The Louisiana State Police Retirement System Board of Trustees is holding a public meeting this afternoon to discuss what they’ve discovered regarding the so called “Edmonson Act.” Scott Carwile reports.

CUT 1 (28) “reporting”

______________________________________

Blue Cross and Louisiana Medicaid will no longer pay for early elective medically unnecessary deliveries of newborns before 39 weeks of gestation. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (27) “reporting”

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In a new poll by the Glascock Group, Republican Dr. Ralph Abraham has taken the lead in the 5th District Congressional race. Eric Gill reports…

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

The Louisiana State Police Retirement System Board of Trustees is holding a public meeting this afternoon to discuss what they’ve discovered regarding the so called “Edmonson Act.” There was concern political maneuvering this past session allowed Col Mike Edmonson to get a massive pension hike. State Treasurer John Kennedy…:

Cut 4  (11)  “is unconstitutional”

Kennedy says certain people called on the board to investigate a state law that gave two troopers, including Edmonson, thousands of dollars more for retirement. Kennedy says the findings clearly state that the proposal is against the constitution and he doesn’t expect much debate today…:

Cut 5  (09)  “bad policy”

Kennedy says the question now is to where to go from here and the board will either do something about it, or it won’t. He believes the right thing to do is to file suit immediately…:(Edmonson says he will refuse the extra retirement money but Kennedy says that’s not enough — the law needs to be removed from the books.)

Cut 6 (11)  “the same”

______________________________________

The Department of Health and Hospitals says Louisiana Medicaid will no longer pay for early elective medically unnecessary deliveries of newborns before 39 weeks of gestation. DHH Secretary Kathy Kleibert says Blue Cross is joining the state in the same effort. Kleibert says these early elective deliveries are called “convenience births”…

CUT 7 (07) “this day and time”

Any births before 39 weeks that are deemed medically necessary will continue to be covered. Kleibert says the goal of this move is to get people to wait until the baby is ready to be born. She says there are definite benefits of giving birth at full term…

CUT 8 (07)   “and the babies”

Early elective deliveries may put the health of the newborn at risk and increase their likelihood of serious medical complications. Kleibert says the payment change will, for most deliveries, push delivery dates to at least 39 weeks…

CUT 9 (07)  “ready to be born”

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In a new poll by the Glascock Group, Republican Dr. Ralph Abraham has taken the lead in the 5th District Congressional race. Abraham comes in at 22-percent followed by incumbent Republican Vance McAllister with 20-percent and Democratic Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo with 15-percent. Pollster Darrell Glascock says Abraham’s support appears to be district wide…

cut 10 (06)  “candidates are”

He says this will be an advantage for Abraham as he is not relying solely on votes from the Monroe area. Glascock believes McAllister’s drop in the poll can be attributed to the addition of Clyde Holloway to the candidate field. He says McAllister has a hard core base of 20-percent. Glascock says in a field this large, that means you shouldn’t write off the incumbent…

cut 11 (14)  “were last week” 

Monroe businessman Harris Brown received 11-percent in the poll and Clyde Holloway garnered 9-percent. Duck Dynasty favorite Republican Zach Dasher polls at 7-percent of the vote. Glascock says he’s not surprised at Dasher’s number…

cut 12 (12) “the game, there”

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The National Weather Service says this summer will go down as the wettest on record for Lake Charles. The N-W-S Meteorologist Donald Jones says nearly 37 inches of rain fell during the months of June, July and August, breaking the old record of 33 inches in 1989…

Cut 13 (12)  “across the area”

Jones says it’s unusual to break a record for summer rainfall without the help of a tropical storm…

Cut 14 (10)  “specific area”

Jones says another interesting note about this record is that surrounding areas did not approach a record summer rainfall…

Cut 15  (10)   “of rain”

__________________________________

LSU’s passing game is expected to get better after hitting on some big plays in the victory over Wisconsin. Wide receiver Travin Dural of Breaux Bridge says after a shaky start against the Badgers, quarterback Anthony Jennings and the receivers got on the same page…

Cut 16  (19)   “to a victory”

LSU hosts Sam Houston State this Saturday and Dural anticipates offensive coordinator Cam Cameron will open up the playbook…

Cut 17  (22)   “want to”

The Saints will kick-off the season on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. Quarterback Drew Brees says even though it’s just game one of a 16-game regular season schedule, this weekend’s match-up in the Georgia Dome could have postseason ramifications….

