The groundbreaking ceremony is today for the future site of the new VA clinic in Lake Charles. Emelie Gunn has more on the benefits the facility will have for veterans in the region…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

US Senator Bill Cassidy has filed legislation that seeks to cut some of the red tape in the event of a public health emergency, such as Ebola or Zika outbreaks. Don Molino has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

______________________________________

State Police says they are reviewing a viral video that appears to show a trooper body slamming a suspect. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________________

After waiting for more than 10 years, today is the groundbreaking ceremony for the site of the permanent VA clinic in Lake Charles. Chairman of the Lake Charles Mayor’s Armed Forces Commission Jim Jackson says he’s looking forward to finally having a clinic that will help around 10-thousand veterans in the southwest Louisiana area. He says it’s time we looked at the long range issue of care for the men and women who fought for our freedoms.

cut 4  (09)  “our veterans”

 Jackson says mental health treatment is very important because about 22 veterans kill themselves a day. He says they’re looking forward to the completion of the 24-thousand square foot facility.

Cut 5  (09)  “hearing”

 Jackson says the project is estimated to take 12 months to complete. He says the country has promised to take care of our veterans and this facility will do just that.

Cut 6 (06) “remember that”

___________________________________________________

US Senator Bill Cassidy has filed legislation that seeks to help prepare for potential health emergencies, like outbreaks of Ebola and Zika. The proposal would wave some red-tape regulations and authorize funding if a public health emergency is declared. Cassidy, a doctor, says this could help contain outbreaks.

CUT 7 (10)  “potential epidemic”

Cassidy says the threat for a health emergency is looming, as another Zika case has been confirmed in Louisiana. The measure would waive contract requirements that would allow, for example, the Centers for Disease Control to enter mosquito control contracts without getting the dozens of signatures that are typically required. Cassidy says similar waivers are issued to other agencies during emergencies.

Cut 8  (12)  “natural disasters”

The bill would also authorize about $1.5 billion to control the outbreak when a health emergency is declared. Cassidy says this will allow response agencies to take appropriate action quickly.

Cut 9 (08)  “in hand”

_______________________________________________

People making plans for their Fourth of July celebrations like to head to Louisiana for the festivities. According to WalletHub, the New Orleans is the third best city for Independence Day parties. Jill Gonzales with WalletHub says the study looked at entertainment and food options, attractions and activities, and weather forecast. She says New Orleans did particularly well in the food category.

Cut 10 (09) “the country”

Seattle and Minneapolis were the only two cities to top New Orleans on the list. The study found the average household will spend around $370 on their celebration. Gonzales says the cost of partying in New Orleans for the holiday weekend was lower than other cities.

cut 11 (10) “the list”

Gonzales says New Orleans ranked number one for the number of festivals and events taking place this weekend, many of which are free. She says the only category that New Orleans did not fare well in was the forecast because of higher temperatures and a chance of rain.

cut 12 (08) “like zero”

________________________________________________

State Police says they are reviewing a viral video that appears to show a trooper body slamming a suspect.  LSP spokesperson Melissa Matey says the unnamed trooper was walking down Bourbon Street on his way home after a 12 hour shift.

Cut 13 (10)  “was intoxicated”

Matey says the trooper told 39-year-old Michael Hoffman from Illinois to leave several times, but he refused. The video shows the trooper trying to escort Hoffman away from the scene and then throwing him onto the ground when he resists. She says Hoffman was subsequently arrested.

cut 14 (10)  “the peace”

Matey says State Police supervisors are reviewing the video.

________________________________________________

The story of the missing girl out of a quiet Caldwell Parish community seems to be over after authorities located what is believed to be her body inside a vehicle that was found in a lake. Sheriff Steve May says search teams had been looking for Joann Jarrell for about a month and found her in the water Tuesday. He says many different departments and volunteers were involved in efforts to find Jarrell.

Cut 15 (10) “on 4wheelers”

May says Jarrell’s family has been notified and her body has been sent off for an autopsy. He says they do not suspect foul play at this time.

Cut 16  (08)  “concerned about” 

________________________________________________

The groundbreaking ceremony is today for the future site of the new VA clinic in Lake Charles. Emelie Gunn has more on the benefits the facility will have for veterans in the region…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Louisiana Congressman Bill Cassidy has filed legislation that seeks to cut some of the red tape in the event of a public health emergency, such as Ebola or Zika outbreaks. Don Molino has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

______________________________________

State Police says they are reviewing a viral video that appears to show a trooper body slamming a suspect. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________________

After waiting for more than 10 years, today is the groundbreaking ceremony for the site of the permanent VA clinic in Lake Charles. Chairman of the Lake Charles Mayor’s Armed Forces Commission Jim Jackson says he’s looking forward to finally having a clinic that will help around 10-thousand veterans in the southwest Louisiana area. He says it’s time we looked at the long range issue of care for the men and women who fought for our freedoms.

cut 4  (09)  “our veterans”

 Jackson says mental health treatment is very important because about 22 veterans kill themselves a day. He says they’re looking forward to the completion of the 24-thousand square foot facility.

Cut 5  (09)  “hearing”

 Jackson says the project is estimated to take 12 months to complete. He says the country has promised to take care of our veterans and this facility will do just that.

Cut 6 (06) “remember that”

___________________________________________________

A Louisiana Congressman has filed legislation that seeks to help prepare for potential health emergencies, like outbreaks of Ebola and Zika. The proposal by Congressman Bill Cassidy would wave some red-tape regulations and authorize funding if a public health emergency is declared. Cassidy, a doctor, says this could help contain outbreaks.

CUT 7 (10)  “potential epidemic”

Cassidy says the threat for a health emergency is looming, as another Zika case has been confirmed in Louisiana. The measure would waive contract requirements that would allow, for example, the Centers for Disease Control to enter mosquito control contracts without getting the dozens of signatures that are typically required. Cassidy says similar waivers are issued to other agencies during emergencies.

Cut 8  (12)  “natural disasters”

The bill would also authorize about $1.5 billion to control the outbreak when a health emergency is declared. Cassidy says this will allow response agencies to take appropriate action quickly.

Cut 9 (08)  “in hand”

_______________________________________________

People making plans for their Fourth of July celebrations like to head to Louisiana for the festivities. According to WalletHub, the New Orleans is the third best city for Independence Day parties. Jill Gonzales with WalletHub says the study looked at entertainment and food options, attractions and activities, and weather forecast. She says New Orleans did particularly well in the food category.

Cut 10 (09) “the country”

Seattle and Minneapolis were the only two cities to top New Orleans on the list. The study found the average household will spend around $370 on their celebration. Gonzales says the cost of partying in New Orleans for the holiday weekend was lower than other cities.

cut 11 (10) “the list”

Gonzales says New Orleans ranked number one for the number of festivals and events taking place this weekend, many of which are free. She says the only category that New Orleans did not fare well in was the forecast because of higher temperatures and a chance of rain.

cut 12 (08) “like zero”

________________________________________________

State Police says they are reviewing a viral video that appears to show a trooper body slamming a suspect.  LSP spokesperson Melissa Matey says the unnamed trooper was walking down Bourbon Street on his way home after a 12 hour shift.

Cut 13 (10)  “was intoxicated”

Matey says the trooper told 39-year-old Michael Hoffman from Illinois to leave several times, but he refused. The video shows the trooper trying to escort Hoffman away from the scene and then throwing him onto the ground when he resists. She says Hoffman was subsequently arrested.

cut 14 (10)  “the peace”

Matey says State Police supervisors are reviewing the video.

________________________________________________

The story of the missing girl out of a quiet Caldwell Parish community seems to be over after authorities located what is believed to be her body inside a vehicle that was found in a lake. Sheriff Steve May says search teams had been looking for Joann Jarrell for about a month and found her in the water Tuesday. He says many different departments and volunteers were involved in efforts to find Jarrell.

Cut 15 (10) “on 4wheelers”

May says Jarrell’s family has been notified and her body has been sent off for an autopsy. He says they do not suspect foul play at this time.

Cut 16  (08)  “concerned about” 

A 9-year-old is dead, and 8 people are injured following a fatal crash in Iberville Parish. Halen Doughty reports…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office says thanks to the media coverage and help from the public, the woman accused of falsely reporting a father was abusing his 5 month old daughter has turned herself in. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

A fatal crash in Iberville Parish took the life of a 9-year-old and left several others with injuries. Trooper Bryan Lee with State Police says 27-year-old Tommie Killough was attempting to pass another vehicle in a no passing zone.

CUT 3 (09)  “the scene”

Lee says Killough hit 34-year-old Courtney Alvarez’s vehicle. He says Alvarez and her passengers were properly restrained and not injured. But he says Killough’s passengers were not restrained, including the child who died, Asha Cooper, because there were more people in Killough’s 5 passenger SUV than there were seatbelts.

CUT 4 (08)  “that vehicle”

Lee says Killough’s other passengers were taken to a local hospital with moderate to severe injuries. He says Killough is still in the hospital, but once she gets out, she will face multiple charges.

CUT 5 (08)  “seat belt violation”

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

The first Louisiana dolphin to be rescued and released into the wild is thriving. Audubon Nature Institute Stranding and Rescue Coordinator Gabriella Vazquez says the young dolphin was found by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in October of 2015, stranded on the beach in Grand Isle. She says when they tried to release him back into the Gulf, he showed no initiative to swim, so they made the decision to rescue the calf.

CUT 6 (09) “a dolphin”

Vazquez says the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration required Audubon scientists to monitor the dolphin in the wild for six weeks after he was released into Barataria Bay. She says all their testing proves the young dolphin, named Octavius, is doing great in the wild.

