NOAA predicts there could be as many as 19 named storms this hurricane season. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The State Department of Education announced today that students in public schools increased average ACT scores for the 4th year in a row. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Baton Rouge authorities are searching for the gunman who fatally shot a Tennessee truck driver, while he was changing a tire on his 18-wheeler yesterday morning. Sgt. Don Coppola says this is another tragic incident that claimed the life of 49-year-old Keith Odom.

Cut 3 (10) “robbed him”

Detectives believe Odom was making a delivery at a Florida Boulevard warehouse. He was shot in the parking lot of the Longbow shopping center. Coppola says after being robbed, Odom’s encounter with the suspect turned deadly.

Cut 4  (09) “by the robber”

Coppola says Odom was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. He says detectives are still trying to identify a suspect in this case, and they’re seeking the public’s help.

Cut 5  (12)  “a call”

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NOAA has increased its projected total of named storms for this hurricane season. In May, government forecasters predicted 11 to 17 named storms, now they believe we’ll see anywhere from 14 to 19 named storms. NOAA lead hurricane season forecaster Gerry Bell….

Cut 6 (09) “extremely active”

He says this could be the most active season since 2010. That year there were 19 named storms, 12 hurricanes and five major hurricanes. But only Tropical Storm Bonnie as a remnant low made landfall in Louisiana. Bell says they anticipate an extremely active season, because wind patterns are conducive for storm development and sea surface temperatures are well above normal…

Cut 7 (06)  “will persist”

There’s been six named storms this season. Bell says the chance of an El Nino weather pattern forming has dropped significantly, which is another factor why they raised the storm total..

Cut 8 (06) “wind shear”

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The State Department of Education announced today that students in public schools increased average ACT scores for the 4th year in a row, from 19.1 in 2013 to 19.6 today. Superintendent of Education John White said there is also a substantial rise in the number of students achieving college acceptable scores….:

Cut 9 (10)  “college benchmark”

The average score last year was 19.5, so it’s only up slightly for 2017. Leading the state in ACT scores this year is the St. Tammany Parish School District with an average of 22. White says the number of students who qualify for TOPS also grew at every level of the award this year…:

Cut 10 (10) “than did in 2012”

There were also gains among African Americans who scored an average of 17.5 this year. The overall national average was 20.8 in 2016. White says even though Louisiana remains below the nation, the steady gains are significant…:

Cut 11 (09) “expectations high”

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Kids are heading back to school, which means school buses are getting back on the road. Kip Diggs with State Farm reminds drivers to be extra cautious when a bus is stopped for loading and unloading. He says it is never safe to pass a stopped school bus.

Cut 12 (09) “hit a child”

Louisiana law requires vehicles to stop 30 feet away when children are getting on or off the bus. Diggs says motorists should always drive with caution and slow down when the encounter a school bus on the road. He says if there’s a bus on the road, school children are guaranteed to be nearby.

Cut 13 (09) “kill a child”

Diggs says buses usually move a little slower than regular traffic. Reduced speed zones are also in effect near schools and buses. He says drivers should consider that and leave a little earlier because if you get stopped behind a bus, all you can do it wait.

Cut 14 (12) “in your day”

Students and teachers in Livingston Parish are heading back to school today and hoping for some normalcy this year. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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LSP in Troop C, which covers southeast Louisiana, is worried about the uptick in preventable traffic fatalities in the area. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The controversy over how the pumps operated in the city of New Orleans during the weekend flooding event is not over. Michelle Southern reports..:

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Livingston Parish students and teachers are looking forward to a year of normalcy as they begin classes today just days ahead of the one year anniversary of the August flood. School superintendent Rick Wentzel says crews worked extensively on 8 flood damaged campuses throughout the summer. Three of those are complete, but five in the Denham Springs area will not be fully rebuilt for some time.

Cut 4  (11) “next summer”

That’s why three temporary campuses are still active. This year all students in the parish will receive free breakfast and lunch. Wentzel says the parish qualified for the program through the USDA because so many students were impacted by last year’s flood.

Cut 5  (11)  “our parents”

Last school year got off to a devastating start, as much of Livingston Parish was under several feet of water. Homes, schools, and businesses alike were shuttered for what many felt like would be forever. Wentzel says after dealing with all of that, many students are ready for life to get back to normal.

Cut 6 (10) “safe environment”

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State Police in the Troop C area, which covers parishes in the Deep South of Louisiana is concerned about the recent increases in preventable traffic fatalities in the area. Troop Commander Captain Frank Besson (Bay-sawn) says they have investigated 31 fatality crashes, resulting in 37 deaths, so far this year, up 35-percent in 2016. He says not wearing seat belts and impaired driving are the biggest factors.

