The Shreveport Police Department is looking for the person they believe is responsible for the death of one of their own, 29-year-old Officer Thomas LaValley. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

NOAA’s updated their Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook for the 2015 season and the forecast remains below-average. Emelie Gunn has more….

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

The Shreveport Police Department is looking for the person they believe is responsible for the death of one of their own, 29-year-old Officer Thomas LaValley who was shot and killed Wednesday night. Chief Willie Shaw says they will not rest until they find the suspect, 27-year-old Grover Cannon…:

CUT 3 (09)  “to justice”

The FBI is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Cannon. Shaw says officer LaValley was responding to a suspicious-person call at a residence when he confronted Cannon, who then shot the cop multiple times. He says LaValley was in full uniform at the time and wearing his department issued body armor when he was shot..:

CUT 4 (11)  “to his wounds”

Reports indicate LaValley was from St. Amant. Details about what happened inside the home are under investigation. Shaw says Cannon was already wanted on an attempted second degree murder warrant and he is now wanted for first degree murder. He calls the suspect a total coward for running from this horrific crime…:

CUT 5 (09) “looking for him”

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

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center updated 2015 Atlantic Hurricane Outlook is now calling for a 90% chance of a below-normal season. NOAA’s lead seasonal hurricane forecaster, Gerry Bell, says a below normal-season is now even more likely than predicted in May when it was at 70%…:

CUT 6 (11)  “major hurricanes”

Bell says El Nino is stronger than they originally predicted and is expected to stay throughout the remainder of the hurricane season. He says the atmospheric conditions like strong vertical wind shear come along with El Nino and low sea-surface temperatures are also making for this below average hurricane season.

CUT 7 (05) ” global tropics”

Bell says this seasonal outlook doesn’t include landfall predictions. He says even though we’re looking at a below average season, it is very possible for tropical storms and big hurricanes to form during El Nino.

CUT 8 (09)  “Ready.gov”

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

The State of Louisiana will soon begin to reshuffle the letters and numbers on new license plates. Officials say they’re are running out of combinations to use in the current configuration of three letters followed by three numbers. State Police Lt. JB Slaton says a plan is already in place to address the issue…

CUT 9 (09)  “letter, letter, letter”

The plan is to reverse the configuration on new plates to three numbers followed by three letters. The current arrangement of letters and numbers was implemented in the mid-90s. Slaton says this change will give the Office of Motor Vehicles a little breathing room…

cut 10 (07)  “18 years, approximately”

He says the change should give the state about 20 years before having to address the issue again. You could begin seeing the new plates in as soon as eight months. Slaton says this change will have no effect on the current plate on your vehicle…

cut 11 (07)  “no longer good”

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

In the wake of the Lafayette theater shooting, the University of Louisiana-Lafayette football team will express their pride in their community on the football field this fall. Coach Mark Hudspeth says his team will wear Lafayette Strong decals on their helmets as a token of solidarity …

cut 12 (10)  “is unbelievable”

The Lafayette Strong decals will be same design as signs appearing throughout the area, the Acadiana flag inside an outline of the state of Louisiana. Hudspeth says the inspiration for this comes from how the community came together after the tragedy…

cut 13 (10)  “the same way”

Even though Governor Bobby Jindal didn’t make it to tonight’s prime time debate, his face will still be seen on Iowa TV stations during this evenings telecast. Jeff Palermo has more….

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The Louisiana AARP is hosting a forum today in Baton Rouge but one gubernatorial candidate will not be attending. Scott Carwile has more….

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Education announces high schoolers achieved a record number of scores on A-P exams. Emelie Gunn has more….

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Governor Bobby Jindal is in Cleveland today getting ready to participate in a debate involving the second tier Republican Presidential candidates. Jindal did not poll well enough to get invited to the prime time debate featuring the major candidates on Fox News. But a super PAC supporting Jindal has paid for a commercial to run in Iowa during the prime time debate. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat…

cut 4  (07)  “viral videos”

Pinsonat says Jindal can’t compete with the front-runners right now so he is spending a lot of his time in Iowa. He says using Jindal’s money there is his best approach to raise his numbers to get into future big debates.

Cut 5  (10)  “in Iowa”

Pinsonat says the smaller debate is still a time for Jindal to get good national exposure. He says the trick for Jindal is he will need to mention topics that catch attention and get him remembered.

Cut 6 (10)  “proposition”

______________________________________

The Louisiana AARP is holding a governor’s forum today in Baton Rouge but US Senator David Vitter is the one major candidate out of the four that will not attend. Political Analyst Clancy Dubos says the closer we get to the election, the more important it is for all the candidates to attend forums.

