LSU announces the new “Voice of the Tigers” will be Georgia Southern play-by-play man Chris Blair replacing Jim Hawthorne who retires after the 2015-16 men’s basketball season. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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Today is the first full day of Summer and State Climatologist Barry Keim says it has arrived, pretty much, right on time. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 2 (28) “I’m Eric Gill”

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As a result of Governor Bobby Jindal’s religious freedom executive order, IBM has reportedly cancelled today’s ribbon cutting for its new National Service Center in downtown Baton Rouge. Soon after the state legislature voted down the “Marriage and Conscience Act”, the governor issued an executive order that mirrored language in the bill. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the move by Jindal is just politics…

CUT 3 (08)  “don’t agree”

Company executives wrote a letter to the governor saying the legislation opposes what IBM stands for, equal rights and opportunity for everyone and discrimination for no one. Pinsonat says Jindal’s executive order actually doesn’t carry much weight…

CUT 4 (07)  “does nothing”

Pinsonat says the governor’s executive order is purely symbolic, related to him running for president, and really does nothing. He says IBM has every right to cancel the ceremony, but most governors in most states don’t do everything a corporation wants…

CUT 5 (08)  “can make money”

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LSU announces the new “Voice of the Tigers” will be Georgia Southern play-by-play man Chris Blair replacing Jim Hawthorne who retires after the 2015-16 men’s basketball season. Blair says getting this huge gig is surreal…:

CUT 6 (10)  “absolutely amazing”

Blair begins calling at LSU starting with the 2016 LSU baseball season and his title will be Director of Radio Broadcasting. The 40-year-old is currently the GM and Voice of the Eagles at Georgia Southern Sports Properties. Blair says when he applied for Hawthorne’s job, he never imagined he’d be the man in that seat…:

CUT 7 (11) “hope and prayer”

The announcement was made by Athletic Director Joe Alleva on Saturday and Blair says he and his family felt embraced by LSU fans right away…:

CUT 8 (08)  “brand”

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A preliminary autopsy report could be released today on 32-year-old Kevin Bajoie of Zachary, who died after he was tased by two Baton Rouge police officers. Corporal Don Coppola says officers responded to a call involving a fight outside a home, when units arrived, Bajoie was lying on his back, he unexpectedly jumped up and attempted to attack an officer…

CUT 9 (11)  “tasers”

Coppola says at first, it was only one officer who used his taser against Bajoie, but a second officer also used his taser, when the now deceased man kept fighting…

cut 10 (09) “Bajoie” 

After Bajoie was taken into custody, he was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from unknown reasons. Coppola says the two officers involved were placed on paid administrative leave per standard procedure. He says officers are trained to use their tasers in incidents like this

cut 11 (12)  “tasers”

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Today is the first full day of Summer and State Climatologist Barry Keim says it has arrived, pretty much, right on cue. He says the wet weather pattern in the state for the past six weeks or so has kept temperatures down. But Keim says that pattern has changed and now the forecast is calling for more seasonal temperatures…

cut 12 (10)  “of the year”

Keim says the long term forecast for the summer season is calling for near normal temperatures with below normal rainfall. He says fewer afternoon showers will definitely be something people will notice…

cut 13 (06)  “in the afternoon”

He says before you know it, fronts will begin flying though Louisiana in September and all will be right with the world. Keim says there are a few precautions people should follow to make it though these hot summer months…

cut 14 (12) “well hydrated”

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A federal trial begins today challenging Louisiana’s law that requires doctors who preform abortions to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Eric Gill”

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Bassmasters names Toledo Bend Reservoir the number 1 bass fishery in the country. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Hollywood South is nervous over the ramifications of the legislature passing and Governor Jindal signing a bill to cap the film tax credit program. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A federal trial begins today challenging Louisiana’s law that requires doctors who preform abortions to have admitting privileges to a hospital within 30 miles of where the procedure is performed. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says there is one key issue the judge will have to determine…

cut 4  (07)  “an abortion”

Opponents of the measure say that abortion is a safe procedure and admitting privileges to a nearby hospital are not needed. Ciolino says the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals took up that issue earlier this month in a ruling on Texas’ abortion law…

Cut 5  (09)  “abortion providers”

The plaintiffs claim the law will shut down all but one abortion clinic in the state and that would create an undue hardship for women seeking an abortion. Ciolino says the judge in this case could look at the appeals court ruling in the Texas case for guidance…

Cut 6 (08)  “an abortion”

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Cleco has launched an energy saving program which pays customers $50 for getting rid of outdated refrigerators and freezers. Spokeswoman Robbyn Cooper says this will also help people save money on their power bills…

CUT 7 (11)  “for customers”

To learn more about this new program, visit cleco.com. Cooper says many households have an additional refrigerator or freezer outside of the home to store food and drinks, but many of the units are older and require as much as three times more energy to operate than newer models…:

Cut 8  (11)  “you electric bill” 

Customers will receive a $50 check within 4-6 weeks after the unit is hauled away. She says if you’d like to participate in their program, you should clean, empty and defrost your appliance and it must be in working order.

