The Little League World Series Champions are traveling back home to the New Orleans area today. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (28) “..I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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The L-S-U Ag Center is trying to determine if sugarcane can successfully grow in central Louisiana. Matt Doyle has the story…

cut  2 (31) I’m Matt Doyle”  

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The Eastbank Little League World Champions are traveling back to New Orleans today and will have a welcoming celebration at the Shrine on Airline this afternoon.  U.S. House Minority Whip and Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise says the team is one the state can be proud of.

Cut 3 (10) “…fun to watch.”

President Trump has extended an invitation for the team to visit the White House following the 8-0 shutout in the championship game.  Assistant coach Kevin Johnson says the victory hasn’t really sunk in and had an effect on the team yet.

Cut 4 (10) “…to get home.”

Johnson says of the key to success for the team…

Cut 5 (09) “…group of kids.”

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The Dean Lee Research Center outside Alexandria is now the farthest north location for sugar cane planting in the world as scientists try to test the limits of the cash crop.

LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Ken Gravois says more and more farmers are growing interested in the crop in central Louisiana and elsewhere away from the coast.

Cut 6 (11) “…Alexandria.”

Soybeans and corn tend to dominate acreage the further north you move in Louisiana.

Gravois says it’s not just that the average temperatures are lower in the north, there are also much higher risks of hard freezes which can decimate the tropical crop.

Cut 7 (11) “…effect”

The study crop was planted on August 14^th.

Currently, the farthest north commercial sugarcane is grown is in Lecompte, a few miles south of Dean Lee. Gravois says it’s remarkable we’ve even found success that far inland.

Cut 8 (12) “…varieties.”

Sugarcane prices are considered more stable than grain and soybeans.

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A Caddo Parish first-grader admits to starting a church fire in Vivian. The 7-year-old told investigators he broke a window at the Church of Christ on Saturday, came back Sunday to see the opening was patched with cardboard.  State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says the child snuck into the church through that opening.

Cut 9 (09) “…whole building down.”

The child told investigators he found a lighter in the parking lot.  Browning says the child insisted on having no ill will or issues with the church or its congregation.

Cut 10 (08) “…matches and lighters.”

Due to the suspect’s age, no arrest was made. Browning says this is a teachable moment for the child as well as other children.

Cut 11 (09) “…out of control.” 

Browning says the building is pretty much a total loss.

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State Police believe an impaired driver caused a wreck that killed a motorcyclist from Vidalia early Sunday morning in Concordia Parish. Trooper Scott Moreau says 63-year-old Veria Coleman of Jonesville crossed the center line on U-S Highway 84 and hit a couple of motorcyclists

Cut 12 (10) “…the motorcycles”

Moreau says the fatality occurred when one of the fallen motorcyclists was hit by a vehicle driving behind them

Cut 13 (08) “…the motorcycle.”

The deceased motorcyclist is identified as 22-year-old Cody McClung. There were five additional injuries and they were transported to an area hospital. Moreau says the crash remains under investigation as Coleman may have been at fault

Cut 14 (07) “…crime lab”

Public memorials begin tomorrow in Baton Rouge for former Governor Kathleen Blanco. Her biggest challenge as an elected official was the response to Hurricane Katrina. Jeff Palermo spoke to her about it in 2015…

Cut 1 (31) “..I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A major employer in Minden is considering a re-location to Texas because of a series of structurally deficient bridges in northwest Louisiana. Matt Doyle has the story…

cut  2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Public memorials for former Governor Kathleen Blanco begin tomorrow in Baton Rouge. The state’s first elected female governor died Sunday. Her leadership was questioned during Hurricane Katrina, but in an interview to mark the 10-year anniversary of the storm, Blanco told the Louisiana Radio Network the storm overwhelmed the state’s capabilities

Cut 3 (12) “…quickly.”

The storm left most of New Orleans underwater for weeks, thousands were displaced and hundreds more were stranded in New Orleans without shelter or food. Blanco told Louisiana Radio Network in 2005 it was FEMA who failed to provide buses to get people out of the storm-stricken area

Cut 4 (12) “…anyone else”

Blanco says she was disappointed by all of the finger-pointing when an American city was brought to its knees and so many were hurting

Cut 5 (11) “…political response.”

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AG Jeff Landry says an armed law enforcement officer from his office to help educate students and protect them from online crime, may have triggered the armed intruder false alarm at LSU yesterday. University spokesperson Ernie Ballard says they are reviewing the response and they recently trained for a similar scenario.

Cut 6 (09) “…in a training.”

Ballard says campus safety is a shared responsibility and if someone sees something, they should say something.

Cut 7 (12) “…have the problems.”

