District Attorneys across Louisiana have a big problem with parts of Governor Edwards’ proposals to reduce the state’s incarceration rate, according to East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore. Moore says one recommendation would take power away from the DA’s and give to to judges in hopes of keeping people on probation and out of jail. He says probation and parole officers are overworked and without that supervisions these people could reoffend.
Cut 12 (07) “right back”

Tomorrow is Election day in 37 parishes across the state. One open seat is newly elected U.S. Representative Mike Johnson’s district 8 seat as state representative. Secretary of State Tom Schedler expects a low turnout but says the few competitive races could increase the number of voters hitting the polls.
Cut 9 (08) “quite frankly”

A 24-year-old woman has been arrested after allegedly running over her boyfriend with a truck then punching an EMT. Cpl. Wade Bourgeois with the Alexandria Police Department says Alana Joy of Jena jumped in the back on the ambulance taking the victim to the hospital when she punched the emergency responder in the eye. He says it was clear Joy had a lot to drink…
Cut 7 (10) “investigation”
Joy faces multiple charges including aggravated second degree battery.

The 32nd annual World Championship Crawfish Etoufee Cook-Off takes place in Eunice on Sunday. Director of the Eunice Chamber of Commerce says the event revolves around the contest where winners will be decided in the amateur, professional and club categories. She says there are also great festivities for the entire family.
Cut 15 (10) “of fun”

District Attorneys across the state have a serious problem with some of the Governor’s proposals to reduce Louisiana’s incarceration rate. That’s according to East Baton Rouge DA Hillar Moore who says what began as a reform for nonviolent offenders has creeped into letting violent offenders serve less time. He doesn’t believe DA’s are over prosecuting, but that other things are leading to an increased crime rate…:
Cut 11 (08) “drive crimes”
The task force that put the recommendations together says the ideas would put Louisiana where it needs to be in terms of prison population.

Forecasters are urging residents in Louisiana to be ready for the possibility of severe weather as a cold front approaches the area. Storms moving in tonight could bring downpours, damaging winds and even an isolated tornado. Most of the action is expected to clear out by Saturday afternoon and Sunday will be dry and warm.

The 32nd annual World Championship Crawish Etoufee Cook-Off takes place Sunday in Eunice. Teams will compete to see who can make the best smothered crawfish in amateur, professional and club categories. Francine Hughes, Director of the Eunice Chamber of Commerce, says a huge festival takes place surrounding the contest…:
CUT 14 (09) “cooking booths”
A cook-off dance will begin the celebrations tomorrow night.

Big Mike’s in Denham Springs was rescued following the August floods by Spike TVs Bar Rescue, and the episode highlighting the popular Livingston Parish watering hold airs Sunday. Big Mike O’Neal says the entire ordeal was surreal…:
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Big Mike’s episode of “Bar Rescue” airs Sunday night at 9 on Spike.

One of the two Marksville City Marshal’s on trial in the death of a 6-year-old took the stand today in his own defense. Derrick Stafford said he felt like he had no choice but to open fire on Christopher Few’s vehicle because he thought it was headed toward the other suspect, Norris Greenhouse Jr, and that he would have never done so if he knew there was a child in the car.

A trade association representing the oil industry says there’s an increased interest in Gulf oil drilling. Jeff Palermo has more…
CUT 25 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Tomorrow is Election Day in 37 parishes across Louisiana and Secretary of State Tom Schedler is encouraging voters to get out and cast their ballots. Schedler says the majority of the elections are local but there are several bigger seats up for vote. He says severe weather tomorrow morning could affect voter turnout….:
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New elected U.S. Representative Mike Johnson’s old seat in district 8 is one of the three open state representative seats, and Lake Charles will be choosing a new mayor.

The Trump Administration authorized the permit that would allow construction to begin on the Keystone XL Pipeline, and Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy applauds the move. He says increasing our energy infrastructure creates well-paying jobs and brings increased revenue to state and local governments.”

Spike will air a special episode of its hit TV show “Bar Rescue” on Sunday, featuring Denham Spring’s own Big Mike’s. But veteran bar consultant and host John Taffer didn’t step in because the bar was failing, he helped owner Mike O’Neal reopen after his business was devastated by the August flood. O’Neal says they have no idea how long it would have taken them to rebuild on their own….:
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Big Mike’s episode of “Bar Rescue” airs Sunday night at 9 on Spike.

Most of the state could see some nasty weather beginning today, into tomorrow. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the storm will start in the Shreveport and Monroe areas on Friday and will shift towards southeast Louisiana on Saturday…:
Cut 8 (10) “on it”

A 24-year-old Jena woman has been arrested for allegedly running over her boyfriend with a truck then punching an EMT. Cpl. Wade Bourgeois with the Alexandria Police Department says at around 7 p.m. last night authorities responded to a call of a pedestrian being hit by a vehicle. He says when the ambulance came to take the victim to the hospital…:
Cut 6 (11) “the eye”
Alana Joy was charged with Aggravated Second Degree Battery, Battery of an Emergency Services Worker, and DWI.

