A new law in effect since August 1^st creates a new State Capitol Security Police force. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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An investigation into the deaths of two people in Florida, linked to Louisiana oysters is underway. Local industry anxiously awaits results. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31) “….I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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State health officials are now updating detailed monkeypox data weekly. They’re also doing a hard push to get more vaccines from the federal government. Marsanne Golsby has the update.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

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A Tulane University expert on climate change policy and politics says the actual impact of the new inflation reduction act will depend on what happens much closer to home than in Washington DC.

Joshua Basseches (rhymes with passages) says the law is a major achievement for environmentalists, but that individual states have a lot of authority over how electricity is regulated.

Cut 4 (12)  “…Public Service Commission.”

Basseches says the new law has the potential to make renewable energy cheaper.  However, he says Entergy has made major investments in traditional energy plants that aren’t out of date yet and aren’t likely to be replaced by alternatives any time soon.

Cut 5 (05) “…becomes realized”

He says the new law relies on incentives rather than forcing drastic changes.

Cut 6 (10)  “…just the beginning.”

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A new law passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor will create a new Capitol Security Police agency. The bill was authored by Lafayette Senate President Page Cortez, who says a more consolidated approach to security has been discussed for years…:

Cut 7 (09) “…a lot of coordination.”

Currently, security in and around the Capitol is handled by the House and Senate sergeant of arms offices, Capitol Police, and by the Department of Public Safety. Cortez says those varying agencies don’t always communicate or coordinate well with each other…:

Cut 8 (09)  “…of all of that.”

The Capitol Security Police agency will begin taking form immediately; employing up to 24 officers and a chief, who’ll coordinate with his team and other agencies. The new agency will be funded out of the annual State Capitol operations budget. Cortez says the January 6^th Riot in Washington illustrated the need, but the concept for his bill is not new…:

Cut 9 (07)  “…Senator Robert Adley.”

Cortez says they plan to have the Capitol Security Police fully operational before the next legislative session next spring.

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The Louisiana Oyster industry made headlines this week after two deaths in Florida were linked to raw oysters from the Bayou State. Oyster Task Force Chairman Mitch Jurisich (ger ah sich) confirms the oysters involved were from Louisiana, and a thorough investigation is underway.

Cut 10 (10) “…our business.”

Jurisich says before anyone jumps to conclusions about Louisiana oysters, he wants to see what the investigation reveals and that food safety procedures were followed correctly.

Cut  11 (11)  “…properly.” 

The CDC says on average 80,000 people will get ill from eating raw oysters and about 100 will die as a result each year. Restaurants do have signs warning patrons of the risks of eating raw shellfish. Jurisich says individuals with immune disorders and those who are pregnant should avoid consuming raw oysters.

Cut 12 (10) “…facts together.” 

He expects more information to be released once the medical examiner’s report and cause of death are determined.

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State health officer Dr. Joe Kanter says while there are only 127 diagnosed cases of monkeypox in Louisiana, officials know more are out there. So they’re taking aggressive steps to warn people and to get more vaccines. He says ninety-five percent of the cases have been with men having sex with men.  Nearly sixty percent are among Black Louisianans.

Cut 13 (07) “…growing outbreak.”

He says other parts of the country with more cases are seeing them spread into other demographic groups.

Cut 14 (13)  “…spread of this outbreak”

Kanter says it should be easier to contain the Monkeypox outbreak than COVID because the treatment—smallpox vaccine—already exists, but it’s in short supply.

Cut 15 (11)  “…like Southern Decadence.”

People interested in receiving the vaccine can visit the Louisiana Department of Health website for more information. They can also call 211 to get their questions answered.

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One of the bigger position battles at LSU is for placekicker. LSU has been spoiled at this position with Cole Tracy and then All-American Cade York. Coach Brian Kelly says freshman Damian Ramos has been impressive, but there’s also sophomore Ezekeal Mata, Northwestern State grad transfer Trey Finison and freshman Nathan Dilbert….

Cut 16 (19)  “…field goals.”

Major Burns looks like he’ll be one of the starters at safety along with Jay Ward. Kelly says Burns is a high I-Q player…

Cut 17 (14) “…we do” 

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Saints will face Green Bay in preseason game number two tonight. Wide receiver Michael Thomas will not play as he gets ready to make his much-anticipated return for week one of the regular season. Thomas says he’s not all the way back before suffering that ankle injury in week one of the 2020 season…

Cut  18 (16)“…things show up.”

