Campaign finance reports are out, with Governor Edwards sitting pretty with 9.6 million on hand while his Republican challengers fight it out for a spot in the run-off…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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An East Feliciana Parish man has been arrested for the second time in four months for his role in a fatal wreck. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut  2 (31) I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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A 60-year-old East Feliciana Parish man is arrested for a second time in less than four months for negligent homicide, after striking a pedestrian with his truck on LA Hwy 10 in West Feliciana Parish. State Trooper Taylor Scrantz says Salvatore Euggino of Ethel was involved in another fatal accident in March.

Cut 3 (11) “…survive the crash.”

The pedestrian who died on Monday has been identified as 50-year-old Ricky Pourciau of St. Francisville.  Scrantz says Euggino fled the scene after the crash but was later located at a local business.  A breath test has ruled out the possibility of alcohol involvement.

Cut 4 (08) “…negligent driving.”

Scrantz says it is rare for anyone to be arrested twice for vehicular homicide in such a short amount of time.

Cut 5 (10) “…the deceased individuals.”

Euggino is charged with Negligent Homicide, Hit and Run Driving, and Careless Operation.

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The Bonnet Carre Spillway will remain open longer than officials hoped because of Hurricane-slash-Tropical Storm Barry. Corps of Engineers spokesperson Ricky Boyett says before they can close the Spillway, the Mississippi river must drop to 21 feet at the structure in St. Charles Parish, but that has yet to happen…

Cut 6 (10) “…to us.”

21 feet at the Spillway would put the river around 16 feet in New Orleans.

Boyett says they aren’t concerned that the additional water will put any of the levee system in danger.

Cut 7 (11) “…slow fall.”

Toxic algae blooms linked to the Spillway’s opening have continued to shutter Mississippi beaches during a peak tourist season.

The Spillway has been open for a record number of days this year, and has even had to be opened twice in one year for the first time ever. Boyett says they were hoping to put that streak to an end…

Cut 8 (10) “…right now.”

The structure has had to remain open as record rainfall in the Midwest pushed the river’s height to dangerous levels. There was hope before Barry arrived that the Corps could begin closing Bonnet Carre Spillway in mid-July.

__________________

Governor’s race finance reports are out and Governor Edwards has 9.6 million cash on hand, while Republicans Eddie Rispone and Congressman Abraham have 9.8 and 1.3 million dollars respectively.

John Bel Edwards was barred from fundraising during the legislative season, but UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says the Gov had already built up a substantial warchest.

Cut 9 (10) “race.”

Edwards is the only candidate so far to run statewide TV ads.

Congressman Ralph Abraham, the leading Republican in the so far limited polling available, raised 800,000 dollars during the most recent fundraising period. Cross says he’s picking up steam, but…

Cut 10 (08) “….come in”

Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone has reportedly dumped 10 million dollars of his own money into the campaign. Cross says Rispone is running out of time to boost his name recognition.

Cut 11 (10) “…short”

Rispone raised 277,000 dollars from contributions during that period.

___________________

Baton Rouge Police arrest 38-year-old Ronn Bell in the murder of civil activist Saide Roberts-Joseph. The 75-year-old was found dead in her trunk on Friday. Chief Murphy Paul says Bell has been charged with first-degree murder. Paul says they don’t have an exact motive, but Bell was a tenant in one of her rent houses

Cut 12 (08) “…was owed.”

Roberts-Joseph was the founder of Baton Rouge’s African American history museum and her murder shook the community because she was known her kindness. Paul credits great police work for making a timely arrest

Cut 13 (09) “…your efforts”

A preliminary autopsy found that Roberts-Joseph died from being suffocated. Since Bell has been charged with first-degree murder, prosecutors can seek the death penalty. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says no decision has been made on that…

Cut 14 (11) “…other case”

A jury recommends the death penalty for the gunman in a 2015 shooting death of a state trooper in Calcasieu Parish. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Cleanup and restoration is underway following Hurricane Barry. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (30) I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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A jury recommends the death penalty for 57-year-old Kevin Daigle, convicted in the “cold blooded”2015 ambush shooting death of a State Trooper in Calcasieu Parish.

Calcasieu District Attorney John DeRosier says the murder was so shocking that it’s the first time in his 14 years as DA that he’s stuck with a death penalty request.

Cut 3 (08) “…conduct”

Daigle was caught on dashcam footage blasting Trooper Steven Vincent with a sawed-off shotgun after the officer responded to what appeared to be a person in duress.

DeRosier says the jury appeared to be moved by testimony from Vincent’s family about the trooper’s last moments before he headed out to his fatal rendezvous.

Cut 4 (13) “…house.”

It took less than 15 minutes for the jury to agree with the death penalty request.