Cut 7 (10)  “the crashes”

Troop C covers Terrebonne, Lafourche, Assumption, and parts of St. James and St. Charles parishes. Besson says these are extremely alarming numbers. He says they are working hard to provide the blanket of the security the community deserves but DWI arrests are up this year.

Cut 8 (10) “as well”

Besson says it’s easy to make good driving decisions, like wearing your seat belt and never driving under the influence and education starts at home with young drivers. He says they are cracking down on drunk drivers by upping check points and…

Cut 9 (09)  “get blood”

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Two suspects in a Lafayette kidnapping apparently drowned in the Intracoastal Canal after evading deputies in a chase. That’s according to West Baton Rouge Sheriff Mike Cazes, who says it all started when Iberville Parish deputies called for assistance in a chase down I-10.

Cut 10 (08) “his problem”

Cazes says the suspects’ van got stuck in the mud, and two black males fled on foot. He says his deputies made a shocking discovery when they searched the van the two men abandoned near LA 1.

Cut 11 (10) “manhunt started”

Cazes says the police dogs lost the suspect’s trail at the waters’ edge. Kids playing in the water found the first body and reported it around 3 p.m., and the second was seen by a tugboat a few hours later. The sheriff says he’s certain these are the two men they were looking for.

Cut 12 (10) “out that water”

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The controversy over how the pumps operated in the city of New Orleans during the weekend flooding event is not over. The city council called a meeting just before Sewerage & Water Board Executive Director Cedric Grant announced his retirement saying he’d learned his staff hadn’t been honest about the event. The board’s Superintendent, Joe Becker, said that the system is not designed to handle that much rain in a short period of time:

Cut 13 (11) “four and five hundred more pumps”

At issue was the initial response from the board which indicated all of the pumps had worked exactly as they were designed to do. When City Councilman Jason Williams asked Becker about that statement, Becker said, “all of the pump stations were working at their maximum capacity.” Rogers called that a fabrication and asked Becker to clarify…:

Cut 14 (10) “(angry crowd jeering)”

Becker said he would need six times the drainage that the city currently has to keep up with a rain event like what happened Saturday. The board originally said 7 pumps were out of service the night of the storm, but then came back and said 14, including 8 drainage pumps, were not working. Councilmember LaToya Cantrell asked why they were told everything was at capacity…:

Cut 15 (12) “city of New Orleans”

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LSU Senior Quarterback Danny Etling likes the progress the Tigers are making during preseason camp. The Bayou Bengals are in training camp mode for the rest of this week and next and then school starts on Monday August 21st. Etling says the goal is to get better every day

Cut 16 (19)  “game plans”

Head Coach Ed Orgeron says freshman running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is the suprise of camp. “Clyde the Gide” played at Catholic High in Baton Rouge just like star running back Derrius Guice, who says he’s not surprised Edwards-Helaire is making plays on the practice field…

Cut 17 (21) “right nowt

Because of regular camp injuries, LSU started three freshmen along the offensive line for the first scrimmage on Saturday. Etling says Saahdiq Charles, Edward Ingram and Austin Deculus did well despite the lack of college football experience…

Cut 18 (20 “up as well” 

About 15,000 Louisiana teachers will face evaluations this year that are linked to student test scores. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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LDWF’s Coastwide Nutria Control Program is searching for landowners and hunters in south Louisiana to help trap the invasive rodent. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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This school year, some Louisiana teachers will face evaluations that are tied, in part, to student test scores. About 15,000 of the state’s 50,000 educators will be reviewed by the Value Added Model. Brigitte Neiland with the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry specializes in education policy. She says teachers need accountability to ensure the students are learning.

Cut 3 (10) “a student”

The review compares a student’s math, English, science and social studies scores from one year to the next to see if that child met expected gains. Some criticize the model as unfair because not all students perform equally on standardized tests. But Neiland says this model accounts for every different kind of student and their environments.

Cut 4  (12) “the same level”

Under the VAM, 35 percent of the teacher’s rating is from student test scores, 15 percent is based on learning targets, and 50 percent comes from classroom observations. A poor rating could cost teachers their tenure and even their job. Neiland says the principal will determine which teachers remain in the classroom.

Cut 5  (11)  “weaknesses lie”

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A man in Caddo Parish has been charged with cruelty to animals after allegedly fatally shooting his neighbor’s dachshund, because he thought it was an alligator. Caddo Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Bobby Herring says the owners of the dog discovered their pet, Chloe, was missing and she was found in the yard of Tommy Collinsworth Jr’s residence.

