A new podcast, UNDERWATER: Memories of the 2016 Floods: details the history and stories Louisianans during the state’s most recent major disaster. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A report shows a record number of Louisiana high school students are now earning AP credits. 12 percent more students scored a 3 for the tests that allow them to get some early college credit. Louisiana Education Department Assistant Superintendent Ken Bradford.

Cut 10 (06) “college credit”

The Youth Infrastructure Coalition has launched an effort to get the federal government to approve funding for a proposed new interstate that would run from Texas to Georgia and cut through central Louisiana. It would be called Interstate 14. Frank Lumpkin the Fourth, president of the organization, says new infrastructure has been swept under the rug for far too long and the addition of the interstate would have a positive impact on residents in surrounding communities.

Cut 7 (09) “…you’re located on.”

Lumpkin says the project will mostly be upgrading existing roads to interstate standard, which will cut down on the costs of building a whole new road.

And here’s commodities.

A ULM political science professor says Governor Edwards’ meeting today with Prettiness Trump to talk criminal justice reform is good politics. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (29)  “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Tonight’s game against the Jags will be a chance for some little known Saints training camp players to possibly leave a mark, and make the team. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Authorities say a mother and her one-year-old son are dead after being struck by a drunk driver. Connor Ferrill has the story

Cut 3 (33) “I’m Connor Ferrill”

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Governor John Bel Edwards visit with President Donald Trump today in New Jersey is turning heads in a political environment that’s becoming sharply divided along partisan lines. Edwards will discuss criminal justice reform with the president, who’s reportedly interested in pursuing a federal push for similar changes. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says it’s a savvy move.

Cut 4 (12) “and Republicans”

Edwards is facing an uphill battle for re-election in 2019 as a Democrat in a deep red state. At the moment Mr. Trump has sky high approval ratings amongst Republican voters, but Stockley says  if Edwards thinks talking with the president will help sway Louisiana GOP voters, he’ll probably be disappointed.

Cut 5 (10) “Republican is.”

While maintaining his relationship with Trump may lead to more federal assistance, it likely won’t go over well with his Democratic base that nationally has rallied around anti-Trump sentiment. Between his meetings with Trump, and a recent 15-week abortion ban, Stockley says Edwards will need to be careful not to alienate Democratic voters.

Cut 6 (12) “govern delicatley”

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The Saints take on the Jaguars tonight in Jacksonville for the first preseason game of the year. You won’t see much of Drew Brees, or the other stars, but Saints Analyst Mike Detillier says it’s a chance for some unheralded players to make a name for themselves. Guys like backup QB Taysom Hill, who Detillier says could be the guy to back up Drew if he works on one thing…

Cut 7 (11) “his feet.”

With running back Mark Ingram suspended for the first four games, the Saints are desperate for a wingman to super star Alvin Kamara. Detillier says this could be a chance for veterans like Shane Vareen and Terrance West to claim the spot, but says keep an eye on Louisiana Tech rookie Boston Scott, a guy who could make some noise in Florida tonight.

Cut 8 (11)  “the NFL.”

It’s a chance for rookie first round pick Marcus Davenport to get some real game time in after a rough start to training camp. The saints traded a first round pick to move up and select the athletically gifted, but raw pass rusher, hoping he could make a splash early, but early result indicate that’s probably not going to be the case. Detillier says maybe getting thrown into the fire is just what the rookie needs.

Cut 9 (11)  “two weeks”

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State Police say 22-year-old Abbie Sinitiere (sin-eh-tear-E) of Franklin and her one-year-old son are dead after they were hit by an alleged drunk driver in Iberia Parish. Master Trooper Brooks David (DAH-veed) says investigators believe Dylan Leblanc of Youngsville was impaired when he lost control of his 2004 Chevy Silverado on US-90 Tuesday night…

Cut 10 (07)   “…head on”

The collision killed Sinitiere and her one-year-old son Max, both were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities say three other juveniles in Sinitiere’s vehicle sustained critical injuries. David says the accident is a tragedy…

Cut 11 (10) “…families heart” 

David says once Leblanc recovers from his injuries he will immediately be facing a number of charges…

Cut 12 (11) “…he is released”

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Governor John Bel Edwards announced the state is investing in four new facilities in the Louisiana Community College system, three in New Orleans, and one in Lake Charles. The Lake Charles SOWELA facility will focus on Culinary, Gaming, and Hospitality services, industries that President of the Louisiana Community and Technical College system President Monty Sullivan says are increasing… technical.

