The National Hurricane Center anticipates Invest 92L will become a tropical depression over the northern Gulf of Mexico by Thursday. Kevin Barnhart reports excessive rainfall for the Bayou State is expected…
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The National Hurricane Center says storm surge and wind watches could be issued later today. Governor John Bel Edwards is meeting with his unified command team at this hour. Rainfall totals through Monday could be as high as 15 inches for some areas of the state.

Southeastern Louisiana is the first school in the state to have a voluntary program to help students who are recovering from a drug or alcohol abuse addiction. Interim program coordinator Madison Evans says the program called “Lion Up Recovery” will have on-campus support groups and sober social events. She says the program can also be an important tool in combatting the hazing culture that come with college life…
cut 15 (11) “….to do anything”
Today is day two of testimony in the Matthew Naquin trial. He’s the former LSU student facing negligent homicide and obstruction of justice charges in the suspected hazing death of fratnerity pledge Maxwell Gruver. The coroner says Gruver died from alcohol poisioning. But Naquin’s attorney told the six-person jury that Gruver was not forced to drink, while the prosecution claims Naquin was over the top during a hazing ritual.

A disorganized area of low pressure over the far northeastern Gulf of Mexico is expected to become a tropical depression by tomorrow and head in the direction of Louisiana. National Hurricane Center Senior Hurricane Specialist Jack Bevan says forecasting a weather system of this nature is challenging.
Cut 10 (11) “…it’ll end up.”
Regardless of where this system ends up, it’s expected to bring heavy rainfall to the Bayou State. The National Weather Service projects Lafayette and Houma could see 10 to 15 inches of rain through Monday morning. Baton Rouge and New Orleans could see between eight to 10 inches. Even Alexandria could see four to six inches.

Before the rain gets here, we expect another hot day. The northern half of the state is under a heat advisory. Heat index readings are expected to reach 105 to 110 degrees.

We’re Less than a month away from qualifying for the governor’s race and Republican challenger Eddie Rispone has yet to release any statewide television or radio ads. Rispone has a digital ad, where he spends most of the time talking about his support for President Trump. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Crosss says the Baton Rouge businessman hopes to take advantage of the President’s statewide popularity…
cut 5 (10) “…introduction”
Rispone has money to spend, he’s expected to report about 10-million dollars in his campaign warchest, most of it is his own money.

Did you check out the Food Network’s Chopped Junior reality series competition last night? 12-year-old Owen Osborne of Shreveport was on the show. Osborne says his favorite dish is a vegetarian jambalaya…
cut 9 (13) “….together”
Osborne is doing a series of cooking demonstrations this summer, the next one is July 11th at the Shreve Memorial Library in Shreveport.

Eddie Rispone and Congressman Ralph Abraham, along with the Republican Governor’s Association are tapping into the President’s statewide popularity in a series of new gubernatorial campaign ads…

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Coastal residents are preparing for excessive rainfall this week from Invest 92, which is likely to turn into a tropical depression tonight.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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37% of college students report they have used illicit drugs or have abused alcohol on a regular basis and Southeastern Louisiana University is taking steps to combat that. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “.Matt Doyle”

_______________________________________

Republicans are name dropping President Trump early and often in a series of new gubernatorial campaign ads.

UL Lafayette Poli Sci professor Pearson Cross says even though the race is about state issues, candidates know just saying the President’s name can get people to tune in…

Cut 4 (11) “…pay attention”

The words “President Trump” are often mentioned even before candidate’s names, Governor Edwards, or “Louisiana” in recent ads.

Eddie Rispone has made the President a central figure in his messaging. Cross says the businessman is hoping to take advantage of the President’s statewide popularity…

Cut 5  (10) “…introduction.” 

Rispone’s most recent online 30 second ad spends the first 20 seconds talking about support for the President.

Cross says it’s a smart strategy considering how popular the President is in Louisiana, but in a tight race it comes with some risks…

Cut 6 (12) “…candidate.”

The governor’s race primary will take place October 12^th.

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12-year-old Shreveport chef Owen Osborne ultimate got “chopped” but showed off some culinary talent while on the Food Network’s Chopped Junior last night.

The program challenges chefs to prepare meals with a seemingly random collection of ingredients, testing the cook’s creativity. Osborne kept a cool head on a high pressure program.

Cut 7 (10) “…with that.”

The competition is judged by a rotating cast of celebrity judges, with the winner walking away with 10,000 dollars.

The 2016 Michelle Obama Healthy Lunchtime Challenge winner has spent several years in the culinary spotlight, and says he credits a lot of his success to learning the basics first…

Cut 8 (09) “…spices”

Osborne had limited options and a random basket of ingredients to cook with last night, but says if he had a fully stocked kitchen he’d make his favorite dish, vegetable jambalaya.

Cut 9 (13) “…together.”

Osborne is doing a series of cooking demonstrations this summer, the next one being July 11^th at the Shreve Memorial Library in Shreveport.

