According to the Louisiana Department of Health, the number of patients in the hospital with COVID has increased by 139 over the last week to 678. L-D-H reported 35-hundred more new cases yesterday and State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says there are many more unreported because of positive cases confirmed through at-home tests
Cut 9 (08) “…being spread right now”
Kanter says this is Louisiana’s sixth COVID surge as the BA.4 and BA.5 variants are the dominant strains.

Qualifying for federal elections is next week as Republican John Kennedy is expected to sign up seeking a second term as a U-S Senator. But Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says there remains a lot of speculation Kennedy will run for governor next year…
cut 14 (10) “….decides to run”

Former Louisiana broadcaster, journalist and state lawmaker Ron Gomez has passed away. Kevin Gallagher has more on that…:
Cut 2 (34) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

As inflation surges to a 40-year high, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy lays the blame for that squarely on President Biden. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Former Louisiana broadcaster, journalist and state lawmaker Ron Gomez has passed away. Kevin Gallagher has more on that…:

Cut 2 (34) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Inflation has surged to a 40-year high of 9.1-percent over this time last year, and U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy lays the blame squarely on President Biden and Democrats in Congress. He says the run-up on prices began with the president signing executive orders to greatly slow domestic energy production; forcing energy prices up sharply…:

Cut 3 (09) “…across our country.”

Prices for groceries were up 12-percent over the year, with eggs up 33-percent, butter up 21-percent, milk up 16-percent, chicken up 18-percent and so on… Cassidy says the White House and Democrats in Congress are drafting another trillion-dollar spending plan they say will stimulate the economy, but feels that is a poorly conceived plan to push forward their progressive agenda for the country…:

Cut 4 (13)  “…could do both.”

Cassidy says now is not the time to pass another tax & spend plan that will result in Americans paying higher taxes. He says it’s a bad idea…:

Cut 5 (09) “…economic policies.”

Cassidy says allowing domestic energy to ramp-up again would help to alleviate the rising cost of motor fuels, and eventually everything else.

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Many Louisianans are mourning the death of former state lawmaker and former Natural Resources Secretary Ron Gomez, who passed away this week. Gomez served in the state legislature from 1980 through 1989, and headed up DNR under Governor Buddy Roemer. New Orleans political analyst Ron Faucheux (pronounce: FO-shay) served with Gomez at the State Capitol. He says Gomez was an excellent legislator…:

Cut 6 (11)  “…a lot of admiration.”

A 2019 Louisiana Political Hall of Fame inductee, Gomez led the way in repealing Louisiana’s old and outdated “blue laws”. Faucheux says Gomez also steered legislation that led to the building of the Cajundome on the UL-Lafayette campus…:

Cut 7 (09) “….legislative career.”

Born in Baton Rouge in 1934, Gomez was a U.S. Air Force veteran, a journalist and a radio station co-owner and broadcaster for many years. Later in life he authored the book, “My Name is Ron and I’m a Recovering Legislator” about his time at the Capitol and working with Governor Edwin Edwards. Faucheux says Gomez had tremendous “people skills”…:

Cut 8 (08)  “…public issues.”

Ron Gomez was 87 years old. Funeral arrangements are pending.

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According to the Louisiana Department of Health, the number of patients in the hospital with COVID has increased by 139 over the last week to 678. L-D-H reported 35-hundred more new cases yesterday and State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says there are many more that are going unreported because of positive cases confirmed through at-home tests

Cut 9 (08)  “…being spread right now”

Kanter says this is Louisiana’s sixth COVID surge as the BA.4 and BA.5 variants are now the dominant strains. He says, on average, symptoms from these variants are mild but that’s not absolute for people who are considered higher risk…

Cut 10 (12) “…extra precautions.”

The L-D-H COVID dashboard shows 64-percent of the individuals in the hospital are not fully vaccinated. Kanter says the vaccine remains one of the best tools in preventing serious illness from the virus…

Cut  11 (12)  “..so choose” 

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Qualifying for the fall U.S. House & Senate mid-term elections starts next week at the Secretary of State’s office in Baton Rouge, and U.S. Senator John Kennedy will surely be in that number. But will he be back a year from now to qualify to run for Governor? That’s the question posed to political analyst Bernie Pinsonat, who says do not expect Kennedy to offer any clues, one way or the other…:

Cut 12 (06) “…the Governor’s race.” 

Kennedy leads in fundraising for the 2022 election by a huge margin, and is considered to be a “shoe-in” for another 6-year term. But Pinsonat says he is one of many Louisiana politicians who may want to succeed John Bel Edwards as Governor…:

Cut 13 (11) “…Lt. Governor.”

Pinsonat says Kennedy is wisely keeping mum about any plans he may have for the 2023 gubernatorial race, but his immense popularity among a majority of Louisianans means he cannot be counted out of the Governor’s race, until he says he is out…:

Cut 14 (10)  “…decides to run.”

