An LSU PhD student is working on a way to better predict the effects of flooding from a storm. Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 1 (33)  I’m Kevin Barnhart“

__________________________________

In an open letter from Attorney General Jeff Landry to Governor John Bel Edwards, Landry blamed the governor for the lack of executions in the state since 2010.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (33) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

__________________________________

Protesters gave Gov. Edwards a little more than he bargained for on this month’s edition of Ask the Governor, as they surrounded, and tried to force their way into Louisiana Radio Network studios during the show. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

__________________________________

A LSU PdH student is working out a new hurricane model that will combine rainfall and storm surge to better predict just how far the waters could rise when a storm hits. Felix Santiago-Collazo says old models can be time and labor intensive, and don’t always give you a full picture.

Cut 4  (11) “hydrologists.”

Felix hails from Puerto Rico, and survived the devastating Hurricane Maria that left his hometown without power for nearly a month. He says that experience convinced him to go back to school after getting his masters, and find a way to give people a better heads up on just how nasty a storm can be.

Cut 5  (09)  “this study.”

It’s a question that scientists have been trying to answer for some time, but Felix thinks he can help make that break through that cracks the modelling code. He says he’s honored to be apart of something that could save so many lives this early in his career.

Cut 6 (12) “on that.”

__________________________________

In an open letter from Attorney General Jeff Landry to Governor John Bel Edwards, Landry blamed the governor for the lack of executions in the state since 2010, saying victims’ families suffer in legal limbo while waiting for justice to be carried out.   Edwards responded during his “Ask the Governor” radio program, saying the Landry had not attempted to contact him or his office and letter was out of the blue.

Cut 7 (07) “…October of last year.”

The governor insists the reason behind the delay of executions comes down to the lack of availability of drugs to carry out lethal injections.

Cut 8 (10)  “…be made available.”

However, Solicitor general with the AG’s office, Liz Murril, says the issue reaches beyond logistical or legal in terms of litigation.

Cut 9 (07)  “….overcoming those obstacles.”

The AG’s office has suggested following the example of other states by expanding the execution method options.

Cut 10 (08)   “…it’s a problem.”

The AG’s office has suggested following the example of other states by expanding the execution method options.

__________________________________

Bayou Bridge protesters attempted to break into the Louisiana Radio Network studios, site of the monthly Ask the Governor talk show, to demand an audience with Governor Edwards over his decisions regarding the Bayou Bridge Pipeline, and the community of St. James’ fear that the project would strand citizens in the event of chemical accident.

Cut 11 (08) “chanting**.” 

The protesters are part of the No Bayou Bridge movement that opposes the construction of the Bayou Bridge pipeline that runs from Lake Charles to St. James Parish. Opponents say the pipeline infringes on native territory, and is a danger to water sources.

Protesters rushed the Governor on his way into the show, and surrounded the studios for the duration of the program, reiterating their call for the state to build an additional evacuation route out of St. James, because they feel the current one is compromised by the pipeline. A No Bayou Bridge Organizer at the action explained their position.

Cut 12 (10) “evacuation route.”

Protesters clashed with the governor’s security, and eventually Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s deputies as they attempted to enter the studios through two separate entrances, and chanted in the lobby of Investar Tower.

Governor Edwards reiterated his support for the project, saying the state’s economy is reliant on pipelines such as Bayou Bridge, a pipeline that could lead to hundreds of jobs.

Cut 13 (09)  “remain employed 

Edwards says when it comes to safety, pipelines are a much better option than the alternatives.

Cut 14 (10) “and accidents”

Three protesters were arrested in clashes with the police.

A heat advisory has been issued for the northern half of the state as the heat index values could reach 110 degrees. National Weather Service Meteorologist Mario Valverde in Shreveport says the hot temperatures are expected to last a while…

Cut 15 (06) “…heat of the day”

A six-month-old baby is dead after a kidnapping that ended with authorities finding the child covered in severe burns. Last night Natchitoches Police responded to a call from a mother who said her child had been stolen after a home invasion. Captain Christopher Payne says the mother was blindsided.  An hour after police responded to the initial call, Payne says they got a second call from someone reporting that a barn had caught fire about three miles north of the home.

Cut 5  (09) “its body.”

Can a black person get a fair trial in a courthouse with a confederate statue in front of it?  Attorney Niles Haymer says he doesn’t believe so.  Haymer has a black client currently facing a gun charge, but has requested a change of venue from the East Feliciana courthouse.  Haymer says it’s a very controversial and divisive issue as the statue is a political statement.

Cut 7 (08)  “…make political statements.”

The Louisiana Health Department announces six people have been diagnosed with the West Nile virus. It’s the first human cases of 2018. Assistant State Health Officer, Doctor Parham Jaberi, says the public should take the necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites

cut 9 (12)  “we can”

Jaberi says 80-percent of people who get West Nile are unaware they have the virus, as they are asymptomatic.