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A disorganized area of low pressure is expected to become a tropical depression by tonight and head in the direction of Louisiana.  National Hurricane Center Senior Hurricane Specialist Jack Bevan says forecasting a weather system of this nature is challenging.

Cut 10 (11) “…it’ll end up.”

Some forecast models project the system has a shot at becoming a hurricane.  Bevan says between warm surface temps in the gulf and upper-level winds, conditions are favorable for further development.

Cut 11 (08) “…much of its lifetime.”

Bevan says the one certainty about the storm at this point is that gulf coast residents need to be prepared for plenty of widespread rain.

Cut 12 (08) “…next several days.”

Gov. John Bel Edwards will host a Unified Command Group meeting today to discuss potential developments and the possible impacts in Louisiana.

________________

Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond launches “Lion Up Recovery,” the first and only public university collegiate recovery program in the state addressing issues with drug and alcohol abuse in the college setting. Interim program coordinator Madison Evans says the program will have on-campus support groups and sober social events.

Cut 13 (09) “…home football games.”

Evans says 37% of college students report they have used illicit drugs or have abused alcohol on a regular basis.

Cut 14 (10) “…for substance dependency.”

Evans says the program is also an important tool in combatting the hazing culture that can come with college life.

Cut 15 (11) “…to do anything.”

____________

Cut 16  (12) “…dollars”  

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cut 17 (21) “melting point” 

The National Hurricane Center expects a tropical depression will form by Thursday from a broad area of low pressure that’s moving into the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of the Florida panhandle. State Climatologist Barry Keim says conditions in the Gulf are ripe for tropical development.

Cut 4 (12) “…overly serious”

Currently, the system is labeled as Invest 92. 

That tropical development could bring large amounts of rainfall to Louisiana later this week and have a mitigating impact on the Gulf of Mexico’s algae bloom, but LSU Professor Dr. Nancy Rabalais says if the algae bloom is disrupted, it will only be a temporary fix.

Cut 7 (10) “…going to redevelop.”

Rabalais says it could take some time for the algae forecast to become more clear.

John Bel Edwards’ re-election campaign says they have a record amount of cash on hand for an incumbent Louisiana Governor, with 9.6 million dollars in the bank. UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says Edwards is in a good position to be re-elected, because along with the hefty war chest, the Governor has something that money can’t buy…

Cut 11 (13) “…doing.”

The primary for the governor’s race will take place October 12th.

57-year-old Kevin Daigle has been found guilty of first-degree murder in what was called a “cold blooded ambush” shooting death in 2015 of Louisiana State Trooper Steven Vincent. Vincent was killed during a traffic stop near Bell City, with much of the incident caught on dash cam video, which was played for jurors. The prosecution is seeking the death penalty in the case.

The National Hurricane Center expects a tropical depression will form by Thursday from a broad area of low pressure that’s moving into the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of the Florida panhandle. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the big concern is the potential for heavy rainfall starting Friday and lasting through the weekend.

Cut 3 (10) “…ten inch range.”

Currently, the system is labeled as Invest 92.

The system could have a mitigating impact on the Gulf of Mexico’s algae bloom.  LSU Professor Dr. Nancy Rabalais says as the forecast becomes more clear, just how much of an effect the storm will have will be more apparent.

Cut 6 (12) “…sure how long.”

Toxic blooms have shuttered Mississippi’s beaches.

A dog is dead after a high jacking incident in Baton Rouge. On Sunday, a man left his dog in the car with the AC on while going into a doughnut shop, only for someone to steal the car with the dog in tow.  East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Casey Hicks says the victim was injured in the attempt to stop the suspect.
Cut 12 (08) “…injuries from that.”
Investigators discovered the dog in the car, and have determined the animal died of heat exhaustion. 30-year-old Leslie Aguillard was arrested on a litany of charges as a result.

John Bel Edwards’ re-election campaign says they have a record amount of cash on hand for an incumbent Louisiana Governor, with 9.62 million dollars in the bank. UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says the re-election campaign began a strong fundraising effort early in anticipation of a major clash with US Senator John Kennedy that never materialized.

Cut 9 (10) “case.”

The National Hurricane Center says there’s a strong chance a tropical depression could form late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A 12-year-old Shreveport based chef will make an appearance on the Chopped Junior cooking competition show tonight on the Food Network at 8pm. Owen Osborne will be up against his peers in a three round cooking battle where chefs are presented with a seemingly random assortment of ingredients and given just a short period of time to turn it into a meal to be judged by a celebrity host.

John Bel Edwards’ re-election campaign says they have a record amount of cash on hand for an incumbent Louisiana Governor, with 9.62 million dollar in the bank. UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says the re-election campaign began a strong fundraising effort early in anticipation of a major clash with US Senator John Kennedy that never materialized.

Cut 9 (10) “case.”

