According to the finance firm Bankrate.com, Louisiana is the second-most expensive state for motorists. Michelle Southern has that…:

CUT 1 (33) “reporting”

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

The lead character in the Baton Rouge based reality show “Sons of Guns” was arrested this weekend and booked for child molestation. Michelle Southern has that.

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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

The New Orleans Police Department says they’re trying to figure out what led up to a shooting at a hotel on Canal Street Sunday that left one man dead and another injured. Officer Frank Robertson III says officers responded to reports of gunfire at the Westin around 6:30 am…:

CUT 3 (09) “at our officers”

Robertson says once cops encountered the armed man they retreated and called for back up. He says after hours of negotiation they finally got into the room…:

CUT 4 (05) “right now”

The room was occupied by four men reportedly from the Lafayette area. Apparently the 20-year-old deceased individual shot his 24-year-old friend in the chest before turning the gun on himself. Robertson says the swat team moved in and they were able to make contact with someone inside…:

CUT 5 (05) “on the scene”

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

According to the finance firm Bankrate.com, Louisiana is the second-most expensive state for motorists. Spokesman Chris Kahn compiled the research for the study. He says they looked at gas, insurance and repairs and found that drivers in Louisiana pay about $2,555 a year just on things dealing with their car…:

CUT 6 (12)  “in the country”

Kahn says they found that Louisiana motorists pay an average of $1277 a year on insurance which is the highest in the nation. He says that’s the cost that really hurts our ranking in this report…:

CUT 7 (09) “the national average”

Kahn says there are lots of things people in Louisiana can do to reduce their insurance rates and one of those things is making sure you have a good credit score. He says many people don’t realize insurance companies do pull your credit report when setting your premium…:

CUT 8 (06) “may affect your premium”

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

The St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s office says a man from New Iberia is under arrest for allegedly shooting at a car he was trying to pass while traveling on a roadway. Spokeswoman Major Ginny Higgins says they got a call from a motorist that he was being tailgated by another vehicle on Highway 182…:

CUT 9 (10) “at the vehicle”

Higgins says the suspect is identified as a 30-year-old Jeroswaskie Collette. She says he was allegely driving erratically when he just opened fire on the other vehicle…:

CUT 10 (07) “no one was hurt”

Higgins says Collette is charged with assault by drive by shooting…:

CUT 11 (09) “gentleman was driving“

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

5th District Congressman Vance McAllister has only 233 dollars in available campaign dollars for his re-election bid. That’s based on the last report McAllister filed with the Federal Elections Commission on August 2nd. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says that’s a disappointing grand total

CUT 12 (10) “or by fundraising”

It’s expected the Congressman will self-finance much of his campaign. But Stockley says it still sends a signal that there might not be that much support for McAllister among voters…

CUT 13 (08) “in the community”

While McAllister is struggling to raise cash, three republican challengers have raised over 200-thousand dollars, based on campaign finance reports filed earlier this month. They are Zach Dasher, Harris Brown and Doctor Ralph Abraham. Stockley says they are a legitmate threat to McAllister

cut 14 (09) “from the community”

Now that schools are in session across the state, teachers are in classrooms with no idea what assessment test will be given this year. Michelle Southern repors.

CUT 1 (32) “reporting”

______________________________________

Farmers across the state are beginning to harvest another rice crop after a record harvest last year.  Eric Gill has more…

Cut 2 Audio (28) “reporting”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals confirms the state’s second West Nile virus death this year. Eric Gill Reports…

Cut 3 Audio   (34) “reporting”

______________________________________

Farmers across the state are beginning to harvest another rice crop.  There was a phenomenal crop last year yielding a statewide average of 7,500 pounds per acre.  LSU AgCenter Rice Specialist, Dr. Johnny Saichuck (SAY-chuck), says we shouldn’t expect those same numbers with this year’s crop…

Cut 4  (09)  “had last year”

Saichuck says this year’s rain and cloud cover has affected this year’s rice crop.  He thinks the crop is running about two weeks behind what it was last year.  Saichuck says last year’s rice crop was special…

Cut 5  (06) “on everything”

He estimates this year’s yield to come in at around 6,500 pounds per acre.  Saichuck says so far yields are okay, but he’s not ready to give up on this year’s crop…

Cut 6 (08)  “expect yieldwise”

