Edwin Edwards celebrates his 91st birthday today. Jeff Palermo reports the former four-term governor appeared on Talk Louisiana today.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m  Jeff Palermo”  

The state’s top gambling regulator confirms that three riverboat casinos are interested in expanding their operations on land, which is now legal as a result of legislation passed during the regular session. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones cautions that just because the laws have been relaxed, not every riverboat casino will look to move onto land.

Cut 5 (10)  “they are” 

The search continues for a missing boater in Lake Pontchartrain. 32-year-old Sadie Thibodeaux turned up missing on Sunday after an unmanned sailboat was found in the water. New Orleans Police Department Third District Commander Jeff Walls says at this point it’s a missing person’s case, but homicide unit detectives are assisting in the investigation.  The hunt moves forward on the south shore of the lake.  Walls explains all agencies involved are being very thorough with the investigation.

Cut 11 (11) “…best we can for Sadie.”

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 price of crude oil is also playing a hand in the price increase.

Cut 12 (11)   “…time of the year.”

The search continues for a missing boater in Lake Pontchartrain. 32-year-old Sadie Thibodeaux turned up missing on Sunday after an unmanned sailboat was found in the water. New Orleans Police Department Third District Commander Jeff Walls confirmed 43-year-old Michael Lee Farley, who was rescued Monday morning, has been dating Thibodeaux, but foul play is not suspected at this time…

Cut 10 (07) “…how we’ll investigate it.”

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 increase in demand for fuel usually coincides with an uptick in the economy.

Cut 14 (11) “…a growing economy.”

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

The state’s top gambling regulator confirms that three riverboat casinos are interested in expanding their operations on land, which is now legal as a result of legislation passed during the regular session. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones spoke at the Baton Rouge Press Club…

Cut 3 (09) “for them.”

Edwin Edwards turns 91 today. The former four-term governor says he’s in good spirits and health, and looking forward to spending many more years with wife, 39-year-old Trina Edwards and their five-year-old son Eli. Edwards says he couldn’t have asked for a better way to start the morning.

Cut 6 (12) “be happier”.

The search continues for a missing boater in Lake Pontchartrain. 32-year-old Sadie Thibodeaux turned up missing on Sunday after an unmanned sailboat was found in the water. New Orleans Police Department Third District Commander Jeff Walls says at this point it’s a missing person’s case, and investigators are exploring all opportunities…

Cut 9 (08)  “…involving foul play.”

A government report says gasoline demand is nearing an all-time high and 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.”

Redman says the increase in demand for fuel usually coincides with an uptick in the economy.

A few riverboats have reportedly hired consultants eyeing up expansions onto land as a result of legislation from the regular session. Don Molino has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

Former volunteer fireman with the 8^th Ward Fire Department, James Vining, has been charged with multiple counts of video voyeurism, child pornography, and several firearms and drug offenses.

Vining allegedly hid cameras in the in the women’s bathroom of the firehouse, as well as his own home to capture unsuspecting visitors

Sports betting is off to the races in dozens of states across the nation, but so far Louisiana has sat on the sidelines while neighboring states like Mississippi have elected to receive the expansion. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones says after seeing how other states have started using the new cash, he’s concerned the Bayou State may be losing on crucial revenue.

Cut 7 (10) “in disadvantaged neighborhoods.”

The Louisiana Department of Health has fined five private companies 50-thousand dollars each for failing to provide accurate information for where Medicaid recipients can access their care. Louisiana Medicaid Director Jen Steele says the error rates topped 10-percent, which triggered the fines…
Cut 10 (09) “…be correct”

The Coast Guard has resumed their search for 32-year-old Sadie Thibodeaux.  She is believed to be a passenger on a sailboat that found unmanned in Lake Pontchartrain Sunday night.  Crews spent the entire day Monday searching for her, but had to cease chopper flights at dark.  Crews are expected to continue to the search again today through nightfall.  The coast guard already rescued a 43 year old man who also on the 34-foot sailing vessel.

The Louisiana Department of Education is releasing back-to-school resource guides for parents for the new school year.  The free resources are available via LouisianaBelieves.com’s family support toolbox.  Director of Family and Educator Communication, Annie Morrison, says the resources will help guide families as students enter new classrooms and some into new schools.

Cut 4 (11) “…learning at home.”

The Louisiana Department of Education is releasing back-to-school resource guides for parents for the new school year.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30)  “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Mississippi has teed up sports betting, but Louisiana may not be out of the game for long. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (31) ”I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Governor John Bel Edwards is flying to DC to talk criminal justice reform with the president. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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The Louisiana Department of Education is releasing back-to-school resource guides for parents for the new school year.  The free resources are available via LouisianaBelieves.com’s family support toolbox.  Director of Family and Educator Communication, Annie Morrison, says the resources will help guide families as students enter new classrooms and some into new schools.

Cut 4 (11) “…learning at home.”

Morrison says the parent guides first arrived last year and are expanding this year to be tailored toward a student’s specific needs.

Cut 5 (11) “…our high school student.”

