It’s an exciting time in politics as the Republican National Convention begins today and qualifying for federal elections takes place later in the week. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The Republican National Convention begins today in Cleveland, and 42 Louisiana delegates are present to show their support for GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Six police have been shot, three are dead in one of the more tragic days in Louisiana history. Jeff Palermo has more..

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The city of Baton Rouge is on edge after three law enforcement officers were fatally shot and three others wounded in a shooting that occurred Sunday morning. State Police Colonel Mike Edmonson says at 8:40 in the morning, a police officer saw an individual wearing all black and holding a rifle on Airline Highway and two minutes later there were reports of shots fired….

cut 4  (08)  “seen itself”

During a Sunday afternoon press conference, Edmonson said there is not an active search for additional shooters…

Cut 5  (07)  “the scene”

But Edmonson says it’s possible there could be accomplices. Two suspicious individuals were detained in West Baton Rouge Parish. The colonel says federal, state and local enforcement are investigating why this tragic shooting occurred….

Cut 6 (04) “following em” 

The deceased shooter is believed to be Gavin Long of Kansas City, Missouri. Governor John Bel Edwards calls the shooting an unspeakable tragedy and unjustified…

CUT 7 (11)  “every day heroes”

The shooting came two days after the funeral of Alton Sterling, a 37-year-old black man fatally shot during a confrontation with two white police officers. The shooting of Sterling set off a series of protests seeking justice. Edwards says Baton Rouge is a community hurting, but more violence is not the answer…

Cut 8  (10)  “in itself”

The two Baton Rouge police officers killed have been identified as 41-year-old Matthew Gerald and 32-year-old Montrell Jackson. East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says all of the police shooting victims were married…

Cut 9 (09)  “for your prayers”

(More information will be provided at a 1 PM press conference today.)

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Forty-two Louisiana delegates are at the Republican National Convention, which gets underway today in Cleveland. Kirk Williamson is a former Marco Rubio delegate who jumped on the Trump train. He says he is excited to see the unconventional speakers, including UFC president Dana White…

Cut 10 (08) “doing that”

Williamson says he’s looking forward to electing a good candidate that he believes can defeat Hillary Clinton in November. He says Trump has done a good job of uniting the Republican Party.

cut 11 (10) “very strong”

Williamson says he is confident the GOP will continue to be leaders on national defense and grow the economy and the middle class. He says he is pleased with Trump’s choice for a running mate, Indiana Governor Mike Pence.

cut 12 (11) “excellent choice”

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It’s a big week in politics with the Republican National Convention and qualifying for the federal elections. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Donald Trump’s acceptance speech as the Republican nominee on Thursday night is the most anticipated speech of the year. He says you never know what side of Trump you will get…

Cut 13 (11)  “candidate”

Cross says the Republican Party is not completely united behind Donald Trump but they’re more and more on their way. He says there are significant members of the party that are not happy with the Donald.

cut 14 (08)  “his candidacy”

Qualifying for federal elections in Louisiana begins on Wednesday. Cross says the field for the US Senate race and Congressional races will be set and will know exactly who will be on the ballot.

Cut 15 (10) “every day”

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LSU quarterback Brandon Harris has been named to the All SEC third team. Ole Miss signal caller Chad Kelly is a first-team second selection and Tennessee’s Joshua Dobbs is on the second-team. Tigers center Ethan Pocic expects great things from Harris this year

Cut 16  (20)  “the offense”

Below-average quarterback play is not the only reason why the Tigers struggled last November and fell out of national championship contention. The defense also allowed numerous big plays. Cornerback Tre’Davious White believes new defensive coordinator Dave Aranda will help them avoid the mistakes that cost them last year

Cut 17 (22)  “this year”

White expects a big year from Kevin Toliver, after he started eight games as a freshman last season…

Cut 18 (20) “big year”

Funeral services were held today for Alton Sterling, and thousands of mourners came out to stand in unity with the family and demand justice for Sterling. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (27)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Candidates for the US Senate seat being vacated by David Vitter are already in the race to raise campaign funds. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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State Police say a Calhoun man died in a fiery crash after driving the wrong way down Interstate 20 near Monroe last night. Senior Trooper Michael Reichardt says 31-year-old Christopher Moss crossed the median for unknown reasons and smashed into a big rig.

CUT 3 (09)  “for injuries”

Reichardt says they are unsure why Moss crossed the median and if he was wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash. He says both the driver and the passenger in the 18-wheeler were properly restrained.

CUT 4 (05)  “injuries”

A pedestrian was also killed in Monroe last night. Trooper Michael Reichardt says 53-year-old Matthew Davis was struck and killed as he was trying to cross US Hwy 165 at a busy intersection.

CUT 5 (05)  “last night”

As of yet, no charges have been filed in either accident.