Cut 13 (10) “technical skills.” 

New Orleans will be home to new facilities as well, with campuses in the downtown districts and across the river in Algiers. Sullivan says the new health and nursing building in downtown New Orleans will produce large amounts of students ready to take on a health care industry in New Orleans in desperate need of workers.

Cut 14 (11) “New Orleans.”

The New Orleans campuses alone will have a combined 60 million dollars on funding from state and private entities. Sullivan says the substantial private investment is a testament to how bad those businesses want to give locals a job, if they have the right skills.

Cut 15 (10) “work immediately”

Louisiana has lost another one of its great entertainers as Swamp Pop Legend GG Shinn has passed away at the age of 78. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m  Jeff Palermo”  

Shreveport Police are continuing their investigation into an officer involved shooting that left a 27 year old dead.  At approximately 5:18 PM yesterday, officers were dispatched to a call of a suspicious vehicle.  The patrolmen attempted a routine traffic stop that resulted in a brief pursuit with the Chevy Impala.  When officers got out of their vehicles, the suspect threw his car into reverse, hitting a police cruiser.  Officers fired their weapons at the driver with at least one hit to the chest.

The University of Louisiana at Monroe has a new four-year degree program that is the first of its kind in the state.  It’s called Unmanned Aircraft Systems Management and it’s all about drones and their use in various industries. ULM Professor Dr. Paul Karlowitz says he’s already getting contacted by companies looking to hire drone pilots and the use of drones can be applied to many different lines of work.

Cut 13 (13) “…of all sorts.” 

Online Fantasy Sports legalization will be on the November 6th ballot, giving voters a chance to legalize the use of online services like Draft Kings and FanDuel in their parish. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones says it’s likely a few parishes won’t legalize it, which means they’ll have to set up geofences

Cut 9 (08)  “fantasy sports”

That means online fantasy sports will likely not be up and running in Louisiana until the 2019-2020 football season.

It’s once again time to be more mindful of school zones and school buses. That’s the message from AAA. Spokesperson Don Redman says it’s crucial for drivers to remember not to pass stopped school buses and that drivers in both directions must stop when on a non-divided roadway.  Not only is it a costly mistake if you get busted, but it becomes a dangerous situation for children.

Cut 4 (07) “…who is impatient.”

Swamp pop legend and trumpet player GG Shinn has passed away after a long illness at his home in Monroe. Shinn was 78-years-old. Louisiana Music Hall of Fame executive director Michael Shepherd says Shinn was one of the nicest people in show business and had a great voice…

Cut 6 (09) “high range”.

Shinn played with several different groups like Chase, Roller Coasters and the Fabulous Boogie Kings…

Online Fantasy Sports legalization will be on the November 6th ballot, giving voters a chance to legalize the use of online services like Draft Kings and FanDuel in their parish. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones says the objective is to at least make enough money off the service to pay for its regulations.

Cut 11 (11) “the technology.”

That means online fantasy sports will likely not be up and running in Louisiana until the 2019-2020 football season.

The University of Louisiana at Monroe has a new four-year degree program that is the first of its kind in the state.  It’s called Unmanned Aircraft Systems Management and it’s all about drones and their use in various industries. ULM Professor Dr. Paul Karlowitz…

Cut 12 (10)   “…really taken off.”

He adds the first class for the upcoming semester is already full.

Swamp pop legend and trumpet player GG Shinn has passed away after a long illness at his home in Monroe.  He was 78. Shinn had a club in Lafayette.  Last year he performed at Festival International in Lafayette and was a regular at the annual Ponderosa Stomp music festival in New Orleans. Louisiana Music Hall of Fame executive director Michael Shepherd says Shinn was born to entertain

Cut 8 (10) “stage presence”

It’s time to get back into the consciousness of school zones and school buses with children returning to class from summer break. That’s the message from AAA. Spokesperson Don Redman says drivers need to prepare themselves for more traffic, with kids on the roadway.

Cut 3 (11) “…on a swivel right now.”

Online Fantasy Sports legalization will be on the November 6th ballot, giving voters a chance to legalize the use of online services like Draft Kings and FanDuel in their parish. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones warned, geofencing isn’t cheap, and says there’s a worst case scenario that could end up leaving the state with a hefty fantasy sports related bill….

Cut 10 (13) “to cost”

The University of Louisiana at Monroe has a new four-year degree program that is the first of its kind in the state.  It’s called Unmanned Aircraft Systems Management and it’s all about drones and their use in various industries. ULM Professor Dr. Paul Karlowitz says he strongly believes the use of unmanned aerial vehicles is not a fad.

Cut 14 (13) “…prices are coming down.”

He adds the first class for the upcoming semester is already full.

Louisiana has lost another one of its great entertainers as Swamp Pop Legend GG Shinn has passed away at the age of 78. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m  Jeff Palermo”  

It’s time to once again be aware of school zones and school buses with summer wrapping up. That’s the message from AAA. Spokesperson Don Redman says the results of a recent seven-year AAA study shows it is essential parents need to reinforce the importance of safety with teen drivers that will be driving themselves to class.

Cut 5 (10)  “…that cell phone.” 

Online Fantasy Sports legalization will be on the November 6th ballot, giving voters a chance to legalize the use of online services like Draft Kings and FanDuel in their parish. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones says it’s likely a few parishes won’t legalize it, which means they’ll have to set up geofences

Cut 9 (08)  “fantasy sports”

The University of Louisiana at Monroe has a new four-year degree program that is the first of its kind in the state.  It’s called Unmanned Aircraft Systems Management and it’s all about drones and their use in various industries. ULM Professor Dr. Paul Karlowitz says he’s already getting contacted by companies looking to hire drone pilots and the use of drones can be applied to many different lines of work.

Cut 13 (13) “…of all sorts.” 

Online Fantasy Sports legalization will be on the ballot in every parish for the November election, giving voters a chance to legalize the use of online services like Draft Kings and FanDuel in their parish. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones says it’s likely a few parishes won’t legalize it, which means they’ll have to set up geofences, which track your devices location and restrict access to the websites. But Jones warned that could get expensive.

Cut 10 (13) “to cost”

It’s time to get back into the consciousness of school zones and school buses with children returning to class from summer break. That’s the message from AAA. Spokesperson Don Redman who says it’s crucial for drivers to remember not to pass stopped school buses.

Cut 4 (07) “…who is impatient.”

An Oak Grove police officer has resigned following his arrest on charges of rape on a teenager.  Authorities made the arrest following an investigation stemming from a complaint received in July pertaining to the now former officer. Senior Trooper Michael Reichardt of the LSP confirms the identity of the arrested individual.

Cut 13 (08) “…Lake Providence area.” 

Swamp pop legend and trumpet player GG Shinn has passed away after a long illness at his home in Monroe. Shinn was 78-years-old. Louisiana Music Hall of Fame executive director Michael Shepherd says hinn played with several different groups like Chase, Roller Coasters and the Fabulous Boogie Kings…

Cut 7 (10) “play trumpet”

Shinn had a club in Lafayette. He also played at dancehalls in St. Martinville and Opelousas.

A US Census Bureau report says coastal counties and parishes along the Gulf of Mexico have seen an increase of 3 million people, or 24.5%, between 2000 and 2016.  The US itself has grown by nearly 15-percent over the same time.  The reason for the coastal boom?  Demographer Greg Rigamer says it boils down to one thing.

Cut 4 (04) “…it’s an economic factor.”

Louisiana State Police has applied for two federal grants to fund improvements to school safety after a series of school shootings earlier this year. Governor John Bel Edwards, speaking at Mckinley High School in Baton Rouge, says if awarded, the grants will fund projects highlighted by a joint commission. Edwards says  safety is the top priority, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of building a welcoming environment suited to learning.

Cut 9 (06)  “like prisons”

The commission has almost finished collecting its data.

A report from a team of LSU Health New Orleans and St. George University scientists indicates obese women may be able to prevent their children from falling prey to adolescent obesity by eating a healthy diet when pregnant. LSU School of Public Health Professor Dr. Richard Scribner says  that’s potentially a major discovery for the medical community, which has struggled to find a solution to rapidly ballooning adolescent obesity rates.

Cut 11 (08) “as adults” 

The team determined this by taking a trip to the tiny island of Grenada, which has rapidly industrialized and increased consumption of sugary, processed foods in recent years.

Jim Bernhardt is taking the air out of rumors that he’s considering a run for governor in 2019. The Louisiana Business Mogul and former Louisiana Democratic Party Chairman has announced, without mincing words that he will not run. Bernhardt says he’s pitching his support to current Governor John Bel Edwards.

Latest data from US Census Bureau shows a population increase along the Gulf Coast of three million people or nearly 25-percent between 2000 and 2016. Jeff Palermo has more..

Cut 1 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Governor Edwards announces State Police are applying for two federal grants to help promote school safety. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) ”I’m Matt Doyle” 

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LSU Scientists may have figured out how to curb the rise of adolescent obesity. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A US Census Bureau report says coastal counties and parishes along the Gulf of Mexico have seen an increase of 3 million people, or 24.5%, between 2000 and 2016.  The US itself has grown by nearly 15-percent over the same time.  The reason for the coastal boom?  Demographer Greg Rigamer says it boils down to one thing.

Cut 4 (04) “…it’s an economic factor.”

Rigamer credits much of the coastal population boom to the need for construction following natural disasters such as hurricanes.

Cut 5 (09) “…creates construction jobs.”

With the exception of 2005, a year that saw an intense hurricane season with three of the costliest hurricanes on record, Rigamer says every year since 2000 has shown growth, despite the threat of danger from natural disasters.

Cut 6 (11) “…to making a living.”

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Louisiana State Police has applied for two federal grants to fund improvements to school safety after a series of school shootings earlier this year. Governor John Bel Edwards, speaking at Mckinley High School in Baton Rouge, says if awarded, the grants will fund projects highlighted by a joint commission. Edwards says the commission’s research team is busy compiling reports on every school in the state.

Cut 7 (09) “as well.”

The legislature made a lot of noise about improving school safety during the regular session in spring, but with budget issues suffocating the capitol, didn’t pass much legislation addressing the issue. Edwards says once school safety priorities are identified, leaders will have to contend with how they’ll get funded.

Cut 8 (10)  “that implementation.”

Schools nationwide are grappling with questions about safety, with few easy answers in sight. Edwards says safety is the top priority, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of building a welcoming environment suited to learning.

Cut 9 (06)  “like prisons”

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A report from a team of LSU Health New Orleans and St. George University scientists indicates obese women may be able to prevent their children from falling prey to adolescent obesity by eating a healthy diet when pregnant. LSU School of Public Health Professor Dr. Richard Scribner says if further research confirms the results, you can add high sugar, processed foods to the list of no go’s for pregnant women.

Cut 10 (12)   “turned on”

The team determined this by taking a trip to the tiny island of Grenada, which has rapidly industrialized and increased consumption of sugary, processed foods in recent years. They discovered that obesity rates have spiked in adults there, but not the school children they studied. Closer examination showed their mothers had consumed healthy diets while pregnant.

Scribner says that’s potentially a major discovery for the medical community, which has struggled to find a solution to rapidly ballooning adolescent obesity rates.

Cut 11 (08) “as adults” 

The report indicates even obese women can reduce the chance of passing on active obesity genes to their children by eating healthy for those nine months. Scribner says if this is verified, that could make preventing the disease later in kids much easier.

Cut 12 (08) “targeted one”

Grenadian children were shown to be three times less likely to be obese than American kids.

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An Oak Grove police officer has resigned following his arrest on charges of rape on a teenager.  Authorities made the arrest following an investigation stemming from a complaint received in July pertaining to the now former officer. Senior Trooper Michael Reichardt of the LSP confirms the identity of the arrested individual.

Cut 13 (08) “…Lake Providence area.” 

Reichardt says the investigation continues into the case following the arrest, which he adds he believes the suspect is already out of the clink.

Cut 14 (06) “…already bonded out.”

Reichardt says the message from his agency is very clear when it comes to cases like these.

Cut 15 (08) “…case very seriously.”

A few riverboats have hired consultants as they eye expansions onto land as a result of legislation from the regular session…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

Edwin Edwards turns 91-years-old today. His youngest son, Eli Wallace Edwards, is now five years and the former four-term governor has political aspirations just like his Dad…

Cut 7 (07) “2053.”

Edwards appeared this morning on Talk Louisiana.

The New Orleans Police Department says it is treating the case of a missing boater in Lake Pontchartrain as a homicide. 32-year-old Sadie Thibodeaux was reported missing on Sunday after an unmanned sailboat was found in the water. Several agencies are searching for her and NOPD Third District Commander Jeff Walls says anytime the agency handles a missing person’s case, they treat it as a homicide investigation as well….

Cut 9 (08)  “…involving foul play.”

A government report says gasoline demand is nearing an all-time high and that’s causing prices to rise at the pump. The current statewide average for a gallon of regular fuel is $2.61, the most expensive August price since 2014.  AAA Fuel Analyst Don Redman says the refineries are working near full capacity right now.  He adds being in the height of hurricane season is a big concern.

Cut 13 (07) “…for the consumer.” 

The statewide average for a gallon of gasoline was $2.16 a year ago.