Qualifying is underway for candidates running in Louisiana’s November election. U-S Senator John Kennedy was one of the first candidates to sign-up at the Secretary of State’s Office in Baton Rouge. Kennedy has a huge fundraising advantage over his opponents…
cut 4 (09) “…message out”
At this moment it looks his main Democratic challengers are Gary Chambers, Luke Mixon and Syrita Steib.

Candidates running for Louisiana’s six U-S House seats can also sign up between now and Friday afternoon. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the rest of the country will see heated mid-term elections, but not here as none of the seats are expected to change political parties….
cut 9 (10) “…control of the House”

Not only does qualifying begin today for Louisiana’s federal elections, but the November eighth ballot also features several hotly contested local races. Mayoral incumbents in Shreveport and Alexandria are facing significant challengers. LA-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says there are other races to watch….
cut 12 (12) “…lot going on”

BASF is committing 780-million dollars to complete a chemical plant expansion in Geismar, which is located in Ascension Parish. BASF Senior VP and plant manager Jeremy Lebold says the investment will help them retain over one-thousand existing employees and create nearly 40 direct jobs…
cut 14 (13) “…a billion dollars”
Lebold says the expansion should be complete in 2025.

Qualifying for the U-S Senate race got underway this morning and the first one to sign up, Republican Incumbent John Kennedy. Kennedy is finishing up his first term and believes his voting record represents the values of Louisiana…
cut 3 (07) “….116th Congress”
Kennedy’s three main Democratic challengers are also qualifying this morning. Gary Chambers, Luke Mixon and Syrita Steib. Kennedy would not commit to debating them before the November 8th primary.

Big economic news in the capital city area as BASF commits 780-million dollars to expanding its chemical plant in Geismar, which is located in Ascension Parish. BASF VP and plant manager Jeremy Lebold says they will retain more than one-thousand high-paying jobs…
cut 15 (12) “…for one another”

After multiple escapes from the Bridge City Center for Youth in Jefferson Parish, the governor announces that some inmates will be transferred to Angola…
Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Governor Edwards is set to hold a press conference at 11 AM to announce a statewide highway safety plan. Edwards will be joined by state transportation secretary Shawn Wilson, State Police Colonel Lamar Davis and Highway Safety Commission Executive Director Lisa Freeman.

After numerous escapes from the Bridge City Center for Youth, some of the inmates will be moved to Angola. Governor John Bel Edwards the Bridge City building is outdated and not properly equipped to serve as a youth facility and more security personnel will be provided in addition to the increase that was added last month. He says Office of Juvenile Justice will continue to oversee operations and while the situation is not ideal…:

CUT 06(12)      “…the community.”

Qualifying for the fall federal elections starts today, but politicos expect we’ll see no hotly contested races this year. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Senator John Kennedy seeks another six years, but has 3 announced challengers…:

CUT 08(10)      “…in a red state.”

He says all incumbents are pretty likely to win re-election.

The man convicted in 2019 of murdering State Trooper Steven Vincent back in 2015 receives a death sentence. A Calcasieu Parish jury returned the unanimous decision last night. Kevin Daigle shot Trooper Vincent in the face, when the officer stopped to offer him roadside assistance.

While today is first day for candidates to qualify for statewide office on the November ballot, there are also several key local races that are heating up.  “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says incumbent Alexandria Mayor Jeff Hall recently said he’ll run for re-election, but he’ll be challenged by the previous mayor…:

CUT 11(05)      “…this week.”

Alford says watch the Shreveport mayoral race as well; where incumbent Adrian Perkins face a challenger from state Senator Greg Tarver. There are also several judgeships up for grabs in the fall elections.

At the Secretary of State’s office in Baton Rouge today, qualifying begins for the fall federal midterm elections. All six Louisiana congressional delegates will sign up to run for another term, and most all will have at least one challenger. Senator John Kennedy will also qualify. He has three declared Democrat challengers so far.

