State education officials say the number of public high school students who earned college credit is up 12-percent over last year and there’s been a 167-percent increase since 2012. State Assistant Superintendent Ken Bradford says the number of African-American students earning college credit through A-P exams is substantial as well…
cut 11 (10) “….or higher”

University of Louisiana at Lafayette students have created a podcast series that features stories from the 2016 floods. Professor Liz Skilton says not all of the accounts are negative as there are plenty of tales involving people helping people….
cut 5 (09) “…significant way”
Memories of the 2016 floods podcasts on SoundCloud.

The Youth Infrastructure Coalition, a group of college students, is spearheading a proposed new east-west interstate from Texas to Georgia, that would pass through central Louisiana. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Voicer 2 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

NOAA has lowered its prediction for the number of named storms for this hurricane season. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the likelihood of an El Nino during the second half of the season is growing
Cut 12 (06) “…to form.”
Keim says sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean Sea have also remained much cooler than average.

A new podcast, UNDERWATER: Memories of the 2016 Floods: details the history and stories Louisianans during the state’s most recent major disaster. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Youth Infrastructure Coalition, a group made up of college students, is spearheading a proposed new interstate would connect communities, as it would run from west Texas into Georgia, passing through the central Louisiana area.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “I’m  Kevin Barnhart”  

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NOAA has lowered its prediction for the number of named storms for  this hurricane season. Back in May, government forecasters estimated as many as 16 storms, now they say the 2018 total could be between 9 and 13. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the likelihood of an El Nino during the second half of the season is growing

Cut 12 (06)   “…to form.”

Keim says sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean Sea have also remained much cooler than average….

Cut 13 (08) “…hurricane season.” 

So far there’s been four named storms and two of them reached hurricane strength. Keim says despite this dialed down long-range forecast, there are more storms to come…

Cut 14 (08) “…the forecast.”

A new podcast, UNDERWATER: Memories of the 2016 Floods: details the history and stories Louisianans during the state’s most recent major disaster. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A report shows a record number of Louisiana high school students are now earning AP credits. 12 percent more students scored a 3 for the tests that allow them to get some early college credit. Louisiana Education Department Assistant Superintendent Ken Bradford.

Cut 10 (06) “college credit”

The Youth Infrastructure Coalition has launched an effort to get the federal government to approve funding for a proposed new interstate that would run from Texas to Georgia and cut through central Louisiana. It would be called Interstate 14. Frank Lumpkin the Fourth, president of the organization, says new infrastructure has been swept under the rug for far too long and the addition of the interstate would have a positive impact on residents in surrounding communities.

Cut 7 (09) “…you’re located on.”

Lumpkin says the project will mostly be upgrading existing roads to interstate standard, which will cut down on the costs of building a whole new road.

And here’s commodities.

The Youth Infrastructure Coalition has launched an effort to get the federal government to approve funding for a proposed new interstate that would run from Texas to Georgia and cut through central Louisiana. It would be called Interstate 14. Frank Lumpkin the Fourth, president of the organization, says the proposal will be a great fit for the region.
Cut 6 (09) “…will do just that.”
Lumpkin says they are trying to show government leaders that the interstate can reduce poverty and improve lives along the proposed route.

The Orleans Parish Coroner confirms the body pulled out of Lake Pontchartrain on Tuesday is that of Sadie Thibodeaux. But the coroner is still trying to determing a cause of death. She was on a boat with another man, when they reportedly went for a swim Sunday night.

Governor John Bel Edwards is one of five governors meeting with President Donald Trump to discuss criminal justice reform. He’s the only elected Democrat involved with the roundtable.

40 UL Lafayette students and their instructor are releasing a podcast chronicling the 2016 floods through the eyes of those who experienced the disaster first hand. UNDERWATER: Memories of the 2016 Floods follows the devastation left in the wake of floods that claimed 13 lives and more than 8.7 billion dollars in damages across the hardest hit parishes. Professor Liz Skilton says the program weaves together a narrative that reveals just how widespread the problems were, and how communities responded in the aftermath.
Cut 4 (11) “…of us.”
The podcast can be found on SoundCloud.

Governor Edwards meets with President Trump today in New Jersey to discuss criminal justice reform. Last year, Edwards led an effort that had the support of many republican legislators to change the state’s sentencing laws. But Republican Senator John Kennedy and Attorney General Jeff Landry have blasted the reforms.

The Orleans Parish Coroner confirms the body pulled out of Lake Pontchartrain on Tuesday is that of Sadie Thibodeaux. The Baton Rouge woman was reported missing on Sunday night. The cause of death is still under investigation.

NOAA has joined Colorado State researchers in calling for below-normal to near-normal storm activity for this hurricane season. The government forecasters are predicting between four to seven hurricanes, when average season sees six. NOAA says cooler than normal ocean temps, stronger wind shear and a nearly 70-percent likelihood of an El Nino during the hurricane season as reasons for lowering their Atlantic hurricane season predicition.