Congressman Ralph Abraham has been named a member of the conference committee that will craft the final version of the Farm Bill.  The version of the Farm Bill being considered will set agriculture policy for the next five years.  The House passed its version of the Farm Bill on June 21, with the Senate passing their version a week later. The current Farm Bill is set to expire at the end of September.

The Louisiana Health Department reports the first six human cases of the West Nile Virus has been detected. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The CDC advises customers to throw out any crab products from Venezuela. Health officials say a dangerous bacteria has been found in fresh crab meat from Venezuela, causing two people from Louisiana to get very sick.

Can a black person get a fair trial in a courthouse with a confederate statue in front of it?  Attorney Niles Haymer says he doesn’t believe so.  Haymer has a black client currently facing a gun charge, but has requested a change of venue from the East Feliciana courthouse.  He says his client is intimidated by a thirty-foot soldier at the entrance of the building.

Cut 6 (07)  “…at the courthouse.”

The Secretary of State’s race is officially on as qualifying is underway. Democrat Renee Fontenot Free, the director of the Public Protection Division in the state A-G-’s office, and Republican former state legislator A.G. Crowe joined the race today. Fontenot Free says if elected, along with maintaining a non-partisan approach, she would focus on the state’s sagging level of voter participation, specifically in state and local elections.

Cut 14 (10) “about it”

A six-month-old baby in Natchitoches is dead after a kidnapping that ended with authorities finding the child covered in severe burns. Last night Natchitoches Police responded to a call from a mother who said her child had been stolen after a home invasion.  Captain Christopher Payne says after the home invaders knocked at the door and maced the mother, she momentarily retreated while the attackers entered her home.

Cut 4  (06) “baby missing.”

Can a black person get a fair trial in a courthouse with a confederate statue in front of it?  Attorney Niles Haymer says he doesn’t believe so.  Haymer has a black client currently facing a gun charge, but has requested a change of venue from the East Feliciana courthouse.  Haymer says the issue of confederate symbolism at courthouses is widespread around the state.

Cut 8 (12) “…at our courthouse.”

The Secretary of State’s race is officially on as qualifying is underway. Democrat Renee Fontenot Free, the director of the Public Protection Division in the state A-G-’s office, and Republican former state legislator A.G. Crowe joined the race today. Crowe says if elected, he would focus on upgrading the office’s technology, to better protect election privacy and integrity.

Cut 12 (10)   “highest level”

The Louisiana Health Department announces six people have been diagnosed with the West Nile virus. It’s the first human cases of 2018. Assistant State Health Officer, Doctor Parham Jaberi, says the three cases of Neuroinvasive Disease were found in DeSoto, St. Tammany, and Tangipahoa Parishes. Jaberi says they are not surprised to see their first human cases of West Nile.

Cut 11 (10) “…surveillance.”

A recent request for a change of venue in a court case involving a gun charge is getting plenty of attention, but not because of the nature of the crime.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The Louisiana Health Department announces six people have been diagnosed with the West Nile virus. It’s the first human cases of 2018. Assistant State Health Officer, Doctor Parham Jaberi.

Cut 10 (12) “…the hospital”

The Secretary of State’s race is officially on as qualifying is underway. Democrat Renee Fontenot Free, the director of the Public Protection Division in the state A-G-’s office, and Republican former state legislator A.G. Crowe joined the race today. Crowe says he plans on running a clean campaign, and rejecting the common political impulse to attack his rivals in the race.

Cut 13 (10) “my opponets”

Crowe says he plans on running a clean campaign, and rejecting the common political impulse to attack his rivals in the race.

Political analysts consider the Secretary of State’s race to be one of the more difficult offices to obtain, due to its lower profile and lack of abundant money that’s usually available in more partisan legislative races. Free says she won’t be relying on big money backing to push her over the finish line.

Cut 15 (08) “warchest”

The election is November 6th.

The Louisiana Health Department reports the first six human cases of the West Nile Virus has been detected. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The CDC advises customers to throw out any crab products from Venezuela. Health officials say a dangerous bacteria has been found in fresh crab meat from Venezuela, causing two people from Louisiana to get very sick.

A six-month-old baby in Natchitoches is dead after a kidnapping that ended with authorities finding the child covered in severe burns. Last night Natchitoches Police responded to a call from a mother who said her child had been stolen after a home invasion at her residence. Captain Christopher Payne says the mother was blindsided.

Cut 3 (09) “mace.”

The Secretary of State’s race is officially on as qualifying is underway. Democrat Renee Fontenot Free, the director of the Public Protection Division in the state A-G-’s office, and Republican former state legislator A.G. Crowe joined the race today. Fontenot Free says if elected, along with maintaining a non-partisan approach, she would focus on the state’s sagging level of voter participation, specifically in state and local elections.

