St. Landry Congressman Clay Higgins is spearheading an effort to reform the National Flood Insurance Program as the current one expires September 30^th. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Could state Education Superintendent John White’s job be in jeopardy? Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

A Grant Parish man missed the birth of his child after he was arrested for speeding his wife to the hospital. Halen Doughty has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________________________________

Female military veterans will have a new support system, as the state Department of Veterans Affairs is set to launch monthly Coffee Conversations in August. Female veterans outreach coordinator Alex Juan says this will offer a safe space for military women to talk about the issues affecting them. She says the discussions will be live streamed and open to all of female veterans in the state.

Cut 4  (07) “the conversation”

Louisiana is home to more than 32,000 women veterans. Juan says military women can be more hesitant to seek services from the VA than their male counterparts because females are not always well-received. She says she even ran into a similar incident yesterday morning.

Cut 5  (09)  “his medicine”

Juan says this is about changing the conversation and recognizing that both men and women serve their country. She says it’s also an opportunity for these women to talk about specific struggles they’ve faced with someone who can understand.

Cut 6 (12) “so many of them”

Female veterans interested in serving as program coordinators are encouraged to call 225-219-5005.

________________________________________________________

Louisiana’s Congressional delegation is getting behind an effort to reform the National Flood Insurance Program. Congressman Clay Higgins is one of the co-sponsors and the Republican from St. Landry Parish says the proposal would protect policyholders from skyrocketing premiums. He says currently, rates can increase by as much as 25 percent annually.

Cut 7 (09)  “more reasonable”

The current National Flood Insurance Program expires on September 30^th, which is why there is a big push reauthorize the program for another six years. Higgins says it’s their desire to limit rate increases to no more than 10 percent a year.

Cut 8 (07) “a window”

Higgins says the bill authorizes $500 million per year for six years for flood control programs. He says flooding is a problem all over the country, which is why this legislation has support from both Republicans and Democrats.

Cut 9 (11)  “happened everywhere”

________________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards is pleased with job growth and creation in the Bayou State. On his monthly radio call in show, the governor said several sectors of the economy are improving, especially health care thanks to expansion of the Medicaid program.

Cut 10 (11) “more people”

Edwards says in January of 2016, the state’s unemployment rate was at 6.2-percent and the latest numbers show the unemployment rate in May of 2017 was 5.7-percent and predicts that will drop even lower when the June numbers are released.

Cut 11 (09) “increasing”

Edwards says Lafayette, the hub of the state’s oil and gas sector, is also making great strides. He says in the last year and a half, the city saw four separate months of steady job increases.

Cut 12 (08) “this too”

_________________________________________________

A man rushing his pregnant wife to the hospital missed the birth of his child after being arrested in Rapides Parish. Creola Police Chief Heath Landry says one of his officers clocked a vehicle doing 108 in a 55 mph speed zone. He says the officer witnessed more dangerous driving as he attempted to pull over Zak Evans.

Cut 13 (09) “off the road”

Landry says the officer radioed ahead to Pineville, where officers set up a road block because Evans would not stop. He says when officers finally pulled over Evans and got him out of the vehicle, he was livid.

Cut 14 (11) “at the glass”

An ambulance took Evans’ wife Bridget to a local hospital, and Evans was arrested on charges of flight from an office and careless operation, as well as ticketed for speeding. Evans told KALB-TV that he didn’t have time to look at the speedometer because he was worried about his wife and baby. Landry says they understand it was an emergency, but there was still a safety concern.

Cut 15 (09) “and wife”

____________________________________________________

Over half of the races in the October 14 election have already been settled. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

Governor Edwards announces 220 million dollars in federal money will be allocated across the Baton Rouge area to protect against future floods and storms. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Three months ahead of the October 14 election, more than half of the races have already been settled. Candidates in 41 races had no opponents, while 16 saw no candidates at all. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says they saw a similar rate just over a year ago when 44 percent of the races were settled before reaching the ballot.

Cut 3 (08) “no one qualifies”

Schedler blames the public’s frustration with government for the disinterest in running for public office. He says these positions don’t pay much and they come with a lot of stress. He says these demanding jobs are true public service.

Cut 4  (10) “cussing you out”

Schedler says in cases where an incumbent is unopposed, he or she is simply reelected. He says the law used to allow his office to reopen qualifying if no one qualified, but often times they still wouldn’t see any candidates. That’s why there’s a new policy for such occurrences.

