A low-pressure system in the northern portion of the Gulf is showing potential for developing into a tropical depression.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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Lafayette based food delivery service Waitr is preparing to add the option to have booze delivered with your food. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Parents who’ve had their drivers license suspended for overdue child support payments are being given a chance to get back on the road starting August 1st…

Cut 3 (30) “.Matt Doyle”

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The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is keeping a finger on the pulse of the weather forecast with a system in the Gulf that has the potential to develop into a threat to Louisiana.  GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele says as of Monday, the system has an 80% chance of developing into a tropical depression.

Cut 4 (10) “…type of development.”

Steele says there are several precautions Louisiana residents need to take ahead of the storm as it could result in a massive amount of rainfall on the Gulf Coast.

Cut 5  (07) “…with your family.” 

In 2016, a weather system formed in the northern portion on the Gulf of Mexico, resulting in the flooding that many are still trying to recover from due to high amounts of rainfall.  National Weather Service Slidell Meteorologist Freddie Zeiggler says the current system has some parallels to that 2016 storm.

Cut 6 (10) “…and coastal flooding.”

Zeiggler says the development could even turn into a hurricane by the end of the week.

Cut 7 (10) “…a big issue.”

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Food delivery service Waitr says they’re in the process of adding beer and wine to the list of goods you can have delivered with your order.

Waitr CEO Chris Meaux says once they work out the specifics with the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, you’ll see a new option on the app when you go to order from participating restaurants.

Cut 8 (08) “…of ID”

Beer and wine delivery was OK’d in the last Legislative session, but Meaux says there is no current timeline as to when ATC will approve this request.

You can’t just have the booze delivered to your door though. Meaux says in order to have the factory sealed beer or wine included in your order, you’ve got to have some food as well.

Cut 9 (09) “…order.”

Meaux says alcohol delivery has been one of the most sought after additions to food delivery since Waitr came into existence, and a goal for the company.

Cut 10 (10) “…happen.”

Waitr works with more than 3,500 restaurants statewide.

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According to the National College Access Network’s FAFSA tracker, Louisiana ranks number one throughout the nation for application completion for a second year. Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance Executive Director Dr. Sujuan Boutté says the numbers are a big win for the state.

Cut 11 (12) “…completed their FAFSA.”

Boutté says the growth in applications has seen an uptick in student activity in becoming more proactive about continuing education beyond high school.

Cut 12 (11) “…awards of TOPS.”

Nationwide, 53% of seniors have applied for FAFSA.  Boutté says they’ve found the right tools to get kids on the track for higher learning.

Cut 13 (13) “…students and parentsl.”

Tennessee came in at number two followed by Delaware, DC, and New Jersey.

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Starting August 1^st the Department of Children and Family services is giving parents who are behind on child support the opportunity to get their drivers license back without having to pay off everything they owe immediately.

Regional Administrator for Child Support Enforcement Sandra Broussard has the details on how “On The Road” works…

Cut 14 (10) “…fees”

Previously parents could have their license suspended for being 90 days past due and could not get their license reinstated without making the full back-payment.

Broussard says getting non-custodial parents their licenses back increases make them more likely to make payments…

Cut 15 (10) “…their children”

It’s the second year of the program that began a six-week run last year. Broussard says last year they had a lot of success.

Cut 16  (12) “…dollars”  

The program runs through September 30^th.

Governor Edwards drops his first re-election TV and online ad of the gubernatorial campaign, with a familiar foe front and center…

cut  2 (29) I’m Matt Doyle”  

According to the National College Access Network’s FAFSA tracker, 78.7 percent of Louisiana’s nearly 48-thousand high school seniors completed their free application for Federal Student Aid. With the findings, Louisiana ranks number one for application completion for a second year. Tennessee came in at number two followed by Delaware, DC, and New Jersey.

Restore Louisiana is sending out the first round of checks to 2016 flood victims, previously denied government aid because they were approved for an SBA loan. Executive Director of the Louisiana Office of Community Development Pat Forbes says 230 homeowners will receive the grant money this week and many other families received notification today they are eligible for this money too…
cut 12 (11) “..your grant”
A Belle Rose man is in the slammer after going to a grocery store, filming himself opening a Blue Bell ice cream container, licking the contents, sticking his fingers in the container, then returning it to the store freezer.  36-year-old Lenise Lloyd Martin III is accused of pulling the stunt.  Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office Commander Lonny Cavalier says Martin produced a receipt showing he later purchased an identical package.

Cut 4 (10) “…of gaining notoriety”
Martin remains in the parish prison.

