Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says progress is being made in reducing the number of policyholders who have to rely on Citizens for their homeowners insurance. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The federal government has issued a notice that up to 300 thousand acres will be auctioned in the first-ever offshore wind lease sale in the Gulf of Mexico on August 29th. Teiko Foxx has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

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State Representative Tanner Magee is not running for re-election. He says the toxic stew at the capitol is a major reason why he’s getting out. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (31)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon announces companies that took advantage of the newly funded Insure Louisiana Incentive Program have written over 17 thousand homeowner insurance policies as of May 31^st.  Donelon says the program is working to reduce the number of Citizens policyholders, which is much more expensive than private insurance.

Cut 4 (08)  “…in need.”

The top five parishes for new policies are Jefferson, Orleans, St. Tammany, Terrebonne, and St. Charles. Donelon says SafePoint Insurance has been approved to take nearly 20 thousand policies out of Louisiana Citizens during the upcoming round of depopulation.

Cut 5 (11)   “…first year.”

Donelon says getting policyholders out of Citizens is vital to the state’s economic recovery. He urges all Citizens policyholders to contact their agents to be notified if they have an opportunity to leave Citizens…

Cut 6 (11)  “…of Citizens.”

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The federal government announces the first ever Gulf of Mexico offshore wind lease sale, opening sites off the coasts of Lake Charles and Galveston, Texas. About 300-thousand acres will be auctioned off on August 29th. Director of Future Energy at Greater New Orleans Inc. Lacey McManus says this moment has been eagerly anticipated and officially makes the state a hub for offshore wind activity.

Cut 7 (08) “…into place.”

More than 102 thousand acres offshore from Lake Charles and two areas of about 100 thousand acres each near Galveston are under consideration. McManus says some of the world’s largest wind energy developers have already expressed interest.

Cut 8 (11) “…the country.’”

Several stipulations have been added on potential holders including agreeing to support workforce training programs. McManus says building wind farms may be a way off but Louisiana workers are ready.

Cut 9 (09)  “…do this.”

The areas could turn wind energy into nearly 4 gigawatts of electricity each year. A sale notice can be found in the Federal Register.

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Attorney General Jeff Landry has issued a legal opinion that advises the Louisiana Pardon Board not to hear the clemency applications sent in by 56 death row inmates. Landry says the pardon board has 440 applications to examine before they get to the death row inmates who are hoping Governor Edwards reduces their punishment to life in prison

Cut 10 (06) “…are pending.”

Landry says the Pardon Board’s own rules say that a clemency application should be filed within their last appeal was denied. He says there are emergency circumstances like an execution date, but that doesn’t apply in this situation…

Cut 11 (11)  “…follow the rules.”

But executive director of the Capital Appeals Project, Cecelia Kappel, says Landry’s legal opinion has no binding force on the board and there’s also a major conflict of interest….

Cut 12 (12)    “…clemency requests” 

Kappel says the pardon board can also waive its rules, including the rule that requests need to be filed within one year after last denied appeal. She says that rule has been waived before in death penalty cases…

Cut 13 (13) “…direct appeal” 

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The Speaker Pro Tem of the Louisiana House has decided not to run for re-election, ending his legislative career after eight years. Houma Representative Tanner Magee says he has 14-year-old triplets, plus he calls the political atmosphere at the capitol toxic….

Cut 14 (09)  “..process” 

The 42-year-old Magee says Washington D-C partisan attacks have become too much…

Cut 15 (07)  “…really change”

Magee says he’s proud to help secure funds for rural roads and flood control projects in his district. But he says special interest groups have gained too much control…

Cut 16 (11) “..just a game”

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Ole Miss Coach Lane Kiffin did not hold back at SEC Media Days when discussing the problems NIL and the transfer portal have created for college football. He called it a disaster. He says there needs to be more restrictions when it comes to the two transfer portal windows. He says no other sport allows its athletes to opt into free agency every year…

Cut 17 (20) “…issues”

Kiffin says he has no problems with players getting paid and he’s benefited from the transfer portal as he signed LSU transfer and former St. Thomas More Quarterback Walker Howard. But he’s concerned the best players are going to schools that have boosters with the deepest pockets

Cut 18 (09) “…their salary.” 

Kiffin says he knew it would turn into a disaster when NIL and the portal became a major part of college athletics. He says it legalized cheating…

Cut 19 (16) “…pay for play” 

On his monthly radio program, the governor was asked about a poll by Citizens for a New Louisiana that shows only 24 percent of residents believe the state is moving in the right direction. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx” 

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Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry issues a legal opinion that may result in dozens of death row inmates not receiving a clemency hearing. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Record breaking heat and drought is affecting crop yields. Farmers across the country will see smaller harvests this year. That’s according to Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain who says the heat causes plants to go into survival mode, slowing photosynthesis…

Cut 3 (13) “….United States.” 

