Governor Bobby Jindal is among those heading to the Mexican Border today for a security briefing and tour by the Texas Department of Public Safety. State Police Col. Mike Edmonson says there are about 1100 undocumented kids in Louisiana right now who were sent here and they need to know where they are. He says the state should have that information…

cut 4 (08) “give them healthcare”

The visit will include an air and marine tour of the border.

One man is dead and another is facing some serious charges in a crash on I-10 in St. John the Baptist Parish. Jacob Sellers, of Sorrento, is suspected of being impaired while his car careened across two lanes, struck several guard rails, crashed into another car, and then flipped over several times. State Police Spokesperson Melissa Matey says it’s an ongoing investigation, but a number of factors are suspected…

cut 12 (06) “in this crash”

An unidentified passenger was ejected from Sellers’s vehicle, then struck by another vehicle that fled the scene, and pronounced dead on arrival to a local hospital.

Louisiana State Police is investigating a fatal hit and run accident that occurred over the weekend near Kentwood. Master Trooper Greg Marchand says 22-year-old Matthew Mahler of Vacherie and a friend were riding four-wheelers in a ditch along Louisiana Highway 10 when Mahler had an accident and was ejected from his vehicle into the roadway, then run over by a car that fled the scene. Marchand says they are searching for a small dark colored sedan…

cut 8 (07) “of the driver”

Mahler was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

According to “Governing” magazine, Louisiana is the seventh most popular state for millennials. Millennials are defined as persons born between 1981 and 2000. The magazine states that 28.5-percent of Louisiana’s population falls into the millennial age bracket. That is the largest age group living in the Bayou State. Excluding Washington, DC, Louisiana has the highest concentration of millennials in the eastern half of the United States.

Governor Bobby Jindal will be among those who are headed to the Mexican Border today for a security briefing and tour by the Texas Department of Public Safety. State Police Col. Mike Edmonson says they have no information about the undocumented immigrants coming to Louisiana and they need some answers…

cut 3 (08) “to their health records”

Edmonson says the visit will include an air and marine tour of the border.

The East Baton Rouge District Attorney has reduced the charges against LSU junior safety Jalen Mills from felony second degree battery to misdemeanor simple battery. The charges stem from a May incident where Mills allegedly punched a woman near his apartment. DA Hillar Moore says the second degree battery charge was the arrest charge and his office believes the misdemeanor charge is appropriate after reviewing evidence and reports.

Louisiana State Police is investigating a fatal hit and run accident that occurred over the weekend near Kentwood. Master Trooper Greg Marchand says 22-year-old Matthew Mahler of Vacherie and a friend were riding four-wheelers in a drainage ditch along Louisiana Highway 10 when Mahler had an accident and was ejected from his vehicle into the roadway. Marchand says Mahler’s friend was trying to help when he noticed a vehicle approaching. He says the friend tried to alert the driver of the car, but the sedan struck Mahler and continued on the highway failing to stop. Marchand says Mahler was transported to a local hospital…

cut 7 (12) “shortly after”

Marchand says they are searching for a small dark colored sedan, possibly four door.

Louisiana State Police is investigating a fatal hit and run accident that occurred over the weekend near Kentwood. Master Trooper Greg Marchand says 22-year-old Matthew Mahler of Vacherie and a friend were riding four-wheelers in a drainage ditch along Louisiana Highway 10 when Mahler had an accident and was ejected from his vehicle into the roadway….

cut 06 (09) “kept going”

Mahler was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Marchand says they are searching for a small dark colored sedan, possibly four-door.

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. They will be discussing 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 the state.

The new school year is coming and the Department of Health 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 (04) “within the classroom”

Welch says every child should be protected before heading to the classroom.

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. The list was compiled based on the cost of living index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research. 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”

Bruno says this is great national exposure for ULM.

It’s been two years since the massive sinkhole in Bayou Corne happened and resident frustrations over the disaster continue. The collapsed salt dome caused the evacuation of 350 people. Scientists believe the sinkhole is stabilizing, but Director of the Assumption Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, John Boudreaux, is skeptical. He does say it has been a while since any land has fallen into the sinkhole…

cut 6 (07) “the sinkhole”

He says a settlement in a lawsuit between Texas Brine and residents should bring some closure and help residents move on with their lives.

Tropical Storm Bertha is now Hurricane Bertha. Bertha intensified into a hurricane this morning. Bertha is the second hurricane to form this hurricane season. Hurricane Bertha is not expected to make landfall in the United States and die out in the Atlantic Ocean.

The new school year is approaching and the Department of Health and Hospitals is reminding parents to be sure your child is up-to-date on vaccinations. Michelle Southern reports…

cut 2 (23) “reporting”

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 his research could also be helpful to people who are bedridden for several months at a time or patients suffering from spinal chord injuries…

cut 12 (07) “on Earth”

He says the ultimate goal of this research is to get astronauts to Mars healthy.

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.