Cut 14 (10) “about it”

A six-month-old baby in Natchitoches is dead after a kidnapping that ended with authorities finding the child covered in severe burns. Last night Natchitoches Police responded to a call from a mother who said her child had been stolen after a home invasion at her residence. Captain Christopher Payne says the mother was blindsided.

Cut 3 (09) “mace.”

The baby was found in a fire and later died at a medical facility.

Governor John Bel Edwards has announced 23 new projects aimed at coastal recreation throughout the state.  The $60 million being used to fund the projects comes from a settlement stemming from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.  Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says he’s pleased the state’s recreational losses were not forgotten and says the projects will be beneficial to those with or without a boat.

Cut 11 (13) “…fish in Louisiana.” 

Air quality warnings, and a call for an Action Day is in effect for much of the state this week as a cloud of dust descends on Texas and the Bayou State. Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality Forecaster Patrick Zahn says the dust, which is from 5000 miles away, could make it a bit more difficult to breathe these next few days for people who suffer from asthma.

Cut 6 (09) “exposure.”

Louisiana has seen its first human West Nile Virus cases of 2018.  LDH says there are six cases, three of which are the most serious type.  The neuroinvasive disease version of the virus infects the brain and spinal cord and can lead to death, paralysis, and brain damage.  LDH reminds people to protect themselves from mosquitos in order to reduce the risk of virus spreading, saying to apply repellent containing DEET to exposed skin and clothing, among other recommendations.

Air quality warnings are in effect for the western end of Louisiana as well as Baton Rouge through Thursday. Matt Doyle explains why.

Cut 1 (30)  I’m Matt Doyle“

A six month old baby is dead after being kidnapped and burned in a fire in Natchitoches. Officers responded to a call from Mayberry Trailer Park.  The mother said she was sprayed in the face with mace by two unknown subjects and fled the residence.  Upon return, the baby was missing.  About an hour later, NPD received a report of a fire where they discovered the baby.  He later died from his burn injuries at a medical facility.

Governor John Bel Edwards has announced 23 new projects aimed at coastal recreation throughout the state.  The $60 million being used to fund the projects comes from a settlement stemming from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.  LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet says the additions won’t just change things above the surface, but in the depths as well.

Cut 12 (11) “…bay and others.”

The Tulane National Primate Research Center received a 42 million dollar grant to keep the lights on and the medical research on schedule. The grant, from the National Institute of Health, is aimed at maintaining the facility’s infrastructure and day to day operation.  The grant was applied for in March, and the campus was reviewed by a team of 26 inspectors. The facility houses research on deadly diseases, which Research Center Director Jay Rappaport says has led to an extensive safety infrastructure to upkeep.

Cut 14 (11) “getting out”

The Audubon Zoo in New Orleans gave an update today on how a jaguar got out of his enclosure this weekend and killed nine animals.  Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Baton Rouge Republican Congressman Garret Graves says he’s not exactly happy some of the comments made by President Trump in Finland. Graves, breaking with most national Republicans, says it was a poor choice of words on President’s behalf.  Trump has since reversed his initial statement, saying he has full confidence in the findings of US intel concerning Russian meddling in US elections.

Two years ago today in Baton Rouge, a lone gunman opened fire on law enforcement in an ambush that would kill three officers and injured three others. East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says it goes down as one of the worst days in Louisiana’s history.  Corporal Nick Tullier continues his difficult recovery at a Houston hospital. Gautreaux provided an update on Tullier’s progress.

Cut 7 (10)  “…make a full recovery.”

Tullier cannot walk, talk, or move his limbs without assistance.

Louisiana has seen an uptick in productions around the state for television shows and motion pictures.  Executive Director of Louisiana Entertainment, Chris Stelly credits a 2017 reform in the state’s incentive program for making Louisiana one of the most in demand locations.

cut 9 (05)  “in the world”

Baton Rouge  Republican Congressman Garrett Graves is coming out against the President’s comments yesterday that Russia did not interfere with the 2016 election. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Two years ago today in Baton Rouge, a lone gunman opened fire on law enforcement in an ambush that would kill three officers and injured three others. East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux…

Cut 6 (12)  “…law enforcement.”

Louisiana has seen an uptick in productions around the state for television shows and motion pictures.  Executive Director of Louisiana Entertainment, Chris Stelly credits a 2017 reform in the state’s incentive program for the boom.  Currently, five television shows being filmed in communities around the state.  Stelly estimates that the economic impact is in the billions, but says a true metric is being studied right now with more official results available in early 2019.

Cut 11 (09) “…throughout the state.”

The Audubon Zoo in New Orleans says the jaguar that got loose on Sunday and killed nine other animals most likely bit through a stainless steel cable barrier near the roof of his enclosure. Zoo Director Kyle Burks says the big cat then pushed through an eight-by-ten inch hole in the roof and got out. Burks says the jaguar will not be euthanized and they are not sure how long he was out of his enclosure.

Cut 14 (07) “…forward from there.”