Lafayette Strong: Unite.Honor.Heal, a ceremony to celebrate the lives of the victims of the theater shooting last week, will be held tonight. Emelie Gunn has more on what the community has planned…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says it’s likely that the criminal charges against LSU quarterback Anthony Jennings could be dropped. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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According to a new report from the National Partnership for Women and Families, more than 45% of the private sector workforce in Louisiana cannot earn paid sick days. Scott Carwile reports…:

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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Good Houskeeping magazine has named Nachitoches as one of the 50 Most Beautiful Small Towns in America. The publication selected one town from each state to make up their list. Samantha Bonnette, Public Relations Director for the city of Nachitoches, says they are excited to be part of this list…

cut 4  (10)  “more pleased”

Natchitoches was recently named Best Southern Small Town by readers of USA Today and 10Best-dot-com. Bonnette says they are proud to be on this list that features some real high quality small towns across the country…

Cut 5  (07)  “it’s just amazing”

Other small towns on the list include Breckenridge, Colorado, Sedona, Arizona, and Cooperstown, New York.  Bonnette says she can see how Good Housekeeping picked Natchitoches for this list…

Cut 6 (07)  “streetscape together”

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Lafayette Strong: Unite.Honor.Heal, a community gathering to reflect on those lost and injured in The Grand movie theater shooting, will take place tonight at Blackham Coliseum. Lafayette Government Spokesperson Cyrda Wingerter (Sid-ruh Wing-er-ter) says they are expecting a big crowd…

CUT 7 (12)  “our community”

Wingerter says there will be music, artistic opportunities to create prayer flags, and recognition of people involved, including those caring for victims after the tragedy. She says they want the gathering to portray the culture and spirit of Lafayette.

Cut 8  (11)  “larger capacity” 

Wingerter says the healing ceremony will provide resources and crisis professionals for those struggling with last week’s tragic event.

Cut 9 (11) “to heal”

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East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says it’s likely that the criminal charges against LSU quarterback Anthony Jennings could be dropped. The QB and two other Tigers are accused of breaking into an apartment in June to retrieve items which belonged to Jennings. Moore says the tenant has contacted his office:

Cut 10 (05) “be persued”

LSU Coach Les Miles says the status of the players fully depends on the schedule of the DA. Moore is not giving a timetable on making a decision but did say that all he needs at this point is paperwork on what the complainants told cops the night of the incident..:

cut 11 (09) “a week or two” 

The team reports for fall camp on August 5th. Jennings, defensive tackle Maquedius Bain and safety Dwayne Thomas were all charged with unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling then were suspended from the team. Moore says since then, the people renting that apartment have asked that the charges be dropped…:

cut 12 (10) “is correct”

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According to a new report from the National Partnership for Women and Families, more than 45% of the private sector workforce in Louisiana cannot earn paid sick days. Spokeswoman Vicky Shabo says when people can’t take paid time away from work, they often jeopardize their job or their ability to make ends meet…:

Cut 13 (10)  “for public health”

Shabo says for a typical family in the United States without paid sick days, 3.5 days lost to illness are equal to the family’s entire monthly grocery budget. She says about 90 percent of workers in restaurants can not earn a single paid sick day…:

Cut 14 (05) “significant concern”

The National Federation of Independent Business opposes any kind of mandate which would require employers to offer paid sick time. State Director Dawn Starns says they found 75% of employers already offer some form of paid sick leave and the government should not be telling people how to run their business…:

Cut 15  (07)  “and unnecessary”

Starns says many businesses are already doing what they can to help their employees. She says owners should be able to have flexibility when it comes to running their operation…:

Cut 16  (10)  “for their employees”

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After going seven and nine last season, the Saints are ready to turn the page as they begin training camp today. The roster has been overhauled since the last time New Orleans played a game and that includes the release of the team’s top pass rusher Junior Galette. General Manager Mickey Loomis believes all the changes made will result in more wins this season

Cut 17 (12) ” coming season” 

Coach Sean Payton says they wish Galette well and it was not an easy decision to let him go….

Cut 18 (15) “about the team’ “

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The LSU football team is a week away from starting fall camp. Coach Les Miles believes he’ll get better play from the quarterback position, as he expects a battle between Anthony Jennings and Brandon Harris for the starter’s role…

Cut 19 (19) “looks like”

Jennings has been suspended from team activities because he was arrested in June, but it’s likely the charges could be dropped. Miles says competition in practice between Jennings and Harris will determine who will start…

Cut 20 (20)  “the best quarterback”

Lt. Clay Higgins of the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office and his CrimeStoppers videos are officially all over the place with more and more national exposure piling on. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office says a man from Clinton is charged with a hate crime for allegedly pulling down the pants of a 12-year-old and making racial slurs towards him at a gas station. Emilie Gunn reports.

