Hurricane Beryl is a life threatening Category 4 storm as it enters the Caribbean. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (28) …I’m Mel Bridges.”

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After a unanimous vote, Dr. Wade Rousse (rhymes with moose) will serve as the next president of McNeese State University. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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Hurricane Beryl is a Category 4 storm as it moves into the Caribbean. Beryl is the first hurricane in what is expected to be a very busy season. LSU climatologist Barry Keim says this early start is due to factors such as abnormally warm sea surface temperatures.

Cut 3 (07) “…August.”

Keim says Beryl has already set a record for the earliest Category 4 hurricane to form in a season, as most category 4 hurricanes occur in August.

Cut 4 (06) “…rest of season.”

Keim says Beryl is likely to miss Louisiana. The National Hurricane Center’s official forecast has Beryl hitting the Yucatan peninsula later this week, but Keim says there are a couple of models showing a turn towards the Gulf Coast.

Cut 5 (06)  “…(x2) problem.”

Whether Beryl threatens Louisiana or not, Keim encourages residents to start hurricane prepping if they haven’t already.

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After a unanimous vote by the University of Louisiana System, Dr. Wade Rousse (rhymes with moose) will serve as the next president of McNeese State University. Rousse says he could hardly sleep the night prior, as he was so excited to get to work as university president.

Cut 6 (12) “…forward.”

Rousse says he and his team are focusing on seeing construction projects and building updates through, and making sure every student and faculty knows how their time at McNeese will help them in the workforce. He thinks all this should help curb McNeese’s declining enrollment rate.

Cut 7 (10) “…(x2) enrollment.”  

McNeese was hit hard by Hurricane Laura in 2020 and is facing around a 21% decline in enrollment. Rousse hopes that ongoing facility upgrades in addition to his focus on ensuring each part of the university has a clear goal will help bring McNeese back.

Cut 8 (12)  “…experiences.”

Rousse previously served various roles at McNeese, most recently as executive vice president.

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Ville Platte Farmer Richard Fontenot has been elected the 13^th president of the Louisiana Farm Bureau. Fontenot, a rice, soybean, and crawfish farmer was elected Sunday at the organization’s 102nd convention. He says the honor is humbling.

Cut 9 (11) “…of words.”

Among the biggest issues Fontenot says the industry is facing is the lack of a current Farm Bill. He says farmers need that safety net to receive the financial lending they need to put their crops in.

Cut 10 (07) “…next spring.”

The other issue he says farmers face is labor, the expectation of labor rates, and being able to remain sustainable with the price of commodities they currently receive.

Fontenot praised the staff and LFB and acknowledged the new generation of delegates who were also elected, and he vowed to work together to engage and motivate members in new ways.

Cut 11 (12) ” …behind us.”

Fontenot previously served as Third-Vice President of the LFB for nine years

Beginning next month treatments for menopause and perimenopause will be covered by insurance in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The SEC officially welcomes Texas and Oklahoma to the Southeastern Conference today, making it sixteen schools starting the 2024 season.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

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Several new laws go into effect today and the Fair Claims Processing bill is one of them. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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Beginning August 1st both Medicaid and private insurers are required to cover for the care or treatment of menopause and perimenopause in Louisiana. New Orlean Democrat Representative Aimee Freem says physicians asked her to sponsor the bill because even though many of the medications they prescribe are generic they were often rejected by Medicaid.

Cut 4 (12) “…as needed.”

So, medications to treat symptoms like hot flashes, bone loss, and night sweats will be covered, and patients won’t have to wait for prior approval from their insurer.

While in committee Freeman says private insurance companies testified against the legislation because it’s a mandate.

Cut 5 (10) “…along the way.”

Freeman says she received bipartisan support for the bill. In committee, it was recommended that that requirement for private insurers be removed but when it reached the House floor, she says Representative Peter Egan added it back in.

Cut 6 (12) “…Republican colleagues.”

Freeman says there’s been more research on how to treat menopausal side effects and women deserve to have that coverage.

