The National Hurricane Center expects a tropical depression will form by Thursday from a broad area of low pressure that’s moving into the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of the Florida panhandle. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the big concern is the potential for heavy rainfall starting Friday and lasting through the weekend.

Cut 3 (10) “…ten inch range.”

Currently, the system is labeled as Invest 92. 

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is keeping tabs on the brewing system in the Gulf as well. GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele says while no one knows exactly where the system will land, there are several precautions Louisiana residents need to start taking ahead of the storm as it could dump significant amounts of rain on the state.

Cut 5  (07) “…with your family.” 

Projections show the system could bring enough rain to threaten some serious, localized flooding events.

The tropical development that could bring large amounts of rainfall to Louisiana later this week could have a mitigating impact on the Gulf of Mexico’s algae bloom.  LSU Professor Dr. Nancy Rabalais says as the forecast becomes more clear, just how much of an effect the storm will have will be more apparent.

Cut 6 (12) “…sure how long.”

Toxic blooms have shuttered Mississippi’s beaches.

According to the National College Access Network’s FAFSA tracker, Louisiana ranks number one throughout the nation for application completion for a second year. Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance Executive Director Dr. Sujuan Boutté.

Cut 11 (12) “…completed their FAFSA.”

Nationwide, 53% of seniors have applied for FAFSA.

Right now forecasters are keeping on the Florida panhandle. In 2016 a weather system formed in the northern portion on the Gulf of Mexico, resulting in the flooding that many are still trying to recover from.  National Weather Service Slidell Meteorologist Freddie Zeigler says the current system has some parallels to that 2016 storm.

Cut 6 (10) “…and coastal flooding.”

Beginning August 1^st the Department of Children and Family services is giving parents who are behind on child support the opportunity to get their driver’s license back without having to pay off everything they owe immediately.

Regional Administrator for Child Support Enforcement Sandra Broussard they offered this option last year and it was extremely successful

Cut 16  (12) “…dollars”  

According to the National College Access Network’s FAFSA tracker, Louisiana ranks number one throughout the nation for application completion for a second year. Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance Executive Director Dr. Sujuan Boutté says they’ve found the right tools to get kids on the track for higher learning.

Cut 13 (13) “…students and parents.”

Food delivery service Waitr says they’re in the working on adding beer and wine to the menu so it can be delivered with your order. CEO Chris Meaux says alcohol delivery has been one of the most sought after additions to food delivery since Waitr came into existence, and a goal for the company.

All eyes are on a system forming over the Florida panhandle right now with the potential to effect the Bayou state later in the week.  National Weather Service Slidell Meteorologist Freddie Zeigler says the development could even turn into a hurricane by the end of the week.

Cut 7 (10) “…a big issue.”

Once the system is over the water it’s expected to become a tropical depression late Wednesday or Thursday.

The legal battle over Obamacare is being heard in a federal appeals courtroom in New Orleans today. A three-judge panel will listen to arguments on whether the Affordable Care Act is still constitutional after Congress eliminated the penalty for those who choose not to buy insurance. It’s unclear when the panel will rule, but their decision will likely be appealed to the U-S Supreme Court.

Food delivery service Waitr says they’re in the process of adding beer and wine to the list of goods you can have delivered with your order. CEO Chris Meaux says once they work out the specifics with the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, you’ll see a new option on the app when you order from participating restaurants.

Cut 8 (08) “…of ID”

Beer and wine delivery was OK’d in the last Legislative session, but Meaux says there is no current timeline as to when ATC will approve this request.

Starting August 1^st the Department of Children and Family services is giving parents who are behind on child support the opportunity to get their driver’s license back without having to pay off everything they owe immediately.

Regional Administrator for Child Support Enforcement Sandra Broussard says getting non-custodial parents their licenses back increases their chances to make to payments…

Cut 15 (10) “…their children”

The program runs through September 30^th.

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is keeping an eye on a development over the Florida panhandle as things take shape with the potential to bring a large amount of rain to the Bayou state later in the week. GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele encourages to you to get prepared.

Once the system is over the water it’s expected to become a tropical depression late Wednesday or Thursday.

Cut 5  (07) “…with your family.” 

According to the National College Access Network’s FAFSA tracker, Louisiana ranks number one throughout the nation for application completion for a second year. Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance Executive Director Dr. Sujuan Boutté says…

Cut 11 (12) “…completed their FAFSA.”

