The longtime head baseball coach at U-L Lafayette, Tony Robichaux, has passed away at the age of 57 after suffering from a heart attack. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Louisiana Department of Health reports the number of newly diagnosed HIV cases has dropped to the lowest in more than a decade. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut 2 (30) I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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US 90 from I-10 in Lafayette to Louisiana Highway 308 in Raceland has been designated Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Highway. A dedication ceremony took place Tuesday night and the state’s only female governor was there

Cut 3 (11) “…going up”

It’s another honor for Blanco who is battling cancer in Lafayette. This October she will also be inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame. The state’s 54th governor appreciates the love she’s receiving in her final days…

Cut 4 (10) “…go”

Blanco served as governor from 2004 to 2008. She did not seek a second term because of mounting criticism for her administration’s handling of the recovery from two devastating hurricanes. But Blanco says, in the end, Louisiana became a better state

Cut 5 (12) “…thrive in.”

___________________________

New HIV cases in the state drop to their lowest numbers in over a decade according to the Louisiana Health Department, with a 12% decline in newly diagnosed cases over the past three years.  Assistant Secretary of Public Health  Dr. Alex Billioux says it is possible the H-I-V cases have dropped to the lowest rate since the 80’s.

Cut 6 (12) “…in the state.”

In 2018, 989 cases were diagnosed.  Billioux says several factors contribute toward the decrease in the spread of the disease, including expanding testing and moving faster to get those infected on the medications they need soon.

Cut 7 (07) “…in uninsured populations.”

Billioux says there are still hurdles to clear in dropping the number of new cases even further as many people still do not want to be tested.

Cut 8 (06) “…concerns about HIV.”

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Independence day kicks off tomorrow and pyromaniacs are crowding firework stands to celebrate America’s independence with a boom.

Every year folks get busted for shooting fireworks in jurisdictions where it’s outlawed, so how can you be sure it’s legal in your area? State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says you can call your city and parish authorities, but there’s an easier way…

Cut 9 (06) “…and use.”

Fireworks are prohibited anywhere in East Baton Rouge or Orleans Parish, and a number of other large cities in the state.

When you walk into the stand, make sure you check for the Fire Marshal’s permit to know you’re getting a safe product, and Browning says don’t buy off the back of some guy’s truck…

Cut 10 (07) “…manufactured”

Once you’re ready to start firing off the pyrotechnics, Browning says make sure you have two things close by…

Cut 11 (07) “…out.”

He adds, don’t hold fireworks, don’t operate them if you’ve been drinking, make sure you have at least 200 feet of open space to fire in, and have a metal bucket for the remains of discharged fireworks.

____________________________________

Iconic UL Lafayette Baseball Coach Tony Robichaux has died after undergoing multiple surgeries following a heart attack. The voice of the Ragin Cajuns Jay Walker says their hearts are shattered, but their faith is not, which is what Coach Robe would want during this time of sorrow

Cut 12 (11)   “….his players”

Robichaux was 57. The Crowley native suffered a heart attack on June 23rd and had two surgeries.

After eight seasons as the head coach at McNeese State, Robichaux became the head coach in Lafayette in 1995. He led the Cajuns to the College World Series in 200 and won over 900 games at U-L. Walker says the program’s success led to the construction of one of the finest college baseball stadiums in the country…

Cut 13 (10) “…without Tony.”  (2x)

Walker says the fan base will always hold Robichaux in great honor…

Cut 14 (11) “…going to be the same.” 

48.9 million Americans will travel for the 4th of July holiday according to AAA. Matt Doyle has more on the record-breaking numbers…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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St. Bernard Parish President Brian McInnis pleads for federal aid for the struggling seafood industry. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.” 

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Uber goes statewide today.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

____________

A record 48.9 million Americans are expected to make a trip for the 4thof July, a 4.1 percent increase over last year.

AAA Analyst Don Redman says locally in the Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas region, 4.7 million people will travel…

Cut 4 (06) “…airplane.”

Nationally, 4 million travelers will take to the skies, a 5.5 percent increase over last year, with airfare costs up 10 percent over last year.

Redman says most of that travel increase can be traced back to an improved economy, but some of it is likely to do with more friendly prices at the pump…

Cut 5    (09) “..go up” 

The average price for a gallon of regular in Louisiana sits at $2.35.

Record numbers of travelers means congestion for some of the state’s troubled spots for heavy traffic. Redman says be prepared for a longer commute home today…

Cut 6 (11) “…area”

AAA estimates the average traffic delay to increase by nine percent today.

________________________________

St. Bernard Parish President Brian McInnis calls on the feds to provide immediate relief in the form of disaster aid to help the struggling seafood industry.  Freshwater pouring from the Mississippi River into the area due to the opening of the Bonnet Carre Spillway is having devastating effects on the region’s largest economic driver.

