We are a month away from the three-day period where the candidates can officially put their name on the ballot for this fall’s governor’s race. The qualifying period will run from August 6th to the 8th. But political analyst Clancy Dubos says voters have yet to really pay attention to the race…
cut 9 (10) “…make their decision”
Two Republicans, Ralph Abraham and Eddie Rispone, are challenging Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards.

Heat Indexes are expected to get over 105-degrees today and through the weekend. State Climatologist Barry Keim has this advice for those who will be spending time outside…
cut 6 (11) “….protection”
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality has also issued an ozone action day for parts of the state.

An 18-year-old from West Monroe has died from a rollover crash that took place on Wednesday night on L-A Highway 151. State Police say Nathan Snyder was not buckled up and ejected.

And a Sabine Parish man has died in a motorcycle wreck at Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. Investigators say 50-year-old Clyde Anders of Pleasant Hill lost control of his motorcycle and hit another motorcycle and then crashed into an SUV.

Uber is operating statewide, and the Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the opportunities it will provide Fort Polk…
Cut 3 (31) “.Matt Doyle”

Heat indexes over the next week will reach the triple digits as the state descends into the hottest part of the year…
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

Air conditioners will also hum throughout the weekend and there’s news rates for many Entergy customers will rise five to seven dollars for two reasons. One is to pay the new St. Charles Power plant that went online last month and credits from the federal tax reform are decreasing.

For years residents in CenLa and other rural areas have been unable to use Uber as a source of transportation, but that has changed with the new statewide rideshare law. Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce President Deborah Randolph says this is a huge development..
cut 12 (10) “…small businesses”
Uber began operating statewide July 3rd.

Pennington Biomedical scientists in Baton Rouge have developed a new pet food that has been patented that lets dogs and cats lose weight without eating less. The food restricts an amino acid, so that liver releases a hormone that makes dogs burn more calories and reduces their body fat. The Slim Health pet food is not yet available commercially and Doctor Frank Greenway says there’s nothing like this on the market for humans…
cut 15 (11) “…to start”

Qualifying for the Governor’s race is a month away, but one political analyst says there is still time for last minute changes to the dynamics to the race. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The heat is on in Louisiana as high temperatures will reach the mid to upper 90s during this holiday weekend. State Climatologist Barry Keim says expect the dry, but humid conditions to last into early next week…
cut 5 (07) “….out there”

The new statewide regulation ridesharing law is set to be a boon for Fort Polk soldiers and others who are looking to get off the base and travel to Alexandria and other nearby cities. Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce President Deborah Randolph says Alexandria International Airport is the only airport in the region, but up until this week, rideshare companies couldn’t operate there.
Cut 10 (06) “…airport.”

KTBS-TV reports Shreveport City Council member LeVette Fuller was arrested early Thursday morning for driving while intoxicated and texting while driving. The 41-year-old city councilwoman was pulled over near her home. Fuller was released from jail on her own recognizance.

Heat indexes over the next week will likely hit triple digits as the state descends into the hottest part of the year. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Qualifying for the Governor’s race is a month away, but one political analyst says there may be last minute changes to the dynamics of the race in the near future.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Uber can now operate statewide, and the Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the opportunities that will provide for Fort Polk…

Cut 3 (31) “.Matt Doyle”

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We are in another brutal run of summer heat with little rain in sight and heat indexes over 100 degrees baking the Bayou State for the next week.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says a high-pressure system in the Gulf has stabilized the atmosphere and pushing humid Gulf air onto land.

Cut 4 (09) “…Louisiana.”

You won’t even be graced by the occasional afternoon shower swinging by and pushing temperatures down for a few hours. Keim says expect the dry, but humid conditions to last into early next week.

Cut 5    (07) “out there” 

A lot of folks are taking an extended holiday at the moment and setting up for a weekend of boating or grilling. Keim says the heat index is approaching dangerous levels, so act accordingly.

Cut 6 (11) Protection”

Keim says it’s official, the state has hit the hottest period of the year.

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Qualifying for the race for Governor is a month away.  It is a race many say, that despite have three names on the ballot, hasn’t really kicked off yet.  Could there be some surprises in the near future that impact the race?  Political analyst Clancy DuBos says it is very much possible.