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A new survey from WalletHub shows Louisiana residents are the least diligent with credit in the U.S. during the first quarter of this year, meaning they’re not managing debt or their credit score responsibly. WalletHub Analyst Cassandra Happe (happy) says this is likely because Louisianians have high debt overall and may be unable to make payments…

Cut 7 (09) “…recently.”

The study used six metrics to determine each state’s score for diligence in credit  such as percentage of customers who have collections tradelines, which Louisiana scored last in. Happe says they put double weight on that metric because letting your account go to collections makes things much harder to resolve.

Cut 8 (09) “…payment.”

Though state and local governments could make more of an effort to teach financial literacy, Happe says most of the responsibility to fix poor credit diligence falls on those who actually have it.

Cut 9 (12)  “…credit report.”

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Today Southeastern Conference officially welcomes Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC making it a 16 league team. SEC Associate Commissioner Herb Vincent says it’s been a long time coming, as Texas and O-U officially accepted invitations into the SEC in July of 2021. Vincent says the league has had plenty of time to prepare for this new era of the SEC…

Cut 10 (12) “…teams.”

One hurdle has been scheduling. With the SEC trying to preserve old rivalries and spark new ones.Vincent says for now the league is sticking to an eight game conference football schedule, but could add a ninth conference game in the future…

Cut 11 (08) “…do that.”

The 2024-25 athletic season also marks a new television deal for the Southeastern Conference as the league is no longer partners with CBS. The 2:30 Saturday afternoon games will now air on ABC. Vincent says it’s exciting time for the SEC…

Cut 12 (10) “…coming in.” 

This expansion gets rid of divisional play so say goodbye to what has been considered the most difficult division in all of football, the SEC West.

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Several new laws go into effect today and the Fair Claims Processing bill is one of them. The new law establishes a simple, clear timeline for the claims process that makes it easier for policyholders and property insurers to understand what their responsibilities are during the claim. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot.

Cut 13 (12)  “…clock starts.”

The law gives insurance companies 30 days for residential and 60 days for commercial from when the “proof of loss” statement was submitted to pay the claims for non-declared catastrophes and an additional 30 days for name storms and declared catastrophes for residential and commercial properties.

Cut 14 (12)  “…30 days.”

Talbot says there is no one new law that can lower insurance rates, but this legislation along with others approved in the last legislative session are taking steps lure more property insurers into Louisiana…

Cut 15 (11)  “…policy.”

The Fair Claims Processing law aims to reduce unnecessary lawsuits and simplify the legal process with hopes of bringing back a competitive market for the Louisiana insurance market.

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It’s Garrett Nussmeier’s time. The Lake Charles native has been at LSU since 2021 and he heads into the 2024 season as the Tigers starting quarterback. LSU is coming off back-to-back ten win seasons and Nussmeier says the team is determined to get in the twelve team playoff this season…

Cut 16 (13 “…as well.” 

The defense’s improvement will be a big story line heading into the 2024 season. On offense, the Tigers have to replace two starting receivers that were selected in the first round, Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas. But Nussmeier says LSU’s receiver group still has a bunch of dogs…

Cut 17 (18) “…the ball.”

LSU will also have a new offensive coordinator this season as Joe Sloan and Cortez Hankton will serve as co-offensive coordinators. Sloan has been the Tigers quarterbacks coach since 2022. Nussmeier says he has a strong bond with Sloan, who will be the one calling plays on Saturday…

Cut 18 (19)  “…apart.”

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Louisiana is seeing an increase in the fall webworm population for this time of year. They could cause major damage to your fruit and nut trees.  Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31)… I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Congressman Garret Graves makes it clear he will not run for another political office this year, including dog catcher…or  commissioner. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

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Louisiana is seeing an increase this year in a fuzzy blondish caterpillar called fall webworms. LSU AgCenter urban entomologist Aaron Ashbrook says they do not bite humans, but they could do a number on trees and bushes in your yard

Cut 3 (09) “…defoliators.”