Cut 7 (11) “…gulf seafood harvesting.”

The spillway was opened in an effort to reduce the burden on levees in the New Orleans area.  As part of his plea, McInnis says Congress must require the 30 other states that drain into the Mississippi to do their part to manage the flow of water.

Cut 8 (07) “…supplies the world.”

McInnis says the plea for relief has the full support of the parish council, state and federal representatives.  The parish is the home of two refineries and says if a similar shutdown happened, more immediate attention would be received.

Cut 9 (12) “…take so much.”

The parish has organized a trip to DC to state their case next week.
__________________________________

Over the last several years, the popularity of rideshares services such as Uber and Lyft has grown, but it hasn’t been a transportation option in all areas of Louisiana.  But Uber South spokesperson Trevor Theunissen says Uber services begin in statewide today ahead of the 4^th of July holiday.

Cut 10 (10) “…and rural areas.”

Theunissen says Uber has been available in large metro areas of the state for several years, but faced hurdles with parish-by-parish approval of regulations.

Cut 11 (09) “…regulations that applied.”

Theunissen says an aggressive campaign is kicking off to recruit drivers who want to make a little extra money.

Cut 12 (11) “…throughout the state.”

_________________

A stretch of highway in Cajun Country running from I-10/I-49 South to Raceland was named Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Highway at an unveiling ceremony last night featuring both the current and former Governors.

Franklin Representative Sam Jones was there and says it’s a fantastic way to honor one of the great Cajuns in state history.

Cut 13 (11) “…pathfinder”

Blanco served from 2004-2008, and has “made peace” with her battle against cancer that’s left her wheelchair bound.

Blanco was Governor during the Hurricane Katrina disaster and tumultuous two years afterwards. Jones says it’s taken a while for the state to fully see the fruits of her recovery work, but…

Cut 14 (09) “…New Orleans.”

Jones highlighted her work getting the Super Dome back in action for the Saints 2007 season.

Jones served in the Blano Administration during Katrina, and says he remembers seeing her national media slamming the Governor just days after the storm landed. When he tried to warn her about those attacks…

Cut 15 (13) “…was”

Blanco would not seek a second term, and drop out before the 2007 Governor’s primary vote.

______________________________________

After suffering catastrophic damage from an EF-3 tornado in April, Louisiana Tech has made the decision to demolish the baseball, softball, and soccer stadiums this summer.  Athletic Director Tommy McClelland says after extensive surveys, they came to the conclusion that trying to salvage those sites just wouldn’t be safe.

Cut 16  (07) “…things”  

The tornado caused hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of damage and took the lives of two people.

McClelland says they’re working on cutting a deal for fall baseball and softball practice at nearby high schools, including potentially altering class schedules to accommodate, but the games themselves could be played all over…

cut 17 (10) “Mississippi” 

Soccer reports to practice August 1^st, but McClelland says they’ve worked out a deal with a local rec complex to host most practices and games.

With the old facilities condemned, McClelland says they’ve begun plans to construct new facilities, and they’ve hired an architect familiar with stadium construction to build something fans will be proud of.

The former Marksville deputy marshal sentenced to 7.5 years for his role in the 2015 fatal shooting of a six-year-old boy during a chase is out of prison after serving less than two years. Brooke Thorington has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

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Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries raises the nutria bounty from $5 to $6 per tail for the upcoming season in hopes it will entice hunters to step up the fight against the invasive species. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut 2 (28) I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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Former Marksville Deputy Marshal Norris Greenhouse Junior, sent to jail for his role in the shooting death of a six-year-old boy during a 2015 car chase, is a free man after serving less than two years of a 7.5 year sentence for negligent homicide and malfeasance in office. Legal analyst Franz Borghart says inmates convicted on non-violent charges typically do not serve their entire sentence

Cut 3 (10) “…25-percent”

The state department of corrections says Greenhouse earned the early release by completing pre-release and anger management programs, earning an associate degree and time served. Attorney General Jeff Landry says he’s disappointed by Greenhouse’s early release but Borghart says…

Cut 4 (09) “…resolve it”

The other Marskville deputy involved in the shooting, Derrick Stafford, is serving a 40-year sentence for a manslaughter conviction. While Greenhouse will remain on community supervision through 2025. Borghart says some might be disappointed by his early release, but state law allows for it…

Cut 5 (05) “…this case.”

___________________________

A female is recovering after being shot and being dumped off on the side of Interstate 10 in Baton Rouge.  Baton Rouge Police Sgt. Don Coppola says police responded to call about a woman walking on the interstate near the I-110 Split.

Cut 6 (10) “…of the interstate.”

