The incoming tropical system will push the Mississippi River to 20 feet in New Orleans, putting levees at risk of being over topped. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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The National Weather Service is Briefing State Officials and Emergency Personnel about the forecast so they can be as proactive as possible to the current situation. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Cars and homes could be flooded  by soon-to-be Hurricane Barry. Here’s some tips for how to respond before and after…

Cut 3 (30) “.Matt Doyle”

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The Corps of Engineers says heavy rains and storm surge from a tropical system will push the Mississippi River to 20 feet in New Orleans, which could result in some levees being overtopped.

Spokesperson Ricky Boyett says the levee system runs 20-25 feet high, and during the high water period, water will nearly reach the tops as Barry gets closer to landfall in southwest Louisiana.

Cut 4 (11) “…time”

The river was already sitting around 16-17 feet at the Carrollton Gauge due to historic rainfall in the Midwest.

Boyett says they do not expect potential overtoppings to be widespread, but they’ve begun additional surveying to see if some areas could use reinforcement.

Cut 5  (08) “…worse” 

He added that there are concerns at the moment about areas south of New Orleans.

Boyett says the levee system is in good shape and there’s no concerns about the integrity of the levees, so they’ll be focused on potentially increasing the height of certain portions of the system.

Cut 6 (10) “…over.

Three to five feet of storm surge is expected at the mouth of the Mississippi.

____________________

As the storm moves westward and impacts Louisiana, parishes along the coastline are preparing. In Vermilion Parish they have issued a voluntary evacuation order for low-laying areas.  Director of Vermilion Parish Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Becky Broussard says they are expecting plenty of rain .

Cut 7 (10) “…center yet.”

In Lafayette, parish officials are being proactive and putting equipment into place and lining up first responders. Director of Lafayette Parish Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Craig Stansbury says they are getting two briefings a day from the National Weather Service.

Cut 8 (06) “…need be”

Stansbury says their main concern with this storm is flooding and they want to encourage residents to pay attention to the forecast and not get caught off guard.

Cut 9 (06) “…or afterwards.”

Stansbury says even when officials are proactive and close roads due to flooding, first responders still have to put themselves at risk

Cut 10 (14) “…done that.”

_____________________

Soon-to-be Hurricane Barry has the potential to flood homes and cars, and Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon has some tips on how to prepare for that outcome.

Donelon says first up, contact your insurance company the moment you see any flood damage to insure the fastest possible resolution of your claim.

Cut 11 (09) “…expedited.”

Donelon says that goes for cars as well, as the 2016 August flood event resulted in 60,000 flooded cars, costing 700 million dollars for state auto insurers.

In addition to filing your claim ASAP, Donelon says you have a duty to minimize your damage after being flooded.

Cut 12 (11) “…loss.”

He adds make sure you check any contractor’s certification and Better Business Bureau rating before hiring them to aid in recovery.

Before the rain begins to even fall though, Donelon says make sure you document what your residence looked like “before” the flooding.

Cut 13 (08) “…there.”

_______________________

Soon-to-be Tropical Storm Barry is slinking it’s way west thought the Gulf, on a collision course with the south Louisiana coast on Saturday.

The center of most tracks puts landfall in south-central/southwest Louisiana, but National Weather Service Lake Charles forecaster Donovan Landreneau says it’s too early to be certain.

Cut 14 (11) “…New Orleans.”

Hurricane watches are in effect for the Louisiana coast from the mouth of the river all the way to the Texas border.

Landreneau says no matter where the system lands, much of the state will feel the effects all the way through Sunday.

Cut 15 (11) “…soon.”

With its snail like pace, Landreneau says the system is set to drop a ton of rain in certain areas of the state, somewhat similar to the tropical system that created the 2016 August floods.

Cut 16  (07) “that…dollars”  

The state is making preparations for a possible slow-moving hurricane to batter the Louisiana coast this weekend. Kevin Barnhart has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A tropical system near the panhandle is projected to grow into Hurricane Barry and make landfall along the southwest Louisiana coast Saturday…

 cut  2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”  

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The state is bracing for a slow moving tropical system that’s expected to drop a ton of rain. Ten-to-15 inches of rain is possible. National Weather Service meteorologist Tim Erickson says much of that rainfall will come between Friday and Sunday.

Cut 3 (09) “…of that obviously.”

Erickson says the Mississippi River is expected to hit 19 feet on Friday and a flood warning has been issued for the New Orleans area…

Cut 4 (10) “…at actually developing.”

Levees in New Orleans are built to handle 20 to 21 feet river levels. Erickson says another concern that comes with this storm is the possibility of tornados.

Cut 5 (06) “…some tornadic areas.”

