Angola has been ordered to improve conditions for inmates who are required to work on the farm line. Promise of Justice Initiative Legal Director Colin Reingold says the state has been given a seven-day deadline to submit proposed remedies due to the inhumane conditions

Cut 10 (12) “…extremely dangerous.”

Reingold says as many as 50 inmates work on the farm line at one time and the farm line is separate from other agriculture work programs at the penitentiary.

Hurricane Beryl remains a Category 4 as it barrels towards Jamaica and Central America. Newly appointed state climatologist Jay Grymes says Beryl is expected to turn towards the Gulf early next week, but tells Louisianans not to worry.

cut  13 (12) “…season.” 

Governor Jeff Landry announces the extension of Operation Lone Star which will involve the deployment of Louisiana National Guard engineers on July 15^th to the southern border. LANG spokesperson Lt. Col. Noel Collins says this move reflects the state’s commitment to collaborating with Texas in addressing border security issues and highlights the growing scope of Operation Lone Star.

Cut 5 (08)  “…respond to that.”

Fourth of July means BBQs and fireworks but it’s not always a great time for pets. LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Communication Manager Ginger Gutner says it’s a good idea for pet owners to plan ahead and…

Cut 8 (08)  “…they recommend.”

Louisiana Middle District Court has ordered Angola to quickly correct what they called “glaring deficiencies of their heat-related policies.” Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

A Louisiana State trooper sustained a spinal fracture Tuesday while attempting to arrest a suspect on Bourbon Street of 40-year-old Damon Dawson.

Dawson was booked early Wednesday into the Orleans Justice Center jail The trooper was taken to University Medical Center for treatment of his spinal injury and a serious laceration to his scalp.

Governor Jeff Landry announces the extension of Operation Lone Star which will involve the deployment of Louisiana National Guard engineers on July 15^th to the southern border. LANG spokesperson Lt. Col. Noel Collins says the engineers will assist in constructing barriers, roads, and other critical infrastructure to enhance border security.

Cut 4 (08) “…able to do.”

Guardsmen will be deployed to the border till mid-November.

With the Fourth of July coming up everyone is getting ready for BBQ and fireworks but its not always great for some of our pets. LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Communication Manager Ginger Gutner has some advice for what you can do for your pets.

Cut 6 (09) “…good idea.”

Gutner says if you know your pet will be anxious because of fireworks contact your vet and discuss what you can do to help alleviate your pets anxiety.

Two adults and an 8-year-old child were found dead in a home near Albany Monday morning. Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard says 49-year-old Ginny Williamson, 49-year-old Steven Williamson, and the child in their custody died in what appears to be a murder/suicide.

Cut 15 (11)  “…to that.”

Ard says the bodies were discovered Monday morning by a family member who then called authorities around 8:00 a.m.

The Louisiana State Police Crime Lab has launched a statewide sexual assault kit tracking program as a result of a law approved in 2023. Captain Chad Guidry with the crime lab says this will make the tracking process more transparent for survivors.

Cut 9 (12) “…prosecution time.”

The Tracking System and Survivor Portal can be found under the Services tab at LSP.org.

Congressman Troy Carter is upset the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has granted Denka Performance Elastomer, a chemical plant in St. John Parish, a two-year extension to reduce emissions. Carter says the extension undermines efforts to protect the health of nearby communities, who have been exposed to harmful emissions from the plant.

Cut 6 (12) “…from the plant.”

Denka has criticized the new regulations as politically motivated and based on flawed science.

Here is a look at commodities…

The first presidential debate of the 2024 campaign season was last night, leaving Americans with a wide array of feelings about the two likely presidential nominees. Tulane Associate Professor of Political Science Brian Brox says President Biden, who was looking to dispel rumors about his poor mental abilities, had much worse stage presence than Trump.

Cut 4 (11) “…campaign.”

New Orleans Democrat Representative Mandie Landry posted her thoughts about the presidential debate on social media. She says Because of the extreme differences in the personalities of President Biden and former President Trump, Landry says she wasn’t surprised how they came across.

Cut 9 (12) “…just unfortunate.”