Cut 9 (09)  “household”

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The Toledo Bend Reservoir is named by Bassmaster as the number 1 bass fishery in the country for 2015. Director of the Sabine Parish Tourist Commission Linda Curtis-Sparks says this is a great honor and she believes this will lead to an influx of out of state anglers to the reservoir.

Cut 10 (08) “those individuals”

Curtis-Sparks says they’ve never dropped below the top 15 in Bassmaster’s top 100 lakes. She says what sets Toledo Bend apart from the rest is the amount of fish that are over 10 pounds and their certification process.

cut 11 (11) “like this”

Curtis-Sparks says Toledo Bend is worthy of this honor considering the experience that many fisherman have when it comes to reeling in the big catch on daily basis.

cut 12 (10)  “more believable”

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Despite objections from Hollywood South and several lawmakers in New Orleans, Governor Bobby Jindal signs into law legislation that caps the film tax credit program at 180-million dollars. Mae Chapman owns a casting company in Lafayette and fears the cap will decrease movie production in this state, which means less opportunity to work for those in the industry

Cut 13 (10)  “exodus”

Chapman doesn’t understand why Jindal and the legislature would want to restrict an industry that creates thousands of jobs. She says some will have to look to other states to find jobs…

Cut 14 (10) “missed the ball”

The author of the legislation, Lafayette Representative Joel Robideaux, says by capping the redemption of film tax credits, the state directed more money to health care and higher education. But Chapman says the legislation is a job killer in an industry that has been growing

Cut 15  (09)  “wreck our state”

Three LSU football players have been indefinitely suspended from the team after being charged with unauthorized entry into a residence. Jeff Palermo has more

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A 19 million dollar contract has been signed to destroy the M6 propellant that is illegally stored at Camp Minden in Webster Parish. Emelie Gunn has more….

CUT 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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LSU Quarterback Anthony Jennings and two other players have been charged with unauthorized entry into an inhabited dwelling. Police records indicate the players went to an on-campus apartment to retrieve items that were taken from Jennings. Legal analyst Chick Foret says that’s not a valid defense and District Attorney Hillar Moore will decide what actions to take…

CUT 3 (07)  “filed”

Jennings, cornerback Dwayne Thomas and defensive lineman Maquedius Bain have been suspended indefinitely. Coach Les Miles policy has been to suspend players charged with felonies. Foret says the players’ defense attorney will need to get their side of the story before going to the DA to ask for a reduced charge…

CUT 4 (11)  “all charges”

Foret says there is still a long way to go before these players’ football future is decided. The DA may not grant the request for a misdemeanor based on what the victim says occurred, although it is possible the charges will be dropped…

CUT 5 (09)  “change of heart”

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Baton Rouge based Explosive Service International signs a 19-million dollar contract with the Louisiana National Guard which allows them to begin the process of disposing 15 million pounds of M-6 propellant from Camp Minden in Webster Parish. Guard Spokesperson Colonel Pete Schneider says it will take the company a few months to create the closed container to burn the explosives.

CUT 6 (08)  “several months”

Schneider says they aren’t sure the exact date of when the disposal will begin but they are hosting public meetings to keep the community up to date.

CUT 7 (07) “take place”

Schneider explains they aren’t sure of how old the explosives are but the Army says M6 gets more unstable, the older it gets. He says the federal government will pay for the disposal.

