AAA says more Americans are expected to travel this 4th of July Holiday period than ever before. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore provides a detail account of what happened July 17th when a gunman began firing on Baton Rouge officers. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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AAA says this Fourth of July Holiday weekend travel period, which begins Friday, will be historic as more Americans are expected to take to the skies, roads, rails and waterways than ever before. Spokesman Don Redman says they’ve never seen numbers like this…:

Cut 3 (08) “even more than last year”

The Independence Day holiday travel period is defined as June 30th, through Tuesday July 4th. Redman says with 1.25 million more travelers than last year, 2017 will be marked as the most traveled Independence Day holiday weekend ever..:

Cut 4  (08) “growing economy”

With a current statewide average for a gallon of gasoline at a low $2.05, Redman says families are more comfortable going long distances for the popular summer getaway. He says they also credit people feeling great about the economic climate…:

Cut 5  (05)  “people out to travel”

He says 37.5 million people will be driving to their destinations, and 3.44 million will fly which is a 4.6% increase over last year.

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East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore gave an extensive review of what happened last July when a gunman ambushed Baton Rouge Police officers, killing three and wounding three. Moore provided the public with the shooter’s suicide note. He says its clear Gavin Long came to Baton Rouge to inflict pain on police officers…

Cut 6 (10) “didn’t matter”

Long said in his suicide note that many will be surprised by what he’s done, but something had to be done to punish “bad cops.” Long’s attack on the officers came less than two weeks after a white police officer fatally shot a black man in Baton Rouge. Moore’s presentation lasted about an hour. He replayed the chilling  dispatch call when Long opened fire on Sheriff’s Deputy Brad Garafola and others…

Cut 7 (11)  “shooting from “

Moore says Long’s attack on the officers lasted nearly 14 minutes. He showed surveillance video that illustrated the intensity of the shootout, but video showing the officers being fatally shot was edited. He says Deputy Garafola was very brave as he fired shots at Long, while also tending to Officer Matthew Gerald who was also fatally shot….

Cut 8 (14) “Benny’s warehouse

Moore says a Special Response Team was on stand-by because of the recent protests and were on the scene in minutes. He says SWAT officers fired a total of 89 rounds and Long had a total of 45 bullet wounds. The D-A says the officers who killed Long were completely justified and he was ready to die that day too based on his suicide note….

Cut 9 (11)  “get your award”

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The state department of health has found brain eating amoebas in the water systems in both Terrebonne and Ouachita parish. State health officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says while the water is safe to drink and bathe in, people should make sure it does not get in their nose.

Cut 10 (10) “serious infection”

The amoeba causes an infection that leads to the destruction of brain tissue. Louisiana has had three deaths from this amoeba that came from drinking water. Guidry says they know at this time of year they have to be diligent about looking for it and addressing it because it thrives in warm water.

Cut 11 (08) “rid of it”

These two systems also had the amoebas in 2015. Guidry says the Department of Health is asking the two systems to treat the water with more chlorine to get rid of the amoebas.

Cut 12 (10)  “60 days”

For more information on how to keep your water clean, visit ldh.la.gov.

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Lots of people will be celebrating Independence Day, and law enforcement will be out to make sure they do so safely with its “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. Trooper Jesse LaGrange with State Police says officers will be on patrol looking for impaired drivers, with saturated patrols and DWI checkpoints.

Cut 13 (09) “in alcohol”

State Police reports five families in our state lost loved ones in crashes during the 2016 July Fourth weekend. LaGrange encourages everyone to designate a sober driver if they plan to drink. He says it’s important to know how you’re getting home before you start drinking.

Cut 14 (10) “crashes happen”

Staying sober protects not only other drivers, but law enforcement as well. Last Fourth of July weekend, Sterlington Police Officer David Elahi was killed when he was struck by a drunk driver while assisting someone on the side of the road.

Cut 15 (10) “every year”

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The transportation research group TRIP ranks Louisiana ninth in the country for structurally deficient rural bridges. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The E-B-R district attorney is set to release more details about last year’s ambush attack on police officers in Baton Rouge. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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North Louisiana says goodbye to a local legend today, as Johnny Huntsman is laid to rest in Oak Grove. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Louisiana ranks ninth in the country for structurally deficient rural bridges, according to the transportation research group TRIP. Their report, which used state data, found 15-percent of rural bridges in Louisiana need to be repaired or replaced. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says that’s not surprising, as he just had to close a bridge in Vernon Parish.

Cut 4  (10) “they may have”

Wilson says what makes the problem worse is that DOTD doesn’t have the money to build new bridges, they can only repair aging bridges, and that’s just a temporary fix.

