Days after a state judge blocked enforcement of the state’s abortion ban, Judge Donald Johnson has also denied a motion from Attorney General Jeff Landry to suspend the ruling while they pursue an appeal. So, in the meantime abortions can continue, Landry expects the issue will eventually be decided by the state supreme court.

When qualifying for fall elections was over last week, two U.S. House district races had no Democrat entered in the race. Kevin Gallagher looks at why…?

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”  

130-million dollars will be used from the America Rescue Plan to bring more affordable and accessible internet to over 66-thousand households and small businesses in 50 parishes. Director of the Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity Veneeth Iyengar says internet service providers will use this federal money to boost high-speed internet in rural areas….

Cut 12 (12) “…throughout the state”   

Two-thirds of motorists have been making significant changes in their driving habits to combat high gas prices, that’s according to a Triple-A survey. Spokesperson Don Redman says even though the statewide average for a gallon of regular gas has dropped to $3.92, the changes in driving habits will most likely continue.

Cut 4  (10) “…the winter.”

According to Triple-A close to two-thirds of motorists have made lifestyle changes due to prices at the pump…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Thorington.”

Raising Canes CEO Todd Graves has bought 50-thousand tickets for tonight’s massive Mega Millions drawing. Graves says if any of the tickets wins the big jackpot, he will split it evenly among his company’s employees. The jackpot is now roughly $810-million.

Qualifying for the fall federal midterm elections ended last week with no Democrat candidate in two congressional district races. Why? LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says District 4’s Mike Johnson was just re-elected, having drawn NO opponent; democrat or otherwise. In District 6, Garret Graves has two challengers; a republican and a libertarian. Hogan says those are both VERY conservative districts…:

CUT 06(07)      “…are very low.”

He says Johnson and Graves have also worked hard to assure constituents are happy with them. Hogan says the lack of well-known Democrats running this fall bodes ill for statewide eklections next fall.

…and now today’s markets…

Motorists have been making significant changes in their driving habits to combat high gas prices, that’s according to a AAA survey. Spokesman Don Redman says almost two-thirds of drivers are changing their driving routines and the top three behaviors they’ve altered are…:

CUT 03(10)      “…the economy.”

The statewide average price of regular gas $3.92; down 53-cents from a month ago.

$130-million in federal money has come to Louisiana to expand broadband access statewide. Coincidentally, the state is also piloting a program to improve the state’s digital literacy rate. Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Kim Hunter Reed says they hope to see a 50-percent increase within five years…:

CUT 10(08)      “…forward in Louisiana.

The FastStart incentive program at Louisiana Economic Development takes top honors for the 13^th time. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

Catahoula Parish deputies hope to identify the remains of a woman found last weekend by fishermen in Black River, near Jonesville. She is between 20 and 40 years of age, but due to advanced decomposition, the I.D. is hard. They ask if anyone thinks they can help identify the woman, call 318-744-5411; ask for Detective King.

Louisiana’s FastStart program at the Louisiana Economic Development office is the best in the nation according to the magazine Business Facilities. Executive Director of LED FastStart, Paul Helton says the incentive program provides recruitment, training, and workforce pipeline services for businesses at no cost in exchange for creating jobs in the Bayou State.

Cut 8 (11)  “…that company recruit.”

In addition to the $130 million Louisiana is receiving to expand broadband access in its first phase from the American Rescue Plan, the state is also piloting a program to improve the state’s digital literacy rate. Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Kim Hunter Reed says the pilot will start in five parishes.

Cut  11 (11)  “…the internet.” 

The next election for a Louisiana governor is a little over a year away and U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy is reportedly considering a run for the state’s highest office. His wife, Dr. Laura Cassidy was a guest on Jim Engster’s Talk Louisiana radio program, and she says it will be year’s end before Senator Cassidy announces his decision, and he’ll be weighing things heavily until then…:

Cut 15 (09)  “… best fits the ability.”

The multi-state Mega Millions lottery jackpot has grown to a near-record amount for tonight’s drawing. Louisiana Lottery spokesman Dustin Annison says it is the 3^rdlargest jackpot for Mega Millions and the 4^th largest in U.S. lottery history…:

Cut 4 (07)  “…that kind of money.”

You heard that right $810 million before taxes.

Have you bought your tickets yet? Tonight’s Mega Millions jackpot sits at an estimated $810 million dollars with a $470 million-dollar lump sum payout. Louisiana Lottery spokesman Dustin Annison has good advice for anyone who plays the Lottery; no matter which game…:
Cut 6 (09) “you can claim it”
If there is NO winner in tonight’s drawing, the Mega Million jackpot could easily grow to over a billion dollars.