The Assumption Parish Sheriff’s office is working a “cold” case after a Belle Rose man attempts to gain social media infamy with a grocery store prank.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

A dog is dead after a high jacking incident in Baton Rouge. Yesterday a man left his dog in the car with the AC on while going into a doughnut shop, only for someone to steal the car with the dog in tow. That led to a citywide hunt for both the dog and car that ran over 24 hours. Authorities say they discovered the dog in the car, and have determined the animal died of heat exhaustion. 30-year-old Leslie Aguillard was arrested on a litany of charges as a result.

The National Hurricane Center says there is a high probability a tropical depression will form by the end of the week over the northern Gulf of Mexico, which has the potential to produce heavy rain over Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says as long as this possible tropical depression or storm doesn’t develop into anything too significant, the potential rainmaker could be beneficial to Louisiana…

Cut 8 (10) “…hot”

Keim says eight to ten inches of rain could fall across the northern Gulf Coast later this week. 

Governor Edwards has released his first TV re-election ad of the gubernatorial campaign. The ad emphasizes Louisiana’s recovery from the Jindal deficits under Edwards’ leadership. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s a familiar line for Edwards, but it has a weakness…

Cut 9 (09) “surplus.”

Edwards passed a one cent sales tax increase after taking office to plug the budget deficit.

The National Hurricane Center says there is a high probability a tropical depression will form by the end of the week over the northern Gulf of Mexico, which has the potential to produce heavy rain over Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says an area of low pressure is expected to move into the northeastern Gulf.

Cut 6 (12) “…Gulf coast”

eight to ten inches of rain could fall across the northern Gulf later this week.

A Belle Rose man was arrested after filming himself opening a Blue Bell ice cream container at a grocery, licking the contents, then returning it to the freezer.  36-year-old Lenise Martin III was charged. Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office Commander Lonny Cavalier says it’s a prank that is not taken lightly.

Cut 3 (07) “…that does that.”

It appears Martin later returned to the store and purchased the ice-cream he licked.

Governor Edwards has released his first TV re-election ad of the gubernatorial campaign. The ad emphasizes Louisiana’s recovery from the Jindal deficits under Edwards’ leadership. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says expect a counter attack from his Republican opponents over just how Edwards managed to stop those deficits.

Cut 10 (09) “…Louisiana”

Edwards is running against Eddie Rispone and Congressman Ralph Abraham.

Restore Louisiana is sending out the first round of checks to 2016 flood victims, previously denied government aid because they were approved for an SBA loan, but unfortunately other flood victims will have to wait at least another three months while the state gets an action plan approved by the feds.

Cut 14 (11) “…comment period.”

That’s Executive Director of the Louisiana Office of Community Development Pat Forbes who says 230 homeowners will receive grant money this week.

The National Hurricane Center says there is a high probability a tropical depression will form by the end of the week over the northern Gulf of Mexico, which has the potential to produce heavy rain over Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the system has some similarities to the historic 2016 south Louisiana flood…

Cut 7 (11) “…right now”

Keim says eight to ten inches of rain could fall across the northern Gulf.

A Belle Rose man is in jail after filming himself opening a Blue Bell ice cream container at a grocer, licking the contents, sticking his fingers in the container, then putting it back in the store freezer.36-year-old Lenise Martin has been arrested for the unlawful posting of criminal activity for notoriety, but Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office Commander Lonny Cavalier says his legal issues do not end there.

Cut 5 (09) “…owner of it.”

Martin was booked into the parish prison Saturday.

Governor Edwards has released his first TV re-election ad of the gubernatorial campaign. The ad emphasizes Louisiana’s recovery from the Jindal deficits under Edwards’ leadership. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Pinsonat says the reported seven figure ad buy will likely appeal to Edwards base, but he’s got a long way to go to convince the state’s more conservative voters…

Cut 11 (12) “…state.”

The primary is set for October 12^th

Restore Louisiana is sending out the first round of checks to 2016 flood victims, previously denied government aid because they were approved for an SBA loan. Executive Director of the Louisiana Office of Community Development Pat Forbes says flood victims who received money through an S-B-A loan will have to wait at least another three months, so will those who drew down an S-B-A loan and their household is above 120-percent of the area median income…

Cut 13 (10) “…action plan.”

230 homeowners will receive grant money this week.

The trial of former LSU fraternity member Matthew Naquin, who was charged with negligent homicide in the alleged hazing death of Max Gruver in 2017, begins today. While the two sides take turns attacking Gruver and Naquin’s character, Legal analyst Tim Meche says it’ll be up to the judge to keep the proceedings focused…
Cut 14 (10) “…Gruver”
The trial is expected to take over a week to find a verdict.

A Belle Rose man is in the slammer after going to a grocery store, filming himself opening a Blue Bell ice cream container, licking the contents, sticking his fingers in the container, then returning it to the store freezer.  36-year-old Lenise Lloyd Martin III is accused of pulling the stunt.  Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office Commander Lonny Cavalier says Martin produced a receipt showing he later purchased an identical package.