Thomas says he still has a lot of work to do…

 Cut 19 (16) “…practices.” 

Cut 20 (17) “ …like that.” 

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

Cut 9 (11)  “…democracy.”

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

Cut 10 (05) “..water board” 

Seven to six was the vote in favor of delaying the funding, which would not be made available until at least 2023. The money is for a new power station to improve the city’s pumping capability.

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

Cut 3 (11) “…got it today.” 

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

Cut 13 (06) “…next year.”

He says however the number is not significant.

Congressman Troy Carter says the new Inflation Reduction Act will help efforts to protect Louisiana’s sinking coastline….:

CUT 01(30)      “…Golsby.”

A Cameron Parish resident caught good cell phone video of a waterspout that formed near Johnson Bayou. No one was reported hurt by the twister. If you want to view the footage, you can see it at “kplctv.com”

To help with the ongoing teacher shortage, a new law allows retired Louisiana-certified teachers to return to the classroom, keep their retirement, and draw full pay. Louisiana Association of School Superintendents president Mike Faulk says if you’re a retired teacher and interested in possibly teaching again, call the Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana…:

CUT 15(07)      “…new legislation.”

There are about 2500 empty certified teacher positions in public schools statewide.

More than $36 million in state tax returns is due to be turned over to Unclaimed Property, but the Louisiana Department of Revenue says you can claim that money from them now. Spokesman Byron Henderson says watch your mailbox for a letter from LDR…:

CUT 07(09)      “…August 18^th.”

If you miss LDR’s deadline, you can still get your money via the Unclaimed Property website.

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

CUT 02(34)      “…Palermo.”

I-20 Westbound through Shreveport was closed for several hours this morning, while law enforcement investigated a shooting and car crash on the Red River I-20 Bridge. Police say the vehicle was riddled with bullet holes and the driver suffering a gunshot to the head. The victim is in critical condition. Cops are investigating.

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

CUT 06(11)      “…October 6^th deadline.”

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

Louisiana District 2 Congressman Troy Carter was the only member of the Louisiana delegation in DC to vote FOR the federal Inflation Reduction Act; now signed into law by President Biden. He says the package has huge amounts for investments in clean energy projects – especially in poor neighbors – and nearly $15-billion in grants for environmental monitoring. Carter says he personally fought hard for that money…:

CUT 05(14)      “…of the solution.”

The federal Inflation Reduction Act has been signed into law by President Biden, and only one Louisiana congressman voted for it. That’s District 2’s Troy Carter, who says the legislation has billions to promote green energy and reduce carbon emissions. He says the bill will lower energy costs, while minding the environment…:

CUT 04  (07)        “…this is it.”

The state’s Unclaimed Property fund is set to receive over $436-million state tax refunds, unless they’re claimed soon. Department of Revenue spokesman Byron Henderson says that can happen for a variety of reasons; like a change of address. He advises you get in touch with LDR to see in you have refund money before October. After that it goes to Unclaimed…:

CUT 08  (09)        “…personal property.

For those who’ve been nervous about getting COVID shots because of the novel nature of the Pfizer and Moderna formulas…you can now get Novavax COVID shots, which are a more conventional type of protein subunit vaccine.                The FDA has approved Novavax for person 18 and older. They’re available at LSU Health Shreveport, and soon will be most everywhere else.

To help with the ongoing teacher shortage, a new law allows retired Louisiana-certified teachers to return to the classroom, keep their retirement, and draw full pay.  President of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendent Mike Faulk says it affects teachers who retired from 2010 to June 30, 2020. He says the number who’ve elected to do that so far is not very high, and the response has been better in cities than in rural areas…:

CUT 14(08)      “…advantage of it.”

He says retired teachers interested should contact their retirement system.

The state Bond Commission has voted to delay a 39-million dollar future line of credit for the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board for a second time. Attorney General Jeff Landry wants city leaders to explain why they will not enforce the state’s new abortion ban. Seven to six was the vote in favor of delaying the funding, State senator like Jimmy Harris says Landry is playing politics with future financing that can help 384-thousand people…

Cut 11 (13)  “…your locals”

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

Cut 12 (09) “…of duty”  

The delay means funding would not be available at least until 2023.

