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

CUT 1 (34) “reporting”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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

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

CUT 2 (27) “reporting”

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

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”

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

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“

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

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”

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

The American Automobile Association says the gas price is dropping fast as the current statewide average is now $3.30 and it’s been falling about a penny everyday for the past couple of weeks. Matthew Doyle has that.

CUT 1 (35) “reporting”

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Studies on eating habits in America consistently show Louisiana to be among the most obese states in the nation.  The Dare To Be Healthy initiative is working to change that.  Eric Gill has more…

Cut 2 Audio (34) “reporting”

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Drivers across the state are now seeing gas prices around $3.30 for a gallon of regular. That’s a good deal lower from where they were last month, and have been dropping at a steady rate of about one cent a day over the last week or so. American Automobile Association fuel analyst Don Redman expects that will continue this month…

Cut 3 Audio   (14) “last year as well”

International political instability historically has a direct correlation to the prices Louisiana customers pay at the pump. Redman says two things in particular kept prices high over the summer…

Cut 4  (12)  “falling apart of Iraq”

Prices tend to trend up near the end of summer, but Redman says this year, that’s not the case…

Cut 5  (06) “to our benefit”

______________________________

Over 190 new people have joined a lawsuit designed to stop the implementation of common core in Louisiana. The additions, mostly concerned Louisiana parents, joined the lawsuit over a less than 48 hour period. Jeremy Alford with LApolitics.com says the interest seems to be organic…

Cut 6 (12)  “Gravitated toward them”

The number of lawsuits in involving common core has sky rocketed over the last month, with both sides gearing up for some lengthy litigation. Alford says it appears that negotiations have failed…

CUT 7 (12)   “to the courts”

CUT 8 (05)   “next two weeks”

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An interactive map showing the wealthiest person in each state of the United States lists Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson as the richest person in Louisiana.  The map, by real estate website Movoto, lists Benson’s net worth at $1.5 billion.  Tulane business professor Mark Rosa says that’s a lot of money for a state like Louisiana…

CUT 9 (07)  “for himself”

Benson’s ownership of the New Orleans Saints makes up a large portion of his wealth.  But Rosa says Benson’s net worth is more than just the football team…

cut 10 (06) “where he sits”

The map shows Microsoft founder Bill Gates as the richest person in America with a net worth of $80 billion.  Rosa says owning the Saints has been good for Benson and now that he’s added ownership of the Pelicans, it could pay off big.  But Rosa says sports team ownership can be a double-edged sword…

cut 11 (12)  “of his worth”

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Studies on eating habits in America consistently show Louisiana to be among the most obese states in the nation.  One reason the state’s obesity rate is so high is because we eat out at restaurants, a lot.   Dare To Be Healthy Program Coordinator Janice Ackley says they are working to combat the obesity rate…

cut 12 (10) “on restaurant menus”

The Dare To Be Healthy initiative has launched “Eat Healthy SWLA” to help people make healthier choices at restaurants.  Entree options must be under 600 calories, less than 800 milligrams of sodium, and less than 10 percent saturated fat to get the Eat Healthy SWLA stamp of approval.  Ackley says her group enlists the help of registered dietitians to work with restaurants…

Cut 13 (06)  “local restaurant”

The initiative is funded by a grant from Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation.  Ackley says they are also educating the public on how to eat healthier when they eat out.  She says they are encouraging people to build healthier salads, cut out the salt, and use portion control when ordering at a restaurant…

Cut 14 (12)  “home for later”

————————————————————

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette football team is entering the 2014 season with extremely high hopes as they return 14 starters including quarterback Terrance Broadway. The Cajuns are big favorites to win a second straight Sun Belt Conference title and head Coach Mark Hudspeth says he’s excited to see what the season will bring..:

Cut 15  (13)   “our current staff”

The Ragin Cajuns play Southern on August 30th. There is work happening on a new UL-Lafayette athletics facility and Hudspeth says the team is practicing around that construction which is a slight challenge. He says that’s a good problem to have….:

Cut 16  (16)   “love hearing those things”

Hudspeth says fans are asking questions about tailgating spots and tickets and making plans to attend big games. He says he LOVES hearing that…:

