Some Tangipahoa Parish parents are petitioning to change the start date of school to after Labor Day because of the extreme heat. Emelie Gunn has more….

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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In an effort to re-establish the species, the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has released juvenile Alligator Snapping Turtles into the Calcasieu River Basin. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 2 (30) “I’m Eric Gill”

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State Police say a woman is dead after being struck by a vehicle on I-12 in Livingston Parish. Trooper Bryan Lee says 57-year-old Maggie Lynn of Independence and 56-year-old James Kinchen of Tickfaw were attempting to load a car on the back of a trailer when a car, driven by 26-year-old Mekdad Zidan of Baton Rouge, approached…

CUT 3 (10)  “of the trailer”

He says it is believed that Zidan was traveling over the speed limit when he lost control of his vehicle and struck the pair Monday afternoon. Lee says Lynn was pronounced dead at the scene…

CUT 4 (05)  “Lake hospital”

Kinchen was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. Zidan received minor injuries in the crash. Lee says Zidan was placed under arrest for reckless operation and negligent homicide…

CUT 5 (10) “negligent driving”

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A group of parents in Tangipahoa Parish are asking district leaders to delay the August start of school because of the extreme heat. The change.org petition says buses don’t have air conditioners and the kids are riding home during peak hours of heat. They suggest kicking off time in the classroom after the Labor Day Holiday. Erin Hunt, whose children go to school in Kentwood, says she’s supportive because this high heat is too brutal for children.

CUT 6 (10)  “the gym”

Hunt says many people don’t understand the majority of school buses are independently owned and drivers don’t make enough to install air conditioners throughout them. She believes some parents are hesitant to sign the petition because they think their kids will get a shorter summer, but that isn’t the case.

CUT 7 (12) “for summer”

The Tangipahoa Parish School Board Superintendent Mark Kolwe (Cole-lay) says he knows it’s hot outside but students need to get as much classroom instruction as possible before taking their state exams in March and April 2016. He says it would be hard to get this approved now because school is scheduled to begin in two weeks.

CUT 8 (08)  “calendar”

Kolwe says a school board meeting is scheduled for tonight at 6 and it’s expected some parents will come forward to make a petition. He believes this should be considered a statewide issue.

CUT 9 (09)  “of school”

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In an effort to re-establish the species, the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has released juvenile Alligator Snapping Turtles into the Calcasieu River Basin. LDWF Natural Heritage Program Manager, Amity Bass, says the turtle is a Species of Concern in Louisiana. Bass says this is the culmination of three years of work…

cut 10 (08) “this fall” 

LDWF’s head start program raises these turtles in captivity until they are 3-years-old before they are released, giving the animals a better chance of survival. Bass says they initially released eight Alligator Snapping Turtles into the wild with another 50 scheduled for release this fall…

cut 11 (07) “next year, per year”

Bass says next year LDWF will begin releasing a minimum of 100 turtles per year. The US Fish and Wildlife Service will determine whether or not to list the Alligator Snapping Turtle under the Endangered Species Act in 2017. Bass is hopeful it will not come to that…

cut 12 (09)  “that’s our goal”

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The latest numbers for the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that Louisiana added jobs in June and the state’s unemployment rate fell slightly to 6.4 percent. Louisiana Workforce Commission Executive director Curt Eysink says employers added 13,400 jobs over the year.

cut 13 (04)  “really positive”

Eysink says he expects to see a steady increase in the number of jobs to continue. He says the current job growth is across many different professions.

cut 14 (04)  “total ever”

Payrolls rose by 5,000 from May to June but Eysink admits although the dropping price of oil is affecting energy sector jobs.

cut 15 (10) “of oil”

According to a report from the Annie E Casey Foundation, more children in Louisiana are living in poverty than during the Great Recession. Scott Carwile reports…:

CUT 1 (30) “Scott Carwile”

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Gas prices keep falling in Louisiana. Emelie Gunn finds out how much more fuel prices could fall…..

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A Monmouth University survey finds Governor Bobby Jindal is gaining support among likely caucus goers. Jeff Palermo has more…..

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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According to a report from the Annie E Casey Foundation, more children in Louisiana are living in poverty than during the Great Recession. The 2015 Kids Count Data Book shows 28% of children here are living in disadvantaged families, up from 25% in 2008. Anthony Recasner, CEO of Agenda for Children, says many Louisianians are searching for work…:

cut 4  (06)  “family of four”

Recasner says the percent of kids living in high-poverty areas increased to 19 percent between 2009-2013 which is up from 17 percent between 2006-2010. He says race and ethnicity tends to shape a child’s economic stability…:

Cut 5  (07)  “stable employment”

The same report indicates the percentage of children without heath insurance is going down and the percentage of high school kids graduating on time is going up. But Recasner says Louisiana ranks 48th overall for child well-being. He says more higher paying jobs translates into a family’s ability to provide more for their children:

Cut 6 (09)  “terms of education”