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

Cut 3 (11) “…got it today.” 

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

Cut 13 (06) “…next year.”

Faulk says however the number is not significant.

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

Cut 9 (11)  “…democracy.”

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

Cut 10 (05) “..water board” 

Seven to six was the vote in favor of delaying the funding, which would not be made available until at least 2023.

More than $436 million in state tax returns is due to be turned over to Unclaimed Property, but the Louisiana Department of Revenue is urging the some 20 thousand individuals and businesses to contact them before the October 6^th deadline. LDR spokesperson Byron Henderson says be on the look out for a letter from LDR.

Cut 7 (09) “…August 18th.” 

As to why the tax returns have yet to be claimed, Henderson says there are a variety of reasons, for example, they’ve moved since their last return was filed.

More than $436 million in state tax returns is due to be turned over to Unclaimed Property, but the Louisiana Department of Revenue is urging the some 20-thousand individuals and businesses to contact them before October. LDR spokesperson Byron Henderson…

Cut 6 October 6^th deadline :11

Henderson says you’ll need to complete and return the LDR voucher in the Notice of Unclaimed Property letter dated August 18^th.

Governor John Bel Edwards says he will lobby the Legislature to include rape and incest exceptions to the state’s abortion ban. The governor believes there is enough bipartisan support to add these exceptions…

Cut 15 (06)  “…thing to do.”
Next year will be an election year for state lawmakers.

Federal, state, and local officials gathered this week for a ceremony observing the deepening of the Mississippi River’s navigation channel. The river is now 50 feet deep from the mouth of the river to the Port of New Orleans and onto the Huey P. Long Bridge. Big River Coalition director Sean Duffy says the first two ships to navigate at a 50-foot draft went down the river from New Orleans within the past 10 days…:

Cut 8 (08)  “…cargo will come.”

Duffy has been working to get the river deepened for about ten years and the $250-million project will continue.

A $21 million settlement has been reached with Brad Pitt and his Make it Right Foundation and the 105 homeowners who purchased houses from his foundation that were ill constructed after Katrina. Attorney Ron Austin says because the foundation has folded Global Green will fund the settlement.

Cut 12 (09) “…properly.” 

Governor Edwards signed a law this year that led to a ban on most abortions. But the pro-life Demcorat would like to see the Legislature next year add exceptions for rape and incest…
cut 14 (12) “…to answer it”
It remains to be seen if the mostly conservative Legislature will go along with the governor’s wishes.

For the first time in 75 years, endangered Kemp ridley sea turtle hatchlings have been spotted on Louisiana’s Chandeleur Islands located in eastern St. Bernard Parish. Todd Baker is project manager for the state’s coastal protection and restoration authority and he says it’s a huge deal…
Cut 4 (09) “turtle in the world”
Baker says restoring the evaporating islands becomes more of a priority now.

Officials gathered this week to observe the official opening of a deepened Mississippi River navigation channel. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 2 (32) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

An Associated Press report says two deaths in Florida have been linked to raw oysters from Louisiana. The Louisiana Department of Health says they have yet to receive any formal report from their colleagues in Florida. Eating raw oysters can produce a bacterial infection and people who have an immune disorder or a blood disorder should not eat protein products raw.

Governor John Bel Edwards says he will push the state legislature next year to include an exception for rape and incest to the state’s law that bans most abortions. Edwards made the comments during his monthly radio show…
cut 13 (06) “…..next year”
Edwards, a pro-life Democrat, signed a bill earlier this year that led to the closure of the state’s three abortion clinics.

Kemp’s ridley sea turtle nests have been discovered on Louisiana’s Chandeuleur Islands for the first time in 75 years. Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority project manager Todd Baker says prior to this discovery, nestings for this endangered species were found in Mexico, Texas and Florida…
cut 6 (12) “….to the population”

A $21 million settlement has been reached with Brad Pitt and his Make it Right Foundation which constructed eco-friendly homes after Katrina. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Entergy is no longer accepting applications for a one-time 150-dollar credit after receiving 17-thousand applications during a seven hour period yesterday. Entergy made four-point-four million dollars available to eligible customers based on their total income. The significant response shows many are struggling to pay their high power bills this year.