Louisiana is embarking on the largest broadband expansion program in the state’s history with the launch of Gumbo 2.0. designed to accelerate the deployment of high-speed internet across the state by providing additional funding, resources, and streamlined processes for internet service providers. Director of the Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity Veneeth Iyengar says Gumbo 2.0 will put into action one-point-three billion dollars to expand broadband access to 100-thousand homes, most of those in rural parishes.

Cut 7 (13) “…double that.”

There will be a rare sight in the sky Monday night. A Super Blue Moon only happens every 10 to 20 years. It’s a combination of a super moon, a bigger brighter appearing moon and a blue moon when we have 2 full moons in one month.  The Super Blue Moon should appear in the sky just after 8:00 P.M. and set at 7:24 Tuesday morning.

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is experiencing a welcome break this week due to the presence of dry, dusty air from the Sahara Desert, known as the Saharan Air Layer (SAL). Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (00) …I’m Sean Richardson.”

Louisiana’s 57 delegates to the Democratic National Convention are in Chicago. It will feature speeches by former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, and current president Joe Biden, who speaks tonight. New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter supported Biden’s campaign for a second term, but says he’s proud to support Harris for president, since she was next to Biden during his presidency.

Cut 11 (11) ” ..before it.”

The D-N-C runs until Thursday the 22nd.

The Jennings Police Department is charging Thirty-two-year-old Hannah Faith Cormier, the mother of a ten-month old child that was left in a hot car for an hour and a half last week with second-degree murder and one count of cruelty to juveniles. Cormier said she accidentally left her toddler in the care while she worked a shift at a local restaurant. Police Chief Danny Semmes says the investigation is far from over, but they interviewed several witnesses and examined electronic devices. He says the investigation along with statements from Cormier are what lead to her arrest on Sunday. According to jail records, Cormier is being held without bond at this point.

Louisiana’s 57 delegates to the Democratic National Convention are in Chicago. New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says with this Democratic National Convention, the party is looking to further a democracy that protects social security, troops and veterans and women’s reproductive rights, among other things.

Cut 10 (11) “…be at.”

Thanks to federal dollars, Louisiana is set to launch it’s largest broadband expansion in the history of the state. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

We’re seeing a lull in the hurricane season due to the presence of dry, dusty air from the Sahara Desert, known as the Saharan Air Layer but LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says Louisiana residents should remain cautious and prepared.

Cut 5 (12)  “…in Louisiana.”

Many Entergy Louisiana customers will see a rate increase of four-dollars in early 2025 but Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis says the rate hikes could have been worse…
Cut 4 (13) “…eight to ten dollars.”
Lewis says on a positive note, Entergy is reducing its late fees, eliminating connection and reconnection fees and expanding eligibility for low-income senior bill discounts.

On Thursday, Federal Judge Brian Jackson reinforced orders for officials at Angola, to implement measures to protect prisoners working on the “farm line” from extreme heat. Lydia Wright with Promise of Justice Initiative says she is thrilled with the attention the courts are giving to this case…

Cut 6 (13) “…take those steps.”

The Louisiana Department of Health has issued a “do not use” water advisory for residents in Madison Parish. The advisory warns residents not to consume or bathe in the water due to potential contamination. Louisiana Surgeon General, Dr. Ralph Abraham, says the advisory comes after a significant drop in water pressure, which raises concerns about paraquat, a toxic herbicide entering the water supply.

Cut 3 (11) “…got into the system”

LDH officials are working with the Walnut Bayou Water district to conduct tests to ensure the water’s safety.

The Saints will face the 49ers in San Francisco on Sunday night in preseason game number two.  Coach Dennis Allen is not saying how long the starters will play on Sunday night. There’s a good chance we’ll see rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler play. Rattler will look to improve on his performance from the preseason opener…

Cut 13 (12) “…little areas.” 

Kick-off Sunday is at 7 PM.