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New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu travels to the Vatican with other mayors, governors, and UN Representitives to meet with Pope Francis to discuss global issues.  Topics will range from climate change, human trafficking, and sustainable development.  Political Analyst Clancy Dubos says this is part of the Pope’s effort to engage and motivate political and community leaders around the world…

CUT 7 (10)  “confront New Orleans”

The Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences is hosting a workshop and symposium over the next two days.  Dubos says the subject of climate change is something Pope Francis takes very seriously…

Cut 8  (10)  “on Sundays” 

The mayor’s office says Landrieu will offer remarks about the challenges New Orleans has faced and how the city has become a model for resilience and sustainability.  Dubos says Landrieu could extend an invitation for the Pontiff to visit New Orleans during his visit to the US in September…

Cut 9 (07) “who knows”

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We’re seeing gas prices at the pump continue to fall in Louisiana. Gregg Laskosi with GasBuddy.com says this is great news for consumers right now because the statewide average is now $2.48 per gallon for regular gasoline, a 4 cent drop since last week.

Cut 10 (10) “average price”

Laskosi says we’re already seeing stations in the state with prices as low as $2.14.  He expects prices per gallon in September to be under two dollars and drop even more throughout the winter months.

cut 11 (09)  “the pump”

Laskosi credits the drop in gas prices to the decrease in the price of crude oil. He says the supply of gasoline in North America outweighs consumer demand.

cut 12 (08) “the year”

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A new survey of likely Iowa caucus goers shows Governor Bobby Jindal is gaining momentum. The Monmouth University poll gives Jindal a 59 percent favorable rating, 5th highest among Republican presidential candidates and 4 percent of the respondents said they would support Jindal if the presidential caucus was held today. Radio Iowa News Director Kay Henderson says many people are responding warmly to Jindal on his “Believe Again Tour.”

Cut 13 (12)  “Republicans”

Previous surveys had Jindal polling at one to two percent. Henderson says he is getting large crowds for every event he’s holding across Iowa but that doesn’t mean he’s turning that into caucus support.

Cut 14 (11) “Walker has”

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker leads the Monmouth University poll with 22 percent of respondents favoring him over the rest of the field. Henderson says while Iowans like Jindal’s religious liberty message, it’s very difficult to receive a large amount of support among the evangelical christian groups, when there’s several candidates going after that vote.

Cut 15  (10)  “voting block”

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Ragin Cajuns football coach Mark Hudspeth will not name a new starting quarterback until the September 5th season opener against Kentucky. Hudspeth says he plans to keep that information top secret…

Cut 16  (14)  “get here”

Brooks Haack, Jalen Nixon and redshirt freshman Jordan Davis are all seeking to Terrance Broadway, who has been the starting QB the last three seasons. UL Lafayette has been to the New Orleans Bowl for four straight years. Hudspeth says the annual trip to the Big Easy is not getting stale, but playing in a major bowl game is the goal

Cut 17 (15) ” not the destination” 

The Ragin Cajuns were picked to finish second in the Sun Belt Preseason Poll. ULM was picked to finish seventh, but sixth-year Warhawks Head Coach Todd Berry believes this year’s team is the best he’s had since arriving in Monroe, even though they don’t have an established starter at quarterback

Cut 18 (18) “the position”

Brayle Brown, Earnest Carrington and Garrett Smith are the three QBs seeking to replace Pete Thomas. ULM struggled to run the football last season, averaging just 70 yards a game on the ground. Berry expects better results this season

Cut 19 (14) “with that”

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US Senator David Vitter announces he has raised $1.3 million in the second quarter for his gubernatorial campaign. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Eric Gill”

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The Shreveport Police Department says a 10-year-old boy who is believed to have accidentally shot himself last week has died. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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State Police are investigating a weekend hit and run that seriously injured a 14-year-old boy in Albany. Trooper Bryan Lee says, at last report, the teenager was listed in critical condition. Lee says the crash occurred on LA 43 in Livingston Parish…

CUT 3 (11)  “southbound lane”

Lee says the truck was trying to pass another vehicle on the roadway when it struck the teen. He says the suspect vehicle then made a U-turn and fled the scene. Lee says they were able to get a description of the suspect vehicle…

CUT 4 (09)  “GMC pickup”

According to witness statements, LSP believes the unknown vehicle may be a dark, newer model GMC or Chevrolet pickup with possible damage to the front end and a broken left headlight. Lee says the crash remains under investigation and are they asking the public for assistance in locating the pickup truck…

CUT 5 (08) “8-5-0-0″

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US Senator David Vitter announces he has raised $1.3 million in the second quarter and has more than $5 million in cash on hand for his gubernatorial campaign. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says that’s a huge amount of money compared to his competitors. Pinsonat says Vitter being a sitting US Senator is a big advantage…

CUT 6 (11)  “their Senator”

The other gubernatorial candidates have yet to announce their second quarter fundraising totals. Pinsonat says this announcement is another sign that Vitter is the guy everybody’s chasing in this race…