40 UL Lafayette students and their instructor are releasing a podcast chronicling the 2016 floods through the eyes of those who experienced the disaster first hand. UNDERWATER: Memories of the 2016 Floods was the result of over a hundred interviews. Assistant History Professor Dr. Liz Skilton says each podcast takes a look at a different flood zone.
Cut 3 (10) “acadiana.”
The podcast is available on SoundCloud.

State officials announce plans to build a 10-million dollar facility on SOWELA’s main campus in Lake Charles to train those looking to get into the gaming and hospitality industry. Louisiana Community and Technical College system President Monty Sullivan….
Cut 13 (10) “technical skills.”
Sullivan says construction is the result of legislation approved by state lawmakers.

John Bel Edwards and a handful of other governors meet with President Donald Trump today in New Jersey to discuss criminal justice reform. Louisiana overhauled its sentencing laws last year and it’s led to a lower inmate population. Edwards also has his eyes on re-election next year, but ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says if Edwards thinks meeting with a president popular with conservatives will help sway Louisiana GOP voters, he’ll probably be disappointed….
cut 5 (10) “….Republican is”
Two potential challengers to the governor’s re-election bid are outspoken of the governor’s criminal justice reform efforts.

Authorities continue to investigate the fatal police shooting in Shreveport that claimed the life of 26-year-old Michael Ducote. Officers were attempting to stop Ducote, who was allegedly driving a Chevy Impala that did not belong to him. Corporal Marcus Hines says Ductoe put the Chevy in reverse, crashing into a marked patrol unit, which led to officers firing shots at Ducote. One fatal bullet struck him in the upper body.

State Police say 22-year-old Abbie Sinitiere (sin-eh-tear-E) of Franklin and her one-year-old son are dead after they were hit by an alleged impaired driver in Iberia Parish. Master Trooper Brooks David (DAH-veed) says 25-year-old Dylan Leblanc of Youngsville lost control of his vehicle on US-90 Tuesday night…
Cut 10 (07) “…head on”
Leblanc faces numerous charges.

It’s Gameday for the Saints as they visit the Jacksonsville Jaguars for preseason game number one. Kevin Barnhart has a preview…
voicer 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

A political analyst says Governor Edwards’ meeting today with President Donald Trump to talk criminal justice reform is good politics…
Voicer 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Grambling State is closed today as a result of a power outage.

And LSU has suspended sophomore linebacker Tyler Taylor indefinitely, because the school has learned he was arrested for his role in the robbery of a pawn shop in Georiga last January. Taylor was arrested in May and the school reportedly learned of the incident yesterday.

State Police say 25-year-old Dylan LeBlanc of Youngsville is facing numerous charges after he was allegedly driving imapaired when his Chevy Silverado went from the westbound lanes of US 90 in Iberia Parish, into the eastbound lanes, striking another vehicle, killing a 22-year-old Franklin woman and her one-year-old child. Master Trooper Brooks David says once LeBlanc is released from the hospital, he’ll be booked into prison….
cut 12 (11) “…he is released”
The victims of Tuesday night’s crash have been idendified as Abbie Sinitiere and her one-year-old son Max.

Tonight is the Saints first preseason game. Saints analyst Mike Detillier says it’s a chance for former Louisiana Tech standout Boston Scott to make an impression….
cut 8 (11) “….the NFL”
Kick-off is at 6 PM.

John Bel Edwards and few other governors meet with President Donald Trump in New Jersey today to discuss criminal justice. Edwards led an overhaul of the state’s sentencing laws last year. Mr. Trump is not popular among Edwards’ base of supporters, so ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says it’s important for Edwards’ re-election chances not to alienate Democratic voters….
cut 6 (12) “….govern delicatley”

The Saints visit the Jacksonville Jaguars tonight in the preseason opener. Tom Savage and Taysom Hill are battling to be Drew Brees back-up at quarterback. Saints analyst Mike Detillier says Hill is still trying to develop as a passer…
cut 7 (11) “…his feet”
Kick-off is at 6:00.

State Police say a Youngsville man, who was impaired behind the wheel, is responsible for a fatal crash in Iberia Parish that killed a mother and her one-year-old son. Connor Ferrill has the story…
cut 3 (33) “….I”m Connor Ferrill”

Tragedy has hit a Bossier Parish family that was on vacation in Canada. Angela Elkins of Benton was one of six people who died in a head-on wreck in Jasper National Park near Calgary. Elkins son-in-law was also killed, while her husband and daughter are in serious condition.

