It’s a sad day in north Louisiana, as the beloved founder of the West Monroe-based Johnny’s Pizza House franchise has died. Johnny Huntsman passed away this morning at the age of 77. His brother Chester Huntsman says after college, Johnny came back to coach the West Monroe High School Football team, but not for long…:
Cut 10 (10) “at everything”
Johnny’s Pizza has been a staple of northeast Louisiana for 50 years.

Louisiana is the tenth safest state in the nation, according to a first of its kind report from the National Safety Council. President and CEO Deborah Hersman says the state received an overall grade of C. She says the state has lots of room for improvement in workplace safety…:
Cut 4 (11) “needs help”
She says Louisiana did receive an A in the road safety category.

The LSU baseball team came up short in its bid to win its 7th national championship. Florida pulled away in the 8th inning and defeated the Tigers 6-1 last night to capture their first title in baseball. There was a controversial play in the 7th inning, when LSU had a run taken off the scoreboard because of a runner interference call at second base. Here’s how Coach Paul Mainieri saw it….
cut 17 (15) “….correct call”
Replay showed it was the correct call.

The four suspects involved in the brutal attack on two tourists in the New Orleans French Quarter are all in police custody. The four young men face charges of second-degree robbery. Police records indicate one of the victims suffered a serious brain injury. The other victim is going to be okay. New Orleans Police say more charges could be forthcoming.

It’s a sad day in north Louisiana, as the beloved founder of the West Monroe-based Johnny’s Pizza House franchise has died. Johnny Huntsman had been suffering from Alzheimer’s, according to family. His brother, Chester Huntsman, says Johnny’s positive and encouraging attitude is what sparked the business into what it is today…:
Cut 9 (11) “a lot too”
He was 77.

The four suspects involved in the brutal attack on two tourists in the New Orleans French Quarter, which was caught on a viral video, are all in police custody. NOPD Superintendent Michael Harrison says it was only a matter of time before before detectives and the community would work together to track these men down…:
Cut 7 (06) “on that promise”
The two victims in this incident were Boston-area tourists and one remains in critical condition.

The National Safety Council ranks Louisiana the tenth safest state in the nation. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

The LSU baseball team came up short in its bid to win its 7th national championship. Florida pulled away in the 8th inning and defeated the Tigers 6-1 last night to capture their first title in baseball.

The New Orleans Police Department now has in custody all four suspects accused in the brutal attack and robbery in the French Quarter that was captured on a now-viral video. 21-year-old Dejuan Paul, and 18-year-old Joshua Simmons had surrendered previously. Commander Nicholas Gernon says 20-year-old Rashaad Piper was located by cops at a business last night.:
Cut 6 (10) “Pogozelski”
One victim remains in critical condition. The four suspects are accused of second-degree robbery, but officials say more charges could be brought.

The beloved Founder of Monroe-founded Johnny’s Pizza, Johnny Huntsman, has passed away. The company said Huntsman had been suffering Alzheimer’s for a couple of years. Johnny’s Pizza first opened in Monroe in 1967 on Desiard Street right across from ULM. He was 77.

Louisiana is the tenth safest state in the nation, according to a first of its kind report from the National Safety Council. President and CEO Deborah Hersman says the state received an overall grade of C, but no state was awarded an overall A grade. Louisiana did receive an A in the road safety category…:
Cut 3 (11) “in a crash”
She says community safety earned a C grade here in which the most common occurrence was overdoses.

Jimmy D. Long Sr. School of Math, Science, and the Arts is the new official name of the Natchitoches high school, as the governor signed the bill to add the name of the late state lawmaker to the title. Delhi Senator Francis Thompson says this simple act honors Long’s legacy..:
Cut 15 (09) “for Louisiana”

Miscues cost the Tigers as the Florida Gators snatch a national championship away from LSU. Jeff Palermo has a recap of last night’s baseball game…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A Minden woman will spend 40 years in prison for fatally shooting her 22-year-old son while she was intoxicated. Forty-eight-year-old Dora Blake was sentenced Tuesday for shooting her son in the back of the head as he drove her home after she was kicked out of a casino.

The new LA ABLE program allows people with disabilities to save money without losing their government benefits. Tyana Dequana with the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance says this comes as a relief to many families who will finally be able to help themselves for the future.

Cut 5 (10) “might come along”

She says families can save up to $14-thousand a year.

Jimmy D. Long Sr. Louisiana School of Math, Science, and the Arts is the new official name of the Natchitoches high school, as the governor signed the bill adding the name of the late state lawmaker to the school’s title. Delhi Senator Francis Thompson says it’s not a big change, but it’s an important change.

Cut 13 (12) “in that way”

The LSU baseball team came up short in its bid to win its 7th national championship. Florida pulled away in the 8th inning and defeated the Tigers 6-1 last night to capture their first title in baseball. There was a controversial play in the 7th inning, when LSU had a run taken off the scoreboard because of a runner interference call at second base. Here’s how Coach Paul Mainieri saw it….
cut 17 (15) “….correct call”
Replay showed it was the correct call.

The four suspects involved in the brutal attack on two tourists in the New Orleans French Quarter are all in police custody. The four young men face charges of second-degree robbery. Police records indicate one of the victims suffered a serious brain injury.

Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed a bill that promoted free speech on college campuses. Edwards said in his veto message the legislation is needless because free speech is already protected by the constitution. But the bill’s author, Alexandria Representative Lance Harris, disagrees….
cut 12 (11) “….in America”

The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance and the State’s Treasurer’s office launches a new savings program to help individuals with disabilities. It’s called L-A ABLE and Tyana DeQuana with LOFSA says it gives these families a chance to have a savings account to pay for big expenses…
cut 6 (12) “…those expenses”
More info can be found on the State Treasurer’s website.

