A Grambling State Communications graduate student is getting a boost from Queen B, in the form of a 25,000 dollar scholarship award. Becca Dill has the story.

Cut 1 (30)  “I’m Becca Dill”

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The Louisiana High School Athletic Association is on the lookout to recruit more sports officials. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (28) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Fifty years ago, there wasn’t a single brown pelican to be found in the pelican state.  Kevin Barnhart has the story on how the rebound efforts continue for the state’s bird.

Cut 3 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Louisiana has hit a rough patch for weather this summer, but the state’s had a much needed heat reprieve these last few days after a brutal weekend, but forecasts say that’s about to change. State Climatologist Barry Keim says humidity levels are set to spike coming up soon.

Cut 4 (11) “next week”

The nasty temperatures might be at the front of everyone’s mind, but the state is suffering as less known, but just as hazardous malady: Drought. North West Louisiana has seen only 1 and a third inches of rain over the last month, down from the four inch average expected, and only 3 inches of rain over the last 60 days. Keim says it’s been a statewide problem this summer.

Cut 5 (11) “extreme drought.”

But Keim’s got some good news in the drought department…

Cut 6 (13) “needed most.”

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One of Beyonce’s eight 25,000 dollar national scholarships has found it’s way to Grambling. Communications graduate student Cletus Emokpae received the substantial award from Queen B.  Emokpae, who administers his own scholarship foundation that he’s put 3,000 dollars of his own money into, says he never thought he’d be a recipient of a scholarship of his own.

Cut 7 (11) “of support”

The New York native cleared the 3.5 GPA and philanthropic requirements. The Grambling student says he founded the scholarship program, because he feels the media and general public have neglected stories about problems effecting African American communities, and says he was tired of seeing people just complain about it on social media.

Cut 8 (12)  “doesn’t matter”

Emokpae’s says his scholarship program is aimed at helping out high school students who are interested in college, but can’t afford the substantial expenses associated with higher education. Emokpae says he hopes to use the 25,000 dollars to pay off the student loan he took out to attend Grambling, so he can progress into professional life without debt. He says he hopes the story of him receiving the help from Beyoncé will teach others about the value of community.

Cut 9 (08)  “your way”

At this point he hasn’t heard back yet from Bey, but there’s always hope. __________________________________

High school sports officials from around Louisiana are getting ready to meet up in the Big Easy, in what is estimated to be the largest event of its type in the state’s history.  LHSAA Director of Officials Lee Sanders says Officiate Louisiana is part of the build up to a larger, national event.

Cut 10 (13)   “…clinic for 2 or 3 days.”

Sanders says the LHSAA is always in search of adding more sports officials to their rankings, adding they are looking for younger talent as the average age of officials has been on the rise the last two decades.

Cut 11 (11) “…in different sports.” 

Sanders adds that being a sports official is a rewarding opportunity for those who have played or coached earlier in life.

Cut 12 (06) “…love being around it.”

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Fifty years ago, there wasn’t a single brown pelican to be found in the pelican state. The demise of the population can be traced back to the use of the pesticide DDT.  But the population of the bird has since rebounded with more than 100,000 throughout Louisiana. LDWF Nongame Bird Biologist Michael Seymour says the rejuvenation effort began in the late 1960s.

Cut 13 (12)  “…north of Grand Isle.” 

Seymour says Queen Bess Island serves as a major breeding ground for pelicans, but time has taken its toll on the island with erosion and the BP oil spill.

Cut 14 (08) “…several thousand birds.”

Seymour credits the successful repopulation of the species in major part the Endangered Species Act.

Cut 15 (10) “…it is pretty spectacular.”

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Thirty-nine-year-old Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is beginning his 18th season and remains very motivated. Brees wants to win another championship and if he stays healthy, he’ll break the NFL’s career passing yardage record. The future Hall of Famer says he’s not taking anything for granted…

A judge has cleared the way for the removal of a confederate monument that sits outside of the Caddo Parish Courthouse. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Two Rookie New Orleans Police Officers who were fired from their jobs after allegedly severely beating a regular at a mid-city bar in New Orleans could be facing some stiff charges as a result of the incident. Spencer Sutton and John Galman were initially booked on one count of simple battery in relation to the act, where they allegedly harassed George Gomez about his citizenship, accusing him of being a “fake American”. Gomez says he is American, and has served in the Louisiana National Guard. NOPD says those charged could be upgraded.

The US House has passed the National Defense Authorization Act which provides the largest pay raise for troops in nine years. There’s 12-million dollars for a new entrance to Barksdale, so a nuclear weapons storage facility can be built there.  Congressman Ralph Abraham says the nuclear upgrade is desperately needed for the base.

Cut 10 (10) “no sense”

A federal judge’s ruling allows for the removal of a confederate monument in front of the Caddo Parish courthouse. Judge Robert James dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Daughters of the Confederacy, who said the parish couldn’t remove the monument because it sat on private property. Caddo Parish Commissioner Steven Jackson says the opposing organization was given an opportunity to speak in front of the commission, and that their organizations rights were never jeopardized.