Cut 5  (09)  “same issues”

Wilson says there’s about 5,000 rural bridges in Louisiana that are not owned by the state. He says many times, they only work on 15 to 20 of those bridges a year because there’s not enough revenue to cover the cost of necessary maintenance.

Cut 6 (08) “and larger”

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East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore will provide more details today on last July’s ambush on police officers in Baton Rouge. Moore has called a 10 AM press conference in which more details will be learned about Gavin Eugene Long, the gunman who ended up killing three officers and injuring three others. Former East Baton Rouge prosecutor Prem Burns.

Cut 7 (12)  “that person”

But Burns says she’s not sure how those details would serve the community. She says she doesn’t understand the need for a media event because the ambush is still painful to many people.

Cut 8 (10) “the decedent”

Burns doesn’t think there’s much left to learn about what happened nearly one year ago at a carwash on Airline Highway. She says we could get some clarity on which officers were on duty or off duty and which law enforcement agency responded first. She says we could also get more details about the shooter.

Cut 9 (10)  “were involved”

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Schools.com ranks the University of Louisiana at Monroe the best four year college in the state. ULM president Dr. Nick Bruno says it is exciting and satisfying to be recognized this way. He says ULM is a small institution that has a very big attitude.

Cut 10 (09) “that quality”

The ratings are based on factors like affordability and variety of degree programs. Bruno says they have done their best to control costs for students. He notes the university offers great programs, especially in health sciences.

Cut 11 (11) “health science preparation”

Bruno hopes a new partnership with a nonprofit medical school will help elevate the health sciences program even more. He says they’ll continue to work to make sure ULM remains a top university in Louisiana offering the programs the community needs.

Cut 12 (09) “couple of year”

McNeese came in second on the list, followed by Northwestern, LSU, and UNO.

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Today a north Louisiana legend is being laid to rest, as funeral services for Johnny Huntsman begin today at 2 p.m. in Oak Grove. Huntsman opened the first Johnny’s Pizza House in 1967 in Monroe, which has grown into an empire spanning several states. Former KNOE-TV news director Jim Shannon says Huntsman was loved by so many.

Cut 13 (09) “bad times”

Shannon says Huntsman never gave up on the franchise, and eventually it grew into the household favorite it is today. He says Huntsman was beloved not only for his pizza, but his employees as well, and he even sold the company to them.

Cut 14 (08) “until the end”

Shannon says even as Huntsman’s fame grew with his business, it never went to his head. He says Huntsman was always the kind of guy who would come over to drink a beer.

Cut 15 (09) “about life”

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LSU baseball had its most successful season since winning the national championship in 2009 and Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says the pieces are in place to make it to Omaha again next year. Moran says the biggest question is with the starting rotation as the Tigers top two starters, Alex Lange and Jared Poche, are moving on to pro ball…

Cut 16 (17 )  “to monitor”

Moran says the 2018 Tigers will feature several players returning from the 2017 national runner-up club. He says Antoine Duplantis, Zach Watson, Josh Smith and Jake Slaughter will be counted on to lead the way early next year…

Cut 17 (12) “of a dip”

Moran says the LSU coaching staff is also bringing in another good group of freshmen….

Cut 18 (14) “point too” 

Doctors at LSU Health New Orleans hope to reduce the rate of cancer deaths with the Louisiana Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is starting a flag football league he hopes will catch on throughout the nation. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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President Donald Trump says a new sugar trade agreement with Mexico is “a very good one for both Mexico and the U.S.” General Manager of the American Sugarcane League Jim Simon (See-moan) says the U.S. brought a trade case against Mexico because they flooded our market with subsidized sugar. He says this agreement should end Mexico’s illegal dumping practices.

Cut 3 (11) “dumping practices”

The International Trade Commission found Mexico guilty of dumping huge quantities of sugar into the U.S. market. Simon says the market flooding deflated prices, which hurts local farmers. He’s says this agreement should create a more stable market.

Cut 4  (09) “foreign producers”

Simon says while they’re pleased with the agreement, any trade agreement is only as good as how well it’s enforced. He says now that the plan is in place, we move into the enforcement phase.

Cut 5  (09)  “new agreement”

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LSU Health New Orleans has made a plan to reduce cancer deaths in Louisiana over the next five years. Director of the Louisiana Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Donna Williams, says the Louisiana Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan will help ensure people have access to the health services they need.

Cut 6 (11) “them early”

Williams says about half of all cancers can be prevented or detected early and cured. She says treatment for early stages of breast cancer is minimal compared to a late stage, and cervical cancer can also be treated or even prevented.

Cut 7 (09)  “entirely”

Williams says the plan is about making sure people can get into the doctor’s office to get these preventative services. She says they’re also working in the communities to reduce some of the factors that contribute to cancer, like obesity and smoking.

Cut 8 (08) “other cancers”

Williams says Louisiana is currently ranked fourth in the nation for deaths from cancer.