Governor John Bel Edwards vetoes a bill to provide freedom of expression on college campuses. The legislation is by Alexandria Representative Lance Harris…:
Cut 11 (11) “of doing that”
Harris was a vocal opponent of many of the governor’s agenda items and the Republican hopes this wasn’t a political veto.

The governor signed some bills that seek to protect drivers and police officers during a traffic stop. Plaquemine Representative Chad Brown’s measure requires drivers ed courses to include how motorists should behave when they get pulled over, because it’s a nerve-racking situation for both them and the cop…:
Cut 9 (10) “heinous criminal”
The new laws set to go into effect August 1.

People with disabilities will now be able to save money without losing their benefits, thanks to a new program from the State Treasurer and the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

Jimmy D. Long Sr. School of Math, Science, and the Arts is the new official name of the Natchitoches high school, as the governor signed the bill to add the name of the late state lawmaker to the title. Delhi Senator Francis Thompson says this simple act honors Long’s legacy..:
Cut 15 (09) “for Louisiana”

It just wasn’t meant to be for LSU last night, as the Tigers fall to Flordia 6-1 and the Gators take home their first College Baseball National Championship trophy. The Tigers trailed the whole game, but had chances to take the lead in the 7th and 8th innings. Shortstop LSU Kramer Robertson reacts…:
Cut 16 (14) “whole career”
LSU finishes the season 52-20.

The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance and the State Treasurer’s Office launch a new savings program to help residents with disabilities. Tyana Dequana with LOSFA says LA ABLE lets handicapped people put money aside for future expenses…:
Cut 4 (11) “benefits as well”
Visit osfa.la.gov.

All four suspects in the brutal French Quarter attack that left one visitor in critical condition are now in custody, according to the New Orleans Police Department. The disturbing beating was caught on surveillance video, and NOPD vowed to find those responsible. The suspects busted this morning are identified as 20-year-old Rashaad Piper, and 18-year-old Nicholas Polgowski. 21-year-old DeJuan Paul and 18-year-old Joshua Simmons were already in custody.

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed a bill into law requiring driver’s education courses to teach students how to act during a traffic stop.
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Governor John Bel Edwards signs into law measures aimed at keeping both motorists and police officers safe during a traffic stop. One by Plaquemine Representative Chad Brown requires driver’s ed to include information about how motorists should behave if they get pulled over…:
Cut 7 (10) “officer’s directions”
The law goes into effect August 1.

The governor has vetoed a bill that would provide freedom of expression on college campuses, calling it a solution in search of a problem. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says his measure was about protecting rights that are under siege at many universities…:
Cut 10 (08) “for Louisiana”
Harris has been a vocal opponent to many of the governor’s proposals, and he hopes the veto wasn’t politically motivated.

Miscues cost the Tigers as the Florida Gators win the national championship away from LSU. Jeff Palermo has a recap of the game…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Two suspects are in custody and two more are sought in the brutal attack on a pair of tourists over the weekend that left one in critical condition. New Orleans Police are looking for 20-year-old Rashaad Piper and 18-year-old Nicholas Polgowski on the charge of second degree robbery.

A lawsuit has been filed on behalf of Alton Sterling’s children against the city of Baton Rouge, the police department, police chief, and the two white officers who were involved the black man’s death. Attorney Michael Adams says BRPD has a pattern of racist behavior and excessive force.

Cut 11 (08) “get there”

Adams says testimony from current and former officers will prove their claims.

Gas prices for this Fourth of July are the lowest since 2005. Senior petroleum analyst with GasBuddy Patrick Dehaan says Louisiana drivers will save even more compared to other states. The statewide average of $2.06 a gallon is well below the national average of $2.25.

Cut 8 (08) “refining capacity”

He says gas prices are even cheaper now than they were this time last year.

The state will study whether it would be a good idea to raise the minimum age to buy smokes to 21. Michelle Southern reports…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

The father of LSU pitcher Jared Poche helped resuscitate a Florida State fan during Game 1 of the College World Series finals. The 87-year-old man had no pulse when Dr. Jerry Poche was called to help. Poche helped perform CPR on the man until medics arrived, and he is reportedly in good condition.

Lawyers representing Alton Sterling’s children have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Baton Rouge, it’s police department and police chief and the two white police officers involved in last summer’s fatal shooting of the black man. Attorney Chris Stewart says a culture of racial bias among Baton Rouge cops fueled the shooting…
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The lawsuit was filed in state court. The Baton Rouge Police Department is not commenting. One of the plantiffs attorney’s, Michael Adams says the suit seeks unspecified damages…
cut 12 (11) “…five children”
A federal investigation has already determined no criminal charges against the officers.

This year’s Fourth of July gas prices are the lowest since 2005. Senior petroleum analyst Patrick Dehaan with GasBuddy.com says prices usually peak around May when refineries finish up maintenance and transition to summer grade gasoline, and we usually see a slight decline after that:
Cut 7 (08) “at the pump”
The statewide average of $2.06 a gallon is well below the national average of $2.25.

Tiger fans will soon have a new brew of their own, as Louisiana’s own Community Coffee gears up to launch an LSU Blend full-bodied special dark roast coffee. Spokesperson Jodi Conachen says the Baton Rouge based company wanted to honor its roots.
Cut 3 (10) “your Tigers”
Conachen says the LSU Blend will be available next month.