Foster Farms announces a $30 million upgrade to its Union Parish poultry processing plant. Don Molino has more…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Don Molino”

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Hurricane Harvey is expected to become a category three storm when it makes landfall in Texas and southwestern parishes are gearing up…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Foster Farms in Union Parish announces a $30 million investment to expand and upgrade the poultry processing facilities in Farmerville. Louisiana Economic Development expects this will create 50 new direct jobs. Farmerville Mayor Stein Baughman says the town has a good relationship with the company.

Cut 3 (11) “available here”

The expansion will maintain the more than 1,000 existing jobs at the facility. LED estimates it will also result in an additional 42 indirect jobs for a total of more than 90 new jobs in North Louisiana. Baughman says this is huge for the town and the parish.

Cut 4  (12) “Union Parish”

Foster Farm will receive a $500,000 Modernization Tax Credit, and it’s expected the company will utilize the Industrial Tax Exemption Program. The company received financial help from the state in 2009, which helped grow the Farmerville plant to what it is today. Baughman says the town is grateful for that investment because it resulted in 1,000 jobs for the area.

Cut 5  (10)  “30 million dollars”

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The National Hurricane Center says Harvey is now a hurricane and is expected to become a Category 3 tomorrow before hitting Texas. Eric Blake with the N-H-C says the storm is quickly strengthening.

Cut 6 (09) “in Texas”

Blake says Harvey will intensify into a category three on Friday. He says the hurricane isn’t expected to move far inland, as it makes landfall early Saturday morning.

Cut 7 (08)  “southeastern Texas”

Blake says Louisiana faces the potential for 6 to 15 inches of rain, the heaviest in the southwest part of the state and some coastal flooding. He says there are lots of hazards that come along with Harvey but as of right now Texas will get the worst of it.

Cut 8 (10) “storm surge

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As Hurricane Harvey is predicted to be a category 3 hurricane by Saturday, Cameron Parish officials are preparing for the extreme amount of rain expected to hammer the southwest Louisiana coast. Ashley Buller with the parish Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Office says they aren’t calling for evacuations now but they are monitoring the situation closely.

Cut 9 (10)  “inundated”

Buller predicts rain to be the biggest problem with this hurricane. She says Harvey’s path is hard to predict…

Cut 10 (10) “or Thursday”

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Governor John Bel Edwards has declared a state of emergency in Louisiana as the state prepares for potential impacts from Hurricane Harvey. Extensive rainfall is the major concern as the storm is expected to linger and possibly turn towards Louisiana next week. Edwards says citizens need to prepare as well…

Cut 11 (13) “government assistance”

Edwards says this is a serious storm that everyone should take seriously.

Cut 12 (11) “in Texas”

Edwards says the biggest concern is in southwest Louisiana, where the most rainfall will happen and the greatest storm surge affects will occur, but the entire state could see high rainfall totals. He says the National Guard has over a half million sandbags available and agencies are ready to conduct water rescues…

Cut 13 (12) “national guard”

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Walmart announces Louisiana customers now have access to the Express Money Services. Walmart spokesperson Erin Hulliberger says this new feature will help shoppers save time when they’re making money transfers in stores.

Cut 14 (08) “our customers”

Hulliberger says with Express Lanes in the majority of Walmart stores, this new feature is available to all Louisiana customers. She says customers can fill out money transfer paperwork using the Walmart app.

Cut 15 (11) “saved electronically”

Hulliberger says saving receipts electronically will make future transactions even more convenient. She says customers no longer need to fill out lengthy money transfer paperwork in stores; now, this work can be done at home or on-the-go using the Walmart App..

Cut 16  (09)  “time and money”

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Twenty-five years ago today Hurricane Andrew made landfall in Florida and then took its aim on Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Tropical Storm Harvey is expected to make landfall on Friday in Texas and Calcasieu Parish is getting prepared. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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State Climatologist Barry Keim says the main thing to worry about with Harvey is that it’s not going to be in a hurry to leave. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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St. Martinville hopes to become “The Pepper City of the World.” Mayor Pro Tem Mike Fuselier says they will ask the state legislature to pass a resolution giving them the prestigious title. He says for nearly a century, St. Martinville has had a pepper industry, like Pepper’s Unlimited.

Cut 4  (07) “internationally”

St. Martinville is also known for the company Cajun Chef, which produces 250 different products. Fuselier says they also have been home to a pepper festival for the last 26 years. He says the town is a big tourist attraction and adding this title will only boost visitors.