Just before 3pm the school sent out an alert telling students in the area to run, fight, or hide.  Ballard says while that language may be alarming, it’s encouraged by the federal Homeland Security department.

Cut 8 (10) “…isn’t a joke.”

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A company that employs 750 people in Minden is threatening to relocate to east Texas if the state does not upgrade several bridges in the area that have structural problems.

Fibrebond builds huge structures that can measure 16 by 75 feet and weigh 150,000 pounds, making them ineligible to cross de-rated bridges. Department of Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallett…

Cut 9 (08) “area”

DOTD is meeting with Fibrebond today to try to find a resolution.

Fibrebond CEO Graham Walker told KEEL the state is littered with de-rated bridges, and the only routes DOTD can find force his company to make a substantial detour to ship items west.

Cut 10 (12) “…miles”

Fibrebond is a Louisiana owned and operated company that’s been open for the last 37 years.

Mallett says the state has some funds set aside to hopefully keep the major employer from crossing into Texas.

Cut 11 (11) “ there” 

Walker warns a new round of de-ratings of bridges could make that route even more convoluted or block the company from being able to ship from Minden at all. He wants to stay in Louisiana, but…

Cut 12 (10) “…get out”

Walker says the company has already begun receiving offers from east Texas communities and the state of Texas to assist in a potential move.

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St. Landry Parish Sheriffs are trying to identify a body they discovered dumped in the Beggs area. Authorities say it appears to be an African American female in her early 20s.

Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says the cause of death is unknown at this time, but the body did have one specific identifying item.

Cut 13 (05) “…lanyard”

Foul play is suspected and hey believe he woman had been dead for four to five days, and the body had been dumped at that location about two days prior to its discovery Sunday.

Guidroz says it was a shocking discovery, but a sensation that’s not all that unfamiliar to the region at this time.

Cut 14 (10) “…with this .”

The body was found just off of Highway 10.

Congressman Ralph Abraham says if he makes it to the Governor’s mansion, he’ll refuse to sign any tax measures that are not offset by tax decreases in other areas. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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LSU is ranked sixth in the A-P preseason poll, they’re first top 10 preseason ranking since 2016. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut  2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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A funeral mass for former Governor Kathleen Blanco will take place on Saturday in Lafayette.  The 76-year-old Blanco died Sunday following a battle with cancer.  Governor John Bel Edwards remembers the state’s first elected female governor as a woman of abiding faith, unconditional love for her family and the people she served.

Cut 3 (08) “…and our state.”

Thursday will see several events in her honor in Baton Rouge, including a service at St. Joseph’s Cathedral.  Blanco will also lie in state at Louisiana’s State Capitol.  Edwards says the former governor was an influence to him when he came into office.

Cut 4 (10) “…and her guidance.”

Edwards has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff until her private burial on Saturday.

Cut 5 (09) “…generations to come.”

A public visitation is set for Friday in Lafayette.

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Congressman Ralph Abraham pledges that if he is elected Governor any new tax increases passed in the Legislature will be offset with equal or greater tax reductions in other areas.

The candidate made the pledge this morning on KEEL after being asked if he would pledge to reject new taxes on any front. Abraham says his approach would begin a process of overall tax reductions.

Cut 6 (11) “…and on”

Abraham previously mentioned he would support Legislative efforts to repeal a .45 percent sales tax passed in the 2018 session.

Ultimately the Governor only has the power to veto tax proposals, but Abraham says he expects to be cooperating towards a shared vision with a more fiscally conservative Legislature in 2020.

Cut 7 (10) “…very quickly”

One avenue for accomplishing his goal of only allowing offsetting taxes to be passed is rewriting Article Seven of the constitution, which controls tax law.

Cut 8 (07) “…fix it”

If the rewrite clears the Legislature, it would be up for a ballot box vote.

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LSU is ranked sixth in the A-P preseason poll which was released today. Tiger Rag Magazine Editor James Moran says the ranking matches the hype that surrounds this team

Cut 9 (08) “…putting in.”

Moran says it remains to be seen if LSU can live up to its ranking, but based on what you see on paper, the Tigers should be one of the best teams in the country

Cut 10 (09) “…ten team”

Last year there were projections LSU would win as few as six games, but they exceeded expectations by winning 10 games despite a difficult schedule. Moran says five teams on LSU’s 2019 schedule are ranked among the top 16 teams in A-P’s preseason poll

Cut 11 (11) “          six” 

2016 was the last time LSU was ranked in the top 10 in the preseason AP poll. The A-P poll has Clemson number one, Alabama second, Georgia third, Oklahoma fourth, Ohio State fifth and then LSU sixth.

