Governor Edwards says he’s confident progressive voters in the state won’t abandon him at the polls over his decision to sign one of the nation’s most restrictive abortion bans. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The “Truth in Labeling” bill targeting plant based food substitutes has been signed into law by Governor Edwards . Kevin Barnhart has more…

cut 2 (30) I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s not concerned about losing votes over his decision to sign a series of abortion restrictions during the legislative session.

Edwards says his support for the fetal heartbeat abortion ban that would functionally ban abortion six weeks after pregnancy should not have come as a surprise, given his past support for pro-life policy.

Cut 3 (09) “…Louisiana”

Edwards received harsh criticism from national level Democrats after the signatures and is now one of the party’s highest positioned pro-life members.

There’s been rumblings that a second, pro-choice Democrat could enter the race for Governor to capitalize on discontent among progressive voters. Edwards says he’s confident Louisiana Democrats still have his back.

Cut 4 (08) “…as well”

Polling suggests that potential pro-choice progressive candidate could get some traction if they were to run for Governor to the left of Edwards.

The national Democratic party platform is definitively pro-choice, but Louisiana Democratic Party Executive Director Stephen Handwerk says the state party is still rallying behind Edwards, because he shares their values in other areas.

Cut 5 (11) “…bid.

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Governor Edwards has signed the “Truth in Labeling” bill into law prohibiting Louisiana food producers from using terminology like “meat” or “milk” when labeling substitute products created from plants, or “rice” when labeling cauliflower-based substitutes.  Senator Frances Thompson authored the bill.

Cut 6 (07) “…is packaged right.”

Opponents of the bill say restrictive language for labeling is a violation of First Amendment rights.  Thompson says similar labeling measures are picking up steam across the country.

Cut 7 (10) “…this into law.”

The Department of Ag will enforce the regulations when they begin in October 2020 with violators of the law receiving a $500 fine per day per violation.  Thompson says the goal of the law is not to put anyone out of business.

Cut 8 (10) “…meat or milk.”
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A DOTD worker was  killed Wednesday in Simsboro when an 18 wheeler collided with a DOTD truck on LA Highway 563. The worker was standing behind the truck replacing road signs along with the highway.

With an increase of road construction this time of year Louisiana State Police spokesperson trooper Michael Reichardt warns motorist to be more alert.

Cut 9 (:08) “…zone”

A toxicology sample was taken at the scene and the accident remains under investigation.

Reichardt says drivers need to remember to keep their eyes on the road, partiucarlly in construction zones.

Cut 10 (07) “…roads safer.”

Reichardt says the Move Over Law is in effect to keep everyone safe, not just first responders and law enforcement.

Cut 11 (13) “…and yours.”

50- year old Johnny Cole of West Monroe was pronounced dead on the scene.

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Over a million dollars worth of cocaine was found floating 50 miles off the Louisiana coast by a work boat that hauled it back into Port of Iberia and turned the contraband over to authorities.

Iberia Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson Major Wendall Raborn says the million-dollar buoy of blow was prepped and wrapped for a waterborne pickup that never came…

Cut 12 (09)   “…ocean”

The total package weighed in at 75 pounds.

Raborn says they aren’t certain how the package got left stranded on the high seas, but it could have come from an aerial drop from the cartels that just didn’t find it’s mark.

Cut 13 (09) “…make it”  

Raborn says the ship captain made the right call immediately phoning in his find to the authorities. He says if you stumble upon a stash, phone it in ASAP…

Cut 14 (12) “…it in” 

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Cut 15 (08) “…at LSU”

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Cut 16 (08) “…initial release”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s not concerned about losing votes over his decision to sign a series of abortion restrictions during the legislative session. There’s been rumblings that a second, pro-choice Democrat could enter the race for Governor to capitalize on discontent among progressive voters. Edwards says he’s confident Louisiana Democrats still have his back.

Cut 4 (08) “…as well”

Governor Edwards has signed the “Truth in Labeling” bill into law prohibiting Louisiana food producers from using terminology like “meat” or “milk” when labeling substitute products created from plants, or “rice” when labeling cauliflower-based substitutes.  Senator Frances Thompson authored the bill andsays similar labeling measures are picking up steam across the country.

Cut 7 (10) “…this into law.”

The law goes into effect in October 2020.

A DOTD Worker was killed Wednesday in Simsboro in an accident according to Louisiana State Troopers. 50- year old Johnny Cole of West Monroe was pronounced dead on the scene. With an increase of road construction this time of year Michael Reichardt with Louisiana State Police warns motorist to be extra alert.

Cut 9 (:08) “…zone”

The accident remains under investigation.