Cut 5  (10)  “operate as such”

________________________________________________

Zachary Police have made an arrest in the case of a fatal home invasion that occurred last night. Chief David McDavid says the deceased, 20-year-old Damon Hayes Jr, allegedly broke in with 20-year-old Jordale Carter and possibly two other suspects…:

Cut 6 (08) “began shooting”

Hayes died in the incident and Carter was booked on many charges including murder because his accomplice died during a crime. McDavid says two other suspects are still at large.

Cut 7 (09)  “more suspects”

McDavid says one of the suspects was reportedly trying to get a ride away from the scene, saying he was being shot at. He says the robbery occurred in an elderly neighborhood, and they seldom have shootings like this.

Cut 8 (11) “burden to society”

________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards announced today federal funding for flood control projects in the Baton Rouge area. Edwards says 220 million dollars will go to local governments in the Capital region as part of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

Cut 9 (07)  “future floods”

Edwards says each parish will submit a plan to FEMA before the money will be allocated.  He says some of the money will be used to buy back significantly damaged homes from last year’s flood and make it a green space. He says the rest of the funds will go to….

Cut 10 (07) “projects”

None of this money will go toward the much talked about Comite Diversion Canal Project because funding for that must come from a different source. Edwards says after Hurricane Katrina, a majority of hazard mitigation grant dollars went towards elevating homes but that won’t be the case this time.

Cut 11 (08) “structures”

__________________________________________________________

Monroe Police Chief Quentin Holmes has announced he is going to retire from his post. In a joint news conference with Mayor Jamie Mayo, Holmes said he has been thinking about returning to teaching for quite some time. News outlets had reported that Mayo asked for a resignation which he says is 100% not true…:

Cut 12 (07) “with that”

Mayo says Holmes will remain chief until July 30th, and during that time his office will work to name someone to serve in the interim. Holmes was named police chief in 2011 and received a no confidence vote from the union in August 2014, but he says that has nothing to do with this retirement…:

Cut 13 (10) “good grounds”

KNOE said they had received anonymous calls from people saying there was bad blood between Holmes and the Mayor over the rising crime problem in the Monroe area. Mayo says he hopes they have now cleared the air that it’s just not the case..:

Cut 14 (10) “anonymous calls” 

NOLA Brewing Company and Tulane Athletics teamed up to launch the new Green Wave Beer. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

The publisher of LaPolitics.Com, Jeremy Alford, says with the race for state treasurer underway, now might be a good time to talk about eliminating the post for good. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

At a FAST Act hearing, Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves said something must be done about the wall between the lanes of I-12. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (25) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________________________________

Tulane University is the latest Louisiana school to trademark its own brew, after partnering with NOLA Brewing Company to release the Green Wave Beer. Brewery president Kirk Coco says the new brew is a filtered version of a Heffeweizen, a dry, wheat beer with a little bitterness. He says this Kristalweizen is similar without all the floating yeast.

Cut 4  (10) “wheat beer”

Coco says the partnership with Tulane Athletics was a no brainer because the school is such a big part of the city, and NOLA Brewing is all about New Orleans. He says this will also be a money maker for the university athletics. He says it should be available just in time for football season to kick off.

Cut 5  (09)  “late September”

Coco says the new brew has been about two years in the making. He says they had to wait and see what the future of university beers would be, as legislation threatened the partnerships because of arguments college beers encourage underage drinking. Coco disagrees.

Cut 6 (10) “these students”

________________________________________________________

As the race for State Treasurer is underway, now might be a good time to start the conversation about eliminating the position for good. That’s according Jeremy Alford, the publisher of LaPolitics.com, who says this is the first time in 17 years there has been an open race for the seat.

Cut 7 (10)  “state government”

Alford says there are currently 16 states that don’t elect their state treasurer. He says he doesn’t foresee any of the major candidates running on the “hire-me-to-fire-me” campaign, but it has happened before with Suzanne Terrell in the 1999 race for Election Commissioner.

Cut 8 (07) “over there”

Alford says many voters had come to view the post of state treasurer as an unofficial watchdog to second guess and review the governor and legislature’s spending. He says candidates could at least address the idea of merging this position with another department.

Cut 9 (10)  “themselves”

________________________________________________________

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves expressed his frustrations over the barrier between lanes of I-12 at a FAST Act hearing in Washington. Graves says the barrier seemed to contribute to flooding in communities north of I-12. He says something has to be done to address drainage concerns on the highway.

Cut 10 (07) “makes sense”

Graves says there was about a six foot difference in water levels on the north and south sides of the interstate. He says offsetting walls could also be a solution, as it would leave gaps to allow the water to drain. He says that feature would also be helpful in the event of a disaster.

