Qualifying for the statewide election begins next week and are voters paying attention to the races that are developing for governor and the other open statewide seats, attorney general, state treasurer, and secretary of state. JMC Analytics and Polling pollster John Couvillon doubts we’ll see the same interest as we did in 1983 when 53-percent of the registered voters went to the polls for the Edwin Edwards-Dave Treen gubernatorial race.
Cut 10 (10) “…people running.”.

Can any of the gubernatorial candidates do anything about the rising cost of insurance. Louisiana drivers who are covered by State Farm will see an increase.
cut 13 (12) “…not liability”
Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says 29 percent of motorists in Louisiana have State Farm coverage.

State Police is reporting a law enforcement officer was fatally shot in the Evangeline Parish town of Ville Platte last night. No word on which law enforcement agency this officer was working with. The only other information we have is that two people were shot, one them has critical injuries, the other an officer, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Louisiana Lottery reports record profits for the fiscal year 2023. Brooke Thorington has the winning numbers…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Louisiana Lottery reports record profits for the fiscal year 2023. Brooke Thorington has the winning numbers…

Cut 1 (30)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Qualifying for the statewide elections is next week, but are voters paying attention to the developing races? Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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If you’re a State Farm auto policyholder get ready for a rate increase. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The heat is keeping many of us inside in the air conditioning, but livestock do not have that option. Doctor Pat Bagley, director of the Beef Cattle Research Center at Southern, says this type of heat is not good as it slows down reproduction…

Cut 4 (09)  “…this small.”

Bagley says fewer cattle will result in a decline in supply, which means higher prices for consumers at the grocery store. He says livestock cattle producers are doing what they can and that includes making sure the cattle have plenty of salt because they are losing a lot of salt during the sweat process…

Cut 5 (12)   “…sweat out”

Cattle farmers try to sell their calves once they’ve reached 600 pounds, but that’s more difficult when it’s hot because cows don’t eat as much when it’s hot…

Cut 6 (08)  “…breeding as well.”

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The Louisiana Lottery finishes the fiscal year with the highest revenue in the state’s history. Lottery spokesperson Kimberly Chopin says the lottery made over $653 million for the fiscal year 2023.

Cut 7 (10) “…year ever.”

Chopin says that’s an increase of over $20 million from last year.

Cut 8 (07) “…about that.”

Chopin credits record-setting Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots as the driving force behind increased revenues as more Louisianans played in hopes of cashing in the big prize. She says the introduction of the $20 scratch-off has also increased their revenue.

Cut 9 (11)  “…experiences”

Since the lottery began operations in 1991 more than $12.9 billion has been generated in revenue for Louisiana.

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Qualifying for the statewide races begins next week and are voters paying attention to the races that are developing for governor and the other open statewide seats, attorney general, state treasurer, and secretary of state.  JMC Analytics and Polling pollster  John Couvillon doubts we’ll see the same interest in 1983 when 53-percent of the registered voters went to the polls for the Edwin Edwards-Dave Treen gubernatorial race.

Cut 10 (10) “…people running.”

Couvillon says there’s not a lot of clapping and cheering for the governor’s race where Attorney General Jeff Landry is the front runner and one of five Republicans running for office. Typically there’s a 45 to 50 percent turnout for a gubernatorial election. He says the numbers are currently at the lower end of that spectrum…

Cut 11 (10)  “…major office.”

Couvillon expects interest will grow as we get closer to the October 14th primary.

Cut 12 (10)   “…statewide elections” 

Early voting is scheduled from September 30th through October 7th. The primary election is set for October 14th.

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Louisiana drivers insured by State Farm are about to see sticker shock on their premiums. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says 29 percent of motorists in Louisiana have State Farm coverage.

Cut 13 (12) “…not liability.” 

Donelon says it’s a significant surge driven primarily by an increase in cost in the years since they took a rate increase with collision and comprehensive coverage of any significance.

Cut 14 (11)  “…problems.” 

The commissioner says he’s unhappy to impose additional costs to State Farm policyholders. When asked if he believes other auto insurers will increase their premiums also…

Cut 15 (04)  “…be the case.”

In 2020, State Farm lowered rates by almost ten percent and rates increased in 2021 by four percent. Donelon suggests auto policyholder price compare rates and coverage.

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Saints running back, Alvin Kamara, who faces a possible suspension from the NFL for his role in a fight outside of a Las Vegas nightclub in 2022 plans to meet with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Kamara pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge and head coach Dennis Allen says Kamara is looking forward to telling his side of the story…

Cut 16 (16) “..this season”

So far through training camp, cornerback Marshon Lattimore has looked really good after missing ten games last season as a result of an abdomen injury. Allen says Lattimore is putting in the work…

Cut 17 (18) “…good to see.”