______________________________________

With school starting around the state, teachers are educating kids in the classroom with no idea what assessment test will be given this year. Louisiana Federation of Teachers President Steve Monaghan says educators are frustrated and angry about all of this…:

CUT 7 (06)  “very political process”

Monaghan says most teachers are irritated about being in the middle of a political battle between BESE and the Department of Education and Governor Bobby Jindal over Common Core. The two sides head to court this week. Monaghan says these political forces need to make this year about teaching…:

CUT 8 (06)   “on the backburner”

CUT 9 (11)  “that folks are teaching”

______________________________________

A crop duster crash in Iberia Parish has claimed the life of an experienced pilot. Lieutenant Jeremy Kelley, with the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s office, says a Bell 47 helicopter crashed near a cane field north of US 90 Sunday morning

cut 10 (12) “coroner’s office”

The pilot has been identified as 60-year-old Kenneth Squires of Jeanerette. The Federal Aviation Administration is conducting an investigation into why the helicopter crash. There were some storms that rolled through south Louisiana on Sunday, but Kelley says it doesn’t appear the weather had anything to do with this crash

cut 11 (12)  “for certain” 

Kelley says Squires was a long-time pilot…

cut 12 (11) “type of work”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals confirms the state’s second West Nile virus death this year. The death occurred in the Capital Area Region 2 which consists of East and West Feliciana, East and West Baton Rouge, Pointe Coupee, and Ascension Parishes. Medical Director for the Office of Public Health in central Louisiana, David Holcombe, says there are now 29 cases of West Nile in Louisiana…

Cut 13 (07)  “for the same period”

Not much is known about the latest victim other than it was a person over the age of 75. The state’s first death from West Nile was reported in Caddo Parish last month. Holcombe says to protect yourself from West Nile, you must protect yourself from mosquitoes…

Cut 14 (10)  “mosquito repellent”

DHH reports 14 new cases of West Nile, bringing the state total to 29. Holcombe says you should also protect your home from mosquitoes should eliminate standing water or any area where mosquitoes could breed. He says the threat of West Nile and mosquitoes will last, at least, until we get cold weather…

Cut 15  (09)   “very precipitously”

______________________________________

Sunday was LSU media day and the first opportunity for reporters to speak with members of the Tigers second ranked recruiting class. True freshman Quarterback Brandon Harris is battling with sophomore Anthony Jennings for a starting spot and a decision on who will start the season opener is not expected anytime soon. Even Harris admits there’s not much separating himself with Jennings…

Cut 16  (13)   “don’t know”

Most of the hype with this freshmen class is center around running back Leonard Fournette. The former St Aug star has high expectations for his freshmen season

Cut 17  (07)   “Heisman candidate”

Fournette says the media attention he’s receiving both locally and nationally is not bothering him….

Cut 18 (14)  “right now”

Another young player on offense is Malachi Dupre. The former John Curtis standout says offensive coordinator Cam Cameron has them believing they can have a good season, despite the youth at the skill positions

cut 19 (14)  “of his past”

The President of the LSU Alumni Association has decided to go on annual leave amidst a lawsuit claiming he paid a former female employee hush money. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 1 (36) “reporting”

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

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency preparedness is sending a team to assist with storm efforts in Hawaii as they endure two separate systems. Michelle Southern has that.

CUT 2 (32) “reporting”

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

The Baton Rouge Police Department says a Fed Ex man is under arrest for allegedly stealing packages he was supposed to deliver to businesses. BRPD spokesman L’Jean McKneely says they believe 50-year-old Nathaniel Smith would lie by saying he delivered goods he’d kept for himself.

CUT 3 (09) “in office”

McKneely says surveillance video from a victim shows the suspect delivering only part of an order including one package of more than $1200 worth of cigarettes.