Cut 11 (09) “what have you”

It’s been nearly a year since the August flood, yet nothing has been done to address the issue. Graves says one reason for the delay is a lawsuit filed by the city of Walker filed claiming the barrier worsened flooding. But he says the problem can be addressed without the state admitting guilt because other groups want the wall fixed too.

Cut 12 (11) “save lives”

_________________________________________________

Three Louisiana cities are among the most stressed in the country, according to a new study from the personal finance website Wallethub. Shreveport came in at number ten on the list. Jill Gonzales with Wallethub says Shreveport did particularly badly in the health category.

Cut 13 (12) “past month”

Less than 70 percent of the Shreveport population reported working out in the last month, which was one of the lowest rates in the country. Gonzales says residents of the city are also seeing more work related stress.

Cut 14 (11) “across the board”

New Orleans, which came in at number 19, and 21^st ranked Baton Rouge are also seeing similar problems related to health and work stress. Gonzales says these Louisiana cities did fare well in other areas, like having a low suicide rate. She says although the poverty rate is high, we’re seeing financial benefits in other areas.

Cut 15 (11) “living wage”

Readers of Travel + Leisure magazine named New Orleans the number four city in the US. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

LSU head gymnastics coach DD Breaux has been named the Most Outstanding Coach in Louisiana by the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

New Orleans has been named the number four city in the US by readers of Travel +Leisure. Kristian Sonnier with the New Orleans CVB says the magazine ranked cities based on six categories, including culture, friendliness, shopping, and overall value. He says the Big Easy stood out in some key areas.

Cut 3 (10) “six categories”

Sonnier says one key draw to the city of New Orleans is that it’s always changing, giving visitors something new to see on each trip. He says the restaurant boom has been huge, and new hotels are popping up and transforming whole neighborhoods.

Cut 4  (09) “to come visit”

Sonnier says the CVB works around the clock to ensure New Orleans remains at the top of these rankings. He says when you’re beating cities like Boston, Chicago, and New York, you’re clearly doing something right.  He hopes this newest recognition will attract more visitors to the Crescent City.

Cut 5  (11)  “in those rankings”

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LSU head gymnastics coach DD Breaux has been named the Most Outstanding Coach in Louisiana by the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation. Also the Dean of Southeastern Conference Coaches, Breaux just completed her 40th season in 2017, which was the Tigers most dominant in school history. Breaux says being recognized by people outside of gymnastics means a lot:

Cut 6 (07) “total body of work”

LSU finished as the NCAA National Runner-up for the 2nd straight year this past season. Breaux was named to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in June. She credits her success in her tenure to a great staff and dedicated student athletes…:

Cut 7 (08)  “to do that”

Breaux along with 23 other individuals and three teams will be honored at the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame Banquet on August 5th at the Mercedes Benz Superdome. LSU gymnastics is famous for packing the PMAC for their meets and having a ton of fan interest. Breaux says the school does a great job at branding gymnastics…:

Cut 8 (13) “Tiger fans”

________________________________________________

A recreational fisherman’s group in Louisiana calls the lawsuit filed by two environmental organizations over the extended red snapper season in the Gulf of Mexico ridiculous. The suit claims the additional fishing time puts red snapper recovery at risk. But David Cresson of the Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana says suing is what these groups do:

Cut 9 (10)  “recreational anglers”

Cresson says at the rate the extended 39 day season is currently going, Louisiana will be able to catch red snapper without overfishing the state’s overall portion of the quota. He says the notion that Louisiana would mismanage this opportunity was ridiculous to begin with…:

Cut 10 (08) “out of stock”

One of the groups filing the lawsuit is the Environmental Defense Fund. Its Director of the Gulf of Mexico Oceans Program, Robert Jones, says the expanded season causes concern for 7.4 million pounds of overfishing:

Cut 11 (09) “favorite restaurant”

Jones says his hope is to get rid of fixed seasons because they are of no benefit to the anglers. He says this suit catalyzes change for more flexible access in the future…:

Cut 12 (11) “management failure”

__________________________________________________________

A new national poll by Morning Consult finds Governor John Bel Edwards has a 58-percent approval rating. Southern Media and Opinion research had Edwards at 54% in May, and pollster Bernie Pinsonat says being in the mid to upper 50s is good for any governor, especially a Democrat in Louisiana.

