Despite the digital revolution, the forestry industry continues to grow in Louisiana. A new report says forestry accounts for 13 billion dollars in economic output to the state, and one billion in inflation adjusted with state and local taxes. LSU Ag Center Professor Shaun Tanger says while paper is down, paper related products are up.

Cut 3 (11) “…middle class”

The report says the forestry industry accounted for 290 million dollars of income through 4,000 jobs, and 30.8 million in state taxes in East Baton Rouge Parish alone.

The Forest Economics professor says the industry accounts for roughly 50,000 jobs state wide through direct and indirect employment, and that it’s been on a statewide uptick for nearly a decade.

Cut 4 (09) “…upward trend”

Tanger says the increase in shipping needs from companies like Amazon has also helped buoy the industry, along with a rebounding housing market, but warns that there could be a bump in the road just ahead.

Cut 5 (10)  “or two” 

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries have issued a quarantine on the transportation and transplanting of Roseau Cane out of Southern Louisiana.  A small invasive insect known as the Roseau can scale was first discovered in the state in fall of 2016, and has destroyed wide swaths of the plant in coastal Louisiana.  LDWF Biologist Director Todd Baker says hunters often use the plant to build hunting blinds.

Cut 6 (05) “…cannot move cane.”

Baker says there is only one exception for moving cane.

Cut 7 (05) “…and move it.”

Baker says one of the big reasons for the quarantine is, among the unknowns about the scale, it may affect more than just Roseau cane.

Cut 8 (06) “…into agriculture crops.”

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The 2018 Atlantic hurricane season has delivered on its projections for below-average or near normal storm activity.  The season has only produced five named storms with two becoming hurricanes.  The hurricanes fizzled out in the Atlantic.  With nearly a month and a half without a hurricane, State Climatologist Berry Keim says that’s a relief that doesn’t occur often.

Cut 9 (07) “…August the 27th.”

Keim says we are currently in the often most-active portion of the season.  History will show late August hasn’t always been kind to the Bayou State.

Cut 10 (11) “…Isaac in 2012.”

Keim says despite the lack of hurricane activity so far, residents still need to keep their head on a swivel as anything could happen.

Cut 11 (05) “…with hurricane activity.”

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Joe Burrow is listed on the depth chart as the starting quarterback on Sunday night against eighth ranked Miami. Coach Ed Orgeron held off on publicly announcing a starter when he met with the media earlier today, because he wanted to tell the team first. Coach O says Burrow and Myles Brennan were told of the decision this morning

Cut 12 (11)   “second team quarterback”

Orgeron says the battle to be LSU’s starting quarterback went right down to the end…

Cut 13 (06) “won out”

Orgeron says the quarterbacks were graded after each practice, so Brennan and Burrow shouldn’t be surprised who won the competition

Cut 14 (08) “…deciding factor”

Cut 3 (09) “…few days”

Steele says when major natural disasters strike, emergency management officials in that state, usually look towards Louisiana for expertise…

Cut 4 (10) “…help provide”

Hurricane Lane has already dropped over two feet of rain on the Big Island and the Category Two storm as of Friday afternoon is expected to impact Hawaii all weekend. Steele says Hawaii has dozens of shelters open and Dawson can help lead those operations.  He says the Aloha State may ask for the additional help

Cut 5 (08)  “to provide” 

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A decision by the US District Court in Texas orders the IRS to repay Louisiana and five other states more than $839 million due to an unlawfully imposed fee on state Medicaid programs.  Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry says if the decision stands, the IRS will have to repay the state over $172 million.   Landry says fees were imposed on health insurance companies by the government for the influx of new customers.

Cut 6 (11) “…the bill directly.”
Landry says taxpayers should have never had to foot the bill for those fees.

Cut 7 (07) “…taxpayers of Louisiana”
Landry says the ruling will protect the state from paying millions more in the future.

Cut 8 (08) “…for this year.”

The Louisiana Department of Health says it’s reviewing the ruling to determine what it could mean for the state.

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LSU’s defense is getting an added boost as highly touted cornerback Kristian Fulton has been reinstated effective immediately. He was serving a two-year suspension for tampering with a NCAA drug test. Head Coach Ed Orgeron delivered the good news following practice on Thursday

Cut 9 (10) “…proud of him.”