While in heavily wooded areas the damage caused by the caterpillars mainly goes unnoticed…

Cut 4 (10) “…environments.”

Ashbrook recommends using pesticides that don’t harm other, beneficial insects by using BT (bacillus thuringiensis). There are a few possibilities for the boom in population this year.

Cut 5 (12)  “…them less.”

Eventually, the fall webwork will head from the trees to the grass. Spin their cocoons and emerge as a small white moth. Ashbrook says not to worry the trees are not on the menu for moths.

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Governor Jeff Landry is making national headlines with the Ten Commandments law requiring them to be displayed in every Louisiana public classroom. Some might question if the Republican has political aspirations outside of the state, UL-Monroe Political science professor Pearson Cross believes Landry’s “end game” is without boundaries…

Cut 6 (09) “…this game.”

Cross says Landry is already on speed dial with Donald Trump, Junior, and has been endorsed by the former president, and if Trump wins in November…

Cut 7 (10) “…one term.”  

With the constitutionality of the Ten Commandments law in question, if Landry’s case reaches the U.S. Supreme Court and it’s ruled in his favor or not, Cross feels Landry wins politically either way.

Cut 8 (08)  “…him really.”

The ACLU and nine families have filed lawsuits against the Ten Commandments law.

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Congressman Garret Graves makes it clear he will not seek another political office this year, and that includes Baton Rouge Mayor, PSC Commissioner, or dog catcher. Graves says he’s not ready to jump into another political office after announcing earlier this month he will not seek re-election

Cut 9 (05) “…take a step back.”

Graves says he looks forward to being a normal citizen, reintroducing himself to friends and family and…

Cut 10 (11) “…prospective.”

The 52-year-old Graves says one of his main priorities is finishing out his fifth term in the U-S House…

Cut 11 (11) ” …huge wins.”

The Republican from Baton Rouge’s term ends in January. Graves says, “God has a plan, and he intends to listen.”

The Louisiana Department of Health has enhanced its Heat-Related Illness Dashboard, and the numbers might surprise you. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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23% of Louisiana adults 65 and older are still working according to a study by the U-S Census Bureau, putting us 10th nationally. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…Mel Bridges.” 

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Former Ragin’ Cajuns two-sport star and assistant Alabama softball coach Alyson Habetz is returning to U-L Lafayette as head softball coach. Jeff Palermo reports a Hall of Fame coach is excited for her former school.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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We all know it’s pretty hot outside, but have you ever wondered how many people experience heat-related illnesses? Dr. Sundee (Sunday) Winder with the Louisiana Department of Health says you can view trends on how the high temperatures impact individuals on their Heat-Related Illness Dashboard.

Cut 4 (12) “…regions etc.”

And if you thought last year was hot, you’re right. Winder says the average number of ER visits for heat-related illness for the last decade was 2,800.

Cut 5 (08) “…numbers.”

The dashboard has been enhanced and this year you can see how many heat-related illnesses there are by the day and the temperature. Winder hopes the dashboard will raise awareness of how the heat can impact your health.

Cut 6 (11) “…as well.”

Included with the dashboard are tips on how to avoid heat-related illnesses and guides for employers.

To view the dashboard visit. ldh.la.gov/heat

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Process Service Specialist is expanding with a $3.5 million manufacturing plant at the Port of Lake Charles. PSS Vice President of Fabrication Aaron Reeves says the expansion will allow them to have a major fabrication facility.

Cut 7 (08) “…our needs.”

PSS is headquartered in Gonzales.

Reeves, a native of Lake Charles, says the facility will create 160 new jobs over the next three years with an average annual salary of $100,000

Cut 8 (05) “…these guys.”

Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in 318 indirect jobs and almost 500 potential new jobs for southwest Louisiana.

Reeves says it’s exciting to see the area rebound after the 2020 Hurricane season.

Cut 9 (10)  “…these projects.”

Reeves says they will be holding job fairs in the future in conjunction with the Louisiana Workforce Commission.

