For the second time in three years, the Louisiana Office of Tourism has won the 2016 State Tourism Office of the Year by the Southeast Tourism Society. Lt Governor Billy Nungesser says they are always working on creative ways to promote the state. He says Louisiana has one of the most unique cultures in the US…:
cut 14 (06) “Mardi Gras beads”
He says they’ve created a series of YouTube videos featuring different places in the state to go as part of their Go.See.Eat campaign.

Two Louisiana chefs are travelling to Japan today to cook gumbo for the US Ambassador of Japan and promote Louisiana products. Caroline Kennedy, who owns restaurants in New Roads and New Orleans, says they’ve been trying to find out what ingredients they can find in Japan and which ones they’ll have to bring with them…:
Cut 5 (10) “southern region”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has seized an Acadia Parish woman’s spider monkey and she’s fighting to get her pet back. Jeff Palermo has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Baton Rouge Police say they’ve arrested a man who become out of control and, wearing only underwear, tried to attack police before ramming a cop car into a mobile home. They say 35-year-old Jeremy Saylor, who is suspected to have been under the influence of the synthetic drug Mojo, displayed “superhuman strength” and got into a police vehicle, tried to run the officers over then rammed it into a mobile home.

Two Louisiana chefs are on the way to Japan, where they will cook gumbo for the US Ambassador of Japan at the Mississippi River Country reception. Halen Doughty has more…:
CUT 1 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a fatal blaze in Ville Platte that claimed the life of a 62-year-old man. They say first responders were working to suppress the flames around 1am Sunday when they located the lifeless body of James Malveaux. There were no smoke alarms found in the residence. The Evageline Parish Coroner is conducting an autopsy to determine the official cause of death.

An Acadia Parish woman is fighting to get her spider monkey back after he was seized by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for the second time in 2 years. State law prohibits owning exotic animals, but Justine Quinn of Church Point says she’s had her monkey since before the law went into effect. She says LDWF came back to get Darwin even after she had a court order saying she could keep him until the matter was settled.
CUT 9 (09) “of Louisiana”
LDWF is not commenting on the matter.

The LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing has been ranked the ninth best nursing school in the country by the Nursing Schools Almanac. Dr. Demetrius Porche, Dean of the School of Nursing, says s the key factors to the rating are…:
cut 11 (09) “default rate”
The school also ranked number 5 among public nursing schools and second in the Southeast region.

The Louisiana Department of Tourism continues to pick up accolades. The latest award is the the 2016 State Tourism Office of the Year by the Southeast Tourism Society. Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says they work hard to promote the many attractions all over Louisiana…:

CIT 15 (06) “to offer”
Nungesser says he’s happy about the award, but more proud of all the great people who work in the tourism industry.

Two Louisiana chefs are travelling to Japan today to cook gumbo for the US Ambassador. Samantha Carroll, who own restaurants in New Roads and New Orleans, says during this Louisiana promoting trip at the Mississippi River Country reception, they will also judge a gumbo cook off…:
CUT 6 (08) “judging it”
Carroll says she and her husband will cook gumbo for the guests at the trade show convention, using Louisiana seafood and ingredients.

The LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing has been ranked the ninth best nursing school in the country by the Nursing Schools Almanac. Dr. Demetrius Porche, Dean of the School of Nursing, says this is a great honor. He says this review is a testament to the dedication of the facility and staff’s commitment to a culture of excellence…:
Cut 10 (11) “nursing education”
The school also ranked number 5 among public nursing schools and second in the Southeast region.

Louisiana state health officials are warning residents to stay away from the Bogue Chitto River after approximately 6 million gallons of sewage water spilled into the east branch of the river from a Mississippi levee breach Friday. They say this sewage release will add contaminates that can result in elevated levels of unhealthy bacteria. They’ve issued a water contact advisory for swimming and fishing in the Bogue Chitto River for its entire length in Louisiana.

