The BA-dot-5 variant is keeping the current surge of COVID in Louisiana on track to becoming one of the longest. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Louisiana Bond Commission withholds funding for the New Orleans water and sewerage board over the city’s threat not to enforce state laws that ban abortions. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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With news of President Biden testing positive for COVID today it’s also reflective of case counts and coronavirus hospitalizations on the rise in Louisiana. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the Bayou State is still in its sixth surge that started about two months ago and it’s on track to be one of the longest upticks in cases.

Cut 3 (07) “…transmissible variant” 

Kanter says the current surge would have most likely ended had it not been for the BA-dot-5 variant.

Today the state reports more than 34-hundred additional COVID cases but Kanter says that’s not necessarily reflective of the actual amount of COVID circulating in Louisiana.

Cut 4  (07) “…to testing.”

And while the BA-dot-5 variant is highly transmissible Kanter says it’s not necessarily virulent and hospitalizations remain low, at 747 when you compare them to case counts.

And after 28 months Kanter says COVID fatigue has definitely set in.

Cut 5  (11) “…get it again.”

According to John Hopkins School of Public Health symptoms of the BA-dot-5 include sore throat, and fatigue, but they are less likely to report fevers and/or loss of taste and smell

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Senator Bill Cassidy’s bicameral bill to provide the state bigger revenue shares of offshore energy developed passed the U.S. Senate Energy committee this morning. Cassidy says it’s called the Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies & Ecosystems Act, aka RISE…:

Cut 6 (10) “…restore that coastline.” 

Cassidy says the bill will lift a cap on state revenue sharing (currently at $375-million a year), and create a revenue sharing mechanism for offshore wind energy..:

Cut 7 (11) “…other coastal states.” 

The bill is co-authored by Rhode Island Democrat Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. Ten other senators have signed on as co-sponsors. Cassidy says the bill would remove limits on how much annual revenue sharing can flow into the state, and that money can be put to important use…:

Cut 8 (12) “…to natural resources.”

Cassidy says the bill is essential for rebuilding Louisiana’s coast and protecting against Gulf storms.  It goes next to the Senate floor.

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The Louisiana Bond Commission has voted to withhold 39-million dollars in non-cash line of credit for a sewerage and water board project. It’s in response to city officials pledge they would not enforce state laws that ban abortion. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin serves on the Bond Commission is in full support of withholding the money

Cut 9 (12) “…be impeached.”

A representative from Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry’s office made the recommendation to withhold the money in response to New Orleans city officials saying that abortion laws would not be enforced. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne voted against delaying this funding…

Cut 10 (09) “…correct vote” 

State Treasurer John Schroder is the chairman of the Bond Commission and voted to withhold the non-cash line of credit, but expressed his displeasure that the Attorney General’s office is using the Bond Commission to send a message to a city….

Cut 11 (11)  “…to get on.”

The Bond Commission will consider again next month whether to release the 39-million to the Sewerage and Water Board plant. A Baton Rouge judge has blocked the law the state’s abortion ban from going into effect.

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Today it’s northeast Louisiana under an excessive heat warning as heat indices are reaching 114-degrees. State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says this excessive heat has been helping to burn up the land, literally…

Cut 12 (11) “…getting dry”   

Strain says corn and soybean farmers are working to make sure their crops do not burn up in this heat…

Cut 13 (12) “..of the heat”

Some parts of the state are seeing rain cooling showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Strain says that causes another problem, mosquitos…

Cut 14 (12)  “…eastern encephalitis.” 

Republican US Senator John Kennedy is being challenged by three democrats in his re-election campaign for his second term. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (42) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Louisiana has updated its Highway Safety Plan after nearly one-thousand motorists were killed in car crashes last year, a 17-percent increase from the year before. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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Qualifying for the U-S Senate race got underway this morning and the first one to sign up, Republican incumbent John Kennedy. Kennedy is finishing up his first term and believes his voting record represents the values of Louisiana

Cut 3 (07) “…116th Congress” 

Kennedy has a huge fundraising advantage over his opponents….

Cut 4  (09) “…message out.”

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Baton Rouge activist Gary Chambers who’s best know for his campaign video that went viral where he’s smoking marijuana officially filed for to run for US Senate as a Democrat against Republican John Kennedy. Chambers was present when  Kennedy addressed the media and had this response.