CUT 2 (24) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Deville mother accused of filing a false kidnapping report. Lt. Tommy Carnline says 24-year-old Ashley Ballard reported the incident happened as she was walking down the road with her four children…

CUT 3 (09)  “and left”

Carnline says Ballard claims four men in a car knocked her down and kidnapped her 2-year-old child. Ballard says she was able to recover the child in a ditch down the road. Carnline says investigators began canvassing the area searching for the car, but things weren’t adding up…

CUT 4 (09)  “was false”

He says Ballard gave inconsistent statements leading them to determine the alleged kidnapping never took place. Ballard is charged with filing a false police report. Carnline says they have yet to determine Ballard’s motive in filing the false report. He says the Sheriff’s office always wants to err on the side of caution and they treat every call like it’s a legitimate call…

CUT 5 (07) “a good thing”

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Lt. Clay Higgins of the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office and his CrimeStoppers videos are officially all over the place after getting exposure on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon this week. In the latest video, Higgins, aka “The Cajun John Wayne,” calls out someone who robbed a local supermarket…:

CUT 6 (12)  “in a cell door”

The video, which is also making the rounds from CNN to Fox News, has over 1.3 million views on YouTube. Lt. Higgins tells us this crime is being seen by people from all over the world and remarks in the video, “Congratulations son, I’m about to make you famous,”…:

CUT 7 (09) “lead to an arrest”

After playing the video, Fallon told the audience that he believes Lt. Higgins should run for president. Lt. Higgins says creating these Crimestopper videos and getting the word out about crimes happening in the Acadiana region, even on this national stage, is his job…:

CUT 8 (10)  “responses”

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Legislation that will increase benefits for veterans has been unanimously approved by the US House.  Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham of Richland Parish authored the measure which is his first to be approved by The House. He says under the bill vets will receive a cost of living adjustment tied to social security.

CUT 9 (08)  “our veterans”

Abraham says this is the least we can do and more should be done for our veterans. He says reforming the V-A is his top legislative priority.

cut 10 (08)  “department”

The bill will now go to the Senate for consideration. Abraham says if this becomes law, the benefits will begin in December. He says vets regularly come into the the office and tell him what a struggle it is to make ends meet in this economy.

cut 11 (11)  “the solution”

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State Police say two people from Houston were busted for allegedly cheating at Lake Charles casinos in two separate incidents. Sgt. James Anderson says 44-year-old Long Nquyen and 41-year-old Thu Vo were both playing Mini-Baccarat…:

cut 12 (10)  “then arrested”

The man and woman were each charged with counts of cheating and swindling and were booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center. Anderson says people who gamble should know that surveillance operators at all of Louisiana’s casinos are very observant and proactive…:

cut 13 (07)  “cheat the casino”

Anderson says the suspects thought they could get away with placing bonus wagers after already seeing the dealer’s winning hand, but they were being watched the entire time. Anderson says if you cheat, you will be caught and face stiff penalties…:

cut 14 (07)  “involved”

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The most recent campaign finance figures for the Lt. Governor’s race shows Republican John Young leading the field.  Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Eric Gill”

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The Human Society of Louisiana has issued a heat advisory for pets. Emelie Gunn has more….

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The Department of Health and Hospitals confirmed the presence of a brain eating amoeba in a Donaldsonville water system. Emelie Gunn has more….

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The most recent campaign finance figures for the Lt. Governor’s race shows Republican John Young leading the field with over $2.2 million in cash on hand. Fellow Republican Billy Nungesser is not far behind with more than $1.6 million. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says that’s a lot of money for this race…

cut 4  (08)  “back and forth”

Democrat Kip Holden reports $68,000 cash on hand, while Republican Elbert Guillory of Opelousas owes his campaign nearly $4,000. Dubos says, as the only Democrat in the race, Holden may have sizable support that will offset his lack of financial resources…

Cut 5  (10)  “governor’s race”

Dubos feels the candidates for Lt. Governor will keep a tight grip on their cash until we get to qualifying in early September. He says this race will be definitely be one to keep your eye on this fall…

Cut 6 (07)  “Attorney General”

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The Humane Society of Louisiana issues a statewide heat advisory for pets after learning of a dog fatality in Franklin Parish. Director Jeff Dorson says during the hot summer months they start to receive a lot of calls from around the state regarding people not taking proper care of their pets,especially dogs and leaving them out in the heat.

CUT 7 (06)  “of them”

Dorson says in the case in Franklin Parish, they got a call from neighbors about a gray pit bull tired up outside without any shade or water for several days. He says the dog wrapped itself around a poll and ultimately died of heat exhaustion and the owner, who was not present when officers arrived, will be charged with cruelty to animals.

Cut 8  (11)  “fur coats” 

Dorson says the key is to prevent heat stroke rather than treat it by making sure your pets are comfortable. He says dogs are social animals and want to be inside and a part of the family.

