A recent Fox News poll on the Republican presidential field shows Governor Bobby Jindal polling at less than one-percent. Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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State lawmakers will not return to Baton Rouge for a veto session. Michelle Southern has the story…:

CUT 2 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A recent Fox News poll on the Republican presidential field shows Governor Bobby Jindal polling at less than one-percent. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says this is obviously not good news for Jindal. Cross says the governor did not see a real boost in his numbers after his official announcement…

CUT 3 (06)  “at this moment”

Cross says it’s too early in the process to take too much stock in any of these surveys. Donald Trump topped the poll with 18-percent of voters, followed by Scott Walker and Jeb Bush with 15- and 14-percent, respectively. Cross says the Jindal campaign has enough money available to get in the game, but these poll numbers could have a serious effect on fundraising efforts going forward…

CUT 4 (09)  “at the polls”

He says it’s also important for the governor to get into the top 10 of Republican hopefuls so he is invited to the upcoming debates. Cross says, at this point, Jindal should keep doing what he’s doing and hope that something sticks with voters…

CUT 5 (10) “to his side”

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According to the National Weather Service, a good portion of north Louisiana is under a heat advisory and a hazardous weather outlook has been issued for south Louisiana due to extreme heat. State climatologist Barry Keim says rain chances remain low this weekend, but there’s the potential for a pop-up severe thunderstorm.

CUT 6 (07)  “temperatures are”

Keim says we’ve dry and hot because of a strong high pressure system. He says we can continue to expect temperatures in Louisiana to be in the mid 90’s and possibly increase into the triple digits next week.

CUT 7 (07) “vengeance”

Keim says it’s been dry across the state for the last week but rain chances are a little higher  today and through the weekend.

CUT 8 (06)  “right now”

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Louisiana once again ranks number one among southern states in the number of major business projects per capita according to Southern Business and Development magazine. This is the sixth year in a row the Bayou State has received this honor. State Economic Development Secretary Steven Grissom says this is a very important ranking for the state…

CUT 9 (06)  “development area”

Louisiana earned 105 points in the rankings, easily outdistancing second-place Kentucky with 63 points. The publication also designated Lake Charles as their Small Market of the Year. Grissom says the magazine bases their ranking on large capital investment projects and large job creation projects…

cut 10 (10) “200 or more” 

Louisiana now ranks among the top 10 states in the US in five national business climate rankings. Grissom says the state has done so well in this ranking because Louisiana offers a strong business climate for companies looking to invest…

cut 11 (09) “choice for them”

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U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy and David Vitter introduce the National Disaster Relief Tax Act that would give tax relief to victims of natural disasters that have taken place in recent years. This would include people affected by the recent Red River flooding and Hurricane Issac. Cassidy says the legislation allows victims to use the tax code to fund their own recovery.

cut 12 (11)  “buy in”

Cassidy says this legislation extends tax benefits which are commonly used for other natural disasters, and allows it to cover natural disasters which occurred from 2012 to 2015. He says the proposed legislation has bipartisan support in the House and Senate.

cut 13 (06)  “Sandy”

Cassidy says the legislation would give disaster victims a break on their taxes and they can use that money to help in their recovery . He says this will greatly help those affected by the Red River flooding, because the President did not approval individual assistance for those victims…

cut 14 (11) “own needs”

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Federal authorities announce a bust of a huge illegal computer hacking forum which resulted in the arrest of 70 alleged cyber-criminals including a man from Louisiana. 28-year-old Rory Stephen Guidry of Opelousas is charged with a count of computer fraud. Andrew Ludlum is the FBI’s Assistant Special agent in charge of the New Orleans field office:

cut 15 (13) “from businesses”

Investigators say this exclusive group was the largest known English faction in the world which manufactured malicious computer software until the FBI got a court order to shut it down. Ludlum says “Operation Shrouded Horizon” has taken away hackers ability to sell identity information they were stealing from personal electronic devices…:

cut 16 (07) “different servers”

Guidry’s arrest record indicates the accused hacker operated and sold access to a botnet in which security breached computers are controlled by a malicious third party. Ludlum says officials will eventually catch up to these clever cyber criminals…:

cut 17 (07) “criminal enterprise”

The chairman of the Republican Legislative Delegation is providing an avenue for residents to provide suggestions on how to improve Louisiana. Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Expect more traffic delays on the I-10 corridor in Slidell. Emelie Gunn has more….

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Governor Bobby Jindal begins his “Believe Again Tour” today in Iowa. Scott Carwile has more….