CUT 8 (07)  “good thing”

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Louisiana receives a one million dollar job training grant from the federal government that will be used to help unemployed workers and veterans join the workforce in North Louisiana. Louisiana Workforce Commission spokesperson Aaron Caffarel says the commission is excited to get this money that will expand employment opportunities…

CUT 9 (08)  “apprenticeship programs”

The state is currently deciding where the money will go. Caffarel says it could go towards a parish, police jury or municipality depending on the type of industries in the area…

cut 10 (09) “those funds” 

Cafarrel says the grant will target the areas of Alexandria, Monroe and Shreveport because the state received a six million dollar grant last year for regions below those cities. The grant will assist dislocated workers, veterans, and those who have been unemployed for an extensive time period…

cut 11 (09)  “they need”

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Governor Bobby Jindal announces that his chief of staff, Kyle Plotkin and Deputy Communications Director Shannon Dirmann are leaving his administration to pursue other opportunities. Jeremy Alford, with LApolitics.com says they will be joining Jindal’s presidential campaign.

cut 12 (09)  “research roles”

LaPolitics.com also reports one of Jindal’s most trusted political advisors, Timmy Teepell will serve as manager of the national campaign. Alford wonders what national names will eventually join Jindal’s campaign team.

cut 13 (10)  “this campaign”

Jindal is expected to officially announce that he’s running for president on Wednesday. Alford says once the governor gets his presidential campaign team together, one of their top priorities is to make sure Jindal participates in the Republican presidential debates.

cut 14 (11) “point bump”

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Most people will spend a little less for Father’s Day gifts than they did last month for Mom. Emelie Gunn has more….

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A bill that would require all public high school students to pass the US Citizenship exam is awaiting Governor Bobby Jindal’s signature. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

An effort by the estranged heirs of Saints and Pelcians owner Tom Benson to have a judge declare him incompetent to make important business decisions fails, so what’s next? Scott Carwile has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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Father’s Day is Sunday and the average person will spend about $116 on Dad, according to the National Retail Federation.The NRF says average spending on Mom was $173 dollars for Mother’s Day.  LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice

cut 4  (11)  “for mom”

Rice says another reason why spending is more for Mom than Dad, is because clothes for females usually cost more.

Cut 5  (07)  “more expensive”

Rice says Moms might also get more gifts than Dad, because sons and daughters really want to show how much they appreciate all she does.

Cut 6 (06)  “really nice”

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A bill that would require all public high school students to pass the US Citizenship exam is awaiting Governor Bobby Jindal’s signature. Louisiana would be the 8th state to enact such legislation. Frank Riggs is the president and CEO of the Joe Foss Institute which leads the National Civics Education Initiative…:

CUT 7 (10)  “public education”

Under the new law, civics courses in the state will have to contain curriculum on the same subject matter that is taught to immigrants seeking to become citizens. The student then has to pass the naturalization test to graduate. Lafayette Senator Page Cortez, who sponsored the measure, says increased knowledge of America is important

Cut 8  (04)  “better Americans” 

Riggs says making the test a graduation requirement helps educate all young people on our unique constitutionally guaranteed freedoms and rights that unite us…:

Cut 9 (10)  “have in Common”

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A civil district court judge in New Orleans denies a petition from the estranged heirs of Saints and Pelicans Owner Tom Benson that claimed the 87-year-old is mentally unfit to run his professional sports teams. It’s a victory for Benson. But Legal analyst Tim Meche says the real court battle is over Benson’s trust funds, and whether he can get them changed so that his wife Gayle can assume ownership of the teams when he dies…

Cut 10 (07) “or the Saints”

Meche says a bigger legal challenge for Benson is whether he can change a trust fund  set up for his daughter and her children to take over as owners of the teams….

cut 11 (11) “give it Gayle”

Meche says while Benson prevailed in the competency case, he’ll have a tougher time when it comes to getting a judge to remove Renee Benson and her two children as the future owners of the teams, when it’s already been established in trusts…

cut 12 (10)  “at the day”

______________________________________

In the 5th Week of the Louisiana Radio Network’s Governor Q&A, we asked the major candidates for Governor about the controversial SAVE legislation. The measure was pushed by Governor Bobby Jindal in the last session as a way to keep the budget “revenue-neutral.” Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle…:

Cut 13 (10)  “game changers”

Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says SAVE will be rescinded under his leadership if a court hasn’t already thrown it out…:

Cut 14 (11) “very worst”

Democratic Amite Representative John Bel Edwards says he opposed the SAVE Act in the session because it was a dishonest, contrived piece of legislation…:

Cut 15  (09)  “wreck our state”

US Senator David Vitter says he’s seen a poll that shows 70% of Louisianians think the SAVE Act is a gimmick…:

Cut 16  (09)  “scenarios”