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A LendingTree analysis of U-S Census Bureau Survey Data shows 23% of Louisiana adults 65 and older are still working, an increase of 17% from 2022. UNO business professor Mark Rosa says many retirement-aged adults were hesitant to stop working when the economy was good…

Cut 10 (11) “…(x3) change.”

The analysis cites several reasons older adults may stay in the workforce, including changes in Social Security policies and a higher cost of living. Rosas says in such an inflated economy, it likely doesn’t make sense for some people to retire.

Cut 11 (11) “…steady paycheck.”

The percentage of retired Louisiana adults decreased 16% from 2022 to 24, the fifth-most in the nation. Rosas estimates this will only continue to lower.

Cut 12 (10) “…then retire.” 

Louisiana ranks 10th nationally for the highest percentage of retirement-age adults still working.

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Former Ragin’ Cajuns two-sport athlete and Alabama softball coach Alyson Habetz is returning to U-L Lafayette as softball head coach following Gerry Glasco’s departure for Texas Tech. Yvette Girouard, who coached Habetz when she played softball for the Cajuns, says Habetz’s homecoming is long anticipated.

Cut 13 (15)  “…perfect timing.”

Habetz has coached softball for 25 years, most recently serving as Alabama’s assistant coach until 2023. Before that, she played softball and basketball at U-L Lafayette, and even helped lead the Cajuns to the 1993 Women’s College World Series. Girouard says longtime Ragin’ Cajun fans and alumni are especially excited to have Habetz back.

Cut 14 (15)  “…for her.”

Though Girouard and others have been pushing for Habetz to coach at U-L Lafayette for years, Girouard credits Cajuns Athletic Director Dr. Bryan Maggard as the person to finally convince Habetz, a Crowley native, to come home.

Cut 15 (15)  “…it could be a go.”

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The first round NBA draft is tonight and the New Orleans Pelicans currently hold the 21st overall pick and no picks in the second round. Jake Madison, host of the Locked On Pelicans Podcast, says New Orleans is looking for a center. But if there isn’t anyone left at pick 21 the Pels like, he says, they could be left in a weird spot.

Cut 16 (21) “…just yet.” 

Trade rumors about Pelicans’ small forward Brandon Ingram have also been floating around, with some speculating the team could bundle him in with the 21st pick in a draft day trade deal. But Madison says when — or even if — Ingram will leave is still up in the air.

Cut 17 (16) “…with that.”

Madison thinks there’s no guarantee the Pelicans will draft someone tonight, as this year’s draft class looks weak. Still, he says, whoever the team drafts or trades is to build around star power forward Zion Williamson.

Cut 18 (19)  “…point guard position.”

The draft begins tonight at 7 P.M. CST.

Wayne Warner, the principal at Chalmette High School will have to have surgery after being attacked by a man in a wheelchair. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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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 3 (10) “…state of Louisiana.”

McKnight served in the Louisiana House from 2020-to-2024 and unsuccessfully ran for State Treasurer last year. McKnight says he’s a pro-job conservative Republican who believes government should foster an environment for growth and prosperity.

Cut 4 (11) “…market.”

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 and looks forward to stepping back from the growing divisiveness and polarization of political office; spending more time with normal people and reintroducing himself to friends and family.

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.

Lafayette Senator Jean-Paul Coussan and former state representative Barry Ivey from Central have also expressed interest in running.

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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.”

Pohlman says Kidd, who is no stranger to law enforcement, was taken into custody later that evening as he attempted to shoplift items at a nearby Winn Dixie.

Cut 7 (05) “…the deputies.”  

Pohlman says the incident is sad on both ends, Warner who’s done so much for the community, must have surgery for his injuries…

Cut 8 (12)  “…some help.”

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

Warner is the longest-serving principal in the country. He’s been the principal at Chalmette High School since 1973.

