There is a lot of talk this week about a new study which found brain damage in 99 percent of participating former NFL players. Jeff Palermo reports some are skeptical of the findings…:

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A report from an independent consulting firm finds the University of Louisiana at Lafayette had a $379 million economic impact for FY-15. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Authorities say a suspected drunk driver has claimed the life of a 17-year-old girl and injured another teen in Red River Parish. Emelie Gunn on the Wednesday evening crash.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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There is a lot of talk this week about a new study which found brain damage in 99 percent of participating former NFL players. The report says CTE occurs after repeated blows to the head, and it causes things like memory loss, depression, and dementia. But Tulane Institute of Sports Medicine director Dr. Greg Stewart believes the report is a stretch:

Cut 4  (09) “way too simplistic”

The Tulane Institute of Sports Medicine is one of only four medical facilities in the nation chosen to take care of the physical and mental health of former pro-players. Stewart says one of the things they’ve seen is that once a player leaves the league and isn’t playing anymore, they stop taking care of themselves physically and mentally…:

Cut 5  (10)  “all of this”

CTE can not be diagnosed when you’re alive, so the research uses donated brains, and the study notes that relatives of the subjects probably already suspected something was wrong. The most common cause of death among those with mild stages of CTE was suicide. Stewart hopes people don’t think that everyone who plays football is going to kill themselves:

Cut 6 (10) “in this picture”

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UL-Lafayette had a statewide economic impact of $379 million in FY-15, according to a study by the New York-based consulting firm Appleseed. University president Dr. Joseph Savoie says the college offers about a 7 to 1 return on investment for the state.

Cut 7 (10)  “throughout the state”

Savoie hopes this will help higher education leaders make the case for increased state funding during difficult budget times. He says the university contributes to the economy in a variety of ways, from employing nearly two thousand people to buying local.

Cut 8 (12) “285 jobs”

Savoie notes UL-Lafayette’s support of the francophone and creole culture in Louisiana. The report also found community service work performed by students and faculty totaled more than 332,000 hours, which is valued at more than $7 million. But he says it’s all about giving back.

Cut 9 (11)  “for the students”

University, student, and visitor spending supported more than 5,500 jobs and had an overall economic output of $492 million in Lafayette Parish.

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A 17-year-old is dead and a 19-year-old was injured after a suspected drunk driver struck the girls as they were walking on LA 784 in Red River Parish. State Police Trooper Matt Harris says they responded to the crash Wednesday just before 6 p.m. and determined 47-year-old Kenneth Morse of Coushatta was impaired.

Cut 10 (07) “first offense”

Harris says Morse was not injured in the crash and was booked into the Red River Parish Jail. He says anytime you drink and drive, you put others and yourself at risk because your reaction time slows and your motor skills are affected.

Cut 11 (11) “young girl”

Harris says 19-year-old Lacy Ross sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital, but 17-year-old Rachel Barnette of Coushatta was pronounced dead at the scene. He says in 2016, 52-percent of fatal crashes in the northwest Louisiana area involved drunk drivers.

Cut 12 (07) “to travel”

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It will be a fun-filled weekend across the Bayou State, as events are taking place in both north and south Louisiana. In Grand Isle, the Tarpon Rodeo is underway. Event president Barry Kern says it’s the oldest fishing tournament in the country in its 89^thyear. He says this year they’re letting the good times roll with a Mardi Gras theme, complete with a parade on Saturday night.

Cut 13 (10) “on the island”

Kern says there will be a drawing every night for attendees to win a ride on the Mardi Gras World float in the Krewe of Orpheus parade. He says even if you don’t want to participate in the rodeo itself, there’s still lots of things to enjoy in Grand Isle this weekend.

Cut 14 (09) “to see”

In north Louisiana, the 54^th annual Farmerville Watermelon Festival kicks off. Miss Louisiana Watermelon Festival Eva Edinger says between a golf tournament this morning followed by a treasure hunt that will run through Saturday, there’s lots of fun activities for families to enjoy.

Cut 15 (09) “eating contest”

Edinger says tomorrow night, she’ll pass on her crown to the next queen of the festival. She says the festivities will be ongoing all weekend long. She says the watermelon seed spitting contest in particular will be a sight to see.