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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The chairman of the Republican Legislative Delegation is providing an avenue for residents to provide suggestions on how to improve Louisiana. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says the effort is called “Take Back Louisiana.” Harris says this is an attempt to engage voters before the 2016 legislative session…

cut 4  (06)  “in Louisiana”

Harris says the initial Facebook page is up now, with a website being launched at the end of the month. He says the goal of this initiative is to correct the state’s structural issues, focusing on the budget, education, transportation, and state’s rights. Harris says tax reform is at the top of the list…

Cut 5  (11)  “operate on”

He is hopeful voter input through “Take Back Louisiana” will give legislators ideas on how to fix issues that boxed lawmakers in last session. Harris says this is a true grassroots effort with no donations being accepted from anyone…

Cut 6 (07)  “the process”

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The state department of transportation says there’s the potential for more traffic delays in the Slidell area as a result of lane closures on Interstate 10. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett says a lane on westbound I-10, near the Louisiana welcome center, will close at 6 tonight and will reopen on Monday afternoon. He says travelers heading on I-10 east in that area will face morning and nighttime lane closures throughout the weekend.

CUT 7 (11)  “morning”

The last few weekends drivers have experienced delays in eastern St. Tammany Parish because of an ongoing 40-million dollar construction project. Last weekend there were delays up to 13 miles in the Slidell area. Mallett says drivers should use U.S. 90 as an alternate route and they are taking steps to reduce the traffic nightmare.

Cut 8  (12)  “about it” 

The ongoing construction has frustrated drivers, especially those who are either leaving or returning from Mississippi and Alabama. Mallett says DOTD chose to do construction during the summer months because school is out and it’s the least busiest time of year.

Cut 9 (10) “system“

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Governor Bobby Jindal announces he’ll visit all 99 counties in Iowa as part of his “Believe Again” presidential campaign. Jindal started the tour last night in Waterloo. LSU Political Science professor Robert Hogan says many candidates use this strategy to get more name recognition.

Cut 10 (07) “level”

Other GOP candidates have also committed to visiting each Iowa county. Hogan says Jindal’s main goal is to create an intense following at the grassroots level.

cut 11 (05)  “ads”

The tour means that Jindal will not spend much time in Louisiana. Hogan says the governor has more time on his hands, now that the legislative session is over. Hogan says that gives Jindal more time to get his conservative message out to Iowa caucus goers…

cut 12 (09) “don’t know”

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The Louisiana High School Athletic Association announces it has finalized a four-year agreement with the officials association, which means high school sporting events will go on as scheduled this fall. LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonine says this is an agreement that needed to be done and he’s happy they were able to take the final step…

Cut 13 (08)  “of fall sports”

This agreement prevents a threatened work stoppage by Louisiana High School Officials Association referees. Bonine says he is happy that a multi-year deal was struck…

Cut 14 (06) “until ’18-19”

The LHSAA says the agreement results in raises for officials in seven sports, including football. The deal still needs to be approved by state principals during their January meeting.  Bonine says the agreement also allows for the establishment of a sports officials sub-committee to discuss future negotiations for fee schedules and other items…

Cut 15  (06)  “and so forth”

The President of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association has concerns the Iran nuclear deal will negatively impact oil producers in Louisiana.  Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 1 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A group of pro-life Louisiana lawmakers announce plans to craft “Abortion Pill Reversal” legislation for the 2016 session. Scott Carwile reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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Governor Bobby Jindal is asking the Inspector General to investigate allegations Planned Parenthood is selling body parts from aborted fetuses. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The President of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association has concerns that the Iran nuclear deal will negatively impact oil producers in Louisiana and the United States. Don Briggs says the agreement will allow Iran to export crude oil into an already flooded market…

cut 4  (10)  “my concern”

He says with crude oil prices currently in the mid-$50 a barrel range, the addition of Iran’s oil to the marketplace will continue to suppress prices, perhaps for the next two years. Briggs says says the oil industry here is going through a major downturn and this is a cruel reminder that American oil producers are still not allowed to sell their crude oil supplies overseas…

Cut 5  (07)  “can’t export”

Briggs says Iran could add 500,000 barrels of crude oil a day to the world market by the end of this year. He says, if the addition of oil from Iran supresses crude oil prices, it could have devastating effects on Louisiana…

Cut 6 (11)  “key personnel” 2X

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A group of pro-life Louisiana lawmakers announce plans to craft “Abortion Pill Reversal” legislation for the 2016 session. West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman says the proposal would likely require clinics to make patients aware of the reversal pill. He says the technique involves stopping the two-pill abortion medication process:

CUT 7 (11)  “started again”

Hoffman says Louisiana has been named the top pro-life state in America for 6 years in a row and they want to continue to pass laws that re-enforce the designation. He says if a woman goes into a clinic and takes the abortion pill, she should be aware that a reversal exists should she change her mind…:

Cut 8  (09)  “to do that” 

Hoffman says he’s been told that women change their mind about abortions all the time and most of the time it’s too late. He says many people don’t even know that if they go through the abortion pill process there is a reversal pill that exists…:

Cut 9 (10)  “it is working”

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Louisiana Tech announces a record for donations made to  LTAC, which is the organization that helps fund the school’s athletic programs. The school says  during the 2014-2015 fiscal year, 1.1 million dollars was donated to LTAC and the athletic department received another 1.5 million dollars in unrestricted donations. Senior Associate Athletic Director Marco Borne says success on the field and court helped reel in a record number of donations.

