Governor Bobby Jindal has signed into law legislation that reduces the penalties for simple marijuana possession. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Eric Gill”

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A lawsuit has been filed by the Louisiana ACLU, Forum for Equality, and 6 individuals challenging Governor Bobby Jindal’s “Marriage and Conscience Order”. Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Governor Bobby Jindal has signed into law legislation that reduces the penalties for simple marijuana possession. New Orleans State Representative Austin Badon is thrilled his measure was signed into law. Badon says this legislation will help a lot of people in Louisiana…

CUT 3 (12)  “periods of time”

Under the new law, a first offense of simple possession of less than 14 grams of marijuana would face up to 15 days in jail. A second conviction drops from a felony to a misdemeanor. Badon says what he likes about the measure is that it gives people a second chance…

CUT 4 (10)  “educational facilities”

The legislation drops the maximum sentence from 20 years in prison to eight. Badon says people arrested for simple marijuana possession need counseling, not jail time…

CUT 5 (06)  “lot of people”

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Wal-Mart has apologized for making a cake at its Slidell store with the ISIS flag on it after denying a man’s request to design one with the Confederate flag. Chuck Netzhammer originally ordered a “Heritage Not Hate” Confederate flag cake, but the bakery did not honor the request. He outlines what happened in a YouTube video…:

CUT 6 (10)  “printed”

Netzhammer says he can’t fathom why the Confederate flag cake would be denied, but the ISIS image ended up being printed and sold.

CUT 7 (08) “beheading Christians”

A spokesman for Wal-Mart told ABC News that the store associate did not know what the design meant and it was a misunderstanding. In the video, Netzhammer was asking for an explanation…:

CUT 8 (10)  “not allowed”

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A Baton Rouge City Councilman is upset over the Capitol City losing out in international television exposure as a result of NBC’s decision not to broadcast the Miss USA Pageant. Last year the pageant, which was held in Baton Rouge for the first time, was shown in 70 countries. As a guest on the Jim Engster Show, Councilman John Delgado says the broadcast was a big infomercial for the city.

CUT 9 (11)  “this year”

As of now, the July 12 pageant will not be televised. NBC decided not to air the pageant after Miss Universe owner Donald Trump made controversial comments regarding Mexican immigrants.  Delgado says it’s an unfortunate situation for Baton Rouge….

cut 10 (11) “the line” 

Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne issued a statement today that they are still moving forward with the events planned for the MISS USA contestants including a welcome reception at a Downtown Baton Rouge restaurant on July 2nd.

cut 11 (09)”the broadcast”

Dardenne says the state office of tourism is also withholding a 50-thousand dollar payment to the pageant, if the event goes untelevised.

cut 12 (09)  “the broadcast”

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A lawsuit has been filed challenging Governor Bobby Jindal’s “Marriage and Conscience Order”. The suit alleges it creates a class of persons who are protected over others due to their opposition to same-sex marriage. Louisiana ACLU Executive Director Marjorie Esman says this order goes beyond the scope of what the state constitution allows a governor to do…

cut 13 (12)  “to uphold”

The Louisiana ACLU, Forum for Equality, and 6 individuals are the plaintiffs in this lawsuit. The governor’s office has yet to comment on this case. Esman says the governor violated the Louisiana Constitution by setting up special protections for those who share his belief on same-sex marriage…

cut 14 (07) “to protect you”

Jindal’s controversial order prevents the executive branch of state government from taking adverse action against a person or a business for their belief in traditional marriage. Esman says the State Constitution clearly states what a governor can do and what the legislature can do…

cut 15 (07) “to do that”

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There is some concern that the recent Supreme Court ruling legalizing gay marriage in the United States could potentially lead to lawsuits against churches. Scott Carwile has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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A study ranks Louisiana 5th in the country more the most couch potatoes per capita. Emelie Gunn has more on why we ranks so high…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Same sex couples are showing up at clerks of court offices across the state to get their marriage license. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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There is some concern that the recent Supreme Court ruling legalizing gay marriage in the United States could potentially lead to lawsuits against churches. Louisiana Baptist Convention President Steve Horn says it’s his understanding that the ruling gives protection to churches and pastors. But he says that doesn’t mean the issue could not come up in the future…

cut 4  (11)  “in that regard”

He says, as he reads the ruling, lawsuits are not something that should overly concern churches. But Horn says the Supreme Court ruling sort of negates ultimate protection for churches who refuse to perform or host same-sex marriages due to their religious beliefs…

Cut 5  (12)  “right now”

But Horn, who pastors at First Baptist Lafayette, says the four dissenting Supreme Court Justices seemed to be concerned about lawsuits against churches when they wrote their dissent.

