Luminaries from across the state are mourning the death of former Governor Edwin Edwards who passed away at 93. Edwards served four terms in office with his first stint starting in 1971. Biographer Leo Honeycutt says Edwards took advantage of an oil boom in 1974 and changed the severance making Louisiana the most-cash-rich state in the nation. Edwards told Jim Engster in 2011 that he always looked out for the working class…

Cut 4 (11) “….some people are” 

Honeycutt says that interest in helping out the average Louisianan meant Edwards remained highly popular even after serving eight years in federal prison on racketeering charges.

Cut 8 (10) “…that much”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says state parks are having their best year yet and that seems to have the system getting closer and closer to being entirely self-funded. State Parks Deputy Assistant Secretary Clifford Melius says about six state parks made more money this year than what it costs to operate them.

Cut 13 (08) “…of that.”

Melius says about 70 percent of their traffic is coming from Louisiana residents.

The Louisiana Community and Technical College System saw a 10 percent drop in enrollment during the 2020-2021 school year. LCTCS spokesperson Quintin Taylor says many of their students have children and the chaotic situation in K-12 education during the worst of the pandemic made it hard for parents to pursue their own education.

Cut 10 (11) “…space.”

Louisiana has lost one of its iconic figures. Former four-term Governor Edwin Edwards passed away at the age of 93 this morning. It was a week ago that Edwards placed himself in hospice care after complaining of pain in his right lung. His biographer Leo Honeycutt says Edwards stopped eating two days ago and his last words were to his seven-year-old son Eli…
cut 7 (09) “….last words”

Edwards is Louisiana’s most well-known governor since Huey Long and could always fire off a great soundbite. Here’s what he said following his conviction in 2001 on federal racketeering charges…
cut 19 (12) “…my body”
Edwards served 8.5 years in federal prison but met his wife Trina during that time. The two were pen pals.

A Webster Parish deputy was killed Friday night while responding to a call as a Doyline patrol officer. Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker declined to give the suspect’s name because he wanted the focus to be on the loss officer William Earl Collins, Junior, also known as Billy.

Cut 9 (09) “…closure.”

The suspect has been identified as 59-year-old Mahlon Taylor, the Taylor family says he suffers from mental illness.

The Louisiana Community and Technical College System saw a 10 percent drop in enrollment during the 2020-2021 school year. LCTCS spokesperson Quintin Taylor says the good news is enrollment seems to be rebounding.

Cut 12 (08) “…as well.”

For the current summer semester enrollment has increased five to fifteen percent in some places.

Four-term former Governor Edwin Edwards has passed away at the age of 93. His biographer Leo Honeycutt says Edwards died peacefully this morning at his home in Gonzales with family and friends at his bedside. Honeycutt says last Monday Edwards placed himself in hospice care…
cut 6 (12) “…what happened”
Honeycutt says Edwin Edwards’s last words were to his eight-year-old son, Eli. He told Eli that he loved him.

Current Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards says the state has lost a giant. He says Edwin Edwards was a larger-than-life figure known for his wit and charm and he will be equally remembered for being a compassionate leader who cared for the plight of all Louisianans.

Edwards also served 8.5 years in federal prison, but met his wife Trina through the experience and ran for Congress in 2014.

Enrollment at Louisiana Community and Technical College System schools dropped ten percent for the 2020-21 school year. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

There are many people returning today from a well-deserved vacation. LSU Health New Orleans Clinical Psychologist Doctor Michelle Moore says taking a proper break from daily tasks helps rejuvenate and refresh a person’s outlook on both personal and work life.
Cut 5 (09) “…to do.

Former Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards has passed away at the age of 93. Edwards served four terms as governor, but also eight years in prison after he was convicted on racketeering charges for corrupting the state’s riverboat gaming licensing process…
cut 3 (11) “…balances out”
That audio is courtesy of the Jim Engster Show in 2011. Edwards biographer Leo Honeycutt says Edwards died peacefully this morning at his him in Gonzales.

The investigation continues into Friday night’s fatal shooting of law enforcement officer William Earl Collins Junior, also known as Billy. Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker says Collins was working as a Doyline police officer at the time of the shooting…
cut 8 (10) “….to assist’
State Police say the man suspected of shooting Collins is in serious condition with a gunshot wound.

The Lt. Governor’s Office says Louisiana State Parks are experiencing their best year yet and the system is getting to the point where it can fund itself. State Parks Deputy Assistant Secretary Clifford Melius says about 70-percent of their bookings are coming from Louisiana residents and some parks are booked up to 13 months out…
cut 14 (10) “…statewide”

Meanwhile, the Louisiana Community and Technical College System reported a ten-percent drop in enrollment for the 2020-21 school year. Spokesperson Quintin Taylor says many of their students have children themselves and many incoming freshmen decided on attending four-year schools because ACT admissions criteria was lowered…
cut 11 (08) “….schools”
Taylor says enrollment for the fall semester is on the upswing.

Law enforcement around the state are mourning the loss of Doyline Police Officer William Earl Collins, Junior, also known as Billy, who was killed on Friday night while responding to a service call at home. Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker says Collins was a part-time officer for Doyline and his full-time job was at the parish prison…
cut 7 (08) “…of us”
State Police say the man who shot Collins suffered a gunshot wound and is in serious condition.

According to the Lt. Governor’s office, the state park system is having its best year ever. State Parks Deputy Assistant secretary Clifford Melius says part of the success has been increasing the number of amenities at each park, adding attractions like horseback riding and canoeing and other draws…
cut 15 (11) “…longer”

We are at the pinnacle of the summer vacation season, and health professionals say taking a break from your daily tasks is just what the doctor ordered. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries had to rescue a man after he jumped into the Atchafalaya River from the Basin Bridge. The incident occurred on Friday and Jimmy Jennings reportedly made the decision to jump after he was stuck in traffic as a result of a ten-vehicle pile-up. Jennings reportedly spent three hours in the water before he was rescued.

The Lieutenant Governor’s office says state parks are having their best year and the system is getting closer to being entirely self-funded. State Parks Deputy Assistant Secretary Clifford Melius says six state parks made more money this year than what it costs to operate them.
Cut 13 (08) “…of that.”
Melius says about 70 percent of their traffic is coming from Louisiana residents and some parks are booked up to 13 months out.

It’s the height of the summer vacation season and many are taking a break, especially after COVID travel restrictions in 2020. LSU Health New Orleans Clinical Psychologist Dr. Michelle Moore says taking a break from work is essential for your health, even if you can’t travel…
cut 4 (10) “…to rest”

The Louisiana Community and Technical College System saw a 10 percent drop in enrollment during the 2020-21 school year. Spokesperson Quintin Taylor says many of their students have children and the chaotic situation in K-12 education during the pandemic made it hard for parents to pursue their own education.
Cut 10 (11) “…space.”

Scripps National Spelling Bee Champ Zaila Avant-garde has already received scholarship offers from LSU, Southern, and the Louisiana Community and Technical College System after becoming the first Louisiana resident to win the tournament. Zaila has previously said she was interested in Harvard.

We are at the pinnacle of the summer vacation season, and health professionals say taking a break from your daily tasks is just what the doctor ordered. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

___________________________________

Enrollment at Louisiana Community and Technical College System schools dropped ten percent for the 2020-2021 school year. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

_________________________________________

A pandemic fueled surge in outdoorsy interest has the state park system closer than ever to being self-sufficient. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (28)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

_______________________________

As we enter the height of the summer vacation season many people are taking a break from work and school, especially after COVID travel restrictions in 2020. But for some, a vacation is a luxury, not all are afforded. LSU Clinical Psychologist Dr. Michelle Moore says even if you can’t travel, taking a break from work is essential for your health.

Cut 4 (10) “…to rest.”

Moore says taking a proper break from daily tasks will help you rejuvenate and refresh your outlook on both your personal and work life.

Cut 5  (09) “…to do.”

The “I don’t have time for a vacation” excuse Moore says is dangerous for your physical and mental wellbeing. She says daily stress can take a toll on your body and heighten depression.

Cut 6 (06) “…a break.”

Moore says students are given a break from school and it’s imperative that adults also take a break from their daily tasks also.

_______________________________

A Webster Parish deputy was killed Friday night while responding to a call as a Doyline patrol officer. Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker says William Earl Collins, Junior, also known as Billy, was a good officer, father, and husband.

Cut 7 (08) “…of us.”

Collins was a full-time deputy at the Bayou Dorcheat Correction Center but was serving as a part-time Doyline police officer when he was shot.

The shooting happened just off Green Tree Road. Parker says Collins was airlifted to LSU Ochsner Health and died shortly before 8 pm.

Cut 8 (10) “…at assist.”

Collins was shot in the head. The two deputies assisting were not injured but, their patrol units were damaged by gunfire. 

The suspect reportedly barricaded himself in the home for several hours after shooting Collins but was later taken into custody with life-threatening injuries. Parker declined to give the suspect’s name because he wanted the focus to be on the loss of Collins. Parker says his heart goes out to the Collins family.

Cut 9 (09) “…closure.”

State police are investigating the shooting.

________________________

The Louisiana Community and Technical College System saw a 10 percent drop in enrollment during the 2020-2021 school year.

LCTCS spokesperson Quintin Taylor says many of their students have children and the chaotic situation in K-12 education during the worst of the pandemic made it hard for parents to pursue their own education.

Cut 10 (11) “…space.”

Taylor says nationally the decline in community college enrollment was closer to 12 percent.

Taylor says another factor was other higher ed institutions temporarily relaxing ACT admissions criteria due to how hard it was to schedule and hold safe testing dates.

Cut 11 (08) “…schools.”

Taylor says the final factor that drove down enrollment was COVID-19 safety concerns.

Taylor says the good news is enrollment seems to be rebounding. For the current summer semester enrollment has increased five to fifteen percent in some places.

Cut 12 (08) “…as well.”

__________________________________

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says state parks are having their best year yet and that seems to have the system getting closer and closer to being entirely self-funded.

State Parks Deputy Assistant Secretary Clifford Melius says about six state parks made more money this year than what it costs to operate them.

Cut 13 (08) “…of that.”

Melius says about 70 percent of their traffic is coming from Louisiana residents and at some parks they’re booked up to 13 months out.

Cut 14 (10) “…statewide.”

Melius says part of the success has been increasing the number of amenities at each park, adding in attractions like horseback riding, canoe vendors, and other draws…

Cut 15 (11)“…longer.”

A Webster Parish deputy was killed Friday night while responding to a call as a Doyline patrol officer. Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker says William Earl Collins, Junior died shortly before 8pm. Parker says his heart goes out to the Collins family.

Cut 9 closure :10

The suspect was taken into custody with life threatening injuries, hours later after he barricaded himself in the home.

Pfizer is asking health officials to recommend a third booster shot for the COVID vaccine but as of now the CDC and FDA aren’t on board.  LSU Health Shreveport infectious disease specialist Doctor John Vanchiere says right now increasing vaccinations is the priority.

Cut  11 (09) “…boosters.” 

Legendary escape artist Cara the Burmese Python is back safe in her exhibit at the Blue Zoo in Baton Rouge after spending most of the week evading capture in the Mall of Louisiana. Dr. Christopher Austin with LSU’s Museum of Natural Science says it’s good she was found…

Cut 4 (11) “…survive”

Cara wasn’t the only one to make national headlines this week from the Bayou State… 14-year-old Zaila Avant-garde from Harvey won the Scripps National Spelling Bee Thursday night becoming the first person from Louisiana and African American to win the bee. She spelled Murraya correctly to win…

Cut 12 (10) “…applause fades”

She also holds three world records in dribbling the most balls simultaneously.

A Webster Parish deputy was killed last night responding to a disturbance at a home in Doyline. Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker says William Earl Collins, Junior, also known as Billy, died just before 8 p.m.

25 closure :11

The suspect was taken into custody with life-threatening injuries.

Louisiana has now recorded 1,700breakthrough COVID cases where a fully vaccinated individual gets infected. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says that’s still a tiny fraction of all vaccinated adults in the state and nearly all of those cases we’re mild, but…

Cut 7 (12) “…Louisiana”

Pfizer is pushing the CDC and FDA to approve their recommendation that people get three shots instead of just two to ward off variants but the federal agencies aren’t backing that request yet. LSU Health Shreveport infectious disease specialist Doctor John Vanchiere says right now it’s more important to increase the vaccination rate.

Cut 10 (09) “…coronavirus.”The Scripps National Spelling Bee named a new champion Thursday t, 14-year-old Zaila Avant-garde of Harvey, a west bank community in the greater New Orleans area, became the first Louisianan and African American to win the famed contest. Avant-garde says spelling is just a hobby, her real passion is basketball where she holds three Guinness World Records…

Cut 14 (09) “…six balls.” 

A Webster Parish deputy was killed Friday night while responding to a call as a Doyline patrol officer. William Earl Collins, Junior , also known as Billy, died just before 8 p.m.  Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker says Collins was a good officer, father, and husband.

Cut 24 of us :09

The suspect reportedly barricaded himself in the home for several hours and was taken into custody with life-threatening injuries.

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says 39 percent of all Louisianans have received at least one dose of a vaccine, but among those most vulnerable, the 65 and older crowd, that number is 80 percent.

Cut 6 (10) “…improve”

Drugmaker Pfizer is advocating for a booster dose of their vaccine as immunity is waning among COVID variants. But the CDC and FDA issued a joint statement against a booster shot right now. LSU Health Shreveport infectious disease specialist Doctor John Vanchiere says in the meantime we should focus on vaccinating more people.

Cut 9 (09) “…this time.”

A 14-year-old girl from Harvey won the Scripps National Spelling Bee Thursday  becoming the first person from Louisiana to win the bee. Zaila Avant-garde is also the first African American winner of the 96-year-old tournament. She spelled Murraya correctly to win…

Cut 12 (10) “…applause fades”

She also holds three world records of dribbling multiple basketball simultaneously.