The next Presidential debate will be in September.

Congressman Troy Carter introduces bipartisan legislation with Congressman Clay Higgins to protect Americans from contaminated seafood. He says the bill protects consumers and the state’s seafood industry. Carter says the cheaper imports cut into the profits of Louisiana Seafood farmers who are following the safety guidelines.

Cut 7 (08) “… the right thing.”  

Carter says the bill would better protect consumers from contamination and Louisiana’s seafood industry.

Hometown hero Alyson Habetz was introduced today as U-L Lafayette’s new head softball coach. Habetz had a Hall of Fame playing career as a Cajuns softball player and after a 25-year run as an assistant coach at Alabama, she’s back home at her alma mater

Cut 12 (11) “… wow.” 

Former head coach Gerry Glasco’s decision to leave the program for Texas Tech led to several players entering the transfer portal.

A Louisiana businessman says his insurance rates are up over 40% and he’s not sure how long he can take it. Todd Hine, owner of Hine Environmental Services, a small waste services business in Sulphur, says his insurance payments went from 300-thousand dollars to over a million, which he was able to negotiate down. He feels increasingly frustrated that he keeps having to pay more.

Cut 5 (06) “(x3)…the market.”

Data from the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics shows Louisiana’s unemployment rate decreased for the month of May to 4.1%. Baton Rouge added almost 7 thousand jobs and Alexandria also added 600 jobs from May 2023. However, the Monroe area lost 600 jobs from April and 1500 jobs from May 2023, which Louisiana Workforce Commission Director of Research and Economic Analysis Emily Epps says is concerning to the Workforce Commission.

Cut 15 (10)  “…state.”

President Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump will meet for the first presidential debate of the campaign season tonight. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says both candidates are looking to prove something in the debate. President Biden wants…

Cut 7 (10) “…nothing to worry about.”

The debate will start at 8 P.M. on CNN.

Governor Jeff Landry vetoed a bill that would have given his office the ability to pardon certain first-time convicted marijuana possession offenders without the recommendation of the pardon board. New Orleans Representative Delisha Boyd says the veto letter explanation that her bill was soft on crime doesn’t make sense.

Cut 11 (10) “…our economy.”

First-time offenders found with less than 14 grams of marijuana would have been eligible under House Bill 391.

Chalmette High School principal 79-year-old Wayne Warner will have to have surgery after he was allegedly attacked by 33-year-old Christopher Kidd who is wheelchair-bound. St Bernard Parish Sheriff James Pohlman says when Warner saw Kidd pushing over trash cans Sunday night, he stopped to render aid.

Cut 6 (09) “…(x2) in the wheelchair.”

Kidd faces numerous charges including resisting arrest with force, battery on a police officer, simple assault and battery.

Doctor Ralph Abraham has been named as the state’s first Surgeon General. Abraham was serving as Secretary for the Louisiana Department of Health. Governor Jeff Landry says in his role as Surgeon General, Abraham will look to modernize Louisiana’s healthcare and policies…

Cut 10 (10) “…our field.”

Abraham says he wants to change policies that have been holding the state back in providing better healthcare…

The situation New Orleans homeowner Cheron (Sharon) Brylski (Brill-ski) is facing is not unique in Louisiana. After her previous property insurance carriers left the state, she’s been forced to use Citizens and says now she has no other choice but to sell the home she and her husband, who died 9 years ago, lovingly restored.

Cut 13 (09)  “…by myself.”

Brylski says it costs nearly $15,000 annually to insure her home.

Former Baton Rouge Representative Scott McKnight is running for the Public Service Commission. McKnight will seek to replace District 2 PSC Commissioner Craig Greene, who is not seeking re-election.

McKnight says this is a regulatory position and that means striking a balance of what is going on in the industry.

Cut 5 (06)  “…Louisiana.”