Coppola says the suspect, 28-year-old Gerry Byrd, fled to Mississippi where he was shot by law enforcement in the Woodville area after they were alerted he was in a parking lot, waving two semi-auto pistols in the air.

Cut 7 (10) “…officer-involved shooting.”

Coppola says the suspect was brought back to Baton Rouge to be treated for his injuries.

Cut 8 (09) “…at this time.”

_____________________

“Operation Murder Gang Meltdown”, a cross agency narcotics taskforce in Terrebonne Parish is nearing an end after the arrests of 18 suspects and the seizure of significant amounts of drugs.

Terrebonne Parish Chief Deputy Terry Daigre says the taskforce has made some major seizures.

Cut 9 (10) “…as well.”

Hakeam Drane, Spencer Round Jr., and Early Johnson were some of the suspects recently busted in the investigation.

Dagire says the taskforce included Sherriff’s departments from nearby parishes and State Police and ran for about two years unearthing the drug trade.

Cut 10 (10) “…the way”

And the name of the operation wasn’t just pulled out of thin air. Daige says it drew its catchy title from the group at the center of this particular drug bust.

Cut 11 (11) “…murder gang.”

The task force secured over a million dollars in street value worth of drugs during the two-year operation.

____________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is raising the bounty on nutria tails for the season that starts November 1^st.  LDWF biologist Catherine Normand says the bounty program has been in place since 2002, and has resulted in reducing the toll the invasive species of rodent has taken on the wetlands.

Cut 12 (09)   “…the upcoming season.”

Normand says the money is provided by the feds and the raise comes with the hope that the higher bounty will entice more catches, getting numbers back to average.

Cut 13 (10) “…of nutria damage.”  

The rodent is estimated to have destroyed over 14,000 acres of wetlands this past season.

At one point, there was a fur market for the nutria, and the state didn’t have an issue with rodents causing damage to the wetlands because of the number of hunters keeping the population down and keep them from overgrazing.

Cut 14 (10) “…along our coast.” 

The rodent is credited with destroying around 82,000 acres of wetland in 2003, but about 5 years ago that was cut down to 4000 acres.

The Pelicans use their cap space to secure two highly touted veterans in free agency last night. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

____________________________

A new LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center study finds eating more will keep those who exercise reguarly from losing more weight. Jeff Palermo has more…

cut 2 (32) I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Two men are dead following a break-in at a Shreveport home early Sunday morning. A female witness who lived there told investigators that her ex-boyfriend, 39-year-old Brandon Brown, broke into the home through a master bedroom window. Caddo Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson Cindy Chadwick…

Cut 3 (11) “…at that time.”

The victim, 36-year-old Perry Bailey, a Barksdale Air Force airman, was transported to a hospital and later died of his injuries. Chadwick says as the female and her family were fleeing the home, there was another gunshot.

Cut 4 (08) “…inside the residence.”

Chadwick says there were five children in the home at the time of the break-in, ages 6 to 17.

Cut 5 (08) “…get to safety.”

___________________________

The Pelicans made a splash at the start of the NBA free agency last night by using their cap space on two widely respected veterans at positions of need.

The team started the night by securing New Orleans’ best shooter since Peja Stojakovic, guard JJ Reddick. Reddick joins New Orleans on a two-year contract and Locked on Pelicans Publisher Jake Madison says he’s exactly what the young team needed.

Cut 6 (10) “…Washington.”

The 35-year-old averaged 18 points a game last year and is a career 41 percent 3 point shooter.

The pels also traded two second-round picks to Utah for Center Derrick Favors, who is on the last year of his contract. Madison says Favors is a tough interior defender and rebounder, but best of all…

Cut 7 (10) “…have this.”

The 28-year-old averaged 12 points and 7 rebounds last year.

Those moves mark the likely end of the Pels’ wheeling and dealing that’s completely reshaped the roster over the summer. Madison says New Orleans now has a fast-paced, defensively stout starting lineup, with some firepower off the bench…

Cut 8 (09) “…the bench.”

The team also signed  Italian forward Nicolo Melli to a two year, 8 million dollar deal.

_____________________

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center has found that people who exercise regularly, but do not lose as much weight as expected are eating too much. Doctor Tim Church says they looked at people who were overweight or had obesity over a six-month period and came away with those results…

Cut 9 (11) “…what they eat.”

Church says an additional 100 to 150 calories a day can diminish the effect of a calorie-burning exercise…

Cut 10 (08) “…sabotaging them”

Church says 25-percent of the people in their study didn’t gain weight or put on extra pounds and he says it all comes down to how much you are eating…

Cut 11 (06) “…in take.”

____________________________________

In Lafayette, police are investigating a shooting that resulted in the death of a two-year-old. The incident happened around eight o’clock Sunday night and three adults at the home have been arrested in what is being ruled an accidental shooting. Lafayette Police spokesperson Corporal Bridgette Dugas says they have been charged with negligent homicide.