Cut 7 (12) “…examples of this.”

So far polls have been favorable toward the incumbent, Governor John Bel Edwards, with Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone trailing the other two candidates.  DuBos says the Rispone has already put millions of his own money toward the race, and says it’s too soon to say if he should fold.

Cut 8 (12) “…really begun yet.”

DuBos says the attention of most voters has not even started to focus on the election.

Cut 9 (10) “…make their decision.”
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The new statewide regulation ridesharing law is set to be a boon for Fort Polk soldiers and others who are looking to get off the base and enjoy the amenities in Alexandria and other nearby cities.  Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce President Deborah Randolph says Alexandria International Airport is the only airport in the region, but up until this week rideshare companies couldn’t operate there.

Cut 10 (12) “…airport.”

Fort Polk/Leesville to Alexandria International is about a one hour drive.

Military life can mean a lot of moving around, so many servicepeople at Fort Polk are not familiar with the area and may not even have a car. Randolph says Uber can fix that problem.

Cut 11 (11) “…installation.”

Randolph says she hopes access to Uber will get more servicepeople and their families out and exploring the vibrant culture of central Louisiana.

Cut 12 (10) “…buisinesses.”

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An innovation in pet food will help dogs and cats lose weight without eating less.  The technology invented and patented by LSU Pennington Biomedical scientists speeds up the metabolism process of the animals.  One of the inventors, Dr. Frank Greenway, says a restriction of an amino acid in food results in a pet burning more calories and reducing body fat.

Cut 13 (10) “…increase their health.”

It is estimated that over 50 million dogs and 56 million cats are overweight or have obesity in the United States.

Greenway says the when the body detects a lack of methionine, the body kicks into high gear.

Cut 14 (10) “…your metabolism.”

Greenway says in the future if the food becomes more palatable, this same technology could be used in food for humans.

Cut 15 (11) “…place to start”

Congress is pushing to raise the smoking age to 21 from 18, with a bipartisan vanguard of lawmakers leading the charge. The CDC estimates that 22.8 percent of Louisiana adults are smokers, and studies have shown a significant majority of those adult smokers took up the habit before they turned 21. Senator Bill Cassidy, a doctor, says it won’t kill all underage smoking, and…
Cut 5    (09) “.smoking” 
The Louisiana Legislature rejected a state level effort to raise the smoking age to 21 in the last session.
The Louisiana sports world continues to mourn the passing of UL Lafayette Baseball Coach Tony Robichaux, who passed away yesterday at age 57 following multiple surgeries in the wake of a heart attack on June 23^rd. The Ragin’ Cajuns softball field is named in honor of Former Ragin’ Cajuns and LSU Softball Coach Yvette Girouard. She says Robichaux was one of the first to congratulate her on the accolade.
Cut 14 (09) “…Tony Robichaux field.”

Louisiana waterways will be packed today with people celebrating American independence, so stay safe…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Don Molino” 

A study indicates, just like second-hand smoke, society needs to address the second-hand effects of drinking, and survey data shows roughly 53 million adults have experienced harm from someone else’s drinking in the past year. Scott Embley with LSU Health New Orleans says they’re pushing to change.

Cut 11 (11) “…reach those resources.”

Congress is pushing to raise the smoking age to 21 from 18, with a bipartisan vanguard of lawmakers leading the charge. The tobacco age increase is part of a large healthcare bill is expected to see the floor within the next month. Senator Bill Cassidy says passing this law may keep young people away…
Cut 4 (09) “…age.”
The Louisiana legislature rejected a similar bill last session.
A new national study indicates, just like second-hand smoke, society needs to address the second-hand effects of drinking. Survey data shows 21% of women and 23% of men, roughly 53 million adults, have experienced harm from someone else’s drinking in the past year. Scott Embley with LSU Health New Orleans says booze can bring out the worst…

Cut 10 (12) “…make good decisions.”

The most common harm came in the form of threats or harassment.

It’ll be a hot one today but clear skies for most of the state mean there’s likely to be tons of boaters out on the water celebrating American independence. July 4^th and a cold beer are a great combination but if you’re piloting your watercraft, you’ll need to wait until to get home to indulge.and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says find yourself a designated captain…

Cut 8 (11) “…a car.”