CUT 7 (08)  “to decide”

Dubos says Vitter is missing the chance to talk to likely voters because this particular forum is aimed at senior citizens, who are the most chronic voters in the country. He says although Vitter is in the lead, that doesn’t mean he’ll stay the front-runner.

Cut 8  (09)  “has slipped” 
The State Troopers Association is hosting a forum on Saturday and all four candidates are expected to attend. Dubos says he won’t be surprised if Angelle, Dardenne and Edwards use Vitter’s absences to their advantage.

Cut 9 (06) “if any”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Education announces that high school students in the state earned more than 13-hundred more qualifying scores on Advanced Placement exams in 2015 than 2014. Superintendent John White says this is a 20 percent increase in A-P test scores, which are the nation’s most challenging academic assessment given to students across the country.

Cut 10 (08) “this country”

A-P exam scores are transferable to most colleges in the country. White says the growth is due to an increase in kids deciding to participate in rigorous A-P courses. He says this is an 89 percent increase in scores from 2012.

cut 11 (11) “alike” 
White says African American students have also greatly improved with nearly 215 more qualifying scores this year than 2014. He says he’s very proud of the great strides these kids are making in academics.

cut 12 (12) “146 percent”

_____________________________________________

According to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, a 23-year-old man was arrested after driving through two fences and on to the runway at the Louis Armstrong airport in New Orleans. Colonel John Fortunato says they sent officers to the scene after receiving a 911 call that there was a vehicle on a live runway.

Cut 13 (11)  “access road”

The man was identified as Kaleb Clement from Paulina. Fortunato says luckily there were no planes on the tarmac during the incident. He says Clement ran after seeing airport personnel coming toward him.

Cut 14 (07) “thereafter”

Fortunato says Clement is charged with one count of hit and run driving and one count of driving with intoxicated. He says this could’ve ended much worse.

Cut 15  (10)  “without incident”

___________________________

The LSU Tigers begin fall practice today and head coach Les Miles says quarterback is the one position most unsettled. Anthony Jennings and Brandon Harris will spend the next month competing to be the starting QB when the Tigers kick-off the season on September fifth against McNeese State. Miles says there’s enough talent around the quarterback position for that person to succeed…

Cut 16  (17)  “whoever he is”

Jennings missed most of the summer, because he was suspended for an arrest, where the criminal charges were dropped. Defensive back Dewayne Thomas was also arrested with Jennings, but Miles made it sound like that both players will NOT be suspended for the season opener

Cut 17 (13) ” been derived” 

During the first few days of fall camp, veterans will participate in the morning workout, while freshmen and selected veterans will go through drills in the afternoon. Miles anticipates a good number of freshmen getting on the field this year…

Cut 18 (16) “be used “

Governor Bobby Jindal is the star in a video that has him winning a push-up competition. Jeff Palermo explains…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy and Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy introduced a bill to Congress that attempts to address the nation’s problems when it comes to the treatment of mental illness. Jeff Palermo has more

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

State police say an 18-year-old, who was pushing a friend’s disabled SUV out of the roadway, was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver. Trooper Bryan Lee says the fatal crash happened last night on LA 42 in Ascension Parish. Lee says 41-year-old J Thomas Bowers was traveling eastbound on the road and failed to stop before striking pedestrian Richard Billingsley, Jr…

CUT 3 (07)  “second offense”

The vehicle that Bowers hit had previously become disabled in the roadway so Billingsley was  on the road pushing it with emergency flashers on. Billingsley was struck by the oncoming vehicle Bowers was driving…

CUT 4 (03)  “at the scene”

Lee says that Bowers was traveling at speeds faster than allowed along the highway. Police will be able to determine the exact speed after their investigation is completed. Lee says impaired driving is still an issue in the state that causes many deaths, and he advises people to make wise choices when they drink…

CUT 5 (04) “behind the wheel”

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

Governor Bobby Jindal has joined the viral video craze that other republican presidential candidates are participating in. In a video produced by Buzzfeed, Jindal is in a push-up competition against “the issues” which are taxes, Obamacare, hyphenated Americans and Jindal’s own widely panned response to the State of Union in 2009. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat isn’t sure how this will get him more support..