CUT 7 (10) “we are”

Vazquez says it’s great to see how all of their hard work paid off. She says Octavius has been spotted swimming with other dolphins in areas where there is lots of food available.

CUT 8 (08) “positive direction”

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

A former Eunice police officer is facing charges of obstruction and malfeasance in office, for allegedly cussing out someone he was arresting and threatening to beat him up. Major Eddie Thibodaux with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office says Lt. Varden Guillory became irate with Heath Bergeron, a domestic violence suspect, when Bergeron came in to make his statement.

CUT 9 (11) “head off”

Thibodaux says Guillory was upset that Bergeron got his friend to help him write the statement, because he wasn’t a very good speller. He says Guillory then arrested Bergeron for domestic abuse battery, without getting the proper information first.

cut 10 (07)  “charges”

Guillory left the Eunice Police Department after the incident. Thibodaux says after completing the investigation into the battery, Bergeron’s ex-wife was later arrested for domestic abuse, as she was the alleged perpetrator. The two had apparently gotten into an argument over what time they would meetup to exchange their children on Father’s Day. He says Guillory has also been arrested.

Cut 11 (10) “investigation”

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

Tuesday’s Mega Millions jackpot has shot up to whopping 390-million dollars. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kimberly Chopin says this jackpot has been rolling since March and is the fourth highest Mega Millions jackpot ever. She says it’s been two years since we’ve seen Mega Millions reach this level…

cut 12 (06) “Mega Millions”

Chopin says unlike Powerball that costs two dollars to play, Mega Millions only costs a dollar so it takes a little while for the jackpots to build up. She says the biggest jackpot was reached in 2012.

Cut 13 (08)  “jackpot ever”

This is the largest prize offered in Mega Million since March 2014 when two tickets shared a 414 million dollar prize. Chopin says a lot of people don’t know that Mega Millions has a megaplier function, which can multiply your prize up to five times by adding an extra dollar. But she says there is more than one way to win…

cut 14 (10)  “the drawing”

___________________________________________

Beachgoers need to be on the lookout this holiday weekend as a flesh-eating bacteria has been found in the Gulf of Mexico. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

People on both sides of the abortion debate are voicing their concerns over the Supreme Court ruling that overturned a Texas law that requires abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at local hospitals. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

As the summer temperatures are going up, Cleco customers’ utility bills will be going down. Don Molino has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

______________________________________________

Many people are likely to be out on the water for the 4^th of July holiday but should be cautious because the flesh-eating bacteria, vibrio, has been found along the Gulf of Mexico coast stretching from Texas to the Florida panhandle. Biology Professor at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Dr. Gregory Buck says the bacteria typically lives in salt water and thrives when the water is warm, so it’s only going to continue to grow. He say vibrio can enter the body through eating raw shellfish or an open wound…

cut 4  (10)  “starts dying”

There are about 10 to 15 cases of infection from the vibrio vulnificus bacteria in Louisiana, annually. Buck says anyone can contact the bacteria but some people are at a greater risk…

Cut 5  (10)  “stomach acid”

But Buck says this doesn’t mean people shouldn’t go to the beach, just be cautious when entering the water with open cuts or scratches and when eating raw oysters or clams. He says if you believe you have the vibrio bacteria, go straight to the doctor because it can be life threatening.

Cut 6 (07) “its own”

___________________________________________________

People on both sides of the Texas abortion Supreme Court ruling are sounding off on the issue. The ruling overturned a law that restricted women’s access to abortion clinics. That’s according to Executive Director of the National Organization for Women in Louisiana, Angela Adkins. She hopes this paves the way for the similar law in Louisiana to be struck down.

CUT 7 (10)  “unconstitutional”

Attorney General Jeff Landry says his office will continue to fight for Louisiana’s pro-life laws. But Adkins says challenging the ruling to keep this law on the books will be an expansive fight and a waste of taxpayer dollars.

Cut 8  (08)  “to have”

President of the Louisiana Family Forum, Gene Mills, says he is disappointed with the ruling. He says this ruling put abortion clinic profits over the safety of women.

Cut 9 (09)  “a travesty”

Mills says the reason behind overturning the Texas law was that the purpose of it was to shut down half the abortion clinics in the state. But he says that is not the case with the Louisiana law, so he hopes it will stay on the books.

Cut 10 (10) “them busy”

_______________________________________________

Just in time for the soaring summer temperatures, Cleco utility customers are getting a break on their power bills. Cleco spokesperson Robbyn Cooper says beginning July 1, customers will start seeing a credit on their bills, averaging $475.

cut 11 (07) “is exhausted”

The credit comes as a result of the Pineville-based utility company’s sale to a foreign investment group, when the Public Service Commission required the company to meet a long list of requirements to get the deal approved. Cooper says they want customers to benefit from the sale too.

cut 12 (07) “our transaction”

Opponents to the sale will have negative impacts on Celco’s nearly 300-thousand customers, like seeing their rates go up over time. But Cooper says customer shouldn’t notice a change in their service.

