Louisianans are rushing to aid our Texas neighbors who are getting hit hard by Tropical Storm Harvey. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (25) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says the worst is yet to come in Louisiana with Tropical Storm Harvey. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Don Michelle Southern”

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Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries agents are on hand to aid our Texas neighbors as they deal with epic flooding in the Houston area. Adam Einck with LDWF says the agents will assist the Texas authorities with search and rescue efforts.

Cut 3 (12) “need to be”

This time last year, many Texans were in the Bayou State assisting with recovery efforts from the devastating flood in south Louisiana. Einck says LDWF is happy to return the favor for our neighbors to the west.

Cut 4  (11) “do that as well”

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The Cajun Navy is being deployed once again, this time to assist with the flood response in Texas. Penny Shar is with Project We Care Louisiana in conjunction with the Cajun Navy. She says about 100 people with boats and high water vehicles are leaving from Baton Rouge, and more are joining the caravan in Lafayette.

Cut 5  (08)  “and donated”

Boat owners who want to help can call 985-215-6864 or 225-806-0746. Shar says more rescue groups will hit the road later this week. Donations can be made at Costco in Baton Rouge or by calling Shar to have them picked up.  She says they’re asking for a variety of items for the trip.

Cut 6 (02) “perishable items”

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Flash flood watches are out across south and central Louisiana as Tropical Storm Harvey moves back into the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to make a second landfall near the Texas/Louisiana border on Wednesday. Kent Kuyper with the National Weather Service says there is the chance of tornadoes.

Cut 7 (07)  “parish”

Kuyper says southwest Louisiana can see anywhere from 10 to 15 inches of rain over the next few days.  He says the biggest threat for residents inland is flash flooding.

Cut 8 (06) “Alexandria”

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Thousands of people in Texas are flooded out of their homes because of Harvey. The images are reminiscent of what happened 12 years ago when Hurricane Katrina struck southeast Louisiana. Former Governor Kathleen Blanco says she’s curious to why Houston never developed an evacuation plan like Louisiana had in 2005.

Cut 9 (11)  “mandatory”

Blanco says the low lying regions of Galveston and along the coast should’ve been evacuated by time and direction. She says Houston evacuations need to be staged.

Cut 10 (09) “sensible way”

Blanco says in 2005, there weren’t videos from phones showing the devastation, but now videos are flooding social media showing the severe flooding. She says she saw a picture of a flooded nursing home in Texas…

Cut 11 (11) “themselves out”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says the worst is yet to come in Louisiana with Tropical Storm Harvey. He says in southwest Louisiana, forecasters say 10-15 inches of additional rain could fall on already saturated grounds through Friday…:

Cut 12 (08) “ground level”

Edwards says the main threat from Harvey for the Pelican State continues to be rain, but he says tornadoes are also a concern. Tornado watches are posted for the entire southern half of the state which is already under a flash flood watch. Edwards says, so far, there have been no reports to damage as it relates to structures…:

Cut 13 (13) “flow back south”

President Trump approved the governor’s Federal Emergency Declaration request for Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, and Vermillion Parishes, and ordered assistance to supplement state and local response efforts. Texas is dealing with the worst of this storm and Edwards says Louisiana is ready to help with evacuees and shelters if they as for it…:

Cut 14 (10) “I-20”

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LSU Athletic Director Joe Alleva says a venue has yet to be decided for the Tigers season opener against BYU. Alleva says a decision should be made by the latest tomorrow…

Cut 15 (12) “in Houston”

Several sites are reportedly being considered, including the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Alleva says LSU is responsible for setting up this match up and they are the ones who will make the final decision…

Cut 16  (12)  “to be played”

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Twenty-five years ago many Louisianans were dealing with the devastation left by Hurricane Andrew. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 1 (27) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says Louisiana is not out of the woods when it comes to Tropical Storm Harvey. Jeff Palermo explains why…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Shreveport City Council will consider next month a proposal to build a 30 million dollar sports complex downtown. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Twenty-five years ago today, Louisiana was recovering from the destruction left by one of the most devastating storms in US history. Hurricane Andrew caused flooding and spawned tornadoes across south Louisiana after making landfall near Morgan City on August 26. Mayor Boo Grizzaffi recalls waking up to the wreckage.

