A study from Wallethub shows Louisiana is the 7^th worst state for women’s equality. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (32) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Planned Parenthood is rallying outside the governor’s mansion after Governor Jindal defunded the organization. Scott Carwile has more….

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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Only five companies placed bids on 33 tracts in the western Gulf of Mexico during a federal oil lease sale in New Orleans. Michelle Southern reports…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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In a recent study by WalletHub, Louisiana is the 7^th worst state for women’s equality. The study looks at how women rank in terms of equity around economic issues, health issues, education and political representation. Director of LSU’s Women Center, Summer Steib says in previous years, the state has ranked even worse.

cut 4  (09)  “little bit better”

The WalletHub study ranked Louisiana 49^th in the gap between male and female political representation. Steib says women in Louisiana have a hard time getting a foot hold in the political arena. The study also ranks Louisiana 49^th in the pay gap between men and women. She says when it comes to economic issues impacting females, the state has a very high percent of women living in poverty.

Cut 5  (11)  “the state”

Steib says despite other low rankings, Louisiana did rank 20^th in educational attainment, so we do have a lot of women going to college and receiving bachelor degrees. She believes we should start looking at what can advance women in the workplace and encourage them to run for political office.

Cut 6 (11)  “candidates”

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Planned Parenthood and its supporters will hold a rally this afternoon in front of the governor’s mansion to protest Governor Bobby Jindal’s decision to defund Planned Parenthood. Jindal ordered for the canceling of the Medicaid contract that the state has with the organization. Planned Parenthood’s Raegan Carter says the governor’s decision will make it harder for over 5-thousand low income Louisianans to receive high quality affordable healthcare.

CUT 7 (08)  “the options”

Carter says Jindal’s reasoning is based upon fiction because Planned Parenthood did not sell the body parts of aborted fetuses as recent videos suggest. She says many residents use Planned Parenthood as their primary care doctor and there is not a Planned Parenthood facility in the state that provides abortions….

Cut 8  (12)  “residents worse” 

Gene Mills, president of the Louisiana Family Forum, says the seven videos released about Planned Parenthood are indefensible and he fully supports Governor Jindal’s defunding of the organization. Mills says many states are moving to do the same thing.

Cut 9 (10) “an investigation”

Mills says clear thinking Americans are distancing themselves from the organization and those rallying, either don’t understand what Planned Parenthood does or are shameless supporters of abortion. He says there are only two Planned Parenthood facilities in the state and there are hundreds of service providers in Louisiana that offer the same health services that do not partake in the same activities.

Cut 10 (08) “of decades”

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Opelousas Senator and Lt. Governor candidate Elbert Guillory says the use of the “N-word” in his television commercial is for educational purposes. The TV ad, which only ran in New Orleans, has former President Lyndon B Johnson saying the N-word after signing the Civil Rights Act. Guillory says many people believe the former Democratic President was a hero…

cut 11 (10) “trying to do”

Guillory is a black republican and the ad is an attempt to persuade blacks not to automatically vote for democrats. The state senator said on the Jim Engster Show he’s only heard from a few people who are upset about the commercial

 Cut 12 (11 “these years”

The only democrat in the Lt. Governor’s race is East Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden, who is also black. Guillory says blacks have mostly voted for democrats, but yet their race remains at the bottom of the economic ladder and this commercial featuring Johnson’s use of the “N” word should hit home for black voters

Cut 13 (04)  “so years” (2x)

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Only five companies placed bids on 33 tracts in the western Gulf of Mexico during a federal oil lease sale in New Orleans. It’s the smallest lease sale in the Gulf off Texas since the federal government began regional sales in 1983. Louisiana Oil and Gas Association President Don Briggs says this is an indicator of how cautious companies are being..:

Cut 14 (09) “right now”

The last lease sale in the same region of the Gulf brought in over $100 million dollars compared to Wednesday’s $23 million dollars. However Briggs says he’s very appreciative of these five companies for placing bids. He says the investment shows a continued commitment to the Gulf of Mexico despite hard times…:

Cut 15  (10)  “a little while”

Briggs said with crude oil prices in the $40 range, the interest to invest dollars in the Gulf of Mexico is not as appealing as it was a year ago…:

Cut 16  (09)  “aware of that”

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The Saints have another joint practice with the Patriots today and then the two teams will travel to New Orleans for a preseason game on Saturday night. Quarterback Drew Brees says the workouts are spirited and it brings out the best in both teams

Cut 17 (11) “against us” 

The 36-year-old Brees was asked again about the statement he made last year that he would like to play until he’s 45-years-old. Brees says he thinks he can do it, but it’s not a given in this game….