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Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is launching a co-ed youth flag football league he says would be an alternative to tackle football. He says Football ‘N America, or FNA, will be the premium youth co-ed flag football league for K-8th grade, and registration begins tomorrow…:

Cut 9 (11)  “dot com”

Brees says he’s also going to help out by providing FNA coaches with personal video tutorials and starter playbooks. He says he didn’t put pads on until his freshman year in high school, and flag football not only taught him great fundamentals about the sport…:

Cut 10 (11) “adversity”

Brees says many people aren’t comfortable putting their young kids in tackle football before high school because of the heightened concern these days about things like concussions and neck injuries. He says flag football is a safe, fun and friendly way to get your kid involved with football…:

Cut 11 (11) “lifelong fans”

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The state Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control suspends the license of Reggie’s Bar near the LSU campus following a sting operation by Baton Rouge Police. Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says officers patrolled Tigerland after learning of fights that were taking place in the parking lot of the strip of bars.

Cut 12 (10)  “inside the bar”

McKneely says officers made 37 arrests during the Monday night sting operation. He says 16 of those arrested were between 16 and 18-years-old. He says a variety of charges were handed down, all misdemeanors.

Cut 13 (08) “resisting”

Reggie’s Bar has had its alcohol permit suspended, and the ATC is scheduled to discuss the matter in an emergency hearing next week. McKneely says they want to make sure everyone is safe and having fun responsibly.

Cut 14 (10) “of responsibility”

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Cox Communications announces their south Louisiana customers will be put on a data plan starting July 6th and it allows them to upload or download one terabyte of data. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is hoping to reform the SNAP program and put more people back to work. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Entergy will build a new plant in Westlake after the Louisiana Public Service Commission unanimously approves construction of the Lake Charles Power Station. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Residents of St. John the Baptist Parish could have an increased risk of cancer, as the EPA finds the Denka Performance Elastomer plant in Laplace is releasing carcinogens into the air. Wilma Subra with the Louisiana Environmental Action Network says the facility is releasing huge quantities of chloroprene into the air, which can pose a serious health risk to the community.

Cut 4  (10) “respiratory problems”

Air testing found residents had been subjected to 88 times the concentration of chloroprene the EPA allows. EPA inspectors found 31 valve leaks in the plant, which did not have the proper tools to measure the chemical emissions. Subra says the company argues not all the violations were made under their watch.

Cut 5  (13)  “the facility”

Denka officials could face criminal charges if the company is determined to have been negligent. But the company has agreed to retrofit the facility and reduce emissions by 85 percent before the end of the year. Subra says the carcinogenic chemical must be kept out of the air in such high concentrations.

Cut 6 (11) “the hospital”

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The Louisiana Public Service Commission unanimously approved construction for a new Entergy plant in Westlake. Entergy spokesperson Michael Burns says the new Lake Charles Power Station plant will save customers a lot of money.

Cut 7 (09)  “30 years”

Customer savings are expected to exceed the $872 million cost of the plant in less than a decade. Burns says the new plant will also be cleaner and more energy efficient than older natural gas-fired plants.

Cut 8 (10) “40 percent”

The plant should be up and running by June of 2020. Burns says once the plant is complete, it will employ approximately 30 people. He says it will also create new jobs during construction.

Cut 9 (09)  “billion dollars”

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Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says he’s filed a common-sense approach to reforming the food stamp program that would impact able-bodied adults without dependents. Graves says his bill would connect SNAP recipients with job search and job training programs to help them find work opportunities.

Cut 10 (11) “to be eligible”

Graves says we need a safety net for people who fall on hard times, but for many, government assistance has become a way of life. He says the number of people in these programs has more than doubled in the last 15 years.

Cut 11 (08) “self-sufficiency”

Graves says the national debt is more than $20 trillion, and a majority of that is a result of these welfare programs. He says we need to incentivize people to work, not to stay home. He says states that passed similar bills saw significant improvements.

Cut 12 (10) “the workforce”

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A two-year-old is among the three dead after a car chase ended with a crash in New Orleans east. Louisiana State Police spokesperson, Trooper Melissa Matey, says state police units attempted to stop the vehicle in downtown New Orleans for a stolen license plate. Matey says the driver fled the scene and collided with a truck and ran off the road.

Cut 13 (06) “both are deceased”

Matey says a third person took their own life after the crash. She says the tragic incident began when troopers attempted to stop a vehicle on Canal St. in New Orleans, but the driver refused to comply.

Cut 14 (11) “traffic stop”

Matey says a chase ensued that led troopers onto the interstate, back off the highway, and onto a local street. She says as the driver rounded a corner, he came upon a box truck that was attempting to make a right turn.

