Air quality warnings are in effect for the western end of Louisiana as well as Baton Rouge through Thursday. Matt Doyle explains why.

Cut 1 (30)  I’m Matt Doyle“

A six month old baby is dead after being kidnapped and burned in a fire in Natchitoches. Officers responded to a call from Mayberry Trailer Park.  The mother said she was sprayed in the face with mace by two unknown subjects and fled the residence.  Upon return, the baby was missing.  About an hour later, NPD received a report of a fire where they discovered the baby.  He later died from his burn injuries at a medical facility.

Governor John Bel Edwards has announced 23 new projects aimed at coastal recreation throughout the state.  The $60 million being used to fund the projects comes from a settlement stemming from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.  LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet says the additions won’t just change things above the surface, but in the depths as well.

Cut 12 (11) “…bay and others.”

The Tulane National Primate Research Center received a 42 million dollar grant to keep the lights on and the medical research on schedule. The grant, from the National Institute of Health, is aimed at maintaining the facility’s infrastructure and day to day operation.  The grant was applied for in March, and the campus was reviewed by a team of 26 inspectors. The facility houses research on deadly diseases, which Research Center Director Jay Rappaport says has led to an extensive safety infrastructure to upkeep.

Cut 14 (11) “getting out”

Candidates can qualify in Baton Rouge today through Friday to run for Secretary of State and Congress. The six members of Louisiana’s House delegation are up for re-election. There’s a swell of Democratic enthusiasm heading into the 2018 midterms, but political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says not in Louisiana…
cut 8 (11) “…large numbers”
Pinsonat doesn’t expect any big upsets in the congressional races.

Governor John Bel Edwards announces funding for 23 recreation projects in nine coastal parishes. The $60 million being used to fund the projects comes from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement…
Cut 10 (09) “…citizens and visitors.”
The money will renovate cabins at State Parks, along with new fishing piers and docks. The state also plans on enhancing its artificial reef sites.

The Tulane Primate Research Center has received a 42-million dollar grant to help the center find cures for infectious diseases. Matt Doyle has more.
Voicer 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

A teaching assistant in Union Parish has been accused of having a sexual relationship with one of her students. 39-year-old Erin Ludwig has been charged with having prohibited sexual conduct with her 17-year-old student at D’Arboone Wood Charter School. Authorities say the inappropriate relationship lasted seven months.

Qualifying is underway for the November sixth election. All six of Louisiana’s US House of Representatives are up for re-election. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says they should all breeze to another term, but the race could get interesting in the third district, where Congressman Clay Higgins is facing a challenge from fellow Republican Josh Guillory, who has the endorsement of Trump lawyer and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giulani….
cut 9 (12) “…attention too”
Those seeking to fill the remaining term of former Secretary of State Tom Schedler also qualify today through Friday.

The CDC advises customers to throw out any crab products from Venezuela. Health officials say a dangerous bacteria has been found in fresh crab meat from Venezuela, causing two people from Louisiana to get very sick.

The Tulane National Primate Research Center has received 42-million dollars to keep the lights on at their facility in Covington. The grant is from the National Institute of Health. Research Center Director Jay Rappaport says this money will allow them to continue important research…
Cut 13 (09) “in progress”
Rappaport says they plan to expand their scientific direction to look at diseases of aging, including cardiovascular disease and drug abuse.

The state is using 60-million dollars in BP settlement money to pay for 23 recreation projects that span the coast. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the oil spill settlment funding will refurbish and maintain a number of state parks…
cut 11 (13) “…fish in Louisiana”

A three-day qualifying period for the November election begins today, and Secretary of State candidates can officially get into the race. Becca Dill has more.
Voicer 2 (30) ”I’m Becca Dill”

Two Jefferson Parish deputies were injured and five teens arrested after a chase and shootout with cops that started in Metairie and ended at the Kenner-St. Charles Parish line. Deputies responded to a call about a group of people pulling vehicle door handles. The injured deputies were hurt when the teens allegedly rammed their cars.

The National Institutes of Health awards the Tulane National Primate Research Center with a 42-million dollar grant so that it can continue its research efforts for the next five years. Research Center Director Jay Rappaport says the funding keeps 300 scientists, staff and animal care workers employed on their 500-acre campus in Covington…
cut 15 (07) “….our functions”
The center’s research focuses on finding cures, treatments and preventions for infectious diseases.