Cut 9 (10) “of it”

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In a recent study by WalletHub, Louisiana ranks near the bottom in the nation when it comes to the quality of its school systems. The state came in at No. 47 overall with low data rankings in School System Quality at No. 43 on the list and School Safety at 44. Baton Rouge Rep. Steve Carter is the Chairman of the state House Education Committee..:

Cut 10 (11) “is concerned”

The study ranks Louisiana number 48th in both math and reading test scores, but Carter says there are a lot of good things happening in our schools which are turning that trend around…:

cut 11 (10) “being made”  

Louisiana also ranked second to last on the study in the safest schools category which looked at the percentage of public school students who reported being threatened or injured. In the bullying incidents rate our schools came in at number 30 and Carter says this really bothers him…:

cut 12 (10) “going to school”

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State Health officials have found another water system in Louisiana that contains a deadly brain eating amoeba. The Department of Health and Hospitals says the presence of the amoeba was found during surveillance testing of a water system that serves 18-hundred residents near Donaldsonville in Ascension Parish. State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry…

Cut 13 (10)  “your nose”

This is the same amoeba found in St. Bernard Parish last week. Guidry says the water is safe to drink. He says it’s not a surprise that they’ve detected the presence of this amoeba in two water systems within two weeks.

Cut 14 (08) “as well”

Guidry says the amoeba thrives at this type of year and the warm water dissipates the chlorine, making it hard to get rid of. He says they plan on keeping surveillance up and conducting a chlorine burn.

Cut 15  (05)  “at bay”

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Training camp begins today for the Saints who are required to report to the team’s facility in West Virginia. The team is ready to put behind last season’s disappointing 7-and-9 campaign. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says the Saints spent the offseason trying to improve their offensive and defensive lines and that’s where you’ll find your big training camp battles

Cut 16  (12)  “Drew Brees”

Detillier says it will be interesting to see if the Saints top draft pick, offensive tackle Andrus Peat, can perform well enough to earn a starting spot. He says the team’s second-round pick, Hau’oli Kikaha (ha-OH-lee key-KAH-hah) will be asked to fill the role of the departed Junior Galette…

Cut 17 (09) ” University Washington” 

The Saints defense struggled last season, but Detillier likes the additions that have been made to the defensive secondary

Cut 18 (11) “Jairus Byrd”

The July campaign finance report shows that Republican David Vitter has more campaign dollars on hand than his three gubernatorial opponents combined. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Eric Gill”

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The Republican Party of Louisiana officially endorses Jeff Landry for Attorney General in the upcoming election, instead of incumbent GOP Buddy Caldwell. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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There have been three fatal police shootings in the last three days in Louisiana. The latest occurred in Houma where a theft suspect was shot and killed by officers Monday afternoon. State Police Trooper Evan Harrell says a pursuit ensued after a failed traffic stop. He says eventually, officers were able to stop the suspect’s vehicle…

CUT 3 (08)  “at the officers”

He says the traffic stop was initiated after a Terrebonne Parish deputy recognized the 45-year-old white male from the Houma area as someone wanted for theft. Harrell says the subject emerged from his vehicle pointing a gun at the officers and they were forced to take lethal action…

CUT 4 (07)  “on the scene”

Officers fatally wounded the suspect and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Harrell says the State Police investigation is ongoing. He says it’s always difficult when police are forced to fire their weapon…

CUT 5 (08) “involved in”

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The July campaign finance report shows that Republican David Vitter has more campaign dollars on hand than his three gubernatorial opponents combined. Vitter’s campaign reports more than $5 million in cash on hand for this fall’s election. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says this clearly shows Vitter’s advantages over the rest of the field…

CUT 6 (08)  “rest of them”

Republicans Jay Dardenne and Scott Angelle report $1.8 million and $1 million in cash on hand respectively, while Democrat John Bel Edwards reports $1.1 million. Pinsonat says, at this point in the race, Vitter is the guy, but the others are hoping that will change…

CUT 7 (07) “making a difference”

Despite all of this fundraising activity, Pinsonat says you probably won’t see a lot of ads or activity from these campaigns until Labor Day weekend. He says that’s when this governor’s race will really kick off…

CUT 8 (08)  “September the 4th”

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries have cited two men accused of stealing over 500 alligator eggs valued at over $10,000. LDWF spokesperson Gabe Giffin says agents observed 24-year-old Christopher Trahan of Lake Charles and 47-year-old Paul Canick of Grand Chenier taking alligator eggs from the marsh…

CUT 9 (10)  “to be on”

Giffin says Canick does have an alligator egg collector’s permit, but is not authorized to collect eggs from the area where he was caught. He says agents seized the eggs from the pair. Giffin says the department sold the eggs to an alligator farmer at market value…

cut 10 (07)  “into their pocket”

Trahan and Canick are cited for illegal possession of alligator eggs and not following refuge rules and regulations. First offense for taking unpermitted alligator eggs carries up to a $900 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Giffin says LDWF agents put in a lot of work to ensure cases like this are brought to justice…

cut 11 (05)  “and out there”