Cut 5  (16) “…lives in.”

Chambers also had a gift for his opponent, he planned to present the state’s junior senator with a spray bottle of Round-up.

Cut 6 (10) “…next time” 

Chambers ran for Congress last year to fill New Orleans Representative Cedric Richmond’s seat when he left to work for the Biden administration but failed to make the runoff by 15-hundred votes against Troy Carter.

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Political newcomer Luke Mixon also filed to run as a Democrat against Kennedy. The former Top Gun Naval pilot called out Kennedy for not standing up for democracy when Trump supporters stormed the Capitol.

Cut 7 (12) “…to lie.” 

Mixon who also took an oath to uphold the Constitution when he served in the military, says he’s often asked why he’s running against Kennedy…

Cut 8 (13) “…to defend.”

The Bunkie native also criticized Kennedy for voting against the infrastructure bill and while he supports the Second Amendment, Mixon believes there should be red flag gun laws to keep those with mental illness from hurting others and themselves.

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Sylvia Taylor filed on behalf of her daughter Syrita Steib who is the third democrat hoping to unseat Kennedy. Taylor shared that Steib served time in prison but since completing her sentence she’s gone forward to help others.

Cut 9 (13) “…years before.”

Taylor says Steib’s platform includes a focus on infrastructure, education, women’s rights, energy and democracy. Taylor says her daughter’s life serves as an inspiration for her and others.

Cut 10 (10) “…the drive.” 

Stieb served over nine years in federal prison for her role in robbing and burning down a car dealership.

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The state is updating its Strategic Highway Safety Plan after nearly one-thousand people were killed in crash crashes in 2021. Based on preliminary data, 971 motorists died, a 17-percent increase from 2020. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director Lisa Freeman says that’s the highest percentage increase in one year since crash fatality records have been kept

Cut 11 (12)  “…community crisis.”

Increasing education efforts, strengthening laws and public policies to prohibit risky behaviors such as distracted driving and increasing accountability through enforcement are some of the strategies the state will deploy to reduce fatal crashes. State Police Superintendent Lamar Davis says they are committed to this effort

Cut 12 (12) “…negative behavior.”   

Governor John Bel Edwards says he sees way too many drivers looking at their phone instead of the road

Cut 13 (12) “..or whatever.”

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A 15-year-old girl died last night in a single vehicle crash in St. James Parish. State Police Trooper Ross Brennan says a 17-year-old was behind the wheel on LA Highway 18 when he failed to stay on the road…

Cut 14 (10)  “…overturn.” 

The driver and his two juvenile passengers were not buckled up and they were ejected from the Honda Accord. 15-year-old Ramiya Sowell of St. James died at a Baton Rouge area hospital, while the driver and other passenger sufffered moderate injuries. Brennan says seat belts could have saved a life

Cut 15 (07) “…crash.” 

After multiple escapes from the Bridge City Center for Youth, the governor announces an investigation of the Office of Juvenile Justice.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Qualifying for the fall federal midterm elections begins today. Jeff Palermo takes a look at what we might see…:

Cut 2 (32) “….I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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In addition to statewide races there are plenty of key local races with the potential to heat up. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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After numerous escapes from the Bridge City Center for Youth, some of the inmates will be moved to Angola. Governor John Bel Edwards made the announcement Tuesday after a weekend in which six inmates escaped from the Jefferson Parish facility.

Cut 4 (12)  “…adult inmates.”

While some inmates will be housed at Angola the Bridge City facility will remain open but with additional security. Edwards says after everything that has happened it’s clear the Bridge City campus cannot continue to operate as it has.

Cut 5 (08) “…an option.”

Edwards says the Bridge City building is outdated and not properly equipped to serve as a youth facility and more security personnel will be provided in addition to the increase that was added last month. He says Office of Juvenile Justice will continue to oversee operations and while the situation is not ideal…

Cut 6 (12)  “…the community.”

An initial review shows that there were numerous deficiencies and failures that contributed to the escape of six juveniles.

