Governor John Bel Edwards said on his monthly radio show that David Duke does not represent Louisiana, as the former-KKK leader and state representative is once again making national headlines. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

Tom Benson’s Dixie Beer is entering new markets all across the Gulf South area, and now residents in Lafayette and Baton Rouge will be able to enjoy Louisiana’s iconic brew. Halen Doughty reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says we now know that Superintendent of Education John White had no reason to worry about his job. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________________________________

During his monthly call-in radio show, Governor John Bel Edwards expressed his disappointment that former-KKK leader and state representative David Duke is once again making national headlines. He says he doesn’t want Louisiana to be colored by that bigotry because Duke does not represent our state.

Cut 4  (10) “it is embarrassing”

Edwards says there’s no place for that kind of hatred here, especially those who spew bigotry and claim it’s somehow patriotic. He says brave American men and women defeated the Nazi movement during World War II.

Cut 5  (08)  “of patriotism”

Edwards says it is unacceptable that we are dealing with this on the streets of America in 2017. But he says the people of Louisiana do not share the racist ideas of David Duke.

Cut 6 (08) “state of Louisiana”

________________________________________________________

Tom Benson’s Dixie Beer is entering new markets all across the Gulf South area, and now residents in Lafayette and Baton Rouge will be able to enjoy Louisiana’s iconic brew. Ben Hales is the Senior Vice President of the Saints and Pelicans and is helping Benson oversee operations of the century-old Dixie Beer brand…:

Cut 7 (08)  “fantastic”

Dixie Beer began distribution in New Orleans last month, first with kegs to area bars and restaurants, and just last week with product at retail locations. Hales says anyone who grew up in New Orleans or Louisiana will remember Dixie Beer, back when The Big Easy was considered the brewing capitol of the south…:

Cut 8 (11) “for generations really”

Dixie Beer and Dixie Light will be sold in 12-ounce cans and longneck bottles. Dixie Blackened Voodoo Lager will be sold in bottles only. Hales says this is all part of Benson’s post-Katrina effort to bring back or revitalize iconic New Orleans brands…:

Cut 9 (10)  “generations to come”

____________________________________________________

Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says we now know that Superintendent of Education John White had no reason to worry about his job. White received a 3 out of four rating from BESE, which is considered effective and proficient. Erwin says clearly there are those who wanted White to lose his job…:

Cut 10 (12) “but he works for BESE”

The closed-door BESE meeting on White’s evaluation was 4 hours long, and there were no public comments and no objection. Erwin says critics didn’t even raise questions about whether White needs to be reconfirmed by the Senate…:

Cut 11 (10) “it didn’t”

White will continue to work month to month as his contract was not extended. Erwin says this rating shows a sign of support from BESE about White’s performance over the last five and a half years. He says there is always a certain amount of political controversy around this position…

Cut 12 (11) “the job”

____________________________________________________

The state Department of Corrections will take over operations of Allen Correctional Center in Kinder beginning next month. DOC Secretary Jimmy Leblanc says budget constraints led to the GEO Group cancelling their contract to run the facility.

Cut 13 (12) “make ends meet”

The facility will serve inmates from Caddo, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Orleans, and St. Tammany parishes. Leblanc says the Allen Correctional Center will be used as a local level reception center. This will double their capacity to evaluate the 15,000 offenders they take in every year.

Cut 14 (12) “the right bed”

Leblanc says inmates will also be processed out of the jail through the reentry facility. He says they’ll also offer GED training and college coursework to help inmates prepare to reenter the community.

Cut 15 (08) “tax burden”

Almost eight months after being shot in the line of duty, a Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agent is back at work. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (26) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

State Superintendent of Education John White received a positive job evaluation from BESE. Emelie Gunn reports…:

Cut 2 (25) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

A Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agent is back at work after being shot in the line of duty in January. Twenty-five-year-old Tyler Wheeler of Monroe was shot four times while conducting a traffic stop in Morehouse Parish. Wheeler says doctors told him he recovered extremely fast given the injuries he had.

Cut 3 (10) “good to go”

Two suspects, 31-year-old Amethyst Baird and 34-year-old Jeremy Gullette of Monroe, have been charged in the shooting and are awaiting trial. Wheeler says it’s been a long eight months, but he’s glad to be back in the field.

Cut 4  (07) “great feeling”

Wheeler was awarded the Louisiana Wildlife Agent’s Association Statewide Agent of the Year Award in March. He says the outpouring of support from the community has been incredible. He says when he woke up in ICU after the shooting, he had gifts from all over the state.

