Is Louisiana actually IN an economic downturn? Kevin Gallagher reports an economist predicts thousands of jobs lost over the next year…:

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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 The board that governs Louisiana public higher education has created another way for high school students to get into college. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 2 (29) “….I’m Marsanne Golsby” 

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Louisiana adopts the state’s first accountability plan to measure progress in K through second grade. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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As state officials boast of record low unemployment and big job gains, a U.L.-Lafayette economist says the state could lose thousands of jobs in the coming months, amid an economic downturn. ULL’s Dr. Gary Wagner says inflation is the reason. As interest rates rise to combat inflation, businesses see costs increase and the need for budget and payroll cuts in the months to come…:

Cut 4 (10)  “…my best estimate.”

The state Workforce Commission recently posted big job gains and low unemployment figures from the early summer. Wagner doesn’t dispute that, but says the developing “economic malaise” in the state economy will surely impact employment…:

Cut 5 (11) “…last three months.”

Wagner says the root problem is the rise in interest rates, to help stem the tide of inflation. He says the cure, in this case, can be as bad as the sickness…:

Cut 6 (11)  “…all slowing down.”

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Louisiana high school students who want to attend college but don’t quite meet the current requirements now have another way to get in.

To graduate, all students must pass a list of basic classes.  Today the Board of Regents decided that if a student’s grades aren’t good enough or their test scores aren’t high enough they can still get into college if they pass college-level courses in high school. Tristan Denley is Deputy Commissioner of Higher Education.

Cut 7 (06) “…likely to succeed.”

Louisiana is the first state in the country to do this. The change takes effect in the Fall of 2023.

Right now not quite half of Louisiana adults have either a college degree or some kind of other formal training beyond high school. In a poor state, Denley says officials are rushing to increase that amount.

Cut 8 (10)  “…post-secondary attainment.”

Denley says The Regents have also made it easier for students to transfer from community and technical colleges to four-year universities with a technical associate’s degree.

Cut 9 (09)  “…their education.”

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The first set of Isle de Jean Charles residents in Terrebonne Parish has relocated to The New Isle resettlement community near Schriever. Pat Forbes with the Office of Community Development says 12 of the 37 families who’ve agreed to relocate moved into their new homes Wednesday.

Cut 10 (09) “…together.”

Approximately 96 residents will relocate to New Isle by the end of the year. The community was forced to move due to rising sea levels and coastal land loss. Forbes says the resettlement is funded through a $48-million HUD grant.

Cut  11 (10)  “…climate change.” 

Forbes says while the residents are excited about moving into their new homes it’s also bittersweet leaving their former homes but the new houses are much safer and dryer.

Cut 12 (10) “…leaving the island.” 

Since 1955 the island, which is located about 40 miles south of the new site, has experienced a 98-percent land loss and continues to be at risk.

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Beginning next year, a new accountability plan to measure success in kindergarten through second grade will go into effect. State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says there’s already an accountability system that measures children in early childcare centers and then again for third graders, but there’s been a void in K through second grade.

Cut 13 (06) “…learners.”

And while Brumley says LEAP scores indicate a three-percent increase in mastery rates in grades three through eight, the largest increase since 2016…

Cut 14 (11)  “…have missed.

Moving forward in kindergarten, first and second-grade students will receive an age and developmentally appropriate literacy screener at the beginning and end of the year. Brumley says they’ll look at their performance level and how it grew over the course of a year.

Cut 15 (12)  “…literacy levels.”

Brumley says the department will continue to focus on foundational literacy and a back-to-the-basics approach that includes phonics.

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Chandler Rogers will be ULM’s starting quarterback when they visit Texas a week from Saturday. Rogers beat out Jiya Wright for the opportunity to lead the Warhawks…

Cut 16 (16)  “…very good things.”

Rogers started seven games as a freshman last season, including six consecutive games during the middle season. He says that experience should help….