Abita Springs becomes the first Louisiana city to commit to 100 percent renewable energy. Mayor Greg Lemons says renewable energy, in particular solar energy, just makes sense from an economic and environmental standpoint…:
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A cold front entering Louisiana brings in the chance for severe weather today and tomorrow. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the majority of the Bayou State faces the threat of tornadoes, hail and damaging winds.
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Keim says the front is relatively slow moving but it won’t bring much cold air with it.

Spike will air a special episode of its hit TV show “Bar Rescue” on Sunday, featuring Denham Spring’s own Big Mike’s. But veteran bar consultant and host John Taffer didn’t step in because the bar was failing, he helped owner Mike O’Neal reopen after his business was devastated by the August flood. O’Neal says they have no idea how long it would have taken them to rebuild on their own.
Cut 3 (11) “unrecoverable”

Abita Springs becomes the first Louisiana city to commit to 100 percent renewable energy. Mayor Greg Lemons says they’re looking to install electric vehicle charges in town. He says it’s the town’s goal to achieve 100 percent renewable energy by 2030. He says they’re trying to achieve a balance of environmental ethics and good business.
Cut 12 (12) “best we can”

The Department of Transportation confirms the Jimmie Davis Bridge project is moving forward without delay. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett says the old Jimmie Davis Bridge will be converted into a pedestrian walkway to connect the Clyde Fant Parkway to the Arthur Ray Teague Parkway. Mallett says a date for construction to begin on both structures has not been set because public meetings have yet to be scheduled.
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Energy companies are showing more interest in deepwater drilling, as evidenced by an uptick in bidding for spots in the Gulf. A lease sale in New Orleans drew 163 bids from 28 companies. President of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association Chris John says hopes to see more job creation as projects get up and running in the Gulf….:
Cut 6 (11) “are created”

The Department of Transportation confirms the Jimmie Davis Bridge project between Shreveport and Bossier City is moving forward without delay. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett who says there was some confusion about what was going on, but all things are a go. He says there have been reports of a toll, but it is too early to determine if one will be installed…:
Cut 14 (09) “maintain it”

The first town in Louisiana to commit to 100 percent renewable energy is Abita Springs. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

The Black and Gold fan base has strong feelings about the report that Saints coach Sean Payton met with former Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel, who is also a Heisman Trophy winner. Ian Rapaport with the NFL Network said Payton and Manziel had breakfast together during Super Bowl week. Manziel is infamous for having major off-field issues and he did not play in the NFL last season..

Oil and gas officials say there is encouraging news for the struggling industry as a Gulf oil drilling lease sale in New Orleans drew 163 bids from 28 companies. President of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association Chris John says there’s a lot that contributes to the uptick in optimism…:
Cut 5 (08) “to roll back”
He says the $275 million garnered at the least sale for over 900-thousand acres is significantly higher than they saw last March.

A cold front approaches Louisiana bringing the possibility for severe weather today and tomorrow. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s slow moving and won’t bring much cool air with it…:
Cut 9 (08) “like that”
He says there is slight potential for severe weather and up to two to three inches of rain on Friday and Saturday combined.

The Department of Transportation confirms the Jimmie Davis Bridge project is moving forward without delay. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Abita Springs becomes the first Louisiana city to commit to 100 percent renewable energy. Mayor Greg Lemons says one of the first steps they took is to replace old lighting in the Town Hall with low energy lights, and there is much more planned…:
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A trade association representing the oil industry says there’s an increased interest in Gulf oil drilling. Jeff Palermo has more…:
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Most of the state could see some nasty weather beginning today, into tomorrow. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the storm will start in the Shreveport and Monroe areas on Friday and will shift towards southeastern Louisiana on Saturday….:
Cut 8 (10) “on it”

The defense began its case Thursday in the trial of one of two Marksville deputies accused in the murder of a 6-year-old boy. The ex-girlfriend of the child’s father took the stand for the attorneys of Derrick Stafford and gave testimony that contradicted some of Christopher Few’s side of the story. The prosecution argues that the deputies were in no danger when the opened fire on Few’s vehicle. The defense, who has not yet rested, says Few lead the cops on a high speed chase which.

There is no delay in plans to move forward with the construction of a four lane bridge and converting the current Jimmie Davis Bridge into a pedestrian cross over in Shreveport and Bossier City. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett says there was some confusion, as the original proposal was to rehab the original bridge…:
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He says there have been reports of a toll, but it is too early to determine if one will be installed.

Today Governor John Bel Edwards will speak at the 2017 Health Summit at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge.