According to a study by WalletHub, Lafayette is the 9th least educated city out of 150 of the largest US metropolitan statistical areas (MSA). Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (32) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The first of six public hearings to review the controversial Common Core education standards takes place today in Baton Rouge. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is watching Tropical Storm Danny in the Atlantic as it moves toward the Caribbean. Scott Carwile reports…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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According to a study by WalletHub, Lafayette is the 9th least educated city out of 150 of the largest US metropolitan statistical areas (MSA). In the 2015 Most & Least Educated Cities report, the Hub City is in the bottom 10 at No. 142. DeWayne Bowie (Boo-ee) is UL Lafayette’s vice president for enrollment. He says Louisiana’s poverty problem is an uphill battle for education…:

cut 4  (10)  “type of degree”

In the Lafayette MSA, WalletHub says about 80% of people over 25 hold a high school degree, while 45% have some college experience and just 20 percent have a bachelor’s. Bowie says they are always looking at new ways to ramp up recruitment efforts…:

Cut 5  (10)  “college degree”

New Orleans MSA ranking was 106 out of 150, Baton Rouge was 108 and Shreveport-Bossier was 127. Bowie says they are also developing a program targeted at low-income middle school students to plant the seed early and let them know that a college degree is definitely within their reach…:

Cut 6 (09)  “education”

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The first of six public hearings on whether or not changes should be made to Common Core takes place today in Baton Rouge. It’s the first meeting of the Standards Review Committee, which was created by lawmakers in the last legislative session. Regina Sanders has been selected to chair the committee that’s made up of teachers, principals and others…

CUT 7 (11)  “Louisiana students”

Common Core has been a hot button topic over the last two years. There are many who believe Common Core should be replaced with education standards developed by Louisiana. Sanford says she goes into this process with an unbiased mindset…

Cut 8  (11)  “daily basis” 

Future public meetings will take place in each of the state’s six congressional districts over the next several months. Public testimony will take place at these meetings and parents can also provide comments on the department of education’s website. Sanford says their recommendations are due to BESE in February

Cut 9 (10) “classroom instruction”

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The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is keeping an eye on Tropical Storm Danny in the Atlantic as it moves toward the Caribbean. Director Kevin Davis says the storm is expected to reach hurricane strength later this week. Davis says it’s important for people to take notice now…

Cut 10 (11) “next few days”

Davis says on its current track, the storm could possibly enter the Gulf of Mexico. He says we will know more as the week progresses. Davis says this would be a good opportunity to make sure you have a plan in place in case a hurricane threatens…

cut 11 (10) “outside of the area”

This hurricane season is forecast to be below average. Although it’s been several years since a major hurricane has impacted Louisiana, Davis says that’s no reason to let your guard down…

 Cut 12 (08) “monitor it”

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The four major candidates running for governor discussed coastal issues during a forum on the campus of Nicholls State. Each candidate was asked what three actions they would take to advance coastal restoration. Republican Jay Dardenne says he would look towards for the federal government for assistance and that includes one of  his opponents…

Cut 13 (10)  “in Washington” (2x)

Dardenne says he’ll also make plans to hold a coastal summit. Democrat John Bel Edwards says he’ll look to the federal government for resources as well, but the state also has to make coastal funding a top priority

Cut 14 (09) “that is gone”

Republican David Vitter says he’ll take three to five major projects from the coastal master plan and push for them to be completed soon…

Cut 15  (09)  “to death”

Republican Scott Angelle says Louisiana has to show its serious about fixing the coast. He’ll ask the legislature to pass a law that makes it felony for the misappropriation of any state or local dollars that are designated for coastal restoration and hurricane protection…

Cut 16  (11)  “wrong way”

The Saints begin two days of joint practices with the New England Patriots at their training camp facility in West Virginia. The two teams will also play each other in preseason game on Saturday night in the Mercedes Benz Superdome. Coach Sean Payton on what they hope to accomplish by practicing against the Super Bowl champs…

Cut 17 (19) “of cards” 

Payton says with training camp winding down soon, going up against another team comes at a good time…

Cut 18 (15) “familiar with”

The Department of Health and Hospitals confirm the presence of the brain eating amoeba in a water system in Terrebonne Parish. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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Tropical Depression four has formed in the central Atlantic Ocean and is forecast to be the first hurricane of the 2015 season. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (28)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office says a 16-year-old Plaquemine High School student has been arrested for bringing a loaded gun to school. Major Ronnie Hebert says they were alerted to the situation by a school resource officer…

CUT 3 (05)  “with a gun”

He says the gun was in the student’s book bag inside his locker, but he never pointed the gun at anyone. Hebert believes the student brought the gun to school with the intent of harming another student…