Cut 13 (12)  “the past”

________________________________________________

There have been conflicting reports over whether the Saints will hold mini-camp at the Greenbrier in West Virginia as planned, given the recent flooding the state has seen. Saints sideline reporter Kristian Garic says New Orleans currently has every intention of beginning camp on July 27^th at the resort but they’re still in a bit of a holding pattern.

cut 14 (07)  “training camp”

Garic says the main thing is getting the Saints out of the extreme south Louisiana heat. He says there is a possibility the team might go to Foxborough before pre-season to practice with the Patriots.

Cut 15 (10) “training camp”

Garic says the Saints played a huge part in boosting morale in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and believes they would do the same in West Virginia.

Cut 16  (08)  “they’re doing” 

The US Supreme Court ruled today that the Texas law requiring abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at hospitals is unconstitutional, which could have implications for a Louisiana law as well. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Halen Doughty” 

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

Gov. Edwards creates changes to the state’s industrial tax program. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

A fatal crash took the life of a one-year-old in St. Landry parish. Master Trooper Brooks David with State Police says 24-year-old Bendel Williams was driving down Highway 182 Sunday when he ran off the road. David says one-year-old Jamaika Johnson was not properly restrained in the back seat.

CUT 3 (09)  “the hospital” 2x

Investigators believe Williams is dating the child’s mother. David says they are not sure what caused the driver to veer off the road, but the investigation is ongoing while Williams recovers from his injuries.

CUT 4 (08)  “that crash”

David says charges are pending. He says children need to be properly restrained at all times when riding in a vehicle, and parents can come by troop stations throughout the state to make sure their car seats are installed correctly.

CUT 5 (08)  “properly”

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

Governor John Bel Edwards has been elected as the chair of the Southern Regional Education Board. Edwards says he’s looking forward to strengthening the learning and preparedness of students in all member states. Edwards’ Communication Director Richard Carbo says the governor is passionate about education and has been since he first started out in the legislature.

CUT 6 (11) “to succeed”

Carbo says we’re seeing schools around the region from K-12 to higher education having to do more with a lot less support from the state. He says the governor’s goal is to reinvest in education.

CUT 7 (07) “excited about”

Carbo says K-12 education is being cut in Louisiana for the first time in a generation. He says this new position will give Governor Edwards an audience and a platform to look for new ideas to improve education throughout the 16 state region.

CUT 8 (10) “about it”

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

The Supreme Court struck down a Texas abortion law today, which could mean a similar Louisiana law is coming off the books as well. The law required abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at hospitals, and Louisiana has similar legislation. Loyola law professor Dane Ciolino says the ramifications of this ruling could reach into our state.

CUT 9 (12) “today’s opinion”

The Louisiana law was blocked by a federal judge, but in February the Fifth Circuit granted a request by Attorney General Jeff Landry to overrule the lower court and allow the law to take effect. Landry issued a statement saying his office will review the implications of today’s Supreme Court’s ruling on Louisiana’s law, but will continue to fight Louisiana’s case to protect women’s health. Ciolino says the justices ruled the law violates the Constitution.

cut 10 (10)  “to term”

Landry’s statement also says “our law is both factually and legally different from the Texas law.” But Ciolino says Louisiana’s law is at least as restrictive as the one in our neighboring state.

Cut 11 (09) “Texas law”

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

Governor John Bel Edwards has made changes to a program that gives manufactures significant tax exemptions. His executive order lets local governing bodies have a say in how the exemptions are handed out, and requires companies applying to show they are creating or retaining jobs. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson…

cut 12 (11) “a voice”

Pierson says before the executive order there was no requirement for a company to make a commitment to jobs or investment. He says all the company had to do was prove to be a manufacturer to receive the industrial tax exemption.

Cut 13 (11)  “the table”

Pierson says LED wants to make sure we’re attracting manufacturing companies that are good for the economy, local governments and communities. He says 38 other states give local oversight on the local exemption process.

cut 14 (10)  “the table”

___________________________________________

The state’s goal of one day adding land to Louisiana’s coast will not happen as hoped. Emelie Gunn tells us why….

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards made it through three grueling legislative sessions, but ULM political science professor John Sutherlin says his work is far from over. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Lawmakers just wrapped up the second special session without closing the deficit, and they’ve got some time to recover be for the fiscal session in 2017. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________________

Plans are in the works for Shreveport-Bossier to get a new bridge over the Red River, and Monroe residents are asking when will the state pay for a new bridge over the Ouachita River, as there’s been talk of a new bridge in that area for decades. Ouachita parish police juror Walt Caldwell says a new bridge in Monroe would cost around $300 million, and there isn’t enough money in the state capital outlay budget to cover the cost.

cut 4  (08)  “outlay budget”

The cost for the new Shreveport bridge is projected between $80 and $100 million. Caldwell says the Monroe project would require a lot of federal funding, and that money doesn’t appear to be available either.