Cut 10 (11) “step up”

Tech football won a bowl game in December and the men’s basketball team just won its third straight regular season conference championship. Borne says the money supports the student athletes and keeps them competitive with their opponents at other schools.

cut 11 (08)  “for that”

Previous donations have helped Tech build a 22 million dollar athletic complex, that will open in August. Borne says their newest goal is to break more records and raise even more funds. He says he expects more contributions in the next year as the program continues to grow.

cut 12 (08) “even more”

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The Steve Gleason Act is heading to President Obama’s desk for his signature. The legislation is named after former Saints player Steve Gleason, who has A-L-S. The measure will make speech generating devices more accessible to people who battle this disease that impacts the brain’s ability to control muscle movement. US Representative Steve Scalise of Metairie says this adds to Gleason’s legacy as a leader in the fight against A-L-S

Cut 13 (08)  “other peoplet”

Gleason pushed this legislation after he learned that Medicare funding for these type of devices was significantly scaled back.  Scalise says through Gleason’s lobbying efforts, the thousands who suffer from A-L-S will have their voices heard…

Cut 14 (10) “that voice”

New Orleans Congressman Cedric Richmond says Gleason spurred Congress into action and he’s glad the federal government came through by passing this important piece of legislation

Cut 15  (08)   “we represent”

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An internal investigation finds that Department of Children and Family Services staff members did not violate criminal laws in the case of a 15-year-old Baton Rouge boy found in poor living conditions and weighing only 47 pounds. Family members and lawmakers criticized the state agency for not doing enough to help the special needs child.  DCFS Secretary Suzy Sonnier would not talk about the specifics of this case, but says communication is important in these type of situations

Cut 16  (06)  “or neglect”

One of the recommendations calls for legislation that creates a felony offense when a third party misrepresents facts to a DCFS employee during a child protection investigation. Sonnier says they support this recommendation and others…

Cut 17 (05) ” with us” 

The report contains seven different recommendations. Sonnier says they’ve already implemented one and that’s involving medical professionals in cases where the child is unable to verbally communicate

Cut 18 (10) “those recommendations”

According to financial reports, Governor Bobby Jindal raised about $579,000 in his first week as a Republican presidential candidate. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Eric Gill”

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Gas prices in Louisiana are slowly continuing to drop. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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State Police announce the arrest of nine people for filing fraudulent insurance claims and keeping the money received. Sgt. James Anderson says the Kemper Home Service Group contacted them concerned that some of their employees in the Lake Charles area were filing false claims…

CUT 3 (07)  “of that investigation”

A majority of the fake claims were for lightning damage losses to electrical appliances. The fraudulent claims totaled over $55,000. Anderson says the nine arrested face various charges…

CUT 4 (07)  “after the fact”

He says charges of the accused range from insurance fraud, theft, to accessory after the fact. Anderson says LSP takes insurance fraud cases seriously and their Insurance Fraud Unit will continue to work these kind of cases…

CUT 5 (09)  “all pay for it” 2X

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Gas prices are slowly falling in Louisiana as the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $2.53. That’s according to the American Automobile Association. AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says this is about a nickel cheaper than last month.

CUT 6 (05)  “to drop”

Redman says this is not a nationwide trend and the West Coast is currently seeing prices go up by about 20 cents a gallon due to refinery and market issues. He says the Gulf Coast won’t be affected by this increase.

CUT 7 (08) “a gallon”

Redman says the slowing of the economy in Europe strengthens the U.S. dollar which greatly affects the cost of oil. He says he’s seen a drop in the price of crude from 60 to 50 dollars.

