Animal experts will tell you the 4^th of July is a high anxiety day for your pets because of fireworks. Connor Ferrill has tips on how to make sure your dog or cat doesn’t try to run away.

Cut 1 (31)  I’m Connor Ferrill“

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US Senator John Kennedy says people need to be fired in the wake of a Legislative Auditor’s report on the Louisiana Department of Health’s failure to collect information from companies that work with Medicaid. Jeff Palermo has more.

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Studies have shown Louisiana saw an increase in drug overdose deaths elevate by 14.7% from 2015 to 2016.  The Opioid Crisis Solutions Summit recently formulated several recommendations for curbing the impact of the epidemic.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

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July 5 is one of the busiest days for animal shelters as unrestrained dogs flee their homes from fear of fireworks the night before. Louisiana SPCA spokesperson Alicia Haefele says the fireworks might be fun for us, but can bring man’s best friend unwanted anxiety…

Cut 4  (12) “…identification tags”

Haefele says to help keep your dog keep your dog calmer during Fourth of July night, make sure they get some exercise…

Cut 5  (10)  “…built up energy”

While cats may be the more stoic species, Haefele says they are at risk too…

Cut 6 (09) “…starts their car”

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US Senator John Kennedy says the Legislative Auditor’s report detailing the Department of Health’s failure to collect important payment information from companies it works with in Medicaid is an example of the state’s poor spending habits. Kennedy says the leadership at the Department of Health is failing the tax payers.

Cut 7 (07)  “taxpayer”

The report says LDH is not pushing Managed Care Organizations to provide data that details what expenses the Medicaid program is being charged for, data which is also used to determine how much the companies are paid by the state.

But LDH is pushing back against concerns that they have been potentially overpaying companies that with the Medicaid program, or paying for fraudulent services due to not collecting this information. Undersecretary Jeff Reynolds says the department needs to do a better job collecting the information, but that the report does not say that failure has led to increased costs.

Cut 8 (10)  “this report”

Ross says he thanks the Legislative Auditor for bringing the issue to the department’s attention, and that they plan on quickly implementing practices that will insure the data is collected properly.

Cut 9 (09)  “start collecting”

But Kennedy says a message needs to be sent that this kind of negligence will not go unpunished.

Cut 10 (05)   “firing folks.”

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State Police says they’ll be out in force today to make sure drivers who shouldn’t be behind the wheel are taken off the road. Louisiana State Police Spokesperson Sergeant Jared Sandifer says unfortunately the 4^th is one of the worst days for traffic fatalities all year.

Cut 11 (10) “out there.”

By now everyone should know not to drink and drive, but Sandifer says that extends to toking up or popping pills at your 4^th of July party before hopping behind the wheel.

Cut 12 (09) “your system.”

Chances are you’re going to stuff one to many hotdogs down your throat and be couch locked for a while, and Sandifer says if you’re feeling dozy after all that 4^th of July feasting, get a nap at before you hit the road, so you don’t get a nap while you’re on the road.

Cut 13 (10)  “a crash” 

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Studies have shown Louisiana saw an increase in drug overdose deaths elevate by 14.7% from 2015 to 2016.  The Opioid Crisis Solutions Summit recently formulated several recommendations for curbing the impact of the epidemic.  President of the Healthcare Leadership Council, Mary Grealy, says legislators are on board to put funding toward research and treatment.

Soggy conditions are expected in Louisiana this week.  Kevin Barnhart has more.

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Executive Director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, Lisa Freeman says cops are working overtime for the 4^th to make sure there is high visibility to remind people to make responsible decisions.

Cut 3 (05) “…get on the road.”

Big changes in the Big Easy as the Pelicans roster has been restructured during NBA free agency. Veteran point guard Rajon Rondo went to L-A, and All-Star Center Demarus Cousins is heading to Golden State. They’ve been replaced by Elfrid Payton and Julius Randle. Payton, a native of Gretna, starred for the Rajun Cajuns, and was the tenth pick in the 2014 draft. Pelicans beat writer Scott Kushner for the Advocate says Payton is a poor shooter for a point guard, but can handle the ball and play solid defense.

Cut 10 (12) “either”

Good news for folks grabbing steaks for the 4^th: the prices should be lower than last year for good quality beef. Cattle Producers of Louisiana CEO Dave Foster says If you’re looking for a leaner cut of meat, look to these.

Cut 14 (09)  “bit leaner.”

Demarcus Cousins and Rajon Rondo have left the New Orleans Pelicans, but some young blood has been brought in to fill the All-Star sized holes left in the roster. Matt Doyle has more.

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Drivers can expect to see more law enforcement presence with the holiday, as the state is looking to clear the roads of impaired drivers.  Executive Director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, Lisa Freeman says cops are working overtime to make sure there is high visibility to remind people to make responsible decisions.

Cut 3 (05) “…get on the road.”

Soggy conditions are expected today and into tomorrow as a tropical wave moves across the southern half of Louisiana.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says the highest rainfall totals are expected along the coastline.