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Thousands gathered today at the Southern University F.G. Clark Activity Center for Alton Sterling’s funeral service. People came from around the country, some to show support for the family and others calling for justice. Jack Turner with the Revolution Club in Atlanta says he came to the service because there is an epidemic of police shootings.

CUT 6 (10) “at all”

Barry Davison of Baton Rouge says he came to support the family during this difficult time. He is hopeful something positive will come out of this tragedy.

CUT 7 (08) “is enough”

A woman who bought CDs from Sterling outside the convenience store where he was shot was also present. She says Sterling was a really nice guy, and she was hurt when she heard the news of what happened. She says something has to change to put an end to the violence.

CUT 8 (06) “big changes”

Dr. Gary Clark is a professor at Dillard University in New Orleans who grew up in Baton Rouge. Clark says people must come together to bring about changes that prevent incidents like this from occurring. He hopes reform in police departments will become a political platform for national leadership.

CUT 9 (08) “election year”

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There was another police shooting today. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand says his deputies were involved in a high speed chase early this morning after spotting a vehicle linked to a number of car burglaries. He says one of his deputies fired shots at 40-year-old Melissa Belanger, who was using her vehicle as a weapon.

cut 10 (11)  “shots fired”

Normand says they believe Belanger has a drug addiction and was using the money from robbing cars to feed her habit. He says once officers shot at Belanger, she continued to drive off but eventually exited the vehicle screaming about gunshot wounds on her wrists and will be charged when she is released from the hospital.

Cut 11 (10) “stolen vehicle”

Normand says they are working to get additional warrants and the investigation is ongoing. He says the fact that Belanger tried to run over the officer with her vehicle justifies the use of force by the deputy.

cut 12 (09) “in time”

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Republicans are leading in campaign fundraising for the US Senate race for the seat being vacated by David Vitter. ULM political science professor Dr. Joshua Stockley says US Representative Charles Boustany had the best recent fundraising period with $1.1 million raised and $2.5 million in the bank.

Cut 13 (11)  “Fleming”

US Representative John Fleming reports $2.4 million in his campaign cofers and State Treasurer John Kennedy has a total of $1.4 million in the bank. Stockley says Kennedy’s name recognition will give him an advantage over the other two GOP candidates.

cut 14 (09)  “to Kennedy”

Stockley says the Democratic fundraising at this point is unimpressive. Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell is leading after raising $499-thousand in the last quarter, reporting $868-thousand in the bank. Caroline Fayard brought in $273-thousand with $634-thousand total on hand.  Stockley says the Democrats got off to a late start in fundraising, and they are essentially splitting the available campaign dollars from democratic donors.

cut 15 (10) “Republican candidates”

Stockley says we’re still in the quiet period of the election, and he suspects these fundraising totals are just scratching the surface of what we’ll see in September and October.

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Thousands of people are expected to attend the funeral service for Alton Sterling today. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The fire at the Old Governor’s Mansion and a museum, both in Opelousas, have both been ruled arson by the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Ex-KKK leader and former state representative David Duke is considering running for US Congress. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The funeral for Alton Sterling will be held today at the Southern University F.G. Clark Activity Center. The Sterling family’s spokesperson, Gary Chambers, says between 3 and 5-thousand people are expected to attend, including some big name speakers.

cut 4  (12)  “Alton Sterling”

Chambers says the viewing will be from 8:30 to 10:30 am, and the service will begin at 11am. He says the cost of the funeral is being covered by private donors.

Cut 5  (10)  “the service”

Chambers says they have asked that today be about celebrating Sterling’s life, but he expects protests to resume on Saturday. He says what the family wants is justice.

Cut 6 (08) “police departments”

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The State Fire Marshal’s Office has ruled the fire at the Old Governor’s Mansion and a historical museum in Opelousas as arson. Chief Deputy Brant Thompson says they’re working both scenes separately. He says they are unsure if the arsons are connected but it’s not being ruled out…

CUT 7 (09)  “Opelousas”

Thompson says the Civil-War era Governor’s Mansion has been deemed a total loss because of significant damage to the property. But he says there’s better news for the other historic structure that caught on fire…

Cut 8  (09)  “that facility”

Thompson says the Old Governor’s Mansion in Opelousas has erected in the 1850’s and Governor Thomas Moore lived there during the peak of the Civil War. He says it had been undergoing renovations for quite a while…

Cut 9 (07)  “total loss”

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Former state representative and ex-KKK leader David Duke says he is thinking about putting his name on the ballot, possibly running against republican incumbent Steve Scalise in Louisiana’s 1^st Congressional District. Duke says the media coverage of the recent police shootings have been slanted against white Americans and he’ll go to Washington DC and speak the truth of what’s happening….

Cut 10 (07) “all Americans”

Duke says the majority population needs someone who will actually give voice to their interests, because white lives matter too…

cut 11 (08) “we have”

Duke currently lives in Mandeville and has authorized a campaign committee to judge whether he should get run for Congress this November. He says people of his district are pushing him to run….

cut 12 (09) “real thing”

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The Cajun Music and Food Fest kicks off today in Lake Charles. Admission to the festival is $8 a day for adults, and kids 12 and under get in free. Event spokesperson Janet Piraro says this festival is a tradition in southwest Louisiana that celebrates Cajun heritage.

Cut 13 (07)  “Lake Charles”

The festival is held in the Burton Coliseum, so attendees can enjoy the A/C and get out of the heat. Piraro says the festival draws between 3 and 5-thousand people every year, who come out to see two days of live Cajun music.

cut 14 (12)  “11pm”

Ellis Vanicor & the Lacassine Playboys will headline Friday night, and Kevin Naquin & Ossum Playboys will headline Saturday night. Piraro says the event is family friendly and features lots of activities and authentic Louisiana cuisine.

Cut 15 (09) “good music”

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We are 50 days away from LSU’s season opener against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. During his appearance at SEC Media Days, Coach Les Miles says the Tigers will be ready…

Cut 16  (13)  “this point”

The success of the upcoming season likely depends on how LSU’s offense performs. The Tigers return most of their skill position players from a year ago, including their top two wide receivers in Travin Dural and Malachi Dupre. Miles says they should help quarterback Brandon Harris have a productive season…

Cut 17 (20)  “at the bit”

Junior running back Leonard Fournette goes into the season as a Heisman Trophy candidate. He was the front-runner for the award for most of last season, but Fournette says individual accomplishments are not his top goal…

Cut 18 (07) “to Louisiana”

Fournette rushed for nearly two-thousand yards last season and had 22 touchdowns. He was asked at SEC Media Days, how he can improve on those numbers in 2016…

Cut 19 (04) “nothing else”

About 80% of drivers have road rage, according to a new survey from AAA. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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LSU Coach Les Miles took time out at SEC Media Days to talk about the tumultuous week in Baton Rouge since the Alton Sterling shooting. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (25)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Governor John Bel Edwards and State Police Col. Mike Edmonson met with President Obama to discuss ways to build community trust and ensure justice for all Americans. Edmonson says one of the key things they discussed in the four hour meeting is the importance of listening to one another.

CUT 3 (09)  “to respond”

Edmonson says what we need to do right now as a country is to take a pause and look at what’s going on. He says everyone wants to point fingers at one side or the other, especially at law enforcement. But he says police have a difficult job to do, and for the most part, they do it well.

CUT 4 (09)  “anybody in”

Edmonson says everyone at the meeting walked away with a renewed strength to say we can do better. He says we have to find a way to move forward and to find solutions to the problems facing the country.

CUT 5 (08)  “it before”

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The 2016 U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championships are underway in Shreveport-Bossier, an event that’s expected to have a 6 million dollar economic impact on the area. Event Manager Sheila Norman says this weekend is comprised of two different events, in the morning 31 hot air balloons will compete against each other in different tasks. She says the afternoons will have a family fun atmosphere…

CUT 6 (08) “on Saturday”

Norman says the price for a ticket to the balloon rally at the door is 10 dollars for adults and 8 dollars for kids but through Saturday, anyone can go to Super 1 Foods or Brookshire’s to get an 8 dollar ticket. She says this is the first year Shreveport-Bossier has held a duel event and the first time the National Championships have been hosted here.

CUT 7 (08) “the wall”

The National Hot Air Balloon Championship and Red River Balloon Rally are expected to bring 25-thousand people to the area. Norman says anyone interested in attending the event can visit red-river-balloon-rally-dot-com (redriverballoonrally.com).

CUT 8 (11) “concerts”

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According to a new survey from AAA, 8 out of 10 drivers admit to having road rage. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says most respondents admitting to driving aggressively at least once in the past year.

CUT 9 (11) “gestures”

Redman says about 8 million people also admitted to getting out of their cars to confront another driver or even bumping into another car on purpose. The report shows males are three times more likely to have road rage than females. Redman says this is especially true for men ages 19 to 39.

cut 10 (08)  “situation”

Redman says as drivers, it’s important not to escalate a situation if you become the target of someone’s road rage. He says we can’t control everyone else on the road, but we can control how we respond.

Cut 11 (10) “them more”

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LSU football coach Les Miles discussed the shooting of Alton Sterling today at SEC Media Day. Miles says he hopes his players can help unite the capital city during this tough time…

cut 12 (06) “is home”

Miles says building up a football team is similar to building up a community that has been ripped apart by this tragic incident. He says everyone needs to be respectful of the lives of others and who they are as a person.