One of the processes slowed by the suffocating heat is reproduction. Strain says fruit production is a luxury for plants in survival mode leading to full vegetation with no crop…

Cut 4 (09)  “…the fruit” 

Crop yields aren’t the only thing affected by the steamy conditions. Heat and humidity help suppress reproductive hormones in livestock which Strain says can cause Louisiana markets to be left behind…

Cut 5 (11)  “…heat and humidity.”

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On his monthly radio call-in show Ask the Governor – Governor John Bel Edwards addressed a recent statewide poll by Citizens for a New Louisiana that shows 55 percent of residents think the state is heading in the wrong direction. Edwards says the state has made strides but agrees progress could be made in certain areas…

Cut 6 (10)  “to be.” 

Louisiana has ranked for years near the bottom in several education rankings. Edwards says it’s an ongoing battle that starts with pre-k education…

Cut 7 (08)  “…childhood education.” 

Edwards believes leading the state takes dedication and he will continue to do what is right for the citizens…

Cut 8 (11)  “…positive change.” 

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Attorney General Jeff Landry issues a legal opinion that is a setback for death row inmates seeking a clemency hearing with the state Board of Pardons. Louisiana District Attorneys Association Director Loren Lampert says Landry states that clemency requests must be made to the Pardon Board within a year after a judge issues a ruling on their appeal

Cut 9 (09)  “…emergency exception”

Landry’s legal opinion says emergency clemency requests can be made when an execution date is near, but the Attorney General points out no execution dates have been scheduled. Lampert says based on the A-G’s opinion, most of these clemency requests should not be heard

Cut 10 (10)  “…an emergency”

Cecelia Kappel, an attorney for several of the clemency applicants, says Landry’s opinion has no binding force. Kappel says the timing provision on which Landry relies on is not applicable, because Louisiana’s death penalty system is broken.

Earlier this year Governor Edwards voiced his opposition to the death penalty and he’s set to leave office in January. Lampert is concerned about taking up these clemency petitions in a short time frame, because death penalty cases are complex….

Cut 11 (13)  “…clemency”

Former LSU Tennis great Neal Skupski and his partner Wesley Koolhof of the Netherlands claimed the Wimbledon Men’s Doubles title Saturday. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Kace Kieschnick”

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With writers and actors on strike, Hollywood South is quiet on the set and the industry is hoping for the best. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

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Governor John Bel Edwards believes pressure from the Louisiana Republican Party led to the override of his veto on a bill to ban procedures on minors that would alter their biological sex. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (35)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo”

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U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy has secured $2.4 million in funding for new equipment to outfit the New Orleans Criminal Justice Crime Lab as part of the 2024 annual appropriations bills. Cassidy says the upgrade will be a difference-maker…

Cut 4 (10)  “…our state.”

The State Police Crime Lab has been the subject of longstanding complaints about backlogs in rape kits. Cassidy says if Orleans can process their own crime lab material, it helps everyone…

Cut 5 (10)   “…state police.”

Cassidy secured more than $28 million for the state. The funding includes $5 million for a new USDA Sugarcane Research Facility in Houma and $4.5 million to provide law enforcement in St. Landry and Grant Parishes with the equipment they need. Cassidy says…

Cut 6 (12)  “…it better.”

The bills will be a part of a year-end funding package and will receive a Senate vote soon.

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Former LSU Tennis great Neal Skupski and his partner Wesley Koolhof took home the 2023 Wimbledon doubles title. Skupski becomes only the second Tiger to claim a men’s double major title and the second Englishman to win Wimbledon doubles in the “Open” era. Skupski says it’s been a dream come true…

Cut 7 (13) “…at Wimbledon.”

It’s the pair’s first major victory who started together just 18 months ago. Although its Skupski’s first major in men’s doubles, the Liverpool native won back-to-back mixed doubles title alongside partner Desirae Krawczyk in 2021 and 2022. Skupski, though, says this one means a little more…

Cut 8 (13) “…world to us.’”

Skupski becomes the first Englishman to claim both a mixed and men’s title and Wimbledon since Leslie Godfree in 1926. He says it’s a great honor but one that may not sink in for some time…

Cut 9 (10)  “…on my season.”

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Hollywood South has been silenced due to the ongoing labor strike by the Writers Guild of America and the Screenwriters Guild. Louisiana Entertainment and Digital Interactive Media Director Chris Stelly says despite the setbacks he hopes the Bayou State will be the film industry’s top selection when it ends…

Cut 10 (10) “…is resolved.”

Lawmakers extended the lucrative film tax credit program which was supposed to end in 2025 but will now expire in 2031. The motion picture productions tax credit provides motion picture productions with up to a 40 percent tax credit. Stelly says they will continue to promote the benefits of filming in state …

Cut 11 (08)  “…training endeavors.”

