Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush is scheduled to visit the Ruston area on Saturday. Scott Carwile has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile”

______________________________________

Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne is hopeful the Miss USA Pageant will still be a success even after the Donald Trump controversy. Emelie Gunn has more….

Cut 2 (28) “I’m  Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

The Louisiana High School Officials Association executive committee meets on Sunday as referees plan to strike over pay and other work conditions. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Republican presidential contender Jeb Bush is scheduled to visit the Ruston area this weekend for a fundraiser, hosted by Bush-family supporter James Davison. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says this visit is not surpsising to him, as many candidates are using this time to travel the nation to receive endorsements and financial backing…

cut 4  (09)  “in Louisiana”

Stockley says Bush’s visit means that Governor Bobby Jindal does not hold the support of many Louisiana residents, including prominent Republican supporters…

Cut 5  (09)  “positive thing”

Because of his family name and finanical strengths, Stockey considers the former Florida governor to be one of the top Republican candidates for the 2016 presidential election…

Cut 6 (05)  “reflects that”

______________________________________

Despite all the controversy surrounding Donald Trump, his Miss USA pageant goes on as scheduled this Sunday night in Baton Rouge. It won’t be shown on NBC as previously scheduled but it will be shown on the Reelz network and locally in Baton Rouge. Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says the ladies are still enjoying their time in the Capitol City and around Louisiana.

CUT 7 (07)  “in Baton Rouge”

When NBC announced it will no longer air the Miss USA pageant because of Trump’s comments about Mexican immigrants, many people were disappointed, including Dardenne. He says the state planned on paying the pageant 50-thousand dollars for the national TV exposure and it’s unclear if they will still make that payment…

Cut 8  (05)  “completed” 

Dardenne says the 51 contestants are focused on their performance in the pageant and are putting the controversy behind them.

Cut 9 (11)  “Sunday night”

______________________________________

Country music superstar Garth Brooks and wife Trisha Yearwood arrive today to start the first of four World Tour shows in New Orleans this weekend. New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau spokesperson Kristian Sonnier says this tour should bring in large numbers of  visitors in what is typically a slow month for tourism in the city…

Cut 10 (03) “here in town”

Sonnier says Garth Brooks’ concerts will likely draw in visitors from the surrounding states with many choosing to extend their stay. He says there’s other events in the Big Easy that will add to the big weekend…

cut 11 (10)  “tales of the cocktails”

Brooks announced his New Orleans shows back in May, exciting Louisiana residents as he appears for the first time in the state in nearly two decades…

cut 12 (07) “gone anywhere”

______________________________________

The executive committee of the Louisiana High School Officials Association meets on Sunday as referees plan to strike, jeopardizing the upcoming high school football and volleyball seasons. The association’s president Paul LaRosa says officials are looking for a pay increase, but that’s not the only reason why they are upset

Cut 13 (08)  “trying to fix”

LaRosa says they want signed contracts with individual schools that stipulate referee pay and other conditions, including security at games. He says refs are tired of promises of more pay, which is why a work stoppage maybe necessary…

Cut 14 (09) “our officials”

LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonine schools can not legally enter into a contract with officials and he’s asking for more time to discuss this issue with high school principals and superintendents…

Cut 15  (10)  “on this”

Bonine says he’ll attend the officials association executive committee meeting on Sunday. He hopes something can be worked out to prevent a ref work stoppage, because student-athletes shouldn’t have to worry about whether they’ll play games this year…

Cut 16  (05)  “the way”

An online portal set up by the Department of Education is accepting public comments about Common Core. Emelie Gunn spoke with a state lawmaker about the review process…

CUT 1 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

The Army announce 388 soldiers will be cut from Fort Polk. Jeff Palermo has more on how people feel about this…

CUT 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

The State Department of Education has set up an online portal to accept comments from the public about Common Core. This is part of the extensive review process of the controversial English and math standards. Lake Charles Rep. Brett Geymann helped set up this public comment period…

CUT 3 (10)  “development”

Geymann says the comments made on the online portal will be reviewed next month by 101 educators and other experts who have been charged to provide BESE with possible changes to Common Core….

CUT 4 (11)  “moving forward”

As part of the review process, Geymann says the new governor, legislature and BESE will  have a say on what changes could be made. He say to provide public comments visit louisiana.statestandards.com.