Cut 5  (11)  “dwindle dramatically”

West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth says there were renovations on the Lea Joyner Bridge over the Ouachita River in 2013. He says Monroe-West Monroe already has three bridges essentially within two miles of each other.

Cut 6 (10) “thousand”

___________________________________________________

Louisiana’s major goal of stopping wetland erosion and rebuilding the coast has come to a halt. Director of the National Wildlife Federation’s Gulf Restoration Program David Muth says that’s because sea levels are expected to rise higher than previously predicted. But he says that doesn’t mean they’ll stop trying to solve coastal land loss

CUT 7 (09)  “get moving”

Muth says the state is using funding from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill to build barrier islands, marshes and dredging to limit coastal land loss. He says the most important step is for Louisiana to use sediment from the Mississippi River to build up the marshes.

Cut 8  (10)  “very soon”

Muth says he’s not surprised that the prediction of reversing coastal land loss in a few decades isn’t possible anymore. But he is optimistic they can reduce the amount of land Louisiana loses every year and that’s through sediment diversions…

Cut 9 (10)  “way out”

_______________________________________________

The second special session is over, but ULM political science professor John Sutherlin says Governor John Bel Edwards won’t be taking a breather anytime soon.

Cut 10 (07) “to cut”

The governor will have to make at least $300 million dollars in cuts to the state budget for next fiscal year. Sutherlin says Edwards will be involved in trying to bolster the state’s ports, roads and bridges, while also working on some job creation projects.

cut 11 (08) “under Jindal”

Sutherlin says with a Democrat in the White House it may help Edwards bring down more federal dollars from Washington for infrastructure projects. He anticipates the governor will also look to improve broadband internet service throughout the state.

cut 12 (08) “development”

________________________________________________

Two special sessions later, Louisiana’s budget is still not in good shape. Barry Erwin with the Council for a Better Louisiana says he’s optimistic that in the 2017 fiscal session lawmakers can start looking at long term budget reform. He says otherwise they will still be dealing with midyear cuts.

Cut 13 (11)  “fiscal cliff”

Erwin says he hopes lawmakers will be able to work towards this reform across party lines because it’s something both Democrats and Republicans recognize the state needs. He says the question still remains if they will agree to work together.

cut 14 (12)  “some revenue”

Erwin says the reform options that are out there are pretty much the same as what they looked at in the special sessions. But he says with next year’s fiscal session, lawmakers will have more time to get the job done.

Cut 15 (10) “budget balanced”

________________________________________________

LSU President F King Alexander does NOT like the idea of front loading the TOPS scholarship program because it still isn’t fully funded. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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

Attorney General Jeff Landry has announced his office will look into the case of Schaquana Spears, the Baton Rouge mother facing child cruelty charges for whipping her children after they were caught robbing a house. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 2 (27)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

Lawmakers failed to raise enough revenue in the special session to fully fund the TOPS scholarship program. However, in the final minutes, an amendment was added that means TOPS students would get all of their tuition paid in the fall semester, but they would have to pay about 60% of it in the spring semester. LSU President F King Alexander doesn’t think this is fair to students or their parents.

CUT 3 (10)  “students in”

The idea behind this amendment was that more money could come in between now and the start of the spring semester so lawmakers could fund the program more. But Alexander says the state is gambling with our students.

CUT 4 (11)  “and families”

Alexander says if lawmakers cannot fund TOPS by the second semester, it could create serious problems for students who need financial aid to cover the cost.

CUT 5 (11)  “second semester”

It’s possible the governor will do a line item veto on the amendment, which would put TOPS back at 70% funded for both semesters.

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

Governor John Bel Edwards believes the legislature accomplished a lot when it comes to funding important state services but came up short in certain areas. Based on the taxes raised during the two special sessions, Edwards says higher education will not face any cuts, which is good news for students.

CUT 6 (09) “take effect”

Edwards says legislators also provided adequate funding for the public-private hospitals that proved care for the poor and uninsured…

CUT 7 (07) “we represent”

Edwards says while the budget is honest and disciplined, he isn’t completely satisfied with the final product. He says state funding for K-12 education will be reduced by 24 million dollars…

CUT 8 (10) “Louisiana’s future”

Edwards says he offered a plan to fully fund TOPS, but the scholarship program will only be funded at 70-percent. He says this is the first time TOPS has ever received a cut.

CUT 9 (06) “fund TOPS”

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

A Shreveport woman is wanted by police for making false accusations that a father molested his 5-month-old daughter. Lt. Bill Davis with the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office says 32-year-old Carrie Rivers was a babysitter for the family of the infant and when her services were no longer needed, she made up this story to make the parents mad. He says this allegation created major problems.

cut 10 (10)  “she is”

Davis says authorities believe Rivers is still in the northwest Louisiana area. He says Rivers first confronted the mother of the infant stating that the husband molested her daughter.

