The headstone of the mother of Deridder’s first Black Mayor has been vandalized. Mayor Harris

is stopping short of calling this act of vandalism a racially motivated act. He tells KALB-TV that he’s leaning on his faith to get him through this.

Cut 8 (08) “…and keep going.”

The police department is actively investigating. The cemetery, however, does not have any security cameras, which will make the investigation much more difficult.

Bankrate released a recent study that found Gen Z and Millennial workers were more likely to ask for a raise or flexibility than their Gen X counterparts. Bankrate senior economic analyst Mark Hamrick…

Cut 14 (14) “…next year.”

There’s mixed reaction to President Trump’s proclamation giving a two-year exemption from new EPA emissions rules to 25 chemical companies, including 12 in Louisiana. Director of the environmental group Louisiana Bucket Brigade Anne Rolfes (RAWL-fiss) says people’s health is too important to take two years for these companies to meet these new standards. David Cresson (cress-AWN), the president of the Louisiana Chemical Association, says the two-year exemption is necessary and he disputes Rolfe’s notion that there’s a correlation between people’s overall health and proximity to a chemical plant.

Cut 11 (15) “…in the state.”

The Scammers are again trying to exploit Louisianans text messages pretending to be the OMV to get personal and financial information defraud respondents out of money they think they’re paying for a traffic ticket. Deputy Commissioner Matt Boudreaux encourages people to inform others about potential scams.

Cut 5 (13) “…information stolen.”

The OMV is warning Louisianians about a scam text message claiming to be from them, contacting you to collect an outstanding traffic ticket. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

___________________________________________________

A disturbing story out of Beauregard Parish as the headstone of the mother of the first Black mayor in DeRidder’s history is vandalized. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

Scammers are trying to exploit Louisiana residents yet again for their personal information and unnecessary fees through a fraudulent text message. OMV Deputy Commissioner Matt Boudreaux says the text claims it comes from the OMV trying to collect a fee for an outstanding traffic ticket.

Cut 3 (12) “…through the mail.”

He says if you’re unsure whether or not you have an outstanding ticket, contact the OMV directly or visit their website, expresslane.org, to view your license status anytime.

Cut 4 (10) “…report it.”

The OMV is encouraging users to report suspicious texts and emails to reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Boudreaux says the only way to ever receive a text message from the OMV is by opting in for alerts when scheduling an appointment online. He encourages people to inform others about potential scams, especially those who could be more vulnerable.

Cut 5 (13) “…information stolen.”

________________________________________________

***Note: Must credit KALB-TV in Alexandria***

A disturbing story out of Beauregard Parish as the headstone of the mother of the first Black mayor in DeRidder’s history has been vandalized. Someone had knocked down the heart-shaped stone marking the final resting place of Ceola Harris at Beauregard Cemetery. Speaking exclusively to KALB-TV in Alexandria, Mayor Michael D. Harris says he has been in close contact with DeRidder Police Chief Craig Richard (REE-shard).

Cut 6 (08) “…that’s knocked over.”

Mayor Harris tells KALB-TV in Alexandria says breaking the news to his family was very difficult.

Cut 7 (11) “…very, very hurtful.”

Harris is stopping short of calling this act of vandalism racially motivated. He tells KALB-TV that he’s leaning on his faith to get him through this.

Cut 8 (08) “…and keep going.”

The police department is actively investigating. The cemetery, however, does not have any security cameras, which will make the investigation much more difficult.

________________________________________________

Plenty of reaction to President Trump’s recent proclamation giving 25 chemical companies, including 12 in Louisiana, a two-year exemption from new federal EPA emissions rules. David Cresson (cress-AWN), the president and CEO of the Louisiana Chemical Association, says the two-year exemption is necessary because there’s a lot involved in meeting these new rules.

Cut 9 (08)  “…it as well.”

But Anne Rolfes (RAWL-fiss), the director of the environmental group Louisiana Bucket Brigade, says people’s health are too important to take two years for these companies to meet these new standards.

Cut 10 (13) “…cancer-causing emissions.”

Cresson disputes Rolfe’s notion that there’s a correlation between people’s overall health and proximity to a chemical plant.

Cut 11 (15) “…in the state.”

Cresson says the chemical industry is one of the most regulated industries in the country, but Rolfes says it seems that those regulations are doing little good.

Cut 12 (13) “…oversight, not less.”

________________________________________________

A recent study from Bankrate found nearly half of Americans working full-time or searching for full-time employment say they are looking for a new job in the next year. Bankrate senior economic analyst Mark Hamrick says 44-percent said they planned on asking for a raise.

Cut 13 (14)  “…more than that.”

Another leading cause for the potential turnover, Hamrick says, is in the pursuit of an improved work-life balance. The study also found that Gen Z and Millennial workers were more likely to ask for a raise or flexibility than their Gen X counterparts.

Cut 14 (13) “…next year.”

Bankrate found that a quarter of workers plan to start their own business in the next year, and that percentage is larger among younger Americans. Hamrick says independent businesses are essential to the U.S. economy

Cut 15 (13) “…giant business.”

No surprise President Trump’s proclamation giving 25 chemical companies, including 12 in Louisiana, a two-year exemption from new federal EPA emissions rules is getting mixed reactions. David Cresson (cress-AWN), the president and CEO of the Louisiana Chemical Association, says the two-year exemption is necessary because there’s a lot involved in meeting these new rules. Director of the environmental group Louisiana Bucket Brigade Anne Rolfes (RAWL-fiss) says it seems that those regulations are doing little good.

Cut 12 (13) “…oversight, not less.”

The Scammers are at it again pretending to be the OMV collecting money for unpaid tickets. Don’t fall for it. OMV Deputy Commissioner Matt Boudreaux says if you’re unsure about an outstanding ticket you may have, contact the OMV directly or visit expresslane.org, to view your license status.

Cut 4 (10) “…report it.”

The OMV is encouraging users to report suspicious texts and emails to reportfraud.ftc.gov.

A disturbing story out of Beauregard Parish as the headstone of the mother of the first Black mayor in DeRidder’s history is vandalized. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A recent study from Bankrate found a quarter of workers plan to start their own business in the next year. Bankrate senior economic analyst Mark Hamrick says independent businesses are essential to the U.S. economy

Cut 15 (13) “…giant business.”

The headstone of the mother of the first Black mayor in DeRidder’s history has been vandalized. Someone had knocked down the heart-shaped stone marking the final resting place of Ceola Harris at Beauregard Cemetery. Speaking exclusively to KALB-TV in Alexandria, Mayor Michael D. Harris says breaking the news to his family was very difficult.

Cut 7 (11) “…very, very hurtful.”

Mayor Harris says while there’s every indication that the act was intentional, he stopped short in saying it was racially motivated.

Scammers are trying to exploit Louisiana residents yet again for their personal information and unnecessary fees through a fraudulent text message. OMV Deputy Commissioner Matt Boudreaux says the text claims it comes from the OMV trying to collect a fee for an outstanding traffic ticket.

Cut 3 (12) “…through the mail.”

Plenty of reaction to President Trump’s recent proclamation giving 25 chemical companies, including 12 in Louisiana, a two-year exemption from new federal EPA emissions rules. David Cresson (cress-AWN), the president and CEO of the Louisiana Chemical Association, says the two-year exemption is necessary because there’s a lot involved in meeting these new rules.

Cut 9 (08)  “…it as well.”

But Anne Rolfes (RAWL-fiss), the director of the environmental group Louisiana Bucket Brigade, says people’s health are too important to take two years for these companies to meet these new standards.

Cut 10 (13) “…cancer-causing emissions.”

Cresson disputes Rolfe’s notion that there’s a correlation between people’s overall health and proximity to a chemical plant.

A disturbing story out of Beauregard Parish as the headstone of the mother of the first Black mayor in DeRidder’s history has been vandalized. Someone had knocked down the heart-shaped stone marking the final resting place of Ceola Harris at Beauregard Cemetery. Speaking exclusively to KALB-TV in Alexandria, Mayor Michael D. Harris says he has been in close contact with DeRidder Police Chief Craig Richard (REE-shard).

Cut 6 (08) “…that’s knocked over.”

Harris is stopping short of calling this act of vandalism racially motivated.

A recent study from Bankrate found nearly half of Americans working full-time or searching for full-time employment say they are looking for a new job in the next year. Analyst Mark Hamrick says 44% said they planned on asking for a raise.

Cut 13 (14)  “…more than that.”

The OMV is warning you about a scam text message claiming to be from them, saying you have an outstanding traffic ticket. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Come Friday, the Independent Party will officially cease to exist as a recognized political party in Louisiana.

Cut 7 (11) “…law this year.”

Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s office says on Friday, people who registered as “Independent” will have their affiliations changed to “No Party.” This way, they’ll be able to vote in either a Republican or a Democratic closed primary of their choice.

Medicaid enrollment in Louisiana is back to pre-pandemic levels. Enrollment peaked at about two-million in 2023 when states were prohibited from removing people during the COVID pandemic. PAR President Steven Procopio says the numbers took a U-turn when eligibility checks resumed two years ago.

Cut 15 (08) “…call the unwinding.”

The LSU Tigers report for fall camp today, and WWL’s Mike Detillier broke down the roster on Tiger Rag Radio. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

With dangerously hot temperatures choking the state this week, electric providers say they’re ready. In the New Orleans area, the Mid-Continent Independent System Operator says it has enough capacity to meet the demand. MISO took heat back in May for a surprise blackout that left about 100-thousand Entergy customers in the dark.

A second terminal is in the works for Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans. The city’s aviation director, Kevin Dolliole (DOE-lee-ohl), outlined the master plan to the city’s transportation committee last week, saying a steady increase in passengers necessitates the expansion.

Cut 4 (06) “…more baggage claim.”

The number of Louisianans on Medicaid has fallen to pre-pandemic levels. As of June, about 1.6-million people in Louisiana receive their health care coverage from Medicaid – that’s down more than 20-percent from the 2023 peak of two-million. PAR President Steven Procopio says the reason Medicad rolls spiked during COVID is because by rule, no one was being taken off the rolls during that time.

Cut 14 (10) “…disenrolled from Medicaid.”

Come Friday, one political party in Louisiana will be extinct. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Tragedy in Iberia Parish, as an 11-year-old girl is hit by a car and killed. State Police say Nahelie Sinitiere was trying to cross Highway 674, East Admiral Doyle Drive, near the intersection of Whitney Drive when she was hit by a car. She died from her injuries at a hospital. The driver stopped and cooperated; a voluntary breath sample showed no signs of impairment.

A second terminal is in the works for Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans.  It’s all part of an overall master plan to accommodate the steady increase in passengers the city has seen.  The city’s aviation director, Kevin Dolliole (DOE-lee-ohl), says the expansion will include additional parking and 15 new gates…all set to be completed by 2031.But that’s not where the growth will end.

Cut 6 (10) “…expand beyond that.”

As of this Friday, the Independent Party will officially cease to exist as a recognized political party in Louisiana. On that day, people registered as “Independent” will have their affiliations changed to “No Party.”  Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s office says with the change, those registered as such will be allowed to vote in either closed primary, Democratic or Republican.

Cut 9 (11)  “…through that runoff.”

——————————–

The numbers are out, and it looks like the number of Louisianans on Medicaid has fallen to pre-pandemic levels.  The Louisiana Department of Health reports as of June, that number is down twenty percent…from two million just two years ago to 1.6 million last month. Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana President Steven Procopio says the expansion started in earnest nine years ago.

Cut 13 (08)  “…you had COVID.”

The LSU football team reports for fall camp today. There are high hopes for Brian Kelly’s fourth campaign in Baton Rouge, led by returning quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. WWL’s Mike Detillier expects the Tigers’ defensive front to be improved.  He has some questions about the LSU secondary but was wowed by six-four freshman cornerback DJ Pickett.

Cut 12 (13) “…very intriguing.”

A second terminal is in the works for Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans. The city’s aviation director, Kevin Dolliole (DOE-lee-ohl), says in addition to more lobby, ticket check, and baggage claim areas, there also will be 15 more gates.  He says phase one of the master plan also includes additional parking for the steady increase in passengers.

Cut 5 (08) “…in that demand.”

On Friday,the Independent Party will officially cease to exist as a recognized political party in Louisiana. On that day, people who registered as “Independent” will have their affiliations changed to “No Party,” and Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s office says there’s a practical reason behind the change.

Cut 8 (10) “…the Independent Party.”

——————————–

The LSU Tigers report for fall camp today, and WWL’s Mike Detillier broke down the roster on Tiger Rag Radio. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The numbers are out, and it looks like the number of Louisianans on Medicaid has fallen to pre-pandemic levels by 20%. They peaked in 2023 at 2 million.  But Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana resident Steven Procopio says enrollment numbers took a nosedive then when eligibility checks resumed.

Cut 15 (08) “…call the unwinding.”
Louisiana has one of the highest percentages of its population on Medicaid, trailing only four states and the District of Columbia.