A Calcasieu Parish man is dead, after being shot late Monday night by a homeowner as he tried to force his way into a house. Calcasieu Sheriff Tony Mancuso says the Lake Charles homeowner, who has not been identified, became alarmed when 21-year-old Joseph Tezeno tried to get in through his front door, then the back door too…:

Cut 12 (12) “…chain of events.”  

Mancuso believes alcohol played a factor.

While visiting his home district this week, Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says he’s met with local businesses and leaders to discuss how the current economy and worker shortage is impacting their bottom line. He blames government programs from keeping some from reentering the workforce, and for those who are working…

Cut 10 (09) “…other impacts.” 

The US Army Corps of Engineers approves $1.3 billion plan to floodproof more than two-thousand homes and businesses in Iberia, St. Martin and St. Mary parishes. The reported financial benefits for the three parishes could reduce flood damages of more than $14 million a year.

The recently hired Grambling State University volleyball coach who famously cut the entire team has been fired and the students are reinstated. Michelle Southern reports:

Cut 2 (33) “Michelle Southern”  

Even the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development is feeling the effects of the economy. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says bids for some projects are coming in 30, 40 and even 50 percent above estimate. For example, he says the current work on I-10 that are preservation projects…

Cut 5  (13) “…project today.”

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says he’s met with local businesses and leaders to discuss how the current economy and worker shortage is impacting their bottom line. Graves blames government programs for keeping people from reentering the work force.

Cut 9 (08) “…to work.”

The state’s unemployment rate hovers around four percent.

Governor Edwards signs Senate Bill 143 into law which allows honorably discharged veterans to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. They must meet the current requirements to carry concealed with a permit in Louisiana. Bill author West Monroe Senator Jay Morris says the law is meant to protect veterans’ rights to bear arms and show support for their service.

Grambling State University volleyball coach Chelsey Lucas who famously cut the entire team when she was hired has been fired. Kyle Mosley is the Managing Editor for Sports Illustrated’s HBCU Legends says Lucas didn’t give the players a chance from the get-go…:

Cut 7 (16) “keeping their scholarships” 

Lucas is reportedly working with her attorney to prepare a response.

Even the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development is feeling the effects of the economy. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says inflation, supply chain issues and the worker shortage are all impacting road construction projects.

Cut 3 (12) “…impacting projects.”

Attorney General Jeff Landry is petitioning the state supreme court to remove the temporary restraining order that was issued against the state’s trigger abortion laws. Loyola University Law Professor Dan Ciolino says this is most unusual because a hearing is scheduled for Friday in a civil court on the restraining order.

Cut 10 (10) “…appellate court.”

That hearing is Friday in New Orleans.

The Bureau of Labor Statistic says around 244-thousand Louisiana workers quit their jobs in the first four months this year, but the unemployment rate is at record low of four percent. Economist Loren Scott says the majority of those are leaving their jobs for other jobs, they aren’t leaving the workforce completely. He says if that many were leaving, sales tax collections and retail sales would be tanking.

Cut 6 (10)  “…right now.”

In an effort to get a better idea of the state’s turkey population, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is asking the public to respond online with they see them throughout the year. Wild Turkey Program Manager Cody Cedotal…

Cut 13 (10) “…record that sighting.”

The website can be found on LDWF’s website just search for the LA Turkey Survey.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic almost a quarter of a million Louisiana workers quit their jobs in the first four months this year. But one economist says it’s not as dire as it sounds. Brooke Thorington

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Attorney General Jeff Landry is petitioning the state supreme court to remove the temporary restraining order against the state’s trigger abortion laws, despite a hearing scheduled for Friday. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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New laws signed by the Governor seek to improve Louisiana’s property insurance environment for homeowners and eventually bring costs down. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic around 244-thousand Louisiana workers quit their jobs in the first four months this year, that’s 16-percent more than those who quit during the same period in 2021. But the unemployment rate is at record low of four percent. Economist Loren Scott says the numbers can be misleading.

Cut 4 (07)  “…another job.”

Scott says the reason they know that the majority of those 244-thousand workers are quitting one job and accepting another is due to the state’s unemployment rate hovering at four percent.

Cut 5 (05) “…by sixty-five hundred.”

Scott says if close to a quarter of million people were leaving the workforce completely in the state, sales tax collections and retail sales would be tanking.

