Louisiana is making strides in increased wages and gender pay equality but there is still a long way to go for workers on this Labor Day. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The LSU Ag Center increases its estimate on how much damage feral hogs perform on Louisiana farms. Michael Farrar has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michael Farrar”

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After a long Saturday night that resulted in a cancelled football game, the LSU Tigers prepare for a tough test in Starkville against Mississippi State. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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There is mixed news for the workers of Louisiana on this Labor Day. The Louisiana Budget Project found that wages for workers in the state have finally started to turn upwards, with the median wage rising to $15.63 an hour, a 39-cent increase from 2012 to 2014. L-B-P Director Jan Moller says with the good news, there is also some bad news to report.

cut 4  (12)  “get wilder”

Moller says we’re not doing nearly enough to improve the lives of workers across Louisiana. He says we have more people working in the state than ever before, yet these large pay gaps continue to get bigger.

Cut 5  (11)  “middle class”

Moller says we’re losing many jobs in the construction industry and manufacturing, which are jobs that pay more. But he says some redeeming news is the gender pay gap is shrinking, as women are beginning to make some headway on their male counterparts.

Cut 6 (10)  “with men”

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To conclude our series of questions to the gubernatorial candidates, we asked them how they would work with state agencies to reduce the number of sexually transmitted diseases. Louisiana has some of the highest STD rates in the country. Senator David Vitter says education is the first step to lowering these numbers.

CUT 7 (09)  “early grades”

Republican Scott Angelle believes Louisiana suffers from such high STD rates because we’re failing to educate children. He says parents should have the birds and the bee’s conversation at home but sex education should also be taught in public schools.

Cut 8  (09)  “our educators” 

Republican Jay Dardenne says problem needs to be addressed through increased awareness, testing and treatment. He says the areas experiencing the highest rates of STDs are Louisiana’s bigger metropolitan cities, which also are at an increased risk for human trafficking.

Cut 9 (11) “entire community”

Democrat John Bel Edwards says healthcare access is crucial to reducing the rate of HIV, AIDS and STDs, as well as, treating those already infected. He says educating the public on prevention is key to stop the spread of more diseases.

Cut 10 (10) “educational curriculum”

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Damage from feral hogs cost Louisiana farmers an estimated 74-million dollars in 2013. That’s according to research conducted by LSU AgCenter Economist Shaun Tanger, who says the hogs caused 53-million in damage to Louisiana crops…

cut 11 (08) “non-production losses”

The additional 21-million in non-production losses includes replanting costs and damage to pastures and levees. Tanger says since the feral hog population continues to grow, so will the amount of damage

 Cut 12 (07) “continue to escalate”

The LSU AgCenter estimates Louisiana’s feral hog population at a half-million, with heavier concentrations in the south-central and northeastern regions of the state. He says this study is based on a survey of Louisiana farmers, so it doesn’t account for damage to non-farm land

Cut 13 (10)  “considerably bigger”

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There’s no LSU game from Saturday to react to on this Labor Day. The Tigers and McNeese State played a handful of snaps, when lightning near the stadium halted the contest. The decision to cancel the game, came just after 10:30 after the teams waited nearly four hours for the lightning to stop. Coach Les Miles says there was no sense in trying to resume the game at around midnight

Cut 14 (12) “in the morning”

Saturday’s cancelled game will not be made up. McNeese will still receive a 500-thousand dollar game check from LSU. Miles is not sure how this will impact the team, if they are a candidate to play in the four-team college football playoff and they only played eleven games, while everyone else played 12

Cut 15  (17)  “might play”

LSU is now getting ready for Mississippi State, without the benefit of having a full game under their belt. But Miles says the Tigers will be ready for the Bulldogs…

Cut 16  (11)  “positivies there”

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Franklin Parish remains in shock over the death of 16-year-old Tyrell Cameron, who died from an apparent broken neck sustained while playing football on Friday night. Matt Reynolds is the play-by-play man for the Franklin Parish Patriots and says Cameron was covering a punt and ran into a Sterlington player who was blocking for the returner…

Cut 17 (09) “instantly” 

Cameron was taken off the field on a stretcher and quickly rushed to a local hospital, but died shortly after the fatal hit. Reynolds says it was Cameron’s first varsity game as a starter and he was well liked by his teammates

Cut 18 (08) “brought laughter”

Reynolds says there was vigil at the football stadium on Saturday night, which was attended by about a thousand people. He says it was great to see Franklin Parish support the team and Cameron’s family

Cut 19 (12) “terrible event”

A Baton Rouge waitress showed her gratitude to the Baton Rouge Police Department by buying three officers lunch. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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LSU’s only Heisman Trophy winner, Billy Cannon, releases a tell all book revealing the untold stories of his life. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A waitress at a Baton Rouge restaurant showed her gratitude to the Baton Rouge Police Department by buying three officers lunch. Lt. Johnny Dunham says Officers Brandon Blust, Dustin Conde, and Fred Thornton were surprised when they went to pay the bill…

CUT 3 (10)  “buy lunch”

Dunham says this gesture not only touched the three officers, but the entire BRPD. When the officers went to thank the waitress, Crystal Gordon, she said she was upset about how police officers have been targeted lately…

CUT 4 (09)  “and kindness”

Dunham says he posted a photo of the check on the BRPD Facebook page and it has already garnered over 30,000 likes and almost 9,000 shares. He adds that the officers did leave Crystal a sizable tip. Dunham says it’s nice to be reminded that there are people out there who side with law enforcement…

CUT 5 (09) “really wonderful”

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With the start of another LSU football season, the school’s only Heisman Trophy winner, Billy Cannon, has released a book that tells stories of his childhood, his accomplishments on the field and his time in jail. The book is called “Billy Cannon: A Long, Long Run.” During an appearance on the Jim Engster Show, Cannon talked about why he finally agreed to a tell all book written by Charles deGravelles.

CUT 6 (12) “the book”

Cannon tells many stories this biography, even ones he never told his children. He gave details about growing up in Baton Rouge and why he considered himself a “thug” during his time at Istrouma High.

CUT 7 (09)  “did fail”

Cannon reveals memories of his time playing at LSU and getting married while still on the team. He also gives insight to his two and a half years in federal prison for his part in a counterfeiting money scheme and how that time changed him for the rest of his life.

CUT 8 (11)  “good one” 

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The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s office says four workers at Renewable Energy Group, or REG, sustained injuries as a result of an explosion Thursday night at the bio-diesel plant in Geismar. Sheriff Jeff Wiley says an initial investigation revealed a hydrogen line under maintenance had become pressurized…:

CUT 9 (07)  “pipe rupture”

Wiley says one of the employees has been released from the hospital, one is in good condition, one is in serious and the other is in critical. He says they believe the rupture released hydrogen which then ignited causing the explosion…:

cut 10 (07)  “burn victims”

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Two boat ramps on the Red River in Caddo Parish have been re-opened in time for the Labor Day weekend. The ramps have been closed since the Red River flood event which began in May. Mark Woods, a Bossier City fisherman, says he’s ready to get back on the water…

Cut 11 (04)  “open again”

The North Caddo Highway 2 boat ramp along with the Bishop Point boat ramp are open, while a third, the Stoner boat ramp, remains closed due to damage from the flooding. Authorities urge boaters to be cautious as flood waters may have moved sandbars in the river. Woods says he’s ready to catch some fish…

cut 12 (08)  “catching up”

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A state judge has held the City of New Orleans in contempt of court over their dispute with firefighters over back pay. Judge Kern Reese threatened Mayor Mitch Landrieu with house arrest if the city doesn’t come up with a reasonable plan to pay the back wages within the next week. Landrieu says he’s willing to accept the sentence…

cut 13 (06)  “of my term”

The New Orleans Firefighters Union claims the city owes them $75 million in back wages plus $67 million in interest. Union President Nick Felton says no one should be arrested and it’s time to make this right for the city. Landrieu says paying that huge amount of money at one time would cripple the city…

cut 14 (09)  “of America”

Previously, the city reportedly offered to pay $15 million up front and the remaining balance over the next 30 years, but that offer was rejected. Landrieu says they will continue to try to work with firefighters to work out the issue. He says Reese’s ruling undermines the US Constitution and plans to appeal…

cut 15 (08) “Supreme Court” 

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The Annual Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival takes place this weekend in Morgan City, but this year there’s not much to celebrate in either industry. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Eric Gill”

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Labor Day weekend is here and gas prices are as low as they’ve been for this time of the year since 2004. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (24) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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LSU is asking fans this year to arrive to Tiger Stadium early and be patient when leaving. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (24) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Annual Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival takes place this weekend in Morgan City, but this year there’s not much to celebrate in either industry. LSU Economist Dr. Loren Scott says both industries are really suffering this year…

cut 4  (11)  “oil prices”

He says the massive drop in oil prices has really impacted this area of the state. But Scott says there are indicators for a recovery in the oil and gas industry over the next couple of years. He believes there are conditions that are going to get the price of oil back up…

Cut 5  (10)  “into 2016″

He doesn’t think the outlook for shrimp industry is very bright. On average, Louisiana shrimpers are receiving about $1.30 a pound for their catch, compared to $4.70 last year, because of a huge increase of imported shrimp. Scott says there are more shrimp buyers than shrimp sellers and buyers like the low prices…

Cut 6 (06)  “the very end”

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The number of people out on the road this Labor Day weekend is expected to increase over last year’s Labor Day holiday. American Automobile Association spokesperson Don Redman projects about 35 million Americans will be out traveling this weekend as the last hurrah of the summer months….

CUT 7 (12)  “outdoor weekend”

Redman says gas prices for a Labor Day holiday haven’t been this low since 2004. He says the average gas price in Louisiana is $2.16 for a gallon of regular gasoline, a dollar lower than last year, and that’s also spurring a lot of families to take vacations.

Cut 8  (12)  “big numbers” 

Redman says there are a couple of service stations in Louisiana at around $1.97 per gallon but it will be another few weeks before the statewide average falls below two bucks…

Cut 9 (07) “a gallon”

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The Second Amended Weekend Sales Tax Holiday is this weekend. Department of Revenue spokesperson Kizzy Payton says with hunting season beginning, many Louisiana sportsman are eager to buy new hunting supplies, free of state and local sales tax.

Cut 10 (07) “and apparel”

Payton says firearms and ammunition are also a part of this tax exemption. She says retailers across the state look forward to this holiday every single year.

cut 11 (10) “coming in”

Payton says although many things are included, the exemption doesn’t apply to golf carts, go-carts, dirt bikes and other motor vehicles which can be legally driven on streets.

 Cut 12 (12) “and what doesn’t”

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LSU football starts this weekend and there are a few traffic changes for fans to know about.  LSU Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette says contraflow after the games will no longer be used on Nicholson Drive, but they plan to utilize Burbank Drive more, which is a four-lane road, to help fans exit campus…

Cut 13 (11)  “frustrates you”

Bonnette says street parking is not allowed on Nicholson or Burbank due to safety concerns. But he says public parking will be allowed this year at University Recreation Fields along River Road….

Cut 14 (11) “last year”

Bonnette says people need to understand, traffic isn’t going to go away but they’re trying to manage it to the best of their ability. He advises fans to enjoy the beautiful campus and tailgates and try to cooperate the best you can when leaving campus.

Cut 15  (08)  “efficient manner”

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14th ranked LSU hosts McNeese State on Saturday night to begin year number eleven for Les Miles as the head coach of the Fighting Tigers. Miles is anticipating big things from his team during 2015

Cut 16  (15)  “capability”

There are a few college football analysts who believe the Tigers can be one of the four teams that reaches college football playoffs. Miles says it’s nice to be recognized as one of the top teams in the country and the players believe they can compete with anyone

Cut 17 (14) “talented guys” 

McNeese State football coach Matt Viator says his team understands they have a huge challenge in front of them…

Cut 18 (12) “Saturday”

The Cowboys nearly upset Nebraska in Lincoln last year, but Viator says playing in Death Valley will test his team even more

Cut 19 (10) “ready for”

The first meeting of the task force studying the impact of illegal immigration was held today in Baton Rouge. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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Football coach Les Miles is known as a good recruiter, but can he convince his youngest son to come to LSU. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A grand jury has indicted a man and his pregnant girlfriend in the death of a sex offender who repeatedly assaulted the woman throughout her childhood. 21-year-old Jace Crehan and 18-year-old Brittany Monk, both of Walker, face second degree murder charges in the death of 47-year-old Robert Noce of Zachary. Legal analyst Tim Meche says this is not a difficult case for prosecutors…

CUT 3 (06)  “your perpetrator”

Noce’s body was found inside a 55-gallon drum after he was stabbed and strangled. Officials say Noce had just begun serving probation for sexually abusing Monk when he was killed. Meche says doesn’t think the judge will allow evidence of the abuse to be presented to the jury…

CUT 4 (07)  “of evidence”

Authorities say Crehan admitted to the crime and placed Monk at the scene. Meche says Monk will have to prove that the sexual abuse rendered her mentally insane at the time of the murder or that she feared for her life…

CUT 5 (12) “different story”

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The first meeting of the task force studying the impact of illegal immigration was held today in Baton Rouge. Task force chairperson Denham Springs Representative Valarie Hodges says ignoring the problem of illegal immigration effects the quality of life for everyone…

CUT 6 (10) “local governments”

Hodges says taxpayers are forced to pay for the cost of providing for every illegal immigrant under the age of 18. She says it’s difficult to know how much illegal immigrants are costing the state because most departments do not track that information. Hodges says you can’t fix what you can’t identify…

CUT 7 (08)  “in Louisiana”

Louisiana is among the top 10 states that receive unaccompanied alien children. Hodges says another meeting is planned next month that will include the Department of Health and Hospitals and the Department of Education giving updated data to the task force. She says the purpose of this task force is not to solve the problem of illegal immigration…

CUT 8 (09)  “of Louisiana” 2X

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Les Miles is hoping his youngest son will one day play for him at LSU. Tigers recruiting coordinator Frank Wilson has offered Ben Miles a scholarship to play at LSU. Miles is a fullback for the Catholic High Bears in Baton Rouge. And Miles says the scholarship offer is deserving

CUT 9 (08)  “by it”

Miles had trouble convincing two of his other children to stay close to home for college. His daughter “Smacker” Miles is a swimmer at Texas and his son, Manny, is a walk-on at North Carolina. Miles hopes Ben will wear the purple and gold…

cut 10 (10)  “path here”

Ben Miles’ high school coach, Dale Weiner, is expecting big things from Miles as he enters his junior season. Coach Miles hopes one day he’ll be coaching his son…

Cut 11 (10)  “LSU has”

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Now that a federal judge has ruled against the NFL in the Tom Brady deflate-gate case, does this open up the door for Saints Coach Sean Payton to sue the league in order to recoup the money he lost when he was suspended without pay in 2012 for Bounty Gate? Legal analyst Chick Foret says Brady’s case was covered by the collective bargaining agreement that all players are involved in…:

cut 12 (11)  “for those folks”

Also suspended over the alleged Saints illegal pay for pain program was General Manager Mickey Loomis who was out 8 games, and Assistant Head Coach Joe Vitt who was punished for 6 games. Foret says the good news for Payton is that he has the same agent that helped Brady, Don Yee…:

cut 13 (09)  “my money”

Payton did not earn any of his $7.5 million dollar salary when he was banned from the team for an entire season. Foret says it might be a longshot for Payton to get back that money, but not many people thought Brady would win either. He says U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman did not rule on whether or not Brady altered footballs…:

cut 14 (09)  “proper notice”

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The first task force meeting to study the effect of illegal immigration on Louisiana taxpayers is today. Emelie Gunn has more….

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The Louisiana Association of Educators and the Louisiana Federation of Teachers are teaming up to spotlight political candidates who support the best interest of public education. Jeff Palermo reports…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A study out of UC- San Francisco determines that a lack of sleep can increase your chances of catching a cold. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The first meeting of the task force to study the impact of illegal immigration on Louisiana taxpayers is today. Denham Springs Representative Valarie Hodges is the chairperson of the task force and she says Louisiana receives more unaccompanied minors than Arizona and New Mexico combined.

cut 4  (12)  “medical costs”

Hodges says the purpose of the taskforce is to minimize the cost to Louisiana taxpayers for having illegal immigrates in our state. She says it’s difficult to know how many illegal aliens are in the state, which makes it difficult to get the federal government to reimburse Louisiana for educating undocumented children.

Cut 5  (10)  “to it”

Hodges says the monetary cost isn’t even the most important aspect. She says people are killed around the country at the hands of illegal immigrants and sanctuary cities, like New Orleans, aren’t enforcing the law and putting citizens at risk.

Cut 6 (06)  “Louisiana issue”

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The Louisiana Association of Educators and the Louisiana Federation of Teachers are teaming up to spotlight political candidates who support the best interest of public education. Their “It’s Time to Get it Right” campaign seeks to educate the public on the stands taken by candidates on important issues facing Louisiana’s schools. LFT Public Relations Director Les Landon says the two organizations are usually competitive…

CUT 7 (09)  “education issues”

The campaign will promote recommended candidates in the governor’s race, as well as elections for the state legislature and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. LAE President Debbie Meaux says this campaign is an effort to help voters make an informed decision…

Cut 8  (10)  “certain candidates” 

A website has been set up to promote candidates at itstimelouisiana-dot-com. They will also use Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to get their message out. Landon says this is a very important election for public schools and the children of Louisiana…

Cut 9 (08) “about education”

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A study out of the UC-San Francisco finds that a lack of sleep can determine your likelihood of catching a cold. Researchers found that less than six hours of sleep, impacts your immune system and increases your chances of getting a virus. Professor of Family Medicine at LSU New Orleans Dr. Herbert Muncie says it’s important to get at least seven hours each night.

Cut 10 (11) “contact with”

Muncie says this study doesn’t necessarily mean the more sleep the better. He says if you’re sleeping more than nine hours then that might be a sign on another concern.

cut 11 (10) “be at”

Muncie says it doesn’t matter your age, race or gender, we all need an adequate amount of sleep for our bodies to do its best. He says sleep is just as necessary to staying healthy as a good diet and exercising.

 Cut 12 (05) “enough sleep”

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Former state lawmaker and ex-Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke plans to take legal action if New Orleans removes the Battle of Liberty Place monument. Its a 124-year-old structure that recognizes a group of prominent whites and ex-Confederates who fought against Louisiana’s biracial Reconstruction government. Duke made the comments as the french quarter commission voted to remove the monument…

Cut 13 (07)  “is at stake”

The Battle of Liberty Place monunment is one of four monuments that New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu is seeking to remove. The New Orleans City council will have the final say. Duke says city leaders are trying to take away New Orleans heritage

Cut 14 (10) “cultural terrorism”

There are residents who believe the Battle of Liberty Place represents racism and they say the monument was erected to support the institution of Jim Crow. Duke says if the city council votes to take it down, he’ll file suit to stop it…

Cut 15  (10)  “their heroes”

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The college football season starts tonight in Louisiana with Tulane hosting Duke and Southland foes Northwestern State and Southeastern Louisiana facing each other in Natchitoches. Demons Coach Jay Thomas has not said who he’ll start at quarterback and he may play more than one

Cut 16  (19)  “that point”

Southeastern Louisiana has won the league the past two seasons. They’ve scored a bunch of points, they’ve also been good on defense, leading the conference in points allowed and yards given up the last two seasons. Thomas says the Lions are still impressive on defense

Cut 17 (16) “hands down” 

S-L-U goes into the season as one of the team’s to beat in the Southland. Lions Coach Ron Roberts says after defending their Southland title last season, they understand what it takes to beat teams that are gunning for them…

Cut 18 (14) “we go”

Bryan Bennett was at quarterback for the Lions the last two seasons, but he’s now trying to earn a job in the NFL. Junior D’Shaie Landor, a transfer from UL Lafayette, is expected to start at QB tonight. Roberts says Landor is a gifted player…

Cut 19 (15) “him loose”

The Department of Health and Hospitals says 82 percent of birth hospitals in Louisiana are providing families with access to breastfeeding support and resources. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The state Department of Health and Hospitals announce the discovery of the brain eating amoeba in a water system in Ouachita Parish. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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The Department of Health and Hospitals says 82 percent of birth hospitals in Louisiana are providing families with access to breastfeeding support and resources. Amy Zapata is the Bureau of Family Health Director at DHH. She says improving breastfeeding rates is one of the most profound, low-cost measures to promote health of mothers and babies…:

CUT 3 (10)  “good for moms”

Zapata says their goal is to help educate Louisiana mothers on the importance of breastfeeding their infants and to help hospitals strengthen support offered to new moms. She says one of their initiatives hospitals can participate is a program called “The Gift”…:

CUT 4 (10)  “exclusively”

Zapata says the steps that the hospitals are implementing for new moms are very important for relationships and connections with families and their babies. She says skin to skin contact with parents right after delivery, learning the signs and signals your baby shows when they are hungry — are all a child’s very first language with their caregivers..:

CUT 5 (10) “with us”

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Minden Congressman John Fleming has sent a letter to President Obama urging him to hold a National Day of Prayer to stop the violence against police officers. Louisiana has already lost six law enforcement officers in the line of duty this year. Fleming says we can’t allow this pattern of targeting officers to continue.

CUT 6 (11) “police officers”

Fleming is not sure if President Obama will grant this official day but says he needs to do something to reverse this attitude. He says the way the President currently addressing the issue of cop killing isn’t good for our society.

CUT 7 (12)  “police officers”

Fleming says if this continues, police officers are going to be reluctant to respond to crimes and this day of prayer is a way send a signal to the country that the President believes violence against law enforcement must stop. But he says he’s not going to stop there.

CUT 8 (08)  “this nation”

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The state Department of Health and Hospitals announce the discovery of the brain eating amoeba in a water system in Ouachita Parish. State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says the amoeba was found in the North Monroe Water System, which serves the town of Sterlington. Guidry says this is the fourth discovery this summer and there is a common thread…

CUT 9 (09)  “water systems”

A 60 day chlorine burn on the system will begin as soon as possible. He says chlorine acts as a disinfectant for the amoeba and when chlorine levels drop, the amoeba can enter a water system. Guidry says it’s a challenge for water systems to maintain a proper chlorine level through the entire system, especially during the summer…

cut 10 (09)  “the homeowner”

There will be a town hall meeting tonight in Sterlington to answer questions and alleviate residents’ fears. Guidry assures residents that there is no way you can become infected with the amoeba by drinking water from the system…

Cut 11 (10)  “their nose”

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The FDA has sent warning letters to 5 distributors of pure powdered caffeine and Louisiana Poison Control Center Director Mark Ryan agrees the product puts consumers at risk. He says while smaller doses of caffeine in coffee or sodas are okay, danger enters the equation when you’re dealing with powder caffeine in a bulk container..:

cut 12 (12)  “conditions”

The warning letters follow caffeine overdose deaths last year of two people. Ryan says they have seen cases of people in Louisiana emergency rooms who have had way too much powder caffeine. He says one teaspoon of pure powdered caffeine is equivalent to more than 30 cups of coffee all at once…:

cut 13 (09)  “and show up”

Ryan says they mostly see young adults using the powder for an energy boost, a pick-me-up before work outs or to control weight gain. He advice is to simply just stay away from this stuff…:

cut 14 (08)  “gonna have”

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The first negative commercial of the governor’s race has hit the airwaves. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A data compiling website called RoadSnacks has put together a list of the “Most Redneck Cities in Louisiana” and Shreveport is number 1. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

LSU football is teaming up with The Head Health Network to study how impacts to the head effect players.  Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Today a Federal judge is set to hear the case of Planned Parenthood’s lawsuit against Governor Bobby Jindal over his decision to cut their Meicaid payments at clinics in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Court documents showed this week that the US Justice Department is siding with the organization. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat…:

cut 4  (08)  “embryos”

The DOJ says they haven’t seen “sufficient reasons” to keep Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast from receiving funding. The Jindal Administration says they planned to cancel the Medicaid contract starting today after secret videos surfaced which they believe show Planned Parenthood officials talking about selling fetuses. Pinsonat doesn’t think governors can just pull out of federal programs like this…:

Cut 5  (12)  “depend on”

In a statement, Planned Parenthood says Jindal’s decision will jeopardize health care for low-income, uninsured women and men. Pinsonat says whether you like federal programs or not, Louisiana is tied to most of them and you don’t have a choice but to comply…:

Cut 6 (10)  “other programs”

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Louisiana’s governor’s race has its first negative commercial. It comes from a super pac supporting Senator David Vitter. The 30-second TV ad criticizes Vitter’s republican opponents, Scott Angelle and Jay Dardenne, for supporting tax increases. ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says the commercial comes at a time when Angelle is showing signs of gaining support….

CUT 7 (11)  “that threat”

It’s been a quiet governor’s race as we are less than two months away from the October primary. Stockley says he figured it would get more heated around the Labor Day holiday…

Cut 8  (07)  “much longer” 

Stockley says the other candidates also have super PACs, so he expects them to become more active now that the front-runner in the race has fired the first shot…

Cut 9 (08) “increasingly aggressive”

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A data compiling website called RoadSnacks has put together a list of the “Most Redneck Cities in Louisiana” and Shreveport is number 1. Rounding out the top five are Westwego, Mandeville, Slidell and Cut Off respectively. RoadSnacks co-founder Nick James says they started with the dictionary definition of redneck…:

Cut 10 (10) “shop at Wal Mart”

The article says the list is an opinion based on facts and is meant as “info-tainment.” James says an example of scientific data they used on the list included number of high school graduates in that particular city. He says the stereotypical categories on where rednecks might live in Louisiana were things like the number of Dollar Stores…:(You can check out the full list online at roadsnacks.net.)

cut 11 (08) “a lot of bars”

James says many of the cities in Louisiana topping the list are places you might see deer horns on the hood of trucks and people attending church in cammo. He says so far they haven’t heard anybody in The Bayou State upset with their city ranking so high on the list…:

 Cut 12 (09) “win this thing”

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The LSU football team and the Head Health Network are partnering up to study how impacts to the head effect players. H-H-N President Curtis Cruz says LSU is on the forefront for creating new technologies to prevent head injuries and the study will equip 24 players’ helmets with sensors to monitor impacts.

Cut 13 (11)  “being optimized”

Cruz says this is so important because it allows us to learn what’s really happening and it’s difficult to observe from afar and to understand the effect of a big hit. He says science is just now coming to terms with what is significant as far as a critical threshold and accumulation of smaller hits.

Cut 14 (11) “good decision”

Cruz says this study gives the training staff a much better handle on how to treat concussions. He says LSU has been proactive before and the Head Health Network is trying to improve the process by which LSU protects its players.

Cut 15  (12)  “be successful”

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UL Lafayette and ULM begin their season on Saturday by visiting SEC schools. The Ragin Cajuns, who return ten starters from last year’s nine-win team, will be at Kentucky, who went five and seven lasts season. Coach Mark Hudspeth says he’s anxious to see how his first-time starters will perform inside Commonwealth Stadium…

Cut 16  (15)  “play well”

The Cajuns will have a new starter at quarterback, cornerback and along the defensive line. Kentucky has a first year offensive coordinator in Shannon Dawson. Hudspeth says Dawson was previously at West Virginia, so they have an idea on what they’ll see on Saturday, but they are also preparing for a few surprises…

Cut 17 (14) “gonna see” 

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The Warhawks are at Georgia. The Bulldogs also have a new offensive coordinator in Brian Schottenheimer. ULM Coach Todd Berry wishes they had a preseason game to look at, so they would have a better idea what to expect from Georgia…

Cut 18 (13) “everything”

The Georgia game is the first eight road games for the Warhawks. They’ll also be at Alabama on September 26th. Berry admits he doesn’t have much control over scheduling, because the university needs the income from playing the big-time programs

Cut 19 (12) “get  games”

The latest Republican presidential polls in Iowa show Governor Bobby Jindal rounding up very little support. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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Louisiana Oil and Gas Association President Don Briggs says the current state of Louisiana’s oil and gas industry is not pretty. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The latest Republican presidential polls in Iowa show Governor Bobby Jindal rounding up very little support. A Monmouth University survey shows Jindal receiving one-percent of Iowa Republican caucus goers support, while a Bloomberg/Des Moines Register poll shows him with two-percent. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says this has got to be discouraging for Jindal’s campaign…

CUT 3 (09)  “his optimism”

In the Bloomberg poll, Jindal’s favorability was within the top 5 candidates which could be an indicator that the governor should be able to improve his standing in the Republican field. But Pinsonat says the fact that Jindal is a sitting governor could be working against him…

CUT 4 (09)  “of the problem”

He says Jindal has a few months left to generate some excitement around his campaign and move up in the polls. Pinsonat says you can expect Jindal to remain in the race at least through the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary…

CUT 5 (09) “won’t be around”

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Les Miles says he’s doing fine after visiting the hospital, he just had a little too much coffee after not having it in his diet for a few months. Miles missed his weekly press conference on Monday but returned to campus in the afternoon for a successful practice.

CUT 6 (12) “to roll”

LSU’s first home game is Saturday against McNeese State. Miles says McNeese is a very quality football team and they have some skilled receivers and running backs. He says the Tigers are looking forward to playing another Louisiana team in Death Valley after finishing the last season on the road.

CUT 7 (12)  “and LSU”

Miles says both Jennings and Harris showed great progress during training camp and he wouldn’t hesitate to play both quarterbacks but ultimately, sophomore Brandon Harris will be starting on Saturday for the McNeese game.

CUT 8 (08)  “an observation”

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State Police say a two vehicle crash in Tangipahoa Parish has claimed the life of a bicyclist. Trooper Dustin Dwight says the unidentified cyclist was traveling on the US 190 Tangipahoa River Bridge late Monday night…

CUT 9 (05)  “survive the crash”

He says the bicycle was not equipped with proper safety equipment and the rider was wearing dark clothing when struck from behind by an SUV. The victim was thrown from her bicycle and pronounced dead at the scene. Dwight says this is a reminder to always keep safety in mind when riding a bicycle, especially at night…

cut 10 (11)  “oncoming motorists”

Authorities are working to determine the victim’s identity. Dwight says investigators found the driver of the SUV, 24-year-old Kateria Edmon of Hammond to be not at fault…

Cut 11 (05)  “suspected, either”

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Louisiana Oil and Gas Association President Don Briggs describes the current state of Louisiana’s oil and gas industry as not pretty. He says the declining prices of crude oil has caused the industry to hit record lows in several areas in the past year. Briggs says the number of working drilling sites in the state has taken a huge hit…

cut 12 (06)  “71 rigs”

He says it’s unclear when the industry will rebound. Briggs says there are only 71 oil and natural gas drilling sites in Louisiana, down from 116 a year ago. He says just nine drilling sites are in operation in South Louisiana. Briggs says the drop in production means a loss of jobs…

cut 13 (09)  “on those rigs”

He says it’s estimated that over 150,000 jobs have been lost in the industry nationwide since the crash began late last year. Briggs says continued low oil prices could not only lead to major layoffs but more state budget cuts, as well. He says every dollar drop in the price for crude oil equals a $12.5 million loss to the state budget…

cut 14 (10)  “lot of money”

Louisiana DOTD will hold the first of three public meetings tonight at 6 about proposed improvements to the I-10 Corridor which runs through Baton Rouge. I’m Jeff Palermo

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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After West Monroe High School leaders confiscated Confederate flags from student’s vehicles Friday, principal Shelby Ainsworth says he hopes students understand the new policy. I’m Eric Gill

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Eric Gill “

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The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office says three people have been arrested after allegedly striking moving vehicles with full one-gallon water jugs. Lt. Col. Bobby Webre says their investigation led to the arrest of 19-year-old Chance Lambert, 18-year-old Layne Goodman, and 17-year-old James McCormack…

CUT 3 (09)  “could have happened”

He says no one was seriously injured in the incidents, but vehicles were damaged. Webre says the suspects would throw the water jugs from a moving vehicle, which made the situation even more dangerous…

CUT 4 (09)  “the impact”

It is reported that Lambert is a volunteer firefighter with the Galvez-Lake Volunteer Fire Department. The suspects are being charged with felony aggravated criminal damage to property…

CUT 5 (04) “adults, in this”

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation will hold the first of three public meetings about proposed improvements to the I-10 Corridor in the capital city beginning tonight at 6 p.m. at the Baton Rouge River Center. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett says the meeting will go over the results of the survey presented to residents earlier this year…

CUT 6 (10) “in Baton Rouge”

Mallett says many of the survey response suggestions included building a new bridge or adding lanes to the corridor. He says there are those who are hesitant about the benefits of any traffic flow improvements because of the possible cost to the Baton Rouge community…

CUT 7 (09)  “traffic flow”

These public meetings are a part of a requirement by law that the department receive public input before moving forward with any plans. Mallett says each meeting will be the same with the presentation, so people only need come to one. After the presentation of preliminary plans, the public will be able to give its input before DOTD moves forward with a feasibility study…

CUT 8 (08)  “in the corridor”

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The State Fire Marshal’s Office says a 2-year-old girl was killed and her mother injured in a house fire in Monroe. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says little Kataleya Williams and her mother were inside the home when the fire broke out Sunday afternoon…

CUT 9 (09)  “in the fire”

He says burglar bars on the home hampered escape efforts. Neighbors and firefighters were able to remove them, allowing the mother to escape. Browning says they believe the fire was caused by a pot left unattended on the stove…

cut 10 (07)  “significant fire”

Authorities say the body of Williams was found under a table in the living room of the home in an apparent attempt to hide from the blaze. Browning says they don’t believe there were working smoke alarms in the home. He says this is just a sad situation…

Cut 11 (07)  “thing to happen”

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After confiscating Confederate flags on Friday, West Monroe High School principal Shelby Ainsworth says he hopes people will understand the school’s new policy. The Ouachita Parish school’s mascot is the Rebels. He says after a mass shooting in South Carolina, the entire nation has put restrictions on the Confederate flag, and this is just a continuation of those efforts.

cut 12 (06)  “country’s officials”

At the beginning of the school year, Ainsworth says he and school officials told students they could not fly the Confederate flag from their vehicles. Ainsworth says this past Friday he announced this policy would be enacted during football games and other school events as well. Although some thought the school would not allow students to wear Rebel themed attired, Ainsworth says that was not the case

cut 13 (07)  “Confederate flag”

Ainsworth says the school has designed its own West Monroe rebels flag in recent years, and the school supports students flying that as well as the American flag. He says students may wear rebel or Confederate flag clothing, and the policy only applies to flying the flag on campus.

cut 14 (05)  “in general”

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The state Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control has suspended the alcohol license for the Wet & Wild Saloon in Houma after drug and prostitution activity was discovered there. ATC Commissioner Troy Hebert the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office uncovered some disturbing video evidence against the establishment…

cut 15 (09) “this place” 

ATC cited the business for numerous violations including allowing entertainers to engage in lewd and immoral acts and improperly allowing employees to solicit drinks from patrons for a fee. TPSO has arrested the owners, Lance and Rachel Smiley, on numerous charges. Hebert says this type of activity is something his office will not tolerate…

cut 16 (10) “health and safety” 

A group of men and women begin their first full day of training today to become a State Police Trooper. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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September is typically the busiest month for hurricanes. Scott Carwile chats with a forecaster to tell us what we can expect…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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The LSU football team opens its season against McNeese State this Saturday. Jeff Palermo looks at why the Tigers are beginning the year against an FCS school, and not a big-name opponent…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A new Louisiana State Police cadet class starts their first full day of training today in Baton Rouge. Sgt. Nick Manale says over the next 16 weeks, they will cover everything from classroom instruction to hands on scenario based training. He says these individuals were carefully selected to ensure State Police has the right people.

cut 4  (10)  “new academy”

Manale says 80 cadets will participate in the intense training in hopes of graduating in December and wearing the “Gold Boot” badge. He says this is the third State Police cadet class since 2014, which is helping to boost their numbers after not having any new troopers for five years.

Cut 5  (10)  “of course”

Manale says even though they’ve added over 100 troopers since 2014, they are still hoping to have another cadet class soon, after this current one wraps up.

Cut 6 (12)  “application process”

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According to BankRate.com, Louisiana is the worst state for drivers. The website’s research and statistics analyst Chris Kahn says they ranked all 50 states according to the amount of fatal crashes, car thefts, commute times, gas prices, and insurance premiums….

CUT 7 (07)  “in Louisiana”

Kahn says the fatal crash rate is above the national average in the state but the one main factor that is always dragging Louisiana down is the absurdly high insurance premiums. He says the reason it’s so high could be because of a couple different things.

Cut 8  (12)  “really high” 

Kahn says one way to help get Louisiana from the bottom of the list is to chat with your insurance provider to find out about discounts.

Cut 9 (11) “insurance premiums”

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As we enter the month of September, it’s usually the busiest month of the year for the hurricane season. State Climatologist Barry Keim says sea surface temperatures tend to peak during this month.

Cut 10 (10) “recent times”

Keim says in September, we typically see an average of three to four named storms in the north-Atlantic and about two to three become hurricanes. He says we’ve had several September hurricanes that had devastating impacts.

cut 11 (10) “good shape”

But Keim says this year an El Nino is creating wind shear, which is hurting the formation of storms. He says although these conditions have been working against the storms, we’ve already had five named storms and 10 to 12 is the average number.

 Cut 12 (07) “them apart”

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As part of Louisiana Radio Network’s continuing Q-and-A with the men running for governor, we asked the four candidates about how transparent their administration will be once they are in office. Democrat John Bel Edwards says he’s the only candidate that voted for a bill that will bring new transparency to the records in the governor’s office…

Cut 13 (09)  “light of day”

Republican David Vitter plans to make more documents available to the public than what’s currently available and the US Senator says he’ll make himself available to the public with town hall meetings in every parish

Cut 14 (07) “relaxed way”

Republican Scott Angelle says his administration will be more transparent than any past administration. He says access to records is a critical part in building public’s trust with government

Cut 15  (08)  “Louisianians”

Republican Jay Dardenne also agrees that the records of the executive branch, including the office of the governor, need to be made open and available upon request

Cut 16  (11)  “as well”

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Game week has arrived for the Tigers as they kick-off the season against McNeese State this Saturday. In years past, LSU has opened the season against big name opponents, but senior associate athletics director Verge Ausberry says with Mississippi State and Auburn looming in Weeks two and three, they didn’t want to start the season with a Top 5 opponent

Cut 17 (05) “to win” 

Ausberry says it just happened to be LSU’s year to play a couple of early SEC matchups. But he says when that’s not the case, they like to open the season with a strong opponent…

Cut 18 (05) “big opponents”