The Edwards campaign was barred from fundraising between April 8^th and July 7^thdue to laws prohibiting governors from fundraising during the Legislative session.

A dog is dead after a high jacking incident in Baton Rouge. On Sunday, a man left his dog in the car with the AC on while he was inside a doughnut shop, only for someone to steal the car with the dog in tow. East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Casey Hicks says it’s heartbreaking…

Cut 14 (10) “…for his family.”

The National Hurricane Center says a depression or tropical storm could form in the northeast Gulf of Mexico by Thursday or Friday. Invest 92 is expected to drift off the Florida coast into the gulf and then move towards Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the steering currents are so weak, it’s anybody’s guess on where it might go…
cut 5 (08) “…repeatedly”
There is some concern that we could see a repeat event of the 2016 south Louisiana floods.

There is some good news with this potential storm. LSU biologist Doctor Nancy Rabalais says waves from system can help dissipate the algae blooms that has led to the closure of beaches along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Rabalais says it can also help make conditions in the Dead Zone along the Louisiana coast more favorable for marine life…
cut 8 (08) “…but only temporarily”
Governor Edwards’ re-election campaign says their 9.6 million dollars cash on hand is a record for an incumbent Louisiana governor…
cut 2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”

30-year-old Leslie Aguillard is facing numerous charges after the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s office says she stole a truck with a dog inside, drove to another location, got out of the vehicle and left the dog inside to die…
cut 13 (07) “…charge of theft”
That’s E-B-R Sheriff’s office spokesperson Casey Rayborn Hicks.

The National Hurricane Center expects a tropical depression will form by Thursday from a broad area of low pressure that’s moving into the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of the Florida panhandle. Currently, the system is labeled as Invest 92. The National Hurricane Center says once Invest 92 gets into the Gulf of Mexico the conditions are conducive for development. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the sea surface temperatures in the Gulf are very warm…

Cut 4 (12) “…overly serious”

The tropical development could have a mitigating impact on the Gulf of Mexico’s algae bloom.  LSU Professor Dr. Nancy Rabalais says if the algae bloom is disrupted, it will only be a temporary fix.

Cut 7 (10) “…going to redevelop.”

A dog is dead after a high jacking incident in Baton Rouge. On Sunday, a man left his dog in the car with the AC on while going into a doughnut shop, only for someone to steal the car with the dog in tow.  East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Casey Hicks says the victim was injured in the attempt to stop the suspect.
Cut 12 (08) “…injuries from that.”
Investigators discovered the dog in the car, and have determined the animal died of heat exhaustion. 30-year-old Leslie Aguillard was arrested on a litany of charges as a result.

John Bel Edwards’ re-election campaign says they have a record amount of cash on hand for an incumbent Louisiana Governor, with 9.62 million dollar in the bank. UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says Edwards is in a good position to be re-elected, because along with the hefty war chest, the Governor has something that money can’t buy…

Cut 11 (13) “…doing.”

John Bel Edwards’ re-election campaign says they have a record amount of cash on hand for an incumbent Louisiana Governor, with 9.62 million dollars in the bank. UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says the re-election campaign began a strong fundraising effort early in anticipation of a major clash with US Senator John Kennedy that never materialized.

Cut 9 (10) “case.”

The primary for the governor’s race will take place October 12th.

Starting August 1^st the Department of Children and Family services is giving parents who are behind on child support the opportunity to get their drivers license back without having to pay off everything they owe immediately. Regional Administrator for Child Support Enforcement Sandra Broussard has the details on how “On The Road” works…

Cut 14 (10) “…fees”

The program runs through September 30^th.

The National Hurricane Center says there’s a strong chance a tropical depression could form late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The National Hurricane Center expects a tropical depression will form by Thursday from a broad area of low pressure that’s moving into the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of the Florida panhandle. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the big concern is the potential for heavy rainfall starting Friday and lasting through the weekend.

Cut 3 (10) “…ten inch range.”

Currently, the system is labeled as Invest 92. 

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is keeping tabs on the brewing system in the Gulf as well. GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele says while no one knows exactly where the system will land, there are several precautions Louisiana residents need to start taking ahead of the storm as it could dump significant amounts of rain on the state.

Cut 5  (07) “…with your family.” 

Projections show the system could bring enough rain to threaten some serious, localized flooding events.

The tropical development that could bring large amounts of rainfall to Louisiana later this week could have a mitigating impact on the Gulf of Mexico’s algae bloom.  LSU Professor Dr. Nancy Rabalais says as the forecast becomes more clear, just how much of an effect the storm will have will be more apparent.

Cut 6 (12) “…sure how long.”

Toxic blooms have shuttered Mississippi’s beaches.

According to the National College Access Network’s FAFSA tracker, Louisiana ranks number one throughout the nation for application completion for a second year. Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance Executive Director Dr. Sujuan Boutté.

Cut 11 (12) “…completed their FAFSA.”

Nationwide, 53% of seniors have applied for FAFSA.