Cut 5  (10)  “they don’t know”

________________________________________________

The state Department of Revenue is reminding some taxpayers to claim tax refunds before it’s too late. LDR sent letters to about 95-hundred taxpayers advising them to claim their state income tax refunds before they are transferred to the Unclaimed Property Division. Spokesperson Byron Henderson says those who received a letter have until September 6^th to claim their refund.

Cut 6 (08) “to them”

Henderson says the total amount of unclaimed refunds is 8.6 million dollars for refunds issued June 30^th of 2016. He says if the funds go unclaimed, they are handed over to the state treasurer’s office.

Cut 7 (10)  “property”

If you miss the September 6^th deadline with LDR, visit the Unclaimed Property website for more information. Henderson says there are many reasons why these checks have remained unclaimed.

Cut 8 (09) “could happen”

__________________________________________________________

The Powerball jackpot keeps on getting bigger and tonight’s drawing is at a whopping 430-million dollars. Dustin Annison with Louisiana Lottery says this is the 9^th largest drawing in the history of the game. He says the jackpot keeps growing because so many people are buying tickets the larger it gets.

Cut 9 (09)  “million”

The cash value of the Powerball jackpot is 273.4 million dollars. Annison says this is an exciting time for players as jackpots for different games have skyrocketed. He’s hopeful someone in Louisiana will win the tonight’s Powerball jackpot.

Cut 10 (10) “excitement”

Annison reminds players to get their Powerball tickets before 9pm tonight and immediately sign the back on the ticket. He also encourages people on social media to check out Louisiana Lottery’s Facebook page for a chance to win different prizes.

Cut 11 (07) “this Saturday”

__________________________________________________________

Saints Coach Sean Payton has confirmed that cornerback Delvin Breaux will have surgery to repair a broken leg. News broke earlier Wednesday that two doctors with the team had been fired for initially diagnosing Breaux’s injury as a bone contusion. Saints Sideline Reporter Kristian Garic…:

Cut 12 (12) “Delvin Breaux”

Rumors were going around this week that the Saints were shopping Breaux for a trade due to injury problems. Garic said Breaux just found out today after an X-Ray that he’ll be out 4-6 weeks with a fracture. He says that kind of misdiagnosis is a big deal for the program…:

Cut 13 (10) “that have cleared”

Breaux sent out a tweet today which said, LIFE IS GREAT. Garic believes the two doctors were fired because team leaders reached a boiling point..:

Cut 14 (14) “and the Pelicans”

BESE is slated to meet today to discuss the job future of Education Superintendent John White. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Gas prices are leveling off after climbing for the past week. Don Molino has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

______________________________________

The ACLU of Louisiana has sent a letter to Louisiana State Police after a man was cited for flipping off a trooper on the interstate. Halen Doughty has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________________________________

BESE meets behind closed doors to discuss the job status of state Education Superintendent John White. Board member Kathy Edmonston of Gonzales says she would like the entire panel to vote to whether or not White stays in the position he’s held since 2012. White appeared on Talk Louisiana to talk about this upcoming meeting

Cut 4  (07) “evaluation”

Edmonston has had public disagreements with the Superintendent, especially on White’s support for Common Core. White says he welcomes his evaluation.

Cut 5  (11)  “not to”

White makes 270-thousand dollars a year and works month to month, as the board has yet to extend his contract. Even the governor has mentioned whether White should legally be the superintendent because the Senate did not confirm him this year. White says he will work until BESE makes a decision.

Cut 6 (10) “otherwise”

________________________________________________________

After peaking over the last couple of weeks, gasoline prices appear to be leveling off, according to GasBuddy. Patrick DeHaan with GasBuddy says this is good news for drivers. He says prices have peaked for the short term and are now moving back down again.

Cut 7 (08)  “price of oil”

Oil prices spent the last few weeks rising from $42 to $50 a barrel. But DeHaan says they’re falling again, which is leading to a decline in prices at the pump. He says refineries have done an excellent job of keeping up with the high demand.

Cut 8 (11) “much further”

DeHaan expects gas prices may level off for the next few weeks before they really start to drop in mid- to late-September. Louisiana has the ninth lowest gas prices in the country with a statewide average of $2.16 a gallon. DeHaan credits a low gasoline tax and the oil industry for the low prices in the Bayou State.

Cut 9 (10)  “low as well”

____________________________________________________

The ACLU of Louisiana has sent a letter to Louisiana State Police Superintendent Col. Kevin Reeves after a man was ticketed for flipping off a state trooper on I-20 near Rayville. Executive Director Marjorie Esman says the man was charged with felony public intimidation.