Cut 13 (10)  “a society”

Miles says he’s encouraging his players to do what they can to affect change.

cut 14 (11)  “all of us”

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The two major democrats in the race for U.S. Senate are speaking about their campaign. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Three monkeys at the Baton Rouge Zoo have died following a fatal encounter with two dogs that got into the exhibit. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Several law enforcement agencies are being sued by the American Civil Liberties Union for violating protesters’ first amendment rights during the weekend marches in Baton Rouge. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Alexandria Police Department is moving towards equipping its officers with body cameras.  Councilman Ed Larvadain (LAR-vuh-dane) says the city has the $800,000 to purchase the cameras for 130 police officers. Larvadain says this is an issue of safety and accountability.

cut 4  (12)  “the violence”

Larvadain says they hope to have the body cameras within the next 6 to 9 months. He says if something happens, they want to have video evidence of the incident.

Cut 5  (08)  “quick decisions”

Larvadain says he has been pushing for body cameras for over a year, but some of his fellow council members have been hesitant to move forward.

Cut 6 (09) “police officers”

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The two major democrats in the U.S. Senate race are laying out their ideas about what they will do if elected to the seat being vacated by David Vitter. Attorney Caroline Fayard, who is the youngest candidate in the race, says she’s trying to outwork the other candidates. She says she will bring a fresh voice and a new message to D.C.

CUT 7 (09)  “in Louisiana”

Fayard ran for Lt. Governor in 2010 but lost to Jay Dardenne. She says equal pay for women will be one of her top priorities if elected as senator in November. Fayard says Louisiana has the largest gender wage gap in the country.

Cut 8  (11)  “this issue”

Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell is the other big name democrat in the election. Campbell says he is a politician with a backbone and has the courage to stand up against special interest groups and do the right thing. He says he wants to tackle minimum wage when he goes to Washington D.C.

Cut 9 (10)  “helps business”

Campbell says when he returns home after being elected as senator, he will not turn around and become a lobbyist. He says his message is simple…

Cut 10 (09) “particular issues”

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Tragedy has struck the Baton Rouge Zoo again, as three monkeys died after a fatal encounter with dogs that broke into the exhibit. Zoo spokesperson Kaki Heiligenthal (High-leh-gen-thal) says two dogs someone got into the zoo, but they were not able to get into the spot-nose guenons’ habitat.

cut 11 (10) “and attacks”

One of the guenons that was killed was a 29-year-old female, another was a 22-year-old male, and an 18-year-old male died as well. Heiligenthal says they are still trying to find the spot where the fence was breached so it can be repaired.

cut 12 (09) “impervious”

Heiligenthal says they are not sure if the dogs were strays or if they were someone’s pets, and they have not found the dogs.

Cut 13 (09)  “have missed”

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The American Civil Liberties Union and other local groups are suing the Baton Rouge Police Department, claiming they violated individuals’ first amendment rights while protesting the shooting death of Alton Sterling. ACLU of Louisiana Executive Director Marjorie Esman says police showed up to a peaceful protest in riot gear and started wrongfully arresting people.

cut 14 (07)  “been before”

State Police and the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s office are also named as defendants in the suit. Esman says what the police could and should have done is tried to assist the protestors. She says the rally was peaceful when police arrived on Sunday armed with assault rifles.

Cut 15 (08) “looks like”

The suit also calls for a temporary restraining order against Baton Rouge law enforcement, preventing them from using aggressive tactics as more protests are expected. Esman says the concern is that more senseless arrests will be made and that people will not feel safe going to march.

Cut 16  (11)  “protest peacefully”

Governor Edwards has defended law enforcement by calling the response to the protests as “moderate.”

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The expectations for the LSU baseball team are even higher for next year. That’s because left-hander Jared Poche will return for his senior season. Poche could have played professional ball after San Diego took him in the 14th round, but the Lutcher native has cut off negotiations with the Padres. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says Poche’s return makes a good LSU baseball team on paper, even better…

Cut 17 (12)  “rotation”

Poche has 27 wins during his three-year career at LSU and is 11 victories shy of tying Scott Schultz, who is LSU’s all-time wins leader. Moran says Poche’s return gives LSU a very good one-two punch at the top of their pitching rotation that also includes potential first round draft pick Alex Lange

Cut 18 (11) “the fold”

For the third straight season, Alabama heads into preseason camp without a starting quarterback named.  There are four guys who will battle for the position once practice begins and they are Cooper Bateman, David Cornwell, Blake Barnett and Jalen Hurts. Crimson Tide Coach Nick Saban he’s not sure how the competition will develop

Cut 19 (17) “fall camp”

A key returner on Alabama’s offense is tight end OJ Howard, who had five catches for 208 yards and two touchdowns in the Tide’s national championship win over Clemson. Saban says he’s expecting a big year from Howard….