CUT 4 (10)  “semi-automatic .22”

The student was placed on house arrest in his parent’s custody and has been expelled from attending any parish school for two years. Hebert praises the football players for coming forward with the information about the gun and averting a potential tragedy…

CUT 5 (07) “him in custody”

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The Department of Health and Hospitals confirm the presence of the brain eating amoeba in a water system in Terrebonne Parish. State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says the deadly amoeba was found in the Schriever Water System in Montegut. He says officials are taking steps to increase the chlorine level in the system to conduct a chlorine burn…

CUT 6 (08)  “from growing”

Guidry says the water is safe to drink but warns residents to avoid getting water up their noses. This is the third water system in the state to test positive for the amoeba this summer. Guidry says not only are officials testing water systems more, but they are using a better test…

CUT 7 (07)  “the amoeba”

The Schriever Water System serves about 97,000 people in the Houma area. Guidry says resident should not be alarmed about the discovery of the amoeba…

CUT 8 (06)  “this infection”

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Republican Jay Dardenne is taking advantage of technology in his race for Governor. The campaign says there’s an app for that — it’s called Jay Dardenne for Governor and it’s available on Apple and Android devices. Dardenne says the app awards points for actions supporters take to grow the campaign…:

CUT 9 (05)  “reach voters”

The developer is UCampaign which also created a similar app for Texas Senator Ted Cruz in his presidential bid. Dardenne says the campaign will also be able to use the app to connect directly with voters…:

cut 10 (09)  “savvy”

Dardenne says they will use the app to remind people when deadlines to register to vote approach and help get out the vote on Election Day. Republican Scott Angelle is the only candidate so far to run ads on TV, and Dardenne says you can expect to see the same from him very soon:

Cut 11 (10)  “from us”(2x)

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Tropical Depression four has formed in the central Atlantic Ocean and its forecast to be the first hurricane of the 2015 season. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the projected path of the system is expected to intensify as it tracks west and become a tropical storm by the end of the day…:

cut 12 (08)  “this storm”

Tropical Storm Danny would become the 4th named storm of the season. Keim says even though we are in an El Nino year, that strong wind shear which tends to break up storms does have areas of weakness which is what this system has found..:

cut 13 (12)  “does come to the Gulf”

Keim says the storm is currently so far away that it’s hard to say if it will impact the US or the Gulf…:

cut 14 (09)  “bares watching”

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Blue Bell says they will once again begin distributing ice cream starting August 31st in select markets. Michelle Southern reports why experts say a slow phase-in is a good strategy…:

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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State Treasurer John Kennedy wants the Jindal administration to hold off on moving forward with development plans for the shuttered Charity Hospital in New Orleans. Scott Carwile has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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A-T-C Commissioner Troy Hebert says his state vehicle was stolen from his Baton Rouge house and the thief attempted to set it on fire. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A former Rayne part time police officer is in jail on charges of multiple sex crimes against children. Acadia Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson Maxine Trahan says investigators received a complaint against Troy Bryant Menard earlier this month and immediately launched an investigation.

cut 4  (11)  “against nature”

Trahan says there were two known victims but couldn’t release more information regarding his charges. She says Menard was a patient in the hospital when a warrant was issued and was arrested soon after being discharged.

Cut 5  (12)  “for us”

Trahan says this is a big disappointment for the Rayne Police Department that they had to investigate one of their own. She says Police Chief Carroll Stelly did what he had to do and fired Menard from the force as soon as he found out this information.

Cut 6 (09)  “known as”

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Blue Bell says they will once again be distributing ice cream starting August 31st in select markets. Four months ago the company was forced to cease their entire operation and recall all products after its ice cream was linked to 10 listeria illnesses and three deaths. LSU marketing professor Dan Rice says Blue Bell needs to earn back the public’s trust…:

CUT 7 (09)  “buying it”

Blue Bell says they will re-enter parts of 15 states in five phases starting with Alabama and Texas. Louisiana is included in phase four of the plan. Rice doesn’t think there will be a massive marketing effort to let people know they are back…:

Cut 8  (10)  “originally” 

Blue Bell says it will move into each phase based on product availability and when it can properly service customers in that area. Rice says the phasing the ice cream slowly back in is a good stradegy:

Cut 9 (09) “off the shelf”

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State Treasurer John Kennedy says the Jindal administration should not decide the fate about the shuttered charity hospital in New Orleans. Kennedy says the historic building constructed in the 1930s, is an important asset to the state, and a decision on the hospital’s future should be made by the next governor and legislature.