Cut 11 (08) “on the child”

Rivers is also alleged to have taken the mother’s phone. Davis says he doesn’t want an incident like this to stop real victims of sexual assault from coming forward to the police. He says Rivers faces the charges of false swearing; unauthorized use of a moveable; and improper telecommunications.

cut 12 (10) “does that”

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

The LSU Board of Supervisors gives the school’s ag center the green light to begin the process of growing medical marijuana that would be dispensed to eligible Louisiana patients. LSU Ag Center Chancellor Doctor Bill Richardson says they plan to grow medical weed on private property, away from campus, inside a facility that needs to be built…

Cut 13 (12)  “….drug environment“

The AgCenter plans to get a third-party investor  involved to help pay for start-up costs. Richardson says while there are some concerns, they are excited about the research possibilities that exist…

cut 14 (14)  “is tremendous”

___________________________________________

Attorney General Jeff Landry says his office is looking into the case of the Baton Rouge mother who was arrested for whipping her children with an electrical cord after they were caught robbing a neighbor’s house. Landry says he wants to make sure the investigation is handled properly.

cut 15 (09) “concerns me”

Schaquana Spears is facing two counts of child cruelty for disciplining her children, and Landry is concerned the department of children and family services will take her children away. He says he is thankful his mother did not spare the rod to teach him a valuable lesson.

cut 16 (11) “my parents”

The Department of Children and Family Services issued a statement saying discipline is a healthy part of parenting, but it crosses into abuse when it leaves cuts or bruises on the child.

The new action-drama film, Free State of Jones, starring Matthew McConaughey, comes out in theaters today. Emelie Gunn has an update on Hollywood South…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

There’s more turmoil with Grambling State’s administration. Halen Doughty reports…

Cut 2 (26) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

After 19 weeks of trying to come up with a way to solve a massive budget deficit, lawmakers are finally done with their work. Jeff Palermo tells us how they did…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________________

The Louisiana filmed movie, Free State of Jones, starting Matthew McConaughey comes out in theaters today. Executive Director of Celtic Studios Patrick Mulhearn says the movie revolves around a Mississippi farmer who tries to secede from the Confederacy. He says the movie is set during the Civil War and was filmed in 10 different Louisiana parishes.

cut 4  (10)  “the map”

“Free State of Jones” is just one of several Louisiana shot films that will be shown on the silver screen later this year. The others are Bad Moms, When the Bough Breaks, the Magnificent 7 and Deepwater Horizon. He says unfortunately movie production is down this year, but there is still some activity…

Cut 5  (10)  “parish area”

Mulhearn says right now, Georgia is the hot state for movies as about 40 movies are filming in the Peach State. He says Hollywood South in Louisiana has hit a temporary lull and lawmakers can look at making changes to the state’s film incentive program next year, which could help spur movie production again…

Cut 6 (09) “fair share”

___________________________________________________

The LSU Board of Supervisors will vote today on whether or not their AgCenter will grow medical marijuana that would be sold to patients who receive prescriptions for the drug. Spokesperson for the LSU AgCenter Frankie Gould says the law passed this year that expanded the diseases for which the drug can be prescribed, also outlined two possible growers for the plant.

CUT 7 (09)  “medical marijuana”

The new drug will be a pill containing cannabis oil, and it will not be smoke able. Gould says LSU has the ability to grow the plant in their AgCenter. But she says they have a lot to consider before committing.

Cut 8  (07)  “of things”

Gould says they are still unsure if growing medical marijuana is a worthwhile investment, especially since state funding for colleges has been slashed in recent years. She says it could take $10 to $20 million to produce medical marijuana.

Cut 9 (07)  “of ifs”

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An Abbeville man will spend the rest of his life in prison for fatally shooting a Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s deputy. District Attorney Keith Stutes says 22-year-old Quintylan Richard entered a plea of guilty on the two-year anniversary when he shot Deputy Allen Bares.

Cut 10 (07) “difficult circumstance”

Authorities say Bares was gunned down after confronting Richard and an alleged accomplice about a home they just robbed. Stutes says Richard will not get the death penalty, but he will spend the rest of his life in jail. He says the trial was set for next year, but everyone was ready to put this tragedy to rest.

cut 11 (11) “final decision”

Stutes says Richard did show some remorse for his crime. He says in the courtroom Richard apologized to the family and Bares’ wife.

cut 12 (10) “some remorse”

Bares was 51-years-old and spent 12 years as a deputy with the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s office.

________________________________________________

Just before midnight, the Louisiana legislature gave final approval to a spending bill that calls for the TOPS scholarship program to be fully funded for the fall semester. West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth says it’s the right thing to do…

Cut 13 (09)  “tuition free”

But legislators left Baton Rouge without fully funding TOPS. Under the plan approved by lawmakers, TOPS students would only have 42-percent of their tuition covered for the spring semester. Walsworth says hopefully the state will see higher than anticipated revenues as a result of taxes passed this year and rising oil prices…

cut 14 (09)  “we need”

Several democrats call the front-loading of TOPS a budget gimmick. Governor John Bel Edwards doesn’t anticipate a higher than expected amount of revenues rolling in, so TOPS students will be left with a big tuition bill for the spring semester…

Cut 15 (08) “time of year”

________________________________________________

As expected former LSU star Ben Simmons was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the first overall pick in the NBA Draft. He’s the second player from LSU to be taken with the top pick. Shaquille O’ Neal was the first in 1992. Simmons says this is a dream come true

Cut 16  (08)  “accomplish that” 

The 19 year-old averaged 19 points a game in his only season in Baton Rouge. He also averaged a dozen rebounds and five assists a contest. Simmons says he’s worked hard to get himself ready for life in the NBA.

Cut 17 (15)  “of experience”

_____________________________________________________

The Pelicans selected the shooter they craved with the sixth overall pick as New Orleans drafted Oklahoma guard Buddy Hield. The All-American averaged 25 points a game last season as he guided the Sooners to the Final Four. Hield made 46-percent of his 3-point shots. Hield says he’s thankful for the opportunity to play in New Orleans….

Cut 18 (14) “Anthony Davis”

General Manager Dell Demps says Heild is a phenomenal player and the player they targeted. Hield on what he’ll bring to the Big Easy..

Cut 19 (17) “organization better”

The new action-drama film, Free State of Jones, starring Matthew McConaughey, comes out in theaters today. Emelie Gunn has an update on Hollywood South…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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There’s more turmoil with Grambling State’s administration. Halen Doughty reports…

Cut 2 (26) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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After 19 weeks of trying to come up with a way to solve a massive budget deficit, lawmakers are finally done with their work. Jeff Palermo tells us how they did…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Louisiana filmed movie, Free State of Jones, starting Matthew McConaughey comes out in theaters today. Executive Director of Celtic Studios Patrick Mulhearn says the movie revolves around a Mississippi farmer who tries to succeed from the Confederacy. He says the movie is set during the Civil War and was filmed in 10 different Louisiana parishes.

cut 4  (10)  “the map”

“Free State of Jones” is just one of several Louisiana shot films that will be shown on the silver screen later this year. The others are Bad Moms, When the Bough Breaks, the Magnificent 7 and Deepwater Horizon. He says unfortunately movie production is down this year, but there is still some activity…

Cut 5  (10)  “parish area”

Mulhearn says right now, Georgia is the hot state for movies as about 40 movies are filming in the Peach State. He says Hollywood South in Louisiana has hit a temporary lull and lawmakers can look at making changes to the state’s film incentive program next year, which could help spur movie production again…

Cut 6 (09) “fair share”

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The LSU Board of Supervisors will vote today on whether or not their AgCenter will grow medical marijuana that would be sold to patients who receive prescriptions for the drug. Spokesperson for the LSU AgCenter Frankie Gould says the law passed this year that expanded the diseases for which the drug can be prescribed, also outlined two possible growers for the plant.

CUT 7 (09)  “medical marijuana”

The new drug will be a pill containing cannabis oil, and it will not be smoke able. Gould says LSU has the ability to grow the plant in their AgCenter. But she says they have a lot to consider before committing.

Cut 8  (07)  “of things”

Gould says they are still unsure if growing medical marijuana is a worthwhile investment, especially since state funding for colleges has been slashed in recent years. She says it could take $10 to $20 million to produce medical marijuana.

Cut 9 (07)  “of ifs”

_______________________________________________

An Abbeville man will spend the rest of his life in prison for fatally shooting a Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s deputy. District Attorney Keith Stutes says 22-year-old Quintylan Richard entered a plea of guilty on the two-year anniversary when he shot Deputy Allen Bares.

Cut 10 (07) “difficult circumstance”

Authorities say Bares was gunned down after confronting Richard and an alleged accomplice about a home they just robbed. Stutes says Richard will not get the death penalty, but he will spend the rest of his life in jail. He says the trial was set for next year, but everyone was ready to put this tragedy to rest.

cut 11 (11) “final decision”

Stutes says Richard did show some remorse for his crime. He says in the courtroom Richard apologized to the family and Bares’ wife.

cut 12 (10) “some remorse”

Bares was 51-years-old and spent 12 years as a deputy with the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s office.