Cut 6 (04)  “of concern”

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One of the first same-sex marriage licenses in the state went to Scott Kirkland and Kenneth Parker. They arrived at the East Baton Rouge Clerk of court’s office shortly before 2 PM on Monday. Louisiana was the last state to start issuing licenses and Kirkland says it was frustrating when they couldn’t get one after the Supreme Court ruling on Friday

CUT 7 (09)  “enough it did”

The Louisiana Clerks of Court initially advised parish clerks to wait 25 days before issuing the licenses, but many parishes starting issuing them on Monday, knowing that it was unlikely for the nation’s highest court to reverse its decision that legalized gay marriage. Kirkland says it was important for them to get a license in Louisiana

Cut 8  (09)  “ceremony and party” 

Sarah Jane Brady, executive director for the Forum for Equality, is thrilled that clerks of court around the state are allowing same sex couples to get married

Cut 9 (09)  “good actions of people”

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According to a study by Estately.com, Louisiana comes in number 5 for the states with the most couch potatoes per capita.  Lead blogger Ryan Nickum says they came up with this ranking by calculating 8 different factors, including hours per day watching TV and Laz-E-Boy retailers per capita.

Cut 10 (10) “video games”

Nickum says the state came in 5th for hours per day watching TV and saw a correlation with  watching TV and the obesity ranking throughout all states. He says this study could open people’s  eyes and push them to get up and moving.

cut 11 (10)  “at it”

Nickum says the Louisiana summer heat is a factor on why we have so many couch potatoes. He says his study found that people who live in colder climates, tend to get out more expect for Ohio who ranked number one for couch potatoes per capita.

cut 12 (08)  “air conditioning”

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Governor Bobby Jindal has signed into law a bill that establishes a framework for the legal dispensing of medical marijuana. But state Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says it could be another two years before anyone can get a prescription for medicinal marijuana filled. Stain says that’s because numerous steps need to be accomplished first.

Cut 13 (13)  “of rules”

Strain says they must start with the Board of Medical Examiners creating a set of rules for the prescription, then the Board of Pharmacy has to adopt a set of regulations and a document that describes the production parameters. He says LSU and Southern’s AgCenter’s will have first opportunity to grow the weed that will turn into pill for medical purposes.

Cut 14 (11) “the product”

Strain says the purest and safest form of the drug will only be for people suffering from cancer, glaucoma and some forms of cerebral palsy. He says they are starting from scratch because rules need to be made to obtain seeds or get seeds from other states.

Cut 15  (10)  “being treated”

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Louisiana clerks of court who turn away gay couples seeking a marriage license could face lawsuits for refusing to do so. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Eric Gill”

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An associate professor at LSU has been fired after using foul language and telling sexually-themed jokes to students. Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana clerks of court who turn away gay couples seeking a marriage license could face lawsuits for refusing to do so. Chairman of the Forum for Equality, Chris Otten, says they have sent a letter to the Louisiana Clerks of Court Association putting them on notice…

CUT 3 (10)  “federal law”

The Jindal Administration has stated that they are waiting on a ruling from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on Louisiana’s gay marriage law before complying with the Supreme Court’s decision. Otten is hopeful the court will rule soon and officials in all 64 parishes will immediately begin issuing licenses…

CUT 4 (11)  “significant problems”

He says if clerks refuse to follow the Supreme Court’s ruling, they could be sued for violating a civil rights protection statute under federal law. The Jefferson Parish clerk-of-court began issuing same-sex marriage licenses and several other parishes are doing the same.Sarah Jane Brady with Forum For Equality Louisiana says she hopes to see all parishes getting on board…:

CUT 5 (10)  “married”

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The US Supreme Court rules a controversial drug called midazolam can be used for lethal injections. Gary Clements, an anti-death penalty lawyer in New Orleans, is disappointed with the ruling, because the sedative did not perform like it should have in executions in Arizona, Ohio and Oklahoma

CUT 6 (10)  “lot of sense”

This case originated in Oklahoma over concerns that it violated the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. Louisiana’s lethal injection protocol allows for midazolam, but has never used it. And Clements wonders if Louisiana ever will

CUT 7 (06) “other options”

Last week, a federal judge in Baton Rouge put on hold any execution in Louisiana until July of 2016, until the state determines how they will carry out a death sentence. Clements says despite today’s 5-4 decision, there is hope that one day any form of capital punishment will be prohibited

CUT 8 (10)  “unconstitutional”

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An associate professor at LSU has been fired after using foul language and telling sexually-themed jokes to students. Teresa Buchanan was terminated after school administrators stated her language and humor created a hostile learning environment. Professor Kevin Cope, LSU Faculty Senate President, says this incident stems from a false sense of the protection of students…

CUT 9 (09)  “to be productive”

Buchanan was dismissed even after a five faculty member committee in March recommended she keep her job. Buchanan taught elementary education at the school. Cope says there is a big difference in using bad language and targeting bad language. He says if you call someone a so-and-so, that’s something that would require discipline…

cut 10 (10) “matter, altogether” 

Buchanan says she will fight her termination in court. LSU has no comment pending potential litigation. Cope feels Buchanan has a strong case and a good chance of having this decision reversed. Cope says if the school is going to take this attitude on foul language, it should extend beyond the classroom…

cut 11 (04)  “of the coaches”

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The National Weather Service is now calling for the Red River in Shreveport to crest Tuesday at 31-feet. Hydrologist C.S. Ross says this revised forecast puts the crest a few inches lower than what was previously expected

cut 12 (06)  “this morning”

Ross says the projected 31-foot crest is six feet lower than the crest in mid-June. He says impact from flood waters will be minimal…

cut 13 (05)  “in Shreveport”

Ross says the Red River will likely fall back below flood stage on July 2nd, but remain high through the Fourth of July Holiday Weekend

cut 14 (11) “late August”

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Yahoo reports Louisiana has the second most lightning strikes in the country right after Florida. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A UCLA Williams Institute study finds same sex marriages could bring millions into Louisiana. Scott Carwile speaks with the study author to find out how…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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Louisiana appears to be the only state still fighting the Supreme Court’s decision on same-sex marriages. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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In Louisiana Radio Network’s ongoing gubernatorial Q&A, we asked the four major candidates about agriculture. We asked, if elected, would you propose a budget that keeps funding levels for the Department of Agriculture and the LSU and Southern AgCenters at least at their current level? Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says it’s important to keep funding these entities because agriculture has a $12 billion economic impact on the state…

cut 4  (08)  “our culture”

Democratic Amite Representative John Bel Edwards says he’s committed to maintain funding to the AgCenters. He says, since 2008, state funding for the LSU AgCenter has been cut 23-percent and Southern’s AgCenter funding has dropped by 30-percent…

Cut 5  (10)  “state’s economy”

US Senator David Vitter says it’s important to stabilize the budgets for these entities. He says since 2008, the number of full-time employees at the LSU AgCenter has decreased by 31-percent…

Cut 6 (12)  “reverse that” 2X

Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle says he’s committed to continue funding at current or higher levels. He says as as goes Louisiana’s farming, in a lot of ways, so goes Louisiana’s economy as a whole…

CUT 7 (10)  “development plan”

______________________________________

A report by Yahoo says Louisiana has the second most lightning strikes a year in the country.  Louisiana trails Florida but is just ahead of Mississippi. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we average about 827,000 strikes a year and lightning has caused 142 fatalities since 1959, or about 2.5 deaths a year.

Cut 8  (07)  “time outdoors” 

Keim says Louisianians spend most of our time hunting, fishing, and participating in other outdoor activities which increases our vulnerability to lightning strikes. He also debunks a myths about what happens when lightning hits.

Cut 9 (09)  “by lightning”

According to State Farm, Louisiana ranks 4th in the nation for lightning claims. In 2014, State Farm paid 6.5 million for more than 13-hundred insurance claims related to lightning stikes in Louisiana. Keim advises people to get in a car or go inside if lightning gets bad during a thunderstorm and no matter what, don’t hide under a tree. He says be careful when touching metal objects when lightning can be seen.

Cut 10 (07) “to be”

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According to a UCLA Williams Institute study, same sex marriages in Louisiana could mean a 28 million dollar boost to the economy over the next three years. Study author Lee Badgett says many small businesses will thrive if this estimate proves true.

cut 11 (11)  “and florists”

Badgett says there are about 4,000 gay couples living in Louisiana and it is expected that half will get married within the next three years. She says they used the US census to calculate the economic impact these marriages could have on the state.

cut 12 (10)  “different factors”

Badgett says this will also increase the amount of jobs available in the wedding fields. She says the state government will find sales tax revenue from hotels and restaurant meals.

Cut 13 (11)  “and families”

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

Despite a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, Louisiana is still not recognizing same-sex marriages. The Jindal Administration has said they are waiting on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to rule on a case involving Louisiana’s same-sex marriage ban. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says the state is fighting an uphill battle…

Cut 14 (12) “marriage licenses”

Clerks of Court are holding off on issuing marriage licenses until a 25-day period concludes where Supreme Court decisions can be challenged. State Attorney General Buddy Caldwell says the decision has no mandate or order from the highest court that makes the decision final. Ciolino says this statement sends the message  Louisiana intends to fight the federal government over a civil rights issue…

Cut 15  (06)  “perhaps baffling”

Now that the Supreme Court has ruled that states must recognize same-sex marriage, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals will likely move forward with its case on gay marriage. The ruling by the appeals court will most likely be a formality, and Ciolino says the state won’t have to wait long for its decision…

Cut 16  (03)  “days or weeks”

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According to 24-7 sports, LSU football’s 2016 recruiting class is ranked number one in the country. With national signing day still several months away, the Tigers have 17 verbal commitments, including two five-star prospects, cornerback Saivion Smith from Florida and St. Thomas Aquinas defensive tackle Edwin Alexander from Hammond. 24-7 sports, Shea Dixon, says Coach Les Miles has hired some great recruiters…

Cut 17 (17) ” in the country” 

Dixon says not only is LSU receiving verbal commitments from some talented football players, they are also filling positions of need, especially on the defensive side of the ball

Cut 18 (12) “outside linebacker”

Ten of LSU’s commitments are from Louisiana. Dixon says the Tigers are also doing the well in Texas, as four of their verbal pledges are from the Lone Star state

Cut 19 (20) “…Erick Fowler “

It is now illegal in Louisiana to post or share nude images of people on the internet without their consent. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Eric Gill”

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Same sex couples are celebrating the US Supreme Court’s landmark decision that legalizes gay marriage. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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It is now illegal in Louisiana to post or share nude images of people on the internet without their consent. Governor Bobby Jindal signed Kenner Representative Julie Stokes’ “revenge porn” bill into law. Stokes says she is not surprised the governor signed the measure…

CUT 3 (07)  “things like this”

The new law makes it a crime to share an explicit image of someone on the internet without their permission. Stokes says she’s read and heard about many people who have had this happen to them…

CUT 4 (10)  “that they’re used”

She says there are numerous cases of “revenge porn” that has caused irreparable damage to victims. Violators of the law could face up to two years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Stokes says this legislation sends a strong message…

CUT 5 (12)  “the line somewhere”

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Same sex couples across Louisiana are celebrating today’s historic Supreme Court ruling that legalizes gay marriages in every state. Matthew Patterson, with Equality Louisiana, says it’s hard to put into words what this decision means to gay and lesbian couples…

CUT 6 (09)  “actually happen”

But Gene Mills, with the Louisiana Family Forum, says the Supreme Court has stripped all Americans of the freedom to debate and decide marriage policy through the democratic process

CUT 7 (08) “policy”

Patterson says the Supreme Court made the right decision in this case, because individual liberties should not be left up to individual voters or states to protect…

CUT 8 (10)  “to be married”

Mills says the Supreme Court has created a litigation rich environment, because there will be churches who will seek to stand by their religious belief that marriage is only between a man and a woman…

CUT 9 (11)  “wave of litibation”

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On the heels of the Supreme Court’s landmark decision legalizing same-sex marriage, Clerks of Court offices in Louisiana are initially holding off issuing marriage licenses to gay couples. Louisiana Clerks of Court Association Executive Director Debbie Hudnall says they will not issue licenses until the Supreme Court challenge period is over…

cut 10 (11) “or decision” 

Hudnall says Supreme Court rules allow for a 25-day challenge period for any judgement or decision. She says clerks are going to do what they’re legally required to do, but for right now, same-sex couples are not able to get a marriage license in Louisiana…

cut 11 (09)  “any license”

(A statement from the Attorney General’s Office said that it has found nothing in today’s decision that makes the Court’s order effective immediately. Therefore, there is not yet a legal requirement for officials to issue marriage licenses or perform marriages for same-sex couples in Louisiana. The AG’s Office will be watching for the Court to issue a mandate or order making today’s decision final and effective and will issue a statement when that occurs.)

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is taking part in Operation Dry Water this weekend. The operation calls for increased patrols on the water to check for boaters driving while drunk. LDWF Spokesperson Adam Einck says they’ve participated in this federal event since 2009.

cut 12 (11)  “for DWI”

Einck says we’re getting close to the 4th of July and the boating season is in full force. He says LDWF’s boaters safety course has helped to keep fatalities on the water lower than ever.

cut 13 (09)  “do so”

Einck says patrols will be checking the hot spots for drinking this weekend. He says many people aren’t aware that DWI laws on the water are the same as if you were driving a car.

cut 14 (07) “9 yards”

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The Louisiana Peach Festival begins today and there are plans to create the worlds largest peach cobbler. Emelie Gunn has more on how they made the big cobbler…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Two events benefiting Governor Bobby Jindal’s presidential campaign, that involve some pretty big names, will take place in Baton Rouge Saturday. Scott Carwile has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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As temperatures continue to rise this summer it’s a good idea to remember your pets require special care to avoid heatstroke. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The 65th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival begins today and there are hopes to make a little history. Festival Organizer Brandon Sutherland says they plan to set a Guinness World Record for the largest peach cobbler.

cut 4  (10)  “metric ton”

Sutherland says it’ll take over 800 pounds of peaches to create the cobbler. He says businesses all over Ruston donated ingredients and materials to achieve the goal.

Cut 5  (08)  “Ruston Brick”

Sutherland says festival goers will be able to get a taste of the worlds largest peach cobbler. He says there will be no charge for a piece, but there will be a donation bucket.

Cut 6 (12)  “big cobbler”

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Two events benefiting Governor Bobby Jindal’s presidential campaign, that involve big names like Tom Benson, Les Miles, and Sean Payton, will take place in Baton Rouge Saturday. First there will be a fundraising event at a local hotel, hosted by Benson, shipbuilder Boysie Bollinger, former Congressman Bob Livingston and others. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s not a surprise that Jindal would begin raising funds for his campaign in Louisiana…

CUT 7 (08)  “so to speak”

The second is an invitation only event at the Governor’s Mansion featuring honorary hosts LSU head football coach Les Miles and Saints head coach Sean Payton. Pinsonat says these events are a smart way for Jindal to begin his campaign…

Cut 8  (04)  “fund raising efforts” 

But he says the governor will have to raise a lot of money from a lot of different places to be competitive in this race. Pinsonat says this is probably Jindal’s best and last chance to raise money in Louisiana…

Cut 9 (05)  “or 40 days”

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As temperatures continue to rise this summer it’s a good idea to remember your pets require special care to avoid heatstroke. The LSU Veterinary School says they have already seen two fatal cases of heatstroke this month. Associate professor and veterinarian Dr. Kirk Ryan dogs can’t tolerate scorching temperatures and extreme exercise..:

Cut 10 (09) “related illness”

Ryan says dogs cannot tell us when they feel hot, so it’s our responsibility to ensure that our pets have sufficient shelter from the sun. He says one of the most important things you can do is always make sure your pet has plenty of water…:

cut 11 (09) “these conditions”

Ryan says puppies, kittens, older dogs and cats and animals with short snouts or muzzles such as pugs and bulldogs are at increased risk. He says heatstroke is an absolute emergency and needs to be treated immediately by cooling off with a water hose and going to a vet…:

cut 12 (12)  “as well”

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Former NFL stars headline the 2015 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame class that will be inducted this weekend in Natchitoches. Former Saints and Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme is part of the eight member class.  The Breaux Bridge native was a record-setting QB for the Ragin Cajuns and led Carolina to the Super Bowl during the 2003 season. Delhomme credits former Saints offensive coordinator and current Packers head coach Mike McCarthy for the success he had in the NFL

Cut 13 (14)  “right team”

While Delhomme missed out on winning a Super Bowl, former LSU Tiger Kevin Faulk won three Super Bowl rings as a running back for the Patriots. The former Cancrencro standout and three-time all-SEC selection is also going into the hall this weekend. Faulk says his football career took off in New England

Cut 14 (11) “just playing”

The 2015 class also includes former St. Aug High School Football Coach Otis Washington, former McNeese State defensive back Leonard Smith, New Orleans native and former NBA player/coach, Avery Johnson, former Cajuns and LSU softball coach Yvette Girouard, horse trainer Frank Brothers and former Northeast Louisiana University coach Pat Collins, who led the Monroe school to a Division 1-AA national championship in 1987. Collins credits the staff he had at N-L-U

Cut 15  (08)  “high school”

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The US Supreme Court upholds tax subsidies under the Affordable Care Act which supporters say preserves health care for thousands of Louisianians. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Eric Gill”

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New Census figure shows the country’s population is more diverse.  Emelie Gunn has a look at what’s happening in Louisiana.

CUT 2 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Monsanto announces possible plans to make a 1 billion dollar expansion to their Luling plant.  The addition would produce a new product line to help  soybeans, cotton and corn. St. Charles Parish President V.J. St. Pierre says this is very exciting and Monsanto has always been a great industrial partner…

CUT 3 (09)  “of Louisiana”

St. Pierre says the plant would create 95 direct, 450 indirect, and 1,000 construction jobs. He says the final decision to expand the plant will be in the early part of 2016.

CUT 4 (09)  “project”

St. Pierre says Monstano is one of the biggest employers in St. Charles. He says plant employees are always involved in the community and often help out with different charity events.

CUT 5 (12)  “plant people”

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The US Supreme Court upholds tax subsidies under the Affordable Care Act which supporters say preserves health care for thousands of Louisianians. Opponents argued subsidies should not be available in the 34 states that did not set up their own health insurance marketplace, which includes Louisiana. US Senator Bill Cassidy is disappointed by the court’s ruling…

CUT 6 (08)  “must continue”

This is the second time the Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the Affordable Care Act. Executive Director of the Louisiana Democratic Party, Stephen Handwerk, says this ruling is a victory for the people of Louisiana…

CUT 7 (06) “health care”

The Court voted 6-3 to uphold the subsidies. Cassidy says the Supreme Court’s decision doesn’t repeal the problems with “Obamacare”, which includes insurance premiums increasing up to 60-percent per year on the marketplace…

CUT 8 (08)  “as un-American”

6.4 million people nationwide were at risk of losing their health insurance subsidies because their state did not set up its own exchange. Cassidy says the fight against “Obamacare” will continue. Handwerk says Chief Justice John Roberts’ majority opinion explains the Court’s decision best…

CUT 9 (08)  “exactly that”

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New census figures show the nation’s population is becoming  more diverse and Millennials now outnumber babyboomers. Demographer Greg Rigamer says Louisiana is following the national trend, as the state’s Hispanic population has increased increased since 2010.

cut 10 (13) “African American population” 

Rigamer says Louisiana and the nation’s population is more diverse because people are not afraid to leave one state for another in search of better employment.

cut 11 (09)  “in history”

The U.S. Census says there are now 83 million people who are considered millennials, people born between 1982 and 2000 and their size exceeds that of babyboomers. Rigamer says you can see that trend happening here in Louisiana.

cut 12 (08)  “in Louisiana”

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A man wanted for the murder of his estranged wife in Calcasieu Parish has been added to the F-B-I’s Most Wanted fugitive list. Forty-seven-year-old Joe Matthew Constance has not been seen since he shot and killed Mary Duhon on June 5th, 2011. Calcasieu Sheriff Tony Mancuso says they hope the F-B-I’s help can bring Constance to justice…

cut 13 (09)  “us out”

Mancuso says now that the F-B-I is involved, they receive better tips on whether he is outside the country or in a different state. He says there is a reward for information leading to Constance’s arrest.

cut 14 (08) “he is”

Mancuso says Constance forced himself into Duhon’s home and demanded the residents inside tell him where his ex-wife was, he found her in another area of the residence and shot her. He says Constance was charged with first degree murder, aggravated assault and aggravated burglary the day he killed Duhon.

cut 15 (11) “murder”

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Fidelity Investments’ 2015 Couples Retirement Study finds a disconnect between couples on finances and retirement planning issues. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Eric Gill”

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Not many are giving Governor Bobby Jindal much of a chance to win the republican presidential nomination. Emelie Gunn speaks with a political analyst who thinks Jindal can prove doubters wrong…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Governor Bobby Jindal is officially a candidate for governor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Fidelity Investments’ 2015 Couples Retirement Study finds a disconnect between couples on finances and retirement planning issues. The study shows that 43-percent of respondents don’t know how much their partner makes. Tulane University Business Professor, Dr. Mark Rosa, says that doesn’t surprise him. He says when you talk about pay, it can get complicated rather quickly…

cut 4  (08)  “the income is”

The survey also shows that 48-percent of respondents have no idea how much money they need to save to maintain their current lifestyle in retirement. Rosa says there is no excuse to not know how much money you need for retirement since there are free online tools that will show you if you’re on the right course…

Cut 5  (07)  “for retirement”

Although these numbers do not come as a shock to him, Rosa says people should more interest in their finances because, after all, it is your own money…

Cut 6 (07)  “to the investor”

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There are many people who do not think Governor Bobby Jindal has much of a chance to win the Republican Presidental nomination, but ULM Political Science Professor John Sutherlin says Jindal can emerge as one of the favorites.  Jindal is the 13th announced Republican candidate but he can distingish himself by telling American voters that as Governor he didn’t raise taxes , he reduced the size of the budget and reformed ethic laws.

CUT 7 (07)  “national level”

A recent poll showed that Jindal is less popular in Louisiana than Democratic President Barack Obama. But Sutherlin says that will not matter on the Presidential campaign trail.

Cut 8  (12)  “campaign on” 

Sutherlin says if Jindal is competitive  in the Iowa caucus and in the New Hampshire primary that could lead to a really good showing in South Carolina. He says Jindal has a history of being a good campaigner.

Cut 9 (10)  “very competitive”

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The National Weather Service says, due to rains from Tropical Storm Bill, northwest Louisiana should be aware that the Red River will crest again next week. But Marty Mayeaux with the NWS in Shreveport says it won’t be as bad as the flooding we saw earlier this month…:

Cut 10 (06) “two weeks ago”

Mayeaux says the Red will crest at 32 and a half feet on July 1st which is about 4 and a half feet lower than the June 9th crest…:

cut 11 (10) previous flood”

Officials say if your property flooded this month in Caddo/Bossier parish, you should take the necessary precautions. Mayeaux says it will mostly affect low lying areas and some farm land…:

cut 12 (11)  “those roads flooding”

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Governor Bobby Jindal is on the campaign trail today meeting with voters in New Hampshire as he’s joined a long list of candidates seeking the 2016 Republican presidential nomination. The governor kicked off his campaign in Kenner yesterday, by touting his accomplishments as governor and portraying himself as a man who gets things done

Cut 13 (09)  “doer”

Jindal says his top priorities will be to grow the private sector economy, rebuild America’s defenses and push forward a better health care policy…

Cut 14 (13) “cheering”

Jindal enters the race as a long-shot in receiving the republican presidential nomination. The governor says if he gets to the White House, he plans on making big changes…

Cut 15  (13)  “cheering”

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Two former LSU basketball players are expected to be selected in tonight’s NBA draft. Former Tiger hoops star and current color analyst on the LSU Sports Radio Network, Ricky Blanton, says Jarrell Martin and Jordan Mickey coudl be selected late in the first round, but he says Martin’s stock has fallen since he’s not participated in a lot of five-on-five and three-and-three workouts

Cut 16  (12)  “I don’t know”

Martin is six-foot-ten, 240 pounds and averaged nearly 17 points and nine rebounds a game last season. But Blanton says another thing going against Martin is that it’s hard to say what position he’ll play in the pros

Cut 17 (12) ” embrace it” 

Most mock drafts have Mickey as a second round pick. But Blanton says Mickey’s stock has been on the rise, because of good pre-draft workouts and NBA scouts appreciate his skill set…

Cut 18 (08) “he’s young”

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State Attorney General Buddy Caldwell announces the arrest of 36 suspected child predators as a result of a multi-agency effort to protect Louisiana’s children. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Eric Gill”

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The St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s office says three people are dead, including a 3-year-old little girl, after a fatal domestic situation. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Bogalusa authorities are investigating a double homicide. Assistant Police Chief Gene Crosby says they received a call yesterday about a shooting…

CUT 3 (10)  “of town”

One of the victims has been identified through the media as Shannon Hudson, a Baton Rouge rapper known as Young Ready. Crosby says incidents like this don’t usually happen in Bogalusa . He says they’re not releasing many details at this point.

CUT 4 (06)  “their job”

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A man wanted for stealing his father’s identity has turned himself into Baton Rouge authorities. Cpl. Don Coppola says 29-year-old  Gabadiah McClay of Plaquemine was booked on charges of Forgery and Identity Theft.

CUT 5 (10)  “his father”

Coppola says McClay took out an auto loan and a personal loan, which totaled around 69,000 dollars. He says McClay’s father suspected his son and alerted authorities after he noticed accounts had been opened in his name.

CUT 6 (08)  “personal information”

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State Attorney General Buddy Caldwell announces the arrest of 36 suspected child predators as a result of a multi-agency effort to protect Louisiana’s children. “Operation Broken Heart” was a two month initiative between the Attorney General’s Cyber Crime Unit and other law enforcement agencies across the state. Caldwell says he’s pleased with the results of the operation…

CUT 7 (07) “national average”

Caldwell says the 36 arrests made during “Operation Broken Heart” is double the national average. He says the initiative was part of a coordinated nationwide effort to apprehend those who engage in child sexual exploitation. Caldwell adds that 20 of those arrests came from the AG’s Cyber Crime Unit…

CUT 8 (09)  “with juveniles”

He says the 20 arrests from his office resulted in a total of 704 sex offenses. The Attorney General’s Cyber Crime Unit has made 95 total arrests in the last 12 months. Calwell says the effort to protect children from online predators is vitally important…

CUT 9 (09)  “else matters”

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The St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s office says three people are dead, including a 3-year-old little girl, after a fatal domestic situation. Spokeswoman Ginny Higgins says they received a frantic 911 call from one of the victims, 72-year-old Leola Blanchard, who advised that she’d been shot by her husband, 58-year-old Clifford Blanchard…:

cut 10 (10) “been shot by Clifford” 

Higgins says it appears that Clifford Blanchard fatally shot his wife Leola and also shot and injured his son, 32-year-old Scott Blanchard..:

cut 11 (10)  “fatal gunshot wound”

(Higgins says Clifford Blanchard apparently also shot and killed his 3-year-old granddaughter before being fatally shot by his son, 32-year-old Scott Blanchard who was also injured. The investigation is ongoing. Scott Blanchard remains hospitalized.)

Higgins says deputies arrived on scene and discovered a third victim who had been shot to death, 3-year-old Ashlynn Blanchard, the granddaughter of the apparent gunman…:

cut 12 (09)  “at all”

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Governor Bobby Jindal has made it official, he announced on Twitter that he is running for President. On his campaign website, BobbyJindal.com, the governor posted a video of him telling his three children about his big decision.

cut 13 (11)  “like that”

The children seemed excited about their father’s run for President. One of their of their requests is a puppy if they get a chance to move into the White House.

cut 14 (12) “care of him”

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A study determines that Louisianans lead the country for paying the highest percentage of annual income for insurance costs. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Governor Bobby Jindal’s Presidential Announcement is slated to happen this afternoon at 4pm at the Ponchatrain Center in Kenner. Michelle Southern reporting….

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The Louisiana chapter of the NAACP has written a letter to Governor Bobby Jindal asking that the “Sons of the Confederate Veterans” license plate be removed as an option here. Scott Carwile reports…:

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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According to the consumer website nerdwallet, Louisianians pay the highest percentage of their annual salary for insurance in the country. Nerdwallet found that a Louisianian pays 7,300 dollars a year for homeowners, health, life and auto insurance. Researcher Jeffery Chu says thats about 18 percent of our median yearly earnings because of a couple of different aspects.

cut 4  (08)  “as well”

Chu says unfortunately they’ve discovered many people are overpaying on insurance. He says even though these costs are high and hard to avoid, there are a lot of ways to save money on insurance.

Cut 5  (07)  “to this”

Chu says homeowners insurance is so expensive here because Louisiana is in a location with a major risk for hurricanes and bad weather. He says auto insurance is also high because of the large amount of claim rates.

Cut 6 (08)  “high rates”

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Governor Bobby Jindal’s presidential announcement is slated to happen this afternoon at 4pm at the Ponchatrain Center in Kenner. It’s expected that Jindal will announce he’s seeking the Republican Nomination. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says even though Jindal’s polling low, he’s likely of the mind that you can’t win if you don’t run…:

CUT 7 (09)  “pick up”

Cross says Jindal has been putting his team in place and plotting strategy and the next step will be aggressively campaigning…:

Cut 8  (08)  “first goal” 

Jindal is one of many candidates with their eye on the White House and Cross says one of the biggest challenges from here will be raising money and getting his team together. He also says the Governor will need to ramp up his name recognition as there are many voters in the US who have no idea who he is or what he’s about…:

Cut 9 (08)  “a tragedy”

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Governor Jindal signs legislation into law that attempts to help law enforcement on college campuses investigate accusations of sexual assault. Both measures are sponsored by New Orleans Senator J.P. Morrell. He says one of the bills requires the board of regents to develop a uniform sexual assault policy that colleges must file when there is a report of sexual assault.

Cut 10 (13) “those campuses”

Morrell says this is the first instance in the country where a state has set up procedure for public colleges to follow when there’s a report of a sexual assault and how the victim can be helped….

cut 11 (09) “to them”

Morrell says the second bill will train college and university police officers on how to investigate a sexual assault case…

cut 12 (1)7  “assault case”

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The Louisiana chapter of the NAACP has written a letter to Governor Bobby Jindal asking that the “Sons of the Confederate Veterans” license plate be removed as an option here. The Office of Motor Vehicles says there are currently 160 of those plates, which feature a Confederate flag, on the road. LA-NAACP President Ernest Johnson…:

Cut 13 (10)  “in any form”

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says he sponsored the legislation creating the plate in 1999 at the request of a State Capitol employee. He says he has no comment on whether the state should stop selling it because he is no longer a policy maker. Johnson says there have been many major retail outlets who have stopped selling Confederate flags:

Cut 14 (11) “license plate”

Johnson says a Rebel Flag is a symbol best regulated to individual use and should not be sponsored by our state in any way…:

Cut 15  (10)  “in Louisiana”

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There’s a break down in talks between the Louisiana High School Athletic Association and referees over how much they should be paid. The Lousiaina High School Officials Association wants a raise prior to start of the 2015 school year, but L-H-S-A-A  director Eddie Bonine says an increase in pay can’t take effect, until it’s voted on by school principals in January…

Cut 16  (17)  “has to cash”

The Louisiana High School Officials Association says they’ve only received two pay raises over the last 25 years and they are seeking a pay increase in all sports. The referees say they are tired of promises, which is why they’ve rejected a proposal for any increase in pay to begin in 2016. Bonine says he can’t increase referee pay, only principals can…

Cut 17 (11) ” festered over time” 

Bonine says if the impasse is not resolved, they could have problems finding officials for high school athletic events when school begins in August. He hopes it doesn’t come to that

Cut 18 (05) “suffer here”

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