Cut 12 (14)   “…negligent homicide.”

When officers arrived at the home they found the two-year child suffering from a gunshot wound, he later died at a local hospital. The child’s mother 22-year old MaKayla Cormier is among the three arrested. Dugas says police are also searching for a fourth suspect.

Cut 13 (08) “…after the fact.”  

Dugas says death investigations are always traumatic for everyone involved, especially when a child’s life is cut short.

Cut 14 (04) “…infant involved.” 

An LSU study says catching and treating Conduct Disorder, a severe form of anti-social behavior in children can create substantial savings down the road.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Eunice Police arrest a shooting victim after he allegedly convinced a friend to shoot him so he can be excused from his child support court hearing. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.” 

______________________________________________

 The US Supreme Court rejected an effort to prevent partisan gerrymandering. Matt Doyle spoke to a Fair Districts Louisiana about the impact of the decision…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

____________

An LSU study shows high social and economic costs occur when there is a failure to diagnose and treat Conduct Disorder in kids, which covers a range of severe anti-social, rule-breaking, and aggressive behavior. LSU psychology professor Paul Frick says details the symptoms of Conduct Disorder…

Cut 4 (09) “…from home.”

The study found that the long term costs of not treating conduct disorder in kids is seven times higher than that of ADHD, a much more widely known disorder. Frick says all kids can be a handful, but parents need to compare their kids’ behavior to their classmates. If your child stands out, he advises counseling.

Cut 5 (06)“…into trouble”

Frick says kids who exhibit more severe levels of Conduct Disorder and are not treated early can burden society later after they fail to find success socially and economically.

Cut 6 (10) “…out of school”

Conduct Disorder affects about three percent of school children nationwide.

 ________________________________________

A Eunice man’s plan to dodge jail for unpaid child support goes south when he’s caught staging his own robbery and shooting.  Officers responded to a call of a man being shot in the chest.  During the investigation, Michael Rung claimed a person took his wallet before the shot was fired. Eunice Police Chief Randy Fontenot says he’s lucky to be alive.

Cut 7 (07) “…paying child support.”

Rung was scheduled to be in court the morning following the incident.  Fontenot says when taking a statement from Rung, some things were just not adding up.

Cut 8 (06) “…uncovered the truth.”

Rung didn’t act alone in the setup as his friend Jacob Jack is accused of acting as the trigger man.  Fontenot says he’s not sure how Rung convinced Jack to go through with the plan.

Cut 9 (04) “…a friendly gesture.”

__________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is asking fishermen to be on the lookout for the Asian swamp eel.  The invasive species was found in Bayou St. John in New Orleans.  It primarily lives in freshwater but can be tolerant of brackish water for short periods.  LDWF biologist Robert Bourgeois says the swamp eel has the potential to throw off the ecosystem.

Cut 10 (11) “…fish for resources.”

Bourgeois says it is a headscratcher as to how it got into local waters.

Cut 11 (10) “…into the bayou.”

Bourgeois says the eel is not known to be dangerous or aggressive with humans.

Cut 12 (10) “…eat it here.”

LDWF says if anyone catches an Asian swamp eel, they should notify the agency of where it was located, and kill it if possible.

_________________

The US Supreme Court defeated an effort last week to allow federal courts to intervene when states engage in partisan gerrymandering of voting districts. Fair Districts Louisiana co-founder Brandon Faske says the decision means Louisiana legislators can still draw their own districts and pick their own voters.

Cut 13 (11) “…negative.”

The court decision ended a legal effort to have North Carolina Congressional districts rewritten in time for the 2020 election. Republicans in North Carolina received 50% of the congressional votes but won 10 of 13 seats.

The decision means any policies regarding gerrymandering will have to be handled at the state level and in Congress, and Faske says states like California have already demonstrated effective ways to ensure non-partisan districts.

Cut 14 (11) “…election.”

The ballot initiative allows voters to bypass the legislature to enact measures, but Louisiana does not allow for ballot initiatives.

Fask says partisan gerrymandering is a problem in Louisiana with Democratic Congressman Cedric Richmond and Republican Representative Garret Graves’ districts. He says Richmond represents urban areas in both Baton Rouge and New Orleans…

Cut 15 (04) “…be heard.”

State Representative Ted James attempted to pass legislation this year to create an independent redistricting commission.