Cut 4 (10) “…of gaining notoriety”
Martin remains in the parish prison.

Governor Edwards drops his first re-election TV ad of the gubernatorial campaign, with a familiar foe front and center…

cut  2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”  

Jury selection has begun in the trial of Matthew Naquin, the former LSU fraternity member who has been charged with Negligent Homicide in the alleged 2017 hazing death of Maxwell Gruver. Legal analyst Tim Meche says once the jury is picked and the lawyers begin their opening arguments, the trial will likely be difficult to watch for both families…

Cut 13 (11) “…in general.”

Naquin allegedly pressured Gruver into drinking himself to death during a fraternity initiation ceremony.

Governor Edwards has released his first re-election campaign TV ad of the now heating up gubernatorial campaign. The ad emphasizes Louisiana’s recovery from the Jindal deficits under Edwards’ leadership. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s a familiar line for Edwards, but it has a weakness…

Cut 9, 11 seconds, surplus

Also in the race are Republicans Eddie Rispone and Congressman Abraham.

A Belle Rose man is under arrest after going to a grocery store, filming himself opening a Blue Bell ice cream container, licking the contents, sticking his fingers in the container, then returning it to the store freezer.  Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office Commander Lonny Cavalier says it’s a prank that is not taken lightly.

Cut 3 (07) “…that does that.”

The man later went back to the store and purchased the container.

The National Hurricane Center says there is a high probability a tropical depression will form by the end of the week over the northern Gulf of Mexico, which has the potential to produce heavy rain over Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says an area of low pressure is expected to move into the northeastern Gulf of Mexico

Cut 6 (12) “…Gulf coast”

Keim says eight to ten inches of rain could fall across the northern Gulf Coast later this week.

The trial of Matthew Naquin, the LSU Frat member charged with negligent homicide in the alleged hazing death of Max Gruver, begins today…

Cut 3 (30) “.Matt Doyle”

A Belle Rose man is in the slammer after going to a grocery store, then filming himself opening a Blue Bell ice cream container, licking the contents, sticking his fingers in the container, then returning it to the store freezer.  36-year-old Lenise Lloyd Martin III is accused of pulling the stunt, and has been arrested for the unlawful posting of criminal activity for notoriety and publicity and one count of criminal mischief.  A receipt showed that he later purchased an identical package, believed to be the one used in the video.

State Treasurer John Schroder is blocking the state from using 25 million dollars in unclaimed property in this fiscal year’s budget, telling lawmakers if they want the money, they’ll “have to drag me to court”.  Schroder says the Legislature has appropriated 850 million dollars of unclaimed property funds over the decades, but after doing some research, he doesn’t think the move it legal.

Cut 7 (10) “…it.”

In September the department was so successful in finding people who were owed money, that they overdrew the fund’s account by 20 million dollars and had to delay sending out new checks for 120 days.
The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana presents the first Louisiana Rural Economic Development Summit along with Southern University Law Center this week in Marksville at the Paragon Casino Resort.  Tribe Chairman Marshall Pierite says the summit will also feature two of the three individuals on the ballot for the Governor’s race.

Cut 12 (10) “…luncheon on Monday.”

A new law sponsored by Houma Representative Jerome Zeringue results in rescue shelters facing new restrictions when it comes to animals and research facilities.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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The state treasurer is blocking 25 million in unclaimed property funds from being used in this year’s budget. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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The trial of Matthew Naquin, the LSU Frat member charged with negligent homicide in the alleged hazing death of Max Gruver, begins today…

Cut 3 (30) “.Matt Doyle”

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A law recently signed by Governor Edwards brings new restrictions to rescue shelters on how and when they can pass along animals to research facilities. Houma Representative Jerome Zeringue says in the event that the animal ends up going to a research facility, the law increases the likelihood of an animal finding a good home.

Cut 4 (07) “…for those animals.”

Zeringue says among the regulations, shelters must notify those making an animal drop off that they do provide animals for testing.  It also eliminates automatic euthanizing of animals for research that could possibly find a good home.

Cut 5    (07) “…also the shelters.” 

Zeringue says each violation would result in a $1000 fine.

Cut 6 (09) “…with the law.”

The law goes into effect August 1^st.

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State Treasurer John Schroder is blocking the state from using 25 million dollars in unclaimed property in this fiscal year’s budget, telling lawmakers if they want the money, they’ll “have to drag me to court”.

Schroder says the Legislature has appropriated 850 million dollars of unclaimed property funds over the decades, but after doing some research, he doesn’t think the move it legal.