Cut 16 (10)  “watermelon auction”

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During the first day of Saints training camp, rookie Ryan Ramcyk took first team reps at left tackle. It appears the rookie from Wisconsin is getting the first chance to start at that position for the injured Terron Armstead, who is recovering from a torn labrum. New Orleans Quarterback Drew Brees looks forward to Ramcyk developing over camp…

Cut 17 (20) “can have”

Brees is heading into the final year of his contract, but the 38-year-old says it’s a non-issue for him…

Cut 18 (18) “team win” 

Coach Sean Payton said Brees finished in the top two in Wednesday’s conditioning test. Brees says he takes pride in staying in great physical shape…

Cut 19 (16) “keep my edge”

Cajun musicians mourn the loss of local legend D. L. Menard, who passed away today at the age of 85. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome calls comments made at yesterday’s Metro Council meeting hateful, offensive, and unacceptable. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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New ULM athletics director Nick Floyd laid out his vision for Warhawk athletics today during his introductory press conference. Floyd says his number one priority is to run an athletic program with the highest degree of integrity….

Cut 3 (12) “be accountable”

Floyd says takes over an athletic program that is known as the lowest funded in the country out of the 128 FBS schools. He says fiscal responsibility is just the nature of the business…

Cut 4  (12) “manner possible”

Floyd has 33 years in collegiate athletics management. Since 2004, he’s served as the executive associate director of athletics at East Carolina. Last school year ULM’s football, men’s basketball and baseball program all finished with losing records. Floyd says he wants to win at a high level…

Cut 5  (09)  “best experience possible”

The Cajun music community says goodbye to a legend, as D.L. Menard passed away at the age of 85. Executive Director of the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, Mike Shepherd, says Menard was known as the Cajun Hank Williams. Menard even met the country music icon in 1951.

Cut 6 (11) “of him”

Born Doris Leon Menard, the zydeco music idol started playing music in the 40s. He picked up the guitar when he was 15 and began his professional career at 17. Shepherd says Menard’s 2010 album nominated for a Grammy for best Zydeco/Cajun album. He says Menard is best known for his hit song “The Back Door.”

Cut 7 (10)  “in 1952”

Shepherd says Menard is survived by his children. He says his son Larry plays in a Hall of Fame Band called Atchafalaya. He says Menard was always supportive of young artists and became a role model for many.

Cut 8 (10) “Cajun music”

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East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome condemns remarks made at a Metro Council meeting, where a community activist suggested the police ambush was justice for Alton Sterling. Arthur “Silky Slim” Reed told Mayor Pro-temp Scott Wilson justice has been served for Sterling.

Cut 9 (06)  “Gavin Long came”

Broome says these remarks in no way reflect the views of her administration or the people of Baton Rouge. Reed asserts no call was made to emergency services the night Sterling was fatally shot outside at Baton Rouge convenience store. He went on to say that Officer Blane Salamoni started the uproar when he shot Sterling.

Cut 10 (06) “officers killed”

Broome called Reed’s comments hateful, offensive, and unacceptable. She says the memories of the fallen officers should be honored and preserved. Reed says the justice system in Baton Rouge is being run by a bunch of criminals. He says he’s not anti-police, he’s anti-injustice.

Cut 11 (09) “to kill”

Wilson says several people had to be escorted out of last night’s heated meeting, and Reed was one of them. He says this was supposed to be a chance for members of the community to vent and express their frustrations, but things got out of hand.

Cut 12 (08) “that’s disrespectful”

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The state Department of Education announced today that for the 5^th straight year, advanced placement student results have increased dramatically in Louisiana. In 2017, there was a 10-percent jump from last year in high school students earning college credits. State Superintendent of Education John White says there is continuing pattern of significant academic progress.

Cut 13 (09) “five years”

White says African American students have also made great strides this year when it comes to Advanced Placement credits. He says the number of African Americans students earning college credits have increased 17-percent, earning a 3, 4, or 5 score.

Cut 14 (08) “accomplishment” 

White says the East Baton Rouge Parish School District has made the most noticeable gains when it comes to African American students receiving college credits. He says overall, these numbers show the dedication advanced placement teachers put in to teaching their students.

Cut 15 (09) “educators hold”

US Senator John Kennedy proposed an amendment to the healthcare bill that would require people to work in order to receive Medicaid. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The West Nile virus is ramping up in Louisiana as seven cases of the illness have been reported to the Office of Public Health. Emelie Gunn has more….

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The Public Service Commission votes to approve Entergy’s plan to install new meters at every Louisiana customer’s residence. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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U.S. Senator John Kennedy proposes a new federal health care law should require abled bodied adults without children to work in order to receive Medicaid. That’s one of several amendments Kennedy filed as the debate continues over an effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. He says he doesn’t want to take Medicaid away from those who need it. He just wants fewer people to need it.

Cut 4  (07) “a job”

Kennedy says the current Senate Health Care bill imposes a 20 hour a week work requirement for abled bodied adults without dependents. But it leaves it up to each governor’s discretion. Kennedy wants to remove the option for the governors.