Cut 15 (09) “a fence”

None of the passengers, including the toddler, were properly restrained in the vehicle.

The National Safety Council ranks Louisiana the tenth safest state in the nation. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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North Louisiana mourns the loss of the beloved founder of West Monroe-based Johnny’s Pizza House. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Louisiana is the tenth safest state in the nation, according to a first of its kind report from the National Safety Council. President and CEO Deborah Hersman says the state received an overall grade of C, but no state was awarded an overall A grade. Louisiana did receive an A in the road safety category.

Cut 3 (11) “in a crash”

The report finds Louisianans are less safe at work than on the roads, as the state receives an F grade for workplace safety. Hersman says they looked at things like drug-free and smoke-free workplaces and worker’s compensation. She says the state has lots of room for improvement in this category.

Cut 4  (11) “needs help”

Louisiana earned a middle of the road C grade for home and community safety, which includes poisonings. Hersman says the most common occurrence they see is overdoses from prescription painkillers. She says laws about prescriber education would go a long way in Louisiana.

Cut 5  (09)  “need it”

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The New Orleans Police Department now has in custody all four suspects accused in the brutal attack and robbery in the French Quarter that was captured on a now-viral video. 21-year-old Dejuan Paul, and 18-year-old Joshua Simmons had surrendered previously. Commander Nicholas Gernon says 20-year-old Rashaad Piper was located by cops at a business last night.:

Cut 6 (10) “Pogozelski”

Gernon said this would not have been possible without the help from the public sharing the video, and working with authorities. NOPD Superintendent Michael Harrison says it was only a matter of time before before detectives and the community would work together to track these men down…:

Cut 7 (06)  “on that promise”

The four suspects are accused of second-degree robbery, but officials say more charges could be brought. Harrison says he wants the public to know that officers are very aware and alert when it comes to these types of crimes in The Big Easy…:

Cut 8 (11) “make you feel safe”

The two victims in this incident were Boston-area tourists and one remains in critical condition.

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It’s a sad day in north Louisiana, as the beloved founder of the West Monroe-based Johnny’s Pizza House franchise has died. Johnny Huntsman passed away this morning at the age of 77. The company says he’s been suffering from Alzheimer’s. His brother Chester Huntsman says Johnny’s positive and encouraging attitude is what sparked the business into what it is today.

Cut 9 (11)  “a lot too”

Since its 1967 start, the Johnny’s franchise has spread across Louisiana and into Texas and Arkansas. The company’s website says there are 33 corporate restaurants across North Louisiana. But Chester Huntsman says coaching football was Johnny’s first love. He says after college, Johnny came back to coach the West Monroe High School Football team, but not for long.

Cut 10 (10) “at everything”

Johnny’s Pizza has been a staple of northeast Louisiana for 50 years. Huntsman says Johnny learned to make pizzas while in college at Graceland University in Iowa. He says Johnny’s skills in the kitchen quickly grew into a love for pizza, and his talent for coaching was a huge help in the business.

Cut 11 (10) “50 years”

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A new report finds Louisiana voucher students are now even with their district peers, even after an initial dip. The findings were co-released by Jonathan Mills who has been tracking the progress of the students who enrolled three years ago. He says after the first year they were performing worse, and in year 2 they were slightly less behind..:

Cut 12 (06)  “the same”

Mills says the initial negative impacts of the program may be dissipating over time, especially in math, but they are not seeing positive affects of scholarship use. He says one of the theories behind a voucher program is that students are using the money to go to a private school with the presumption that it’s a better learning environment…:

Cut 13 (06) “necessarily see”

School choice has become a hot controversial topic in education, and Mills says this study’s goal is to paint a picture of how the program is doing…:

Cut 14 (08) “sound evidence”

People with disabilities can save money without losing their benefits, thanks to a new program from the State Treasurer’s Office and the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance. Don Molino has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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Governor John Bel Edwards has signed a bill into law requiring driver’s education courses to teach students how to act during a traffic stop. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Miscues cost the Tigers as the Florida Gators snatch a national championship away from LSU. Jeff Palermo has a recap of last night’s baseball game….

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance and the State Treasurer’s Office launch a new savings program to help people with disabilities. Tyana Dequana with LOSFA says the LA ABLE program enables people with disabilities to put money aside for future expenses.

Cut 4  (11) “benefits as well”

Dequana says people can save up to $14,000 a year without losing those benefits. But once the account reaches $100,000, social security payments would end until the amount goes back under that threshold. She says this comes as a relief to many with disabilities who will finally be able to do something to help themselves for the future.

Cut 5  (10)  “might come along”

Dequana says this will be a vital program especially for families with young disabled children with medical expenses. She says this gives families a chance to have a savings account so these kids can have the same opportunities as every other child.

Cut 6 (12) “those expenses”

For more information visit able.ofsa.la.gov.