Cut 10 (12) “anything harmful”

Esman says as rude as it may be, giving someone the finger is a First Amendment right. She hopes the letter brings attention to the issue and directs state police in their training on the matter.

Cut 11 (09) “to respect it”

The charge was dismissed by the state attorney who reviewed the case. Esman says while they’re glad the charges were thrown out, they want to ensure state police do not infringe upon anyone else’s rights.

Cut 12 (10) “happen again”

LSP issued a statement saying, “Louisiana State Police has tremendous respect for the First Amendment even when the citizens we serve choose to be vulgar and disrespectful.  This was an unfortunate incident which will be used as a training opportunity.”

____________________________________________________

A new report by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network finds Louisiana along with 11 other Southern states are slacking when it comes to implementing policies to reduce and prevent tobacco use. Lance Barbour with ACS CAN says evidence shows these steps work well in helping people quit.

Cut 13 (09) “programs”

32.6-percent of cancer deaths in Louisiana are a result of tobacco use. Barbour says legislators in the Bayou State could save lives just by increasing the tax on a pack of cigarettes.

Cut 14 (10) “the country”

The report finds over 24-thousand people in Louisiana will be diagnosed with cancer this year and over 9-thousand will die from it. Barbour says funding tobacco prevention programs would greatly reduce those numbers. He says right now, Louisiana has only spent 11 million dollars on prevention…

Cut 15 (10) “those programs”

________________________________________________________

BESE is slated to meet today to discuss the job future of Education Superintendent John White. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Gas prices are leveling off after climbing for the past week. Don Molino has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

______________________________________

The ACLU of Louisiana is not sent a letter to Louisiana State Police after a man was cited for flipping off a trooper on the interstate. Halen Doughty has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________________________________

BESE meets behind closed doors to discuss the job status of state Education Superintendent John White. Board member Kathy Edmonston of Gonzales says she would like the entire panel to vote to whether or not White stays in the position he’s held since 2012. White appeared on Talk Louisiana to talk about this upcoming meeting

Cut 4  (07) “evaluation”

Edmonston has had public disagreements with the Superintendent, especially on White’s support for Common Core. White says he welcomes his evaluation.

Cut 5  (11)  “not to”

White makes 270-thousand dollars a year and works month to month, as the board has yet to extend his contract. Even the governor has mentioned whether White should legally be the superintendent because the Senate did not confirm him this year. White says he will work until BESE makes a decision.

Cut 6 (10) “otherwise”

________________________________________________________

After peaking over the last couple of weeks, gasoline prices appear to be leveling off, according to GasBuddy. Patrick DeHaan with GasBuddy says this is good news for drivers. He says prices have peaked for the short term and are now moving back down again.

Cut 7 (08)  “price of oil”

Oil prices spent the last few weeks rising from $42 to $50 a barrel. But DeHaan says they’re falling again, which is leading to a decline in prices at the pump. He says refineries have done an excellent job of keeping up with the high demand.

Cut 8 (11) “much further”

DeHaan expects gas prices may level off for the next few weeks before they really start to drop in mid- to late-September. Louisiana has the ninth lowest gas prices in the country with a statewide average of $2.16 a gallon. DeHaan credits a low gasoline tax and the oil industry for the low prices in the Bayou State.

Cut 9 (10)  “low as well”

____________________________________________________

The ACLU of Louisiana has sent a letter to Louisiana State Police Superintendent Col. Kevin Reeves after a man was ticketed for flipping off a state trooper on I-20 near Rayville. Executive Director Marjorie Esman says the man was charged with felony public intimidation.

Cut 10 (12) “anything harmful”

Esman says as rude as it may be, giving someone the finger is a First Amendment right. She hopes the letter brings attention to the issue and directs state police in their training on the matter.

Cut 11 (09) “to respect it”

The charge was dismissed by the state attorney who reviewed the case. Esman says while they’re glad the charges were thrown out, they want to ensure state police do not infringe upon anyone else’s rights.

Cut 12 (10) “happen again”

LSP issued a statement saying, “Louisiana State Police has tremendous respect for the First Amendment even when the citizens we serve choose to be vulgar and disrespectful.  This was an unfortunate incident which will be used as a training opportunity.”

____________________________________________________

A new report by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network finds Louisiana along with 11 other Southern states are slacking when it comes to implementing policies to reduce and prevent tobacco use. Lance Barbour with ACS CAN says evidence shows these steps work well in helping people quit.