CUT 7 (09) “in the runoff”

The Fund for Louisiana’s Future, a political action committee supporting Vitter, also announces they have more than $4 million available to spend on the Senator’s behalf. Pinsonat says Vitter released his fundraising totals first to show that his opponents in the governor’s race can’t keep up…

CUT 8 (07)  “in the runoff”

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The Shreveport Police Department says a 10-year-old boy who is believed to have accidentally shot himself last week has died. Corporal Marcus Hines says the child gained access to the gun in his home on July 17th…:

CUT 9 (07)  “shot in the head”

Hines says the child was shot in the head and succumbed to his injuries over the weekend. He says the investigation into the boy’s death is ongoing…:

cut 10 (06) “at this point” 

Hines says in almost every case they see in which a child is killed by a weapon they’ve somehow gotten their hands on, the accident is completely avoidable…:

cut 11 (12) “access it”

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Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell would like to see the federal “ConnectHome” program expanded in Louisiana to include the Monroe area. Campbell says, per capita, the Monroe area has the poorest people living in the US and no one needs it worse than they do…

cut 12 (10)  “high-speed internet” 2X

The program will provide free or low-cost high-speed broadband internet access to low-income families in 27 cities across the country, including Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Campbell says his request does not seek to remove Baton Rouge or New Orleans from the program…

cut 13 (10)  “of the state”

Campbell says he will write to President Obama, the Louisiana Congressional Delegation, and others asking that the Louisiana Delta and Monroe be included. He encourages residents to contact their congressman and push for the area to be incorporated into the program…

cut 14 (05)  “more important”

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LSU’s athletic department announces they’ve transferred ten million dollars over to the main campus, which will be used on academic and research initiatives. That’s about three million dollars more than what university leaders were expecting. LSU Senior Associate Athletics Director Eddie Nunez says few athletic departments across the country are able to provide financial assistance for academics

cut 15 (10) “to the campus”

The athletic department has agreed to give the university at least seven-point two million dollars every year. Nunez says by giving an additional two-point-eight million dollars this year, the school will be able to benefit even more…

cut 16 (09) “not expected’”

A recent Fox News poll on the Republican presidential field shows Governor Bobby Jindal polling at less than one-percent. Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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State lawmakers will not return to Baton Rouge for a veto session. Michelle Southern has the story…:

CUT 2 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A recent Fox News poll on the Republican presidential field shows Governor Bobby Jindal polling at less than one-percent. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says this is obviously not good news for Jindal. Cross says the governor did not see a real boost in his numbers after his official announcement…

CUT 3 (06)  “at this moment”

Cross says it’s too early in the process to take too much stock in any of these surveys. Donald Trump topped the poll with 18-percent of voters, followed by Scott Walker and Jeb Bush with 15- and 14-percent, respectively. Cross says the Jindal campaign has enough money available to get in the game, but these poll numbers could have a serious effect on fundraising efforts going forward…

CUT 4 (09)  “at the polls”

He says it’s also important for the governor to get into the top 10 of Republican hopefuls so he is invited to the upcoming debates. Cross says, at this point, Jindal should keep doing what he’s doing and hope that something sticks with voters…

CUT 5 (10) “to his side”

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According to the National Weather Service, a good portion of north Louisiana is under a heat advisory and a hazardous weather outlook has been issued for south Louisiana due to extreme heat. State climatologist Barry Keim says rain chances remain low this weekend, but there’s the potential for a pop-up severe thunderstorm.

CUT 6 (07)  “temperatures are”

Keim says we’ve dry and hot because of a strong high pressure system. He says we can continue to expect temperatures in Louisiana to be in the mid 90′s and possibly increase into the triple digits next week.

CUT 7 (07) “vengeance”

Keim says it’s been dry across the state for the last week but rain chances are a little higher  today and through the weekend.

CUT 8 (06)  “right now”

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Louisiana once again ranks number one among southern states in the number of major business projects per capita according to Southern Business and Development magazine. This is the sixth year in a row the Bayou State has received this honor. State Economic Development Secretary Steven Grissom says this is a very important ranking for the state…

CUT 9 (06)  “development area”

Louisiana earned 105 points in the rankings, easily outdistancing second-place Kentucky with 63 points. The publication also designated Lake Charles as their Small Market of the Year. Grissom says the magazine bases their ranking on large capital investment projects and large job creation projects…

cut 10 (10) “200 or more” 

Louisiana now ranks among the top 10 states in the US in five national business climate rankings. Grissom says the state has done so well in this ranking because Louisiana offers a strong business climate for companies looking to invest…

cut 11 (09) “choice for them”

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U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy and David Vitter introduce the National Disaster Relief Tax Act that would give tax relief to victims of natural disasters that have taken place in recent years. This would include people affected by the recent Red River flooding and Hurricane Issac. Cassidy says the legislation allows victims to use the tax code to fund their own recovery.

