Louisiana’s first wind turbine and its components have arrived in the state after a transatlantic trip from Ireland. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

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Ohio Senator J.D. Vance is Trump’s running mate for the 2024 Presidential Election at the Republican National Convention on Monday. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

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Republican proponent of revising the state constitution Lane Grisby made his case to the media; to hold a convention ASAP so proposed changes can be on the fall ballot. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Louisiana’s first wind turbine and its components have arrived at Avondale Global Gateway from Ireland. Jeff Keever with Avondale says this turbine represents exciting new things for Louisiana that have already started even though the turbine isn’t up and running yet.

Cut 4 (11) “…Gulf of Mexico.”

The turbine will be installed by Gulf Wind Technology at the Port Fourchon Coastal Wetlands Park. Keever says once there, the turbine will do more than just provide renewable energy.

Cut 5 (10) “…Gulf of Mexico.”

Keever hopes this turbine is the first of many in the state. He says Louisiana is uniquely positioned to work with wind energy projects since so much of the workforce is already familiar with on- and offshore energy.

Cut 6 (10) “…United States.”

The turbine will be installed and tested early next year.

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Governor Jeff Landry has designated this week as Rural Road Safety Awareness Week. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says rural roads are deceptively dangerous. More minor crashes, such as fender-benders, happen in cities…

Cut 7 (10) “…are dangerous.”

More than 62% of fatal crashes in Louisiana in 2022 were on rural roads. Fischer says factors in rural road fatalities include excessive speed, drinking and not wearing a seatbelt.

Cut 8 (09) “…crashes.”

Fischer says rural road fatalities are preventable with safe driving. He says it’s imperative you don’t drive distracted, wear your seatbelt, and go the speed limit when on a rural road.

Cut 9 (11)  “…behind your vehicle.”

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Louisiana Republican U-S Senator John Kennedy is calling on Americans not to make assumptions about why a 20-year-old gunman attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. Kennedy urges the public not to jump to conclusions on a motive.

Cut 10 (12) “…broken wing.”

The FBI is taking the lead on the assassination attempt. Many Americans are asking what led to the security failures that allowed Thomas Matthew Crooks to get a clean shot at Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Kennedy asks for patience as authorities attempt to gain answers…

Cut 11 (14) “…get the facts.”

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Donald Trump has chosen Ohio Senator JD Vance as his running mate for the 2024 presidential election. Vance, once a critic of Trump, has become a strong supporter and advocate for his policies. Louisiana State Treasure John Fleming…

Cut 12 (11) “…very, very satisfactory.”

Fleming says Vance’s age is not a concern for the ticket and thinks his youth will be the foundation for the future of the Republican party.

Cut 13 (12)  “…working people.”

Fleming says the assassination attempt on Trump likely did not influence his VP choice.

Cut 14 (09)  “…this morning.”

Vance’s strong defense of Trump in media appearances likely helped solidify his position as the V-P pick.

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Republican megadonor Lane Grigsby, who’s appealing to Louisiana lawmakers one last time to hold a Constitutional Convention so the changes could appear on the fall ballot, made his case at the Baton Rouge Press Club Monday. He says the state’s constitution is broken.

Cut 15 (12)  “…authority.”

Grigsby’s version of reforming the constitution would pertain to fiscal elements, like removing the homestead exemption, civil service protections, and retirement systems, and having them transferred into state law.  He says the state’s fiscal house is a mess. For example, it has a complex and uncompetitive tax code and budget process.

Cut 16 (12) “…the building.” 

He says the current constitution gives lawmakers very little ability to distribute funds among initiatives that need more funding due to the restraints in the current constitution.

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

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LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier now has the keys to the car. That’s how Coach Brian Kelly explained the situation at SEC Media Days as Nussmeier finally gets his chance to lead the Tigers offense after waiting for three years for the opportunity. Nussmeier has a talented group of receivers, but they are not proven. Nuss has confidence in them

Cut 17 (17) “…those shoes.”

Nussmeier could have easily entered the transfer portal as he waited his turn for the last two seasons behind Jayden Daniels. But the Lake Charles native says he chose LSU for a reason after his high school playing career ended in Texas…

Cut 18 (17)  “…always right.”