Cut 5  (10)  “for Medicaid”

The amendment does exempt people under age 19, those in addiction treatment programs, and young adults in school or work training programs. Kennedy says he wants everyone to know the dignity of work, which is why he’s pushing for this nationwide requirement. He says this is about helping people transition off of welfare programs.

Cut 6 (10) “get a job”

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West Nile activity is picking up in Louisiana as the state Office of Public Health says seven individuals have been diagnosed with the mosquito borne disease this month. Three cases have been reported in the Baton Rouge area and the others are in in Bossier, Ouachita, Rapides and Morehouse. OPH Assistant Secretary Dr. Parham Jaberi says each year we’re seeing a decrease in cases from the year before…

Cut 7 (10)  “can become”

Two deaths were reported from the West Nile Virus in 2016 and none have been reported this year. Jaberi says mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, which Louisiana has seen a lot of after recent rainfall.

Cut 8 (11) “mosquito”

Jaberi says 90-percent of West Nile cases are asymptomatic. But he says a very small percentage of individuals who contract the virus will develop the neuroinvasive disease.

Cut 9 (10)  “status”

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A vote from the Public Service Commission means Entergy Louisiana customers will have upgraded meters at their homes by 2021. Entergy spokesperson Greg Guilbeau says customers will be notified when crews will change their meters, but they should not see a noticeable disruption in service.

Cut 10 (09) “the new meter”

Guilbeau says upgrading to these advanced meters will provide numerous benefits. He says customers will get more detailed information on energy use, so they can take control of their energy consumption.

Cut 11 (12) “run it today”

Guilbeau says Entergy will start installing the new meters in 2019. He says this new technology will also help with outage detection. He says the new system will allow the company to know right away if a customer loses power.

Cut 12 (10) “back on”

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Can the Saints return to the playoffs this year? For the last three years, the Black and Gold have finished with a record of 7-and-9. Coach Sean Payton says he likes the additions they’ve made on defense and they are deep in the secondary, which should help out their offense….

Cut 13 (12) “equally as important”

Payton says there’s a lot of work ahead for this team, because they play in a tough division and the beginning of the schedule is difficult. He looks forward to progress they’ll make during training camp….

Cut 14 (09) “especially early”

Payton says some of the toughest position battles will take place along the defensive line….

Cut 15 (20) “battles shape up”

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Alabama Republican Congressman Mo Brooks is taking heat for a campaign commercial that uses audio from the Congressional baseball shooting. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand announced today he will retire to become a radio talk show host. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The 2017 NBA All-Star Game brought nearly $45 million to the state, according to a new LSU study. Co-author of the report Dr. Stephen Barnes says visitors spent a total of $24 million in the region over the weekend. He says people who attended the game spent an average of $1,400 per person, while visitors who did not attend the game spent around $800 each.

Cut 3 (09) “regional economy”

Barnes says the weekend event in mid-February brought hundreds of visitors, including international tourists. Those visitors tended to be more affluent and stayed for several days, which contributed to the increased spending. He says that’s what makes an event like this a real money maker.

Cut 4  (11) “amount of spending”

Barnes says the NBA spent over $18 million on the event, with media promotions adding another $1.4 million. Sponsors contributed almost $4 million. He says that combined with secondary impacts is nearly $83 million in total spending, which generated over $2 million in new sales and excise taxes.

Cut 5  (11)  “that event”

Alabama Republican Congressman Mo Brooks is making waves with a campaign commercial in which he uses audio from the shooting at the GOP baseball game that injured House Majority Whip Steve Scalise. The ad notes Brooks came to the aid of those wounded in the attack at a Virginia baseball park. Political analyst Dr. Silas Lee gives his take…:

Cut 6 (09) “in this attempt”

A staffer for Scalise had said some people have different ideas about what’s appropriate. Lee says advocates for gun rights may not be offended by the spot, but he feels most candidates would not use the audio from the shooting…:

Cut 7 (10)  “if that happened to him”

The ad touts Brooks’ support of the Second Amendment, and criticizes the media for asking questions about gun control after the shooting. Lee says the problem with a commercial like this is that there typically isn’t a grey area when it comes to gun advocacy, but it’s the middle of the road voters you have to think about…:

Cut 8 (06) “risky move”

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Both of Louisiana’s US Senators have voted in favor of debate on a healthcare bill. Senior Senator Bill Cassidy has authored amendments to the GOP replacement bill, but they haven’t gained much support.  UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Cassidy’s proposals run against the most conservative elements in the Republican Party.

Cut 9 (08)  “now either”

Kennedy has proudly stated he will vote to repeal Obamacare even without a replacement. Cross says this is what got Kennedy elected to the position.

