Low levels in the Mississippi River have the Army Corps of Engineers ready to take steps to stop saltwater intrusion that could threaten drinking water supplies. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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The Road Information Program says traffic fatalities jumped 21 percent during the pandemic, costing an estimated $37 billion in damage and healthcare. Teiko Foxx has the story…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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The CDC releases a break down the COVID numbers of Americans 16 and older. Brooke Thorington has more on what the numbers mean.

Cut 3 (31)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says low water levels in the Mississippi River mean they will take steps to assure salt water from the Gulf does not intrude upstream, and threaten drinking water. Corps spokesman Ricky Boyette says they will begin their plans within the next few days…:

Cut 4 (14)  “.,..New Orleans, St. Bernard…”

Boyette says engineers will undertake dredging sediment to create a 45-foor high, 1500-foot wide “sill” to block the leading edge of saltwater from the Gulf from moving upriver. He says salt water is heavier than freshwater, so it stays near the bottom, but low levels can cause it to encroach inland…:

Cut 5 (11)   “…from the river.”

The sill will help pool up saltwater, then force it back downstream to the Gulf. Boyette says it has been successfully been done before; in 1988, ’99, 2012 and – most-recently – last year. He says the Mississippi River is at a low level, but it is still navigable for ship traffic…:

Cut 6 (12)  “…lower than normal.”

He says the work will start, probably, next week.

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The most recent economic impact study indicates Northwestern State University’s economic value is $520 million in income and the school supports more than seven thousand jobs. University President Dr. Marcus Jones says often nearby communities aren’t aware of the impact a college has on the region.

Cut 7 (10) “…located.”

In context, Jones says the school’s $520 million impact represents one and a half percent of the total gross regional product of northwest and central Louisiana. He says the school’s day-to-day expenses average $54 million.

Cut 8 (09) “…we spend.’”

And when you take into consideration student spending, it’s boosted the local economy by $10 million.  Jones says roughly 40 percent of their students come from areas outside of the region.

As for NSU’s overall return on investment, Jones says for every taxpayer dollar invested in the school, residents receive a cumulative of $2.40 over the course of the student’s working lives.

Cut 9 (13)  “…in return.”

Jones says findings from the study are important to stakeholders, legislators, and industry partners of the university.

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Close to 900 people were killed last year on Louisiana roads, that’s up 21 percent from the previous four years, resulting in $37 billion in property damage and health care costs, according to TRIP, a national transportation research nonprofit. Director of Policy and Research Rocky Moretti says the surge in fatalities among pedestrians and cyclists was alarming.

Cut 10 (13) “…and bicyclist.”

From 2019- 2022, pedestrians and cyclists saw a combined total of 84 hundred traffic-related fatalities. Motorcyclists represented 14 percent of fatalities. Moretti says traffic fatalities are costly.

Cut 11 (12)  “loss property….”

And it’s not just aggressive drivers, Moretti says the number of impaired fatal crashes increased a disturbing 22 percent. He says motorists should make better decisions by driving the speed limit and not being distracted or impaired. And agencies need to make repairs and roadway improvements.

Cut 12 (11)    “…as possible.” 

From 2019-2022, the traffic fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles of travel (VMT) increased by 18 percent.

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The CDC says 97 percent of Americans, sixteen and older, have some type of antibodies against COVID, either from having it or being vaccinated. And LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease specialist, Dr. Fred Lopez says the study found that only 78 percent actually had COVID.

Cut 13 (12) “…natural infection.”  

And with almost a quarter of the population with antibodies, Lopez says it indicates it’s not too late to get vaccinated.

Cut 14 (08)  “…infected.”

The CDC dashboard shows almost 70 percent of Americans are fully vaccinated against COVID but when you break down Louisiana’s numbers only 53 percent of residents are fully vaccinated.

Cut 15 (11)  “…the average.”

Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama have the lowest booster rates in the country.

Louisiana taxes on vape products and electronic cigarettes increased threefold from 5 cents per milliliter to 15 cents per milliliter as of July 1. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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The Supreme Court’s ruling that President Biden overstepped his authority on student loan debt forgiveness receives criticism. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A new poll in the Governor’s race shows GOP candidate Stephen Waguespack surging into 3^rd place, but is it an accurate representation of voter preference? Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 3 (32)  “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Taxes on e-cigarettes and vape products in Louisiana have tripled as of July 1. Secretary of Department of Revenue Kevin Richard says retailers must use electronic age verification platforms…

Cut 4 (13)  “…of age.”

The Legislative Fiscal Office expects the tax bump – from five cents per milliliter to 15 cents per milliliter – to generate an additional $9.8 million in revenue annually on top of the roughly $5 million it currently brings in.

Retailers purchasing these products tax-free directly from online authorized manufacturers are required to pay the excise tax to the Department of Revenue monthly. Richard says anyone who does not comply will face penalties.

Cut 5 (13)   “…other offense.”

Beginning on Oct. 1, manufacturers will have to register their products with ATC. The law will also create a directory of all vape and alternative nicotine products authorized for sale in the state. Richard says retailers will need to comply…

Cut 6 (10)  “…current laws.”

