The state Democratic Party will endorse its candidates this weekend for the fall elections. Matt Doyle spoke with the party about the current crop of candidates running…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle ”

The West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office identifies the deputy who fatally shot an unarmed black man in the back of his neck while in Port Allen motel room last month. Vance Matranga, a nine-year veteran of the agency, was part of the narcotics team executing a search warrant when the shot was fired. State Police continue to investigate the incident.

The US Department of Health and Human Services awards nearly $400 million nationally in grant funding to combat the opioid crisis with nearly $5 million coming to Louisiana.  Assistant Secretary for the Office of Public Health Dr. Alex Billioux says the money funds two factors of their efforts.
Cut 13 (07) “…other is prevention.”

Billioux says while the state’s number of opioid overdose deaths continues to grow, the rate of growth has slowed down.

Superintendent of Education John White receives a favorable rating from the Board of Elementary Secondary Education for the seventh year in a row. White’s contract has been month to month since taking the job, but he says the potential for new board members could result in more long-term stability at the head position for K-12 education.
Cut 12 (06) “…is .”

White says he scored a 3 out of 4 on the review. BESE President Gary Jones says “John’s been pretty consistent, he’s not in the top category, but he’s next to the top.”

This Fall, Republicans are expected to win every statewide elected post, except governor which remains undecided. There are Democrats on the ballot in the race for Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Treasurer and Ag Commissioner, but they lack name recognition. There’s criticism the party failed to find competitive candidates to take on any of the statewide GOP incumbents. Louisiana Democratic Party executive director Stephen Handwerk disagrees
Cut 6 (12) “…American.”

A State Police Trooper suffered minor injuries after being dragged across the roadway during a traffic stop in West Baton Rouge Parish. L-S-P arrested 39-year-old Darrel Ray Smith Junior of Livingston. State Police say Smith tried to speed away after methamphetamines were found in his vehicle and the trooper was trapped in the driver’s side door jamb.

Superintendent of Education John White receives a favorable rating from the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education for the seventh year in a row. White says one of his accomplishments is helping to get 5,000 more students eligible for TOPS than in 2012 the year that he started
Cut 10 (10) “…before.”
The state’s high school graduation rate has also surpassed 80-percent for the first time in history.

State Police has a new facebook page for recruiting as they begin the process of finding cadets to take part in their 100th training cadet class. Sergeant Melissa Matey…
cut 8 (13) “….new applicants”
The Facebook Page is Louisiana State Police recruiting.

The U-S Department of Health and Human Services is sending nearly five-million dollars to Louisiana to help in the fight against the opioid crisis. Assistant Secretary for the Office of Public Health Doctor Alex Billioux says while the state’s number of opioid deaths continues to grow, the rate of growth has slowed…
cut 14 (09) “…you can reverse”
Billioux says this additional federal grant will go towards prevention and getting a better idea of the size of the problem.

Louisiana State Police is on the cusp of a milestone, they are prepping to recruit men and women for their 100th Cadet Class. Sgt Melissa Matey…
Cut 7 (10) “…State Police.”
If you are interested in becoming a State Trooper, check out L-S-P’s new Facebook page dedicated to the recruitment of new troopers.

The Superintendent of Education gets a 3 out of 4 rating from BESE in his annual performance review. Kevin Barnhart spoke with the state’s top education official John White…
Cut 3 (26) “…I’m Kevin barnhart”

Ruston High School has to change its logo because its block “R” is identical to the R that Rutgers University has trademarked. Ruston High has 10 years to replace the logo on their uniforms, building facilities and social media platforms. Supervisor of Secondary Education for Lincoln Parish Schools, Ricky Durrett admits Ruston Bearcat supporters would purchase Rutgers Scarlet Knights gear, but he sees those sales coming to a halt.

State Superintendent of Education John White has received a favorable rating from the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. With White at the helm for public education, the state’s high school graduation rate has eclipsed 80-percent for the first time ever and White says steps have been taken to make sure these young adults are successful professionals…
cut 11 (11) “…first job” (2x)
White has been the state’s top education official since 2012.

The US Department of Health and Human Services awards nearly $400 million nationally in grant funding to combat the opioid crisis with nearly $5 million heading to Louisiana. Assistant Secretary for the Office of Public Health Dr. Alex Billioux on how they plan to spend the money.
Cut 13 (07) “…other is prevention.”

