The new school year is approaching and the Department of Heath and Hospitals is reminding parents to be sure your child is up-to-date on vaccinations. State immunologist Dr. Frank Welch says vaccines have proven safe and effective in preventing illness and death from many infectious diseases…:
CUT 9 (07) “within the classroom”
He says now would be a good time to call your pediatrician just to be sure your child is properly vaccinated before the go back to school.

Gas prices have been steadily falling throughout the past week. The current statewide average for a gallon of regular is $3.30 which is down almost 6 cents from this time last week. We pay 20 cents less for gas than the national average and analyst in Louisiana say we could be down below $3.20 before the end of August.

In a recently released ranking of the “50 Great Affordable College Towns in the US”, Monroe comes in at number 33 in the nation. ULM President Nick Bruno says in these days of rising tuition costs, students consider things like cost of food, housing, utilities and transportation when choosing where they want to attend college…:
CUT 14 (07) “on that list”
He says the Monroe community is great about supporting it’s university which is a huge plus for ULM.

The massive sinkhole in Bayou Corne happened 2 years ago yesterday. The disaster caused the evacuations of 350 people and John Boudreaux, Director of the Director of the Assumption Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says people are still frustrated:
CUT 5 (06) “their lives”
He says most residents were offered a buyout from Texas Brine and almost everyone left.

Governor Bobby Jindal is joining State Police Col Mike Edmonson on a trip to the Mexican border for a security briefing by the Texas Department of Public Safety. The trip which begins today will be to discuss issues that affect Louisiana residents including security issues. Col Edmonson says illegal drugs, illegal weapons and illegal immigrants all could negatively impact the people of this state.

A University of Louisana at Lafayette professor is conducting research to find out ways to keep astronauts healthy. Dr. Ray Boudreaux’s research is focused on bone loss. Eric Gill has more…:
CUT 3 (30) “reporting”

In a recently released ranking of the “50 Great Affordable College Towns in the US”, Monroe comes in at number 33 in the nation. Monroe is the only city in Louisiana to be ranked. ULM President Nick Bruno says Monroe offers great support to the university…:
CUT 13 (10) “perspective”
He says being on this list is great national exposure for ULM.

State Police say a Lake Charles man is under arrest on several charges for allegedly pretending to be a police officer when he was stopped by a trooper yesterday evening. They say 22-year-old Derek Felice produced identification indicating he was a Welsh Police officer but an investigation of the claim revealed he was a former officer and was no longer employed there. He is charged with false impersonation, speeding 69 miles per hour in a 55 and expired vehicle inspection.

The Department of Health and Hospitals is reminding parents to make sure your child is up to date on vaccinations as we approach the new school year. State Immunologist Dr. Frank Welch says every child should be protected before heading to the classroom…:
CUT 8 (05) “for their shot record”
He says not only is having your child vaccinated important, it’s also the law.

A University of Louisiana at Lafayette professor is conducting research to keep astronauts healthy. Dr. Ray Boudreaux’s research is focused on one of the hazards of extended space missions: bone loss. Boudreaux says the bone mass of astronauts is reduced by 1 to 2 percent each month they are in space…:
CUT 10 (07) “extraordinary bone loss”
He says the ultimate goal of this research is to get astronauts to Mars healthy.

The massive sinkhole in Bayou Corne happened 2 years ago and resident frustrations over the disaster continue. Eric Gill reports..:
CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

Louisiana State Police say a man from Vacherie died when he was run over by a hit and run vehicle after he was thrown from his 4-wheeler. They say 22-year-old Matthew Mahler was traveling near a drainage ditch on the ATV when he hit a culvert and was thrown into the westbound lane of Highway 10 near Kentwood. A witness says a sedan approached and did not stop when he hit the man lying in the road. Mahler was pronounced dead at the scene and authorities are looking for the car.

The massive sinkhole in Bayou Corne happened 2 years ago yesterday and resident frustrations over the massive disaster continue. The collapsed salt dome caused the evacuations of 350 people. John Boudreaux, Director of the Assumption Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says most of those residents were offered a buyout from Texas Brine…:
CUT 4 (07) “these two years”
He says Scientists believe the sinkhole is stabilizing, and Boudreaux added there are no immediate safety concerns posed by the it at this time.

Authorities say a fire is out after an explosion Sunday night at a biodesel plant in Norco. The St. Charles Parish Emergency Operations Center reported the blast a the Diamond Green Biodiesel facility around 9:30pm last night. The cause of the blaze has not been determined and is currently being investigatied. No injuries were reported and air monitoring in the area detected no hazardous chemicals.

The new school year is approaching and the Department of Heath and Hospitals is reminding parents to be sure your child is up-to-date on vaccinations. State immunologist Dr. Frank Welch says not only is ensuring your child has received the proper vaccinations important, it’s also the law…:
CUT 7 (07) “this year”
He says vaccines have proven safe and effective in preventing illness and death from many infectious diseases.

