A Morning Consult poll shows Governor Edward’s approval rating slipped just under 50 percent. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

For the last decade, more than one million Entergy customers throughout the state have been paying charges to cover the cost of repairs to damage from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says he’s got good news for those feeling the pinch on the power bill.

Cut 3 (07) “…rate reduction in September.”

Five Amite residents are facing federal charges for allegedly torturing a 22-year-old autistic woman, forcing her to eat dog feces and drink her mother’s ashes. But LSU Health Science Center New Orleans Forensic Psychiatrist Graham Spruiell wants to caution the public against assuming the defendants are suffering from mental illness.

Cut 12 (12)   “psychopathic”

Among other alleged crimes, the family allegedly starved her until she did house work, stole over 8 thousand in SSI benefits, beat the victim, and locked her in a six by eight chicken cage.

Alexandria is playing host to all nine divisions of the Dixie Girls Softball World Series, which is estimated to bring in over five thousand visitors.  The Alexandria/Pineville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau estimates the week-long event will have quite the economic impact to the area.  CVB Executive Director, Sherry Ellington…

Cut 9 (08)  “so that’s huge.”

For the last decade, more than one million Entergy customers throughout the state have been paying charges to cover the cost of repairs to damage from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says Former Entergy Louisiana customers will see an average monthly reduction of $5.44. Campbell says it’s welcomed savings at this time of the year.

Cut 4 (06) “…rates go down.”

A Morning Consult poll shows Governor John Bel Edwards’ approval rating slipped under 50 percent during the brutal legislative sessions between April and June. Edwards’ has generally maintained one of the highest approval ratings for a Democratic governor. ULM Political Science Professor Dr. Joshua Stockley says it’s important to note that the poll may not be giving us the full picture.

Cut 7 (07)  “decline”

Alexandria is playing host to all nine divisions of the Dixie Girls Softball World Series, which is estimated to bring in over five thousand visitors.  The Alexandria/Pineville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau estimates the week-long event will have quite the economic impact to the area.  CVB Executive Director, Sherry Ellington says the community has experience hosting the event.

Cut 10 (05) “largest one so far”

Five Amite residents are facing federal charges for allegedly torturing a 22-year-old autistic woman, forcing her to eat dog feces and drink her mother’s ashes. LSU Health Science Center New Orleans Forensic Psychiatrist Graham Spruiell says he understands the public is having trouble coming to terms with the depravity of the alleged crime, but says there’s just some people on earth who are relatively mentally stable, and just don’t hold human life in high regard.

Cut 14 (11) “disorder”

Entergy customers can look to forward to a lower bill this September.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

A Morning Consult poll shows Governor John Bel Edwards’ approval rating slipped under 50 percent between April and June. ULM Political Science Professor Dr. Joshua Stockley says it appears the threats to public services during the sessions took their toll.

Cut 6 (10)  “at that.”

Alexandria is playing host to all nine divisions of the Dixie Girls Softball World Series, which is estimated to bring in over five thousand visitors.  The Alexandria/Pineville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau estimates the week-long event will have quite the economic impact to the area.  CVB Executive Director, Sherry Ellington…

Cut 9 (08)  “so that’s huge.”

Five Amite residents are facing federal charges for allegedly torturing a 22-year-old autistic woman, forcing her to eat dog feces and drink her mother’s ashes. But LSU Health Science Center New Orleans Forensic Psychiatrist Graham Spruiell wants to caution the public against assuming the defendants are suffering from mental illness.

Cut 12 (12)   “psychopathic”

Among other alleged crimes, the family allegedly starved her until she did house work, stole over 8 thousand in SSI benefits, beat the victim, and locked her in a six by eight chicken cage.

Five Amite residents are facing federal charges for allegedly torturing a 22-year-old autistic woman, forcing her to eat dog feces and drink her mother’s ashes. LSU Health Science Center New Orleans Forensic Psychiatrist Graham Spruiell says it’s a clear case of torture and manipulation, but says the sadistic nature of the actions could indicate something quite dark about the family.

Cut 13 (08) “sadistic behaviors” 

For the last decade, more than one million Entergy customers throughout the state have been paying charges to cover the cost of repairs to damage from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says he’s got good news for those feeling the pinch on the power bill.

Cut 3 (07) “…rate reduction in September.”

Former Entergy Louisiana customers will see an average monthly reduction of $5.44. Former Entergy Gulf States will see an average reduction of $3.14 to their bill.  The two companies merged in 2015.

A Morning Consult poll shows Governor Edward’s approval rating slipped just under 50 percent. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Alexandria is playing host to all nine divisions of the Dixie Girls Softball World Series, which is estimated to bring in over five thousand visitors.  CVB Executive Director, Sherry Ellington says the event comes at a great time of the year for the area.

Cut 11 (09) “restaurants and shopping.”

Entergy customers throughout Louisiana have been paying fees to cover repairs from hurricanes for a decade.