Cut 18 (20) “for awhile”

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LSU starting safety Jalen Mills reportedly miss four to six weeks after suffering an ankle injury during practice yesterday. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says Rickey Jefferson will likely replace Mills in the starting line-up and the injury will also give a couple of freshmen more playing time

Cut 19 (16) “another freshman”

Worsham says the injury Mills could force him to miss the SEC opener at Mississippi State on September 12th

Cut 20 (12)  “this season”

Beginning tomorrow, Republican US Senator David Vitter will hit the television airwaves with the first commercial of his gubernatorial campaign. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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The White House announces President Obama will travel to New Orleans next week for the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The National Hurricane Center predicts that Tropical Storm Danny will become the first hurricane of the 2015 season. Senior Hurricane Specialist Stacy Stewart says Danny has sustained winds of 50 miles per hour with higher gusts. He says the storm is expected to strengthen…

CUT 3 (07)  “Lesser Antilles”

Stewart says the five day forecast has Danny growing to near Category 2 hurricane strength with 90 to 95 mile per hour winds…

CUT 4 (05)  “per hour winds”

He says they predict the storm will move past the northernmost Lesser Antilles and the Leeward Islands on Monday. Stewart suggests people look over their overall hurricane preparedness plans as we enter the peak time of hurricane season…

CUT 5 (09) “mid-October”

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Republican US Senator David Vitter is set to hit the television airwaves with the first commercial of his gubernatorial campaign. The spot will begin airing tomorrow, but is available to view now at davidvitter-dot-com. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says this move is a sign that Vitter is ready to campaign…

CUT 6 (07)  “front runner status”

In the ad, Vitter says he will improve education, cut government spending, and grow the state’s workforce as governor. Stockley thinks the overall message of the ad is pretty clear…

CUT 7 (10)  “your individual”

Stockley says now that Vitter is on the airwaves, he expects the other candidates to kick their campaigns into gear. Stockley says election season is finally getting started…

CUT 8 (08)  “by candidates”

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The White House announces President Barack Obama will travel to New Orleans on August 27th for the 10^th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. President Obama will join Mayor Mitch Landrieu to meet with residents in several neighborhoods that were rebuilt after being torn apart by Katrina.  Political Analyst Clancy Dubos says this visit shows the federal government remembers the tragedy and all the destruction that took place.

CUT 9 (10)  “about New Orleans”

Dubos says Obama will likely pump up New Orleans as a success story of recovery. He says there will be a mourning for those who lost their lives in Katrina but there will also be a huge celebration of how far the city has come.

cut 10 (07)  “even better”

Dubos believes the president wants to call attention to all the good that’s been done. He says this will send a signal of hope to other areas in the country devastated by natural disasters that they can also recover.

Cut 11 (12)  “about us”

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A panel created by the legislature to conduct a thorough review of the Common Core education standards and recommend changes, met for the first time today in Baton Rouge. During the public comment period, Common Core critic Kathryn Goppelt urged the 26-member review committee to take a hard look at the english and math standards that have created controversy in public classrooms

cut 12 (10)  “do the work”

The committee has received 29-thousand online comments regarding Common Core, many of those suggested keeping the English and math standards as they are now. But Sara Wood from St. Tammany Parish told the committee she is not one of those

cut 13 (12)  “that addressed”

BESE member Jim Garvey of Metairie represents a district that features a lot of parents who oppose Common Core. Garvey had a simple message for the review committee, which has been asked to provide recommendations in February

cut 14 (11)  “bar high”

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The Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control has fired a veteran enforcement agent supervisor after threatening, racial and sexual text messages were found on his state issued phone. Commissioner Troy Hebert says they initially began investigating Brette Tingle on falsified payroll documents which said he was working when GPS showed he was home:

cut 15 (10) “former ATC agents” 

Hebert says this type of behavior jeopardizes ATC’s credibility and will not be tolerated. He says they examined Tingle’s state-issued phone which showed text messages that proved he was not working while he claimed to be then that’s when they discovered very disturbing exchanges..:

cut 16 (09) “threats” 

Other reasons for the termination include unauthorized secondary employment, avoidance of discipline and lying to a supervisor. ATC notified Tingle 10 days ago about plans to release him. Hebert’s state vehicle was stolen at his home over the weekend and somebody apparently tried to set it on fire. He says it will be up to investigators to determine if the incident is connected to Tingle..:

cut 17 (07) “there’s a connection”

According to a study by WalletHub, Lafayette is the 9th least educated city out of 150 of the largest US metropolitan statistical areas (MSA). Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (32) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The first of six public hearings to review the controversial Common Core education standards takes place today in Baton Rouge. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is watching Tropical Storm Danny in the Atlantic as it moves toward the Caribbean. Scott Carwile reports…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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According to a study by WalletHub, Lafayette is the 9th least educated city out of 150 of the largest US metropolitan statistical areas (MSA). In the 2015 Most & Least Educated Cities report, the Hub City is in the bottom 10 at No. 142. DeWayne Bowie (Boo-ee) is UL Lafayette’s vice president for enrollment. He says Louisiana’s poverty problem is an uphill battle for education…:

cut 4  (10)  “type of degree”