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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 this will put a doctor in charge of health policy and an executive will oversee implementation

Cut 9 (10) “…healthcare system”

Abraham has been a practicing family medicine physician in Richland Parish for more than 30 years and he also served three terms in Congress. Undersecretary Michael Harrington has been promoted to L-D-H Secretary.

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…

Cut 11 (11) ” …patient.”

Wade is the longest-serving principal in the country. He’s been the principal at Chalmette High School since 1973.

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Three Mandeville teenagers are facing charges after allegedly stealing a woman’s LGBTQ flag from her home and burning it. St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Lt. Suzanne Carboni says detectives have been investigating the hate crime since Memorial Day weekend

Cut 12 (07) “… remarks.” 

The video evidence of the act led to the arrest two 15-year-olds and one 14-year-old. Carboni says they face several charges…

cut  13 (08) “…their parents.” 

After a delay in request for two missing Loranger girls, a lawmaker is calling for an overhaul of Louisiana’s AMBER Alert system. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

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As Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law is making national headlines it also faces litigation. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

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Baton Rouge Representative Dixon McMakin is calling for an overhaul of Louisiana’s AMBER Alert system after a delay in request for two missing Loranger girls. Baton Rouge Representative Dixon McMakin sent a letter to the governor saying the current system is tedious and overcomplicated.

Cut 3 (08) “…in Louisiana.”

Police records showed it took 3 hours to issue an alert after Erin and Jalie Brunett were reported missing last week. McMakin says part of the rework would make sure alert requests always go through to a real person.

Cut 4 (12) “…hour or two.”

In the letter, McMakin asked state police to work with legislators to improve the system and work internally to self-identify any part of the alert system that could use overhauling.

Cut 5 (10)  “…in place.”

Six-year-old Jalie was found alive in Mississippi but four-year-old Erin was killed by their kidnapper.

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Louisiana’s law requiring the Ten Commandments be posted in public classrooms is receiving national attention and groups like the ACLU say they plan to fight it in court. Author of the legislation, Haughton Representative Dodie Horton believes it will withstand the challenge.

Cut 6 (09) “…the test.”

Alanah Odoms with the ACLU of Louisiana says the law clearly violates the First Amendment and the law calls for a government-mandated version of the Ten Commandments.

Cut 7 (11) “…by this.”  

Horton expects the legal challenge will ultimately be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court and she along with the governor are confident with the current conservative majority of justices the law will be upheld. But in the meantime…

Cut 8 (09)  “…in schools.”

Public schools, including colleges and universities that receive state funding, are required to post the Ten Commandments in the classroom no later than January 1, 2025.

Horton believes once the case is settled that other states will follow Louisiana’s lead on the matter.

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Governor Landry has signed legislation giving the Louisiana Workforce Commission the responsibility of spearheading state workforce changes and solutions. LWC Secretary Susana Schowen (sh-ow as in ouch-en) says Senate Bill 293…

Cut 9 (12) “…employers.”

LWC now has the power to align certain agencies and create a single point of contact in every region of the state to develop solutions to workforce needs. Schowen says these changes can only result in good things.

Cut 10 (12) “…workers are.”

Under the bill, LWC will also empower the Department of Education to expand access to high school and university internships and apprenticeships. Schowen says this bill is an important first step to fixing several issues in the state, not just economic ones.

Cut 11 (08) ” …get better.”

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The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame will induct its 2024 class on Saturday night. Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees and LSU women’s basketball star Seimone Augustus are the headliners. Augustus was special even as a youngster as her games at Capitol High School drew big crowds…

Cut 12 (10) “…amazing people.” 

Brees is not the only former Q-B in the Class of 2024. Former McNeese star Kerry Joseph will also be enshrined on Saturday night. The New Iberia native led the Cowboys to the 1995 Division One-Double-A semifinals and turned into an M-V-P performer in the Canadian Football League

Cut 13 (10) “…before me.” 

The 2024 class also features great coaches. Tulane men’s basketball coach Perry Clark, former high school football coach Frank Monica and legendary Grambling Coach Wilbert Ellis, who won 701 games in 26 seasons as a head coach…

Cut  14 (11) “…win games.” 