CUT 5 (10)  “their opinion”

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

The Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office says a man shot and killed his 7-year-old daughter, then turned the gun on himself in an apparent murder/suicide. Sheriff Doug Anderson says they got a 911 call around 8:50pm Wednesday evening in reference to two bodies laying in a field in the Vick area…:

CUT 6 (08)  “shot to death”

Anderson says they determined that 28-year-old Ryan Recktenwald killed his young daughter and then killed himself. He says they have no idea what caused this man to do such a thing…:

CUT 7 (09) “only 7-years-old”

Anderson says the call came from from the residence next to the field where Recktenwald and his daughter lived with his ex-girlfriend. He says investigators interviewed people that knew the father…:

CUT 8 (10)  “last week or so”

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

The Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff’s office says a man has died after he tried to steal copper from a utility pole. Chris Ivey, commands the sheriff’s office criminal investigations division, says 51-year-old Jesse Jones III of Reeves was electrocuted while trying to yank down copper wire from pols near U-S Highway 165…

CUT 9 (09)  “your heart”

Jones was pronounced dead at a Lake Charles hospital and three others were arrested on theft charges. Ivey says Entergy officials report the four men performed 10-thousand dollars in damages to eight power lines

cut 10 (07) “of utilities” 

Ivey says three men who were also involved in stealing of the copper wire, were the ones that alerted the authorities about the electrocution…

cut 11 (10) “the ground”

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

The US Army has announced a soldier reduction of 388 at Fort Polk. It’s part of a troop reduction of 40-thousand that’s impacting Army bases across the country. Fort Polk Progress Chairman Michael Reese is glad the Army spared major cuts to the Vernon Parish military base…

cut 12 (10)  “6,500”

Reese says the Joint Readiness Training Center on the base will not be touched by the reduction. He says their main concern was cuts to the depolyable combat brigade, which also will not lose any soldiers.

cut 13 (08)  “that value”

Reese says their main focus now is to prevent future reductions. He says Louisiana delegates are paving the way nationally to stop the Army from making any more cuts.

cut 14 (11) “of service”

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An official announcement is expected later today, but Fort Polk is expected to lose 350 soldiers as part of the US Army’s effort to reduce troop numbers by 40-thousand. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Lafayette Parish District Attorney says an appeal is coming over the length of sentence Seth Fontenot received in the shooting death of a 15-year-old. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m  Scott Carwile”

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Anti-abortion advocates gather in New Orleans for a three-day convention that begins today. Emelie Gunn has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The National Right to Life convention begins a three day conference in New Orleans today that will feature Republican presidential hopefuls including Governor Bobby Jindal who will make an appearance tonight. Ben Clapper, Executive Director of Louisiana Right to Life says tomorrow there will be a forum with some big names.

cut 4  (07)  “presidential candidates”

Rick Perry and Rick Santorum will also be at the forum. Clapper says The Duck Dynasty family will join the conference for a prayer breakfast on Saturday.  He says delegates from all 50 states come together to celebrate a festival of life and feature speakers to educate individuals of the Right to Life movement.

Cut 5  (06)  “our country”

Clapper says their mission is to restore the culture of life in America by bringing an end to abortion and all action to destroy innocent life.

Cut 6 (06)  “the impotent”

______________________________________

An official announcement from the US Army is expected today, but 5th District US Representative Ralph Abraham has learned Fort Polk will lose 358 soldiers from its Vernon Parish military base, as part of a plan to cut 40-thousand troops nationwide. Abraham says Fort Polk should add soldiers, not lose them, because of the growing threat from ISIS and countries like Iran and North Korea…

CUT 7 (10)  “defies logic”

Abraham says Fort Polk did not get hit as hard as others, as one base will lose three-thousand troops, but the loss of one soldier is tough to take…

Cut 8  (09)  “adding troops” 

Fort Polk has 81-hundred troops stationed at its base and it’s located in the district of U-S Representative John Fleming. The republican from Minden says Fort Polk and the surrounding area has worked hard to stave off any troop reductions

Cut 9 (11)  “dollars in”

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The Lafayette Parish District Attorney will seek through an appeal to have 21-year-old Seth Fontenot spend more than 13 months in prison for the shooting death of a 15-year-old. Fontentot , who was convicted on manslaughter and two counts of aggravated battery, was sentenced to three years in prison, but most of the sentence was suspended. Lafayette D-A Keith Stutes says they will argue to the appeals court that none of his sentence should be suspended

Cut 10 (09) “at all”

Fontenot shot at a moving truck in 2012. One of the bullets killed Austin Rivault and two other teens were also wounded. Austin’s father asked the judge during the sentencing hearing for the maximum 40-year sentence. Stutes agrees the final sentence handed down was light…

cut 11 (09)  “higher sentence”