Cut 10 (12) “on this”

The Division of Administration says they have received proposals from five groups who may be interested in redeveloping the former hospital building but a timeline on the future use of the building hasn’t been established. Kennedy says there is not a lot of transparency in this process.

cut 11 (11) “of them”

The old charity hospital has be closed since it was damaged by Hurricane Katrina ten years ago. Kennedy says the building could’ve been used again as a hospital even though a new facility was constructed. He says he wants to ensure the best for tax payers and New Orleans.

 Cut 12 (08) “used again”

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Alcohol and Tobacco Control Commissioner Troy Hebert says his state issued vehicle was stolen from his Baton Rouge home and the thief attempted to set it on fire. Hebert says when the SUV was located, authorities found that the perpetrator stuck a rag in the gas tank….

Cut 13 (09)  “with it accordingly”

Hebert says this isn’t the first time A-T-C has been targeted. He says six of their vehicles were shot up outside of headquarters about two years ago and he also learned of comments threatening to shoot him and bomb his office.

Cut 14 (11) “to it”

Hebert says Alcohol and Tobacco Control has issued over 800 citations this year so that could be a factor in what motivated these attacks. He says Louisiana State Police will continue to investigate the incidents.

Cut 15  (07)  “on this”

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If the season started today, Brandon Harris would likely be the starting quarterback for the LSU Tigers. Harris is getting a majority of the reps with the first team over last year’s starter Anthony Jennings. But Jennings says he hasn’t played his best football yet

Cut 16  (09)  “I can be”

Jennings missed a good portion of the offseason workouts, because he was arrested for allegedly breaking into another person’s apartment. The criminal charge was dropped. Jennings says he spent the summer working out on his own

Cut 17 (16) “to work” 

Sophomore wide receiver Malachi Dupre says he likes how Harris and Jennings are pushing each other in fall camp

Cut 18 (16) “can be”

Many LSU fans are hoping for a breakout season from Dupre after catching 14 passes as a freshman. Dupre says new wide receivers coach Tony Ball has been very tough on him

Cut 19 (20) “for it”

A state district judge has thrown out the lawsuit of a State House candidate who wanted to be listed as both Democrat and Republican on the ballot. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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Louisiana chef Jay Ducote was not the big winner last night on this season’s Food Network Star, but he remains optimistic about the future. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A state district judge has thrown out the lawsuit of a candidate for the State House of Representatives who wanted to be listed as both Democrat and Republican on the ballot. Houma attorney Damon Baldone filed the suit after the Terrebonne Parish registrar of voters listed his party affiliation as “other”. Baldone feels he has the Constitutional right to register with both parties…

CUT 3 (06)  “and Republican”

Baldone argues the registrar’s decision violates his freedom of speech and his right to associate with any group. In the judge’s dismissal of the suit, he stated that Baldone was not being deceptive; however, a double listing could confuse voters. Baldone disagrees with that claim…

CUT 4 (05)  “parties are”

Baldone plans to file an appeal with the State Supreme Court. He served in the State House as a Democrat from 2001 to 2012. Baldone says he wants to register under both parties as a sign that Democrats and Republicans need to work together…

CUT 5 (09) “with one plan”

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The Terrebone Parish Sheriff’s Office says a woman is facing many charges after going on a tirade against her ex-boyfriend and several others in Houma. Captain Dawn Foret says they received 911 calls regarding 25-year-old Miranda Riley of Dularge ramming her vehicle into other cars and trying to fight with multiple people while armed with a knife:

CUT 6 (10)  “seven people”

Foret says as deputies detained Riley they learned from a neighbor that there was a fire on the front porch of the victim’s trailer which had not yet spread into the house…:

CUT 7 (10)  “residence”

Riley’s charges include arson and felony criminal damage to property. Foret says they also believe Riley started a fire at the victim’s trailer and bashed in all of the windows. She says it’s clear the woman was extremely upset about something…:

CUT 8 (10)  “seriously injured”

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Louisiana chef Jay Ducote was not the big winner last night on this season’s Food Network Star, but he remains optimistic about the future. The title went to former NFL player Eddie Jackson. Ducote found out along with everyone else that he is the runner-up on the cooking competition’s 11th season. He says his first reaction was extreme disappointment…:

CUT 9 (09)  “dominated”

The Baton Rouge radio host had referenced his Louisiana and Cajun roots throughout the season and was successful during every challenge. He says before last night’s finale he received a congratulatory phone call from Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne…:(Ducote has also competed on Masterchef, Cutthroat Kitchen and Last Call Food Brawl.)

cut 10 (12)  “like that”

Ducote says he sees this is as just the beginning of a long promising career as a Louisiana chef and he may even end up with his own show on Food Network anyway. Hundreds of “Team Jay” fans throughout the state have been turning up for Food Network Star viewing parties to cheer on their fellow Louisianian. Ducote says his backing has been amazing..:

