A poll from the nonpartisan Public Religion Research Institute finds 34-percent of Louisiana residents say abortion should be legal in most or all cases, nationally the percentage is 54. The national Democratic Party is firmly pro-choice, and ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says this poll is why local Democrats face an uphill battle running for statewide office.
Cut 14 (08) “…parts.”

The State completes its first week of medical marijuana availability and grower GB Sciences says about 10,000 vials of the treatment have been sent out to select pharmacies. GB President John Davis says they don’t know exactly how many patients, but he estimates it’s between 5,000-10,000 residents.

Cut 11 (5) “…works”

Davis says they are also looking to roll out a variety products like creams, and inhalables in the near future.

A break from the heat is on the way. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the drop should bring conditions closer to normal, but the high humidity will still present dangerous heat index values.

Cut 8 (07) “…115.”

The Halloween & Costume Association is pushing to have Halloween celebrations on the last Saturday of October.  Founder and CEO of Pet Krewe in New Orleans and HCA member Allison Albert says the idea is to hold more of the festivities on the weekend to help kids with a day to recover after a candy binge.

Cut 4 (10) “…bag of chocolates.”

The petition can be found at change-dot-org. The Association says they still want Halloween to be recognized at the end of the month just celebrations to be on the weekend.

A survey says Louisiana has the lowest level of support for abortion rights in the nation, with only 34 percent saying they support the right to legal abortion in most, or all cases. Sixty percent of state respondents said abortion should be illegal in most or all cases. ULM Poli Sci Professor Joshua Stockley says that has a direct effect on the kinds of candidates the Democratic Party can run locally…

Cut 13 (10) “…that.”

It’s been a week now since medical marijuana has been available to patients in Louisiana. GB President John Davis says with a seamless rollout behind them, they’re looking forward to offering products like oral strips, creams and inhalable product in the near future.

Cut 12 (10) “…tweaks”

The Halloween & Costume Association is pushing to expand Halloween celebrations to include the final Saturday of October. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart ”

The petition can be found online at Change-dot-org

A very mild drop in temps is expected today, offering modest relief from a heat index that has been in excess of 110 degrees.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says a cold front is coming.

Cut 7 (10) “…across the state.”

Only 34 percent of Louisianans support the right to an abortion in most, or all cases, the lowest in the nation according to a survey. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

The State completes its first week of medical marijuana availability and grower GB Sciences says about 10,000 vials of the treatment have been sent out to select pharmacies. GB President John Davis says they don’t know exactly how many patients, but he estimates it’s between 5,000-10,000 residents.

Cut 11 (5) “…works”

The man accused of punching comedian Andy Dick outside a New Orleans nightclub early Saturday morning is now in custody. 40-year-old David Hale is facing second-degree battery and simple battery charges. Hale was booked Wednesday in the Orleans Parish Jail. Andy Dick told The New Orleans Advocate he was unconscious for 15 minutes after he was knockout after his performance at One-Eyed Jacks. The comedian was then taken by ambulance to the hospital and observed for a possible brain bleed.

The Halloween & Costume Association is pushing to have Halloween celebrations on the last Saturday of October.  Founder and CEO of Pet Krewe in New Orleans and HCA member Allison Albert says the idea is to hold more of the festivities on the weekend to help kids with a day to recover after a candy binge.

Cut 4 (10) “…bag of chocolates.”

Albert says more awareness for celebrations on a weekend will lead to safer Halloween experiences.

The Halloween & Costume Association is pushing to expand Halloween celebrations to include the final Saturday of October. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart ”

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Medical marijuana enters it’s second week of availability in the state. Matt Doyle spoke to grower GB Sciences about the historic first seven days…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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 Only 34 percent of Louisianans support the right to an abortion in most, or all cases, the lowest in the nation according to a survey. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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The Halloween & Costume Association is pushing an effort to have Halloween celebrations on the last Saturday of October.  Founder and CEO of Pet Krewe and HCA member Allison Albert says the idea is to hold more of the festivities on the weekend will help kids with a day to recover after a candy binge.

Cut 4 (10) “…bag of chocolates.”

Albert says more awareness for celebrations on a weekend will lead to safer Halloween experiences.

Cut 5 (10) “…little more cautious.”

Albert says the group is not attempting to remove Halloween from the last night of the October but to add to the celebration.

Cut 6 (11) “…fully celebrate Halloween.”

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A very mild drop in temps is expected today, offering modest relief from a heat index that has been in excess of 110 degrees in recent days.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says a cold front is coming and will bring with it cloud cover and an increased chance of rain.

Cut 7 (10) “…across the state.”

Keim says the drop should bring conditions closer to normal, but the high humidity will present dangerous heat index values.

Cut 8 (07) “…115.”

Keim says hotter weather should present itself again at the work week wraps up.

Cut 9 (07) “…to offer here.”

_______________________

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 sent out to select pharmacies.

GB President John Davis says all nine of the state’s medical marijuana pharmacies have received product, and the pharmacies are reporting few hiccups, and steady demand.

Cut 10 (09) “community”

GB is partnered with the LSU AgCenter in growing the plants that are turned into the non-psychoactive treatment.

We don’t know exactly how many people have participated in the program so far due to doctor-patient confidentially, but Davis says they estimate it’s between 5,000-10,000 residents.

Cut 11 (10) “…mission”

Each vial purchased by a patient with an authorized prescription runs about 80-200 dollars.

Davis says with a seamless rollout behind them, they’re looking forward to offering oral strips by September/October, creams by later this year, and inhalable product by the first quarter of next year.

Cut 12 (10) “…tweaks”

_____________________________

A survey says Louisiana has the lowest level of support for abortion rights in the nation, with only 34 percent saying they support the right to legal abortion in most, or all cases.

60 percent of state respondents said abortion should be illegal in most or all cases. ULM Poli Sci Professor Joshua Stockley says that has a direct effect on the kinds of candidates the Democratic party can run locally…

Cut 13 (10) “…that.”

Nationally 54 percent of respondents supported  abortion in most or all cases, and 40 percent said they opposed legal abortion in most or all cases.

The national Democratic Party is firmly pro-choice, and Stockley says this poll is an example of the biggest problem local Democrats have when running for statewide office.

Cut 14 (08) “…parts.”

The study broke the numbers down by ethnic group, with Asians/Pacific Islanders (60%) and African Americans (58%) having the most support for legal abortion, while Hispanics were the only group with majority opposition (48%-45%).

Stockley says the overwhelming opposition to abortion rights in Louisiana creates a clear order of operations for candidates seeking statewide office.

Cut 15 (09) “…of them”

The survey was conducted by the Public Religion Research Institute.

This week marks the three-year anniversary of the 2016 south Louisiana flood. The state received one-point-two billion dollars from the feds to rebuild. Office of Community Development Executive Director Pat Forbes says 90-percent of the homeowners eligible for Restore grant dollars have received checks, the other 10-percent will get their money soon…
cut 4 (09) “…cleared up”
Forbes says 15-thousand households have received assistance through the Restore Louisiana program.
It’s been a brutal few days of heat but National Weather Service Slidell meteorologist Robert Ricks says relief may be on the way tomorrow in the form of a weak cold frontal boundary coming into the area and increasing the rain chances.
Cut 8 (05) “…break the heat.”
Today saw heat indexes above 110 in a few cities.
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Gumbo PAC, a super PAC supporting Governor Edwards, rolls out two new statewide television ads attacking his Republican rivals. Kevin Barnhart has more.
cut 2 (32) I’m Kevin Barnhart”
A Public Religion Research Institute study shows Louisiana has the lowest levels of support for abortion rights in the nation, with only 34 percent saying it should be legal. 60 percent of respondents replied that abortion should be illegal in most or all cases. This compares to 54 percent nationwide who said abortion should be legal in most or all cases, while only 40 percent said the procedure should be illegal in most or all cases.

The Advocate releases a report showing only a third of 2016 flood RESTORE applicants received funds, but the state is countering, saying most people who applied were not eligible…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

The excessive heat warning issued for north Louisiana is now extending into the southeastern portion of the state. National Weather Service Slidell meteorologist Robert Ricks says the temps are expected to get into the mid to upper 90s, but it’ll feel much hotter.

Cut 6 (05) “…to 118 range.”

Ricks says relief may be on the way tomorrow with increased rain chances.

Pro-Edwards super PAC Gumbo PAC releases two statewide television ads attacking both major Republicans in the race, Eddie Rispone and Congressman Ralph Abraham.  UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says the Gumbo PAC spent millions four years ago, and it appears they are going for a repeat.

Cut 9 (07) “…way through it.”