Cut 5  (10)  “good stuff”

Fuselier says this is the perfect opportunity to capitalize on something that’s played a huge role in St. Martinville for nearly 100 years. He says he gets asked all the time what kinds of peppers are growth in the area.

Cut 6 (07) “habanero”

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Twenty-five years ago today one of the most destructive hurricanes in U.S. history made landfall in Florida and then crossed the Gulf of Mexico and made landfall near Morgan City. Former WAFB Meteorologist Mike Graham was working at the Baton Rouge TV station and remembers the anxiety as the storm took aim on Louisiana…

Cut 7 (11)  “Louisiana coast”

Andrew slammed into Louisiana on August 26th, 1992. It left extensive damage in its wake in St. Mary and Iberia Parishes and across a good portion of south Louisiana. Private property damage was estimated at one billion dollars. But Graham says we’ve seen bigger disasters since then from Hurricane Katrina to last year’s devastating floods…

Cut 8 (11) “weather events”

Graham also remembers the recovery moved at a quick pace, because of much of the destruction was caused by wind and not water. Edwin Edwards was the governor of Louisiana in 1992…

Cut 9 (06)  “federal government”

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Calcasieu Parish is gearing up as Tropical Storm Harvey is expected to make landfall on Friday evening in Texas. Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness for the parish, Dick Gremillion, says they anticipate a lot of rain and depending on the track, storm surge is also a possibility.

Cut 10 (08) “inches”

Gremillion advises members of the public who live in a warning zone to move to higher ground due to the possibility of storm surge. He also urges everyone to stay inside because flash flooding is possible.

Cut 11 (09) “preparedness”

Gremillion says they are prepared with rescue assets in the event of extreme flooding.  He also reminds motorists not to drive through water of unknown depth.

Cut 12 (10) “events”

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Governor John Bel Edwards will hold a news conference this morning at GOHSEP to provide updates on Tropical Depression Harvey. State Climatologist Barry Keim says this system will likely be more of a rainmaker for most of Louisiana, but areas across the coast are looking at more complicated circumstances. He says it’s not the time to be fishing in the Gulf…:

Cut 13 (10) “coastal zone”

Keim says Harvey should make landfall around the central-Texas coast sometime Friday evening. He says once that happens, the system is expected to turn eastward, and slow down. There’s the potential that over 20 inches of rain, with Houston/Galveston being ground zero…:

Cut 14 (09) “the state”

Keim says 5 to 10 inches of rain over any given area of the state can not be ruled out over the next week. He says once that storm stalls, it could sit there for a couple of days…:

Cut 15 (08) “for this entire region”

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LSU quarterback Danny Etling is excited about being named the stater when the Tigers hit the field September 2nd against BYU in Houston. The fifth year senior says he’s never entered a season without competing hard for that starting job…:

Cut 16 (13) “that I’m proud of”

Coach O said it was important to make the announcement about a starter a couple of weeks before the season started so that Etling knew the team believed in him. Etling says when Orgeron broke the news to him, he initially
joked that he needed to discuss an academic issue…:

Cut 17 (15)  “right after”

Etling remained the presumed starter throughout the spring despite a back injury that required off-season surgery. He says the only thing on his mind during camp was that he’s got to get better…:

Cut 18 (13) “focus on” 

Etling took over under center during the second game of last season and has maintained the job since. He threw for 2,123 yards with 11 touchdowns and five interceptions while completing 59.5 percent of his passes.

Cut 19 (18) “this fall”

A young woman from Rayne has gained thousands of signatures on her petition to replace Confederate statues with monuments of Britney Spears. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Heavy rains are expected in Louisiana starting Friday as a strengthening storm system called Harvey makes it way towards the Louisiana coast. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Thousands have signed a petition on Change.org that seeks to replace statues of Confederate soldiers in Louisiana with pop star Britney Spears. Rayne native and petition creator, Kassie Thibodeaux, says Spears is a Louisiana hero who should be memorialized.

Cut 3 (08) “the schools”

Spears is a native of Kentwood. Thibodeaux calls Spears a role model for women. The petition has received nearly 4-thousand signatures.