Campbell says the fees have stopped but some in the northern portion of the state, who are not typically affected by hurricanes, didn’t understand why they were being hit with the storm fees over the years.

Cut 5 (09) “…for our ice storms.”

A Morning Consult poll shows Governor John Bel Edwards’ approval rating slipped under 50 percent during the brutal legislative sessions between April and June.

But with the legislative session in the rearview mirror and the government fully funded for the year, ULM Political Science Professor Dr. Joshua Stockley says don’t be surprised to see those numbers rebound in the coming months.

Cut 8 (10) “were averted”

Five Amite residents are facing federal charges for allegedly torturing a 22-year-old autistic woman. LSU Health Science Center New Orleans Forensic Psychiatrist Graham Spruiell says he understands the public is having trouble coming to terms with the depravity of the alleged crime but says there are some people on earth who are relatively mentally stable, and just don’t hold human life in high regard.

Cut 14 (11) “disorder”

Alexandria is playing host to all nine divisions of the Dixie Girls Softball World Series. Alexandria/Pineville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director Sherry Ellington says the community has a history of hosting the event but this will be a new experience.

Cut 10 (05) “largest one so far”

A Morning Consult poll shows Governor Edward’s approval rating slipped just under 50 percent. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

For the last decade, over one million Entergy customers throughout the state have been paying charges to cover the cost of repairs from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says those charges are falling off and its welcomed savings right now.

Cut 4 (06) “…rates go down.”

Fifty years ago, there wasn’t a single brown pelican to be found in the pelican state. The demise of the population can be traced back to the use of the pesticide DDT.  But the population of the bird has since rebounded with more than 100,000 throughout Louisiana. LDWF Nongame Bird Biologist Michael Seymour credits the successful repopulation of the species in major part to the Endangered Species Act.

Cut 15 (10) “…it is pretty spectacular.”

A 46 year old record has been broken with the Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo as Guy Cenac of Houma reeled in a 208-pound tarpon. The fish put up a nearly three hour fight.

Here’s your commodities…

High school sports officials from around Louisiana are getting ready to meet up in the Big Easy, in what is estimated to be the largest event of its type in the state’s history.  LHSAA Director of Officials Lee Sanders says Officiate Louisiana is part of the build up to a larger, national event.

Cut 10 (13)   “…clinic for 2 or 3 days.”

One of Beyonce’s eight 25,000 dollar national scholarships has found it’s way to Grambling. Communications graduate student Cletus Emokpae received the substantial award from Queen B. The New York native cleared the 3.5 GPA and philanthropic requirements. The Grambling student says he founded the scholarship program, because he feels the media and general public have neglected stories about problems effecting African American communities.

Cut 8 (12)  “doesn’t matter”

Louisiana has hit a rough patch for weather this summer, but the state’s had a much needed heat reprieve these last few days after a brutal weekend, but forecasts say that’s about to change. State Climatologist Barry Keim says humidity levels are set to spike coming up soon.

Cut 4 (11) “next week”

Five people from Amite will be taking a trip to federal court, facing charges for allegedly keeping an austic family member of one of the defendants locked in a six by eight chicken cage, beating the woman, taking her SSI payments, and even forcing her to eat dog feces. Raylaine Knope and Terry Knope, and their adult children Birdget lambert, Jody Lambert, and Terry Knope are all facing charges stemming from the abuse that allegedly began in 2015 when the victim’s mother passed away and her care was transferred over to the Knopes.

Louisiana has hit a rough patch for weather this summer, and the nasty temperatures might be at the front of everyone’s mind, but the state is suffering as less known, but just as hazardous malady: Drought. North West Louisiana has seen only 1 and a third inches of rain over the last month, down from the four inch average expected, State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s been a statewide problem this summer.

Cut 5 (11) “extreme drought.”

Fifty years ago, there wasn’t a single brown pelican to be found in the pelican state. The demise of the population can be traced back to the use of the pesticide DDT.  But the population of the bird has since rebounded with more than 100,000 throughout Louisiana. LDWF Nongame Bird Biologist Michael Seymour credits the successful repopulation of the species in major part the Endangered Species Act.

Cut 15 (10) “…it is pretty spectacular.”

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association is on the lookout to recruit more sports officials. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (28) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

Two people were shot in the early morning hours on Bourbon Street in New Orleans today. The shooting occurred at 5AM, with one person being shot in the leg, and the other being hit twice by bullets, but authorities do not believe the injuries sustained are life threatening. Two men have been arrested in connection with the shooting. One of them, 26-year-old Aa-ron Hill has been ID by authorities as the gunman.

A Grambling State Communications graduate student is getting a boost from Queen B, in the form of a 25,000 dollar scholarship award. Becca Dill has the story.

