Amite Representative and gubernatorial candidate John Bel Edwards says, if elected, he has no intention to keep John White in place as Education Superintendent. Scott Carwile has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile“

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The Independence Day holiday begins today and firework safety is a top concern. Michelle Southern talks with the State Fire Marshall on how to prepare…

Cut 2 (23) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Bayou Teche Brewing is releasing a limited edition beer to be release on the 4th of July. Emelie Gunn has more on what makes this brew so special….

Cut 3 (24) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Amite Representative and gubernatorial candidate John Bel Edwards says, if elected, he has no intention to keep John White in place as Education Superintendent. In a statement, Edwards said “John White will never be superintendent on my watch.” Edwards says White lacks the credentials set forth in law to be the Superintendent of Education…

cut 4  (04)  “elementary schools”

White has been the state’s K-12 education leader since 2012. Although BESE chooses the Superintendent of Education, the governor typically has a lot of sway in that selection. Edwards thinks White’s approach to education is flawed…

Cut 5  (10)  “school districts”

In a statement regarding Edwards’ comments, White says politics don’t belong in the classroom and cited the improvement of high school graduation rates and ACT scores during his tenure. Edwards believes there are more qualified candidates right here in Louisiana to head the state’s education department…

Cut 6 (07)  “we do that”

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Safety with fireworks during 4th of July celebrations should be a top priority.  State Fire Marshall Butch Browning wants everyone to enjoy this holiday but take time to understand the precautions that come along with fireworks.

CUT 7 (08)  “biggest problem”

Browning advises adults under the influence of alcohol and  children to stay away from lighting firecrackers. He says make sure your surroundings are clear of flammable items and always keep a hose or bucket of water around in case the embers spark a fire.

Cut 8  (06)  “them igniting” 

Browning says never shoot a firearm into the air. He urges people to keep all weapons locked up and away from party-goers during the time of celebration.

Cut 9 (09)  “stray bullets”

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Arnaudville’s Bayou Teche Brewing is releasing a new beer for the 4th of July holiday and donating proceeds to military families. President Karlos Knott says the brew, named 31 Stout, was created in honor of 31 United States service members who lost their lives in the force mission in Afghanistan.

Cut 10 (10) “Extortion 17”

Grandson of multiple New Orleans French Quarter bars, Trey Monaghan, approached Knott with the idea of crafting a beer to benefit the soldiers’ families. Knott says members of Extortion 17 were also a part of SEAL Team 6.

cut 11 (11)  “in Afghanistan”

Knott says 31 Stout will be released on Independence Day at the brewery, where a band and party will follow for anyone who wants to attend. The beer will be available at a few retailers in Louisiana and in select restaurants. He says 45 dollars from every case and keg purchased will go to families of service members lost in the mission.

cut 12 (08)  “this money”

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Governor Bobby Jindal has signed into law a new measure which gives domestic violence victims more housing protection. Baton Rouge Senator Sharon Weston Broome sponsored the bill and says this law will help prevent further victimization of those being abused…

Cut 13 (06)  “to live”

The law allows domestic violence victims to break their lease to leave an abusive situation. Broome says it also ensures that victims will not be evicted because of their situation…

Cut 14 (12) “place of residence”

Landlords will also have the power to evict those the courts deem as abusers. Broome believes the law, which goes into effect August first, will give victims peace of mind over where they will live…

Cut 15  (10)  “housing issues”

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The Louisiana Chemical Association filed a lawsuit challenging a measure passed in the last session which would impose a 1 percent sales tax on business utilities and natural gas. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (30) “reporting“

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Gas prices are at an all time low for the first time in years around the 4th of July Holiday. Emelie Gunn fills us in on how much we’re saving…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The Louisiana Federation for Children has found that 91 percent of parents are satisfied with their child’s scholarship school. Scott Carwile reports.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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The Louisiana Chemical Association filed a lawsuit challenging a measure passed in the last session which would impose a 1 percent sales tax on business utilities and natural gas. HCR 8 is a temporary suspension of a 1 cent sales tax exemption on services expected to hit chemical plants hardest. LCA spokesman Rob Landry says it was passed unconstitutionally

cut 4  (11)  “magic number of 70”

The measure, which went into effect Wednesday, raises more than 100 million dollars and was enacted to balance the state’s budget. Landry says their plants depend heavily on purchased power and natural gas to generate steam, heat and electricity…:

Cut 5  (10)  “to our business”

Landry says the Louisiana Constitution says tax measures must pass both houses by a two-thirds vote and this measure fell short of 70 “yeas” two times. He says they made a major campaign to repeal utility taxes on natural gas in 2008 and since then the plants have seen major growth

Cut 6 (10)  “warm as possible”

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As many travelers hit the road today,  they’ll be seeing the lowest gas prices for the Independence Day holiday in years. Gregg Laskoski with GasBuddy.com says when drivers pull up to the pump, they’ll be paying about 95 cents a gallon less than last year.

CUT 7 (06)  “year ago”

Laskoski says we’ll see a steady decrease from now until the end of the summer as long as we are without any weather event that could distrupt the pattern. He says the prices are going down because of the decline in the of crude oil.

Cut 8  (08)  “the two” 

Laskoski says its unusual for prices to peak like this before Memorial Day and continue to decline, yet this happened two out of the past three years.

Cut 9 (05)  “declining”

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The four candidates for Governor were asked during a debate at the Farm Bureau Convention how they felt about the Supreme Court legalizing same sex marriage nationwide. Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle says this should issue should have been decided by individual states..:

Cut 10 (11) “man and a woman”

Senator David Vitter says this flies in the face of what the citizens of Louisiana said they wanted in the state constitution which is that marriage should be between a man and a woman..:

cut 11 (12)  “next assault”

Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says most legal experts would tell you that this ruling did not come as a surprise…:

cut 12 (12)  “as governor”

Amite Representative John Bel Edwards says the Supreme Court is the body that determines the constitution that is the law of the land and this issue is resolved and it’s time to move on…:

Cut 13 (12)  “as well”

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A recent survey finds that 91 percent of those parents participating in the Louisiana Scholarship Program are satisfied with their child’s scholarship school. The scholarship program assists children from low-income families in choosing the school that best fits their needs. President of Louisiana Federation for Children Ann Duplessis says the program also benefits students’ personal and social lives…

Cut 14 (03) “pride ourselves in”

Duplessis says the Federation has conducted previous surveys with similar results, proving the consistency of parental opinions. About 92 percent of parents reported they were happy with their child’s academic performance at the scholarship school. Duplessis says this means the program is working…

Cut 15  (09)  “choose those environments”

With the continuation of the program, Duplessis says there are many ways to improve, including teaching lawmakers of the importance of letting parents choose their child’s education…

Cut 16  (07)  “better outcomes”

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A 50 cent tax increase for a pack of cigarettes starts today. Emelie Gunn finds out how people in the state feel about this….

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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AAA expects 42 million people traveling for Independence Day, the most since 2007. Scott Carwile has more….

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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The state legislator who authored a religious freedom bill comes to the defense of Governor Bobby Jindal who faces a lawsuit from the ACLU. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A pack of cigarettes will cost you an extra 50 cents today as the state’s new tax of cigarettes goes into effect. The state legislature approved a law that raises the tax on a pack of cigarettes from 36 cents to 86 cents. Bill Bailey, owner of Smoker’s Paradise in Pineville, is concerned it could hurt his business.

cut 4  (10)  “whatever reason”

Bailey says the legislature also increased taxes on e-cigarettes and vapor products.

Cut 5  (11)  “down the road”

The American Heart Association’s Louisiana Advocacy Director Stasha Rhodes pushed for the tax increase and she says the money generated from additional tax will go to health care in Louisiana.

Cut 6 (08)  “tobacco illness”

Rhodes says she originally wanted the tax above one dollar because many studies show that could get around 36-thousand people to quit smoking. She says she proposed the higher tax because often times tobacco companies and stores can find ways make up for the raised prices.

CUT 7 (11)  “health impact”

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The four candidates for Governor were asked during a debate at the Farm Bureau Convention what is the biggest challenge they’ve ever faced in their personal life. Senator David Vitter made reference to his prostitution scandal that lead to him apologizing for a “serious sin.” He says it caused issues in his marriage many years ago…:

Cut 8  (09)  “stronger” 

Jay Dardenne says while he was a candidate for Lt. Governor he was diagnosed with prostate cancer…:

Cut 9 (12)  “you need to do that”

Amite Representative John Bel Edwards says his biggest challenge in life was when he was in Ranger School in the Army…:

Cut 10 (10) “what my limits are”

Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle says the biggest challenge in his life was telling his mother he’d witnessed his sister die in a fatal crash as he was following her home from school…:

cut 11 (11)  “19-years-old”

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The American Automobile Association projects nearly 42 million Americans will travel for the 4th of July holiday, the most since 2007. AAA Spokesperson Don Redman says the fact that Independence Day falls on a weekend helps but that’s not the only reason people are out on the road.

cut 12 (05)  “this summer”

Redman says the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $2.55, which is significantly cheaper than it’s been in the past 5 years and that certainly helps the family budget.

Cut 13 (09)  “year ago”

Redman says most people will travel by car to get to their destination and over 4 million people in our region. He advises drivers to plan ahead to avoid the crazy traffic.

Cut 14 (09) “as well”

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Governor Bobby Jindal says he will not back down from religious liberty. Jindal made the statement in reaction to a lawsuit filed by the Louisiana ACLU and others who are challenging an executive order signed by the governor back in May that seeks to protect those who oppose same-sex marriage.  Bossier City Representative Mike Johnson supports Jindal on this issue

Cut 15  (08)  “completely unfounded”

Jindal’s executive order was signed, after Johnson’s religious freedom bill was defeated in a House committee. The order prohibits state agencies from taking adverse action on a person, business or non-profit if they make a decision based on their religious belief that marriage is a man and a woman.  Johnson, who is an attorney, says all the executive order attempts to do is protect religious liberty

Cut 16  (10)  “executive order does”

Louisiana ACLU Executive Director Marjorie Esman says this order goes beyond the scope of a governor’s constitutional power, because it creates a class of citizens who are protected, which only the legislature can do. Johnson calls the lawsuit frivolous

Cut 17 (07) ” unfortunate it” 

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There is some concern that the recent Supreme Court ruling legalizing gay marriage in the United States could potentially lead to lawsuits against churches. Scott Carwile has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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A study ranks Louisiana 5th in the country more the most couch potatoes per capita. Emelie Gunn has more on why we ranks so high…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Same sex couples are showing up at clerks of court offices across the state to get their marriage license. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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There is some concern that the recent Supreme Court ruling legalizing gay marriage in the United States could potentially lead to lawsuits against churches. Louisiana Baptist Convention President Steve Horn says it’s his understanding that the ruling gives protection to churches and pastors. But he says that doesn’t mean the issue could not come up in the future…

cut 4  (11)  “in that regard”

He says, as he reads the ruling, lawsuits are not something that should overly concern churches. But Horn says the Supreme Court ruling sort of negates ultimate protection for churches who refuse to perform or host same-sex marriages due to their religious beliefs…

Cut 5  (12)  “right now”

But Horn, who pastors at First Baptist Lafayette, says the four dissenting Supreme Court Justices seemed to be concerned about lawsuits against churches when they wrote their dissent.

Cut 6 (04)  “of concern”

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One of the first same-sex marriage licenses in the state went to Scott Kirkland and Kenneth Parker. They arrived at the East Baton Rouge Clerk of court’s office shortly before 2 PM on Monday. Louisiana was the last state to start issuing licenses and Kirkland says it was frustrating when they couldn’t get one after the Supreme Court ruling on Friday

CUT 7 (09)  “enough it did”

The Louisiana Clerks of Court initially advised parish clerks to wait 25 days before issuing the licenses, but many parishes starting issuing them on Monday, knowing that it was unlikely for the nation’s highest court to reverse its decision that legalized gay marriage. Kirkland says it was important for them to get a license in Louisiana

Cut 8  (09)  “ceremony and party” 

Sarah Jane Brady, executive director for the Forum for Equality, is thrilled that clerks of court around the state are allowing same sex couples to get married

Cut 9 (09)  “good actions of people”

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According to a study by Estately.com, Louisiana comes in number 5 for the states with the most couch potatoes per capita.  Lead blogger Ryan Nickum says they came up with this ranking by calculating 8 different factors, including hours per day watching TV and Laz-E-Boy retailers per capita.

Cut 10 (10) “video games”

Nickum says the state came in 5th for hours per day watching TV and saw a correlation with  watching TV and the obesity ranking throughout all states. He says this study could open people’s  eyes and push them to get up and moving.

cut 11 (10)  “at it”

Nickum says the Louisiana summer heat is a factor on why we have so many couch potatoes. He says his study found that people who live in colder climates, tend to get out more expect for Ohio who ranked number one for couch potatoes per capita.

cut 12 (08)  “air conditioning”

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Governor Bobby Jindal has signed into law a bill that establishes a framework for the legal dispensing of medical marijuana. But state Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says it could be another two years before anyone can get a prescription for medicinal marijuana filled. Stain says that’s because numerous steps need to be accomplished first.

Cut 13 (13)  “of rules”

Strain says they must start with the Board of Medical Examiners creating a set of rules for the prescription, then the Board of Pharmacy has to adopt a set of regulations and a document that describes the production parameters. He says LSU and Southern’s AgCenter’s will have first opportunity to grow the weed that will turn into pill for medical purposes.

Cut 14 (11) “the product”

Strain says the purest and safest form of the drug will only be for people suffering from cancer, glaucoma and some forms of cerebral palsy. He says they are starting from scratch because rules need to be made to obtain seeds or get seeds from other states.

Cut 15  (10)  “being treated”

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