Inspired by a meeting with Ivanka Trump, US Senator Bill Cassidy will chair a hearing on paid parental leave. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31)  I’m Matt Doyle“

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Lafayette Regional Airport will soon have seasonal service to two more cities starting this October.  Kevin Barnhart tells us who…

Cut 2 (31) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Governor Edwards is calling on the Restore Task Force to up reimbursement on 2016 flood relief grants to 100 percent. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana US Senator Bill Cassidy will chair a hearing on paid family leave after meeting with Ivanka Trump, who’s been pushing the idea in DC. The United State is one of only eight countries worldwide, and the only developed nation on earth not to have guaranteed leave for newly minted parents. Cassidy says he’s open to the idea, but wants to know if the US has enough money to pay for it first.

Cut 4  (10) “those answers”

Paid parental leave gives new parents paid time off for a certain period after their child is born.

Advocates say paid family leave relieves much of the financial pressure on working class families immediately after they have their children, and the ability for parents to stay with their kids for a time after birth leads to healthier children. Cassidy says he’s interested to know if offering those benefits to working class families would be helpful.

Cut 5  (09)  “to it”

The Senator says he’s already started looking into ways this could be accomplished without adding additional costs to businesses, including allowing parents to temporarily access their social security payments immediately after their child is born.

Cut 6 (12) “took off”

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The Morehouse Parish Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest in connection with a video that was spread via Snapchat and various other social media outlets.  The graphic video shows a dog being executed with the sound of two gunshots and someone laughing.  Sheriff Mike Tubbs says they are currently investigating people involved.

The sheriff says the gunman appears to be Tobias Conway of Mer Rouge, who has been charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  Tubbs says more charges could be pending.

Cut 8 (10)  “…the appropriate charges.”

Sheriff Tubbs says the agency has received phones calls from around the nation with people demanding action.

Cut 9 (13)  “…evidence we can.”

Authorities say more arrests are possible.

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Lafayette Regional Airport will soon have seasonal service to two more cities, Orlando and Denver, with the addition of Frontier Airlines.  The flight prices start at just $39 and Airport Director Steve Picou says the action starts up this fall.

Cut 10 (12)   “…Wednesdays and Saturdays”

Picou says Frontier Airlines initially contacted the airport in January with a survey and that the airport has maintained contact with the airline since returning the survey.  And then the news came.

Cut 11 (05) “…to start service”

The airline may only be starting with service two days each week, saying demand will determine if Frontier will expand even further.  Picou is very optimistic.

Cut 12 (08) “…approached by Frontier”

With the addition of the two cities, the Lafayette Regional Airport now services five of the top seven US destinations.

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Governor John Bel Edwards is asking the Restore Flood task to expand the 2016 flood recovery grant program to expand grant reimbursement eligibility to 100 percent, up from the current 50 percent. Edwards’ Communications Director Shauna Sanford says this change means 110 million more dollars could be dispersed to thousands of Louisianans.

Cut 13 (07)  “their lives” 

The deadline for filling out a survey that qualifies Louisianans effected by the flooding for reimbursement is set for July 20^th, after which point if you haven’t submitted, you won’t be able to be reimbursed by the state for any damage suffered. Sanford says considering how tough the recovery has been for many, she hopes to see a rush of registrations in the final nine days.

Cut 14 (12) “the burden”

Homeowners who have already filled out the survey will have their application automatically updated to reflect the 100 percent reimbursement.

Sanford says the Governor is still fighting to end the duplication of benefits logjam that has prevent many flood victims from claiming their reward, but says do not let any doubts about eligibility prevent you from at least filling out the survey.

LEAP Test scores for 2017-2018 are in. Jeff Palermo has the results.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Louisiana’s Republicans US Senators are impressed with President Donald Trump’s nomination for the US Supreme Court. DC-based federal appeals court Judge Brett Kavanaugh is widely considered a consistently conservative jurist. Senator John Kennedy says Kavanaugh has a good resume and a positive judicial history, but he’s holding his final judgment until he gets a chance to question the nominee in Congress.

Cut 5  (11) “my job”

A 3 AM traffic stop today in Baton Rouge resulted in gunfire involving a Louisiana State Police trooper. Troop A spokesperson Bryan Lee says the Trooper pulled over the vehicle on Perkins Road when during the course of the traffic stop, a passenger in the vehicle became noncompliant.

cut 9 (03)  “…firing their weapon.”

Lee says detectives from the State Police Bureau of Investigations are looking into why the stop escalated to the point that it did.

A 75 year old Boyce resident now has a nice stack of cash after claiming a lottery ticket matching all five numbers with the Powerball’s June 23^rd drawing. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says this serves as a reminder that luck could be in anyone’s favor with the drawings.

Cut 14 (04) “…one ticket to win.”

75-year-old Glenn Feazell won one million dollars, and after taxes, he takes home a cool $710K.