Cut 14 (10) “not true”

The preparation is underway for the next voice of the Saints as Zach Strief transitions from the playing field to the press box.  Strief, who has no previous broadcasting experience, spent a more than a decade as an offensive tackle with the black and gold.  Strief says he looks forward to working with Duece McAllister on commentary and says his hope is that this is something truly special to be shared with the Who Dat Nation.

Cut 5  (12) “…on the field.”

Authorities have come to a conclusion on how 69-year-old Terry Angelle of Galliano died after he was discovered with his hands and feet bound together with rope in a bayou on Sunday. Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lt. Brennan Matherne says investigators have determined the death was self-inflicted.

Cut 6 (10)  “…party was involved.”

The US House has passed the National Defense Authorization Act which provides the largest pay raise for troops in nine years. Congressman Ralph Abraham says with the added funding, also comes nukes in Louisiana.  And for those concerned about nukes being housed in their neck of the woods…

Cut 11 (07) “gunna happen.”

A federal judge’s ruling allows for the removal of a confederate monument in front of the Caddo Parish courthouse. Judge Robert James dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Daughters of the Confederacy, who said the parish couldn’t remove the monument because it sat on private property. Caddo Parish Commissioner Steven Jackson says placing the monument in front of a courthouse was highly inappropriate because of the effect it could have had on the proceedings taking place inside court of law.

Cut 13 (11) “the jury” 

The Saints began training camp today with Super Bowl aspirations. Last year, New Orleans struggled on punt returns. Coach Sean Payton says that will be a point of emphasis, plus there are new kick-off rules to learn…
cut 28 (19) “…blocking for em”
Saints Quarterback Drew Brees has a new look as he’s wearing a helmet designed to reduce concussions. Brees says the helmet he wore last year is not up to NFL standards. The veteran Q-B says the change is no big deal…
cut 29 (14) “…totally different”

The preparation is underway for the next voice of the Saints as Zach Strief transitions from the playing field to the press box. Strief, who has no previous broadcasting experience, spent more than a decade as an offensive tackle with the black and gold. Strief looks forward to working with color analyst Duece McAllister and hopes this is something truly special to be shared with the Who Dat Nation.
Cut 5 (12) “…on the field.”

In other NFL news…former LSU Tiger Jarvis Landry says the Browns, who did not win a single game last season, can win the Super Bowl this year. Landry, who was traded to Cleveland in the offseason, believes the Browns offense can put up 40 points a game.

Landry’s former teammate at LSU, Odell Beckham Junior, has reported to Giants camp. New York has indicated they are ready to discuss a new contract for O-B-J.

The US House has passed the National Defense Authorization Act which provides the largest pay raise for troops in nine years. Congressman Ralph Abraham says the pay raises doesn’t just help soldiers, but communities that house military bases too

cut 9 (07)  “dollars.”

The legislation also contains 295-million dollars to update B-52 bombers, There’s also 12-million dollars for a new entrance to Barksdale, so a nuclear weapons storage facility can be built there.

Authorities have come to a conclusion on how 69-year-old Terry Angelle of Galliano died after he was discovered with his hands and feet bound together with rope in a bayou on Sunday. Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lt. Brennan Matherne says  foul play is not suspected, as he was not robbed.

Cut 7 (03)  “…cash on him.”

The preparation is underway for the next voice of the Saints as Zach Strief transitions from the playing field to the press box.  Strief, who has no previous broadcasting experience, spent more than a decade as an offensive tackle with the black and gold.  Strief says he’s been listening to other broadcasters call games, but is hoping to find what makes his play by play unique, in time.

Cut 3 (13) “…have a conversation.”

A federal judge’s ruling allows for the removal of a confederate monument in front of the Caddo Parish courthouse. Judge Robert James dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Daughters of the Confederacy, who said the parish couldn’t remove the monument because it sat on private property. Caddo Parish Commissioner Steven Jackson says it’s a step forward for the community.

Cut 12 (09)   “be equal.”

A judge has cleared the way for the removal of a confederate monument that sits outside of the Caddo Parish Courthouse. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The preparation is underway for the next voice of the Saints as Zach Strief transitions from the playing field to the press box.  Strief is a former long time tackle for the Black and Gold.  He sayshe has a long road ahead of him to polish his play by play skills.

Cut 4  (11) “…be a fan really.”

Authorities have come to a conclusion on how 69-year-old Terry Angelle of Galliano died after he was discovered with his hands and feet bound together with rope in a bayou on Sunday. Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lt. Brennan Matherne says investigators have determined the death was self-inflicted. Matherne says through interviews with family, investigators learned Angelle had a history of depression.

Cut 8 (08) “…respond to treatment.”

The Lt. says Angelle was not robbed, which helped them rule out foul play.

Two Rookie New Orleans Police Officers who were fired from their jobs after allegedly severely beating a regular at a mid-city bar in New Orleans could be facig some stiff charges as a result of the incident. Spencer Sutton and John Galman were initially booked on one count of simple battery in relation to the act, where they allegedly harassed George Gomez about his citizenship, accusing him of being a “fake American”. Gomez says he is American, and has served in the Louisiana National Guard. NOPD says those charged could be upgraded.