The first $22 million raised annually will go to State Police pay raises.

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The US Supreme Court ruling that President Biden overstepped his authority to forgive federally backed student loans is receiving criticism. New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says it’s a bad day for liberty, and it sends the wrong message to students who’ve worked hard to get their college degrees.

Cut 7 (07) “…provide help.”

Carter says the decision will limit the ability for many to purchase a home, start a business and spend extra money in local economies.

Cut 8 (09) “…them relief.’”

The court’s ruling on student debt forgiveness on the heels of affirmative action being overturned for college admission, Carter says is another example of politics in the nation’s highest court.

Cut 9 (07)  “…of policy.”

Carter says the federal government regularly forgives the debt of businesses, industries, and even small countries and students deserve the same.

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A new poll on the 2023 Governor’s race shows Democrat Shawn Wilson slightly ahead of Republican front-runner Jeff Landry, but also shows former LABI head Stephen Waguespack surging into 3^rd place. The poll was conducted for Reboot La, a political action committee supporting Waguespack for Governor. Political analyst Roy Fletcher says he’s recently two independent polls that contradict Reboots LA’s findings…:

Cut 10 (12) “…into double digits.”

Remington Research did the survey for Reboot LA. In an “if the election were today” question in the poll, 27% said they’d choose the former DOTD Secretary, 25% said Landry and now 16% says Waguespack is their choice. Fletcher feels it’s no coincidence Waguespack shows well in a poll done by his supporters…:

Cut 11 (05)  “…for a reason.”

Reboot LA’s poll shows Waguespack 14 percentage points in just three months, to take an unofficial 3^rd place. It also shows Shawn Wilson with a 2-point lead on Republican Jeff Landry. Fletcher says not to place too much faith in polling unless done by independent pollsters. He doubts the Remington/Reboot La poll is accurate…:

Cut 12 (07)    “…but that’s malarkey.” 

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After close to 50 years in law enforcement, Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator announces he will not seek re-election. Prator says a recent diagnosis of a treatable cardiac condition played a role in his decision.

Cut 13 (10) “…this decision.”  

Prator says fundraising for his campaign was not an issue whatsoever and he had all intentions to seek re-election and donations to his campaign will be returned to donors. He says he’s not resigning and that he will continue to serve as sheriff for the next 12 months.

Cut 14 (12)  “…in Caddo Parish.”

Prator is among the longest-serving sheriffs in Caddo Parish, and at the end of his current term, he will have served 24 years. Prator says he wanted to announce his decision because there are only six weeks left to qualify for the office.

Cut 15 (10)  “…successful campaign.”

Prator’s career in law enforcement began in 1973 as a patrol officer in Shreveport. He then worked homicide, robbery, sex crimes, and narcotics before being appointed Chief of the Shreveport Police Department. His term as sheriff began in July of 2000.

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We could see some record high temperatures today. Health officials warn to stay out of the heat. Teiko Foxx has more….

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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On his monthly radio show, Governor Edwards discussed how he intends to rectify last-minute state budget cuts and the possibility of a veto override session. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Governor Edwards has vetoed legislation some call the “Stay Back” bill; aimed at heading off bad encounters between police and citizens. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (31)  “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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The oppressive heat just will not relent and forecasters say record highs could fall today. Co-Chair of the Division of Disaster Medicine and EMS at LSU Health Science Center in New Orleans Dr. Jim Aiken urges the public to practice heat safety.

Cut 4 (13)  “…to it.”

We could see heat index values of 115 degrees or above over the next couple of days. Aiken says if you work outside, try to manage outdoor activity…

Cut 5 (10)   “…plan ahead.”

Symptoms of heat-related illness include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps, and increased thirst.

Aiken says the best plan is to stay hydrated and request breaks in the shaded areas as often as possible. He says high heat can lead to life-threatening illnesses that are avoidable…

Cut 6 (08)  “…about this.”

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On his monthly radio call-in show “Ask the Governor” Governor John Bel Edwards discussed the state budget that passed in the final moments of the session earlier this month. The budget most notably, despite a surplus in funding, contained a $100 million cut to the Louisiana Department of Health.

Cut 7 (13) “…and compassion.”

To date, the governor has not vetoed any legislation pertaining to the transgender population. He says he has only a few days to decide if he will or not and he’s hopeful lawmakers will not return for a veto override session.

Cut 8 (11) “…to that.’”

Among the anti-transgender bills, is one to prohibit transgender procedures and or treatments of minors. Another prohibits classroom discussion of sexual identity and orientation and a third restricts the use of pronouns and the name a student can go by in the classroom. Edwards says the bills have nothing to do with improving the economy, education, or healthcare.

Cut 9 (12)  “…and so forth.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed a bill that would have given police officers the ability to command you to “stay back” while they do their job. In his veto statement, the Governor says House Bill 85 was unnecessary because state laws already punish those who interfere with an officer. Bill author and Pineville Republican Representative Mike Johnson says his bill was about heading off possible interference…:

Cut 10 (07) “…feels threatened.”