Cut 6 (07)  “…up in northern parishes.”

Good news for folks grabbing steaks for the 4^th: the prices should be lower than last year for good quality beef. Cattle Producers of Louisiana CEO Dave Foster says this is one of the biggest days of the year for grilling all things beef. Everybody knows about chuck for burgers and ribeyes for steak eaters, but for those looking to change things up, and get the most bang for their buck, Foster says grab a chuck.

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2:30 PM NEWSCAST

Drivers can expect to see more law enforcement presence with the holiday, as the state is looking to clear the roads of impaired drivers.  During the five year period from 2012 to 2016, Executive Director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, Lisa Freeman, says over eighty percent of traffic fatalities over the holiday occurred in collisions involving impaired drivers, each year.

Cut 5  (10) “…have been drinking.”

Soggy conditions are expected today and into tomorrow as a tropical wave moves across the southern half of Louisiana.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says the rain is welcomed as much of the state is approaching drought conditions, and portions of the state are already there.  But this system can also produce flash flooding.

cut 8 (10) “…towards Lake Charles.”

Big changes in the Big Easy as the Pelicans roster has been restructured during NBA free agency. Veteran point guard Rajon Rondo went to L-A, and All-Star Center Demarus Cousins is heading to Golden State. They’ve been replaced by former Ragin Cajun point guard Elfrid Payton and six-foot-nine forward Julius Randle. Pelicans beat writer Scott Kushner for the Advocate says it’s definitely a mixed bag for Pels fans, but could really pay off.

cut 9 (11)  “proven guys”

Good news for folks grabbing steaks for the 4^th: the prices should be lower than last year for good quality beef. Cattle Producers of Louisiana CEO Dave Foster says this is one of the biggest days of the year for grilling all things beef. Despite what The Cooking Channel might tell you, Foster says don’t throw that steak in a pan or the oven.

Cut 12 (07)   “eating experience”

Soggy conditions are expected in Louisiana this week. Kevin Barnhart has more.
Voicer 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Law enforcement from around the country have been taking time out to participate in a lip-synching battle and many their vidoes have gone viral. But Acadia Parish Sheriff K-P Gibson released a statement today that said his deputies will not participate, as he says he would rather see them focus on criminal activity than a Face Book challenge.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has supplied State Police and local law enforcement with grant money so they can have extra patrols during this week and their primary goal will be searching for impaired drivers. Commission executive director Lisa Freeman says have a plan in place before you consume alcohol…
cut 4 (06) “…sober driver”
During the five year period from 2012 to 2016, Freeman says over eighty percent of traffic fatalities over the holiday occurred in collisions involving impaired drivers.

As long as the weather holds up, many will fire up the grill on Fourth of July. Cattle Producers of Louisiana CEO Dave Foster says for those looking for a lower fat, more consience cut of meat, there are options…
cut 14 (09) “…bit leaner”
Foster says those looking for medium steaks should make sure those cuts are 140 to 145 degrees in the center.

We are seeing strong storms in the Acadiana area this afternoon. Street flooding and power outages were reported in metro New Orleans this morning from a tropical wave that’s producing heavy rainfall in spots. State Climatologist Barry Keim says get ready for a wet week, particulary for south Louisiana…
cut 7 (12) “…Saturday”

Motorists might find roadways a bit congestion this afternoon as thousands head out of town for the Fourth of July holiday. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission executive director Lisa Freeman says they’ve supplied State Police and local enforcement with grant money so that extra patrols can be put into place to get impaired drivers off the roads…
cut 3 (05) “…get on the road”
Freeman says From 2012 through 2016, 37 people died on Louisiana roads during the July fourth holiday period.

Demarcus Cousins and Rajon Rondo have left the New Orleans Pelicans, but some young blood has been brought in to fill the All-Star sized holes left in the roster. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Are you hitting the road for the Fourth of July holiday? You are not alone as a record-breaking 47-million Americans are expected to travel…
voicer 2 (28) “…I’m Connor Ferrill”

Soggy conditions are expected today and into tomorrow as a tropical wave moves across the southern half of Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the highest rainfall totals are expected along the coastline.
cut 6 (07) “…up in northern parishes”
Keim says rain chances will also be at least 50-percent this weekend.

The Edwards administration says the budget compromise reached in the last special session has resulted in an upgrade in Louisiana’s credit rating. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says Moody’s Investors Service has raised the state’s credit outlook from negative to stable…
cut 11 (08) “…good news”
State Treasurer John Schroder says now that the fiscal cliff was solved on the revenue side, it’s time to work on the spending side of the problem.

The long range hurricane forecast experts at Colorado State are predicting a below average 2018 hurricane season now. Doctor Phil Klotzbach says they project just 10 named storms, four hurricanes and one major hurricane, but he says we shouldn’t let our guard down…
cut 15 (09) “…for you”
The original prediction for the 2018 season was 14 named storms and we’ve already had one, Alberto, popped up in the Gulf in May.