Legal challenges are already in the works, so we asked Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino what he thinks will happen to the Ten Commandments law requiring them to be displayed in public school classrooms.

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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After seven successful seasons in Lafayette, Gerry Glasco is leaving the Ragin Cajuns to be the new head coach at Texas Tech. has Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

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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.”

In 1980 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled a similar law in Kentucky was unconstitutional, but in 2022, Ciolino says the high court ruled in favor of a high school football coach in Washington who prayed with students on the field on the basis of history and tradition.

Cut 4 (12) “…Ten Commandments.”

Ciolino expects the law to be deemed unconstitutional and that  Governor Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murril will appeal it to the U.S. Supreme Court, which is more conservative than in the past.

Cut 5 (12)  “…three years.”

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.

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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 6 (09) “…jobs elsewhere.”

Doucet says students will no longer have to leave the Bayou Region to pursue an engineering degree and after graduation, hopefully they get a job locally

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.

Cut 8 (06)  “…University.”

Clifford Smith was an engineer, land surveyor and owner of the consulting firm T. Baker Smith.

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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. With Glasco’s departure, it’s likely some players will test the transfer portal.

Cut 10 (12) “…to be seen.”

UL-Lafayette starts the search for a new head coach and Schultz says because of the success of the program…

Cut 11 (09) ” …top people.”

While head coach, Glasco extended the Cajuns’ national-best Sun Belt series winning streak to 89 consecutive league series.

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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.” 

Campbell says the credit will amount to 21-dollars per month for the average SWEPCO residental customer and it should appear on July, August and September bills.

Campbell says the P-S-C will also conduct service quality investigation on SWEPCO, because of frequent outages from storms…

Cut 13 (11) “…service better.” 

A federal judge in Baton Rouge has been asked to issue an order that would prevent inmates at Angola from working on the prison farm when heat indices reach 88 degrees or higher.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Governor Jeff Landry vetoed House Bill 423 which sought to limit damages a jury can award to victims in auto accidents. Jeff Palermo reports it has resulted in Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple is asking for a special session to address the state’s insurance crisis. .

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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A federal judge is considering whether to issue a preliminary injunction that would block Farm Line operations at Angola Prison when the heat index reaches or exceeds 88 degrees. Director of Civil Litigation at the Promise of Justice Initiative Lydia Wright…

Cut 3 (12) “…serious harm.”

Plaintiff Ronald Marshall says the brutality of the Angola Farm Line isn’t a secret and refusing to work would result in solitary confinement.

Cut 4 (08) “…day out.”

The state Department of Corrections says the work conducted on the Farm Line is in accordance with constitutional and industrial standards and policies are in place to make sure the inmates are safe.

Those policies include providing rest and water breaks every 30 minutes once a heat alert is issued. The D-O-C maintains this policy and the operation of the Farm Line, is constitutionally appropriate.

But Wright says Angola inmates should not be forced to work on the farm during hot summer months.

Cut 5 (07)  “…our trial.”

According to the filing, the officers who oversee the Farm Line used to ride horses, but no longer do. Prisoners contend that the practice was ended in order to protect the horses from the “blistering” heat.

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A group called Charge Ahead Partnership has yet to access 73-million dollars in federal funds that businesses could apply for to build electric vehicle charging stations. Ryan McKinnon is with Charge Ahead Partnership….

Cut 6 (11) “…help in that.” 

But Louisiana Department of Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallett says the state has not received the 73-million dollars yet and there’s no deadline to spend the money. Mallett says the rules for this federal grant program also do not match their usual contracting methods, so there are few more hoops to jump through.

McKinnon says the program is intended to help small businesses get into the EV charging business, so he hopes the funds will get utilized soon…

Cut 7 (06) “…in Louisiana.”  

McKinnon says if there were more charging stations there would be more EVs on the road and that’s what the start-up funding is intended to remedy.

Cut 8 (11)  “…charging stations.” 