Cut 20 (10) “stretching the field”

Alton Sterling’s oldest son spoke about his father and the ongoing protests at a press conference outside the convenience store where his father was killed. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Congressmen Cedric Richmond and Garret Graves have come together to create a bill to address the growing violence between law enforcement and the public. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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This morning Alton Sterling’s oldest son called for peace at a press conference outside the convenience store where his father was fatally shot by police. 15-year-old Cameron Sterling says his father is a good man with a lot of people who love and care about him.

CUT 3 (08)  “good man” 2x

Sterling says now is the time for everyone to come together and not divide themselves. He says he wants people to continue to protest, but he doesn’t want there to be any more violence.

CUT 4 (07)  “whatsoever”

One of the Sterling family’s attorneys, Justin Bamberg, also spoke at the press conference. He says all the family wants is change, progress, and justice. He says they have questions about the ability to seek justice in Louisiana.

CUT 5 (09)  “an indictment”

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Congressmen Cedric Richmond and Garret Graves have teamed up to  introduce legislation that would give police training to de-escalate situations and help provide law enforcement access to nonlethal weapons. Graves says this comes after last week’s fatal police shooting of Alton Sterling. He says this bill’s goal is to use new technology to bridge gaps between life and death.

CUT 6 (10) “non-compliant”

Graves says there are many new technologies out in the private sector and being developed to help officers stop suspects that are noncompliant without killing them. He says this bill includes police training on how to use the equipment and de-escalation techniques.

CUT 7 (08) “grant program”

Graves says this is a five year bill which provides 130 million dollars in grants in the first year. He says the legislation won’t solve all of our problems but it’s something we can do in the meantime to help reduce the number of deaths and violence we’ve recently seen.

CUT 8 (09) “of this”

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The Richland Parish Sheriff’s Deputy who left his police K-9 in a hot car has plead guilty to criminal charges. District Attorney Mack Lancaster says John Cummings entered a guilty plea for one count of animal cruelty for leaving his K-9, Duke, in the car and one count of criminal mischief for writing a false police report. Lancaster says he was more disappointed about the report than the unfortunate accident that led to the dog’s death.

CUT 9 (09) “other part”

Lancaster says the deputy had to pay restitution for the dog and the money it cost to train the dog, which totaled more than $8,000. He says if Cummings had just told the truth about what happened, it probably would not have been as big of a deal.

cut 10 (05)  “dog died”

Lancaster says Cummings was sentenced to 6 months in jail for each offense to be served back to back. But he says both of the sentences were suspended, and Cummings’ employment was terminated immediately.

Cut 11 (07) “two years”

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A Louisiana elementary school teacher has been nominated for the 2016-17 national LifeChanger of the Year award. The award is presented to teachers who are making a difference in the lives of their students by being a positive influence and demonstrating leadership and excellence. Gary Jackson is a third grade math teacher at Barkdull-Faulk Elementary School in Monroe. Jackson says he is honored that one of his colleagues nominated for this award.

cut 12 (07) “being recognized”

Jackson created a step team called “Golden Steppers” for young boys in his school. He says it’s important to help students grow both inside and outside the classroom.

Cut 13 (11)  “uphold to”

Winners will be announced in Spring of 2017. Each winner of the award will receive a cash award with half the money going to the school and the other half going to the individual winner. Jackson says he already knows how he would spend his award if he wins.

cut 14 (10)  “it forward”

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Commercial harvests for brown shrimp in the western Gulf of Mexico are expected to be below average this year, according to NOAA’s forecast. Halen Doughty reports…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The investment bank, Goldman Sachs, predicts the U.S. oil and gas industry will bounce back in the next few years but not everyone agrees. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Baton Rouge police say four suspects robbed a pawn shop Saturday night to get guns and ammo to kill police officers. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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NOAA predicts a below-average season for brown shrimp commercial harvests in the western Gulf of Mexico, which is not good news for shrimpers. The 55-year average harvest is around 56 million pounds, and this year’s harvest is forecast at less than 40 million pounds. Louisiana Shrimp Association President Acy Cooper says this more bad news for a struggling industry.

cut 4  (07)  “at this point”

The smaller harvest is expected as a result of the record high rainfall that pushed shrimp out of their nursery habitats too soon. Cooper says the low supply of shrimp just adds to the problems the industry is already facing, which also include cheap shrimp imports flooding the market and other federal regulations.

Cut 5  (05)  “winter coming”

Cooper says more imports are driving shrimp prices down, which means consumers shouldn’t expect to see higher costs, even if there’s fewer domestic shrimp available. He says with fewer shrimp to harvest, it will make it harder for shrimpers to turn a profit.

Cut 6 (06) “killing us”

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Authorities say a pawn shop burglary in Baton Rouge is part of an alleged conspiracy to kill cops. Baton Rouge Police Chief Carl Dabadie says four suspects allegedly robbed a pawn shop late Saturday night to steal guns and ammo. He says a police unit responded to the burglary and took one suspect into custody.

CUT 7 (07)  “police officers”

17-year-old Antonio Thomas,  20-year-old Malik Bridgewater and a 13-year-old male have been arrested in connection with the burglary, and 23-year-old Trashone Coats was arrested after trying to purchase one of the stolen guns. Dabadie says police are still trying to find another suspect and the rest of the stolen guns.

Cut 8  (11)  “at large”

Dabadie says this threat against law enforcement is the reason police showed up to the Baton Rouge protests in SWAT gear on Sunday. He says they can’t take anything for granted following the attack in Dallas last week.

Cut 9 (12)  “this city”

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The investment bank, Goldman Sachs expects the U.S. oil and gas industry will hire tens of thousands of workers over the next few years when oil prices bounce back, but will it be that easy? President of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association Don Briggs doesn’t think so, because gas prices are still low and the majority of the 26-thousand workers in the industry that were laid off have already found new jobs…

Cut 10 (07) “that happen”

Briggs says a lot of people who lost their jobs are thinking there is no way I’m going to get back into the industry after going through such a hard time. He expects we’re going to have just as hard of a time bouncing back as we did from the 80s oil bust.

cut 11 (10) “is predicting”

Briggs says a lot of the recovery will be in the oil shale plays and we really don’t have those in Louisiana. He says the state is looking at record low oil rig counts right now…

cut 12 (07) “of Mexico” 

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Secretary of State Tom Schedler is fuming over comments Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser made about early voting at the Ouachita Parish Republican Women meeting. Nungesser’s remarks, as reported by the News Star, implied that voters can be bused to early voting sites, sign a piece of paper, and have their votes count even if they are not registered. But Schedler says nothing could be further from the truth. He is upset because he believes people have been misinformed about the voting process.

Cut 13 (09)  “it up”

Schedler says early voters must go to an approved early voting site, show valid ID, be registered to vote, and cast their ballot. He says these erroneous comments could call into question the integrity of our election system. He says statewide elected officials should “stay inside of their sandbox.”

cut 14 (08)  “that first”

Schedler says with a presidential election coming up in November, he has a lot on his plate already. He says people already have enough doubts about whether or not their votes count, which is why he is so upset about the comments.

Cut 15 (06) “accordingly”

Nungesser issued a statement saying the comments were taken out of context and he was not trying to discredit Schedler’s handling of our elections in any way.

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At SEC Media Days, Mississippi State Football Coach Dan Mullen fielded numerous questions about Jeffrey Simmons. He’s a five-star defensive end who was seen in a video punching a woman. Simmons has received a one-game suspension and is receiving counseling. Mullen says it’s his hope he can mold Simmons into a respectful adult

Cut 16  (15)  “in life” 

On the football field, Mississippi State will have a different look, because quarterback Dak Prescott has moved on to the NFL. So far, a starting QB for the upcoming season has yet to be named, but Mullen is glad wide receiver Fred Ross is back after catching a school-record 88 passes last season…

Cut 17 (13)  “the quarterbacks”

Texas A-and-M head coach Kevin Sumlin has already announced that Oklahoma transfer Trevor Knight will be his starting quarterback when the Aggies begin the season against UCLA. Sumlin was asked why he named Knight his starter…

Cut 18 (15) “happy there”

Could Gasoline taxes go up soon? Halen Doughty reports the governor has explained to the new transportation task force there is not enough revenue to cover all the state’s highway needs…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Two teenagers were mugged while playing Pokemon Go at a Shreveport Park. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Governor John Bel Edwards tells the newly formed transportation task force that revenue options need to be considered to address the state’s nearly 13-billion dollar backlog in highway needs. Edwards says this could mean an increase to the state’s gasoline tax in order to pay for new roads and maintain existing highways…

CUT 3 (07)  “it happen”

Sixteen-cents from the state’s gasoline tax goes into a trust fund that pays for highway projects.  Edwards says that amount has not been increased in 30 years and that money is only worth about 6-cents in today’s purchasing power.

CUT 4 (08)  “doesn’t work”

The task force will meet throughout the year and will make suggestions to the legislature for the 2017 session on how to increase funding for a better transportation system. He says the work conducted by this group will be very important to the state

CUT 5 (10)  “deserves better”

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Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain heads to Cuba today to head a trade mission with the island. Strain says the goal is to begin the process of exporting agricultural commodities and other products to Cuba. He hopes they can develop a relationship for trade…

CUT 6 (07) “with Cuba”

Strain says Louisiana would predominately be exporting rice, soybeans, wheat, poultry and more. He says there are so many products that Cuba needs that we have.