Cut 11 (10)  “journey”

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State Police announce the arrest of a Houston man for allegedly using counterfeit money at a Lake Charles casino. Sgt. James Anderson says they were contacted by the casino about someone trying to buy into a table game using phony money…

cut 12 (10)  “and craps”

27-year-old William Jabour is charged with 49 counts of monetary instrument abuse. Anderson says casino personnel is well trained to detect counterfeit money and there are several precautions in place…

cut 13 (09)  “as a result”

He says their investigation uncovered several counterfeit $50 and $100 bills in Jabour’s possession and in his vehicle. Monetary instrument abuse is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, up to a million dollar fine, and the offender is required to make full restitution. Anderson says this is not something anyone should try to get away with…

cut 14 (09)  “appropriate action”

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The state department of wildlife and fisheries is getting the word out about the recently created Catch and Cook Program. Emelie Gunn has more on what it’s all about…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Legal experts anticipate the fight over the Confederate monuments in New Orleans will go on for years and years. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The Obama Administration has approved limited crude oil trading with Mexico. Scott Carwile get local reaction.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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Three of the four major gubernatorial candidates support Governor Bobby Jindal’s decision to end Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood. This decision came after controversial secretly taped videos showed Planned Parenthood officials talking about selling aborted fetus parts for medical research. Republican Scott Angelle says these videos are despicable…

cut 4  (10)  “of Louisiana”

Republican Jay Dardenne agrees with the governor’s decision, pointing out that there are over 130 community clinics across the state that provide the same services for women as Planned Parenthood…

Cut 5  (06)  “human life”

Democrat John Bel Edwards says a decision to defund Planned Parenthood should be based on the result of the investigation into the videos. He thinks Jindal failed to plan for the impact of his choice…

Cut 6 (14)  “patient population”

Republican David Vitter supports Governor Jindal’s move and says this issue is not new to him…

CUT 7 (09)  “even surfaced”

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is promoting the Catch and Cook Program, which allows anglers to bring their catch to a local restaurant and be prepared by a chef. Franklin Senator Bret Allain says this is a great opportunity to promote Louisiana’s recreational fishing industry.

Cut 8  (10)  “caught it” 

The Catch and Cook Program started last year as a result of a bill authored by Allain. He says the way the program works, if you catch a fish, clean it and bring it to a participating restaurant within six days of being caught.  He says the dish will only be served to the person who brought the catch in and their guests.

Cut 9 (11) “want it cooked”

The department of wildlife and fisheries says they have 14 restaurants who have signed on to the program including Galatorie’s in the French Quarter. Allain says it doesn’t cost a restaurant anything to participate in the program and they can charge the guest any amount they choose for the prepared dish.

Cut 10 (09) “tourism”

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Legal experts anticipate the debate over the Confederate monuments in New Orleans will go on for years and years. The legislative process of removing 4 statues from their current location has started. New Orleans Attorney Tim Meche says there are several legal impediments to taking the monuments down…:

cut 11 (08) “move the monuments”

Meche says not only will there be legal issues with moving the monuments, but political grandstanding will also play a heavy hand in the direction of this matter. He says, in addition, there’s the question of how much this will cost and who is going to pay for it…:

cut 12 (09) “monument”

Mayor Mitch Landrieu started the conversation about moving the Robert E Lee statue from Lee Circle during a national conversation about Confederate symbols in late June. Governor Bobby Jindal opposes taking the monuments down saying he’s looking into the Heritage Act to see if he has the legal authority to stop it. Meche doesn’t think so…:

Cut 13 (08)  “campaign issue”

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The Obama Administration has approved limited crude oil trading with Mexico. President of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association Don Briggs says this is good for the industry because it helps with the balance of trade after the banning of crude oil exports since the 70’s.

Cut 14 (09) “for us”

Briggs says this is a good step forward to possibly opening the doors to the US trading with other countries. He hopes this could be a reaction from the Obama administration due to oil prices being so low and the high demand to allow for exporting crude oil.

Cut 15  (09)  “of prices”

Briggs says there is no reason for the US to be excluded from trade and it’s time to be involved in the open and free market. He says this would have a tremendous impact on oil and gas companies in the country.