CUT 4 (05) “following her home”

McKneely says Fed Ex launched an investigation and that’s when they interviewed Smith and booked him for felony theft…:

CUT 5 (05) “make the arrest”

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

Louisiana farmers will see minimal impact from Russia’s decision to ban food imports from the United States for one year. That’s according to LSU AgCenter economic Kurt Guidry, who says over the past five years, Russia has been a relatively minor customer for most US ag products…

CUT 6 (09)  “US export”

Russia’s “full embargo” on food imports from the US, Europe and other western countries is in response to sanctions over its crisis in Ukraine. Guidry says for major row crop commodities, Russia has represented less than one percent of total US sales

CUT 7 (10) “if at all”

Guidry says Russia is a bigger player in the livestock and poultry markets, which could lead to some short-term effects to poultry and livestock prices…

CUT 8 (07) “the state”

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

The President of the LSU Alumni Association has decided to go on annual leave amidst a lawsuit claiming he paid a former female employee hush money. Mary Olive Pierson says her client, Charlie Roberts, admits to having a sexual relationship with Kay Heath but didn’t do anything unethical…:

CUT 9 (08) “sex for money thing”

Health’s attorney, Jeffry Sanford, says the two entered into a contractual financial agreement that was terminated by Roberts without notice in July…:

CUT 10 (06) “quit paying”

The lawsuit alleges Roberts asked Heath to quit her job and promised to pay her money similar to her salary with the Association for the rest of her life.  Pierson says Roberts was completely shocked by this lawsuit and is taking time off work so that he’s not distracted. But Sanford calls it “paid leave” and says Health will completely drop the lawsuit if Roberts resigns or is fired because he is a continuing threat to all women at the LSU Alumni Association…;

CUT 11 (08) “in this case“

Pierson says Roberts is not going to respond to Health’s threats but right now the focus is on winning the lawsuit…:

CUT 12 (04) “or get fired”

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

A potential starter on LSU’s defensive line is reportedly out for the season with a torn biceps. Junior defensive tackle Quentin Thomas from Breaux Bridge was expected to be on the first team this season after starting in the bowl game against Iowa. Tiger Rag Editor Robert Stewart says the injury comes at a position where they didn’t have much experience…

CUT 13 (12) “that line”

Stewart says an LSU spokesperson has confirmed Thomas suffered an injury, but they are not providing any other details. He says redshirt freshman Frank Herron could be the player that sees increased playing time because of Thomas’ injury…

cut 14 (11) “Maquedis Bain”

Stewart says having a significant player lost for the season at this position is a tough blow for the Tigers…

cut 15 (11) “last year”

The LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans has been awarded a $5.6 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to build a regional cancer clinical trials network. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (35) “reporting”

______________________________________

Governor Bobby Jindal is heading to Iowa again, potentially testing the waters for a 2016 presidential run. Eric Gill has more…

Cut 2 Audio (32) “reporting”

______________________________________

New EPA regulations that would require the state to lower ozone pollution levels have some Louisiana business owners concerned about the impact on the state’s economy. Matthew Doyle  has more…

Cut 3 Audio   (35) “reporting”

______________________________________

The LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans has been awarded a $5.6 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to build a regional cancer clinical trials network. This program creates a network of physicians, nurses, and researchers to deliver the latest promising investigational treatments for cancer. Director of the Cancer Center, Dr. Augusto Ochoa, says this funding will provide the infrastructure for the network…

Cut 4  (12)  “major institutions”

Ochoa says a majority of cancer patients get treatment in their communities by local oncologists. He says the funding will help them offer cutting edge treatment to cancer patients closer to home. Ochoa says the funding will do more than just help set up the network…

Cut 5  (13) “in everybody”

The Center partnered with LSU Health Shreveport and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center to successfully compete for the grant. The network currently includes 25 clinics covering 80 percent of the population of Louisiana and parts of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Ochoa sees the network growing in the future…

Cut 6 (09)  “access to this”

______________________________________

Bobby Jindal is scheduled to be in Iowa today and tomorrow, his third visit to the important presidential primary state in recent months. Early polls show muted interest in Jindal’s aspirations, a recent CNN poll even put him outside the top 7 candidates. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says that outside opinions will not sway the governor…

CUT 7 (09)  “listening to”

Along with a September trip to New Hampshire, another early primary state, this weeks trip to Iowa may show that Jindal is increasing his interest in the race. Pinsonat says the early primary states are highly influential for candidates looking to break through.