______________________________________

LSU starting Quarterback Joe Burrow says he has a much greater comfort level as he heads into his second season in Purple and Gold. Burrow arrived in Baton Rouge last summer as a graduate transfer from Ohio State and admits his life was a little more chaotic…

Cut 16  (15) “…last year”  

Burrow threw for 31-hundred yards 18 touchdowns and five interceptions last season. He says the Tigers should score a lot of points in LSU’s new no-huddle, run-pass option offense that should keep opposing defenses guessing

cut 17 (16) “.new concepts” 

Today NASA unveils the latest look at the spacecraft hoping to put man back on the moon in 2024. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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New, more specific child passenger safety laws will soon take effect. Matt Doyle got the details from the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

______________________________________________

The US Supreme Court shoots down an effort to ask 2020 census respondents whether or not they are American citizens. Matt Doyle spoke with a Congressman about the decision…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

____________

NASA aims to put boots on the moon in 2024 and the latest glimpse of the rocket core stage for the Artemis moon mission is being unveiled today at the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. Facility director Robert Champion says all of the engines have been received to be put into place for the spacecraft.

Cut 4 (11) “…controls the vehicle.”

All manned crafts used in space flights in the history of NASA have gone through the facility. Champion says the facility supports more than 5000 jobs between Louisiana and Mississippi and those that are working on the project are over the moon to be a part of space history.

Cut 5 (07)“…back to the moon.”

Champion says the spacecraft is the world’s largest rocket, and upon completion will have to be transported to a testing facility, and then Cape Canaveral via a barge built just for the occasion.

Cut 6 (11) “…of this year.”

 ________________________________________

New child passenger safety laws go into effect in Louisiana August 1^st, when kids under 13 must ride in the back seat and more child safety seat and restraint laws will be enforced.

Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director Lisa Freeman.

Cut 7 (10) “…seat.”

…At which point they must transition to a forward-facing seat. Once they turn four, and outgrown the forward-facing seat, they must transition to a booster seat. When the child turns 9 or outgrows the booster seat, they can sit in the back seat, with proper restraint.

Freeman says previously the codified laws for child safety in cars were not as specific, and the new suite of requirements will make Louisiana the envy of child safety advocates across the nation.

Cut 8 (11) “country.”

Freeman says the policy may not go into effect for another month, but she recommends new parents check out the requirements online and start practicing them now, like the best parents already do.

Cut 9 (10) “…that”.

Visit Louisianahighwaysafety.org for a rundown on the new laws.

__________________________________

The US Supreme Court has rejected a Trump Administration bid to include a question about citizenship status on the 2020 census.

Congressman Garret Graves says the decision could result in further reductions in Louisiana Congressional representation as states with growing undocumented immigrant populations continue to gain seats.

Cut 10 (10) “…American.”

The citizenship question has not been featured on the standard short form census since 1950, per NPR.

Graves says he’s concerned that continuing to count illegal immigrants in the census will reduce the amount of federal assistance for American citizens.

Cut 11 (09) “…the nation”

Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the majority opinion, saying the administration’s reasoning for adding the question “appeared to be contrived”.

Opponents of the question say it would dissuade immigrant households from filling out the form, resulting in the underrepresentation of Hispanics, and lower federal aid for states with those populations, but Graves says the citizenship question should be the first one asked…

Cut 12 (11) “the world.

The decision was 5-4

_________________

New research indicates the best age for a child’s first cellphone is 12.  The finding is based on the input of 2,000 moms.  Alarm.com commissioned the study, and VP of the website Anne Ferguson says the age likely comes because of the timing of maturity changes just before teenage years.

Cut 13 (09) “…of that responsibility.”

Ferguson says it is important to lay ground rules for when and how a parent can monitor device usage.

Cut 14 (09) “…among the children.”

Ferguson says monitoring a child’s usage can be done via apps.  Also, look to other parents for ideas on how to keep tabs on kids.

Cut 15 (11) “…quickly step in.”

______________________________________

LSU basketball coach Will Wade likes what he sees from his three incoming freshman during offseason workouts. The group is highlighted by five-star power forward Trendon Watford from Alabama, who Wade calls a hard worker…

Cut 16  (25) “…does that”  

The other two freshmen are guards, James Bishop from Baltimore and Charles Manning from Fort Myers Florida. Wade says Manning is a tremendous defender…

cut 17 (16) “.as a freshmen” 

This year the three-point line in college basketball is moving back to the international distance of 22 feet and one and three-quarters inches. Wade says initially he expects a drop in the number of made three-point baskets…

A new report indicates Louisiana prisons utilize solitary confinement four times more than the national average. Matt Doyle spoke with one of the authors…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

____________________________

Golf cart legislation allowing the vehicles to cross state highways in the town of Church Point is among the first six bills from 2019 session to be vetoed by Gov. Edwards, catching the bill’s authored by surprise. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut 2 (31) I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

_____________________________________________

A report finds Louisiana has a four times higher rate of the use of solitary confinement for prisoners than the national average. Loyola Jesuit Social Research Institute Research Fellow Dr. Sue Weishar says they surveyed prisoners in solitary, and 77 percent reported stays of more than a year. She says that’s torture.