Fontenot has admitting to shooting at the truck that had three teens inside, but he says he did so, because he thought they were breaking into his vehicle. Stutes says they will file a write with the Third Circuit Court of Appeal challenging the sentence

cut 12 (08) “will be”

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The University of Louisiana System has approved tuition and fee increases at their four-year universities. The highest increase is at UL Lafayette, 20-percent, while Nicholls State’s tuition hike is less than two percent . U-L System President Doctor Sandra Woodley says before tuition hikes were approved, they looked at how many students at a particular school received the TOPS scholarship, plus other factors…

Cut 13 (10)  “to the state”

Woodley says UL Lafayette’s was allowed to raise its tuition by 20-percent, because of the GRAD Act legislation approved in 2010, which gave campuses more autonomy if it met certain goals. She says the school’s 2014-15 tuition was also well below the Southern Regional Average

Cut 14 (10) “others had”

Woodley says Nicholls State and Grambling are the only schools in the system that will not see a tuition hike of 10-percent or more. She says Nicholls is struggling with its enrollment and there was a concern not to price out prospective students…

Cut 15  (10)  “increase”

The FBI is searching for more victims in Louisiana in a nationwide “sextortion” case. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals rules in favor of Angola in a case dealing with air conditioning on death row. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

State Police release the sketch of a person wanted in the injuring of a Trooper during a traffic stop in Rapides Parish on June 30th. Authorities say during the stop, the Trooper and driver engaged in an altercation and the officer was struck in the head with an unknown object by a passenger in the vehicle. L-S-P spokesperson Scott Moreau says based on a police composite sketch, the driver is a medium skin-toned black male

CUT 3 (10)  “dark brown”

Moreau says their suspect was last seen in an older model, mid 1980s, Chevrolet Caprice, with the square-style front and back….

CUT 4 (10)  “wheel cover”

Moreau says the Trooper and the suspects also exchanged gunfire during the altercation. No one was shot. He says anyone with information on the whereabouts of the individuals in that vehicle are encouraged to call State Police. He hopes the police sketch will result in new leads…

CUT 5 (07)  “complexion”

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

The Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office arrests the former Evergreen Police Chief for the murder of his wife four months ago. Sheriff Doug Anderson says they got a 911 call on March 21st of this year from Charles Mayeaux Jr. advising that his house was on fire…:

CUT 6 (09)  “in the house”

Anderson says detectives felt the circumstances surrounding the death of Shelly Mayeaux inside the charred home were suspicious…:(Mayeaux was charged with one count of second degree murder and one count of aggravated arson.)

CUT 7 (10) “aggravated arson”

Anderson says in addition to the murder and arson charges, they also booked Mayeaux with six counts of malfeasance in office and six counts of theft…:

CUT 8 (09)  “gas purchase records”

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Officials with the FBI are looking for known victims in Louisiana of a nationwide “sextortion” case in which a man is accused of tricking underage girls into performing sex acts on camera. Authorities says 31-year-old Lucas Michael Chansler of Florida had hundreds of victims across the country including several in Louisiana. FBI New Orleans Special Agent Mike Anderson says the work is just beginning on identifying his victims.

CUT 9 (11)  “the FBI”

Chansler admitted he used social networking sites to pretend he was a teenage boy and talked to girls who ranged from ages 13 to 18. He had over 80,000 photos and videos in his possession. Anderson says Chansler has been sentenced to 105 years in federal prison and is a convicted online predator.

cut 10 (10) “recruit others” 

If you believe you were a victim or you may know a victim contact the FBI. Anderson says in any child pornography case they want victims to come forward and hopefully lead them find more suspects involved….

cut 11 (11) “them help”

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The mother of a Baton Rouge teenager was arrested today after officers found her son severely malnourished. 49-year-old Rose Holland is charged with 2nd degree cruelty to a juvenile and also faces drug charges. Cpl. Don Coppola says Baton Rouge police officers discovered the child when responding to a noise complaint.

cut 12 (11)  “over him”

Coppola says  the child was immediately transported to the hospital with large bed sores and small bug bites all over his body. He says it is unknown if he had any other medical conditions.

cut 13 (07)  “local hospital”

Holland and her friend, Cathy Fort, were found sitting in a car outside the house and were then booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. Coppola says Fort also faces charges of possession of crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia.

cut 14 (09) “drug paraphernalia”

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***Affiliates, please note below that the political consultant in cuts 13-15 is John Couvillon, not Courville. The audio in Voicer 3 has also been updated on our website to reflect the change. Thank you.***

The Lafayette man convicted in the 2013 death of 15-year-old Austin Rivault and the injuring of two other teens is scheduled to be sentenced this morning. Scott Carwile reports.