Cut 18 (20)  “playoff implications”

Brees says even tough he missed most of the preseason with an oblique injury, he’s ready for the start of the regular season…

cut 19 (14)  “game like”

A federal investigation is underway into the death of a New Iberia man who was shot and killed while he was handcuffed in March. Michelle Southern chats with Louisiana State Police…:

CUT 1 (35) “reporting”

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

Louisiana’s ban on same sex marriages is upheld in a ruling by a federal judge in New Orleans. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (28) “reporting”

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

Authorities say a 4-year-old child is in critical condition after being injured in a residential fire last night in the DeSoto Parish town of Mansfield. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says they believe the blaze started in the living room of the home just after the family went to bed…:

CUT 3 (10) “was still in the home”

Browning says two adults and a 10 year old child were able to escape the home but they soon realized the toddler was still inside. He says a male relative went back inside to rescue the 4-year-old…:

CUT 4 (11)  “child’s body”

Browning says the home was a wood framed structure that was built in the 50′s and they don’t think there were any working smoke alarms in the home. He says the toddler was air lifted to University Hospital in Shreveport…:

CUT 5 (08) “cause of this fire”

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

A federal investigation is underway into the death of a New Iberia man who was shot and killed while he was handcuffed in March. The Iberia Parish Coroner ruled that 23-year-old Victor White III committed suicide while in custody but his parents are disputing the conclusion. State Police Cpt. Doug Cain says LSP will submit findings to the feds this week…:

CUT 6 (10)  “to the public”

US Attorney Stephanie Finley said a federal representative has reached out to the White family to assure them that the Department of Justice will examine evidence and take action where needed. Cain says before the investigation is complete the public should reserve judgement…:

CUT 7 (09) “we deal in facts”

Cain says they will all review the case to determine who fired the fatal shot and whether the evidence indicates a civil rights violation took place. He says the role of the Department of Justice in this case is the same as theirs and that is to find out the truth…:

CUT 8 (07) “in Iberia”

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

Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson has weighed in on what should be done with the ISIS terrorist group.  The Islamist militant group is behind the beheading of two American journalists. During an interview with Sean Hannity on Fox News, Robertson said there’s only two options

CUT 9 (10)  “kill them”

President Obama says they will not be intimidated by Islamic State militants, but did not provide details on when or how to go after their terrorist operation in Syria. Robertson told Hannity that US will likely need to use lethal force

CUT 10 (10) “this point”

Robertson quoted verses from the Bible when speaking with Hannity and believes the best the way to handle ISIS is either convert them or kill them….

CUT 11 (11) “either one“

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A federal judge in New Orleans has ruled Louisiana’s ban on same sex marriage is constitutional. In a 32-page ruling, Judge Martin Feldman said states have the right to define marriage. But John Dennison, chairman of Forum for Equality Foundation, says numerous judges around the country have ruled the other way on this issue

CUT 12 (11) “appeals court level”

Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills applauds the ruling

CUT 13 (09) “meaning of marriage”

In 2004, Louisiana voters overwhelming approved a constitutional ban on same sex marriages and Mills believes that amendment played a role in Feldman’s decision….

cut 14 (07) “define marriage”

Opponents of the ban say they will appeal  the ruling and Dennison believes they will be victorious when the case goes to the fifth circuit court of appeals….

cut 15 (10) “little farther”

A federal investigation has been launched into the death of 23-year-old Victor White the third, who died in March while in the custody of the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s office. Jeff Palermo has the story:

CUT 1 (28) “reporting”

______________________________________

State Police has been asked by the Department of Health and Hospitals to investigate inconsistencies in water quality reporting in St. John the Baptist Parish. Scott Carwile reports…

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

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A new review of judicial candidates qualifying for elections in Louisiana shows a vast majority of judges will be elected or re-elected without opposition this fall. Eric Gill has more…

Cut 3 (33) “reporting”

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According to new research out of Vanderbilt University, college football coaches are worth every penny of their high paid salaries because of the value they bring to the university. Study Co-Author Randall Thomas, a Vandy business and law professor, says many NCAA football programs are extremely valuable…:

Cut 4  (12)  “of value”

Thomas says they undertook a study of college football coach contracts and compared them to CEO employment agreements and found no evidence that the coaches are overpaid the way some fans might clamor. But he says the valued success of the job of a coach is much easier to judge because it’s solely based on wins versus losses..:

Cut 5  (12)  “much murkier”

The study examined 947 college football coach contracts from the NCAA’s top programs. LSU coach Les Miles gets $4.3 million a year and is the 7th highest paid coach. Co-Author Lawrence Van Horn, a Vandy business and law professor, says people can’t look at high numbers and wonder if anyone is worth that kind of compensation..:

Cut 6 (12)  “in the organization”

______________________________________

State Police has been asked by the Department of Health and Hospitals to investigate inconsistencies in water quality reporting in St. John the Baptist Parish. Parish officials announced last week the discovery of a potentially dangerous amoeba in their water supply. Sgt. Nick Manale says DHH did their own independent testing of the water supply…

CUT 7 (07) “from the parish”

He says there were large inconsistencies between the DHH testing results and those results reported by the parish. Manale says they were asked to investigate because the DHH is concerned about the differences in the reports…

CUT 8 (10)   “very thoroughly”