Cut 3 (11) “…hopelessness”

The survey was based on responses from 709 inmates who were in solitary confinement at the state’s nine prisons.

Weishar says the practice undermines the goal of rehabilitation because the intense mental and physical stress created by extended stays creates long term damage.

Cut 4 (09) “…entered.”

30 percent of respondents to the survey reported solitary confinement of more than five years.

Weishar says the abnormally high rate of solitary use is the result of poor policy from the Department of Corrections, and the report authors are demanding change.

Cut 5 (10) “…the most”

Corrections responded, saying 3.75 percent of prisoners are in “restrictive housing” at the moment, and the number of those beds has been reduced by a thousand over the last two years reforms.

________________________________________________

A bill that would have allowed golf carts to cross LA 35 and other state highways within the town limits of Church Point is one of six the governor has vetoed from the 2019 legislative session.  Rep. Phillip DeVillier says the town had a well thought out plan for permitting as they want to be more golf cart friendly.

Cut 6 (10) “…around 5000 people.”

DeVillier says he is disappointed Governor Edwards killed the bill as the safety concerns were addressed because the proposed law said drivers had to be 18, with a valid driver’s license, carry insurance on the golf cart, and the vehicle must be equipped with proper lighting.

DeVillier adds he was caught off guard by the veto and says the Governor had voted in favor of similar bills in other communities during his time as a lawmaker.

Cut 7 (12) “…bit of respect.”

DeVillier says the measure may have a future in another legislative session.

Cut 8 (09) “…to do something.”

____________________________________

The Louisiana Health Department announces they’ve reached a “subscrpition model” deal with Asegua Therapeutics that will result in the state treating an estimated 31-thousand people who have hepatitics C, which is an infectious liver disease. Health Secretary Rebekah Gee

Cut 9 (09) “to work.”

There are at least 39-thousand people in Louisiana’s Medicaid program and prison system who suffer from Hepatitis C, which kills more people than all other infectious diseases combined.

Curing a person of Hepatitis C costs an estimated 24-thousand dollars per treatment, but Gee says under this deal, Louisiana will receive an unlimited supply of Hep C medication for five years at a cost of 58-million dollars a year

Cut 10 (08) “…this illness.”

Gee says this innovative payment model cuts down on the cost of treating tens of thousands of individuals who have Hepatitis C

Cut 11 (08) “liver cancer”

_____________________

Newly minted Pelican Zion Williamson arrived in town to a housewarming gift of a framed, signed jersey from Saints QB Drew Brees, a note welcoming him to the city, and a challenge.

Zion is probably the most nationally hyped athlete to ever play in New Orleans, and Brees welcomed the phenom by inviting him to become the new favored son of New Orleans sports…

Cut 12 (09)   “…do it.”

Williamson created his own catchphrase “Let’s Dance” after the draft that’s become the go-to hashtag for all things Pelicans. Brees is clearly a fan of the 18-year-old’s calling card.

Cut 13 (11) “…man”  

The 6’7 280-pound power forward was visibly shocked and grinning ear to ear as he took in the moment, and celebrated the gift.

Cut 14 (11) “…sheesh” 

The Pelicans posted video of the moment on their twitter feed.

The first Senate Committee hearing on the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019 takes place today. It’s a legislative package that Sen. Bill Cassidy is playing a big part in. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

____________________________

An atmospheric layer of dust from the Sarahan Desert has fallen over the central gulf region, bringing with it beautiful sunsets, but the potential for respiratory issues…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

______________________________________________

New legislation signed into law will make it possible to have alcohol delivered with your food order. Kevin Barnhart has the details.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

____________

Senator Bill Cassidy says a proposal to end surprise medical billing, lower the cost of prescription drugs, increase transparency in the healthcare system, and secure a patient’s personal data will get a hearing in front of a Senate committee today. Cassidy says the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019 faces hurdles but has a good chance of reaching the President’s desk.

Cut 4 (09) “…what is in the bill.”

Cassidy says a second Senate committee hearing will take place in July.  If both committees pass the measure, it heads to the Senate floor.

Cut 5 (07)“…it into law.”

Cassidy says the measure ultimately comes down having better health outcomes.

Cut 6 (09) “…will be healthier.”
 ________________________________________

The Saharan Air Layer, when dust from the Saharan Desert in Africa gets kicked up and swept into the atmosphere, has descended on Louisiana.

State Climatologist Barry Keim says the dust can create some respiratory issues for more allergy prone people, but does come with some interesting optics…

Cut 7 (09) “…situation .”

Louisiana sees about one to two SAL events a year.

While it may frustrate some allergy sufferers and create a somewhat strange milky white effect in otherwise blue skies, Keim says there is a beautiful side effect to the weather phenomena.