Cut 17 (15) “..going great” 

Rogers completed 63-percent of his passes last season, which set a ULM single-season record. The Mansfield, Texas is looking to build on the success he had last season

Cut  18 (15)“…really the key”

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Saints Quarterback Jameis Winston says his right foot that he sprained a couple of weeks ago is feeling much better. Winston spoke to the media on Wednesday and talked about the relationship he’s been able to build with receiver Michael Thomas…

 Cut 19 (24) “…as a man”

It’s uncertain if Winston will play tomorrow night in the preseason finale against the Chargers. He wants to play, but the final decision rests with head coach Dennis Allen. Winston says he’s looking forward to showing he’s a better passer when it comes to throwing to receivers running intermediate routes…

Cut 20 (19) “ …intermediate accuracy” 

Governor Edwin Edwards’ widow announces her engagement to another major Louisiana political figure. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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State Representative Jason Hughes continues to call for leadership changes at the Department of Children and Family Services, despite the state agency announcing changes in policy and a push to increase staff. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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State Police is investigating a fatal police shooting in Cut Off. Trooper Ross Brennan says the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to call of a domestic disturbance when a subject inside the home shot at deputies and an officer with Port Fourchon Harbor Police

Cut 3 (06) “…that subject” 

Brennan says the subject has been identified as 32-year-old Geraldo Reyes.

Cut 4  (09) “…this incident.”

He says further information will be released as it becomes available.

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The widow of former Governor Edwin Edwards, Trina Edwards is engaged. Former Louisiana House speaker and Senate President John Alario popped the question outside Ruth’s Chris Friday night on Edwards’ 44^th birthday. On Jim Engster’s Talk Louisiana this morning she said Alario opted to propose in the car before dinner because it was raining.

Cut 5  (06) “…endearing.”

Edwin Edwards, who was 51 years older than his third wife, passed away last summer at the age of 93, and the couple shared one child Eli.

Trina Edwards says she met 78- year old Alario years ago during a dedication ceremony after the death of his wife in 2006. Trina says they crossed paths several times but didn’t begin dating until after the death of Edwin.

Cut 6 (08) “…our time yet.” 

As for when the two will get married, Trina Edwards says they haven’t set a date yet but most likely it will be next year. Even though she’d dropped several hints that she wanted to get married, she says Alario was still apprehensive.

Cut 7 (08) “…so sweet.” 

Trina Edwards says she has a good relationship with Alario’s children and he does with her children as well.

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New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes continues to call for leadership changes with the Department of Children and Family Services after the state agency admitted they failed to follow up properly after receiving three reports of a child subjected to substance abuse. That two-year-old child died in June of a drug overdose. Hughes says he’s tired of excuses…

Cut 8 (10) “…administration.”

DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters  says reports of small children consuming or ingesting a controlled dangerous substance will warrant an immediate trip to the home and they are also increasing staff.

But Hughes says not only does Walters need to go, but so does the Assistant Secretary of Child Welfare and the Assistant Secretary of Family Support…

Cut 9 (09)  “…the agency.”

Hughes also says DCFS has failed to complete a technology upgrade to its reporting system that was approved in 2019. He says there’s also the case of a foster father arrested for allegedly sexually abusing three different children and he says morale is low in the department

Cut 10 (07) “..starts at the top” 

DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says they deeply regret the death of two-year-old Mitchell Robinson and the agency is taking steps to lessen the likelihood of similar tragedies.

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Fighters in the ongoing war against opioid addiction have just received another weapon. The ULM College of Pharmacy has a 2.5 million dollar grant to train first responders on getting people suffering overdoses into treatment. Associate Professor of clinical practice Dr. Alexis Horace says the goal is to help people get long-term treatment in addition to treating the overdose on the spot.

Cut 11 (12)  “..into care.”

Dr. Horace says her team will lead education programs for first responders and community members in Ouachita Parish, Orleans Parish and surrounding rural parishes

Cut 12 (09) “….that are in need.”  

Dr. Horace says one important hurdle to overcome for the training to be effective is the stigma some first responders have towards those who overdose and the distrust some drug users have of first responders.

Cut 13 (09) “to first responders.” 

Dr. Horace says her goal is to educate four thousand first responders in Louisiana by 2026 and to increase the program’s collaboration with local treatment and recovery centers by eighty percent.

Plans to move violent youth offenders from Bridge City to Angola are on hold. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The CDC says Louisiana’s life expectancy dropped by three years between 2019 and 2020. The state is ranked 49^th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 2 (30) “….I’m Marsanne Golsby” 

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After several insurance companies have left our state Louisiana Citizens, the state’s last-resort property insurer has doubled its number of customers. Kevin Gallagher reports what that may mean, as the height of storm season approaches…:

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Plans to move violent youth offenders from the Bridge City Center for Youth to Angola are on hold after attorneys representing Louisiana youth and their families filed a motion on the grounds that it violates a juvenile’s due process. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says it has merit because the US Supreme Court says you can’t treat juveniles the same as adults.