CUT 8 (09)  “the summer”

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According to financial reports filed Wednesday by federal regulators, Governor Bobby Jindal raised about $579,000 in his first week as a Republican presidential candidate. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says this is not a very strong first step for the governor…

CUT 9 (06)  “presidential field”

He says $579,000 puts Jindal near the bottom of the Republican field. However, the Washington Examiner reports that Jindal also has almost $9 million in his corner thanks to supportive outside groups like the Believe Again Super PAC and America Next. Stockley says Jindal’s short term fundraising goal is to be able to adequately campaign in Iowa, South Carolina, and New Hampshire…

cut 10 (08) “the nomination” 

Stockley says Jindal needs to kick up fund raising efforts so he has enough cash for general advertising to improve his position in the polls, so he’s invited to participate in the upcoming debates…

cut 11 (07) “additional momentum”

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The 76-year-old Huey P. Long Medical  Center in Pineville is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Pineville Mayor Clarence Fields says its a worthy designation for a building that’s meant a lot to the people of central Louisiana

cut 12 (05)  “The Register”

The Huey P. Long Medical Center has been unoccupied since last summer when the hospital closed. Fields hopes this will encourage private investors to take a look at the facility and develop plans to re-purpose the building.

cut 13 (10)  “downtown area”

Fields says from health care perspective, the services provided at the facility meant so much to Pineville residents. He says losing the hospital was upsetting, but he hopes it can be fixed up and used again.

cut 14 (06) “building”

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LABI handed out 94 “F” grades to lawmakers on their yearly scorecard. Scott Carwile has more on why so many failed…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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A new report finds Louisiana has the third highest average combined state and local sales tax rate in the country. Jeff Palermo has the details…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The national Confederate flag controversy could be causing problems at a Louisiana High School. Emelie Gunn has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry has handed out “F” grades to 94 lawmakers in their annual legislative scorecard. LABI’s Vice President for Policy and Research Camille  Conaway says lawmakers who received an “F” grade voted for more than 600 million dollars in new taxes on businesses.

cut 4  (10)  “failing grades”

Lawmakers say the tax increases were necessary to prevent big budget cuts to higher education and health care. But Conaway says this past session was the highest tax increase in Louisiana in decades and it was unnecessary because there were other avenues that the legislature could’ve used to balance the budget.

Cut 5  (10)  “you believe”

Many of the lawmakers who received “F” grades are up for reelection or running for another political office. Conaway says there will certainly be an impact on the election cycle as a result of the tax increase.

Cut 6 (11)  “scorecard”

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Louisiana has moved past Alabama for the third highest average combined state and local sales tax. That’s according to the Tax Foundation, who puts together a report every July on sales tax rates. Economist Scott Drenkard says Louisiana ranks high on their list, because it has the highest average local tax rate in the country

CUT 7 (11)  “rate”

Drenkard says Louisiana’s average combined state and local sales tax rate is 9.01 percent, which is a little higher than Alabama, who Louisiana surpassed in the last year. He says that’s because a few local governments raised their sales taxes

Cut 8  (10)  “previous tabulation” 

Drenkard says Louisiana has one of the highest average combined state and local sales tax rates, because of its generous homestead tax exemption, which reduces the amount of property taxes homeowners pay

Cut 9 (09)  “in a different tax”

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Livingston Sen. Dale Erdey is asking the Department of Transportation to check the feasibility of turning the inside shoulder of I-12 into a travel lane between Baton Rouge and Walker. The proposal would make the 15 mile corridor grow from six to eight lanes between the I-10/12 split and Walker. Erdey believes this would be a huge help…:

Cut 10 (10) “their employers”

Erdey says the request is contained in a Louisiana Senate approved resolution he has sponsored and is about to get a review by DOTD. He says the process is in the early stages at this time…:

cut 11 (06)  “from DOTD”

Erdey says not only would this help the many motorists who use I-12 through Baton Rouge, it would be good for commerce as well…:

cut 12 (11) “for all of our motorists”

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The controversy over the Confederate flag and monuments has spilled over to whether the “Rebels” mascot is appropriate for West Monroe High School. A Facebook page has been started calling for a new nickname for West Monroe High. But 1989 Alumnus Shane Acree has started a counter page called “Hands off my West Monroe High School mascot.”

Cut 13 (09)  “no different”

The West Monroe High School Rebel Mascot Change Facebook page states their message is: “we have seen the rebel mascot and partnering Confederate flag cause much harm and suffering to many of our friends, family and business associates.” Acree says the mascot has nothing to do with what’s going on with the Confederate flag controversy across the country.

Cut 14 (10) “our mascot”

Acree says he’s heard it isn’t being seriously considered by the School Board Superintendent. He says West Monroe High school has generational pride and students and alumni don’t want their mascot changed.