The superintendent of the Louisiana State Police and other Louisiana officials will be traveling to Texas today. Col. Mike Edmonson, Speaker of the House Chuck Kleckley, and other members of the LSP will meet with Texas safety officials and take a tour of the Texas-Mexico border. Discussions will include immigration issues and border security that have an impact on Louisiana.

Commodities…..(15 seconds)

551 new laws went into effect in Louisiana yesterday. One of those laws would grant an immediate divorce in domestic violence situations. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says previously, even if you had tons of evidence that you were a victim of domestic violence, you’d still have to wait 6 months to a year before you get a divorce…

cut 9 (07) “of a spouse”

He says now if someone has reasonable proof that they’ve been abused and can show that in court, they will be able to divorce the abuser right away. Morrell says other new laws dealing with domestic violence ban abusers under a protective order from possessing a firearm and those convicted of domestic abuse are prohibited from possessing a firearm for 10 years.

A Louisiana Public Safety delegation will travel to the US/Mexico border Monday for a security briefing and tour by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Among those in the delegation are State Police Colonel Mike Edmondson and Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives, Chuck Kleckley.

Colorado State Univeristy researchers continue to predict a below average 2014 Atlantic Hurricane season. Michelle Southern has that…

cut 1 (33) “reporting”

According to the Louisiana chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business, this week’s sales-tax holiday will be a big help to local businesses that have been struggling in this sluggish economy. Spokesman Todd Pack says weak sales continue to be a problem for your shops down the street, but this sales-tax holiday is exactly the shot in the arm small businesses need…

cut 4 (12) “for small business”

The Louisiana Department of Revenue says the state sales-tax holiday, which runs through today, applies to all consumer purchases of tangible personal property up to $2500, other than vehicles and meals.

Under a law that went into effect yesterday, motorists now face hefty fines if they throw a cigarette butt from a car window. Michelle Southern reports…

cut 2 (35) “reporting”

Three contenders in Louisiana’s US Senate race will share the stage today in a rare campaign moment. Incumbent Senator Mary Landrieu and Republican challengers, Conressman Bill Cassidy and Rob Maness, will all speak today at the Louisiana Municipal Association convention in Baton Rouge.

This week’s sales-tax holiday will be a big help to local businesses that have been struggling in this sluggish economy according to the Louisiana chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business. Spokesman Todd Pack says weak sales continue to be a problem for your shops down the street…

cut 3 (09) “at small business”

The Louisiana Department of revenue says the state sales-tax holiday, which runs through today, applies to all consumer purchases of tangible personal property up to $2,500, other than vehicles and meals.

The 11th Annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off is being held today in New Orleans where 19 chefs from throughout the US will compete for the high honor of best seafood chef in the nation. Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says this is a great opportunity to put the spotlight on Louisiana and Gulf seafood…

cut 12 (14) “and blogger”

Dardenne says the competition takes place at the Morial Convention Center and the public is invited. Tickets are just $10 at the door.

Business Facilities Magazine names the state of Louisiana as the number one business climate in the nation. This is the first time the Bayou State has topped a national business climate ranking.

A law that went into effect yesterday grants an immediate divorce in domestic violence situations. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says previously, even if you had tons of evidence that you were a victim of domestic violence, you’d still have to wait 6 months to a year before you got a divorce. He says Louisiana is one of the leaders in the nation when it comes to domestic violence situations that end in death so one of the major goals of the 2014 legislative session was to pass sweeping anti-domestic violence legislation…

cut 11 (11) “both parties”

Morrell says other new laws prohibit abusers under a protective order from possessing a firearm and convicted domestic abusers from possessing a firearm for 10 years.

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals confirms six new cases of the West Nile virus this week. That brings the total number of cases in the state this year to 15. Last year, Louisiana had 34 cases reported.

Motorists now face much stiffer penalties if they throw a cigarette butt from a car window. The new law increases fines for the intentional disposal of a cigarette from a motor vehicle. First offense fines are increased from $250 to $300, plus community service. Marrerro Representative Patrick Connick says the key to the success of this law is enforcement…

cut 8 (05) “cleaner state”

Under the new law, third and subsequent offense fines jump to $1,500 plus 80 hours of community service and suspension of your driver’s license for one year.

Colorado State University researchers continue to predict a below average 2014 Atlantic Hurricane season. CSU report Author Dr. William Gray says they are now calling for a total of 10 named storms with four becoming hurricanes and one to reach major hurricane strength. Gray says, just because a below average season is predicted, that doesn’t mean residents along the Gulf Coast shouldn’t take the usual precautions because you just never know…

cut 17 (13) “extensive damage”

Gray says they predict this year will be a lot like last year where there were 13 named storms but only 2 minor hurricanes.