Cut 17  (18)   “in our program”

The massive sinkhole in Bayou Corne happened 2 years ago and resident frustrations over the massive disaster continue.  The collapsed salt dome caused the evacuations of 350 people.  Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

__________________________________

The new school year is approaching and the Department of Heath and Hospitals is reminding parents to be sure your child is up-to-date on vaccinations. Michelle Southern has that…:

Cut 2 Audio (23) “reporting”

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A University of Louisana at Lafayette professor is conducting research to keep astronauts healthy.  Dr. Ray Boudreaux’s research is focused on one of the hazards of extended space missions:  bone loss.  Eric Gill has more…

Cut 3 Audio   (30) “….reporting” 
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The massive sinkhole in Bayou Corne happened 2 years ago and resident frustrations over the massive disaster continue.  The collapsed salt dome caused the evacuations of 350 people.  John Boudreaux, Director of the Assumption Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says most of those residents were offered a buyout from Texas Brine…

Cut 4  (07)  “these two years”

The sinkhole was created from a collapsed underground salt dome cavern operated by Texas Brine Company.  The company and property owners reached a settlement earlier this year to end damage claims and buy out their properties.  Boudreaux says even now, resident frustrations over the incident continue…

Cut 5  (06) “their lives”

He says the settlement should bring some closure to residents and help them move on with their lives.  Scientists believe the sinkhole is stabilizing, but Boudreaux is skeptical.  He does say it has been a while since any land has fallen into the sinkhole.

Cut 6 (07)  “the sinkhole”
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The new school year is approaching and the Department of Heath and Hospitals is reminding parents to be sure your child is up-to-date on vaccinations. State immunologist Dr. Frank Welch says not only is ensuring your child has received the proper vaccinations important, it’s also the law…:

CUT 7 (07)   “this year”

Welch says every child should be protected before heading to the classroom…:

CUT 8 (14)   “for their shot record”

Welch says vaccines have proven safe and effective in preventing illness and death from many infectious diseases…:

CUT 9 (12)  “within the classroom”
______________________________________
A University of Louisiana at Lafayette professor is conducting research to keep astronauts healthy.  Dr. Ray Boudreaux’s research is focused on one of the hazards of extended space missions:  bone loss.  Boudreaux says the bone mass of astronauts is reduced by 1 to 2 percent each month they are in space…

cut 10 (07) “extraordinary bone loss”

Boudreaux’s research revealed astronauts bone-loss may be reduced with resistance exercise using pneumatic-powered equipment and by taking a bone-loss treatment drug.  Boudreaux says his research has earned him the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research’s Young Investigator Award…

cut 11 (09)  “strong bones”

He says the ultimate goal of this research is to get astronauts to Mars healthy.  Boudreaux says his research could also be helpful to help people who are bedridden for several months at a time or patients suffering from spinal chord injuries…

cut 12 (07) “on Earth”
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In a recently released ranking of the “50 Great Affordable College Towns in the US”, Monroe comes in at number 33 in the nation. Monroe is the only city in Louisiana to be ranked. ULM President Nick Bruno says Monroe offers great support to the university…:

Cut 13 (10)  “perspective”

The list was complied based on the cost of living index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research. Bruno says in these days of rising tuition costs, students consider things like cost of food, housing, utilities and transportation when choosing where they want to attend college…:

Cut 14 (07)  “on that list”

Bruno says this is great national exposure for ULM…:

Cut 15  (04)   “beyond our borders”

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LSU Head Coach Les Miles spoke with the media Sunday and said 103 players reported as fall training camp gets underway today. The Mad Hatter started off by saying he always loves this first meeting…:

Cut 16  (16)   “if you will”

The LSU roster will kick things off today with the veterans, and some freshman, going in the morning and the other freshman will take the afternoon session. Miles says two players will not be practicing…:

Cut 17  (12)   “go forward”

Miles says Trovonte Valentine is still awaiting clearance from the NCAA eligibility Center. Jalen Mills is still suspended for his arrest in May on second degree battery charges where he is accused of punching a woman in the face. Miles says he’s not sure what’s going on with at at the moment but he’s not pressing the issue…:

Cut 18  (10)   “his business”

Colorado State University researchers continue to predict a below average 2014 Atlantic Hurricane season. Michelle Southern has that…:

CUT 1 (33) “reporting”

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

On the same day that smoking is banned from college campuses, drivers who throw cigarette butts out car windows face hefty fines. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 2 (35) “reporting”

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

This week’s state sales-tax holiday will be a big help to local businesses that have been struggling in this sluggish economy according to the National Federation of Independent Business Louisiana. Spokesman Todd Pack says weak sales continue to be a problem for your shops down the street…:

CUT 3 (09) “at small businesses”

The Louisiana Department of Revenue says the state sales-tax holiday, Friday and Saturday, applies to all consumer purchases of tangible personal property up to $2500, other than vehicles and meals. Pack says this is exactly the shot in the arm small businesses need…:

CUT 4 (12) “for small business”

Pack says when you shop at  mom and pops you’re helping your friends and your neighbors…:

CUT 5 (08) “in the community”

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

On the same day that smoking is banned from public colleges and universities, motorists could face a much stiffer penalty if they throw a cigarette butt from a car window. The new law increases fines for the intentional disposal of a cigarette from a motor vehicle. Marrerro Representative Patrick Connick says littering has to stop:

CUT 6 (08) “on the street”

The new law increases first offense fines from $250 to $300, plus community service. Connick says he was inspired to write this legislation after participating in “clean up days” in his district…:

CUT 7 (08) “is a problem”

Under the new law, third and subsequent offense fines jump to $1,500 plus 80 hours of community service and suspension of your driver’s license for one year. Connick says the key to the success of this law is enforcement…:

CUT 8 (05) “cleaner state”

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

Another one of the state’s 551 laws that go into effect today would grant an immediate divorce in domestic violence situations. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says before today, even if you had tons of evidence that you were a victim of domestic violence, you’d still have to wait 6 months to a year before you get a divorce…:

CUT 9 (07) “healthcare”

Morrell says now if someone has reasonable proof that they’ve been abused and can show that in court, they will be able to divorce the abuser right away…:

CUT 10 (13) “at that time”

Morrell says also beginning today, abusers under a protective order are prohibited from possessing a firearm and those convicted of domestic abuse are banned from possessing a firearm for 10 years. He says Louisiana is one of the leaders in the nation when it comes to domestic violence situations that end in death so one of the major goals of the 2014 session was to pass sweeping anti-domestic violence legislation…:

CUT 11 (11) “both parties“

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The 11th Annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off is being held Saturday morning in New Orleans when 19 chefs from throughout the US will compete for the high honor of best seafood chef in the nation. Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says this is a great opportunity to put the spotlight on Louisiana and gulf seafood…:

CUT 12 (14) “and blogger”

Dardenne says the competition takes place at the Convention Center in The Big Easy at 11:30am tomorrow and it is open to the public to come out and taste some amazing seafood. Dardenne says this event is all about promoting sustainable and domestic fisheries…:

CUT 13 (09) “which is obviously huge”

Dardenne says the 2013 Cook-Off Crown went to chef David Crews from Mississippi who prepared a Southern Nicoise Salad featuring lump crab meat and seared tuna. He says it doesn’t get much better than Gulf seafood…:(Tickets are just $5 in advance and $10 at the door.)

cut 14 (10) “of our product”

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

Colorado State University researchers continue to predict a below average 2014 Atlantic Hurricane season. CSU Report Author Dr. William Gray says they are now calling for a total of 10 named storms with four becoming hurricanes and one to reach major hurricane strength. He says the storm deterring El Nino is still expected to arrive…:

CUT 15 (11) “Atlantic Basin”

Gray says the Atlantic Ocean itself has exceptionally unfavorable hurricane formation conditions…:

CUT 16 (13) “good season”

Gray says they predict this year will be a lot like last year where we had 13 named storms but only 2 minor hurricanes. He says that doesn’t mean residents along the Gulf Coast shouldn’t take the usual precautions because you just never know…:

CUT 17 (13) “extensive damage”

The annual International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo is underway and thousands of people are expected descend on the coastal town to enjoy the festivities. Scott Carwile has more…