Stelly says the film industry impacts the economy. He hopes there will be equitable settlements between all parties when cameras start rolling again

Cut 12 (08)    “…going forever” 

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Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s disappointed but not surprised the Republican led Legislature overturned his veto of a bill that bans doctors from performing medical procedures on children that could alter their biological sex. Despite the defeat, Edwards stands by his veto…

Cut 13 (10) “…inside families” 

Edwards says the legislation harms a very small population of vulnerable children, their families and health care professionals. But the bill’s author, Pollock Representative Gabe Firment, says his legislation protects kids who might be temporarily confused about their biological sex…

Cut 14 (11)  “…not health care” 

75 House members and 26 Senators voted to override the governor’s veto. But Edwards says there are Republicans who have privately acknowledged problems with the legislation, but had to vote in favor of the override to satisfy their party leaders…

Cut 15 (09)  “…two thirds vote”

Edwards also says the legislation is unconstitutional and points to rulings made before federal judges that support his argument. But Firment says appellate courts have disagreed with the district court judges’ decisions…

Cut 16 (09) “..into effect”

Louisiana’s law is set to go into effect on January 1st.

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Alabama was one of the schools featured at SEC Media Days yesterday. Coach Nick Saban and his team will look to return to their championship pedigree after missing the College Football Playoffs for the first time since 2019 and just the second time in the CFP era. The first order of business will be replacing Heisman winning quarterback Bryce Young, but Saban says he’s in no hurry…

Cut 17 (18) “…to rush.”

The three candidates are believed to be junior Jalen Milroe, redshirt sophomore Tyler Buchner ,and redshirt freshman Ty Simpson. LSU will visit Tuscaloosa November 4^th

Also taking the podium in Nashville was Arkansas Head Coach Sam Pittman. In a seemingly off-year for the quarterback position in the SEC, the Razorbacks boast one of the most talented in the conference in returning senior KJ Jefferson. Pittman says Jefferson’s role under new offensive coordinator Dan Enos may change slightly, but he’ll be essential to the Razorbacks’ success… 

Cut 18 (19) “…for a reason.” 

Arkansas will visit Death Valley September 23

Florida Head Coach Billy Napier spoke to the media about the Gators quarterback situation. After Anthony Richardson was picked fourth overall, Florida brought in Wisconsin transfer Graham Mertz to compete with returning redshirt sophomore Jack Miller. Napier was impressed by Mertz’s work ethic and maturity but says Miller had a strong response…

Cut 19 (18) “…the team.” 

The Gators head to Baton Rouge November 11

Lottery fans are feeling the excitement. Tonight’s Powerball Jackpot of $1 billion is the seventh largest in U.S. lottery history. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx” 

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The Louisiana Department of Revenue plans to move millions of dollars in tax refunds to unclaimed property if taxpayers do not claim them. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Tonight’s Powerball Jackpot of $1 billion dollars is the third-largest jackpot ever for Powerball and the seventh-largest in U.S. lottery history. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Dustin Annison says Powerball fever is spreading…

Cut 3 (10) “….normally play.” 

A winner who opts to take the lump-sum payment will receive an estimated 517 million dollars before taxes. Those who choose the annuity payment will receive $33.3 million before taxes. Annison says Louisiana is due for a Powerball jackpot winner…

Cut 4 (10)  “…to win” 

Annison says the odds of winning the jackpot is 1-in-292 million…

Cut 5 (08)  “…luck everyone.”

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Rapides Parish authorities have identified the severely decomposed body of 58-year-old Robert Owens, a “geocacher” from New Jersey, who was reported missing Monday in Kisatchie National Forest southwest of Alexandria. RPSO Spokesperson Tommy Carnline says authorities located Owen’s body in a wooded area near a creek off the trail…

Cut 6 (10)  “…is deceased.” 

Owens flew to Louisiana alone on July 9th. Brown’s “geocache” colleagues alerted Melville authorities that Owens had not been heard from. Carnline says “geocache” is a familiar activity for outdoorsmen.

Cut 7 (10)  “…the country.” 

Carnline showed gratitude towards everyone who assisted in the search.

Cut 8 (09)  “…tragic end.” 

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Advocates are asking a judge to remove a group of juvenile inmates being held at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. A court filing alleges the youth offenders are sleeping in hot conditions, they are isolated and forced to shower while shackled and handcuffed. Southern Poverty Law Center senior policy analyst Delvin Davis

Cut 9 (09)  “…as a whole”

On the one year anniversary of the state announcing plans to send incarcerated youth to Angola, the Southern Policy Law Center has released a report that provides recommendations to improve Louisiana’s youth justice system. Davis says one of their recommendations is to invest in community-based alternatives to youth incarceration that prioritizes rehabilitation

Cut 10 (09)  “…incarceration”

Davis says a major problem with the state’s youth justice system is that it’s over-reliant on incarceration, which is ripe with abuse. He says there are other alternatives that focus on rehab..

Cut 11 (09)  “…own communities”

The Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice is not commenting on the legal fight to remove the incarcerated youth from Angola or the Southern Poverty Law Center’s recommendations for improving the state’s juvenile justice system.

