According to the National Retail Federation, people will spend more on Dad this Father’s Day than ever before. Spokesperson Ana Serafin-Smith says it’s expected Americans will spend about 14 billion dollars this weekend. She says the uptick is linked to kids treating Dad to a nice steak dinner or giving him the latest in electronics…:
cut 4 (06) “everyday tie”
She says consumers are likely to spend about 126 dollars on dad for Father’s Day.

Four Louisiana cities rank in the top 20 least health cities in the US, according to a study from 24/7 Wall Street. Hammond came in third on the list, Monroe ranked sixth, Shreveport-Bossier is ninth, and Alexandria came in at number 12. Bob Johannessen with the state Department of Health and Hospitals:
CUT 10 (12) “disappooitng”

Fox Louisiana Productions has been filming for the new Wolverine movie in Ferriday this week. Mayor Gene Allen says the town’s residents are thrilled to have such a big cinematic event taking place in the small Concordia Parish town…:
CUT 7 (05) “about it”
Filming is also scheduled in Sicily Island later this week.

A former Livingston Parish teacher accused of having sex with a 15-year-old student was arrested Thursday, according to authorities. Walker Police arrested 33-year-old Lynsie Pendarvis on charges of felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile. Walker Police say the allegations against Pendarvis are extremely disturbing and they are continuing to investigate this matter.

After a brief flirtation with Texas, LSU Baseball Coach Paul Mainieri is staying in Baton Rouge. In a statement, Mainieri says LSU is home to his family and it’s his intention to keep it that way for a long time. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran is not surprised with Mainieri’s decision

Cut 13 (05)  “LSU”

While Maineri is staying, there are reports that Louisiana Tech coach Greg Goff is heading to Alabama to take over the Crimson Tide’s baseball program.

Domestic violence victims with active restraining orders will soon be able to get expedited temporary concealed carry permits under a bill that’s been signed into law. Baton Rouge Concealed carry instructor Wade Duty says the wait to get into a concealed carry training course can be over a month.

CUT 9 (08) “as well”

The new law goes into effect August 1. 

A review by the International Agency for Research on Cancer finds drinking beverages above 149 degrees Fahrenheit could cause people to develop esophageal cancer. Deputy Director of LSU Health New Orleans Cancer Center, Dr. Edward Trapido, says hot drinks cause damage to the superficial cells in the upper esophagus.

CUT 6 (09) “abnormal”

Trapido says there is no evidence that shows coffee causes cancer so they should feel okay having their morning cup of joe. 

Law enforcement is taking extreme precautions in New Orleans for the Gay Pride parade and Festival this weekend after the tragic mass shooting at an Orlando gay nightclub. Mayor Mitch Landrieu says they’ve beefed up security in the French Quarter and are working hand in hand with festival organizers. He says their mantra is if you see something, say something.

cut 12 (08) “begin with”

Beginning August 1, victims of domestic violence who have active restraining orders will be able to get temporary concealed carry permits. Jeff Palermo has more…:
CUT 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The entire state is under a heat advisory until 7, and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness urges residents to take precautions. Spokesman Mike Steele…:
CUT 4 (10) “whenever possible”
The National Weather Service the state could see head indices of 105-109.

Law enforcement is taking extreme precautions in New Orleans for the Gay Pride parade and Festival this weekend after the tragic mass shooting at an Orlando gay nightclub. Mayor Mitch Landrieu says they’ve beefed up security in the French Quarter and are working hand in hand with festival organizers. He says their mantra is if you see something, say something…:
cut 12 (08) “begin with”
A moment of silence is planned for the victims of the nightclub shooting at 2 p.m. Sunday on Bourbon Street.

The University of Texas has reportedly approached LSU’s Paul Mainieri about filling the Longhorns vacant baseball head coaching position. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says Mainieri has not returned phone calls seeking comment on his possible interest with the job at Texas…:
cut 15 (08) “this point”
Moran says Texas’ interest in Mainieri could lead to him getting a pay raise.

A heat advisory is in effect for the entire state, and emergency officials are urging residents to take extreme caution outside. GOHSEP spokesman Mike Steele says we are experiencing these scorching temperatures earlier than usual..:
CUT 5 (10) “as dangerous”
Forecasters say heat index values could be between 105-110.

Domestic violence victims with active restraining orders will soon be able to get expedited temporary concealed carry permits under a bill that’s been signed into law. Baton Rouge Concealed carry instructor Wade Duty says the wait to get into a concealed carry training course can be over a month:
CUT 9 (08) “as well”
Victims would still have to pass a background check.

A review by the International Agency for Research on Cancer finds drinking beverages above 149 degrees Fahrenheit could cause people to develop esophageal cancer. Deputy Director of LSU Health New Orleans Cancer Center Dr. Edward Trapido says hot drinks cause damage to the superficial cells in the upper esophagus…:
CUT 6 (09) “abnormal”
He adds that having a hot cup a day shouldn’t be too harmful.