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The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s office arrest a 29-year-old man for allegedly using his cell phone to record a 12-year-old take a bath. Detective Larry Pierce says Christopher Ashby of Mooringsport cracked the door open, so he can record her while she was nude

Cut 12 (10) “…sexual grattification.”

Pierce says they are not releasing the man’s relationship with the victim in order to protect the girl’s identity.

Caddo Parish Sheriff deputies also arrested a DeSoto Parish man for a rape that allegedly occurred in the mid-1990s. Pierce says a 34-year-old woman told investigators last month that she was forced to perform sex acts upon Glenn Miller Senior on multiple occasions over two decades ago. He says Detective Chris Ardoin found enough evidence to charge Miller with two counts of First Degree Rape

Cut 13 (10) “…arrest”

Miller is being held on a 500-thousand dollar bond.

For the fourth straight month, the state remains at full employment.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart ”

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Louisiana is mourning the passing of former Governor Kathleen Blanco who died Sunday at the age of 76 from cancer. Kevin Barnhart looks back at her life…

Cut 2 (45) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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The internatinal hot sauce market is expected to see a 61 percent increase over the next seven years as Asia’s craving for liquified pepper heats up. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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The Louisiana Workforce Commission says the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for July is down almost a full percentage point from this time last year. L-W-C Secretary Ava Dejoie says the number of people looking for work has declined by 14-thousand over the last year…

Cut 4 (09) “…month of July.”

Dejoie says this is the fourth consecutive month the state remains at full employment, meaning there are more vacancies in the workforce than there are people left to fill those jobs.

Cut 5 (07) “…job seekers market.”

New Orleans showed the biggest year-to-year gain, up 8,200 jobs.  Shreveport lost 3,100 jobs over the year, Houma lost 2,900 jobs. The Republican Governor’s Association says the nonfarm seasonally adjusted numbers show, Louisiana lost 1,000 jobs over the last year, the only state to lose jobs during this period.

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Louisiana’s only elected female governor, Kathleen Blanco, has passed away at the age of 76 after a battle with cancer. Blanco was a mother to six children and a former school teacher. It wasn’t until her early 40s that she got into politics when she was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 1983. Her former communications director in the governor’s office, Bob Mann

Cut 6 (12) “…more honest government”

Blanco served five years in the House of Representatives and in 1988 the New Iberia native became the first woman elected to the Public Service Commission. In 2003, she defeated Republican Bobby Jindal to become the state’s first female governor. Mann says education was her top priority

Cut 7 (12) “…them better.”

20 months into her administration the state was hit with two killer storms, Hurricane Katrina and Rita. Many people said Blanco was unprepared, indecisive and overwhelmed, but Mann says the criticism against the former governor has softened as time went on…

Cut 8 (12) “…as governor.”

Blanco did not seek re-election in 2007. Ten years later, she announced that she had a rare cancer which eventually attacked her whole body. In public appearances leading up to her death, the former governor said she had made peace with her future and the devout Catholic said she had an extraordinarily full life. Mann says Blanco’s final weeks were inspiring

Cut 9 (10) “…around her”

The study was conducted by analyzing satellite imagery from before, and after the diversions were opened.

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A new report shows the Asian market’s craving for hot sauce is on the rise and is expected to push international hot sauce sales from 2.3 billion dollars to 3.7 billion in 2026.  The report by Fortune Business Insights says that’ll be a real boon to Louisiana products like Tabasco which Chef Kevin Belton says has a unique flavor…

Cut 10 (10) “…sauces.”

Belton adds that other Bayou State hot sauces like Crystal and Louisiana also share that distinctive vinegar profile.

Tabasco Pepper sauces control the largest share of the market at 22.6 percent, which is good news for Louisiana produced Tabasco. Belton says the Louisiana product broke open the worldwide hot sauce market…

Cut 11 (09) “…countries.”

North American sales make up 40 percent of the market. The Louisiana hot sauce market continues to expand exports year to year, and Belton says people outside the state are starting to catch on to the idea that hot sauce isn’t just about heat…

Cut 12 (06) “hot”

The report pegs the hot sauce market’s compound annual growth rate at 6.5 percent over the next seven years.

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Despite criticism, U-L Lafayette Football Coach Billy Napier says he still wants his scholarship players to give 50-dollars annually to the Ragin Cajun Athletic Foundation, which raises funds for the athletic department. Napier says his goal is to create a culture where players are grateful for the opportunity

Cut 13 (12) “…college education.”