Cut 4  (13) “pick up the pieces”

Property damage from Andrew reached $150 million in St. Mary Parish alone. Grizzaffi says in the weeks that followed, many remained without power, their homes flooded and no means to replace what was lost. He says everyone came together to try and rebuild, but many did not know where to begin.

Cut 5  (13)  “got laid out”

Grizzaffi says the recovery in Morgan City was fairly quick because having a local power plant enabled them to restore power right away. He says the rebuilding took longer because residents relied on outside work and materials since almost everything in the town was a total loss.

Cut 6 (12) “big pile of mess”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says Louisiana is not out of the woods yet when it comes to Tropical Storm Harvey. Edwards asks residents to stay vigilant and pay attention to local news reports. State Climatologist Barry Keim says Harvey will eventually move towards Louisiana…

Cut 7 (10)  “come in Lake Charles”

Keim says rainfall from Harvey is Louisiana’s biggest threat….

Cut 8 (07) “rain bands”

Keim says a good portion of Louisiana’s coast, along with southwest and central Louisiana are under a flash flood watch for the next several days…

Cut 9 (08)  “south central Louisiana”

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With Louisiana in a state of emergency due to Harvey, the Attorney General’s Office warns consumers to be wary of price gouging. Deputy Director of Public Protection Mike Dupree says once the governor declares a state of emergency, price gouging laws go into effect. He says these laws prevent businesses from hiking prices to make a quick buck.

Cut 10 (08) “the increase”

Dupree says that does not include price changes like a few cents increase for a gallon of gas, which could go up due to the market. But he says if the price of emergency supplies spikes overnight, consumers should be suspicious.

Cut 11 (09) “going on”

Price gouging within five days of a declaration is a crime punishable by a $500 fine and up to five years in prison. Dupree says unfortunately, officials see this often during disasters. He encourages anyone who suspects a business of price gouging to report it immediately.

Cut 12 (10) “1-800-351-4889”

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The Shreveport City Council will soon consider a proposal to construct a 30-million dollar sports complex in the downtown area. The goal of the complex, which would be right next to a proposed mixed use development site, is to lure the New Orleans Pelicans G-League team to the arena.  Local banker Rich Holland says different entities are now gathering their plans for presentation.

Cut 13 (10) “optimistic”

There is also talk of the facility being used as a practice facility for the New Orleans Saints. Holland says the over 100 million dollar mixed development site would be privately funded by Birmingham based Corporate Reality. Holland says this would bring great benefits to Shreveport.

Cut 14 (11) “community”

Some individuals and organizations are not pleased with this proposal, like the local police department. Holland says in 2006, the Saints were in Shreveport for a preseason game and it was great for the economy. He says there will be no additional direct taxes placed on Caddo Parish residents.

Cut 15 (10) “the debt”

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For the second straight preseason game, the Saints defense did not allow an offensive touchdown. The Saints held the Texans to 246 total yards and 13 first downs in a 13-0 victory over Houston on Saturday night. Defensive End Cam Jordan says they are cultivating the right mentality…

Cut 16  (22)  “this year”

The last three seasons the Saints ranked near the bottom of the NFL, but they’ve looked much better so far in this preseason. On Saturday night, the defense had four sacks. Coach Sean Payton says it was good to see…

Cut 17 (20)  “more time”

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LSU is scheduled to play BYU this Saturday, but athletic director Joe Alleva doubts it can be played in Houston. Alleva says a number of alternate locations are being considered and a decision should be made early this week.

First year offensive coordinator Matt Canada will likely decide to give the ball to running back Derius Guice a lot this season. Guice has rushed for 18-hundred yards and 18 touchdowns during his career at LSU. Canada says the Baton Rouge product should have another terrific season…

Cut 18 (20) “rare talent” 

Wide receiver is a question mark on LSU’s offense. DJ Chark is the only proven wideout on the team and Canada is anxious to see who else will step up…

Cut 19 (17) “receivers”

Harvey is now a major hurricane as it moves towards the Texas coast. Emelie Gunn has more….

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Gas prices are expected to go up because of Hurricane Harvey. Don Molino has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Don Molino”

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A viral Facebook post helped Shreveport Police put an alleged booze thief behind bars. A video with more than 20 million views shows a woman stuffing bottles of liquor into her purse, her pants, and even her bra at a local store. Cpl. Angie Willhite says officers responded to the incident at the Thrifty Liquor Store on August 18.

Cut 3 (09) “for that alcohol”

Willhite says Crime Stoppers posted the store’s surveillance on YouTube, and it went viral almost instantly. She says local law enforcement immediately recognized 37-year-old Sekonie Jones.

Cut 4  (10) “dealings with her”

Willhite says Jones walked out of the store with 11 bottles of alcohol on her person. Jones surrendered herself on one charge of misdemeanor theft. Willhite says after the video was posted, Crime Stoppers tips started flooding into the station.

Cut 5  (09)  “tips on it”

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Harvey is closing in on the Texas coast and is growing in strength as it nears Corpus Christi. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the National Hurricane Center has Harvey meandering inland in Texas over the weekend but then shifting towards Louisiana…

Cut 6 (11) “Bay”

Keim says the five to 15 inches of rain expected to fall in Louisiana could create problems as it falls on already saturated soil. He says the storm is expected to stall and remain at least tropical storm strength into Wednesday.

Cut 7 (10)  “right now”

Keim says Harvey will have immediate impacts on Louisiana with already storm surge and high surf. He says this will be the first category three hurricane to make landfall in the U.S. since Hurricane Wilma in October 2005.

Cut 8 (09) “forever”

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Hurricane Harvey could push prices up at the pump. Don Redman with AAA says refineries are shutting down as they prepare for the storm, which could drive up gasoline prices.

Cut 9 (07)  “are currently”

The current statewide average for a gallon of gasoline is $2.14. Redman says gulf coast refineries could be down for a week or more, which will hurt supply. He says gas prices are always subject to change during hurricane season, and this is the kind of storm everyone dreads approaching the coast.

Cut 10 (12) “15 cents”

Redman says prices haven’t jumped up yet, but they could by next week. He says we’ve seen record high demand for gas this summer. Ample supply from refineries has kept gas prices relatively low. He says this is why AAA encourages drivers to top off their tanks anytime a named storm is in the Gulf.

Cut 11 (09) “go up”

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The rice crop in south Louisiana is in jeopardy as Hurricane Harvey is expected to drop lots of rain on the Bayou State. LSU AgCenter Rice Specialist Dr. Dustin Harrell says 90 to 95-percent of this year’s rice has been harvested but the storm could complicate the remaining crop in the fields.

Cut 12 (11) “rice”

Harrell says farmers are rushing to harvest what’s left before Harvey pounds the state with rain. He says this year’s crop was already subpar and extreme flooding could cause additional problems with the new crop…

Cut 13 (08) “there too”

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American Humane will show off a new rescue vehicle in Walker this Saturday. The 50-foot vehicle is designed to rescue animals during disasters like floods and hurricanes. President and CEO Robin Ganzert says a generous donation covered the cost of the vehicle.

Cut 14 (09) “for Louisiana”

Ganzert says the truck can handle multiple types of disaster responses. She says it carries equipment and supplies, and it can shelter up to 100 animals. She says it can even house rescue responders.

Cut 15 (08) “rescuing animals”

Ganzert says the truck can also serve as a wellness clinic because it has a medical space. That’s what the vehicle will be doing Saturday in Walker from 9 am to 2 pm at Z-Time Fitness. She invites everyone out to get your pet healthy and happy for the fall season.

