The State Bond Commission is meeting and the panel is expected to approve a 450-million dollar financing plan to renovate the Superdome. The 44-year-old venue is in need of modifications to keep the venue competitive for hosting major events and the proposal is tied to keeping the Saints in New Orleans for 30 more years. State Treasurer John Schroder says the investment into the dome is a good one.
Cut 5 (08) “…I’m seeing done.”
The renovations would take three to four years to complete.

A poll of one-thousand likely Louisiana voters finds that 71-percent of them believe in climate change and 68-percent believe extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and Pollster Greg Rigamer says a majority of them are concerned about those impacts…
cut 8 (10) “…no”
And 80-percent believe extreme weather will have a greater impact on future generations.

Hurricane Barry was the last-named storm and that was a month ago. State Climatologist Barry Keim says do not let your guard down, the last time we had zero storms in August, September was very active.
Cut 15 (10) “…September”
NOAA is predicting an above-average season because El Nino weather conditions have faded.

Louisiana ranks number one on CenturyLinkQuote’s ranking of safest states for kids online. The report says Louisiana has one of the lowest victim rates and is well under the national average for malware infection rates. Spokesperson Elaine Thompson says while Louisiana does have the top spot, the state is not immune to cyber dangers and parents need to express the importance of best practices online.
Cut 12 (12) “…upcoming school year.”

The state bond commission is scheduled to vote on the financing plans for the $450 million upgrade to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome today. State Treasurer John Schroder says the renovation process will take place over three to four years with plans to implement new features to heighten the game day experience for fans. Schroder says the cost will be shared among the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District, the Saints, and the state.

Cut 6 (06) “…putting up 90.”

Former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain will be arraigned on eight sex crime charges today, four of those charges date from when he was 17-years old.  Strain will appear in court in Covington to hear the crimes he is alleged to have committed over a 44 year period dating from 1975 through 2004–when he was serving as Sheriff.  In June, the Louisiana State Police arrested Strain on six counts of sexually related crimes. According to Louisiana law, there is no statute of limitation on aggravated rape.

We are entering the peak hurricane season, but it’s been a month since any named storm has popped up in the Atlantic Basin despite estimates from NOAA that this season would see above-average activity. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s been close to four decades since things have been this calm in the Atlantic during this time period.

Cut 14 (09) “…1982.”

NOAA’s prediction of an above average season was due to the disappearance of the El Nino this year.

In a survey of one-thousand Louisiana residents, 71 percent of the respondents believe in climate change. Restore the Mississippi River Delta conducted the poll and pollster Greg Rigamer says the percentage of those who believe in climate change varies between regions.
Cut 7 (11) “…58-percent.”

Today the state bond commission is scheduled to vote on the financing plan for the $450 million overhaul to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington ”

Former St. Tammany Sheriff Jack Strain will be arraigned today on eight sex crime charges, four of those crimes allegedly occurred 44 years ago, when he was 17. State Police arrested Strain on aggravated rape, aggravated incest and sexual battery charges last June. Authorities say his alleged victims were under the age of 18.

A survey of one-thousand likely Louisiana voters finds that 71-percent of them believe in climate change. Pollster Greg Rigamer says many of those same respondents say it’s impacting the weather…
cut 9 (12) “….future”
Restore the Mississippi Delta paid for the poll, which was conducted to find out voters’ opinions about coastal restoration.

We are moving into the teeth of the hurricane season, but it’s been a month since a named storm popped up in the Atlantic Basin, despite NOAA’s prediction of an above-average season. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the lack of a named storm from July 15th to August 15th is rare….
cut 13 (10) “…common”
Keim says so far we’ve been lucky, but don’t count on that luck to continue.

A poll finds nearly three out of four Louisiana residents believe in climate change and half of the respondents say it’s impacting their lives. Matt Doyle spoke with the pollsters…
voicer 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education gives state education superintendent John White a satisfactory job evaluation for the seventh year in a row. White credits a rising high school graduation rate and an increase in high school students who qualify for TOPS.

The state bond commission is scheduled to vote on the financing plan for the proposed $450 million upgrade to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. State Treasurer John Schroder says he doesn’t foresee any hurdles in getting a green light on the overhaul.
Cut 4 (10) “…without any objection.”
The cost will be split between the state, the Superdome Commission and the Saints.

Louisiana takes the top spot for the safest state for kids to be online in a study conducted by CenturyLinkQuote. Spokesperson Elaine Thompson says the ranking takes into consideration the number of victims of internet crimes and the reported rates of malware infections.
Cut 10 (11) “…malware infection rates.”
And Thompson says Louisiana has over 10 different cyberbullying and sexting laws.

In a survey of one-thousand Louisiana residents, 71 percent of the respondents believe in climate change. Restore the Mississippi River Delta conducted the poll and pollster Greg Rigamer says the percentage of those who believe in climate change varies between regions.
Cut 7 (11) “…58-percent.”
68 percent of respondents agree that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent.

CenturyLinkQuote has determined Louisiana is the safest state for children to go online. Spokesperson Elaine Thompson says Louisiana has a lot of laws on the books to protect kids..
cut 11 (09) “….than 10 laws”
Louisiana has one of the lowest victim rates for those under 20 at just five-percent.

It’s been a month since a named storm has formed in the Atlantic Basin despite high sea surface temperatures and a non-existent El Nino. Kevin Barnhart asked our state climatologist what’s going on…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin barnhart”

Today the state bond commission is scheduled to vote on the financing plan for the $450 million overhaul to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Brooke Thorington has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington ”

_______________________________

A new poll shows most Louisianans believe in climate change, and half of state residents think it’s currently impacting their lives. Matt Doyle spoke with the two men behind the poll…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

__________________________________

It’s been a month straight since a named storm has formed in the Atlantic Basin despite high sea level temperatures and a non-existent El Nino. Kevin Barnhart asked a state climatologist what’s going on…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin barnhart”

________________________________________

The state bond commission is scheduled to vote on the financing plans for the $450 million upgrade to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. State Treasurer John Schroder says he doesn’t foresee any hurdles in getting the greenlight on the overhaul.

Cut 4 (10) “…without any objection.”

The venue, which first opened in 1975, is in need of modifications to keep the venue competitive for hosting major events and keep the Saints in New Orleans for 30 more years. Schroder says although there has been some public pushback, the investment into the dome is a good one.

Cut 5 (08) “…I’m seeing done.”

The renovation process will take place over three to four years with plans to implement new features to heighten the game day experience for fans. Schroder says the cost will be shared among the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District, the Saints, and the state.

Cut 6 (06) “…putting up 90.”

_______________________

71 percent of Louisianans believe in climate change according to a survey that was aimed at measuring support for coastal restoration.

While a strong majority of Louisianans agree climate change is real, pollster Greg Rigamer says the percentage of those who believe in the phenomenon can vary wildly between different regions.

Cut 7 (11) “…percent.”

62 percent agree that climate change is real in the Lafourche/Terrebonne Parish region, where a significant amount of the state’s coastal erosion is taking place.

68 percent of respondents agree that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, and Rigamer says a majority are concerned about those impacts.

Cut 8 (10) “…no.”

While 71 percent may agree that climate change is real, only half of the respondents think it’s having an impact on their lives right now.

But Rigamer says there appears to be some difference in the number who believe in climate change, and the number who believe that weather events are getting more extreme.

Cut 9 (12) “…future”

The poll was commissioned by Restore the Mississippi River Delta.

_______________________

Louisiana takes the top spot for the safest state for kids to be online.  CenturyLink Quote spokesperson Elaine Thompson says the rankings take into consideration the number of victims of internet crimes, and the reported rates of malware infections.

Cut 10 (11) “…malware infection rates.”

Thompson says few other states have more law pertaining to cyberbullying and sexting.

Cut 11 (09) “…than 10 laws.”

Thompson says while Louisiana does have the top spot, the state is not immune to cyber dangers and it is up to parents to express the importance of best practices online.

Cut 12 (12) “…upcoming school year.”

_____________________________

It may be peak hurricane season, but it’s been a month since any named storm has popped up in the Atlantic Basin despite estimates from NOAA that this season would see above-average activity.

State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s eerily quiet out there and this type of lull from July 15th-August 15th is rare…

Cut 13 (10) “…common”

It’s been calm seas for the most part, and NOAA’s tropical outlook does not foresee any new storms forming over the next five days. Keim says the last time that happened a lot of listeners weren’t even born.

Cut 14 (09) “…1982.”

That being said Keim warns not to let your guard down even if we escape the month of August without any trouble because the last time that happened the Atlantic woke up in a rage for September.

Cut 15 (10) “…September”

NOAA’s prediction of an above average season was due to the disappearance of the El Nino this year.

A poll shows near-unanimous support for coastal restoration efforts, strong majority support for sediment diversion projects, and majority support for taxes dedicated to funding the projects. Authorities believe diverting large amounts of sediment from the Mississippi River into the wetlands is the best policy to stop coastal erosion, and 55 percent of Louisianans are familiar with that concept…

Cut 4 (09) “…new land.”

That’s pollster Greg Rigamer who says support for sediment diversion is even above 60 percent in coastal parishes whose fishing industries would be impacted.

Medical marijuana may be legal but it’s still against the law to drive while under the influence of the substance, even if you have a prescription. State Police Lt. Nick Manale says…

Cut 13 (12) “or not”

Marijuana can stay in your system for up to 90 days.

Two Eunice men, 21-year-old Logan Bertrand, and 18-year-old Carlos Juan Flores, have been arrested for setting fire to a neighboring mobile home. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the fire is one of two to rock the Eunice community in recent days, including an unrelated blaze in a fourplex that displaced the families that lived there.

Cut 10 (09) “…other as well.”

No one was injured in the fires.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees has teamed up with Governor John Bel Edwards to help get the word out about the state’s new Veterans First Business Initiative. In a P-S-A, Brees encourages the public to visit l-a-veterans-first-dot-org to search for Louisiana veteran-owned businesses.

Cut 7 (06) “…their team.”

The goal is to encourage consumers to do business with Louisiana’s veteran-owned firms.

A new poll shows nearly all Louisianans want action on coastal restoration, and a strong majority would support higher taxes if it meant saving our coast. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees has teamed up with Governor John Bel Edwards to help get the word out about the state’s new Veterans First Business Initiative. The two shot a P-S-A together and Edwards says the program will promote veteran-owned businesses through certification…

Cut 6 (08) “…your business”

Two Eunice men, 21-year-old Logan Bertrand, and 18-year-old Carlos Juan Flores, have been arrested for setting fire to a neighboring mobile home. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the home had recently been vacated and there were two separate attempts to burn the structure down.

Cut 8 (06) “…as being involved.”

No one was injured in the fire. The two have been charged with simple arson and criminal trespassing.

Medical marijuana may be legal but it’s still against the law to drive while under the influence of the substance, even if you have a prescription. Medical marijuana is designed to not include some of the psychoactive properties of recreational pot, but State Police Lt. Nick Manale says the substance can still impact your perception.

Cut 12 (07) “…ability”

Due to the effects of THC, employers still have a legal right to deny you work if you test positive, even if you have a prescription.

A poll shows near-unanimous support for coastal restoration efforts, strong majority support for sediment diversion projects, and majority support for taxes dedicated to funding the projects. 63 percent said they would support a state tax dedicated to coastal restoration projects. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says 2/3rds support for a tax is a crucial number for the Legislature…
Cut 5 (08) “…payers”
Support levels varied from region to region, with only 49 percent of north Louisianans supporting a coastal restoration tax.

Medical marijuana may be legal but it’s still against the law to drive while under the influence of the substance, even if you have a prescription. State Police Lt. Nick Manale says you can be charged a DWI under any type of impairment that causes a driver to operate their vehicle in an unsafe way.
Cut 11 (10) “…different.”
The man accused of punching comedian Andy Dick outside a New Orleans nightclub early Saturday morning has been arrested. I’m Brooke Thorington…

cut  2 (28) I’m Brooke Thorington”  

Two Eunice men, 21-year-old Logan Bertrand, and 18-year-old Carlos Juan Flores, have been arrested for setting fire to a neighboring mobile home. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says no motive was discovered in when the suspects were questioned.

Cut 9 (10) “…with our deputies.”

The two are charged with simple arson and criminal trespassing.

The expectation is that LSU will be good on offense this season. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says the offensive production will start with quarterback Joe Burrow and the second-year starter sure seems more comfortable in this offense, compared to the one he ran last year…
cut 30 (28) “…quarterback”
Former LSU standout and ESPN football analyst Ryan Clark posted on twitter the Tigers finally got their guy after watching Burrow practice yesterday. Clark says Burrow made some big-time NFL throws.

Louisiana Tech head football coach Skip Holtz says his guys continue to grind through fall camp under sweltering temperatures in Ruston. Holtz says even though they are in the dog days of camp, the team is coming together well…
cut 29 (20) “…with”
The Bulldogs will have their second scrimmage of preseason camp on Saturday. Fanfest is also this Saturday at the Thomas Assembly Center from 12:30 to 2:00.

The Saints left their training facility in Metairie today for California, where they’ll have two joint practices with the Chargers on Thursday. New Orleans and Los Angeles will also face each other in a preseason game on Sunday. The temperatures will be much more comfortable in Cali, 80s instead of a heat index around 110-degrees.