Pinsonat says Kennedy deciding against running for Governor 7 years ago – leaving David Vitter as the GOP main candidate – is part of what led to Governor Edwards winning the 2015 election.

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A Houma couple is charged with 1^st-degree murder, after a 2-year-old was found dead; stuffed into a trash can. In custody are 28-year-old Maya Jones and her boyfriend 37-year-old Jermaine Robinson; charged in the death of little Ezekiel Harry. Police say their story that the child was abducted never added up. Terrebonne D.A. John Waitz says this is potentially a death penalty case…:

CUT 11(12)      “…to me.”

In Acadia parish, an 8-year-old girl was killed when she was ejected from the vehicle in a crash on state Highway 91. State Police Trooper Tom Gossen says Macey Guidry was not wearing a seatbelt and was in the front seat; both violations of state law. He says, because of that, charges for the drive may be coming…:

CUT 07(13)      “…8-year-old was not.”

The state Department of Health reports another 3560 new cases of COVID-19; most the highly contagious BA-4 and BA-5 omicron variants. 678 patients are currently under hospital care statewide, and there have been another 12 COVID-related deaths.

The widow of Edwin Edwards spoke candidly about her new love, one year after the death of the former four-term governor. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

Police in Houma say a local woman and her boyfriend are facing first degree murder charges, after officers found the remains of her 2-year-old son in a trash can. Houma Police Chief Dana Coleman says the couple initially said the child was abducted, but evidence collected implicates them…:

CUT 09(12)      “…black duffel bag.”

Terrebonne Parish District Attorney Joseph Waitz says this is potentially a death penalty case.

State Police in Troop I report a child riding without proper restraints was killed Monday in a single-vehicle crash on state Highway 91 in Acadia Parish. Trooper First Class Thomas Gossen says a pickup driven by 44-year-old Carla Lacombe, of Eunice, lost control and went into a spin and overturned, after hitting a culvert…:

CUT 06(07)      “…result of the crash.”

He says charges may be pending for Lacombe.

Monkeypox cases continue to turn up in Louisiana. Another two confirmed cases in the New Orleans area, for a total of three. Monkeypox is considered a cousin of smallpox and state health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the vaccines for smallpox can be used to guard against monkeypox…:

CUT 05(12)      “…monkeypox and smallpox.”

Monkeypox is non-fatal, and transmitted through physical contact.

Many Louisianans are mourning the death of former state lawmaker and former Natural Resources Secretary Ron Gomez, who passed away this week. Gomez served in the state legislature from 1980 through 1989, and headed up DNR under Governor Buddy Roemer. He was an Air Force veteran, author and broadcaster for years on KPEL in Lafayette. Ron Gomes…dead at 87 years of age.

Police in Houma say a local woman and her boyfriend are facing first degree murder charges, after officers found the remains of her 2-year-old son in a trash can. In custody are 28-year-old Maya Jones and 37-year-old Jermaine Robinson. Police Chief Dana Coleman says they had problems with Jones’ story from the onset and suspected foul play once they saw holes in her story. Terrebonne Parish District Attorney Joseph Waitz says it shocks the conscience that this kind of abuse would go on…:

CUT 10(07)      “…is taken.”

The pair are charged with murder, obstruction of justice and more.

Another two cases of monkeypox are confirmed in the New Orleans area. The CDC says the viral illness can spread from person-to-person contact. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says who’s most at risk…:

CUT 04(13)      “…more than three hours.”

It can also spread through sexual contact.

A New Orleans man is under arrest, after his baby brother got a hold of his pistol and shot himself. This happened Tuesday at a Costco gas station. NOPD says 18-year-old Zyaire Cornelius says he forgot the gun was in the back seat. The child will recover from a gunshot to the leg.

The widow of Edwin Edwards spoke candidly about her new love, one year after the death of the former four-term governor. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

A Houma woman and her boyfriend face first-degree murder charges after her toddler was found dead in a trash can. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The state’s trigger laws that bans abortions have once again been blocked. Baton Rouge Judge Don Johnson issued a temporary restraining order, which means abortions can resume for now. Judge Johnson will hold a hearing for Monday to determine if he should grant a preliminary injunction until a trial can be held on the constitutionality of the trigger laws.

The state health department is reporting two new cases of monkeypox infection in Louisiana. Both of the infected individuals are from the New Orleans area and this brings the total number of monkeypox cases to three. State Health officer Doctor Joe Kanter on the symptoms of monkeypox…
cut 3 (11) “…blisters”
The C-D-C says monkeypox can spread from person-to-person through direct contact with the infectious rash.