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Scott Carwile”

______________________________________

Minden Republican Congressman John Fleming says he had a strong second quarter in terms of fundraising. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo “

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Candidates are gearing up for this fall’s election season as there are many seats open in both the Senate and House due to term limits. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The Lafayette man convicted in the 2013 death of 15-year-old Austin Rivault is scheduled to be sentenced this morning. 21-year-old Seth Fontenot was found guilty of one count of manslaughter, avoiding a life sentence had he been convicted as charged of first degree murder. He still faces up to 40-years, but legal analyst Tim Meche doesn’t think Fontenot will get the maximum…:

cut 4  (07)  “to the judge”

In the incident where Fontenot contends he was shooting at what he thought were people breaking into his truck, he also injured two other teenagers. The defense attorney said his client never denied shooting the teens, but claims he was aiming at the truck, not the people in the vehicle. Meche says the punishment is all up to Judge Edward Rubin..:

Cut 5  (11)  “the sentence”

Rivault lived down the street from Fontenot and was a freshman at St. Thomas More Catholic School when he was killed. There was a pre-sentence investigation where lawyers give the judge letters and interviews from people those representing victims and also those who know the convicted individual…:

Cut 6 (07)  “is relevant”

______________________________________

Louisiana hunters are now allowed to carry any firearm of their choice during bow hunting season. In the past, hunters were only allowed to carry a 22 caliber pistol loaded with rat shot that could only kill small pests. Port Allen Senator Rick Ward  says he believes this law will be beneficial to keeping hunters safe from more aggressive animals…

CUT 7 (12)  “gun with me”

Some opponents of the law say this law gives hunters the freedom to use a gun to hunt game during bow hunting season. Ward says those who want to use their gun for hunting during bow season will do so regardless, but the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries can easily detect the illegal activity…

Cut 8  (06)  “not a bow shot” 

Senator Ward says although there were concerns initially about the bill, the responses have been positive now that it has been signed into law…

Cut 9 (05)  “no negative feedback”

______________________________________

A former Iberville Parish teacher has been indicted on 37 criminal counts as a result of accusations he had sex with his former students. Keavin Keith, who recently was named teacher of the year at MSA-West Academy, is free on bond. A teacher, who wishes to stay anonymous, that formerly worked with Keith commented to LRN on his indictment….

Cut 10 (07) “at fault”

The teacher, who worked with Keith, says she heard rumors around Plaquemine that one of the victim’s mother was aware of the situation long before it was ever reported to police.

cut 11 (12)  “real truth”

A paternity test conducted by the State Police Crime Lab determined that Keith fathered a child with one of his victims. She says she worked with him for many years and would’ve never expected Keith to do anything like this.

cut 12 (07) “very involved”

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There’s a lot of attention on the fall statewide elections, but there’s also plenty of political activity involving legislative races. On the Senate side, nine seats open, seven because of term limits. And on the House side, there’s at least 19 open seats, 14 are the result of term limits. Political analyst and pollster John Couvillon says the jockeying for these open seats is well underway, even though qualifying for these races are two months away…

Cut 13 (05)  “wasting their time”

Couvillon says many candidates use this time to speak one-on-one with residents and fundraise. He says there is a varying degree of ways candidates may choose to campaign and how much money they may need to run…

Cut 14 (12) “know your legislator”

Couvillon says some candidates, especially those who are seeking political office for the first time,  have mailed flyers to residents letting voters know who they are and that kind of  traditional campaigning should pick up…

Cut 15  (08)  “a lot of money”

______________________________________

The Lafayette man convicted in the 2013 death of 15-year-old Austin Rivault and the injuring of two other teens is scheduled to be sentenced this morning. Scott Carwile reports.