cut 12 (11)  “buy in”

Cassidy says this legislation extends tax benefits which are commonly used for other natural disasters, and allows it to cover natural disasters which occurred from 2012 to 2015. He says the proposed legislation has bipartisan support in the House and Senate.

cut 13 (06)  “Sandy”

Cassidy says the legislation would give disaster victims a break on their taxes and they can use that money to help in their recovery . He says this will greatly help those affected by the Red River flooding, because the President did not approval individual assistance for those victims…

cut 14 (11) “own needs”

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Federal authorities announce a bust of a huge illegal computer hacking forum which resulted in the arrest of 70 alleged cyber-criminals including a man from Louisiana. 28-year-old Rory Stephen Guidry of Opelousas is charged with a count of computer fraud. Andrew Ludlum is the FBI’s Assistant Special agent in charge of the New Orleans field office:

cut 15 (13) “from businesses”

Investigators say this exclusive group was the largest known English faction in the world which manufactured malicious computer software until the FBI got a court order to shut it down. Ludlum says “Operation Shrouded Horizon” has taken away hackers ability to sell identity information they were stealing from personal electronic devices…:

cut 16 (07) “different servers”

Guidry’s arrest record indicates the accused hacker operated and sold access to a botnet in which security breached computers are controlled by a malicious third party. Ludlum says officials will eventually catch up to these clever cyber criminals…:

cut 17 (07) “criminal enterprise”

The chairman of the Republican Legislative Delegation is providing an avenue for residents to provide suggestions on how to improve Louisiana. Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Expect more traffic delays on the I-10 corridor in Slidell. Emelie Gunn has more….

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Governor Bobby Jindal begins his “Believe Again Tour” today in Iowa. Scott Carwile has more….

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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The chairman of the Republican Legislative Delegation is providing an avenue for residents to provide suggestions on how to improve Louisiana. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says the effort is called “Take Back Louisiana.” Harris says this is an attempt to engage voters before the 2016 legislative session…

cut 4  (06)  “in Louisiana”

Harris says the initial Facebook page is up now, with a website being launched at the end of the month. He says the goal of this initiative is to correct the state’s structural issues, focusing on the budget, education, transportation, and state’s rights. Harris says tax reform is at the top of the list…

Cut 5  (11)  “operate on”

He is hopeful voter input through “Take Back Louisiana” will give legislators ideas on how to fix issues that boxed lawmakers in last session. Harris says this is a true grassroots effort with no donations being accepted from anyone…

Cut 6 (07)  “the process”

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The state department of transportation says there’s the potential for more traffic delays in the Slidell area as a result of lane closures on Interstate 10. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett says a lane on westbound I-10, near the Louisiana welcome center, will close at 6 tonight and will reopen on Monday afternoon. He says travelers heading on I-10 east in that area will face morning and nighttime lane closures throughout the weekend.

CUT 7 (11)  “morning”

The last few weekends drivers have experienced delays in eastern St. Tammany Parish because of an ongoing 40-million dollar construction project. Last weekend there were delays up to 13 miles in the Slidell area. Mallett says drivers should use U.S. 90 as an alternate route and they are taking steps to reduce the traffic nightmare.

Cut 8  (12)  “about it” 

The ongoing construction has frustrated drivers, especially those who are either leaving or returning from Mississippi and Alabama. Mallett says DOTD chose to do construction during the summer months because school is out and it’s the least busiest time of year.

Cut 9 (10) “system“

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Governor Bobby Jindal announces he’ll visit all 99 counties in Iowa as part of his “Believe Again” presidential campaign. Jindal started the tour last night in Waterloo. LSU Political Science professor Robert Hogan says many candidates use this strategy to get more name recognition.

Cut 10 (07) “level”

Other GOP candidates have also committed to visiting each Iowa county. Hogan says Jindal’s main goal is to create an intense following at the grassroots level.

cut 11 (05)  “ads”

The tour means that Jindal will not spend much time in Louisiana. Hogan says the governor has more time on his hands, now that the legislative session is over. Hogan says that gives Jindal more time to get his conservative message out to Iowa caucus goers…

cut 12 (09) “don’t know”

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The Louisiana High School Athletic Association announces it has finalized a four-year agreement with the officials association, which means high school sporting events will go on as scheduled this fall. LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonine says this is an agreement that needed to be done and he’s happy they were able to take the final step…

Cut 13 (08)  “of fall sports”

This agreement prevents a threatened work stoppage by Louisiana High School Officials Association referees. Bonine says he is happy that a multi-year deal was struck…

Cut 14 (06) “until ’18-19″

The LHSAA says the agreement results in raises for officials in seven sports, including football. The deal still needs to be approved by state principals during their January meeting.  Bonine says the agreement also allows for the establishment of a sports officials sub-committee to discuss future negotiations for fee schedules and other items…

Cut 15  (06)  “and so forth”