Louisiana State Police is recruiting men and women who want to be part of their Historical 100th Cadet Class. Brooke Thorington has more…
voicer 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

The Louisiana Democratic Party says there are a record number of women qualified to run for State House and Senate seats this year. Executive Director of the L-D-P, Stephen Handwerk, says 43 of the 77 women running are Democrats…
cut 4 (08) “…Louisiana”
Only 15 percent of Louisiana legislators are women, the third-lowest rate in the nation.

The State Central Democratic Committee will deliver official endorsements on Saturday for the fall election. There are eleven Democrats on the ballot in the various statewide elections. There are multiple Democratic candidates running for governor and Ag Commissioner…
cut 5 (10) “….Republicans”
That’s State Party Executive Director Stephen Handwerk.

State Police has launched a new Facebook page to help with recruiting future troopers as they are looking for cadets for their 100th class. Sergeant Melissa Matey says they are trying to make it easier to apply…
cut 9 (09) “…in the past”
The 99th State Police cadet class will begin training soon and training for the 100th class is expected to begin in the next year.

Louisiana is receiving nearly five million dollars from the U-S Department of Health and Human Services to help in the fight against the opioid crisis. The Bayou State continues to see an increase in overdose deaths, but it has shown signs of slowing down. The state also has high rates for H-I-V and Hepatitis C and Assistant Secretary for the Office of Public Health Doctor Alex Billioux says this money can help with reducing those rates as well…
cut 15 (13) “….as other substances”

The state Democratic Party will be endorsing their candidates this weekend for the fall elections. Matt Doyle spoke with the party about their thoughts on the current crop of candidates running for office…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle ”

_______________________________

Louisiana State Police is recruiting men and women who want to be part of their Historical 100^th Cadet Class. Since the department’s inception in 1936, training and recruitment has evolved. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

__________________________________

The Superintendent of Education gets a 3 out of 4 rating from BESE for his performance last year. Kevin Barnhart spoke with John White about the honor…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin barnhart”

________________________________________

The state Democratic Party will issue it’s official endorsements tomorrow night, hoping to find the right candidates to knock out a slew of GOP incumbents.

State Party Executive Director Stephen Handwerk says this year they’re celebrating the fact that 43 of the 77 women running for the state legislature are Democrats.

Cut 4 (08) “…Louisiana.”

Only 15 percent of Louisiana legislators are women, the third-lowest rate in the nation.

10 Democrats are running for statewide office with two offices, Governor and Ag Commissioner, having multiple Dems in the race. Handwerk says they’ll issue endorsements for those, and other races Saturday at the State Central Committee Meeting.

Cut 5 (10) “…Republicans.”

The only statewide race without a Democrat is Insurance Commissioner.

There’s criticism that the party failed to find competitive candidates to take on any of the statewide GOP incumbents. Handwerk rejects that argument for two reasons…

Cut 6 (12) “…American.”

_______________________

The Louisiana State Police Academy is on the cusp of a milestone, they are prepping to recruit men and women for their 100^th Cadet Class. Since LSP’s conception in 1936 the department has had several hiring freezes over the years and so it’s taken a bit longer to reach this mark. Sgt Melissa Matey says they are looking forward to the recruitment process.

Cut 7 (10) “…State Police.”

To reach potential troopers for the 100^th cadet class Matey says the department is using modern recruitment methods like Facebook and they are not limiting the themselves to just the Bayou State.

Cut 8 (13) “…new applicants.”

Matey says the cadet academy is rigorous training. They prepare cadets for a variety of situations such a mass shootings. With a number of seasoned troopers retiring LSP is using technology to make the process easier for those applying.

Cut 9 (09) “…in the past”

Their Facebook page is Louisiana State Police recruiting. Matey says the department will provide recruitment updates on the 100^th Cadet Class on the page and the class expected to begin in the next year.

_______________________

Superintendent of Education John White receives a favorable rating from the Board of Elementary Secondary Education for the seventh year in a row.

White says he’s proud to continue his work in Louisiana, and says the education system’s ability to get 5,000 more students TOPS than the year that he started is his proudest achievement.

Cut 10 (10) “…before.”

The state saw an 81.4 percent high school graduation rate last year, the first time the state has cracked 80%.