Republican Congressman Garrett Graves, who is not seeking re-election for his seat in the U-S House, says he does not intend to run for P-S-C seat

Governor Jeff Landry has named former Congressman Ralph Abraham as the state’s first surgeon general. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (00)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s office found 72-year-old David Young unresponsive in his home with injuries consistent with blunt force trauma and stabbing. After canvassing the area a nearby resident 62-year-old Terry Houston was identified as a person of interest. The investigation determined that Houston was involved in an altercation leading to Young’s death. Houston was placed under arrest for one count of second-degree murder and obstruction of justice.

Daniel Callihan, the man charged with the murders of Callie Brunett and her daughter Erin of Loranger, says he won’t fight extradition charges and he’s requested to be transferred back to Louisiana.  At a press conference Monday, Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade says he’ll never forget when he saw four-year-old Erin’s body…

Cut 14 (11)  “…accountable.”

Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch says they are working collaboratively with investigators and prosecutors in Louisiana.

Former Baton Rouge Representative Scott McKnight is running for the Public Service Commission. McKnight will seek to replace District 2 PSC Commissioner Craig Greene, who is not seeking re-election.

Cut 4 (11) “…market.”

The election will be held on November 5, 2024 with a December 7^th run-off if necessary. Candidates will qualify for the election next month.

The ACLU has officially filed suit against the Ten Commandments law which requires public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Heirloom Carbon Technology is investing $475 million in a decarbonization project that will result in the construction of two direct air capture facilities at the Port of Caddo-Bossier. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Sean Richardson” 

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As the insurance crisis continues to financially cripple Louisiana homeowners, some are being faced with the reality of selling their homes. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The ACLU has filed suit against the Ten Commandments law that required public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom. Plaintiffs include nine multi-faith families with children in public schools. Plaintiff, Reverend Jeff Sims

Cut 4 (07) “…tramples on it.”

Sims says the separation of church and state means that families get to decide if, when, and how their children are introduced to religion, not the state.

Cut 5 (12) “…chosen religion.”

Plaintiff Joshua Harlands says as a parent, an American and a Jew he is appalled that the state lawmakers are forcing public schools to post a specific version of the Ten Commandments in every classroom.

Cut 6 (12) “…religious text.”

Harlands says the state is dividing children on religious lines and that the new law has no education benefit.

Cut 7 (12) “…religious text.”

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Heirloom Carbon Technologies announces a $475 million decarbonization project that will result in the construction of two direct air capture facilities at the Port of Caddo-Bossier. Heirloom Carbon Technologies Community Liaison Caitlyn Cain.

Cut 8 (12) “…accelerated the process.”

Construction of the first facility is set to begin by the end of this year, and they estimate 17,000 tons of CO2 will be removed from the atmosphere annually starting in 2026. Heirloom will partner with CapturePoint for permanent CO2 storage.

Cut 9 (06)  “…central louisiana.”

This is a public and private investment with up to 550-million dollars in funding from the federal government. Cain says they chose the Port of Caddo-Bossier because Louisiana is the energy capital of the United States…

Cut 10 (05) “…that we need.”

This will be the first commercial DAC facility in Louisiana and the second in North America and will bring over a thousand construction jobs and 81 permanent jobs with an average salary of $56,000.

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The situation New Orleans homeowner Cheron (Sharon) Brylski (Brill-ski) is facing is not unique in Louisiana. After her previous property insurance carriers left the state, she’s been forced to use Citizens and says now she has no other choice but to sell the home she and her husband, who died 9 years ago, lovingly restored.

Cut 11 (13) “…realistic.”

Brylski, who owns her own public relations company, has been downsizing her business as she prepares to retire but says the increase in property taxes and insurance has forced her to spend what would be her retirement savings to stay in her home.

Cut 12 (12) “…increase again.” 

She says she’s tried to find another carrier instead of Citizens, but no one is willing to write her policy, even though she owns her home outright and her neighborhood didn’t flood after Katrina. Since she put the for sale sign up in her yard, Brylski says others have shared similar stories.

Cut 13 (09)  “…by myself.”

Brylski says it costs nearly $15,000 annually to insure her home.

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Daniel Callihan, the man charged with the murders of Callie Brunett and her daughter Erin of Loranger, says he won’t fight extradition charges and he’s requested to be transferred back to Louisiana.  At a press conference Monday, Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade says he’ll never forget when he saw four-year-old Erin’s body…

Cut 14 (11)  “…accountable.”