Cut 1 (30)  “I’m Becca Dill”

__________________________________

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association is on the lookout to recruit more sports officials. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (28) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

__________________________________

Fifty years ago, there wasn’t a single brown pelican to be found in the pelican state.  Kevin Barnhart has the story on how the rebound efforts continue for the state’s bird.

Cut 3 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

__________________________________

Louisiana has hit a rough patch for weather this summer, but the state’s had a much needed heat reprieve these last few days after a brutal weekend, but forecasts say that’s about to change. State Climatologist Barry Keim says humidity levels are set to spike coming up soon.

Cut 4 (11) “next week”

The nasty temperatures might be at the front of everyone’s mind, but the state is suffering as less known, but just as hazardous malady: Drought. North West Louisiana has seen only 1 and a third inches of rain over the last month, down from the four inch average expected, and only 3 inches of rain over the last 60 days. Keim says it’s been a statewide problem this summer.

Cut 5 (11) “extreme drought.”

But Keim’s got some good news in the drought department…

Cut 6 (13) “needed most.”

_____________________________________________

One of Beyonce’s eight 25,000 dollar national scholarships has found it’s way to Grambling. Communications graduate student Cletus Emokpae received the substantial award from Queen B.  Emokpae, who administers his own scholarship foundation that he’s put 3,000 dollars of his own money into, says he never thought he’d be a recipient of a scholarship of his own.

Cut 7 (11) “of support”

The New York native cleared the 3.5 GPA and philanthropic requirements. The Grambling student says he founded the scholarship program, because he feels the media and general public have neglected stories about problems effecting African American communities, and says he was tired of seeing people just complain about it on social media.

Cut 8 (12)  “doesn’t matter”

Emokpae’s says his scholarship program is aimed at helping out high school students who are interested in college, but can’t afford the substantial expenses associated with higher education. Emokpae says he hopes to use the 25,000 dollars to pay off the student loan he took out to attend Grambling, so he can progress into professional life without debt. He says he hopes the story of him receiving the help from Beyoncé will teach others about the value of community.

Cut 9 (08)  “your way”

At this point he hasn’t heard back yet from Bey, but there’s always hope. __________________________________

High school sports officials from around Louisiana are getting ready to meet up in the Big Easy, in what is estimated to be the largest event of its type in the state’s history.  LHSAA Director of Officials Lee Sanders says Officiate Louisiana is part of the build up to a larger, national event.

Cut 10 (13)   “…clinic for 2 or 3 days.”

Sanders says the LHSAA is always in search of adding more sports officials to their rankings, adding they are looking for younger talent as the average age of officials has been on the rise the last two decades.

Cut 11 (11) “…in different sports.” 

Sanders adds that being a sports official is a rewarding opportunity for those who have played or coached earlier in life.

Cut 12 (06) “…love being around it.”

_____________________________________

Fifty years ago, there wasn’t a single brown pelican to be found in the pelican state. The demise of the population can be traced back to the use of the pesticide DDT.  But the population of the bird has since rebounded with more than 100,000 throughout Louisiana. LDWF Nongame Bird Biologist Michael Seymour says the rejuvenation effort began in the late 1960s.

Cut 13 (12)  “…north of Grand Isle.” 

Seymour says Queen Bess Island serves as a major breeding ground for pelicans, but time has taken its toll on the island with erosion and the BP oil spill.

Cut 14 (08) “…several thousand birds.”

Seymour credits the successful repopulation of the species in major part the Endangered Species Act.

Cut 15 (10) “…it is pretty spectacular.”

____________________________________

Thirty-nine-year-old Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is beginning his 18th season and remains very motivated. Brees wants to win another championship and if he stays healthy, he’ll break the NFL’s career passing yardage record. The future Hall of Famer says he’s not taking anything for granted…

A judge has cleared the way for the removal of a confederate monument that sits outside of the Caddo Parish Courthouse. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Two Rookie New Orleans Police Officers who were fired from their jobs after allegedly severely beating a regular at a mid-city bar in New Orleans could be facing some stiff charges as a result of the incident. Spencer Sutton and John Galman were initially booked on one count of simple battery in relation to the act, where they allegedly harassed George Gomez about his citizenship, accusing him of being a “fake American”. Gomez says he is American, and has served in the Louisiana National Guard. NOPD says those charged could be upgraded.

The US House has passed the National Defense Authorization Act which provides the largest pay raise for troops in nine years. There’s 12-million dollars for a new entrance to Barksdale, so a nuclear weapons storage facility can be built there.  Congressman Ralph Abraham says the nuclear upgrade is desperately needed for the base.

Cut 10 (10) “no sense”

A federal judge’s ruling allows for the removal of a confederate monument in front of the Caddo Parish courthouse. Judge Robert James dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Daughters of the Confederacy, who said the parish couldn’t remove the monument because it sat on private property. Caddo Parish Commissioner Steven Jackson says the opposing organization was given an opportunity to speak in front of the commission, and that their organizations rights were never jeopardized.

Cut 14 (10) “not true”