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Qualifying for the fall federal midterm elections begins today, at the Secretary of state’s Office in Baton Rouge. Candidates for the state’s six congressional seats, plus one U.S. Senate race, are expected to qualify over the next three days. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says five of six congressional races should be shoe-ins for the incumbents. But in District 3, Clay Higgins has an announced Republican challenger. Pinsonat says the race could become interesting…:

Cut 7 (10) “…get re-elected.”

Pinsonat says he expects all incumbents will have a challenger of some kind, but doubts any will have the money or support to win this fall. In the U.S. Senate race, John Kennedy seeks another term, but is challenged by Democrats Gary Chambers, Luke Mixon and Syrita Steib. Pinsonat feels they are “spinning their wheels”…:

Cut 8 (10)  “…in a red state.”

Pinsonat says qualifying over the next few days may yield a surprise or two, but he gives the edge to the incumbents in the fall elections. He says the midterms will be a hotly contested affair nationally, but expects Louisiana’s election results will have little effect on any major changes in Congress…:

Cut 9 (10)  “…control of the House.”

Qualifying begins today and ends Friday afternoon.

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While today is first day for candidates to qualify for statewide office on the November ballot, there are also several key local races that are heating up.  “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins will be challenged by State Senator Greg Tarver who announced his candidacy from his family funeral home.

Cut 10 (08) “…in a casket”

Alford says even though Perkins is the incumbent he’s viewed as a vulnerable after his failed US Senate bid in the middle of his mayoral term.

In Alexandria, incumbent Mayor Jeff Hall recently said he’ll run for re-election and Alford says he’ll be challenged by the previous mayor.

Cut  11 (05)  “..this week.” 

Alford says it will be a jammed packed ballot with several judicial races, including a Supreme Court judge race.

Cut 12 (12) “…lot going on.” 

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Chemical giant BASF announces a $780-million project that will double production capacity at its plant in Geismar, in Ascension Parish. BASF Senior VP and plant manager Jeremy Lebold (LEE-bold) says, when complete they will produce 600-thousands metric TONs of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (or MDI) annually…:

Cut 13 (13) “…every single day.”

(Chemical is pronounced: METH-ih-leen die-PHEEN-ill die-EYE-so-sigh-uh-nate. You’re welcome…:))

Lebold says this is the third part of a three-phase expansion of BASF’s MDI manufacturing facility. He says the investment will help them retain over 1000 existing employees and create nearly 40 new direct jobs…:

Cut 14 (13)  “…a billion dollars.”

Lebold says the expansion should be complete by sometime in 2025, and when done it will be one of the largest producers of MDI in America. He says the jobs created and jobs retained have a great pay scale at a great company…:

Cut 15 (12)  “…for one another.”

Louisiana Economic Development says the BASF expansion will also create about 150 new indirect jobs.

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The three LSU players that were at SEC Media Days, Mike Jones, Jack Bech and BJ Ojulari raved about the new coaching staff. Jones says he’s very impressed with new defensive coordinator Matt House

Cut 16 (16)  “…be done.”

LSU’s defensive line is expected to be a strength this season and edge rusher B-J Oljulari says there’s a lot of talent with that position group

Cut 17 (22) “…D-Line chemistry” 

N-I-L has been around for over a year in college athletics as players are now able to receive cash for endorsement deals. That means some players are making more than others, but wide receiver Jack Bech says that does not create any dissension…

Cut 18 (18) “ …gets in our way” 

Lafayette prosecutor Holden Hoggatt announces he will challenge Third District Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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With inflation continuing to rise, more Louisianans face having to cut other spending in order to make needed back-to-school purchases. More from Brooke Thorington…:

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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There’s an Excessive Heat Warning for north Louisiana today. C.S. Ross with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says conditions outside will be dangerous from Shreveport to Monroe and northward.

Cut 3 (12) “…hot today.” 

And there’s a Heat Advisory for Natchitoches to Jena.

While most Louisianans are used to extreme hot temperature, if you’re thinking this summer so far has been a bit warmer than others, Ross says you’re correct.

Cut 4  (05) “…summer of 2011.”

Ross says later in the week north Louisiana will see a drop in temperatures and possibly a scattered shower or two but not enough to relieve drought-like conditions in the area. But in the meantime, try to say inside as much as possible.