Cut 16  (11)  “the industry”

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Through the first major scrimmage of LSU’s fall camp, Brandon Harris has the lead over Anthony Jennings in the battle for starting quarterback. Coach Les Miles says Harris received more of the snaps with the first unit during a scrimmage on Saturday night. Harris says the game has slowed down for him as he enters his second season at LSU

Cut 17 (14) “over think things” 

Harris appeared in nine games last season, but didn’t see many significant snaps in final few games. It’s been speculated that Harris had a hard time learning playbook. The Bossier City native says he’s been all business since the team reported nearly two weeks ago

Cut 18 (12) “ultimately go”

LSU offensive coordinator Cam Cameron says Harris is more comfortable with the offense this season, which should lead to better results

Cut 19 (16) “just play”

Cameron is also encouraged by the work Harris put in during the offseason, by adding about 20 pounds of muscle to his six-foot-three frame

Cut 20 (11)  “that’s important”

The Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Gretna truck driver accused of the rape of a 14-year-old girl. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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State lawmakers learn next fiscal year’s Louisiana budget shortfall already projects at 713 million dollars. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office says a Gretna truck driver is charged in the rape of a 14-year-old girl. Commander Eric Becnel says 29-year-old Peter James Wilson III arranged to meet the girl through a smartphone app last month. He says after meeting up, Wilson took the girl to the Naval Air Station in Belle Chasse where he was making a delivery…

CUT 3 (09)  “of the truck”

He says Wilson forced the victim to perform sexual acts in the sleeper compartment of his truck. Becnel says Wilson dropped the victim off the following morning at the same location where they met. He says it took a few days for the girl to come forward…

CUT 4 (08)  “an investigation”

Wilson is charged with forcible rape. He claims that he has never seen the victim in person. Becnel says it took a little time to capture Wilson because they wanted to make sure their investigation was thorough…

CUT 5 (09) “juvenile victim”

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State Police say a young girl was killed in Grant Parish after being involved in a high speed collision. Master Trooper Scott Moreau says, 26-year-old Kristopher Silk of Pollock, was speeding when he crashed into the back of an 18-wheeler going in the same direction on Hwy 165.

CUT 6 (10)  “the road”

7-year-old Adrein Silk was pronounced dead. Moreau says the driver, Kristopher Silk received minor injuries. He says crashes like this are highly uncommon.

CUT 7 (10)  “speed limit”

Moreau says they’re unsure if Silk was under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the accident but routine toxicology tests and charges are pending. He says if the child was properly restrained, her life might’ve been saved. The crash investigation is ongoing.

CUT 8 (10)  “the vehicle”

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State lawmakers have learned the budget shortfall for the next fiscal year is already projected at 713 million dollars. Director of the Louisiana Budget Project Jan Moller says it’s not a surprise that we’re looking at a big deficit but we’re in better shape than we were a year ago, when the deficit reached 1.6 billion dollars.

CUT 9 (10)  “next legislature”

Moller says this is another sign that the next governor and legislature have big fiscal problems to deal with next year. He says all the four gubernatorial candidates have emphasized the importance of budget reform.

cut 10 (08)  “the state”

At today’s joint legislative budget committee meeting, lawmakers also raised concerns that the current budget might need to be cut to make up for low oil prices. Moller says that’s not a surprise either since, mid-year budget cuts have become the norm in recent years.

Cut 11 (09)  “the budget”

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Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso says the crime scene authorities had been searching under the I-10 bridge this week was related to a body dumping case — but it’s now clear. He says no human remains were found, but the search began after a credible informant told authorities that 35-year-old Gammion McCloud of Phoenix Arizona killed someone then tossed them over the bridge…:

cut 12 (09)  “informant”

Mancuso said they already had a warrant for rape out on McCloud in connection with a 2014 incident in which he allegedly continually raped and beat a woman at a local motel in front of a young child. He says there is plenty of evidence that McCloud dumped a body in 2013 but it could have been washed away…:

cut 13 (07)  “and bones”

McCloud, who was arrested in Oregon this week on unrelated charges, will be extradited back to Calcasieu and arrested with one count of aggravated rape, 1 count of aggravated incest and 2 counts of second degree battery. He says even though no body was found, they still believe the informant’s claims about the murder…:

cut 14 (08)  “factual”

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The political feud between US Senator David Vitter and New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu ramped up this week. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Eric Gill”

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A survey finds Louisiana citizens are becoming more dissatisfied with the direction the state is going. Emelie Gunn has more. ..

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Severe drought conditions are now present in southwest and northwest Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The political feud between US Senator David Vitter and New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu ramped up this week. Vitter criticized Landrieu for holding public meetings concerning the removal of Confederate monuments in the city. Political analyst Clancy Dubos feels this is a calculated move by Vitter to improve his poll numbers…

cut 4  (10)  “the metro area” 2X

Recent polls have shown that Vitter’s support is slipping. Dubos says it should not have come as a surprise that the senator would lash out at Landrieu…

Cut 5  (11)  “of his M.O.”

