Republican donor Lane Grigsby is making a last-minute push for a constitutional convention. LA-Politics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says the letter Grigsby sent to lawmakers cites changes to the public-school funding formula, and…:
Cut 10 (12) “the constitution”
The Secretary of State’s Office says for any changes to make it on the fall ballot, a convention must be completed by early September.

A Baton Rouge man is under arrest accused of beating and raping a woman he allegedly kidnapped from a domestic abuse crisis center. According to BRPD, 45-year-old Robert Lee Cole broke a perimeter fence at the Iris Center and forcibly removed the victim from the facility. Cole was booked on charges including first degree rape, false imprisonment, simple kidnapping and domestic abuse strangulation.

As insurance rates continue to climb, CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of Louisiana Ben Albright urges residents not to drop their homeowners insurance. Mel Bridges has more…:
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana has introduced a bill that would require the Department of Education to make the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form available each year on October 1st. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

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It appears proponents of a constitutional convention are throwing hail Mary to have one before the fall election. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Throington.” 

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As insurance rates continue to climb, CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of Louisiana Ben Albright urges residents not to drop their homeowners insurance. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

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Lafourche Parish native Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who gained national fame through the 2019 Hulu series “The Act” and the HBO true crime documentary “Mommy Dead and Dearest,” has announced her pregnancy.

Cut 4 (04) “…give to this baby.”

The father is Ken Urker, a prison pen pal. The announcement has elicited mixed reactions, with some expressing concern about her ability to parent given her traumatic past, while others offer support and hope for her new beginning.

Cut 5 (09) “…to become a mother.”

The 32-year-old Blanchard served more than eight years of a ten year sentence a Missouri prison for her role in the murder of her mother, “Dee Dee” Blanchard. “Dee Dee” subjected Gypsy to years of medical abuse, falsely claiming she had various illnesses, including muscular dystrophy, to gain sympathy and financial benefits.

Cut 6 (10) “…everything my mother wasn’t.”

Gypsy’s due in January 2025. Gypsy Rose Blanchard was born in Golden Meadow, she and her mother moved to Missouri after Hurricane Katrina destroyed her home.

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Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana has introduced a bill requiring the Department of Education to make the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form available on October 1st annually. He believes the Department of Education points fingers instead of getting the FAFSA out.

Cut 7 (09) “…October the first.”

Previous FAFSA forms faced significant delays, which also pushed back when colleges can make financial aid offers, as they make offers once they receive the form. Cassidy says when it comes to the FAFSA, the Department of Education has been…

Cut 8 (11) “…for their future.”

Though the bill calls for a change to the FAFSA program put in place by the Biden administration, Cassidy expects the bill to be received well by both parties. In fact, he thinks the bill is more common sense than political.

Cut 9 (11)  “…government.”

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In what seems like a last swing at bat Republican megadonor Lane Grigsby sent lawmakers a letter trying to persuade them to hold a Constitutional Convention this year.  LA-Politics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says letter cites changes to the public-school funding formula, and…

Cut 10 (12) “…the constitution.”

During the regular session, Governor Jeff Landry had the full support of the House for a convention but when the proposal went to the higher chamber, Alford says they put on the breaks…

Cut 11 (11) “…that posture.”

One reason for the rush Alford says is the expected high Republican voter turnout for the presidential election. He says architects of the convention feel strong conservative support will ensure their initiatives will be approved.

This year alone lawmakers were in Baton Rouge for an organizational session, two special sessions, and a regular session that wrapped in June. Alford believes legislators aren’t keen on returning to the capitol for a fourth time.

Cut 12 (09) “…lukewarm” 

A Secretary of State’s Office spokesperson says for the changes to be voted on in the fall election a convention must be completed by early September.

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As insurance rates continue to climb, more and more residents are choosing to drop their homeowners insurance if they can. CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of Louisiana Ben Albright recommends keeping your home insured, especially in such a disaster-prone state.

Cut 13 (05)  “…there for.”

Albright says homeowners insurance rates were low before multiple hurricanes hit Louisiana in 2020 and 2021, and insurance companies started overcorrecting and overcharging as a result.