In addition to statewide races there are plenty of key local races with the potential to heat up. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 03(35)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

After a fourth violent escape from the troubled Bridge City Center for Youth in Jefferson Parish last weekend, Governor John Bel Edwards orders the most violent inmates sent to Angola. He says they’ll be kept separate from the adult population. Edwards says, after everything that has happened, it’s clear the Bridge City campus cannot continue to operate as it has…:

CUT 05(08)      “…an option.”

An initial review shows that there were numerous deficiencies and failures that contributed to the escape.

A Baton Rouge judge has extended his hold on the state’s abortion ban law from taking effect until July 29^th. 19^th JDC Judge Don Johnson says he’ll render his decision then. Until that time, abortion clinics may remain open.

Attorney General Jeff Landry has asked the state Bond Commission to withhold all state funding to the City of New Orleans, after the Mayor and criminal sheriff vowed NOT to enforce the abortion law. Landry’s request has not been answered as yet.

Qualifying for the fall federal midterm elections begins today. Jeff Palermo takes a look at what we might see…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

The man convicted in 2019 of murdering State Trooper Steven Vincent back in 2015 receives a death sentence. A Calcasieu Parish jury returned the unanimous decision last night. Kevin Daigle shot Trooper Vincent in the face, when the officer stopped to offer him roadside assistance.

After numerous escapes from the Bridge City Center for Youth, some of the inmates will be moved to Angola. Governor John Bel Edwards made the announcement Tuesday after a weekend in which six inmates escaped from the Jefferson Parish facility…:

CUT 04(12)      “…adult inmates.”

An initial review shows that there were numerous deficiencies and failures that contributed to the escape of six juveniles. Edwards is calling for an investigation into the OJJ.

While today is first day for candidates to qualify for statewide office on the November ballot, there are also several key local races that are heating up.  “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins will be challenged by State Senator Greg Tarver who announced his candidacy from his family funeral home…:

CUT 10(08)      “…in a casket.”

After multiple escapes from the Bridge City Center for Youth, the governor announces an investigation of the Office of Juvenile Justice…:

CUT 01(35)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

A Shreveport man is in jail; charged with a hate crime and planning an arson, after planning to (quote) “blow up” a Shreveport courthouse and kill Black people. 41-year-old Patrick Duffy’s plan was reported by an acquaintance. His bond is set at $100-thousand.

Qualifying for the fall federal midterm elections begins today, at the Secretary of State’s Office in Baton Rouge. Candidates for the state’s six congressional seats, plus one U.S. Senate race, are expected to qualify over the next three days. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says five of six congressional races should be shoe-ins for the incumbents. But in District 3, Clay Higgins has an announced Republican challenger. Pinsonat says that race could become interesting…:

CUT 07(10)      “get re-elected.”

Pinsonat says he expects all incumbents will have a challenger of some kind, but doubts any will have the money or support to win this fall.

Chemical giant BASF announces a $780-million project that will double production capacity at its plant in Geismar, in Ascension Parish. BASF Senior VP and plant manager Jeremy Lebold says, when complete they will produce 600-thousands metric TONs of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (or MDI) annually…:

CUT 13(13)      “..every single day”

He says jobs created will have a starting pay of $85-k or more. The expansion will help retain over a thousand jobs.

This afternoon Governor Edwards announced that some juvenile prisoners will be moved to Angola, due to multiple escapes at the Bridge City Center for Youth. The juveniles will be housed in a “secure, independent housing unit” once used as a reception center at Angola.

Lafayette prosecutor Holden Hoggatt announces he will challenge Third District Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Due to inflation more people are counting their pennies to make back-to-school purchases. Katherine Cullen, with the National Retail Federation says some are even starting early and many are forgoing vacations because back-to-school purchases are a necessity.

Cut 14 (06)  “…to be replaced.” 

Louisiana ranks at the top for the most to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as FAFSA, for the Class of ‘22. Chief Operating Officer for the Louisiana Department of Education Ken Bradford says 67-percent of high school seniors completed their FAFSA application. And he’s already encouraging the next round of seniors.

Cut 11 (09)  “…start planning.”

According to National College Access Network 84% of high school seniors who complete a FAFSA are more likely to enroll in post-secondary education.