________________________________________________________

LSU Catcher Alex Milazzo told Tiger Rag radio last night that he plans to suit up for the Purple and Gold one last time. Milazzo appeared in 53 games last season before fracturing his fibula in the final game of the championship series, but the Zachary native says he’s not done yet

Cut 12 (13) “…play here.” 

Milazzo has spent the last 4 years with the Tigers, batting .201 with a .993 fielding percentage. After learning under 2 coaches and helping LSU to 3 postseason runs, Milazzo says he can help the next generation of LSU baseball…

Cut 13 (13) “…down the road.”

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The SEC’s single-season strikeout leader has etched his name in the record books yet again. After being selected No. 1 overall in the MLB draft, LSU pitcher Paul Skenes agreed to a deal with the Pirates that includes a $9.2 million signing bonus, the highest for a draft pick in MLB history. Skenes says signing the deal didn’t take much convincing…

Cut  14 (10)  “..to take”

Skenes is expected to begin his professional career in the Florida Complex League, a rookie-level Minor League Baseball league. Skenes says his stuff is almost MLB ready, but he’ll need some time to adjust to the pros…

Cut 15 (12) “…than college”

24 individuals associated with a Shreveport street gang have been indicted for a CARES Act fraud scheme. Kace Kieschnick has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Kace Kieschnick”

_______________________________________________

After arresting 42-year-old Janice Frazier in the shooting death of her boyfriend found Saturday, Baton Rouge authorities tell Teiko Foxx they have also connected Frazier to the unsolved murder of an ex-boyfriend.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

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The Republican controlled Louisiana Legislature overrides the governor’s veto of a ban on doctors from performing medical procedures on children designed to change their biological sex. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (43)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo”

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U.S. Attorney Brandon Brown says 24 people closely associated with a Shreveport street gang are facing charges related to a CARES Act fraud scheme. Brown says the defendants defrauded the federal government of thousands of dollars by taking advantage of small business pandemic relief loans to fund criminal activity

Cut 4 (12)  “…vulnerable state.”

Brown says the defendants manufactured a variety of artificial businesses in order to fraudulently receive pandemic relief dollars…

Cut 5 (11)   “…money that way.”

All 24 defendants face counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and varying charges or wire fraud. If convicted, they could face up to 20 years in prison, 1 to 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Brown says cases like this is why he became a federal prosecutor…

Cut 6 (13)  “…violent-crime organizations.”

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Authorities say a Baton Rouge woman arrested for killing her boyfriend over the weekend has also confessed to killing an ex-boyfriend in 2021. On Saturday, Baton Rouge Police detectives began investigating the shooting death of 34-year-old Christopher Holden, who was found dead in a park. Sergeant L’Jean McKneely says they determined 42-year-old Janice Frazier killed Holden and during questioning, they learned she was involved in another homicide…

Cut 7 (04) “…degree murder.”

McKneely says Frazier is not only facing a murder charge for fatally shooting Holden this past weekend, they now have a confession that she killed 29-year-old Emanie Anderson in October 2021…

Cut 8 (05) “…Mr. Anderson.’”

McKneely says detectives believe both murders are a result of domestic violence…

Cut 9 (09)  “…being involved.”

____________________________________________

The Office of State Parks kicks off a new pilot recycling project – Let Louisiana Shine Park Recycling Program – as recycling bins will be placed at four different state parks to collect aluminum cans and plastic drink bottles. Pontchartrain Conservancy Executive Director Kristi Trail says recycling bins help keep items out of the state’s waterways and off roadways…

Cut 10 (09) “…better use.”

The program has rolled out at the Fontainebleau, Fairview-Riverside, Tickfaw, and Bogue Chitto. Materials will be collected, sorted, and trash contamination will be removed. Trail says before this initiative, there was nowhere to separate recyclable materials…

Cut 11 (08)  “…the park.”

Trail says collection totals will be recorded on a bi-weekly basis to determine the program’s success rate…

Cut 12 (08)    “…going forever” 

______________________________________________________________________

Louisiana lawmakers have succeeded in overriding the governor’s veto of a bill that bans doctors from performing a medical procedure that attempts to alter the biological sex of a minor. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment has called the bill the “Stop Harming Our Kids Act”….

Cut 13 (13) “…gender dysphoria” 

But New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes agreed with the governor’s veto message that the legislation is unconstitutional….

Cut 14 (12)  “…normal children” 

The House overrode the veto by five votes, on a 75-23 vote. Firment says 20 other states, including many in the South, have passed similar legislation

Cut 15 (12)  “…medical experiments.”

A federal judge last month struck down Arkansas version of the trans youth health care ban. Firment’s bill is set to go into effect in January. St. Martinville Senator Fred Mills voted no as he believes the Legislature should not get involved in the relationship between a patient and a child

Cut 16 (10) “..any of that”

The gender affirming care bill as some have called it, is the only bill that lawmakers successfully vetoed. The governor issued over two dozen vetoes from the recently completed legislative session.