He says their investigation will determine if the conflicting reports had anything to do with criminal activity. Manale says everyone is being cooperative with the investigation which is in its early stages…

CUT 9 (07)  “that are necessary”

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A new review of judicial candidates qualifying for elections in Louisiana shows a vast majority of judges will be elected or re-elected without opposition this fall. Louisiana Lawsuit Abuse Watch analyzed candidate qualifying data from the Secretary of State’s office. Executive Director Melissa Landry says this should be a reason for concern…

cut 10 (07)  “being left out”

Louisiana Lawsuit Abuse Watch is a non-partisan legal watchdog organization. Their review found that nearly two-thirds of the district judgeships in the state will be filled by candidates who face no opposition. Landry says the lack of voter input in judicial elections is a big problem…

cut 11 (10)  “dangerous thing” 

She says this is detrimental to the overall health of the legal climate because it doesn’t lead to the most experienced or most qualified judge on the bench. Landry says while judicial elections are not very high profile, they are critically important because judges make decisions that are important to our lives on a daily basis…

cut 12 (10) “tremendously important”

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A couple faces several years in prison after being sentenced for leaving their 6-month-old daughter in their locked, unventilated vehicle for nearly an hour in the parking lot of the Walker Walmart in June. Walker Police Captain John Sharp says officers found the couple was under the influence of OxyContin at the time of the incident. Sharp says the couple entered a guilty plea in court yesterday…

Cut 13 (10)  “of hard labor”

The child’s father, 35-year-old Billy Arthur Henry, was sentenced to four years at hard labor. The couple has three other children who were not involved in the incident. Lana Henry, the child’s mother, was sentenced to seven years at hard labor with all the time she has served since her arrest in June suspended…

Cut 14 (13)  “from prison”

Lana Henry has been placed on probation. Any violation of the terms of her probation will result in Henry being sent directly to prison. Sharp is hopeful this case will work out…

Cut 15  (09)   “children deserve”

__________________________________

The LSU Tigers won their season opener on Saturday, but a couple of their high-profile freshmen did not perform well in their collegiate debut. Leonard Fournette rushed for only 18 yards, while quarterback Brandon Harris couldn’t move the team in his only series of action. Coach Les Miles asks the fans not to be hard on them..

Cut 16  (20)   “a due process”

It was up and down 2014 debut for starting quarterback Anthony Jennings. But Miles took a lot of positives from Jennings’ performance…

Cut 17  (22)   “at his position”

LSU returns home this Saturday to face Sam Houston State. The Bearkats play in a lower tier of college football than LSU, but they’ve been a dominate FCS program. Miles says there’s a lot of talent on the Sam Houston team…

Cut 18 (18)  “very, very quickly”

Residents and visitors to False River and excited about the man-induced draw-down of the lake which begins today. Michelle Southern reports on the start of the False River Restoration project…:

CUT 1 (32) “reporting”

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

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center has been selected to test a new drug that’s designed to treat Alzheimer’s Disease. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (27) “reporting”

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

Louisiana State Police say a pedestrian who they believe had been drinking was struck and killed last night in Lafourche Parish. Trooper Evan Harrell says the victim is identified as 26-year-old Jace Sevin of Lockport. He says a vehicle was traveling on North Service Road in Raceland around 8pm Monday…:

CUT 3 (10) “part of the pedestrian”

Harrell says Sevin was transported to St. Anne Hospital where he was pronounced dead from injuries he sustained after being run over. He says alcohol is suspected on the part of the victim..:

CUT 4 (05)  “from the coroner’s office”

Harrell says the driver of the vehicle is identified as 18-year-old Jean Claude Pierre of Raceland. He says alcohol is not suspected on the part of Pierre…:

CUT 5 (09) “of the vehicle”

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

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says visitors to False River and residents along the water are happy about the planned man-induced draw-down of the lake which begins today. They say it’s the first step in the long awaited False River Restoration project. LDWF Director of Inland Fisheries Mike Wood…:

CUT 6 (14)  “throughout the lake”

Wood says the water reduction will lower its level by two to two and a half feet over the next three weeks. He says once that happens crews will begin working on improving the quality of the water and the fisheries habitat…:

CUT 7 (13) “to protect the island”

Wood says while this first draw-down is not going to do a lot on its own, it’s happening in conjunction with lots of other work…:

CUT 8 (10) “excited about it”

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

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is participating in a new national clinical research study that will test the effectiveness of a new drug that could slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Doctor Jeffrey Keller, with Pennington, says this experimental drug could provide hope to an incurable disease that’s the sixth leading cause of death in the US….

CUT 9 (12)  “number signaling”

Keller says this investigational drug may have the potential to modify the pace of the disease in those who are currently suffering with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease….

