The state braced for some severe weather today as rain is dumping inches on to Louisiana ahead of a cold front as tornado and flood watches were issued. The National Weather Service says the rain will stop on Wednesday then temps will drop dramatically. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s not unusual to see severe weather like this so far into fall…:
CUT 1 (08) “this time”

Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control commissioner Troy Hebert announces he will be leaving his post at the end of 2015 after having served as the head of the ATC the past 5 years. In a statement, Hebert says he looks forward to spending time with his family and added, “Who knows. I may have one more political race in me.”

The Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office says a 27-year-old man from Laplace is under arrest and booked with distribution of child pornography after sharing an image with an undercover agent. Cops arrested Matthew Wade Guillory.

Natchitoches Mayor Lee Posey has banned the Confederate battle flag from their annual Christmas Parade. Northwestern State University Professor Holly Stave doesn’t believe this will affect attendance to the parade. She says there are other ways to honor our Southern heritage…:
CUT 7 (10) “were made”
Others are not happy about this. The Sons of Confederate Veterans have had a float in the parade for more than 20 years, but decided not to partake this year because of the ban.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says the number of fatal crashes in Louisiana is up as 664 incidents on state roadways killed 739 people last year. Spokesperson Jessica Bedwell says most of these fatal crashes happen at night and often involve younger drivers…:
Cut 11 (08) “distracted driving”