Cut 5  (09) “…the heat.”

Ross says heat indices could reach up to 115 in some areas in north Louisiana today.

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On the eve of qualifying for the federal elections, Lafayette prosecutor Holden Hoggatt has announced he will challenge Third District Congressman Clay Higgins. Both men are Republicans. La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Hoggatt has never run for political office before

Cut 6 (12) “…back it up” 

Higgins is seeking his fourth term and has the endorsement of the Louisiana Republican Party. But Alford says Hoggatt looks like a formidable challenger and Higgins will need to take him seriously….

Cut 7 (12) “…this time.” 

Hoggatt’s financial resources are unclear at this time, while Higgins reported 258-thousand dollars on hand. Alford says that’s the lowest figure among Louisiana’s six incumbent members of Congress….

Cut 8 (10) “…whole lot of dough.”

Qualifying for Louisiana’s six Congressional races and U-S Senate race involving the incumbent John Kennedy, begins Wednesday and runs through Friday. The primaries are November 8th.

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Louisiana claims top ranking for the highest number of high school seniors who’ve completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as FAFSA. Chief Operating Officer for the Louisiana Department of Education Ken Bradford credits educators and counselors for the ranking.

Cut 9 (09) “…college and career.”

The National College Access Network (NCAN) tracks applications in the US and Louisiana has consistently been in the top two for the last five years. Bradford says FAFSA completion is also required for high school seniors in Louisiana to receive TOPS consideration.

Cut 10 (10) “…etc.” 

To date 67-percent of Louisiana’s Class of 2022 has completed their FAFSA application and Bradford is already encouraging the Class of 2023 to keep Louisiana in first place.

Cut 11 (09)  “…start planning.”

According to NCAN, 84-percent of high school seniors who complete a FAFSA are more likely to enroll in post-secondary education.

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With inflation continuing to rise, more people face having to cut back on spending in order to make needed back-to-school and college purchases. Katherine Cullen, with the National Retail Federation, says spending this year is expected to match or exceed 2021’s record high spending for the fall school term, but many have to pinch pennies to get it done…:

Cut 12 (05) “…for the season.”   

The NRF’s annual survey of back-to-school & college shopping shows more families will cut back on discretionary spending, buy only on-sale or off-brand items or even used items where possible. She says costs of most everything have been escalating over the past two years…:

Cut 13 (07) “..before the pandemic.”

Cullen says back-to-school shoppers are starting early, to spread the expense out over more weeks of income. She says vacations may be curtailed or even cancelled, because NOT making back-to-school purchases is really not an option…:

Cut 14 (06)  “…to be replaced.” 

There’s been an increase in COVID infections among Louisiana nursing home residents. Kevin Gallagher reports COVID deaths have also increased…:

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health launches 988 as the phone number to dial for suicide prevention to help those in crisis. Don Molino has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Don Molino.”  

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For a second straight month, COVID-19 infections and deaths are increasing among Louisianans living in nursing homes. Two deaths were reported for the month of May 2022, but for that number jumped to seven for June. Andrew Muhl is Policy Director for AARP Louisiana. He says the elderly are more at risk from COVID than anyone…:

Cut 3 (11) “…in nursing homes.” 

Nursing home resident COVIDs cases are up 27-percent nationwide. Cases among nursing home staffs are up 42-percent. Currently in Louisiana, just over 650 seniors in nursing homes are suffering COVID symptoms. Muhl says the best way to mitigate COVID symptoms is to get the shots…:

Cut 4  (07) “…fully vaccinated.”

Muhl says many nursing home residents COULD be catching the virus from the people who work at the facility and take care of them…:

Cut 5  (09) “…still out there.”

Muhl says AARP is imploring nursing home employees and residents to get COVID shots and any needed boosters. Since the pandemic began, nearly 33-hundred Louisiana nursing home residents have died from COVID-19.

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The Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice continues to be plagued with incidents. The most recent was at the Bridge City Center for Youth in Jefferson Parish, where six teens escaped early Sunday morning. All six have been recaptured but Marrero Senator Patrick Connick questions if the extra personnel to assist OJJ is in effect.

Cut 6 (12) “…enough, enough?” 

One of the escapees stole two vehicles and injured an individual during the exchange.