The President of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association has concerns the Iran nuclear deal will negatively impact oil producers in Louisiana.  Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 1 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A group of pro-life Louisiana lawmakers announce plans to craft “Abortion Pill Reversal” legislation for the 2016 session. Scott Carwile reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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Governor Bobby Jindal is asking the Inspector General to investigate allegations Planned Parenthood is selling body parts from aborted fetuses. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The President of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association has concerns that the Iran nuclear deal will negatively impact oil producers in Louisiana and the United States. Don Briggs says the agreement will allow Iran to export crude oil into an already flooded market…

cut 4  (10)  “my concern”

He says with crude oil prices currently in the mid-$50 a barrel range, the addition of Iran’s oil to the marketplace will continue to suppress prices, perhaps for the next two years. Briggs says says the oil industry here is going through a major downturn and this is a cruel reminder that American oil producers are still not allowed to sell their crude oil supplies overseas…

Cut 5  (07)  “can’t export”

Briggs says Iran could add 500,000 barrels of crude oil a day to the world market by the end of this year. He says, if the addition of oil from Iran supresses crude oil prices, it could have devastating effects on Louisiana…

Cut 6 (11)  “key personnel” 2X

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A group of pro-life Louisiana lawmakers announce plans to craft “Abortion Pill Reversal” legislation for the 2016 session. West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman says the proposal would likely require clinics to make patients aware of the reversal pill. He says the technique involves stopping the two-pill abortion medication process:

CUT 7 (11)  “started again”

Hoffman says Louisiana has been named the top pro-life state in America for 6 years in a row and they want to continue to pass laws that re-enforce the designation. He says if a woman goes into a clinic and takes the abortion pill, she should be aware that a reversal exists should she change her mind…:

Cut 8  (09)  “to do that” 

Hoffman says he’s been told that women change their mind about abortions all the time and most of the time it’s too late. He says many people don’t even know that if they go through the abortion pill process there is a reversal pill that exists…:

Cut 9 (10)  “it is working”

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Louisiana Tech announces a record for donations made to  LTAC, which is the organization that helps fund the school’s athletic programs. The school says  during the 2014-2015 fiscal year, 1.1 million dollars was donated to LTAC and the athletic department received another 1.5 million dollars in unrestricted donations. Senior Associate Athletic Director Marco Borne says success on the field and court helped reel in a record number of donations.

Cut 10 (11) “step up”

Tech football won a bowl game in December and the men’s basketball team just won its third straight regular season conference championship. Borne says the money supports the student athletes and keeps them competitive with their opponents at other schools.

cut 11 (08)  “for that”

Previous donations have helped Tech build a 22 million dollar athletic complex, that will open in August. Borne says their newest goal is to break more records and raise even more funds. He says he expects more contributions in the next year as the program continues to grow.

cut 12 (08) “even more”

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The Steve Gleason Act is heading to President Obama’s desk for his signature. The legislation is named after former Saints player Steve Gleason, who has A-L-S. The measure will make speech generating devices more accessible to people who battle this disease that impacts the brain’s ability to control muscle movement. US Representative Steve Scalise of Metairie says this adds to Gleason’s legacy as a leader in the fight against A-L-S

Cut 13 (08)  “other peoplet”

Gleason pushed this legislation after he learned that Medicare funding for these type of devices was significantly scaled back.  Scalise says through Gleason’s lobbying efforts, the thousands who suffer from A-L-S will have their voices heard…

Cut 14 (10) “that voice”

New Orleans Congressman Cedric Richmond says Gleason spurred Congress into action and he’s glad the federal government came through by passing this important piece of legislation

Cut 15  (08)   “we represent”

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An internal investigation finds that Department of Children and Family Services staff members did not violate criminal laws in the case of a 15-year-old Baton Rouge boy found in poor living conditions and weighing only 47 pounds. Family members and lawmakers criticized the state agency for not doing enough to help the special needs child.  DCFS Secretary Suzy Sonnier would not talk about the specifics of this case, but says communication is important in these type of situations

Cut 16  (06)  “or neglect”

One of the recommendations calls for legislation that creates a felony offense when a third party misrepresents facts to a DCFS employee during a child protection investigation. Sonnier says they support this recommendation and others…

Cut 17 (05) ” with us” 

The report contains seven different recommendations. Sonnier says they’ve already implemented one and that’s involving medical professionals in cases where the child is unable to verbally communicate

Cut 18 (10) “those recommendations”

According to financial reports, Governor Bobby Jindal raised about $579,000 in his first week as a Republican presidential candidate. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Eric Gill”

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Gas prices in Louisiana are slowly continuing to drop. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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State Police announce the arrest of nine people for filing fraudulent insurance claims and keeping the money received. Sgt. James Anderson says the Kemper Home Service Group contacted them concerned that some of their employees in the Lake Charles area were filing false claims…

CUT 3 (07)  “of that investigation”

A majority of the fake claims were for lightning damage losses to electrical appliances. The fraudulent claims totaled over $55,000. Anderson says the nine arrested face various charges…

CUT 4 (07)  “after the fact”

He says charges of the accused range from insurance fraud, theft, to accessory after the fact. Anderson says LSP takes insurance fraud cases seriously and their Insurance Fraud Unit will continue to work these kind of cases…

CUT 5 (09)  “all pay for it” 2X

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Gas prices are slowly falling in Louisiana as the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $2.53. That’s according to the American Automobile Association. AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says this is about a nickel cheaper than last month.