Cut 13 (08) “budget problem”

Pinsonat says Edwards was in the 60-percentage range in the fall of last year, and depending on the future of the economy here, that could end up happening for the governor again…:

Cut 14 (09) “the 60s” 

Pinsonat says even though Edwards saw a drop in his approval ratings in the spring, it appears that’s leveling off…:

Cut 15 (08) “right now”

Governor Edwards launches a new program called Constituent Services on the Geaux. Halen Doughty has more of the service to give residents a chance to meet face to face with the governor’s office to answer questions.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

The dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico is supposed to be a big one this year and is expected to peak in the end of July and early August. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Congressman Ralph Abraham says the National Defense Authorization Act will includes lots of wins for Louisiana’s military bases, like beginning the process re-engining the B-52 bombers. Don Molino has more…

Cut 3 (25) “I’m Don Molino”

______________________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards has launched a new program called Constituent Services on the Geaux to give Louisiana residents a chance to meet face to face with someone from the office to answer questions. Deputy Chief of Staff Johnny Anderson says this give constituents the opportunity to offer assistance with concerns regarding state agencies.

Cut 4  (08) “their problems”

Constituent Services receives nearly 1,000 inquiries each week. Anderson says their representatives will get back to the resident within 24 hours after a meeting. He says the program will kick off in St. Landry Parish today.

Cut 5  (07)  “is there”

Anderson says they are working with local and statewide elected officials to alert residents in their districts of the Constituent Services on the Geaux program.

Cut 6 (08) “those concerns”

________________________________________________________

This summer’s dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico is expected to be the largest ever and Louisiana aquatic life will suffer most burden of the effects. LSU Professor of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences Nancy Rabalais says an increased load of nitrates were carried by the Mississippi River during the spring leading to the hypoxia, or dead zone. She says this is a lack of oxygen in the water.

Cut 7 (10)  “usually happens”

Hypoxia occurs when microscopic organisms eat on the nitrogen materials and when they die sink to the bottom and decomposition depletes the oxygen in the water, according to the EPA. Rabalais says this is already causing a noticeable effect for fisherman. She says they know where the majority of the nitrogen and phosphorus are coming from.

Cut 8 (06) “row crops”

Rabalais says Louisiana does not contribute much to the dead zone yet we are the ones who face what happens to our water ways. But she says it benefits water quality everywhere to clean up this mess.

Cut 9 (10)  “far away”

________________________________________________________

Louisiana’s military bases will see tremendous benefits from the National Defense Authorization Act passed by the US House. That’s according to Richland Parish Congressman Ralph Abraham, who says this is the funding mechanism for the nation’s military. He says the bill begins the process of re-engining B-25 bombers, many of which are housed at Barksdale Air Force Base.

Cut 10 (10) “maintenance costs”

In central Louisiana, Abraham says the NDAA protects Fort Polk by preventing another round of base realignment and closures. The bill would also increase the size of each branch, and many of the new troops will train at the Joint Readiness Training Center there. More importantly, he says, it gives military men and women a 2.4 percent pay increase.

Cut 11 (11) “care of them”

Abraham says the NDAA passed by the House supports the continued use of the F-15C fighter planes in use at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in Belle Chasse. He says it also supports maintenance and development of the tactical aviation squadron.

Cut 12 (08) “in the future”

_________________________________________________

According to a recent study, sleep deprivation is costing Americans billions. Dr. Jake Rodi with Ochsner says people are more sleep deprived than ever. He says the biggest medical cause of sleep loss is sleep apnea, but there’s plenty of things that keep us up at night.

Cut 13 (08) “destroys melatonin”

Rodi says blue light from phone and tablet screens can cause people to lose sleep. He advises turning on the nighttime setting to turn off the blue light and putting down electronics an hour before bedtime. He says there are other ways people can get a better night’s sleep.

Cut 14 (12) “go to sleep”

The study from Rand Europe finds the US loses over 1 million working days a year to sleep deprivation. Rodi says that’s because people aren’t as productive at work when they haven’t slept. He even estimates the $400 billion the study says we lose annually is a low ball.

Cut 15 (09) “sleep deprivation”

____________________________________________________

Governor Edwards launches a new program called Constituent Services on the Geaux. Halen Doughty has more of the service to give residents a chance to meet face to face with the governor’s office to answer questions.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

The dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico is supposed to be a big one this year and is expected to peak in the end of July and early August. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Congressman Ralph Abraham says the National Defense Authorization Act will includes lots of wins for Louisiana’s military bases. Don Molino has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

______________________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards has launched a new program called Constituent Services on the Geaux to give Louisiana residents a chance to meet face to face with someone from the office to answer questions. Deputy Chief of Staff Johnny Anderson says this give constituents the opportunity to offer assistance with concerns regarding state agencies.

