The U.S. has now seen two consecutive quarters of decline in the Gross Domestic Product, which is the frequent definition of what makes an economic recession. U.L. Lafayette economics professor Gary Wagner says he think we are already in one. Wagner says it’s been 70 years since there were two straight quarters of GDP shrinkage that did NOT create a recession. He says the only positive indicators are the still healthy labor and jobs pictures, which he says are distorted by the pandemic…:

CUT 08(10)      “…the economy is doing.”

He says if unemployment statistics included those who lost work during the pandemic…drew all their benefits since and have quit looking for work, they’d be considerably higher.

A jury in Shreveport returns a guilty verdict for 36-year-old Jeremy Walker for child rape. Walker abused two young children over a period of several years. He’ll return to court in early August for a mandatory sentencing to life in prison without parole.

Popular Louisiana rap artist JayDaYoungan was shot and killed Wednesday, while sitting on a porch with relatives in Bogalusa. The 24-year-old rapper’s real name is Javorius Scott. Bogalusa Police have made one arrest and say more suspects will be in custody soon.

A new political party known as the Forward Party emerges in the U.S. But will they be able to compete with the left or the right? Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

Popular Louisiana rapper JayDaYoungan was fatally shot in a double shooting late yesterday afternoon in Bogalusa. The artist, whose real name is Javorius Scott, died at the scene. A relative was shot and wounded. Bogalusa Police Chief Kendall Bullen says the murder of JayDaYoungan has sparked other violence in his town…:

CUT 05(08)      “…was related.”

JayDaYoungan has a big social media following and is known for his singles, “23 Island,” “Elimination” and “Opps.”

A jury in federal court in New Orleans returns a Not Guilty verdict for Orleans Parish D.A. Jason Williams. Williams was accused of filing false tax returns that helped him dodge hundreds of thousands in taxes over five years. His defense blamed Williams’ tax accountant for everything. Prosecutors said Williams HAD to have known what was going on.

One of the seven people challenging Congressman Clay Higgins for re-election discussed his reasons for running, while appearing on Jim Engster’s “Talk Louisiana” radio show. Lafayette city prosecutor Holden Hoggatt, a Republican, and six others are running to replace Higgins in D.C. He says that number of candidates is indicative of the dissatisfaction with the man once known as the “Cajun John Wayne” and his service to and for District 3…:

CUT 14(11)      “…some Louisiana folks.”

Hoggatt says he was disappointed at Higgins’ lack of leadership after the 2020 hurricanes.

Is there room for another so-called “third political party” on the national landscape? And would a new party fare any better than Libertarians? The Green Party? Or others? LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says they pose little threat to Democrats or the GOP, but those two will seek to dissuade voters from straying away…:

CUT 11(11)      “…from winning.”

NOT guilty. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams has been found not guilty of federal tax fraud charges, after a jury deliberated for 16 hours to decide the case. Williams was accused of cheating on his taxes to the tune of $200-thousand over five years. His lawyers argued that was the doing of his tax accountant. Prosecutors say Williams HAD to have known what was going on.

Are we or aren’t we in a recession? We have seen two straight quarters of negative growth in the Gross Domestic Product, which usually signifies recession, yet the White House and the Federal Reserve say we are not. U.L.-Lafayette economics professor Gary Wagner says the only positive indicators are a still vital labor and jobs picture…:

CUT 07  (09)        “…nail in the coffin.”

Wagner thinks we are already in a recession and have been for some time.

One of the seven people challenging Congressman Clay Higgins for re-election discussed his reasons for running, while appearing on Jim Engster’s “Talk Louisiana” radio show. Lafayette city prosecutor Holden Hoggatt says Higgins’ recent press release, detailing all he did to help before and after Hurricanes Laura and Delta and the billions he helped deliver for recovery is (quote) “absolutely false”…:

CUT 13(10)      “…uhhh efforts.”

Hoggatt is a Republican, like Higgins. This is his first-ever run for public office.

A new political party has emerged in the US calling themselves the Forward Party. LSU Political Science professor Robert Hogan says third parties have a history of fizzling out, and Forward’s viability will depend on its platform…:

CUT 10(10)      “…in the middle.”

The Forward party’s slogan is “Not left. Not right. FORWARD.”

Bogalusa police say popular Louisiana rapper JayDaYoungan was fatally shot Wednesday, while sitting on a porch with friends. Bogalusa Police Chief Kendall Bullen says they are seeking the suspect who drove up and attacked…:

CUT 04(06)      “…fired the shots.”