Athletic Director Joe Alleva argued Fulton actually violated a rule that carried a one-year suspension, instead of two and the NCAA agreed. Orgeron says during his time away from the football field, Fulton kept attending classes and practice and now has a chance to be a big part of the team…

Cut 10 (08) “…paid the price.”

The other big story at LSU camp is the battle for starting quarterback. Orgeron says he’s not opposed to playing both Joe Burrow and Brennan Myles in the regular season opener against Miami

Cut 11 (11) “…and play”

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2.8 million people die globally every year from alcohol related deaths, that according to medical journal The Lancet. The study revealed nearly one in ten deaths of people 15 to 49 years old were alcohol related. Associate Director of the LSU Health Alcohol and Drug Abuse Center Nicholas Gilpin says it showcases all the ways consumption can cut your life short.

Cut 12 (11)   “traffic accdients”

The study determined alcohol was the seventh leading factor in premature deaths, and claims the damaging effects of alcohol consumption were far worse than what’s previously been reported. The final verdict was a call for increased regulations on alcohol consumption.

Gilpin says reducing alcohol related deaths is a difficult task, because consumption patterns can pass from generation to generation, evidenced by studies where animals were given free access to the drug.

Cut 13 (09) “prefer alcohol.”

The paper ticked off the myriad ways that booze can break you down, and highlighted the effects the drug has on different age groups. Gilpin says each age group suffers differently from the side effects of binge, or prolonged alcohol consumption.

Cut 14 (10) “…Cancer risk”

Gilpin says the study revealed that there is no “safe” level of consumption, and that any consumption has potential to create health risks.

A judge will allow evidence of previous hazing behavior in the trial of two former LSU students, Sean-Paul Gott and Ryan Isto, who were some of those allegedly responsible for Maxwell Gruver’s hazing death. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says its powerful evidence that could sway a jury, but says using that kind of evidence could backfire.

Cut 3 (11) “that evidence”

22-year-old Gott and 19-year-old Isto have been charged with misdemeanor hazing. Another former student, 21-year-old Andrew Forde is also facing hazing charges, with a fourth, 20-year-old Matthew Naquin, facing charges of Negligent Homicide.

Meche says while the evidence could be damning come court time, it could be used by a skillful defense attorney to get an upper hand in jury selection.

Cut 4 (11) “previously”

At the moment the two’s trial is set for December 4^th, but Meche says don’t hold your breath because further revelations like these could end up pushing that further back.

Cut 5 (11)  “the trial 

Court papers revealed yesterday have revealed that two students were allegedly involved in a similar incident September 6^th that left another pledge violently ill. Gruver died September 14^th.

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McDonalds is pumping 114 million dollars into 200 Louisiana restaurants to overhaul everything from the exterior of the building to how you order your food. It’s part of a 6 billion dollar national facelift for one of the biggest food chains on earth. McDonalds Vice President of US Restaurant Development Rob Lancaster says that’s a lot of changes for the iconic chain.

Cut 6 (10) “to order.”

The overhaul includes new digital video screens in the drive thrus, as well as designated parking areas for customers who order online pickups.

McDonalds is going all in on online ordering as part of the revamp. Customers can now order a Micky D’s delivery using the Uber Eats service, and download an app that lets them place an early order ahead of time to skip the lunch time long lines. Lancaster says it’s easy to use and should get you in and out fast.

Cut 7 (07) “few minutes.”

But Lancaster says just because the exterior is going to look a lot different, doesn’t mean their touching the classics.

Cut 8 (10) “to change.”

Lancaster estimates most of the upgrades should be completed by the end of 2019.

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According to a new study by the American Federation of Teachers, Louisiana spends more than one billion dollars less on education, when adjusted for inflation, now than it did prior to the recession of 2008.  Louisiana Federation of Teachers spokesman Les Landon says it’s time to pay attention to the education in the state.

Cut 9 (09)  “…colleges and universities.”

If the state wanted to keep even with the level of spending in 2008, it would need to invest $834 million in colleges and universities, and $248 million in K through 12 education.

Landon cites the reasoning behind the billion dollar figure as the state not keeping up with inflation, as well as the budget cuts in education over the last ten years.

Cut 10 (09) “…over the last decade.”

Landon says if education is going to be the cornerstone of Louisiana’s future, it’s time to pony up.