In a new law that went into effect yesterday, drivers can face fines for using a hand-held cell phone in a school zone. The school district must post a sign saying use is prohibited in order for the ban to take effect.

Motorists now face a much stiffer penalty if they throw a cigarette butt from a car window.  The new law increases first offense fines for the intentional disposal of a cigarette from a motor vehicle from $250 to $300, plus community service. Marrerro Representative Patrick Connick says littering has to stop…

cut 6 (08) “on the street”

Third and subsequent offense fines jump to $1,500 plus 80 hours of community service and suspension of your driver’s license for one year.  Connick says he was inspired to write this legislation after participating in “clean up days” in his district.

A Louisiana Public Safety delegation will travel to the US/Mexico border Monday for a security briefing and tour by the Texas Department of Public Safety.  State Police Colonel Mike Edmondson and the Louisiana State House Speaker Chuck Kleckley will be accompanied by a group of state troopers on the trip.

According to the National Federation of Independent Business Louisiana, this week’s sales-tax holiday will be a big help to local businesses that have been struggling in this sluggish economy.  Spokesman Todd Pack says weak sales continue to be a problem for your shops down the street.  He says when you shop at “mom and pops” you’re helping your friends and your neighbors…

cut 5 (08)  “in the community”

The Louisiana Department of Revenue says the state sales-tax holiday, which runs through Saturday, applies to all consumer purchases of tangible personal property up to $2500, other than vehicles and meals.

The 11th Annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off happens Saturday in New Orleans as 19 chefs from across the nation will compete for the high honor of best seafood chef in the country.  Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says the 2013 Cook-Off crown went to Chef David Crews from Mississippi who prepared a Southern Nicoise Salad featuring lump crab meat and seared tuna.  Dardenne says it doesn’t get much better than Gulf seafood…

cut 14 (10)  “of our product”

The competition takes place at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans beginning at 11:30 Saturday morning.  It is open to the public.  Tickets are just $10 at the door.

The Louisiana Sheriff’s Association has endorsed incumbent Senator Mary Landrieu in this year’s upcoming Senate election.  This is the third election in a row the Sheriff’s Association has endorsed Landrieu.

Today is August 1st, and a total of 551 laws are going into affect today, including one written by New Orleans Senator J.P. Morrell that grants an immediate divorce in domestic violence situations. The old law said that married victims of abuse had to wait 6 months to a year to get a divorce. Now, he says, if someone has reasonable proof, and can show it in court, they will be able to get the divorce right away…;
cut 10 :13 sec. Q: “at that time”
Also beginning today, abusers – who are under a protective order – are prohibited from possessing a firearm.

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals is confirming six new West Nile virus cases this week, bringing the total number of cases to 15 so far. Last year Louisiana had 34 cases reported.
———————————————
On the same day that smoking is banned from college campuses, drivers who throw cigarette butts out car windows face hefty fines. Michelle Southern reports…:
cut V2 :35 sec. Q: “reporting”

Researchers continue to predict a below average 2014 Atlantic Hurricane season. Colorado State University Report Author Dr. William Gray says they are now calling for a total of 10 named storms with four becoming hurricanes and one to reach major hurricane strength. He says the storm deterring El Nino is still expected to arrive…:
cut 15 :11 sec. Q: “Atlantic Basin”
Right now, Tropical Storm Bertha is moving into the Carribean, but current forecasts say that the storm should not affect the US, at least for right now.

So what’s going on with our hurricane season? Well, outside of Tropical Storm Bertha that is not supposed to be a threat…not much. Colorado State University Report Author Dr. William Gray, who says the approaching El Nino will keep the forecast down to 10 named storms, with 4 becoming hurricanes. And conditions in the Atlantic Ocean itself is unfavorable…:
cut 16 :13 sec. Q: “good season”

The Common Core Curriculum is getting some rather strong support with the announcement from Senator David Vitter. In a interview that will air on C-SPAN’s “Newsmakers,” Vitter says he “strongly” supports the education standards. That will put some distance between him and Governor Bobby Jindal, who is against it.

———————————————–

Today is day #1 for the smoking and tobacco ban on the state’s public colleges. It’s also the beginning of the ban of throwing cigarette butts from a car window. And the fines are not cheap. But Marrero Representative Patrick Connick says the roadway evidence he saw convinced him we needed a law like this to stop it…:
cut 7 :08 sec. Q: ‘is a problem”
First offense fines will be $250 to $300, plus community service. He says enforcement will be the key to success.

It’s the state’s tax free weekend today and tomorrow, and the Louisiana Department of Revenue says it will apply to all consumer purchases of tangible personal property up to $2500, other than vehicles and meals. National Federation of Independent Business Louisiana spokesman Todd Pack says this is exactly the shot in the arm small businesses need…:
cut 4 : 12 sec. Q: “for small business”
And when you shop with the mom and pops, he says you’re helping out our friends and neighbors.