The state has not executed someone since 2010 because it says it can’t obtain lethal injection chemicals. DeRosier says the death penalty is law, and he intends to pursue it regardless.

Cut 5 (08) “…Louisiana”

A judge will give a final ruling on Daigle’s sentence in October.

_____________________________

People around Louisiana are surveying the aftermath of Hurricane Barry today.  Many are feeling they dodged a bullet.  Director of the St. Mary Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness David Naquin says the parish did not receive the copious amounts of rain forecasters expected, but it wasn’t until yesterday afternoon they say most of the rainfall.

Cut 6 (10) “…before that hit.”

Naquin says while many were spared from flooding, there were a few homes that were not so lucky.

Cut 7 (12) “…it as well.”

The main issue facing homes and businesses is power outages.  Entergy has 24,000 customers without power, down from 89,000.  Cleco crews are entering their second day of restoration, with about 17,000 still without power.  Cleco spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says crews are working feverishly to get power back to 100%.

Cut 8 (11) “…to our customers.”

Cahill says Iberia Parish and St. Mary Parish were among the hardest hit with power outages.

Cut 9 (08) “…St. Mary Parishes.”
___________________________________________________

Longtime Ruston Daily Leader sports editor Buddy Davis passed away over the weekend at the age of 72. Lousiana Tech sports information director Malcolm Butler says Davis spent five decades covering sports in Lincoln Parish

Cut 10 (08) “…national standpoint.”

Davis covered icons like Terry Bradshaw and Karl Malone, the great Louisiana Tech women’s basketball teams and Eddie Robinson and his championship Grambling State football teams. Butler says Davis received criticism for writing stories about Coach Rob and Grambling, but Buddy wasn’t afraid to do it

Cut 11 (12) “…Louisiana Tech is”

Davis was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2009 and enshrined into the Louisiana Tech Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013. The press box at Joe Aillet Stadium is named after him. Butler says David had the ability to make everyone feel like a hall of famer…

Cut 12 (10) “…made up Buddy.”

_____________________________

Police are hunting suspects in the murder of Baton Rouge African American History Museum founder Sadie Roberts-Joseph, who was found dead in the trunk of a car from asphyxiation.

The Capital City icon was found dead three days ago, and Baton Rouge Police spokesperson Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says they were tipped off as to her whereabouts earlier Friday.

Cut 13 (11) “…the car”

After arriving on the scene, McKneely says they discovered the body around 3:45 that afternoon, as the rest of the community was preparing for Hurricane Barry.

Cut 14 (11) “…trunk”

Roberts-Joseph was 75.

Roberts-Joseph was a celebrated and beloved member of the Baton Rouge community, and McKneely says her death is tragedy…

Cut 15 (11) “…on this.”

Police are tracking down leads and asking anyone with additional information to call Crimestoppers at 225-344-7867.

Tropical Storm Barry appears set to slam into south-central Louisiana and inundate the region with incredible levels of rainfall. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says Louisiana is looking at a major rain event as Tropical Storm Barry shows signs of strengthening into a hurricane. Jeff Palermo has the story….

cut  2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Tropical Storm Barry has picked up strength, and is projected to be a category one hurricane when it makes landfall near Morgan City around seven in the morning on Saturday. State Climatologist Barry Keim says there’s still some uncertainty, but forecasters are increasingly confident about the system’s track.

Cut 3 (11) “…Louisiana”

Keim says the slow-moving storm could still be in central Louisiana by late Saturday night.

Several feet of storm surge is predicted along the coast, but Keim says the biggest concern is the 10-20 inches of rain that will fall across south Louisiana, particularly on the east side of the track.

Cut 4 (10) “…right now.”

There’s been debate as to whether or not the system will be a tropical storm or hurricane when it makes landfall, but Keim says, either way, the amount of rain will be nearly identical.

Cut 5 (09) “…storm”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says Louisiana residents need to be ready for a major rain event as Tropical Storm Barry approaches Louisiana’s coastline. Edwards says the National Hurricane Center predicts 10 to 20 inches over south-central and southeast Louisiana, with isolated maximum amounts of 25 inches

Cut 6 (14) “…to drain”

Edwards expects Barry will produce numerous power outages mainly caused by trees falling on power lines

Cut 7 (12) “…the state”

Edwards says they also expect to conduct search and rescue missions

Cut 8 (14) “…staging areas.”

Individuals who are rescued by first responders could be taken to the state’s mega-shelter in Alexandria.

____________________________________________________

Heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Barry is expected to close numerous roads, especially south of Interstate 10. State Department of Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallett says check 5-1-1-la-dot-org for road closures

Cut 9 (08) “…across the state”

Mallett says the slogan he likes to use during heavy rainfall events, don’t drown, turn around, which means don’t drive through high water

Cut 10 (08) “…let’s just be safe.”

