Baton Rouge founded Raising Cane’s has been named the fastest-growing chain in the US for 2017 by Nation’s Restaurant News. Don Molino reports…:

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

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Two young men have been arrested after allegedly severely beating an elderly man in a road rage incident in Slidell. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Interstate 10 East between Sorrento and Gramercy will be closed again this weekend to repair the on ramp bridge connecting U.S. 61 and I-10. The closure begins at 9 p.m. tonight and is set to reopen by 5 a.m. on Monday. Rodney Mallett with the state Department of Transportation advises motorists to be prepared to have an alternate route if traveling to New Orleans.

Cut 3 (09) “61”

Mallett says another route would be to take U.S. 61, also known as Airline Highway into Laplace and get back on I-10. He advises motorists to determine an alternative route before starting their journey.

Cut 4  (07) “511la.org”

Mallett says the onramp, which goes over interstate 10, was hit by a truck that was not small enough to go underneath it. The damaged section was removed in March and repairs have been ongoing at a site next to the interstate. He says they decided to remove the ramp in order to prevent more than just a couple of closures.

Cut 5  (08)  “be repaired”

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Raising Cane’s has been named the fastest-growing chain in the US for 2017 by the industry publication Nation’s Restaurant News. It says the Baton Rouge founded chicken establishment did $640.5 million dollars in sales in 2016, up 26 percent from the prior year. Matt Massey is the Regional Vice President at Cane’s. He says this is a great honor…:

Cut 6 (11) “everyday”

Cane’s has nearly 330 locations, including 50 in Louisiana, but is growing rapidly with 59 new restaurants popping up in the past year. Massey says their mission is about more than just serving tasty chicken tenders with toast and amazing secret sauce…:

Cut 7 (09)  “love what they do”

Rounding out the Top 5 are Jersey Mike’s Subs, Marco’s Pizza, Wingstop and Chick-fil-A. Massey says they are providing more than $6.5 million in work that supports their local communities…:

Cut 8 (08) “in their causes”

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A 73-year-old Slidell man was brutally beaten during a road rage incident just before noon yesterday. Slidell Police responded to the scene after receiving a 911 call from a witness who saw two young men attacking the elderly man inside his vehicle. Detective Daniel Seuzeneau says when officers arrived…

Cut 9 (09)  “house”

Seuzeneau says police found the disoriented man nearby with severe injuries. He says when questioned, McCraney said the man almost hit he and Young as they were crossing the road so they began yelling and the victim pulled over…

Cut 10 (10) “was up”

Seuzeneau says the victim was transported to University Medical Center in New Orleans due to the severity of the injuries to his face and head. He says Slidell Police Chief Randy Fandal calls this is a heinous act and they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Cut 11 (11) “penalties”

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One of the officers wounded in the deadly ambush on cops in Baton Rouge last year is suing leaders of the Black Lives Matter movement. On July 17th, 2016, 29-year-old Gavin Long killed three officers and wounded three others in a targeted attack. The suit accuses Black Lives Matter of inciting violence. But legal analyst Tim Meche doesn’t see this going far

Cut 12 (10) “first amendment right”

Meche says another reason he doesn’t see any money being recovered is because Black Lives Matter likely doesn’t have any assets to be seized. He feels this suit has been brought to make a political point..:

Cut 13 (08) “as a result”

Long had posted videos on the internet calling for retaliation against cops over what he called oppressive treatment of African Americans. Meche says you’d have a hard time holding anyone accountable for the actions of a person who is clearly insane…:

Cut 14 (09) “crazily”

The suit’s description of the plaintiff matches East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Nicholas Tullier who is still hospitalized. The plaintiff attorneys are Donna Grodner and Denise Vinet. Baton Rouge Attorney Beau Brock says they’ll have to show that the protests following the shooting of Alton Sterling sparked Long into attacking Baton Rouge law enforcement…

Cut 15 (08) “into it”

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A state lawmaker is battling breast cancer. Jeff Palermo reports a lot of people are pulling for Kenner Republican Julie Stokes to win the fight…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Once again, Louisiana ranks number one in the Tax Foundation’s study for the highest sales tax rate in the country. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A cat suffering from a gunshot wound to the face is expected to make a full recovery. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (30) “Emelie Gunn”

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As we approach the one-year anniversary of the deadly August south Louisiana flood, the head of Louisiana’s Office of Community Development, Pat Forbes, says they are ramping up on spending the federal grant money designed to help flood victims get back in their homes. Forbes says they have reimbursed some families for the work that’s already been done

Cut 4  (09) “for them”

Forbes says one of the complaints they’ve heard from flood victims is that there’s not enough money available to provide assistance. He says they actually have enough to help out a whole bunch of folks….

Cut 5  (09)  “help you”

Forbes says flood victims seeking assistance to rebuild must fill out a survey that can be found at Restore-dot-LA-dot-gov. He says a majority of grants that have been handed out, went to individuals who have finished rebuilding….

Cut 6 (11) “area”

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The Tax Foundation has updated its national review of sales tax rates and  Louisiana continues to rank number one with a combined state and local sales tax rate averaging just above 10-percent. Director of state projects for the Tax Foundation, Scott Drenkard, says Louisiana has one of the highest local sales tax rates in the nation….

Cut 7 (12)  “10.02 percent”

The other states in the top five are Alabama, Washington, Arkansas and Tennessee is ranked number two behind Louisiana. He says the Bayou State has high sales taxes, because its property taxes are lower than most states thanks to the Homestead Exemption

Cut 8 (12) “of revenue”

Drenkard says when you combine sales, property and income taxes, Louisiana is one of the least tax burdened states. He says we are actually tied with Texas. But he says Louisiana can benefit from tax reform, because it has one of the most complex tax structures in the nation…

Cut 9 (10)  “Louisiana”

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A Denham Springs couple has discovered a cat suffering from a gunshot wound to the face when the feline walked up to the front door of their home. The Humane Society of Louisiana Executive Director Jeff Dorson says the cat has received medical attention and is getting the care he needs…

Cut 10 (09) “has survived”

Dorson says the cat has been nicknamed “Scar face”. He says it’s amazing that given the horrendous injury, he has so much will to live.

Cut 11 (06) “amazing story”

Dorson says they are working with law enforcement to determine who could’ve shot the cat. He says the cat will undergo reconstruction and extraction surgery.

Cut 12 (10) “full recovery”

Dorson encourages anyone who can to donate for the surgery costs on the Humane Society’s website.

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Kenner Representative Julie Stokes bows out of the State Treasurer’s race because of cancer. Stokes says she has been diagnosed with breast cancer and faces at least five months of chemotherapy. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says Stokes is a highly regarded and respected state lawmaker…

Cut 13 (12) “fiscal questions”

Stokes was set to qualify for the State Treasurer’s race next week. Dubos says the Republican was considered one of the favorites to win…

Cut 14 (10) “Acadiana”

Former state legislator John Schroder from Covington and Columbia Senator Neil Riser have been on the campaign trail for John Kennedy’s old job. Former Commissioner of Administration Angele Davis might also run. Dubos expects a very competitive race…

Cut 15 (06) “strong campaigns”

Stokes says she hopes to be fully recovered by the time the 2018 legislative session begins.

Bad news for LSU baseball as pitcher Eric Walker will miss the 2018 season due to Tommy John surgery. Jeff Palermo has more….

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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State Police is investigating an officer involved shooting that left a man dead and an Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s deputy injured. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Education leaders are letting teachers and students know what policy changes can be expected when they head back to class in August. Debbie Meaux, Louisiana Association of Educators President, says a new law was recently signed by the governor that would limit testing time, to 2% of a student’s learning time…:

Cut 3 (10) “that area”

Meaux also says that teachers and administrators will be engaging with a new accountability system. She says in addition to grading schools based on how students do on tests, there will also be a new element that looks at how kids’ are growing and improving..:

Cut 4  (11) “their peers”

Meaux says expects with these tighter grading changes, some of the highest scoring schools and districts will be impacted negatively, at least at first…:

Cut 5  (10)  “their scores”

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An Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Deputy has been injured and a man is dead after an officer involved shooting in Mamou. State Police Trooper Scott Moreau says the deputy responded to a call of an attempted burglary after 4 o’clock this morning. He says the officer confronted 27-year-old Dejuan Guillory and an altercation occurred between the two.

Cut 6 (04) “the scene”

It’s not clear how the officer was injured. Moreau says the investigation is ongoing and the deputy is in stable condition.

Cut 7 (06)  “seeking treatment”

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LSU Baseball Coach Paul Mainieri announced today that pitcher Eric Walker will undergo surgery for a tear in the ulnar collateral ligament of his right elbow, causing him to miss the 2018 season. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says this is bad news for the Tigers as they expected him to be the starting Friday night pitcher.