Nussmeier is the son of former NFL quarterback Doug Nussmeier, who is an assistant for the Chargers. Garrett Nussmeier says his relationship with his Dad is a big reason why got to this point…

Cut 19 (17) “…it’s special.” 

Cut 20 (22) “…overcome that.”

Daniel Callihan, the man accused of killing a Longer woman, kidnapping her two daughters, and killing one of them pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in Tangipahoa Parish Courthouse Monday. He was captured in Mississippi on June 13^th and confessed to the media the following day. He faces charges in Mississippi and Federal charges also.

Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham is among the attendees at the Republican National Convention this week. After Saturday’s unsuccessful assassination attempt against presumptive Presidential nominee Donald Trump, Bayham says it’s caused a lot of Republicans to reevaluate their priorities.

Cut 4 (10) “…civil society we have.”

This afternoon Ohio Senator J.D. Vance was announced as Trump’s running mate.

During the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump Saturday, 50-year-old Tony Hemker of Virginia was in the crowd, about 45 yards from the stage. When he heard the shots, Hemker turned to the right and saw a bullet go through a nearby overhead speaker and it fell to the ground. He says he ducked and didn’t get back up until he heard Secret Service say clear. Hemker said it won’t deter him from ever attending a Trump rally again, the experience has changed him.

Cut 8 (13)  “…never know.”

A trial date for the former LSP officer Kory York, who’s charged in the death of Black motorist Ronald Greene has been moved to October 28^th  instead of late September. An attorney representing York cited the availability of a witness in the case. York was charged in 2022 in the May 2019 death of Greene.

In the wake of an assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump, delegates are gathering at the Republican National Convention this week to formally nominate him for president. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (30) …I’m Mel Bridges.”

An early morning house fire in the Houma area Saturday claimed the lives of five people and a sixth person survived. Among the victims were three adults, a teenager, and a toddler. The surviving victim is a teenager. The fire remains under investigation by the State Fire Marshall’s Office and the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Tony Hemker of Virginia was among the attendees at the political rally Saturday where an attempt on Trump’s life was made. Hemker was about 45 yards away from the stage. He says it wasn’t until after the Secret Service yelled clear then he got back and up and saw Trump raise his fist into the air.

Cut 7 (14) “…else happens.”

One person was killed, and two others seriously injured.

Fitness guru and New Orleans native Richard Simmons passed away on Saturday, as a child he reached 200 pounds and at age 10 he began to improve his health. In the 70s he opened an exercise studio in Los Angeles. Tulane Sports Performance Manager Mackie Shilstone…(Shill-stone) says Simmons used mass media to turn himself into a fitness icon…

Cut  13 (08) “..paid his dues.” 

He was 76.

During the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump on Saturday, 50-year-old Tony Hemker of Virginia was in the crowd. He went with his wife’s uncle, who had removed his hearing aids because they were near an overhead speaker, about 45 yards from the stage. When he heard the shots Hemker turned to the right, saw a bullet go through a speaker and it fell to the ground.

Cut 6 (12) “…(x3) get down.”

A motive in the assassination attempt of Former President Trump is still not known. Two attendees were critically injured, and one man is dead. The twenty-year-old shooter was outside the rally on a rooftop and was killed by counter-snipers. Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy…

Cut 8 (10) “…to be condemned.”

Five people were killed in a house fire in the Houma area Saturday morning. A sixth person was able to escape. Authorities were called about 3:45. Among the victims, three adults, a teenager and a toddler. The surviving victim is a teenager. Authorities say they are looking at surveillance footage from neighbors and the fire remains under investigation by the State Fire Marshall’s Office and the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. The blaze happened in the 300 block of Louise Lane.

As the temperature continues to climb, motorists may encounter a disruption known as road buckling. Louisiana DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan says road buckling is a normal thing that happens to concrete roads in heat. Debris and moisture fall into the joints of concrete roads over time, and when it gets hot…

Cut 10 (11) “…triangle.”

Daniel Callihan and Victoria Cox were indicted Thursday by a Mississippi grand jury for the murder of Callie Brunett of Loranger, her four-year-old daughter and the kidnapping of her six-year-old daughter. Callihan was indicted on one count of capital murder, two counts of kidnapping, three counts of sexual battery and one count of receiving stolen property. Victoria Cox was indicted on capital murder, kidnapping and sexual battery. Both face similar charges in Tangipahoa Parish.