Cut 6 (06) “alligator”

Herring says the 11-year-old dog has never been aggressive and did no damage to Collinsworth’s property. He says the dog was found in the pond with multiple gunshot wounds.

Cut 7 (07)  “on it”

Herring says the shooting of Chloe was in no way justified.

Cut 8 (08) “applied here”

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The state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Coastwide Nutria Control Program is looking for south Louisiana landowners and hunters to help combat the invasive rodent. LDWF Biologist Catherine Normand says the goal is to reduce Nutria induced marsh damage by removing about 400-thousand rodents per season. She says these pests can cause serious damage to an already vulnerable coast.

Cut 9 (11)  “in place”

The program has removed nearly five million of these rodents since it was established 15 years ago. Normand says applications to become a trapper with the program are available online at nutria.com.

Cut 10 (09) “March”

The only requirement to become registered with the Nutria Control Program is the hunter must have a trapping license. Normand says nutria like to hang out in large groups, compounding the amount of damage they can do in a certain location. She says eradicating the rodent is impossible but…

Cut 11 (09) “manageable”

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Mandeville Police have arrested a 25-year-old man accused of brutally raping a 53-year-old woman inside her home. Chief Gerald Sticker says they were able to catch up with Ronald Moore Jr. of Lacombe at his home after releasing to the media a photo of him on surveillance video…:

Cut 12 (08) “of this rape”

Cops say the victim reported she was sleeping when she woke up to the suspect rubbing her body when an altercation ensued and she was overpowered then raped and beaten. Sticker says the victim is strong, but she’s still struggling with the traumatic event…:

Cut 13 (08) “emotionally as well”

Moore has been charged with first-degree rape, aggravated burglary and attempted first-degree murder. Sticker thanks the public for their priceless help in locating this man…:

Cut 14 (10) “as much as we did”

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Louisiana Lottery players have two shots at millions this week. Tonight’s Mega Millions jackpot is up to $350 million with a cash value of $218 million. Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says is the seventh largest jackpot in the game’s history. The Powerball jackpot is also soaring at $307 million.

Cut 15 (08) “same time”

Annison says so many people are rushing out to get their Mega Millions tickets that the value has climbed $4 million in just the past few hours. He encourages everyone to check their numbers right away and sign the ticket if it has any winning numbers.

Cut 16  (08)  “to everybody”

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Congress has recessed for the summer and many lawmakers are disappointed not much was accomplished. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the coming of the inaugural Flambeau Fest in Ascension Parish, whose lineup was announced today, is another example of how tourism in Louisiana is alive and well. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Congress has recessed for the summer and many lawmakers are disappointed not much was accomplished. U.S Senator John Kennedy believes some good was done with the approval of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court. But he says his biggest disappointment was the failing to repeal and replace Obamacare by one vote.

Cut 3 (08) “tax cuts”

Before the recess, the Senate approved a bill to fund the FDA. Kennedy says his plan for tax reform would be to cut everyone’s tax bracket by two-percent, which would benefit every social class but mostly the middle class.

Cut 4  (09) “fiscal side”

Kennedy says it’s time to get the economy growing at three-percent again because right now it’s at an embarrassing 1.8-percent. He says in the fall, Congress has a lot of work to accomplish.

Cut 5  (11)  “infrastructure bill”

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the coming of the inaugural Flambeau Fest in Ascension Parish, whose lineup was announced today, is another example of how tourism in Louisiana is alive and well. He says the October 7 & 8 shows could begin another tradition that eventually attracts visitors the way Jazzfest and Bayou Country Superfest do…:

Cut 6 (10) “to spend the weekend”

Sam Hunt, Hank Williams Jr., Lynyrd Skynyrd, Dustin Lynch, Chase Rice, Blackberry Smoke and Jacob Davis are only a few of the big name acts slated to perform. Nungesser says this is another way Louisiana is is branding itself as a state that is in love with music…:

Cut 7 (10)  “year after year”

Tickets went on sale today and you can get the link online at flambeaufest.com. It will take place at Ascension Fields in Gonzales, between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Nungesser says another great thing about this event is that it’s highlighting a part of the state that normally wouldn’t be considered a big tourist destination…:

Cut 8 (08) “as well”

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City officials say the roughly 10 inches of rain that fell on New Orleans Saturday was too much for the city’s 24 pump stations to handle. Executive Director of the Sewerage and Water Board Cedric Grant says the pumps were running at full capacity, despite inches of water pouring into homes and businesses throughout the city.

Cut 9 (07)  “designed limits”

Grant says the system is designed to pump out one inch of water in the first hour and half an inch for each subsequent hour. He says they’ve estimated they should be spending $30 million a year on catch basin and subsurface drainage, but there’s not enough funding to make the necessary improvements.