In the Lafayette MSA, WalletHub says about 80% of people over 25 hold a high school degree, while 45% have some college experience and just 20 percent have a bachelor’s. Bowie says they are always looking at new ways to ramp up recruitment efforts…:

Cut 5  (10)  “college degree”

New Orleans MSA ranking was 106 out of 150, Baton Rouge was 108 and Shreveport-Bossier was 127. Bowie says they are also developing a program targeted at low-income middle school students to plant the seed early and let them know that a college degree is definitely within their reach…:

Cut 6 (09)  “education”

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The first of six public hearings on whether or not changes should be made to Common Core takes place today in Baton Rouge. It’s the first meeting of the Standards Review Committee, which was created by lawmakers in the last legislative session. Regina Sanders has been selected to chair the committee that’s made up of teachers, principals and others…

CUT 7 (11)  “Louisiana students”

Common Core has been a hot button topic over the last two years. There are many who believe Common Core should be replaced with education standards developed by Louisiana. Sanford says she goes into this process with an unbiased mindset…

Cut 8  (11)  “daily basis” 

Future public meetings will take place in each of the state’s six congressional districts over the next several months. Public testimony will take place at these meetings and parents can also provide comments on the department of education’s website. Sanford says their recommendations are due to BESE in February

Cut 9 (10) “classroom instruction”

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The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is keeping an eye on Tropical Storm Danny in the Atlantic as it moves toward the Caribbean. Director Kevin Davis says the storm is expected to reach hurricane strength later this week. Davis says it’s important for people to take notice now…

Cut 10 (11) “next few days”

Davis says on its current track, the storm could possibly enter the Gulf of Mexico. He says we will know more as the week progresses. Davis says this would be a good opportunity to make sure you have a plan in place in case a hurricane threatens…

cut 11 (10) “outside of the area”

This hurricane season is forecast to be below average. Although it’s been several years since a major hurricane has impacted Louisiana, Davis says that’s no reason to let your guard down…

 Cut 12 (08) “monitor it”

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The four major candidates running for governor discussed coastal issues during a forum on the campus of Nicholls State. Each candidate was asked what three actions they would take to advance coastal restoration. Republican Jay Dardenne says he would look towards for the federal government for assistance and that includes one of  his opponents…

Cut 13 (10)  “in Washington” (2x)

Dardenne says he’ll also make plans to hold a coastal summit. Democrat John Bel Edwards says he’ll look to the federal government for resources as well, but the state also has to make coastal funding a top priority

Cut 14 (09) “that is gone”

Republican David Vitter says he’ll take three to five major projects from the coastal master plan and push for them to be completed soon…

Cut 15  (09)  “to death”

Republican Scott Angelle says Louisiana has to show its serious about fixing the coast. He’ll ask the legislature to pass a law that makes it felony for the misappropriation of any state or local dollars that are designated for coastal restoration and hurricane protection…

Cut 16  (11)  “wrong way”

The Saints begin two days of joint practices with the New England Patriots at their training camp facility in West Virginia. The two teams will also play each other in preseason game on Saturday night in the Mercedes Benz Superdome. Coach Sean Payton on what they hope to accomplish by practicing against the Super Bowl champs…

Cut 17 (19) “of cards” 

Payton says with training camp winding down soon, going up against another team comes at a good time…

Cut 18 (15) “familiar with”

The Department of Health and Hospitals confirm the presence of the brain eating amoeba in a water system in Terrebonne Parish. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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Tropical Depression four has formed in the central Atlantic Ocean and is forecast to be the first hurricane of the 2015 season. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (28)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office says a 16-year-old Plaquemine High School student has been arrested for bringing a loaded gun to school. Major Ronnie Hebert says they were alerted to the situation by a school resource officer…

CUT 3 (05)  “with a gun”

He says the gun was in the student’s book bag inside his locker, but he never pointed the gun at anyone. Hebert believes the student brought the gun to school with the intent of harming another student…

CUT 4 (10)  “semi-automatic .22”

The student was placed on house arrest in his parent’s custody and has been expelled from attending any parish school for two years. Hebert praises the football players for coming forward with the information about the gun and averting a potential tragedy…

CUT 5 (07) “him in custody”

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The Department of Health and Hospitals confirm the presence of the brain eating amoeba in a water system in Terrebonne Parish. State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says the deadly amoeba was found in the Schriever Water System in Montegut. He says officials are taking steps to increase the chlorine level in the system to conduct a chlorine burn…

CUT 6 (08)  “from growing”

Guidry says the water is safe to drink but warns residents to avoid getting water up their noses. This is the third water system in the state to test positive for the amoeba this summer. Guidry says not only are officials testing water systems more, but they are using a better test…

CUT 7 (07)  “the amoeba”

