A Morning Consult poll shows Governor John Bel Edwards’ approval rating slipped under 50 percent during the brutal legislative sessions between April and June. Edwards’ has maintained one of the highest approval ratings for a Democratic governor, but ULM Political Science Professor Dr. Joshua Stockley says it appears the threats to public services during the sessions took their toll.
Cut 6 (10) “at that.”
Despite the slip in total approval rating, the Governor’s unfavorable rating is still 15 points lower at 35 percent.

For the last decade, more than one million Entergy customers throughout the state have been paying charges to cover the cost of repairs to damage from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says he’s got good news for those feeling the pinch on the power bill.
Cut 3 (07) “…rate reduction in September.”
Former Entergy Louisiana customers will see an average monthly reduction of $5.44. Former Entergy Gulf States will see an average reduction of $3.14 to their bill.

Fifty years ago, there wasn’t a single brown pelican to be found in the pelican state. The demise of the population can be traced back to the use of the pesticide DDT. But the population of the bird has since rebounded to about 100,000 throughout Louisiana. LDWF Nongame Bird Biologist Michael Seymour says the rejuvenation effort began in the late 1960s.
Cut 13 (12) “…north of Grand Isle.”
Seymour says there’s now over eight-thousand adult pelicans on Queen Bess island.

A chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy has appealed a federal judge’s decision that allows for the removal of a confederate monument from the courthouse grounds in Caddo Parish. The United Daughters of the Confederacy says the Caddo Parish Commission does not have the authority to remove the monument, because it’s on private land.

High school sports officials from around Louisiana are getting ready to meet up in the Big Easy, in what is estimated to be the largest event of its type in the state’s history.  LHSAA Director of Officials Lee Sanders says Officiate Louisiana is part of the build up to a larger, national event.

Cut 10 (13)   “…clinic for 2 or 3 days.”

One of Beyonce’s eight 25,000 dollar national scholarships has found it’s way to Grambling. Communications graduate student Cletus Emokpae received the substantial award from Queen B. The New York native cleared the 3.5 GPA and philanthropic requirements. The Grambling student says he founded the scholarship program, because he feels the media and general public have neglected stories about problems effecting African American communities.

Cut 8 (12)  “doesn’t matter”

Louisiana has hit a rough patch for weather this summer, but the state’s had a much needed heat reprieve these last few days after a brutal weekend, but forecasts say that’s about to change. State Climatologist Barry Keim says humidity levels are set to spike coming up soon.

Cut 4 (11) “next week”

Five people from Amite will be taking a trip to federal court, facing charges for allegedly keeping an austic family member of one of the defendants locked in a six by eight chicken cage, beating the woman, taking her SSI payments, and even forcing her to eat dog feces. Raylaine Knope and Terry Knope, and their adult children Birdget lambert, Jody Lambert, and Terry Knope are all facing charges stemming from the abuse that allegedly began in 2015 when the victim’s mother passed away and her care was transferred over to the Knopes.

Louisiana has hit a rough patch for weather this summer, and the nasty temperatures might be at the front of everyone’s mind, but the state is suffering as less known, but just as hazardous malady: Drought. North West Louisiana has seen only 1 and a third inches of rain over the last month, down from the four inch average expected, State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s been a statewide problem this summer.

Cut 5 (11) “extreme drought.”

Fifty years ago, there wasn’t a single brown pelican to be found in the pelican state. The demise of the population can be traced back to the use of the pesticide DDT.  But the population of the bird has since rebounded with more than 100,000 throughout Louisiana. LDWF Nongame Bird Biologist Michael Seymour credits the successful repopulation of the species in major part the Endangered Species Act.

Cut 15 (10) “…it is pretty spectacular.”

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association is on the lookout to recruit more sports officials. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (28) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

Two people were shot in the early morning hours on Bourbon Street in New Orleans today. The shooting occurred at 5AM, with one person being shot in the leg, and the other being hit twice by bullets, but authorities do not believe the injuries sustained are life threatening. Two men have been arrested in connection with the shooting. One of them, 26-year-old Aa-ron Hill has been ID by authorities as the gunman.

Five Amite residents are now facing federal charges for allegedly beating and forcing an autistic woman to eat dog feces. The victim was held captive for a year in mobile home after her mother died. According to court documents, when authorities found the woman, she was malnourished, covered in insect bites and living oustide in a six-by-eight foot chicken cage. The five people facing federal charges range in age from 20 to 45-years-old.

The state’s brown pelican population went from zero in the 1960s to now 100-thousand as a result of the state’s repopulation program, which started when seven-hundred young birds were brought from Florida to Queen Bess Island, northeast of Grand Isle. LDWF nongame bird biologist Michael Seymour says efforts are underway to restore that island, which has been eroding away and the BP spill didn’t help either…
cut 14 (08) “…several thousand birds”

A Grambling State Communications graduate student is getting a boost from Queen B, in the form of a 25,000 dollar scholarship award. Becca Dill has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Becca Dill”

With a new high school sports season set to begin, the Louisiana High School Athletic Association is once again looking for officials for the sports they oversee. Lee Sanders is the new director of officials at the LHSAA…
cut 12 (06) “…love being around it”
Go to LHSOA.com for more information.

Two people were shot in New Orleans historic French Quarter this morning and two people are in custody. The shooting was caught on camera and the suspects were seen fleeing the scene. The victims suffered non-life threatening injuries.

The Louisiana National Guard is distributing water in East Feliciana Parish where a water line broke in Clinton. Mayor Lori Bell says workers have repaired the pipe, but a boil water advisory is in effect as it will take a couple of days to test the water, before determining its safe to drink.

Grambling State grad student Cletus Emokpae (E-mok-pay)has received a 25-thousand dollar scholarship from Beyonce’s BeyGood Foundation. He’s one of eight students nationwide to receive this gift. The New York native says it’s an incredible honor and he hopes the story of him receiving help from Beyonce will teach others about the value of community…
cut 9 (08) “….your way”

Fifty years ago, there wasn’t a single brown pelican to be found in the pelican state. Kevin Barnhart spoke with LDWF biologist Michael Seymour about the plan 50 years ago that led to the reintroduction of the birds
Voicer 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The state has seen lower humidity levels the last couple of days, but State Climatologist Barry Keim says that’s about to change…
cut 4 (11) “…next week”
Rain chances will increase this weekend and there’s a good chance for rain on Monday.

Fifty years ago, there wasn’t a single brown pelican to be found in the pelican state. The demise of the population can be traced back to the use of the pesticide DDT. But the population of the bird has since rebounded to about 100,000 throughout Louisiana. LDWF Nongame Bird Biologist Michael Seymour says the rejuvenation effort began in the late 1960s.
Cut 13 (12) “…north of Grand Isle.”
Seymour says there’s now over eight-thousand adult pelicans on Queen Bess island.

A Grambling State grad student studying communications is one of eight people in the country to receive a 25,000 dollar scholarship funded by music superstar Beyonce. Cletus Emokpae is from New York and struggled to pay for his own education, until he received this amazing gift from Beyonce
Cut 7 (11) “of support”

A chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy has appealed a federal judge’s decision that allows for the removal of a confederate monument from the courthouse grounds in Caddo Parish. The United Daughters of the Confederacy says the Caddo Parish Commission does not have the authority to remove the monument, because it’s on private land.

The drought monitor says extreme drought conditions have reached northwest Louisiana, but state climatologist Barry Keim says relief is on the way…
cut 6 (11) “…needed most”
But before the rain gets here on Sunday, expect hot and humid conditions.

A Grambling State Communications graduate student is getting a boost from Queen B, in the form of a 25,000 dollar scholarship award. Becca Dill has the story.

Cut 1 (30)  “I’m Becca Dill”

__________________________________

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association is on the lookout to recruit more sports officials. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (28) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

__________________________________

Fifty years ago, there wasn’t a single brown pelican to be found in the pelican state.  Kevin Barnhart has the story on how the rebound efforts continue for the state’s bird.

Cut 3 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

__________________________________

Louisiana has hit a rough patch for weather this summer, but the state’s had a much needed heat reprieve these last few days after a brutal weekend, but forecasts say that’s about to change. State Climatologist Barry Keim says humidity levels are set to spike coming up soon.

Cut 4 (11) “next week”

The nasty temperatures might be at the front of everyone’s mind, but the state is suffering as less known, but just as hazardous malady: Drought. North West Louisiana has seen only 1 and a third inches of rain over the last month, down from the four inch average expected, and only 3 inches of rain over the last 60 days. Keim says it’s been a statewide problem this summer.

Cut 5 (11) “extreme drought.”

But Keim’s got some good news in the drought department…

Cut 6 (13) “needed most.”

_____________________________________________

One of Beyonce’s eight 25,000 dollar national scholarships has found it’s way to Grambling. Communications graduate student Cletus Emokpae received the substantial award from Queen B.  Emokpae, who administers his own scholarship foundation that he’s put 3,000 dollars of his own money into, says he never thought he’d be a recipient of a scholarship of his own.

Cut 7 (11) “of support”

The New York native cleared the 3.5 GPA and philanthropic requirements. The Grambling student says he founded the scholarship program, because he feels the media and general public have neglected stories about problems effecting African American communities, and says he was tired of seeing people just complain about it on social media.

Cut 8 (12)  “doesn’t matter”

Emokpae’s says his scholarship program is aimed at helping out high school students who are interested in college, but can’t afford the substantial expenses associated with higher education. Emokpae says he hopes to use the 25,000 dollars to pay off the student loan he took out to attend Grambling, so he can progress into professional life without debt. He says he hopes the story of him receiving the help from Beyoncé will teach others about the value of community.

Cut 9 (08)  “your way”

At this point he hasn’t heard back yet from Bey, but there’s always hope. __________________________________

High school sports officials from around Louisiana are getting ready to meet up in the Big Easy, in what is estimated to be the largest event of its type in the state’s history.  LHSAA Director of Officials Lee Sanders says Officiate Louisiana is part of the build up to a larger, national event.

Cut 10 (13)   “…clinic for 2 or 3 days.”

Sanders says the LHSAA is always in search of adding more sports officials to their rankings, adding they are looking for younger talent as the average age of officials has been on the rise the last two decades.

Cut 11 (11) “…in different sports.” 

Sanders adds that being a sports official is a rewarding opportunity for those who have played or coached earlier in life.

Cut 12 (06) “…love being around it.”

_____________________________________

Fifty years ago, there wasn’t a single brown pelican to be found in the pelican state. The demise of the population can be traced back to the use of the pesticide DDT.  But the population of the bird has since rebounded with more than 100,000 throughout Louisiana. LDWF Nongame Bird Biologist Michael Seymour says the rejuvenation effort began in the late 1960s.

Cut 13 (12)  “…north of Grand Isle.” 

Seymour says Queen Bess Island serves as a major breeding ground for pelicans, but time has taken its toll on the island with erosion and the BP oil spill.

Cut 14 (08) “…several thousand birds.”

Seymour credits the successful repopulation of the species in major part the Endangered Species Act.

Cut 15 (10) “…it is pretty spectacular.”

____________________________________

Thirty-nine-year-old Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is beginning his 18th season and remains very motivated. Brees wants to win another championship and if he stays healthy, he’ll break the NFL’s career passing yardage record. The future Hall of Famer says he’s not taking anything for granted…

A judge has cleared the way for the removal of a confederate monument that sits outside of the Caddo Parish Courthouse. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Two Rookie New Orleans Police Officers who were fired from their jobs after allegedly severely beating a regular at a mid-city bar in New Orleans could be facing some stiff charges as a result of the incident. Spencer Sutton and John Galman were initially booked on one count of simple battery in relation to the act, where they allegedly harassed George Gomez about his citizenship, accusing him of being a “fake American”. Gomez says he is American, and has served in the Louisiana National Guard. NOPD says those charged could be upgraded.

The US House has passed the National Defense Authorization Act which provides the largest pay raise for troops in nine years. There’s 12-million dollars for a new entrance to Barksdale, so a nuclear weapons storage facility can be built there.  Congressman Ralph Abraham says the nuclear upgrade is desperately needed for the base.

Cut 10 (10) “no sense”

A federal judge’s ruling allows for the removal of a confederate monument in front of the Caddo Parish courthouse. Judge Robert James dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Daughters of the Confederacy, who said the parish couldn’t remove the monument because it sat on private property. Caddo Parish Commissioner Steven Jackson says the opposing organization was given an opportunity to speak in front of the commission, and that their organizations rights were never jeopardized.

Cut 14 (10) “not true”

The preparation is underway for the next voice of the Saints as Zach Strief transitions from the playing field to the press box.  Strief, who has no previous broadcasting experience, spent a more than a decade as an offensive tackle with the black and gold.  Strief says he looks forward to working with Duece McAllister on commentary and says his hope is that this is something truly special to be shared with the Who Dat Nation.

Cut 5  (12) “…on the field.”

Authorities have come to a conclusion on how 69-year-old Terry Angelle of Galliano died after he was discovered with his hands and feet bound together with rope in a bayou on Sunday. Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lt. Brennan Matherne says investigators have determined the death was self-inflicted.

Cut 6 (10)  “…party was involved.”

The US House has passed the National Defense Authorization Act which provides the largest pay raise for troops in nine years. Congressman Ralph Abraham says with the added funding, also comes nukes in Louisiana.  And for those concerned about nukes being housed in their neck of the woods…

Cut 11 (07) “gunna happen.”

A federal judge’s ruling allows for the removal of a confederate monument in front of the Caddo Parish courthouse. Judge Robert James dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Daughters of the Confederacy, who said the parish couldn’t remove the monument because it sat on private property. Caddo Parish Commissioner Steven Jackson says placing the monument in front of a courthouse was highly inappropriate because of the effect it could have had on the proceedings taking place inside court of law.

Cut 13 (11) “the jury”