Cut 11 (09) “…for a better future.”
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A 72-year-old New Orleans woman has been arrested for an August 8th hit and run incident on the interstate on ramp in Jefferson Parish. Elva Lafaye has been charged with felony Hit and Run in relation to the incident where authorities say she hit a man, and then sped away from the scene. State Police Spokesperson Melissa Matey says the public was key in making the arrest.

President Trump has signed a 717-billion dollar defense spending bill. It includes pay raises for troops, and substantial investments in Louisiana based military bases. Northeast Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham says it’s the biggest pay raise for the military in nearly a decade.

Cut 3 (07) “eight years”

Abraham says those pay raises aren’t just big for the troops, they’re big for communities like Bossier City, Vernon Parish, and Belle Chasse that will see more spending in local businesses near the bases.

Cut 4 (09) “the economy”

The bill a 12-million dollar entry gate to Barksdale Airforce Base, which will pave the way for an eventual 500-million dollar nuclear storage facility for the base’s bomber fleet, and 39-million in upgraded detection equipment for the Naval Station in Belle Chasse. Abraham says this makes it much more unlikely those facilities would close in the event of base consolidations.

Cut 5 (09)  “our turf” 

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The National Home Education Research Institute says homeschooling is on the rise.  It’s a trend that is likely becoming a more popular option when factoring in a tailored curriculum, a difference in values, and an uptick in school violence.  President of Homeschool Louisiana, Christopher Chin, says the Bayou State is not exempt from the rise in homeschooling.

Cut 6 (13) “…largest in the state.”

Chin explains the concerns with school violence encompasses more than just school shootings.

Cut 7 (10) “…unfortunately physical assaults.”

Chin says homeschooling may not be for everyone, but says the freedoms that come with the option is something more parents should look into.

Cut 8 (06) “…take the leap.”

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A second body in the last week has been recovered in Lake Ponchartrain. On Tuesday, it was 32-year-old Sadie Thibodeaux, and on Saturday 66-year-old Milton Gomez’s body was pulled out of the lake as well. State Wildlife and Fisheries Spokesman Adam Einck says lake swimming can be dangerous because distances on the water can be misleading.

Cut 9 (12)  “lot further.”

Neither Thibadoux nor Gomez were wearing lifejackets when their body was recovered, and Einck says before you jump into the water there’s three things you need to keep in mind.

Cut 10 (11) “your boat.”

And before you head out on the water, Einck says make sure you check up on the conditions out on the lake, because even though it’s not the gulf, it can still be dangerous.

Cut 11 (07) “the weather”

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State agriculture commissioner Mike Strain announces the arrest of a suspected serial arsonist in Morehouse Parish. Strain says between July 20^th and August 3^rd, 55-year-old Philbert Bowers of Bastrop intentionally set several wildlife fires near the Arkansas state line…

Governor Edwards is back in Louisiana after speaking with President Trump about criminal justice reform efforts. During an appearance on AM Baton Rouge on Talk 107-3, the governor defended what he called progress in reducing the state’s inmate population. Edwards says the way the state used to lock up non-violent offenders wasn’t working.

Cut 3 (12) “as florida”

Critics, like Attorney General Jeff Landry and Senator John Kennedy have slammed Edwards, saying the reforms are putting dangerous criminals back on the streets. Edwards countered by saying most of the excess prisoners that boosted the state’s incarceration rate were behind bars for getting busted for holding drugs.

Cut 4 (07) “do better”

Landry and Kennedy along with outgoing DA’s Association President Ricky Babin have pointed to rearrests linked to prisoners who’ve been released under the reforms, but Edwards says the number of people released under the program who’ve been rearrested would still be under the national average of 40 percent.

Cut 5 (05)  “numbers” 

The 2017 reform package reduced the state’s prison population by allowing earlier releases for non violent offenders, as well as parole reforms allowing parolees to work towards shorter supervisory periods. 70 percent of the money saved is reinvested in programs targeting recidivism.

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The Tigers are installing the largest video board in college baseball in Alex Box Stadium and it’s set to go online for the 2019 season opener in February. The goliath sits right off left field and is 71 feet wide and nearly 38 feet tall. LSU Baseball Publicist Bill Franques says it’s really going to add to the game day experience.

Cut 6 (08) “the past.”

The 16mm high def board will air crucial replays and an expanded suite of baseball stats for metric hungry fans. But it’s not going to be the only board on the field, Franques says off in right field, a separate board will provide additional info.

Cut 7 (11) “other games.”

to 1996. And for those worried that your tax dollars are going towards a fancy new video board….

Cut 8 (11) “the game.”

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The state has entered negotiations to purchase 10-thousand voting machines from Dominion Voting Systems, Inc, but the price tag has increased to repace their current machines. Interim Secretary of State Kyle Aroin had projected the cost at $60 million, but he says the more realistic price tag is now in the ballpark of $90-95 million dollars

Cut 9 (06)  “…bring down that cost.”

Ardoin has acknowledged one of the two losing companies bidding for the voting machine contract has expressed concern the selection process may be “rigged” …

Cut 10 (10) “…15 to 20 years.”

Ardoin says the plan is for the state to replace early voting machines, five parishes at a time, starting this year.  Phase two would include Election Day machines replaced in the same manner, with full implementation expected by 2020.

Cut 11 (11) “…end up with.”

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A mother was stabbed to death while pushing her one-year-old son in a stroller in Gretna. That’s according to authorities who say the suspect 41-year-old Damone Ussin, and the victim 35-year-old Tarniel Gray of Gretna had a dating relationship. Ussin has been arrested for second degree murder and Gretna Captain Russell Lloyd says the scene created by the vicious act was hard to swallow…

It’s time to get back into the consciousness of school zones and school buses with children returning to class from summer break. That’s the message from AAA. Spokesperson Don Redman says drivers need to prepare themselves for more traffic, with kids on the roadway.

Cut 3 (11) “…on a swivel right now.”

Redman says it’s crucial for drivers to remember not to pass stopped school buses and that drivers in both directions must stop when on a non-divided roadway.  Not only is it a costly mistake if you get busted, but it becomes a dangerous situation for children.

Cut 4 (07) “…who is impatient.”

Redman says the results of a recent seven-year AAA study shows it is essential parents need to reinforce the importance of safety with teen drivers that will be driving themselves to class as they drive through school zones.

Cut 5 (10)  “…that cell phone.” 

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Swamp pop legend and trumpet player GG Shinn has passed away after a long illness at his home in Monroe. Shinn was 78-years-old. Louisiana Music Hall of Fame executive director Michael Shepherd says Shinn was one of the nicest people in show business and had a great voice…

Cut 6 (09) “high range”.

Shepherd says Shinn played with several different groups like Chase, Roller Coasters and the Fabulous Boogie Kings…

Cut 7 (10) “play trumpet”

Shinn had a club in Lafayette. He also played at dancehalls in St. Martinville and Opelousas. Last year he performed at Festival International in Lafayette and was a regular at the annual Ponderosa Stomp music festival in New Orleans. Shepherd says Shinn was born to entertain

Cut 8 (10) “stage presence”

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Online Fantasy Sports legalization will be on the November 6th ballot, giving voters a chance to legalize the use of online services like Draft Kings and FanDuel in their parish. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones says it’s likely a few parishes won’t legalize it, which means they’ll have to set up geofences

Cut 9 (08)  “fantasy sports”

But Jones warned, geofencing isn’t cheap, and says there’s a worst case scenario that could end up leaving the state with a hefty fantasy sports related bill….

Cut 10 (13) “to cost”

That being said Jones is confident that most parishes in the state will legalize the popular activity.

If approved in parishes in November, the legislature in the next regular session will have to figure out exactly how to tax and regulate the service, as well as set up any potential geofencing for online fantasy sports. Jones says the objective is to at least make enough money off the service to pay for its regulations.

Cut 11 (11) “the technology.”

That means online fantasy sports will likely not be up and running in Louisiana until the 2019-2020 football season.

Cut 3 (09) “for them.”

The gaming control board estimates nearly 22,000 jobs are tied to the riverboat casino industry in the state.

Jones says legislation from the spring regular session is the biggest change in riverboat casino law in two decades, and allows the “boats” to expand on to land within 1,200 feet of their current “dock”. Jones says that’s got many of the license holders excited and ready to make some substantial investments.

Cut 4 (10) “existing buildings”

The legislation also allows gaming houses to change the way they calculate how many machines and tables they can have, by shifting the measurements from square feet of gaming space to total gaming units.

Jones cautions that just because the laws have been relaxed, not every riverboat casino will look to move onto land.

Cut 5 (10)  “they are” 

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Edwin Edwards turns 91 today. The former four-term governor says he’s in good spirits and health, and looking forward to spending many more years with wife, 39-year-old Trina Edwards and their five-year-old son Eli. Edwards says he couldn’t have asked for a better way to start the morning.

Cut 6 (12) “be happier”.

In 2001, Edwards was convicted on corruption charges and sentenced to ten years in jail. After getting out, he married Trina Scott, who five years ago gave birth to Edwards’ son Eli Wallace Edwards’. Edwards’ says little Eli is ready to continue his father’s legacy.

Cut 7 (07) “2053.”

And despite his advanced age, Edwards says he expects he’ll be around for a while longer.

Cut 8 (10) “my family”

Edwards was interviewed on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster.

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The search continues for a missing boater in Lake Pontchartrain. 32-year-old Sadie Thibodeaux turned up missing on Sunday after an unmanned sailboat was found in the water. New Orleans Police Department Third District Commander Jeff Walls says at this point it’s a missing person’s case, but homicide unit detectives are assisting in the investigation…

Cut 9 (08)  “…involving foul play.”

Thibodeaux recently moved from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. It’s believed she was on a boat with 43-year-old Michael Lee Farley, who was rescued Monday morning.  Police questioned and released Farley yesterday afternoon.  Walls confirmed Farley and Thibodeaux had been dating, but foul play is not suspected at this time…

Cut 10 (07) “…how we’ll investigate it.”

The search continues on the south shore of the lake.  Walls explains all agencies involved are being very thorough with the investigation.

Cut 11 (11) “…best we can for Sadie.”

Colorado State University hurricane researchers continue to predict a below average season.  Researcher Phil Klotzbach says a major contributing factor is the cold temperature of the tropical Atlantic Ocean waters….

Cut 3 (11) “…fuel for the storms.”

With the bulk of hurricane activity traditionally happening in August and beyond, Klotzbach breaks down the numbers of the remaining hurricane season.

Cut 4 (10) “…one major hurricane.”

Klotzbach says no matter what the forecast may call for, it is always important to be ready during hurricane season.

Cut 5 (04)  “…season for you” 

Klotzbach says there has not been a named storm since July 15th and 2009 was the last time a name storm did not formed between July 15th and August 6th.

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A Kenner mom is under arrest after allegedly assaulting the citizens who rescued her 11 month and 3 year-old children from a hot car. Kenner Police Lt. Michael Cunningham says cameras showed the citizens helping the children exit the vehicle and after the mother discovered this, Cunningham says the mother ran out, and started punching the good Samaritans.

Cut 6 (10) “called 911”.

The mother, 22-year-old Shawnise Sherman, was arrested and booked with Simple battery and Child Desertion.

Cunningham says local business security footage shows Sherman parking at 12:03PM, turning off her car, locking the two kids in, and walking into a local business. At 1:29, the citizens who would later allegedly be assaulted walked up the car, discovered the children, and helped them out. Cunningham says the midday temperatures when the kids were discovered were brutal.

Cut 7 (10) “99 degrees.”

Cunningham says he and everyone else is relived that the citizens stumbled upon the situation and acted fast, because the results could have been deadly.

Cut 8 (10) “there eventually.”

It is now legal to break a window to rescue a minor or pet from parked and locked car in Louisiana, as long as you call out for the owner and then call police before smashing the window.

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Investigation Discovery airs a two-hour documentary tonight called “Sugar Town,” which examines the controversial death of Victor White the Third.  The 22-year-old black man died from a gunshot wound sustained while handcuffed in the back of a police cruiser in New Iberia. State Police and the Iberia Parish coroner say White shot himself, but White’s family says no way. Journalist Tony Brown agrees…

Cut 9 (09)  “Jimmy Hoffa.”

Brown says the investigation has been filled with inconsistencies. He points to the police report that says White shot himself in the back, but the coroner’s report says the bullet entered the front of his body…

Cut 10 (07) “decent Louisiana resident”

Earlier this year, White’s family settled a federal civil lawsuit with the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s office. The amount of that settlement is not publicly known. Brown is glad White’s case will receive more national attention with the airing of “Sugar Town”…

Cut 11 (07) “the country ”