Cut 15  (09)   “from us”

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Defensive coordinator John Chavis’ move from LSU to Texas A&M was a topic for discussion when Aggies head coach Kevin Sumlin appeared at SEC Media Days. Sumlin admitted he went after Chavis after his LSU defenses kept Aggie offenses in check…

Cut 16  (24)  “needed it”

Chavis takes over a defense that ranked 102nd in the country last season in total defense. The “Chief” will return to Baton Rouge on November 28th, when LSU hosts A&M. Sumlin says Chavis leaving Baton Rouge for College Station is just another chapter in a spicy rivalry between the two schools

Cut 17 (17) ” the field” 

LSU’s SEC opener is September 12th at Mississippi State. The Bulldogs are once again led by Louisiana native Dak Prescott, who led the Bulldogs to a 34-29 win over the Tigers last season. State head coach Dan Mullen says  Prescott has improved in getting rid of the football

Cut 18 (22) “the chains”

Louisiana’s Republican Congressional delegation does not support the Iran nuclear deal President Obama has agreed to. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Eric Gill”

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The release of Harper Lee’s newest work, “Go Set a Watchman” is stirring up some controversy with “To Kill a Mockingbird” lovers. Emelie Gunn has more on why…

CUT 2 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Louisiana’s most popular summer-blooming tree, the crepe myrtle, is blooming later and less than normal this year. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Allen Owings says we’re seeing a decrease flower development because of weather conditions this past spring…

CUT 3 (08)  “this summer”

He says the cooler, wetter spring accompanied by an increase in bacterial leaf spot disease has stunted this summer’s crepe myrtle bloom. Crepe myrtles generally begin blooming between mid-May and early-June and continue flowering through the summer. Owing says these trees like sunshine, above average temperatures, and dry conditions…

CUT 4 (10)  “we are now”

Owing says there’s really not anything that can be done, at this point, to improve the bloom of crepe myrtles for this year. He says spring leaf growth on the trees is key to a healthy blooming tree in the summer…

CUT 5 (08)  “foliage growth”

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Shreveport Police have a man in custody accused of stabbing his teenage nephew to death. Cpl. Marcus Hines says officers learned that 15-year-old Willie Latin III was stabbed following a physical altercation inside his home. He says Latin was transported to a local hospital where he died a short time later…

CUT 6 (09)  “young man”

52-year-old Edward Debrow (de BRO), Latin’s uncle who also resided at the home, has been charged with second-degree murder in the teen’s death. Hines says the investigation is in its early stages but they are beginning to get a picture of what happened…

CUT 7 (08) “becoming physical”

It’s alleged that during an argument with Latin, Debrow grabbed a sharp edged object that he used to stab the teenager. Hines says investigators are still trying to determine what started the argument that lead to the fatal stabbing…

CUT 8 (10)  “that we received”

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Republicans in Louisiana’s Congressional delegation don’t like the Iran nuclear deal that the president has agreed to. Essentially this would mean that in exchange for limits on nuclear activities, Iran gets billions in relief from international sanctions. 1st District Congressman and House Majority Whip Steve Scalise…:

CUT 9 (09)  “high cost”

If Congress rejects the deal, it’s not likely they have the required two-thirds vote to override the veto President Obama has promised. Scalise says this is a bad deal and if it’s allowed to go forward it would mark the beginning of Iran’s path to a nuclear weapon…:

cut 10 (06) “we have” 

Richland Parish Congressman Ralph Abraham believes lifting sanctions against Iran puts America, Israel, and all of our allies in the Middle East in danger…

cut 11 (11) “on Israel”

Congress has 60 days to review the Iran accord. Abraham believes this deal with Iran is a bad move on President Obama’s part…

cut 12 (11)  “United States”

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With the release of Harper Lee’s long lost “To Kill a Mockingbird”  sequel, many readers aren’t happy Atticus Finch can be seen as a racist in “Go Set a Watchman.” Jessica Lacher-Feldman, head of LSU Libraries’ Special Collections division, says we never expected to see another book in Lee’s life time and suggests people avoid reviews and read the book to form their own opinion.

cut 13 (11)  “racism”

Harper Lee wrote “Go Set a Watchman” before “To Kill a Mockingbird” but was advised by her agents and editors to stick with the book from a child’s perspective. Lacher-Feldman says readers need to take the book as a piece of literature written in the 1950’s and understand it represents 1950’s Alabama.

cut 14 (12) “Atticus Finch”

Lacher-Feldman says for those disappointed into the way Atticus Finch turned out, remember we are all human. She says to take away lessons from “Go Set a Watchman” to help improve you in the future.

cut 15 (10) “from it”

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Affiliates the newscall had to be updated as a result of the federal disaster declaration made by the President late on Monday. As a result cut 7 is no longer good. 

