Law enforcement, elected officials, and the public gathered at the House Judiciary Committee meeting today to discuss ways to improve community relations with police. Deputy Chief of Staff for the Governor’s Office, Julie Baxter Payer says they want to encourage investments in officer wellness and safety initiatives…:
Cut 10 (10) “hiring process”
She says it’s important to have more community involvement in policy changes.

The ACLU of Louisiana is working together with parents after multiple students said they were strip searched at Caldwell Parish High School to find a student’s missing 42 dollars. Executive Director of the ACLU of Louisiana Marjorie Esman…:
cut 12 (09) “school policy”
It’s been reported a teacher and principal have been placed on administrative leave in connection with the searches.

The Department of Agriculture says its getting millions of dollars from the federal government to help keep your food safe. The FDA says Louisaina will get more than $3 million dollars to help meet new safety standards. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain said he will use some of the money to create a partnership with the federal government, which could mean more training for some farmers.

Jefferson Parish President Mike Yenni appeared before the parish council today for the first time since he admitted to “inappropriate behavior” with a 17-year-old boy. He asked for mercy and that the council and public let him do his job. Gregory Carroll with Citizens for a Better Kenner says nearly 80% of registered voters want Yenni to resign…:
Cut 9 (12) “a shame”
But Yenni said he has learned to not run from your troubles when you can rise from them instead.

Embattled Jefferson Parish President Mike Yenni appeared before the parish council today for the first time since his sexting scandal. Jeff Palermo reports…:
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Health officials are getting the word out about the importance of getting a flu shot with the sick season just around the corner. Dr. Frank Welch with the Department of Health says the nasal vaccine is not available this year…:
CUT 11 (09) “at all”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is coming up with new ways to combine Louisiana’s delicious seafood, with tourism promotion. He says they are getting close to releasing details about a social media program where all Louisiana residents can be an ambassador for the seafood industry…:
CUT 4 (11) “around the state”
He says when you combine seafood with tourism it accounts for 14-billion dollars in annual revenue for Louisiana.

Governor John Bel Edwards will host his monthly call in radio show this afternoon at 2pm, taking questions from citizens on a wide range of topics. To be a part of “Ask the Governor” call 1-877-217-5757.

Jefferson Parish President Mike Yenni addressed the parish council today for the first time since his sexting scandal made headlines. Yenni says he has learned to not run from your troubles when you can rise from them instead. He says over the past few weeks, he has walked the deepest valley of despair…:
Cut 6 (09) “to redemption”
Jefferson Parish residents responded to Yenni flowing his refusal to resign from office. Gregory Carroll with Citizens for a Better Kenner says he’s concerned that city equipment was used to have those conversations with a 17-year-old, and that he offered that boy a job:
Cut 8 (07) “his enjoyment”
Carroll adds that nearly 80-percent of the registered voters in the parish want Yenni to resign, and a recall petition has been started to remove him from office.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is looking to grow the state’s seafood industry. He says when you combine seafood, with tourism, it accounts for 14-billion dollars in annual revenue for Louisiana and the two should help each other…:
Cut 3 (11) “eat it”
He says Louisiana produces more than 850-million pounds of seafood every year.

The House Judiciary Committee is meeting at this hour to discuss ways to improve race relations in Louisiana following the tragic events of this summer. Don Molino has more..:
CUT 1 (26) “I’m Don Molino”

Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy was a target for attacks in last night’s debate. Democratic Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell asked Republican Congressman Charles Boustany to respond to an ad by Kennedy in which he jokes about suicide and drinking weed killer.

Cut 15 (09) “joking matter”

Kennedy responded, saying he’d rather drink weed killer than answer that.

A state legislative committee is meeting at this hour to talk about lawsuits filed by several coastal parishes against oil and gas companies, as the parishes claim they’re polluting their land. But House Natural Resources Committee chairman Stuart Bishop says parishes like Terrebonne and Lafourche oppose the suit.

Cut 5 (10) “the parishes”

Bishop says the goal of today’s meeting is to have an open dialogue about this issue.

The Caldwell Parish Superintendent issues an apology regarding the strip search that was conducted on students at Caldwell Parish High School to find a missing $42. Superintendent John Gullatt apologized to the students involved and their families, saying the incident must be addressed. He added that teachers and administrators will receive additional training.

As flu season approaches, the Louisiana Department of Health reminds everyone to get their flu shot. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The state House Judiciary Committee begins two days of meetings today to discuss universal training for police officers, as well as de-escalation tactics. Monroe Representative Katrina Jackson says the purpose of the hearing is to start conversations about improving relations and building trust…:
Cut 9 (06) “vet everything”
She says the goal of the hearings is to improve the trust between police and the public, especially African-Americans who feel they’ve been targeted by law enforcement.

A state legislative committee is meeting this morning to discuss
lawsuits against oil and gas companies by five coastal parishes, claiming these plants polluted and destroyed their land. House Natural Resources Chairman Stuart Bishop of Lafayette…:
CUT 6 (10) “thus far”
He says the public needs to know the game plan and what these lawsuits are all about.

The School Superintendent of Caldwell Parish High School admits the strip searching of students for stolen money went too far…:
CUT 3 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

During last night’s US Senate debate, all candidates jabbed at front runner Republican John Kennedy including Democrat Caroline Fayard who pointed out the State Treasurer’s support of former Governor Bobby Jindal, who buried the state in debt…:
CUT 17 (09) “which is it”
Kennedy argued he’s the only candidate who won’t get wrapped up in Washington politics.

The top Louisiana Senate hopefuls squared off last night and discussed the way they plan to fight for the state in Washington. The forum was televised statewide. Democratic Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell had strong words for GOP candidate John Kennedy after the State Treasurer claimed he convinced the legislature to invest money from a tobacco settlement…:
cut 14 (10) “no vote”
Republican Congressmen Charles Boustany and John Fleming also took part in the forum, as did Democrat Caroline Fayard.

Governor John Bel Edwards will once again be behind the microphone today for his call in radio show, “Ask the Governor.” The broadcast begins at 2pm and can be heard on affiliate radio stations of the Louisiana Radio Network. You can call and speak with the governor regarding your concerns on any number of issues by dialing 1-877-217-5757.

Flu season is just around the corner and heath officials are urging folks to go ahead and get vaccinated now. State Medical Director Dr. Frank Welch says high risk groups include elderly people, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions, but everyone should get the shot:
CUT 12 (09) “everyone else”
He adds that the nasal vaccine is not available this year.

Community and police relations will be the topic of conversation today during a House Judiciary meeting. Monroe Representative Katrina Jackson chairs the committee and says they want to talk about partnerships with law enforcement that can enhance respect for cops in the communities they police…:
Cut 8 (07) “will be there”
She says they need to look at ways that people on both sides can deescalate a situation in a way that keeps both police and the public safe. And the goal of the hearing is to improve the trust between police and the public.

5 of the 24 US Senate candidates met in the first statewide televised debate of the race last night in Ruston. Front runner Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy took several jabs from all of his opponents, but Kennedy said he’s the only one who wouldn’t be part of the so called Washington club if he’s elected…:
CUT 16 (11) “of themselves”
Democrats Foster Campbell and Caroline Fayard and GOP candidates John Fleming and Charles Boustany also participated in the forum.

The House Natural Resources committee meets today to discuss lawsuits against oil and gas companies by five coastal parishes that claim these plants polluted and destroyed their land. Chairman Stuart Bishop on why he called the meeting…:
CUT 4 (10) “these lawsuits”

The Jefferson Parish Council meets today, and Parish President Mike Yenni is supposed to be there. All members on the council have called for Yenni to resign since he admitted to sending improper text messages to a 17-year-old boy. Yenni has said he doesn’t plan to step down because what he did was just a stupid mistake and not illegal. Analysts expect the meeting to be awkward.

The House Judiciary Committee meets today to discuss ways to improve race relations in Louisiana following the tragic events of this summer….:
CUT 1 (26) “I’m Don Molino”

Candidates for US Senate went at it in the first statewide televised debate last night. GOP Congressman John Fleming was quick to attack his Republican colleague in the US House, Congressman Charles Boustany. While answering a question about his willingness to compromise, he directed his response towards Boustany saying, it’s important to get things done, but more important to get the things done right…:
Cut 13 (10) “heaven’s sake”
Also participating were Democrats Foster Campbell and Caroline Fayard, and Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy.

The state House Judiciary Committee begins two days of meetings today to discuss universal training for police officers, as well as de-escalation tactics. Monroe Representative Katrina Jackson is the chair…:
CUT 7 (09) “with solutions”

Flu season is just around the corner and state officials are urging residents to get vaccinated. Dr. Frank Welch, Louisiana Department of Health Medical Director, says everyone needs to get the flu shot even if you got one last year…:
Cut 10 (08) “changes itself”
He says despite what some people may think, getting a flu shot will not give someone the flu.

The FBI says they’ve arrested 45 people throughout the state in connection with underage human trafficking as part of Operation Cross Country X. In a release, feds say they rescued three juvenile victims who were used for prostitution. The nationwide effort saved a total of 82 minors and 239 traffickers and their associates.