Napier says if a player can’t afford the 50 dollars or has a problem with giving money to the R-C-A-F, he’ll cover the cost. He says giving a 50-dollars is just a nice gesture to support a foundation that makes the student-athlete experience great

Cut 14 (12) “…their opportunity”

But critics say how can you ask a student-athlete who isn’t getting paid and helping to bring thousands of dollars to an athletic program contribute to a school’s booster club. Napier says none of his players have told him they have a problem with it, so he’ll move forward with the policy

Cut 15 (12) “…student athlete.”

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LSU made it official over the weekend by announcing the hiring of Bill Johnson as the team’s defensive line coach. Johnson fills in for Dennis Johson, who badly injured his knees in a pickup basketball game. Johnson was the Rams defensive line coach the last two season and before that he was with the Saints from 2009 to 2016. Coach Ed Orgeron says Johnson has a long track record of coaching and developing top defensive linemen…

Cut 16  (16) “…to have em”   

On the offensive line, Orgeron says freshman guard Kardell Thomas will undergo surgery on his injured ankle and he could be out for the season. Coach O is still looking for someone to step up at left guard. Senior Adrian Magee started two games at that position last year and they are also trying to get Chasen Hines healthy after offseason knee surgery

cut 17 (19) “…we’ll see.” 

In Saturday’s second scrimmage of fall practice, starting Q-B Joe Burrow threw for 160 yards and a couple of touchdowns. Backup Myles Brennan threw for 260 yards and a touchdown. Orgeron says the coaches are impressed with Brennan’s development

Cut 18 (18) “…believe that” 

The Ruston High Bearcats are getting a new logo after a request from Rutgers University to do so. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Saturday marks 50 years since Hurricane Camille ravaged the north-central Gulf Coast. Matt Doyle spoke with State Climatologist Barry Keim about the storm’s legacy.

cut  2 (28) I’m Matt Doyle”  

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The Ruston High Bearcats are getting a new logo after Rutgers University asked the school to change it.  Both use an identical block R, but Rutgers holds the trademark.  Principal Dan Gressett says the university was not mean spirited in their cease and desist request.

Cut 3 (09) “…ready to roll.”

Gressett says the school is not seeing much pushback from the community as the block R logo has only been in use for the last ten years.

Cut 4 (08) “…I’ve been here.”

Gressett says the high school and the university has a memorandum of understanding over the logo’s use, but no one is going to court over the issue.

Cut 5 (07) “…was totally false.”
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The President’s decision to delay implementing a new 10 percent tariff on a range of items from China likely spares Krewe members increased prices on beads.

The tariffs were set to take effect on September 15^th, but that sparked fears Christmas shoppers could have sticker shock. December 15^th is the new date, and Beads by the Dozen president Dan Kelly says…

Cut 6 (10) “…imposed”

Kelly says a ten percent tariff would have translated to about a seven percent increase on retail prices for customers. That can really add up for big throwers…

Cut 7 (10) “…merchandise”

If the tariff schedule had not changed, a majority of the beads available for retail would have been slapped with the increases.

Cut 8 (10) “…fifteen”

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Saturday marks the 50th anniversary of Hurricane Camille’s devastating landfall along the Mississippi coast in 1969. Before Hurricane Katrina, Camille was the Gulf Coast’s defining storm. State Climatologist Barry Keim says Camile certainly had Katrina beat in terms of hurricane-force winds

Cut 9 (09) “…per hour.”

Camile formed in the Caribbean just south of Cuba before heading to the north-central Gulf Coast.

Keim says the impact was so devastating that it led to the creation of the Saffir-Simpson Scale, which categorized hurricanes in a way regular people could understand.

Cut 10 (09) “…told”

The system is one of only four Cat 5s to make landfall, those being the Labor Day Hurricane of 35’, Camile in 69’, Andrew in 92’, and Michael last year.

Camille had a limited impact on Louisiana outside of the far eastern coastlines due to it’s unusually small size, but Keim says it was still a memorable event for those in the way…

Cut 11 (11) “…Louisiana.”

Camille is thought to be responsible for 259 deaths, and 9.7 billion dollars’ worth of damage adjusted for inflation. It cut a swath from the coast all the way up to Virginia where it dumped 31 inches of rain.

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Cops are stepping up patrols to get impaired drivers off the road with the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” national law enforcement campaign.  Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director Lisa Freeman says you can expect to see more officers doing their part to combat drunk and drug-impaired drivers between now and Labor Day.

Cut 12 (07) “…for road users.”

Recent stats indicate 376 people died in traffic crashes around the country during the Labor Day holiday.  Freeman says efforts to curtail inebriated drivers in the bayou state are making an impact.

Cut 13 (07) “…numbers at bay.”

