New Campaign finance reports are out and Jeff Landry has seen a fundraising explosion over his opponents with nine point two million dollars on hand. Republicans John Schroder and Stephen Waguespack have about two million dollars in cash on hand and so does independent Hunter Lundy.  ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross calls that a respectable total…

Cut 11 (07)  “…mean more”

Landry pulled in 4.5 million dollars during the April 8th to July 7th fundraising period.

A heat advisory is in effect again today and we can expect near-record heat for the rest of the week. Heat indices will reach between 105 to 112-degrees. LRN meteorologist John Wetherbee says heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration are concerns for those who spend a lot of time outdoors…

Cut 13 (13) “…nine minutes.”

Wetherbee says if you plan to spend several hours outside, drink plenty of water.

The Louisiana Legislative Auditor releases a new report that finds staffing shortages present challenges for administering state parks. Director of State Parks Brandon Burris says despite the audit’s findings, visitation numbers are high.

Cut 8 (11) “…we are.’”

While the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an increase in visitation, recent hurricanes have damaged or forced some parks to close.

LSU won an SEC West title in Coach Brian Kelly’s first season at the helm and the Tigers plan on building on that success this season. Jayden Daniels is back as the starting QB and Daniels believes they can have one of the top offenses in the country…

The override veto session to overturn vetoes handed down by Governor John Bel Edwards gets underway at noon in Baton Rouge. Marksville Republican Daryl Deshotel cut his family vacation in France short so he can override some vetoes…

Cut 6 (12)  “…for it.”                          

Are there 70 votes in the House and 26 votes in the Senate to override a governor’s veto? Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says  Edwards still wields a lot of power even though he is a lame-duck governor….

Cut 12 (12)    “…put together” 

A bill that would ban doctors from performing medical procedures to alter the sex of a child has been the driving force of the override veto session.

Grant Parish Deputies have seized over 71 pounds of marijuana worth over half a million dollars in the largest drug bust in parish history. Sheriff Steven McCain says the large quantity of pot had a street value of 586-thousand dollars…

Cut 3 (12) “….our community.” 

After a month-long investigation, 57-year-old David Hollis faces one count of possession with intent to distribute, four counts of illegal carrying of weapons, and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia. Charles Dupry is charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

New campaign finance numbers show Republican Jeff Landry has a huge advantage in available dollars over his opponents. Landry reported raising 4.5 million dollars from April 8th to July 7th and has nine-point-two million dollars on hand. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says that’s a lot of cash

Cut 10 (08)  “… in the race”

Republicans John Schroder and Stephen Waguespack have about two million dollars in cash on hand and so does independent Hunter Lundy.

Louisiana lawmakers will come together for an override veto session at noon today. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Once again there was no big winner in Monday night’s Powerball drawing, so the jackpot now soars to an estimated $1 billion dollars. It’s the seventh-biggest Powerball jackpot in US lottery history and the third-largest Powerball.  The next drawing will be held Wednesday night.

Cleco offers an income-based energy efficiency program for residential customers interested in cutting their monthly energy use and saving money. Spokesperson Marianne Addy says customers can take advantage of a number of services and products at no out-of-pocket cost.

Cut 5 (12)   “…the program.”

Homeowners and renters who may not meet federal income guidelines are also encouraged to apply.

A state audit reveals a worker shortage has triggered challenges in administering state parks and OSP says $42 million is needed for improvements. Director of State Parks Brandon Burris says they are considering all options before a final decision is made on whether a fee hike is needed.

Cut 9 (12)  “…comes through.”

According to OSP, $42 million is needed for improvements to keep parks and historic sites operating at expected service levels.

Louisiana lawmakers could overturn the Governor’s rejection of 25 vetoes in a veto override session that will begin tomorrow. Two controversial bills that some have deemed as anti-LGBTQ, including a don’t say gay bill have also been vetoed by Governor Edwards. Chair of the House Republican Delegation and Erath Representative Blake Miguez reference the bill that prohibits medical procedures on minors.

Cut 12 (06)    “…of children.” 

It will take 70 votes in the House and 26 in the Senate to override a governor’s veto.