________________________________________________

Just before midnight, the Louisiana legislature gave final approval to a spending bill that calls for the TOPS scholarship program to be fully funded for the fall semester. West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth says it’s the right thing to do…

Cut 13 (09)  “tuition free”

But legislators left Baton Rouge without fully funding TOPS. Under the plan approved by lawmakers, TOPS students would only have 42-percent of their tuition covered for the spring semester. Walsworth says hopefully the state will see higher than anticipated revenues as a result of taxes passed this year and rising oil prices…

cut 14 (09)  “we need”

Several democrats call the front-loading of TOPS a budget gimmick. Governor John Bel Edwards doesn’t anticipate a higher than expected amount of revenues rolling in, so TOPS students will be left with a big tuition bill for the spring semester…

Cut 15 (08) “time of year”

________________________________________________

As expected former LSU star Ben Simmons was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the first overall pick in the NBA Draft. He’s the second player from LSU to be taken with the top pick. Shaquille O’ Neal was the first in 1992. Simmons says this is a dream come true

Cut 16  (08)  “accomplish that” 

The 19 year-old averaged 19 points a game in his only season in Baton Rouge. He also averaged a dozen rebounds and five assists a contest. Simmons says he’s worked hard to get himself ready for life in the NBA.

Cut 17 (15)  “of experience”

_____________________________________________________

The Pelicans selected the shooter they craved with the sixth overall pick as New Orleans drafted Oklahoma guard Buddy Hield. The All-American averaged 25 points a game last season as he guided the Sooners to the Final Four. Hield made 46-percent of his 3-point shots. Hield says he’s thankful for the opportunity to play in New Orleans….

Cut 18 (14) “Anthony Davis”

General Manager Dell Demps says Heild is a phenomenal player and the player they targeted. Hield on what he’ll bring to the Big Easy..

Cut 19 (17) “organization better”

This morning two Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Deputies were serving a felony warrant in Monroe when the suspect tried to flee and shot both deputies. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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

The US Supreme Court issues a ruling regarding affirmative action and it has a connection to Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (28)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

Two Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Deputies were shot while serving a felony warrant in Monroe. Sheriff Jay Russell says the deputies arrived at the home of 26-year-old Rickie Wade, Jr. when they were notified he was in the back of the house. One deputy went through the home and the other went around the outside of the house.

CUT 3 (12)  “once also”

Russell says one deputy was shot in the leg, and the other near his face. He says they are both undergoing surgery. He says Wade was found just a few blocks from the home a couple hours later. He says the Swat team pumped OC gas into the house to get the suspect out of the residence without hurting him.

CUT 4 (10)  “team members”

Wade has had several warrants in the past few years for everything from burglary and theft to violating a protective order and domestic violence battery. Russell says this so-called scumbag needs to be behind bars.

CUT 5 (08)  “this community”

Russell says one of the wounded deputies is a 25 year veteran with OPSO, and the other is a 30 year vet. Their names have not been released, pending family notification.

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

A brand new state-of-the-art breast imaging center, offering revolutionary hi-tech methods for breast cancer detection, is opening today in Shreveport. Marilyn Joiner is the spokeswoman for the WK Breast Health Center. She says doctors there will use 3D technology which lets them do a mammogram and a biopsy at the same time…:

CUT 6 (09) “to get a report”

Joiner says the new center offers the northwest Louisiana region convenient hours for patients to come for screening exams before and after work. She says detecting breast cancer at its earliest stages makes treatment more effective:

CUT 7 (11) “surgery”

The American Cancer Society recommends that every woman over 40 be examined for breast cancer once a year. Joiner says they are very excited about this facility that is unlike any other in the region…:

CUT 8 (06) “of their patient”

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

A new law goes into effect on August 1 that expands the felony for assaults on police officers. West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth says under the previous law, assaulting an officer with anything other than a gun was a misdemeanor. He says this new law expands that language to include the use of any weapon in the felony language, not just a firearm.

CUT 9 (10) “is assault”

Walsworth says the idea for this law came about when two police officers in Monroe were attacked by someone wielding an ax last year. He says we need to ensure that people who go after law enforcement are put behind bars.

cut 10 (08)  “private citizen”

Beginning in August, the felony for assaulting an officer could land someone in jail for up to 10 years. Walsworth says this law means individuals who assault cops will receive consequences more in line with their actions.

Cut 11 (06) “a firearm”

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

Since February, legislators have been trying to solve a massive budget deficit and in this second special session they’ve increased tax revenue by at least 258-million dollars. House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry says that money will go toward mitigating cuts safety net hospitals and the TOPS scholarship program…

cut 12 (07) “are funded”

The second special session must conclude by midnight tonight. It appears based on the tax revenues available, the TOPS will only be funded at 70-percent, which means recipients of the state funded scholarship program will have to pay a portion of their tuition for the first time. Henry says he’s comfortable with how the legislature addressed funding for TOPS…

Cut 13 (09)  “fund TOPS”

Governor John Bel Edwards went into this special session asking legislators to raise 600-million dollars in revenues in order to avoid cuts to public schools, health care services, prisons and medical schools. Henry says there was only a certain point the legislature was willing to go to fully fund government…

cut 14 (06)  “we did”

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