CUT 8 (10)   “see Jindal continue”

CUT 9 (07)  “two or three states”

______________________________________

Louisiana State Police is now offering the sale of crash photographs online through their website. The purpose of the new system is to increase accessibility to crash photos and to streamline the purchasing process. Sgt. James Anderson the sale of crash pictures is not new to the department…

cut 10 (11) “is that way”

Attorneys and insurance firms are the police’s main clientele for crash scene photographs. Fatality photographs will not be available online. Crash photos are available online at lsp-dot-org…

cut 11 (06)  “then and there” 

Once on the website, just enter the pertinent information, make payment, and you can immediately print the photos. Photographs are $10 each. Anderson says they hope this speeds up the process in obtaining this evidence…

cut 12 (10) “we serve”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry says the state will lose jobs and energy prices will rise if the EPA’s proposed ozone standards are enacted. The EPA is considering new regulations that will require the state to lower ozone pollution. LABI President Stephen Waguespack says a National Association of Manufacturers report indicates the regulations would hurt the state’s booming economy…

Cut 13 (07)  “manufacturing renniasance”

The report claims that customers could see as much as a 32% increase in natural gas, and a 15% rise in electricity prices across the country. Waguespack says the state could see other, costlier impacts as well…

Cut 14 (11)  “the timeframe”
EPA will finalize the new ozone regulations in December. The federal agency says history proves you can reduce pollution and grow the economy at the same time. But Waguespack disagrees…

Cut 15  (07)   “press the pause button”

______________________________________

The LSU football team will go through its practice in pads this morning as the entire freshmen class will also be competing with the veterans for the first time. Coach Les Miles says based on yesterday’s practice, the defense is ahead of the offense

Cut 16  (10)   “good defense”

A question mark on defense this season is at defensive tackle as the Tigers must find two new starters. Miles says there is good depth at that position led by Christian LaCouture (Lock-uh-chur)….

Cut 17  (11)   “coming to play”

______________________________________

The Saints kick off their preseason campaign tonight against the St. Louis Rams. Head Coach Sean Payton says he likes the current NFL preseason schedule of four games. He says it give players the opportunity to rise to the occasion…

Cut 18 (08)  “kicking game”

Payton hasn’t said how much or if quarterback Drew Brees will play in tonight’s game. Brees has been out of pads for about a week because of an oblique injury. Backup quarterback Luke McCown is expected to see plenty of action tonight. McCown says the preseason schedule is extremely important for a backup…

cut 19 (15)  “that way all week”

Louisiana State Police says the police chief in the town of Rosepine is under arrest for allegedly stalking his estranged wife. Sgt. James Anderson says 49-year-old Chief James Parrot is accused of stalking his wife and another man and calling her employer requesting that she be fired. He says Parrott picked up the malfeasance in office charge for allegedly using department equipment to extend the crime…

cut 5 (06) “male companion”

Anderson says once the suspect bonded out on a $1000 bond in Vernon Parish he was also booked in Beauregard Parish on a $15,000 bond for the same charges.

State Police say the man who drove through a house in Schriever and caused the death of a 2-year-old baby in June was drunk at the time according to blood-alcohol tests. Trooper Evan Harrell says a routine toxicology sample was taken from 20-year-old Tony Milligan…

cut 13 (06) “the legal limit”

Milligan remains jailed on vehicular homicide and several other charges.

A 57-million dollar construction project is set to begin on US 90 in Lafayette Parish as crews will expand that highway from four to six lanes from Ambassador Caffery to Albertsons Parkway. State Department of Transportation spokesperson Deidra Druilhet says US 90 will remain open during construction…

cut 7 (12) “as possible”

Estimated construction time is three years.

Forecasters with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center have updated their hurricane season forecast and now say there is an increased chance it will be below-normal. Lead seasonal forecaster Gerry Bell says conditions across the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea are incredibly unfavorable for hurricane development…

cut 10 (11) “major hurricanes”

He says the outlook issued today calls for a 70% chance of a below normal season.

The Police Chief in Rosepine was arrested Wednesday on stalking charges according to state police. Michelle Southern has that…:

CUT 1 (32) “reporting”

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

Forecasters with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center have updated their forecast for the 2014 Atlantic Hurricane Season and now say there is an increased chance it will be below-normal. Michelle Southern has that…:

CUT 2 (32) “reporting”

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

Louisiana State Police say the police chief in the Vernon Parish town of Rosepine is under arrest for allegedly stalking his estranged wife. Sgt James Anderson says they received the complaint about 49-year-old Chief James Parrott and began the investigation last month…:

CUT 3 (09) “in office”