CUT 1 (35) “reporting”

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The Saints are settling into their temporary West Virginia home for the start of  training camp. Matthew Doyle has the story…

Cut 2 Audio (33) “reporting”
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LSU AgCenter researchers continue to look at ways to combat feral hog populations throughout the state. Eric Gill reports…

Cut 3 Audio   (35) “….reporting”
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The annual International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo is underway and thousands of people are expected descend on coastal town to enjoy the festivities. Anglers from across the area will compete to see who can catch the biggest fish in a number of categories. Property tax clerk for the town of Grand Isle, Bonnie Pizani (piz-annie), says there’s a lot more going on than just fishing…

Cut 4  (12)  “this year”

In addition to the fishing, she says the event will also feature family events, craft vendors, crab races, live music, and more. The fishing rodeo began in 1928 and is informally referred to as the “Mardi Gras of Grand Isle.” Pizani says businesses across the island look forward to the economic boost the thousands of people who attend the event bring every year…

Cut 5  (08)  “of the year”

Grand Isle bills the rodeo, which runs through Saturday, as “the oldest fishing tournament in the United States”. Pizani says if you plan to attend, you may want to leave early as traffic tends to creep along Highway 1, the only road that accesses the island. She says the locals get into the spirit of the rodeo, too…

Cut 6 (13)  “on the board”
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White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, has rolled out the red carpet for the New Orleans Saints who begin training camp there today. The Black and Gold will spend the next three weeks getting ready for the upcoming season at the Greenbrier resort. Kara Dense, with the Greenbrier Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, says they were thrilled when the team bus rolled in…

CUT 7 (12)   “Next Few Weeks”
For the past few seasons, the team has held training camps exclusively at their Meterie facility. Dense says this is a great chance for some out of town Saints fans to watch the team play…

CUT 8 (11)   “Watch them practice”

The county, home to only 35 thousand people, isn’t used to getting big name stars like Quarterback Drew Brees. Dense says the locals are eating it up…

CUT 9 (13)  “for our area”
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LSU AgCenter researchers continue to look at ways to combat feral hog populations throughout the state. They are beginning to look at baits containing sodium nitrite to control the number of hogs. Animal Science researcher Glen Gentry says the first step is to find an effective dose of the chemical to eliminate the animal…

cut 10 (10)  “with these hogs”

The sodium nitrite is effective in taking the oxygen out of the hog’s blood. The process causes them to become drowsy, lie down, and expire. He says hogs don’t like the taste of sodium nitrite in grain-based baits to ingest enough to get a lethal dose. Gentry says they’re testing flavors that pigs are attracted to…

cut 11 (15)  “saltiness flavor”

Gentry says research shows that 60 to 70 percent of the feral hog population needs to be removed annually just to keep the number of the hogs constant. He thinks it will be about four years before there is a product the public will be able to use. Gentry says sodium nitrite can effect other animals so they need to make sure the bait targets feral hogs …

cut 12 (10)  “sort of thing”
______________________________________

Hundreds are still without power in the Shreveport-Bossier City area as a result of Wednesday’s wicked thunderstorm that knocked down trees and power lines. SWEPCO spokesperson Scott McCloud says they’ve brought in utility crews from surrounding states to get the power back on….

Cut 13 (14)  “safely as possible”

It could be a difficult couple of days for those who are still without power and A-C. McCloud says the storm did so much damage that some customer’s estimated time of repair could be into the weekend…

Cut 14 Audio  (13)  “16 hour shifts”

The storm took out power across other SWEPCO served states as well, with the Shreveport-Bossier City area being the hardest hit. McCloud says the storm rode right along state lines…

Cut 15 Audio  (12)   “long period of time”
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The 2014 NFL season gets underway today for the Black and Gold as they hold their first training camp practice at the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. New Orleans defense made great strides last year, but Coach Sean Payton says there’s still room for improvement, especially in the area of turnovers

Cut 16 Audio (13)    “to form”

Tight end Jimmy Graham will be on the field with his teammates for the first time since the playoff loss to Seattle. Graham missed all of the off-season workouts as he stayed away from the team during negotiations for a long-term contract. Payton has no problems with how the situation was handled