______________________________________________________________________

New Auburn Head Coach Hugh Freeze took the podium today at SEC Media Day. Freeze is known for his ability to turn programs around quickly after helping new FBS teams Arkansas St and Liberty to their first winning seasons and Ole Miss win its first SEC game in two years back in 2012. He’ll hope to help to rebuild Auburn after two losing seasons but says it starts with one position…

Cut 17 (20) “…that spot”

The first step for Freeze has been in recruiting adding 42 new players to the roster since last season ended. While Freeze thought Auburn might be an easier turnaround than his other rebuilds, he doesn’t underestimate the challenge of coaching a new roster…

Cut 18 (17) “…to this” 

  ______________________________________________________________________

Mississippi State’s new Head Coach Zach Arnett spoke at SEC Media Days today. The Bulldog’s former defensive coordinator has the tall task of replacing the late Mike Leach which starts on the offensive side of the ball. Leach was known for his iconic Air Raid offense but Arnett says new coordinator Kevin Barbay brings a different approach…

Cut 19 (21) “…what they do.” 

While the Bulldogs may be experiencing some major coaching changes, they’ll have many returning players this year including the top two tacklers in the SEC, linebackers Jett Johnson and Nathaniel Watson. Arnett says they’ll be essential in the team’s success…

Cut 20 (14)  “…they didn’t”  

Published campaign finance reports shows Republican Jeff Landry with a huge lead over his opponents in campaign dollars as Landry seeks to replace Governor John Bel Edwards. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (27)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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From film study to Moneyball, sports analysis is always changing, and LSU Coach Brian Kelly says AI could be the next step in LSU’s recruiting process. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “….I’m Kace Kieschnick”  

______________________________________

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

Cut 3 (07) “….our community.” 

After a month-long investigation, 57-year-old Charles Dupry and David Hollis of Pollock were arrested in connection with the seizure. McCain says the THC levels in marijuana today are much higher than ever before…

Cut 4 (09)  “…forty percent” 

Hollis faces one count of possession with intent to distribute, four counts of illegal carrying of weapons, and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia. Dupry is charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Hollis says tips and leads made these arrests possible…

Cut 5 (10)  “…the information.”

Detectives also seized four firearms. Dupry and Hollis were booked into Grant Parish jail.

__________________________________________________

The Louisiana House has voted to override the governor’s veto on a bill that would prohibit doctors from performing sex altering medical procedures on transgender minors. Marksville Republican Daryl Deshotel cut his family vacation in France short so he can vote “Yes” to override..

Cut 6 (12)  “…for it.” 

The vote was 75-23 in favor of overturning the veto. It needed 70 votes.

Deshotel says he had to stay up for 28 hours in order to fly back after spending a few days in France with his family. He wanted to be in Baton Rouge for this historic override session…

Cut 7 (11)  “…some of those vetoes.” 

As of publish time, the Senate has yet to vote to override the governor’s veto on a ban on transgender health care for youth.

The author of a vetoed bill that would phase out the corporate franchise tax decides not to seek an override vote. Franklin Senator Bret Allain says it’s Louisiana’s worst tax, because it hinders economic development

Cut 8 (08)  “…the veto” 

In his veto letter, Edwards agreed the corporate franchise tax is antiquated, but the fiscal impact is not known. Allain is term-limited so he hopes the next Legislature will take up this legislation again in 2025, which is the next fiscal session.

Cut 9 (12)  “…that opportunity”

___________________________________________________

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

Cut 10 (08)  “… in the race”

Republicans John Schroder and Stephen Waguespack have about two million dollars in cash on hand and so does independent Hunter Lundy. Cross calls that a respectable total…

Cut 11 (07)  “…mean more”

Republican state legislators Sharon Hewitt and Richard Nelson have less than a million dollars on hand and so does Democrat Shawn Wilson. Cross says Wilson will have to do much better than 594-thousand dollars on hand…

Cut 12 (04) “…statewide office” 

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

Cut 13 (13) “…nine minutes.”

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

Cut  14 (11)  “..elderly too”

A smaller pool of workers and higher salary demands have made it difficult to manage state parks, according to a report from the legislative auditor. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

_______________________________________________

State lawmakers convene an override veto session at noon today. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Attorney General Jeff Landry is lapping the field when it comes to campaign dollars in the race for governor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (27)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo”

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If you meet certain income requirements, Cleco residential customers may be eligible for energy-efficient products and services at no out-of-pocket costs. Power Wise is Cleco’s energy efficiency program designed for qualified homeowners during the summer months. Cleco spokesperson Marianne Addy says weatherizing homes can save customers energy and money.

Cut 4 (12)  “…energy usage.”

The program helps low-income households make their homes more energy efficient. Addy says customers will be able to take advantage of a number of services and products at no expense.

Cut 5 (12)   “…the program.”

Homeowners and renters who may not meet federal income guidelines are also encouraged to apply. Addy urges all customers to this smarter approach to cutting energy use at no expense.