Cut 14 (09)  “…insurance companies.”

Albright says you shouldn’t drop your homeowners insurance and rely on FEMA funds because unlike FEMA, insurance is a reliable source of money to cover damages after a disaster. Some insurance relief measures are set to go into effect early next year, but Albright thinks real relief could come even later…

Cut 15 (09)  “…another storm.”

Only people who fully own their homes and don’t have a mortgage can drop their homeowners insurance.

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Cut 16 (19) “…get better.” 

Cut 17 (18) “…as a person.”

Cut 18 (10)  “…whole career.”

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Cut 19 (19) “…adversity.” 

Cut 20 (22) “…overcome that.”

The National Weather Service in Shreveport issued a record 67 tornado warnings across the ArkLaTex Monday due to the impact of Hurricane Beryl. NWS Meteorologist Ryan Knapp says Beryl is an example of how hurricanes and tropical storms can impact communities far away from the coastline…

Cut 5 (10)  “..flooding rainfall threat.”

18 of the tornado warnings were in Louisiana.

State Attorney General Liz Murrill says her criminal division is investigating why a judge released 15-year-old Kevin Nunez from custody in May after several violent offenses. He’s also accused in the June 30^th death of a New Orleans tour guide. Murrill is calling on the state Supreme Court to make sure judges are not allowing violent offenders back on the street

Cut  13 (08) “…happens.” 

The Democratic National Convention will be held next month, and Louisiana will have 53 delegates present. According to one of them, he believes the vast majority will support President Biden. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

A temporary alternate child abuse hotline number has been set up due to Hurricane Beryl-related technical issues preventing AT&T phones from reaching regular toll-free numbers across Louisiana. The alternate number for reporting child abuse or neglect is 206-792-7510.

The National Weather Service in Shreveport issued a record for their office 67 tornado warnings on Monday. So far, they’ve been able to confirm at least five tornadoes touched down in northwest Louisiana. Meteorologist Ryan Knapp…

Cut 4 (09) “…next week.”
At least two of the five tornadoes confirmed touched down in Sabine and crossed into DeSoto parishes.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says her criminal division has started an investigation into the ankle monitoring contract with the Juvenile Court system in New Orleans. It’s in response to a Fox 8 TV report that said a 15-year-old, who allegedly fatally shot New Orleans tour guide Kristie Thibodaux, was wearing a deactivated court-ordered ankle monitor…

Cut 12 (04) “…happened.”

Kevin Nunez is accused of killing Thibodeaux as she sat in her car near Jackson Square on June 30th. Nunez is one of three teens arrested and charged in the 43-year-old’s death.

Of the 53 Louisiana delegates attending the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month, delegate and Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis believes the hysteria over Biden’s health will calm down and by mid-August delegates will be…

Cut 8 (11)  “…of America.”

The convention will be held August 19^th – 22^nd.

The deadline for Walmart’s 11th Annual Open Call, which allows entrepreneurs to pitch their products to the superstore, is July 15th. Spokesperson Mark Espinosa says selected applicants gain access to their extensive distribution network, which can significantly boost their business.

Cut 10 (07) “… company-wide.”

Visit Walmart-dot-com slash OpenCall for more information.

The Democratic National Convention will be held next month, and Louisiana will have 53 delegates present. According to one of them, he believes the vast majority will support President Biden.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

A temporary alternate child abuse hotline number has been set up due to Hurricane Beryl-related technical issues preventing AT&T phones from reaching regular toll-free numbers across Louisiana. The alternate number for reporting child abuse or neglect is 206-792-7510.

The National Weather Service in Shreveport issued a record 67 tornado warnings across the ArkLaTex Monday due to the impact of Hurricane Beryl. NWS Meteorologist Ryan Knapp…

Cut 3 (10) “…from 2005.”

Of the 67 tornado warnings, 18 included central Louisiana parishes.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says her criminal division has started an investigation into the ankle monitoring contract with the Juvenile Court system in New Orleans. It’s in response to a Fox 8 TV report that said a 15-year-old, who allegedly fatally shot New Orleans tour guide Kristie Thibodaux, was wearing a deactivated court-ordered ankle monitor…

Cut 12 (04) “…happened.”