Freeman says between cabs, rideshare services, and designated drivers, there is no excuse for getting behind the wheel if you’ve had anything that could impair your driving.  Beyond the risk of hurting yourself or others, there will be legal ramifications.

Cut 14 (09) “…are beefed up.”

The Louisiana Bond Commission gives approval to a 450-million dollar plan to upgrade the Superdome. Jeff Palermo has more

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The investigation into alleged repeated misuse of funds by former State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson ends without action being taken. Matt Doyle spoke with the former Colonel’s attorney…

cut  2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Former Lake Charles Police officer Robert Hammac has pleaded guilty in a federal courtroom to using excessive force during a police chase in 2017. U-S Attorney David Joseph says when the chase ended, Hammac ran to the front passenger door and grabbed the defendant

Cut 3 (09) “…additional times”

Joseph says the victim was not resisting in any way or posing a threat. He says the Department of Justice supports police officers, but Hammac’s actions betray the badge and the public’s trust

Cut 4 (09) “…in general”

Hammac will be sentenced in November and Joseph says the 45-year-old faces up to ten years in prison

Cut 5 (09) “…accountable”

Hammac pleaded guilty to a single count of deprivation of rights under color of law.

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The State Bond Commission has approved a 450-million dollar financing plan to pay for renovations to the 44-year-old Superdome. The state will spend 90-million dollars on the project, the Superdome Commission 210-million dollars and the Saints will put up the rest. Saints President Dennis Lauscha

Cut 6 (08) “…150-million”

Renovations will begin after this football season and take four years. Lauscha says the planned improvements will benefit the fan, expanded concourses, more concession stands and replacing the ramps with escalators and elevators….

Cut 7 (08) “…be comfortable”

Superdome Commission Chairman Doug Thornton says these renovations are designed to improve an iconic facility…

Cut 8 (12) “…annual basis”

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Former St. Tammany Sheriff Jack Strain pleads not guilty to charges of aggravated rape, aggravated incest, indecent behavior with a juvenile, and sexual battery.  Loyola law professor Dane Ciolino says despite the fact that some of the accusations date back to when 56-year-old Strain was 17, there is no statute of limitations.

Cut 9 (08) “…enough timely brought.”

The most recent accusations are fifteen years old.  Ciolino says the centerpiece of the defense will likely be the age of the charges as well as putting the criminal background of one of the accusers on trial.

Cut 10 (10) “…are four victims.”

Ciolino expects Strains’ legal defense to also lean on his years of public service.

Ciolino says at this point the trial moves into discovery as the defense tries to get a hold of police reports and evidence.

Cut 11 (08) “…perhaps psychological experts.”

The allegations carry up to a mandatory life sentence.

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Former State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson has been cleared in an investigation into his alleged repeated misuse of department funds during his tenure.

A Legislative auditor’s report detailed a department funded “side trip” to Las Vegas for troopers, Edmonson living rent-free at the state police compound, and other violations.  Edmonson Attorney Gray Sexton spoke with LRN about the decision.

Cut 12 (08) “…report”

According to the report the long-time Superintendent was also having his vehicles repaired by state workers.

Edmonson left State Police two years ago after coming under fire for the audit’s findings. Sexton says any actions his client did take did not meet the threshold of an ethics violation.

Cut 13 (12) “inquiry”

Current State Police Colonel Kevin Reeves agreed with the findings of the Auditor’s report two years ago when it was released.

Sexton says if his client had violated any ethics laws during his tenure, he’s confident that the Louisiana government or the feds would have pursued charges.

Cut 14 (12) “…misconduct”‘

Edmondson served from 2008-2017.

A new poll shows nearly all Louisianans want action on coastal restoration, and a strong majority would support higher taxes if it meant saving our coast. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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The man accused of punching comedian Andy Dick outside a New Orleans nightclub early Saturday morning has been arrested. I’m Brooke Thorington…

cut  2 (28) I’m Brooke Thorington”  

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A poll shows near unanimous support for coastal restoration efforts, strong majority support for sediment diversion projects, and majority support for taxes dedicated to funding the projects. The poll shows 98 percent of Louisianans want the government to tackle coastal erosion. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says no other state issue has that much support.

Cut 3 (10) “…the boards”

77 percent of respondents believe coastal erosion will impact them within the next ten years.

Authorities believe diverting large amounts of sediment from the Mississippi River into the wetlands is the best policy. 55 percent of Louisianans are familiar with that concept, and…

Cut 4 (09) “…new land.”

That’s pollster Greg Rigamer who says support for sediment diversion is even above 60 percent in coastal parishes whose fishing industries would be impacted.