Cut 6 (06)  “…benefit you.”

Cleco customers can visit www.cleco.com/weatherization or call 833-373-6842

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The Louisiana Legislative Auditor releases a new report that finds low staffing levels present challenges for administering state parks. Director of State Parks Brandon Burris says recruiting new employees has been difficult…

Cut 7 (12) “…us yeah.”

OSP revenue increased by nearly fifty percent from 2016 through 2022 due to short-term revenue including the COVID-19 relief fund. OSP also generates visitation revenues through sources like cabins, campsites, and day-use admissions and non-visitation revues revenues. Burris says despite the audit’s findings, visitation numbers are high.

Cut 8 (11) “…we are.’”

According to OSP, $42 million is needed for improvements to keep parks and historic sites operating at expected service levels. Burris says fee and price increases are on the table but they are considering all options before a final decision is made.

Cut 9 (12)  “…comes through.”

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

____________________________________________

State lawmakers return to the capitol today for an override veto session. Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed 25 bills and parts of three budget bills approved by lawmakers in the last legislative session. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says if legislators focus on just a few of the vetoes they can get the two-thirds vote needed in the House and Senate

Cut 10 (09) “…passing nothing.”

Last year, the Republican controlled Legislature was successful in overriding the governor’s veto of the congressional redistricting bill. This year, a bill that would ban doctors from performing medical procedures to alter the sex of a child has been the driving force of the override veto session. Pinsonat says a vote to overturn that veto could happen today…

Cut 11 (12)  “…be done.”

It will take 70 votes in the 105-member House and 26 votes in the 39-member Senate to override a governor’s veto.

Pinsonat says do not count out John Bel Edwards, because he’s a lame duck governor. He says Edwards still has control over spending and what projects get funded….

Cut 12 (12)    “…put together” 

Pinsonat says the votes are likely there to overturn the governor’s veto on a bill to ban medical procedures to alter a child’s sex and possibly a couple of the other anti-LGBTQ bills.

______________________________________________________________________

Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto says the suspect in a deadly double shooting at a shipyard in Harvey is dead after a shootout with authorities. Lopinto says a man who was recently fired from FMT Shipyard returned on Monday and killed two of his former-coworkers. The sheriff says they tracked the gunman down at St. Germaine apartments…

Cut 13 (10) “…pronounced dead” 

Lopinto the gunman was fired last week and he returned on Monday to kill his former co-workers who were part of a grass-cutting crew…

Cut 14 (14)  “…answer”

The Jefferson Parish coroner’s office has identified the two men killed at the shipyard as 48-year-old Nakie James Brown and 20-year-old Dustin Parrie Junior. Both of Harvey.

______________________________________________________________________

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

Cut 15 (15)  “…make plays.”

Kelly says Daniels will have to get better because back-up Garrett Nussmeier is getting better every single day as well…

Cut 16 (14) “..move forward”

Daniels is one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy, but the senior is more focused on victories than trophies…

Cut 17 (14) “…with it”

The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate announced its official launch today. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Kace Kieschnick” 

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LSU Coach Brian Kelly likes the direction of his football program as he gets ready to begin his second year as head coach of the Tigers. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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

Cut 3 (11) “….that mission” 

The launch brings a suite of digital news products for the area powered by a team of local journalists. The team now features seven journalists who have begun coverage earlier than expected following thunderstorms that knocked out electricity in Northwestern Louisiana. Terzotis says the goal is a team of ten journalists located in the heart of Shreveport…

Cut 4 (12)  “…community foundation” 

The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate is partnering with the Community Foundation of North Louisiana to help provide a robust news report. With a goal of 1.5 million dollars, the community has already helped contribute over $460,000 in the last four months. Terzotis says this new financial model is proven and will go straight to journalists…

Cut 5 (14)  “…to hire journalists.”

Readers can find local news at ShreveportBossierAdvocate.com

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

Cut 6 (12)  “…data for.” 

In 2021, there were over one thousand alcohol-related crashes that injured at least one person and nearly two hundred fatal crashes involving alcohol on Louisiana’s rural roads, according to the Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety. Fischer says this initiative brings attention to topics that will save lives…

Cut 7 (13)  “…about awareness.” 

Fisher encourages motorists to do their part in promoting safe driving habits. He says everyone has a role to play in keeping the highways safe….

Cut 8 (11)  “…cars and trucks.” 

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

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Candidates running for statewide office this fall must submit updated campaign finance reports to the state Ethics Board today. Republican Jeff Landry is expected to report nine million dollars cash on hand. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says that’s a huge number for his opponents to try and keep up with…

Cut 9 (08)  “…for competitiveness.”

There are seven major candidates running for governor. Slidell Gubernatorial candidates, State Senator Sharon Hewitt and Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson reported less than $1 million during first quarter campaign reports. Stockley says this is an important benchmark for all the candidates…

Cut 10 (13)  “… competitive candidates.”