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The LSU baseball team’s season ended last night with an 8-to-4 loss to TCU in the College World Series. The Tigers got off to a good start, by scoring a run in the 1st inning, but the Horned Frogs scored three runs in the 2nd inning and three more in the 5th and it was just too much to overcome. Coach Paul Mainieri says it’s tough to see a talented team not reach its ultimate goal…

Cut 17 (21) ” terribly” 

Mainieri says losing at the College World Series before reaching the championship series is a cruel way to end a great season…

Cut 18 (16) “so difficult”

LSU had just seven hits as TCU relief pitcher Trey Teakell shut the Tigers down for most of the game and LSU’s bullpen struggled. Austin Bain and Jesse Stallings each gave up multiple runs and starter Zac Person also allowed three runs. Mainieri says they got beat by a better team…

Cut 19 (14) “…comes to an end “

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The US Treasury Department says a woman will be the face of the 10 dollar bill in 2020. Emelie Gunn has more…..

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A US Supreme Court ruling bars Louisiana from executing a man convicted in the 1993 killing an off-duty Baton Rouge Police officer because his mental disability prohibits capital punishment. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 2 (30) “I’m Eric Gill”

===================

US Treasury Department announces a woman will soon grace the face of the 10 dollar bill. Director of the LSU Women’s Center Summer Steib says it’s very exciting news and something many organizations have pushed for.

CUT 3 (13)  “to vote”

Steib says the new currency won’t be released until 2020, to mark 100 years since woman received the right to vote. She says having a woman on the 10 dollar bill will be another milestone for women.

CUT 4 (08)  “are today”

Steib says women like Sacagawea and Susan B. Anthony are on the one dollar coin but is eager to find out who will soon be on the 10 dollar bill.

CUT 5 (10)  “should be”

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With Father’s Day being Sunday, a WalletHub-dot-com study on the best states for working dads finds Louisiana near the bottom of the list. The Bayou State ranks 47th out of all 50 states and the District of Columbia. WalletHub spokesperson Jill Gonzales says they looked at four different categories from a father’s perspective: economic and social well being, health, work-life balance, and child care…

CUT 6 (09)  “use some improvement”

Only West Virginia, Arkansas, Nevada, and Mississippi ranked lower than Louisiana. Gonzales says the study found that the state has the lowest child care cost in the nation, but ranked third worst in day care quality…

CUT 7 (08) “and care”

Minnesota was at the top of the list. Gonzales says one area Louisiana can step it up for dads is health care…

CUT 8 (10)  “next year”

============================

The US Supreme Court has barred Louisiana from executing a man convicted of the 1993 killing an off-duty Baton Rouge Police officer because his mental disability prohibits capital punishment. Kevan Brumfield was convicted in the shooting death of Cpl. Betty Smothers, the mother of former NFL star Warrick Dunn. Legal analyst Tim Meche on the Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling…

CUT 9 (12)  “he did not”

Meche says the ruling establishes that an IQ of 75 qualifies as mentally retarded, which would protect a prisoner from the death penalty. He says this ruling doesn’t overturn Brumfield’s conviction, it just raises the question of whether or not he will be executed for his crime. Meche says the case will now go back to lower courts for more hearings…

cut 10 (11) “to seven years” 

Meche points out that Brumfield has been going to court for 20 years and this ruling could drag matters out for another five to seven years. Meche says this decision will cause a lot of convictions and sentences in Louisiana to be looked at…

cut 11 (10)  “significant decision”

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The remnants of Tropical Storm Bill continue to dump significant amounts of rain in Texas, Oklahoma, and northwest Louisiana and officials have been told that another flood event is predicted for the Red River. Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator says it’s expected that the Red will crest again in the next seven to ten days…

cut 12 (10)  “still raining”

The Red River crested June 9th at 37 feet, seven feet above flood stage. Prator says the river could rise again to 33 or 34 feet in the next week to week and a half. He says residents along the Red River should hold off on any work on their home…

cut 13 (11)  “for right now”

How much the Red River will rise will depend on how much and where rain falls in the next 24 to 36 hours. Prator says, as soon as this event is over, officials need to figure out what exactly is going on with the Red River…

cut 14 (10) “37 foot river”

Law enforcement may have a new tool to stop uninsured motorists. Emelie Gunn has more….