Cut 4 (10)  “…productive adults.”

A trial on the matter is scheduled for September 6^th and 7^th.

While the adult prison system’s purpose is also rehabilitation, it also includes retribution and public protection. However, Ciolino says today’s youth offender has become increasingly more violent.

Cut 5 (07) “…there is.”

Public safety came to the forefront after the most recent incident involving escapees from the Bridge City facility resulted in the shooting of a 59-year-old man who remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Judge Shelly Dick has ordered the state to submit a detailed plan on the proposed transfer to the court by September 2^nd prior to the trial. Ciolino says the plan must demonstrate how they will keep youth offenders separate from the adult population and that those juveniles will continue to receive adequate rehabilitation services.

Cut 6 (10)  “…differently.”

In addition to their detailed plan, the state has to provide the proposed list of juveniles to be transferred to Angola along with their guardian’s information to the court by Wednesday. Attorneys who filed the complaint have until Monday to interview juveniles who reside in the Bridge City facility.

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Louisiana ranks 49^th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia in life expectancy. That’s according to the latest CDC data which says Louisiana’s life expectancy in 2020 was 73 years, a decline of almost three years from 2019. Dr. Benjamin Springgate is Chief of Community and Population Medicine at LSU Health New Orleans and he says the pandemic played a significant role in a lower life expectancy…

Cut 7 (13) “…in life expectancy.”

He says the increase is due to a combination of COVID deaths, poor health care, and drug deaths. He says the increase in drug deaths is tied to the opioid crisis and stressors caused by the COVID pandemic.

Cut 8 (12)  “…overdose deaths.”

Springgate recommends the state invest more in access to prevention treatment, which is far more cost-effective than jamming emergency rooms.

Cut 9 (06)  “…intensive care unit.”

It’s not all bad news though. Springgate says the expansion of access to insurance and health care means Louisiana is definitely making progress. He believes Louisiana is slowly moving in the right direction.

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State officials say fatal vehicle crashes caused by drunk drivers are the leading cause of highway deaths—and the problem appears to be getting worse. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says drunken driving deaths were up eleven percent in 2020 compared to 2019. Spokesperson Mark Lambert says 40-percent of fatal accidents are caused by drunk drivers.

Cut 10 (10) “…in a crash.”

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign is underway through Labor Day.

Cut  11 (07)  “…the message.” 

Lambert says the Commission pays for extra law enforcement patrols during peak driving times, such as Labor Day. They are specially trained to look for the signs of drunk drivers.

Cut 12 (11) “…been drinking.” 

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As the state heads into the heart of hurricane season, the state-run last-resort property insurer, Louisiana Citizens, has doubled its number of properties covered in just two years. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says Citizens was covering 50-thousand before Hurricane Laura in 2020, But after Laura and Delta – followed by Hurricane Ida last year – another 50-thousand have had no choice but to go with Citizens. He says that’s about 100-thousand policies…:

Cut 13 (11) “…last spring.”

Donelon says Citizens – like all other property insurers – needs re-insurance; basically their own insurance to cover the cost of claims. He says Citizens’ current re-insurance coverage is for 50-thousand policies…:

Cut 14 (07)  “…a hundred thousand policies.”

Citizens has $150-million on-hand; ready to meet the possible demand of 2022 storm claims. Donelon says the bulwark insurer requested a line of credit from the state Bond Commission last week…:

Cut 15 (08)  “…as we were last year.”

Donelon says Citizens’ customers needn’t fear they will not be covered if there is a disaster this year. By law, they WILL be. If necessary, assessments will be added to ALL property policies in the state, as they were after Katrina and Rita in 2005.

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Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas was still not at practice Tuesday, but quarterback Jameis Winston and defensive end Marcus Davenport took part in team drills. Davenport is coming back after offseason shoulder surgery and having a part of his left pinkie amputated. Coach Dennis Allen says he’s pleased with Davenport’s progress, but there’s still more work…

Cut 16 (18)  “…drills today.”

Saints tight end Taysom Hill was back at practice yesterday after missing a few days with an injury. Allen says Hill is also progressing well…

Cut 17 (24) “..that position” 

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LSU Coach Brian Kelly is not ready to make a decision on starting quarterback. Kelly says Jayden Daniels and Garrett Nussmeier are neck-and-neck…

Cut  18 (14)“…pretty close”

Kelly knows they’ll have to make a decision in the next few days with the season opener right around the corner on September fourth against Florida State….