Cut 4  (04) “by everything”

Thibodeaux hopes to catch the attention of Governor John Bel Edwards, our U.S. Senators, Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy, and a certain famous singer…

Cut 5  (04)  “see it”

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Tropical Depression Harvey has re-formed in the Gulf of Mexico and it could be a significant rainmaker for Louisiana. Joe Rua, with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says Harvey is expected make landfall as a strong Tropical Storm near Corpus Christi, Texas on Friday, but Louisiana will certainly feel the impact…

Cut 6 (08) “slow mover”

The forecast track calls for the center of Harvey to curve towards Lousiiana but stay in Southeast Texas through at least Monday morning. Rua says six to 12 inches of rain is possible over much of the state…

Cut 7 (08)  “across the area”

Over a foot of rain is possible for southwest Louisiana. Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Director Jim Waskom says everyone should get prepared…

Cut 8 (12) “together”

Waskom says once the system reaches the Texas coast it’s hard to predict what the storm will do….

Cut 9 (11)  “prepare now”

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A 38-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly assaulting an elderly man in Opelousas in a road rage incident. Police Chief Donald Thompson says they arrested Joshua Babineaux this morning after the public recognized him from surveillance video released to the media. He says the attack happened after the 72-year-old victim supposedly cut off Babineaux and they pulled over…

Cut 10 (10) “the face”

Thompson says the victim recently underwent surgery for his injures and is recovering. He says this elderly man posed no threat to Babineaux.

Cut 11 (09) “whatnot”

Babineaux is charged with aggravated second degree battery and simple battery of the infirm. Thompson says the community really came together to help find Babineaux.

Cut 12 (10) “was right”

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As expected, LSU Head Football Coach Ed Orgeron has named Danny Etling as the starting quarterback, but added there are also some other incredible QBs on the team that will be major assets. Etling beat out freshman and former 4-star recruit Myles Brennan for the job. Coach “O” said Brennan has exceeded expectations during camp, but he’s still a rookie..:

Cut 13 (14) “fantastic balls”

Orgeron said Brennan will begin the season as LSU’s backup. He says Etling knows the offense and has been the most consistent quarterback on the roster during training camp…:

Cut 14 (13) “fifth year senior”

The Tigers open the season September 2nd against BYU in Houston. Orgeron says Lowell Narcisse, another true freshman who has been used as a running option in camp, could also see the field. He says Brennan fought hard for the job, but was understanding and respectful of the decision..:

Cut 15 (07) “they cheered”

The Powerball jackpot has reached 700-million dollars and Louisianans are rushing to get their ticket for tonight’s drawing. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says GOHSEP is setting up their crisis action team today ahead of whatever the disturbance Harvey has in store for Louisiana. Michelle Southern reports..:

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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LSU officials are ecstatic with their new live mascot. Emelie Gun has more on a welcome home press conference.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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People all over Louisiana are rushing to get a Powerball ticket as tonight’s jackpot has reached 700-million dollars, with a cash value of 443 million dollars. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kim Chopin says they’ve had sales in the Bayou State over 20-million dollars just for this run.

Cut 4  (10) “2016″

Chopin says even though no one from the Bayou State has won the jackpot, we’ve seen some winners of smaller Powerball prizes here.

Cut 5  (10)  “prizes”

Chopin says now that the jackpot is so high, many offices and friends join together to buy a pool of tickets for a better chance to win the prize. She says it’s a good idea to make sure one person is in charge of the tickets.

Cut 6 (10) “of time”

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A Ruston man has been arrested in the murder of a 35-year-old woman and injuring of two others, including a one-year-old child. Chief Deputy Clint Williams says when police responded to the scene, they found Shakena Hampton deceased and the two other victims suffering from gunshot wounds.

Cut 7 (11)  “Hampton”

Frank Stringfellow, the father of some of Hampton’s children, is charged with one count of first degree murder. Williams says the other woman injured, 54-year-old Doris Hampton, and a one-year-old are recovering.

Cut 8 (07) “right now”

Williams says after receiving a warrant for Stringfellow’s arrest, he was spotted in the Grambling area. He says Stringfellow was arrested without incident with the help of the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office along with Grambling Police Department.

Cut 9 (09)  “their assistance”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says state officials are monitoring the disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico named Harvey, and GOHSEP is setting up their crisis action team today. He says the storm could hit Southeast Texas sometime Friday as a Category 1 hurricane, so Southwest Louisiana should be on alert…:

Cut 10 (09) “will be”

Edwards made the comments following a meeting with new FEMA Administrator Brock Long and New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu. Edwards says there is good news everyday about New Orleans’ increasing pump capacity and power generation when it comes to dealing with potential flooding in the city…:

Cut 11 (11) “at all”

Landrieu says the city, while improving mitigation efforts daily, will still be vulnerable until a target date of around September 4th…:

Cut 12 (09) “day to day thing”

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LSU is proud of its new live mascot Mike Seven, which came from a rescue facility in Florida. When Mike Six passed away, the school rejected offers from breeders, instead LSU System President F King Alexander says they wanted to save a Tiger that didn’t have a permanent home…

Cut 13 (10) “five years old”

The 11-month-old male Tiger arrived on campus on August 15th and was allowed to roam in his newly renovated Tiger Habitat on Monday. Mike’s veterinarian, Doctor David Baker, says the Siberian-Bengal mix is enjoying his new surroundings…

Cut 14 (08) “happy sound of greeting”

Previous live mascots at LSU were put into a small cage on football game days and paraded around the stadium. That will not happen with Mike VII. Dr. Baker says Mike will stay in his habitat, which will end the complaints from fans who never saw him during football weekends…

Cut 15 (13) “to see him”

A 7-year-old who shot his aunt twice for not feeding him will not face charges, according to Webster Parish authorities. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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LSU’s new mascot, Mike VII, appears to be right at home and loving his new habitat on campus since being introduced Monday. Michelle Southern reports..:

Cut 2 (32) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Webster Parish Sheriff Gary Sexton says a 7-year-old boy who shot his aunt two times for not feeding him will not be charged with a crime. He says Louisiana law states a child under the age of 10 cannot form intent, so they do not have the authority to file charges against the boy. He says the child has had some problems in the past…

Cut 3 (11) “other things”

Sexton says police responded to a home outside of Minden last week and found Amanda Gipson suffering from two gunshot wounds. He says Gipson claimed this was an accident but authorities do not believe that.

Cut 4  (10) “shot her”

Sexton says Gipson was transported to University Health in Shreveport and is now recovering at home. He says they are very concerned with the 7-year-old’s well-being because this was not an accident.

Cut 5  (10)  “outlook”

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LSU’s new mascot, Mike VII, appears to be right at home and loving his new habitat on campus since being introduced Monday. Formerly Harvey, the tiger was donated to LSU by the Wild at Heart Wildlife Center in Okeechobee, Florida. Jeremy Hargett is the co-owner of the rescue facility. He says Harvey was originally bread as a “photo cub” to sell to zoos…:

Cut 6 (12) “in other ways”

Hargett says when Mike’s veterinarian came to visit him for the first time, he fell in love almost immediately…:

Cut 7 (07)  “full of spirit”

Hargett says when they re-home big animals like Mike, they pray that they end up in a good, thriving situation. He says now that Harvey has a new home in Baton Rouge surrounded by love and LSU fans, they aren’t worried about him one bit…:

Cut 8 (08) “look out for him”

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Forecasters says there’s an excellent chance the remnants of Tropical Storm Harvey will reform in the Gulf of Mexico and head towards the Texas coast this week. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the system is over Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and heading into the Bay of Campeche

Cut 9 (11)  “reform”

Keim says most of the models have the area of low pressure developing into a tropical storm, possibly even into a hurricane and making landfall between Corpus Christi and Galveston

Cut 10 (09) “across Louisiana”

Tropical Storm Harvey fizzled out last week in the Caribbean, but Keim says it should re-generate in a more conducive environment in the western Gulf of Mexico and threaten Texas…

Cut 11 (12) “this thing”

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President Donald Trump stated last night that America must fight to win the war in Afghanistan, where U.S. troops have been stationed since 2001. Louisiana GOP Chairman Roger Villere says the United States should’ve never been in this war but he agrees with the president’s sentiments.

Cut 12 (07) “the people”

Trump says he would work with the Afghan government and other south Asian countries. Villere says it’s easy to blow up army bases and kill a few generals and soldiers but…

Cut 13 (10) “enough troops”

The president did not say how many additional troops he would send into Afghanistan and seemed to agree with the Pentagon’s suggestion for sending in about 4-thousand soldiers. Villere says it’s time to fix this mess and end the war in Afghanistan.

Cut 14 (08) “country”

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Governor John Bel Edwards is slated to meet with new FEMA Administrator Brock Long today. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A Texas man is facing charges in Louisiana after a fatal boating incident in Calcasieu Parish. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (26) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The state Department of Education has been awarded a 20-million dollar federal grant to improve struggling schools. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Shreveport Representative Thomas Carmody has no plans to bring back a bill seeking to protect Confederate monuments as the controversial statues are coming down across the South. Carmody says legislation is no longer necessary…

Cut 4  (07) “be down”

Four Confederate monuments were removed in New Orleans last April and May. Carmody attempted to pass a proposed law during the last legislative session to require a public vote, before a military monument could be taken down. It passed the House, but died in a Senate committee. When asked if he would bring the bill back next year, Carmody said…

Cut 5  (02)  “left to protect”

There are Confederate monuments located in Shreveport, Lafayette, Alexandria and Tallulah, but there are no plans to take them down. Violent protests recently took place in Charlottesville, Virginia, near the site of a statue of Confederate General Robert E Lee. Carmody says he will not bring up future legislation on this topic, we should respect others’ views…

Cut 6 (09) “days indeed”

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Today Governor John Bel Edwards is slated to meet with new FEMA Administrator Brock Long. The governor’s communications director Richard Carbo says Edwards would like to discuss how local, state, and federal authorities can partner to prepare the city of New Orleans for another devastating flood. Of course last year’s flood will also be an issue for the two to discuss.

Cut 7 (08)  “of last year”

During the floods of 2016, 56 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes were declared federal disaster areas. FEMA was on hand to help with emergency response and the rebuilding. Carbo notes Long has close ties to Louisiana.

Cut 8 (11) “instrumental in that”

Long led the Alabama Emergency Management Agency from 2008 to 2011 and was State Incident Commander during the Deepwater Horizon Oil spill. He also previously worked as a Hurricane Program Manager at FEMA during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Carbo says Long already has a great relationship with the governor and others in his administration.

Cut 9 (08)  “towards Louisiana”

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Michael Tyler, better known as Louisiana rapper Mystikal, has turned himself into authorities in Caddo Parish after a warrant for his arrest was issued. Sgt. Paula Farquhar (far-kwar) with the Shreveport Police Department says Tyler along with a 26-year-old Texas man have been charged with first degree rape. She says an investigation was launched into a sexual assault last year.

Cut 10 (06) “2016”

Farquhar says Tyler’s bond has been set at two-million dollars. She says it’s not smart to make judgements about the case just yet….

Cut 11 (11) “the victim”

Authorities are still searching for 42-year-old Tenichia Wafford, of Texas, who is charged with one count of Accessory after the fact to first degree rape for allegedly trying to convince the victim to drop the charges against Mystikal. Farquhar says the public is making their own assumptions about the case involving the rapper and the victim.

Cut 12 (11) “out”

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A 20-million dollar annual federal grant has been awarded to the state Department of Education to help struggling public schools. Assistant Education Superintendent Kunjan Narechania (Nara-tawn-e-yah) says schools over the next few weeks will apply for the money and those with the best plans for progress will receive the funds.

Cut 13 (10) “submitted”

A struggling school is defined as a school that earned a performance rating of a D or an F for the last three years and currently 225 schools in Louisiana fit this description. Narechania says districts can choose any number of interventions that they think will help support their students.

Cut 14 (11) “or career”

17-percent of Louisiana schools are eligible for this money and Narechania says many of the students that attend these schools fail to reach the mastery score on LEAP tests.

Cut 15 (10) “that line”

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An announcement could come as early today as on who will be the Tigers starting quarterback for the season opener against BYU. Senior Danny Etling is expected to get the nod, but offensive coordinator Matt Canada likes what he’s seen from freshman Myles Brennan…

Cut 16 (17) “he’s done”

And Canada says Etling looks like a better quarterback after undergoing back surgery…

Cut 17 (16)  “Danny does”

While there is a lot of focus on the quarterback position, LSU’s best player on offense is running back Derrius Guice, who led the SEC in rushing last year. Canada says Guice wants to be a complete player…

Cut 18 (16) “he said” 

LSU students aren’t the only ones back on campus today, as the new Mike VII is greeting students from his habitat. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Hundreds of LSU students gathered on the parade grounds this afternoon to watch the solar eclipse. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (25) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Department of Children and Family Services announces over half a million dollars of child support payments have been paid through MoneyGram in the first six months of the year. Child Support Enforcement Director Lydia Scales says they’ve seen an increase in participation after allowing electronic payments.

Cut 3 (13) “paying cash”

Scales says each month the child support payments have increased. She says it’s made it easier for noncustodial parents who are unbanked to pay their child support, because they can now make payments in cash.

Cut 4  (12) “child support”

Payments for the first six months of the year totaled more than $530,000. Scales says this also helps custodial parents receive their payments faster. She adds when child support payments are made, the child also benefits.

Cut 5  (09)  “all parties”

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A report by Caring.com finds Louisiana is the 32^nd best state to grow old. Caring.com Vice President Tim Sullivan says they focused healthcare and senior care to come up with these rankings. He says the Bayou State did well in terms of cost of care…

Cut 6 (09) “affordability”

The report found Utah is the best state to grow old. Sullivan says Louisiana did not rank anywhere close to the top 10, because of the quality of life in senior care facilities.

Cut 7 (08)  “for granted”

The study incorporated statistics on senior living community reviews, nursing home costs, in-home care prices and elderly well-being assessments.  Sullivan says the quality of Louisiana’s nursing homes could use some major improvement. But he says this doesn’t mean the elderly in the Bayou State will have to suffer.

Cut 8 (10) “your area”

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As LSU students head back to school today, there’s another new face on campus with the new Mike VII hanging out in his habitat and greeting the new Tigers. One freshman student says the 11-month-old rescue tiger looks like he’s enjoying his newly renovated habitat.

Cut 9 (09)  “he’s adorable”

She says it’s exciting to have the school’s mascot living and breathing on campus. Two other students were also thrilled to see the new live mascot.

Cut 10 (05) “Geaux Tigers”

Mike VII was donated to LSU by a rescue facility in Florida. He made his first appearance in the night house during last week’s move in day, and today is his first day accepting visitors at the habitat. A junior on campus says having a new Mike is a great way to kick off the new school year.

Cut 11 (09) “through the day”

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At 1:26 p.m. today, hundreds of LSU students gathered on the campus’ parade grounds to watch the peak of the Great American Eclipse. The last time the majority of a solar eclipse was seen in the U.S. was in 1979. Sean Mahoney, a sophomore majoring in Mechanical Engineering says he waited for hours in line to receive a pair of protective glasses.

Cut 12 (07) “excited”

Matthew, a biological science major at LSU, says college aged kids have never seen anything like this in their lifetime, which makes it such a special experience.

Cut 13 (05) “families”

Marketing major, Taylor Alberez, says she waited in line for two hours in the heat on the parade grounds but it’s worth seeing despite dripping sweat. She says she is thankful LSU had last minute protective glasses because everywhere else was out.

Cut 14 (11) “ran out”

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Secretary of State Tom Schedler is reminding citizens to register to vote, as voter registration week begins today. Don Molino has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Don Molino”

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LSU students are partaking in the first ever live broadcast of a solar eclipse from a high altitude balloon. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Today is the day of the long-awaited solar eclipse. Halen Doughty has more on what Louisianians can expect. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Voter registration week begins today, and Secretary of State Tom Schedler is encouraging citizens to take part. He says new voters and those who have just moved back into the state should register…:

Cut 4  (12) “just go online”

Louisiana will be electing a state treasurer this fall as well as hosting many local elections, propositions and constitutional amendments on the ballot. Schedler says you can register online at sos.la.gov, and the secure registration portal will walk you through the steps…:

Cut 5  (12)  “very secure”

Louisiana was one of the first states in the nation to implement an easy, convenient online voter registration portal.  Schedler says voters must register by September 13 to vote in the October 14 election. He says this week is also an opportunity to make sure your records are up to date.

Cut 6 (11) “from you”

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The first ever live broadcast of a solar eclipse from a high-altitude balloon will take place in Illinois by the Louisiana Space Grant Consortium, a NASA based program of LSU students. Professor and Associate Chair of the LSU Physics and Astronomy Department Dr. Dana Browne says by hanging an HD video camera underneath a weather balloon, they will be able to see the shadow of the moon crossing over the earth’s surface.

Cut 7 (10)  “Carbondale”

Browne says the video will be sent from the balloon to the ground station through a wireless transmitter and then live streamed. He says it took a lot of practice to perfect the video recording from a moving balloon…

Cut 8 (10) “to you”

Browne says LaSpace is partnering with NASA to live steam the solar eclipse. He says we will be able to see the eclipse in a way we’ve never seen it before through the high-altitude balloon.

Cut 9 (08)  “viewing it”

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It’s expected there will be a big need for industrial plant workers in Baton Rouge through 2018. Greater Baton Rouge Industrial Alliance Executive Director Connie Fabre says the demand for skilled employees will be so high because of all the new facilities that will be coming online over the next couple of years…:

Cut 10 (10) “have been announced”

Fabre says Louisiana’s Industrial Tax Exemption Program really benefits industrial plants, because manufactures do not have to pay local property taxes on expansions or new plants for 10 years. Last year the governor gave local governments a say in whether the exemptions were granted, but Fabre says the program is what attracts projects to Louisiana..:

Cut 11 (08) “instability”

Fabre says industrial crafts in most demand are things like pipe fitting, welding and electrical and instrument technicians…:

Cut 12 (11) “high school”

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Millions of Americans are getting ready to watch today’s total solar eclipse. LSU astronomy professor Michael Cherry says this is the first time since 1979 a solar eclipse has been visible from the US. He says the total eclipse will be visible in a path about 70 miles wide from Oregon to South Carolina.

Cut 13 (08) “really neat event”

Cherry says most of the state will see about 80 percent of the sun blocked during the eclipse. Though coverage may vary in some corners of the state. He says the best time to view it will be between 1 and 2 p.m.

Cut 14 (09) “in the afternoon”

Cherry says this eclipse is a once in a lifetime experience. That’s why so many people are flocking to states in the path of totality, including many LSU astronomers. Cherry says he’s even heading up to Tennessee to see the full eclipse.

Cut 15 (07) “is magical”

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Preseason camp is over for the LSU Tigers as today is the first day of school. Tiger fans will have to patiently wait until the season opener against BYU on September 2nd, before we get a better idea of what LSU’s new offense will look like under first-year offensive coordinator Matt Canada. Head Coach Ed Orgeron says they will look to throw the football to their talented running backs…

Cut 16 (17) “we are doing it”

The depth chart for the season opener has yet to be finalized. Orgeron says several positions are still being discussed, including who will start in the place of edge rusher Arden Key, who is not expected to play against BYU….

Cut 17 (16)  “gotta discuss”

Orgeron says he has yet to name a starting quarterback either. In last Saturday’s scrimmage, Etling threw for 168 yards and three touchdowns, while true freshman Myles Brennan threw for 122 yards and a touchdown. Orgeron on how the passing game improved during camp…

Cut 18 (14) “getting better” 

The state department of transportation has redesigned the concrete barriers on interstates amid allegations the wall worsened flooding in Livingston Parish last year. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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State Police announces its 96th Cadet Class will begin at the LSP Training Academy this Sunday. Emelie Gunn reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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On WWL radio, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu stated he’s not going to push to remove any more Confederate monuments. Landrieu says taking down the statues of Robert E. Lee, P.G.T. Beauregard, and Jefferson Davis were the right thing to do but removing Andrew Jackson is a step too far…

Cut 3 (08) “New Orleans”

Landrieu says the Andrew Jackson statue was put in place for all the right reasons. He says after seeing the protests that turned violent in Charlottesville, Virginia, it’s important to remember we have the right to protest, but peacefully.

Cut 4  (10) “do that”

Landrieu says the violence that broke out during last week’s the white supremacist rally shows how important security was in New Orleans when the four statues were removed earlier this year.

Cut 5  (09)  “some cake”

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Amid claims a concrete barrier on I-12 worsened flooding last year, the state department of transportation will redesign the walls on new construction projects. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says two inch tall openings stretching 12 to 24 inches wide will be put in the walls every so many feet. He says three projects currently underway will feature the new design.

Cut 6 (11) “to 73”

The wall is constructed on the highest part of the interstate, but many homes and businesses adjacent to the highway are lower than the lowest part of the road. Wilson says that means even with the openings, the wall will not serve as a drainage system.

Cut 7 (12)  “thousand year flood”

Wilson says the holes will only be put in new barriers because it would be too expensive to replace all the existing walls on the interstate system. Leaving these gaps in newly constructed barriers has a minimal cost. He adds that the holes will not compromise the integrity of the barriers.

Cut 8 (12) “high speed condition”

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The Restore Louisiana Task Force has approved the plan recommended by Governor John Bel Edwards that would expand the number of flood victims eligible for aid. Pat Forbes, executive director of the Office of Community Development, says this means all homeowners now qualify for assistance..:

Cut 9 (08)  “homes rebuilt”

Members of the board approved the changes without objection. Forbes says this also means some recipients will qualify for larger financial awards…:

Cut 10 (07) “to get rebuilt”

The amendment to the program needs to be approved by HUD which will only take a few days. Forbes says the third change deals with reimbursement. He says flood victims who have already completed repairs will now get back more of that rebuilding money…:

Cut 11 (15) “but for the state”

The first step toward getting access to an award is filling out the survey online at Restore.la.gov.

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State Police announces its 96th Cadet Class will begin at the LSP Training Academy this Sunday. For about 20 weeks, thirty-six men and women, hailing from a variety of backgrounds, will officially begin an intensive training regimen. Sgt. Jared Sandifer…:

Cut 12 (08) “impaired drivers”

Sandifer says this class was chosen after completing an extensive hiring and recruitment process…:

Cut 13 (10) “cadet”

Sandifer says upon successful completion of the LSP Training Academy, the newly graduated Troopers will participate in a 10-14 week field training program. He says they are continually looking for the best and brightest men and women to embark on a professional law enforcement career…:

Cut 14 (09) “become a State Trooper”

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The Powerball jackpot is up to $535 million since no one matched all the numbers in the drawing Wednesday night. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says this is the fifth largest jackpot in the history of the game.

Cut 15 (09) “billion dollars”

Annison says the cash payout value of the jackpot is a whopping $340 million. He encourages everyone to play responsibly since it only takes one ticket to win. Players need to get their tickets before 9 p.m. Saturday night for their chance to win.

Cut 16  (08)  “to do”

This is the fifth largest in the history of Powerball and the eighth largest in U.S. lottery history.

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Lafayette Travel heads up to Michigan today to help with the state’s recent crawfish invasion. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The Edwards administration has presented its first ideas for cuts in the current fiscal year, if the operating budget spends too much money. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (25) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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As Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources worried about Louisiana crawfish found in lakes and ponds around the state, Lafayette Travels heads up north today to teach the Wolverine State a thing or two about our beloved crawfish. President and CEO of Lafayette Travel Ben Berthelot says they will hold a one day festival called CrayDay in Vicksburg on Saturday.

Cut 3 (11) “etouffee”

Berthelot says their plans to do a live crawfish boil were cut short as it is illegal to possess live crawfish in Michigan. He says this is a great time for Lafayette to promote their great food and happy people.

Cut 4  (08) “big problem”

Berthelot says the reason they brought a local Louisiana crawfisherman up to Michigan is to teach them how to successful trap crawfish. He says there will be more than just educational crawfish discussions at CrayDay.

Cut 5  (09)  “some cake”

Berthelot encourages everyone to follow Lafayette Travel on social media to keep up with their adventures in Michigan.

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Governor John Bel Edwards met with House Speaker Taylor Barras on Wednesday to continue budget talks and how to fill the $1.1 billion dollar budget gap next fiscal year. That’s when temporary taxes are slated to expire. Edwards called the meeting a good, frank exchange…:

Cut 6 (12) “this fiscal cliff”

Edwards says his office will continue to pursue a balanced approach to resolving the state’s fiscal woes with a combination of cuts and new revenue. He says his office has already cut the budget, but it will take more cuts and more money to fill the looming budget hole.

Cut 7 (10)  “balanced approach”

Republicans have pushed back against the idea of increasing taxes, and many opponents say the size of government has grown too much. But Edwards says that’s not the case at all. He says the state general fund portion of the budget that comes from taxpayers has actually decreased over the years.

Cut 8 (11) “the government”

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State Police say a 2-year-old child has died after being run over by a vehicle in Tangipahoa Parish. Trooper Dustin Dwight says, around 8:30 last night, a large choir group from Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist, had just gotten out of church and were standing in the parking lot…:

Cut 9 (11)  “the roadway”

Dwight says that just as little Kaleb Dyson of Kentwood entered the westbound lane of LA 10, he was struck by a minivan…:

Cut 10 (05) “set of circumstances”

Dwight says speed is not considered a factor in the crash, and the driver of the vehicle was not impaired. He says this is a horrible tragedy for everyone involved…:

Cut 11 (06) “for a lifetime”

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Scientists with the LSU Ag Center have received a grant to study a type of small fly that causes bleeding in deer and cattle. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is providing $490,000 to Lane Foil and Claudia Husseneder of the LSU AgCenter. Foil says the conditions spread by these types of flies can lead to internal hemorrhaging that often kill deer…:

Cut 12 (06) “after exposure”

Foil says they are less dangerous to cattle, but still cause problems like crusty, peeling muzzle; sores and ulcers in the mouth; stiffness; lameness; and loss of appetite. He says it’s because of these types of viruses that the US is limited in livestock exports…:

Cut 13 (12) “population”

The study will look to identify exactly what type of flying insect is carrying the virus, and how it is able to persist between active transmission seasons…:

Cut 14 (11) “every setting”