CUT 6 (06)  “hope not”

GOP presidential hopefuls Ted Cruz, Lindsey Graham and Rand Paul have also taken time from their campaigns to shoot offbeat videos as a way of getting attention. Pinsonat says that’s apparently the new trend in national campaigns…

CUT 7 (08) ” than the other”

In the video, Jindal does 67 push-ups, while other people representing the issues, can’ t keep up, and Jindal is declared the winner. Pinsonat says it is telling that the front-runners for the republican nomination are not doing these kind of videos

CUT 8 (08)  “what is this”

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

Baton Rouge State Representative Alfred Williams has died. Williams passed away Tuesday night following complications related to a recent knee surgery. Representative Pat Smith of Baton Rouge says she was shocked to hear the news and that Williams will be missed…

CUT 9 (08)  “he represented”

Williams was 64-years-old. He was elected to the State House in 2011 after serving on the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board. Smith says Williams’ loss will leave a big hole not only in the legislature, but in his district as well…

cut 10 (05)  “just priceless”

Smith not only served with Williams in the House, but on the School Board as well. She says Williams always worked for the people…

cut 11 (08)  “help them”

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

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, along with Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy, introduced legislation that addresses the issues in the nation’s care and treatment of mental health. Studies indicate that one in five American adults have a serious form of mental illness, and Cassidy says everyone is impacted in some way…

cut 12 (07)  “serious mental illness”

Cassidy says he has been working on this bill for about four years, but has only recently been able to introduce it to Congress–less than two weeks after the Lafayette theater shooting. Cassidy has spoken with sheriffs who have told him they deal the most with the mentally ill because many people are not treated or cannot afford treatment…

cut 13 (10)  “members of society”

Cassidy’s bill would come up with solutions to help families dealing with mental illness and provide states with grants up to two million dollars to treat low-income persons with serious mental conditions. Cassidy says his goal with the legislation is to make sure those who have their first psychotic episode never have another one again…

cut 14 (11)  “it happens (2x)”

Governor Bobby Jindal will not be one of the ten republican presidential candidates who will appear in a primetime debate on national TV Thursday night. Jeff Palermo has the story….

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The ACLU of Louisiana releases a report which shows it’s a common practice here to jail people who are too poor to pay a fine. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office arrests a man in the brutal rape of a convenience store clerk in Sulphur. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Researchers have determined the size of the “Dead Zone” in the Gulf of Mexico is nearly 17-thousand square kilometers, which is the size of Connecticut and Rhode Island combined.  Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium executive director Nancy Rabalais says the dead zone is bigger than anticipated, because more fresh water and nutrients flowed out of the Mississippi River basin than anticipated…

cut 4  (07)  “30 years”

The dead zone is an area of low oxygen in the Gulf, where sea animals are unable to live. She says it’s 28-percent larger than in 2014….

Cut 5  (09)  “oil spill”

Rabalais says in order to reduce the size of the dead zone, more needs to be done by farmers to reduce the amount of nutrients that’s running off their fields into the Mississippi River and then into the Gulf

Cut 6 (10)  “2015″

______________________________________

The ACLU of Louisiana has released a report on incarcerating the poor and it indicates there’s a common, unlawful practice of jailing people who don’t have enough money to pay court-ordered fines. Executive Director Marjorie Esman says this practice often sends financially stressed individuals into a downward cycle of incarceration…:

CUT 7 (08)  “regular basis”

Esman says people who can afford the fines assessed against them don’t run the risk of incarceration, but those who can’t are routinely jailed because they lack the resources. She says in 1983 the US Supreme Court ruled that judges must hold hearings to determine someone’s ability to pay before assessing a fine…:

Cut 8  (11)  “a month’s rent” 

Esman says these practices hurt communities by separating children from their parents, costing working people their jobs and they lead to needless fear. She says by bringing the report to light she hopes that courts will learn what the law is and also realize the jailing people because they are poor is counter-productive…:

Cut 9 (10) “on with their lives”

______________________________________

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office arrests a 26-year-old man who allegedly locked up a convenience store clerk in Sulphur and raped her in a storage room. Spokesperson Kim Myers says James Domingue of Sulphur entered the business and locked the door unbeknownst to the clerk, then lured her to the back of the store pretending to search for an item.

Cut 10 (12) “the face”

Myers says the woman tried to resist bit was unable to get away, then Domingue knocked  her to the ground and raped her. She says Domingue made the clerk give him goods from the store and then let himself out.

cut 11 (12) “was identified” 

Myers says Domingue was arrested on charges of rape, kidnapping and false imprisonment. She says this seems to be a random act from Domingue, who has a criminal background.

cut 12 (07) “in 2011″

_____________________________________________

Governor Bobby Jindal misses the cut as he will not participate in the first first formal Republican Presidential debate. Jindal did not poll well enough in recent national surveys to be among the ten candidates who will square off tomorrow night on Fox News. ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says missing this debate is a blow to the Jindal presidential campaign…

Cut 13 (11)  “few points”

