District Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Due to inflation more people are counting their pennies to make back-to-school purchases. Katherine Cullen, with the National Retail Federation says some are even starting early and many are forgoing vacations because back-to-school purchases are a necessity.

Cut 14 (06)  “…to be replaced.” 

Louisiana ranks at the top for the most to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as FAFSA, for the Class of ‘22. Chief Operating Officer for the Louisiana Department of Education Ken Bradford says 67-percent of high school seniors completed their FAFSA application. And he’s already encouraging the next round of seniors.

Cut 11 (09)  “…start planning.”

According to National College Access Network 84% of high school seniors who complete a FAFSA are more likely to enroll in post-secondary education.

On the eve of qualifying for the federal elections, Lafayette prosecutor Holden Hoggatt has announced he will challenge Third District Congressman Clay Higgins. Both men are Republicans. La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Hoggatt has never run for political office before

Cut 6 (12) “…back it up” 

Higgins is seeking his fourth term and has the endorsement of the Louisiana Republican Party.

There’s an Excessive Heat Warning for north Louisiana today, C.S. Ross with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says conditions outside will be dangerous from Shreveport to Monroe and northward.

Cut 3 (12) “…hot today.” 

A Facebook message in January helped authorities determine the identity of a person killed while walking I-10 in Breaux Bridge in December 1981. St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office Captain Ginny Higgins says the victim has been identified as Michele Elaine Oaks Boutilier…(tee-ah) aka Michele Oakes-Gautreaux. The driver who hit the victim was not charged and they believe alcohol played a role in her death….

Cut 12 (11) “…we’ll never know.” 

The drawing for the $530-million Megamillions Jackpot is tonight. Kim Chopin with the Louisiana Lottery says it’s the 8th largest jackpot in Megamillion’s history and so far, no one from Louisiana has ever won a jackpot in the game…:

Cut 5 (04) “…jackpot winner.”

To be eligible for tonight’s drawing tickets must be purchased by 9 PM.

A Baton Rouge judge could decide today that trigger laws banning abortions in Louisiana should go into effect. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29) “…. I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Lafayette Republican prosecutor Holden Hoggatt (hog-it) will qualify to run against Congressman Clay Higgins in the November election today. Higgins has represented the third congressional district since 2017. Louisiana’s 3^rd congressional district includes most of Acadiana and southwest Louisiana.

A Baton Rouge judge has ruled in favor of insurance companies who refused to pay expenses for those homeowners who evacuated during Hurricane Ida from parishes that did not issue mandatory evacuation orders. But Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says for hurricane season 2023 they will have to pay evacuation expenses if authorities prohibit the use of a dwelling.

Cut 15 (05)  “…return order”

There’s a movement underway to restore Pontchartrain Beach that’s sat dormant for decades. Co-founder of the Pontchartrain Beach Foundation Guy Williams says the site will have a renovated fishing pier, a volleyball area and dog park. And along the western side of the project, there will be a created wetland to filter the water and the runoff.

Cut 9 (09)  “…storm protection.”

If approved, they hope the project will be open to the public in four years.

Edit

In Baton Rouge, 19^th JDC Judge Don Johnson extends the temporary order allowing abortion clinics to remain open; telling state Attorney General Jeff Landry to provide him more information on the case, which he’ll review tomorrow and then render a decision. Outside the courthouse, with protesters in the background, Landry had this reaction…:

Cut 12 (07) “…couple of weeks ago.”   

Under Johnson’s temporary restraining order blocking the trigger law, abortion clinics are currently open.

The Louisiana Department of Health has launched the 9-8-8 suicide and crisis Lifeline. Karen Stubbs, Assistant Secretary with the Office of Behavioral Health at LDH, says if you dial 988 in Louisiana it’s routed to a local crisis center.

Cut 10 (11) “…our culture.” 
There’s been an increase in COVID infections among Louisiana nursing home residents. Kevin Gallagher reports COVID deaths have also increased…:

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The Louisiana Department of Health reports 54-hundred new additional COVID cases today and with eight fatalities from the virus. 657 individuals are in Louisiana hospitals with COVID, and 70-percent of those patients are not fully vaccinated.

State District Judge Donald Johnson says he will decide tomorrow if abortion ban trigger laws can go into effect. In the meantime, abortions to remain legal in Louisiana. Attorney General Jeff Landry, who is representing the state and says the ban should take effect, faced pro-choice protestors outside of the Baton Rouge courtroom today.

Cut 14 (09)  “…go away!!” 

The Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice continues to be plagued with incidents. Over the weekend six inmates escaped from the Bridge City Center for Youth. All six have been recaptured but Marrero Senator Patrick Connick questions if the extra personnel to assist the OJJ is in effect.

Cut 6 (08) “…this year.” 

988 has been designated as the new three-digit number to dial for suicide prevention. The number is now active in Louisiana and Karen Stubbs, Assistant Secretary with the Office of Behavioral Health at LDH says it’s vital to help those in crisis…:

Cut 9 (11) “…level of 911.”

In 2020 more than 600 Louisianans took their own life.

The Louisiana AARP says COVID-19 cases and deaths in the state’s nursing homes are up for a second straight month after consistent decline. Louisiana AARP Policy Director Andrew Muhl says many nursing home residents COULD be catching the virus from the people who work at the facility and are not vaccinated…:

Cut 5  (09) “…still out there.”

A state district judge in Baton Rouge says he’ll decide tomorrow if abortion trigger laws can go into effect. A temporary restraining order blocking enforcement of the abortion ban was issued for a second time, last week. Judge Donald Johnson will hear from both sides on the issue. Attorney General Jeff Landry believes the case will ultimately wind up before the state supreme court.

The Louisiana Department of Health launches 988 as the phone number to dial for suicide prevention to help those in crisis. Don Molino has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Don Molino.”  

Six inmates at the Bridge City Center for Youth in Jefferson Parish escaped over the weekend. All six are back in custody but it’s among the more than 25 escapes from juvenile facilities in Louisiana this year alone. Marrero Senator Patrick Connick says the Bridge City Center is designed as a dormitory to house teens facing truancy charges.

Cut 7 (10) “…individuals.” 

The Office of Juvenile Justice was granted extra personnel to assist with their ongoing incidents.

For a second straight month, COVID-19 infections and deaths are increasing among Louisianans living in nursing homes. Two deaths were reported for the month of May 2022, but that number jumped to seven for June. Louisiana AARP Policy Director Andrew Muhl…

CUT 03(11)      “…in nursing homes.”