Qualifying for the October 14^th primary is underway and LA Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says he isn’t expecting any surprises when it comes to the governor’s race. He says if there are any surprises, it will be in the legislative races. He expects several incumbents will find themselves challenged by substantial candidates.

Cut 11 (06) “…coming year.”

Telehealth services will be offered in 16 Louisiana library systems thanks to $50 thousand in grants from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation.  State Library of Louisiana Spokesperson Danny Monteverde says when people have access to a doctor virtually, they are more likely to access care.”

Cut 9 (10)  “…than later.”

Library systems with telehealth services can be found at state.lib.la.us.

16 Louisiana residents died from heat-related causes during the months of June and July, according to the Louisiana Department of Health.  Climate and Preventative Medicine Physician Dr. Alicia Van Doren says from April 1st to July 29th, there were 3,305 heat-caused emergency room visits, compared to an average of 2,700 over the last ten years. She says the burden of heat is not shared equally.

Cut 5 (11)   “…same findings.”

The State Fire Marshal and Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner have issued a statewide burn ban in response to concerning dry conditions.  Violation of the order could result in criminal and/or civil penalties, but Fire Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue assures residents the rules of the ban are easy to follow and shouldn’t inhibit daily life…

Cut 15 (11)  “…simple practice.”

Private burning will only be allowed with permission from local fire departments or the government.

Qualifying for the 2023 election begins today and Brooke Thorington talks to a political insider about what we can expect.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Authorities are searching for a teenage male they believe fatally injured his girlfriend in a jealous rage in Gonzales Friday. Deputies were called to a home on Bourque Road after 15-year-old Gracie Limas was found dead from a gunshot wound. 16-year-old Jaquin Stephens is wanted on second-degree murder, illegal use of weapons, and illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile.

Eleven libraries across Louisiana will soon offer access to free telehealth services as part of $50,000 worth of grants from The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation. People will be able to access telehealth solutions in Beauregard, Cameron, Concordia, East Carroll, Franklin, St. John the Baptist, Ouachita, Union, Vermillion, Washington, and West Baton Rouge parishes. State Library of Louisiana Spokesperson Danny Monteverde says this is the first step in closing barriers in the digital divide and healthcare for people who may not be able to afford it…

Cut 8 (11) “…people need.”

A statewide burn ban has been issued by the State Fire Marshal and Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner has issued a statewide burn ban due to extreme heat and dry conditions. Private burning will only be allowed with permission from local fire departments. Fire Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the decision was made out of consideration for their firefighters and their staff.”

Cut 13 (12) “…fire departments.”

Two teens were fatally injured in a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 49 near the Carencro exit in Lafayette Parish yesterday. Trooper Thomas Gossen says the accident that killed 16-year-old Jose Alvarez and his passenger 16-year-old Marlin Garcia happened shortly before 3:30 AM…

Cut 3 (09) “…same lane.”

Gossen says the box truck struck Alvarez GMC Sierra from behind causing it to overturn in the median. The driver of the box truck was properly restrained and was not injured.

The design for the 2023 “I Voted” sticker was unveiled this morning. The artwork created by Becky Fos titled “Confidence” features the state bird, a pelican, and her three chicks. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says with the primary eight weeks away, everyone has something to vote for on their ballot this election.

Cut 10 (11)  “…we have.”

A change of venues is coming for the 2023 football season. Pierson Luscy spoke with Shreveport Bossier Journal reporter Tony Taglavore about the issue.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Pierson Luscy” 

The New Orleans Saints are working out two former pro bowl free agents, linebacker Anthony Barr and running back Kareem Hunt.

Barr spent eight seasons with the Vikings before playing with the Cowboys last year and would add to the Saint’s depth chart after the departure of linebacker Kaden Ellis in free agency. Barr had 1 sack, two tackles for loss, and 58 total tackles last season in his 14 games played.

Hunt rushed for three touchdowns, 468 yards on 123 carries last year and caught one touchdown on 25 receptions for 210 yards. He would fill the immediate need in the Saints backfield after the season ending injury of Eno Benjamin and Alvin Kamara being unavailable for the first three games of the season due to an arrest in Las Vegas in 2022.

Before Kamara’s suspension was announced, he owned up to his actions.

Cut 19 (08) “…going forward.”

The Saints drafted TCU running back Kendre Miller and signed last year’s leader in rushing touchdowns, Jamaal Williams, to a three year deal but want to make sure that they have plenty of depth to help out new quarterback Derek Carr.

Former Lutcher high school and LSU wide receiver Jontre Kirklin is getting a tryout with the Saints after playing with the XFL’s Houston Roughnecks. He caught 15 passes for 253 yards and four touchdowns in his five games played.

Four star wide receiver, Jelani Watkins, announced his commitment to LSU as a part of the 2024 recruiting class. The Houston native plans on being a two sport athlete at his new school as a track athlete as well.

Two LSU baseball national champions picked up where they left off after joining the big leagues. Dylan Crews and Gavin Dugas both hit home runs for the Nationals Single-A minor league team over the weekend.

The United States Women’s National Soccer Team was eliminated from the World Cup by Sweden in the Round of 16 Sunday morning. After taking a 0-0 draw to penalty kicks the United States lost 5-4 and failed to advance. The team was looking to bring home their third World Cup, but suffered their earliest exit from the tournament in their history.

Qualifying for the statewide races for statewide seats, attorney general, state treasurer, and secretary of state begins tomorrow. Six Republicans and only one Democrat are in the race for governor. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says although there have been only seven candidates actively campaigning for governor, there’s a chance someone will change their mind and decide not to qualify.