Jindal and the other GOP candidates who did not finish in the top ten in national polling, will be able to participate debate featuring secondary candidates that will take place on Thursday afternoon. Stockley says while missing the primetime debate is a blow to Jindal’s chances in gaining the republican nomination, its still early

Cut 14 (10) “front-runner”

National polls have the Louisiana governor only getting one to two percent of the vote. Jindal recently made the cover of the Boston Herald for saying sanctuary city mayors should be arrested. Stockley says Jindal may need to change his campaign strategy

Cut 15  (07)  “traction”

___________________________

The LSU football team reports for fall camp today looking to improve on an eight-win season from a year ago. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says quarterback is once again a question mark for the Tigers, but whether it’s Anthony Jennings or Brandon Harris, the offense should be better than last year..

Cut 16  (20)  “to succeed”

Moran also expects LSU’s defense to be very good this year, even though John Chavis is no longer the defensive coordinator…

Cut 17 (20) ” Ed Paris” 

Moran believes LSU can win at least ten games this year…

Cut 18 (11) “from that “

The Colorado State University hurricane forecast team has released their updated forecast for the 2015 hurricane season and it’s not much different than their June forecast. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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

The price of US crude oil has fallen to its lowest price in four months and LSU economist Dr. Loren Scott says it’s having a negative impact on economies in Louisiana. Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

The Colorado State University hurricane forecast team has released their updated forecast for the 2015 hurricane season and it looks very much the same as their June forecast. Researchers originally predicted eight named storms with three hurricanes and one major hurricane. Lead author, Dr. Phil Klotzbach, says this update actually lowers the number of expected hurricanes this season…

CUT 3 (09)  “or five hurricane”

The new forecasts calls for five more named storms, two hurricanes, and one major hurricane. Klotzbach says the primary reason for the below-normal season is because of very strong vertical wind shears because of a strong El Nino…

CUT 4 (08)  “the storms”

He says the probability of a major hurricane making landfall along the Gulf Coast is just 12-percent, well below the full-season average of 30-percent. Klotzbach says although a below-average hurricane season is forecast, that doesn’t mean a storm won’t impact Louisiana…

CUT 5 (10) “the United States”

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

The price of US crude oil has fallen to its lowest price in four months and it is having a negative impact on economies in Louisiana. The current price for a barrel of US crude is just $45 a barrel, down from $61 a barrel on June 10th. LSU economist Dr. Loren Scott says the drop in price has caused job loss in communities heavily tied to oil and gas, like Lafayette and Houma…

CUT 6 (08)  “them at all”

As oil prices continue to plummet, some of the best paying jobs in the state are lost. He says job losses are spread throughout the oil and gas industry, from supply boats to helicopters to the drilling rigs themselves. Scott believes, as we get into the fall, there will be a significant drop in oil production in the US…
CUT 7 (06) “in the shale play”

He says the number of working rigs has dropped by nearly half of what they were a year ago. Scott says it’s difficult to forecast oil prices but expects the price of crude to turn around in the near future…

CUT 8 (08)  “back up, again”

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

Terrebonne Parish deputies arrested a mother in Houma for leaving her child unattended in a hot car for several minutes at a carwash. Major Malcolm Wolfe says  33-year-old Sumer Lynn Boudloche was charged with child desertion once officers arrived on the scene after receiving a call about a small child walking alone in the parking lot without adult supervision.

CUT 9 (09)  “vehicle alone”

Wolfe says  Boudloche left her two year old son in her running car while she went inside the business to use the restroom. He says once officers spoke with Boudloche, she slurred her speech and seemed to be under the influence of drugs.

cut 10 (09)  “car asleep”

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

A woman was killed around 9 this morning after being hit by a Kansas City Southern Freight train close to the Lincoln-Bienville Parish line. Bienville Parish Sheriff John Ballance says train engineers sounded the horn multiple times to alert the woman to move away from the tracks.

cut 11 (10)  “struck her”

Ballance says the accident occurred on the railway that runs parallel to Highway 80. He says the woman was killed instantly and police are still investigating the accident.

cut 12 (05)  “is deceased”

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

Public schools are reopening and it’s another year for the Common Core standards. The public has an opportunity to suggest changes to Common Core and a hearing to discuss new standards is set for August 19th. The president of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents, Hollis Milton, is one education leader who doesn’t want to see big changes with Common Core

cut 13 (11)  “with it”

The department of education has a portal on its website that’s taking public comment on Common Core. Milton says one change he suggests is to dump the PARCC standardized test for Aspire, which is associated with the A-C-T exam…

cut 14 (06)  “political football”

