A large crowd has gathered at the funeral for Baton Rouge police officer Matthew Gerald. He was one of three law enforcement officers gunned down in last Sunday’s attack by a lone gunman. Funeral services for the other two law enforcement officers will take place tomorrow and Monday.

Former KKK leader David Duke announces he’s running for US Senate. Duke is expected to officially qualify at the Secretary of State’s office at this hour. He announced his intentions with a video on his website and explained why he’s running…
cut 30 (09) “….and heritage”
Duke ran for governor in 1991, but was defeated by Edwin Edwards.

The Louisiana Republican Party has released a statement that says they oppose Duke’s candidacy for any public office. The state GOP says Duke does not embody the values of their party.

The owner of a Mandeville snowball stand has been arrested for inappropriate sexual behavior with some of his juvenile employees. 56-year-old Anthony Fortune faces numerous charges. Mandeville Police Captain Gerald Sticker says it’s a very disturbing case, because it’s a business that hires kids and caters to kids…
cut 8 (07) “…that personally”

The Caddo parish Sheriff’s announces the arrest of an 81-year-old man who allegedly raped a six-year-old girl. Authorities say James Edward Dickens had sexual contact with the juvenile victim on several occasions at his home. Dickens has been charged with first-degree rape.

State Police say they’ve made an arrest in the fatal hit and run of a skateboarder near the Southeastern Louisiana campus back in May. Two vehicles hit the victim and Trooper Dustin Dwight says they are still looking for the first vehicle that hit Erin Gerhard on May 11th.

A man is behind bars for threatening Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator on Facebook. Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Cindy Chadwick says 25-year-old Michael Evans made a disturbing post on July 20….
cut 3 (10) “…flat line”
Chadwick says Evans was arrested during a traffic stop in California and has been charged with terrorizing.

Hundreds of mourners have gathered at Healing Place Church for the funeral for slain Baton Rouge police officer Matthew Gerald. He was one of three law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty on Sunday. Officer Chris Wallace from Canton, Ohio, traveled to Baton Rouge to take part in all three funerals and is glad to see the community support…
cut 7 (09) “….around us”
The funerals for the other two fallen officers, Brad Garafola and Montrell Jackson are on Saturday and Monday.

A year ago Saturday is the one-year anniversary of the fatal shootings at a Lafayette movie theater. Two people died and nine others were injured when a gunman opened fire inside the Grand 16 theater. Joey Durel was the mayor of Lafayette at the time and says he remains impressed by the outpouring of support from Louisianians…
cut 10 (04) “…a role”
Durel said they couldn’t have moved on as easily if it weren’t for the love and support from people throughout the state.

If you are looking to donate money to help support the families of the fallen Baton Rouge police officers, the Attorney General’s office is asking that you do your homework first. Amanda Larkins, with the A-G’s office, says you can go their website to find out which organiziations are legit…
cut 13 (10) “…the website”

The final goodbyes have begun for the Baton Rouge officers killed in an ambush last weekend. The funeral of Officer Matthew Gerald will start at 11am at the Louisiana National Cemetery in Zachary. Elizabeth Kasulaitis (Kass-uh-light-us) lives near the scene of the shooting. She says it’s heartbreaking this tragedy happened to the ones who serve and protect us:
Cut 5 (09) “get better”
Deputy Brad Garafola will be laid to rest on Saturday, and BRPD’s Corporal Montrell Jackson’s services are set for Monday.

One of the deputies shot and injured in the attack has been released from the hospital. East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Deputy Bruce Simmons was being treated for injuries to his shoulder and arm and underwent two surgeries. One deputy still remains in the hospital, Nick Tullier. He is being treated for gunshot wounds to his head and torso and is still in critical condition.

The Attorney General’s Office urges consumers to be cautious when making donations in wake of the Baton Rouge shootings. Amanda Larkins with the A-G’s office says they want to make sure contributions truly go to the families of the law enforcement officers and actually reach those they intend to help…:
cut 11 (10) “in need”
She says before donating you can check with the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance or Charity Watch.

State Police have made an arrest in the fatal hit and run crash that killed a skateboarder near the Southeastern Louisiana campus. The victim, 26-year-old Erin Gerhard of Independence was hit twice, and Trooper Dustin Dwight says they believe 37-year-old Vincent Young of Natalbany was the second vehicle…:
CUT 15 (07) “him again”
Young is charged with felony hit and run.

The first of three funerals for the fallen Baton Rouge officers is today. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Congressman Garret Graves says $650,000 of federal assistance from the US Department of Justice will be given to law enforcement officials for needed resources after Sunday’s dead attack on officers in Baton Rouge. He says total costs of responding to these shooting could reach $3-5 million dollars incurred by Baton Rouge City Police.

The Lafayette theater shooting that claimed the lives of two women and injured nine others, happened one year ago Saturday. Joel Durel was the major at the time, and he says one of the things that sticks out in his mind the most was a statement from an officer the day after the shooting who said, “All around the country people are throwing bricks at police, and here they are throwing food to us”…:
Cut 9 (11) “and others”
He says the healing process couldn’t have been possible without the support they received from all over the state and nation.

State officials are urging residents to be careful when donating to charities in the name of fallen police officers. Amanda Larkins with the AG’s office says make sure you do your research before sending any money:
cut 12 (07) “credit cards”
She says be sure you know who you are donating to and that you trust them.

The final goodbyes for the fallen Baton Rouge cops will begin today with the funeral of Matthew Gerald of BRPD. Deputy Brad Garafola will be laid to rest on Saturday, and BRPD’s Corporal Montrell Jackson’s services are set for Monday. Lacey Rogers brought flowers to the memorial at the gas station where Sunday’s tragedy took place. She has hope for change…:
Cut 6 (08) “we fall”
Governor John Bel Edwards is slated to attend the funerals.

State Police have made an arrest in the fatal hit and run crash that killed a skateboarder near the Southeastern Louisiana campus on May 11th. Trooper Dustin Dwight it’s 37-year-old Vincent Young of Natalbany…:
cut 14 (09) “that scene”
Young faces several charges including Felony Hit and Run.

The AG’s office urges caution when donating to charities in lieu of the officers killed in the ambush in Baton Rouge. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s is now among one of the law enforcement divisions who have made an arrest in the case of someone who was threatening cops on social media. 25-year-old Michael Evans is accused of making a post on Facebook suggesting that Sheriff Steve Prator should be “flat lined.” Evans has ties to the Shreveport area, but officials say he was located in Fairfield, California where he is being held on a warrant for terrorizing.

Today is the first of three funerals that will be held for the fallen Baton Rouge officers. The memorial at the gas station where Sunday’s tragedy took place has grown tremendously, as mourners have placed flowers, balloons, and cards at that location. Chris Brown put three crosses he built in front of the memorial. He says it’s a token from his family to theirs…:
cut 4 (10) “as possible”
Funeral services for Matthew Gerald is today. Deputy Brad Garafola will be laid to rest on Saturday and Baton Rouge police officer Montrell Jackson’s services will be Monday.

Local law enforcement is set to receive $650,000 in federal funding to help with the costs of all it took to deal with last weekend’s deadly police shooting. Families of the fallen officers will also be receiving $340,000 in assistance..

Tomorrow it’ll be one year since a man opened fire during a showing of a movie at a Lafayette theater, killing two people and injuring nine others. Joey Durel was the mayor on July 23rd, 2015. He’s called the shooting a tragic anomaly, but it never meant that Lafayette and Acadiana are not safe communities…:
Cut 8 (08) “and we did”
Durel said they couldn’t have moved on as easily if it weren’t for the love and support from people throughout the state, and the nation.

It looks like the NBA All-Star game could be returning to New Orleans next year. The league wants to move out of Charlotte because of its objections to a North Carolina law that limits anti-discrimination protections for the LGBT community.

The viewing for police officer Matthew Gerald is underway at a Baton Rouge funeral home. He is one of three law enforcement officers who was gunned down on Sunday.

A former Texas police officer arrived in Baton Rouge today with custom made caskets for the law enforcement officers who were killed…
cut 2 (30) “…I’m Michelle Southern”

There was a huge send-off today for Deputy Bruce Simmons who was wounded in the ambush. He was released from a Baton Rouge hospital after undergoing at least two surgeries.

Verbal jabs are already flying in the race for the 2nd Congressional district, which stretches from New Orleans to Baton Rouge. Democratic incumbent Cedric Richmond criticized Holden for being absent during what has been a difficult two weeks for the city of Baton Rouge. But Holden says he’s been active behind the scenes…
cut 5 (07) “…I’m going”

There are 21 individuals who have their eyes set on becoming Louisiana’s next US Senator. That’s how many people have qualified for the seat that will be vacated by David Vitter. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says with this many people in the race, anything is possible when voters go to the polls in November…
cut 12 (09) “…chopped up”
The final day to qualify for the US Senate race or one of the six Congressional races is Friday.

A former Texas law enforcement officer is donating custom made caskets to the three officers who lost their lives in Sunday’s ambush in Baton Rouge. Trey Ganem is the owner of Trey Ganem Designs and he says he decided to make the caskets after watching a video featuring one of the fallen officers, Montrell Jackson…
Cut 13 (09) “black casket”
Ganem says they also incorporated something unique about each officer on the caskets. The viewing for fallen Baton Rouge Police officer Matthew Gerald is tonight until 9:00.

There is good news when it comes to one of the officers that was injured in Sunday’s attack. Deputy Bruce Simmons was released from a Baton Rouge hospital today. Video shows the hospital staff and fellow deputies giving Simmons an emotional send-off as he returns home to continue his recovery.

Democratic Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden says he’s running for Congress in the 2nd district because he’s unhappy with the performance of Democratic incumbent Cedric Richmond. The district runs from New Orleans to Baton Rouge. Richmond says Baton Rouge needs its mayor tending to the business of the city, not running for Congress…
cut 4 (11) “….has happened’
Holden is serving out the final year of his term and he is term-limited.

Heat indicies hit well over 100-degrees in some parts of the state today, so the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is urging everyone to take caution. GOHSEP Director Jim Waskom …
cut 7 (09) “…those fluids”
This hot and humid weather is expected to continue through the weekend.

As temperatures continue to rise across the state, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is urging people to be cautious. GOHSEP Director Jim Waskom says forecasters predict this pattern to carry on into the fall as a heat dome is covering a large part of the country. He wants to remind drivers to look before you lock.

CUT 9 (08) “about any”

Waskom says we’re expected to see temperatures reach the high 90s and even into the 100s.

A former Texas law enforcement law officer made three custom caskets to donate to the fallen Baton Rouge police officers. Trey Ganem says he will have a full police escort to each funeral home as he delivers the three caskets.

cut 15 (08) “family members”

Ganem says he incorporated something unique about each officer on to each casket

A state record was set at the Secretary of State’s office during the first day of qualifying, as 52 people entered one of the federal races. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says open seats for high office always draw large fields. But he says it could be voter frustration as well that’s embodied by the Trump movement.

cut 10 (05)  “incumbents”

Two Democratic candidates in the 2^nd Congressional District race are already making verbal jabs at each other. Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden is criticizing incumbent Congressman Cedric Richmond for not doing enough in the Capital City following both the Alton Sterling shooting and the ambush on police.

CUT 3 (07)  “Baton Rouge”

But Richmond says Holden is the one who has been missing in action. He says it’s not fair to the citizens of Baton Rouge for Holden to run because the city needs a full time mayor

A former Texas police officer has custom made caskets for the three law enforcement officers who were killed in Sunday’s attack in Baton Rouge. Michelle Southern has more…
CUT 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

One of the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Deputies injured in the ambush was released from the hospital today. Deputy Bruce Simmons suffered injuries to his shoulder and arm after being shot by gunman, Gavin Long, on Sunday. Simmons underwent two surgeries at Baton Rouge General. Deputy Nicholas Tullier is still in critical condition and is being treated for gunshot wounds to the head and torso.

Verbal attacks are already being made in the race for the 2nd congressional district seat, featuring Democrats US Rep. Cedric Richmond and Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden. Richmond says it’s not fair to Baton Rouge that Holden is entering the race because the Capital City needs a leader during these tough times. He says he welcomes Holden to the race, but he needs to resign as mayor.
CUT 6 (10) “full-time mayor”

But Holden defended his absence by saying he has been in confidential briefings and has been very active behind the scenes.

CUT 5 (07) “I’m going”
Holden is criticizing Richmond for not speaking out and taking part in the recovery of Baton Rouge after all the recent violence the city has seen.