Governor Edwards meets with President Trump today in New Jersey to discuss criminal justice reform. Last year, Edwards led an effort that had the support of many republican legislators to change the state’s sentencing laws. But Republicans John Kennedy and Jeff Landry have blasted the reforms. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says Edwards meeting with the President is a savvy move.
Cut 4 (12) “and Republicans”

State Police have charged 25-year-old Dylan LeBlanc of Youngsville with vehicular homicide, first degree feticide and other charges for his role in an Iberia Parish crash that killed a 22-year-old Franklin woman and her one-year-old son. Three other children sustained critical injuries. Master Trooper Brooks David says they believe LeBlanc was impaired…
cut 11 (10) “…families heart”
The crash happened Tuesday night on US 90.

The state has announced three new academic and workforce facility projects, two of them are in New Orleans and the other is in Lake Charles. Louisiana Community and Technical College System president Monty Sullivan says Delgado Community College will use the current LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine building on Tulane Avenue for health and nursing programs, and they’ll also teach culinary and hospitality management…
cut 14 (11) “….New Orleans”
They are also building the SOWELA Technical Community College Culinary, Gaming and Hospitality Building in Lake Charles.

A ULM political science professor says Governor Edwards’ meeting today with Prettiness Trump to talk criminal justice reform is good politics. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (29)  “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Tonight’s game against the Jags will be a chance for some little known Saints training camp players to possibly leave a mark, and make the team. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Authorities say a mother and her one-year-old son are dead after being struck by a drunk driver. Connor Ferrill has the story

Cut 3 (33) “I’m Connor Ferrill”

__________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards visit with President Donald Trump today in New Jersey is turning heads in a political environment that’s becoming sharply divided along partisan lines. Edwards will discuss criminal justice reform with the president, who’s reportedly interested in pursuing a federal push for similar changes. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says it’s a savvy move.

Cut 4 (12) “and Republicans”

Edwards is facing an uphill battle for re-election in 2019 as a Democrat in a deep red state. At the moment Mr. Trump has sky high approval ratings amongst Republican voters, but Stockley says  if Edwards thinks talking with the president will help sway Louisiana GOP voters, he’ll probably be disappointed.

Cut 5 (10) “Republican is.”

While maintaining his relationship with Trump may lead to more federal assistance, it likely won’t go over well with his Democratic base that nationally has rallied around anti-Trump sentiment. Between his meetings with Trump, and a recent 15-week abortion ban, Stockley says Edwards will need to be careful not to alienate Democratic voters.

Cut 6 (12) “govern delicatley”

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The Saints take on the Jaguars tonight in Jacksonville for the first preseason game of the year. You won’t see much of Drew Brees, or the other stars, but Saints Analyst Mike Detillier says it’s a chance for some unheralded players to make a name for themselves. Guys like backup QB Taysom Hill, who Detillier says could be the guy to back up Drew if he works on one thing…

Cut 7 (11) “his feet.”

With running back Mark Ingram suspended for the first four games, the Saints are desperate for a wingman to super star Alvin Kamara. Detillier says this could be a chance for veterans like Shane Vareen and Terrance West to claim the spot, but says keep an eye on Louisiana Tech rookie Boston Scott, a guy who could make some noise in Florida tonight.

Cut 8 (11)  “the NFL.”

It’s a chance for rookie first round pick Marcus Davenport to get some real game time in after a rough start to training camp. The saints traded a first round pick to move up and select the athletically gifted, but raw pass rusher, hoping he could make a splash early, but early result indicate that’s probably not going to be the case. Detillier says maybe getting thrown into the fire is just what the rookie needs.

Cut 9 (11)  “two weeks”

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State Police say 22-year-old Abbie Sinitiere (sin-eh-tear-E) of Franklin and her one-year-old son are dead after they were hit by an alleged drunk driver in Iberia Parish. Master Trooper Brooks David (DAH-veed) says investigators believe Dylan Leblanc of Youngsville was impaired when he lost control of his 2004 Chevy Silverado on US-90 Tuesday night…

Cut 10 (07)   “…head on”

The collision killed Sinitiere and her one-year-old son Max, both were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities say three other juveniles in Sinitiere’s vehicle sustained critical injuries. David says the accident is a tragedy…

Cut 11 (10) “…families heart” 

David says once Leblanc recovers from his injuries he will immediately be facing a number of charges…

Cut 12 (11) “…he is released”

______________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards announced the state is investing in four new facilities in the Louisiana Community College system, three in New Orleans, and one in Lake Charles. The Lake Charles SOWELA facility will focus on Culinary, Gaming, and Hospitality services, industries that President of the Louisiana Community and Technical College system President Monty Sullivan says are increasing… technical.

Cut 13 (10) “technical skills.” 

New Orleans will be home to new facilities as well, with campuses in the downtown districts and across the river in Algiers. Sullivan says the new health and nursing building in downtown New Orleans will produce large amounts of students ready to take on a health care industry in New Orleans in desperate need of workers.

Cut 14 (11) “New Orleans.”

The New Orleans campuses alone will have a combined 60 million dollars on funding from state and private entities. Sullivan says the substantial private investment is a testament to how bad those businesses want to give locals a job, if they have the right skills.

Cut 15 (10) “work immediately”