Aaliyah (ah-lee-ah) Jack is also facing murder charges after leaving her two children in Calcasieu Parish, one who was found in a body of water behind the Welcome Center in Vinton and an infant who was found alive. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Stitch Guillory says when they found the four-year-old Monday night they asked the media for help and the child’s grandmother called them.

Cut 10 (09) “…kid was.”

LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says it’s debatable if President Biden’s press conference last night to dispel rumors about his alleged cognitive decline was effective. With Biden all but refusing to step aside and no other clear Democratic candidate, Hogan thinks the Democrats are in a tight spot.

Cut 8 (11)  “…being questioned.”

The Democratic Convention will be held in August.

Steve Gleason was honored with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award Thursday night at the ESPYs and the audience also honored him with a momentous standing ovation. Former teammate Drew Brees presented Gleason with the award and Gleason’s son held it beside him during his acceptance speech.

Cut 3 (13) “…love y’all (clapping fades out).”

Thursday night, Steve Gleason was honored with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPY’s. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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President Joe Biden held a press conference Thursday night to try and disprove rumors about alleged cognitive decline, but whether he accomplished that is debatable. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 2 (28)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

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Steve Gleason was honored with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award Thursday night at the ESPYs and the audience also honored him with a momentous standing ovation. Former teammate Drew Brees presented Gleason with the award and Gleason’s son held it beside him during his acceptance speech.

Cut 3 (13) “…love y’all (clapping fades out).”

Gleason who was diagnosed with ALS in 2011 established the Team Gleason Foundation that helps others with the incurable disease live life as full as possible.

Brees told the audience it would be a lie to say life for Gleason hasn’t been difficult since his diagnosis.

Cut 4 (11) “…his own story.”

Thirteen years ago, Gleason was told he had three years to live. When he learned he received the Courage Award, he reflected on what it meant. Confined to a wheelchair and able to use technology to speak Gleason says to be courageous we must first experience fear and suffering.

Cut 5 (14)  “…or suffering.”

Fellow teammates from the Saints 2010 National Championship team also joined Team Gleason in Los Angeles for the award.

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President Joe Biden held a press conference Thursday night to dispel rumors about alleged cognitive decline, but whether he accomplished that is debatable. LSU Political Science Professor Dr. Robert Hogan says during the press conference, Biden got some details wrong…

Cut 6 (11) “…that’s to be seen.”

Some Democratic lawmakers are calling for Biden to step aside and let someone younger run after a dismal presidential debate performance left many wondering if Biden is suffering from some sort of memory-related illness. While Hogan says yesterday’s press conference went well for Biden…

Cut 7 (11) “…three and a half years.”

Hogan says Republicans want Biden to run against former president Donald Trump because they view him as a wounded candidate. With Biden all but refusing to step aside and no other clear Democratic candidate, Hogan thinks the Democrats are in a tight spot.

Cut 8 (11)  “…being questioned.”

The Democratic presidential nominee will be announced at their National Convention in August.

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Aaliyah (ah-lee-ah) Jack, the Lake Charles mother who abandoned her four-year-old son who was found dead behind a Welcome Center in Vinton Monday, and her infant that son found crawling from a ditch along I-10 Tuesday has also been charged with second-degree murder and cruelty to a juvenile. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Stitch Guillory says after she was located in Mississippi…

Cut 9 (13) “…in Calcasieu.”

Guillory says the case moved swiftly when they found the elder child in the water and sent out a release asking local media to help them identify the child. He says it was then the paternal grandmother of the children who called from Texas fearing who it was, and she also told them about the infant.

Cut 10 (09) “…kid was.”

Guillory was limited to what he could say about the case, he says Calcasieu Parish detectives went to Meridian, Mississippi to question Jack about the case but she asked for an attorney and the interview ended.

But he did say it was a miracle the infant was found alive after surviving the outer bands of Hurricane Beryl and on his own for two days. He says it’s been an emotional week and case.

Cut 11 (04) ” …forget.”

24-year-old Jack’s bond is set at $9.1 million and she’s also charged with failure to report a missing child.

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Cut 12 (04) “…happened.”

Cut  13 (08) “…happens.” 