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The Louisiana Republican Party is officially endorsing Jeff Landry for Attorney General rather than the GOP incumbent, Buddy Caldwell. Party Chairman Roger Villere says they noticed how Landry performed in Congress and feel comfortable he is the right candidate to move forward with in the race.

cut 12 (09)  “better job”

Neither Landry or Villere would directly explain why Caldwell was not getting the endorsement.  Landry’s campaign says he is honest, ethical and hardworking. He says he has 80 days before the election to give reasons why he will be a better A-G than Caldwell.

cut 13 (11)  “government”

The Louisiana Republican Party says this is the first time since 1991, when the party didn’t support the Republican statewide incumbent. That year they endorsed Clyde Holloway over Governor Buddy Roemer. Villere says Landry’s always been a strong supporter of the Republican party.

cut 14 (11)  “best candidate”

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The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s office says an 81-year-old man is booked
on child rape charges which allegedly occurred in the mid-1980s. Warren Danos of LaRose is booked with Aggravated Rape. Sheriff’s Office spokesman Brennan Matherne says they were contacted by a woman who claimed she was victimized by Danos as a child about 30 years ago…:

cut 15 (11) “under the age of 10” 

Matherne says a woman claimed the rapes took place between 1984-1986 when she was less than 10 years of age. He says detectives investigated and obtained a warrant for Danos’ arrest…:(Danos was released after posting $5,000 bond.)

cut 16 (08) “for the warrant” 

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Today, the Louisiana Republican Party is expected to announce their endorsement of former Congressman Jeff Landry in this year’s Attorney General’s race.  Scott Carwile reports…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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The State Department of Health and Hospitals announces resources for residents having a hard time dealing with the Lafayette movie theater shooting. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Authorities have completed an important phase of their investigation into the deadly Lafayette movie theater shooting. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Today, the Louisiana Republican Party is expected to announce their endorsement of former Congressman Jeff Landry in this year’s Attorney General’s race. Landry is seeking to unseat current AG and fellow Republican Buddy Caldwell. LaPolitics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says there is no doubting Landry’s Republican stripes.

cut 4  (09)  “with evangelicals”

West Baton Rouge prosecutor Martin Maley has also declared for this race. Alford says this endorsement would be a big blow for Caldwell, but not very surprising. He says Caldwell has rubbed a lot of people the wrong way in recent years.

Cut 5  (08)  “Republican Party”

He says Caldwell received a lot of criticism among Republicans for offering encouraging words to former Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu in her unsuccessful bid for re-election last year. Alford says the Republican Party endorsement of Landry will show that Caldwell is in for a major race this fall.

Cut 6 (08)  “2015 cycle”

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The Department of Health and Hospitals has established resources for residents who are having a hard time dealing with the Lafayette movie theater shooting and need someone to talk to. Brad Farmer is with the Acadiana Area Human Services District. He says people can reach out to professionals if you think you need help…:

CUT 7 (11)  “crisis services”

Farmer says they are also offering information to parents on how to speak to their children about such an event. He says people are affected by tragedies of this magnitude differently — possibly feeling physical or emotional draining, anger, guilt or sadness at various times…:

Cut 8  (11)  “that are available” 

You can get information on 24-hour-crisis hotlines and support groups online at dhh.louisiana.gov. Farmer says their 24-hour-crisis line is toll free at 1-877-655-8241. He says there may even be people out there who are not directly connected to the shooting, but are still struggling with dealing with it and can seek help…:

Cut 9 (07) “home community”

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The USDA has cited a UL-Lafayette research facility in New Iberia for both the injury and death of two different monkeys and for also allowing monkeys to escape their cages. According to the government report, a monkey was electrocuted to death in 2013, another primate’s leg was broken due to improper handling. Co-founder of Stop Animal Exploitation Now Michel Budkie says this isn’t the first time government regulators have come down against the research facility…

Cut 10 (04) “criminal history”

Budkie says UL Lafayette was fined 38-thousand dollars in 2011 after three young rhesus monkeys died of negligence. He says the USDA is not done investigating the facility and these new citations might mean a higher fine added against the center….

cut 11 (09) “killing animals”  

The USDA report did say corrective actions have taken place. And UL Lafayette says they remain committed to animal well-being and biomedical research. But Budkie says there are more advanced ways to conduct this type of research, without harming primates…

cut 12 (06) “last century technology”

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Republican Senators Bill Cassidy and David Vitter took a moment on the Senate floor to honor the victims and heroes in the Lafayette movie theater shooting. Jillian Johnson and Mayci Breaux were killed in the horrific attack. Cassidy says Johnson served the community with kindness and grace, while Breaux had tremendous compassion and enthusiasm for life…

Cut 13 (10)  “their memories live”

Funeral services were held yesterday for Johnson and Breaux. The Senators also thanked first responders, theater staff and school teachers Jena Meaux and Ali Martin. Cassidy says Meaux and Martin acted bravely in their efforts to stop the shooter

Cut 14 (09) “to alert authorities”

We’ve learned since the shooting that the gunman, John Russell Martin, had a history of mental illnees.  Cassidy says it’s time to reform America’s mental health system and he’s working on legislation with Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy

Cut 15  (07)  “fails to do so”

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The Lafayette movie theater shooting has re-energized the debate of installing metal detectors inside movie theaters and Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton hopes to make it a law. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Eric Gill”

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The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s office says they’ve arrested 15 suspects as part of a major heroin bust. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Lafayette movie theater shooting has re-energized the debate of installing metal detectors inside movie theaters. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton says she is already working on legislation to do just that. Norton says she views going to the movies as a family outing…

CUT 3 (08)  “in the movie”

If re-elected this fall, Norton plans to introduce the measure during next year’s legislative session. She says hand-held metal detector wands start at $50, while walk-through models can cost theater owners one to two thousand dollars. Norton says no amount of money is worth more than people’s safety…

CUT 4 (06)  “I think not”

She feels that legislators have a responsibility to do whatever they can to make sure Louisiana residents are safe. There are some that say metal detectors could scare off potential customers and increase wait times for movie goers to get to their film. Norton says standing in line for a few minutes is a small price to pay to save lives…

CUT 5 (11) “don’t think so”

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A Colorado judge has determined that jurors deciding the fate of Colorado theater shooter James Holmes could still be impartial despite seeing media coverage of last week’s Lafayette theater shooting. Legal analyst Tim Meche says Holmes’ lawyers were concerned that the incident in Lafayette may have swayed the jury’s decision…

CUT 6 (11)  “the Lafayette case”

When asked by the judge if they had seen or read anything about the Lafayette shooting, the twelve jurors raised their hands. Jurors were then questioned individually about what they knew and if they discussed it with anyone. Meche says there is one scenario that could derail Holmes’ sentencing process…

CUT 7 (10) “a fair juror”

Testimony in the sentencing phase of the trial has resumed. Holmes is facing the death penalty for killing 12 people and injuring 70 others at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado in 2012. Meche says this procedure is just another part of the sentencing process…

CUT 8 (11)  “been influenced”

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A Baton Rouge woman faces charges after she allegedly threatened to shoot someone inside a movie theater over the weekend. East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s office spokesperson Casey Rayborn Hicks says 27-year-old Gaynell Haydel verbalized her threats near the ticket booth at the Cinemark Perkins Rowe theater

CUT 9 (09)  “so concerned”

Hicks says they are not sure why Haydel threatened to shoot someone inside a movie theater, but after what happened in Lafayette last week, deputies didn’t take any chances and arrested her

cut 10 (10) “like that”

Haydel was charged with terrorizing, disturbing the peace and resisting an officer. Her bond has been set at six-thousand dollars. Hicks says they had additional deputies at movie theaters this past weekend and one was quick to respond to the situation

cut 11 (11) “identification”

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The Shreveport Police Department says they are working an officer involved shooting which left the suspect dead. Chief Administrative Assistant Bill Goodin says they got a 911 call from a woman who reported she and another victim had been held hostage for several hours by the suspect who was armed with a gun but eventually left…:

cut 12 (10)  “estranged wife”

Goodin says the two female victims who had been allegedly taken hostage were aged 16 and 19 and were related to the suspect. He says officers responded to the location where they heard the man firing shots at his estranged wife when she was arriving to check on the victims…:

cut 13 (11)  “multiple times”

The suspect is identified as 33 year old Khari Westly.  Goodin says the suspect was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. He says four officers were placed on paid administrative leave while detectives process all the evidence in this complex case…:

cut 14 (07)  “district attorney”

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The Lafayette theater shooting is sparking arguments over gun control once again and whether more laws are needed to prevent such tragedies. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (32) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Should TOPS students continue to have their tuition fully paid for by the state is an issue the next governor will have to address. Scott Carwile has more from the candidates on this topic…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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Attorney General Buddy Caldwell wants to address mental health issues after the Lafayette theater shooting. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The Lafayette theater shooting is sparking arguments over gun control once again and whether more laws are needed to prevent such tragedies. Violence Policy Center Executive Director Josh Sugarman says we need stronger gun laws so that Americans can feel safe going about their daily lives. He says the entire gun industry needs serious reform…:

cut 4  (05)  “shootings like this”

Sugarman says in 2013, Louisiana’s per capita firearm homicide rate was the first in the nation, and it ranked second in the rate of overall gun death according to the CDC. He says the all too often unacknowledged fact is that gun violence takes a heavy toll on the state…:

Cut 5  (06)  “manifestation of it”

59-year-old John Houser opened fire on a theater full of people last week and two women died while several others were injured. Wade Duty with the Louisiana Gun Association says piling on additional gun laws would not have altered this man’s behavior…:

Cut 6 (09)  “the mentally ill”

Duty says the best immediate response to a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun. He says the Lafayette Police Department did an amazing job responding to the scene very quickly, but cops aren’t there when a shooting takes place…:

CUT 7 (09)  “in your kitchen”

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In Louisiana Radio Network’s ongoing gubernatorial Q&A we asked the major candidates about the TOPS scholarship program. We posed the question, if elected, what changes would you propose to ensure TOPS can remain a successful program? Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says reasonable reform is needed to preserve the program and the bill passed by the legislature this year is a responsible way to do that…

Cut 8  (09)  “tuition goes up” 

State Representative John Bel Edwards says it may be necessary to control the costs of the program by de-linking the program from automatic tuition increases…

Cut 9 (10) “program, itself”

Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle says, if elected, he would work with legislators to find innovative ways to sustain the program. Angelle says he would propose a budget that fully funds scholarships…

Cut 10 (10) “our tax dollars”

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Louisiana Attorney General Bubby Caldwell wants to assemble a team of health professionals to help identify unstable and violent persons and communicate that information with law enforcement. Caldwell says he’s tired of seeing mass shootings like the one that happened Thursday night in Lafayette.

cut 11 (11) “safe havens.”  

Caldwell says we need to start pulling our resources together. He says we need to learn from these tragedies and then find a solution.

cut 12 (11) “can learn”

There’s evidence the Lafayette movie theater gunman John Houser suffered from mental issues. Caldwell says he is going to take action and doesn’t understand why it’s taken so long to confront these problems.

Cut 13 (06)  “efficiently”

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An online retailer says 70′s clothes are a popular trend for back to school shopping. Louisiana ranked 13th nationally in purchases from this era. Fashion expert at Zulily, Shawn Anderson, says students are loving the look of floral casual dresses, rompers and chevron print dresses.

Cut 14 (11) “the 70′s”

Anderson says the musical festival vibe is coming back in style. She says Louisiana kids also gravitated toward fashion from the 80′s.

Cut 15  (09)  “in Louisiana”

Anderson says the state is up to date on the fashions and right up there with the trends. She says more and more young people are sporting the retro look with styles from past decades.

Cut 16  (08)  “go forward”

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College football analyst Phil Steele believes the LSU Tigers will be one the surprise teams in the upcoming season. Steele says LSU’s defense will be fast and one of the best in the country and he likes the offensive line…

Cut 17 (12) ” the job” 

Steele says quarterback is the biggest question mark on LSU’s team. But he anticipates that sophomore Brandon Harris will win the job and perform well…

Cut 18 (09) “national title contender”

But Steele is predicting that Alabama will win the SEC west. He likes the Crimson Tide’s defense

Cut 19 (18) “going to emerge”

______________________________________

 ***Affiliates: Please note this is David Vitter’s response to the Governor Q&A.***

US Senator David Vitter says he would support whatever is necessary to keep the popular TOPS Scholarship program viable and sustained for the future…:

Cut 20 (07)  “Louisiana”

Authorities are continuing their efforts to learn more about Lafayette theater shooter John Houser. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Eric Gill”

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

The Louisiana Democratic Party’s biggest fundraiser of the year takes place this Saturday night in New Orleans. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

The Louisiana Democratic Party hosts its biggest fundraiser of the year on Saturday night at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel. The Jefferson-Jackson Dinner is expected to bring together more than 1,000 contributors and supporters of the Democratic party. Party spokesperson Beau Tidwell says Presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders will be there as well as other big names.

CUT 3 (11)  “governor”

Tidwell says the event will include video addresses from Hillary Clinton, who is the front-runner to receive the Democratic presidential nomination. He says former three-term Senator Mary Landrieu will also be honored at the dinner.

CUT 4 (11)  “the dinner”

There are currently no democrats serving in a statewide office. Tidwell says democrats are making a big push to have more representation in Louisiana. He says they use this event as a way to kick start the fall election season.

CUT 5 (10) “in Louisiana”

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

Authorities are continuing their efforts to learn more about Lafayette theater shooter John Houser. They say Houser, from Phenix City, Alabama, fatally shot two and wounded nine others last night in a movie theater before turning the gun on himself. Lafayette Police Chief Jim Craft says Houser’s criminal history is dated…

CUT 6 (09)  “maybe longer”

Russell County Alabama Sheriff Heath Taylor says Houser was arrested about 25 years ago for arson in Georgia. Court documents from 2008 show that Houser’s family asked for a temporary protective order against the man because he exhibited extreme erratic behavior. Taylor believes Houser suffered from psychological problems for years…

CUT 7 (07) “his background”

Taylor says their last involvement with Houser was when his department evicted him from his home in 2013 or 2014. Authorities have yet to determine a motive for the shooting. Craft says they will continue to search for answers…

CUT 8 (08)  “interaction with him”

Internet postings reportedly belonging to Houser say he’s a fan of Adolf Hitler and “The United States is a financially failing filth farm.” Taylor says Houser was denied a pistol permit in 2006. He believes a couple of factors led to that denial…

CUT 9 (10)  “as well”

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

The two victims who were shot and killed in the Lafayette theater shooting Thursday night are identified as 21-year-old Mayci Breaux of Franklin and 33-year old Jillian Johnson of Lafayette. Governor Bobby Jindal says the city and Louisiana will get through this horrific loss:

cut 10 (07) “good people”

Breaux worked at a clothing boutique in Hub City called coco eros who posted on their Facebook Page the victim was a huge Ragin Cajuns fan and amazing woman. Johnson operated the Red Arrow Workshop and a post on their Facebook page is by her husband who says his wife was an exceptional artist, musician, and entrepreneur. Lafayette Mayor Joey Durel…:

cut 11 (11) “tragedy”

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

Governor Bobby Jindal named two teachers heroes after their actions during the Lafayette Grand movie theater shooting last night. Jena Meaux and Ali Martin, of Iberia Parish, were both shot by John Houser. One teacher jumped in front of a bullet, which could’ve hit her friend in the head. Jindal says these women risked their lives to save others.

cut 12 (09)  “other lives”

A GoFundMe page was set up immediately by a friend, Cammie Maturin (mah-tran) to help with the cost of medical bills for Meaux and Martin…

cut 13 (10)  “going to need”

Maturin says these two teachers would go over and beyond to protect anybody and their actions last night come as no surprise. She says this campaign is a way to help these two women get on with their lives…

cut 14 (08)  “down the road “

Sydney Lancon was taught by both Meaux and Martin at Jeanerette Senior High School. She says their heroic actions in the tragedy come as no surprise as Meaux has always shown how much she cared for people around her.

cut 15 (08) “somebody” 

Lancon says Martin was a smart and loving woman. She says Martin was very involved with her students and wanted them to succeed.

cut 16 (08) “at all” 

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

Lafayette General Medical Center president David Callecod says one of the fatal victims, 21-year-old Mayci Breaux, was scheduled to begin radiology school at their hospital in a few days…

cut 17 (09) “for our staff”

A total of five patients from the theater shooting were sent to Lafayette General. Two of them were released and three others are listed in “stable” condition. Doctor Foster Kordische says most of the patients at their hospital suffered from extremity wounds…

Cut 18 (12) “lower extremities”

The Louisiana gubernatorial primary is three months from today and things have been relatively quiet on the campaign front. Scott Carwile has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile”

______________________________________

Emergency crews from throughout the state say they’ve responded to hundreds of calls about children locked in cars this summer. Michelle Southern reporting…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

Three people are dead and nine others injured after a man opened fire inside a Lafayette movie theater. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Louisiana’s gubernatorial primary election is three months from today and things have been relatively quiet on the campaign front. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says although the campaigns are definitely working behind the scenes, he’s surprised by the lack of visible activity…

cut 4  (10)  “name recognition up”

Cross says much of the work the campaigns are performing right now center around fundraising, social media, and e-mail blasts. He says, at this point in the race, Republican US Senator David Vitter and Democratic State Representative John Bel Edwards seem poised to make the runoff…

Cut 5  (10)  “Vitter, right now”

Cross expects see a little more activity in this race beginning next month. Qualifying for the gubernatorial election begins September 8th and Cross says you can expect things to get going after that…

Cut 6 (09)  “at that point”

______________________________________

Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne has sent a letter to Governor Bobby Jindal asking that he reimburse taxpayers for the cost of having State Police provide security for him during his out-of-state campaign travels. LSU Political Science professor Robert Hogan…

CUT 7 (11)  “do that”

It’s unlikely Jindal will follow through with Dardenne’s request. A spokesperson for the governor says the safety of Jindal shouldn’t be used as a political issue. Hogan says Jindal has received a lot of flack for his traveling and Dardenne is trying to capitalize…

Cut 8  (07)  “a target” 

Hogan says all the gubernatorial candidates are trying to gain more name recognition with the election coming up and this is a good way to do it.

Cut 9 (11) “right now”

______________________________________

Emergency crews from throughout the state say they’ve responded to hundreds of calls about children locked in cars this summer. Curt Monte with the Baton Rouge Fire Department says the heat index has reached triple digits in recent weeks and leaving your kid in a car comes with potentially deadly consequences…:

Cut 10 (10) “matter of minutes”

Monte says in East Baton Rouge Parish alone, since May 1st, there were over 80 calls made about children who were alone in a vehicle. He says they are releasing these numbers to encourage people to slow down…:

cut 11 (10)  “of our community”

Monte says most of the calls stem from minor incidents, but they want to remind parents to remain vigilant. He says in these temperatures if a child is locked in a car, action should be taken immediately to get them out even if the vehicle is running…:

cut 12 (11) “can be deadly”

______________________________________

Three people are dead and nine others injured after a patron inside a movie theater in Lafayette opened fire on other customers during a showing of the newly released film “Trainwreck.” Lafayette Police Chief Jim Craft says one of the deceased victims is the shooter, who he described as a white male in his 50s

Cut 13 (07)  “numerous times”

The police chief described the weapon as a handgun. Craft says seven people were wounded. He describes their injuries as non-life threatening to critical. He says they know the identity of the shooter, but not releasing it, as they try to find out more about him

Cut 14 (10) “going on”

Governor Bobby Jindal arrived shortly after the shooting and asked for Louisiana residents to pray for the victims.

Cut 15  (07)  “through this”

___________________________________________

Some of the top high school football players in the nation are on the LSU campus this weekend for what is known as LSU’s Elite Prospect Camp. Derek Ponamsky, publisher of Bayou Bengals-dot-com says headlining the talent is quarterback Feleipe Franks, who is committed to sign with LSU next year

Cut 16  (17)  “in New Orleans”

Some of the guys attending this camp are players who LSU would like to be part of the 2016 recruiting class that’s currently ranked as the best by 24-7 sports. Next year’s class already has 17 commitments and Ponamsky is not expecting a bunch of new additions in the coming days

Cut 17 (11) ” see mode” 

Ponamsky says this kind of a camp allows the coaches to evaulate high school prospects up close…

Cut 18 (13) “LSU does”

The Louisiana gubernatorial primary is three months from today and things have been relatively quiet on the campaign front. Scott Carwile has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile”

______________________________________

Emergency crews from throughout the state say they’ve responded to hundreds of calls about children locked in cars this summer. Michelle Southern reporting…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

Three people are dead and seven others injured after a man opened fire inside a Lafayette movie theater. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Louisiana’s gubernatorial primary election is three months from today and things have been relatively quiet on the campaign front. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says although the campaigns are definitely working behind the scenes, he’s surprised by the lack of visible activity…

cut 4  (10)  “name recognition up”

Cross says much of the work the campaigns are performing right now center around fundraising, social media, and e-mail blasts. He says, at this point in the race, Republican US Senator David Vitter and Democratic State Representative John Bel Edwards seem poised to make the runoff…

Cut 5  (10)  “Vitter, right now”

Cross expects see a little more activity in this race beginning next month. Qualifying for the gubernatorial election begins September 8th and Cross says you can expect things to get going after that…

Cut 6 (09)  “at that point”

______________________________________

Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne has sent a letter to Governor Bobby Jindal asking that he reimburse taxpayers for the cost of having State Police provide security for him during his out-of-state campaign travels. LSU Political Science professor Robert Hogan…

CUT 7 (11)  “do that”

It’s unlikely Jindal will follow through with Dardenne’s request. A spokesperson for the governor says the safety of Jindal shouldn’t be used as a political issue. Hogan says Jindal has received a lot of flack for his traveling and Dardenne is trying to capitalize…

Cut 8  (07)  “a target” 

Hogan says all the gubernatorial candidates are trying to gain more name recognition with the election coming up and this is a good way to do it.

Cut 9 (11) “right now”

______________________________________

Emergency crews from throughout the state say they’ve responded to hundreds of calls about children locked in cars this summer. Curt Monte with the Baton Rouge Fire Department says the heat index has reached triple digits in recent weeks and leaving your kid in a car comes with potentially deadly consequences…:

Cut 10 (10) “matter of minutes”

Monte says in East Baton Rouge Parish alone, since May 1st, there were over 80 calls made about children who were alone in a vehicle. He says they are releasing these numbers to encourage people to slow down…:

cut 11 (10)  “of our community”

Monte says most of the calls stem from minor incidents, but they want to remind parents to remain vigilant. He says in these temperatures if a child is locked in a car, action should be taken immediately to get them out even if the vehicle is running…:

cut 12 (11) “can be deadly”

______________________________________

Three people are dead and seven others injured after a patron inside a movie theater in Lafayette opened fire on other customers during a showing of the newly released film “Trainwreck.” Lafayette Police Chief Jim Craft says one of the deceased victims is the shooter, who he described as a white male in his 50s

Cut 13 (07)  “numerous times”

The police chief described the weapon as a handgun. Craft says seven people were wounded. He describes their injuries as non-life threatening to critical. He says they know the identity of the shooter, but not releasing it, as they try to find out more about him

Cut 14 (10) “going on”

Governor Bobby Jindal arrived shortly after the shooting and asked for Louisiana residents to pray for the victims.

Cut 15  (07)  “through this”

___________________________________________

Some of the top high school football players in the nation are on the LSU campus this weekend for what is known as LSU’s Elite Prospect Camp. Derek Ponamsky, publisher of Bayou Bengals-dot-com says headlining the talent is quarterback Feleipe Franks, who is committed to sign with LSU next year

Cut 16  (17)  “in New Orleans”

Some of the guys attending this camp are players who LSU would like to be part of the 2016 recruiting class that’s currently ranked as the best by 24-7 sports. Next year’s class already has 17 commitments and Ponamsky is not expecting a bunch of new additions in the coming days

Cut 17 (11) ” see mode” 

Ponamsky says this kind of a camp allows the coaches to evaulate high school prospects up close…

Cut 18 (13) “LSU does”