We’re now about halfway through the early voting period for the November 4th election and Secretary Of State Tom Schedler says there’s been good participation among voters. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 1 (28) “reporting”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Gubernatorial Primary takes place one year from today. Jeff Palermo takes a look at the race…

Cut 2 (29) “reporting”

______________________________________

Authorities arrest the controversial former mayor of Sorrento on 40 counts of possessing child porn. Scott Carwile reports.

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

We’re now about halfway through the early voting period for the November 4th election and Secretary Of State Tom Schedler says there’s been good participation among voters. He says so far the number of early votes is at 75% of what the state saw two years ago for the Presidential election. Scheduler says overall participation looks good:

Cut 4  (09)  “for early voting”

Schedler asks voters to visit the Public Affairs Research Council website at parlouisiana.org to study the constitutional amendments so you’re not trying to figure out what they mean in the booth. He says he hopes he’s wrong with his 50% voter turnout prediction…:

Cut 5  (11)  “in Louisiana”

The voting locations will be closed on Sunday and the last day to early vote will be Tuesday. Saturday will by far be the biggest day of the early voting period so you can expect long lines at the polls and Schedler encourages voters do take an important step to help move things a long…:

Cut 6 (11)  “for that date”

______________________________________

We are now one year away from the gubernatorial primary election in Louisiana. Republicans Senator David Vitter, Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle, and Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne, as well as Democrat State Representative John Bel Edwards have announced their intent to run for Governor. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says, at this point, Vitter is the front runner…

CUT 7 (08)  “very, very strong”

The biggest question mark at this point in the Governor’s race is whether or not Democrat New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu will join the field. Cross says Landrieu will probably wait until after the holiday season to make up his mind…

Cut 8 (10)   “the name, Landrieu”

He says it’s not surprising that this race is laying dormant since we’re in the middle of Senate and Congressional races across the state. Cross says you should really see the gubernatorial race kick off after Mardi Gras…

Cut 9 (12)  “probably mid-March” 

______________________________________

With Halloween a week away you might be thinking about getting decorative contact lenses as part of your costume, but federal officials are sending out a warning. ICE Homeland Security Investigations spokesman Bryan Cox says it’s important for people to understand that contact lenses are regulated as a medical device…:

Cut 10 (13)  “locations”

Cox says under federal law, contact lenses can not be sold without a prescription…:

cut 11 (11)  “significant risk”

Cox says these are unregulated and poorly constructed lenses sold without a medical doctor’s signature and pose serious held risks to consumers…:

cut 12 (10)  “to your eyesight”

______________________________________

The controversial former Mayor of Sorrento was placed under arrest on Thursday after officials say they found child pornography inside his residence. Attorney General Criminal division director Kurt Wall says they obtained a search warrant for the home of 41-year-old Wilson Longanecker Jr….:

Cut 13 (10)  “obstruction of justice”

Wall says this was a joint law enforcement effort by the AG’s Cyber Crime Unit, Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security and State Police. He says Longanecker is charged with 40 counts of possessing pornography involving juveniles and obstruction of justice:

Cut 14 (08)  “in this case”

Longanecker, who was elected mayor of Sorrento in 2011 and served until 2013, caused controversy when he was in office for taking extended leaves of absence and not being in contact with council members. Wall says the search of Longanecker’s home last several hours…:

Cut 15  (13)  ” by our analysts”

______________________________________

Kenny Henderson is out as executive director of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association. Henderson led the L-H-S-A-A, which governs high school athletics, since 2007. His contract was set to expire next summer, but past-president of the LHSAA, Todd Guice, says both sides felt now was the time for a change…

Cut 16  (14)   “future”

Guice would not sah why Henderson will not fill out the remainder of his contract. There’s a lot of unrest within the LHSAA about the recent split of public and private school football playoffs, but Guice says that one issue is not the reason for Henderson’s departure

Cut 17  (16)   “along that topic”

The search for Henderson’s replacement has already started. Guice will chair a committee that will seek out qualified candidates…

(Henderson says the LHSAA handbook says qualified candidates must be either a principal or a coach or an administrator within the LHSAA

Cut 18 (20) “budget”

The 108th State Fair of Louisiana gets underway today in Shreveport. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

===================

Deputies say a 67-year-old man from Boyce is facing his third DWI offense after driving drunk on his lawnmower. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 2 (31) “reporting”

===================

The 108th State Fair of Louisiana gets underway today in Shreveport. The fair runs through November 9th, while being closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. General Manager Chris Giordano says the weather forecast is great this year’s fair…

CUT 3 (07) “and games”

Giordano says this year’s fair features over 60 carnival rides, great food, games and live music from Wayne Toups, Frank Foster, and many more. He says there are lots of great family attractions that are free with your gate admission to the fair, including a bear show and a high-dive show…

CUT 4 (08)  “to be a cowboy”

He says there will also be several street performers at this year’s fair, including a man who rides a unicycle while swallowing a sword and jumping a burning jump rope. Giordano hopes to see big crowds at this year’s State Fair…(For more information go to statefairoflouisiana-dot-com.)