Cut 10 (06) “and repair”

Grant says the pumps were operating at 100 percent pumping capacity throughout the weather event, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough. He says they did everything they could to prepare. But he says no one expected upwards of 10 inches of rainfall in only a few hours.

Cut 11 (10) “water came”

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Small business owners impacted by the 2016 floods are not completing the flood recovery survey as quickly as state officials had hoped. Economic Development Manager Lasonta Davenport with the Office of Community Development says they’re asking small business owners to complete the survey so they can assess the needs in the state.

Cut 12 (09) “loan program”

Davenport says 423 businesses have completed the survey so far. That’s far short of the 22,000 businesses who were notified. The small business loan program offers loans for $20,000 to $50,000 for flood impacted businesses. She says the survey will help shape the program.

Cut 13 (11) “changes to that”

The survey is online at restore.la.gov. Davenport says it will be quick and easy for small business owners to complete.

Cut 14 (12) “them personally”

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About 9,000 more students chose learning at home over the classroom in 2016 than in 2010, according to the state department of education. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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In exactly two years, qualifying will be underway for the gubernatorial race. Jeff Palermo has more on who might challenge Governor John Bel Edwards…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Cajun Prince, former Governor Edwin Edwards turns 90 today. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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More students are getting their education at home instead of traditional classrooms. According to the state department of education, 26,000 students are homeschooled, while 4,000 more are enrolled in online charter schools. Superintendent for University View Academy Lonnie Luce (Lou-see) says many families enjoy the flexibility of at-home schooling.

Cut 4  (09) “certain families”

About 9,000 more students studied at home in 2016 than in 2010. Luce says that’s because parents have more options today than they did years ago. He says some families move a lot for work, so brick and mortar schools don’t work as well. He says others choose online learning to escape problems in school.

Cut 5  (09)  “their kids here”

Luce says if the student has a dedicated parent or learning coach, the schooling can be just as good online as it is in the classroom. He says they even help with socializing by organizing field trips, clubs, and even a prom.

Cut 6 (09) “their children”

The Coalition for Responsible Home Education has raised concerns about home schooling without any accountability.

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A letter US Senator John Kennedy sent to East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome has sparked an investigation by the legislative auditor’s office. The probe comes amid allegations federal funds for the Baton Rouge Area Violence Elimination, or BRAVE, program were not as they should be. Kennedy says if these federal dollars are being misused, he’s going to have something to say about it.

Cut 7 (07)  “taxpayers”

Funding for the BRAVE program is supposed to go towards reducing violent crime and supporting law enforcement. WAFB reports indicate $17,000 was used for transportation services, $9,900 went to Pink Blossom Alliance for two community outreach events, $23,000 for a poetry workshop, and $9,500 for two sports events. Kennedy says it’s downright repulsive how some of the funds are allegedly being spent.

Cut 8 (09) “policemen”

The mayor’s office says Broome welcomes any review from the legislative auditor and looks forward to the results. Kennedy says he’s not accusing anyone of anything, but the mayor needs to answer some questions.

Cut 9 (08)  “of this”

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Today is the 90^th birthday of former four-term Governor Edwin Edwards and he’s still going strong. During an appearance on Talk Louisiana, Edwards credits his long life to good genes, as two of his grandparents lived to be over 100-years-old. The Silver Fox says he’s lived a blessed and wonderful life.

Cut 10 (08) “no complaints”

A birthday bash for the former governor is planned for August 12^th at the Renaissance Hotel in Baton Rouge and those in attendance will receive signed memorabilia. Edwards says he fully expects to live to at least 100-years-old. He says growing up during the Depression, his family grew all of their own vegetables and raised chickens and cattle so he never ate foods with preservatives.

Cut 11 (11) “don’t know”

The Cajun Prince has five children and has been married three times. Edwards says his youngest son, Eli, is four-years-old and keeps him on his toes. He says he has no plans to slow down any time soon.

Cut 12 (11) “very pleasant”

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Two years from today, candidates will be qualifying for the governor’s race. So who will challenge Governor John Bel Edwards? Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Republicans are waiting to see what US Senator John Kennedy will do.

Cut 13 (11) “wide open”

Kennedy is 65-years-old. He’s in his first year as a U.S. Senator after easily defeating Democratic Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell last December. Kennedy served 17 years as the state treasurer. Pinsonat says if Kennedy wants to run for governor, it’s now or never.

Cut 14 (09) “on his side”

If Kennedy doesn’t run, Pinsonat says Edwards’ chances of reelection look better. He says several congressmen, like Garret Graves, could raise plenty of campaign dollars, but he expects the back up front runner for the GOP would be Attorney General Jeff Landry.