Cut 8 (10) “isn’t good”

The surgery is known as the Tommy John surgery where the ligament is replaced by a tendon from somewhere else in the body. Moran says Walker’s injury means there will e three new weekend starters for the 2018 season.

Cut 9 (09)  “around that”

Walker first complained of discomfort in his forearm before the College World Series. He tried to pitch in a game in Omaha, but left in the third inning, because he felt the pain reach his elbow. Moran says this surgery was inevitable, regardless of Walker’s pitching during the College World Series.

Cut 10 (11) “the fall”

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Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Agents arrested five boaters for allegedly operating their vessel while intoxicated during their Operation Dry Water Weekend. LDWF Spokesperson Adam Einck says agents were on patrol with a heightened awareness for impaired boat operators. He says driving a boat drunk comes with the same dangers as driving a car drunk.

Cut 11 (10) “fatalities”

Those arrested ranged in ages from 47 to 21 and most of the arrests took place in south Louisiana. Einck says the penalties for receiving a DWI on the water are the same as one on the road.

Cut 12 (10) “a car”

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A two-year-old Lockport boy is another child who has died in a rash of drownings around Louisiana. Lt. Brennan Matherne with the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office says around noon on the 4^th of July deputies responded to a call of a child found unresponsive in the bottom of a pool. He says Kevin Cortez III was last seen playing with other kids inside the home…

Cut 13 (10) “CPR”

Matherne says Cortez was taken to the hospital by ambulance where he was pronounced dead. He says the Cortez’s were at an Independence Day family gathering.

Cut 14 (07) “drowned in

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It looks as if there is a mayoral shift in Louisiana has five major cities in the state have or will see a new leader in the last two years. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Four children have died in a rash of drownings in Tangipahoa Parish, so the state’s child welfare agency is urging parents to be vigilant of water safety. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Forecasters at Colorado State University have increased the number of hurricanes predicted this season. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (31) “Emelie Gunn”

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On the one year anniversary of the shooting death of Alton Sterling, seven people were arrested during a protest at Baton Rouge Police Headquarters. Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says four men and three women  members of the New Black Panther Party tried to push through a barricade. He says one officer was hurt.

Cut 4  (11) “injured officer”

McKneely says one female protester injured her knee and received medical treatment. He says the seven individuals arrested were booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

Cut 5  (05)  “arrest”

Authorities say a film crew was on hand to film the 25 to 30 Black Panther members protesting. McKneely says they are investigating who and where these protesters are from.

Cut 6 (10) “area”

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It looks as there is a mayoral shift moving through the state as five of Louisiana’s biggest cities have experienced a change in power over the last two years. That’s according to, Jeremy Alford of LaPolitics.com, who says right now it’s difficult to tell if there are ties that bind but….

Cut 7 (10)  “some way”

Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Shreveport and soon to be New Orleans have recently seen a change. Alford says the most interesting thing about these elections is only one candidate was able to flip a seat, Republican Nic Hunter replaced Democrat Randy Roach in Lake Charles. He says New Orleans residents will select a new mayor in the fall.

Cut 8 (09) “New Orleans”

Alford says political change isn’t something that Louisiana typically sees in politics but that could all change with this new wave of mayors. He says the biggest teller of change is looking back years down the road and seeing what positive impacts were made.

Cut 9 (10)  “Louisiana”

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A two-year-old boy is now the fourth child to die in a rash of drownings in Tangipahoa Parish. The state Department of Children and Family Services is advising parents of water safety during the summer months. Mona Michelli with the DCFS Division of Child Welfare says this is a time to be vigilant.

Cut 10 (10) “of water”

Louisiana had the second highest rate of drownings in the nation from 2013 to 2015 with 71 children dying, according to the state Health Department. Michelli says teach children to swim with a partner, never alone. She also adds, keep toys out of the pool area when not in use.

Cut 11 (10) “no occur”

Michelli says pool owners should install a fence with a locked gate around a pool that is beyond a child’s reach. She also adds it’s smart for parents to learn CPR in the event of an emergency and know the signs of drowning.

Cut 12 (08) “TV”

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Colorado State University hurricane forecasters are now calling for an above average hurricane season as they’ve upped their total of named storms to 15. Lead researcher Phil Klotzbach says they predict eight hurricanes. He says the higher numbers are because of an uptick in sea surface temperatures along with…

Cut 13 (11) “hurricanes”

Klotzbach says they previously predicted 14 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes but…

Cut 14 (10) “or greater”

The CSU forecast team says there is a 38-percent chance a major hurricane will make landfall along the Gulf of Mexico coast. Klotzbach says active seasons typically have more landfalling hurricanes.