63 percent said they would support a state tax dedicated to coastal restoration projects. Pinsonat says 2/3rds support for a tax is a crucial number for the Legislature…

Cut 5 (08) “…payers”

Support levels varied from region to region, with only 49 percent of north Louisianans supporting a coastal restoration tax.

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Saints Quarterback Drew Brees has teamed up with Governor John Bel Edwards to help get the word out about the state’s new Veterans First Business Initiative. The two shot a P-S-A together and Edwards says the program will promote veteran-owned businesses through certification…

Cut 6 (08) “…your business”

The goal is to encourage consumers to do business with Louisiana’s veteran-owned firms. In the P-S-A, Brees encourages the public to visit l-a-veterans-first-dot-org to search for Louisiana veteran-owned businesses

Cut 7 (06) “…their team.”

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Two Eunice men, 21-year-old Logan Bertrand, and 18-year-old Carlos Juan Flores, have been arrested for setting fire to a neighboring mobile home. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the home had recently been vacated and there were two separate attempts to burn the structure down.

Cut 8 (06) “…as being involved.”

The two have been charged with simple arson and criminal trespassing. Rodrigue says no motive was discovered in when the suspects were questioned.

Cut 9 (10) “…with our deputies.”

Rodrigue says the fire is one of two to rock the Eunice community in recent days, including an unrelated blaze in a fourplex that displaced the families that lived there.

Cut 10 (09) “…other as well.”

No one was injured in the fires.

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Medical marijuana may be legal but it’s still against the law to drive while under the influence of the substance, even if you have a prescription.

State Police Lt. Nick Manale says you can be charged a DWI under any type of impairment that causes a driver to operate their vehicle in an unsafe way.

Cut 11 (10) “…different.”

A legal analyst suggests keeping your medical marijuana prescription, or proof of your prescription with you when you travel if you use it.

Medical marijuana is designed to not include some of the psychoactive properties of recreational pot, but Manale says the substance can still impact your perception.

Cut 12 (07) “…ability”

Due to the effects of THC, employers still have a legal right to deny you work if you test positive, even if you have a prescription.

If you are using medical marijuana Manale says know that officers are now required to issue blood tests in more than just fatal crashes, and the results could be used against you in court.

Cut 13 (12) “or not”

Marijuana can stay in your system for up to 90 days.

Be prepared for dangerous heat levels over the next couple of days. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Matt Doyle has the story on why you should wake up early tomorrow morning and to watch the famed Perseid Meteor shower…

cut  2 (32) I’m Matt Doyle”  

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The National Weather Service has issued its first excessive heat warning of the year for the northern half of the state until Tuesday night. Meteorologist Gary Chatelain says heat indices will climb over 110-degrees

Cut 3 (09) “…gets soaked”

99-degrees is the forecasted high for Shreveport and Monroe. Tomorrow, Alexandria could see a heat index of 110-degrees. Chatelain says heat-related issues can develop quickly when heat indices get this high…

Cut 4 (10) “…it quickly.”

The southern half of the state is under a heat advisory. Heat indices could range from 105 to 113 degrees along the I-10-I-12 corridor. Chatelain says winds out of the southwest are helping to produce the dangerous heat levels. He says we could see a break from the extreme heat on Wednesday

Cut 5 (13) “…rainfall”

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Louisiana is one of only three states in the nation where drivers can buy gas for under $2 a gallon.  The statewide average for a gallon of gasoline has dipped 8 cents over the last week to $2.24.  GasBuddy.com spokesperson Patrick Dehaan says some stations around the capital city are bringing down the average.

Cut 6 (09) “…at one station.”

About two dozen stations in Louisiana are selling gas for less than $2.  Texas and Oklahoma are the other two states where gas can be purchased for under $2.

Dehaan says the escalating trade tensions between the US and China can take credit for the relief at the pump.

Cut 7 (09) “…goes down anyway.”

Dehaan says it is possible the statewide average for a gallon could drop to below $2 by Thanksgiving, but there are factors that could hinder that.

Cut 8 (12) “…go back up.”

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Tomorow morning will be your best chance to catch the famed annual Perseid meteor shower. Best viewing will be just after 4AM until sunrise.  LSU Astronomy Professor Brad Schaefer says for best viewing find a wide-open space away from light pollution and give your eyes at least ten minutes to adjust to the darkness.

Cut 9 (11) “…do it”

With optimal conditions, you can see one meteor a minute with the dashes of light emanating from the Perseid constellation.

The brilliant display comes courtesy of the Comet Swift-Tuttle’s yearly voyage around the sun. Schaefer says every year around August 12^th the Earth’s orbit intersects with the trail of sand grains the comet leaves behind as it travels through the solar system.

Cut 10 (08) “…ice ball.”