Cut 15 (08) “do you”

LSU’s only Heisman Trophy winner, Dr. Billy Cannon, will be honored at the school’s Baton Rouge campus with a statue. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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With the new school year fast approaching, the Louisiana Department of Health reminds parents to make sure their kids are up to date on their vaccines. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The LSU Athletic Hall of Fame Committee has decided to honor football legend Dr. Billy Cannon with a statue on the Baton Rouge campus. Cannon graduated from the state’s flagship university in 1959 and is the school’s only Heisman Trophy winner. Cannon says receiving this honor is not something that you expect.

Cut 3 (10) “like me”

Cannon led the Tigers to the national championship title in 1958. The 80-year-old credits the erection of the statue to the work of his former teammates, Warren Rabb and Jimmy Fields and Athletic Director Joe Alleva.

Cut 4  (10) “fantastic”

Cannon says having a statue of him at his alma mater was the farthest thing from his mind. He hopes it looks like he did in his glory days, young with a lot of hair.

Cut 5  (09)  “represent him”

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Chefs from around the country will compete at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans on Saturday for the chance to become the King or Queen of Seafood in the Great American Seafood Cook-off. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says this is a chance for Louisiana to show off our fresh seafood. He says it’s a win-win for the state and the chefs.

Cut 6 (08) “or seafood”

So far 13 chefs have entered to compete for the coveted title. Louisiana’s representative is Bonnie Breaux of St. Martinville. Nungesser says other chefs are coming from as far away as Alaska, Massachusetts, and New Mexico. He says it’s always exciting to see the passion these cooks put into their dishes.

Cut 7 (07)  “to see”

Nungesser says the cook-off highlights the great seafood here in America, which he says is the best in the world. He says imported seafood just doesn’t compare to the fresh fish, crabs, and shrimp raised here in the Bayou State.

Cut 8 (09) “New Orleans”

Tickets are $10 at the door.

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The Louisiana Department of Health urges parents to make sure their children are vaccinated as school is just around the corner. State immunization director Dr. Frank Welch says vaccines are an important part of a child’s health and wellbeing, especially while they’re in school. He says children congregate in small classrooms, which makes it easier for vaccine-preventable diseases to spread.

Cut 9 (07)  “family members”

Welch says that’s why Louisiana law requires students to be vaccinated. Children must receive vaccines for polio, measles, mumps, hepatitis, and chicken pox. Students entering sixth grade also need a meningitis vaccine. He says kids have to get that shot before they’re exposed to the disease.

Cut 10 (07) “meningitis vaccine”

Welch says there is misinformation surrounding vaccines, but research has shown they do not cause things like autism. That concern was a big reason behind parents not vaccinating their kids. He encourages parents to get the facts about vaccines from their pediatrician.

Cut 11 (07) “from an expert”

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The hurricane forecast team at Colorado State has increased their storm prediction total by one and now anticipate 11 named storms for the rest of the season. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the total number of storms has been increased from 15 to 16. He says this isn’t a big change but it still shows conditions are conducive for an active season.

Cut 12 (10) “normal”

The forecast says eight of those eleven storms will become hurricanes. Keim says we’ve already had five named storms this season and 11 more are expected to come. He says 3 of the 8 predicted hurricanes are expected to be major.

Cut 13 (11) “breeding ground”

The National Hurricane Center is currently watching two tropical waves, one is way out in the Atlantic, while the other is in the central Caribbean. Keim says the next couple of months will be extremely active. He says the tropical Atlantic has been much warmer than normal and the absence of El Nino make perfect hurricane conditions.

Cut 14 (10) “to form”

There is a 38-percent chance a major hurricane will make landfall along the Gulf Coast.

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The Nation Federation of Independent Business isn’t pleased with the sales tax discount weekend.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A federal lawsuit alleges two Orleans Parish inmates were held in jail for five months after completing their sentences, and they are seeking restitution. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is not pleased that crawfish have been found in one of their lakes and a retention pond. Jeff Palmero has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Today and tomorrow, Louisianans will be able to purchase school supplies and other items at a reduced state sales tax rate of 3-percent, compared to the normal 5-percent. National Federation of Independent Business State Director Dawn Starns says she hopes small businesses will see an increase in business but it was more beneficial for retailers when the law allowed for tax free weekend.

Cut 4  (10) “discount”

Starns says it’s difficult for retailers to get the message out to shoppers about the discount. She says they are disappointed to see what this holiday has become as it was so successful in the past.

Cut 5  (10)  “from taxes”

Starns says some small businesses are promoting this weekend the best they can. She says they hope legislators will one day change it back so consumers can have a couple of days to purchase items tax free.