The Schriever Water System serves about 97,000 people in the Houma area. Guidry says resident should not be alarmed about the discovery of the amoeba…

CUT 8 (06)  “this infection”

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Republican Jay Dardenne is taking advantage of technology in his race for Governor. The campaign says there’s an app for that — it’s called Jay Dardenne for Governor and it’s available on Apple and Android devices. Dardenne says the app awards points for actions supporters take to grow the campaign…:

CUT 9 (05)  “reach voters”

The developer is UCampaign which also created a similar app for Texas Senator Ted Cruz in his presidential bid. Dardenne says the campaign will also be able to use the app to connect directly with voters…:

cut 10 (09)  “savvy”

Dardenne says they will use the app to remind people when deadlines to register to vote approach and help get out the vote on Election Day. Republican Scott Angelle is the only candidate so far to run ads on TV, and Dardenne says you can expect to see the same from him very soon:

Cut 11 (10)  “from us”(2x)

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Tropical Depression four has formed in the central Atlantic Ocean and its forecast to be the first hurricane of the 2015 season. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the projected path of the system is expected to intensify as it tracks west and become a tropical storm by the end of the day…:

cut 12 (08)  “this storm”

Tropical Storm Danny would become the 4th named storm of the season. Keim says even though we are in an El Nino year, that strong wind shear which tends to break up storms does have areas of weakness which is what this system has found..:

cut 13 (12)  “does come to the Gulf”

Keim says the storm is currently so far away that it’s hard to say if it will impact the US or the Gulf…:

cut 14 (09)  “bares watching”

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Blue Bell says they will once again begin distributing ice cream starting August 31st in select markets. Michelle Southern reports why experts say a slow phase-in is a good strategy…:

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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State Treasurer John Kennedy wants the Jindal administration to hold off on moving forward with development plans for the shuttered Charity Hospital in New Orleans. Scott Carwile has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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A-T-C Commissioner Troy Hebert says his state vehicle was stolen from his Baton Rouge house and the thief attempted to set it on fire. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A former Rayne part time police officer is in jail on charges of multiple sex crimes against children. Acadia Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson Maxine Trahan says investigators received a complaint against Troy Bryant Menard earlier this month and immediately launched an investigation.

cut 4  (11)  “against nature”

Trahan says there were two known victims but couldn’t release more information regarding his charges. She says Menard was a patient in the hospital when a warrant was issued and was arrested soon after being discharged.

Cut 5  (12)  “for us”

Trahan says this is a big disappointment for the Rayne Police Department that they had to investigate one of their own. She says Police Chief Carroll Stelly did what he had to do and fired Menard from the force as soon as he found out this information.

Cut 6 (09)  “known as”

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Blue Bell says they will once again be distributing ice cream starting August 31st in select markets. Four months ago the company was forced to cease their entire operation and recall all products after its ice cream was linked to 10 listeria illnesses and three deaths. LSU marketing professor Dan Rice says Blue Bell needs to earn back the public’s trust…:

CUT 7 (09)  “buying it”

Blue Bell says they will re-enter parts of 15 states in five phases starting with Alabama and Texas. Louisiana is included in phase four of the plan. Rice doesn’t think there will be a massive marketing effort to let people know they are back…:

Cut 8  (10)  “originally” 

Blue Bell says it will move into each phase based on product availability and when it can properly service customers in that area. Rice says the phasing the ice cream slowly back in is a good stradegy:

Cut 9 (09) “off the shelf”

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State Treasurer John Kennedy says the Jindal administration should not decide the fate about the shuttered charity hospital in New Orleans. Kennedy says the historic building constructed in the 1930s, is an important asset to the state, and a decision on the hospital’s future should be made by the next governor and legislature.

Cut 10 (12) “on this”

The Division of Administration says they have received proposals from five groups who may be interested in redeveloping the former hospital building but a timeline on the future use of the building hasn’t been established. Kennedy says there is not a lot of transparency in this process.

cut 11 (11) “of them”

The old charity hospital has be closed since it was damaged by Hurricane Katrina ten years ago. Kennedy says the building could’ve been used again as a hospital even though a new facility was constructed. He says he wants to ensure the best for tax payers and New Orleans.

 Cut 12 (08) “used again”

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Alcohol and Tobacco Control Commissioner Troy Hebert says his state issued vehicle was stolen from his Baton Rouge home and the thief attempted to set it on fire. Hebert says when the SUV was located, authorities found that the perpetrator stuck a rag in the gas tank….

Cut 13 (09)  “with it accordingly”

Hebert says this isn’t the first time A-T-C has been targeted. He says six of their vehicles were shot up outside of headquarters about two years ago and he also learned of comments threatening to shoot him and bomb his office.

Cut 14 (11) “to it”

Hebert says Alcohol and Tobacco Control has issued over 800 citations this year so that could be a factor in what motivated these attacks. He says Louisiana State Police will continue to investigate the incidents.