The Biden Administration has set a goal of 500-thousand charging stations by 2026.

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After Governor Jeff Landry vetoed the Collateral Source reform bill, Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple calls on the governor and legislative leaders to hold a special session to address the state’s high auto insurance premiums. Temple says legislation is needed to improve the legal climate…

Cut 9 (08) “…do it now.” 

Landry vetoed House Bill 423 which supporters say would limit the amount juries can award to car crash victims, but the governor said the reform proposal would result in accident victims not getting what they deserved.

Temple says Governor Landry’s leadership was vital to the property insurance reform achieved in the regular session and he looks forward to working him on legal reform as well…

Cut 10 (12) “…bring a solution.”

Temple says the Collateral Source rule needs to be reformed because current law is allowing for amounts that go way above medical costs from a wreck…

Cut 11 (06) ” …premiums.”

A newly signed bill will go into effect January 1^st, reducing the time a person can receive unemployment benefits from 26 weeks to 12 to 20 depending on the state’s unemployment rate. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The first round of benefits will be added to EBT for the Summer EBT also known as Sun Bucks this week. Brooke Thorington explains…

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

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Governor Jeff Landry vetoed the Collateral Source bill that would have allowed juries to determine damages for victims of accidents using actual medical costs versus costs billed by providers. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

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A newly signed bill that goes into effect January 1^st will reduce unemployment benefits to twelve to 20 weeks depending on the state’s unemployment rate. Bill author, Jennings Republican Representative Troy Romero says 26 weeks is far too generous.

Cut 4 (12) “…employees.”

The legislation keeps unemployment benefits at $250 a week. Romero says unemployment is designed to be a safety net for adults who lose their jobs and it’s not intended to be a long-term benefit.

Cut 5 (11) “…important.”

The new law says a jobless individual can receive up to 12 weeks of benefits when the unemployment rate is below five-percent and as much as 20 weeks when the unemployment rate is above five percent. Romero says an individual can get an additional eight weeks of unemployment if they undergo workforce development training.

Cut 6 (10) “…for the State.”

The current unemployment rate in the state is 4.3 percent from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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The first phase of SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, is being issued this week. Tim Jenkins with the Department of Children and Family Services says approximately 300,000 children between the ages of five and 18 who received SNAP during the 2023-24 school year will receive $120 on their card.

Cut 7 (10) “…be loaded.”

SUN Bucks is a federal program to help provide grocery benefits for eligible families during the summer months when children are not receiving meals at school.

The second phase of Sun Bucks benefits will begin in late July. He says those will include children…

Cut 8 (09) “…lunch program.” 

Those schools will be sending DCFS information to certify those students.

Phase 3 is for children who attended schools that offered free lunches for all students, but the individual student has not applied for EBT.

Cut 9 (09)  “…or phase 2.”

To check your benefits, order a replacement card, apply, or other information concerning SUN Bucks visit dcfs.louisiana.gov

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Governor Jeff Landry signed off on legislation to allow judges the option to add surgical castration to a convicted sex offender’s sentence if the victim is under the age of thirteen. Baton Rouge Democrat, Senator Regina Barrow believes the bill she authored will deter such abuse against children.

Cut 10 (10) “…castration.”

The bill received bipartisan support in the 2024 Regular Legislative Session.

Judges already have the option to add chemical castration to an offender’s sentence regardless of the victim’s age, but this bill allows for surgical castration depending on the victim’s age. Barrow believes a permanent procedure is warranted when children are violated.

Cut 11 (10) “…actually stop.”

Barrow says she hopes the new law sends a message, loud and clear, of what can happen to individuals who sexually abuse children in Louisiana…

Cut 12 (07) “…lifestyle change.” 

The law applies to both male and female offenders and requires a medical expert to determine if the procedure can be safely performed on the offender.

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Governor Jeff Landry vetoed the Collateral Source bill that would allow juries to determine damages awarded for victims of accidents using actual medical costs versus the initial costs billed by providers. Governor Landry…

Cut 13 (12)  “…health insurance.”