Louisiana’s Republicans US Senators are impressed with President Donald Trump’s nomination for the US Supreme Court. DC-based federal appeals court Judge Brett Kavanaugh is widely considered a consistently conservative jurist. Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s been impressed with the Kavanaugh’s track record on past decisions, and compared his approach to the President’s first nominee, conservative US Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch.

Cut 4  (10) “I like most.”

According to Politico, Kavanaugh’s has ruled and dissented against labor unions and workers’ rights in employment disputes, against regulatory agencies policies, and called the Net Neutrality “Unlawful”.

This year’s LEAP Test results are in, and average scores are up one percent over the 2016-2017 school year. Only 32 percent of students accomplished mastery or above scores in Mathematics, which saw growth remain stagnant. White says that’s due to the state’s personnel problems.

cut 8 (10) “in mathematics.”

A 3 AM traffic stop today in Baton Rouge resulted in gunfire involving a Louisiana State Police trooper. Troop A spokesperson Bryan Lee says detectives from the State Police Bureau of Investigations are looking into why the stop escalated to the point that it did.

Cut 11 (07) “…everything took place.”

Lee says the trooper only sustained minor injuries in the altercation, but the passenger was hit by the gunfire and taken to a local hospital.

A Point Coupee Parish man is ordered to pay $10,250 in civil restitution after being found guilty of killing a Louisiana black bear. 30-year-old Robert Kimble of Lettsworth shot and killed the female bear on Yancy Wildlife Management Area in Concordia Parish last November. General Counsel of Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Yolanda Martin…

Cut 15 (08) “a closed season”

Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy say they like the President’s pick for the soon to be vacant seat on the US Supreme Court. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

This year’s LEAP Test results are in, and average scores are up one percent over the 2016-2017 school year. The percentage of students in the 3rd through 8th grade who scored mastery level or above is 34 percent. Only 21 percent of African American students scored mastery level or above, and Superintendent of Education John White says this needs to be a major focus going forward.
cut 6 (07) “…not closing”

A 75-year-old Boyce resident now has a nice stack of cash after claiming a lottery ticket matching all five numbers with the Powerball’s June 23^rd drawing. Even though he didn’t get the correct Powerball number, Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison say it was enough to give the winner, Glenn Feazell, quite the surprise the next morning.

Cut 12 (10)   “…seeing things correctly.”

30-year-old Robert Kimble from Pointe Coupee Parish has been ordered to pay over 10-thousand dollars in civil restitution for killing a black bear in Concordia Parish last November. General Counsel with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Yolanda Martin says Kimble admitted to shooting the bear…
cut 16 (08) “…with the agency”

LEAP Test results for 2017-2018 are in. Jeff Palermo has the results.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

A 75 year old Boyce resident now has a nice stack of cash after claiming a lottery ticket matching all five numbers with the Poweball’s June 23^rd drawing. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says this serves as a reminder that luck could be in anyone’s favor with the drawings.

Cut 14 (04) “…one ticket to win.”

75-year-old Glenn Feazell won one million dollars.

A 3 AM traffic stop today in Baton Rouge resulted in gunfire involving a Louisiana State Police trooper. Troop A spokesperson Bryan Lee says the trooper only sustained minor injuries in the altercation, but the passenger was hit by the gunfire and taken to a local hospital.

Cut 10 (05) “…for injuries there.”

Louisiana’s Republicans US Senators are impressed with President Donald Trump’s nomination for the US Supreme Court. DC-based federal appeals court Judge Brett Kavanaugh is widely considered a consistently conservative jurist. Senator Bill Cassidy says the Senate will review his record, then vote on his confirmation….

Cut 3 (10) “as written”

According to Politico, Kavanaugh’s has ruled and dissented against labor unions and workers’ rights in employment disputes, against regulatory agencies policies, such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the EPA, for immigration restrictions, and called the Net Neutrality “Unlawful”.

This year’s LEAP Test results are in, and average scores are up one percent over the 2016-2017 school year. BESE plans on addressing a massive gap in performance between the general student population and at-risk populations by identifying those schools with, particularly troubling achievement gaps. Superintendent of Education John White says this will target schools across the state.

Cut 7 (11)  “disadvantaged students.”

A 3 AM traffic stop today in Baton Rouge resulted in gunfire involving a Louisiana State Police trooper. Troop A spokesperson Bryan Lee says the Trooper pulled over the vehicle on Perkins Road when during the course of the traffic stop, a passenger in the vehicle became noncompliant.

cut 9 (03)  “…firing their weapon.”

A 75 year old Boyce resident now has a nice stack of cash after claiming a lottery ticket matching all five numbers with the Powerball’s June 23^rd drawing, $710k after taxes. Even though he didn’t get the correct Powerball number, Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says it’s always an exciting scene when winners show up to claim large prizes at the lottery office, continuing on to say the man already has plans for the money.

Cut 13 (06) “…a new vehicle with it.” 

A Point Coupee Parish man is ordered to pay $10,250 in civil restitution after being found guilty of killing a Louisiana black bear. 30-year-old Robert Kimble of Lettsworth shot and killed the female bear on Yancy Wildlife Management Area in Concordia Parish last November. General Councel of Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Yolanda Martin says why she demanded the restitution.