CUT 6 (05)  “to drop”

Redman says this is not a nationwide trend and the West Coast is currently seeing prices go up by about 20 cents a gallon due to refinery and market issues. He says the Gulf Coast won’t be affected by this increase.

CUT 7 (08) “a gallon”

Redman says the slowing of the economy in Europe strengthens the U.S. dollar which greatly affects the cost of oil. He says he’s seen a drop in the price of crude from 60 to 50 dollars.

CUT 8 (09)  “the summer”

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According to financial reports filed Wednesday by federal regulators, Governor Bobby Jindal raised about $579,000 in his first week as a Republican presidential candidate. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says this is not a very strong first step for the governor…

CUT 9 (06)  “presidential field”

He says $579,000 puts Jindal near the bottom of the Republican field. However, the Washington Examiner reports that Jindal also has almost $9 million in his corner thanks to supportive outside groups like the Believe Again Super PAC and America Next. Stockley says Jindal’s short term fundraising goal is to be able to adequately campaign in Iowa, South Carolina, and New Hampshire…

cut 10 (08) “the nomination” 

Stockley says Jindal needs to kick up fund raising efforts so he has enough cash for general advertising to improve his position in the polls, so he’s invited to participate in the upcoming debates…

cut 11 (07) “additional momentum”

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The 76-year-old Huey P. Long Medical  Center in Pineville is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Pineville Mayor Clarence Fields says its a worthy designation for a building that’s meant a lot to the people of central Louisiana

cut 12 (05)  “The Register”

The Huey P. Long Medical Center has been unoccupied since last summer when the hospital closed. Fields hopes this will encourage private investors to take a look at the facility and develop plans to re-purpose the building.

cut 13 (10)  “downtown area”

Fields says from health care perspective, the services provided at the facility meant so much to Pineville residents. He says losing the hospital was upsetting, but he hopes it can be fixed up and used again.

cut 14 (06) “building”

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LABI handed out 94 “F” grades to lawmakers on their yearly scorecard. Scott Carwile has more on why so many failed…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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A new report finds Louisiana has the third highest average combined state and local sales tax rate in the country. Jeff Palermo has the details…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The national Confederate flag controversy could be causing problems at a Louisiana High School. Emelie Gunn has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry has handed out “F” grades to 94 lawmakers in their annual legislative scorecard. LABI’s Vice President for Policy and Research Camille  Conaway says lawmakers who received an “F” grade voted for more than 600 million dollars in new taxes on businesses.

cut 4  (10)  “failing grades”

Lawmakers say the tax increases were necessary to prevent big budget cuts to higher education and health care. But Conaway says this past session was the highest tax increase in Louisiana in decades and it was unnecessary because there were other avenues that the legislature could’ve used to balance the budget.

Cut 5  (10)  “you believe”

Many of the lawmakers who received “F” grades are up for reelection or running for another political office. Conaway says there will certainly be an impact on the election cycle as a result of the tax increase.

Cut 6 (11)  “scorecard”

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Louisiana has moved past Alabama for the third highest average combined state and local sales tax. That’s according to the Tax Foundation, who puts together a report every July on sales tax rates. Economist Scott Drenkard says Louisiana ranks high on their list, because it has the highest average local tax rate in the country

CUT 7 (11)  “rate”

Drenkard says Louisiana’s average combined state and local sales tax rate is 9.01 percent, which is a little higher than Alabama, who Louisiana surpassed in the last year. He says that’s because a few local governments raised their sales taxes

Cut 8  (10)  “previous tabulation” 

Drenkard says Louisiana has one of the highest average combined state and local sales tax rates, because of its generous homestead tax exemption, which reduces the amount of property taxes homeowners pay

Cut 9 (09)  “in a different tax”

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Livingston Sen. Dale Erdey is asking the Department of Transportation to check the feasibility of turning the inside shoulder of I-12 into a travel lane between Baton Rouge and Walker. The proposal would make the 15 mile corridor grow from six to eight lanes between the I-10/12 split and Walker. Erdey believes this would be a huge help…:

Cut 10 (10) “their employers”

Erdey says the request is contained in a Louisiana Senate approved resolution he has sponsored and is about to get a review by DOTD. He says the process is in the early stages at this time…:

cut 11 (06)  “from DOTD”

Erdey says not only would this help the many motorists who use I-12 through Baton Rouge, it would be good for commerce as well…:

cut 12 (11) “for all of our motorists”

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The controversy over the Confederate flag and monuments has spilled over to whether the “Rebels” mascot is appropriate for West Monroe High School. A Facebook page has been started calling for a new nickname for West Monroe High. But 1989 Alumnus Shane Acree has started a counter page called “Hands off my West Monroe High School mascot.”