Over a million dollars worth of cocaine was found floating 50 miles off the Louisiana coast by a work boat that hauled it back into Port of Iberia and turned the contraband over to authorities.

Iberia Parish Sherriff’s spokesperson Major Wendall Raborn says the million-dollar buoy of blow was prepped and wrapped for a waterborne pickup that never came…

Cut 12 (09)   “…ocean”

The total package weighed in at 75 pounds.

Governor Edwards has signed the “Truth in Labeling” bill into law prohibiting Louisiana food producers from using terminology like “meat” or “milk” when labeling substitute products created from plants, or “rice” when labeling cauliflower-based substitutes.  Senator Frances Thompson authored the bill.

Cut 6 (07) “…is packaged right.”

Opponents of the bill say restrictive language for labeling is a violation of First Amendment rights. 

And the Governor says he’s not concerned about losing votes over his decision to sign an abortion restriction during the legislative session. Edwards says his support for the fetal heartbeat abortion ban that would functionally ban abortion six weeks after pregnancy should not have come as a surprise, given his past support for pro-life policy.

Cut 3 (09) “…Louisiana”

Edwards received harsh criticism from national level Democrats after the signature and is now one of the party’s highest positioned pro-life members.

Louisiana is once again ranked 49^th in overall child well-being.  A major contributing factor is poverty.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.” 

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed a budget that provides millions of additional dollars towards public education. Jeff Palermo has the story…
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Jeff palermo”

A Department of Transportation worker passes away after a fatal wreck on LA Highway 563. 50-year-old Johnny Cole of West Monroe was working with a crew to install new road signs when an 18-wheeler piloted by 42-year-old Michael Moore of Ruston did not see the DOTD truck parked in the northbound lane, and slammed into the back of it, killing Cole.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is asking for the public to help count how many bats live in the Bayou State, so they can find out if a bat-based disease is spreading. LDWF State Wildlife Veterinarian Jim LaCour says white nose syndrome has ravaged bat populations in other states, but has not yet been detected in Louisiana.
Cut 11 (10) “you will.”

The disease is not a danger to humans.
Four people are behind bars, with three charged with human trafficking and the fourth being charged with carnal knowledge after an investigation by the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office. The victim indicated she had been forced into sex trafficking since January. Sheriff Tony Mancuso.
Cut 14 (10) “…and we’re not.”

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed the 30-billion dollar budget that lawmakers approved in the recently completed legislative session. Edwards says if re-elected, he’ll push Louisiana teacher salaries to the Southern Regional Average…

Cut 6 (08) “…that happens.”

Louisiana continues to be ranked 49th in overall child well-being. KIDS COUNT manager at Agenda for Children Teresa Falgoust says a big factor into the low ranking is that the state ranks 50^th in childhood poverty. Falgoust says the state is also low in the ranking when it comes to child and teen deaths and underweight births.

Cut 9 (07) “…worse since 1990.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is asking for the public to help count how many bats live in the Bayou State, so they can find out if a bat-based disease is spreading. LDWF State Wildlife Veterinarian Jim LaCour says over 80 percent of the state is private property, which can make it tough to track bat populations, so if you got some bats on your land…

Cut 10 (09) “…to us.”

Louisiana has 12 species of bats.

Four people are behind bars, with three charged with human trafficking and the fourth being charged with carnal knowledge after an investigation by the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Tony Mancuso says the investigation began in March when a tip was called into authorities alerting them to the location of 14-year-old girl previously reported as a runaway.

Cut 13 (09) “…that we made.”

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed the 30-billion dollar budget that lawmakers approved in the recently completed legislative session. Edwards says the spending plan that goes into effect July 1st contains the first teacher pay raise in a decade
Cut 4 (12) “…our children.”

Louisiana continues to be ranked 49th in overall child well-being. KIDS COUNT manager at Agenda for Children Teresa Falgoust says a big factor into the low ranking is that the state ranks 50th in childhood poverty, with 307-thousand children living in poverty, roughly 28% of the state’s child population.
The state has dropped in ranking for education from 47th to 48th. Falgoust says another troubling trend is the number of children getting ready to enter high school not doing well in math. In 2009, 80% of eighth graders were not proficient in math. That has risen to 81% in 2017.
Cut 8 (06) “…slightly as well.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is asking for the public to help count how many bats live in the Bayou State, so they can find out if a bat-based disease is spreading.
LDWF State Wildlife Veterinarian Jim LaCour says filling out the form about how many bats are on your land could be a big help to the Louisiana economy, and Louisiana healthcare as bats love to chow down on nasty bugs.
Cut 12 (12) “…people”

Four people are behind bars, with three charged with human trafficking and the fourth being charged with carnal knowledge after an investigation by the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Tony Mancuso says he believes there will be more arrests in the case.
Cut 15 (08) “…this particular case.”