Anderson says once the suspect bonded out on $1000 bond at Vernon Parish he was also booked in Beauregard Parish on a $15,000 bond for the same charges. He says detectives determined Parrott had trouble leaving his wife alone…:

CUT 4 (05) “following her home”

Anderson says Parrott allegedly followed his wife and another man around and also called her employer requesting that she be fired. He says Parrott picked up the malfeasance in office charge for allegedly using the police department’s equipment to extend the crime…:

CUT 5 (06) “male companion”

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

A 57-million dollar construction project is set to begin on US 90 in Lafayette Parish as crews will expand that highway from four to six lanes from Ambassador Caffery to Albertsons Parkway. State department of transportation spokesperson Deidra Druilhet says they are upgrading US 90 to interstate standards as part of a larger plan to extend I-49 South…

CUT 6 (10)  “job growth”

Estimated construction time is three years, but Druilhet says US 90 will remain open during that time…

CUT 7 (12) “as possible”

Druilhet says once construction is completed on the one-point-six mile stretch of roadway, motorists will see less traffic congestion and the wider highway should lead to economic growth. She says precautions have been taken to limit headaches during construction, but the 40-thousand motorists who use the road daily will see some changes…

CUT 8 (08) “as well”

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

Forecasters with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center have updated their forecast for the 2014 Atlantic Hurricane Season and now say there is an increased chance it will be below-normal. Lead seasonal forecaster Gerry Bell says the outlook issued today calls for a 70% chance of a below normal season…:

CUT 9 (05) “has increased”

Bell says the atmospheric and oceanic conditions across the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea are incredibly unfavorable for hurricane development…:

CUT 10 (11) “major hurricanes”

Bell says this outlook is for overall activity and does not apply to a landfall forecast. He encourages Gulf Coast residents to remain prepared throughout the season…:

CUT 11 (06) “to be struck“

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

State Police say the man who drove through a house in Schriever and caused the death of a 2-year-old baby on June 27 was extremely drunk at the time according to blood-alcohol tests that came back this week. Trooper Evan Harrell says during the incident, 20-year-old Tony Milligan of Houma rear-ended another car then fled the scene…:

CUT 12 (09) “a two year old child”

Harrell says Milligan remains in jail on a vehicular homicide charge among many others and is being held on $300,000 bond. He says impairment was suspected at the time of the crash, but a routine toxicology sample was taken…:

CUT 13 (06) “the legal limit”

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

A Baton Rouge man who is accused of beating to death his 77-year-old roommate then burying him in a tomato garden was indicted Wednesday for second degree murder. The suspect is 54-year-old Douglas Studeman. East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore on the indictment…:

cut 14 (06) “proceed forward”

Moore argued Chester Oakley opened his home to the suspect earlier this year in exchange for some help around the house. Police found the victim’s bludgeoned body wrapped in bed sheets under some fresh dirt in the garden at the house. Moore says the evidence against the suspect is substantial…:

cut 15 (08) “to go forward”

As summer winds down and we look toward the fall, it looks like another banner year for the film industry in Louisiana. Eric Gill has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

The death toll from the Ebola outbreak in west Africa now stands at 932, according to the World Health Organizations.  Should people in Louisiana be concerned?  Eric Gill has more…

Cut 2 Audio (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

As most kids head back to the classroom this week State Police is reminding motorists that cell phones are now banned, by law, in a school zone. Scott Carwile has that…:

Cut 3 Audio   (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

A new 14-million dollar laboratory for animal and food science research is open for business on the LSU Baton Rouge campus. LSU Ag Center Associate Vice Chancellor Phil Elzer says the state-of-the-art research and teaching facility has spacious labs and three-million dollars in new equipment…

Cut 4  (08)  “United States”

Elzer says the renovated animal and food science laboratory will help LSU attract more students and faculty who want to perform cutting edge research…

Cut 5  (11) “international grants”

State funding helped revitalized the two-story, 49-thousand square foot building. Construction began in early 2012. He says the facility is unique because it brings veterinary, animal and food sciences all under one roof…

Cut 6 (13)  “Taste testing”

______________________________________

The death toll from the Ebola outbreak in West Africa now stands at 932, according to the World Health Organizations.  Medical Director for the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Dr. Frank Welch says there is no real threat of an outbreak in Louisiana, but residents should educate themselves on the seriousness of this Ebola outbreak…