Milton also believes the Aspire exams, would be a better standardized test for third through eighth graders than PARCC

cut 15 (10) “in the nation” 

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

A Duke University study found picky eating in kids could lead to possible anxiety disorders. Emelie Gunn has more on how some don’t believe that’s actually true…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

A new study by LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center points to the lack of physical activity as the number one predictor of childhood obesity. Eric Gill reports…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Eric Gill”

______________________________________

Governor Bobby Jindal announces plans to remove Planned Parenthood from its Medicaid program. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

A study out of Duke University raises concerns that children who are picky eaters may be at increased risk for depression and anxiety. But Dr. Martin Drell, Head of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at LSU New Orleans, says it’s clear kids have different tastes in eating, but it’s a bit of stretch to say that could be a factor for possible disorders.

cut 4  (12)  “development”

Drell says in many cases, being a “picky eater” is a phase kids will grow out of. He says unfortunately this study could raise unnecessary concerns in overthinking parents…

Cut 5  (09)  “in parents”

Drell doesn’t think kids eating a particular food is a big concern for possible psychological disorders, but a child’s behavior towards their parent regarding certain foods could lead to bigger problems…

Cut 6 (12)  “parent issues”

______________________________________

A new study by LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center points to the lack of physical activity as the number one predictor of childhood obesity. Lead author, Dr. Peter Katzmarzyk (cats-mar-zick), says what makes this study unique is that it was conducted in 12 countries around the world…

CUT 7 (09)  “childhood obesity”

He says the study shows that obesity cannot be explained away by culture, class, or status. Katzmarzyk says children should be getting at least 60 minutes of vigorous physical activity every day. He says we’ve managed to engineer physical activity out of our kids’ lives…

Cut 8  (10)  “back to that” 

Researchers collected data from over 6,000 children between the ages of 9 and 11. Katzmarzyk says he was surprised to see just how big of an impact physical activity has on children’s weight across the globe…

Cut 9 (08) “of the environment”

______________________________________

The Colorado State University hurricane forecast team updates its outlook for the 2015 hurricane season today. C-S-U researchers previously called for a well below-average hurricane season as they predicted eight named storms. State climatologist Barry Keim says a stronger than anticipated El Nino has the tropics quiet…

Cut 10 (06) “fewer storms”

Keim says we are heading into heart of the hurricane season, which runs from mid-August through October. But he says based on atmospheric conditions, it’s likely we will continue to see below-normal activity in the tropics

cut 11 (09) “somewhat reduced” 

So far there’s been three named storms. NOAA will update its forecast on Thursday after predicting between six to eleven named storms at the beginning of the season. Keim expects both groups will only make tweaks to their previous forecasts

cut 12 (09) “guard up”

_____________________________________________

A new school year begins later this week for many public school students. For those who do not start this week, classes will begin for them next week. The president of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents, Hollis Milton, says to help students get ready for a new school year, re-adjust their sleep schedule…

Cut 13 (12)  “on a school night”

Milton, who also serves as the superintendent of West Felicana Parish schools, says it’s also important for parents and guardians to take steps in getting kids excited about going back to school

Cut 14 (05) “school year”

Milton says if your child has anxiety about another school year, make sure your empathetic….

Cut 15  (07)  “supportive”

East Baton Rouge Parish DA Hillar Moore says cell phone encryption is making it difficult to solve the murders of 29-year-old Brittney Mills and her son. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

The massive Bayou Corne sinkhole in northern Assumption Parish, which forced the evacuation of hundreds of nearby residents, formed three years ago today. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (26) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

East Baton Rouge Parish DA Hillar Moore says cell phone encryption is making it difficult to solve the murders of 29-year-old Brittney Mills and her son. Mills, who was 8 months pregnant at the time, was shot and killed on April 24th at her apartment. The baby later died at a hospital. Moore says they can’t get into her Apple iPhone…:

CUT 3 (09)  “court ordered”

Investigators feel the shooter is likely someone that Mills knew. Moore says the victim had the iOS-8 operating software on her iPhone and nobody knows her pass code. Therefore, he says they are unable to access any of Mills’ last text messages, phone calls and contacts…:

CUT 4 (11)  “just critical”

Moore says that this software is installed on more than 80 percent of cellphones now and believes the encryption system makes it easier for bad guys to hide behind crime. He says this is the only system that does not have to comply to court orders which could lead to critical information when it comes to solving murders such as Mills’…:

CUT 5 (06) “here on out”

============================
The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s office is investigating the death of a white female who was found nude in an apartment in Pointe-aux-Chenes (Pont-ah-shan). Sheriff’s Office Capt. Dawn Foret says they have arrested 50-year-old Lee Dupre, who is the tenant of the apartment, and charged him with obstruction of justice.