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

The state Department of Health and Hospitals says they will be testing beach water along the Louisiana coast to ensure that it’s safe. Michelle Southern reporting…:

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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State Superintendent of Education John White’s receieves a positive job evaluation from the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Scott Carwile has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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DOTD advises motorists about lane closures that will start to go into effect Friday at 11am on I-10 and I-12 near I-59 in St. Tammany Parish. Crews will be working to replace the roadway at certain locations in that area through the weekend and delays are expected for Gulf Coast beach goers. Department of Transportation spokeswoman Bambi Hall…:

cut 4  (06)  “plan accordingly”

Hall says for motorists going to and from the New Orleans area to the Northshore and also in and out of Mississippi will be experiencing delays…:

Cut 5  (09)  “Mississippi”

Hall says at least one lane of traffic will remain open at all times but they are strongly encouraging drivers to take US 90 as an alternate route. However, no large truck traffic will be allowed on the detour. She says while vacationers may be inconvenienced, they are trying to knock all of this construction out before school starts…:

Cut 6 (09)  “New Orleans itself”

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Law enforcement could soon have a new tool to catch uninsured motorists. Legislation waiting to be signed by Governor Jindal will allow police cars to have equipment to take a snap shot of a person’s license plate. Pete Adams, executive director of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association, on how the pilot program will work…

CUT 7 (12)  “vehicles”

Adams says the photo of the license plate will only be used to catch uninsured motorists, track down stolen vehicles and help authorities in emergency situations….

Cut 8  (12)  “capture those” 

Adams says if Governor Jindal signs the statewide pilot program into law, they anticipate law enforcement from several parishes to participate. He says the goal is to reduce the number of uninsured motorists…

Cut 9 (13)  “uninsured vehicles”

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The state Department of Health and Hospitals says they will be testing beach water along the Louisiana coast to ensure that it’s safe. DHH Beach Monitoring Program Director Ryan Farlow says they are collecting samples at 24 beach sites to determine the level of a disease causing waterborne bacteria that could make you sick…:

Cut 10 (05) “stomach bug”

Farlow says going to our state’s beaches with friends and family is a great way to spend your time this summer, but it’s important to stay safe in the water while you’re out there. He says people who have open wounds or a compromised immune system should be more cautious about where they’re going…:

cut 11 (06) “swimming in the beaches”

Farlow says swimmers can become exposed to bacteria through the mouth, nose or ears or through a cut. He says you log on to their website, dhh.louisiana.gov, to check on any location’s current status…:

cut 12 (10)  “at the time”

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Despite a politically tough year, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education gave State Superintendent of Education John White a positive job review.  BESE president Chas Roemer says the board valued how White handled the controversy over Common Core

Cut 13 (10)  “communication”

White received a score of 3.3 out of four and it’s the highest score he’s received since taking over as the state’s top public school education leader. Roemer says White also deserves some credit for what’s happening with student achievement

Cut 14 (10) “going to college”

White was graded on his leadership and management style and data from the classroom. The superintendent pointed out in a tweet that he scored lower in kindergarten readiness, and Roemer says the state has taken steps to make sure pre-k education more accessible…

Cut 15  (12)  “do that”

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Senior left-hander Zac Person will start on the mound tonight when LSU takes on TCU in a College World Series eliminiation game. It will be second start of the season for the Eunice native, who has been LSU’s best southpaw out of the bullpen. Coach Paul Mainieri says he’s going with Person, because the Horned Frogs’ line-up features a lot of left-handed hitters at the top of the order…

Cut 16  (12)  “not sure yet”

Shortstop Alex Bregman is expected to hit in the lead-off spot again. Bregman says they hope to improve on what they did at the plate on Tuesday…

Cut 17 (13) ” five runs” 

LSU designated hitter Chris Sciambra says after losing to TCU on Sunday, he’s glad they have another shot at the Horned Frogs tonight

Cut 18 (09) “better than that”

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Kenner Police say a New Orleans couple is under arrest after allegedly leaving their disabled 24-year-old daughter alone in a van while they gambled at a casino. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Eric Gill”

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New Orleans Representative Walt Leger joins state film leaders in urging Governor Jindal to veto legislation that would cap the state’s film tax credit at $180 million. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Kenner Police arrested a New Orleans couple after they allegedly left their disabled 24-year-old daughter alone in a van while they gambled at a casino. Lt. Brian McGregor says 71-year-old William Jackson and 62-year-old Paula Jackson are each charged with cruelty to the infirm. McGregor says officers responded to a call from a concerned citizen…

CUT 3 (10)  “on a caretaker”

