The mayor of Deridder resigned Saturday and was arrested on rape charges this morning. Misty Clanton Roberts is facing charges of third-degree rape and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles. The Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office has not yet released details of their investigation but Friday, Roberts appointed Fire chief Ken Harlow to serve as mayor pro tem saying she would be away for two week. She then resigned the next day.

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins has been appointed to the bipartisan task force investigating the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. While details of the attempt remain limited Congressman Garret Graves says, the task force is expected to work closely with law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and provide comprehensive findings.

Cut 4 (07) “…Senate.”

The task force will release its final report by December 31.

At the National Lt. Governor’s Conference, they’re learning how to prepare if they suddenly must become governor. Brooke Thorington has more from Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser.

Cut 1 (33) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins will serve on a task force investigating the assassination attempt of former President Trump. ULM political science professor Pearson Cross believes Higgins will most likely bring a skeptical view to the panel which he believes is an asset if Higgins signs off on the investigation.

Cut 7 (10) “…way quickly.”

The task force is composed of seven Republicans and six Democrats.

In the Senate Judiciary and Homeland Security committees, Louisiana Senator John Kennedy questioned U. S. Secret Service Acting Director Ronald Rowe today. Kennedy says he’s heard reports Secret Service snipers saw Crooks 20 minutes before he fired shots. Rowe says that’s inaccurate.

Cut  14 (07) “…of the disease.”

Governor Jeff Landry spoke with Jim Engster on Talk Louisiana about the pushback and pending litigation against the new Ten Commandments Law requiring all state-funded schools and universities to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom. Civil liberties groups say the law is a violation of the separation of church and state under the Constitution. Landry disagrees.

Cut 11 (12) ” …First Amendment.”

Landry and Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill support the new law, and Murrill says she is looking forward to defending it. A hearing in a federal courtroom is scheduled for September 30th.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the new nursing Annex Building at Nicholls State University, home of the Thibodaux Regional Health System School of Nursing was held today. Dean of Nursing Raquel Engolio says currently the program enrolls 80 students per semester …

Cut 4 (10) “…the end goal.”

The annex will provide state-of-the-art classrooms, simulation labs, and collaborative spaces. The project is seen as a critical investment in the future of healthcare in the region.

Congressman Clay Higgins is among the 13-member House task force investigating the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Louisiana Senator John Kennedy questioned U-S Secret Service Acting Director Ronald Rowe as he testified before the Senate Judiciary and Homeland Security committees. Kennedy says the Secret Service snipers were in an elevated position above the roof and he doesn’t understand why they didn’t see Crooks…

Cut 13 (06) “…see the guy.” 

Louisiana’s new law requiring all state-funded schools and universities to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom is facing litigation from several groups, who say it violates the separation of church and state. But on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster this morning, Governor Jeff Landry said that the Ten Commandments are the foundation for our rule of law and they are woven into the fabric of America’s laws…

Cut 10 (05) “…believe in America.”

A hearing in a federal courtroom is scheduled for September 30^th.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the new nursing Annex Building at Nicholls State University, home of the Thibodaux Regional Health System School of Nursing was held today. Dean Raquel Engolio says this marks the beginning of a project aimed at enhancing the university’s nursing education facilities.

Cut 3 (07) “…enter the field.”

The project is seen as a critical investment in the future of healthcare in the region.

Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson (shasson) says cleanup efforts are going well following a Bayou Lafourche oil spill Saturday. Kace Kieschnick has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.” 

The Louisiana Department of Revenue is about to send over 15 million dollars to the state’s Unclaimed Property Division. LDR sent over 18,000 letters advising individuals and businesses to claim their tax refunds before September 6^th. Any refund not claimed after that date will have to be retrieved from the Unclaimed Property Division of the State Treasurer’s Office.

Despite last year’s historic drought, Louisiana sugar cane is growing — in more ways than one. LSU Ag Center sugarcane specialist Doctor Kenneth Gravois says sugarcane production has been increasing in Louisiana and that trend will continue this year…

Cut 5 (07)  “…this year.”