 Cut 19 (16) “…the SEC” 

On the defensive side of the football, sophomore defensive tackle Maason Smith is expected to have a big season. Kelly likes that Smith wants to get better…

Cut 20 (22) “ …stands out” 

Hello Affiliates,

Today, we replaced an older operaring computer with a newer one that caused a major disruption in our newsroom, which prevented us from producing a PM Newscall. You may have noticed our 12:30 and 1:30 newscasts were replays of older newscalls. Sorry for the inconvenience and we will have a morning newscall for you tomorrow. If you are looking for fresh sound, check out our newscasts from the 2:30 newscast on, some new sound is contained in those newscasts.

Jeff Palermo

Louisiana’s unemployment rate fell for a second straight month in July, to its lowest level ever. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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An investigation determines hospital staff contacted the Department of Children and Family Services three times about potential substance abuse involving a two-year-old child before he died of a fentanyl overdose. Kevin Gallagher reports…

Cut 2 (32) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher” 

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Two years since Hurricane Laura slammed southwest Louisiana, Calcasieu Parish schools are still in need of repairs. Marsanne Golsby…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

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For a second straight month, Louisiana set a record-low unemployment rate in July, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Louisiana Workforce Commission Secretary Ava Cates says the seasonally adjusted rate of unemployment is 3.6-percent. She says, coincidentally, the EMPLOYMENT rate is looking very good…:

Cut 4 (11)  “…is high as well.”

Cates says unemployment dropped slightly from June to July, and is now nearly 2-percent lower than one year ago. July 2022 figures estimate slightly over 2-million people in Louisiana are currently employed. Cates hopes the state can grow its workforce through LWC’s “Tech Ready Louisiana” program, which offers free online courses to prepare people for the workplace.

Cut 5 (10) “…essential skills.”

Cates says July saw the state add over 13-thousand jobs in business & professional, government jobs, and education and health jobs. She says Tech Ready will help to bring the jobless rate even lower in the months ahead…:

Cut 6 (13)  “…and top level.”

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The Department of Children and Family Services admits they were contacted three times by hospital staff about the well-being of two-year-old Mitchell Robinson before he died from a fentanyl overdose on June 26th. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says a case worker assigned to Mitchell’s case was on sick leave when he died and a supervisor failed to follow up on the third report…

Cut 7 (08) “…in time”

The supervisor has resigned and the case worker who was on sick leave has been suspended.

Walters says in response to this tragedy, the department has made several policy changes. She says if a small child consumes or ingests a controlled dangerous substance it will warrant an immediate trip to the home

Cut 8 (08)  “…priority response.”

Walters says they are also taking immediate steps to shore up the staff, which means robust training and coaching of staff and also increasing staffing, so they are hiring, if you want to help out children in need

Cut 9 (12)  “…looking for”

But New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes says increased staffing will not solve the problems within D-C-F-S, he’s calling for changes in leadership.

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U.L. Lafayette is now ranked among the nation’s top 100 public research universities. The National Science Foundation’s (NSF) annual Higher Education Research & Development Survey (HERD) ranks ULL 94th among 655 colleges that do research. ULL’s Vice President for Research & Innovation Dr. Ramesh Kolluru (ko-LOO-roo) says it’s an important distinction for a Louisiana university…:

Cut 10 (09) “…in the top 100.”

Last year, the school invested over $181-million in R & D; a 193-percent increase in funding over 8 years. Kolluru says ULL’s contributions to science and health are something few people are aware of…including one very major project in recent years…:

Cut  11 (10)  “…emergency authorization.” 

In addition to COVID vaccine research that led the Pfizer shots, ULL has been active in numerous ground breaking R & D advances. Kolluru says the university is always competitive in obtaining federal and state grants and private sector contracts. He says ULL is proud to have the designation as an NSF Center of Excellence in Big Data and Data Science…:

Cut 12 (09) “…today and tomorrow.” 

Kolluru expects that ULL’s ranking among R & D colleges will rise even higher next year.

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Several Calcasieu Parish School buildings are still under repair from Hurricane Laura—which struck southwest Louisiana as a category four storm two years ago. One of the strongest storms to ever make landfall in Louisiana did at least 400 million dollars’ worth of damage to the schools alone. But Schools superintendent Shannon LaFargue says they’ve made a lot of progress.

Cut 13 (08) “…sense of normalcy.”