A federal judge’s ruling allows for the removal of a confederate monument in front of the Caddo Parish courthouse. Judge Robert James dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Daughters of the Confederacy, who said the parish couldn’t remove the monument because it sat on private property. Caddo Parish Commissioner Steven Jackson says placing the monument in front of a courthouse was highly inappropriate because of the effect it could have had on the proceedings taking place inside court of law.

Cut 13 (11) “the jury” 

The US House has passed the National Defense Authorization Act which contains 295-million dollars to update B-52 bombers, which frequently take off at Barksdale Air force Base. There’s also 12-million dollars for a new entrance to Barksdale, so a nuclear weapons storage facility can be built there. Congressman Abraham says the nuclear upgrade is desperately needed for the base.

Cut 10 (10) “no sense”

Authorities have come to a conclusion on how 69-year-old Terry Angelle of Galliano died after he was discovered with his hands and feet bound together with rope in a bayou on Sunday. Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lt. Brennan Matherne says investigators have determined the death was self-inflicted.

Cut 6 (10)  “…party was involved.”

Matherne says foul play is not suspected, as he was not robbed.

The preparation is underway for the next voice of the Saints as Zach Strief transitions from the playing field to the press box.  Strief, who has no previous broadcasting experience, spent a more than a decade as an offensive tackle with the black and gold.  Strief says  he looks forward to working with Duece McAllister on commentary and says his hope is that this is something truly special to be shared with the Who Dat Nation.

Cut 5  (12) “…on the field.”

The US House has passed the National Defense Authorization Act which provides the largest pay raise for troops in nine years. Congressman Ralph Abraham says the pay raises doen’t just help soldiers, but communities that house military bases too
cut 9 (07) “dollars.”
The legislation also contains 295-million dollars to update B-52 bombers, which frequently take off at Barksdale Air force Base. There’s also 12-million dollars for a new entrance to Barksdale, so a nuclear weapons storage facility can be built there.

A federal judge has ruled the Caddo Parish Commission can remove a confedrate monument that stands in front of the parish courthouse. The judge rejected the claims by the Daughters of the Confederacy that said the monument was on private land and their free speach was violated. Commissioner Steven Jackson…
cut 14 (10) “…not ture”
It’s unclear when the statue will be taken down.

The Natchitoches mother arrested in connection with the burning death of her six-month old child faces an additional criminal charge. Twenty-two-year-old Hannah Baker is a now facing a charge of Criminal Conspiracy to go along with the previous charge of Principle to 1st Degree Murder. So far two people have been arrested as the investigation continues.

The new voice of the Saints is making the transition from the playing field to the press box. Kevin Barnhart has more.
voicer 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

A judge has cleared the way for the removal of a confederate monument that sits outside of the Caddo Parish Courthouse. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

After initial reports began to surface on the case of a body being discovered with the hands and feet bound together with rope in a bayou on Sunday, the death seemed suspicious.  However, Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office representative .Lt. Brennan Matherne says it appears self-inflicted with a lack of evidence that ties anyone else to his death because he did not appear to be robbed.

Cut 7 (03)  “…cash on him.”

The preparation is underway for the next voice of the Saints as Zach Strief transitions from the playing field to the press box.  Strief, who has no previous broadcasting experience, spent a more than a decade as an offensive tackle with the black and gold.  Strief says his time on the gridiron definitely gives him an advantage but says he still feels he has a long road ahead of him to polish his play by play skills.

Cut 4  (11) “…be a fan really.”

Strief says he looks forward to working with Duece McAllister on commentary and says his hope is that this is something truly special to be shared with the Who Dat Nation.

Here’s a look at your commodities…

A federal judge has allowed for the removal of a confederate monument in front of the courthouse in Caddo, after dismissing a lawsuit filed by the Daughters of the Confederacy, who said the monument sat on private property. Caddo Parish Commissioner Steven Jackson says placing the monument in front of a courthouse was highly inappropriate because of the effect it could have had on the proceedings taking place inside court of law.

Cut 13 (11) “the jury” 

The monument was erected in 1903, and the commission voted 7-5 in October of 2017.

The preparation is underway for the next voice of the Saints as Zach Strief transitions from the playing field to the press box.  Strief, who has no previous broadcasting experience, spent a more than a decade as an offensive tackle with the black and gold.  Strief says he’s hoping to find his own voice.

Cut 3 (13) “…have a conversation.”

In a recent interview, Senator John Kennedy was asked about the recent exchanges between Attorney General Jeff Landry and Governor John Bel Edwards that bring attention to the lack of executions in the state since 2010.  Kennedy acknowledged he hasn’t been following the correspondence that closely, but says he believes the people of Louisiana should have more clarity on the governor’s personal view of capital punishment.

Cut 5 (10) “…in the death penalty.”

Governor Edwards recently stated:” The fact of the matter is that we cannot execute someone in the state of Louisiana today because the only legally prescribed manner set forth in state statute is unavailable to us.”

Louisiana Economic Development’s FastStart program has been ranked the nation’s number one state workforce training program for a record ninth consecutive year by Business Facilities. LED Secretary Don Pierson says if you are looking to grow in a skilled position…

Cut 9 (09)  “…available jobs”