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Cut  14 (08) “…of the United States.” 

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Cut 15 (13) “…not true.”

Cut  16 (10)   “…Thursday.”

Former Saints player Steve Gleason received the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPY’s last night. Confined to a wheelchair and able to use technology to speak Gleason who was diagnosed with ALS in 2022, says to be courageous we must first experience fear and suffering.

Cut 5 (14)  “…or suffering.”

President Joe Biden held a press conference last night to dispel rumors about alleged cognitive decline, but whether he accomplished that is debatable. LSU Political Science Professor Dr. Robert Hogan says during the press conference, Biden got some details wrong…

Cut 6 (11) “…that’s to be seen.”

The Democratic National Convention will be held next month.

Aaliyah (ah-lee-ah) Jack, the Lake Charles mother who abandoned her four-year-old son who was found dead behind a Welcome Center in Vinton Monday, and her infant that son found crawling from a ditch along I-10 Tuesday has also been charged with second-degree murder and cruelty to a juvenile. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Stitch Guillory says after she was located in Mississippi…

Cut 9 (13) “…in Calcasieu.”

Makeba Guidry-Payne of Opelousas says she was scammed by the 2KB Farm and Petting Zoo, that she paid for a family event last month and they were a no show. She made the reservation in March and paid $560 in April. After posting on social media about the incident and filing a report with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office she’s only received a $460 refund.  She told a Lafayette TV station she’s also planning to file a civil suit.

Steve Gleason was honored with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award last night at the ESPYs and he received a momentous standing ovation. Former teammate Drew Brees presented Gleason with the award and the former Saints QB told the audience it would be a lie to say life for Gleason hasn’t been difficult since his diagnosis.

Cut 4 (12) “…his own story.”

Gleason, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2011 established the Team Gleason foundation that helps others with the incurable disease live life as full as possible.

Former LSU pitcher and current Pittsburgh Pirate Paul Skeens is having quite a week. He was just picked to be the starting pitcher for the National League in the 2024 Major League Baseball All-Star game and yesterday he pitched a seven frame no hit against the Brewers. And did I mention he’s also the fifth-rookie pitcher to start the All-Star game? 

President Joe Biden held a press conference last night to try and disprove rumors about alleged cognitive decline, but whether he accomplished that is debatable. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

Louisiana State Parks is celebrating 90 years with free admission on Saturday, July 13th. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health is advising the public to stay safe during dangerous heat. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

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A Metairie youth pastor believes Louisiana should become an independent nation and no longer regulated by the Federal government. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Louisiana State Parks are celebrating their 90-year anniversary with free day-use admission to all Louisiana state parks and historic sites on Saturday, July 13. Assistant Secretary of State Parks Brandon Burris says waving the day-use fee will help…

Cut 4 (08) “…past 90 years.”

The State Parks Commission of Louisiana was created in 1934 and originally oversaw three state parks that totaled 298 acres. Today, they operate 21 state parks, 14 historic sites, and a preservation area that totals 45,000 acres. Throughout the years, Burris says, their mission statement has remained the same…

Cut 5 (10) “…to the public.”

Louisiana State Parks have playgrounds, disc golf, and even aquarium exhibits as well as hiking, fishing, and camping, including pet-friendly cabins. In fact, Burris says, Louisianians may not know the true draw of a park that could be just a short drive away.

Cut 6 (11) “…at those sites.”

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As heat advisories and excessive heat warnings pile up across the state, so do heat-related illnesses. Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham says there are several easy measures you can take to prevent dehydration, heatstroke, and other heat-related illnesses.

Cut 7 (05) “…outdoor activity.”

Abraham says the best thing you can do to beat the heat is to stay inside and stay hydrated. He recommends that you start drinking water or low-sugar sports drinks as soon as you wake up. If you have to go outside for some time, Abraham recommends you…

Cut 8 (11) “…help a lot, too.”

Symptoms of heat illness include cold, clammy skin, excessive sweating, exhaustion, headaches and fainting. Abraham says athletes and those who work outside are especially prone to heatstroke, and he urges people to check in on those who might have trouble taking care of themselves.

Cut 9 (06)  “…grandmas, grandpas, whoever.”