Passenger rail service from New Orleans between Mobile is closer to getting on track. Chair of the Southern Rail Commission Knox Ross says the goal is to have service up and running in time for the 2025 Superbowl in the Big Easy

Cut 7 (10) “…Super Bowl.”

Stops in between the two cities will include Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula, Mississippi.

Responding to a hostage situation in Jeanerette Thursday, a Lafayette SWAT negotiator was killed in the line of duty. Interim Lafayette Police Chief, Paul Trouard (Tru ard)…

Cut 28 …fatally wounded.

Trouard says Jolivette leaves behind a wife and five children, and a legacy of bravery. He served on the Lafayette P-D for nearly 11 years and with Opelousas Police Department. A Friday night candlelight vigil at Jeanerette City Hall honors him.

Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama have officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee to challenge former President Donald Trump. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says if the election were held today Trump would win but Trump could get in his own way if he’s not careful.

Cut 11 (08) ” …trashing the opponent.”

Legislative leaders have announced no special session on tax reform this year, but they want to take a crack at it before their term is up. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

There’s a new list of what you can’t bring to New Orleans Mardi Gras next year. Mardi Gras Guide publisher Arthur Hardy says to leave your tents, canopies, and portable toilets at home. And he says grills, BBQ pits, and generators are prohibited on parade routes.

Cut 4 (07) “…anymore.

Throw guidelines have also changed. No more confetti, silly string, or anything with a sharp point.

Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama have officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the 2024Democratic presidential nominee. The endorsement follows President Joe Biden’s recent withdrawal from the race and his endorsement of Harris, signaling strong party support for her candidacy. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan…

Cut 10 (08) “…route to doing that.”

Responding to a hostage situation in Jeanerette Thursday, a Lafayette SWAT negotiator was killed in the line of duty. Senior Corporal Segus Jolivette was killed, and three other officers were injured when they attempted to extract the suspect and two hostages from the residence. Jolivette was a husband and father of five. He served on the Lafayette P-D for nearly 11 years. A candlelight vigil will be held in his memory tonight (Friday July 26th) at Jeanerette City Hall at 7 pm.

There will not be a tax reform special session this year, but House Speaker Phillip DeVillier says the goal for this Legislature is to pass some meaningful reforms in the near future to bring more businesses to the state. DeVillier says he would like to get suggestions from the Louisiana Department of Economic Development

Cut 6 (12) “…and why?”

There are new rules for New Orleans Mardi Gras on what you can’t bring to parade routes. Mardi Gras Guide publisher Arthur Hardy says the devil isn’t just in the details it’s also in enforcement. He says it will be interesting to see how that’s carried out. Among the banned items are…

Cut 3 (10) “…now banned.”

Responding to a hostage situation Thursday, a Lafayette SWAT negotiator was killed in the line of duty.  Brooke Thorington

Cut 1 (27) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A candlelight vigil will be held in his memory tonight (Friday July 26th) at Jeanerette City Hall at 7

State Representative Kendricks Brass was arrested after a traffic stop in Ascension Parish just after midnight and has been charged with DWI and Improper Lane Use. Louisiana State Police say Brass was observed swerving in and out of the travel lane on Hwy 44 near I-10. Field sobriety tests were conducted, and Brass was taken to the Gonzales Police department where he tested over the legal limit in a chemical breath test.

There will be no special session for tax reform this year. House Speaker Phillip DeVillier says instead of holding a tax reform special session, he’s asking the House Ways and Means and Commerce committees to hold meetings over the next several months to get an idea of what changes need to be made

Cut 8 (11)  “…our state.”

There are new rules for New Orleans Mardi Gras on what you can’t bring to parade routes. Mardi Gras Guide publisher Arthur Hardy says Many revelers are used to bringing many of the banned items, and he believes the new rules will be hard to enforce especially the closer you get to Fat Tuesday when the crowd sizes increase.

Cut 5 (06)  “…buy in.”

Throw guidelines have also changed, among the banned throws are confetti, silly string, and anything with a sharp point.

Three arrests have been made in the shooting death of 20-year-old Steven Harris, the former Southern student who was reported missing on July 17^th when he didn’t return for a custody hearing for his one-year-old son. His body was found in Mississippi days later. West Feliciana Parish Sheriff Brian Spillman says they believe the hearing played a role in his murder.

Cut 13 (10)  “…this child”

21-year-old Martin, along with 20-year-old Calajia (Cah-lie-ah) Jack (Female), and 21-year-old Derek Terrell Hollins are also charged with conspiracy to commit murder.

Phase 2 of the state’s SUN Bucks program that provides a one-time payment of 120-dollars to low-income families to help pay for groceries when children are out of school for the summer months begins this week. DCFS Economic Stability Director Timothy Jenkins says recipients include children who have Medicaid or are part of the FITAP or Kinship Care Subsidy Program.

Cut 10 (07) “…Phase 2 benefits.”

Legislative leaders announce there will not be a special session on tax reform this year. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

The US Senate Health Committee has voted 16-4 to subpoena the CEO of Steward Health, Dr. Richard de la Torra. Committee Co-Chair Senator Bill Cassidy says Steward’s financial mismanagement has had deadly consequences.

Cut 4 (06) “…to treat.”

Glenwood in West Monroe is one of 31 Steward hospitals across the country.

West Feliciana Parish Sheriff Brian Spillman says the mother of 20-year-old Steven Harris’s son has been arrested in connection with the shooting death of the former Southern University student. Harris was reported missing on July 17^th when he didn’t return for a custody hearing for his one-and-a-half-year-old son. His body was found in Mississippi on Tuesday. 21-year-old Allyah Martin, along with 20-year-old Calajia (Cah-lie-ah) Jack (F) and 21-year-old Derek Terrell Hollins face a charge of conspiracy to commit murder. Martin, Jack, and Hollins allegedly lured Harris to a party but took him to Wilkinson County. Spillman expects the three to be charged with murder in Mississippi.

Phase Two of the Sun Bucks program begins issuing benefits this week.  The federal money goes to low-income families to cover increased summer time food costs. DCFS Economic Stability Director Timothy Jenkins says 75-thousand EBT cards will go out each week

cut 11 (05) “…. expunged”
A US Senate health committee is investigating Steward Health’s financial mismanagement, a committee co-chaired by Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (34) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Talk of a special session next month so that lawmakers can then vote to hold a constitutional convention…is dead. Lapolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says changes to the constitution could be needed to respond to this potential budget deficit, but legislative leaders still might not want to take the dramatic step of holding a constitutional convention…

Cut 8 (06)  “…could see that.”

Three people have been arrested in connection with the shooting death of missing former Southern University student, Steven Harris IV whose body was found Tuesday in Wilkinson County Mississippi.  West Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s made the arrests.  21-year-old Derek Terrell Hollins, and Jr., 20-year-old Calajia Jack, of St. Francisville, and 21-year-old Allyah Martin of Zachary face charges of conspiracy to commit first degree murder. Hollins also faces a charge of possession of a machine gun. Harris was reported missing by his family on July 17.

The US Senate Health Committee has voted to subpoena the CEO of Steward Health, Dr. Richard de la Torra. Committee Co-Chair Senator Bill Cassidy says they are investigating what led to Steward’s bankruptcy which is severely impacting care at hospitals across the country including West Monroe’s Glenwood Regional Medical Center. What happened at Glenwood is not unique. Cassidy says at a Steward-owned hospital in Massachusetts, a woman died after giving birth…

Cut 5 (11)  “…Steward’s hospitals”

Legislative leaders announce there will not be a special session on tax reform this year. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

Phase 2 of the state’s SUN Bucks program that provides a one-time payment of 120-dollars to low-income families to help pay for groceries when children are out of school for the summer months. begins this week. DCFS Economic Stability Director Timothy Jenkins says recipients include children who have Medicaid or are part of the FITAP or Kinship Care Subsidy Program.

Cut 10 (07) “…Phase 2 benefits.”