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Governor John Bel Edwards signs into law measures aimed at keeping both motorists and police officers safe during a traffic stop. One of the new laws set to go into effect August 1 is by Plaquemine Representative Chad Brown and it requires driver’s education courses to teach soon to be drivers about what to do during a traffic stop because every situation is unique.

Cut 7 (10)  “officer’s directions”

The governor also signed into law Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti’s legislation, which is similar to the House bill. Brown believes the training can reduce the risk of a routine traffic stop becoming violent, if everyone knows how to respond. He says while police officers receive training on how to conduct the stops, it’s important for us as citizens to react appropriately as well.

Cut 8 (10) “steering wheel”

The Office of Motor Vehicles will provide the course material from the Louisiana Commission of Law Enforcement. Brown says many motorists become anxious during traffic stops, and so are the officers.

Cut 9 (10)  “heinous criminal”

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Governor John Bel Edwards vetoes a bill to provide freedom of expression on college campuses. In his veto message, Edwards said the legislation by Alexandria Representative Lance Harris was a solution in search of a problem. But Harris says freedom of speech is under siege on many college campuses around the country.

Cut 10 (08) “for Louisiana”

The bill would have created a protocol for Louisiana universities to handle controversial speakers on campus. It came in response to University of California Berkley officials cancelling a scheduled appearance by conservative political commentator Ann Coulter.  The Republican legislator said he was attempting to protect free expression and freedom of speech on college campuses.

Cut 11 (11) “of doing that”

Harris says he’s surprised by the veto because the administration did not express concerns as the bill moved through the process. Harris has been a vocal opponent to many of the governor’s proposals, and he hopes the veto wasn’t politically motivated. He believes this was an important bill that should have been signed into law.

Cut 12 (11) “in America”

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Jimmy D. Long Sr. School of Math, Science, and the Arts is the new official name of the Natchitoches high school, as the governor signed the bill adding the name of the late state lawmaker to the school’s title. Delhi Senator Francis Thompson authored the legislation. He says it’s not a big change, but it’s an important change.

Cut 13 (12) “in that way”

Thompson says they didn’t want to do anything that would impact the funding and operation of the school or its students. That’s why for all practical purposes, the school will go by its original name of the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts.

Cut 14 (09) “will change”

Thompson says there will be no expense associated with the name change. The board that oversees the school will decide how and when to make the transition. Long is one of LSMSA’s founding fathers and Thompson says he’s glad this simple act will honor Long’s legacy.

Cut 15 (09) “for Louisiana”

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Tough ending to a great season for the LSU baseball team as they lost 6-1 to the Florida Gators, who swept the Bayou Bengals in the CWS finals to win their first national championship. The Tigers trailed  the whole game, but had chances to take the lead in the 7th and 8th innings, but shortstop LSU Kramer Robertson says it didn’t work in their favor…

Cut 16 (14 )  “whole career”

It appeared LSU tied the game at two in the 7th inning, but a runner’s interference call took a run off the board. The umpire ruled Jake Slaughter slid directly into the shortstop covering second base on a double play instead of into the bag. Josh Smith, who scored on the play, had to return to third base because of the interference call. Here’s how Coach Paul Mainieri saw it…

Cut 17 (15) “correct call”

Mainieri was emotional at the start of the postgame press conference. He talked about how last summer affected him as Baton Rouge suffered through riots, police shootings and deadly flooding. He wanted to accomplish something good…

Cut 18 (25) “to do” 

The loss ends the LSU playing careers for several great Tigers like Jared Poche, Alex Lange, Greg Deichmann, Cole Freeman and Kramer Robertson. Robertson says he has no regrets…

Cut 19 (19) “last forever”

Lawyers representing Alton Sterling’s children file a wrongful death lawsuit in state court seeking unspecified damages. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The state will study whether it would be a good idea to raise the minimum age to buy smokes to 21. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Tiger fans will soon have a new brew of their own, as Louisiana’s own Community Coffee gears up to launch an LSU Blend full-bodied special dark roast coffee. Community Coffee spokesperson Jodi Conachen says the Baton Rouge based company was born wanted to honor its roots. She says all fans of the purple and gold will love the new LSU Blend.

Cut 3 (10) “your Tigers”

Conachen says this is a great way for a local company to show support for their flagship university. She says the LSU Blend will launch in July and run through football season.

Cut 4  (09) “Winn Dixie”

Conachen says the special dark roast blend is already extremely popular in Tiger Country. She says they believe Tiger fans will enjoy the coffee and showing off their love for the Bayou Bengals.

Cut 5  (09)  “a little while”

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This year’s Fourth of July gas prices are the lowest since 2005. Senior petroleum analyst Patrick Dehaan with GasBuddy.com says prices have been sliding over the last few weeks. He says believe it or not, prices at the pump are lower now than they were on January 1.