Connick says while the inmates are juveniles he believes those charged with violent crimes belong in better equipped facility. Connick says the Bridge City Center is designed as a dormitory to house teens facing truancy charges.

Cut 7 (10) “…individuals.” 

After multiple escapes from youth facilities in Louisiana, the OJJ was given extra personnel, but Connick says he’s reached out to both the governor and OJJ asking why juveniles continue to escape.

Cut 8 (10) “…gotta stop.”

Connick says the OJJ told him they are meeting today to address the issue.

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988 has been designated as the new three-digit number to dial for suicide prevention. The number is active in Louisiana and Karen Stubbs, Assistant Secretary with the Office of Behavioral Health at LDH says it’s vital to help those in crisis.

Cut 9 (11) “…level of 911.”

Stubbs says if you dial 988 in Louisiana it’s routed to a local crisis center. She says their office wanted to be sure it’s answered quickly and by trained individuals.

Cut 10 (11) “…our culture.” 

There are two 988 call centers in Louisiana, one in northern part of the state and the other covering southern Louisiana. Stubbs says if one is receiving an influx of calls, the other center acts as a backup.

According to the CDC, suicide is the 12^th leading cause of death and in 2020 more than 600 Louisianans took their own life. Stubbs says 988 hopes to change that and even if someone isn’t actively suicidal, they are there to help.

Cut 11 (08)  “…seeking assistance.”

All calls to 988 are free and confidential.

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In Baton Rouge, 19^th JDC Judge Don Johnson extends the temporary order allowing abortion clinics to remain open; telling state Attorney General Jeff Landry to provide him more information on the case, which he’ll review tomorrow and then render a decision. Outside the courthouse, with protesters in the background, Landry had this reaction…:

Cut 12 (07) “…couple of weeks ago.”   

Under Johnson’s temporary restraining order blocking the trigger law, abortion clinics are currently open. Landry says he’s certain that – no matter what Judge Johnson decides – there will be further challenges and the case will ultimately be decided by the state Supreme Court…:

Cut 13 (08) “..effectively as possible.”

(FOR AFFILIATES: here is nat sound of pro-choice protesters in Baton Rouge shouting, ”racist, sexist, anti-gay…A.G. Landry go away!”)

Cut 14 (09)  “…go away!!” 

A Baton Rouge judge will hear arguments  for and against blocking the state’s abortion ban trigger law, which is currently on hold. More from Don Molino on today’s hearing…:

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Don Molino.”

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 Qualifying for the federal elections in November begins Wednesday, but Louisiana is looking at a quiet election season. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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SEC Football Media Days begin today in Atlanta. Many fans consider it the start of the college football season…

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Today in Baton Rouge, a judge will hear arguments on a petition to block the state’s abortion trigger law from taking effect. A New Orleans judge punted the case back to the Capital City. Last week, 19^th JDC Judge Don Johnson order the law on hold, pending the outcome of this morning’s hearing. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says the judge has an important task to decide…:

Cut 4 (13)  “…indeterminate”

The suit was filed by the Center for Reproductive Rights immediately after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, triggering Louisiana’s law into effect. Plaintiff say the law is too vague, and make that argument today. Ciolino thinks the hearing will NOT go their way…:

Cut 5 (09) “…illegal in Louisiana.”

If the judge rules against the plaintiffs, Ciolino says they will undoubtedly file another challenge. However, he feels they are just delaying the inevitable…:

Cut 6 (12)  “…not vague”

That hearing is this morning in downtown Baton Rouge.

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Qualifying for the federal elections in November will get underway on Wednesday at the Secretary of State’s office in Baton Rouge. Republican Senator John Kennedy and the state’s six U-S House members are up for re-election and expected to win. La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says that’s by design…

Cut 7 (11) “…the incumbent”

Alford says if there’s a race to watch, it might be the third Congressional District, as Clay Higgins is seeking his fourth term, but he might face a formidable candidate…

Cut 8 (10)  “…community leaders.”

Higgins has faced criticism for not helping to secure federal hurricane recovery dollars for southwest Louisiana in a timely manner.

Kennedy is seeking a second term as U-S Senator and there are at least two Democratic challengers that are active on social media who plan to oppose him. Reverend Tony Spell in East Baton Rouge told the Advocate newspaper he’s thinking about running against Kennedy as a Republican, but Alford says that’s unlikely

Cut 9 (12)  “…never know.”

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A well-known Lafayette eatery is ranked by The Food Network as one of America’s finest barbecue joints and THE best barbecue in Louisiana. The TV network highlighted the brisket and pulled pork at Johnson’s Boucaniere (boo-ken-YAIR) in downtown Lafayette. Proprietor Lori Johnson Walls says she cannot reveal the secret to their tasty barbecue; a special recipe rub made by her husband…:

Cut 10 (09) “…eleven to twelve hours.”

In Cajun French, a “boucaniere” is, basically, a smokehouse. Walls says they get rave reviews for their Cajun smoked sausage, ribs, boudin and, of course, barbecue. The restaurant was recently named among Food Network’s “50 States of Barbecue”; a list of the very finest across the U.S. Walls says their success is a real team effort…:

Cut  11 (09)  “..to them as well.” 

Originally founded in Eunice by Lori’s grandfather, Johnson’s Boucaniere has been around since 1937 but is now located on St. John Street, near downtown Lafayette. You may want to drop by and try their bill of fare. Walls says their model for success is “make it great, make it consistent and make it with love”…:

Cut 12 (11) “…barbecued at home.” 

Walls says they’re very honored by The Food Network’s accolades, which she calls “an awesome surprise.”

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SEC Football Media Days kick-off today in Atlanta, the unofficial start of the college football season. LSU Football Coach Brian Kelly speaks today and Tiger Rag Editor Tim Buckley says Kelly will get a bunch of questions about his three-way battle for starting quarterback

Cut 13 (11) “…to start.”

Kelly downplayed the idea of playing two quarterbacks in a game when asked during spring football, but Buckley says it’s an idea the coach could be warming up to

Cut 14 (12)  “…change of pace guy.”

Before Kelly and the rest of the SEC coaches speech, Commissioner Greg Sankey will give his state of the league address. Buckley says Sankey will discuss the NIL and transfer portal issues and possible expansion now that USC and UCLA are heading to the Big 10…

Cut 15 (10)  “…it grow”

The U.S. House passes a new defense spending bill containing a lot of money for Louisiana military bases. More from Don Molino…:

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Don Molino.”

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The state Department of Health says more cases of monkeypox are turning up. Kevin Gallagher reports all cases so far are in and around New Orleans…:

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”  

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State Police is seeking the public’s help in finding a gunman who exited a vehicle and fatally shot one person and injured two others in Richland Parish. Master Trooper Javier Leija says the fatal shooting took place late Wednesday afternoon in Delhi…

Cut 3 (10) “…black male” 

Leija says they are searching for a Chevrolet Tahoe that was involved in the shooting…

Cut 4  (12) “…with Quattrous”

22-year-old Quattrous Jones of Delhi was pronounced dead at the scene. The other two victims suffered non-life threatening injuries and were treated at a local hospital. Leija says if anyone has information they should contact the North Delta Crime Stoppers…

Cut 5  (11) “…0000”

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The U.S. House has passed a new National Defense Authorization Act; a spending bill containing hundreds-of-millions for projects Louisiana military facilities. Louisiana District 4 Congressman Mike Johnson is on a House Armed services sub-committee. He says it’s pleasing to see substantial investments at bases so important to the state’s fiscal picture…:

Cut 6 (13) ” …important to us.” 

The NDAA for the 2023 federal fiscal year contains an additional $61-million to build a new Joint Operations Center at Fort Polk, and $125-million for the planned Weapons Generating Facility at Barksdale. Johnson explain why the WGY is needed…:

Cut 7 (11) “…in the Dakotas.” 

When deployed, Barksdale’s B-52 have to first fly to Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota to receive their bomb payload, before proceeding on mission. The WGY will cut mission time, by having those munitions available at Barksdale. Johnson expects the defense bill will go to the President’s desk without a partisan fight…:

Cut 8 (08) “…funding the military.”

The Senate must now pass it’s version of the bill.

