A man facing a gun charge in East Feliciana is asking for his court case to be moved, because there’s a statue of a Confederate solider in front of the courthouse. Attorney Niles Haymer…
cut 7 (08) “…political statements”
District Attorney Sam D’Aquilla says the East Feliciana Parish Policy jury has already determined that the statue is not inflammatory, but a part of history.

Natchitoches Police say a six-month-old child found in a burning barn has died at a local hospital. Captain Christopher Payne says they were searching for the toddler for about an hour after it was abducted from a trailer park…
cut 5 (09) “…it’s body”
Payne says no arrests have been made in the case as of yet. Payne says the child’s mother said two unknown subjects came to her door, sprayed her with mace and took the baby.
The Louisiana Health Department announces six people have been diagnosed with the West Nile virus. It’s the first human cases of 2018. Assistant State Health Officer, Doctor Parham Jaberi, says the public should take the necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites…
cut 9 (12) “…we can”
Three of the cases are the more serious form of the disease which can result in life-threatening brain and spinal cord disease. Those cases were confirmed in DeSoto, St. Tammany and Tangipahoa parishes.

Former state lawmaker AG Crowe was the first person to qualify for the special election for Secretary of State on November 6th. Crowe says if elected, he would focus on upgrading the office’s technology, to better protect election privacy and integrity.
Cut 12 (10) “highest level”
Democrat Renee Fontenot Free also qualified today.

Natchitoches Police detectives are investigating the death of a six-month-old child that was kidnapped from a residence in the Mayberry Trailer Park. Captain christopher Payne says the toddler’s mother called 9-1-1 after an attack on her and the abduction…
cut 4 (06) “…baby missing”
The baby was found dead about an hour later in a barn that had caught on fire about three miles north of the trailer park. The search is on for suspects.

Can a black person get a fair trial in a courthouse with a confederate statue in front of it? Attorney Niles Haymer says he doesn’t believe so. Haymer has a black client currently facing a gun charge, but has requested a change of venue from the East Feliciana courthouse. He says his client is intimidated by a 30-foot soldier at the entrance of the building.
Cut 6 (07) “…at the courthouse.”
District Attorney Sam D’Aquilla says the presence of the statue is no reason to change the location of the trial.

Two of the four announced candidates seeking to become the next Secretary of State qualified for the November 6th election today. Republican and former state legislator AG Crowe says he plans to run a clean campaign….
cut 13 (10) “…my opponents”
While Democrat Renee Fontenot Free, who works in the A-G’s office, says she will not rely on big money to back her campaign….
cut 15 (08) “…warchest”
Two current state lawmakers are also expected to qualify, Rick Edmonds and Julie Stokes.

A six-month-old baby in Natchitoches is dead after a kidnapping that ended with authorities finding the child covered in severe burns. Last night Natchitoches Police responded to a call from a mother who said her child had been stolen after a home invasion at her residence. Captain Christopher Payne says the mother was blindsided.

Cut 3 (09) “mace.”

The baby was found in a fire and later died at a medical facility.

Governor John Bel Edwards has announced 23 new projects aimed at coastal recreation throughout the state.  The $60 million being used to fund the projects comes from a settlement stemming from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.  Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says he’s pleased the state’s recreational losses were not forgotten and says the projects will be beneficial to those with or without a boat.

Cut 11 (13) “…fish in Louisiana.” 

Air quality warnings, and a call for an Action Day is in effect for much of the state this week as a cloud of dust descends on Texas and the Bayou State. Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality Forecaster Patrick Zahn says the dust, which is from 5000 miles away, could make it a bit more difficult to breathe these next few days for people who suffer from asthma.

Cut 6 (09) “exposure.”

Louisiana has seen its first human West Nile Virus cases of 2018.  LDH says there are six cases, three of which are the most serious type.  The neuroinvasive disease version of the virus infects the brain and spinal cord and can lead to death, paralysis, and brain damage.  LDH reminds people to protect themselves from mosquitos in order to reduce the risk of virus spreading, saying to apply repellent containing DEET to exposed skin and clothing, among other recommendations.

Air quality warnings are in effect for the western end of Louisiana as well as Baton Rouge through Thursday. Matt Doyle explains why.

Cut 1 (30)  I’m Matt Doyle“

A six month old baby is dead after being kidnapped and burned in a fire in Natchitoches. Officers responded to a call from Mayberry Trailer Park.  The mother said she was sprayed in the face with mace by two unknown subjects and fled the residence.  Upon return, the baby was missing.  About an hour later, NPD received a report of a fire where they discovered the baby.  He later died from his burn injuries at a medical facility.

Governor John Bel Edwards has announced 23 new projects aimed at coastal recreation throughout the state.  The $60 million being used to fund the projects comes from a settlement stemming from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.  LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet says the additions won’t just change things above the surface, but in the depths as well.

Cut 12 (11) “…bay and others.”

