State lawmakers have until July 16^th to decide on whether to hold an override veto session. La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says some legislators are concerned that if they do not vote to cancel the session, the governor could retaliate by withholding funding for local construction projects…

Cut 3 (09)  “…bond commission agenda”

Governor Edwards vetoed legislation pushed by Attorney General Jeff Landry that would have expanded state drug courts using funds obtained from opioid settlements. Port Allen Senator Rick Ward says the veto of his bill came as a real surprise given there wasn’t a single vote against it as it sailed through the Legislature.

Cut 9 (08) “…seamlessly.”

In his veto statement, Edwards said the bill was too vague about how the Attorney General was allowed to spend funds.

There’s a movement to give family caregivers a tax credit of up to five thousand dollars with the Credit for Caring Act. AARP State Director Denise Botcher says 80-percent of those caring for family members are paying out-of-pocket expenses of more than seven thousand annually.

Cut 7 (11) “…own home”

Botcher says the highest-burden of expenses is falling on younger caregivers and those who are Hispanic or Black.

It was just over a decade ago that Mary Jeannette Duhon, the estranged wife of Joe Constance was murdered in her home in Calcasieu Parish. Retired Lake Charles Police Chief and now lead investigator Don Dixon says 54-year-old Constance has been on the run ever since for the murder of Duhon.

Cut 13 (08) “…get away.”

They are asking anyone with information to come forward.

There’s an effort underway to give family caregivers a tax credit to help offset expenses. AARP says caregivers spend on average just over seven thousand out of pocket annually. AARP State Director Denise Botcher says it’s a bipartisan effort known as the Credit for Caring Act.

Cut 6 (11) “…facing.”

Botcher says caregivers assisting those with dementia or mental health issues spend more than eight thousand annually.

Continental Structural Plastics announces a 13-million dollar expansion to its Webster Parish-based manufacturing facility. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says CSP has been around for 50-years as a major player in the automotive market.
Cut 10 (08) “..out there”

A surge in retirements is further adding to the nation’s labor shortage. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

Store owners in the Mall of Louisiana are breathing much easier this morning upon news Cara, the 12-foot Burmese python has been located. Cara went missing early Monday morning from her enclosure at the Blue Zoo exhibit in Baton Rouge. Cara is who was found early this morning, is undergoing a medical check by the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. The albino reptile received national notoriety for her escape this week.

The FBI has ordered a new review of Ronald Greene’s autopsy along with the graphic body camera footage of his arrest. Greene family attorney Lee Merritt says while they are encouraged by the review, the family and the community want to see action.

Cut 6 (11) “…to Ronald.”

The family was initially told Greene died as a result of a crash outside of Monroe, but an autopsy later contradicted that story.

Based on research from the Pew Research Center, an unusually high number of older Americans have retired over the past year further exacerbating the nation’s labor shortage just as the economy is reopening. LSU Economist Dr. Loren Scott says even deliveries are behind schedule due to a lack of labor in the supply chain.

Cut 7 (07) “…problem.”

It was a decade ago when Mary Jeannette Duhon, the estranged wife of Joe Constance (Const-aunce) was murdered in her home in Calcasieu Parish. Retired Lake Charles Police Chief and now lead investigator Don Dixon says, Constance fled, and they believe he’s had assistance eluding authorities ever since. Dixon is asking anyone with information to come forward.

Cut 14 (09) “..charges.”

Continental Structural Plastics announces a 13-million-dollar expansion to its Webster Parish-based manufacturing facility. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the expansion will help maintain 170 jobs in rural northern Webster Parish and add 33 new jobs to the facility.

Cut 11 (07) “..benefits”

Construction of the new facility is also expected to create about 200 temporary construction jobs.

The FBI is reviewing the death of black motorist Ronald Greene, who died shortly after his 2019 arrest by state police. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A surge in retirements is further adding to the nation’s labor shortage. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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Authorities are willing to grant immunity for anyone that comes forward with information about a man that’s eluded authorities for more than a decade for first-degree murder. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The federal investigation into the death of black motorist Ronald Greene who died shortly after his arrest by state police in 2019, has prompted investigators to look at other incidents involving LSP. Greene family attorney Lee Merritt…

Cut 4 (11) “…spinoff investigations.”

This week the FBI ordered a new review of Greene’s autopsy, which includes graphic body camera footage of state troopers using a stun gun, repeatedly, punching and then dragging Greene after a high-speed chase. Merritt says it shows the Department of Justice is taking the matter seriously.

Cut 5  (10) “…make sure.”

Merritt says while they are encouraged by the review, the family along with the community wants to see action.

Cut 6 (11) “…to Ronald.”

The family of Greene was initially told he died as a result of a crash outside of Monroe but an autopsy later contradicted that story and indicate Greene died from injuries consistent with multiple impact sites from a blunt object.

On Tuesday the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus called for a federal investigation of State Police.

_______________________________

An unusually high number of older Americans have retired over the past year further exacerbating the nation’s labor shortage just as the economy is reopening.