Air quality warnings, and a call for an Action Day is in effect for much of the state as a cloud of dust descends on Texas and the Bayou State. Air Quality Forecaster Patrick Zahn says its dust from over 5,000 miles away.
Cut 4 (11) “trade wind.”
High concentrations of Sharan dust are causing air quality concerns in northwest and southwest Louisiana.

Qualifying for the November election begins today. It will give voters a final roster of candidates for Congressional seats, and the special election to replace Tom Schedler as Secretary of State. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the Secretary’s race will draw ambitious politicians who can raise the cash necessary to make a name for themselves statewide.
Cut 7 (12) “stepping stone”
So far there are four announced candidates for Secretary of State.

Dust from the Saharan Desert is creating some air quality issues in Louisiana this week. Patrick Zahn is the lead air quality forecaster for the state Department of Environmental Quality….
cut 5 (09) “….Baton Rouge”
Zahn says those who suffer from asthma may have breathing issues.

Twenty-three projects along the coast are set to receive 60-million dollars as part of the billions of dollars BP has agreed to pay Gulf states for the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet says the money will go towards new and improved boat ramps and mooring docks, new fishiing piers and making Elmer’s Island even more accessible…
cut 12 (11) “…and others”
The governor’s office says potential projects were solicited by the Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group and then vetted through months of public input and hearings.

Air quality warnings are in effect for the western end of Louisiana as well as Baton Rouge through Thursday. Matt Doyle explains why.

Cut 1 (30)  I’m Matt Doyle“

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A three-day qualifying period for the November election begins today, and Secretary of State candidates can officially get into the race. Becca Dill has more.

Cut 2 (30) ”I’m Becca Dill” 

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 The Tulane Primate Research Center got a 42 million dollar grant to help pay for the facilities infrastructure needs. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Air quality warnings, and a call for an Action Day is in effect for much of the state this week as a cloud of dust descends on Texas and the Bayou State. Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality Forecaster Patrick Zahn says its dust from over 5,000 miles away.

Cut 4  (11) “trade wind.”

Zahn says the dust is expected to impact most of western Louisiana, and even extend into the central portion of the state.

Cut 5  (09)  “Baton Rouge.”

DEQ scientists puts the risk factor for health problems related to dust in the same category as ozone, and as such as asking people to cut back on their driving any other ozone producing activities for the week. Zahn says it could make it a bit more difficult to breathe these next few days for people who suffer from asthma.

Cut 6 (09) “exposure.”

The air quality warning runs through Thursday.

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Qualifying for the November election begins today. It will give voters a final roster of candidates for Congressional seats, and the special election to replace Tom Schedler as Secretary of State. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the Secretary’s race will draw ambitious politicians who can raise the cash necessary to make a name for themselves statewide.

Cut 7 (12) “stepping stone”

The Secretary of State’s race is open after Schedler resigned in the wake of sexual harassment allegations from his former sectary.

There’s been a swell of Democratic enthusiasm heading into the 2018 midterms, which could lead to big changes on the national political scene. Pinsonat says don’t expect any of that enthusiasm to make an impact here in either congressional races or the fight for Secretary of State, as Democratic candidates are likely to downplay their party affiliation.

Cut 8 (11)  “large numbers.”

Pinsonat doesn’t expect any big upsets in the congressional races. But he says keep an eye on the 3^rd district, where freshman Congressman Clay Higgins is expected to face notable opposition. Pinsonat says GOP challenger Josh Guillory has seen his profile spike after an endorsement from Trump lawyer and former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

Cut 9 (12)  “attention too”

The qualifying period lasts through Friday.

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Governor John Bel Edwards has announced 23 new projects aimed at coastal recreation throughout the state.  The $60 million being used to fund the projects comes from a settlement stemming from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.  Edwards says the projects will be a welcomed addition to Sportsman’s Paradise.

Cut 10 (09)   “…citizens and visitors.”

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says he’s pleased the state’s recreational losses were not forgotten.  He echoed Edwards’s sentiments, saying the projects will be beneficial to those with or without a boat.

Cut 11 (13) “…fish in Louisiana.” 

LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet says the additions won’t just change things above the surface, but in the depths as well.

Cut 12 (11) “…bay and others.”

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The Tulane National Primate Research Center received a 42 million dollar grant to keep the lights on and the medical research on schedule. The grant, from the National Institute of Health, is aimed at maintaining the facility’s infrastructure and day to day operation. Research Center Director Jay Rappaport says this money will allow the Center to continue its research in a vitally important field.

Cut 13 (09)  “in progress” 

The grant was applied for in March, and the campus was reviewed by a team of 26 NIH inspectors. The facility houses research on deadly diseases, which Rapaport says has led to an extensive safety infrastructure to upkeep.

Cut 14 (11) “getting out”

The center employs over 300 people in a variety of functions, from animal care to engineers. Rappaport says it’s really impressive when you take a look at it as a whole.

Cut 15 (07) “our functions”

The campus is located on 500 acres of land just off Highway 190 in Covington.

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The Audubon Zoo in New Orleans gave an update today on how a jaguar got out of his enclosure this weekend and killed nine animals.  Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Baton Rouge Republican Congressman Garret Graves says he’s not exactly happy some of the comments made by President Trump in Finland. Graves, breaking with most national Republicans, says it was a poor choice of words on President’s behalf.  Trump has since reversed his initial statement, saying he has full confidence in the findings of US intel concerning Russian meddling in US elections.

Two years ago today in Baton Rouge, a lone gunman opened fire on law enforcement in an ambush that would kill three officers and injured three others. East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says it goes down as one of the worst days in Louisiana’s history.  Corporal Nick Tullier continues his difficult recovery at a Houston hospital. Gautreaux provided an update on Tullier’s progress.

Cut 7 (10)  “…make a full recovery.”

Tullier cannot walk, talk, or move his limbs without assistance.

Louisiana has seen an uptick in productions around the state for television shows and motion pictures.  Executive Director of Louisiana Entertainment, Chris Stelly credits a 2017 reform in the state’s incentive program for making Louisiana one of the most in demand locations.

cut 9 (05)  “in the world”

Baton Rouge  Republican Congressman Garrett Graves is coming out against the President’s comments yesterday that Russia did not interfere with the 2016 election. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Two years ago today in Baton Rouge, a lone gunman opened fire on law enforcement in an ambush that would kill three officers and injured three others. East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux…

Cut 6 (12)  “…law enforcement.”

Louisiana has seen an uptick in productions around the state for television shows and motion pictures.  Executive Director of Louisiana Entertainment, Chris Stelly credits a 2017 reform in the state’s incentive program for the boom.  Currently, five television shows being filmed in communities around the state.  Stelly estimates that the economic impact is in the billions, but says a true metric is being studied right now with more official results available in early 2019.

Cut 11 (09) “…throughout the state.”

The Audubon Zoo in New Orleans says the jaguar that got loose on Sunday and killed nine other animals most likely bit through a stainless steel cable barrier near the roof of his enclosure. Zoo Director Kyle Burks says the big cat then pushed through an eight-by-ten inch hole in the roof and got out. Burks says the jaguar will not be euthanized and they are not sure how long he was out of his enclosure.

Cut 14 (07) “…forward from there.”

Baton Rouge Republican Congressman Garret Graves says he’s not exactly happy some of the comments made by President Trump in Finland. Mr. Trump told reporters he believes Vladmir Putin’s assurances that Russia did not attempt to interfere with the 2016 election. Graves says Trump has been an incredible president in his first two years, but that doesn’t mean he gets a free pass on everything.

Cut 4  (11) “with Russia.”

Two years ago today in Baton Rouge, a lone gunman opened fire on law enforcement in an ambush that would kill three officers and injured three others. East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says it goes down as one of the worst days in Louisiana’s history.  The experience is one that Gautreaux says is still fresh in the minds of local law enforcement to this day.

Cut 8 (09) “…never leave us.”

Louisiana has seen an uptick in productions around the state for television shows and motion pictures.  Executive Director of Louisiana Entertainment, Chris Stelly credits a 2017 reform in the state’s incentive program for making Louisiana one of the most in demand locations in the world.  The program is capped at a budget of $150 million per fiscal year, but in return, Stelly says it’s a rewarding experience for the communities involved.

Cut 10 (06) “…hiring our neighbors.”

The Audubon Zoo in New Orleans says the jaguar that got loose on Sunday and killed nine other animals most likely bit through a stainless steel cable barrier near the roof of his enclosure. Zoo Director Kyle Burks says the big cat then pushed through an eight-by-ten inch hole in the roof and got out. Burks says the enclosure is inspected on a regular basis.

Cut 12 (12)   “to that”