CUT 7 (15)   “1700 cases”

CUT 8 (10)   “level of alert”

Welch says the Ebola virus is spread by very close personal contact with an infected person through their bodily fluids.  He says that’s why many cases now are health care workers caring for patients with Ebola.  Welch says you cannot contract Ebola very easily like, for example, the flu…

CUT 9 (07)  “of getting that”

______________________________________

As summer winds down and we look toward the fall, it looks like another banner year for the film industry in Louisiana. Jurassic World, Pitch Perfect 2, Terminator 5, and a new Fantastic Four movie were all filmed here this year. Executive Director of Louisiana Entertainment, Chris Stelly, says there are more movie productions scheduled for the Bayou State…

cut 10 (13) “The Runner”

Stelly says we’re currently in a standard industry lull following a busy spring and summer. He says things are certainly coming in for the last few months of the year. Stelly says a couple of major television shows are in production in Louisiana, too…

cut 11 (12)  “the winter” 

Stelly says the number of projects filmed in Louisiana have steadily increased over the past few years. He says the future of the film industry in Louisiana looks bright…

cut 12 (07) “of strengthening”

______________________________________

As most kids head back to the classroom this week State Police is reminding motorists that cell phones are now banned, by law, in a school zone. Trooper Jared Sandifer says using your hand held cell phone at all in a school zone is now illegal…:

Cut 13 (10)  “too and from school”

Sandifer says the law prohibits the use of any wireless device for engaging in a voice call, accessing, reading or posting to a social media site and/or writing, sending or reading a text message. He says cops will be out enforcing this law…:

Cut 14 (11)  “for that”

Sandifer says a first violation of the cell phone school zone ban is a $175 fine and subsequent violations can be up to $500. He says when you’re having any type of interaction on your phone you may think that you’re focused on the road but you’re not…:

Cut 15  (07)   “task of driving”

The Morgan City Police Department is looking for other people who may be involved in neglecting a 54-year-old disabled woman. Michelle Southern has that…:

CUT 1 (32) “reporting”

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

There’s more legal action today in the dispute over Common Core. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (32) “reporting”

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

The Morgan City Police Department says more arrests could be coming in the cruelty to the infirm case which put a 22-year-old woman behind bars this week. Assistant Chief Mark Griffin says detectives began the investigation in January when they got a complaint from a family member regarding people living with a 54-year-old disabled woman…:

CUT 3 (08) “and dehydrated”

Griffin says they identified one suspect, Bethany Daigle, who is also accused of using the victim’s debit card…:

CUT 4 (11) “dehydrated conditions”

Griffin says they believe Daigle and the victim were roommates and there were other people living in the home they are currently trying to locate. He says Daigle is charged with cruelty to the infirm, exploitation of the infirm and felony unauthorized use of an access card. Griffin says the suspect and victim were not related…:

CUT 5 (06) “possibly pending”

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

Governor Jindal wants a judge to rule Louisiana’s public schools can NOT use testing material tied to the Common Core education standards. Attorney Jimmy Faircloth filed the petition in state court today on behalf Jindal. Faircloth says the governor’s argument is the Common Core test is an illegal attempt to federalize education in the state..

CUT 6 (11) “federal program”

At one time Jindal was a supporter of Common Core, but now describes the controversial education standards as an attempt by the federal government to interfere with local education. Faircloth says the Constitution prohibits such interference…

CUT 7 (09) “10th amendment”

Faircloth’s argument is that standardized testing associated with Common Core allows the federal government to decide what is taught in Louisiana public schools and that violates the law…

CUT 8 (09) “curriculum”

(This issue also has a lawsuit from the other side, filed by parents and teachers who say Jindal violated the constitution when his administration suspended the testing contract tied to Common Core.)