McGregor says the victim suffers from traumatic brain injury, cannot communicate, and is completely dependent on a caretaker. He says the vehicle was not running and the air conditioner was not on. McGregor says officers were able to conclude that both William and Paula were inside the casino…

CUT 4 (10)  “time, as well”

McGregor says the woman was left in the van for approximately four hours. After paramedics determined she was not injured, the victim was released to her brother. Although the couple claims to have periodically checked on their daughter, McGregor says that is no excuse…

CUT 5 (08)  “kids at risk”

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All the rain we’ve seen in southwest Louisiana is making it difficult on farmers who are trying to grow rice and soybeans. LSU AgCenter extension agent Barrett Courville says there were only two brief periods of dry weather that allowed for planting this spring…

CUT 6 (10)  “soybeans”

Courville says all of the wet weather is also making it difficult on the rice crop. He says wet conditions are very conducive to the development of leaf blast and other diseases in the rice crop…

CUT 7 (08) “2012″

Courville says a lot of the southwest Louisiana soybean crop is totally lost for this year and the soybean acreage will be drastically reduced

CUT 8 (07)  “here”

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Gas prices in Louisiana have been rising over the last month. The American Automobile Association says current statewide average is $2.59 for a gallon of regular gasoline, which is a 17 cent increase from 30 days ago. AAA Fuel Analyst Don Redman says even though we’ve seen an increase, last year at this time we were paying around $3.42 a gallon.

CUT 9 (09)  “going up”

Redman says the diminishing stockpile of crude oil is bringing prices up. He says there was also a concern Tropical Storm Bill could impact the production of some refineries.

cut 10 (05) “get higher” 

Redman says crude is still around 60 dollars a barrel because prices tend to go up during this time of year but he expects prices to come down by the end of next month.

cut 11 (10)  “that holiday”

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State film leaders are urging Governor Bobby Jindal to veto legislation that would cap the state’s film tax credit at $180 million. The bill puts a cap on the redemption of film tax credits, but does not limit how many tax credits can be issued. New Orleans Representative Walt Leger says he supports the movie industry’s request…

cut 12 (09)  “scarcely afford”

Since the measure doesn’t curtail the state from issuing tax credits, he says it could lead to lawsuits by people whose tax credits are denied after the $180 million cap is reached. Leger says a major problem he has with the measure is that it takes a state authorized and certified tax credit and renders it worthless in some years…

cut 13 (10)  “worth five dollars”

He says the bill could lead to an unfavorable climate that could deter companies from filming in Louisiana. Proponents say if the governor vetoes the measure, it could lead to cuts to higher education and health care. But Leger believes a veto will not make it that difficult for lawmakers to fund all priorities in the state…

cut 14 (09) “this thing out”

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The Red River in Bossier/Shreveport is now below flood stage for the first time in several weeks. Mario Valverde with the National Weather Service, says the river has fallen below 30 feet, which is flood stage.

cut 15 (09) “stage area”

Valverde expects the river to drop off a little more and level off at about 29 feet. He says residents will get able to get back into their homes but will be left to deal with debris the flood left behind.

cut 16 (06) “deal with”

Valverde says they are keeping an eye on Tropical Depression Bill as it moves through Texas and into Oklahoma. He says hopefully the rain from Bill will not lead to another significant flood event.

cut 17 (11) “in Shreveport”

The LSU baseball team avoided elimination at the College World Series by beating Cal State Fullerton 5-3 on Tuesday. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Lafayette is named one of the top All American vacation spots for 2015 by the Travel Channel. Emelie Gunn has more…..

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

The Food and Drug Administration is calling on food companies to remove artificial trans fat from our diet. Scott Carwile has the story…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Scott Carwile”

______________________________________

The LSU baseball team avoided elimination at the College World Series by beating Cal State Fullerton 5-3 on Tuesday. This is LSU’s 17th CWS appearance in Omaha, but their first win at TD Ameritrade Park. Coach Paul Mainieri says they are thrilled to finally get a victory at the sports stadium…:

cut 4  (11)  “the right word”

The Tigers fell behind 3-0, but LSU finally got the bats going in the third inning as they scored four runs. After a rough start, Alex Lange went the distance for a complete game victory as he struck out ten and allowed six hits. Mainieri says Lange’s performance was incredible..:

Cut 5  (13)  “continued pitching”

Alex Bregman, who batted from the lead-off spot, was 4-for-5. Mark Laird had three hits and drove in a run. LSU will play again on Thursday night. Lange says after the first inning he had to go back into the dugout and regroup…:

Cut 6 (12)  “really easy”

______________________________________

Lafayette has been named one the top All American vacation spots for 2015 by the Travel Channel. President and CEO of Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission Ben Berthelot says the city has also been named the happiest in the country by The Wall Street Journal as well as a getting a  few other notable titles.

CUT 7 (12)  “foodie cities”

The Travel Channel says Lafayette is filled with many cultural influences especially with their Cajun flair. Berthelot says if they can get people down to experience the city, they’ll be hooked.

Cut 8  (07)  “down here” 

Berthelot believes getting the publicity from big name sources really does bring in new visitors.

Cut 9 (06)  “for us”

______________________________________

Baton Rouge Republican Congressman Garret Graves is pushing legislation to improve Red Snapper access in the Gulf of Mexico for recreational, commercial and charter industries. The recreational season is only ten days old and it finished last week but Graves says the season should be longer.

Cut 10 (12) “put together”

Two different bills are moving through Congress right now. Graves says one bill improves the science used to manage Red Snapper resources  and the second bill deals with making sure commercial and recreational fisherman have greater access to Red Snapper.

cut 11 (09) “Gulf of Mexico”

Graves believes making the season longer helps to maintain Louisiana’s reputation as the sportsman’s paradise. He says fishing is a big part of our state’s culture and science proves the fishery can be better managed to increase the Red Snapper season.

cut 12 (10)  “is absurd”

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The Food and Drug Administration orders food companies to phase out artificial trans fats from foods. Doctor Catherine Champagne, a registered dietitian with LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center,says this is great news, because trans fat is not good for your heart….

Cut 13 (07)  “heart disease”

The FDA says the removal of trans fat will prevent thousands of fatal heart attacks. Champagne says consumers should be happy the federal government is taking this action, but more needs to be done to make sure people eat healthy…

Cut 14 (07) “eat though”

Champagne says restaurants have also taken steps to remove trans fat from their foods. She says trans fat helps food have a longer shelf life, but it should taste the same with or without it.

Cut 15  (07)  “that level”

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Bossier Parish officials say water is receding on the Red River and FEMA assessment teams are in the area today to evaluate the extent of the flood damage. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Eric Gill”

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The LSU Student Government releases its first “Legislative Report Card” which grades lawmakers based on their record of protecting higher ed in Louisiana during this year’s session. Michelle Southern reports..:

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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Bossier Parish officials say water is receding on the Red River and FEMA assessment teams are in the area today to evaluate the extent of the flood damage. Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lt. Bill Davis says the water on the Red is receding at a pretty rapid pace…

CUT 3 (10)  “forward from now”

Red River waters are receding by a little more than a foot a day and the river is expected to be down to 30 feet by Thursday. However, Davis says there is much concern about Tropical Storm Bill. He says officials are keeping an eye on the potential impact the system could have on the area…

CUT 4 (10)  “flash flooding”

Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Deputy Director Mark Riley says the FEMA teams will be trying to determine if there are enough homes damaged in the area to qualify for a Presidential Disaster Declaration…

CUT 5 (08)  “to the President”

The declaration is required to trigger FEMA’s Individual Assistance Grant Program. The teams will look at approximately 150 homes and buildings in Caddo Parish. Riley says they will be looking for substantial damage to structures…

CUT 6 (10)  “of the house”

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Southwest Louisiana is feeling some impacts from Tropical Storm Bill. Johnathan Brazzell with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says periods of rain are expected from the storm’s outer bands.

CUT 7 (09) “falling as well”

Brazzell says the worst of the weather will be from Houston to the central Texas coast. He says Tropical Storm Bill formed quickly when it got into the Gulf this week, which is a reminder for us to keep an eye out on the tropics over the next several months.

CUT 8 (05)  “the last”

Brazzell says Tropical Storm Bill’s biggest impact to Louisiana could be on the Red River once the storm system moves into northeast Texas and Oklahoma.