Cut 8 (10) “…sunrise.”

The dust itself can be found about a mile up in the air and can stretch as far as four miles into the atmosphere. Keim says the massive blanket of dust has taken an epic journey to get here.

Cut 9 (10) “…miles.”

He adds the blanket should keep tropical activity at bay for the next week or so.

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Louisiana’s Hepatitis A outbreak is growing, with 305 cases reported dating back to the outbreak that was declared in December of last year. Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Joseph Kanter says while we haven’t seen outbreaks in the thousands like some of our neighbors, it’s still a significantly more cases than normal.

Cut 10 (12) “…for us.”

Kanter says nationally, since the outbreak was declared in 2016 there’s been about 20,000 cases.

LDH is pushing back, hoping to contain the outbreak through vaccinations before the state sees an even more dramatic rise in cases by focusing on the two highest risk groups.

Cut 11 (11) “…drugs.”

Kanter recommends talking to your doctor about possibly getting vaccinated if you think you might be at risk.

Kanter says most cases of Hep A do not leave the patient with long term damage, but getting infected can be a really unpleasant experience.

Cut 12 (12) “sick.”

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The Governor has signed into law a bill authored by Shreveport Representative Thomas Carmody allowing delivery services to bring low alcohol content adult beverages along with a food order to your front door.  Carmody says there is a catch, as only W-2 employees of delivery services can make the drop-offs, which disqualifies several popular services.

Cut 13 (08) “…has W-2 employees.”

Another bill from Belle Chasse Representative Chris Leopold allowing grocery and liquor stores to hire their own drivers to make deliveries has also been signed into law.

Carmody predicts that the availability of the service will be very popular.

Cut 14 (09) “…container of alcohol.”

Carmody says the law will have restrictions on the type of alcohol delivered as the beverages must be factory sealed.

Cut 15 (06) “…bill would provide.”

The booze also cannot be delivered to a home if it is on a college campus.

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LSU allowed 35 sacks last season, tied with Texas A-and-M for most given up in the SEC. New passing game coordinator Joe Brady’s plan for next season is not to keep more blockers in the backfield, but for starting quarterback Joe Burrow to get rid of the ball quicker…

Cut 16  (16) “…can do”  

The 29-year-old Brady was hired in January to work with offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger on developing an offense that will contain more run-pass option schemes. Brady says the offense is completely implemented, but it’s not a finished product…

cut 17 (17) “.with that stuff” 

Brady on what LSU fans will see this fall

The LSU Vet School is receiving viral fame after equipping a turtle with wheels. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A Natchez, Mississippi school teacher was brutally robbed and murdered just across the state line while visiting family in Louisiana. Matt Doyle reports two suspects are in jail

cut 2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Personal income growth was up four-percent in the first quarter of the year, outpacing the national average according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The governor’s office says the income growth rate was even higher than Texas. Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says its evidence the state is headed in the right direction.

Cut 3 (10) “…the future.”

The four percent increase means Louisianans personal income grew by more than two-billion-dollars.

The news comes on the heels of an announcement by Coast Professional call center in West Monroe adding 146 jobs. Pierson says good paying jobs will be created through the  750,000-dollar expansion…

Cut 4 (09) “…area.”

Pierson says the state’s FastStart workforce program will guide recruitment…

Cut 5 (11) “…to play.”

Coast Professional will renovate a former Sears Hometown store to accomodate the new workforce.

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Video of a box turtle missing his rear legs has gone viral after getting a new set of wheels courtesy of some clever LSU veterinarians. LSU Vet School spokesperson Ginger Guttner says medically, Pedro the turtle was fine, but zoological medicine intern Dr. Kelly Rockwell was up for the challenge of improving his mobility.

Cut 6 (10) “…look at toys.”

Guttner says using a Lego car kit, the vet school team came up with the best way to attach the new wheels.

Cut 7 (10) “…snaps into that.”

Guttner says the story has since spread like wildfire, gaining Pedro and the vet school plenty of media attention.

Cut 8 (08) “…resonated with people.”

Pedro’s family had adopted the turtle when he was missing only one leg, but following an escape from his enclosure and being on the lam for a bit, when he returned, he didn’t have either of his hind legs.

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2,300 of the state’s best teachers have begun specialized training aimed at preparing them to be mentors to new educators and struggling students.

Assistant Superintendent Hannah Dietsch says the program will give experienced educators the tools to be able to better prepare their rookie peers for those first, challenging years in the classroom.

Cut 9 (10) “teachers.”

881 of the teachers are training to take on the classroom role of “Mentor Teachers”, who directly coach new educators, and 752 are training to become “Content Leaders”, who deliver professional development.