Cut 4  (08) “their problems”

Constituent Services receives nearly 1,000 inquiries each week. Anderson says their representatives will get back to the resident within 24 hours after a meeting. He says the program will kick off in St. Landry Parish today.

Cut 5  (07)  “is there”

Anderson says they are working with local and statewide elected officials to alert residents in their districts of the Constituent Services on the Geaux program.

Cut 6 (08) “those concerns”

________________________________________________________

This summer’s dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico is expected to be the largest ever and Louisiana aquatic life will suffer most burden of the effects. LSU Professor of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences Nancy Rabalais says an increased load of nitrates were carried by the Mississippi River during the spring leading to the hypoxia, or dead zone. She says this is a lack of oxygen in the water.

Cut 7 (10)  “usually happens”

Hypoxia occurs when microscopic organisms eat on the nitrogen materials and when they die sink to the bottom and decomposition depletes the oxygen in the water, according to the EPA. Rabalais says this is already causing a noticeable effect for fisherman. She says they know where the majority of the nitrogen and phosphorus are coming from.

Cut 8 (06) “row crops”

Rabalais says Louisiana does not contribute much to the dead zone yet we are the ones who face what happens to our water ways. But she says it benefits water quality everywhere to clean up this mess.

Cut 9 (10)  “far away”

________________________________________________________

Louisiana’s military bases will see tremendous benefits from the National Defense Authorization Act passed by the US House. That’s according to Richland Parish Congressman Ralph Abraham, who says this is the funding mechanism for the nation’s military. He says the bill begins the process of re-engining B-52 bombers, many of which are housed at Barksdale Air Force Base.

Cut 10 (10) “maintenance costs”

In central Louisiana, Abraham says the NDAA protects Fort Polk by preventing another round of base realignment and closures. The bill would also increase the size of each branch, and many of the new troops will train at the Joint Readiness Training Center there. More importantly, he says, it gives military men and women a 2.4 percent pay increase.

Cut 11 (11) “care of them”

Abraham says the NDAA passed by the House supports the continued use of the F-15C fighter planes in use at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in Belle Chasse. He says it also supports maintenance and development of the tactical aviation squadron.

Cut 12 (08) “in the future”

_________________________________________________

According to a recent study, sleep deprivation is costing Americans billions. Dr. Jake Rodi with Ochsner says people are more sleep deprived than ever. He says the biggest medical cause of sleep loss is sleep apnea, but there’s plenty of things that keep us up at night.

Cut 13 (08) “destroys melatonin”

Rodi says blue light from phone and tablet screens can cause people to lose sleep. He advises turning on the nighttime setting to turn off the blue light and putting down electronics an hour before bedtime. He says there are other ways people can get a better night’s sleep.

Cut 14 (12) “go to sleep”

The study from Rand Europe finds the US loses over 1 million working days a year to sleep deprivation. Rodi says that’s because people aren’t as productive at work when they haven’t slept. He even estimates the $400 billion the study says we lose annually is a low ball.

Cut 15 (09) “sleep deprivation”

____________________________________________________

Governor Edwards launches a new program called Constituent Services on the Geaux. Halen Doughty has more of the service to give residents a chance to meet face to face with the governor’s office to answer questions.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

The dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico is supposed to be a big one this year and is expected to peak in the end of July and early August. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Congressman Ralph Abraham says the National Defense Authorization Act will includes lots of wins for Louisiana’s military bases. Don Molino has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

______________________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards has launched a new program called Constituent Services on the Geaux to give Louisiana residents a chance to meet face to face with someone from the office to answer questions. Deputy Chief of Staff Johnny Anderson says this give constituents the opportunity to offer assistance with concerns regarding state agencies.

Cut 4  (08) “their problems”

Constituent Services receives nearly 1,000 inquiries each week. Anderson says their representatives will get back to the resident within 24 hours after a meeting. He says the program will kick off in St. Landry Parish today.

Cut 5  (07)  “is there”

Anderson says they are working with local and statewide elected officials to alert residents in their districts of the Constituent Services on the Geaux program.

Cut 6 (08) “those concerns”

________________________________________________________

This summer’s dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico is expected to be the largest ever and Louisiana aquatic life will suffer most burden of the effects. LSU Professor of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences Nancy Rabalais says an increased load of nitrates were carried by the Mississippi River during the spring leading to the hypoxia, or dead zone. She says this is a lack of oxygen in the water.

Cut 7 (10)  “usually happens”

Hypoxia occurs when microscopic organisms eat on the nitrogen materials and when they die sink to the bottom and decomposition depletes the oxygen in the water, according to the EPA. Rabalais says this is already causing a noticeable effect for fisherman. She says they know where the majority of the nitrogen and phosphorus are coming from.