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State Treasurer John Fleming has been overseeing the state coffers for six months now and says in that short time his small office, with a staff of 71 people, has produced some impressive results. For example, in January he says the Unclaimed Property Division had a backlog of 2,500 claims.

Cut 10 (04) “…to 500.”

Last month the office mailed out almost 28,000 checks of unclaimed property totaling $5.1 million. Fleming credits a data match of addresses with the Louisiana Department of Revenue.

Fleming says he also served as lead on a movement to block an overtake of ExxonMobil by a group that was working with the retirement system for California state employees.

Cut 11 (11) “…annual revenue.”

During the legislative session, Fleming says he helped defeat a bill that would have stripped away oversite power that protects cities from getting into financial trouble with too much debt. And Fleming worked with Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews to have silver and gold declared as legal tender in Louisiana.

Cut 12 (10) “…the gold.” 

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Metairie youth pastor Larkin Jackson launches Free Louisiana, an organization dedicated to the goal of the Bayou State becoming an independent country. He says Louisiana is constantly ranked at the bottom compared to other states and the federal government is to blame.

Cut 13 (11)  “…that mess.”

He says Louisiana should be independent of states like California and New York.

In his job as a youth pastor at Southshore Baptist, Jackson says he wants to ensure young people continue to have the freedoms he had growing up, like the freedom of speech and the freedom to preach the gospel.

Cut 14 (13)  “…of California.”

Jackson says the values of the east coast and the west coast are sinking into middle America and he wants to stand against that.

He believes as an independent nation, Louisiana can secure freedom of religion and he fully supports the state law requiring public school classrooms to post the Ten Commandments.

Cut 15 (12)  “…we’re taking.”

Since launching the website FreeLouisiana.org on Thursday, he says he’s gotten positive feedback.

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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.”

In Shreveport, the National Weather Service has confirmed that 19 tornadoes in the Ark-La-Tex were a result of Hurricane Beryl and sixteen of the 19 tornadoes impacted northwest Louisiana. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (31) …I’m Sean Richardson.”

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In Lafayette Parish State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (28)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The National Weather Service has confirmed that 19 tornadoes in the Ark-La-Tex were a result of Hurricane Beryl. Shreveport National Weather Service Meteorologist Michael Berry says sixteen of the 19 tornadoes touched down in northwest Louisiana.

Cut 3 (11) “…onto cars.”

Berry says the tornadoes, ranged from EF0 to EF2 on the Enhanced Fujita (foo-gee-tah) Scale

The most severe damage was reported in rural areas, where several homes were destroyed. Several people sustained injuries and one 30-year-old woman was killed by an EF 1 tornado that originated in Bossier Parish.

Cut 4 (07) “…single-wide mobile home.”

Berry says the National Weather Service has been actively surveying impacted areas and he expects the number of confirmed tornadoes to increase.

Cut 5 (09)  “…will end up.”

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The Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office has partnered with the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office to share data to prevent voter fraud and ensure the accuracy of their voter registration lists. Joel Watson with the office in Louisiana says this will allow the states to share specific information.

Cut 6 (12) “…(x2) and Louisiana.”

It’s a crime to vote in two states simultaneously.

Watson says voters can be assured the office is taking painstaking measures to ensure their data is safe and secure.

Cut 7 (10) “…data safe.”

Watson says Alabama has memorandums of understanding with other states in sharing voter data to prevent fraud.

Cut 8 (08)  “…this year.”

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Friday morning Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy will be joined by Arkansas Senator John Boozman (Bozeman) and tour LSU Ag Center’s Sugar Research Station in St. Gabriel. Cassidy says if Republicans gain the majority in the Senate, Boozman will become chair of the Senate Ag Committee.

Cut 9 (12) “…going on.”

Cassidy says these kinds of visits are vital when it pertains to the renewal of the Farm Bill. Cassidy says he’s always advocating for continued funding for the USDA Sugar Cane Research Facility in Houma.

Cut 10 (10) “…critical research.”

Cassidy says he looks forward to visiting the facility in St. Gabriel again because…

Cut 11 (13) ” …our state.”

The Farm Bill is up for renewal next year.

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Cut 12 (04) “…happened.”

Cut  13 (08) “…happens.” 

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Cut  14 (08) “…of the United States.” 

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Cut 15 (13) “…not true.”

Cut  16 (10)   “…Thursday.”