Cut 6 (09) “hit the road”

Dehaan says if you’re driving on the Fourth, expect roadways to be crowded as families take advantage of the drop in gas prices. He says prices usually peak around May when refineries finish up maintenance and transition to summer grade gasoline, and we usually see a slight decline after that.

Cut 7 (08)  “at the pump”

Dehaan says prices are even cheaper now than they were this time last year. He says Louisiana drivers will save even more compared to other parts of the country. The statewide average of $2.06 a gallon is well below the national average of $2.25.

Cut 8 (08) “refining capacity”

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Lawyers representing Alton Sterling’s children have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Baton Rouge, it’s police department and police chief and the two white police officers involved in last summer’s fatal shooting of the black man. Attorney Chris Stewart says a culture of racial bias among Baton Rouge cops fueled the shooting…

Cut 9 (09)  “BRPD”

The U.S. Justice Department has already said they will not pursue charges against Officers Blane Salamoni and Howie Lake the 2nd.  Salamoni fired six bullets into the 37-year-old man’s body after a brief physical struggle. But Attorney Michael Adams says Sterling’s children lost a father because of poor police training and racist attitudes

Cut 10 (12) “racial bias”

Adams says they’ll use testimony from current and former Baton Rouge Police officers to back up their case that there is a pattern of racist behavior and excessive force by the B-R-P-D….

Cut 11 (08) “get there”

he lawsuit was filed in state court in Baton Rouge. The Baton Rouge Police Department is not commenting. Adams says the suit seeks unspecified damages…

Cut 12 (11)  “5 children “

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A House Resolution out of the recent legislative session calls on the State Health Department to study the feasibility of increasing the age to purchase tobacco produces to 21. It’s by West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman who says one of the things they want the state to examine is the impact of being more mature before you can buy smokes..:

Cut 13 (11) “to do”

Hoffman has gotten behind many anti-smoking measures as a legislator including tobacco tax increases and laws against lighting up on a school campus. He knows there will be some push back to this idea, but he says people who are former smokers will approve…:

Cut 14 (09) “start smoking”

Hoffman says the study will be completed before the start of the next regular legislative session. He says there is evidence that increasing the age limit would mean more people would never consider smoking..:

Cut 15 (04) “start at all”

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Two new laws were passed to address the opioid epidemic, but East Baton Rouge Parish coroner Dr. Beau Clark says more can still be done. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Edwards administration is very concerned about the Republican Senate healthcare bill, while others are encouraged. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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LSU’s backs are against the wall again. Jeff Palermo reports the Tigers need to win tonight to force a third and deciding game of the CWS championship series…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Even after lawmakers passed two laws aimed at addressing the state’s opioid epidemic, experts say more can be done to solve the growing problem. East Baton Rouge Parish coroner Dr. Beau Clark says the new laws are phase one, which is to stop creating new addicts by limiting opioid prescriptions. But he says many people are already living with an addiction, and they need treatment.

Cut 4  (10) “takes place”

Clark says the challenge with treating these people is that rehabs are not funded on the state level, which is why many addicts end up in prisons. He says addiction is an illness that belongs in a medical facility, not the judicial system. But he says that takes money.

Cut 5  (11)  “the right thing”

In 2016, 34 people died of heroin overdoses in East Baton Rouge Parish, and there’s already been 20 overdose deaths in 2017. Clark says another key component to addressing the opioid epidemic is getting drug dealers off the streets. He says it will take law enforcement targeting drug cartels that bring heroin into the state.

Cut 6 (11) “their addiction” 

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A father and son have been cited for killing a Louisiana black bear in Iberia Parish. Adam Einck with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says agents found the bear shot to death in November of 2015. He says the bullet was pulled from the bear during a necropsy.

Cut 7 (09)  “from the bear”

Einck says an extensive investigation followed resulting in the citation against 59-year-old Elie Dupre and his 15-year-old son. Both are from New Iberia. He says the charge of illegally killing a Louisiana black bear carries serious penalties.

Cut 8 (10) “ten thousand dollars”

The bear was a 9-year-old female that was part of a long term monitoring program and wore a tracking device. Einck says while this bear provided a lot of essential data to LDWF, it’s important to protect all Louisiana black bears because they are a protected species.

Cut 9 (11)  “it is disturbing”

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The Republican Senate healthcare bill has the Edwards administration very concerned about the future of healthcare in Louisiana. State Health Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee says if passed as is, the bill would result in up to 500,000 Louisianans losing their insurance.

Cut 10 (11) “affordable care now”

Gee says this bill also does not address one of the biggest concerns that came after the passage of the Affordable Care Act, like the rising cost of health insurance. She says the Senate’s plan will actually drive up insurance costs even more.