Lafayette based food delivery service Waitr is preparing to add the option to have alcohol delivered with your food. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

As the candidates for the highest office in Louisiana hit the campaign trail, another debate has been set for the three major gubernatorial candidates. Louisiana Public Broadcasting will air a September 26^th debate with Governor Edwards, and challengers, Congressman Ralph Abraham and Eddie Rispone. That debate will be at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette campus. There will be two other debates as well, one on September 19^th in Baton Rouge and another on October 9^th in Shreveport.

The National Hurricane Center says there’s a high chance of tropical development in the northeast Gulf of Mexico by Thursday or Friday. Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness spokesperson Mike Steele says the state has activated its crisis action team and they are asking the public to monitor the forecast …
cut 4 (10) “…type of development”
Meanwhile, most of the state is under a heat advisory today.

The Louisiana-based food delivery service Waitr is preparing to deliver low content alcohol with food orders as a result of a law passed in the recently completed legislative session.Waitr CEO Chris Meaux says in order to have the factory sealed beer or wine included in your order, you’ve got to have some food as well…
cut 9 (09) “….order”

The latest legal battle over President Barack Obama’s signature health care law takes place in a federal appeals courtroom in New Orleans. A three-judge panel hears arguments today on whether the Affordable Care Act is still constitutional after Congress eliminated the penalty for those who choose not to buy insurance. It’s unclear when the panel will rule, but their decision will likely be appealed to the U-S Supreme Court.

Parents who’ve had their drivers license suspended for overdue child support payments will have a chance to get back on the road…
Cut 3 (30) “.Matt Doyle”

The National Hurricane Center says there’s a high chance a low-pressure system over Georgia will drift south into the Gulf of Mexico and develop into a tropical depression or storm. Kevin Barnhart has more.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

A six-person jury has been chosen in Matthew Naquin’s hazing death trial. Naquin has been charged with negligent homicide and obstruction of justice in the suspected alcohol-related hazing death of LSU student Max Gruver in 2017. Opening statements are scheduled for Thursday.

Starting August 1st the Department of Children and Family Services is giving parents who are behind on child support the opportunity to get their drivers license back without having to pay off everything they owe immediately. Regional Administrator for Child Support Enforcement Sandra Broussard has the details on how “On The Road” works…
Cut 14 (10) “…fees”

For a second straight year, Louisiana ranks number one for the percentage of high school seniors who completed their Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance Executive Director Doctor Sujuan Boutte says successful FAFSA completion gives more Louisiana students the ability to pursue a post-secondary education…
cut 12 (11) “….awards of TOPS”

A low-pressure system in the northern portion of the Gulf is showing potential for developing into a tropical depression.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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Lafayette based food delivery service Waitr is preparing to add the option to have booze delivered with your food. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Parents who’ve had their drivers license suspended for overdue child support payments are being given a chance to get back on the road starting August 1st…

Cut 3 (30) “.Matt Doyle”

_______________________________________

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is keeping a finger on the pulse of the weather forecast with a system in the Gulf that has the potential to develop into a threat to Louisiana.  GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele says as of Monday, the system has an 80% chance of developing into a tropical depression.

Cut 4 (10) “…type of development.”

Steele says there are several precautions Louisiana residents need to take ahead of the storm as it could result in a massive amount of rainfall on the Gulf Coast.

Cut 5  (07) “…with your family.” 

In 2016, a weather system formed in the northern portion on the Gulf of Mexico, resulting in the flooding that many are still trying to recover from due to high amounts of rainfall.  National Weather Service Slidell Meteorologist Freddie Zeiggler says the current system has some parallels to that 2016 storm.

Cut 6 (10) “…and coastal flooding.”

Zeiggler says the development could even turn into a hurricane by the end of the week.

Cut 7 (10) “…a big issue.”

____________________

Food delivery service Waitr says they’re in the process of adding beer and wine to the list of goods you can have delivered with your order.

Waitr CEO Chris Meaux says once they work out the specifics with the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, you’ll see a new option on the app when you go to order from participating restaurants.

Cut 8 (08) “…of ID”

Beer and wine delivery was OK’d in the last Legislative session, but Meaux says there is no current timeline as to when ATC will approve this request.