At this time last year, Trina Edwards was grieving over the loss of her husband, former four-term governor Edwin Edwards. Trina told Talk Louisiana Host Jim Engster she still misses Edwin, but has found a new love and that’s former two-time House Speaker and Senate President John Alario. She says their relationship blossomed after she went to a Saints game with Alario in early January….
cut 14 (08) “…was it”

Terrebonne Parish District Attorney Joseph Waitz says he could seek the death penalty against a Houma mother and her boyfriend as they are accused of killing her two-year-old son and dumping her body in a trash can. Waitz says the community is in shock over what 28-year-old Maya Jones and 37-year-old Jermaine Robinson allegedly did…
cut 11 (12) “…to me”
A motive is not known.

Charges are pending against 44-year-old Carla Lacombe of Eunice after driving off the road on Highway 91 in Acadia Parish, which resulted in the death of eight-year-old Macy Guidry who was unrestrained and riding in the front seat. Trooper Thomas Gossen says Guidry was ejected from the vehicle…
cut 8 (07) “….see often”

The widow of former Governor Edwin Edwards, Trina Edwards, says she definitely has a type as she spoke openly about her new romance and that’s with 78-year-old John Alario, the former two-time House Speaker and Senate President. Trina Edwards says she and the late governor would talk often about who she would marry after his passing…
Cut 13 (11) “…do what you want”
Trina was a guest on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster.

A new high school sports season is around the corner and the Louisiana High School Athletic Association needs more officials and referees. LHSAA assistant executive director Lee Sanders says there are a lot of benefits in being a referee….
cut 21 (12) “….travel”
Football officials can make at least 72 to 100-dollars a game, plus travel, a volleyball referee can earn at least 60-dollars a match plus travel.

Police in Houma say a local woman and her boyfriend are under investigation, after officers found the remains of her 2-year-old son in a trash can. At a press conference, Houma Police Chief Dana Coleman says the couple initially said the child was abducted, but evidence collected implicates them…:

CUT 09  (12)        “…black duffel bag”

The investigation into how and why little Ezekiel Jones died is still underway. No arrests have yet been made.

State Police say a single vehicle crash Monday in Acadia Parish led to the death of an 8-year-old girl, who was in the front seat and not seat-belted. Trooper Tom Gossen says Macey Guidry was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene. He says there may be charges for the driver…:

CUT 07  (13)        “…8-year-old was not”

Two more cases of monkeypox turn up in Louisiana. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says two people in the New Orleans area are positive; bringing the total to three cases. Monkeypox is considered a cousin of smallpox and Kanter says smallpox vaccines can be used to prevent monkeypox…:

CUT 05(12)      “…smallpox.”

LDH is working with the CDC and the patients’ healthcare providers to identify and notify individuals in Louisiana who may have been in contact with the patients while they were infectious. Monkeypox is transmitted by direct physical contact; often sexual.

…and now today’s markets with Neil Melancon

State Police in Troop I report a child riding without proper restraints was killed Monday in a single-vehicle crash on state Highway 91 in Acadia Parish. Trooper First Class Thomas Gossen says a pickup driven by 44-year-old Carla Lacombe, of Eunice, lost control and went into a spin and overturned, after hitting a culvert…:

CUT 06  (07)        “result of the crash.”

Gossen says impairment is not suspected, but the driver may have ben distracted. He says an investigation of the crash is underway, and there may be charges for Lacombe.

The widow of former governor Edwin Edwards opened up about her new romantic relationship during an interview on Jim Engster’s Baton Rouge radio show. 43-year-old Trina Edwards is now dating former House Speaker and Senate President John Alario, who is 78…:

CUT 12(11)      “…pretty well so.”

Trina Edwards says she definitely “has a type.”

The National Hurricane Center says it’s less likely a trough along the Gulf Coast will develop into a tropical depression. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee gives us an update…:

CUT 02(32)      “…I-10 corridor.”

Two new cases of monkeypox have turned up in the New Orleans area. The Department of Health says monkeypox is transmissible through physical contact; either sexual or direct touching of an infected person’s rash. These latest reported case bring the total in Louisiana to three.

Police say a Houma mother and her live-in boyfriend are facing charges relative to first degree murder after a two-year-old child was found dead in a trash can. Maya Jones told detectives Ezekiel Harry was abducted, but her story eventually fell apart and Ezekiel’s body was found a block away from the police department. Jones and 37-year-old Jeremaine Robinson are in custody.

The Louisiana Department of Health has identified two more monkeypox cases bringing the total to three in this state. The two new cases are individuals in the greater New Orleans area. State Epidemiologist Doctor Theresa Sokol says monkeypox is less transmissible than COVID and physical contact is usually needed…
cut 4 (14) “…three hours”

A new report shows small business owners hold little hope for the economy – and their businesses – to improve anytime soon.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Louisiana’s real estate market appears to be slowing down, as interest rates rise and inflation affects the cost of everything else. Kristin Courville is a realtor in the Capital Region. She says she is definitely seeing more listings on the market…:
Cut 13 (09) “…to two days pending.”
She says recent hikes in interest rates – coupled with high costs for gasoline and groceries – are giving many potential buyers cold feet.