The Louisiana Economic Development’s LED FastStart program, which helps businesses coming to or expanding in the state, is number one in the nation according to Business Facilities magazine. Director of LED FastStart, Paul Helton says FastStart also works with educational partners like the Louisiana Community and Technical College System…:
Cut 9 (03) “is needing”
In 2021, the program reported 6,000+ hours of training for 32 firms in the state.

The New Orleans City council’s Utility, Cable, Telecommunications and Technology Committee today will discuss placing a moratorium on power shutoffs by Entergy New Orleans until November 1st for delinquent customers struggling to pay skyrocketing summer bills. Residents throughout the state report having trouble paying their electricity bills this summer because they are so high.

Louisiana voters are starting too look at who they might be voting for governor with the race a little over a year away. Attorney General Jeff Landry, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, and State Treasurer John Schroder have all voiced plans to run for governor. As for US Senator Bill Cassidy, his wife Dr. Laura Cassidy says her husband is focused on the job he has at the moment…:
CUT 13 (11) “big things right now”
The comments were made on Jim Engster’s radio show, Talk Louisiana.

Have you seen the size of the jackpot for tonight’s Mega Millions drawing? Kevin Gallagher reports someone could be a multi-millionaire tomorrow morning…:
Cut 1 (34) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

Gas prices are staying in reverse. AAA says lower demand and lower oil prices keep sliding the price at the pump as the current statewide average stands at $3.92 which is down two cents overnight. We’re paying 52 cents less than this time last month.

With the next election for a Louisiana governor a little over a year away, many ask will U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy enter the race? Appearing on Jim Engster’s Talk Louisiana radio program, Cassidy’s wife, Dr. Laura Cassidy, says the senator’s work in Congress is his top priority…:
Cut 14 (07) “end of the year”
Attorney General Jeff Landry, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, and State Treasurer John Schroder have all voiced plans to run for governor.

Louisiana is getting $130 million to expand internet access for folks across the state, and now there is a program to improve digital literacy. Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Kim Hunter Reed…:
Cut 12 (07) “successfully”
She says they hope to increase the digital literacy rate by 50 percent in five years.

Louisiana’s FastStart program at the Louisiana Economic Development office is the best in the nation according to the magazine Business Facilities. Executive Director of LED FastStart, Paul Helton…:
Cut 7 (05) “in the list”
LED FastStart assists businesses moving into or expanding in Louisiana.

Tonight’s Mega Millions jackpot stands at a whopping $810 million dollars. Louisiana Lottery spokesman Dustin Annison says when winnings grow this high, there is always a big spike in ticket sales…:
Cut 5 (09) “three-point-five-million”
Raising Cane’s founder Todd Graves has reportedly bought 50,000 Mega Million’s tickets on behalf of his employees and plays to divvy up the money if he hits the jackpot.

In addition to providing broadband access to rural areas of the state, there’s now a pilot program to teach individuals how to best use the internet…:
Cut 3 (33) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

The state Department of Children and Family Services announces Pandemic EBT benefits will be issued from late summer into fall for eligible children in K-12 schools. DCFS received approval to expand the P-EBT program with each eligible child receiving $391 for June and July.

Not only will Louisiana be receiving $130 million dollars from the America Rescue Plan to bring more affordable and accessible internet, the state is also piloting a program to improve the state’s digital literacy rate. Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Kim Hunter Reed says they want to help people use the internet safely and successfully..:
CUT 10 (08) “forward in Louisiana”
She says it’s estimated 462,000 Louisianans lack basic digital literacy skills.

Holy Mega Millions Jackpot. Louisiana Lottery spokesman Dustin Annison says tonight’s drawing is the 3rd largest jackpot, and the 4th largest in U.S. lottery history…:
Cut 4 (07) “that kind of money”
The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 303 million.

The FastStart incentive program at Louisiana Economic Development takes top honors for the 13th time. Brooke Thorington has more…:
Cut 2 (32) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

With today’s check on gas prices, AAA reports the statewide average for a gallon of regular fell another two cents overnight to $3.92. That’s down 14 cents over last week.

Have you seen the size of the jackpot for tonight’s megaMillion drawing? Kevin Gallagher reports someone could be a multi-millionaire tomorrow morning…:

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

________________________________________________

The FastStart incentive program at Louisiana Economic Development takes top honors for the 13^th time. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

________________________________________________

In to providing broadband access to rural areas of the state, now there’s a pilot program to teach individuals how to best use the internet. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

___________________________________________________

The multi-state Mega Millions lottery jackpot has grown to a near-record amount for tonight’s drawing. Louisiana Lottery spokesman Dustin Annison says it is the 3^rdlargest jackpot for Mega Millions and the 4^th largest in U.S. lottery history…:

Cut 4 (07)  “…that kind of money.”

A single Mega Million winner tonight will rake in $810 million before taxes. Annison says that the jackpot has been building since late April. He says, when winnings grow this high, there is always a big spike in ticket sales…:

Cut 5 (09) “…three-point-five-million.”