Schaefer says it’s unknown just how long the shower has existed, but Arabic records indicate it could be at least 800 years old.

The meteorites are hurtling through the solar system at 25-30 miles a second. Schaefer says the “shooting stars” are formed from the friction of the speeding objects crossing the Earth’s atmosphere…

Cut 11 (06) “…can see.”

________________________________

Louisiana sees a 59 percent decrease in the number of wildfires when comparing 2018 to 2008.

State Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says Louisiana had 1,638 wildfires in 2008, but only 676 wildfires last year. He credits the substantial decrease to a successful public education campaign.

Cut 12 (04) “…on fire”

The commissioner also credits a successful effort to do some controlled burns across the state for keeping light sparks from turning into massive infernos.

Cut 13 (08) “the ground”

The Department of Agriculture runs outreach programs that help landowners learn how to properly do a prescribed burn.

Arson cases are also down 82 percent, going from 893 in 2008 to 160 in 2018. Strain credits a cooperative effort between his department and the Fire Marshal for putting pyromaniacs behind bars.

Cut 14 (10) “…of arson”‘

Strain says those 25 arson arrests were linked back to 5,240 acres of burned timberland.

Attorneys for the family of Alton Sterling, who was fatally shot by former Baton Rouge Officer Blane Salamoni, release a report alleging disturbing behavior by the officer at a crime scene in 2014…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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Baton Rouge has been selected to host the College Baseball Hall of Fame’s Induction Ceremony and it’s possible the college baseball hall of fame could re-locate to the Capitol City. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut  2 (31) I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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A teenager riding in the back of an SUV in Terrebonne Parish is dead after a fatal crash and the vehicle’s adult driver has been charged with her second DWI. State Trooper Jesse LaGrange says 35-year-old Reva Hood of Houma drove her GMC Yukon ran off the road, directly into a tree…

Cut 3 (10) “…crash”

Hood was also been charged with Obstruction, Careless Operation, and Interfering with an Officer.

The victim, 16-year-old Makayla Gregoire of Houma, was unrestrained while riding in the back seat. LaGrange says riding in the back can give passengers a false sense of security.

Cut 4 (11) “…that force”

The accident occurred on LA 57 near Canebrake Avenue north of Dulac.

Authorities say Hood blew a .126 blood-alcohol level on the scene, above the .08 legal limit. LaGrange says that’s unacceptable, and a devastating loss for the community that could have been avoided.

Cut 5 (10) “…you are”

Ridesharing was legalized for statewide operation in the last Legislative session.

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A report accuses former Baton Rouge cop Blane Salamoni, who fatally shot Alton Sterling in 2016, of preventing EMS from saving a shooting victim In 2014.  The report was released by Sterling family attorneys and is a complaint filed by an EMS worker who says Salamoni delayed the team, telling them the victim had died, while he was reportedly still writhing on the ground.

Cut 6 (08) “…too long.”

That’s Attorney Chris Stewart, who is representing the family in a civil case against the city of Baton Rouge.

Stewart says after misleading EMS about the patient’s status, Salamoni became hostile to the responding paramedic…

Cut 7 (09) “…the patient.”

The attorney adds it’s just one of several disturbing incidents that should have resulted in Salamoni’s earlier termination.

Salamoni was reportedly not disciplined for his actions in 2014. Stewart says it’s an indictment against those who still support the former officer.

Cut 8 (12) “…this case.”

If the family’s civil suit against the city is not settled the case will go to trial in 2020.

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A 40-year-old woman from Rapides Parish was killed in a U-T-V crash in Natchitoches Parish on Sunday. State Police Trooper Scott Moreau says a 16-year-old was driving the U-T-V and the juvenile lost control…

Cut 9 (09) “…16-year-old”

The juvenile received minor injuries, while the passenger, 40-year-old Amanda Preble, died from her injuries. The wreck occurred on Cunningham Camp Road. Moreau says it’s illegal to operate A-T-Vs or side-by-sides on a public roadway…

Cut 10 (07) “…it’s unsafe”

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The National College Baseball Hall of Fame will hold its 2019 induction ceremony in Baton Rouge and the Hall could build a new museum in the Capitol City. Governor John Bel Edwards says Louisiana residents are passionate about college baseball, so it would be a natural fit…

Cut 11 (08) “…in Baton Rouge”

The 2019 induction ceremony will take place on November 2nd at the Raising Cane’s River Center in downtown Baton Rouge. President and CEO of the College Baseball Foundation, Mike Gustafson, says Baton Rouge is a candidate to land the Hall of Fame, because of its support of LSU baseball

Cut 12 (12) “…for a reason.”