CUT 6 (09)  “found her”

Foret says they are unsure if Dupre is a suspect because they’re still determining the cause of death.

CUT 7 (11) “at all”

Foret says they’re still waiting on dental records to ID the victim . She says identifying her was difficult because authorities found her decomposing.

CUT 8 (04)  “36 hours”

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

The massive Bayou Corne sinkhole in northern Assumption Parish, which forced the evacuation of hundreds of nearby residents, formed three years ago today. It was created from a collapsed underground salt dome cavern operated by Texas Brine. Assumption Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness director John Boudreaux says the area is a ghost town:

CUT 9 (06)  “that remain”

Boudreaux says the latest data by Texas Brine shows the sinkhole has only grown by about an acre and a half so far this year. He says some scientists believe the pit will continue to slowly get bigger over the next decade…:

cut 10 (09)  “to grow in size”

Boudreaux says they are still monitoring the bubble spots monthly to ensure the safety of the residents who have remained in the small community. He says even though the sinkhole has stabilized, they continue to keep a close eye on it to make sure there are no more dramatic changes…:

cut 11 (10)  “dramatically”

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

Shreveport Police are looking for a 27-year-old man who pointed his gun at officers early Thursday morning. Officers attempted to stop a vehicle after discovering the plates didn’t match the car. Chief Administrative Assistant Bill Goodin says the two men in the car, 30-year-old Joe Thompkins Jr. and 27-year-old Brandon Chin, jumped out of the moving vehicle and fled on foot.

cut 12 (12)  “the officer”

Goodin says during the pursuit, Chin, who was the passenger, regained his footing and started waving the gun at the officer again. He says the officer then fired two shots at Chin but  the suspect was able to elude the officer.

cut 13 (08)  “peace officer”
Goodin says they were able to make arrangements for the driver, Thompkins, to surrender himself and he was booked on one count of flight from an officer, one count of switched license plate, and three misdemeanor traffic bench warrants. Chin is still on the loose.

cut 14 (10)  “crime stoppers”

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

The Lafayette Police Department says a 35-year-old man is fighting for his life after being shot several times by three unknown suspects in an apparent home invasion. Corporal Paul Mouton says the incident took place about 1am and witnesses report 3 black men kicked in the door of the residence and began demanding money from the occupants…:

cut 15 (10) “at that point” 

Mouton says the victim was inside the residence along with two females and three children at the time. He says the man is listed in critical condition at a local hospital…:

cut 16 (06) “the suspects” 

####Correction on Newscall involving the daycare story. The names of the daycare facilities were put in the wrong order in the first version of the newscall. It’s been corrected###

Over 260 bills passed in this year’s legislative session become law on August 1st. Jeff Palermo looks at two of the new laws…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

A study finds older adults that stop driving have an increased risk of health problems. Emelie Gunn has more on why…

CUT 2 (26) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Over 260 bills passed in this year’s legislative session become law on August 1st. One measure makes it illegal to post or share nude images of people on the internet without their consent. Kenner Representative Julie Stokes, who authored the legislation, says “revenge porn” has destroyed lives…

CUT 3 (07)  “that they’re used”

Violators of the law could face up to two years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Prior laws made it illegal to send nude images of someone under the age of 17, but this is aimed at protecting adults. Stokes says this law sends a powerful message…

CUT 4 (11)  “line somewhere”

Another law going into effect Saturday doubles littering fines across the state. Fines for simple littering will go from $75 to $150 and up to $1000 for subsequent offenses. Susan Russell, Executive Director of Keep Louisiana Beautiful, says they support anything that increases the litter enforcement effort…

CUT 5 (06) “in our state”

Improper disposal of items like furniture and appliances could end up costing offenders $10,000 under the new law. The additional revenue will go toward the retirement system of the agency that issues the litter citation. Russell says it’s a shame that laws like this need to be on the books…

CUT 6 (07)  “to be enforced”

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Lake Charles Police announce that they have solved an aggravated rape case from October of 1999. Deputy Chief of Police, Mark Kraus, says the seven month investigation culminated in an arrest warrant for 45-year-old Austin Mott. Kraus says advances in technology led to them getting a DNA match from the physical evidence…

CUT 7 (07) “against a child”

In the 1999 incident, the victim was severely beaten and sexually assaulted while jogging at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Kraus says Mott is a registered sex offender who is currently serving time in Texas for an unrelated sex offense…

CUT 8 (04)  “he belongs”