Cut 6 (08) “the consumer”

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A federal lawsuit filed in Baton Rouge alleges two Orleans Parish inmates were kept in jail for five months after their sentences were served. Attorney Emily Washington with the Macarthur Justice Center says Jessie Crittindon and Leon Burse were eligible for release in August 2016, but they stayed in the River Bend Detention Center in Lake Providence until January 2017.

Cut 7 (09)  “five months”

The suit alleges constitutional and state law violations were made against the two inmates. The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, the East Carroll Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the state Department of Corrections are named in the suit. Washington says officials knew these men were supposed to be released, but they took no action to do so.

Cut 8 (11) “did nothing”

This was both men’s first criminal conviction, and both of them are fathers. Washington says they’re seeking restitution for the inmates and a declaration from the court that what these agencies did was against the law.

Cut 9 (08)  “in custody”

ECPSO says they are reviewing the suit. An attorney for OPSO says they will vigorously defend this matter. DOC has not issued a comment.

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Crawfish have been found in Michigan and that state’s Department of Natural Resources is not happy. They say the red swamp crayfish damage earthen structures and compete aggressively for food and habitat, disrupting the food chain for many species in the water. LSU AgCenter Aquaculture Specialist Greg Lutz says while crawfish are well adapted to our geography…

Cut 10 (08) “introduced”

Red swamp crayfish are a prohibited species in Michigan. Lutz says their DNR is probably concerned about the white spot syndrome, which is a viral disease seen in Louisiana crawfish ponds.

Cut 11 (10) “like Michigan”

Crawfish are extremely fertile and can lay up to 600 eggs at a time and reproduce twice a year. Lutz says that means, there could be the chance of a Red Swamp Crayfish population becoming established in Michigan.

Cut 12 (11) “in Louisiana”

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Researchers say bold new approaches need to be taken to shrink the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico. Eugene Turner co-authored a report on the oxygen-deprived area that cannot support marine life. He says a lot of nitrate is coming down the Mississippi River from agricultural land use. By reducing the amount of nitrate, they could shrink the dead zone. One way to do that would be to plant perennial crops like wheat in farms that runoff into the Mississippi.

Cut 13 (09) “as well”

Turner says farmers could even make some money by selling the wheat. Other methods include altering fertilizer application rates and improving nutrient management. He says the amount of nitrates coming down the river is directly proportional to the size of the dead zone.

Cut 14 (08) “proportional response”

To shrink the dead zone from the size of New Jersey down to the size of Delaware would require a 59 percent reduction in the amount of nitrogen runoff. Turner says it will take policy changes on the state, local, and federal level to make that happen.

Cut 15 (08) “nitrogen released”

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After missing all of last season while recovering from his third torn ACL injury, Saints edge rusher Hau’oli Kikaha (ha-OH-lee key-KAH-hah) is ready to make a big impact on the Black and Gold defense.  He’s battling with veteran Alex Okafor for starting weak side defensive end. Kikaha says he’s making progress…

Cut 16 (20)  “we’re advancing”

Starting left guard Andrus Peat is entering his third season. Peat says he’s trying to help out first round pick Ryan Ramczyk, who could be the starting left tackle for the injured Terron Armstead…

Cut 17 (15) “that aspect

Five-foot-seven Tommylee Lewis is fighting for a roster spot. The second-year wide receiver from Northern Illinois caught seven passes last year. Lewis is also hoping to become the team’s primary punt returner…

Cut 18 (14 “great competition” 

Could you survive in the forests of Belize “Naked and Afraid?” Halen Doughty has more from the West Monroe man who did just that…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Shreveport officials made a heartbreaking announcement about the 7-year-old who was swept away in a storm drain. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A West Monroe man survived in the wilderness of Belize completely naked. Dustin Campbell will appear on tonight’s episode of “Naked and Afraid” on Discovery Channel. He says it was a challenge completing the stretch without clothes. He says bugs never bit so hard and nights have never been so long.

Cut 3 (11) “how you feel”

The show thrusts two strangers into the wild with no clothes, no food, and no water for 21 days. The team has to survive with only one survivalist tool each and their wits. Some participants are expert survivalists with years of training, but Campbell says he’s just a good ole boy who lives in the woods.

Cut 4  (10) “I went”

Campbell is the second Ouachita Parish man to complete the challenge, after Jeremy McCaa appeared twice on the show last year. But he says he’d never swam with a crocodile before or tried some of the bizarre foods the Belize forest had to offer.

Cut 5  (10)  “they’re nasty”

Campbell says you’ll have to watch the episode tonight at 8 p.m. to see if he made it through the whole 21 day challenge.