Cut 7 (10) “…it.”

An Edwards spokesperson responded, saying “The budget bill passed by the Legislature and signed into law by the Governor appropriates that money for critical needs throughout the state”, and that they hope they don’t have to go to court to get the funds.

Schroder says the money in the fund rightfully belongs to the people of Louisiana, and is comprised of money that often from very personal sources such as inheritances, life insurance, and more…

Cut 8 (12) “…certificates.”

The Republican has served as Treasurer since 2017.

Schroder says technical advances have allowed his department to get more money from that fund out to the public than ever before, so there isn’t even 25 million dollars left for the Legislature to appropriate this year.

Cut 9 (09) “…year.”

In September the department was so successful in finding people who were owed money, that they overdrew the fund’s account by 20 million dollars and had to delay sending out new checks for 120 days.

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The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana presents the first Louisiana Rural Economic Development Summit along with Southern University Law Center this week in Marksville at the Paragon Casino Resort.  Tribe Chairman Marshall Pierite says the goal of the summit is to connect rural communities with local, state, and national leaders, as well as Native American Country.

Cut 10 (12) “…to be successful.”

Pierite hopes the summit, which kicked of yesterday and continues through tomorrow, helps develop a steady platform for small business owners and elected officials.

Cut 11 (08) “…fostering economic development.”

Pierite says the summit will also feature two of the three individuals on the ballot for the Governor’s race.

Cut 12 (10) “…luncheon on Monday.”

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The trial of former LSU fraternity member Matthew Naquin, who was charged with negligent homicide in the alleged hazing death of Max Gruver in 2017, begins today.

Legal analyst Tim Meche says the proceedings will likely be difficult to watch for both families as the prosecution and defense take turns tearing down both Gruver and Naquin’s character…

Cut 13 (11) “…in general.”

Naquin is accused of pressuring Gruver into drinking himself to death in an initiation ceremony for new recruits to the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. Phi Delta Theta has since been banned from campus.

While the two sides take turns attacking Gruver and Naquin’s character, Meche says it’ll be up to the judge to keep the proceedings focused…

Cut 14 (10) “…Gruver”

The defense recently lost a challenge that will allow the prosecution to point out that Naquin deleted 700 texts and photos from his phone after he fell under investigation.

Meche says the trial will likely hinge on the testimony of the other members of the fraternity who were witnesses that night…

Cut 15 (10) “…Mr. Gruver”

Other Phi Delta members were charged in the wake of the incident, but only Naquin faces felony charges.

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The funeral for beloved Ragin Cajuns baseball coach Tony Robichaux is today at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Lafayette. Robichaux died last week at the age of 57 following a heart attack. He’s described as a man of faith and a leader for young men. Coach Robe told his players not to let baseball be their identity

Cut 16  (20) “…be treated”  

The longtime baseball coach for the Ragin Cajuns was known for his Robeisms, which were his unique motivational sayings. He once said you can’t sharpen a knife with a Kleenex, he also once said that he wants players who drink out of a water hose and not guys who need mommy to bring them Gatorade in the third inning. Here’s one talking about the heat of a baseball schedule

cut 17 (21) “melting point” 

Governor Edwards officially kicks off his re-election campaign today in his hometown of Amite with a repeat of his RV tour. The Edward’s campaign is touting a successful legislative session that included the first teacher pay raise in a decade. Edwards is the south’s lone democratic governor facing two major republican candidates in October, U-S Representative Ralph Abraham and Businessman Eddie Rispone. The Edwards RV Tour continues throughout the week with stops in New Orleans on Monday and Lafayette and Lake Charles on Tuesday.

600 high school students from across the nation met in North Carolina to participate in the YMCA’s 52^nd Annual Conference on National Affairs this week. One of the six presiding officers at the mock government program was LSU freshman Drake Brignac. He says they debate issues like climate change and student loans that will affect his generation. Brignac they’ve even discussed the Armenian genocide.

Cut 13 (08) “…heard about.”

Within the next three months Entergy customers will see a five to seven dollar monthly increase in electric costs. Roughly three and a half dollars of that increase will kick in on your July bill, and Entergy Spokesperson Lee Sabatini  says these kinds of rate increases are necessary to pay for more efficient facilities, which will more than pay for themselves in the long-term.

Cut 8 (08) “…Louisiana”

UL-Lafayette Baseball Coach Tony Robichaux (Robe-uh-show), who died Wednesday at the age of 57 following multiple surgeries in the wake of a heart attack on June 23rd, will be laid to rest Monday in a service scheduled at 2PM at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Visitation will take place tomorrow from 3-9 PM at the Cajundome Convention Center, with an additional visitation taking place Monday at 10am. Robichaux will be buried in Crowley.