Stockley says former transportation secretary and lone Democrat Shawn Wilson reported less than $1 million dollars but could see a surge in donations over the upcoming months.

Cut 11 (07)  “…raise money.”

Qualifying for the governor’s race is from August 8th to the 10th. The primary is set for October 14th.

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LSU football Coach Brian Kelly is in Nashville today as SEC Football Media Days is underway. Kelly says after watching women’s basketball and baseball win national championships, he knows what’s expected from his team as he enters his second year as  head coach…

Cut 12 (09) “…court now” 

LSU won the SEC West last season, but were blown out in the SEC Championship game by Georgia, who went on to win its second consecutive national championship. Kelly says there’s still more work to be done in the area of recruiting before they have the same level of talent as Georgia…

Cut 13 (09) “…playing field.”

LSU ended last season with a 63-7 win over Purdue in the Citrus Bowl. Kelly liked what he saw from his starting quarterback Jayden Daniels on that day and wants to see more of it in 2023…

Cut  14 (11)  “..tight window throw”

A Louisiana actor says the walk-out by Hollywood entertainment workers will soon be felt by all of us. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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For the third straight year, lawmakers are returning for a veto override session tomorrow. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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With its $18.5 million investment to set up a manufacturing facility, SLB is bringing hundreds of jobs to the old General Motors Plant in Shreveport. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 3 (33)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Starting today, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has increased the daily limit for red snapper from three to four for private recreational and state-charter boat fishermen. LDWF fisheries biologist Jason Adriance says the increase is the result of a lower-than-expected harvest rate…

Cut 4 (10)  “…on weekends.”

Adriance says the new daily creel limit of four red snappers also applies to federal waters off Louisiana, except for federally permitted charter boats…

Cut 5 (11)   “…federal waters.”

Adriance says L-D-W-F is happy to relax the regulations and give fishing opportunities back to the public…

Cut 6 (09)  “…the freezer.”

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The Screen Actors Guild has gone on strike and, along with the already striking Screenwriters Guild, you can expect big delays before you see any new TV or movies. Jason Bayle is an actor, based in Baton Rouge, who says SAG’s strike is about helping those in the industry who cannot demand multi-million salary deals…:

Cut 7 (10) “…work in entertainment.”

Bayle says a major issue among SAG members is compensation for work shown on streaming services like Hulu, Prime, or Netflix. He says movies and conventional TV can track ratings, which are used as a basis for pay and residuals. He says streamers treat viewing information as data and generally do not share the info with actors or their agents…:

Cut 8 (12) “…any money in the business.’”

Bayle says streaming technology is just one potential problem for actors and creative people in being fairly paid. He says artificial intelligence (AI) will further erode performers’ rights to proper compensation, and needs to be headed off in strike negotiations. Bayle says, as fall arrives, the effects of the writers’ AND actors’ strikes will soon be felt…:

Cut 9 (08)  “…start to notice it.”

Bayle and others feel the strike and negotiations to resolve it, will take quite some time.

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The veto override session begins tomorrow, and lawmakers could potentially overturn the governor’s rejection of 25 bills. The driving force of the session is the veto of a measure that bans gender-affirming care for transgender minors. Chair of the House Republican Delegation and Erath Representative Blake Miguez….

Cut 10 (12) “…duck governor.”

Miguez believes the Republican super-majority will overturn the governor’s vetoes and predicts the vote will not be down party lines. It will take 70 votes in the House and 26 in the Senate to override a governor’s veto.

Shreveport Representative and Chair of the House Democratic Caucus Sam Jenkins says he’s not surprised about the session, and he believes the governor’s reasoning of why rejected more than two dozen bills is fair. Jenkins says many of the bills are government overreach…

Cut 11 (11)  “…these laws.”

Two other bills that some have deemed as anti-LGBTQ, including a don’t say gay bill have also been vetoed by Governor Edwards. Miguez goes a bit further in referring to the bill banning medical procedures on minors.

Cut 12 (06)    “…of children.” 

Jenkins says the bill to prohibit classroom discussion of gender identity and sexual orientation places an extra burden on teachers, and the other two bills restrict parental rights.

Cut 13 (10) “…people’s identity.” 

Lawmakers could also overturn three-line-item vetoes in state budget bills and legislation to phase out the state’s corporate income tax.

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Global technology company, SLB announces it will invest $18.5 million to convert the former General Motors Plant in Shreveport into a digital infrastructure manufacturing facility. Louisiana Economic Development says the company will create nearly 600 direct jobs over the next three years. Governor John Bel Edwards says this is a historic milestone for economic growth…

Cut 14 (12)  “…long time.”

The company plans to hire 200 people by the end of the year. According to Louisiana Economic Development, the project will result in an additional 700 indirect jobs. SLB Vice President of Industry Affairs of North America Bruce Miller says the company will participate in a solution-based workforce training program to meet employment targets…

Cut 15 (10)  “…we hire.”

