State Police say a now-former Baldwin Police Officer is behind bars for allegedly impregnating a 14-year-old girl. 39-year-old Joseph Brent was under investigation for drug distribution when a minor living with the suspect and his wife gave birth. Although investigators could not prove the drug charges, DNA evidence revealed Brent fathered the 14-year-old’s child. He is charged with molestation of a Juvenile, Malfeasance in Office, Sexual battery, and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Juvenile.

LSU AgCenter researchers continue to look at ways to combat feral hog populations throughout the state. They are beginning to look at baits containing sodium nitrite to control the number of hogs. Animal Science researcher Glen Gentry says the first step is to find an effective dose of the chemical to eliminate the animal…:
CUT 10 (10) “with these hogs”
Gentry says research shows that 60 to 70 percent of the feral hog population needs to be removed annually just to keep the number of the hogs constant.

The annual International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo is underway and thousands of people are expected descend on coastal town to enjoy the festivities. Anglers from across the area will compete to see who can catch the biggest fish in a number of categories. Property tax clerk for the town of Grand Isle, Bonnie Pizani (piz-annie), says there’s a lot more going on than just fishing…:
CUT 4 (12) “this year”
Grand Isle bills the rodeo, which runs through Saturday, as “the oldest fishing tournament in the United States”.

State health officials have confirmed the first death from West Nile virus in the state this year, and it was in Caddo Parish. They say the case involves a patient who was between 60 and 74 years of age. It’s one of 4 cases confirmed in Caddo this week. The new cases will be included in the weekly West Nile virus surveillance report today.

The National Weather Service in Shreveport says that bad storm that blew through northwest Louisiana last night left thousands without power and claimed the life of one person. Senior Meteorologist Jason Hansford says they saw 60-70 mile an hour winds which downed numerous trees and power lines…:

cut 6 :07 sec. Q: “without power”

Even though those numbers have gotten lower, SWEPCO now says several thousand people in the Shreveport area could be in the dark until Sunday.

The efforts of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to hire a law firm to legally challenge the governor’s decision to scrap Common Core is receiving some push-back from the Jindal administration. Commissioner of Adminstration Kristy Nichols says the law firm cannot represent any party that is harmful to the state.
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Over 60-thousand Louisiana residents who purchased insurance through the marketplace set up by the Affordable Care Act are facing a rate increase in the double digits. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
cut V1 :30 sec. Q: ‘reporting’
The oil and gas industry needs more workers in the Gulf to keep up with demand, and the existing workers planning to retire in the next 10 years. So, higher education leaders, state officials and the oil industry have formed a long-term partnership to come up with solutions to meet with those workforce needs. Louisiana Mid Continent Oil and Gas Association President Chris John…:

cut 9 :12 sec. Q: “that’s workforce”

He’s says it’s important since deep water exploration and production is expected to increase in the Gulf.

Two Central Louisiana women are dead following a one vehicle crash into a tree in Alexandria on Louisiana Highway 1205 just after midnight. State Police Trooper Scott Moreau says things might have turned out different if the two women had wrn seatbelts…:
cut 14 :10 sec. q: “any other factor”
The passenger-29 year-old Ashley Gallien of Pineville was pronounced dead at the scene, and the driver – 31 year-old Heather McCormick of Boyce – died later at a local hospital.

Today was reporting day for the New Orleans Saints’ at their training camp facility at the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. The Black and Gold will spend three weeks up there with 3 new football fields to work on. The first practice is tomorrow morning.
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The National Weather Service in Shreveport says a bad storm that blew through northwest Louisiana last night left thousands without power and claimed the life of one person. Michelle Southern reports…:
cut V2 :33 sec. Q: “reporting”
SWEPCO says thousand of Shreveport area residents may be without power until Monday.