On the eve of qualifying for the federal elections, Lafayette prosecutor Holden Hoggatt has announced he will challenge Third District Congressman Clay Higgins. Both men are Republicans.”LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says Higgins seeks a 4^th term in office, and has his party’s endorsement, but Hoggatt could present a challenge that Higgins must take seriously…:

CUT 07(12)      “…this time.”

Qualifying for fall elections starts tomorrow in Baton Rouge.

A Baton Rouge judge has again extended his order blocking the state’s abortion law from taking effect, meaning clinics can remain open for now. Judge Don Johnson says he will make his ruling in the case on July 29^th. Lawyers for the plaintiffs say the law is far too vague in language to be enforced. State Attorney General Jeff Landry says the law is crystal clear and should not be blocked.

With inflation continuing to rise, more people face having to cut back on spending in order to make needed back-to-school and college purchases. Katherine Cullen, with the National Retail Federation, says spending this year is expected to match or exceed 2021’s record high spending for the fall school term, but many have to pinch pennies to get it done. The NRF’s annual survey of back-to-school & college shopping shows more families will cut back on discretionary spending, buy only on-sale or off-brand items or even used items where possible. She says costs of most everything have been escalating over the past two years…:

CUT 13(07)      “…before the pandemic.”

She says vacations may be curtailed or even cancelled, because NOT making back-to-school purchases is really not an option.

A state-chartered bailout fund is seeking to borrow $600 million after seven Louisiana insurers went bust following 2021′s Hurricane Ida. The Louisiana Insurance Guaranty Association will seek approval of a bond sale this week. They’d recoup the money from surviving member insurers, but those insurers get a tax break for such assessment payments, meaning Louisiana taxpayers will ultimately foot the bill.

A Baton Rouge judge has again extended his order blocking the state’s abortion law from taking effect, meaning clinics can remain open for now. Judge Don Johnson says he will make his ruling in the case on July 29^th.

With inflation continuing to rise, more Louisianans face having to cut other spending in order to make needed back-to-school purchases. More from Brooke Thorington…:

CUT 02(34)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

Louisiana claims top ranking for the highest number of high school seniors who’ve completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as FAFSA. The Louisiana Department of Education’s Ken Bradford says he National College Access Network tracks applications in the U.S., and Louisiana has consistently been in the top two for the last five years. Bradford says FAFSA completion is also required for high school seniors in Louisiana to be considered for TOPS…:

CUT 10(10)      “…work studies, et cetera”

It looks like District 3 Congressman Clay Higgins has a challenger: Lafayette Republican prosecutor Holden Hoggatt. “LaPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says Hoggatt’s campaign resources are unclear right now, but Higgins has less than $300-k in his warchest…:’

CUT 08(10)      “whole lot of dough.”

Qualifying for the fall elections starts tomorrow in Baton Rouge.

There’s an Excessive Heat Warning for north Louisiana today. C.S. Ross with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says conditions outside will be dangerous from Shreveport to Monroe and northward…:

CUT 03(12)      “…hot today.”

Ross says try to remain indoors as much as possible.

With inflation continuing to rise, more Louisianans face having to cut back on spending in order to make needed back-to-school and college purchases. Katherine Cullen, with the National Retail Federation, says spending this year is expected to match or exceed 2021’s record high spending for the fall school term, but many have to pinch pennies to get it done…:

CUT 12  (05)        “…for the season.”

On the eve of qualifying for the federal elections, Lafayette prosecutor Holden Hoggatt has announced he will challenge Third District Congressman Clay Higgins. Both men are Republicans. “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says Hoggatt has never run for political office before…:

CUT 06(12)      “…back it up.”

Higgins has reported 258-thousand dollars on hand. Alford says that’s the lowest figure among Louisiana’s six incumbent members of Congress.

A Beauregard Parish man has been arrested for allegedly raping a minor. Beauregard deputies say Rusty Boudreaux faces multiple charges for multiple assaults on the victim. He is in jail with no bond.

After its fourth violent escape so far this year, critics are calling for the Bridge City Center for Youth, in Jefferson Parish, to be closed forever. Governor Edwards has called a 3 pm press conference and will address the juvenile jail’s issues.