In an effort to raise additional funds, the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is looking at selling advertising on its properties. Scott Carwile reports…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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According to a recent study by WalletHub, Louisiana is the 10th least energy expensive state, but we use the most electricity in the country. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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An LSU AgCenter study shows Louisiana farmers suffered about 30 million dollars in feral hog damage in 2013. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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In an effort to raise additional funds, the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is looking into selling advertising on its properties. LDWF spokesman Bo Boehringer says legislation passed in this year’s legislative session allows the department to take advantage of this revenue stream opportunity…

cut 4  (11)  “assistance vehicles”

The state Department of Transportation receives $250,000 annually from State Farm Insurance for ads placed on their Motorist Assistance Program vehicles. Boehringer says the ads will be tastefully done and people shouldn’t expect to see ads pop up in middle of wildlife areas…

Cut 5  (09)  “don’t forsee that”

He says there is still a lot of work to be done to determine what is made available on an ad sales basis. Boehringer says these ad sales are an effort for LDWF to stay self-sufficient…

Cut 6 (07)  “in that process”

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Five parishes that were impacted by flooding from the Red River have been declared a federal disaster area. The declaration means federal dollars will be available to local government agencies in Caddo, Bossier, Grant, Natchitoches and Red River.

CUT 7 (10)  “everyday”   (Sorry affiliates this soundbite isn’t good anymore)

Director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Kevin Davis says police, fire and public work departments who had paid overtime during the disaster will benefit from this assistance.  Davis says whether individual citizens affected by the flood will be eligible for federal aid, is still being determined….

Cut 8  (09)  “give I.A.” 

Damage from the Red River flood was estimated at more than 17 million dollars.  Hundreds of home were flooded in the Caddo and Bosier Parishes.  Davis says when they looked into personal damage assistance they found most residents had insurance, which could effect if this type of aid will be approved.

Cut 9 (07)  “shortly”

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According to a recent study by WalletHub, Louisiana is the 10th least energy expensive state, but we use the most electricity in the country. Spokeswoman Jill Gonzalez says in these hot summer months, utility bills are through the roof..:

Cut 10 (10) “highest in the country”

Gonzalez says The Bayou State placed 4th in the country for the price of electricity, but 51st in total consumption per housing unit. She says another factor they looked at in this study was how much motorists pay for gas and how much they consume…:

cut 11 (09)  “low there”

The numbers show that, on average, Louisianians pay $284 a month total on energy coming within the top 10. Gonzalez says they also looked at natural gas for the study and Louisiana is in the top 10 for the least amount of natural gas used due to our relatively mild winters. She says it’s important to note that cheap electricity doesn’t mean we’re paying less

cut 12 (12) “out of pocket”

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An LSU AgCenter study finds feral hogs caused at least 30 million dollars worth of damage to Louisiana farms in 2013. Hogs are known to spread fatal diseases to livestock and root up crops.  AgCenter economist Shaun Tanger says they are growing rapidly and destroying everything in their path.

Cut 13 (12)  “livestock”

The Louisiana soybean, hay, rice and corn crops suffer the most from hog damage. Tanger says the population in the state is about 500-thousand. He says hog hunting is allowed year round, day and night, to help reduce the population but that’s not enough.

Cut 14 (09) “anything else”

Tanger says about 75 percent of feral hogs would need to be eliminated to keep up with the current population. He says there is talk about changing policies on different ways of controlling the animals, like poison baiting and trapping.

Cut 15  (10)  “profile issue”

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The LSU football team will have two tough conference games in the month of September. On September 12th, the Tigers will visit Mississippi State and then on the 19th, they’ll host Auburn at 2:30. Auburn has a new quarterback, six-foot-five Jeremy Johnson from from Montgomery, Alabama. The junior signal caller says SEC defenses will have trouble slowing down Auburn’s offense…

Cut 16  (12)  “feel comfortable”

Third year head football coach Gus Malzahn says he expects Johnson to have success right away as their starting quarterback…

Cut 17 (18) ” team leader” 

The newest coach in the Southeastern Conference is Jim McElwain. He’ll bring his Gators to LSU on October 17th. McElwain takes over for Will Muschamp, who struggled to put together a quality offense at Florida. McElwain says there’s talent on his roster to win games

Cut 18 (19) “help us develop”

It appears the Louisiana High School Athletics Association has avoided a work stoppage involving its game officials. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Smoking Cessation Trust saw its highest monthly enrollment in June with over 2,000 Louisianians signing up for its free smoking cessation program. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 2 (29) “I’m Eric Gill”

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The LHSAA and its officials have reached a tentative agreement that will prevent a work stoppage by referees this fall. Louisiana High School Officials Association President Paul LaRosa says they were able to come to terms after a four hour plus meeting in Baton Rouge on Sunday

CUT 3 (09)  “the meeting”

LaRosa says they are holding off on releasing any details of the agreement to the public, until they can speak with their officials…

CUT 4 (09)  “for them”

Officials threatened to strike and not show up when volleyball and football games started in August, unless they received a pay raise and other stipulations, like improved security at games. LaRosa is not saying publicly whether the agreement struck on Sunday will result in more pay for refs…

CUT 5 (10)  “we did”

