Good news for the Gulf South, experts have lowered this year’s hurricane season projections. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 3 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

It was a messy commute for motorists in metro New Orleans as a result of heavy rain that flooded streets and knocked out power in uptown New Orleans. Rain is likely to fall across the state today as a tropical wave moves east to west. The good news, high temperatures only in the 80s.

The Edwards administration says the budget compromise reached in the last special session has resulted in an upgrade in Louisiana’s credit rating. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says Moody’s Investors Service has raised the state’s credit outlook from negative to stable…
cut 11 (08) “…good news”
State Treasurer John Schroder says now that the fiscal cliff was solved on the revenue side, it’s time to work on the spending side of the problem.

State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says if you plan lighting fireworks over the next two nights to purchase fireworks from retail stands that have been inspected and permitted by his office. And Browning says when celebrating, be prepared to extinguish embers that may still be burning after the fireworks have been ignited….
cut 6 (06) “…start a fire”
And Browning says after displays, never pick up fireworks that may be left over.

The Wall Street rating firm, Moody’s Investors Service, has revised the state’s financial outlook from negative to stable. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the legislature approving a 4.45 percent sales tax rate until 2025 provided the state with long-term financial stability…
cut 12 (08) “…kind of action”
Dardenne says Moody’s improved credit outlook is validation of the governor’s financial policy.

The long range hurricane forecast experts at Colorado State are predicting a below average 2018 hurricane season now. Doctor Phil Klotzbach says they project just 10 named storms, four hurricanes and one major hurricane, but he says we shouldn’t let our guard down…
cut 15 (09) “…for you”
Heavy rain is moving through metro New Orleans this morning.

Are you hitting the road today for the Fourth of July holiday? You are not the only one as a record-breaking 47-million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more…
voicer 2 (28) “…I’m Connor Ferrill”

A reported 13 teenagers have now escaped this year from the Swanson Center for Youth in Monroe. The latest escape attempt occurred around midnight on Monday as three teens got out. One of the them was captured in Monroe, the other two stole a state pickup truck and were caught in LaSalle Parish on Monday morning. One prison guard was injured, but was released from the hospital.

Colorado State forecasters are downgrading their expectations for this year’s hurricane season, now predicting a below average season for tropical activity. C-S-U Research Scientist Doctor Phillip Klotzbach says they now anticipate 10 more named storms, four hurricanes, and one major hurricane before November 30th. He says conditions have changed over the last month.
Cut 13 (09) “atmosphere”
Klotzbach says the probability for major hurricanes making landfall along the U-S coastline has decreased as well.

If its not raining outside tonight, fireworks could be popping in your neighborhood. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning reminds those lighting fireworks to not ignite them when they are still in your hand…
cut 5 (05) “….lighting the devices”
Browning says have a bucket of water nearby to douse spent or misfired fireworks.

AAA estimates this Fourth of July holiday will see a record-breaking 47 million Americans travel 50 miles or more. This is a five percent increase over last year and AAA Spokesperson Don Redman says the growing economy is propelling families to travel…
Cut 7 (12) “gasoline prices are”
AAA says the statewide average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.57, which is the highest in four years for Independence Day. But Redman says travelers are paying less for airfare, which has resulted in a record-breaking three-point-eight million people traveling by air.

Bad news for Fourth of July revelers, its gunna rain. Thunderstorms that have the potential to produce heavy rainfall is in the forecast through Independence Day. State Climatologist Barry Keim says while the rain might be coming at an inconvenient time for the holidays, it’s sorely needed for much of the state that is getting dangerously close to drought conditions.

cut 8 (11) “the state”

Another upside: lower temperatures throughout the rest of the week.

State Police is reminding motorists about the three foot rule when passing bicycles following a fatal wreck on Saturday in  St. Francisville that killed avid bicyclist and East Baton Rouge Metro Councilman Buddy Amoroso. Senior Trooper Bryan Lee says 21-year-old Nicholas Alexander did a poor job of sharing the road.