Cut 10 (10) “extraordinary”

The Edwards administration has raised concerns about repealing the current federal healthcare law. They say over 400-thousand Louisiana residents are insured because of the expansion of Medicaid. Cross says Cassidy, who has worked as a doctor in the state’s charity hospital system, understands the risks of taking away health insurance to thousands.

Cut 11 (11) “the gun”

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Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand announced his retirement today, as the most vocal sheriff in the state will soon take to the airwaves. After spending 10 years at the helm of JPSO, Normand says a good leader knows when it’s time to leave. He adds good leaders evaluate opportunities.

Cut 12 (11) “WWL Radio”

Mid-morning host Garland Robinette announced his retirement from WWL earlier this month. The sheriff joked that he’d be stepping across the line to the dark side and joining the media. But he’s excited to lead in a different way. He says that’s what intrigued him most about this opportunity.

Cut 13 (12) “as sheriff”

Normand will retire on August 31 and Chief Deputy and former state representative Joe Lopinto will be sworn in as the next sheriff of Jefferson Parish. Normand began his career in law enforcement in 1977 in Orleans Parish. He says although rewarding, it’s not an easy job.

Cut 14 (08) “on you” 

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A seven-year-old boy is dead after he was electrocuted by the neighbor’s fence in Winnsboro. Franklin Parish Sheriff Kevin Cobb says the boy was playing with his little sister and attempted to retrieve a ball that went over the fence…

Cut 15 (10) “hot wire”

Cobb says there was an electrical current along the fence line, because the neighbor was trying to prevent his dog from digging underneath the fence. He says the child was found unresponsive next to the fence…

Cut 16  (07)  “appropriate time”

A report from 24/7 Wall Street ranks New Orleans and Baton Rouge among the most segregated cities in the country. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A National Watchdog believes the 100-thousand dollar fine against UL-Lafayette is not enough after allegations of animal abuse against monkeys. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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12 million dollars from the Volkswagen settlement will be distributed by the DEQ to projects that will benefit the community and propane fueled school buses could be a major investment. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The state Department of Environmental Quality will distribute 12 million dollars from the Volkswagen settlement to projects proposed by public agencies that offer long term benefits to the community. Thursday is the last day to submit a proposal.  Randy Hayden with the Louisiana Propane Gas Association says one option is to replace diesel fueled school buses 10 years and older with ones that run on propane, which would reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by over 92-percent.

Cut 4  (11) “not good”

Hayden says propane is less expensive than conventional fuels as the cost falls in between the price of oil and natural gas.

Cut 5  (09)  “comparable”

There is already a handful of school systems who use propane school buses, Lafayette, East Baton Rouge, Lafourche and Caddo Parishes. Hayden says East Baton Rouge used the historic flooding last August to start the process of switching over to propane powered school buses when they lost 168 vehicles.

Cut 6 (10) “vehicle”

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New Orleans and Baton Rouge are among the most segregated cities in the nation, according to a report from 24/7 Wall Street. New Orleans came in at number six on the list, and Baton Rouge ranked thirteenth. Editor-In-Chief Doug McIntyre says that’s because of population concentration in the cities.

Cut 7 (07)  “heavily black”

In both Baton Rouge and New Orleans, the black poverty rate is roughly 30 percent, while the white poverty rate is only about 10 percent. McIntyre says that demonstrates one big problem with segregation because black neighborhoods tend to be much poorer than white neighborhoods.

Cut 8 (10) “health outcomes”

In New Orleans, about 43 percent of the black population lives in black neighborhoods, compared to 32 percent in Baton Rouge. McIntyre says the fact that those groups of people are isolated from groups that have better outcomes means that segregation helps to keep those kinds of outcomes in place.

Cut 9 (08)  “over time”

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National watchdog, Stop Animal Exploitation Now, believes the 100-thousand dollar fine against the University of Louisiana at Lafayette for animal abuse at its New Iberia research center does not go far enough. SAEN Co-founder Michael Budkie says the USDA previously took significant action against another facility for killing a large number of animals…

Cut 10 (07) “ULL”

This is the fifth largest fine levied against a laboratory in the U.S. University spokesperson Kathleen Thames released a statement saying these incidents occurred as part of routine housing and care of nonhuman primates. But Budkie disagrees as there are multiple occurrences of monkeys being neglected or killed.

Cut 11 (10) “hemorrhage”

Budkie says other allegations against the New Iberia laboratory claim three monkeys were lost during a transfer and were not found until they all died and one primate had a broken arm that was not treated for five days. He says entities that continue to criminally abuse animals should not be allowed to break the law.

Cut 12 (06) “ever again”

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The hunt is on for a new chief of the Baton Rouge Police Department. Lt. Johnny Dunnam was appointed as interim when Chief Carl Dabadie resigned, but Dunnam is not a candidate for the full time position. East Baton Rouge Parish Constable Reginald Brown says it’s not surprising Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome would not keep the interim in the position.

Cut 13 (10) “new chief”

Brown says he isn’t surprised Dabadie stepped down, as Broome has been trying to fire the police chief since she took office in January. Civil service laws prevented the mayor from ousting the chief. Brown says it appears as though she is trying to follow through with her campaign promises.

Cut 14 (10) “stepped down”

But Brown says the timing was a bit odd. Murder in Baton Rouge is up 70 percent from a year ago, according to the district attorney. Brown says that’s a sign of the times and growing disrespect for the law. He says now is the time for law enforcement agencies to come together and address the problem.

Cut 15 (10) “East Baton Rouge Parish”

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At Sun Belt Football Media Day in New Orleans, ULM players have a positive outlook for the upcoming season, despite winning just four games last season. Senior offensive lineman Frank Sutton says last year’s team performed better than most expected and they expect to do the same again this season…

Cut 16 (24)  “from there”

Senior defensive end Caleb Tucker says players are more comfortable heading into this season, after getting to know Coach Viator’s staff last year…

Cut 17 (15) “this year”

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Mark Hudspeth is entering his 7th season as head coach of UL Lafayette. The Cajuns are projected to finish in the middle of the pack in the Sun Belt. Hudspeth’s team has seven road games this year and the coach says none of them will be easy…

Cut 18 (24) “at a time” 

Jordan Davis has been named the starting quarterback. Hudspeth is expecting a big year from the junior in Texas…

Cut 19 (19) “security”

High demand is driving up prices at the pump. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Acadia Parish authorities arrest a man with a history of drunk driving arrests for a fatal hit and run. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Gas prices are on the rise in the Bayou State. Don Redman with AAA says gas prices in June were the lowest we’ve seen all year, which is unusual for the summer months. He says we’re already seeing an uptick in prices at the pump.

Cut 3 (09) “statewide”

Redman says that’s almost 10 cents higher than we were this time last year. He expects prices will continue to climb as we get closer to Labor Day, as refineries struggle to keep up with this summer’s record demand for gasoline.

Cut 4  (11) “a gallon”

Redman says we could be looking at a 10 cent a gallon hike by the time we reach Labor Day. But he notes that’s an educated guess because a lot of factors affect prices at the pump, especially in the Gulf South.

Cut 5  (10)  “much higher”

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Baton Rouge Police Chief Carl Dabadie has submitted his letter of retirement, and today will be his last day. It’s not a huge surprise as Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome had said since she took office that new leadership was needed at BRPD in the wake of the Alton Sterling shooting. She said Monday that Dabadie is an honorable man…:

Cut 6 (10) “to law enforcement”

Weston-Broome was not able to fire Dabadie without cause as the chief’s job is protected by civil service laws. But Political Analyst and Baton Rouge radio host Clay Young says Dabadie probably had had enough…:

Cut 7 (11)  “time to move on”

Weston-Broome ran a campaign on the promise that she’d appoint a fresh face to the department that would help ease tensions between people and police officers. But Young says Dabadie is not a person who would be unwilling to try to work with anyone to try to make the city of Baton Rouge and the community better…:

Cut 8 (11) “emotion”

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A Rayne man, with a history of DWI arrests, is behind bars after police say he hit a man on a bicycle while driving intoxicated. Acadia Parish Sheriff K. P. Gibson says 61-year-old Ricky Joyner of Rayne was pronounced dead at the scene, and the driver, 42-year-old Ivy Roger, was nowhere to be found.

Cut 9 (08)  “with assistance”

Gibson says deputies were able to identify the driver and track him down inside the city limits of Rayne. He says they are waiting for toxicology results to charge Roger with a DWI, but he already faces a slew of criminal charges.

Cut 10 (10) “to confirm it”

Roger has already been charged with 5 DWIs, and Gibson says three of them were fairly recently. As Roger’s license is currently suspended, the sheriff says he shouldn’t have been driving at all.

Cut 11 (08) “for life”

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Calcasieu Parish authorities have made an arrest in a 2009 cold case. The body of 19-year-old Sierra Bouzigard was found on the side of the road in November of 2009, and police have been searching for a suspect ever since. Sheriff Tony Mancuso says they used phenotyping technology to create a suspect profile from DNA found on the victim, which led to today’s arrest of 31-year-old Blake Russell.

Cut 12 (08) “either one”

Mancuso says his agency was the first in the state to use the Snapshot DNA Phenotyping technology. Russell was arrested this morning in DeQuincy on a charge of second degree murder. Mancuso says it means everything to give closure to the family, who have been waiting seven years for justice.

Cut 13 (09) “weep with joy”

The cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head. Mancuso says Russell did not know the victim at all. He says Bouzigard lived a “risky lifestyle” but did not elaborate because he says it doesn’t matter, and he doesn’t think it’s important.

Cut 14 (07) “absolutely no reason” 

Business Facilities names Louisiana Economic Development’s FastStart the best workforce training program in the country. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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An LSU Health New Orleans School of Public Health Professor warns smart phones carry more bacteria than the bathroom. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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As you might expect, a poll on the state Treasurer’s race shows the lack of a front-runner. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Louisiana’s FastStart workforce training program has been named the best in the nation by Business Facilities magazine for a record eight years in a row. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says this can help LED bring more companies to the Bayou State.

Cut 4  (07) “in Louisiana”

Pierson says per capita, Louisiana attracts more jobs and major projects than any other state. He says although as a state we’re small in stature – having a statewide population comparable to just the Houston area – we’re standing out in a big way.

Cut 5  (12)  “Louisiana Economic Development”

Business Facilities also ranked Louisiana third for infrastructure, seventh for cost of doing business, ninth for exports and economic growth potential, and tenth for industrial electricity rates. Pierson says that’s evidenced by job growth in the state.

Cut 6 (11) “of our state”

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A professor at LSU Health New Orleans School of Public Health says it’s never a good idea to carry your cell phone to the bathroom. Dr. James Diaz says a smart phone can contain more bacteria than the bathroom. He says what gets spread to our phones can get on a lot of other things we touch.

Cut 7 (10)  “your hands”

Diaz says people need to be wary of what they’re touching every day, from door knobs to computer keyboards. He says fecal oral transmission to inanimate objects occurs when individuals don’t wash their hands after leaving the bathroom.

Cut 8 (09) “by touch”

Diaz suggests using an antiseptic to clean your phone screen on a regular basis. He says it’s best to never bring your cell phone into the bathroom because it poses the risk for dropping it in the toilet.

Cut 9 (09)  “like cholera”

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A poll on the State Treasurer’s race finds it to be a wide open contest. The October 14th election features three well-funded Republicans, Angele Davis, Neil Riser and John Schroder. JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says the GOP candidates are polling in the high single digits

Cut 10 (06) “front runner status”

Couvillon says the biggest number from his poll is the undecided, which is at 60-percent…

Cut 11 (12) “they were”

There is a major Democrat in the race, New Orleans attorney Derrick Edwards. Couvillon says in the horse race portion of the survey, Edwards polled at 18-percent, which is higher than the three GOP candidates….

Cut 12 (10) “make the runoff”

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The Department of Children and Family Services launches a program aimed at improving the foster care system. On any given day, there are more than 4,000 Louisiana children in foster care. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says they want to raise expectations for foster parents and caregivers through the new Quality Parenting Initiative.

Cut 13 (11) “a relative”

Walters says DCFS will work closely with foster parents, give them more authority to take care of the child, and offer help when needed. She says being a quality parent means doing everything for that child that a parent would do for their birth child.

Cut 14 (12) “all the time”

Walters says this initiative is about allowing foster parents to act more as parents instead of temporary caregivers. Assistant Director for Child Welfare Renda Hodnett says this also means DCFS will expect more of foster parents.

Cut 15 (10) “child’s future”

Mentally ill inmates at the David Wade Correctional Center in Homer claim they were forced to bark like dogs for food. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana’s unemployment rate is at a three-year-low, 5-point-five percent. Don Molino has more on the latest jobs report…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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Investigators are trying to get to the bottom of claims that some Louisiana inmates are being forced to bark like dogs for food. A lawsuit on behalf of the Advocacy Center alleges the organization has a right to investigate this kind of claim. Attorney Katie Schwartzmann with the McArthur Justice Center says they are concerned about conditions at the David Wade Correctional Center in Homer based on letters they received from inmates.

Cut 3 (12) “suicide watch”

Schwartzmann says they filed the suit to get access to the prisoners. She says it’s the Advocacy Center’s job to go in and conduct an investigation when they hear claims of abuse, and unfortunately they’ve received a lot of complaints from inmates at this prison.

Cut 4  (11) “of that prison”

Schwartzmann says one of those allegations is that prison staff has forced inmates to bark like dogs to get their food. If these allegations prove true, another suit could be filed to address the issue. She says this suit is only about getting access to the inmates.

Cut 5  (09)  “Advocacy Center in”

The Department of Corrections has not issued a comment on the suit.

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Louisiana will be able to export rice to China for the first time ever under a landmark trade agreement involving the U.S. and the Asian country. Commissioner of Agriculture Mike Strain says this is a huge achievement for the rice industry.

Cut 6 (06) “13 days”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts China will import 5 million tons of rice in 2017 and 2018. Strain says it took so long for the trade agreement to be finalized because of safety protocols.

Cut 7 (09)  “product”

Louisiana produces the most rice in the U.S. just behind Arkansas and California. Strain says China also imports rice from other countries in south Asia but now Louisiana is in the hunt.

Cut 8 (07) “good news”

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Twenty-one-hundred soldiers from Fort Polk will deploy to Iraq this fall for antiterrorism operations. Base spokesperson Kim Reischling says members of the 3^rd Brigade Combat Team have trained for the last year.

Cut 9 (07)  “training center”

Reischling says they are committed to providing support to the families of deployed soldiers from the Vernon Parish military base. She says Fort Polk provides many services to the spouses and children to help them with any services needed when their loved ones are in Iraq.

Cut 10 (10) “support group”

Reischling says 60-percent of the unit will be deployed to Iraq. She says less than 2-thousand men and women of the combat team will remain in Fort Polk…

Cut 11 (06) “here anyway”

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The Old Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge will be closed this weekend as crews work to repair the railroad track there. Rodney Mallet with the state department of transportation says US 190 will be closed there from 8 p.m. today until 5 a.m. Monday. So drivers will have to use an alternate route.

Cut 12 (10) “US 190”

Motorists can get back on the highway using either LA 1 or LA 415. Mallet says Kansas City Southern railroad got a permit from DOTD to replace the tracks. He says drivers should expect some delays, but DOTD is doing what they can to make people aware of the closure.

Cut 13 (09) “avoid the area”

For up to date travel information, visit 511la.org.

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New data from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics shows Louisiana’s unemployment rate is at a three-year low at five-point-five percent. The June employment report shows nonfarm jobs increased by nearly 21-thousand over the last 12 months. Louisiana Workforce Commission Executive Director Ava Dejoie says three industry sectors reached all-time highs in employment.

Cut 14 (11) “people” 

Dejoie credits the film tax credit program for helping to boost the leisure and hospitality sector. She says they are also seeing positive signs with the oil and gas industry. She says the Houma area has gained 600 jobs from May and Lafayette has added jobs in four out of the six months…

Cut 15 (06) “some increases”

Construction is the industry that saw the largest one-month gain, an additional four-thousand workers. Dejoie says Lake Charles continues to be the fastest growing market with an increase 55-hundred jobs over the last year…

Cut 16  (07)  “region”

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More woman and minorities are receiving concealed handgun permits than men, according to a national report from the Crime Prevention Research Center…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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After a two-year-old from Arkansas spent 15 minutes underwater, doctors at LSU Health New Orleans helped regrow her lost brain matter. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Just over one year after an ambush attack on Baton Rouge police officers, one wounded deputy is back at work. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A Crime Prevention Research Center report finds more women and minorities are receiving concealed handgun permits compared to white males. Wade Duty, co-owner of Precision Firearms in Baton Rouge says he’s seen the exact same trend in recent years. He credits this spike to the increased awareness of domestic violence issues.

Cut 4  (09) “obtaining permits”

The national report finds permits for men grew 22-percent from 2012 to 2016 and permits for women increased by a whopping 93-percent. Duty says minorities seeking concealed carry permits also increased. He says personal security cuts across all demographics.

Cut 5  (09)  “their safety”

Duty expects these trends to continue as more people become aware of concealed carry laws that support personal defense in Louisiana. He also says women are more likely to seek out a concealed carry class based on a cultural shift.

Cut 6 (11) “own protection”

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Now is the time for lawmakers to work on a plan to address the looming fiscal cliff in 2018. That’s the message of a letter Governor John Be Edwards sent to House Speaker Taylor Barras. Lawmakers failed to address the cliff during this year’s fiscal session. Edwards says they simply cannot wait until next year to start working.

Cut 7 (09)  “that cliff”

Over a billion dollars in temporary taxes are set to expire in July of next year. The governor advises Barras to form a working group of both Democrats and Republicans to find a way to replace that lost revenue. Edwards says something must be done to fill that budget hole.

Cut 8 (11) “expect”

Edwards has proposed several recommendations for addressing the cliff and says he welcome other ideas from lawmakers. The governor will hold meetings around the state to gather public input on the matter. He says it is in everyone’s best interest to devise a plan sooner rather than later.

Cut 9 (09)  “to act”

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Doctors at LSU Health New Orleans helped regrow a toddler’s brain after she drowned. Two-year-old Eden Carlson of Arkansas lost a significant amount of brain tissue after spending 15 minutes underwater. Director of Hyperbaric Medicine, Dr. Paul Harch, says she made remarkable improvements after being treated with oxygen for 45 minutes twice a day. Weeks later, Eden’s parents brought her to New Orleans, and Harch put her in a hyperbaric chamber.