Cut 15  (07)  “on this”

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If the season started today, Brandon Harris would likely be the starting quarterback for the LSU Tigers. Harris is getting a majority of the reps with the first team over last year’s starter Anthony Jennings. But Jennings says he hasn’t played his best football yet

Cut 16  (09)  “I can be”

Jennings missed a good portion of the offseason workouts, because he was arrested for allegedly breaking into another person’s apartment. The criminal charge was dropped. Jennings says he spent the summer working out on his own

Cut 17 (16) “to work” 

Sophomore wide receiver Malachi Dupre says he likes how Harris and Jennings are pushing each other in fall camp

Cut 18 (16) “can be”

Many LSU fans are hoping for a breakout season from Dupre after catching 14 passes as a freshman. Dupre says new wide receivers coach Tony Ball has been very tough on him

Cut 19 (20) “for it”

A state district judge has thrown out the lawsuit of a State House candidate who wanted to be listed as both Democrat and Republican on the ballot. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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Louisiana chef Jay Ducote was not the big winner last night on this season’s Food Network Star, but he remains optimistic about the future. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A state district judge has thrown out the lawsuit of a candidate for the State House of Representatives who wanted to be listed as both Democrat and Republican on the ballot. Houma attorney Damon Baldone filed the suit after the Terrebonne Parish registrar of voters listed his party affiliation as “other”. Baldone feels he has the Constitutional right to register with both parties…

CUT 3 (06)  “and Republican”

Baldone argues the registrar’s decision violates his freedom of speech and his right to associate with any group. In the judge’s dismissal of the suit, he stated that Baldone was not being deceptive; however, a double listing could confuse voters. Baldone disagrees with that claim…

CUT 4 (05)  “parties are”

Baldone plans to file an appeal with the State Supreme Court. He served in the State House as a Democrat from 2001 to 2012. Baldone says he wants to register under both parties as a sign that Democrats and Republicans need to work together…

CUT 5 (09) “with one plan”

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The Terrebone Parish Sheriff’s Office says a woman is facing many charges after going on a tirade against her ex-boyfriend and several others in Houma. Captain Dawn Foret says they received 911 calls regarding 25-year-old Miranda Riley of Dularge ramming her vehicle into other cars and trying to fight with multiple people while armed with a knife:

CUT 6 (10)  “seven people”

Foret says as deputies detained Riley they learned from a neighbor that there was a fire on the front porch of the victim’s trailer which had not yet spread into the house…:

CUT 7 (10)  “residence”

Riley’s charges include arson and felony criminal damage to property. Foret says they also believe Riley started a fire at the victim’s trailer and bashed in all of the windows. She says it’s clear the woman was extremely upset about something…:

CUT 8 (10)  “seriously injured”

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Louisiana chef Jay Ducote was not the big winner last night on this season’s Food Network Star, but he remains optimistic about the future. The title went to former NFL player Eddie Jackson. Ducote found out along with everyone else that he is the runner-up on the cooking competition’s 11th season. He says his first reaction was extreme disappointment…:

CUT 9 (09)  “dominated”

The Baton Rouge radio host had referenced his Louisiana and Cajun roots throughout the season and was successful during every challenge. He says before last night’s finale he received a congratulatory phone call from Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne…:(Ducote has also competed on Masterchef, Cutthroat Kitchen and Last Call Food Brawl.)

cut 10 (12)  “like that”

Ducote says he sees this is as just the beginning of a long promising career as a Louisiana chef and he may even end up with his own show on Food Network anyway. Hundreds of “Team Jay” fans throughout the state have been turning up for Food Network Star viewing parties to cheer on their fellow Louisianian. Ducote says his backing has been amazing..:

Cut 11 (10)  “journey”

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State Police announce the arrest of a Houston man for allegedly using counterfeit money at a Lake Charles casino. Sgt. James Anderson says they were contacted by the casino about someone trying to buy into a table game using phony money…

cut 12 (10)  “and craps”

27-year-old William Jabour is charged with 49 counts of monetary instrument abuse. Anderson says casino personnel is well trained to detect counterfeit money and there are several precautions in place…

cut 13 (09)  “as a result”

He says their investigation uncovered several counterfeit $50 and $100 bills in Jabour’s possession and in his vehicle. Monetary instrument abuse is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, up to a million dollar fine, and the offender is required to make full restitution. Anderson says this is not something anyone should try to get away with…

cut 14 (09)  “appropriate action”

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The state department of wildlife and fisheries is getting the word out about the recently created Catch and Cook Program. Emelie Gunn has more on what it’s all about…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Legal experts anticipate the fight over the Confederate monuments in New Orleans will go on for years and years. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The Obama Administration has approved limited crude oil trading with Mexico. Scott Carwile get local reaction.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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Three of the four major gubernatorial candidates support Governor Bobby Jindal’s decision to end Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood. This decision came after controversial secretly taped videos showed Planned Parenthood officials talking about selling aborted fetus parts for medical research. Republican Scott Angelle says these videos are despicable…

cut 4  (10)  “of Louisiana”