Cut 13 (09) “programs”

32.6-percent of cancer deaths in Louisiana are a result of tobacco use. Barbour says legislators in the Bayou State could save lives just by increasing the tax on a pack of cigarettes.

Cut 14 (10) “the country”

The report finds over 24-thousand people in Louisiana will be diagnosed with cancer this year and over 9-thousand will die from it. Barbour says funding tobacco prevention programs would greatly reduce those numbers. He says right now, Louisiana has only spent 11 million dollars on prevention…

Cut 15 (10) “those programs”

A study from Harvard Medical School and the University of California finds nearly one in five employees feel they face a threatening work environment. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

A Lincoln Parish man has been charged with murder after he called the cops on himself. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (26) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

A study out of Harvard Medical School and the University of California finds about one in five employees in the country feel like they work in a hostile environment. University of New Orleans Business Professor Mark Rosa says this is a surprising statistic with the increase in the amount of laws aimed against sexual harassment and bullying in the workplace.

Cut 3 (11) “entanglement”

The report also finds about 55-percent of people say they are faced with unpleasant and potentially hazardous conditions at work. Rosa says less educated individuals typically face tougher workplace conditions. He says nowadays, to get paid a decent wage, you need a college education…

Cut 4  (11) “manual labor”

The survey reports about 68-percent of men without degrees spend nearly a fourth of their time moving heavy loads. Rosa says there is not much recourse for those involved in heavy lifting because that is the job description but when it comes to bullying….

Cut 5  (10)  “of things”

________________________________________________

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office has made two arrests in the case of the brutal murder of 22-year-old Dustin Hammons of Houston who was found in a field in Starks on August 2nd. Sheriff Tony Mancuso said they found out that the victim was last seen with the two suspects, 22-year-old Ashlyn Brown and 45-year-old Boyd “Lurch” Hagood, both of Baytown, Texas…:

Cut 6 (07) “dumped here”

The two are charged with second degree murder in the incident Mancuso describes as drug related…:

Cut 7 (07)  “and a drug world”

Bond for Hagood was set at $2.5 million dollars. Brown’s bond is $1.5 million. Mancuso says this entire ordeal is part of a much bigger investigation involving additional suspects authorities are dealing with in Texas…:

Cut 8 (10) “found this body”

__________________________________________________________

A Lincoln Parish man is behind bars for a double homicide after he reported himself to police. Maj. Steven Williams with the sheriff’s office says they got a call from John Nichols yesterday evening stating that he had shot Anthony and Rachel Denicola moments before.

Cut 9 (08)  “on the scene”

Williams says the couple lived on property owned by Nichols and his family. There was an ongoing dispute among the family as to whether or not the two could remain on the property. Nichols had contacted local authorities to see about evicting the couple months prior to the deadly incident.

Cut 10 (09) “couple of months”

Williams says the victims made allegations that Nichols made an inappropriate comment to their 14-year-old daughter. He says about 45 minutes after deputies had taken that report, the shooting occurred. He says two juvenile relatives were present during the shooting.

Cut 11 (09) “juvenile officers”

__________________________________________________________

The Humane Society of Louisiana is trying to find the person responsible for shooting a beloved three-legged family dog in Acadia Parish. Director Jeff Dorson says Jack, a Schnauzer mix, had left his yard and wandered off…:

Cut 12 (08) “the side”

Dorson says the Lejeune family was devastated and raced Jack to the vet who was unable to save him. He says they have contacted the sheriff’s office who says they are going to conduct an investigation..:

Cut 13 (10) “makes no sense”

Anyone with information on this incident is urged to contact authorities. Dorson says it takes a really sick person to take the life of a lovely little three-legged dog who meant so much to his family…:

Cut 14 (08) “they’ve lost a son”

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy believes the Senate will still be able to pass a health care measure to repeal and replace Obamacare. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

This week crews will begin installing cable barriers along I-49 in Caddo and Desoto parishes. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

HUD Secretary Ben Carson and Louisiana delegates toured Denham Springs one year after the historic floods. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________________________________

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy is still optimistic the Senate can pass a health care bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Cassidy, along with Senators Lindsey Graham and Dean Heller have constructed a measure, which Cassidy says is the only instrument the Republicans have left. He says their solution is to give the power to the states by giving them federal health care dollars through a federal block grant.

Cut 4  (11) “D.C.”

Cassidy says right now we have a system that is not working and is not sustainable because of rising premiums. He says this is a plan returns power to the patients and the states while being fiscally responsible.