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

Cut 16 (12) “..happening now.”

SLB expects renovations of the facility to be completed by early next year. Production is estimated to reach full capacity by the end of 2026.

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SEC Football Media Days begin today in Nashville. The LSU Tigers are one of three schools that will be featured today as Coach Brian Kelly and players Jayden Daniels, Josh Williams and Mekhi Wingo will speak with hundreds of reporters. Host of the Locked on LSU podcast, Caroline Fenton, says the expectations for the Tigers are much higher heading into the second year of the Brian Kelly era…

Cut 17 (26) “…this year”

LSU exceeded expectations last season, winning the SEC west, playing in the conference title game and winning ten games. So the expectation among fans is to win the SEC championship this year and play for a national title. Fenton says if LSU falls short of those goals, it doesn’t mean the program is taking a step back

Cut 18 (20) “…strides forward” 

Even Kelly said in an interview with the USA Today that with another year of recruiting, 2024 is a more realistic goal to win a national title.

Texas A-and-M and Missouri are the other two schools that will take the podium today. Fenton says the Aggies are an interesting team as Jimbo Fisher enters his sixth season as the head coach of the Aggies…

Cut 19 (24) “…look like” 

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

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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

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

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

Cut 3 (12) “….vote as well” 

Lawmakers had until midnight Thursday to cancel the veto session, but the votes fell short of a majority vote needed in either the House or Senate.

Schexnayder says the governor’s veto of a bill to ban gender affirming care of transgender minors has motivated Conservative lawmakers to hold a veto session for a third consecutive year…

Cut 4 (07)  “…canvassing bill” 

Representative Les Farnum’s bill would move voters to an inactive list if they have not voted in ten years and they would then be purged from the voter rolls if they do not correspond with the Secretary of State’s Office or fail to vote in two federal elections.

Twelve members in the Senate and 31 members in the House voted to cancel the veto override session. The Legislature will meet at noon on Tuesday and Schexnayder says it will take a two-thirds vote in the House and Senate to override any of the governor’s vetoes…

Cut 5 (11)  “…will get there.”

The veto override session is scheduled to take five days. The Legislature successfully overrode the governor’s veto of a new Congressional district map last year, but in 2021 legislators failed to override a veto of a bill that banned transgender athletes from playing girls sports.

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The small town of Melville in St. Landry Parish is in shock after a man used a machete to attack a priest. Police Chief Phillip Lucas says 58-year-old Johnny Neely of Melville is in custody after the alleged attack on a St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church priest Thursday night.

Cut 6 (12)  “…machete knife.” 

Lucas says the witness who was with Neely fled the scene and called 9-1-1. The priest is listed in critical condition following the attack and Neely faces second-degree attempted murder charges. Lucas says he could also be charged with a hate crime.

Cut 7 (07)  “…head today.” 

Lucas says Neely had been walking around town looking for work and that he has a history of being in and out of jail. Lucas says the investigation is ongoing and the machete attack has shaken the community.

Cut 8 (09)  “…in custody.” 

The priest is being treated for lacerations to his head and body. Neely is also charged with home invasion.

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Cancer patient advocates are thrilled that Governor Edwards has signed four bills into law aimed at getting folks facing cancer the treatments they need. Former state Rep. Julie Stokes is now with the Louisiana Oncology Society and the Survivors Cancer Action Network. She says the bills help assure care without un-needed exclusions and help keep covered treatments in pace with developing medical technologies…:

Cut 9 (08)  “…from last year.”

Biomarker testing allows doctors to gather more and better genetic information with which to formulate cancer treatments.

Stokes says another important bill signed into law by the Governor assures a patient’s right to speedy review and coverage…:

Cut 10 (10)  “…involves cancer.”

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

Another new law taking effect January 1st will offer you the choice to list yourself as a bone marrow donor on your driver’s license; which Stokes says is a now-painless procedure. And the last of the package of bills signed by Governor Edwards provides that health insurance must cover fertility preservation procedures for persons undergoing cancer treatment. Stokes says it’s an advancement for women and for prospective dads…:

Cut 11 (10)  “…and retrieve them.”

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The police chief in Grand Coteau has been arrested after authorities received a tip that Jeffrey Guilbeau was involved in the use and distribution of illegal drugs. St Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says they began surveillance and verified the information.

Cut 12 (05) “…been doing.” 

Guilbeau is charged with distribution, theft, obstruction of justice, and malfeasance in office.

The investigation revealed the drugs involved in the case had been previously seized by police in Grand Coteau. Guidroz says it’s bad enough that the small community has drug dealers…

Cut 13 (09) “…disheartening.”

The investigation is ongoing and Guidroz says other individuals along with more charges could be filed in the case. As for who’s leading the Grand Coteau Police in the meantime…

Cut  14 (11)  “…assistant chief.”

According to KATC-TV in Lafayette, last week Guilbeau turned in his resignation and the following day he withdrew it.