Cut 6 (10)  “…right now.”

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Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says new Catastrophe Reform laws will enhance protections for policyholders and help rebuild the insurance market in Louisiana. Donelon says one new law requires all insurance carriers to up their cash reserves to cover storm claims; from $3-million to $10-million….:

Cut 7 (10) “….on the table.”

Several insurance carriers have quit business in the state due to insolvency. Donelon says the new laws should help homeowners with current and future damage claims and improve then state’s overall insurance environment.

Another new law will require insurers to reimburse evacuation expenses, even if an evacuation order was not given. River Ridge Senator and Senate Insurance Committee Chairman Kirk Talbot says a senate bills now signed into law is called the “Three Adjuster Rule”; aimed at companies who slow-walk homeowners’ storm damage claims by assigning new adjusters over and over; starting the whole process from scratch…:

Cut 8 (12)  “…simplify that process.”

Another Senate bill greatly streamlines the entire catastrophic damage claims process. House Insurance Committee Chairman and Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval says his chamber passed a bill requiring insurers to have a Catastrophic Response Plan in place and submitted for approval with the Insurance Commissioner. Huval is excited with another new House-passed law that funds grants for those who want to retrofit their homes to fortify them against future storm damage…:

Cut 9 (11)  “…in the longer term.”

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Attorney General Jeff Landry is petitioning the state supreme court to remove the temporary restraining order that was issued against the state’s trigger abortion laws. Loyola University Law Professor Dan Ciolino says this is most unusual because a hearing is scheduled for Friday in a civil court on the restraining order.

Cut 10 (10) “…appellate court.”

On June 27^th a temporary restraining order was filed to stop the trigger laws banning abortion from going into place. Until the hearing abortions can continue in the state. That hearing is scheduled for Friday in New Orleans Civil District Court. Ciolino says it hard to say how the Supreme Court will respond to Landry’s petition.

Cut  11 (07)  “…any action.” 

The restraining order filed by The Center for Reproductive Rights claims that the trigger laws were vague and unconstitutional. Ciolino says he expects the civil court will rule against the restraining order Friday and the abortion ban will go into effect.

Cut 12 (10) “…be effective.” 

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In an effort to get a better idea of the state’s turkey population, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is asking the public to respond online with they see them throughout the year. Wild Turkey Program Manager Cody Cedotal…

Cut 13 (10) “…record that sighting.”

The website can be found on LDWF’s website just search for the LA Turkey Survey.

The department has been recording the wild turkey population since 1994 and before Cedotal says they depended on volunteers, foresters, biologists, and turkey hunters to supply data.

Cut 14 (07)  “…that survey.”

And so far, the sight has been pretty active Cedotal says you can even log on and see how many wild turkey sightings have been made in your parish.

Cut 15 (08)  “…in the state.”

Turkey season for the majority of the state begins on the first Saturday in April and run for 30 days.

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Cut 16 (14)  “…in a WWE ring.”

Cut 17 (19) “ …treat themselves to.” 

Cut 18 (18) “ …to entertain them.” 

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Cut 19 (16) _“…when you know, you know.” 

Cut 20 (12) “ …in high school” 

A 17-year-old girl was killed Monday in a boating accident on Blind River, in Livingston Parish. State Wildlife & Fisheries spokesman Adam Einck says Slidell resident Madison Bradley was sitting on the front of a pontoon boat OUTSIDE its protective handrail…:

CUT 03  (11)        “…from the vessel.”

Her body was found hours later. The boat’s driver was charged with vehicular homicide, DUI and reckless operation. Bradley’s death is the state’s 20^th boating fatality this year.

There was a boating tragedy near-miss over the July 4^th holiday on Lake Pontchartrain when a family’s boat started taking on water and capsized. All four aboard went into the water. The lake was packed with boaters Sunday night boaters, and a nearby Good Samaritan came alongside and pulled the father, mother and two boys to safety. No one was hurt and the second boater is being called a hero.

The topic of gun control rises to the forefront again after a mass shooting in Highland Park, Illinois. Louisiana Democratic Congressman Troy Carter says after the 9/11 attacks we made changes to how we fly, and he says he need to apply the same logic with gun sales.

Cut 12 (07) “…done before.”  

The death toll in the Illinois shooting has risen to seven.