CUT 5 (08)  “mark, I hope”

====================

Two-point-nine million people are registered to vote in the November fourth election. There’s about 93-thousand more voters who are registered as “no party” than six years ago when Senator Mary Landrieu defeated republican John Kennedy. Political Analyst Elliot Stonecipher says these voters are an “X” factor going into the election

CUT 6 (10)  “wait and see”

The Secretary of State’s office reports an increase of seven-thousand black registered voters prior to the October sixth deadline. This brings the total number of black voters to 919-thousand, which democrats see as a positive for Landrieu’s re-election efforts. But Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the big question is how many of them will vote

CUT 7 (08) “not likely”

The number of white registered voters in Louisiana is one-point-eight million and Pinsonat says while the black vote is important to Landrieu’s re-election chances, white voters might be more critical…

CUT 8 (05) “presently doing”

=====================

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s office says a man is under arrest for DWI number three after cops caught him driving drunk on his lawnmower. Major Mark Wood says one of the deputies spotted 67-year-old Ralph Carroll of Boyce riding a red lawnmower on state Highway 121 attempting to elude law enforcement by driving into the woods…:

CUT 9 (10)  “odor of alcohol”

Wood says the deputy went to the home of Carroll and smelled a strong odor of alcohol…:(Carroll is charged with third offense DWI, operating an unsafe vehicle and having no driver’s license on his person.)

CUT 10 (12)  “he was drunk”

Wood says they brought Carrol to the courthouse where he agreed to a breathalyzer test and was found to be way above the legal limit. The suspect was then charged with his third DWI. Wood says Carroll received a citation for riding his lawnmower on a state highway last week…:

CUT 11 (12) “cooperate“

=====================

Republican State Senator and 6th District Congressional candidate Dan Claitor’s mother has passed away from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. State Trooper Jared Sandifer says the crash happened Saturday on Airline Highway near Prairieville. He says 80-year-old Nancy Claitor switched lanes in her Ford Explorer to make a legal U-turn in front of a pickup truck pulling a trailer…

CUT 12 (11) “pulling that trailer”

Mrs. Claitor was transported to a local hospital where she succumbed to her injuries late last night. Driver impairment is not suspected in this crash. Sandifer says no charges have been filed in this incident at this time…

CUT  13 (08) “to investigate”

=====================

The State Department’s of Transportation in Mississippi and Louisiana are advising motorists that the I-10 connecting the two states will once again be reduced to one lane this weekend. MDOT spokesman Michael Flood says drivers should expect significant delays on I-10 during this time…:

cut 14 (11) “on Monday”

Flood says one lane will be closed, both eastbound and westbound, of the Pearl River Bridge starting at 7pm Friday night to Monday morning at 6am. He says they are asking motorists to use alternate routes…:(Flood says passenger vehicles should use US 90 as an alternate route.)

cut 15 (12) “one lane closed”

A recent survey by the National Retail Federation shows a record number of Americans will buy Halloween costumes this year. Scott Carwile reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

A partial solar eclipse will take place today as the new moon will obscure part of the sun. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (29) “reporting”

______________________________________

If you’re planning to fly for the Holidays this year prepare to go a little deeper into your wallet. Jeff Palermo has that…:

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

A recent survey by the National Retail Federation shows a record number of Americans will buy Halloween costumes this year. NRF Senior Director of Media Relations, Kathy Grannis, says Halloween has become much more than a child’s holiday. She says adults are really getting into the holiday…

Cut 4  (10)  “of Halloween”

The survey says more than two-thirds of Americans will buy costumes this year and the average person will spend $77.52 for the holiday. Grannis says people are spending money on more than just costumes and candy…

Cut 5  (09)  “trick-or-treating”

She says Americans will spend a total of $7.4 billion this Halloween. Grannis says popular kid’s costumes will be Disney Frozen characters, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and super heroes. She says adults will keep it more traditional…

Cut 6 (11)  “Halloween, as well”

______________________________________

A partial solar eclipse will take place today as the new moon will obscure part of the sun. Louisiana Tech Astronomer Lee Sawyer says we should be able to see the maximum point of eclipse in The Bayou State before the sun goes down today…:

CUT 7 (10)  “before 6 o clock”

Sawyer says this is happening a few weeks after the total eclipse of the moon. He says the very best way to view today’s partial eclipse is at an observing party or at a science museum but you should NOT look at the sun directly…:

Cut 8 (07)   “pinhole camera”

Sawyer says the partial eclipse will still be going on even after the sun sets in Louisiana around 6:30…:

Cut 9 (11)  “as it goes down” 

______________________________________

If you’re planning to fly for the Holidays this year prepare to go a little deeper into your wallet. According to Expedia.com, Thanksgiving flights are up 17 percent from last year and Christmas flights have gone up 2 percent. Travel expert Dale Irvin says airlines are finding it’s more profitable to fly less with more people….:

Cut 10 (09)  “sitting out there”

Irvin says over 20 million people are expected to fly from now through December. He says if you want to travel by air cheap you should book a flight with one of the “uber-discount airlines”…:

cut 11 (12)  “small one”

Discount airlines Frontier, Jet Blue and Spirit fly out of New Orleans and there’s one called Allegiant Airlines in Shreveport. Irvin also says that it’s usually cheaper to travel on the exact Holiday…:

cut 12 (13)  “into the following week”