Cut 15 (08) “a closed season”

12:30 Newscast

Louisiana’s Republicans US Senators are impressed with President Donald Trump’s nomination for the US Supreme Court. DC-based federal appeals court Judge Brett Kavanaugh is widely considered a consistently conservative jurist. Senator John Kennedy says Kavanaugh has a good resume and a positive judicial history, but he’s holding his final judgment until he gets a chance to question the nominee in Congress.

Cut 5  (11) “my job”

A 75-year-old Boyce resident now has a nice stack of cash after claiming a lottery ticket matching all five numbers with the Powerball’s June 23^rd drawing. Even though he didn’t get the correct Powerball number, Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison say it was enough to give the winner, Glenn Feazell, quite the surprise the next morning.

Cut 12 (10)   “…seeing things correctly.”

LEAP Test results for 2017-2018 are in. Jeff Palermo has the results.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

A 3 AM traffic stop today on Perkins Road in Baton Rouge resulted in gunfire involving a Louisiana State Police trooper when a passenger in the vehicle became noncompliant.  The incident is still under investigation.

Here are commodities…

A recent Politico article has reignited the intrigue around former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s plans for the 2020 presidential race. The Crescent City Politician did not confirm his interest in the race, but the comments he made may indicate an interest in the Democratic primary. UNO Political Science Professor Ed Chervanek says this has gained the attention, and interest of national establishment Democrats who are looking to unseat Donald Trump.

Cut 4  (12) “New Orleans.”

Got some suppressed aggression issues you need to alleviate?  A new businesses in Lafayette Parish might just be right in your wheelhouse.  It’s called All The Rage, and customers can destroy old computers, dishes, and almost anything else your heart desires. Owner Kevin Richard says there is a myriad of weaponry to express yourself.

Cut 6 (12)  “…start making a mess.”

By becoming heavyweight champion this weekend, Lafayette native, Daniel Cormier, becomes only the second person to hold two UFC belts simultaneously. Following his victory, Cormier called out former UFC Champion and current WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar, who was sitting cage side for the fight.  It’s a moment that left some UFC fans upset.

Cut 11 (13) “…upside your head.”

The state will save 12.2 million dollars as a result of the criminal justice reforms of 2016, that from a new report issued by the Department of Corrections. 70 percent of those savings will be reinvested into programs that will help inmates at parish prisons, increased the number of parole staff, new reception centers, and more.

The state has seen a noticeable drop in the number of inmates in the system since 2016.

A recent Politico article has reignited the intrigue around former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s plans for the 2020 presidential race. The Crescent City Politician did not confirm his interest in the race, but the comments he made may indicate an interest in the Democratic primary. UNO Political Science Professor Ed Chervanek says so far, it’s just wishful thinking.
Cut 3 (10) “in 2020.”
Got some suppressed aggression issues you need to alleviate?  A new businesses in Lafayette Parish might just be right in your wheelhouse.  It’s called All The Rage, and customers can destroy old computers, dishes, and almost anything else your heart desires. In fact, Owner Kevin Richard says if traditional relationship counseling isn’t quite your thing, he says All the Rage has you covered.

cut 8 (08) “…and smashing them.”

This weekend at UFC 226, the UFC Championship was defending in a fight that would see the title end up in the hands of Lafayette native, Daniel Cormier.  With the win, Cormier, becomes only the second person to hold two UFC championships simultaneously.  Comier says that at age 39, his career is winding down and he’ll likely be more selective with the fights he competes in.

Cut 10 (13) “…and be done.”

No word on when the fight between Cormier and Lesnar will take place.

Louisiana has surpassed Tennessee to become the number one state in the nation for the number of high school seniors completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.  The news comes following the most recent report by the National College Access Network, which also indicates the state now leads the nation with the most completion growth since last year.

A major national political magazine article asks the question: “Does Mitch Landrieu have to run for President?” Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

This past Saturday at UFC 226, the UFC Championship was defending in a fight that would see the title end up in the hands of a Lafayette native, Daniel Cormier.   Cormier describes the feeling of the milestone victory.

cut 9 (06)  “…seemed so impossible”

With the win, Cormier, becomes only the second person to hold two UFC championships simultaneously, following Connor McGregor as the only other person to do so.

President Donald Trump will announce his nomination for the vacant US Supreme Court position tonight at 8PM, a decision that could tip the balance of the high court in a decidedly conservative direction.  ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says you shouldn’t expect radical changes in the courts direction on topics like workers’ rights and abortion as a result of the new Justice, because Justice Anthony Kennedy, who recently retired, wasn’t nearly as moderate as his reputation indicated.

Cut 14 (11) “the majority.”

The news making you angry?  A new businesses in Lafayette Parish may have the solution.  It’s called All The Rage, and customers can destroy old computers, dishes, and more. Owner Kevin Richard says clients have a tendency to leave a mess after going wild with sledgehammers, crowbars, and golf clubs.

Cut 7 (08)  “…clean up the mess.”