The governor’s other objection was the bill’s potential chilling effect on exercising one’s First Amendments rights. He worried about people being able to observe and record cops. Chris Kaiser is the policy director for the ACLU of Louisiana. He says the Governor’s veto was the right thing to do because the bill was “unconstitutionally vague” and an overreach…:

Cut 11 (09)  “…governor’s action today.”

The bill drew bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, despite heavy opposition in committee rooms. Detractors said it threatens citizens’ First Amendment rights and prevents people from video-recording police. Rep. Johnson says the legislation did none of that…:

Cut 12 (11)    “…a police officer.” 

Johnson says he will file the bill again next year, when there may be a Governor willing to sign it into law.

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If you had damage from the 2020-2021 hurricanes and need assistance with submitting surveys, Restore Louisiana representatives will be on-site in Kenner today at the Martin Luther King Center before the August 1 deadline. Community Development Director Pat Forbes says homeowners statewide still have not completed the initial step.

Cut 13 (12) “…survey done.”  

Restore LA provides grant funding to homeowners who suffered damage from hurricanes and flooding in 2020 and 2. The money can pay for repairs, reconstruction, and/or reimbursement for repairs already completed. Forbes says the goal is to get homeowners financial assistance to help them recover from their losses…

Cut 14 (07)  “…up yet.”

Since launching in February 2022, more than 22 thousand homeowners have submitted the survey. Forbes says the program expanded its criteria for homeowners to qualify.

Cut 15 (12)  “…fifty thousand.”

Homeowners can complete the survey at restore.la.gov or call 866-735-2001.

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On a hot, steamy night, thousands of LSU fans went to Alex Box Stadium last night to celebrate the 2023 national champion LSU baseball team. Several star players spoke to the big crowd. Dylan Crews thanked the fans…

Cut 16 (19) “…can I say.”

Paul Skenes put together one of the greatest seasons ever by a college baseball pitcher. Skenes was at Air Force the last two seasons and made the decision to transfer LSU so he can improve as a pitcher and win a natty…

Cut 17 (17) “…came here.”

Coach Jay Johnson says he didn’t spend much time working on his speech as he is already preparing for the 2024 season. But Johnson says he’ll never forget this group of players and the focus they played with in the NCAA Tournament….

Cut 18 (19) “…2023 (applause).” 

A three-vehicle accident involving an ambulance kills two and injures three in Pointe Coupee Parish Tuesday. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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A new poll shows Stephen Waguespack making up ground in the governor’s race. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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There’s a new king of Louisiana Seafood. Chef Owen Hohl of Hot Tails -with two locations in New Roads and Prairieville- beat out eleven chefs to win the 16^th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off. Hohl says the competition was intense but he was prepared.

Cut 3 (07) “…felt comfortable”

Hohl prepared a plantain-scaled grouper highlighting his creativity and the superior quality of the seafood that comes from Louisiana’s waterways. Before the competition, the Honduran native believed a combination of spicy cultures would give him a flavorful edge over the competition.

Cut 4 (12)  “…slight advantage.” 

Hohl’s will represent the state in the 19^th Annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans in August. He will also serve as a Louisiana Ambassador for Seafood for the next year promoting all the great dishes in our state that will Feed Your Soul. As King of Seafood, Hohl is excited to showcase the Gulf’s seafood through his amazing dishes to the world.

Cut 5 (11)  “…they gave me the chance” ”

For the first time in the event’s history, the cook-off was held in Lake Charles on June 27.

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A three-vehicle accident involving an ambulance Tuesday in Pointe Coupee Parish claims two lives and severely injures a third. Trooper Christian Reed says the driver of the ambulance, 28-year-old Kymber Nezat of Baton Rouge, and 82-year-old Albert Bordelon of Avoyelles Parish who was being transported by the ambulance died at the scene.

Cut 6 (11)  “…head on.” 

Reed says a second passenger in the ambulance was transported to a local hospital with severe injuries. He says the drivers of the Nissan and semi were properly restrained, and treated for moderate injuries, and toxicology samples were collected.

Cut 7 (09)  “…analysis.” 

The accident remains under investigation and Reed reminds the public to never drive impaired, be properly restrained, and always focus on driving when you’re behind the wheel.

Cut 8 (10)  “…while driving.” 

According to The Advocate Nezat, the ambulance driver, was pregnant

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Nearly three years after the catastrophic hurricanes of 2020, Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says he’s frustrated the U.S. Department of Commerce has finally said there will be financial aid for Louisiana’s seafood industries to recoup revenue losses. He says the economic impact was tremendous on our fisheries and the process should not take this long.

Cut 9 (09) “…operating under.”

Louisiana’s seafood industry revenue loss from hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Zeta in 22 coastal parishes totaled over $155 million. Graves says these types of losses could threaten their livelihood.

Cut 10 (10)  “…is destroyed.”

Graves says it’s critical that disaster funds are dispersed soon.

Cut 11 (11)  “…as possible.”