______________________________________

There are many parts of the state that haven’t seen rain over the last several days and State Climatologist Barry Keim says it will likely remain dry in Louisiana at least until November…:

Cut 13 (11)  “on the average”

Keim says even though it is unusual to go this long without seeing rain in Louisiana, we do have some significant dry days in history…:

Cut 14 (12)  “sraight day stretch”

Keim says on the upside, the sugarcane harvest is going on right now and the farmers are probably loving the dry conditions. He says on the other hand our lawns and gardens aren’t going to be happy campers. But Keim says most parts of the state are actually ahead of schedule in terms of year-to-date rainfall…:

Cut 15  (13)  ” big deal yet”

______________________________________

The third ranked Ole Miss Rebels will bring a quarterback into Tiger Stadium playing at the top of his game. Bo Wallace has thrown seven touchdown passes in his last three games and for the season he’s completing 66-percent of his passes. Wallace has a reputation of throwing interceptions, but Rebels Head Coach Hugh Freeze says that’s not been the case lately…

Cut 16  (12)   “this year”

LSU is coming off what might be its best game of the season, a 41-3 victory over Kentucky. Freeze says it looks to him that some of LSU’s young players are starting to mature…

Cut 17  (17)   “bit more”

______________________________________

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees says they’ve put the tough loss to Detroit behind them and now the focus is on Sunday night’s match-up with the Green Bay Packers. Brees admits it’s a defeat that bugged him for a day

Cut 18 (25) “right now”

Brees is receiving more criticism this season. He threw a costly interception last game and has been picked off seven times this season. He only threw 12 interceptions last year. Brees says criticism is part of the game

Cut 19 (14)   “than later”

A recent survey by the National Retail Federation shows a record number of Americans will buy Halloween costumes this year. Scott Carwile reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

A partial solar eclipse will take place today as the new moon will obscure part of the sun. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (29) “reporting”

______________________________________

If you’re planning to fly for the Holidays this year prepare to go a little deeper into your wallet. Jeff Palermo has that…:

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

A recent survey by the National Retail Federation shows a record number of Americans will buy Halloween costumes this year. NRF Senior Director of Media Relations, Kathy Grannis, says Halloween has become much more than a child’s holiday. She says adults are really getting into the holiday…

Cut 4  (10)  “of Halloween”

The survey says more than two-thirds of Americans will buy costumes this year and the average person will spend $77.52 for the holiday. Grannis says people are spending money on more than just costumes and candy…

Cut 5  (09)  “trick-or-treating”

She says Americans will spend a total of $7.4 billion this Halloween. Grannis says popular kid’s costumes will be Disney Frozen characters, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and super heroes. She says adults will keep it more traditional…

Cut 6 (11)  “Halloween, as well”

______________________________________

A partial solar eclipse will take place today as the new moon will obscure part of the sun. Louisiana Tech Astronomer Lee Sawyer says we should be able to see the maximum point of eclipse in The Bayou State before the sun goes down today…:

CUT 7 (10)  “before 6 o clock”

Sawyer says this is happening a few weeks after the total eclipse of the moon. He says the very best way to view today’s partial eclipse is at an observing party or at a science museum but you should NOT look at the sun directly…:

Cut 8 (07)   “pinhole camera”

Sawyer says the partial eclipse will still be going on even after the sun sets in Louisiana around 6:30…:

Cut 9 (11)  “as it goes down” 

______________________________________

If you’re planning to fly for the Holidays this year prepare to go a little deeper into your wallet. According to Expedia.com, Thanksgiving flights are up 17 percent from last year and Christmas flights have gone up 2 percent. Travel expert Dale Irvin says airlines are finding it’s more profitable to fly less with more people….:

Cut 10 (09)  “sitting out there”

Irvin says over 20 million people are expected to fly from now through December. He says if you want to travel by air cheap you should book a flight with one of the “uber-discount airlines”…:

cut 11 (12)  “small one”

Discount airlines Frontier, Jet Blue and Spirit fly out of New Orleans and there’s one called Allegiant Airlines in Shreveport. Irvin also says that it’s usually cheaper to travel on the exact Holiday…:

cut 12 (13)  “into the following week”

______________________________________

There are many parts of the state that haven’t seen rain over the last several days and State Climatologist Barry Keim says it will likely remain dry in Louisiana at least until November…:

Cut 13 (11)  “on the average”

Keim says even though it is unusual to go this long without seeing rain in Louisiana, we do have some significant dry days in history…:

Cut 14 (12)  “sraight day stretch”

Keim says on the upside, the sugarcane harvest is going on right now and the farmers are probably loving the dry conditions. He says on the other hand our lawns and gardens aren’t going to be happy campers. But Keim says most parts of the state are actually ahead of schedule in terms of year-to-date rainfall…:

Cut 15  (13)  ” big deal yet”

______________________________________

The third ranked Ole Miss Rebels will bring a quarterback into Tiger Stadium playing at the top of his game. Bo Wallace has thrown seven touchdown passes in his last three games and for the season he’s completing 66-percent of his passes. Wallace has a reputation of throwing interceptions, but Rebels Head Coach Hugh Freeze says that’s not been the case lately…