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

A recent poll asking consumers how they feel about their cell phones shows that most people are tired of gimmicks, but want improvements to things like batteries and GPS. We asked these Louisianans what improvements they’d like to see on their phone…:

CUT 9 (10) “faster”

Poll respondents named “ease of use” as their number one concern with 29% of the vote. Coming in next was better reception, the battery life followed by apps. Just 3% of people said they cared about quirky, unique features such as Samsung’s eyeball-tracking technology. These Louisianans are keeping it simple with their preferred upgrades…:

CUT 10 (11) “money making app”

The survey found that a phone with a better battery life would be purchase by 89% of those polled. A waterproof body and zoom camera lens were also among improvements consumers would like to see to their phones. We asked these Louisianans what improvements they’d like to see…:

CUT 11 (11) “all that well“

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

The Cameron Parish Sheriff’s office says after an overnight search, an inmate who escaped from the jail there last night is back in custody. Sheriff Ron Johnson says 45-year-old James Lacombe went missing around 9:30pm last night…:

CUT 12 (13) “in the wall”

Johnson says Lacombe overpowered a guard and slipped through a door then kicked in a weak spot in the wall to escape. He says the man did not act alone in this…:

CUT 13 (11) “this morning”

Johnson says Lacombe had a long criminal history including armed robbery, carnal knowledge of a juvenile and had even been convicted on some violent crimes so they are glad this man is back behind bars. He says they believe human error led to the escape…:

cut 14 (07) “unlocked”

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

An invasive species is threatening one of Louisiana’s most popular trees. Matthew Doyle has more…

CUT 1 (34) “reporting”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Education has released the “High School Student Planning Guidebook: A Path to Prosperity for Every Student”. Eric Gill reports…

Cut 2 Audio (33) “reporting”

______________________________________

A new poll shows incumbent Vance McAllister in a very competitive race for the 5^th congressional district seat. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 Audio   (32) “reporting”

______________________________________

Crape myrtles in Louisiana are under attack from a new invasive species. Crape myrtle barkscales, the invasive bug, are infesting trees across north Louisiana, and feeding off of the popular summer flowering tree. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Allen Owings says the bug first arrived from overseas…

Cut 4  (10)  “Metroplex Of Dallas”

The resilient bug has spread from Texas into several neighboring states, and the barkscales seem to be resistant to less comprehensive methods of removal. Owings says they even appear to be more resistant to weather…

Cut 5  (06) “Winter This Year”

The bugs don’t pose an imminent threat to the life of the trees, but given time, could severely weaken their flowering output and vibrancy. Owings says gardeners should look for the signs of a barkscale infection…

Cut 6 (14)  “The Summer Months”

______________________________________

Top officials with Cleco are expected to appear today at the Public Service Commission meeting to answer questions regarding a possible sale of the utility company. Commissioner Eric Skrmetta says if Cleco is considering a sale, he just wants to be sure of two things…:

CUT 7 (09)   “of Cleco”

CUT 8 (10)   “before approving”

Skrmetta says Cleco is a public utility and they can do whatever they want, but whatever it is has to be approved by the PSC. He says they believe there are some companies that want to purchase the utility because they are a valuable asset…:

CUT 9 (12)  “want to purchase”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Education has released the “High School Student Planning Guidebook: A Path to Prosperity for Every Student”. It’s a comprehensive guide for parents and school personnel, detailing pathways to opportunities for students after high school. Assistant Superintendent for the Office of Content, Ken Bradford, says the guide is divided into five chapters…

cut 10 (08) “three years”

In the past three years, college opportunities have expanded for students in Louisiana, as well as opportunities to achieve meaningful career credentials through the Jump Start initiative and the related Course Choice program. Bradford says the guide will be helpful whether a student wants to go to a four-year university or community college…

cut 11 (07)  “in the guide”

The comprehensive guide details policies and programs of “Louisiana Believes”, including the Jump Start TOPS Tech Career Diploma and the TOPS University Pathway, as well as related funding and accountability changes. Bradford says the guide references their statewide Counselor Assistance Center which is staffed with certified professional school counselors…(The guide can be found at www.louisianabelieves.com.)

cut 12 (07) “their questions”

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According to a new poll, US Representative Vance McAllister’s challengers are within single digits in the race for the 5^th congressional seat. The survey, conducted by the Glascock group out of Pineville, shows McAllister at 27 percent, with democrat and Monroe Mayor Jaime Mayo at 21 percent and Republican Ralph Abraham at 18 percent. ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says the race is wide open…

Cut 13 (09)  “Striking Distance”

Mayo is the only announced democrat in this race. But Stockley says the poll shows Mayo has some work to do to make the runoff…

Cut 14 (08)  “Congressional Candidate”

Incumbency has historically been favorable to candidates, but recent scandals, and a lack of support from fellow republicans has weakened McAllister’s standing. Stockley says he’ll have to overcome a number of issues…