SLB, a global technology company, will renovate the former General Motors Plant in Shreveport into a manufacturing facility creating nearly 600 jobs over the next three years. Vice President of Industry Affairs of North America Bruce Miller says the company will participate in a solution-based workforce training program…

Cut 15 (10)  “…we hire.”

Miller says the infrastructure is in place and upgrades are underway to complete the company’s needs.

This week is Rural Road Safety Awareness Week, and Louisiana Highway Safety Commission reminds motorists to drive carefully, even in remote areas. Spokesperson Gregory Fischer says nearly 62 percent of all fatal crashes in the state in 2021 were on rural roadways.

Cut 6 (12)  “…data for.” 

Rural Safety Awareness Week is a part of the “What’s SPEED got to do with it” campaign that’s scheduled from July 17-21.

The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate announced their official launch today. The digital newsroom will provide in-depth local news for the Shreveport Bossier City area. Publisher Judi Terzotis says this is another step in achieving Chief Executive Officer John Georges’s vision for The Advocate…

Cut 3 (11) “….that mission” 

The team now features seven journalists who have begun coverage earlier than expected following thunderstorms that knocked out electricity in Northwestern Louisiana.

Louisiana lawmakers are returning to the capital for a veto override session tomorrow. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A woman has been hospitalized after “a massive tree” fell on her car during a thunderstorm in Caddo Parish on Sunday. Authorities say the female was trapped inside of her car but was conscious and in good spirits. SWEPCO reports 19,000 customers in northwest Louisiana remain without power due to the storm.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has increased the daily catch for red snapper from three to four beginning today. LDWF fisheries biologist Jason Adriance says the new daily creel limit of four red snappers also applies to federal waters off Louisiana, except for federally permitted charter boats…

Cut 5 (11)   “…federal waters.”

For the second time in history, the Screen Actors Guild and the Screenwriters Guild in Hollywood are on strike at the same time. Baton Rouge-based actor, Jason Bayle says viewers are already seeing the strike effects and if it drags on, popular shows could see their next seasons delayed.…:

Cut 9 (08)  “…start to notice it.”

Bayle feels negotiations to end the strike may drag out.

Lawmakers will return to the State Capitol next Tuesday for a veto override session. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says Governor Edwards vetoed 25 bills and specific items in three different budget bills…

Cut 3 (12) “….vote as well” 

The veto override session is scheduled to take five days.

Cancer patient advocates are thrilled that Governor Edwards has signed four bills into law aimed at getting folks facing cancer the treatments they need. Former state Rep. Julie Stokes is now with the Louisiana Oncology Society and the Survivors Cancer Action Network. She says another important bill signed into law by the Governor assures a patient’s right to speedy review and coverage…:

Cut 10 (10)  “…involves cancer.”

The new law also requires insurance to approve whatever oncologists prescribe as treatment.

A machete attack on a priest in St. Landry Parish Thursday night leaves a small town in shock. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

SLB, a global technology company, will open a manufacturing facility in the former General Motors Plant in Shreveport that shut down over a decade ago. The company’s $18.5 million investment is expected to create nearly 1,400 new jobs in Northwest Louisiana.

As expected, state lawmakers are coming back for a veto override session. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Multiple explosions were reported at the Dow Chemical facility in Plaquemine late Friday night. No injuries were reported and all workers were accounted for. The cause of the explosion is unknown.

St. Landry Parish Deputies arrested a Melville man for viciously attacking a local Catholic priest with a machete Thursday night. Police Chief Phillip Lucas says 58-year-old Johnny Neely is in custody after the alleged attack.

Cut 6 (12)  “…machete knife.” 

Neely has been charged with attempted second-degree murder, hate crimes, and home invasion.

Chief of Police in Grand Coteau Jeffrey Guilbeau has been arrested and charged with drug distribution, malfeasance in office, and obstruction of justice. St Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says it’s bad enough that the small community has drug dealers

Cut 13 (09) “…disheartening.”

After receiving a tip that Guilbeau was involved in the use and distribution of illegal drugs, authorities began surveillance and verified the information.