The 2006 inaugural Hall of Fame class included legendary LSU baseball coach Skip Bertman. Ceremonies have been in Lubbock, Texas, but the foundation is looking for a new home. Sports B-R President Patrick Coogan says a new College Baseball Hall of Fame in Baton Rouge would be more than just old uniforms and baseballs

Cut 13 (12) “…can do”

Medical marijuana products are being distributed by LSU and GB Sciences to the nine dispensary pharmacies across the state on Tuesday. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart ”

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Qualifying for the fall statewide elections begin tomorrow, and so far very few incumbents look set to face a competitive race to keep their seats…

Cut 2 (30 ) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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There were two more mass shootings in the United States over the weekend. Jeff Palermo has reaction from elected officials in Louisiana..

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Medical marijuana products will be delivered to nine licensed pharmacies across the state on Tuesday. In order to be able to purchase the product, a patient will need to be diagnosed as having one of the qualifying conditions and have a prescription from a physician. Pharmacist at Medicis in Lafayette James Thibodeaux says the process is similar to filling other prescriptions.

Cut 4 (08) “…when it’s ready.”

Thibodeaux says at first the product will come in a droplet form that goes under the tongue with three different strengths to choose from. Other variations of the product are expected in the near future.

Cut 5 (11) “…anything but smokable.”

Medical marijuana products are not covered by insurance. Thibodeaux says the going price for a bottle is between $90 and $200.

Cut 6 (09) “…with the cost.”

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Tomorrow is qualifying for the fall election, and while most eyes are on the governor’s race there are some undercard competitions for other statewide offices to keep an eye on.  The most competitive appears to be Insurance Commissioner, where incumbent Jim Donelon is taking on Tim Temple, who has invested 800-thousand dollars in his own campaign. Political analyst Clancy Dubos…

Cut 7 (09) “thing”

Before last week it appeared Ag Commissioner Mike Strain could be vulnerable to a candidate who hammered him on medical marijuana delays, but the product will be hitting shelves on Tuesday…

Cut 8 (12) “that.”

Strain faces Democrats Margee Green and Charlie Greer.

No major contenders seem interested in taking on Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser or Attorney General Jeff Landry despite their high-profile offices, but DuBos says anything could happen until the 4:30PM Thursday deadline to sign up…

Cut 9 (10) “…never know”

Secretary of State and Treasurer will also be on the ballot.

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New Orleans attorney Randy Boudreaux files a lawsuit against the Louisiana Supreme Court and the Louisiana State Bar Association saying attorneys are unconstitutionally forced to pay bar fees. General Counsel at the Pelican Institute James Baehr says the association does not handle regulation like similar organizations in other states.

Cut 10 (11) “…of trade associations.”

The Supreme Court mandates that to practice law, attorneys must pay dues to the private group.  Baehr says another aspect of the suit focuses on free speech as the association will use the dues towards lobbying for issues that might not but representative of the members that are footing the bill.

Cut 11 (09) “…of those issues.”

Baehr says other states do not have a mandatory bar membership if they are not a regulatory part of the legal landscape.

Cut 12 (07) “…way to do it.”

The Louisiana State Bar Association says it’s in compliance with the law and denies the allegations that are contained in the lawsuit.

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After a four-decade plus wait, Delhi native Johnny Robinson is finally in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Robinson was a standout safety for the Kansas City Chiefs. He played in three A-F-L title games and two Super Bowls. Robinson’s last game was in 1971 and wondered why he didn’t get elected into the Hall of Fame sooner but learned God had another plan…

Cut 13 (15) “…on life ”

Former Leesville and LSU star Kevin Mawae was also enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame after a 16-year career in the NFL, in which he made eight Pro Bowls. During his acceptance speech, Mawae thanked numerous former teammates and coaches, including his first offensive line coach at LSU, Kenny Ferro…

Cut 14 (10) “…love you coach”

Former Destrehan star Ed Reed also gave an emotional speech on Saturday night as his bust was unveiled. Reed was born in Charity Hospital in New Orleans and later moved to St. Rose. He says that’s where it really began for him…

Cut 15 (14) “…interceptions.”

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LSU is expecting a big season from K’Lavon Chaisson, after missing all but one game last season because of a torn ACL. Chaisson has expectations for himself, like breaking LSU’s single season sack record…

Cut 16  (19) “…get it done”   

Chaisson is expected to be a big piece of another solid defense at LSU. Safety Grant Delpit is expected to lead the way. Chaisson on what makes Delpit a great teammate…

cut 17 (29) “like that” 

Chaisson will wear number 18, which goes each year to one of the team leaders. The five-star recruit out of Houston on the type of leader he is…