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Scott Carwile”

______________________________________

Minden Republican Congressman John Fleming says he had a strong second quarter in terms of fundraising. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo “

______________________________________

Candidates are gearing up for this fall’s election season as there are many seats open in both the Senate and House due to term limits. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m jeff Palermo”

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The Lafayette man convicted in the 2013 death of 15-year-old Austin Rivault is scheduled to be sentenced this morning. 21-year-old Seth Fontenot was found guilty of one count of manslaughter, avoiding a life sentence had he been convicted as charged of first degree murder. He still faces up to 40-years, but legal analyst Tim Meche doesn’t think Fontenot will get the maximum…:

cut 4  (07)  “to the judge”

In the incident where Fontenot contends he was shooting at what he thought were people breaking into his truck, he also injured two other teenagers. The defense attorney said his client never denied shooting the teens, but claims he was aiming at the truck, not the people in the vehicle. Meche says the punishment is all up to Judge Edward Rubin..:

Cut 5  (11)  “the sentence”

Rivault lived down the street from Fontenot and was a freshman at St. Thomas More Catholic School when he was killed. There was a pre-sentence investigation where lawyers give the judge letters and interviews from people those representing victims and also those who know the convicted individual…:

Cut 6 (07)  “is relevant”

______________________________________

Louisiana hunters are now allowed to carry any firearm of their choice during bow hunting season. In the past, hunters were only allowed to carry a 22 caliber pistol loaded with rat shot that could only kill small pests. Port Allen Senator Rick Ward  says he believes this law will be beneficial to keeping hunters safe from more aggressive animals…

CUT 7 (12)  “gun with me”

Some opponents of the law say this law gives hunters the freedom to use a gun to hunt game during bow hunting season. Ward says those who want to use their gun for hunting during bow season will do so regardless, but the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries can easily detect the illegal activity…

Cut 8  (06)  “not a bow shot” 

Senator Ward says although there were concerns initially about the bill, the responses have been positive now that it has been signed into law…

Cut 9 (05)  “no negative feedback”

______________________________________

A former Iberville Parish teacher has been indicted on 37 criminal counts as a result of accusations he had sex with his former students. Keavin Keith, who recently was named teacher of the year at MSA-West Academy, is free on bond. A teacher, who wishes to stay anonymous, that formerly worked with Keith commented to LRN on his indictment….

Cut 10 (07) “at fault”

The teacher, who worked with Keith, says she heard rumors around Plaquemine that one of the victim’s mother was aware of the situation long before it was ever reported to police.

cut 11 (12)  “real truth”

A paternity test conducted by the State Police Crime Lab determined that Keith fathered a child with one of his victims. She says she worked with him for many years and would’ve never expected Keith to do anything like this.

cut 12 (07) “very involved”

______________________________________

There’s a lot of attention on the fall statewide elections, but there’s also plenty of political activity involving legislative races. On the Senate side, nine seats open, seven because of term limits. And on the House side, there’s at least 19 open seats, 14 are the result of term limits. Political analyst and pollster John Courville says the jockeying for these open seats is well underway, even though qualifying for these races are two months away…

Cut 13 (05)  “wasting their time”

Courville says many candidates use this time to speak one-on-one with residents and fundraise. He says there is a varying degree of ways candidates may choose to campaign and how much money they may need to run…

Cut 14 (12) “know your legislator”

Courville says some candidates, especially those who are seeking political office for the first time,  have mailed flyers to residents letting voters know who they are and that kind of  traditional campaigning should pick up…

Cut 15  (08)  “a lot of money”

The anti-tax organization, Americans for Prosperity, is running a radio ad that lets listeners know where they can go to find out of if their legislator voted to increase taxes in the recently completed legislative session. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The New Orleans Police officer who originally arrested the man accused of killing Officer Daryle Holloway last month has has been arrested. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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An anti-tax organization is airing a radio ad that shines the spotlight on state lawmakers who voted to increase taxes and fees 700-million dollars in the last legislative session. The Louisiana chapter for Americans for Prosperity paid for the 30-second spot and its director Phillip Joffrion says it’s designed to educate voters

CUT 3 (06)  “across the state”

Several lawmakers who voted for the tax increases on businesses and individuals are up for re-election this fall or running for another public office. Joffrion says instead of solving budget problems, these legislators turned to short-term fixes…

CUT 4 (10)  “these situations”

Legislators who supported the tax increases say it was needed to prevent large cuts to colleges and public health care services. Joffrion says their website directs residents to louisiana-scorecard-dot-com to see if their legislator voted for 700-million tax increases

CUT 5 (10)  “tax reform”

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

The New Orleans Police Department has made another arrest in connection with the shooting death of Officer Daryle Holloway last month, and this time, it’s another cop. Travis Boys was initially arrested by Officer Wardell Johnson before the suspect is alleged to have shot and killed Holloway in a squad car while handcuffed. NOPD Chief Michael Harrison:

CUT 6 (07)  “as evidence”

Johnson is charged with obstruction, malfeasance and theft and is on emergency suspension. Harrison says they believe Johnson also took bullets from the scene and then lied about it when questioned. He says this is disgusting, sloppy police work, with a clear intent to cover it up:

CUT 7 (08) “share that sentiment”

The judge has set Johnson’s bond at 30-thousand dollars. Harrison says they still do not know exactly how Boys gained a weapon that was used in the fatal shooting. He says at this point, they don’t believe Johnson knew Boys, but there is body camera evidence showing the officer gave a careless patdown..:

CUT 8 (10)  “after an arrest”

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The mother of a two year old child, who died after falling out of the window of a moving vehicle in Acadia Parish, was arrested this morning. State Police Trooper Brooks David says 32-year-old Amber Watson of Church Point was booked on charges of child desertion and no child restraint.

CUT 9 (07)  “to that”

Watson’s bond is set at 25-hundred dollars. David says the charge of child desertion comes from Watson putting her child in an unsafe position where he could not take care of himself. He says the toddler, Mitchell Watson, climbed from the backseat of the car into the passenger seat and fell out the front window.

cut 10 (09) “going on” 

The two year old child died on June 23^rd from injuries sustained from the fall. David says it’s important for parents to always be watching and pull over if necessary to ensure the child is safe at all times.

cut 11 (11) “around us”

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

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon warns residents that the top two months for vehicle thefts are July and August. Donelon says motorists should keep this in mind when leaving your vehicle unoccupied. He believes car thefts are more common during the  summertime because…

cut 12 (05)  “school students”

The state’s national ranking for stolen vehicles went from 18th in 2007 to 24th in 2013, but auto theft is still a serious problem in Louisiana. Donelon says this is considered a gateway offense for youth around the country and the state Department of Insurance is doing everything they can to combat this all too common crime.

cut 13 (11)  “vehicles”

Donelon advises drivers not to leave their windows down even in the southern Louisiana heat, especially with valuables in sight. He says following simple steps like taking your  keys out of the ignition and parking in well lit areas can protect you from car theft.

cut 14 (09) “auto theft”

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

Governor Bobby Jindal signs into law a bill that allows firearm safety to be taught in public elementary schools. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

A deal between the U.S. and Iran over a nuclear program could result in another downfall for oil prices. Jeff Palermo has more….

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo “

______________________________________

The National Journal reports Republican Congressman Charles Boustany of Lafayette has told donors he plans on running for US Senate next year, if David Vitter’s gubernatorial campaign is successful. Scott Carwile has more…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Scott Carwile”

______________________________________

The State Department of Agriculture has been put in charge of establishing the regulations for the legal dispensing of medical marijuana and Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says one of the big questions is how much they will need. Stain says he’s in talks with the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy.

cut 4  (11)  “to produce”

The legislature has said medical marijuana will only be available to those suffering from glaucoma, cancer and a severe form of cerebral palsy. Strain says they also have questions on the development of the seed that will be used for medical marijuana.

Cut 5  (06)  “capacity have?”

Strain has been in touch with LSU and Southern’s Ag Centers about developing the drug. Strain says they will have an estimate of when the product will be completed once the production facility is built and when the volume of marijuana is decided. He says their main concern is that the product is pure for patients.

Cut 6 (09)  “be safe”

______________________________________

Governor Bobby Jindal signed into law a bill that allows gun safety education to be taught in elementary public schools. The measure lets Louisiana’s schools provide age appropriate classroom instruction regarding firearm accident prevention and safety. Author of the legislation, Erath Rep. Blake Miguez, says the Eddie Eagle Gunsafe Programs is like teaching kids “stop, drop, and roll” when on fire.

CUT 7 (06)  “a firearm”

The material,which can start being taught this fall, must be integrated into an existing course of study and specify that the purpose of the instruction is to promote protecting children. Miguez says the main purpose of the bill is to reduce the number of accidental gun deaths in Louisiana.

Cut 8  (08)  “bill does” 

Miguez says this bill will stretch far beyond the classroom. He says it levels the playing field and gives children who might not have firearm knowledge, the concept to not touch or play with a gun and alert an adult right away.