Cut 15  (13)   “Always Vulnerable”

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Saints training camp continues in West Virginia and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan likes what the defense has accomplished so far. Ryan admits the run defense did not perform well in Saturday’s scrimmage. He says since then, they have put some good practices behind them…

Cut 16  (10)   “and we will”

Ryan is impressed with what he’s seen out of cornerback Keenan Lewis. He thinks that Lewis is a on the cusp of being an annual Pro-Bowl player. In fact, Ryan thinks Lewis should have made the Pro-Bowl last year…

Cut 17  (13)   “knows that”

As the team heads into Friday’s first preseason game at St. Louis, Ryan wants to see continued improvement in his defense. He says they have a lot to work on, but the coaching staff needs to make sure the Saints “D” plays up to its potential…

Cut 18 (12)  “ever been around”

US Senator Mary Landrieu agrees to four televised debates against her republican opponents before the November fourth election. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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Saints owner Tom Benson was taken to a hospital in West Virginia during practice today. Michelle Southern has that…:

CUT 2 (27) “reporting”

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The Plaquemine Parish Sheriff’s office says they are investigating an industrial incident in which two men got trapped into some equipment which caused extensive damage to their legs. Spokesman Commander Eric Becnel says deputies responded to the scene of the accident at Daybrook Fisheries around 6pm Monday…:

CUT 3 (08) “raw take”

Becnel says the two men got stuck in equipment during maintenance work and had to be extricated by the fire department which took about 30 minutes for the first man and about three hours for the second man. He says the first individual sustained severe injuries to one of his legs and was taken to a local hospital…:

CUT 4 (11) “lower extremities”

The victims have been identified as 28-year-old Manuel Hernandez of Harvey and 30-year-old Raymond Carrasquillo of Terrytown. They remain hospitalized in stable condition. The accident remains under investigation. Becnel says each men had severe mangling to their legs as the drum they were trapped in was similar to a huge washing machine with blades…:

CUT 5 (06) “that equipment”

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Democratic incumbent senator Mary Landrieu agrees to participate in four televised debates before the November fourth election. The first one will be in New Orleans on October 2nd. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says debates are a great way to educate the voter, but they have little impact on the election

CUT 6 (08) “watch the debate”

No word if republican challenger Bill Cassidy will participate, while tea party candidate Rob Maness says he’ll be at the first three for sure.  Cross says debates usually don’t help a candidate, but they can sometimes have negative consequences

CUT 7 (08) “hurt themselves”

Cross says challengers usually like multiple debates, so they can build their name recognition. He anticipates Cassidy will agree to participate in these forums and expects him to do well against Landrieu

CUT 8 (11) “that regard”

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Flying Tiger Aviation, a flight school based in northeast Louisiana, has announced a massive expansion that will create a contemporary flight training center for for aerial applications in agriculture and other industries. Owner Mo Rolfs says their school has grown so much they needed to expand and there is already a training facility at the Bastrop airport…:

CUT 9 (07) “initiate the program”

Rolfs says at the Bastrop airport, the company will construct 20,000 square feet of hanger space and a 150,000 square foot expansion of the tarmac. He says the project will create 21 new direct jobs and retain 14 existing jobs…:

CUT 10 (09) “and aerial application”

The Louisiana Economic Development Department says Flying Tiger Aviation is a leader in agricultural aviation training with 90 percent of its students coming from other states and even international locations. Rolfs says they offer many different types of training…:

CUT 11 (09) “instrument qualifications“

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Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden criticizes Governor Jindal’s trip to the US-Mexico border. Holden made the comments as a guest on the Jim Engster Show on WRKF. He doesn’t understand why the governor would visit an area thousands of miles away, when Louisiana has its own problems

CUT 12 (10) “Texas border”

Jindal, along with State Police Colonel Mike Edmonson and House Speaker Charles Kleckley also went to the US-Mexico border yesterday. Afterwards the governor blamed the Obama administration for not doing more to keep illegal immigrants out of the US. Holden, who plans on running for Lieutenant Governor, says Jindal should worry about Louisiana’s issues…

CUT 13 (11) “about Mexico”

Holden says he would rather see Governor Jindal do something about the crime problems in Louisiana, rather than what’s happening along the US-Mexico border…

cut 14 (05) “exception of him”

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