A second person was shot and wounded. The 24-year-old rapper’s real name is Javorius Scott.

One of the seven people challenging Congressman Clay Higgins for re-election discussed his reasons for running, while appearing on Jim Engster’s TalkLouisiana radio show. Lafayette prosecutor Holden Hoggatt says he was disappointed at Higgins’ lack of leadership after the 2020 hurricanes…:

CUT 12(14)      “…the final straw.”

Hoggatt, a Republican, and six others are running to replace Higgins in D.C.

A new political party known as the Forward Party emerges in the U.S. But will they be able to compete with the left or the right?

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

Attorney General Jeff Landry’s office drops all charges against Aaron Bowman, who was beaten by state troopers on a north Louisiana roadside back in 2019. Bowman HAD been charged with improper lane usage and resisting arrest. Another man that year, Ronald Greene, died after a roadside encounter with troopers.

FEMA expects to lose more than a million flood insurance policyholders due to an increase in cost. U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says lawmakers are hoping to address the issue…:

CUT 02(28)      “…Thorington.”

Lafayette Mayor President Josh Guillory has asked the state attorney general to issue an opinion on whether or not he can continue working while he is in rehab for alcohol addiction and PTSD. Guillory is a military veteran and has seen action. Members of the Lafayette council are looking at appointing an interim mayor. Guillory wants to keep working.

The U.S. has now seen two consecutive quarters of decline in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is the frequent definition of what makes an economic recession. U.L. Lafayette economics professor Gary Wagner says the true definition is more complicated than that, but…:

CUT 06  (11)        “…in a recession right now.”

Wagner says it’s been 70 years since there were two straight quarters of GDP shrinkage that did NOT create a recession.

…and now a look at today’s markets…

Louisiana District 3 Congressman Clay Higgins attempts to set the record straight on criticism of his work to help southwest Louisiana’s ongoing hurricane recovery….
cut 1 (34) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher”

The nation’s Gross Domestic Product fell nearly one-percent in the second quarter, the second straight decline which fuels fears the country is in recession. Louisiana Senator John Kennedy blames record high inflation…
cut 12 (10) “….would just listen”

Popular Louisiana rapper JayDaYoungan was fatally shot in a double shooting late yesterday afternoon in Bogalusa. Bogalusa Police Chief Kendall Bullen says 24-year-old Javorius Scott along with a relative were shot while sitting on the front porch of a home on Superior Avenue…
cut 3 (09) “…of his wounds’
The other person shot, Kenyatta Scott Senior, is listed in stable condition at a nearby hospital. Bullen says they are still looking for the gunman.

A new political party has emerged in the US calling themselves the Forward Party. LSU Political Science professor Robert Hogan says third parties have a history of fizzling out but with a growing political divide in the country…
Cut 9 (09) “…some support.”
That being said Hogan feels the Forward Party’s ability to become a formidable force in politics will depend on its platform.

Louisiana District 3 Congressman Clay Higgins sets the record straight on criticism of his work to help southwest Louisiana’s ongoing hurricane recovery. Higgins says he has worked with House colleagues to deliver nearly $3.5-billion in recovery aid to southwest Louisiana. He says he’ll continue on that course in a third term in office…:

Cut 5 (12) “…since then every day.”

Higgins will face seven opponents in his re-election bid in November.

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy announces infrastructure dollars are making their way to Louisiana….:
Cut 7 (13) “months ahead”
The state’s senior senator was among the group of ten bipartisan lawmakers who guided the infrastructure bill through congress last year.

Senator John Kennedy says the US has the potential to return to the days of a better economy including the low cost of fuel and utilities that we had two years ago. But not if President Biden continues to quote double down on his foolish energy policy, which he sums up like this…:

Cut  11 (12)  “…with wishful thinking.” 

LSU Coach Brian Kelly Spoke at the Baton Rouge Rotary Club Wednesday and said he can’t wait for his first night in Death Valley. He says his purpose is to develop 18 to 21 one-year-olds on a day-to-day basis…:

Cut 14 (12) “(laughter)”

Kelly’s first game with the Tigers will be in the Superdome against Florida State on September 4^th.

US Senator Bill Cassidy says he plans to support legislation concerning the duplication of benefits from the 2016 flood. The bill, which has passed in the House, will provide aid for remaining flood victims who were not previously helped…:

      Cut 6 (09)  “…set the record straight.”