Cut 15 (10) “managment”

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Congressman Clay Higgins made a video commentary while at the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland, but officials with the memorial aren’t happy. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Minden Representative Gene Reynolds has decided not to step down from his position as the leader of the House Democratic Caucus. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins is receiving some backlash from the Auschwitz Memorial after he filmed and narrated a video in a gas chamber of the former Nazi concentration camp in Poland. Officials with the memorial say this is a place for mournful silence, not to be used as a stage. In the video, Higgins said it was a message for Americans to explain why our military must be invincible.

Cut 3 (10) “squared away”

Before entering the gas chamber, a plaque explains the memorial is to be a silent place to respect the victims’ memory. Higgins said in the video that nobody should ever forget that this happened, and America should never let its guard down..:

Cut 4  (07) “quite shocking”

Higgins’ office says the Congressman is not ready to respond to the tweet from the museum at this time. In the video, Higgins says the United States is now more vulnerable to terror like the Nazi regime.

Cut 5  (12)  “is protected”

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Louisiana is now the 6^th state to allow students to bring and use sunscreen at public school, after Governor John Bel Edwards signed the measure into law. Kristin Hellquist with the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association says skin cancer can be preventable and it’s important to start protection at a young age.

Cut 6 (09) “as well”

Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Utah and Washington are the other states with similar laws regarding sunscreen in public schools. Hellquist hopes this law brings awareness to the dangers of skin cancer, along with the choice to bring sunscreen to school.

Cut 7 (10)  “be appropriate”

Hellquist says this is a step in the right direction to being proactive in the efforts to limit the risks associated with sun exposure. She says it’s a great victory to see how successful the legislation became with the hard work from many dermatologists and surgeons.

Cut 8 (09) “for us”

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The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments today in the case of a Rastafarian inmate with dreadlocks who doesn’t want to cut his hair as prison rules state because it goes against his religious beliefs. ACLU of Louisiana Executive Director Marjorie Esman says they filed the suit against the Department of Corrections on behalf of Christopher Ware…:

Cut 9 (11)  “religious beliefs”

Esman says Ware’s right would be violated by the DOC’s grooming policy which prohibits dreadlocks. She says the DOC argues it’s a safety issue, but they don’t require women to cut their hair that short…:

Cut 10 (13) “minority religion”

Esman says religious discrimination against prisoners is prohibited. She says it’s fitting that oral arguments were heard on the day after the 4th of July…:

Cut 11 (08) “be heard today”

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Minden Representative Gene Reynolds has decided not to step down from his position as the leader of the House Democratic Caucus, saying he will finish out his term as chairman. He says many people from both parties reached out and asked him to stay on and make sure the person who moves into the position knows what all goes on behind the scenes…:

Cut 12 (09) “pull the party together”

Lawmakers need to address a $1.2 billion dollar shortfall in an expected special session, and Reynolds feels his experience is needed in these turbulent times. He also says that there needs to be a dialogue with this emerging middle of the road group of lawmakers…:

Cut 13 (12) “special session”

Reynolds has served as chairman since the election of Governor John Bel Edwards. He says lawmakers from both sides of the aisle need to roll up their sleeves and take care of business…:

Cut 14 (08) “70 votes that we need”

The 10^th annual national suit drive is underway. Emelie Gunn has more on how these suits benefit former inmates returning to society…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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One year after Alton Sterling was shot by Baton Rouge police at a convenience store, many are still waiting for justice. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The state department of transportation is mourning the loss of one its workers who was killed while fixing potholes near New Iberia. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “Jeff Palermo”

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The 10^th Annual National Suit Drive is now underway to help releasing offenders look for a job and be dressed for the part. Founder and president emeritus of Refined By Fire Ministries Elain Ellerbe says they have partnered with Men’s Warehouse and the Department of Corrections to collect gently used professional wear and distribute them to former inmates. She says this gives individuals released from prison the confidence and assurance to be successful.

Cut 4  (10) “they are”

The annual effort is known as the Michael Ellerbe Legacy Suit Drive as Elain’s husband was the former pre-release director at Dixon Correctional Institute. Ellerbe says this is the chance for the public to contribute to a person’s reintegration into society.