He says the Confederate monument issue is one that appeals to conservatives across the state. Dubos says Vitter picking up this issue can help his campaign by creating a diversion from issues that may not help his cause…

Cut 6 (09)  “coastal erosion”

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A study from Tulane raises concerns about adverse side effects when taking statins, which is known to lower cholesterol and help patients with cardiovascular disease. Dr. Eckhard Alt, director of cardiovascular research for Tulane, says he’s found how statins could lead to memory loss, muscle problems and an increased risk for diabetes.

CUT 7 (11)  “to statins”

Alt says statins prevent stem cells from growing into beneficial bone and cartilage cells. He says they also increase stem cell aging and death rates, diminishing their DNA repair abilities which cause these side effects.

Cut 8  (12)  “the market” 

Alt says by studying what statins do to stem cells gives researchers a new explanation for those problems. He says patients thinking of using stains should first evaluate the benefits and the risks carefully.

Cut 9 (05) “more critical”

______________________________________

A survey from the LSU Public Policy Research Lab finds Louisiana residents are becoming more disgruntled over the direction the state is heading. Researcher Michael Henderson says in January 45% of the respondents said the state is moving in the wrong direction, they asked that question again this summer and now the percentage is up to 59.

Cut 10 (08) “session itself”

Henderson says when we have a new governor, he’s sure we’ll see more citizens saying Louisiana is moving in the right direction. He says they’ll have to wait and see if right direction outweighs the wrong but he’s seen this trend before.

cut 11 (04) “see that” 

Henderson says when you break it down further, 62% of registered voters surveyed said the state is heading in the wrong direction. He says it’s hard to tell if this will result in a higher voter turnout for the governor’s election.

cut 12 (07) “governor’s election”

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A large portion of southwest Louisiana has been designated as having severe drought conditions by the US Drought Monitor. The area of severe drought covers Calcasieu, Lafayette and into Iberia, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes. Donovan Landreneau, with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says after a wet spring it’s been a dry and hot summer

Cut 13 (06)  “dry out”

Landreneau says since the fourth of July, there’s been very little rainfall…

Cut 14 (07) “the 30th”

Portions of Caddo and DeSoto parishes also have severe drought conditions. Landreneau says rain chances do go up at the start of next week, but it will be another few weeks before we see any real relief

Cut 15  (10)  “couple of months”

___________________________

LSU Coach Les Miles says quarterback Brandon Harris continues to take snaps with the first team as the Tigers get ready for the 2015 season.  Miles continues to say both Harris and Anthony Jennings are getting better. But don’t expect him to make a big announcement on who will be the starter against McNeese State

Cut 16  (20)  “always secondary”

Another position battle is at field goal kicker. Colby Delahoussaye was the place kicker for much of the 2014 season, but struggled late in the year. Miles says Trent Domingue from Mandeville is battling Delhoussaye for that role…

Cut 17 (18) “it’s still Colby’s job” 

There’s a concern going into the season about depth along the defensive line. Miles says one guy that has impressed him is sophomore defensive tackle Frank Herron from Memphis

Cut 18 (11) “really good”

The Jindal administration announces that GPS tracking devices will be installed on over 10,000 vehicles owned by state government agencies. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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A statewide survey finds few Louisiana voters are paying attention to the governor’s race. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The Jindal administration has begun installing GPS tracking devices on over 10,000 vehicles owned by state government agencies. The devices will follow routes, monitor speeds, and chart driving habits in state vehicles. Jan Cassidy, assistant commissioner for procurement, believes the program will result in big cost savings for the state…

CUT 3 (08)  “with the fleet”

The program is expected to save the state $30 million over the next five years in fuel, maintenance, and insurance cost reductions. The installation of the devices is expected to be complete by November. Cassidy says other states use GPS tracking devices on vehicles, but on a much smaller scale…

CUT 4 (05)  “at this time”

The Department of Agriculture has used GPS tracking on their vehicles since 2010 and saw a nearly 29-percent drop in fuel usage in the first year. The installation of the devices is expected to be complete by November. Cassidy believes these GPS devices will make state workers more responsible drivers…

CUT 5 (08) “premiums go down”

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The Louisiana Lottery Corporation’s revenue is up for the 5^th consecutive year as it ended its 2015 fiscal year with 453 million dollars in revenue which is more than 3 million dollars from the prior year. Lottery Spokesperson Kim Chopin says they’re excited about this progress because it benefits the state.

CUT 6 (08)  “million dollars”

Chopin credits the increase in part due to scratch offs that have offset slow Powerball sales. She says the big games are less popular because the number of players has grown throughout the country and jackpots are getting hit faster and more frequently.

CUT 7 (07)  “big jackpots”

Chopin says scratch offs do so well because they’re now using their unclaimed prize fund to bump out payouts and when people win more, they want to play more. She hopes with future changes to Powerball and Mega Millions, revenue will go up even more next year.