Cut 13 (09)  “no different”

The West Monroe High School Rebel Mascot Change Facebook page states their message is: “we have seen the rebel mascot and partnering Confederate flag cause much harm and suffering to many of our friends, family and business associates.” Acree says the mascot has nothing to do with what’s going on with the Confederate flag controversy across the country.

Cut 14 (10) “our mascot”

Acree says he’s heard it isn’t being seriously considered by the School Board Superintendent. He says West Monroe High school has generational pride and students and alumni don’t want their mascot changed.

Cut 15  (09)   “from us”

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Defensive coordinator John Chavis’ move from LSU to Texas A&M was a topic for discussion when Aggies head coach Kevin Sumlin appeared at SEC Media Days. Sumlin admitted he went after Chavis after his LSU defenses kept Aggie offenses in check…

Cut 16  (24)  “needed it”

Chavis takes over a defense that ranked 102nd in the country last season in total defense. The “Chief” will return to Baton Rouge on November 28th, when LSU hosts A&M. Sumlin says Chavis leaving Baton Rouge for College Station is just another chapter in a spicy rivalry between the two schools

Cut 17 (17) ” the field” 

LSU’s SEC opener is September 12th at Mississippi State. The Bulldogs are once again led by Louisiana native Dak Prescott, who led the Bulldogs to a 34-29 win over the Tigers last season. State head coach Dan Mullen says  Prescott has improved in getting rid of the football

Cut 18 (22) “the chains”

Louisiana’s Republican Congressional delegation does not support the Iran nuclear deal President Obama has agreed to. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Eric Gill”

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The release of Harper Lee’s newest work, “Go Set a Watchman” is stirring up some controversy with “To Kill a Mockingbird” lovers. Emelie Gunn has more on why…

CUT 2 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Louisiana’s most popular summer-blooming tree, the crepe myrtle, is blooming later and less than normal this year. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Allen Owings says we’re seeing a decrease flower development because of weather conditions this past spring…

CUT 3 (08)  “this summer”

He says the cooler, wetter spring accompanied by an increase in bacterial leaf spot disease has stunted this summer’s crepe myrtle bloom. Crepe myrtles generally begin blooming between mid-May and early-June and continue flowering through the summer. Owing says these trees like sunshine, above average temperatures, and dry conditions…

CUT 4 (10)  “we are now”

Owing says there’s really not anything that can be done, at this point, to improve the bloom of crepe myrtles for this year. He says spring leaf growth on the trees is key to a healthy blooming tree in the summer…

CUT 5 (08)  “foliage growth”

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Shreveport Police have a man in custody accused of stabbing his teenage nephew to death. Cpl. Marcus Hines says officers learned that 15-year-old Willie Latin III was stabbed following a physical altercation inside his home. He says Latin was transported to a local hospital where he died a short time later…

CUT 6 (09)  “young man”

52-year-old Edward Debrow (de BRO), Latin’s uncle who also resided at the home, has been charged with second-degree murder in the teen’s death. Hines says the investigation is in its early stages but they are beginning to get a picture of what happened…

CUT 7 (08) “becoming physical”

It’s alleged that during an argument with Latin, Debrow grabbed a sharp edged object that he used to stab the teenager. Hines says investigators are still trying to determine what started the argument that lead to the fatal stabbing…

CUT 8 (10)  “that we received”

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Republicans in Louisiana’s Congressional delegation don’t like the Iran nuclear deal that the president has agreed to. Essentially this would mean that in exchange for limits on nuclear activities, Iran gets billions in relief from international sanctions. 1st District Congressman and House Majority Whip Steve Scalise…:

CUT 9 (09)  “high cost”

If Congress rejects the deal, it’s not likely they have the required two-thirds vote to override the veto President Obama has promised. Scalise says this is a bad deal and if it’s allowed to go forward it would mark the beginning of Iran’s path to a nuclear weapon…:

cut 10 (06) “we have” 

Richland Parish Congressman Ralph Abraham believes lifting sanctions against Iran puts America, Israel, and all of our allies in the Middle East in danger…

cut 11 (11) “on Israel”

Congress has 60 days to review the Iran accord. Abraham believes this deal with Iran is a bad move on President Obama’s part…

cut 12 (11)  “United States”

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With the release of Harper Lee’s long lost “To Kill a Mockingbird”  sequel, many readers aren’t happy Atticus Finch can be seen as a racist in “Go Set a Watchman.” Jessica Lacher-Feldman, head of LSU Libraries’ Special Collections division, says we never expected to see another book in Lee’s life time and suggests people avoid reviews and read the book to form their own opinion.

cut 13 (11)  “racism”

Harper Lee wrote “Go Set a Watchman” before “To Kill a Mockingbird” but was advised by her agents and editors to stick with the book from a child’s perspective. Lacher-Feldman says readers need to take the book as a piece of literature written in the 1950′s and understand it represents 1950′s Alabama.

cut 14 (12) “Atticus Finch”

Lacher-Feldman says for those disappointed into the way Atticus Finch turned out, remember we are all human. She says to take away lessons from “Go Set a Watchman” to help improve you in the future.

cut 15 (10) “from it”

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Affiliates the newscall had to be updated as a result of the federal disaster declaration made by the President late on Monday. As a result cut 7 is no longer good. 