Cut 5  (09)  “the opportunity”

Over 16,500 individuals are released from prison into Louisiana communities each year. Ellerbe says they collect both men and women’s professional wear from suits and sports coats to ties and other accessories. She says wearing a nice business outfit to a job interview makes a big first impression.

Cut 6 (07) “am changing”

If you would like to donate and are not located new a Men’s Warehouse, contact your district probation and parole office.

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Three brothers have been arrested in Monroe after one of the men allegedly shot at an Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Deputy after a traffic stop early yesterday morning. Deputy Glenn Springfield says during the stop, Audley, Ladarrian and Rakin Alexander all exited the vehicle…

Cut 7 (09)  “three suspects”

Springfield says it’s a miracle the officer wasn’t hit. He says the three brothers were booked into the Ouachita Correction Center and have been identified as….

Cut 8 (08) “Alexander”

Springfield says two shots were fired at the deputy when the three men exited the car. He says the Alexander’s face multiple charges.

Cut 9 (09)  “firearm”

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One year ago today, Alton Sterling was fatally shot at a Baton Rouge convenience store during a confrontation with two white police officers, resulting in riots, protests, a federal investigation, and even an ambush on Baton Rouge police. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says many are disappointed there is still no resolution in this case, as residents in his district are crying out for justice.

Cut 10 (09) “a conviction”

The federal investigation did not bring forth any charges against officers Blane Salamoni and Howie Lake. State charges could be filed after Attorney General Jeff Landry conducts his investigation into the incident. But James says that could be another six months at least.

Cut 11 (09) “the investigation”

Salamoni’s attorney John McLindon says it’s been a rough year for his client. But he says Salamoni has received a lot of support because he did what he had to do.

Cut 12 (09) “to do”

McLindon says Salamoni and his family are also ready for a conclusion to this. He says they’ve offered to help the AG any way they can in the state investigation.

Cut 13 (09) “activity here”

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The state department of transportation is mourning the loss of one its employees who was killed while fixing potholes near New Iberia. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says 63-year-old Paul Featherston was standing behind a dump truck when he was struck by an elderly driver…

Cut 14 (10) “this happened”

State Police is investigating the fatal accident. At this time, no charges have been filed against the driver, 88-year-old Allen Olivier of St. Martinville. Mallett says unfortunately the death of a highway construction worker while performing their job happens too often…

Cut 15 (09) “in Louisiana”

Mallett says it appears this tragic accident could have been prevented as the workers made it clear that ongoing road work was taking place….

Cut 16 (07)  “as possible”

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LSU left fielder Antoine Duplantis has been chosen as the next Tiger to wear the number eight jersey. In a tradition started Mikie Mahtook, the player who wears number eight on the LSU baseball team goes to the upperclassmen who exemplifies leadership and dedication to the program. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says Duplantis is an obvious choice…

Cut 17 (13) “he’s fast”

In other LSU baseball news, pitcher Eric Walker will meet with a physician with Texas Rangers tomorrow. Walker’s season ended during the College World Series, because of discomfort in his throwing arm. Moran says if the injury to Walker keeps him out of the 2018 season or forces him to miss extended period of time, it opens another spot in the weekend rotation…

Cut 18 (15) “the draft” 

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The LSU men’s basketball program recently picked a verbal commitment from one of the top point guards in the country. Ja’Vonte Smart from Scotlandville High School in Baton Rouge has chosen to stay home and play for the Tigers. Scotlandville Head Coach Carlos Sample says Smart will give you everything he has….

Cut 19 (20) “will compete”

First-year Will Wade has made his mark on the recruiting trail already. Since being hired in March, Wade signed a 2017 recruiting class that’s ranked in the Top 20 and he’s brought some excitement to the program. Sample says Smart should flourish at LSU…

Cut 20 (16) “another level”

State officials say it’s very important to keep safety measures in mind when setting off fireworks this Fourth of July. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Secretary of State Tom Schedler says he will not release the private voter information the Trump Administration requested. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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With lots of fireworks expected this Fourth of July, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals encourages pet parents to keep their fur babies safe and calm. Ana Zorrilla with the Louisiana SPCA says the Fourth of July is one of the busiest days in terms of animals getting lost from their homes. She says that’s why it’s important to make sure all your pets have a collar and ID tag.

Cut 3 (10) “local shelters”

Zorrilla says dogs are less anxious when they’re tired. She advises exercising your dog by playing fetch or going for a walk before the fireworks begin. She says dog owners can also keep their fur baby distracted with toys during the fireworks.