The anti-Rispone ad claims the Baton Rouge businessman failed to properly pay workers and attempted to hire foreign workers instead of labor from Louisiana.  Rispone’s campaign says the ad is an attempt to distract voters that Louisiana ranks dead last in almost every category.

A grisly scene in New Orleans East as a rock band shooting a music video stumbles upon the charred remains of several dogs.  Authorities say they’re not sure what happened to the dogs, but, Louisiana Humane Society Executive Director Jeff Dorson says the crime scene contains clues pointing to two different criminal acts…

Cut 13 (08) “burning them”

Office of Community Development Executive Director Pat Forbes says 90 percent of those who were eligible to receive RESTORE 2016 flood grant funds have been sent a check so far, but only 36 percent of those who applied were deemed eligible to receive the federal money due to the program’s strict requirements.

Cut 3 (11) “…eligible”

Louisiana received 1.2 billion from the feds for homeowner relief.

Sweltering hot temperatures now blanket the entire state. National Weather Service Slidell meteorologist Robert Ricks says we’ve got heat indexes over 110 in some areas, so keep hydrated and keep indoors the best that you can because the recent string of hot days can be hazardous.

Cut 7 (04) “…taxing on the body.”

We should get a brief reprieve tomorrow as summer showers glide into the Bayou State.

Pro- Governor Edwards super PAC, Gumbo PAC, has begun hammering Republicans Eddie Rispone and Congressman Abraham with statewide TV ads. One clip attacks Abraham for not keeping his word of donating his congressional salary to charity, while the other accuses Rispone of hiring foreign workers, not paying employees, and not covering employees’ medical bills. UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says it’s a strong line of attack.

Cut 10 (09) “…voting for them.”

Rispone’s campaign says it’s an effort to distract from the state’s poor performance.

A grisly scene in New Orleans East as a rock band shooting a music video stumbles upon the charred remains of several dogs. Louisiana Humane Society Executive Director Jeff Dorson says the corpses were discovered in an overgrown grassy area just off a main roadway…

Cut 12 (11) “…a third”

The Advocate releases a report showing only a third of 2016 flood RESTORE applicants received funds, but the state is countering, saying most people who applied were not eligible…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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Gumbo PAC, a super PAC supporting Governor Edwards, rolls out two new statewide television ads attacking his Republican rivals. Kevin Barnhart has more.

cut  2 (32) I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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A report says only a third of people who applied for RESTORE 2016 flood grant money have actually received any cash, but the state says that statistic is misleading.

Office of Community Development Executive Director Pat Forbes says 90 percent of those who were eligible to receive RESTORE funds have been sent a check, and most of those who didn’t get money were not eligible…

Cut 3 (11) “…eligible”

The report was on the front page of the Advocate this morning.

Forbes says if you’re eligible you’ve likely already received the cash, and the other 10 percent who are left will likely get their check soon.

Cut 4 (09) “…cleared up.”

Louisiana received 1.2 billion from the feds, 700 million of which Forbes estimates will ultimately be spent on homeowners, the rest will be spent to repair and construct affordable rental units.

After the flood, the state called for anyone impacted by the flood to fill out RESTORE paperwork. Forbes says even if most applicants ultimately weren’t eligible, 15,000 households were helped.

Cut 5 (11) “…eligible”

43,000 people applied for RESTORE funds.

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The excessive heat warning issued for north Louisiana is now extending into the southeastern portion of the state. National Weather Service Slidell meteorologist Robert Ricks says the temps are expected to get into the mid to upper 90s, with the humidity levels expected to make conditions feel even more unbearable.

Cut 6 (05) “…to 118 range.”

Ricks says keep hydrated and keep indoors the best that you can because the recent string of hot days can be hazardous.

Cut 7 (04) “…taxing on the body.”

Ricks says relief may be on the way tomorrow in the form of a weak cold frontal boundary coming into the area and increasing the rain chances.

Cut 8 (05) “…break the heat.”

________________________________________

Pro-Edwards super PAC Gumbo PAC releases two statewide television ads attacking both major Republicans in the race, Eddie Rispone and Congressman Ralph Abraham.  UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says the Gumbo PAC spent millions four years ago, and it appears they are going for a repeat.

Cut 9 (07) “…way through it.”

One clip attacks Abraham for not keeping his word of donating his congressional salary to charity, while the other accuses Rispone of hiring foreign workers, not paying employees, and not covering employees’ medical bills.  Cross does not believe voters pay much attention to the source of the ads but says they are effective in getting a message to voters.