It’s called The Memorandum of Understanding, and it’s the result of a private-public long-term partnership between higher education, the state and the oil industry to get more workers for industry needs in the Gulf. The combination of more demand and 40% of the current workforce retiring within ten years. It’s putting a curriculum on the fast-track to certify new gulf oil workers in two years…:
cut 11 :09 sec. Q: “well paying job”
That’s Louisiana Mid Continent Oil and Gas Association President Chris John.

State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says 60-percent of the Louisiana residents who purchased insurance through the marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act face a double-digit rate hike next year. Donelon says that’s based on paperwork filed with the state’s insurance department
CUT 3 (11) “for the subsidy”
Donelon says the big rate hike is the result of a federal premium tax that’s been placed on the policies.

BESe’s efforts to legally challenge Governor Bobby Jindal’s decision to scrap Common Core has hit a snag. As the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education was attempting to hire a lawfirm in the matter, Commissioner of Adminstration Kristy Nichols says the law firm cannot represent a party that is harmful to the state.

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Thousands of people found themselves without power this morning in Northwest Louisiana after a very bad storm that snapped power lines and blew trees down. The very windy storm proved tragic for one woman…:
cut 7 :09 sec. Q: “yesterday evening”
That’s National Weather Service Senior Meteorologist Jason Hansford who says the woman was walking down the street in the height of the storms.

Higher education leaders, state officials and representatives from the oil industry have formed a long-term public-private partnership to come up with solutions to meet with the increased workforce needed for the growing Gulf oil and gas industry. Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association President Chris John says they need to ramp things up now…;
cut 10 :09 sec. Q: “out in the Gulf”
40% of that workforce is expected to retire over the next 10 years.

An Organized Crime Task-Force investigation has led to 7 indictments in North Louisiana for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and other related drug charges. The 2 year-long undercover investigation resulted in the seisure of over a half-million dollars in cash, firearms and 16 pounds of marijuana.

A horrible storm blew through northwest Louisiana last night leaving  thousands without power and one woman dead. The National Weather Service in Shreveport reported 60-70 mile per hour winds were knocking out power lines and trees. Senior Meteorologist Jason Hansford says a woman was walking down a street during the height of the storms when the winds really started picking up…:
CUT 8 (12) “to her injuries”
He says as of this morning there were still over 50,000 people who did not have power.

The 7-week-old baby in Monroe who was allegedly abused by his parents has been placed on a ventilator. Police say 29-year-old James Hall, who reportedly teaches at Carroll High School, and his wife, 27-year-old Emily Hall of Monroe were charged with second-degree cruelty to a juvenile after taking their son to the hospital. Doctors told officers the baby was bleeding from the brain as a result of abuse. Today he is considered in very critical condition.

Over 60-thousand Louisiana residents who purchased insurance through the marketplace set up by the Affordable Care Act are facing a rate increase in the double digits. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

Louisiana State Police say two women died in a crash just after midnight in Rapides Parish and they weren’t buckled up. Trooper Scott Moreau says they responded to the crash in Alexandria on La Hwy 1205 around 12:15am and learned a Honda was being driven by 31-year-old Heather McComic of Boyce…:
CUT 12 (10) “collided with a tree”
He says McComic died at a local hospital and her only passenger, 29-year-old Ashley Gallien of Pineville, was pronounced dead at the scene. Neither woman was restrained.

The Vice-Principal in Baton Rouge who was sent to jail this week after being caught allegedly sending naked pictures of himself to an 8th grader has now reportedly been suspended without pay. The suspension, which began Tuesday after Edwin Chastang’s arrest, was changed to unpaid yesterday.

State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says 60-percent of the Louisiana residents who purchased insurance through the marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act face a double-digit rate hike next year. Donelon says 101-thousand Louisiana residents have health care through the individual marketplace and they anticipate the average rate increase to be about 12 to 13 percent…

cut 4 (11) “10-percent”

Donelon says the hike is the result of a federal premium tax that’s been placed on the policies and the rates have been capped for the elderly and least healthy.