Cut 10 (11) “just accelerated”

In February of 2016, Eden escaped the baby gate in her home and fell into a near-freezing pool. Eden’s heart did not beat on its own for two hours, as doctors performed CPR for 100 minutes.

Harch says after multiple hyperbaric treatments, Eden could walk and talk again, something doctors said she would never be able to do. He says even more incredible was her brain, as the toddler actually regrew the brain matter she had lost. That was evident in the MRI scans of her brain.

Cut 11 (09) “entire brain”

Harch says Eden continues to improve today. This is the first known case of growing back both white and gray brain matter. He says the potential for future patients with similar problems is enormous. He says it will allow for a forum to look at hyperbaric oxygen treatments.

Cut 12 (08) “of this therapy”

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Lt. Bruce Simmons is back to work at the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, just over a year after being shot in the police ambush. Casey Rayborn Hicks with the sheriff’s office says it means a lot to the department to have Simmons back.

Cut 13 (09) “that direction”

Simmons was shot in the left arm by a gunman who targeted Baton Rouge law enforcement officers following the Alton Sterling shooting. Doctors had to put a titanium bar in his arm because the bone was shattered. Even so, Hicks says Simmons was determined to get back on his patrol bike.

Cut 14 (11) “for all of us”

Sheriff Sid Gautreaux welcomed Simmons back by promoting him from sergeant to lieutenant and his fellow deputies gave him a standing ovation. Hicks says Simmons cleared his qualifying tests with flying colors.

Cut 15 (10) “it felt great”

State Education Superintendent John White reacts to speculation he may lose his job, because he was not confirmed by the Senate during the legislative session. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Arizona Senator John McCain has been diagnosed with brain cancer. Don Molino spoke with a Louisiana doctor on what this means for the former Republican Presidential candidate…

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Don Molino”

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Work begins this week to waterproof the first six floors of the State Capitol. Jacques Berry with the Division of Administration says scaffolding is up around the base of the building. And he says the front doors to the tallest building in the city will remain closed over the next year.

Cut 3 (07) “of caution”

Berry says the two entrances on the ground level will remain open. He says crews will use this as an opportunity to reattach some of the limestone panels. He says new technology gave them a closer look at the structure and showed pieces coming loose from the 80-year-old building.

Cut 4  (12) “of the building”

Berry says construction began Monday and is expected to take one year. The project will cost roughly $5 million. He says the waterproofing and limestone repair will only be for the first six floors of the capitol.

Cut 5  (10)  “needs to happen”

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State Education Superintendent John White could be on his way out, because he was not reconfirmed by the Senate during the legislative session. Governor John Bel Edwards says confirmation is a legal requirement for White to keep his job. But White says…

Cut 6 (11) “our kids”

A lawsuit seeking to remove White as superintendent was dismissed, because only a few elected officials, including the governor, have the authority to take such legal action.  White says he’s made great strides in his years as superintendent and students are showing improvement.

Cut 7 (10)  “same test”

If the governor decides not to take legal action, a two-thirds vote from BESE could remove White from office. White says it’s time to focus on the students, not on politics.

Cut 8 (11) “our kids”

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Louisiana elected officials says they are praying for Arizona Senator John McCain’s who has been diagnosed with brain cancer. Neuro-Oncologist Dr. Aaron Mammoser with LSU Health New Orleans says glioblastoma is the most common primary brain tumor doctors see, and unfortunately it’s also the most aggressive. He says there are more than 15,000 of these tumors diagnosed every year in the US.

Cut 9 (11)  “called temozolomide”

Mammoser says a variety of factors impact how a patient responds to treatment. He says McCain is 80-years-old and elderly patients tend not to do as well. But he says the senator does have some things working in his favor.

Cut 10 (11) “as well”

Mammoser says the middle survival is somewhere in the 16 to 18 month range. He says the senator will need lots of support in the coming months. He says McCain will be surrounded by a remarkable medical staff at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale.

Cut 11 (12) “forms of cancer”

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A heat advisory is in effect for all of north Louisiana until 7 p.m. tomorrow as sweltering temperatures bake the state. Michael Berry with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says it is not unusual to see temperatures in the high 90s during July but when you factor in the high dew point…

Cut 12 (10) “again tomorrow”

Berry says while temperatures are where they usually should be given the time of year, the higher than usual humidity is the result of recent rainfall.

Cut 13 (09) “values”

Berry says it’s important to take precautions when being outside in this heat. He advises individuals working outside to take frequent breaks to avoid heat stroke.

Cut 14 (09) “have water” 

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