Louisiana State Police has provided an update on their investigation of Last Sunday’s Officer involved shooting in Delhi that claimed the life of 47-year-old Rodrick Edmond of Delhi. LSP says Shortly after 10:00 PM Officers found Edmond in the police department parking lot driving suspiciously. As they approached, Edmond fled in his car and officers pursued him. When he stopped on Hwy 17, LSP says Edmond exited the vehicle with a knife. During an altercation, Edmond was shot and though attempts to render first aid at the scene, Edmond succumbed to his injuries. The investigation is ongoing.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission reports the state’s unemployment rate for July dropped to three-point-nine percent. Director of Research and Economic Analysis, Emily Dipalma, says The New Orleans Metro area added five-hundred jobs from June, Lafayette added three-hundred jobs. Shreveport and Monroe each added one-hundred jobs over the month and it’s good to see Monroe add jobs, because for the year that metro area has lost 13-hundred jobs

Cut 11 (10) ” ..be happy.”

LDH issues a “do not use” water advisory for residents of Madison Parish after the water supply was contaminated with paraquat, a toxic herbicide. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (35) …I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Saints will face the 49ers in San Francisco on Sunday night in preseason game number two. New Orleans held its final training camp practice in Irvine California on Friday and Coach Dennis Allen says holding camp on the West Coast was a good experience

Cut 12 (11) “…football team.”

LDH issues a “do not use” water advisory for residents of Madison Perish after the water supply was contaminated with paraquat, a toxic herbicide. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (35) …I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins has released his preliminary investigative report into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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The Louisiana Department of Health has issued a “do not use” water advisory for residents in Madison Parish. The advisory warns residents not to consume or bathe in the water due to potential contamination. Louisiana Surgeon General, Dr. Ralph Abraham, says the advisory comes after a significant drop in water pressure, which raises concerns about paraquat, a toxic herbicide entering the water supply.

Cut 3 (11) “…got into the system”

LDH officials are working with the Walnut Bayou Water district to conduct tests to ensure the water’s safety.

Cut 4 (07) “…Chemicals in it.”

Until the advisory is lifted, Abraham says residents are urged to use bottled water or other safe sources.

Cut 5 (10)  “…and clean up with.”

GOHSEP and LDH are coordinating efforts to distribute bottled water to affected residents, and water can be picked up at the Walnut Water Association Office in Tallulah.

__________________________________________________________

On Thursday, Federal Judge Brian Jackson reinforced orders for officials at Angola, to implement measures to protect prisoners working on the “farm line” from extreme heat. Lydia Wright with Promise of Justice Initiative says she is thrilled with the attention the courts are giving to this case…

Cut 6 (13) “…take those steps.”

Jackson’s latest order says 50 inmates reported illnesses from July 2 to August 5 related to working the “farm line.” He ordered more tents be provided and also ordered some form of seating be made available as well as fifteen-minute breaks be given every 45 minutes when heat alerts are in effect. Wright says because the “farm line” is cruel and replicates slavery…

Cut 7 (05) “…break their spirit.”

Louisiana  Corrections Department told the court it follows a “constitutionally appropriate” policy protecting workers from heat-related illnesses while working outside.  Wright says there is only one clear solution…

Cut 8 (05)  “…end the farm line.”

With a trial date set for November, Wright says they have a strong case showing a violation of the inmate’s Eighth Amendment rights. The Department of Corrections says the inmates working the farm line are harvesting fresh vegetables that are used to feed the rest of the prisoners.

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The Louisiana Workforce Commission the state’s unemployment rate for July dropped below four-percent to three-point-nine percent. Director of Research and Economic Analysis, Emily Dipalma, says when the unemployment rate is this low, it’s a sign that most people who end up on unemployment do not last long

Cut 9 (07) “…the next.”

The state added 24-hundred jobs from June to July putting the number of people employed in Louisiana just below two-million.

The private education and health services sector added three-thousand jobs from June and Dipalma says the construction sector added 96-hundred jobs over the last year…

Cut 10 (08) “…year gains.”