Cut 10 (09) “…voting for them.”

Cross says the initial mudslinging is a sign of things to come throughout this race, as they can be an effective tactic.

Cut 11 (12) “…know very much.”

Rispone has responded saying, “John Bel Edwards and his liberal cronies are trying to distract you from the fact that under his leadership we are ranked dead last in almost every category. From jobs to healthcare, liberal John Bel has failed Louisiana.”

________________________________

A grisly scene in New Orleans East as a rock band shooting a music video stumbles upon the charred remains of several dogs.

Louisiana Humane Society Executive Director Jeff Dorson says the corpses were discovered in an overgrown grassy area just off a main roadway. He describes the disturbing scene.

Cut 12 (11) “…a third”

The band was filming on scene with a few former Saints players, and Rockin Doopsie when they said they could smell something putrid, and followed the stench to the scene.

Authorities say they’re not sure what happened to the dogs, but Dorson says the crime scene contains clues pointing to two different criminal acts…

Cut 13 (08) “burning them”

Dorson says if you’re in New Orleans east and are missing a dog, or have information about the crime please contact the Humane Society.

Cut 14 (10) “…for it”‘

You can call the humane society at 901-268-4432, or message them at their Facebook page.

Cut 16 (08) “…pharmacy.”
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The excessive heat warning issued for north Louisiana is now extending into the southeastern portion of the state. National Weather Service Slidell meteorologist Robert Ricks says the temps are expected to get into the mid to upper 90s, with the humidity levels expected to make conditions feel even more unbearable.
Cut 6 (05) “…to 118 range.”
Ricks says relief may be on the way tomorrow with increased rain chances.
A report from The Advocate says only 36 percent of people who applied for RESTORE 2016 flood grant money have actually received any cash, but Office of Community Development Executive Director Pat Forbes says that’s a misleading statistic. Forbes says 90 percent of those who were eligible to receive RESTORE funds have been sent a check, and those who didn’t get money…

Cut 3 (11) “…eligable”

The other 10 percent who are still waiting for money fell into the Duplication of Benefits loophole.

Governor John Bel Edwards visited Saints training camp on Monday and discussed the 450-million dollar plan to renovate the Mercedes Benz Superdome. Edwards says it is vital for the Superdome, which opened in 1975, to see optimizations that keep the facility competitive in being able to host many major events.

Cut 9 (10) “…and we upgrade.”

Artist renderings may be available by the end of the week. The renovation process is expected to start immediately after the current football season.

An LSU study shows over the last six decades rain events have gotten more intense and drop more rain in a shorter period of time, causing increased risk of flash flood events. LSU Assistant Professor of Research Dr. Vincent Brown was on the research team and says it’s not that all rain events are more intense on average, but we are seeing an increasing number of more severe downpours…

Cut 10 (10) “trend.”

A man convicted of raping and murdering a four-year-old child in 2001 has had his death sentence put on hold by a federal judge, just a week before his scheduled execution date. Jason Reeves’s attorneys filed a federal appeal that could extend the case another few years Calcasieu Parish DA John DeRosier says it’s a ploy to hold out until the Legislature outlaws the death penalty.
Cut 13 (10) “…them.”
Reeves kidnapped, raped, and then stabbed four-year-old Mary Jean Thigpen to death in November of 2001.

An LSU study shows over the last six decades rain events have gotten more intense and drop more rain in a shorter period of time, causing an increased risk of flash flood events. The change has been so gradual that LSU Assistant Professor of Research Dr. Vincent Brown says it would be hard to notice it on a year to year, or even decade to decade range.

Cut 12 (10) “…period”

A new online service allows residents to securely view, download, and print official copies of immunization records on-demand for free.  Assistant Secretary for the Office of Public Health Dr. Alexander Billioux says the signup and verification process is relatively quick, taking about five minutes to complete.

Cut 5 (09) “…in your dependents.”

The website can be found at LA.MyIR.net.

Comedian Andy Dick was attacked following a performance at One Eyed Jacks in New Orleans over the weekend, this according to a representative of Dick. An assailant allegedly sucker-punched Dick outside of the French Quarter establishment while waiting on a rideshare. Dick was transported to the ICU for head injuries and was in the hospital for several days and a second show was canceled due to his injuries. The rep says Dick will likely never book a show in New Orleans again.