The Coalition to Defend Southwest Louisiana latest campaign seeks to stop the spread of gas terminals across the Gulf Coast. Southwest Louisiana coordinator James Hiatt says the oil and gas industry has made promises regarding the safety of gas export terminals and their economic impact but has failed to deliver on those promises.

Cut 11 (10)  “…greenwashed untruths.” 

Edit

17-year-old Madison Bradley of Slidell was killed in a tragic boating incident yesterday in Livingston Parish. LDWF spokesperson Adam Einck says the victim was riding in front of the protective railing on a pontoon boat, fell in and never resurfaced. Einck says 33-year-old David Crowe of Denham Springs has been charged with vehicular homicide, DWI and reckless operation.

Cut 25 protective rail. :10

Bradley’s body was found house later.

The Louisiana National Guard has officially ended its COVID response, after 27 months of community support. Task Force COVID Commander Brig. General Cindy Haygood says they built incredible relationships with nonprofits and various agencies across the state…:
Cut 6 (09) “lifelong”

With the fall midterm elections growing closer, could a Republican wave be forming? Kevin Gallagher asks a Baton Rouge analyst…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

The Lafayette Police Department is seeking information regarding the death of a Baton Rouge man who was found lying in the road unresponsive early Monday. The man is identified as 37-year-old Christopher Smith. Cause of death is not known, but if you know anything about this incident, call Lafayette Crime Stoppers.

A tragic 4^th of July boating incident in Livingston Parish claims the life of 17-year-old Madison Bradley of Slidell. LDWF spokesperson Adam Einck says agents were notified that the female last seen riding in front of the protective railing of a pontoon boat on Blind River just before 6pm.

Cut 24 the vessel :12

33-year-old David Crowe of Denham Springs has been charged with vehicular homicide, DWI and reckless operation.

Compared to the rest of the nation, Louisiana’s economy is in the midst of a steep decline. The state’s GDP fell by 4-point-3 percent, almost three times worse than the US as a whole, during the first quarter. University of Louisiana at Lafayette economist Gary Wagner says he thought things were bad…

Cut 7 (08) “….high energy prices.”

With the 2022 midterm elections closing in, could a Republican wave be forming? JMC Analytics pollster and political analyst John Couvillon (COO-vee-yon) says the GOP is galvanized against the Biden administration and independent voters just want to have competence in office, hence the bleeding of no-party votes away from the Democrats…:

Cut 12 (09) “…again in 2024.” 

The Louisiana National Guard officially ends their more than two-year COVID response in the state. Task Force COVID Commander Brig. General Cindy Haygood says it’s the longest mission she’s ever been on but most of all she’s proud of the work they’ve done at home in the last 27 months.

Cut 4 (12)  “…PPE.”

After 27 months the Louisiana National Guard officially ends COVID response. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The start of 2022 has not been kind to the Louisiana economy. David Grubb has more…

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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With the fall midterm elections growing closer, could a Republican wave be forming? Kevin Gallagher asks a Baton Rouge analyst…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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The Louisiana National Guard officially ends their more than two-year COVID response in the state. Task Force COVID Commander Brig. General Cindy Haygood says it’s the longest mission she’s ever been on but most of all she’s proud of the work they’ve done at home in the last 27 months.

Cut 4 (12)  “…PPE.”

And once vaccines were available, she says they added that to their mission. Haygood says it required a number of guardsmen to be trained to administer vaccines.

Cut 5 (09) “…medical course.”

And while Haygood says all missions must come to an end she says this one is much different because it was done in their own backyard, and it allowed them to build relationships with various agencies and nonprofits across the state.

Cut 6 (09)  “…lifelong.”

Service members conducted more than 636-thousand COVID tests and help administer 234-thousand vaccinations in addition to supporting food banks and assisting with hurricanes during the 27 month period.

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Compared to the rest of the nation, Louisiana’s economy is in the midst of a steep decline. The state’s GDP fell by 4-point-3 percent, a rate almost three times worse than the US as a whole, during the first quarter. University of Louisiana at Lafayette economist Gary Wagner says he thought things would be bad, but not quite this bad.

Cut 7 (08) “….high energy prices.”

Wagner says Louisiana is particularly susceptible to a downturn due to the state’s economy being heavily connected to the oil & gas industry and the global spike in energy prices.

Cut 8 (13)  “…seeing that slowdown.”

Numbers indicated that 46 of 50 states are seeing a decline in economic activity, but Louisiana has seen some of the worst numbers. Wagner said that in the decade prior to the pandemic Louisiana had the slowest growing economy in the entire nation.

Cut 9 (12)  “…on average.”

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With the 2022 midterm elections closing in, could a GOP wave be forming? All but 2 states – Louisiana and Delaware – have qualified candidates. JMC Analytics pollster and political analyst John Couvillon (COO-vee-yon) says he suspects a Republican wave IS forming, and he bases that on election and polling data going back to 2010…:

Cut 10 (12) “…at the same time.”

Couvillon says he bases his belief in a high degree of partisan enthusiasm, but also on changes he’s seen in voter registration. He says there’s been relatively little increase in newly-registered Democrats, but…:

Cut  11 (11)  “…independent registration.” 

Statistically, he says, independent or no-party voters more frequently vote for Republican candidates.

Couvillon says the GOP is galvanized against the Biden administration and its policies. He says independent voters just want to have competence in office, and hence the bleeding of no-party votes away from the Democrats…:

Cut 12 (09) “…again in 2024.” 

Couvillon says it’s quite possible Democrats could lose majority in one or both chambers of Congress in the mid-terms, and the margin of loss COULD bed large.

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If you’re thinking about changing careers or want to brush up on some of your certifications the University of Louisiana Lafayette is offering a variety of continuing education. Dr. Martha Bryant who oversees the continuing education program says you can even take the majority of their courses online, so their reach is worldwide.

Cut 13 (07) “…be virtual.”

Bryant says with changing industry and workforce trends they’ve had to shift their focus in continuing education to meet the demand. For example they are offering courses in leadership, workplace communication, literacy, and writing to name a few. And in August she says they’ll be launching a cyber security certification course.

Cut 14 (08)  “…that course.”

As a result of the pandemic many individuals who were displaced from the workforce decided to make career changes and enter another profession. Bryant says as a result they’ve conducted a needs assessment to find out what courses they should offer.

Cut 15 (08)  “…to build.”

For more information on the continuing education program visit ULL’s website.

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World Wrestling Entertainment returns to Bossier City for the first time in four years as Saturday Night’s Main Event invades the Brookshire Grocery Arena this weekend. Wrestler and manager Montel Vontavious Porter, better known as MVP, says fans can expect a great night of action.

Cut 16 (14)  “…in a WWE ring.”

While the closest most fans will get to their favorite WWE superstars is by watching them on television, MVP says there is nothing like the experience of seeing them live and in person.

Cut 17 (19) “ …treat themselves to.” 

After going through a long stretch where they couldn’t perform in front of fans during the pandemic, Porter says the wrestlers are glad for the opportunity to feed off of the energy of a crowd and put smiles on people’s faces…

Cut 18 (18) “ …to entertain them.” 

Tickets are still on sale for Saturday Night’s Main Event. The show starts at 7:30 pm and features a US Championship match between AJ Styles and Theory as well stars like Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins.

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Cut 19 (16) _“…when you know, you know.” 

Cut 20 (12) “ …in high school” 

With summer in full swing, people are out and about and COVID cases are on the rise.  Fortunately, there is some good news. Two years since the start of the pandemic, about 95 percent of the state has either been vaccinated, had COVID, or both. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the concerns are still real, but the impact isn’t nearly as severe as in the past…

Cut 13 (07) “…getting very sick.”

The state’s new budget went into effect on July 1^st. There are concerns the state’s economy may decline because of high gas prices and inflation, but Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne is optimistic the economic forecast used to produce the budget will hold up….

Cut 11 (06)  “…budget cuts.”

And Joey Chesnut claims his 15^th victory in the annual July 4^th Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. The 37-year old gobbled down 63 hot doges and buns.

Louisiana U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says, regardless of one’s politics, Americans should pay attention to the congressional January 6^th hearings in D.C. Cassidy says it remains to be seen if former President Trump will be charged, but he feels it WAS “an attempt to harm the Constitution by interrupting the peaceful transfer of power”…:

Cut 6 (15)  “…agrees with me.”

If you’re planning on popping off some fireworks today, the State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds to do so safely. And always make sure you have water nearby incase things get out of control. When the show is over water them down because spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says they could…

Cut 5 (11) “…your home.”