Cut 16  (08)  “free of charge”

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A southwest Louisiana mother won $2 million in the Powerball. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The state Department of Education is seeking to train 500 teachers to become mentors for aspiring educators. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Texas is bracing for the landfall of major hurricane, but Louisiana is not of the woods. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana is home to the third worse drivers in the nation, according to a report by SmartAsset. Vice President of Financial Education AJ Smith says they looked at vehicle fatalities, insurance rates, and Google searches to determine the rankings. She says the Bayou State did not fare well in any of those categories.

Cut 4  (08) “of that factor”

Smith says at 86 percent, Louisiana has the 16^th lowest rate of insured drivers in the country. Smith says high rates of uninsured drivers can drive insurance costs up for other motorists. She adds a lot of Louisianans are looking up speeding tickets and parking tickets on the web, which could mean they’re accumulating tickets at higher rates.

Cut 5  (08)  “parking tickets”

Eight of the top ten states with the worst drivers are in the South. Florida and Mississippi were the only states that had worse drivers than Louisiana. Hulliberger says there was one area where Louisiana did not rank in the bottom.

Cut 6 (10) “in the country”

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A southwest Louisiana mother of four is now a millionaire after winning $2 million in the Powerball. The woman works as an assistant manager at the Tiger Mart in Lake Arthur. Store manager April Lemaire says if anyone deserves to win, it’s her.

Cut 7 (09)  “giving person”

The Tiger Mart will receive a bonus of 20-thousand dollars for selling the ticket. Lemaire says the whole community is thrilled for the winning player. The woman from Jefferson Davis Parish actually picked her own numbers, and five of them matched Wednesday night’s drawing.

Cut 8 (11) “happy for her”

Lemaire says the assistant manager plans to keep working at the convenience store. She says the lucky winner doesn’t have any plans yet for how she will spend the money, but it will likely go towards helping her kids.

Cut 9 (09)  “she actually won”

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Louisiana Department of Education is seeking to train over 500 Louisiana educators so they can serve as mentors to future teachers. Assistant Superintendent of Talent Hannah Diestsch says the Bayou State is changing the way teachers learn how to teach. She says the new method will be similar to how medical students become doctors.

Cut 10 (11) “teacher”

Diestsch says the residency takes place along with a mentor who can guide the aspiring teacher’s development and growth. She says these expert teachers will receive a one thousand dollar stipend and are selected by their school district.

Cut 11 (11) “resources”

Mentors have to be nominated by their school systems by September 8^th and training will begin this fall.  The plan is to train an additional two-thousand teachers over the next two years. Dietsch says they’re looking for passionate teachers.

Cut 12 (10) “most useful”

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What will Hurricane Harvey bring to Louisiana? Stephen Carboni with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says the storm is expected to deliver Texas damaging winds and life-threatening flooding. Carboni says Louisiana is also in for wet weather.

Cut 13 (11) “storm surge”

Carboni says Cameron and Vermilion Parishes will see the minor storm surge. The state is on guard for potential flooding statewide. Carboni says large rainfall totals are expected in southwest Louisiana.

Cut 14 (10) “at this point”

The forecast track from the National Hurricane Center calls for Harvey to make landfall either Friday night or Saturday morning and then stall at the middle of the Texas coast through the weekend. Carboni says several models show Harvey will eventually turn east towards the Bayou State.

Cut 15 (12) “or storm surge”

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The Saints are set to the play the Texans in exhibition game number three. Quarterback Drew Brees is expected to get his first action of the preseason and he’s excited to finally play in a game…

Cut 16 (19) “that I’m proud of”

Veteran running back Adrian Peterson is expected to make his preseason debut as well. Brees says he’s been impressed with the future Hall of Famer during camp…

Cut 17 (15)  “right after”

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The LSU Tigers will count on a lot of young players during 2017 season. Defensive coordinator Dave Aranda says his young linebackers Tyler Taylor, Patrick Queen and Jacob Phillips strive to be great…

Cut 18 (19) “love to see” 

Aranda says he’s also impressed with freshman K’Lavon Chaisson’s pass rushing abilities…

Cut 19 (23) “do that”

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

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Don Molino”

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

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

Cut 3 (11) “available here”

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

Cut 4  (12) “Union Parish”

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

Cut 5  (10)  “30 million dollars”

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

Cut 6 (09) “in Texas”

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

Cut 7 (08)  “southeastern Texas”

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

Cut 8 (10) “storm surge

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

Cut 9 (10)  “inundated”

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

Cut 10 (10) “or Thursday”

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

Cut 11 (13) “government assistance”

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

Cut 12 (11) “in Texas”

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

Cut 13 (12) “national guard”

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

Cut 14 (08) “our customers”

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

Cut 15 (11) “saved electronically”

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

Cut 16  (09)  “time and money”

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

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

Cut 4  (07) “internationally”

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

Cut 5  (10)  “good stuff”

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

Cut 6 (07) “habanero”

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

Cut 7 (11)  “Louisiana coast”

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

Cut 8 (11) “weather events”

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

Cut 9 (06)  “federal government”

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

Cut 10 (08) “inches”

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

Cut 11 (09) “preparedness”

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

Cut 12 (10) “events”

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

Cut 13 (10) “coastal zone”

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

Cut 14 (09) “the state”

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

Cut 15 (08) “for this entire region”

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

Cut 16 (13) “that I’m proud of”

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

Cut 17 (15)  “right after”

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

Cut 18 (13) “focus on” 

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

Cut 19 (18) “this fall”

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

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

Cut 3 (08) “the schools”

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

Cut 4  (04) “by everything”

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

Cut 5  (04)  “see it”

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

Cut 6 (08) “slow mover”

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

Cut 7 (08)  “across the area”

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

Cut 8 (12) “together”

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

Cut 9 (11)  “prepare now”

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

Cut 10 (10) “the face”

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

Cut 11 (09) “whatnot”

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

Cut 12 (10) “was right”

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

Cut 13 (14) “fantastic balls”

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

Cut 14 (13) “fifth year senior”

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

Cut 15 (07) “they cheered”

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

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 4  (10) “2016″

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

Cut 5  (10)  “prizes”

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

Cut 6 (10) “of time”

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

Cut 7 (11)  “Hampton”

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

Cut 8 (07) “right now”

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

Cut 9 (09)  “their assistance”

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

Cut 10 (09) “will be”

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

Cut 11 (11) “at all”

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

Cut 12 (09) “day to day thing”

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

Cut 13 (10) “five years old”

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

Cut 14 (08) “happy sound of greeting”

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

Cut 15 (13) “to see him”

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

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 2 (32) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

Cut 3 (11) “other things”

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

Cut 4  (10) “shot her”

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

Cut 5  (10)  “outlook”

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

Cut 6 (12) “in other ways”

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

Cut 7 (07)  “full of spirit”

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

Cut 8 (08) “look out for him”

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

Cut 9 (11)  “reform”

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

Cut 10 (09) “across Louisiana”

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

Cut 11 (12) “this thing”

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

Cut 12 (07) “the people”

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

Cut 13 (10) “enough troops”

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

Cut 14 (08) “country”

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

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

Cut 2 (26) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 4  (07) “be down”

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

Cut 5  (02)  “left to protect”

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

Cut 6 (09) “days indeed”

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

Cut 7 (08)  “of last year”

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

Cut 8 (11) “instrumental in that”

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

Cut 9 (08)  “towards Louisiana”

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

Cut 10 (06) “2016”

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

Cut 11 (11) “the victim”

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

Cut 12 (11) “out”

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

Cut 13 (10) “submitted”

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

Cut 14 (11) “or career”

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

Cut 15 (10) “that line”

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

Cut 16 (17) “he’s done”

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

Cut 17 (16)  “Danny does”

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

Cut 18 (16) “he said”