The Tulane National Primate Research Center received a 42 million dollar grant to keep the lights on and the medical research on schedule. The grant, from the National Institute of Health, is aimed at maintaining the facility’s infrastructure and day to day operation.  The grant was applied for in March, and the campus was reviewed by a team of 26 inspectors. The facility houses research on deadly diseases, which Research Center Director Jay Rappaport says has led to an extensive safety infrastructure to upkeep.

Cut 14 (11) “getting out”

Candidates can qualify in Baton Rouge today through Friday to run for Secretary of State and Congress. The six members of Louisiana’s House delegation are up for re-election. There’s a swell of Democratic enthusiasm heading into the 2018 midterms, but political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says not in Louisiana…
cut 8 (11) “…large numbers”
Pinsonat doesn’t expect any big upsets in the congressional races.

Governor John Bel Edwards announces funding for 23 recreation projects in nine coastal parishes. The $60 million being used to fund the projects comes from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement…
Cut 10 (09) “…citizens and visitors.”
The money will renovate cabins at State Parks, along with new fishing piers and docks. The state also plans on enhancing its artificial reef sites.

The Tulane Primate Research Center has received a 42-million dollar grant to help the center find cures for infectious diseases. Matt Doyle has more.
Voicer 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

A teaching assistant in Union Parish has been accused of having a sexual relationship with one of her students. 39-year-old Erin Ludwig has been charged with having prohibited sexual conduct with her 17-year-old student at D’Arboone Wood Charter School. Authorities say the inappropriate relationship lasted seven months.

Qualifying is underway for the November sixth election. All six of Louisiana’s US House of Representatives are up for re-election. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says they should all breeze to another term, but the race could get interesting in the third district, where Congressman Clay Higgins is facing a challenge from fellow Republican Josh Guillory, who has the endorsement of Trump lawyer and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giulani….
cut 9 (12) “…attention too”
Those seeking to fill the remaining term of former Secretary of State Tom Schedler also qualify today through Friday.

The CDC advises customers to throw out any crab products from Venezuela. Health officials say a dangerous bacteria has been found in fresh crab meat from Venezuela, causing two people from Louisiana to get very sick.

The Tulane National Primate Research Center has received 42-million dollars to keep the lights on at their facility in Covington. The grant is from the National Institute of Health. Research Center Director Jay Rappaport says this money will allow them to continue important research…
Cut 13 (09) “in progress”
Rappaport says they plan to expand their scientific direction to look at diseases of aging, including cardiovascular disease and drug abuse.

The state is using 60-million dollars in BP settlement money to pay for 23 recreation projects that span the coast. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the oil spill settlment funding will refurbish and maintain a number of state parks…
cut 11 (13) “…fish in Louisiana”

A three-day qualifying period for the November election begins today, and Secretary of State candidates can officially get into the race. Becca Dill has more.
Voicer 2 (30) ”I’m Becca Dill”

Two Jefferson Parish deputies were injured and five teens arrested after a chase and shootout with cops that started in Metairie and ended at the Kenner-St. Charles Parish line. Deputies responded to a call about a group of people pulling vehicle door handles. The injured deputies were hurt when the teens allegedly rammed their cars.

The National Institutes of Health awards the Tulane National Primate Research Center with a 42-million dollar grant so that it can continue its research efforts for the next five years. Research Center Director Jay Rappaport says the funding keeps 300 scientists, staff and animal care workers employed on their 500-acre campus in Covington…
cut 15 (07) “….our functions”
The center’s research focuses on finding cures, treatments and preventions for infectious diseases.

Air quality warnings, and a call for an Action Day is in effect for much of the state as a cloud of dust descends on Texas and the Bayou State. Air Quality Forecaster Patrick Zahn says its dust from over 5,000 miles away.
Cut 4 (11) “trade wind.”
High concentrations of Sharan dust are causing air quality concerns in northwest and southwest Louisiana.

Qualifying for the November election begins today. It will give voters a final roster of candidates for Congressional seats, and the special election to replace Tom Schedler as Secretary of State. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the Secretary’s race will draw ambitious politicians who can raise the cash necessary to make a name for themselves statewide.
Cut 7 (12) “stepping stone”
So far there are four announced candidates for Secretary of State.

Dust from the Saharan Desert is creating some air quality issues in Louisiana this week. Patrick Zahn is the lead air quality forecaster for the state Department of Environmental Quality….
cut 5 (09) “….Baton Rouge”
Zahn says those who suffer from asthma may have breathing issues.

Twenty-three projects along the coast are set to receive 60-million dollars as part of the billions of dollars BP has agreed to pay Gulf states for the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet says the money will go towards new and improved boat ramps and mooring docks, new fishiing piers and making Elmer’s Island even more accessible…
cut 12 (11) “…and others”
The governor’s office says potential projects were solicited by the Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group and then vetted through months of public input and hearings.