CUT 10 (10) “to date”

An estimated five million people in the US already suffer from mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. And Keller says no new drug has been approved by the federal government for Alzheimer’s treatment since 2003, so that’s why they are excited to participate in this important study….

(For more information on the study call (225) 763-3000)

CUT 11 (07) “for the disease“

___________________________________________________

The state Department of Transportation says inspection work on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge which began today will go through September 10th. They say different portions of the east and westbound sides between Whiskey Bay and milepost 117 will be closed between 7am and 2pm. DOTD Spokesman Rodney Mallett…:

CUT 12 (12) “for the Basin Bridge”

Mallett says the proposed inspection schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions and traffic queues. He says this is required maintenance performed every two years…:

CUT 13 (08) “federal government”

Mallett says motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes while the bridge inspections are underway. He says drivers should observe message boards in place and drive with caution through the area…:

cut 14 (12) “people working”

Former Senate hopeful Republican Paul Hollis has filed a lawsuit against Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu claiming she cannot represent Louisiana because she does not live in the state. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (32) “reporting”

______________________________________

The Division of Administration announces that in the first two months of the fiscal year, a newly created state office has already saved the state more than 5-million dollars. Eric Gill reports…

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________
A federal judge issued a ruling that Louisiana doctors can continue to perform abortions while they seek newly-mandated admitting privileges from hospitals. Michelle Southern gets reaction…:

Cut 3 (34) “reporting”

______________________________________

Attorney General Buddy Caldwell says a guide with information about how to avoid fraud that targets the elderly is now available. AG office spokesperson Amanda Larkins says research shows that Americans aged 65 and older are the prime targets of scams and receive more mail and telephone solicitations than anyone…:

Cut 4  (10)  “of scams”

Larkins says the guide is 40 pages and talks about scams from telemarketers, mortgage lenders, contractors and fake charities..:

Cut 5  (06)  “on senior citizens”

Larkins says education is the best way to protect yourself from becoming a victim of scams. She says the guide is currently being distributed at councils on aging, sheriffs’ offices and senior centers across Louisiana…:

Cut 6 (09)  “.com”

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Former Senate hopeful Republican Paul Hollis has filed a lawsuit against Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu claiming she cannot represent Louisiana because she does not live in the state. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says this merely is a political ploy to detract from the senator’s re-election campaign…

CUT 7 (12) “Louisiana resident”

The US Constitution states that in order to qualify you have to be a registered voter in the state where you are running and an “inhabitant” of that state. The Secretary of State’s office says Landrieu is a registered Louisiana voter. Stockley doesn’t think the lawsuit will have any long-term effect on Landrieu’s campaign, but feels it can be a temporary issue…

CUT 8 (11)   “Louisiana resident”

Hollis dropped out of the race and threw his support to Republican Representative Bill Cassidy. He filed the lawsuit Friday. Stockley says this lawsuit has no impact to Hollis, himself…

CUT 9 (05)  “Senator Landrieu”

______________________________________

The Division of Administration announces that in the first two months of the fiscal year, a newly created state office has already saved the state more than 5-million dollars. Asst. Director of Technology Services Neal Underwood says the Office of Technology Services brings in all the IT staff from executive branch departments to streamline support and operations…

cut 10 (07)  “drives down costs”

Underwood says previously all departments had their own IT staffs and did their own purchasing for those departments. He says putting all of this under one department, they can make larger purchases driving the cost down…

cut 11 (06)  “save the money” 

He says it’s expected the Office of Technology Services will save the state around $25 million by the end of the fiscal year. Underwood says the savings can be reallocated to other state services…

cut 12 (04) “the citizens”

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The law that would require abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at hospitals went into effect yesterday, but a Louisiana judge rules officials can not enforce it yet. Abortion doctors who have started the application process can not be penalized under the order. Louisiana Right to Life Executive Director Benjamin Clapper feels it’s a fair ruling…:

Cut 13 (10)  “pending applications”

The law was passed by the state legislature in the last session. Center for Reproductive Rights Senior Council Janet Crepps says they applaud the decision by the judge…:

Cut 14 (09)  “to abortion”

Crepps says politicians should not be lying about their motives with House Bill 388 which they say would have forced abortion clinics in Louisiana to close this week if it was enforced. She says not only is the law medically unnecessary it’s also harmful to women and they want to see it struck down in its entirety…:

Cut 15  (08)   “in Louisiana”

The measure mandates abortion doctors must be able to admit a patient into a hospital within 30 minutes should an emergency take place. Clapper says the judges ruling is a step in the right direction to protecting the health of women…:

Cut 16  (14)   “a due process”

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LSU running back Kenny Hilliard was one of the offensive stars in the Tigers come from behind win over Wisconsin on Saturday night. Hilliard rushed for 110 yards and one touchdown and the senior from Patterson says if he continues to take care of his body, he’ll have more games like that…

Cut 17  (10)   “for his team”