CUT 9 (12)  “Red River Basin”

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Real Estate mogul and television personality Donald Trump has announced his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination. Governor Bobby Jindal is expected to officially throw his hat in the ring next week. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says this announcement can’t make Jindal happy…

cut 10 (09) “he’s well known” 

There are now eleven Republicans running in next November’s election. Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush announced his candidacy Monday. Stockley says, with the name recognition both Trump and Bush have, it will force Jindal to work even harder to get his poll numbers up so he’s invited to the upcoming debates…

cut 11 (08)  “or South Carolina”

Trump has considered running for president in the past, but this is the first time he has officially declared a candidacy. Stockley says each new candidate announcement just makes it more difficult for Jindal’s presidential ambitions…

cut 12 (07)  “off the table” 3X

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The LSU Student Government releases its first “Legislative Report Card” which grades lawmakers based on their record of protecting higher ed in Louisiana during this year’s session. Student Body President Andrew Mahtook says among things they were looking for was a quick fix for the current budget deficit…:

cut 13 (10)  “closer to students”

In all, 40 lawmakers got an “A”, 35 received a “B”, there were 21 “C’s”, 28 “Ds” and 20 F grades. Mahtook says to come up with the report, they graded bills on their weight and importance then plugged in the corresponding votes. He says they were generally extremely pleased…:

cut 14 (10) “with it”

Mahtook says with the publication of the Higher Education Report Card, they hope to open a new chapter in student-legislator relations. He says looking ahead they hope to establish a full time student lobbying commission…:

cut 15 (06) “at the Capitol”

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The LSU baseball team will look to avoid elimination today in the College World Series when they face Cal State Fullerton. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The Springfield Mayor is resigning after pleading guilty to criminal mischief. Emelie Gunn has more..

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee does not anticipate Governor Bobby Jindal vetoing the bill that puts a cap on the film tax program. Scott Carwile has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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The LSU baseball team will look to avoid elimination today in the College World Series when they face Cal State Fullerton at 2pm. The Tigers are coming off a disastrous performance Sunday. But shortstop Alex Bregman says they are focused on winning…:

cut 4  (10)  “find ways to win”

LSU is 10-0 in games following a loss this season and they have outscored opponents in those games 96-32. Bregman says it seems that when they lose, the team comes back stronger…:

Cut 5  (08)  “leave it all out there”

LSU has not lost back to back games this season. Freshman pitcher Alex Lange will start on the mound today and he says he doesn’t have any surprises up his sleeve…:

Cut 6 (11)  “at the right time”

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The Gulf of Mexico’s first tropical system of the season is expected to bring periods of heavy rain to western parts of Louisiana and possibly present more flooding concerns along the Red River. State Climatologist Barry Keim says landfall is expected today in Texas hitting Louisiana with even more rain for the western part of the state.

CUT 7 (10)  “we care to”

Keim says the area of low pressure is expected to move through Texas and into Oklahoma dropping more rain at the source of the Red River flooding.

Cut 8  (12)  “landfall or not” 

Keim says even though Louisiana shouldn’t be getting the severe rains as Oklahoma and Texas, some areas could still get several inches of rain. He says the Red River could rise again as a result of this system.

Cut 9 (06)  “this rain”

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Springfield Mayor Charles Martin is resigning after pleading guilty to  criminal mischief for being involved in a  ticket fixing scheme.  Assistant LA Attorney General David Caldwell says Martin and Springfield’s Police Chief  altered a 2011 DWI report to go through misdemeanor court, instead of it being a felony charge.

Cut 10 (11) “in office”

Martin as well as Police Chief James Jones are accused of covering up a woman’s DWI citation. Jones pleaded guilty to criminal mischief in April and resigned. Caldwell says Martin has 90 days to resign as mayor and will not be allowed to seek reelection for this office.

cut 11 (12) “helped out”

Martin’s plea deal will require no jail time. He is required to pay $550 in fines, perform 32 hours of community service and two years of probation. Caldwell says they take cases of small town corruption seriously.

cut 12 (07)  “the right way”

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The chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee doesn’t see Governor Bobby Jindal vetoing the film tax credit legislation that caps the amount of credits redeemed to 180-million dollars a year. Lafayette Representative Joel Robideaux says if the governor vetoes the bill, it will lead to a 70-million dollar cut to higher education and health care

Cut 13 (06)  “and health care”

Film industry officials believe the legislation is unconstitutional, because it could lead to the state not honoring some credits, because the cap is for credits redeemed and not issued. But Robideaux says legislative staff has assured lawmakers the legislation is legal

Cut 14 (04) “do legally”

Hollywood South is also concerned the legislation will chase movie production away. But Robideaux says a 180-million dollar cap in redeemed credits still allows for 540-million dollars in film production a year and over one-point-five billion dollars over the next three years

Cut 15  (07)  “that level”

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