Cut 5  (09)  “as well”

Cassidy says believes his legislation is fair, which is why he thinks it can even get support from Democrats.

Cut 6 (11) “Senator”

________________________________________________________

Cable barrier installation is set to begin this week in Caddo and Desoto Parishes along I-49, according to the state department of transportation. Erin Buchanan with DOTD says this is one of the larger cable barrier projects in the district with a total 41 miles to be installed. Most of that will be in Desoto Parish.

Cut 7 (09)  “parish line”

The $5 million project will install life-saving barriers at the LA 3132 interchange in Caddo Parish all the way down through Desoto Parish. Buchanan says construction should take about a year. She advises motorists to be on the lookout for construction zones.

Cut 8 (10) “sort of thing”

This project is part of a larger DOTD goal to install 600 total miles of cable barriers throughout the state. Buchanan says a lot of that has already been accomplished through a combination of state and federal funding. She says safety is the driving cause of the projects.

Cut 9 (12)  “safe as possible”

____________________________________________________

Members of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation and the governor toured Denham Springs with HUD Secretary Dr. Ben Carson Monday, and praised him for efforts in cutting red tape during flood recovery. Carson says he is very pleased and impressed with the progress south Louisiana has made since last August.

Cut 10 (07) “spent here”

Although he says the money allocated will be well spent for flood recovery, Carson acknowledges regulations could be improved.

Cut 11 (11) “their home”

Carson says even with all the natural disasters the Bayou State faces, Louisianans are resilient. He says as a nation, we can grow and improve from the experiences here.

Cut 12 (09) “mistakes”

____________________________________________________

LSU has announced that fans will have to wait a little longer to take pictures and get autographs from their favorite players and coaches, as the annual Fan Day has been moved to the spring. Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette said there are many construction projects taking place on campus which just didn’t make Fan Day feasible this fall…:

Cut 13 (08) “this month”

Bonnette says they are holding Fan Day next year in conjunction with the annual spring game. He says Coach O is really focused on making the spring game a bigger, day-long event that will attract more fans…:

Cut 14 (11) “for the first time”

Bonnette says the work that’s being done on campus will in no way affect football season. He says the purple and gold nation is in for some nice surprises in 2017…:

Cut 15 (11) “to offer”

LSU researchers found the Gulf of Mexico has some of the highest concentrations of microplastics in the world. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Health officials urge the public to protect themselves against mosquitos after an Alexandria man died from West Nile Virus. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

A newly formed PAC supporting cops in the state is trying to get the word out about who they are, and what they’re all about. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________________________________

Researchers found the Gulf of Mexico is home to some of the highest concentrations of microplastic in the world. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a well-known area in the central Pacific where plastic accumulates because of the current. LSU oceanographer Mark Benfield says in that region, plastic concentrations can be as much as several particles per cubic meter. But the concentration in the Gulf was much higher.

Cut 4  (11) “in the world”

With the Louisiana coast being mostly wetland with low population density, researchers started to ask where all the microplastic could be coming from. Benfield says the Mississippi River was the obvious candidate.

Cut 5  (12)  “Gulf of Mexico”

The plastic is very small, about the size of a Mardi Gras bead down to the microscopic level. Benfield says they’re concerned the plastic is being consumed by marine life. That’s a big problem because chemicals can stick to the surface of plastic.

Cut 6 (10) “into the animal”

________________________________________________________

It’s been two months since congressional leaders were the target of an attack at a Virginia ball park. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise continues to recover from a gunshot wound to the hip. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says it’s a miracle no one was more seriously injured.

Cut 7 (10)  “that is amazing”

The Jefferson Parish congressman has undergone numerous surgeries since the shooting. Graves says his recovery has been complicated because he has both skeletal injuries in the hip and leg, as well as soft tissue and organ damage in the abdomen. But he’s optimistic Scalise will be back at work when Congress reconvenes in September.

Cut 8 (10) “very high”

Despite the severity of his injuries and the high risk of infection, Scalise has made remarkable strides in his recovery. Graves says he’s been discharged from MedStar Washington hospital and moved into rehabilitation.

Cut 9 (08)  “of recovery”

____________________________________________________

An Alexandria man has died after contracting the West Nile Virus, and health officials are urging the public to protect themselves against mosquitos. Dr. David Holcombe with the Office of Public Health says the virus is transmitted by household mosquitos that are common in Louisiana. But there are ways people can keep the pesky bugs away.

