A three-day qualifying period for the November election begins today, and Secretary of State candidates can officially get into the race. Becca Dill has more.
Voicer 2 (30) ”I’m Becca Dill”

Two Jefferson Parish deputies were injured and five teens arrested after a chase and shootout with cops that started in Metairie and ended at the Kenner-St. Charles Parish line. Deputies responded to a call about a group of people pulling vehicle door handles. The injured deputies were hurt when the teens allegedly rammed their cars.

The National Institutes of Health awards the Tulane National Primate Research Center with a 42-million dollar grant so that it can continue its research efforts for the next five years. Research Center Director Jay Rappaport says the funding keeps 300 scientists, staff and animal care workers employed on their 500-acre campus in Covington…
cut 15 (07) “….our functions”
The center’s research focuses on finding cures, treatments and preventions for infectious diseases.

Air quality warnings, and a call for an Action Day is in effect for much of the state as a cloud of dust descends on Texas and the Bayou State. Air Quality Forecaster Patrick Zahn says its dust from over 5,000 miles away.
Cut 4 (11) “trade wind.”
High concentrations of Sharan dust are causing air quality concerns in northwest and southwest Louisiana.

Qualifying for the November election begins today. It will give voters a final roster of candidates for Congressional seats, and the special election to replace Tom Schedler as Secretary of State. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the Secretary’s race will draw ambitious politicians who can raise the cash necessary to make a name for themselves statewide.
Cut 7 (12) “stepping stone”
So far there are four announced candidates for Secretary of State.

Dust from the Saharan Desert is creating some air quality issues in Louisiana this week. Patrick Zahn is the lead air quality forecaster for the state Department of Environmental Quality….
cut 5 (09) “….Baton Rouge”
Zahn says those who suffer from asthma may have breathing issues.

Twenty-three projects along the coast are set to receive 60-million dollars as part of the billions of dollars BP has agreed to pay Gulf states for the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet says the money will go towards new and improved boat ramps and mooring docks, new fishiing piers and making Elmer’s Island even more accessible…
cut 12 (11) “…and others”
The governor’s office says potential projects were solicited by the Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group and then vetted through months of public input and hearings.

Air quality warnings are in effect for the western end of Louisiana as well as Baton Rouge through Thursday. Matt Doyle explains why.

Cut 1 (30)  I’m Matt Doyle“

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A three-day qualifying period for the November election begins today, and Secretary of State candidates can officially get into the race. Becca Dill has more.

Cut 2 (30) ”I’m Becca Dill” 

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 The Tulane Primate Research Center got a 42 million dollar grant to help pay for the facilities infrastructure needs. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Air quality warnings, and a call for an Action Day is in effect for much of the state this week as a cloud of dust descends on Texas and the Bayou State. Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality Forecaster Patrick Zahn says its dust from over 5,000 miles away.

Cut 4  (11) “trade wind.”

Zahn says the dust is expected to impact most of western Louisiana, and even extend into the central portion of the state.

Cut 5  (09)  “Baton Rouge.”

DEQ scientists puts the risk factor for health problems related to dust in the same category as ozone, and as such as asking people to cut back on their driving any other ozone producing activities for the week. Zahn says it could make it a bit more difficult to breathe these next few days for people who suffer from asthma.

Cut 6 (09) “exposure.”

The air quality warning runs through Thursday.

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Qualifying for the November election begins today. It will give voters a final roster of candidates for Congressional seats, and the special election to replace Tom Schedler as Secretary of State. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the Secretary’s race will draw ambitious politicians who can raise the cash necessary to make a name for themselves statewide.

Cut 7 (12) “stepping stone”

The Secretary of State’s race is open after Schedler resigned in the wake of sexual harassment allegations from his former sectary.

There’s been a swell of Democratic enthusiasm heading into the 2018 midterms, which could lead to big changes on the national political scene. Pinsonat says don’t expect any of that enthusiasm to make an impact here in either congressional races or the fight for Secretary of State, as Democratic candidates are likely to downplay their party affiliation.

Cut 8 (11)  “large numbers.”

Pinsonat doesn’t expect any big upsets in the congressional races. But he says keep an eye on the 3^rd district, where freshman Congressman Clay Higgins is expected to face notable opposition. Pinsonat says GOP challenger Josh Guillory has seen his profile spike after an endorsement from Trump lawyer and former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

Cut 9 (12)  “attention too”

The qualifying period lasts through Friday.

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Governor John Bel Edwards has announced 23 new projects aimed at coastal recreation throughout the state.  The $60 million being used to fund the projects comes from a settlement stemming from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.  Edwards says the projects will be a welcomed addition to Sportsman’s Paradise.

Cut 10 (09)   “…citizens and visitors.”

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says he’s pleased the state’s recreational losses were not forgotten.  He echoed Edwards’s sentiments, saying the projects will be beneficial to those with or without a boat.

Cut 11 (13) “…fish in Louisiana.” 

LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet says the additions won’t just change things above the surface, but in the depths as well.

Cut 12 (11) “…bay and others.”

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The Tulane National Primate Research Center received a 42 million dollar grant to keep the lights on and the medical research on schedule. The grant, from the National Institute of Health, is aimed at maintaining the facility’s infrastructure and day to day operation. Research Center Director Jay Rappaport says this money will allow the Center to continue its research in a vitally important field.

Cut 13 (09)  “in progress” 

The grant was applied for in March, and the campus was reviewed by a team of 26 NIH inspectors. The facility houses research on deadly diseases, which Rapaport says has led to an extensive safety infrastructure to upkeep.