Cut 11 (09) “problem worse”

Gee says this healthcare bill could also impact the state’s economy. She says it ties healthcare reimbursement to medical inflation. She says that could mean Louisiana’s budget would upswing up to a billion dollars from one year to the next.

Cut 12 (09) “lot of tweaking”

Supporters of the bill say it will save federal dollars and lower insurance premiums for patients. Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills likes that the bill repeals the federal mandate to purchase insurance. He says it all comes down to making healthcare affordable for as many people as possible.

Cut 13 (10) “did not comply”

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A three-run fourth inning was the difference last night as Florida held on for a 4-3 victory over the LSU Tigers in Game 1 of the championship series of the CWS. LSU starting pitcher Russell Reynolds was excellent through three innings, but three consecutive walks in the 4th inning led to three Florida runs. LSU Coach Paul Mainieri wishes he took Reynolds out after the 3rd inning…

Cut 14 (10) “back fired”

Despite the 3-0 deficit in the 4th inning, LSU battled back to close the gap to one run on two occasions, but couldn’t get over the hump. Mainieri says it was a great effort by his players…

Cut 15 (11) “shot tonight”

LSU needs to win tonight to send the series to a third and deciding game. Mainieri says he’s still confident the Tigers can win their seventh national championship, because of the starting pitchers that are scheduled to throw in Games 2 and 3…

Cut 16 (12)  “long stretch”

Students fees are going up at most of the colleges within the University of Louisiana System, but the hike is the lowest increase in a decade. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The USDA awards nearly one million dollars to the LSU AgCenter for honeybee research. Don Molino reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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The LSU AgCenter receives nearly one million dollars from the USDA for honeybee research. Entomologist Kristen Healy says any given year there’s higher than normal losses in honeybee colonies, and many studies look at what stressors contributes to these losses. One factor they’ll look at is the mite population in the hives. She says Varroa mites can be devastating to honeybee colonies.

Cut 3 (11) “these colonies”

Healy says it’s important to protect the bee population because one out of every three bites of food we eat relies on bees for pollination. She says the mites also transmit pathogens to the bees, and they’ll study the effects of those diseases, like the deformed wing virus.

Cut 4  (09) “transmitting as well”

Healy says they also want to study movement as a stressor. She says beekeepers move their colonies around the country for pollination services every year, including almond pollination in California. She says researches will look at stress physiology in the bees after these migrations.

Cut 5  (08)  “for example”

The AgCenter’s $935,000 grant is one of seven handed out to universities to study pollinators.

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Universities within the UL system will see their lowest fee increase in a decade, as their Board of Supervisors approved a hike of less than three percent for the nine public colleges. Fee increases range from $98 to $212. UL System president Dr. Jim Henderson says Louisiana still ranks dead last in total resources per student among southern states.

Cut 6 (09) “per student”

Henderson says because the TOPS award has been decoupled from tuition and fee increases, the taxpayer funded scholarship will not cover the cost of this increase for students. The increase will cost students an extra 108-dollars on average. But Henderson says college students will pay less for their education this year, because TOPS is fully funded

Cut 7 (08)  “two thousand dollars”

Henderson says while any increase in out of pocket costs is significant for students, the hike is necessary to provide classroom resources and compete to retain and recruit faculty. He says compared to other states in the region, Louisiana ranks 7^th for tuition and fees per student, but 15^th in state support. He hopes with more state support, he can one day announce no fee increases on students.

Cut 8 (09) “to increase”

Grambling State University and the University of New Orleans are the only two institutions not to increase fees this year.

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A tourist visiting New Orleans remained in critical condition at last report after a brutal beating during a robbery in the French Quarter. NOPD Chief Michael Harrison says the entire incident was caught on video:

Cut 9 (09)  “coming for you”

Investigators are seeking assistance in identifying and locating four suspects wanted in connection with the second degree robbery. Harrison says they are also asking for additional video from the community if it’s out there…:

Cut 10 (08) “community’s help”

Harrison says there were two victims and they were in town visiting from the Boston area. Harrison said the incident occurred shortly before 9pm Saturday night…:

Cut 11 (06) “incident happened”

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A strong contingent of LSU fans are making their way to Omaha for tonight’s Game One of the championship series of the College World Series. Baton Rouge resident Jacques Berry is a lifelong LSU fan, who decided shortly after the Tigers beat Oregon State on Saturday that he wanted to be at the C-W-S in person…

Cut 12 (10)    “ready to go”

LSU will face Florida in a best of three series that starts tonight in Omaha. The Tigers had to beat top-seeded Oregon State twice to get to this point. Berry says the LSU fan base has a lot of faith in Coach Paul Mainieri’s squad, because they are playing so well as a team…