If you’ve got some bats on your land, the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries wants you to count them. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed the 30-billion dollar budget that lawmakers approved in the recently completed legislative session. Teachers will receive a one-thousand dollar pay raise, school support workers get a five-hundred dollar boost in pay. The budget also contains an additional 39-million dollars in block grant funding for public schools and the budget increases funding so that additional children can attend pre-K education classes
Cut 5 (08) “…get a slot.”

Louisiana continues to be ranked 49th in overall child well-being. KIDS COUNT manager at Agenda for Children Teresa Falgoust says a big factor into the low ranking is that the state ranks 50th in childhood poverty, with 307-thousand children living in poverty, roughly 28% of the state’s child population.
Cut 7 (10) “…basic need met.”

Four people are behind bars, with three charged with human trafficking and the fourth being charged with carnal knowledge after an investigation by the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Tony Mancuso says the investigation began in March when a tip was called into authorities alerting them to the location of 14-year-old girl previously reported as a runaway.
The victim indicated she had been forced into sex trafficking since January. Mancuso says combatting sex trafficking is a high priority for his agency and encourages victims to come forward.
Cut 14 (10) “…and we’re not.”

Louisiana is once again ranked 49th in overall child well-being. A major contributing factor is poverty. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed the 30-billion dollar budget that lawmakers approved in the recently completed legislative session. Edwards says the spending plan that goes into effect July 1st contains the first teacher pay raise in a decade.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is asking for the public to help count how many bats live in the Bayou State, so they can find out if a bat-based disease is spreading.
LDWF State Wildlife Veterinarian Jim LaCour says the white nose syndrome has ravaged bat populations in other states, but has not yet been detected in Louisiana.
Cut 11 (10) “you will.”
The disease is not a danger to humans.
Four people are behind bars, with three charged with human trafficking and the fourth being charged with carnal knowledge after an investigation by the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Tony Mancuso says the investigation began in March when a tip was called into authorities alerting them to the location of 14-year-old girl previously reported as a runaway.
Cut 13 (09) “…that we made.”

ESPN reports that negotiations between the Saints and their star wide receiver Michael Thomas are progressing so well that a new deal could be in place before the start of training camp and when it’s said and done, the former first round pick will be the highest paid pass catcher in the NFL. Thomas led the NFL with 125 catches last season.

The NBA draft is tomorrow night and speculation is increasing on whether the Pelicans will trade the fourth overall pick, which they got from the Lakers. ESPN reports the Hawks are looking to package their 8th and 10th overall picks for New Orleans fourth overall selection.

Also, the Timberwolves, Celtkicsand Bulls are looking to trade up as they’ve expressed interest in Vanderbilt guard Darius Garland. Meanwhile, New Orleans has reportedly looked at acquiring Wizards All-Star Bradley Beal, but Washington is apparently not interested in trading Beal.
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The state’s top high school basketball player has committed to LSU. Walker’s Jalen Cook is gearing for his senior season at Walker High School, but the four-star prospect says he plans to attend LSU after his prep days are done. He’s the reinging Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year.

And LSU football received a verbal commitment from Alabama defensive lineman Eric Taylor. The six-foot-five, 280-pounder is the 19th pledge of the 2020 class.

LSU Hall of Famer Ebert Van Buren has passed away at the age of 94 at the Northeast Louisiana War Veterans hom. Van Buren helped LSU land a berth in the 1949 Sugar bowl and he was the team captain of the 1950 squad. He played for three seasons with the Eagles after Philadelphia made him a first round draft pick. Before coming to LSU, Van Buren served in the US Army 96th Infantry Division in the Pacific during the World War Two, receiving a Purple Heart and two bronze stars. His brother is the late Steve Van Buren, who is a member of both the LSU and NFL Halls of Fame.

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed a budget that provides millions of additional dollars towards public education. Jeff Palermo has the story…
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Jeff palermo”

The resolution to observe June as LGBTQ Pride Month in Lafayette has failed.
Councilman Kenneth Boudreaux sponsoring the item that appeared on Tuesday’s agenda. The vote last night was 4-3 in favor of the resolution. A majority of 5 votes was needed to approve that resolution.
It subsequently failed to pass. No word on if the measure will be revisited any time soon.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is asking for the public to help count how many bats live in the Bayou State, so they can find out if a bat-based disease is spreading.
LDWF State Wildlife Veterinarian Jim LaCour says over 80 percent of the state is private property, which can make it tough to track bat populations, so if you got some bats on your land…
Cut 10 (09) “…to us.”
Louisiana has 12 species of bats.