Nine former softball players have filed complaints with the Office of Civil Rights for Title Nine violations alleging that while attending the University of Louisiana at Lafayette they were deprived of appropriate trainers, training facilities, equipment, and supplies when compared to the resources provided to male athletes. Attorney Allison Jones says the players also faced retaliation for bringing up the claims.

Cut 3 (11) “…people were hitting.” 

The University strongly denies the allegations.

Entergy Louisiana is sending a team of 200 employees and contractors to the East Coast.  Hurricane Florence is expected to pack a mighty punch that could cause some extensive power outages. Entergy Louisiana Spokesperson Lee Sabatini.

Cut 6 (06) “…possible to customers.”

Seven escaped inmates are back in custody after yesterday’s breach at Madison Parish Detention Center in Tallulah. LaSalle Corrections Development Executive Kevin Sumrall says they did not make it far, after a perimeter was set up.

Cut 10 (10) “partners”

All inmates were recovered by 9:15 last night.

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins introduces legislation that would mandate random drug tests for U-S House and Senate members. If there’s a failed test, the Ethics Committee can take further action. Higgins says you wouldn’t want emergency personnel to be intoxicated on the job, you sure wouldn’t want legislators to be under the influence either.

Cut 13 (11) “do you”

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins introduces legislation that would mandate random drug tests for U-S House and Senate members. If there’s a failed test, the Ethics Committee can take further action. Higgins says many middle class Americans are drug tested for their jobs, so why shouldn’t congressmen?

Cut 12 (12)   “the nation” 

Nine former softball players have filed complaints with the Office of Civil Rights for Title Nine violations alleging that while attending the University of Louisiana at Lafayette they were deprived when compared to the resources provided to male athletes. Attorney Allison Jones says the university has a history of gender inequity as she has represented female professors how have also had issues.

Cut 4 (07) “…at the university.”

The university strongly denies the allegations.

Seven escaped inmates are back in custody after yesterday’s breach at Madison Parish Detention Center in Tallulah. LaSalle Corrections Development Executive Kevin Sumrall says it didn’t take long to apprehend the seven, most of whom were incarcerated for robbery.

cut 9 (10) “…procedure”

Sumrall says it doesn’t not appear to be a premeditated prison break. All inmates were recovered by 9:15 last night.

Entergy Louisiana is sending a team of 200 employees and contractors to the East Coast.  Hurricane Florence is expected to pack a mighty punch that could cause some extensive power outages. Entergy Louisiana Spokesperson Lee Sabatini says  in addition to line workers, they are sending over people for various duties in the cleanup effort.

Cut 7 (09) “…wires are down.”

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins introduces legislation that would mandate random drug tests for U-S House and Senate members. If there’s a failed test, the Ethics Committee can take further action. Higgins says the bill wasn’t inspired by a colleagues in particular, but he has seen a few things in the halls of Congress that might raise eyebrows.

Cut 14 (11) “…to wonder”

The bill would enact a random drug test once per congress, which would be paid for by those taking the test.

Seven escaped inmates are back in custody after yesterday’s breach at Madison Parish Detention Center in Tallulah. LaSalle Corrections Development Executive Kevin Sumrall says they suspect the inmates took advantage of a breach that occurred, and were able to escape through a wired fence, with no apparent planned goal in mind.

Cut 11 (09)“…thought process”

An attorney says thirteen women are pursuing complaints involving gender discrimination against University of Louisiana at Lafayette.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

The Haynesville Shale is producing more natural gas than at any time since 2012. The shale seemed to be on it’s way out after cratering several years ago, but since 2016 has seen extraction levels rise. The shale produced 6.4 billion cubic feet of natural gas a day in June, good for 8.5 percent of all US production. The shale occupies a portion of north west Louisiana.

Republican Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins files legislation to enact random drug tests for members of the U-S House and Senate. Higgins says you wouldn’t want emergency personnel to be intoxicated on the job and you sure wouldn’t want legislators to be under the influence either.
cut 13 (11) “…do you”
But Higgins says he knows this legislation will likely not receive approval from a House committee.

13 women are pursuing complaints involving discrimination against the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Attorney Allison Jones represents nine former softball players who complained they were not getting the same amount of resources as men to compete and then faced retalition after their complaints were made to school officials…
cyut 5 (07) “…at that university”
The university strongly denies the allegations.

The seven inmates that climed a perimeter fence at Madison Parish Detention Center in Tallulah are back behind bars today. The jail break occurred around mid-day yesterday and the last of the prisoners on the run were caught at 9:15 last night. LaSalle Corrections Development Executive Ken Sumrall says they did not make it far, after a perimeter was set up…
cut 10 (10) “…partners”
Sumrall says the inmates took advantage of a breach and this was not a planned escape.

Hurricane Florence looks to cause substantial flooding and knock out power to millions along the East Coast when it makes landfall tomorrow. Entergy Louisiana has sent 200 employees and contractors to the region to help restore the power. Company spokesperson Lee Sabatini says extending a helping hand is very rewarding for the company and its employees…
cut 8 (07) “…to do this”

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins introduces legislation that would mandate random drug tests for U-S House and Senate members. If there’s a failed test, the Ethics Committee can take further action. Higgins says many middle class Americans are drug tested for their jobs, so why shouldn’t congressmen?
cut 12 (12) “the nation”
Higgins is optimistic the bill can receive committee approval.

Seven escaped inmates are back in custody after a breach yesterday at Madison Parish Detention Center occurred midday yesterday. LaSalle Corrections Development Executive Kevin Sumrall says it didn’t take long to apprehend the seven, most of whom were incarcerated for robbery.
cut 9 (10) “…procedure”
All inmates were recovered by 9:15 last night. Sumrall says they did not make it far, after a perimeter was set up.

Nine former softball players have filed complaints with the Office of Civil Rights for Title Nine violations alleging that while attending the University of Louisiana at Lafayette they were deprived of appropriate trainers, training facilities, equipment, and supplies when compared to the resources provided to male athletes. Attorney Allison Jones says the players were then retaliated against after bringing up the claims.
Cut 3 (11) “…people were hitting.”
In a statement, the university says it disputes the claims and will strongly defend itself against what they call false allegations.

Hurricane Florence is expected to produce life-threatening storm surge and rainfall when it makes landfall in North Carolina and the Cajun Navy will be there to help with rescues. United Cajun Navy founder Todd Terrell says 67 volunteers left Louisiana Wednesday armed with boats and emergency supplies..
cut 13 (07) “…chip in”
Terrell says they will set up shop in Columbia, South Carolina, where they will assist with rescues and also cook for the local first responders.

Entergy Louisiana has sent a team of nearly 200 employees and contractors to the East Coast. The storm is expected to pack a mighty punch that could have an adverse effect on utility poles in the area, so crews will work with Duke Energy in North Carolina to help avoid prolonged power outages. Entergy Louisiana Spokesperson Lee Sabatini says providing help to other companies in times of disaster is part of a long standing mutual assistance agreement.
Cut 6 (06) “…possible to customers.”

The Governor’s DWI Task Force has been re-formed and is beginning to discuss what can be done to lower the number of intoxicated drivers on our roadways. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission executive director Lisa Freeman says they’ll also look at legislation to combat drugged drivers….
cut 12 (10) “….top of things”
Freeman says two-thirds of the blood samples that the State Police Crime Lab analyzes contains at least one drug to go along with alcohol
Amazon is set to start shipping seven foot tall Christmas trees come November A North Carolina Frasier will run customers about 115 bucks and will be shipped to your house within ten days of being cut down, but Allen Parish Christmas Tree farmer Gray Anderson says that takes the fun out of getting a real tree.
Cut 4 (10) “…a tree”

The United Cajun Navy is setting up shop in South Carolina as Hurricane Florence has the potential of dumping 30 inches of rain on the Carolinas and the coastline is bracing for a storm surge of up to 13 feet. These volunteers were critical in rescuing individuals during the flood of 2016 and Hurricane Harvey. Founder Todd Terrell says they will do more than just rescues…
cut 15 (07) “….just boat rescues”
Entergy is also sending 200 employees and contractors to the region.

Meanwhile, the weather disturbance in the western Gulf of Mexico is running out of time to develop as its moving closer to the Texas coast. The National Hurricane Center gives it a medium chance of developing into a tropical depression. Forecasters say the impact to Louisiana will be minimal.

The next possible threat to the Gulf is Tropical Storm Isaac. It’s currently moving through the Eastern Caribbean Sea.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission wants to do more about drug impaired driving. Kevin Barnhart reports two-thirds of the blood samples that the State Police Crime Lab analyzes contains at least one drug to go along with alcohol….
Cut 2 (28) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Via Airlines begins direct service today to Austin, Texas, and Orlando, Florida, from the Baton Rouge Metro Airport. Airport spokesperson Jim Caldwell says they expect business travelers to utilize the flights to Austin, but he says Austin isn’t just for work…
cut 8 (10) “…music”
Orlando flights are on Mondays and Thursdays, and Austin flights are on Monday, Thursday, and Friday.

The United Cajun Navy has sent dozens of volunteers to South Carolina, where they’ll team with local officials to help with water rescues that may be needed because of Hurricane Florence…
cut 14 (06) “….flooding is’
That’s United Cajun Navy founder Todd Terrell, who says they’ve also brought catering trucks with plenty of food to help feed first responders.

The Governor’s Task Force on DWI has begun a series of meetings to discuss ways to eliminate impaired driving. Governor John Bel Edwards created the Task Force through an executive order. Lisa Freeman, Director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, says they are also focusing on drivers who are on the road while under the influence of drugs.
Cut 10 (09) “…that’s what’s alarming.“
Freeman says they want to alert the public that even prescription drugs can impair your driving skills.

Kenner Mayor Ben Zahn has rescinded an order that prohibited the city’s recreation department from purchasing Nike products. The memo sent out last week also banned booster clubs from using Nike gear at the city’s parks. But Zahn says he’s rescinded the Nike ban on the advice of the city attorney. Zahn had said he did not want to promote Nike’s political message as they are using Colin Kaepernick in an ad campaign.

Amazon is muscling it’s way into the Christmas tree game this November. Matt Doyle has more.
Voicer 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”