Black lawmakers are calling on the Department of Justice to investigate State Police, Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

CLECO will begin working with local Councils on Aging to give away free LED lightbulbs and offer weatherization audits to seniors.
CLECO Communications Strategist Fran Phoenix says they’ve noticed many of their older customers have not made the switch to LED bulbs and that’s costing them money every month.
Cut 8 (07) “…longer”

A weekend shooting claims the life of a 10-year-old in Bastrop and has law enforcement asking the community for help. Police say a shortly before 10 o’clock Sunday night, they received a call of a drive-by-shooting. Mayor Betty Alford-Olive says it’s a tragic loss of life.
Cut 13 (09) “…that they get.”
A tire blowout on an 18-wheeler is believed to have started a series of events that ended in the deaths of two men on I-10 near Duson.
Trooper Thomas Gossen says an 18-wheeler in the eastbound lane experienced a blowout and lost control, striking a Ford F-250 that was also heading east…
Cut 10 (10) “…SUV.”

The Louisiana Black Caucus is calling on the Department of Justice to conduct a full-scale investigation of state police and root out what they say are systemic practices of racism. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James acknowledges reform by the new superintendent, Col. Lamar Davis, who is Black, but says he can only do so much…
Cut 4 (12) “…that department.”
CLECO will begin working with local Councils on Aging to give away free LED lightbulbs and offer weatherization audits to seniors.
CLECO Communications Strategist Fran Phoenix says many of their elderly customers are on a fixed income and saving some money on their bill would mean a lot to them.
Cut 7 (10) “…higher”

The Blue Zoo inside of Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge is temporarily closed as first responders work to capture a python snake that escaped its enclosure.
Authorities say the Mall of Louisiana is no longer closed, only the Blue Zoo inside of the mall is closed.
Firefighters say they were dispatched to the mall around 10:20 a.m. Tuesday, July 6 to assist officials with Baton Rouge animal control.
Officials say the snake, Cara, escaped her enclosure at Blue Zoo. Managers of the Blue Zoo say they feel confident the snake is still inside the store.
They say they voluntarily closed their store for the snake’s safety. Cara is non-venomous and is often used in their shows with children, they say. She is a Burmese python and is “very large,” about 12 ft long.

Former LSU track and field star Sha’Carri Richardson will not be competing in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
Richardson tested positive for marijuana earlier this month and would be suspended for one month which would disqualify her from running in the women’s 100-meter race.
Richardson “successfully completed a counseling program regarding her use of cannabis,” which under USADA rules knocks her ineligibility down to one month.
However, this would still allow her to compete in the women’s 4×100 meter relay.

Former LSU softball player Amanda Sanchez has become the first Olympian in program history after being named to the Mexican National Softball Team.
Sanchez will represent Mexico in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games. She is part of Mexico’s first Olympic softball team and the return of the sport to the Game’s for the first time since 2018
.
New LSU head baseball coach Jay Johnson has made his first addition to his coaching staff. The Tigers are expected to hire Arizona State’s Jason Kelly as the next pitching coach according to D1 Baseball’s Kendall Rogers.
Kelly, spent the last three seasons with the Sun Devils as their pitching coach and recruiting coordinator. He was also named the Assistant of the Year by D1 Baseball in 2018 when he was with the Washington Huskies.

During his coaching tenure Kelly has helped coach 15 pitchers who have been selected in the MLB Draft.
Madison prep QB Zeon Chriss has committed his services to the ULL Ragin Cajuns. He lead the chargers to a class 3-a championship title last season.

Black lawmakers are calling on the Department of Justice to investigate State Police, Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Starting July 12th CLECO customers can pick up free LED lightbulbs at local Councils on Aging sites. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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Traffic along I-10 near Duson was shut down for over seven hours Tuesday after an accident involving multiple vehicles including a trailer full of cattle. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (27)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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The Louisiana Black Caucus is calling on the Department of Justice to conduct a full-scale investigation of state police and root out what they say are systemic practices of racism.  Baton Rouge Representative Ted James acknowledges reform by the new superintendent, Col. Lamar Davis, who is Black, but says he can only do so much…

Cut 4 (12) “…that department.”

James says it was five years ago when they gathered at the capitol asking state police to investigate Baton Rouge Police over the death of Alton Sterling. Now they are calling on LSP to be investigated.

Cut 5  (11) “…police violence.”

James and members of the caucus say through countless conversations they’ve been told either the laws or rules from the state police commission are keeping certain people from being called into question.

Cut 6 (10) “…do it.”

Federal officials are already investigating the fatal arrest of Ronald Greene, the black man who was repeatedly tased and punched, then dragged by officers before his May 2019 death.