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Many Entergy customers are seeing higher electricity bills this summer. The utility company warned its customers before the summer started that their utility bill will go up, because of storm repairs and higher natural gas costs. Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell still believes the power company is charging ratepayers too much…

Cut 9 (11) “..sympathy.”

But fellow Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta told Fox 8 TV in New Orleans that Louisiana has some of the lowest rates in the nation. But Campbell believes rates would go down in Louisiana if Entergy didn’t have a monopoly on most of the state…

Cut 10 (12) “…do something.” 

Campbell says he’s upset rising energy prices are making it difficult on Louisiana families, while Entergy’s stockholders and CEO see more money….

Cut 11 (12)  “..17 million a year.”

Entergy says it can not stop paying dividends to its shareholders.

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President Joe Biden is in Saudi Arabi where he’ll urge the Middle Eastern country to produce more oil. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says the President doesn’t have to travel halfway across the globe in order to increase the supply of oil….

Cut 12 (12) “…North American Energy Production”   

National media reports say it’s unlikely Saudi Arabia will quickly react to the President’s request, instead any potential announcement would wait until next month when OPEC-plus meets. Cassidy says the President would get faster and better results if he wasn’t determined to stop domestic oil and gas production…

Cut 13 (12) “..Louisiana jobs”

The Biden administration has placed restrictions on fossil fuel development in the United States as a way to combat climate change. But Cassidy asks would you rather want Saudi Arabi to produce the oil or America…

Cut 14 (09)  “.and oil ” 

With inflation reaching a 40-year high, is an economic breaking point coming for families? A top Louisiana economist says “yes.” Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Former New Orleans senator and Louisiana Democratic Party Chairwoman, Karen Carter Peterson, is expected to enter a guilty plea in federal court on allegations she used campaign and party dollars on gambling. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Inflation has surged again, with June figures showing a 9-percent increase over this time last year; reflecting a 40-year high. As prices rise higher, are we nearing some kind of breaking point? A top Louisiana economist says “yes.” In an interview with WWL Radio, LSU Professor Jim Richardson (retired) says he cannot say when, but something will have to give eventually…:

Cut 3 (07) “…will not be forever.” 

He says prices are rising faster than wages, and that can’t sustain. Should such an economic breaking point occur, Richardson says it probably will be felt worst by lower income earners…:

Cut 4  (15) “…for that to happen.”

Richardson says another economic recession is unavoidable, but can’t say how bad it might be. He feels inflation will eventually slow or even reverse, if enough consumers are forced, by increased cost of living, to significantly curtail spending…:

Cut 5  (08) “…right there.”

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The U-S Attorney’s Office has charged former state senator and chairwoman of the Louisiana Democratic Party, Karen Carter Peterson, with wire fraud. Peterson is accused of using thousands of dollars in campaign and party funds for personal use, including gambling-related expenses. Peterson is expected to enter a guilty plea and legal analyst Tim Meche says that’s really her only option…

Cut 6 (06) ” …like that.” 

Peterson resigned from the Louisiana Senate in April and said she needs to focus on her recovery from a gambling addiction. The fraud charges carry a sentence of up to 20 years, but Meche says in recent years judges have taken into account that a gambling addiction is a disease…

Cut 7 (10) “…those situations.” 

Court records show the case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Sarah Vance. Meche says when it comes down to sentencing, Judge Vance will have to determine if Peterson’s actions are a character flaw or wrong decisions were made based on a gambling addiction….

Cut 8 (12) “…incarceration.”

Peterson was the chairwoman of the Louisiana Democratic Party from 2012 to 2020. She represented Orleans Parish in the Louisiana Legislature 1999 to 2022. Peterson issued a statement that says she made a full repayment of funds used as a result of her addiction and will continue to make amends. She also says she’s been fully cooperative with federal prosecutors.

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Like the rest of American, Louisiana has a shortage of professional truck drivers, and women are encouraged to take up a career on the road. Louisiana Motor Transport Association executive director Renee Amar says females make up a little over half the U.S. workforce, yet they are under-represented in trucking…:

Cut 9 (10) “..being female drivers.”

There are currently thousand of professional trucking jobs available in the U.S.  Amar says many do consider driving a truck a “man’s job”, but women can be just as skilled at the profession…:

Cut 10 (11) “…detail-oriented.” 