Republican Jay Dardenne agrees with the governor’s decision, pointing out that there are over 130 community clinics across the state that provide the same services for women as Planned Parenthood…

Cut 5  (06)  “human life”

Democrat John Bel Edwards says a decision to defund Planned Parenthood should be based on the result of the investigation into the videos. He thinks Jindal failed to plan for the impact of his choice…

Cut 6 (14)  “patient population”

Republican David Vitter supports Governor Jindal’s move and says this issue is not new to him…

CUT 7 (09)  “even surfaced”

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is promoting the Catch and Cook Program, which allows anglers to bring their catch to a local restaurant and be prepared by a chef. Franklin Senator Bret Allain says this is a great opportunity to promote Louisiana’s recreational fishing industry.

Cut 8  (10)  “caught it” 

The Catch and Cook Program started last year as a result of a bill authored by Allain. He says the way the program works, if you catch a fish, clean it and bring it to a participating restaurant within six days of being caught.  He says the dish will only be served to the person who brought the catch in and their guests.

Cut 9 (11) “want it cooked”

The department of wildlife and fisheries says they have 14 restaurants who have signed on to the program including Galatorie’s in the French Quarter. Allain says it doesn’t cost a restaurant anything to participate in the program and they can charge the guest any amount they choose for the prepared dish.

Cut 10 (09) “tourism”

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Legal experts anticipate the debate over the Confederate monuments in New Orleans will go on for years and years. The legislative process of removing 4 statues from their current location has started. New Orleans Attorney Tim Meche says there are several legal impediments to taking the monuments down…:

cut 11 (08) “move the monuments”

Meche says not only will there be legal issues with moving the monuments, but political grandstanding will also play a heavy hand in the direction of this matter. He says, in addition, there’s the question of how much this will cost and who is going to pay for it…:

cut 12 (09) “monument”

Mayor Mitch Landrieu started the conversation about moving the Robert E Lee statue from Lee Circle during a national conversation about Confederate symbols in late June. Governor Bobby Jindal opposes taking the monuments down saying he’s looking into the Heritage Act to see if he has the legal authority to stop it. Meche doesn’t think so…:

Cut 13 (08)  “campaign issue”

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The Obama Administration has approved limited crude oil trading with Mexico. President of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association Don Briggs says this is good for the industry because it helps with the balance of trade after the banning of crude oil exports since the 70’s.

Cut 14 (09) “for us”

Briggs says this is a good step forward to possibly opening the doors to the US trading with other countries. He hopes this could be a reaction from the Obama administration due to oil prices being so low and the high demand to allow for exporting crude oil.

Cut 15  (09)  “of prices”

Briggs says there is no reason for the US to be excluded from trade and it’s time to be involved in the open and free market. He says this would have a tremendous impact on oil and gas companies in the country.

Cut 16  (11)  “the industry”

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Through the first major scrimmage of LSU’s fall camp, Brandon Harris has the lead over Anthony Jennings in the battle for starting quarterback. Coach Les Miles says Harris received more of the snaps with the first unit during a scrimmage on Saturday night. Harris says the game has slowed down for him as he enters his second season at LSU

Cut 17 (14) “over think things” 

Harris appeared in nine games last season, but didn’t see many significant snaps in final few games. It’s been speculated that Harris had a hard time learning playbook. The Bossier City native says he’s been all business since the team reported nearly two weeks ago

Cut 18 (12) “ultimately go”

LSU offensive coordinator Cam Cameron says Harris is more comfortable with the offense this season, which should lead to better results

Cut 19 (16) “just play”

Cameron is also encouraged by the work Harris put in during the offseason, by adding about 20 pounds of muscle to his six-foot-three frame

Cut 20 (11)  “that’s important”

The Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Gretna truck driver accused of the rape of a 14-year-old girl. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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State lawmakers learn next fiscal year’s Louisiana budget shortfall already projects at 713 million dollars. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office says a Gretna truck driver is charged in the rape of a 14-year-old girl. Commander Eric Becnel says 29-year-old Peter James Wilson III arranged to meet the girl through a smartphone app last month. He says after meeting up, Wilson took the girl to the Naval Air Station in Belle Chasse where he was making a delivery…

CUT 3 (09)  “of the truck”

He says Wilson forced the victim to perform sexual acts in the sleeper compartment of his truck. Becnel says Wilson dropped the victim off the following morning at the same location where they met. He says it took a few days for the girl to come forward…

CUT 4 (08)  “an investigation”

Wilson is charged with forcible rape. He claims that he has never seen the victim in person. Becnel says it took a little time to capture Wilson because they wanted to make sure their investigation was thorough…

CUT 5 (09) “juvenile victim”

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State Police say a young girl was killed in Grant Parish after being involved in a high speed collision. Master Trooper Scott Moreau says, 26-year-old Kristopher Silk of Pollock, was speeding when he crashed into the back of an 18-wheeler going in the same direction on Hwy 165.