CUT 8 (09)  “forward to that”

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According to a survey conducted by LSU’s Public Policy Research Lab, less than one third of voters in Louisiana are paying attention to the governor’s race. The poll, was conducted between July 7th and August 3rd, shows just 29% of citizens in the state are following news related to the election. Research Director Mike Henderson…:

CUT 9 (11)  “not crunch time”

Henderson says their survey also found that Republican US Senator David Vitter is the most well-known, as he has the highest favorable and unfavorable ratings in the race…

cut 10 (11)  “Edwards yet”

Henderson says interest in the race is only slightly up as 25% of voters said they were following about five months ago.He says Jay Dardenne leads in net favorability at plus 21, followed by Vitter with plus 15…

cut 11 (08)  “they are”

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The Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence is warning against telling women to arm themselves as a form of protection from abuse. In response to the recent Geismar murder of Monica Johnson allegedly at the hands of her estranged husband, some have advocated that battered women get guns. LCADV Executive Director Beth Meeks says that raises risk…:

cut 12 (10)  “the woman”

Meeks says studies have found that over 70% of battered women had been threatened with a gun, while only 7% had used a gun successfully in self-defense. She says as many as 90% of women that are in prison are there for killing their intimate partner…:

cut 13 (06)  “never works”

Meeks says communities across the nation have seen dramatic reductions in domestic homicide rates through practices like  intensive monitoring of offenders and greater risk assessment. She says beyond statistics, even when necessary, taking another life creates deep emotional trauma with long lasting effects…:

cut 14 (09)  “all homicide”

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A 3 million dollar oyster hatchery opened its doors in Grand Isle. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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GOP gubernatorial candidate David Vitter is the latest to strike in the fued between he and New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu. The US Senator has issue with Landrieu’s public hearings today on Confederate statues. Michelle Southern reports..:

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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In a CNN/ORC survey conducted after last week’s debates of Republican voters in Iowa, just 2% said they’d choose Governor Bobby Jindal as the GOP presidential candidate. Scott Carwile reports…:

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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Louisiana shrimpers continue to show their anger over a lack of federal regulations that is flooding the market with cheap imported shrimp and damaging the industry in the US. The Louisiana Shrimp Association led a protest in New Orleans outside the venue where the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is holding meetings this week. President Clint Guidry says the future of the shrimp industry hangs in the balance…

cut 4  (07)  “more restrictions”

He says the US government is doing a poor job inspecting imported shrimp and that in turn means millions of pounds are coming into the country driving prices down. The group has seen nearly a two-thirds drop in dockside shrimp revenue so far this year. Guidry says, unless the federal government steps in, an industry that has thrived for generations will be destroyed…

Cut 5  (07)  “thousands of jobs”

The group led a protest in New Orleans outside the venue where the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is holding meetings this week. Guidry says the public can help by contacting their congressman about the problem and making sure they aren’t purchasing imported shrimp…

Cut 6 (09)  “demand it”

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The State Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has cut the ribbon on a new 3 million dollar oyster hatchery in Grand Isle that will more than double production of the larvae used to seed oyster grounds. Statewide Oyster Program Manager Patrick Banks says they’ve seen major decreases in oysters since the BP oil spill and this will be an important component to boosting the oyster population.

CUT 7 (09)  “of Louisiana”

Banks says the money came as part of the BP oil spill settlement. He says the facility will build back up the oyster industry by providing young oysters to damaged reefs and will help mimic the natural reproduction process.

Cut 8  (09)  “heal herself” 

Banks says the primary purpose of the hatchery is a rehabilitation strategy to get more oysters on public grounds. He says they’re not sure how many will survive once released but the facility is capable of producing one billion oyster larvae per year.

Cut 9 (05) “those reefs”

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New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu is holding public hearings today on the removal of Confederate statues in the city, but Senator David Vitter says Landrieu should be more concerned about murder than monuments. Vitter says this is a response to Landrieu’s criticism of his performance in Washington when it comes to federal aid for cops…:

Cut 10 (11) “in history”

Vitter, who is running for governor, said during a State Police forum last weekend he feels there should be a whole new troop in New Orleans focused on the French Quarter and funded by local revenue and tourism pledges. He says there is a crisis in the Crescent City and New Orleans needs a leader focused on the crime problem instead of monuments…:

cut 11 (08) “not monuments” 

Landrieu says our state needs a governor who will unite citizens and focus on solutions to move us forward and not Washington rhetoric. But Vitter says the crime problem in New Orleans is personal to him…:

cut 12 (08) “priorities”