What appeared to be an easy win on Saturday in Tiger Stadium, became a nerve racking victory for LSU as they had to hold on to a 23-20 victory over Mississippi State. The Bulldogs scored two touchdowns in a 40-second span to give State a chance at stealing a win in Death Valley. Coach Les Miles wishes his team would have finished stronger…:
Cut 16 (16) “to Auburn”
With the win, LSU moved up two spots to number 18 in the AP top 25.

Taking a look at more college football scores from around the state this weekend, Southern hammered Alabama State 64-6. Grambling beat Jackson State 35-14. Nicholls State picked up the win over Incarnate Word 35-28. ULM was edged by Georgia Southern who held on for a 23-21 victory in the Warhawks’ first Sun Belt Conference game. Louisiana Tech fell to Texas Tech 59-45. McNeese fell to Stephen F Austin 31-28. Southern Utah held off Southeastern 28-23.

In UL-Lafayette’s Sun Belt Conference opener, the Cajuns picked up a hard fought 28-23 victory over visiting South Alabama. Senior running back Elijah McGuire helped seal the win with a little more than 7 minutes left after a handoff from quarterback Anthony Jennings and a stunning 68-yard touchdown run.

It’s a tough start to the season for the Saints. After dropping a one-point loss in the season opener, New Orleans lost another tight contest yesterday. Giants kicker Josh Brown’s 23-yard field goal with no time left gave New York a 16-13 win over the Saints. Coach Sean Payton says the difference in this game was a block field goal that led to a 65-yard return for a touchdown by the Giants Janoris Jenkins…:
Cut 19 (19) “needed to play”
New Orleans returns home to play Atlanta on Monday night..

Two Louisiana chefs are travelling to Japan today to cook gumbo for the US Ambassador of Japan, Caroline Kennedy, and others as part of the Mississippi River Country reception. Samantha Carroll and her husband, Cody, own Hot Tails in New Roads and Sac-a-Lait restaurant in New Orleans. Carroll says this will be a great opportunity to get Louisiana products in the hands of chefs abroad…:
cut 4 (12) “in Louisiana”

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser announces the Louisiana Office of Tourism has been named the 2016 State Tourism Office of the Year by the Southeast Tourism Society. He says they want to get more people involved in promoting the Bayou State to tourists…:
Cut 13 (08) “their own”
This is the second time the Louisiana Office of Tourism has won this award.

An Acadia Parish woman is fighting to get her spider monkey back after he was seized by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Justine Quinn of Church Point says she has owned Darwin, the monkey, for over 13 years. A state law was passed in 2006 requiring a permit to own exotic animals, but Quinn says she was grandfathered in because she owned Darwin before the law was passed. She says he was seized once before in 2014..:
CUT 7 (08) “my care”
Quinn says she is seeking legal action to get Darwin back. L-D-W-F is not commenting on the matter.

LSU has moved up two spots in the AP Top 25 following a late rally for a 23-20 victory over Mississippi State Saturday night. The win moved the Tigers up to #18 in this week’s poll.

Governor John Bel Edwards has released a statement following his meeting with President Barack Obama in Washington D.C. The governor says he had the opportunity to update the President on the flood recovery efforts in Louisiana. Edwards says he’s optimistic they will get Louisiana citizens the assistance they need to rebuild. Louisiana’s congressional delegation is working to get a $2.6 billion federal aid package approved.

CenturyLink has announced plans for companywide layoffs. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

First responders rescued a Baton Rouge teen from a chimney. BRPD Cpl L’Jean McKneely says the 15-year-old was trying to break into the house through the chimney. He hopes they can keep this teen form doing something like this again because his life was in danger.

Cut 13 (11) “in chmneys”

McKneely says the teen has been charged with attempted burglary of an inhabited dwelling.

A Lafayette homeowner fatally shot a naked man who was holding a gun in his backyard. Cpl. Bridgett Dugas says they have not yet determined the identity of the suspect and are in the process of questioning the homeowner.

Cut 11 (08) “after that” 

Dugas says the naked suspect did not fire his weapon and was pronounced dead at the scene.

A Lafayette homeowner fatally shot a naked man who was standing in his backyard with a gun. Cpl. Bridgett Dugas says the naked suspect did not fire his weapon and was pronounced dead at the scene.

cut 10 (07)  “gun fire”

Dugas says they have not yet determined the identity of the suspect and are in the process of questioning the homeowner.

State police say a Denham Springs driver has died after hitting a horse in the road. Trooper Bryan Lee says 24-year-old Joshua Marange was killed in the accident. He says Marange was driving down US 190 in Livingston parish when he struck a horse that was standing in the eastbound lane. He says the crash did substantial damage to Marange’s vehicle.

CUT 7 (10) “as well”

Monroe-based CenturyLink announces companywide layoffs. CenturyLink spokesperson Annmarie Sartor says after careful consideration the telecommunications company has made the difficult decision to reduce its employee related costs. She says in order to reduce its workforce, they are seeking employees who are looking to leave the company voluntarily.

CUT 3 (12)  “method training”

Sartor says because they are starting with voluntary layoffs, they are not sure on the local impact.

A Leesville man has been arrested for his fourth DWI following a crash that sent another driver and two children to the hospital. Police say 29-year-old Erica Fowler was driving down US 171 in Beauregard parish when 48-year-old Bryan Lee Hayes crossed both lanes and sideswiped her car. Fowler and her two children sustained minor injuries, and Hayes was not hurt. Drug impairment is suspected on the part of Hayes.

LSU football coach Les Miles has reportedly received threatening emails following the 16-14 loss to Wisconsin at Lambeau Field. The Advocate reports an angry fan sent an email to the Mad Hatter shortly after the game ended, saying he hope the coach gets fired or dies. Athletic director Joe Alleva and LSU President F. King Alexander have received more than 60 emails calling for them to fire Miles. Alleva reportedly responded to one email sent by a fan one minute after the loss calling him a bum. Alleva replied “I’m sorry, do you have a name?”

A Lafayette homeowner fatally shot a naked man who was holding a gun in his backyard this morning. Cpl. Bridgette Dugas says authorities received a call around 8 a.m. about someone trespassing on Fanny Street and they are working to determine why the man was naked in the yard.

CUT 9 (06) “it as”

Dugas says the naked suspect did not fire his weapon and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Baton Rouge first responders rescued a teenager from a chimney this morning after he decided to skip school. BRPD Cpl. L’Jean McKneely says the homeowner called the police when she heard someone calling for help inside her chimney…

cut 12 (09) “detention”

The 15-year-old has been charged with attempted burglary of an inhabited dwelling. Cops also say the teen has a criminal record.

Taylor Swift is donating $50-thousand to Ascension parish public schools for flood recovery. Ascension Superintendent David Alexander says they are overwhelmed by the generosity and the investment will have far reaching impacts as they recover from the flood. Five of the 27 schools in the district are closed because of flood damage, displacing 5-thousand students.

A naked man was shot after trespassing in a Lafayette man’s backyard. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (21)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

A former Gretna police officer is now behind bars after a video shows him kicking a handcuffed suspect while on the ground. The alleged incident occurred in April. 46-year-old Robert Wallow turned himself into authorities Friday on charges of simple battery and malfeasance in office. Wallow was a Gretna police officer for 18 months, before he was terminated on Thursday. A Gretna police official says they found out about the incident through an internal investigation.

Monroe-based telecommunications company CenturyLink has announced plans for companywide layoffs. CenturyLink spokesperson Annmarie Sartor says they are starting with voluntary layoffs, so they are not sure on the local impact. But she says if they do not reach their goal, they will have to begin involuntary layoffs. She says the company has about 43-thousand employees globally.

CUT 4 (08)  “headcount”

The reduction could be about 35-hundred employees throughout the company.

A Denham Springs man has died after hitting a horse in the road. State Trooper Bryan Lee says one of their troopers came upon the accident around 1 am Friday.

CUT 6 (08) “the roadway”

Lee says 24-year-old Joshua Marange and the horse were killed in the accident.