You can’t just have the booze delivered to your door though. Meaux says in order to have the factory sealed beer or wine included in your order, you’ve got to have some food as well.

Cut 9 (09) “…order.”

Meaux says alcohol delivery has been one of the most sought after additions to food delivery since Waitr came into existence, and a goal for the company.

Cut 10 (10) “…happen.”

Waitr works with more than 3,500 restaurants statewide.

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According to the National College Access Network’s FAFSA tracker, Louisiana ranks number one throughout the nation for application completion for a second year. Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance Executive Director Dr. Sujuan Boutté says the numbers are a big win for the state.

Cut 11 (12) “…completed their FAFSA.”

Boutté says the growth in applications has seen an uptick in student activity in becoming more proactive about continuing education beyond high school.

Cut 12 (11) “…awards of TOPS.”

Nationwide, 53% of seniors have applied for FAFSA.  Boutté says they’ve found the right tools to get kids on the track for higher learning.

Cut 13 (13) “…students and parentsl.”

Tennessee came in at number two followed by Delaware, DC, and New Jersey.

___________________

Starting August 1^st the Department of Children and Family services is giving parents who are behind on child support the opportunity to get their drivers license back without having to pay off everything they owe immediately.

Regional Administrator for Child Support Enforcement Sandra Broussard has the details on how “On The Road” works…

Cut 14 (10) “…fees”

Previously parents could have their license suspended for being 90 days past due and could not get their license reinstated without making the full back-payment.

Broussard says getting non-custodial parents their licenses back increases make them more likely to make payments…

Cut 15 (10) “…their children”

It’s the second year of the program that began a six-week run last year. Broussard says last year they had a lot of success.

Cut 16  (12) “…dollars”  

The program runs through September 30^th.

Governor Edwards drops his first re-election TV and online ad of the gubernatorial campaign, with a familiar foe front and center…

cut  2 (29) I’m Matt Doyle”  

According to the National College Access Network’s FAFSA tracker, 78.7 percent of Louisiana’s nearly 48-thousand high school seniors completed their free application for Federal Student Aid. With the findings, Louisiana ranks number one for application completion for a second year. Tennessee came in at number two followed by Delaware, DC, and New Jersey.

Restore Louisiana is sending out the first round of checks to 2016 flood victims, previously denied government aid because they were approved for an SBA loan. Executive Director of the Louisiana Office of Community Development Pat Forbes says 230 homeowners will receive the grant money this week and many other families received notification today they are eligible for this money too…
cut 12 (11) “..your grant”
A Belle Rose man is in the slammer after going to a grocery store, filming himself opening a Blue Bell ice cream container, licking the contents, sticking his fingers in the container, then returning it to the store freezer.  36-year-old Lenise Lloyd Martin III is accused of pulling the stunt.  Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office Commander Lonny Cavalier says Martin produced a receipt showing he later purchased an identical package.

Cut 4 (10) “…of gaining notoriety”
Martin remains in the parish prison.

The Assumption Parish Sheriff’s office is working a “cold” case after a Belle Rose man attempts to gain social media infamy with a grocery store prank.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

A dog is dead after a high jacking incident in Baton Rouge. Yesterday a man left his dog in the car with the AC on while going into a doughnut shop, only for someone to steal the car with the dog in tow. That led to a citywide hunt for both the dog and car that ran over 24 hours. Authorities say they discovered the dog in the car, and have determined the animal died of heat exhaustion. 30-year-old Leslie Aguillard was arrested on a litany of charges as a result.

The National Hurricane Center says there is a high probability a tropical depression will form by the end of the week over the northern Gulf of Mexico, which has the potential to produce heavy rain over Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says as long as this possible tropical depression or storm doesn’t develop into anything too significant, the potential rainmaker could be beneficial to Louisiana…

Cut 8 (10) “…hot”

Keim says eight to ten inches of rain could fall across the northern Gulf Coast later this week. 

Governor Edwards has released his first TV re-election ad of the gubernatorial campaign. The ad emphasizes Louisiana’s recovery from the Jindal deficits under Edwards’ leadership. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s a familiar line for Edwards, but it has a weakness…

Cut 9 (09) “surplus.”

Edwards passed a one cent sales tax increase after taking office to plug the budget deficit.