BESE’s attempt to hire a lawyer to pursue a possible lawsuit against Governor Bobby Jindal over Common Core has hit a snag. Commissioner of Administration Kristy Nichols has requested more information from the state education board in regards to the law firm contract. She says the firm cannot represent a party in an action that adversely affects the state.

The National Weather Service in Shreveport says a bad storm that blew through northwest Louisiana last night left thousands without power and claimed the life of one person. Michelle Southern has the story…

cut 2 (33) “reporting”

A commitment is in place to produce more workers for the Gulf of Mexico oil and gas industry. Higher education leaders, state officials, and representatives from the oil industry have formed a long-term public-private partnership to come up with solutions to meet with workforce needs. Louisiana Mid Continent Oil and Gas Association President Chris John…

cut 9 (12) “that’s workforce”

John says about 40-percent of experienced workforce in the Gulf of Mexico will retire in the next ten years. He says that’s a concern, especially since deep water exploration and production is expected to increase.

State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says 60-percent of the Louisiana residents who purchased insurance through the marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act face a double-digit rate hike next year. Donelon says the rate increase is the result of a federal premium tax that’s been placed on the policies and the rates have been capped for the elderly and least healthy…

cut 5 (15) “national average”

Donelon says 101-thousand state residents have health care through the individual marketplace and they anticipate the average rate increase to be 12 to 13 percent.

The West Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office says two Zachary men suspected in the armed robbery of the Southern Belle Truck Stop have been arrested. 21-year-old Joshua Wells and 21-year-old Reginald Jackson each face one count of armed robbery. Both men were found in the East Baton Rouge Parish jail being held on unrelated charges.

The National Weather Service in Shreveport says a bad storm that blew through northwest Louisiana last night left thousands without power and claimed the life of one person. Senior Meterologist Jason Hansford says they saw 60-70 mile per hour winds which downed numerous trees and powerlines…

cut 6 (07) “without power”

Hansford says as of early this morning there were still over 50,000 people who did not have power. He says a 64-year-old woman died when a tree limb fell on top of her.

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 41-year-old Lake Charles man after a homeowner discovered several firearms and power tools missing from his shop. Their investigation revealed that Shannon Primeaux pawned some of the power tools at a local pawn shop. Primeaux has been charged with simple burglary and theft. The homeowner says he allowed Primeaux to stay in his shed due to him being homeless.

A Monroe couple is charged with second degree cruelty to a juvenile after taking their 7-week-old son to the hospital. The Monroe Police Department believe the infant suffered repeated abuse. Assistant Police Chief Don Bartley says officers responded to a call from a local hospital in reference to an injured child…

cut 13 (06) “on the brain”

Medical tests showed various stages of healing in the infant’s brain, which indicated repeated abuse. 29-year-old James Hall, a teacher at Carroll High School, and his wife, 27-year-old Emily Rae Hall were booked into the Ouachita Correctional Facility each on $50,000 bond. The child’s condition has reportedly deteriorated and he has been placed on a ventilator.

In Shreveport, a large limb that fell during a strong storm yesterday has claimed the life of a 64-year-old woman. Neighbors report that Connie Wilson Johnson was walking when winds picked up and caused the limb to collapse on her. Wilson was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

State Commissioner of Insurance Jim Donelon says 60-percent of the Louisiana residents who purchased insurance through the marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act face a double-digit rate hike next year. Donelon says that’s based on paperwork filed by the federal government with the state’s insurance department…

cut 3 (11) “for the subsidy”

Donelon says 101-thousand Louisiana residents have health care through the individual marketplace and they anticipate the average rate increase to be about 12 to 13 percent.

State Police say a Houma woman extorted an undisclosed amount of money from illegal immigrants while working as a Spanish interpreter for the Terrebonne Parish Government. Trooper Evan Harrell says 45-year-old Trina Bourg used her position to extort money claiming to be able to get their court cases dropped. He says Bourg was booked into the St. Charles Parish Jail on federal wire fraud charges. Harrell says upon her release there, Bourg will be transported back to Terrebonne Parish…

cut 12 (10) “several other charges”

Harrell says this arrest comes from a joint investigation between Louisiana State Police and the US Department of Homeland Security.

A Monroe couple is charged with second degree cruelty to a juvenile after taking their 7-week-old son to the hospital. Doctors discovered the infant was suffering from bleeding on the brain and tests showed various stages of healing in the child’s brain, which indicated repeated abuse. 29-year-old James Hall, a teacher at Carroll High School, and his wife, 27-year-old Emily Rae Hall were booked into the Ouachita Correctional Facility each on $50,000 bond.

State Police say a Houma woman extorted an undisclosed amount of money from illegal immigrants while working as a Spanish interpreter for the Terrebonne Parish Government. Trooper Evan Harrell says 45-year-old Trina Bourg used her position to extort money claiming to be able to get their court cases dropped. Harrell says when the arrest was made, Bourg was turned over to federal agents…

cut 11 (08) “federal level”

He says upon her release from St. Charles Parish, Bourg will be transported back to Terrebonne Parish to face multiple state charges including extortion and malfeasance in office.

The New Orleans Saints report to training camp in Lewsburg, West Virginia today and the Black and Gold nation is already stocking up on their gear for the mega-hyped 2014 season. Michelle Southern has the story…

cut 1 (34) “reporting”

Following a discovery in Arkansas, Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain says the USDA is conducting trap surveys across the state to watch for Emerald Ash Borer, or EAB, beetles. He says when the pest gets into an ash tree, it generally kills the tree in three to five years. Strain says the beetle is often transported into an area through infested firewood. He says the EAB has a distinctive look…

cut 9 (12) “take a look”

He says the best way to prevent the pest is to not move firewood more than ten miles from where it was purchased. For more information about the beetle, go to the website www-dot-emeraldashborer-dot-info.

A 29-year-old teacher at Carroll High School is arrested along with his wife after doctors told cops their 7-week-old baby had been repeatedly abused. Monroe Assistant Police Chief Don Bartley says they got a call from a local hospital in reference to a baby who was bleeding on the brain and James Hall and his wife 27-year-old Emily Rae Hall had no explanation. He says the infant remains in the hospital in critical condition…:
CUT 15 (04) “in his condition”
The Monroe couple is charged with second degree cruelty to a juvenile and are in the Ouachita Correctional facility on $50,000 bond.

The man who is in jail accused in the New Orleans Bourbon Street shooting which claimed the life one and injured nine made a court appearance Wednesday. Twenty year-old Trung Le faces one count of first-degree murder, and 9 counts of attempted first-degree murder, but his attorney says there is video evidence he says will clear his client. The lawyer also says Le has an alibi. Meanwhile New Orleans police continue to search for a second shooter.

Following a discovery in Arkansas, Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain says the USDA is conducting trap surveys across the state to watch for Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) beetles. He says when the pest gets into an ash tree, it generally kills the tree in three to five years. The EAB was first discovered in Michigan in 2002 and is now present in 24 states. Strain says the beetle is often transported into an area by infested firewood…:
CUT 8 (13) “unused firewood”
For more information on the EAB go to emeraldashborer.info.

The New Orleans Saints report to football camp in West Virginia today and the Black and Gold nation is already stocking up on their gear for the mega-hyped 2014 season. Lauren “FleurtyGirl” LeBlanc is the owner of a popular Saints fan shop in New Orleans. She says even though the Saints aren’t practicing in Metairie this year regulars are still coming in as they do every year looking for that one lucky shirt they will wear for the season…:
CUT 6 (10) “always lose”
The Saints begin pre-season play August 8th and the regular season begins less than a month later.

The big Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo is happening this weekend and it’ll be the biggest weekend of the year for the town. The Rodeo began in 1928 and is billed as the oldest fishing tournament in the nation. It kicks off today and runs through Saturday.