Cut 8 (06) “row crops”

Rabalais says Louisiana does not contribute much to the dead zone yet we are the ones who face what happens to our water ways. But she says it benefits water quality everywhere to clean up this mess.

Cut 9 (10)  “far away”

________________________________________________________

Louisiana’s military bases will see tremendous benefits from the National Defense Authorization Act passed by the US House. That’s according to Richland Parish Congressman Ralph Abraham, who says this is the funding mechanism for the nation’s military. He says the bill begins the process of re-engining B-25 bombers, many of which are housed at Barksdale Air Force Base.

Cut 10 (10) “maintenance costs”

In central Louisiana, Abraham says the NDAA protects Fort Polk by preventing another round of base realignment and closures. The bill would also increase the size of each branch, and many of the new troops will train at the Joint Readiness Training Center there. More importantly, he says, it gives military men and women a 2.4 percent pay increase.

Cut 11 (11) “care of them”

Abraham says the NDAA passed by the House supports the continued use of the F-15C fighter planes in use at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in Belle Chasse. He says it also supports maintenance and development of the tactical aviation squadron.

Cut 12 (08) “in the future”

_________________________________________________

According to a recent study, sleep deprivation is costing Americans billions. Dr. Jake Rodi with Ochsner says people are more sleep deprived than ever. He says the biggest medical cause of sleep loss is sleep apnea, but there’s plenty of things that keep us up at night.

Cut 13 (08) “destroys melatonin”

Rodi says blue light from phone and tablet screens can cause people to lose sleep. He advises turning on the nighttime setting to turn off the blue light and putting down electronics an hour before bedtime. He says there are other ways people can get a better night’s sleep.

Cut 14 (12) “go to sleep”

The study from Rand Europe finds the US loses over 1 million working days a year to sleep deprivation. Rodi says that’s because people aren’t as productive at work when they haven’t slept. He even estimates the $400 billion the study says we lose annually is a low ball.

Cut 15 (09) “sleep deprivation”

One year after an ambush attack on Baton Rouge police officers, Deputy Nick Tullier continues to make miraculous strides. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards took time today to remember the fallen Baton Rouge officers who were killed in an ambush attack one year ago today. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

One year later, East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Deputy Nick Tullier continues to defy the odds. Nick has made tremendous strides in his recovery after being shot three times by a gunman who ambushed Baton Rouge police officers. Nick’s father, James Tullier, says his son underwent major abdominal surgery last week because he’s been struggling with infection since the shooting.

Cut 3 (11) “his therapies”

Tullier says the doctors and therapists at TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston have been awesome in their commitment to Nick and all their patients. He says Nick is able to move his arms and legs, and about a month ago he even said the word hello out loud, which are strides Nick was never supposed to make.

Cut 4  (12) “ever again”

Tullier says a year ago, doctors told them Nick would never survive, and even if he did, he would never walk or communicate again. But that couldn’t be further from the truth today. He says Nick is very much aware of what is going on around him, and they always let him know about messages of support and updates from the doctors.

Cut 5  (12)  “lets us know”

________________________________________________

East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says the Baton Rouge police ambush a year ago today was a turning point for our community. Gautreaux says he was in Lake Charles when he received a phone call telling him his officers were shot. He says he raced back to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital where he learned three officers had lost their lives.

Cut 6 (09) “year today”

Gautreaux says he remains in touch with the family of the fallen officers, Deputy Brad Garafola and the Baton Rouge city officers Matthew Gerald and Montrell Jackson, as well as the injured officers including Sgt. Bruce Simmons who is expected to make a full recovery. He says this tragedy has put the officers on high alert…

Cut 7 (10)  “like this”

Gautreaux says they will never forget these brave men and will continue to view them as heroes not only in their death but in how they lived. He says the men and women in the Sheriff’s Office have come together to stay strong.