_____________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards says be prepared for a significant rain and storm surge event from a storm system that’s expected to strengthen into a Category One Hurricane and make landfall in southwest Lousiana on Saturday. Edwards says the yet to be named storm will move slowly towards the Louisiana coast

Cut 6 (12) “…certain areas”

Edwards has declared a statewide emergency. He says this is just not a south Louisiana event…

Cut 7 (10) “…as well”

Edwards says they anticipate a storm surge near the mouth of the Mississippi River between three and four feet, which is a concern since the River is already at a very high level. He says there will likely be overtopping of levees in Plaquemines Parish

Cut 8 (12) “…over topping.”

A storm surge watch is in effect from the mouth of the Pearl River to Morgan City. A tropical storm watch is in effect for the mouth of the Mississippi River to Morgan City.

_____________________

Based on current projections, Terrebonne Parish could get the brunt of what may be Hurricane Barry. Director of the Terrebonne Parish Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Earl Eues says workers are already alleviating issues with the parish’s drainage system.

Cut 9 (09) “…that we’re expecting.”

10 to 15 inches of rain is forecasted to fall in Houma through Monday. Eues says they have several sandbagging areas for residents and business owners. Some may also be impacted by storm surge.

Cut 10 (09) “…storm surge flooding.”

_______________

A tropical system creeping towards the state is expected to develop into Hurricane Barry and make landfall on the southwestern Louisiana coast on Saturday.

State Climatologist Barry Keim says gulf surface temps are in the mid to upper 80s, and wind shear is expected to decrease, giving the system plenty of fuel to develop.

Cut 11 (11) “…morning”

Keim says with it’s current tracking, the most severe area of the hurricane will slam right through the south-central portion of the state.

Cut 12 (12) “…rain.”

South-central Louisiana is bracing for 10 to 15 inches of rain.

Keim says even if the storm does make landfall in the southwestern portion of The Boot, the system’s current track will have it slowly creep past the southeastern coast, bringing storm surge.

Cut 13 (11) “…higher.”

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Many streets in New Orleans turned into rivers as an estimated eight inches of rain fell during a three-hour period over parts of the city this morning. Many businesses, homes and vehicles were damaged by rising rain water….

Cut 14 (07) “…just horrible.”

The strong cluster of storms that moved over the city also made life difficult for visitors and residents of the French Quarter

Cut 15 (03) “…like this”

There was also a tornado reported near the UNO campus and several waterspouts over Lake Ponchartrain.

Cut 16 (09) “…for this child.”

The National Hurricane Center says there’s a strong chance a tropical depression could form late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

____________________________

Governor Edwards’ re-election campaign says their 9.62 million dollars cash on hand is a record for an incumbent Louisiana governor…

 cut  2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”  

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The National Hurricane Center expects a tropical depression will form by Thursday from a broad area of low pressure that’s moving into the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of the Florida panhandle. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the big concern is the potential for heavy rainfall starting Friday and lasting through the weekend

Cut 3 (10) “…ten inch range.”

Currently, the system is labeled as Invest 92. The National Hurricane Center says once Invest 92 gets into the Gulf of Mexico the conditions are conducive for development. Keim says the sea surface temperatures in the Gulf are very warm…

Cut 4 (12) “…overly serious”

Once the system gets into the Gulf of Mexico, it’s expected to drift westward. But Keim says steering currents are so weak it’s anybody’s guess on where it might go…

Cut 5 (08) “…repeatedly”

_____________________________

The tropical development that could bring large amounts of rainfall to Louisiana later this week could have a mitigating impact on the Gulf of Mexico’s algae bloom.  LSU Professor Dr. Nancy Rabalais says as the forecast becomes more clear, just how much of an effect the storm will have will be more apparent.

Cut 6 (12) “…sure how long.”

Rabalais says if the algae bloom is disrupted, it will only be a temporary fix.

Cut 7 (10) “…going to redevelop.”

Rabalais says another issue caused by the opening of the Bonnet Carre Spillway, the Gulf of Mexico’s hypoxic area known as the dead zone, could see conditions restored to be more favorable for marine life.

Cut 8 (08) “…but only temporarily.”

_____________________

John Bel Edwards’ re-election campaign says they have a record amount of cash on hand for an incumbent Louisiana Governor, with 9.6 million dollars in the bank.

UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says Edwards’ re-election campaign made a strong fundraising effort early in anticipation of a major clash with US Senator John Kennedy that never materialized.

Cut 9 (10) “case.”

The Edwards campaign was barred from fundraising between April 8^th and July 7^th due to laws prohibiting governors from fundraising during the Legislative session.

It’s a significant pile of money, so as a Democrat incumbent in a Republican state, where is a lot of it coming from?

Cut 10 (09) “…teachers”

Edwards is up against Republicans Eddie Rispone and Congressman Ralph Abraham.