Cut 16  (12)   “this year”

LSU is coming off what might be its best game of the season, a 41-3 victory over Ole Miss. Freeze says it looks to him that some of LSU’s young players are starting to mature…

Cut 17  (17)   “bit more”

______________________________________

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees says they’ve put the tough loss to Detroit behind them and now the focus is on Sunday night’s match-up with the Green Bay Packers. Brees admits it’s a defeat that bugged him for a day

Cut 18 (25) “right now”

Brees is receiving more criticism this season. He threw a costly interception last game and has been picked off seven times this season. He only threw 12 interceptions last year. Brees says criticism is part of the game

Cut 19 (14)   “than later”

Cold and flu season is upon us and people are looking for ways to avoid coming down with a seasonal bug. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

===================

A report released from the state department of education shows that 92-percent of public school teachers were rated as effective. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

===================

Cold and flu season is upon us and people are looking for ways to avoid coming down with a seasonal bug. The Centers for Disease Control recommends everyone over six-months of age to get a flu vaccine. Dr. Fred Lopez, with the LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, says there is a reason for that recommendation…

CUT 3 (10) “in this country”

He says one you get the flu vaccine, don’t expect it to work immediately. Lopez says it takes a couple of weeks for your body to develop antibodies from the vaccine…

CUT 4 (07)  “hasn’t developed yet”

Lopez says once you receive a flu vaccine, you’ll still want to take steps to avoid any infections this season. He says washing your hands with soap and water and using hand sanitizers are good ways to keep the flu at bay. But Lopez says you should not stop there…

CUT 5 (06)  “and flu season”

====================

Governor Bobby Jindal announces JP Morgan Chase has donated $1 million into the fund that helps technical colleges fund programs focused on training skilled workers. Jindal says this money will allow the community and technical colleges to expand courses specifically designed to meet the workforce training needs here…:

CUT 6 (07)  “raise a family”

Monty Sullivan is the Louisiana Community and Technical College System President. He says this money will be used in a very targeted way to address the most high demand programs in Louisiana…:

CUT 7 (08) “engineering technology”

The $1 million dollar gift will be matched with $4 million in state funds. Sullivan says the donation will help them secure funding through the WISE Fund which was created by the legislature to help fill high-need jobs…:(Sullivan says the money will be used to pay for classes such as welding, pipe-fitting, petroleum technology and electrical work.)

CUT 8 (10) “in programs”

=====================

The man who killed his son’s abductor at the Baton Rouge airport in March of 1984, Gary Plauche, died this week at the age of 68. Jeffrey Doucet was accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting Plauche’s son Jody 30-years-ago — and when the suspect was extradited back to Baton Rouge, Plauche was waiting at the airport then fired a shot. The incident was caught on camera and Abram McGull was the news photographer…:

CUT 9 (14)  “same thing too”

Plauche was sentenced to 5 years probation but did not get jail time. The news director of the television station at the time, John Spain, said he didn’t think the public wasn’t surprised that Plauche just received a suspended sentence…:

CUT 10 (14)  “understood it”

His family said Gary died from complications related to a stroke. The son, Jody who was 11 years old at the time, is now an advocate for child victims of sexual assault. McGull, who is a former federal prosecutor, says he found out the video of the incident is being used by the FBI and other law enforcement…:

CUT 11 (11) “incident“

=====================

The Louisiana Department of Education released a report today on the evaluation of public school teachers. The report shows 92% of teachers received an effective grade. Superintendent John White says while we should be proud of teachers reaching that achievement, the inflation of highly effective scores outpaced the growth of student achievement scores…

CUT 12 (08) “any favors”

Teacher “Compass” ratings are based equally on Student Growth Score and classroom observations. Individual school districts are responsible for rating their teachers. White says schools and school districts that set a high bar when observing teachers see progress in both educators and students…

CUT  13 (11) “not use it well”

White says the most critical piece of information they received from this report is that schools who expect more of their teachers, will see an increase in student growth…

cut 14 (14) “learning goes up”

Louisianians are seeing big savings at the gas pump as we approach the holiday travel season.   Scott Carwile reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Workforce Commission says we’re getting closer and closer to the 2 million mark when it comes to the number of people who have jobs here. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (29) “reporting”

______________________________________

Is Rob Maness hurting fellow Republican Congressman Bill Cassidy’s campaign in the US-Senate race against Democrat Senator Mary Landrieu? Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

Louisianians are seeing big savings at the gas pump as we approach the holiday travel season.  The average price for a gallon of regular gas has fallen to under three dollars a gallon in the Bayou State.  Gasbuddy-dot-com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHann says these are the lowest gas prices we’ve seen in over three years…

Cut 4  (09)  “a month ago”

Louisiana’s average price for regular gas is $2.95 a gallon.  DeHaan says the lower prices can be attributed to Middle East countries dropping the price of crude oil.  He says oil is trading some $20 lower per barrel compared to their summer time highs.  DeHaan says the price drop at the pump may not be over, yet…

Cut 5  (05)  “next few weeks”

DeHaan says some stations in the state are charging less than $2.60 per gallon.  He says we could see prices below $2.50 at some stations in the next week.  He says, over the last 12 months, the price of fuel has made a drastic turnaround…

Cut 6 (13)  “a year ago”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Workforce Commission says we’re getting closer and closer to the 2 million mark when it comes to the number of people who have jobs here. LWC Executive Director Curt Eysink says non-farm employment grew by 33,100 jobs over the year ending September 30th — a new record with employment now exceeding 1.98 million…:

CUT 7 (12)  “huge for us”

Eysink says we have more jobs than we’ve ever had, a bigger labor force than we’ve ever had and more people working than every before. He says construction is seeing the most growth with 11,000 jobs over the year ending September 30th. Eysink says the boom they’ve been saying is coming has already begun..:

Cut 8 (13)   “by the time it’s done”

Leisure and hospitality was second adding 9500 jobs. Eysink says another area of our economy that is seeing a lot of growth, adding 9200, is business and professional services. He says as all these construction projects continue to pop up in Louisiana, we’re going to see more and more professional jobs…:

Cut 9 (09)  “in Louisiana” 

______________________________________

Is Rob Maness hurting fellow Republican Congressman Bill Cassidy’s campaign in the US-Senate race against Democrat Senator Mary Landrieu? There’s a new poll out by Real Clear Politics which found Landrieu ahead with 38 percent, Cassidy with 36 percent and Maness with 9%. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan…:

Cut 10 (13)  “outright”

Hogan says that while it may be true that Maness is taking votes away from Cassidy, the Congressman will need support from those ultra-conservative voters by addressing the policies that are most important to them…:

cut 11 (13)  “concerned about”

Hogan says when it comes to the undecided voters so late in the campaign, they are the ones who are likely conservative but are influenced by Landrieu’s longtime incumbency…:

cut 12 (09)  “her party affiliation”

______________________________________

Governor Bobby Jindal has 14 months left in office and he says he still has plenty of work to do in Louisiana, even though a presidential campaign could be on the horizon. During recent debates, candidates have been asked what grade they would give the governor, Jindal says it’s too early to give himself a grade

Cut 13 (08)  “more progress”

So far republican candidates in the US Senate and the sixth district congressional races have given good but not great marks when asked to judge Jindal on a scale of 1 to 10. Jindal defends his record, based on the record number of people who are working in the state today

Cut 14 (11)  “taken office”

Jindal has made it no secret that he is considering a potential Presidential run in 2016. The governor says he’s not interested in running for his old job as a US Representative

Cut 15  (10)  ” elected position”

________________________________________________

Some of the top teams in the Southland Conference will square off against each other this weekend. The first place Lions, who are undefeated in league play, visit Stephen F Austin, who is 2-and-1 against the rest of the conference. Southeastern Louisiana Coach Ron Roberts is impressed with Lumberjacks quarterback Zach Conque

Cut 16  (20)   “does best”

Central Arkansas is right behind S-L-U in the Southland Standings. Northwestern State visits C-A-U this Saturday and Demons Coach Jay Thomas says the Bears have a well rounded offense

Cut 17  (10)   “very well”

_______________________________________________________

The New Orleans Saints players get back to work today, trying to erase the memory of Sunday’s heartbreaking loss to Detroit. New Orleans’ defense played one of its best games of the season against the Lions, until the final five minutes. Safety Kenny Vaccaro says the confidence is still high among the defense…

Cut 18 (13) “type deal”

While the Saints are scuffling at two-and-four, New Orleans next opponent is playing as well as anyone in the NFL. Green Bay has won four in a row after 1-and-2 start. Vaccaro says it’s the type of challenge the Saints need

Cut 19 (6)   “bounce back”

The number of Louisiana Public Schools earning a state performance grade of an A has gone up from 187 to 241 this year, according to the Department of Education. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28) “reporting”

===================

Early voting began this morning and many Louisianians were in line at the 8:30am opening. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 2 (33) “reporting”

===================

Officials say a third man involved in the 2010 murder of Rayville Police Sergeant Thomas Alexander has pleaded guilty to his involvement in the case. Alexander was killed while responding to a burglary at a home in Richland Parish. District Attorney Mack Lancaster says they are happy to get a third plea in this case…

CUT 3 (11) “murder occurred”

Anthony Oatis entered a guilty plea to a manslaughter charge and was sentenced to 21 years in prison. Previously, Richard Long pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and Robert Walker pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Both are serving life sentences. Lancaster says it’s difficult to get pleas in these kind of cases…

CUT 4 (08)  “all three cases”

He commends the work of law enforcement to collect evidence that lead to guilty pleas of all three men. Lancaster says this crime still sticks with the people of Rayville because of Deputy Alexander’s willingness to go out of his way to help others. He says this burglary happened outside of Rayville and Alexander was a town deputy…

CUT 5 (08)  “unnecessary murder”

====================

The number of Louisiana Public Schools earning a state performance grade of an A has gone up from 187 to 241 this year, according to the Department of Education. Education officials released the reports earlier today. Superintendent John White says numbers are up because schools are responding to what they have been asked to achieve…

CUT 6 (12)  “on state tests”

School performance scores are primarily based on student test scores. This year’s school report card also shows 10 Louisiana school districts earning an A and no school districts in the state receiving an F grade. White says high schools are performing better across the state…

CUT 7 (04) “achieving basic”

1335 schools were included in this report. White says this year’s scores come as the department raises the bar for public schools across the state…

CUT 8 (11) “school report cards”

=====================

Early voting is underway as of today and people started lining up at the 8:30am opening to cast their ballot for the November 4th election. The Secretary of State’s Office is calling this the biggest election Louisiana has had in decades and these voters we spoke with today told us why they prefer to early vote…:

CUT 9 (13)  “out of the way”

Secretary of State Tom Schedler says statewide, there are over 2400 positions and issues on the ballot and over 4400 candidates. These voters we spoke with say the big one for them is the US-Senate race…:

CUT 10 (14)  “get done”

To find out where you can early vote log on to geauxvote.com or download the Geaux Vote app. Schedler is encouragining voters to bring a sample ballot with you to the polls so the lines can move faster. This woman we spoke with told us she was ready with what her husband gave her…:

CUT 11 (13) “early“

=====================

A freshman ULM basketball player is under arrest for allegedly raping a female student he’d arranged to meet online. University spokeswoman Donna Bernard says the alleged incident occurred Sunday night after they were told 18-year-old Roderick Taylor talked to the female student on a social media site…:

CUT 12 (10) “occurred”

Bernard says the alleged victim filed a report with the ULM Police Department the next morning…:

CUT  13 (09) “the charge”

Bernard says ULM Athletic Director Brian Wickstrom made an announcement about Bernard’s status on the team following the arrest…:

cut 14 (09) “against him”

The early voting period for the November 4th election kicks off today and runs through October 28th. Michelle Southern reports…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

Louisiana State Police and several other agencies will host a “Heroin Summit” today to educate the public about heroin use and address the recent rise in heroin deaths. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (33) “reporting”

______________________________________

Former President Bill Clinton makes a campaign stop in Louisiana to help Senator Mary Landrieu with her re-election efforts. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

The early voting period for the November 4th election kicks off today. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says early voting will take place through October 28th from 8:30AM to 6PM, excluding Sunday. Schedler says early voter participation is on the rise…

Cut 4  (08)  “of early voting”

This year’s election is highlighted by a hotly contested US Senate race and several contested Congressional races. Schedler wants to remind voters that there are 14 Constitutional Amendments on this year’s ballot. He says voters should expect a lengthy ballot…

Cut 5  (06)  “available, statewide”

Schedler says, statewide, this is the biggest election in the state in decades. He says for sample ballots and early voting locations, you can go online at geauxvote-dot-com. Schedler says he expects a voter turnout between 45 and 50-percent for this US Senate election…

Cut 6 (12)  “high participation”

______________________________________

Louisiana State Police and several other agencies will host a “Heroin Summit” today to educate the public about heroin use and address the recent rise in heroin deaths. Trooper Jared Sandifer says Col Mike Edmonson is going to be the keynote speaker and joined by several other people from around the state who know a lot about heroin…:

CUT 7 (11)  “the area”

The event is being held between 9am-5pm at the BREC Independence Park Theatre and the public is urged to participate. Sandifer says in Louisiana last year there were at least 310 heroin-related arrests made by LSP and law enforcement agencies across the state…:

Cut 8 (11)   “in 2012″

Sandifer says the CDC named the Greater Baton Rouge area as the 19th worse in the nation per capita for heroin over dose deaths in 2013. He says it’s a huge problem it’s important to sit down and address it:

Cut 9 (07)  “could be passed” 

______________________________________

A grand jury indicted two St. John the Baptist Parish utilities workers in connection with an investigation into a deadly amoeba which was found in the parish’s drinking water in August. Kurt Wall with the state Attorney General’s office says there was a question about whether or not samples being collected were accurate…:

Cut 10 (13)  “randomly testing”

Wall says the workers were reporting the chlorine levels in the water supply were up to par but DHH did random testing and discovered, instead, the amoeba. He says that’s when State Police stepped in and decided to check GPS coordinates on the vehicles these parish employees were using at the time they said samples were taken…:

cut 11 (13)  “correctly”

Kevin Branch of LaPlace and Danielle Roussel of Pauline were each charged with one count of malfeasance in office and one count of filing and/or maintaining false public records. Each felony count carries up to 5 years in prison. Wall says the St. John Parish Government is fully cooperating and are taking corrective steps to ensure that this doesn’t happen again…:

cut 12 (10)  “from here forward”

______________________________________

Former President Bill Clinton tells a crowd of Mary Landrieu supporters he doesn’t see how the senior senator is not a clear favorite in Louisiana’s US Senate race over her republican challengers. Clinton says Landrieu has a history of getting things done

Cut 13 (15)  “(loud cheers)”

Clinton was in Baton Rouge Monday and spoke at a Landrieu rally. Her main opponent, Bill Cassidy, constantly ties Landrieu and her voting record to policies supported by President Obama. But Clinton says Louisiana voters should not look at the Senate race as a chance to vote against Obama

Cut 14 (07)  “crowd that’s right”

During a nearly 30-minute speech, Clinton spoke about Landrieu’s efforts to help college students afford their education, her support for a higher minimum wage and chairmanship of the Senate Energy Committee

Cut 15  (12)  ” I do”

________________________________________________

The U-L Lafayette Ragin Cajuns look to keep their winning ways going on Tuesday nights when they host Arkansas State in a matchup of unbeaten teams in Sun Belt play. Coach Mark Hudspeth’s team has won its last three games played on Tuesday, dating back to last season

Cut 16  (21)   “Arkansas State team”

Tonight’s game can be seen nationlly on ESPN Two. Hudspeth wants to see a big crowd, because it’s a game that can show the university in a positive light…

Cut 17  (10)   “12th man”

_______________________________________________________

LSU gets another chance to beat a team ranked in the Top 5 this Saturday when they host the third ranked Ole Miss Rebels. The Tigers lost earlier this season to Auburn, who is ranked fifth and Mississippi State who is now number one. Coach Les Miles thinks his improving defense is up to the challenge…

Cut 18 (21) “that matchup”

___________________________________________________

The Saints are 2-and-4 and some in the Who Dat nation are putting part of the blame on Quarterback Drew Brees. The veteran signal caller’s interception in the late stages on Sunday set up Detroit’s game-winning touchdown. But Coach Sean Payton is defending Brees’ play…

Cut 19 (16)   “are worries”

Even though the Saints have a losing record, they are in second place and not that far behind division leader Carolina, who is 3-and-3-and-1 on the season. But Payton says the players are not worried about the standings

Cut 20 (11)  “ourselves”

An investment group has agreed to buy Pineville based Cleco for a reported $3.4 billion. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (27) “reporting”

===================

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals announced today that the state plans to stop billing sexual assault victims for exams and tests. Eric Gill reports…:

CUT 2 (28) “reporting”

===================

An investment group has agreed to buy Pineville based Cleco for a reported $3.4 billion. Cleco Power has approximately 284,000 customers in Louisiana. Cleco Power President Darren O’Lages (O-lay-jes) says customers should not expect any change in utility rates or service as part of the sale…

CUT 3 (08) “service provider”

He says there are no lay-offs or restructuring of employee salaries planned. The sale is expected to close in the second half of 2015. O’Lages thinks this transaction came in at a price their shareholders will be happy with…

CUT 4 (11)  “supportive of it”

He says this investment group is experienced and understands what it means to own utility companies and what it takes to make them successful. O’Lages says the Cleco brand, and everything it stands for, will remain the same. He says, other than no longer being a publicly traded company, it will be business as usual under the new ownership…

CUT 5 (11)  “stay the same”

====================

This week is National Teen Driver Safety Week and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is urging parents to set rules for teens before they hit the road. Lt. Col John LeBlanc says the fatal crash rate for Louisiana drivers age 18-20 alone was nearly twice as high as the average crash rate of all drivers in the state…:

CUT 6 (12)  “in the United States”

LeBlanc says according to a recent survey, only one in four parents had talked seriously with their teens about what it means to be a safe driver. He says if more parents got involved, the crash rate for teens would not be so high…:

CUT 7 (12) “or the back”

LeBlanc says parents should tell there teens the “5 to drive Rules” – No cell phones, no extra passengers, no speeding, not alcohol and EVERYONE must be buckled up. He says nobody has more of an impact on our children than their parents…:

CUT 8 (04) “some lives”

=====================

Cleanup crews are continuing to work a major crude oil spill in Caddo Parish that has killed dozens of fish and some reptiles. The oil leaked into Tete Bayou due to the rupture of a Mid-Valley pipeline . Greg Langley, with the Department of Environmental Quality says there are about 270 people on-site working the spill…

CUT 9 (09)  “as well”

Workers were able to stop the spill from reaching into Caddo Lake. Langley says once Sunoco Logistics, who operate the pipeline, noticed a drop in pressure, they went to work…

CUT 10 (08)  “to repair it”

It’s estimated that approximately 4,000 barrels of crude oil flowed into Tete Bayou before workers were able to shut the line down. Langley says crews have collected about 2,400 barrels so far, but there is still much to be done…

CUT 11 (11) “will be removed“

=====================

The Department of Health and Hospitals says they plan to stop billing sexual assault victims for exams and tests. DHH spokeswoman Olivia Watkins says they intend to work with the legislature to craft bills for the 2014 session that would prohibit hospitals from charging rape survivors for the care they receive….:

CUT 12 (09) “rendering aid”

Advocacy groups and lawmakers were critical of the fact that women who had been raped were getting big hospital bills after checking in to be treated for the assault. Watkins says, under the plan, hospitals would be able to seek reimbursement for such expenses from the Crime Victim’s Reparation fund which receives fines associated with criminal cases…:

CUT  13 (11) “on a state level”

Watkins says they also plan to remove the requirement that survivors of sexual assault file a police report to qualify for that reimbursement. She also says they want to do away with the provision that victims be sober in order to get money from the fund for hospital bills…:

cut 14 (07) “we address”

=====================

The Gonzales Police Department is investigating the case of a man from Mississippi who was found dead in his car in the Wal-Mart parking lot over the weekend. Spokesman Sgt. Stephen Nethken says 26-year-old Lucas Sanchez of Pascagoula was seen on surveillance video walking into the store in the early morning hours of Saturday…:

cut 15 (12) “his vehicle”

Nethken says foul play is not suspected in this case and they believe Sanchez died of a drug overdose…:

cut 16 (13) “aerosol can”

President Bill Clinton is scheduled to join Senator Mary Landrieu in Baton Rouge today to rally support for her campaign. Michelle Southern reports…

CUT 1 (32) “reporting”

______________________________________

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says auto theft in Louisiana has dropped 48% since 2007 which beats the national average of 34% in the same time period. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

Customers at Chic-Fil-A locations in north Louisiana are now able to pay for their order with their mobile phone. Scott Carwile reports.

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

President Bill Clinton is scheduled to join Senator Mary Landrieu in Baton Rouge today to rally support for her campaign. Clinton’s visit comes the day before the early voting period for the November 4th election begins. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says it’s good for Landrieu that Clinton is stumping for her considering his popularity among the Democratic base…

Cut 4  (06)  “not that popular”

Landrieu is in a tight re-election battle with Republican challengers Congressman Bill Cassidy and retired Air Force Colonel Rob Maness. Both parties are sending “big guns” to the state for this Senate race. Republicans sent former presidential candidate Senator John McCain to campaign with Cassidy last week. Dubos says both parties know what is potentially at stake in this election…

Cut 5  (06)  “the national level”

This is Clinton’s second visit to Louisiana on Landrieu’s behalf during this election. Early voting begins tomorrow and runs through October 28th. Dubos says this is part of Landrieu’s last push leading up to election day on November 4th…

Cut 6 (12)  “to go vote”

______________________________________

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says auto theft in Louisiana has dropped 48% since 2007 which beats the national average of 34% in the same time period. Donelon credits the massive decline, in part, public outreach and initiatives by law enforcement…:

CUT 7 (10)  “rest of their lives”

Donelon says they’ve also been able to bust car thieves by using bait cars places in high risk areas that are equipped with monitoring equipment and cameras if they are stolen. He says also says technology has improved so that law enforcement now has the ability to read license plates as vehicles drive down the street…:

Cut 8 (11)   “is stolen”

Donelon says the license plate reader program has resulted in hundreds of apprehensions…:

Cut 9 (13)  “by a theif” 

______________________________________

Customers at Chic-Fil-A locations in north Louisiana don’t have to worry about bringing in cash or a credit card because now you’ll be able to pay with your phone. David Benson is the local operator for the restaurants in Monroe and West Monroe and he says it all starts with downloading the Chic-Fil-A app…:

Cut 10 (11)  “pay for your meal”

Benson says people are slowly but surely catching on and using this method of payment to get their yummy chicken strips and nuggets. He says paying with your phone is more secure than using a credit card. All you have to do is load up whatever amount of money you wish on the app…:

cut 11 (10)  “financial institution”

Benson says when you’ve loaded money into the app, you simply hit the pay button and scan the account code at the register or in the drive-thru line and the money is deducted from the account balance. He says next year the company plans to roll out “mobile ordering.” Benson says Chic-Fil-A wants to stay ahead of the curve…;

cut 12 (12)  “no credit card”

______________________________________

Senior linebacker Terrell Pinson should be named Conference USA defensive player of the week today based on his performance in Saturday’s 27-20 win over Texas-San Antonio. Pinson had two interceptions and had a fumble return for a touchdown. Head Coach Skip Holtz on Pinson’s big day

Cut 13 (19)  “came off turnovers”

The Bulldogs trailed 10-6 at halftime, but the game turned when Pinson had a two-yard fumble recovery for a touchdowns. Tech scored two more quick touchdowns and Holtz says that was the difference in the game

Cut 14 (14)  “it was huge”

_________________________________________

It appeared the Saints were on their way to a victory on Sunday in Detroit, but the Lions roared back with two touchdowns in the four minutes to beat New Orleans 24-23. New Orleans was in control for much of the game, but Detroit hit on a 73-yard touchdown pass with 3:38 left and couldn’t recover. Here’s what coach Sean Payton had to say after the game

Cut 15  (13)  “do it”

Quarterback Drew Brees threw for 342 yards and two touchdowns. But threw an interception with just over three minutes left that set up Detroit’s winning score. Brees believes the 2-and-4 Saints can rebound from this heartbreaking loss

Cut 16  (12)   “to win”

______________________________________________________

After a two-week absence, The LSU Tigers are back in the Top 25 polls. The Bayou Bengals are ranked 24th in the AP poll, and 23rd in the coaches. LSU won easily on Saturday, 41-to-3 over the Kentucky Lions. Coach Les Miles says his team is getting better

Cut 17  (12)   “I promise you”

LSU’s defense was outstanding on Saturday night, holding Kentucky to 217 total yards. Sophomore middle linebacker Kendell Beckwith led the way with nine tackles

Cut 18 (08) “on Saturdays”

Freshman safety Jamal Adams looks like a star in the making. He had eight total tackles against Kentucky, including a sack. Adams says the players on defense have bought into the game plan

Cut 19 (11)   “as a team”