Cut 8 (10) “of us”

________________________________________________

The Baton Rouge Police Department is looking for a man they say fatally shot and killed his ex-girlfriend. Sgt. Don Coppola says 52-year-old Robert Antoine is accused of opening fire on two individuals early Saturday morning, striking one whom police believe was his ex-girlfriend:

Cut 9 (09)  “the country”

Antoine is wanted on counts of second-degree murder, aggravated battery and illegal use of a weapon. He says the victim, 41-year-old Monique Maxie of Baton Rouge, was getting out of a vehicle with another person..:

Cut 10 (08) “taking her life”

Anyone with information on this man’s whereabouts is urged to contact authorities. Copolla says Antoine should be considered dangerous…:

Cut 11 (09) “of him”

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A Kinder man has been arrested after he was caught dumping a load of kittens off on the side of the road. Deputy Christopher Ivey with the Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff’s Office says deputies patrolling the area noticed a vehicle stopped on the side of the road which then turned down a private road. He says they then pulled over 63-year-old Morris Williams…

Cut 12 (09) “the roadway”

Ivey says deputies first believed Williams was either dumping garbage or trespassing. He says the officer was able to retrieve the kittens from the ditch.

Cut 13 (08) “adopted”

Ivey says Williams is charged with 5 counts of animal cruelty. He says this is something they take very seriously and it’s a shame animal abandonment happens so frequently.

Cut 14 (11) “they can” 

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Kits for Kidz is now underway as the Louisiana Correctional Association distributes school supplies to children with incarcerated parents. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Participation in the state’s flood recovery survey is lagging, and state officials are hoping upping their efforts will get more flood victims to apply for federal aid. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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One year ago, three Baton Rouge law enforcement officers were killed and three injured in a police ambush in Baton Rouge. Michelle Southern looks back with BRPD Chief Carl Dabadie…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Louisiana Correctional Association’s Kits for Kidz is underway where school supplies are distributed to children of the state’s incarcerated population. Vice President Angela Whittaker says they wanted a way to help these kids because they are at a higher risk of following criminal behavior. She says encouraging education contributes to putting these children on the path to success.

Cut 4  (10) “their children”

These supply kits are handed to kids who visit state prisons now through the start of school. Whittaker says there are over 64-thousand Louisiana children with an incarcerated parent. She says these kids are full of excitement when handed backpack full of goodies.

Cut 5  (11)  “the basics”

15-thousand dollars’ worth of kits will be distributed this year. Whittaker says the offender population has been very involved in this work. She says the parents feel a sense of joy knowing that even behind bars they can help provide for their child.

Cut 6 (09) “their life”

To donate, visit www.lacorrectional.org.

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State officials are ramping up efforts to boost participation in the flood recovery survey. Pat Forbes with the Office of Community Development says they started with emails and phone calls and moved on to PSA’s and billboards. He says now they’re taking the survey to the ground level and going door to door.

Cut 7 (09)  “available to them”

The survey is the first step for flood victims to receive federal flood recovery dollars. Forbes says flood victims need to complete the survey to see if they’re eligible for the state’s homeowner assistance program. He says enrollment isn’t moving as quickly as they’d hoped.

Cut 8 (10) “for our program”

Forbes says flood victims don’t need any documentation to complete the five to ten minute survey. He says some people have not complete the survey because they don’t think they will qualify, but he says a lot more people will qualify than think they will.

Cut 9 (09)  “might still qualify”

The survey can be found online at restore.la.gov.

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It was an early Sunday morning one year ago, when the lives of three law enforcement officers were lost and three others were injured in the tragic police ambush in Baton Rouge. Baton Rouge Police Chief Carl Dabadie says leading up to that day, he thought the unrest was about to be over after the protests of the Alton Sterling shooting were settling down. He says everything came crashing down at 8:30 a.m. when he received that phone call.

Cut 10 (11) “more hurt”

Dabadie says throughout this catastrophic event, the community has come together in unimaginable ways to support BRPD. He says the department has been working extremely hard to improve relations with the public.

Cut 11 (08) “we’ve held”

Dabadie says this anniversary is a day of remembrance and reflection for the lives of the three officers lost, Deputy Brad Garafola, Officers Matthew Gerald and Montrell Jackson. He says these families have been to hell and back.

Cut 12 (10) “amazing”

Dabadie says he’s in awe of the tremendous bravery shown by the wives of the fallen officers.

Cut 13 (10) “them with”

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is meeting with Canadian official today to renew the Quebec-Louisiana partnership with the Council on Development of French in Louisiana, or CODOFIL. Nungesser says the partnership helps prepare French teachers for the classroom.

Cut 14 (09) “here in Louisiana”

Nungesser says the CODOFIL agreement is invaluable to Louisiana and its students, and it also has a huge impact on tourism. He says Canadian visitors are Louisiana’s number one foreign market. He says it’s a win-win for the state.

Cut 15 (10) “from Canada”

Nungesser and other tourism officials made the trip to Quebec on Sunday. He says they’re thrilled to extend this agreement and grow the French heritage in Louisiana.

