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

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

Cut 2 (25) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

Cut 3 (13) “paying cash”

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

Cut 4  (12) “child support”

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

Cut 5  (09)  “all parties”

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

Cut 6 (09) “affordability”

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

Cut 7 (08)  “for granted”

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

Cut 8 (10) “your area”

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

Cut 9 (09)  “he’s adorable”

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

Cut 10 (05) “Geaux Tigers”

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

Cut 11 (09) “through the day”

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

Cut 12 (07) “excited”

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

Cut 13 (05) “families”

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

Cut 14 (11) “ran out”

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

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Don Molino”

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

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

Cut 4  (12) “just go online”

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

Cut 5  (12)  “very secure”

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

Cut 6 (11) “from you”

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

Cut 7 (10)  “Carbondale”

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

Cut 8 (10) “to you”

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

Cut 9 (08)  “viewing it”

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

Cut 10 (10) “have been announced”

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

Cut 11 (08) “instability”

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

Cut 12 (11) “high school”

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

Cut 13 (08) “really neat event”

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

Cut 14 (09) “in the afternoon”

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

Cut 15 (07) “is magical”

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

Cut 16 (17) “we are doing it”

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

Cut 17 (16)  “gotta discuss”

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

Cut 18 (14) “getting better” 

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

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 3 (08) “New Orleans”

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

Cut 4  (10) “do that”

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

Cut 5  (09)  “some cake”

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

Cut 6 (11) “to 73”

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

Cut 7 (12)  “thousand year flood”

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

Cut 8 (12) “high speed condition”

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

Cut 9 (08)  “homes rebuilt”

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

Cut 10 (07) “to get rebuilt”

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

Cut 11 (15) “but for the state”

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

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

Cut 12 (08) “impaired drivers”

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

Cut 13 (10) “cadet”

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

Cut 14 (09) “become a State Trooper”

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

Cut 15 (09) “billion dollars”

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

Cut 16  (08)  “to do”

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

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

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 2 (25) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 3 (11) “etouffee”

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

Cut 4  (08) “big problem”

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

Cut 5  (09)  “some cake”

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

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

Cut 6 (12) “this fiscal cliff”

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

Cut 7 (10)  “balanced approach”

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

Cut 8 (11) “the government”

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

Cut 9 (11)  “the roadway”

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

Cut 10 (05) “set of circumstances”

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

Cut 11 (06) “for a lifetime”

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

Cut 12 (06) “after exposure”

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

Cut 13 (12) “population”

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

Cut 14 (11) “every setting”

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

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 4  (10) “it is embarrassing”

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

Cut 5  (08)  “of patriotism”

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

Cut 6 (08) “state of Louisiana”

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

Cut 7 (08)  “fantastic”

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

Cut 8 (11) “for generations really”

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

Cut 9 (10)  “generations to come”

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

Cut 10 (12) “but he works for BESE”

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

Cut 11 (10) “it didn’t”

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

Cut 12 (11) “the job”

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

Cut 13 (12) “make ends meet”

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

Cut 14 (12) “the right bed”

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

Cut 15 (08) “tax burden”

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

Cut 1 (26) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

Cut 2 (25) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 3 (10) “good to go”

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

Cut 4  (07) “great feeling”

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

Cut 5  (10)  “they don’t know”

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

Cut 6 (08) “to them”

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

Cut 7 (10)  “property”

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

Cut 8 (09) “could happen”

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

Cut 9 (09)  “million”

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

Cut 10 (10) “excitement”

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

Cut 11 (07) “this Saturday”

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

Cut 12 (12) “Delvin Breaux”

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

Cut 13 (10) “that have cleared”

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

Cut 14 (14) “and the Pelicans”

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

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

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

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

Cut 4  (07) “evaluation”

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

Cut 5  (11)  “not to”

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

Cut 6 (10) “otherwise”

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

Cut 7 (08)  “price of oil”

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

Cut 8 (11) “much further”

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

Cut 9 (10)  “low as well”

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

Cut 10 (12) “anything harmful”

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

Cut 11 (09) “to respect it”

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

Cut 12 (10) “happen again”

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

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

Cut 13 (09) “programs”

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

Cut 14 (10) “the country”

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

Cut 15 (10) “those programs”

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

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

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

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

Cut 4  (07) “evaluation”

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

Cut 5  (11)  “not to”

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

Cut 6 (10) “otherwise”

________________________________________________________

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

Cut 7 (08)  “price of oil”

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

Cut 8 (11) “much further”

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

Cut 9 (10)  “low as well”

____________________________________________________

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

Cut 10 (12) “anything harmful”

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

Cut 11 (09) “to respect it”

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

Cut 12 (10) “happen again”

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

____________________________________________________

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

Cut 13 (09) “programs”

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

Cut 14 (10) “the country”

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

Cut 15 (10) “those programs”

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

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

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

Cut 3 (11) “entanglement”

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

Cut 4  (11) “manual labor”

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

Cut 5  (10)  “of things”

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

Cut 6 (07) “dumped here”

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

Cut 7 (07)  “and a drug world”

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

Cut 8 (10) “found this body”

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

Cut 9 (08)  “on the scene”

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

Cut 10 (09) “couple of months”

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

Cut 11 (09) “juvenile officers”

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

Cut 12 (08) “the side”

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

Cut 13 (10) “makes no sense”

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

Cut 14 (08) “they’ve lost a son”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cut 6 (11) “Senator”

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

Cut 7 (09)  “parish line”

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

Cut 8 (10) “sort of thing”

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

Cut 9 (12)  “safe as possible”

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

Cut 10 (07) “spent here”

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

Cut 11 (11) “their home”

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

Cut 12 (09) “mistakes”

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

Cut 13 (08) “this month”

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

Cut 14 (11) “for the first time”

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

Cut 15 (11) “to offer”