Saints first-round draft pick Bryan Bresee is going through his first NFL camp. The defensive tackle of Clemson says he’s working on footwork and hand placement…

Cut 18 (14) “…long way.” 

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Cut 19 (19) “…national TV.” 

Cut 20 (21)  “…outstanding player.”  

US Senator Bill Cassidy is the latest Republican to announce his support of Attorney General Jeff Landry for governor. Cassidy says Landry, like himself, is fighting to make flood insurance more affordable.
Cut 5 (11) “…paying jobs.”
Qualifying for the October 14th primary election is next week.

Can any of the gubernatorial candidates do anything about the rising cost of insurance in general. Louisiana drivers insured by State Farm are about to see sticker shock on their premiums….
cut 13 (12) “…not liability”
State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says 29 percent of motorists in Louisiana have State Farm coverage.

Despite a drop in demand, gas prices rose during July to a statewide average of $3.36 a gallon for regular gasoline, which is almost 30-cents higher than a month ago. AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says the supply of gasoline has decreased and the hot weather is partly to blame…
cut 9 (12) “…the heat”

The heat is keeping many of us inside in the air conditioning, but livestock do not have that option. Doctor Pat Bagley, director of the Beef Cattle Research Center at Southern, says this type of heat is not good as it slows down reproduction…
Cut 4 (09) “…this small.”
Bagley says fewer cattle will result in a decline in supply, which means higher prices for consumers at the grocery store.

US Senator Bill Cassidy officially endorses Attorney General Jeff Landry for Governor. Landry is the perceived front-runner in the race and is one of five Republicans who’ve declared their intent to run. Cassidy issued his support this morning.
Cut 3 (08) “…of the state.”
University of Louisiana at Monroe political science professor Pearson Cross believes other Republicans will follow suit and begin to announce their support of Landry.
Cut 4 (12) “…unchecked.”
The other Republicans in the race are Sharon Hewitt, Richard Nelson, John Schroder and Stephen Waguespack. Independent Hunter Lundy is also in the race and Governor Edwards has endorsed the lone major Democrat Shawn Wilson. Qualifying is next week.

Just an extremely hot day across Louisiana with high temperatures near 100-degrees. Expect extremely hot temperatures every day this week and Aaron Day at the National Weather Service in Shreveport says there’s little chance for rain…
cut 12 (11) “….and thunderstorms”

The City of Minden will soon be without power as a citywide blackout is planned to repair damage to an Entergy substation due to an early morning fire Sunday. Mayor Nick Cox says there was major damage to the transformer that connects to the power grid…
Cut 13 (12) “…on fire.”
Entergy and AEP are currently are working on a timeline for the controlled outage.

Attorney General Jeff Landry, the front-runner in the 2023 governor’s race, has received the endorsement of U-S Senator Bill Cassidy. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says the momentum continues to grow for Landry….
cut 6 (09) “…fundraising”
Meanwhile the other candidates in the race are taking shots at Landry. Sharon Hewitt, says Landry is Louisiana’s top law enforcement official, but yet crime has increased the last eight years.

The city of Minden is bracing for the loss of power after an Entergy substation caught on fire Sunday and in order for repairs to be done, the electricity has to be shut off. Minden Mayor Nick Cox…
cut 15 (09) “….we’re ready”
Cox says they do not know when the power outage will occur or how long it will last.

Gas prices are on the rise again with the average price for a gallon of regular gas statewide at $3.36 up by fifteen cents compared to last week. Teiko Foxx explains…
Cut 2 (32) “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Plastic fabrication company, Ampacet Corporation will close its production plant in DeRidder early next year. 65 workers will lose their jobs. The Louisiana Workforce Commission says the first round of layoffs will take place the last full week of August.

US Senator Bill Cassidy is the latest Republican to announce his support of Attorney General Jeff Landry for governor. Cassidy says Landry, like himself, is fighting to make flood insurance more affordable.

Cut 5 (11)  “…paying jobs.”

Qualifying for the October 14^th primary election is next week.

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gas is $3.36. Triple A fuel analyst Don Redman says an increase in crude oil prices is to blame. He says oil-producing countries recently agreed to hold back production on crude and its driving prices.

Cut 8 (11)  “…the market.” 

But it’s an improvement from this time last year when the average was $3.89 a gallon.

And the heat goes on, the majority of the state is under an excessive heat warning today. National Weather Service meteorologist Aaron Davis says they are evaluating if an advisory should be necessary for Tuesday and sadly it doesn’t look like we’ll see relief anytime soon.

Cut 11 (08)  “…into the weekend.”