FEMA has just announced an additional three point four million dollars in Hurricane Laura relief.

Lafargue says the school system has maxed out its insurance and really needs FEMA’s help.

Cut 14 (10)  “…week to week”

He says most of the roofs were repaired by temporary fixes that won’t hold up if southwest Louisiana takes another direct hit from a major hurricane. But Lafargue says despite the physical condition of some of their schools, the school system saw an increase in LEAP scores.

Cut 15 (08)  “…the classroom.”

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Senior running back John Emery Junior might not be available for the season opener against Florida State. Emery was academically ineligible last season and Coach Brian Kelly could not provide information on why Emery’ status for the season opener…

Cut 16 (12)  “…with football.”

Emery has been running with the second team in practice. Penn State transfer Noah Cain and sophomore Armoni Goodwin have been getting first-team reps. Kelly says the running backs room lacks a player like Leonard Fournette, but it’s still a solid group

Cut 17 (18) “…at that position” 

Kelly was worried about the tight end position heading into preseason camp, but the emergence of freshman Mason Taylor has been one of the positives…

Cut  18 (17)“…quite easily.”

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The Saints have one more preseason game to go and it’s this Friday at home against the Chargers. Mostly back-ups played in last Friday’s 20-10 loss to Green Bay. Rookie left tackle Trevor Penning looked more comfortable against the Packers compared to how he played in the preseason opener…

 Cut 19 (19) “…was good” 

Third-string Q-B Ian Book played the entire game in Green Bay. He threw a touchdown pass to Chris Olave but he also turned it over two times….

Cut 20 (20) “ …got to fix.” 

New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell dropped a bombshell about Mardi Gras at a town hall meeting. She says there’s no guarantee it will go forward. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

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The state Supreme Court rules incumbent Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins CAN run for re-election this fall. More from Kevin Gallagher…:.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”  

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A viral video of a trainer hitting a dog in the head has resulted in two arrests in Rapides Parish. Chief of Staff of the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office Tommy Carnline says 52-year-old Tina Frey and her daughter, 21-year-old Victoria Brimer turned themselves in on Thursday

Cut 3 (10) “…by any trainers” 

Frey is the owner of the Cypress Arrow and Kennel K-9 academy in Lena. She, along with Brimer, have been charged with two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals. Carnline says the case has drawn a lot of public interest…

Cut 4  (07) “…of the arrest.”

Carnline says Sheriff detectives began their investigation last Thursday August 11th into complaints of a video on social media depicting a dog trainer striking a Cane Corso dog on the head with a riding crop…

Cut 5  (10) “…aggravated cruelty”

Both subjects have been released on bond.

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Yet another property insurer is ending coverage in Louisiana, meaning over ten-thousand customers will have to seek new coverage pretty quickly. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says Florida-based Weston Property & Casualty is the latest to “fold up its tents”…:

Cut 6 (12) “…on September 7th.” 

Donelon says Weston customers, and those with recently-folded United Property & Casualty, will be given an additional 60 days to get coverage under the state’s last-resort insurer, Louisiana Citizens…:

Cut 7 (10) “…the private sector.” 

Over 90-thousand Louisiana home & business owners have been left high and dry by their insurance companies in recent months.

Weston joins five other companies – United Property & Casualty, Southern Fidelity, Lighthouse and Maison –in ending coverage for Louisiana policyholders. Most all cite the fiscal impacts of hurricanes in 2020 and 2021 as the cause. Donelon says find new coverage as quickly as possible; either with another private carrier or Louisiana Citizens. He shares an important reminder: call your current agent…:

Cut 8 (14) “…of those policies.”

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A very unexpected statement about 2023 Mardi Gras from New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell. During a town hall meeting on Thursday night, she said shrinking ranks in the New Orleans Police Department might cause next year’s Mardi Gras to be canceled. Arthur Hardy publishes the Mardi Gras Guide.

Cut 9 (08)  “…by her comments.”

Hardy says parade routes were reduced this year due to a shortage of officers and increased crowds as the COVID pandemic subsided.

Cut 10 (09) “..understand it.” 

The New Orleans City Council says the police force is down from an average of 15 hundred officers to about a thousand. Hardy says he understands the shortage but that’s not enough of a reason to call off the biggest tourism event of the year.

Cut 11 (07)  “..can be managed.”