Cut 17 Audio (15) “football team”

______________________________________

This is the first time since the 2008 season, the Saints have held most of their training camp away from their training facility in Metairie. During the first three seasons of the Sean Payton era, the team worked out in Jackson, Mississippi. General Manager Mickey Loomis on why the move to West Virginia

Cut 18 (19) ”  basis”

Over 60-thousand Louisiana residents who purchased insurance through the marketplace set up by the Affordable Care Act are facing a rate increase in the double digits. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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

The National Weather Service in Shreveport says a bad storm that blew through northwest Louisiana last night left thousands without power and claimed the life of one person. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (33) “reporting”

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

State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says 60-percent of the Louisiana residents who purchased insurance through the marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act face a double-digit rate hike next year. Donelon says that’s based on paperwork filed with the state’s insurance department

CUT 3 (11) “for the subsidy”

Donelon says 101-thousand Louisiana residents have health care through the individual marketplace and they anticipate the average rate increase to be about 12 to 13 percent

CUT 4 (11) “10-percent”

Donelon says the double-digit rate hike is the result of a federal premium tax that’s been placed on the policies and the rates have been capped for the elderly and least healthy….

CUT 5 (15) “national average”

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

The National Weather Service in Shreveport says a bad storm that blew through northwest Louisiana last night left thousands without power and claimed the life of one person. Senior Meteorologist Jason Hansford says they saw 60-70 mile per hour winds which downed numerous trees and power lines…:

CUT 6 (07) “without power”

Hansford says as of early this morning there were still over 50,000 people who did not have power. He says one woman even lost her life…:

CUT 7 (09) “yesterday evening”

Hansford says the victim was walking down a street during the height of the storms when the winds really started picking up…:

CUT 8 (12) “to her injuries”

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

A commitment is in place to produce more workers for the Gulf of Mexico oil and gas industry. Higher education leaders, state officials and representatives from the oil industry have formed a long-term public-private partnership to come up with solutions to meet with workforce needs. Louisiana Mid Continent Oil and Gas Association President Chris John

CUT 9 (12) “that’s workforce”

John says about 40-percent of the workforce that’s experienced in the Gulf of Mexico will retire in the next ten years. He says that’s a concern, especially since deep water exploration and production is expected to increase.

CUT 10 (09) “out in the Gulf”

John says this Memorandum of Understanding between the various entities will come together to form a curriculum so prospective gulf of mexico oil workers could be certified in two years….

cut 11 (09) ” well paying job“

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

Louisiana State Police say two women died in a crash just after midnight in Rapides Parish and they weren’t buckled up. Trooper Scott Moreau says they responded to the crash in Alexandria on La Hwy 1205 around 12:15am and learned a Honda was being driven by 31-year-old Heather McComic of Boyce…:

CUT 12 (10) “collided with a tree”

Moreau says after McComic ran off the road and crashed into a tree, she was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead…:

CUT 13 (08) “under investigation”

Moreau says the only passenger in the vehicle, 29-year-old Ashley Gallien of Pineville, was pronounced dead at the scene. He says neither woman was restrained at the time of the crash. Moreau says properly wearing your seatbelt will dramatically reduce your chance of being killed in a crash…:

cut 14 (10) “any other factor”

The New Orleans Saints report to training camp in West Virginia today and the Black and Gold nation is already stocking up on their gear for the mega-hyped 2014 season. Michelle Southern has that…:

CUT 1 (34) “reporting”

______________________________________

Following a discovery in Arkansas, Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain says the USDA is conducting trap surveys across the state to watch for Emerald Ash Borer beetles. Eric Gill has the story…

Cut 2 Audio (34) “reporting”
______________________________________

Louisiana State Police announce the arrest of a Houma woman who allegedly scammed illegal immigrants out of money. Eric Gill reports…

Cut 3 Audio   (35) “….reporting”
______________________________________

The New Orleans Saints report to football camp in West Virginia today and the Black and Gold nation is already stocking up on their gear for the mega-hyped 2014 season. Lauren “FleurtyGirl” LeBlanc is the owner of a popular Saints fan shop in New Orleans…:

Cut 4  (08)  “what they’re coming in for”

The Saints begin pre-season play August 8th and the regular season begins less than a month later. Many have said that this year’s team could be better than the Black and Gold Superbowl team on paper, but LeBlanc says Saints fans will load up on swag before ANY season…:

Cut 5  (09)  “no matter what”

LeBlanc says even though the Saints aren’t practicing in Metairie this year, it’s not stopping the merchandise from flying off the shelves. She says her regulars come in every year looking for the one shirt that’s going to be their lucky shirt for the season…:

Cut 6 (10)  “always lose”
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Following a discovery in Arkansas, Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain says the USDA is conducting trap surveys across the state to watch for Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) beetles. Strain says the EAB is an invasive beetle that attacks and kills ash trees…

CUT 7 (15)   “Reserve Program”

He says when the pest gets into an ash tree, it generally kills the tree in three to five years. The EAB was first discovered in Michigan in 2002 and is now present in 24 states. Strain says the beetle is often transported into an area by infested firewood…

CUT 8 (13)   “unused firewood”

He says the best way to prevent EAB, is to not move firewood. It is best to purchase firewood no more than ten miles from where it will be burned. And when traveling, you should burn the firewood where you purchased it and make sure you burn all of it. He says the EAB has a distinctive look…(For more information on the EAB go to emeraldashborer.info)

CUT 9 (12)  “take a look”
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State Police say a Houma woman extorted an undisclosed amount of money from illegal immigrants while working as a Spanish interpreter for the Terrebonne Parish Government. Trooper Evan Harrell says 45-year-old Trina Bourg (Burg) faces federal and state charges….

cut 10 (16)  “of the system”

Harrell says Bourg used her position to extort money from these individuals claiming to be able to get their cases dropped. He says this arrest comes from a joint investigation between the State Police and the US Department of Homeland Security. Harrell says when the arrest was made, Bourg was turned over to federal agents…

cut 11 (08)  “federal level”

The total amount of money Bourg supposedly extorted is unknown. Harrell says Bourg was booked into the St. Charles Parish Jail on federal wire fraud charges. he says upon her release there, Bourg will be transported back to Terrebonne Parish…(Bourg will face multiple state charges including extortion and malfeasance in office.)

cut 12 (10)  “several other charges”
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A Monroe couple is charged with second degree cruelty to a juvenile after taking their 7-week old son to the hospital. The Monroe Police Department believe the infant suffered repeated abuse. Assistant Police Chief Don Bartley says officers responded to a call from a local hospital in reference to an injured child…

Cut 13 (06)  “on the brain”

Doctors discovered the child was suffering from bleeding on the brain. Authorities interviewed the parents, 29-year-old James Hall and his wife, 27-year-old Emily Rae Hall. Bartley says neither could provide any explanation for the child’s injuries. He says doctors at the hospital told deputies the injuries 7-week-old suffered were due to abuse…

Cut 14 Audio  (11)  “in the brain”

He says medical tests showed various stages of healing in the child’s brain, which indicated repeated abuse. James and Emily were booked into the Ouachita Correctional facility each on $50,000 bond. Bartley says the infant remains in the hospital in critical condition…

Cut 15 Audio  (04)   “in his condition”
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At Conference USA Media Day, Louisiana Tech Head Skip Holtz told reporters the Bulldogs will be better season this year, after going four and eight last season. Tech’s offense struggled last year, averaging just 19 points a game. But Holtz says they have more speed at the wide receiver position with the addition of former West Monroe star Paul Turner

Cut 16 Audio (18)    “as well”

Holtz expects improvement on the defensive side of football as well. He says defensive end Houston Bates, who is a transfer from Illinois is a nice addition

Cut 17 Audio (15) “football team”

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In a poll of the league’s coaches and sports information directors, Southeastern Louisiana has been picked to win the Southland Conference. The Lions won the Southland last season as they were a perfect 7-and-0 in the league. S-L-U Head Coach Ron Roberts is a strong believer that his team can re-peat as Southland champs

Cut 18 (19) ”  basis”

Roberts says he likes the idea that they’ll have a bulls eye on their chest this season…