Cut 15 (10)  “…to win.”

Qualifying is set for August 8th through the tenth.

It’s back-to-school time as most students return to class this week. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Gregory Fischer says that means the return of school zone speed limits.

Cut 11 (07) “…in the afternoon.”

In Louisiana, safe drivers with bad credit pay an average of $905 more than drivers with a DWI and excellent credit according to a recent report by the Consumer Federation of America. Director of Real Reform Louisiana Ben Riggs says the use of credit history for insurance is unfair to Louisiana drivers

Cut 4 (10)  “…excellent credit.”

According to CFA, State Farm charges people in Louisiana with fair credit a 78 percent surcharge for excellent credit drivers and a 224 percent surcharge for people with poor credit.

Riggs says three states have passed laws to prohibit using credit scores in setting insurance prices, California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts. He points out all three states have cheaper auto insurance than Louisiana. But Donelon says insurance companies have seen people with poor credit try to use minor accidents to improve their financial situation…

Cut 7 (10) “…pay more.”

This week, campaign season for the fall elections officially gets underway as qualifying begins on Tuesday. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Two Lafayette police officers are recovering after they were shot responding to a domestic disturbance call. An adult female and two children were also shot in the incident early Saturday morning, one of the children died at the hospital. Lafayette P-D says one of its wounded officers was treated and released, while the other remains hospitalized.

UL Lafayette’s Operation Smoke Sheaux annual fundraiser that supports members of the military, veterans, and their dependents will be featured on tonight’s episode of “BBQ USA” on The Food Network. Ryan Gonzales, assistant director of Veteran and Military Students at the university says he’s excited they are getting the national exposure to help in their efforts.

Cut 8 (08) “…first one.”

The episode airs tonight at 9 PM on the Food Network.

With most K through 12 schools set to begin school next week, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission reminds drivers to be aware of school zones.  LHSC Spokesperson Gregory Fischer says drivers must be cautious and attentive in areas where children are present…

Cut 13 (06) “..little world.”

Breaking news out of the NFL, Saints running back Alvin Kamara has been suspended for the first three games of the regular season for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. The violation was from an arrest in February 2022 in Las Vegas, and Kamara will be eligible in all three of the Saints preseason games. He can return to the active roster on Monday September 25, which is the day after the Saints week 3 matchup against the Green bay Packers.

Kamara missed the previous practice after he visited Roger Goodell about the arrest and took responsibility.

Cut 26 (8) “… the NFL.

Saints star defensive end Cameron Jordan signed a 2 year 27.5 million dollar deal with the team which will lock him in with the team for the next 3 years. The 8 time pro bowler is the Saints all-time sack leader and says why he signed the deal with the team.

Cut 27 (8) …been here.”

LSU football head coach Brian Kelly announced a change to the team’s injury update protocol to limit the questions from the media about player injury status. This is not a typical procedure for college athletics, but he has no concern that it will give a competitive advantage to any of his opponents.
Cut 18 (10) “what you expect.”

Oregon and Washington are planning to leave the PAC 12 conference to join the Big 10. The two teams’ addition to the Big 10 will bring the conference’s total to 18 teams. Arizona also on the move to the Big 12 joining Colorado as teams that are leaving the PAC 12 for the Big 12, and both of the teams can be a part of the Big 12 as soon as 2024. With the moves around the country, there are now only 6 teams consisting of the PAC 12 conference. Arizona State could be another team leaving the PAC 12 after a board of regents meeting discussed their possibility, leaving the PAC 12 in serious doubts.

Eight time pro bowler and three time all pro Cameron Jordan has agreed to a 2 year 27.5 million dollars extension with the New Orleans Saints.

Cut 3 (8) “…been here.”

Jordan is the Saints franchise all-time leader in sacks with 115.5, but made it clear that he only has one thing he wants before he ends his career.

Cut 4 (14) “of this deal.”

He also thinks it is completely possible to reach that ultimate goal after what he has seen in camp so far.

Cut 5 (15) “to their offense.”

LSU defensive line coach Jimmy Lindsey stepped away from the team recently due to health concerns and when he returns is still unknown.

Cut 17 (15) “…the immediate here.”

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission approves a plan that lowers catch limit for speckled trout. Anglers will now only be able to keep trout that are over 13 inches in length, and the catch limit has been decreased from 25 to 15 fish per day. LDWF Assistant Secretary Patrick Banks says this the new conversation is needed.

Cut 8 (07) “…concerned.”

Louisiana Radio Network Sports I’m Pierson Luscy

For years, teacher pay in Louisiana has lagged behind most of the other Southern states, but starting pay for a teacher in the Bayou State is among the highest in the South. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Saints all-time sacks leader cam Jordan has agreed to a two-year 27.5 million dollar extension that will allow him to retire with the Saints. Jordan is one of the best defensive players in franchise history with 115.5 sacks and he is started 191 games in his 12-year career.

Taylor Swift is extending The Eras Tour and she’s adding a three-night stop in the Crescent City for what will likely be a sold-out show. General Manager of the Caesars Superdome Evan Holmes says construction prevented Swift from appearing in 2023, but when added another leg to the tour…

Cut 10 (06) “…real excited.”

Swift’s last performance in New Orleans was in 2018. Fans will have to register to buy tickets to the show.

Sungas Renewables officials say their proposed one-point-eight billion dollar plant they plan to build in Pineville will produce a renewable low-carbon methanol that will help the shipping industry. CEO Robert Rigdon says there are currently in phase two of the project and hope to be in the final phase by the fourth quarter before full construction.

Cut 6 (13)  “…that process.”

The company expects to make a final investment decision in August 2024.