Landry says the Collateral Source doctrine protects those who have obtained health insurance and receive benefits. Landry believes this bill would take away and give the benefits to the uninsured.

Cut 14 (09)  “..coverage.”

State Senator Greg Miller says he’s disappointed but believes Landry wants to be fair to everybody and plans to author legislation once a compromise has been reached.

Cut 15 (12)  “…four years ago.”

Louisiana Association of Business and Industry CEO Will Green says a key part of the insurance reform package was the Collateral Source bill and Landry’s veto is incredibly disappointing and believes his reasoning is flawed.

Cut 16 (11) “…you whole.” 

The bill passed the House in a 88-10 vote and 25-14 vote in the Senate.

Republican Congressman Garret Graves of Baton Rouge publicly spoke for the first time since announcing he will not run again after a new map redrew the district he represents. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

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The PSC will vote tomorrow on a proposal to refund SWEPCO customers $23 million. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

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Republican U-S House of Representative Garret Graves of Baton Rouge publicly spoke for the first time today since announcing he will not seek a sixth term in Congress after a new map dramatically changes the sixth district that he currently represents. Graves says he was thinking about running for either district six or district two, but ultimately…

Cut 3 (12) “…try that.” 

The congressional district map approved last month creates two new majority-Black districts by redrawing some districts, including stretching district 6 from Caddo to East Baton Rouge Parish. Graves says that’s unfair to those he represents.

Cut 4 (10) “…thrown out.” 

Graves says he doesn’t think any representative will be able to fairly represent the needs of all the different areas in the new district 6. In fact, Graves says he plans to take a break from politics altogether.

Cut 5 (07)  “…level set.”

Congressional elections will be held in November using the new districts.

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New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s temporary restraining order against a woman who photographed Cantrell and her then-bodyguard Jeffrey Vappie (rhymes with happy) sharing dinner and wine while on duty at a French Quarter restaurant has been thrown out. Anne Breaud (Brohd) says she snapped the pictures of the two from her own balcony due to safety concerns.

Cut 6 (09) “…at me.” 

Breaud shared the photos with media outlets and watchdog groups, one of which filed a complaint with NOPD against Vappie. Vappie was then investigated and taken off the mayor’s security detail. Justin Schmidt, who represented Breaud in court, says while today was a victory for his client, the case sparked a bigger question than the photographs.

Cut 7 (09) “…citizens.”  

The information in question included Breaud’s social security number, date of birth and photograph, which appeared on Cantrell’s petition unredacted. The judge dismissed Cantrell’s temporary restraining order against Breaud and denied her a permanent restraining order, which Schmidt says is a good thing for both his client and free speech.

Cut 8 (10)  “…you for it.” 

Breaud is pursuing a counterclaim against Cantrell to figure out how the mayor got that sensitive information.

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Because SWEPCO overcharged customers $23 million, Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says he is proposing a plan for the utility provider to issue refunds. He says the average customer would receive a credit of $62, to be divided over three billing periods July, August, and September.

Cut 9 (06) “…to do.” 

Twelve northwest parishes were impacted by the overcharge. Campbell says once SWEPCO discovered the error they contacted him.

Cut 10 (07) “…(x2) the people.”

Campbell says the refund for businesses that use a large amount of wattage will be substantial.

Cut 11 (11) ” …(x2) thousands of dollars.”

Campbell says the PSC will vote on the refund proposal at Wednesday’s meeting.

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Louisiana Tech student Olivia Grace George has been crowned as Miss Louisiana 2024. George beat out 32 other women to win the award

Cut 12 (09) “…is key.” 

George was a first runner-up in the 2023 Miss Louisiana Competition. George plans to pursue a career as an educator and during her time as Miss Louisiana she wants to help students grow their love for learning…

Cut 13 (08) “…take care of us.” 

Her community service initiative is “Knowledge Empowers Youth to Do More – Education is KEY.”