The Louisiana sports world continues to mourn the passing of UL Lafayette Baseball Coach Tony Robichaux, who passed away yesterday at age 57 following multiple surgeries in the wake of a heart attack on June 23^rd. Former Ragin’ Cajuns and LSU Softball Coach Yvette Girouard says Cajuns Baseball without Coach Robe is unfathomable.

Cut 12 (13) “…make that move.”

It’ll be a hot one today but clear skies for most of the state mean there’s likely to be tons of boaters out on the water celebrating American independence. Safety will be paramount today as seven boaters have died so far this year and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says 80 percent of all bodies pulled out of the water did not have a life jacket…

Cut 6 (11) “afloat”

Einck also warns boaters not to drink and steer, or you could net yourself a DUI.

Congress is pushing to raise the smoking age to 21 from 18, with a bipartisan vanguard of lawmakers leading the charge. Senator Bill Cassidy, a doctor, backs the age increase, and says its been interesting to see which leaders are onboard with the change, including the Senate Majority Leader…

Cut 3 (07) “…reasonable.”

The Louisiana sports world continues to mourn the passing of UL Lafayette Baseball Coach Tony Robichaux, who passed away yesterday at age 57 following multiple surgeries in the wake of a heart attack on June 23^rd. Former Ragin’ Cajuns and LSU Softball Coach Yvette Girouard remembers the coach as a man of God.

Cut 13 (11) “…when Tony met him.”

A new national study indicates, just like second-hand smoke, society needs to address the second-hand effects of drinking.  Scott Embley with LSU Health New Orleans says when observing any community, about anywhere from 8-12% of the individuals are experiencing some sort of substance issue.

Cut 9 (09) “…than the individual.”

Survey data shows 21% of women and 23% of men, roughly 53 million adults, have experienced harm from someone else’s drinking in the past year.

Louisiana waterways will be packed today with people celebrating American independence, so stay safe…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Don Molino” 

A study indicates, just like second-hand smoke, society needs to address the second-hand effects of drinking, and survey data shows roughly 53 million adults have experienced harm from someone else’s drinking in the past year. Scott Embley with LSU Health New Orleans says they’re pushing to change.

Cut 11 (11) “…reach those resources.”

Congress is pushing to raise the smoking age to 21 from 18, with a bipartisan vanguard of lawmakers leading the charge. The CDC estimates that 22.8 percent of Louisiana adults are smokers, and studies have shown a significant majority of those adult smokers took up the habit before they turned 21. Senator Bill Cassidy, a doctor, says it won’t kill all underage smoking, and…

Cut 5    (09) “.smoking” 

The Louisiana Legislature rejected a state level effort to raise the smoking age to 21 in the last session.

The Louisiana sports world continues to mourn the passing of UL Lafayette Baseball Coach Tony Robichaux, who passed away yesterday at age 57 following multiple surgeries in the wake of a heart attack on June 23^rd. The Ragin’ Cajuns softball field is named in honor of Former Ragin’ Cajuns and LSU Softball Coach Yvette Girouard. She says Robichaux was one of the first to congratulate her on the accolade.

Cut 14 (09) “…Tony Robichaux field.”

Congress is pushing to raise the smoking age to 21 from 18, with a bipartisan vanguard of lawmakers leading the charge. The tobacco age increase is part of a large healthcare bill is expected to see the floor within the next month. Senator Bill Cassidy says passing this law may keep young people away…

Cut 4 (09) “…age.”

The Louisiana legislature rejected a similar bill last session. 

A new national study indicates, just like second-hand smoke, society needs to address the second-hand effects of drinking. Survey data shows 21% of women and 23% of men, roughly 53 million adults, have experienced harm from someone else’s drinking in the past year. Scott Embley with LSU Health New Orleans says booze can bring out the worst…

Cut 10 (12) “…make good decisions.”

The most common harm came in the form of threats or harassment.

Among those mourning the passing of Ragin Cajuns Baseball Coach Tony Robichaux is former UL Lafayette and LSU softball coach Yvette Girouard. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

Boaters in southeast Louisiana, particularly around Lake Ponchartrain today need to keep an eye out for large, floating colonies of greenish-blue toxic algae. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says says it’s best to just steer clear if you see one…

Cut 7 (11) “…avoid.”