Cut 10 (10) “they’re outside”

Seventy-one-year-old Donald Austin died last Tuesday. His family says he got sick about two weeks ago, but they thought it was the flu. Holcombe says that’s not surprising because for most people, West Nile Virus is completely asymptomatic.

Cut 11 (10) “are asymptomatic”

Holcombe says about nine percent of people get a low fever, and one percent get a neuro invasive disease that can be deadly. Most of the people who get the fatal illness are elderly. So far this year, 19 cases of West Nile have been reported in Louisiana. Holcombe says that could mean we’ll have a more active season this year.

Cut 12 (08) “than last”

____________________________________________________

A newly formed PAC supporting cops in the state is trying to get the word out about who they are, and what they’re all about. Chris Stewart is the Executive Director of the Louisiana Law Enforcement PAC. He says their group plans to tackle matters that affect police officers statewide…:

Cut 13 (08) “that they have on them”

Stewart says they independently support law enforcement in the sate by promoting candidates for elected office and policies that help officers serve and protect communities more safely and effectively. He says there are many things that need to be addressed to deal with a recruiting problem.:

Cut 14 (10) “to it”

You can find out more online at LLEPAC.com. Stewart says 20 years ago, for example, the Baton Rouge Police Department would have three or four hundred applicants for 30 positions, and now they are lucky to get 75. He says it’s a national problem when it comes to police perception, and tactics…:

Cut 15 (10) “way too much lately”

________________________________________________________

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron says the offense dominated in the team’s second preseason game of training camp on Saturday. Derius Guice rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown, while Darrel Williams added 76 yards and a couple of touchdowns. Quarterbacks Danny Etling and Myles Brennan each threw for over 100 yards. Orgeron says there were some standout performers on defense too….

Cut 16 (23)  “very, very well”

Orgeron says the defense also did a good job at putting pressure on the quarterback. Etling threw for 114 yards and a pair interceptions, while Brennan had 107 yards passing and a touchdown. Orgeron says Etling is still the starting quarterback right now…

Cut 17 (20)  “on offense”

Orgeron says he likes the depth he has at running back. Freshman Clyde Edwards-Helaire has looked good, and Coach “O” says Nick Brossette has also performed well…

Cut 18 (14) “for us” 

First Lady Donna Edwards is teaming up with the Department of Children and Family Services to launch a new program supporting foster parents. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

Louisiana’s budget deficit for the fiscal year that starts next July is now up to one-point-five billion dollars. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

It’s been a wet couple of weeks in the Bayou State, and State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s not showing any signs of stopping. He says the wet pattern is caused by summer fronts crossing Louisiana and stalling along the coast. He says that’s what led to the downpour in New Orleans, and now there’s another front heading our way.

Cut 3 (10) “a few days”

Keim says we can expect to stay in a wet pattern at least through the weekend. But he says fortunately, the rain clouds are bringing down the soaring temperatures, and the wet ground is helping to cool things off during one of Louisiana’s hottest months of the year.

Cut 4  (10) “creeping up”

The downside, however, is that rain makes things even more muggy than usual. Keim says all that moisture in the air is pushing humidity levels way up. But at least it’s not as hot.

Cut 5  (10)  “any day”

________________________________________________

The Department of Transportation says it’s been given the all clear to go ahead with the project to widen I-10 from Highland Road in Baton Rouge, to LA 73 in Ascension Parish. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says motorists should start seeing activity before the end of the year…:

Cut 6 (04) “of 2018”

Wilson says it will take around two and a half years to widen the interstate by one lane in each direction. He says it’s very exciting that this major improvement to infrastructure is being made on such a heavily traveled thoroughfare…:

Cut 7 (08)  “on a regular basis”

The $72 million project is being funded through a combination of state and federal dollars. The design-build process allows a designer and contractor to bid and collaborate on the project together, which results in quicker completion. Wilson wants the public to know that DOTD is committed to being as productive and innovative as possible…:

Cut 8 (08) “and paying attention”

__________________________________________________________

Louisiana foster parents can find support thanks to a new website launched by First Lady Donna Edwards. Louisiana-fosters-dot-la-dot-gov connects parents with businesses, church groups and nonprofits to help meet the child’s needs. Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says these groups can provide parents with assistance that DCFS can’t offer.

Cut 9 (08)  “to be supported”

At any given time, there are about 4,300 children in foster care in Louisiana. DCFS served over 7,800 children during the 2017 fiscal year. Walters says it takes more than government to raise a child. That’s why this program gets the community involved to help.