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The state Department of Transportation will host a public meeting tonight at the Lake Charles Civic Center to discuss replacing the Calcasieu River Bridge. Deidra Druilhet with DOTD says the purpose of the open-forum is to give the community a chance to see the future plans and receive feedback. She says the construction would extend from the I-10/I-210 interchange on the west side river to the interchange on the east side.

Cut 6 (09) “enhance safety”

Druilhet says the 66 year old bridge is eligible to be on the National Registration of Historic Places and they hope to get feedback from the public on this, as well. She says at this time there is no money available for a new bridge, but it’s time to build a new one with today’s standards.

Cut 7 (10)  “shoulders”

The meeting is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Contraband Room. Druilhet says the proposed project would improve connectivity, congestion and bridge deficiencies.

Cut 8 (09) “the roads”

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Parents stocking up on back-to-school supplies can save a few dollars this weekend during the annual sales tax holiday. Byron Henderson with the state Department of Revenue says most purchases are only subject to three percent of the state sales tax this Friday and Saturday. He says that’s a significant savings over the usual five percent rate.

Cut 9 (10)  “school supplies”

Henderson says the tax break does not apply to vehicle purchases, food in restaurants, or taxable services. He says for items that are eligible, the two percent savings applies to the first $2,500 of the purchase price of each item.

Cut 10 (12) “state sales tax”

Henderson says not only can customers realize savings on the front end, there are dollars to be saved on the back end as well. He says parents should keep their receipts for any back-to-school purchases including supplies, uniforms, and equipment that’s required by the school.

Cut 11 (12) “and home schools”

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Shreveport Fire Chief Scott Wolverton held a news conference today to discuss how they located the body of 7-year-old Daysean Combest who was swept away in a storm drain Tuesday afternoon. He says railroad contractors called firefighters around 7:30 this morning…:

Cut 12 (07) “railroad trestle”

Wolverton says the body was recovered by the Caddo Parish Coroner and will be sent in for an autopsy. Shreveport Mayor Ollie Tyler was also present for the announcement, and expressed sorrow for the child’s mother, Mary Edmond…:

Cut 13 (09) “love and support”

Daysean was last seen playing near a ditch not far from the Louisiana State Fair Grounds, just before heavy rains lashed the city. Hundreds of workers and volunteers took part in the search that included helicopters, boats and K9s. Tyler says this is every parents worst nightmare…:

Cut 14 (10) “and support”

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The state Department of Transportation is looking at possibly widening I-12 in St. Tammany Parish between Mandeville and Covington. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico is the biggest one ever measured. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The lawmakers who will sit on the TOPS task force have been announced. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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An expecting mom’s diet can have huge impacts on the health of her baby. Dr. Nick Broskey with the LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center says a mom’s lifestyle can impact their baby’s metabolism and lifelong risk for obesity and other chronic diseases.

Cut 4  (08) “in life”

Broskey says a recent study found that soda consumption during pregnancy increased the risk of childhood obesity for her baby. He says that’s why it’s important for moms-to-be to stay healthy.

Cut 5  (09)  “health outcomes”

Between 5 and 14 percent of expecting mothers are diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Broskey says their IMAGINE study will assess whether these moms give birth to babies with a higher risk for diabetes and obesity. He says they’re recruiting women with gestational diabetes for the study.

Cut 6 (11) “or diet”

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The state Department of Transportation is discussing the possibility of widening Interstate 12 in the western part of St. Tammany Parish between Mandeville and Covington. Jennifer Branton with DOTD says there are two proposals in the works to add one lane to the east and westbound lanes.

Cut 7 (10)  “projects”

The plans were presented at a public meeting last week. Branton says currently, the cost of the project is over 100 million dollars, including expanding lanes on the bridge running over the Tchefuncte River. She says this expansion is necessary because of the recent increase in people commuting through the area.

Cut 8 (08) “to cross”

DOTD has said there is no money to move the I-12 expansion project forward as the Legislature did not pass any funding bills. Branton hopes funding will become available because a three lane interstate would mean so much to the Northshore.

Cut 9 (08)  “these days”

It’s estimated at least 80-thousand vehicles travel through this corridor every day.

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This year’s “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico is the biggest one yet. LSU scientist Nancy Rabalais says the oxygen-depleted region is about 8,800 square miles, which is about the size of New Jersey. She says many of the stations, especially those close to the shore, were close to no oxygen.

Cut 10 (08) “bottom area”

Rabalais says the area may actually be even bigger, but they had to stop mapping before reaching the western edge. She says as a scientist, she’s worried about nutrient cycling in an area that’s not fully oxygenated. Practically speaking, she says it’s also a problem for shrimpers.