Amar says females only make up about 10-percent of professional truckers, but perhaps it’s time for that to change…:

Cut 11 (11)  “..jobs out there.”

She’d like to see a nationwide campaign to recruit women into truck driving. To know more, visit “lmta.la” on the Web.

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New Iberia’s Kayshon Boutte will wear number seven for the LSU Football Tigers. It’s tradition for the team’s most dynamic player to wear the jersey number seven. Tiger Rag Editor Tim Buckley says there were concerns after Brian Kelly was hired as a head coach that the talented wide receiver may transfer to another school…

Cut 12 (09) “…the program”  

After catching 45 passes in his freshman season, Boutte played in six games last season and caught nine touchdown passes before suferring a season-ending ankle injury. Buckley says LSU is expecting a big season from the potential first round draft pick

Cut 13 (10) “…for them”

A Houma woman and her boyfriend face first-degree murder charges after her toddler was found dead in a trash can. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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The widow of Edwin Edwards spoke candidly about her new love, one year after the death of the former four-term governor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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The state health department is reporting two new cases of monkeypox infection in Louisiana. Both of the infected individuals are from the New Orleans area and this brings the total number of monkeypox cases to three. State Health officer Doctor Joe Kanter on the symptoms of monkeypox

Cut 3 (11) ” …blisters” 

The C-D-C says monkeypox can spread from person-to-person through direct contact with the infectious rash.

Cut 4  (13) “..more than three hours”

Monkeypox is considered a cousin of small pox and Kanter says the vaccines available for smallpox can be used to prevent monkeypox…

Cut 5  (12) “…smallpox”

LDH is working with the CDC and the patients’ healthcare providers to identify and notify individuals in Louisiana who may have been in contact with the patients while they were infectious.

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State Police in Troop I report a child riding without proper restraints was killed Monday in a single-vehicle crash on state Highway 91 in Acadia Parish. Trooper First Class Thomas Gossen says a pickup driven by 44-year-old Carla Lacombe, of Eunice, lost control and went into a spin and overturned, after hitting a culvert…:

Cut 6 (07) ” …result of the crash.” 

Trooper Gossen says 8-year-old Macy Guidry was riding in the front seat of the crew cab pickup, and was not wearing seatbelt or in a booster seat. She was ejected from the vehicle and did not survive. He says an investigation of the crash is underway, and there may be charges for the driver…:

Cut 7 (13) “…8-year-old was not.” 

Gossen says troopers do not suspect impairment in the crash, but haven’t ruled out distracted driving. He says Lacombe and a teen passenger in the rear seat were wearing restraints, and were treated for minor injuries. Gossen says seatbelts reduce one’s chances of being ejected from a vehicle by well over 50-percent. He says wearing a belt, and being in the back seat, would have saved the girl’s life…:

Cut 8 (07) “…see often.”

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Police in Houma say a local woman and her boyfriend are facing first degree murder charges, after officers found the remains of her 2-year-old son in a trash can. Houma Police Chief Dana Coleman says the couple initially said the child was abducted, but evidence collected implicates them…:

Cut 9 (12) “..black duffel bag.”

In custody are 28-year-old Maya Jones and 37-year-old Jermaine Robinson. Coleman says they had problems with Jones’ story from the onset and suspected foul play once they saw holes in her story. Terrebonne Parish District Attorney Joseph Waitz says its shocks the conscience that this kind of abuse would go on

Cut 10 (07) “…is taken.” 

Waitz says this is potentially a death penalty case…

Cut 11 (12)  “..to me” 

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The widow of former governor Edwin Edwards opened up about her new romantic relationship during an interview on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster. 43-year-old Trina Edwards who was at the side of Edwards when he died at the age of 93 last year, is now dating former House Speaker and Senate President John Alario, who is 78….

Cut 12 (11) “…pretty well so”  

Trina Edwards believes Edwin Edwards would approve her relationship with Alario. The politicians were at allies at the state capitol. Trina Edwards says she and the late governor would talk often about who she would marry after his passing…

Cut 13 (11) “…do what you want”

Trina Edwards says they’ve been dating for six months and their relationship blossomed after she went to a Saints game with him in early January…

Cut 14 (08)  “.was it”