Cut 16 (10)  “from Canada”

US Senator John Kennedy asked candidates for FBI director to help with the crime problem in New Orleans. Halen Doughty has more on his plan and the response from NOPD Superintendent Michael Harrison…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The media has picked LSU to finish third in the SEC West, and fourth overall. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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US Senator John Kennedy thinks he’s found the way to reduce crime in New Orleans, but the police chief has other ideas.Kennedy said in a news release this week that he secured a promise that the potential FBI director will help The Big Easy.  Kennedy says New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu implemented a hiring freeze on NOPD in 2014, and he hasn’t kept his promise to hire 150 new officers since then. One of his recommendations is to up the number of officers in the force.

Cut 3 (08) “last year”

NOPD Superintendent Michael Harrison says understaffing is certainly a problem, but not one unique to New Orleans. But he says they won’t lower their standards just to get more cops on the streets. He says the department is working to address the problem with a new pay raise plan.

Cut 4  (09) “new people”

Harrison says if Kennedy wants to help, he can certainly give the NOPD more grant money to hire more officers. Another idea of Kennedy’s is for the NOPD to adopt a “stop, question, and frisk” policy. Harrison calls that profiling, but Kennedy disagrees.

Cut 5  (09)  “the constitution”

Kennedy says law enforcement can question anyone if they have “reasonable suspicion,” even if there’s no probable cause. Harrison says his officers do question people every day and night on the basis reasonable suspicion, and they’re seeing results.

Cut 6 (09) “to last year”

The US Senator also suggested NOPD partner with surrounding agencies. Harrison says they do work with their federal counterparts and neighboring departments, but those agencies have their own work to do.

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Popular north Louisiana chef Cory Bahr of Monroe heads into the 7^th week of Food Network Star. The show is Food Network’s highest honor and airs Sunday night at 8 p.m. Bahr says the hardest part of the competition is trying to get his point of view across to the judges.

Cut 7 (08)  “to do”

Bahr is the owner of Heritage Catering and was also a champion of the Food Network show “Chopped.” Bahr owned multiple restaurants in Monroe and says the experience of cooking on the show is totally different from creating meals off air. But he credits the pressure of being a chef in a professional kitchen to helping him be successful on the show.

Cut 8 (11) “the world”

Bahr just squeaked by in week 6 after being safe from the bottom five, but he struggled cooking with canned croissants, some the fine dining chef isn’t used to. Bahr says the work that goes into filming each episode is unreal, not only from the chefs but also the production staff. He says his main goal while competing is to show the world what Louisiana has to offer.

Cut 9 (09)  “the country”

Bahr encourages fans to vote for him online. Watch parties at the Flying Tiger Brewery in Monroe will be held for as long has Bahr remains on the show.

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, opioid prescription rates are dropping in Louisiana, but former FBI Director Louis Freeh warns federal loopholes could threaten that progress. A report from the Freeh Group suggests policy proposals would loosen restrictions on imported drugs. Freeh says the US has a closed prescription system, but these proposals would open it up to unregulated drugs.

Cut 10 (09) “the United States”

This year state lawmakers passed a package of bills aimed at reducing opioid prescriptions, including limiting first-time prescriptions. Freeh says that could encourage people to use other drugs, as legal prescriptions become harder to obtain. He says while prescription opioids are certainly addictive, counterfeit imported drugs can pose even higher risks.

Cut 11 (11) “massive importation”

The CDC finds opioid prescriptions have declined roughly 24 percent in the greater Baton Rouge area since 2010. But Freeh says legal prescriptions aren’t the only concern, as addicts will turn to other sources. He’s concerned gaps in federal laws would allow drug dealers to meet that demand.

Cut 12 (11) “this trade now”

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The SEC Media projections are out and the 2017 LSU football team is picked to finish behind Alabama and Auburn in the SEC West. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says these projections aren’t surprising, especially when it comes to Alabama who continues to be the well-deserved favorite in the West. He says reporters are also big on Auburn right now…:

Cut 13 (08) “to the next level”

LSU is picked number four to outright win the SEC Championship, behind Alabama, Auburn and Georgia. Worsham says there is a lot of hype about the Bulldogs right now too as they have 10 starters back on defense, and talented sophomore quarterback Jacob Eason. He says the good news for LSU fans is that SEC projections tend to be wrong…:

Cut 14 (10)  “standards”

Worsham says this LSU football team is one of the most difficult to predict that he’s seen in a long time. He says there are a ton of questions headed into the season…:

Cut 15 (16) “very rare”

Reporters also named seven Tigers to All-SEC teams, including first-teamers Derrius Guice and Arden Key.