CUT 6 (10)  “the road”

7-year-old Adrein Silk was pronounced dead. Moreau says the driver, Kristopher Silk received minor injuries. He says crashes like this are highly uncommon.

CUT 7 (10)  “speed limit”

Moreau says they’re unsure if Silk was under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the accident but routine toxicology tests and charges are pending. He says if the child was properly restrained, her life might’ve been saved. The crash investigation is ongoing.

CUT 8 (10)  “the vehicle”

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State lawmakers have learned the budget shortfall for the next fiscal year is already projected at 713 million dollars. Director of the Louisiana Budget Project Jan Moller says it’s not a surprise that we’re looking at a big deficit but we’re in better shape than we were a year ago, when the deficit reached 1.6 billion dollars.

CUT 9 (10)  “next legislature”

Moller says this is another sign that the next governor and legislature have big fiscal problems to deal with next year. He says all the four gubernatorial candidates have emphasized the importance of budget reform.

cut 10 (08)  “the state”

At today’s joint legislative budget committee meeting, lawmakers also raised concerns that the current budget might need to be cut to make up for low oil prices. Moller says that’s not a surprise either since, mid-year budget cuts have become the norm in recent years.

Cut 11 (09)  “the budget”

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Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso says the crime scene authorities had been searching under the I-10 bridge this week was related to a body dumping case — but it’s now clear. He says no human remains were found, but the search began after a credible informant told authorities that 35-year-old Gammion McCloud of Phoenix Arizona killed someone then tossed them over the bridge…:

cut 12 (09)  “informant”

Mancuso said they already had a warrant for rape out on McCloud in connection with a 2014 incident in which he allegedly continually raped and beat a woman at a local motel in front of a young child. He says there is plenty of evidence that McCloud dumped a body in 2013 but it could have been washed away…:

cut 13 (07)  “and bones”

McCloud, who was arrested in Oregon this week on unrelated charges, will be extradited back to Calcasieu and arrested with one count of aggravated rape, 1 count of aggravated incest and 2 counts of second degree battery. He says even though no body was found, they still believe the informant’s claims about the murder…:

cut 14 (08)  “factual”

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The political feud between US Senator David Vitter and New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu ramped up this week. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Eric Gill”

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A survey finds Louisiana citizens are becoming more dissatisfied with the direction the state is going. Emelie Gunn has more. ..

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Severe drought conditions are now present in southwest and northwest Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The political feud between US Senator David Vitter and New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu ramped up this week. Vitter criticized Landrieu for holding public meetings concerning the removal of Confederate monuments in the city. Political analyst Clancy Dubos feels this is a calculated move by Vitter to improve his poll numbers…

cut 4  (10)  “the metro area” 2X

Recent polls have shown that Vitter’s support is slipping. Dubos says it should not have come as a surprise that the senator would lash out at Landrieu…

Cut 5  (11)  “of his M.O.”

He says the Confederate monument issue is one that appeals to conservatives across the state. Dubos says Vitter picking up this issue can help his campaign by creating a diversion from issues that may not help his cause…

Cut 6 (09)  “coastal erosion”

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A study from Tulane raises concerns about adverse side effects when taking statins, which is known to lower cholesterol and help patients with cardiovascular disease. Dr. Eckhard Alt, director of cardiovascular research for Tulane, says he’s found how statins could lead to memory loss, muscle problems and an increased risk for diabetes.

CUT 7 (11)  “to statins”

Alt says statins prevent stem cells from growing into beneficial bone and cartilage cells. He says they also increase stem cell aging and death rates, diminishing their DNA repair abilities which cause these side effects.

Cut 8  (12)  “the market” 

Alt says by studying what statins do to stem cells gives researchers a new explanation for those problems. He says patients thinking of using stains should first evaluate the benefits and the risks carefully.

Cut 9 (05) “more critical”

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A survey from the LSU Public Policy Research Lab finds Louisiana residents are becoming more disgruntled over the direction the state is heading. Researcher Michael Henderson says in January 45% of the respondents said the state is moving in the wrong direction, they asked that question again this summer and now the percentage is up to 59.