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By a 4-3 decision, the state Supreme Court has ruled that Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins CAN run for re-election in November. Justices heard arguments Tuesday, and their decision came down this morning. LSU-Shreveport political science professor Jeff Sadow says he and many others thought the High Court would go the opposite way…:

Cut 12 (12) “….bit of a surprise”  

Perkins’s candidacy was challenged by a resident whose main complaint was he listed the wrong address on election qualification papers. Perkins may now proceed with his campaign. Sadow says 4 of the 7 justices felt a simple clerical error (as Perkins’ attorney put it) – with no evidence of intent to deceive – didn’t constitute “wrong-doing…:

Cut 13 (12) “…disqualify a candidate.”

Sadow says even the three dissenting justices agreed that state election law is missing some specific language clarifying that incorrect information given at qualifying IS a cause to disqualify…:

Cut 14 (05)  “…to do so.” 

Congressman Troy Carter says the new Inflation Reduction Act will help efforts to protect Louisiana’s sinking coastline.   He told Marsanne Golsby it’s not too late to act.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

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The state Bond Commission continues to block 39-million dollars in funding for the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Congressman Troy Carter was the only member of Louisiana’s congressional delegation to vote for the Inflation Reduction Act, which President Biden signed into law Tuesday. The law aims to fight the climate crisis by investing in alternative energy and reducing carbon emissions by 40-percent by 2030. We asked him if it’s too late for Louisiana’s coastline.

Cut 3 (11) “…got it today.” 

Carter says the new law represents the biggest investment in climate action in the nation’s history. He says the $370 billion in investments will lower energy costs and increase clean energy production.

Cut 4  (07) “…This is it.”

The new law stashes twenty billion dollars in a green bank for investments in clean energy projects, especially in poor neighbors, and another nearly fifteen billion in grants for environmental monitoring. Carter says he personally fought hard for that money.

Cut 5  (14) “…of the solution.”

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More than $36 million in state tax returns is due to be turned over to Unclaimed Property, but the Louisiana Department of Revenue is urging the some 20 thousand individuals and businesses to contact them before October. LDR spokesperson Byron Henderson…

Cut 6 (11) “..6th deadline.” 

Henderson says they want to alert those individuals and businesses who have unclaimed tax returns to be on the lookout for a letter.

Cut 7 (09) “…August 18th.” 

As to why the tax returns have yet to be claimed, Henderson says there are a variety of reasons, for example, they’ve moved since their last return was filed. He says LDR retains those claims and after a certain time period they are turned over to Unclaimed Property.

Cut 8 (09) “…personal property.”

To receive your return just follow the instructions in the LDR Notice of Unclaimed Property letter dated August 18^th.

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For the second consecutive month, the state Bond Commission has voted to delay a 39-million dollar future line of credit for the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board. Attorney General Jeff Landry they says they want city leaders to explain their stance that it will not enforce the state’s new abortion ban law…..

Cut 9 (11)  “…democracy.”

Lobbyist Paul Rainwater spoke on behalf of the city. Rainwater made the case that this funding is critical to complete a project that would reduce street flooding in New Orleans….

Cut 10 (05) “..water board” 

Seven to six was the vote in favor of delaying the funding, which would not be made available until at least 2023. The no votes came from representatives of the Edwards Administration and state senators like Jimmy Harris, who claims Landry is playing politics with future financing that can help 384-thousand people…

Cut 11 (13)  “…your locals”

But Landry says elected officials should not be able to put out a statement saying they will not follow a state law and not face repercussions

Cut 12 (09) “…of duty”  

The money is for a new power station to improve the state’s pumping capability.

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To help with the ongoing teacher shortage, a new law allows retired Louisiana-certified teachers to return to the classroom, keep their retirement, and draw full pay.  President of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendent Mike Faulk says it affects teachers who retired from 2010 to June 30, 2020.

Cut 13 (08) “…of that.”

Faulk admits while the number of retired instructors who’ve returned to the classroom is not significant so far, he says they are seeing retirees in larger metropolitan areas teaching again versus those in rural school districts.

Cut 14 (08)  “…advantage of it.” 

If you’re a retired teacher and interested in the possibility of teaching again Faulk recommends calling the Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana.

Cut 15 (07) “…new legislation.” 

In light of the new law, Faulk says there’s much more that needs to be done to address the ongoing shortage.

The Netflix documentary “I Just Killed My Dad,” the story of a Baton Rouge teen who murdered his father in 2019, remains in the top 10 most watched shows. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (34)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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This morning state official broke ground on a monument to Louisiana African American Veterans. Marsanne Golsby has the story….