Cut 9 (07)  “is around”

______________________________________

An agreement between the United States and Iran over that country’s nuclear program will likely lead to another downturn in oil prices. That’s according to the Executive Director of LSU’s Center for Energy Studies, David Dismukes, who says a nuclear deal will result in Iran putting billions of barrels of its oil on the market…

Cut 10 (10) “these barrels”

Dismukes says the market is already reacting to a possible deal as oil prices fell eight-percent yesterday on the New York Mercantile Exchange. He says drivers will also notice a substantial drop in prices at the gas pump as a result of the deal.

cut 11 (09)  “driving season”

Dismukes says financial troubles in Greece and China could will also help push oil prices, which is not good news for oil field service companies. He says this also might keep the market for drilling down and reduce jobs for Louisianians.

cut 12 (11)  “bit lower”

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The National Journal reports that Republican US Representative Charles Boustany has told donors he will run for US Senate next year, if Senator David Vitter is elected governor this year. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Boustany will be a strong candidate, but will likely face some tough competition from his own party…

Cut 13 (09)  “a lot of money”

Republican Congressman John Fleming of Minden and GOP state treasurer John Kennedy could also run for US Senate next year. The National Journal story says Boustany raised 700-thousand dollars in the second quarter of 2015. Cross says that shows Boustany is serious about becoming a US Senator…

Cut 14 (10) “raise and spend”

If Vitter is elected as governor, he will appoint a person to finish out the remainder of his term. Cross says that person will have a real leg up on the competition when the election take places for a full six-year term in 2016

Cut 15  (10)  “inside track”

An LSU survey that tracks consumer sentiment finds that consumer confidence in this state has fallen below the national average for the first time in recent years. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Eye doctors say they’re seeing a spike in the number of technology crazed youth suffering from computer vision syndrome. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (25) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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An annual statewide survey from LSU finds that consumer confidence in Louisiana has fallen below the nation for the first time in recent years. Michael Henderson, research director of the LSU Public Policy Research Lab, says the Louisiana Consumer Sentiment Index fell by six points from the end of the third quarter of 2014 to the end of the first quarter of 2015…

CUT 3 (06)  “six months earlier”

While Louisiana’s consumer confidence was falling, consumer sentiment grew nationally by nearly 10-points. He says northwest Louisiana, southwest Louisiana and the New Orleans area all fell significantly below the national estimate, and the drop in oil prices and the effects it had on the state’s energy industry could be to blame

CUT 4 (07)  “similar pattern here”

LSU’s Public Policy Research Lab has tracked consumer confidence since 2012 and this is the first time consumer sentiment in the state is nearly 10 points below the nation. Henderson says since they conducted this survey, oil prices have stabilizied, slowing down lay-offs in the energy sector

CUT 5 (06)  “energy prices”

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The rising number of youth who are constantly on their cell phones and computers are putting strain on their eyes. Doctors say they’ve seen a growing amount of young patients suffering from computer vision syndrome. Dr. Monica Monica, spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, says when looking at screens your blink rate decreases.

CUT 6 (10)  “syndrome”

Both eye strain and headaches are associated with prolonged exposure to the screens. Monica says our eyes are suffering the consequences of smart phone, computer and tablet use. She says those in the millennial generation and younger are especially affected by the harmful effects..:

CUT 7 (10) “taking breaks”

A recent study found 68 percent of millennials reporting digital eye strain. Monica says when looking at things close up, muscles in the eye actually have to contract, to change the shape of the lens, to focus. She says the best thing to do if you’re in front of a computer all day is to take periodic breaks…:

CUT 8 (09)  “devices”

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Same-sex couples who want to change their last name on their driver’s license to reflect the same name as their spouse can do so starting today. State Police Lieutenant JB Slaton says the Office of Motor Vehicles had to upgrade their computers so that it would allow a man to change his last name

CUT 9 (11)  “is working”

Slaton says couples who wish to change their name, must bring a certified marriage license, along with social security records

cut 10 (08) “social security level” 

Slaton says they also want to remind all residents, can get a six-year driver’s license, instead of a four-year license. He says it will cost four dollars more, but hopefully it will lead to shorter lines at the D-M-V…

cut 11 (10) “going to help”

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The St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s office says a 12-year-old boy died on the 4th of July when riding on a utility terrain vehicle and the adult driver is arrested. Detective Joe Chaney says 36-year-old Joshua Tharpe of Baton Rouge and the juvenile were riding the UTV on a wet sand bar and took a sharp sudden turn…:

cut 12 (10)  “on the child”

Deputies did not release the boy’s name. Chaney says Tharpe was charged with vehicular homicide and has since been released on a $100,000 bond. He says they are still working to determine what happened and if Tharpe was being negligent..:

cut 13 (07)  “homicide”