Cross says Edwards is in a good position to be re-elected because along with the hefty war chest, the Governor has something that money can’t buy…

Cut 11 (13) “…doing.”

The primary for the governor’s race will take place October 12th.

_____________

A dog is dead after a high jacking incident in Baton Rouge. On Sunday, a man left his dog in the car with the AC on while he was inside a doughnut shop, only for someone to steal the car with the dog in tow. East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Casey Hicks says the victim was injured trying to stop the suspect.

Cut 12 (08) “…injuries from that.”

That led to a citywide hunt for both the dog and car that ran over 24 hours.  Hicks says investigators found the suspect who led them to the car.  They discovered the dog in the car, and have determined the animal died of heat exhaustion. 30-year-old Leslie Aguillard was arrested on a litany of charges as a result.

Cut 13 (07) “…charge of theft.”

The vehicle was abandoned on South Sherwood Forest, with an animal hospital close by.  Hicks says the death of the animal was absolutely an unnecessary heartbreak the family is now having to endure.

Cut 14 (10) “…for his family.”

The Assumption Parish Sheriff’s office is working a “cold” case after a Belle Rose man attempts to gain social media infamy with a grocery store prank.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Governor Edwards drops his first re-election TV and online ad of the gubernatorial campaign, with a familiar foe front and center…

 cut  2 (29) I’m Matt Doyle”  

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A Belle Rose man is in the slammer after going to a grocery store, filming himself opening a Blue Bell ice cream container, licking the contents, sticking his fingers in the container, then returning it to the store freezer.  36-year-old Lenise Lloyd Martin III is accused of pulling the stunt.  Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office Commander Lonny Cavalier says it’s a prank that is not taken lightly.

Cut 3 (07) “…that does that.”

The stunt is similar to another video that recently gained viral infamy.  Martin posted the video to social media after leaving the store.  Cavalier says Martin produced a receipt showing he later purchased an identical package.

Cut 4 (10) “…of gaining notoriety”

Martin has been arrested for the unlawful posting of criminal activity for notoriety.  But Cavalier says his legal issues do not end there.

Cut 5 (09) “…owner of it.”

Martin was booked into the parish prison on Saturday and will remain there until a bond is set.

_____________________________

The National Hurricane Center says there is a high probability a tropical depression will form by the end of the week over the northern Gulf of Mexico, which has the potential to produce heavy rain over Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says an area of low pressure is expected to move into the northeastern Gulf of Mexico

Cut 6 (12) “…Gulf coast”

Keim says eight to ten inches of rain could fall across the northern Gulf Coast later this week. He says this system has some similarities to the historic 2016 south Louisiana flood…

Cut 7 (11) “…right now”

Keim says as long as this possible tropical depression or storm doesn’t develop into anything too significant, the potential rainmaker could be beneficial to Louisiana…

Cut 8 (10) “…hot”

The state has activated its crisis action team due to the tropical threat.

_____________________

Governor Edwards has released his first TV re-election ad of the gubernatorial campaign. The ad emphasizes Louisiana’s recovery from the Jindal deficits under Edwards’ leadership.

Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s a familiar line for Edwards, but it has a weakness…

Cut 9 (09) “surplus.”

Edwards passed a one cent sales tax increase after taking office. That sales tax increase was reduced to .45 of a penny in the 2018 session.

Pinsonat says the ad shows the Edwards campaign is trying to leverage budget stability for higher Ed and healthcare to counter attacks from his Republican opponents over a broken promise…

Cut 10 (09) “…Louisiana”

Edwards is running against Republicans Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone and Congressman Ralph Abraham.

Pinsonat says the reported seven figure ad buy will likely appeal to Edwards base, but he’s got a long way to go to convince the state’s more conservative voters…

Cut 11 (12) “…state.”

The primary is set for October 12th, with a run-off scheduled for November 16th if none of the candidates win over 50 percent of the vote.

_____________

Restore Louisiana is sending out the first round of checks to 2016 flood victims, previously denied government aid because they were approved for an SBA loan. Executive Director of the Louisiana Office of Community Development Pat Forbes says 230 homeowners will receive grant money this week and many others received notification today about eligibility

Cut 12 (11) “…your grant.”

Forbes says, unfortunately, flood victims who received money through an S-B-A loan will have to wait at least another three months, so will those who drew down an S-B-A loan and their household is above 120-percent of the area median income…

Cut 13 (10) “…action plan.”

The continued delay for some homeowners caught up in the duplication of benefits issue is because the state needs to get their action plan approved by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development

Cut 14 (11) “…comment period.”

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”

____________________________

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.” 

______________________________________________

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”

____________________________

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”  

_____________________________________________

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.”

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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.” 

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 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”

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.” 

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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”

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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.”

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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.

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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

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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.”

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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…