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CLECO will begin working with local Councils on Aging to give away free LED lightbulbs and offer weatherization audits to seniors.

CLECO Communications Strategist Fran Phoenix says many of their elderly customers are on a fixed income and saving some money on their bill would mean a lot to them.

Cut 7 (10) “…higher”

Phoenix says they’ve noticed many of their older customers have not made the switch to LED bulbs and that’s costing them money every month.

Cut 8 (07) “…longer”

The bulbs will be distributed at Councils on Aging sites to elderly customers from July 12^th through August 6^th.

Phoenix says when CLECO customers come to pick up their free bulbs they’ll be offered weatherization audits by certified contractors.

Cut 9 (11) “…spot”

The audits will take an estimated five to six hours to complete.

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A tire blowout on an 18-wheeler is believed to have started a series of events that ended in the deaths of two men on I-10 near Duson.

Trooper Thomas Gossen says an 18-wheeler in the eastbound lane experienced a blowout and lost control, striking a Ford F-250 that was also heading east…

Cut 10 (10) “…SUV.”

That crash shut down traffic for more than seven hours, and…

Cut 11 (07) “..side”

Those victims have been identified as 30-year-old John Guidry of Iowa 34-year-old Joshua Babineaux of Lafayette. Several head of cattle also died in the crash.

Gossen says an investigation revealed that some of the victims of the crash were not buckled up.

0Cut 12 (11) “…control.” 

Intoxication is not believed to be a factor in this crash.

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A weekend shooting claims the life of a 10-year-old in Bastrop and has law enforcement asking the community for help. Police say a shortly before 10 o’clock Sunday night, they received a call of a drive-by-shooting. Mayor Betty Alford-Olive says it’s a tragic loss of life.

Cut 13 (09) “…that they get.”

There are reports that a gathering was taking place in the are known as “The Slab” off Carbon Plant Road. When officers arrived, they found a 10-year-old child with a gunshot wound to the chest. Alford-Olive says their hearts grieve for the family.

Cut 14 (10) “…tragedy.”

Alford-Olive extended her condolences to the family of the victim and asked anyone with information about the incident to come forward and offered limited information about the shooting.

Cut 15 (07)“…investigation.”

Police say the child was pronounced dead after being taken to Morehouse General Emergency Room.

Former Governor Edwin Edwards is under hospice care, but his wife says the 93-year-old is still doing well and is not imminently close to death. On Talk Louisiana, Trina Edwards told Jim Engster Edwin has been losing some strength in recent weeks and agreed to place himself in hospice care but is still in good spirits.

Cut 3 (11)  “…around.”

Today is William Tate IV’s first day on the job as LSU’s president. One of the topics he addressed was the school’s need to focus on scholar-athletes. He says not every athlete is going to make it on a professional level.

Cut 8 (10) “…even better.”

Tate also says every Title IX complaint should be thoroughly investigated.

A Sunday evening crash in West Carroll Parish claims the lives of three people, a driver, and two juveniles. Trooper Michael Reichardt says shortly after 9:30, a 2018 Nissan Versa driven by 35-year old Rhona Sanders of Kilbourne failed to stop when it entered LA Highway 17 from Chickasaw.

Cut 12 (10) “…local hospital.”

The driver of the other vehicle was not injured in the crash.

Governor John Bel Edwards signs legislation that will gradually redirect up to 300 million dollars in vehicle sales taxes to infrastructure projects.  CRISIS Executive Director Scott Kirkpatrick says that a new Mississippi River bridge could be a possibility now.

Cut 9 (11) “…the bill.”

Police in Bastrop are asking for helping after a 10-year old was killed on Independence Day.  Bastrop Police says they received a call just before 10 Sunday night in reference to a drive-by-shooting at an area known as “the slab.” They found a 10-year-old child who had been shot through the chest. Initial reports indicate a large crowd was present during the shooting, but no witnesses have come forward.

Former Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards has entered hospice care. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle.” 

A Sunday evening crash in West Carroll Parish claims the lives of three people, a driver, and two juveniles. Trooper Michal Reichardt says a 2018 Nissan Versa driven failed to stop when it entered LA Highway 17 and none of the six occupants were restrained.  While he cannot say the victims would have survived the crash if they had worn their seatbelts…

Cut 13 (08) “…go anywhere.”

The driver of the other vehicle was not injured.

Governor Edwards signs legislation that will gradually redirect up to 300 million dollars in vehicle sales taxes to infrastructure projects.  CRISIS Executive Director Scott Kirkpatrick says they don’t yet know what factors will determine which projects get constructed first.