Multiple outlets are reporting LSU Baseball Coach Paul Mainieri has been contacted by Texas about its head coaching vacancy and he has interviewed with Longhorn athletic officials. Mainieri just completed his 10th season as the Tigers’ skipper and his current contract with LSU runs through 2018.

Heat indexes in the state are exceeding 100 degrees, and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness warns residents to take precautions. Halen Doughty has more…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”
And a heat advisory is now in effect for the entire state until 7pm this evening.

The Civil Service Commission today voted that annual performance adjustments for unclassified state workers will be suspended for next fiscal year. This means more than 38,000 government workers won’t be getting a pay raise in the budget period that begins July 1st. Governor John Bel Edwards made the request.

LSU says they will now allow visiting bands to perform during halftime, after not allowing them to do so during football games last season due to safety concerns with too many people being on the field. LSU Deputy Athletic Director Eddie Nunez says they hope to open up access to the field from where the visiting band has always been seated…:
cut 14 (07) “the field”
Nunez says the LSU Band will also perform first to give the visiting band more time to get down to the field.

A Walmart employee in East Baton Rouge Parish has been arrested amid allegations he slashed the boyfriend of another employee during a confrontation. Deputies say 28-year-old Claude LeDuff and a female employee got into an argument at the deli counter. Apparently the female called her boyfriend, the victim, who came to talk to LeDuff, when he was cut with a knife on his arm. LeDuff was arrested and charged with aggravated battery and disturbing the peace.

Once again the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the entire state until 7 this evening.

Plans are being drawn up to reconfigure seating in Tiger Stadium to allow visiting bands to perform at halftime shows. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

We are waiting to learn the positive identity of the body that was discovered this week in Iberville Parish, but the East Baton Rouge coroner released a report Wednesday indicating this is a pregnant female who died of a gunshot wound to the head. Officials say this could possibly be the pregnant missing teacher, Lyntell Washington. A person of interest, Robert Marks, is in jail on kidnapping charges related to the desertion of Washington’s three year old.

You probably don’t have to be told that your already high car insurance premiums sky rocket when you add a teen driver to your policy. In Louisiana, InsuranceQuotes.com says the increase is over 86 percent. Analyst Laura Adams says rates do get cheaper as your teen gets older…:
Cut 8 (07) “your policy”
She advises parents to take advantage of every discount available to them.

Cursive writing lessons will be a requirement in public schools beginning the 2017-2018 school year, under a measure signed by Governor John Bel Edwards. LSU English professor Renee Casbergue says as lawmakers keep adding things schools have to address, it takes away from its ability to teach what they think their students need…:
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But supporters think kids should learn cursive so they can write a signature.

LSU now says they will let opposing bands perform at halftime shows. Once they announced a new policy citing safety concerns with so many people being on the field, the band community from throughout the nation expressed outrage. LSU Deputy Athletic Director Eddie Nunez responds to the concern…:
CUT 15 (08) “Tiger Stadium”
He says the new plan involves changes to seating so bands have a more direct route to the field.

Cursive writing will be required to be taught in public schools beginning in July 2017. Supporters say children should be able to know how to sign their name in cursive. But LSU English professor Renee Casbergue says it’s rare that people are required to write in cursive…:
CUT 5 (08) “a signature”
She adds cursive is becoming a lost art.

A study from InsuranceQuotes.com finds car insurance premiums for Louisiana parents increase by more than 86-percent when they add a teen driver to their policy…:
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

On the third installment of Ask the Governor, callers inquired about a wide range of issues facing the state. Asked about the state’s film tax credit program, Governor Edwards says the state capped it at 180-million dollars in credits paid out and there are no plans to change it…:
Cut 10 (07) “million dollars”
The next “Ask the Governor” show will be July 20th.

Teachers in public schools will soon have to teach students cursive writing because of a bill signed into law by the governor. LSU English professor Renee Casbergue says writing in cursive is becoming a lost art, and kids may not have much use for it in the future…:
cut 4 (11) “means nothing”
The new law goes into effect in July of 2017.

A heat advisory is in effect for most of the state from 10 this morning to 7 this evening. The National Weather Service says these areas could see head indices of 105-109 degrees.

A House committee and a senate committee approved separate bills that would generate revenue to address a 600-million dollar shortfall. In House Ways and Means, the panel on a 10-9 vote sent a measure to the House floor that would reduce a tax break for those who itemize on their tax returns. It would generate over 100-million dollars.

A new study shows that, In Louisiana, parents average premium for car insurance increases by over 86-percent when they add a teen driver to an existing policy. But Senior insurance analyst with InsuranceQuotes.com Laura Adams rates for teens have been dipping because many young people are waiting to drive until their older…:
CUT 7 (11) “social media”
She advises parents to take advantage of every discount available to them.

The third installment of the “Ask the Governor” call-in radio show featured a wide variety of questions from callers. Asked about gun control in the wake of the Orlando tragedy, Governor Edwards said he supports the 2nd amendment, but that he is in favor of a measure that would prohibit people on terrorist watch lists from purchasing guns:
cut 12 (11) “the public”
The next Ask the Governor is July 20th.