Senior Linebacker DJ Welter says Saturday’s win was a good learning experience as they get ready for their next opponent, Sam Houston State…

Cut 18 (14)  “on track”

The Louisiana Workforce Commission says the job outlook in Sportsman’s Paradise is giving us a lot to celebrate on this Labor Day. Jeff Palermo reports on the state of labor…:

CUT 1 (28) “reporting”

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If you are planning a Labor Day cookout, don’t expect to find any real bargains on burgers or steak this holiday. Scott Carwile has more…

Cut 2 (31) “reporting”

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The Louisiana Workforce Commission says the job outlook in Sportsman’s Paradise is giving us a lot to celebrate on this Labor Day. According to LWC Executive Director Curt Eysink, the labor force in Louisiana is stronger now than ever before…:

Cut 3 (09) “really bright future”

Eysink says it’s great that we’ve got government agencies, education leaders on every level and business and industry at the table to figure out how to make Louisiana’s workforce better into the future. He says wages have been growing as fast as the economy here…:

Cut 4  (05)  “than it’s ever been”

Eysink says private sector job growth in Louisiana has increased every month for about the last four years. He says more than 2 million Louisianians are working today which is an all time high…:

Cut 5  (11)  “of our labor markets”

______________________________________

As we approach the halfway point in this year’s Atlantic Hurricane Season, there have been only three named storms, none of which have threatened the Gulf Coast. State Climatologist Barry Keim says historically the number of hurricanes from this point forward in the season is about six…

Cut 6 (07)  “below normal overall”

Keim says there is a high probability we’ll see less than that this year. He says the reasons for the reduction are sea surface temperatures being below normal and wind shear is running pretty high…

CUT 7 (11) “are also reduced”

Keim thinks four, maybe five, storms may form during the remainder of this season. He says this is no reason to let your guard down because it only takes one hurricane to, potentially, turn your life upside down…

CUT 8 (11)   “Hurricane Andrew”

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If you are planning a Labor Day cookout, don’t expect to find any real bargains on burgers or steak this holiday. Increased beef prices are due to a shortage of cows in the country. LSU AgCenter Extension Economist Ross Pruitt says consumers won’t get much of a break in beef prices…

CUT 9 (10)  “month of July”

He says beef production continues to fall in the United States. He says production is almost six-percent lower than this time last year. Pruitt says more price increases are on the horizon…

cut 10 (11)  “just yet”

Pruitt says consumer beef prices will continue to rise through the rest of this year. He says you shouldn’t be afraid to shop around to find the best deal…

cut 11 (12)  “grocery level” 

______________________________________

The 2014 college football season is off to a thrilling start for the LSU Tigers. The Bayou Bengals rallied back from a 17-point third quarter deficit to beat Wisconsin 28-24. Associate Head Coach and running backs coach Frank Wilson says it was a great character win…

cut 12 (11) “times than not”

LSU’s offense didn’t do much in the first half, but by the end of the third quarter they were unstoppable. Wilson says some blocking adjustments on the the offensive line helped…

Cut 13 (10)  “frequently”

As expected Anthony Jennings started at quarterback and played most of the game. He had a couple of shaky moments, but ended up throwing for 239 yards and two touchdowns. Wilson says the coaching staff is pleased with how the sophomore played..

Cut 14 (11)  “the ball”

Today marks the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina making landfall in Louisiana.  Even after nine years, memories are still fresh and recovery continues.  Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (32) “reporting”

______________________________________

A federal judge is expected to rule today on a new law that critics of the legislation say will force Louisiana’s five abortion clinics to close. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 2 Audio (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

Fans are rushing in to get their purple and gold gear for the big LSU game tomorrow. Scott Carwile reports.

Cut 3 Audio  (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

Today marks the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina making landfall in Louisiana.  Even after nine years, memories are still fresh and recovery continues.  Director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Kevin Davis, says the state has made great strides in hurricane preparedness since Katrina…

Cut 4  (14)  “nine years later”

Davis was President of St. Tammany Parish when Katrina hit.  He says he feels the people of Louisiana have learned quite a bit about hurricane preparedness as a result of Katrina.  Davis is very confident on the local and statewide level that officials are prepared for any type of disaster…

Cut 5  (10)  “be better prepared”

Davis says recovery after a storm is always difficult because every community is different.  But he thinks the knowledge gained after Hurricane Katrina will benefit Louisiana for years to come…

Cut 6 (12)  “a faster recovery”

______________________________________

The South Plaquemines High School student who was suspended because of his religiously mandated hairstyle, has been allowed to return to class. The student is a follower of the Rastafarian religion and is required not to cut his hair. ACLU-LA Executive Director Marjorie Esman says school policy is that boy’s hair cannot extend past the collar…

CUT 7 (10) “pinned up”

The school has allowed the student to attend class with his dreadlocks pinned up. Esman says other issues related to the suspension are still being worked out, like the school’s responsibility to help the student catch up with missed schoolwork…

CUT 8 (10)   “all along”

Esman says it’s unfortunate that there doesn’t seem to be enough recognition of the rights of members of minority faiths. She says the US Constitution is very clear on this issue…

CUT 9 (13)  “the first place”

______________________________________

Tomorrow is LSU’s first game of the season so it’s crunch time for Tiger Fans to get geared up in their purple and gold! Jennifer Feduccia is the owner of a LSU fan shop called Holiday Hallmark in Baton Rouge. She says they’ve seen a huge influx in LSU women’s apparel that is flying off the shelves…:

cut 10 (12)  “look good at the game”

LSU introduced a new logo this season and basically said goodbye, officially, to the old Tiger logo that was extremely unpopular with fans. Feduccia says her customers are EXTREMELY glad to see “Toonces” go…:

cut 11 (13)  “that everbody seems to like” 

Feduccia says fans have been coming in and out all week to get their favorite shirt that will be “THE” lucky shirt they wear for the 2014 season. She says one of their new items that fans are literally eating up is the LSU “fan pan”…:

cut 12 (09) “of a Fleur De Lis”

__________________________________________

Two Louisiana teams begin the college football season tomorrow against Top 25 opponents. The 13th ranked Tigers will face 14th ranked Wisconsin at a neutral site in Houston. LSU Coach Les Miles says the plan is to play two quarterbacks, Brandon Harris and Anthony Jennings, but that could change depending how the game goes

Cut 13 (10)  “right there”

Louisiana Tech is also facing a Top 25 team as the Bulldogs will visit third ranked Oklahoma tomorrow night. The game is listed as a sell-out in Norman, Oklahoma and Bulldogs wide receiver Paul Turner says staying focus is the key when playing in front of 82-thousand fans

Cut 14 (16)  “put in place”

A big crowd is expected at the newly refurbished Cajun field for Saturday night’s game between UL Lafayette and the Southern Jaguars. Ragin Cajuns Coach Mark Hudspeth says the Jaguars return a lot of key pieces from a team that won the SWAC last year

Cut 15  (10)   “best shot”

The defending the Southland Conference champion Southeastern Louisiana Lions kickoff the 2014 season by hosting Jacksonville on Saturday night in Strawberry Stadium. The Lions are coming off an 11-and-3 season and their first playoff appearance on the F-C-S level. Coach Ron Roberts to get back to the playoffs they need to start the year with a victory

Cut 16  (23)   “the road”

Chlorine levels have been increased in the water system in St. John the Baptist Parish after testing discovered a deadly brain-eating amoeba in the drinking water. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (32) “reporting”

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

Disturbing accusations are coming out about a Baton Rouge TV personality who was shot dead yesterday by his producer who then turned the gun on himself. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 2 (36) “reporting”

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

Officials in St. John the Baptist Parish are increasing the chlorine levels in their water system after test results confirmed the presence of a deadly brain-eating amoeba. State health officer, Doctor Jimmy Guidry, says the department of health and hospitals has issued an emergency order to perform a chlorine burn throughout the water system to kill the amoeba…

CUT 3 (10) “the nose”

This brain-eating amoeba was previously detected in St. Bernard and DeSoto parishes and its killed three people in Louisiana since 2011, and in all three cases, it was from tap water getting up the victims’ nose. Guidry says Louisiana is the only state in the nation that’s conducting tests for amoebas….

CUT 4 (06)  “they need”

Guidry says they’ve learned the deadly amoeba can get into a water system when the weather is hot and there’s not enough chlorine to burn it off….
(Officials add the water is safe to drink and to cook with, but the public should avoid tap water going up their nose.)

CUT 5 (08) “per liter”

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

Troubling allegations are coming out about a Baton Rouge TV personality who was fatally shot yesterday allegedly by his producer who then turned the gun on himself. The news of Scott Rogers death shocked people who admired him. But this morning on The Jim Engster Show, nameless victims came forward and claimed Rogers had been physically and sexually abusing them since they were children…:

CUT 6 (10)  “when I was *sigh* 13″

A second victim claimed he contacted federal authorities to tell his story in America when he learned Rogers adopted two young children. Rogers had been the subject of a federal grand jury and was being investigated for allegedly lying on citizenship documents about prior arrests. The anonymous man described Rogers as a master manipulator monster…:

CUT 7 (09) “that you could imagine”

Rogers was reportedly booked on child molestation charges in the UK, but never disclosed that information when he came to America which is why the feds were asking questions. Victim #2 said Rogers fostered and adopted the children he abused and tortured…:(The alleged gunman, Mathew Hodgkins, is in critical condition.)