The New Orleans Metro area added five-hundred jobs from June, Lafayette added three-hundred job. Shreveport and Monroe each added one-hundred jobs over the month and Dipalma says it’s good to see Monroe add jobs, because for the year that metro area has lost 13-hundred jobs

Cut 11 (10) ” ..be happy.”

____________________________________________________________________

The Saints will face the 49ers in San Francisco on Sunday night in preseason game number two. New Orleans held its final training camp practice in Irvine California on Friday and Coach Dennis Allen says holding camp on the West Coast was a good experience

Cut 12 (11) “…football team.”

Allen is not saying how long the starters will play on Sunday night. There’s a good chance we’ll see rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler play. Rattler will look to improve on his performance from the preseason opener…

Cut 13 (12) “…little areas.” 

Kick-off Sunday is at 7 PM.

The Louisiana Department of Health has issued a “do not use” water advisory for residents in Madison Parish. The advisory warns residents not to consume, bathe in, or wash clothes in the water due to potential contamination with a toxic herbicide. Louisiana Surgeon General, Dr. Ralph Abraham, says until the advisory is lifted, residents should only use bottled water or other safe sources.

Cut 5 (10)  “…and clean up with.”

Impacted Residents can pick up at the Walnut Water Association Office in Tallulah.

On Thursday, Federal Judge Brian Jackson reinforced orders for officials at Angola, to implement measures to protect prisoners working on the “farm line” from extreme heat. Jackson’s latest order says 50 inmates reported illnesses from July 2 to August 5 related to working the “farm line.” Louisiana Corrections Department told the court it follows a “constitutionally appropriate” policy protecting workers from heat-related illnesses while working outside. Lydia Wright with Promise of Justice Initiative says there is only one clear solution…

Cut 8 (05)  “…end the farm line.”

With a trial date set for November, Wright says they have a strong case showing a violation of the inmate’s Eighth Amendment rights.

Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins has released his preliminary investigative report into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

The state’s unemployment rate dropped to three-point-nine percent and the Louisiana Workforce Commission Director of Research and Economic Analysis, Emily Dipalma, says the state added 24-hundred jobs from June to July. The private education and health services sector added three-thousand jobs from June and the construction sector added 96-hundred jobs over the last year…

Cut 10 (08) “…year gains.”

The Louisiana Department of Health has issued a “do not use” water advisory for residents in Madison Parish. The advisory warns residents not to consume or bathe in the water due to potential contamination. Louisiana Surgeon General, Dr. Ralph Abraham, says the advisory comes after a significant drop in water pressure, which raises concerns about paraquat, a toxic herbicide entering the water supply.

Cut 3 (11) “…got into the system”

LDH officials are working with the Walnut Bayou Water district to conduct tests to ensure the water’s safety.

On Thursday, Federal Judge Brian Jackson reinforced orders for officials at Angola, to protect prisoners working on the “farm line” from extreme heat. His latest order says 50 inmates reported illnesses from July 2 to August 5 related to working the “farm line.” He ordered more and some form of seating be made available as well as fifteen-minute breaks be given every 45 minutes when heat alerts are in effect. Lydia Wright with Promise of Justice Initiative says because the “farm line” is cruel and replicates slavery…

Cut 7 (05) “…break their spirit.”

The Louisiana Workforce Commission reports the state’s unemployment rate for July dropped below four-percent to three-point-nine percent. Director of Research and Economic Analysis, Emily Dipalma, says when the unemployment rate is this low, it’s a sign that most people who end up on unemployment do not last long

Cut 9 (07) “…the next.”

The state added 24-hundred jobs from June to July putting the number of people employed in Louisiana just below two-million.

LSU saw its largest Summer Commencement in the school’s history, today.  1061 graduates received their degrees. The youngest graduate is 19 years old and the oldest is 69. Students came from 36 countries, 47 states, and 41 Louisiana parishes. LSU President, Dr. William F. Tate IV said, “No matter if you live in Lafayette, Lake Charles, Los Angels, or London, we need you to go out with great pride in all that you accomplish.”

A 10-month-old baby girl has died after being left in a hot car for an hour and a half Tuesday in Jennings. Jennings Police Chief Danny Semmes (Simms) says the girl’s mother was called into work and accidentally left the child in the car. Temperatures were in the mid-90s with heat indexes over 105 degrees. Semmes says it’s a miracle hospital workers were able to establish a pulse on the baby, though she ended up passing away Wednesday night.

Cut 11 (11) ” …one hundred and twenty.”

According to Kids and Car Safety, the ten-month old from Jennings is the 23rd child who has died this year after being left in a hot car. It’s the second one in Louisiana. An infant died in East Baton Rouge Parish last month after the parent “forgot” the child was in the car and was at work.

Kids and Car Safety say since 1995 at least 46 children have died in hot cars in Louisiana, making Louisiana the sixth worst state in the country when it comes to child hot car deaths.

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers founder Todd Graves donated $100,000 to fund the creation of a 3D-printed artificial reef off the coast near Grand Isle. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (29) …I’m Sean Richardson.”

DOTD has made a major step forward in the new Calcasieu River Bridge Project. Project Manager Paul Vaught says they’ve officially reached a financial close, or the developer has sold the bonds needed to complete financing. He says the developer will start final designs immediately…

Cut 13 (09)  “…to complete.”

A sad story out of Jennings: a 10-month-old baby girl has died after being left in a hot car on Tuesday. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

This is the second Louisiana Baby and the 23^rd in the nation to die this year after being left in a hot car.

A Louisiana state trooper charged in the death of Ronald Green has been allowed to retire, WAFB in BATON ROUGE is reporting Kory York who has been on suspension since January 12, 2023 was allowed to retire effective August 11, 2024. And according to their sources Louisiana State Police said York was waiting to retire until he hit 20 years with the state. Greene was killed in May of 2019. Months later leaked body camera footage showed Greene pleading for his life as he was beaten an dragged by his ankle shackels.

York’s trial is scheduled for October.

26-year-old Trystan McMillon, of Hammond, was arrested on charges of second-degree murder after allegedly selling fentanyl that led to a fatal overdose. Hammond Police Chief Edwin Bergeron reported that McMillon sold the potent synthetic opioid to 27-year-old Nicholas Platt who later died from an overdose.

Cut 3 (11) “…everything we can to stop that”

The Fentanyl Overdose Response (FOR) Team has seized 8 pounds of fentanyl since January as the deadly drug has contributed to a surge in overdose deaths in Louisiana.

Todd Graves, the founder of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, donated $100,000 to fund the creation of a 3D-printed artificial reef off the coast of Grand Isle. The reef will replace an old, decommissioned oil platform, contributing to marine conservation efforts in the Gulf of Mexico.

Cut 6 (08) “…for the community.”

The donation supports the efforts of the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) of Louisiana, which is collaborating with researchers and environmentalists to design and deploy the artificial reef.

A Tickfaw man will serve 70 years in prison after being convicted as a habitual offender. According to DA Scott M Perrilloux, 32 year old Devonte Skinner was been convicted of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl – a potentially deadly drug that has accounted for numerous deaths of Louisiana residents. According to the Livingston Parish Sheriffs office, Skinner was connected to one of the largest fentanyl seizure’s in the Parish’s history.

Louisiana Economic Development is providing a $200 thousand grant to the LSU film program, which will allow them to hire an additional faculty member in film and digital media production. Executive Associate Dean of the LSU College of Music and Dramatic Arts Kristen Sosnowsk says another professor will allow them to expand enrollment of the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Television program…

Cut 3 (11) “…significant growth”

President Joe and First Lady Jill Biden awarded Tulane University 23 million dollars in funding to further cancer research. Mel Bridges has the story.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

Morgan City’s Vernon Norwood is the owner of four Olympic medals after winning two more medals at the Paris Games for Team U-S-A. He took home gold as part of the men’s 4×400-meter relay team and claimed a silver medal in the mixed four-by-400 relay. Retired Morgan City Principal Tim Hymel

Cut 13 (12)  “…just kept developing.”