Cut 4  (10) “those fireworks”

Zorrilla says pets should be kept inside during fireworks displays to keep them safe, even if they are usually outside. She says the loud noise of the fireworks often scares or startles pets, and there are ways pet parents can help with that too.

Cut 5  (10)  “certainly help”

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Many Americans cannot imagine the Fourth of July without fireworks, but state officials say it’s very important to keep safety measures in mind when setting off the colorful and loud pyrotechnics. Brant Thompson with the State Fire Marshal’s Office says the gravity of exercising care while using fireworks cannot be over stated…:

Cut 6 (10) “property damage”

Thompson says it’s estimated that fireworks cause over 18,000 fires each year in America, which includes approximately 2,000 structures and vehicles, resulting in millions of dollars in damages…:

Cut 7 (09)  “July 4″

Thompson says they encourage revelers to take advantage of the many organized celebrations throughout Louisiana where the fireworks displays are conducted by professional pyrotechnic operators. He says those that do put on a private show should be sober, wearing safety goggles and have a hose or bucket of water nearby…:

Cut 8 (10) “ignite fireworks”

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Louisiana voters’ private information will not be released, no matter what the Trump Administration says. That’s according to Secretary of State Tom Schedler, who says he denied the voter information request from the Presidential Commission on Election Integrity. He says he received a letter from the commission’s vice chairman, Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, requesting public information.

Cut 9 (09)  “public information”

Schedler says in reality, private information, like social security number, mother’s maiden name, and date of birth was requested. Louisiana’s public voter list only includes name, address, party affiliation and voter history. Schedler says he will not release any confidential information on Louisiana voters.

Cut 10 (12) “from me”

Schedler received a similar request from the Department of Justice under the Obama Administration. He says he did not release the information then, and he’s not releasing it now either.

Cut 11 (08) “never will”

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If you like hot and sticky weather, then you’ll enjoy this Independence Day. State Climatologist Barry Keim says there’s almost no chance of rain today and winds are pumping in high humidity levels from the Gulf of Mexico.

Cut 12 (09) “low 100s”

Keim says it will be a hot, muggy summer day. He advises people to stay cool and drink plenty of water. He says since there’s minimal cloud coverage and no chance of rain, outdoor Fourth of July festivities should not be interrupted, unless you need to head inside for a break from the hot weather.

Cut 13 (07) “be minimal”

Keim says as we get closer to the middle of July, we’re moving into the hottest part of the year. So you can expect more hot summer days through the rest of the week.

Cut 14 (08) “typical summer”

A St. John Parish sheriff’s deputy is recovering after he was struck by a vehicle on Interstate 10. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says if you’re outside for the Fourth of July holiday prepare for dangerous heat levels. Don Molino the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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A St. John Parish sheriff’s deputy is lucky to be alive after he was struck by a possible drunk driver on Interstate 10 this morning. Sheriff Mike Tregre says his Sgt. Staty Lewis was assisting a St. Charles Parish deputy with an accident on the side of I-10.

Cut 3 (10) “in his unit”

Tregre says Lewis was standing on the ground leaning inside the vehicle when it was struck. He says when the police unit was rear-ended, the impact caused the vehicle to strike the deputy. The deputy was airlifted to an area hospital.

Cut 4  (07) “and alert”

The woman in the initial crash was also airlifted to the hospital, but Tregre says she is okay. Toxicology results are pending, as impairment is suspected to be a factor. The driver was reportedly travelling at high speeds, and the crash did extensive damage to the police unit.

Cut 5  (08)  “point of impact”

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It will be one hot Fourth of July holiday as the National Weather Service is calling for heat indices of 100-degrees or more for extended periods. The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency preparedness spokesperson Mike Steele says be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion, like heavy sweating, dizziness or a weak, rapid pulse….

Cut 6 (09) “problems develop”

Steele says an even more dangerous situation is heat stroke and those symptoms include…

Cut 7 (10)  “they’re ok”

Steele says if you’re planning on spending a significant amount of time outside, make sure you wear the appropriate clothing…

Cut 8 (07) “stay hydrated”

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State Police are investigating an officer involved shooting in Ouachita Parish. Trooper Michael Reichardt says the incident occurred around 10:30 Sunday morning at a gas station at the corner of Hwy 594 and US 80.

Cut 9 (07)  “shooting there”

The suspect was shot in the chest and airlifted to an area hospital with serious injuries. Reichardt says the investigation is ongoing, as investigators are collecting video surveillance from the store and witness statements. He says deputies were called to the convenience store because of the suspect.

Cut 10 (07) “the first place”

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An off duty Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Deputy has died following a single-vehicle crash in Thibodaux. State Trooper Jesse LaGrange says 21-year-old Seth Bourgeois was travelling down La 304 late Sunday afternoon when the fatal crash occurred.

Cut 11 (09) “his vehicle”

Bourgeois was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Impairment is not suspected to be a factor, but the cause of the crash remains under investigation. LaGrange says Bourgeois was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.

Cut 12 (12)  “inside the vehicle”

__________________________________________________________

A state transportation worker was killed this morning near New Iberia after he was hit by an 88-year-old driver. State Police Sergeant Jared Sandifer says 63-year-old DOTD employee Paul Featherston was standing behind a dump truck on LA 31 shortly before 9:00 am…

Cut 13 (11) “as a result”

Featherston pronounced dead at the scene by the Iberia Parish Coroner’s Office. The driver of the vehicle who hit Featherston has been identified as 88-year-old Allen Olivier of St. Martinville. Sandifer says motorists need to be cautious in roadway construction zones…

Cut 14 (10) “everybody else”

Sandifer says an investigation is ongoing to determine if any charges should be pursued by the local district attorney’s office…

Cut 15 (10) “every year”

____________________________________________________________

This year all public school students in Louisiana will learn cursive writing, thanks to a new law by Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

U.S. Senator John Kennedy is among 10 in the Senate who have sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell requesting that he cancels August Recess. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Louisiana farmers and ranchers impacted by the 2016 floods are eligible for recovery grants. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

__________________________________

Public school students will be required to learn cursive writing this year, as a bill by Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell went into effect on July 1. Mizell’s bill passed during last year’s legislative session, but it didn’t take effect right away. She says this gave school systems more time to prepare.

Cut 4  (09) “right now”

Mizell says she’s visited about 15 schools since passing the legislation last year. She says the kids she’s spoken with are excited about learning how to write in cursive. She’s especially thrilled these kids will be able to sign their names.

Cut 5  (10)  “a signature”

The law requires students to be taught cursive writing by the third grade, but it does not outline how long teachers should spend on the matter. Mizell says she wanted to leave that up to the school districts and the teachers.

Cut 6 (10) “the curriculum”

________________________________________________________

The new fiscal year is underway and 38,000 state employees will see a pay raise. A two percent pay hike was approved. State civil service director Byron Decoteau says traditionally state employees were eligible for a four percent performance adjustment on October 1, but that won’t happen this year.

Cut 7 (09)  “January 1”

Law enforcement and child welfare workers specifically will see higher pay in the hopes of combating high turnover rates. So Decoteau says prison guards and probation officers are among the state workers that will see an even higher pay on January 2.

Cut 8 (04) “modest increase”

The higher wages will cost the state an additional 48-million dollars this year. But Decoteau says raises help combat a high turnover rate in state government, which is also costly.

Cut 9 (10)  “in turnover”

__________________________________________________________

U.S. Senator John Kennedy is among 10 Senate Republicans calling for the cancellation of the August recess in order to address issues that demand immediate attention. Kennedy says the current Senate calendar shows only 33 potential working days remaining before the end of the fiscal year and they’ve yet to approve meaningful reforms…

Cut 10 (10) “infrastructure bill”

Kennedy says changes are still being made to the Senate health care reform bill and he’s waiting to see if the final product is better than so-called Obamacare…

Cut 11 (08) “for it”

Kennedy says Congress has three months to extend the National Flood Insurance Program, which expires September 30th. He says a budget and 12 appropriations bills before that date also has to be approved to avoid a government shutdown…

Cut 12 (09) “through August”

____________________________________________________________

Farmers and ranchers who were impacted by last year’s floods could be eligible for recovery grants. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says the state has $10 million to help affected farmers. He says it is part of the $1.6 billion Congress appropriated for flood recovery.

Cut 13 (07) “the flooding”

Strain says to qualify, you must have had at least $10,000 in uninsured losses. He says they’re also doing what they can to make sure all farmers and ranchers are aware of this opportunity.

Cut 14 (10) “accepting applications”

Strain says the floods caused more than $100 million in agriculture losses, and this is something his office has worked for since the floods. He says there needs to be a better system in place to help farmers after disasters.

Cut 15 (09) “Stafford Act”

____________________________________________________________

The Pelicans have re-signed free-agent guard Jrue Holiday to a five-year, 126-million dollar contract. Pelicans insider and Bourbon Streets Shots writer Jake Madison says it was a signing that had to happen for the Pels to compete in the difficult Western Conference….

Cut 16 (19)  “the West”

Holiday’s return gives the Pelicans three star players along with big men Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins. Madison says the Pelicans do not have a lot of salary cap flexibility to add more firepower, but they have enough money to sign a good three-point shooter…

Cut 17 (18) “last season”

Madison says the Holiday signing assures that the Pelicans will be in contention for a playoff spot….

Cut 18 (11) “Western Conference” 

This year all public school students in Louisiana will learn cursive writing, thanks to a new law by Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

U.S. Senator John Kennedy is among 10 in the Senate who have sent a letter to Senate Major League Mitch McConnell requesting that he cancels August Recess. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Louisiana farmers and ranchers impacted by the 2016 floods are eligible for recovery grants. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

__________________________________

Public school students will be required to learn cursive writing this year, as a bill by Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell went into effect on July 1. Mizell’s bill passed during last year’s legislative session, but it didn’t take effect right away. She says this gave school systems more time to prepare.

Cut 4  (09) “right now”

Mizell says she’s visited about 15 schools since passing the legislation last year. She says the kids she’s spoken with are excited about learning how to write in cursive. She’s especially thrilled these kids will be able to sign their names.

Cut 5  (10)  “a signature”

The law requires students to be taught cursive writing by the third grade, but it does not outline how long teachers should spend on the matter. Mizell says she wanted to leave that up to the school districts and the teachers.

Cut 6 (10) “the curriculum”

________________________________________________________

The new fiscal year is underway and 38,000 state employees will see a pay raise. A two percent pay hike was approved. State civil service director Byron Decoteau says traditionally state employees were eligible for a four percent performance adjustment on October 1, but that won’t happen this year.

Cut 7 (09)  “January 1”

Law enforcement and child welfare workers specifically will see higher pay in the hopes of combating high turnover rates. So Decoteau says prison guards and probation officers are among the state workers that will see an even higher pay on January 2.

Cut 8 (04) “modest increase”

The higher wages will cost the state an additional 48-million dollars this year. But Decoteau says raises help combat a high turnover rate in state government, which is also costly.

Cut 9 (10)  “in turnover”

__________________________________________________________

U.S. Senator John Kennedy is among 10 Senate Republicans calling for the cancellation of the August recess in order to address issues that demand immediate attention. Kennedy says the current Senate calendar shows only 33 potential working days remaining before the end of the fiscal year and they’ve yet to approve meaningful reforms…

Cut 10 (10) “infrastructure bill”

Kennedy says changes are still being made to the Senate health care reform bill and he’s waiting to see if the final product is better than so-called Obamacare…

Cut 11 (08) “for it”

Kennedy says Congress has three months to extend the National Flood Insurance Program, which expires September 30th. He says a budget and 12 appropriations bills before that date also has to be approved to avoid a government shutdown…

Cut 12 (09) “through August”

____________________________________________________________

Farmers and ranchers who were impacted by last year’s floods could be eligible for recovery grants. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says the state has $10 million to help affected farmers. He says it is part of the $1.6 billion Congress appropriated for flood recovery.

Cut 13 (07) “the flooding”

Strain says to qualify, you must have had at least $10,000 in uninsured losses. He says they’re also doing what they can to make sure all farmers and ranchers are aware of this opportunity.

Cut 14 (10) “accepting applications”

Strain says the floods caused more than $100 million in agriculture losses, and this is something his office has worked for since the floods. He says there needs to be a better system in place to help farmers after disasters.

Cut 15 (09) “Stafford Act”

____________________________________________________________

The Pelicans have re-signed free-agent guard Jrue Holiday to a five-year, 126-million dollar contract. Pelicans insider and Bourbon Streets Shots writer Jake Madison says it was a signing that had to happen for the Pels to compete in the difficult Western Conference….

Cut 16 (19)  “the West”

Holiday’s return gives the Pelicans three star players along with big men Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins. Madison says the Pelicans do not have a lot of salary cap flexibility to add more firepower, but they have enough money to sign a good three-point shooter…

Cut 17 (18) “last season”

Madison says the Holiday signing assures that the Pelicans will be in contention for a playoff spot….

Cut 18 (11) “Western Conference”