Cut 11 (09) “pay attention”

Governor Edwards has released a video message asking Louisiana residents to look before they lock their vehicle in an effort to avoid leaving children unattended in hot vehicles. Edwards says in this summer heat, the temperature inside your parked vehicle can quickly climb to over 110 degrees.

Cut 13 (06) “…you lock” 

The Louisiana Department of Corrections has once again partnered with Men’s Wearhouse to collect suits for offenders released from jail.  CEO of Refined by Fire Ministries, Elaine Ellerbe, says they are not just taking men’s suits with this drive.

Cut 5  (07) “…professional wear too.”

Ellerbe says every year in Louisiana, at least 18,000 men and women are released, so the need for professional clothing is quite high

While celebrating the holiday this week, it’s important to remember a few tips to reduce the risk of injuries from fireworks.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31)  I’m Kevin Barnhart.“

_____________________________________________

Roads will be packed for Wednesday.  Connor Ferrill has more.

Cut 2 (30) ”  I’m  Connor Ferrill” 

_____________________________________________

Good news for the Gulf south, this year’s hurricane season projections have been downgraded. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_____________________________________________________

Independence Day means pyro for many celebrating the holiday.  Although fireworks are dangerous, it’s important that you do take into consideration several factors to reduce the risk of negative outcomes if you choose to fire up the festivities. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says you should start by making sure your fireworks are legal in your area.

Cut 4  (05) “…allowed and not prohibited”

Browning says you should make sure that if your fireworks go into the air, they should have a stable base as you should not handle fireworks as they are ignited.

Cut 5  (05)  “…lighting the devices.”

Browning says when celebrating, be prepared to extinguish embers that may still be burning after the fireworks have been ignited.

Cut 6 (06) “…start a fire.”

In conclusion, Browning says a safer option is checking out one of the almost fifty public displays around the state.

_____________________________________________

AAA estimates this Fourth of July holiday will see a record-breaking 47 million Americans travel 50 miles or more. This is a five percent increase over last year and AAA Spokesperson Don Redman says the growing economy is propelling families to travel…

Cut 7 (12)  “gasoline prices are”

AAA says the statewide average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.57, which is the highest in four years for Independence Day. But Redman travelers are paying less for airfare, which has resulted in a record-breaking three-point-eight million people traveling by air…

Cut 8 (07)  “to the mix”

Redman says Europe is a popular Fourth of July destination this year as well as theme parks and cruises…

Cut 9 (05)  “Alaskan cruise”

______________________

Moody’s investor Service has raised Louisiana’s credit outlook from negative to stable, in a sign that Wall Street may be gaining more confidence in the Bayou State economy. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says this was one of the many reason the Edwards administration pushed for a stable final budget deal.

Cut 10 (09)   “that passed.”

After a sustained period on the negative watch list, Dardenne says the Moody’s decision is a validation of the governor’s financial policy.

Cut 11 (08) “good news.”

Many legislators were hesitant to approve a tax bill without a short sunset period, to allow the next governor to have a bigger say over state finances, but Dardenne says the final 4.45 percent sales tax plan that lasts until 2025 was the long-term stability the state needed.

Cut 12 (08) “kind of action.”

____________________

Colorado State forecasters are downgrading their expectations for this year’s hurricane season, now saying we’re looking at a below average season for tropical activity. Colorado State University Research Scientist Phillip Klotzbach says they’re now projecting 10 more named storms, four hurricanes, and one major hurricane before the end of the season. He says conditions have changed over the last month.

Cut 13 (09)  “atmosphere” 

But Klotzbach says that doesn’t mean the gulf coast should get complacent. He warns that just because fewer named storms are predicted, doesn’t mean that one mega storm won’t cruise in and cause havoc.

The 11^th Annual National Suit Drive is underway through the end of July.  The Louisiana Department of Corrections has once again partnered with Men’s Wearhouse to collect suits for offenders released from jail.  CEO of Refined by Fire Ministries, Elaine Ellerbe, says when a recently released inmate receives a suit, they then have the appropriate clothing to go on a job interview.

Cut 4  (05) “…who they were.”

It’s going to rain for 4^th of July. Thunderstorms that have the potential to produce heavy rainfall is in the forecast through Independence Day. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the increased cloud cover and deluge of rain the state will see this week should push temperatures down noticeably.

Cut 7 (11)  “the surface”

And while the rain might be coming at an inconvenient time for the holidays, Keim says it’s sorely needed for much of the state that is getting dangerously close to drought conditions.

Governor Edwards has released a video message asking Louisiana residents to look before they lock their vehicle in an effort to avoid leaving children unattended in hot vehicles. Edwards says over the last 20 years in Louisiana, there were 27 pediatric vehicular heatstroke deaths

Cut 12 (08)   “…a tragedy”

State Police is reminding motorists about the three foot rule when passing bicycles following a fatal wreck on Saturday in  St. Francisville that killed avid bicyclist and East Baton Rouge Metro Councilman Buddy Amoroso. Senior Trooper Bryan Lee says Alexander was booked into the West Feliciana Parish Jail on several charges, including negligent homicide

Cut 10 (05) “three feet”

Amoroso was pronounced dead at the scene, while fellow bicyclist 71-year-old Thomas Clement of St. Gabriel sustained serious injuries.

The 11^th Annual National Suit Drive is underway through the end of July.  The Louisiana Department of Corrections has once again partnered with Men’s Wearhouse to collect suits for offenders released from jail.  CEO of Refined by Fire Ministries, Elaine Ellerbe, says suit gives recently released inmates confidence they can be successful outside of prison.

Cut 3 (10) “…maybe even longer.”

For more information go to mwsuitdrive.com.

Bad news for Fourth of July revelers… (CUT 26). Thunderstorms that have the potential to produce heavy rainfall is in the forecast through Independence Day. State Climatologist Barry Keim says south Louisiana in particular could be looking at a lot of rain

Cut 6 (10)  “Monroe”

State Police is reminding motorists about the three foot rule when passing bicycles following a fatal wreck on Saturday in  St. Francisville that killed avid bicyclist and East Baton Rouge Metro Councilman Buddy Amoroso. Senior Trooper Bryan Lee says 21-year-old Nicholas Alexander of Lafayette failed to reduce his speed and move over when he attempted to pass Amoroso and another bicylist on LA 66

cut 9 (07)  “of that.”

Governor Edwards has released a video message asking Louisiana residents to look before they lock their vehicle in an effort to avoid leaving children unattended in hot vehicles. Edwards says in this summer heat, the temperature inside your parked vehicle can quickly climb to over 110 degrees, so leaving behind a child or pet in parked car to run a quick errand is discouraged.

Cut 13 (06) “…you lock” 

A Lafayette man who allegedly did not observe the three foot rule when it comes to passing bicycles is now facing a charge of vehicular homicide in the death of a Baton Rouge elected official. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

An early morning jailbreak marks at least the fifth of the year from the Swanson Center for Youth.  Investigators say two teenage inmates escaped from the state juvenile prison in Monroe.  The duo stole a state vehicle and drove it more than 40 miles south to the town of Olla, where they were captured after an hours-long manhunt.

The 11^th Annual National Suit Drive is underway through the end of July.  The Louisiana Department of Corrections has once again partnered with Men’s Wearhouse to collect suits for offenders released from jail.  CEO of Refined by Fire Ministries, Elaine Ellerbe, says when a recently released inmate receives a suit, they then have the appropriate clothing to go on a job interview.

Cut 4  (05) “…who they were.”
For more information go to mwsuitdrive.com.

Bad news for Fourth of July revelers, its gunna rain. Thunderstorms that have the potential to produce heavy rainfall is in the forecast through Independence Day. State Climatologist Barry Keim says south Louisiana in particular could be looking at a lot of rain.  While the rain might be coming at an inconvenient time, Keim says it’s sorely needed for much of the state that is getting dangerously close to drought conditions.

cut 8 (11) “the state”