Cut 10 (08) “session itself”

Henderson says when we have a new governor, he’s sure we’ll see more citizens saying Louisiana is moving in the right direction. He says they’ll have to wait and see if right direction outweighs the wrong but he’s seen this trend before.

cut 11 (04) “see that” 

Henderson says when you break it down further, 62% of registered voters surveyed said the state is heading in the wrong direction. He says it’s hard to tell if this will result in a higher voter turnout for the governor’s election.

cut 12 (07) “governor’s election”

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A large portion of southwest Louisiana has been designated as having severe drought conditions by the US Drought Monitor. The area of severe drought covers Calcasieu, Lafayette and into Iberia, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes. Donovan Landreneau, with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says after a wet spring it’s been a dry and hot summer

Cut 13 (06)  “dry out”

Landreneau says since the fourth of July, there’s been very little rainfall…

Cut 14 (07) “the 30th”

Portions of Caddo and DeSoto parishes also have severe drought conditions. Landreneau says rain chances do go up at the start of next week, but it will be another few weeks before we see any real relief

Cut 15  (10)  “couple of months”

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LSU Coach Les Miles says quarterback Brandon Harris continues to take snaps with the first team as the Tigers get ready for the 2015 season.  Miles continues to say both Harris and Anthony Jennings are getting better. But don’t expect him to make a big announcement on who will be the starter against McNeese State

Cut 16  (20)  “always secondary”

Another position battle is at field goal kicker. Colby Delahoussaye was the place kicker for much of the 2014 season, but struggled late in the year. Miles says Trent Domingue from Mandeville is battling Delhoussaye for that role…

Cut 17 (18) “it’s still Colby’s job” 

There’s a concern going into the season about depth along the defensive line. Miles says one guy that has impressed him is sophomore defensive tackle Frank Herron from Memphis

Cut 18 (11) “really good”

The Jindal administration announces that GPS tracking devices will be installed on over 10,000 vehicles owned by state government agencies. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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A statewide survey finds few Louisiana voters are paying attention to the governor’s race. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The Jindal administration has begun installing GPS tracking devices on over 10,000 vehicles owned by state government agencies. The devices will follow routes, monitor speeds, and chart driving habits in state vehicles. Jan Cassidy, assistant commissioner for procurement, believes the program will result in big cost savings for the state…

CUT 3 (08)  “with the fleet”

The program is expected to save the state $30 million over the next five years in fuel, maintenance, and insurance cost reductions. The installation of the devices is expected to be complete by November. Cassidy says other states use GPS tracking devices on vehicles, but on a much smaller scale…

CUT 4 (05)  “at this time”

The Department of Agriculture has used GPS tracking on their vehicles since 2010 and saw a nearly 29-percent drop in fuel usage in the first year. The installation of the devices is expected to be complete by November. Cassidy believes these GPS devices will make state workers more responsible drivers…

CUT 5 (08) “premiums go down”

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The Louisiana Lottery Corporation’s revenue is up for the 5^th consecutive year as it ended its 2015 fiscal year with 453 million dollars in revenue which is more than 3 million dollars from the prior year. Lottery Spokesperson Kim Chopin says they’re excited about this progress because it benefits the state.

CUT 6 (08)  “million dollars”

Chopin credits the increase in part due to scratch offs that have offset slow Powerball sales. She says the big games are less popular because the number of players has grown throughout the country and jackpots are getting hit faster and more frequently.

CUT 7 (07)  “big jackpots”

Chopin says scratch offs do so well because they’re now using their unclaimed prize fund to bump out payouts and when people win more, they want to play more. She hopes with future changes to Powerball and Mega Millions, revenue will go up even more next year.

CUT 8 (09)  “forward to that”

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According to a survey conducted by LSU’s Public Policy Research Lab, less than one third of voters in Louisiana are paying attention to the governor’s race. The poll, was conducted between July 7th and August 3rd, shows just 29% of citizens in the state are following news related to the election. Research Director Mike Henderson…:

CUT 9 (11)  “not crunch time”

Henderson says their survey also found that Republican US Senator David Vitter is the most well-known, as he has the highest favorable and unfavorable ratings in the race…

cut 10 (11)  “Edwards yet”

Henderson says interest in the race is only slightly up as 25% of voters said they were following about five months ago.He says Jay Dardenne leads in net favorability at plus 21, followed by Vitter with plus 15…

cut 11 (08)  “they are”

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The Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence is warning against telling women to arm themselves as a form of protection from abuse. In response to the recent Geismar murder of Monica Johnson allegedly at the hands of her estranged husband, some have advocated that battered women get guns. LCADV Executive Director Beth Meeks says that raises risk…:

cut 12 (10)  “the woman”

Meeks says studies have found that over 70% of battered women had been threatened with a gun, while only 7% had used a gun successfully in self-defense. She says as many as 90% of women that are in prison are there for killing their intimate partner…:

cut 13 (06)  “never works”

Meeks says communities across the nation have seen dramatic reductions in domestic homicide rates through practices like  intensive monitoring of offenders and greater risk assessment. She says beyond statistics, even when necessary, taking another life creates deep emotional trauma with long lasting effects…:

cut 14 (09)  “all homicide”

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