CUT 7 (10) “that happen”

President Obama recently removed that U.S. trade embargo with Cuba. Strain says if Cuba becomes a trading partner with Louisiana, it could mean about 400 million in trade over the next few years.

CUT 8 (10) “agriculture commodities”

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Two Shreveport teenagers were mugged at a park while trying to find Pokemon on a new smartphone app. That’s according to the mother of one of the teens, who says her son and a friend were getting out the car when they were approached by two men asking to borrow a cell phone and out of nowhere they punched the friend in the face. She says two additional men came up on the scene…

CUT 9 (10) “your stuff”

The mother believes the thieves were looking to steal from people in the park playing the Pokemon Go game, which is similar to a scavenger hunt. She says police used another smartphone app to locate where the stolen phones could be.

cut 10 (10)  “their pocket”

Shreveport Police says 17-year-olds Santana Smith and Gabreon Green were arrested and charged with First Degree Robbery and authorities are still searching for two other suspects. The mother says many gamers are taking to different parks to find the Pokemons. She says her son did not know Columbia Park was a dangerous place and wants parents to be vigilant of where their kids are playing.

Cut 11 (08) “or not”

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Now that we have an idea of how the Baton Rouge Police Department plans to defend the killing of Alton Sterling, experts believe the cops will claim they feared for their lives. A warrant filed this week by BRPD indicates Sterling resisted arrest, then the officers saw him reach for a gun before shooting. Legal analyst Tim Meche believes the cops will claim they had no choice, and:

cut 12 (10) “officers”

The court documents say Sterling failed to comply with direct orders, and when the officers tried to subdue the man with tasers that didn’t work. Meche says BRPD will argue the two cops legitimately feared for their lives…:

Cut 13 (10)  “and killing them”

Meche says this all gives us a good idea on how the officers will claim they were justified in shooting and killing Sterling…:

cut 14 (03)  “for their lives”

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The new Louisiana transportation task force meets today to discuss recommendations to improve our roadways. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Governor John Bel Edwards has had a lot on his plate during his first few months in office, including a budget crisis, three legislative sessions, flooding throughout the state, and now protests in Baton Rouge. Halen Doughty has more on how the governor has handled these challenges…

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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New details have been released in the death of Alton Sterling. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A transportation task force created by Governor John Bel Edwards holds its first meeting today. The panel will make various recommendations that could lead to major changes for Louisiana’s roadways. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says the task force holds its first meeting as the state faces a nearly 13-billion dollar backlog in transportation projects…

cut 4  (10)  “go forward”

The recommendations from this task force will be brought to the legislature in 2017. Wilson says the average Louisiana driver pays about 100 dollars in state gas taxes a year and gasoline taxes have not been increased in 30 years. He says increasing gas taxes are one way to create additional funding and they’ll look at other revenue raising measures as well methods.

Cut 5  (10)  “ongoing ivestment”

Wilson says they could improve congestion on Interstate 10 by building another Mississippi River bridge, widening I-10 and constructing new interchanges, but how do we pay for those projects and maintain existing roads…

Cut 6 (11) “revenue stream”

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With a historic budget crisis, torrential flooding in March, three legislative sessions, and now massive protests in the Capital City, Governor John Bel Edwards has certainly had a lot to deal with since taking office. ULM political science professor Dr. John Sutherlin says there likely hasn’t been another governor in office who’s had so much on his plate during the first few months of his term.

CUT 7 (08)  “administration”

Sutherlin says everyone thinks they can do the governor’s job better, until they become governor. He says it’s very easy for people to be critical, and that’s just a part of American politics.

Cut 8  (10)  “and different”

Sutherlin says Edwards has done a fairly good job of managing situations that he did not create, and it’s unlikely that he will get a break anytime soon. He says it still remains to be seen how the governor will handle situations that he can control and what will come of all the work on the budget.

Cut 9 (12)  “certainly next”

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Louisiana is ranked the third safest state for older drivers. That’s according to a report from Caring.com and Chief Caring Expert Dayna Steele says Louisiana isn’t as well populated as other states, so there are not as many people are on the roadways. She also says the state’s strict rules for older drivers could play a part in the positive ranking…

Cut 10 (10) “license renewals”

Steele says 11-percent of people killed in car crashes in Louisiana are 65 and older and that age group makes up 14-percent of the population. She hopes this study sparks conversations and action with family members and loved ones who might not need to be driving anymore.

cut 11 (10) “driving then”

Steele says it’s concerning that many elderly people go in person to take the renewal test and fail yet still come out with licenses.

cut 12 (07) “kind of crazy”

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A bill by Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham has won the approval of the US House that seeks to defund a 2015 executive order from President Obama that could drive up the costs of building in Louisiana. Abraham says the President’s order would also make flood insurance more expensive for Louisiana residents.