In an effort to raise additional funds, the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is looking at selling advertising on its properties. Scott Carwile reports…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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According to a recent study by WalletHub, Louisiana is the 10th least energy expensive state, but we use the most electricity in the country. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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An LSU AgCenter study shows Louisiana farmers suffered about 30 million dollars in feral hog damage in 2013. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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In an effort to raise additional funds, the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is looking into selling advertising on its properties. LDWF spokesman Bo Boehringer says legislation passed in this year’s legislative session allows the department to take advantage of this revenue stream opportunity…

cut 4  (11)  “assistance vehicles”

The state Department of Transportation receives $250,000 annually from State Farm Insurance for ads placed on their Motorist Assistance Program vehicles. Boehringer says the ads will be tastefully done and people shouldn’t expect to see ads pop up in middle of wildlife areas…

Cut 5  (09)  “don’t forsee that”

He says there is still a lot of work to be done to determine what is made available on an ad sales basis. Boehringer says these ad sales are an effort for LDWF to stay self-sufficient…

Cut 6 (07)  “in that process”

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Five parishes that were impacted by flooding from the Red River have been declared a federal disaster area. The declaration means federal dollars will be available to local government agencies in Caddo, Bossier, Grant, Natchitoches and Red River.

CUT 7 (10)  “everyday”   (Sorry affiliates this soundbite isn’t good anymore)

Director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Kevin Davis says police, fire and public work departments who had paid overtime during the disaster will benefit from this assistance.  Davis says whether individual citizens affected by the flood will be eligible for federal aid, is still being determined….

Cut 8  (09)  “give I.A.” 

Damage from the Red River flood was estimated at more than 17 million dollars.  Hundreds of home were flooded in the Caddo and Bosier Parishes.  Davis says when they looked into personal damage assistance they found most residents had insurance, which could effect if this type of aid will be approved.

Cut 9 (07)  “shortly”

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According to a recent study by WalletHub, Louisiana is the 10th least energy expensive state, but we use the most electricity in the country. Spokeswoman Jill Gonzalez says in these hot summer months, utility bills are through the roof..:

Cut 10 (10) “highest in the country”

Gonzalez says The Bayou State placed 4th in the country for the price of electricity, but 51st in total consumption per housing unit. She says another factor they looked at in this study was how much motorists pay for gas and how much they consume…:

cut 11 (09)  “low there”

The numbers show that, on average, Louisianians pay $284 a month total on energy coming within the top 10. Gonzalez says they also looked at natural gas for the study and Louisiana is in the top 10 for the least amount of natural gas used due to our relatively mild winters. She says it’s important to note that cheap electricity doesn’t mean we’re paying less

cut 12 (12) “out of pocket”

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An LSU AgCenter study finds feral hogs caused at least 30 million dollars worth of damage to Louisiana farms in 2013. Hogs are known to spread fatal diseases to livestock and root up crops.  AgCenter economist Shaun Tanger says they are growing rapidly and destroying everything in their path.

Cut 13 (12)  “livestock”

The Louisiana soybean, hay, rice and corn crops suffer the most from hog damage. Tanger says the population in the state is about 500-thousand. He says hog hunting is allowed year round, day and night, to help reduce the population but that’s not enough.

Cut 14 (09) “anything else”

Tanger says about 75 percent of feral hogs would need to be eliminated to keep up with the current population. He says there is talk about changing policies on different ways of controlling the animals, like poison baiting and trapping.

Cut 15  (10)  “profile issue”

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The LSU football team will have two tough conference games in the month of September. On September 12th, the Tigers will visit Mississippi State and then on the 19th, they’ll host Auburn at 2:30. Auburn has a new quarterback, six-foot-five Jeremy Johnson from from Montgomery, Alabama. The junior signal caller says SEC defenses will have trouble slowing down Auburn’s offense…

Cut 16  (12)  “feel comfortable”

Third year head football coach Gus Malzahn says he expects Johnson to have success right away as their starting quarterback…

Cut 17 (18) ” team leader” 

The newest coach in the Southeastern Conference is Jim McElwain. He’ll bring his Gators to LSU on October 17th. McElwain takes over for Will Muschamp, who struggled to put together a quality offense at Florida. McElwain says there’s talent on his roster to win games

Cut 18 (19) “help us develop”