CUT 19 (20) “2014″

A school administrator in Baton Rouge is accused of sexting a former teen student. Michelle Southern has that…:

CUT 1 (33) “reporting”

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The LSU Ag Center has launched a statewide billboard campaign urging people to engage in a more healthy lifestyle. Michelle Southern has that…:

CUT 2 (27) “reporting”

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The Baton Rouge Police Department says an assistant principal of a middle school is accused of exchanging naked pictures with a 15-year-old former student. Corporal L’Jean McKneely says the victim’s mother contacted police after finding her daughter’s Facebook account…:

CUT 3 (07) “individual”

McKneely says 42-year-old Edwin Chastang, who works as an administrator at Southeast Middle in Baton Rouge, was named the suspect. He says the mother contacted police about the crime and an official investigation was launched…:

CUT 4 (09) “when he was arrested”

Chastang is charged with indecent behavior with a juvenile and computer aided solicitation of a minor. McNeely says the teen girl had her phone taken away so she would use her mother’s phone in the middle of the night to access Facebook…:(Chastang has reportedly been suspended from work with pay.)

CUT 5 (09) “inappropriate pictures”

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The LSU Ag Center has launched a statewide billboard campaign urging people to engage in a more healthy lifestyle. Diane Sasser is the AgCenter director of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Educational Program. She says the first message that will be promoted is to eat more fruits and vegetables…:

CUT 6 (10) “physical activity”

Sasser says this effort also includes banners and posters that will be displayed in schools, stores and parish extension offices. She says the campaign will run for about a year and a half. Sasser says they will also be spreading messages about increasing activities together as a family…:

CUT 7 (10) “thrive more”

Sasser says by displaying these simple suggestions in places that people will see easily and frequently, the hope is that they will absorb the information and starting thinking about their own health habits…:

CUT 8 (08) “longer”

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State Police detectives are investigating a shooting that involved a Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s deputy. L-S-P Sergeant James Anderson says the shooting happened last night as a sheriff’s deputy was attempting to perform a traffic stop in Lake Charles on a 33-year-old woman from Sulphur, who did not cooperate

CUT 9 (12) “protect himself”

After the initial stop, the driver, Eveyln Dargin, sped away from the arresting officer and after a short pursuit she struck a patrol unit. Anderson says she then started driving towards another deputy who ordered the vehicle to stop and that deputy fired his weapon.

CUT 10 (06) “the shooting”

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s office says Dargin was taken to a local hospital and her condition is unknown. She faces several charges, including attempted first degree murder of a police officer. Anderson says State Police is investigating the incident…

cut 11 (11) “as evidence“

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Lafayette Congressman Charles Boustany files legislation that would give  south Louisiana veterans the option to receive health care from a non V-A provider. Boustany says the federal government should pay for the care

CUT 12 (10) “finest care available”

Boustany says he filed the legislation because the Lafayette V-A clinic has admitted to crowded conditions and access problems for primary and mental care. He says veterans living in Lake Charles also lack adequate health care..

CUT 13 (14) “basic care”

There’s another bill that would authorize new V-A clinics in Lafayette and Lake Charles. But Boustany says our veterans in those areas shouldn’t have to wait for the new clinics to open, so he wants to give them the option to receive care from non V-A provider

cut 14 (10) “best care”

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According to a new report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Louisiana ranks No. 47 in the nation for overall well-being of children. Michelle Southern has that…:

CUT 1 (35) “reporting”

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A 40 year prison sentence has been given to a Bossier City man accused of killing his estranged wife and discarding her remains last November. Eric Gill has more…

Cut 2 Audio (33) “reporting”
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Governor Jindal’s legal counsel is confident they’ll prevail in a lawsuit that claims the Jindal adminitration overstepped its legal authority to halt the implementation of Common Core. Matthew Doyle has the story…

Cut 3 Audio   (35) “….reporting”
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According to a new report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Louisiana ranks No. 47 in the nation for overall well-being of children. The report was published in the 25th edition of the Kids Count Data book and study co-author Laura Speer says they took into account economic status, education, health, family and community…:

Cut 4  (09)  “education domain”

Speer says Louisiana lags the nation in 4th and 8th grade reading and math scores and also has a poor graduation rate. She says they found that 28% of students don’t graduate on time compared to the national rate of 19%. Speer says the lowest ranking in their report is for family and community where Louisiana ranked 48th overall…:

Cut 5  (10)  “two parents working”

Speer says Louisiana’s best ranking was at No. 42 and that was in the health category with indicators including percentage of low-birth weight babies and percentage of children without health insurance. She says another factor hurting Louisiana’s score is the fact that we have one of the highest teen birth rates in the nation.