Annison says a winner could also select a lump sum of $470-million (minus taxes). He has good advice for anyone who plays the Lottery; no matter which game…:

Cut 6 (09)  “…you can claim it.”

If there is NO winner in tonight’s drawing, the Mega Million jackpot could easily grow to over a billion dollars.

_______________________________________________

Louisiana’s FastStart program at the Louisiana Economic Development office is the best in the nation according to the magazine Business Facilities. Executive Director of LED FastStart, Paul Helton says the program which assists businesses moving into or expanding in Louisiana, has quite a history of assisting with workforce development.

Cut 7 (05) “…in the list.”

Louisiana’s workforce program has dominated the Business Facilities ranking for 13 years. Helton says the FastStart incentive program provides recruitment, training, and workforce pipeline services for businesses at no cost in exchange for creating jobs in the Bayou State.

Cut 8 (11)  “…that company recruit.”

Helton says FastStart then also has job postings on their website and in some cases, they hold job fairs. And to ensure these companies have trained workers in the future, FastStart works with educational partners like the Louisiana Community and Technical College System also.

Cut 9 (03)  “…is needing.”

Business Facilities will reveal the state’s other 2022 Top 10 rankings later this week.

________________________________________________

In addition to the $130 million Louisiana is receiving to expand broadband access in its first phase from the American Rescue Plan, the state is also piloting a program to improve the state’s digital literacy rate. Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Kim Hunter Reed says they hope to increase the digital literacy rate by 50 percent in five years.

Cut 10 (08) “…forward in Louisiana.”

Reed says they want to be sure that those who will soon have access to the internet know how to best use it safely and successfully The pilot will start in five parishes.

Cut  11 (11)  “…the internet.” 

Reed says providing affordable access to close the digital divide is only part of the equation for broadband success.

Cut 12 (07) “…successfully.” 

Each pilot site will receive $20,000 to assess its community’s need for digital literacy and provide instructional opportunities over a 12-month period.

_________________________________________________

With the next election for a Louisiana governor a little over a year away, many ask will U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy enter the race? Appearing on Jim Engster’s Talk Louisiana radio program, Cassidy’s wife, Dr. Laura Cassidy, says the senator is more focused on the job he has at the moment…:

Cut 13 (11) “…big things right now.”

Attorney General Jeff Landry, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, and State Treasurer John Schroder have all voiced plans to run for governor. Senator Cassidy has expressed interest but remained non-committal. Dr. Cassidy says her spouse’s work in Congress takes priority, and any announcement he may make is still months off…:

Cut 14 (07)  “…end of the year.”

Dr. Cassidy says it will be year’s end before Senator Cassidy announces his decision, and he’ll be weighing things heavily until then…:

Cut 15 (09)  “… best fits the ability.”

_______________________________________________

The Saints veterans report for training camp today and one of the big issues surrounding the team is health. New Orleans went through a rash of injuries last season including a season-ending injury to starting quarterback Jameis Winston. Saints analyst Mike Detillier says the team also suffered through numerous injuries on the offensive and defensive lines…

Cut 16 (13)  “…incurred”

A dark cloud hanging over the team is a potential suspension for running back Alvin Kamara, who is facing a felony battery charge in Las Vegas. Kamara’s next court hearing is August 1st and Detillier says NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell doesn’t hand down discipline until a legal judgment is made…

Cut 17 (12) “…2023.” 

The Saints had one of the top defenses in the NFL last season, allowing 20 points a game, which was fourth best in the league. They were also really good against the run, holding teams to 94 yards on the ground. Detillier says the Black and Gold should be good on defense again this season…

Cut 18 (13) “ …stay healthy.” 

Detillier says the Saints should also be improved at wide receiver, especially if Michael Thomas is healthy after missing all of last season because of ankle injuries…

Cut 19 (19) _“…the team.” 

__________________________________________________________________________________

Cut 20 (12) “ …in high school” 

District 4 Congressman Mike Johnson wins another term unopposed. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”  

According to Triple-A, the statewide average for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana drops to $3.94. That’s down ten cents from a week ago and 52 cents from a month ago. The nationwide average for a gallon of regular gas is $4.36.

Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory announces that he has voluntarily checked himself into an in-patient rehabilitation facility for 21 days. The military vet entered treatment for alcohol and post-traumatic stress disorder. K-L-A-F and K-A-D-N TV news anchor Jeff Horchak says this is Guillory’s first job in politics…:

Cut 4  (12) “…was an issue”

Arrangements have been made for him to remain in contact with city leaders while in treatment.

To date 25 cases of monkeypox have been reported in Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards says they want to educate residents and visitors about monkeypox especially ahead of Southern Decadence in New Orleans Labor Day weekend.

Cut 7 (13) “…disease.”