Victoria Cox has also been charged with the murders, and the pair also face sexual battery charges in Mississippi. In Louisiana, they face first-degree murder and kidnapping charges.

Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch says they are working collaboratively with investigators and prosecutors in Louisiana.

Cut 15 (09)  “…working together.”

Callihan confessed to the media on July 14^th, the day after he led authorities to the body of Erin and her six-year-old sister Jalie who was still alive. Wade says while the investigation is ongoing, they feel they have a strong case against him and Cox.

Cut 16 (06) “…(x2) what he did.” 

Federal charges are also expected to be issued against Callihan and Cox.

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One of the top pitchers in the Southland is heading to LSU. Jacob Mayers had two standout seasons at Nicholls, his freshman season was particularly good as he had an ERA of 2.02 and was named the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Freshman Pitcher of the Year. Mayers gives a lot of credit to former Colonels Coach Mike Silva

Cut 17 (21) “…crazy.”

Mayers had just one scholarship offer coming out of St. Amant High School in Ascension Parish and ended up being a Friday night starter for Nicholls. Mayers is looking forward to wearing the Purple and Gold…

Cut 18 (17)  “…to Omaha.”

Mayers didn’t make the team as a freshman at St. Amant, but the six-foot-five right-hander says that only motivated him…..

Cut 19 (19) “…adversity.” 

___________________________________________________________________

Cut 20 (22) “…overcome that.”

Beginning January 1^st to receive their certification, teachers must undergo a criminal background check with the state. Currently, it’s up to local school systems to require those checks, but now Arthur Joffrion (Joe-free-on) with the Louisiana Department of Education says it’s a state requirement.

Cut 3 (09) “…our educators.”

The new policy is a result of legislation passed in 2023.

Former President Donald Trump is in New Orleans today for a fundraiser hosted by two of Louisiana’s biggest Republican donors, Boysie Bollinger and Joe Canizaro. Bollinger says Trump is confident he will win Louisiana as he did in 2020, so he’s stopping by to raise campaign funds, not to campaign.

Cut  14 (10) “…expect to have.” 

Bollinger says every ticket has been sold.

Cleco customers will see a rate increase next month of around five dollars, which will jump to 13 dollars in October. Spokesperson Fran Phoenix says while she understands the rise may come as a shock, it’s necessary to curb inflation and increased operating and maintenance costs.

Cut 6 (09) “…customer.”

PSC Davante Lewis, who voted against the increase, says Cleco recently lost a contract selling power to another Louisiana power company…

Cut 8 (07)  “…ratepayers.”

The price increase passed the Louisiana Public Service Commission on a 4 to 1 vote.

The new law requiring public classrooms to display the Ten Commandments is already facing a legal challenge. Loyola University Law professor Dane Ciolino says while it violates the First Amendment; the bill was written to display them for historical not religious purposes.

Cut 3 (12) “…establishment clause.”

The ACLU, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom from Religion Foundation say they plan to file a joint lawsuit against the measure.

The Louisiana Public Service Commission has ordered SWEPCO to issue 23-million dollars in refunds to its 240-thousand customers in 12 northwest Louisiana parishes. Commissioner Foster Campbell says SWEPCO customers deserve a credit, because of an accounting error

Cut 12 (08) “…to be.” 

UL-Lafayette Softball head coach Gerry Glasco accepted an offer today to become the next head coach at Texas Tech. Host of the Locked-on Sun Belt Podcast Dave Schultz says he’s surprised Glasco is leaving.

Cut 9 (09) “…Oklahoma City.”

Glasco finished his seventh season with a record of 302-88.

A $1 million gift from the family of Clifford Smith to Nicholls State University will create the William Clifford Smith School of Engineering set to start in August. Dean of the College of Science and Technology Dr. John Doucet.

Cut 7 (09) “…in the region.”  

Programs will include geomatics, energy engineering technology, and mechanical engineering which is also being offered in partnership with UNO.