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”  

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The Netflix documentary “I Just Killed My Dad,” the story of then 17-year-old Anthony Templet of Baton Rouge who murdered his father in 2019, remains in the top 10 most watched shows.  East Baton Rouge Assistant District Attorney Dana Cummings prosecuted the case and appeared in the three-part series.

Cut 3 (11) “…this closer (x2).” 

As investigators and defense attorneys uncovered years of abuse it changed the case considerably. Cummings says for Templet to be completely exonerated the law would argue that he should have called 9-1-1 or escaped out the window instead of shooting his father multiple times.

Cut 4  (11) “…people see them.”

Cummings talked to filmmakers after the case was over even though it might appear she was interviewed while the case was ongoing, as for her opinion of the documentary…

Cut 5  (09) “…excellent job.”

Templet plead no contest to negligent homicide and was given five years probation and has four years left on his term.

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State officials broke ground today on a monument to Louisiana African American Veterans in the Veterans Memorial Park at the State Capitol. The monument will be the first of its kind in the capitol complex.  Retired Lieutenant General Russel Honore served for 33 years as a commanding general in the US Army. He is a descendent of a Revolutionary War soldier.

Cut 6 (10) “..fought in the war.” 

The monument will honor freed, formerly enslaved Louisiana soldiers who fought for the Union during the Civil War, and every war since then. Honore says African American soldiers took advantage of whatever opportunities they could find to serve their country.

Cut 7 (08) “…with duty and honor.” 

Honore says although many generations of African American soldiers were not able to enjoy the fruits of their labor, their sacrifices helped paved the way for others.

Cut 8 (09) “…World War I and World War II.”

The monument is expected to be completed in the summer of 2023. If you want to see it when it’s complete, It will be located in the park that contains the cannon and the old arsenal museum to the east of the capital.

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Cleco Power announces plans to turn a closed coal-fired power plant in DeSoto Parish into a solar power facility. Spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says they’ve partnered with D-C Shaw Renewable Investments, a leading renewable energy producer in the U-S to make this project a reality…

Cut 9 (07)  “…clean energy company.”

Dolet (Dough-lay) Hills Power Station in Mansfield was closed at the end of last year. It was one of the last coal-fired power plants in Louisiana. Cahill says today’s announcement of the Dolet Hills Solar Project continues their effort to reduce the company’s carbon footprint…

Cut 10 (08) “..45,000 homes” 

A timeline on when construction will begin and end has not been set. Cahill says the project is expected to deliver significant community benefits to DeSoto Parish…

Cut 11 (05)  “…the parish”

Voters will once again receive an “I voted” sticker when they go to the polls this fall. Marsanne Golsby was at the unveiling of this year’s sticker…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

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The Governor’s Litter Abatement and Beautification Task Force has released recommendations on cleaning up the state. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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Another contagious disease that’s making a resurgence is polio. Polio was once one of the nation’s most feared diseases, that caused thousands of cases of paralysis, mostly in children. LSU Health New Orleans infectious disease specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says it’s been detected in New York City’s wastewater.

Cut 3 (10) “…not been vaccinated.” 

While symptoms include fever and vomiting polio can be asymptomatic, and you can shed the virus and infect someone unknowingly. Lopez says with the disease making a comeback it’s imperative vaccines be kept up to date.

Cut 4  (06) “…get vaccinated.”

The neurological disease has been detected in wastewater systems in New York and in London. Lopez says that means it’s spreading in some communities…

Cut 5  (08) “…immune to polio.”

The polio vaccination rate for children entering kindergarten in Louisiana last fall was 98 percent, that’s higher than the national average of 94 percent.

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This morning Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin unveiled this year’s “I voted” sticker. Designed by New Orleans artist Becky Fos (pronounced like floss), it’s a brightly colored painting of the state capitol building done in oil. The theme of her artwork is “Happy Artist” and Fos hopes it will make voters happy when they see it.

Cut 6 (06) “…to go out and vote.” 

Fos did the work at no charge. Ardoin says it costs the state about 15 thousand dollars to print 2.2 million stickers for the upcoming fall election. He says no one has ever complained about the cost, but voters complain when they run out. He also believes they help increase voter turnout.

Cut 7 (07) “…Facebook or Instagram.” 

Fos says she used vibrant colors to paint the state capitol…

Cut 8 (07) “…Facebook or Instagram.”