CUT 8 (10) “very violent”

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

An investigation is underway into a fatal shooting involving a Livingston Parish Sheriff’s deputy. Sheriff Jason Ard says his deputies encountered a suicidal man at a home in the Albany area yesterday and lethal force was required…

CUT 9 (09)  “our deputies”

Ard says 48-year-old Freddie Leblanc was armed when deputies responded to a call of an attempted suicide. The sheriff says despite repeated demands, the subject refused to drop his weapon and Leblanc eventually pointed his gun at the officers

CUT 10 (05) “by the deputies”

The Livingston Parish Coroner’s office pronounced Leblanc dead the scene. Ard says State Police is assisting in the investigation

CUT 11 (10) “right now”

___________________________________________________

The family of a 22-year-old New Iberia man who sustained a fatal gunshot wound while in police custody is asking the US Justice Department to investigate the circumstances of his death. The Iberia Parish coroner has ruled Victor White III’s death to be a suicide. But Monroe lawyer Carol Powell-Lexing says how could White shoot himself while he’s handcuffed

CUT 12 (08) “front chest”

Powell-Lexing has been hired by White’s family to represent them. White says people who knew White are skeptical that he decided to end his life after he was arrested on drug charges

CUT 13 (08) “or anything”

The shooting happened in March and a full summary of the autopsy was released this week by the Iberia Parish coroner. State Police’s investigation is still ongoing, but Powell-Lexing says an independent autopsy is likely needed…

cut 14 (07) “….autopsy went”

The American Automobile Association says more people are traveling for the Labor Day Holiday than since the recession. Scott Carwile has that…:

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

Louisiana Public Broadcasting will air a special tonight about the life of LSU’s Leonard Fournette, one of the nation’s most heavily recruited football prospects out of St. Aug. Jeff Palermo has that.:

Cut 2 Audio (30) “reporting”

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Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says tourism is encouraging for 2014 following last year’s record setting year. Eric Gill has more…

Cut 3 Audio  (32) “reporting”

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The American Automobile Association says more people are traveling for the Labor Day Holiday than since the recession. AAA spokesman Don Redman says 34.7 million people are projected to journey 50 miles or more from home this holiday weekend…:

Cut 4  (10)  “great recession”

Redman says nearly 86 percent of travelers will celebrate the holiday with a final summer road trip. The Labor Day Holiday travel period is defined as Thursday August 28th to Monday September 1st. Redman says another significant bullet point from the 2014 Labor Day Travel Forecast is that more people are using the credit cards for the trip…:

Cut 5  (08)  “start assuming debt”

Redman says automobile travel will increase by 1.4 percent this year with 29.7 million travelers hitting the road. He says another boost to the travelers confidence is likely related to the low price at the pump…:

Cut 6 (06)  “this time last year”

______________________________________

Louisiana Public Broadcasting will air a special tonight about the life of LSU’s Leonard Fournette, one of the nation’s most heavily recruited football prospects out of St. Aug. “Road to Stardom: The Leonard Fournette Story” is produced and directed by Kenny Chenier (Shin-Yay). He says the program documents Fournette’s early days growing up in the 7th Ward of New Orleans…:

CUT 7 (15) “football game”

Chenier says it’s very obvious to most people what Fournette is capable of on the football field, but the Tiger running back is so much more — inside and out…:

CUT 8 (10)   “that I’ve ever seen”

LSU Coach Les Miles has used Michael Jordan’s name when describing Fournette’s desire to be great. Chenier says they interview Miles in the documentary and also LSU recruiting coordinator and running back coach Frank Wilson…:

CUT 9 (08)  “and the person”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals allocates 18-million dollars to a Baton Rouge Hospital to keep its emergency room open.  Baton Rouge General decided to close their Mid-City ER because they were losing money providing health care to an increasing number of uninsured patients.  But DHH Chief of Staff Calder Lynch says this commitment should meet the ER’s needs for the current fiscal year…

cut 10 (08)  “maintain that facility”

Baton Rouge General says the increase in uninsured patients is due, in part, to the closure of LSU’s Earl K. Long Medical Center.  Democratic legislators said earlier this year that the Mid-City emergency room would close due to Governor Jindal and Republican leaders blocking Medicaid expansion.  Lynch says this is not the case…

cut 11 (10)  “wasn’t that solution” 

Lynch says the funding comes from both state and federal sources and should not effect any other hospitals in the state.  Lynch says the DHH needs to find a sustainable solution to help emergency rooms across the state…

cut 12 (10) “for individuals”

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Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says tourism is encouraging for 2014 following last year’s record setting year. Over 27 million people visited Louisiana in 2013, a nearly 4-percent increase from 2012. Dardenne says international travel to Louisiana was up 18-percent last year, which is the largest percentage increase in the country…

Cut 13 (10)  “of the state”

Domestic and international visitors spent nearly 11-billion dollars in the state last year. Dardenne says there are no hard numbers available for 2014, as of yet. But he says the LouisianaTravel-dot-com website and their social media activity has been ranked number four among all tourism sites in the US…

Cut 14 (11)  “in the nation”

The top three leisure travel activities for Louisiana domestic travelers are visiting friends and relatives, shopping, and fine dining. Dardenne says his office will continue to work on enticing people to come visit the Bayou State. He says an upcoming article in the next issue of National Geographic Traveler magazine will help…

Cut 15  (09)   “in Louisiana”

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The ULM Warhawks kick-off their 2014 season tonight hosting Wake Forest in a nationally televised game on ESPNU. Head coach Todd Berry says this is a rare opportunity for the Warhawks to play in front of the home fans early in the season. Berry is hopeful tonight’s crowd is rowdy…

Cut 16  (12)   “going on”

During “Camo Out Night” at Malone Stadium, Duck Dynasty star Willie Robertson will toss the coin and a segment of the show will be filmed. Pete Thomas will start at quarterback for the Warhawks. Thomas transferred from North Carolina State where he started six games last season. Although he’s working with a different system, Berry says Thomas is comfortable with the offense…

Cut 17  (20)   “situation that we’re in”

Kick-off is scheduled for 6PM. Wake Forest comes to Monroe with a new coach, a true freshman quarterback, and new starters at several key positions. Berry says with a wide variety of unknowns about the Demon Deacons, the Warhawks are focused on being ready for anything…

Cut 18 (21)  “team to adjust”

###Changes have been made to the story out of Natchitoches Central High. We now

know the identity of the suspect.####

More details are coming out about the death of a Natchitoches Central High student, who passed away from injuries he sustained during a fight at school. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals says they have some serious problems with a swamp tour operation out of Hammond. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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

Natchitoches Central High Principal Bill Gordy says it was a random act of violence that led to the death of 18-year-old Johnquaries Smith. Smith died yesterday from the head injury he sustained during a fight with another student at school. Gordy says the two students had no interaction prior to their altercation…:

CUT 3 (07) “hit him”

The 16-year-old who punched Smith has been charged with manslaughter. He’s been identified as Timothy Ray Robinson and prosecutors reportedly plan to try him as an adult. Gordy says they don’t know much about him, because he just started at N-C-H-S…

CUT 4 (03)  “much background”

Gordy describes Smith as a nice young man, who he spoke to frequently….

CUT 5 (09) “Johnquaries”

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

There are many questions surrounding the case of the handcuffed New Iberia man who is said to have fatally shot himself  in the back of a police car. The Iberia Parish Coroner ruled Victor White III shot himself in the chest. UL-Lafayette Anthropology Professor Maranda Kles is a former Florida homicide investigator. She says, while rare, a handcuffed suicide is possible…:

CUT 6 (09)  “very twisted around”

Other experts have speculated cops missed the gun during a search of White which is why it was in the car with the man in custody. Kles says coroners rule deaths like this as suicides when there was clear intention a person wanted to end their life on purpose…:

CUT 7 (08) “rule this way”

The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office and State Police have not released many other details during the ongoing investigation into White’s death. Kles says we do know White was intoxicated at the time of his arrest and tested positive for marijuana:

CUT 8 (07) “thought process”

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

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals says they have some serious problems with a swamp tour operation in Hammond. PETA’s Brittany Peet says they received complaints from a visitor to Harvey Kliebert’s Turtle & Alligator Farm & Tours. She says the animals there are living in deplorable conditions…:

CUT 9 (10)  “and for space”

Peet says reptiles are rarely seen suffering in the wild but when they are held in captivity it can take years for them to die from stress, malnutrition and infection. She also says they have a problem with Kliebert putting their employees at risk…:

(Kliebert’s has yet to respond to our request for comment. )

CUT 10 (12) “for these tours”

Peet says they’ve filed a complaint with the Occupational Health and Safety Administration to investigate reports of employees being required to taunt the animals. She says they’ve also filed a complaint with Child Protective Services regarding the manager’s 6-year-old son who is allowed to wrangle alligators…:

CUT 11 (12) “reckless conduct“

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Governor Jindal has filed a lawsuit against the federal government alleging  the Obama administration violated the Constitution by using federal grant money to force states to adopt the Common Core education standards. Jindal says Common Core is the latest effort by the feds to have Washington D-C in control of everything

CUT 12 (04) “our schools”

The audio is from a recent PSA from the governor, calling for the public’s help in his effort to stop Common Core. Jindal says the Constitution and federal laws leave it up to the states to control education content, but through Common Core the federal government can dictate curriculum….

CUT 13 (07) “health care”

Jindal, a one-time supporter of Common Core, has taken steps this year to keep the new math and english standards out of Louisiana. US Education Secretary Arne Duncan has said Jindal’s actions are about politics, not education. Jindal says Common Core has turned into a scheme by the federal government to nationalize curriculum

cut 14 (02) “….our schools”