White says now that they’re seeing substantial increases in TOPS achievement, he wants to make sure that the education system develops a pipeline for the kids who won’t be going to college.

Cut 11 (11) “…first.”

White’s contract has been month to month since taking the job, but he says the potential for new board members could result in more long-term stability at the head position for K-12 education.

Cut 12 (06) “…is .”

White says he scored a 3 out of 4 on the review. BESE President Gary Jones says “John’s been pretty consistent, he’s not in the top category, but he’s next to the top.”

_____________________________

The US Department of Health and Human Services awards nearly $400 million nationally in grant funding to combat the opioid crisis with nearly $5 million coming to Louisiana.  Assistant Secretary for the Office of Public Health Dr. Alex Billioux says the money funds two factors of their efforts.

Cut 13 (07) “…other is prevention.”

Billioux says while the state’s number opioid overdose deaths continues to grow, the rate of growth has slowed down.

Cut 14 (09) “…you can reverse.”

Billioux says much of the spending will lay infrastructure to continue with other health goals linked to drug use, including eliminating hepatitis C within the next five years.

Cut 15 (13) “…as other substances.”

_________________________________________________________

LSU football will hold its second scrimmage of fall camp tomorrow. Sophomore linebacker Damone Clark from Southern Lab High School was the leading tackler in last week’s preseason game and Coach Ed Orgeron says Clark is pushing Jacob Phillips and Patrick Queen for one of the starting inside linebacker spots

Cut 16  (12) “…linebacker”   

Michael Divinity who started at outside linebacker last year will start at one of the inside spots. Orgeron says Phillips, Queen and Clark are competing for the other inside linebacker spot. Orgeron expected Phillips would take on a bigger role with Devin White’s departure

cut 17 (19) “…of plays.” 

There’s a tight battle for starting nose tackle between true freshman Apu Ika and sophomore Tyler Shelvin. Orgeron says Shelvin has had a good preseason camp

Cut 18 (14) “…some snaps” 

The State Bond Commission has approved a 450-million dollar financing plan to pay for renovations to the 44-year-old Superdome. The state will spend 90-million dollars on the project, the Superdome Commission 210-million dollars and the Saints will put up the rest. Saints President Dennis Lauscha says the planned improvements will improve the fan experience, expanded concourses, more concession stands and replacing the ramps with escalators and elevators.

Cut 7 (08) “…be comfortable”
The 4-year overhaul process will begin after this football season.

Former St. Tammany Sheriff Jack Strain pleads not guilty to charges of aggravated rape, aggravated incest, indecent behavior with a juvenile, and sexual battery.  Loyola law professor Dane Ciolino says at this point the trial moves into discovery as the defense tries to get a hold of police reports and evidence. (11)

Cut 11 (08) “…perhaps psychological experts.”
The allegations carry up to a mandatory life sentence.

The investigation into alleged repeated misuse of funds by former State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson ends without action being taken. Matt Doyle spoke with the former Colonel’s attorney…

cut  2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”  

Former Lake Charles Police officer Robert Hammac has pleaded guilty in a federal courtroom to using excessive force during a police chase in 2017. U-S Attorney David Joseph says when the chase ended, Hammac ran to the front passenger door and grabbed the defendant

Cut 3 (09) “…additional times”

Hammac will be sentenced in November and Joseph says the 45-year-old faces up to ten years in prison

The Louisiana Bond Commission gave its approval today to a 450-million dollar plan to upgrade the Superdome. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office identifies the deputy who fatally shot an unarmed black man in the back of his neck while in Port Allen motel room last month. Vance Matranga was executing a search warrant looking for drugs when the shot was fired. State Police continue to investigate the incident.

Former Lake Charles Police officer Robert Hammac has pleaded guilty in a federal courtroom to using excessive force during a police chase in 2017. Hammac will be sentenced in November and U-S Attorney David Joseph says the 45-year-old faces up to ten years in prison

Cut 5 (09) “…accountable”

Hammac pleaded guilty to a single count of deprivation of rights under color of law.
Former State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson has been cleared in an investigation into his alleged repeated misuse of department funds during his tenure. Edmonson left State Police two years ago after coming under fire for findings of a Legislative audit. Edmonson Attorney Gray Sexton says any actions his client did take did not meet the threshold of an ethics violation.

Cut 13 (12) “inquiry”