Kevin Nunez is accused of killing Thibodeaux as she sat in her car near Jackson Square on June 30th. Nunez is one of three teens arrested and charged in the 43-year-old’s death.

Twenty-five-year-old Aaliyah (Ah-lee-ha) Jack of Lake Charles was arrested in Mississippi after the body of her four-year-old son was found Monday in a body of water behind the Vinton Welcome Center. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Stitch Guillory says but miraculously her one-year-old child was found alive about six miles away in a ditch. He says an autopsy will be performed on the four-year-old.

Cut 24 (07) “…reveal that.”

Of the 53 Louisiana delegates attending the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month, delegate and Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis says the vast majority will cast their ballot for President Biden. Since Biden’s debate performance, Lewis says it’s one thing for Biden to say he’s fit for office for a second term, but now he has to show it to American voters…

Cut 7 (11) “…four years.”

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Shreveport issued a record 67 tornado warnings across the ArkLaTex Monday due to the impact of Hurricane Beryl. NWS Meteorologist Ryan Knapp says Beryl is an example of how hurricanes and tropical storms can impact communities hundreds of miles away from the coastline…

Cut 5 (10)  “..flooding rainfall threat.”

Of the 67 tornado warnings across the region, 18 included Central Louisiana parishes.

Walmart’s 11th Annual Open Call, held virtually across the United States lets entrepreneurs pitch their products to Walmart buyers. Walmart spokesperson Mark Espinosa says the Open Call aligns with Walmart’s broader strategy to spend an additional $350 billion on items made, grown, or assembled in the U.S.

Cut 9 (09) “…our customers.”

The deadline is July 15.

Go to WALMART.COM/OPENCALL to apply

Of the 53 Louisiana delegates attending the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month, delegate and Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis says the vast majority will cast their ballot for President Biden. Since Biden’s debate performance, Lewis says there are legitimate concerns about his health…
Cut 6 (07) “…back up.”
Lewis says it’s one thing for Biden to say he’s fit for office for a second term, but now he has to show it to American voters.

The National Weather Service in Shreveport issued a record for their office 67 tornado warnings on Monday. So far they’ve been able to confirm at least five tornadoes touched down in northwest Louisiana. Meteorologist Ryan Knapp says …
cut 4 (09) “…next week”
At least two of the five tornadoes confirmed were EF 2s, with peak winds around 125 miles per hour. They touched down in Sabine and crossed into DeSoto parishes.

Colorado State University has updated its 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook; now they’re calling for an even busier season. Mel Bridges has the details.
Cut 29 (29) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

The good news is that there is no tropical threat for the Gulf of Mexico for the next several days.

The National Weather Service in Shreveport issued a record 67 tornado warnings across the Arkansas Louisiana, and Texas region Monday as Beryl made its way through the area. Meteorologist Ryan Knapp…

Cut 3 (10) “…from 2005.”

So far five tornados have been confirmed in Louisiana but more could still be confirmed.

Colorado State University has updated its 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook to predict an even busier season. They’re now calling for 25 named storms, 12 hurricanes, and six major hurricanes. Nick Mesa (may-sa) with the CSU Hurricane Forecast Team says the above-average season is due to two factors…

Cut 13 (08)  “…period.”

So far, we’ve seen three named storms, one of which was a major hurricane.

A one-year-old child is miraculously still alive after spending two days outside alone, along I-10 in Calcasieu Parish, apparently abandoned by his mother. Sheriff Stitch Guillory says a truck driver spotted the child in a ditch…

Cut 11 (11) “…out there.”

But Guillory says the toddler’s four-year-old brother was found dead in a pond at the Vinton Welcome Center. An autopsy will determine if murder charges will come down on the children’s mother, who was arrested in Mississippi.

A recent nationwide survey of small business owners finds inflation remains the top problem. Louisiana NFIB spokesperson Todd Pack says inflation is not rising as fast as it did a few months ago, but it’s still a problem…

Cut 8 (10) “…as it did.”