And the heat is not welcome news for Miden because they’ll have a citywide blackout so repairs to an Entergy substation can be performed. Mayor Nick Cox advises residents to look out for official communications through social media and local radio for updates…

Cut  14 (12)  “…to us.”

Repairs are needed after the substation was caught on fire Sunday.

US Senator Bill Cassidy is the latest Republican to back Jeff Landry in the governor’s race. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

With tomorrow being August first, several new laws will go into effect, including Act 436 which limits what books minors can check out of public libraries. The legislation requires libraries to adopt a policy that prevents children from getting access to sexually explicit material at the library.

An excessive heat warning is in effect for north and southeast Louisiana, which means heat index values above 110-degrees. Expect extremely hot temperatures every day this week and Aaron Day at the National Weather Service in Shreveport says there’s little chance for rain…
cut 12 (11) “….and thunderstorms”

The City of Minden will soon be without power as a citywide blackout is planned to repair damage to an Entergy substation due to an early morning fire Sunday. Mayor Nick Cox says there was major damage to the transformer that connects to the power grid…
Cut 13 (12) “…on fire.”
Entergy and AEP currently are working to plan a timeline for the controlled outage.

US Senator Bill Cassidy officially endorses Attorney General Jeff Landry for Governor. University of Louisiana Monroe political science professor Pearson Cross believes it’s only the beginning and other Republicans will follow suit and begin to announce their support of Landry.

Cut 4 (12)  “…unchecked.” 

Qualifying for the October 14^th primary is from August 10^th through the 12^th.

The National Weather Service issues an excessive heat warning for most of north and southeast Louisiana. The warning is in effect until 7:00 PM in southeast Louisiana until 8 o’clock tonight for north Louisiana. Meteorologist Aaron Davis says residents within the warning area will experience downright oppressive temperatures…

Cut 10 (10)  “…some areas.”

Gas prices are on the rise again with the average price for a gallon of regular gas statewide at $3.36 up by fifteen cents compared to last week.

Cut 2 (32)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”  

US Senator Bill Cassidy officially endorses Attorney General Jeff Landry for Governor. Landry is the perceived front-runner in the race and is one of five Republicans who’ve declared their intent to run. Cassidy issued his support this morning.

Cut 3 (09) “…of the state.” 

Cassidy says Landry also supports coastal restoration, green energy, and better access to mental health services.

And speaking of elections, Have you received a text message from a candidate running for office this fall? This is becoming more and more common and LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says it’s an easy way to get your name out there:

Cut 13 (11) “…name recognition”
The FCC says political text messages can be sent without permission as long as the sender does not use auto-dialing technology.

Despite a decrease in demand, the cost of gasoline in the Bayou State jumped up fifteen cents since last week. Today’s statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.36 according to AAA. Fuel analyst Don Redman says supply is pushing prices higher.

Cut 7 (11)  “…weakening supply.” 

Redman says prices for crude were at 67 dollars a barrel last month.

Construction for a new warehouse for Second Harvest Food Bank in Houma will get underway in August. President of the food bank Natalie Jayroe says after Katrina they opened a facility in Lafayette, and they hope to have a total of four after the expansion.

Cut 11 (09)  “…resilient hubs.”

Second Harvest serves the southern half of the state.

The state is offering twelve months of free LifeLock credit monitoring to millions of Louisianans who had their personal information leaked in a cyber data breach last month. But Leesville Republican Representative Chuck Owen is calling for more transparency…

Cut 4 (09)  “…the administration.”

For more information about the data breach, you can visit nextsteps.la.gov.

Louisiana Housing Corporation is expanding the 2023 Blue Tarp Fund Roofing Repair Program waitlist to additional applicants who have roof damage that may qualify to receive a new roof. LHC Executive Director Joshua Hollins says certain applicants will be placed at the top of the list…

Cut 8 (06) “…the home.”

Homeowners can apply at lhc.la.gov/bluetarp.

If you’ve been receiving text messages from gubernatorial candidates, you’re not alone. Sharon Hewitt, Stephen Waguespack, and other gubernatorial candidates are using text messages to reach out to supporters. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says that could make some voters angry and possibly backfire…

Cut 15 (11)  “…from campaigns.”

The FCC says political text messages can be sent without permission as long as the sender does not use auto-dialing technology.

Second Harvest Food Bank will begin building a new 17,000-square-foot warehouse in Houma in August. The new facility will allow the agency to better service Terrebonne, Lafourche, and St. Mary parishes, as well as Grand Isle. Second Harvest President Natali Jayroe the hubs, they’ll be outfitted for local farmers and also house emergency workers…

Cut 12 (08)   “…neighbors”