Cut 6 (12)  “their children”
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A 40 year prison sentence has been given to a Bossier City man accused of killing his estranged wife and discarding her remains last November. In a plea deal, Robert Bond plead guilty to manslaughter instead of going to trial on second-degree murder charges. Bossier Parish District Attorney Schuyler Marvin says his office is happy with the sentence…

CUT 7 (13)   “justice was served”

46-year-old Annie Bond’s charred remains were found in northern Webster Parish on November 18th. Mr. Bond received the maximum sentence for a manslaughter charge. Marvin says one of Robert and Annie’s sons, Alex, spoke at the sentencing hearing. He says the young man’s speech to the judge was touching…

CUT 8 (14)   “for him”

Robert Bond spoke at his sentencing hearing and asked the 60 or so family members in attendance to forgive him for what he’d done. Marvin says he and the family are glad this has come to a conclusion. He says he’s happy that this case was resolved so quickly and cannot praise the work of local law enforcement enough…

CUT 9 (13) “of the police”
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The governor’s office has responded to the latest legal action over the Common Core debate. A lawsuit filed yesterday claims Governor Bobby Jindal overstepped his authority when he canceled the testing contract for Common Core. Jindal’s legal counsel, Jimmy Faircloth, says the suit has no legal basis…

cut 10 (09)  “real legal basis”

A collection of concerned parents and teachers were behind this latest filing. The suit claims the governor does not have the constitutional authority to dictate education policy. But Faircloth says there is no question as to whether Jindal has the authority to influence policy in this case…

cut 11 (13)  “subject matters”

The lawsuit is seeking to reverse the Jindal administration’s decision to use the Division of Administration to cancel a vendor contract to supply Common Core testing. Faircloth says allegations the Jindal misused his authority are unfounded…

cut 12 (07)  “doing here”
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A federal judge has sentenced a Shreveport pastor to six-and-a-half years in prison for taking minors across state lines and having sex with them. 54-year-old Andrea (Andre) Lewis, pastor of Act on Faith Ministries, was found guilty of three federal sex crimes in May. US Attorney Stephanie Finley says Lewis used his status as pastor to coerce young female church members to have sex with him…

Cut 13 (05) “young women”

Evidence in the case showed Lewis transported at least three minors to and from Texas to have sex with them. The events happened between 1994 and 2000. Finley says the young girls were very brave in coming forward and sharing their stories…

Cut 14 Audio  (11)  “them sexually”

Lewis used church choir trips and other church related business to cover up the sexual abuse. He was also sentenced to three years supervised release and must register as a sex offender. Finley says Lewis violated not only his oath as a minister, but also the trust of parents and these young children…

Cut 15 Audio  (10)   “kept the secret” ___________________________________

At Sun Belt Media Day, Ragin Cajuns head coach Mark Hudspeth answered questions about being the preseason favorite to win the conference. Hudspeth says he’s already told his players be prepared to receive every team’s best effort

Cut 16 Audio (16)    “on the road”

The Cajuns begin their season August 30th against Southern. Hudspeth expects over 40-thousand fans for the season opener at Cajun Field

Cut 17 Audio (20) “to town”

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ULM’s season will get underway Thursday August 28th, with a home game against A-C-C member Wake Forecast. The Warhawks will also travel to three SEC schools, LSU, Kentucky and Texas A-and-M. Head Coach Todd Berry says the Sun Belt schedule will also be tough…

Cut 18 (15) ”  more ready”

The Warhawks are picked to finish fifth in the Sun Belt, but Berry says they can surprise some people if they can stay healthy…

CUT 19 (17) “be sidelined”