Previous “I voted” stickers have been extremely popular and you can still find them on eBay.

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The Governor’s Litter Abatement and Beautification Task Force has released its initial recommendations on establishing and sustaining litter prevention efforts across Louisiana. The task force was established by executive order in January and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the solutions range from educating the public to promoting community litter abatement activities…

Cut 9 (10)  “…recycling.”

Nungesser says state funding is also going into the effort. He says the state legislature set aside four million dollars and Nungesser says much of that money will be handed out as grants…

Cut 10 (12) “…they need.” 

Nungesser says state agencies are also more committed than ever to cleaning up our state…

Cut 11 (15)  “…repeat offenders.”

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Police in New Orleans report a carjacking suspect was struck and killed by traffic while trying to escape on foot across Interstate 10. NOPD Chief Shaun Ferguson says it started with officers giving chase to a Chevy Equinox SUV reported stolen two weeks ago. He says the vehicle suddenly stopped on the I-10 Service Road in Eastern New Orleans…:

Cut 12 (11) “…to cross the interstate.”  

Ferguson says the male suspect made it across the westbound lanes of the highway, but when he went over the median…:

Cut 13 (08) “…of this individual.”

The incident happened Monday night at about 10:20. He says no charges are planned against the driver who hit the suspect. As to the person’s name and age…?

Cut 14 (11)  “…of the investigation.” 

A Lafayette cop is in critical condition today, after being hit and dragged by a motorist. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Myles Brennan’s time as an LSU quarterback is over. Jeff Palermo reports Brennan has decided to end his college football career….

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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A Lafayette Police officer is in critical condition today, after he was hit by an impaired driver and dragged under the vehicle. LPD spokesperson Sgt. Robin Green says it happened just before 1:30 a.m. Sunday morning, near the city’s entertainment district. Green says the suspect fled the initial stop for reckless driving, but drove into a police blockade…:

Cut 3 (11) “…approximately 100 feet.” 

Green says other officers at the scene were alarmed to watch their colleague hit & dragged by the car. Another Lafayette officer drew his service weapon…:

Cut 4  (10) “…into custody.”

The Lafayette officer – who has not been identified – is currently listed in “critical but stable” condition. His recovery may take many weeks. Green says the suspect is 24-year-old Jaylon Chavis, of Lake Charles, who now faces a list of serious charges…:

Cut 5  (12) “…and OWI first offense.”

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Troopers are investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that happened shortly before two o’clock Sunday afternoon in Lafourche Parish. Trooper Ross Brennan says 39-year-old Tricia Vicknair of Schriever was killed in the crash and investigators say it happened when she was driving south along LA 20 while in a curve.

Cut 6 (11) “…the scene.” 

Brennan says toxicology samples were taken from the victim and the driver of the pick-up truck, and results are pending. He says it’s still not known why Shrierver’s motorcycle crossed the center line.

Cut 7 (12) “…a factor.” 

Brennan says last year almost 1,000 people died on Louisiana highways and the upward trend, unfortunately, is holding this year also. He urges motorists to not drive distracted, or impaired, and to use seat restraints.

Cut 8 (07) “…end of the day.”

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Its official Waitr is now known as ASAP, the name change is part of the Louisiana-based company’s transition to deliver a broader range of products. ASAP spokesperson Dean Turcol says the name change signals a new delivery anything business model.

Cut 9 (08)  “…of food.”

Turcol says they’re very excited about the transition and in addition to the food, they’ll now offer delivery of more things…

Cut 10 (08) “…now products.” 

You’ll still be able to use the ASAP app to order food and as other items are added there will be additional tabs. Turcol says for example alcohol, you’ll click on that tab, and you’ll see the  options from where to order and

Cut 11 (06)  “…the app.”

In addition to the name change and new business model

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LSU quarterback Myles Brennan has decided to end his college football career. Brennan was set to begin his sixth season at LSU and he was competing with Jayden Daniels and Garrett Nussmeier to be the starting quarterback. W-W-L sports director Kristian Garic says Brennan did not win the competition

Cut 12 (11) “…walk away”  

Brennan appeared in 20 games during his career. Garic says he started the first three games of the 2020 season, but suffered an injury that sidelined him for the rest of the season and then got hurt again last season….

Cut 13 (11) “…got injured”

LSU opens the season September fourth versus Florida State in the Superdome and Garic has learned dual-threat Q-B Jayden Daniels will be the starter…

Cut 14 (08)  “.his legs”