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In a CNN/ORC survey conducted after last week’s debates of Republican voters in Iowa, just 2% said they’d choose Governor Bobby Jindal as the GOP Presidential candidate. The Donald still leads at 22% followed by Ben Carson at 14%. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says this isn’t good news for Jindal..:

Cut 13 (07)  “setback”

Cross says Jindal has been snubbing his nose at national polls saying that he’s doing well where it counts, including Iowa, so this latest survey can’t be good for the campaign. He says even though most people say Jindal did well in the debate a week ago, it didn’t get a lot of national recognition…:

Cut 14 (08) “much traction”

The poll was conducted among 544 Republican likely Iowa caucus voters from August 7th to 11th and 66% said they are still trying to decide who they would vote for. Cross says Donald Trump could flake out at any moment and that 22% support would have to go somewhere. He says Jindal is not going to give up based on this poll…:

Cut 15  (07)  “anytime soon”

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Tonight the Saints will face the Baltimore Ravens in the preseason opener. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says the coaches are looking for a cleanly played game that doesn’t feature a lot of mental mistakes or penalties, especially with your first unit

Cut 16  (10)  “at the Greenbrier”

Detillier says for players on the bubble to make the roster, they’ll need to make plays on special teams

Cut 17 (17) “return game” 

A big position battle in camp is at wide receiver as their are 12 pass catchers trying to make the team. Brandin Cooks and Marques Colston are the starters. Detillier says Brandon Coleman is trying to be that number three wide out…

Cut 18 (13) “impressive”

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says Louisiana’s insurance market is stronger and more competitive today than it was before Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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BESE approves a plan to increase funding to send more children of low income families to daycare. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says Louisiana’s insurance market is stronger and more competitive today than it was before Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Donelon says one indicator is the number of insurance companies active in Louisiana…

CUT 3 (09)  “in 2005”

He credits the creation of a mandatory statewide building code and the legislature passed incentives encouraging homeowners to strengthen their properties against storms in helping the insurance market recover. In fact, Donelon says in 2014 Louisiana homeowner’s rates rose by just 2.8-percent on average…

CUT 4 (10)  “or five years”

He says that’s the lowest average rate increase since 2005. Many major insurers pulled out of coastal regions after the storms, allowing smaller, more regional insurance companies to move in. Donelon says the tripling of the state’s Guaranty Fund Protection has given consumers confidence to purchase coverage from these smaller companies…

CUT 5 (07) “five hundred thousand dollars”

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State Police say they are looking for a driver they believe is at fault in a fatal hit and run crash in St. Mary Parish Tuesday evening in Bayou Vista. Trooper Dustin Dwight says the preliminary investigation revealed 31-year-old Mark Montie Jr. of Pineville was pulling out of the Wal-Mart on US 90 and failed to yeild to an oncoming motorcycle…:

CUT 6 (06)  “the crash”

Dwight says after the crash, Montie stopped at the scene and then fled on foot. He is being sought by law enforcement throughout the state at this time. He says the deceased motorcyclist is identified as 22-year-old Jerome Rudolph Jr. of Patterson…:

CUT 7 (08)  “in this case”

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State Police say a suspect who was shot by a Union Parish Sheriff’s Deputy and a trooper Tuesday night is in serious condition. Troop F spokesman Michael Reichardt says the sheriff’s office was called out to a disturbance around 10:30pm in Downsville regarding a man who was apparently threatening family members with a firearm…:

CUT 8 (11)  “all their commands”

Reichardt says charges are pending against the suspect pending his release from a Shreveport hospital where he is now in serious condition. He says they believe the man did not listen to cops when they told him to put his weapon down…:

CUT 9 (10)  “by air”

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The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education approves a plan that will help more low income families receive federal assistance so they can send their young children to daycare. State Superintendent of Education John White says today’s action provides 10 million dollars in subsidies to assist impoverished parents….

cut 10 (06)  “good things”

The program is called the Child Care Assistance Program. At one time there were about 40-thousand children enrolled, now there are only 15-thousand. White says hopefully this federal assistance can get more kids in daycare…

cut 11 (08)  “working families”

White says because of the additional 10-million dollars, the maximum annual subsidy to send a child to day care will increase from 17-hundred dollars to four-thousand dollars…

cut 12 (05)  “for families”

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A Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff’s deputy is being called a hero today after rescuing three people who were sleeping inside a burning home in Lacassine. Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Chris Ivey says Deputy Josh Bienvenu used his quick thinking after driving by the burning house at around 3:40 Tuesday morning while on duty.

cut 13 (08)  “the family up”

Ivey says when Deputy Bienvenu arrived on the scene, the front of the residence was completely engulfed in flames up to the roof. He says Bienvenu was able to enter the home and locate three occupants sleeping.

cut 14 (05)  “any injury”

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