Cut 10 (08) “little bit of respite”

First Lady Edwards says the program is all about meeting the immediate needs of these families and providing support services. Louisiana Fosters seeks to start new partnerships between community organizations and foster families.

Cut 11 (08) “come together”

Edwards says they’re looking for mentors who want to be involved in a foster child’s life, as well as organizations who can provide much needed supplies. She says 4-H is one organization that’s stepped up to the plate providing bags for when foster children are moved, and they’re asking more groups to make that commitment.

Cut 12 (10) “foster parents”

__________________________________________________________

The state’s budget deficit for fiscal year 2018, which begins next July, is up to one-point-five billion dollars. Most of the shortfall is due to the loss of temporary taxes. But rising costs and inflationary expenses also make up the budget gap. But Jonesboro Senator Jim Fannin questions why inflationary costs are included in the fiscal cliff deficit

Cut 13 (07) “scares everybody”

Fannin made his comments during Friday’s joint legislative budget committee. Barry Dusse, with the governor’s budget office, responded that inflationary dollars are added to the budget deficit projection, because state law requires them to do so…

Cut 14 (07) “look like”

The previous budget deficit estimate was one-point-two billion dollars. Fannin questions why the deficit has been increased to one-point-five billion dollars, when legislators do not have to fund inflationary costs …

Cut 15 (11) “this year”

(An agreement between the governor and legislators on how to close the budget gap has yet to be reached and it will likely take a special session to do so.)

Cut 16  (08)  “to everybody”

__________________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards joined New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu today to discuss the possibility of more flooding on the east bank of the city. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins says he’s glad President Donald Trump is taking a stand against continued threats from North Korea. Jeff Palermo reports..:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Baton Rouge Police have made an arrest in the fatal armed robbery that cost a Tennessee truck driver his life. Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says they identified the suspect, 18-year-old Landry Carter, from his involvement in other robberies.

Cut 3 (11) “those crimes”

McKneely says they issued a warrant for Carter’s arrest for those robberies. He says both video surveillance and witness testimony were essential to bringing in the suspect. He says they spoke with witnesses who saw the tragic event.

Cut 4  (11) “Mr. Odom”

Keith Odom of Tennessee was robbed and fatally shot while fixing a flat tire in a parking lot Tuesday morning. Carter is charged with four counts of armed robbery and one count of first degree murder. McKneely says the hard work of BRPD detectives got this man off the street before anyone else could be hurt.

Cut 5  (11)  “shooting them”

________________________________________________

A Walker woman is in critical condition after she jumped from a moving vehicle on I-12. Captain John Sharp with Walker Police says last night 26-year-old Whitney Cotton was riding with her fiancé, 27-year-old Matthew Roberts, when she leapt out of the pickup truck.

Cut 6 (10) “moving vehicle”

Sharp says no foul play is suspected in this incident. He says Cotton was taken to a local hospital with critical injuries.

Cut 7 (07)  “head injuries”

Sharp says detectives are looking into the matter. He asks that anyone who saw the incident to contact police.

Cut 8 (10) “talk to them”

________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards joined New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu today to discuss the possibility of more flooding in the city, as a turbine caught fire overnight forcing a pumping station to move to last resort power. Landrieu says this outage has the potential to compromise the capacity of drainage on the East Bank of New Orleans…:

Cut 9 (09)  “National Weather Service”

Landrieu says that crews are on site now working to repair the downed turbine, and securing backup power to the pumping stations. He added that if all of the power from Entergy continues, the city will be able to handle a typical rainfall situation. Governor Edwards said he signed a declaration of emergency for Orleans Parish….:

Cut 10 (08) “as quickly as possible”

All Orleans Parish schools are closed today due to the flood risk, and people in the affected areas are being asked to park their cars on the neutral ground. Ladrieu said the city will be vulnerable over the next 24 to 48 hours, as four out of five turbines are out of service. Edwards stressed that while this is a serious situation…:

Cut 11 (11) “without undue problems”

__________________________________________________________

Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins says he’s glad President Donald Trump is taking  stand against continued threats from North Korea. The Cajun John Wayne says previous administrations have dealt with aggressions from North Korea with a, “kick the can down the road” type mentality, but it’s about time to get serious…:

Cut 12 (06) “the real world”

Earlier this week, Mr. Trump warned that North Korea would “face fire and fury like the world has never seen” if Pyongyang keeps threatening the US. North Korea’s response was to say it’s seriously examining a plan to launch a missile strike targeting an area near the US territory of Guam. Higgins says this is completely unacceptable…:

Cut 13 (11) “over a decade”

Higgins believes Mr. Trump is carefully targeting exactly what would need to be hit, and hit hard….:

Cut 14 (08) “underground bunkers”

__________________________________________________________

The Edwards Administration is getting the word out about the ramifications if the state goes over the so-called fiscal cliff.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Tensions are rising between the US and North Korea. Halen Doughty has more on what this means from Congressman Ralph Abraham…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

The Baton Rouge Area Foundation launches a new website that aims to help Louisiana parents of autistic children. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________________________________

State officials are starting the conversation about how to address the looming fiscal cliff in 2018 when more than a billion dollars in temporary taxes expire. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne has been spreading the word at meetings around the state to bring the issue to the public’s attention. He says lawmakers are facing some stark options.

Cut 4  (11) “been reduced”

Dardenne says if lawmakers decided against replacing the $1.3 billion in revenue that is set to go away in July, the administration would be forced to reduce funding by 20 percent for every area of state government. He says that would be drastic for higher education, healthcare, prisons, and public schools.

Cut 5  (10)  “their hands on”

Dardenne says the state does not have an extra billion dollars to make up for this lost revenue when temporary taxes expire next year. He says there are ways to mix and match cuts and revenue to reach a balanced budget, if lawmakers are willing. That’s why he and the governor are trying to elevate the discussion and gather public input.

Cut 6 (09) “state government”

________________________________________________________

As tensions run high between the US and North Korea, some are concerned a nuclear war could be in the making. President Donald Trump recently said North Korea will be met with fire, fury, and power if threats persist against the US. Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham sits on the Armed Forces Committee and says the president is trying to send a message around the world.

Cut 7 (12)  “loud and clear”

The United Nations Security Council voted to impose coal sanctions on North Korea. Abraham says coal makes up about 10 percent of North Korea’s gross domestic product and 40 percent of the exports. Abraham says China could bring North Korea to its knees by imposing additional sanctions.

Cut 8 (10) “couple of weeks”

Just hours after the President’s statement, the North Korean military announced it’s considering a missile strike on Guam, a US territory in the Pacific Ocean that’s home to thousands of American military personnel. Abraham says while the US has missile defense systems in place, it’s important to consider our allies as well.

Cut 9 (13)  “to be maintained”

____________________________________________________

Despite a slight decrease in revenue, the Louisiana Lottery reported its third best year ever. Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says the corporation brought in nearly $455 million in revenue for the 2017 fiscal year.

Cut 10 (06) “in 1991”

This year, the lottery saw a $53 million decline in revenue from the previous year. Annison says increased sales for the record Powerball jackpot of more than a billion dollars helps boost revenue last year. He says a number of other factors contributed to the slight dip this year.

Cut 11 (08) “prize pool”

Annison says scratch off tickets are the top seller, accounting for $206 million in sales. Powerball tickets come in second, bringing in $85 million last year. He says the lottery exists to maximize revenue for the state. The Louisiana Lottery transferred nearly $160 million to the state treasury for public education for 2017.

Cut 12 (07) “public education”

________________________________________________________

Louisiana parents of autistic children have a new resource after the Baton Rouge Area Foundation helped to launch a website full of information about benefits and resources. Director of civic leadership initiatives Lauren Jumonville says they hope to help point parents in the right direction.

Cut 13 (09) “developmental disability”

Jumonville says they went around the state cataloging all the resources that exist for people with disabilities. She says the website La.ExceptionalLives.org offers a variety of resources, including traditional ones like physicians and therapists, as well as others.

Cut 14 (11) “great opportunities”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate one in 68 children are born with autism every year. Jumonville says there are a lot of great organizations that help families of people with disabilities, but parents need to find those resources, which is why BRAF launched the site.

Cut 15 (10) “able to do”

________________________________________________________

No surprise as LSU head football coach Ed Orgeron says Danny Etling remains his starter at quarterback, but the battle to be his primary back-up continues. Orgeron says all of the quarterbacks on the roster have shown flashes…

Cut 16 (20)  “in the spring”

Orgeron says true freshman Myles Brennan from Mississippi is getting a few snaps with the first team, but not a lot because he doesn’t know all of the plays. Coach O says Brennan is one of several freshmen who has looked good at camp…

Cut 17 (20)  “….number one quarterback”

There is some good news with the banged up offensive line. Orgeron says starting offensive linemen Will Clapp and Toby Weathersby are still out with undisclosed injuries, but starting left tackle K.J. Malone is back…

Cut 18 (21 “be okay”