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The Smoking Cessation Trust saw its highest monthly enrollment in June with over 2,000 Louisianians signing up for its free smoking cessation program. CEO Mike Rogers attributes the jump in soon-to-be ex-smokers, in part, to the state’s 50-cent tax increase for a pack of cigarettes. He says CDC statistics back up this theory…

CUT 6 (12)  “adolescent smokers”

He adds that recent smoking bans enacted in cities across the state, as well as on public college and university campuses, could be another reason for the enrollment increase. The Smoking Cessation Trust was set up in 2012 as the result of a class-action lawsuit against tobacco companies. Rogers says the goal is to help more than 210,000 Louisianians kick the habit…

CUT 7 (06) “program ends”

He says almost 35,000 residents have signed up for the program. To be eligible, you must be a Louisiana resident who began smoking before September 1, 1988. You can find more information at www-dot-smokefreela-dot-org. Rogers says roughly half of the smokers in the state are eligible to get free help…

CUT 8 (04)  “prime targets”

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The Baton Rouge Police Department is investigating an apparent murder/suicide which left three dead and one injured in an incident which took place in front of a 1-year-old child. Corporal L’Jean McKneely says they believe 20-year-old Marquiles Whaley is the shooter and he was involved in some sort of argument at the home..:

CUT 9 (10)  “shot himself”

McKneely says Whaley is suspected of shooting his girlfriend, 18-year-old Makayla Jones and her mother, 36-year-old Romander Jones (who survived) and her boyfriend, 38-year-old Shawyn Lollis before turning the gun on himself…:

cut 10 (06) “part of the three” 

McKneely says Romander Jones remains hospitalized but she has been able to talk to investigators…:

cut 11 (08) “as we can”

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The Lake Charles Police Department says two officers are on administrative leave after a burglary suspect shot himself inside a squad car. Lt. Kevin Kirkum says 18-year-old Stacy Lamb of Lake Charles was arrested after a burglary attempt at a local business. Kirkam says officers placed Lamb in the back seat of their police unit…

cut 12 (08)  “of the weapon”

He says Lamb shot himself twice in the foot with a department issued weapon that had been left in an equipment bag in the back seat of the police car. Kirkum says detectives are working to determine the intent of the shooting…

cut 13 (08)  “as we speak”

Kirkum says criminal and internal investigations are underway as a result of this incident. The names of the officers involved have not been released citing the ongoing investigation. Kirkum says Lamb was taken to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries…

cut 14 (07) “was arrested for”

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The Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s office says cops are searching for a woman being held on double homicide charges who escaped from prison over the weekend. Sheriff Doug Anderson says 25-year-old Melissa Hayes, who was arrested in February in Alexandria, busted a lock in the dorm of the Cottonport facility and went into the rec yard…:

cut 15 (11) “down from the fence”

Anderson says they believe Hayes could be in the Alexandria area where she’s from. He says they know she got into a vehicle near the prison at a gas station with a someone who didn’t realize she was an escapee…

cut 16 (11) “in Mansura”

Governor Bobby Jindal ranks 13th in an Iowa poll for the Republican presidential nomination. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Louisiana’s four candidate for governor provide their thoughts on possible changes to the state’s film tax credit program. Scott Carwile has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m  Scott Carwile”

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It’s described by some as the unofficial start to the college football season, SEC Media Days gets underway today in Hoover, Alabama. Jeff Palermo has the story..

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Starting today, the eastbound side of the Mississippi River Bridge in Natchez, Mississippi and Vidalia will see lane closures for the placement of concrete barriers. State Department of Transportation Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says starting on July 20th, the westbound side of the bridge will be closed for seven weeks.

cut 4  (06)  “the bridge”
Mallet warns drivers to anticipate delays. He says to be patient while going through this traffic.

Cut 5  (05)  “accordingly”

Mallet says during this seven week period, no vehicles wider than 14 feet will be allowed to cross the bridge.

Cut 6 (04)  “the bridge”

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A republican presidential nomination poll conducted by KBUR/WAA in Iowa, places Governor Bobby Jindal in 13th with 2 percent from likely caucus goers . Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker leads with 18 percent. Robin Johnson ,with KBUR, says because he just announced a couple of weeks ago, it’s a little early to judge Jindal’s polling records at this point.

CUT 7 (07)  “primary”

The Iowa caucuses on February 1st are the first of the contests for the 2016 Presidential election. Johnson says there is a lot of pressure on candidates now and Jindal needs to do something big to get more name recognition to place in the top 10 for the August debates.

Cut 8  (08)  “candidates” 

Johnson says with so many candidates competing for so much of the vote, Jindal could be fighting for the evangelical vote. He says Jindal is having some success in Iowa but time is ticking.