Dietsch says this is the first year they’re offering training for interested educators who would like to specialize in academic interventions for low performing students who may come from at-risk backgrounds.

Cut 10 (12) “…their peers.”

Dietsch says encouraging experienced teachers to reach out and help develop aspiring educators who are still seeking their certification will ensure more of those teaching candidates make it through the process.

Cut 11 (09) “students”

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Two men are behind bars for allegedly robbing and murdering a Natchez, Mississippi school teacher and then burying his body under garbage in an abandoned Ferriday food plant. Concordia Parish Chief Deputy David Hedrick says the victim, Fred McCray Jr., apparently met the suspects who said they needed a ride.

Cut 12 (11)   “…murder.”

Hedrick says they do not believe McCray was targeted.

48-year-old Jimmy Lewis of Ferriday and Cedric Tennessee are facing first-degree murder charges. Hedrick says there’s probably no way McCray could have known these two were planning the brutal crime…

Cut 13 (11) “…trust”  

McCray was visiting family across just across the state line after wrapping up his first year as an educator at Morgantown Middle School in Natchez, where he was named one of the district’s top ten teachers. Hedrick says McCray was a person who was going places…

Cut 14 (06) “…of him” 

McCray was also working on his Doctorate.

43-year-old Franklin Welzbacher was arrested after allegedly stealing some items from a neighbor’s garage, including a live streaming surveillance camera that he forgot to turn off…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Swarms of bugs are causing lower visibility at times for those crossing Lake Pontchartrain.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut 2 (32) I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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A Haughton man was arrested after allegedly stealing items from his neighbor’s garage, including a live streaming surveillance camera he didn’t turn off.  Bossier Sheriff’s Lt. Bill Davis says the victim installed the camera because his garage door was malfunctioning, which led to the theft by 43-year-old Franklin Welzbacher…

Cut 3 (12) “…House”

The victim is accusing Welzbacher of also taking some workout equipment and boxing gloves.

Davis says after the theft the victim shared the still streaming footage with the deputies, and the Lt. says it made for a pretty open and shut case…

Cut 4 (11) “…live streaming”

Davis says the footage made it easy to catch the thief, and the incident is a good example of how effective a simple surveillance camera can be.

Cut 5 (08) “…badguy.”

Welzbacher was booked on Simple Burglary.

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Many motorists crossing the Causeway Bridge in New Orleans are hitting the car wash after swarms of bugs left marks on their vehicles. The insects are known as the non-biting midge.  Research Entomologist Ed Freytag says the high numbers are likely due to the opening of the Bonnet Carre Spillway.

Cut 6 (10) “…not salty anymore.”

The bugs do not pose a health risk to humans and only live three to five days.  Freytag says it’s uncertain how much longer these swarms will occur.

Cut 7 (11) “…still coming out.”

Freytag says many of the bugs being hit are carrying eggs, and not washing them off a vehicle as soon as possible to have detrimental effects on a car’s aesthetics.

Cut 8 (10) “…to your paint.”

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The Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control is accepting permit applications from retailers who want to sell C-B-D products. A-T-C Commissioner Juana Marine Lombard says they will begin processing applications immediately…

Cut 9 (12) “…C-B-D products”

Once an application is approved, the retailer will receive a temporary permit that will expire at the end of February. In order to receive a permanent permit, L-D-H must certify the product and C-B-D. Lombard says state law prohibits the sale of any alcoholic beverage containing C-B-D

Cut 10 (09) “…food and beverages.”

Lombard says C-B-D can only be added to food if approved by the F-D-A and C-B-D can’t be marketed as a dietary supplement and the labeling cannot make medical claims

Cut 11 (10) “…are making.”

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Five Louisiana nursing homes are in hot water after a report by the Center for Medicaid and Medicare services shows poor conditions and subpar treatment of patients.

Louisiana Department of Health spokesperson Bob Johannessen says it’s the first time the feds have made the annual report public, and it’s important information for families…

Cut 12 (11)   “…needs.”

The list identified over 400 problem facilities nationwide.

The list of concerns includes incidents of staff abuse, failure to follow vital healthcare protocol, unsanitary living conditions and a number of other disturbing reports. Johannessen says when it comes to choosing a nursing home…

Cut 13 (09) “…homes”  

Tioga Community Care Center, St. Helena Parish Nursing Home, Lake Charles Care Center, South Lafourche Nursing and Rehab, and Belle Maison Nursing Home were named.

Belle Maison Nursing Home in Hammond is a repeat offender, and has been given a “special focus” designation. Johannessen says that will likely lead to improved care, because most facilities only get an annual inspection…

Cut 14 (06) “…months” 

In 2017 Belle Maison was reported for failing to protect a paraplegic patient from repeated violent attacks by their roommate, and failing to follow ulcer prevention protocol.