Cut 13 (07) “Bertman days”

Berry and three other fans were in Kansas City at lunchtime and planned to be in their seats for the start of tonight’s game. He says they’ve been seeing LSU fans during their 950-mile journey…

Cut 14 (12) “saw some”

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If you’re trying to quit smoking, vaping may not be the answer. Halen Doughty has more from experts at Our Lady of the Lake hospital in Baton Rouge…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The Upward Bound Program at Tulane University received a 2.5 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Education to support college readiness programs. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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It’ll be an SEC showdown in the College World Series Finals as LSU takes on conference rival Florida in a best-of-three beginning tonight. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Vaping may not be the best way to kick your cigarette habit, according to experts at Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge. Physician assistant with the hospital’s smoking cessation program, Josselin Carter, says vaping can end up being a substitution for the same habit because many juices contain nicotine.

Cut 4  (11) “our success”

Carter adds doctors aren’t sure vaping is safer than cigarettes, as there is no long-term data to support that claim. She says there’s some overlap in chemicals from both e-liquids and cigarettes, but there’s other chemicals in the vaping solutions that could potentially be problematic.

Cut 5  (08)  “in vaping”

Carter notes e-liquids come in a variety of nicotine concentrations. She says that can make it hard for consumers to know exactly how much nicotine they’re ingesting on a daily basis. She adds there are other factors that affect it as well.

Cut 6 (11) “be taking in” 

To get more information on how to quit smoking, visit SmokingCessationTrust.org.

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Tulane University’s Upward Bound Program has received a 2.5 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Education to help high school students who hope to become their first in their family to go to college. Upward Bound is a program aimed at helping prospective college students academically prepare for higher education. Cowen Institute Director Amanda Kruger Hill says low income students grade 9 through 12 can greatly benefit from this grant.

Cut 7 (10)  “financial aid”

Hill says the program works with students three days a week throughout their four years in high school and supports the students through college. She says this opportunity is so important to at risk youth.

Cut 8 (10) “their needs”

Hill says they work directly with high schools and the educators identify students who would be a perfect fit for the program. She says the Upward Bound staff is completely committed to changing life outcomes for their students.

Cut 9 (10)  “lives around”

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A small insect, commonly referred to as Phragmites or the Roseau Cane Mealy Bug is causing extensive damage to Roseau cane in southern Plaquemines Parish. LSU Ag Center entomologist Rodrigo Diaz says over 100-thousand acres of the cane in the wetlands in the Mississippi River Delta have been affected by this bug. He says this is a major concern…

Cut 10 (10) “parish”

The Roseau cane helps to reduce the wave action on the ground and helps to protect the state’s bird foot delta. Diaz says there are different varieties of the plant, some of which are not affected by Phragmites. He says they are hoping to learn why some are resistant to the bug.

Cut 11 (06) “restoration”

Diaz says usually, insects in crops are controlled using insecticides. He says the problem they run across here is that many of these pest control measures are harmful to aquatic life, so much research has to be done.

Cut 12 (09) “oysters”

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The Alliance for Excellent Education ranks Louisiana’s education plan one of the most promising in the country. Erin Bendily with the state Department of Education says Louisiana students are just as capable as students from other states. She says that’s why their plan sets ambitious but achievable goals for students and school systems.

Cut 13 (07) “be successful”

Bendily says they’re also looking to provide more transparency about how schools are doing and making progress toward those goals. She says they want to help children and educators meet these goals by specifically looking at how each cohort is performing.

Cut 14 (09) “students performing”

State Education Superintendent John White says this plan is one of the reasons Louisiana’s high school graduation rate is higher than ever at 77 percent. Bendily says improving education outcomes isn’t just about helping students make it to graduation, it’s about preparing them for what comes after.

Cut 15 (12) “those opportunities”

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It’ll be an SEC showdown in the College World Series Finals as LSU takes on conference rival Florida in a best-of-three beginning tonight. The Tigers and Gators have already met in a series this season, with Florida taking two of three in Gainesville. LSU Shortstop Kramer Robertson says both teams are playing better, and differently now than back in March…:

Cut 16 (16)  “are stronger”

Coach Paul  Mainieri announced he’s going to start fifth-year senior Russell Reynolds of Baton Rouge tonight. He said he’d go with Jared Poche on the mound Tuesday, and not pitch Alex Lange before Wednesday. Poche, who picked up his school-record 39th career victory in the win over Florida State last week, says there isn’t much you have to guess at this point in the season…:

Cut 17 (10) “behind you”

First pitch is set for 6pm. This is the 6th appearance for LSU in the CWS finals, and The Tigers have won all six times…the last being in 2009. Robertson says this feels like an SEC weekend with more at stake…:

Cut 18 (10) “gets the job done”