Cut 9 (11)  “had anticipated”

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The Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association will ask the next governor to make changes to the state’s film tax credit program, after lawmakers placed a 180-million dollar cap on credits redeemed in a fiscal year. Lt. Governor and republican gubernatorial candidate Jay Dardenne says the cap was set too low

Cut 10 (06) “cameras rolling”

The lone democrat in the race, Amite representative John Bel Edwards, says he supports a cap on this program in the range of 180-million dollars

cut 11 (09)  “entire year”

Republican Senator David Vitter says he doesn’t agree with what the legislature did, when it capped the amount of film tax credits redeemed, instead of issued. He says it creates too much uncertainty and he plans to address this issue during a special session after he’s sworn in

cut 12 (10) “very inviting”

If elected governor, Republican Public Service Commission member Scott Angelle says plans to examine all of the tax credits on the books to determine if they creating jobs and growing our economy…

Cut 13 (07)  “reconsideration”

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SEC football media days get underway today in Hoover, Alabama, which is the unofficial start to the college football season. Hundreds of reporters attend this event to hear from SEC coaches and players. Braden Gall, with Athlon Sports, says new SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, who replaced Mike Slive, kicks off the festivities by speaking with the media…

Cut 14 (10) “they happened”

Gall says the handling of discipline when players get in trouble off the field will likely be a topic Sankey gets into. LSU football coach Les Miles and three of his players will go before the large contingent of media on Thursday. Leonard Fournette will be there and Gall says the running back will find out what its like to be a star football player in the SEC

Cut 15  (12)  “totally different”

This week the SEC will release who the media thinks will play in the conference title game. Alabama and Auburn are the favorites in the west. Gall says LSU will get some consideration

Cut 16  (07)  “so loaded”

The Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association drops plans to file a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a new law that capped the film tax credit program. Michelle Southern has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A new poll on the governor’s race shows Republican David Vitter and Democrat John Bel Edwards in a statistical tie. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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An automated telephone survey conducted by Mississippi-based Triumph Campaigns finds Republican US Senator David Vitter and Democratic State representative John Bel Edwards neck and neck in the governor’s race. Vitter received 31-percent of the vote, while Edwards had 30-percent in a poll of 16-hundred voters. Jeremy Alford of la-politics-dot-com says this poll resembles previous surveys…

CUT 3 (06)  “for a runoff”

The automated poll did not reach cell phone users and it did not ask voters who they would vote for in a run-off. Republican PSC member Scott Angelle garnered 14-percent in this poll, while GOP Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne had 11-percent. Alford says it appears Angelle’s TV commercials are working, because he previously polled in the single digits

CUT 4 (06)  “to folks”

The gubernatorial primary is set for October 24th. Alford says a lot can still change as the candidates have yet to do anything to get the voters’ attention….

CUT 5 (10)  “this race”

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The Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association announces they will not move forward with a lawsuit challenging the law recently passed that caps the state’s film tax credit program. L-F-E-A President Will French says a constitutional challenge is not needed, because they are pleased with how the Jindal administration is interpreting the new law

CUT 6 (05)  “doing that”

French says instead of engaging in a legal battle, they believe their efforts are better served working with state agencies to make sure the film industry can still thrive…

CUT 7 (08) “new law”

French says there are several problems with the legislation that reformed the motion picture incentive program. He says they hope to fix those glitches when a new governor is sworn in

CUT 8 (10)  “endorse it”

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Louisiana State Police is alerting motorists to expect delays when traveling between Lafayette and Baton Rouge on Interstate 10 this weekend. Heavy backups are anticipated as a result of lane closures on the Mississippi River bridge. Trooper Bryan Lee says construction will begin at 8 o’clock tonight.

CUT 9 (11)  “afternoon (2x)”

I-10 westbound at Grosse Tete will remain closed until 6:00 am Monday morning. Lee advises drivers to take an alternate route rather than sitting in traffic.

cut 10 (07) “Baton Rouge” 

Lee says the lane closures are for road improvement work. He says construction crews will be present, so drive with caution…

cut 11 (11) “distractions”

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The Department of Children and Family Services is implementing  policy changes after a 15-year-old Baton Rouge boy was found in a home weighing just 47 pounds and with insect bites.  DCFS Secretary Suzy Sonnier says children who are not able to speak and live in terrible conditions will now be assessed by a group of medical professionals.

cut 12 (12)  “the child”

Sonnier says this is an important step to prevent similar situations  from happening again. She says they’re still investigating this child’s living conditions and is hopeful this change will help decide if DCFS needs to take on additional policies to improve the process of future investigations.

cut 13 (09)  “themselves”

Sonnier says adding medical experts to case examinations can determine allegations of abuse and neglect and better decide what actions to take during a follow up with a special needs child.

cut 14 (07) “do that”

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