Cut 14 (11) “getting out”

The center employs over 300 people in a variety of functions, from animal care to engineers. Rappaport says it’s really impressive when you take a look at it as a whole.

Cut 15 (07) “our functions”

The campus is located on 500 acres of land just off Highway 190 in Covington.

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LSU defensive end Rashard Lawrence told reporters at SEC Media Days he’s feeling good after playing last season on two bad ankles…
cut 30 (13) “…feel like”
Lawrence missed three games in September because of an ankle injury. When he came back, LSU went six and one the rest of the way during the regular season.

Will LSU have success throwing the football this season is the other big question for the Tigers? Tight end Foster Moreau is confident you’ll see big things on offense this year….
cut 29 (16) “…brings”
LSU begins fall camp in about three weeks.

Tonight it’s the Major League Baseball All-Star game. Two former Tigers are expected to appear in the game, Alex Bregman and Aaron Nola. Both are making their first apperance in the Mid Summer Classic.

Former LSU Tiger Marcus Spears has reached a multiyear contract extension with ESPN. Spears does much of his television work on the SEC Network.

Louisiana Tech is picked to finish second in the West Division of Conference USA according to a polll conducted by media members who cover the league. North Texas is the favorite to win the West, while Florida Atlantic is the favorite to win the East. The Bulldogs were followed by UAB, Southern Miss, U-T-S-A and tie between Rice and UTEP.

Former Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks is reportedly getting paid as the Rams are set to sign the deep threat to a five-year contract extension worth 88-million dollars. The 24-year-old was traded in April by the Patriots to the Rams after he caught 65-passes for 1,082 yards and seven touchdowns last year.

In the NBA, ESPN reports former LSU Tiger Garret Temple will reportedly be traded from Sacramento to Memphis. The Kings would get Ben McLemore and Deyonta Davis in return.

President Donald Trump has clarified comments made yesterday regarding Russia’s interference with the 2016 US elections. The President says he does accept US intelligence that found evidence Russia meddled in the election and meant the opposite when he said he doesn’t see why Russia would have interfered. Some prominent anti-Trump commentators accuse the President of treason. But Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says that’s out of line.
Cut 5 (06) “clairification.”

The Audubon Zoo says the exhibit where a jaguar escaped and fatally mauled nine animals will remain closed. Zoo Director Doctor Kyle Burks says they believe the jaguar bit through a steel wire and made his way out through a small hole near the roof…
cut 13 (06) “…smaller openings”
Burks says no cameras were present, so they don’t know how long the jaguar was out of its enclosure.

Two years ago today in Baton Rouge, a lone gunman opened fire on law enforcement in an ambush that would kill three officers and injured three others. East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says it goes down as one of the worst days in Louisiana’s history
cut 6 (12) “…law enforcement.”
Officer Matthew Gerald, Corporal Montrell Jackson and Deputy Brad Garafola died that day, while Corporal Nick Tullier continues a very difficult recovery at a Houston hospital.

2018 looks to be a big year for the state’s film industry. Executive director of Louisiana Entertainment, Chris Stelly, credits changes made with the film tax credit program in 2017 in helping to boost production….
cut 11 (09) “…throughout the state”
Stelly says there are currently five television shows being filmed in Lousiaina.

The Audubon Zoo says the jaguar that got loose on Sunday and killed nine other animals bit through a stainless steel cable barrier near the roof of his enclosure. Managing Director Kyle Burks says the jaguar then pushed through the hole in the roof and got out. Burks says the enclosure is inspected on a regular basis…
cut 12 (12) “…to that”
Burks says the jaguar will not be euthanized and they are not sure how long he was out of his enclosure.

Two years, ago three Baton Rouge law enforcement officers were killed in an ambush that also injured three other officers individuals, when a lone gunman opened fire near a car wash. E-B-R Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says the exhibit is still fresh in their minds…
cut 8 (09) “…never leave us”

Baton Rouge Republican Congressman Garrett Graves is coming out against the President’s comments yesterday that Russia did not interfere with the 2016 election.
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Alexandria Mayor Jacques Roy announces he will not seek a fourth-term in office. Roy says he’s sticking to a self-imposed limit of three terms, which will allow for new blood, fresh ideas and new players which are vital to democracies.

Two years ago today in Baton Rouge, a lone gunman opened fire on law enforcement in an ambush that would kill three officers and injured three others. East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says it goes down as one of the worst days in Louisiana’s history….
cut 6 (12) “…law enforcemetn”
Officers Matthew Gerald, Corporal Montrell Jacksona and Deputy Brad Garafola died that day, while Corporal Nick Tullier continues to recover at a Houston hospital.

The Louisiana Health Department announces a new approach to end the 25-year-old waiting list for thousands of citizens with developmental disabilities seeking home and community-based services. Deputy Secretary Mark Thomas says a tiered waiver system puts people and their needs first…
cut 29 (07) “…services ASAP”
Previously, community-based services were offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Baton Rouge Republican Congressman Garret Graves says he’s not exactly happy with some of the comments made by President Trump in Finland. Mr. Trump told reporters he believes Vladmir Putin’s assurances that Russia did not attempt to interfere with the 2016 election. Graves, breaking with most national Republicans, says it was a poor choice of words on President’s behalf.
Cut 3 (08) “best interest.”
US intelligence services claim Russian social media bots attempted to manipulate voters into opposing Hillary Clinton.

Louisiana has seen an uptick in productions around the state for television shows and motion pictures. Executive Director of Louisiana Entertainment, Chris Stelly credits a 2017 reform in the state’s incentive program for making Louisiana one of the most in demand locations.
cut 9 (05) “in the world”
Currently, five television shows are being filmed in communities around the state.