A Grambling State Communications graduate student is getting a boost from Queen B, in the form of a 25,000 dollar scholarship award. Becca Dill has the story.

Cut 1 (30)  “I’m Becca Dill”

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The Louisiana High School Athletic Association is on the lookout to recruit more sports officials. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (28) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Fifty years ago, there wasn’t a single brown pelican to be found in the pelican state.  Kevin Barnhart has the story on how the rebound efforts continue for the state’s bird.

Cut 3 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Louisiana has hit a rough patch for weather this summer, but the state’s had a much needed heat reprieve these last few days after a brutal weekend, but forecasts say that’s about to change. State Climatologist Barry Keim says humidity levels are set to spike coming up soon.

Cut 4 (11) “next week”

The nasty temperatures might be at the front of everyone’s mind, but the state is suffering as less known, but just as hazardous malady: Drought. North West Louisiana has seen only 1 and a third inches of rain over the last month, down from the four inch average expected, and only 3 inches of rain over the last 60 days. Keim says it’s been a statewide problem this summer.

Cut 5 (11) “extreme drought.”

But Keim’s got some good news in the drought department…

Cut 6 (13) “needed most.”

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One of Beyonce’s eight 25,000 dollar national scholarships has found it’s way to Grambling. Communications graduate student Cletus Emokpae received the substantial award from Queen B.  Emokpae, who administers his own scholarship foundation that he’s put 3,000 dollars of his own money into, says he never thought he’d be a recipient of a scholarship of his own.

Cut 7 (11) “of support”

The New York native cleared the 3.5 GPA and philanthropic requirements. The Grambling student says he founded the scholarship program, because he feels the media and general public have neglected stories about problems effecting African American communities, and says he was tired of seeing people just complain about it on social media.

Cut 8 (12)  “doesn’t matter”

Emokpae’s says his scholarship program is aimed at helping out high school students who are interested in college, but can’t afford the substantial expenses associated with higher education. Emokpae says he hopes to use the 25,000 dollars to pay off the student loan he took out to attend Grambling, so he can progress into professional life without debt. He says he hopes the story of him receiving the help from Beyoncé will teach others about the value of community.

Cut 9 (08)  “your way”

At this point he hasn’t heard back yet from Bey, but there’s always hope. __________________________________

High school sports officials from around Louisiana are getting ready to meet up in the Big Easy, in what is estimated to be the largest event of its type in the state’s history.  LHSAA Director of Officials Lee Sanders says Officiate Louisiana is part of the build up to a larger, national event.

Cut 10 (13)   “…clinic for 2 or 3 days.”

Sanders says the LHSAA is always in search of adding more sports officials to their rankings, adding they are looking for younger talent as the average age of officials has been on the rise the last two decades.

Cut 11 (11) “…in different sports.” 

Sanders adds that being a sports official is a rewarding opportunity for those who have played or coached earlier in life.

Cut 12 (06) “…love being around it.”

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Fifty years ago, there wasn’t a single brown pelican to be found in the pelican state. The demise of the population can be traced back to the use of the pesticide DDT.  But the population of the bird has since rebounded with more than 100,000 throughout Louisiana. LDWF Nongame Bird Biologist Michael Seymour says the rejuvenation effort began in the late 1960s.

Cut 13 (12)  “…north of Grand Isle.” 

Seymour says Queen Bess Island serves as a major breeding ground for pelicans, but time has taken its toll on the island with erosion and the BP oil spill.

Cut 14 (08) “…several thousand birds.”

Seymour credits the successful repopulation of the species in major part the Endangered Species Act.

Cut 15 (10) “…it is pretty spectacular.”

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Thirty-nine-year-old Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is beginning his 18th season and remains very motivated. Brees wants to win another championship and if he stays healthy, he’ll break the NFL’s career passing yardage record. The future Hall of Famer says he’s not taking anything for granted…