He says they have re-opened several cold cases in recent months and are working diligently to solve them. Kraus has a message for anyone who has committed a violent crime against the citizens of southwest Louisiana…

CUT 9 (05)  “on our victims”

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A new report finds older adults that stop driving are almost two times more likely to suffer from depression and nearly 5 times more likely to enter a long term care facility than those who remain behind the wheel. The study is by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and Columbia University. AAA Spokesperson Don Redman says the results are not all that surprising.

cut 10 (10)  “our freedom”

Redman says many adults are having to talk to their elderly parents about taking away their keys. He says if you do take that step, it could lead to your parents becoming less social and active….

cut 11 (09)  “the community”

Redman says this study shows that if you or your parents are no longer able to drive, it’s important that you still help them remain mobile…

cut 12 (10)  “of things”

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State Superintendent of Education John White announces two daycare centers in Louisiana have had their licenses revoked – one in Baton Rouge and one in Bossier City. He says while the majority of child care providers do an excellent job taking care of kids, there are a couple who refuse to follow the law…:

cut 13 (10)  “the state”

White says the Our Blessings Christian Daycare Learning Center in Baton Rouge is the one whose staff is accused of leaving a two-year-old child at a restaurant amusement venue and not telling the parents or the state. He says they know of some cases in which a daycare had its license revoked recently but they’ve continued operating…:

cut 14 (11)  “has a license”

White says the Storybook Daycare and Discovery Zone in Bossier City had its license taken away due to continued regulations violations including improper child/staff ratio and not conducting employee background checks. He most Louisiana child care providers are doing an excellent job taking care of kids…:

cut 15 (11) “condition” 

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A rare blue moon will light up the sky tonight. Emelie Gunn has more on why it’s not what’s expected…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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DOTD warns drivers of heavy delays tonight due to a lane closure on I-10 west between Baton Rouge and Lafayette.Scott Carwile has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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Cops have released 911 calls from the Lafayette Theater shooting the night of July 23rd. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (32) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The night sky will light up tonight with what’s known as a blue moon. LSU Astronomy Professor Brad Schaeffer says the moon will not look blue, but it’s referred as a “blue moon” because it’s the second time in a calendar month that there’s been a full moon….

cut 4  (06)  “doesn’t matter”

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the phenomenon only occurs once every three years. Schaeffer says there’s really no scientific reason why it’s called a blue moon other than it’s the second full moon of the month

Cut 5  (10)  “for anybody”

Schaeffer says there is a common urban myth that strange things happen during a full or blue  moon which studies have now debunked.

Cut 6 (07)  “full moon”

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The State Department of Transportation is warning motorists who are heading west on Interstate 10, west of Baton Rouge that they could encounter heavy delays this weekend. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett says starting at 8 p.m. tonight, one lane near exit 139 will be closed for repair.

CUT 7 (10)  “some time”
Mallett says the lane will reopen on Monday, August 3rd at 6 a.m. He advises drivers to take any detour they can to stay out of the expected congestion.

Cut 8  (11)  “US 190” 

Mallett says with construction taking place in Iberville Parish and in the Slidell area on I-10, they’ve advised truckers or those traveling across country to use I-20. He says the public can stay up to date on all roadwork by using their website.

Cut 9 (06) “ahead of time”

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It’s not too late for the Who Dat nation to head to White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia where the Saints are holding training camp. Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau Spokesperson Kristi Godby says in small town West Virginia, they don’t have an NFL team so they’re welcoming the Saints with open arms for a second straight year.

Cut 10 (11) “New Orleans”

Godby says last year they received many Louisiana visitors and expect to see more this year as training camp continues through August 20th. She says fans that come to the Greenbrier will finally be able to escape the extreme southern heat.

cut 11 (11) “or not” 

Godby says the Patriots will be making a special appearance toward the end of training camp to have a scrimmage against the Saints. The drive to White Sulphur Springs is 13 hours from New Orleans. She says they do have a local airport which puts you 10 minutes away from the Saints training camp location.

cut 12 (09) “get here”

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In addition to the chilling surveillance footage from just moments before the deadly Lafayette movie theater shooting, cops have also released 911 calls from the night of July 23rd. 59-year-old John Houser opened fire during the film around 7:28pm. Two women died and 9 others were injured at the Grand 16..:

Cut 13 (11)  “older man”

The two women killed in the shooting are identified as 21-year-old Mayci Breaux and 33-year-old Jillian Johnson. Cops say Houser wasn’t in the theater long before he stood up and began methodically firing shots at people…:

Cut 14 (12) “by the Corner Bar”