Morrison adds these resources will be available in a variety of languages as well.

Cut 6 (10) “…school can be intimidating.”

The department will be putting out a guide for pre-k through 2^nd grade guide sometime next week.

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Sports betting is off to the races in dozens of states across the nation, but so far Louisiana has sat on the sidelines while neighboring states like Mississippi have elected to receive the expansion. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones says after seeing how other states have started using the new cash, he’s concerned the Bayou State may be losing on crucial revenue.

Cut 7 (10) “in disadvantaged playgrounds.”

Jones says a bill legalizing sports gaming in Louisiana lost in the final seconds during the regular session after a risky play to allow the activity in video poker halls lead to a fourth quarter collapse. Jones says he believes a more conservative approach to allowing sports betting may succeed as early as next year.

Cut 8 (08)  “don’t know when.”

Jones says industry leaders have warned that barring sports betting could make it more difficult for the market to attract big money players and gamblers looking for more amenities, but cautioned that even if sports books were allowed into the state, it may not lead to a big score.

Cut 9 (12)  “will be here.”

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A recent review of the Medicaid program shows the private companies known as Managed care organizations that work with the program have not been providing accurate enough information for where recipients can access their care. Louisiana Medicaid Director Jen Steele says they’ve addressed the issue, which can be a pain for Medicaid recipients…

Cut 10 (09)   “…be correct”

Steele says they’ve fixed the problem, which boils down to better communication between LDH and the MCO’s…

Cut 11 (07) “…their system” 

In December the legislature extended Medicare contracts with MCO’s. Steele says the extension includes an amendment that allows LDH to fine the MCO’s 50,000 dollars if their directories aren’t at least 90 percent accurate, which in this case, they weren’t…

Cut 12 (09) “…penalty”

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Governor John Bel Edwards is taking another trip to Washington to discuss criminal justice reform with President Donald Trump. Edwards is one of the few prominent democrats to maintain a working relationship with Mr. Trump. Edwards’ Communications Director Richard Carbo says the invite comes a year after statewide reforms led to a promising reduction in prison population.

Cut 13 (11) “did it” 

The reforms resulted from a bipartisan legislative effort that included major lawmakers from both sides of the isle adopting legislation similar to other southern states. With a federal criminal justice push potentially on the way, Carbo says the president is reaching out to a leader who knows how to craft bipartisan efforts.

Cut 14 (11) “broad spectrum”

Two potential challengers for Edwards’ seat in 2019, Senator John Kennedy and Attorney General Jeff Sessions, have slammed the reforms as being soft on crime and leading to the release of dangerous criminals. Carbo says they’re playing politics with a vitally critical issue.

Cut 15 (08) “Kennedy have”

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LSU’s Devin White and Greedy Williams are on ESPN’s list of Top 50 college football players. White is coming off a 133 tackle performance last season, while Williams led the SEC with six interceptions and second in the league with 17 passes defensed. Williams on how he plans on remaining one of the top cornerbacks in college football…

Cut 16 (14) “the day”

If you’re looking for a break out star on defense, it could be sophomore safety Grant Delpit. As a freshman, Delpit showed he can help out against the run and in pass coverage he intercepted one pass and had eight passes defensed. But the Houston native says for the Tigers to get to the SEC championship game, the secondary as a whole has to play better…

Cut 17 (13)  “the game”

Colorado State University hurricane researchers continue to predict a below average season.  Researcher Phil Klotzbach says a major contributing factor is the cold temperature of the tropical Atlantic Ocean waters.  With the bulk of hurricane activity traditionally happening in August and beyond, Klotzbach breaks down the numbers of the remaining season.

Cut 4 (10) “…one major hurricane.”

The governor’s office says John Bel Edwards will be one of a handful of governors who will meet with President Donald Trump on Thursday to discuss criminal justice reform. Louisiana’s justice reforms have lowered the state’s prison population, but Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry and Senator John Kennedy say its put dangerous criminals back on the streets.

A Kenner mom is under arrest after allegedly assaulting the citizens who rescued her 11 month and 3 year-old children from a hot car. Kenner Police Lt. Michael Cunningham says cameras showed the citizens helping the children exit the vehicle and after the mother discovered this, Cunningham says the mother ran out, and started punching the good Samaritans.

Cut 6 (10) “called 911”.

The mother, 22-year-old Shawnise Sherman, was arrested and booked with Simple battery and Child Desertion.

The Harvest Center Church in Lafayette says they will not press charges against a man who stole donations from their school supply drive. Pastor Daniel Kelly says they confronted the culprit, who claimed he needed the supplies for his family.  Kelly says they found the culprit and he has been confronted.  But the pastor explains why they will not be seeking legal ramifications for him.

Cut 14 (10) “…in his life.”

A Kenner mom is under arrest after allegedly assaulting the citizens who rescued her 11 month and 3 year-old children from a hot car. Kenner Police Lt. Michael Cunningham says cameras showed the citizens helping the children exit the vehicle.  Cunningham says he and everyone else is relived that the citizens stumbled upon the situation and acted fast, because the results could have been deadly.