LSU Economist Dr. Loren Scott says because of this companies are having trouble finding people to work and deliveries are behind schedule due to a lack of labor in the supply chain.

Cut 7 (07) “…problem.”

Scott says this retirement-based labor crunch will likely result in one of two things…

Cut 8 (12) “…machines for people.”

Scott says this is bad news for businesses who could see their labor costs increase but that means there is one clear group of winners in this story.

Cut 9 (08) “…happened”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics June US Jobs Report showed average hourly earnings were up .3% over the month and 3.6% over the year.

________________________

Continental Structural Plastics announces a 13.3 million dollar expansion to their Webster Parish-based manufacturing facility, adding 22,000 square feet to their already three-building complex.

Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says CSP has been around for 50-years as a major player in the automotive market.

Cut 10 (08) “..out there”

Pierson says the expansion will help maintain 170 jobs in rural northern Webster Parish and result in the company adding 33 new jobs to the facility.

Cut 11 (07) “..benefits”

Construction of the new facility is also expected to create about 200 new temporary construction jobs.

Pierson says the company has had a lot of success in the area and is glad to lay down some even deeper roots in northwest Louisiana…

Cut 12 (11) “…facility.” 

As a result of the expansion, CSP will be eligible for an up to 600,000 dollar performance grant and will also be utilizing the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption Program.

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It was just over a decade ago with Mary Jeannette Duhon, the estranged wife of Joe Constance (Const-aunce) was murdered in her home in Calcasieu Parish. Retired Lake Charles Police Chief and now lead investigator Don Dixon says, 54-year-old Constance has been on the run ever since for the alleged murder of Duhon.

Cut 13 (08) “…get away.”

Dixon says Duhon was murdered in front of her daughter and other witnesses who were in the home on June 5, 2011. He says Constance then fled and they believe he’s had assistance eluding authorities ever since. Dixon is asking anyone with information to come forward.

Cut 14 (11) “…violations.”

Constance is described as a white male, 6’2” with brown/gray hair and brown eyes. Dixon says it is time to bring the family justice and arrest Constance for first-degree murder.

Cut 15 (07)“…four years ago.”

Constance’s abandoned truck was found approximately 30 minutes after the shooting and a federal arrest warrant was issued in 2014 for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

Those who unlawfully post videos of violent criminal acts to win notoriety online will face increased penalties come August. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle.  

The 150-pound Burmese phyton that was reported missing Tuesday from an aquarium inside the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge, was apparently missing for some 30 hours before it was reported to authorities. It’s believed the reptile went missing Monday morning at 2:00 am.

In just over three weeks, enhanced unemployment benefits will end in Louisiana. National Federation of Independent Businesses State Director Dawn McVae says they are starting to see an increase in job searches.

Cut 9 (09) “…to apply.”

Midnight Friday is the deadline to register for the first drawing in the state’s vaccine incentive lottery “Shot at a Million,” but there’s a new scam going on where you receive a random call under the guise, they will help you register. Carmen Million with the Better Business Bureau of South-Central Louisiana says there have been several reports of the scam using a local phone number that has nothing to do with the lottery.

Cut 13 (11) “…lottery.”

If you have received such a call you are encouraged to report to the Better Business Bureau website.

Starting August 1^st the penalty for unlawfully posting videos of violent crimes to social media is going up from 500 dollars to 2,000 dollars.

Jennings Representative Troy Romero says his bill goes after those who seek to win notoriety or publicity by posting videos of people being hurt or killed during criminal acts.

Cut 6 (09) “..necessary.”

The FBI has ordered a new look at the autopsy of Ronald Greene to consider evidence not provided after his 2019 death. Greene is the black man that died after a traffic arrest by Louisiana State Troopers. The FBI is reviewing the graphic body camera video of troopers stunning, punching and dragging Greene after a high-speed chase. This is part of a federal civil rights investigation. Federal prosecutors told the Greene family they plan to present the case to a grand jury by end of summer.

In just over three weeks, enhanced unemployment benefits will end in Louisiana. National Federation of Independent Businesses State Director Dawn McVae says 34-percent of their members say they have already increased wages in order to attract more employees.

Cut 10 (09) “…compensation.”

You can visit LA-Works.net for a listing of job openings across the state.

There’s a new tool in the battle against weight loss and it’s a more user-friendly approach from LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center.  Research Scientist Dr. Casie Lindsly says the average person can complete a course in three to five minutes. She says the courses are not only informative but entertaining as well.

Cut 5  (09) “…library.” 

Visit PBRC.edu for more information.

The Louisiana Black Caucus is calling on the Department of Justice to conduct a full-scale investigation of state police. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says it was five years ago when they gathered at the capitol asking state police to investigate Baton Rouge Police over the death of Alton Sterling. Now they are calling on LSP to be investigated.

Cut 5  (11) “…police violence.”