Cut 13 (12)  “flood insurance”

Abraham says the order scraps the base flood commonly used to determine flood risk and replaces it with a new one that takes into account future flooding from climate change. He says the science behind this new floodplain is arbitrary and the order is unnecessary.

cut 14 (10)  “working well”

Abraham says this order imposes unjustified regulations in the name of combating climate change. He says this order is bad for Louisiana because it could drive more businesses and workers away from the Bayou State.

Cut 15 (12) “scientific basis”

Abraham says he does expect the Senate to approve the bill.

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Looking ahead to the college football season, Auburn is a team that has the potential to get off to a fast start. Auburn’s first five games are home, including match-ups against LSU on September 24th and ULM on October first. Head coach Gus Malzahn says the first five games will not be easy, starting with Clemson on September 3rd

Cut 16  (21)  “season goes” 

Malzahn has yet to decide on a starting quarterback this season. Jeremy Johnson,  returning starter Sean White and junior college transfer John Franklin the Third will battle for snaps this fall. Auburn’s coach says the guy who gives them the best chance to win, will be the starting QB…

Cut 17 (19)  “quarterback strengths”

LSU visits Florida on October 8th and the Gators have yet to settle on a starter this season. Luke Del Rio is the favorite to win the job and Florida head coach Jim McElwain says Austin Appleby is also competing for that job….

Cut 18 (13) “takes that step”

More protests are expected in Baton Rouge as demonstrators cry out for justice in the death of Alton Sterling, and law enforcement look to keep the peace. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore says his office has recused itself from the Alton Sterling investigation. Jeff Palermo reports…:

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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More protests are expected today in Baton Rouge as people from Louisiana and other states call for justice in the police shooting of Alton Sterling. State Police Major Doug Cain says police will be there to help protestors exercise their first amendment right, so long as it’s lawful and peaceful.

CUT 3 (09)  “right away”

Fifty people were arrested in yesterday’s protest for marching in the street, bringing the total number of protestors arrested this weekend to around 200. Many of individuals arrested yesterday were from out of state and charged with obstruction of a highway. Cain says police will do whatever it takes to keep everyone safe.

CUT 4 (10)  “quick action”

The federal investigation into Sterling’s death is still not complete, and Cain says police don’t know how long the protests will continue. But he says law enforcement will be there to protect citizens and their rights for as long as it takes.

CUT 5 (11)  “if necessary”

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A 15 month old child that went missing overnight in Rapides Parish was located hours later in a briar patch across the street from the Tioga home. Lt. Tommy Carnline with the sheriff’s office says they were called to the residence around 7:30 this morning, and the search lasted less than an hour…:

CUT 6 (07) “covered in ants”

Carnline says the parents last saw the child around 3am asleep, and it’s unknown at this time how the 15 month old got out of the house. He says they are just grateful they were able to find the child so quickly…:

CUT 7 (08) “child has”

Carnline says the condition of the child is unknown at this time. He says the toddler was responsive when located…:

CUT 8 (04) “very weak”

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Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore has announced that he will recuse himself and his office from the investigation into the police shooting of Alton Sterling. Moore says he has no direct relationship with either officer involved, but he is close with the parents of Officer Blane Salamoni.

CUT 9 (11) “be appointed”

According to a report released by Moore’s office, Salamoni’s mother was the Violent Crime and Crime Scene Commander during most of Moore’s time in office, and Salamoni’s father has commanded the department’s special operations unit during the same time period. Protestors have been calling for justice since Sterling’s death, and Moore says that’s what he is trying to give them.

cut 10 (10)  “the community”

Attorney General Jeff Landry issued a statement saying the US Attorney’s Office has told the Louisiana Department of Justice that the state will not have access to the investigation until the federal case is complete. Moore says it’s best to just let the feds do their work first.

Cut 11 (08) “their investigation”

Landry’s office will appoint a prosecutor for any state charges that may be filed after the federal investigation has been conducted.

===================================================

The ACLU of Louisiana says the Baton Rouge Police Department used illegal and excessive force on protesters this weekend. People have for days been in Baton Rouge marching over what they believe was the wrongful cop killing of Alton Sterling. Executive Director Marjorie Esman says the use of violent, militarized tactics during a peaceful gathering was not necessary…:

cut 12 (06) “was not happening”

Most of the arrests made were of people from out of town, and the charges stem from obstructing roadways. Esman says treating a peaceful public as though they are going to start a riot does not help improve relations that are already strained…:

Cut 13 (09)  “repaired”

EBR DA Hillar Moore says they are going to investigate every case closely..:

cut 14 (09)  “everything”

There are those who claim many of the protesters arrested Sunday were on private property, but BRPD says those cases were of people who had already broken the law by trying to block the interstate. Moore says, while the cases are still under investigation, once a law has been broken it’s been broken.:

cut 15 (08) “at the hospital”