A UTV is similar to an ATV but is larger. Chaney says you should always be careful on these types of vehicles…:

cut 14 (10) “safety guidelines”

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Secretary of State Tom Schedler announces a major overhaul of the state’s geauxBIZ-dot-com website making it easier to start a business in Louisiana. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Eric Gill”

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Gubernatorial  Candidate John Bel Edwards begins his statewide tour today. Michelle Southern has more on how this will help his campaign…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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DHH reminds parents to vaccinate children as the school year is rapidly approaching. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (24) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Secretary of State Tom Schedler announces a major overhaul of the state’s geauxBIZ-dot-com website. The website was launched in 2009 as a way for people to easily find information necessary to start and maintain a business. Schedler says this upgrade to the site means doing business in Louisiana just got easier…

cut 4  (10)  “opening their business”

The new website allows business owners to complete the legal steps necessary to start a business in one visit to the site. Schedler says this is all about improving the business climate in the state. He says feedback from the site has been overwhelmingly positive as they work out a few kinks…

Cut 5  (09)  “working smooth”

The overhaul allows the Secretary of State’s office to share information with the Department of Revenue and the Workforce Commission cutting down the steps people have to take to start a business. Schedler says the goal is to add other agencies to the system…

Cut 6 (10)  “in the future”

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Louisiana Radio Network’s ongoing gubernatorial Q&A asked the four major gubernatorial candidates, “If elected, what steps will you take to rebuild Louisiana’s coastline and how will you make sure that dollars intended for coastal restoration are actually used for that purpose?” Amite Representative John Bel Edwards says, as governor, he would make sure that coastal restoration money is only spent on coastal restoration…

CUT 7 (09)  “no other purpose”

US Senator David Vitter says it’s not only important to ensure coastal restoration funds are used for their intended purpose, but he plans to accelerate three to five key coastal restoration projects in the coastal restoration master plan…

Cut 8  (08)  “studying things” 

Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says rebuilding the coast is not only important for Louisiana, but the country as a whole. He says, as governor, he’s committed to implementing the coastal restoration master plan…

Cut 9 (09)  “into the plan”

Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle says we must ensure that coastal restoration remains a priority in Louisiana. He says he’s committed to take preventative measures to ensure coastal restoration money is used properly…

Cut 10 (09) “master plan”

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Gubernatorial candidate Democrat Amite Representative John Bel Edwards begins his first statewide tour today. He’ll be in Amite this afternoon, New Orleans this evening, covers Acadiana tomorrow then continues to hit every corner of the state through Sunday, July 12th. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Edwards needs to get his name out there.

cut 11 (07)  “the state”

In a release, Edwards says you’ll see their caravan on the highways and byways of the Bayou State and he plans to deliver solution driven ideas in person to voters.  Cross says although people generally like him for his strong record, most voters don’t know very much about Edwards.

cut 12 (07)  “at all”

The planned tour includes 25 cities across Louisiana as well as impromptu stops across the state.  Cross believes because Edwards has a D behind his name, he has a good chance of making the runoff. He says the endorsement from famous superstar Britney Spears and her Kentwood family is great publicity for him.

Cut 13 (10)  “for Edwards”

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As the new school year is quickly approaching, The Department of Health and Hospitals is reminding parents to get their children vaccinated as required by law. DHH Immunization Medical Director Dr. Frank Welch says now is the perfect time to prevent diseases like measles, mumps, the flu and whooping cough.

Cut 14 (10) “so busy”

Welch says getting updated shots is so important because it protects not only your children from missing school but the community, as well. He says children first entering school need proof they’ve had vaccinations for polio, mumps and measles, hepatitis, chickenpox and diphtheria.

Cut 15  (11)  “6th grade”

When entering middle school, students are required to have the meningitis vaccine and Tdap, once again. Welch says most Louisianians ensure their children are vaccinated.

Cut 16  (08)  “very well”

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The state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says it will use the announced BP settlement money to ensure Louisiana will remain Sportsman’s Paradise for years to come. The agreement means the state will receive at least $6.8 billion for damages associated with the 2010 oil spill. LDWF Secretary Robert Barham…:

Cut 17 (12) ” culture” 

Barham says we’ve come a long way in furthering the understanding of the effects of the spill on our wildlife and fisheries and they are eager to continue those efforts…:

Cut 18 (06) “by this event”

Details of the complex settlement will be worked through over the next 60 days according to state leaders. Barham says the science, and the money that supports that science, will be there for years to come…:

Cut 19 (08) “horrific event”