Mallett says in preparation for this flash flooding event, D-O-T-D crews have been cleaning out ditches

Cut 11 (11) “…our pumps”

_________________________________

Caddo and Bossier Parish deputies are being deployed to south Louisiana as part of the Louisiana Sheriff’s Task Force.  Caddo Sheriff’s spokesperson Bobby Herring says rescue teams and equipment are making the trip at the request of the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s office.

Cut 12 (11) “…high water trucks.”

Herring says deputies that remain in their jurisdiction will likely also remain very busy with concerns created from the storm.

Cut 13 (09) “…could be dangerous.”

_________________________

President Trump makes a federal declaration of emergency for Louisiana as Tropical Storm Barry approaches.  Congressman Garret Graves says the declaration allows for Homeland Security and FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts.

Cut 14 (09) “…for this storm.”

Graves says with an imminent disaster, there are many uncertainties and it is vital government officials and residents to be over prepared.

Cut 15 (08) “…to under prepare.”

Graves says there are open lines of communication between the Bayou state and DC and says the feds are keeping a finger on the pulse of the situation.

Cut 16 (06) “…the President’s radar.”

Tropical Storm Barry has formed in the Gulf and projected to make landfall along the Louisiana coast sometime Saturday morning. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Coastal parishes are advising residents in low-lying areas to seek higher ground as Tropical Storm Barry is expected to produce a dangerous storm surge and heavy rains. Jeff Palermo has more…

cut  2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Slow-moving Tropical Storm Barry is projected to make landfall along the Louisiana coast sometime Saturday morning. The center of prediction tracks has Barry making landfall somewhere in south-central Louisiana around 7AM, but State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s still highly unpredictable.

Cut 3 (12) “…is.”

Keim says the system will only be at hurricane one strength winds when it makes landfall, but the biggest concern is storm surge and rainfall.

Cut 4 (08) “…moving.”

Storm surge levels are estimated at between three to six feet at the mouth of the Atchafalaya River to Shell Beach in Cameron Parish.

Keim says tropical storm conditions will begin Friday night and take a noticeable turn for the worse Saturday morning along the coast, and that afternoon in the Baton Rouge area.

Cut 5 (09) “…tricky”

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Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for the low-lying areas of Jefferson and Plaquemines Parishes. A voluntary evacuation has been called for areas south of Leon Theriot Lock in Golden Meadow and Port Fourchon in Lafourche Parish. Lafourche Sheriff’s office spokesperson Brennan Matherne says they expect water will cover Highway One in that area

Cut 6 (12) “…shut down”

Matherne says they are anticipating strong winds and heavy rainfall in Lafourche and residents there are taking this storm seriously…

Cut 7 (10) “…aware”

Plaquemines Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness spokesperson Jade Duplessis says the height of the Mississippi River and the potential for levees to overtop is their main concern…

Cut 8 (10) “…available.”

Duplessis says their mandatory evacuation order affects eight to ten-thousand residents in low-lying areas of the parish…

Cut 9 (10) “…out there”

__________________________________________________

Governor Edwards says Tropical Storm Barry will be a major weather event for much of Louisiana. The storm is expected to make landfall Saturday morning as a Category One hurricane. But Edwards provided has some good news. He says the storm surge forecast at the mouth of Mississippi River has been lowered…

Cut 10 (12) “…Mississippi River.”

Edwards says flooding is the biggest concern. Power outages are also likely. He says if you have yet to prepare for this storm, now is the time to do it…

Cut 11 (11) “…hurricane force winds”

Louisiana National Guard Major General Glenn Curtis says three-thousand of their soldiers have been deployed…

Cut 12 (08) “…be needed.”

_________________________

The United Cajun Navy has been activated in anticipation of Barry’s Saturday landfall along the Louisiana coast. Founder Todd Terrell says many of the Louisiana based members are scrambling to protect their own homes, so in a twist, it’s Cajun Navy members from outside of Louisiana coming here to help…

Cut 13 (08) “…volunteers.”

The organization has built a nationwide volunteer base after operations in other disaster zones over the past three years.

Terrell says they’ve mobilized their volunteers to help make sandbags in the Baton Rouge area, which is set to potentially see over a foot of rainwater.

Cut 14 (09) “…half.”

Hurricane preparation can be difficult for those who can’t carry heavy loads of supplies and sandbags, so Terrell says they’re reaching out to see if people in the community could use some help with sandbags.

Cut 15 (06) “…get em”

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.”

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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.”

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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”

____________________________

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.”

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.
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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.”

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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.

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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.