It didn’t take long for the State Bond Commission to approve a 450-million dollar Superdome financing plan to pay for renovations to the four decades old New Orleans landmark. The state will spend 90-million dollars on the project, the Superdome Commission 210-million dollars and the Saints will put up the rest. Saints President Dennis Lauscha.

Cut 6 (08) “…150-million”

Renovations will take four years.

Former State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson has been cleared in an investigation into his alleged repeated misuse of department funds during his tenure. Edmonson Attorney Gray Sexton says Louisianans should be confident about the state’s decision to drop the case.

Cut 14 (12) “…misconduct”‘

The accusations include an incident where the Department funded a “side trip” to Vegas for troopers who were headed to a west coast conference.

Former St. Tammany Sheriff Jack Strain pleads not guilty to charges that he raped and molested four people over a roughly 24 year period starting when he was 17-years-old. Loyola law professor Dane Ciolino says despite the fact that some of the accusations date back to when 56-year-old Strain was 17, there is no statute of limitations.

Cut 9 (08) “…enough timely brought.”

He faces charges of aggravated rape, aggravated incest, indecent behavior with a juvenile, and sexual battery.

Former Lake Charles Police officer Robert Hammac has pleaded guilty in a federal courtroom to using excessive force during a police chase in 2017. U-S Attorney David Joseph says when the chase ended, Hammac ran to the front passenger door and grabbed the defendant

Cut 3 (09) “…additional times”

the 45-year-old faces up to ten years in prison.

The investigation into alleged repeated misuse of funds by former State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson ends without action being taken. Matt Doyle spoke with the former Colonel’s attorney…

cut  2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”  

A former Lake Charles police officer pleads guilty to using excessive force. 45-year-old Robert Hammac was involved in a vehicle pursuit in 2017 and upon the vehicle coming to a stop, Hammac repeatedly punched the driver in the head. The victim was not resisting arrest or posing a threat. Hammac faces up to ten years in prison and a quarter-million-dollar fine.

The State Bond Commission has approved a 450-million dollar financing plan to pay for renovations to the 44-year-old Superdome. The state will spend 90-million dollars on the project, the Superdome Commission 210-million dollars and the Saints will put up the rest. Saints President Dennis Lauscha says the planned improvements will improve the fan experience, expanded concourses, more concession stands and replacing the ramps with escalators and elevators.

Cut 7 (08) “…be comfortable”
The 4-year overhaul process will begin after this football season.
Former St. Tammany Sheriff Jack Strain pleads not guilty to charges of aggravated rape, aggravated incest, indecent behavior with a juvenile, and sexual battery.  Loyola law professor Dane Ciolino says at this point the trial moves into discovery as the defense tries to get a hold of police reports and evidence.
Cut 11 (08) “…perhaps psychological experts.”
The allegations carry up to a mandatory life sentence.

Former State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson has been cleared in an investigation into his alleged repeated misuse of department funds during his tenure. A Legislative auditor’s report detailed a department funded “side trip” to Las Vegas for troopers, Edmonson living rent-free at the state police compound, and other violations.  Edmonson Attorney Gray Sexton.

Cut 13 (12) “inquiry”

Edmondson served from 2008-2017.

Former St. Tammany Sheriff Jack Strain pleads not guilty to a litany of charges involving sexual assault and rape involving a series of cases dating back over four decades, with the most recent accusations are fifteen years old, and Loyola law professor Dane Ciolino says that’s likely going to be the defense’s main argument.

Cut 10 (10) “…are four victims.”

The Louisiana Bond Commission gave its approval today to a 450-million dollar plan to upgrade the Superdome. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Former St. Tammany Sheriff Jack Strain pleads not guilty to charges of aggravated rape, aggravated incest, indecent behavior with a juvenile, and sexual battery.  Loyola law professor Dane Ciolino says despite the fact that some of the accusations date back to when 56-year-old Strain was 17, there is no statute of limitations.
Cut 9 (08) “…enough timely brought.”
The allegations carry up to a mandatory life sentence.

Former State Police Superintendent Mike Edmondson has been cleared in an investigation into his alleged repeated misuse of department funds during his tenure. A Legislative auditor’s report detailed department-funded “side trip” to Las Vegas for troopers, Edmondson living rent-free at the state police compound, and other violations.  Edmondson Attorney Gray Sexton responds…

Cut 12 (08) “…report”

A poll finds nearly three out of four Louisiana residents believe in climate change and half of the respondents say it’s impacting their lives. Matt Doyle spoke with the pollsters…
voicer 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education gives state education superintendent John White a satisfactory job evaluation for the seventh year in a row. White credits a rising high school graduation rate and an increase in high school students who qualify for TOPS.

The state bond commission is scheduled to vote on the financing plans for the $450 million upgrade to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome today. State Treasurer John Schroder says the renovation process will take place over three to four years with plans to implement new features to heighten the game day experience for fans. Schroder says the cost will be shared among the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District, the Saints, and the state.

Cut 6 (06) “…putting up 90.”

Former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain will be arraigned on eight sex crime charges today, four of those charges date from when he was 17-years old.  Strain will appear in court in Covington to hear the crimes he is alleged to have committed over a 44 year period dating from 1975 through 2004–when he was serving as Sheriff.  In June, the Louisiana State Police arrested Strain on six counts of sexually related crimes. According to Louisiana law, there is no statute of limitation on aggravated rape.

We are entering the peak hurricane season, but it’s been a month since any named storm has popped up in the Atlantic Basin despite estimates from NOAA that this season would see above-average activity. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s been close to four decades since things have been this calm in the Atlantic during this time period.

Cut 14 (09) “…1982.”

NOAA’s prediction of an above average season was due to the disappearance of the El Nino this year.

In a survey of one-thousand Louisiana residents, 71 percent of the respondents believe in climate change. Restore the Mississippi River Delta conducted the poll and pollster Greg Rigamer says the percentage of those who believe in climate change varies between regions.
Cut 7 (11) “…58-percent.”

Today the state bond commission is scheduled to vote on the financing plan for the $450 million overhaul to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Brooke Thorington has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington ”

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A new poll shows most Louisianans believe in climate change, and half of state residents think it’s currently impacting their lives. Matt Doyle spoke with the two men behind the poll…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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It’s been a month straight since a named storm has formed in the Atlantic Basin despite high sea level temperatures and a non-existent El Nino. Kevin Barnhart asked a state climatologist what’s going on…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin barnhart”

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The state bond commission is scheduled to vote on the financing plans for the $450 million upgrade to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. State Treasurer John Schroder says he doesn’t foresee any hurdles in getting the greenlight on the overhaul.

Cut 4 (10) “…without any objection.”

The venue, which first opened in 1975, is in need of modifications to keep the venue competitive for hosting major events and keep the Saints in New Orleans for 30 more years. Schroder says although there has been some public pushback, the investment into the dome is a good one.

Cut 5 (08) “…I’m seeing done.”

The renovation process will take place over three to four years with plans to implement new features to heighten the game day experience for fans. Schroder says the cost will be shared among the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District, the Saints, and the state.

Cut 6 (06) “…putting up 90.”

_______________________

71 percent of Louisianans believe in climate change according to a survey that was aimed at measuring support for coastal restoration.

While a strong majority of Louisianans agree climate change is real, pollster Greg Rigamer says the percentage of those who believe in the phenomenon can vary wildly between different regions.

Cut 7 (11) “…percent.”

62 percent agree that climate change is real in the Lafourche/Terrebonne Parish region, where a significant amount of the state’s coastal erosion is taking place.

68 percent of respondents agree that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, and Rigamer says a majority are concerned about those impacts.

Cut 8 (10) “…no.”

While 71 percent may agree that climate change is real, only half of the respondents think it’s having an impact on their lives right now.

But Rigamer says there appears to be some difference in the number who believe in climate change, and the number who believe that weather events are getting more extreme.

Cut 9 (12) “…future”

The poll was commissioned by Restore the Mississippi River Delta.

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Louisiana takes the top spot for the safest state for kids to be online.  CenturyLink Quote spokesperson Elaine Thompson says the rankings take into consideration the number of victims of internet crimes, and the reported rates of malware infections.

Cut 10 (11) “…malware infection rates.”

Thompson says few other states have more law pertaining to cyberbullying and sexting.

Cut 11 (09) “…than 10 laws.”

Thompson says while Louisiana does have the top spot, the state is not immune to cyber dangers and it is up to parents to express the importance of best practices online.

Cut 12 (12) “…upcoming school year.”

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It may be peak hurricane season, but it’s been a month since any named storm has popped up in the Atlantic Basin despite estimates from NOAA that this season would see above-average activity.

State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s eerily quiet out there and this type of lull from July 15th-August 15th is rare…

Cut 13 (10) “…common”

It’s been calm seas for the most part, and NOAA’s tropical outlook does not foresee any new storms forming over the next five days. Keim says the last time that happened a lot of listeners weren’t even born.

Cut 14 (09) “…1982.”

That being said Keim warns not to let your guard down even if we escape the month of August without any trouble because the last time that happened the Atlantic woke up in a rage for September.

Cut 15 (10) “…September”

NOAA’s prediction of an above average season was due to the disappearance of the El Nino this year.

A poll shows near-unanimous support for coastal restoration efforts, strong majority support for sediment diversion projects, and majority support for taxes dedicated to funding the projects. Authorities believe diverting large amounts of sediment from the Mississippi River into the wetlands is the best policy to stop coastal erosion, and 55 percent of Louisianans are familiar with that concept…

Cut 4 (09) “…new land.”

That’s pollster Greg Rigamer who says support for sediment diversion is even above 60 percent in coastal parishes whose fishing industries would be impacted.

Medical marijuana may be legal but it’s still against the law to drive while under the influence of the substance, even if you have a prescription. State Police Lt. Nick Manale says…

Cut 13 (12) “or not”

Marijuana can stay in your system for up to 90 days.

Two Eunice men, 21-year-old Logan Bertrand, and 18-year-old Carlos Juan Flores, have been arrested for setting fire to a neighboring mobile home. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the fire is one of two to rock the Eunice community in recent days, including an unrelated blaze in a fourplex that displaced the families that lived there.

Cut 10 (09) “…other as well.”

No one was injured in the fires.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees has teamed up with Governor John Bel Edwards to help get the word out about the state’s new Veterans First Business Initiative. In a P-S-A, Brees encourages the public to visit l-a-veterans-first-dot-org to search for Louisiana veteran-owned businesses.

Cut 7 (06) “…their team.”

The goal is to encourage consumers to do business with Louisiana’s veteran-owned firms.

A new poll shows nearly all Louisianans want action on coastal restoration, and a strong majority would support higher taxes if it meant saving our coast. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees has teamed up with Governor John Bel Edwards to help get the word out about the state’s new Veterans First Business Initiative. The two shot a P-S-A together and Edwards says the program will promote veteran-owned businesses through certification…

Cut 6 (08) “…your business”

Two Eunice men, 21-year-old Logan Bertrand, and 18-year-old Carlos Juan Flores, have been arrested for setting fire to a neighboring mobile home. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the home had recently been vacated and there were two separate attempts to burn the structure down.

Cut 8 (06) “…as being involved.”

No one was injured in the fire. The two have been charged with simple arson and criminal trespassing.

Medical marijuana may be legal but it’s still against the law to drive while under the influence of the substance, even if you have a prescription. Medical marijuana is designed to not include some of the psychoactive properties of recreational pot, but State Police Lt. Nick Manale says the substance can still impact your perception.

Cut 12 (07) “…ability”

Due to the effects of THC, employers still have a legal right to deny you work if you test positive, even if you have a prescription.

A poll shows near-unanimous support for coastal restoration efforts, strong majority support for sediment diversion projects, and majority support for taxes dedicated to funding the projects. 63 percent said they would support a state tax dedicated to coastal restoration projects. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says 2/3rds support for a tax is a crucial number for the Legislature…
Cut 5 (08) “…payers”
Support levels varied from region to region, with only 49 percent of north Louisianans supporting a coastal restoration tax.

Medical marijuana may be legal but it’s still against the law to drive while under the influence of the substance, even if you have a prescription. State Police Lt. Nick Manale says you can be charged a DWI under any type of impairment that causes a driver to operate their vehicle in an unsafe way.
Cut 11 (10) “…different.”
The man accused of punching comedian Andy Dick outside a New Orleans nightclub early Saturday morning has been arrested. I’m Brooke Thorington…

cut  2 (28) I’m Brooke Thorington”  

Two Eunice men, 21-year-old Logan Bertrand, and 18-year-old Carlos Juan Flores, have been arrested for setting fire to a neighboring mobile home. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says no motive was discovered in when the suspects were questioned.

Cut 9 (10) “…with our deputies.”

The two are charged with simple arson and criminal trespassing.

A poll shows near unanimous support for coastal restoration efforts, strong majority support for sediment diversion projects, and majority support for taxes dedicated to funding the projects. The poll shows 98 percent of Louisianans want government to tackle coastal erosion. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says you just don’t see that number for other state issues.
Cut 3 (10) “…the boards”
77 percent believe coastal erosion will impact them within the next decade.

It’s been a week since medical marijuana became available to patients in Louisiana and grower GB Sciences says about 10,000 vials of the treatment have been delivered to nine licensed pharmacies licensed to sell the product. GB President John Davis…
Cut 10 (09) “community”
Davis says they estimate five to ten-thousand patients are participating in the state’s medical-marijuana program.

The man accused of punching comedian Andy Dick outside a New Orleans nightclub early Saturday morning has been arrested. I’m Brooke Thorington…

cut  2 (30) I’m Brooke Thorington”  

Sports Illustrated ranks LSU’s Mike the Tiger as the third best mascot in college football, behind only Oregon’s Duck and Georgia’s Bulldog, Uga.