Cut 8 (10) “there eventually.”

Investigation Discovery airs a two-hour documentary tonight called “Sugar Town,” which examines the controversial death of Victor White the Third.  The 22-year-old black man died from a gunshot wound sustained while handcuffed in the back of a police cruiser in New Iberia. State Police and the Iberia Parish coroner say White shot himself, but White’s family says no way. Journalist Tony Brown agrees…

Cut 9 (09)  “Jimmy Hoffa.”

The Harvest Center Church in Lafayette says they will not pres charges against a man who stole donations from their school supply drive. Pastor Daniel Kelly says they confronted the culprit, who claimed he needed the supplies for his family.  Kelly says there is good to have come out of what could have been a negative situation.  The incident has actually spawned more donations to not only bridge the gap, but exceed the original totals.

Cut 13 (10) “…for their kids.” 

The show airs at 7 PM tonight.

Colorado State University hurricane researchers continue to predict a below average season.  Researcher Phil Klotzbach says a major contributing factor is the cold temperature of the tropical Atlantic Ocean waters….

Cut 3 (11) “…fuel for the storms.”

Colorado State University hurricane researchers continue to predict a below average season.  Researcher Phil Klotzbach says no matter what the forecast may call for, it is always important to be ready during hurricane season.

Cut 5 (04)  “…season for you” 

Klotzbach says there has not been a named storm since July 15th and 2009 was the last time a name storm did not formed between July 15th and August 6th.

A Kenner mom is under arrest after allegedly assaulting the citizens who rescued her 11 month and 3 year-old children from a hot car. Kenner Police Lt. Michael Cunningham says cameras showed the citizens helping the children exit the vehicle and after the mother discovered this, she ran out, and started punching the good Samaritans.Cunningham says the midday temperatures when the kids were discovered were brutal.  Cut 7 (10) “99 degrees.”

Investigation Discovery airs a two-hour documentary tonight called “Sugar Town,” which examines the controversial death of Victor White the Third.  The 22-year-old black man died from a gunshot wound sustained while handcuffed in the back of a police cruiser in New Iberia. State Police and the Iberia Parish coroner say White shot himself, but White’s family says no way. Journalist Tony Brown is glad White’s case will receive more national attention with the airing of “Sugar Town”…

Cut 11 (07) “the country ”

The show airs at 7 PM tonight.

The Harvest Center Church in Lafayette says they will not pres charges against a man who stole donations from their school supply drive. Pastor Daniel Kelly says they confronted the culprit, who claimed he needed the supplies for his family.  He says the incident happened while they were praying in the sanctuary.

Cut 12 (09)   “…couple trips there.”

A two-hour documentary airs tonight on Investigation Discovery that examines the controversial death of Victor White the Third. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m  Jeff Palermo”  

With a vote on the matter coming up on the November ballot, the state’s top law enforcement official has come out in opposition of the proposal to require juries in Louisiana to reach a unanimous verdict to convict suspects in felony cases.  This makes him one of the few prominent politicians to oppose it so far.  Louisiana is one of only two states that allow split jury verdicts.

A Kenner mom is under arrest after allegedly assaulting the citizens who rescued her 11-month and 3 -year-old children from a hot car. Kenner Police Lt. Michael Cunningham says cameras showed the citizens helping the children exit the vehicle and after the mother discovered this, Cunningham says the midday temperatures when the kids were discovered were brutal.

Cut 7 (10) “99 degrees.”

A Lafayette church was holding a school supply drive this weekend when some of the supplies were stolen. Pastor of the Harvest Center Church, Daniel Kelly, explains the incident happened while the people present at the church were praying in the sanctuary.

Cut 12 (09)   “…couple trips there.”

The pastor says the culprit was caught, but no charges were pressed. The incident has actually spawned more donations to not only bridge the gap made in the theft, but exceed the original totals.

Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc says one year into the program, it’s clear that the criminal justice reforms are showing great results. That’s in response to comments from Louisiana District Attorney’s Association President Ricky Babin who expressed concerns about the program’s results. LeBlanc says the savings from a reduced prison population and lower parole numbers are mostly being reinvested into programs to help offenders reintegrate with society. A PEW Charitable Trusts projection of the state’s progress says at the current pace, the state will see 12 percent fewer parolees, but LeBlanc says he’s confident they’ll do even better than that.

Cut 11 (10) “doing” 

With the November elections just three months away, the campaigns of those on the ballot are doing their best to find funding.  LA-Politics.com  Publisher Jeremy Alford says it’s still early for many of the campaigns, but adds the six congressional districts have seen a solid collection so far.

Cut 4 (11) “…congressional district 1.”

Senior tight end Foster Moreau will wear jersey number 18 this season. Kevin Barnhart has more on his reaction of joining the one-eight club…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says, head on out to the stands and enjoy the fruits of your local farmers and craftsmen’s labor during National Farmers Market Week. It’s a national week of recognition for the local markets, and Strain says this week farmers are rolling out their best.

Cut 8 (12)  “flat squash”