A weekend shooting claims the life of a 10-year-old in Bastrop and has law enforcement asking the community for help. Police say a shortly before 10 o’clock Sunday night, they received a call of a drive-by-shooting. Mayor Betty Alford-Olive extended her condolences to the family of the victim.

Cut 15 (07)“…investigation.”

There’s a new tool in the battle for weight loss and it’s a more user-friendly approach from LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research.  Research Scientist Dr. Casie Lindsly says the free flashcard classes are available on their website to promote successful weight loss.

Cut 3 community :12

Visit PBRC.edu for more information.

CLECO will begin working with local Councils on Aging to give away free LED lightbulbs and offer weatherization audits to seniors. CLECO Communications Strategist Fran Phoenix says they’ve noticed many of their older customers have not made the switch to LED bulbs and that’s costing them money every month.

Cut 8 (07) “…longer”

The Louisiana Black Caucus is calling on the Department of Justice to conduct a full-scale investigation of state police and root out what they say are systemic practices of racism.  Baton Rouge Representative Ted James acknowledges reform by the new superintendent, Col. Lamar Davis, who is Black, but says he can only do so much…

Cut 4 (12) “…that department.”

A weekend shooting claims the life of a 10-year-old in Bastrop and has law enforcement asking the community for help. Police say a shortly before 10 o’clock Sunday night, they received a call of a drive-by-shooting. Mayor Betty Alford-Olive says their hearts grieve for the family.

Cut 14 (10) “…tragedy.”

Police say the child was pronounced dead after being taken to a local hospital.

CLECO will begin working with local Councils on Aging to give away free LED lightbulbs and offer weatherization audits to seniors. CLECO Communications Strategist Fran Phoenix says many of their elderly customers are on a fixed income and saving some money on their bill would mean a lot to them.

Cut 7 (10) “…higher”

The audits will take an estimated five to six hours to complete.

The search continues at the Blue Zoo Aquarium at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge for a 12-foot python that went missing Monday evening. Cara is an albino Burmese python. Burmese pythons are not venomous, but they catch their prey by coiling around them and suffocating them. The St. George Fire Department along with staff from the Baton Rouge Zoo have been called in to assist with the search.

The Louisiana Black Caucus is calling on the Department of Justice to conduct a full-scale investigation of state police and root out what they say are systemic practices of racism. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James and members of the caucus say through countless conversations they’ve been told either the laws or rules from the state police commission are keeping certain people from being called into question.
Cut 6 (10) “…do it.”

CLECO will begin working with local Councils on Aging to give away free LED lightbulbs and offer weatherization audits to seniors.
CLECO Communications Strategist Fran Phoenix says many of their elderly customers are on a fixed income and saving some money on their bill would mean a lot to them.
Phoenix says when CLECO customers come to pick up their free bulbs they’ll be offered weatherization audits by certified contractors.
Cut 9 (11) “…spot”

Traffic along I-10 near Duson was shut down for over seven hours Tuesday after an accident involving multiple vehicles including a trailer full of cattle. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 3 (27) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

New LSU head baseball coach Jay Johnson has made his first addition to his coaching staff. The Tigers are expected to hire Arizona State’s Jason Kelly as the next pitching coach according to D1 Baseball’s Kendall Rogers.
Kelly, spent the last three seasons with the Sun Devils as their pitching coach and recruiting coordinator. He was also named the Assistant of the Year by D1 Baseball in 2018 when he was with the Washington Huskies.
During his coaching tenure Kelly has helped coach 15 pitchers who have been selected in the MLB Draft

Starting July 12th CLECO customers can pick up free LED lightbulbs at local Councils on Aging sites. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

The Blue Zoo inside of Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge is temporarily closed as first responders work to capture a python snake that escaped its enclosure.
Authorities say the Mall of Louisiana is no longer closed, only the Blue Zoo inside of the mall is closed.
Firefighters say they were dispatched to the mall around 10:20 a.m. Tuesday, July 6 to assist officials with Baton Rouge animal control.
Officials say the snake, Cara, escaped her enclosure at Blue Zoo. Managers of the Blue Zoo say they feel confident the snake is still inside the store.
They say they voluntarily closed their store for the snake’s safety. Cara is non-venomous and is often used in their shows with children, they say. She is a Burmese python and is “very large,” about 12 ft long.

The Louisiana Black Caucus is calling on the Department of Justice to conduct a full-scale investigation of state police and root out what they say are systemic practices of racism. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says it was five years ago when they gathered at the capitol asking state police to investigate Baton Rouge Police over the death of Alton Sterling. Now they are calling on LSP to be investigated.
Cut 5 (11) “…police violence.”

A tire blowout on an 18-wheeler is believed to have started a series of events that ended in the deaths of two men on I-10 near Duson.
Trooper Thomas Gossen says an 18-wheeler in the eastbound lane experienced a blowout and lost control, striking a Ford F-250 that was also heading east. That crash shut down traffic for more than seven hours, and…
Cut 11 (07) “..side”