Authorities say Houser suffered from a series of extreme mental problems and had even been committed by his family in 2008. Cops believe Houser began to leave with the crowd rushing out, but turned around when he saw officers had already arrived, then turned the gun on himself…:

Cut 15  (15)  “right at people”

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Saints quarterback Drew Brees is set to begin his 15th season in the NFL. There are some who say the 36-year-old’s best days are behind him, but Brees doesn’t pay attention to any of that talk…

Cut 16  (14)  “this season”

Even though training camp is a grind, especially for older players. Brees says he comes into camp excited…

Cut 17 (14) ” fun again” 

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LSU Coach Paul Mainieri has finalized his incoming freshman class. Many of them will get a chance to play since the Tigers have to replace their entire infield and only one starting outfielder is back and that’s Jake Fraley. Mainieri says two kids from Lafayette Parish, Antoine Duplantis and Brennan Breaux could get a chance to start in the outfield

Cut 18 (19) “this class “

Mainieri says as he gets ready for fall practice to begin in September, one thing they would like to do is develop a third and fourth starters. He says having only two starters to count on the last couple of years has hurt them in the postseason…

Cut 19 (15) “we can”

Mainieri says several of his returning pitchers are performing well in summer ball…

Cut 20 (15)  “up there”

The Slidell Police Department says a group of organized criminals were busted for stealing nearly half a million dollars at businesses with ATMs and check cashing outlets over the past year. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Eric Gill”

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The LSU football team comes in at number 13 in the preseason coaches’ poll. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Baton Rouge Police say a Morgan City man, wanted in a Lafayette shooting death, was killed during a shootout with police. Cpl L’Jean McKneely says members of the US Marshal’s Task Force learned that 37-year-old Lawrence Blackburn was hiding in an apartment complex in Baton Rouge. He says authorities began evacuating the apartments…

CUT 3 (09)  “Task Force”

Blackburn was on the run, wanted for first degree murder in the death of 18-year-old Dravin Stevenson of Lafayette. It is believed that Blackburn initiated the gunfire. McKneeley says US Marshals shot Blackburn and he was pronounced dead at the scene…

CUT 4 (08)  “of gunfire”

He says one woman was shot in the leg during the incident. She was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The investigation is ongoing. McKneeley says US Marshals happened to be at the right place at the right time in locating Blackburn…

CUT 5 (08) “those locations”

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Sweltering heat continues to impact Louisiana. Much of the state is under a Heat Advisory today, with an Extreme Heat Warning in effect for northeast Louisiana. Danielle Manning, with the National Weather Service in Slidell, says a weak cold front will move across the state as we approach the weekend…

CUT 6 (08)  “quite as humid”

She says the main impact from this front will drop humidity levels across the state. Wednesday, several locations in the state either matched or broke high temperature records. Manning says this cold front won’t bring afternoon high temperatures down very much…

CUT 7 (08) “nearly as high”

Manning says the front will drop heat index levels across the state this weekend. She says the state can expect the heat to continue through the rest of the summer. Manning says everyone should take precautions dealing with these temperatures…

CUT 8 (07)  “work outside”

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The LSU Tigers, who are coming off an eight and five season and have question marks at the quarterback position, are ranked 13th in the preseason coaches poll. ESPN-dot-com college football writer Chris Low expects Brandon Harris to win the starting Q-B battle

CUT 9 (10)  “end up going”

LSU is one of eight teams from the SEC in the Top 25. Low says the Tigers defense is what will win them a bunch of games this season…

cut 10 (10)  “one defense”

The Tigers go into this season with a new defensive coordinator, Kevin Steele, who replaces John Chavis. Low says Steele and new defensive line coach Ed Orgeron are good additions to the staff and should provide results

cut 11 (09)  “both of those guys”

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The Slidell Police Department says a group of organized criminals were busted for stealing nearly half a million dollars at businesses with ATMs and check cashing outlets over the past year. Sgt. Daniel Seuzeneau says two suspects, 36-year-old Marvin Hudson and 44-year-old Allden Jones, were arrested after trying to steal $12,000 from the Cash Cow in Slidell. Seuzeneau says the pair had a sophisticated scheme going…

cut 12 (07)  “would respond”

Seuzeneau says the pair would perform “dry runs” to find out how long it would take officers to respond to alarms. He says the two were often able to complete their burglaries in two minutes…

cut 13 (08)  “in cash”

He says the duo were chased to a New Orleans East home and were captured after a short standoff. Hudson and Jones each face burglary and other charges from the Slidell incident. Seuzeneau says it is believed that more people are involved and is hopeful more arrests are coming…

cut 14 (08)  “down everybody”

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