AM Newscall 7/19

An LSU PhD student is working on a way to better predict the effects of flooding from a storm. Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 1 (33)  I’m Kevin Barnhart“

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In an open letter from Attorney General Jeff Landry to Governor John Bel Edwards, Landry blamed the governor for the lack of executions in the state since 2010.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (33) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Protesters gave Gov. Edwards a little more than he bargained for on this month’s edition of Ask the Governor, as they surrounded, and tried to force their way into Louisiana Radio Network studios during the show. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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A LSU PdH student is working out a new hurricane model that will combine rainfall and storm surge to better predict just how far the waters could rise when a storm hits. Felix Santiago-Collazo says old models can be time and labor intensive, and don’t always give you a full picture.

Cut 4  (11) “hydrologists.”

Felix hails from Puerto Rico, and survived the devastating Hurricane Maria that left his hometown without power for nearly a month. He says that experience convinced him to go back to school after getting his masters, and find a way to give people a better heads up on just how nasty a storm can be.

Cut 5  (09)  “this study.”

It’s a question that scientists have been trying to answer for some time, but Felix thinks he can help make that break through that cracks the modelling code. He says he’s honored to be apart of something that could save so many lives this early in his career.

Cut 6 (12) “on that.”

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In an open letter from Attorney General Jeff Landry to Governor John Bel Edwards, Landry blamed the governor for the lack of executions in the state since 2010, saying victims’ families suffer in legal limbo while waiting for justice to be carried out.   Edwards responded during his “Ask the Governor” radio program, saying the Landry had not attempted to contact him or his office and letter was out of the blue.

Cut 7 (07) “…October of last year.”

The governor insists the reason behind the delay of executions comes down to the lack of availability of drugs to carry out lethal injections.

Cut 8 (10)  “…be made available.”

However, Solicitor general with the AG’s office, Liz Murril, says the issue reaches beyond logistical or legal in terms of litigation.

Cut 9 (07)  “….overcoming those obstacles.”

The AG’s office has suggested following the example of other states by expanding the execution method options.

Cut 10 (08)   “…it’s a problem.”

The AG’s office has suggested following the example of other states by expanding the execution method options.

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Bayou Bridge protesters attempted to break into the Louisiana Radio Network studios, site of the monthly Ask the Governor talk show, to demand an audience with Governor Edwards over his decisions regarding the Bayou Bridge Pipeline, and the community of St. James’ fear that the project would strand citizens in the event of chemical accident.

Cut 11 (08) “chanting**.” 

The protesters are part of the No Bayou Bridge movement that opposes the construction of the Bayou Bridge pipeline that runs from Lake Charles to St. James Parish. Opponents say the pipeline infringes on native territory, and is a danger to water sources.

Protesters rushed the Governor on his way into the show, and surrounded the studios for the duration of the program, reiterating their call for the state to build an additional evacuation route out of St. James, because they feel the current one is compromised by the pipeline. A No Bayou Bridge Organizer at the action explained their position.

Cut 12 (10) “evacuation route.”

Protesters clashed with the governor’s security, and eventually Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s deputies as they attempted to enter the studios through two separate entrances, and chanted in the lobby of Investar Tower.

Governor Edwards reiterated his support for the project, saying the state’s economy is reliant on pipelines such as Bayou Bridge, a pipeline that could lead to hundreds of jobs.

Cut 13 (09)  “remain employed 

Edwards says when it comes to safety, pipelines are a much better option than the alternatives.

Cut 14 (10) “and accidents”

Three protesters were arrested in clashes with the police.


A heat advisory has been issued for the northern half of the state as the heat index values could reach 110 degrees. National Weather Service Meteorologist Mario Valverde in Shreveport says the hot temperatures are expected to last a while…

Cut 15 (06) “…heat of the day”

Valverde says north Louisiana will see temperatures in the low hundreds by Friday…

Valverde says being too active in the heat could have some serious repercussions…


 

Louisiana Tech, who is picked to finish second in the West Division of Conference USA, appeared at the league’s media day yesterday. The Bulldogs return eight starters on offense, including four of their top five pass catchers from a season ago. Teddy Veal told Watch ESPN they can be explosive on offense…
Tech doesn’t have any easy schedule. They host just five games in Ruston and visit league favorites North Texas and Florida Atlantic on the road. But Coach Skip Holtz told Watch ESPN they will not make any excuses
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Meanwhile, at SEC Media Days, Alabama Coach Nick Saban made it clear he doesn’t know who is starter will be between Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa…