According to The Hill, a Washington, DC newspaper, Louisiana’s congressional “Clout Index” has fallen from 4th to 30th and LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says it could get worse. Scott Carwile has more…

CUT 1 (29) “Scott Carwile”

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In the latest Gubernatorial Q&A conducted by Louisiana Radio Network, we asked the candidates what steps they would take to reduce the murder rate. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (33) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Egg prices are still on the rise. Emelie Gunn has more on what’s causing the increase…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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According to The Hill, a Washington, DC newspaper, Louisiana’s congressional “Clout Index” has fallen from 4th to 30th now that Mary Landrieu is no longer a member of the Louisiana delegation. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says if not for Metarie Congressman Steve Scalise’s election to majority whip, the third most powerful position in the US House, the ranking would have been worse…

cut 4  (08)  “neighboring states”

Going forward, Alford says the state’s “Clout Index” could drop further because of US Senator David Vitter’s quest to become governor. He says if Vitter wins the governorship, it would negatively affect Louisiana’s influence in Washington…

Cut 5  (07)  “two sub-committees”

He says if the Senator wins the governor’s seat, veteran Congressmen Charles Boustany and John Fleming will most likely run for Vitter’s vacant seat. Both men would have to give up their House seats to run for the Senate. Alford says Louisiana’s standing on Capital Hill is shaky at best…

Cut 6 (09)  “sitting Congressmen”

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Starting today motorists traveling through the Baton Rouge area will have the opportunity to travel faster on I-10 and I-12. State Department of Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallett says they’re increasing the speed limit from 60 to 65 on I-10 from Essen to Siegen and on I-12 from Sherwood to Range.

CUT 7 (09)  “to 70”

Mallett says DOTD increased the limit after determining it’s a safe change and giving drivers time to adjust to the recent expansion of the interstate in those areas.  He says hopefully this will help improve congestion through these areas.

Cut 8  (05)  “safe speed” 

I-10 and I-12 in the area Baton Rouge area was recently expanded as part of the 341 million dollar Geaux Wider Program aimed to increase capacity on Louisiana roadways. Mallett says crews will begin installing signage reflecting the change in speed limit today.

Cut 9 (06) “everyone knows”

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In the latest Gubernatorial Q&A conducted by Louisiana Radio Network, we asked the candidates what steps they would take to reduce the murder rate here. For years Louisiana has had the highest murder per capita rate in the nation and New Orleans police recently reported they’ve already reached 100 homicides this year. US Senator David Vitter…:

Cut 10 (10) “hardened criminals”

Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle says he’ll make sure law enforcement has all the resources they need to tackle the war on crime. He also feels non-governmental organizations should be involved in working together to combat the problem within communities…:

cut 11 (08)  “family unit”

Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says he strongly supports the right of law abiding citizens to legally own weapons which may be necessary for self defense. He says he’ll ensure state and local government officials work closely with programs which are developed to curb juvenile violence in high crime areas…:

cut 12 (11) “as Governor”

Democratic Amite Representative John Bel Edwards believes there is a clear link between having the highest incarceration rate and having the highest crime rate. He says he’ll make sure minor offenders are not locked up with hardened criminals…:

Cut 13 (10)  “life of crime”

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Egg prices at the store are getting even higher. State Agriculture Commissioner and Chair of the Louisiana Egg Commission Mike Strain says the big increase is because of avian flu. He says egg prices have gone up 90 percent since May.

Cut 14 (09) “different markets”

Strain says the last case of bird flu was detected on June 17th and there have been 227 farms affected. He says more than 48 million birds were infected and those that died have yet to be replaced.

Cut 15  (07)  “United States”

Strain says egg prices will remain high until farmers can properly sterilize their facilities to reintroduce hens. He is concerned we might see the virus return in September and warms farmers to watch out for wild birds entering their flocks because many are still carrying the disease.

Cut 16  (08)  “influenza”

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The Saints report to training camp at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, in ten days. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says a big question mark heading into the season is the defensive line, which didn’t play nearly as well as it did two years ago…

Cut 17 (19) ” from em” 

Detillier says there’s also question marks on the Saints offensive line, as they have to replace left guard Ben Grubbs, who was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs…

Cut 18 (15) “tackle spot”

Detillier says the Saints have improved at the cornerback position. He says veteran Keenan Lewis has been solid and they have better talent at the other corner spot…

Cut 19 (19) “there”

State lawmakers will not return to Baton Rouge for a veto session. Michelle Southern has the story…:

cut 2 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals has confirmed three new cases of the West Nile virus this week, the first cases of the year. Two cases were confirmed in the southwest and central Louisiana region and one in the Baton Rouge area. Last year, there were 62 cases of West Nile in Louisiana. Officials ask residents to take precautions against mosquitoes in order to avoid contracting the virus.

Louisiana ranks first among southern states in the number of major business projects per capita according to Southern Business and Development magazine. State Economic Development Secretary Steven Grissom says the magazine bases their ranking on large capital investment projects and large job creation projects…

cut 10 (10) “200 or more”

Louisiana earned 105 points in the rankings, easily outdistancing second-place Kentucky with 63 points.

A good portion of north and southeastern Louisiana is under a heat advisory and a hazardous weather outlook has been issued for south Louisiana due to extreme heat, according to the National Weather Service. State climatologist Barry Keim says we can continue to expect temperatures in Louisiana to be in the mid 90′s and possibly increase into the triple digits next week…

cut 7 (07) “vengeance”

He says rain chances remain low this weekend, but there’s the potential for a pop-up severe thunderstorm.

A recent Fox News poll on the Republican presidential field shows Governor Bobby Jindal polling at less than one-percent. Jeff Palermo reports…

cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Governor Jindal has signed an executive order allowing the Louisiana National Guard to arm guards protecting military facilities. It states that the Guard is permitted to give military guards the means to protect themselves in order to preserve the lives, property, and the security of themselves and others subject to the threat of an attack. This executive order comes after four Marines and a Navy officer were killed in a shooting at a military recruitment center in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Federal authorities announce a bust of a huge illegal computer hacking forum which resulted in the arrest of 70 alleged cyber-criminals including a man from Louisiana. 28-year-old Rory Stephen Guidry of Opelousas is charged with a count of computer fraud. FBI Assistant Special Agent Andrew Ludlum…

cut 15 (13) “from businesses”

Investigators say this exclusive group was the largest known English faction in the world which manufactured malicious computer software.

According to the National Weather Service, a good portion of north and southeastern Louisiana is under a heat advisory and a hazardous weather outlook has been issued for south Louisiana due to extreme heat. State climatologist Barry Keim says rain chances remain low this weekend, but there’s the potential for a pop-up severe thunderstorm.

cut 6 (07) “temperatures are”

Afternoon highs are expected in the mid- to upper-90s this weekend.

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy and David Vitter introduce the National Disaster Relief Tax Act that would give tax relief to victims of natural disasters that have taken place in recent years. Cassidy says this will greatly help those affected by the Red River flooding, because the President did not approval individual assistance for those victims…

cut 14 (11) “own needs”

Cassidy says the legislation would give disaster victims a break on their taxes and they can use that money to help in their recovery .

A recent Fox News poll on the Republican presidential field shows Governor Bobby Jindal polling at less than one-percent. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says the Jindal campaign has enough money available to get in the game, but these poll numbers could have a serious effect on fundraising efforts going forward…

cut 4 (09) “at the polls”

Cross says this is obviously not good news for Jindal.

For a sixth straight year, Louisiana ranks number one among southern states in the number of major business projects per capita according to Southern Business and Development magazine. State Economic Development Secretary Steven Grissom says the state has done so well in this ranking because Louisiana offers a strong business climate for companies looking to invest…

cut 11 (09) “choice for them”

Louisiana ranks among the top 10 states in the US in five national business climate rankings.

According to the National Weather Service, a good portion of north Louisiana is under a heat advisory and a hazardous weather outlook has been issued for south Louisiana due to extreme heat. State climatologist Barry Keim says it’s been dry across the state for the last week but rain chances are a little higher today and through the weekend…

cut 8 (06) “right now”

Keim says we’ve had dry and hot conditions because of a strong high pressure system.

State lawmakers will not return to Baton Rouge for a veto session. Michelle Southern has the story…:
cut 2 (30) “…I’m Michelle Southern”

It’s been a hot week across Louisiana and it could get worse. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s possible we could see triple digit readings next week…
cut 7 (07) “….vengenance”
Rain chances for Saturday are only 10 to 20 percent.

Bill Arnsparger, who guided the LSU Tigers to an SEC title in football in 1986, has passed away at his home in Alabama. Arnsparger was the head coach of the Fightning Tigers from 1984 to 1986, compiling a record of 28-8-and-2.

According to Southern Business and Development magazine, Louisiana is number one among southern states for the number of major business projects per capita. State Economic Development Secretary Steven Grissom says the ranking is based on large capital investment projects and large job creation projects…:
CUT 10 (10) “200 or more”
Louisiana now ranks among the top 10 states in the US in five national business climate rankings.

A recent Fox News poll on the Republican presidential field shows Governor Bobby Jindal polling at less than one-percent. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says this is obviously not good news for Jindal. Cross says the governor did not see a real boost, even after his official announcement…
CUT 3 (06) “at this moment”

Louisiana once again ranks number one among southern states in the number of major business projects per capita according to Southern Business and Development magazine. This is the sixth year in a row the Bayou State has received this honor. State Economic Development Secretary Steven Grissom says this is a very important ranking for the state…
CUT 9 (06) “development area”
And it wasn’t even close between first and second, as Louisiana beat out 2nd place Kentucky by 42 points.
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According to the National Weather Service, a good portion of north Louisiana is under a heat advisory and a heat advisory outlook has been issued for south Louisiana due to extreme heat. State climatologist Barry Keim says rain chances remain low this weekend, but there’s the potential for a pop-up severe thunderstorm.
CUT 6 (07) “temperatures are”

Help for victims of natural diasters like the recent Red River flooding and Hurricane Isaac could be on the way, as Senators David Vitter and Bill Cassidy introduce the National Disaster Relief Tax Act. Cassidy says this legislation will extend tax benefits which are commonly used for other natural disasters, and allows disaster coverage from 2012 to 2015.
cut 13 (06) “Sandy”
He says the proposed legislation has bipartisan support in the House and Senate.

Governor Bobby Jindal is polling at less than one-percent in his presidential bid, according to a recent Fox News poll on the Republican field. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pierson Cross says it’s important for Jindal to crack the top 10 to have a shot at the debates. He says Jindal will keep doing what he’s doing, and hope something sticks…
CUT 5 (10) Q: “to his side”

According to Southern Business and Development magazine, Louisiana ranks number one among southern states in the number of major business projects per capita for the sixth year in a row. State Economic Development Secretary Steven Grissom says it’s all about the business climate…
CUT 11 (09) Q: ‘choice for them’
The publication also names Lake Charles their Small Market of the Year.
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U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy and David Vitter introduce the National Disaster Relief Tax Act for relief to victims of natural disasters in the past few years. This would include people affected by the recent Red River flooding and Hurricane Issac. Cassidy says the law could allow victims to fund their own recovery…
cut 12 (11) “buy in” (2x)

It is the largest known English faction of an illegal computer hacking forum, and the FBI makes 70 arrests, including one in Louisiana. Andrew Ludlum is the FBI’s Assistant Special agent in charge of the New Orleans field office, and he says “Operation Shrouded Horizon” has taken away hackers ability to sell information…
CUT 16 (07) Q; “different servers”

State lawmakers will not return to Baton Rouge for a veto session…
cut 2 (30) “…Southern reporting”

In the latest Fox News Poll on the race for the Republican Presidential nomination, Governor Jindal received less than one-percent, which could have a serious effect on fundraising….
cut 4 (09) “….at the polls”
That’s UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross
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Federal authorities say a 28-year-old man from Opelousas is one of 70 who has been arrested for participating in a huge illegal computer hacking forum. FBI assistant special agent Andrew Ludlum says Rory Stephen Guidry faces one count of computer fraud…
cut 15 (13) “….from businesses”
The FBI operation is called “Operation Shrouded Horizon,” and they will continue their pursuit.

There’s a good portion of the state under a heat advisory because of the high temperatures, and heat indexes well above 100 degrees for this weekend. State Climatologist Barry Keim says there might a pop up shower here and there…
CUT 8 (06) Q: “right now”

It’s extremely hot in Sportsman’s Paradise and the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for a good portion of the northern half of the state and hazardous weather is forecast for south Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says stay inside through next week…:
CUT 7 (07) “vengeance”
He says there is a chance for a pop up severe thunderstorm over the weekend.

According to Southern Business and Development magazine, Louisiana is number one among southern states for the number of major business projects per capita. State Economic Development Secretary Steven Grissom the ranking is based on large capital investment projects and large job creation projects…:
CUT 10 (10) “200 or more”
Louisiana now ranks among the top 10 states in the US in five national business climate rankings.

Governor Bobby Jindal is on his “Believe Again Tour” in Iowa. Scott Carwile has more…:
CUT 3 (29) “I’m Scott Carwile”

Three LSU players were named to the first All-SEC football team to lead a total of eight players on the list. Running back Leonard Fournette and offensive lineman Vadal Alexander were selected to the first team offense, while defensive back Jalen Mills was named to the first team defense. Fournette was also named a second team all-purpose player and third team return specialist.

Louisiana once again ranks number one among southern states in the number of major business projects per capita according to Southern Business and Development magazine. This is the sixth year in a row the Bayou State has received this honor. State Economic Development Secretary Steven Grissom says this is a very important ranking for the state…:
CUT 9 (06) “development area”
Louisiana earned 105 points in the rankings, easily outdistancing second-place Kentucky with 63 points.

Lawmakers have voted against going back to the State Catpiol this month for a veto session. Governor Bobby Jindal didn’t sign nine bills which got legislative approval and also took out several items from this year’s state budget. The veto session was set for July 21st but a majority vote in the Senate cancelled it.

A recent Fox News poll on the Republican presidential field shows Governor Bobby Jindal polling at less than one-percent. Jeff Palermo reports…:
CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

State Police is reminding motorists to expect major delays on I-10 westbound from Baton Rouge to Lafayette this weekend as it’s being reduced to one lane for construction tonight through Monday morning. Motorists are encouraged to use US 190 as an alternate route.