In our latest LRN question to the gubernatorial candidates we asked about a plan to reduce the murder rate in Louisiana. Democratic Amite Representative John Bel Edwards believes there is a clear link between having the highest incarceration rate and having the highest crime rate. He says he’ll make sure minor offenders are not locked up with hardened criminals…:
CUT 13 (10) “life of crime”

State Police are looking for the person responsible for hitting and injuring a teenage pedestrian on La 43 north of La 442 in Albany. Trooper Bryan Lee says the latest report indicates the 14-year-old is in critical condition. On the crash in Livingston Parish…:
CUT 3 (11) “southbound lane”
They are seeking a dark new model GMC or Chevrolet pickup.

Egg prices are still on the rise. Emelie Gunn has more on what’s causing the increase…:
CUT 3 (29) “reporting”

The New Orleans Police Department says 2 young children died after drowning in Lake Pontchartrain over the weekend in separate incidents. They say Saturday a 7-year-old girl was swimming with friends when she went under and was unresponsive when helped to safety. Cops say they also responded to an incident on Sunday in which a 5-year-old boy drowned in the lake while out with his aunt. Both drownings are under investigation.

In Louisiana Radio Network’s latest Gubernatorial Q&A, we asked the candidates what steps they would take to reduce the murder rate. Michelle Southern reports…

cut 2 (33) “I’m Michelle Southern”

State Police say a Dry Creek motorcyclist is dead following a single-vehicle crash in Allen Parish. They say 26-year-old Tony Seal was traveling at a high rate of speed when he ran up on a truck stopped preparing to make a left turn. Seal tried to stop and skidded over 300 feet before leaving the roadway. Seal was ejected from his bike and suffered fatal injuries. Authorities say excessive speed and alcohol are suspected factors in the crash.

The Hill, a Washington, DC newspaper, reports Louisiana’s congressional “Clout Index” has fallen from 4th to 30th with the exit of Mary Landrieu from the Louisiana delegation. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says if US Senator David Vitter wins the governor’s seat, veteran Congressmen Charles Boustany and John Fleming will most likely give up their House seats to run for Vitter’s vacant Senate seat. Alford says Louisiana’s standing on Capital Hill is shaky at best…

cut 6 (09) “sitting Congressmen”

He says if Vitter wins the governorship, it would negatively affect Louisiana’s influence in DC.

Beginning today motorists traveling through the Baton Rouge area will have the opportunity to travel faster on I-10 from Essen to Siegen and I-12 from Sherwood to Range. State Department of Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallett says crews will begin installing signage reflecting the change in speed limit today.

cut 9 (06) “everyone knows”

The speed limit is increasing from 60 to 65 in those areas.

According to The Hill, a Washington, DC newspaper, Louisiana’s congressional “Clout Index” has fallen from 4th to 30th and LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says it could get worse…

cut 1 (29) “Scott Carwile”

Governor Bobby Jindal has signed an executive order allowing the Louisiana National Guard to arm guards protecting military facilities. It states that the Guard is permitted to give military guards the means to protect themselves in order to preserve the lives, property, and the security of themselves and others subject to the threat of an attack. This executive order comes after four Marines and a Navy officer were killed in a shooting at a military recruitment center in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

The latest Louisiana Radio Network Gubernatorial Q&A question asks the candidates what steps they would take to reduce the murder rate here. Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says he strongly supports the right of law abiding citizens to legally own weapons which may be necessary for self defense. He says he’ll ensure state and local government officials work closely with programs which are developed to curb juvenile violence in high crime areas…:

cut 12 (11) “as Governor”

Go to louisianaradionetwork-dot-com for complete candidate responses.

Egg prices at the store are getting even higher due to an outbreak of avian flu. State Agriculture Commissioner and Chair of the Louisiana Egg Commission Mike Strain is concerned we might see the virus return in September and warms farmers to watch out for wild birds entering their flocks because many are still carrying the disease.

cut 16 (08) “influenza”

He says egg prices have gone up 90 percent since May.

The Washington DC newspaper, The Hill, reports that Louisiana’s congressional “Clout Index” has fallen from 4th to 30th after Mary Landrieu’s departure from the Louisiana delegation. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says if US Senator David Vitter wins the governorship, it would negatively affect Louisiana’s influence in Washington even further…

cut 5 (07) “two sub-committees”

He says if not for Metarie Congressman Steve Scalise’s election to House Majority Whip, the ranking would have been worse.

Egg prices at the store continue to rise because of avian flu. State Agriculture Commissioner and Chair of the Louisiana Egg Commission Mike Strain says more than 48 million birds were infected and those that died have yet to be replaced.

cut 15 (07) “United States”

Strain says egg prices will remain high until farmers can properly sterilize their facilities to reintroduce hens.

Question nine in Louisiana Radio Network’s continuing Gubernatorial Q&A asks the candidates what steps they would take to reduce the murder rate here. Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle says he’ll make sure law enforcement has all the resources they need to tackle the war on crime. He also feels non-governmental organizations should be involved in working together to combat the problem within communities…:

cut 11 (08) “family unit”

Complete candidate responses can be heard at louisianaradionetwork-dot-com.

State Department of Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallett says motorists traveling through the Baton Rouge area will have the opportunity to travel a little faster on I-10 and I-12. Today, the speed limit on I-10 from Essen to Siegen and on I-12 from Sherwood to Range increases to 65 miles per hour. Mallett says hopefully this will help improve congestion through these areas…

cut 8 (05) “safe speed”

He says crews will begin installing signage reflecting the speed limit change today.

According to The Hill, a Washington, DC newspaper, Louisiana’s congressional “Clout Index” has fallen from 4th to 30th now that Mary Landrieu is no longer a member of the Louisiana delegation. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says if not for Metarie Congressman Steve Scalise’s election to majority whip, the ranking would have been worse…

cut 4  (08)  “neighboring states”

Going forward, Alford says the state’s “Clout Index” could drop further because of US Senator David Vitter’s quest to become governor.

Starting today motorists traveling through the Baton Rouge area will have the opportunity to travel faster on I-10 and I-12. State Department of Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallett says they’re increasing the speed limit from 60 to 65 on I-10 from Essen to Siegen and on I-12 from Sherwood to Range.

CUT 7 (09)  “to 70″

Mallett says DOTD increased the limit after determining it’s a safe change.

In the latest Gubernatorial Q&A conducted by Louisiana Radio Network, we asked the candidates what steps they would take to reduce the murder rate here. For years Louisiana has had the highest murder per capita rate in the nation and New Orleans police recently reported they’ve already reached 100 homicides this year. US Senator David Vitter…:

Cut 10 (10) “hardened criminals”

You can find all candidate responses at louisianaradionetwork-dot-com.

Egg prices at the store are getting even higher. State Agriculture Commissioner and Chair of the Louisiana Egg Commission Mike Strain says the big increase is because of avian flu. Strain says the last case of bird flu was detected on June 17th and there have been 227 farms affected.

According to The Hill, a Washington, DC newspaper, Louisiana’s congressional “Clout Index” has fallen from 4th to 30th and LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says it could get worse. Scott Carwile has more…

CUT 1 (29) “Scott Carwile”

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In the latest Gubernatorial Q&A conducted by Louisiana Radio Network, we asked the candidates what steps they would take to reduce the murder rate. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (33) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Egg prices are still on the rise. Emelie Gunn has more on what’s causing the increase…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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According to The Hill, a Washington, DC newspaper, Louisiana’s congressional “Clout Index” has fallen from 4th to 30th now that Mary Landrieu is no longer a member of the Louisiana delegation. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says if not for Metarie Congressman Steve Scalise’s election to majority whip, the third most powerful position in the US House, the ranking would have been worse…

cut 4  (08)  “neighboring states”

Going forward, Alford says the state’s “Clout Index” could drop further because of US Senator David Vitter’s quest to become governor. He says if Vitter wins the governorship, it would negatively affect Louisiana’s influence in Washington…

Cut 5  (07)  “two sub-committees”

He says if the Senator wins the governor’s seat, veteran Congressmen Charles Boustany and John Fleming will most likely run for Vitter’s vacant seat. Both men would have to give up their House seats to run for the Senate. Alford says Louisiana’s standing on Capital Hill is shaky at best…

Cut 6 (09)  “sitting Congressmen”

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Starting today motorists traveling through the Baton Rouge area will have the opportunity to travel faster on I-10 and I-12. State Department of Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallett says they’re increasing the speed limit from 60 to 65 on I-10 from Essen to Siegen and on I-12 from Sherwood to Range.

CUT 7 (09)  “to 70”

Mallett says DOTD increased the limit after determining it’s a safe change and giving drivers time to adjust to the recent expansion of the interstate in those areas.  He says hopefully this will help improve congestion through these areas.

Cut 8  (05)  “safe speed” 

I-10 and I-12 in the area Baton Rouge area was recently expanded as part of the 341 million dollar Geaux Wider Program aimed to increase capacity on Louisiana roadways. Mallett says crews will begin installing signage reflecting the change in speed limit today.

Cut 9 (06) “everyone knows”

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In the latest Gubernatorial Q&A conducted by Louisiana Radio Network, we asked the candidates what steps they would take to reduce the murder rate here. For years Louisiana has had the highest murder per capita rate in the nation and New Orleans police recently reported they’ve already reached 100 homicides this year. US Senator David Vitter…:

Cut 10 (10) “hardened criminals”

Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle says he’ll make sure law enforcement has all the resources they need to tackle the war on crime. He also feels non-governmental organizations should be involved in working together to combat the problem within communities…:

cut 11 (08)  “family unit”

Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says he strongly supports the right of law abiding citizens to legally own weapons which may be necessary for self defense. He says he’ll ensure state and local government officials work closely with programs which are developed to curb juvenile violence in high crime areas…:

cut 12 (11) “as Governor”

Democratic Amite Representative John Bel Edwards believes there is a clear link between having the highest incarceration rate and having the highest crime rate. He says he’ll make sure minor offenders are not locked up with hardened criminals…:

Cut 13 (10)  “life of crime”

______________________________________

Egg prices at the store are getting even higher. State Agriculture Commissioner and Chair of the Louisiana Egg Commission Mike Strain says the big increase is because of avian flu. He says egg prices have gone up 90 percent since May.

Cut 14 (09) “different markets”

Strain says the last case of bird flu was detected on June 17th and there have been 227 farms affected. He says more than 48 million birds were infected and those that died have yet to be replaced.

Cut 15  (07)  “United States”

Strain says egg prices will remain high until farmers can properly sterilize their facilities to reintroduce hens. He is concerned we might see the virus return in September and warms farmers to watch out for wild birds entering their flocks because many are still carrying the disease.

Cut 16  (08)  “influenza”

______________________________________

The Saints report to training camp at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, in ten days. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says a big question mark heading into the season is the defensive line, which didn’t play nearly as well as it did two years ago…

Cut 17 (19) ” from em” 

Detillier says there’s also question marks on the Saints offensive line, as they have to replace left guard Ben Grubbs, who was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs…

Cut 18 (15) “tackle spot”

Detillier says the Saints have improved at the cornerback position. He says veteran Keenan Lewis has been solid and they have better talent at the other corner spot…

Cut 19 (19) “there”

State lawmakers will not return to Baton Rouge for a veto session. Michelle Southern has the story…:

cut 2 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals has confirmed three new cases of the West Nile virus this week, the first cases of the year. Two cases were confirmed in the southwest and central Louisiana region and one in the Baton Rouge area. Last year, there were 62 cases of West Nile in Louisiana. Officials ask residents to take precautions against mosquitoes in order to avoid contracting the virus.

Louisiana ranks first among southern states in the number of major business projects per capita according to Southern Business and Development magazine. State Economic Development Secretary Steven Grissom says the magazine bases their ranking on large capital investment projects and large job creation projects…

cut 10 (10) “200 or more”

Louisiana earned 105 points in the rankings, easily outdistancing second-place Kentucky with 63 points.

A good portion of north and southeastern Louisiana is under a heat advisory and a hazardous weather outlook has been issued for south Louisiana due to extreme heat, according to the National Weather Service. State climatologist Barry Keim says we can continue to expect temperatures in Louisiana to be in the mid 90′s and possibly increase into the triple digits next week…

cut 7 (07) “vengeance”

He says rain chances remain low this weekend, but there’s the potential for a pop-up severe thunderstorm.

A recent Fox News poll on the Republican presidential field shows Governor Bobby Jindal polling at less than one-percent. Jeff Palermo reports…

cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Governor Jindal has signed an executive order allowing the Louisiana National Guard to arm guards protecting military facilities. It states that the Guard is permitted to give military guards the means to protect themselves in order to preserve the lives, property, and the security of themselves and others subject to the threat of an attack. This executive order comes after four Marines and a Navy officer were killed in a shooting at a military recruitment center in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Federal authorities announce a bust of a huge illegal computer hacking forum which resulted in the arrest of 70 alleged cyber-criminals including a man from Louisiana. 28-year-old Rory Stephen Guidry of Opelousas is charged with a count of computer fraud. FBI Assistant Special Agent Andrew Ludlum…

cut 15 (13) “from businesses”

Investigators say this exclusive group was the largest known English faction in the world which manufactured malicious computer software.

According to the National Weather Service, a good portion of north and southeastern Louisiana is under a heat advisory and a hazardous weather outlook has been issued for south Louisiana due to extreme heat. State climatologist Barry Keim says rain chances remain low this weekend, but there’s the potential for a pop-up severe thunderstorm.

cut 6 (07) “temperatures are”

Afternoon highs are expected in the mid- to upper-90s this weekend.

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy and David Vitter introduce the National Disaster Relief Tax Act that would give tax relief to victims of natural disasters that have taken place in recent years. Cassidy says this will greatly help those affected by the Red River flooding, because the President did not approval individual assistance for those victims…

cut 14 (11) “own needs”

Cassidy says the legislation would give disaster victims a break on their taxes and they can use that money to help in their recovery .

A recent Fox News poll on the Republican presidential field shows Governor Bobby Jindal polling at less than one-percent. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says the Jindal campaign has enough money available to get in the game, but these poll numbers could have a serious effect on fundraising efforts going forward…

cut 4 (09) “at the polls”

Cross says this is obviously not good news for Jindal.

For a sixth straight year, Louisiana ranks number one among southern states in the number of major business projects per capita according to Southern Business and Development magazine. State Economic Development Secretary Steven Grissom says the state has done so well in this ranking because Louisiana offers a strong business climate for companies looking to invest…

cut 11 (09) “choice for them”

Louisiana ranks among the top 10 states in the US in five national business climate rankings.

According to the National Weather Service, a good portion of north Louisiana is under a heat advisory and a hazardous weather outlook has been issued for south Louisiana due to extreme heat. State climatologist Barry Keim says it’s been dry across the state for the last week but rain chances are a little higher today and through the weekend…

cut 8 (06) “right now”

Keim says we’ve had dry and hot conditions because of a strong high pressure system.