Cut 11 (10) “those shrimp”

Rabalais says unfortunately the Gulf of Mexico is poised for dead zones. She says one problem is fresh water inflow that creates a layered system. That coupled with the nutrient-rich water coming down the Mississippi River from the Midwest creates a huge dead zone.

Cut 12 (09) “are decomposed”

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Membership has been announced for a task force that will examine the 350-million dollar TOPS scholarship program for the first time since it was established 20 years ago. Jennings Senator Blade Morrish will chair the committee. He says the panel consists of an array of lawmakers representing both parties and all corners of the state.

Cut 13 (09) “concerning TOPS”

Last year, the taxpayer funded scholarship program was only funded at 70 percent, a first since its inception in 1997. That’s one reason Morrish authored a resolution to create the bipartisan task force. He says another reason is to reexamine the program because a lot has changed in the last 20 years.

Cut 14 (11) “look at TOPS”

The task force’s first meeting is September 6. Morrish says there is a lot of misinformation surrounding the scholarship program, which makes it harder for lawmakers to decide how to alter it. He says the goal of the taskforce is to put together a report of accurate information.

Cut 15 (10) “is introduced”

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The indefinite suspension to Maea Teuhema leaves LSU with just eleven scholarship players on the offensive line. But starting left guard, Garrett Brumfield, says they have enough talent to still have a very good o-line…

Cut 16 (22)  “special happen”

With Teuhema away from the team, Lloyd Cushenberry from Dutchtown High School as taken Teuhema’s spot at starting right guard. Brumfield says Cushenberry has been waiting for his chance after taking a red-shirt last season….

Cut 17 (15) “you need him”

The projected starter at right guard for LSU has been suspended. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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In Acadia Parish, the Esterwood Assistance Police Chief has resigned after posting racially charged remarks on his personal Facebook page. Michelle Southern reports..:

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Complications with sewage and drainage lines on Bourbon Street have caused extreme delays in construction. The project to rebuild the historic street began about three months ago and officials with the New Orleans Public Works Department say they are about two months behind schedule. Director Mark Jernigan says the weather is also making it difficult to complete the project.

Cut 3 (09) “weather delays”

Jernigan says work crews have also found that the exact location and size of almost all the utility lines underneath Bourbon Street were either missing or inaccurately depicted on their plans.

Cut 4  (11) “are buried”

Jernigan says space underneath Bourbon Street is even more limited than anticipated to support new lines and the condition of the ducts was severely worse than predicted. He says many businesses along with street are in violation of the state’s plumbing code.

Cut 5  (09)  “businesses”

The only homeless shelter in the Monroe area will close its doors later this month. On August 26, the Salvation Army will discontinue its overnight shelter services. Spokesperson Jon Kalahar says the shelter serves an average of 30 people each night.

Cut 6 (08) “for 2016”

Kalahar says it’s unclear when or if the overnight shelter will reopen. He says church services and weekly prayer meetings will continue at the Monroe location. He says they will also continue to offer basic social services.

Cut 7 (10)  “care program”

Kalahar says seven employees will be laid off when the shelter closes. He says the Salvation Army is bringing in a new officer to run the Monroe facility, and one employee will stay on for the transition. He says this was a decision that was not made lightly.

Cut 8 (12) “their donations”

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An arrest has been made in the case of a woman who was found stabbed to death in her home. Baton Rouge Police Sgt. Don Coppola says 42-year-old Miguel Lopez has been charged with murder in the death of 42-year-old Sara Hernandez.

Cut 9 (09)  “girlfriend”

Coppola says Lopez asked someone at the home to call police when he fled the scene. He says the body of the victim was discovered later inside her home.

Cut 10 (09) “12 hours”

Coppola says Lopez was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on a charge of second degree murder. He says the suspect was found when he went to a medical center for treatment of his injuries.

Cut 11 (10) “into custody”

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In Acadia Parish, The Estherwood Assistant Police Chief has resigned from his position after posting racist remarks on his personal Facebook page. Police Chief Ernest Villejoin (Vee-jewan) says he immediately called Wayne Welsh when he was notified and Welsh admitted to making the posts. He says this is no reflection of the police department and Welsh has publicly apologized.

Cut 12 (08) “department”

Welsh posted multiple comments on his Facebook page referring to Muslim women as trash bags, as well as, a racially charged meme. Villejoin says on behalf of the Police Department, he is extremely sorry if Welsh’s posts offended anyone.

Cut 13 (10) “so he resigned”

Villejoin says he’s known Welsh his entire life and Welsh has been a police officer for the town for over two years.

Cut 14 (10) “it happened”

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