Cut  11 (07) “….first” 

Kilpatrick says a new Mississippi River Bridge is among the projects.

Lawmakers have begun receiving ballots asking if they would like to cancel the automatically scheduled veto override session set to begin July 20th. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

Former four-term Louisiana governor Edwin Edwards has placed himself in hospice care at age 93. Edwards downplayed the decision saying it’s a matter of good and convenient care. He also says he has been causing people a lot of trouble caring for his pneumonia and other respiratory issues.

Governor Edwards signs legislation that will begin the process of shifting Louisiana from an electronic voting system to a paper-based system. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says states all around the country that don’t already have a paper trail for their elections are quickly moving in that direction away from strictly electronic records…

Cut 12 (09) “…results.” 

No word if the system will be in effect for the 2022 federal elections.

LSU Alexandria is launching a new aviation program where students can become commercial pilots without any military experience.  In terms of who can enroll in the courses Associate Vice Chancellor and Provost of Academic Affairs Dr. Eamon (A-man) Halpin says any student at the University can enroll regardless of age.

Cut 6 (07) “…requirements.”

Liftoff for the program is Spring 2022.

Veto override session ballots have been sent out to lawmakers and if a majority of lawmakers in both chambers elect not to return them an override session will begin July 20th. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the process for a veto session is in the constitution in that a session is automatically scheduled if even one veto is issued.
Cut 7 (12) “…session”

LSU Alexandria is launching a new aviation program where students can become commercial pilots without any military experience.  Associate Vice Chancellor and Provost of Academic Affairs Dr. Eamon Halpin says this program will lead to a bachelor’s degree as well as a number of flight certifications for students.

Cut 5  (07) “…certificate”

Lift-off is scheduled for Spring 2022.
Governor Edwards signs a bill by Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt that will begin moving the state to a paper-based election system. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

A boating accident claims the life of KeShaun Farmer, and Hayes M. Meek has been charged with boating while intoxicated in northwest Louisiana, both are 20 years old. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says Farner’s body was found in Lake Bistineau on Sunday following an overnight search. Meek, has been arrested for operating the boat while intoxicated.

Former four term Louisiana governor Edwin Edwards has placed himself in hospice care at age 93. Edwards downplayed the decision saying it’s a matter of good and convenient care. He also says he has been causing people a lot of trouble caring for his pneumonia and other respiratory issues. His wife Trina says his blood oxygen and pressure has been low in recent weeks and she is hoping he will rebound again.

Veto override session ballots have been sent out to lawmakers and if a majority of lawmakers in both chambers elect not to return them an override session will begin July 20th.
Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Those ballots are due July 15th and Pinsonat says it will be public record which lawmakers sent in ballots asking for the veto session to be canceled.
Cut 9 (05) “..law.”

Governor Edwards signs legislation that will begin the process of shifting Louisiana from an electronic voting system to a paper-based system.
Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says Under a paper system, voters will receive a paper ballot that they can look at to make sure their vote was tabulated correctly, and that can be later audited by hand should the need arise.
The state is currently in search of new voting machines, but Hewitt says this bill directs the Secretary of State to wait until we know exactly what we’re looking for to move ahead…
Cut 11 (11) “…want.”

Tom Galligan’s tenure as interim President of LSU has come to an end with the appointment of Bill Tate IV as the school’s new permanent President. Galligan had a rocky ride between COVID, the Summer of Black Lives Matter, and a Title IX scandal. Galligan says he was heartened by all the support he received after making some tough calls during that period.
Cut 15 (11)“…really supportive.”

Lawmakers have begun receiving ballots asking if they would like to cancel the automatically scheduled veto override session set to begin July 20th. Matt Doyle has the story…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

Former four-term Louisiana governor Edwin Edwards has placed himself in hospice care at age 93. Edwards downplayed the decision saying it’s a matter of good and convenient care. He also says he has been causing people a lot of trouble caring for his pneumonia and other respiratory issues. His wife Trina says his blood oxygen and pressure has been low in recent weeks and she is hoping he will rebound again.

Tom Galligan’s tenure as interim President of LSU has come to an end with the appointment of Bill Tate IV as the school’s new permanent President. Galligan took over just before the pandemic got started and says navigating that difficult period was a serious challenge.
Cut 14 (11) “…each other.”

LSU Alexandria is launching a new aviation program where students can become commercial pilots without any military experience. Associate Vice Chancellor and Provost of Academic Affairs Dr. Eamon Halpin says this program will lead to a bachelor’s degree as well as a number of flight certifications for students.
Cut 5 (07) “…certificate”